March 30 edition

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Third-bridge crossing an idea that just won’t die

Beaufort County

Rally to ‘protect St. Helena’ set for Thursday

Group seeks community support in fighting Pine Island development

By Mike McCombs

Thursday, March

rally, promoted by a group billing itself as Protect St. Helena, is to rally the community’s support for the “soul of the Sea Islands” by opposing any rollback of the CPO — the Cultural Protection Overlay, the community-driven zoning

laws written in 1999 which protect St. Helena from over-development — and fight a proposed gated community and golf course on Pine Island and St. Helenaville.

According to Jessie White, South Coast Office Director for

the Coastal Conservation League (CCL), Protect St. Helena and the meeting aren’t a product of one particular group, rather a meeting of the minds of more than

BEAUFORT

Councilwoman Alice

Howard is right: almost any governmental public meeting you attend these days, the subject of traffic control comes up.

Howard reminded her colleagues of that over-riding topic of interest last week when the Beaufort County Northern Regional Plan Implementation Committee came back together after almost a year of inactivity.

This community, like most growing areas, has a lot of planning meetings. It’s pretty obvious there’s a lot of “planning” to do although sometimes it seems like the governmental regulatory/ groups are playing catch-up to the developers who keep coming forth with more and more building plans. This particular planning group is held once a month for representatives of northern Beaufort County, Port Royal and Beaufort to sit down and get updates on issues of concern.

And while last week’s meeting was basically brain-storming, the issue of traffic — and what to do about it — was on the table. Of specific interest, the decadesold topic about a third bridge crossing to Lady’s Island raised its aging head.

Deputy County Administrator for engineering Jared Fralix, a man with many projects already on his desk, threw the “ball,” as they were calling it, out for discussion, reminding almost all those sitting at the table that the official Lady’s Island Development Plan in 2007 calls for a third bridge project to be “explored and evaluated.”

The plan (which you can read for yourself at https://bit.ly/40E3ieX if you’re so inclined) outlines the latest plan on record, a crossing north of the MCAS Beaufort, bridging the Beaufort River near

SEE LOWDOWN PAGE A5

Tubman monument’s journey nears end

By Adam Parker aparker@postandcourier.com

BEAUFORT

Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in an unusual place: Church Creek, Md. This area in the early 1800s was different from most places where slavery was in

force because of its primary industry — shipbuilding — and its mixed population. About half of the Black people living in Maryland’s Dorchester County were free.

Board to hear no book appeals next week

Joan Moyer caught two male eagles battling over a prime spot on Coosaw Island.To submit a Lowcountry Life photo, you must be the photographer or have permission to submit the photo to be published in The Island News. Please submit high-resolution photos and include a description and/or names of the people in the picture and the name of the photographer. Email your photos to theislandnews@gmail.com

VETERAN OF THE WEEK JOE LEONARD

ISLAND NEWS

PUBLISHING,

LLC

PUBLISHERS

Jeff & Margaret Evans

FOUNDING PUBLISHERS

Elizabeth Harding Newberry Kim Harding

EDITORIAL/DESIGN

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

Art Director Hope Falls ads.theislandnews@ gmail.com

Sports Editor Justin Jarrett LowcoSports@ gmail.com

Videographer Delayna Earley delayna. theislandnews@ gmail.com

SALES/BUSINESS

Joe Leonard

Beaufort’s Joe Leonard, 77 joined the United States Marine Corps in New York City in 1963. He comes from a Marine family — both his parents were Marines during World War II. After boot camp at Parris Island and infantry training at Camp Lejeune, he specialized in bulk fuel deliveries. First assigned to Camp Lejeune with deploy- ments to the Caribbean and Pan-

ama, he next served in Okinawa. He then had duty at Chu Lai in Vietnam, where he serviced all type of aircraft and ground vehicles. MCAS Cherry Point came next, followed by another tour in Okinawa, this time as a heavy equipment operator. He separated from active duty in 1967 and returned to NYC to work for IBM for five years. He then spent

35 years as a machinist making parts for a multitude of military systems and equipment. He and his wife recently moved to Port Royal.

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

Beaufort Republican Women, Moore to honor Robert Smalls’ birthday

From staff reports

The Beaufort Republican Women’s Club will host a birthday celebration in honor of the late U.S. Congressman Robert Smalls, the founder of the South Carolina Republican Party, at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 5, at the Tabernacle Baptist Church, 907 Craven Street.

The featured speaker will be Michael Boulware Moore, great

great grandson of Robert Smalls.

Moore is a business and community leader, keynote speaker, former board member of the National Park Foundation – African American Experience Fund, International African American Museum,

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Congratulations

Penn Center, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, and featured on numerous television, newspaper and magazine outlets including CNN, PBS, The New York Times, Forbes, and HuffPost. He is the author of “Bridging the Gaps: The Love of Marketing” and the children’s book, “Freedom on the Sea,” about Robert Smalls. Moore is also an asso-

ciate producer of the upcoming graphic novel and feature film project, “Defiant.”

Smalls was born into slavery in 1839 in Beaufort. He lived an incredible life, going from an enslaved person to a successful U.S. Naval hero, businessman, and a Congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives. For more information, please call Angel Flewelling at 843-271-3368.

Hooray to The Island News for winning the much-deserved 2022 President’s Cup from the S.C. Press Association. And congratulations to all the staff who won awards in their fields. The Island News is truly our hometown newspaper and the one so many of us turn to when checking out local news and events. Where would we be without it?

–Barbara Temple, Beaufort

ON THIS DATE

April 2

2019: The Island News hires Mike McCombs as its Editor-inChief. McCombs replaced Justin Jarrett, who resigned.

April 4

1922: Harriet Keyserling, daughter of Isador Hirschfeld and Pauline Steinberg, is born in New York City. After marrying Dr. Herbert Keyserling in 1944, she moved south where she represented Beaufort for 16 years in the state legislature. She was elected to Beaufort County Council in 1974 and served one term. Then from 1977 to 1993, Keyserling spent her time in the statehouse focused on energy, nuclear waste, the arts, education, women’s rights and ending the filibuster in the House. She was the mother of longtime Beaufort Mayor Billy Keyserling.

2019: About 50 people gather in front of Congressman Joe Cunningham’s office on Boundary Street to protest the failure of

PAL PETS OF THE WEEK

Cat of the Week: Francis is a dapper man who was found at a construction site, and his finders knew he was special. Francis quickly gave himself a job as greeter in our public clinic. Francis is an older guy at 12 years old, neutered, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped.

the Trump Administration to release Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller’s report on Russian interference in the 2016 election.

April 5

1839: Robert Smalls was born into slavery in Beaufort. During the Civil War, Smalls became a hero for the Union. He freed himself, his crew, and their families by commandeering the CSS Planter on May 13, 1862 in Charleston harbor and sailing it through the Confederate-controlled waters of the harbor to the U.S. blockade at sea. After the Civil War, Smalls returned to Beaufort and won election as a Republican to the South Carolina Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives during Reconstruction. He authored state legislation providing for South Carolina to have the first free and compulsory public school system in the United States and he founded the Republican Party of South Carolina. He served five terms in Congress.

– Compiled by Mike McCombs

Dog of the Week: Lola arrived with her eight beautiful puppies several weeks ago, and she has watched her babies find their new homes. She is a spry and energetic dog who is the perfect size for an adventure buddy. She would do well in a home by herself since she has shared her space with her puppies for so long. Lola is 4 years old, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped.

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

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

Accounting April Ackerman april@ aandbbookkeeping. com

Billing questions only.

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

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DISCLAIMER

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

Michael Moore

DOCTORS:

We applaud their dedication and help to place Beaufort Memorial among the nation’s top 5% of hospitals for quality and safety.

From our first four general practitioners to the 160 medical and surgical specialists now on staff at our not-for-profit hospital, our doctors—men and women of judgment and skill and humanity—have enabled us to offer residents of the Lowcountry care of the highest order for more than 75 years.

March 30 marks the observance of D octors D ay, a tradition started in 1933 by the Barrow County Auxiliary, in Winder, Ga., to recognize doctors for their dedication to saving lives. Twenty-five years later, a resolution commemorating Doctors Day was adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives, and in 1990 National Doctors Day was officially established by Congress.

On this day, and every day, we at Beaufort Memorial salute our doctors, exemplary healers one and all.

30,2023

Journey

from page A1

county, from Taylors Island along the Chesapeake Bay to the city of Cambridge, was an old road that served as a main artery of the Underground Railroad.

Tubman, who experienced terrible hardship as a child and teenager, escaped slavery when she was about 29 years old, likely traveling northeast along the Choptank River, through forested land in eastern Maryland and across the border to Pennsylvania. Surely she was acquainted with the route many others had taken over the years.

Once free and in control of her destiny, she chose the life of an abolitionist, returning several times to Dorchester County to liberate dozens, despite relentless dangers, then joining the war effort in 1862 when Union forces took control of Port Royal Sound in South Carolina.

Her Underground Railroad exploits were enough to win her an esteemed place in history, but that was just the first of several chapters of a remarkable life. In Beaufort, she left an indelible mark. Her accomplishments in the South are the stuff of legend, though they are too little known, historians and park rangers say. Now a local church will honor Tubman with a monument meant to draw more attention to a woman whose superhuman courage and persistence was fueled by the injustices and hardships of slavery.

Standing tall

“People don’t realize the history that’s here,” said the Rev. Kenneth Hodges, pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church, on whose property the monument soon will be installed.

But they are beginning to understand. Residents and tourists now have access to the recently established Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, whose visitors center and headquarters is located steps from the Tubman monument site. The noncontiguous park consists of four locations in the area: the visitors center (formerly the Old Beaufort Firehouse); Camp Saxton on Parris Island; Darrah Hall at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island; and Brick Baptist Church, which sits across the street from the Penn Center’s main campus.

The affiliated Reconstruction Era National Historic Network consists of around 90 sites across the country, 26 of which are located in South Carolina, including Hodges’ church. More could be added by the National Park Service.

The monument, which artist Ed Dwight has nearly finished, is pretty big: 14 feet tall. It will be positioned in a gracious space between two historic structures the church owns at 901 and 907 Craven St. Tubman’s likeness will be framed by landscaping and illuminated. A few steps away, between 907 Craven St. and the church building, is a bronze bust of Robert Smalls behind which is his grave.

Smalls’ house, at 511 Prince Street, is a short walk away. It’s part

Welcome Home!

of the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network. The gravesite of Henry McKee, the man who once owned Smalls and his mother Lydia Polite, and who forfeited his home to Smalls during the great tax sale of 1863-64, can be found a short distance away, on the property of the Parish Church of St. Helena.

Hodges said the Tubman monument project got under way years ago with quiet fundraising activity, then was publicly announced in 2016. He figured it would take five years to get it done. He had not anticipated a global pandemic. But progress has been steady since the abatement of the pandemic and it’s possible the statue can be installed in time for the early June anniversary of the Combahee River Raid, a daring adventure in which Tubman played an essential role.

The project has a $500,000 budget. Almost all of that money has been raised, Hodges said.

“There’s a certain poetic significance to having Tubman and Smalls so close,” Hodges said.

Tubman in South Carolina

What did Tubman do during her stay in the South? Lots.

She figured if the Union prevailed, slavery would end, so she traveled to the Carolina Lowcountry to help out. First she provided assistance to fugitive slaves who sought safety and refuge in Port Royal, part of the territory controlled by the Union. Gen. David Hunter, who commanded the Department of the South, soon declared all Black people who fled their plantations free, and sought to begin recruiting them for military service.

Tubman worked as a nurse, providing aid to injured and sick soldiers. She started a bakery operation to make money, selling pies and drinks. She started a laundry operation to provide clean

African Americans and their allies would seek to level the proverbial playing field, only to be hindered then stopped by a resurgence of unrestrained white supremacy beginning in the 1870s.

Sins of omission

On March 8, members of Beaufort’s Historic District Review Board, expressing enthusiasm for the project, gave final approval for the monument to be installed, though they questioned the landscaping and lighting plans. Should the path be made of brick or bluestone? How far from the street should the monument be positioned? Can the illumination be contained to avoid glare?

Dwight, the 89-year-old sculptor based in Colorado, is practiced at making monuments honoring figures of African American history. His work is well known in South Carolina. The most prominent piece is the large S.C. African-American History Monument on the Statehouse grounds, dedicated in 2001 as part of the compromise that moved the Confederate flag from the dome to a flagpole in the front of the building. His other work in the state includes the Denmark Vesey statue in Charleston’s Hampton Park and the Dizzy Gillespie statue in Cheraw.

into Spaces: 1st South Carolina

Volunteers of African Descent.”

Formation of the regiment in 1862 marked the beginning of continued service in the U.S. armed forces by African Americans. As part of the Port Royal Experiment, the regiment also demonstrated the tenacity and courage of Black soldiers willing to risk everything to end slavery and advance democracy.

Littlefield’s students will launch an oral history project this summer, interviewing descendants of these and other Black military men.

Tough to the end

Beaufort Mayor Stephen Murray counts himself among those who, for years, didn’t learn enough about Tubman’s time in the city.

“As a kid who grew up in Beaufort, I’m almost embarrassed to say that I didn’t realize until I was an adult that she had such an influence (here),” he said.

The monument will help promote local history, inspire students and teach residents and visitors about what happened during the Civil War, and what the war wrought, Murray said.

When history is better understood, communities (and the politicians they elect) can avoid mistakes of the past and make informed decisions about the future, he said.

Many churches pitched in. Others in the private sector contributed. Some of the donations were modest, but it all added up to about half of the needed amount. Beaufort County covered the other half. The city of Beaufort provided $10,000 to help pay for a ribbon-cutting event.

Now, Hodges and his team are raising money for the ongoing costs — maintaining the monument and its surroundings, paying for electricity, promoting the history and more.

“When we started talking about it, we didn’t know the magnitude of it,” Hodges said, referring both to the interest in the project and the importance of publicizing the history. In some ways installation of the monument is a culminating moment for him, for Tubman has been on his mind for many years.

Hodges served in the S.C. House of Representatives from 2005 to 2016. The first bill he introduced was to name the future bridge that would soon span the Combahee River “The Harriet Tubman Bridge” and to erect appropriate markers that included the name. To support his request, Hodges arranged history presentations on the floor of the House, lest anyone doubt the significance of Tubman’s actions on June 2, 1863.

The legislation passed. Now that history can be revisited again and again, along with that of Smalls, thanks to the new monument.

uniforms to soldiers. She chastised President Abraham Lincoln when he balked at letting Black people serve in the Army. She scouted and mapped the marshy terrain. She gained valuable knowledge of the geography and a sense of any White resistance, from her expeditions and from conversations with African Americans. She passed useful information to Union officers.

And then Tubman helped lead an operation that destroyed plantation property along the Combahee River and liberated more than 750 enslaved people who, hearing the whistles of three steamboats, rushed to the banks with their babies, livestock and belongings. They were transported to a landing located more or less where U.S. Highway 17 crosses the river, then made their way to Beaufort.

During this initial period of the war, when Union forces assumed control of Port Royal Sound, 11,000 enslaved people suddenly were freed, but had no sustained means of survival. The Port Royal Experiment, administered by the Department of the South, provided them with labor incentives, land holdings on which they could manage farms, education for children and adults, and access to the Army.

It signaled the beginning of the Reconstruction period, during which newly enfranchised

Dwight is practiced at interpreting the history of the Underground Railroad: He has made three monuments devoted to the subject: one in Detroit; one in Battle Creek, Mich.; and one in Windsor, Ontario. Tubman herself is the subject of several memorials — in New York City, Boston, Bristol, Penn., and elsewhere. Earlier this month, a new Tubman statue replaced a monument honoring Christopher Columbus in Newark, N.J. A 2019 feature film, Harriet, garnered some acclaim.

Hodges said the artist is nearly finished with the new monument. It’s fully assembled, and now he’s applying the patina. Attempts to reach Dwight by email and phone were unsuccessful.

Valinda Littlefield, a history professor at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, said the attention now being paid to Black historical figures of the Civil War and Reconstruction is overdue.

