Lowcountry Weekly June 19 – July 2

Reflections on the good life in coastal South Carolina }.

Lowcountry

Opinion, Arts, Culture, Lifestyle, Cuisine }.

June 19 – July 2, 2024

Continuing Ed 4

A long, happy life

Halfway Hope 6

Sea turtle exhibit

Lowcountry Egrets 10

John Meckley at BAA

The Tobacconists 12

Debbi gets homesick

Across the Pond 15

Flowers of Chelsea

Curated Comfort 17

Too many reviews

Studio Visit 8

An artist's Eden

Christmas In July!

cover notes

The image on our cover is student art from The Art Posse, a new reality show set in Beaufort County. The Posse's work is currently decorating Port Republic St. in downtown Beaufort. See our story on page 11.

yWeekly

L o w c o unt r

June 19 – July 2, 2024

Publisher: Jeff Evans — Jeff@LCWeekly.com

Editor: Margaret Evans — Editor@LCWeekly.com

Marketing Director: Amanda Hanna — 843-343-8483 or Amanda@LCWeekly.com

Art Director: Lydia Inglett

Layout & Design: Amalgamated Sprinkleworks

Contributing Writers: Katherine Tandy Brown, Debbi Covington, Sandra Educate, Wendy Hilte, Murray Sease, Cele & Lynn Seldon, and Sutty Suddeth

What’s Happening Calendar: Staff – Editor@LCWeekly.com

Letters to the Editor, comments or suggestions can be addressed to: Lowcountry Weekly

106 West Street Extension, Beaufort, SC 29902 Call: 843-986-9059 or Email: editor@lcweekly.com

Lowcountry Weekly is published every other Wednesday and distributed throughout Beaufort County at various restaurants, retail locations, hotels and visitor’s centers. The entire contents of Lowcountry Weekly is copyrighted 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.

Continuing Ed RANTS & RAVES

If you asked Ed Williams to share his secret to a long, healthy, happy life, he’d probably sum it up in three words: Never stop learning.

Then he’d add a fourth: Travel.

Williams often cites the wisdom of Confucius, who lived to be 74 while his contemporaries all died around the age of 40. “Confucius explained that in his enthusiasm for learning and travel, he often forgot to eat, and was unaware he was growing old.”

Williams says that many aging Americans, too, find that when they continue to learn and travel, “the clock slows down and their lives keep expanding.”

At 82, he’s one of them.

Early in his career as a college professor, Ed figured out a way to merge his two passions –education and travel – into a successful business called Travelearn. Through that business, he escorted more than 200 adult travelers on “learning vacations” to Kenya and East Africa, and more than 700 directors of continuing education on tours to Egypt, Morocco, the Galapagos Islands, East Africa, and China.

When asked about the difference between a “travel learner” and a tourist, Ed explains that travel learners want to understand a little more about the places and cultures they’re exploring. They want to go a bit deeper.

“We actually sent prospective travelers a reading list to help them prepare for the trip,” he says.

Ed got the travel bug early on, when he began collecting stamps as a young boy. His uncle gave him some stamps from foreign countries, and he became intrigued. Next came a subscription to National Geographic, and young Ed was hooked for life.

After graduating from Duke, he spent two years in Kenya on the recommendation of his African Politics professor, then went to grad school at Columbia, where he studied both Education and International Affairs.

“I’d been thinking of going into the foreign service,” he says, “but decided to become a college professor instead.”

Ed founded Travelearn early in his teaching career at Kean University, in Union NJ. He was teaching International Education, so it was almost a natural extension of his job.

He says the company was a bit like Elderhostel, but with a couple of essential differences.

“Elderhostel started in the early 70s. They used college dormitories in the US, and provided wonderful learning experiences, but it was only later that they began to take people abroad. And even then, they went to places like England and Scandinavia.

“It was always very important to me that Travelearn provide experiences in non-Western destinations. Places like Kenya, Morocco,

Egypt, China. Also, while Elderhostel used dorms, we used upscale accommodations. We found that older people traveling in developing countries wanted their creature comforts.”

Eventually Ed and his son – his partner in the company – created a network of travel destinations all over the world. One of the most significant was China.

“Our first trip to China was in the 1980s,” he says. “I really wanted to get to Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius, because I wanted to connect his emphasis on education with the modern China that was emerging at the time. I wanted to make that connection in the minds of our travel learners.”

Ed often took his travelers off the beaten path. Though they’d visit places like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City – places first time visitors to China certainly wanted to see – he’d take them to places tourists wouldn’t normally visit, as well.

“We selected guides who truly understood China’s past and present,” he says. “They weren’t just ‘names and dates’ people. They were great storytellers. We made lifelong friends of some of our guides. Most of our travelers were struck by how curious and genuinely welcoming the Chinese people were. They were fascinated by Westerners.”

Eventually, Ed would visit China 17 times and become a sought-after lecturer on the subject.

“I developed this lecture called ‘China: The Sleeping Giant Wakes’ and I gave it all over the country,” he says. “I talked a lot about Confucius – his thoughts on learning, travel, and aging. It really struck a chord with the audiences I spoke to.”

On the 2,500th anniversary of Confucius’ birth, Ed was invited to a ceremony in the birthplace of Qufu, where he was honored as an ambassador of international and cultural understanding.

Eventually, Ed retired from teaching and closed Travelearn, and for the last 20-plus years, he has made the SC Lowcountry his home.

But he never stopped traveling, and he never stopped teaching. For many years, he lectured and taught at USCB through their popular continuing education program, OLLI. He taught courses on China, Africa, and other Travelearn destinations.

And then, this Pat Conroy fan decided to make himself an expert on that subject, too, and began teaching an OLLI course on Conroy and his writings.

“I realized that Pat and I had a lot in common,” says Ed. “We were both college basketball players, for instance. And I went to Africa to teach after college, while Pat went to teach on Daufuskie.”

Ed so enjoyed learning and teaching about Pat Conroy, that when he finally gave up OLLI around 2017, he started serving as a docent at the Pat Conroy Literary Center. You can still catch him there most Saturdays.

“It’s just great interacting with the people who come to the Conroy Center,” he says. “They’re so eager to learn. And they come all over! A year ago, a couple comes in, I say, ‘Welcome… Where you guys from?’ ‘Norway,’ he says! ‘I’m a surgeon, she’s nurse. The Pat Conroy Center brought us here. I’ve read every book that Pat has written . . . ”

Along with Confucius and Pat Conroy, Ed likes to quote Mark Twain, who famously said: “Travel is fatal to bigotry, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness.”

