Lowcountry Weekly December 7 – December 20

Saturday

December 17th, 7:30pm

Wardle Family YMCA 1801 Richmond Ave. Port Royal www.musicfromthemanger.com

An incredible holiday show featuring Liz Jane’s newest Christmas album, “A Thrill of Hope” with other performances planned of traditional Christmas and choir music, sure to warm you up for the holidays. This year Music From the Manger will benefit the YMCA Scholarship Fund. The YMCA offers need-based assistance to help thousands of individuals and families access valuable programs. Tickets now on sale this year offering family and group rates at www.musicfromthemanger.com.

cover notes

The painting on our cover is "Dance Class" by John Kenney, which took Best in Show last year at SOBA's Annual Judged Show. The organization is currently calling for entries in the 2023 competition. See page 22 for details.

yWeekly

L o w c o unt r

December 7 – December 20, 2022

Publisher: Jeff Evans — Jeff@LCWeekly.com

Editor: Margaret Evans — Editor@LCWeekly.com

Editor at Large: Mark Shaffer — BackyardTourist@gmail.com

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

Advertising Sales: Hope Falls — 757-247-7184 or Ads.TheIslandNews@Gmail.com

Art Director: Lydia Inglett

Layout & Design: Amalgamated Sprinkleworks

Contributing Writers: Vivian Bikulege, Katherine Tandy Brown, Debbi Covington, Sandra Educate, Mary Martha Greene, Laura Lee Rose, 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 2022 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.

Read Local RANTS

RAVES

Yesterday morning I was reading an essay in the NY Times online called “The Questions to Ask Before World War III.”

It was a very serious piece by Stephen Wertheim, a scholar of U.S. foreign policy, who argued that, while even a few years ago, “it was still possible to expect a benign geopolitical future . . . the United States now faces the real and regular prospect of fighting adversaries strong enough to do Americans immense harm.”

As I read, I felt goosebumps rising on my arms. Wertheim’s analysis was comprehensive and quite ominous. You might even call it terrifying. Still, I scrolled on, my anxiety mounting . . . when what should appear before my eyes but a giant image of Tom Cruise.

There he stood, in all his ageless glory, staring at me with his famous glint, before a gleaming fighter jet, against a dazzling backdrop of golden sunlit clouds. “Top Gun: Maverick,” read the text. “Experience it again December 2.”

Y’all, I just had to laugh. Clearly, the eminent possibility of World War III isn’t funny, but the shamelessness of American advertising tickles me to no end.

Don’t get me wrong – I love advertising! I make a living thanks to advertising! And I am completely sincere when I say that I have nothing but amused affection for heavy-handed product placement.

Besides, these days I’ll take comic relief where ever I can find it. I wish Tom Cruise would bust in on my news reading more often.

Speaking of which . . . Am I the only one who feels like the quest to stay on top of national and world news is starting to bring diminishing returns? Not only is it absolutely impossible –with so much happening, all the time – but more and more often, it serves only to enhance my sense of frustration and powerlessness.

I’ve always known I had no control over national and international affairs, but I once

thought I might have a little influence over the way we talk about those affairs – at least here in my own community. But lately, I feel like even that conversation – that thing we call “the discourse” – is beyond my ken.

I don’t join in discussions on Facebook anymore. I see them happening, and I’m hardly even tempted. My own FB page is a ghost of its former self. I still occasionally post “memories” or nature photography, but that’s about it. When I think of the robust salon I once hosted there – with friends of different political persuasions and backgrounds – it saddens me. But such forums are hardly possible anymore, especially if one wishes to maintain one’s sanity and spiritual equilibrium.

My life is much more peaceful without those conversations, but I don’t kid myself for a minute that the end of dialogue is a good thing. Not for a community, and not for a world. And that’s what I believe we have reached now: The End of Dialogue.

“But Margaret,” you may ask, “How could we be at the end of dialogue when so many voices are making so much noise about so many things, day in and day out?”

Well, there’s a difference between dialogue and noise. A big one. We are living in a modern-day Tower of Babel, speaking way too many languages, talking at each other and past each other, but seldom to each other. It’s exhausting and fruitless.

And so, my friends, I am slowly but surely going silent. On the big issues, anyway. For now, at least.

Fortunately, I have the privilege of publishing two local newspapers, where we cover the “small issues” of great importance to the community where I actually live.

Remember when that’s what “community” meant? It wasn’t so long ago that the word referred to a group of people who shared a general vicinity, instead a set of beliefs or predilections or DNA markers.

I think we were actually better off with that definition – when a “community” was made up of many different types of people, sharing the same space. The same place.

I mostly blame social media for the new definition of “community,” which sorts us into simplistic categories, strips us of our quirky uniqueness as individuals, encourages us to double down on our group differences, and blinds us to our common humanity.

In short, I think the new definition of “community” has eroded our actual communi ties, as traditionally defined, making it harder for neighbors to communicate, understand each other, and live together in harmony.

Even so, the Beaufort community is still a pretty great place – a true community in the original sense of the word – and it’s a joy to bring you the news that affects all of us here in our own little neck of the woods.

For instance . . .

The Beaufort High Eagles just won their first State Championship!

Habitat for Humanity raised almost $40,000 during its annual Turkey Trot!

The City has named three finalists for City Manager!

The Beaufort Art Association has scattered full-size painted Nutcrackers all over town!

The Conroy Center is hosting a panel discussion about book challenges and bans!

USCB received an enormous grant to help develop teachers!

There is good news here in Beaufort, people. Lots of good news that you can actually get your brain around and digest. You’ll find it here in the pages of Lowcountry Weekly – and in The Island News, where we also bring you the occasional bad news. We even have old-fashioned Letters to the Editor there, where members of various “communities” – as newly defined – can speak their truth to the “community” where they live, instead of preaching to their respective choirs on social media. This seems an important distinction.

So if you’re anything like me – over whelmed by national news, cowed by “the discourse,” feeling frustrated, powerless and estranged from a country that no longer feels like a community – I highly recommend shifting your focus to all things local. There’s nothing you can do about the coming of World War III, but you might have some serious influence on the Beaufort County School District’s book-challenge issue . . . as discussed right here in this paper, on page 5.

Local news, baby. That’s where it’s at.

How’s that for some shameless American advertising?

&

Margaret Evans

Margaret Evans is the editor of Lowcountry Weekly.

Conroy Center Hosts Panel on Book Challenges & Bans

"Great books invited argument and disagreement, but ignorance did not even earn a place at the table when ideas were the subject of dispute . . . Books exist to force people to examine every facet of their lives and beliefs . . . There was nothing to fear in [a book] except the danger of its being censored by people who hadn’t read it.”

— Pat Conroy, My Reading Life

In 1962, the Beaufort County School District faced a parental complaint calling for a ban of J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye. The novel was defended before the school board by storied Beaufort High School English teacher Gene Norris, mentor to a then sixteen-year-old high school junior named Pat Conroy. In his empowering description in My Reading Life of how his English teacher addressed and won this challenge against Salinger’s beloved comingof-age story, Conroy also recalled Norris’s overarching message to his student and to all readers: “Literature tells us to be brave. It demands it of us.”

As the Beaufort County School District is now in the midst of responding to an unprecedented challenge against 97 books in its library collections, the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center will host a panel discussion on book challenges and bans, and the forces behind them, on Sunday, December 11, at 2:00 p.m. in the McLean Hall auditorium of the Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Beaufort campus (104 Reynolds St., bldg. 12). This event is free and open to the public.

The educational conversation will be led by New York Times bestselling author and former South Carolina Poet Laureate Marjory Wentworth and will focus on the organizations, the funding, and the politics surrounding banned books, censorship, and challenges to free speech and intellectual freedom. Wentworth is currently teaching a College of Charleston Honors College course on banned books and literature suppressed on political, religious, social, and sexual grounds, as well as the origins of book banning in western culture and contemporary issues around internet regulations. Wentworth will be joined in dialogue with South Carolina ACLU legal fellow and legislative advocate Josh Malkin; community education advocate, consultant, and nonprofit leader AJ Davis; and Charleston journalist Paul Bowers.

