Happy Fourth? 4
America divided
Reframing History 5
Verdier House restored
From Her Imagination 11
Virginia Cassidy at SoBA
Steaks & Potatoes 12
Who doesn't love 'em?
Hilton Head Symphony 13
An exciting new season
A Right Worthy Woman 17
Novelist Ruth Watson
The Good Ones 7
Polly Stewart in Beaufort
The image on our cover is 'Dark Rose' by Sophia Paris, winner of this year's Art League of Hilton Head $2000 art scholarship. To learn more about this recent high school graduate, see our story on page 10.
June 21 – July 4, 2023
ro w c o unt
LPublisher: Jeff Evans — Jeff@LCWeekly.com
Editor: Margaret Evans — Editor@LCWeekly.com
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Art Director: Lydia Inglett
Layout & Design: Amalgamated Sprinkleworks
Contributing Writers: Vivian Bikulege, Katherine Tandy Brown, Debbi Covington, Sandra Educate, Carolyn Mason, Laura Lee Rose, Marley Rusoff, 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 2023 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.
Summer is not my favorite writing season. Invariably, I get blocked.
I’m pretty sure it’s the weather. The heat and humidity wrap around my brain like a wet, fuzzy blanket. A blanket printed with phrases like: “Off limits.” “Keep out.” “No inspiration allowed.”
This summer is shaping up to be even less inspiring than usual, for reasons that may not be entirely weather-related.
As the Fourth of July approaches, there’s a sense of doom hanging over our country. It’s making me sluggish and detached. I think almost everybody feels it, but we don’t have the comfort of commiserating. Because Americans don’t agree about the nature of the doom – how it will materialize or who’s to blame.
A meme has been going around Facebook lately, featuring a quote by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn: “The simple step of a courageous individual is not to take part in the lie.”
I keep seeing it – over and over – posted by Americans who clearly live in very different ideological (and informational) realities, all of whom are 100% certain they’re the ones being “courageous” while the other guys are “taking part in the lie.”
It’s a deeply disturbing situation for which I see no clear solution. Not a peaceful one, anyway.
It’s important to remember that this phenomenon isn’t new. Almost everybody I know blames Donald Trump – or the enemies of Donald Trump – for the division and chaos we see today, but Americans have been growing apart since long before Trump came down that escalator.
Just last week, a “memory” from 11 years ago appeared on my Facebook feed, a post in which I’d written, “In my wanderings through FB and the Internet in general, what fascinates me most is how one group's principled hero is another group's evil villain. No nuance. No gray area. Just black and white. It's truly intriguing.”
I reposted the memory, adding: “From back when I found it merely ‘intriguing,’ instead of deeply irritating and socially destructive.”
The comments that followed my post were illustrative.
One conservative FB friend immediately chimed in, saying, “Well, it all depends on your goals. We are at, as they say, an inflection point. What congress can people who want freedom and local control (Federalists) have with Globalists who want to bring down our system so that it can be subjugated to a world government? That was, quite literally, what brought our founders to arms. What compromise can I have with someone willing to mutilate the body of a child? How can there be a grey area there? What, cut off just one breast?”
From there, the comments only grew more provocative. The thread quickly turned into a conservative confab, so I quietly sidled away, finding it no more interesting than the liberal confabs I often stumble into, where the like-minded are laying down well-worn tracks – talking points I’ve heard a thousand times –and a palpable team spirit hangs in the air. It’s not so much a conversation as a rally, and I’ve never liked rallies.
In short, my FB community is a microcosm of the country, with the most committed partisans vigorously preaching to their own choirs and everybody else tuning out from sheer exhaustion and futility. The conservatives swear the liberals are trying to “bring down our system,” and the liberals are convinced the conservatives are trying to “destroy our Democracy.” The conservatives say the liberals want to “mutilate the bodies of children,” while the liberals say the conservatives want to “strip LGBTQ people of their rights.” The “book banners” talk smack about the “groomers” – and vice versa – and anyone who treasures precise, honest language and productive discussion is SOL, as the kids say.
Our political system is supposed to help people with different values live together peacefully, through compromise. What happens when a good number of Americans are no longer willing to do that?
contiguous states – with no borders, regular travel back and forth, a common language –that maintain drastically different laws based on drastically different moral values. Especially when those values aren't just "different" – but mutually reviled.
The discussion thread above clarified, for me – again – that for many people, there can be no compromise. So what now? And what about the rest of us?
Should the United States split into two countries? And if so, how would that work? I live in a red state, in a part of the country known as the Deep South. This region is my lifelong home and my heart. But many of my friends here are “blue.” I have dear family members who are red, blue, and various shades of purple. I am deep purple, myself. Will there be a third section of the country set aside for us purple people? Will I have to move to Ohio? Dear Lord. The Facebook thread was still active several days after it started, though I had long since slunk away. When I checked back in, I saw that one particularly committed conservative had asked, “On which topic should we compromise? Seriously, I can’t think of one that is of any importance.”
I posed this question in the aforementioned thread, and was told: “That was the genius of the federalist system and local control. Each state was supposed to be sovereign so that each group could have it their own way. The problem occurred when the Federal government usurped all power from the states, and started dictating a one-size-fits-few system.”
Okay, fair enough. But I’ve been thinking about federalism and local control ever since.
While I don’t question the genius of our system when it was originally conceived, I do wonder if it might not have run its course.
And before any of you have a conniption, just hear me out.
Our founding fathers couldn’t possibly have imagined our country as it is today: a collection of states so closely bound together –by ease of transportation, the spreading out of families, and a national media that we all hold in our back pockets and consult regularly.
I'm just not sure how realistic it is, anymore, to expect peaceful coexistence among
Off the top of my head, I could think of several, but I didn’t have the energy to jump back into the rally, especially knowing it would make no difference.
But let’s take abortion, for example. Here in SC, Gov. McMaster recently signed a bill into law making most abortions illegal after six weeks. The law is under review by the state Supreme Court, so our former law is still in effect, meaning abortion is still legal up to 22 weeks. For many Americans, both positions are extreme.
In fact, polls say a majority of Americans think abortion should be legal in the first trimester – up to somewhere between 12 and 14 weeks. Most Americans would favor such a compromise.
Unfortunately, most Americans have left the conversation.
Perhaps, like me, they’re tired of wasting their breath.
Margaret Evans is the editor of Lowcountry Weekly. She has been writing her award winning column, Rants & Raves, for over 20 years. A dispatch from the Divided States of America
Layer by careful layer, 219 years of history surfaces in a most unlikely place – the area surrounding the front door of the historic John Mark Verdier House in downtown Beaufort.
The ongoing work by master carpenter and restoration craftsman Chad Bond of Charleston is helping Historic Beaufort Foundation learn more about the Verdier House, its premier property and public house museum.
“After the sensitive removal of layers of paint by conservation lab specialist and paint analyst Frances Ford, it was discovered that more than 219 years of weathering had resulted in the wear and loss of some architectural elements on the decorative pilasters and frieze,” said Lise Sundrla, assistant director at Historic Beaufort Foundation.
Ford is an adjunct professor and conservation lecturer at the College of Charleston and a graduate of Clemson University’s historic preservation program.
“As Chad has continued the removal of layers and decades of paint on the door surround, he is revealing the delicate and intricate craftsmanship on the decorative pilasters and frieze surrounding the front door of the house.
“This effort is even more amazing when you realize these extraordinary design elements were created 219 years ago by a craftsman not unlike Chad,” Sundrla said.