“It’s so crucial to understanding,” Ed says. “Especially the kind of understanding sorely needed in our troubling times.”

“Life is short. The world is wide,” he continues. “Sometime has a way of becoming never. If you have an inclination to travel, do it now. Don’t wait.”

Ed believes traveling to Africa as a young man completely changed the trajectory of his life – a life that’s been happy, healthy, and long.

“Before that, I was highly competitive, very ambitious. I was completely changed by that trip,” he says. “I gained a respect for time, as opposed to money. I learned to value experiences over material things. I learned to slow down and smell the roses.”

At age 82, Ed Williams may be “slowing down,” but he’s not about to stop.

Margaret Evans

Ed Williams in his 'China room'

Sun City’s Ed Williams has the secret to a long, happy life

Halfway Home

Two Hilton Head Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits, Art League of Hilton Head and Sea Turtle Patrol HHI, are again joining forces to raise funds for our island’s sea turtles. Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island provides monitoring, support, and awareness of sea turtle nesting to promote the continued existence of these endangered species. A special week-long exhibit featuring sea turtle-themed artwork created by artists of our community will be held at Art League Academy July 23-30, with a closing reception on Tuesday, July 30, 5-7pm. Art League will donate 20% of artwork sales to Sea Turtle Patrol HHI.

"We named the exhibit Halfway Home because we'll be right at the halfway point of the sea turtle season," says Kristen McIntosh, Executive Director of Art League of Hilton Head. "Our artists have created some beautiful pieces for sale, and we're thrilled to be able to help such a worthy cause."

Art League Academy is offering sea turtle-themed art classes, with 20% of the proceeds also going to Sea Turtle Patrol HHI. The classes are Washi Tape Sea Turtles taught by Joan Moreau McKeever on Tuesday, July 23; Mosaic Turtles with Ryan McGivern and Mixed Media Sea Turtles with Debi West on Saturday, July 27; and Baby Sea Turtles in Stained Glass with Cynthia Buckley on Sunday, July 28. Participants can sign up on Art League’s website at artleaguehhi.org.

The sea turtle season, during which the sea turtles nest and hatch, lasts from May through October. The species faces significant threats worldwide, including bycatch in fishing, loss of habitats due to development and pollution, and entanglement in marine debris. "We patrol the beach daily from May 1 through the end of October, protecting our sea turtle population and helping in any way we can," says Amber Kuehn, Sea Turtle Patrol's director. "We're made up entirely of volunteers. Partnering with Art League means the world to us."

The exhibit will be held at Art League Academy, located at 106 Cordillo Parkway. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

Out of the Blue by Joyce Kreis

Home to Hilton Head by Maggy Pierre Pelissier Sea Turtle Art Exhibit at

Go with the Flow by John K. Crum

‘Zenith Man’ Author at Conroy Center

The nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center will host an evening with McCracken Poston Jr., author of Zenith Man: Death, Love, and Redemption in a Georgia Courtroom, on Thursday, June 27, at 5:00 p.m., at the Conroy Center (601 Bladen St., Beaufort). Free and open to the public. Books will be available for sale and signing through the Beaufort Bookstore. Please call to reserve your seat in advance: 843-379-7025.

“A wild ride of love, death, and justice in small-town Georgia . . . McCracken Poston, Jr. shares intimate knowledge of a sensational case. This highly engaging read combines the best parts of hard-boiled true crime with a host of colorful characters, a small-town Southern setting, and Poston’s natural gift for gab. The results beg for an eight-part Netflix series." — Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Like a nonfiction John Grisham thriller with echoes of Rainman, Just Mercy, and a captivating small town Southern setting, this is the fascinating true story—sometimes humorous, sometimes heartbreaking—of an idealistic young lawyer determined to free an innocent neurodivergent man accused of murdering the wife no one knew he had.

In October 1997, the town of Ringgold in northwest Georgia was shaken by reports of a murder in its midst. A dead woman was found in Alvin Ridley’s house—and even more shockingly, she was the wife no one knew he had. Was this small-town TV repair man “a harmless eccentric or a bizarre killer” (Atlanta Journal Constitution). For the first time, Alvin Ridley’s own defense attorney reveals the inside story of his case and trial in an extraordinary tale of friendship and an idealistic young attorney’s quest to clear his client’s name—and, in the process, rebuild his own life.

McCracken Poston Jr. had been a state representative before he lost his bid for U.S. Congress and returned to his law career. Alvin Ridley was a local character who once sold and serviced Zenith televisions. Though reclusive and an outsider, the “Zenith Man,” as Poston knew him, hardly seemed capable of murder.

Alvin was a difficult client, storing evidence in a cockroach-infested suitcase, unwilling to reveal key facts to his defender.

Gradually, Poston pieced together the full story behind Virginia and Alvin’s curious marriage and her cause of death—which was completely overlooked by law enforcement. Calling on medical experts, testimony from Alvin himself, and a wealth of surprising evidence gleaned from Alvin’s junk-strewn house, Poston presented a groundbreaking defense that allowed Alvin to return to his peculiar lifestyle, a free man.

Years after his trial, Alvin was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, a revelation that sheds light on much of his lifelong personal battle—and shows how easily those who don’t fit societal norms can be castigated and misunderstood. Part true crime, part courtroom drama, and full of local color, Zenith Man is also the moving story of an unexpected friendship between two very different men that changed—and perhaps saved—the lives of both.

McCracken Poston, Jr., is a criminal defense attorney and former state legislator in the Georgia House of Representatives. He gained national attention for his handling of several notable cases that were featured on CNN Presents, Dateline NBC, A&E's American Justice, and Forensic Files. He lives in Ringgold, Georgia.

To learn more about the Pat Conroy Literary Center, please visit www.patconroy literarycenter.org

John Warley Honored by The Citadel

Beaufort writer John C. Warley is already a proud member of The Citadel Class of 1967.

But Warley received another honorary degree from The Citadel Board of Visitors during the commencement celebrations for the Class of 2024.

Bethesda’s Child. He has written six novels as well as a modern-day history of The Citadel and several essays. Warley is also the author of the eloquent inscription that appears on The Citadel War Memorial, which was sponsored by the Class of 1967.

A spokesperson for The Citadel said in a

John Warley, at right, receives honorary degree from The Citadel

Honorary degrees are awarded to the speakers for the commencement ceremonies for The South Carolina Corps of Cadets and The Citadel Graduate College, as well as those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the college during their lifetime. Five honorary degrees, including Warley’s, were conferred during the 2024 commencement ceremony.

