Catch the BIFF Vibe 4
Coming attractions
Breakfast in Beaufort 6
Journeys through time
Cooking with the Movies 7
Films and flavors
Dishing at Scratch 10
Beaufort's Italian kitchen
BAA Spring Show 12
Best of Beaufort art
Tricking in Happiness 15
Bird of the year
Conroy Center Workshops 9
Eugene Rugala
Directed
by
The image on our cover is the official logo of the 19th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival, coming to USCB Center for the Arts
Feb. 18-23. See our special coverage starting on page 4.
o w c o unt
LFebruary 12 – February 25, 2025
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Editor: Margaret Evans — Editor@LCWeekly
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Contributing Writers: Katherine Tandy Brown, Debbi Covington, Sandra Educate, Wendy Hilty, Cele & Lynn Seldon, Richard Sribnick, and Sutty Suddeth
What’s Happening Calendar: Staff – Editor@LCWeekly.com
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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 2025 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.
Donald F. Jemella
The program features Soprano Paloma Marie, singing music from the world of opera and beyond including ‘Nessun Dorma’, ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’, and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone.’
The Lowcountry Wind Symphony, a 60 member concert band, continues its longstanding tradition of bringing great music to its audiences. Instrumental highlights are ‘Light Cavalry Overture’, ‘Poet and Peasant Overture’, Pirated of Penzance Overture’ and more.
CONCERTS
Friday, February 21
Magnolia Hall, Sun City 7:00 PM Bluffton, SC 29910 (Residents & Guests Only)
Sunday, February 23
St. John’s Lutheran Church 4:00 PM 157 Lady’s Island Drive Beaufort, SC 29907 (Open to the Public)
Ican’t believe it’s been a year since I cozied up at Hearth with Ron and Rebecca Tucker – for three hours straight – grilling them about the upcoming 18th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival. Now #19 is fast upon us, we’re back at our favorite wood-fired pizza joint, and once again, I’m firing questions at Beaufort’s hardest working cinephiles. My mission? To ascertain the “vibe” of this year’s fest.
Last year, it was easy. We were celebrating the 30th anniversary of Forrest Gump, a film with deep roots in Beaufort. Gary Sinise was coming to receive a special award. There was a Gump documentary making its premiere. There were panel discussions and presentations and a Lt. Dan Band concert. The theme was clear. And the theme created the “vibe.”
Other years had other themes. Other vibes. There was the year we all dressed as flappers and gangsters for opening night, to honor special guest Paul Sorvino . . . who took ill at the last minute and didn’t show up. Or the year we celebrated the 40th anniversary of The Big Chill – filmed in Beaufort – and dressed like hippies or yuppies or hippies-turned-yuppies. There was the year Blythe Danner came, and the unspoken theme was “movies based on Pat Conroy books . . . starring Blythe Danner.” And the time Andie McDowell came . . . and was both a theme and a vibe unto herself.
But this year, there is no theme. So what about the vibe?
“It’s really an a la carte festival this year,” Ron tells me.
“There’s literally something for everybody,” Rebecca confirms.
An a la carte festival. I like it! Because the more I think about it, the Beaufort International Film Festival – almost two decades in – no longer needs a theme to create a vibe. It IS the vibe.
Consider the statistics . . .
This year, BIFF had 515 films submitted for competition, from over 30 countries. Only 53 films were selected. That’s a 10% acceptance rate. Can you say “competitive”?
At least 80 filmmakers had committed to attending this year’s festival at press time, but Ron says it’ll probably be more like 100. Apparently, a good number of unexpected folks always turn up . . . just to keep the Tuckers on their toes.
As for general attendees, those stats won’t be in until sometime after the festival, but last year, there were 37 states and nine countries represented in the audience. (See map.)
The Tuckers say BIFF’s popularity is mostly just great word of mouth. Filmmakers chat with other filmmakers about the networking opportunities, the
huge audiences, the beautiful location, the southern hospitality, and such. (Same goes for festival fans.) But you could also blame Film Freeway, the comprehensive online service that matches filmmakers with film festivals, and vice versa. For the past few years, the site has consistently rated BIFF one of the top 100 film festivals in the world.
To be clear, there are something like 12,000 film festivals in the world . . . and according to Film Freeway, BIFF is in the top 100. In fact, it’s often been listed in the Top 10.
Film Freeway bases its ratings on reviews by actual filmmakers. Here are just a few from last year’s festival:
“I don't even know where to begin with Beaufort International Film festival! A friend highly advised to attend and although driving 2500 miles all the way from California to South Carolina didn't sound like a lot of fun initially, we will make that drive to that festival over and over again from now on. It was, hands down, my best experience attending a film festival. It started with the head of the festival, Ron Tucker, personally emailing us and sharing his thoughts on the film. He offered us a free room at a beautiful historical Rhett House Inn across from the oldest church in town. The hospitality, and care were absolutely unparalleled; I have never had an experience like this. The screenings were nearly sold out every day and the audience was so receptive and engaged. Some of the best Q&A I've ever heard. The whole town comes together for this festival - it is incredible!” – Yelena Krivosheyeva
Margaret Evans
“Beaufort International Film Festival is the best festival I've attended. It's large enough to have showmanship and energy, yet also fosters a sense of camaraderie and support. Ron and Rebecca are fantastic, and the festival volunteers are kind and nothing short of amazing. As a bonus, the setting is gorgeousbeautiful antebellum houses by the seaside. I wish I could go again next week! Thanks for an amazing experience.” – Jennifer Baker
“Where does hospitality, kindness, and great taste in films come together? At the Beaufort International film festival, of course! The reception was amazing, and the hosts are the kindest of people. It's a fun time with a Lowcountry twist. And they know how to pair films together in blocks. I'd go back again!” – Jon Baime
“This is a gem of a festival and one of the absolute best I’ve been to!! The unparalleled southern hospitality and the consistently incredible films (I mean, EVERY film was good!! Even if a film wasn’t to my taste, it was still a good film!!) means that BIFF has cultivated an artistic community where networking feels natural because it’s creatives sharing their passions. Plus, the screening attendance is phenomenal!! We had 500 people attend our film!” – Maggie Alexander
John Schwab is an American actor based in London, and a longtime veteran of BIFF. He’s had films in the festival, and for the past ten years, he’s served as a juror. By any measure, John is a very successful working actor. His credits include streaming sensations like Jack Ryan, The Diplomat, and The Queen’s Gambit, among others. Yet, year after year, he makes time to participate in BIFF . . . and often even appears on the scene.
“I find it a huge honor, because there is no other film festival like Beaufort. I have seen BIFF go from a tiny little festival with screenings held in a hotel conference room to now full-fledged top 100 festival in one of the most beautiful cities in America . . . if not the world.
“I am so proud to be part of the growth in what little capacity I have been. I remember submitting my first film, The Applicant, way
back in 2009 – or something like that – and almost imploring Ron to accept my little film into this festival that I just heard of in a town where I absolutely loved spending a very good chunk of my impressionable youth.
“When I heard that my film was accepted, I was so overjoyed, and my entire family joined me that year to go to BIFF. I’m not being hyperbolic when I say that it was a transformative moment in my family‘s life. Beaufort became a tradition. The Beaufort film festival became a tradition. Family and friends travelling to Beaufort became a tradition.”
John had planned to continue that tradition this year, but a last-minute acting gig in London came up.
“Believe me when I say that my heart is a little broken. BIFF is a festival like no other, and at no other festival do the filmmakers show up and instantly become friends. It’s not just the stereotypical southern hospitality that one receives, it’s a special type of Beaufort southern hospitality. Hugs instead of handshakes. "See you later's" instead of "goodbyes." It’s something I have not experienced at any other film festival, and I’ve been to many, many festivals in the states and around Europe.”
For the visitors and locals who love it, BIFF will come and go – a dazzling flash of heat and light that’s so very welcome in February. For Ron and Rebecca Tucker, however, the festival never ends.
Ron puts is like this:
“We live and breathe BIFF all year long. While we celebrate a successful BIFF for a short time, we start planning the next one usually within the month of the last BIFF. Our Call for Entries will go out in March; we usually get films the first day submissions are open. If we’re out and about in Beaufort – or anywhere else in the world – we’re likely
sporting some BIFF Swag or toting Save the Date or Business Cards and ready with our BIFF ‘elevator speech.’ Even on our celebratory annual cruise, we remain in the BIFF READY MODE.”
