Carla Damron

Carla Damron at the Conroy Center

The nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center will host an evening with awardwinning novelist Carla Damron, author of The Orchid Tattoo, in conversation with Conroy Center executive director Jonathan Haupt on Tuesday, November 29, at 6:00 p.m. at the Conroy Center (601 Bladen St.). This event is free and open to the public. Books will be available for sale and signing. Seating is limited; please call to reserve your spot: 843-379-7025.

About the Orchid Tattoo: "The pages of Carla Damron's The Orchid Tattoo whiz by so fast, so easily, I have to say it is one of the best nail-biters I’ve read in a while. Not only that, this well-crafted thriller features a smart, likeable hospital social worker—Georgia Thayer—as protagonist. She is pitted against a human trafficking ring. In short, The Orchid Tattoo is a great read with a social message." — Southern Literary Review

Crime fiction that makes a difference: in The Orchid Tattoo, author Carla Damron delves into the disturbing world of human trafficking. Social worker Georgia Thayer can balance her own mental illness with the demands of an impossible job. Mostly. But when her sister vanishes in the dead of night, her desperate quest to find Peyton takes her into the tentacles of a human trafficking network-where she encounters a young victim called "Kitten."

Kitten is determined to escape. She won't be trapped like the others. She won't sell her soul like Lillian, victim-turned-madam, feeding the dark appetites of international business moguls and government leaders. But the Estate won't let her out of its lethal grip, and her attempts at freedom threaten her very life.

Aided by Kitten and, at times, by the voices in her head, Georgia maneuvers to bring down the kingpin of Estate and expose its dark secrets, but her efforts place her-and the few people she allows to get close-in grave danger.

Carla Damron is a social worker, advocate, and author whose last novel, The Stone Necklace (about grief and addiction), won the 2017 Women's Fiction Writers Association Star Award for Best Novel and was selected as the One Community Read for Columbia, South Carolina. Damron is also the author of the Caleb Knowles mystery novels and has published numerous short stories, essays, and op-eds. Damron holds an MSW and an MFA. Her careers as a social worker and writer are intricately intertwined; all of her novels explore social issues like addiction, homelessness, mental illness, and human trafficking. Damron volunteers with the League of Women Voters, Sisters in Crime, Palmetto Chapter (president), and Mutual Aid Midlands. She lives with her husband, Jim Hussey, and their large family of spoiled rescue animals.

For more about the Pat Conroy Literary Center, visit in person at 601 Bladen Street Thursday through Sunday from noon to 4:00 p.m. or online at patconroyliterarycenter.orgNovelist Carla Damron

Jewels of the Southern Coast

Beaufort is one of many cities featured in Jewels of the Southern Coast, which showcases the spectacular historic architecture found in cities along the South Carolina and Georgia coast, with special emphasis on Charleston and Savannah. This 160-page coffee table book is the culmination of over 20 years of work by Asheville, NC, photographer and author Tim Barnwell.

This collection of over 130 elegant black and white photographs focuses on civic, religious, business, and residential structures including churches, synagogues, and cemeteries as well as courthouses, city halls, and post offices. Additionally, theatres, schools, public buildings, and historic residences along with forts and lighthouses were included. A few parks and landscapes were chosen to provide a sense of place for the buildings.

From the mass and weight of marble and stone construction to the intricate details carved in wood and sculpted in iron, the structures and spaces featured in this book surpass the ordinary. They have stood the test of time, touchstones to the past and centers of life that provide strong foundations for the future.

In addition to Charleston and Savannah, other towns featured include Brunswick, Darien, St. Simons, Tybee Island, St. Marys, Midway, and Jekyll Island in Georgia, and Beaufort, Hunting Island, McClellanville, Sullivans island, and Huntington Beach in South Carolina. The book includes an Introduction by writer Robert Salvo, where he details a brief history of the area with an emphasis on architecture, providing readers with added context for Mr. Barnwell’s remarkable images.