In 1963, Warley, who spent his formative years in Virginia, returned to his home state of South Carolina to attend The Citadel on a football scholarship. He was the quintessential student. He excelled in academics. He was a member of the Round Table and a cadet officer. He was highly regarded by his classmates, and he played both football and baseball.

After graduating from The Citadel in 1967, he earned a law degree at the University of Virginia School of Law.

As an attorney, an active member of the community and a busy husband and father of four children, Warley had to forego his dream of writing, but later, with the encouragement of his family and his classmate Pat Conroy, he put words to paper in his first novel

release, “In recognition of his inspiring words that tell the story of his alma mater, The Citadel Board of Visitors is proud to award John C. Warley the honorary Doctor of Letters degree.”

Author McCracken Poston, Jr.

Studio Visit: An Artist’s Eden

By Murray Sease

The next artist studio visit in this series takes me past green pastures and sandy paddocks with lovely homes for horses and their owners. It is in the equestrian side of the Rose Hill community in Bluffton, and indeed an artist’s paradise with peaceful scenery in every direction. There are

expansive views of the Colleton River and wooded views of its estuaries tucked in here and there. The home studio I’m visiting today is on a quiet cul de sac with a long driveway. The artist I am visiting takes full advantage of her location, regularly painting the gorgeous marsh views behind her house. There is an abundance of wildlife – deer and long legged wading birds visit often – providing even more inspiration for this talented person. The artist is Lauren Arsenault, known for her colorful and impressionistic paintings in acrylic and watercolor. The local people, landscape, flora and fauna, marsh, ocean, and historic architecture are her subjects. Her loose and free brushstrokes are the goal of many an aspiring painter which is fantastic because Lauren loves to teach! She offers art lessons in the garden at La Petite Gallerie or

in her students’ homes or studio spaces. In fact the whole lowcountry is really Lauren’s studio – she is an avid plein air painter enjoying the great outdoors as her muse.

When I arrived at Lauren’s home studio, I was greeted enthusiastically by Milo the Boykin Spaniel. He is a delightful bundle of wagging, wiggling happiness. After lots of Milo pats, walking through the welcoming entry is almost like entering an elegant but friendly art gallery. The walls are filled with art with deep meaning for Lauren – some gifts from her parents, some work by her daughters, but most collected more recently from local artists that she admires. There is a nude by Doug Corkern which she treasures. Stunning black and white photography and drawings related to our local fishing and

oystering culture are in her dining room. It opens to her kitchen with a wonderful black and white mosaic fish over the doorway leading to the mudroom and back door. Paintings by artists she knows fit perfectly in spaces elsewhere throughout the house, and found objects and sculptures grace tables and outside walls.

Opening from the entry and dining room, the first studio space I see is in a corner of the huge windowed wall of the living room overlooking the backyard. Twice a day at high tide the creek comes right up to the lawn edge just a few feet from the decks. The views are stunning and ever-changing with the tides and seasons. Lauren has an easel and a huge drafting desk here with brushes and paper at the ready for watercolor painting.

The other side of the entry opens to the main studio exclusively devoted to creating art. Facing a wooded view through windows, two large easels have works in progress on them. One is a lovely floral mixed media and the other a wading bird showing Lauren’s energetic brush strokes in acrylic. It features one of her typical color schemes in subtle blues and grays. A cozy desk area in one corner is where the business side of art is done. Shelves and a tall rack hold canvases,

frames, and art supplies of all sorts. Opening a closet door reveals huge canvases and a large portrait in progress. Its a bit abstract and just waiting for a little incentive to finish it up.

Milo accompanies us throughout the tour. He is enormously attached to Lauren and knows her painting habits well. When its time to take a walk he knows to lie between her and her easel making it impossible to continue her work until they have that break.

One more location that Lauren considers her studio space is Memory Matters, a local memory care center providing programs, support, and services for caregivers and individuals living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. She and other volunteers lead art classes which encourage socialization, stimulation, and fun for those experiencing memory loss. Lauren’s face lights up as she tells me about the students there and how rewarding it is to volunteer. It is yet another way that she shares her love of art!

Lauren Arsenault is one of six artist/ owners of the cooperative La Petite Gallerie in Old Town Bluffton. She generally works there on Saturdays when she welcomes visitors with a smile and is ready to help them choose the perfect piece/s for their own homes. Please visit soon to see Lauren’s art in person!

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

Artist Lauren Arsenault

Painting the Stories

Samantha Claar's work portraying the Gullah-Geechee lifestyle will be on view this July and August at Art League of Hilton Head. The boldly colored paintings, often painted on recycled or salvaged materials, are inspired by Claar's dreams or "nighttime roamings." "They visited and demanded that I paint what they were showing me . . . We argued about this for a long time because I had never painted a human figure . . . but they were very sure. That is how my love for the Gullah-Geechee and their unique culture was born."

Claar is a self-taught artist who began

people and their history so she could better "paint the stories" and, in turn, educate the people who visited her gallery and had a desire to know more. In 2012, she opened Fine Folk Galleries, the first Gullah art market in Savannah's City Market.

Claar celebrates the Southern lifestyle that can be traced back to Gullah contributions. The cities built with their labor, their foods, their knowledge of the sea and tide, of fishing methods and sustainable use of land and sea. "Trace our 'Southern roots' and there you find the G-G as the root system that made it all possible," she says.

painting in her 40s. She joined the art scene on Tybee Island in the 1990s, where she opened a gallery with a friend. Once she began dreaming of the Gullah-Geechee and their stories, she educated herself about the

"I want you to take this with you: Wow! I never realized, assimilated, or understood just how much my life was impacted by the introduction of the Gullah-Geechee and the rich, vibrant culture that they crafted in the

midst of unspeakable conditions . . . While looking at my work: I want you to experience the joy of being a fellow human with these remarkable people."

Painting the Stories runs July 23 through August 23. An opening reception will be held Wednesday, July 24, 5-7pm. Claar will also host a Gallery Walk on Thursday, July 25, at

11am, where she will discuss her work, influences, and processes. The exhibit, reception and gallery walk are free and open to the public.

Art League Gallery is located mid-island inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, 843.681.5060.

Lowcountry Egrets in Flight

John Meckley featured at the Beaufort Art Association Gallery

John Meckley’s love for art began at the age of 13. Self-taught, his inspiration came from works by Rembrandt and the Wyeth family artists. He likes to incorporate their styles with soft, smooth, warm brush strokes of his own. He limits his palette to warm, earthy tones. He believes his subjects portray a sense of serenity and peacefulness.

John won his first Juried art show at the age of 17 in Pennsylvania. Since then, he has won numerous Juried show awards in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida, and South Carolina. At one time, he even had a painting hanging in the Russian embassy in Washington, DC.

