

County says ‘NO’ to Pine Island
BEAUFORT
It may go down as the longest meeting in recent Beaufort County government history.
Reference last week’s Beaufort County Council meeting which lasted a total of 7 hours, 6 minutes with Pine Island development as the major item of interest.
And, as everyone in this little pierce of paradise knows the results of that marathon meeting were a resounding NO vote to those latest development plans.
After a four-hour public hearing, which followed three-anda-half hours of “regular” council business, the 11 members, by a vote of 9-2, rejected the motion to continue negotiations to remove the Pine Island property from the Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO) map for construction of an 18-hole golf course and 49 homes.
More than 50 individuals rose from the over-packed Burton Wells Recreation Center to speak, some telling the council it was a terrible proposal, one that would destroy the surrounding Gullah-Geechee community, while others supported the plan which they noted allowed less development with only 49 homes.
Going into the meeting, which was the latest step in a threeyear process, it appeared to be anyone’s guess on how the vote would come out.
When the council voted 5-4 during special meeting Aug. 20 to hire outside attorneys and continue discussions on a development agreement with the Pine Island representatives, there was genuine concern among those opposing the plans, that vote indicated some support for an amended agreement.
two of many freshly fried baskets of crab on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024,
Staff reports The Beaufort Shrimp Festival returns to downtown Beaufort for its 31st anniversary on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3 and 4, 2025, promising two days packed with fresh shrimp from our local waters, live music, family activities, and a vibrant Art & Craft Market.
By Delayna Earley The Island News
On Monday, Sept, 29, many in Beaufort, S.C. woke to a now-viral video being shared across social media that, for many in the comments, caused shock and anger. The video showed a man, who we now know is an off-duty deputy with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), approaching several young teenage boys
Festival-goers can kick off the weekend Friday evening with live performances by the Threshold Party Band at 5:15 p.m. and Billy and the Jets at 7:15 p.m., while savoring mouth-watering shrimp pre-
pared by local chefs and exploring handcrafted items from talented artisans at the Art & Craft market, open from noon to 6 p.m. Seafood lovers can join the fan-favorite Shrimp Showdown, a partnership between the City of Beaufort and the Beaufort Area Hospitality
while pointing his gun at them and screaming for them to get on the ground.
He is dressed in civilian clothing, shorts and a dark shirt with dark slip-on shoes, his BCSO tactical vest, and has his weapon holster on his hip.
When they do not immediately comply, he proceeds to grab one
of the boys by the shirt and tries to kick his legs out from under him, as the boy and his friends scream in fear and yell for someone to help them and to call the police.
The video ends with more screaming from the boys as they yell for their moms, for help and a question that was asked several times during the video but never answered, “What the [expletive] did we do?”
At one point, one of the boys can be seen attempting to push the deputy while the deputy holds his friend, at which point the deputy draws his weapon again, points it at the boys and says, “I will shoot you.”
BC, Mother Nature get best of Whale Branch.
SPORTS PAGE A8
“Live oaks and tidal creeks just go together,” wrote Ali Muller, when she submitted this photo of the evening view, taken from her dock on Lady’s Island. 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.
American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you Joe Delia, 78, who joined the U.S. Air Force in Plainfield, N.J., in 1966 He attended Basic Training at Lackland AFB in Texas before specialty training as a Fuel Cell Technician at Chanute AFB. His first duty assignment was at Dover (Del.) AFB with deployment to
MacDill (Fla.) AFB. In 1978, he was transferred to Da Nang in Vietnam for duty at the airfield there. He returned to Offutt (Okla.) AFB for his final duty. He separated in 1970 as a Staff Sergeant and began a 22year career with Hewlett Packard as an electrical engineer, using his GI Bill to
earn a technical degree in electronics; HP also provided advanced training to work on their equipment.
– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
Staff reports
SCDOT will hold a drop-in public meeting on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, about proposed improvements to Interstate 95 from Exit 22 (Ridgeland) to Exit 33 (U.S. 17) in Jasper County. Attendees will be able to view project plan displays, learn
about the proposed project, and talk with SCDOT representatives. The purpose of the project is to improve capacity and mobility and to address operational and structural deficiencies on bridges and interchanges along I- 95 from Mile Marker 21 to 33 9
Learn more about the proposed project at https://bit. ly/3 K 45 UQu. Attend in person from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ridgeland Baptist Church at 1448 Grays Highway in Ridgeland.
SCDOT will accept comments on this proposed project until Fri-
day, Oct. 17 2025. To comment, attend the drop-in meeting and complete a comment form; visit https://bit.ly/3K45UQu; email Exit 22 to 33 @FixtheDrive 95 com; or contact Craig Winn by mail at SCDOT, P.O. Box 191, 955 Park Street, Columbia, S.C. 29202-0191
DaviD ThornTon
Dec. 3, 1954 – Sept. 20, 2025 Beaufort, S.C. David Clarke Thornton, born December 3, 1954, in Warwick, R.I., truly embodied a life rich with love, dedication, and exceptional craftsmanship. His formative summers on Lake Wentworth, in Wolfeboro, N.H., cultivated lifelong friendships with Tom and Skip, establishing him as a third-generation steward of Loon, Wal, and Flo sslands and a cherished presence among many island families. Following his 1972 high school graduation and a brief time in community college, David embarked on a path to create something profoundly
October 5
impactful. This endeavor, born of his unique talents, ultimately touched countless lives, leaving an enduring and special legacy.
