Lowcountry Weekly September 28 – October 11

The image on our cover is "Inu17" by Richard Grant, from his exhibit Balance, coming October 10 to Art League Academy on Hilton Head. For more information and artwork, see our story on page 5.

L o w c o unt r yWeekly

September 28 – October 11, 2022

Publisher: Jeff Evans — Jeff@LCWeekly.com

Editor: Margaret Evans — Editor@LCWeekly.com

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

Staff Writer: Tony Kukulich — Tony.TheIslandNews@gmail.com

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

Advertising Sales: Betty Davis — 843-252-9076 or Betty.IslandNews@Gmail.com

Art Director: Lydia Inglett

Layout & Design: Amalgamated Sprinkleworks

Contributing Writers: Connie Brotzman, Katherine Tandy Brown, Debbi Covington, Sandra Educate, Wendy Hilty, Michael Johns, Tony Kukulich, Laura Lee Rose, Dr. Winn Sams,Cele & Lynn Seldon, Sutty Suddeth, and Scott Wierman

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.

Off

RANTS

RAVES

My

husband emailed me something from The Atlantic the other day, accompanied by the comment, “Here’s your next column.”

The article was about the death of cursive handwriting. It was a rich, exhaustive essay, and when I finished reading it, I couldn’t imagine what more could possibly be said on the matter. It seemed the definitive nail in cursive’s coffin as well as its quintessential eulogy.

The piece was written by history professor – and former Harvard president – Drew Gilpin Faust, who had recently learned that a majority of the students in her undergraduate seminar couldn’t read cursive. The revelation had come during a class discussion of a book about the Civil War. One of her students said he’d enjoyed it, but that its illustrations of wartime documents weren’t very helpful since, “of course,” he couldn’t read cursive. Stunned, Dr. Faust asked for a show of hands – who else couldn’t read cursive? – and about 2/3 of the class raised theirs.

How did we get here?

Remember Common Core? Those controversial national education standards that everybody was arguing about back in 2010? Well, at least half the states have now abandoned those standards, but not before they left their mark. Apparently, cursive was omitted from Common Core in 2010 and never quite made a comeback.

“The students in my class, and their peers, were then somewhere in elementary school,” writes Faust. “Handwriting instruction had already been declining as laptops and tablets and lessons in ‘keyboarding’ assumed an ever more prominent place in the classroom. Most of my students remembered getting no more than a year or so of somewhat desultory cursive training, which was often pushed aside by a growing emphasis on ‘teaching to the test.’ Now in college, they represent the vanguard of a cursiveless world.”

After reading this, I called up my own member of that vanguard, currently matriculating at Clemson, to get her take on the situation. I couldn’t quite recall my daughter’s past experience with cursive. Not in any detail.

Amelia told me she remembered learning cursive in third grade – she thinks – but doesn’t remember there being too much emphasis on it. She said she can read cursive “if it’s normal” but not if it’s “real slanty and fancy, like old-people writing.”

She confessed that she has a hard time reading historical documents like the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. No biggie, right?

On the bright side – I think? – she prefers taking class notes on her iPad, with a stylus pen, instead of typing them on her

keyboard. “When I type my notes, I feel like I don’t learn the material as well,” she told me. “Sometimes, I’ll look back over typed notes and I don’t even remember typing them.” She says writing them by hand makes the material “sink in” in a way that typing doesn’t. Is that because typing is just second nature to a GenZ’er, while writing demands focus and concentration? I honestly don’t know.

And here’s the rub. My daughter tends to print those notes on her iPad, instead of using cursive. “Unless the teacher’s talking really fast,” she says, in which case she sometimes switches over to a halting, broken script.

I’m not sure what all this means for the future, if anything.

Drew Gilpin Faust, as an historian, is deeply concerned that young people are losing their direct access to their own history, thus putting themselves at a distinct disadvantage. Her Atlantic article, entitled “GenZ Never Learned to Read Cursive,” asks in its subtitle, “How will they interpret the past?”

While sitting at my desk, pondering the enormity of that question – and wondering what I could possibly add to this topic – I kicked back in my office chair and my eyes lit on the wall behind my computer monitor. Mounted there is a beautifully-framed sheet of lined, yellow notebook paper – the kind you tear out of a legal pad – on which are written, in heartbreakingly familiar script, the words: Hey, sweet Margaret. I still love you best of all. Great love, Pat Conroy.

Now, lest you find that a scandalous bit of over-sharing, please understand that this is the kind of note Pat Conroy wrote to everybody in his orbit. He loved us all best of all. I have no worries that his wife Sandra will read this column and be appalled. In fact, my own husband is the one who had the note framed for me, soon after Pat’s death. It’s just one of many little dashed-off memos he’d occasionally include with my “to-do” list, when I was working for him as an editorial assistant/typist.

And now that we’ve cleared that up, my point is this: I would never have framed that note and hung it on my wall had it been typed. There’s something of Pat Conroy’s personality – his very soul – on that yellow page, and it goes way beyond mere words.

I may be the first person ever to use the phrase “mere words” in the same sentence with “Pat Conroy,” but you know what I’m saying. It’s not so much about the sentiment. It’s about the handwriting. And the signature.

Speaking of signatures . . . the young folks aren’t the only ones who’ve gone “off script.” Just the other day, Jeff and I were signing some business papers, and I realized, not for the first time, that I have absolutely no signature left. Not a “signature” signature, anyway. When I sign my name on a document anymore – which is increasingly rare – it’s an illegible scrawl. Which would be okay, if it were always the same illegible scrawl. But it’s not. I had to sign three separate papers that day, and I’m not sure any of those signatures bore even a family resemblance.

If you don’t use it, you lose it. And apparently, I’ve lost it. How that loss affects the rest of my life remains to be seen. I could imagine some troubling scenarios, but I’m trying to reduce my stress level, so I won’t. Fortunately, I have a “digital signature” that lives on my computer, but I don’t think I could replicate it now, by hand, if I tried. And I wonder: Having lost my unique, distinctive signature, have I lost a small part of what makes me . . . me?

“The spread of literacy in the early modern West was driven by people’s desire to read God’s word for themselves, to be empowered by an experience of unmediated connection,” writes Faust in the Atlantic.

“The abandonment of cursive represents a curious reverse parallel: We are losing a connection, and thereby disempowering ourselves.”

For students and scholars of history, the implications couldn’t be more clear. For the rest of us, the handwriting on the wall is a little harder to read, but in time, the loss may be every bit as profound.

Balance

Originating in Scotland hundreds of years ago, the cairn – a carefully crafted stack of stones – has had many practical as well as spiritual jobs, among them memorial, gravestone, shrine, and trail marker. The Art League Academy’s exhibition “Balance,” honors the soul of the cairn, as it has carried meaning across cultures for centuries. Each rock can signify an intention of praise, grace, and love.

“Richard’s work is timely for the current state of the world as we all are seeking balance in our lives,” says Amy Wehrman, Art League Academy manager. “The art collected here looks to the cairn to depict the peaceful yet precarious nature of balance.”

Originally from Chicago, Richard was previously represented by the Thomas Masters Gallery. Now living here in Hilton Head since 2017, Richard has artwork on display at

the Island Recreation Center, Art League of Hilton Head gallery, and various local Hilton Head businesses. View more of his work at richardgrantartist. wixsite.com/hiltonhead.

Balance: Original Artwork by Richard Grant will be on display October 10 through November 18, at Art League Academy. An artist's reception, free and open to the public, will be held on Wednesday, October 12 from 5-7pm.

Art League Academy offers art classes, demos and work shops taught by professional art educators in all media and for all skill levels, including true beginners.

Art League Academy is located at 106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-5738.

Harbor Master, above Align, right Muses, below

Chiropractic Truth Bombs

Health applies to each of us on many levels. I think its importance is best stated by the World Health Organization’s definition. They say Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Most of us have never heard this definition and have been taught to believe the exact opposite. We have been conditioned to focus on illness and disease, with the absence of either one meaning health. Our current health-care paradigm is built on this belief and has contributed to much confusion. For real health to be experienced, we must include the well-being of our social, spiritual, mental, emotional and physical parts of ourselves. Would you believe Chiropractic can help integrate all of the above?