“When you look at people who keep pushing the United States to live up to the founding father’s ideas, you cannot leave out Robert Smalls and Harriet Tubman,” she said. “And they have been left out in various ways.”

Such “sins of omission” leave us with a too-narrow view of our history, and insufficient information about the people who strengthened our democracy, Littlefield said. The imbalance contributes to current historical misunderstandings and distortions.

“The (political) battle keeps getting fought over and over again because we don’t understand our history,” she said.

Tubman’s time in Beaufort is a ripe subject for continued research, Littlefield added. Much more is likely to be discovered. She will do her part by advising her graduate students and by organizing symposia such as the one set for April 8 at the USCB Center for the Arts, called “Breathing Democracy

The new monument, along with the nearby bust of Smalls, are “tangible reminders of their stories, ... and the power of persistence, leadership and courage,” Murray said. “Both Harriet Tubman and Robert Smalls embody this idea of the American Dream and progress.”

That progress, he added, has been linear and incremental.

“America continues to slowly, and sometimes hand-wringingly, make progress,” he said. “In recent years, we’ve seen some of that progress erode. This is a reminder that it takes ordinary people to step forward and speak up.”

When Tubman was a teenager, her Maryland master in a rage launched a heavy metal object at one of his enslaved people. It struck Tubman instead, causing a serious head wound from which she never fully recovered. For the rest of her life, she endured severe headaches, epilepsy and narcolepsy. She also experienced strange and vivid dreams that convinced her of God’s graces and her own altruistic mission.

When she was very old, in the 1890s, she decided to try to put an end to the pain in her head, undergoing brain surgery in Boston — without anesthetic. She preferred to bite the bullet, just like the men of the 1st South Carolina and 54th Massachusetts Volunteers did when their limbs were amputated, or when the shrapnel was plucked from their bodies.

In 1903, she donated land upon which the AME Zion Church in Auburn, N.Y., would establish the Harriet Tubman Home for the Ages. In 1911, she took up residence there. Two years later, pneumonia put an end to her extraordinary life.

From Beaufort to Bluffton and Hilton Head, The Post and Courier covers news impacting your community. Subscribe for more local coverage at postandcourier.com/IslandNews

A small model of Ed Dwight’s tribute to Harriet Tubman. The bronze monument will be installed in downtown Beaufort later this year. Photo courtesy of Tabernacle Baptist Church

Beaufort City Councilman Mitch Mitchell presents Bernice Wilson, of Port Royal, with a commemorative lapel pin during the Welcome Home! Commemoration event hosted by Caris Healthcare to honor Vietnam War Veteran’s Day on Sunday, March 26, at Beaufort National Cemetery. Wilson served during Vietnam with the Air Force and retired as a sergeant.

Dennis Shoenfelt, a retired master sergeant with the United States Marine Corps, salutes as the national anthem is sung during the Welcome Home! Commemoration event hosted by Caris Healthcare to honor Vietnam War Veteran’s Day on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at Beaufort National Cemetery. Photos by Delayna Earley/The Island News

Burton Fire works 5 crashes over weekend

From staff reports

From Friday morning until Monday morning, the Burton Fire District, along with Beaufort County EMS, responded to five motor vehicle collisions, three of which resulted in injuries.

Burton firefighters and county EMS responded to the first vehicle collision Friday evening just before 8 p.m. Emergency crews arrived on scene to a two-vehicle collision between an SUV and passenger vehicle by 10 Parris Island Gateway. The collision resulted in what appeared to be nonlife threatening injuries.

Burton fire crews and county EMTs responded to the second vehicle colli-

sion Saturday at 9:30a.m., at the intersection of Rugrack Road and Laurel Bay Road. Firefighters arrived on scene to a vehicle that had left the roadway and struck a stop sign. The driver was treated for what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries.

The third vehicle collision occurred later on Saturday, just past 2:30 p.m., in front of Food Lion on Shanklin Road. Emergency crews arrived to find a damaged moped in a ditch. The operator, who was not wearing a helmet, was treated for what appeared to be nonlife threatening injuries.

Just before 8 p.m., on Sunday, Burton firefighters and

county EMTs responded to the intersection of Shell Point Road and Broad River Drive for a reported vehicle collision. Responders arrived to find two vehicles, an SUV and Honda CR-V, with minor to moderate damages with the SUV coming to rest off the road and in the front yard of a residence. No injuries were reported.

The fifth vehicle collision occurred just past 8 a.m., Monday morning on Trask Parkway and Stuart Point Road. Fire and EMS crews arrived on scene to a two-vehicle collision. Both were passenger vehicles, with minor to moderate damages. No injuries were reported.

SC DSS Job Fair Suspicious fire razes Burton home

From staff reports

Just past 1:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 21, the Burton Fire District, MCAS Fire Department, Beaufort County EMS and Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a reported house fire on Parris Island Gateway by the Broad River Blvd intersection after a passerby called 911.

A BCSO deputy was first to arrive and reported a single story home fully involved in flames.

Firefighters arrived on scene and were able to

quickly bring the fire under control; however, due to the extensive fire in the wooden home, it took more than an hour to fully extinguish. In addition, firefighters also had to extinguish spot fires in the trees and brush around the area, including across the street, which were started by flying embers. The occupants were not home at the time of the fire. The Parris Island Gateway and Broad River Blvd. intersection was closed

NEWS BRIEFS

USCB to host communications workshop

Professionals and experts from USC Beaufort’s Business and Communications department will lead a discussion and share strategies to help participants build skills to develop and strengthen confidence in their professional and everyday communication. The free, interactive workshop and discussion will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 30 at USCB’s Center for the Arts. The program is part of The Center for the Arts ENGAGE series and is open to everyone. For more information visit http://bit.ly/3FWJZG6

Fort Fremont History Center closed through Sunday

Fort Fremont History Center will be closed through Sunday, April 2 for ceiling repairs.

The park itself will remain open every day from dawn to dusk, and the restrooms will still be open to the public as well. The history center lobby and conference room are not available, and the Friends docent tours will not be occurring during that time.

Lowdown from page A1

Brickyard Landing and directing traffic down Sams Point Road, had an estimated cost of $216 million –in 2018 dollars at 2018 prices.

The document also nicely condenses the pros and cons of the proposal, of which there are a number, basically why the Third Bridge Proposal has remained on

Rally

from page A1

30 groups and individuals including the CCL, Queen Quet of the Gullah Geechee Nation, and numerous others. “It’s a broad and diverse group of stakeholders,” White said.

According to White, Marie Gibbs of Penn Center will run the event. Local clergy Jack Ladson and Elijah Washington will be in atten-

for more than three hours while emergency crews worked, and one lane of Parris Island Gateway remained blocked throughout the morning as emergency crews continued to work at the scene. One firefighter was treated by Beaufort County EMS for minor injuries but was able to return to duty. Burton fire investigators have determined the fire to be suspicious and are working with BCSO investigators to determine the cause.

County to hold Stuart Point sidewalk meeting

Beaufort County will hold a public meeting Tuesday, April 4, for the Stuart Point Road Sidewalk project, one of the 24 locations included in the 2018 One Cent Sales Tax Referendum. The meeting will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at Whale Branch Middle School, 2009 Trask Parkway, Seabrook.

The County will present the proposed 8-foot sidewalk project design for Stuart Point Road. The purpose of the project is to increase and enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety by providing a separate facility from the roadway from U.S. 21 (Trask Parkway) to Sea Crest Lane/Delaney Circle.

The meeting will be conducted as an informal, drop-in format. There will be displays that depict the proposed design, and representatives from Beaufort County Engineering, J. Bragg Consulting, and Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering will be available to discuss the proposed improvements, answer questions, and listen to feedback. No formal presentation will be made.

The proposed design exhibits and other project information are available on the virtual meeting webpage through Thursday,

the proverbial back burner.

But Fralix reminded those community leaders at the table last week of the inevitable – the 60-year-old Woods Memorial swing bridge which was recently named to the National Register of Historic Places – isn’t going to last forever and the cost of maintaining that state-owned facility is going to get higher and higher.

The third, and who knows –maybe the most important – is how such a traffic connector

dance, as will County Councilmen York Glover and David Bartholomew.

In all, organizers have about 10 speakers lined up between community leaders, local pastors and local and state representatives. Grant McClure, Project Director for the South Coast Office of the CCL is hoping State Senator Chip Campsen will be able to attend.

“It’s on his calendar, we’ll see,” said McClure, who expects 200 to 300 people to attend. “I would be happy to get some participation from

More than 50 individuals met with more than 60 companies during the first hour of the sixth annual Lowcountry Job Fair sponsored by the S.C. Department of Social Services on Tuesday, March 21, at the S.C. Army National Guard Armory Readiness Center off U.S. 21 near Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. At one point just after the fair opened, a line of those seeking employment snaked its way outdoors. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

April 20. Visit www.beaufortcountypenny. com/meetings to view the information and submit comments by April 20. For questions or persons requiring additional assistance due to language barriers, contact the Engineering Department at 843255-2700.

BSDC meeting set for April 13

The Beaufort Sportfishing and Diving Club’s (BSDC) April meeting will be held Thursday, April 13, at the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club located on Lady’s Island off of Meridian Road. The social begins at 6:30 p.m., and the meeting will start at 7.

The Cobia are returning, therefore, Capt. Danny Rourk of Tailwind Charters will be the presenter. Rourk will present rods and reels, choice of lines, and baits of choice. He will also discuss offshore versus inshore fishing, along with rules and regulations for Cobia.

Beaufort Boat & Dock Supply, Butler Marine, and Danny Walsh and the Achurch Real Estate Group again are our monthly $50 drawing sponsors. Remember to weigh in your favorite catch at the Beaufort Boat & Dock Supply at 1734 Ribaut Road, Port Roy-

would change Lady’s Island and the neighboring sea islands, encouraging even more development. After at least 40 years of discussions, those are still hard but realistic decisions. A lot of people will rely on hindsight and say “well, we should have done this” or “so-and-so stopped that from happening.”

But it raises the question, where does that leave the community, those that live on the

some people from the statehouse. We invited Sen. Tom Davis, We invited the governor. I also reached out to Rep. Nancy Mace.

“But what we’re hoping for more than that is for the community to show up.”

White said the real goal of the event isn’t to excite people Thursday night, but to prepare them for a couple weeks from now.

“The point and the goal of it is to spread awareness of what’s going on on St. Helena Island, the potential harmful development of Pine Island

al during regular hours. Congratulations to Gregg Digiovanni, last month’s winner. Winners must be present at the next month’s meeting to receive the cash award.

Guests are welcome. Reservations are not needed. For additional information, contact Captain Frank Gibson at 843-522-2122 or email fgibson@islc.net

Sail and Power Squadron requests expired flares, offers boat inspection

The Beaufort Sail and Power Squadron, now recognized as America’s Boating Club of Beaufort, in conjunction with the Town of Port Royal, fire chiefs, and S.C. Department of Natural Resources is sponsoring an event for boaters to turn in expired flares and get a free boat inspection.

This event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 13 at the Sands Beach Landing in Port Royal. No reservation is required.

For additional information, contact Captain Frank Gibson at 843-522-2122 or email fgibson@islc.net

–

From staff reports

islands and those that drive over there on a regular basis to work or go to school?

This commentary offers no hope that there’s any immediate solution to these traffic issues. It’s more an effort to provide some comfort that community leaders, and planners like Fralix, are looking for solutions.

In the case of the Third Bridge Proposal, there’s a plan on the books, the county is looking at future referendums to raise more

and the attempts to undermine the Cultural Protection Overlay,” White said. “But it’s also to encourage the community to turn out April 10 when the (Beaufort County) Land Use Committee meets and receives recommendations from the Cultural Protection Overlay committee.”

White said a successful rally, “looks like people reaching out to their County Council people expressing their concerns, writing letters to the editor expressing their concerns, and making plans to show up to the Land

money for road improvements, maybe it is time to put that question on the ballot?

Lolita Huckaby Watson is a community volunteer and newspaper columnist. In her former role as a reporter with The Beaufort Gazette, The Savannah Morning News, Bluffton Today and Beaufort Today, she prided herself in trying to stay neutral and unbiased. As a columnist, these are her opinions. Her goal is to be factual but opinionated, based on her own observations. Feel free to contact her at bftbay@gmail.com

WANT TO GO?

Who: Protect St. Helena

What: Community rally

When: 6 p.m., Thursday, March 30

Where: St. Helena

Elementary School Cafeteria, 1025 Sea Island Parkway

Join via Zoom: Dial in at 305-224-1968. Meeting ID is 811 7069 3465; Passcode is 071280.

Use meeting on April 10 to express their concerns.

Since the last Land Use Committee meeting, the

CPO committee was to take up the Administration-proposed text amendment to the CPO, look at the CPO and make recommendations to strengthen the CPO.

White said it’s possible topics from that April 10 meeting could be on the agenda for the County Council later that evening.

“Our approach is to prepare as though that will occur,” she said.

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

Burton Fire District responded to a total of five motor vehicle crashes between Friday morning, March 24, and Monday morning, March 27. Photo courtesy of Burton Fire District.

v.

Lohengrin by Richard Wagner

By Becky Sprecher

Special to The Island News

I know what you’re thinking. Am I seriously suggesting that you all give up a beautiful afternoon at the beginning of April to go see a 5-hour opera about a knight who gets around on a boat towed by a giant swan? That image alone might provoke laughter, followed immediately by a cursory glance at the liquor cabinet at the thought of having to endure such an experience.

But Lohengrin is not just any knight; he is a dazzling hero in shining armor, the embodiment of grace and virtue. Deputized by the spirit of the Holy Grail, he is charged with using his magical powers to rescue a beautiful maiden accused of murdering her brother. There is only one catch: she must never ask his name.

“Therein lies the tragedy,” writes John Deathridge and Carl Dahlhaus in The New Grove Dictionary. “The fact is that the goal for which Lohengrin yearns is at cross-purposes with the means by which he seeks to reach it.”

Lohengrin yearns both for love and to be loved for who he is, not the trappings of glory and honor which surround him.

Is this humanly possible, we wonder? To love someone completely without knowing who they are or where they came from?

“In seeking to annul what sets him apart from others,” Deathridge and Dahlhaus continue, “Lohengrin succeeds only in reinforcing it.”

There’s a lot we don’t know in the beginning. One is that Lohengrin is the son of Parsifal, the keeper of the Holy Grail. Not only has he been sent to help Elsa, but he must bring peace to the region of Antwerp on the River Scheldt. While

from page A1

Although the district received challenged library materials appeals from the two complainants Sunday and (Monday), the appeals were not received within the time frame denoted in Regulation IS 38.1

Procedures for Handling Questioned or Challenged Library Materials which states, “Complainants wishing to appeal the decision of the Materials Reconsideration Committee must do so in writing, to the Board of Education within

the story is mythological, Wagner injects some historical roots by setting the opera in the year 930 during the reign of King Henry the Fowler. The German kingdom at the edge of Christian Europe is just emerging and is threatened by both the Hungarians and pockets of paganism to the north.

We also don’t yet know that the giant swan is really Elsa’s brother Gottfried, upon whom the pagan sorceress Ortrud has cast an evil spell. Elsa is unable to resist temptation and begs Lohengrin to reveal his name and lineage on their wedding night, egged on in no small measure by the cunning Ortrud. In so doing, she learns that her brother will indeed return, but she will lose her Swan Knight because she lacked faith.

The Met hasn’t presented Lohengrin in 17 years, so we should seize the moment and go see it — even if it is spring in Beaufort. I’ve yet to hear a composer who can write about the mystical, the supernatural, the unseen power of the spirit (or the unconscious, depending on your point of view), in quite the way Wagner does. “Music was one thing,” wrote C.S. Lewis, “Wagne-

Appeals(7) business days of receipt of the committee’s decision.” Friday, March 24, 2023, was the 7th business day. (The complainants were emailed the challenged library materials committee results immediately following the meeting on Wednesday, March 15, 2023.) Because the appeals were not received within the time frame denoted in Regulation IS 38.1, they will not be considered.

