Lowcountry Weekly January 31 – February 13

.{ Reflections on the good life in coastal South Carolina }.

Lowcountry Deepfaking 4

In the free world

Bubba's Mama 7 Sings the blues

Heart Art 10

In downtown Beaufort

Mardi Gras Menu 12 Pancake supper

Gullah/Geechee Nation 13 Celebrate Black history

Transatlantic Musings 15 A gardener dreams

Studio With a View 11 Wally Palmer

.{ Opinion, Arts, Culture, Lifestyle, Cuisine }.

January 31 – February 13, 2024

Weekly

cover notes

Weekly

Lowcountry

The painting on our cover is 'Pounding on the Ogeechee' by Alvin Glen, from his exhibit Stance in Circumstance at the Coastal Discovery Museum. For more information, see our story on page 17.

January 31 February 13, 2024 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: Hope Falls — 757-274-7184 or Ads.TheIslandNews@Gmail.com Sandy Schepis — 678-641-4495 or SandySchepis@Gmail.com Art Director: Lydia Inglett Layout & Design: Amalgamated Sprinkleworks Contributing Writers: Vivian Bikulege, Katherine Tandy Brown, Debbi Covington, Sandra Educate, Wendy Hilte, Cele & Lynn Seldon, Murray Sease, 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 2024 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.

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Deepfaking in the Free World

Y

ou might have noticed that AI is becoming a “topic of interest” for me.

To put it mildly.

My curiosity was piqued again this morning as I read the latest Taylor Swift news in the NY Times.

(Could one escape Taylor Swift news, even were one so inclined? I like the girl, myself, but Dear Lord, I fear she’s in danger of wearing out her welcome – or, even worse, being nominated as a third-party candidate for president.)

For anybody who might have missed this story – perhaps you’ve been sedated or hiking the Appalachian Trail or something – here’s the scoop: “Fake, sexually explicit images of Taylor Swift likely generated by artificial intelligence spread rapidly across social media platforms this week, disturbing fans who saw them and reigniting calls from lawmakers to protect

women and crack down on the platforms and technology that spread such images.

“One image shared by a user on X was viewed 47 million times before the account was suspended on Thursday. X suspended several accounts that posted the faked images of Ms. Swift, but the images were shared on other social media platforms and continued to spread despite those companies’ efforts to remove them.”

The NYT piece, reported by Kate Conger and John Yoon, went on to explore the booming AI industry, and all the companies currently racing to release tools that make it easier and cheaper than ever to create “deepfakes,” which show people doing and/or saying things they have never done or said.

Along with the Taylor Swift images, the reporters referenced the robocalls from “Joe Biden” that went out to thousands of voters during the New Hampshire primaries, urging

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them not to vote. Disinformation experts are concerned that such deceptive audio – again, they’re called “deepfakes” – could become prevalent during this election cycle, creating confusion and chaos.

Like we need more of that.

And speaking of confusion and chaos – in a culture where technology is evolving quickly while social norms are breaking down just as quickly, is it really any wonder that people can’t tell the difference between reality and fakery?

For instance, had I seen one of those sexually explicit Taylor Swift photos on X – perish thought! – I’d probably have assumed it was real. I mean, why not? I just saw an Oscar-nominated film, Poor Things, starring an Oscar-nominated actress, Emma Stone, performing so many sexually explicit scenes – “buck nekkid,” as we used to say down South – that I’m no longer sure I know the difference between art and pornography.

If an A-List actress like Emma Stone “went there” on the big screen – which, I must confess, shocked me to my Alabama-Methodist core – and even won critical accolades for it, why would I expect any different from Taylor Swift?

And if I’d heard “Joe Biden’s” voice on my phone, telling me I didn’t need to vote in the primary because he wasn’t on the ticket, would I have questioned the legitimacy of the call? I doubt it. To me, that premise seems far more reasonable, more “normal,” than some of the actual words that Biden’s presumed opponent – the former President of the United States – has been posting on his Truth Social lately. Consider an excerpt from Trump’s post following the NH primary: Nikki “Birdbrain” Haley is very bad for the Republican Party and, indeed, our Country.

Her False Statements, Derogatory Comments, and Humiliating Public Loss, is demeaning to True American Patriots… Anybody that makes a “Contribution” to Birdbrain, from this moment forth, will be permanently barred from the MAGA camp.

I wish somebody would tell me that this was a deepfake – that the once and (possibly) future President of the USA isn’t actually this childish, petulant, petty, and ineloquent – but, alas. (“Birdbrain.” Seriously? Is this 4th grade?)

I know I just made some of my readers angry. Sorry. I understand that people have different reasons for supporting Donald Trump – some of them are policy based – and that’s all well and good. But who can argue –

Margaret Evans

RANTS & RAVES

with a straight face, anyway – that the man hasn’t done enormous damage to our social discourse? The way grownups talk to (and about) other grownups in public may never recover. That standard has been smashed.

Deep in their hearts, I’m sure even Little Marco, Lyin’ Ted Cruz, and Ron DeSanctimonious know this and regret it.

Does saying it out loud make me a “radical leftist”? Hardly. I’m not a radical anything, and, in fact, I think the left bears plenty of blame for the breakdown of our sexual norms and standards – including the pornification of our popular culture, a la Poor Things. But that’s a long conversation and I’m running out of space.

Plus, it’s nothing you haven’t heard before.

(There! I just made the rest of you angry.

Anybody still reading?)

The only thing slightly new I wanted to say here is this: In a society with blurry or nonexistent norms, it will be much easier for deepfakes to go undetected and proliferate.

It just makes sense. When there’s no “standard behavior,” anything can pass as real – including sexually explicit images of America’s Sweetheart on the internet and chatty robocalls from presidents.

I, for one, think we’re worse off for having shattered those norms and standards – and not just because we’re making it easier for our Artificially Intelligent Overlords to take over the world.

No, it’s because I believe in distinctions, and in hierarchies of excellence. I believe Oscar-nominated films should be clearly discernible from the latest “feature” on Pornhub. I think presidents, and presidential candidates, should be easily distinguishable from the comedians who portray them on SNL. And yes, in my personal hierarchy of excellence, the real holds a higher position of honor than the fake – simply because it’s real.

Even the most sophisticated deepfake is still a fake. AI will never be reality. It merely imitates reality.

Since it’s here to stay, we should probably start feeding it better material.

Margaret Evans is the editor of Lowcountry Weekly.

She has been writing her award winning column, Rants & Raves, for over 20 years.

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Sooner or Later the Rhythm is Going to Get You

T

he title is so true, yet, I don’t think of Gloria Estefan so much as I do Chandler Bing. Shout out to Matthew Perry for leaving us with this wisdom. I intend this article to speak to you in a similar vein as my last column entitled Popcorn Time. In case you missed Popcorn Time, it essentially posited that movies are a prime way we all visit other worlds rather than the esoteric means I usually get into.

Allow me to preface all this musical talk by saying that I was never a music critic like I was a movie and restaurant critic. Further, I gotta admit I have zero musical ability outside of knowing, almost at the first note, what song goes to what movie, sometimes down to the scene. Oh, and my daughter can play the Dallas theme song on the piano. She certainly didn’t get those skills from me.

I reflect to my childhood and the debates my parents would get into over who sang what and when and with whom. Back then they were talking about the music of their youth. It became the music of my youth along with Biggie, Tupac, The Eagles, and Billie Holiday.

