May 23 edition

County employees face

A simple equation in economic development

L2 more ethics probes

By Delayna Earley The Island News

The S.C. State Ethics Commis-

sion has opened investigations into two more alleged ethics violations against former and current employees with Beaufort County.

This brings the current number of active investigations into Beaufort County, current and former, of which The Island News is aware, to nine.

The two new investigations

BEAUFORT

ast Wednesday’s traffic congestion along Ribaut Road through the city and Port Royal, followed by the sudden closing of the Woods Memorial Bridge on Thursday morning, should have put a chill on any resident’s spine.

Anyone, that is, concerned about the community and what’s happening.

The Ribaut Road traffic hangups on Wednesday were reportedly precipitated by a commercial paving project in the Shell Point area which lead to a series of fender-benders and minor collisions that prompted lane closures at least twice in the afternoon, going-home hours. No fatalities – thank heavens – but anyone caught in the mess couldn’t help notice the multiple maneuvers by other motorists who took to the neighborhood side roads, looking for alternate routes.

Then the notice Thursday that the Woods Memorial Bridge would be closed for an “undetermined amount of time” prompted further groans from the 14 000 estimated motorists who use that bridge on a daily basis to get into Beaufort or out to the islands of St. Helena, Fripp and Lady’s. All this and it isn’t even Memorial Day yet. Luckily the “undetermined amount of time” lasted three hours while the S.C. Department of Transportation crews did something before allowing traffic to continue.

But the mental damage was done: another reminder of how fragile that 65-year-old swing bridge is, how crucial it is to a fluid traffic pattern (even though there is an option – the McTeer Bridge, which means dumping all those cars into the busiest intersection of northern Beaufort County). And less we forget, hurricane

were launched against former Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Loper and Capital Improvement Projects Director Eric Larson.

The complaint filed against Loper, who was terminated from her position in October 2023, alleges that she used a rental car

paid for by Beaufort County to travel hundreds of miles, including gas, to go sightseeing during a 2022 Conference in Phoenix, Ariz. Loper is currently facing an ethics hearing with the State Ethics Commission in October 2024, for five counts of using her position to obtain eco-

nomic interest for a family member. Additionally, Loper is currently still under investigation for allegedly using a Bobcat type vehicle and possibly an excavator owned by Beaufort County Public Works to “regrade her property and lay fresh dirt and gravel.” Larson is under investigation for allegedly having a Beaufort

Police

Stephenie

left,

with

meet-the-candidates event for the City of Beaufort’s Chief of Police

Price

been acting Chief since the retirement

Beaufort’s finest finalists

Candidates for Police Chief interview with City Council, Citizen’s Council; meet public

By Mike McCombs

The Island News Friday, May 17, was the big day for the two finalists for the City of Beaufort’s Chief of Police job.

Interim Police Chief Stephenie Price, who has held the position since Chief Dale McDorman retired in January, and Kenneth J. “Ken” Klamar, Chief of Police in Sunset Beach, N.C., ran the gauntlet of interviews in front of a committee, staff, the City Council and members of the public.

First thing Friday morning, the two candidates were interviewed by a Citizens’ Panel — made up of five members, each specifically chosen by a member of the City Council — in the Police Department Training Room.

Then, before midday, the candidates met with City of Beaufort Police staff and employees, before again facing questions for two hours, this time from the Beaufort

SEE FINALISTS PAGE A6

EDUCATION

Beaufort City Counciman Josh Scallate, left, chats with Ken Klamar, Chief of the Sunset Beach, N.C., Police Department.

Beaufort County School District celebrates two Induction Teacher of the Year recipients.

PAGE B4

LOLITA HUCKABY

Shannon Loper Eric Larson

Interim Beaufort

Chief

Price,

chats

Raymond Zielinski and his wife, Samantha, during a

position on Friday, May 17, at Beaufort City Hall.

has

of Dale McDorman in January. Photos by Bob Sofaly/The Island News

LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS

of the people in the picture and the name of the photographer. Email your photos to theislandnews@gmail.com.

VETERAN OF THE WEEK TONI DOYLE

Beaufort’s Toni Doyle, 68 joined the United States Marine Corps in Lilly, Pa., in 1975. After Boot Camp at Parris Island and training at Fort McClellan in MP school, she served in security assignments at Camp Smith, Hawaii, and follow-on assignments at Quantico, Camp Lejeune, and at Parris Island twice as a Drill Instructor. Other duty stations included MCAS El Toro and on Okinawa.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Thanks for supporting a good cause

Thanks to the tireless good work of many people, the AMIkids Beaufort 2024 Croquet Picnic at Brays Island was a huge hit on May 11 On behalf of the AMIkids Board of Trustees and our fine staff, I extend a special “thank you” to the Brays Island owners for their continued support of this event and graciously sharing their driving range tee, which provided eight beautifully manicured croquet courts for our event. Particular thanks is given to the Brays Island ad hoc committee that organized a fantastic cookout party the Friday before croquet and coordinated and ran the silent auction, which included gathering some amazing donations.

Thank you to Brays Island General Manager JT Timmerman whose support is leading us into a new era.

Thank you to Mark Robertson of 98 7 The River radio station for joining us as Master of Ceremonies for the day and helping bring more fun to the picnic.

With the support of 24 croquet teams, dozens of court sponsors and those who gave so generously, we had a tremendously successful event that will allow us to further meet the needs of our young men.

At AMIkids Beaufort, we help young men separate a troubled past from a bright future and have been doing so since the mid-1980s in Beaufort County. AMIkids Beaufort’s campus in Dale provides not only education but numerous hands-on vocational opportunities, treatment and behavior modification.

We have an updated welding program where young men can earn national certificates, a carpentry workshop largely outfitted by donors, and partnership with Low Country Habitat for Humanity to help

ON THIS DATE

May 23

She separated in 1988 as a Staff Sergeant with 13 years of active service. She used her GI Bill to earn degrees at TCL in Criminal Justice and Building Construction Technology while working for security at Fripp Island. She also worked for the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office for two years before becoming a corrections officer in Penn-

our students learn construction skills while at AMIkids Beaufort.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success. For more information visit www.amikidsbeaufort.org.

– Kevin E. Dukes, Chair, AMIkids Beaufort Board of Trustees

Lafayette Soiree a huge success

Hundreds of guests mingled among the oaks and gardens of Pam and Drew Scallan’s historic home on Bay Street overlooking the Beaufort River on May 11 for Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Lafayette Soiree.

The Scallans graciously shared their gorgeous setting with HBF to celebrate a year of successes and continued challenges in preserving and protecting Beaufort’s historic and architectural heritage. Our hosts, Katie and Matt Phifer and Katie and Scott Huebel, organized a fantastic evening for all.

This annual showcase brings together people from the Lowcountry to celebrate the work and mission of HBF in a casually elegant garden setting where we’ve been blessed with near-perfect weather in recent years.

This year’s Soiree helped raise funds and awareness of continued renovation and restoration of HBF’s flagship property — the John Mark Verdier House, ca. 1804, an essential part of Beaufort’s history and an integral part of Bay Street for 220 years.

On behalf of HBF, I’d like to thank the sponsors who helped make the evening such a success, led by Modern Jewelers, our presenting sponsor celebrating their 75th business anniversary. Bar Sponsors included Phifer Contracting Services, The Marjorie F. Trask Family, and Grayco.

Stage Sponsors were First Federal, JH

sylvania for 16 years. She now lives on St. Helena on property she’s owned for 30 years. She is a member of the American Legion and AMVETS.

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

Hiers, and George Trask, Graham Trask and Distant Island Company LP. Cocktail Hour Sponsors were Bay Point Dock & Marine, Bezilla Kinney Phifer Wealth Management, Harvey & Battey, The Kincheloe Family, Montgomery Architecture & Planning, Savannah Hardscapes, Tumlin Levin Sumner Wealth Management, and Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.

The Bluff Sponsors included Ty O'Farrell — Farm Bureau Insurance, Lyles & Assoc., Heubel Consulting & Events, HB Stems Floral & Event Design, Lowcountry Produce Market & Café, TideWatch Vacations, Patel & Company CPA and SouthState Bank. The Oaks Sponsors were Atlantic Asphalt, LLC, Kinghorn Insurance, Lynn & Wheeler, and SK Digital & Associates.

The Marsh Sponsors included Alpha Graphics, Beaufort Carts, Bill’s Liquors & Fine Wines, The Open Land Trust, Sea Island Tree Care, Southern Palmetto, Southern Tree Services and Royal Restrooms.

Restaurant Partners included Beck and Call, Breakwater Restaurant & Bar, Chicken Salad Chick, Firehouse Subs, Hamby Catering, Maggioni Oyster Company, Plums, Saltus River Grill & Hearth, Q on Bay, Sweet Cakes Bakery, and The Kitchen.

We also recognize and thank the many donors to our Silent Auction and the hardworking partners who helped ensure the event ran smoothly — AMIkids Beaufort, Beaufort High ROTC, U.S. Marine Corps, RedCap, City of Beaufort, First Presbyterian Church, Parish House of St. Helena and Beaufort County.

Finally, my special appreciation to the committees, volunteers, our Board of Trustees and Board Chair Rob Montgomery for their leadership throughout the year and with this event.

– Cynthia Jenkins, Executive Director, Historic Beaufort Foundation

2019: The Beaufort County Board of Education approves a four-year contract with Frank Rodriguez, the veteran educator selected to become the new Beaufort County School District Superintendent. Rodriguez was a regional superintendent in Palm Beach County, Fla.

May 26

1925: In the early hours, according to the Beaufort Gazette, on the river side of Bay Street, a fire ravages the blocks between West and Scott streets. Numerous businesses, including the River View Hotel, the Austin Grocery Company and the E.E. Lengnick department store, were destroyed.

2021: Beaufort attorney Mary Sharp is sworn in as the President of the South Carolina Bar Association.

May 27

2019: Beaufort High School varsity boys basketball coach Will Lowther is dismissed from his coaching position and placed on administrative leave from his teaching position after his arrest for allegedly transferring alcohol to a minor in an April 6 incident in which he met with a minor on a dating app. – Compiled by Mike McCombs

PAL PETS OF THE WEEK

Cat Of The Week Glitch is a cute, funny, playful girl. She just turned one and would love to celebrate in her new home. Can you make her birthday wish come true? Glitch is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.

Dog Of The Week Ren is a happy, 4-year-old boy

looking for his happily ever after. He’s an energetic kind of guy who enjoys the company of other dogs. Ren is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.

For more info on Glitch, Ren or any of our other pets, call PAL at 843-645-1725 or email Info@ PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.

Toni Doyle

Malfunction temporarily closes Woods Memorial Bridge

of Historic Places on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023. Bob Sofaly/File/The Island News

By Delayna Earley The Island News

The Richard V. Woods Memorial Bridge closed to traffic for just longer than three hours on Thursday, May 16, which re-routed traffic headed onto Lady’s Island and the other Sea Islands over McTeer Bridge and caused significant traffic congestion. According to an update from S.C. Rep. Shannon Erickson to Facebook, a S.C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT) technician responded immediately after the bridge closed and

found that the issue with the bridge was that a piece of the resistance barrier would not return to its normal position after opening the bridge.

The post said that the bridge appeared to have been struck by a “vehicle or a wide load,” which is what bent the resistance barrier and caused the bridge to be able to swing open, but it could not close back.

The bridge, which opened originally for service in 1959, has closed for mechanical issues multiple times in the past year, which is why

the SCDOT has begun the undertaking of a $500 000 fix for the gates in late 2023 According to the SCDOT, the circuits are prone to malfunctioning due to their proximity to the salt water. Woods Bridge, reopened for traffic around 1:30 p.m. and did not have to be closed again.

as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

Memorial Day Parade, ceremony to be held Monday Boating Safety

By Jason Howland

The Memorial Day holiday is when we, as a nation, take the time to remember all those who died while serving our country. The community is invited to participate in Beaufort’s annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27

The parade will begin at 10 a.m., although all groups, floats and individual participants should begin lining up at 9 a.m. in front of the Beaufort National Cemetery.

The route for the parade starts in front of the Beaufort National Cemetery will head down Boundary Street onto Carteret

Street and then turning onto Bay Street. The parade will end at the intersection of Boundary and Bladen Streets.

Beaufort County Veteran Affairs is hosting the parade in partnership with the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. All community groups, children’s groups, civic organizations and community members are encouraged to participate. A Memorial Day ceremony will follow immediately after the parade at noon at Beaufort National Cemetery. In case of inclement weather, the parade will be canceled.

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

After three years worth of effort by The City of Beaufort and the Historic Beaufort Foundation, the Woods Memorial Bridge was added to the National Register

Members of the Americas Boating Club Beaufort Squadron got together to remind citizens to wear their life jackets when boating. Submitted photo

Beaufort passes hate crime ordinance on second reading

By Delayna Earley The Island News

The City of Beaufort has joined the ranks of municipalities that have passed a hate crime ordinance following City Council’s unanimous vote during the May 14 council meeting.

“Although the numbers are low here at this time, I believe that this is a tool that the police here can have in their belt,” Assistant City Manager John J. Suave said during the April 23 meeting. “Hopefully this will send a message to Columbia, to our elected officials, that they need to act. That we need this at the state level for more serious offenses.”

Currently, South Carolina is one of only two states that does not have a state statute or code that addresses hate crimes.

The other state is Wyoming. By passing the ordinance, Beaufort has joined 12 other municipal-

ities across the state – Summerville, North Charleston, Bluffton, Hardeeville, Charleston, Clemson, Columbia, Conway, Florence, Greenville, Mount Pleasant and Myrtle Beach.

The language used in the ordinance was adopted by the City of Beaufort from the other municipalities to help create continuity between all of the cities.

based on the protected class.

“Think of it as more of an enhancement than a standalone offense,” Suave said.

Under the new ordinance, violations against the protected classes would be misdemeanors and could bring a fine of up to $500 and jail time of up to 30 days.

The ordinance does not create a standalone crime or violation, there must be an offender taking an action already illegal, so violating another city ordinance, and they have to do that with the intent to violate that person’s rights

There is currently bipartisan legislation that has passed the S.C. State House and is currently pending in the S.C. State Senate, but according to Beaufort City Manager Scott Marshall, who recommended the ordinance originally, there is no guarantee that it will pass.

The bill is named “Clementa C. Pinckney Hate Crimes Act,” and is named after the former lawmaker who was one of the nine Black churchgoers who were shot and killed during the 2015 massacre at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston.

The mass shooting was executed by white supremacist Dylann

STREET MUSIC

Lowdown

from page A1

season starts next month. While we’ve been blessed to avoid any major storm activity, one can only watch the weather-related incidents happening in other parts of the world to wonder if our time is due.

But this is not about traffic congestion, which is obvious. It’s more a reflection on our changing environment which some might find to be entirely different from the Lowcountry presented by tourism advertisements or home sales people.

For newcomers escaping from the traffic of Atlanta, Charlotte or Charleston, the traffic issues aforementioned might not be worth noting. They’ve seen worse and the beauty of the open spaces and water views certainly can offset the headaches of sitting in traffic. But while we complain and post our concerns online (or write about them in newspaper columns), change, aka development keeps on happening. Some call for our government leaders to do

something, put a stop, or at least some kind of moratorium on new permits while some kinds of control can be put in place.

The Jasper County Council imposed a moratorium on large commercial and residential developments in the southern part of the county (the area shared with Beaufort County) after residents organized and insisted proposed development wait until tighter regulations could be enacted. That moratorium was extended to July 31, but the developers are still waiting.

The Port Royal town council imposed their own year-long moratorium this month after a report that 1 500 new apartments and townhouses were already in the construction phase and even more were in the discussion stages.

Beaufort City Council is in the closing stages of a year-long review of the development code but no mention of a moratorium while land for projects that were approved and permitted months ago are still being cleared and trucks bearing tons of fill dirt to make the ground high enough to build on, are still rolling.

Roof, and during the May 14 City Council meeting, Councilman Mitch Mitchell mentioned the lack of a hate crime statute when Roof was being tried and sentenced for his crimes.

“I don’t think anyone doubts that he killed those folks because he hated them, but there was no addition to the punishment,” Mitchell said. “From a legal perspective, they could not add an additional punishment for hate crime because the state does not have a hate crime bill. So that should clarify, in my mind, for anyone, what we are trying to do here.”

Originally, Beaufort Mayor Phil Cromer and Council member Josh Scallate expressed concerns over the “subjective nature of prosecuting a hate crime involving gender identity, as described by Suave, as internal and not necessarily visible to other people.

Additionally, Scallate worried

about potential costs that additional hate crime sentences would incur and Cromer worried about training law enforcement offers for dealing with another level of investigation regarding crimes.

After meeting with appropriate parties and having their questions answered, both Cromer and Scallate expressed their full support.