Tim Barnwell will be signing books at McIntosh Book Shoppe, 917 Bay Street, on Saturday, December 3rd from 1-4 pm.

Simons, Tybee Island, St. Marys, Midway, and Jekyll Island in Georgia, and Beaufort, Hunting Island, McClellanville, Sullivans island, and Huntington Beach in South Carolina. The book includes an Introduction by writer Robert Salvo, where he details a brief history of the area with an emphasis on architecture, providing readers with added Tim Barnwell will be signing books at McIntosh Book Shoppe, 917 Bay Street, on

Nativity Scenes from Around the World

First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort will present its annual Nativity Celebration during the first weekend in December. Featuring more than 100 nativity scenes from around the world, the event is hosted by the women of the church and is a gift to the community.

“These are truly one-of-a-kind pieces of art from across the globe,” said Donna Sheetz of First Pres. “They are all telling the same story of Jesus’ birth, but each scene showcases the rich culture of the people who created it.”

The nativities will be on display in the church’s Fellowship Hall on December 2nd and 3rd from 10 am – 4 pm, and on December 5th from Noon to 2 pm. First Presbyterian is located in downtown Beaufort at the corner of North and Church Streets. For more information visit www.firstpresbeaufort.org

More Nutcrackers

This holiday season, look for nutcrackers all over Beaufort, courtesy of the Beaufort Art Association and local businesses.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town Three Steeples at Christmas Time

Lighting Up the Night Uniquely Local Christmas Cards

HOLIDAY CHEER EVENTS

Nov. 24th Starts at 8am

Lowcountry Habitat Turkey Trot 5k Bay & Newcastle Streets

https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/Beaufort/ LowCountryHabitatTurkeyTrot5k

Dec. 1-4

Sea Island Gullah Christmas Celebration Weekend At USCB, TCL, and Waterfront Park www.gullahkinfolktravelingtheater.org

Dec. 2nd 6-9pm Beaufort Night on the Town

Historic Downtown Beaufort Shopping, Santa Clause, Tree Lighting, Boat Parade

Dec. 3rd Begins at 10am

51st Annual Town of Bluffton Christmas Parade

https://townofbluffton.sc.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=940

Dec. 3rd 10am-3pm

Winter Fest in Port Royal 707 Paris Avenue

Hosted by Zen Den https://beaufortsc.org/event/winter-fest-2021/72/

Dec. 4th Begins at 3pm

Annual Beaufort Christmas Parade Downtown Beaufort

Family Friendly Community Event

Dec. 17th Begins at Noon Wreaths Across America

Beaufort National Cemetery 1601 Boundary Street

Jan. 6th 5-8pm

Downtown Beaufort First Friday

Holiday Artisan Market at Palmetto Bluff

The Arts Initiative at Palmetto Bluff is excited to announce their first annual Holiday Artisan Market on Sunday, December 4, 2022 from Noon to 5 pm. Kindle the spirit of the season and join for an afternoon of comfort, joy, and magnificent art. Guests can finish their holiday shopping with an incredible selection of original pieces from local artists and craftsmen. There will also be live entertainment from Shay Martin Lovette, children’s activities. and a visit with Santa Claus to bolster the seasonal merriment and 20% of the ticket price and 10% of participating artisan sales will benefit Family Promise of Beaufort County.

The Artisan Market will be held at Boathouse Row at Palmetto Bluff’s Wilson Village and fare from local food trucks and holiday libations will be available for sale. Parking + Shuttle will be available at RT’s Market and children under 10 are free. Palmetto Bluff loves does but this will be strictly a two-legged-only event.

Tickets are $15 and 10% of ticket and artisan sales will benefit Family Promise of Beaufort County - tickets can be purchased ahead of time online or in cash at the entrance: https://tickets.completeticketsolutions.com/HAM/Online/default.asp

Give the Gift of Motown

Looking for a truly unique holiday gift for that special someone in your life? How about a magical night of dancing to live music performed by Motown royalty?