Being native to the Shag state, my parents were usually discussing beach music. (The Shag is the state dance for all of you new to South Carolina.) The Tams, Chairman of the Board, and the Drifters come to mind. It was a natural extension from there to go to Motown’s Four Tops and Temptations. Obviously, that’s just

scratching the surface from that era. At an early age, I learned such intricacies as the reason the Jan and Dean song Little Deuce Coup sounds like the Beach Boys is because they sang back-up for the Beach Boys.

For my money, if given a time machine to see a musical group in person, it’s the Temptations in their prime for me, all day, every day. One generation influences the next as Hall and Oates site the Temptations as their inspiration.

Music has the power to transport us to another time—another mood. From nursery rhymes to Taps, it’s woven into our daily lives. Music even has a scientific and mathematic element. Think binaural beats.

There a whole slew of binaural beats on YouTube for a variety of different ailments out there. Check it out.

Music has the power to make us dance or cry. Y’all wouldn’t want to see me dance either, but I digress. Speaking of dancing, The Dance by Garth Brooks is my favorite song I never want to listen to. The song itself is poignant, but if you check out the video, you’ll see the Challenger crew on their final earthly walk, MLK, JFK, and John Wayne right before they died. It’s a tear-jerker.

Music can spark some friendly debate.

I have heard it said that Taylor Swift is no John Lennon or Elvis Presley. Well, who is?

Is there really any comparison when you are talking about humans that are clearly

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one of one. There was and never will be another. I feel she will be in that “one of one” category. Time will tell and she’s still a young woman that may eclipse these giants. Actually, I think Tay Tay recently broke one of Elvis’s records, so there ya go.

When one talks about powerful, other-worldly voices, I would pit Linda Ronstadt, Pat Benatar, and Stevie Nicks up against anyone. Don Henley comes to mind on the male side of earth-moving voices, but consider this: If Pat Benatar had better songs where would she stack up? No disrespect is intended here, but the question remains.

Here’s a statement that may be the third rail of the music world: Outside of Black Door Painted Red by the Rolling Stones, I don’t get their appeal. They should have been a one-hit wonder. The Stones are as overrated, in my opinion, as Springsteen.

Born in the USA is so repetitive I could sing it with my non-existent musical skill. I put the band KISS in the same category. I guess they have cool make-up if you like that sort of thing. I must have missed the memo on these and a few others. I am aware readers’ collective heads just exploded across the Lowcountry. See, does that not feel like you are out of this world about now? Since we must label as the humans that we are, we’ll label this the Spice Girls category, file # 867-5309. There, you’re welcome.

Macarena on!

Although I think VH-1 should do a documentary on whatever happened to Water (“cocaine is a helluva drug”—Rick James) of the group Earth, Wind, and Fire. They had some jam-up songs. As a September baby, when my daughter was younger, she thought they sang September just for her. One of my favorite TV shows of my youth that was treated like a real-life radio station was WKRP in Cincinnati. I can still see and hear Venus Flytrap spinning After the Love Has Gone with his gong in the background. I know that song is a bit of a downer, but I like it and it takes me back. Don’t forget Dr. Johnny Fever lost his job before WKRP for saying “booger” on-air.

“As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly.”

Robbie Nevil had a point when he told us C’est La Vie, that’s just the way it goes.

Makes me wonder why the Devil Went Down to Georgia and not South Carolina.

We have demon heat, just the same.

WHOLLY HOLISTICS

by Sutty Suddeth

Let’s make it okay to like pretty things.

Milli Vanilli taught us that, we must call it what it is, however. What says 80’s more than Wham? I get a smile on my face every time I hear Wake Me Up Before You Go Go. It’s an upbeat song and I think of the gas station scene in Zoolander with the “ridiculously good-looking” male models.

Hootie and the Blowfish hold a strange place in my heart. I loved them initially then hated them like people of my parents’ generation setting their disco records on fire at Comisky Park in 1979. As a student at the University of South Carolina in the mid-90’s, you could NOT get away from Hootie in Cola Town. Now, the nostalgia for my formative years has taught me a new love and respect.

Keep in mind that whole communities can be built on a song—a vibe. Margaritaville is the most literal interpretation of this notion.

What are some others that come to mind?

I won’t put these artists in the Spice Girl category, but Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson and Holiday by Madonna are repetitive pieces of crap. See, our American Idols are human just like the rest of us.

It’s best I don’t get started on Bond theme songs other than to say that Duran Duran’s View to a Kill killed.

In the end, music causes passion and passionate feelings create music. It’s the Pandora's box that is available at the tap of the Pandora button on your phone. Ironies never cease, do they? What worlds do your musical choices lead you to? What worlds do you desire to create from the music that is completely your own? After chaos’s dust clears, harmony is available for your choosing.

The year: 1987. The setting: The Rocks of Fripp Island, SC. Sutty first answers the siren call of writing. In the years and publications since, the destination has been Divinely timed, while being Divinely unknown. A reformed Reiki Master of more than a dozen years, an emotional energetic alchemist, as well as a student in various energetic modalities. My favorite Buddha quote is, “Everything in moderation, even moderation.” Visit Home / Chris Suddeth (journoportfolio.com) for more info.

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Bubba’s Mama Sings the Blues Music for Your Valentine Marlena Smalls and friends kick off the 18th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival

By Margaret Evans

T

his year, the Beaufort International Film Festival will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Forrest Gump – filmed mostly in this area – with a visit from Lt. Dan himself, Gary Sinise, who will receive the Pat Conroy Lifetime Achievement Award and play a concert with his band at MCAS Beaufort.

The festival will also host the world premiere of the full-length documentary, The Spirit of Beaufort: The Making of Forrest Gump.

. But before all that Gumpian goodness d gets going, Marlena Smalls will set the tone e for the festival with an opening night concert n

on Tuesday, February 20th at USCB Center e for the Arts. ‘Bubba’s Mama Sings the Blues’ /will follow BIFF’s opening reception, and it’s . sure to be a night to remember.

This year’s opening reception will happen under a large tent on the CFA lawn, from 5:30 – 7:30 pm, and party-goers can move seamlessly from there to the auditorium for the concert, which starts at 8pm.

For those of you who aren’t from around here – Marlena Smalls played Bubba’s Mama in Forrest Gump, a movie which is only slightly younger than the internationally-acclaimed Hallelujah Singers that she founded here 33 years ago.

In late 2023, Marlena announced that she would be retiring from that globe-trotting ensemble this year. In fact, the BIFF opening night concert will be the public’s last chance to see her singing with them. To say it’s the end of an era is an understatement.

Marlena will perform traditional blues and other genres, doing songs by Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, Bo Diddley, Nina Simone, Tina Turner, and more.

She’ll be joined by a four-piece band from Atlanta, the Tabernacle Baptist Church Choir, and, of course, the Hallelujah Singers.

All that, and I’m told there might be a surprise at the end of the concert, to boot!

A s R o n Tu c k e r always says – and he’s always right – this is sure to be the best BIFF yet. With a kick-off like this one, how can it miss?

Tickets to the 18th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival’s Opening Ceremony/Reception – followed by ‘Bubba’s Mama Sings the Blues’ – are available at www.beaufortfilmfestival.com

L

ooking for a romantic way to spend your Valentine’s evening? How about dinner downtown with music?