Up until two years ago, John’s works were mostly snapshots of life with people struggling

with real life situations and conditions – for example, a tear falling from the eye of an old man on a park bench ,waiting for the end to come.

In 2019 he moved to Bluffton. He remembers taking in the impressive scenery, driving across a bridge with a light rain falling and the sun still shining. He saw a rainbow appear outside the moving truck and felt as if he could touch it. He noticed a flock of egrets in flight across the marsh and thought God was giving him a sign. Since then, egrets in flight have been his focus.

Join the artist for an opening night reception at BAA Gallery on Friday, July 1, 5-8pm, at the Gallery of the Beaufort Art Association, 913 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort, under the black awning.

Shadows – below

Beaufort Docks – bottom right

Dry Marsh – bottom left

August Sun – top left

The Art Posse Decorates Downtown Beaufort

If you are visiting downtown Beaufort this summer, be sure to turn off Bay Street onto Port Republic to enjoy the impromptu exhibit created by The Art Posse, a new art reality tv show filming around Beaufort County.

The Art Posse highlights the hilarious antics of nine of the most untalented students ever recruited, ages 26 to 91, as they try to learn how to paint! The Posse just wrapped up filming Season One and celebrated at HogsHead, a popular local Moss Creek restaurant.

They were hosted by two crazy dinosaurs – Danie Connolly and Tamela Maxim – and enjoyed live bluegrass music by Flatt Silly.

The event was professionally judged by Beaufort artists extraordinaire Beth Williams, Richard White and Debi West, who awarded ribbons to the lucky artists!

The Art Posse is a fun alternative for people who love art but don’t know which end of the brush to paint with! They are responsible for creating fantastic atmospheres in restaurants and helping business people create colorful looks in needy environments. They are not affiliated with any other art association; everyone is welcome.

The theme of the artwork currently gracing downtown windows is “a salute to summertime in Beaufort.” Wander down Port Republic Street, and you’ll see brightly colored flamingos at a cocktail party, goofy fishermen selling their catch with interested seagulls flying overhead, a mock stained glass patriotic flag, a couple of cats enjoying holiday fireworks, hundreds of street-front houses decked out in American flags, and crusty old tattooed sailors enjoying the views.

In short, The Art Posse is celebrating life in Beaufort, South Carolina!

More artworks are planned for additional windows and will be installed in the upcoming weeks. Come see for yourselves!

To enjoy Season One of The Art Posse, subscribe for free to YouTube! The Art Posse will be auditioning for Season 2 students soon!

The Tobacconists

It's hot and thunderstorms pop up almost every afternoon and I'm homesick. I'm homesick for baseball. It's baseball season in my hometown of Wilson, NC. This is the time of year that many of my high school peeps gather at Fleming Stadium a couple of times a week to watch our home team, the Wilson Tobs (short for tobacconists; because most of the money in Wilson came from big tobacco back in the day, however I digress . . . ) crack the bat on small, hard white balls, run circles around the bases, and often play until late in the night (they're called extra innings if you're not a baseball fan). Funny thing is, I never cared about baseball when I lived in Wilson. If you were a girl, growing up in Wilson, at some point or another you'd probably end up dating a baseball player. I'm pretty much an indoor girl and the whole idea of a sweaty boy yelling “batter, batter, swing batter” while spitting out a chaw of tobacco was not attractive to me. I didn't visit the stands very often. As it turns out, I preferred musicians, however, I digress yet again. Where was I? Oh yes, baseball. There's something about this time of year that drags my heart across the SC-NC border and straight out to Fleming Stadium. My childhood friends are there, hanging out in the beer garden, eating BBQ sandwiches from Parker's, nachos slathered in orange cheese something or other, popcorn, pretzels and hot dogs. I really miss hot dogs from home. The hot dogs that I grew up with were called “red hots” and Mama and Daddy would only let my brother and me eat them at baseball games and stock car races. (Yes, I said stock car races. We had a Wilson County Speedway, too. But that's a whole 'nother story.) Red hots are an Eastern North Carolina delicacy. They’re made with beef and pork and then dyed bright red. (I’ve been told that the dye is similar to the food coloring in red velvet cake but I wouldn’t swear to it.) They're like no other hot dog. A real Wilson-style hot dog is topped with the yummiest and greasiest hot dog chili, a squeeze of yellow mustard and some chopped raw onions. NC cole slaw is often daubed across the top. NC cole slaw is also a must have on vinegar and pepper-style barbeque sandwiches. Yum! Yum! There's no place like home.

WILSON NC HOT DOG CHILI

I used one pound of ground chuck and ¼ pound of ground beef. Make a batch and freeze it in small containers to thaw when you want a straight-up NC chili dog. (For a detailed cooking demonstration, please visit the Lowcountry Weekly website or @chefdebbicovington on YouTube or Instagram to watch this short video.)

2 cups water

1¼ pounds ground beef (or ground chuck)

1 large onion, finely chopped

1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste

½ cup ketchup

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon cider vinegar

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Place water, beef and onion in a Dutch oven over high heat. Bring the water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and stir to break up meat. Add the tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, chili powder, salt and pepper. Stir well until the tomato paste and ketchup are dissolved and the meat is broken up. Cook, stirring often, for 45 minutes or until the sauce reduces and the chili begins to thicken. Makes about 1 quart.

EASTERN NC COLE SLAW

Back in the day, my Mama used a box grater. I tried that. Once. It takes too much elbow grease -- use the shredding blade of a food processor. If the slaw seems dry, keep in mind that the cabbage will release moisture while it sits in the fridge. This classic vinegar/ mayonnaise sweet cole slaw is great with hot dogs, bbq, seafood, etc.

1 (2-pound) head green cabbage

¼ cup sugar

¼ cup white vinegar

¼ cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

2 teaspoons celery seed

½ teaspoon black pepper

Pinch of salt

Use the shredding blade of a food processor to grate the entire head of cabbage. Place cabbage in a large bowl. Add sugar, vinegar, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, celery seed, black pepper and salt. Toss well to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Serves 6 to 8.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA BARBEQUED PORK (JULY 2022)

I’m always revamping and revising my oven-baked Boston butt pulled pork BBQ recipe. This version features Spice Islands Old Hickory Smoked Salt (available at Amazon. com) and Scott’s Barbecue Sauce from Goldsboro, NC. (www.scottsbarbecuesauce.com, 1-800-734-Sauce)

1 large oven cooking bag

By Debbi Covington

sauce, plus additional for serving

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Place an oven cooking bag on a baking sheet. Season pork with salt, pepper and hickory smoked salt. Place pork in oven cooking bag; pour barbeque sauce over the meat. Seal bag with tie. Place pan in oven, allowing room for the bag to expand during cooking without touching the heating elements, walls or racks. The bag should not hang over the pan. Bake for 8 hours. Remove from oven and let meat rest in the cooking bag for 45 minutes. Remove pork from cooking bag and shred; discard fat, skin and bone. Serve with additional vinegar and pepper-style barbeque sauce. Serves 8 to 10.

