September 14 edition

Teri

1347 Ribaut Road, Port Royal

‘He’s done’: Council upholds Greenway’s firing

By Tony Kukulich

The Post And Courier

BEAUFORT — In the weeks since Eric Greenway was fired from his role as Beaufort County administrator, county officials have offered little information about their reasons for taking that action.

During a Sept. 11 special County Council meeting, it was revealed that Greenway was terminated for numerous alleged improprieties

‘We can never forget’

Beaufort honors those lost on 9-11

By Bob Sofaly

The Island News

It’s been 22 years since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, but Teri Maude remembers it like it happened yesterday.

Maude was the keynote speaker during the Patriot Day Observance sponsored by the Beaufort Exchange Club on Monday at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

About 100 people braved the report of bad weather coming and attended the annual observance originally started by the late Beaufort City Councilwoman Donnie Beer. Several Beaufort County first responders were honored at the end of event.

The Island News

“I got a call from a friend who asked if I was watching the TV news,” Maude said about the start of her day on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. “I turned on the TV and I watched the second jet crash into the second tower and knew this was no accident.”

She said the network switched coverage to the Pentagon where a third jet had crashed into it. Then it quickly went back the Twin Towers coverage in New York City.

Maude said she was brushing her teeth while getting ready to go to work and saw the wreckage at the Pentagon where her husband, Lt. Gen. Timothy

termination of Greenway's employment, making him ineligible for his pension.

Also according to South Carolina law, Greenway's request allowed

SEE

Council removes HBF seat from HRB

From staff reports

As it turns out, three weeks didn’t change anything.

Just as it did at the first reading on August 22, the Beaufort City Council passed the second reading Tuesday, Sept. 12, to amend the city ordinance that gives the Historic Beaufort Foundation (HBF) the ability to recommend one of the five members of the Historical District Review Board (HRB).

With no change from the first vote, the motion to strike the sentence from the city’s Code of Ordinances 10 7 3(a) carried 3-2 with Beaufort Mayor Stephen Murray, Councilman Josh Scallate and Mayor Pro Tem Mike McFee voting to remove the sentence and Councilman Neil Lipsitz and Councilman Mitch Mitchell voting against. The sentence to be removed is the last sentence of this ordinance, which addresses the number and make-up of the HRB board members.

The HRB shall consist of 5 members with an interest, competence, or knowledge in historic preservation. All HRB members shall be residents of the city, own property in the city, or own or operate a business in the city. To the extent that such is available in the community, 2 members shall, be professionals in the disciplines of historic preservation, architecture, landscape architecture, history, architectural history, planning, archaeology, or related disciplines. Three of the members shall either live or own property in

SEE SEAT PAGE A5

Eric Greenway, former Beaufort County administrator, attends a special Beaufort County Council meeting on Sept. 11, 2023. Tony Kukulich/The Post And Courier

Boys Scouts from various troops in Beaufort helped carry some of the 50 American flags, donated by the Beaufort Exchange Club, with other civic clubs during the Patriot Day Observance on Monday at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Maude, wife of the late Lt. Gen. Timothy Maude, U.S. Army, who was killed during the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon in 2001, was the keynote speaker at the Patriot Day Observation on Monday. Bob Sofaly/

a little help from athletic trainer Ginger Atha with her ponytail so it would fit in her helmet prior to the Dolphins’ football game with May River High School on Friday at Battery Creek. Daugherty said she played flag football on a boys team while living in California and decided to try out as placekicker for the Dolphins. At right is McKenzie Griffing, also an athletic trainer. The visiting Sharks won the game 44-12.. To submit a Lowcountry Life photo, you must be the photographer or have permission to submit the photo to be published in The Island News. Please submit high-resolution photos and include a description and/or names of the people in the picture and the name of the photographer. Email your photos to theislandnews@gmail.com.

VETERAN OF THE WEEK NILS SANDBERG

Beaufort’s Nils Sandberg, 79, joined the United States Navy in St. Louis in 1965. After OCS in Newport, R.I., he trained as a helicopter pilot at Naval Air Station Pensacola, earning his wings in 1967. He then served with a helo antisubmarine squadron out of San Diego, including a western Pacific deployment aboard USS Bennington (CVS-20).

He then transitioned to Huey helos before being assigned to the Delta area in Vietnam. He flew 600 hours in Vietnam, used his Huey to extract wounded Navy

men (It’s not designed for that), and earned two individual action Air Medals and 33 strike flight Air Medals. After that he returned to San Diego to train others on the larger Sea King helo.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

A grave error

City Council has made a grave error in taking away Historic Beaufort Foundation’s representative on the Historic Review Board. The City of Beaufort is loved for its amazing, natural beauty. But natural beauty is something that lots of places along the southeast coast have. Our incredible history is what makes Beaufort really special and interesting. We don’t even have to know the details to get the feel of history as we walk the streets. It drips from the buildings like the moss from the live oaks. All of us who love Beaufort want to preserve that feeling as much as possible.

Historic Beaufort Foundation itself is a result of a few like-minded citizens

ON THIS DATE

September 14

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His next assignment was deployed with the Air Wing Staff aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV63). In 1976 he attended the Defense Intelligence School at Bolling AFB in Washington, D.C., before being assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Office of the Chairman) in the Pentagon. In 1980 he left active duty and joined the Naval Reserve with periodic duties in St. Louis and Washington and finally for the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic in Norfolk, Va.

He retired in 1994 as a Navy

who loved the feel of old Beaufort and who came together in the 1940 ’s to try to preserve it. Today the Foundation represents hundreds of residents and supporters who love the historic aspects of our town enough to give their treasure and their energies to protect them.

City Council has done a pretty good job of representing the development industry on the Historic Review Board. The five-member board currently includes an architect, a building contractor, an interior designer and a marketing consultant. Fortunately, for the present, the fifth member is an advocate for our historic district appointed by Historic Beaufort Foundation. I presume that the ‘professional’ members of the board have

Captain (O-6) with 29 years of service. He then continued to work in finance and investments until 2001 when he and his wife, Suzie, moved aboard their boat and lived for 6 years, traveling between the Chesapeake Bay and Florida waters when they discovered Beaufort and then they settled here.

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

feelings for Beaufort’s historic importance. I hope that’s the reason they applied for board membership. Nonetheless, because of HBF’s appointment, we can take comfort in knowing that at least one board member is primarily a champion for our historic resources and ambiance.

We may not agree with every action it takes, but Historic Beaufort Foundation is the guardian and principal proponent of our National Landmark Historic District. As such it deserves the support of all who love Beaufort and it most certainly deserves a seat on our city’s Historic Review Board. I hope our City Council will reconsider its impulsive action.

– Beekman Webb, Beaufort

Advertising Sales Consultant Sandy Schepis 678-641-4495 sandyschepis@ gmail.com

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

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

2021: Helen Pappas Spalding is removed from the City of Beaufort’s Election Commission after a unanimous 5-0 vote by the City Council. Spalding’s spot on the commission came into question after her involvement in organizing the Audit the SC 2020 Vote Rally held August 30 at Olde Beaufort Golf Club.

September 15

1978: Joe Frazier sings the national anthem before the rematch between Muhammad Ali and Leon Spinks.

September 19

1975: The airfield at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort is named Merritt Field in honor of Major General Lewie G. Merritt, USMC, a 1917 graduate of The Citadel. Merritt was a Marine aviation pioneer who served in both World Wars and commanded several major flying units in the South Pacific during World War II.

– Compiled by Mike McCombs

PAL PETS OF THE WEEK

Cat of the Week: Gummi is sweet, petite, and just loves being loved on. This friendly boy is seeking a home where he can be pampered, fed rotisserie chicken, and where he can have plenty of spots to claim where he can cozy up and check out the action. Maybe one of the most endearing things about him is that you will often catch him sticking his tongue out. Gummi is 7 years old, neutered, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped.

Dog of the Week: Tobias is a big marshmallow. This big guy will steal a heart in no time, especially when you start to play with him. He is great with people of all ages, and does not mind other pets. Tobias enjoys his walks and spending time outside with his favorite toys. Tobias is a year old, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped.

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

Letters to the Editor should consist of fewer than 275 words and be emailed with a name and contact information to TheIslandNews@gmail.com

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Guest columns do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The Island News, its publisher or editors. Content published from Care Magazine® is intended as a reference and options source only, not as a guide to self-treatment or substitute for profession medical advice. It is provided for educational purpose only. Readers assume full responsibility for how this information is used. The Island News reserves the right to refuse to sell advertising space, or to publish information, for any business or activity the newspaper deems inappropriate for the publication.

The Island News photographer Bob Sofaly snapped a photo of Battery Creek placekicker Taelyr Daugherty, left, getting

Nils Sandberg

Lady’s Island residents push for renewed development plans

BEAUFORT

While the county and city of Beaufort planners are thinking about how to “reimagine Ribaut Road” and Port Royal is working on plans to redesign Paris Avenue, the folks on Lady’s Island are asking, “hey, how about us?”

A lively delegation showed up at Monday’s meeting of the County Council Community Services and Land Use Committee to air their frustrations.

“If any place needs a master plan for future development, Lady’s Island is it,” said Chuck Newton of the Sea Island Corridor Coalition, who has been pushing the county and city to get some plan in place to help with the growing traffic issues.

The County Council, assisted by consultants and residents after a series of public meetings, in 2017 adopted a vision plan for the Lady’s Island Village Center. The plan, as proposed, focused on developing a “walkable” community in the business area between the Woods Memorial Bridge and the Sea Island Parkway/Sams Point Road intersection.

Since then, Walmart on the Island has opened, Harris Teeter is finally under construction and a half-dozen car washes and auto part stores have opened, all

adding to the traffic load on that part of U.S. 21 Whitehall Park, at the foot of the Woods Bridge, has opened and the residential and commercial development which will occur on the privately held part of Whitehall is slowly rising from the ground.

Part of the problem, county planners explained to the Council Committee on Monday, is the area is half within the Beaufort city limits, half in the county. (Monday’s presentation took the form of a lecture since the majority of the 11 members weren’t on County Council when those initial plans were discussed. And a part of the problem, which the planners did NOT mention is that the majority of council members live south of the Broad River which has its own set of traffic problems.)

Just to develop a “holistic” approach to the problem — including not just traffic solutions but infrastructure needs and land use patterns — will cost the county roughly $25 000 with hopes that the City Council will

contribute another $25 000 for a master plan.

While business owners along with hundreds of new homeowners moving to the island are experiencing traffic issues, members of Monday afternoon’s audience asked the Committee to come up with some definite schedule to move forward on coming up with a master plan for future growth.

Council members agreed and directed the county planners to meet with city planners (they’re new also, as well as the relatively new city manager) and come up with some recommendations.

As a council member said later in the meeting in reference to another growth development problem, “sounds like we’re just kicking the can down the road.”

Tree lovers have reason to celebrate

BEAUFORT – The County Council DID make one group of residents happy Monday – tree lovers.

The council unanimously authorized the purchase of 12 acres off Paris Island Gateway in a rapidly growing part of the town of Port Royal. The acreage is home to the former Cherry Hill Plantation, site of the county’s oldest live oak, believed to be around 350 years old.

Purchase price is $1 55 million, which comes from the county’s Rural and Crit-

ical Lands Program. The current property owners dedicating funds to preserve and maintain the tree.

The future of the tree was at stake last summer when developers put forth a plan to develop apartments on the property. Concerned residents banded together and pushed the county and Port Royal to work together on saving the property and converting it to a public park.

Liquor liabilities

‘Murdaughized’

BEAUFORT – As if there hasn’t been enough fallout associated with the infamous Murdaugh murders in the past two years, yet another unintended consequence has come to light.

Thanks to reports from the Post And Courier, complaints from restaurant and bar owners across the state about the rising cost of insurance were aired recently, along with threats of business closures.

Hospitality businesses struggling with first, COVID restrictions followed by a shortage of workers are now facing insurance hikes that make some throw in the proverbial bar towel.

One Horry County bar owner stated his liquor liability insurance alone had increased from $25 000 annually in 2020 to $145 000 last year.

So how do can this burdensome situation be

linked to the Murdaugh saga (soon to be played out — again — on a Lifetime TV movie in mid-October)?

A 2017 bill passed by the state legislature required businesses selling liquor to have a minimum of $1 million of liability insurance. And apparently that legislation also made it easier to sue bars, restaurants and convenience stores who sold alcohol.

Readers who have followed the Murdaugh comings and goings know where this is going. The Savannah-based Parkers convenience store chain was sued by the family of victims killed in a 2019 boat accident, in which the now dead son of Alex Murdaugh was accused of driving. The Beaufort County store was cited for selling beer to the underage Murdaugh the night of the accident.

The company’s lawyers agreed to settle in July with $15 million for wrongful death and $3 5 million in injuries to the other boat

passengers. Prior to the settlement, Parkers officials publicly threatened to leave South Carolina because of the insurance laws.

The settlement obviously set a precedent which other insurance companies are watching. The Post And Courier reports 14 insurance carriers of liquor liability have pulled out of South Carolina but not in adjoining Georgia or North Carolina. So, more bars and restaurants serving alcohol and contributing to our tourism economy may be forced out of business. Seems like the only people getting rich in this state are the lawyers.

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.

LOLITA HUCKABY

And a part of the problem, which the planners did NOT mention is that the majority of council members live south of the Broad River which has its own set of traffic problems.

Scott Street to close Sept. 18-22

From staff reports Scott Street in downtown Beaufort, from Port Republic Street to Bay Street, will be closed to vehicular traffic for five days beginning Monday, Sept. 18, through Friday, Sept. 22

This is to allow for the necessary water and sewer connections for 303 Associates’ Beaufort Inn hotel project, as well as relocating some current water and sewer connections for buildings on Bay Street.

“There were some utility delays beyond our control,” said Dick Stewart of 303 Associates. “We are excited to get started.”

Businesses will remain open. Details of the closure include:

To retain all foot traffic to Scott Street businesses, the entire east side sidewalk (from Car-

olina Me Crazy to Rain n Bagels) will remain open. The west side sidewalk, from the Verdier House to Bathe/ Greyhound Flats, will remain open from Bay Street to the retailer Bathe in Beaufort.

• Signage will be placed at both the intersection of Scott and Port Republic and Scott and Bay Streets alerting pedestrian and vehicular traffic that all Scott Street businesses are open, and will name each business. Signage will be placed on Port Republic Street, prior to the intersection with Scott, alerting vehicles, particularly trucks, that Scott Street is closed. The loading zones on Scott

Street will not be available during this time period. The barricades at each end of the street will be movable by emergency personnel, so they will have access in the event of emergency. The area of the work itself will be fenced.