On February 14th, Beaufort musician Vic Varner will be joined by his Charleston friends Ann and John Oden at Panini’s on the Waterfront, where the trio will play early Americana tunes from 6 – 8:30 pm.

“John and I have been playing together since the 70s,” says Varner. “We had a gig on Meeting Street in Charleston at a place called The White Horse Inn three nights a week.

It went on for years.”

John Oden was the first guitarist for The Charleston Jazz Orchestra, formed in 2012.

His wife Ann teaches music and plays upright bass. Varner plays guitar and sings.

“We’re thinking of calling the band ‘Daddy’s Records’ because that’s our repertoire,” says Varner. “Stuff my father made me listen to as a kid. We just learned a tune called ‘My Walking Stick’ by Irving Berlin . . .

Also ‘South of the Border,’ a Western swing tune.

Vic Varner (right), with John & Ann Oden “These old songs have great melodies, which I find lacking in so many on the current ‘hit parade.’”

Sounds like a perfect date night.

Panini’s on the Waterfront is located at 926 Bay Street in downtown Beaufort. www.paninisonthewaterfront.com

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Editing Basics Workshop at Conroy Center Nancy Patrick Carney at Pluff Mudd Gallery

T

he nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center will offer an Editing Basics workshop, led by author, editor, and publisher Leslie Rindoks, on Saturday, February 10, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. at the Conroy Center (601 Bladen St.). Registration is $40/person at https://editingbasicsforauthors.eventbrite.com

participants’ work. Writers will need to bring the first 20 or so pages of their work in progress. We’ll evaluate major story elements and explore how they might make the work stronger, more effective, and more memorable.

"Because of Leslie, I am a much better writer. Her guidance and tutelage were invaluable.” — Dan Pliszka, author of Life is WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: Great! (Even if Your Boat Flips Over) Dorothy Parker once said, “I hate writing, “Leslie Rindoks is the best in the business. but I love having written.” For many of us She’s timely, quick-witted, steadfast, and kind. that’s true, the fun begins after we’ve written — Her mentorship took me from a timid when we have something to play with, wannabe writer to an author writer with a something to revise. distinct style.” — Amelia Wyatt, author of Ozzy and the Island and Mind the Gap Originally from Chicago, Leslie Rindoks studied writing at Iowa Writers’ Workshop and illustration at Maryland Institute College of Art. She holds a BFA and MFA in design, and an MFA in creative writing and publication arts. The founder of Lorimer Press and WayWord Books (waywordbooks.com), she has edited more than 70 books.

Passionate about combining words and images, she was the lead writer and book designer for LUCK, A Collection of Facts, Fiction, Incantations & Verse and her work was featured in Far From the Centers of Ambition and 100 Love Notes. Writing as Avery Caswell, she is the author of the story collection MotherLoad and the Author, editor, and publisher Leslie Rindoks novels Salvation and Dry Spell.

In this workshop, participants will come to (averycaswell.com) love their inner editors and learn that editing To learn more about the nonprofit can be fun. We’ll begin by looking first Pat Conroy Literary Center, please visit at other writers’ work, then move on to www.patconroyliterarycenter.org

P

luff Mudd Art Gallery invites you to a reception on February 9, 2024 from 3 to 7pm to welcome mixed media artist Nancy Patrick Carney as the February Artist of the Month. Nancy’s imaginative original paintings invite us to see the people, places and animals of the South Carolina Lowcountry in a fun and fanciful light.

With a degree in art from Miami University in Ohio, Nancy has worked as a commercial artist, package designer, product and book illustrator and art teacher to both children and adults. As a fine art painter, her work has evolved over the years to the whimsical style she is known for today. A love of art history, a knowledge of the elements and principles of design and composition, and the use of expressive color guide her creative process.

Since moving to Bluffton in 2016, Nancy’s acrylic and collage paintings have developed a casual, beachy, playful quality that reflects the “Bluffton State of Mind.” Puffy little beach birds, joyful mermaids, colorful turtles and ladies dancing on the beach are some of her common themes.

The artist’s reception on February 9 coincides with Old Town Bluffton’s Winter Art Walk. Many of the galleries and shops in the village will be open from 3 to 7.

Come meet Nancy Carney at Pluff Mudd

and enter a drawing to win her original 8” x 8” painting of “Island Beach Birds.”

Pluff Mudd Art Gallery is open 7 days a week from 11 am to 5 pm. It is located at 27 Calhoun Street, Bluffton. For more information, see our website at www.pluffmuddart.com or call 843-757-5590.

Island Beach Birds

Want To Go? Pluff Mudd Art Gallery 27 Calhoun Street, Bluffton

Nancy Patrick Carney Artist of the Month

Artist Reception February 9, 3-7pm www.pluffmuddart.com • 843-757-5590

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Heart Art in Downtown Beaufort

F

rom now through Valentine’s Day, art hearts will adorn the windows of 918 Port Republic Street, a building scheduled to come down later this year to make way for development.

Spearheading this romantic project is Danie Connolly – most recently known for bringing an array of whimsical Nutcrackers to downtown Beaufort for the holidays.

The project is part of a new YouTube reality show called The Art Posse, featuring producer/artist Connolly teaching art to a host of local “characters,” none of whom have

any experience or discernible talent.

“Not one iota,” laughs Connolly. “Think Welcome Back Kotter with a cast that can’t draw. It’s going to be very funny!”

Art Posse Productions is owned by Connolly and Ginny Cassidy. They start filming their show in February.

Look for more on The Art Posse in future issues of Lowcountry Weekly. For now, we encourage you to take your Valentine for a romantic stroll through the “hearts” of downtown Beaufort.

Heart Art by Danie Connolly

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Studio with a View S

By Murray Sease

culptor Wally Palmer may have the most picturesque workspace in Beaufort County. Spectacular sunrises over the Okatie River jump start each day for this Lowcountry artist. When I visited his ‘Smoking Bird Studio’ on a recent winter afternoon, Wally had the wood fire stoked in the indoor studio space that is chock full of the tools of his trade – brushes, paints, molds, and hand tools of all kinds. It was toasty warm and cozy, with two of his relief sculptures laid out awaiting the next step in their patina process.

But looking out over his work tables, through the wall of windows, over his decks and yard filled with various projects to the incoming tide, the chilly outdoor area was irresistible. Out there on the work deck Wally demonstrated spraying the chemicals necessary to oxidize the bronze coating onto two more of his pieces, transforming them to a beautiful green patina. Next, he will start the burnishing process, using steel wool to rub through the patina to bring out a glimmer from the metal below, looking for the areas to best show perfect reflections and highlights.

Then will come a coat of wax and buffing which captures that ‘point of perfection’ which is unique to each piece.

Probably best known for these bas-relief sculptures of bronze and iron over resin, Wally’s art graces many Lowcountry homes and outdoor living areas. Before the final

patina and buffing that I got to witness, a process of sculpting with clay, building a mold around it and mixing and pouring a resin material into that, makes each piece a multi-step endeavor. The main subject matters are local wading birds and creatures from the sea – crabs, shrimp, turtles and fish. His line of palmetto trees, some featuring a South Carolina moon, are delightful. They are all substantial pieces of art that have beautiful patinas – some with iron finishes are charmingly rusty, while the bronze finishes have varying degrees of a natural green/blue patina that just looks better and better with age.