In 1977, David married Barbara Anne Bentsen, with whom he welcomed three wonderful children: Greg, Scott, and Amy. In 1981, he purchased a deli in Wickford, R.I., and became "Deli Dave." In 1995 David and Barbara relocated to New Hampshire, and though their marital journey ended in 2004, their shared love for their children remained. He created a beautiful, peaceful life in his "paradise" of Beaufort, S.C. He missed his "Lake Life" but embraced "Salt Life."
David was predeceased by
October 8
his beloved mother, Marjorie, in 1991, but is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Lois Smith, and his best buddy, Saco, along with his father, Raymond, brother, Richard and wife Terry, sister, Melissa, and his children, Amy and her partner Ricky, Greg and his partner Jessica, and Scott and his wife, Kristen, and their children Zoe, Paige, and Camden, as well as nieces, Ashley and Madison and nephews, Brian and Aaron; and many extended family members that he loved dearly. David's skills and craftsmanship can be seen in every property he worked on, whether it was his own home or those built through Fenton
OBITUARIES
The Island News publishes obituaries, including a photo, free of charge. Please contact theislandnews@gmail.com for more information.
Varney Builders, where he forged lifelong friendships (Vern) and made lasting impacts. His legacy of kindness and dedication will live on through the memories he created and the love he shared. If anyone would like to make a donation in his honor, please give to your local Habitat for Humanity.
David’s spirit will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. His love of puns and Dad jokes will carry on ...
– Compiled by Mike McCombs ON THIS DATE
2019: California Senator Kamala Harris, a Democratic candidate for President, holds a town hall meeting at USC Beaufort’s Bluffton Campus. The meeting was originally set to take place at USC Beaufort’s Center For The Arts in Beaufort but was moved because of the rally’s estimated size.
1772: Gov. Charles Montague calls the General Assembly to meet Oct. 8-10 in Beaufort in an effort to control the body once it was removed from the influence of Charlestown Patriots. This act would be referenced in the list of indictments of the Crown by the Patriots in the Declaration of Independence: “He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.”
Our Pets of the Week have moved to Page A18 so we can showcase even more pets in need of loving homes. Be sure to check it out and meet all the new faces waiting to be adopted through Palmetto Animal League and Beaufort County Animal Services.
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
By Delayna Earley
The Island News
A 14-year-old Beaufort boy has died from injuries sustained in a dirt bike accident on St. Helena Island on Saturday, Sept. 27, according to South Carolina Highway Patrol spokesperson Cpl. Nick Pye.
The boy, who has been identified as Kamden Jack-
son by friends of the family, was traveling west on Edding White Road, near Seaside Road, on a dirt bike at around 5:44 p.m. when the bike ran off the left side of the road and struck a power pole, according to Pye.
Jackson was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The Beaufort County Coroner’s
Office has not yet completed an autopsy but has said that one is pending.
Jackson was a freshman at Beaufort High School, according to an obituary published by Anderson Funeral Home. He loved sports, playing guitar and above all riding his dirt bike.
A Meal Train has been created and shared across social
Avenue during Port Royal OktoPRfest on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
media “to help provide meals and assist with cost for the Jacksons and family during this trying time of need.”
The page has raised more than $6,000 for the family and members of the community have volunteered to bring food for the family through the month of October.
Jackson’s friends took to
social media over the weekend to express their grief by posting videos of them revving their dirt bikes and vehicles with the caption “Rev for Kamden.”
The accident is currently being investigated by S.C. Highway Patrol and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, according to the coroner’s office.
A celebration of life will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club.
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.
By Delayna Earley
The Island News
Five men were arrested during a joint operation conducted between the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on Thursday, Sept. 25, in Bluffton.
All five men were employees of O’Hara Outdoor SC at 190 May River Road and were charged with identity fraud for collecting wages as an unlawfully present foreign national associated with a fake social security number.
They were booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center and the case will be prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
A spokesperson with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) said they were present but only assisted with traffic control.
and
Ramirez Santiago, 43,
are all currently still incarcerated under an ICE hold and a $10,000 surety bond. SLED and BCSO both currently have a signed agreement under ICE’s 287(g) program that allows for local law enforcement to be trained to enforce immigration laws. Sources have told The Island News that at least a dozen and possibly as many as 20 more people were detained by ICE, but as of Tuesday afternoon, the exact number is unclear and their location is unknown.
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.
By Delayna Earley The Island News
One person was killed in a shooting on Monday night at Cross Creek Plaza on Robert Smalls Parkway in Beaufort.
Police arrived at the scene on Sept. 29 just before 9 p.m. to find one victim in the parking lot near Little Caesars Pizza with multiple gunshot wounds, according to Lt. Lori Evans, spokesperson for the Beaufort Police Department.
Officers administered live-saving care before the victim was taken to a local hospital where they died from their injuries, according to Evans.
The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has not released the name of the victim as of press time on Tuesday afternoon.
There were no other injuries but the walls of the Little Caesars building sustained damage, said Evans. No arrests have been announced
in connection with the case as of Tuesday afternoon.
This is the third time that the Beaufort Police Department has been called to the Cross Creek Plaza for a shots fired call in the past week.
The previous Monday, Sept. 22, police responded to an alleged road-rage incident in which approximately three gunshots were fired.
There were no injuries and no suspects were identified.
By Delayna Earley The Island News
A father and son were arrested on Monday, Sept. 22, after police were called to the parking area in front of Beaufort’s Walmart store on Robert Smalls Parkway after receiving a shots fired report around 7:40 p.m.
Four gunshots were reported, and police have attributed the shots to Beaufort resident John Michael Findlay, 52, who had been targeting a vehicle. No injuries were reported, but the vehicle showed evidence of being struck by gunfire.
