f all goes as planned (does it ever? Ask Beaufort city officials who tried hard to have a holiday parade Sunday afternoon to top-off a rather dreary weekend, weather-wise), Beaufort County Council will “celebrate” Monday the use of their newly renovated Council chambers which have been under construction since April.
The renovation project, estimated to cost $1 3 million when the Council approved the project in 2022, was designed to give more public area in the chambers as well as an improved video system. Monday’s council meeting, the last of 2025, was a good test since the topic of Pine Island was resurrected. And anyone who’s been watching this development story knows a crowd can be expected. By the time you’re reading this — since this column’s deadline is Sunday night — we should know whether County Councilman Logan Cunningham of Bluffton is successful in his efforts to convince a majority of his fellow council members to reverse a vote they took in September to stop further negotiations with the Pine Island developers.
What a perfect way to end 2025 — another vote on Pine Island and opening of new County Council chambers so the public can hear better.
Proposed St. Helena RV park plans delayed by review board ST. HELENA ISLAND — The potential of development of Pine Island isn’t the only project that has some St. Helena Island residents stirred up. Plans for a 100-unit RV park
County Council rejects rescinding Sept. vote
Pine Island: 10-1 vote to deny development agreement stands
By
Mike McCombs The Island News
“Who can trust us if we rescind votes?” Beaufort County Council
Chair Alice Howard said, summing up her thoughts at Monday night’s Beaufort County Council meeting.
Shortly after her statement, Howard held a roll-call vote on Councilman Logan Cunningham’s motion to rescind the 10-1 vote from the Sept. 22 Council meeting that upheld the Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO) installed on St. Helena Island years ago and denied a Pine Island development agreement put forth by the representative developer Elvio Tropeano.
And with a 6-4 “No” vote Monday, the Pine Island developer was once again dealt a setback in his efforts to put an 18-hole golf course and 49 houses on the property, which would ultimately be a gated golf resort.
Bluffton’s Cunningham, who is running as a Republican for the 1st Congressional District seat
Wreaths Across America Day
By Mike McCombs
The Island News
Time is almost up.
Wreaths Across America Day is set for noon on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Beaufort National Cemetery, and Beaufort Coordinator David Edwards said Monday that Beaufort is still short more than 1 700 wreaths.
“All I know how to do is to keep begging,” Edwards said. “All I ask people to do is recognize we’ve got servicemen and servicewomen that gave their life for this country, either in combat or through their service, and we should honor these people every year.”
Edwards said the drop dead time to sponsor a wreath is early Saturday morning.
According to Edwards, there are roughly 30,000 interned at Beaufort National Cemetery, and roughly 25 000 wreaths are needed to cover all the headstones. Should Edwards and the Beaufort community close the gap in time, it would make six straight years every headstone had been covered.
LOLITA HUCKABY
Community members surround the just-lit Christmas Tree during the Night on the Town and the Christmas Tree Lighting in downtown Beaufort on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Alice Howard
LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS
Yolanda A. Sams took this photo in her garden in Broad Street. To submit a Lowcountry Life photo, you must be the photographer or have permission to submit the photo to be published in The Island News. Please submit high-resolution photos and include a description and/or names of the people in the picture and the name of the photographer. Email your photos to theislandnews@gmail.com.
VETERAN OF THE WEEK JOHN SMALLS
American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you John Smalls, 77, a native of St. Helena Island, who joined the U.S. Army in Columbia in 1968. After Basic Training at Fort Gordon, Ga., and training in grave registration at Fort Lee, Va., he was as-
signed to duty in Vietnam at Cam Ranh Bay. He spent his tour engaged in transporting troops and supplies to and from such destinations as Da Nang and Nha Trang on the coast of Vietnam.
He separated in 1970 and began working as a phys-
ical security guard for the Imperial Security Company of Memphis. He rose from guarding gates to become an armed bank guard as a Captain in their force. In 1992 he returned to St. Helena and began a 20year career with Gulfstream
Aerospace from which he retired. His oldest son is an Army veteran.
– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207 For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
Dear Readers,
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Last holiday season, my late husband and I – as publishers of The Island News –asked for your help for the first time, and you really came through.
You showed us that you love having a local newspaper – one you can pick up and hold in your hands, with articles about people you know and photos you can actually clip and stick on your fridge or in your scrapbook.
While small newspapers around the country are being bought up by hedge funds –or disappearing altogether, turning many communities into “news deserts” – we’re a locally-owned publication employing editors, reporters, photographers, and salespeople who actually live in Beaufort and care about what happens here.
We’re a newspaper OF the community, BY the community, and FOR the community.
You showed us that this matters to you.
You showed us that you value knowing about last week’s City Council meeting. Yesterday’s school board decision. Friday’s high school football game. You want to know about that new restaurant that just opened … The festival coming up this weekend … The construction work on Bay Street … The shootings on St. Helena … Here at The Island News, we believe that local newspapers are essential – not just to community spirit and cohesion, but to democracy, itself. Sure, we’re here to keep you informed about all the fun stuff – festivals, concerts, parades, adoptable pets, cute kids – but we’re also here to help hold our local leaders accountable.
And for seven years, we’ve been doing it all AT NO CHARGE. My husband Jeff believed passionately that an informed community is a healthy community – and that everybody deserves access to the news. But free news has never been cheap. This time last year, Jeff and I were struggling to pay our terrific staff, having long since given up hope of ever paying ourselves. This year, that struggle continues. Paper prices just keep rising, along with the price of everything else. The old days when advertising could fully support a print newspaper seem to be over for good.
So this Christmas – inspired by the boundless optimism and dedication of my late husband Jeff, whom we lost just three months ago – I’m asking for your help again.
If you love your local newspaper as much as we love producing it for you, please consider making a donation on our website at www.yourislandnews.com, or by sending a check to The Island News, P.O. Box 550, Beaufort, S.C. 29901. Your donation –no matter how small – will not only help keep us going, it will let us know you value what we do!
My staff and I love creating this local newspaper and hope to do so for many years to come. Thank you so much for your readership.
Sincerely, Margaret Evans, publisher
election to fill the seat for the rest of the term of former Mayor Stephen Murray, who resigned in September. December 13
2022: Scott Marshall is announced as the Beaufort City Council’s selection to replace Bill Prokop as City Manager. Prokop was set to retire in January 2023
December 17
1803: The Town of Beaufort is incorporated by the State of South Carolina.
1959: The Richard V. Woods Memorial Bridge, named for a South Carolina Highway Patrol officer killed in the line of duty, is opened, connecting downtown Beaufort with Lady’s Island. – Compiled by Mike McCombs
Do you value your free hometown newspaper – made by locals, for locals? Free news isn’t cheap. Please help support The Island News!
Donations gratefully accepted at www.yourislandnews.com or The Island News, PO Box 550, Beaufort, SC 29901
John Smalls
Mistletoe Market is ready for business
Downtown businesses holding event to attract shoppers despite ongoing construction
By Delayna Earley
The Island News
To uplift and support the downtown Beaufort businesses during the holiday season, the Freedman Arts District is hosting the inaugural Mistletoe Market at Tabby Place beginning Thursday, Dec. 11 and running through Saturday, Dec. 13, from 4 to 8 p.m., each day.
The event will feature festive shopping, entertainment and holiday refreshments as artists, creatives and local shops offer a selection of their most “desirable products.”
“Mistletoe Market is more than an event, it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity and community,” said Cherimie Crane Weatherford, Executive Director of the Freedman Arts District.
“This market reflects what happens when we come together to uplift our artists, support our downtown businesses and share in the joy of the holidays. It truly captures the heart of Beaufort.”
The market was inspired, in part, due to the ongoing construction in downtown Beaufort that has caused a shift in the way that shoppers and visitors are able to travel through the downtown area.
The response from the community has been so great that she is already planning on holding this event again next year as well, as it has not only turned into a way to circumnavigate the issues with the construction, but it has acted as a community building exercise for the downtown retailers as well.
Construction in the downtown Beaufort area began just before the holiday shopping season began, causing concern for many of the business owners who rely on the busier shopping season.
“This couldn’t have come at a worse time,” said Weatherford. “I am a business owner downtown, I own SugarBelle, and when all of this came up that we would have a little bit of difficulty – it’s not in my opinion the end of the world, the closure of that intersection. It’s made things just a little bit more complicated. What we wanted to do is give people a really go reason to shop with as many stores as possible, and my thoughts on that would be get them all under one roof.”
It was at this point that Weatherford started to attract sponsors and decided to involve the Freedman Arts District to help host the event properly.
“I went to my board of directors at the Freedman Arts District, and I just told them this has gone much larger than I thought and I really think we can bring in the artist community,” Weatherford said. “So we did. We brought in the artist community, and my entire board immediately jumped on it. They were like, ‘how can we help?’”
Mistletoe Market patrons can expect live entertainment on select nights, li-
Bbations, inspired holiday photo opportunities, festive décor, and an atmosphere brimming with Lowcountry charm while they shop for handcrafted gifts, unique art and explore local boutiques while soaking in the holiday spirit.
The Freedman Arts District continues to strengthen Beaufort’s identity as a premiere destination for arts and culture through community-driven initiatives and cultural preservation, education and arts.
To date, Weatherford said they have received a little over $20 000 in-kind donations.
“The community has stepped up,” Weatherford said. “I have not – other than one – requested sponsorships or donations, they have been given. The community just came running.”
Originally, Weatherford had planned to fund the event herself when she was unsure about demand and how the community and downtown retailers would react.
She originally set a requirement for the event to have 10 businesses to move forward, currently the event will feature 26 businesses and has five on the waiting list,” said Weatherford.
“All the business owners know each other by their business name, everybody calls me SugarBelle. I call Kilwin’s Chocolate Dave, we all have these little names. None of us have any idea what our names are,” Weatherford said. “I will tell you what we do know. We know each other because business owners don’t get out of their business and we are very fortunate that we’ve all met each other now.”
Editor’s note: Cherimie Crane Weatherford, the Executive Director of the Freedman Arts District and owner of SugarBelle, is also a contributor to The Island News.
Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna. theislandnews@gmail.com.
Krissy A. Oudinot,
MSN, FNP-BC
TO THE PREOPERATIVE ASSESSMENT CLINIC (PAC)
eaufort Memorial has welcomed Krissy A. Oudinot, MSN, FNP-BC, as the lead provider for its Preoperative Assessment Clinic (PAC).
Oudinot is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing/Nurse Practitioner from Millersville University who brings more than 20 years of experience in surgical care and optimizing patient outcomes.
With a decades-long career of assisting orthopedic and spine surgeons in the operating room, Oudinot has developed significant expertise in surgical preparation, perioperative protocols, and post-operative recovery. Her background includes work in pain management and complex orthopedic procedures, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges patients face before and after surgery. She has also managed care for individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease—critical factors in ensuring safe surgical outcomes.
In her new role, Oudinot will oversee comprehensive preoperative evaluations, coordinate multidisciplinary care and provide patient education to reduce surgical risks and improve recovery.
“Knowledge is power,” she said, “and through clear communication, I like to make sure my patients are as informed, healthy and comfortable as possible before they undergo surgery.”
About the Beaufort Memorial Preoperative Assessment Clinic
The Preoperative Assessment Clinic (PAC) helps ensure patients are fully prepared for a safe, successful and stress-free surgery. Referred patients receive a thorough review of their medical history, an evaluation of their current health and any necessary testing to confirm readiness.
During this process, the PAC often identifies chronic conditions such as diabetes, anemia or heart issues that need attention. The team collaborates with the patient, their primary care provider, appropriate specialists and the surgeon to address these concerns before surgery. This approach not only improves surgical outcomes but also supports long-term health.
To learn more about the PAC call (843) 522-7220 or visit
Vendors prepare on Tuesday, Dec. 9, for the Mistletoe Market, an event to be held by the Freedman Arts District on Thursday, Dec. through Saturday, Dec. 13,2025 at The Tabby Place in downtown Beaufort. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Celebrate the Holidays with these Beaufort events
By Delayna Earley The Island News
The holiday season is here, and Beaufort has no shortage of festive events available to help everyone celebrate the season, continuing this week.
Beaufort County Christmas Tree Lighting – Beaufort County Courthouse Plaza
All Beaufort County employees, their families and the public are invited to attend the annual Christmas tree lighting Friday, Dec. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Beaufort County Courthouse Plaza.
Gates will open at 5:30 p.m., and the event is free to the public. There will be an appear-
ance by a special guest from the North Pole arriving in his sleigh, face painting, activities and games, food trucks, and of course lots of music and singing holiday carols.
Parking is available at the Main Administration Building located at 100 Ribaut Rd, Beaufort.
Mistletoe Market – The Beaufort Inn’s Tabby Place
Running from Thursday, Dec. 11 through Saturday, Dec. 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. each day, come sip, shop and support the local businesses that make Beaufort home.
Shop local and support the local businesses that are feeling the impact of the ongoing construction down-
town that is causing a shift in visitor patterns.
Jingle All the Way 5K –Coleman Hall (Building 2) of Technical College of the Lowcountry
Saturday, Dec. 13, beginning at 9 a.m. and hosted by the TCL PTA Club. The 5K run is open to all ages and all proceeds benefit TCL’s Physical Therapist Assistant program. There is a $30 donation per racer and deadline to register is Dec. 9 at www.tcl.edu/jingle.
Jingle Jammie
Jam Dance Party –Revolution Ballroom
On Saturday, Dec. 13, beginning at 7 p.m. get cozy
for some dance lessons, hot chocolate and cozy holiday PJ’s. Open to the public (18+), singles and couples are welcome. Admission is $20 at the door or online.
Christmas Golf Cart Parade – Helena Square, Port Royal On Dec. 13, carts must be lined up at Helena Square by 5:45 p.m. and will head to Shellring after for the official After Party and Awards.
4th Annual Christmas Extravaganza – 1304 Paris Avenue, Port Royal Free event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14 in the Port Royal Pavillion. Free photos with Santa and
Mrs. Claus, refreshments and treats, facepainting and bounce houses.