“Throughout the year we pound social media with past successes to build the likelihood of future success,” he continues. “We celebrate news from BIFF Alum on other festival wins or selections. We try to have a couple of Meet & Greets during the year and we have our Shorts at High Noon at TCL from September – November, when we’re recruiting new film enthusiasts and spreading the word about BIFF. We also speak to groups about BIFF and the Film Society during the year. We work in concert with other non-profit organizations helping to promote their efforts, often providing auction items for their fundraising.”
Through the Beaufort Film Society, the Tuckers also work with the Carolina Film Alliance and the South Carolina Film Commission to promote our region as a filmmaking destination. They work with other film producers who want to film in Beaufort, and serve as a liaison with City, County and State officials.
“There are several projects in the pending file,” says Ron. “For instance, we’re working with the USCB Media Department to establish a viable Student Intern Program. We’ll have two Interns working with us at the film festival.
Also, there are as of right now two film projects in development with Beaufort in top position as a location. Time will tell.”
In truth, BIFF has always been an a la carte festival. Even when there’s a general theme, the menu of films is a rich and zesty smorgasbord.
Ron Tucker says this year there seem to be a good number of movies that focus on history – but as always, the films run the gamut from sci-fi to romance to suspense to comedy.
He says the documentaries are particularly strong this year.
In Echoes of Loss: Eight Days in Israel, the audience will journey alongside Mor as he travels from his home-base in Los Angeles to his homeland of Israel. Set against a backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war and rising global antisemitism, Mor explores his own healing journey after losing his wife, Noel, to ovarian cancer in 2019.
Marcella takes a look at Marcella Hazan, a disabled woman who trained as a scientist, then changed how we cook and experience Italian food.
Closer to home, the short documentary Breakfast in Beaufort: Journeys Through Time features a close-knit group of local men, ages 80-something to 100, who meet every Wednesday at Blackstone's café. (See our story on page 6 for more about that.)
As always, the roster of feature films, short films, student films and animated films on offer at BIFF 2025 is incredibly diverse – in style, tone, and subject matter. Some will make you laugh, some will make you cry, some will delight you or horrify you or enrage you. Some will just make you think. Half the fun of BIFF is walking into a block of films, giving yourself over to the surprise, and just riding the full range emotion.
But before all that . . .
Opening Night of BIFF is always a blast, but this year’s opener promises to be the best
yet. The reception will happen on the lawn of the CFA, under a big tent – they’ll have heaters if needed – and there will be music from start to finish.
Local favorites the Cluster Shucks will rock the reception from 5:30-7:30pm, then party-goers will mosey into the auditorium to enjoy a brief concert by the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra, performing some of the world’s favorite movie themes.
What a way to kick-off a week of entertainment, enlightenment, and inspiration! What a way to set the BIFF vibe.
The 19th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival will take place at USCB Center for the Arts February 18th – 23rd. For tickets and a full schedule of events, visit www.beaufortfilmfestival.com
Margaret Evans is the editor of Lowcountry Weekly. She has been writing her award winning column, Rants & Raves, for 25 years.
By Richard Sribnick
Early one Wednesday morning last year, I accepted a friend’s invitation to have breakfast at Blackstone’s Café with a group of 15 older gentlemen. Their ages range from 80 to 100; and they have gathered weekly for breakfast for over 20 years. Many are combat veterans, who served our country in multiple wars.
on a variety of topics, but everyone was always allowed to speak his mind.
Producers Raymond Smith & Richard Sribnick
Sharing the meal with these men proved to be delightful; and subsequently, whenever I was in town on Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m., I made a point to attend again. I always found our time together both enjoyable and enlightening. I was surprised at how energetic they were and was humored by their teasing and poking fun. There were multiple opinions
After attending several times, I became more comfortable participating in the banter myself and subsequently learned more details about some of them. On one occasion, I spoke with “Skeet” Van Harten (92 years old) concerning some of his harrowing experiences as a Rifle Company Commander in Vietnam and was captivated by what he said. I later learned he had received a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and a Purple Heart. On another occasion, I spoke with Guy McSweeney (95 years old), who I learned had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for courageous actions as a pilot during the Korean War. I listened intently as he minimized what he had done to receive such a prestigious honor. At that moment, I suddenly recognized just how special were these men with whom I sat, abruptly announcing to all of them and to no one in particular, “I want you all to know something I just realized; I am having breakfast with heroes and am truly honored to be here with you.” Of course, being who they are, they laughed it off and continued eating. Later, while walking to my car, an idea unexpectedly occurred to me. Further exploring the lives of
these impressive men, who had lived so long and experienced so much, could become the basis for an intriguing documentary film, which could provide lessons for us all.
Having been an active member of the Beaufort Film Society for many years and attending many film festivals, I had seen many short documentaries and had met some excellent filmmakers. One in particular stood out, Raymond Smith, who has produced a number of short films, including, “Voices from Vietnam,” which I had seen and admired at a previous festival. When I contacted him and shared some of my thoughts, he was intrigued by the idea. After meeting together, he agreed to produce and direct our film. His son, Andy, a film maker and cinematographer, soon agreed to become involved as well. We soon realized that in addition to their military experiences, there were other intriguing topics to explore. Some questions we wanted to ask included:
• What brings these men together week after week for so many years? Despite having aged and now confronting physical challenges, which make it difficult for some of them to attend, they continue to gather. Why?
• Remarkable changes have occurred during their long lives. How do they perceive these changes, and what insights have they learned?
• What advice might they give the young men they once were if they stood before them today?
• What about the prejudice and discrimination against others they witnessed during their early years? How do they perceive the dramatic social changes which have occurred, and what remains to be done?
We decided to try to finish the film by the submission deadline for the 2025 Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF) even though that deadline was only 6 months away! Nonetheless, Ray and Andy were able to complete and condense 15 hours of interviews to create a 30-minute documentary, which is not only beautifully done but explores all the topics we had considered. The men of the breakfast group proved to be as interesting and as insightful as we had suspected, and the stories they share are fascinating.
Our film, Breakfast in Beaufort – Journeys through Time , was indeed ready for submission to BIFF by the October deadline; and we were later overjoyed when it was selected to be shown at this year’s festival! It is scheduled for its initial screening Saturday, February 22nd at 9:30 AM at USCB Center for the ARTS. We hope you join us to celebrate these remarkable individuals and hear some of the wisdom they have learned from a life well lived.
Roll out the red carpet! The 19th annual Beaufort International Film Festival is almost here with film makers, directors, screen writers, movie stars and lots of film-loving fans. Food has always been a key ingredient on the big screen. The recipes this week feature a taste of four of our favorite films. It's not too late to purchase your golden ticket! For more information about the Beaufort International Film Festival and to purchase movie and event tickets visit www.beaufortfilmfestival.com. Lights, camera, action! p.s. Thank you, Susan DeLoach, official photographer for the Beaufort International Film Festival, for taking these beautiful photos of my movie-inspired culinary creations!
From Julie and Julia
With recipes from Julia Child, the film is filled with delicious food. One of the first enticements is chocolate pie, but many delectables follow: bruschetta, artichokes with hollandaise sauce, soufflés, lobster thermidor, roast chicken stuffed with chicken livers and cream cheese, the famous boeuf bourguignon, raspberry Bavarian cream, and finally, boned duck stuffed and baked in a pastry shell.
1 pound ripe grape tomatoes, sliced
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 loaf crusty French bread, sliced ¾-inch thick
2 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced in half
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 ounces Parmesan cheese, shredded
Mix tomatoes and basil together in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. Place bread slices on a baking sheet and broil until golden brown on both sides. Rub one side with garlic cloves and brush with
olive oil. Drain the tomato-basil mixture of excess liquid and spoon on to each slice of bread. Top with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately. Serves 6 to 8.
audience gets to know the Corleone family, who like many immigrant families, used food to maintain their traditions. The significance of food is emphasized throughout the film, beginning with the opening scene at the wedding of Connie Corleone – an extravagant event featuring plates of lasagna, antipasto salad and a gigantic white wedding cake that's carried through the crowd of guests.
For the vinaigrette:
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 small clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
For the pasta:
1 (9-oz.) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
¼ cup bottled Italian dressing
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well and toss with Italian dressing. Set aside to cool.
For the salad:
8 ounces mixed salad greens
8 artichoke hearts, halved
12 grape tomatoes, sliced
Sliced black olives
Sliced pepperoncini
Sliced pepperoni
Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Dried oregano
Capers, drained
Spread salad greens on a large plate and scatter with cheese tortellini, artichokes, tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini and pepperoni. Top with sliced mozzarella cheese. Season with dried oregano and garnish with capers. Whisk vinaigrette and drizzle over salad. Serves 6.