Influenced not only by his incredibly talented family of artists (including his father, famed sculptor Walter Palmer) Wally looks to the old masters as well as more modern creators like Georgia O’Keefe and Ernie Barnes for his inspiration. With these influences dancing in his head Wally designs and builds large scale sculptural pieces and fountains, sometimes including tabby (a traditional Lowcountry building material composed of ground oyster shells, lime, and sand, mixed

with salt water) and glass beads.

He often incorporates recycled materials such as styrofoam blocks he collects from the waterways that his studio overlooks. He is happiest as he carves out armatures for large sculptures, adding fiberglass – using both reductive and additive process of sculpting – concentrating on what he wants to say as an artist.

Wally also has a thriving sculpture repair business, dedicated to restoring his father’s humorous birds and other sculptures that are so popular here and around the country.

Many of them have spent their lives outdoors where the weather has been very hard on them, and the older-style materials used when they were first created have not held up well. Using improved compounds and materials, replacing wooden legs and beaks with bronze, Wally and his crew have brought many of them back to their former glory for their happy owners. I was delighted to get to see several of these pieces in various stages of repair and recline around the studio and property.

Wally Palmer is one of six artist/owners of the cooperative La Petite Gallerie in Old Town Bluffton. When he can tear himself away from his glorious studio Wally mans the gallery desk – and garden deck – usually on

Wally Palmer in his studio Fridays and festival days. He, long-time girlfriend Denise Pope, and a fluctuating gang of local musicians often entertain visitors with foot-stomping bluegrass music during Art Walks and other outdoor events – always open to the public.

Murray Sease is an artist at La Petite Gallerie, located at 56 Calhoun Street, Bluffton. www.lapetitegallerie.com

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Mardi Gras Pancake Supper

M

ardi Gras is often called Fat Tuesday, Pancake Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday. It’s the last night of eating rich and fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season which begins the very next day on Ash Wednesday. This week's recipes are perfect for a Mardi Gras themed Pancake Supper! King Cake is a southern Mardi Gras custom.

Inside the cake you’ll find a trinket — usually a dried bean or a small plastic baby representing the baby Jesus. The person who gets the piece of cake with the trinket is declared king or queen of the day and must provide the next King Cake or host the next Mardi Gras party.

My King Cake Pancakes are a delicious substitute for the traditional cinnamon-laced cake, complete with icing and the official Mardi Gras colored sugars. Cheesy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Bacon is a simple and elegant entree that pairs well with the sweet pancakes. In keeping with the Fat Tuesday tradition, the casserole is full of cheese and cream. Mardi Gras Fruit Salad balances out the meal. The colors of the fruits represent the official colors of Mardi Gras -- purple (justice), green (faith) and gold (power). You'll just need to add a really special wine, some purple, green and gold beads and a mask or two. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

KING CAKE PANCAKES

3 tablespoons heavy cream Purple, gold, and green sugar sprinkles Fresh berries and mint to garnish, optional Mix pancake mix with milk, eggs, and melted butter according to package directions. Stir in ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Allow batter to stand for 10-15 minutes. Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Spray surface of skillet with cooking spray and add batter, ¼ cup per pancake. When edges appear set and bubbles begin to pop, flip and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.

Repeat with remaining pancake batter. While pancakes cook, whisk together powdered I used Stonewall Kitchen Buttermilk Pancake sugar and heavy cream. (Add additional cream & Waffle Mix and Wilton colored sugar if icing is too thick to pour.) Stack pancakes on sprinkles. Both are available on Amazon.

Optional: In keeping with the King Cake tradition, you can place a tiny plastic baby, dried bean or almond between the layers of the pancakes for someone to find. Whoever finds the “prize” inside is declared king or queen for the day. They’re also responsible for providing the King Cake or King Cake Pancakes the next year.

2 cups buttermilk pancake mix Milk or buttermilk Eggs Butter, melted ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon Non-stick cooking spray 2 cups powdered sugar

individual plates and drizzle with icing.

Sprinkle with purple, gold and green sugars.

Serve warm. Serves 4.

CHEESY SHRIMP AND GRITS CASSEROLE WITH BACON If your shrimp are large, cut them in half so that they’ll bake evenly in the casserole. (For a detailed demonstration, please visit the Lowcountry Weekly website or @chefdebbicovington on YouTube to watch this short cooking video.) ½ pound bacon, cooked and crumbled ¼ teaspoon coarse or kosher salt 1 cup slow-cooking stone-ground grits 2½ cups grated sharp cheddar cheese 3 large eggs, beaten ¼ cup heavy cream Tabasco sauce 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined Coarse or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Diced grape tomatoes, to garnish Chopped Italian parsley, to garnish Fry bacon in a large skillet. Drain on paper towels, crumble and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large saucepan over high heat, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add ¼ teaspoon salt and slowly pour in the grits.

Reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the grits are done, about 40 minutes. Turn off the heat, add the cheese and stir until smooth. Add in ¾ of the crumbled bacon. Stir in the eggs, cream, and Tabasco sauce. Add the shrimp and mix well to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the grits into a 2-quart souffle

By Debbi Covington

D

e T w dish and bake until they are set and lightly h browned on top, about 40 minutes. Top with C remaining crumbled bacon. Garnish with F diced tomatoes and chopped Italian parsley.

M Serve hot. Serves 6.

G g MARDI GRAS FRUIT SALAD l I love the idea of using purple, gold, and green n fruit to create a beautiful and healthy Mardi Gras Fruit Salad. Options or additions could G include elderberries, plums, figs, starfruit, S C L t r b e l t

H G G a p H L bananas, lemons, green apples, honeydew melon, pears, and limes. No dressing needed!

Pineapple, cored and diced Red seedless grapes, halved Blackberries Mango, diced Blueberries Green seedless grapes, halved Kiwifruit, peeled and sliced Fresh mint leaves Arrange fruit on a large platter or toss together and serve in a large bowl. Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.

The writer owns Catering by Debbi Covington and is the author of three cookbooks, Celebrate Beaufort, Celebrate Everything! and Dining Under the Carolina Moon. For more great recipes and to view her cooking demonstrations, visit and subscribe to Debbi’s 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

.{ Opinion, Arts, Culture, Lifestyle, Cuisine }.

More coverage and content at LowcountryWeekly.com 13

Gullah/Geechee Nation Celebrates Black History Month

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e Gullah/Geechee Nation waan hunnuh chillun fa cum jayn we fa celebrate Black History! Every year, the Gullah/Geechee Nation's leaders host a series of interactive edutainment events that are authentically Gullah/Geechee.