Had there been appeals, the school board would have had 15 days to rule on them. As of press time, Szalai had not responded to an email seeking comment.

LEGAL NOTICES

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL COURT CASE NO: 2023-CP-07-00191

LIS PENDENS

SUIT TO QUIET TITLE (NON-JURY)

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF BEAUFORT

SARAH BARNWELL GIBSON, Plaintiff

PAUL BENJAMIN BARNWELL, SR. (deceased), ELIZABETH DAVIS

WILLIAMS BARNWELL (deceased), ALMA SADIE MAE BARNWELL (deceased), PAUL BARNWELL, JR. (deceased), DAVID J. BARNWELL (deceased), SUSIE SIMMONS BARNWELL (deceased), HARRIET

FRANCIS BARNWELL DERICO (deceased), JAMES DECRICO, SR. (deceased), JEROME DERICO (deceased), JUANITA BARNWELL

JOHNSON (deceased), FRANK JOHNSON (deceased), ALVIN RAN-

DALL JOHNSON (deceased), CLAIRE BARNWELL ROBINSON (deceased), JAMES ROBINSON (deceased), ALONZA BERNARD ROB-

INSON (deceased), EVELYN BARNWELL RICHARDSON (deceased), RACHEL BARNWELL CLARK (deceased), ANTHONY BARNWELL (deceased), LEE GODFREY BARNWELL A/K/A LEA BARNWELL (deceased), JACQUELINE ROBINSON, JAMES DERICO, JR., GEORGE R. BARNWELL, DEBRA JOHNSON WALLACE, GLENDA JOHNSON SMITH, FRANITA JOHNSON FESTUS DWIGHT JOHNSON, WINSTON JOHNSON, FRANK JOHNSON JR., SARINE CRYSTAL MAYS JOHNSON, ASHLEY JOHNSON RALLIGH, CAPRI JOHNSON, RANDALL JOHNSON, ROSENA BARNWELL SMITH, LARNIE RICHARDSON JR., , LARNIE RICHARDSON III, DAVID RICHARDSON, MARY BARNWELL FRANKLIN, CURTIS CLARK, VERNON CLARK, CARLTON CLARK, WARREN

rian music was quite another, and there was no common measure between them.”

According to M. Owen Lee in his book, Wagner’s Ring: Turning the Sky Around, Wagner’s music creates an awakening, a “sense that in discovering Wagner, we have discovered something no other music has, something in ourselves we knew long before but had forgotten.”

The Prologue is an example. Wagner begins the opera by presenting the heroic Grail theme: ethereal music that evokes a noble majesty that is tender and loving, yet otherworldly. He is just beginning to use musical fragments (leitmotifs) like this to fuse his story with his music in a unique way. The importance of Lohengrin in the Wagnerian repertoire is that it comes mid-way in his career when he is at the top of his game composing works in the Romantic genre.

We still have arias, along with rousing choruses and pageantry, an example of the latter being the famous “Bridal Chorus,” which is still in use for weddings today. But Lohengrin serves as a gateway for what is to come, for it is after this

Here are the books Committees 27 through 36 evaluated and ruled on at the March 15 session:

No. 27: The Art of Racing

In The Rain by Garth Stein, return to library circulation.

No. 28: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, return to library circulation for Grades 9 through 12 only.

No. 29: The Female Of The Species by Mindy McGinnis, return to library circulation for Grades 9 through 12 only.

No. 30: The Haters by Jesse Andrews, remove the challenged material in its entirety.

No. 31: The Upside Of Un-

above-named Plaintiff against the above-named Defendants; that the said action is brought pursuant to Chapter 53, Title 15, South Carolina Code of Laws for 1979, as amended, for the purpose of obtaining a Declaration of this Court that the Plaintiff Sarah Barnwell Gibson, and the named Defendants Jacqueline Robinson, Estate of James Derico Sr., James Derico Jr., George R. Barnwell, Debra Johnson Wallace, Glenda Johnson Smith, Franita Johnson Festus, Dwight Johnson, Winston Johnson, Frank Johnson Jr., Sarine Crystal Mays Johnson, Ashley John-

son Ralligh, Capri Johnson, Randall Johnson, Rosena Barnwell

Smith, Larnie Richardson Jr., Larnie Richardson III, David Richard-

son, Mary Barnwell Franklin, Curtis Clark, Vernon Clark, Carlton

Clark, Warren Clark, Wanda Clark, and Phillip David Barnwell are seized in fee simple of a good marketable title to the following described real estate:

Sarah Barnwell Gibson, Jacqueline Robinson, Estate of James Derico Sr., James Derico Jr., George R. Barnwell, Debra Johnson Wallace, Glenda Johnson Smith, Franita

Johnson Festus, Dwight Johnson, Winston Johnson, Frank Johnson Jr., Sarine Crystal Mays Johnson, Ashley Johnson

Ralligh, Capri Johnson, Randall Johnson, Rosena Barnwell Smith, Larnie Richardson Jr., Larnie Richardson III, David Richardson, Mary Barnwell Franklin, Curtis Clark, Vernon Clark, Carlton Clark, Warren Clark, Wanda Clark, and Phillip David

opera that Wagner surely must have put down his pen and thought, I’ve done all I can here. I’m going to do something entirely new. And he begins work on his four-opera series, The Ring of the Nibelung, as well as his masterpiece, Tristan and Isolde, both of which will revolutionize opera as we know it and usher in a whole new array of musical and harmonic concepts that will change Western music forever.

Piotr Beczala as Lohengrin is familiar face to those of us who saw Rigoletto last year in which he sang the role of the Duke of Mantua. Tamara Wilson, who is performing all the great roles for a dramatic soprano from Sieglende to Aida, Brünnhilde and Turandot, sings Elsa. The pagan sorceress Ortrud is Christine Goerke, an artist with a warm and funny personality who so delighted audiences all over the world when she hosted the Met’s live in Hi-Def Pandemic Concerts. Here she gets to be the Bad Girl, as Ortrud is one of opera’s greatest antiheroes. Rounding out the quartet of major characters is Evgeny Nikitin as Ortrud’s scheming husband, Telramund, who has performed in the title role of Der Fliegende Holländer and as Kling-

requited by Becky Albertalli, return to library circulation for Grades 9 through 12 only.

No. 32: The You I’ve Never Known by Ellen Hopkins, return to library circulation for Grades 9 through 12 only.

No. 33: This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki, return to library circulation for Grades 9 through 12 only.

No. 34: Tilt by Ellen Hopkins, return to library circulation for Grades 9 through 12 only.

No. 35: Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson, return to library circulation for Grades 6 through 12 only.

No. 36: Yolk by Mary H.K.

Smith, Larnie Richardson Jr., Larnie Richardson III, David Richardson, Mary Barnwell Franklin, Curtis Clark, Vernon Clark, Carlton Clark, Warren Clark, Wanda Clark, and Phillip David Barnwell All that certain piece, parcel of tract of land, situate, lying and being in Sheldon Township, Beaufort County, South Carolina known and designated as Tract 2 of Half Moon Island Containing 36.2 acres, more or less, according to a plat of a subdivision of Half Moon Island made by R.D. Trogdon Jr., RLS, recorded at the Office of the Register of Deeds for Beaufort County, South Carolina in Plat Book 21 at Page 17.

Tax Map No. R700-038-000-053A-0000

sor in Parsifal for the Met.

Be advised that these roles are very difficult to sing — particularly for women — because of their demanding vocal lines and the tremendous power required to project over massive Wagnerian orchestras with lots of brass. So do not expect to see lithe damsels who run marathons or go to Pilates classes; these stars are too busy sharing their extraordinary vocal talents with the world. Remember that Wagner is writing for your ears and your mind, not just your eyes.

Francois Girard directed Parsifal at the Met in 2013, so we should see a relationship between the two productions in terms of sets. Girard tells Opera News that, “there are some aesthetic continuities, but this production is not as naturalistic as Parsifal. Lohengrin will be dressed like the knights in Parsifal, and there is some similar imagery of the cosmic sky in Peter Flaherty’s video projections. They’re very much in the same language, but it’s clear we’re moving from the magical world to the real world.”

Costumes are by Tim Yip, who did the costumes for Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Look for a “traffic light” color scheme, with green in Act I for King Heinrich, red for the evil machinations of Ortrud and Telmund in Act II, and white for the dove that escorts Lohengrin home in Act III.

Lohengrin is an ideal way to dip your toes into the magical waters of Wagnerian music. Before you dip, however, it might be a good idea to do a little research at metopera. org or Google. You have to go to it; it doesn’t necessarily come to you. But the rewards are very great; once you “get it” with Wagner, you’ll never look back.

Choi, return to library circulation for Grades 9 through 12 only.

The fate of The Haters by Jesse Andrews was already sealed. It joins two other books — Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult, removed in February, and It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover, removed in January — that will be kept out of the Beaufort County School District for at least the next five years.

Committees have now reviewed 36 of the 97 books under review, returning 33 to the shelves in some fashion.

The next 10 books — The Black Flamingo by Dean

of Deeds for Beaufort County, South Carolina in book 211 at Page 2017.

Tax Map No. R700-038-000-053C-0000 Mary Barnwell Franklin (life estate) and Jacqueline Robinson (remainder) All that certain piece, parcel, or lot of land with improvements thereon, situate, lying and being in Beaufort County, South Carolina, being a portion of Half Moon Island, consisting of 1.486 acres and more particularly shown and described by metes and bounds, courses and distances on that certain plat prepared by Zyad A. Khalil,

Atta; Burned by Ellen Hopkins; Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare; Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer; Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Melinda Lo; Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez; Rumble by Ellen Hopkins; Smoke by Ellen Hopkins; The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu; and Water for Elephants by Sarah Gruen — will be voted on by their committees at 5:45 p.m., Wednesday, April 5 at Okatie Elementary School.

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

parcel of tract of land, situate lying and being in Sheldon Township, Beaufort County, South Carolina known and designated as Tract 1 of Half Moon Island according to a plat of a subdivision of Half Moon Island made by R.D. Trogdon, Jr., RLS, recorded at the Office of the Register of Deeds for Beaufort County, South Carolina in Plat Book 21 at Page 17. SAVE and EXCEPT: that 1.03-acre parcel belonging to Robert and Sarah Gibson (R700-038-000-053F-0000) and that 1.0-acre

lot of land measures 159.8 feet on its Southern boundary, 350.4 feet on its Eastern boundary, 131.6 feet on its Northern boundary, and 281.0 feet on its Western boundary. Said lot hereby conveyed is bounded on the South by a salt marsh, and on the North, east, and West by lands of David Barnwell. The property herein is a portion of that property conveyed to David Barnwell, et al by deed of J.E. McTeer recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Beaufort County, South Carolina in Deed Book 23

Tax Map No. R700-038-000-053E-0000

Sarah Barnwell Gibson, Jacqueline Robinson, Estate of James Derico Sr., James Derico Jr., George R. Barnwell, Debra Johnson Wallace, Glenda Johnson Smith, Franita Johnson Festus, Dwight Johnson, Winston Johnson, Frank Johnson Jr., Sarine Crystal Mays Johnson, Ashley Johnson Ralligh, Capri Johnson, Randall Johnson, Rosena Barnwell

Lohengrin yearns both for love and to be loved for who he is, not the trappings of glory and honor which surround him. Submitted photo.

Time always right to speak truth

Should we speak up when we see something that we know to be untruthful and misleading? When should we speak up? Is there an appropriate time to ask for the truth, or should we wait until some future convenient time?

I ask these questions because there has been a flood of misinformation being shared in this newspaper and on social media regarding two development projects downtown. I also ask these questions because when I spoke up about these incendiary inaccuracies during our last City Council meeting, I was chastised by an Island News columnist for my comments both for their timing and to whom they were directed, the Historic Beaufort Foundation.

As mayor, I fully expect to be criticized, especially when I make a mistake, or when the organization that I lead doesn’t meet expectations. I also expect that some of the decisions I make, or the organization makes, will upset some folks.

As former Mayor Henry Chambers once told me, “Stephen, in politics, if someone isn’t mad with you, you’re probably not doing your job.” So, I generally just try to accept the criticism and move on, with the resolve that my job as mayor is to be fair, objective, and to make decisions in the best interest of the majority of the citizens that I serve today, with a keen eye toward the future.

I also believe that truth, accuracy, and the laws on which our community, state, and nation were founded are important. Especially in this moment in time, where so many seek to mislead for their own purposes and gain. I think it’s important to be accurate in our public

STEPHEN MURRAY

debate. I respect the fact that Historic Beaufort Foundation Executive Director, Cynthia Jenkins doesn’t like the downtown garage or hotel project. She is entitled to her opinion, but she is not entitled to her own facts.

The hotel and parking garage projects were both required to appear before the Historic District Review Board (HDRB). Combined, they were considered by the HDRB 13 times since 2016. These meetings were open to the public and allowed an opportunity for public comment. They span councils, mayors, planning directors, and HDRB members. There have been more than 20 articles published in local newspapers regarding these projects over the same time frame.

The HDRB consists of citizen volunteers appointed by Beaufort City Council, including one seat that is nominated by Historic Beaufort Foundation. Approvals by the HDRB for these projects began in 2016. Both projects received significant review by city staff, the public, and the HDRB to ensure they not only comply with our development code but are also aesthetically appropriate with Beaufort design standards.

Shortly after these public approvals were granted, Historic Beaufort Foundation and Graham Trask filed legal appeals challenging

the projects and accused the City of Beaufort of not following our codes or procedures. Circuit Court Judge Bentley Price dismissed these appeals in January of 2023, ruling in favor of the City and upholding the decisions of the HDRB. The City of Beaufort has spent approximately $100,000 of taxpayer money and countless staff hours defending this litigation. Are there better places where your tax money could be spent?

In her piece, Jenkins asserts, “It’s not a public parking facility to alleviate Beaufort’s parking challenges.” This is false. While it will be privately owned, the parking garage will be accessible to the public, just as the existing private parking lot is open to the public today.

The city often hears concerns about parking downtown. We are constrained on one side by the Beaufort River, on the other three sides by residential neighborhoods, and only have a limited amount of vacant land to expand within walking distance to Bay Street. While I’m not necessarily excited about a parking deck downtown, I acknowledge that we need additional parking to support local shops, restaurants, and downtown events. The proposed structure will be screened by buildings on the Port Republic Street side and have a passive park with a living wall on the Craven Street side. Additionally, its mass, scale, and design have been reviewed and approved by your neighbors on the HDRB. Having the private sector build, maintain, and operate the parking deck instead of it being funded by taxpayers is worthy of consideration.

Jenkins also states these

two structures will be “the two largest buildings ever built in downtown Beaufort.” Look around next time you are in downtown Beaufort. We have plenty of 3-plus-story buildings. There are taller buildings and there are longer buildings than the proposed hotel. The Regions Bank building, 700 Bay, USC Beaufort, the Beaufort Inn, and many other 3-plus-story buildings.

I recognize these two structures will change the view of the existing open parking lots that you see today, including the view from Historic Beaufort Foundation’s office. I also believe we must be careful in what we allow to be built in our Landmark Historic District. I’m certainly not suggesting that we throw the doors open to buildings that don’t respect the mass, scale, and context of their neighbors within the historic district, or anywhere in the city for that matter.

In fact, the city has begun a code review process this year to further refine our Beaufort Development Code to ensure it directs new development that aligns with residents’ expectations and will allow us to better meet the challenges of the future. Meetings will be held the third Tuesday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m., at City Hall. The public is invited to attend in person or virtually.

Private property rights are foundational to our country. Property owners have the right to improve their properties if they meet the requirements in our development code and follow the process for approvals. Neither the mayor nor City Council have the legal authority to simply take away someone’s property rights. It

should concern every Beaufort property owner that a local non-profit has consistently advocated for the illegal removal of property rights, simply because they don’t like a project.

