October 16 edition by The Island News

Lowcountry Pride Festival back in Port Royal on Sunday

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

The third annual Lowcountry Pride Festival is back this weekend.

The festival will be held on Sunday, Oct. 19, at Live Oaks Park in Port Royal from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a craft vendors, several non-profits, local merchandise vendors, lawn games, live music, food trucks, bounce houses and more. For those who are interested in volunteering or joining the festival as a craft vendor or a non-profit, email lcscpricde@gmail.com.

This is the third year that Lowcountry PRIDE has held the festival in the Town of Port Royal.

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.

Tragedy

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cal Services (EMS) to the hospital, more victims continued to show up on their own at area hospitals seeking medical attention from injuries sustained at the scene.

What happened?

According to sources, the crowd at Willie’s Bar and Grill was so large, maybe approaching 300 people, as a result of a class reunion event for Battery Creek High School alumni.

Bar owner Willie Turral was inside the establishment, he told media outlets, when he heard shots going off "in bursts" outside, indicating there was “machinegun” fire.

According to the BCSO, just before 1 a.m., Sunday, the Communications Center received multiple reports of a shooting.

The BCSO said in a release that upon arriving at the scene, deputies made contact with a large crowd of people, with numerous people suffering from gunshot wounds. Multiple victims and witnesses ran to nearby businesses and properties seeking shelter from the gun shots, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Williams, whose family chose him to speak for them, said that while his brother was working “security” at the restaurant, Gary was not a part of a security company or anything of the sort. He had no badge and was unarmed. He was essentially a bouncer.

“He was getting paid under the

Carteret Street UMC Fall Bazaar

3-year-old Macy Humphreys went in search of her perfect pumpkin at the Carteret Street United Methodist Church Fall Bazaar on Oct. 11 in Beaufort. Asa Aarons Smith/The Island News

table,” Williams said. “And ... it was pretty much a friend of a friend asking [him to] work security, and he said ‘yeah.’”

According to Williams, Gary was outside of the door of the club near the patio when the shooting started.

“The club [was at] max capacity, they were not letting any more people inside of the main building, ... but there were people outside on the patio area in front of [the establishment]. … When the shots started ringing out, my brother was trying to get people out of the way, trying to push them all the way [down], trying to get them into the building.”

Williams, whose younger sister was also at the establishment, said Gary was hit multiple times, but due to adrenaline, “he didn't even realize, he was still trying to save lives.”

Eventually, he succumbed to his injuries and died where he fell.

Williams said this tragedy should have never happened.

“With the amount of people there, the amount of people at the event outside of that club, they should've at least had EMS on site,” Williams said. “There should've been an off-duty officer or a uniformed on-duty officer posted nearby, across the street maybe, due to the amount of people there.”

The investigation According to the BCSO, the circumstances of the incident are still under investigation, and the BCSO is investigating persons of interest. An updated release on Monday afternoon, however, offered no real developments.

As of press time Tuesday evening, there had been no arrests related to the shooting. But law enforcement may have begun to zero in on people they believe were involved.

Early Monday afternoon, the BCSO arrested 26-year-old Anferny Devon Freeman of St. Helena Island. He was charged with

breach of peace, aggravated in nature; and unlawful storage or possession of a machine gun or a sawed-off shotgun or rifle.

According to BCSO spokesperson Lt. Daniel Allen, Freeman was arrested on outstanding warrants after a traffic stop. The charges, he said, are unrelated to the St. Helena shooting but are instead linked to a 2024 case.

However, sources close to law enforcement told The Island News that authorities believe he is tied to this case and “several people identified Freeman that night at the scene.”

While Allen told The Island News that Freeman’s Monday charges were unrelated, he would neither confirm nor deny that Freeman was a person of interest.

Freeman bonded out of the Beaufort County Detention Center at 12:20 p.m., Tuesday.

Williams said he had spoken with a Sheriff’s Office investigator.

“I have cooperated with him and forwarded any information that I have directly to him,” he said. “Besides that, I don't believe I'm at liberty to say anything else that I know.”

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Master Sergeant Duncan at 843-255-3418. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office encourages the community to report suspicious and criminal activity by calling our non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777

If wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County via the P3 Tips app on your mobile device, online at

tipsbft.com, or by calling 844-TIPS-BFT (844-847-7238).

4 men arrested on federal sex trafficking charges

By Delayna Earley The Island News

Four Beaufort County men are facing federal charges in the sex trafficking case of a 17-year-old girl.

William James Youmans, Jaquan Duvall Barnes, Guy Frank Talley III and Alban Bryan all appeared in federal court in Charleston on Oct. 9 where a nine-count indictment was unsealed against them by prosecutors.

The indictment reveals that the men allegedly trafficked the 17-year-old victim knowing that she had been reported as missing by her family from January to March 2024

They have been accused of sexually abusing or producing child

Lowdown

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Reunions are supposed to be fun, aren’t they, unless they bring up bad memories.

All these shootings will definitely create bad memories for those folks in attendance out there at Willie’s.

Law enforcement officials are well aware of the presence of so many guns.

Following the Sept. 29 shootings, for example, the Sheriff’s Department announced the arrest of three individuals on gun charges along with five other individuals on drug possession and trafficking charges. It’s the arrests (or lack thereof), especially when

abuse materials of the girl and trafficking and all charges against the men carry the potential of life sentences.

Youmans, Talley and Bryan were all originally arrested in summer 2024 by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

(SLED) human trafficking of a minor among other charges.

Barnes was originally arrested by Hardeeville, S.C. police in March 2024 because he was wanted in Georgia on sex trafficking charges.

At the time of his initial arrest, police found a child in his vehicle

witnesses decline to testify, and then the long time it takes for the prosecution to put a case together that make the judicial system look ineffective.

Remember, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department has an anonymous tip line, 844-847-7238

Beaufort County taking a look at dock regulations

A heads up to boat owners, boat users or anyone who wants to visit a Beaufort County public boat landing.

The County Council is in the process of updating the waterways ordinance and there might be some objections from the water-loving public. will have a discussion on the proposals at the Oct. 20 meeting. The county’s Public Facil-

who was being trafficked at the time according to earlier reporting from The Island News. He escaped from Jasper County Detention Center in June 2024 and was recaptured in Jacksonville a month later.

Talley, Amani Nekwan Naughn and Kalynn Jade Cloud were charged with harboring an escaped convict by SLED in connection with Barnes’ escape.

After he was recaptured, Barnes was then charged with human trafficking of a minor, two counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, two counts of second-de-

ities committee will have a meeting at 4 p.m., on Monday, Oct. 20, to discuss the proposals which regulating operations at the 21 public boat landings. The proposed changes should be of particular interest to people who are running businesses at a public landing, like renting jet-skies at the boat landings or picking up paying passengers for boat rides or fishing trips. While commercial fishermen are exempted from the regulations, barge operators, who use the landings to transport materials, are not.

According to the county’s legal staff who has been working on the revisions for the past year, some of the complaints leading to the changes were coming from marina representatives who feel use of the public

gree sexual exploitation of a minor and unlawful escape.

According to the federal indictment, Barnes, Youmans and Talley have been accused of working together to sell the 17-year-old girl for sex at Beaufort County area motels and hotels, allegedly using food, shelter and drugs to control her and used pornographic images of her to solicit paying sex clients on the internet.

Barnes and Youmans have been charged with sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking conspiracy and aiding and abetting, receiving

space to conduct business infringed on their business opportunities. Staff research reported 17 different businesses using a public boat landing for their operations.

For more detailed information about the ordinance draft, see Chapter_102 WATERWAYS Ordinance amendments rev mmbh (1).

pdf

The Town of Bluffton, which has its own public boat landing, has already had one of two public readings on a similar ordinance to regulate activities within its boundaries.

Port Royal sidewalks, walking trail keep growing PORT ROYAL — And some good news from the town of Port Royal. After nine years-plus in the planning and

and distributing child pornography, coercion of a minor and aiding and abetting. Talley is charged with coercion of a minor and aiding and abetting. Bryan is charged with sex trafficking of a minor, receipt of child pornography, distribution of child pornography and coercion or enticement of a minor.

negotiating stages, a 400feet length of sidewalk along Ribaut Road bordering the Naval Hospital is nearing completion.

The project required cooperation with the federal authorities who owned the property but it was with the will and determination of Town Manager Van Willis that pedestrians will soon be able to walk safely along the busy thoroughfare.

Progress is also being made on extension of the Spanish Moss Trail from Ribaut Road along the former railroad right-of-way to Appleton Road on the east side of Ribaut Road. The current work includes placement of a pedestrian activated traffic signal to allow the safe crossing of Ribaut Road.