High Tea with Santa –703 Congress Street On Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. join Santa at Mongolia Cafe for tea, house made soup and a chef curated savory and sweets tower. Reservations required. Call 843-816-8535 for more information.
Cadd Family
Christmas Lights –66 Springfield Road
Running through Dec. 27, the Cadd Family will be lighting up their area of Lady’s Island with their annual Christmas lights display. The display will run from
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. except when it rains.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks –Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park On Dec. 31, at 9 p.m., bring in the New Year in downtown Beaufort at the Waterfront Park while watching fireworks along the Beaufort River. Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort
County Veterans Affairs' Abney, Fermin claim statewide awards
Staff reports Beaufort County Veterans Affairs employees Caroline Fermin and John Abney were nominated for and won two prestigious awards st the annual meeting hosted by the South Carolina Association of County Veterans Affairs Officers.
Fermin, the Director, was named County Veterans Affairs Director of the Year for 2025, while John Abney was named Associate Member of the Year for 2025 Fermin was nominated by Col. Neal Pugliese, USMC (Ret), for County Veterans Affairs Director of the Year. Pugliese is the Beaufort Representative for the S.C. Military Affairs Advisory Council of the S.C. Department of Veterans Affairs.
He recognized Director Fermin's efforts and contributions including: her unwavering commitment to revolutionize Beaufort County Veterans Affairs and significantly enhance its support for veterans; her implementation of processes and programs that have brought about a significant
NEWS BRIEFS
transformation; her tremendous success has been creating and sustaining several vital strategic partnerships at the federal, state, and local levels; her service as a Warrior Advocate Leader traveling to Capitol Hill twice a year to advise legislators on bills that directly impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of veterans; the immeasurable support of state legislation on issues that specifically impact on our County veteran population, such as end-of-life care, assisted living, and similar matters; holds four end-of-life Planning Seminars each quarter.
Fermin is creating workshops to address emerging requirements, such as financial literacy for women veterans, rural veterans, and social worker symposiums as well as the newly created partnership with Lowcountry Legal Volunteers, a local 501(c)3, to offer “wills and powers of attorney” free of charge to our veteran population and holds quarterly clinics.
Nominated by Fermin, Abney was recognized for his outstanding contributions, strong leader-
Beaufort County’s John Abney and Caroline Fermin and were named the County Veterans Associate Member of the Year for 2025 and Affairs Director of the Year for 2025, respectivly. Photo courtesy of Beaufort County
ship, and unwavering dedication to our veterans and their families in Beaufort County.
A 20-year retired Master Sergeant from the Marine Corps, Abney worked tirelessly to break
into the Marine Corps Transition Assistance Program, and he has transformed the department's role as speakers in both the Transition Readiness Seminar (TRS) and the Spouses Transition Assistance Readiness Seminar (STARS).
His relentless efforts ensure that the 1,100 separating service members and their families receive timely and accurate information about their VA benefits, job search, and other post-service resources, helping transitioning Marines, Sailors, and their families approach civilian life with confidence and clarity.
Abney’s dedication to supporting and delivering quarterly Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claims clinics aboard our three installations has set a new standard in veteran assistance. By providing direct assistance with VA benefits to those preparing to leave the service, these clinics have significantly enhanced the speed and efficiency of claims processing, establishing a proactive standard of veteran support in our state.
Dominguez resigns from City of Beaufort
Capital Projects Director Raul Dominguez has left his position with the City of Beaufort.
“Raul will be missed,” City Manager Scott Marshall said in an email. “He was very knowledgeable, thorough in his review with contractors and possesses a strong work ethic.”
Brian Ranger has been elevated to the role of Interim Capital Projects Director. A member of the City’s Public Works Staff, Ranger previously worked in the Town of Bluffton’s Public Works Department. He also has extensive commercial and residential construction project management experience and is a U.S. Army veteran.
County Assessor hosting community events
Beaufort County Assessor Ebony Sanders is hosting two remaining community events at County Library Branches to allow the public an opportunity to meet with her staff and share questions and concerns regarding real property valuation, exemptions, appeals and general property information.
Each community event will be from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. No appointments are necessary. In the event of an unforeseeable change in the date, time, or location, the Assessor’s Office web page will be updated to reflect rescheduling. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Rigg, Appeal/BAA Coordinator at BAA@bcgov.net or 843-2552404
The Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Office will be closed both Friday, Dec. 12, and Friday, Dec. 19, for staff development and meetings.
To contact the Veterans Affairs Administrator, please call Crystal Snowden at 843255-6880 or email csnowden@bcgov.net.
The Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Office assists veterans, their spouses and other dependents with access to government programs for which they are eligible.
Veterans Affairs Counselors are available by appointment only by calling 843-2556880
Registration opens for Spring 2026 BCSO Citizens Police Academy
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has announced in a media release that registration for the Spring 2026 Citizens Police Academy (CPA) is now open. Space is limited, and residents are encouraged to apply early.
The CPA is a free, 9-week program designed for adults who want a deeper understanding of the Sheriff’s Office and its operations. Participants meet once a week and learn about the many divisions, sections, and units that work together to keep Beaufort County safe. Instructional topics include Patrol Operations, the 911 Dispatch
Center, Criminal and Cold Case Investigations, Forensic Services, the Firearms Training Simulator (FATS), and additional safety and crime-prevention resources.
As part of the program, participants will also spend one Saturday with the Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Teams, observing demonstrations by the Aviation and Drone Units, SWAT, K9 Units, Bloodhound Tracking Team, and more.
At the program’s conclusion, each participant will have the opportunity to take part in a ride-along with a patrol deputy.
To best serve residents across the county, the CPA is offered in both northern and southern Beaufort County: Southern Beaufort County CPA: First class is Tuesday, Feb. 3 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Bluffton. • Northern Beaufort County CPA: First class is Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Beaufort.
Julie Rodriquez and her friend hit the halfway mark of the 2025 Turkey Trot on Thursday, Nov. 27. Participants in the Thanksgiving morning 5k race helped
Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry. Asa Aarons Smith/The Island News
Free parking is back in downtown Beaufort with some changes
By Delayna Earley
The Island News
Free holiday parking is back in downtown Beaufort, but this year there are a few changes. There are now several free parking options and special incentives throughout the season.
“We know this is an important time for our small businesses and we’re committed to helping residents and visitors enjoy a stressfree and festive experience downtown,” a press release from the City of Beaufort said.
There will be coupons, like the
one printed in The Island News, that can be traded in to Park Beaufort in exchange for two free parking tokens. Each token is valid for one hour of parking.
There will also be Weekly ParkMobile App Codes for 2 hours of free parking beginning immediately and continuing throughout the holiday season. Each week a new code will be released and shared on the City of Beaufort’s social
HELP of Beaufort Oyster Roast
Students from Saint Peter’s Catholic School
Merry Christmas!
We wish you Christmas joy! Remember that God loves you so much that he entered the world as a little child, so that you may know him.
Celebrate the Birth of Jesus with Us!
Christmas 2025 Wednesday, December 24: 4:00pm 4:10pm Additional Mass for overflow in the Walsh Palmetto Room 6:00pm Thursday, December 25: Midnight & 11:00am
Confession Opportunities
Every Saturday: 11:00am-1:00pm
Advent Penance Service: Monday, December 15 ~ 3:30-5:00pm and 6:30-8:00pm
Additional Confession Times: Wednesday, December 17 ~ from 4:00-6:00pm
If it has been a while since your last Confession, don’t worry! Our priests will welcome you and help you.
T.J. Belasco indulges in oysters during the annual HELP of Beaufort Oyster Roast Fundraiser on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
J.J. Lamb, owner of Shorty’s Smokin’ Butts, dumps oysters onto a table during the annual HELP of Beaufort Oyster Roast Fundraiser on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
from page A1
currently held by Nancy Mace, announced publicly at a November meeting his intention to make the mo-
tion, which was seconded by Councilwoman Paula Brown. “I agree,” Cunningham said, as the overflow crowd of roughly 200 people inside the newly renovated Council chambers, as well as in the overflow room and out in the hallway, groaned at his mo-
tion. “I hate that we have to be here again doing this …”
According to Cunningham, there was simply no way that Council had made an educated decision in September with only just a couple days to accurately evaluate the development
agreement proposed by the developers.
Cunningham made a passionate argument that his goal in rescinding the vote is consistent with his long and well known desire to limit the number of new homes being built, not just on Pine
Island, but in the entire county. His argument was that the golf course resort plan lowers that number significantly, reminding those in attendance that without Council’s approval, more than 100 homes and nearly 100 docks could be built on Pine Island under the full-density plan.
“The first 40 [permits] have already been applied for” just a few days ago, he said.
There was debate among the Council members about whether, in this particular case, the vote could even be rescinded under Robert’s Rules of Order.
During the time Councilman York Glover spoke, County Attorney Brian Hubert was asked to the podium to address the legality of the potential rescission of the vote. Hubert advised that they could discuss it among themselves, but if he was to give advice, he recommended going into executive session. Otherwise, he said, the Council would be forfeiting their attorney-client privilege by discussing it in open session.
When pressed, Glover waved his hands and declined to make a motion to move to executive session.
Councilman David Bartholomew, an attorney and the Council’s parliamentarian, said though it might be unpopular, he believed a rescission of the vote would be permitted in this scenario. He also said there was an
offer on the table, if Council rescinded this vote, that one of the two lawsuits by the Pine Island developers against the County would be dropped.
As an attorney looking to protect the County taxpayers, that is something that I would have to consider, Bartholomew said.
Vice Chair Anna Tabernik said her vote in the early morning hours of Sept. 23 was an educated one and her mind hadn’t changed. And rescinding a vote was a dangerous precedent to set.
Clearly, Howard agreed. Ultimately, Hoard, Tabernik, Glover, Joe Passiment, Gerald Dawson, and Mark Lawson voted against rescinding the vote. Cunningham, Brown, Bartholomew and Thomas Reitz voted in favor of rescission.
When the vote concluded, around 8 p.m., the majority of the crowd celebrated. It was a different scene than what surrounded the original 10-1 vote to not move forward with the development agreement. That meeting saw more than 500 people attend a 7½-hour public hearing that saw more than 50 people speak. Just 10 spoke this time, including Tropeano and his lawyer Kevin Dukes of Harvey and Battey.
Mike McCombs is the editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
Aunt Pearlie Sue poses with Santa and Mrs. Claus during the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce’s annual Holiday Market, the grand finale of the Sea Island Christmas Celebration, on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Shoppers browse gifts and seasonal treats at the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce’s annual Holiday Market, the grand finale of the Sea Island Christmas Celebration, on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Mrs. Claus gives a treat to 7-year-old Kanyla Clark during the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce’s annual Holiday Market, the grand finale of the Sea Island Christmas Celebration, on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Beaufort Memorial adds board-certified urologist
Staff reports
Beaufort Memorial Urology Specialists have added a new board-certified, fellowship-trained urologist specializing in robot-assisted surgery and the treatment of urological cancers to the practice in Beaufort and Okatie.
Maurizio Buscarini, M.D., Ph.D., MPH-MBA, joins the practice from New York City, bringing with him to the Lowcountry a rich background drawing on decades of urological research, writing for medical journals and compassionate, knowledgeable patient care. Board-certified in urology and fellowship-trained in robotic surgery, endourology and laparoscopy, he will be an integral part of the team at the Urology Specialists practice, seeing patients in Beaufort and Okatie. With a background in general surgery that shifted to urology during his time in the Italian Army, Dr. Buscarini has a passion for research and education. While pursuing his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Cancer Biology at the University of Southern California, he had the unique opportunity to train under medical pioneers in the field of bladder cancer.
After completing his urology and robotic surgery fellowships at Oregon Health
Dr. Maurizio Buscarini
& Science University in Portland and City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center just outside of Los Angeles, Dr. Buscarini returned to Rome and took on the role of Professor and Chair of Urology at the new University Campus Biomedico. There, he established the first robotic surgery program in central/southern Italy. He also led the establishment of a robotic program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tenn., and did the same just outside of Chicago. In 2022, he joined the Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine Department of Urology (ranked third in the nation) as a professor and chair of the Queens region. The field of urology always fascinated him due to its surgical and often oncological aspects, as well as the field’s constant evolution and wide range of conditions. So far in his career, he has trained over 60 residents and 40 fellows and authored 10 book chapters and more than 160 scientific publications.
He takes a holistic approach to urology and strives to help patients understand
Wendy eden Jones
July 5, 1964 – December 5, 2025
Wendy Eden Jones left this earth on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at Beaufort Memorial Hospital heading for parts unknown — although we suspect she’s finally getting her cabin in the foothills of the Blue Ridge, with a cat on her lap, a cup of tea and absolutely no obligation to answer her phone.
A casual collector of bizarre art and an obsessive seeker of obscure activities, Wendy was a cache of southern small-town tidbits. Years of wandering backroads turned her into the person to call when looking for the most unusual roadside shop, tiny-town festival, or weird little eatery that turned out to be way better than expected. She saw what other people didn’t even notice, and half the time she had a story about it you couldn’t believe … but absolutely knew was true.
Born in Phoenix, Ariz., to the late David Earle Eden and Linda DeLauder Eden, Wendy’s life moved all over the map: Arizona, Oregon, Virginia, Maryland, Wisconsin, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, South Carolina, North Carolina, and eventually back to South Carolina again. She loved the Lowcountry — home of her husband Jeff — but she always held the Tar Heel mountains close, talking more than once about running away to a (mostly theoretical) mountain commune if the world pushed her too far.
Wendy had a deep, unapologetic preference for cats over other living creatures, but also cultivated a circle of friends so precious that they could pick up conversations either days or decades later without skipping a beat. She was the keeper of small but important details, from the model trains her father made a signature touch at the rural libraries he built, to the color-coded dot stickers attorneys would cover her son Dixon with when she worked at the S.C. Bar. He survived. Mostly.
A graduate of the University of South Carolina’s journalism program, Wendy was a crime reporter at the Beaufort Gazette in the early 1990s before moving into communications and nonprofit work. Over
Wendy Eden Jones
every aspect of their care, no matter their condition.
“I listen to my patients and, working together, we set appropriate goals and expectations,” he said in a news release. “It is important to me that their experience is as transparent and holistic as possible.”