We’re not always going to agree about projects, but I hope we’ll all agree that our codes, processes, and legal framework are the best we can do to respect property rights, while balancing new development that is required for a community to be healthy. In the case of the proposed downtown hotel and parking garage, the developer has spent considerable time and money to comply with our process and codes. They have attended over a dozen public meetings and received legal approvals by the HDRB. Courts around the country have ruled that these approvals constitute vested property rights, and once granted they cannot be simply taken away without expensive legal consequence.

As a third-generation native Beaufortonian, I struggle with the growth that is occurring. As a child, I would walk down Bay Street with my grandfather, and it wasn’t uncommon to literally know everyone that you met on the sidewalk. This rarely happens today. I often joke that we should put gates up on the Whale Branch and Broad River bridges with a sign that says, “We’re full.” However, we live in a free country that allows folks to move to the place of their choosing, just as many of you reading this did. I think we’d all agree that we live in a very special corner of the world. So, it’s understandable to want to freeze Beaufort at the moment in which we discovered it, whether you

were lucky enough to be born here, or just moved last week.

Balancing many competing interests in a growing city is no easy feat. We need stakeholders around the table to help guide our city into our preferred future.

I am proud of the long list of strategic partners in both the public and private sectors the city has cultivated strong bonds with over the past few years. Their expertise and shared resources create a force multiplier that allows us to deliver services at a better value and ensure diversity of thought as we meet our challenges head on.

Historic Beaufort Foundation is a necessary organization that brings an important perspective to our public debate. I personally defended its seat on the Historic Review Board several years ago, when it was being considered for removal. But I hope we’d all agree, it is incumbent for our partners to be accurate, honest, and committed to the rule of law in this public debate.

My mother taught me to speak up when you see something that isn’t right. I can appreciate that Lolita Watson and others don’t think that my speaking up during a council meeting was the appropriate time to share my perspective on this issue. But, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said in his letter from a Birmingham jail, “we must use time creatively in the knowledge the time is always ripe to do right.”

Please reach out if I or anyone from Team Beaufort can ever be of assistance.

Stephen Murray is the Mayor of the City of Beaufort and can be reached at 727-457-2817 or smurray@cityofbeaufort.org

Republicans don’t walk it like they talk

Iapologize if I’ve mentioned him before, but a long time ago a former co-worker gave me some really good advice. Noting how happy he was in his second marriage, I asked him what was different from the first time.

“I learned to listen with my eyes,” he said. “People can say anything, but what they do means more.”

I’m still taking L’s in the romance category, but I have been able to apply his advice to other areas of my life. I try to make sure my actions match my words, and I pay close attention to others’ behaviors more than I do to what they say.

On that front, I cannot for the life of me understand Republicans’ adoration of people who hate America, whether that be the country, what it stands for or both.

A visit last week by Congressional Republicans to the D.C. jail where Jan. 6 defendants are awaiting trial is a perfect example. Led by Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a contingent of GOPers heaped praise and support on those accused of participating in the insurrection against the U.S. Capitol.

California Rep. Robert Garcia and a few other Democrats went with the group to try to offset an expected effort to mischaracterize what the group observed. Greene has consistently described the detainments as unjust and the conditions in which the defendants are kept as cruel and unusual.

Garcia told MSNBC host Michael Steele many of the detainees were moving freely within the newest portion of the jail, had access to tablet computers and other means of connecting with the outside world and enjoy round-the-clock medical care.

He decried his GOP colleagues’ behavior as celebrity worship, with pats on the back and passing notes back and forth. The Associated Press reported Republican lawmakers “handshaking and high-fiving the prisoners, who

chanted ‘Let’s Go Brandon!’ — a coded vulgarity against President Joe Biden — as the group left.”

That fits with attempts to make a martyr of slain insurrectionist Ashli Babbitt. Babbitt was an Air Force veteran and QAnon follower who was shot and killed Jan. 6 by a Capitol Police officer as she attempted to climb through a window of a door into the House chamber. The Justice Department investigated the shooting and ruled it was warranted, but Trump supporters – and the former president himself – have called her death a murder.

In October 2021, Trump recorded a message of support for Babbitt calling her “a truly incredible person” whose memory would “live on in our hearts for all time.” In January of this year, he called the officer who shot her a “lunatic,” said Babbitt was shot “for no reason” and threatened “We’re not going to let this go on.”

Speaking of the former president, he held his first 2024 campaign rally last weekend in Waco, Texas. It will soon be 30 years since the confrontation between federal agencies and selfproclaimed messiah David Koresh

ended in flames for the cult leader and may of his Branch Davidian followers.

Trump officials said it was mere coincidence the former president chose the location to launch his campaign, and not the appeal to anti-government sentiment others interpreted it as being.

More overtly anti-government was the call Trump made earlier last week for protests on the occasion of his indictment and arrest for hush payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before his 2016 presidential campaign. Ever faithful, his followers — including Congressional Republicans — deluged the offices of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg with threatening phone calls and letters, including one containing a mysterious white powder.

How does the “law and order,” “Blue Lives Matter” crowd reconcile itself with its leader advocating mob violence against a law enforcement official?

Or with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is turning his state into a fascist’s wet dream? Anything he thinks it will benefit him politically to attack, he attacks. Targets range from CRT and

it

diversity and inclusion measures to gay and transgender citizens to Black fraternities and sororities to Mickey Mouse himself! DeSantis would eradicate the teaching of Black history in the classroom and forbid faculty, staff and students from even talking about any topics he and his desired supporters find offensive. Or “woke,” as they like to call everything they hate. I guess the First Amendment doesn’t matter as long as it’s your people in government.

I could elaborate on Republicans’ idolizing Vladimir Putin, their embrace of the autocracy of Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro and their pursuit of Christian nationalism like that espoused by Hungary’s Viktor Orbán.

I’ll just conclude by saying: Republicans promote “America First” and call themselves “patriots,” but in everyday matters and in their day-to-day actions, they demonstrate they want no part of truth, freedom, justice or the American way.

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

You can’t always get what you want

It is Sunday, early, and it is raining. My son and his wife are sleeping upstairs — having driven in yesterday from Connecticut. I’m at the dining room table looking at our rain-soaked deck and hoping the rain will depart.

In the meantime I’ve been reading about the remarkable growth of Austin, Texas (New Yorker, February, 2023); and the complete transfiguration of this small city into a refuge for super-wealthy technocrats from Silicon Valley.

For years Austin has been portrayed as a college town — a young town with its own music, Tex Mex cuisine and a left leaning demographic that holds the Texas Legislature in contempt. If there was a persona that personified Austin it was Willie Nelson. The New Yorker article is fair commentary on the changes in scale (more skyscrapers); changes in income (more rich people) and the elimination of any

SCOTT GRABER

distinctiveness or regional authenticity.

“People moved to Austin because of what the city was — but, in the act of moving, they helped obliterate that history. Treasured music clubs were raised to make room for apartments and office buildings. The once crystalline Barton Springs became clouded by runoff from development. The dignified capital was shadowed by glassy towers that reflected the Texas sun, making sidewalks sizzle. Traffic and crime and other big city stressors made the old days appear more glorious than they actually were.”

When I was in my 20s, there were small cities — Asheville, Taos, Santa Fe, Austin and others — that were known to be different, distinctive, a magnet for young drifters who wanted some adventure before settling-down into marriage and a mortgage.

These places were characterized by candle, sandal and pachouli-scented shops; vegetarian restaurants and guys with a harmonica around their neck and an acoustic guitar cradled in their calloused hands. In the 70s and 80s there was a fair amount of marijuana clouding Wall Street (Asheville) and hundreds of Joni Mitchell and Judy Collins’ wannabes doing “Some Day Soon” atop the Old Mill in St. Augustine.

Beaufort never really got into this “different destination” category — although we tried to market our Gullah speaking people as a reason to visit. But there

was an evolution here, in Beaufort, that started with Pat Conroy’s “The Water is Wide” in 1972.

“The Water is Wide,” hovering somewhere between nonfiction and fiction, was set on Daufuskie Island. It featured Conroy’s effort to teach its innocent, unsullied, Third World children — children largely ignored by the School Board.

During these years there was a smattering of tourists who wandered through the Old Point. But it was still a working neighborhood, many of the antebellum homes divided into small apartments housing young pilots flying the F-8 Crusaders at the Air Station.

All of that changed in 1983 when the Old Point got an unexpected shot of adrenaline from the movie “The Big Chill.” Millions of Americans fell in love with the old houses, resurrection fern and the Spanish moss. It did not hurt that the

scenes were backed up by the Temptations (“Ain’t Too Proud to Beg”), Three Dog Night (“Joy to the World”) and Aretha Franklin (“You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman”).

“The Big Chill” was followed by Pat Conroy’s masterwork made cellulose — “Prince of Tides” — featuring Barbra Streisand and Nick Nolte. Once again Beaufort and the Point were presented to the world. One could almost hear the whispered (movie) conversations, … “You know Babs, I could almost see us living in that little town in South Carolina.”

I’m not sure when the horses arrived — and the carriage tour wars erupted — but now folks were walking (or riding) through The Point wanting to see the “Big Chill House;” the house Barbra Streisand rented; the house featured in “Forces of Nature.” I’m sure that Robert Smalls got a mention during

these tours, but Reconstruction was not yet on anyone’s radar.

Mayor Billy Keyserling put Reconstruction on his agenda; and because of that energy he got The Point (and other parts of Beaufort) designated as a Reconstruction Era National Historical Park. A part of that plan was to make the Smalls house on Prince Street central to that story. But that notion ran into Cynthia Jenkins and her belief that The Point is still a neighborhood that should not go the way of degraded neighborhoods in Charleston and Savannah.

Beaufort wants its history, its distinctiveness and sales tax dollars from thousand of tourists. But Beaufort has discovered “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” (The Rolling Stones).

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

Why would an innocent man lie?

Why would an innocent man lie to police about the last time he saw his wife and son alive? I’m no closer to answering that question now than I was in January when Judge Clifton Newman appointed me liaison between the court and the press for the Murdaugh murders trial.

Millions of people around the world were able to watch live a murder trial in Walterboro, S.C., and view dramatic photos from inside the courtroom because of a rule adopted by the South Carolina Supreme Court in 1993. Prior to the adoption of that rule cameras, still and video, had been prohibited in South Carolina courtrooms. When the court adopted a cameras in courts rule at the urging of South Carolina journalists then Chief Justice David Harwell hailed the rule as an opportunity to expose the public to the operation of the judicial system.

Perhaps in an earlier time in our society members of the public had the time and ability to attend trials beyond those where they might be called to jury duty. That is no longer the case, and in recognition of that reality the cameras rule allows video and still photography in the courtroom subject to the supervision of the presiding judge.

In those instances when multiple news organizations want to cover a trial they must agree to a pool arrangement.

In the journalism world a pool is created when one news organization gathers video or still photographs to be shared with other news organizations. On occasion a pool print reporter will write dispatches which are also shared.

In the Alex Murdaugh trial, Judge Newman selected Court TV to provide the video pool coverage. Court TV placed three remotely operated video cameras in the courtroom. One camera focused on the defense table and the defendant. One camera located beside the judge’s bench focused on the prosecution team. The third camera was located in the gallery and could be focused on the judge or the witness stand. Microphones were placed to capture the proceedings. Three Court TV personnel were in the courtroom to control the cameras, the audio feed and the video feed. They were seated along a wall in the courtroom opposite from the jury. Outside the courthouse Court TV rented a prefabricated garage and placed it on a street running beside the courthouse to serve as a studio.

The audio and video images captured by Court TV were

transmitted to a van parked about a half block from the courthouse, and from there the images were transmitted by cable or satellite to a media overflow center and other news organizations for distribution to the world.

Many television stations set up tailgating style tents on streets running alongside the courthouse lawn for use as remote studios. These tents provided a festive appearance in contrast to the grim business of trying a man for the murder of his wife and a son.

Still photographers were provided by The State and The Post and Courier newspapers, and their photographs captured the emotion and drama in the courtroom. Unlike sporting events where photographers can change position to follow the action the pool photographers at the trial were in stationary, designated positions.

At the lunch break the still photographers would hustle to the overflow media center to upload their photos to those members of the pool who were entitled to access. At the close of each day’s proceedings the still photographers photographed the documents that had been entered into evidence and uploaded those photos along with those that had been shot in the afternoon session.

The photographers worked out a system where they would change sides of the courtroom between the morning and afternoon sessions. One photographer stood between the jury box and the prosecution table, and the other was seated in what is called the “grand jury box.” A grand jury has more members than a trial jury so seats are arranged along two sides of the courtroom for jurors. Trial jurors were seated along the wall perpendicular to the prosecution table while across the courtroom the grand jury box seats were filled with a deputy sheriff, Court TV operations, a radio reporter, a still photographer, court personnel, and, on occasion a visiting judge.

Judge Newman had presided over other trials which attracted attention, and he was committed to providing press access to the courtroom. Judge Newman’s list

of news organizations entitled to reserved seating in the gallery was topped by two local, nondaily newspapers: The Press and Standard from Walterboro, and The Hampton County Guardian from the town where Murdaugh’s former law firm was located.

Other news organizations given reserved seating included newspapers from Charleston and Columbia, television stations from Charleston and Savannah, national television networks, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. In what may be a first, reserved seats were provided for bloggers and podcasters which had covered the case from its inception.

In addition to the reserved seating for designated news organizations, a daily lottery was held to allow up to four organizations without reserved seats to be present in the courtroom. From a practical perspective, the courtroom was not the best location from which to cover the trial. The Town of Walterboro established an overflow media center in its Wildlife Center located across the street from the courthouse. The overflow center had the Court TV audio and video feed with much a better view of the actors in the drama than was available in the courtroom. The audio in the overflow center was also superior to the courtroom which was constructed in 1822, and had inadequate acoustics. The overflow center was equipped with tables, chairs, power outlets, and ample electrical service to allow the journalists working there to be “plugged in.” Internet and cellphone access was available and essential to the reporters. The center also had restrooms and coffee. Because the Wildlife Center is an event venue, and two weddings were scheduled during the six weeks of the trial, the journalists were on occasion relocated to a portion of the building where they worked alongside tanks and display cases with Lowcountry wildlife including a snake and an alligator.

When the jurors visited the scene of the murders at Moselle, a pool was created to cover the scene. Journalists wanting to participate in this pool submitted their names to be included in a drawing. The names were divided into categories for print photographer, videographer, and print reporter. This pool was given access to the murder scene after the jury had returned to the courthouse, and provided a perspective on the compactness of the scene not apparent in the photographs and drawings in

evidence.

Journalists joked that the losers of the drawing made up the pool because of testimony about wild hogs and snakes at Moselle. The videographer was from Court TV, the still photographer was from The Post and Courier, and the print reporter was from the Wall Street Journal. No hogs or snakes were seen by the pool although a court reporter said a snake was seen when the jurors were at the scene.

None of the arrangements for the press occurred by accident.

Judge Newman and his law clerk Gabby Williams identified steps that needed to be taken to ensure adequate access to the trial.

Judge Newman issued an order on media coverage that should serve as a model for judges conducting the next “Trial of the Century.” The order included a prohibition on cellphones in the courtroom, a rule in place in South Carolina since 2000, and a prohibition on laptops and other portable devices lest they distract the jurors.

Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill worked with her staff to devise and implement a pass system which was used to enable reporters to enter the courthouse.

Walterboro Development Director Scott Grooms arranged for the overflow center and a parking lot for satellite trucks and reporters. He also had placed on the parking lot the cleanest, most accommodating portable toilet you will ever see — The Taj Ma Stall. Grooms auditioned and solicited food trucks which were arrayed in the parking lot next to the overflow center to provide dining opportunities for reporters, lawyers and spectators.

Sheriff Buddy Hill and his deputies provided security in and around the courthouse, always operating with courtesy and professionalism whether the issue was a bomb threat which necessitated an evacuation of the courthouse during the trial, or self-styled “First Amendment Auditors” who did not seem to understand that they were not allowed to take photographs of jurors, or occupy certain portions of the sidewalk when jurors were being escorted into or out of the courthouse.