There are no anticipated disruptions in water service to the businesses along Scott Street. Crews will be conducting work as efficiently and quickly as possible, including night work, said 303 Associates CEO Courtney Worrell said in a news release.

To get updates on 303 Associates’ projects impacting downtown Beaufort, sign up at https:// lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/ LC9PBlt.

Beaufort Memorial adds experienced internist

From staff reports Beaufort Memorial Primary Care has added J. Russell Williams, M.D., to its medical staff.

A board-certified specialist in internal medicine, Dr. Williams brings more than 30 years of experience in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illness in adults to the Beaufort practice. He joins Beaufort Memorial after 12 years

NEWS BRIEFS

County Veterans Affairs Office to close for staff training

The Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Office will be closed Thursday, Sept. 14 for staff training. The office will return to normal business hours Friday, Sept. 15

The Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Office assists veterans, their spouses and other dependents with access to government programs for which they are eligible. Veterans Affairs Counselors are available by appointment only by calling 843-255-6880. For more information, visit https://

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him to continue to collect his $220 500 annual salary until the hearing was held.

Joseph Passiment, council chairman, opened the meeting by clarifying that the council was under no obligation to review their decision to terminate Greenway.

"Council does not have a burden of proof at this hearing," Passiment added.

Greenway was allowed to present evidence and witnesses to support his position with regard to his termination, though he declined to do so. Only his lawyer, Columbia-based attorney Paul Porter, made comments on Greenway's behalf. Greenway remained silent during the hearing.

Elementzal LLC

Greenway signed a contract with Elementzal on Jan. 9. The brief, two-page contract indicated that Elementzal was to provide consulting services regarding the development of public education about opioids and a related marketing campaign.

Passiment identified a number of problems with the Elementzal contract, starting with the fact that the entity incorporated in South Carolina only 25 days before the contract with the county was signed. Additionally, Greenway was found to have had

of providing care for patients in a West Columbia, S.C., clinic that was designed to offer a medical home for the uninsured. Prior to that he cared for patients in a variety of settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals and outpatient practices.

Originally from Colorado, Dr. Williams

bit.ly/3CgzP1z.

The Federal Benefits Handbook for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors is available here or by visiting www.va.gov.

Indivisible Beaufort meeting Sept. 23

The next Indivisible Beaufort meeting scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Downtown Beaufort Library at 311 Scott Street.

The program for this meeting is entitled LGBTQ+: Attacks, misinformation, and Bridging the Divide.

As of April 3 2023, at least 417 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures

a personal relationship with Elementzal organizer Angela Hassigner and co-founder Lisa Lynch.

Further, Greenway allegedly skipped the competitive bidding process necessary for the $50,000 contract, and there was apparently no effort to document Elementzal's qualification to provide the services outlined in the contract.

"Additionally, it is clear to council, after reviewing the contract and Elementzal's website, that Elementzal is not in the business of providing consulting services regarding the development of opioid education and marketing," Passiment said.

Council also alleged that Greenway didn't complete a purchase order for the contract until more than two months after the contract had been signed, bypassed a required compensation negotiation and didn't submit the contract for the necessary review by county attorneys.

Finally, Passiment noted that the county paid for both Hassinger and Lynch to attend a conference in Atlanta. As the pair were contractors at the time of the conference, they were not eligible to be compensated for their attendance, which came at a cost in excess of $6 500 The contract with Elementzal ended when Deputy County Administrator Whitney Richland notified Hassinger that the company's invoices had exceeded

made his way to the south to pursue his Doctor of Medicine degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Miramar, Fla. He completed his residency program with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine at Richland Memorial Hospital (now known as Prisma Health Richland Hospital) in Columbia. Since then, he has practiced mostly in Columbia.

At Beaufort Memorial Primary Care, Dr.

across the U.S. since the start of the year, more than twice the number of such bills introduced all of last year. The group will welcome two speakers who can share how these laws impact real life in South Carolina, and, importantly, what we can do to bridge this divide.

Angela Wright is a counselor at The Door’s Open Therapy in Beaufort, where she specializes in the LGBTQIA+ Community. She is also the Co-Chair for LowCountry Pride and is Second Vice Chair for the SCDP LGBTQ+ caucus. Gwenn McLune is a 39-year-old woman who is transgender. She and Angela co-facilitate a support group for transgender individuals.

the contract's $50 000 limit, though Richland agreed to pay the full amount of the invoice.

Richland went on to state that the services provided by Elementzal were duplicative of work done by the Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department, and that no marketing or education materials had been provided by the company. In a letter dated June 15, she terminated the contract.

Wellness director

Lynch was hired in April as the county's wellness director with a starting salary of $108 000, plus benefits. Passiment said Greenway created the position specifically for Lynch. Evidence for that statement came from, he said, a review of Greenway's text messages.

Passiment said that Greenway had a "prolonged relationship" with Lynch and altered the reporting structure so that Lynch would report to him.

"We have concluded that your actions were a direct reflection of your desire to provide 'comfort and security' for this individual, regardless of her qualifications for the position or the value the taxpayers would derive as a result of her employment, all at the expense of the county," Passiment said.

Richland fired Lynch the day after Greenway was placed on paid administrative leave. Lynch has asserted that her firing was retal-

Williams joins board-certified internists Drs. Alejandro Garcia Salas and Andrea Hucks, and board-certified nurse practitioners Mary Beth Donovan, Katie Hall and Ronda O’Connell. Located in the hospital’s Beaufort Medical Plaza at 989 Ribaut Road in suite 260, the practice provides a full range of general adult outpatient medical care with an emphasis on wellness and chronic disease management and prevention.

The event is free and open to the public.

Yemassee seeking bids for solid waste pickup

The Town of Yemassee is requesting proposals to provide weekly residential solid waste pickup services for the town's residents.

“The current five-year contract was executed on June 28, 2019, and expires on June 29 2024,” said Matt Garnes, Town Administrator. “We will maximize our resident's tax dollars while ensuring we get the best service from the

winning bidder.”

Currently, the Town serves approximately 507 residents within its corporate limits, and this new contract focuses exclusively on residential curbside pickup, offering a once-weekly service. Additionally, the town encourages proposals that include recycling services. Recycling is not currently offered in Yemassee, and the town is interested in exploring the possibility of introducing a recycling program, so proposals with and without this option will be considered.

– From staff reports

Duffie Stone. They decided to refer the case to the Public Integrity Unit, a team of prosecutors and senior investigations run jointly by the solicitors of the First and 14th circuits, for further investigation. That investigation is ongoing, said Jeff Kidd, Administrative Chief of Staff for the 14th Circuit Solicitor's Office.

The exact nature of the investigation is unclear.

Paul Porter, attorney for former Beaufort County Administrator Eric Greenway, speaks during a special County Council meeting in Beaufort, Sept. 11, 2023. The Council upheld their decision to terminate Greenway's employment, citing a number of violations of county policy regarding contracts and hiring practices. Tony Kukulich/The Post And Courier

iation for filing a complaint against Greenway for sexual harassment and discrimination. Lynch attended Greenway's hearing, but members of the public were not given the opportunity to speak.

The defense Greenway did submit a brief document that contradicted the council's conclusions pertaining to the documented actions. In that document, he stated that he did not knowingly, willfully or intentionally violate county standards.

Speaking for Greenway, Porter noted a glowing performance review and positive press that Greenway had received during his tenure as county administrator. Porter said that his client never wanted the county ad-

ministrator role, but accepted it at the council's insistence. In accepting the role, Greenway made clear to the council that there were deficiencies in his background.

"He did not claim to have knowledge of procurement or finance," Porter said. "Quite the opposite, he told you he did not have knowledge in those areas."

Porter called the decision to terminate Greenway hasty and reactive and asked council to reconsider their action.

Getting to this point

In May, a complaint of criminal misconduct was filed with the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. After investigating the matter, Sheriff P.J. Tanner consulted with 14th Circuit Solicitor

Greenway was placed on paid administrative leave following a July 24 special meeting of County Council.

Four days later, council met again to discuss Greenway's employment. This time, council members opted to terminate Greenway for cause, meaning he would be ineligible for any severance payment or a pension.

The bulk of both meetings took place in executive session. Only the resulting actions took place in public, so the reasoning for the county's decision to place Greenway on leave, and then fire him, were not disclosed.

Following the Sept. 11 hearing, Passiment acknowledged that Greenway could pursue a lawsuit against the county, but the county's process has run its course.

"He's done," said Passiment. "He's been terminated. All of his salary and benefits ceased today."

Dr. J. Russell Williams

County hosting Reimagine Ribaut Road open house

From staff reports Beaufort County is hosting an open house to review the Reimagine Ribaut Road project from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 14. The meeting will be held at Technical College of the Lowcountry, 921 Ribaut Road, Building 12

The event will provide valuable information about the project and the latest project updates. Citizens and stakeholders will be able to share their thoughts and concerns and to provide feedback.

According to Beaufort County’s news release, the Reimagine Ribaut Road project is an exciting initiative that aims to enhance the 5 5 mile corridor from Boundary Street to the Russell Bell Bridge. Beaufort County, City of Beaufort, Town of Port Royal, and Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. are working together to create a master plan for improvements along the corridor.

In addition to the symposium, citizens and stakeholders can complete a survey and provide comments on an interactive map by visiting www.reimagineribautroad.

com. This website is also a resource for learning more about the project or getting involved in the

planning process. For questions or persons requiring additional assistance

due to language barriers, contact the Engineering Department at 843-255-2700

Man shot in Sheldon Monday

From staff reports

A 47-year-old man is in stable condition after being shot Monday night, Sept. 11, in Sheldon.

According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), at approximately 6:05 p.m., deputies were called to a home on Bryant Lane at the Oyotunji African Village for a fight between two women.

Shortly thereafter, at 6:13 p.m. Beaufort County Communications Center received another call of “shots fired” from the same area.

When deputies arrived at Bryant Lane, they learned that a man had suffered injuries from gunfire and was taken to the nearby Sheldon Fire Department by vehicle.

Deputies went to the fire station and found the victim suf -

fering from a single gunshot wound. He was transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital and later to the Medical University of South Carolina where he remains in stable condition as of Tuesday afternoon.

The BCSO is trying to determine if a correlation between the fight and the shooting exists.

Investigators worked through

St. Helena man sought in June murder case

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating 19-year-old Mekhi Jeremiah Moultrie of St. Helena Island. He is wanted in connection to a June 2023 murder investigation.

On the night of June 27, 2023, at about 11:50 p.m., deputies were called to the area of Harbor Breeze Drive on St. Helena Island for a report of shots fired. Once there, they found Brandon Simmons, 36, of St. Helena Island, deceased in his vehicle. He’d been shot multiple times.

During the investigation, Moultrie was identified as the suspect.

“There was information early on implicating him,” BCSO spokesperson Maj. Angela Viens said, “and we were able to tie him to the murder.

Warrants have been obtained for his arrest on the charges of murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.

Moultrie should be considered armed and dangerous.

the night interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence. This investigation is ongoing and additional details may be released at a later time, according to the BCSO.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Sgt. Tunis at 843-255-3426, or if wishing to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry at 843-554-1111

Beaufort won’t return to mask mandates, school shutdowns anytime soon

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

Lockdowns and mask mandates will not be returning to South Carolina, despite recent surge in COVID-19 cases, according to Gov. Henry McMaster.

On Wednesday, Sept. 9 McMaster posted a video to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, saying that the lockdowns imposed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic were a “mistake” and he vowed to block any mask mandates, school closures or government lockdowns in response to the rise in cases. In the video he said that the previous mandates and lockdowns were made based off of recommendations from expert sources that were “in error” and they “caused damage.”

“We are not going to do a lot of the foolish things that were done in other states that we limited to a great degree here in S.C.,” said Gov. McMaster in the video. He went further to say that a lot was learned

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during the pandemic and that common sense is very important and was abandoned in other parts of the country, but not here in S.C.

“We’ve got to do everything we can to see that our young people get the best education available,” Gov. McMaster said.

According to the Center for Disease Control and

the Historic District. One of the 5 members [of] the Historic Review Board shall be recommended by the Historic Beaufort Foundation.

Nine speakers spoke during the public comment period of the meeting in support of the HBF keeping its seat on the board, citing HBF’s importance to the preservation of downtown Beaufort’s historical district and their status as a national historic landmark.

The non-profit HBF has been around since the 1940s, accord-

Prevention, numbers for COVID-19 hospital admissions in S.C. have surged from 56 on June 24 to 373 on Sept. 2, which is the most recently reported data.

Due to the recent rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations, some schools, hospitals and government buildings across the country have been implementing mask

ing to Executive Director Cynthia Jenkins, t and has been involved in helping to advise local governmental bodies and committees in matters of preservation since the first zoning ordinance in 1972

Maxine Lutz, a former member of the City of Beaufort Design Review Board and current HRB member, had been HBF’s choice for reappointment, and the Council had been expected to fill the HRB’s two vacant seats Tuesday night. But that’s now up in the air as Council tabled the appointment of two members, which has already been on hold for the past several months. Including Lutz, there are six candidates for the two seats. At the first reading, several

mandates.

City of Beaufort mayor Stephen Murray said that he has been communicating with Russell Baxley, president and CEO of Beaufort Memorial Hospital, and he said that while the hospital has seen an uptick in the number of cases that they have seen, but fortunately the cases that they are seeing are not that serious.

“They have only had a couple of folks go to the ICU and even those who are going to the ICU, they aren’t having to vent them,” Murray said.

Murray continued to say that during the pandemic, it was more about managing healthcare facilities and healthcare capacity, and that is currently not a worry.

“We haven’t discussed any kind of mask mandates or restrictions, but we will be actively talking to the hospital to kind of let them give us guidance with what the real time situation is looking like.”

Candace Bruder, spokesperson for the Beaufort County School District

speakers and Jenkins suggested Council’s actions may be retaliation for the HBF’s involvement in the lawsuits been brought against the City of Beaufort regarding the approval to build a parking garage, hotel and apartments in downtown Beaufort.

“There is currently, on my part, no retaliation against HBF,” Councilman Mike McFee said at the Aug. 22 meeting.

Instead, supporters of the motion all shared similar sentiments – it is not fair for one group to receive preferential treatment over so many other organizations that partner with the City of Beaufort who are not given the same opportunity.

(BCSD), said that they are required to follow federal and state laws, but she said that the “impact of the pandemic on learning loss demonstrated that in-person instruction is the most beneficial for students’ academic performance.”

She also said that during the pandemic, the infection rates in the schools were not higher than what was present in the community and in many cases they were lower.