They will launch the 2024 series of activities with Black History Month events that will be held on historic St. Helena Island, SC and in Columbia and Charleston, SC, Amelia Island, FL, and Savannah, GA. The Black History Month events have been posted at the Gullah/ Geechee Nation's website: https://gullahgeecheenation.com/2024/01/19/celebrateliving-black-history-in-the-gullah-geecheenation/ Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/ Geechee Nation will begin the month at the South Carolina State Capitol with "A Celebration of Gullah/Geechee Legacy and Literacy" on Thursday, February 1st at 5:30 pm at the South Carolina State Library. Folks can register for this exhibition, presentation and book signing on EventBrite: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/celebrating-gullahgeecheelegacy-literacy-an-evening-with-queen-quettickets-791827957737?aff=oddtdtcreator Queen Quet will return to historic St. Helena Island, SC to host the "Gullah/ Geechee Land & Legacy Black Family Gathering" on Saturday, February 3rd at Noon at the historic Brick Baptist Church which is part of the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park in the Penn Center National Landmark Historic District. Attendees will

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Logan LAW FIRM

dine on Gullah/Geechee cuisine while being a part of a historic Black land ownership dialogue entitled "From St. Helena to Sapelo" with Dr. Amir Jamal Toure and Town Councilwoman Bridgette Frazier, Elder Carlie Towne and others. A tour of the historic district will conclude the event. Funds will benefit the Gullah/Geechee Land & Legacy Fund. Tickets can be purchased on EventBrite, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gullahgeecheeland-legacy-black-family-gathering-tickets791706223627?aff= oddtdtcreator Those attending the event will proceed to the 2nd Annual Savannah-Chatham Gullah/Geechee Grand African Ball in Savannah, GA that evening. The event is being hosted by 2 Chefs Gullah/Geechee Restaurant of Savannah, GA. Queen Quet will provide the keynote address entitled "Gullah/ Geechee Art of Survival from Carolinas to Florida" as part of the anniversary celebration of Franklintown on Amelia Island in Florida on Wednesday, February 21st at 6 pm.

De Gullah/Geechee Famlee gwine close um out een Chucktown. The

concluding event for the month of celebration will be the annual "Gullah Black History Experience" at the Pure Theater in Charleston, SC from Noon to 3 pm on Saturday, February 24th. The event features Queen Quet, Elder Carlie Towne, Gullah/ Geechee artists Quadré Stuckey, Gullah Sweetgrass Baskets, Naturally Geechee and Deninufay Drummers and Dancers.

Gullah/Geechee books, arts, crafts and cuisine will be available at all events in the

Gloria Dalvini Studio #11

Atelier Off Bay 14 art galleries and studios open to the public

Real Estate Closings • Titles • Deeds Impeccable Reputation • Reasonable Fees

Henri Ann Logan Attorney

email: henriann@loganlawfirm.com

www.loganlawfirm.com 806 Charles Street • Beaufort, SC 29901 • 843 524-0042

Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment (843) 379-0186 203 West Street, Historic Beaufort

Gullah/Geechee Nation. Make sure to come out and support the Gullah/Geechee business owners and artisans. Bring an open and uplifting spirit along with your drums and tambourines.

For more info about any of these events, email the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition at GullGeeCo@aol.com. E gwine be a time!

Webe Gullah/Geechee Anointed Peepol!

Lun mo bout who webe www.gullahgeecheenation.com

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More coverage and content at LowcountryWeekly.com 14

Human Library Looking for a Few Good Books ‘Septima’ at USCB Center for the Arts

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he fourth edition of the Beaufort Human Library will be held as a free public event on the afternoon of Sunday, April 7, opening day of National Library Week.

The program is hosted in partnership between the Technical College of the Lowcountry, the Pat Conroy Literary Center, the Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization (DAYLO), and community organizers and volunteers.

We’ve all heard the old adage “you can’t judge a book by its cover.” A human library is an opportunity to check out a person instead of a book and share stories to foster greater empathy and

understanding in our community. Look for additional details to be posted soon on the Beaufort Human Library Facebook and Instagram pages.

The planning committee is now recruiting individuals who have overcome stereotypes, prejudices, or adversity, and are willing to share their stories as “Books” (storytellers) for the Beaufort Human Library project.

Interested? Learn more and apply by February 16 to be a “Book” at https:// forms.gle/cCgSvRAfLDP2DdYB6 or through the Beaufort Human Library’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/beauforthumanlibrary

Tues - Sun: 11am-9pm

U

SCB Center for the Arts, in partnership with PURE Theatre of Charleston, presents Septima, a play about the life of civil rights and voting rights activist, teacher, and LWVCA member, Septima Clark. The play premiered in Charleston on March 9, 2023, and ran through April 1, 2023. The play was written by Dr. Patricia Williams Dockery.

It’s the day of Septima Clark’s 125 birthday.

As the City of Charleston prepares to celebrate, Septima, with the help of some old friends, reflects not only on her work as a Civil Rights leader and educator, but the moments of her

T

life that shaped her into one of the most important figures in American history, and inspired Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to name her the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.”

The performance will run February 9 at 7:30 pm and February 11th at 3 pm. Tickets are $35 for adults, $25 for seniors and military, and $10 for students and may be purchased online or by calling the CFA Box Office at 843-5214145. The USCB Center for the Arts is wheelchair accessible, with free parking next to the theater. For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit us online at www.USCBCenterForTheArts.com

.{ Opinion, Arts, Culture, Lifestyle, Cuisine }.

More coverage and content at LowcountryWeekly.com 15

Transatlantic Musings I am in a dither right now. At least, more than usual. I am preparing to present a webinar on zoom for an international audience of horticulturists and garden enthusiasts.

Since most of the participants will be from the United Kingdom it is necessary do some conversion in temperature, measurements, and spelling. Most of the world uses the Celsius temperature format while we use Fahrenheit.

I also need to exchange feet for meters and mind that I use the “King’s English” for spelling.

While preparing for this zoom meeting, I have been musing about the other differences between the United States and the U.K as far as gardening is concerned. To my mind the most striking distinction is that Britain has only one over-seeing horticultural organization and that is the RHS or Royal Horticultural Society founded in 1804 in London. The RHS administers almost all gardening activities within the U.K. It has research facilities, maintains large gardens open to the public, promotes horticulture through its flower shows, runs a competition called Britain in Bloom, and has numerous educational programs (or programmes to be correct). The RHS publishes a monthly magazine simply called “The Garden.” I subscribe and it is fascinating in all regards in keeping me up to date with the latest research and new varieties.

The RHS also awards certain plants an Award of Garden Merit (AGM) which means that it meets certain standards such as viability, disease resistance, and sustainability in that it is not invasive and provides either aesthetic or ecological value.

We have no such organization in the United States. Although we do have horticultural societies such as the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society founded in 1827, these only deal with a certain city or region. Instead, we have University Extension Services. The Extension services were begun in the late 1800’s by various acts of Congress and used land grant universities to bring educational services to farmers, ranchers, and home gardeners at the local county level. Our land grant university is Clemson and our local Extension Service that serves Beaufort and Jasper counties is located at 18 John Galt Road in Beaufort. Each state has its own land grant university that offers extension services, has research facilities, and courses in various agricultural and

Chelsea flower show

horticultural fields. Each state is different in its focus. South Carolina might emphasize crops and other plants that can be and are grown here. On the other hand, Ohio State University obviously is not concerned with growing cotton. Master Gardener training classes are held in each state and conform to that state’s growing conditions. You cannot earn a Master Gardener’s Certification in one state and automatically transfer it to another.

Because the United States is so large with so many growing zones, the state system seems to work although there is not a central organization other than the U.S. Department of Agriculture to coordinate horticulture and research nationwide. Instead of awarding a certificate of a merit to a plant, we have a private organization named the Perennial Plant Association that awards the Perennial Plant of the Year Award to only one plant each year. You will notice that plant catalogs might list something as a PPA Plant of the Year.