The incident allegedly resulted from a previous incident that took place outside of the jurisdiction
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of the Beaufort police.
Findlay was arrested and charged with discharging firearms within Beaufort city limits and two accounts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.
Assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature is a felony is punishable by up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.
Findlay’s 20-year-old son also allegedly punched out the driver-side window of the same vehicle and assaulted the driver, resulting in his arrest and charges of misdemeanor assault and battery and malicious injury to property, which is also a misdemeanor.
Findlay was released
Indeed, by the time the council got their information package for the Sept. 22 meeting the developer had added an additional $6 5 million in enticements including money for the affordable housing/workforce housing program, assistance with heirs’ property issues, money for unidentified nonprofit grants, a cemetery survey on Daufuskie Island and a turn lane at the intersection of Dulamo Road and U.S. 21
Apparently, the enticements were not enough and the council’s direction was made public when Councilman Tom Reitz, of Hilton Head, was the first of the south of the Broad River coun-
from jail on Tuesday afternoon with surety bonds totaling $51,087 50 –$25,000 for each of the assault and battery charges and a bond of $1 087 50 for discharging a firearm within the city limits. His son was released on Tuesday morning on a personal recognizance bond of $3 212 50 – $1087 50 for the assault and battery charge and $2125 for the malicious injury to property charge.
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.
cil members to cast his vote in further discussions. Past votes for the development had drawn general support from the S.O.B. council members as well as Councilman David Bartholomew of Lady’s Island and parts of St. Helena who surprised many at the Sept. 22 meeting when he voted to support continued deliberations with the Pine Island representatives.
But Bartholomew and eight council members followed Reitz’s lead in the roll call vote at the Sept.22 meeting and rejected the new development agreement and any changes to the CPO … to the loud applause from the citizens still present at 2 am when the final vote was made.
Only Councilmen Logan Cunningham and Mark Lawson, both elected from districts south
Also on Monday, Sept. 22, police arrested John Michael Findlay, 52, and his 20-year-old son after the elder Findlay allegedly fired multiple gunshots at a vehicle in the parking lot at Walmart and his son allegedly punched out the driver-side window of the car and assaulted the driver. Anyone with information about the Monday’s fatal shooting is encouraged to contact Lt. Mendicino at 843-322-7911
Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County website, the P3 Tips app or by calling 1-844-8477238 (1-844-TIPSBFT) and reference the case #25B34154
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.
of the Broad River, voted to allow the development agreement discussions to continue.
So the answer to last week’s question in this column, does “money talk” would appear to be no. But despite the celebration following that week’s council vote, the developer can come back with a new request for a zoning amendment to the CPO. And there’s a lawsuit out there challenging the county’s earlier denial.
Then there’s the promise of his lawyer that the property will be developed.
County moves forward on 2026 sales tax referendum
BEAUFORT -- Least someone think all seven hours of last week’s County Council meeting was tied up on Pine Island matters, it wasn’t.
The council, with no discussion, agreed to create a Capital Projects Sales Tax committee to consider what projects should be included on referendum question next year, if they decide to put the go forward with the vote. Their biggest concern about scheduling another referendum vote has been a documented lack of confidence on the part of voters. They officially “recognized” the Corners community – that commercial spot at the intersection of U.S. 21/Sea Island Parkway and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The resolution, promoted by Queen Quet of the Gullah/ Geechee Nation and others familiar with the history of the St. Helena island, clearly states that “Frogmore,” which the intersection is commonly referred to, actually refers to the Frogmore
Plantation complex further south on Seaside Road. They “recognized” a dozen employees for their years of service, and Treasurer Maria Walls gave an overview of the 411,000 county bills which will be going out in the mail within days. Her advice to the council, and the public about a somewhat new format which will be used: “let’s don’t freak out.”
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.
By Delayna Earley The Island News
Faced with a choice of eight possible options, Beaufort City Council members met on Wednesday, Sept. 23, with the Waterfront Advisory committee to listen to and discuss a presentation for fixing the promenade of Waterfront Park along the Beaufort River.
The promenade was closed in July 2025 when it was deemed unsafe for people to continue walking on it, and it was blocked off with fencing.
Bill Barna with McSweeney Engineers, presented eight possible options to the meeting attendees of how to best proceed with moving forward in fixing the promenade.
Option 1 is to do nothing, which Barna said was not a good option.
Option 2 states that the city could have the existing platform repaired, but there is no guarantee of how long the repairs would hold and accessing some of the pilings
Association. Cast your vote for your favorite shrimp dish Friday night and cheer on your top pick! Winners in three categories — Beaufort’s Shrimp Showdown, The People’s Shrimp, and The Local Shrimp Favorite
is difficult and sometimes impossible.
Option 3 is simple — demolish the existing platform and build a new one that is the same shape
and size but would be updated to fight against flooding.
Another option — No. 4 — is to replace the existing backfill that covers the relieving platform with
a lighter material that would ease the pressure on the pilings, but this is not a permanent fix.
Option 5 suggests rebuilding the platform, but smaller.
In Option 6, the relieving platform, that is often mistaken for a seawall, would be replaced with an actual seawall and backfill.
Option 7 suggests replacing the platform with a floating structure.
Lastly, Option 8 involves building a hybrid structure that would have fixed floating docks that could be both environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing.
City officials narrowed the scope and focus to three of the proposals that had been presented — rebuilding a new relieving platform (Option 3), building a seawall instead of an overhang (Option 6) or building a hybrid structure that would involve floating docks (Option 8).