Murray said that he thinks that this is something that we are just going to have to “learn to live with, but thankfully due to vaccines and natural immunity that is being built it does not seem like this spike is going to be as serious as it was last time.

Delayna Earley lives in Beaufort with her husband, two children and Jack Russell. She formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/ The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She joined The Island News in 2022. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

Anyone with information as to Moultrie’s whereabouts is encouraged to call Sergeant Snider at 843-2553421, the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777, or Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry at 843-554-1111 if wishing to remain anonymous.

Honor

from page A1

Maude, U.S. Army, worked. She saw the second floor window undamaged but saw in horror that her husband’s office on the first floor took a direct hit, killing him and everyone else in his office. But there was no official word yet.

She called her two daughters and told them to tune in, as well.

All civilian flights nationwide had been canceled. Maude said she made arrangements to catch a Navy flight to Washington, D.C., as she was still unable to reach her husband.

It wasn’t until days later she received official notification that her husband had been killed. Maude said her husband’s death made him the highest ranking officer killed in action since World War II.

On that day, 2 996 people were killed, including 412 first responders. There were 6,000 others injured, as well.

Maude urged everyone to never forget. She said teach the children about the attack so they won’t forget either.

“We can never forget!” she exclaimed, holding back tears.

Bob Sofaly has been photographing people and what they do in Beaufort since Ronald Reagan was elected president in 1980. He can be reached at bobsofaly@gmail.com.

Paul Trask tells Beaufort City Council that he has attended every meeting regarding the dropping of the Historic Beaufort Foundation’s seat on the Historic District Review Board and that not one person attending those meetings has ever spoke in favor the council’s decision. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Screenshot of S.C. Governor Henry McMaster speaking about mask mandates and school and government lockdowns in a video posted to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Beaufort County protects Port Royal’s Cherry Hill Oak

From staff reports Beaufort County has purchased an 11 22-acre property in the Town of Port Royal that is home to a famed live oak tree known as the “Cherry Hill Oak” using $1 550 000 from the Rural and Critical Land Preservation Program.

The Cherry Hill Oak is a South Carolina Heritage Tree, designated in 2013 by Trees SC, and at 113 75 inches dbh, it is larger in diameter than the Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island.

The property offers sloping tree canopied fields with visual and physical water access to the marshes of Battery Creek and was previously threatened by development. The property owner began negotiations with the Rural and Critical Land Preservation Program in late 2022 and County Council unanimously approved

the purchase on August 14 2023. Parties expect to close on the sale to Beaufort County this month.

“This property protected natural and cultural resources and does so in area where public passive recreation

opportunities are otherwise limited,” Councilwoman Alice Howard said in a news release. “County funds are

uniquely positioned to protect these resources for future public access and are spent well on this opportunity. We thank the landowners and private citizens who rallied to make this opportunity possible.”

Zoned for high density urban development, the landowners, Merryland Investments Battery Creek LLC, sold the property at a bargain-sale and are contributing $50 000 to the Beaufort County Passive Parks Department for the long-term maintenance of the property’s tree canopy. “We realize the value to all of Beaufort County that this tree and the surrounding property provides and we are pleased to be part of a conservation solution for its future.” Says Tennent Houston, partner in Merryland Investments Battery Creek LLC.

The Town of Port Royal

passed a proclamation to support protection of the property on June 21 2023 and will maintain the property in partnership with county ownership.

“Port Royal is pleased to partner with the Rural and Critical Lands program on another passive park within the Town,” Port Royal Mayor Joe DeVito said. “Resources like the Cherry Hill Oak can be protected and enjoyed by all.”

Led by local neighbor Hope Cunningham and arborist Michael Murphy, citizens have rallied to document, advocate for, and protect the Cherry Hill Oak and the surrounding property from development over the past year.

A private fund for the Friends of Cherry Hill Oak has been created and is held at the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

Yemassee Shrimp Festival set for Friday, Saturday

From staff reports

The 29th annual Yemassee Shrimp Festival is set for Friday, Sept. 15, and Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Yemassee Municipal Complex in Yemassee.

The Festival has added its first Grand Slam Concert in the Park to the music, food, and fun. The Festival Kickoff Celebration is 6 p.m. on Friday.

The Grand Slam Concert In The Park with Jason Lee Cook and Cody Webb is Saturday at the Harold Peeples Athletic Park at 29240 Pocotaligo Road. Gates open at 3 p.m. and the concert starts at 5 p.m.

Advance tickets are $20 and $25 at the gate. There will be

food trucks and a beer vendor. And a mechanical bull for entertainment.

For more information and updates, visit https://www.townofyemassee.org/ and click on Shrimp Festival or contact Lori Mixson at 843-589-2565 Ext. 2 Make sure to follow the event on Facebook at Yemassee Shrimp

5 to 6 p.m.: Pirates Dream with Darrell Russell

6 to 11:30 p.m.: DJ Jenny Garvin

Grand Slam Concert in the Park with Jason Lee Cook and Cody Webb

3 p.m.: Gates open

5 p.m.: Concert Starts

5 p.m.: Jason Lee Cook

8 p.m.: Cody Webb and band

BCSD holding public forums about school bond referendum

From staff reports Beaufort County School District Superintendent Frank Rodriguez has scheduled public forums to brief parents and community members on the school district’s $439 million bond referendum set for Nov. 7

“A bond referendum isn't just about buildings; it's about providing our students with the learning environment they need. Our students of today will be the leaders and innovators of tomorrow,” Rodriguez said.

“These informational sessions offer a platform for us to openly communicate de-

tails of the bond referendum and provide clarity on how the funds will be allocated.”

All meetings are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.:

September 14, Beaufort High School

September 18, Hilton Head Island High School

September 28, Bluffton High School

October 2, May River High School

October 5, Whale Branch Early College

High School

October 9, Spanishlanguage session, Hilton Head Island

LEGAL NOTICES

Middle School

October 12, Spanishlanguage session, Bluffton Middle School

October 16, Spanishlanguage session, Robert Smalls Leadership Academy

There have already been forums at St. Helena Island Elementary School and Battery Creek High School.

Following the successful 2019 referendum, a second volunteer Community Project Review Committee was formed (CPRC 2 0) to assess remaining needs. Once CPRC 2 0 submitted their recommended list of proj-

8. During the marriage, the parties have acquired marital debts and assets, and therefore, Plaintiff requests an Order equitably dividing the assets and debts.

9. Plaintiff states neither party is entitled to alimony or support.

10. Plaintiff needs exclusive use of the martial residence located at 11 Trotting Hill Lane, Bluffton, SC.

11. Plaintiff needs the exclusive use of her premarital vehicle, 2017 Honda Accord.

12. Plaintiff requests that the parties should be restrained from selling, transferring, mortgaging or otherwise disposing of any martial property until further Order of this Court.

13. Plaintiff requests a restraining order keeping Defendant or any third parties on his behalf, from threatening, harassing, or contacting Plaintiff in any way, or coming within 1,000 feet of her, her home, her work, or wherever she may be found.

14. Plaintiff requests that Defendant retrieve his belongings from the martial home with Law Enforcement assistance.

WHEREFORE, having fully set forth her Complaint, Plaintiff prays for an Order of this Court:

A. Granting Plaintiff a divorce, a vinculo matrimonii, on statutory grounds;

B. Granting Plaintiff exclusive use of the martial home located at 11 Trotting Hill Lane, Bluffton, SC;

C. Granting Plaintiff exclusive use of her premarital vehicle, 2017 Honda Accord;

ects, the Board of Education further refined the priorities, approving a $439 million referendum for Nov. 7

The referendum is targeted to address a variety of issues related to school facilities: Safety and security upgrades. Building maintenance and structural problems due to advancing age. Upgrading facilities at Lady’s Island Middle School and Hilton Head Island High School. Hundreds of new students projected to enroll in district schools.

Expanding classroom space and resources for Career and Technology Education courses.

Voters will consider one ballot question. If the Question is approved, there will be safety and security enhancements in all schools; a rebuild of Hilton Head Island High School; Lady’s Island Middle school replacement; a new Early Childhood Center; a new PreK-5 elementary school in Bluffton; Riverview Charter School gymnasium; CTE renovations and additions; technology warehouse imaging center; HVAC replacements; a kitchen for

Right Choices; and additional improvements. If voters approve the referendum on Nov. 7, Rodriguez said the district will continue the use of the Community Led Oversight Committee (CLOC), a broad-based committee of community members who will monitor all expenditures of referendum-related construction funds. This committee submits regular public reports that are archived on the school district’s website. In addition, all referendum funds will be part of the district’s independent external audits.

6. Defendant was arrested February 7, 2023 following a domestic violence incident that occurred with Plaintiff as the victim and with the minor child in the home.

7. Therefore, Plaintiff seeks an Order of Separate Maintenance and Support and ultimately a divorce from the Defendant, a vinculo matrimonii, on any statutory grounds the Court may find present, including continuous separation without cohabitation for over one year.

The Cherry Hill Oak is a South Carolina Heritage Tree, designated in 2013 by Trees SC, and at 113.75 inches dbh, it is larger in diameter than the Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island. Photo coutesy of Michael Murphy/Trees SC

ARTS

Pritchards Island –

Past and Future

8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, Weekends during performances, through Oct. 2, 2023, USCB Center for the Arts 805 Carteret Street, Beaufort. Free and open to the public. For tickets, visit USCBCenterForTheArts.com. The University of South Carolina Beaufort’s Center for the Arts has unveiled a new installation and an art exhibit to make plain the historic significance of Pritchards Island to barrier island existence in the past and in the present as well as denote the island’s future engagement in environmental and scientific discovery. The art exhibit component features a collection of work by more than 30 artists curated by partnership between the University and the Beaufort Arts Council through an artist in residence program in the early 2000s. Many notable local artists from Beaufort County are represented in the collection, such as Susan Graber, Cabel Heward, Weezie Gibson, Susan Deloach, Melba Cooper and Nan Kresch. For additional information, contact Bonnie Hargrove at 843-5213145.

CALENDAR

Karaoke with Melissa 8 p.m. to midnight, Tuesdays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.

Sharing Hearts Support Group

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

The Beaufort Shag Club

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

Karaoke with Melissa

7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TECHconnect 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 3rd Thursday of each month, Beaufort Digital Corridor, 500 Carteret Street, Suite D, Beaufort. Free.

The BDC's signature happy hour “meetup” networking event for tech professionals. Connect with like-minded people, fellow entrepreneurs, start-

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ups and VCs over local food and cold beverages. Call 843470-3506 or visit https://rb.gy/ e7t2h for more information.

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

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

Eric’s Karaoke Krew 9:30 p.m., Fridays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Parker. Karaoke with Melissa 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fridays, R Bar & Grill, 70 Pennington Dr, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.

Highway 21 Flea Market

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

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

Slip and Splash Saturdays

10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays, Battery Creek Pool, 1 Blue Dolphin Drive, Beaufort, and Bluffton Pool, 55 Pritchard Street, Bluffton. $5 per person. Stay busy for hours climbing on our inflatable challenge track.

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

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

Teddy Bear Picnic Read-Aloud 9 a.m. to noon, 1st Saturday each month, Port Royal Farmer’s Market, Corner of Ribaut Road & Pinckney Blvd, Port Royal. Free. DAYLO Students and other volunteers will read to young children, who are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animals. The next Reading is Saturday, Aug. 5.

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

Free Summer Tax Prep 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 16, Agape Family Life Center, 5855 South Okatie Highway, Hardeeville. Appointment only, call 843-784-6008.

Southern Barrel Bluffton

Artisan Market

4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29, Southern Barrel Brewing Co., 375 Buckwalter Place Blvd, Bluffton. Lowcountry Made is proud to announce that the Bluffton Artisan Market is back at Southern Barrel! The Bluffton Artisan Market will kick off Southern Barrel's Oktoberfest weekend! We want to thank Southern Barrel for their continued patronage and advocacy for small businesses!

Southern Barrel is where Lowcountry Made markets started 3 years ago! And we are so excited to be collaborating again! Vendor applications are open at lcmade.com/bluffton-market-vendor-application/.

Palmetto Bluff

Farmers Market 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays, Oct. 4, Oct. 18, Nov. 8, Nov. 29, Dec. 17, Palmetto Bluff Farm, 228 Old Moreland Road, Bluffton. The Palmetto Bluff Farmers Market is back this October!

FREE and Open to the Public enjoy local shopping at the Farm at Palmetto Bluff. Lowcountry Made is honored to curate the lineup for the Palmetto Bluff Farmers Market. This will be a wonderful showcase of local growers and makers! The market is at capacity but all area farmers, producers, home bakers, food related makers, food trucks, and artisans are encouraged to apply for the wait list.

Bluffton Night Bazaar

to 8 p.m., Thursdays, Oct.

5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road, Bluffton. Lowcountry Made is proud to present the 2023 Bluffton Night Bazaar at Burnt Church Distillery. Applications for the fall dates are open now at lcmade.com/bluffton-night-bazaar-vendor-application/.

Beaufort Shrimp Festival October 6 and 7, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort

Saint Peter’s 63rd

Annual Fall Bazaar

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 70 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort. The bazaar committee seeks Lowcountry artists and crafts people to sell their creations at the bazaar. Booths may be set up inside or outside. Fee is $100. The Bazaar will also feature International Foods, Sweet Shoppe, Beer and Wine Garden, Kids Zone with inflatables, games, and petting zoo, and a Silent Auction. Proceeds benefit the Lowcountry Outreach Center. For an application, contact parishlife@stpetersbeaufort.org.

Beaufort Drum Circle

6:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 13, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Gazebo, downtown Beaufort. Free. Bring a friend, relative or co-worker. It’s free. It’s family friendly. No musical experience is necessary. Extra drums available. Bring a chair and drum joyously with us. Open to everyone. No musical training is necessary as everyone can feel the rhythm of the group and join in. We have extra drums & other percussion instruments that may be borrowed for each session. If you prefer, come and just listen and watch as the group drums. Come to dance, hula-hoop, clap or chant.

Sips & Seafood Party 5 to 10 p.m., Friday, Oct. 27, Hewitt Oaks, 205 Stillwell Road, Bluffton. $175. Bluffton Self Help’s annual fundraiser. The funds raised provide education, basic needs, career development, and a sense of hope. Last year alone, this event helped 194 families to remain in their homes, keep the lights on, and to get through a difficult time. It supported 413 neighbors as they earned an education through English as a Second Language, Adult Basic Education, and GED Preparation classes. Our guests and sponsors provided 168 neighbors with the opportunity to meet one-on-one with client advocates through 672 meetings to connect to resources, develop goals and work toward reaching personal success. Through The Market 858 households received 431,428 pounds of fresh produce, dairy, meat, eggs, non perishable groceries, hygiene items, diapers and more than 20,000 articles of clothing enabling them to stretch their budget and have better health. Purchase tickets at https:// rb.gy/kq7ef.