Marjory Wentworth is the New York Times bestselling author of Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets (with Kwame

Alexander and Chris Colderley). Her books of poetry include Noticing Eden, Despite Gravity, The Endless Repetition of an Ordinary Miracle, and New and Selected Poems. Her poems have been nominated for the Pushcart Prize seven times. She is also the co-writer of We Are Charleston: Tragedy and Triumph at Mother Emanuel (with Herb Frazier and Dr. Bernard Powers) and Taking a Stand: The Evolution of Human Rights (with Juan E. Mendez). She is co-editor with Kwame Dawes of Seeking: Poetry and Prose inspired by the Art of Jonathan Green, and the author of the prizewinning children’s story Shackles. She served as the poet laureate of South Carolina from 2003-2017. This year, she was named a Black Earth Institute Fellow. In 2020, she was named a National Coalition Against Censorship Free Speech is for Me Advocate.

Wentworth teaches courses in writing, social

justice, and banned books at The College of Charleston, where she is part of the Social Justice Working Group for the Center for the Study of Slavery and the Refugee Resettlement Taskforce.

Josh Malkin joined the ACLU of South Carolina as a Legal Fellow in the fall of 2021. He comes to the ACLU deeply committed to advocating for racial and educational equity and protecting the rights of children. Prior to law school, Josh spent five years teaching middle and high school math in New Orleans East. He understands how difficult it is to be an educator even in the most favorable of climates. He finds the constant, radical attacks on the ability to learn, read, and teach very troubling, and is committed to doing all he can to both be present alongside local communities as they fight back, and make statewide information more accessible to those who do not spend an unhealthy amount of time at the statehouse.

Anjene “AJ” Davis is a resident of North Charleston in the Chicora/Cherokee community where he is the neighborhood association president. AJ is also an employee of Charleston County School District and a cofounder of Community Solutions Consulting, a consulting firm that creates and drives strategies for programs that improve equity, community engagement, citizen values, and organizational effectiveness, establish strong external partnerships for promotion of racial and social equity and inclusion, and advance equity through thoughtful community

engagement, strategic partnerships, and innovative program development. AJ created and directed a parent engagement concept, Lowcountry Black Parents Association, designed to provide parents of students in high poverty schools with the skills to enhance their advocacy abilities. He earned his M.S. degree in organizational management and his B.S. in Human Services at Springfield College.

Paul Bowers is a writer, father of three public school children, and former education reporter in North Charleston, S.C. He serves as volunteer communications secretary for Charleston Democratic Socialists of America and writes a weekly newsletter at brutalsouth. substack.com.

Learn more about the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center at www.patconroy literarycenter.org

Poet Marjory Wentworth

ACLU attorney Josh Malkin

The Black Dog Grill

As loyal readers know, we love all types of dining experiences, from casual haunts we frequent, um, frequently, to special places we typically head for, um, special occasions . . . like Cele’s early-December birthday or the upcoming Holidays.

lots of free meals as travel writers, neither the Evanses or the friendly folks at The Black Dog Grill picked up the check. We’re more than happy to pay for a special dining experience (or any experience involving good food and company). Okay, we’ll also write for food!

back in time and use some old menu ideas, like Coquille Saint-Jacques [a traditional French sea scallops treatment].”

Michael had the unique opportunity to grow up at Hunting Island State Park and Edisto Island State Park, where his father was a park super intendent. He recalls flipping burgers at state park grills before eventually moving into the hotel industry and, especially, the food and beverage sector, where he worked for Sheraton in a variety of roles, including lounge manager for Sheraton’s then-largest North American nightclub (Nashville’s McGavocks). His impressive hospitality - and service-driven resume ranges from the Carolinas and Tennessee to Florida.

Thus, we recently found ourselves at Port Royal’s popular Black Dog Grill for an early celebration of Cele’s birthday, with Lowcountry Weekly publishers Jeff and Margaret Evans. And, no, though many friends think we score

Anyway, both the ambiance and the cuisine at The Black Dog Grill makes any evening there special. Others must feel the same, in that the restaurant remains a popular choice with extended families celebrating their new Marine and many others looking for a special and tasty way to celebrate in the area.

The Black Dog Grill is Michael and Leslie Pressley’s late-2019 “steakhouse” gift to the area, after successfully owning and operating Rosie O’Grady’s Irish American Pub since 2005. Michael’s typically at bustling Rosie O’Grady’s and Leslie can be found at The Black Dog Grill. He says the old school-style restaurant was his idea, “. . . to go

Matt Pickering is The Black Dog Grill’s executive chef, and Michael and Leslie say he’s made the dining experience there better than ever. Matt’s a Johnson & Wales grad and, when we met, we immediately started trading Charleston restaurant and chef stories, including Matt’s time at beloved Peninsula Grill, where he was chef de cuisine from 2016 to 2019. “My menus change seasonally and I’m expecting a spring refresh, including an even more approachable pasta and seafood specials.”

Let’s start with Matt’s current menu, with entrées focusing on prime hand-cut cuts of perfectly prepared meat, but also providing many other options. For instance, the New York strip and luscious ribeye are both aged melt-in-your-mouth angus beef. Next, their

Lamb

Sirloin tips

THE 6

LOWCOUNTRY .{ Opinion, Arts, Culture, Lifestyle, Cuisine }. More coverage and content at LowcountryWeekly.com

filet mignon is the center cut of aged tenderloin. Matt reports the meats are sourced from Halperns’, a southeast purveyor we know and love.

Steak lovers can add Matt’s classic Bearnaise sauce, as well as his sweet onion and mushroom sauce or their house made horseradish chimichurri (we especially love this pairing with beef). There’s no additional charge for your choice of sauce. There’s also an optional luxuriant lump crab Oscar topping for those wishing to take their beef choice over the top.

Lynn loves lamb, so he’s a fan of their lamb chops for good reason. They’re from the Land Down Under, where they know a thing or two about lamb. Speaking of lamb, if readers ever see Virginia’s Border Springs Farm lamb in any form on a menu during their travels, order it. Trust us.

Of course, The Black Dog Grill isn’t just for red meat lovers, bless their hearts and ours. Additional entrée choices include: a grilled bone-in Duroc Farms pork chop with Creole mustard demi-glace; chicken saltimbocca, which Margaret Evans raved over and offered everyone a taste (ditto on Jeff’s sirloin tips special); and jumbo Atlantic white shrimp lightly breaded and deep fried, served with a traditional tartar sauce and a fun bloody mary cocktail sauce.

There’s also a fresh fish of the day, which Matt reports is coming from Lowcountry Shellfish, including, of late, fresh snapper, grouper, and even South Carolina swordfish, which has become a very popular addition to Matt’s menu. Generally speaking, entrées are prettily plated with a choice of farm-to-fork seasonal vegetables, which are often sourced by Matt at Saturday’s Port Royal Farmers Market.

Back to the menu for starters (we couldn’t help starting with the tasty entrées this time) . . . there’s freshly shucked oysters, with preparation changes daily; their famed Fripp Island crab cake; jumbo shrimp cocktail with the aforementioned cocktail sauce; Prince Edward Island mussels; Coquille St. Helena (a tasty riff on the aforementioned traditional French sea scallops preparation; and grilled steak skewers (a nice intro to The Black Dog Grill’s red meat magic). There’s also traditional steak house salad with iceberg, their Seabrook Caprese with a pecan pesto/balsamic glaze, a Caesar with house-made dressing; and made-daily soups, including Matt’s staple lobster bisque and overflowing French onion soup, which was perfect on the rainy night we were there.

Desserts change frequently and are very popular with those celebrating something, in cluding the conclusion of a special meal. They’re made in-house and often include choc olate flourless torte, crème Brulé, and coconut cake, which Matt’s reports is just as good as Peninsula Grill’s famed version and which we plan to order next time there. We were honestly all too full for dessert, this time. Unless you count finishing a bit of red wine as dessert.

Blacksheep Update

To continue with the “black” theme of this “Lowcountry Dish,” here’s an update on Blacksheep (www.blacksheeponbound ary.com), which many readers know we’ve loved from the day it opened:

• This past July, we attended one of Black sheep’s special “Goodbye Dolly” dinners, to say so long to the wood-fired oven that was such an essential part of Blacksheep’s original concept. The updated and renovated restau rant and kitchen are now better than ever . . . and so is the food. Trust us.

• The renovation included the addition of five fun bar seats overlooking the new kitchen and Matt doing his magic. They serve wine, beer, and creative bar snacks, and it’s firstcome, first-served. If the sheep neon light in the kitchen window is on, the bar seats are full; if it’s off, come on in!