Understanding that this is going to be a very large financial undertaking for the city, there are other
factors that come into play when making decisions about what option to choose, such as whether they want commercial vessels such as cruise ships and shrimp boats to dock at the promenade.
While the high estimated price tag — more than $100 million accroding to City Manager Scott Marshall — is frightening for many, the city will be applying for grants and has begun discussions with officials in Beaufort County about adding Waterfront Park repairs to a future County penny tax referendum.
The project will likely take up to five years to replace the current infrastructure or repair it so that it is deemed safe for pedestrian traffic again.
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.
— will be announced Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Saturday brings even more excitement with the Coastal Education Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and live entertainment including the Parris Island Marine Popular Music Group Band at noon, The Deckhands at 1 p.m., and Lyn Avenue at 2:30 p.m. The Art & Craft Market reopens from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring more than 40 artisans offering everything from jewelry and clothing to woodworking and fine art. Saturday morning starts with the iconic Run Forrest Run 5K at 8 a.m., the first race in the Beaufort Triple Crown, where participants run the famous course from the movie Forrest Gump and can snap photos with a
Forrest Gump impersonator at the start and finish line.
At 3 p.m., don’t miss the 17th Annual Charity Shrimp Race, presented by the Sea Island Rotary Club, where participants compete for a grand prize of $30,000 Shrimp for the race are available for purchase through Sea Island Rotary. Food lovers will delight in offerings from local fa-
vorites including Sea Eagle Market, Mother Smokin’ Good, Belly Full by Tyger, Panna E Cioccolata, Piece of Yard and Abroad, Food Savvy, The Island Fudge Shoppe, Sassy Sweets, Palmetto Kettle Corn, The Loyal Cup, and Tasty Creations by Teen Challenge. Every bite celebrates fresh, sustainably harvested shrimp from Beaufort’s waters, mak-
Have you ever been really filthy and in need of a wash?
Perhaps you just finished a grueling race, or a long camping trip, or splashing around in mud. You are so caked with dirt, sweat, and grime that you can hardly recognize yourself in the mirror. But once you are finally washed clean, you feel like a completely new person. Even though it was just a bit of water on your body, this washing has made a tremendous difference, inside and out.
In Baptism, God washes us clean in body and soul.
We are each born with original sin: a lack of God’s divine life within us and an inclination towards disobedience to God. Our sins, big and small, are like spiritual mud and grime that gradually accumulate on our souls. We cannot wash this off by ourselves; only God can wash us clean.
Baptism is the way that God has chosen to give us this great gift. Though it looks like a mere washing with water, God is actually working a miracle in our souls.
ing this a true Lowcountry experience. With local shrimp, crafts, music, and family fun, the Beaufort Shrimp Festival is a two- day celebration that captures the spirit and flavor of the Lowcountry. Don’t miss this iconic event! For more information, schedules, and vendor details, visit //beaufortshrimpfestival.com/.
When we are baptized, we are spiritually changed. Jesus was referring to Baptism when he spoke of the need to be “born again by water and the Spirit.” (John 3:5) He also said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.” (Mark 16:16) When we are baptized, Jesus allows us to share in his death and Resurrection, giving us new life. (Rom 6:4) This is why Peter told the crowds at Pentecost, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” (Acts 2:37-38)
Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments.
The sacraments are special spiritual gifts given to us by Jesus. As he commanded, we wash a person in water with the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19) When this happens, God bestows his divine life on us, restoring what was lost due to original sin. He washes our souls clean from all of our past sins. He makes us his adopted children, and we become members of his family of faith, the Church.
Even small children can receive this gift from God!
Since the earliest centuries, Catholics have baptized their children. Because of our understanding of Baptism, this makes perfect sense to us. Just as we gave our children physical life, we ask God to give our children spiritual life. We teach them to love Jesus and have faith in him. As they grow up, God calls them to make this faith their own, repenting of their sins and daily choosing to follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Baptism is the beginning of our journey of faith.
For adults who did not grow up as Christians, the faith journey happens in a different order. They are introduced to Jesus and begin to have faith in him. Recognizing that only Jesus can save them from their sins, they ask the Lord to wash them clean and give them new life through Baptism. After a time of prayerful learning and spiritual preparation, adults are usually baptized at Easter with great joy and celebration, sharing in the glorious victory of our Lord over death.
By Margit Resch Special to The Island News
What kind of music do you like? Classical music? Jazzy music? Piano music? Folk music? A variety of music?
If you like any or all of these musical styles, you must come to some or all of the concerts the Fripp Island Friends of Music (FIFOM) are offering this season. In response to the rave reviews by past audiences, we decided to bring back some of the musicians who engendered such praise. So you can be assured that every concert will be a pastime of more than one hour. Well, actually more, because there are treats scheduled for you around the concert.
Occasionally, half an hour before 5 p.m., when the main concert starts, local students will entertain us with their musical skills, and believe you me, we have some amazing talents in the Beaufort area, who appreciate the opportunity to present their accomplishments.
After every concert, you are invited to a reception where you not only get to chat with the artists, but enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres created by Harold’s Chef Services, and more. All of this for only $30 per event.
You may consider becoming a member of FIFOM and save $50 for the entire five-concert season. Great music, great food and great company five Sundays for only $100. A deal!
To become a member, or if you have any questions, call, text or email our Membership Chair Rebecca Climer at 615-594-1552 or RebeccaClimer@gmail.com. And see our website at www.frippfriendsofmusic.com
What is FIFOM offering this season?
