


The painting on our cover is "Requiem" by Arena Shawn, 1st Prize winner at the last Biennale, the Art League's biannual national juried exhibition. Biennale 2025 is currently accepting entries. See our story on page 11.
ryWeekly
o w c o unt
LJanuary 29 – February 11, 2025
Publisher: Jeff Evans — Jeff@LCWeekly.com
Editor: Margaret Evans — Editor@LCWeekly.com
Marketing Director: Amanda Hanna — 843-343-8483 or Amanda@LCWeekly.com
Advertising Sales: Jere Russo — 401-787-3280 or JereRusso@Gmail.com
Sarah Barnwell — 843-473-0148 or ClimbMtn@Gmail.com
Delayna Earley — 804-347-8704 or Delayna.TheIslandNews@Gmail.com
Art Director: Lydia Inglett
Layout & Design: Amalgamated Sprinkleworks
Contributing Writers: Katherine Tandy Brown, Debbi Covington, Sandra Educate, Wendy Hilty, Michael Johns, Cele & Lynn Seldon, and Sutty Suddeth What’s Happening Calendar: Staff – Editor@LCWeekly.com
Letters to the Editor, comments or suggestions can be addressed to: Lowcountry Weekly 106 West Street Extension, Beaufort, SC 29902 Call: 843-986-9059 or Email: Editor@LCWeekly.com
Lowcountry Weekly is published every other Wednesday and distributed throughout Beaufort County at various restaurants, retail locations, hotels and visitor’s centers. The entire contents of Lowcountry Weekly is copyrighted 2025 by P. Podd Press, LLC. No part may be reproduced without permission from the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. A stamped, self-addressed envelope must accompany all submissions expected to be returned.
Last week was quite the week, wasn’t it?
Trump 2.0 came in like a freight train. Love it or loathe it, the pace of change was mind-blowing. Executive orders flying, pardons pouring, declassifications swirling, cabinet confirmations galloping apace.
The media was spinning. Social media was buzzing. A petite Episcopal bishop was celebrated… and reviled. Elon Musk was deemed a Nazi . . . and a great friend of the Jews. It was “The Golden Age of America” and “The End of Democracy.”
And then came the snow.
We didn’t get as much as we thought we might – some sources were predicting 8 to 10 inches – but we got enough. For the first time in seven years, we awoke Wednesday morning to find our yards and streets and rooftops blanketed in beautiful, shimmering white.
It felt like a gift, and I needed it.
I needed the silence. The serenity. The pristine purity. I needed the childlike wonder that snow awakens in most every southern heart. (I say “most” because I know a few hardcore southerners who would rather walk on nails than trudge through snow.)
My daughter, who’s 23 and currently living at home, was 16 when she last saw snow in her front yard. But having lived in the Czech Republic for seven months after high school, she was all set from a wardrobe
standpoint. Me? Not so much. I feared my “snow day” would be limited to gazing through the window for lack of proper footwear. But in the 11th hour, I found a pair of long-forgotten rubber boots in the back of the hall closet. They were ancient and ugly, but perfectly functional.
So Amelia and I set off for a walk around the neighborhood. The snow was still fresh and powdery, not yet pressed or slushy or slippery. We walked slowly but smoothly, arm in arm, marveling at the dazzling scene around us.
Pigeon Point had been utterly transformed – a bona fide winter wonderland. The neighbors were delighted. We saw bundled-up couples walking hand in hand down the street, two Golden retrievers frolicking in the live oak park, a teenager riding a boogie board behind a slow-moving ATV.
We walked to the boat landing, wondering if the winter-gold spartina grass would be tipped in white. It wasn’t. The pluff mud was snowy, though, so that was fun.
Walking in fresh snow is a bit like walking on dry sand. You don’t have to go fast or far to get tired. Not a daily long-distance walker like her mother, Amelia was ready to head home soon enough. I dropped her off and decided to walk a bit longer, alone.
I typically do 5 miles every morning, for exercise, but this was a very different
experience. I walked slowly, gently – with no thought of burning calories or toning muscles – and I didn’t have my air pods with me, so I didn’t listen to a podcast like I usually do. I didn’t even try to corral my thoughts into a column – my normal MO when I don’t have something in my ears.
I just walked.
On Audusta Street, I came across a little girl on a bike with training wheels. Her parents were rolling her along, and her face was just shining. “Her first snow?” I asked. “It is!” her mother replied, and her face was shining, too. Such a beautiful young family, I thought. Such a beautiful morning. My heart was full.
Back at my desk later – it was Wednesday, after all – I quickly forfeited my newfound peace, toppling into one of the week’s myriad controversies, when I came across the entire sermon of Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of Washington, that she’d preached at the National Prayer Service the day before. I found it inspiring and profound and not at all what I’d expected based on the fiery comments littering social media.
The short, controversial clip making the rounds was the bishop’s plea to the president to “have mercy” on certain people rendered vulnerable by his policies – particularly illegal immigrants and transgender children – but that plea was a very small fragment of an excellent sermon addressing the “culture of contempt” that threatens to bring this country to its knees. Bishop Budde offered helpful instruction for fighting back against that culture – by honoring the dignity of every human being, speaking honestly in public and private discourse, and cultivating personal humility.
Deeply moved – and still high on my snow-walking energy – I immediately posted the sermon on my FB page, with this commentary:
“If all you've heard of this sermon is the very end – the clip going around, under inflammatory headlines like ‘Trump seethes as Bishop calls him out’ – I beg you to listen to the entire thing. This is not a ‘calling out.’ This is fifteen minutes of wisdom, encouragement, grace, and love. I had resisted listening because I resented the way that short clip had been used as a grenade by both sides of our political divide. I don't need another political grenade. I DID need this sermon.”
Reader, if you’re anything like me – i.e. you maintain a diverse FB friends list – you can probably guess what happened next. Let’s just say it’s now three days later, the snow is melting outside my window, and people are still arguing on my Facebook page.
But hope springs eternal, even in the bleak midwinter. This morning, I came across the following poem. The sentiment it expresses just might save us. Along with the occasional snow day.
SMALL KINDNESSES
By Danusha Laméris
I’ve been thinking about the way, when you walk down a crowded aisle, people pull in their legs to let you by. Or how strangers still say “bless you” when someone sneezes, a leftover from the Bubonic plague. “Don’t die,” we are saying. And sometimes, when you spill lemons from your grocery bag, someone else will help you pick them up. Mostly, we don’t want to harm each other.
We want to be handed our cup of coffee hot, and to say thank you to the person handing it. To smile at them and for them to smile back.
For the waitress to call us honey when she sets down the bowl of clam chowder, and for the driver in the red pick-up truck to let us pass.
We have so little of each other, now. So far from tribe and fire. Only these brief moments of exchange.
What if they are the true dwelling of the holy, these fleeting temples we make together when we say, “Here, have my seat,” “Go ahead—you first,” “I like your hat.”
By Michael Johns
USCB Chamber Music returns Sunday, February 16, 2025 at five with a homecoming-program featuring three honorary Beaufortonians: Artistic Director, pianist, and host Andrew Armstrong, Former Artistic Director, cellist, and host Edward Arron, and frequent featured pianist Jeewon Park. They will present music spanning centuries, countries, styles, and tributes, with melodies evoking French wit and charm, Spanish folk-style and flair, musical mystery and introspection, toe-tapping American vitality, and classicallyflavored German Romanticism.
The concert begins with Dolly Suite for piano 4-hands, Opus 56 by Gabriel Fauré. Dedicated to the child of a friend, these six charming and affectionate miniatures are steeped in French grace and manners with a light touch, elevating simple tunes to enchanting conversations. Multi-talented An-drew Armstrong will display his composing skill with a world-premiere composition in tribute to former Board member Bailey Symington, “Variations on Bailey,” for solo piano. Ms. Symington's winning smile, warm friendship, gracious hosting of artists and home concerts, unflagging enthusiasm, and formidable powers of persuasion contributed mightily to making classic music a Beaufort staple. Andy has constructed a set of piano variations, employing a centuries old musical-cryptogram technique, based on sounding the three notes in her first name, BAE. This musical monogram may be heard as melody or harmony, frontwards or backwards, obscured or exposed.
Spanish cellist Gaspar Cassadó was a boy when he began studying with Pablo Casals, a performer and personality he would grow to idolize. Requiebros, a single-movement display piece, is dedicated to Casals and embraces the character of Spain through a series of short scenes filled with distinctive gestures of Spanish nationalist music. Estonian Arvo Pärt's Spiegel im Spiegel (“mirror in the mirror”) for cello and piano refers to two mirrors facing each other and theoretically producing perpetually repeating visual images. The effect of the music is hypnotic, calm, clear, exquisite, deeply meditative, and elegiac.