• Due to an increase in costs, the unique Blacksheep dining experience will be $60 per person, starting January 1, 2023. It’s worth it.

fort, and log on to our site right at 8:00 to book a reservation.

It’s more than 128 people vying for 128 spots.

For those who have messaged saying they think they are “doing it wrong” or are looking for a “trick,” here is a bit of advice . . .

The reservation system is a computer that does it’s very best. I am monitoring the system in real time, but if two people are trying to book the spot at exactly the same time—which hap pens often—the computer will take whoever has their information in first. It happens.

That being said, the computer “holds” res ervations for nine minutes and if folks don't finish the booking process, the reservation will come back up in the system. So, for example, if you tried January 18 and there were no open ings, it’s worth it to check back to see if a spot has become available.

If you can see the calendar, something is available or may become available. When all

And, speaking of wine, their wine list is perfect for their menu, with a nice selection of whites, pinks, and reds by the glass and bottle, including La Crema, a pinot noir from Monterey that we think pairs well with practically everything on a plate. They also have a full bar menu for those so inclined.

Oh, and as for the name and logo. Michael and Leslie love dogs, including their black lab, Phoebe.

Beaufort-based travel journalists Lynn and Cele Seldon (www. seldonink.com) often cover culinary travel around the world, and Lowcountry Weekly recently lured them to write a monthly feature covering the local food scene. This will include articles about restaurants, chefs, food-focused stores, farms, farmers, farmers markets, and more. They welcome suggestions for topics.

The Black Dog Grill

1635 Paris Avenue Port Royal, SC 29935 843-379-3664 Reservations

• Lots of people report that it’s hard to get a reservation and they’re right. Us too . . . every month. So, here’s an update from most won derful Krista about reservations that we’re re printing pretty much verbatim from a recent email to their fans:

We serve 8 tables per day. 16 days per month. That's 128 spots per month. They book fast. Really fast.

It’s not because there's a special list of folks that get to book first. Or because we only book our friends and family for reservations.

It’s simply because a group of phenomenal people set their alarms, make a conscious ef

reservations are booked for the month, you will see the default message: “We are currently not accepting online bookings here. Please get in touch if you have any questions”

This is a lot of words. Hopefully if you've taken the time to read them, it will be helpful.

Krista also asked us to mention that cancellations are posted on Instagram and that reservations still open at 8 a.m. on the first Tuesday of the month for the follow ing month.

Us again . . . good luck and we’ll see you there! We might be at the bar, but we’ll leave the light on . . . or off . . . for you.

Blacksheep chef Matt Wallace in his new kitchen

Sesame crusted tuna

Great Expectations

–

Some people leave an indelible impression. They make a mark that cannot be removed. Don’t worry, this isn’t about some book you’re forced to read in high school. I mean, unless you like being bored to tears. Stay with me as I meander. Does each of us require a little kryptonite in our lives? For what would the story of Superman be without kryptonite? Kryptonite does build character, but do we need shards of it rammed up our fingernails forever and ever, Amen?

What if we’re so used to waiting in line, we refuse to believe we’re at the front of a queue that may not even exist? Not suggesting we start cutting whatever line we’re in at the

moment. Let’s not have an incident at the Publix deli where the law is called. Never be that guy. Pray for that guy whose time is clearly more important, or haunted, than the rest of us. The question remains regarding lines. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said or thought, “It’s always been this way, so it never occurred to me that it would be any other way.”

Time will tell if the Jeff Saturday experiment for the Indianapolis Colts works out. For those that don’t keep up with the NFL, Jeff Saturday only coached a tad bit of high school football and was one of ESPN’s top talking-heads and analysts of the game. He won a Super Bowl with the Colts in 2006 as Peyton Manning’s center. In short, while Jeff Saturday has a dynamic personality and player creds, he skipped the line in front of plenty of more qualified and credentialed coaches to become a leader of a billion-dollar organization. It was not a popular move among the old guard in

the sport. Nonetheless, the owner of the Colts, Jim Irsay, thought outside the box. Results matter, but ya don’t know until ya know. Reckless perhaps, but it could be magnificent.

With the example in the previous paragraph, whether you agree, disagree, or couldn’t give a crap, consider that the line can move or simply disappear. There’s no law against asking, “What if there is a sea change?” This is life’s invitation to change your assumptions—to change your expectations.

Ever wonder where we would be without expectations? I’ve touched on people and pedestals being shattered before. That point remains, but what about scenarios?

It can be said that expectations are the breeding ground for disappointment. Could we say that life comes down to managing expectations? Things are rarely as good, or as bad, as we anticipate and expect things to be. Take an audit of your heart. Demeanor matters. As I’ve said previously, perhaps it’s as simple as being ready to discover rather than be discovered.

Comfortable silence is peak communication. With that in mind, use a page out of the old color therapy and chakra color handbook and wear blue when peak communication is necessary. Less is more.

As I usually point out in my vows as a wedding officiant, love is not found by seeking out the perfect partner, it’s found by endeavoring to be the perfect partner. This can apply to any relationship. Look people in the eye and take them in. You may be pleasantly surprised by your new interactions—your new reality. As a simple experiment, do this with a stranger, perhaps

WHOLLY

HOLISTICS

by Sutty Suddeth

someone working the drive-thru at McDonald’s or the lady next to you at the Publix deli. Maybe you’ll begin to expect elevated treatment overall from others as you elevate your treatment of others.

Laughter is the best energy lifter. No, this isn’t where I preach the virtues of watching movies like This Is Spinal Tap or Zoolander Seek those who get such things though. Seek those with humor as their companion rather than their shield. There is a subtle difference in maturity and you may expect different results. Upon further thought, it’s honestly unrealistic to expect anything out of anyone or entity, but we can expect more from the one you see in the mirror when you brush your teeth.

The phrase, “Ain’t the same without ya,” will apply to us all eventually. To those that matter and remain behind, what does that phrase mean to them? Do they delight at your departure or do they feel a void that can never be filled again? Relief or yearning? To borrow a saying from my grandmother, “You preach your eulogy while you live.”

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.

“The world has to change to fit you. And if you stick to your principles, values, and morals long enough, it will.”

Berry Gordy

Anything Goes! at Art League of Hilton Head

Anything Goes!, an exhibit of member art at Art League Gallery, celebrates the as tounding array of artwork created by Art League exhibiting members. Truly anything goes at this exhibit: any media, size, shape, form or sub ject. From 2D art in painting, pen cils, and photography to jewelry, glass, wood and other 3D forms, ex hibiting artists challenge them selves to bring together their best for the new year.

"Our annual Anything Goes! ex hibit is a chance for our member art ists to create new pieces that show case their best ideas and latest tech niques," says Kristen McIntosh, General Manager, "Because we showcase multiple artists, the com munity can see just how talented and varied our artists are."

All attendees at the opening reception on January 11, 5-7pm, are invited to vote for their favorite art pieces, with awards going to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. The announcement of the

People's Choice awards and door prizes win ners will take place at 6pm.

The exhibit runs January 3–28, 2023. All artworks on display are for sale.

Art League Gallery is located mid-island in side Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island and open every day: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 124pm and 90 minutes before every Arts Center performance. Art League Gallery, 843.681.5060.

The Satisfying Peace Of Christmas

The house was full of relatives and friends celebrating Christmas loudly and happily. Needing a little escape from the noise, I ducked into my bedroom to be alone. In the calm of my room, I was a little surprised at how quietly happy I felt. I didn’t need to rush back out and join in the fun right away, but reveled in this moment of feeling God’s satisfying love and gentle presence right where I was.

Years later, I was alone for Christmas – away from family and friends while working at a resort. On Christmas Day, a few other staff members and I enjoyed some moments of laughter and a gift exchange of wrapped items from the vending machine. Yet, most of my time was spent being still, aware of the Christly affection I felt expressed by and for others.

To me, these instances were tangible examples of what Mary Baker Eddy refers to as “Truth’s appearing,” when writing about how she liked to observe Christmas. She said, “I love to observe Christmas in quietude, humility, benevolence, charity, letting good will towards man, eloquent silence, prayer,and praise express my conception of Truth’s appearing” (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 262).

Christmas represents the appearing of Christ, the spiritual idea of Truth. And I realized that whether I was alone or with

others, whether I had an abundance of gifts or none, the appearing of Christ,Truth, as a gentle and loving presence is a constant, because divine Truth is changeless. Listening for the Christ in quiet moments helps me to yield to the Christmas message that God, divine Love, is supreme, governing us all, and this comforts and heals.