Let's start with some background information. Chiropractic is a 127-year-old,

doctor-level profession that serves as a direct access portal of entry into the healthcare system for millions of Americans of all ages. This means you don't need a referral from an MD and we diagnose within our scope. We are able to refer out to other practitioners, when needed, given that our core courses are pretty much the same as medical school. We actually have more overall course hours in some subjects, so please don't promote the illusion that we are not "real" doctors! https://www. beaufortchiropracticcare.com/chiropractic

According to the Journal of Chiropractic Education, Vol. 15, No. 2: “Chiropractic is a health care discipline which emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship

affects the preservation and restoration of health. In addition, Doctors of Chiropractic recognize the value and responsibility of working in cooperation with other health care practitioners when in the best interest of the patient.”

Originally developed in the U.S., Chiropractic is now established in more than 50 nations worldwide. The basic principle of chiropractic science is that abnormalities and misalignments of the spine, can and do distort the normal function of the nervous system. This interruption in the vital flow of nerve impulses back and forth may create serious negative health consequences, since this is how your brain communicates with every part of your body to establish the dynamic nature needed to maintain and adapt your internal environments to the best possible health expression.

Chiropractic works on the basis of adjust ing the spine and other parts of the body to remove blocks to the body’s natural “innate” healing ability, and holds that a drugs-free, hands-on approach best enhances this healing response. Even though most people come to my office because they are in pain, Chiropractic’s emphasis also focuses on well ness and quality of life, working with patients’ behaviors, environments and motivations to reach the highest level possible of pain-free function. This can take some time, however, as the body heals on its own timeline, which is not linear. What a difficult pill to swallow!

In my experience, our symptoms are only our bodies trying to tell us something is in disease and the energetic impulses (communication via the nerves) are not able to move well. Just like a clogged hose, the water will start to move/expand outwards building more and more resistance if not allowed to flow again. Most people are terrified of pain. It brings up feelings of powerlessness, fear and worry. We just want it to go away. This just makes us angrier and more frustrated, adding fuel to an already inflamed environment. Did you know that the brain actually forms pain conduits that keep the pain going (even after the experience has long gone) until we pay attention to the message? Our usual way of paying attention is to reach for the quick fix of a pill or invasive surgeries/procedures to make the pain stop and achieve the ultimate goal which is to feel good again. This approach can often be used as a band aid for what is deeper and once again we ignore what our bodies are trying to say to us.

WHOLLY HOLISTICS

by Dr. Winn Sams

Would you believe that many of us are addicted to suffering/pain and do not even know it? In this case, it doesn't matter what you do to alleviate the pain or suffering unless the cause is addressed. Your nervous system is a memory bank, where default "tapes" play if not disabled. Chiropractic can change those internal pathways by allowing your parasympathetic system to calm things down, allowing you to feel different, even if it's just feeling less burdened or stressed. For some, the outcome is miraculous with the symptoms just disappearing. Others take more time. Regardless, your body will heal better with more energy available that isn't being devoured by systems being pushed or overtaxed.

In closing, let's address the fear many have of Chiropractic. I understand. I was one of them. I hope it is clear we are well trained and qualified doctors. Many people don't know there are many chiropractic technique choices. It is assumed all chiropractors use the typical “cracking and popping” techniques. I use a very gentle technique that allows me to adjust the whole body and provides a choice for those who prefer a gentler approach or need a less aggressive technique because of spinal conditions, surgeries or fusions. All chiropractic techniques work, however. It's up to the patient to determine what works best for them.

If you've tried chiropractic and your pain didn't resolve, you might believe chiropractic doesn't work. I would suggest a different perspective of taking care of your nervous system as a necessary support for health, just like you would by visiting a dentist, so it can help take care of you!

Dr. Sams owns Beaufort Chiropractic on Lady's Island.

A Charlotte native with a B.A. in Economics from UNC Chapel Hill, Dr. Sams graduated from Sherman College of Chiropractic in 2002. She has written legislation addressing health concerns, helping to bills pass in many states.

She ran for Congress in 2020 to represent western NC.

She practices with her oldest daughter who is a chiropractor, acupuncturist and massage therapist. She can be reached at 843-522-1115 or at beaufortchiropractic@gmail.com

USCB Chamber Music

A

Season of

By Michael Johns

USCB Chamber Music returns for its 2022-23, five-concert season with internationally respected players, some new to the series and some audience favorites. Artistic Director, pianist and host Andrew Armstrong has carefully assembled programs that will inflame the passions, satisfy intellectual curiosity, and offer serene listening with vibrant sounds and pleasing melodies. He is offering twenty-four works by twenty-two different composers— male and female, young and old, spanning three centuries. There is something for everyone.

Violinist Arnaud Sussman

On Sunday, November 6, 5:00pm, the season begins. Featured works by American composers Julia Perry (Prelude for Piano) and Florence Price (Elfentanz for Viola and Piano), Ludwig van Beethoven (Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano, Opus 11), Maurice Ravel (Habanera and Rigaudon, from Le Tombeau de Couperin, arranged for French horn and Piano), Johan Halvorsen (Sarabande con variazione for Violin and Viola) will lead up to the dazzling concluding work, the hyper-romantic Sextet for Violin, Viola, Cello, Horn, Clarinet and Piano, Op. 37 by Ernst von Dohnányi.

Performing this varied array will be a stellar group of superb artists joining Mr. Armstrong: the legendary Philip Meyers, principal horn of the New York Philharmonic from 1980-2017 who soloed with the orchestra every year of his tenure; Dominic Desautels, principal clarinetist at the Canadian Opera Company and adjunct assistant professor of clarinet at the University of Toronto; violist Beth Guterman Chu, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra principal viola since 2013 and a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center; violinist Arnaud Sussmann, winner of a 2009 Avery Fisher Career Grant, a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center since 2006, and worldwide soloist, recording artist and chamber musician; and cellist Alice Yoo, Co-founder and Co-Artistic director of the Denver Chamber Music Festival, faculty member at Colorado State University as well as the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music and a regular performer in numerous chamber music festivals.

The December 11 concert rings in the holidays with trios for flute, cello and piano by Louise Farrenc and Claude Debussy, Prokofiev's Cello Sonata, Op 119 and Arron Copland's Duo for Flute and Piano. Flutist Tara Helen O'Connor was a recipient of an Avery Fisher Career Grant and is now a Season Artist of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Former USCB Chamber Music Artistic Director, cellist Edward Arron, makes a welcome return with his warm humanity, insightful musicianship, and impeccable technique.

On January 22, the Ehnes-Armstrong Duo will collaborate on the Franck Violin Sonata and arrangements of two stunningly beautiful arias by Eric Korngold from his 1920 opera Die tote Stadt. Violinist James Ehnes is an artist in the middle of a major international per forming career, and we are indeed fortunate that he has made Beaufort a stop on his itinerary during each (continued on page 8)

Pianist and Artistic Director Andrew Armstrong

Violinist Amy Schwartz Moretti

(continued from page 7) of the past three seasons. Andy will return following intermission to perform the original piano version of Modest Mussorgsky's monumental Pictures at an Exhibition. In ad dition to being a pianistic tour-de-force this performance will celebrate a grant from the SC Arts Commission supporting our collabo ration with area high school art teachers and the USCB Art faculty. Mussorgsky conceived the score with specific pictures in mind, com bining the power of the visual and audial arts. While Andy performs Pictures at an Exhibi tion, listeners will view selected artwork sub mitted by area juniors and seniors. Andy will then provide a special student concert on Monday morning where art awards and scholarships will be presented.

The February 19 concert exemplifies the idea that programming is more art than science. Its palindromic form moves from chatty, feel-good American entertainment to thought-provoking German inner depths and back out to New York sunshine, leaving listeners with a skip in their step and a re-nourished soul. Beginning with George Gershwin (I Got Rhythm, for Piano) and ending with Samuel Barber's saucy, splashy Souveniers, for Piano 4-hands, Op. 28, the meaty middle features Brahms (“Intermezzo” and “Capriccio” from Fantasien, Op. 116 for Piano), Robert Schumann (Dichterliebe “A Poet's Love,” for Tenor and Piano. Op. 48), Franz Schubert, (Fantasia in F minor, for Pia no 4-hands, D. 940) and Richard Strauss (Mor gan! “Tomorrow,” Op. 27, No. 4, for Tenor and Piano.) Andy will be joined by fellow pianist Orion Weiss, an Avery Fisher Career Grant winner, repeat concerto performer with

Violinist James Ehnes

major U.S. orchestras, including those of Boston, Cleveland, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia and a frequent chamber music collaborator. Joining the pianists will be Cantor Daniel Mutlu, who has sung with preeminent organizations and houses of worship, most notably in the Trinity Choir Wall Street, the Houston Symphony, the Houston Grand Opera, the Houston Bach Society, and as the main cantorial soloist for the Night Holocaust Project on international tours.