GOLF Beaufort County Democratic Party FUNdraising tournament

Saturday, September 23, The Landing at Pleasant Point, 8 Barnwell Drive, Lady’s Island.

9 a.m. check-in; 9:30 a.m. shotgun start. 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. lunch.

$100 per person, $400 per foursome includes golf and cart, plus a ticket to the lunch afterwards. Colleen Condon is our speaker, and the lunch is provided by Mother Smokin Good Catering. We are also selling tickets for lunch only for those who want to join us but don't play golf. Lunch tickets are $50 per person. Pay registration or uy tickets at https:// bit.ly/3LlsPVh. Email dlsullivan678@gmail.com with questions.

HALLOWEEN

Ghosts and Myths of Hilton Head Island

7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 18 through Saturday, Oct. 21, Zion Cemetery and Baynard Mausoleum, Outdoor Learning Center at the corner of 278 & Matthews Drive, Hilton Head Island. $15 per person. Presented by The Heritage Library. Experience the chills of the paranormal stories of Hilton Head Island as we bring to life Lydia Davant, Andrew Baynard, Cap’n Jack Stoney, Mary Kirk, Paulson Schwarzer, and Williams Eddings Baynard.

Witness the Hilton Head Island of the 18th and 19th centuries through their eyes on a journey beyond the cemetery gates.

Hear firsthand the ghost stories about the Harbour Town Lighthouse, the Baynard Funeral Procession, and the Blue Lady of Hilton Head Island. Purchase your tickets early This event always sells out and tickets are limited this year due to spatial distancing. Not recommended for children younger than 10. Register at https://heritagelib. org/ghostsmyths.

HISTORY Beaufort History Museum at the Arsenal 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 3

p.m., Saturdays, 713 Craven St, Beaufort. General Admission for Adults $8, Seniors $7, Active Duty Military and College Students with ID $5. Children/ Teens younger than 18 Free. Explore and experience more than 500 years of Beaufort History with knowledgeable docent guided tours.

The Historic Port Royal Museum 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or upon request, Thursdays through Sundays, The Historic Port Royal Museum, 1634 Paris Ave. The museum features the turnof-the-century businesses and industries of Port Royal: Shrimping, crabbing, oystering, the railroad, the school and the mercantile. Great gifts featuring local artists are available. For more information. visit www.portroyalhistory.org, email historicportroyalfoundation@gmail.com or call 843524-4333.

Tour Historic Fort Fremont Dawn to dusk, Monday through Sunday, The Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land’s End Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public. The History Center is open Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors can learn about the fort’s history during the Spanish-American War through interpretive signs, self-guided walking tours with a smart phone, exhibits in the history center, and docent-led tours. For more information visit www.fortfremont.org or contact Passive Parks Manager Stefanie Nagid at snagid@bcgov.net.

Zion Cemetery & Baynard Mausoleum Costumed Cemetery Tour 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, through Oct. 10, 2023, Zion Cemetery, 574 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. $10 per adult, $8 per child. The Island’s history comes to life with this trip back in time, featuring costumed tour guides sharing fascinating stories of Hilton Head Island’s past. Visit the gravesites of four Revolutionary War heroes and find out about the bloody skirmish that was fought just steps away. Explore the island’s oldest structure and learn about the planters who built it. You’ll learn their stories of the Colonial era on Hilton Head Island and more as you tour one of the island’s most intriguing sites. Register at https://heritagelib.org/tours.

Historic Ft. Mitchel Tour

10:30 a.m., Thursdays through Oct. 12, Ft. Mitchel, 65 Skull Creek Drive, Hilton Head Island. $10 per adult, $8 per child. Immerse yourself in the fascinating Civil War history of Hilton Head Island with a visit to Fort Mitchel. The site contains the remains of a coastal defense battery erected in 1862 to protect the Port Royal Sound by way of Skull Creek from incursions by Confederate gunboats based in the Savannah River. Costumed characters and an expert tour guide will demonstrate the vital historic importance of this place and the role the fort and its namesake, General Mitchel, played in shaping Hilton Head history, including historic Mitchelville. Register at https://heritagelib. org/tours.

Port Royal Lecture Series:

Who Was Here? Native Americans Before and During European Settlements

6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 26, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1004 11th Street, Port Royal. $25 per person – Seating is limited. Lecturers are Stephen Criswell, Professor Chris Judge, and Evan Nooe, University of South Carolina Native American Studies Center. Buy tickets at https:// historic-port-royal-foundation. square.site/.

Underwater Secrets of Port Royal 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 2, Room 213, University of South Carolina Beaufort – Hilton Head Island Campus, 1 Sand Shark Drive, Hilton Head Island. $10 for non-members, $8 for members. With presenter Richard Thomas. Centuries of weather and warfare have left underwater vestiges of a past filled with intrigue and tragedy. The locations and stories behind these known remnants of a former age are revealed through research into documented sources, coincidental encounters, and the use of modern technology in the pursuit of underwater archaeology. Register at https://heritagelib.org/classes.

The Southern Campaign in South Carolina 1776-1780

1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 7, Room 213, University of South Carolina Beaufort – Hilton Head Island Campus, 1 Sand Shark Drive, Hilton Head Island. $10 for non-members, $8 for members. With presenter Lee J. Wilwerding. This is a Semiquincentennial presentation.The British had a successful run in the South for four years which led to inflated expectations for victory. But wait there's more

to come. Register at https:// heritagelib.org/classes.

Forts of Port Royal 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 9, Room 213, University of South Carolina Beaufort – Hilton Head Island Campus, 1 Sand Shark Drive, Hilton Head Island. $10 for non-members, $8 for members. With presenter Richard Thomas. Over 42 fortifications of various kinds have been built along the shores of Port Royal Sound for protection against hostile natives and enemy raids since the mid-1500s. This presentation covers their locations, the period they existed, and the history of the most significant among them. Register at https://heritagelib.org/ classes.

LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

History of Indigo Dyes

3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 16, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355

Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Join local sustainable artist and environmentalist Monique de La Tour to learn about St. Helena’s history with the Indigo plant. Call 843255-6487 to register.

Law Talk – Elder Law & End of Life Planning

5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 19, Beaufort Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Free. Brief topic overview + Q&A with volunteer attorney. To register please call 843-255-6458. Indigo Dyeing Workshop

3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Join local sustainable artist and environmentalist Monique de La Tour to learn Indigo dyeing techniques. Limit of 20 people, call 843255-6487 to register.

Makerspace & 3D Printing

4 to 5 p.m., Wednesdays, Oct. 4 to Dec. 6, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Ages 10 & up, Free. Learn to use 3D modeling software, design and print 3D models, finish models using acrylic paints, create tabletop miniatures (Warhammer, Dungeons & Dragons, etc.).

Rebecca Dwight Bruff Author

Talk & Book Signing

4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 18, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. While no books will be available for purchase at the event, Ms. Bruff will happily sign pre-purchase copies immediately afterwards. No registration required, all ages welcome!

St. Helena Branch Library Plant Swap

2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Take a plant, leave a plant- bring your divided perennials, extra clippings, and plant propagations to swap with others!

Law Talk –Landlord Tenant Law

5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25, St. Helena Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena. Free. Brief topic overview + Q&A with volunteer attorney. To register please call 843-255-6540.

MEETINGS

Zonta Club of Beaufort

6 p.m., 4th Tuesday of each month, Smokehouse, Port Royal. Beaufort Rotary Club Noon, Wednesdays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Catered buffet lunch, followed by a guest speaker. Prospective members welcome. For further information and upcoming speakers, please visit website www.beaufortrotaryclub.org.

The Beaufort Trailblazers –A Volunteer Group

8 a.m., first Thursday each month, Herban Marketplace, Beaufort. Anyone interested in supporting or building offroad/dirt/wilderness mountain biking/jogging/walking trails near is encouraged to attend.

For more information, call 843575-0021 or email universitybicycles@hotmail.com.

Rotary Club of the Lowcountry

7:30 a.m., Fridays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, Sea Island Parkway, Lady’s Island. A light breakfast is provided before the program. For further information and upcoming speakers, please visit our website at www.lowcountryrotary.org or contact our President, Bob

Bible a

MUSIC Street Music on Paris Avenue 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, Paris Avenue, Port Royal. Free. Bring your own chairs. Stage is between 9th and 10th streets. Sept. 9, Angela Easterling; Sept. 23, J.P. Soars & The Red Hots.

OUTDOORS

The Beaufort Tree Walk Lady’s Island Garden Club invites you to take a meandering walk through the Historic “Old Point” and enjoy some unique and noteworthy trees. The “Walk” takes about an hour, is a little over a mile starting at the corner of Craven & Carteret streets in Morrall Park and concluding in Waterfront Park. Booklets with map and information about each tree are available free at the Visitors Center in the historic Arsenal on Craven Street.

Tours of Hunting Island Every Tuesday, Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy. Free, park entry fees apply. Sponsored by Friends of Hunting Island Keeper Ted and his team. For more information call the Hunting Island Nature Center at 843-838-7437. The next Tuesday is August 1.

SEWING/QUILTING

American Needlepoint Guild Meeting 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1st Tuesday each month. The Hilton Head Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in needlepoint to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. Upcoming meetings are November 7 at Palmetto Electric Community Room, Hardeeville, and December 5 at the Indigo Run Clubhouse, Hilton Head Island. For more information, please contact us at hiltonheadislandchapter@ needlepoint.org.

Embroidery Guild of America

Meeting

Second Tuesday of every month, Palmetto Electric Community Room, Hardeeville. The Lowcountry Chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in any type of embroidery including needlepoint, cross-stitch, surface and beaded embroidery, hardanger, bargello, sashiko, etc., to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. For more information, please contact us at lowcountrychapter@egacarolinas.org.

Sea Island Quilters

6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21, Carteret Street Methodist Church, 408 Carteret Street, Beaufort. Our monthly series returns in September. This month the 2023 Quilt Challenge Color of the Month is “BLUE” and Andrea will have “Honey Bee Lane” Block of the Month Pattern #5 for distribution. Brenda Dyer, a certified Judy Niemeyer instructor presents her lecture “My Quiltworx Journey” and Trunk Show. Quiltworx, or Judy Niemeyer Quilting, Inc., creates patterns and teaching tools for Foundation Paper Piecing, a method for quilters with minimal previous experience to create intricate and complex heirloom quality quilts. Before launching Savannah Sews in Pooler, Ga., in December of 2021, Brenda was an educator for a major sewing machine manufacturer and quilted for others. Brenda will also offer a few items for sale including Judy Niemeyer patterns and various paper.

Maye River Quilters

10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 7, Palmetto Electric Cooperative, 1 Cooperative Way in Hardeeville. The social time begins at 9:30 a.m. To attend as a guest, email RSVP to mayeriverquilters@gmail.com. For more information and for a membership form, please call 987-464-0585.

SPORTS/GAMES

ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Carteret St. United Methodist Church. Games and events will be held weekly. Director Gene Ogden. Contact Jane Simpson 803-226-3491. Beaufort Masters Swim Team

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6 to 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, Wardle Family Port Royal YMCA. Coached practices. Ages 18 & older, all skill & speed levels, no prior swim team experience needed. Visit lowcountryswimming.com for more information. Contact Randall Savely 803.750.9561 | scnnonline.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Dark circles under the eyes in kids

Dark circles under the eyes in kids are common. It can stem from genetics or other causes, such as allergies or a lack of sleep. The circles may be brown, purple, or blue, depending on skin tone.

Several factors can contribute to dark circles under the eyes. These include genetics, thin skin, lack of sleep, dehydration, congestion, sun exposure, nutritional deficiencies.

Genetics:

For some people, dark under-eye circles are simply part of their appearance. They do not occur due to a medical condition and are just how their skin has developed. Researchers believe that periorbital hyperpigmentation could be hereditary in some people.

Thinner skin or capillaries under the eyes may be another explanation for dark circles. A 2019 study found that thinner skin under the eyes had links to more visible under-eye circles. This was true across white, East Asian, and African skin types, according to the researchers.

Lack of sleep:

Many people associate dark circles under the eyes with a lack of sleep. No clinical evidence has proven that lack of sleep directly causes dark circles, but it is possible that tiredness may lead to puffy eyes, which could cast a shadow below the eyes, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Children need more sleep than adults. The Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following amounts within a 24-hour period: 11–14 hours for children ages

1–2 years 10–13 hours for kids ages

3–5 years 9–12 hours for kids ages

6–12 years 8–10 hours for people ages 13–18 years Some other signs a child might not be getting enough sleep, in addition to dark circles, could include tiredness, irritability, difficulty concentrating.

Dehydration:

Research from 2019 states that dehydration is a potential cause of dark under-eye circles. This is because, when the skin contains enough moisture, the contours of the eye socket are less visible. In contrast, moderate dehydration can cause slightly sunken eyes, which can make dark circles look darker. Other symptoms of moderate dehydration in children include irritability, faster

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breathing, increased heart rate, decreased urination.

If a child has signs of dehydration, giving them water or sports drinks can help. If it is a hot day, keep them in the shade for a while until they recover. If they do not improve, they may need medical attention. The following chart from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides an estimate of the water and beverage requirements for

4–8

9–13

refer to as allergic shiners, as they can resemble a black eye. If an allergy is the cause of the dark circles, a child will have additional symptoms, such as a blocked or runny nose, itchy or swollen eyes, sneezing and possibly hives.

Sun exposure:

Exposure to UV light can cause the skin to produce more melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its color. This may alter a child’s skin and make preexisting dark circles more visible.

Nutrient deficiency:

The aforementioned research from 2019 notes that inadequate nutrition could also cause dark circles. If a child eats a limited number of foods, has a plantbased or vegan diet, or has other unexplained symptoms that could suggest a deficiency, caregivers should speak with a pediatrician. A doctor will be able to take a dietary history or run tests to determine whether a child has a deficiency and suggest ways of increasing nutrients through diet or supplements.

Do dark circles always need treatment?

to get worse, or come with other symptoms, this may mean a child needs medical attention. Depending on the cause, this could include:

trying interventions to help children get more sleep ensuring children remember to drink enough fluids trying new approaches to food to encourage them to eat a varied diet seeking treatment for allergies protecting the face from sunlight with hats, shade, or child-friendly sunscreen If dark circles manifest in only one eye or occur with swelling, or the child becomes listless and lethargic, seek medical help.