With extensive experience in reconstructive urology and urogynecology, Dr. Buscarini also specializes in andrology – the study of the male reproductive system, including male sexual health – and is passionate about educating male patients and encouraging them to be proactive about their health.
Dr. Buscarini will perform robot-assisted surgical procedures to treat urological cancers such as adrenal, bladder, kidney and prostate cancers. A sought-after expert in state-of-the-art robotic surgical techniques, he strives to educate patients about the benefits of robot-assisted procedures, evolving and innovating as a physician alongside ever-changing technology.
A father of three grown children, Dr. Buscarini is also a longtime participant in Doctors Without Borders. He has participated in 56 medical relief missions in 25 years, with a trip scheduled in May 2026 for the Middle East.
the years she worked with the S.C. Bar Association in Columbia, Brevard College in North Carolina, the Savannah Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Anderson Group on Hilton Head Island, the Literacy Center, and the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.
Most recently, as Director of Marketing and Communications for United Way of the Lowcountry, she poured her energy, opinions, humor, and big ideas into work that mattered deeply to her, most recently Showers of Dignity and the Becky Francis Dignity Project.
Wendy is survived by her husband, Jeff Jones; her son, Dixon; her mother, Linda Eden of Brevard, N.C.; her sister, Lynn, and brother-in-law, Tim Chambers of Ringgold, Ga.; and her niece, Mallory Howsen of Chattanooga, Tenn. She also leaves behind a lot of friends who are still trying to figure out how we’re supposed to navigate each day without her commentary, her music recommendations and her off-the-wall honesty.
Wendy was preceded in death by her father, Dave Eden.
We’ll celebrate Wendy properly at a later date. When we do, we hope everyone will come ready with a story, a song recommendation, or something just a little irreverent to say — because that’s what she would have wanted.
In lieu of flowers, please consider gifts to the United Way of the Lowcountry in Wendy’s honor at uwlowcountry.org/ WendyJones, which will support Showers of Dignity and the Becky Francis Dignity Project — causes close to Wendy’s heart.
“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
OBITUARIES The Island
publishes obituaries, including
photo, free of charge. Please contact theislandnews@gmail.com for more information.
NIGHT ON THE TOWN
their way to Beaufort. The trucks and motorcycle escort will arrive at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, with the brief ceremony beginning at noon.
To sponsor a Remembrance Wreath, which costs $17, click on the QR code on Wreaths Across America Beaufort’s Facebook page or visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/GA 0175 P. That code at the end of the web address guarantees the wreaths purchased make
Lowdown
from page A1
Cemetery gates will be closed at 9 a.m. so people are asked to park on the surrounding streets, or in the County Government Building on Ribaut Road. No cars will be allowed to park on the Avenue of Flags — it needs to be kept clear for the
to be built on Sea Island Parkway and Yard Farm road have been working their way through the county’s planning process.
A meeting of the county Design Review Board last week postponed final approval of design plans for the Lowcountry Produce building, which will become part of the development.
2025
tractor trailers and motorcycle escort. Family members of the two Medal of Honor recipients will place the first wreaths. The public is asked to let families who have loved ones buried in Beaufort National Cemetery, place their wreaths on their loved ones’ graves first, then the public is welcome to place the remaining wreaths. If parking inside the cemetery, please do not park
The park, being developed by John Trask III, does not require any zoning changes and is not within the Cultural Protection Overlay District as Pine Island is. But there is concern, by some residents, about the addition of more traffic.
Bye-bye Hardee’s of Port Royal PORT ROYAL — You can tell we’re still a “small community” when closure of the area’s only Hardee’s fast-food restaurant makes the news.
on the grass, tree roots or graves. Please stay on the pavement. When parking on side streets around the cemetery wall, please be equally attentive and keep parking on private property to a minimum.
Wreaths Across America
Beaufort is in its 19th year of attempting to make sure all veteran heroes buried in Beaufort National Cemetery have a Remembrance Wreath on their headstones.
The server of breakfast biscuits and char-broiled burgers at 1450 Ribaut Road abruptly closed its doors on Dec. 1, leaving those regulars who used the spot for a coffee club, wondering “where next?”
A check on the internet reported the chain has experienced closures across the country due to franchise “disputes.”
Online local posts lamented the closure while “old-timers” remembered when the burger joint was one of the first in town, located on Boundary Street where Chick-fil-A
Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. In 2023, the organization placed more than three million sponsored veterans’ wreaths at more than 3 700 participating locations nationwide and in Europe. For more information, visit www. wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Mike McCombs is the editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
now reigns. It’s sad to see an old favorite go away. But it happens so much, you’d almost think people would get accustomed to it. Plus “newcomers” don’t know what they’ve missed and might even have offered. Now we’ll all have to do is wait to see what pops up on that busy corner of Ribaut and S.C. 802 one of the busiest in northern Beaufort County. Dare we say, “round-about.” And while we wait, we can drive to Ravenel or I-95 in Yemassee to get our mushroom-and-swiss Hardee’s burger there.
a
Lolita Huckaby Watson is a community volunteer and newspaper columnist. In her former role as
reporter with The Beaufort Gazette, The Savannah Morning News, Bluffton
Erin Lawson from The Elf Mission straightens more than 300 toys donated by a Secret Santa during the Photos with Santa event at Breakthrough Nutrition on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Elle Kozimbo, 8, is excited for the snow during the Night on the Town and the Christmas Tree Lighting in downtown Beaufort on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
A snowman make his way down Boundary Street during the Beaufort Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News.
The Grinch makes his way down the street on the back of a tow truck during the Beaufort Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News.
Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to attendees during the Beaufort Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News.
EDUCATION & ARTS
High schools strengthen security with metal detectors
By Delayna Earley The Island News
Beaufort County School
District recently took measures to try and make their high schools a little safer.
According to the district, weapons detection systems were to be installed in all public high schools during the first week of December.
The system that is being used is called the CEIA OPENGATE system and has two freestanding pillars that allow for backpacks and bags to be screened as all students and visitors enter the building.
The first school to try the system was Beaufort High School on Wednesday, Dec. 3, when it was installed at the school. Students were asked to remove any metal items such as tablets or laptops from their backpacks before going through the system.
sports games or concerts.
most of the yearly operational costs.
weapons, per CEIA USA’s website.
The devices will be used all day long during the school day and during any extracurricular events like
EDUCATION BRIEFS
BOE schedules community public forums for 2026-27 budget plans
Two public forums are scheduled for educators, parents, and community members to learn more about the school district budget being developed by the Beaufort County Board of Education for the 2026-27 school year.
The first forum will be at Battery Creek High School at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 14. The second will be at Bluffton High School at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 21
Cost for the devices is $600,000, and that money was to be taken from the remaining funds of the $345 million 2019 referendum. Operating costs for the 2025-2026 academic year for the district will be $425 000
Each of the security devices will be manned by a security guard hired by an outside firm and the cost of the guards accounts for
The Beaufort County Board of Education members voted unanimously to approve the purchase of the security systems during their Oct. 21, meeting.
According to the school district, the decision was a proactive step to enhance school safety and was not in response to any specific incidents.
The security devices are designed to detect a large range of metal items, including knives, micro-pistols and high-caliber assault
Participants at each forum will hear a presentation on the budget and have a chance to work in small groups to explore various areas of the budget. Participants will be able to share their discussions and suggestions.
ARTS BRIEFS
USCB hosting ‘Real Love: A Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton Christmas Tribute’
Get into the holiday spirit with “Real Love: A Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton Christmas Tribute – Christmas Hits & More!”
This festive show, hosted by USCB’s Center For the Arts, celebrates the heartwarming holiday songs and unforgettable classics of two of country music’s biggest legends. Enjoy beloved Christmas favorites like “Once Upon a Christmas,” “Hard Candy Christmas,” and “With Bells On,” along with timeless hits like “Islands in the Stream” and “The Gambler.” With spot-on vocals, charming banter, and nostalgic cheer, this show is the perfect way to kick off the season. The show is at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13 Tickets are available at https://bit.ly/3MMVsOs.
USCB hosting ‘The DooWop Project Christmas Show’
Get ready to ring in the holidays Doo Wop style! “The Doo Wop Project Christmas Show,” hosted by USCB’s Center For the Arts, takes you on a festive journey through your favorite holiday classics, reimagined with stunning harmonies and the timeless sound of Doo Wop.
Featuring stars from Broadway’s “Jersey Boys, Motown: The Musical,” and more, this high-energy performance blends holiday favorites like “Winter Wonderland,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and “Silent Night” with the greatest hits of Doo Wop
“Public budget forums give our community a transparent look at how decisions are made and a meaningful voice in shaping priorities for our schools,” Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said in a news release.
Individuals who are unable to attend can also view the proposed budget and provide feedback through BCSD Connected at https://connectbeaufortschools.org/. The FY 2026-27 Budget Process feedback forum will be open through Jan. 30, 2026
The Board hopes to officially certify the district’s 202627 budget at its May 19 2026, meeting. Beaufort County Council’s current timeline calls for three readings, with the
legends. It’s a joyful, nostalgic, and musical holiday celebration the whole family will love!
The show is at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19. Tickets are available at https://bit. ly/4iNrPsj.
Beaufort Art Association
Holiday Show ongoing
The Beaufort Art Association’s annual Holiday Show is open and will run through the end of the year. Bring a friend and start your holiday shopping or treat yourself to that special piece of art created by local artists from the Beaufort area.
Small art including holiday themed and non-holiday works will be available. Many of our 2-D and 3-D artists have created special art for the season including holiday cards and small original paintings, wood-turned ornaments and wine stoppers, plus textiles and ceramics with a low country vibe.
In addition to our Holiday Show, the annual All Member “Best of Beaufort” exhibit will run simultaneously. Our jewelers will be showcased and over 60 artists are participating including featured art from our general members. The show will run through Monday, Dec. 29
Stone, White holding book
signing
Local energy healing teachers and authors, Susan Stone and Ifetayo White, will read from their latest books at a book signing from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Pat Conroy Literary Center. Come, join
community and learn.
The hope is that the devices will detect weapons while allowing personal items such as keys and phones to pass through without causing any major delays.
Firearms and knives with blades over 2 inches are prohibited at Beaufort County public schools and on school property, of which the high schools have the most violations that often end in criminal charges.
Beaufort high schools have had several incidents, particularly with knives,
over the past school year. Before the weapons detectors were installed, weapons were often discovered by students and teachers reporting suspicious activity to the student resource officer or administrators of if a student’s belongings needs to be checked for an unrelated incident.
who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
third and final reading of the district’s budget scheduled for June 22 2026
2 from Beaufort among Georgia’s Class of 2025
The University of Georgia will honor over 3,200 candidates for graduation in the Class of 2025, including two from Beaufort — Theodora Light and William Tumlin — during its upcoming Commencement ceremonies. The fall undergraduate ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, followed by the fall graduate ceremony at 2:30 p.m. on the same day.
Charleston artist Sisco’s art on display
An exhibit of Charleston based artist Deborah Sisco’s artwork, “Between the Stillness and Disappearance,” will be on display at the Performing Arts Center of USCB in Beaufort until Dec. 22 2025. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public.
The exhibit is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m., to 6 p.m., and on weekends during performances (check the USCB Center for the Arts website for schedule at https://www.uscbcenterforthearts.com/).
Society of Bluffton Artists 2025 Holiday Market open
The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) is celebrating the season of giving and creativity with its Annual Holiday Market, open through Sunday, Dec. 28 at the SOBA Art Gallery in Old Town Bluffton.
Each year, SOBA transforms its featured artist room into a cheerful boutique bursting with handcrafted treasures made by local artists. Visitors will find paintings, jewelry, ceramics, pottery, prints, photography, cards, stained glass, and wood art — plus festive décor and giftable pieces that showcase the heart of Bluffton’s creative spirit.
“This event truly captures the warmth and joy of our community,” said Karen Richards, President of SOBA. “Every ornament, painting, or piece of pottery tells a story. When you shop at the Holiday Market, you’re not just buying a gift, you’re sup-
porting local artists and spreading a little Lowcountry cheer.”
The Holiday Market is open during SOBA’s regular gallery hours:
Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Coastal Discovery Museum highlights Hilton Head's legendary Round Table Artists
The Coastal Discovery Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is hosting a retrospective exhibition, “It's Thursday! Artists of the Round Table,” celebrating 15 prominent local artists who gathered weekly at The Red Piano Gallery from the 1970s through 1994 to share ideas and projects that nurtured Hilton Head Island’s growing art community. The exhibit will be on view through March 23 2026
This retrospective brings together approximately 80 works from private collections and new museum acquisitions. The Artists of the Round Table include Aldwyth, Ralph Ballantine, Joe Bowler, Danielle DeMers, Joe DeMers, Ray Ellis, Elizabeth Grant, Walter Greer, Tua Hayes, Katy Hodgman, Louanne LaRoche, Allen Palmer, Marge Parker, George Plante, and Coby Whitmore
The museum is offering free curator’s tours of the exhibit on the following dates: Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 1 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 22, at 1 p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m.; and Saturday, March 14, at 11 a.m. – Staff reports
Delayna Earley,
Special to The Island News
For many patients diagnosed with a disease, their first instinct may be to treat it with medications, surgery or some other therapy. If you have slow-growing prostate cancer, however, not treating the disease — at least, not yet — may make the most sense. In partnership with your urology specialist and primary care provider, you may choose a strategy of active surveillance, which calls for regular tests to monitor the cancer’s progression.
“For some men with prostate cancer, the disease grows so slowly that it doesn’t cause symptoms and may never pose a serious threat to their health,” says Matthew Baker, pharmacist and certified physician assistant at Beaufort Memorial Urology Specialists. “On the other hand, treatments such as surgery and radiation therapy may cure the disease, but they can also cause side effects that reduce your quality of life. If you have slow-growing prostate cancer, it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits of treating it with your medical providers. They can help you decide whether active surveillance is right for you.”