Council member Neil Lipsitz supported the ordinance from the beginning and made his approval of its passage apparent during each of the times it was brought before council.

“Three words,” said council member Neil Lipsitz. “About dang time.”

Summer Reading Program returns

From staff reports

The Beaufort County Library System and the Beaufort County School District are ready to embark on another exciting Summer Reading Program journey – “Adventure Begins At Your Library!”

The fun and innovative program is a collaboration between local schools and the library that encourages all ages (adults too!) to read and turns summer reading into a game that rewards participants for achieving their reading goals.

This year's program, themed "Adventure Begins at Your Library," accommodates summer schedules with minimal deadlines and flexible timeframes to complete goals. Plus, participants can choose what, how much, and how often they read. Printed game boards serve as the centerpiece of the program and, along with something to read, are the only necessary components of participation.

The program does not include registration or online tracking, and that is by design. By contrast, the all-ages game board allows participants to keep track of their daily read -

Beaufort County Councilmembers … well, they rejected the idea of any moratorium before the proponent, Councilwoman Alice Howard barely got it out of her mouth for discussion.

Besides, the county folks have got way more on their hands dealing with a failing administrative infrastructure to focus on who’s building what where. (Except for Pine Island, out on St. Helena … that was taking up quite a bit of their attention before the whole matter went to court, where it still rests.)

While concerned individuals might wonder where all this is going and what is to happen to this Lowcountry “goose that laid a golden egg,” a recent business news report from Business Insider says the Sunbelt region (which includes South Carolina) is seeing a dip in rental prices because of a surplus of units.

In a May 18 report, the publication used data collected by Redfin, a national real estate and brokerage company that showed the greatest drop in rents was occurring in large cities “as pandemic-era demand spikes subside.”

ing and earn prizes along the way. Readers can keep playing by completing fun activities with the Super Reader Bonus Round to receive an additional grand prize entry.

Local schools and the library work together to ensure students continue to read during the summer.

Studies show that reading for at least 20 minutes a day can help mitigate the effects of “summer slide,” when children lose valuable reading skills when they aren't in school. Each Beaufort County School District student will be provided with a printed summer reading game board before the school year ends, and students attending summer schools will participate in the program.

In an incredible display of community support, dozens of local businesses and organizations have provided generous prizes, donations, and incentives allowing lucky readers who finish the program a chance to win an overnight hotel stay, dolphin cruise, kayak tour, tablet, restaurant or retail gift card, mini golf adventure, and so much more. In addition, children and

The report goes on to note this is not the trend across the country but it might bring some hope to those who cannot afford to pay the national median of $2 100 per month rent or here, in the city of Beaufort, where the median rent is listed slightly higher at $2,300 per month.

As much as we fuss or complain about it, apartment complexes and townhouse projects keep rising out of the ground where trees used to grow and deer used to hide. After all, it’s the economy, not elected officials, that will determine who can afford to live where.

Find Great People, indeed BEAUFORT – It’s interesting that the human resources recruiting firm, Find Great People, with offices in Charleston, Columbia and Greenville, was used by both Beaufort County and the city of Beaufort in their current efforts to hire a new county administrator and new police chief.

For both jobs, in-house candidates have made the finalist lists.

According to Beaufort City Manager Scott Marshall, who will make the ultimate decision on

teens will receive a book to add to their home libraries. This summer features exciting events hosted at the libraries, including visits from a story balloon artist/ magician and a storyteller, as well as educational events, crafts and storytimes, movies, teen hangouts, and more. The program begins on June 1 and ends July 31 To participate, individuals only need the game board and things to read. Game boards will be available at all Beaufort County Library locations and online June 1. Registration is not required, nor is a library card — although the library encourages all residents ages 4 and older to obtain their very own library card. The program is designed for all ages, from babies to senior citizens. All Beaufort County residents are encouraged to pick up a reading log and join the fun. For questions regarding the summer reading program or other library events, contact Theresa Furbish, Beaufort County Library's Programs and Events Librarian at theresa. furbish@bcgov.net or 843255-6442

the hiring of the police chief, the search firm produced 94 applications for the job which has a salary listing of $100K to $120K.

The list is now down to two, the current interim chief, Stephanie Price and Sunset Beach, NC, chief Kenneth Klamar.

Beaufort County Council has had several closed door sessions reviewing candidates they’ve received from FGP, including John Robinson who has served as interim administrator since last July when Eric Greenway left the top position.

The county officials have said they plan to have a new administrator in place by July 1, the start of the new budget year. Marshall plans to name a new chief by the end of this week.

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.

Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

First on the dance floor during Street Music on Paris Avenue featuring the Dave Keller Band from Vermont were Medicus Rentz and wife Elizabeth. The free outdoor concert had to be moved from Paris Avenue to the skateboard park because of bad weather Saturday, May 18. The weather lifted prior to the start of the concert, which drew more than 100 people to listen to soulful blues on what turned out to be a beautiful evening. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Original Gullah Festival is coming to Beaufort rain or shine

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

The 2024 Original Gullah Festival is gearing up for three days of festivities celebrating the Gullah Geechee culture in Beaufort.

The festival will start on Friday, May 24, and will continue through Sunday, May 26, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort.

The vendor market is free and open to the public and tickets are available to attend additional events and workshops.

The festivities will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

The event is rain or shine, so they recommend bringing an umbrella if rain is forecast. There will be no refunds due to inclement weather. Pets, tents, alcoholic beverages, drugs and fireworks are prohibited from the event. Coolers are allowed, but they will be searched for alcoholic beverages before entry.

The Hour of Power Worship Service will take place on Sunday at 9 a.m. at Waterfront Park.

On Friday, the All White Party will be held from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Waterfront Park Pavilion and will feature DJ Snipes, a Gullah Caribbean meal, Comedian Bam Robinson and the band Fresh Vibe. Tickets are $45 online and $50 at the door.

On Friday and Saturday, Lest

We Forget – Times to Remember will be available for the public to walk through at Tabernacle Baptist Church on Craven Street. This event is free and will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Schedule Friday’s main stage events

10 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. – "Drum Call"

Spiritual Vibrations

10:20 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Area

Beaufort County School Performances (w/Red Cedar Elementary Drummers and Dancers, Pritchardville Elementary School Choir, Robert Smalls Leadership Academy Choir, Robert Smalls Leadership Academy Step Team, Whale Branch Middle School Choir, Whale Branch Middle School Concert Band, Battery Creek High School Band, Whale Branch Early College High School Band, Nacir Keen – Spoken Word)

3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Deninufay African Dancers and Drummers

Saturday’s main stage events

10 a.m. – Drum Call – Spiritual Vibrations

10:20 a.m. – Aunt Pearlie Sue and Gullah Kinfolk

11:30 a.m. – Official Welcoming Ceremony – Hosts Sharon Millen

and Rayburne Turner

12:35 p.m. – Voices of de Gullah People Singers

1:10 p.m. – Louise Cohen – Gullah Storyteller

1:45 p.m. – Wona Womalon African Dancers & Drummers

2:20 p.m. – Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters

2:55 p.m. – Marlena Smalls & The Hallelujah Singers

3:30 p.m. – Renesha Hendrix – Interpretive/Inspirational Dance

4:05 p.m. – Beth Inabinett and The For The Funk Of It Band

4:40 p.m. – Dani's Dance Dynamics

5:15 p.m. – Angela Bonaparte Ministries

5:50 p.m. – Ronald Daise

7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. – Gwen Yvette Band

Sunday’s main stage events

2 p.m. – Drum Call – Spiritual Vibrations

2:20 p.m. – Beaufort Mass Choir

2:55 p.m. – Devin Smalls - Gospel

Mime Artist

3:30 p.m. – Gospel Proclaimers of the Lowcountry

4:05 p.m. – Gullah Historical Reenactment Group

4:40 p.m. – Latrise Bush and Band

5:15 p.m. – Quinton Smalls - Gullah Rapper

6:00 p.m. – Parris Island Marine Band Presents – "Dirty Boots Brass Band" Concert

7:05 p.m. – Unity Circle w/"God Bless America" (Form a circle around the park and connect)

Tickets will be available for purchase on site but can also be purchased

newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

Kids can again get free daily lunches at Beaufort County Library locations

From staff reports

Through a partnership with the Beaufort County School District, the Beaufort County Library is pleased to announce the return of free lunches at all library locations this summer. Lunches will be served weekly (Monday through Friday) during the summer beginning Monday, June 10 and ending Wednesday, July 31 2024 Beaufort County residents ages through age 18 can receive a free daily lunch at the following Beaufort County Library locations: Hilton Head Branch Library, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

St. Helena Branch Library, 11 to 11:30 a.m.

*Washington Park (Beaufort), 11 a.m. to noon.

Bluffton Branch Library, 11 a.m. to noon. Lobeco Branch Library, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

*Rain location for Wash-

Making their beds

Tons of oyster seeding aggregate was dumped in three large piles near the boat ramp at The Sands in Port Royal on Friday, May 17. According to Michael Hodges, Director of Marine Resources and Shellfish Management with South Carolina’s Department of Natural Resources, the gravel and shells will be used to reseed the oyster banks near the U.S. Naval Hospital and around MCRD Parris Island, a four-year program funded by the Federal government. Hodges said the boat ramp area is just for holding the large amount of material, which will be carried off by barge to the areas to be seeded. Hodges added that people inspecting the old shells, most of which are fossilized and millions of years old and mined from Florida, should just leave them alone not play on nor take any home. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Michael Hodges, Director of Marine Resources and Shellfish management with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, said the tons of material of limestone gravel and fossilized shells being deposited near the boat ramp at The Sands in Port Royal will be used to help reseed the oyster banks around MCRD Parris Island and U.S. Naval Hospital in Port Royal. The federally funded program will take about four years to complete and asks the public to avoid playing on the mounds for safety reasons and not to carry off any of the “Fossiliferous Limestone” shells. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

ington Park is the Beaufort Branch Library. All children and teens must be present to receive lunch. This year, lunches are dine-in only and must be consumed at the library. No library card or registration is required to participate. All children and teens ages through age 18 are welcome. No lunches will be served on Wednesday, June 19 and Thursday, July 4

Ethics from page A1

County employee go out to his home, while on the clock, to measure for the addition of a sun room, and then draw up plans for the addition using Beaufort County materials.

The complainant, who wishes to remain unnamed in the story but is known to The Island News, said that the employee allegedly did so out of fear of saying “no” to their superior, who was

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City Council.

This free lunch program runs in tandem with our 2024 Summer Reading Program: Adventure Begins At Your Library, offering children and teens an opportunity to read, participate in fun activities, and earn prizes along the way. For more information on the Summer Reading Program or other BCL programs/events, please contact Theresa Furbish, Programs and Events Librarian, at 843-255-6442 or theresa. furbish@bcgov.net.

Larson, and possibly putting their job at risk.

According to the complainant, the plans were then submitted to Beaufort County for permits so that work could begin on the addition to Larson’s home before summer.

The letters received by the complainant state that the complaints against Loper and Larson contain “facts sufficient to warrant an investigation.”

In addition to the aforementioned complaints, the S.C. State Ethics Commission is currently investi-

And finally, the day culminated with a meet-and-greet from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with members of the public in the foyer of City Hall.

“I feel like it went great as far as the process goes,” Beaufort City Manager Scott Marshall said. “It’s definitely going to be a tough choice.”

If there was a shortcoming in the process, it may have been the final event. The vast majority of attendees of the meet-and-greet were City or Beaufort Police employees.

Marshall said he was “mildly disappointed” at the public turnout.

“You never know what you’re going to get with an event like this,” he said.

One of the attendees was Lisa Clancy, widow of Matt Clancy, who spent more than a decade as Beaufort’s Police Chief before dying from cancer in 2020

“If anything, I’m disappointed that more people from the community aren’t here,” said Clancy.

It has been very thorough. It’s been an excellent opportunity to ebgage staff, elected officials

Klamar said he enjoyed the process amd learned a lot about the city, its people and its police department.

Very committed to what they do,” Klamar said of department staff. “There’s a real sense of team here, which is important for me. They all seem to want the same thing, the betterment of this city.”

gating complaints made against former County Administrator Eric Greenway, former Deputy County Administrator Whitney Richland, Special Assistant to the County Administrator Hank Amundson and Assistant County Administrator of Infrastructure Jared Fralix.

Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

Klamar admitted this particular interview process was tough since everyone in Sunset Beach could watch these interviews online.

“It’s difficult, … if I don’t get this job, …” he said. “They know I interviewed. But I’m a professional. I do the best possible job that I can as a law enforcement officer. This is an opportunity to do something bigger and better for my career.”

Price said she was happy that the community, especially the citizen’s council was included in the process.

“A long and involved process,” she said, “but it’s necessary and important to the city.” She also said she enjoyed meeting Klamar.

“He was very nice,” she said. “He had a lot of solid questions. It was a great conversation.”

As the evening ended, the decision was left resting squarely on the shoulders of Marshall, who said he’d look back at the feedback and the evaluations and seek whatever counsel necessary.

“It’s not a decision that I’m going to make this evening or overnight,” he said Friday night.

To watch the Citizen’s Panel interviews of the two finalists for City of Beaufort Police Chief, go to https://bit.ly/3QXI5ui.

To watch the Beaufort City Council’s interviews of the two finalists for City of Beaufort Police Chief, go to https://bit. ly/3QR7TIr. Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.

By Mike McCombs

The Island News

Templeton, Young face off in Port Royal forum

Republicans Bill Young and Catherine Templeton answered questions Monday night, May 20, in a candidate forum hosted by the Beaufort TEA Party, the Beaufort County Republican Party, the Beaufort Federation of Men, and the Beaufort Republican Women at AMVETS Post 70 in Port Royal.

Both Young and Templeton are vying for South Carolina’s 1st Congression District seat held by incumbent Nancy Mace, who declined to attend the event.

The questions were constructed by Annie Ubelis, President of the Beaufort TEA Party, and each candidate had several minutes to respond.

Education The candidates were asked first about education

– how to return a quality education to our students and what did the candidates see as the future of education in America?

Bill Young told the crowd of around 80 that, “Liberals have worked hard to indoctrinate our children and they have won.” Young said we need to remove the influence of the U.S. Department of Education at the state level, while taking away, Critical Race Theory (CRT); diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); and gender ideology. He

Republicans Bill Young and Catherine Templeton address the Beaufort Tea Party during a candidate forum Monday evening at AMVETS Post 70 in Port Royal. Both candidates are trying to unseat incumbent U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, also a Republican, from her seat in South Carolina’s 1st U.S. Congressional District. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

supports school choice.

And Young said we have a recruiting problem in America, that because of liberal education, kids don’t want to join the military.

Templeton agreed we need to get rid of the federal government’s oversight of education. She said there should be no strings when it comes to getting federal money for schools. “We don’t need a federal agency telling us which programs to indoctrinate our children with,” she said.

Crime

The second question addressed whether or not crime falls under the purview of Congress. Templeton said Ameri-

cans needed to “let police do their job and support them.”

Young said we need to force Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to cooperate better with local law enforcement, as well as slow growth and development.

He once again cited a recruiting problem, this time with public servants, and said we needed to crack down on protesters at schools like UCLA and Columbia that he claims is funded by George Soros.

But no matter what we do, he said, “if we want a smaller government, we’ve got to look at the local level.

Foreign policy

The foreign police ques-

tion focused on aid for Ukraine, Taiwan and Israel, as well as our relationship with Putin, Russia and China.

Young said he would not support aid to Ukraine, and that is we stopped funding them, the rest of the world would step up. But he would support Israel because it supports American interests.

Young repeatedly supported defending our democracy over promoting and defending democracy elsewhere. And he was adamant we had to build up the Navy.

“We can’t address the Indo-Pacific if we don’t build up our naval fleet,” Young said. He also emphasized that we need to build up our infrastructure to build our infrastructure.

Templeton said we need defined goals in Ukraine. She shifted to the more important priority, the Southern border, where she said we need to add Border Patrol agents and build the wall.

And she made it clear that Israel is our partner.

“We need to let them do what they need to do, and we don’t need strings attached,” she said.

Both candidates advocated peace through strength.

Economy

The question about the economy had several parts addressing defecit spending, taxes, and a balanced

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budget.

Templeton said the Republican party needed to vote together to support a balanced budget amendment.

“Stop borrowing money,” she said. “We would stop spending more than we make.”

And then, make cuts.

“There’s so much low-hanging fruit in the United States budget.

Young threw out a slew of things he felt would improve the economy.

“Stop bailing industries out,” he said. “… PPP should have never happened.”

“Interest rates should never be zero.”

Energy independence. Rein in spending. Reduce the administrative state.

And force Congress to vote on spending bills separately and in order. No more omnibus bills.’