From My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Toula: “So, what happens is my dad and uncles, they fight over who gets to eat the lamb brain. And then my aunt Voula forks the eyeball and chases me around with it, trying to get me to eat it, 'cause it's gonna make me smart. So, you have two cousins, I have twenty-seven first cousins. Just twenty-seven first cousins alone! And my whole family is big and loud. And everybody is in each other's lives and business. All the time! Like, you never just have a minute alone, just to think! 'Cause we're always together, just eating, eating, eating!”
4 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 (16-ounce) container cottage cheese
2 cups crumbled feta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 eggs
5 green onions, chopped
2 teaspoons dried dill weed
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ (16-ounce) package frozen phyllo dough, thawed in refrigerator
2 sticks butter, melted
In a large bowl, combine spinach, cheeses, eggs, onion, dill, salt and pepper. Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer 8 to 10 sheets of phyllo dough in the dish. Brush each sheet liberally with butter while assembling. Spread spinach mixture evenly over phyllo dough.
Top with remaining sheets of phyllo, brushing
By Debbi Covington
each one with butter. Brush top sheet with butter and pour any remaining butter over the spanakopita. Using a sharp knife, cut through spanakopita into 8 servings. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until top crust golden brown. Serves 8.
From Steel Magnolias
“Oh hell, Clairee, you don’t need a recipe. It’s just a cup of flour, a cup of sugar and a cup of fruit cocktail WITH the syrup, stir and bake in a hot oven ‘til golden brown and bubbly. I serve it with ice cream to cut the sweetness.”
- Truvy Jones
TRUVY'S CUPPA CUPPA CUPPA
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup sugar
1 (15.25-ounce) can fruit cocktail in heavy syrup
Pinch of salt
Whipped cream
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, and fruit cocktail with heavy syrup until well combined. Pour into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream. Serves 8.
The nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center will host an evening with novelist Jen Marie Wiggins, author of The Good Bride, on Thursday, February 27, at 5:00 p.m., at the Conroy Center (601 Bladen St., Beaufort). Free and open to the public. Books will be available for sale and signing. Seating is limited; call in advance to reserve: 843-379-7025.
About the Book and Author:
One of People Magazine's Recommended Suspense Reads for 2025
The Wedding of the Year turns disastrous in this twisty family drama full of lies and betrayals, perfect for fans of Laura Dave, Lucy Foley, and Ruth Ware.
One year after a devastating hurricane, bride-to-be Ruth Bancroft is marrying her perfect groom in a quaint fishing village on the Gulf Coast. The weekend is carefully curated, with the displays of pomp and social media magic meant to promote an area still struggling to rebuild as well as bring Ruth’s estranged family back together.
When I was about four years old, a very hard-hit baseball struck the bridge of my nose. Right away my parents wrapped me up in their arms and comforted me. My family had experienced the effectiveness of prayer before, so one of my parents turned to God in prayer while the other took me to a hospital, feeling that was best at the time.
At the hospital, a doctor took an X-ray of my head and explained that there were a number of broken bone fragments. He insisted on an operation the following morning to rearrange them properly for healing. Because the surgery wasn’t scheduled until the morning, one of my parents asked a Christian Science practitioner to provide treatment through prayer.
By the next morning, through Christian Science treatment alone, I’d been completely healed. When my parents brought me back to the hospital, the same doctor took another X-ray to see if the pieces had shifted overnight. He and another doctor studied both X-rays and told my parents that they couldn’t explain it, but there was nothing there that they needed to operate on – my skull was now perfectly whole, with no signs that there had ever been any breakage.
In the years since, I’ve thought deeply about that healing, which came about overnight without any physical treatment or surgery. How was that possible?
It has made me think of a nighttime dream I once had, in which I had a severely broken arm and felt fearful and desperate. But then I experienced immediate and total relief – not by resetting bones, but simply by waking up. Although the dream-breakage had seemed very
real, it wasn’t, and the “problem” and fear vanished instantly with that realization.
Yet as good intentions often go, this road to wed is hell and paved in complications. With tensions rising between the family and the bridal party, long-buried secrets come to light,
and accusations start flying. Things officially spiral out of control when the oceanfront rehearsal dinner is rocked by a series of gunshots, and a high-profile guest goes missing. As the investigation gets underway, it turns out that everyone has something to hide.
Big Little Lies meets The Guest List in this gripping page turner that asks the big questions about messy family liaisons, modern media, and the lies we tell the world.
Jen Marie Wiggins's first book, the gifty nonfiction title Married AF: A Funny Guide for the Newlywed or Bride, was published with Sourcebooks in 2022. She has a background in advertising and public relations, and her writing has appeared in Southern Coastal Weddings, Savannah Magazine, Savannah Homes, and elsewhere. The Good Bride draws much of its inspiration from the devastation and rebuilding struggles of Mexico Beach, Florida, a place near and dear to Jen's heart.
Learn more about the Pat Conroy Literary Center at www.patconroyliterarycenter.org
This has been a useful analogy as I think more deeply about how Christian Science heals. Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science, wrote, “Mortal existence is a dream of pain and pleasure in matter, a dream of sin, sickness, and death; and it is like the dream we have in sleep, in which every one recognizes his condition to be wholly a state of mind” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” p. 188).
This has helped me see that there is something deeper and truer than the picture of mortal existence. That something is spiritual reality. On that basis, one can experience healing by approaching a problem as a dream, or a misperception of spiritual reality – from which one can wake up. At the heart of that awakening are the foundational truths that God is not material, but is infinite Spirit; that God is not limited in any way, but is infinitely and eternally good and all-powerful; that God is the sole divine Mind; and that God’s creation must then consist of ideas that reflect His nature. Anything less could not be true about the all-powerful, infinite God and His creation – which includes each of us as His child. Everything God creates must be entirely spiritual, perfect, and eternal.
Where, then, does that leave sickness, injury, etc.? Those opposites of God, good, simply cannot exist in God’s realm. Certainly, they can seem very real to us – as sleeping dreams can seem real even though they are not. But such discord’s claim to legitimacy doesn’t come from the divine Mind, God, but from the counterfeit of Mind, which the Bible calls the carnal mind. This so-called mind
is the dreamer, but its thoughts are never truly our thinking. Through prayer – whether our own or that of someone else praying for us – thought is awakened to the spiritual reality of existence. As Mrs. Eddy wrote, “ . . . awakening from this mortal dream, or illusion, will bring us into health, holiness, and immortality” (Science and Health, p. 230).
That this awakening leads to such transformation is supported by Jesus’ healing works as recorded in the Bible. Some of those healings took place instantly and without any physical contact with, or even close proximity to, the person being healed. There is a divine Science behind such healing – a Science that can be applied to any situation, by anyone. Jesus affirmed that when he said, “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do,” (John 14:12).
There are thousands of verified accounts of metaphysical healing published in Christian Science literature, including this column. These testimonies are accounts by people describing how they were healed of various ailments through study of the Bible and Science and Health and the prayer-based treatment taught in these Christian Science textbooks.
Christian Science prayer is indeed effective in addressing the dreamlike suggestion of sin, sickness, and death – but what’s being done is metaphysical, spiritual, divine – not physical. As I experienced after that ball hit my face and have experienced many times since, this divine Science is reliable and practical – and it’s here for anyone who wishes to apply it for themselves!
By Scott L. Schneberger
at shopchristianscience.com or calling 800-877-8400. Go to BeaufortChritianScience.Org. to learn more about Christian Science, our church service, times, and location, and how Christian Science and its textbook can awake us to renewal and healing.
Retired FBI undercover special agent Dana Ridenour and a retired FBI agent and profiler Eugene A. Rugala will lead two writing workshops at the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center on Saturday mornings, March 1 and 8, from 10am to noon. Each class is limited to 20 participants, $60/person, advance registration required at https://patconroyliterarycenter.eventbrite.com
Demythologizing the FBI: What Writers Get Wrong, March 1, 10:00 to noon (Part of the Pat Conroy Literary Center’s Ninth Annual March Forth Weekend)
This workshop for writers (and interested readers) will dispel the myths and clichés perpetrated by television and movies regarding the FBI. Writers will learn how to avoid the common pitfalls of writing FBI characters. The discussion will give writers a peak into the daily life of an FBI agent focusing on the FBI undercover program, and the role of the FBI plays in terrorism and human trafficking investigations. The presentation also explores the myths and realities of what the Behavioral Analysis Unit does and doesn’t do, what is and what is not behavioral “profiling,” what types of cases utilize this technique, and what members of the BAU do on a daily basis. Participants will gain a better understanding of how to accurately portray FBI characters and investigations.