George Gershwin's orchestral tone poem, “An American in Paris,” follows intermission. Arranged for piano 4-hands, it depicts late-1920s impressions of an American visitor strolling about Paris, listening to street sounds, experiencing homesickness, and absorbing the French atmosphere of musical intimacy and theatricality. Gershwin's evocation is palpable, vivid, charming, and effortlessly moves from sassy melody to smile-inducing storytelling. The concert concludes with Felix Mendelssohn's four-movement Sonata No. 2 in D Major for cello and piano, Opus 58. Mendelssohn was a prodigiously gifted composer, virtuoso pianist, organist, perceptive music historian, respected conductor, visionary educator, a skillful painter and well-traveled, erudite, multilingual, highly articulate, and widely read—the embodiment of a Renaissance Man. Written during a creative period at the height of his powers, the music reflects a compositional approach characterized by classical balance, elegance in style and demeanor, and accessible melody colored by the mid-century Romantic ethos into which he was born, with sweeping waves of emotion, bold statements, and brilliant displays. Edward Arron, for 14 years host of USCB Chamber Music, is entering his 12th year as
artistic director of the Performing Artists in Residence series at the Clark Institute in Williamstown, MA. Ed's chamber music experience circles the globe: a very small sample includes tours and recording with the Ehnes String Quartet, regular performances with the Boston and Seattle Chamber Music Societies, and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. His recent recording of Beethoven's Complete Works for Cello and Piano with pianist Jeewon Park received the Samuel Sanders Collaborative Artists Award from the Classical Recording Foundation. A graduate of the Juilliard School, Mr. Arron currently serves on the faculty of the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Korean-American pianist Jeewon Park has garnered worldwide fame as a remarkably lyrical and poetic musician with dazzling technique and extensive repertoire. Critics have described her performances as “ravishing in execution, radiant in timbre,” “unadulterated commitment to music, to lift the compositions in honor,” lauding her “polished perfection,” “warm musicality and seemingly easy virtuosity,” and “impeccable taste and skill.” This season marks her 10th as co-artistic director of the Performing Artists in Residence series at the Clark Institute with husband Ed Arron. She has performed at virtually all of the prestigious chamber music series and festivals in the United States and many more across Europe and Asia. Ms. Park attended The Juilliard School, Yale University, and earned her doctoral degree in musical arts from Stony Brook University.
extensive repertoire, his unquenchable energy and belief in the power of music has led him recently to create new chamber music series in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York City, and Greenville, in addition to the continued stewardship of two flourishing series in Beaufort and Columbia. Whether speaking to adults or children from the concert stage, at daytime workshops, children's concerts, masterclasses, or in-home concerts, Andy ceaselessly preaches the transformative essence and healing potency available to all through participation in the act of listening to music.
The inimitable Andrew Armstrong has created an international reputation through solo piano and chamber music performances in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Acclaimed by listeners, critics, and attendees of this Series for his passionate engagement, impish good humor, brilliant technique, and
There are three ways to enjoy each concert: in person at the Arts Center and virtually by Live-Stream and OnDemand. All virtual concerts are professionally produced, creating great viewing opportunities. OnDemand is accessible four days after the concert and available to view at your leisure for three weeks. For concert, artist, event, and ticket information, go to www.uscbchambermusic.com or call 843-208-8246, Monday through Friday. USCB Chamber Music's third concert of its 45th season, February 16, 3:00, will be performed at the USCB Center for the Arts, 801 Carteret Street, Beaufort.
Libraries for Kids, International is thrilled to announce an author/illustrator talk featuring the writer/illustrator team, Bill Borg and Mira Scott, on February 17th from 10:30 to 11:30 am at The Roasting Room, 1297 May River Road. This event is free and open to the public, however a $5 donation is suggested. Books will be available for sale. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Sea Turtle Patrol of Hilton Head Island.
Following the author's talk, attendees are invited to join Bill and Mira for an optional Dutch Treat lunch at The Roasting Room. This informal gathering offers a chance for further conversation in a relaxed atmosphere.
Space is limited, so reservations are necessary, and early arrival is recommended. For more information or to RSVP, please get in touch with Tamela Maxim at 843-683-4100 or tamela.maxim@libraries4kids.org
Based on the story of a real-life super turtle, Myrtle the Loggerhead Turtle reimagines the beginning, the magic of a protecting mermaid, the danger of a shark and barracuda, and the yearning to return to Hilton Head Island for a very special job.
Review by Todd Ballantine: "Myrtle the Loggerhead Turtle is an archetypal story of the lifecycle of a loggerhead sea turtle and her epic plight to survive and thrive. The melodic refrain on each page is a lyrical reminder that nature is rooting for Myrtle's return home. This engaging story draws the reader deeper into the drama of one of the most miraculous migrations on earth. Mira Scott's art is brilliant and expressive. In the tradition of award-winning children's books, her paintings will keep readers coming back over and over to visit with all of the characters."
About Libraries for Kids: Libraries for Kids, International is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides leisure and reference books to schools in rural Kenya for recreational and supplemental reading. We work exclusively with schools with little or no electricity or internet access in communities facing significant environmental, climatic, and cultural challenges.
Libraries for Kids' mission is to supply books and school supplies to schools in underdeveloped countries so that they can have libraries for students.
Now in its ninth year, the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center's annual March Forth weekend will be held on Saturday, March 1, and Sunday, March 2, with educational programs in Beaufort, Port Royal, St. Helena Island, and online. This special event commemorates the anniversary of Pat Conroy's passing on March 4, 2016, by engaging with major themes of Conroy’s writing and teaching life, including social justice, inclusivity, conservation, education, truth-telling, and storytelling.
Through a combination of both free and ticketed events, March Forth includes a guided nature walk at historic Penn Center, author conversations (in person and virtually), a history presentation, book signings, a catered lunch, a writing workshop, a community literacy read-aloud, and opportunities for tours.
The Conroy Center’s Ninth Annual March Forth will include appearances by:
• Ashley Hope Pérez: YA novelist, educator, advocate, author of Out of Darkness, and editor of
Banned Together: Our Fight for Readers' Rights
• Kimberly Brock: novelist, past Georgia Author of the Year, and author of The Fabled Earth, a finalist for the Townsend Prize for Fiction
• Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black: professor of history and director of the Dietrich College Humanities Center at Carnegie Mellon University, author of Combee: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War
• Katherine Freeman: National Park Service Ranger with the Reconstruction Era National Historic Park
• Jake Zadik: Brays Island naturalist, nature photographer, and cofounder of South Carolina Partners of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (SCPARC)
• Juliana Zadik: naturalist, educator, and Beaufort County Long-Range Environmental Planner
• Dana Ridenour: retired FBI undercover special agent, author of the Lexie Montgomery series
• Eugene A. Rugala: retired FBI agent and profiler, behavioral science consultant and author
• DAYLO: Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization
Cohosted this year by Conroy Center executive director Jonathan Haupt and nationally recognized youth advocate Julia Garnett, March Forth is a community collaboration between the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center, Penn Center, NeverMore Books, the Rhett House Inn, the Port Royal Farmers Market, the Reconstruction Era National Historic Park, and the students of DAYLO: Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization.
To learn more about March Forth and to register in advance, please visit the events calendar at www.patconroyliterarycenter.org or https://marchforth2025.eventbrite.com
The nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center’s monthly Open Mic Night will be held at the Conroy Center (601 Bladen St.) on Thursday, February 13, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The featured author for February is Tayler Simon, founder of Liberation Is Lit and author of the poetry collections Phases and Love and Other Forms of Heartbreak. Open Mic will also feature short readings of 3 to 5 minutes each by other local writers in many genres.
Facebook page. Writers interested in reading from their own original work during Open Mic should contact the Conroy Center in advance to sign up: contact@patconroy literarycenter.org
As part of her visit to the Conroy Center on February 13, Simon will also be teaching a writing workshop earlier that afternoon from 4:00 to 5:30: Writing Our Truths: The Power of Autobiographical Poetry & Self-Publishing Your Own Chapbook. $45/person, with advance registration required at https://writingourtruths. eventbrite.com
The program is free to attend and will be live-streamed on the Conroy Center’s
Get ready to sing, dance, and cheer as the Beaufort Children's Theatre proudly presents Disney's High School Musical Jr. This family-friendly production will captivate audiences with its upbeat music, entertaining storyline, and talented young performers.
Tayler Simon is a writer, social worker, and the owner of the bookstore Liberation is Lit, based in Columbia, South Carolina. She has selfpublished three books: Phases: Poems, Writing Our Truths: A Guide to Self-Publishing for BIPOC Writers, and Love and Other Forms of Heartbreak. She is passionate about promoting social liberation through the power of transformative stories.
