Lowcountry Weekly April 24 – May 7

The image on our cover is "Oriole" by wildlife artist Jo Dye, from her exhibit "Now & Then," coming to the the Art League Gallery in mid-May. For more information, see our story on page 11.

Confessions of a Journalist RANTS

Irecently reconnected with an old friend from college – somebody I hadn’t seen or heard from in over 35 years. A mutual friend of ours had told her about this column, and she’d started reading it online. After my last one, she felt compelled to reach out via email. Her note was delightful, and so touching, and included the following:

“After reading your last column on running out of things to say, I wanted to encourage you to be gentle with yourself.

Everything you are doing involves giving of yourself and sharing yourself with others.” Gulp. It’s amazing what a few kind words can do to turn your whole day around. I wrote back in gratitude, asking about the last several decades of her life and catching her up on mine. I mentioned that, along with Lowcountry Weekly – which is mainly arts, entertainment and culture-focused – my husband and I had also been publishing a more traditional local newspaper, The Island News, for the past five years.

She emailed me back, saying, “I fully believe that local, independent journalists are holding our democracy and our last shreds of truth and intelligent conversation in their hands. You are a hero, Margaret.”

Well, those words just about did me in. I literally felt tears stinging my eyes. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed – ahem – but journalists aren’t the most popular people these days. “Hero” is not a word often applied to us.

Much of the time, I don’t even like us. I’ve written reams about mainstream media bias, the resulting rise of conservative media (also biased, but openly so), and the divisions roiling this country, thanks, in no small part, to journalists and their/our ongoing failure to report the news fairly.

The more I learn about human psychology, the more I wonder if objective journalism is even possible. Everyone has their biases, and the best you can do is to recognize yours and try to adjust for them when reporting a story.

Mainly an opinion columnist, I don’t do much reporting, myself. But even with this column, I am always hyper-aware of my biases, always trying to push back against them. Ironically, I think my strongest bias – and this drives people crazy – is against strong bias. I have a deep-seated natural prejudice against gung-ho partisanship and ideological fervor. I have to actively fight that prejudice – and ignore the voice in my head that constantly asks “but what about . . . ?” – in order to pick a side on any given issue, which people expect you to do when you call yourself an opinion columnist. It’s a vexation, and I often fail.

Which leads some folks to accuse me of “not standing for anything.” Or of “having no position.”

They’re wrong. I do have a position. It’s typically very near the middle. And almost everybody standing well to my left, or well to my right, feels like an extremist to me. It’s just my nature.

So, yeah. I’m strongly biased against strong bias. But at least I know it.

On a related note, there was a big story in the news, about the news, last week. A longtime editor at NPR published an essay on Bari Weiss’ Free Press website, taking his employer to task in a very public way.

The Free Press headline read: I’ve been at NPR for 25 Years. Here’s How We Lost America’s Trust. The subhead read: Uri Berliner, a veteran at the public radio institution, says the network lost its way when it started telling listeners how to think.

In the article, Berliner writes:

“It’s true NPR has always had a liberal bent, but during most of my tenure here, an open-minded, curious culture prevailed. We were nerdy, but not knee-jerk, activist, or scolding.

“In recent years, however, that has changed. Today, those who listen to NPR or read its coverage online find something different: the distilled worldview of a very small segment of the U.S. population.”

He then goes into detail about several major news stories – including Russiagate, the Covid pandemic, and Hunter Biden’s laptop –that NPR got wrong, or at least partly wrong, due to what he describes as a kind of well-intentioned “groupthink.”

None of this came as a surprise to me – nor to anybody who reads independent news sources –but it was fascinating to hear an insider’s take.

I posted the article on my Facebook page,

saying, “As a longtime NPR fan, I find this essay both heartbreaking and inspiring. I'm heartbroken over what's happened to NPR, but inspired by the courage and honesty of this ‘company man’ of 25 years who still loves his job, his colleagues, and good journalism. Maybe there's hope yet.”

An interesting discussion thread ensued. And when I say “interesting,” I really mean “textbook.”

The conservatives in the thread mostly thought Berliner’s piece was “too little, too late.” The progressives bristled at his analysis and roundly rejected it. The moderates, like me, loved the piece. For us, it rang true to our own experience of NPR in recent years, and we found Berliner brave for writing it while still employed there.

I did wonder, however, if he could possibly keep his job. By the end of the day, the predictable backlash had begun, and two days later he was suspended without pay.

A couple of days after that, Berliner resigned.

One woman in our Facebook discussion remarked that newspapers are always slanted, and that they always “reflect the owner’s views.” I could only laugh at that comment. It may be true of big city papers, but certainly not of The Island News. My husband and I have very little to do with what gets reported in our paper, or how, week in and week out. That’s our editor’s job. He does it well and we trust him implicitly.

The opinion page definitely doesn’t reflect this owner’s views; in fact, most weeks it’s too leftward-slanting for my taste. Then again, with my strong bias against strong bias, any slant would bug me. My fantasy opinion page would reflect a perfectly balanced mix of views – right, left, and center – but we just haven’t found the right (emphasis on “right”) blend of local columnists yet. We’re always on the lookout.

The truth is, while journalism is essential to a healthy democracy, most journalists are neither heroes nor villains. We’re just normal, well-meaning, flawed human beings, doing the best we can. Like you.

Margaret Evans is the editor of Lowcountry Weekly. She has been writing her award winning column, Rants & Raves,

Donna Varner at Pluff Mudd Gallery

This month Pluff Mudd Art Gallery celebrates the creative contemporary art of Donna Varner as its Artist of the Month.