Writing Believable Law Enforcement Characters, March 8, 10:00 to noon
Law enforcement personnel are an integral part of crime fiction. Their roles range from those enforcing the law at street level up to the upper echelons of command. In this workshop
the instructors will discuss the psychological toll of being a law enforcement officer, how to write realistic law enforcement characters and crime scenes, writing about firearms, understanding jurisdiction, writing realistic fight scenes, and turning your real-life experiences into fiction. The instructors will also delve into opportunities for research and their own experiences with research—one as a novelist and the other as a consultant for books, film, and television.
About our instructors
Dana Ridenour is the award-winning author of the Lexie Montgomery FBI Series: Behind the Mask, Beyond the Cabin, and Below the Radar. She is a retired FBI special agent who spent most of her career as an undercover operative. Dana had the rare experience of
working a long-term undercover investigation with her husband who was also an FBI agent. She now lives, writes, and teaches in the South Carolina Lowcountry, where she also volunteers at the Pat Conroy Literary Center.
Eugene A. Rugala is principal of Eugene A. Rugala and Associates LLC, a behavioral science, consultation, training, and research firm based in Beaufort. One of the FBI's “Profilers” in the unit made famous by the book and movie The Silence of the Lambs and the series Criminal Minds and Mindhunter, Gene specializes in the detailed behavioral analysis of violent crimes, including homicide, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking, and workplace and school violence. Gene has contributed to the content and participated in the video production of Shots Fired: Guidance for Surviving an Active Shooter Situation, Flashpoint: Recognizing and Preventing Violence in the Workplace, and Silent Storm: Intimate Partner Violence and Stalking and Its Impact on the Workplace. He is a coauthor of the book Workplace Violence: Issues in Threat Management.
Learn more at www.patconroyliterary
center.org
Since moving to Beaufort, whenever we got an itch for a burger, Fat Patties was our balm. It was our go-to place for ooey-gooey, perfectly prepared, made-to-order burgers, with creative menu options or all the choices for build-your-own burger heaven. And, did we mention the heavenly beer selection?
But times change, and sometimes, you’ve just got to shake things up a bit. Which is exactly what Nick Borreggine, co-owner of Fat Patties (along with Shellring Ale Works and Alvin Ord’s Sandwich Shop) did this past fall when he shuttered the beloved burger and beer joint.
“Fat Patties was hit pretty hard by inflation,” says Borreggine. Between rising food costs, wanting to keep his employees paid well, and what the market would bear for a burger, Borreggine just couldn’t make the numbers work. “Also, Fat Patties and
Shellring competed to an extent, so we wanted to move away from a beer focus to diversify our company,” he continued. With a dearth of ethnic restaurant options in Beaufort, Borreggine—who grew up in an Italian Catholic family—felt the time was right (and ripe) for an Italian restaurant. A place offering scratch-made pasta (yep, that’s where the name came from) in all kinds of shapes, with a variety of creative sauces and fillings. A place with elevated starters that could be eaten family style or combined to make a meal. A place with authentic Italian desserts and a well-curated selection of Italian wines to complement the meal. And a place that has the vibe of an Italian trattoria. Welcome to Scratch Italian Kitchen + Bar.
Opened last October, Scratch—led by executive chef (and Beaufort native) Garrett Priester—is now welcoming guests to experience a casual, family-friendly Italian meal. The space is familiar from its Fat Patties days, but the décor has been enhanced into more of a trattoria feel, with imported Italian tiles on some of the walls and bar, lots of live plants hanging from the rafters and tucked into corners, black and white photos of pasta making, church pews used as bench seating (Borreggine is Italian Catholic, after all), and sleek metal chandeliers that look like strands of spaghetti. The former gelato space has
been converted into a pasta making station where guests can watch the noodles being made, and a massive wine rack covers the back of the bar, replacing the draft beer box.
Once seated, the friendly staff welcomes you with water and complimentary and heavenly salt-crusted focaccia (thankfully, you can order extra rounds for a small fee), plus olive oil for dipping. The menu starts with an impressive lineup of shareable starters, including crispy polenta frites, served with a trio of dipping sauces; whipped ricotta cheese with focaccia chips; and fried calamari.
Heartier starters that could be shared or are large enough to be a main course include: a picturesque cheese board of varied Italian cheeses, along with nuts, olives, mustard, and other accoutrements (if you’re with a group, trust us and order it for the table); pork and beef meatballs that have been slow-roasted in a spicy tomato emulsion; tuna crudo with olives, pine nuts, and olives; mussels in a white wine garlic butter sauce; and roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta and garlic aioli.
Salads—with a choice of Caesar; crunchy greens with kale, shaved Brussels, apples, and burrata cheese; and roasted beet with goat cheese and arugula—are large (they can also be ordered in half-size), and can be topped with meatballs, crispy sausage, pesto shrimp, lemon chicken, or lump blue crab (for an added fee).
The pastas are where Scratch really shines. That’s as it should be, in that Borreggine and his team bought pasta machines directly from Italy. With an extruder that can pump out ten pounds of ten different shapes of pasta in three minutes, they are producing oodles of noodles. We’re talking spaghetti, bucatini,
radiatore, rigatoni, campanelle, orecchiette, casrecce, and more. And, then there’s even a new pasta sheeter, which can make all kinds of sheets of pasta for tagliatelle, ravioli, tortellini, cappelletti, and more.
chili, and garlic-bay butter sauce, just to name a few. Like the salads, all can be topped with meatballs, crispy sausage, pesto shrimp, lemon chicken, or lump blue crab, for an additional charge.
Pasta sauces are just as varied, with some of the offerings including: a simple tomato sauce; garlic and olive oil; a spicy sausage, collard, and bacon ragu, frutti de mare seafood sauce; mushroom, arugula, and prosciutto; and a lump blue crab, Calabrian
Our companions were much more carb-conscious, with their choices of mussels and Brussels sprouts and the crunchy greens salad, all of which were large enough portions to take home plenty.
Sadly, we didn’t have room for dessert, but the cannoli, tiramisu, panna cotta, and Italian cookies of the week (rotating from Nick’s grandmother Nona’s recipes) all looked amazing. So, we’ll be back, and probably by the time you’re reading this.
The cocktail list is impressive, starting with a strong selection of Shellring beers (thanks be to the beer gods). There was also a couple of Italian craft beers (grazie mille!), along with plenty of domestic and import options. The wine list is decidedly Italian, from Pinot Grigios to Soave Classico and Chianti to Barolo and everything in between. They also feature a lovely selection of prosecco spritz and classic cocktails, as well as limoncello and cappuccino for after-dinner drinks.
Scratch recently started lunch service featuring many of the same starters and salads, along with an ample selection of hearty focaccia handhelds filled with Italian meats like porchetta and mortadella, plus meatballs, chicken cutlet, braised short ribs, and shrimp sandwiches, all served with Kettle chips.
831 Parris Island Gateway Beaufort, SC 29906
843-379-1500
www.ScratchItalianKitchen.com
Daily 11am-3pm for lunch
Sun-Thurs 4pm-9pm and Fri-Sat 4pm-10pm for dinner
There are several entrées on the menu for heartier appetites, like roasted chicken with lemon, capers, lemon butter, and roasted root vegetables, along with beef short rib Barolo, served with oyster mushrooms and mascarpone polenta.
We went with some of our favorite DISH dining friends to allow us to experience more of the menu. For research purposes only, we started with the cheese board, the tasty and perfectly spicy meatballs (the focaccia is ideal for dipping!), and the incredibly fresh tuna crudo, all for sharing.
We then went our separate ways for our entrées. Cele, with her Chesapeake Bay background, couldn’t pass up the casarecce with lump blue crab. Lynn opted for the seasonal butternut squash ravioli with sage, candied pecans, and brown butter (which has been the most popular item on the menu, followed by the orecchiette with sausage, collard, and bacon ragu). Both were delicious and hearty servings (who doesn’t love leftovers!).
Now back to that burger itch for a moment. Although we’re still grieving the loss of our favorite Fat Patties burger, we love knowing that we can scratch that itch with the burgers that are in the rotation at Shellring. And now we can also scratch our Italian itch at, well, Scratch Italian Kitchen.
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.
Local Beaufort artists have their materials in hand, getting ready for Beaufort Art Association’s annual Spring Art Exhibit. The excitement is building! For the past 61 years, this event has been highly anticipated by local artists and art lovers alike. Painters, photographers, jewelers, and 3-D artists, have each created a masterpiece to unveil to the world and have judged. It’s the Best of the Year, so mark your calendar.
BAA’s Spring Show will take place on Tuesday, February 25 through Saturday March 1 at Tabby Place on Port Republic Street in Downtown Beaufort. The public is invited and admission is free. Open 10am to 7pm daily. Saturday until 6pm.