Immigration

This question had the most moving parts of the five. How do we halt illegal immigration immediately? How do we get increased penalties for repeat illegal immigrants? How do we return to stable immigration? As well as questions tying immigration to veterans benefits.

Young wants to immediately return to President Trump’s policy of “remain in Mexico,” in addition to finishing the wall. He also wants to make sure immi-

gration courts have proper staffing and “strong immigration judges.”

And when Republican have an opportunity to make progress on the problem, they should move forward.

Young said Republicans can’t continue to allow immigration policy to be a problem just so “we have something to talk about on TV.”

Templeton said we have no choice but to get medieval. First, we have to secure the border, period. Second, change the law … change “may” to “shall” … to allow “remain in Mexico to work. And third, deport the illegal immigrants that are already here.

“America first,” Templeton said.

Charlie Russo lived in New York before moving to Port Royal. He found the event, “interesting.” Russo said he doesn’t always vote a straight ticket, but in this race, he was voting Republican. But he said he “came in without a candidate. And it’s still TBD.” He also said of the absent Mace, “a candidate not being here sends a signal.” Nonetheless, he was pleased with the forum. “I think this was a great showing.”

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

7 groups get hospitality tax allocations

From staff reports

At its May 14 Regular Meeting, City Council approved the distribution of Hospitality Tax allocations to the following non-profit organizations:

Downtown Beaufort Merchants Association, $11,351, for First Friday and other downtown events.

Beaufort Area Hospitality Association, $8,500, to advertise Activate Beaufort activities and events.

Freedman Arts District, $2,000, to advertise and support the district’s economic revitalization.

• The Original Gullah Festival of SC, $2,000, to promote the Gullah Festival Educators’ Excursion Conference.

Beaufort History Museum, $2,000, to attract new visitors.

Penn Center Inc., $2,000, to advertise and promote its 2025 Heritage Days Celebration. Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail, $749, to update trailhead signs.

The funds, for a total of $28 600, are derived from 1 1% of Hospitality Tax revenues, and are to be used for advertising to increase tourism and revitalization of the downtown economy. A staff committee reviews and rates the proposals.

United Way of the Lowcountry gives Wilt 2024 Peter Post Service Star Award

From staff reports

The United Way of the Lowcountry has named Lisa Wilt as the 2024 Peter Post Service Star Award recipient. This annual award recognizes exceptional community members who embody selfless service and dedication to helping others.

"Lisa's contributions to the Good Neighbor Medical Clinic have been nothing short of transformative,"

President and CEO of the United Way of the Lowcountry Dale Douthat said in a news release. "Her passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment have revolutionized the organization in a remarkably short time.”

Wilt, leveraging her background in healthcare consulting, significantly streamlined critical tasks at the clinic. This included improving financial systems, overseeing the transition to electronic health records, and even establishing a data management team for efficient data collection.

Her impact extends far beyond

NEWS BRIEFS

Cox endorses Mace

Congresswoman Nancy Mace’s campaign for reelection in the 1st Congressional District in South Carolina was endorsed by State Representative Brandon Cox (R97) on Tuesday, May 21. Cox focused on Rep. Mace’s work for veterans and our troops in his endorsement.

“Nancy Mace is a dedicated advocate for our veterans, working tirelessly to reform the VA and ensure they receive the care they deserve,” said Cox.

Brewer endorses Mace

Congresswoman Nancy Mace on Tuesday, May 21, announced an endorsement from State Representative Gary Brewer (R-114). Rep. Brewer credited Nancy Mace’s accomplishments and dedication to the Lowcountry as reason for his endorsement.

“I endorse Congresswoman Nancy Mace for her undeniable dedication to the Lowcountry. Together, we have worked on securing vital grants and identified critical infrastructure projects that will help return the quality of life we know and expect in the Lowcountry,” Brewer said. “Nancy's leadership and relationships have delivered crucial resources to her district and beyond. I encourage everyone to join me in supporting Nancy for Congress so we can continue building on the successful foundation she has laid for our hometowns!”

Smith endorses Mace

State Representative Mark Smith (R-99) has endorsed her Congresswoman Nancy Mace for reelection in her campaign for the 1st Congressional District of South Carolina.

“Immediate responses and re-

LEGAL NOTICES

United Way of the Lowcountry President and CEO Dale Douthat and Board Member Tamara Herring present the 2024 Peter Post Service Star Award to Lisa Wilt, a volunteer at Good Neighbor Medical Clinic in Beaufort. Photo courtesy of United Way of the Lowcountry

operational improvements. Wilt actively serves on the clinic's board as Vice Chair, Chair of the Personnel and Finance Committee, and interim Treasurer. Notably, she utilizes

her IT skills to save the clinic money while also mentoring staff – a testament to her deep commitment to the organization's success. "Nominating Lisa for this award

was an easy decision," Good Neighbor Medical Clinic Executive Director Cassi Kilpatrick said in the release. "Her impact has been immeasurable. She not only streamlined our operations but also brought a spirit of collaboration and innovation that has benefited our entire team and ultimately, the patients we serve. Lisa's dedication is truly inspiring, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her on board."

The Peter Post Service Star Award

The Peter Post Service Star Award honors the legacy of Peter Post, a former United Way board member known for his unwavering commitment to community service. As part of the award, Lisa Wilt will receive a unique celestial honor – a star named after her in the Scorpius constellation, corresponding to her birth month. Scorpios, known for their resourcefulness, passion, loyalty, and dedication, perfectly embody the spirit of this award and the exceptional woman receiving it.

sults are two things I appreciate most about Congresswoman Nancy Mace,” said Smith.

Committee seeks feedback on stormwater manuals

The Southern Lowcountry Technical Sub Committee is seeking feedback on the jurisdictional Southern Lowcountry Stormwater Manuals. All stakeholders are encouraged to submit comments, suggestions and improvements.

Implementing jurisdictions are working on draft changes, and would like input on any additional proposed edits from residents, developers, engineers and other individuals with technical expertise.

Comments on all manuals will be received through Friday, May 31. Comments may be submitted to wstormwater@bcgov.net.

For more information on current

manuals, plans and studies, go to https://bit.ly/3PNgb3r.

For questions and more information, contact Beaufort County Stormwater Department at 843255-2813

Free Summer Tax Prep Available for Lowcountry Residents Who Missed Deadline

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is offering a free summer tax preparation program for qualifying residents of Beaufort and Jasper counties who missed the traditional tax filing deadline.

This program – a collaboration between the IRS, Beaufort County Human Services Alliance, and United Way of the Lowcountry (UWLC) – is designed to assist low-income individuals and fami-

lies, non-English speaking taxpayers, people with disabilities, and seniors (age 60+) in accurately and efficiently filing their federal and state tax returns.

Program Details:

• What: Free tax preparation assistance by IRS-certified VITA volunteers.

• When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 23, June 27, July 25, August 22 and September 26

• Where: United Way of the Lowcountry Bluffton Office (10 Buckingham Plantation Drive, Suite D, Bluffton, S.C. 29910)

• Appointments Required: Call 843 321 9071 or email lowcountryvitacoalition@gmail. com Visit www.uwlowcountry. org/VITA for eligibility requirements and a list of documents to bring with you to your appointment.

GREEN, PETITIONER V. HEIRS-AT-LAW OF JOSEPH GREENE INCLUDING ESTAE OF ADDIE MAE GREEN, FRANCES GREEN, ROSE GREEN, LINDA GREEN, BESSIE M. GREEN, AND BETTY MITCHELL AND JOHN DOE AND MARY ROE FICTITIOUS NAMES REPRESENTING ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW, INCLUDING UNKNOWN PERSONS IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ANY MINORS, PERSONS NON COMPOS MENTIS AND PERSONS UNDER DISABILITY OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHO MIGHT CLAIM TO BE HEIRS-ATLAW OF JOSEPH GREENE, RESPONDENTS. IN THE PROBATE COURT CASE NUMBER: 2024ES0700057 AMENDED NOTICE OF HEARING TO DETERMINE HEIRS-AT-LAW TO THE RESPONDENTS ABOVE-NAMED:

V.

North Charleston, South Carolina April 15, 2024

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF BEAUFORT FRANCES GREEN, PETITIONER

HEIRS-AT-LAW OF ADDIE MAE GREEN INCLUDING FRANCES GREEN, ROSE GREEN, LINDA GREEN, BESSIE M. GREEN, BETTY MITCHELL AND JOHN DOE AND MARY ROE FICTITIOUS NAMES REPRESENTING ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW, INCLUDING UNKNOWN PERSONS IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ANY MINORS, PERSONS NON COMPOS MENTIS AND PERSONS UNDER DISABILITY OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHO MIGHT CLAIM TO BE HEIRS-AT-LAW OF ADDIE MAE GREEN, RESPONDENTS.

IN THE PROBATE COURT CASE NUMBER: 2024ES0700058

AMENDED NOTICE TO RESPONDENTS, INCLUDING PERSONS UNKNOWN, MINORS, INCOMPETENTS, AND UNDER ANY OTHER DISABILITY TO THE RESPONDENTS ABOVE-NAMED: And to any thereof that may be residents or non-residents of South Carolina, and to the natural, general, testamentary or other guardians therefor, and to the persons with whom they reside or by whom they may be employed if any there be, and to all other Respondents whose whereabouts cannot be ascertained. TAKE NOTICE, that the Summons, Petition, Order

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a hearing has been scheduled for July 25,2024 at 2:00 PM ET at Beaufort County Probate Court, Beaufort County Courthouse, 100 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, South Carolina, for the purpose of determining heirsat-law of Joseph Greene. This action was commenced by Petitioner on January 11th, 2024, at the Beaufort County Probate Court to have the Probate Court declare that the Estate of Addie Mae Green, Frances Green, Rose Green, Linda Green, Bessie M. Green, and Betty Mitchell were the sole heirs-at-law of Joseph Greene upon his death on November 30, 1982. Any objections to the Petitioner’s right to commence this action, as the current owners of the real property that was owned by Joseph Greene at the time of his death, or to Petitioner’s prayer for relief declaring the aforementioned persons to have been the sole heirs-at-law of Joseph Greene must be filed with the Beaufort County Probate Court on or before July 25, 2024 at 2:00 PM ET or advanced in person at the scheduled hearing. /s/ Mikayla Mangle Mikayla Mangle, Esquire Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation 8570 Rivers Ave, Suite 170. North Charleston, SC 29406 Phone: 843-745-7055 Fax: 843-745-7054 mmangle@heirsproperty.org Attorney for Petitioner

Appointing Guardian ad Litem, Order of Publication, and Notice to Respondents were filed in the Office of the Probate Court for Beaufort County, South Carolina, and Sarah L. Clingman, Esquire, 3321 Forest Drive, Ste 1 Columbia, SC 29204, was appointed Guardian ad Litem, her appointment to become absolute twenty (20) days after the service of the Summons. STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF BEAUFORT FRANCES GREEN, PETITIONER V.

HEIRS-AT-LAW OF JOSEPH GREENE INCLUDING ESTAE OF ADDIE MAE GREEN, FRANCES GREEN, ROSE GREEN, LINDA GREEN, BESSIE M. GREEN, AND BETTY MITCHELL AND JOHN DOE AND MARY ROE FICTITIOUS NAMES REPRESENTING ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW, INCLUDING UNKNOWN PERSONS IN THE ARMED FORCES OF

IN THE PROBATE COURT CASE NUMBER: 2024ES0700057 AMENDED NOTICE TO RESPONDENTS, INCLUDING PERSONS UNKNOWN, MINORS, INCOMPETENTS, AND UNDER ANY OTHER DISABILITY TO THE RESPONDENTS ABOVE-NAMED:

Property Preservation 8570 Rivers Ave, Suite 170. North Charleston, SC 29406 Phone: 843-745-7055 Fax: 843-745-7054 mmangle@heirsproperty.org Attorney for Petitioner North Charleston, South Carolina April

STATE

CAROLINA COUNTY OF BEAUFORT FRANCES GREEN, PETITIONER V. HEIRS-AT-LAW OF ADDIE MAE GREEN INCLUDING FRANCES GREEN, ROSE GREEN, LINDA GREEN, BESSIE M. GREEN, BETTY MITCHELL AND JOHN

And the winner is …

Beaufort Memorial celebrates top staff at annual Bemmy Awards

From staff reports Beaufort Memorial hosted its third annual Bemmy Award ceremony Thursday, May 16, a celebration of its most outstanding employees held each year during National Hospital Week. Awards in 10 categories were presented to recognize exemplary performance over the previous year.

“The Bemmy Awards ceremony is one of my favorite Beaufort Memorial traditions not just because it’s fun, but because it’s a unique opportunity to highlight the amazing work that our employees do,” said Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley. “Healthcare is a difficult occupation. But we withstand the hardships that come our way because we choose to be in healthcare to serve people. And it’s breathtaking how much effort our people put in to caring for our patients. So, taking the time to honor and thank them is essential.”

Deb Cofer, a catheterization laboratory technician at the Cochrane Heart Center, was named the Vaux Clinical Employee of the Year. Described as “an angel on earth” in her nomination for the award, Cofer is known as someone who goes the extra mile for her department. “If you are lucky enough to work with her or be taken care of by her you are getting world class care,” said Baxley. “She dedicates her life to helping others and is one of the leaders of this organization.” The award is named in memory of Ruthven Vaux, a longtime Bluffton resident and former member of the BMH Board of Trustees.

The Non-Clinical Employee of the Year Award went to Food and Nutrition Aide Austin Lanier for his infectious smile, attention to detail and amiability with patients and coworkers. “Austin is one of the biggest rays of sunshine to work at BMH,” said Baxley in reading Lanier’s nomination. “He knows most nurses by first name and greets everyone with a smile.

Members of the Beaufort Memorial Women’s Imaging Department celebrate with BMH President and CEO Russell Baxley at the hospital’s annual Bemmy Awards dinner held at Old Bay Marketplace on May 16, 2024. The department won the Bemmy Award for Department of the Year. Photo courtesy of Charlotte Berkeley

And he always goes above and beyond his duties to get the job done well.” As Lanier was unable to attend the ceremony, he was presented with his award on Friday at the hospital.

The Women’s Imaging Department earned the Bemmy Award for Department of the Year. The department experienced notable growth this year with Beaufort Memorial’s acquisition of Island Imaging on Hilton Head Island in October. “The mammography department served 22,801 patients in 2023,” said Baxley. “So, to tell you their staff is great or that they work hard would be an understatement. And not only do they work hard, but they also forge rewarding relationships among each other, with their patients and in their communities.”

Yvette Pellegrino, M.D., Lady’s Island Internal Medicine primary care and obesity medicine provider, was awarded the Bemmy Award for Provider of the Year. In presenting the award, Baxley read several patient comments exalting

Pellegrino’s skill and thoughtfulness, including one that said, “Dr. Pellegrino has saved and completely changed my life.”

Runners-up for the hospital’s top awards are: Jaime Patillo, OT, outpatient rehabilitation pelvic floor and occupational therapist (Clinical Employee of the Year); Patricia Atanasio, medical staff coordinator (Non-Clinical Employee of the Year); Materials Management Department (Department of the Year); Robert Vyge, M.D., Lady’s Island Internal Medicine primary care provider (Provider of the Year).

Other Recipients include:

• Community Volunteer Hero of the Year: Candice Chappell, BSN, RN, Intensive Care Unit registered nurse (Runner-up: Lea Cifranick-McFadden, CCC-SLP, HealthLink for Children pediatric speech language pathologist)

• Innovator of the Year: Tammy Bauknight, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, CPPM, Revenue Cycle Department director of coding services (Runner-up: Brian

Cofer, a catheterization laboratory technician at the Beaufort Memorial Cochrane Heart Center, poses with her Bemmy Award for Vaux Clinical Employee of the Year at Beaufort Memorial’s annual Bemmy Award’s dinner. Photo courtesy of Charlotte Berkeley

Ruiz, Ph.D., DABR, Keyserling and New River Cancer Centers radiation oncology medical physicist)

• Zero Harm Safety Champion: Carrie McClure, BSN, RN, Collins Birthing Center registered nurse (Runner-up: Rebekah Crandall, PharmD, hospital pharmacist)

Rookie of the Year: Emma Beach, Hospital Orthopedics and Medical/Surgical Unit patient care technician (Runner-up: Jaysun Puryear, Cochrane Heart Center cardiopulmonary assistant)

• Leader of the Year: Denise Lindsey, MSN, RN, director of perioperative services (Runner-up: Carrie Confare, LBSW, care coordination case management director)

Patient Experience Champions (selected based on exceptional patient survey scores): Lowcountry Medical Group Imaging (outpatient category), Beaufort Memorial Pulmonary Specialists (physician prac-

Beaufort Memorial food and nutrition aide, poses with his Bemmy Award for Non-Clinical Employee of the Year last Friday at the hospital. Lanier earned the award for his infectious smile, attention to detail and amiability with patients and coworkers. Mick Miller/ Beaufort Memorial Hospital

tices category) and Beaufort Memorial Emergency Department (in-patient category).