Further plans call for the 10-mile trail to be extended

through the Safe Harbor property down to The Sands recreational area. Now if the international marina company, which was purchased in May by asset manager Blackstone Infrastructure, would just come on back into the Town Council and present their latest development plan, there would be even more cause for rejoicing.

Lolita Huckaby Watson is a community volunteer and newspaper columnist. In her former role as a reporter with The Beaufort Gazette, The Savannah Morning News, Bluffton Today and Beaufort Today, she prided herself in trying to stay neutral and unbiased. As a columnist, these are her opinions. The Rowland, N.C. native’s goal is to be factual but opinionated, based on her own observations. Feel free to contact her at bftbay@gmail.com.

Strengthened by God Confirmation

Something amazing happened to the apostles on Pentecost.

On the Jewish feast day of Pentecost, seven weeks after Jesus rose from the dead, the apostles started acting like new men. Until this time, they had been hiding, afraid that they too would be arrested and put to death like Jesus. But now they began to walk among the crowds, courageously proclaiming his death and resurrection. What brought about such a dramatic change?

They received the Holy Spirit.

Before Jesus returned to heaven, he had instructed the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for a special gift. As they were gathered in prayer on the morning of Pentecost, they were filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:1-13) From that moment on, they received strength to go and be witnesses for Jesus to the ends of the earth. With great joy, they were willing to be persecuted and risk their lives so that the good news of Jesus could be proclaimed throughout the world.

The apostles gave this gift of the Holy Spirit to others. As new believers were baptized and began to follow Jesus, the apostles would lay hands on them in prayer, and they too would receive the Holy Spirit. For example, many people in Samaria began to believe in Jesus and were baptized. When Peter and John arrived, “they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit... Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8:15-17) Likewise, new believers received the Holy Spirit after Paul laid hands on them. (Acts 19:5-6)

All Christians can receive this gift of the Holy Spirit. This bestowal of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands came to be known as the Sacrament of Confirmation, which comes from a Latin word that means “strengthening.” In each century, Jesus has continued to strengthen his followers with the Holy Spirit through this wonderful sacrament. Just as he did with the apostles, Jesus strengthens us in the graces of our Baptism so that we can go out and be his witnesses in the world.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is received after baptism. Those who grow up Catholic typically receive Confirmation in their early teenage years, strengthening them to better live their faith as they become adults. The local bishop is usually the minister for Confirmation, since he is a successor to the apostles. He lays hands on the head of each person, praying the words, “Be sealed with the Holy Spirit.” For those who become Catholic as adults, Confirmation usually occurs immediately after Baptism, at the same celebration in which they will receive Holy Communion for the first time.

The Holy Spirit is still at work today!

Even if we do not perceive miraculous signs like those that happened at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit is still working powerfully in our midst. Like the apostles, Jesus is counting on us to courageously proclaim his good news, so that all may come to know and love him.

Youmans Barnes

Talley III Bryan

No Kings protest set for Saturday in Beaufort

By Delayna Earley The Island News

The Beaufort No Kings rally will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18, from noon to 1 p.m. in front of Beaufort City Hall at the intersection of Ribaut Road and Boundary Street, according to information posted by Indivisible Beaufort.

There are also No Kings protests planned for Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, as well, to join with rallies that are planned to take place across all 50 states and internationally, according to the post.

According to the post, the national protests are expected to bring out between five and seven million participants to peacefully protest the policies put forth by President Donald Trump and his administration.

The last national No Kings protest was in June 2025

“The world saw the power of the people,” says the post made by Indivisible Beaufort. “The fight is not finished. Each protest reminds those in power that democracy belongs to us, not billionaires, dynasties or would-be monarchs.”

A No Kings Sign Making Party is to be held on Friday, Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Beaufort County Democratic Party Office at 39 Persimmon Street, Suite 201, in Bluffton, for anyone hoping to attend any of the No King Protests in Beaufort, Bluffton or on Hilton Head Island.

National Night Out

Grays Hill man gets 10 years for 2019 shooting

Staff reports

BEAUFORT — A Grays Hill man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a 2019 shooting at a Seabrook home. Alexander Xavier Smalls, 26, pleaded guilty as charged Tuesday to assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and possession of a weapon during commission of a violent crime. His plea came just before his jury trial was to begin in Beaufort County General Sessions Court.

Assistant Solicitor Samantha Molina of the 14th Circuit Solici-

tor’s Office prosecuted the case. At about 5:30 p.m. Oct. 22, 2019, authorities were called to Beaufort Memorial Hospital, where they found a woman suffering from a gunshot wound to her right thigh. The victim told investigators that Smalls argued with her, fired two warning shots, then struck her in the leg with a third shot. Smalls and two others placed her in a green Jeep and drove her to the hospital, dropping Smalls off along the way.

While at the hospital, the victim spoke with Smalls by phone in the presence of law enforcement.

During the call, Smalls apologized as the victim berated him for shooting her. Deputies later located the Jeep, which contained blood, two of Smalls’ identification cards, a 9mm pistol, loose ammunition and a spent shell casing. DNA testing linked Smalls to the firearm, magazine, and ammunition.

Circuit Court Judge Dale E. Van Slambrook imposed the sentence. Smalls also faces charges in three unrelated cases. He and a co-defendant are charged with

attempted murder, aggravated breach of peace and possession of a weapon during commission of a violent crime in connection with a 2023 convenience store shooting in northern Beaufort County. After his bond was revoked, Smalls picked up a mob-violence charge at the Beaufort County Detention Center in 2025 after being accused of joining an assault on another detainee. He is also a co-defendant in a federal human trafficking case. Those charges remain pending, and Smalls is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Beaufort Republican Women’s Club

On Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, members and guests of the Beaufort Republican Women’s Club enjoyed a walking tour of the Beaufort National Cemetery at 1601 Boundary Street in Beaufort. Bonnie Wade Mucia, volunteer docent, led our one-hour long tour through the 162-year-old cemetery, which is the final resting place for more than 28,000 veterans and eligible family members. Beaufort’s is the 13th oldest national cemetery in the United States; within the walls rest veterans of the Second Seminole War, Spanish American War, Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and peacetime veterans. For more information and to schedule a tour, contact the cemetery at 843-524-3925.

Town of Port Royal Police Department Cpl. Kelly Mason assists Lilly and Jorge Guerrero, from Port Royal, with roasting marshmallows during the National Night Out at John S. Parker Park in Port Royal on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Smalls

NEWS & BUSINESS

Six priorities for the Sandwich Generation

Provided by Wells Fargo Advisors

The “Sandwich Generation” — adults caring for aging parents as well as children — faces several stressful challenges that come from trying to juggle everyone’s needs. One of those top stressors: finances, such as how to cover education and health care costs and still save enough for retirement. The demands often compete with one another — which is why setting clear priorities is so important. Here are six tips for setting those priorities to help you deliver the support your loved ones need — without shortchanging yourself.

1 Take care of your future first. Saving enough for retirement should be a top priority. You have to take care of your needs before you help

Seats

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the Beaufort Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission.

Angie Tillman is originally from Athens, Ga. and moved to Port Royal just over a year ago with her husband Phin. She said that she has become acquainted with the community over the past several years through her small business, Phickles Pickles, for which she has been delivering to places all over northern Beaufort County. Tillman has never held an elected position; this is her first time running. But she has served in many volunteer positions and thinks that her fresh perspective and small-business experience would be good for the Town of Port Royal. All three candidates were given three questions to answer by The Island News : What influenced your decision to run for Port Royal’s town council?

Mary Beth Gray-Heyward: I made the decision to run because I am a homegrown girl and the 34 years of experience and dedication being on council has given me the knowledge of how to support a community as a whole. I’ve dedicated the last 34 years to being the voice of the people of Port Royal, listening to their needs and working to support the concerns of my constituents. I have al-

your parents and your children.

2 Create or update your investment plan. Create an investment plan that will help you balance your financial goals with the needs of your children and parents. Review your budget, analyze your expenses, and set savings targets to help you prioritize planning for an upcoming expense, such as college costs or long-term care for your parents.

3 Review your insurance coverage. Helping protect your assets is always a good idea, but it’s even more important when you have two generations depending on you. Make sure you have enough life insurance in case something happens to you to pay off your mortgage and other debt and to help cover the fu-

ways made the most advantageous fiscal decisions to help Port Royal grow economically and financially. I don’t personally know my opponents nor what they stand for, but I have the expertise which only comes from experience in the day-to-day operations of Port Royal.