This restoration effort is possible thanks to the gracious support of Patricia and Colden Battey, Greg and Sarah Dyson, and Cheryl Steele in memory of her husband Roger Steele.
Between 1801 and 1805, John Mark Verdier built the house on Bay Street in Beaufort’s downtown. He was a successful merchant, owning more than 1,000 acres on Lady’s Island along the Coosaw River where he grew Sea Island cotton. His house features typical Beaufort Style architectural elements: It faces south, is built on a high tabby foundation, has a two-story pedimented portico and low-pitched hip roof.
During this restoration process, Bond found the long-lost pattern on the two composite medallions at the top of the pilasters which frame the door — a floral motif typical of the Federal Period. Restoration is underway on the decorative architectural elements surrounding the front door of the John Mark Verdier House.
“There were many, many layers of paint obscuring its original design,” Bond said. “For example, on the sides of the upper brackets above the pilasters are some simple and beautiful bell flowers that adorn each side.
Plans for exterior and interior renovation of the house began in 2006, when HBF engaged renowned restoration paint colorist Susan Buck to test and identify the original paint colors on the John Mark Verdier House – the clapboard exterior, interior, doors and shutters.
Buck earned her Ph.D. in Art Conservation Research at the University of Delaware in 2003 and her Master’s degree from the Winterthur, the University of a Delaware Program in Art Conservation. She is an Art Conservator and Paint Analyst and lives in Williamsburg VA.
She conducted microscopy analysis on the exterior clapboard, interior plaster and woodwork along with the exterior and interior doors.
The original door of the John Mark Verdier House had been replaced with a replica during the 1970s renovation of the house as the original door was in poor condition, Sundrla noted. Because HBF still had the original door, Buck was able to conduct the microscopy analysis.
its construction, ca. 1804, when the Verdier family resided in the home. Work began in 2020 and the exterior paint and clapboard repair was completed in 2021.
Master colorist Stephanie Poe was engaged in December 2022 to grain the 1970s replica door to resemble mahogany. A Charleston resident, Poe has studied under three of the masters in the field, Mike McNeil, Jean Sable, and Pierre Finkelstein. She has traveled around the world to study and master the authentic and historical methods used in Italian plastering, wood graining, and marbling.
At that same time, HBF brought in master craftsman Chad Bond to restore the decorative door surround.
“It is not uncommon for a project like this to hold so much history, but I think it is uncommon to have so many people on board and excited to help bring an important piece of history back into glory,” Bond said.
“These were a complete discovery as they were revived from a puddle of many layers of paint. Throughout the restoration, the original crispness of detail was rediscovered. I’m very happy with how that turned out,” Bond said.
Historic Beaufort Foundation Executive Director Cynthia Jenkins said her favorite part of the door restoration frame restoration so far has been realizing the left and right sides are no longer identical. “I was surprised to see that the decorative details on the west side of the door (left side facing the house) were more deteriorated than the details on the east side,” she said.
“The reason is pretty simple – the worst rain and weather comes from the southwest. Probably another issue is the summer sun is hotter on that side and it isn’t protected by the portico. The primary reason the Beaufort Style evolved from porticos to deep piazzas across the south front of houses was to shade the interiors, catch the breeze and provide a cool place to sit before the invention of air conditioning,” Jenkins said.
Her research showed that both the original front door and the second-floor jib-door were painted with a thin layer of deep red-brown paint, followed by a second deep red-brown paint, and then a grain-painting sequence in the third-generation. This was typical of houses in that time-period to grain their doors to give the appearance of mahogany as a show of wealth and stature.
Jenkins said the toughest decision was whether to restore the original front door or to faux grain the 1970’s reproduction. In the end it seemed best to save the original door, to keep it in storage out of the elements. “Technology will continue to progress and in another 50 years that door might shed valuable information,” she said.
The John Mark Verdier House is a premiere representation of Beaufort’s residential architecture and was a highly visible statement of Verdier’s rise as a successful merchant and planter in the early 1800s.
A 2012 repainting of the exterior brought the house back to ca.1863 when the color was a pinkish-tan. At that time the house was occupied by the Union Troops as the Adjutant General’s Office for the duration of the war.
In 2017, HBF launched the “Paint the Lady Campaign” with the goal of exterior repair and painting of the house. The decision was made to bring the house back to the period of
Historic Beaufort Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit education foundation created to preserve, protect, and present sites and artifacts of historic, architectural, and cultural interest throughout Beaufort County, South Carolina. For more information on the entity's mission and history, please visit historicbeaufort.org and follow them on social media, including Facebook and Instagram.
Are you brave enough to get emotionally naked? It was all I could do not to spell naked, nekked, which means being naughty. Seriously, I heard a famous actress ask this on a podcast recently and it struck me as having applications beyond her profession. Can you feel why she may ask such questions to play a character? Can you imagine why I ask this question in this forum?
For instance, I just wanted to run a car wash when I was a little boy. This was way before I understood the concepts of running a business. No, what I understood was that I liked the work—I liked the satisfaction of making something pretty again. Granted there’s a picture of me soaping up the inside of the car thinking I was helping, but I was four, so it’s precious. After all, cars drive better when they’re clean, right? I also feel I just liked bonding with my father over that ’67 Corvette rag top. I feel the same way about running my backpack blower and pressure washing with bleach.
Feelings matter. Your feelings matter. Just because we all live in the popular state of denial, to varying degrees, doesn’t mean we must remain in that crappy a$$-backwards neck of the woods. Mash those feelings down if you must, but consider the long-term costs. For example, perhaps a long-term relationship really needed to be a short-term relationship. It was fun while it lasted, it really was. It was definitely me and not you.
(If you have time and are in an appropriate place while reading this, pause reading, and YouTube the Chris Isaak video and listen to “Wicked Game.” It’s a haunted fantasy, if I
ever heard one. This song never fails to elicit Angel bumps on my skin and takes me back to the 90’s like an episode of 90210.)
I should mention a caveat to the premise in the opening paragraph: Make sure you’re not surrounded by a$$holes when you consider your emotional disrobing. For, not all truths need to be told out loud, and definitely not in “mixed company.” What a wicked game we play, right?
“It’s strange what desire can make foolish people do.” (“Wicked Game”) Specifically, I’m referring to the desire to ignore what’s wrong until it festers into a 911 call. Before writing this column and studying the lyrics for “Wicked Game,” I didn’t realize there was even a chorus. The chorus keeps softly chanting, “This girl is only gonna break your heart.” Man, we sometimes just wanna hear what we wanna hear when we like a beat. Whew, that Helena Christensen sure was pretty and they were electric together in that video. Sure is hot when we get close to that fire though.
In times of reflection, I’ve snared judgments about myself believing that no one should feel this good. With inner demons like that, who’s got time to worry about voodoo demons? Can you believe a thought such as that? I bet if you use just smidgen of imagination, you can. There are probably more destructive thoughts such as this wreaking unrealized havoc on the reg. No, ignorance is not the bliss we’re looking for here. Ignorance is the thief in the night in this context.
How often is the hard way the “obvious” way—the only way ever considered? I
submit that if we take the time to look within, it’s time well spent. Do you not think you’re worth it? Do you not want to see yourself in such a vulnerable position—soft underbelly exposed. Here’s the opportunity to flip a weakness into a strength by asking the right questions. The quality of the question will match the quality of the answer when we’re playing twenty questions with the Universe within. The Universe whispers softly to us most of the time, so listen up to that gut feeling. Listen up to that feeling that pops up and you immediately go, “Naaaa, it’s fine.” It most certainly is not always fine. Yes, sometimes you’re being high maintenance, so allow for that, but listen up to being minimized and marginalized by your thoughts. You may have missed something the first time, but it only means vigilance leads to success the second, third, fourth, and so on, time around.
by Sutty Suddeth WHOLLY
Sometimes we’re just left to pray that our fantasies, as smoldering as they are, do not become reality. Recall the Universe gives us what we need rather than desire. Seek out in your lives where you can do addition by subtraction of distractions. Even if it drives you to distraction for a moment in time, it’s worth every bit of the effort. Your future self will thank you profusely.