A CHRISTIAN SCIENCE PERSPECTIVE

and grace (see Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, (p. 17).

In another of her writings about Christmas, Mrs. Eddy, who founded Christian Science, beautifully describes the connection between Truth’s appearing and healing protection: “The star that looked lovingly down on the manger of our Lord, lends its resplendent light to this hour: the light of Truth, to cheer, guide, and bless man as he reaches forth for the infant idea of divine perfection dawning upon human imperfection, – that calms man’s fears, bears his burdens, beckons him on to Truth and Love and the sweet immunity these bring from sin, sickness, and death” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896, p. 320).

Truth’s appearing comes from omnipotent and omnipresent God, whose influence cannot be hid by human busyness, by threats of isolation or contagion,or by any form of sin, disease, or death. Truth overcomes all discord, and this knowledge reassures us. The all-knowing God “feed[s] the famished affections,” forgives as we forgive others, and leads us into a greater understanding of our God-given health, purity,

Truth’s appearing may come in a wide variety of ways. But it often comes to our thinking in ways that are quiet and unexpected. Jesus’ birth is a perfect example. At the time, there was much anticipation of the coming of the Messiah and how this arrival might look – all grand and outwardly glorious narratives. But the actual appearance of the Messiah, as Jesus born in a manger, was unexpected, humble, yet powerful beyond all worldly calculations.

We can prepare our own mangers and humbly make room to receive the Christ, which Jesus exemplified, by letting into our experience the sacred influences of unselfishness. This is shown in our spontaneous generosity, honesty, and compassion; in our revolutionary philanthropy, shown in going beyond our comfort zones to express kindliness, benevolence, and love for all humanity; and in our spiritual affection – reflecting that holy, adoring, pure embrace of God to all Her creation.

Whether we are spending Christmas surrounded by others or alone, the comforting, constant reappearing of the Christ, Truth, is the essential element that gives the satisfying peace all can feel at Christmas and always.

– By Kim Crooks Korinek

Paid Advertorial by The Christian Science Society of Beaufort

PAL to Host Holiday Open House

Palmetto Animal League invites the community to a Holiday Open House at their Adoption Center in Okatie.

The event will take place Saturday, December 10 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and guests are invited to drop by for cookies, hot cocoa, and coffee. It’s a great time to spread holiday cheer to shelter pets.

“Homeless pets live comfortably at our no kill adoption center until they are adopted, no matter how long it takes,” explains PAL President Amy Campanini. “They feel the holiday excitement all around, and they love when people come to PAL to spend time with them.”

PAL is waiving adoption fees for cats, kittens, and adult dogs during the event as a part of their month long Season of Second Chances.

“If your home is missing the pitter patter of paws, this will be a great day to find your new best friend,” says PAL Adoption Coordinator Sally Dawkins. “But we understand not everyone can adopt and that’s OK! We hope everyone will drop by to make some holiday memories.”

As a part of their mission, PAL will be collecting much needed items for their pet pantry, including cat and dog food, toys, treats, pet beds, and cozy blankets. They will make sure your gifts get to those animals who need them most this holiday season.

More Nutcrackers

Christmas Time Santa Claus is Coming to Town

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

Music from the Manger Returns to Port Royal

The Music from the Manger Concert is excitedly coming together on December 17 at 7:30 pm at the Wardle Family YMCA of Port Royal. Headlining the concert is local musician Liz Jane with her band, including Jim Bachety (lead guitar), Kyle Fabian (bass) and Stefan Mozer (drums). Liz headlined last year’s concert and will be playing music from her album of reimagined, classic Christmas songs, A Thrill of Hope. Visit LizJaneMusic.com to hear her music and buy her CD at the concert for yourself or to give it as the perfect holiday gift. Supporting Liz this year is a young talented singer Emery Ward, the band Rock Solid and the Music From The Manger Choir led by Joshua Wall. You don’t want to miss this incredible evening of holiday music!

This year the concert benefits the Wardle Family YMCA of Port Royal’s scholarship program, which provides need-based assistance to help thousands of individuals and families in Beaufort and Jasper Counties access valuable programs like swim lessons, youth sports, childcare, membership, parent-child programs, and summer camp. The Wardle Family YMCA of Port Royal is a foundation of our Port Royal community and we are proud to partner with them this year.

Sponsorships are available and come with perks at each tier level. Sponsors will receive a number of tickets to the show as well as additional discounted tickets if more are needed beyond the amount that

come with the sponsorship. Sponsors will also enjoy a VIP cocktail party while mingling before the concert with drinks and light food provided by Shellring and Sprenger. Local singer Katie Lynn will be singing a few songs at the VIP party for everyone to enjoy. In addition, sponsors will be included in all of the event’s publicity and marketing.

There is no better way to get in the spirit of the holidays than by attending this year’s Music from the Manger Concert. You’ll be lifted by beautiful music, all the while supporting an organization that does so much for our community. For more information and to buy your tickets visit

MusicFromTheManger.com

A Few Good Men . . . and Over 50 Nutcrackers

When the boards that local artists would be painting Nutcrackers on for “It’s a Nuttly Christmas!” Outdoor exhibit in Beaufort had to be constructed, creator/producer Danie Connolly didn’t have to search too far. Her mother was a Marine, so she knew exactly where the best of the best were!

Santa and his elves would have been envious of the two-man construction crew as they magically completed the task. In no time at all, they had accumulated enough art panels that when painted, would put smiles on Beaufort citizens.

Once they were in the hands of talented artists, the first art panel to return to the BAA was Tiffany Jones’ rendition of a bulldog dressed up as a Marine!

To take this Christmas blessing one step further, Finders Keepers store owner Dick Andrzejczyk selected it to put in front of his store for the outdoor exhibit! It turns out, that was another coincidence – Dick was a 20 year career Marine (who is also a gemologist, coin dealer and air traffic controller). And, if you want to really believe in Holiday Magic . . . he has one of the finest collection of smaller nutcrackers for sale in his store! As you stroll downtown discover ing over 50 Nutcrackers, we hope you enjoy this fun exhibit and be sure to salute our proud Marine standing at attention at Finders Keepers, 920 Bay Street Beaufort!

Stationed at the Marine Corps on Parris island are Captain Tim Duggins and Drill Instructor Junior Loveless, who are blessed with unique carpentry skills. Connolly had met the men previously when she needed work done around her home in Beaufort. She asked the two Marines for help and soon they were assembling the 6 foot and 4 foot wood panels, complete with strappings and screws.

This was an easy project for these career Marines, knowing the end results would provide funds for Beaufort’ Art Association’s (BAA) art supplies and education for children. Assembling the platforms for the artists’ imagination proved to have a lot at stake!

Captain Duggins is the proud father of three young daughters (and another little girl on the way!) and DI Loveless has two boys and one daughter of his own. This was a mission that needed to be accomplished!

It’s Christmas Party

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and everyone is throwing a Christmas party, including you. Aren’t you tired of serving (and being served) sliced ham and turkey with cocktail rolls? A bowl of shrimp with cocktail sauce has been done to death. Cheese and vegetable platters are totally boring fare. Even traditional crab dip is getting old. You’re in luck! Your guests are sure to love these three delectable cocktail party recipes. Best of all, they’re all simple to prepare and can be made in advance. Want to see how they’re made?

Please visit My Fabulous Cooking Channel on YouTube to watch the easy preparation of these three great appetizers and a whole lot more. Merry Christmas!

FIRE CRACKERS

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Combine all in ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Toss to coat well. Spread crackers on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every ten minutes, until crackers are crispy and completely dry. Cool and store in an airtight container. Serves 8 to 10.

These snacks are addictive! The original recipe calls for 3 to 4 teaspoons of red pepper flakes. I like really spicy foods and I think that 2 teaspoons is a gracious plenty. Fire Crackers make great hostess gifts at Christmastime!

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 (1-ounce) package ranch dressing mix

2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

1 (12.4-ounce) box Cheeze-Its

SWEET AND SOUR MEATBALLS

Various sweet and sour sauces are available in the multicultural section of your local market.

1 (3-pound) bag frozen meatballs, thawed in refrigerator

1½ cups sweet and sour sauce

1/3 cup pineapple juice

1/3 cup light brown sugar

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Italian parsley, chopped Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place thawed meatballs in a large bowl. Add sweet and sour sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar and ginger to the bowl. Mix well to coat and dissolve the sugar. Pour meatballs into a 2-quart baking dish. Cover and bake for 75 minutes. Garnish with Italian parsley before serving. Serves 10 to 12.