Darryl Owens: I have decided to seek re-election to continue the work and progress that Council has achieved and is implementing to ensure Port Royal remains a thriving smalltown community that balances economic and developmental growth with low taxes and preservation of its unique charm.

Angie Tillman: I was influenced to run for town council by my love for this beautiful, historical town and the people who make it so special. As a small business owner with the skills to navigate through adversity and a heart for community, I want to help bridge generations, ideas, and voices. Port Royal is growing, and I believe thoughtful, sincere leadership — with a little creativity and kindness — can keep our Port Royal charming while guiding its bright future. I have always been an advocate for small, independently owned businesses and will be a strong voice for our shop and restaurant owners — I don’t want to see big box stores come in and change the heart of Port Royal. I’m not only concerned for the Village of Port Royal but also the areas across the bridge

ture living expenses of your dependents. And don’t forget disability insurance.

4 Check in on your parents’ financial health. Though it might seem awkward, talk to your parents about their wishes for the future and their financial health. What financial assets and expenses do they have? How do they plan to meet their financial obligations? Do they have a plan to cover the costs of long-term care? This conversation can help you determine how much financial support you may need to provide.

Also, make sure your parents have done adequate estate planning, and ask for copies of their will or trust, durable power of attorney, health care power of attorney, and advance health care di-

— where many new, young families live, work and play. I know I can be the BRIDGE that connects all parts of our community giving a voice to everyone.

A major issue for council for several years now has been the Port of Port Royal, what are your hopes for the future of this project?

Mary Beth Gray-Heyward: I hope that we can continue working with Safe Harbor to build out the people’s vision. You know, back in the early years before the port was sold, the townspeople got together and did charrettes, and what they did is they planned what they wanted to see down there if the port ever sold. It did and we already had the zoning in place, like we had the marina, we had the resident, the business and then we had the residential so they’re building out and we’ve had meetings with them and they will be at our November council meeting to share what they are coming up with. But if it is exactly the way we have talked about it, we have worked with them very hard to maintain the town’s vision. Like in the Marina District, I have been advocating for a promenade deck so that they people of Port Royal always have access to the water to be able to go down and use it. They can have like buildings along the promenade deck that have a little shop in the bottom and a little apartment up top and

rective. Make sure your own estate planning documents are complete and updated as well.

5 Consider reducing financial support for grown children. Many parents still help their grown children with their finances — sometimes even to their detriment. If you are paying for your adult kids’ cell phone bill or car insurance expenses, for example, talk with them about the steps they can take to start becoming more financially independent.

6 Look for ways to help reduce your taxes. In some cases, you may be able to claim your aging parents as dependents. Also check with a tax advisor to see if their medical expenses qualify as a tax deduction.

then you move over to the restaurants and have a couple of restaurants. Then up in the residential area, we wanted that to fit the texture of the neighborhood, and we have gotten them and it’s in the development agreement and they can only build out 15% rental, everything else has to be single-family owned, and that would fit the texture of the neighborhood because that’s what the people wanted and that’s what will make it look good. We’ll have green space for the dogs, they gave us access to bring the Spanish Moss Trail through there, so I think it’s very important that we continue to work hard with them to get this done for Port Royal.

Darryl Owens: Working collaboratively with port property owners to ensure their compliance with the PUD and DA, and to guarantee the establishment of public spaces and a promenade as per the terms of agreement.

Angie Tillman: I hope the Port becomes a gathering place that truly reflects the heart of Port Royal —a blend of our small-town soul and coastal beauty. I’d love to see a walkable, welcoming waterfront filled with local flavor, music, and community connection. A place where people can stroll, shop and share sunsets together — where progress meets preservation and Port Royal’s pride shines. At a recent gathering with the Historic Port Royal Foundation, I learned the possibili-

ty of Port Royal purchasing one of the shrimp boats that was actually built here in Port Royal. I would LOVE that! To have a special piece of our history front and center for tours would be a perfect addition to the port for locals and visitors alike.

What, in your opinion, is the biggest issue facing the Town of Port Royal currently?

Mary Beth Gray-Heyward: I think just making sure that as we move forward that we continue to use smart growth and development and don’t outdo ourselves to the point where we can’t continue to have a beautiful community, a safer community for the people in it. I think it’s important to make sure that we can maintain all the services that we provide and make that community the best community it can be.

Darryl Owens: Attracting businesses that align with Port Royal's vision, stimulating economic growth, providing infrastructure to support expansion and new businesses, and maintaining ongoing collaboration with the Port developers.

Angie Tillman: In my opinion, Port Royal’s biggest challenge is managing growth while protecting the charm and character that make this place so special.

A candidate forum will be held on Monday, Oct. 27, at 5 p.m. at Port Royal Elementary School at 1214 Paris Avenue for all three candidates. The forum will be hosted by Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce and will be moderated by Chamber President Megan Morris. The event is open to all to attend in person and will also be streamed live on Facebook and on the County Channel. No campaign signs, gear or rallies are allowed inside or on the property.

As more people discover our little gem, we must balance progress with preservation — keeping our community safe, walkable, and connected while ensuring infrastructure and planning stay ahead of development. Thoughtful leadership AND community input are key to growing wisely without losing our soul. One area of concern to me is the crossing of the Spanish Moss Trail across Ribaut Road. I worry about the safety for pedestrians there. I live at the Russell Bell Bridge and know firsthand how difficult it is to make a left turn off Lenora Drive onto Ribaut. It’s a dangerous spot already with all the traffic coming and going across the bridge over Battery Creek — only to possibly be more congested with the current trail crossing plans.

Eagles swim strong at state meet

LowcoSports.com

The Beaufort High swim teams competed in the SCHSL Class 4A State Championships on Friday and Saturday in Columbia with senior Grant Stone leading the Eagles’ to a sixth-place finish in the boys standings and junior Amorette Chapman helping the girls finish 11th overall.

Stone capped off his stellar career in the pool with a fifthplace finish in the 100-meter butterfly and seventh place in the 200 freestyle, plus he anchored the Eagles’ 400free and 200-free relays, which placed fifth and sixth, respectively. Landon Torres, Matthew Brubeck, and Finnegan Eby joined Stone on both relays.

Chapman added to her impressive resume with a sixthplace finish in the 100 fly and placed ninth in the 100 back. She also teamed with Claire Jones, Lydia France, and Michalle Ricks to finish ninth in the 400-free relay and 10th in the 200-free relay.

Beaufort 14, Colleton Co. 0

LSPORTS

We’ll find out who has what it takes

et’s face it: Last year was humbling for Lowco high school football.

No area public school team advanced past the second round of the playoffs, and the Lowco had only one representative in the SCISA state finals, though Thomas Heyward’s SCISA 1A title prevented us from a complete shutout.

And the winds of our best bellwether — how our Lowco squads match up with their peers from other regions — did not blow in our favor. Newcomer Bishop

England crashed the Lowco party in Region 6-4A and claimed the region championship, recent Lowco bell cow Hampton County bowed out in the second round at Manning, and Pinewood Prep knocked Hilton Head Christian Academy from its perch as a perennial SCISA power.

It all added up to an early start to basketball season.

The final chapters of this season have yet to be written, but it’s shaping up to be a bounce-back year and a more fruitful fall for the Lowco in 2025

The Beaufort Eagles picked up their first Region 6-4A win of the season with a 14-0 home victory over Colleton County on Friday.

Braydon Moyd-Smalls connected with Qualeek Isnar for a 39-yard touchdown in the first quarter, and that was all the scoring until Tylik Isom added the punctuation with an 8-yard TD run with 7:46 left in the game to finish off a shutout win at home for Beaufort.

Beaufort’s defense was dominant all night, posting its second shutout in three games. The Eagles (3-4, 1-1) travel to Bishop England for another key region matchup Friday.

Whale Branch 28, Edisto 24

The Whale Branch Warriors were able to grind out a tough win on the road Friday, scoring the go-ahead touchdown late and holding on for a 28-24 victory at Edisto to open Region 5-2A play.

The teams traded scores throughout the night, including three lead changes in the fourth quarter, which began with the Cougars nursing an 18-14 lead. Whale Branch scored to move ahead 20-18, then had to rally one last time after Edisto scored to take a short-lived 24-20 advantage.

The Warriors (3-4, 1-0) continue region play with a key homecoming matchup against Lake Marion on Friday.

The first winds of change came when Hilton Head High thoroughly dispatched the defending region champion Battling Bishops, who came to the island ranked third in Class 4A, and May River followed it up by slogging out a 14-7 home win over Bishop England in a steady rain Friday night.