To learn more about the year-round educational programs of the Pat Conroy Literary Center, visit www.patconroyliterarycenter.org
Based on the wildly popular Disney Channel movie, High School Musical Jr. tells the story of Troy, Gabriella, and the students of East High as they navigate friendships, dreams, and the challenges of high school. Featuring memorable songs like "We're All in This Together" and "Breaking Free," this production promises a high-energy experience for all ages.
"Our all-teen cast worked incredibly hard over the holiday season and poured their hearts into bringing this popular story to life," says Naomi Forrestall, co-director of the production. "We can't wait to share their exceptional talent with the community. This script is so much fun, and they have taken it to an entirely new level!"
The talented cast includes: Troy BoltonTag Cushman; Gabriella Montez - Annie Grace Wells; Ryan Evans - Beau Backus; Sharpay Evans - Lauren Grice; Kelsi Nielson - Molly Smith; Susan - Ava Lute; James - Joseph Holst; Cyndra Wittstein/Drum Major - Lily Grace Johnson; Cathy - Peyton Brock; Jack ScottGabriel Davidson; Martha Cox - Hanna Richmond; Taylor McKessie - Brea Parker; Kratnoff - Madeline Richardson; RileyJackson Hamilton; Zeke Baylor - Liam Martin; Chad Danforth - Christopher Jenkins; Ms.
-
Moderator/Ms. Tenny – Brinkley Fugate; Cheerleaders – Clover Leigh Atha, Maren Tillapaugh, Katie Cechini, London Thomas, Riley Kunkler, Maeve Saunders; Thespians – Kaylyn Smith, Leah Clark, Avery Merrick, Anna Claire Stansell, Maggie Smith; Brainiacs – Peyton Wardlow, Mackenzie Goodrich, Ainsley Backus, Chloe Miles, Mary Margaret Ackerman, Melodie Steward, Mathew Richmond, Juliet Pieczonka; Jocks -Luke Strebe, JJ Kunkler, David Barr, James Riddle.
The show will take place at the USCB Center for the Arts on January 31, February 1 at 7:00 pm, and February 2 at 3:00 pm.
Tickets are available now at uscbcenterforthearts.com. Adults $24, Seniors/Military $20, Children/Students $16.
Don't miss this opportunity to support local youth and enjoy a performance that will leave you singing and smiling long after the curtain closes!
The dueling piano show hosted by Alzheimer’s Family Services is coming back for yet another encore performance. Marty Richardson and Jimmy Porter of Savannah Smiles in Savannah, Georgia will be bringing a night of music, laughter, and fun – and hopefully a bit of charitable giving – to the Tabby Place in Beaufort on February 15.
The show, “Dueling Pianos – A Musical Night to Remember” to benefit Alzheimer’s Family services of Greater Beaufort was hosted originally in 2012 and then rescheduled by popular demand again in 2017. The 2017 show was postponed to 2018 because of weather conditions.
“Since that time people have constantly asked that we bring the show back, so that is exactly what we are doing!,” says Executive Director Arlene Heape-Hull.
On Saturday, February 15th “the show will go on” again – Dueling Pianos, sponsored in part by Beaufort Charities as
the Concert Grand Sponsor and THK, and Paulick Law as Baby Grand Sponsors. This event is Alzheimer’s Family Services’ annual dinner theatre and their major fundraiser of the year. Both hurricanes and COVID 19 have prevented AFSGB from hosting this fundraiser since 2018, so they are especially excited about bringing back this popular show to Beaufort.
The agency, a local non-profit, provides education, support and respite to area caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease. “Not to cast a shadow on such a fun and lively evening,
but if you haven’t been touched by this terrible disease or seen it first-hand, you might not realize how devastating it is and the toll it takes on the caregivers,” says Heape-Hull. Alzheimer’s is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and of the top ten causes, it is the only one with no cure. The agency relies heavily on support from the community and their fundraisers to provide the services they do to caregivers.
Saturday, February 15th at 6 p.m. the doors at Tabby Place on Port Republic Street in Beaufort will open for a night of fun, food, music and memories. The evening offers complementary beer and wine, dinner from local restaurants, a live auction, and as much music and fun that can be packed into the evening. Tickets for the event are $85 in advance and $90 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.afsgb.org or by calling the office at 843-521-9190.
La Petite Gallerie, the intimate little art gallery on Calhoun Street in Bluffton SC, is celebrating its 10th year anniversary with a party and year-long Grand Giveaway! The birthday party will take place on February 14 from 3 - 7 pm, coinciding with the Old Town Bluffton Art Walk. Enjoy bubbly prosecco, divine chocolate, and be a part of a grand art giveaway by the six owner artists.
“As a thank you to our community and customers for making our little gallery a grand success,” says Murray Sease, one of the gallery’s artists, “we will be giving away a piece of art every other month for a year, beginning with a piece of Wally Palmer’s stunning bas relief sculptures.” Simply sign up at the party on the 14th – or anytime during February and March – for the chance to win Palmer’s beautiful ‘Egrets.’ The process will be
repeated every other month for a year – with each of the remaining artists contributing a piece for this grand art giveaway.
“This is a fun way to share our art and have a good time with friends” is the consensus of the artists involved, including Lauren Arsenault, Bill Winn, Sue Grilli and Mary Burrell, along with Palmer and Sease.
”It is quite an accomplishment to have a small business such as ours not just survive, but thrive!” says Sease. “We have certainly had challenges since our founder Peggy Duncan opened the doors in February of 2015.”
There have been ups and downs in the economy to say nothing of the Covid setback. Duncan, La Petite Gallerie’s galvanizing force, was a well-known artist who had been involved in starting up at least two other successful galleries in our little town. She had a knack for joining talented people of like minds to make magic happen. She was lucky enough to be friends with
Babbie Guscio who had available space to rent in her 100 plus year old building that houses The Store. The quaint little side space, with the addition of a tiny red desk and walls chuck full of unique and original art, make La Petite Gallerie a very special place indeed. It includes a lovely garden space which showcases outdoor art and is a perfect spot for music and parties. There have been a few changes in the owner/artist line-up over the years. Sadly, Peggy is no longer with us, and several of the original artists have moved on, but La Petite Gallerie has always been a strong group of talent. The artists work together in harmony to offer varied and sought-after art, and friendly and knowledgeable service.
Come celebrate with the artists and friends on Friday, February 14 with wine and sweets, view Wally Palmer’s ‘Egrets,’ and sign up for the chance to win!
La Petite Gallerie is at 56 Calhoun Street, Bluffton. www.lapetitegallerie.com
Lowcountry artists are invited to submit their works of art for The Society of Bluffton Artists’ (SOBA) 31st Annual Judged Show.
Winners will be awarded first, second and third place cash awards in the following categories: Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Drawing (Pencil, Colored Pencil, Pastel, Pen/Ink), Photography & Digital Art, Mixed Media and Collage, 3-D: (Ceramic, Clay, Wood, Resin, Wire, Paper Mache, Stained Glass).
Registration is required by completing a registration form available online at https://bit.ly/JudgedShowRegister2025
The contest is open to all artists and the cost to register is $25 for SOBA members and $75 for non SOBA members. The registration deadline is February 23. The deadline for dropping off your art is from 9-11 a.m. March 3rd at The SOBA Art School, 8 Church St., Bluffton, SC. No entries will be accepted after 11 a.m.
Registration and a full list of rules are available online at https://sobagallery. com/2025-judged-show/
The judge for the event is renowned watercolor artist Jan Ross. She has formal training from the Chicago Academy of Art and workshops led by top American watercolorists like Judy Betts, John Salminen, and Mary Whyte.# For over 40 years, her award-winning work has been featured in more than 500 exhibitions at Local, Regional, National, and International levels.
Jan holds Signature Memberships in multiple watercolor societies and has earned the highest accolades, including “Member of Excellence” in the Atlanta Artist Center. In 2023, she achieved her goal of exhibiting in all 50 U.S. states. Her work is part of Converse University’s Permanent Collection and is cherished in private collections worldwide, from Europe to Kirkuk, Iraq.
The Judged Show exhibit will be on display from March 3-30 at the SOBA gallery. An awards ceremony will take place from 4-6 p.m. March 5. These events are free to attend and open to the public. Artists can pick up unsold artwork at the end of the show from 9-11 a.m. March 31 at The SOBA Art School.
Dozens of phenomenal artists will be “street painting” at Beaufort’s Chalk It Up! festival this coming March. One of them is Janet Tombros, an extraordinary chalk artist who will be coming from Florida for the weekend event, March 28-30.
Janet got into chalk art more than a dozen years ago after seeing a chalk festival in Orlando. “At the time, I was painting wall murals and thought that chalking large format images would suit me well. I wondered aloud how I might get involved and was directed to the sign-in tent!” recounts Janet.