The talents of local high school artists are also brought to the forefront during this annual exhibit. Through the benefit of the Geneva Litchfield Fund, one deserving student will be awarded the “Carolyn Egan Memorial Student Award” of $200 for Best
Student Art. There are also monetary awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and honorable mention.
Beaufort Art Association wants to encompass all local artists. Don’t worry if you are not a BAA member. Members and non-members alike are invited to register.
The prospectus and guidelines are available on the Beaufort Art Association website, www.beaufortartassociation.com.
We want to show the best art from all of Beaufort.
There will be a VIP evening on Monday, Feb 24th for all our generous donors and our judge will be present to comment on the winners. On Tuesday, an opening reception will be held. The public is invited from 5pm -7pm. Refreshments will be served.
Spend a day looking at some of the finest local art in Beaufort. You will come home enriched with a deeper appreciation of the beauty of the world around us.
The Lowcountry Wind Symphony, (LWS) under the direction of Donald F. Jemella, returns for the second program of it’s 10th Anniversary 2024-2025 season.
Maestro Jemella has chosen several familiar orchestral overtures from operatic traditions, including Light Cavalry, Poet and Peasant, and Pirates of Penzance.
LWS will be joined by Soprano Vocalist Paloma Marie, singing some of the best loved arias in all of opera – Nessun Dorma, O Mio Babbino Caro and the popular You’ll Never Walk Alone from the Rogers and Hammerstein musical, Carousel
Although Paloma Marie’s early interests were flute, drum majorette in the marching band, and modeling, she also sang in her church choir. She has had a long career in opera as a soprano soloist, studying with some of the most prestigious teachers in the field. She has performed in five languages and holds dual-citizenship (USA and Italy). Her beautiful interpretations of the arias she has chosen for ‘A Night at the Opera’ will bring joy to the hearts of LWS’ audiences.
Lowcountry Wind Symphony is a concert band, made up of some 60 amateur and professional brass, woodwind, and percussion players from the greater Beaufort area. It continues its longstanding tradition of bringing great music of all genres to its audiences.
The concerts are admission free, but donations are gratefully received.
‘A Night at the Opera’ will be presented at the following venues:
Friday, February 21, 7:00pm Magnolia Hall
118 Sun City Lane, Bluffton (Residents/Guests Only)
Sunday, February 23, 4:00pm
St. John’s Lutheran Church 157 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort (Open to the Public)
Here are some additional highlights of ‘A Night at the Opera’:
‘Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral’ – is from Richard Wagner’s opera, Lohengrin. Elsa agrees to marry the secretive and mysterious Lohengrin, Keeper of the Holy Grail, provided that she never asks for his identity. The music builds from a quiet beginning in one long crescendo, as she reaches the alter to take her vows. Tragically, after the marriage she seeks to find out who he is, and they must part forever. Grief stricken, she dies!
Matthew Benner, a member of LWS’ percussion section and the Band Director of the Beaufort High School Sea Island Sound, will
be the guest conductor for this piece. He has a particular love for this music, as he and his wife chose it as their own wedding processional!
Overture to Pirates of Penzance – W. S. Gilbert, lyricist, and Arthur Sullivan, composer’s operettas were immensely popular in England in the late 1800’s. A struggle over ‘pirating’ and copyright laws led to this production, which became very popular in America – arriving in the US just after H.M.S. Pinafore. The medley overture stands on its own because of the appealing music it contains. It begins and ends with a tune which would later became famous with a new lyric –Hail, Hail, The Gang’s All Here!
Light Cavalry Overture – this overture, the instrumental introduction to Franz von Suppe’s operetta by the same name, premiered in Vienna in 1866.
A staple piece on many orchestra programs around the world, the main theme of the overture has been frequently used by musicians, cartoons, movie and TV productions, and other media.
LWS Music Director Donald F. Jemella is a graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music. He has a life long passion for playing, teaching, and conducting all types of music. In addition to conducting LWS, he is the founding director of the Odyssey Jazz and Swing Band. This group recently re-formed, following a hiatus necessitated by Covid 19 when they presented an evening of listening and dancing for members of the Dataw Island Club.
Lowcountry Wind Symphony welcomes new members at any time. Talented high school youth are also encouraged to join us. Auditions are not required. For more information or to become in involved in band operations support please use this contact: director@lowcountrywindsymphony.com
We invite you to join us for ‘A Night at the Opera’, as together we continue ‘Exploring What’s Musically Possible.’ For more information about LWS, please visit our website at lowcountrywindsymphony.com
You’ll Never Walk Alone – this familiar song, written by Rogers and Hammerstein was originally commissioned by The Western Illinois Wind Ensemble to pay tribute to veterans from their area. In 1945 it achieved greater prominence in the musical, Carousel, and remains a popular solo more than fifty years later.
Asnap of the fingers aggrandized by a contemptuous and pretentiously unencumbered disposition emulates the Accio summoning spell from J.K. Rowling’s imaginary world of witchcraft and wizards. This is the stuff that “woo-woo” is made of, right? Humans with supernatural abilities garnered by some divine right. Who amongst you denounces magic? I have seen this enchantment firsthand, its success so profound and consistent, it would have easily lifted Lazarus from the bowels of the earth. I assure you this is no dream I am recounting. This is not the third installment of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows I am referring to. This, my friends, is real life tangible magic. Listen for a moment as I persuade the skeptics.
Working in the restaurant industry as a bartender and waiter has probably been one of the most challenging things I have done in my life from a spiritual perspective. It goes like this: you claim your inherent spiritual rights to peace, abundance, patience, understanding, health, wealth, and well-being and then (insert whatever your word for your higher power) sends you a variety of situations, circumstances, people, places, and events that challenge that claim. Like, wtf!?
Heed my warning, oh ye faithful and childlike, if you wish to become any constructive adjective ending in (er), you at
once accept challenge as a lifelong companion. Our increased muscle capacity comes only as a result of increased resistance; we must lift heavier, run farther and longer to unlock the defining attributes of strength and endurance. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that Spirit would send you situations that are tempestuous if your desire is to become more peaceful.
One of my prayers was to cultivate such a place of internal peace, that I was unaffected by anything “troublesome” in my external world. I wanted to be in this God space where I saw everything as a blessing or opportunity, to see life through the eyes of a benevolent creator. My prayers were answered, but not by a descending dove and a voice from heaven announcing my dignity, but by a small, rather impotent man, yelling at me about his wife’s lasagna.
The awkward silence that followed his tirade, accompanied with my unwavering eye contact must have exemplified my disposition far better than any words could have; you know how dogs or cats get that crazy look in their eyes right before they are about to lash out? Well, I’m sure, even though speechless, my look must have resembled that black momma, don’play-with-me type look that immediately gets a child to behave. By virtue of the naive state of confusion I found myself in, I was temporarily removed from my body. This
must be some kind of animal- like territorial display, I inferred from this alternative perspective. Is he really this mad about food!? I told him the lasagna takes longer than anything else, I thought to myself.
The not-so-silent silence seemed like it lasted for an eternity as time ceased to exist. In a mere moment, I contemplated the pros and cons of reacting from a place of hereditarily garnered South Side of Chicago-esque “I don’t play that sh#t” type- energy. I thought better of reacting, and instead I just walked away from the tongue lashing I was enduring. To my surprise that same small, rather impotent man followed me to continue to yell at me.
This isn’t the first instance I nor any of my comrades in the food and beverage industry have found ourselves in. It’s almost a daily occurrence that we interact with someone who is rude, impatient, angry, ungrateful, and even vengeful — I mean Old Testament fire and brimstone version of God vengeful. The quandary is that it’s just food. In no other arena have I ever witnessed the level of unforgiving zealous vehemence that some restaurant patrons display whenever something doesn’t happen exactly the way they want it to.
To understand the quandary of the discourteous restaurant patron, my inquisitive mind led me to a psychology term called
by Jared Madison WHOLLY HOLISTICS
“displacement.” Displacement is one of the brain’s defense mechanisms (the way in which the ego fends off a stressor). As displacement goes, the ego will shift the stress elsewhere from the actual problem at hand to an area where there is a reduced risk of an antagonistic effect. Example of displacement:
Dave’s boss yells at him. Dave comes home and yells at his wife. Dave’s wife yells at their son. Their son kicks the dog. This behavior is also referred to as the “kicking the dog” theory. In the restaurant industry, the waiters, waitresses, and bartenders are often “the dog.”
I understand that it may be the wait staff’s fault sometimes, or that some restaurant patrons receive bad service. But any one of us can catch a lot more flies with honey than with vinegar. The next time you receive subpar service, just talk to your waiter, waitress, or bartender. Make a human connection. You could say something like, “Is everything going okay with you today? It feels like you’re not being as attentive with our table as you are with others.” I guarantee if you say anything along those lines, you will get the best service you’ve ever received after that.