Donna Varner is a mixed media artist, and a ten-year veteran of Pluff Mudd Art. Her formal education is in business (MBA, PhD from Ohio State). Prior to moving south from Columbus, Ohio, she had careers in retail merchandising and academia. In 2004 she left the business world to follow her muse. She has since traveled down a creative path that began with photography and expanded into other mediums.

Donna's art is experimental in nature and reflects her affinity for depth and texture. Visually complex, cerebral, and colorful, the art invites contemplation. The more you look, the more you see.

As a mixed media artist, the mediums that she mixes include painted collage papers, acrylic paints, various inks, photographs, graphite, and collected ephemera. Her methods incorporate painting, drawing, gluing, sanding, scraping, scribing, burning, and an abundance of experimentation — whatever her muses and the artwork move her to do. Her process is very much in-themoment, where art and artist are in a dia-

logue. The result is artwork with deep history that invites you to discover its soul.

Donna has exhibited at local arts festivals and juried exhibitions, at ArtFields, Lake City, SC, and locally with Les Bonnes Artistes and the Art Beyond Tradition Group. She is currently exhibiting at USC-Beaufort, Center for the Arts with the Art Beyond Tradition Group. In addition to being a member of Pluff Mudd Art, she also shows her work at the Art League of Hilton Head.

Visit Pluff Mudd Art throughout May to see Donna’s work. Stop in on May 14 and 25 when she will be on duty. Meet the artist, learn about her process, and see her art in person. The more you look the more you see.

The Pluff Mudd Gallery is at 27 Calhoun Street, Bluffton. t

Lady’s Island Garden Club Celebrates 50 Years

Lady’s Island Garden Club was formed as a civic-minded club working to provide education and beauty to our community and enriching its people by offering opportunities to learn what's unique in the Lowcountry for her citizens and visitors.

Our most important project, started in 2008, is The Beaufort Tree Walk that takes place in the Historic Old Point area. The newly revamped Walk is offered free to the public. The self-guided Walk booklet is available at the Visitors Center in the Arsenal, and the experience can be enjoyed at leisure anytime.

As part of its charter as a Federated Garden Club to provide an on-going service to the Lowcountry community and in celebration of our 50th anniversary, the club has invited Louisa Pringle Cameron, a native of Charleston and a notable author on Southern gardens, to Beaufort.

Besides being a local Lowcountry author of three pictorial books about Southern Garden gems rarely seen by the public, Louisa is a lifetime gardener and artist.

On Friday, June 7th, at 2 pm, she will share stories about the history of some of these hidden treasures of Charleston. She will speak of landscape design and utilizing what is originally part of the area to the best advantage, such as trees, background views, house location etc. Even an experienced gardener needs professional expertise, as she herself admits in her books.

The gardens Ms. Cameron will talk about are generally ‘in town’ lot size and their unique problems of trying to utilize the space to its best potential is a keynote to the understanding of classic Southern gardening.

To be able to take a minimum size parcel, design and plant it to appear larger and have greater interest in the eye of the beholder, is an art unto itself. Ms. Cameron, with

Quality Care for All Your Dental Needs

her perceptive background and artistic abilities will bring a special level of knowledge to this program.

Several years ago, the University of South Carolina Press asked her to write another book. This book, Charleston: City of Gardens will include private gardens on the peninsula, parks, and cemeteries, as well

as a few gardens outside the Historic District. Her program here in Beaufort on Friday, June 7th, will be on this subject –Exploring the Historic Lowcountry Gardens of Charleston. Tickets for this event are $30 and may be purchased by sending a check made out to Lady’s Island Garden Club to K. Pitman, PO Box 1258, Beaufort, SC 29901. Tickets by check will be Will Call. Tickets may also be purchased online by going to Eventbrite.com/Louisa Pringle Cameron and clicking on the link to purchase tickets. More information is available at http://ladysislandgardenclub.com

Louisa Pringle Cameron's

Lizzie Lynn & Her Dancing Ants

Children’s author Lizzie B. Lynn will be in the Lowcountry on Saturday, May 11th, reading from her book Dancing Ants & Other Silly Poems for Kids.

Dancing Ants is just one of 15 delightful poems featured in this charming book. Accompanied by hilarious watercolor illustrations, each preposterous poem will have children giggling out loud! From a group of ants dancing their way into a picnic, to an ice cream stealing horse, to a gladiator who’d rather sleep than fight, each silly scenario will have children clamoring to read it again!

Dancing Ants also includes fun facts and creative writing prompts for an additional educational advantage.

Having worked many years in higher education, music and communications, Lizzie B. Lynn is a writer and accomplished musician who loves traveling, animals, spending time with family and friends and exploring the outdoors. Dancing Ants is her second book.

Lizzie Lynn and her Dancing Ants will visit the Beaufort Bookstore (2021 Boundary

Gilbert

Street, Beaufort) from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm, and the Storybook Shoppe (Tanger 2, Suite A190, Bluffton) from 2 – 4 pm, on Saturday, May 11th.

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

Dawn Shipsey dawn@dcgilbert.com

Johanna Graham johanna@dcgilbert.com

Kathy Crowley kathy@dcgilbert.com

Kaitlyn Kintz reception@dcgilbert.com

Derek C. Gilbert derek@dcgilbert.com

Melissa R. Wicker melissa@dcgilbert.com

Sam Bailey samuel@dcgilbert.com

Camp Conroy’s Coming!

n the 2004 Pat Conroy Cookbook, Pat Conroy describes his “Bill Dufford Summer” spent between his junior and senior years on the campus of Beaufort High School. It was a transformative summer for Pat, of which he wrote, “I had everything—the best summer of my life.” That has been and remains the goal of the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center’s Camp Conroy, to give young writers and artists the best summers of their lives.

Smalls Leadership Academy on June 10 to 21, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a closing reading on the final day of camp.