The season’s final concert, on March 12, has three works: William Grant Still's tender Suite for Violin and Piano, Arno Babajanian's passionate, romantic Piano Trio in F-sharp minor, and one of Felix Mendelssohn's greatest and most popular chamber works, Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49. Violinist Amy Schwartz Moretti, equally versatile as a

chamber musician, concertmaster, and educa tor and Juilliard-trained Raphael Bell, a principal cellist, chamber musician, teacher, and festival director across Europe and the US, will join our extraordinarily talented Artistic Director. Hearing him on a regular basis has spoiled series subscribers as they have come to expect his witty and unscripted stage remarks, brilliant pianism, and artistic intensity. Not one to sit on his laurels while away from Beaufort, Andy recently recorded a new solo album of American composers for release on an international label in 2023 and has readied himself for November 2022 performances of the complete Beethoven Violin Sonata cycle with James Ehnes in Melbourne, Australia.

Each of these artists has invested a significant portion of their career to the emotionally fulfilling creation of chamber music, where involvement with colleagues and audience is personal in scale and intense in conversation. The difference between the Beaufort and New York City chamber music scenes is that here the artists do most of the traveling. For the audience, the drive is shorter and parking is less expensive. The talent of the performers, however, it the same.

It is possible to listen and watch almost all of this season's music as a YouTube video on your phone or in HD. That awareness generates a type of detached exposure but does not create magic. For a deeper immersion one needs to be in a silent, darkened performance space at a specific time, surrounded by fellow audience members, watching and listening to brilliant performers bring to life skillfully crafted works of human invention. When these attributes converge it creates an experience larger than the sum of its

elements. It's also one-and-done. The hundreds of intimate connections seen and heard during the performance will never be repeated exactly as you experience them at that moment.

Join us for USCB Chamber Music's impressive 43rd season. There are multiple ways to enjoy the concerts—In Person, Live-Stream and On-Demand. All virtual concerts are professionally produced, creating great viewing opportunities. On-Demand is accessible four days after the concert and available to view at your leisure for three weeks. For concert/ticket information, go to www.uscbchambermusic. com or call 843-208-8246, Monday through Friday. All concerts will be at the USCB Center for the Arts on Carteret Street at 5:00 pm on the following Sundays: November 6, December 11, January 22, February 19 and March 12.

Flutist Tara Helen O'Connor

Seventh Annual Pat Conroy Literary Festival

The Pat Conroy Literary Festival began as Pat Conroy’s 70th birthday celebration in October 2015 and now continues as an annual signature event of the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center. This year’s Conroy Festival will be held on October 28 through 30 as a series of free and ticketed events in Beaufort and Bluffton featuring author discussions, writers workshops, a storytelling and musical performance, and a screening of the film Conrack in honor of the 50th anniversary of Pat Conroy’s 1972 teaching memoir The Water Is Wide.

Advance registration for all events is now open at www.patconroyliteraryfestival.org.

FRIDAY EVENTS, 10/28

3:00-4:30 p.m.: Author Event: Panel discussion with four winners of the Willie Morris Award for Southern Fiction: Nathan Harris (The Sweetness of Water), De’Shawn Charles Winslow (In West Mills), Bren McClain (One Good Mama Bone), and Mindy Friddle (Secret Keepers). Book signing to follow, at the USC Beaufort Center for the Arts (free event, donations welcome)

5:00-6:15 p.m.: The Water is Wide Panel Discussion: Honoring the 50th anniversary of Pat Conroy’s 1972 teaching memoir The Water Is Wide, the panel discussion will include Conroy’s Daufuskie Island student turned celebrity chef and cultural historian Sallie Ann Robinson, historian Larry Rowland, and two of Conroy’s teaching colleagues, George Westerfield and Peter Walter, moderated by Ellen Malphrus, at the USC Beaufort Center for the Arts (free event, donations welcome)

6:45-9:00 p.m.: Film Screening of Conrack, also featuring live vocal performances by Marlena Smalls, teacher recognitions, and a new scholarship announcement, at the USC Beaufort Center for the Arts (free event, donations welcome)

1:00-2:30 p.m.: Author Event: Thrity Umrigar, author of the novel Honor , in conversation with Margaret Evans. Book signing to follow, at the USC Beaufort Center for the Arts (free event, donations welcome)

2:30-4:00 p.m.: Author Event: George Dawes Green, author of the novel The Kingdoms of Savannah, in conversation with Scott Graber. Book signing to follow, at the USC Beaufort Center for the Arts (free event, donations welcome)

Hahn Family Wines, Oyster Cay Collection, Eugene A. Rugala & Associates, University of South Carolina Beaufort, Lowcountry Presbyterian Church, the Beaufort Bookstore, the Storybook Shoppe, NeverMore Books, Annie Powell - Welcome Home Beaufort, Allen Patterson Builders, Foolish Frog, Zippy

Lube of Sea Island Parkway, Lynn & Wheeler, CPAs, PA, Marly Rusoff & Mihai Radulescu, Carol Dawson, Patricia A. Denkler, and others.

This year’s presenting authors and workshop instructors include journalist and novelist Thrity Umrigar, author of Honor; Edgar Award-winning novelist and founder of The Moth, George Dawes Green, author of The Kingdoms of Savannah; four winners of the Willie Morris Award for Southern Fiction: Nathan Harris, author of The Sweetness of Water, De'Shawn Charles Winslow, author of In West Mills, Bren McClain, author of One Good Mama Bone, and Mindy Friddle, author of Secret Keepers; memoirist Judy Goldman, author of Child; Will You Grow founder Angelique Medow; Pat Conroy’s Beaufort High School student Valerie Sayers, author of The Age of Infidelity; Conroy’s Daufuskie Island student Sallie Ann Robinson, author of Sallie Ann Robinson’s Kitchen; and children’s authors Rebecca Dwight Bruff, author of Stars of Wonder, and Susan Montanari, author of The Halloween Tree.

SATURDAY EVENTS, 10/29

11:00-noon: Virtual Author Event: Judy Goldman, author of the memoir Child , live-streamed on the Conroy Center’s Facebook page and also accessible on Zoom with advance registration. (free event, donations welcome)

7:00-9:45 p.m.: Storytelling Event: With Moth founder George Dawes Green, featuring MC Jon Goode, Scott Gibbs and the Beaufort Mass Choir, Alibis with Peter Zamuka and Steve Faulkner, plus several local storytellers. Followed by a champagne and cake reception celebrating the Moth’s 25th anniversary, at the USC Beaufort Center for the Arts ($25/person, $10/student discount)

SUNDAY EVENT, 10/30

2:00-3:30 p.m.: Author Event: Children’s Authors Rebecca Dwight Bruff (Stars of Wonder) and Susan Montanari (The Halloween Tree) in conversation with Sally Sue Lavigne of the Storybook Shoppe. Book signing to follow, at Lowcountry Presbyterian Church of Bluffton (free event, donations welcome)

The 7th Annual Pat Conroy Literary Festival is made possible by the generous support and collaboration of the Robert S. Handler Trust, the Reba and Dave Williams Foundation for Literature and the Arts, the Willie Morris Awards at the University of Mississippi, the Rhett House Inn, the Anchorage 1770 Inn, the Best Western Sea Islands Inn, Susan DeLoach Photography,

Learn more about the Pat Conroy Literary Center online at www.patconroyliterarycenter.

org or in person at 601 Bladen Street in downtown Beaufort, where the Center is open to the public Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m. or other times by appointment.

Author Thrity Umrigar

Novelist and Moth founder George Dawes Green

Karen Spears Zacharias at NeverMore Books

NeverMore Books, in partnership with the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center, will host an evening with award-winning writer and Gold-Star Daughter Karen Spears Zacharias, author of The Murder Gene, on Tuesday, October 4, at 5:00 p.m. This free event will be held at NeverMore Books (910 Port Republic Street) with books available for sale and signing. Please call NeverMore to reserve your seat: 843-812-9460. The author conversation will also be live-streamed on the Conroy Center Facebook page.

between the violent actions of grandfather and grandson compels the question: Is there such a thing as a murder gene?