There should be an international law implemented which establishes that, in order for an individual, group, or family to have the ability to seek out service at an establishment that offers food, beverages, or a combination of the two, at minimum one of the individuals from said group or family must have had been employed by and worked in an establishment that offers food, beverages, or a combination of the two for no less than 2 weeks. Things almost never happen exactly the way we want to in life. When faced with the aspect of disappointment we are given the opportunity to see our evolutionary progress from a mental, emotional, and spiritual point of view. Perhaps things don’t go your way sometimes so that you can get out of your own way. Perhaps your irascibleness is what is really blocking your happiness.
This year, I've selected the Eastern Bluebird as my bird of the year. Choosing a bird of the year might sound as trendy as those annual lifestyle declarations — like selecting a word or creating a vision board to define your next twelve months. But choosing a bird of the year feels more alive and requires you to look up, pay attention and create small invitations for wonder.
I know, I know—the bluebird choice sounds as trite as telling someone to dance like nobody’s watching. You see, I didn't just choose the bluebird; I tricked a pair of them to my bird feeder. It was during a rare Lowcountry snowfall, the kind that coats palm trees and buries tractor seats and hydrangea bushes with a sly surprise only Mother Nature can pull off. The neighborhood's usual feathered hotspots were socked in with a layer of snow and ice, leaving the local avian population in quite a predicament. So, I pounced on the opportunity to tempt them to my place. There I was, wearing socks on my hands, shivering in the howling north wind, as I sprinkled a hefty (pricey) selection of mealworms and fancy seeds on and around my feeders. I felt like a feathered chef preparing a five-star meal for my unsuspecting guests. And then, to my amazement, they arrived — a plump, hungry pair of Eastern Bluebirds, their vibrant blue feathers a stark contrast against the white landscape.
I mean, I could have gone with something more intriguing, like an owl to invite in wisdom and mystery, or the tiny Carolina wren with her exuberant song. Perhaps a cardinal visiting from the afterlife? There are so many choices, and I went with the happiness one.
The "Bluebird of Happiness," to be exact. They're supposed to represent joy, hope, and good fortune. In Christianity, they're even considered angels who come to the lonely with messages from God. Native Americans consider them a positive force symbolizing happiness, renewal and spiritual connection to nature.
Still, it occurs to me that the thing about happiness—you can't just choose it, can you?
Despite the mountain of self-help books, the act of finding happiness continues to elude seekers. So maybe, just maybe, tricking it in is the way to go?
As I stood at the window, delighting in the sight of these unexpected visitors with their cerulean plumage, orangey breasts and take-charge attitudes, I realized something.
Perhaps this is a happiness strategy. Provide the food, take advantage of the circumstances, and tempt joy to your doorstep. It's not foolproof, but neither is anything else in this messy, beautiful life. So here I am, the unlikely bird whisperer, having successfully lured in my symbols of happiness. Will it last? Who knows. But for now, I'm content watching my feathered friends feast, their presence a reminder that sometimes, joy comes in unexpected packages—and occasionally needs a little help finding its way to your door. Certainly, happiness isn't something we can capture, but maybe it’s something we create —like handfuls of scattered mealworms on a snow-covered feeder. It's about showing up, being
By Carolyn Mason
present, and creating small invitations for wonder. The bluebirds didn't know they were part of my happiness quest, just as we rarely recognize the moments that will later define our joy. They came because I prepared the ground, watched with patience, and remained open to surprise. And isn't that the real trick? Not forcing happiness but creating the conditions where it might—just might—decide to land.
Finally, to all the owls, wrens, chickadees, cardinals, and woodpeckers out there: don't take it personally. There's always next year.
Carolyn Mason is a freelance writer who writes about everything from long haul trucking to how to retire gracefully. She and her husband Jeff live on Lady’s Island and have embraced the delights of the Lowcountry lifestyle.
Alisha Doud alisha@dcgilbert.com
Daun Schouten daun@dcgilbert.com
Laure Gallagher laure@dcgilbert.com
Ashley Hart ashley@dcgilbert.com
Joy McConnell joy@dcgilbert.com
Johanna Graham johanna@dcgilbert.com
Kathy Crowley kathy@dcgilbert.com
derek@dcgilbert.com
Melissa R. Wicker melissa@dcgilbert.com
Sam Bailey samuel@dcgilbert.com Tues - Sun: 11am-9pm
Dawn Shipsey dawn@dcgilbert.com
ITALY: Tuscany townhouse for rent by the week in historic UNESCO village. Sleeps 4, large furnished garden, easy walk to shops and excellent restaurants. www.cozyholidayrentals.com or 401-862-2377.
FURNISHED LUXURY APT In the heart of downtown Beaufort. 2BR, 2BA, W/D, Housewares. Please call 843-812-4229.
LOCO SCRIBBLERS 3:00 5:00 p.m. every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. Are you a scribbler (professional or hobby writer)? Check out our small, informal Beaufort area writers club. All skill and subject levels welcome: fiction, short stories, poetry, non-fiction, and memoirs. Free. Call or email for more info and meeting location in Port Royal: beaufdick@gmail.com or 843-322-0616.
HABITAT RESTORE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS We're looking for volunteers. Cashiers, sales floor associates, donation processing, donor data entry, and donor ambassadors. Visit lowcountryhabitat.org/volunteer or call 843-525-0055.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Calhoun Station Thrift Store in Bluffton. All funds generated are returned to other nonprofits in the community. Open Wed & Sat 10am to 1pm at 77 Pritchard St. Volunteers can stop by or contact Cate Taylor, 843-310-0594 or catetaylor@frontier.com
CRESCENT HOSPICE SUPPORT GROUP: Last Wed. and Thurs. of the month. Weds. 10-11am at Sun City; Thurs. 12-1pm Brookdale Hilton Head Ct., Hilton Head; for those who provide physical, emotional or practical support to a family member or friend. Jodi Johnson, LMSW. Bereavement Group: 5-6 pm., Fridays, 10 Buckingham Plantation Drive, Suite A, Bluffton; for those who have experienced a loss and would like support and info associated with grief and bereavement. Corrie VanDyke, LMSW or Marie James, MA. 843-757-9388.
ENGLAND VACATION RENTAL: Exmoor National Park, Devon, a comfortable and spacious 3 bed 2 bath 19th century Victorian apartment for rent in the ancient village of Lynton. Picturesque harbor, outstanding coastal hiking, historic country Pubs! Call 843 609 5870.
FREE HYPNOSIS/HYPNOTHERAPY INFORMATION session and guided group meditation workshop. This free session will focus on stress reduction and relaxation. Open to the public, every 3rd Monday of the Month, at 7 pm Eastern via Zoom. Bring a friend, learn more and RSVP for Zoom Link at www.guidepathhypnosis.com or contact Chris at chris.guidepath@gmail.com
BEAUFORT COUNTY LIBRARY ONGOING PROGRAMS & CLASSES Stitch Happens, Mondays @ 1:30, Bluffton; Basic Computer Skills Class 1st & 3rd Fridays @ 11:30am, Lobeco; Dungeon & Dragons Teen Club Mondays @ 4; Teen Gaming Club 1st & 3rd Wednesdays @ 4
FRIDAY SOCIAL DANCES The Hilton Head Carolina Shag Club hosts Friday dances from 6-9:30 pm at Dolphin Head Golf Club, 59 High Bluff Rd, Hilton Head Plantation. Open to the public. Shag, ballroom, swing, country, or line. Singles welcome. Cash bar and light dinners available. $5 floor fee. HHICSC also teaches beginner Shag lessons Tuesday nights. www.hiltonheadshagclub.com, or www.facebook.com/HHICSC
ART LEAGUE OF HH CLASSES & WORKSHOPS With over 25 local professional art educators, and guests from around the world, Art League of Hilton Head offers classes and workshops in all media for all levels of students. Visit www.artleaguehhi.org or email academy@artleaguehhi.org for more info.
POTTERY CLASSES IN BEAUFORT McSweeney Clay Studio offers morning, afternoon and evening classes for children and adults. Pottery dates and parties available as well. Classes are on going. Beginner or advanced welcome. mcsweeneyclaystudio.com or call 843-694-2049.