In summary, dark circles under the eyes are common, including in kids. Many factors may contribute to them. It may be a product of genetics or having thinner skin under the eyes.

In other situations, dark circles that appear for the first time, get worse, or come with other symptoms could be a sign of an underlying condition, such as dehydration, allergies, or a nutritional deficiency.

Top three

September is World Alzheimer’s Month.

While there currently is no cure for the disease, there are healthy steps a person can take to reduce their risk or possibly prevent it.

Jessica Caldwell, PhD, neuropsychologist with Cleveland Clinic, said the first tip is to exercise

The reason exercise is so important is exercise multitasks. First and foremost, when you exercise, a chemical is released in your brain immediately and over the long term that supports your memory system in the brain,” Dr. Caldwell explained.

Dr. Caldwell said exercise can also help with the ability to grow new neural pathways and learn

prevention

new things.

In addition, it can aid in reducing stress hormones and inflammation in the body—both of which, if chronic, can cause problems for your memory system and your Alzheimer’s disease risk.

So, what kind of exercises should you be doing and for how long?

Dr Caldwell said any kind of moderate intensity exercise, like a brisk walk, with a goal of 150 minutes per week is fine.

Her second tip for preventing Alzheimer’s disease is to get enough sleep

She said you should be getting between seven and eight hours of continuous sleep per night.

If you don’t, it could impact what you remember

the next day.

Some

may need more or less than these amounts depending on a variety of factors.

Allergies: Allergies can cause chronic dark circles, which some people

tips for Alzheimer’s disease

“The other reason is much more directly related to Alzheimer’s disease, and that is when we sleep, during certain stages of our sleep and not others, our brain actually clears debris,” she said. “One of the types of debris our brain clears is amyloid, and amyloid is a protein that builds up in unhelpful and pathological ways when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease.”

Dr. Caldwell’s third tip is to consider adopting a Mediterranean diet, which focuses on eating healthy fats, more leafy greens and whole foods.

Research has shown this kind of diet is good for your brain and heart health.

Source: ccnewsservice@ccf.org

No, dark circles do not always need treatment. For many people, it is part of their appearance, rather than a symptom of a medical condition.

When they are older, children who naturally have dark circles may want to alter their appearance, such as by wearing makeup. However, if dark circles appear

When the circles stem from a medical cause, treatment can address the underlying condition. If the dark circles appear in only one eye or worsen, or a child has other concerning symptoms, contact your doctor.

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday. com/articles/dark-circles-undereyes-for-kids?

The climate change headache connection

Global warming continues to be a hot topic now that July 2023 has become the warmest month ever recorded on planet earth. Environmental shifts caused by rising temps are also impacting our physical health, according to one of the top headache specialists in the world. Specifically, the total number of headache and migraine sufferers has swelled to more than 52 million people in the U.S. alone.

“Weather conditions are recognized triggers for some types of headaches,” explains Dr. Fred Cohen, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York and published headache researcher.

“We have seen patients this summer, including those who haven’t had headache trouble in the past, with other climate change related causes, such as a prolonged allergy season, pollution from wildfires and mold from floods and heavy rain.”

Dr. Cohen notes barometric pressure changes can create sinus pressure that results in brain chemical imbalances, including serotonin levels. Stress and worries about extreme weather events may also contribute to the increased headache rate. Sudden or chronic stress can lead to tense muscles in the head, neck or jaw, resulting in a tension headache, or cause a migraine.

The first step to reducing headaches is a trip to the doctor to identify the type of headache and thus the best treatment. Common culprits besides the environment are hormonal changes in women, foods and beverages, and sensitivity to light or smells.

The upcoming change of seasons not only effects the weather, but it also alters our bodies’ circadian rhythm or internal clock. This reset has recently been linked to cluster headaches and migraines, which together impact more than 40 million people in the U.S., according to a study published recently in Neurology, the American Academy of Neurology’s medical journal. Migraine sufferers reported more or worse migraines between April and October.

Turning back the clock in autumn from daylight savings time can also bring a host of headaches from sleep disruptions. If a

person doesn’t get enough REM sleep, they produce higher levels of cortisol that can lead to a headache or migraine.

“While we can’t control the season or the weather, we can monitor the forecast, outdoor air quality and pollen levels and adapt to these new patterns accordingly,” says Dr. Cohen. “We can mitigate its effects with healthy lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise, and taking the appropriate medications.”

Common treatments are over-thecounter pain relievers or analgesics such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, as well as prescription options. These can often be taken with other treatments.

Previously, migraines were treated with Triptans, a class of drugs that can balance chemicals in the brain to reduce the inflammation and tightening of blood vessels.

Currently, two FDA-approved classes of rescue treatments are offering migraine relief. Gepants are CGRP receptor antagonists with prescription names UBRELVY® and Nurtec ODT® that can stop migraine pain signals and Ditans, a class of drugs that acts similar to triptans, but doesn't cause the tightening of blood vessels in the brain.

Preventative migraine treatments include oral blood pressure, depression and anti-seizure and anti-epilepsy medications. Injectable medications include CGRP antagonist antibodies and neuromuscular blockers that use a neurotoxin to temporarily prevent muscle contractions and can block pain signals in the brain. According to the American Migraine Foundation, OnabotulinumtoxinA, also known as Botox®, is a form of botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin. When purified and used in small doses, OnabotulinumtoxinA temporarily prevents contractions in the muscle in which it is injected, which can reduce pain for approximately three months.

information visit www.fredcohenmd.com.

Dr. Fred Cohen

Top headache specialist cites increase in migraines from environmental impact

What is bipolar disorder?

Everyone has their good days and bad days. For many people, not letting their emotions get too high when the going is good or not too low when the going gets tough is a successful approach to managing the ups and downs of everyday life. However, for many people, such an approach is nearly impossible.

According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), nearly three percent of the American population (or roughly 5 7 million people) suffer from bipolar disorder. Known to many as manic-depressive disorder, bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that results in unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and capacity to function. Unlike the typical highs and lows many people feel, the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be so severe they can eventually lead to suicide.

As drastic as that sounds, it’s important to note bipolar disorder can be treated, and many who seek and receive treatment live full and meaningful lives. It’s also important to note that anyone suffering from the condition is not alone.

However, as many with bipolar disorder can likely attest, diagnosis is no slam dunk, and many people suffer quietly for quite some

time before finally being diagnosed and getting treatment. Once the diagnosis does occur, treatment is a lifelong commitment, as bipolar disorder needs to always be managed.

Part of what makes diagnosis so difficult is there are typically long periods of normal moods, wherein a person’s behavior and emotions are no different from someone not suffering from bipolar disorder. However, the most telling sign a problem could be there is what are referred to as episodes. These can be episodes of mania (extreme highs) or depression (extreme feelings of sadness or hopelessness).

A typical manic episode can feature any of the following symptoms:

Increased energy or activity

Feelings of restlessness

Extreme irritability, where even the slightest thing can cause drastic irritation to the person going through the manic episode

Excessive feelings of euphoria

Inability to concentrate

Lack of a need for sleep

Poor judgement

Feelings of invincibility

Increased sex drive

Denial of any problem

Oftentimes, people around

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of sadness and grief. Still, certain symptoms should raise eyebrows:

Lasting feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness

Feelings of hopelessness

someone suffering a manic episode can tell a distinct difference in that person. Many of the symptoms can be abrasive and are often not in tune with the person’s normal character or behavior. Diagnosis as a manic episode typically occurs when the elevated mood is accompanied by at least three of the mentioned symptoms each day for a week.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, a depressive episode is often as extreme as a manic episode. Friends and coworkers might not recognize it as readily since the symptoms are not abrasive, but often result in a person internalizing their heightened feelings

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Pessimistic outlook on life

Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, including sex

Feelings of fatigue and overall lack of energy

Excessive sleeping or an inability to sleep at all

Difficulty concentrating as well as a difficulty remembering and making decisions

Chronic pain not caused by physical injuries

Unintended and noticeable weight loss or gain

Feelings of death or suicide

Threats of suicide

While the precise cause of bipolar disorder is not known, it has been demonstrated that bipolar disorder tends to run in families. In addition, a person’s living situation could bring on bipolar disorder. Individual manic episodes could also be brought on by medication. For example, antidepressants can trigger a manic episode, making it extremely important for someone who suffers extreme highs as well as lows be completely honest with their doctor. Simply telling a doctor of a depressive episode and ignoring a possible manic episode is walking a dangerously thin line, as a likely prescription for antidepressants will most assuredly trigger a manic episode. For more information on bipolar disorder, visit the NIMH Web site at www.nimh.org.

Hospice Care of The Lowcountry welcomes Dr. Carl Derrick as new Medical Director

Bringing over two decades of experience, the internal medicine leader joins the expanding medical team from Beaufort Memorial.

Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, a leading provider of compassionate end-of-life care services in Beaufort and Jasper counties, is pleased to announce the hire of industry veteran Dr. Carl Derrick as the organization's new Medical Director. Dr. Derrick brings a wealth of expertise to the role and is set to further expand the exceptional care and support that Hospice Care of the Lowcountry provides

to patients and their families. With over 25 years of experience leading healthcare institutions and more than 10 years of hospice and palliative care experience, Dr. Derrick joins Hospice Care of the Lowcountry from Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group where he has served and is currently a board-certified specialist in internal medicine for the last 18 years

and is the Medical Director for Sprenger Nursing Facility.

Dr. Carl Derrick

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Derrick who brings a remarkable blend of medical expertise, leadership, and a profound commitment to patient well-being.

Dr. Derrick’s impressive track record and visionary approach align seamlessly with our organization’s mission to provide the highest quality of care. This selection marks a significant milestone in our journey, reaffirming our dedication to advancing our

care services throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties. With his arrival, we are assured to elevate our standards of care and innovation to new heights. We invite our community to join us in welcoming Dr. Derrick and sharing in our excitement for the promising future that lies ahead.”

—James Dismond, CEO, Hospice Care of the Lowcountry

Dr. Derrick was the former chairman of the Department of

Internal Medicine at Beaufort Memorial Hospital and a clinical instructor of medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina where he received his M.D. Prior to his time at Beaufort Memorial, he served as a staff physician at Bayview Nursing Center in Beaufort, the medical director at Driftwood Nursing Center, and practiced at Lowcountry Medical Associates in Charleston. Dr. Derrick is certified by the The American Board of Internal Medicine and is a Clinical Instructor of Internal Medicine at AT Still University.

I know now what sophistry means

It is Monday and I’m at the Eclipse Mill in North Adams, Mass. It is early; Susan is still sleeping, I’ve got my coffee.

This morning I have a book review published in The Wall Street Journal called “Enemies of Conversation” by Paula Cohen (Princeton, 215 pages, $24 95.) In her book Ms Cohen takes aim at talk shows, interviews and political “conversation” from today’s political candidates.

Cohen’s criticism resonates because we’ve just entered the season of the televised political debates and some of us watched the Republican hopefuls (sans Trump) shout at each other in Milwaukee.

In Milwaukee, it was clear that these second- string, bench-warming candidates were told to answer any question by repeating four or five bullet points followed by their website address. They were told to use punchy, provocative, well-worn bullets like “runaway Congressional spending” and to go no deeper into any issue or engage in any nuanced reflection suggesting the topic was complicated or subject to compromise.

SCOTT GRABER

This is especially true as relates to abortion, immigration.

“Just say you will kill any Honduran found north of Eagle Pass and move on to the next topic.”

This kind of mechanical, robot-like phrase-making keeps the candidate away from spontaneity, making it impossible for us to understand his or her ability to apply logic or counter-intuitive thinking to the problems that bedevil us every day. It is also obvious that most of these responses were meant to provoke resentment and suggest relief from that resentment on “day one”.

All of which brings me to Marcus Aurelius.

Marcus Aurelius was 6 years old when he caught the Emperor’s

eye. As a member of a patrician family with ties to Hadrian’s Court, Marcus Aurelius was often in the company of the old tyrant. Hadrian — who built a 73-mile long wall in Scotland — found the boy truthful, unpretentious and plain-spoken. He saw something in this boy that was rare; something the Empire needed; something he himself lacked.

At that moment in time there were two competing groups banging around ancient Rome — the Sophists and the Stoics. The Sophists believed in rhetoric — passionate and argumentative — and conspicuously wearing the gold-threaded garments of power. The Stoics believed in simplicity, brevity and the pursuit of wisdom. Importantly Stoics believed in telling the truth even if the truth was painful.

The Stoics also believed in cold showers and swimming in the Tiber in February — training themselves to endure hardship and understand pain. But the most amazing trait of Stoics was their belief that anger was destructive and their ability to recover their equanimity in spite of setback or misfortune.

Stoics also tried to forgive betrayal. Forgiveness was not something that was widely embraced by many Emperors and Hadrian himself was notoriously vindictive.

When Marcus was still a lad, Hadrian gave him a tutor, Cornelius Fronto, who was a Sophist believing in impassioned rhetoric and the notion that an Emperor should wear his purple cloak at all times. But as Marcus aged he moved away from Fronto.

Although Roman emperors were not elected by the Roman people and did not have to speak in bullet points or engage in political campaigning, they did have to remain popular. The formula for popularity in those days was keeping the barbarians on the far side of the Danube, East of the Rhine, and North of Hadrian’s Wall. That effort was all consuming and often required personal participation in the frontier wars.

During his reign there were plagues — probably Smallpox — and there was mutiny by a general named Cassius. But Marcus managed to weather these storms, falling back on his Stoic prin-

ciples — especially meditation, anger-management, forgiveness. And in his free time he wrote down these lessons learned for posterity. His “Meditations” have been read by countless leaders for more than 1,800 years.

But it is clear “Meditations” is not on Vladimir Putin’s bedside table. Blowing-up Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Embraer jet suggests that Putin has not gotten round to Marcus’ chapter on forgiveness. Nor is likely that Donald Trump has taken a run through the chapters telling one how to avoid anger and accept misfortune with equanimity.

Years ago we had a Master in Equity named Tommy Kemmerlin. He rarely wore a robe, sat at a simple wooden desk and would listen to a closing argument sometimes saying, “That is sophistry, counsel, plain and simple.” In those days I did not know what “sophistry” was. Based on the debate we saw in August, I know now.

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

SC politicians represent for home state

Three is a magic number. So sang the fine folks at “Schoolhouse Rock,” and it still seems to be the case, at least for news regarding politicians with South Carolina connections.

The first is former Governor Nikki Haley's blooming into a halfway legitimate candidate for the office of President of the United States. After she participated in the GOP’s first presidential debate a little while back, and had the audacity to speak honestly about the Republican Party’s contributions to the nation’s woes—both real and imagined—some commentators opined, hmm, she might be on to something.