Praise for The Murder Gene: George Singleton, author of You Want More, says, "Written with compassion and insight, The Murder Gene is a cross between Forensic Files and In Cold Blood. I love this book."

Bob Welch, author of Boy in the Mirror writes, "In a world of dime-a-dozen crime stories, Zacharias unearths one like no other I've read. This exhaustively researched book is deep in its linking of two murders to nature as well as nurture, wide in its piecing together thousands of pieces to create a single puzzle, and chilling in its reminder that evil, unfortunately, abides. The result is a book that will make you reconsider the insidiousness of murder in an all-new way.”

Author Karen Spears Zacharias

About the Book: As the soft-spoken, highly intelligent son of missionaries in Morganton, North Carolina, Luke Chang gave no indication of the killer he would become. But after hacking into a teacher’s computer at his school, a stint in the Marines was his only option. As a young recruit, Luke was taunted for being a virgin who didn’t cuss, drink, or smoke pot. That all changed when Luke met Casey Byrams, a fun-loving musician and fellow Marine from Cullman, Alabama. Their friendship set off a series of events that would eventually lead Luke to Pendleton, Oregon, where he brutally murdered nineteenyear-old Amyjane Brandhagen in August 2012. When Luke attempted to kill another woman almost a year later, Pendleton Police knew they had a serial-killer wannabe on their hands.

Some forty years prior to Amyjane’s murder, Luke’s maternal grandfather, Gene Dale Lincoln, murdered a young Michigan woman and attempted to abduct a twelve-year-old girl. The similarities

Karen Spears Zacharias is an awardwinning author of numerous books, both fiction and nonfiction. A former crime beat reporter, she has taught journalism at Central Washington University, and her work has been featured on NPR, CNN, and Good Morning America. Her op-eds have appeared in the Washington Post and the New York Times. A Gold-Star daughter, Karen and her husband Tim make their home in Deschutes County, Oregon.

Learn more about NeverMore Books at www.nevermorebooks.com. Learn more about the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center at www.patconroyliterarycenter.org

Katherine Reay Kicks Off Lunch with Author Series

The University of South Carolina Beaufort Lunch with Author 2022-2023 Series begins on Wednesday, October 5 at The Belfair Clubhouse, starting at noon. Katherine Reay will be discussing her historical fiction novel The London House. A national bestselling and awardwinning novelist, Reay is author of Dear Mr. Knightley, Lizzy and Jane, The Brontë Plot, A Portrait of Emily Price, The Austen Escape, and The Printed Letter Bookshop.

buried in the past? Together, Caroline and Mat uncover stories of spies and secrets, love and heartbreak, and the events of one fateful evening in 1941 that changed everything.

About the Author: Katherine Reay is the national bestselling and award-winning author of Dear Mr. Knightley, Lizzy and Jane, The Brontë Plot, A Portrait of Emily Price, The Austen Escape, and The Printed Letter Bookshop. All Katherine’s novels are contemporary stories with a bit of classical flair. Katherine holds a BA and MS from Northwestern University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and is a wife, mother, former marketer, and avid chocolate consumer. After living across the country and a few stops in Europe, she now happily resides outside Chicago, IL.

Join us for lunch with author Katherine Reay at Belfair Country Club on Wednesday, October 5 at 12:00 pm. Books will be available for purchase and the author will be signing books. Reservations must be made by September 27. Tickets are $50. The Lunch With Author series will continue on November 22, with Karen Grassle and her new book Bright Lights, Prairie Dust. For additional information go to: USCBCenter fortheArts.com or call 843-521-4145.

Author Katherine Reay

About the Book: Uncovering a dark family secret sends one woman through the history of Britain’s World War II spy network and glamorous 1930s Paris to save her family’s reputation.

Caroline Payne thinks it’s just another day of work until she receives a call from Mat Hammond, an old college friend and historian. But pleasantries are cut short. Mat has uncovered a scandalous secret kept buried for decades: In World War II, Caroline’s British great-aunt betrayed family and country to marry her German lover.

Determined to find answers and save her family’s reputation, Caroline flies to her family’s ancestral home in London. She and Mat discover diaries and letters that reveal her grandmother and great-aunt were known as the “Waite sisters.” Popular and witty, they came of age during the interwar years, a time of peace and luxury filled with dances, jazz clubs, and romance. The buoyant tone of the correspondence soon yields to sadder revelations as the sisters grow apart, and one leaves home for the glittering fashion scene of Paris, despite rumblings of a coming world war.

Each letter brings more questions. Was Caroline’s great-aunt a traitor and Nazi collaborator, or is there a more complex truth

Art League Hosts Regional Juried Craft Show

CraftHiltonHead2022, Art League’s 8th Juried Fine Art Craft Guild Exhibition, will showcase 2- and 3-dimensional fine art craft that encompass exemplary creativity, experimentation and imagination. 47 artists from the South east will be represented, with cash awards totaling over $3,000.

“This exhibit only occurs once every two years. You won’t want to miss it,” says Kristen McIntosh, Art League General Manager. “This is a juried show, so the quality of the pieces is exceptional. We are very fortunate to be able to showcase such talent right here on Hilton Head.”

The judging will be done by Joanna Angell, a fourth-generation artist working in ceramics, printmaking, drawing and painting. Angell has won a number of merit and purchase awards in juried exhibitions, and was three times includ ed in the traveling exhibit Palmetto Hands. Her work can be found in numerous private and corporate collections including the Presi dent’s collection at the University of Georgia.

This exclusive presentation of a wide vari ety of imaginative crafts will be on display and for sale October 4-November 12, 2022. An awards reception will be held Wednesday, Oc tober 5, 5-7pm. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

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

Tranquility Interrupted by Stephen Sherwin, right Green Carved Form by Jim Connell, left

BSO Features Violinist Lilyanne Thoroughman

By Connie Brotzman

When violinist Lilyanne Thoroughman was nine years old she made a six-city concert tour of China with the Cincinnati Starling Chamber Orchestra. During that tour she played two pieces as soloist. Quite impressive, given that the 25 members of the string ensemble were the top players from the prestigious Cincinnati Starling Project, a pre-college program for young string players at the University of Cincinnati’s College - Conservatory of Music.

Lilyanne has been studying under the founder and director of CSP, Kurt Sassmannshaus, since she was five years old. At 16 she now has quite a list of accomplishments. She won first prize in the concert competition for the Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra and played the Sibelius concerto with them last year.

Instead of focusing on competitions she has made it her goal to learn as many concerti in the violin repertoire as possible before college. The Beethoven concerto she will play with the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra makes 29, so far.

“Every time I am asked to play with an orchestra it’s like winning an award, and playing with the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra is like First Prize for me,” she said.

“I was introduced to Lilyanne by a trusted colleague who recommended her highly,” said Maestro Frederick Devyatkin, Music Director and Conductor for Beaufort Symphony Orchestra. “He sent a video of one of her recent performances and I was immediately struck by her formidable command and poise.”

After reviewing several more performances he spoke with her and she asked him if he would consider doing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D Major. “A fifteen-year-old playing this Beethoven?” he remarked. “Then again, Joachim made it his signature concerto premiering at the age of twelve. Our audience is in for a real treat!”

Lilyanne is from Williamstown, Kentucky, just an hour’s drive from the Ohio border and Cincinnati. The youngest of seven children, she and her siblings have been home schooled, and her mom, Gwen, and dad, Doug, often took the entire family to attend Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra concerts, instilling in her a love of classical music. At age four, after a concert, she asked her mother if she could play the violin. At age five she had her first lesson.

“Without my parents’ influence I would have never found the violin and would certainly not be where I am today,” she said. “They both cheer me on at all of my concerts, and my mom has come to every violin lesson as far back as I can remember.”

More than anything else Lilyanne believes that music has the power to show love and bring people together. “One of my favorite things about playing music is making people feel happy,” she said. She thinks this is best done when the music is live, “because I get to see the reaction on the people’s faces, and when I am playing solo with an orchestra I get to interact with all the other musicians.”