Beaufort Memorial’s Employee Engagement Committee selects finalists for Bemmy Awards by reviewing nominations made by staff members eager to recognize their colleagues as well as nominations for monthly You Shine Through Award recipients. The committee submitted top candidates from among 117 nominations to the hospital’s senior leadership team, which selected the winners.

“Each of the winners truly embodies our core values of safety, innovation and compassion,” Baxley said. “They are examples in the workplace and exemplary members of our community. We could not be prouder of what they’ve accomplished this year.”

In addition to an Emmy Awardsstyle red carpet experience, the Bemmy Awards celebration, held at Old Bay Marketplace, featured live music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a seated dinner before the award ceremony.

SCDNR to conduct courtesy boat inspections Memorial Day weekend

•

S.C. Department of Natural Resources

In an effort to keep people and waterways safe during the Memorial Day weekend, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Law Enforcement Division will be conducting courtesy boat inspections at public boat landings around the state, including twice in Beaufort County. The Beaufort County inspections will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 26 at Broad River Landing, then from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lemon Island Boat Ramp. The Memorial Day holiday kicks off the summer boating season and is one of the busiest times of the year for South Carolina lakes and waterways, and officers want to do everything possible to

keep everyone’s weekend fun and safe.

SCDNR boating safety and enforcement officers will perform quick but thorough inspections for required safety equipment and proper boat and motor registrations. Those who are not in compliance with safety regulations or registration requirements will not be ticketed during the complimentary inspections. Instead, they will be given an opportunity to correct the problem before they launch their boat. SCDNR officers will also be available to answer questions and give boaters tips on how to stay safe on the water. To report boating violations such as reckless operation or an intoxicated boat operator, call the SCDNR toll-free, 24-hour ho-

tline at 1-800-922-5431 or dial #DNR on your cellular phone.

For a copy of South Carolina’s boating regulations, to find out about local boating safety courses, or to obtain a free float plan form, contact the SCDNR boating safety office at 1-800-277-4301 or visit http://www.dnr.sc.gov/ education/boated.html.

Memorial Day weekend boat inspection locations (All inspections are from 10 a.m. to Noon):

Saturday, May 25:

• Anderson County: Twin Lakes Landing, Lake Hartwell: 10 a.m. to Noon

• Berkeley County: William Dennis Landing, Tail Race Canal, 10 a.m. to Noon

Charleston County: Wapoo Cut Landing, Intracoastal Waterway (ICW): 10 a.m. to Noon

• Greenwood County: SC Highway 72 Landing at Break on the Lake, Lake Greenwood: 10 a.m. to Noon Horry County: Little River Landing: 10 a.m. to Noon Lexington County: Lake Murray Dam Landing: 10 a.m. to Noon

• York County: Allison Creek Park Landing, Lake Wylie: 10 a.m. to Noon

Sunday, May 26:

• Beaufort County: Broad River Landing: 10 a.m. to Noon Charleston County: Remley's Point, 10 a.m. to Noon

• Clarendon County: Alex Harvin Landing, Lake Marion: 10 a.m. to Noon

• Colleton County: Bennett's Point, 10 a.m. to Noon

• Kershaw County: Clearwater Cove Landing, Lake Wateree: 10 a.m. to Noon

• McCormick County: Dorn Landing, Lake Thurmond: 10 a.m. to Noon

Shellfish harvesting season closes May 27

S.C. Department of Natural Resources

The 2023-2024 season for harvest of oysters, mussels, clams and all other bivalves from South Carolina's State Shellfish Grounds and Public Shellfish Grounds will close on Monday, May 27 2024 at one half hour after official sunset, according to South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) officials.

"Projections indicate water temperatures will make an abrupt increase on May 28," said Andy Hol-

lis, head of the agency's shellfish management section. Because higher bacterial levels occur when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, shellfish harvesting during the summer months is limited to certain oyster farms who meet rigorous handling and operations requirements. Coastal waters will remain closed to recreational shellfish harvesting until the fall, when water temperatures begin to cool and ensure that shellfish are once again safe for harvesting and consumption. Shellfish harvesting

is expected to reopen October 1 2024. Find out more about shellfish harvesting regulations here.

Although shellfish harvesting is closed to the public during the summer, the South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement (SCORE) program accepts recycled oyster shells year-round. Shell recycling drop-off locations are located throughout coastal counties and at a few inland locations. Collection sites can be found online or by calling SCDNR at 843-953-9397. Other types of shell, such as clams and

whelks, are also accepted. During the summer months, SCDNR biologists return the recycled shell to shorelines, where it provides an ideal base for juvenile oysters to attach and grow, thereby replenishing harvested beds. When the quantity of shell needed to replant shellfish grounds exceeds that which is recycled, SCDNR must purchase shell at increasing cost. Even a modest increase in recycled shell can save a significant amount of money. SCDNR’s shellfish recycling, restoration and enhancement

efforts are funded in part by saltwater recreational fishing license sales. Although oyster harvesting slows down in the summer, oyster reef construction heats up. Late spring and early summer are busy months for SCORE’s community-based oyster restoration work, in which the public is invited to work with SCDNR staff and other volunteers to create oyster habitat using recycled shell. The resulting oyster reefs provide a host of ecological services, including water filtration, nutrient cycling, and habitat for fish and invertebrates.

Deb

Austin Lanier,

By Skylar Laird SCDailyGazette.com

COLUMBIA — Lawmakers will have $610 million more than estimated to dole out for the coming fiscal year when they return to finish the budget next month, as post-pandemic slowdowns have been less than economists feared.

Altogether, legislators will have new revenues of $2 2 billion to spend in the new budget year that starts July 1 — more than the $1 4 billion economists origi-

SC finances continue slow return to normal

Legislators will have about $600 million more than anticipated when they return to finish budget

nally predicted back in November 2023

That number “is a nice chunk of change for the budget staff,” said Frank Rainwater, executive director of the state’s Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office.

Having extra money is not out of the ordinary for the state. Budget analysts tend to be conservative in their predictions to avoid overspending. But the latest numbers are much closer to original estimates than in recent years past.

That’s because South Carolina is returning to normal after an infusion of federal aid and extra spending from stimulus funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rainwater said.

“Everything’s kind of working its way out,” Rainwater told the Board of Economic Advisors during a Monday morning meeting.

In the last couple years, the mid-year adjustment to revenue predictions has given lawmakers much more to spend as

they’ve completed the state’s budget.

Economists expected a drop-off this year. While most of the state’s revenues decreased, they did so more gradually than budget analysts originally predicted.

For example, state economists expected corporate income tax revenue to hit a cliff this year. Instead, it remained relatively steady, according to data state analysts presented.

That alone gave the state $380 7 million more to

work with.

As retail sales growth slows and business costs increase, analysts say the state could see a major drop-off next year. Corporate income tax is particularly volatile, making it difficult to predict, state economists said.

Sales tax revenue contributed as well, though not as much. The state’s tax on spending brought in $51 million more than expected this year.

At the same time, some

Judge: SC abortion law can stand at 6 weeks of pregnancy

Planned Parenthood attorneys argued ban should not apply until 9 weeks

By Skylar Laird SCDailyGazette.com

COLUMBIA — A judge ruled

South Carolina’s abortion ban should remain in effect at six weeks of pregnancy, not nine, as abortion providers argued.

Circuit Court Judge Daniel Coble threw out a request from Planned Parenthood, which asked the court to bar the state from enforcing the law until questions are answered over its timing. The case centered not around whether the law is constitutional — the Supreme Court already ruled it is — but when, exactly, it begins.

Lawmakers “could not have been more clear” that they intended the ban to begin at six weeks, Coble wrote in a ruling released late Thursday.

Often referred to as a “heartbeat law,” the rule says doctors can not perform abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detectable.

But during arguments earlier this month, Planned Parenthood attorney Kyla Eastling pointed to a clause in South Carolina’s law that defines a heartbeat as “cardiac activity, or the steady and repetitive rhythmic contraction of the fetal heart, within the gestational sac.”

The electrical impulse doctors can detect via ultrasound at six weeks “is not steady; it is not repetitive; and it is not rhythmic,” Eastling said at the time. That’s not the case until an actual heart forms around nine weeks of pregnancy, she argued.

The state’s experts countered that those electrical impulses function in essentially the same way as a heart, pumping blood

will end up settling the case, after refusing to take it up directly last November.

Coble’s job, he wrote, was not to decide between the two time frames but instead to determine whether the law was clear.

Looking just at what’s written, the definition “is not clear,” Coble wrote. Instead, he relied on more than a dozen instances in which lawmakers, both for and against the law, referred to it as a six-week ban. Based on that, he “believes that there is no doubt” in the timeframe.

A spokesman for Gov. Henry McMaster called the ruling “another legal victory” for the state’s abortion ban.

“Life will continue to be protected in South Carolina, and the governor will continue his fight to protect it,” spokesman Brandon Charochak said in a statement.

The case focused on Taylor Shelton, a Lowcountry resident, who found out she was pregnant last September despite having an intrauterine device, a form of birth control.

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through the embryo, even if the four chambers of a heart have not yet taken shape.

Coble declined to suspend the law, calling that “a drastic measure,” particularly in a case the Supreme Court already upheld.

The Supreme Court left the door open to the question of timing after its 4-1 ruling last August determining that the current ban is constitutional.

“We leave for another day… the meaning of ‘fetal heartbeat’ and whether the statutory definition — ‘cardiac activity, or the steady and

repetitive rhythmic contraction of the fetal heart, within the gestational sac’ — refers to one period of time during a pregnancy or two separate periods of time,” Justice John Kittredge wrote in the majority opinion.

“That day is now upon us, and a decision must be made,” Coble wrote in his ruling, first reported by The State.

Planned Parenthood will fight the ruling and continue to challenge the rule’s time frame, the organization said in a statement Friday. It is likely the Supreme Court

Shelton quickly realized she was pregnant but couldn’t get an appointment for an abortion in South Carolina before the sixweek cutoff. So, she drove to North Carolina, where abortions are allowed until 12 weeks of pregnancy.

She had to take three trips and spend more than 20 hours in the car, she told reporters after a hearing earlier this month.

“Given the impact of this case on thousands of patients across South Carolina who have been unfairly denied abortion care, we will continue to demand that the courts apply the law as written,” Black said in the statement.

Skylar Laird covers the South Carolina Legislature and criminal justice issues. Originally from Missouri, she previously worked for The Post and Courier’s Columbia bureau.

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

Planned Parenthood was disappointed in the ruling and vowed that “the fight is not over,” said Jenny Black, president of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, in a statement.

SC begins widening rural stretches of I-26

By Skylar Laird SCDailyGazette.com

CALHOUN COUN-

TY — The next step in an accelerated plan to widen rural sections of Interstate 26 between Columbia and Charleston is underway, transportation department officials announced Monday. By the end of 2027, the 11-mile stretch between Gaston and St. Matthews will go from four lanes to six, with three going either direction.

That will include rehabilitating or replacing five bridges and building two new ones, according to the transportation department. Altogether, it will cost the state about $440 million.

“I can’t tell y’all how excited folks are to finally get this

project underway,” Rep. Russell Ott, D-St. Matthews, said Monday.

The project is part of a larger plan to widen the interstate from the Midlands to the coast — 114 miles in total — to alleviate the traffic jams that frequently halt travel, allow for more trucking and create more space for emergency vehicles to access wrecks, officials said Monday.

South Carolina has the nation’s fourth-largest state highway system serving the fastest-growing population, according to the latest U.S. Census Data.

That growth led lawmakers, in 2022, to speed up the widening of stretches of interstate considered critical

to the state’s economy, using $453 5 million in federal COVID-19 pandemic aid and $133 6 million in state dollars designated for rural interstates.

Now, workers will be able complete the entire I-26 project by 2034, six years ahead of schedule.

The first 33 miles of Interstate 95 coming into South Carolina from Savannah, Ga., also should be six total lanes by 2030

After the newest 11 miles in Lexington and Calhoun counties, crews will have three or four more stretches of highway to tackle, depending on how the department decides to split up the work, transportation secretary Justin Powell said. The next

9-mile phase will likely begin next year, he added, as crews continue to work their way southeast. Widening on the final 20-mile segment, all in Orangeburg County, will begin in 2029

Officials are hoping to keep interstates open throughout construction, Powell said.

The project also ties into the revamping several interchanges, including the one connecting Interstates 95 and 26, and Carolina Crossroads — better known as Malfunction Junction — in Columbia.

Malfunction Junction in particular has been a thorn in Columbia travelers’ sides. The spot where interstates 20 26 and 126 meet is no-

toriously tricky to navigate, and officials hope clearing up the 14 miles surrounding them will make entering and leaving Columbia easier.

“When we have hurricanes, we’ve seen the roads get crowded,” McMaster said.

Crews started widening the 16-mile stretch from Little Mountain to Irmo, just northwest of Columbia, in 2020. They will complete that project by the end of this year.

Skylar Laird covers the South Carolina Legislature and criminal justice issues. Originally from Missouri, she previously worked for The Post and Courier’s Columbia bureau.

“Thank goodness that’s being done,” said Sen. Nikki Setzler, D-West Columbia. Widening the next section of highway south of Columbia will help keep people from detouring through country roads, causing more traffic in the smaller towns just off the highway, said Ott, who represents Calhoun County. It will also make evacuating in case of a hurricane easier, Gov. Henry McMaster said. Transportation officials can reverse traffic in the case of a hurricane, first so that people can leave the coast, and again so they can return home.

Taylor Shelton speaks to reporters Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the Richland County Courthouse following a hearing on whether South Carolina’s abortion ban should apply at nine weeks instead of six. The lawsuit recounts her experience of being unable to get an appointment within the six-week cutoff. Seanna Adcox/S.C. Daily Gazette

Four retirement tips for women

Presented by

Hampton H. Long

Though good progress has been made on so many fronts with respect to gender equality in the workplace, the retirement savings disparity for female workers remains a persistent challenge. Relevant nationwide, these differences in retirement outcomes are particularly pronounced in retirement havens like Beaufort County, especially as the costs of healthcare, and senior living, among others, continue to rise. While women face a unique set of circumstances when it comes to retirement planning, being more aware of these challenges is the first step to helping to overcome them. At Charles Schwab we generally highlight four key considerations to help women prepare and be confident in their financial future. Keep in mind, this information should not be considered personalized investment advice or recommendations. Because each situation varies, it’s important to review for your own particular situation.

1 Women may have a lengthier retirement. Women tend to outlive men by an average of five years, according to the National Center for Health Statistics in 2022. Though a longer retirement means more time to travel the world and spoil grandchildren, it also means many women will have to save more money to last them through their longer lifespans.

Tip: Stocks can be an important part of most portfolios, even during retirement. Though you may want to gradually reduce your exposure as you get older, an option to consider is investing savings in stocks to help mitigate the effects of inflation. For many investors, the ultimate goal is to try to have continued growth overall while not risking the money you need to live on.

2 Women may have a more expensive retirement. Not only do women have to plan for more years in retirement, but they often have to anticipate higher expenses. Longer life expectancies can translate into increased

medical expenses and a higher likelihood of entering a nursing home or assisted living community, or hiring formal home care, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars a year.

Tip: Medicare benefits cover some medical costs during retirement, but consider exploring supplemental insurance.

3 Women potentially have to save more to make up for earnings loss. On average, women still earn lower salaries than their male counterparts. In 2020 women still earned only 82 cents for every dollar men earned, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Plus, over the course of their working years, women spend more time out of the workforce to care for their families, according to the AARP Public Policy Institute. To counteract the forces that are weighing on their ability to accumulate savings, women can focus on socking away as much as possible during the years they are working and earning an income.

Tip: Your level of savings is the biggest factor in determining whether you will meet your retirement financial goals, aim to start early. But in case you procrastinate, there are ways to consider maxing. Try to max out your 401(k) contributions, or at least contribute enough to get the full employer match if there is one. Each year after you turn 50, you can contribute up to $7,500 (as of 2024) beyond the usual limit to your 401(k). You may also be able to annually contribute an extra $1,000 (as of 2024) to your Traditional or Roth IRA to help bulk up your savings. Talk to a tax advisor for more information as income limitations apply and it may not be the right option for everyone. Review your expenses periodically to look for ways to save more and avoid carrying a balance on your credit card to limit costly interest payments.

4 Women may receive

less in Social Security benefits. Lower salaries and fewer years in the workplace also put women at a disadvantage when it comes to Social Security benefits. In fact, women 65 years and older earned on average about 20% less in Social Security than men in 2021, according to the Social Security Administration. While this may be difficult to accept, women who may become widows due their longer life expectancies should consider how they can maximize their Social Security survivor benefits.