That day began a new artistic journey that has led to a whole new world of opportunities in chalking, not only during festivals but for job opportunities. “I have traveled from Northern California to Maine and many locations in between as a featured artist. I have worked on many commercial projects all over Florida and even out of state.”
Janet loves the energy she gains from
being outdoors and having people around her work. “I have rendered my best work when I have spent time engaged with my audience. Please don’t hesitate to stop by and chat with me. My favorite time chalking is when I can teach chalk art to students of all ages. I have conducted workshops and summer camps for students of all ages from the Boys & Girls Club in Boston to the Museum of Wisconsin Art and at local colleges.”
Organized by the Freedman Arts District, the Chalk It Up! festival combines community engagement and art appreciation into one FREE fun-filled weekend, and will feature local chalk artists as well as those, like Janet, who are traveling from other parts of the country just to be part of Beaufort’s festival.
This year’s activities will be on a newly paved expansive parking lot abutting Tabby Place on Port Republic Street, and in addition to the amazing artistry of premier artists like Janet Tombros, Chalk It Up! will include a chalk art competition between area middle and high school art class teams.
Submit to Art League’s 29th Biennale through March 31
The 2025 Biennale is Art League’s 29th National Juried Exhibition, held every two years and featuring multiple media types, including oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, photography, mixed media, and threedimensional. Submissions from U.S. artists are now being accepted through March 31, 2025. Over $5,000 in cash prizes will be awarded.
All accepted works of art selected by three jurors will be displayed at Art League Gallery inside the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head Island, SC. This stateof-the-art gallery provides the finest exhibit space with high tourist and community visibility.
The prize winners will be selected by this year’s head judge, Tony Armendariz, an award-winning artist living and painting in Illinois. After a long career as a graphic artist, illustrator and web designer, Armendariz now focuses on teaching and creating art. His accolades include being published in Fine Art Connoisseur, American Art Collector, and Watercolor Artist, as well as winning awards from the Transparent Watercolor Society of America, Allied Artists of America, and the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society. He has previously served as the director of the Illinois Watercolor Society.
The show will be held at Art League Gallery May 13June 13, 2025. An awards reception will be held on May 16, 2025. The show and the reception are free and open to the public. Interested artists can visit artleague.org/biennale for more details and to apply.
Art League of Hilton Head’s 29th Biennale, National Juried Art Exhibition 2025
Deadline: March 31, 2025
Event Dates: May 13-June 13
Awards Reception: Friday, May 16, 5-7pm Juror Tony Armendariz will pick the winners. Meet the artists enjoy refreshments that is free and open to the public.
Where: Art League Gallery is located mid-island inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, 843.681.5060.
ABOUT
Art League of Hilton Head is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit visual arts organization on Hilton Head Island with a synergistic art gallery and teaching Academy.
Art League Gallery features local artwork in all media created by more than 200 member artists. All artwork on display is for sale and exhibits change every month. Located mid-island at 14 Shelter Cove Lane, inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, next to the box office, Art League Gallery is open every day, Monday through Saturday from 10am –4pm and Sunday from 12 – 4pm, plus 90 minutes prior to all Arts Center Performances.
Art League Academy welcomes artists and students in all media at all skill levels, including true beginners. Taught by professional art educators, students can choose from many art classes and workshops in most media. Art League Academy is located at 106 Cordillo Parkway. The Academy Manager’s office hours are Monday & Friday, 10am - 2pm.
“Inspiring visual arts for our community and its visitors through exhibitions, education and partnerships” is Art League of Hilton Head’s mission.
For more information, call 843-6815060, visit www.ArtLeagueHHI.org, follow on Facebook, Instagram, or connect on LinkedIn.
Nathalie Dupree, award-winning cookbook author and television personality, died on Monday, January 13th in Raleigh, North Carolina. She was 85 years old.
When Vince and I were first married, back in the old days when I used to have weekends off, watching Nathalie Dupree's cooking show on PBS was one of the highlights of my Saturday mornings. Nathalie was always dressed in a colorful apron with matching oven mitts and hot pads. I loved her style of cooking, her recipes, and her amazing ability to make everything she prepared look doable for a home cook. Never in a million years would I have imagined that I'd have the opportunity to meet my favorite television chef, let alone be able to call her my friend.
The first time that I met Nathalie Dupree, we were both on an on-stage panel at the University of South Carolina-Beaufort with Sallie Ann Robinson, and Matt and Ted Lee, all of us cookbook authors. After the panel discussion, we sat together for a group cookbook signing and had the opportunity to get to know each other. It was incredible, and a little bit surreal. The really cool thing about the whole experience was sharing our food stories and the camaraderie. Best of all, I left the day with a new comrade. Nathalie was very supportive of my cooking ventures, adventures, and misadventures. We stayed in touch, mostly on Facebook, and if I had a question or needed a bit of encouragement, Nathalie always answered me right back. Nathalie had a philosophy she called “The Pork Chop Theory,” when it came to supporting other women. She said, “If you put one pork chop in a pan and turn the heat on high, the pork chop will burn. If you put two or more pork chops in a pan and turn the heat on high, they will feed off the fat of one another.” I was blessed to be one of Nathalie's pork chops.
In April 2018, my cookbook, Celebrate Beaufort and Nathalie's cookbook, Mastering the Art of Southern Cooking were released at about the same time. During this hubbub, Nathalie was also being inducted to the South Carolina Academy of Authors. Guess who was invited to interview her? With help from the Pat Conroy Literary Center's Director, Jonathan Haupt, I showed up at the Technical College of the Lowcountry for Nathalie's on-stage interview. It was my first time in the interviewer's hot seat and I was a wee bit nervous. Within a minute or two, Nathalie had wowed the audience with her foodie tales and made my job a breeze. Then, in July 2020, the fates graced me again and I was invited join Nathalie to discuss her 14th cookbook, Nathalie Dupree's Favorite Stories and Recipes at the Pat Conroy Literary Center. Nathalie was a natural born storyteller. We had a wonderful night!
I believe that the best way to celebrate the life of the Queen of Southern Cuisine (as dubbed by Southern Living Magazine) is to continue to keep her recipes alive. In this week’s issue, I’m sharing one of my favorites. Grilled Roman-Style Lemon Chicken is sure to be one of your new favorites, too. Yes, you’re reading the recipe correctly, preheat your oven to 500 degrees. The cooked marinade and pan drippings are luxurious. Beautiful presentation, even yummier chicken!
I’ll always cherish my happy memories of Nathalie Dupree and I’m privileged to have known her. Please visit the Lowcountry Weekly website at www.lcweekly.com/cuisine for more of Nathalie’s delicious recipes.
1 (3-pound) whole chicken
½ – ¾ cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons lemon zest
4 tablespoons oil, cook's preference, divided
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 lemon, sliced, for garnish
With the chicken breast facing down, remove the backbone by cutting up either side of the backbone with a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. Flip the chicken over with its breast on top. Crack the breastbone using both your hands and spread the chicken as flat as possible. Use a small knife to make small vertical slits where the wings and legs join the body, without removing them, in order to flatten it. Turn the chicken over and lay a sheet of plastic wrap over the top. Using a meat pounder or the bottom side of a heavy skillet, pound it out as flat as possible. Remove plastic. Move the chicken to a large ziplock bag or roasting pan. Mix lemon juice, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of the oil together in a small bowl and pour over the chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Close bag or cover pan and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours to marinate. Remove from refrigerator about 30 minutes before ready to cook. Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Preheat a flat, oven-proof grill or griddle pan on top of the stove over medium heat. Remove chicken to a paper towel-lined plate, drain marinade into a small saucepan, and set aside. Pat chicken dry. Wrap a heavy ovenproof skillet or a brick with aluminum foil. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the hot pan, then the chicken, skin-side down. Weigh down with the heavy skillet. Brown over medium heat, about 5 minutes. Carefully move to the hot oven with the weight on top. Cook 10 minutes. Meanwhile, bring the marinade to a boil and boil a few minutes.
By Debbi Covington
Remove the weight from the chicken. Brush the chicken with reserved marinade and flip chicken over. Cook until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, about 10 to 15 minutes. When chicken is done, move to a board to rest. Brown the lemon slices lightly in the pan juices, about 4 to 5 minutes. Garnish chicken with the sliced lemons. Add any remaining pan juices to the reserved marinade. Serves 4 to 6.