Your urology specialist will consider a variety of factors to determine whether you’re a candidate for active surveillance (sometimes called expectant management). First, active surveillance is most appropriate for localized prostate cancer — cancer that hasn’t spread beyond the prostate — that isn’t
Active surveillance
Keeping watch on prostate cancer
causing symptoms and seems likely to increase slowly.
Your provider will also factor in your age and other health problems you have. Active surveillance may be a good choice if you’re older or have other medical conditions.
“Choosing active surveillance doesn’t mean doing nothing,” Baker says. “Your health care provider will keep a close eye on the cancer using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests and digital rectal exams.”
Your provider will determine how often to evaluate your cancer. Typically, though, men receiving active surveillance get a PSA test
every six months and an annual digital rectal exam, according to the American Cancer Society. You may also need prostate biopsies and imaging exams at least every three years.
“If the cancer’s status doesn’t change, you may be able to continue active surveillance and avoid treatment — and side effects, such as urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction, that may follow,” Baker says. “You may need to stop active surveillance and start treatment if your PSA levels or other test results show the cancer growing faster.”
When researching or discussing
prostate cancer treatment options with your medical provider, you may come across a term associated with active surveillance: watchful waiting.
Also known as observation, watchful waiting is, essentially, a less rigorous form of active surveillance. As with active surveillance, watchful waiting may be a good option for small, slow-growing prostate cancers, especially in older men with significant health problems.
“With watchful waiting, you’ll have periodic tests to check the status of the prostate cancer, but they won’t be as frequent as with active
surveillance,” Baker says. “Your urology specialist will pay particularly close attention to whether new symptoms develop or existing ones worsen. A change in symptoms may be a sign you need to start treatment.”
Active surveillance emerged as an option for men with prostate cancer during the past 10 to 12 years, and its use has soared. From 2014 to 2021, the percentage of men with low-risk prostate cancer receiving active surveillance more than doubled, reaching nearly 60%. As a result, many men may have been able to avoid cancer treatment-related side effects.
Still, despite being safe, active surveillance does carry potential drawbacks. If, for example, a cancer that was expected to grow slowly starts progressing quickly, treating it may be more complicated than it would have been right after it was diagnosed. Plus, active surveillance takes commitment. You’ll need to adhere to the testing schedule your urology specialist sets, which may continue for years.
“Choosing the most appropriate course of action after a prostate cancer diagnosis can be difficult,” Baker says. “Fortunately, you don’t have to decide alone. Your medical team can help you understand your options and how to move forward. If frequent monitoring is the right approach, you can rest assured that your providers will watch the cancer carefully and be ready to adjust course if it changes.”
Can adults develop new allergies?
Special to The Island News Seasonal allergies are a group of conditions that can cause sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, and itchy eyes. Symptoms usually occur only at certain times of the year. Most seasonal allergies are caused by pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds or mold spores, which grow when the weather is humid, wet, or damp.
Normally people breathe in these substances without a problem, but when a person has a seasonal allergy, his or her immune system acts as if the substance is harmful to the body. This causes symptoms. Many people first get seasonal allergies when they are children or young adults and often outgrow them later in life, as they become more tolerant to certain al-
lergens. That said, can someone develop allergies at any age?
“The answer is empathically ‘yes,’” says Carri Knapp, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, a board-certified family nurse practitioner at Beaufort Memorial Express Care & Occupational Health. “Allergies can change over time, develop at any point in a person’s life and may even start unexpectedly as an adult.”
Allergies develop when your body thinks a substance such as animal hair, pollen or mold is harmful. That substance awakens your immune system to release a chemical called histamine, which leads to your allergy symptoms.
As you age, your immune system may start to weaken,
so your immune response to an allergen also weakens. Repeated exposure can also cause your immune system to overreact.
“These allergies often run in families and are lifelong, but symptoms can get better or worse over time,” Knapp says. “A family histo-
ry of allergies also puts you at higher risk of developing allergies some time in your life.”
If you develop allergies as
Pregnant? C-section readiness and recovery start now
Special to The Island News
Your body goes through a lot to bring a baby into the world. That’s especially true if you undergo a cesarean section, also known as a C-section.
“This common procedure is often an unplanned part of the birthing experience,” says Dr. Tiffany Bersani, an OBGYN with Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists in Beaufort and Okatie. “Therefore, I encourage all mothers-to-be to know what to expect from a C-section and the recovery process.”
A C-section is a significant abdominal surgery. To improve the likelihood of a safe and successful procedure, follow these steps:
• Manage your health. Before heading to the hospital on your due date, work with your care team to manage anemia, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and other medical conditions.
• Plan on fasting. With a planned C-section, you may need to fast from eating and drinking for six or more hours before your scheduled C-section. This helps reduce the risk of breathing difficulties known as aspiration pneumonitis. Request medication. The likelihood of infection is higher with cesarean delivery than vaginal birth. Antibiotics lower the likelihood of infection during the recovery process. Therefore, you may benefit from antibiotics along with pain medication.
While most of your recovery takes place at home, it doesn’t start there.
“C-section recovery begins at the hospital,” Dr. Bersani says.
“You stay with us a few days, so we can monitor you for complications and prepare you to continue your recovery at home.”
While in the hospital, it’s important to take control of your health journey. This includes doing the following:
• Asking questions. Talk with your OBGYN and other providers to know what to expect when you go home. Pay close attention to their answers. Have a spouse, birthing partner or other family member take notes so you can follow your care team’s recommendations.
• Getting active. Take short walks down the hall or around the unit. Just check with your maternity providers first to make sure it’s safe to get up and about.
• Speaking up. Tell your maternity team about any discomfort you experience. From surgical scar pain to pain during urination, proper treatment can bring relief, so you don’t have to suffer in silence.
Once you leave the operating room, you’ll likely notice your body behaving differently than usual. As your body heals, you may experience heavy vaginal bleeding, pain while breastfeeding, surgical scar tenderness or hemorrhoids as a result of swollen veins in the rectum. To help make your early parenting days special, pay attention to your body. Contact your primary care provider or OBGYN if you experience any of the following while recovering from a C-section: Calf pain, which may indicate a blood clot in your leg; Extreme sadness or thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, which could be signs of postpartum depression; Fever higher than 100˚ F; Heavy vaginal bleeding lasting more than four days in a row; Increased abdominal pain; • Persistent headache;
an adult, you may have had slight symptoms throughout your life, but an event or something in your environment may have changed, causing you to be exposed to a substance you have not previously encountered.
“For instance, if you recently relocated from a different part of the country or got a new pet, you might find that you have allergies you had not experienced in the past,” Knapp says. If you have recently developed allergy symptoms, over-the-counter oral antihistamines and nasal sprays can help. Your primary care provider can help with prescription allergy medications or a referral for testing to determine exactly what is triggering symptoms if over-the-counter options don’t help.
Rapid weight gain;
Signs of surgical site infection, such as redness or swelling; Swelling of the hands, legs, face or eyes; Vaginal discharge with a foul odor; Vision changes; and/or ... Warmth, redness or tenderness in the breasts, which could be signs of infection.
Self-care and speedier healing
Full recovery from a C-section takes six weeks, according to the Office on Women’s Health. As you settle into the postpartum period, be patient. Avoid overdoing it to keep your recovery on track.
“Your recovery after a C-section may take more or less time than other new moms, and that’s perfectly fine,” Dr. Bersani says. “It’s important to care for yourself and respect your limitations to give your body time to heal.”
HEALTH
Is it anxiety or a panic attack?
Special to The Island News
Life’s stresses can be overwhelming, but when those stresses get so severe that you feel anxious or panicky, your quality of life really begins to suffer.
"Anxiety and panic are not the same," says Maggie Thompson Benton, MSN, PMHNP-BC, AGPCNP-C, board-certified psychiatry nurse practitioner with Beaufort Memorial Sea Island Psychiatry. "Understanding the difference — and getting a proper diagnosis — can help restore calm and day-to-day functioning."
What does anxiety feel like?
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a condition in which you may feel a chronic sense of worry and nervousness even when things in your life are relatively calm.
"GAD can led to difficulty focusing on daily responsibilities," Benton says.
Researchers are still studying what exactly causes GAD. They do know that the condition can be passed down in families.
What does a panic attack feel like?
Panic attacks are sudden bursts of intense anxiety that last for several minutes at a time. If you have panic disorder, you experience periodic panic attacks that occur for no apparent reason. During these attacks, you may notice a variety of symptoms, including fear, helplessness, impending doom, shortness of breath, sweating and trembling.
Like GAD, panic disorder can be genetic and associated with how certain parts of the brain work. Researchers are still learning more about the cause of panic disorder and what environmental and situational factors may trigger panic attacks.
Both GAD and panic disorder can be treated with talk therapy, medication or a combination of
You have the right to know what’s happening in your
Public notices – information local governments are obligated to provide citizens – are required to be published in local newspapers to provide a public record that’s accessible to everyone.
Public notices keep you informed about your government. But, in some states legislators are trying to keep public notices from appearing in local newspapers. This severely impacts government transparency and, in turn, limits the public’s right to hold them accountable for their actions.
Let your state legislators know that you value being able to access notices in your newspaper and that they are worth the investment.
newspapers.org/public-notices
IS IT Anxiety
ART
Budding Artist After-School
Art Club
4 to 5 p.m., or 5:15 to 6:15 p.m., Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesday/Thursdays, Happy Art Studio, 10 Sam’s Point Way, Beaufort. Ages 8 to 13. Painting, drawing, clay or crafts. Visit www.happyartstudio.net.
BOOKS
Books Sandwiched In Noon to 1 p.m., Mondays, Jan. 26, 2026 through March 2, 2026, USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret Street, Beaufort. An active community leader discusses a book that has had an impact on the presenter, with questions and discussion to follow. Free to attendees through generous community sponsorships. Free parking. Our 39th season will showcase the following six experts and notable community leaders speaking about books that inspire them:
• Jan. 26: Frank Rodriguez. Superintendent, Beaufort County School District; Feb. 2: Capt. Tracy R. Isaac, Commanding Officer, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command, Beaufort; Commanding Officer, Naval Support Facility Beaufort; Director, Naval Hospital Beaufort; Feb. 9: Capt. Craig Reaves, Commercial shrimper; Feb. 16: Libby Ricardo, MFA, University of South Carolina at Beaufort Associate Professor of Theater and Interdisciplinary Studies; Program Coordinator for Interdisciplinary Studies;
• Feb. 23: Andrew Bridges, President and CEO, NEMOURS Wildlife Foundation;
• Mar. 2: Amanda Brewer Dickman, Director, Beaufort County Library. For more information, visit https://friendsofthebeaufortlibrary.com/books-sandwiched-in.
CALENDAR
Karaoke with Melissa
7:30 p.m. to midnight, Mondays, Tomfoolery, 3436 17 Market, Habersham, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Karaoke with Ali
9 p.m. to midnight, Tuesdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort. With DJ Ali.
Karaoke with Melissa
7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with either Parker or Eric.
Trivia with Tom – Bricks On Boundary
7 p.m., Every Thursday, Bricks on Boundary, 1422 Boundary St, Beaufort. Free. Team trivia event, win house cash and Beer Bucket prizes! For more information, visit https://rb.gy/o9nhwe.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
7 p.m., Thursdays, Amvets Post 70, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free. Public is welcome. Enjoy Karaoke. Dinner will be available.
Bluffton Night Bazaar — a Lowcountry Made Market
5 to 8 p.m., first Thursday of each month, Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road. A highly curated selection of accessories, clothing, home goods, custom gifts and more by local artists and makers.
Habersham Farmers Market
3 to 6 p.m., Fridays, Habersham Marketplace. Vendor roster includes B&E Farm, Cottonwood Soap, Flower Power Treats, Hardee Greens, Megs Sweet Treats, Vitamin Bee, Lady’s Island Oyster Company, Pet Wants.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9 p.m., Fridays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Lt. Dan.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9:30 p.m., Fridays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Parker.
Karaoke with Melissa
7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fridays, R Bar & Grill, 70 Pennington Drive, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Port Royal Farmers Market
9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, year round, Naval Heritage Park, 1615 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Rain or shine. You will find fresh, local,
WHAT’S HAPPENING
seasonal produce, shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese, as well as plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets. There are prepared food vendors serving barbecue, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee, baked goods, bagels and breakfast sandwiches. No pets allowed. For more information, visit http://www.portroyalfarmersmarket.com/, visit @ portroyalfarmersmarket on Facebook or call 843-295-0058.
Slip and Splash Saturdays
10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays, Battery Creek Pool, 1 Blue Dolphin Drive, Beaufort, and Bluffton Pool, 55 Pritchard Street, Bluffton. $5 per person. Stay busy for hours climbing on our inflatable challenge track.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew 7 p.m., Saturdays, The Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd., Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with Lt. Dan. Come early at 6 p.m. for Steak Night.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew 9:30 p.m., Saturdays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with Eric.
Teddy Bear Picnic Read-Aloud 9 a.m. to noon, 1st Saturday each month, Port Royal Farmer’s Market, Corner of Ribaut Road & Pinckney Blvd, Port Royal. Free. DAYLO Students and other volunteers will read to young children, who are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animals.
Karaoke with Melissa
8 p.m. to 12 a.m., 2nd and 4th
Saturdays of every month, Peaceful Henry’s Cigar Bar, 181 Bluffton Road, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
DANCE
Lowcountry Shaggers
6 to 9 p.m., Mondays, Albergotti Grill, Holiday Inn, 2225 Boundary Street. Shag lessons with Tommy & Sheri O’Brien and others. Occasional ballroom and once-a-month line dancing. Beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons. Open dancing after lessons. Visit www. lowcountryshaggers.com of email lowcountryshaggers@aol.com.
The Beaufort Shag Club
6:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays, AmVets Club, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free lessons for members from 6 to 6:30 p.m. We also host a dance the second Saturday of each month from 7 to 10 p.m. Lessons will run September through May only. Visit our FaceBook page (beaufortshagclub) for current events.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
BEMER Longevity Technology
9 a.m., 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, 2 times a day. Offered by BEMER Specialist - Human & Equine, Elizabeth Bergmann. Text 410-212-1468 to get the Zoom link. Free.