The $325 registration fee for Camp Conroy includes two weeks of instruction, camp activities, and healthy daily snacks. Students must bring their own lunches and drinks each day. (This is a day camp; overnight lodging and meals are not included.) After the camp, participants will each receive a copy of their published anthology.

Camp Conroy is a two-week day camp build-a-book experience for young writers and artists, ages 9 to 14. Participants create independently and collaboratively as they research, write, illustrate, edit, design, and ultimately publish a book together. The 7th annual Camp Conroy will be held at Robert

Registration closes on May 15. A limited number of merit-based and need-based scholarships are available as well. To register a camper or to learn more about applying for or sponsoring a camper scholarship, please visit: https://camp conroy2024.eventbrite.com

SC Literary Hall of Fame Dinner in Beaufort

The South Carolina Academy of Authors (SCAA), in partnership with the Pat Conroy Literary Center, will hold its biennial induction weekend in Beaufort this May 3-5. The weekend includes author presentations, readings, and book signings—with its main event being a ticketed SC literary hall of fame induction dinner on Saturday, May 4, at 5:30 p.m., at the Beaufort Holiday Inn & Suites Conference Center (2225 Boundary St.) Buffet dinner with cash bar; tickets are $55 in advance. This year’s honorees are Marcus Amaker, William P. Baldwin, Harlan Greene, and the late Ann Head.

Marcus Amaker served as the first Poet Laureate of Charleston from 2016 to 2022. In 2019, he was honored with a Governor’s Arts award in South Carolina and was named the artist-in-residence of the Gaillard Center, a world-renowned performance and education venue. His tenth book is Hold What Makes You Whole. (Amaker is unable to attend the dinner and will appear in a video acceptance.)

Author & Educators Discuss ‘Working’

Lowcountry native William P. Baldwin is being recognized for his work in

poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. His best-known novel, The Hard to Catch Mercy, was awarded the Lillian Smith Book Award. Most recently, he has published The Unpainted South: Carolina’s Vanishing World, a collection of songs, photographs, and poems, as well as the novel Charles Town.

Harlan Greene has written both fiction and nonfiction, with a focus on Charleston. As an archivist and historian, he has worked to save and interpret the literary heritage of the state. His most recent work, The Real Rainbow Row: Explorations in Charleston’s LGBTQ History was published in 2022.

The SCAA will be posthumously celebrating fiction writer Ann Head (1915-1968). She published several novels as well as over 50 short stories and novelettes in major magazines both here and abroad. Her most famous, Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jones, was made into a TV movie and stayed in print for four decades. Head was also the first creative writing mentor to Pat Conroy (1945-2016), who was himself inducted into the literary hall of fame in 1988. (Head will be represented by her daughters Nancy Thode and Stacey Ahner.)

For a full schedule of the SCAA induction weekend’s free and ticketed events, and to register in advance for the May 4 SC hall of fame dinner in Beaufort, please visit: https:// scaa2024inductionweekend.eventbrite.com

The Beaufort Bookstore and the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center will host an evening with Mark Larson, awardwinning educator and author of Working in the 21st Century: An Oral History of American Work in a Time of Social and Economic Transformation, on Monday, April 29, at 5:00 p.m., at the Beaufort Bookstore (2127 Boundary St, #15, Beaufort). Larson will be in conversation with two of the interview subjects of his book, Dr. N’kia J. Campbell, officer of academic initiatives for the Beaufort County School District, and Bradley Tarrance, principal of Robert Smalls Leadership Academy.

Free and open to the public. Books will be available for sale and signing. Please call to reserve your seat in advance: 843-525-1066.

Esquire magazine has named Working in the 21st Century as One of the Best Books of 2024 (so far).

Author Mark Larson sits down with more than one hundred workers from across the socioeconomic spectrum as they share their experiences with work and what it has meant in their lives—the good, the bad, the mundane, and the profound. Doulas, firefighters, chefs, hairstylists, executives, actors, stay-at-home parents, and so many more talk about what they do all day and how it aligns (or doesn't) with what they want to be doing with their lives. The pandemic, the ensuing “Great Resignation,” and the current reckonings with racial justice are among the forces that are now upending and reshaping our longstanding relationships with work. Larson’s interviews display how these forces collide in the lives of average Americans as they tell their own stories with passion, heartbreak, and, ultimately, hope.

Working in the 21st Century asks why we show up—or don’t—to the jobs we’ve chosen, and how the upheaval of the past few years

has changed how we perceive the work we do. It will be released to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of Studs Terkel's 1974 classic Working.

Mark Larson is a Chicago-based writer and educator who holds a doctorate in educational leadership. Larson has worked at Evanston Township High School, the Field Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, and National Louis University. He is the author of two books on education and Ensemble: An Oral History of Chicago Theater, for which he conducted over 300 interviews with Chicago theater artists, past and present. He lives in Chicago with his wife, Mary. They have twin daughters and twin grandsons.

To learn more about the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center, please visit www. patconroyliterarycenter.org

Author and educator Mark Larson

Author William P. Baldwin

Writer Ann Head

Artistic ‘Edges’

Frank Gorman and Gary Korosi will be the featured artists at The Beaufort Art Association from April 29 – June 30, with an exhibit called ‘Edges.’

be strong or fearless. The edges of our lives provide a unique background, defining our personalities, preferences, and individual world views.

Whether it is an oil painting to

Edges, the outside limits, a border, a place farthest away from the center. We spend our lives in various stages of daylight and darkness – sunrise, sunset, twilight, afterglow, the golden hour, nocturnes. Those edges of the day and night all bring life to art. Edges can be soft or precise. Something “edgy” may

commemorate a meaningful event, or a charcuterie board on a table to bring people together, both artists – and their work – have philosophical edges, reminding us that life need not be tedious and boring, but can be interesting and exciting; that all of life can have purpose, beauty, and celebration.