Mind you, this was not a case of catching Bishop England in a rebuilding year. The Bishops were undefeated and ranked third in Class 4A before running into a one-two punch from the Lowco. That means we’ll have a new region champ who reigns from the Lowco, and the Bishops still have to go through Beaufort and Bluffton, which boasts a stable of

offensive stars who can hold their own in a shootout against any team in the state.

Each of the top four teams in the region is capable of making a deep run in the playoffs, but the road to Columbia still goes through South Florence. The Bruins ended Hilton Head High’s season a year ago, and the Seahawks would like nothing more than another opportunity to measure themselves against the gold standard, but they first have to deal with May River on Friday in The Tank. If Hilton Head wins, the Seahawks will just need to take care of business against Beaufort and Colleton County — the bottom two teams in the region standings — to run the table.

On the other hand … if the Sharks and their Slot-T attack find a way to fluster the Seahawks’ stoic quarterback and wear down B.J. Payne’s defense, chaos will ensue, and it won’t settle until May River invades The Den to take on the high-flying Bobcats on Oct. 30

Such drama is hard to come by for Hampton County these days. After suffering three straight

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

losses in the type of games that forge champions — win or lose — the Hurricanes have been untouchable in region play and are developing depth and tightening up for what could be a lengthy postseason.

The Lowcountry has been notoriously overlooked in relation to larger population centers (and media markets) in the state, and there’s only one way to break through the noise: Keep knocking on the door until it opens.

We’ll send several teams into the postseason with the pieces necessary to compete with the big boys from the Pee Dee and the Midlands, but the one who runs the Lowco gauntlet will earn the most advantageous path through the bracket.

We’ll find out over the next few weeks who has what it takes.

Justin Jarrett is the sports editor of The Island News and the founder of LowcoSports.com. He was the sports editor of the Island Packet and the Beaufort Gazette for 6½ years. He has a passion for sports and community journalism and a questionable sense of humor.

JUSTIN JARRETT

Beaufort High’s Chaz Brown (10) closes in on Colleton County’s quarterback Friday, Oct. 19, 2025, at Beaufort High School. Beaufort won, 14-0. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Beaufort High’s Colten Freeman (34) stops the Colleton County ball carrier Friday, Oct. 19, 2025, at Beaufort High School. Beaufort won, 14-0. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Alexis Cole Trio to open Fripp Island’s concert season

By Margit Resch Special to The Island News

The Alexis Cole Trio will kick off this year’s quintet of shows on Fripp Island with a big, jazzy bang at 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 19 when the Alexis Cole Trio returns to Fripp, “this idyllic location,” to quote Alexis.

This time she will sing and play piano with Frank Duvall on bass and Ron Wiltrout on drums.

Alexis is, so the Music Man Blog insists, “one of the very best Jazz Vocalists performing today.” It praises her “high energy, flawless pitch, perfect scat technique, warm, rich vocal tones and strong sense of swing! Alexis Cole leaves no doubt that she is a major Jazz star even though a lot of the jazz world has yet to discover her.”

On her own website, she is described as “an accomplished jazz performer with a sophisticated, urbane style and warm, resonant voice, well suited to traditional standards and swing.” The Fripp Island Friends of Music (FIFOM) and our many fans, who have heard Alexis in the past, can attest to all of the above and are all looking forward to enjoying her

second show here. Alexis’s peripatetic musical résumé is hard to capture in one paragraph. After studying Musical Theater at the New World School of the Arts in Miami, attending the University of Miami, and singing at a hotel in South Beach (which got her interested in jazz), she transferred to William Paterson University where she received her Bachelor of Music in 1998

Her debut album, “Very Early,” was recorded in 1999. Then she volunteered for AmeriCorps for a year, followed by studying music in Mumbai, India, with the Jazz India Vocal Institute. In 2001, she worked for a year aboard the Carnival Victory, singing and playing piano with a quartet. From 2002 to 2005, she traveled extensively in Europe, participating every year in the Montreux Jazz Festival Vocal Competition.

In 2006, after earning her Master of Music from Queens College, she taught music for one semester in Quito, Ecuador. The next two

years she spent in Tokyo, singing and playing piano at a famous lounge. In 2009 she enlisted in the U.S. Army, and for six years, she served as a staff sergeant and the lead singer for West Point’s big band, The Jazz Knights. Since then, she’s been teaching jazz voice at various universities, including her alma mater, and releasing several albums, most noteworthy in 2021 “Sky Blossom: Songs From My Tour of Duty,” an album composed of the arrangements written for Alexis by the West Point band director Scott Arcangel.

In 2020, she founded the online educational community JazzVoice.com and created a website to help emerging musicians find performing jobs -- www.MusicAuditions.com. A singer, pianist and educator. What an amazing professional journey.

The Alexis Cole Trio, that you will hear on Fripp, includes Frank Duvall, bass, and Ron Wiltrout, drums. Both are graduates of the University of South Carolina and members of The Charleston Jazz Orchestra.

Duvall, upon graduation, moved to New York City, where he played

SC actress honoring legacy of Black American storytelling

Danielle

Brooks

announces

“Century

Cycle Continues Monologue Competition” for SC high school students

Staff reports

Academy Award-nominated actress Danielle Brooks is returning to her South Carolina roots to inspire the next generation of performers.

On Wednesday, Oct. 8, Brooks announced the inaugural “Century Cycle Continues Monologue Competition” — a new, annual event that invites young artists to join in the tradition of Black American storytelling on stage. Brooks has partnered with her alma mater, the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, to host the event which has additional support from Black Women on Broadway.

Presented in the spirit of August Wilson’s groundbreaking 10-play “Century Cycle,” the competition challenges high school students to breathe life into the words of contemporary and classic playwrights of color, affirming that while the cycle may be complete, the narrative is still being written.

“The stories of Black playwrights have shaped theatre in profound ways, and I

ARTS BRIEFS

USCB Center for the Arts hosting ‘Timeless, Everchanging: Coastal Portraits’

Elevate Art presents “Timeless, Everchanging: Coastal Portraits” by John Gleason through Thursday, Oct. 30 at the USCB Center for the Arts Gallery at 805 Carteret Street in Beaufort.

The gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. The gallery is only open on weekends during performances.

want to ensure South Carolina students feel that legacy and continue the narrative,” said Brooks. “This competition is an invaluable opportunity for young performers to improve their acting skills and develop their confidence on stage while showcasing their talent in front of a live, supportive audience.”

To participate in the competition, open to South Carolina high school students, participants will submit a 1- to 2-minute video monologue by Jan. 3 2026. On Feb. 3 10 finalists will be announced and invited to perform their monologues live on stage before an audience at the Governor’s School on Saturday, Feb. 28 2026 Brooks will host the competition, which will include an esteemed panel of judges. Cash awards will be given for first-, secondand third-place winners.

For more information about the competition, visit cccmonologuecompetition.com

Promotional events continue for Seldons’ new book

Promotional events are still ongoing this fall for the new book by Beaufort’s Cele and Lynn Seldon, “100 Things to Do in the Lowcountry Before You Die.”

The book completes a trilogy for Reedy Press following the bestsellers “100 Things to Do in Charleston Before You Die” and “100 Things to Do in Savannah Before You Die.”

The new book explores all of the great things to see, do, eat, and buy between

in popular jazz clubs, performed in off-Broadway shows and worked extensively in recording studios on music for television and movies. Having performed professionally both on bass and piano with jazz legends like Marian McPartland, Freddie Hubbard, and Dizzy Gillespie, he teaches jazz bass at the College of Charleston and is also the music director and primary arranger for the big band at Forte Jazz Lounge in Charleston.

Wiltrout, the drummer, is much in demand because he is proficient in many genres. Transcending the familiar confines of jazz and demonstrating his exceptional talent and adaptability, he recently performed in a groundbreaking operatic work by Ted Hearne and Daniel Fish in Germany, a project that required him to navigate the complexities of highly rhythmic music.

It’s a pleasure, so he says, “when I spend a week playing six different gigs with six different groups playing six different styles or roles, and they all feel good and natural.”

You should become a member of Fripp Island Friends of Music

Who: The Alexis Cole Trio

What: Fripp Island Friends of Music Concert Series

When: 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 19

Where: Fripp Island Community Centre

Tickets: $30 at the door.