Tip: Consider delaying the start of your Social Security benefits. If you choose to start cashing in your Social Security checks before your normal retirement age, your benefits are reduced. If you wait to some point between your normal retirement age and the age of 70, you’ll receive a higher monthly benefit. Use Social Security Administration’s calculators to determine your breakeven age— the point at which you break even and begin to come out ahead if you delay Social Security.

Nearly all of us have mothers, wives, sisters, and extended female family and friends that we care deeply about and wish to see enjoy a comfortable retirement. Unfortunately, there has been a greater degree of difficulty for women to accumulate needed retirement assets. But, by considering the tips above, women can more easily attain a long and bountiful retirement.

Hampton H. Long is a financial consultant at Charles Schwab with over 14 years of experience helping clients achieve their financial goals. Some content provided here has been compiled from previously published articles authored by various parties at Schwab.

This information provided here is for general informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, Financial Planner, or Investment Manager.

(0524-2VWD)

SPORTS&RECREATION

TRACK STATE CHAMPIONS

1 … 2 … 3!

Whale Branch girls secure dynasty with 3rd straight track title

By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com

The finish line was a third consecutive SCHSL Class 1A Track and Field Championship, and the Whale Branch girls reached their goal at a dead sprint.

The Warriors piled up points in the sprints and relays and tacked on in the jumps to pull away from the pack with 124 points, further cementing a Palmetto State small-school track dynasty in Seabrook, while the Whale Branch boys surged late to snag second place behind champion Southside Christian.

The team of Natalia Aburto, Destiny Pryor, Larmore Pryor, and Talaijah Bartley got the Warriors off and running with gold in the 4x100 relay, and they continued to pile up points. Bartley won the 400 meters and 100-meter hurdles — her fourth straight gold in the latter with teammates Imani Blackwell in second and Grace Bing in fourth — while Destiny Pryor was runner-up in the long jump and won the 100-meter dash as part of a 1-3-5 finish for the Warriors along with Faith Eugene and Larmore Pryor. Larmore Pryor also placed third in the 200 meters, and Eugene was eighth in the 400

The Whale Branch boys finished the night without an individual champion but still managed to scratch out a second-place finish, thanks to several athletes scoring in multiple events.

Bradford Thompson led the way with runner-up finishes in the shot put and discus, while fellow football star Keith Chisholm was fourth in the triple jump and fifth in the 110-meter hurdles, in addition to anchoring the runner-up 4x100 relay team along with Shondell Terry, Jonathan Kelley, and Mason Griffin. Kelley also finished third in the 200, while Jesse Richardson placed in three events — fourth in the 1600, fifth in the 800, and seventh in the 3200 — and Laron Wright was sixth in the high jump and seventh in the long jump.

HS TRACK & FIELD

SCISA 1A CHAMPIONSHIP GIRLS

Whale Branch (124 pts) wins state title

State Champions

4x100 (Natalia Aburto, Destiny Pryor, Larmore Pryor, Talaijah Bartley), 47 79

Talaijah Bartley, 100H, 14 55; 400m, 58 36

Destiny Pryor, 100m, 12 37

Larmore Pryor, LJ, 16-11 94

Runners-Up

Imani Blackwell, 100H, 15 88

Janiah Pryor, TJ, 33-7 15

Destiny Pryor, LJ, 16-4 85; 200m, 25 8

4x400 (Alayah Brown, Natalia Aburto, Faith Eugene, Talaijah Bartley), 4:07 76

3rd: Faith Eugene, 100m, 12 68; Larmore Pryor, 200m, 25 85

4th: Grace Bing, 100H, 16 08

Dolphins establishing work ethic, camaraderie

By Bob Sofaly The Island News

Area football teams are taking to the field one more time for their annual spring practice programs before school is out for the summer.

Athletes suit up and run their respective drills, working to correct a bad habit or to re-enforce good ones and strengthen as a unit.

“The purpose of spring practice is begin the process of establishing a team ethic and camaraderie”, said Ed Susi, Head Football Coach for the Battery Creek Dolphins.

Susi said he has 62 athletes, including 11 returning seniors, showing up for the grueling drills. Some are rising freshmen still in middle school. Because they are still in middle school they aren’t allowed to physically participate with the older players for safety reasons. But they can still run drills and run laps if their performance falls short of expectations.

5th: 4x800 (Ariehanna Wiltshire, Alani Crawford, Ayaunna Reid-Wright, Makeima Adams), 11:04 55; Larmore Pryor, 100m, 12 79; Alayah Brown, 400m, 1:01 74

7th: Natalia Aburto, 100m, 12 86

8th: Faith Eugene, 400m, 1:03 00; Ariehanna Wiltshire, 800m, 2:34 43; Grace Bing, 400H, 1:15 42

BOYS

Whale Branch (86 pts) finished second to champion Southside Christian (162) Runners-Up

4x100 (Shondell Terry, Jonathan Kelley, Mason Griffin, Keith Chisholm), 43 29 Bradford Thompson, SP, 43-10 38; Discus, 139-11 92

3rd: Derrick Roberts, TJ, 42-4 66; Jonathan Kelley, 200m, 22 33 4th: Keith Chisholm, TJ, 42-4 27; Jayden Young, PV, 10-0 08; Greggory Gilbert, HJ, 6-2 8; Jesse Richardson, 1600m, 4:47 24; 4x800 (Jonas Foskey, Jayden Young, Wesley White, Zaire Polite), 8:59 22; 4x400 (Shondell Terry, Jayden Young, Wesley White, Mason Griffin), 3:32 48

5th: Jesse Richardson, 800m, 2:06 18; Keith Chisholm, 110H, 16 14 6th: Laron Wright, HJ, 5-10 87; Jonas Foskey, 800m, 2:07 02

7th: Jesse Richardson, 3200m, 10:45 95; Keith Chisholm, HJ, 5-10 87; Laron Wright, LJ, 20-3 7

Beaufort’s Houseal, Smart claim track state titles

LowcoSports.com

Beaufort High’s Anaiya Houseal and Eric Smart each claimed individual state titles as part of big days Saturday at the SCHSL Class 3A Track & Field Championships. Houseal took gold in the high jump and placed fifth in the 100-meter hurdles to lead Beaufort’s girls to a seventh-place finish with 27 points. Yzeult Antia also had a strong day for the Eagles, placing second in the 800 meters and eighth in the 1600, while joining Aleeyah Echols, Jasmine Brown, and Letecia Whittingham on the sixth-place 4x400 relay team and anchoring the eighthplace 4x800 relay along with Aleeyah Echols, Jamie Simmons, and Halle Kruse. Smart helped the Beaufort boys to a 14th-place finish by winning the 400-meter hurdles and placing fourth in the pole vault, while Amare Patterson was fifth in the 200-meter dash and seventh in the 100

HS TRACK & FIELD

SCHSL 3A CHAMPIONSHIP GIRLS

Beaufort (27 pts) finishes 7th State Champion: Anaiya Houseal, HJ, 5-1

2nd: Yzeult Antia, 800m, 2:24 61 5th: Anaiya Houseal, 100H, 15 81 6th: 4x400 (Aleeyah Echols, Jasmine Brown, Yzeult Antia, Letecia Whittingham)

8th: Yzeult Antia, 1600m, 5:30 58; 4x800 (Aleeyah Echols Jamie Simmons Halle Kruse Yzeult Antia), 10:25 13

BOYS Beaufort (21 pts) finishes 14th

1st: Eric Smart, 400H, 55 11 4th: Eric Smart, PV, 13-5 5 5th: Amare Patterson, 200m, 22 08 7th: Amare Patterson, 100m, 11 04

them” four days a week

keep them sharp and fit.

Beaufort spring practice winding down

By Bob Sofaly The Island News

The Beaufort High School Eagles football team is in their final week of spring football practice, with the final day Thursday, May 23. But that doesn’t mean the coaching staff is turning them loose for the summer.

The BCHS Dolphins struggled with a less than stellar season in

Susi said his team members are still expected to stay in shape during the summer break. “Summer is about continuing in the weight room and working on our individual and team skills. They know what is expected from them to compete and change the culture of the team.”

said he expects a very good off season. He said his team is looking forward to competition in the fall. “(These) kids are excited about finally getting back on the field. They want to be the group that turns it around.”

Head Coach Bryce Lybrand said as soon school is out, he and his coaches will still have his boys and “run them and lift them” four days a week to help keep them in shape and out of trouble. “Spring practice gives us an idea as to who is going to be able to help us next season,” he said during practice Monday afternoon at Eagles Stadium.

“There we’ll be a lot of teaching going on as we make our way through spring and into summer and see who is ready by the time the season kicks off” in August he said. Lybrand said there will be a few changes the kids will have to learn during spring practice sessions, But he added most of the players (about 50) already know what to expect and use Spring practice to refine what they already know and get ready for summer training.

“Spring practice shows us what we will look like in the fall,” he said. “We can come out here for Spring practice and on into the summer and get football work done every day.”

The Whale Branch girls track team won its third track state championship in a row to lock up a Palmetto State small-school track dynasty.

Submitted photo

2023. Susi

Ed Susi, left, Head Football Coach of the Battery Creek High School Dolphins, watches his defensive backs work on drills during Spring football practice Monday afternoon. Coach Susi said the Spring session gives his athletes a chance to continue working as team before they break for summer. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Bryce Lybrand, Head Football Coach at Beaufort High School, gives his athletes a pep talk after running, agility and stretching drills during Spring football practice Monday afternoon at Eagles Stadium. Lybrand said he and his assistant coaches will “run

throughout the Summer months to help

Bob Sofaly/The Island News

USCB’s Wolff awarded 2024 Newman

Civic Award

From staff reports Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education, has named USC Beaufort Human Services student and civic leader Mattie Wolff as a Newman Civic Fellow. She was selected among nominations from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico to be part of the 20242025 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows.

Six years ago, through her involvement with LRADAC (Lexington/ Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council), Wolff was able to get clean and in recovery after fighting 17 years of drug addiction. She shared her story in a video produced by LRADAC that was distributed via various media platforms in hopes of helping others struggling with addictions.

In the past six years, Wolff became a mother, earned her GED, and enrolled in Midlands Technical College, where she was invited to join Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Now a junior at USCB, Wolff continues to excel in the classroom and through community service. Currently, she is an active member of the LRADAC MOMs group, celebrating and supporting other mothers in recovery.

Campus Compact provides the Newman Civic Fellows with learning and networking opportunities that nurture their development as civic leaders. Wolff will have virtual and in-person learning experiences, including competitive grant funding opportunities for social impact projects, leadership training, and a mentorship program with a local mentor. Fellows also have access to exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.

From staff reports

TCL avoids rain, graduates more than 300 students

Despite a thunderstorm that moved through the area earlier in the day, the Technical College of the Lowcountry was able to go on with its planned graduation commencement service held on Friday, May 10, at Beaufort’s Waterfront Park.

Approximately 312 students received certificate, diploma or associate degrees from more than 60 programs of study including nursing, computer technology, early care and education, business administration, culinary arts and many more.

Resilience, hard work and determination were the themes of the day as the sky cleared and speakers took to the podium.

“Regardless of your path, know that the foundation that was laid during your time here at TCL has equipped you with the skills and resilience necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving world,” TCL President Richard Gough told graduates who were joined by friends and family members at Friday’s ceremony.

Dr. Gough also congratulated students on making what he said may not have been an “easy decision” to attend college in the first place.

“It’s a monumental achievement,” he said. “Your resilience, determination and unswerving commitment to excellence is to be commended.”

Grace Beasley, who served as TCL’s 2024 Student Speaker, echoed Dr. Gough’s remarks.

“We are testaments to our resilience, dedication

Whale Branch Early College High School senior Grace Beasley served as TCL’s 2024 Student Graduation Speaker. Having enrolled in TCL’s dual enrollment program, she went on to receive her Associate in Arts degree along with three college certificates from TCL on Friday. She plans to attend the University of South Carolina to study law with a focus on cybersecurity. Photo courtesy of TCL

and perseverance,” she said.

“We balanced work with family commitments and college-level classes often juggling multiple responsibilities and commitments.”

A senior at Whale Branch Early College High School, Beasley was chosen from a pool of candidates who vied

Battery Creek’s Vega wins Ride Of Your Life Scholarship

From staff reports Battery Creek High School’s Alex Vega has been chosen as one of the South Carolina State Fair’s 2024 recipients of its annual Ride of Your Life Scholarship program. This year, 53 high school seniors across the state have been chosen to receive these prestigious $10 000 scholarships.

Vega, a senior headed to Clemson University, graduated May 10 from Technical College of the Lowcountry as a Summa Cum Laude honors with Associate in Arts with a certificate in Arts/Liberal Arts Core and a Certificate in Arts/Math & English Core. He did this while maintaining a 5 142 weighted GPA in high school and participating in three sports and multiple clubs at Battery Creek.

Vega had already received a Carolina Heritage Insurance 2024 Scholarship Award worth $5,000

"We’re thrilled to announce this year’s scholarship recipients and to invest in these students’ futures,” says South Carolina State Fair General Manager, Nancy Smith. “Our scholarship program is at the heart of what we do here at the South Carolina State Fair, and supporting future scholars from our state means a great deal to our organization.”

Alex Vega

Each year, the South Carolina State Fair, a self-supporting 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, awards scholarships to South Carolina high school students planning to pursue their studies at any public or private college, university, or technical college in the state of South Carolina. These $10,000 scholarships are awarded at an annual rate of $2 500 and are based on academic and extracurricular achievement, communication skills, need and completeness of the application.

Since the program’s inception in 1997 the S.C. State Fair has awarded more than $5 million in scholarships.

This year’s recipients were chosen from a competitive pool of applicants from across the state, representing all seven of South Carolina’s congressional districts. The scholarship funds must be used at a South Carolina university, college, or institution and may cover tuition or other educational expenses such as on-campus housing, a computer or textbooks. Recipients must retain a 3 0 GPA on a 4 0 scale and enroll in no less than 30 credit hours each academic year to receive funding for that year.

on cybersecurity.

for the honor to be student speaker. Having enrolled in TCL’s dual enrollment program, she went on to receive her Associate in Arts degree along with three college certificates from TCL on Friday. She plans to attend the University of South Carolina to study law with a focus

Beasley also encouraged her fellow graduates to never lose sight of their purpose. “Hold fast to your passions, your dreams and your sense of purpose for they will serve not just as beacons of light, but as guiding stars leading you through life’s journey,” she concluded.

Also on the program was Jasper County School District Superintendent Rechel Anderson who served as the ceremony’s commencement speaker. A published

author with a career in education spanning nearly two decades, Anderson offered graduates many points of advice; among them was to think of the pursuit of knowledge as a lifelong endeavor.

“Embrace every experience as a chance to grow, but also as a chance to expand your horizons and to challenge your assumptions,” she said. “Remember, true wisdom comes not from the accumulation of facts, but from the willingness to remain curious and open to new ideas.”

Highlands Latin School Beaufort 7th-graders Reilly Deal, left, and Tyler Miller, right, memorized the ballad of Horatius at the Bridge in its entirety in Latin. All 70 stanzas, 16 pages, and 589 lines. Submitted photo

7th-graders pull off impressive feat in Latin

From staff reports

Two students from Highlands Latin School Beaufort were inducted into The Horatius Society on Tuesday night, May 14, at Community Bible Church in Beaufort. Seventh graders Reilly Deal and Tyler Miller earned the induction by following in Winston Churchill’s footsteps and memorizing the ballad of Horatius at the Bridge in its entirety. In Latin.

The ballad consists of 70 stanzas, 16 pages, and

589 lines. They were each pinned, received a Winston Churchill Medal, and had their names etched among other students in the Horatius Society.

“It’s one of the classics,” said Leanna O’Quinn of Lady’s Island, who is in her third year teaching at the school, which is physically based at New Life Church in Bluffton, but provides a classical Christian education for students from all over the county, north and south of the Broad River.

“They were challenged at the beginning of the year to memorize it. It’s a big part at the curriculum. It’s the first time anyone at our school has memorized it.” At the school, which has more than 100 students, every student third grade and up learns Latin.

“I think it is absolutely incredible,” O’Quinn said “All of the others students have learned through 24 stanzas. I wasn’t sure it was even actually possible until I heard it with my own ears.”

Mattie Wolff

Jasper County School District Superintendent Rechel Anderson served as TCL’s commencement speaker. Photo courtesy of TCL

Local students graduate

LOWCOUNTRY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

HOLY TRINITY CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Fewer than 3,000 SC students set to receive K-12 vouchers

By Skylar Laird SCDailyGazette.com

COLUMBIA — The state will award taxpayer-funded scholarships to 2 880 K-12 students for 2024-25, meaning just under half of the available slots could go unused for the program’s inaugural year, according to data the state Department of Education provided Wednesday, May 15, to the S.C. Daily Gazette.