Frank Gorman, a retired architect, has transitioned from international planning and design to putting local vistas on canvas. He now paints impressionistic landscapes, interesting wildlife, and cityscape nocturnes to interpret God’s marvelous creation in the Lowcountry. He is also current President of the Art Association.

Gary Korosi, a retired aerospace engineer, has moved from the skies to the workshop. His passion now lies in crafting vibrant and natural wood cutting boards. With meticulous attention to detail, he combines the precision of engineering with the artistry of woodworking. Each board is a canvas of rich hues and intricate patterns. His creations are practical while evoking beauty in the everyday act of slicing and serving.

Join the artists for an opening night reception on Friday, May 3 from 5-8pm, at the BAA Gallery, 913 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort.

‘Now & Then’

Jo Dye, a well-known wildlife artist, will display a collection Works by Jo Dye, on exhibit at Art League of Hilton depictions of wildlife alive with bright colors, excellent reflects my recent interest in color and texture and the freedom

Over the years, Dye has experimented in many scratchboard, and pen and ink. “My art is not stagnant but always are created from cut and torn paper; some were found, and collage is carefully chosen for its color and value.

Sea Turtle Sunrise by Frank Gorman

Bay Street Store Fronts, by Frank Gorman

Tucson by Gary Korosi

Color Block by Gary Korosi

League

collection of wildlife collages in Now & Then . . . Early and Current Hilton Head this spring. The collection consists of excellent composition, and surprising detail. “This collection freedom that collage represents.” media, including oils, acrylics, pastels, printmaking, always in transition.” These early and recent collage works some were created by Dye herself. Each addition to the

Dye’s long art career has included working as an artist for a large firm, starting a gallery, directing the Vienna Art League Gallery in Vienna, VA, and being president of the Reston Art Gallery in Reston, VA. While living in Hungary, she started an Englishspeaking docent group at the Budapest Museum of Fine Art.

Now & Then . . . runs May 14 through June 14. An opening reception will be held Wednesday, May 15, 5-7pm. Dye will also host a Gallery Walk on Thursday, May 30, 11am-12pm, where she will discuss her work, influences, and process. The exhibit, reception, and gallery walk are all free and open to the public.

A Gathering of Artists

AGathering of Artists,” a new show by the Artists of Sea Pines, will debut on Thursday, May 2 at the Sea Pines Community Center in the Shops of Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road. The public is invited to a free reception to meet and talk with the artists. Refreshments will be served.

Barbara Snow will be the Spotlight Artist and will be happy to discuss her techniques and sources of inspiration. Each reception attendee will be given a ticket with a suggested donation of $5 to the Sea Pines Forest Preserve for a chance to win a handsome painting by Barb. Ten percent of any art sold during the run of the show will go to the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. The show runs from May 2 to September 20.

Inspired by the beauty of Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry, the Artists of Sea Pines proudly donate 10% of their sales to worthy local organizations such as Volunteers in Medicine, Sea Turtle Trackers and the Sea Pines Forest Preserve Foundation, which supports conservation efforts to keep this natural wonder pristine and intact.

The Artists’ gallery is located at the Shops at Sea Pines Center in the CSA Community Center next to the Fitness Center and is currently open on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Founded in 2012, the Artists of Sea Pines is a group of local artists who reside in Sea Pines. The organization is dedicated to the advancement of members’ work, supporting the creativity of its members by hosting three receptions and exhibitions throughout the year.

Gathering by Barbara Snow

Thibault Gallery

Jenkins Creek Dawn by Mac Rogers

Cinco de Mayo Nacho Bar

Last Saturday, I catered a wedding reception on Lucy Creek. The bride and groom chose to have two stations. One station featured southern favorites like pork tenderloin, meatballs and pimento cheese and the other station was a Nacho Bar. The Nacho Bar was so much fun! With Cinco de Mayo coming up on Sunday, May 5th, I thought a column featuring Nacho Bar recipes would be a buena idea. Saturday’s wedding reception was for 100 guests, so I adapted a few of my catering recipes to accommodate a smaller party. If you want to host an event for lots of people, you can easily double and triple all the recipes. Be sure to offer a bunch of accoutrements like guacamole, salsa, sour cream, jalapenos and black olives. To see a short video clip of my wedding Nacho Bar, complete with plating ideas and set up, visit lcweekly.com or @chefdebbicovington on YouTube. Feliz Cinco de Mayo and Congratulations to Halli and Zach!

SPICY SAUSAGE AND TOMATO QUESO

Velveeta isn’t technically cheese. It’s actually a processed cheese product that’s similar to American cheese. Velveeta is great for dips because it melts evenly and has a creamy texture.

1 (32-ounce) package Velveeta

2 (10-ounce) cans Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained 1 pound pork sausage, cooked and drained

Cut Velveeta into 1-inch cubes. Place in a

medium pot and melt over medium-low heat.

Add tomatoes with chiles and cooked sausage; heat through. Serve queso in a crock pot or small chafing dish. Recipe may be doubled or tripled. Serves 10 to 12.

BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP

Spicy and delicious! Use your favorite bottled hot wing sauce to make this wonderful dip. I like Texas Pete Buffalo Wing Sauce.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

1 cup bottled hot wing sauce

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1 (16-ounce) bottle ranch dressing

½-¾ cup chopped celery

1 (8-ounce) package Monterey

Jack cheese, shredded Celery leaves, optional Tortilla chips

Celery, cut into 3-inch sticks

Boil chicken breasts until cooked through. Cool and shred. In a medium mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with 1 cup hot wing sauce. Spread chicken mixture evenly in a lightly greased casserole dish. In a saucepan, combine cream cheese and ranch dressing over medium heat until smooth. Pour cream cheese mixture over the chicken. Sprinkle

with chopped celery and then with the shredded cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until bubbly. Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh celery leaves, if desired. Serve warm with sturdy tortilla chips and celery sticks. Serves 8 to 10.