Party Time!

By Debbi Covington

at room temperature

2 tablespoon mayonnaise

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 (15.25-ounce) can sweet corn, drained

¼ -½ cup diced jalapeno peppers, drained

2 teaspoon2 diced pimentos, drained

1 green onion, chopped

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon seasoned salt

Dash hot sauce

Chopped green onion, to garnish Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. Spread in a lightly greased baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve warm with tortilla chips. Serves 6.

This easy dip is good served hot or cold!

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

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.cater ingbydebbicovington.com. She may be reached at 843-5250350 or by email at dbc@cateringbydebbicovington.com

JALAPENO-CORN DIP

LCCB Presents ‘Carols in the Courtyard’

The Lowcountry Community Concert Band presents a special outdoor holiday concert on Saturday, December 10, at 2 pm, in the front courtyard of the Library at the USC - Beaufort Bluffton campus. Admission is free to all, and donations are gratefully accepted.

The USCB campus has ample parking, plentiful seating, and is wheelchair-accessible. Bring some friends, bring a cooler! Added attractions will include a food truck, a Christmas cookie baking contest, and an Ugly Christmas Sweater contest.

The full Band will play the following: Sleigh Ride, by Leroy Anderson; Minor Alterations (Christmas Through the Looking Glass), by David Lovrien; Ave Maria, by Sergei Rachmaninoff, arranged by Brian Beck; Christmas Festival, by Leroy Anderson; Herald the Holidays (Holiday Flourish for Band), by Robert W. Smith; selections from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, by Danny Elfman, arranged by Michael Brown; Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming, arranged by Larry Kerchner; and Christmas Finale, arranged for band by Paul Jennings.

Our LCCB French Horn Choir will play The Carol of the Bells, as recorded by the popular a cappella group Pentatonix.

The LCCB is sponsored by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. In addition to the main Concert Band, LCCB/OLLI supports two smaller chamber ensembles — the Lowcountry Jazz Ensemble and the Flutes of the Lowcountry. The LCCB provides an opportunity for musicians of all ages and abilities to play instrumental music together for enjoyment as well as to perform for the community. Any OLLI member is welcome to join. Students and adults of any age can join the band. The LCCB is 100% self-sustaining, and receives no state or local funding. Donations are welcome, and are used for, e.g., buying new music and equipment, repairing instruments, and rental of venue space for performances where required. For further information, visit our LCCB website, at www.ollilccb.com

Artistic Director and Conductor Dave Carbone

Sounds of the Holidays

On Friday, December 12, Terry Herron, Rick Radcliff and Nina Hand will per form America’s fa vorite holiday songs in the styles of swing, blues, country, and classic Christ mas. It’s all happening at the Port Royal Golf & Rac quet Club on Hilton Head. Cocktails start at 5:30 pm, followed by dinner from 6-7pm, then the show from 7- 8:30 pm. Tickets are $45 per person, which includes a 3-course meal and the musical performance. Res ervations are required. Call 843-681-1747.

Musician Terry Herron

Christmas Market in Port Royal

Spread the local love this holiday season by shopping from local makers and artisans at Lowcountry Made’s special Christmas market in Port Royal on Saturday, December 10. The special holiday artisan market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Live Oaks Park, 904 14th St. in downtown Port Royal.

Browse locallymade home goods, sweets, and more from over 30 local vendors set up amongst the trees.

All Lowcountry Made Markets feature only local artists, artisans and small businesses — selling anything

from art and home goods to jewelry, ceramics and baked goods.

The Lowcountry Made Christmas market in Port Royal is a great opportunity to grab festive treats and unique holiday gifts while supporting local makers.

Beyond supporting small businesses, the Port Royal market is also a great excuse to visit this gorgeous, waterfront town that’s bursting with small-town charm and holiday spirit. Be sure to grab a cup of coffee or hot cocoa from Corner Perk Port Royal on your way to the market!

The holiday market will also include live music, food and drink, and is free to attend!

The Lowcountry Made Port Royal Markets are sponsored by Barbers of the Lowcountry, Amidst the Alders and Corner Perk Port Royal.

More Holiday Inspiration

By Debbi Covington

JINGLE JUICE MARTINIS WITH CANDIED CRANBERRIES

A festive way to serve a new favorite Christmas cocktail. Clear plastic Christmas tree ornaments can be found at your local craft store. Make a batch of martinis, refrigerate them until party time, and then let your guests serve themselves. How fun!

For the candied cranberries:

½ cup water

1½ cups sugar, divided

1 cup fresh cranberries

Fresh rosemary fronds

In a small pot, mix ½ cup water with ½ cup sugar. Cook over medium heat until sugar is melted. Set aside to cool. Place 1/3 cup sugar in a shallow bowl. Add cranberries to the cooled sugar-water mixture and toss to coat well. Using a slotted spoon, add a few cranberries at a time to the bowl of sugar. Toss to coat. Let candied cranber ries dry on baking racks. Repeat, changing sugar when it gets too wet to stick, until all of the cranberries have been covered in sugar. Store remaining berries in a cov

ered container for 2 to 3 days. Do not re frigerate. Skewer cranberries with rose mary just before serving.

For the martinis:

1 cup cranberry juice

1 cup coconut flavored vodka

Dash grenadine

Combine all ingredients in a small pitcher. Pour into (washed and completely dry) plastic Christmas ornaments. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve in a martini glass with a candied cranberry skewer. Serves 3 to 4, depending on the size of your ornaments.

Welcome to Our House

Inviting friends over to celebrate is one of the greatest pleasures of the holiday season! If you've been dreaming of hosting a neighborhood Christmas party, take a tip from Santa Covington this year – make a list and check it twice! List-making will help you put the multitude of holiday chores and activities into perspective. And, these quick and easy recipes will keep your kitchen chores to a minimum. Invite your neighbors to a come-as-you-are Christmas Tea and plan a menu of easy-to-eat hors d'oeuvres. Stay low-key with the decorations, then dim the lights and add candles for sparkle. Ask your newest neighbor to pass the tea sandwiches, and recruit others to refill serving dishes and help with the clean up. At the end of the evening, you'll have new friends and a great sense of satisfaction. Merry Christmas!

CAROLINA TEA

tea over medium heat and add sugar; stirring constantly until dissolved. Add orange juice and lemon juice and continue stirring until tea is heated through; being careful not to boil. Serve hot. Serves 10.

mayonnaise in a large bowl; mix to combine. Fold in diced pimentos; season with cayenne pepper and hot sauce. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Serve on sandwich bread.

By Debbi Covington

PIMENTO CHEESE TEA SANDWICHES

Use a cookie cutter to make bread rounds. I like to gar nish with thinly sliced grape tomato slices.

1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup mayonnaise

2 (4-ounce) jars diced pimentos, drained well Dash cayenne pepper

Dash hot sauce

White or wheat sandwich bread

Place cheddar cheese and

Brewing a pot of tea can be a pleasure! It’s a comforting circle of ritual and tradition – and the opportunity to use your precious china cups and saucers.

8 cups water

1 cinnamon stick

5 whole cloves

1 family-sized tea bag or 4 individual tea bags

1 cup sugar

2 cups orange juice

½ cup lemon juice

Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add cinnamon stick and cloves and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat. Remove cinnamon and cloves and discard. Add tea bag to hot water and steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove and discard tea bag. Warm

CREAM CHEESE SAUSAGE BALLS

1 pound hot pork sausage, uncooked

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1¼ cups baking mix (Bisquick) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. Roll dough

into 1-inch balls and place on lightly greased baking sheet(s). Bake for 15-17 minutes or until browned. Serve hot. Makes about 60.

Chicken salad loaded with dried cranberries and toasted pecans make delicious tea sandwiches or tarts.

3 cups cooked diced chicken breasts

½ cup dried sweetened cranberries

½ cup chopped pecans, toasted

½ cup chopped celery

2 tablespoons chopped green onion

½ to ¾ cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Dash garlic powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Place chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery and green onion in a large bowl. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper and mix well. Serve in mini tarts or on sandwich bread.