1 (7 to 8-pound) pork Boston butt pork roast Salt

Freshly ground black pepper Hickory smoked salt (optional)

1 cup vinegar and pepper-style barbeque

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

view her cooking demonstrations,

Debbi’s YouTube channel. Debbi’s

Hilton Head Library in July

The Hilton Head Library will offering the following Adult Programs during the month of July.

BOOK CLUBS

Heritage Book Club – 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 10 at the Hilton Head Branch Library. Join us for our nonfiction book club for the history-minded! This is a joint program with the Heritage Library of Hilton Head. All are welcome. The selection for this session is Daughter of the Dawn: A Child of Hilton Head Island, 1950-1956 by Avary Hack Doubleday. Some copies of the book will be available at the Reference Desk. Contact the reference desk at 843-255-6525 for more information.

Tea, Talk & Tales Book Club – 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 16 at the Hilton Head Branch Library. Come for hot tea and warm conversations on the selected reading and its tangents. The July 2024 title is the fiction work Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey. No sign up required and books will be made available. Contact the reference desk at 843255-6525 for more information.

The Novel Choice Book Club – 4 p.m., Monday, July 29 at the Hilton Head Branch Library. Enjoy a lively discussion of the book of the month: Babel by R.F. Kuang. To attend virtually, please contact Emma Maines at emma.maines@bcgov.net to receive an invite to join us on the Microsoft Teams app. Contact the reference desk at 843-255-6525 for more information.

PROGRAMS

Virtually Explore the National Parks: Yosemite – 11 a.m., Monday, July 1 at the Hilton Head Branch Library. Adventure Begins at Your Library this Summer! Explore our National Parks from the cool, air-conditioned comfort of the library! Join us every other Monday during Summer Reading for a series of special movie features. No sign up required, all ages welcome, and as always, library programs are free to attend. Contact the reference desk at 843-255-6525 for more information.

Adult Craft Adventure: Oyster Shell Trinket Dishes – 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 2 at the Hilton Head Branch Library. Join us and

create DIY oyster shell trinket dishes. We'll use patterned napkins, mod-podge, and paint to transform oyster shells collected from the beach! All supplies will be provided but feel free to bring your own paper napkins to craft with. Space is limited. Registration is required! You can register by calling 843-255-6525 or emailing emma.maines@bcgov.net.

Chess Club – 3:30 - 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 3 at the Hilton Head Branch Library. Join us at the Hilton Head branch for our new Chess Club! We provide the gameboards, you provide the mental acumen! This is an informal, open play club for all ages and skill levels. Games held every other Wednesday. Contact the reference desk at 843-255-6525 for more information.

Library Plant Swap – 1-2 p.m., Tuesday, July 9 at the Hilton Head Branch Library. Celebrate the coming of Summer with us and join in our Library Plant Swap! Bring a healthy plant or cutting to the library to swap for free. Indoor or outdoor, big or small, all plants are welcome at the Library Plant Swap. Browse the Swap selection and be sure to check out the gardening section for more books on plant care. Please contact the Hilton Head Reference Desk at 843-255-6525 with any questions.

Tech Help – 11 a.m., Thursday, July 11 at the Hilton Head Branch Library. Got a question about your library account? Or SC Lends? Or hoopla? Or your phone? Or your computer? Or anything else? The librarian is here to help! Reference Librarian Warren Cobb will have an open door from 11 a.m. to noon (or later if need be) every month to be available to patrons for whatever they may need. No appointment necessary! Just show up! Contact the reference desk at 843-2556525 for more information.

Virtually Explore the National Parks: The Black Hills & Badlands – 11 a.m., Monday, July 15 at the Hilton Head Branch Library. Adventure Begins at Your Library this Summer! Explore our National Parks from the cool, air-conditioned comfort of the library! Join us every other Monday during Summer Reading for a series of special movie features. No sign up required, all ages welcome, and as always, library programs are free to attend.

Contact the reference desk at 843-255-6525 for more information.

Chess Club – 3:30 - 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 17 at the Hilton Head Branch Library. Join us at the Hilton Head branch for our new Chess Club! We provide the gameboards, you provide the mental acumen! This is an informal, open play club for all ages and skill levels. Games held every other Wednesday. Contact the reference desk at 843-255-6525 for more information.

Hurricane Preparation with the BCSO –11 a.m., Thursday, July 18 at the Hilton Head Branch Library. Hurricane season is here, and all Hilton Head residents new and old need to be prepared. Major Adam Zsamar of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office’s Emergency Management Division will be here to

explain the county’s procedures during a weather event including evacuation and post-incident re-entry to the island. No registration necessary. Contact the reference desk at 843-255-6525 for more information.

Virtually Explore the National Parks: The Everglades – 11 a.m., Monday, July 29 at the Hilton Head Branch Library. Adventure Begins at Your Library this Summer! Explore our National Parks from the cool, air-conditioned comfort of the library! Join us every other Monday during Summer Reading for a series of special movie features. No sign up required, all ages welcome, and as always, library programs are free to attend. Contact the reference desk at 843-255-6525 for more information.

Dunning-Kruger Effect

My title sounds like a disorder that comes from a hostage situation, doesn’t it? Well, in a manner of speaking, perhaps. No, the Dunning-Kruger effect is a type of cognitive bias where people with little expertise or ability assume they have superior expertise or ability. This overestimation occurs as a result of the fact that they don’t have enough knowledge to know they don’t have enough knowledge. (@sciencefunn) In other words, we place too much value on staying at a Holiday Inn the previous night.

I feel we all allow ourselves to be in this category here and there, to be fair. We all know that guy, though, don’t we? No one wants to be that clueless one. Bless his heart, this person is usually last to know –never considers any other alternative. This

person may often be revealed right after he asks you to hold his beer.