The total of awarded scholarships means 64% of the 7,907 students whose parents applied by the March deadline were denied. Most of those applications were rejected because they either came in after the deadline or they weren’t completely filled out, according to the agency.

In the inaugural year, students had to qualify for Medicaid to be eligible. One of every 10 applications was rejected because the parents’ income was too high.

The law creating the private school choice program provided $6 000 scholarships for a maximum of 5,000 students for the coming year — to be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to all eligible parents.

In March, GOP legislators in the House touted the high number of applicants as a reason to greatly expand the program before it even starts. But the final numbers suggest that was unnecessary. (The Senate never took up the bill.)

What’s in the budget?

Both the House and Senate set aside $30 million in their spending plans for the fiscal year starting July 1, assuming that all 5,000 slots would be taken. An agreement between the chambers’ budget plans won’t be worked out until next month.

Regardless, that money is locked in, since it’s the same

amount in both versions.

The 2 880 approved students will require less than 60% of that allocation. By law, all awards had to be decided by mid-April, 30 days after the application deadline.

But denied parents can still correct errors or typos in their applications, which could result in a slight in-

crease in approvals, according to the agency. However, the data it provided shows zero applications still in process.

Legislators may approve a clause in the budget overriding that deadline and allowing the state department to continue accepting applications and awarding eligible parents throughout the year.

Parents already notified can start accessing their $6 000 scholarships in July through an online portal that allows them to direct the money toward any of the hundreds of approved providers, mostly private schools and tutors.

That is, unless the South Carolina Supreme Court decides before then that the law violates the state constitution’s ban on public money directly benefiting private schools, as opponents argued to the justices in March. That lawsuit did not block the law’s implementation pending a ruling.

Advocates and critics respond Supporters pointed to the 7,907 applications as proof that families are interested in the program. They suggested fewer students will be denied in the coming years as the agency works out the kinks, eligibility expands, and parents become more familiar with the application process.

The Palmetto Promise Institute, which has been lobbying for the school choice program for years, said it’s not discouraged by the rejected applications.

“They prove what we have been saying for months: South Carolinians crave flexibility and customization in their children’s education,” the conservative think tank said in a statement to the Gazette.

For critics, however, the

fact that the department approved less than 40% of the applicants suggests demand was exaggerated, particularly among poor families eligible for this first round.

“To me, this is indicative that South Carolinians are already happy with either their public schools or the choices we have available,” such as public charter schools, said Patrick Kelly, a lobbyist with the Palmetto State Teachers Association and a high school teacher.

House Education Chairwoman Shannon Erickson said the large number of denials could be explained by parents not understanding the process or not knowing about it in time to complete it. The two-month window for applications started in mid-January. The process could have been too confusing, she said.

“I understand a learning curve,” said the Beaufort Republican. “Perhaps we need to put a little more IT assistance into the process.”

Erickson proposed the budget clause allowing the empty slots to continue to be filled.

“That would stop the department from not letting students in because of an arbitrary date,” she said.

Kelly countered the date isn’t arbitrary: The March 15 deadline was put in the law to ensure public schools had enough time to create class schedules, he said.

If students decide to use the money to transfer to private schools during the school year, schools could end up scrambling, he said.

“I understand and appreciate the heartbeat behind the rolling window, but it could cause logistical issues,” said Kelly, a teacher at Blythewood High School.

The Palmetto Promise Institute, on the other hand, lauded Erickson’s proposed

budget clause as a way of filling the remaining slots and ensuring the full $30 million set aside for the program goes to students. Even if it doesn’t, the state should celebrate the fact that many students got financial help, said the think tank formerly led by state Superintendent Ellen Weaver.

“We should not lose sight of the victory: Two thousand, eight hundred, and eighty South Carolina students are now able to choose the education that best fits them, an opportunity they likely could never have afforded otherwise,” the institute’s statement read. “That alone is worth celebrating.”

Eligibility and denials

For the coming school year, eligibility was limited to families making 200% of the federal poverty level, or $62,400 for a family of four.

Students also either had to be currently attending a public school or just starting kindergarten. The latter accounts for one of every five students approved for the program.

Under the law, the income and participation caps increase over the following two years. By the 2026-2027 school year, up to 15,000 students from families making up to 400% of the poverty level will be eligible.

The so-called “universal” school choice proposal passed by the House would’ve allowed students already in private and home schools to get scholarships and removed income eligibility rules by 2026. It called for the yearly cap on the number of participating students to be set by legislators through the budget process.

But less than 11% of the denials were due to parents’ incomes being above the limit.

In about 8% of cases, the students were either not yet

old enough for kindergarten or too old for high school. Two students were denied because they don’t live in South Carolina.

Because the pool of eligible students was smaller this year, it made sense that fewer families would receive money, Erickson said.

“It was the least possible people” who could receive the money, she said.

An expansion, she said, would help families who earn just above the income limits but are still struggling. She pointed to the 539 students whose application were denied because their parents earned too much.

But Kelly pointed out that advocates for the program have touted it for decades as a way to help poor families stuck in failing schools afford another option for their children.

The fact that fewer of those families took advantage of the program than expected suggests that, even if numbers increase in coming years, it will be difficult to know how many disadvantaged students are using the money, he said.

“I think it paints a really compelling argument that there is no need for something like (universal school choice) in the near future,” Kelly said.

Members of the 2024 Holy Trinity Classic Christian School graduating class prepare for the ceremony as Rev. Joe Lawrence, Interim Headmaster, says a prayer for the seniors and their future on Saturday, May 18 at the Parish Church of St. Helena in Beaufort. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Reagan Deanae Nelson, Senior Class President, reads a passage from the book of Luke during the 2024 Holy Trinity Classical Christian School graduation ceremony Saturday, May 18 at the Parish Church of St. Helena in Beaufort. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Daphne Scott, a 2024 graduate of Lowcountry Montessori School, and friend, Olivia Kneebone, a 2023 graduate of Lowcountry Montessori School, share a special moment before the start of the 2024 Lowcountry Montessori School graduation ceremony held at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Members of the Lowcountry Montessori students, now graduating class throw caps in the air at the end of the 2024 Lowcountry Montessori School graduation ceremony held at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

EDUCATION

BCSD celebrates two Induction Teacher of the Year recipients

From staff reports Isabel Smith has been named the 2024-25 Beaufort County School District (BCSD) Induction Teacher of the Year.

Smith is a first-year Special Education teacher at Whale Branch Early College High School who loves being in the classroom, encouraging her students.

“The students are the best part,” said Smith, explaining that the connection with her students is why she loves teaching, and how this award demonstrates the significance of her job. “This affirms the fact that I’m doing something that matters and doing something that matters to the students, so I’m really honored and overwhelmed with joy for this.”

A College of Charleston graduate, Smith’s nomination, written responses, and work this academic year demonstrate her outstanding professionalism, high expectations, exceptional planning skills, strong classroom management, and reflective practices. Smith’s dedication to the profession has a substantial impact on the lives of her students and the school community.

“She goes above and beyond the call of duty,” Whale Branch Early College High School Principal Davina Coleman said. “Not just in the classroom, but I depend on her for my SPED department along with her counterpart. The school wouldn’t run without them. Ms. Smith is just simply amazing. She’s passionate about what she does, and beyond the passion she is skilled to do this work; this is her mission, and

I am so proud of her.”

The BCSD Induction Teacher of the Year title is awarded to induction teachers in their first year of teaching. The selection process for this award was extensive, and many great candidates were nominated. District lead mentors and school administrators recommended their top-performing induction teachers, and the nominees completed an application with written responses,

Rooney named Exchange Club’s

Youth of the Year

Paul II Catholic

been named the Youth of the

Year, he was awarded a $500

right. In October, William had been awarded the Youth of the Month and had to complete an application which included an essay for the annual award. The Exchange Club, America's Service Club, is a group of men and women working together to make our communities better places to live through programs of service in Americanism, Community Service, Youth Activities, and its national project, the Prevention of Child Abuse.

which were then carefully reviewed by a team.

Smith has been submitted for consideration for the 2024-25 S.C. Induction Teacher of the Year, sponsored by South Carolina ASCD, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a primary mission of improving the teaching and learning of all students. If Smith were to win, she would be following in the footsteps of the 202324 SC Induction Teacher of

the Year, Mauriana Sciullo, a BCSD educator who teaches 4th grade at Pritchardville Elementary School.

“It means everything to me. I know that I can go so far in my career; this is just the beginning,” said Sciullo about being named the state winner. “I feel like this opens a lot of doors for me in the future. For moving up and just continuing to learn in my profession.”

Sciullo's application for

the S.C. Induction Teacher of the Year included an insightful essay detailing her educational background, teaching philosophy, classroom environment, and home-school connections and relationships. She said her dedication to building strong relationships with her students and their families is her favorite part of the job, “That’s the whole reason I do what I do. I love getting to know my students and their families.”

New USCB mace represents the Lowcountry

From staff reports

USC Beaufort has a new mace that reflects the Lowcountry’s unique environment. At a reception for dignitaries before commencement, Chancellor Al M. Panu unveiled the symbolic representation of the university’s academic authority.

The USCB mace will be used during formal academic processions and ceremonies when the University of South Carolina mace is not present.

Beaufort-based woodworker and artist David Lunin, owner of Evolve Furniture Studio, created the new mace. It contains many elements that represents USCB and the Lowcountry.

The long staff is tiger maple wood inlaid with rings of sand from local beaches.

The top portion is engraved with the USCB and USC seals, USCB’s shield, and the South Carolina state flag. Carved in Roman numerals are four important dates that mark the university’s founding and history. Each of the four pillars on the head of the mace represents an important building on USCB’s campuses in Bluffton and Beaufort and

USC Beaufort’s new mace contains many elements that represents the school and the Lowcountry. The long staff is tiger maple wood inlaid with rings of sand from local beaches. The top portion is engraved with the USCB and USC seals, USCB’s shield, and the South Carolina state flag. Carved in Roman numerals are four important dates that mark the university’s founding and history. Each of the four pillars on the head of the mace represents an important building on USCB’s campuses in Bluffton and Beaufort and on Hilton Head Island. Photo courtesy of USC Beaufort

on Hilton Head Island.

“The blue wave on the head of the mace represents our coastal waterways, and a small shark fin signifies the

Sand Sharks, USCB’s mascot,” Chancellor Panu told the audience of donors and guests as he unveiled the mace.

Whale Branch Early College High School Principal Davina Coleman, poses with Beaufort County School District Induction Teacher of the Year Isabel Smith, and Superintendent Frank Rodriguez. Photo Courtesy of Beaufort County School District

S.C. Induction Teacher of the Year Mauriana Sciullo was recognized for her state achievement at a BCSD Board of Education meeting. Photo Courtesy of Beaufort County School District

John

School senior William Rooney, left, has

Year by The Exchange Club of Beaufort. As the Youth of the

scholarship which was presented by Exchange Club President Linda Navorska, pictured at

LOCAL MILITARY

‘The President's Own’ Assistant Director returns to where it all began

By Lance Cpl. William Horsley USMC

MCRD PARRIS ISLAND –

Standing outside Barrow Hall, 1st

Lt. Jose Toranzo raises his baton, readying the musicians of the Parris Island Marine Band to play morning colors.

Toranzo normally directs formal concerts and chamber orchestra in Washington D.C., as the assistant director of “The President’s Own” United Stares Marine Band. However, for this performance, he finds himself leading the very band in which he began his career with in 2015

Toranzo enlisted in the Marine Corps as a horn instrumentalist and was assigned to Parris Island after graduating the Naval School of Music. Immediately upon arrival to the unit, Toranzo started admiring the drum major position and began working towards learning that position.

“The first thing that caught my eye was the drum major — the Marine in front, with the mace marching the band,” said Toranzo. “I thought the pageantry of it was really impressive.”

Toranzo attributes striving to be a musical unit leader to his time at Parris Island as well as to the unit leaders he had at the time. Gunnery

Sgt. Brad Rahrig, who was the drum major for the Parris Island Marine Band at the time, mentored him and allowed him to practice leading the band as a lance corporal.

“He afforded me the opportunity during practice sessions saying ‘hey get up here,’ and I would run up get in front of the band and spin the mace,” said Toranzo.

Moments like these were catalysts that inspired Toranzo to continue working towards the role.

When Toranzo promoted to the rank of sergeant he took over the role of drum major after several years of hard work.

“It all started here,” said Toranzo. “If it wasn’t for the leadership and the pageantry of the depot it-

self, my time in the Marines would have been very different.”

Toranzo officially assumed his role as the assistant director of “The President’s Own” band in March after years of progressing through the fleet music program.

As part of his job, Toranzo gets to travel to fleet bands and host musical clinics.

This week, Toranzo and other musicians from within “The President’s Own” traveled to Parris Island and held musical clinic, individual lessons, and combined rehearsals with the depot band to grow the musicianship of everyone involved.

Toranzo believes these clinics are important because they allow for musical collaborations at a deeper level and foster continued growth. He thinks the experience is rewarding for both sides, as the Marines of “The President’s Own” get to see the day-to-day operations of the Parris Island Marine Band and the fleet band gets to learn from some of the best musicians in the nation.

“Sharing that bond, it only makes us stronger as an occupational field,” said Toranzo.

The appreciation for the training is shared by Warrant Officer Mardia Tompo, the Officer in Charge of the Parris Island Marine Band. Tompo believes that having Toranzo’s prescence is great given his humble beginnings, the same as many of her Marines.

“It’s a full circle moment,” said Tompo. “It’s very important for my Marines to see what someone like Toranzo means for them and the Marine Corps.”

South Carolina Military and Veterans Benefits continued

This week’s article will focus on the S.C. Department of Veteran Affairs (SCDVA) and S.C. Military and Veterans State Tax Benefits. According to the My Army Benefits (South Carolina) webpage at https://bit.

ly/3JXFY5P, South Carolina offers special benefits for service members, veterans, and their families including income tax deduction for military retired pay, property tax exemptions, state employment preference, employment assistance, education, tuition assistance, vehicle tags, a Veterans Treatment Mentor Court Program, Veterans Nursing Homes, Veterans Affairs Offices, the S.C. Veterans Cemetery, hunting/fishing license privileges, and more.

The SC Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA)

The SCDVA website https://scdva.sc.gov/ says, the SCDVA exists to serve S.C. veterans, service members, and their families and to promote the value veterans bring to their communities and fellow citizens. SCDVA is located at 1800 St. Julian Place, Suite 305, Columbia, S.C. 29204 803-734-0200, FAX: 803734-4014, and Email: va@ scdva.sc.gov.

SCDVA Services

The SCDVA provides the following services: claims assistance, resources, county veterans affairs offices, Cooper Veterans Cemetery, employment assistance, women veteran assistance, and mental health resources.

SCDVA Additional

Resources

SCDVA also provides the following additional resources: S.C. Tuition

Assistance for Certain War Veterans’ Children, Five state-run Veteran Home Facilities, a Veterans’ Trust Fund, the Military Enhancement Plan Fund Grant, Nominate A Veteran of the Week, Veterans Oral History Projects, and Ask the Question (Suicide Prevention/Helping Vets).

S.C. Military Base Task Force

The SCDVA supports the S.C. Military Base Task Force, which is an advisory board consisting of Governor-appointed representatives from military communities across the state, as well as the Adjutant General and the Secretary of Commerce. The Task Force enhances the value of military installations and military members' quality of life.

County Veteran Affairs Offices

South Carolina has a County Veteran Affairs Office serving each S.C. county. Each office is staffed with VA-accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) who assist veterans and their families find and apply for benefits. All their services are free. Find your County Veterans Affairs Office at https://bit.ly/4buvNBU.

SC does not tax military retired pay

Learn about SC Military Retired Pay Tax exemption at https://bit.ly/3wM104d.

Connect with the SCDOR on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/DOR.

SC.GOV/ and “X” at https:// twitter.com/SCDOR.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

Your retirement system determines whether you can participate in the TSP. You’re eligible to participate if you are:

A federal employee covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System.

A federal employee covered by the Civil Service Retirement System.

A member of the uniformed services.

A civilian in certain other categories of federal service such as some congressional positions and some justices and judges.

You can check with your personnel or benefits office if you’re not sure which retirement system applies to you.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) does not withhold taxes for state or local income tax, but it is reported annually on IRS Form 1099-R. All TSP distributions are subject to state taxes and early distributions may incur higher taxes.

SC Taxes Resident Military Pay

S.C. taxes military pay received by S.C. active-duty residents. Learn more about Taxes on Military Pay in the “SC1040 Individual Income Tax Form And Instructions,” dated Dec. 20, 2022, and by talking with your tax adviser.