In addition to the Blue Ash Montgomery Orchestra, Lilyanne has soloed with the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, the Starling Chamber Orchestra and the Starling Showcase Orchestra, and was associate concertmaster at age 12 of the Blue Lake International Youth Orchestra. She has also performed in concerts in six cities in France and Germany.

Lilyanne plans to pursue a degree in violin performance in college. Right now she is uncertain of where she wants to go with her career as a violinist but she knows that it will not end once she has graduated high school.

“I’ve always had a deep love of chamber music so I would like that to be a part of my future in some way,” she said.

As young as she was when she took up the violin, she was only three years old when she started ballet lessons. She currently studies at the Prep Department at the College Conservatory of Music, dancing en pointe. “Ballet has been extremely helpful to me as a violinist,” she shared. “Learning how to move my body with the music I am playing helps me build stage presence and musicality.”

Lilyanne will play Beethoven’s concerto on an Italian violin by Stefano Scarampella (1843-1925), on loan to her from Cincinnati College – Conservatory of Music. “I love this concerto because it focuses on the purity, clarity and serenity of Beethoven’s beautiful melodies rather than showing off the soloist’s

technique with fiery, flamboyant passages throughout,” she explained. “It is an incredible work that many violinists dream of playing one day.”

“Maestro Devyatkin and my teacher, Kurt Sassmannshaus share a wonderful quality,” observed Lilyanne. “They both feel that age should not be a limiting factor in the music you select. “The Maestro was very encouraging that I play the Beethoven even though I just turned 16. He’s helping me to fulfill one of my dreams.”

The Sunday afternoon concert will be held on Oct. 9, at 4:00 pm, at Beaufort High School Performing Arts Center, 84 Sea Island Parkway, Beaufort, SC. 29907. Tickets may be purchased on the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra’s website at: www.beaufort orchestra.org or call (800)595-4TIX(4849) $40 adults, $15 students. Remaining tickets at the door if available.

Violinist Lilyanne Thoroughman

Say Goodbye to Summer

After many months of hot and humid temperatures, our Lowcountry summer is finally coming to an end. Autumn is my most favorite time of the year. Just a hint of cooler weather inspires me with all kinds of new recipe ideas. I’m excited to share some of these latest culinary creations with you. This week’s recipes are from a small dinner party that Vince and I hosted last weekend. We didn’t entertain much at all over the summer. I took a little time off, we had new flooring installed, did some remodeling and stuff like that. Summer came and went while we dined on tacos, hot dogs and pizza delivery. With a newly whetted appetite for all things delicious, I’m happy to be back in the kitchen. Fall catering is in full swing and photographer/videographer Susan DeLoach and I are taping some new demonstrations for our “My Fabulous Cooking Show” on YouTube. Please tune in. We’ll be presenting some tasty new holiday episodes over the next several months. Happy Cooking!

WHIPPED FETA WITH HONEY AND PITA

GREEK SALATA

Greek salads are a common addition to any Greek meal. They're also wonderful on their own.

Authentic salads consist of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions and are dressed with an herb-seasoned vinaigrette. Extras such as pepperoncini, kalamata olives, anchovies and feta cheese may or may not be included.

For the vinaigrette:

6 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

½ cup red wine vinegar

Salt and pepper, to taste

4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

In a small bowl, whisk vinaigrette ingredients together until well mixed; set aside. Place lettuce , cucumber, tomatoes, olives, red onion and pepperoncini in a large salad bowl. Dress with vinaigrette; toss to coat. Top with feta cheese. Refrigerate any unused vinaigrette. Serves 4 to 6.

GRILLED PORK SOUVLAKI WITH DILLY CUCUMBER SAUCE

For the sauce:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

½ cup diced cucumber, skin and seeds removed

1 teaspoon dried dill weed Salt and pepper, to taste

For the pork:

¼ cup red wine

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 whole pork tenderloins, cut into 3/4-inch cubes

1½ teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Velvety rich, sweet and salty. This quick and easy dip is perfect for pre-dinner cocktail time.

4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

4 ounces crumbled feta cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon minced garlic

½ teaspoon dried basil

¼ cup honey

1 tablespoon chopped pistachios

1 teaspoon finely chopped chives

Few grinds of black pepper from a peppermill Pita bread, sliced

In a food processor, combine cream cheese, feta, olive oil, garlic and basil until smooth and mixed well. Scoop cheese onto a small dish or shallow bowl. Use a spoon to create a well in the center of the cheese. Fill the well with honey. Garnish with chopped pistachios, chopped chives and a few grinds of black pepper. Serve with pieces of pita bread. Serves 4.

For the salad:

1 head romaine lettuce, chopped

½ English cucumber, seeded and diced

8 to 12 cherry tomatoes, quartered

½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

Thinly sliced red onion, to taste

8 pepperoncini, seeded and sliced

By Debbi Covington

In a bowl, mix yogurt with cucumber and dill weed. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. In a glass bowl, pour wine and olive oil over pork; toss to coat. Sprinkle with oregano, salt and pepper; toss again. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Thread on 6 skewers. Grill over medium heat to desired doneness. Serve with prepared sauce. Serves 6.

ROASTED ROSEMARY POTATOES

Variety is the spice of life! Use as many different baby potatoes as are available to make this dish both colorful and delicious.

2½ pounds small potatoes

1 medium red onion, cut into wedges

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

2 tablespoons snipped fresh rosemary

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 medium red sweet pepper, cut to bite-sized strips

3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

If potatoes are large, cut them into quarters. Combine potatoes, onion wedges, 2 tablespoons olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Toss to coat.

Arrange potato mixture in a single layer in a greased shallow roasting pan. Roast, uncovered, in a preheated 450 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender and lightly browned, stirring twice. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar and the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; whisk to combine. Add the red pepper to the oil mixture. Add the pepper mixture to the roasted potatoes immediately after removing from the oven; toss to coat. Turn into a serving bowl; sprinkle with pine nuts. Serve warm or at room temperature. Serves 8.

CHOCOLATE GREEK YOGURT CUPCAKES WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE GANACHE FROSTING

These are hands-down the BEST chocolate cupcakes I’ve ever baked. They’re moist, rich and decadent without being too sweet. The frosting is my all-time favorite!

For the frosting:

1 cup heavy whipping cream

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the cupcakes:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup cocoa powder (I used Hershey’s Special Dark)

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ cup sugar

1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed

¼ teaspoon salt

1 large egg

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/3 cup Greek yogurt

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup coffee

Heat whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl until cream begins to steam, but not boil. Stir in chocolate chips until chips are melted and mixture is well combined. Place bowl in refrigerator for 2 hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. In a large bowl, sift together allpurpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, brown sugar and salt. In a larger bowl, blend the egg, vegetable oil, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract and coffee with a hand mixer. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until combined. Divide

batter into the prepared cupcake pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let

cool completely before frosting. Remove ganache from the refrigerator and beat with an electric mixer until frosting is light and fluffy. Spread on cupcakes. Refrigerate cake until ready to serve. Makes 12.

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.

Hilton Head Oyster Festival Returns

The Island Recreation Association and South State Bank are pleased to announce the Hilton Head Oyster Festival is back again! “We are preparing for another great crowd,” says Special Event Director Joe Cain.

Friday November 11 from 5-8pm: All You Can Eat Event at Shelter Cove Park. All you can eat steamed local oysters, lowcountry boil, pulled pork, seafood chowder & chili. Drinks sold separately. Live music and limited availability. Live music: Crosstown Traffic. $55 for adults, $45 for children. Tickets and all purchases inside the festival need to be made through the Crowdblink App.

Saturday November 12 from 10am-4pm: Main Event at Lowcountry Celebration Park. Restaurants compete for best Seafood Dish. Admission $8 before Oct 1, $10 after Oct 1,

children 10 and under are FREE. Includes admission to the event to enjoy live music and browse local artisan pop up shops. Food, beverages, and kid’s activities sold separately. Tickets and all purchases inside the festival need to be made through the Crowdblink App. Bands and Entertainment: 10 - 11 am: Cameron Tate Band, 11 - 1 pm: Deas Guyz, 1 - 2 pm: Cameron Tate Band, 2 - 4 pm: Draucker, Oyster Shucking Contest 1:10 pm

New this year: All purchases for Oyster Festival will be done with your Crowdblink app. No cash, no credit cards. Crowdblink generates a personalized QR code that gets scanned when you want to pay. Simply create your Crowdblink account, buy tickets, and save your credit card. No more paper tickets!