I don’t feel we can completely eliminate the Dunning-Kruger Effect, but mindfulness is helpful. It can be a seductive, fine line to mistake confidence for competence. Often, those suffering from this syndrome don’t stop talking long enough to listen to reason and logic. God help us all if they happen to be charismatic and/or plausible. They thrive in the corporate world and likely may be your CEO or senator. Why does everything have to be so hard? Just because you hit the easy button doesn’t mean there is not hard work to be done. That last statement will put some at ease, others will be surprised and in denial about the hard work part. A good, albeit niche, example of this easy/hard model is writing a novel. I know most won’t under -

take a task such as this, so bear with me on this example.

We all have huge undertakings in our lives, right? Of course. Well, what’s the difference in a project you love versus one you are forced into, or worse yet, one you think you should love? Consider that laboring in love is never the hard way, only sweat-drenched. When selecting the direction of my novel, I don’t think I could have written its rough draft in six months if I wasn’t interested in its subject matter. That said, there will always be the nitty gritty of a project to be done to satisfaction just as there will always be those that don’t want to or don’t realize there’s no substitute for elbow grease. I know I’ve made this mistake in the past, so I’m casting no stones, only looking to provide varying perspectives.

Now, how do we apply the notion in the previous paragraph to our lives? Maybe this isn’t apples to apples, but we need to start with the understanding that we live in a world where in the 1980’s A&W tried to compete with McDonald’s quarter pounder by selling a 1/3lb. burger at a lower cost. It failed, because many thought the 1/4lb. was bigger. (@jaddevouerofficial)

Meander with me here a minute: The roots of the Dunning-Kruger Effect are

by Sutty Suddeth WHOLLY HOLISTICS

buried in superiority and ignorance. Not the superiority of I can drive a golf ball farther than you, or run faster, etc. Such things are measurable. I’m talking about superiority with no evidence for its existence. This leads me to the poison pill of cynicism.

Sure, I’ve been cynical, but I resist the urge most of the time unless I’m using it in a humorous way. Once you resist, in this context, you begin to feel the damage of its release. We alternatives like to have our fasts or some other fancy Tibetan sounding practice. We often can feel very high and mighty when we’re working outside the box, so try being cynical for your 30day fast from the silver lining. Do you feel like you now have a good foundation for a victim mentality? Do you grasp the selective outrage of it all? Is cynicism how we seed the clouds of fear in the name of righteousness? Has paranoia set in? If you don’t have an answer to any of the above questions, tack on another week and go from there.

What should we pray for? What should we try to manifest? Here’s a novel idea: Satisfaction. Really? That’s not sexy. True. And I’m not sure the human ego can ever be completely satisfied. It’s not how we’re built. That’s for the other side of the veil. That said, we’ve been given imagination, haven’t we? Imagine it viscerally. What is its texture, taste, smell, sound, and look? Your imagination can relax or excite you. Now I’m going to go take my own advice. Thanks for listening, Lowcountry.

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

A View From Across the Pond

Ihave been fortunate to visit RHS Chelsea in London, England on three different occasions. What is it? Chelsea is the Royal Horticultural Society’s largest flower show and in fact, it is the largest and most prestigious flower show in the world. It is held every May for five days and covers 11 acres of parkland with show gardens, balcony gardens, house plant displays, and at 2.9 acres, the world’s largest tent. The tent or Grand Pavilion houses floral displays as well as vendors showing off their plants that can range from roses, South African proteas, and daffodils. There is truly something for every gardener.

The garden designers and growers are all vying for the coveted Gold Medal and I had dinner with one of the judges and believe me when I say that they take their job very seriously. For the past few years garden designers have been matched up with a U.K charity. Their garden should somehow reflect the mission of that charity and when the show is over, the charity decides where the garden will have its permanent home. It is wonderful to know that the garden – flowers, benches, hardscape, etc. will have a home where it can be enjoyed by many people.

Each designer submits a brief about their mission and then the design must demonstrate the achievement of that goal. Also, new this year is that every garden plan is required to go through a “Green Audit” to make certain that the garden is sustainable and that materials can be repurposed. There was an extensive use of recycled materials such as old bricks, construction rubble, old wood, and gravel. Water retention and re-use was a big theme –how to capture and retain run off water. With our expensive water bills in the Lowcountry, that is something we need to practice. It can take the designers a year to come up with their plan and then they have three weeks to transform a blank area in a park into a show garden with trees, shrubs, pathways, walls, water features, and an abundance of plants.

As far as what was in “vogue” this year?

I found it amusing that our tractor seat plant (Farfugium japonica) was a huge hit. People were asking me what it was! And hold on to your rakes – Spanish moss was much in evidence. I remember seeing Spanish moss for sale in the gift shop at the Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden, but they were having a display of plants from the southeastern United States. At Chelsea, Spanish moss

was used as a feature hanging from trees as well as on hanging plants in the House Plant studios. Maybe a good retirement job would be to ship Spanish moss to the U.K.

Speaking of house plants – Since the pandemic, there has been a huge resurgence of interest in house plants. With so many people living in urban areas without a large space to garden, house plants have been a way to bring a bit of the garden inside. There was also an extensive display of balcony gardens using a small space. Some even had edibles grown in containers for fresh herbs and vegetables.

What can a home gardener take away from this year’s show? Orange and rust tones seemed to be the “in style” color this year. Moss was often used as a ground cover. Plant material was often planted into gravel rather than directly into compost. Gravel gardening seems to be taking off more and more. My own gravel garden is doing quite well this year and is weed free. Bagged compost in the U.K must be peat free by law and that was very much in evidence with educational displays. Their peat bogs are a valuable source for wildlife and the worry is that they cannot renew themselves quickly enough to be sustainable. There were also displays about not rototilling your garden as science is showing that this destroys the soil structure and soil microbes. Chelsea is set up to be beautiful and enjoyable, but also a learning experience for the visitors.

What was my favorite garden? I was blown away by a garden in the tent called “The Size of Wales” Garden. The term “The Size of Wales” is used in the U.K. to describe loss of natural habitat. This garden was the shape of Wales and contained 313 species of native plants. Waste stone was used from quarry and all materials except for the stone were biodegradable. Even fungi were used to show its value to the ecosystem. From soaring trees to delicate wildflowers, this garden had it all and won a welldeserved Gold Medal.

By Wendy Hilty

Chelsea is the ultimate experience for a gardener with something for everyone. It is also an event to relish the return of spring to England. The gates open at 8AM and by the time my daughter and I arrived at the tent a few minutes later people were drinking champagne. When my daughter remarked on it, a person next to her exclaimed “Well, Darling. It IS Chelsea!” Did we get champagne? Of course, we did.

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.

Classifieds 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.

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.