Rooted Beaufort Yoga classes 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Thursdays, Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal; 9 to 10:15 a.m., Whitehall Park or Pigeon Point Park. Rooted Beaufort is a collective of local Yoga teachers who host outdoor yoga classes and donation-based events with proceeds being donated locally on a rotating basis.
HISTORY
Beaufort History Museum at the Arsenal 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays, 713 Craven St, Beaufort. General Admission for Adults $8, Seniors $7, Active Duty Military and College Students with ID $5. Children/Teens younger than 18 Free. Explore and experience more than 500 years of Beaufort History with knowledgeable docent guided tours.
The Historic Port Royal Museum
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or upon request, Thursdays through Sundays, The Historic Port Royal Museum, 1634 Paris Ave. The museum features the turn-of-the-century businesses and industries of Port Royal: Shrimping, crabbing, oystering, the railroad, the school and the mercantile. Great gifts featuring local artists are available. For more information. visit www.portroyalhistory.org, email historicportroyalfoundation@gmail.com or call 843-524-4333.
Tour Historic Fort Fremont Dawn to dusk, Monday through
Sunday, The Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land’s End Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public. The History Center is open Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m., Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors can learn about the fort’s history during the Spanish-American War through interpretive signs, self-guided walking tours with a smart phone, exhibits in the history center, and docent-led tours. For more information visit www. fortfremont.org or contact Passive Parks Manager Stefanie Nagid at snagid@bcgov.net.
LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
“Hidden Gems” Book Club
3 p.m., third Monday of each month, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island. Free. So many books, so little time. St. Helena staff have uncovered some great titles to get you started on your “hidden gem” journey. Join us for lively discussions and coffee or tea. No registration required.
Career Navigator
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Tuesday, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Free one-on-one resume writing and job application assistance with a Career Navigator from Palmetto Goodwill. No appointments necessary. For more information call 843-2556458.
Bridge Club 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Join us if you want to learn a new game, practice your skills, or need more players. Call the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-255-6458 for more information.
Mah Jongg Open Play
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursdays, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island. Already know the basics of this fun and popular tile game? Join others for open play –all materials supplied. Cards may be purchased at nationalmahjonggleague.org.
Mahjong Club 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays, Beaufort Library, 311 Scott Street. All levels of players are welcome. Feel free to bring your own mahjong sets. Plan to meet every week. For more information, call the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-2556458.
MEETINGS
Beaufort Lions Club
6 p.m., first and third Monday of every month, St John's Lutheran Church, 157 Lady's Island Drive, Beaufort. For more information, visit thebeaufortlionsclub@gmail. com or follow on Facebook/Instagram/Nextdoor.
PFLAG Savannah –
Beaufort Peer Group
6:30 p.m., first Tuesday of every month, Fellowship Hall, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Beaufort (UUFB), 178 Sams Point Road, Beaufort. Free. The group will be moderated by Rick Hamilton and Kay Carr. The provides advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, family, peers, and allies in the Lowcountry. The peer group provides a safe and strictly confidential environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, friends, and allies to discuss the challenges faced in coming out or being out in neighborhoods, the workplace, school, or church. The organization offers resources for counseling, educating, and advocating to achieve an equitable, inclusive community where every LGBTQ+ person is safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved. Minors under the age of 18 are required to come with an adult parent, guardian, or mentor. Additional information about peer groups, membership, donations, and volunteering is on the website www.PFLAGSavannah.org and on Facebook.
Beaufort Chapter of America’s Boating Club
6 p.m., 2nd Tuesday of most months, at various Beaufort/Port Royal venues. Regular meetings begin with a Social, followed by Dinner and often include an exciting Guest Speaker from the Lowcountry. For Meeting Information or Educational Opportunities, please contact Paul Gorsuch, Administrative Officer at admino@ beaufortboatingclub.com. Boat ownership is not required, however a passion for safe responsible boating is mandatory.
Zonta Club of Beaufort
6 p.m., 4th Tuesday of each month, Smokehouse, Port Royal.
Rotary Club of Sea Island lunch meeting 12:15 p.m., 2nd and 4th Tuesday
OUTDOORS/NATURE
of each month, 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, visit www.seaislandrotary.org.
Rotary Club of Sea Island social gathering 5:30 p.m., 3rd Tuesday of each month, locations vary and posted on our website. For more information, visit www.seaislandrotary. org.
Beaufort Rotary Club Noon, Wednesdays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Catered buffet lunch, followed by a guest speaker. Prospective members welcome. For further information and upcoming speakers, please visit website www.beaufortrotaryclub.org.
The Beaufort Trailblazers –A Volunteer Group 8 a.m., first Thursday each month, University Bikes, Beaufort. Anyone interested in supporting or building off-road/dirt/wilderness mountain biking/jogging/ walking trails near is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 843-575-0021 or email universitybicycles@hotmail.com.
Parents Alienated By Their Adult Children 10 a.m., Thursdays & 6 p.m., Fridays, Lowcountry Outreach Center, 80 Lady's Island Drive, Beaufort. This is a 12-step support group for Parents Alienated By Their Adult Children and is based on the international group, Parents Alienation Advocates (PAA). Contact Marye Jo Hartley or Greg Hartley at 703-966-2014 for more information.
Emotions Anonymous International local group meeting 4 p.m, Thursdays, via Zoom. Emotions Anonymous International, (EAI), is a nonprofit program designed to help people with emotional difficulties. It has a chapter in the Lowcountry and members want others who feel the need to know they are welcome to participate. There is no charge to participate. They are based on the 12 steps and 12 traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous and follow a specific format designed to provide the support and tools for navigating life’s painful difficulties. All are welcome. Anyone interested in participating may contact the group via email at EALowcountry@ gmail.com or call or text Laurie at 252- 917-7082. For more information on EAI visit www.emotionsanonymous.org.
Al-Anon Beaufort County 7:30 p.m., Thursdays, 80 Lady’s Island Drive in Beaufort. “Do you worry about how much someone drinks? Is it affecting your life? You are not alone. Al-Anon Beaufort Serenity Group offers help and hope. Join the group in Beaufort, or visit the Lowcountry page at https://bit.ly/3HvksaF for more times and locations.
Rotary Club of the Lowcountry
7:30 a.m., Fridays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Lady's Island Dr., Ladys' Island. Catered breakfast from local chef. Speakers weekly. Occasional social events replace Friday mornings, but will be announced on our website, www.rotaryclubofthelowcountrybeaufort.org.
MUSIC
Campfire Tyler
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays, The Fillin’ Station, Lady’s Island.
Lowcountry Wind Symphony rehearsals
7 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort High School Band Room. The Lowcountry Wind Symphony, a 65-member concert band, invites new members. Woodwind, Brass, Percussion. Open to adults and talented high school youth. For more information, email director@lowcountrywindsymphony. com or call 843-304-0543.
Live entertainment 7 to 11 p.m., Wednesdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort.
Chris Jones 7 to 11 p.m., Thursdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort.
Habersham Third Fridays Music on Market
5 to 8 p.m., third Friday of the month, Habersham Marketplace.
Live entertainment 9 p.m. to midnight, Fridays & Saturdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort.
Free boating inspections
Get a free vessel safety check by local members of the America's Boating Club of Beaufort. If your boat passes, you will receive a VSC decal to mount on your boat that will be visible to other boaters and maritime law enforcement personnel. Email Safety@beaufortboatingclub. com.
The Beaufort Tree Walk Lady’s Island Garden Club invites you to take a meandering walk through the Historic “Old Point” and enjoy some unique and noteworthy trees. The “Walk” takes about an hour, is a little over a mile starting at the corner of Craven & Carteret streets in Morrall Park and concluding in Waterfront Park. Booklets with map and information about each tree are available free at the Visitors Center in the historic Arsenal on Craven Street.
Tours of Hunting Island
Every Tuesday, Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy. Free, park entry fees apply. Sponsored by Friends of Hunting Island Keeper Ted and his team. For more information call the Hunting Island Nature Center at 843-8387437.
RECYCLING
Computer recycling program
St. Andrew by the Sea Methodist Church, 20 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island. St. Andrew by the Sea has started a program where your trashed computer is wiped clean of all data and recycled to Missioncentral.org — a 100% charity cause.
SEWING/QUILTING
American Needlepoint
Guild Meeting
10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1st Tuesday each month. The Hilton Head Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in needlepoint to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. For more information, please contact us at hiltonheadislandchapter@needlepoint.org.
Embroidery Guild of America Meeting Second Tuesday of every month, Palmetto Electric Community Room, Hardeeville. The Lowcountry Chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in any type of embroidery including needlepoint, cross-stitch, surface and beaded embroidery, hardanger, bargello, sashiko, etc., to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. For more information, please contact us at lowcountrychapter@egacarolinas.org.
SPORTS/GAMES
St. Helena Branch Library’s 4th annual Unrated Chess Tournament
10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Open to all ages and ability levels. Pizza and drinks provided at lunch break. Join us for fun and prizes. Registration is required. Call 843-255-6487 or email sthelenaislchess@gmail. com.
ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Carteret Street. Events will be held weekly. Contact Director and Club Manager Susan DeFoe at 843-597-2541 for location.
Charity card game
3:30 p.m., first Tuesday of each month, Mangiamo‘s Pizza, 2000 Main Street, Hilton Head Island. The Hilton Head liberal men’s group is sponsoring a free social/ charity event with a fun, easy to learn card game. A percentage of the money spent on food and drink goes to the charity of our choice. Come socialize, have fun, and support a good cause. Reserve a spot by texting Dave Desjardins at 202-460-5286.
Bridge Club
10 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Join us if you want to learn a new game, practice your skills, or need more players. Call the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-255-6458 for more information.
Beaufort Masters Swim Team
6 to 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, Wardle Family Port Royal YMCA. Coached practices. Ages 18 & older, all skill & speed levels, no prior swim team experience needed. Visit lowcountryswimming.com for more information.
Are we the bad guys? Duh!
I'm writing this well in advance of whatever resolution is reached in the scandal involving Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and what appears to have been a criminal bombing ordered against stranded boaters off the coast of Venezuela.
The attack was the latest in a series of efforts against boats the Trump administration accuses of transporting illegal drugs to the U.S. After the boat was initially hit and burst into flames, satellite video showed at least two survivors struggling amidst the flotsam. Someone in the chain of command then ordered a lethal finishing strike.
One might think the cosplay cowboy currently leading the Pentagon would know a couple of the basic good-guy rules: You don't shoot a man in the back, you don't shoot an unarmed man, and you don't shoot a man who poses no threat to you.
I guess when you’re focusing too much on looking the part of Rent-a-Rambo the finer points of the role can get overlooked.
That’s definitely what I thought when I watched the broadcast in September when military leaders from around the globe were summoned to Quantico, Va., for a pep rally with Hegseth leading the way.
After insisting on more rigorous standards for fitness testing and facial hair, among other aesthetic points of emphasis, Hegseth announced the Department of Defense would revert to being called the Department of War, a name it abandoned
Are our
There are various “oaths of office” that state and federal workers must take in the form of affidavits. I’m not going to list all of them, but they are actually quite similar in content.
I am quoting the one most commonly researched that is used within both state and federal law enforcement that the employee must sign their name to before they begin their job.
A. “I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.
B. “I am not participating in any strike against the Government of the United States or any agency thereof, and I will not so participate while an employee of the Government of the United States or any agency thereof.”
C. “I have not, nor has anyone acting in my behalf, given, transferred, promised or paid any consideration for or in expectation of receiving assistance in securing this appointment.”
It’s no mistake that the first and most important oath here is to uphold our U.S. Constitution
at the end of World War II. According to the official transcript on the Department of War website, Hegseth told the nation’s generals and admirals: “We also don't fight with stupid rules of engagement. We untie the hands of our warfighters to intimidate, demoralize, hunt and kill the enemies of our country. No more politically correct and overbearing rules of engagement, just common sense, maximum lethality and authority for warfighters.”
I remember gasping when I heard that part of his speech. Like many Americans, I have several family members who are or have served in the military, and I recognized what Hegseth was saying was a betrayal of the oaths they took when they enlisted.
Here was a member of the president’s inner circle telling our armed men and women — and the world — we no longer considered ourselves bound by the rules
against real enemies (including domestic) that break our laws. It seems to me that a percentage of our law enforcement officers, as well as our service members, hold fast to the concept that they will never turn against any command given to them by their superiors, especially from the “Commander in Chief.” These oaths of office are written in a priority, A, B and C. Every single government oath I’ve researched has always had, as the highest priority: “I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States”, and is meant to honor our rule of law. That the defense of our U.S. Constitution should apply to all government employees that are required to take their oath before they even start work, applying especially within our civil law enforcement, military, congressional reps and the entire executive branch, with no exceptions. If you don’t like our laws, present any and all amendments to our presiding congress and follow our constitutional law to amend the existing constitution through our congress. That’s
of combat. Decency? Honor? Respect? Woke nonsense. Killing people whenever we felt like it? Damn straight! Such a public display not only dishonored the people in attendance, it also potentially placed a target on the backs of our uniformed brothers and sisters around the world. If our enemies know going into a situation that American personnel are engaging them with no moral constraints, it all but guarantees an escalation of whatever force might precipitate an American response.
Putting troops in unnecessarily heightened danger is the exact opposite of what any military leader should do for the people serving under them.
Here we are now just a few months after the fact, and we're seeing the first quantifiable results of that blustery ethos.
In just a few days, Hegseth and the president went from bragging about the strikes to blaming the
how our government is supposed to work.
That’s ironic, isn't it? Since we are now witnessing the breakdown of our own rule of law within our own SCOTUS and the present Executive Branch. The battle is now raging between judges and Congress as they try to do just this: Change (or ignore) the accepted rule of law for new (replacement) laws that support a totalitarian regime; playing with law and military enforcement, switching loyalty to a regime, not our Constitution and our democratic processes.
In my mind it is quite simple: If people that work for either the state or federal governments (and all are required to sign an oath whose main theme is honoring our U.S. Constitution) and those folks break any of the laws set forth representing that very U.S. Constitution, those folks should be held accountable and punished accordingly, as those very laws require, which would include the President of the United States. If state and federal workers break their oath of office, they don’t deserve the job … get rid of them, period.