The Voices of Classic Soul will be in Beaufort in early January for the Boys & Girls Clubs’ annual fundraising gala, Notes, performing with crooner Landau Eugene Murphy, winner of America’s Got Talent. For several years, Murphy has thrilled gala attendees with his elegance and Sinatraesque charm, selling out every event. To attend Notes, you must purchase a table for 8 or more. These sponsorships are still available, but limited. most legendary vocal groups of all time: the Temptations, Platters, the Four Tops, and Drifters. The three singers have a back-story right out of a Hollywood movie; Joe Coleman, Joe Blunt and Theo Peoples grew up singing together in church and on street corners throughout the 1960s before finding fame and fortune separately, then reuniting after 30 years to harmonize together once again.

Joe Coleman joined the Platters for a two-decade stint as the group’s lead singer in addition to gaining a successful career as a songwriter and playwright. Joe Blunt performed and recorded with the Drifters for over a decade in venues all over the world

What’s new and exciting this year is that the Boys & Girls Club is adding a second night of music! This extra night – happening on Thursday, January 12 – has been dubbed the Motown Dance Party, and will feature the Voices of Classic Soul. For a donation of $75 to the organization, you can secure your spot on the dance floor!

“Beaufort fell in love with the Voices of Classic Soul during last year's Notes event, when they performed with Landau Eugene Murphy,” says Kim Sullivan, Director of Resource Development for the Boys &B Girls Clubs. “When we discussed providing an additional evening of music with their manager, it was an immediate YES!”

The Voices of Classic Soul have been around the world and back again several times each as the lead singers of four of the alongside Ben E. King and Johnny Moore, earning a Lifetime Achievement Award from Sony Records. Theo Peoples was discovered and hand-selected to join the ‘Temptations’ group in 1992 and made Motown history by becoming the first musician to be in both The Temptations and The Four Tops.

Motown Dance Party attendees will be treated to incredible showmanship, classic dance moves, and some of the biggest hits of all time, including My Girl, The Way You Do The Things You Do, Get Ready, The Great Pretender, Only You, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, Under The Boardwalk, On Broadway, Save The Last Dance For Me, and many, many more.

Boys & Girls Clubs supporters are hoping to introduce more Beaufortonians to their cause with this extra night of music. Kim Sullivan says, “It is our hope that guests will have an amazing night of Motown and learn more about the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs, the benefits of these programs and services to the youth in our community, and how donations are used to support these programs.”

For a donation of $75 per guest, you’ll enjoy an evening of dancing, along with delicious appetizers and beverages, while benefitting a great cause – the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Beaufort. To reserve your space, visit https://secureonlinegiving.com/events/site/index.asp?eventID=2375 or scan this QR code. Want To Go?

Motown Dance Party with Voices of Classic Soul

Thursday, January 12, 2023 • 7-9pm Tabby Place, Downtown Beaufort To Benefit: Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Beaufort Tickets: Donation of $75.00 https://secureonlinegiving.com/ events/site/index.asp?eventID=2375

Fill-A-Bag Save on Everything You Can Fit in Our Shopping Bag

The Social Betty at 204 Carteret Street on downtown Beaufort has some festive holiday events on the calendar.

Charles Dickens High Tea

Wednesday, November 30th at 3 pm Wear your fanciest hat or we will provide you with one as you enjoy this delightful “The Tradition Begins” mother-daughter team who will entertain you throughout the afternoon. Tickets are $120.00 For reservations call 410-456-2303

Christmas Confections

Frosted Artistry with Rachel Thursday. December 8th or Wednesday, December 14th, 6 – 8 pm Learn all the tricks to making beautiful holiday confections and leave with your own tray of decorated cookies. Tickets-$65 Reservations: 631-793-7386

The Beaufort Wine Club

“Wine Down With Betty” Monday, December 12th 6 – 7:30 pm Hosted by Bob LeFavi Reservations: socialbetty@gmail.com