YouTube channel. Debbi’s website address is www.cateringbydebbicovington.com. She may be reached at 843-525-0350 or by email at dbc@ cateringbydebbicovington.com
Welcome to January and a brand new year! All the holiday frivolity, mirth, and busyness are but a memory and the grayer, cooler season is settling in. Since the passing of winter solstice, the days are now lengthening and even the indomitable Lowcountry sun is taking a few days off now and then. Who’d have reckoned upon getting snowed in during camellia season? For many folks, cold temps, sunless days, and the return of real life can bring about the post-holiday blues. Lethargy has come to call and taken up residence for a while.
In myriad households, conversations seem to begin with: “My mood’s as gray as the weather,” “Please don’t make me get out of bed,” “I cannot speak to another human being today,” or “Noon’s not too early for a cocktail, is it?”
If any of the above sound familiar, take heart. The upside to being down is that you can do something about it. Time to up your endorphin levels!
In case high school science is but a fuzzy memory, endorphins are hormones that are released when your body feels stress or pain. Made in your brain, these chemicals act as messengers to help relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve mood. Endorphins produced within the body itself are known as endogenous endorphins,
or endogenous opioids, as opposed to those introduced from outside the body, called exogenous endorphins, such as those produced either semi-synthetically or synthetically by opioid medications.
In this column, we’re focusing on the endogenous variety, those your body makes itself. DIY opiates.
Just look what you can do for your body without medication. Endogenous endorphins have the ability to ease the symptoms of depression, help with stress and anxiety; lessen bodily aches and pains, including alleviation of childbirth pain; help with sleep issues, ease a tendency toward addictions and impulsive actions, contribute to weight loss, and improve self-image by increasing levels of confidence, which leads to better self-esteem. Pretty cool, huh?!
You can boost your endorphins in many ways. Have you heard of a “runner’s high”? That’s an endorphin boost empowered by running. Other ways include power walking, creating art, swimming, dancing, biking, getting a massage, having an acupuncture or an aromatherapy treatment, meditating, laughing with friends, watching your favorite TV show or movie, volunteering for a nonprofit organization, belting out Grateful Dead songs in the shower (super acoustics), eating a bite of dark chocolate, or having sex.
I’ll bet something on the list might appeal.
Music is also a terrific endorphin trigger. I’m sure folks who regularly attend USCB’s Chamber Music Series would agree. Musical Director Andy Armstrong and the world-renown musicians who join him present performances that just get better. Every. Single. Time. By the end of a Sunday afternoon concert, hundreds of smiling patrons file out of the USCB Center for Performing Arts simply overflowing with endorphins.
The question is, how in the world do those wondrous chemicals work in the body? Simply put, listening to music that gives us chills, for example, floods the brain with endorphins that trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter (or chemical messenger) made in the brain that plays a role in how we feel pleasure and rewards and how we think and do. Dopamine also helps us to focus, work towards goals, and find things interesting. Comprendes?
Recently, I happened upon a re-broadcast of popular television host Stephen Colbert interviewing the late geneticist, Dr. Francis Collins, former director of the National Institute of Health and also of the Human Genome Project, the world’s largest collaborative biological project. This brilliant scientist explained scientific terms understandably to non-scientific minds, and often humorously. After discussing the effect of inspiring music on the mood, and the role endogenous endorphins played in lifting spirits, the doc gave an example to clarify.
“When you listen to a piece of music that really moves you up,” he said with a laugh, “you just dumped a bunch of dopamine into your ventral striatum . . . wow!”
Immediately after his comment, I cackled along with Colbert and the studio audience because I knew he was being funny but in all honesty, had no clue what he’d just said. I had to Google “ventral striatum,” probably along with a large percentage of viewers, to discover that his referenced part of the body is a region deep in the brain that plays roles in mood, addiction, and learning.
The good doc gave us viewers a window into how the brain works. Now we know.
If you are not suffering from debilitating physical, mental, or emotional conditions,
by Katherine Tandy Brown WHOLLY HOLISTICS
the following exercise may spark you out of the winter doldrums long enough for azalea season to arrive. Those vivid-hued beauties will likely bring you back to your Lowcountry senses.
• Create a playlist of songs or music that make you feel good, speak to your heart and soul, and/or give you goosebumps.
• Listen daily to this playlist for 10 or 15 minutes, preferably through headphones.
• For an even bigger endorphin boost, pair listening to your playlist while relaxing and/or meditating. It’s perfectly okay to listen for more than 15 minutes.
Taking the use of music to create endorphins a step further, Dr. Collins went on to explain that music therapy, in combination with neuroscience, is being explored as a way to manage chronic pain and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) without taking a pill. Imagine easing these crippling conditions through sound.
Now we’ve come full circle back to the seasonal blues. If they happen to be visiting your house at present, rest assured they’ll be on their way before too long. Know you’re in good company. The fact that a whole genre of music is dedicated to the blues should give you a measure of solace. A couple of quotes will get the idea across well.
From the late Peter Toth, former bass guitarist and keyboardist for the Monkees, “The blues (i.e. the music version) brings you back into the fold. The blues isn’t about the blues (the melancholy variety). It’s about we’ve all had the blues, and we are all in this together.”
And from beloved author and writing workshop guru Natalie Goldberg: “Stress is an ignorant state. It thinks everything is an emergency.”
Rev up those endorphins, and rock on through the winter. Spring will come. It always does.
With so many new residents in our area, I decided to give a few pointers on what to expect garden-wise. I suspect that many of our newcomers are from up north. I know that I am. I did live in Louisiana when I was four, but of course, I was not gardening. I do remember that the army base where I lived had a pet armadillo. It was an armored division- get it? I remember Magnolia blossoms, buying watermelons off the back of a truck, and catching crawdads with bacon on string, but not a lot else.
Fast forward fifty years and I am now living down south after years in Ohio and Massachusetts with a few other states in between. Now armadillos are a scourge to be dealt with instead of a pet. And we have air conditioning. In 1950, we had lots of fans. I don’t remember the summer being so hot and humid.
So what are the most important differences that newcomer gardeners from the north need to understand? Two particularly come to mind- climate and soil. Let’s discuss climate. First and foremost, you are not in Kansas anymore. We are in a totally different zone and our planting seasons are reversed. We are in agricultural zone 9A which means that our minimum winter temperatures are between 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Our summer days are usually in the mid 90’s with an even hotter heat index due to humidity. Up north you planted in the spring to allow things to develop a strong root structure during the warmer months so that they can survive the cold, snowy winters. In the south plants can develop more efficiently during the winter to prepare for our hot and humid summers. Because of this, it is better to plant shrubs and perennials in the autumn. Of course, garden centers seem to have a more abundance of plants in the spring which does not help.
Our soil is also different. The soil here tends to be clay or sand and sometimes sand on top of clay. While clay does have nutrients, it does not drain well. Sand has little nutrients and drains extremely well. Our soil also has excessive phosphorous in many cases. Too much phosphorous can deplete the iron in our soil. What does this all mean for the average gardener? Do not add fertilizer that contains phosphorous. On the fertilizer bag,
phosphorous is the middle letter in NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium). Look for something that says NPK 10-0-10 which means that you will not be adding more phosphorous to your soil. I have found that enriching our clay soil with organic matter makes a difference. I use mushroom compost which is readily available and not expensive. Mulches like pine straw or shredded hardwood can also add organic matter to your soil as well as protect plants from excessive heat or cold. The year around mild climate makes things grow quickly down here. A chapter in my book on Lowcountry Gardening is titled “Why Are the Shrubs Eating My House?” You might find that to be all too true. Landscapers tend to plant things too close to our houses and they also occasionally plant things that grow much too tall at maturity to be along a foundation or in front of windows. A common landscape shrub that is over-used and placed
in the wrong location is sweet Viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum). This shrub can reach twenty feet tall, but because it is fast growing, many landscapers put it right next to the house to cover the foundation. In time, it will cover windows and challenge the roofline. If you do not wish to be pruning every week, carefully read about the shrubs you purchase to see what their height and width will be at maturity. What is small now could become a house eating monster with time.
A common error made by newcomers to our area is that they want to plant what they did up north. Peonies, lilacs, forsythia, and many garden flowers that we have known and loved just will not grow here. They may grow in the northern part of the state, but not in the Lowcountry. We do have lovely plants that grow here such as Gardenias, Camellias, and Azaleas. Instead of lilacs, our chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) has similar blossoms. Roses will do well down here with little care,
By Wendy Hilty
especially the easy to grow Knock-Out varieties. Any plant that has “Mexican” as part of its common name such Mexican petunia, Mexican heather, and Mexican sage will flourish in our heat.
Do not mourn what you cannot grow in the South and instead embrace our unique climate and natural beauty and you will do fine as a gardener.
Wendy Hilty is a Master Gardener and member of the Lowcountry Master Gardeners organization. She is also a member of the Royal Horticultural Society and likes to spend her time attempting to grow an English Cottage Garden in our heat and humidity. Her Comyagardener blog won a state-wide award from Clemson University last year. Wendy firmly believes that the most important tool for a gardener is a good sense of humor.