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
The Beaufort Bookstore, in partnership with the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center, will host an evening with novelist Polly Stewart, author of The Good Ones, in conversation with retired FBI special agent turned thriller writer Dana Ridenour, author of the Lexie Montgomery Series. This free event will be held on Thursday, June 29, at 5:00 p.m., at 2127 Boundary St., Ste 15. Books will be available for sale and signing. Please call Beaufort Bookstore to reserve your seat: 843-525-1066.
“Polly Stewart’s The Good Ones is a fantastic achievement. A classic Southern Gothic tale told through the prism of modern-day sensibilities. Not to be missed.”—S. A. Cosby, New York Times bestselling author of Razorblade Tears.
"Smart, dark, and suspenseful, The Good Ones skillfully navigates the sharp edges of small-town secrets that cut deep. A beautifully written mystery that’ll keep you guessing til the end.” — Laura McHugh, award-winning author of What's Done in Darkness.
The last time Nicola Bennett saw Lauren Ballard she was scraping a key along the side of a new cherry-red Chevy Silverado. That was the night before her friend mysteriously vanished from her home, leaving a bloodstained washcloth and signs of a struggle — as well as her grieving husband and young daughter — behind. Now, nearly twenty years later, Nicola, newly unemployed and still haunted by the disappearance of her childhood friend, is returning to her Appalachian hometown. For Nicola, Tyndall County has remained frozen in time. Everywhere she turns she’s reminded of Lauren. Yet shockingly, her former friends and neighbors have all moved on. Drawn to stories of missing girls, Nicola obsessively searches the internet, hoping to discover a clue to Lauren’s ultimate fate.
Driven by a desperate need to know what happened to her friend, Nicola takes a job in her hometown, determined to uncover any bit of information, any small clue, that can
help. Deep down she knows the answers are tucked in the hollows and valleys of this small Blue Ridge county. As secrets come to light and the truth begins to unravel, will Nicola finally find release and break free of the past—or lose herself completely to unanswered questions from her adolescence?
Polly Stewart is the author of The Good Ones, newly published by Harper Books in June 2023. As Mary Stewart Atwell, she's also the author of Wild Girls (Scribner 2012). Her essays have appeared in the New York Times and Poets & Writers, among other publications. She runs the Craft of Crime Fiction interview series, formerly published on Fiction Writers Review and now appearing on Instagram.
The nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center will host a hybrid (in-person and online) writing workshop led by local author Estelle Ford-Williamson on Tuesday, June 27, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Writing Family Stories 2 is a continuation of a class offered in February; but previous participation is not required for this workshop. Family stories require a balance of remembrance, research, and trust in the storytelling process. This course will enable writers with varying levels of experience to start (or continue) the process with a goal of completing a project in the fall. Estelle will discuss Beginning the Stories, Finding Structure in Your Many Tales, Publication,
and What to Do after Publishing the Stories, as well as a round-robin sharing of work by workshop participants with instructor feedback.
The workshop is limited to 15 participants, with options for both in-person and remote (Zoom) attendance. $45/person. Learn more and register in advance at https://writingfamilystories2_workshop. eventbrite.com
About our instructor: Estelle FordWilliamson’s most recent book is Rising Fawn, a novel set in Atlanta and Lookout Mountain, GA. Previously she published Abbeville Farewell, a Novel of Early Atlanta and North Georgia, and co-wrote a memoir, Seed of South Sudan: Memoir of a ‘Lost Boy’ Refugee with Majok Marier. For four years, she led “Writing Your Story” workshops at a senior center in the Atlanta area; a dozen students went on to publish full memoirs. She has received awards for her novels and short fiction; she lives on nearby St. Helena Island.
Learn more about the Pat Conroy Literary Center at www.patconroyliterarycenter.org
Art League of Hilton Head has awarded its annual $2,000 art scholarship to graduating Hilton Head Preparatory School senior Sophia Paris. The decision was based on her outstanding art portfolio, impressive GPA and glowing teacher recommendations. Sophia will be applying the scholarship to tuition at Tufts University this fall, where she plans to explore her passion for user experience design by double majoring in engineering psychology and studio arts with a concentration in Graphic Design.
Sophia described herself as a “generally overly-prepared” planner who leaves plenty of room for inspiration and creativity along the way. “When I prepare for a new piece, I research medium interactions and do countless sketches,” she says.
“However, it’s the last-minute intuitive alterations I love the most. In this way, my approach to my art has mirrored my approach to life.”
Sophia is an Honor Roll student and president of Hilton Head Prep’s Global Citizenship Club, of which she is a founding member. She also participated in The Experiment, a virtual exchange program with students from all over the world with the goal of designing solutions to problems like climate change and food insecurity. “Her genuine interest in service, artistic expression, and cultures has made her a recognized leader in our school community, by students and faculty alike,” says Louise Goodman of Hilton Head Prep, describing Sophia as “emotionally intelligent, diligent, and diplomatic.”
The Art League of Hilton Head scholarship program encourages students to develop their artistic skills and pursue a career in the visual arts. The funding of this scholarship is made possible through charitable donations made to Art League of Hilton Head. If you would like to contribute to Art League’s scholarship fund, please email admin@artleaguehhi.org or call (843)681-5060 for more information.
Smile, above right
Mom, Me, Femininity is Strength, below right Changing Seasons, A Changing Self, below
Virginia Cassidy wants to capture the imagination of her audience just as the canvas has captured her imagination.
“Everything I do comes from what I see in my head — colors, shapes, imaginary scenes. No reference photos,”
Cassidy said. “I let my intuition guide me, often taking me in directions that I don’t expect. Every blank canvas holds the promise of a new adventure.”
“From My Imagination to Yours” will exhibit from July 3-30 at The Society of Bluffton Artists gallery in Old Town Bluffton. An opening reception will take place from 5-7 p.m. July 6 at the gallery. These events are free and open to the public.
Cassidy works primarily from her Bluffton-based home studio. She began painting in earnest when she retired from her career as a business consultant in 2019. Her primary medium is acrylic, occasionally incorporating other items into her art to create mixed media pieces. While Cassidy is partial to trees, flowers and landscapes, her work also includes non-representational
abstract paintings that focus on the use of color, shape and texture.
“I love to experiment and combine different styles, techniques and tools,” she
said. “As you view my art, I encourage you to use your own imagination to interpret what you see. Transport yourself into my idealized world of color, beauty and wonder.”