Deck the Halls

It’s that time of year again. It’s time to decorate for Christmas. Don’t let stringing lights and hanging ornaments become a task, turn it into an event – a Tree Trimming Party! Invite your friends and family over to help you turn your home into a festive winter wonderland. Many hands do make for light work, you know. My recipes are perfect for a pre-holiday soiree. If you’d like to add several delicious appetizers to your menu, be sure to read this week’s Celebrate Every Day food column in Lowcountry Weekly. Merry Christmas! and cook for 1 minute. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and cook until tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Add sausage back to the pot. Stir in chopped kale. Cook until kale is wilted. Stir in heavy cream and milk. Heat through. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 8.

CHEESE AND BACON STUFFED CIABATTA

SPICY ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND POTATO SOUP

Sourdough bread is a delicious substitute! 1 (16-ounce) ciabatta, unsliced 8 ounces jalapeno-jack cheese, thinly sliced ½ cup butter, melted 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

Garlic salt, to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut the bread lengthwise and crosswise without cutting through the bottom crust. (The bread slices easier if it’s a day or two old.)

Place a large piece of aluminum foil on a baking sheet. Spray foil lightly with canola oil cooking spray. Place the prepared bread on the foil. Insert cheese slices between cuts. In a small bowl combine melted butter with mustard and parsley; drizzle evenly over bread.

Wrap loosely in foil. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Unwrap the bread

Chef’s Notes: I don’t peel the potatoes. The skins are tender and very healthy. If you’re in a pinch for time, use frozen chopped onion. I love shortcuts! 20 oz spicy Italian sausage, casing removed 1 cup chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 (14.5-ounce) cans chicken broth 5 medium red skinned potatoes, thinly sliced 4 cups chopped kale ½ cup heavy cream ½ cup whole milk Salt and pepper, to taste Brown sausage in a large stock pot or Dutch oven. Remove sausage and drain on paper towels. Add onion to pan drippings. (You’ll only need about 1 tablespoon of sausage grease to cook the onion. Remove any excess.) Cook onion until tender. Stir in garlic

and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with garlic salt before serving. Serves 6 to 8.

CHOCOLATE CANDY

CANE CAKE For the cheesecake layer:

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened ½ cup sugar Pinch of salt 2 eggs ¼ cup sour cream ¼ cup heavy cream ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract ¾ cup roughly chopped peppermint candies Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9” springform pan with cooking spray. Place on a baking sheet. In a mixing bowl, using a hand mixer, mix cream cheese with sugar, salt eggs, sour cream, heavy cream and peppermint extract. Stir in peppermint candies. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely. Refrigerate for 3 hours or until firm.

For the cake layers:

1 dark chocolate cake mix Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Bake in two 9” round pans. Cool completely on baking racks.

For the white chocolate ganache frosting:

2 cups heavy whipping cream 1 (12 oz) package white chocolate morsels ½ tsp peppermint extract Heat whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl until creams begins to steam but not boil. Stir in white chocolate morsels until morsels are melted and mixture is well combined. Stir in peppermint extract. Place bowl in refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Remove ganache from the refrigerator and beat with an electric mixer until frosting is fluffy and stiff peaks form.

To assemble cake:

60 soft peppermint candy sticks Place one layer of chocolate cake on a cake platter. Top with cheesecake layer. Place remaining chocolate cake layer on top. Frost the cake with white chocolate ganache frosting. Trim soft peppermint candy sticks to the height of the cake. Line the sides of the cake with peppermint sticks. Crush some of the broken peppermint pieces to sprinkle on top of the cake. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serves 12.

By Debbi Covington

The writer owns Catering by Debbi Covington and is the author of three cookbooks, Celebrate Beaufort, Celebrate Everything! and Dining Under the Carolina Moon. For more great recipes and to view her cooking demonstrations, visit and subscribe to Debbi’s YouTube channel. Debbi’s website address is www.cateringbydebbicovington.com. She may be reached at 843-5250350 or by email at dbc@cateringbydebbicovington.com

The Beaufort Garden Club will hold its fifth Smile for Santa event in the Gazebo at the Port Royal Farmer’s Market on three consecutive Saturdays – December 3, December 10 and December 17 from 9:30 am to Noon.