As the trial went on, the public interest in attending in person grew significantly. In the fifth and sixth weeks of the trial persons seeking admission began lining up hours prior to the opening of the courthouse. Many brought lawn chairs, coolers, snacks and beverages to ease the wait. The deputies managing the line did so with grace and good humor, and

always politely explained that cellphones, smart watches, earbuds, cigarettes, lighters and opened water bottles were not allowed in the courthouse.

If one wanted to bring a bag into the courthouse it had to be clear plastic. And, a photo identification was required. The deputies always walked down the line to inform citizens what the requirements were so that a phone could be returned to a car, or a driver’s license retrieved without the loss of a place in line. These deputies were included in many selfies taken by those waiting in line, a testament to their skill.

How did the press conduct itself? Once reporters understood they could not have a cellphone or laptop in the courtroom, there were no disputes. There were always more reporters wanting seating in the courtroom than seats available, but it soon became apparent that if a reporter wanted to tweet or text live updates on the trial that could be accomplished easily in the overflow center.

Television and cable networks would on occasion bring in their nationally known on-air talent, but in each case the new arrivals accepted the restrictions without question. On balance, the press members who were in Walterboro deserve as high a grade as the individuals who worked very hard to fulfill the provision in the South Carolina Constitution that all courts are public. News organizations that were not in Walterboro had difficulty understanding that the pool arrangement was created for those organizations in Walterboro, and not intended to create remote bureaus for those not covering the trial in person.

Not all of the action occurred in the well of the courtroom. One of Murdaugh’s relatives passed a paperback book to him, and he took it back to his jail cell at the end of the day. The book was considered contraband and resulted in the Murdaugh family being moved back a couple of rows from their initial location behind the defendant. The author of the paperback was John Grisham.

One day notes were being passed and whispered inquiries were made, “Is it him?” The Mayor of Walterboro was puzzled when asked for his autograph by more than one person, but obliged with good humor. John Grisham was not in the courtroom.

Jay Bender is a retired University of South Carolina professor and media lawyer who represents the S.C. Press Association and its newspapers.

JAY BENDER

Enough with ‘woke’ – I’m awake

One never knows what’s around the corner concerning harmful rhetoric within today’s political climate. But lately, the level of harmful rhetoric emerging through the conservative extremists have met a new low-height. The book banning is almost surrealistic and the institutional makeovers that they advocate with their own brand of Christian morality certainly resemble the early Nazi movements, at least to me; and I must say, again, for me, the anti-woke rhetoric seems to have whipped the dead horse at least 10 times over.

I have always embraced the fact that I consider myself a “woke” individual. I’ve always considered “being woke” a virtue for any person, ever since it’s modern usage within the Black communities. My research into it gave me a little surprise: “Woke” terminology seemed to have started from a “little

TIM WOOD

song” (his words) that Huddie (Leadbelly) Ledbetter wrote in 1938, “Scottsboro Boys.” Ironically, it had nothing to do with enlightenment, it was a warning.

In 1931, nine Black teenage boys were accused of raping two white women in Scottsboro, Ark. Leadbelly was warning his community about the roving lynch mobs: “… I advise everybody, be a little careful – best stay woke, keep their eyes open.”

It was then popularized by the African American author, William Arthur Kelley, in 1962 as part of the “beatnik” appropriated slang from African American culture: “If you’re woke, you dig it.”

Ifind it interesting that seemingly the longevity of any given news story is directly proportional to how long the attention span of the reader might be. It appears that no matter the importance of the issue, it is readily displaced by some shiny new object that appears on the scene.

This dropped into my thought process the other day as I was watching the news. By now you may have discerned that watching the news is my addiction; for whatever strange reason, I am attracted to Neverland, a term used as a metaphor for eternal childhood and, just as accurately, childishness. I guess that speaks volumes about me and about the news feed.

A trailer came across the bottom of the screen indicating that a Florida Congressman had been indicted for wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements. Really, making false statements? Indicted for this? And so this got me to wondering about just who has to pay the price for his trespasses and who doesn’t. And even more perplexing, why aren’t all treated the same for the equivalent trespass?

It seems that Joseph Harding, 35, Republican Representative of Williston, Fla., participated in a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration. This scheme entailed obtaining coronavirus-related small business loans through fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. Additionally, Harding was charged with obtaining fraudulently-created bank statements for a dormant business entity. The charges involved much

My mom disliked slang and I was forever being corrected to not say “ain’t,” and instead use all the proper “not” pairing words: am, are, is, have, and has. The “Little Rascals” always said “ain’t” so that was good enough for me. So terms like “I sees ya,” “y’all,” “I’m a-comin’,” “piggin’ out” and a litany of others, have never offended me.

Unfortunately, there is a litany of offensive slang as well, and apparently “woke” is on the conservative extremist’s “offensive” hit list. Still, it is not on mine and it makes me angry that they have appropriated and bastardized woke with anti-woke; making anti-woke a sort of perverted goal within their brand of Christianity.

Slang within every single language on our entire Earth is constantly evolving … “like” forever! It is the blood of any language; pulsating, growing and forever changing. I just hate to see

a great slang like “woke” being vilified. And I’m upset knowing the right-wing extremists have saddled “anti” with the wonderful “woke” slang of our time; but they are experts at bringing our progressive natures down.

“Woke” to them implies socialism, communism, “bleeding heart” liberals, and anti-Christianity; they should know better but they simply like to tear down any form of liberalism. They would rather embrace an illiberal society; this means they desire to restrict our freedom of thought and behavior, when, at the same time, flaunt theirs. The horrible truth is that radical conservatives employ lies, deceit and intolerance.

I become very upset witnessing a minority hobbling the governance of a majority of our “good-intentioned” congressmen and women. I actually yearn for politically correct discourse. This simply means I yearn for accountability for lying and

is scheduled for July 25, 2023. So much for you, Joe. Sorry. Having inhabited this planet for fourscore, I fully recognize that politics is, and always has been, a dirty business; examples from both sides of the aisle have filled more books than one could read in a lifetime.

spewing alternate facts, rude and insulting behavior and advocating violence for a narrow, ideological change with fascist overtones.

Simply put, I yearn for all the virtues I still expect in civil discourse, not the present “road-rage” politics advocating changes that would actually impair our democracy and stifle our civil rights.

It is vital that people remember what being “woke” is, here and now: Woke is simply “being aware” of social and racial prejudice, discrimination and injustice; Empathy for citizens living in poverty and migrants being taken advantage of and/or abused; The right for citizens to be able to vote safely and fairly; That no child becomes malnourished or lacks medical care; Being concerned about our natural environment.

So, if you cannot love everyone (who can?), at least treat them with a civil, respectful discourse.

to know that it would bring forth an avalanche of criticism. Had they been at all nefarious in their actions, they could have remained silent.

Remember there are active, radical extremists out there now capitalizing on societal and political hyper-polarization in order to mainstream their ideologies and conspiracy theories into the public discourse. Heads of state like Hitler, Putin, Orban, Stalin, Hussein, Assad, and yes, Trump, along with many others, have already done this, and it has brought nothing but harm and suffering to their own fellow citizens along with sending their shared cultures backwards.

On and on it goes it seems. So, dig it! Be Woke! And yes, I’m proud to say, I am awake.

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

writing on them. Cool souvenirs.”

more legalese, but you get the idea.

After I read this, I was ready to dismiss it as one more rotten apple in the barrel, but Harding’s wrongdoings suddenly struck me with something greater than a nudge. Wait a minute! False statements!

Fraud! Money laundering or theft?

I checked again to be sure I wasn’t confusing this with George Santos. You remember George Santos. The one who graduated from Baruch College, but really didn’t? Stole from a Go Fund Me account for a dog with cancer? The transgressions fill so many pages that they could be considered a book. It appears that, indeed, all is fair in love and war and evidently in politics where overt lying on a mammoth scale has no consequences.

In fact the braggadocio of it all seems somehow endearing to the clan, for you can pretty much bet that they won’t say a word. Just deny it, and there is nothing to worry about. Proof of my supposition? Santos still retains his position in Congress and has, in fact, filed paperwork for re-election. Fairness, indeed.

So what about Representative Harding? He has pleaded guilty to three counts, and his sentencing

But what I want to address is the media’s propensity to give the appearance of fair play when that desire should never override the facts. The examples above caused me to think about what is occupying us front and center now, as well as what confronted us in 2022.

I reference the media approach to the retention of classified documents. We all read about and heard, ad nauseam, the drawn out story of former President Trump’s taking documents to Mar-a-Lago; the discovery by the Archives; that same group asking for the return of said documents, and getting silence in response; the FBI raid, etc, etc.

This was a daily ‘See Spot Run, Run, Spot, Run’ show. In my opinion, and yes, it is just that, journalists need to make the differences so clear that a Kindergartner can understand. Wishfully that includes some of the journalists whose need to pander to one group is such that they cannot see the forest for the trees.

To make my point, ask yourself this: why in the middle of a major investigation of the former president would the current presidential officials choose, and this is the operative word, this particular time to release information they had known all along? They had

People want to jump on the fact that they sat on the finding until after the November 6 election. I think this time frame amounted to three days. Let it also be made very clear that the Archives didn’t realize the Biden-held documents were missing until they were returned. That is a flaw in the system that needs to be corrected.

Rather than focusing on the number of documents, although the contrast is a bit staggering, let’s look at the responses of the three men involved. Vice President Pence willingly opened his Indiana home to a search, and when documents were found, he sanctioned a further search. No drama, no whining, just cooperation. Biden, like Pence, opened those places where documents might be found, and like Pence, made no move to thwart recovery efforts.

The response of Trump?

First, ignore the Archives’ multiple requests for the documents to be returned. Months go by. Then ignore the multiple subpoenas to return the same until finally the FBI conducts a search and finds said documents.

And yes, like Biden, there were others, many others, retrieved at a later time. Trump whined that his home had been raided, despite the fact that legal subpoenas had been issued. He declared, “They’re mine,” and even as late as January 18, tweeted that “these were just papers in ordinary folders with

So folks, you draw your own conclusions. For those who believe Trump can do no wrong, I suspect they stopped reading after the first mention of the man.

My contention is rather simple: let’s start making the comparisons more balanced. Let’s ask ourselves how in the world a Florida representative, convicted of and facing sentencing for his misdeeds, is different from the New York Congressman whose lies got him elected, yet he retains his position.

As for the system in getting the necessary documents to the Archives, the words “sorely flawed” come to mind. In this era of high tech, surely there is a better way to keep our documents safe and out of the hands of those who would use them against us. Just as important, let’s consider creating a method of easily removing those liars and thieves who invade our politics. Good luck with that.

And finally, as the indictment of No. 45 supposedly looms ahead, I suggest that those in various media groups who want to make their presentations seem “fair and balanced” should stick to their ethics.

That is very admirable, but I’d like to add that when doing so, they must make an effort to put all the apples together and separate them from the oranges.

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.”

CAROL LUCAS

Melatonin for sleep: Does it work?

Melatonin sleep aids are growing in popularity, according to a nationwide survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you’re among them or are considering melatonin for sleep, it’s smart to understand exactly how melatonin works.

“Your body produces melatonin naturally. It doesn’t make you sleep, but as melatonin levels rise in the evening it puts you into a state of quiet wakefulness that helps promote sleep,” explains Johns Hopkins sleep expert Luis F. Buenaver, Ph.D., C.B.S.M.

“Most people’s bodies produce enough melatonin for sleep on their own. However, there are steps you can take to make the most of your natural melatonin production, or you can try a supplement on a short-term basis if you’re experiencing insomnia, want to overcome jet lag, or are a night owl who needs to get to bed earlier and wake up earlier, such as for work or school.”

If you’d like to harness melatonin’s sleep-inducing effects, Buenaver recommends taking these steps: Work with, not against, melatonin’s sleep-inducing signals.

“Melatonin levels rise

about two hours before bedtime,” Buenaver says. “Create optimal conditions for it to do its job by keeping the lights low before bed. Stop using your computer, smartphone or tablet—the blue and green light from these devices can neutralize melatonin’s effects. If you watch television, be sure you’re at least six feet away from the screen. Turn off bright overhead lights too.” Meanwhile you can help program your body to produce melatonin for sleep at the right time of day by getting exposure to daylight during the morning and afternoon. Take a walk outside or sit beside a sunny window.

Consider melatonin sleep help for occasional insomnia.

“Even sound sleepers have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep once in a while,” Buenaver says. “You may want to try melatonin for sleep if you have difficulty for more than a night or two.” Research shows that a supplement may help people with insomnia fall asleep slightly faster and may have bigger benefits for those with delayed sleep phase syndrome—falling asleep very late and waking up late the next day.

Use melatonin sleep supplements wisely and safely.

“Less is more,” Buenaver says. Take 1 to 3 milligrams two hours before bedtime. To ease jet lag, try taking melatonin two hours before your bedtime at your destination, starting a few days before your trip. You can also adjust your sleep-wake schedule to be in sync with your new time zone by sim-

ply staying awake when you reach your destination—delaying sleep until your usual bedtime in the new time zone. Also, get outside for natural light exposure.

Know when to stop.

“If melatonin for sleep isn’t helping after a week or two, stop using it,” says Buenaver. If your sleep problems continue, talk with your health care provider. If melatonin does seem to help, it’s safe for most peo-

ple to take nightly for one to two months. After that, stop and see how your sleep is. Be sure you’re also relaxing before bed, keeping the lights low and sleeping in a cool, dark, comfortable bedroom for optimal results.

Skip melatonin for sleep if…

Do not use melatonin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have an autoim-

mune disorder, a seizure disorder or depression. Talk to your health care provider if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. Melatonin supplements may also raise blood-sugar levels and increase blood pressure levels in people taking some hypertension medications

Source: https://www. hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellnessand-prevention/melatonin-forsleep-does-it-work

Acupuncture for knee pain: Does it help?

By Rosie Jones

Knee pain has many causes, ranging from acute injuries to long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis. Depending on the cause, acupuncture may be an effective way to relieve knee pain. Acupuncture is a practice originating from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It involves inserting thin metal needles into specific points on the skin.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), there is evidence that acupuncture can help with knee pain from osteoarthritis as well as pain that occurs after surgery. However, scientists do not fully understand how it works.

Is acupuncture good for knee pain?

Acupuncture may help with knee pain, but it depends on the cause. The technique cannot replace first aid for acute injuries

or surgeries to repair knee structures. However, doctors may recommend using it as a complementary therapy, in addition to medical treatment, for some conditions. Ligament and tendon injuries. Ligaments and tendons are different types of connective tissue that connect muscles and bones. Injuries to ligaments and tendons are among the most common knee injuries. A 2020 review of the use of acupunc-

get through

ture for sports injuries found that many previous case studies reported positive effects, such as less pain and faster recovery, following treatment. However, this review included many case studies that focused on different types of injury and that used different forms of acupuncture. More research on knee injuries is necessary to determine this treatment’s effectiveness.

• Postsurgical pain. The use of acupuncture for postsurgical pain has become more common in recent years. A 2021 study investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing postoperative pain in people who had undergone total knee replacements. It found that using the method with other treatments reduced postsurgical pain and the need for pain medication. Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in a joint, wears down, allowing bones to rub against one another. This causes swelling, pain, and difficulty moving the affected joint. According to NCCIH, acupuncture can be effective in reducing osteoarthritis pain. Previous research suggests that acupuncture is comparable to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for managing pain.

How does acupuncture work for knee pain?

Scientists do not fully understand how acupuncture works to reduce pain. Some evidence suggests that the insertion of needles may affect hormone levels, which could affect how the brain perceives pain.

According to practitioners of TCM, there are around 361 acupuncture points in the human body. These points run along meridians, which practitioners describe as pathways for life energy to flow through the body. These meridians may correspond to peripheral nerves. Some acupuncture points a practitioner may use for

treating knee pain include:

Yin Ling Quan or spleen 9, which is in the hollow of the inner leg, below the kneecap Yang Ling Quan or gallbladder 34, which is just below the outer knee, above the shinbone Dubi or stomach 35, which is below the kneecap toward the outer leg

Zusanli or stomach 36, which is on the outer leg, below the kneecap Weiyang or urinary bladder 39, which is on the outside edge of the middle of the back of the knee

Weizhong or urinary bladder 40, which is in the middle of the back of the knee

How long do the results last?