The New York Times’ David Brooks touted her as the “Best Trump Alternative” in a column just after the debate. He lauded Haley’s intelligence and maturity, writing, “She seems to be one of the few candidates

TERRY MANNING

who understands that to run against Trump you have to run against Trump.”

I thought to myself, that depends on which day of the week it is, a sentiment echoed by another Times columnist, Frank Bruni. I won’t quote him beyond the headline, “When I Tell You Nikki Haley Is Pathetic, That’s an Understatement.” That kinda says it.

Bruni contrasts the principled candidate who appeared on the debate stage in Milwaukee with the former U.S. ambassador’s devilish inconsistency in her views on the former presi-

dent. Bruni resurrects critical comments from Haley about Trump after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol and positions them opposite her more accommodating later views of the former president.

Many will say, so what?

A politician saying anything and everything to get elected? What's the big deal?

If the Trump years in the White House didn't demonstrate all the horrible "big deals" having an habitual liar in the Oval Office can produce, maybe you should just stop reading.

A second news item that caught my interest was Sen. Tim Scott’s plan to introduce his girlfriend to the public sometime in the near future — assuming he hasn’t done so already by the time this is published.

Following a report in Axios about Republican donors’ skittishness over his bachelorhood, Scott told members of the press in New

Hampshire last Thursday other Republican candidates were to blame.

“People plant stories that have conversations to distract from our rise in the polls,” Scott is quoted by NBC News, “to distract from our size of our audience.”

Like Haley, Scott saw a bit of a surge in his political fortunes after the first debate.

But let's not ignore the elephant in the room. The GOP is so homophobic Scott merely being single is teased as a possible strike against him. It’s disgusting his bachelorhood is being scandalized and not much better that he feels compelled to produce a girlfriend to get the newshounds off his tail. Sad.

A third item is news of the grand jury into the former president’s muddling with election results in Georgia recommending criminal charges for Sen. Lindsey Graham.

The Hill website spoke to political experts who said the fact only 13 jurors — compared to 20 of 21 who supported charges for Rudy Giuliani in the same matter — likely convinced District Attorney Fani Willis she might have trouble convicting Graham.

I'm pretty certain I'm not the only person who wondered whether Graham might get caught up in the broad sweep of indictments that resulted from the grand jury probe. For his part, Graham told reporters he did nothing wrong and made no inappropriate suggestions during the course of his phone calls to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger.

Raffensberger sure seemed to think Graham was making an indecent proposal in inquiring about mechanisms for rejecting mass groups of votes, according to an interview

he did with the Washington Post in November 2020:

“Raffensperger said he was stunned that Graham appeared to suggest that he find a way to toss legally cast ballots. Absent court intervention, Raffensperger doesn’t have the power to do what Graham suggested because counties administer elections in Georgia.”

Graham said recently he was surprised charges were ever considered.

For its size, the Palmetto State is over-represented in recent political news. But considering past headlines that brought unwanted attention, these are tolerable at the very least.

Maybe three really is a magic number.

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

Pine Island’s development would benefit St. Helena’s Gullah community

While serving the U.S. Postal Service in various leadership positions between 1982 and 2012, I was able to travel across nation and observe the many negative impacts of massive commercial, and upscale gated community development on Black land ownership and culture.

During my tenure as St. Helena Island's first Black U.S. Postmaster, I built strong friendships with both the "binyah' historic Gullah community and the diverse "cumyah" community, including residents of Fripp, Harbor, Dataw, and Warsaw Islands. And I've witnessed firsthand the "cumyah" community's support for the "binyah" community ranging from roadside trash pickups and volunteering at St. Helena Elementary School and the Franciscan Center to supporting the fundraising efforts of uplifting non-profits like the Marshview Community Organic Farm, the Pan-African Family

Empowerment & Land Preservation Network, and Penn Center.

So, I'm deeply disappointed by the recent well-organized series of protests and public disinformation campaigns aimed at preventing the development of a private golf community on the St. Helenaville/ Pine Island tract off Dulamo Road. Beaufort County Council, the local Gullah community, the nation, and the press are being misled to believe that the property taxes of struggling Gullah families across the island will skyrocket if Pine Island is developed, and that their ability to fish, gather shell fish,

hunt, and practice their beloved culture will be destroyed if Pine Island is developed. But none of that is true.

But what is true is that Pine Island developer Elvio Tropeano is basically willing to almost bend over backward to help uplift the St. Helena Island Gullah community through a series of economic development support projects including scholarships for Gullah youth, creating a free community meeting center, establishing employment training and business creation partnerships, donating to key non-profits that support preserving both Gullah landownership and culture, and providing financing for ecotourism and other Gullah-owned businesses, among other things.

Despite Tropeano's willingness to work with and support the local Gullah community, he's being demonized in the press and elsewhere, and vandalism and trespassing on Pine Island have

increased dramatically.

Still, none of those things will prevent Tropeano from exercising his legal right to build 166 homes and up to 100 docks on the 504acre St. Helenaville/Pine Island tract. He would prefer to stick with his more environmentally friendly plan to build just 66 homes and with three mini golf courses, which would leave more than 50% of Pine Island as undeveloped pristine green space. And the funds generated by golf course fees would be used to support Tropeano's philanthropy for the local Gullah Community.

As someone who's often gone into my own pocket to lend St. Helena’s Gullah families money to pay their delinquent property taxes, I can definitely support Tropeano's good intentions toward his future Gullah neighbors. It's time for a change! Tropeano is offering the St. Helena Island Gullah community a chance to improve their quality of life,

better paying resort jobs in their community rather than long daily commutes to Hilton Head, Bluffton, Savannah, or Charleston; and a continuing source of funds to support and spotlight local Gullah culture.

It'll be up to the courts to decide whether whether the St. Helena Island Cultural Protection Overlay can legally continue to restrict the development of nearby islands off its coast like Pine Island. But we need look no further than the gated communities of Dataw Island, Harbor Island, and Fripp Island to see that they and their residents pose no immediate, or long-term threat to either Gullah culture, or Gullah landownership.

I strongly urge Beaufort County Council to enter upcoming mediation with Pine Island developer Elvio Tropeano in good faith, and with an open mind.

Roy R. Brown worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years. He lives in Beaufort.

ROY R. BROWN

Critical differences in 3 models for municipal government

When South Carolina’s General Assembly passed the Home Rule legislation, in 1975, citizens of the state’s municipalities voted to select one of three forms of government.

South Carolina (S.C.) established general laws that provide for the powers, duties, functions and responsibilities that apply equally to all municipalities; for example, Article VIII, Sections 8 and 9 of S.C.’s Constitution. Sections 7 and 10 prohibit local and/or special laws from being enacted by any municipality.

Municipal governments must meet at least once every month, adopt rules of procedure by ordinance, respond to Freedom of Information Act requests, and notify the public of date/time of meetings. Additionally, formal actions can only occur during a public meeting. Minutes must be taken and preserved as public records, but records of executive sessions are not required, and votes cannot be taken in executive sessions.

Significant differences exist between each of the

DAVID TAUB

three forms of municipal government, although certain requirements apply to all three forms. The specific statutory powers listed for each form of municipal government primarily reflects the administrative differences between the forms.

The Mayor-Council Form of municipal government has both legislative and administrative powers. The Mayor, however, has strong executive powers much like the manager’s powers in the council-manager form. Because of the mayor’s authority, it is often referred to as the “strong” Mayor form.

The Mayor presides over meetings, S.C. Code 5-9-30 (3), performs ceremonial duties, calls special meetings, may designate a temporary judge, performs administrative duties (if

How is it possible in a country where the majority supposedly rules that we have situations where, indeed, the majority doesn’t rule? I am sure there are more than the two scenarios I am about to address; however, I am sufficiently perplexed by these that I choose to throw them out for your consideration.

Currently occupying the news almost every day is that of Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s use of a Senate rule: the ability of one of one hundred persons in a governing body to halt the confirmation of (at this count) 301 military promotions. Think about those numbers. One hundredth of the Senate impacting 301 promotions as well as the number of family lives that are also on hold. It is estimated that as many as 650 nominations could be affected by the end of 2023 should this continue.

And why? Because he chooses to politicize the military over the issue of abortion. Might I add, he actually plans to extend his “fifteen minutes of fame” by stating the following: “We are going to be in a holding pattern for a long time if the Pentagon refuses to end its

authorized by council), and acts and votes as a member of council. The Mayor has no additional statutory authority beyond that of other council members, but he/she may call special meetings as needed, and acts as chief administrative officer, and appoints and removes employees subject to personnel rules adopted by council. Because the “strong” Mayor has administrative authority, he/she supervises departments, acts and votes as a member of council, and ensures the faithful execution of laws. In addition, the Mayor prepares and submits a budget and capital program to council, makes an annual financial report to the public and council, and reports to the council on the operation of departments.

The council establishes departments, prescribes functions and may employ an administrator to assist the Mayor. The Mayor, in cooperation with the council, also investigates departments, adopts a balanced budget, whereas the Mayor elects the mayor pro tempore, and appoints

a clerk, a City attorney and the municipal court’s judge.

Municipalities operating under the Council form of government have five, seven or nine members, including a mayor. The Council maintains all legislative, policy and administrative powers. The Council establishes departments and prescribes functions, may appoint an officer to administer departments subject to Council’s direction, investigates departments, appoints a clerk, attorney and judge, elects the mayor pro tempore (S.C. Code 5-7-190), and prepares and adopts a balanced budget.

Council may appoint an administrator to assist the mayor and council. The administrator has all authority delegated by the Council. Council may appoint an officer of the city, other than a member of Council to administer departments pursuant to S.C. Code 5-7180. However, such authority may not be in conflict with authority delegated by state law.

Beaufort city adopted and operates under the Council-Manager form of gov-

mix Russia’s courting of North Korea. And all of this is further impacted by the continuing war in Ukraine.

ernment. The Mayor and Council have all legislative and policy powers. Mayor/ Council employs a manager, attorney and judge; elects the mayor pro tempore, establishes departments and functions, and adopts a balanced budget. Also, the council authorizes bond issues, investigates departments, adopts plats and the official map, provides for an annual audit, exercises general police powers, appoints boards and commissions with advice of the manager, appoints a temporary manager (if necessary), and may require surety bonds.

Municipalities operating under the Council-Manager form have a mayor and four, six or eight council members. The Mayor presides over meetings, calls special meetings, designates a temporary judge (if needed), and acts and votes as a member of council. Neither the mayor nor council members have administrative powers, nor additional statutory authority beyond that of other council members.

The Manager is the administrative chief executive, serves as head of the

administrative branch of its municipal government and possesses all administrative authority. The Manager is ruled by the city council, including the Mayor; the Manager rules the municipality’s employees and everything part and parcel within the administrative arena. He/she appoints, sets salaries for and removes employees at will, including the clerk. The Manager also prepares and administers the annual budget, makes financial reports, advises council on departments and appointments, and designates a manager during temporary absence.

Now that you have a “road map” of how Beaufort’s Council/Manager government works, the stage is set for us to take a closer look at some of the major issues during my tenure as Mayor.

“Well, all I know is what I read in the newspapers.” – Will Rogers. David M. Taub was Mayor of Beaufort from 1990 through 1999 and served as a Beaufort County Magistrate from 2010 to 2015. You can reach him at david.m.taub42@gmail.com.

policy of paying for travel when a service member goes out of state to get an abortion or other reproductive care. Reread those last four words. By whom is the stated reproductive care to be interpreted? By Tuberville, himself?

I learned that historically these confirmations are approved by unanimous consent, and this is required. Unanimous consent by definition of the Senate, however, requires all one hundred members to agree. No majority rule. Another aspect of this rule is a lengthy debate that can be put into place. However, most agree that time is of the essence with little remaining for debate.

Think of this bit of Tuberville puffery in terms of the global situation confronting the United States in the Pacific. There is that of China and Taiwan. Add to the

Yes, there has always been some aspect of warfare confronting our country, and with the exception of September 11, thank God it has not been on our soil, yet. However, Senator Tuberville seems to be far more consumed by his need to police a military female’s body than to effectively police those parts of the world that seek to do us harm. If you think this statement is overly dramatic, simply consider the impact on our hometown situation. For the first time in 100 years, the Marines are left without a confirmed leader.

I strongly suggest you go online and access a video interview of retired Admiral Mike Mullen on PBS. His words are worth hearing. Furthermore, three military branches – the Army, Navy and Marine Corps – have no Senate-confirmed chiefs in place. I found the following quote: “These jobs are being performed without the full range of legal authorities necessary to make decisions that will sustain the United States’ military edge.”

So I suggest to the Senator from

Alabama that perhaps we would have been better off had he stuck to football. Yes, there are dangers there, fodder for another column, but they don’t affect our entire country. And to you, dear reader, I also suggest that regardless of your stance on abortion, ask yourself this: should the efficiency and the readiness of our armed forces take a second place to the abortion issue?

So on to the second “majority rules” issue, that of the electoral college. I admit to lacking in-depth knowledge of how this works, and even after reading several sources, I am still baffled by some aspects of the system.

By definition, a group of people/ electors, chosen from each state as well as the District of Columbia, come together in their respective states to formally elect the President and vice-President of the country. Note that senators and representatives do not fall under this system.

It seems that the main argument to keep the electoral college is that it keeps the smaller states relevant. In other words, it encourages candidates to pay attention to “small state problems.” I would argue that

there are better ways to keep those state problems in the spotlight. I contend the electoral college has many more cons than pros. Perhaps the most striking disadvantage is the number of elections won by popular vote but lost due to the electoral college. Most recently are the losses of Al Gore in 2000 and Hillary Clinton in 2016 Is it any wonder that people begin to ask whether or not it is worth voting since their vote may not count? Sadly, voter participation rates are already low. If we were to eliminate the electoral college, that would never become an issue.

Finally, it should be noted there is no provision in our Constitution and no Federal law that requires electors to vote according to the popular vote. Rogue electors can disrupt elections without consequences. I find that disconcerting.

So I conclude with a mathematical question – not bad for an old English major. When is one not equal to one but rather to zero? Ponder that.

Who cares about public

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

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

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

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

SPORTS&RECREATION

Eagles outlast Gators for road win

LowcoSports.com

Even after eking out a narrow victory on the road last week, there was an uneasiness about the state of the defending Class 3A champion Beaufort Eagles, whose star quarterback hobbled through the final series on an injured ankle.

After a hard-fought 32-25 win at Goose Creek on Friday, the ankle is not an issue, and the Eagles are finding their wings.