By Debbi Covington

CORN AND BLACK BEAN SALAD WITH CUMIN VINAIGRETTE

Southwestern Caviar!

2 (15.25-ounce) cans yellow corn, drained

2 (15.25-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

3 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped

¼ cup minced fresh cilantro

½ cup chopped red onion

¼ cup fresh lime juice

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons ground cumin

¼ cup vegetable oil

In a medium bowl combine corn, black beans, tomatoes, cilantro, and red onion. In a small bowl whisk together lime juice, vinegar, mustard, cumin, and vegetable oil. Toss dressing with vegetable mixture. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. Serves 8 to 10.

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

Zeitgeist

Zeitgeist is German for ‘spirit of the times.’ It’s what’s going on spiritually, culturally, or intellectually during a certain period of time.

What happens when you sell fear for years then actually need to sell fear but can’t for whatever reason? Never mind the fact that while fear motivates us all, it’s hitting below the belt. The boy cried wolf one time too many. The boy gets eaten first, but what happens after that? Hopefully the bullies get their comeuppance right after that boy, but how does them getting devoured help the rest of us other than to provide a cautionary tale for the ages? How many cautionary tales do we need when a deaf ear and a blind eye rule supremely—are rewarded supremely?

Politicians have sold fear since long before Watergate. Is this the election year when there’s not enough fear to go around? That sounds weird, doesn’t it? The tumult of it all as the waters calm. What lurks beneath? Is it just me or does every big election year seem worse than the last and the options never change?

A good rule of thumb I saw recently on @forgoodcode. “Have more than you show, speak less than you know.” Was FDR right in his 1933 inaugural address when he said, “We have nothing to fear, but fear itself”? I sure hope so, but how do we get there? A question that presents itself here is how binary are you?

Must we always be so black and white when intuition and life tell us that it’s all about the shades of gray?

What if the toothpaste actually never left the tube and we’ll have to get our foul fluoride fix someplace else? You ever think of that during these spirited times? What to do? What to do? Ring those hands.

I’m writing this column a bit early this time. By the time it comes out, I should be with my wife and daughter at the happiest place on Earth, Disney World. There will certainly be before the Disney bubble and after the Disney bubble. We’ve had a count down on two chalk boards for months now. My hope for this trip down to see Mickey and Minnie, aside from QT with my wife and daughter, is to find an anti-fear amulet left lying around by Walt himself. It’s there if one looks with innocent eyes. Wait, watch, and see.

All kidding aside, it’s a big deal for me to be going to Disney during Masters week. I won’t be assured of wall-to-wall coverage this year. I used to think the world should cease during this landmark event. I’ve even written in columns for Wholly Holistics, in a half-serious manner, that only ER’s and liquor stores should be open during “a tradition unlike any other.” Part of my departure from devouring all things golf, especially the Masters, was the current PGA Tour

commissioner selling a ton of fear about rival LIV golf. They were evil, he said. Naughty, he said. In fact, LIV was so naughty, he got in bed with them when no one was looking. Oh, that temptress of hypocrisy and her wretched charms. Hypocrisy was lurking beneath the surface there, and I had my fill of it. Times change, so I am proud I can.

Now that I’m hitting my middle age zeitgeist, I’m proud to say I’m more open-minded. I don’t always have to have Duke’s mayonnaise. For those of you not from the South, Duke’s is standard issue for any sandwich in our neck of the woods. My kind scoffs at the idea of having any other sauce surround your meat and cheese of choice. To give you an idea of its importance, I recall my mother, in all seriousness, telling me that people west of the Mississippi River couldn’t get Duke’s. She said it like they were third world over there. Pray for those non-Duke’s people. You don’t know how good you have it until you realize the lack elsewhere. I always felt bad for my Aunt Billie in Austin, Texas, and prayed for her and “poor unfortunate souls” like her. My grandmother would send her Duke’s from time to time that she had to ration until the next shipment of hope came to the rescue.

Ever have one of those dreams that stay with you all day? You are compelled to reference this vapor the ensuing day so much you begin to wonder if she was real. Does she ever leave you? Was she there all along your journey and you’ve only just become aware? Awareness is key whether you are talking about fear or Duke’s or the fear of losing Duke’s. The power of imagination can create

WHOLLY HOLISTICS

by Sutty Suddeth

problems where they didn’t exist. Conversely, imagination can make problems vanish.

What fuels your creativity? Is it the aforementioned fear? Is it innocence? Is it animosity? The prism through which we view life matters. This is why I often preach meditation being part of your routine. It’s how such prisms are uncovered and rediscovered then reenvisioned, if need be. This creativity fuel is probably not the same all the time. Influences creep in like kudzu when you’re not minding the store. Keep in mind this is fodder for what you manifest. You don’t have to be an artist to be creative, only mindful.

Who do you look to for guidance? I’m not speaking of faith and religion here. I mean who on this Earthly plane of reality? Perhaps no one is best, if you are not sure. (Notice I didn’t break the fourth wall there.)

No one is coming to rescue you. What if that already happened? Maybe not literally, but what if? I mean, what if it’s been up to you all along? Keep in mind that zeitgeists come and go. It’s up to you, the decider, as to their staying power. Choose wisely by choosing your precious heart first.

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.