LOWCOUNTRY SHAGGERS Mondays - Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd. 6-9pm. Shag Lessons with Tommy & Sheri O'Brien and others. Occasional Ballroom and once a month Line Dance. Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced lessons. Open dancing after lessons. Visit www.lowcountryshaggers.com or lowcountryshaggers@aol.com
WEDNESDAYS, BEAUFORT SHAG CLUB meets evenings at AMVETS, 1831 Ribaut Rd., Port Royal from 7-9pm, and the 2nd Sat. of the month 7-10pm. Free lessons to members Sep. to June. Visit The Beaufort Shag Club on Facebook
SEA ISLAND ROTARY CLUB has a 12:15 lunch meeting every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Social gathering every 3rd Tuesday at 5:30 pm, locations vary and posted on our website. For more information about the Rotary Club of Sea Island please visit our website at www.seaislandrotary.org
BRIDGE CLUB at the Beaufort Branch Library Wednesdays at 11am. Join a session for beginners new to the game, other sessions will provide some instruction and we will learn as we play. Join us if you want to learn a new game, practice your skills, or need more players. Call the Library at 843-255-6458 for more information.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for the military lounge at the Savannah/Hilton Head Airport. It is operated by a cadre of volunteers. Formerly the USO Lounge it has been renamed “Savannah Salutes,” and continues to provide a respite for travelling active duty, retired and reserve military, veterans and their families. The facility requires volunteers to keep the lounge open from 8 am to 9 pm, seven days a week. There are three shifts each day, with two volunteers for each shift. Interested in volunteering? More info and application forms are at the www.savannahsalutes.org or call John Findeis at (912) 507-4848. The airport will provide free parking.
VETERANS FIRST THRIFT STORE is in need of volunteers. Summer hours are Thursday thru Saturday - 10am4pm. Volunteer hours are very flexible! Stop in the store at 612 Robert Smalls Parkway to fill out a volunteer application or call the store at 843-263-4218. Please consider helping this very worthwhile organization!!
SECOND HELPINGS seeks volunteers to crew trucks in Bluffton and Beaufort to distribute food to local charities. Offering a flexible schedule at your convenience. Email officeadmin@secondhelpingslc.org
BEMER LONGEVITY TECHNOLOGY 9a Wednesdays via Zoom. Seen the buzz on “life span VS health span”? Want to grow better, not older? Haven’t heard of BEMER yet? Come for Q&A about how this longevity-enhancing medical device can enhance your health, fitness and overall well-being in just 8 minutes 2X/day. Offered by BEMER Specialist - Human & Equine, Elizabeth Bergmann. Text 410-212-1468 to get the Zoom link. Free.
CARIS HEALTHCARE: WE HONOR VETERANS Hospice Program. You a Vet with a little time to share with other Vets with limited time? The We Honor Veterans program seeks volunteers who are Vets to offer a listening ear for our Veteran patients. Volunteers also participate in our Pinning Ceremonies for Veteran patients. Contact 843473-3939 or smilliken@carishealthcare.com
SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY: Non-denominational meditation, silent prayer and healing group forming. All welcome. No meditation experience needed. Call Michael 843-489-8525.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for HELP of Beaufort, 530 Charles St. Looking for committed volunteers for clothes sorting, pantry help, front desk help and Mobile Meals drivers. We are open M-F from 9:30-12:30, 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're individuals with Parkinson’s, care partners of those with Parkinson’s, and individuals or companies providing products or services for Parkinson’s patients. For more info: Rick Ostrander at pdawaresc@gmail.com or Facebook at Parkinson’s Support Group Of Beaufort SC Port Royal & Lady’s Island
TOUR HISTORIC FORT FREMONT—Travel to the 1800's and the Spanish American War. The Fort Fremont History Center is open from 10am to 2pm Fridays, Saturdays from 10am to 4pm and Sundays from 1pm to 4pm at Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land's End Road, St. Helena Island. Visitors to Fort Fremont can learn about the fort's history by reading interpretive panels, taking a self-guided tour with a smart phone, visiting the history center exhibit hall, or attending a docent-led tour of the property. The Preserve grounds are open to the public Monday through Sunday from dawn to dusk. For more Information visit www.fortfremont.org or contact the Passive Parks Department Director, Stefanie Nagid, at snagid@bcgov.net
US COAST GUARD AUXILIARY, Flotilla 07-10-01, Port Royal Sound, a uniformed, all volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard. We conduct safety patrols, assist search & rescue, teach boat safety, conduct free vessel safety checks and other boating activities. Monthly meetings are open to all and held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Port Royal Sound Foundation classroom at 7pm. For info call Flotilla Commander Pattie McGowan (706-633-6192) and 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 beauforttoastmastersclub.toastmastersclubs.org
FREE ACUPUNCTURE FOR VETERANS – Veterans, Active Duty, Transition. Their Families and First Responders are Eligible. First & Third Wednesday 46pm. Walk In Clinic. No Need to Pre-Register or Call. Nourishing Health Acupuncture and Herbs Clinic. 1214 Prince Street, Downtown Beaufort
INTERESTED IN HEALTHY EATING? Second Helpings, of Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper counties, seeks committee members and chairperson for Healthy Food Program. Funding available to procure fresh produce and protein for the 60 food pantries and soup kitchens served by Second Helpings. Contact Exec. Dir. Lili Coleman, 843-689-3616 or execdirector@secondhelpingslc.org
BORN TO READ working for early childhood literacy, needs volunteers to deliver books and materials to new mothers at Coastal Community Hosp., HH Hosp., and BMH. Visits are from 10am – noon. More info at borntoread.org or call 843-379-3350.
ALZHEIMER’S FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER BEAUFORT, Support Groups: Caregiver - Fridays., 12:30pm, Living with Alzheimer's - for those in very early stages - Mondays 1pm, Respite Programs: Social Day Program- 10am-1:45pm $40 Day Fee, Weds. & Friday. All meetings are at Carteret Street Methodist Church, 408 Carteret St., Beaufort; In Home - Respite Aides available for 2 hr. minimum, $13-$26. Early Memory Loss: Maintain Your Brain - 2nd & 4th Thursday, 1011:30am, $10/person, $15 couple, Carteret Street Methodist Church, 408 Carteret St., Beaufort; Memory Screenings available call 843-521-9190 or make an appointment, 1500 King St., Beaufort, free; Purple Haven Project - Educate local staff's to better interact with a person with Alzheimer's call 843-521-9190.
THE LITERACY CENTER is seeking volunteers to tutor adults in reading, writing, math and ESL. Students hope to acquire skills to pursue life goals, support families, and contribute to our community. Daytime and evenings in Bluffton and HHI. Call 843-815-6616 (Bluffton); 843-6816655 (HHI). No teaching, tutoring or other language knowledge necessary. www.theliteracycenter.org
THE SANDALWOOD COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY. Volunteer-based, non-profit provides groceries, clothing and basic needs items to ANYONE in need. Open Tuesdays 9am-12pm at 114 Beach City Rd., Hilton Head. Donations of food and funds needed. For info: Rev. Dr. Nannette Pierson at 843-715-3583 or email sandalwoodpantry@gmail.com
PARRIS ISLAND MUSEUM. The legacy of the Marine Corps and the history of the Port Royal region. Thousands of artifacts, images, and other materials illustrate the stories in exhibit galleries from Native American to modern Marines. FREE admission. Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm and 8am on Graduation Days. Closed Federal Holidays. Info at parrisislandmuseum.org or 843-228-2166.
CHRIST CENTERED RECOVERY MEETINGS At Praise Assembly Church Fridays for “Celebrate Recovery”, addressing life’s problems by looking to scripture. Meal at 6pm; Praise, Worship; Big Meeting. 6:30pm; Small Groups at 7pm. 800 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort. Info at 205-475-3600 or 303-521-1891.