SC Taxes on Military

Disability Retirement Pay

Military Disability Retirement Pay received as a pension, annuity, or similar

allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active-duty service should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments that are considered disability benefits include Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to veterans or their families, Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program, Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living, and Grants for motor vehicles for veterans who lost their sight or the use of limbs. Learn more about SC Taxes on Military Disability Retirement Pay at https:// bit.ly/3WX36c2

SC Income Tax Exemption on VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

DIC is a tax-free benefit paid by the VA to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of veterans whose death was caused by a service-connected injury or disease. Learn more about SC Income Tax Exemption on DIC at https://bit.ly/3wM104d and the VA’s “DIC” webpage at https://bit.ly/3rcIrzS.

SC Income Tax Exemption for Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)/ Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP)/ Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Surviving spouses are not required to pay SC income taxes on SBP, RCSBP, and RSFPP annuities (SBP replaced RSFPP). Learn more at the SCDOR News Release webpage https:// bit.ly/3wM104d.

Read about SBP at the “Military Compensation” webpage https://

bit.ly/3USJi76 and the DFAS webpage https://bit. ly/3V6PfyL. Find more information about RCSBP at the DFAS webpage https:// bit.ly/3K8NL0H.

SC Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans, Former Prisoners of War (POWs), and Medal of Honor Recipients SC provides property tax exemptions for the following veterans and surviving spouses: 1 Disabled Veterans: Veterans who have a 100%, permanent and total, service-connected disability rating from the VA, qualify for the following property tax exemptions: Home and land up to five acres that is owner occupied and titled solely to the veteran or jointly with their spouse; exemption passes to the un-remarried surviving spouse if they maintain sole ownership.

• Two private passenger vehicles owned or leased by the veteran or jointly with their spouse; one vehicle exemption passes on to the un-remarried surviving spouse if they maintain sole ownership.

2 Former POWs and Medal of Honor Recipients: Veterans who were former POWs, or Medal of Honor recipients qualify for the following tax exemptions: Home and land up to one acre that is owner occupied, and titled

solely to the veteran or jointly with their spouse; exemption passes to the un-remarried surviving spouse if they maintain sole ownership.

Two private passenger vehicles owned or leased by the veteran or jointly with their spouse; one vehicle exemption passes on to the un-remarried surviving spouse of a Purple Heart recipient, a two-vehicle exemption passes to the un-remarried surviving spouse of a Medal of Honor recipient if they maintain sole ownership.

Eligible applicants can apply online at the SCDOR, webpage https:// mydorway.dor.sc.gov/_/, or they can send a completed application and required documents (listed on the application) to: SCDOR, Government Services Division, PO Box 125 Columbia, SC 29214-0720 Veterans can download the SC DOR, Property Tax Exemption Application for Individuals at https:// bit.ly/3QVsDyy. SC DOR, Exempt Property Frequently Asked Question answers are found at https://bit. ly/3VcPvMQ or at https:// bit.ly/3wM104d. Larry

1st Lt. Jose Toranzo, the assistant director for “The President's Own” U.S. Marine Band, directs the graduation colors ceremony May 17, 2024, on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. The morning colors ceremony is often the first chance for the families of the graduating Marines to observe the conduct of colors aboard a military installation. Photo courtesy of the Unites States Marine Corps

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

A bear-y interesting gender debate

Istumbled across a thread on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) on another hot topic in the seemingly never ending debate on social media between the sexes.

The question: Would you rather be alone in the woods with a man or a bear?

The scenario stirred quite a bit of discussion on X, TikTok, and other platforms. Many of the women who answered said they would choose the bear; that did not sit well with those platforms’ male users.

A popular TikTok video about the question received responses like these:

“I’ve met bears in the forest and they minded their business.”

“You know what to expect from a bear.”

“Bear, because If I got attacked by a bear people would believe me.”

“A bear wouldn’t attack me and then tell his friends that I liked it.”

“A bear wouldn’t ask me ‘man or bear’ and then bearsplain to me why I chose wrong.”

I“The worst the bear can do is kill me soooo bear.” Gee whiz. And how did some men react?

By posting angry comments about women being dumb; how feminism is ruining the country; how bad bear maulings are — with images — and, of course, how a conservative, “real” man would protect the woman from a bear or any other kind of threat, even the kind posed by (gasp) liberal males.

I thought MSNBC contributor

Clarissa-Jan Lim had a good perspective on the exchanges when she wrote, “This ‘man vs. bear’ discourse is not so much about the true threat of bears as it is about the dangers that women

experience in the world, where they live among human men.”

That’s the point, guys. Women regularly face enough of a threat from men that many of them would rather choose being alone with a wild animal than being alone with a strange man. Even worse, the men most likely to cause these women harm are men they already know. They go to class with them, work beside them, and lie down beside them at night.

Even at a glorious occasion like a college commencement, some jerky guy is liable to insult them by telling them they wasted their money getting an education and would have been happier if they’d chased down a husband and became a homemaker.

And some of us have the nerve to be offended by their preference?

Guys, the answer isn’t to try and prove these women wrong about men being threatening by acting in a more threatening manner. The answer? Be the type she’d choose. Be the bear.

If a woman “plays dead” by showing she’s not interested in you romantically, be a bear. Walk away. Or be a teddy bear, a fuzzy friend she can get close to and feel will listen to her without judging — or giving unsolicited advice.

Be Winnie the Pooh, the center of a circle of friends who cheer each other on and show unwavering support on even their dreariest days.

Be Yogi the Bear, and find yourself a Boo-Boo or two. Take a younger person under your wing and give them the benefit of your experiences. Show them the ropes — just not the part about stealing other people’s food.

Be Paw Rugg, the mumbling, grumbling hillbilly scion who takes care of his family, primarily by letting his much smarter wife and children correct him when needed.

Be Fozzie Bear, quick with a joke to lighten the moment. The world needs more “Wocka Wockas.”

Be Paddington, a well-dressed

and polite fellow who carried himself the same whether he was cavorting with his chums or the Queen of England. Take it easy on the marmalade, though.

Be Smokey Bear, a guardian of this beautiful planet we have been given.

Many summers ago, I developed a crush on a girl I met at camp. She was tall, slim, rather bookish, and I was very smitten. She turned down my nervous advances, but she let me down gently.

She said, "I don't think of you as a boyfriend, I think of you as a friend. You're like a fuzzy teddy bear.” Over the years, I've tried to live up to that image, to be someone a woman could feel comfortable around instead of conflicted. Hopeful, not hesitant.

Guys, let’s be the kind of men that make the choice between us or bear a difficult one. Too many are making it too obvious.

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

State is leader in land conservation

f you’re ever caught in a situation where you need to give an example of national leadership in South Carolina, just focus on land conservation. What we do here is pretty amazing.

First, some facts to remember:

Lots of forests

South Carolina is home to about 13 million acres of forests – about two thirds of all land in the state, according to the S.C. Forestry Commission. It’s split almost evenly between hardwoods, like oak, and softwoods, like pine.

Some seven out of every eight acres of forested land is privately owned, mostly by families who manage forests of an average of 80 acres. Public agencies manage about 12% of forest lands, including more than 90 000 acres of state parks.

Big impact

Forestry is a huge business, generating a total impact of $18 6 billion annually, including more than 90 000 jobs, the commission says.

More acreage

A 2012 forest inventory revealed South Carolina then had 2 3 million more acres of forests than in 1936. Interestingly, there are no areas of virgin forests, indicating man’s impact on the land in recent centuries. Longleaf pine forests, now rare, have generally been replaced by loblolly pine forests. Once dominant chestnuts got wiped out generations ago by a blight. But softwood and hardwood forests have recovered since Hurricane Hugo in 1989

So with this background, what’s remarkable in South Carolina is how conservation leaders across the political spectrum are dedicated to conserving land. Why? Because South

Carolinians generally agree that protecting land for future generations is important so that people can keep heritage connections with the outdoors.

“We have an ethos in this state,” observed Mike McShane, chairman of the S.C. Conservation Bank. “We are extraordinarily benefited by people in this state appreciating outdoor recreational space.”

The bank, which leverages public money to help preserve land, has spent $244 million since 2004 to fund 470 grants to protect 375 000 acres of land. In the last five years, the bank received $65 million of state funding, which has protected 75 000 acres, two thirds of which provided public access to otherwise inaccessible lands.

“That’s $865 an acre,” said McShane, a biomechanical engineer who lives on Johns Island.

“That is an extraordinary metric.”

And the land is protected forever. An example of the merit of the process will be the new Black River State Park. It will snake along

the banks of the river from Kingstree to Andrews and allow public access to the river.

“We were losing the ability for communities to access the water as they [riverbank lands] be-

ago, collaborators dreamed of protecting 90 000 acres of land through purchases, conservation easements and more. Now 35 years later, they have protected more than 305,000 acres of the 350 000 acres in the

3 million acres of land and water already protected in South Carolina. They want to double – even triple –what’s held in trust or used for limited purposes. Will they get there? Who knows? But remember

When the project started 35 years ago, collaborators dreamed of protecting 90,000 acres of land through purchases, conservation easements and more. Now 35 years later, they have protected more than 305,000 acres of the 350,000 acres in the ACE Basin – a whopping 85% of the wild places in the area.”

came sold off and gated,” McShane said. “This park will allow ingress and egress to the river.”

An even bigger success story is the work done by the federal and state governments with private conservation groups and landowners to protect the ACE Basin in the Lowcountry between Charleston and Beaufort counties. When the project started 35 years

ACE Basin – a whopping 85% of the wild places in the area.

“It’s a wonderful model because it demonstrates how private landowners and public owners work collaboratively in a public effort,” McShane said.

Now conservationists dream of applying this model around the state to protect even more land –millions of acres above the

how the ACE Basin model protected more than three times the amount of land it sought to protect originally.

“Remember the adage: You aim for the moon and you might land in the stars,” McShane said.

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

TERRY MANNING

ANDY BRACK

VOICES

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

This is a future we could not imagine

It is Saturday, early, and I’m at my pine-planked, dining room table in Port Royal. The news this morning centers on the waterfront in Beaufort and in Port Royal.

Both, we learn, are about to change.

Port Royal will abandon its semi-industrial look for a waterfront featuring a sleek, recumbent population of white, fiberglass-hulled boats, patiently awaiting their weekend captains from Greenville and Atlanta. Beaufort’s waterfront may get a new, two and threestoried building with a rooftop bar.

was the Crow’s Nest on Hilton Head that gave one a slightly elevated view of the Atlantic Ocean. But if one was willing to travel (to Atlanta) there was John Portman’s “Polaris” atop the Hyatt Regency.

Blue Ridge Parkway.

just across the Zaire River.

That bar featured Johnny Walker Black — flown in from Paris — and cohort of beautiful Black prostitutes. But the real draw was balcony seating for the civil war then underway in Zaire.

the Savannah port people made their deal with China and Charleston’s customers were mostly in Europe.

I must say that I have memories of rooftop drinking and remember when one had to travel North (or West) for this privilege. In my case it was New York’s Rainbow Grill, high above Rockefeller Center, where one could buy an Old Fashioned, a small bowl of mixed nuts and a view for about $10

After Susan and I landed at LaGuardia our first stop was always the Grill. In the early 70s we would board the Grill-dedicated elevator praying for a table with a view — a view then including the Chrysler Building and the newly built Twin Towers. We did this for 5 years before being lured over to Campbell Apartment, a dark, semi-secret bar hidden above the Main Concourse at Grand Central.

For those of confined in Beaufort County there

Portman followed that revolving restaurant with “Sun Dial” at the Peachtree Plaza. I remember sitting in this hotel and admiring the tall, dark haired waitresses wearing slate gray skirts.

“John Portman designed those women as well” Jim Thomas said as we sipped our Dewars.

And who could resist a drive to South of the Border and a climb to the top of Pedro’s iconic sombrero?

Those who made that trek were sometimes rewarded, depending on barometric pressure, with the distant lights of Dillon, S.C. But it wasn’t long after that ascent that Susan and I discovered the Pisgah Inn at Milepost 408 6 on the

OThe dining room at Pisgah, at elevation 5,000 ft., overlooks the softshouldered, oak, laurel and fir carpeted mountains just below its huge windows. It’s restaurant offers a variety of entrees, but one should not dismiss the trout which is filleted at one’s table.

But it’s the view, looking east into North and South Carolina, that makes this place magical. It is the unbroken, unimproved, unaltered view that, in those days, came with a dollop of fatigue — fabulous fatigue that came after an ascent up Black Balsam Knob and then up and over to Shining Rock. It was a fatigue that enveloped our small, fragile family sitting, if just for an hour, at the top of the world.

Some years later I found myself atop the M’Bamou Palace Hotel in Brazzaville. Their rooftop bar came with its view of Kinshasa

I remember sitting with a reporter from the Wall Street Journal talking about Mobutu Sese Seko and whether he would survive this mutiny. It seems that inflation finally made his money — bills featuring Mobutu’s imperial face and figure — worthless. The rebellious troops had left their barracks and found machine guns and tracer ammunition that lit up the nighttime sky.

More recently I found myself atop the Perry Lane Hotel in downtown Savannah. My son, his wife, Susan and I were watching the building-sized container ships squeeze under the Talmadge Bridge. I remember saying that

The kids seemed distracted, frequently looking down at their cell phones. We would later discover that while we watched 100 of our friends were gathering below to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary.

Now it appears that Beaufort will have a choice of rooftop bars in which to do its drinking. Dick Stewart is building one on Port Republic Street; Graham Trask is putting his bar in place just off Bay Street. For those of us who once nursed our Mojitos at the John Cross Tavern — or traveled North and West — this is a future we could not imagine.

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

The institution should rise above the political fray

nce again, we have proof that impartiality and ethical standards, as they apply to our not-so-supreme court, have gone to hell in a handbasket. How is it that the highest court in our country has become infiltrated with blatant corruption?

First we watched Justice Clarence Thomas figuratively thumb his nose at what we all know is his fraudulent behavior. By any standard, given his wife’s actions and direct participation in the January 6 insurrection (yes, make no mistake that she was directly involved as many texts show), this man should have recused himself from any case remotely connected to that fiasco. Yet he failed to do so, and with that stance, almost dared anyone to do anything about it. This is the same man who has taken innumerable gifts from far right organizations, including elaborate vacations and a very expensive RV, or, as he was quick to delineate, a motor coach! He even had the gall to post a short video of his driving this high end gift, proclaiming that what he enjoys most is this kind of vacation, interacting with the everyday man.

File that one under Hypocrisy

101

For years, Thomas was the person on the court who remained silent, rarely giving voice to any case. This silence has served him well in his own illicit behavior.

Earlier this week, we learned the latest member to add to this unholy faction, Justice Samuel Alito. In my research, I found that at one time, Alito was a conservative who was much akin to those in the Republican party who seem to have vanished into thin air.

Like the others on this esteemed court, he is supposed to be impartial. And yet it came to light that the United States flag was flown upside down in January of 2021

You, dear reader, remember that month, the time when an attempt to overthrow our government was

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carried out by a group of thugs who smashed windows of the Capitol and chose to defecate on the walls; those same thugs who were responsible for the death as well as the injury of Capitol Police. Indeed, those thugs that Trump calls “hostages” of the government, ones he will free if re-elected. But I digress. It seems that someone in the neighborhood where the Alitos live had the temerity to post a political sign that Mrs. Alito found offensive. In an “I’ll show you” approach, the Mrs. decided to fly the symbol of our country upside down, a way to declare, “Take that!”

Now this action is often used as a symbol of distress. However, in January of 2021 when it was flown over the Alito home, it was attributed to the false claim by Trump supporters that the election was a fraud.

The Justice, himself, found out this past week that he was not in a position to take on “silent Clarence’s” M.O. and so he responded. And are you ready? He quipped, “I had no involvement whatsoever.” And went on to tell the story of a “very political neighborhood.” Way to go, Sam! Throw your wife under the bus.

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This would all be amusing if it weren’t so important that we not lose sight of the broader ramifications. Samuel Alito knew the positioning of the flag, and he also knew what it meant. If he really had “no involvement whatsoever”, that flag would have been removed the same day it went up.

And so the question must be asked: do we as citizens have a right to hold the members of the highest court of our land, the last bastion of justice, to a higher standard?

There have been calls for Alito to recuse himself from any Trump-related case. Don’t hold your breath. We saw how quick Clarence Thomas was to do this, even when it is a well-known fact that his wife’s activities should merit court action. Again, the good old silent treatment!

Justices can and do voluntarily recuse themselves, but those are their own individual calls, and they aren’t subject to review. Perhaps this is where the problem lies: there is no code of ethics that applies to the Supreme Court. It has always been expected that the institution would rise above the political fray, and this is what has

bolstered the trust of Americans ... until now.