“After a three year hiatus because of the pandemic, we are pleased to offer this event again to our community,” said Lora Quincy, President of the Beaufort Garden Club.

Bring your children, grandchildren and/or pets to the Gazebo area at the market and take your photo with Santa. Garden Club members also will gladly take photos with your phones.

Donations will be accepted and all proceeds will go to local charities.

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Celebrate the Season at Bluffton Night Bazaar

Happy holidays! Kick off December and enjoy a festive evening doing your holiday shopping under twinkling lights with a seasonal cocktail in hand at Lowcountry Made’s monthly Bluffton Night Bazaar on Thursday, December 1. Shop local for the holidays by browsing stalls of local artisans in the courtyard of Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road, from 5-8 p.m. All of Lowcountry Made’s markets feature only local artisans and makers.

These local artisans will have tons of festive goodies to choose from — including sweet treats like hot cocoa bombs and decorate holiday cookies; Christmas decorations, ornaments and other seasonal decor; holiday-themed clothing and accessories, and more. You’ll also find plenty of handcrafted, custom items that will make the best holiday gifts! This special holiday Bluffton Night Bazaar will also include festive, live music and seasonal food and drinks. The market is free to attend; all ages are welcome.

Lowcountry Made is hosting several other holiday markets this December: Including the Port Royal Lowcountry Made Market on December 10, the Bluffton Lowcountry Made Market on December 17, and a special Holiday Artisan Market in Palmetto Bluff on December 4.

The Bluffton Night Bazaar is hosted by Lowcountry Made and Burnt Church Distillery. It’s sponsored by E-Z-GO of Hilton Head, a new golf cart showroom and service center located in Sheridan Park, and Bluffton Aesthetics, a local medical spa that provides physician-directed, skincare enhancement treatments, laser hair removal services, botox, fat elimination solutions, and anti-aging aesthetic treatments.

Burnt Church Distillery also has several corporate sponsors: Triad, Engel & Volker, The Grind, Shoreline and Pearce Scott.

Christmas Gigging at Marker 244

Singer/guitarist Vic Varner has been playing solo on Saturdays at Marker 244 for a while now, and for the month of December, he’s giving his gigs a holiday twist.

“When Covid hit, I gave up all of my gigs,” says Varner. “Younger pickers around town played right through it but I didn’t think it was safe for me. But I’m back now, and doing it differently. Instead of combos, I’ve gone solo, back to my roots. All during the 70s and 80s I worked as a solo performer in Charleston.”

Varner says he misses the comradery and musical interaction with other musicians, but there are advantages to playing solo, as well. “I can practice whenever I want to and learn new repertoire quickly. I'm also going back and re-working some old arrangements of tunes such as ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ and ‘If You Could Read My Mind.’ Marker 244 is the perfect spot. Great view and great food! The patrons there have been very receptive to my Americana style.”

In December, Varner will be deep diving into his holiday repertoire. “I’m really looking forward to playing out of my Christmas book,” he says. “Through the years I’ve learned quite an eclectic group of holiday songs, and I love to encourage people to sing along on key phrases.”

Varner will also be playing Christmas music at the Port Royal Farmer’s Market on December 3rd.

Want To Go?

Vic Varner, Singer/Guitarist

Solo - Christmas Music in December Saturdays, 5:30-8pm Marker 244 1 Port Royal Landing, Port Royal

The 20th Annual Sea Island Gullah Christmas Celebration comes to Beaufort Dec. 1-4. for three days of culture, food, and fun enjoying the yuletide season Gullah Geechee style.