Depending on the type and cause of the pain a person has, the results of acupuncture may last months or one year.

Usually, the technique involves several sessions. More sessions may be necessary for chronic pain, while acute pain may require fewer sessions. However, some people may not experience any benefits after receiving acupuncture. Alternatively, they may only experience short-term effects. Anyone looking to try acupuncture should discuss creating a treatment plan with their doctor and acupuncturist.

Cost and insurance for acupuncture.

The cost of one acupuncture session can range from around $75 to $200. Some insurance companies offer full or partial coverage, but some may not. It can depend on the condition a person has, whether other

treatments have been effective, and how many sessions someone needs.

People can check whether their insurance policy will cover acupuncture when considering the treatment. How to find a practitioner.

A person should only receive acupuncture from a qualified professional. Improperly administering the technique can have serious risks, such as infections and injury to internal organs.

Most states require acupuncture practitioners to have licenses. People can find an acupuncturist using the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine directory. When looking for an acupuncturist, a person needs to check their credentials and consider speaking with them before booking a session. This can help ensure individuals feel safe and comfortable around them.

In summary, although scientists do not yet fully understand acupuncture, evidence suggests that it may be useful for treating some types of knee pain. It may help with pain due to osteoarthritis, postoperative pain, and, potentially, acute knee injuries.

The benefits of acupuncture can last varying amounts of time, so a person may need repeated sessions. However, it should not serve as a replacement for professional healthcare, and individuals should speak with a doctor before trying it.

Medically reviewed by Kerry Boyle

D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., CYT

Source: https://www. medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ acupuncture-for-knee-pain?

Thank you to

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Options & References for a Healthier Life

Are you using a salt substitute?

By Marty Velasco Hames

Salt substitutes can be an effective way to help lower your blood pressure and fight heart disease. But experts warn that overuse of certain salt substitutes or alternatives can be dangerous for some people.

Dr. Regis Fernandes, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, explains why you should use caution with using a salt substitute.

Cutting back on salt is one of the best ways to lower your risk of heart disease.

“Salt increases our blood pressure, and high blood pressure is associated with a higher cardiovascular risk, so stroke for instance,” says Dr. Fernandes.

It’s the sodium chloride in table salt that can be bad for your heart. People often turn to salt substitutes as a healthy alternative.

“They don’t have sodium chloride, but they have potassium chloride. So, for people that are trying not to eat too much potassium, they have to be careful with that,” he says.

Dr. Fernandes says use caution if you have certain conditions, including, kidney, heart and liver disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Certain medications, like angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE inhibitors), can also pose a risk.

So before turning to a salt substitute or an alternative, Dr. Fernandes recommends checking with your health care team.

Source: Newsnetwork.MayoClinic.org, March 15, 2023

Tips for reducing salt in your diet

Americans consume too much salt, and that increases the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency says most of the salt in the American diet comes from processed foods and restaurant dishes, but even homecooked meals can be too salty.

To help you reduce salt intake to the ideal one teaspoon per day, the National Kidney Foundation and Council of Renal Nutrition

offer 10 tips to reduce sodium in your diet.

1. Use fresh, rather than packaged, meats. Fresh cuts of beef, chicken or pork contain natural sodium, but the content is still much less than the hidden extra sodium added during processing in products like bacon or ham. If a food item keeps well in the fridge for days or weeks, that’s a tip off that the sodium content is too high.

2. Choose fresh fruit and vegetables, since they are very low in sodium. Canned and

frozen fruits are also low in sodium.

3. When buying frozen vegetables, choose those that are labeled “fresh frozen” and do not contain added seasoning or sauces.

4. Begin reading food labels as a matter of course. Sodium content is always listed on the label. Sometimes the high sugar content in a product like apple pie can mask the high sodium content so it’s important to check every label for sodium content.

5. Compare various brands of

Grilled pork fajitas

the same food item until you find the one that has the lowest sodium content, since this will vary from brand to brand.

6. Select spices or seasonings that do not list sodium on their labels, i.e., choose garlic powder over garlic salt.

7. Before dining out, do your research. Visit the restaurant’s website which should list the sodium content of various dishes served there. Alternatively, when you’re at the restaurant and ready to order, you can request that the dish be served without salt.

8. Beware of products that don’t taste especially salty but still have high sodium content, such as cottage cheese.

9. If you have elevated blood pressure, dietary sodium restriction can not only lower your blood pressure but can enhance your response to blood pressure medications.

10. Salt preference is an acquired taste that can be unlearned. It takes about 6-8 weeks to get used to eating food with much lower quantities of salt, but once it’s done, it’s actually difficult to eat foods like potato chips because they taste way too salty.

Source: https://www.kidney.org/newsletter/ top-10-tips-reducing-salt-your-diet

Using pork tenderloin instead of the traditional beef steak reduces the amount of saturated fat in these fajitas.

Serves 8

Ingredients

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into strips

1/2 inch wide and 2 inches long

1 small onion, sliced

8 whole-wheat flour tortillas, about 8 inches in diameter, warmed in the microwave

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

4 medium tomatoes, diced (about 3 cups)

4 cups shredded lettuce

1 cup salsa

Directions

1. Prepare a hot fire in a charcoal grill or heat a gas grill or broiler to medium-high or 400 F.

2. In a small bowl, stir together the cumin, oregano, paprika, coriander and garlic powder. Dredge the pork pieces in the seasonings, coating completely.

3. Place the pork strips and onions in a cast-iron pan or grill basket. Grill or broil at medium-high heat, turning several times, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

4. To serve, spread an equal amount of pork strips and onions on each tortilla. Top each with 1 tablespoon cheese, 2 tablespoons tomatoes, 1/2 cup shredded lettuce and 2 tablespoons salsa. Fold sides of tortilla over the filling, then roll to close.

Recipe source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/ recipes/grilled-pork-fajitas/rcp-20049668

wise WORDS © care TALK ©

What is health literacy?

Health literacy involves the information that people need to be able to make good decisions about health. There are two parts: Personal health literacy is about how well a person can find and understand the health information and services that they need. It is also about using the information and services to make good health decisions.

• Organizational health literacy is about to how well organizations help people find the health information and services that they need. It also includes helping them use that information to make good health decisions. Care magazine® has been dedicated to bringing Lowcountry health consumers up-to-date, fact-checked health information for 23 years.

Which factors can affect health literacy?

Many different factors can affect a person’s health literacy, including their:

Knowledge of medical words

Understanding of how the health care system works

Ability to communicate with health care providers

• Ability to find health information, which may require computer skills

Reading, writing, and number skills

Personal factors, such as age,

income, education, language abilities, and culture

Physical or mental limitations

Many of the same people who are at risk for limited health literacy also have health disparities. Health disparities are health differences between different groups of people. These groups may be based on age, race, gender, or other factors.

Why is health literacy important?

Health literacy is important because it can affect your ability to:

Make good decisions about your health

Get the medical care you need. This includes preventative care, which is care to prevent disease.

Take your medicines correctly

Manage a disease, especially a chronic disease

Lead a healthy lifestyle

One thing that you can do is to make sure that you communicate well with your health care providers. If you don’t understand something a provider tells you, ask them to explain it to you so that you understand. You can also ask the provider to write down their instructions.

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

Art, dance, and music

Art, dance, and music all appeal to a person’s senses and may be used as therapy in many situations. Each of these modalities helps a person express himself or herself and helps distract and potentially improve from the disease or illness:

• Art therapy. This can help a person deal with emotional conflicts, become aware of issues, and express unspoken concerns. Art therapy includes painting, sculpting, drawing, and any other form of art.

Dance therapy. This helps improve body image and self-esteem, decrease

fears, express anger, decrease body tensions, reduce chronic pain, and more.

• Music therapy. Often used in hospitals and other care centers, this is an effective relaxant for infants and children. It may also be used with burn victims, cancer patients, cerebral palsy patients, and patients with other brain disorders and neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s

Join Us for Easter Mass!

If you have been away from Mass, Easter is a great time to come back!

Our hearts long to truly worship together in person with the angels and saints in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and our souls hunger for Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

Easter Sunday at Saint Peter’s 2023

Sunday, April 9

English: 7:00 am 9:00 am 11:00 am

Spanish: 1:00 pm

For complete Holy Week schedule and Confession opportunities, please visit www.stpetersbeaufort.org/easter

Christ Reveals Himself to Us in the Eucharist

On the road to Emmaus, the two disciples recognized the Risen Christ as he broke the bread, which was the way the early Christians described the Eucharist.

Jesus is still walking alongside us, wanting to reveal himself to each of us in the breaking of the bread. In the Mass, we encounter the Risen Lord, truly present in the Holy Eucharist.

If you have been away, know that you are missed, and our parish family is not the same without you! We look forward to seeing you this Easter and encountering the Risen Lord with you!

70 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort, SC 843-522-9555 • www.stpetersbeaufort.org • office@stpetersbeaufort.org

Three Nights of Prayer

6:30pm - 8:30pm

All Are Welcome!

Monday, April 17 Built Upon the Rock Luke 6:48

Good news: Jesus is still healing today! As God in our midst, Jesus healed many people during his ministry on earth, often with a simple touch or a word. He still loves us and desires to heal us, both spiritually and physically, and even in our own day he continues to offer freedom and healing to those who ask! The problem is, we often assume he doesn’t do things like this anymore, so we don’t bother to ask. Or we have faith, but we don’t know how to ask for healing.

Last spring, we hosted several evenings of prayer for healing, led by a special speaker, Reverend Greg Bramlage. He travels across the country helping people to ask Jesus for the healing that they need. He and his prayer team will be returning April 17-19 to help us grow deeper in our love for Jesus and our experience of his healing.

Where:

Tuesday, April 18

Led by the Spirit Acts 11:12

Wednesday, April 19 Delivered from the Dominion of Darkness

Colossians 1:13

Last year, we witnessed many healings from Jesus! There were many spiritual healings, such as people finally able to forgive someone who has done them tremendous harm. There were also many physical healings, including sight and hearing being restored, serious back or shoulder problems healed, and a woman regaining her ability to move freely without a walker! We can’t wait to see what Jesus does this time! Why not join us for this year’s mission? We all need healing in one way or another. All of us have room to grow in our love for Jesus and our experience of his mercy. There is no cost, and all are welcome to attend, whatever your faith background might be. Please join us and bring a friend!

&

Battery Creek shortstop Talmadge Magbee keeps the ball in front of him after it takes a bad bounce during the Dolphins’ game with Beaufort High School on Tuesday at Dolphins Field. The Dolphins lost to the crosstown rival Eagles, 15-0, and dropped to 3-6, 0-1 in Region 8-3A play. Bob

Eagles down Dolphins, stay perfect in region

Battery Creek pitcher Stella Schubert tries to cover home plate as Beaufort’s Arianna Smith slides in just before the ball during their non-conference game Tuesday, at Dolphins Field. The visiting Lady Eagles won the conference game, 5-1, and increased their overall record to 6-1, 3-0 in Region 8-3A. The Lady Dolphins drop to 5-3, 2-1 in the conference. Bob Sofaly/The Island News LowcoSports.com

Beaufort High’s baseball team hit a bump in the road with an 11-7 loss to Class 5A Summerville last week, but the Eagles are still unblemished in Region 8-3A play after routing rival Battery Creek in a home-and-home series.

Carter Bowersox pitched a three-inning complete game in a 15-0 win Tuesday at Battery Creek and Zack Talbert struck out nine in a four-inning complete game in an 11-1 home win Friday.

Logan Brutcher continued to swing a hot bat for the Eagles, as the Charleston Southern commit went 5-for-8 with three doubles, two RBIs, and five runs in the series, and Chase McKelvey provided a boost with his bat, going 3-for-4 with a homer and scoring four runs.

Beaufort had six players collect multiple hits in Friday’s game, including a 3-for-4 night from Bowersox and a 2-for-2 showing from Dom Camacho, who broke it open with a two-run triple. Hunter Hollingsworth tripled and scored,

Sofaly/The Island News SEE BASEBALL PAGE B2

Beaufort bangs up Battery Creek

LowcoSports.com

The pitching staff has been brilliant for Beaufort High’s softball team of late, but the bats came to life to propel the Eagles to a Region 8-3A sweep of rival Battery Creek last week.

The recent trend of dominant pitching continued in Tuesday’s opener, as Kylie Rast spun a one-hitter with 11 strikeouts, allowing one unearned run with two walks and a lone bunt single in the hit column for Creek. The Eagles came up with some timely hits in support of Rast, as Madisyn Miller and Arianna

Smith each went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Rast led the hit parade in Friday’s offensive outburst, going 3-for-5 with a homer and three RBIs and scoring four runs, and Smith was 4-for-4 with an RBI and scored three times. Adalyn Johnson added a pair of doubles and three RBIs and scored twice, and she piled up 11 strikeouts in a complete game, allowing three walks, six hits, and two earned runs.

The Eagles (8-3, 4-0) have a pair of non-region games on the schedule this week, at home against West Ashley on Wednesday and at Hilton Head High on Friday. The Dolphins

HIGH SCHOOL ROUNDUP

1G, Zeke Gonzalez 1G

(6-5, 2-2) have home games against John Paul II on Thursday and Hanahan on Friday.

Beaufort 5, Battery Creek 1

WP: Kylie Rast 7IP, 1H, 1R, 0ER, 2BB, 11K

BFT (7-3, 3-0): Madisyn Miller 2-3, RBI; Arianna

Smith 2-3, R, RBI

BCHS (5-4, 2-1): Stella Schubert 7IP, 8H, 5R, 3ER, 1BB, 3K

Beaufort 14, Battery Creek 7

WP: Adalyn Johnson 7IP, 6H, 7R, 2ER, 3BB, 11K

BFT (8-3, 4-0): Kylie Rast 3-5, HR, 4R, 3RBI; Johnson

2-4, 2 2B, 2R, 3RBI; R.Brozek 1-4, 2B, 2RBI; R.Brozek

2-4, R, RBI; Caylin Adkins 2-4, 2B, R, 2RBI; Madisyn

Miller 2-4, 2R; Arianna Smith 4-4, 3R, RBI

BCHS (6-5, 2-2): Haley Maroney 2-4, 2B, 3R; Caitlyln

Bentley 2-3, 3B, 2R, RBI; Brooke Crosby 1-3, 2R, RBI

Branchville 5, Whale Branch 2

WB (2-9, 1-5)

John Paul II 8, Coastal Hurricanes 2

JPII (6-1): Tony Hill 4G, Brenden McDermott 1G, Jackson Sanders 1G, Sebastian Slusne 1G, Larry

Racey-Rubalcado 1G

John Paul II 3, St. Andrew’s 3

JPII (6-1-1): Brennan McDermott 1G, Austin Floyd

1G, Jose Rayo 1G, Tony Hill 1A

GIRLS LACROSSE

Effingham Co. 12, Beaufort 8

BFT (2-6): Megan Alvarez 4G, Sophia Pellegrino

3RBI; Bryant Jolley 1-2, 2B, R, RBI

BCHS (3-7-1): Jackson Elder 4IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 2K;

Hunter Hollingsworth 3-4, 2 2B, R, 2RBI; Aiden

Hovest 1-4, 2RBI; Gunner Hollingsworth 2-3, 2B

Summerville 11, Beaufort 7

BFT (8-3-1): Logan Brutcher 2-4; Carter

Bowersox 3-3, 2B, 2R; Malcolm Webb 1-4, 2B, R,

2RBI; Miles Goodwater 1-3, R, 2RBI

SOFTBALL

John Paul II 10, Patrick Henry 2

WP: Tevi Mullen 7IP, 7H, 2R, 1ER, 0BB, 10K

JPII (3-1): Caylin Gecy 3-5, 2B, 3B, 2R; Rachael

Brenneman 4-5, RBI, 3R; Cayce Graves 2-5, 2B,

HR, R, 3RBI; Samantha Reilly 3-4, 2B, 2R; Hannah

Ketchledge 2-4, 2RBI

John Paul II 13, Cardinal Newman 1

WP: Tevi Mullen 4IP, 3H, 1R, 1ER, 0BB, 9K

JPII (4-1): Rachael Brenneman 2-2, 2R; Shelby

Pinski 2-2, 2R, RBI; Caylin Gecy 2-3, 3B, 2R, RBI; Cayce Graves 2-2, 3B, HR, 2R, 3RBI; Samantha Reilly 2-3, 2B, 2R, 2RBI