In the quiet hours of December mornings, I stumbled upon a secret world: the moments just before sunrise over the North Carolina mountains. Perched in a rocking chair facing east, those fleeting moments carved out of the chaos of life felt like a precious, intimate encounter—just me and little Charlie, witnessing the night shades of charcoal and inky navy give way to the faintest hint of the sun's first rays. Slivers of silver light pierce the darkness, transforming the room. Pinks and soft grays soften and then sharpen the view of treetops, the curves of the mountains framed perfectly by the picture window. My littlest grandson wraps his tiny hand around my finger, and memories of my own daughters as newborns come rushing back. I remember watching them, wondering who they would become. Those days were wrapped in a fog of exhaustion, yet the mothers and grand -
mothers always insisted: Savor this fleeting moment. Carve it into your memory. Inhale its essence, and it will imprint upon your heart.
The house is quiet, my phone out of reach—no emails, no headlines, no distractions. The only sounds are the soft snuffling of a tiny human’s breathing and the barely perceptible creak of the rocker filling the room. His head fits perfectly in the crook of my arm, and the soft, milky scent of his newborn skin rises like a delicate wisp, grounding me in this moment.
I’m not normally a sunrise kind of person. For most of my life, being awake during these wee hours meant existential dread, a horrible early flight, or, once, fire alarm batteries chirping in unison. But for these few weeks, with a swaddled infant nestled against my chest and the dog snuggled tightly next to my hip, sunrise feels like an unexpected gift.
By Carolyn Mason
The privilege of rocking my grandson through those first two weeks is something I will always treasure. Yes, I changed diapers, cleaned, cooked, shopped, walked the dog, and fetched countless items. But in those early morning moments, it was just the two of us, watching the sunrise in our little magical cocoon. Sunrise, like the newborn stage, doesn’t stay still for long. As the light strengthens, the soft intimacy of dawn gives way to the sharp edges of a waking household. The baby shifts and stretches as if sensing the awakening. Soon, I’ll reluctantly hand him over to his parents and re-enter the whirlwind of life. There will be coffee to brew, bagels to toast, trash to take out. Some moments are meant to be held close—unshared and unfiltered. I resist the temptation to capture the morning light by snapping a quick photo to edit, filter, and upload. Instead, I’m reminded that the best light seeps in gently, illuminating everything it touches before yielding to the clarity of day. And so, I hold on a little longer, savoring this quiet gift before the world demands its due.
Carolyn Mason is a freelance writer who writes about everything from long haul trucking to how to retire gracefully. She and her husband Jeff live on Lady’s Island and have embraced the delights of the Lowcountry lifestyle.
ITALY: Tuscany townhouse for rent by the week in historic UNESCO village. Sleeps 4, large furnished garden, easy walk to shops and excellent restaurants. www.cozyholidayrentals.com or 401-862-2377.
FURNISHED LUXURY APT In the heart of downtown Beaufort. 2BR, 2BA, W/D, Housewares. Please call 843-812-4229.
LOCO SCRIBBLERS 3:00 5:00 p.m. every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. Are you a scribbler (professional or hobby writer)? Check out our small, informal Beaufort area writers club. All skill and subject levels welcome: fiction, short stories, poetry, non-fiction, and memoirs. Free. Call or email for more info and meeting location in Port Royal: beaufdick@gmail.com or 843-322-0616.
HABITAT RESTORE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS We're looking for volunteers. Cashiers, sales floor associates, donation processing, donor data entry, and donor ambassadors. Visit lowcountryhabitat.org/volunteer or call 843-525-0055.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Calhoun Station Thrift Store in Bluffton. All funds generated are returned to other nonprofits in the community. Open Wed & Sat 10am to 1pm at 77 Pritchard St. Volunteers can stop by or contact Cate Taylor, 843-310-0594 or catetaylor@frontier.com
CRESCENT HOSPICE SUPPORT GROUP: Last Wed. and Thurs. of the month. Weds. 10-11am at Sun City; Thurs. 12-1pm Brookdale Hilton Head Ct., Hilton Head; for those who provide physical, emotional or practical support to a family member or friend. Jodi Johnson, LMSW. Bereavement Group: 5-6 pm., Fridays, 10 Buckingham Plantation Drive, Suite A, Bluffton; for those who have experienced a loss and would like support and info associated with grief and bereavement. Corrie VanDyke, LMSW or Marie James, MA. 843-757-9388.
VACATION RENTAL ENGLAND: Exmoor National Park, Devon, a comfortable and spacious 3 bed 2 bath 19th century Victorian apartment for rent in the ancient village of Lynton. Picturesque harbor, outstanding coastal hiking, historic country Pubs! Call 843 609 5870.
FREE HYPNOSIS/HYPNOTHERAPY INFORMATION session and guided group meditation workshop. This free session will focus on stress reduction and relaxation. Open to the public, every 3rd Monday of the Month, at 7 pm Eastern via Zoom. Bring a friend, learn more and RSVP for Zoom Link at www.guidepathhypnosis.com or contact Chris at chris.guidepath@gmail.com
BEAUFORT COUNTY LIBRARY ONGOING PROGRAMS & CLASSES Stitch Happens, Mondays @ 1:30, Bluffton; Basic Computer Skills Class 1st & 3rd Fridays @ 11:30am, Lobeco; Dungeon & Dragons Teen Club Mondays @ 4; Teen Gaming Club 1st & 3rd Wednesdays @ 4
FRIDAY SOCIAL DANCES The Hilton Head Carolina Shag Club hosts Friday dances from 6-9:30 pm at Dolphin Head Golf Club, 59 High Bluff Rd, Hilton Head Plantation. Open to the public. Shag, ballroom, swing, country, or line. Singles welcome. Cash bar and light dinners available. $5 floor fee. HHICSC also teaches beginner Shag lessons Tuesday nights. www.hiltonheadshagclub.com, or www.facebook.com/HHICSC
ART LEAGUE OF HH CLASSES & WORKSHOPS With over 25 local professional art educators, and guests from around the world, Art League of Hilton Head offers classes and workshops in all media for all levels of students. Visit www.artleaguehhi.org or email academy@artleaguehhi.org for more info.
POTTERY CLASSES IN BEAUFORT McSweeney Clay Studio offers morning, afternoon and evening classes for children and adults. Pottery dates and parties available as well. Classes are on going. Beginner or advanced welcome. mcsweeneyclaystudio.com or call 843-694-2049.
LOWCOUNTRY SHAGGERS Mondays - Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd. 6-9pm. Shag Lessons with Tommy & Sheri O'Brien and others. Occasional Ballroom and once a month Line Dance. Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced lessons. Open dancing after lessons. Visit www.lowcountryshaggers.com or lowcountryshaggers@aol.com
WEDNESDAYS, BEAUFORT SHAG CLUB meets evenings at AMVETS, 1831 Ribaut Rd., Port Royal from 7-9pm, and the 2nd Sat. of the month 7-10pm. Free lessons to members Sep. to June. Visit The Beaufort Shag Club on Facebook
SEA ISLAND ROTARY CLUB has a 12:15 lunch meeting every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Social gathering every 3rd Tuesday at 5:30 pm, locations vary and posted on our website. For more information about the Rotary Club of Sea Island please visit our website at www.seaislandrotary.org
BRIDGE CLUB at the Beaufort Branch Library Wednesdays at 11am. Join a session for beginners new to the game, other sessions will provide some instruction and we will learn as we play. Join us if you want to learn a new game, practice your skills, or need more players. Call the Library at 843-255-6458 for more information.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for the military lounge at the Savannah/Hilton Head Airport. It is operated by a cadre of volunteers. Formerly the USO Lounge it has been renamed “Savannah Salutes,” and continues to provide a respite for travelling active duty, retired and reserve military, veterans and their families. The facility requires volunteers to keep the lounge open from 8 am to 9 pm, seven days a week. There are three shifts each day, with two volunteers for each shift. Interested in volunteering? More info and application forms are at the www.savannahsalutes.org or call John Findeis at (912) 507-4848. The airport will provide free parking.
VETERANS FIRST THRIFT STORE is in need of volunteers. Summer hours are Thursday thru Saturday - 10am4pm. Volunteer hours are very flexible! Stop in the store at 612 Robert Smalls Parkway to fill out a volunteer application or call the store at 843-263-4218. Please consider helping this very worthwhile organization!!