The Sea Island Gullah Christmas Celebration will be magical, kicking off the weekend with the Gullah Geechee-Sierra Leone Cultural Connection Symposium Thursday, Dec. 1, 8:30am-5pm; Friday, Dec. 2, Gullah Geechee Cultural Tour and Christmas Market, and Saturday, Dec. 3, the Gullah Taste of Christmas, featuring the Gullah Geechee Rice Cook-off competition.

Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, 8 am – Gullah Geechee-Sierra Leone Cultural Connection Symposium – USCB Center for the Arts

The symposium will explore and celebrate the Gullah Geechee-Sierra Leonean cultural connection and its strides in education and travel and tourism. Attendees will attend seven panel discussions including a Lunch & Learn dedicated to showcasing traditional Gullah Geechee rice dishes, and its origins.

Friday, Dec. 2, 2022 – Gullah Tour & Christmas Market – USCB Center for the

Arts – Attendees will take part in a three-hour extensive tour to learn about the history of Gullah people in the Greater Beaufort area. After the tour, get your Christmas shopping done by participating in the Gullah Christmas Market. Purchase one-of-a-kind gifts from Gullah Geechee vendors to give as the perfect gifts for Christmas.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, 11 AM – Gullah Taste of Christmas – Beaufort, SC Water-

front Park – The Gullah Taste of Christmas will showcase vendors and performances by the Gullah Kinfolk Traveling Theater and local artists, with the highlight of the event being the Rice Cook-off. The competition gathers professional Gullah Geechee chefs, caterers, restaurateurs, and home cooks from the Gullah Geechee Corridor – Florida to North Carolina – to participate in the cook-off, showing off their culinary skill preparing the rice dish for which they are known.

Gullah Homecomings Symposium: Four Sierra Leone – Gullah Homecomings – 2 PM – Technical College of the Low

Country – After Many Years, the participants of the four trips to Sierra Leone come together to share their memories and increasing the awareness of the major historical and cultural connections between Sierra Leone and the Gullah Geechee people that historians have uncovered.

In addition, enjoy the annual Beaufort Christmas Boat Parade Saturday evening at 5 pm at Beaufort’s Waterfront Park and the annual Christmas parade on Sunday,

Dec. 4, 2022 at 3 pm.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.beaufort.com/ events/event/sea-island-gullah-christmascelebration/

More Holiday Inspiration

By Debbi Covington

WINTER CITRUS SALAD

Any flavored (or unflavored) olive oil can be substituted for the blood orange olive oil. The easy vinaigrette is completely interchangeable with vinegars and oils. Use your favorites to invent your own special salad dressing. This recipe makes a little over ½ cup. Double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd.

For the vinaigrette:

¼ cup white balsamic vinegar 1/3 cup blood orange flavored olive oil 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon dijon mustard Salt and pepper, to taste

For the salad:

Mixed salad greens Thinly sliced red onion Red grapefruit premiums Mandarin orange pieces

Fresh blueberries Pomegranate arils Carambola (star fruit), sliced Place all of the ingredients for the vinaigrette in a small bowl. Whisk well to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Place salad greens on a large platter. wTop with, grapefruit, red onion, mandarin oranges, blueberries, pomegranate arils and sliced carambola. Serve with the vinaigrette on the side.

ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND WHITE BEAN SOUP

Tummy-warming and completely satisfying. A great winter dinner option. 1 pound sweet Italian sausage 1 (14.5 0z) can chicken broth 1 carrot, peeled and finely grated 1 small onion, diced 2 (16oz) cans navy beans 2 (16 oz) cans cannellini or great northern beans 1 (16 oz) can pinto beans 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano Black pepper, to taste 1/3 cup chopped Italian parsley Cook sausage in a skillet over medium-high until browned. Drain on paper towels. In a Dutch oven, bring chicken broth to a boil; add carrot and onion and cook until tender. Stir in beans and tomatoes; do not drain; heat through. Stir in cooked sausage. Season with oregano and pepper. Heat through. Stir in parsley before serving. Serves 10 - 12.