Oct. 19: The Alexis Cole Trio will dazzle you with its sophisticated rendition of jazz standards and swing. Cole, a peripatetic singer and educator, rivals classic jazz singers such as Sarah Vaughan. She has a dozen albums to her credit, won countless competitions, has performed in many different venues in many countries.
The trio includes Frank Duvall on bass and Ron Wiltrout on drums. Both are graduates from the University of South Carolina and members of The Charleston Jazz Orchestra. Duvall has performed with jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie, and he teaches jazz bass at the College of Charleston. Wiltrout is
a much-in-demand drummer, as he is proficient in many genres. 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.”
Nov. 16: The only musician who is making his debut performance on Fripp this season is pianist Brian Woods. Following his first public performance at age 18, Woods maintains an extensive repertoire, from Beethoven’s Fifth to Chopin’s complete Ballades and, remarkably, groundbreaking compositions by women composers.
Hailed as “a musician of rare technical faculty and interpretive insight,” he has emerged as an exciting pianist and garnered international acclaim. While revered as a solo performer, he has recently played with esteemed orchestras such as the Gateway Festival Orchestra and the Belleville Philharmonic. His debut album, Wanderings (2024), already enjoys rave reviews. We can’t wait to hear Brian.
Feb. 1: Can you imagine mixing the folksy sounds of Appalachia with high energy Latin tunes and rhythms? That’s what Appalatin has done.
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. Checkin 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. 8
My Friend Doubt (17 minutes, Short)
The Long Walk Home (15 minutes, Short)
The Rug (11 minutes, Short)
Oct. 15
Lovesick (20 minutes, Short)
Knead (12 minutes, Short)
*Game Night (19 minutes, Short)
Oct. 22
Small Hours (22 minutes, Short)
4th Dementia (17 min-
utes, Short)
The Greatest Guy You Never Met (9 minutes, Short)
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.
USCB Center for the Arts hosting ‘Timeless, Everchanging: Coastal Portraits’
Elevate Art presents “Timeless, Everchanging: Coastal Portraits” by John Gleason from Friday, Oct. 3 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.
An opening reception is set for 5 to 7 p.m., Friday Oct. 3 at the Gallery.
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
Six musicians, originally from several south American countries and Kentucky, combined their respective musical traditions and personal passions with inspirational results. Their performances with a variety of instruments — guitar, mandolin, upright bass, charango, indigenous Andean flutes, hand percussion, harmonica and vocal harmonies — have brought foot-stomping joy to listeners of all ages. And next year you will also be stomping your feet again. Again? Yes, if you saw them here three years ago you couldn’t help but stomp your feet. Their rhythms are contagious.
March 1: In the spring, Lindsay Deutsch, violin, and Jason Stoll, piano, will return to Fripp. “This powerhouse duo takes the crowd on a whirlwind journey through the hits of the centuries.”
Their unique repertoire, spiced with fun stories, starts with “rock stars” from the 17th and 18th century, such as Bach and Beethoven, and covers music you might have grown up with like Frank Sinatra, Elton John and Billy Joel. Deutsch has played with orchestras all over the world. She even has movie credits like playing the solo violin soundtrack for “The Good Shep-
herd” starring Robert De Niro.
Stoll, a graduate from Juilliard and the Royal Conservatory of Music, has made a name for himself, internationally, as concerto soloist, chamber musician and educator, covering almost all musical genres.
April 19: John McCutcheon will again honor us with his unforgettable presence. An American folksinger, songwriter, master of the hammered dulcimer and proficient in at least six other instruments, he is, according to Johnny Cash, “the most impressive instrumentalist” he had ever heard.
His eclectic catalog of ballads, children’s songs, love songs, topical satire, instrumentals and even symphonic works is among the most diverse in American folk music. It includes, of course, songs from many contemporary writers and his own creations.
“Christmas in the Trenches” is considered a classic and was recently named one of the 100 Essential Folk Songs by NPR, alongside “John Henry” and “This Land Is Your Land.” His 36 albums have earned six Grammy nominations.
We hope you will come and enjoy with us any or all of our music, music, music, music, music.
Beaufort’s Medicus and Elizabeth Rentz dance as Ladycouch performs during the final Port Royal Street Music of the Fall Concert Series on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Amber Hewitt/ The Island News
Staff reports Big band, big sound – don’t miss Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters at University of South Carolina Beaufort Center for the Arts on Friday, Oct. 3.
The USCB Center for the Arts welcomes the electrifying sounds of Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters for one night only — at 7:30 p.m..
This 13-piece powerhouse band, led by Grammy winner Jerry Freeman, delivers explosive energy with five dynamic vocalists and a full horn section. The evening kicks off with tunes from the early jazz era of the Cotton Club and then jumps into the best hits of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s.
Freeman has toured with legends like Earth, Wind & Fire, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder. He has recorded seven platinum albums and worked with icons such as John Legend, Lionel Richie, and Sly and the Family Stone.
Who: Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters When: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3 Where: USCB Center for the
Featured vocalists include: Jamila Thompson, a finalist on The Voice; Calvin Bishop, who toured with Whitney Houston and performed with New Edition’s Bobby Brown; and Marleen Mills, who has shared the stage with Bobby McFerrin and Justin Bieber.
The horn and rhythm sections boast members who have toured with stars like Celine Dion, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com
Mother Nature had her say for the second straight year, but this time we were able to crown a champion in the Battle for the Border.