The main reason this country was founded in the first place was holding to the concept and vision, that no one single person, no mat ter their rank or privilege, is above the laws of our ever-changing U.S. Constitution. I think what we must do now -- must remember and fight against -- is what we see before us: The purposeful bastardization of our U.S. Constitution (which was
media for making too much of them to saying they didn't know what had happened and pointing fingers subordinates.
There’s their warrior ethic, laid bare: If there’s credit, move me to the front of the line. If there’s blame, they turn into high-profile dindus. (If you’re not familiar with the term dindu, conservatives use it to refer to police suspects who claim innocence, as in, “I didn’t do it” or “I didn’t do anything.”
Since everything has to be about race, they shorten it to “dindu” to mock what they perceive as Black dialect, e.g., “I dindu nuffin.” Because only Black people commit crimes, right?)
I'm sick about this whole thing, but I'm not surprised.
The current administration is loaded, from top to bottom, with people who are unqualified for the jobs they hold.
Their common trait is their allegiance to Trump for handing them plum po-
written in order to build a lasting and true Democratic Republic) by the forces behind the Project 2025. We are now mostly through 2025 and it’s not hard to see were we seem to be heading. All one has to do is read the Project 2025 “Manifesto” in order to clearly see the road before us, that which our present Executive Branch is now pushing us down.
I advocate that everyone become a witness; keep on exposing the bare hypocrisies, expose the lying and obvious grasping for power and wealth; all that is going on now, presently, before our eyes. Claw back majority rule, and if you are law enforcement or part of our military do not carry out commands that in any way, shape or form, break the laws set down by our Constitution of the United States of America. Help us regain our past and proper integrity for our established laws. Help bring honor, empathy and integrity back into our governmental institutions.
In my youth, during the Vietnam war, the soldiers involved in the My Lai Massacre were all tried for war crimes with only Lt. Cally, who was given a commuted
sitions to wield power over their enemies and cut deals to enrich their families for generations to come. Not only are these people individually unqualified, they collectively are proving the adages about evil being its own worst enemy. In his 1955 address
“Discerning the Signs of History,” the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. makes the point clearly: “Evil carries the seed of its own destruction and that is just as true as the rising and the setting of the sun. If we understand the facts of nature, let us understand the facts of history.” Evil cannot create or build, he wrote. It can only steal or tear down. It doesn't take much to extrapolate from that the inevitable fate of a nation that places and leaves evildoers in places of leadership.
Terry E. Manning worked for 20 years as a newspaper journalist. He can be reached at teemanning@gmail.com.
massacre in progress.
After the trials, in which Thompson testified against Lt. Cally while defending his own actions, spent the rest of his military career ostracized and ridiculed by both the military and civilians, which brought on severe PTSD. He died from cancer, a premature death at 62
This is a good example of a history well worth fresh review since our society is becoming numb to the present, ongoing atrocities within our modern world, both civilian and militarily. When you learn what happened to the few brave men that stood for honor and integrity within a senseless war, you learn the bitter lesson why so few have what is necessary: The integrity, honor and true bravery to stand up for what is actually righteous.
I encourage all Americans to look up the entire history of the My Lai Massacre and meditate on what we are witnessing before us today. It is time to bring the fight to the people that are undermining our proper democracy (and constitution) that is (was) based upon liberty, individual freedom and constitutional law.
TERRY MANNING
TIM WOOD
VOICES
Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the Voices section are not necessarily the opinions of The Island
Let’s make a little money on Russian aggression
It is Tuesday, early, and I’m sitting at my pine-planked dining room table trying to divine whether there is actual movement on the Ukraine peace deal — a topic I thought I understood.
I thought I understood because I spent a year (1962) in postwar Germany, then called West Germany, where the U.S. Army was slated to take-on the Red Army and their Polish, Hungarian and Czechoslovak allies who were estimated to have about 50,000 topped-off T-54/55 tanks ready to roll through the Fulda Gap.
Like most of my teenaged friends, I had a youthful interest in Soviet armor, infantry and nuclear weapons knowing that the U.S. Forces (in Germany) would only slow down this onslaught. We were, in fact, told that USAEUR would buy time, but would not stop this enormous concentration of Soviet fire-power.
Last week, in this space, I
wrote about Ukraine’s troubled history — man-made famines and occupation by mongols — trying to explain why a lesser number of Ukrainian teenagers continue to defy hundreds of thousands of Russian parolees. This information, by the way, is all over the Internet.
One can also dial up the F-16, the Su-57 or the Leopard 1 A 5 and get videos detailing their capabilities. And, of course, there is the Institute for the Study of War that gives one interactive maps showing the daily disposition of the Russian and Ukrainian forces.
But this past week I
We have just returned from week-long trip via American Airlines and Delta. What a great country we live in! We can depart from friendly Savannah-Hilton Head International to pass through hectic Charlotte or Atlanta and end up in gawdy Harry Reid International, the gateway to the Entertainment Capital of the World.
Family whisked us to the sanity of Boulder City, Nev., where we ate, watched football, shopped, visited friends, observed Hoover Dam, and saw the mesmerizing Wizard of Oz at the Sphere (OK, Las Vegas).
On the first leg of the journey, I sat next to a very nice lady about my age. She hailed from Callawassie and was on her way to visit family for Thanksgiving, too. We exchanged pleasantries before the take-off, then settled into reading once we were in the air.
At some point, both of us stopped, and she surprised me by bringing up the topic of ICE raids, possibly because we were traveling to Charlotte. She expressed her dismay about the raids and the fact that ICE agents covered their faces.
I swallowed my desire to respond with, “So does Antifa,” but calmly stated instead that I thought they cover their faces to
W
hen our nation calls, the men and women of the Lowcountry answer. They’ve served in combat zones, stood guard in dangerous places, and put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms. These are our neighbors, our friends, and our family members. Nearly 17 000 veterans call Beaufort County home. They didn’t hesitate when it was time to serve our country. Now, it’s our turn to serve them. For too long, many of
learned — we all learned — that knowing the battlefield dispositions is not enough, not nearly enough, to appreciate the Administration’s peace proposal.
Up until last Monday I thought this was a three-dimensional chess game complicated by a man, Vladimir Putin, who sees himself as a reincarnation of Catherine the Great. On Monday, Dec. 1 2025 thanks to the Wall Street Journal — I learned I was wrong.
The Journal’s front page story tells us that Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, is the one person who actually understands what is going on at the moment.
“We know this is not about peace. It’s about business.”
“Business! What has business got to do with slicing and dicing-up of Donbas and Donetsk?”
Apparently Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and Kirill Dmitriev have been meeting (mostly in Florida)
and looking at a plan “for U.S. Companies to tap the roughly $300 billion of Russian Central bank assets, frozen in Europe, for U.S.-Russian investment projects and U.S.-led reconstruction in Ukraine.”
“U.S. and Russian companies could join to exploit the vast mineral wealth in the Arctic. There were no limits to what the two longtime adversaries could achieve, Dmitriev had argued. Their rival space industries, which raced one another during the Cold War, could even pursue a joint mission to Mars with Elon Musk’s SpaceX,” so said the Wall Street Journal last Monday.
Now, I suppose this kind of pre-settlement discussion of post-war business opportunity might be an acceptable stepping stone for mellowing-out Vladimir and tamping-down his dreams of greatness. However, these opportunities also involve Vladimir’s closest hometown friends,
Gennady Timchenko, Yuri Kovalchuk and the Rotenburg brothers, Arcady and Boris. These billionaire oligarchs “have sent representatives to quietly meet American companies to explore rare-earth mining and energy deals, according to people familiar with the meetings and European security officials. That includes reviving the giant Nord Stream pipeline, sabotaged by Ukrainian tactical divers …”
And, of course, there are those on our side of the fence who are also seeking business opportunities.
“Exxon, billionaire investor Todd Boehly and others have explored buying assets owned by Lukoil, Russia’s 2nd largest oil producer. The U.S.-sanctioned Lukoil in October to increase pressure on Moscow, prompting the company to put its overseas assets up for sale.
“Gentry Beach, a college friend of Donald Trump Jr.,
What a great country
protect their identities because there have been so many threats against them.
My neighbor stated that ICE agents had raided elementary schools. I asked where that had happened. She didn’t know, but a group of friends and neighbors who met regularly to discuss politics said it had happened. I asked if everyone in the group shared the same political views; she said they did.
My father was an attorney, and often he would prod us to debate the news of the day. We were supposed to defend the position in which we didn’t believe. My next statement came out of that background.
“I think it’s much more interesting and even fun to have debates with a person who has the opposing view.”
To that she responded that I needed to watch more than FOX.
She had probably spied the news app on my tablet.
I explained that I read the
news; I don’t watch it because I was tired of the hysteria on news channels. Her response was that I should watch ABC or CNN. I said I try to get news from several sources, and that all news sources are biased.
Trying to lighten the tone of our conversation, I expressed a deeply held belief: “Well, politics isn’t everything.”
She retorted, “Tell that to the Jews!”
I stopped. I looked at her. I said, “I don’t understand”.
She said, “Politics was everything to the Jews in Germany.”
We were getting close to someone saying the new awful “N” word. I am convinced that most of the people who use that name have absolutely no idea what National Socialism was. They know there was a dictator named Hitler who killed millions of people, and probably they think the current President is a dictator, so they call him and people whose political thinking is right of center “Nazis.”
I responded with a statement to the effect that what happened in Nazi Germany was an extraordinary descent into evil that was way beyond politics … and that was it. Our plane was on final approach. We landed, said some nice pleasantries about the holidays, and went our separate ways.
On the next flight, I googled
“The great thing is that we can read or watch the opposing viewpoints. We cannot all have our own facts, but we can have our own opinions, which is one of the reasons we live in such a great country.”
LOUISE MATHEWS, on political discourse.
ICE and elementary schools. There have been many articles, primarily in the legacy media, about the possibility that ICE might raid schools, but to date ICE has not raided any elementary, middle or high schools. Department of Homeland Security spokespeople have been emphatic in stating ICE does not and will not raid schools.
What we had, in our discussion, was a good example of confirmation bias, which infects all
A promise to our veterans, kept in the Lowcountry
our heroes have had to drive long distances just to attend a routine doctor’s appointment. Others have found themselves caught in a confusing web of red tape and delays just trying to
access the basic care they earned in uniform. This is unacceptable.
This will all change.
As a member of the House Committee on Veterans’Affairs, we approved the authorization of $30 4 million to build a state-ofthe-art Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Beaufort County. This is more than a building, it’s a long-overdue investment in our veterans and our community.
The new CBOC will offer primary care, mental health
services, and other essential VA programs, all in one place, and right here at home. This means shorter wait times, less travel, and faster access to care for the people who need it most. Our veterans shouldn’t have to fight a second battle just to see a doctor. This clinic will bring the care to them. This fight has always been about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about keeping a promise. The government made a commitment to our veterans, one which includes timely,
and campaign donor to his father, has been in talks to acquire a Russian Arctic gas project if it is released from sanctions.”
It seems that a sharing of the Arctic gas reserves, the joint rebuilding of the Nord Stream pipeline, gas concessions in the Sea of Okhotsk and nickel mines in Siberia are as important as the re-naming of Ukrainian geography.
I can, as I write these words, hear my friends saying, “Grow up, Scott. Your quaint notions of Ukrainian self-determination — of Ukraine breaking away from a man who targets women, children and apartment blocks — are antique and, frankly, tiresome.”
“Forget about sovereignty and freedom, let’s make a little money on this Russian aggression!”
Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.
of us to some degree. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, confirmation bias is “… people’s tendency to process information by looking for, or interpreting, information that is consistent with their existing beliefs. This biased approach to decision making is largely unintentional, and it results in a person ignoring information that is inconsistent with their beliefs.”
I read news mostly from sources that have a more conservative outlook. Obviously, I was sitting with someone who consumes mostly liberal media. I like to scan the headlines on realclearpolitics.com to see the 180-degree difference in viewpoints in the news. I know reading the opposing viewpoints sometimes makes me feel uncomfortable or even angry. I still try to read “the other side.” I listen as well, as friends hold strongly different opinions than mine.
The great thing is that we can read or watch the opposing viewpoints. We cannot all have our own facts, but we can have our own opinions, which is one of the reasons we live in such a great country.
Louise Mathews retired from a career in community colleges, and before that, theater.
A 13-year come-by in Beaufort, she has been a dingbatter in North Carolina and an upstater from New York.
high-quality healthcare. When someone wears the uniform of the United States, they should never have to wonder whether help is within reach when they come home.
This clinic is also projected to bring 100 healthcare jobs to Beaufort County, with doctors, nurses, and staff committed to delivering the care veterans have sacrificed for.
The Beaufort County CBOC is part of a broader effort to modernize and decentralize the VA health-
care system. But here in the Lowcountry, it’s more than a policy win, it’s personal. It’s about showing our veterans we see them, we hear them, and we recognize their service with more than words. They earned this care. They deserve this care. And now, they’re going to get it, right here in Beaufort County.
SCOTT GRABER
LOUISE MATHEWS
Nancy Mace, a Republican, is the Representative for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District and is running for the Republican nomination for S.C. Governor.
NANCY MACE
VOICES
Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the
Stand up to the hypocrisy coming from Washington
Here’s a frightening question that Americans should consider: Why are so many people willing to accept stuff now that they couldn’t have imagined being tolerated just a few years ago?
For example, what if former President Barack Obama had decided to use National Guardsmen from around the country in Dallas to clean up crime?
As it happens, he asked such a rhetorical question during an October podcast: “If I had sent in the National Guard into Texas and just said, ‘You know what? A lot of problems in Dallas, a lot of crime there, and I don’t care what [Texas Gov. Greg] Abbott says. I’m going to kind of take over law enforcement, because I think things are out of control.’”
Then he reflected: “It is mind-boggling to me how Fox News would have responded.”
ANDY BRACK
But President Donald Trump has gotten a pass. In fact, Obama continued, it’s just plain wrong to use the military on domestic soil, except in an extreme emergency. He said using the military in that way seemed to be nothing but “a genuine effort to weaken how we have understood democracy. And that was understood by Democrats and Republicans.”