CRANBERRY AND PECAN CHICKEN SALAD TARTLETS

HAM ROLL-UPS

3 large flour tortillas

1 (8-ounce) container vegetable cream cheese spread

2 cups baby spinach

1 lb. thinly sliced ham

Spread 1/3 of cream cheese spread evenly on each flour tortilla. Top with a layer of baby spinach. Top evenly with 6 to 7 slices of ham. Roll the tortillas with filling. Wrap each roll with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 8 hour. Slice the tortillas into rolls using a serrated knife. Makes 24.

LEMON CHESS TARTS

Double this recipe to fill an unbaked deep dish frozen pie crust.

8 mini pie crusts (flour or graham cracker)

1 cup sugar

1½ teaspoons all-purpose flour

1½ teaspoons cornmeal

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons salted butter, melted

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons milk

2 eggs

Combine sugar, flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add butter, zest, lemon juice, and milk; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour into pastry shells. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until centers are set. Serve chilled. Makes 8.

The writer owns Catering by Debbi Covington and is the author of three cookbooks, Celebrate Beaufort, Celebrate Everything! and Dining Under the Carolina Moon. For more great recipes and to view her cooking demonstrations, visit and subscribe to Debbi’s YouTube channel. Debbi’s website address is www.cateringbydebbicovington.com. She may be reached at 843-525-0350 or by email at dbc@ cateringbydebbicovington.com

Holy Trinity Presents ‘Evergreen’

Holy Trinity Classical Christian School invites the community to the Annual Christmas Program titled Evergreen, on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 6 pm at Community Bible Church. This is a Christmas musical celebration including musical and dramatic performances featuring Holy Trinity students in grades K-12.

trees at this time of year, we are apt to miss the symbolism within those beautiful branches. We hope that our Christmas program, Evergreen will inspire us all, through story and song, to remember afresh Christ’s love for us that is always new.”

Holy Trinity students will present an array of musical offerings, including several

This year's inspiration for the program comes from the life of Saint Boniface, a missionary bishop who brought the message of Christ to Germany in the 700s. Legend states that Boniface was the first to use an evergreen tree (what we know today as the ‘Christmas tree’), as a symbol of Christ’s never-changing faithfulness. Anna Booman, Grammar School Fine Arts Teacher and Choral Director for Holy Trinity, had this to say, “We are so used to seeing Christmas

German carols such as Silent Night and O Tannenbaum sung in the original language. Throughout the program, there will be many opportunities for congregational participation in the singing of our most beloved Christmas carols. We hope you will come and make a joyful noise with us!

The event is free. Doors open at 5:30 pm. The program will be held at Community Bible Church, 638 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort 29906.

Henri Ann Logan

Finding Felix – Part 3

By Mary Martha Greene

Editor’s Note: This is the end of a three-part essay. To read the entire piece, visit https:// lcweekly.com/culture/finding-felix-part-one/

We could have spent the entire day exploring just in and around St. Mere-Eglise, but I also wanted to do justice to the men who’d landed on the beaches, and if they hadn’t taken those beaches, my dad and the airborne troops who’d landed inland would probably have all been captured or killed.

We headed to Pointe Du Hoc, the landing site for the famous Second Ranger Battalion. Standing atop that cliff and looking at the German gun placements they were facing, it is amazing that anyone was able to scale it, much less take out German machine guns once they reached the top. There was also a concrete bunker, that had taken a direct hit from an incoming bomb– the large concrete remains are scattered over the area where the bunker was once housed. It makes you realize the force that was necessary to make the concrete “fly” that far.

Pointe Du Hoc overlooks Omaha beach, so we headed there next. One of the most moving sites is the monument to the boys of Bedford Virginia. Bedford provided a compa ny of soldiers (Company A) to the 29th Infantry Division of the National Guard’s 116th Infantry Regiment and were some of the first to go ashore that morning. The company lost 19 men, and 2 more died later during the battle. The town of Bedford had a population of 2,200 at that time, so proportionally they lost more men than any other town on D-Day. There is a statue to the men of Company A at Omaha Beach, and an identical statue at the National D-Day Memorial, located in their hometown of Bedford. It is a very humbling experience to stand on that beach, or any of the other landing sites, and think about the courage it took for those men to come ashore under withering gun fire and artillery barrages, and to continue to come in waves until they gained a foothold and could break through the enemy lines.

Our last stop of the day was at the Normandy American Cemetery. Set high on a cliff overlooking the landing beaches, you can’t help but be taken aback by row after row of crosses and stars of David. Eva had planned

our trip so that we would be there for the retiring of the flags and the playing of taps, an hour before the cemetery closes. The she pointed out the landscaping – oaks, long leaf pines, holly bushes, pyracantha. When the cemetery was being built following the war, they brought over native plants from America, so that the soldiers buried there would be surrounded by the trappings of their home country, a tradition that is still carried on to this day. And the one plant that touched me the most – the purple plumes of sweetgrass plants, which would represent our boys from the Lowcountry who are buried at the cemetery.

One of the most moving stories, that began at the original D-Day cemetery near St. Mere-Eglise, was that of Mrs. Simone Renaud, the wife of the mayor of St. Mere-Eglise at the time of the battle. Following the battle but while the war was still going on, Mrs. Renaud began to get letters from the mothers of soldiers who had died and were buried at the original cemetery, asking her if she might put flowers on their sons’ graves. Over time, more and more letters began to arrive. Mrs. Renaud was fluent in English and took it upon herself to answer each of the letters, in a show a gratitude to the soldiers who had given “their last full measure of devotion” as Abraham Lincoln once described those who died for their country.

And remember those different colors of parachutes that were used by the 82nd and other Airbourne units? Mrs. Renaud and other ladies in St. Mere-Eglise began to use the silk in the white, back-up parachutes to sew small bags. They would fill the bags with

thousands of miles away in America, with the gratitude of a grateful France. She continued this act of service for the next 44 years, until her death in 1988. (There is a movie about her called “The Mother of Normandy”, you can view the trailer for the movie on You Tube.)

My Father passed away in 1980, before they were recognized as “The Greatest Generation” by Tom Brokaw, before the “Band of Brothers” or “Saving Private Ryan”. About two summers before he died, the movie “A Bridge Too Far” came out, about Operation Market Garden, another famous though less successful battle in which the 82nd played a major role. He talked a little bit about that battle, mostly how much they all hated the British General Bernard “Monty” Montgomery. Oh, how I wish he’d have taken out all those documents that were stored in his study of our house and spread them on his desk to explain to me what they’d done and why it was important. But like a lot of the men who went and fought, he never talked that much about it. They went and did what they were called on to do – to literally save democracy and return freedom to millions of people – but they came home, went back to their jobs, lives and families, and if they thought of their wartime experiences, they rarely if ever spoke of it. Thus it took some research and tracking down his steps to find out more about his wartime service but it was so worth it in the end.

By 9:00 p.m., I was safely back in my hotel in Paris, tired, but happy and a full heart having traced my father’s participation in this once in an age battle, and even more respect for him and the others of his generation. I’ve got his maps and papers stored more securely in the archival paper and boxes that Greg Wilsbacher gave me. As we were wrapping up our first meeting back in June, he was looking at the maps and other papers Daddy had brought home from the war. He asked me “Miss Greene, what are your long-term plans for these documents?”

I told him I hadn’t really thought about that. I hope someday when I am ready to part with them that the University of South Carolina, both my Dad and my Alma Mater, will be interested in adding them to their collection of papers from their graduates. And I hope other families with similar treasurers will find places to share them to tell the stories of their hometown heroes who also never talked about their experiences. I think those heroes would all be pleased with that.

Mary Martha Greene is a Beaufort native who has had a 45-year career in lobbying, government relations and grass roots organizing. She is also the author of The Cheese Biscuit Queen Tells All, a cookbook/food memoir published by USC Press. She divides her time between Beaufort and Columbia.

some of the dirt from the cemeteries where the soldiers were buried and send them to their families

Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial

SOBA’s 29th Annual Judged Show Call for Entries

Lowcountry artists are invited to submit their works of art for The Society of Bluffton Artists’ (SOBA) 29th Annual Judged Show.

Winners will be awarded first, sec ond and third place cash awards in the fol lowing categories: acrylic, mixed media, oil, pastel, photography, watercolor or 3D.

Registration is required by completing a registration form available at the gallery, lo cated at 6 Church Street in Old Town Bluff ton or by registering online at https://soba gallery.com/product/ register-for-judged-show/.