They also are beginning to indicate whether a plant is also an AGM. Alas, our fragmented system does not allow for large flower shows like Chelsea.

Chelsea is a truly awe -inspiring experience featuring plant vendors under the world’s largest tent – the size of a football field (see photo). There are show gardens all vying for a coveted Gold Medal. The reigning monarch and dignitaries have their own day to visit.

I have been fortunate to go twice and have tickets for this year’s show which is always

By Wendy Hilty held the third week in May when gardens look their best. Chelsea is not the only flower show sponsored by the RHS. There are several others all designed to bring educational awareness of horticulture to the British public. Here, we must do what we can do on our local level.

And do it, we try. We will probably never be as “garden mad” as the Brits, but in our own way our Lowcountry Master Gardeners Association tries to educate and enlighten the public on the joys of gardening in a

sustainable and ecologically sound way. And there are Master Gardeners all over the country who work hard at their craft and spread the word. Education is key. Don’t be afraid to visit the Clemson Home and Garden website (https://hgic.clemson.edu/) or stop by our Extension office for advice. They will do an analysis of your soil or diagnose a plant disease or pest. You do not have to be a cotton farmer to use our Extension Office although if you are, they will help you with that as well. Cheers!

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.

Post your ad and reach ALL of Beaufort County

Classifieds TO RENT or OWN

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.

CLASSES & SEMINARS FREE HYPNOSIS INFORMATION PRESENTATION and guided group meditation workshop. This free session will focus on anxiety reduction and relaxation. Open to the public, Tuesday, November 14th at 7 pm EST via Zoom. 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 Knitting/Crochet Club 1st Tuesdays @ 2:30; Line Dance Class 1st & 3rd Thursdays @ 3:30; Basic Computer Skills Class Wednesdays @ 9; Hoopla Class 2nd Mondays @ 10 and 4th Wednesdays @ 4; Escape Quest Games daily during library hours; Dungeon & Dragons Teen Club Mondays @ 4; Teen Art Club 1st & 3rd Tuesdays @ 4; Teen Anime Club 2nd & 4th Tuesdays @ 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 is offering 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 at the Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd. 6-9pm. Carolina Shag Lessons with Tommy & Sheri O'Brien and others. Occasional Ballroom and once a month Line Dance is taught. Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced lessons. Beginner classes in Jan., Mar, May, and Sep. 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 MAYE RIVER QUILTERS meets 1st Saturday of Every Month, at Palmetto Electric Cooperative, 1 Cooperative Way, Hardeeville. Members meet at 9:30am for social exchange. The meeting starts at 10 am. We welcome new members. Please call 843-707-6034. \

Community Announcements & Classes are FREE Merchandise · Employment • Rental Property • FSBO Automobiles · Motorcycles • Boats • Pets $25 Up to 25 Words • $35 Up to 25 Words with a Photo

To place your ad call 843-986-9059 or email: Amanda@LCWeekly.com am and 1:00 pm. 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 is open to the public Monday through Sunday from dawn to dusk.

For more Information visit www.forttremont. org or contact Passive Parks manager Stefanie Nagid at snagid@bcgov.net

COAST GUARD AUXILIARY, Flotilla 07-10-01, COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS US Port Royal Sound, a uniformed, all volunteer

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 843-473-3939 or smilliken@carishealthcare.com SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY: Non-denominational meditation, silent prayer and healing group forming. All welcome. No previous meditation experience needed. Call Michael 843-489-8525 HABITAT RESTORE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS We're looking for volunteers for cashiers, sales floor associates, donation processing, donor data entry, and donor ambassadors. Interested? Go to lowcountryhabitat.org/volunteer or call 843-525-0055.

KARAOKE AT THE MOOSE Sing with us Thursday evenings at The Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd.

7:30-10:30pm. Brought to you by #top6entertainment Mardi & Dennis Topcik. The Moose is a family friendly place and Thursdays are also Pizza Night!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Calhoun Station Thrift Store in Bluffton. All funds generated are returned to other nonprofits in the community. Store is open Wed & Sat 10am to 1pm and located at 77 Pritchard St. Volunteers can stop by store or contact Cate Taylor, 843-310-0594 or catetaylor@frontier.com VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for HELP of Beaufort, 1810 Ribaut Road. 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 are 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. From 10am to 2pm Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm at the Fort Fremont History Center at the Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land's End Road, St. Helena Island is open.

Docent-led tours are every Saturday at 11:00

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 visit us 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 www.beauforttoastmastersclub.org FREE ACUPUNCTURE FOR VETERANS – Veterans, Active Duty, Transition. Their Families and First Responders are Eligible. First & Third Wednesday 4 - 6pm. Walk In Clinic. No Need to Pre-Register or Call. Nourishing Health Acupuncture and Herbs Clinic. 1214 Prince Street, Downtown Beaufort VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for a few hours each week at St. Francis Thrift Shop. Open Tuesday thru Saturday. Call 843-689-6563 or come in to speak with Mr. Hal. Definitely shop.

COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE Safe & effective centuries old healing system treats and prevents many health-related conditions. Experience individualized treatment in a peaceful group setting.

Sliding scale fee. Beaufort Acupuncture, 12 Fairfield Rd, 5B, Lady’s Island. For info and to schedule: (843) 694-0050 or www.BeaufortAcupuncture.com SECOND HELPINGS seeking Day Captains and other volunteers to crew our trucks distributing food to local charities. Flexible schedule at your convenience. Email officeadmin@secondhelpingslc.org AGAPE HOSPICE seeks volunteers to spend time bringing joy to our patients and families during​a difficult time. Activities include playing music, baking, arts and crafts, pet therapy, manicures, listening to stories, holding hands, etc. Provide companionship to the elderly who often feel lonely and unappreciated. Contact Ashlee Powers at 843-592-8453 or apowers@agapehospice. com VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for HELP of Beaufort.

Come join the team providing food, mobile meals, clothing and emergency financial assistance to those in need in our community. Open Mon-Fri 9:30-12:30. 2 Ice House Rd., Beaufort.

Call or email Jennifer 843-524-1223 or info@helpofbeaufort.org TIDEWATER 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., Thursdays, 10 Buckingham

S

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 I

INTERESTED IN HEALTHY EATING? Second Help-c ings, of Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper counties,f seeks committee members and chairperson for Healthy Food Program. Funding available to pro-a cure fresh produce and protein for the 60 food pantries and soup kitchens served by Second Helpings.

Contact Exec. Dir. Lili Coleman, 843-689-3616 orG execdirector@secondhelpingslc.org t 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 - Weds., 12:30pm, Senior Services of Beaufort, 1408 Paris Ave., Port Royal; Living with Alzheimer's - for those in very early stages - Mondays 1pm, Parsons Parlor, Carteret Street Methodist Church, 408 Carteret, Beaufort. Respite Programs: Social Day Program- 10am-1:45pm $40 Day Fee, Mon. at Cornerstone Christian Church, 2301 First Blvd., Beaufort, Weds. & Friday at Carteret Street Methodist Church, 408 Carteret St., Beaufort; In Home - Respite Aides available for 2 hr. minimum, $12$24. Early Memory Loss: Maintain Your Brain - 2nd & 4th Thursday, 10-11:30am, $10/person, $15 couple, Carteret Street Methodist Church, 408 Carteret St., Beaufort; Memory Screenings available call 843-5219190, free; Purple Haven Project - Educate local establishment staff 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 843815-6616 (Bluffton); 843-681-6655 (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 Tues & Fri 11:30am-1pm at 114 Beach City Rd., Hilton Head. Donations of food and funds needed. For info: Rev. Dr. Nannette Pierson at 843715-3583 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 Family Graduation Days. Closed all Federal Holidays. Info at parrisislandmuseum.org or 843-228-2166.