To find out more about the festival visit: www.Hiltonheadoysterfestival.com

Splashing Good Time!

Puppy Plunge is back at the YMCA

Well-behaved canines of all breeds and sizes are welcome to attend the YMCA Puppy Plunge beginning October 22, 2022 at the Y outdoor pool (1801 Richmond Ave., Port Royal) from 9 am – 11am.

The cost is $10 per DOG and all proceeds benefit the Y’s Learn to Swim program, which teaches local youth and adults to swim at a reduced cost or for free.

“Since the outdoor pool will be closed to humans, it’s time to let the dogs out! says Perri Flaherty, YMCA Aquatics Director. “We’re looking forward to having as many pups as possible splashing, swimming and playing in our safe outdoor pool area. Of course, we’re also hoping to raise as much money as possible to supplement swim lessons, so everyone bring your pups to the Y!”

Additional dates for the Puppy Plunge are November 19 and December 17, 2022 and January 28, February 25, and March 25, 2023.

Owners will be required to sign a waiver before entering the enclosed, exterior pool area (use the side entrance gate), must be present with their pups at all times, and humans are not permitted to swim in the Puppy Plunge. We ask that pets be up-to-date on all vaccinations. This event is weather depen dent so check the YMCA social media (Facebook & Twitter) or call the Y front desk (843-522-9622) the morning of the Puppy Plunge to check any status update.

The 6th Short Story America Conference on Short Fiction will be held in Beaufort at the Dataw Island Club the weekend of November 4-6, leading off with a book launch, reading and signing by Hilton Head-based author John MacIlroy of his acclaimed new short story collection, Whatever Happens, Probably Will, which has been praised by numerous writers as the work of one of the new masters of the short story. This free book event will be part of the Friday evening Short Story America reception at the historic Lewis Reeve Sams House at 601 Bay Street in downtown Beaufort. Authors from around the country will be in town for the

conference, with presentations and readings Saturday and Sunday by leading authors such as Mathieu Cailler of Los Angeles, John Engell of San Francisco, Lawrence Buentello of San Antonio, William R. Hincy (Los Angeles), Ray Morrison (Winston-Salem, NC), Jane Austen expert Susan Alvis (Asheville, NC), and local authors John MacIlroy, Tim Johnston (author of Reciprocity), Doris Wright, Jayne Adams, John

MacIlroy, M.Z. Thwaite, Vernie Singleton, Ginny Hall-Apicella, Dana Ridenour, and more. The detailed schedule will appear in Lowcountry Weekly in the next issue, but seats are limited so get your passes now by going to www.shortstoryamerica.com. The weekend pass to all events is just $35, as the conference is not for profit. The reception Friday evening featuring John MacIlroy's reading and signing is free and open to the public.

Ann

Classifieds Classifieds

TO RENT or OWN

ITALY: Tuscany townhouse for rent by the week in historic UNESCO village. Sleeps 4, large furnished garden, easy walk to shops and excellent restaurants. www.cozyholidayrentals.com or 401-862-2377.

FURNISHED LUXURY APT Heart of downtown Beaufort. 2BR, 2BA, W/D, Housewares. $600/ wk. $2200/mo. 522-9003.

EMPLOYMENT

ART, PLAY & ORR COUNSELING is looking to hire a Counselor with masters mental health degree. Fulltime or part time. Health insurance provid ed. Email resume and cover letter to dr.penny@ artplayandorr.com

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

BEAUFORT COUNTY LIBRARY ONGOING PROGRAMS & CLASSES Knitting/Crochet Club 1st Tuesdays @ 2:30; Line Dance Class 1st & 3rd Thurs days @ 3:30; Basic Computer Skills Class Wednes days @ 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 Tues days @ 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 Pinto Bean Studio forming morning, afternoon and eve ning classes for adults 18 or older. Beginning & ad vanced classes. Marty Nash at 614-260-6668 or pintobeanstudio@hotmail.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

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 located at 77 Pritchard St. Volunteers can stop by store or contact Cate Taylor, 843-310-0594 or catetaylor@frontier.com

MAYE RIVER QUILTERS meets 1st Saturday of Every Month, at Palmetto Electric Cooperative, 1 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 His tory Center at the Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land's End Road, St. Helena Island is open. Do cent-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, visit ing the history center exhibit hall, or attending a docent-led tour of the property. The Preserve is open to the public Monday through Sunday from dawn to dusk. For more Information visit www. forttremont.org or contact Passive Parks manager Stefanie Nagid at snagid@bcgov.net

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

BEAUFORT TOASTMASTERS CLUB meets from 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm the first & third Tuesday, in the Beaufort College Building, Rm. 103 (USC-Beaufort Campus), 801 Carteret Street, Beaufort. To learn more visit www.beauforttoastmastersclub.org

FREE ACUPUNCTURE FOR VETERANS – 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 Acu puncture and Herbs Clinic. 1214 Prince Street, Downtown Beaufort

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for a few hours each week at St. Francis Thrift Shop. Open Tuesday thru Saturday. Call 843-689-6563 or come in to speak with Mr. Hal. Definitely shop.

COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE Safe & effective centuries old healing system treats and prevents a wide range of health-related conditions. Expe rience individualized treatment in a peaceful group setting. Sliding scale fee. Beaufort Acu puncture, 12 Fairfield Rd, 5B, Lady’s Island. For info and to schedule: (843) 694-0050 or www. BeaufortAcupuncture.com

SECOND HELPINGS seeking Day Captains and other volunteers to crew our trucks distributing food to local charities. Flexible schedule at your convenience. Email officeadmin@secondhelp ingslc.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, listen ing to stories, holding hands, etc. Provide compan ionship to the elderly who often feel lonely and unappreciated. Contact Ashlee Powers at 843592-8453 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, emo tional 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 experi enced a loss and would like support and info asso ciated with grief and bereavement. Corrie Van Dyke, LMSW or Marie James, MA. 843-757-9388

INTERESTED IN HEALTHY EATING? Second Helpings, of Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper coun ties, seeks committee members and chairperson for Healthy Food Program. Funding available to procure fresh produce and protein for the 60 food pantries and soup kitchens served by Second Helpings. Contact Exec. Dir. Lili Coleman, 843-6893616 or execdirector@secondhelpingslc.org.

BORN TO READ working for early childhood lit eracy, needs volunteers to deliver books and ma terials to new mothers at Coastal Community Hosp., HH Hosp., and BMH. Visits are from 10am – noon. More info at borntoread.org. Interested volunteers call 843-379-3350.

ALZHEIMER’S FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER BEAUFORT, Support Groups: Caregiver - Weds., 12:30pm, Senior Services of Beaufort, 1408 Paris Ave., Port Royal; Living with Alzheimer's - for those in very early stages - Mondays 1pm, Parsons Parlor, Carteret Street Methodist Church, 408 Carteret, Beaufort. Respite Programs: Social Day Program10am-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 Memo ry 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 843-521-9190, 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 offering gentle voices and sacred songs, with sin cere kindness. Two to four singers go to bedside when asked and sing a cappella and in harmony. Practice at St. John's Lutheran Church the 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month from 2:30-4:00 pm. Our songs are our gift of service for no charge. Call Pat Keown at 843-476-6073 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. 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 lan guage knowledge necessary. www.theliteracy center.org.

THE SANDALWOOD COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY. Volunteer-based, non-profit provides gro ceries, clothing and basic needs items to ANY ONE 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 843-715-3583 or email sandalwood pantry@gmail.com

PARRIS ISLAND MUSEUM. The legacy of the Ma rine Corps and the history of the Port Royal re gion. Thousands of artifacts, images, and other materials illustrate the stories in exhibit galleries from Native American to modern Marines. FREE admission. Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm and 8am on Family Graduation Days. Closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Info at parri sislandmuseum.com or 843-228-2166.

MEDICAL SERVICES OF AMERICA SEEKS VOL UNTEERS - Volunteers needed for companion ship or skills like yard work, music, and crafts to patients and their families or assist in the office with admin tasks. Volunteers needed in Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper counties. For info contact 843-322-0063

Fun With Fall Flowers

Ihave always wondered why Europeans and Brits seem to be so obsessed with some of our native plants like Golden Rod (Solidago) and Asters (Symphylotrichum).