Battery Creek’s La’Jaivion Samuel and Tyjuan Simmons broke long touchdown runs, and Eddie Heyward scored a pair of touchdowns and a pair of two-point conversion runs to lift the Dolphins to a 28-14 home win over rival Whale Branch in a game that was delayed multiple times by thunderstorms before being called with 1:58 remaining in the third quarter. Samuel opened the scoring with a flash, taking a jet sweep around the right side and bolting 54 yards for a score, but Whale Branch answered with a sustained drive ending with Takim Person hauling in a 9-yard lob from Jermon Bowers to tie it at 6 Simmons put Battery Creek back on top when he ran into — and then out of — a pile near midfield and broke through for a 47-yard scamper to the end zone. Heyward added the conversion run for a 14-6
lead after the first quarter. Then it was Heyward who split the defense, finding a seam up the middle for a 31-yard touchdown and a 20-6 ad-
Battery Creek’s ground game took control after the break, and Heyward finished off a sustained drive with a 2-yard touchdown run and another conversion run to establish a 28-14 lead. The Dolphins were driving again after Nate Freeman’s 46-yard pass to Samuel when the game was halted for the third time and called official.
The Warriors turned to freshman Makhi Zackary at quarterback and used Bowers on a jet sweep that he broke for 41 yards and a score, and
LowcoSports.com Beaufort High’s girls volleyball team has surged into second place in the Region 6-4A standings, and the Eagles still have a path to an unlikely region title.
The Eagles held off region rivals May River and Hilton Head Island High for five-set wins last week, moving them to 5-1 in region play and within a game of perennial power Bishop England. The Battling Bishops dealt Beaufort its only region defeat thus far, winning in three sets in Charleston, but the Eagles will have the home-court advantage — and Kirkland’s Krazies — on their side in the rematch Oct. 7
Beaufort must first take care of business this week with a home matchup against Bluffton on Tuesday and a trip to Colleton County on Thursday. The Eagles needed four sets to get past the Bobcats in the first meeting.
It has been a team effort for the Eagles, who boast eight players who average at least one kill per set. Senior utility knife Alyson Dennison executes the offense beautifully, and sophomore Erin Crosby leads the attackers with 99 kills in 41 sets. Olivia Byrne, Samantha Graves, Carson Crosby, and Samiya Lee are also critical parts of the offense, and Sarah Anderson helps anchor a strong defense.
The Eagles will have been battle-tested by a tough Region 6-4A schedule, so if they can hang on to one of the top two seeds from the region, they will be poised for a deep playoff run.
CBCCA boys, Bridges girls lead way on XC course
Led by top-20 finishes from the trio of Clayton Leszcynski (18:44), Garrett Conner (18:49) and Boaz Wright (18:53), the Community Baptist Church Chris-
tian Academy (CBCCA) boys cross country team led the Northern Beaufort County contingent with a fourth-place team finish at the Beaufort County Championships on Saturday on Hilton Head Island.
Beaufort’s David Barr (19:08) finished 20th, but Bridges Prep was able to edge the Eagles for fifth place with Blake Lesesne (19:42) and Austin Lesesne (19:48) leading the Bucs.
Bridges Prep’s girls placed fifth, narrowly edging sixth-place Beaufort, with CBCCA in eighth.
CBCCA’s Elisabeth Snyder (21:32) led the local girls in 20th place, while Bridges Prep’s Iris De Bois (21:41) and Beaufort’s Yzeult Antia (21:47) were close behind.
May River’s boys and Bluffton’s girls claimed the team title with May River’s Talan Farrington (15:38) and Hilton Head’s Julia McKenna (17:49) taking the individual crowns.
Registration for the fall season is open until Monday, Oct. 13. Games are career-friendly (played after work hours), so you can clock out at work and clock
from Facebook
added a two-point run to pull Whale Branch within 20-14 at
LowcoSports.com
Yet another Friday night of high school football was disrupted by severe weather, as Week 5 was marred by cancellations, postponements, delays, abrupt endings — and one three-week intermission.
The de facto SCISA 1A region championship game in Walterboro is still in progress — and didn’t even hit halftime before the officials called it a night after lengthy lightning delays.
The break likely benefits Beaufort Academy, which had ceded an early 14-0 lead to host Colleton Prep on a pair of touchdown runs from quarterback Cale Owens.
The game will resume on Oct. 17, meaning BA will lose its home game against Hilton Head Christian Academy that was previously scheduled that night, while Colleton Prep will have to scrap its home game against Lee Academy. Battery Creek’s
for the Dolphins. John
and will not be rescheduled.
Special to The Island News
BEAUFORT – The American Heart Association has awarded Beaufort Memorial with its new Commitment to Quality award for high performance across three or more clinical areas in the Get With The Guidelines program for heart and stroke care.
Beaufort Memorial is among just 158 hospitals nationwide that met the criteria for the Commitment to Quality award. Hospitals earning this new award demonstrate a comprehensive approach to quality improvement. By participating in three or more Get With The Guidelines programs, they commit to using real-time data registries, evidence-based protocols and cross-disciplinary teamwork to raise the standard of care across multiple specialties.
In 2025, Beaufort Memorial reached achievement levels in five clinical areas.
“Beaufort Memorial has always been dedicated to treating the whole patient, not just the condition,” said Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley. “Our organization is focused on continuous improvement and delivering the highest quality care across every department, and this award means that we have made huge strides in coordinating care across our service lines, resulting in better outcomes for our patients here in the Lowcountry.”
Get With the Guidelines is the American Heart Association’s hospital-based quality improvement initiative that helps ensure patients
are treated in accordance with the most up-to-date, research-based guidelines. Participating hospitals benefit from tools, resources and peer benchmarking to drive better patient outcomes.