(FIFOM). Membership gives you access to all five concerts, including the post-performance receptions, where you meet the musicians while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres prepared fresh by Harold’s Chef Services, and more. It also helps fund FIFOM’s charitable Music-in-the-Schools mission. The basic FIFOM membership, $100, has not changed. Tickets at the door are $30. FIFOM is supported by the South Carolina Arts Commission. To become a member, text or call Rebecca Climer at 615-594-1552 or email her at rebecca.climer@gmail.com. Go to frippfriendsofmusic.com for more information.

See you Sunday, Oct. 19 at 5 pm at the Fripp Island Community Centre. WANT

Shorts at High Noon continues this week

Staff reports

The Beaufort Film Society, in association with the Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL), is presenting the popular Shorts at High Noon program once again this fall, and it continues this week.

During the months of September, October, and November you'll get a chance to catch encore presentations for many of the 2025 Beaufort International Film Festival films in the categories of Shorts, Student Films, Short Documentaries, and Animation Films. Spend your lunch hour at the movies. Get excited, get inspired, and get ready for BIFF 2026, the event’s 20th anniversary.

Screenings are on Wednesdays only. Check-

in time is 11:30 a.m., with screenings beginning promptly at High Noon.

TCL’s Auditorium is located at 921 Ribaut Road, Building 12 in Beaufort.

Admission is free. For more information, visit beaufortfilmfestival.com.

Shorts At High Noon

2025 Schedule

All screenings, held on Wednesdays, are from the 2025 Beaufort International Film Festival. Category or Individual winners are denoted by * Oct. 22

Small Hours (22 minutes, Short)

4th Dementia (17 minutes, Short)

The Greatest Guy You Never Met (9 minutes, Short)

Charleston and Savannah, including Edisto Island, Walterboro, Beaufort, Yemassee, Ridgeland, Hardeeville, Bluffton, Daufuskie Island, Hilton Head Island, and more.

Upcoming events include:

Thursday, Oct. 16 – Book Signing: Harold’s Country Club, 97 Low Country Highway, Yemassee, 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 25 – Taste of the Lowcountry Crawl: Pat Conroy Literary Festival, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., www.patconroyliterarycenter.org/festival.

Thursday, Nov. 6 – Book Signing: Grayco Holiday Open House, 136 Sea Island Park-

way, 5 to 8 p.m.

Oct. 29

Familiar (18 minutes, Short)

Wakanyeja Kin Wana Ku Pi (11 minutes, Short Documentary)

Burning the Old Man (18 minutes, Short) Nov. 5

*Neither Donkey Nor Horse (29 minutes, Short)

Love Less Likely (17 minutes, Short)

Nov. 12

Breakfast In Beaufort (29 minutes, Short Doc)

*Ms. Rossi 3: Ms. Rossi Meets the Mob (20 minutes, Short)

Nov. 19

BFS Members will vote on 1 of 3 BIFF 2026 film submissions to help determine an Official Selection for the upcoming festival. Proof of membership is required.

Friday, Nov. 7 – Book Signing: First Friday at Nevermore Books, 910 Port Republic Street, 5 to 7 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 17 – Book Talk and Signing: Libraries for Kids International, The Roasting Room, 1297 May River Road, Bluffton, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Call 843-683-4100 or email tamela.maxim@libraries4kids.org for reservations. Saturday, Nov. 22 – Book Signing: Tacaron, 6983 Okatie Hwy, Ridgeland, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Staff reports

Alexis Cole

Danielle Brooks

Celebrate Pat Conroy at 80

10th annual Pat Conroy Literary Festival set for October 23-26

Staff reports

The 10th annual Pat Conroy Literary Festival to be held Thursday, Oct. 23, through Sunday, Oct. 26 will celebrate Pat Conroy's 80th birthday with a robust schedule of free and ticketed events, including author panels, book signings, workshops, readings, tours, exhibits, and gatherings. Popular with literary tourists and local readers and writers alike, the festival is hosted by the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center.

Internationally acclaimed writer Pat Conroy (1945-2016) is best remembered as the author of “The Water Is Wide,” “The Great Santini,” “The Lords of Discipline,” and “The Prince of Tides,” each also adapted for film. Conroy has become as synonymous with his adopted Lowcountry as pluff mud or Spanish Moss.

Honoring his 80th birthday, this year’s literary festival will include a special retrospective panel discussion among Conroy’s friends and fellow writers, representing Conroy’s experiences in Beaufort, Charleston, and Atlanta: Valerie Sayers, John Warley, Cliff Graubart, Bernie Schein, Stephanie Austin Edwards, and Ellen Malphrus. New to the festival experience this year, Conroy’s friends and local travel writers Lynn and Cele Seldon will also lead a Conroy-inspired Taste of the Lowcountry Crawl.

The festival will also feature appearances by many bestselling au-

thors — including Conroy’s widow Cassandra King (“Tell Me a Story”) in conversation with Patti Callahan Henry (“The Story She Left Behind”) moderated by Lowcountry Weekly editor and publisher Margaret Evans, who was once Conroy’s research assistant.

Conroy Center board chair Sean A. Scapellato, who was also once Conroy’s research assistant, will moderate a discussion among internationally acclaimed thriller writers Chris Pavone (“The Doorman”), Chris Whitaker (“All the Colors of the Dark”), and John Hart (“The Unwilling”).

Larger-than-life storyteller and bestselling writer Adriana Trigiani (“The View from Lake Como”) will headline the festival’s Sunday brunch, also featuring a special appearance by the Beaufort Mass Choir.

As an unprecedented highlight of this year’s event, National Book Award winner Jason Mott (“People Like Us”) will be the festival’s opening night speaker, appearing at the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce in conversation with Conroy Center executive director Jonathan Haupt and Beaufort High School student Brea Parker (representing the DAYLO book club and Students Demand Action). Mott will also appear in a free poetry reading in

“I’ve come home to the place I was always writing about. I’ve tried to make Beaufort, South Carolina my own.”

PAT CONROY, “The Death of Santini”

Witness Tree Park, with poets Tim Conroy, Susan Madison, and Jacquelyn Markham.

Academy Award-nominated actor Michael O’Keefe, who portrayed Ben Meecham in the film version of The Great Santini, is also scheduled to appear as a special guest of the festival.

Of keen interest to writers, several festival presenters will also be leading writing workshops, and the festival will include a publishing panel featuring bestselling author Chris Pavone, editor Sarah Nelson, and agent Marly Rusoff.

The 10th annual Pat Conroy Literary Festival is made possible by the generous support of the Robert S. Handler Charitable Trust and numerous local supporters. Most festival events will be held at the University of South Carolina Beaufort’s Center for the

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD WINNER MOTT TO APPEAR AT PAT CONROY LITERARY FESTIVAL

The 10th annual Pat Conroy Literary Festival will host National Book Award winner Jason Mott, author of “People Like Us,” at 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24, at the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce in conversation with Conroy Center executive

Oscarnominated O’Keefe returns to Beaufort

Staff reports He's back! Academy Award-nominated actor Michael O'Keefe (Ben Meecham in The Great Santini) will return to Beaufort as a special guest of the 10th annual Pat Conroy Literary Festival.

Michael O’Keefe

O’Keefe was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year for his portrayal of Ben Meechum in the film adaptation of Pat Conroy's “The Great Santini.”

An actor, writer, director, and producer, O'Keefe has appeared in the films “Michael Clayton,” “Frozen River,” “Ironweed,” and “Caddyshack,” and and in numerous television series, including “The West Wing,” “Law and Order,” “House, M.D.,” “Homeland,” “Blue Bloods,”and others.

Arts and at the Conroy Center. For all details on the Pat Conroy Literary Festival’s schedule of events, presenter and instructor lineup, sponsors, locations, and how to register in advance, visit www.patconroyliteraryfestival.org.

O'Keefe holds an MA in creative writing from Bennington College. A poet and songwriter, he is the author of the poetry collection “Swimming from under My Father” and a contributing writer to “Our Prince of Scribes: Writers Remember Pat Conroy.” He is married to the actress Emily Donahoe.

Pat Conroy

Beaufort Memorial honors almost 2,000 years of service

190 employees recognized for their years with the organization

Special to The Island News

Nearly 200 employees were recognized for their dedication to serving their community at the annual Beaufort Memorial Employee Service Awards held at the beginning of October.

The nonprofit health system honored 190 employees in total, including employees celebrating 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 and 45 years of service at Beaufort Memorial.

Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley compared the employees with decades-long tenures to the familiar and picturesque live oaks of the Lowcountry.

“Look at the live oaks – we know them, we love them. They’re beautiful,” Baxley said. “I think being in an organization and serving an organization for these years, it’s like those live oaks. It’s magic. It’s majestic. It’s beautiful. So, thank you.”