It turns out that most native European and British flowers and quite a few of their imports from Asia are spring and early summer bloomers. That would leave their gardens looking rather bleak by August. We are so fortunate to have late summer and fall bloomers. And we also have fall color, even in the Lowcountry.

In the 1700s a Quaker by the name of John Bartram made quite a business of shipping plants from North America to England in what became known as Bartram’s Boxes. The Brits could not get enough of the goodies that Bartram shipped from Philadelphia to London. What were in the boxes? Interestingly enough, his most popular item was Liquidambar styraciflua. When I looked it up and found out that it was Sweetgum, I was more than slightly horrified. I hate that tree and its seedpods that look like the Corona Virus. But it does have fall color. Also in the boxes were maple trees (Acer) and Sumac (Rhus). Anything that had color in the autumn was coveted. It was a sign of status among wealthy British aristocrats to have what they called their “American Garden” with imports from abroad. Sumac is still used in garden design today in Britain as a treasured shrub. America is blessed with fall colors and fall flowers that are desirable to the rest of the world.

In my garden, I have a late flowering salvia, Salvia madrensis, that is quite tall and has long forsythia like yellow flowers that last into January or later. Another late bloomer is Hamelia patens or firebush with a profusion of yellow and orange flowers. It can be affected by a hard freeze, but mine have come back. Deer do love it, so beware. Salvia madrensis is left alone by the four hooved marauders.

I also love the Cupheas and they are late bloomers. They have many common names –e.g. Mexican cigarette plant, firecracker bush. One winter, mine bloomed all winter long without stop. It can die for no apparent reason, but replacements are easily found at local nurseries. It is another one on Bambi’s Buffet, but you can grow it in a container and place it out of harm’s way. All of these plants that I have named like full sun.

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are wonderful late summer through the fall bloomers. There are many varieties in nurseries. One to watch for is Mexican Mint Marigold (Tagets lucida) which as Sandra Educate has noted, is a great replacement herb for tarragon. Mexican Marigold can grow into a shrub with feathery leaves and abundant yellow flowers. All Marigolds are good as companion plants because they keep away insect pests and deer do not like their strong smell. Marigolds are native to the American southwest and Central and South America. The flower was associated with legends in prehistoric Mexico and is still used in Day of the Dead celebrations. Marigolds are considered to be annuals, but they can winter over here or spread by seeds for new plants each year.

Another annual that can be perennial is the Snapdragon (Antirrhinum spp.) I love to have winter color in my garden so I buy snapdragons in the fall as soon as I see them and mine last all winter. I usually find that by August, my snapdragons are weary looking and I pull them out and plant new ones. They are not expensive so I allow myself this luxury.

Geraniums (Pelargoniums) also bloom all winter long. They die back in the heat of the

summer, but when autumn comes, they come alive. Geraniums are easily propagated by taking cutting of the stems. You can then root them either in water or a seed starting soil mixture. I have several Geraniums that I have had for years and I keep on making new offspring from their cuttings.

One of my favorite colors of the late fall is Cassia. There are many varieties, but the most common variety down here can grow into a small tree. In the late autumn, they have hundreds of bright yellow flowers attracting bees and other pollinators. They do tend to lose some or all of their leaves in the winter, but they are worth having for that wonderful burst of sunshine yellow.

And our biggest autumn treat in the Lowcountry? Camellia sansanqua! This Camellia has smaller leaves than its brother, Camellia Japonica, and blooms in the late fall to early winter. There are so many different types and colors –some with double blossoms, some with single, and bright pink, white, or red colors. My favorite is a variety called “Yuletide” with red blossoms and bright yellow centers.

By Wendy Hilty

It is a smashing addition to a holiday yard and takes no electricity to work its magic.

And what about Chrysanthemums, I hear you say. I think that they are the essence of fall and I remember fondly getting a Homecoming corsage of a giant football mum at my high school outside of Cleveland. Unfortunately, they do not grow that well down here. I have planted them in the ground from containers after they have gone by and they do come up again. The problem is that they bloom at peculiar times of the year and do not really flourish. I buy them every year for my front porch, but then compost them. You might have better luck than I do. Mums like well-drained soil and mine is definitely not so that may be the issue peculiar to my garden.

Even though our sticky weather does not feel like fall yet, cooler temps are on the way. Our lovely late blooming flowers will keep our gardens looking interesting into the winter.

Wendy Hilty is a Master Gardener and member of the Lowcountry Master Gardeners organization. She is also a member of the Royal Horticultural Society and likes to spend her time attempting to grow an English Cottage Garden in our heat and humidity. Her Comyagardener blog won a state-wide award from Clemson University last year. Wendy firmly believes that the most important tool for a gardener is a good sense of humor.

8th Annual Sea Island Spirit Writers Short Story Contest

Writers, Far and Wide – Here’s a chance to get paid for writing! Sea Island Spirit Writers’ critique group is again sponsoring a short story contest open to all writers 18 years old and up. The word “Quit” must appear in your story of 750 words or less. Your story could net you $100 for first place, $50 for second place, or $25 for third, and publication in Lowcountry Weekly

THE RULES ARE SIMPLE:

• Entry fee is $10 per story. Only one entry per person please.

• All entries must include your name, address, email address and phone number.

• Entries must be received by Monday, October 10, 2022.

• Entries cannot have been previously published. We want new, fresh fiction.

• Digital entries only please. Submit to editor@lcweekly.com by email with “Short Story Contest” in the subject line.

• Payment may be made either by check or credit card. To pay by credit card, call Lowcountry Weekly at 843-522-0418. To pay by check, make checks out to “Lowcountry Weekly”, with “Short Story Con test” in the memo line. Mail to Lowcountry Weekly, 106 West Street Extension, Beaufort SC 29902.

• Winners will be published in the October 27th issue of Lowcountry Weekly.

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. September! Football is Here! Mondays & Tuesdays F&B Nights with Discounts; Open daily at 11:30am. Best Reubens, Phillys, Fish & Chips and Now a Great Shrimp Burger. 17 Years & Counting! (843) 379-7676 or Rosie's on Facebook.

Saltus River Grill, 802 Bay St, Beaufort. (843) 379-3474 or www.saltusrivergrill.com

BLUFFTON/HILTON HEAD

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

Captain Woody’s, 6 Target Rd., Hilton Head 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. 9/28 Lavon Stevens with Quiana Parler, 9/30 & 10/1 Noel Freidline & Maria Howell - Reimagining Motown, 10/5 Bobby Ryder, 10/7 & 10/8 Sharón Clark with the Chris Grasso Trio, 10/12 Lavon Stevens with Quiana Parler, 10/14 & 10/15 The Neal Caine Trio. (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. 9/28 Laughzilla - Stand-up Comedy, 9/29 Hush Hush Review - Burlesque Show, 9/30 Ginger Root; King Pari, 10/1 Melt; Homemade Haircuts, 10/5 Dave East, 10/6 Ryan Griffin; Greylan James, 10/7 Ace Hood; Slim Diesel, 10/8 Enrage Against the Machine - Rag Against the Machine tribute, 10/9 Monophonics; Kendra Morris, 10/12 Lucero, 10/13 Comedy Retreat with Brett and Nthenya - standup, 10/14 Gimme Gimme Disco, 10/15 Emo Night Brooklyn. (843) 4081599 or www.musicfarm.com

The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy, Charleston.