3G, Lillian Carr 1G

Academic Magnet 18, Beaufort 4

BFT (2-7): Megan Alvarez 2G, Liz Livesay 1G, Jenna

Michels 1G, Sophia Pellegrino 1A

BOYS LACROSSE

Beaufort 16, Laurence Manning 3

BFT (3-6): Riley Durette 4G/3A, Abhiaav Barigala

3G/1A, Jacob Preston 2G/1A, Hunter Boother 2G, Cameron Mazola 2G, Anthony Migliorino 1G/1A, Emory Orton 1G, Theeb Bayyoud 1A

Beaufort 9, Bluffton 3

BFT (4-6, 2-2): Anthony Migliorino 2G/2A, Riley

Durette 2G/1A, Ian Szczepek 2G, Hunter Boother

1G/1A, Jacob Preston 1G/1A, Emory Orton 1G, Blake Burns 1A, Abhiaav Barigala 10sv

BOYS TENNIS

HH Prep 5, Beaufort 2

Singles

1. Graeme Angus (B) def. Bobby Bart 6-2, 6-3

2G, Evan Rankin

2. Diego Alvarez (B) def. Hews Goodson 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 10-5

3. JW Moody (HHP) def. Casey Hoogenboom 6-0, 6-3

4. James Aragon (HHP) def. James Simmons 6-1, 6-3

5. Jack Cozza (HHP) def. Grisham Stone 6-3, 6-2

Doubles

1. Goodson/Evan Philips (HHP) def. Angus/Alvarez

6-4, 6-3

2. Cole Mustard/Will Barney (HHP) won by forfeit

Bluffton 4, Beaufort 3

Singles

1. Graeme Angus (BFT) def. Garrett Rowe 6-0, 6-0

2. Diego Alvarez (BFT) def. Jackson Floyd 6-1, 6-0

3. Luke Finger (BLUF) def. Casey Hoogenboom

1-6, 6-2, 10-8

4. Todd Patten (BLUF) def. James Simmons 6-0, 6-1

5. Brendon Habs (BLUF) def. Grisham Stone 6-1, 6-0

Doubles

1. Angus/Alvarez (BFT) def. Rowe/Floyd 8-0

2. William Zendzian/Chris Smith (BLUF) won by forfeit Beaufort Academy 7, Palmetto Christian 2

Singles

1. Everett Nason (BA) def. Ethan Gawryluk 6-3, 6-3

2. Davis Bonebrake (BA) def. Andy Motley 6-0, 6-0

3. Vann Hefner (BA) def. Graham Eller 6-2, 6-2

4. Preston Aivaz (BA) def. Pierce Meza 6-2, 6-2

5. Nathaniel Nash (BA) def. Rawls Karnes 6-0, 6-0

6. K.J. Browning (BA) won by forfeit

Doubles

1. Gawryluk/Mottley (PCA) def. Aden Harrington/ James Niemand 10-7

2. Rawls Karnes/Pierce Meza (PCA) def. Leone diProperzio/Franklin Savage 10-8

3. Langdon Taylor/Sarah Green (BA) won by forfeit

Beaufort Academy No. 2 boys singles tennis player Davis Bonebreak returns the ball to Praise Christian Academy’s Andy Motley during their tennis match Tuesday March 21, at Beaufort Academy. Bonebreak defeated Motely in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Eagles sweep past Dolphins on pitch

LowcoSports.com

It’s a classic tale. The unstoppable force meets the immovable object. Or in this case, the all-state goalkeeper.

After scoring 53 goals in an 8-01 start, Battery Creek’s girls soccer team couldn’t get one past Georgia Southern signee Quinn Wilson, who posted a pair of clean sheets for Beaufort High in 7-0 and 4-0 wins over the rival Dolphins.

Selena Duncan scored five goals, and Johanna Laney and Reese Meyers each added one in Tuesday’s matchup at Battery Creek, and Beaufort’s back line limited the Dolphins’ opportunities to sneak one past their all-star keeper.

Duncan put on another show Friday at home, scoring all four goals for the Eagles, while Payton Mullen was instrumental in shutting down Battery Creek’s attack and Wilson did her job in goal.

The Eagles (3-4, 2-2) face a non-region test at Parkview (Ga.) on Thursday before resuming region play at home against Hanahan on April 18. The Dolphins (8-2-1, 0-2) were scheduled to play the Hawks twice this week with a non-region trip to Jenkins on Wednesday.

Battery Creek goalkeeper Justice Cano makes a diving save and hangs onto the ball as Beaufort’s Talmadge Magbee jumps over him while trying to score during their conference game Tuesday, March 21, at Dolphins Stadium. The visiting Eagles came away with a 5-0 win to increase their record to 4-2, 3-1 in Region 8-3A. The Dolphins dropped to 6-3, 2-2 in the region. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Beaufort’s boys were nearly as dominant in sweeping the Dolphins, posting a clean sheet in a 5-0 win Tuesday at home and blast-

ing Battery Creek 9-2 on the road Friday. Beck Schwerin scored four goals, Grant Schwerin and Evan Lippy added two apiece, and Bryce

DeFillipis scored a goal and assisted on three more. Beaufort (4-2, 3-1) is off until hosting North Charleston on Tuesday.

PREP SOCCER ROUNDUP

Battery

Battery Creek (6-3, 2-2) plays a home-and-home series with region rival Hanahan this week, hosting the Hawks on Friday.

Bridges boys stay perfect; BA girls surging

LowcoSports.com

Bridges Prep’s boys soccer team roared out of the gate with a preseason tournament title, and the Bucs haven’t stopped since.

Bridges remained unbeaten with a 5-1 win over Region 7-1A rival Royal Live Oaks on Tuesday to improve to 9-0-1 and all but clinch the region crown.

“I’m so proud of my guys,”

Release

Bridges Prep coach Bruce Marroquin said. “They went through some adversity in the first half of a very emotional, physical game, but they stayed calm and composed.”

Clay Sanders scored a pair of goals in the big win, while Gary Hansen, Liam Sanders, and Pablo Astorqui-Manene each added one with Zaire Nelson providing a pair of assists. The Bucs’ back line kept the pressure off keeper Darick

Fisher, who turned away four shots. The Bucs also routed Whale Branch 10-0 last week, getting a hat trick from Austin Lesesne and two goals each from Timothy English and Hansen.

BA girls finding footing

After a four-match winless streak that included two ties

& Remember

A Community Butterfly Release

Saturday, April

Deadline: Friday, April 21, 2023

Envelopes containing butterflies will be given to donors beginning at 10:30am. Announcements begin at 11:00am immediately followed by the release of the butterflies.

Donor Name: ___________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________

Phone: ____________________________ Email: ___________________

$12 per butterfly. 1 butterfly per name. Names will be printed on the In Memory Board displayed at the event and the FRIENDS of Caroline website. In Memory of: _________________________________________________

Cash Check Credit Card Credit Card # ________________________________________________ Exp _____________

Mail completed form above to: Friends of Caroline 329 Friends Lane • Ridgeland, SC 29936

Order online at FOCHospice.org or scan the QR code.

Questions: 843-525-6257

against quality opponents, Beaufort Academy’s girls got back on track with a pair of wins last week, blanking Colleton Prep 6-0 at home and handing crosstown rival Holy Trinity its first loss in a 3-1 road victory Friday.

The Eagles (5-2-2, 2-1) have an opportunity to avenge their only region loss thus far when they host Patrick Henry at 5:15 p.m. Monday.

Find more futbol news on Lowco FC

If you just can’t get enough news and analysis on the area high school soccer scene, check out the Lowco FC podcast with LowcoSports.com’s Wes Kerr and May River boys soccer coach Misael Garzon. You can find it on the Lowco Media YouTube channel or your favorite podcast app.

Beaufort swimmers perform well at Grand Strand Masters event

LowcoSports.com

Five members of the Beaufort Masters Swim Team took part in the 2023 South Carolina Short Course Yards Championship hosted by Grand Strand Masters Swimming on Feb. 24-26 in North Myrtle Beach.

Meredith Anderson won the 100-yard freestyle (1:04.45) and the 50-yard butterfly (31.86) in the 35-39 age group. Mary Ann Capria won the 100-yard breaststroke (1:51.12) in the 65-69 age group.

Toni Dominguez won the 200-yard butterfly (2:35.70) in the 30-34 age group. In the 70-74 age group, Peter Hoffmann placed second in the 500-yard freestyle (7:13.52), the 1,650-yard freestyle (24:47.05) and the 100-yard backstroke (1:26.45). Stephanie Wanninger placed second in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:25.95) in the 30-34 age group.

Meredith Anderson, Mary Ann Capria, Toni Dominguez, and Stephanie Waninger won the 200-yard medley relay (2:25.53 min).

GOLF ROUNDUP

Nimmer, Anderson crack top 25

LowcoSports.com

In what was a de facto “home game” for a pair of Lowco-grown professional golfers, Bluffton’s Bryson Nimmer and Beaufort Academy alum Mark Anderson both had strong showings at the Korn Ferry Tour’s Club Car Championship at the Landings Club in Savannah.

Nimmer surged to a tie for 10th with a blistering 5-under 67 in Sunday’s final round, while Anderson found himself in contention going into the weekend after starting with a 70 and 67 and held on to tie for 25th.

from page B1

and Michael Haynes added a double for the Dolphins. The Eagles (9-3-1, 4-0) play a home-and-home non-region series with Class 5A Fort Dorchester on the

Both Nimmer and Anderson are in the field for the Astara Chile Classic in Santiago, Chile, this week.

Eagles finish 6th at Prep Cup

Eight of the top high school boys golf teams in the region went head to head last week at the Prep Cup, and Beaufort High finished sixth in the 36-hole event.

The Eagles shot 330 in round 1 at Wexford Club and 333 in round 2 at Long Cove Club with Simon McAlister (77-78) finishing 12th and Jerry Bruns (80-80) in 16th.

Creek’s Sophia Felix, left, heads the ball away from Beaufort’s Reese Meyers during their game Tuesday, March 21, at Dolphins Stadium. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Members of the Beaufort Masters Swim Team. Submitted photo.

What will be your wager about God’s existence?

God’s offer for everyone to accept His salvation is the greatest gesture of compassion and grace the world has ever known. However, for those who reject His invitation, as the rich young ruler did, choosing to embrace the default and ignoring the divine, will be the most devastating decision a person will ever make.

The image of a red devil with a pitchfork is not cute or a joke and neither is the holiness of God who has always demanded honor, reverence, and respect.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding,” Proverbs

9:10. Having factual information and accepting it are two profoundly different things and whether we want to admit it or not, we choose whom we will serve every moment.

It’s no secret that seekers of truth have lots of difficult questions. I guess the most important at the end of life is, “How much truth did the seeker find?” and, more importantly, “How much of it did they comprehend and demonstrate?” It’s been said that knowledge is merely the accumulation of information, but wisdom is the understanding of knowledge.

We use the concept of levels to describe just how far and how deep we will venture in our quest to know the mysteries and secrets about God and the meaning and purpose of our lives. Sadly, the passion to discover these revelations seem to only matter to a fraction of the population, which is peculiar.

With the help of technology we receive a constant flow of communication at the push of a button and most consider this a blessing.

Nonetheless, what the masses fail to realize is that information is commonly mixed with biased and opinionated commentary that contaminates the message, which in turn can distort our perspectives.

In this light, things are not always the way they seem, thus the critical need for spiritual discernment.

Deception is like an infection of the mind and soul. The modern views about philosophy and spirituality declare that truth is relative to what the individual believes, and there is not a divine standard of truth for everyone to trust and obey.

Yet, the Bible is very clear about there only being one God and one truth, which means that what we believe has everything to do with whether we are right or wrong. When it comes to our state of being in the next dimension, we do not want to be on the side of error and face judgment for conforming to the culture.

I’m sure with the hundreds of newspapers that publish this column each week, there are skeptics, agnostics, and maybe even a few atheists that read it, and I’m honored. There is a growing audience that is interested to know if anyone can prove that God exists, and this is the most important question anyone could ask.

and literally introduce Him to you. There is just as much faith in rejecting God as there is in embracing Him, and we are accountable for our choices. In the spirit realm, divine truth is absolute, but in the natural world, there is virtually no absolute proof outside of pure logic and mathematics. For that reason, courtrooms do not require absolute proof to reach a verdict; rather, they seek to present reasonable doubt and consider what’s most probable.

Some have heard of Pascal’s wager which is a pragmatic argument presented by the 17thcentury French philosopher and theologian Blaise Pascal (1623-1662). He considered that all human beings wager with their eternal future concerning whether God exists or not. By the way, these decisions are not optional. Merely by existing we are forced to decide even if we are convinced we are not participating at all.

Pascal’s presentation basically declares that if we wager that God is just a fairy tale and we are correct, we have lost nothing. However, if we believe that He is real and we love and serve Him, we have gained everything.

Yet, many gamble against the odds and will risk losing their souls, knowing there is overwhelming evidence for the reality of God. Read Mark 8:36-37. You see, believing in God does not require blind faith, but neither can it overcome determined resistance. Airtight, sound arguments will remain unconvincing to those who are resolved to doubt.

Learn more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com

I can give examples of what I believe confirms He is real, but at the end of the day, I cannot knock on God’s door

BILLY HOLLAND

ARTS

Children’s Art Club

3:45 to 5 p.m., Thursday, March 30, The Social Betty, 204 Carteret Street, Beaufort. Children love learning to be creative with clay and other art mediums. It’s the perfect way for them to express themselves. For ages 6-10. Contact the instructor for details at 843-2905835.

Jewelry Design and Creation

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, April 3, The Social Betty, 204 Carteret Street, Beaufort. With Joanne Graham. All materials including silver will be provided. Call Joanne at 843-8123190 for information.

The Joy of Flowers workshop

6 to 8 p.m., Monday, April 3, The Social Betty, 204 Carteret Street, Beaufort. Freelance Floral and Interior Designer, Tierney Stone will present a special spring workshop at The Social Betty. Arranging florals in this handson workshop will elevate your enjoyment and creativity with all things flowers! Bring one large vase and two small ones to arrange and take home filled with your designs. Space is limited. Call 843-715-1201 for a reservation.

Fractals: Beautiful Geometry

6 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 4, Morris Center

For Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S Jacob Smart Blvd, Ridgeland. Mesmerizing math? It may sound like a contradiction, but when the math involves fractals (never-ending patterns), you’ll be drawn into their intricate beauty. Learn more about these stunning creations with Dr. Manuel “Bud” Sanders, Professor of Mathematics at University of South Carolina Beaufort. Whether man-made, computergenerated, or found in nature, fractals are sure to fascinate. Register at https://www. morrisheritagecenter.org/event-5151660.

Frosted Artistry

6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 5, The Social Betty, 204 Carteret Street, Beaufort. Get ready for Easter! Reserve your place for a fun evening of Frosted Artistry. You’ll leave with a collection of gorgeous cookies perfectly decorated for your Easter celebration. For reservations: 631-793-7386.

Artisan’s Spring Fling Market

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, April 8, Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club, 30 Yacht Club Drive, Beaufort. Handicraft arts and crafts fair. Local artists providing jewelry, shell art, culinary, wood design, paintings, pottery, textiles, home décor, photographs and more.