So why are Americans not holding the increasingly sleepy Trump accountable for things like using masked immigration agents to rip
apart families and patrol streets in blue states when other presidents never would have conceived of crossing such lines and standards.
Imagine if:
Biden: What if Joe Biden welcomed North Korea and Iran with open arms, giving them carte blanche to America?
Bush: What if George W. Bush had a defense secretary who allowed United States secrets to be discussed in an insecure chat room?
Clinton: What if Bill Clinton fired everybody at the Justice Department when it was investigating him? Or what if he got blue states to redraw congressional maps so he could have his way with Congress?
Bush: What if George H.W. Bush turned the CIA into a domestic spying group to watch American companies and political parties? Or what if he embraced
KKK policies frequently?
Reagan: What if Ronald Reagan accepted a free jet from Russia?
Carter: What if Jimmy Carter took away the right to own a handgun?
Ford: What if Gerald Ford raised taxes on the regular guy just to give a phenomenally huge tax break to rich people?
Nixon: What if Richard Nixon had pardoned all of his buddies –and himself – instead of resigning?
Johnson: What if Lyndon Johnson ordered the shooting of protesters at the 1968 Democratic National Convention?
Bottom line: You can’t imagine any of these past presidents doing any of this. And you wouldn’t have tolerated it.
Through the years, America has been an increasingly tolerant place. But with the rise of MAGA and the intellectual laziness of too many Americans, things that
were intolerable in the past have become accepted by default.
And that’s wrong – an excoriation of the traditional American values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
What is happening now in American health clinics, research facilities, national parks, schools, universities, corporate boards, federal agencies, federal courts and the military because of shenanigans in Washington is nothing short of shameful – a slap in the face to American exceptionalism and what the framers of American democracy believed.
We must stop the hypocrisy. As a nation, we can do better. We must demand better. We must stand up to autocratic threats.
Andy Brack is editor and publisher of the Charleston City Paper and Statehouse Report. Have a comment? Send it to feedback@statehousereport.com.
Too many SC students still lack a certified teacher
The 2025-26 Educator Supply and Demand Report by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement represents an exciting step toward providing every South Carolina student with access to the highest quality education. Its release comes only a few weeks after the South Carolina Department of Education reported record improvements on school report cards.
The double dose of good news in K-12 education is far from coincidence. Instead, it affirms South Carolina students excel when they are provided with the resources they need, and no resource is more important than staffing every classroom with a highly qualified educator.
For the first time this decade, the number of vacant educator positions to start the school year has declined for two consecutive years, with the 706 reported vacancies this year representing a 56% decline from the record high vacancies reported in 2023 This year’s number of
vacancies is also more than 300 fewer than last year, a figure especially notable as the data this year includes participation from three additional school districts not included in last year’s report.
The lower vacancy number is also not a result of a reduction in overall teaching positions, with the report showing the second-highest number of total employed positions this decade.
The reduction in vacancies demonstrates how sustained policy efforts can make a meaningful positive impact on teacher supply.
The downward trend is almost certainly correlated with the continued upward trend in educator salaries, with this year’s starting statewide minimum
teacher salary of $48,500 representing a 35% increase compared to 2020
Numerous districts across the state have built on the record investments made by the General Assembly, led by Charleston County increasing starting pay to nearly $65 000
In recent years, the General Assembly has also passed several significant policies to improve educator working conditions, starting with providing daily unencumbered time and paid parental leave to educators earlier this decade and culminating in the governor signing the Educator Assistance Act into law in May 2025
If implemented successfully by districts, these policies will continue to enhance efforts to recruit and retain educators.
However, even the good news in the Supply and Demand Report does not offset the fact that educator vacancy rates still remain too high in South Carolina.
While this year’s reduced number is encouraging, that trend provides limited solace or benefit to the tens
of thousands of students experiencing diminished opportunities due to hundreds of classrooms lacking a certified teacher.
The impact of stubbornly persistent educator shortages is especially acute for students entitled to additional academic support through an individualized education plan (IEP), as more than 25% of the vacant classroom teaching positions statewide are in special education.
Additionally, the vacancy rate remains far too high in essential education service provider positions such as psychologists and speech language pathologists.
Shortages in these areas exist nationally, meaning South Carolina is in a race to secure teaching talent.
As a result, the optimism provided by this year’s Supply and Demand report should be matched or exceeded by a sense of urgency to make South Carolina the most attractive place for educators to work in the Southeast.
Such an effort requires comprehensive efforts by
At the state level, the General Assembly must achieve Gov. McMaster’s long-standing goal of ensuring every teacher in the state is paid no less than $50 000
The General Assembly should also start the work of creating “career ladder” compensation pathways, a policy recommended by the 2023 Teacher Recruitment and Retention Task Force based on promising results for similar programs in states like Texas and North Carolina.
Improved working conditions for educators may be even more important than compensation in order to fully eliminate educator shortages.
Efforts in this area must start with addressing the rise in persistently disruptive and dangerous student behaviors that undermine learning and too often result in physical harm to both educators and students.
Regardless of the salary offered, an educator that is consistently being struck at work is unlikely to persist in the profession, yet nearly
one quarter of the members of Palmetto State Teachers Association report that a student referred to administrators for a violent behavior is returned to the classroom on the same day.
Local districts also have important roles to play in improving educator working conditions, starting with ensuring that statewide policies like the Educator Assistance Act, unencumbered time requirements, and class size caps are implemented with fidelity. School leaders should also carefully evaluate what is necessary and essential work for teachers in order to eliminate tasks beyond the scope of an individual’s employment contract, activities that thousands of educators across the state are routinely required to complete without any compensation for their work.
Patrick Kelly is the director of governmental affairs for the Palmetto State Teachers Association. He has taught in Richland School District 2 since 2005, and he served on the 2023 South Carolina Teacher Recruitment and Retention Task Force.
Holy Week
Holy Eucharist
@ 7:30 p.m.
Good Friday, Apr. 18 @ noon
9 a.m & 11 a.m. Children’s Sunday School & Nursery at 11 a.m. Service of Hope & Healing Weds. @ noon 1104 11th St., Port Royal stmarksportroyal.org
This is the second article in a series of six on VA Disability Compensation (and Burn Pit Disability Conditions).” Read the first article at https://bit.ly/48GtNGp.
This article covers:
Non-presumptive conditions, the PACT Act expansions to VA health care, and eligibility for VA health care.
An example of the range of payments of service-connected compensation, and the definition and value of a zero percent rating. Other benefits that service-connected disability ratings open the door to, including VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
Non-presumptive (direct or secondary) service-connected condition
To be a non-presumptive condition, the disability being claimed must not be on a VA presumptive condition list. To prove to the VA that a veteran is eligible for a non-presumptive disability compensation award, the veteran must prove:
1 They are eligible for service-connected disability compensation with a DD214 and other military records showing the required time, place, and honorable character of service.
2 They have a medical diagnosis of the claimed disabling condition.
3 They have proof (evidence) showing a clear link (NEXUS) between their current medical condition and military service (usually a link between a wound, injury, illness, burn, physical or mental trauma, military sexual trauma, event, medical treatment error, HAZMAT exposure/injury, or scar complication).
If the condition is presumptive, the veteran is relieved of the burden of proving a clear link between
their current medical condition and military service because the VA has strong evidence of such a link. In most cases, to prove a non-presumptive condition is service-connected the veteran will need:
Military medical (or VA or civilian medical) records documenting the original wound, injury, illness, burn, physical or mental trauma, military sexual trauma, event, medical malpractice, HAZMAT exposure/ injury, or scar.
Other military records, like an accident report, Purple Heart award, line of duty investigation, Valorous awards, Efficiency/Performance Report, insurance claims, OSHA reports, newspaper and magazine articles, unit history reports, deck logs, veteran news groups, yearbooks, pictures, or other evidence documenting the disability (condition).
One or more Nexus Letters from medical professionals (Doctor, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Physical Therapist, other specialist (Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Physical, Speech, Occupational, etc.) linking the current condition to military service, stating it is “at least as likely as not” connected to an in-service wound, injury, illness, burn, physical or mental trauma, military sexual trauma, event, medical malpractice, HAZMAT exposure/injury, or scar. The veteran’s Sworn Declaration that certifies the truthfulness of the information.
One or more Lay Witness Statements from someone
who directly witnessed the wound, injury, illness, burn, physical or mental trauma, military sexual trauma, event, medical treatment error, HAZMAT exposure/injury, or scar that supports the claim.
The PACT ACT and VA benefits
The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of veterans and their survivors with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. On March 5 2024, the VA expanded health care to millions of Veterans.
See https://bit.ly/48rSY0z.
The PACT Act:
Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras. Adds 20+ more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures. Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation. Requires the VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every veteran enrolled in VA health care. Helps the VA improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures.
PACT ACT makes the following veterans eligible to enroll in VA Health care. if you meet the basic service and discharge requirements and any of these descriptions are true for you, you are eligible to enroll in VA health care now, without needing to apply for disability benefits first: You served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11; or You deployed in support of the Global War on Terror; or You were exposed to toxins or other hazards during military service at home or abroad.
Specific toxins and hazards include burn pits, sand and dust, particulates, oil well or sulfur fires, chemicals, radiation, warfare agents, depleted uranium, herbicides, and other occupational hazards. Find more military exposure categories on the VA’s Public Health website, “Military Exposures” at https://www.publichealth. va.gov/exposures/. Even if none of these descriptions above are true for you, you may still be eligible for VA health care based on your service. Learn more at “Eligibility for VA Health Care,” https://www.va.gov/healthcare/eligibility/.
VA Service Connection
compensation is generous
According to the VA webpage, “Current Veterans Disability Compensation Rates” at https:// bit.ly/3MpASnq, VA disability compensation provides tax-free monthly payments. If a veteran has a service-connected condition, they may be eligible for tax-free disability compensation of more than $4,500, depending on their VA disability rating (from zero to 100 percent) and the number of their eligible dependents (spouse, children, or parents).
Also, if a veteran can’t work due to a disability related to their military service, they may qualify for Individual Unemployability. This means the veteran may be eligible for compensation or benefits at the same level as a veteran with a 100% disability rating. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4iLfbtX.
What is zero percent?
The VA webpage, “Non-compensable Disability” at https://bit. ly/3XIV4TE, states that the VA awards 0% for disabilities that are service-connected but not severe enough to warrant compensation. However, veterans with a zero percent rating may be eligible for: 1 VA health care. This includes regular checkups, appointments with specialists, and prescription refills. Learn more at “Eligibility for VA Health Care” at https://
www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/.
2 Prescriptions. Free medications related to the service-connected condition. See https://bit.ly/48Dn5Rl.
3 Priority for VA services. Higher priority for healthcare services compared to veterans without service-connected disabilities. See https://bit. ly/44R5Db1
4 Travel pay. The Beneficiary Travel program pays veterans back for mileage and other travel expenses to and from approved health care appointments. See https:// bit.ly/4oTxGxW.
5 VA dental care. If a veteran qualifies for VA dental care benefits, they may be able to get some or all of your dental care through VA. See https:// bit.ly/3MOj1GD.
6 VA vision care. If a veteran qualifies for VA health care, they may be able to get some or all of their vision care through VA. See https://bit. ly/3KFiJkI.
7 Veterans Affairs Life Insurance. VALife provides low-cost coverage to eligible veterans with service-connected disabilities. See https://bit.ly/3MLKngy.
Continued next week.
The Grinch steals a hat from a child on Dec. 2, 2025, at the Four Winds Family Readiness Center on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Marines and their families were taking part in the Holiday Express, an event which included meeting Santa Claus, writing letters to the North Pole and touring the base to look at Christmas displays designed by the base’s battalions. Cpl. Jacob Richardson/USMC
Santa Claus talks to children on Dec. 2, 2025, at the Four Winds Family Readiness Center on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Marines and their families were taking part in the Holiday Express, an event which included meeting Santa Claus, writing letters to the North Pole and touring the base to look at Christmas displays designed by the base’s battalions. Cpl. Jacob
Richardson/USMC
LOCAL MILITARY
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, 12 December 2025
Recruit Training Regiment • Commanding Officer, Colonel A. P. Bariletti 1st Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel G. T. Moynihan Commander of Troops, Captain B. O. Farhoomand • Parade Adjutant, Second Lieutenant D. B. Bivins Company “D”, 1st Recruit Training Battalion • Captain B. O. Farhoomand Drill Master • Staff Sergeant E. Sarmiento Jr., Staff Sergeant J. A. Runion
PLATOON 1088
Senior Drill Instructor
SSgt D. A. Spannagel
PFC Arauz, Marvin E.
Pvt Arnoldbryant, Austin K.
Pvt Barber, Layton E.
Pvt Barrineau Jr, Robert W.
Pvt Beer, Andrew R.
Pvt Bennett, Austin D.
PFC Bowie, Shawn R.
PFC Burdette, Isaac T.
Pvt Burrell, Dillon R.
Pvt Caban, Gabriel X.
Pvt Cox, Gabriel S.
PFC Davenport Jr, Kenric L.
Pvt Diazguevara, Elmer E.
Pvt Douglas, Camron A.
PFC Fancher, Anthony R. *
Pvt Fryar Jr, Foster F.
Pvt Heinze, Christian C.
Pvt Hendricks, Tyler A.
Pvt Hyde, Colton N.
Pvt Jackson, Vantron K.
PFC Jeronimo, Andres
PFC Johnson, Hunter T.
PFC Knight, Dylan T.
Pvt Koening, Gaven T.
Pvt Lane, Jaylan C.
Pvt Martinoff, Michael H.
Pvt Menendezlozano, Alan R.
Pvt Miller, Kaj J.
Pvt Mirandagutierrez, Mariano
Pvt Murray Jr, Bryan O.
PFC Newell, Ian N.
Pvt Olivas, Steven T.
Pvt Padillapadilla, Alexis
PFC Parker Jr, David W.
Pvt Payne, Jack R.
Pvt Pearce, Thomas W.
Pvt Pengsavath, Tristan T.