Tues - Sun: 11am-9pm

Veni, Vidi, Vici, and all That

Iwanted to take Latin in High School. The Latin teacher wore a toga and there was always laughter coming from his classroom. My mother called it a “dead language” and insisted that I take French. I rarely use my French, but of course, I went on to find that Latin would have been useful in my research as an historian and now as a gardener. Today, I would like to focus on Latin binomials—something that the rest of the world uses commonly, but not in the States. Now why would you use a Latin name of a plant instead of a common name. Well, here is the story . . . Before the use of a standardized system of naming plants, different regions had different names for botanical material. You might find a plant named in England “welcome-home-husband-never-so-drunk” or in America as “kiss me over the garden gate” or in another country translated as “mare’s fart.” Some of the names were quite naughty. People had tried to formulate an international system, but whose language to use? Enter on the scene Carl Linnaeus of Uppsala, Sweden. We owe our standardized system of binomial nomenclature to him. He used a first name like a surname which was the genus – such as “Magnolia.” The second name was the distinct species – “grandiflora.” The genus is always capitalized and the species is lower case. Both are written in italics. Latin was used as an internationally recognized language of science.

Vince Covington, Owner

I honestly wish we used this system more frequently in this country. Some growers are careful to use the Latin binomial, but growers for the big box stores often do not label their plants as anything other than “Salvia” or “Phlox” or the name of the hybrid “Crimson Sun” or “Mardi Gras.” How do you really know what plant you are getting? Sometimes, the common name can be quite hilarious as in “Hairy Balls” Milkweed ( Gymnocarpus physocarpa). I wondered what nurseries would use as a common name. One nursery calls it “Family Jewels.” Who says that growers do not have a sense of humor.

Having said this, plant DNA researchers are changing some Latin binomials as they find out that certain plants belong to different genus. Like “Ancestry” for Plants, new relatives are being discovered. I was fortunate to visit the Royal Horticultural Society’s research facility called Hilltop at their most famous garden outside of London, RHS Wisley. I could watch the researchers extracting plant DNA.

Now that I am off that soapbox, what should you look for at garden centers right now?

Garden centers are getting in truckloads of annuals and perennials every day. I am finding more native plants this year than ever before. As the soil warms up and our nights get more temperate, it is okay to put out

annual flowers for color such as marigolds, petunias, pentas, and begonias.

Do not be afraid to try ornamental grasses mixed in with your flowers and/or shrubs. They give great late season and winter interest as well as provide shelter for hibernating bees. One of the best is Panicum virgatum or Switch grass. It grows tall and does not spread outward or become invasive. Northern Sea Oats is also a good choice as it is a native. And do not forget Muhly grass. Now is the time to plant it for those wispy pink or white flowers in October.

A fun plant to look for is Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia spp) It has bright spikes of flowers that stand tall in a garden and come in many hot colors as the name implies.

Salvias of all varieties are great for a perennial garden. They are tough, bloom all summer long, and the deer leave them alone.

By Wendy Hilty

Every year growers come up with new cultivars.

And last, but not least, Bronze Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) will give you a feathery clump of foliage that butterfly caterpillars love. A mixture of foliage and flowers will give you long lasting interest in your garden.

When you buy plants, do not be a plunker. I have finally gotten over this bad habit. I would see a plant and only buy one and plop it somewhere in my garden where there was a blank space. It is so much better to buy in multiples for a much more dramatic effect rather than have one poor lonely plant all by itself. Multiples in odd numbers give a more natural look than planting two by two’s like soldiers. I have been buying either three or five of each variety.

Enjoy our spring weather before it gets hot and have fun planting new things in your garden space.

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.

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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.

HOUSE FOR SALE BY OWNER 4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, on 1 acre on Ice House Road, Beaufort. $525,000. Call 803-917-2206 or 864-367-5816.

EMPLOYMENT

ADVERTISING SALES Local business seeks sales person for outside sales within the local market. Generous commission, your time is your own, and no micro-managing. Perfect for part-time or semi-retired. Please call 843-986-9059.

IN SEARCH OF

RESIDENTIAL LEASE WANTED 69 yo travelling consultant looking for quiet, comfortable place. Prefer one year. Contact Jeff @ 813-499-7989.

CLASSES & SEMINARS

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 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

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE! Saturday, May 4th, 8am until 1pm, Lady's Island in Walling Grove Plantation.

BEMER Q & A 10-11a Fridays via Zoom. Already own a BEMER? Love it but have questions about your specific situation or curious about what else your unit can do? Join your BEMER Specialist - Human + Equine, Elizabeth Bergmann, to ask questions about usage, components, BEMER gear, what’s new or anything else about our leading-edge circulation therapy and longevity enhancing medical device. These sessions are designed to support those who have their own unit but anyone interested is welcome. Free. 410-212-1468 to get the Zoom link.

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.

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, 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 9:3012:30, Mobile Meals delivers to home bound seniors 5 days/week, routes takes about 30-45 mins. Email Lori at helpbeaufort@gmail.com, or call 843-5241223, 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. 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.forttremont.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 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 Miss Ann. 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

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

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, 843-6893616 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 - Weds., 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 Brain2nd & 4th Thursday, 10-11:30am, $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 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.

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, Worship, and Big Meeting. 6:30pm; Small Groups at 7pm. 800 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort. Info at 205-475-3600 or 303-521-1891.

Inside Voices

On the first day of kindergarten this year, my grandson’s teacher wanted them to practice various levels of appropriate vocal expression. Level two, she explained, is for outside voices, level one, inside voices, and level zero, complete silence. He raised his hand and asked, “Do I have to be silent in my mind?”

The veteran teacher said that was a first for her. But I thought it was a most excellent question.