Lowcountry Glass Mosaics Workshop

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 22, Morris Center For Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S Jacob Smart Blvd, Ridgeland. Ages 16 and up. $55 registration fee. Create a luminous mosaic suncatcher in this 4-hour workshop led by glass artist Pat Stone. You’ll also learn how to safely cut glass, follow mosaic patterns, and grout pieces. Purchases are non-refundable. Register at https://www. morrisheritagecenter.org/event-5047016.

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. Sharing Hearts Support Group

5:30 to 7 p.m., second Tuesday of every month, 2201 Boundary Street, Suite 208, Beaufort. Free. Come tell your 10-minute story of a life lesson or healing message using your own creative expression through a song, poetry, reading, art or verbal storytelling. Come away with an uplifting sense of support and connections or to just listen. Register by leaving a voicemail with name, phone and number of attendees at 843-525-6115 or send email to reneesutton@ healthierhealing.com. Notification will be done of any location change due to seat requirements. Next event is on Tuesday, April 11.

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

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

Eric’s Karaoke Krew

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

Bluffton Night Bazaar — a Lowcountry

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

Rooted Beaufort Yoga classes

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

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Wet Willie’s Trivia Night

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

Wet Willie’s Bingo Night

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

Eric’s Karaoke Krew

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

Eric’s Karaoke Krew

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

Karaoke with Melissa

7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fridays, R Bar & Grill, 70 Pennington Dr, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.

Drum Circle

6:30 to 8 p.m., 2nd Friday of every month, Gazeebo, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort. Free. Anyone welcome, no experience necessary. Eric Roy, a recent transplant from Connecticut with successful experience in leading drum circles, is our new facilitator. He will start sessions off with 1520 minutes of instruction on djembe playing and teach a selected traditional rhythm & accompaniment for participants to play. In addition, there will be time allotted for spontaneous group drumming. Bring a drum, if you have one, a chair and a desire to have fun. The Drum Circle has several extra drums and many other percussion instruments that anyone can use. To receive updates on future events, send your email to lannyk13@gmail. com. This session will be on Friday, April 14.

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.

Eric’s Karaoke Krew

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

Eric’s Karaoke Krew

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

Karaoke with Melissa

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

Play & Eat – Dinner Theater

6 to 8:30 p.m., Saturdays, April 1, April 15, April 29, May 13, May 20, June 3, June 17, and July 1, Hilton Garden Inn, 1500 Queen Street, Beaufort. Solve a murder mystery while you feast on a fantastic dinner. Just to let you know the murderer is hiding somewhere in the room, and you may find yourself as one of the suspects if you don’t watch it. This is a prize-winning competition and everyone is a participant. For more information, contact 843-592-6209 or playandeatdinnertheater@ gmail.com, or visit the website at www. playandeatdinnertheater.com.

Memory Matters: Memory & Aging

4 p.m., Tuesday, April 4, Encompass Health Rehab Hospital, 107 Seagrass Station Rd, Bluffton. $20 for this session, or $40 for all Memory Matters sessions. Speaker: Dr. Paul Mazzeo, Coastal Neurology.

Lowcountry Christian Women’s Connection

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm., Wednesday, April 19, Hampton Hall Clubhouse, 170 Hampton Hall Blvd., Bluffton. “The Fabric of Friendship” features speaker Norma McMurry. Cost is $28 and must be prepaid by April 1. Make checks payable to CWC Bluffton and send to Carol Mock, 607 Argent Way, Bluffton SC 29909. For information contact Carol Mock at 843705-7604 or Julie Ott at 602-750-5465 Julie. ott.az@gmail.com.

MCAS Beaufort Airshow

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

Memory Matters Brain Booster Class

1 to 3 p.m., Monday, May 8, 15, & 22, First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 99$ fee. A threeweek brain wellness course for active adults that promotes positive lifestyle strategies for improved brain health. Instructed by Memory Matters’ Community Education Director Debbie Anderson.

Lowcountry Christian Women’s

Connection Luncheon

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 17,

HIGHWAY 21 DRIVE-IN

The movies scheduled for this week (Thursday, March 30 through Sunday, April 2) at the Highway 21 Drive-In are John Wick, Chapter 4 (R, 8 p.m.) and Plane (R, 10:45 p.m.) on Screen 1; Dungeons & Dragons (PG13, 8 p.m.) and Scream VI (R, 10:45 p.m.) on Screen 2; and Shazaam! Fury of the Gods (PG-13, 8 p.m.) and Creed III (PG-13, 10:15 p.m.) on Screen 3 (Friday and Saturday).

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

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

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

Upcoming movies include The Super Mario Bros. Movie (April) and among Renfield (April).

Hampton Hall Clubhouse, 170 Hampton Hall Blvd., Bluffton. Derby Days: Feature-Heroes on Horseback. Invited Speaker: Rose Lewis. Cost $28, must be prepaid. Please make checks payable to CWC Bluffton and send to Carol Mock, 607 Argent Way, Bluffton S.C. 29909. For more information call Julie Ott at 602-705-5465.

67th annual Beaufort Water Festival

Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 23, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort.

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-the-century businesses and industries of Port Royal: Shrimping, crabbing, oystering, the railroad, the school and the mercantile. Great gifts featuring local artists are available. For more information. visit www.portroyalhistory.org, email historicportroyalfoundation@gmail.com or call 843-524-4333.

Tour Historic Fort Fremont

Dawn to dusk, Monday through Sunday, The Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land’s End Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public. The History Center is open Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and, in March, 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

Law Talk

Select times and days, Lobeco Branch Library, 1862 Trask Parkway, Seabrook. To register, call 843-255-6479. Free. Brief topic overview with Question & Answer with volunteer attorney. Tuesday, Feb. 28, 5 to 6 p.m., Landlord Tenant Law; Tuesday, March 18, 5 to 6 p.m., Wills, Estates, and Probate; Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m. to noon, Heirs Property; Saturday, May 20, 11 a.m. to noon, Starting a Business or Nonprofit.

Dungeons & Dragons

4 p.m., Mondays, Beaufort Downtown Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort, 843255-6441. Ages 12 to 18.

Lego Club

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

Law Talk

5:30 to 6:30 p.m., select Tuesdays, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. To register, call 843-255-6481. Free. Brief topic overview with Question & Answer with volunteer attorney. Jan. 24, Wills, Estates, and Probate; Feb. 28, Estate Planning; March 28, Advanced Health Care Directives; April 18, Starting a Business.

Teen Art Club

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

Teen Anime Club

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

Law Talk 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., select Tuesdays, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. To register, call 843-255-6540. Free. Brief topic overview with Question & Answer with volunteer attorney. Tuesday, Jan. 17, Starting a Business; Tuesday, Feb. 7, Expungement; Tuesday, March 7, Credit Card Debt; Tuesday, April 4, Social Security Disability; Tuesday, May 2, Getting Arrested.

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

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

S.C. Works Job Coaching

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

Chess Club

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

Chess Meet Up

11 a.m., 2nd Saturday of each month, Beaufort Downtown Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort, 843-255-6456. Instructor Henry Otto Seim will show beginners the basics or play a friendly game with more experienced players. All skill levels welcome. Extra boards will be set up.

Chess Meet Up

11 a.m., 3rd Saturday of each month, Lobeco Branch Library, 1862 Trask Parkway, 843-2556479. Instructor Henry Otto Seim will show beginners the basics or play a friendly game with more experienced players. All skill levels welcome. Extra boards will be set up.

MEETINGS

The Beaufort Trailblazers – A

Volunteer Group

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

League of Women Voters

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

Zonta Club of Beaufort

6 p.m., 4th Tuesday of each month, Smokehouse, Port Royal. Until November 22, we are participating in a service project with a global organization called Free the Girls. We are currently collecting new and gently used bras to help women rescued from trafficking start their own businesses selling the bras. Last year our club collected more than 600 bras and we are hoping to beat that number this year. Our collection sites are Amy Bowman State Farm Agency, 1284 Ribaut Rd., Myrna B. Breland, CPA, 1 Professional Drive, Port Royal, and Nourishing Health Acupuncture and Herbs, 34A Savannah Hwy.

Maye River Quilters

9:30 a.m., Monday, May 1, Palmetto Electric Cooperative, 1 Cooperative Way, Hardeeville. To attend the meeting as a guest, send an RSVP email to mayeriverquilters@gmail.com. For more information and for membership forms to join the group, call 843-705-9590.

OUTDOORS

Port Royal Cypress Wetlands tours

10 a.m., Saturday, April 8; 9 a.m. Friday, April 28; 9 to 11 a.m., Saturday, April 29, Birthday

For The Birds; 9 a.m., Saturday, May 13; 9 a.m. Friday, May 26; Port Royal Cypress Wetlands. Bring your friends and visitors to a free guided tour of the wetlands sponsored by Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands and led by Master Naturalist Jill Moore. The egrets, snowy egrets and woodstorks are all nesting and the rookery is an exciting place! Alligators and turtles are basking in the sun and spring is in the air. This is a great time to learn about this magical place. Tours are limited in size. T0 sign up at www.foprcw.org and register on line.

S.C. Bluebird Society Presentation

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Friday, April 21, Downton Beaufort Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Free. Glen Hendry is the Trail Director for the SCBS and will provide a presentation on local cavity nesting birds to include the Eastern Bluebird. Glen has a wealth of knowledge and expertise regarding cavity nesters. Please RSVP to Becky McCollam at chopperjoe1616@ gmail.com or if you have any questions.

RUNNING

Radiance Run 5k / 2 Mile Walk

9 a.m., Saturday, April 1, Live Oaks Park, 904 14th St, Port Royal. $15 for youth under 18 at time of race; $35 for participants over 18 years at time of race. Annual fundraiser to support free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, parenting and lifestyle classes, fatherhood ministry and baby item boutique. Sign up at https://runsignup.com/RadianceRun5k.

SPORTS Beaufort Masters Swim Team

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

Rose Hill Charity Polo Classic

2 p.m., Sunday, April 2, Rose Hill Polo Field, 1 Equestrian Way, Bluffton. $25 Pre-event, $35 at the gate. Children 10 & under are free. Gates open at 10 a.m. for VIP Sponsors & purchasers of tailgating spaces, and at noon for General Admission Spectators. Purchase tickets at rosehillequestriancenter.com.

VA benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, family caregivers

his article will introduce VA home loan programs for surviving spouses.

The first article in this series of five was published on March 16, and covered VA healthcare, education, training, and employment benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers. You can read Part 1 at http://bit. ly/3TOYiSE

The two best ways to find out what a veteran’s spouse, dependent, survivor, and family caregiver VA benefits are and how to apply for those benefits include:

1. Reading the VA’s webpage titled VA Benefits for Spouses, Dependents, Survivors, and Family Caregivers found at https://www.va.gov/ family-member-benefits/ and …

2. Asking a VA-trained and accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO). Read about VA Accredited Representatives and how to find one at https://www. benefits.va.gov/vso/, https://www.va.gov/ ogc/accreditation. asp, and https://scdva. sc.gov/county-veterans-affairs-offices

According to the VA, the spouse or dependent child of a veteran or service member may qualify for benefits, like home loans, health care, life insurance, or money to help pay for school or training. The survivor of a veteran or service member may qualify for added benefits, including help with burial costs and survivor compensation. A family caregiver of a veteran may also be eligible for support to help them better care for the veteran — and

for themselves.

VA Home Loan Programs for Surviving Spouses

Read details about home loan programs for surviving spouses at https://www. va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/surviving-spouse/. A surviving spouse will need to get from the VA a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to show their lender that they qualify for this benefit. Spouses will also need to meet their lender’s credit and income requirements to get a loan. A surviving spouse may be able to get a COE if they are the spouse of a veteran, and at least one of the descriptions below is true for them.

The veteran is missing in action (MIA) or

The veteran is a Prisoner of War (POW) or • The veteran died while in service or from a service-connected disability and the spouse did not remarry or

The veteran died while in service or from a service-connected disability and the spouse did not remarry before he or she was 57 years old or before December 16, 2003, or The veteran had been totally disabled and then died, but their disability may not have been the cause of death (in certain circumstances). A surviving spouse who

remarried before December 16, 2003, and on or after their 57th birthday, must have applied no later than December 15, 2004, to establish loan eligibility.

How to apply for a COE

This depends on whether or not the spouse is receiving Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC).

Receiving DIC

If a spouse is receiving DIC benefits, they will need to fill out a Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility — Unmarried Surviving Spouses (VA Form 26-1817). The form is available online at https://www.va.gov/findforms/about-form-26-1817/

The spouse will also need the Veteran’s DD214 if available. Veterans and their next of kin can obtain free copies of their DD214 (Report of Separation) and a copy of the veteran’s Official Military Personnel File by following the directions at the National Archives website https:// www.archives.gov/veterans/ military-service-records

The spouse will need to submit the form and discharge or separation papers to their lender for processing online, or to the VA Regional Loan Center that serves the spouse’s state. Find a Regional Loan Center at the VA Home Loans webpage https://www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/ contact_rlc_info.asp. Get answers to questions about the VA-guaranteed home loan program by contacting a VA home loan representative at 1-877-827-3702.

Not receiving DIC benefits

If a spouse is NOT receiving DIC benefits,

they will need to first fill out an Application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21P-534EZ). Find the form and instructions at https:// www.va.gov/find-forms/ about-form-21p-534ez/ The spouse will also need the Veteran’s DD214 if available, a copy of their marriage license, and the veteran’s death certificate.

Veterans and their next of kin can obtain free copies of their DD214 (or other separation documents) and a copy of the veteran’s Official Military Personnel File by following the directions at the National Archives website, which is found at https://www.archives. gov/veterans/military-service-records

The spouse will need to submit the form and documents to the VA pension management center that serves their state. See https://www.va.gov/ pension/pension-management-centers/

More steps for getting a VA-backed home loan

Applying for a COE is only one part of the process for getting a VA-backed home loan. The next steps will depend on the type of loan the spouse is looking to get and on the private bank or mortgage company that is serving as the lender.

The lender will request a VA appraisal (assessment) of the house. An appraisal estimates the house’s market value at the time of inspection. An appraisal isn’t a home inspection or a guarantee of value. The lender reviews the appraisal, the spouse’s credit information, and his or her income, then decides if they should accept the loan

application. If they decide to accept the loan application, the lender will work with the applicant to select a title company (or other entity) to close (transfer ownership) on the house.

Loan Options, IRRRL, and Cash-Outs. Read about loan options, Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans (IRRRL), and Cash-Out Refinance Loans at: https://www.va.gov/ housing-assistance/ home-loans/loantypes/purchase-loan/ https://www.va.gov/ housing-assistance/ home-loans/loantypes/interest-rate-reduction-loan/, and https://www.va.gov/ housing-assistance/ home-loans/loantypes/cash-out-loan/

Other The Island News articles on VA Home Loans

You may want to read the following articles from The Island News on VA Home Loans that were published in May of 2022.

https://yourislandnews. com/how-to-get-vahousing-assistancesome-things-you-needto-know/ https://yourislandnews. com/how-to-get-vahousing-assistancesome-things-you-needto-know-2/ https://yourislandnews. com/va-housing-assistance-and-somethings-you-need-toknow/

The bottom line VA Home Loan Programs and buying, refinancing,

or selling a home is a major life decision — and complicated. So, make sure you use a credible lender and a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to help you understand VA Home Loan Programs.

Surviving spouses will go through a private bank, mortgage company, or credit union — not directly with the VA — to get a cash-out refinance loan. Terms and fees may vary, so contact several lenders to check out your options. Be careful when considering home loan refinance offers. Claims that you can skip payments or get very low-interest rates or other terms that sound too good to be true may be signs of a misleading offer. Surviving spouses should carefully read the VA and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Warnings Against Home Loan Refinancing Offers that Sound too Good to be True, which are found at http://bit.ly/3KbvgJO

Future articles in this series will talk about life insurance options, claims, and beneficiary assistance; pre-need eligibility determination for burial in a VA national cemetery, burial benefits, and memorial items; and more.

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

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. David Berger, Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks to Marines and Sailors during a town hall March 10 at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. Berger answered questions regarding quality of life, training and the future of the Marine Corps. Sgt. Cheyeanne Campbell/USMC

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