The event was held at the

By Dr. Eve Ashby

Cath lab technician Deb Cofer (center) tears up as cardiovascular services manager Robin Stoltz describes the impact the 35-year employee has had on the Beaufort Memorial heart center at the Beaufort Memorial Employee Service Awards held Oct. 2 at the Port Royal Sound Foundation Pavilion. Photo courtesy of Beaufort Memorial Hospital

Port Royal Sound Foundation Pavilion, and it was a celebration of community and passion for service. In total, the honorees at the Oct. 2 soiree shared a combined 1,985 years of service with the healthcare

system. There were 92 employees celebrating 5 years this year, 52 celebrating 10 years, 13 celebrating 15 years, 16 celebrating 20 years and 11 celebrating 25 years. The veterans of the group included one employ-

ee ringing in three decades with Beaufort Memorial, four celebrating 35 years and one employee who was honored with an impressive 45 years with the organization.

Christine Smith, a central

Christine Smith, a 45year Beaufort Memorial Hospital employee and central transporter, was honored at the Beaufort Memorial Employee Service Awards held Oct. 2 at the Port Royal Sound Foundation Pavilion.

Photo courtesy of Beaufort Memorial Hospital

transporter at the main hospital in Beaufort, received a standing ovation for her 45 years.

Smith truly embodies the strength and longevity of the live oaks, Baxley said: “Rock solid, sturdy, depend-

able, everlasting.”

Also receiving standing ovations among their fellow employees, friends and family were the three 35-year Beaufort Memorial veterans present at the event – cath lab tech Deborah Cofer, clinical analyst Sharon Simmons and psychiatric nurse Juanita Singleton-Murray, RN, MSN.

Not present but still recognized for her tenure with the organization was financial accounts specialist Milagros Calderon. Linda Arp, a respiratory care practitioner, was honored for her 30 years with Beaufort Memorial as well.

Baxley said that this event reinforces one of his favorite quotes: “Grow where your feet are planted.”

“There is something so special about this, especially in a world like today’s,” he said. “Your commitment shines through, and we thank you for that. We thank you for your dedication.”

Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry

Medical Group Specialty Care

Cervical cancer rates have dropped dramatically overall since the 1970s, but they are on the rise in women between ages 30 and 44

The good news is that most of these cancers are found at early stages. In addition to getting screened, knowing the signs of cervical cancer can help you stay proactive and know when to reach out to your doctor.

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Cervical Cancer

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV, a sexually transmitted infection. These infections can change cells in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus at the top of the vagina, and cause precancerous lesions to form. If these lesions are not removed, cervical cancer can develop.

Certain risk factors can make it more likely for a person with a

high-risk HPV infection to develop cervical cancer. Those risk factors include:

History of past HPV infection

History of abnormal Pap smears

Smoking

Compromised immune system

Multiple sex partners

Initiating sexual activity younger than 18 years old

Family history of cervical cancer

How to prevent Cervical Cancer

HPV vaccines can prevent most cervical cancer cases, as can regular screenings and follow-up after abnormal Pap or HPV test results.

The HPV vaccine, given in two or three doses depending on age, has been proven safe and effective. It is most effective when given before a person becomes sexually active. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all children receive an HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12. It can be given as early as age 9 and as late as age 26. Some people ages 27 to 45 may also benefit. If you are in

that age range but never received the HPV vaccine, ask your women’s health provider if you need it.

Even if you have received the vaccine, routine screening for cervical cancer is still important, because the vaccine doesn’t protect against all types of high-risk HPV strains. Three types of screening are available:

HPV test, which checks cells for high-risk HPV infection Pap test, which checks the cervix for abnormal cells, both precancerous and cancerous HPV/Pap co-test, which looks for both high-risk HPV infection and changes in cervical cells

HPV tests and Pap tests are done in the same way. Your women’s health provider will examine the inside of your vagina and your cervix and collect cervical cells and mucus to send to a lab for analysis.

How often you should get screened depends on which type of test you have. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, you should get your first Pap test at age 21 and then every

three years until you’re 29 years old. Between ages 30 and 65, you should: Get an HPV test every five years OR Get a Pap test every three years OR Get an HPV/Pap co-test every five years

What are the signs of Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer symptoms vary depending on the stage of the disease. Usually, symptoms don’t appear until after the cancer has spread. However, early signs sometimes appear, including: Pain during sex Pelvic pain

• Periods that are longer or heavier than usual

Vaginal bleeding after sex

Vaginal bleeding after menopause or between periods

Watery vaginal discharge that has an unpleasant odor or contains blood

Additional signs can develop after cervical cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer include

the symptoms above, as well as:

Abdominal pain

Backache

Fatigue

Painful bowel movements, with or without bleeding from the rectum

Painful urination, with or without blood in the urine

Swollen legs

If you notice any cervical cancer symptoms, see your provider right away. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, and your provider will determine whether additional tests are necessary. Approximately 92% of women diagnosed with early stage cervical cancer live at least five years or longer. By staying vigilant about getting regular cervical cancer screenings, you can help ensure any precancerous or cancerous areas are detected early.

Eve A. Ashby, DO, FACOOG, is a board-certified gynecologist with Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group in Beaufort and Okatie. Dr. Ashby is also an Assistant Professor and Regional Director of Medical Education for A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Eve Ashby

Helping loved ones with addiction

By Kathryn Sams, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CNE

Beaufort Memorial MAT Clinic

It can be heartbreaking to watch loved ones struggle with addiction — and challenging to know what to do and say. Studies have shown that addiction really is not about drugs or a “lack of willpower.” It is about a loss of community and a lack of real relationships. So, what can you do?

Educate yourself

If you don’t know what to look for, you may miss signs and clues that someone needs help with alcohol or substance abuse.

Addiction has been recognized as a disease by the American Medical Association since 1956. The good news is that, like other chronic diseases, addiction can be treated successfully.

I recommend the following two books to help understand addiction from a brain/ physiological level.

"Healing the Addicted Brain" by Harold Urschel, III, M.D.

"Relapse Prevention Workbook" by Judy Lohr

More importantly than even understanding addiction, these books will help with developing the tools to fight addiction and relapse.

Understand that overcoming addiction requires help

Don’t expect your loved one will be able to stop unless they seek help. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This is a free, confidential, 24/7 information service provided in English and Spanish for individuals and family members facing substance use and/or mental health disorders.

Get support

Having a loved one with an addiction problem can create many difficulties. Support groups can help you learn how to cope, provide resources and help.

Al-Anon (focused on Alcohol addiction)

Nar-Anon (focused on drug addiction –prescription and illegal)

You may also find individual counseling helpful. Your employer may have an Employee Assistance Program or your health

insurance may include mental health benefits that include counseling (their services are not just for the addict).

Medication-assisted therapy (MAT) for opioid use disorder can be life-saving, especially when combined with 12-step programs and counseling from certified substance abuse counselors. The evidence definitely points toward the fact that the use of both medications, such as Suboxone and intensive counseling makes a huge difference in long-term outcomes with patients suffering from opioid addiction.

Protect yourself

It is best not to argue with someone when he/she is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Family members of drug users can often become a victim of physical or emotional abuse. Family also tends to be an easy target for theft.

Show you care, but don’t become an enabler

Let your loved one know you’re concerned and offer your support. This doesn’t mean covering up for them or letting them off the hook for their responsibilities. Often the best help you can offer may be to allow the consequences of the addiction to happen without your interference.

If you need more resources

Partnership to End Addiction offers a quick reference to the most common drugs that teens use, including what it looks like, dangers, signs of use and important facts to know.

SAMHSA offers free, downloadable publications and resources

Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department offers free training and Narcan (for acute opioid overdose) by appointment. Call 843-255-6000 (Beaufort) or 843-255-6020 (Bluffton/ Hilton Head area).

Beaufort Memorial, at the Beaufort Memorial MAT Clinic located at 954 Ribaut Road in Beaufort, offers a multi-faceted approach to identifying, treating and preventing opioid and other substance abuse disorders. The clinic evaluates adults aged 18 and older for Medical Assisted Therapy and connects them with recovery and support resources.

To schedule an appointment at the MAT clinic, call (843) 522-7290

Kathryn Sams, DNO, APRN, FNP-C, CNE sees patients at the Beaufort Memorial MAT Clinic, providing medication-assisted treatment for individuals with addiction and substance use disorders.