Samari Bonds bounced back from a rough outing last week at Hilton Head to rush for 117 yards and a go-ahead 44-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter and drop a dime to Jaemin Odom for a score. Jadyn Andrews continued his evolution into the Eagles’ workhorse back with 137 yards and a two TDs on the ground.

Meanwhile, Beaufort’s defense continued to dig in and new contributors are still emerging.

Jayden Simmons racked up eight tackles, including three tackles for loss and two sacks, and Will Codding added seven tackles with two for loss and two sacks to lead a ferocious front seven as Beaufort piled up 12 tackles for loss and six sacks.

Adrian Lamb was a big part of the Eagles’ efforts in the trenches on both sides of the ball, collecting six tackles with two for loss and a sack along with anchoring the offensive line that produced 271 rushing yards at a clip of 7 3 yards per carry.

game

Depleted Dolphins can’t stop Sharks

LowcoSports.com

The Battery Creek Dolphins produced their share of big plays Thursday night, but mounting injuries on both sides of the ball made it impossible for the Dolphins to slow down a May River offense that was in high gear as the Sharks eased away for a 44-12 road win.

Tanner Macy rushed for 267 yards and four touchdowns on 16 carries and added 138 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions through the air to fuel May River’s offense, as Jordan Williams and Gage Duncan each took short passes and turned them into highlight-reel scores for the Sharks.

Sophomore running back Nyc Underwood returned from injury to spark the Dolphins with a 65-yard touchdown run in the first quarter to make it 7-6, but the Sharks scored on their first four possessions to take a 28-6 lead before a lightning delay interrupted the momentum at the end of the first quarter.

Juju Gordon picked off a Macy pass and went 63 yards for a touchdown to give the Dolphins a boost coming out of the weather delay, but the depleted defense couldn’t generate enough stops in the second half, and Underwood left early and is expected to miss the next couple of weeks, delivering another blow to a roster that

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

Beaufort Academy 35, Greenwood Christian 14

The Eagles handled a difficult road trip with ease Friday, as Jaxen Porter led a dominant rushing attack and numerous players made huge contributions to a strong defensive effort. Porter rushed for 130 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries and added seven tackles and two interceptions on defense, while Devonte Green added 81 yards and two TDs on the ground and Dietrich Shuford rushed for 96 yards on six carries and found Devin Fripp for a touchdown pass. Eddie Gonzalez returned an interception 46 yards to the doorstep of the goal line and punched it in on the ground himself, and Alex Williams racked up 11 tackles and anchored the offensive line. Next: BA (4-0) hosts Orangeburg Prep on Friday.

Memorial Day 28, John Paul II 14

JPII star Christian Tilton returned from injury to find the end zone on the opening series and Brandyn Horton’s TD run made it 14-0 early, but Tilton reinjured his ankle on the second series and left the game, allowing the Matadors to find a weakness in JPII’s secondary and rally past the Golden Warriors. Next: JPII (1-3) hosts Pinewood Prep on Friday.

Holy Trinity 56, Conway Christian 14

The Mighty Lions rolled on the road for their second consecutive victory. Next: Holy Trinity (2-2) faces at Oakbrook Prep on Friday.

– LowcoSports.com

Friday, Sept. 7,

has been plagued by injuries. The Dolphins (0-4) host Bluffton on Friday.

May River 44,

Battery Creek 12

Tanner Macy, MR: 16-267 rush, 4 TDs; 4-9-138 pass, 2 TDs, 2 INTs Jordan Williams, MR: 12-43 rush; 1-79 rec, TD Gage Duncan, MR: 3-59 rec, TD Peter Nodelman, MR: 7 tkls (3 solo), 1 5 TFL Hudson Flanagan, MR: 4 tkls, 3 QBH, FR Kammron Mitchell, MR: 1 tkl, INT, 3 PBUs

Bonds rolled left and threw an off balance strike to the end zone for a 23-yard TD pass to Jaemin Odom to give the Eagles an 1815 lead with just under five minutes left before halftime, and the defense held the Gators to a field goal after a workmanlike drive to send it to the break tied at 18 Andrews put Beaufort back on top with a 48-yard burst for his second touchdown of the night, but Goose Creek marched down the field and answered in the final seconds of the third quarter to tie it again. That’s when Bonds tested his left ankle and turned up the heat, pulling the handoff from Andrews’ belly and bolting around the right side before hitting the jets and sprinting to the end zone to regain the lead with 9:43 left. The defense came up with a three-and-out and the offense ground the clock down to a minute, then Codding came on consecutive delayed blitzes to wreak havoc in the backfield and put the Gators in desperation mode and Lamb batted down a fourthdown pass to seal the win. Beaufort (2-2) returns home Friday to take on county rival May River.

May River’s Peter Nodelman, right, draws a bead on Battery Creek’s Nyc Underwood during the first quarter of their

at Dolphin Stadium. The Sharks outscored the Dolphins, 44-12. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

John Paul II Catholic School’s Bryant Jelly, center, gets hauled down by Memorial Day’s Justus Robinson, left, and Charles Chappell during their football game Friday night at Richard Gray Baseball Complex in Hardeeville. The visiting Matadors defeated the Knights 28-14. Bob Sofaly/ The Island News

One little sailor stands in his 8-foot Optimus class sailboat as if to say, “get out of the way,” as he and a host of young competitors make their way through a choke point at the start of the 2023 Pluff Mud Junior Regatta on Saturday in the Beaufort River in front of the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

CJ Cummings finishes 25th in Saudi Arabia

By Mike McCombs

The Island News

Beaufort’s C.J. Cummings finished 25th in the 89-kilogram weight class at the 2023 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships on Sunday, Sept. 10 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Carl Derrick

The 23 year old, who lifted in Group C, snatched 150 kg and lifted 186 in the Clean & Jerk for a total of 336 kg.

Iran’s Mir Mostafa Javadi Aliabadi won the weight class with a 169-215-384 showing.

Cummings’ lifts (150-186-336) were an

May River (2-1) at Beaufort (2-2)

7:30 p.m. Friday

This has been one of the Lowco’s best rivalries for years, even after the Eagles dropped to Class 3A and the stakes were ostensibly lowered. Both teams consider themselves to have a claim as the Lowco’s strongest program, and the annual head-to-head battle to prove it has become a yearly delight. The Sharks have put up eye-popping offensive numbers in two straight wins as quarterback Tanner Macy leads a more balanced attack than in years past and Jordan Williams is emerging as a workhorse back. Beaufort’s defense has been battle-tested, though, and the Eagles fly to the ball and don’t miss many tackles, so the Sharks won’t get the benefit from massive yards-after-catch that they’ve seen the last two weeks. May River’s defensive front has been stout but will be tested against an excellent Beaufort offensive line that has created space for Jadyn Andrews to emerge as a

Love

BYSC hosts 6th Pluff Mud Junior Regatta

From staff reports

More than 85 sailboats were racing on the Beaufort River on Saturday, Sept. 9, as the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club (BYSC) hosted the 6th annual Pluff Mud Junior Regatta.

“Great to see and have so many junior sailors out for the love of the sport,” Fleet Captain Read Clarke of the BYSC said in an email. “Could not have been better.”

According to Clarked, there were more than 24 ILCAs, more than 44 Optimus, better than eight Sunfish, and four O'Pen Skiffs, along with 4 420s. There were eight races for awards.

Clarke called the event a

A group of young sailors

“great success.”

“A huge thank you to the eight clubs that spent the weekend with us,” Clarke said. “Through your continued support, we are encour-

aged to do it again next year.”

For results from the event, go to https://bit.ly/3EAZQca. For more pictures, you can visit https://bysc.clubexpress.com

Antia takes girls title at county XC meet

LowcoSports.com

improvement over his showing at the IWF Grand Prix in June in Havana, Cuba, where he lifted 143 kg in the Snatch and 180 in the Clean & Jerk for a total of 323 kg. The number was good enough there for 10th

The Riyadh performance was Cummings’ best International showing since the pandemic-delayed 2020 Pan American Championships, which he won in April 2021. at the 73 kg weight class. Cummings has since moved to the 89 kg weight class.

Cummings’ personal bests are 155 kg (Snatch), 193 kg (Clean & Jerk) and 347 kg (Total).

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

Beaufort High’s Yzeult Antia and Bluffton’s Earlon Baker torched the field for the individual titles, and Bluffton’s girls and Hilton Head Island’s boys took the team titles at the Beaufort County Cross Country Championship on Saturday at Sgt. Jasper Park in Hardeeville.

Just a freshman, Antia ran 20:37 to win the girls race by 48 seconds over Bluffton’s Avonlea Hale, but four teammates were hot on Hale’s trail, as Ava Gerschutz, Elise Hunt, Ella Crapps, and Jillian Spencer all finished in the top nine to give the Bobcats a big cushion atop the standings.

Baker continued his scorching start to his junior season, clocking a 16:01 to outpace May River’s Noah Wasserman by 21 seconds.

JD Gilman placed third and Drake Edmonds was eighth to lead the Seahawks to the team title, though, as Hilton Head placed five runners in the top 16 overall.

Bridges Prep’s Elise Thompson had a great race, finishing fourth in the girls race in 21:41, and Beaufort High’s Gavin Moore was fourth in the boys race in 16:38

GIRLS

Teams: Bluffton 31, May River 61, Hilton Head 94 CBCCA 122, Holy Trinity 126, Bridges Prep 132,

WEEK 4 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

breakout star in the backfield, and Samari Bonds bounced back from a rough night at Hilton Head to deliver one of his best performances as an Eagle. The difference in competition level up this point could be the difference in the fourth quarter. — Beaufort by 7

Bluffton (2-1) at Battery Creek (0-4)

7:30 p.m. Friday

It doesn’t get any easier for the Dolphins, whose depth chart has been decimated by injuries. Bluffton’s offense is loaded with dangerous weapons and QB Owen Bayes knows how to utilize them, so Battery Creek needs to be able to control the ball and clock on offense and limit the Bobcats’ opportunities. That will be a challenge with sophomore running back Nyc Underwood still banged up along with Damien Freeman, but the ground game has shown prowess. If the Dolphins can establish the run and the defense can get a couple early stops, Battery Creek can dictate the pace and make it a fight to the finish, but the Dolphins

will have to display much better tackling than they did against May River or the Bobcats will run away.

Bobcats by 20

Burke (0-4) at Whale Branch (2-0)

7:30 p.m. Friday Get to Seabrook early if you want to see the Warriors’ stars, because they should be watching the second half from the sidelines. The Bulldogs come to town having been outscored 149-20 in their first four games, including a 49-0 drubbing at Calhoun County last week, and they could be in for more of the same against a rested Whale Branch team that is hitting on all cylinders. Darrell Cummings should be able to get to the century mark rushing for the third straight game and call it an early night, and if the Bulldogs find a way to bottle him up, KJ Chisholm and Bradford Thompson can carry the load. The offense shouldn’t have any trouble generating enough support for a Warriors defense that has dominated the first two games and ought to be able

to continue the trend with Alonzo Allen and Thompson leading the charge. — Warriors by 40 Orangeburg Prep (1-2) at Beaufort Academy (4-0)

7:30 p.m. Friday

This one looks like another easy win for the undefeated Eagles on the surface, but you can be sure BA won’t overlook an Indians team coached by Don Shelley, who led Williamsburg Academy to a blowout win over BA en route to a state championship last season. This BA team has something to prove and will be ready for a fight Friday, and the Eagles are bringing plenty of weapons to the scrap. Jaxen Porter and Devonte Green are a wicked 1-2 punch in the backfield, and quarterback Dietrich Shuford can recognize when the defense is trying to take them away and hurt opponents with his arm or his legs.

BA’s strength on the offensive line and on defense are the differencemakers late in games, and even if OP manages to hang around for half, the Eagles should wear them down after halftime. — BA by 20

Cross Schools 156, Beaufort High 176, Patrick Henry 204

Individuals: Yzeult Antia, BFT 20:37; Avonlea Hale, BLUF 21:25; Abbee Bolin, MR 21:36; Elise Thompson, BP 21:41; Ava Gerschutz, BLUF 21:48

BOYS

Teams: Hilton Head 53, Bluffton 57, May River 73, John Paul II 78, CBCCA 116, Cross Schools 171 Beaufort High 191, Bridges Prep 229, Holy Trinity 274 Colleton Co. 280

Individuals: Earlon Baker, BLUF 16:01; Noah Wasserman, MR 16:22; JD Gilman, HHIHS 16:28; Gavin Moore, BFT 16:38; Boyd Collins, BLUF 16:54

Pinewood Prep at John Paul II

7:30 p.m. Friday

It was a tale of two teams against Friday for the Golden Warriors, and the same looming question will hang over JPII’s camp against this week: Can Christian Tilton go? JPII’s glue guy was on the field to start the game and led the Golden Warriors to a 14-0 lead before reinjuring his ankle on the second offensive series, leaving JPII one very big piece away from being able to hang on. Playing without Tilton has helped others grow up quickly, and it showed in the team’s fight last week, but Pinewood Prep boasts a dynamic offense and some electric playmakers on defense, and JPII simply doesn’t have the horsepower to keep up if CT4 is sidelined. This “line” moves considerably if Tilton is anywhere near 100 percent. — Pinewood by 21

– LowcoSports.com

wait for the wind to pick up a little during a lack-of-wind delay prior the start of the 2023 Pluff Mud Junior Regatta on Saturday at the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club. The two-day regatta is geared toward younger sailors with little experience. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

We only have one chance to make it right

The other day I was speaking with a person I’ve known most of my life, and he asked me if I could go back in time and live my life again, what would change. You would think this would be a question from someone who has maybe suffered and now contemplates how much better life would have been if different decisions had been made. However, this person has been very blessed with a nice family, decent health, and more wealth than they will ever be able to spend.

It’s true that many people are just never satisfied and often even a great life is not really appreciated.

Instead of thanking God for all the good things we have, some will spend their lives daydreaming about a life that could have been. The truth is they would still not be satisfied. Jesus is

the only person in heaven and earth that can give true peace and contentment whatever the situation.

When fantasizing about this, I’ve heard others say the only way they would possibly even consider going back is if they could know what they know now. Good point, as I realize that going back for a do-over without this knowledge would risk making even more mistakes and being worse off than the first time. Even as a young man making foolish choices, I still believe that God was

with me and was trying to guide me into the life that He wanted me to live.

But what makes us think a second chance would be the charm? We learn and develop from our failures. Often, we do not recognize God’s presence at the moment, but hopefully, we can look back and see that He not only wants to save us spiritually, but also physically, mentally, and emotionally. Blessings we enjoy today are a direct result of Him intervening, inspiring, and warning us in times of difficulties.