Sundays - The Motown Throwdown, Mondays - Slim & Friends; Tuesdays - Fusion Jonez, WednesdaysGrateful Dead Wednesday with Reckoning. 9/30 Same As It Ever Was - Talking Heads tribute, 10/1 Extra Chill Fest, 10/2 Sierra Hull; Taylor Rae., 10/4 Jerry Joseph, 10/6 Vista Kicks; Supper Club, 10/7 Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band; Hayley Jane, 10/8 Poho Night Marketshop local goods, starts at 5pm, 10/9 Steve Kimock & Friends, 10/12 Evanoff, 10/13 Illiterate Light; Dogwood Tales, 10/14 Arkansauce; Fireside Collective, 10/15 Bob Mould - solo electric; HC McEntire, 10/16 Shot Thru the Heart - Bon Jovi tribute. (843) 571-4343 or www. charlestonpourhouse.com

Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms. 9/29 & 9/30

Big Head Todd & the Monsters; Flash Mob, 10/1 Freebird; 40 Mile Detour, 10/8 Carolina Children's Charity with Yacht Club, 10/9 Colt Ford. (843) 886-8596 or www.thewindjammer.com

Now– 10/2, Paint What You Love and Love What You Paint, an exhibit of work by Mary Treadwell at the Soci ety of Bluffton Artists gallery in Old Town Bluffton. 6 Church Street. www.sobagallery.com

Now – 10/6, Marsh House Collective exhibit at USCB Center for the Arts. www.uscbcenterforthearts

Now – 10/31, Heart and Soul of the South, exhibit of work by the Art Quilters of the Lowcountry at the Coast al Discovery Museum. 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-689-6767. www.coastaldiscovery.org

Now – 2/25/23, The Food We Celebrate. This travel ing exhibit tells the story of selected foodways and how they are celebrated and shared. Morris Center for Low country Heritage in downtown Ridgeland. www.mor risheritagecenter.org

10/3 – 10/30, “Landscapes from Within . . . ” Exhibit of work by Jeanine Potter at The Society of Bluffton Artists gallery in Old Town Bluffton. Reception from 5-7 pm Fri, 10/17 7 at the gallery. Free and open to the public. www.sobagallery.com

10/3 – 10/7, Two-Man Show: Artwork by TJ Cun ningham & Adam Clague at Art League Academy. Reception, free and open to the public, Thur, 10/6 from 5-7pm. 106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Is land, 843-842-5738.

10/4 – 11/12, CraftHiltonHead2022, Art League’s 8th Juried Fine Art Craft Guild Exhibition. Awards recep tion Wed, 10/5, 5-7pm. Exhibit and reception free and open to the public. Art League Gallery is located mid-island inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, 843-681-5060

10/10 – 11/18, Balance: Original Artwork by Richard Grant at Art League Academy. Public reception Wed, 10/12 from 5-7pm. 106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-5738.

Sunday 11/ 6, USCB Chamber Music returns with a concert at 5 pm at USCB Center for the Arts in Beaufort. For more information and tickets, visit www.uscbchambermusic.com

OTHER EVENTS

Sat 10/1, Maye River Quilters meeting at 10 am at Church of the Palms, 1425 Okatie Highway in Oka tie. To attend the meeting as a guest, send an RSVP email to mayeriverquilters@gmail.com. For more information and for membership forms to join the group, call 843-705-9590.

Sat 10/8, Our Cultures, Our Stories. Celebrate His panic Heritage Month it with a tour of Hispanic cul tures, cuisines, music, snacks, and more from 11 am - 1 pm at the Bluffton Library (120 Palmetto Way, in Bluff ton Village). All ages are welcome! For more informa tion about this another library events and programs, visit beaufortcountylibrary.org.

Sat 10/8 – Run Forrest Run 5K: Beaufort Digital Corridor kicks off the Beaufort Triple Crown 5K series, and all proceeds support the mission of bridging the tech career gap between school and work. Run Forrest Run 5k: https://bit.ly/ RunForrestRunBeaufort

Sat 10/15 – Swing Bridge Run: Second in the Beaufort Triple Crown, this 5K run supports Holy Trinity Classical Christian School’s mission to pro vide rigorous classical education to children re gardless of financial means. Swing Bridge Run: https://bit.ly/SwingBridgeRun

Sat 10/22 – Flying Frog 5K: Last race in the Beaufort Triple Crown, this unique course is on the runway at beautiful Beaufort Executive Airport. This race sup ports the Altitude Academy, a Lowcountry program dedicated to educating youth on aviation. Flying Frog 5k: https://bit.ly/RunForrestRunBeaufort

Editors Note:

Events listed here may be subject to postponement or cancellation.

Please check for further information.

THEATER/FILM/DANCE

Now – 10/30, “The Taming” performed by Lean En semble Theater. Preview performance Oct 20 at 7:30, followed by 7:30 performances Oct. 21-22 & 27-29 and 2 pm matinees on Oct 23 and 30. Talkbacks following Oct 21, 23, 28 and 30 performances. HHPS Main Street Theater, 3000 Main Street, Hilton Head. For more information call 843-715-6676, or visit www. leanensemble.org

9/28 – 10/30, Little Shop of Horrors at Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. The sensational horror-come dy-rock musical with an electrifying score by Alan Mencken and Howard Ashman. For tickets visit www.artshhi.com. 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island.

Sat 10/15, Revolution Ballroom Presents: Over The Rainbow - Studio Showcase at USCB Center For The Arts. Doors open at 7pm. At 7:30, professional and student dance exhibitions, presented in two acts with a short intermission. $25 adults, $15 for ages 16 & un der. For tickets visit https://www.revolutionballroom. com/event/rainbow/ or call 843-338-2870

GALLERIES/ART

Now – 9/30, Ebb & Flow: The Fluidity of Paint, an ex hibit of 2D & 3D works by Jean Macaluso at the Art League Academy on Hilton Head, 106 Cordillo Park way, Hilton Head Island, 843-842-5738.

Now – 9/30, Painting the Desert, an exhibit of work by Linda Tully at the Beaufort Art Association Gallery. 913 Bay Street. 843-521-4444.

Now – 10/1, A Tribute: Honoring Past Members and Their Work at Art League Gallery. Mid-island inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, 843-681-5060.

BOOKS/WRITERS

Tues 10/4, Karen Spears Zacharias will be the spe cial guest of NeverMore Books, in partnership with the Pat Conroy Literary Center. The author will dis cuss her new book The Murder Gene at 5 pm, then sign copies. This free event will be held at Never More Books (910 Port Republic Street) with books available for sale and signing. Please call NeverMore to reserve your seat: 843-812-9460. The author con versation will also be live-streamed on the Conroy Center Facebook page.

Wed 10/5, Best-selling novelist Katherine Reay kicks off this year’s USCB Lunch with Author series at The Belfair Clubhouse, starting at noon. Reay will be discussing her new historical fiction novel The London House. Tickets are $50. Visit www.uscbcen terforthearts.com

10/28 – 10/30, 7th Annual Pat Conroy Literary Fes tival in Beaufort and Bluffton. For advance registra tion and a full schedule of events, visit www.patcon royliteraryfestival.org

11/4 – 11/6, 6th Short Story America Conference on Short Fiction will be held in Beaufort at the Dataw Island Club, with a reception on Fri 11/4 at the Lewis Reeves Sams House, 601 Bay Street in downtown Beaufort. For a full schedule of events and to pur chase passes, visit www.shortstoryamerica.com

MUSIC

Fri 10/7, Scott Ainslie will perform at Music on Malphrus, 110 Malphrus Road, Bluffton, at 7 pm. General Admission is $25. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Sun 10/9, Beaufort Symphony Orchestra Concert, featuring Lilyanne Thoroughman on violin. 4 pm at the Beaufort High School Performing Arts Center, 84 Sea Island Parkway, Beaufort. Tickets at: www. beaufortorchestra.org or call (800)595-4TIX(4849) $40 adults, $15 students. Remaining tickets at the door if available.

10/22 – 10/23, Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens, Explore Beaufort from a rare vantage point as gra cious homeowners open their homes and gardens to public view during HBF’s annual Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens. Tickets available at www.his toricbeaufort.org or by phone: 843-379-3331.

Sat 10/29, Annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the Promenade in Old Town Bluffton. To sign up as a walker or Team Captain or to learn more about be coming a sponsor or volunteer, visit http://act.alz. org/blufftonwalk or call 800-272-3900.

Sat 10/29, Art League of Hilton Head 50th Anniversa ry Gala, featuring music by Deaz Guys. Tickets are $150 per person or $1,600 for a reserved VIP table of eight. Starts at 5:30 pm with a reception and raffles, dinner and dancing to follow. Visit www.artleaguehhi.org for tickets and more information.

11/11 – 11/12, Hilton Head Oyster Festival. Great food, live music, kids events, etc. For more informa tion and a full schedule of events, visit www.hilton headoysterfestival.com

Thursdays and some Tuesdays, Tours of the His toric Hunting Island Lighthouse sponsored by the Friends of Hunting Island. Keeper Ted and his team will tell you all about the history of the Light house which was built in 1875 and is the only Light house in South Carolina open to visitors. If you are at least 44 inches tall you may also climb the 167 steps to the top of the Lighthouse for a 360 degree view. Reservations are recommended by calling 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.