Cassidy is an exhibiting member of The Society of Bluffton Artists and the Art League of Hilton Head. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ZenDenArtistry
What’s better for a summer Friday night supper than grilled steaks and butter-laden potatoes? Nothing. Nada. Zilch. I like to season our steaks with Monterey steak seasoning or just salt and pepper. Vince is the griller in our family, and he cooks them to a perfect medium-rare with a pink center. Our favorites are T-bones, ribeyes and New York strip steaks. Last weekend, we invited two friends over for a steak dinner and the recipes in this issue are the side items that we served. During cocktail time, we snacked on Manchego Cheese and Fig Jam Spread with crostini. Manchego is a hard Spanish cheese. You’ll need to grate it on a sharp cheese grater to get a consistency that will mesh with the cream cheese. Heavy cream helps to make the mixture smooth. Add additional cream, if needed. Vegetable Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette is a light and re-freshing side dish that goes great with any grilled meat. Store any unused vinaigrette in the refrigerator. It will last about 10 days. Celebration Potatoes have become my go-to potato recipe this year. Make it in a casserole dish or serve it in individual ramekins. It’s guaranteed to be a new favorite! Dessert had to be Chocolate Ganache Cake. The thing about ganache frosting is, as heavy as it would seem to be, it’s really not. It’s actually very creamy and not anything like traditional chocolate frosting. Two hours is the maximum amount of time that the ganache needs to chill be-fore it’s whipped. If you forget and about it and it gets too hard, use it to make chocolate truffles. One more suggestion, substitute cold coffee for the water required for the cake mix. Coffee adds a depth of flavor to the chocolate. Happy grilling!
CHEESE AND FIG JAM SPREAD
Incredibly delicious!
4 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
½ cup grated Manchego cheese
1 tablespoon heavy cream
Fig jam or fig preserves
Slivered almonds, toasted Crostini or crackers
With an electric mixer, combine cream cheese with Manchego cheese and heavy cream. Mix until smooth. Spread mixture in a small serving dish. Top with fig jam and garnish with toasted almonds. Serve with crostini or crackers. Serves 4.
VEGETABLE SALAD WITH CHAMPAGNE VINAIGRETTE
For the vinaigrette:
½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
Place the salad greens in a large bowl. Using a mandoline, cut cucumber and radishes into thin slices and add to salad. Top with grape tomato halves and sliced black olives. Garnish with black pepper. Pour vinaigrette, to taste, over salad before serving.
1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
½ teaspoon dried tarragon
¼ teaspoon sugar
3 tablespoons olive oil
For the salad:
Mixed salad greens
English cucumber
Radishes
Grape tomatoes, halved
Sliced black olives
Freshly ground black pepper
Place vinaigrette ingredients in a small jar with a tightfitting lid. Shake to mix well.
I served these yummy potatoes in individual ramekins. If you choose to do the same, just reduce the baking time by about 20 minutes.
1 (32-ounce) bag frozen diced hash browns, thawed in the refrigerator
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups sour cream
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
10 tablespoons melted butter, divided
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
½ - ¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
3 cups corn flakes cereal, crushed Thaw potatoes overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Mix hash browns, cheddar cheese, sour cream, soup, 6 tablespoons melted butter, dried minced onion, salt and pepper in a large bowl until well combined. Spoon mixture into prepared casserole dish. Place cornflakes in a large ziplock bag and crush gently. Add remaining 4 tablespoons melted butter to the crushed cornflakes and toss to combine. Sprinkle mixture evenly over potatoes. Bake, uncovered, for 40 to 50 minutes. Serves 12.
Absolutely the best chocolate cake I've ever eaten! Don't let the whipped ganache intimidate you. It's actually very easy to make.
For the frosting:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 (12-ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the cake:
1 (15.25-ounce) dark chocolate cake mix
Heat whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl until cream begins to steam, but not boil. Stir in chocolate chips until chips are melted and mixture is well combined. Place bowl in refrigerator for 2 hours. In the meantime, prepare cake mix according to package directions, making two 8-inch layers. Cool cakes on a wire racks. When completely cool, split both layers making 4 cake rounds. Remove ganache from the refrigerator and beat with an electric mixer until frosting is light and
fluffy. Spread on cooled cake. Refrigerate cake until ready to serve. Serves 12.
and subscribe to Debbi’s
channel.
website address is www.cateringbydebbicovington.com. She may be reached at 843-525-0350 or by email at dbc@ cateringbydebbicovington.com.
The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra recently announced its 42nd Season, to include nine Orchestra Series programs, two Symphony Under The Stars Outdoor Pops concerts to launch the season and another in April, the Hilton Head International Piano Competition’s (HHIPC) triennial BRAVOPIANO! festival, and many other offerings.
“The HHSO continues to build on the momentum of this past season,” said HHSO President and CEO Alan Jordan. “Like most other U. S. orchestras, we are experiencing remarkable re-growth of our audiences, and we are attracting new audiences through our diverse offerings. The HHSO is rapidly becoming the ‘go-to’ place for extraordinary musical events in the Lowcountry.”
The HHSO’s third annual Jazz In The Park series launches the season, with six free outdoor concerts at Lowcountry Celebration Park, beginning at 7:30 pm on Tuesdays, June 27, July 11 and 25, August 8 and 22, and September 5, 2023. The series will feature the Martin Lesch Band; the Junior Jazz Foundation’s Jazz Camp students and faculty with special guest, Tuffus Zimbabwe from the Saturday Night Live Band; the Eric Jones Quartet; Ranky Tanky’s Charlton Singleton and his band; Folderol; and the John Brackett Quartet.
The season kicks off with two free outdoor Pops concerts; the first on October 19, 2023, at 7:30 pm at Martin Family Park in Bluffton, an
affiliated event of the Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival. On October 20, 2023, at 7:30 pm, the HHSO will perform at Lowcountry Celebration Park at Coligny. John Morris Russell and the HHSO will present “Hollywood in the Lowcountry,” with music from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Forrest Gump, and The Prince of Tides, along with epic action and adventure soundtracks, and sweeping romantic scores to create an evening of sonic Technicolor. Lawn seating is free for both concerts—audience members should bring a blanket or chairs, and a picnic dinner and enjoy the HHSO al fresco. Hilton Head Island ONLY: limited table seating will be available by advance reservation.
The Orchestra Series begins that same weekend on October 22 and 23, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church with “Symphonie Fantastique,” an evening of evocative, spine-tingling orchestral music that will put everyone in the mood for Halloween. This orchestra showcase program includes Bernard Herrmann’s Suite from Psycho, Suite from Us by Michael Abels (featuring the HHSO Chorus), James Stephenson’s Legend of Sleepy H0llow, and the programmatic masterpiece, Symphonie fantastique by Hector Berlioz.
On November 12 and 13, 2023, the 2022 HHIPC Silver Medalist and 2023 Honens Piano Competition winner, Illia Ovcharenko, will perform the first and second piano concertos by Franz Liszt, with Richard Wagner’s Overture to The Flying Dutchman and Prelude to Die Meistersinger opening and closing the program, respectively. The Ukrainian pianist Ovcharenko has been praised as “technically flawless and impeccably musical” by International Piano.
The HHSO’s traditional Holiday Pops will serve as the third Orchestra Series program, where John Morris Russell will be joined by the 2023 HHSO Youth Concerto Competition winner, violinist Audrey Goodner from Reston, VA,
acclaimed baritone Joseph Parrish, and members of the HHSO Chorus for a program of holiday favorites, old and new. Brilliant orchestra showpieces, and music of the deepest heart and beauty, highlight the Lowcountry’s most beloved holiday tradition. A special Holiday Pops concert will take place at St. Gregory The Great Catholic Church’s Parish Life Center in Bluffton on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 7:00 pm. The Orchestra Series concerts will be held November 26 and 27, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church, Hilton Head Island.
On January 21 and 22, 2024, the 2023 Hilton Head International Piano Competition winner, Zhonghua Wei, will return for the fourth Orchestra Series program to perform Edward Grieg’s Piano Concerto. John Morris Russell will open the concert with In the Steppes of Central Asia by Alexander Borodin. Johannes Brahms’ joyful Symphony No. 2 will close the program.