Living & Growing the Jesus Way

Sunday Morning Worship at 8:30 & 10:30

81 Lady’s Island Drive

Pastor Steve Keeler • (843) 525-0696 seaislandpresbyterian.org

Kathryn Sams

VOICES

Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the Voices section are not necessarily the opinions of The Island News

From Frisbeetarianism to Dude-ism to anti-fascism

Seems like news and discussions these days have a lot more focus on “-isms.”

Hardly a day goes by that you won’t hear about authoritarianism or fascism or racism, sexism, ageism or something else.

There are even crazy-sounding religious -isms like Frisbeetarianism (comedian George Carlin’s pitch that someone’s soul gets stuck on a roof after death) and “Dude-ism” for people who advocate the odd, harmonious lifestyle based on the satirical performance by actor Jeff Bridges of The Dude in “The Big Lebowski.”

In art, you’ve got Dadaism, minimalism, pointillism, cubism, surrealism, impressionism, and on and on.

But it’s the political -isms that seem to be all over the place these days, perhaps because in our increasingly polarized society, there’s a national need to figure out the tribe in which people live.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation and disinformation about some of these -isms. In

particular, it’s around the use of the new term “antifa,” which MAGA America has coined to stand for anti-fascism. Truth be told, there is no real or viable antifa organization – despite what the conservative talking heads purport. Rather, if it even exists at all beyond the brains of people who want to divide America, it’s an unorganized political philosophy that espouses, wait for it, democracy, not anything related to an organized conspiracy to bring down the country. So don’t get suckered into the fear that there’s some big antifa terrorist organization out there, despite the nonsense you may read on some social media.

To understand what “antifa” even means, you first should understand what fascism is. Remember World War II? That was a war against Nazi fascism, with fascism being the far-right form of authoritarian uber-nationalism noted for its dictatorial power (i.e., Adolf Hitler), forced suppression of dissent (no freedom of the press or speech) and a regimented society.

So, then, the people fighting the fascists, like the American, British, French and global patriots in World War II, were fighting for freedom and democracy – the exact opposite of fascism.

Therefore, for people today to characterize groups as “antifa” who are protesting the right-wing MAGA policies of, say, President Donald Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress, is wholly inappropriate and just plain wrong to use that term. Those protesters are pro-democracy, not against it.

Quite frankly, anyone who really believes there’s an antifa movement taking over the United States has got more than one screw loose

after drinking a bunch of KoolAid. So before you start throwing around discussions laced with a bunch of political -isms, it might be good to study up a bit:

Anarchism: Belief that government is unnecessary, causes harm and needs to be abolished.

Authoritarianism: Form of government concentrating political power in a single leader or small group, either of which have little or no tolerance for opposition.

Communism: Form of socialism that seeks to replace private property with collective ownership.

Conservatism: Political philosophy that emphasizes traditional institutions and values. It generally is opposed or skeptical of big changes, preferring continuity and stability.

Liberalism: Political philosophy that concentrates on individual rights and liberties and the rule of law. Classical liberalism focuses on limiting government interference, while the more modern version promotes equality, opportunity, social justice and social welfare.

Nationalism: Belief that a nation’s interests supersede every other nation’s. It’s rooted in identity politics.

Populism: Approach that focuses on representing regular people against a corrupt or elitist establishment.

Progressivism: A political philosophy similar to modern liberalism that concentrates on social reform for regular people through more active government.

Socialism: A broad political and economic philosophy that highlights collective ownership and equality. A form is social democracy, which seeks to reform capitalism through social programs and democratic regulations.

These -isms help us to make sense of our world. But when we use these terms, let’s make sure we all understand what we’re actually saying.

Andy Brack is editor and publisher of the Charleston City Paper and Statehouse Report. Have a comment? Send it to feedback@statehousereport.com.

“Captain Nate’s Oasis” project nears completion

Next time you catch a big snapper or grouper off the Whitewater Reef five miles east of the southern tip of Hilton Head Island, give a quiet tip of the cap to Nate Riley.

Nate, 30, who was just starting his charter fishing business 15 months ago, got a call for a sunset gig. He preferred not to ride his motorcycle at night, but after he got the customers ashore and put his boat up for the night, it was pitch dark. On his way home to his high school sweetheart, a distracted driver stole from her and their soon-to-be born son, the baby’s father. In his 30 years, Nate had lived the Lowcountry life kids from elsewhere only dream of. In his Hilton Head High days, he’d delivered pizzas for the pizza parlor where his sweetheart

worked. Moving on, and out onto the waters where he found sanctuary, Nate led jet ski tours in and out of the Calibogue Sound.

Getting seasoned, and further offshore, Nate was a steady on-call mate on a handful of the big offshore boats that work out of Hilton Head. When he could, he slipped out to the Whitewater Reef to try for himself his luck with what was in season.

It is the phone call every parent dreads the most, and wide latitude is given by their friends to those who

For months now, I have had a music loop stuck in my head, bubbling to the front of my conscience like the surface of a simmering gumbo.

A driving beat accompanied by an electric guitar’s noodling melody. Then, the electronically manipulated voice of singer Frank Ocean:

“Human beings in a mob / What’s a mob to a king? What’s a king to a god?

What’s a god to a non-believer who don’t believe in anything?”

The 2012 song “No Church in the Wild” continues with rappers Kanye West and Jay-Z trading their typical wordplay. Contributors to the Genius website posit the song is a dialectic on the origins of morality. Jay-Z references Socrates in asking, “Is Pius pious because God loves pious?” — kinda deep for a guy who used to rap about running the crack game in his home Marcy Projects of New York City, right? — but I get stuck at the song’s beginning.

get it. But Nate’s father, Steve Riley, whom I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with for longer than 35 years, is a man who gets things done.

Steve was Beaufort’s Planning Director from 1986 to 1989. From there, Beaufort’s loss, Steve was hired away by Hilton Head where he served as Town Manager from 1994 to 2020. As Town Manager, he was always a friend to Beaufort too.

Here's how, even from within their unimaginable pain, Steve and his wife Mary Jo are turning a tragedy into a constructive addition to the world around them.

In their grief, Steve and Mary Jo kept coming back in their minds to Nate’s sanctuary: his slipping out to Whitewater to try his luck. But it was Brian Gale

at Island Boat Works who really brought the project into focus. They would expand the Whitewater artificial reef. They would get two full-size shipping containers (perhaps more

later), remove the doors, cut three foot by three foot holes in the containers’ sides per the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ (SCDNR’s) guidelines, and then place

A nation of non-believers

I look at how its message applies to our present circumstances.

“Human beings in a mob / What’s a mob to a king?”

What is the threat, really, that a mob poses to a king? A king who can hide inside in a fortified white castle, surrounded by iron gates manned by heavily armed guards?

A king who can dispatch his own mobs of masked bullies to terrorize the kingdom dwellers who offend his petty sensitivities? And there are so many sensitivities, real and imagined. The nerve to be born swarthy. To think the dirty-faced downtrodden deserve privilege he reserves for the king

and his court of jesters. To think their bodies belong to them or that their lives mean anything to others.

Better for the king to deploy his own mobs to counter them, to stop them before they can affect change. Before they can forge hope from hopelessness.

“What’s a king to a god?”

Let the mob pray to the dark god whose image they mirror. The king refuses to honor or obey their god when he can hold his god in his hands. A shimmering god whose hue he can dye his hair to match, that answers his prayers in the here and now.

Who needs heaven when the king can dig into his coffers and pay others to bend their knees or place their knees on the backs and necks of others he targets?

How easy it is to convince others the brown-faced god of the poor holds no sway over the king and his sycophants. If their god was worth following, wouldn’t he deliver them from

the king’s dominion? From the oppression they have endured for so long?

They would be blessed, wouldn’t they? With material things, with power, with influence — never mind a history where they possessed all these things and watched them be stolen, even as they were freely offered. But no one needs to know about all that. Bury those truths and call them lies.

“What’s a god to a non-believer who don’t believe in anything?”

And of those who support the king because they think he is their god’s righteousness? Their faith and devotion are mere commodities, to be bought and leveraged. How much insincerity does he have to invest? How close can he come to mockery, to blasphemy? What will be the return? Will they pay him tribute? Offer their unyielding allegiance? Idolize him?

Better yet, perhaps they will strive to walk in his image.

A non-believer king leading a

them adjacent to the Whitewater artificial reef. The local captains, all friends of Nate’s, will know the spot as “Captain Nate’s Oasis.” The native fish Nate knew so well need sanctuary too. The 10K has been raised. The containers have been procured. The 3x3 holes are being cut and there will be a container decorating get-together for Nate’s friends and family later this month. The containers are scheduled to be placed, weather permitting, in November. When you catch the big one at Captain Nate’s Oasis next year, knowing now how it got there, give a quiet tip of the cap to Captain Nate.