MEDICAL SERVICES OF AMERICA SEEKS VOLUNTEERS - Volunteers needed for companionship or skills like yard work, music, and crafts to patients and their families or assist in the office with admin tasks.

Volunteers needed in Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper counties. For info contact 843-322-0063.

CHRIST CENTERED RECOVERY MEETINGS At Praise Assembly Church Fridays for “Celebrate Recovery”, addressing life’s problems and looking to scripture for solutions. Meal at 6pm; Praise and Worship 6:30pm; Small Groups at 7pm. 800 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort. Info at 205-4753600 or 303-521-1891.

.{ Opinion, Arts, Culture, Lifestyle, Cuisine }.

More coverage and content at LowcountryWeekly.com 17

Stance in Circumstance Artist Alvin Glen at Coastal Discovery Museum

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he Coastal Discovery Museum, in conjunction with the Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association (NIBCAA), presents Alvin Glen: Stance in Circumstance in the Sea Island Gallery through March 12, 2024. The collaboration with NIBCAA highlights the featured artist of the Gullah Celebration’s annual Arts Ob We People exhibition.

On February 28, at 2:30 pm, in the gallery, Glen will be discussing his paintings and the stories that inspired them, as part of the

museum’s Discovery Lecture Series. Admission is $7. Register at Discovery Lecture Series.

“Our new exhibition reflects our deepening partnership with NIBCAA and our efforts to expand the reach of the Gullah Celebration Festival,” said Elizabeth Greenberg, director of exhibitions at the Coastal Discovery Museum.

"I am delighted to have Alvin Glen as our featured artist this year,” said Angela Dore, curator at NIBCAA, which has hosted the Gullah Celebration since 1996. “Alvin’s unique style and storytelling capability

fosters a deep, engaging connection with the viewer and his documentation of history offers a vivid, emotional record of social narratives and societal shifts."

Stance in Circumstance illustrates moments in South Carolina’s history, connecting them to the personal stories of those who experienced them firsthand. “The people in my images are strong, dedicated to work and each other. They are spiritual, flowing with compassion and empathy,” said Glen, a native of Dorchester, SC.

Among his awards, Glen was a winner of the Charleston Artist Guild Exhibit Award and Best in Show at the Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit. He earned a Bachelor of Science Arts Education from South Carolina State College and taught visual arts in Dorchester County schools for 43 years.

Gallery hours are Monday - Saturday, 9am to 4:30pm, and Sunday, 11am to 3pm.

Located at 70 Honey Horn Dr., Hilton Head, the Coastal Discovery Museum is free and open to the public.

Concierge by Alvin Glen

Can’t Beat Our View!

Beaufort’s Largest Covered Waterfront Patio Tuesday - Sunday 11am-4pm

Karen Richards & Kristie Schubert

Come Hungry . . . Leave Full

910 Port Republic Street Tuesday - Saturday 11-5 843-812-9460 nevermorebooks.com

January 5 ~ February 28

913 Bay Street • 843.521.4444 www.beaufortartassociation.com

Featuring Award Winning BBQ & Southern Cuisine 822 Bay St. • Beaufort • 843-524-7771 www.Q www.

Q onBay.com

BEAUFORT/PORT ROYAL Foolish Frog, 846 Sea Island Pkwy, St. Helena Island. (843) 838-9300. Foolish Frog on Facebook

Castle, 2/10 Big Bubble Rave, 2/14 The Midnight City - Emo Valentine Show, 2/15 Ian Asher, 2/16 Emo Night Brooklyn, 2/17 Gimme Gimme Disco.

(843) 408-1599 or www.musicfarm.com

Center in Ridgeland. Artist Susan Lenz uses hundreds of anonymous vintage photographs, letters, and printed materials to form a societal family tree. www.morrisheritagecenter.org

The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy, Charleston. 2/1 Sicard Hollow, 2/2 Same As It Ever Was - Talking Heads tribute, 2/3 A Bob Marley Birthday Celebration with Ric Mystic, Zandrina Dunning, Well Charged, more, 2/4 Elizabeth Moen, 2/6 Emily Nenni, 2/8 SWV vs. Jodeci, 2/9 Dilla vs Doom - A psychedelic tribute to J Dilla & MF Doom, 2/10 The Thing; The Simplicity, 2/13 Maybank Mardi Gras tribute to The Meters, 2/14 Kay Kay's Super Gay Valentines Day, 2/15, 2/16 & 2/17 Big Something; The Ries Brothers; Skip'Lo; Yam Yam. (843) 5714343 or www.charlestonpourhouse.com

Now – 2/29, Going Wild in the Lowcountry, featuring works by Karen Richards and Kristie Schubert at the Beaufort Art Association Gallery, 913 Bay Street, Beaufort. Opening reception Fri 1/5, 5-8pm.

Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms. 2/2 What's Up Chuck, 2/3 Cowboy Mouth; Anergy, 2/9 Lovesong - The Cure tribute, 2/10 Frank Foster, 2/17 Pocket Full of Shells - Rage Against the Machine tribute. (843) 886-8596 or www.thewindjammer.com

Luther’s Rare & Well Done, 910 Bay Street. (843) 521-1888 or www.luthersrareandwelldone.com Q on Bay, 822 Bay St, Beaufort. (843) 524-7771 or www.qonbay.com

2/1 – 4/26, Heart to Heart, a new art exhibit by the Artists of Sea Pines at the Sea Pines Community Center. Opening reception 2/1, 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Ten % of every sale will be donated to Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) on Hilton Head Island. 71 Lighthouse Road (next to the fitness center) in Sea Pines Shopping Center.

BLUFFTON/HILTON HEAD Big Bamboo, Coligny Plaza. (843) 686-3443 or www.bigbamboocafe.com

Omni Hilton Head Ocean Front in Palmetto Dunes. Buoy Bar - HH Prime - (843) 842-8000 or www.omnihotels.com

OUT OF TOWN The Music Farm, 32 Ann Street, Charleston. 2/1 Tony Jack's Glow Party, 2/2 & 2/3 The Stews; Easy Money 2/8 Hannah Wicklund; The High Divers, 2/9 G. Love & Special Sauce; Jakobs

Now – 3/29, Celebrating Black Mermaids, an exhibit of black mermaid art by award-winning artists from across the US at USCB Center for the Arts. Opening reception, Fri 1/19, 6-8pm. Mermaid Artist Fair & Film Screenings, Sat 1/20, 124pm. Meet the Curator, Tues 1/27, 12-3pm. Closing Event/Water Blessing Fri 3/29, 5-7 pm. All events are free and open to the public.

Fri 2/9, Nancy Patrick Carney artist of the month reception, during Winter Art Walk 3 -7pm. Pluff Mudd Art Gallery, 27 Calhoun Street, Bluffton.