2021 HHSO Youth Concerto Competition winner, cellist Brando Leonard, returns to the HHSO stage after winning the Gold Medal at the Sphinx Competition, Junior Division, earlier this year to perform Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme on February 4 and 5, 2024. Guest Conductor Vinay Parameswaran recently concluded five seasons as an Assistant Conductor with the Cleveland Orchestra and is widely praised for his “ability to find sensitivity in scores than many do not detect (Philadelphia Inquirer). The program also features the Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 by Johann Sebastian Bach, Jessie Montgomery’s Strum, and Symphony No. 38, “Prague,” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
The sixth Orchestra Series concerts on February 18 and 19, 2024 will be a John Williams Birthday Celebration. The most critically acclaimed composer of our time, Williams has won 25 GRAMMY and 5 Oscars, with a total of 53 Academy Award nominations to his credit. John Morris Russell and the HHSO will celebrate his birthday in style with some of his most endearing and enduring scores, including music from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and the Raiders film franchises.
On March 17 and 18, 2024, guest conductor David Amado, long-time Music Director of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, conducts the HHSO in a lively program of symphonic dances. He is joined by Jennifer Montone, principal hornist with the Philadelphia Orchestra and a GRAMMY winner, who will perform Richard Strauss’ Horn Concerto No. 1. The concerts open with Rhapsodic Dance No. 1, “The Bamboula,” by Samuel ColeridgeTaylor and close with (continues on page 14)
two works by Sergei Rachmaninoff, his Symphonic Dances and the Men’s Dance from Aleko.
The 2024 BRAVOPIANO! Festival, presented by the Hilton Head International Piano Competition, takes place in various locations from February 29 through March 4, 2024. Titled, “PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS . . . ,” the festival showcases the piano’s countless collaborative capabilities, and features outstanding HHIPC alumni—both prize-winners and judges—as well
as prominent jazz pianists performing in a variety of ensemble settings. The finale concert is a spectacular three-concerto extravaganza with the HHSO and John Morris Russell, called Rhapsody and Fantasy, featuring George Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue (in honor of the 100th anniversary of the premiere), and the thrilling Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Sergei Rachmaninoff.
On April 2, 2024, John Morris Russell and the HHSO will be joined by Reggie Deas and his incomparable band, Deas Guyz, for an evening of Motown, titled “Great American Soul Book.” Music by Nat King Cole, Sam and Dave, James Brown, and Ray Charles, as well as everyone’s favorite Beach Music will be featured at the HHSO’s Spring “Symphony Under The Stars” at Lowcountry Celebration Park. Lawn seating is free—audience members should bring a blanket or chairs, and a picnic dinner and enjoy the HHSO al fresco. Limited table seating will be available by advance reservation.
GRAMMY Award winning violinist Tessa Lark returns to Hilton Head Island on April 7 and 8, 2024, performing Astor Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires. John Morris Russell conducts this Latin-influenced program that includes Ruperto Chapí y Lorente’s Preludio from La Revoltosa, the Symphony in D by Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga, and Arturo Márquez’ Danzón No. 2.
The Orchestra Series closes in dramatic fashion on April 28 and 29, 2023 when John Morris Russell and the HHSO are joined by four soloists and the combined forces of the HHSO Chorus and Claflin University Concert Choir for a rare performance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, “Choral.” “This singular work expresses Beethoven’s deepest desire for unity, hope, and joy among all people,” said John Morris Russell. “Its spiritual essence involves our connectedness between earth and heaven, of humanity and the divine.”
The season will also feature the HHSO Youth Concerto Competition, attracting the most talented young string players from throughout the southeastern United States with finals taking place January 27, 2024, and the 10-day Hilton Head Chamber Music Institute in June, 2024, where 16 string students from across the U. S. learn from and work with top faculty from Vanderbilt, Florida State, and Michigan University with public performances and master classes.
The Coastal Home Supper Club, running monthly from September through June, the Gullah Cultural Series, and a new Great American Songbook series will all be part of the offerings at SoundWaves, the HHSO’s intimate dinner-performance venue in Coligny.
All Orchestra Series concerts will take place at First Presbyterian Church on Hilton Head Island, with Sunday performances beginning at 4:00 pm and Mondays beginning at 7:30 pm. Most concerts will be preceded by a pre-concert discussion hosted by John Morris Russell and featuring soloists for each performance. Orchestra Series subscriptions in 9-, 6-, and 3-concert packages are available by calling the HHSO office at (843) 842-2055. Single tickets will go on sale beginning September 1, 2024. For more information, visit hhso.org, or call the HHSO at (843) 842-2055.
Ihave lots of favorite plants in my garden, but the ones that are really dear to my heart are carnivorous. That is right. They do not go after humans like Audrey II in “Little Shop Of Horrors,” but they do like flies and no-see-ums. How can you not love a plant that eats no-see-ums, or “flying teeth” as my husband calls them? These are Pitcher plants or Sarracenia.
Pitcher plants are indigenous to the eastern seaboard of the United States as well as Texas, parts of the Great Lakes region, and southeastern Canada. Instead of leaves, the plant has evolved funnels or pitchers to attract and trap insects. It attracts insects by secretions on the lip of the pitcher. The pitchers may also be brightly colored and scented. Once on the lip of the funnel, it is a slippery slope and insects fall inside where they are digested by the plant. Yum Yum. When I cut my dead pitchers down in the fall and look inside, I see all kinds of insect remains. These plants also have beautifully unique flowers that appear in the early spring before the new pitchers appear. The flowers are designed to attract bees to pollinate the different plants. They are unlike any flowers that I have ever seen and almost resemble those faux plastic flowers on hummingbird feeders.
Sarracenia are perennial and like distinct seasons. They will die down in the cold, but our hard freeze did not impact them at all. I was worried, but those flowers appeared at the end of March and the pitchers were right on schedule in April.
Pitchers tend to grow in boggy areas with an acidic or low pH soil. They particularly like pine savannas that have been maintained by controlled fires as well as wet prairies and bogs with sphagnum moss. Remarkably, they have been naturalized by plant collectors in various countries such as Switzerland, Ireland, and the Lake District in England. There is a pitcher
plant vendor in the giant tent at the Chelsea Flower Show when I have visited and that stand is always crowded with buyers.
They are protected in most states including South Carolina. Native pitchers are threatened by development and drainage of their home territory. Florists have cut pitchers to use in displays and plant hunters gather them to sell. I bought my pitcher plants from a certified grower in the Pacific Northwest who legally propagates and sells various carnivorous plants.
When my pitchers arrived, I followed the instructions and tried to replicate their habitat. I bought a large plastic planter. I used plastic because it holds moisture better than terracotta. I filled the container with a mixture of peat moss and perlite and made certain that there were drainage holes in the bottom. You don’t want to drown the poor things.
I use only distilled or purified water because the chemicals in our local water from the tap will kill these plants. I keep the soil moist at all times. I then planted them and watched them grow. They are incredibly hardy once they get going. They like full sun or at least sun a good part of the day. I have mine on a very hot south facing deck.
By Wendy Hilty
Because my husband was agreeable to sharing his grilling space with the plants, I let him name them. My first two plants are Bob Feller and Herb Score. Needless to say my husband is a long time Cleveland Indians (Guardians) fan. I wanted two more pitchers and decided that we needed some diversity. I now have Satchel Paige and Pedro Martinez. They are small, but coming along with some vigor.