The cost to register is $25 for SOBA members and $50 for non SOBA members. The registration deadline is February 28. The deadline for dropping off your art is from 9-11 a.m. March 6th at The SOBA Art School, 8 Church St., Bluffton, SC. No en tries will be accepted after 11 a.m.

Registration and a full list of rules are available online at https://sobagallery. com/2023-judged-show/.

The Judged Show exhibit will be on dis play from March 6-April 2 at the SOBA gal lery. An awards ceremony will take place from 4-6 p.m. March 9. These events are free to attend and open to the public. Artists can pick up unsold artwork at the end of the show from 9-11 a.m. April 3rd, 2023 at The SOBA Art School.

The judge for the show is Eve Miller. Miller is a signature member of the Pastel Society of America and a member of the Master Circle of the International Associa

tion

American Artists Professional League. Her works have been featured in numerous pub lications and she presently exhibits her work in three international juried exhibi tions in France. As an art instructor and mentor, she conducts workshops in the U.S. and abroad. Her goal is to share how to communicate the beauty one finds in land scape by utilizing the elements of design.

Her goal is to establish a spiritual connec tion between herself, the painting and the viewer.

of Pastel Societies. Eve is also a signa ture member of the Pastel Society of Spain and Fellow Maxima Cum Laude at the

Dance Class by John Kenney, Best In Show 2021

Sign Language: Talking to Plants

Plants have sign language, too. Like any foreign language, you have to learn it before you can communicate.

Now I’m not going to tell you that plants make words and letters, but if you know how to read the signs, you can get a dialog going. Just be observant; I have plant conversations all the time. For example:

Plant with drooping leaves: “I’m sooo thirsty. Haven’t you noticed how hot it’s been lately?”

Me watering plant: “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to neglect you. Here’s a drink.”

Plant with leaves growing turgid again: ”Oh, thank you. I feel much better. But don’t let this become a habit. It’s hard on my system to have to keep rehabilitating myself.”

See, wasn’t that pretty clear? There are other signs to.

Plant whose leaves look chewed on: “OUCH! Something is definitely gnawing on my leaves, and if you don’t do something about it, soon I won’t have enough leaves left for photosynthesis, and I’ll die!!!”

Me, spraying the leaves with a sharp blast from my hose: ”You’re right, but stop being melodramatic. This should help. This usually rids you of chewing critters. I’ll spray again tomorrow.”

Plant the next day: “Too little, too late, Missy! They’re still here and they’re annoying as the devil. I barely had a wink of sleep last night!”

Me, with a spray bottle of Neem Oil: “There, there. This should feel good, and it will smother those dratted chewers.”

Plant: “Oh, that does feel good, and my leaves are shiny, too! You do love me!”

And another day . . .

Plant with yellowing leaves: “We need to talk. You know that yellow isn’t my color. Am

I showing my age or what? It’s getting worse by the day. DO SOMETHING!”

Me, checking the soil around the roots: “Hmmmm. Well, it doesn’t seem to be caused by overwatering. Perhaps it’s your diet. Maybe you’ve been overdoing it lately, and skipping out on the iron. Let’s try adding a little Ironite to your water.”

Plant, later that week: “Oh thank goodness. I’m getting green again, and I feel so youthful. Must be like that Grecian Formula for plants.”

And yet another conversation . . . ”Eeek! What is this white cottony stuff that is getting all over my twigs and branches? I noticed just a tiny bit a few days ago, but now it’s all over me.”

“Relax, cupcake. I still have some Neem Oil and whether it’s mealy bugs or powdery mildew, it should take care of both. I’ll do a little judicious pruning to increase the air flow so that you’ll breathe easier, too.”

Plant: “I don’t mean to nag, but haven’t you noticed how crowded it’s getting? How do you expect me to have the time and energy to flower and grow when there’s barely enough room around my roots to swing a cat?

Me: “This may be a little uncomfortable at

By Sandra Educate

first, but I’m going to divide you into three plants so that you’ll all have room to grow and thrive. Believe me, you’ll all thank me later.”

So you can see how important communication is. In almost any of life’s situations, polite conversation can usually prevent escalation and restore harmony. As you walk around your garden, stop, look and listen. It has been proven that plants “talk” among themselves. They will alert their neighbors of impending perils, and even share water and nutrients. We can’t hear their private language, but they can communicate with us if we just pay attention. There’s some thinking by scientists that everything that has matter, even a spoon, is sentient.

Is that my dining room table I hear? OK, OK, I’m coming with the dust cloth.

Sandra Educate is active in the local Master Gardeners Association and the Beaufort Garden Club, and she produces the annual Lunch and Learn series at the Port Royal Farmers Market. She loves strange and unusual plants and hates weeds. Sandra won’t give away her age, but takes her inspiration from Thomas Jefferson, who said, "though an old man, I am but a young gardener."

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EMPLOYMENT

ISLAND NEWS & LOWCOUNTRY WEEKLY are looking for 2-3 sales people. Print and digital. Flexible hours. Perfect for part-time or semi-retired. Generous commissions. Interesting perks. Join up with the Newspapers of Record in Beaufort County. 843-522-0418.

CLASSES & SEMINARS

REAL ESTATE LICENSING CLASS Weekend Real Estate Licensing class offered Jan 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29; Feb 4, 5. Held at the Beaufort-Jasper Realtor Association. Time: 9am -5pm. Cost $450 to Register: www.CarolinaRealEstateAcademy.com Kim Matthews 803-460-2131

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 Caroli na 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, ball room, swing, country, or line. Singles welcome. Cash bar and light dinners available. $5 floor fee. HHICSC also teaches beginner Shag lessons Tues day nights. www.hiltonheadshagclub.com, or www.facebook.com/HHICSC

STAINED GLASS CLASSES IN BEAUFORT South ern Sky Glass Studio is forming morning and after noon classes for adults 18 and older. Beginning to advanced classes. Cynthia Buckley 508-280-9792 or southernskyglassstudio@gmail.com

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. mcsween eyclaystudio.com or call 843-694-2049.

BEAUFORT ART ASSOCIATION offers classes for artists at all levels. For info visit www.beaufortar tassociation.com. or 913 Bay St.

LOWCOUNTRY SHAGGERS Mondays at the Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd. 6-9pm. Caro lina Shag Lessons with Tommy & Sheri O'Brien and others. Occasional Ballroom Dance and once a

month a Line Dance is taught. Beginners, Interme diate and Advanced lessons. 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

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

WILDFLOWER FAMILY THERAPY CENTER offers in dividual, couple, and family therapy for children, teens, and adults. Visit us at www.wildflower center.org

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 Pin ning Ceremonies for Veteran patients. Contact 843-473-3939 or smilliken@carishealthcare.com

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 #top6entertain ment 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 locat ed 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 Coopera tive 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 Mo bile 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 pa tients. For more info: Rick Ostrander at pdawaresc@ gmail.com or Facebook at Parkinson’s Support Group Of Beaufort SC Port Royal & Lady’s Island.

TOUR HISTORIC FORT FREMONT—-Travel to the 1800's and the Spanish American War. From 10:00

am until 2:00 pm every Friday and every Saturday from 10:00 until 4:00pm at the Fort Fremont Histo ry 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 his tory 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 compo nent of the U.S. Coast Guard. We conduct safety pa trols, assist search & rescue, teach boat safety, con duct 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 – Veter ans, 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 Satur day. 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 set ting. Sliding scale fee. Beaufort Acupuncture, 12 Fairfield Rd, 5B, Lady’s Island. For info and to schedule: (843) 694-0050 or www.BeaufortAcu puncture.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@secondhelping slc.org

AGAPE HOSPICE seeks volunteers to spend time bringing joy to our patients and families during a difficult time. Activities include playing music, bak ing, arts and crafts, pet therapy, manicures, listening to stories, holding hands, etc. Provide companion ship to the elderly who often feel lonely and unap preciated. 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 Help ings, of Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper counties, seeks committee members and chairperson for Healthy Food Program. Funding available to pro cure fresh produce and protein for the 60 food pan tries 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 liter acy, needs volunteers to deliver books and materi als 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. Re spite 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 estab lishment 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 of fering 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 Sun days of the month from 2:30-4:00 pm. Our songs are our gift of service for no charge. Call Pat Keown at 843-476-6073 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. Stu dents hope to acquire skills to pursue life goals, sup port families, and contribute to our community. Daytime and evenings in Bluffton and HHI. Call 843815-6616 (Bluffton); 843-681-6655 (HHI). No teach ing, tutoring or other language knowledge neces sary. www.theliteracycenter.org

THE SANDALWOOD COMMUNITY FOOD PAN TRY. Volunteer-based, non-profit provides grocer ies, 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 Ma rine Corps and the history of the Port Royal region. Thousands of artifacts, images, and other materials illustrate the stories in exhibit galleries from Native American to modern Marines. FREE admission. Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm and 8am on Family Gradua tion Days. Closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanks giving, and Christmas. Info at parrisislandmuseum. com or 843-228-2166.