Because, as I told him later, nobody can control what you are thinking, not always even yourself, I’m sorry to say. Sitting in silence isn’t an easy skill for a little kid but its lifelong value is priceless. Learning to wrestle noisy, turbulent thoughts into submission can be both a struggle and an amazing superpower. And it’s clearly a skill that’s in serious short supply these days. Not to sound like such a Boomer, but there

was a time when you didn’t spout every random thought that flitted across your brain. Taking a few beats to formulate a response indicated thoughtful deliberation and a respectful attitude toward your fellow man.

But that quaint notion doesn’t seem to apply in the current climate where we seem to be playing a perpetual school yard game of Red-Rover, Red-Rover, send your insult right over.

“So,” my grandchild clarified, “I should keep my thoughts in?” Which is how this terrific kid is wired: He’s a thinker and a deliberator and not a blurter- outer. Of course, it’s not healthy to keep all your feelings tucked into a little box like my generation was taught to do. We’ve learned, though, that it’s okay to filter thoughts through a few criteria.

I love the Zen Taoism Buddhism list that instructs you on when to choose silence. There’s one that urges silence in the heat of

anger and my favorite; “be silent if you may have to eat your words later.”

I used to have a sticky note on my laptop that asked, Is it kind? Is it true?

It’s remarkable how few regrets one has when those two questions are activated before speaking.

Remarkable and difficult.

My husband contends that while I may be good at using my inside voice regarding inappropriate thoughts or feisty opinions, there’s a disconnect between my facial expression and what I’m trying to keep suppressed. Even when I sit silently through someone’s unhinged rant or disordered argument, my face yells back at them, no matter how quiet I remain. I don’t know where the Zen list of how to control a rebellious eyebrow is, but I’m sure it’s out there somewhere.

Like I said, it’s a struggle and a life-long self-improvement project that has its successes and failures.

Meanwhile, when our two little guys visit their Mimi and Pop this weekend, they can holler as much as their little hearts desire. I’m not enforcing any version of thoughtful silence or filtering of expressions. In fact, I’m hoping to experience the supposedly epic meltdowns the three-year-old’s been having — complete with high-decibel screeching. I say ‘hoping’ because it’s not something I’ve witnessed previously when taking care of this little angel.

By Carolyn Mason

“That’s crazy,” my daughter says. “What about when you tell him no?”

“Well, honey, we don’t say that,” I reply.

Let the wild rumpus begin!

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.

BEAUFORT/PORT ROYAL

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) 5211888 or www.luthersrareandwelldone.com

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. Weekly Food Specials! MondaysF&B People Discount. Wednesdays, Friday & Saturday - Karaoke. (843) 379-7676 or Rosie's on Facebook

Saltus River Grill, 802 Bay St, Beaufort. (843) 379-3474 or www.saltusrivergrill.com

BLUFFTON/HILTON HEAD

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

Captain Woody’s, 6 Target Rd., Hilton Head or 17 State of Mind St., Bluffton. 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. 4/24 Lavon Stevens Quartet with Quiana Parler, 4/26 & 4/27 Take Five - Eric Mintel Quintet's Dave Brubeck tribute, 5/1 Bobby Ryder, 5/3 & 5/4 The Harry Allen Quartet with Rossano Sportiello, 5/8 Lavon Stevens Quartet with Quiana Parler, 5/10 & 5/11 Kris Tokarski Trio honors New Orleans legends Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver & more. (843) 842-8620 or www.TheJazzCorner.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. 4/24 Rawayana, 4/25 Ruston Kelly, 4/26 Lily's Burlesque, 4/30 Rising Appalachia, 5/1 Fit for a King; Chelsea Grin; Soul Keeper; Kingdom of Giants, 5/2 Happy Landing; Colors in Corduroy, 5/3 Taylor's Version, 5/4 Tribal Seeds; Inna Vision; Kabaka Pyramid, 5/5 CKY; Crobot; X-Cops, 5/8 Benjamin Tod & Lost Dog Street Band; Resonant Rogues, 5/9 All Them Witches, 5/10 Helmet; Cro-Mags, 5/11 Intervals; Code Echo. (843) 408-1599 or www.musicfarm.com

The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy, Charleston. 4/25 Proxima Parada/Oliver Hazard; Ben Chapman, 4/26 & 4/27 Andy Frasco & the U.N.; Dogs in a Pile, 5/1 Dizgo, 5/2 Ziggymoto's - All the World is Dead - Allman Brothers/Grateful Dead as World Music Style, 5/3 & 5/4 Same As It Ever Was - Talking Heads tribute, 5/5 Levitation Room, 5/7 Dylan LeBlanc, 5/8 Charleston The Band, 5/9 Lemon Twigs, 5/10 Dangermuffin; The Right Ratio, 5/11 Strap on Face Funk 16. (843) 571-4343 or www.charlestonpourhouse.com

Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms. 4/25 Old Soul, 4/26 Hayes & the Heathens, 4/27 Pat Cooper, 4/28 JammerMania, 5/2 Austin Meade, 5/3 Priscilla Block & Ryan Larkins, 5/4 Boy Named Banjo, 5/5 Paul Thorn, 5/9 Nightrain - Guns 'N' Roses tribute, 5/10 Rock the 90s, 5/11 & 5/12 Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country. (843) 8868596 or www.the-windjammer.com

Editors Note: Events listed here may be subject to postponement or cancellation. Please check for further information.

GALLERIES/ART

Now – 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.