There is a wonderful collection of Pitcher plants at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn Plantation on Hilton Head. That was where I first saw the plant and fell in love.
Why have just a pot of petunias on your deck or patio when you can have a container of these odd looking but beautiful plants? They are native and they eat things that bite us. This is my kind of plant!
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.
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.
WANTED!!! Comics, movie/ tv/ and music memorabilia, books, magazines, manga, toys, old stuff, coins, playboys, collections of most anything. Fair negotiating. 410-980-6523
STAINED GLASS CLASSES IN BEAUFORT! Four hour suncatcher workshop with everything included. $175/student. (508) 280-9792
BEAUFORT COUNTY LIBRARY ONGOING PROGRAMS & CLASSES Knitting/Crochet Club 1st Tuesdays @ 2:30; Line Dance Class 1st & 3rd Thursdays @ 3:30; Basic Computer Skills Class Wednesdays @ 9; Hoopla Class 2nd Mondays @ 10 and 4th Wednesdays @ 4; Escape Quest Games daily during library hours; Dungeon & Dragons Teen Club Mondays @ 4; Teen Art Club 1st & 3rd Tuesdays @ 4; Teen Anime Club 2nd & 4th Tuesdays @ 4; Teen Gaming Club 1st & 3rd Wednesdays @ 4
FRIDAY SOCIAL DANCES The Hilton Head Carolina Shag Club hosts Friday dances from 6-9:30 pm at Dolphin Head Golf Club, 59 High Bluff Rd, Hilton Head Plantation. Open to the public. Shag, ballroom, swing, country, or line. Singles welcome. Cash bar and light dinners available. $5 floor fee. HHICSC also teaches beginner Shag lessons Tuesday nights. www.hiltonheadshagclub. com, or www.facebook.com/HHICSC
ART LEAGUE OF HH CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
With over 25 local professional art educators, and guests from around the world, Art League of Hilton Head offers classes and workshops in all media for all levels of students. Visit www.artleaguehhi.org or email academy@artleaguehhi.org for more info.
POTTERY CLASSES IN BEAUFORT McSweeney Clay Studio is offering morning, afternoon and evening classes for children and adults. Pottery dates and parties available as well. Classes are on going. Beginner or advanced welcome. mcsweeneyclaystudio.com or call 843-694-2049.
LOWCOUNTRY SHAGGERS Mondays at the Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd. 6-9pm. Carolina Shag Lessons with Tommy & Sheri O'Brien and others. Occasional Ballroom Dance and once a month a 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 founded '02, meets Wed evenings at AMVETS on Ribaut Rd., Port Royal. Free lessons to members. The club is an ACSC, SOS, and the National Fastdance Association member. For info visit www. beaufortshagclub.com
WILDFLOWER FAMILY THERAPY CENTER offers individual, couple, and family therapy for children, teens, and adults. Visit us at www. wildflowercenter.org
EVERY 2ND TUESDAY, SHARING HEARTS SUPPORT GROUP Come tell your 10-minute story of a life lesson or healing message using your own creative expression through song, poetry, reading, art or verbal storytelling. Come away with an uplifting sense of support and connections or to just listen. To register leave voice mail with name, and phone number at 843525-6115 or email reneesutton@healthierhealing. com. Notification will be done of any location change. Free. 2201 Boundary St. #208, Beaufort.
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 in the Beaufort area. All are welcome. No previous meditation experience needed. Please call Michael at 843-489-8525
HABITAT RESTORE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS We're looking for volunteers for cashiers, sales floor associates, donation processing, donor data entry, and donor ambassadors. Interested? Go to lowcountryhabitat.org/volunteer or call 843-525-0055.
KARAOKE AT THE MOOSE Sing with us Thursday evenings at The Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd. 7:30-10:30pm. Brought to you by #top6entertainment Mardi & Dennis Topcik. The Moose is a family friendly place and Thursdays are also Pizza Night!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Calhoun Station Thrift Store in Bluffton. All funds generated are returned to other nonprofits in the community. Store is open Wed & Sat 10am to 1pm and located at 77 Pritchard St. Volunteers can stop by store or contact Cate Taylor, 843-310-0594 or catetaylor@frontier.com
MAYE RIVER QUILTERS meets 1st Saturday of Every Month, at Palmetto Electric Cooperative, 1 Cooperative Way, Hardeeville. Members meet at 9:30am for social exchange. The meeting starts at 10 am. We welcome new members. Please call 843-707-6034.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for HELP of Beaufort, 1810 Ribaut Road. Looking for committed volunteers for clothes sorting, pantry help, front desk help and Mobile Meals drivers. We are open M-F from 9:30-12:30, Mobile Meals delivers to home bound seniors 5 days/ week, routes takes about 30-45 mins. Email Lori at helpbeaufort@gmail.com, or call 843-524-1223, or stop in and fill out an application.
PORT ROYAL MUSEUM is open Thursday through Sunday at 1634 Paris Ave., from 10 - 3 or upon request. Free admission! Call 843-524-4333 or email historicportroyalfoundation@gmail.com to request a special opening.
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP - First Thursday of the month at Beaufort Memorial LifeFit Wellness Center, from 1:30-2:45pm, 900 Ribaut Rd. Beaufort. We are individuals with Parkinson’s care partners of those with Parkinson’s, and individuals or companies providing products or services for Parkinson’s patients. For more info: Rick Ostrander at pdawaresc@
Post your ad and reach ALL of Beaufort County
Community Announcements & Classes are FREE Merchandise · Employment • Rental Property • FSBO Automobiles · Motorcycles • Boats • Pets
$25 Up to 25 Words • $35 Up to 25 Words with a Photo
To place your ad call 843-986-9059 or email: Amanda@LCWeekly.com
gmail.com or Facebook at Parkinson’s Support Group Of Beaufort SC Port Royal & Lady’s Island.
TOUR HISTORIC FORT FREMONT—-Travel to the 1800's and the Spanish American War. From 10:00 am until 2:00 pm every Friday and every Saturday from 10:00 until 4:00pm at the Fort Fremont History Center at the Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land's End Road, St. Helena Island is open. Docent-led tours are every Saturday at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Visitors to Fort Fremont can learn about the fort's history by reading interpretive panels, taking a self-guided tour with a smart phone, visiting the history center exhibit hall, or attending a docent-led tour of the property. The Preserve is open to the public Monday through Sunday from dawn to dusk. For more Information visit www.forttremont.org or contact Passive Parks manager Stefanie Nagid at snagid@bcgov.net
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 (706-6336192) and visit us on Facebook - USCGA Beaufort.
BEAUFORT TOASTMASTERS CLUB meets from 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm the first & third Tuesday, in the Beaufort College Building, Rm. 103 (USC-Beaufort Campus), 801 Carteret Street, Beaufort. To learn more visit www.beauforttoastmastersclub.org
FREE ACUPUNCTURE FOR VETERANS – Veterans, Active Duty, Transition. Their Families and First Responders are Eligible. First & Third Wednesday 4 - 6pm. Walk In Clinic. No Need to Pre-Register or Call. Nourishing Health Acupuncture and Herbs Clinic. 1214 Prince Street, Downtown Beaufort
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for a few hours each week at St. Francis Thrift Shop. Open Tuesday thru Saturday. Call 843-689-6563 or come in to speak with Mr. Hal. Definitely shop.
COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE Safe & effective centuries old healing system treats and prevents a wide range of health-related conditions. Experience individualized treatment in a peaceful group setting. Sliding scale fee. Beaufort Acupuncture, 12 Fairfield Rd, 5B, Lady’s Island. For info and to schedule: (843) 694-0050 or www.BeaufortAcupuncture.com
SECOND HELPINGS seeking Day Captains and other volunteers to crew our trucks distributing food to local charities. Flexible schedule at your convenience. Email officeadmin@secondhelpingslc.org
AGAPE HOSPICE seeks volunteers to spend time bringing joy to our patients and families during a difficult time. Activities include playing music, baking, arts and crafts, pet therapy, manicures, listening to stories, holding hands, etc. Provide companionship to the elderly who often feel lonely and unappreciated. Contact Ashlee Powers at 843-592-8453 or apowers@agapehospice.com
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for HELP of Beaufort. Come join the team providing food, mobile meals, clothing and emergency financial assistance to those in need in our community. Open Mon-Fri 9:30-12:30. 2 Ice House Rd., Beaufort. Call or email Jennifer 843-524-1223 or info@helpofbeaufort.org
TIDEWATER HOSPICE SUPPORT GROUP: Last Wed. and Thurs. of the month. Weds. 10-11am at Sun City; Thurs. 12-1pm Brookdale Hilton Head Ct., Hilton Head; for those who provide physical, emotional or practical support to a family member or friend. Jodi Johnson, LMSW. Bereavement Group: 5-6 pm., Thursdays, 10 Buckingham 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, 843-689-3616 or execdirector@secondhelpingslc.org
BORN TO READ working for early childhood literacy, needs volunteers to deliver books and materials to new mothers at Coastal Community Hosp., HH Hosp., and BMH. Visits are from 10am – noon. More info at borntoread.org or call 843-379-3350.
ALZHEIMER’S FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER BEAUFORT, Support Groups: Caregiver - Weds., 12:30pm, Senior Services of Beaufort, 1408 Paris Ave., Port Royal; Living with Alzheimer's - for those in very early stages - Mondays 1pm, Parsons Parlor, Carteret Street Methodist Church, 408 Carteret, Beaufort. Respite Programs: Social Day Program- 10am-1:45pm $40 Day Fee, Mon. at Cornerstone Christian Church, 2301 First Blvd., Beaufort, Weds. & Friday at Carteret Street Methodist Church, 408 Carteret St., Beaufort; In Home - Respite Aides available for 2 hr. minimum, $12$24. Early Memory Loss: Maintain Your Brain - 2nd & 4th Thursday, 10-11:30am, $10/person, $15 couple, Carteret Street Methodist Church, 408 Carteret St., Beaufort; Memory Screenings available call 843-5219190, free; Purple Haven Project - Educate local establishment staff to better interact with a person with Alzheimer's call 843-521-9190.
THRESHOLD SINGERS OF THE LOWCOUNTRY A choir to ease and comfort people at bedside by offering gentle voices and sacred songs, with sincere kindness. Two to four singers go to bedside when asked and sing a cappella and in harmony. Practice at St. John's Lutheran Church the 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month from 2:30-4:00 pm. Our songs are our gift of service for no charge. Call Pat Keown at 843-4766073 to either join or ask us to sing for a loved one.
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 10am4:30pm and 8am on Family Graduation Days. Closed all Federal Holidays. Info at parrisislandmuseum.org or 843-228-2166.
MEDICAL SERVICES OF AMERICA SEEKS VOLUNTEERS - Volunteers needed for companionship or skills like yard work, music, and crafts to patients and their families or assist in the office with admin tasks. Volunteers needed in Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper counties. For info contact 843-322-0063.
CHRIST CENTERED RECOVERY MEETINGS Join Shell Point Baptist Church Saturdays for “Celebrate Recovery”, addressing life’s problems and looking to scripture for solutions. Meal at 6pm; Praise and Worship at 6:30pm followed by Small Groups at 7:15pm. 871 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort. Info at 843-592-1046.
By Marly Rusoff
If you are looking to be inspired, look no further than your favorite bookstore. A Right Worthy Woman is a fascinating novel by Ruth Watson based on the remarkable true story of Virginia’s Black Wall Street and the indomitable Maggie Lena Walker, the daughter of a formerly enslaved woman who became the first Black woman to charter and preside over a bank in the United States.
Publishers Weekly recently called the novel “illuminating.” And the prestigious Historical Fiction Review wrote, “ . . . A Right Worthy Woman takes its place alongside novels such as Rebecca Dwight Bruff’s Trouble the Water, illuminating African-American heroes born in strife who find the strength, fortitude, and love to lead lives touched by grace.”
An appearance by the Atlanta based author Ruth Watson will be sponsored here in Beaufort by The Pat Conroy Literary Center, in cooperation with The Black Chamber of Commerce on Friday, July 7th in the Chamber’s second floor ballroom, located at 711 Bladen Street, Beaufort. The event runs from 5-7 pm. Watson will be onstage in conversation with local author Rebecca Dwight Bruff and Dataw Island resident Marilyn Harris, admired for her work with boards of the United Way of the Lowcountry, Second Helpings, and the Boys and Girls Club.
Who is this woman Maggie Lena Walker, and why did Ruth Watson decide to devote her talent to sharing her story?
Maggie Lena Walker was ambitious and unafraid. Her childhood in 19th-century Virginia helping her mother with her laundry service opened her eyes to the overwhelming discrepancy between the Black residents and her mother’s affluent white clients. She vowed to not only secure the same kind of home and finery for herself, but she would also help others in her community achieve the same.
With her single-minded determination, Maggie buckled down and went from schoolteacher to secretary-treasurer of the Independent Order of St. Luke, founder of a newspaper, a bank, and a department store where Black customers were treated with respect. With the help of influential friends like W.E.B. DuBois and Mary McLeod, she revolutionized Richmond in ways that are still felt today. Watson decided to share her story in this stirring and intimate novel.
“Mrs. Maggie Lena Walker is a hidden figure whose story should rank high within the pantheon of American heroes or sheroes, yet she is virtually unknown by most Americans, with the exception of those from Richmond, Virginia,” said Ruth Watson in a recent interview. “ Her indomitable spirit ghosts us even today. As an African American in 1903, her name deserves to be exalted among those who believe in the nearly supernatural power of faith in God and the necessity for perseverance.
We can all learn from her life.”
Come meet Ruth Watson, author of numerous novels including Blackberry Days of Summer, An Elderberry Fall, Cranberry Winter, and Strawberry Spring. A musical stage play, Blackberry Daze, is based on her debut novel. She is the recipient of the Caversham Fellowship, an artist and writer’s residency in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where she published her first children’s book in Zulu, Our Secret Bond. She is has written for Upscale, Atlanta JournalConstitution, and other publications. She is an adjunct professor and project manager, who lives with family in Atlanta, Georgia.
While the event is free, your donations to the sponsoring nonprofit will be deeply appreciated. Signed copies of the books will be available for purchase.