SECOND HELPINGS seeks volunteers to crew trucks in Bluffton and Beaufort to distribute food to local charities. Offering a flexible schedule at your convenience. Email officeadmin@secondhelpingslc.org
BEMER LONGEVITY TECHNOLOGY 9a Wednesdays via Zoom. Seen the buzz on “life span VS health span”? Want to grow better, not older? Haven’t heard of BEMER yet? Come for Q&A about how this longevity-enhancing medical device can enhance your health, fitness and overall well-being in just 8 minutes 2X/day. Offered by BEMER Specialist - Human & Equine, Elizabeth Bergmann. Text 410-212-1468 to get the Zoom link. Free.
CARIS HEALTHCARE: WE HONOR VETERANS Hospice Program. You a Vet with a little time to share with other Vets with limited time? The We Honor Veterans program seeks volunteers who are Vets to offer a listening ear for our Veteran patients. Volunteers also participate in our Pinning Ceremonies for Veteran patients. Contact 843473-3939 or smilliken@carishealthcare.com
SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY: Non-denominational meditation, silent prayer and healing group forming. All welcome. No meditation experience needed. Call Michael 843-489-8525.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for HELP of Beaufort, 530 Charles St. Looking for committed volunteers for clothes sorting, pantry help, front desk help and Mobile Meals drivers. We are open M-F from 9:30-12:30, Mobile Meals delivers to home bound seniors 5 days/week, routes takes about 30-45 mins. Email Lori at helpbeaufort@gmail.com, or call 843-524-1223, or stop in and fill out an application.
PORT ROYAL MUSEUM is open Thursday through Sunday at 1634 Paris Ave., from 10 - 3 or upon request. Free admission! Call 843-524-4333 or email historicportroyalfoundation@gmail.com to request a special opening.
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP - First Thursday of the month at Beaufort Memorial LifeFit Wellness Center, from 1:30-2:45pm, 900 Ribaut Rd. Beaufort. We're individuals with Parkinson’s, care partners of those with Parkinson’s, and individuals or companies providing products or services for Parkinson’s patients. For more info: Rick Ostrander at pdawaresc@gmail.com or Facebook at Parkinson’s Support Group Of Beaufort SC Port Royal & Lady’s Island
TOUR HISTORIC FORT FREMONT—Travel to the 1800's and the Spanish American War. The Fort Fremont History Center is open from 10am to 2pm Fridays, Saturdays from 10am to 4pm and Sundays from 1pm to 4pm at Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land's End Road, St. Helena Island. Visitors to Fort Fremont can learn about the fort's history by reading interpretive panels, taking a self-guided tour with a smart phone, visiting the history center exhibit hall, or attending a docent-led tour of the property. The Preserve grounds are open to the public Monday through Sunday from dawn to dusk. For more Information visit www.fortfremont.org or contact the Passive Parks Department Director, Stefanie Nagid, at snagid@bcgov.net
US COAST GUARD AUXILIARY, Flotilla 07-10-01, Port Royal Sound, a uniformed, all volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard. We conduct safety patrols, assist search & rescue, teach boat safety, conduct free vessel safety checks and other boating activities. Monthly meetings are open to all and held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Port Royal Sound Foundation classroom at 7pm. For info call Flotilla Commander Pattie McGowan (706-633-6192) and on Facebook - USCGA Beaufort
BEAUFORT TOASTMASTERS CLUB meets from 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm the first & third Tuesday, in the Beaufort College Building, Rm. 103 (USC-Beaufort Campus), 801 Carteret Street, Beaufort. To learn more visit beauforttoastmastersclub.toastmastersclubs.org
FREE ACUPUNCTURE FOR VETERANS – Veterans, Active Duty, Transition. Their Families and First Responders are Eligible. First & Third Wednesday 46pm. Walk In Clinic. No Need to Pre-Register or Call. Nourishing Health Acupuncture and Herbs Clinic. 1214 Prince Street, Downtown Beaufort
INTERESTED IN HEALTHY EATING? Second Helpings, of Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper counties, seeks committee members and chairperson for Healthy Food Program. Funding available to procure fresh produce and protein for the 60 food pantries and soup kitchens served by Second Helpings. Contact Exec. Dir. Lili Coleman, 843-689-3616 or execdirector@secondhelpingslc.org
BORN TO READ working for early childhood literacy, needs volunteers to deliver books and materials to new mothers at Coastal Community Hosp., HH Hosp., and BMH. Visits are from 10am – noon. More info at borntoread.org or call 843-379-3350.
ALZHEIMER’S FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER BEAUFORT, Support Groups: Caregiver - Fridays., 12:30pm, Living with Alzheimer's - for those in very early stages - Mondays 1pm, Respite Programs: Social Day Program- 10am-1:45pm $40 Day Fee, Weds. & Friday. All meetings are at Carteret Street Methodist Church, 408 Carteret St., Beaufort; In Home - Respite Aides available for 2 hr. minimum, $13-$26. Early Memory Loss: Maintain Your Brain - 2nd & 4th Thursday, 1011:30am, $10/person, $15 couple, Carteret Street Methodist Church, 408 Carteret St., Beaufort; Memory Screenings available call 843-521-9190 or make an appointment, 1500 King St., Beaufort, free; Purple Haven Project - Educate local staff's to better interact with a person with Alzheimer's call 843-521-9190.
THE LITERACY CENTER is seeking volunteers to tutor adults in reading, writing, math and ESL. Students hope to acquire skills to pursue life goals, support families, and contribute to our community. Daytime and evenings in Bluffton and HHI. Call 843-815-6616 (Bluffton); 843-6816655 (HHI). No teaching, tutoring or other language knowledge necessary. www.theliteracycenter.org
THE SANDALWOOD COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY. Volunteer-based, non-profit provides groceries, clothing and basic needs items to ANYONE in need. Open Tuesdays 9am-12pm at 114 Beach City Rd., Hilton Head. Donations of food and funds needed. For info: Rev. Dr. Nannette Pierson at 843-715-3583 or email sandalwoodpantry@gmail.com
PARRIS ISLAND MUSEUM. The legacy of the Marine Corps and the history of the Port Royal region. Thousands of artifacts, images, and other materials illustrate the stories in exhibit galleries from Native American to modern Marines. FREE admission. Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm and 8am on Graduation Days. Closed Federal Holidays. Info at parrisislandmuseum.org or 843-228-2166.
CHRIST CENTERED RECOVERY MEETINGS At Praise Assembly Church Fridays for “Celebrate Recovery”, addressing life’s problems by looking to scripture. Meal at 6pm; Praise, Worship; Big Meeting. 6:30pm; Small Groups at 7pm. 800 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort. Info at 205-475-3600 or 303-521-1891.
Foolish Frog, 846 Sea Island Pkwy, St. Helena Island. (843) 838-9300. Foolish Frog on Facebook
Luther’s Rare & Well Done, 910 Bay Street. (843) 521-1888 or Luther's on Facebook
Q on Bay, 822 Bay St, Beaufort. (843) 524-7771 or www.qonbay.com
Rosie O’Gradys Irish Pub, in Beaufort Town Center. Irish American Sports Pub & Eatery. C'mon down! Rock & Roll Lunch. Monday - 25% Off Burgers; Karaoke Wed, Fri & Sat - 10pm. 25% off Apps & Wings for NFL Ticket; College sports Saturdays. (843) 379-7676 or Rosie's on Facebook
Saltus River Grill, 802 Bay St, Beaufort. (843) 379-3474 or www.saltusrivergrill.com
Big Bamboo, Coligny Plaza. (843) 686-3443 or www.bigbamboocafe.com
Captain Woody’s, 14 Executive Park Rd., Hilton Head, 843-785-2400; - OR - 17 State of Mind St., Bluffton, Tuesdays - Chris Jones. www. captainwoodys.com
The Jazz Corner, Village at Wexf1ord, Hilton Head. Sundays - Deas Guyz; Mondays - A Journey Through Jazz with The Martin Lesch Band; Tuesdays - Fat Tuesdays: A Swingin' Celebration of New Orleans and Beyond; Thursdays - Lavon Stevens with Louise Spencer. 1/29 Quiana Parler with The Lavon Stevens Trio, 1/31 & 2/1 Mark Rapp - "Brass, Beads & Beads: NOLA Nights Alive! with vocalist Brittany Turnipseed, 2/5 Bobby Ryder, 2/7 & 2/8 Cyrille Aimee with Pianist Mathis Picard, 2/12 Lavon Stevens Band, 2/14 & 2/15 The Rodney Jorday Quintet CD Release of 'Memphis Blue.' (843) 842-8620 or www.TheJazzCorner.com
The Music Farm, 32 Ann Street, Charleston. 1/29 Carbon Leaf, 1/30 Rock the 90s, 1/31
Toni Romiti, 2/1 The Nashville Nights Band, 2/2 5000 Black: Afro-Futurist Art Exhibition Series Concert Finale with OJ Da Juiceman, 2/4 G. Love & Special Sauce; Ron Artis II, 2/6
Emo Night Brooklyn, 2/7 Sapphic Factory: Queer Joy Party, 2/8 The Get Up Kids; Hot Rod Circuit, 2/11 The Wldlfe; Fox Royale, 2/13 Sleaze Freaks, 2/14 The Midnight City - My Emo Valentine, 2/15 American Aquarium, 2/16 Uncle Lucius; Cole Phillips. (843) 8532252 or www.musicfarm.com
The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy, Charleston. 1/29 Phyphr, 1/30 Eddie 9V; Paul McDonald & the Morning Doves, 1/31 & 2/1 Bob Marley Birthday Celebration with Well Charged; Operation Erie; Jimmy 5 Starr; Da'Gullah Rootz; Zandrina Dunning; Ric Mystic, 2/2 Badfish - Sublime tribute, 2/7 Grateful Dub - Reggae infused Dead, 2/8 Happy Landing; Winyah, 2/12 Chucktown EDM; Flomatik; Web Hollow; Puzzled; Visuals by W33Z, 2/14 Tell Me LiesFleetwood Mac tribute, 2/15 Joe Samba; Dale & the ZDubs, 2/16 Agent Orange; Longshot Odds; Exaggerators. (843) 571-4343 or www. charlestonpourhouse.com
Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms. 1/31 The Broken Hearts - Tom Petty tribute, 2/1 Cowboy Mouth, 2/8 The Piedmont Boys, 2/15 Jason Arendt. (843) 886-8596 or www.thewindjammer.com
Editors Note: Events listed here may be subject to postponement or cancellation. Please check for further information.