“This award highlights Beaufort Memorial’s impressive commitment to improving care across multiple disciplines,” said Donald Lloyd-Jones, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association and current volunteer chair of the Association’s Quality Oversight Committee. “By taking a systems-level approach to quality, these hospitals are building a foundation for better outcomes, fewer
complications and stronger communities.”
Get With The Guidelines awards are given for conditions including stroke, heart failure, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation and resuscitation. Award levels range from Bronze to Gold Plus status, depending on how long and how consistently a care team meets key measures.
Hospitals receiving the Commitment to Quality award achieved Silver awards or higher in at least three American Heart Association programs for 2025. This year, Beaufort Memorial received these achievement awards:
Get With The Guidelines –Stroke Gold Plus. Hospitals earning this award are recognized for two or more consecutive years of 85 or higher adherence on all achievement measures applicable, and 75 or higher adherence with other stroke quality measures.
Get With The Guidelines –Rural Stroke Gold. Beaufort Memorial adhered to two or more consecutive calendar years of 75 or higher adherence to the identified composite score for rural measures.
• Get With The Guidelines – Coronary Artery Dis-
ease NSTEMI Gold. These hospitals are recognized for achieving 65 adherence to Dual Antiplatelet prescription at discharge and 85 or higher compliance on each of the four performance measures for two or more consecutive calendar years.
• Get With The Guidelines –Coronary Artery Disease Rural Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Silver. These hospitals are recognized for one calendar year of 75 or higher adherence to the identified composite score for rural awards.
• Get With The Guidelines –Rural Heart Failure Silver. This recognition is for one calendar year of 75 or higher adherence to the identified composite score for rural measures.
Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, respectively, reports the American Heart Association. Studies show patients can recover better when their healthcare providers consistently follow treatment guidelines.
These awards in areas of patient care are some of the highest that hospital systems can receive, Baxley said.
“Our commitment to quality, patient-centered care and cross-departmental coordination are reflected in these awards,” Baxley said. “We are proud to be nationally recognized for that commitment with these five awards.”
Special to The Island News
With September being PCOS Awareness Month (polycystic ovary syndrome), there’s no better time to brush up on this condition and learn how lifestyle changes can help you manage its symptoms.
Special to The Island News
BEAUFORT – Beaufort Memorial is teaming up with local professionals to offer a beauty techniques tutorial at the October breast cancer support group meeting.
The tutorial will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at the Beaufort Memorial Medical and Administrative Center (BMAC), 990 Ribaut Road, in Room 317 on the building’s third floor. This tutorial will provide breast cancer survivors with simple techniques for skincare, eyebrows and enhancing their eyes, cheeks and lips.
Beaufort Memorial support groups are free and open to the public, but registration is required. For more information or to register for a free support group, visit BeaufortMemorial.org/SupportGroups or call Kianna Brown, LMSW, at 843-522-7328
“PCOS affects around 1 in 10 women in their reproductive years, and it’s a common cause of fertility issues,” says Dr. Marlena Masavage, board-certified OBGYN at Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists. “There is no cure for PCOS, but because it’s related to metabolism and insulin levels, people with PCOS can often use a combination of medications and lifestyle changes to manage its effects.”
In PCOS, an imbalance in a woman’s reproductive hormones interferes with the menstrual cycle.
Typically, eggs are developed during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and then released during ovulation. In women with PCOS, eggs may not develop properly, or they may develop but not release during ovulation. This leads to missed or irregular periods, which can make conceiving difficult.
While the exact cause of PCOS isn’t known, researchers believe the condition may develop due to high levels of male hormones (also called androgens). Elevated insulin levels caused by insulin resistance are also common among people with PCOS. Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin, which triggers the body to produce more insulin to compensate. PCOS can affect all women, but being overweight or obese or having a mother, sister or aunt with PCOS can
increase your risk. Along with the possibility of infertility, people with PCOS may also experience: Acne on the face and other parts of the body, such as the back; • An irregular menstrual cycle; Darkening of the skin; Hair growth on the face or chin; Skin tags in the armpits or neck area; Thinning hair on the scalp; and Weight gain or difficulty losing weight. The insulin resistance associated with the condition increases a woman’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Effective treatment is necessary to reduce that risk and protect a wom-
an’s overall health.
If you’re diagnosed with PCOS, your OBGYN can offer treatment options based on your specific symptoms and overall health. If you’d like to conceive, there are multiple options that may help, including fertility medications, in vitro fertilization and surgery.
If pregnancy isn’t a priority, your OBGYN may recommend oral contraceptives to balance hormone levels. You may also benefit from medications to improve insulin sensitivity as well as healthy lifestyle habits to manage your symptoms.
Getting to a healthy weight is one key to managing PCOS. A healthy weight looks different for every person, so talk with your medical provider about a good target weight for you based on your body mass index, waist circumfer-
ence and other health indicators.
To lose weight and keep it off, change your habits instead of turning to all-or-nothing diets or exercise routines. Losing a small amount of weight consistently over time will provide better results in the long run.
Weight loss requires a careful balance of physical activity and healthy eating. Building regular physical activity into your everyday routine will help you maintain good exercise habits that last.
Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week — that can be anything from a brisk daily walk to a water aerobics class.
In addition to burning calories, exercise helps your body become more sensitive to insulin, reducing insulin sensitivity both immediately after exercise and in the long term. You’ll also build muscle over time, which helps absorb excess sugar in the blood.
Making smart food choices is the second piece of the puzzle when it comes to weight loss. Eating the right mix of foods can also minimize or even eliminate some symptoms of PCOS.