MEDICAL SERVICES OF AMERICA SEEKS VOLUN TEERS - 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 Jas per 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.

Shawna Jarrett, and Sarah Hartmann, 12/9 World Cup Screening - Quarter Finals; Dolly Disco - Dolly Parton inspired Country Western Disco Dance Party, 12/10 Machine Head, 12/11 Holiday Magic on Ann St. Block Party - Music, Food, Drinks, Vendors, & Family Fun, 12/13 Alexandra Kay; Emily Curtis, From Ashes to New; The Word Alive; Dragged Under; The Dropout Kings, 12/15 Patti O'Furniture's Great Big Holiday Drag Show, 12/16 Lily's Burlesque Christmas Show, 12/17 World Cup Screening - 3rd Place Playoff, 12/18 World Cup Screening - Final. (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 Reckoning. 12/9 Mike Quinn Super Funk, 12/10 Bendigo Fletcher, 12/13 Closed for Private Party, 12/14 Neighbor, 12/15 Toubab Krewe; DJ Logic, 12/16 Sexbruise, 12/17 The Reckoning. (843) 5714343 or www.charlestonpourhouse.com

Art League Gallery is located mid-island inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, 843-681-5060.

Now – 1/1, SOBA Christmas Bazaar, at the SOBA Gallery in Old Town Bluffton. www.soba gallery.com

Now – 2/25/23, The Food We Celebrate. This traveling exhibit tells the story of selected food ways and how they are celebrated and shared. Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage in down town Ridgeland. www.morrisheritagecenter.org

1/3 – 1/28, Anything Goes! Member show at the Art League of Hilton Head Gallery. Awards re ception Wed, 1/11, 5-7pm. Inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, 843-681-5060.

BOOKS & WRITERS

BEAUFORT/PORT ROYAL

Foolish Frog, 846 Sea Island Pkwy, St. Helena Island. (843) 838-9300. thefoolishfrog.com

Luther’s Rare & Well Done, 910 Bay Street. (843) 521-1888 or www.luthersrareandwelldone.com

Q on Bay, 822 Bay St, Beaufort. (843) 524-7771 or www.qonbay.com

Rosie O’Gradys Irish Pub, in Beaufort Town Center. December! A Blessed Season! We're open thru the Holidays. C'mon down! Mondays & Tuesdays F&B Nights with Discounts; Wednesday, Friday & Saturday - Karaoke at 10pm. Open daily at 11:30am. Christmas Oyster Roast 12/11 @ 3pm. 18 Years Now! Closed Christmas Day. (843) 379-7676 or Rosie's on Facebook

Saltus River Grill, 802 Bay St, Beaufort. (843) 3793474 or www.saltusrivergrill.com

BLUFFTON/HILTON HEAD

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

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

The Jazz Corner, Village at Wexf1ord, Hilton Head. Sundays - Deas Guyz; Mondays - A Journey Through Jazz with The Martin Lesch Band; Tuesdays - Fat Tuesdays: A Swingin' Celebration of New Orleans and Beyond; Thursdays - Lavon Stevens with Louise Spencer. 12/7 Lavon Stevens with Quiana Parler, 12/9 & 12/10 Rat Pack Salute to the Holidays with the Bobby Ryder Quintet, 12/14 Closed for private event, 12/16 & 12/17 Cranford Hollow Christmas, 12/21 Lavon Stevens with Quiana Parler, 12/23 & 12/23 A Motown Holiday Spectacular with Reggie Deas & Deas Guys, 12/24 & 12 25 CLOSED - Merry Christmas! (843) 842-8620 or www.TheJazzCorner.com

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

OUT OF TOWN

The Music Farm, 32 Ann Street, Charleston. 12/8 Laughzilla - standup comedy with Dedrick Flynn,

Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms. 12/17 The Piedmont Boys; Drew Dangerfield. (843) 886-8596 or www.the-windjammer.com

THEATER/FILM/DANCE

Tues 12/13, Holy Trinity’s Annual Christmas Program, ‘Evergreen.’ Presented at Community Bible Church, 638 Parris Island Gateway. Featuring musi cal and dramatic performances by students in grades K-12. Doors open at 5:30, program at 6pm.

GALLERIES/ART

Now – 12/9, Amiri Gueka Farris exhibit at the FOODseum at the Culinary Institute of the South. The exhibit, at the Technical College of the Low country’s newest campus, features paintings and original works inspired by Lowcountry cuisine and Gullah culture. For more info visit www.tcl. edu/culinary-institute.

Now – 12/12, Portraits & More at USCB Center for the Arts. Featuring 30-plus works by 15 South Carolina members of the Portrait Society of Amer ica (PSA). 801 Carteret St. in Beaufort.

Now – 12/31, Holiday Gallery of Gifts at Art League Gallery. 10am-4pm and Sundays 12-4pm. Opening reception Wed, 11/16, 5-7pm. The exhib it and reception are free and open to the public.

Thur 12/8, Juan Eugenio Ramirez, author of the newly published novel The Man with Wolves for Hands, winner of the Nilsen Prize for First Novel, will headline at the virtual Open Mic Night hosted by the Pat Conroy Literary Center. 6-7:30 pm. Live-streamed on the Conroy Center’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ patconroyliterarycenter).

MUSIC

Sat 12/10, Carols in the Courtyard, presented by Lowcountry Community Concert Band at 2 pm, in the front courtyard of the Library at the USC - Beaufort Bluffton campus. Admission is free to all, and donations are gratefully accept ed. www.ollilccb.com

Sun 12/11, USCB Chamber Music, featuring works by Debussy, Copland, Farrenc, and Prokov iev. Concert/ticket information at www.uscbcham bermusic.com or 843-208-8246. 5 pm at USCB Center for the Arts, 801 Carteret St, Beaufort.

Fri 12/16, Sounds of the Holidays, featuring Terry Herron, Rick Radcliff and Nina Hand. America’s favorite holiday songs in the styles of swing, blues, country, and classic. Cocktails at 5:30 pm, Dinner from 6-7pm, Show from 7-8:30

pm. $45 per person, includes 3 course meal and show. Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club, Hilton Head. Reservations required. Call 843-681-1747.

Sat 12/17, Music from the Manger, featuring Liz Jane and her band, along with other locals sing ers and choirs. 7:30 pm at the Wardle Family YMCA of Port Royal. For more information and tickets visit www.MusicFromTheManger.com.

OTHER EVENTS

12/10 & 12/17, Smile for Santa photo op event in the Gazebo at the Port Royal Farmer’s Market, from 9:30 am to Noon. Sponsored by the Beaufort Garden Club.

Sat 12/10, Palmetto Animal League’s Holiday Open House at their Adoption Center in Okatie. 1-5 pm. Guests are invited to drop by for cookies, hot cocoa, and coffee. Adoption fees waived for cats, kittens, and adult dogs. PAL will also be col lecting items for their pet pantry.

Sun 12/11, Panel Discussion on Book Challeng es and Bans, Sponsored by the Pat Conroy Liter ary Center, at 2 pm in the McLean Hall auditori um of the TCL’s Beaufort campus (104 Reynolds St., bldg. 12). This event is free and open to the public. www.patconroyliterarycenter.org

Thursdays and some Tuesdays, Tours of the Historic Hunting Island Lighthouse sponsored by the Friends of Hunting Island. Keeper Ted and his team will tell you about the history of the Lighthouse built in 1875. The only Lighthouse in South Carolina open to visitors. If you're 44 inch es tall you may climb the 167 steps to the top for a 360 degree view. Reservations are recommended - call the Nature Center at 843-838-7437. Tours are $2 a person and park entry fees apply.

Third Thursday, TECHconnect is a monthly net working 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 Mitchel by the Heritage Library, 10am. $12/Adult $7/Child. 843-686-6560.

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

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