PFC Pfahler, Aaron C. *
Pvt Plummer, Lashawn T.
Pvt Ramirez, Daniel E.
PFC Ramirezjackson, Cedric L.
Pvt Reynoso, Victor M.
PFC Riddick, Immanuel E.
PFC Rodgers, Elijah J. *
Pvt Rosasflores, Andrew J.
Pvt Ruazol, Marcvincent G.
Pvt Rushton, Drew T.
Pvt Sanchez, Jonathan O.
PFC Surratt, Aaron C. *
PFC Therrien, Zackary M.
Pvt Trevino, Noah C.
PFC Turk, Alexander R.
Pvt Urrutiacontreras, Kevin E.
Pvt West, Kenneth M.
Pvt Westbrook, Charles D.
Pvt Wright Jr, Robert
Pvt Young Ii, Jason P.
PLATOON 1089
Senior Drill Instructor
SSgt N. Henriquez Belliard
PFC Allman, Taylor E. *
Pvt Alonsolozano, Yumalai
PFC Artica, Yasmin N. *
Pvt Baker, Alyssa K.
Pvt Beeks, Christiana M.
Pvt Cecil, Kellsy J.
PFC Cisneros, Ashley
PFC Cruz, Danniella A.
Pvt Ducasse, Kennya
PFC Flores, Chloe N.
PFC Godoy, Sophie M.
PFC Huddleston, Kaile A. *
PFC Johnson, Amelia C.
PFC Johnson, Jaslyn A.
Pvt Josegonzalez, Crystal
Pvt Lewis, Makayla K.
Pvt Martinezaguilar, Maria I.
Pvt Mendoza, Aileen
Pvt Montes, Yisell
Pvt Narvaezlopez, Lesley N.
PFC Pena, Sofia M.
PFC Perez, Michelle A.
PFC Perezpaz, Ashley
Pvt Pinedabonilla, Naomi A.
Pvt Polancomercedes, Karla M.
Pvt Ramirez, Destiny A.
Pvt Recio, Sophia I.
Pvt Rodriguez, Azeneth
Pvt Ruizgarcia, Kaina D.
Pvt Sanders, Ariyanna R.
Pvt Santosmijangos, Stephanie
PFC Tartaglia, Ashley M.
PFC Velazquez, Jessica
PFC Watson, Haley B.
Pvt Webster, Rhiannon V.
Pvt Whitt, Madison L.
Pvt Willy, Launa N.
Pvt Wilson, Ashlynn J.
PFC Wright, Sierra *
Pvt Zuritagonzalez, Cynthia
PLATOON 1090
Senior Drill Instructor
SSgt R. C. Mercado
Pvt Aguilar, Santino B.
Pvt Anderson, Jacob H.
Pvt Bell, Dominique J.
PFC Carranzareed, Maxwell
PFC Clarida, Myssejiah A. *
Pvt Demoya, Daudys A.
Pvt Excellent, Dave S.
PFC Ezekiel, Ndayizeye *
Pvt Foster, Jack L.
Pvt Garnettschnee, Elijah D.
Pvt Gonzalez, Jordyn P.
PFC Gould, Ethan A.*
Pvt Gourley, Nathaniel T.
Pvt Green, Rece G.
Pvt Harkai, Jack M.
Pvt Hernandezvelasquez, Brian
PFC Higgins, Justin L.
Pvt Hollis, Noah M.
Pvt Jimenez, Desi B.
Pvt John, Rebechong
Pvt Johnson, Austin M.
Pvt Jordan, Jacob E.
Pvt Larson, Noah G.
Pvt Maharrey, Nathanael K.
Pvt Martin, Gabriel C.
Pvt Martinez, Bryan
Pvt Martinez, Jonathan A.
Pvt Matosmartinez, Rafelix F.
Pvt Melchorcaamano, Brian A.
PFC Michel, Kersandy
Pvt Miller, Corey H.
Pvt Mooney, Colin P.
Pvt Mullins Jr, Dustin S.
Pvt Pachuilo, Logan E.
PFC Parsons, Alton R.
PFC Pediconecartaya, Gianluca S.
PFC Perez, Darius D.
PFC Porter, Najai T.
Pvt Price, Reece J.
Pvt Redfearnloss, Kalvin B.
Pvt Richardson, Nehemiah S.
PFC Robinson, Cordell R.
Pvt Rodriguez, Matthew A.
Pvt Rogers Iii, John H.
Pvt Saldivarjaramillo, Dante S.
Pvt Schoeck, James J.
PFC Serio, Dante J.
Pvt Soita, Peter O.
Pvt Steers, Joshua T.
Pvt Thompson, Tyler J.
PFC Timothee, Obed
Pvt Toliver, Nicholas C.
Pvt Valdizon, Carlos I.
Pvt Watts, Cale W.
Pvt Wizinsky, Andrew J.
PFC Yankmi, Marc A. *
PLATOON 1092
Senior Drill Instructor
SSgt N. B. Bradshaw
Pvt Aguilargutierrez, Kevin A.
PFC Anezmaldonado, Lisandro J.
Pvt Belony, Myco
PFC Blankenship, Cole L.*
Pvt Cajuste, Weelby
Pvt Candella, Dominic A.
Pvt Correanavarro, Sebastian M.
Pvt Covert, Julien E.
Pvt Craig, Matthew G.
PFC Davey, Malachi J.*
PFC Davisontowmey, Luke S.
Pvt Diggs III, Mark S.
Pvt Dowd, Aidan J.
PFC Felix, Charles W.*
Pvt Fernandezpacheco, Justin J.
Pvt Fishburn, Kaleb L.
Pvt Garciamartinez, Savier
Pvt Gorr, Jordan M.
Pvt Haungs, Jayden R.
Pvt Hernandez, Antonio N.
Pvt Humphrey, Connor B.
Pvt Jackson, Devin M.
Pvt Keller, Callum O.
Pvt Kenosian, Joseph F.
Pvt Lao, David J.
Pvt Lara, Michael
Pvt Ledezma, Joshua D.
PFC Lopez, Cris
Pvt Lopez, Jose M.
Pvt Marquez, Amir P.
Pvt Mcmanes, Gavin M
Pvt Morales, Felix V.
Pvt Muller, Tyler J.
PFC Murillo, Julius R.
Pvt Napier, Hayden C.
PFC Ochotorena, Daniel A.
Pvt Perez, Samuel
Pvt Perezalford, Kaiden H.
Pvt Pinci, Joseph D.
Pvt Plasencio, Febronio R.
PFC Reyesgalo, Carlos J.
Pvt Rhoades, Aidan G.
Pvt Rodriguezzirio, Robert H.
Pvt Sanmiguel, Ian M.
Pvt Schoedel, Eli S.
PFC Scott, Keonte V.*
Pvt Skipper, Conner R.
Pvt Stanco, Anthony J.
Pvt Swick, Jake A.
Pvt Tran, Aiden H.
Pvt Weber Jr, Wayne M.
Pvt Wilson, Cole B.
Pvt Winfield, Jacob A.
PFC Wingrovehamby, Seth T.
Pvt Wood, Gabriel S.
PLATOON 1093
Senior Drill Instructor
SSgt A. S. Adetona
Pvt Abreu, Diego
Pvt Andrews, Liam H.
PFC Arriaga Jr, Jesus A.
Pvt Batista, Jayran M.
Pvt Batistapeguero, Eddy E.
PFC Berry, Xavier N.*
Pvt Borade, Aryan V.
Pvt Bowman, Patrick J. Brumfield, Jonah T.
Pvt Cobian, Marcarnulfo M.
PFC Colon, Ikylez C.*
Pvt Cooper, Rylan A.
PFC Cortez, Rojal*
PFC Courtney, Connor J.
PFC Davis, Kyle*
Pvt Ellis, Benjamin K.
PFC Fleming, Joshua K.*
Pvt Gorisubeda, Jael H.
Pvt Grayson, Curtis
Pvt Green, Christopher M.
Pvt Higley, Jadyn R.
PFC Jeanjacques, Yvoniel*
PFC Johnson, Delandre*
Pvt Kaizer, Nathan F.
Pvt Koehler, Devin K.
PFC Lakes Jr, Steve A.*
Pvt Long, Treyton I.
Pvt Lopez, Luis A.
Pvt Lopezwhitney, Nicholas D.
Pvt Louissaint, John W.
PFC Martinezgil, David J.*
Pvt Mckeeighan, Jacob
Pvt Medinaperez, Yahir
PFC Milliron, Nowlan D.*
Pvt Montaruli Iv, Michael F.
Pvt Morgan Jr, Brandon J.
Pvt Navarre, Jamarion L.
Pvt Newby, John R.
Pvt Niles, Ian C.
PFC OneyenadumUgweje, Samuel*
Pvt Patrick, Travis
Pvt Pena Jr, Steven
PFC Reynolds, Cash J.*
Pvt Rourke, Michael B.
Pvt Ruizrestrepo, Matthew
PFC Smith, Autry A.*
Pvt Sossa, Julien C.*
Pvt Tanveer, Basim
Pvt Tejedavalenzuela, Luis
Pvt Thapa, Unik
Pvt Thompson, Seth M.
PFC Valdes, Frank E.*
Pvt Wentworth II, Robert S.
Pvt Williams II, Tony A.
PLATOON 1094
Senior Drill Instructor
SSgt N. A. Barry
Pvt Alvarezportillo, Angel J.
Pvt Baker, Aidan H.
Pvt Barnella, Jack M.
Pvt Barrios, Joseph E.
Pvt Beato, Wilbert
Pvt Bixler, Jesse J.
Pvt Byrd, Colton D.
Pvt Caamano, Andres A.
Pvt Castellanos, Joseph E.
Pvt Colapinto, Samuel T.
Pvt Dejesus, Diego L.
Pvt Earthwood, Keegan
Pvt Espinoza, Brian S.
PFC Fenner, Jayvien J.
Pvt Friskney, Chauncey L.
PFC Funk, Evan R.
PFC Gomez, Gianni L.*
Pvt Gonzalez, Alexis
Pvt Gonzalez, Edwin M.
Pvt Gross, Austin R.
Pvt Gutierrezherrera, Camilo A.
Pvt Harmon Iii, Pete H.
Pvt Henry, Braylen G. *
Pvt Hernandez, Marco A.
PFC Hickman, Trevor E.
PFC Johnson, Tyler J.*
Pvt Kibbe, Nathan D.
Pvt Kordeleski, Adam R.
Pvt Laxton, Tyler R.
LCPL Makowka, Masiah M. *
Pvt Marsh II, Christopher P.
PFC Mata, Julian M.
Pvt Medinaayala, Yaniel A.
PFC Meza, Alex G.
Pvt Mott, James K.
PFC Nelson, Anthony A.
Pvt Ockstadt, Dmitry A.
Pvt Orlemann, Jacob P.
Pvt Paddack, Clayton C.
Pvt Perez Jr, Jose A.
Pvt Perezmozo, Giovanny S.
Pvt Phelps, Jack
PFC Quinonessantiago, Angel D.
PFC Reyesalvarado, Angel D.
PFC Rivera Iii, Oscar A.
PFC Riveranieves, Diego M.
PFC Root, Logan M.
PFC Spaulding, Rashaun D.
Pvt Steffens, Peyton M.
Pvt Urena, Noah G.
Pvt Veasey, Skyler R.
Pvt Velez, Javier
Pvt Vierzen, Daniel A.
Pvt Vimosgarcia, Juan J.
PFC Vitale, Anthony R.
PFC Webster, Orion J.*
Pvt Wright, Jonathan P.
Pvt Yampanis, Patrick J.
*Denotes Meritorious Promotion
SERVICE DIRECTORY
ATTORNEY
Christopher J. Geier
Attorney at Law, LLC
Criminal Defense & Civil Litigation
2048 Pearl Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
Office: 843-986-9449 • Fax: 843-986-9450
chris@bftsclaw.com • www.geierlaw.com
AUDIOLOGY & HEARING
Beaufort Audiology & Hearing Care
Monica Wiser, M.A. CCC-A
Licensed Audiologist
38 Professional Village West, Lady's Island monica@beauforthearing.com www.beauforthearing.com | 843-521-3007
Hear the Beauty that Surrounds You
The Beaufort Sound Hearing and Balance Center
Dr. Larry Bridge, AU.D./CCC-A 206 Sea Island Parkway, Suite 31, Beaufort thebeaufortsound@gmail.com www.thebeaufortsound.com | 843-522-0655
CLASSIFIEDS & GAMES
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-855-704-3381
DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance – NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855397-7030 www.dental50plus.com/60 #6258
AUCTIONS ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in 80 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 1 5 million readers. Call Randall Savely at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 803-750-9561
HELP WANTED – DRIVERS
ADVERTISE YOUR DRIVER JOBS in 80 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25word classified ad will reach more than 1 5 million readers. Call Randall Savely at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 803-750-9561
HOUSE FOR RENT ON 1.5 ACRE LOT
3 BR home in Sheldon/Seabrook SC, with central heat and air, laundry room with a washer and dryer included. Large den,
and dining room, ceiling fans, Hardwood and tiled floors, screened front porch and a back patio. Rent is $1700/month, deposit is $1700 For more information contact: Rufus Pinckney. 912-308-3926 or Iris Middleton. 910-920-8034
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-844-775-0366 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
TELEVISION & INTERNET SERVICES
DIRECTV OVER INTERNET – Get your favorite live TV, sports and local channels. 99% signal reliability! CHOICE Package, $84 99/mo for 12 months. HBO Max and Premium Channels included for 3 mos (w/ CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-855-237-9741
DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84 99/ mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-844-624-1107
Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-877542-0759
VACATION RENTALS ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION PROPERTY FOR RENT OR SALE to more than 1 5 million S.C. newspaper readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear in 80 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Randall Savely at the South Carolina Newspaper Network, 803-750-9561
YOUR AD HERE
Looking to advertise your business, announce a yard sale, or share other classifieds? Contact Amanda Hanna today at amanda@lcweekly.com to secure your spot and get your ad featured in our upcoming issue! It’s an easy and affordable way to reach thousands of local readers right here in the Lowcountry.