For info and registration: visit https:// aneveningwithruthpwatson.eventbrite.com
Foolish Frog, 846 Sea Island Pkwy, St. Helena Island. (843) 838-9300. Visit 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. Mondays 1/2 Price Burgers! Wednesday, 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
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. 6/21 Lavon Stevens with Quiana Parler 6/23 &/6/24 Tatiana Eva-Marie 6/28 Bobby Ryder, 6/30 & 7/1 Richardo Ochoa & Acoustic Office, 7/5 Marlena Smalls with The Lavon Stevens Trio, 7/7 & 7/8 John Lumpkin Quartet with Kristen Warren honor Women of Jazz. (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
The Music Farm, 32 Ann Street, Charleston. 6/22 Death Ray Robin plays Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge; New Grounds; Death Rugby, 6/23 Shrek Rave, 6/24 Best Night Ever: Taylor's Version - a dance party from your wildest dreams, 6/30 Bilmuri - Summer Swol-Stice Invitational 2023, 7/1 Kuntry & Friends, 7/2 Five for Fighting; Brendan James, 7/3 Larry June, 7/7 Memphis May Fire; Norma Jean; Secrets & Paul, 7/8 Lo Monaco & the Talbott Brothers. (843) 408-1599 or www.musicfarm.com
The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy, Charleston. Sundays - The Motown Throwdown, Mondays - Slim & Friends; Tuesdays - Fusion Jonez, Wednesdays - Grateful Dead Wednesday with The Reckoning; Thursdays - iLLA ZiLLA. 6/21 & 6/22 Dizgo does Phish, 6/23 On & On - Erykah Badu tribute with Tonya Nicole & Friends, 6/24 Gritty Flyright; Meredith Foster, 6/25 Souls Mischief; Breakbeat Lou & the Architect; DJ Mosaic,
6/27 Joshua Hedley; Lauren Morrow, 6/29 Welcome to Babylon with Nu; Mike L!ve; Slim Soul & Friends, Tyrie; Holy City Sound Vibes, 6/30 Mr. Holland's Oats - Hall & Oates tribute, 7/1 & 7/2 Pigeons Playing Ping Pong; Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers, 7/3 Mike Quinn Superfunk, 7/7 Check Your Head - Beastie Boys tribute, 7/8 The Grateful Brothers - Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers tribute, 7/9 Oh He Dead. (843) 571-4343 or www.charlestonpourhouse.com
Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms. 6/22
Andy Frasco & the UN, 6/23 The Piedmont Boys, 6/24
Spin Doctors, 6/30 Easy Honey; The Thing, 7/1 & 7/2
Yacht Rock Revue, 7/3 Edwin McCain, 7/6 Flatland Cavalry; Pony Bradshaw, 7/7 The 502s; Under the Rug, 7/8 Doom Flamingo, Mat Kearney Acoustic Trio; Marc Scibilia. (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.
6/28 – 8/20, Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Vallie & The Four Seasons. The Tony Award winning musical sensation comes to the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove, Hilton Head. For more information and tickets, visit www.artshhi.com
Mon 7/17, Comic Melissa Villasenor at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. A comedic impressions expert, she got her start on America’s Got Talent. Two shows: 4 pm & 7:30 pm. Tickets available at www.artshhi.com
Now – 6/30, Of Earth & Fire, an exhibit of work by Anne M. Kennedy and Traci L. Walter at the Beaufort Art Association Gallery. 913 Bay Street, Beaufort.
Now – 7/2, Colors of the World, an exhibit of photography by Savannah Kemper at the SOBA Gallery. Corner of Church and Calhoun Streets in Old Town Bluffton. www.sobagallery.com
6/20 – 7/22, Come to the Table, an exhibit of classical still life paintings by Denise Liotta DeMarzo at Art League Gallery. Located mid-island inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head, 843-681-5060. www. artleaguehhi.org
7/3 – 7/30, From My Imagination to Yours, an exhibit of work by Virginia Cassidy at the Society of Bluffton Artists gallery in Old Town Bluffton. Opening reception 7/6, 5-7 pm. For more infor -
mation, visit https://www.facebook.com/ ZenDenArtistry
Tues 6/27, Writing Family Stories Workshop, sponsored by the Pat Conroy Literary Center, led by local author Estelle Ford-Williamson. From 5 –7pm. Writing Family Stories 2 is a continuation of a class offered in February; but previous participation is not required for this workshop. Limited to 15 participants, with options for both in-person and remote (Zoom) attendance. $45/person. Learn more and register in advance at https://writingfamilystories2_workshop.eventbrite.com
Thur 6/29, Polly Stewart, author of The Good Ones, in conversation with retired FBI special agent turned thriller writer Dana Ridenour, author of the Lexie Montgomery Series. This free event is sponsored by the Pat Conroy Literary Center in partnership with Beaufort Bookstore, at 5 pm at 2127 Boundary St., Ste 15. Books will be available for sale and signing. Please call Beaufort Bookstore to reserve your seat: 843-525-1066.
Fri 7/7, Ruth Watson, author of A Right Worthy Woman, in conversation with Rebecca Bruff and Marilyn Harris at the Black Chamber of Commerce, 711 Bladen St, Beaufort, from 5-7pm. To register, visit https://aneveningwithruthpwatson.eventbrite.com
Sat 6/24, “Broadway Comes to the Lowcountry” at USCB Center for the Arts. Led by vocalist Leonora Eve and sponsored by the Beaufort History Museum. Hear selections from Hamilton, Porgy & Bess, Ragtime, and more. Admission for museum members, $35. General admission, $40. Online registration/ticketing begins 6/10 and is required. Visit https://beauforthistorymuseum.wildapricot.org to reserve yours.
Tuesdays, 6/27, 7/11, 7/25, 8/8, 8/22, 9/5. Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra’s Jazz in the Park series. At 7:30 pm in Lowcountry Celebration Park. These concerts are free and open to the public. For more information, visit hhso.org or call 843-842-2055.
Sat 6/24, Lunch and Learn Gardening Series at the Port Royal Farmers Market, starting at noon. Free and open to the public, around the Gazebo. Bring a folding chair! Sponsored by the Lowcountry Master Gardeners Association.
Wednesdays, Now, to 6/29, Drop-in Medicaid Help Sessions, Computer Lab, St. Helena Branch Library. Assistance with Medicaid renewal and enrollment process. Help is free and provided by League of Women Voters volunteers, no appointment necessary. Information on the end of automatic renewals (aka Medicaid unwinding) and on Medicaid expansion efforts in the state. 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island.
Fri 6/30, Chill with a Cop, sponsored by the Beaufort Police Department in Pigeon Point Park, from 5 – 7pm. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Sat 7/8, Maye River Quilters will meet at 10 am at Palmetto Electric Cooperative, 1Cooperative Way in Hardeeville. Social time begins at 9:30. To attend as a guest, email RSVP to mayeriverquilters@ gmail.com. For more information and for membership forms, call 843-705-9590.
First Saturday of the Month, Teddy Bear Picnic Read-Aloud at Port Royal Farmers Market. DAYLO students and other volunteers will read to young children between 9am and noon. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal.
Tuesdays, Tours of Hunting Island sponsored by Friends of Hunting Island Keeper Ted and his team. For info call the Nature Center at 843-8387437. Tours free are and park entry fees apply.
Second Friday, Beaufort Drum Circle 2nd Friday of every month. No experience necessary. All are welcome. Bring a chair and drum or other percussive device. If you don't have one, we have a bunch of extras. Facilitator Eric Roy will lead us in traditional rhythms and others 6:30 – 8pm, under the Gazebo in Waterfront Park. For more information visit beaufortscdrumcircle@gmail.com and check our Facebook page.
Third Thursday, TECHconnect is a monthly networking event for professionals working in and around technology. Come and join on the for the conversation at BASEcamp 500 Carteret 5:307:30pm. 843-470-3506. www.beaufortdigital.com
Thursdays, History Tours of Fort Mitchell by the Heritage Library, 10am. $12/Adult $7/Child. 843-686-6560
Ongoing, Beaufort Tree Walk sponsored by the Lady’s Island Garden Club. Meander through the historic Old Point neighborhood, enjoying some unique and noteworthy trees. The “walk” 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.
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