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 & WORK-

SHOPS 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 danc-

ing 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

VETERANS FIRST THRIFT STORE is in need of volunteers. Summer hours are Thursday thru Saturday - 10am-4pm. Volunteer hours are very flexible! Stop in the store at 612 Robert Smalls Parkway to fill out a volunteer application or call the store at 843-263-4218. Please consider helping this very worthwhile organization!!

SECOND HELPINGS is seeking volunteers to crew our trucks in Bluffton and Beaufort to distribute food to local charities. Offering a flexible schedule at your convenience. Email officeadmin@secondhelpingslc.org

BEMER CIRCULATION THERAPY 10-11a Fridays via Zoom. Already own a BEMER? Never heard of it but curious? Join to ask any questions about this leading-edge German technology that enhances blood flow 30% in 8 minutes. Sessions are designed to support those who have their own unit but everyone is welcome. Brought to you by BEMER Specialist - Human & Equine, Elizabeth Bergmann. Text 410-212-1468 to get the Zoom link. Free.

CARIS HEALTHCARE: WE HONOR VETERANS Hospice Program. You a Vet with a little time to share with other Vets with limited time? The We Honor Veterans program seeks volunteers who are Vets to offer a listening ear for our Veteran patients. Volunteers also participate in our Pinning Ceremonies for Veteran patients. Contact 843473-3939 or smilliken@carishealthcare.com

SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY: Non-denominational meditation, silent prayer and healing group forming. All welcome. No 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.fortfremont.org or contact the Passive Parks Department Director, Stefanie Nagid, at snagid@bcgov. net

US COAST GUARD AUXILIARY, Flotilla 07-10-01, Port Royal Sound, a uniformed, all volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard. We conduct safety patrols, assist search & rescue, teach boat safety, conduct free vessel safety checks and other boating activities. Monthly meetings are open to all and held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Port Royal Sound Foundation classroom at 7pm. For info call Flotilla Commander Pattie McGowan (706-633-6192) and 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.

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 Brain - 2nd & 4th Thursday, 1011:30am, $10/person, $15 couple, Carteret Street Methodist Church, 408 Carteret St., Beaufort; Memory Screenings available call 843-521-9190 or make an appointment, 1500 King St., Beaufort, free; Purple Haven Project - Educate local 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 843-815-6616 (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 Tuesdays 9am-12pm at 114 Beach City Rd., Hilton Head. Donations of food and funds needed. For info: Rev. Dr. Nannette Pierson at 843-715-3583 or email sandalwoodpantry@gmail.com

PARRIS ISLAND MUSEUM. The legacy of the Marine Corps and the history of the Port Royal region. Thousands of artifacts, images, and other materials illustrate the stories in exhibit galleries from Native American to modern Marines. FREE admission. Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm and 8am on 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.

Curated Comfort

I’m not sure how I fell into such a cozy comfort zone, one cocooned by carefully curated choices, tried and true recipes, and the path not just most traveled but most trampled. I didn’t start out that way. It was a gradual process, but it seems like lately I’m always testing the water before jumping in and reading the reviews before downloading the book, buying the movie tickets or ordering the dress. And not just the first handful of reviews. I have an entire system where I start with the one-star grievance recounts and move my way up to the glowing recommendations perhaps populated by friends and family.

How did that happen? How did I feel the need of others’ opinions — even those of strangers — before I form my own? It doesn’t make sense because I believe those who dive into experiences with exuberance, damn the torpedoes and all of that, have an edge on living life to its full potential. I yearn to shake off the grip of expectations and catastrophic calculation, especially in this later stage of life where decisions are narrower and consequences less dire.

I feel an urge to pull out of the metaphorical pluff mud I feel stuck in. Step One: I want to take a hard look at how access to endless information gives safety seekers like me way too little rope.

No Luddite here, but what did we do before Yelp, Amazon and Trip Advisor reviews? Back in the day, I’d follow recommendations from dog eared copies of Lonely Planet guides, foodie friends, NYT Book reviewers and the teenager taking up tickets at the movie theater.

Reviews used to be the purview of actual experts. Book reviewers read the book and discussed plot arcs, character development, place and symbolism. One learned how the reviewer felt moved by a turn of a phrase, a description of a sunset or a scrap of dialogue that sparkled like an ocean of Windex.

Same with culinary guides. When you are in the hands of skilled reviewers like Beaufort locals, Lynn and Cele Seldon, your experience deepens with their descriptions of how the flavors blend in an original way, or how the chef added an unusual spice that takes a salad to the next level.

You grow under the hands of an art expert pointing out shadows and techniques in an oil painting, a photographer describing the sunset’s pink afterglow or birder identifying the birdsong and its migratory journey. When a naturalist takes you on a walk through a Lowcountry maritime forest or a master gardener explains why your hydrangeas could use some coffee grounds, you can delight in knowing you are in capable hands. Which is the opposite of the plethora of trash found in many online reviews.

One recent restaurant review complained vociferously about how the server didn’t refill his tea and how the tabletop felt sticky. Left unwritten was how the cook in the back was dissolving sugar into a new batch of golden brewed tea. Or how the table got sticky from little hands dipping into the melting sugar of hot beignet donuts. Where was the description of the tomatoes grown a mile away, picked with the dirt still on their fat, red skins? Did the snappish writer even know the shrimp was scooped up in newly repaired

nets just off the Port Royal Sound by third generation shrimpers?

I digress. I’m not advocating skipping what researchers insist nearly 90% of consumers rely on for purchasing decisions. I want to know if the sunscreen I’m paying too much for really is greaseless and scentless but makes my skin look ten years younger all while protecting me from 99% of UV rays. But it’s exhausting, too.

Here’s my new simple plan. I’m going to ask for restaurant recommendations from locals and if passing through a new town, choose the diner where the police cars and pick-up trucks are parked. If a fisherman describes the watering hole as a five-star dive bar, that’s better than a Micheline star anytime.

I will read the novel you tell me changed your life and will explore the trail recommended by the experienced hiker as he’s shaking the dirt out of his shoes.

By Carolyn Mason

I don’t think there’s a way to escape from the tyranny of endless information and opinions but there are ways to be more discerning about the curators. Perhaps the tourist destination is as wonderful as the 20,000 4-stars indicate, but maybe the guy who knows the olive oil maker’s grandchildren’s names is the right guide in a strange land.

As far as ignoring ‘herd advice?’ I’m working on returning to the Old Me, the Me who takes her chances, thank you. But in the meantime, if you are crazy about your sunscreen, please let me know.

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.