Most humans who visualize a second chance are only thinking about what would make them more happy, instead of how they could cause God to be more pleased with them. I rarely hear individuals say that going back in time would allow them to help others, do more good deeds, or tell

more people about Jesus. It’s usually about regretting decisions they wish they could change.

These folks might laugh and joke around about this, but for some, their personal agony is very real. Why are they secretly haunted?

Instead of listening to their creator who wants to speak His truth and heal their pain, they are listening to the voice of the great deceiver, the enemy of our souls, and often called the accuser of the brethren. It is a dark demonic influence that speaks lies and negative information with the intent to make us feel rejected, envious, and depressed.

This is why its imperative to realize that God never condemns, mocks, or laughs at our misery. He is always there to forgive, comfort, and encourage us to keep our eyes on His endless

love and grace.

When Satan through the serpent communicated with Eve, the temptation to embrace evil was introduced and it has been a continuous flow of twisted and distorted information since that time. This malicious lying presence never stops suggesting and roams the earth seeking someone who will listen. The devil cannot actually make anyone do anything but is considered extremely clever when it comes to verbal persuasion. Why else would a person who has every material blessing and pleasure you can think of cry themselves to sleep at night?

Instead of being grateful to God for His mercy and praising Him for all the miracles they have received, they choose to dwell on what life would be like if they could go back and choose again. King Solomon was at

one time the wealthiest man in the world and was also the most miserable. He said he realized that earthly possessions and pleasures did not bring spiritual joy. In fact, he said the natural world was vanity. What did he mean? The earth is a temporal realm that passes away and can give us good things for a short while, however, beware of carnality as the lust of the flesh and love for possessions take us further away from God. Galatians 5:26 says, “Let us not desire to be prideful, provoking one another, envying one another.” Next week, we will continue this conversation. Take a peek at Philippians 4:4-8 when you have a minute.

Billy Holland is a Christian minister, author, worship leader, and counselor. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com.

BILLY HOLLAND

Marine stands tall at 4-foot-7

By Lance Cpl. William Horsley

U.S. Marine Corps MCRD PARRIS ISLAND

Pfc. Nathaniel Laprade, a Marine with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, stands tall holding the Lead Series guidon unlike any before him.

Standing tall at a height of 4 foot, 7 inches, that is. Laprade stands as a source of motivation not just for his platoon, but for all of Hotel Company.

Despite his height, Laprade never faced problems getting respect among his peers, some of which even used him as a basis for their motivation.

“I think they kind of looked up to me in a way,” said Laprade. “I had one recruit, now a Marine, who told me that I was his motivation.”

The other recruits saw Laprade conducting the obstacle courses, close-order drill, and shooting on the range and it helped them stay motivated to push through training. At the same time Laprade saw this and used this to stay motivated and keep pushing himself forward.

“You know it’s pretty encouraging when you see that motivation, it helps you get motivated second handedly,” said Laprade.

Recruit training includes various obstacles courses throughout the training cycle and many of the obstacles stood taller than Laprade. The drill instructors of Hotel Company saw Laprade completing the obstacles with little to no trouble and used him as a way to help motivate Laprade as well as the other recruits.

“It showed me that mounting the obstacles wasn’t really a challenge because of my height, it just meant I needed to push myself to jump a little higher,” said Laprade.

Nearly all obstacles stood taller than Laprade himself, however they

were not the most difficult challenges for Laprade. However, the hikes challenged him more than any other training event. As the Lead Series guide, Laprade leads the formation next to his platoon’s guide who is tall with a long stride.

“Little legs with a little body weight, a lot of weight in the pack, and a lot of miles in the hikes,” said Laprade. “That was the hardest part for me, the hikes.”

For Laprade one of the most important things learned during Recruit Training is that everything is a race, with the objective to increase the recruit’s level of speed, skill, and efficiency.

“Recently we just finished cleaning our rifles and we were looking back on Phase 1 of training, when we barely knew what we were doing or how to clean the rifles,” said Laprade. “We kept doing it, and doing fast, that’s how we became more efficient.”

When Laprade was in the enlistment process his recruiters told him stories about Richard Flaherty, a Green Beret from Vietnam who, at 4 foot 9 inches, claimed to be the shortest service member in history. However, instead of being uneasy about having slightly larger shoes to fill, the stories filled Laprade with determination to be better.

“The main part that inspired me was that he was Army and 4 foot 9 inches,” Laprade said. “If I go Marines when I’m 4 foot 7 inches, I will beat him in two ways.”

For Laprade his recruiters were a huge part of why he chose to enlist in the Marines. Growing up he wanted to be a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, but over time his heart changed. During high school he joined the school's Army JROTC program and was mentored by Ret. U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Thomas Gent the program instructor.

“I think that’s where the real military form came from, the discipline, the drill, the uniform, and everything like that,” said Laprade. “I

really liked that, I liked that everything was snap precision, and when I looked at the other branches they didn’t have that snap precision that I was looking for.” As Laprade progressed through high school he continued to get better and improve within his ROTC program. Laprade was promoted to Battalion Executive Officer for his school and he continued to strive for that snap precision and even taught drill to the more junior cadets under him. When Laprade met a Marine recruiter for the first time it became an experience he

would never forget.

“One day in the cafeteria there was a Marine recruiter standing there and his uniform was perfect, no flaws no nothing,” Laprade said. “You just felt something, stood there, strong and disciplined, a solid statue of determination of honor, courage, and commitment.”

When Laprade saw the recruiter, it struck something in him, and he knew the recruiter represented the snap precision he was looking for. Laprade was struck by how well the recruiter was able to do his job, even after hours of talking

to his peers who had no interest in serving.

Laprade sat down with the recruiter and had a long discussion about the Marines and discovered at the time he was too young to enlist. The following year, Laprade was going to graduate high school and he was one of the first students approached by the recruiter.

“He told me that my name was the first that was pulled from the system because he saw something in me,” said Laprade.

Laprade believes the recruiter did not come to him because of his height, he believes it was because he had the snap precision and determination found in all Marines.

“I did really commit myself to The Marines Corps at that time.” Laprade said. “It went all the way from the Army, to any other branch, I was solidly devoted to The Marine Corps.”

With Laprade’s graduation within sight he looked back on recruit training and reflected on how he felt throughout. Like many Marines, his arrival on Parris Island feels like a dream, from arriving on the yellow footprints to the time they meet their drill instructors, those first days are a haze. To Laprade it was all a surreal experience, one filled with fear, hard work, and determination and he never let that fear hold him back.

“That’s how dreams are gonna be, you are going to be afraid of stuff, I was always afraid of failing but I got through it,” said Laprade. “You are only afraid until it happens, when it starts you just have to focus on getting through it, and losing the fear and when you finish you’ll look back and know you got through it."

Pfc. Nathaniel Laprade graduated from Recruit Training on September 1 2023 and is continuing training at Camp Geiger for Marine Combat Training after 10 days of leave.

Suggestions for Veterans filing a Service Connected Disability compensation claim

This is the first article of a two-part series of articles that provide veterans with some common-sense observations on filing for military service-connected disability compensation. This article is not a substitute for veterans reading the information at www.va.gov and using a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to help them file claims with the VA. This article covers concerns for aging veterans two things that stand out about finding evidence to support claims, what veterans need to prove to the VA, other evidence if military medical records are not available, and the first of 10 common sense suggestions. Next week’s article will cover more suggestions to help veterans win a service-connected disability claim.

The good news

The good news is more veterans are applying for their hard-earned benefits because of the passage of the PACT ACT and more efforts by the VA, Veterans Service Organizations, and others to help veterans file claims. Learn more about the PACT ACT at https:// bit.ly/3ARbVrn. Learn more about how to file a VA Disability claim at https://bit. ly/3wYGMRJ.

Aging Veterans are in need of the help of a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) and others. World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans are between 70 and 100 years old, many are not computer literate, and most have serious health condi-

tions. Family members need to step up and help their veterans.

Three things that stand out about finding evidence to support a calm. As a Vietnam Wounded Warrior, a combat 100% service-connected Disabled Veteran, a volunteer VA Patient Adviser at my VA hospital, a past VSO, and a Veterans’ Benefits Journalist, three things come to my mind when talking to veterans applying for service-connected disability compensation:

Unless the disabling condition is presumptive, if the veteran does not have a military medical record of their wound, injury, illness, or HAZMAT contamination and resulting condition, they are going to have to find other evidence to prove their disability was caused while they served in the military. Learn more about Presumptive

Conditions at https:// bit.ly/3ARbVrn and https://bit.ly/3LeLSk4

Veterans should not lose heart if they cannot find a military medical record documenting their wounds, injuries, scars, illnesses, and HAZMAT contamination-caused disabling

conditions, because there are dozens of other ways to document and prove a wound, injury, illness, HAZMAT contamination, and resulting injuries, diseases, and conditions.

Veterans can file claims for injuries, wounds, illnesses, and HAZMAT contaminations that caused disabilities/ conditions while they were (1.) in service, (2.) caused disabilities/conditions that were caused by military service but showed up after they were discharged (sometimes 20 to 40 years later), and (3.) conditions they had before enlisted that were worsened by military service.

Evidence to support a service-connected disability claim

Veterans should submit all (I repeat ALL) the evidence they can muster to support their service-connected claims. The VA needs evidence that shows a veteran has a current physical or mental disability (damage to the body or mind) that makes the veteran less able or unable to do everyday tasks, including meaningful work, and an event, injury, or illness happened while the veteran was serving in the military to cause disability.

The VA is required to tell veterans what evidence the veteran will need to support their claim. Veterans should download VA Form 21526EZ found at https://bit. ly/3xtZZLp and read the evidence requirements.

Learn more about evidence at https://bit.ly/3w6YGAN. Here is what veterans need to prove to the VA. Prove the injury, illness, wound, or condition happened. First, veterans must prove they were in the military, in a certain place (country, ship, aircraft, facility, base, testing ground, body of water, etc.), and the timeframe when the event and injury/illness took place. Prove the veteran has the condition and it is service-connected through military medical records. Second, veterans must prove they have the disabling condition they are claiming. Military, veteran, and civilian medical records and doctors’ diagnoses will provide evidence that they have the condition. Military medical records are the most convincing evidence a veteran has to show the event and injury happened while the veteran was serving. Request copies of military service records at https://bit. ly/41ydmaU. Prove the condition without a military medical record. The toughest part of proving service connection may be finding a military medical record of the injury, wound, illness, event, or HAZMAT injury. A veteran’s military medical records may not be available or show the injury or treatment record.

Thousands of veterans' military medical records were destroyed in the fire at the National Archives in Saint Louis, Mo. A veteran may have never reported a medical condition (sleep apnea, PTSD, MST, anxiety, etc.) to a military doctor fearing it would hurt their career. Veterans can use other kinds of evidence to support their claim for service connection. Learn more about how to reconstruct military records destroyed in the Records Center fire at https://bit.ly/3PApt3e.

Other evidence in lieu of a military medical record

Veterans can use their

DD214, Military Personnel Records, Line of Duty Investigations, pictures, Accident Reports, Incident Reports, Operational Hazard Reports, Employee Reports of Injury (OSHA Form and Report), Officer/Enlisted Efficiency Reports, Lay Witness Statements, Counseling Records, E-Mails and letters, military decorations like Purple Hearts, Bronze Stars, and other decorations of Valor, Civilian Medical Records, VA Medical Records, lists of medications, copies of medical studies and reports, and Doctors, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, and Medical Specialists/Therapists’ statements, to help prove service connection.

Learn about Lay Witness Statements at https://bit. ly/3sPpxD8

Common-sense suggestions

Here are some suggestions that can help veterans who are filing claims for service-connected disability compensation. Suggestion 1: Veterans are always their own best advocates. As in anything in life, the best person to make sure your claim for VA benefits is done right, submitted to the right place, includes all of the evidence and supporting documents needed, and is followed up on is the veteran himself or herself. Reading all of the available information on service-connected claims, the PACT ACT, presumptive conditions, and VA benefits at www.va.gov and reading information at other helpful websites like military.com is the smart thing for each veteran to do. A VSO will help you, guide you, and support you but you (the Veteran) are your own best advocate!!!

Continued next week.

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

Recruit Nathaniel Laprade, a recruit with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, conducts The Crucible on August 18 on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Lance Cpl. William Horsley/USMC

Christopher J. Geier Attorney at Law, LLC Criminal Defense & Civil Litigation 16 Professional Village Circle, Lady's Island Office: 843-986-9449 • Fax: 843-986-9450 chris@bftsclaw.com • www.geierlaw.com

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Have you ever been really filthy and in need of a wash?

Perhaps you just finished a grueling race, or a long camping trip, or splashing around in mud. You are so caked with dirt, sweat, and grime that you can hardly recognize yourself in the mirror. But once you are finally washed clean, you feel like a completely new person. Even though it was just a bit of water on your body, this washing has made a tremendous difference, inside and out.

In Baptism, God washes us clean in body and soul.

We are each born with original sin: a lack of God’s divine life within us and an inclination towards disobedience to God. Our sins, big and small, are like spiritual mud and grime that gradually accumulate on our souls. We cannot wash this off by ourselves; only God can wash us clean.

Baptism is the way that God has chosen to give us this great gift. Though it looks like a mere washing with water, God is actually working a miracle in our souls.

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When we are baptized, we are spiritually changed. Jesus was referring to Baptism when he spoke of the need to be “born again by water and the Spirit.” (John 3:5) He also said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.” (Mark 16:16) When we are baptized, Jesus allows us to share in his death and Resurrection, giving us new life. (Rom 6:4) This is why Peter told the crowds at Pentecost, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” (Acts 2:37-38)

Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments.

The sacraments are special spiritual gifts given to us by Jesus. As he commanded, we wash a person in water with the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19) When this happens, God bestows his divine life on us, restoring what was lost due to original sin. He washes our souls clean from all of our past sins. He makes us his adopted children, and we become members of his family of faith, the Church.

Even small children can receive this gift from God!

Since the earliest centuries, Catholics have baptized their children. Because of our understanding of Baptism, this makes perfect sense to us. Just as we gave our children physical life, we ask God to give our children spiritual life. We teach them to love Jesus and have faith in him. As they grow up, God calls them to make this faith their own, repenting of their sins and daily choosing to follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Baptism is the beginning of our journey of faith.

For adults who did not grow up as Christians, the faith journey happens in a different order. They are introduced to Jesus and begin to have faith in him. Recognizing that only Jesus can save them from their sins, they ask the Lord to wash them clean and give them new life through Baptism. After a time of prayerful learning and spiritual preparation, adults are usually baptized at Easter with great joy and celebration, sharing in the glorious victory of our Lord over death.