1/31, 2/1 & 2/2, High School Musical, Jr. will be performed by the Beaufort Children’s Theatre at USCB Center for the Arts. Fri & Sat at 7pm and Sun at 3pm. Adults $24, Seniors/Military $20, Children/Students $16. For tickets visit www. uscbcenterforthearts.com
Now – 2/1 –
Elemental Alchemy: The Visionary Artwork of Gloria Owens at the SOBA Gallery in Old Town Bluffton. www.sobagallery.com
Now – 2/22, Language of Clay: Catawba Indian Pottery and Oral Tradition at Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, US 17, Ridgeland. www.morrisheritagecenter.org
Now - 3/2, Daniel McSweeney’s Original Pottery & Members’ Impressionist-Style Paintings, a dual exhibit at the Beaufort Art Association Gallery. www.beaufortartassociation.com
Now – 3/23, This Is Not: Aldwyth in Retrospect at the Coastal Discover Museum on Hilton Head. www.coastaldiscovery.org
2/4 – 2/28, Arts Ob We People: Winter Exhibition and Sale, a display of original Gullah artwork at the Art League Gallery. Opening reception 2/5 from 5-7pm. Inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, 843-681-5060.
2/3 – 2/28, SOBA Annual High School Art Show. Opening Reception Sat 2/8 from 3-5pm. SOBA Gallery, 6 Church Street, Bluffton.
Fri 2/14, La Petite Gallerie 10th Anniversary & Grand Giveaway, with wine, sweets, and a chance to win art! From 3-7pm during Bluffton Art Walk. 56 Calhoun Street, Bluffton. www.lapetitegallerie. com
Sun 2/23, Deadline for SOBA’s 31st Annual Judged Show. The contest is open to all artists and the cost to register is $25 for SOBA members and $75 for non SOBA members. Registration and a full list of rules are available online at https://sobagallerycom/2025-judged-show/
Mondays, Now – 3/10, Books Sandwiched In, hosted by Friends of the Beaufort Library. In this popular annual series, community members present books that are meaningful to them. Light refreshments. Noon–1pm at USCB Center for the Arts, Beaufort. For a full schedule of presenters and books, visit www.friendsofthebeaufortlibrary.com
Thur 2/13, Tayler Simon, founder of Liberation Is Lit will be the featured author at the Pat Conroy Literary Center’s Open Mic Night from 6-7:30pm. She’ll also teach a workshop Writing Our Truths from 4-5:30pm. $45/person, with advance registration required at https://writingourtruths.eventbrite.com. The Conroy Center is located at 601 Bladen St, Beaufort. www.patconroyliterarycenter.org
Mon 2/17, Bill Borg and Mira Scott with discuss their children’s book Myrtle the Loggerhead Turtle from 10:30 – 11:30 at The Roasting Room, 1297 May River Rd., Bluffton. Sponsored by Libraries for Kids, International. $5 donation suggested.
3/1 – 3/3, 9th Annual March Forth Weekend, sponsored by the Pat Conroy Literary Center. A series of programs and presentations honoring major themes in Conroy’s writing life – taking place in Beaufort, Port 0Royal, St. Helena Island, and online. For a full schedule of events visit www.patconroyliterarycenter.org
Sun 2/2, PROJECT Trio will perform a concert on Fripp Island at 5 pm at the Fripp Island Community Center. From Baroque to nu-metal, this genre-defying ensemble offers something for everyone. Visit www.frippfriendsofmusic.com for tickets and more information.
Sat 2/15, Dueling Pianos – A Musical Night to Remember, featuring Marty Richardson and Jimmy Porter of Savannah Smiles. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Family Services at Tabby Place in downtown Beaufort. Tickets are $85 in advance, $90 at the door. Purchase at www. afsgb.org or 843-521-9190.
Sun 2/16, USCB Chamber Music, featuring world class musicians performing Faure, Gershwin, Mendelssohn and more. 5pm at USCB Center for the Arts, Beaufort. Tickets available at www.uscbchambermusic.com
Thur 2/6, Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Winter Lecture Series begins with ‘The Legacy of the Yemassee War’ (Dr. Larry Rowland) and ‘The First Great Awakening and Coming of the American Revolution’ (Dr. John McCardell). All lectures run from 5:30 to 8 pm. at the USCB Center for the Arts at 805 Carteret Street in Beaufort. Admission to each event is $30 for HBF members, $35 for non-members, and full-time students with valid student ID can participate for $20. Tickets also can be purchased on-site the night of each event if seats are available. Tickets are available online at https://historicbeaufort.org/
2/18 – 2/23, 19th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival at USCB Center for the Arts. For more info visit www.beaufortfilmfestival.com
Tuesdays, Tours of Hunting Island sponsored by Friends of Hunting Island Keeper Ted and his team. For info call the Nature Center at 843-8387437. Tours free are and park entry fees apply.
First Saturday of the Month, Teddy Bear Picnic Read-Aloud at Port Royal Farmers Market. DAYLO students and other volunteers will read to young children between 9am and noon. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal.
Third Thursday, TECHconnect, a monthly networking event for professionals working in and around tech. Join the conversation at BASEcamp 500 Carteret 5:30-7:30pm. 843-470-3506. www.beaufortdigital.com
Thursdays, History Tours of Fort Mitchell by Heritage Library, 10am. $12/Adult $7/Child. 843-686-6560.
Ongoing, Beaufort Tree Walk by the Lady’s Island Garden Club through the historic Old Point. Takes about an hour and is a little over a mile. Starts at the corner of Craven & Carteret Streets ending in Waterfront Park. Booklets with a map and tree info available FREE at the Visitors Center in the historic Arsenal on Craven St.
ALZHEIMER’S FAMILY SERVICES DINNER THEATER
A FUN FILLED NIGHT OF MUSIC & MEMORIES DINNER STATIONS FROM LOCAL CHEFS COMPLIMENTARY BEER & WINE, LIVE AUCTION
Over 25 Years experience servicing Lowcountry buyers and sellers with closings, deeds, and contracts.
Alisha Doud alisha@dcgilbert.com
Daun Schouten daun@dcgilbert.com
Laure Gallagher laure@dcgilbert.com
Ashley Hart ashley@dcgilbert.com
Joy McConnell joy@dcgilbert.com
Johanna Graham johanna@dcgilbert.com
Kathy Crowley kathy@dcgilbert.com
Dawn Shipsey dawn@dcgilbert.com
Derek C. Gilbert Attorney at Law
Derek C. Gilbert derek@dcgilbert.com
Melissa R. Wicker melissa@dcgilbert.com
Sam Bailey
samuel@dcgilbert.com
2 PROFESSIONAL VILLAGE CIRCLE BEAUFORT, SC 29907
TELEPHONE: 843-524-4000
FACSIMILE: 843-524-4006
Saturday February 15th
Tabby Place, Port Republic Street, Beaufort
Doors open at 6:00 Dinner Stations Open at 6:30 until 7:30 ~ Show Following
Tickets $85 in advance $90 at the door Attire: Dress Up or Dress Down Call 843-521-9190 or visit our website www.afsgb.org For more information or to order tickets today! An event