Gilbert Law Firm llc

Alisha Doud alisha@dcgilbert.com

Daun Schouten daun@dcgilbert.com

Laure Gallagher laure@dcgilbert.com

Ashley Hart ashley@dcgilbert.com

Joy McConnell joy@dcgilbert.com

Johanna Graham johanna@dcgilbert.com

Kathy Crowley kathy@dcgilbert.com

Dawn Shipsey dawn@dcgilbert.com

derek@dcgilbert.com

samuel@dcgilbert.com

Derek C. Gilbert Attorney at Law

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) 521-1888 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! Mondays - F&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. 6/20 Corey Tate, 6/22 Tradd, 6/24 Chris Jones, 6/27 Brian Bazemore, 6/29 Eric Daubert. OR 17 State of Mind St., Bluffton. Tuesdays - Chris Jones. www.captainwoodys.com

The Jazz Corner, Village at Wexf1ord, Hilton Head. Sundays - Deas Guyz; Mondays - A Journey Through Jazz with The Martin Lesch Band; Tuesdays - Fat Tuesdays: A Swingin' Celebration of New Orleans and Beyond; Thursdays - Lavon Stevens with Louise Spencer. 6/19 Lavon Stevens Quartet with Quiana Parler, 6/21 & 6/22 Al Strong Quartet 6/26 Bobby Ryder, 6/28 & 6/29 Alphonso Horne & the Gotham Kings, 7/3 Lavon Stevens Quartet with Quiana Parler, 7/5 & 7/6 Zack Stevens Band. (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. 6/21 Summer 'Camp' hosted by Medusa

Chaos with DJ Jomajesty & Lily's Burlesque - proceeds benefit AFFA, 6/22 Nirvani, 6/23

Nicotine Dolls; Adam Bonomo, 6/25 JMSN; 2007, 6/27 Jenny Lewis; Dean Johnson, 6/28

Pocket Full of Shells - Wu-Tang Clan tribute, 6/29 Whitehall; Invisible Low End Power; Hotel Hugo, 7/5 Carolina Shag Party, 7/6 Felly; Jackpal; Red Leather 7/7 Puppeteers for Fears. (843) 853-2252 or www.musicfarm.com

ThePourHouse,1977MaybankHwy,Charleston. 6/20 Maggie Rose; Fancy Hagood, 6/21 Baduizm - Erykah Badu tribute, 6/22 Bears Gone Phishin' - Dead, Phish, and Widespread Panic tribute, 6/27 Marvel Years & Vincent Antone; Cozm; Nova, 6/28 & 6/29 Perpetual Groove, 7/3 Bombargo, 7/4 & 7/5 Papadosio, 7/6 Sexbruise; FutureJoy. (843) 571-4343 or www. charlestonpourhouse.com

Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms. 6/20 Collie Buddz, 6/21 Wilderado; Flyte, 6/22

The Stews; Colors in Corduroy, 6/23 Red Not Chili Peppers, 6/28, 6/29 & 6/30 Moon Taxi; Claire Wright, 7/3 Edwin McCain, 7/4 Wyatt Flores, 7/5 Maddie & Tae, 7/6 Doom Flamingo. (843) 886-8596 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 – 6/27, Art Beyond Tradition: Visual Theatrics, an exhibit of abstract art at USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret St, Beaufort.

Now – 6/30, Edges, an exhibit of work by Frank Gorman and Gary Korosi, will be featured at The Beaufort Art Association Gallery. 913 Bay Street, Beaufort.

Now – 6/30, Bring the Light, an exhibit of art by Julia Kamenskikh, at the Society of

Bluffton Artists gallery. 6 Church Street, Old Town Bluffton. www.sobagallery.com

Now – 7/7, Camera Club of Hilton Head exhibit at the Coastal Discovery Museum at historic Honey Horn,, in the Main Gallery. Admission is free.

Now – 7/19, Land-Escapes: Through My Lens, Lyndsi Caulder photography exhibit at Art League Gallery on Hilton Head. Artist reception Wed 6/26, 5-7pm, Gallery Walk & Talk Fri 7/21, 12-1pm. Both free and open to the public. Inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, 843-681-5060.

Now – 9/20, A Gathering of Artists, a new show by the Artists of Sea Pines. Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head.

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

7/1 – 7/28, What Dreams are Made Of . . . an exhibit of art by Anthony Collichio at the Society of Bluffton Artists gallery. Opening reception on 7/12 at 6pm. 6 Church St, Old Town Bluffton. www.sobagallery.com

7/1 – 7/30, Low Country Egrets in Flight, the art of John Meckley featured at the Beaufort Art Association Gallery. Opening reception Fri 7/1, 5-8pm. 913 Bay Street, Beaufort.

7/23 – 7/30, Halfway Home, exhibit of Sea Turtle art at Art League Academy, 106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head. Closing reception Tues. 7/30, 5-7pm.

7/23 – 8/23, Painting the Stories, the Gullah Geechee art of Samantha Claar at Art League Gallery. Opening reception Wed 7/24, 5-7pm. Inside the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head. 843-681-5060.

BOOKS & WRITERS

Thur 6/27, Evening with McCracken Poston, Jr. ( Zenith Man: Death, Love, and Redemption in a Georgia Courtroom) at the Pat Conroy Literary Center at 5pm. Free and open to the public. Books available for sale and signing through the Beaufort Bookstore. Please call to reserve your seat in advance: 843-379-7025.

OTHER EVENTS

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 843-838-7437. 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. 843-4703506. 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.

Vince Covington, Owner

4:33A 0.5

7:40A 6.4 8:23A 6.5 9:05A 6.7 9:48A 6.9 10:34A 7.0 11:23A 7.1

6:22A 0.2

7:11A 0.2

8:03A 0.2

8:57A 0.2

9:52A 0.2

10:47A 0.2 11:41A 0.2

6:38A 6.8

7:37A 6.8

8:29A 6.8

9:16A 6.8

10:01A 6.8 10:44A 6.8

1:45P 0.8

2:31P 0.6

3:18P 0.4

4:06P 0.2

4:55P 0.1

5:45P 0.0

12:15P 7.3

1:11A 7.4

2:10P 7.5

3:12P 7.6 4:13P 7.8 5:14P 7.9

12:35A 0.2 1:28P 0.8 2:19P 0.2

3:08P 0.3 3:56P 0.3 4:44P 0.4 8:09P 7.6 8:51P 7.8 9:34P 8.1 10:19P 8.3 11:06P 8.4 11:55P 8.4 6:36P 0.0 7:29P 0.1 8:26P 0.3 9:25P 0.5 10:24P 0.6 11:23P 0.7 6:17P 8.0 7:17P 8.1 8:12P 8.1 9:01P 8.1 9:47P 8.1 10:31P 8.0 11:13P 7.8