There is no method in place to sanction members of this highest of courts, and this must change. As shown by the activities of some of the members of this ‘esteemed’ group, if they fail to recuse themselves, and if the decisions they hand down are evidence of this bias, then some mechanism of correction must be made available.

It will take time and a great deal of stamina on the part of many who envision the dire results of failure to make the necessary changes regarding “meaningful” guidelines for the court. The phrase “No man or woman is above the law” must apply here as well. While flying our flag upside down doesn’t break the law, it certainly shatters the confidence in our highest court to do what’s right. Thomas and Alito are MAGA conservatives gone amok. Something needs to be done about it.

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.”

SCOTT GRABER

CAROL LUCAS

Testing for hearing loss

The human ear is the envy of even the most sophisticated acoustic engineer. Without a moment’s thought or the slightest pause, you can hear the difference between a violin and a clarinet, you can tell if a sound is coming from your left or right, and if it’s distant or near. And you can discriminate between words as similar as hear and near, sound and pound.

Nearly everyone experiences trouble hearing from time to time. Common causes include a buildup of ear wax or fluid in the ear, ear infections, or the change in air pressure when taking off in an airplane. And a mild degree of permanent hearing loss is an inevitable part of the aging process. Unfortunately, major hearing loss that makes communication difficult becomes more common with increasing age, particularly after age 65

Testing, 1, 2, 3

How do you know if you need a hearing test? If you

answer yes to the questions below, talk with your doctor about having your hearing tested:

Are you always turning up the volume on your TV or radio?

Do you shy away from social situations or meeting new people because you’re worried about understanding them?

Do you get confused or feel “out of it” at restaurants or dinner parties?

Do you ask people to repeat themselves?

Do you miss telephone calls—or have trouble hearing on the phone when you pick up the receiver?

Do the people in your world complain that you never listen to them (even when you’re really trying)? You can also ask a friend to test you by whispering a series of words or numbers. After all this, if you think you have a hearing problem,

you should have a test.

What does a hearing test involve?

Thorough hearing evaluations start with a medical history and examination of your ears, nose, and throat, followed by a few simple of-

fice hearing tests. An audiogram is the next step. You will sit inside a small booth wearing earphones. The audiologist will do 2 tests while you are in the booth. One test involves listening to words and sentences and repeating what

you hear. In another test, you will listen to a series of beeps and tones that change in pitch and volume.

Each ear is tested separately. The audiologist will ask you to indicate the softest tone you can hear in the low-, mid-, and high-fre-

quency ranges. People with excellent hearing can generally hear tones as soft as 20 decibels (dB) or less. If you can’t hear sounds softer than 45 to 60 dB, you have moderate hearing loss, and if you don’t hear sound until it’s ramped up to 76 to 90 dB, you have severe hearing loss.

Hearing tones is nice but hearing and understanding words is crucial. The audiologist plays tape-recorded words at various volumes to find your speech reception threshold, the lowest dB level at which you can hear and repeat half the words. Finally, you’ll be tested with a series of similar sounding words to evaluate your speech discrimination.

Harvard Medical School offers special reports on over 50 health topics. For more on diagnosing and treating hearing loss, you can purchase the book Hearing Loss by Harvard Medical School. Visit their website at http:// www.health.harvard.edu to find reports of interest to you and your family

Beyond the bean-based drink

Not everyone drinks coffee. In this caffeine-crazed world, it seems one out of 4 people can somehow function without that morning jolt of java. Seriously, it’s true! Researchers have verified it. See the study at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC4997286/.

All kidding aside, there are valid reasons for not leaning on the coffee bean at sunrise and throughout the day. Perhaps the caffeine gives you jitters or bumps your blood pressure into a danger zone. Or maybe the drink upsets your tummy. It’s even possible that you don’t like the taste of coffee, or just want to try something different.

Whatever the rationale, there are beverages that serve nicely as coffee alternatives. Here are some tasty, trendy and interesting options offered up by registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, LD. Chicory coffee.

Chicory stands as the OG when it comes to coffee substitutes.

(That’s a trendy way of saying it’s an old-school alternative that dates back hundreds of years.) It’s brewed just like traditional coffee and offers a similar bitter taste. But the big difference from coffee is that chicory coffee doesn’t have any caffeine.

Chicory also promotes gut health. It’s a prebiotic that can help your gut bacteria work better. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory. But no food is perfect,

Dare to be different—try a coffee alternative

right? Drinking chicory may lead to gas and belly bloating. And you may be more prone to issues with chicory if you’re bothered by ragweed or pollen. Chicory also isn’t recommended if you’re pregnant (too much chicory could cause a miscarriage).

Mushroom coffee.

If you want to tone down the caffeine-packed jolt in your coffee, the trendy “mushroom coffee” may be the answer. It’s basically just regular ground coffee blended with dried and milled mushroom powder.

Mushrooms are regarded as nutritional powerhouses—and rightfully so. But he jury is out on whether the fungi are equally good to drink. There’s not much research backing claims that mushroom coffee delivers the same nutritional value as eating whole mushrooms,” notes Czerwony. “It doesn’t appear that the hype is based on many facts.” Mushrooms (and mushroom coffee) also can lead to digestive issues, especially if you already have kidney problems or trouble eating grains.

Tea options.

Coffee or tea? This age-old question pits two of the world’s most popular drinks against each other. Here are a few types of teas to consider if you’re looking to stray away from coffee:

Matcha: “Vibrant” describes the appearance of matcha tea—a unique green tea that is VERY green in color. This highly concentrated tea is made from finely powdered green tea leaves spooned into hot water or milk. “Basically, you’re drinking down the whole leaf in a pulverized form,” explains Czerwony.

Matcha is higher in caffeine than regular green tea, but typically brings a lower buzz factor than coffee. (But there are “high-energy” matchas that are loaded with caffeine.) The tea drink is packed with body-boosting antioxidants and micronutrients, too.

Yerba mate: Want the caffeine of coffee without drinking coffee? Give yerba mate a try. It’s a robust herbal tea made from the dried leaves of a South American holly tree. The caffeine content in a cup of yerba mate tea is comparable to what’s in a cup of coffee. Brew the tea longer and the caffeine count can grow even higher, too. (And like matcha, there are high-energy yerba mate products in the market.) Yerba mate boasts an impressive list of vitamins and nutrients, and it includes antioxidants. One word of caution, though: Drinking mass amounts of yerba mate has been linked to increased risk of certain cancers, so it’s best en-

joyed in moderation.

Chai: Spicing up your morning routine may be as easy as adding in a cup of chai tea.

Chai is typically a blend of black tea and aromatic spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and clove. It offers about half the caffeine as coffee, so it’ll provide a little kick to get you going at sunrise. Chai also includes antioxidants.

Kombucha: After more than 2 000 years of consumption, it seems kombucha is suddenly the world’s “new” beverage of choice. The fermented drink’s branding as a health elixir has sent sales soaring over the past decade. Many of the health claims center on “healthy little microbes” in kombucha that develop during the fermentation process.

There are a lot of claims about the benefits of kombucha, but a lot of them are anecdotal,” says Czerwony. “There’s not a lot of research backing it up.” And if you do drink kombucha, it’s best to go easy. Drinking too much can lead to headaches, nausea, or GI (gastrointestinal) distress. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) advises that drinking approximately 4 ounces of kombucha per day “may not cause adverse effects in healthy people.”

Other teas: A list could be seemingly endless if every available tea was mentioned. But if you’re curious about other tea varieties, this website offers other healthy choices: https://health.clevelandclinic. org/teas-for-health.

Hot water.

A comforting morning drink doesn’t get more basic than a mug of hot water—and there are definite benefits.

“Most of us are a little dehydrated first thing in the morning because we haven’t had anything to drink in eight hours,” says Czerwony. “Plus, we all need water—and most of us don’t drink enough of it during the day.” The warmth of a steaming mug of water brings another perk, too: “Warm liquids go through your system a bit faster,” explains Czerwony. “So, it’ll help get things moving through your GI tract.” Plus, water is calorie- and caffeine-free.

Golden milk.

Golden milk is the new golden child of the clean-eating movement. Turmeric stars in this warm and savory drink that’s all the rage at the moment while being hailed for its anti-inflammatory powers. Milk, or a nondairy alternative, serves as the foundation of golden milk. After that, it’s all about adding spices such as ginger, black pepper, vanilla and whatever else your tastebuds might crave, such as finely chopped fruits like apricots. The drink is caffeine-free, too.

Smoothies.

If you really want to get away from coffee or coffee-like drinks, dust off your blender and make a smoothie. The filling drink can be loaded with fruits, veggies, protein, and whatever spices you desire. It’s even possible to add a caffeine kick by including matcha powder, yerba mate or some other brewed tea.

So be adventurous. . . Despite what many coffee drinkers may believe, there’s no ONE perfect drink to start your day. Experiment a little and have some fun.

Source: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/ coffee-alternatives

Therapy dogs bring joy to Beaufort Memorial Hospital

By Anthony Garzilli

It takes just seconds for the excitement to percolate.

On this particular March Day, dressed in a green bow and frilly green skirt, undoubtedly her St. Patrick’s Day best, the golden Labrador ambles along the Beaufort Memorial hallway, leading the way.

She has yet to be seen by the staff, but her presence has already created a stir.

There’s a shout– “I hear Bella!”— and then cheers as she rounds the corner.

“There she is,” a staff member coos.

Bella has arrived for duty.

Bella is a 13-year-old certified pet therapy dog. For the past 12 years, her calm demeanor has brought cheer and raised the spirits of patients and staff at the hospital.

“She brightens the day of many of the patients that she meets,” says Dr. Jonathan Briggs, board-certified radiation oncologist at the Beaufort Memorial Keyserling Cancer Center. “She certainly does a great job for the staff as well; she makes us all very happy. She has such a great manner where she relaxes patients.”

Sarah Pergande, mammographer at the hospital’s Breast Health Center, was the first staff member to rush to give Bella a hug.

“You're such a doll,” Pergande says. “We love you, yes we do.”

Loyal and Dependable

Bella is certainly the main attraction, but standing by her side, leash in hand, is Sunday Brown,

the dedicated volunteer who has ensured her dogs are always on time to bring joy to the hospital.

For 17 years, Brown has brought her dogs each Friday to Beaufort Memorial to roam the halls and visit patients who need a pick-meup or who just enjoy the company of furry friends.

“You know she is going to be here without fail,” says Anna Makar, the hospital’s volunteer coordinator. “She sees the joy that it brings everyone—the employees and the patients.”

Brown, a registered dental assistant, and her husband, Jack, a former police chief, moved to the area after they retired. She became interested in exploring therapy dog volunteering after reading an article in a magazine about how lonely residents in nursing homes were. A neighbor who had a therapy dog helped Brown train her first dog, a yellow Labrador named Cheyenne.

To be certified, dogs have to be at least a year old and must complete the 13 steps of the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test and be proficient in the additional Therapy Dogs International requirements, including being in control at all times.

Wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and hospital carts should not bother the pets, and this is part of their testing.

Soon after Cheyenne was certified (she was about 3 years old at the time), Brown brought her twice a week to Bayview Nursing Home (now Beaufort Rehab) and later brought her to Beaufort Memorial.

Brown quickly discovered the experience “really changes your life.”

“You realize how good you have it,” she says. “I found it very rewarding.”

Eventually, Cheyenne’s age required her to cut back on visits. That’s when Brown added two

more dogs to the family: Bella and Buck. The dogs were adopted a day apart from each other. Buck, a Labrador mix, was rescued from Atlanta and Bella came from the Beaufort area. Bella became a certified therapy dog shortly after her first birthday, then Buck got certified three years later. The dogs currently take turns visiting the hospital each Friday.

“Bella could probably do the route herself; she knows the way around so well,” says Brown. “I love volunteering at BMH and feel so appreciated here,” she

adds. “The staff is so friendly towards us, and I know we make their day, especially if it's a rough day for them. Many have told me they needed a dog hug and visit that day.”

Brown estimates she has made more than 1,000 visits to the hospital but has no plans to slow down. She’s now training Bailey, her 7-month-old Bernedoodle, to be certified. And she enjoys seeing familiar, welcoming faces each Friday.

“The staff has become family to me,” she says. And she enjoys sharing stories of her experiences through the years. Many patients see her dogs and instantly tell her stories about their own dogs and other pets. A woman recently was in tears because she had to put down her own dog and wanted to share her story and affection for her dog with Brown. A man in the intensive care unit during a recent visit happily talked about his four dogs.

“I've seen numerous pictures of peoples’ dogs,” she says. “I hope I have touched the hearts of many patients listening to their stories about their pets and family. They have changed my life for the better.”

A card arrived in the mail recently from a man who had been treated in the Acute Rehabilitation Unit. It was addressed: To Bella, the Service Dog. Along with sending some dog treats, the man expressed his appreciation for Bella.

“It made my day each time you came to see me,” he wrote. “It was a delightful visit with you.”

Healthy relationships can be a great source of support, comfort, and love. But when you’re with someone day in and day out, it can be easy to grow irritated or take your partner for granted. Make your spouse or partner a priority by:

Listening – Put aside distractions such as your phone and turn off the television. Give your full attention to your partner’s words and nonverbal cues. When the topic is complex, summarize what you’ve hear to make sure you understand. If your partner is describing a problem, focus on listening

The reason appears to be a matter of genetics. One 2012 study showed that people equipped with certain olfactory receptor genes are more prone to detecting cilantro's aldehydes, compounds also commonly found in household cleaning agents and perfumes. While the percentage of the population that suffers

without planning what your next response will be. Don’t rush in with solutions or stories of similar problems you’ve faced. Ask, “Do you want me to just listen, or should I help think of some solutions?”

Complimenting – Be mindful of what your partner does for you and your relationship. Then, let your partner know what you appreciate about them, whether oral or written. This may seem awkward at first but can become a natural habit over time.

• Try new things – Say yes if your partner asks you to try a

new activity, even if it’s out of your comfort zone. You may enjoy it more than you think.

Even if it’s not your favorite activity, it can be a way to show support, have new adventures and make memories.

Showing kindness – You can build trust and closeness with simple gestures of kindness, such as emptying the dishwasher, buying a small, unexpected gift, or giving a much-needed foot massage. Ask your partner what types of gestures they would most appreciate.

Source: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org

is

Beaufort Memorial volunteer Sunday Brown with one of her therapy dogs, Bella. Submitted photo

SERVICE DIRECTORY

ATTORNEY

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Attorney at Law, LLC

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

AUDIOLOGY & HEARING

Beaufort Audiology & Hearing Care

Monica Wiser, M.A. CCC-A Licensed Audiologist

38 Professional Village West, Lady's Island monica@beauforthearing.com www.beauforthearing.com | 843-521-3007 Hear the Beauty that Surrounds You

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Truth Matters

Lost in the Woods

Can we know truth or not?

Is truth dependent on our feelings?

Imagine that a group of friends are lost in the middle of a vast wilderness. They know that heading north is the only way for them to survive. Although they have a compass, they decide to toss it into the woods, saying, “No need for that! North is whatever direction each of us wants it to be!” Everyone scatters in their own direction, and most end up hopelessly lost.

Does truth change from person to person?

Clearly, it wouldn’t make sense for hikers to act this way in real life. But isn’t this how our culture now expects us to act when issues of faith or morality are raised? When discussing God or what is morally right, we are told that there is no true answer; it all depends on our personal feelings or opinions. People will say things like, “What’s true for you is true for you, what’s true for me is true for me.” This way of approaching truth—that moral and religious truth changes from person to person—is called relativism.

We are lost without truth.

Relativism may seem sophisticated or “nice,” but it actually keeps us from pursuing truth together. If religious and moral truth changes from person to person, then we can have no common ground to explore together the most important questions of human life. Instead of searching together for truth, each of us is left to wander alone in the wilderness, guided only by our individual feelings and opinions.

Truth is “that which is.”

In our example, when a hiker points in a direction and declares, “North is that way!”, the statement either corresponds to reality or does not. Traveling in that direction will either bring one closer to the north pole, or it will not. When a statement corresponds to reality, we say that the statement is true. Truth is “that which is.”

The location of the north pole doesn’t depend on our feelings and preferences; such realities are the same for everyone.

We can know truths about faith and morality, too. In the same way, there are realities of faith and morality that do not depend on our feelings or opinions. If God exists, for example, he exists for everyone, whether people believe in him or not. If attacking innocent students at school is wrong, it is wrong for everyone. This is the traditional, common-sense way of approaching truth: religious and moral truth can be known, and such truths apply to people of all cultures and time periods.

Truth is ours to discover!

When we recognize that there is truth outside of ourselves, it is good news! It means that we can discover answers to the most important questions, such as the meaning of life and the existence of God. We can have meaningful discussions with others who disagree with us, seeking the truth together in an atmosphere of mutual respect. In this message series, we will be exploring these beautiful aspects of truth.