Now – 4/28, ‘Art Beyond Boundaries,’ featuring Penny Beesley and Amy Whitehouse at the Beaufort Art Association Gallery. Join the artists for an opening night reception on Fri 3/1, 5-8 pm, at the BAA Gallery, 913 Bay Street. www.beaufortart.org

Now – 4/28, Carolina Colors by Marianne Stillwagon at The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) gallery in Old Town Bluffton. Opening reception from 5-7 pm on 4/9. Free and open to the public. www.sobagallery.com

Now – 5/5, Nikon’s Small World Competition Winners Exhibit at the Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head. In the Sea Island Gallery. Admission is free. www.coastaldiscovery.org

Now – 5/7, Beaufort County High School Art Exhibition at The Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head. Main gallery. Opening reception 4/3, from 5 - 7 pm, with awards at 6 pm. www.coastaldiscovery.org

Now – 5/10, Rice, Ghana, Charleston, the World, an exhibit of soft pastels by Lowcountry artist Alvin B. Glen at Art League Gallery. Opening reception Wed 4/10, 5-7pm. Gallery Walk Friday, 4/11, 11am-12pm. Free and open to the public. 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head. www.artleaguehhi.org

Now – 6/27, Art Beyond Tradition: Visual Theatrics, an exhibit of abstract art at USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret St, Beaufort. Opening reception Thur 4/18, 5-7pm.

Now – 2/22/25, Language of Clay: Catawba Indian Pottery and Oral Tradition at Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, US 17, Ridgeland. www.morrisheritagecenter.org

Thur 4/25, Escape Velocity, an exhibition of work by nine USCB graduating Studio Art majors, at the Sea Island Center Gallery, 1106 Carteret St, Beaufort. Artist Reception from 5:30 – 8 pm. Artist Talks at 6:30 pm. For more information email seaislandsgallery@uscb.edu

Fri 4/26, Spring Art Walk in Old Town Bluffton, 5-7pm.

4/29 – 6/30, Edges, an exhibit of work by Frank Gorman and Gary Korosi, will be featured at The Beaufort Art Association Gallery. Opening Reception on Fri, 5/3 from 5-8pm. 913 Bay Street, Beaufort.

5/2 – 9/20, A Gathering of Artists, a new show by the Artists of Sea Pines. Opening Reception Thur, 5/2 at the Sea Pines Community Center in the Shops of Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head.

5/14 – 6/14, Now & Then . . . Early and Current Works by Jo Dye at the Art League Gallery of Hilton Head. Opening reception Wed, 5/15, 5-7pm. Gallery Walk on Thur, 5/30, 11am-12pm. Art League Gallery is located mid-island inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-681-5060

BOOKS & WRITERS

Thur 4/25, Evening with award-winning poet Ray McManus (The Last Saturday in America) at the Rhett House Inn. Hosted by the Pat Conroy Literary Center starting at 5 pm. An outdoor event in the Rhett House Inn's garden (1009 Craven St., Beaufort). Free and open to the public. Books available for sale and signing. Seating is limited. Please call to reserve your spot: 843-379-7025.

Mon 4/29, Evening with Mark Larson, award-winning author of Working in the 21st Century: An Oral History of American Work in a Time of Social and Economic Transformation. At 5 pm at the Beaufort Bookstore (2127 Boundary St, #15, Beaufort). Larson will be joined by two of his book’s interview subjects, educators Dr. N’kia J. Campbell and Bradley Tarrance. Free. Books available for sale and signing. Reserve your seat in advance: 843-525-1066.

5/3 – 5/5, SC Literary Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, hosted by The South Carolina Academy of Authors (SCAA), in partnership with the Pat Conroy Literary Center. Includes author presentations, readings, and book signings—with its main event being a ticketed SC literary hall of fame induction dinner on Sat, 5/4, at 5:30 pm, at the Beaufort Holiday Inn & Suites Conference Center (2225 Boundary St.) Buffet dinner with cash bar; tickets are $55 in advance. For a full schedule and to register in advance for the dinner, please visit: https://scaa2024inductionweekend. eventbrite.com

Sat 5/11, Children’s Author Lizzie B. Lynn (Dancing Ants & Other Silly Poems for Kids) will visit the Beaufort Bookstore (2021 Boundary Street, Beaufort) from 10:30 – 12:30, and the Storybook Shoppe (Tanger 2, Suite A190, Bluffton) from 2 – 4 pm, on Saturday, May 11th.

MUSIC

Fri 4/26, Lowcountry Wind Symphony concert, “The Gift of Love,” at 7 pm, Bluffton High School Auditorium, 12 H.E. McCracken Cir, Bluffton. Free admission, donations gratefully accepted. www. lowcountrywindsymphony.com

Sun 4/28, Lowcountry Wind Symphony concert, “The Gift of Love,” at 4 pm, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 157 Lady’s Island Dr, Beaufort. Free admission, donations gratefully accepted. www.lowcountrywindsymphony.com

OTHER EVENTS

Sat 4/27, Release & Remember: A Community Butterfly Release. Sponsored by Friends of Caroline Hospice at 11 am in Waterfront Park, downtown Beaufort. Purchase a butterfly for $12, in memory of a loved one. Music by Elaine Lake. For more information, call 843-5256257 or visit www.fochospice.org

Every Saturday 4/6 – 6/29, Lunch and Learn at the Port Royal Farmers Market. A weekly series of classes and lectures on gardening. Under the gazebo, starting at noon. Free to the public. Bring a folding chair!

Sat 5/18, National Garden Club Standard Flower Show, hosted by the Beaufort Council of Garden Clubs at the Port Royal Baptist Church, 707 Pinckney Boulevard, Port Royal, from 9 am to 5 pm. The event is free and open to the public. Interested parties are encouraged to submit entries through their garden clubs or by reaching out to: victoriabergesen@gmail.com

Fri 6/7, Gardening Author Louisa Pringle Cameron will be the keynote speaker at the Lady’s Island Garden Club’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, at 2 pm at the St. Helena Parish Hall, 507 Newcastle St, Beaufort. Tickets are $30. For more information, visit www.ladysislandgardenclub.com

First Saturday of the Month, Teddy Bear Picnic ReadAloud 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 843-838-7437. 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 5:30-7:30pm. 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.