Foolish Frog, 846 Sea Island Pkwy, St. Helena Island. (843) 838-9300. Foolish Frog on Facebook
Luther’s Rare & Well Done, 910 Bay Street. (843) 521-1888 or Luther's on Facebook
Q on Bay, 822 Bay St, Beaufort. (843) 524-7771 or www.qonbay.com
Rosie O’Gradys Irish Pub, in Beaufort Town Center. Irish American Sports Pub & Eatery. C'mon down! Rock & Roll Lunch. Monday - 25% Off Burgers; Karaoke Wed, Fri & Sat - 10pm. 25% off Apps & Wings for NFL Ticket; College sports Saturdays. (843) 379-7676 or Rosie's on Facebook
Saltus River Grill, 802 Bay St, Beaufort. (843) 379-3474 or www.saltusrivergrill.com
Big Bamboo, Coligny Plaza. (843) 686-3443 or www.bigbamboocafe.com
Captain Woody’s, 14 Executive Park Rd., Hilton Head, 843-785-2400; - OR - 17 State of Mind St., Bluffton, Tuesdays - Chris Jones. www. captainwoodys.com
The Jazz Corner, Village at Wexf1ord, Hilton Head. Sundays - Deas Guyz; Mondays - A Journey Through Jazz with The Martin Lesch Band; Tuesdays - Fat Tuesdays: A Swingin' Celebration of New Orleans and Beyond; Thursdays - Lavon Stevens with Louise Spencer. 2/12 Grammy winner Quiana Parler with The Lavon Stevens Band, 2/14 & 2/15 Joe Alterman Trio, 2/19 Bobby Ryder, 2/21 & 2/22, Grammy-winning The Anderson Brothers play Richard Rodgers with guitarist Adam Moezinia, 2/26 Grammy winner Quiana Parler with The Lavon Stevens Band, 2/28 & 3/1 Guitarist Dan Wilson's Quartet. (843) 842-8620 or www.TheJazzCorner.com
The Music Farm, 32 Ann Street, Charleston. 2/13 Sleaze Freaks, 2/14 The Midnight CityMy Emo Valentine, 2/15 American Aquarium,
2/16 Uncle Lucius; Cole Phillips, 2/18 Born of Osiris; Destruction; Entheos; Axty; Lost in Separation, 2/20 Moonglade; Detox; Unit; Saka B2B Fly; Freddy Todd, 2/21 Palaye Royale; Johnnie Guilbert, 2/22 lazer Raver 2.0 with Ft. DJ Infinity; Jimmy K; DJ Ty Rv., 2/27
The Hip Abduction; The Palms, 2/28 Debi Tirar Mas Fiestas; Bad Bunny Dance Party, 3/1 90s & 2000s R & B and Hip Hop Party. (843) 853-2252 or www.musicfarm.com
The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy, Charleston. 2/12 Chucktown EDM; Flomatik; Web Hollow; Puzzled; Visuals by W33Z, 2/14 Tell Me Lies - Fleetwood Mac tribute, 2/15 Dexter & the Moonrocks; Liam St. John, 2/16 Agent Orange; Longshot Odds; Exaggerators, 2/19 Penelope Road; Wim Tapley, 2/20 Andy Frasco & the U.N.; Mihali, 2/21, 2/22 & 2/23 Big Something; Frute; Red Panda, Krispee Biscuits, 2/27 Hot 8 Brass Band; Illa Zilla, 2/28 Rae Estelle - an evening of Prince, 3/1 Steelin' Peaches - Allman Brothers tribute. (843) 5714343 or www.charlestonpourhouse.com
Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms. 2/15 Jason Arendt, 2/21 Eddie Bush; Mustache The Band, 2/23 Billy & the Goats, 2/28 Lakeview, 3/1 Comfortably Pink - Pink Floyd tribute. (843) 886-8596 or www.thewindjammer.com
Editors Note: Events listed here may be subject to postponement or cancellation. Please check for further information.
Now – 2/22, Language of Clay: Catawba Indian Pottery and Oral Tradition at Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, US 17, Ridgeland. www. morrisheritagecenter.org
Now – 2/28, Arts Ob We People: Winter Exhibition and Sale, a display of original Gullah artwork at the Art League Gallery. Inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, 843-681-5060.
Now – 2/28, SOBA Annual High School Art Show. Opening Reception Sat 2/8 from 3-5pm. SOBA Gallery, 6 Church Street, Bluffton.
Now - 3/2, Daniel McSweeney’s Original Pottery & Members’ Impressionist-Style Paintings, a dual exhibit at the Beaufort Art Association Gallery. www.beaufortartassociation.com
Now – 3/23, This Is Not: Aldwyth in Retrospect at the Coastal Discover Museum on Hilton Head. www.coastaldiscovery.org
Fri 2/14, La Petite Gallerie 10th Anniversary & Grand Giveaway, with wine, sweets, and a chance to win art! From 3-7pm during Bluffton Art Walk. 56 Calhoun Street, Bluffton. www.lapetitegallerie.com
Sun 2/23, Deadline for SOBA’s 31st Annual Judged Show. The contest is open to all artists and the cost to register is $25 for SOBA members and $75 for non SOBA members. Registration and a full list of rules are available online at https://sobagallerycom/2025-judged-show/
2/25 – 3/1, Beaufort Art Association’s 61st Annual Spring Show. At Tabby Place in downtown Beaufort. Open 10 am – 7pm each day. Opening reception Tues 2/25, 5-7pm. The public is invited.
Mondays, Now – 3/10, Books Sandwiched In, hosted by Friends of the Beaufort Library. In this popular annual series, community members present books that are meaningful to them. Light refreshments. Noon–1pm at USCB Center for the Arts, Beaufort. For a full schedule of presenters and books, visit www.friendsofthebeaufortlibrary.com
Thur 2/13, Tayler Simon, founder of Liberation Is Lit will be the featured author at the Pat Conroy Literary Center’s Open Mic Night from 6-7:30pm. She’ll also teach a workshop Writing Our Truths from 4-5:30pm. $45/person, with advance registration required at https://writingourtruths.eventbrite.com. The Conroy Center is located at 601 Bladen St, Beaufort. www.patconroyliterarycenter.org
Mon 2/17, Bill Borg and Mira Scott with discuss their children’s book Myrtle the Loggerhead Turtle from 10:30 – 11:30 at The Roasting Room, 1297 May River Rd., Bluffton. Sponsored by Libraries for Kids, International. $5 donation suggested.
Thur 2/27, Evening with Jen Marie Wiggins (The Good Bride) at 5 pm at the Pat Conroy Literary Center, 601 Bladen Street, Beaufort. Free and open to the public. Books available for sale and signing. Seating limited; please reserve yours by calling 843-379-7025.
Sat 3/1, Demythologizing the FBI: What Writers Get Wrong, a writing workshop taught by retired FBI agent Dana Ridenour and retired FBI profiler Eugene Rugala at the Pat Conroy Literary Center, from 10 am – Noon. Limited to 20 people. $60 per person with advance registration required: https://patconroyliterarycenter.eventbrite.com
3/1 – 3/3, 9th Annual March Forth Weekend, sponsored by the Pat Conroy Literary Center. A series of programs and presentations honoring major themes in Conroy’s writing life – taking
place in Beaufort, Port 0Royal, St. Helena Island, and online. For a full schedule of events visit www.patconroyliterarycenter.org
Sat 3/8, Writing Believable Law Enforcement Characters, a writing workshop taught by retired FBI agent Dana Ridenour and retired FBI profiler Eugene Rugala at the Pat Conroy Literary Center, from 10 am – Noon. Limited to 20 people. $60 per person with advance registration required: https://patconroyliterarycenter.eventbrite.com
Thur 3/13, Haiku Workshop at Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head. Local poet, writer, and translator Miho Kinnas will guide you in crafting haiku – short, evocative poems of 17 syllables – inspired by the artwork in This Is Not: Aldwyth in Retrospect, on display in the museum’s main gallery. Register here: https://www. coastaldiscovery.org/discovery-night-at-themuseum/
Sat 2/15, Dueling Pianos – A Musical Night to Remember, featuring Marty Richardson and Jimmy Porter of Savannah Smiles. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Family Services at Tabby Place in downtown Beaufort. Tickets are $85 in advance, $90 at the door. Purchase at www.afsgb.org or 843-521-9190.
Sun 2/16, USCB Chamber Music, featuring world class musicians performing Faure, Gershwin, Mendelssohn and more. 5pm at USCB Center for the Arts, Beaufort. Tickets available at www.uscbchambermusic.com
Fri 2/21, Lowcountry Wind Symphony performs A Night at the Opera at 7 pm at Magnolia Hall, Sun City. For residents and their guests only. Free admission, but donations gratefully accepted.
Sun 2/23, Lowcountry Wind Symphony performs A Night at the Opera at 4 pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 157 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort. Free admission, but donations gratefully accepted.
2/18 – 2/23, 19th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival at USCB Center for the Arts. For more info visit www.beaufortfilmfestival.com
Tuesdays, Tours of Hunting Island sponsored by Friends of Hunting Island Keeper Ted and his team. For info call the Nature Center at 843-8387437. Tours free are and park entry fees apply.
First Saturday of the Month, Teddy Bear Picnic Read-Aloud at Port Royal Farmers Market. DAYLO students and other volunteers will read to young children between 9am and noon. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal.
Third Thursday, TECHconnect, a monthly networking event for professionals working in and around tech. Join the conversation at BASEcamp 500 Carteret 5:30-7:30pm. 843-470-3506. www.beaufortdigital.com
Thursdays, History Tours of Fort Mitchell by Heritage Library, 10am. $12/Adult $7/Child. 843-686-6560.