Bill Rauch was the Mayor of Beaufort from 1999 to 2008 and has won multiple awards from the S.C. Press Association for his Island News columns. He can be reached at TheRauchReport@gmail.com.

kingdom of non-believers. A heretic building a nation of heretics.

What are Heaven or Hell to such a man? What is a kingdom or its flag? What of the people and what they choose to believe?

And therein may lie the solution: Belief is a choice.

If we choose to believe, we deserve nothing better than what we are witnessing, then doom is our fate.

But if we choose to believe we really are stronger together, that we all are equal in the sight of our deity and in the words of the tenets that undergird us, then we can have better. We can do better. We can depose this callous king whose pockets fill to overflowing while our means are stretched thinner and thinner.

Call me a fool, but this is what I choose to believe: Not only that we can do better, but that that we will.

Terry E. Manning worked for 20 years as a newspaper journalist. He can be reached at teemanning@gmail.com.

ANDY BRACK

BILL RAUCH

Nate Riley and a big snapper. Submitted photo

TERRY MANNING

Maj. Gen. Field takes command of Marine Corps Recruiting Command

By Cpl. Brenna Ritchie Marine Corps Recruiting Command

QUANTICO, Va. — Lt.

Gen. William J. Bowers relinquished command of Marine Corps Recruiting Command to Maj. Gen. Walker M. Field during a change of command ceremony at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on Tuesday, Sept. 30 2025

Bowers commanded MCRC from July 21, 2022, to Sept. 30 2025. Through one of the most challenging recruiting environments since the establishment of the all-volunteer force, Marine Recruiters and Officer Selection Officers successfully achieved their mission every year.

“Everyone in MCRC is focused on making mission and everyone feels the drive and determination to succeed,” Bowers said during the ceremony. “It’s really special to be a part of a team

in a change

an outgoing commander to an incoming

Tthat lives by that ethos and those values every day.”

While Bowers was in command, MCRC accessed more than 95 000 enlisted

Marines into the active and reserve components, 5,300 officers, and 12 000 prior service Marines. In addition to achieving the assigned

mission, MCRC maintained quality standards well above the Department of War requirements. Field takes command of

MCRC after serving more than 34 years in the Marine Corps. He has vast recruiting experience serving previously as the commanding

Refresher course on filing for service-connected disability compensation

his article is the second in a series of five that will provide a refresher course on the steps to follow when filing a claim for service-connected disability compensation. Last week’s article covered things military members should do while still serving. This article will: Cover things veterans should do after discharge from the military to help them file claims with the VA and the state they live in; and Provide a “call to assist veterans and their families” because: Some veterans and their dependents and survivors are too ill, too impaired, not computer literate, do not have a computer, do not have access to the internet, may not have a phone, may be homeless, do not text or use email, thus making it more important for family members, friends. Veterans service organizations, VA-accredited Veterans Service Officers, the VA, and VSOs collaborate to locate and assist these veterans.

Things to do after a military discharge or retirement

1 Use a VSO: Veterans and their family members should use a VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to help them understand their benefits (federal and state) and file for service-connected disability compensation. VSO services are free. Contact your local VSO to schedule an appointment. Veterans can find South Carolina county VSOs at https://bit.ly/3qbLVSL and Georgia VSOs at https://bit. ly/44KMVA7. They can also search for VA-accredited representatives nationwide at https://bit.ly/3QnCk5M or at VA Regional Offices at https:// bit.ly/3TahNn1

2 Order your DD214, military personnel, medical, dental, and other records: If you did not get a copy of your paper or digitized records when you got out of the military, or if

you have lost your records, ask your VSO to help you order copies from the National Archives.

According to the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), webpage titled “Request your military service records (including DD214),” which is found at https://bit.ly/41ydmaU and the instructions on Standard Form 180, veterans and eligible family members (and eligible others) can get their military service records from: Their respective Military Department Custodian (Medical and Personnel Records) or The National Archives & Records Administration (NARA), or the National Archives National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).

Records can be requested by submitting a military records request to the custodians listed on Page 2 of Standard From 180, titled “Request Pertaining To Military Records”. Find SF 180 at https://bit.ly/3OKq6a8

You can also order your military service records online through Mil Connect, by mail, by FAX, by writing a letter, by hiring an independent researcher (don’t do that), and by visiting the National Personnel Records (NPRC) in St. Louis, Mo., in person. The more the veteran knows about getting their records, the better. Veterans should read two The Island News articles, at https://bit.ly/4q7jZwP dated

May 24 2023, and https:// bit.ly/48pcpaH dated May 31, 2023, describing how to get military records, and they should read the information at the VA’s Request Your Military Service Records webpage, https://bit.ly/41ydmaU.

Veterans can also watch the VA SITREP YouTube video titled, National Personnel Records Center, “How to Get Military Records”, the SITREP, which is found at https://bit. ly/3MPlYEq. Veterans may also want to read the VA News article titled, “Accessing Veterans” records from the National Archives or National Personnel Records Center” (Everything you need to know about accessing Veterans’ records from the National Archives or NPRC), dated May 9 2023 by Theresa Fitzgerald, NPRC Employee, which is found at https://bit.ly/3OyXtN7

Veterans can go online to the National Archives website https://www.archives.gov, click on “Veterans’ Service Records,” and follow the instructions on how to request military records and learn about other services for themselves or a family member.

3 Enroll in VA Healthcare and get treated for your service-connected health conditions: See VA webpage “Eligibility for VA disability,” at https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/). The sooner veterans enroll in VA healthcare, the better, because upon enrollment:

a) The veteran will be assigned to a VA Patient Aligned Care (PACT) Team consisting of: A Primary care provider. This is the veteran’s primary care physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. A Clinical pharmacist. This is a pharmacist who works with the veteran and the veteran’s

primary care provider to ensure you’re taking the medications that are right for you and your overall health.

A Registered nurse (RN) care manager. This nurse ensures that the veteran’s care is coordinated across all providers and services and meets the veteran's health goals and care plan.

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or medical assistant. These are team members who support the veteran and other healthcare providers on the veteran’s PACT team.

A Social Worker. A very important member of the veteran’s support team. Social workers assist veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors in resolving Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) that impact health and well-being. Social work is deeply integrated into the fabric of VA healthcare, offering clinical interventions and services throughout the VA continuum of care. This highly skilled individual is an expert in geriatric care, serving elderly veterans, hospice care, Fisher House, and all other VA services and benefits.

An Administrative Assistant/Clerk. This person supports you and the other healthcare providers on your team.

Other Specialists as needed. May include Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, a Chaplain, or any other specialties (like Oncology, Orthopedics, cardiology, urology, etc.). Learn more about

officer for Recruiting Station Dallas, Texas, as the Assistant Chief of Staff for MCRC Operations (G-3), and most recently as the commanding general for Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Eastern Recruiting Region. Prior to assuming command of MCRC, Field served as the Deputy Director for Operations, National Joint Operations Intelligence Center, Operations Team Three, J-3, Joint Staff. Closing the ceremony, Field expressed his excitement and eagerness to take command of MCRC.

“I fully appreciate the strategic imperative of recruiting,” said Field. “I want to thank Team MCRC for the warm embrace. Team MCRC, let’s go, we got work to do.” Bowers has assumed duties as the Deputy Commandant of Manpower and Reserve Affairs, where he is in charge of manpower and personnel activities.

VA PACT Teams at the VA webpage “Your Primary Care Provider and PACT Team” at https:// bit.ly/47aN0zb and https://bit.ly/3IWFH6e.

b) The veteran can begin treatment for any eligible health conditions, which should not only help improve the veteran’s physical, mental, and spiritual health, but also help document service-connected (and non-service-connected) wounds, injuries, illnesses, conditions, events, traumas, and problems.

c) The veteran and their family can work with the PACT Team Social Worker to obtain other necessary services and benefits, such as counseling, housing resources, referrals to Fisher House facilities, arranging service member benefit payments, elderly veteran care, home health care, transportation, financial assistance, linkage to VA and community agencies, health-related social needs, education and support for caregivers, and more.

Continued next week.

Larry Dandridge is

LARRY DANDRIDGE

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Walker M. Field, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, receives the colors from Lt. Gen. William J. Bowers, deputy commandant of Manpower and Reserve Affairs, during a change of command ceremony at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Triangle, Va., on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. Passing the colors

of command ceremony is a symbolic transfer of authority, responsibility, and trust from

commander. Cpl. Brenna Ritchie/USMC

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Poetic although