Saltus River Grill, 802 Bay St, Beaufort. (843) 3793474 or www.saltusrivergrill.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. 1/31 Lavon Stevens, 2/2 & 2/3 Lionel Cole & the Cole Legacy Band, 2/7 Bobby Ryder, 2/9 & 2/10 The Dan Wilson Quartet, 2/14 Lavon Stevens with Terry Grant, 2/16 & 2/17 Ricardo Ochoa and Acoustic Office. (843) 842-8620 or www.TheJazzCorner.com

Now – 3/24, Intimate Oceans: Coral in Contemporary Art at Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head. 70 Honey Horn Dr., Hilton Head. 843-689-6767. www.coastaldiscovery.org

Thur 2/1, Chalk It Up! Application Deadline.

Chalk Art Festival to be held 3/23 – 3/24 in Beaufort’s Freedman Arts District. To submit an application visit www.FreedmanArtsDistrict.org

Rosie O’Gradys Irish Pub, in Beaufort Town Center. Irish American Sports Pub & Eatery.

C'mon down! Rock & Roll Lunch. Mondays-25% off Burgers! Tuesdays – 25% off Shrimp & Chips Baskets! Wednesdays-25% off Philly Cheese Steaks!

Wednesdays, Friday & Saturday - Karaoke. (843) 3797676 or Rosie's on Facebook

Captain Woody’s, 6 Target Rd., Hilton Head or 17 State of Mind St., Bluffton. www.captainwoodys. com

Now – 3/12, Alvin Glen: Stance In Circumstance exhibit at Coastal Discovery Museum. 2/ 28, at 2:30 pm, Glen will discuss his paintings and the stories that inspired them, as part of the museum’s Discovery Lecture Series. Admission is $7.

Editors Note: Events listed here may be subject to postponement or cancellation.

Please check for further information.

THEATER/FILM/DANCE 2/9 & 2/11, “Septima,” a play about the life of civil rights and voting rights activist, teacher, and LWVCA member, Septima Clark. At USCB Center for the Arts in Beaufort. 2/9 at 7:30 pm and 2/11 at 3pm. Tickets are $35 for adults, $25 for seniors & military, $ for students. Call 843-521-4145 or visit www.uscbcenterforthearts.com 2/20 – 2/25, 18th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival. At USCB Center for the Arts. This year’s festival will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Forrest Gump. For a full schedule of events and ticket information, visit www.beaufortfilmfestival. com

GALLERIES/ART Now – 2/10, Anonymous Ancestors at Morris

2/5 – 3/3 – SOBA Annual Student Art Show.

Featuring artwork from 3 participating high schools. Opening reception from 3-5 p.m. on 2/11 at the SOBA gallery, located at 6 Church Street in Old Town Bluffton.

BOOKS & WRITERS Thur 2/1, Novelist Jeffrey Blount (Mr. Jimmy from Around the Way), in conversation with novelist Rebecca Dwight Bruff (Trouble the Water). Free and open to the public, the Pat Conroy Literary Center will host this event at and in collaboration with the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce, 711 Bladen St, from 5-7pm. A reception will follow the presentation, with books available for sale and signing through the Beaufort Bookstore. Register in advance at https://aneveningwithjeffreyblount. eventbrite.com Sat 2/10, Editing Basics Workshop at the Pat Conroy Literary Center. Led by author, editor, and publisher Leslie Rindoks, from 10:00 am. to noon. Registration is $40/person at https://editingbasicsforauthors.eventbrite.com

MUSIC

Sat 2/3, No Fuss and Feathers will perform folk and Americana music at Music on Malphrus at 7pm. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry, 110 Malphrus Road, Bluffton. 843-837-3330.

Wed 2/14, Early Americana music performed by local musician Vic Varner with Charleston musicians John Oden & Ann Oden, at Panini’s on the Waterfront in downtown Beaufort. At 6 and 7:30 pm.

2/29 – 3/4, BravoPiano! 2024, Hilton Head’s triennial international piano competition, featuring 4 performances. For more information and tickets, visit www.hhipc.org or call 843-842-2055

OTHER EVENTS

Sat 2/3, Gullah/Geechee Land & Legacy Black Family Gathering, featuring Queen Quet. Noon at the historic Brick Baptist Church on St. Helena.

Attendees will dine on Gullah/Geechee cuisine while being a part of a historic Black land ownership dialogue entitled "From St. Helena to Sapelo" with Dr. Amir Jamal Toure and Town Councilwoman Bridgette Frazier, Elder Carlie Towne and others. A tour of the historic district will conclude the event. Funds will benefit the Gullah/Geechee Land & Legacy Fund. Tickets available at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/gullahgeechee-land-legacyblack-family-gathering-tickets-791706223627?aff= oddtdtcreator

2/20 – 2/21, 4th Annual Oyster Festival in Downtown Beaufort. For more information, visit www.beaufortoysterfestival.com

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.

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.

Third Thursday, TECHconnect is a monthly networking event for professionals working in and around technology. Come and join on the for the conversation at BASEcamp 500 Carteret 5:307:30pm. 843-470-3506. www.beaufortdigital.com

Thursdays, History Tours of Fort Mitchell by the 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 enjoying some unique and noteworthy trees.

Takes about an hour and is a little over a mile, starting at the corner of Craven & Carteret Streets and ending in Waterfront Park. Booklets with a map and info about each tree available FREE at the Visitors Center in the historic Arsenal on Craven Street.

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820 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902

843.521.4200 $859,000

$284,500

$990,000

$360,000

CAT ISLAND | MLS 183493

MARSH HARBOR | MLS 183486

NEWPOINT | MLS 183488

PORT ROYAL | MLS 183029

$699,000

$339,000

$1,895,000

$995,000

CARRIAGE COURT | MLS 182664

TRADEWINDS PLANTATION

LUXURY NEW CONSTRUCTION

CAT ISLAND | MLS 182877

$565,000

$75,000

$985,000

$649,000

ROYAL PINES | MLS 181466

BERMUDA BLUFF | MLS 181793

NEWPOINT | MLS 182418

MOSSY OAKS | MLS 182853

3BDRM | 2.5B | 2150sqft Bryan Gates 843.812.6494

2BDRM | 2.5B | 1679sqft | Water View Trea Tucker 843.812.4852

2BDRM | 2.5B | 1745sqft | Inground Pool Amy McNeal 843.521.7932

3BDRM | 3B | 1501sqft | Pond View Paige Walling 843.812.8470

MLS 183292 | 3BDRM | 2.5B | 1512sqft Wayne Webb 843.812.5203

1.26acre Homesite Waterfront Community with Dock Scott Sanders 843.263.1284

4BDRM | 4B | 3470sqft | Community Dock Sara Miller 1.540.209.5434

MLS 174090 | 3BDRM | 3.5+B | Water Views Elevator | Secured Parking Edward Dukes 843.812.5000 www.1105baystreet.com

4BDRM | 3.5B | 3434sqft | Community Dock Colleen Baisley 843.252.1066 www.23Newpoint.com

3BDRM | 2B | 1645sqft Trudy Arthur 843.812.0967 Nancy Butler 843.384.5445

5BDRM | 5B | 3066sqft Julia O’Hara 1.201.456.8620

.60acre Homesite | Deep Water Dock Permit in Hand Lloyd Williams 1.843.754.4735

www.LowcountryRealEstate.com