A healthy PCOS diet focuses on the basics: Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, lean sources of protein and whole grains. Limit processed foods, which often contain too much salt, added sugar and saturated fat. Many highly processed foods also have a high glycemic index, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
If you have received a diagnosis of PCOS, ask your health care provider about these and other lifestyle changes that can help make a difference in your life.
Screenings can be a game-changer for your health
Special to The Island News
Men are statistically less likely to undergo preventive health screenings than women, but these screenings that keep getting put off could serve to warn you of medical problems to come.
“Starting at age 18, men should have a physical exam annually to assess their health risks, update vaccines and ensure they’re on a healthy track,” said Dr. Brad Kelly, a board-certified family medicine physician at Beaufort Memorial May River Primary Care. “During these annual check-ups, your doctor may suggest changes to your diet, exercise routine and lifestyle to keep you going strong.”
Dr. Kelly recommended, at minimum, the following screenings:
Blood pressure: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the big risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke — two of the leading causes of death in the United States. You can have high blood pressure and not have any symptoms. Have it checked every year.
Cholesterol: High cholesterol is also a major risk factor for heart disease. Starting at age 35, you should have a cholesterol screening every five years. If you have a family history of heart problems or other risk factors for heart disease, you may need to be screened earlier.
Blood sugar: Blood sugar, or blood glucose, tests are done to check for diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, 1 4 million Americans are diagnosed with the disease every year. Like your cholesterol, your blood sugar should be tested every two years starting at age 35. If you’re overweight or age 45 or older, it should be tested more often.
At age 45, men should have their first colonoscopy, considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening.
“A colonoscopy can detect inflamed tissue, ulcers and abnormal growths called
polyps,” Dr. Kelly said. “Most colon cancers develop from polyps, a small clump of cells that forms on the lining of the intestine or rectum. In most cases, polyps can be removed during the colonoscopy. If the screening turns up clear and there is no family history of the disease, you don’t need to be tested again for 10 years.”
The risk of prostate cancer also increases with age. Although only 1 in 10 000 men younger than age 40 are diagnosed with prostate cancer, the rate increases as a man ages.
The American Cancer Society recommends that men discuss the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening with their doctor before deciding whether to be tested. Guidelines differ on when you should start screening, but the general recommendation is age 50 for men with an average risk of prostate cancer.
Additional screenings
“Depending on your health history and lifestyle, your doctor may recommend screenings for infectious diseases, particularly sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which are on the rise in all age groups,” Dr. Kelly said.
In addition, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently recommended that primary care physicians screen all adults for depression.
“Unless directly asked about their mood, few men think to discuss depression with their doctors,” Dr. Kelly said. “Yet it is the most common mental health condition seen in primary care.”
Bottom line
Man up and get those screenings done on a regular basis! By identifying issues early, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing serious diseases that could take years off your life.
“Simply put, by getting your annual wellness exam, you can live longer and better,” Dr. Kelly said.
Staff reports
The Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Fire Science Technology Program was recently recognized at an event held on Sept. 4, at the college’s Beaufort Mather Campus.
The program was recognized by FEMA’s National Fire & Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) initiative for TCL’s commitment to standardizing education for the fire and emergency services by adopting the National Fire Academy’s model fire science curriculum.
TCL’s program is the only college in the state with FESHE certification.
In addition to representatives from the state’s fire academy, first responders and fire fighters from several of the Lowcountry’s fire battalions were on hand for the event including the City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department, Bluffton Township Fire District, Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue and Lady’s Island – St. Helena Fire District among others.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for all concerned,”
bodies the concept that firefighters, equipped with knowledge and a college degree, can substantially mitigate the human and economic impacts of fires in their communities.”
TCL launched both its 67-credit-hour associate degree program and its 18-credit-hour certificate program earlier this year.
The programs are designed to equip those in the field with leadership, safety and operational skills to take command in the field or advance their careers.
South Carolina’s Fire Academy Superintendent Jason Pope presented the college with the Certificate of National Recognition, on behalf of FEMA, stating that he was going to “make it known that there are opportunities in South Carolina for higher education and fire science.”
tor Chris Garniewicz, who played a pivotal role in the development of the curriculum, said the implications of having such a program now in the area were exciting.
said TCL President Richard Gough after receiving the recognition. “We’re excited to be the first in our state with such a program and to be collaborating with our area fire service departments and their representatives, who will be sitting
on our program’s advisory board.”
Gough went on to note the national recognition is a testament to TCL’s “commitment to advancing fire and emergency services education through the FESHE initiative.”
“By promoting higher education and enhancing the recognition of the fire and emergency services as a profession, we aim to reduce the loss of life and property due to fires and other hazards,” he said.
“The FESHE program em-
“And we’re definitely going to make it known to the fire service community that if you’re looking for advancement or professional development, there’s a resource right here in your own backyard,” he said.
TCL’s program instruc-
“I’ve been involved with fire training and education for 25 years and know the importance of having a curriculum that not only addresses the fundamentals and challenges of modern fire science but provides leadership skills as well,” he said. “We believe this program will help provide relevant training for future fire officers, help advance their careers and ultimately contribute to the overall effectiveness of fire departments throughout the region. The program’s flexible schedule and affordability make it easily accessible for those already working in the field as well as anyone thinking about a career in emergency services.”
To learn more about TCL’s fire science programs visit www.tcl.edu/fire. TCL is continuing to register students for the program through Sept. 18, with classes starting Sept. 29
Staff reports
The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) has been awarded a four-year, $3 8 million federal grant to address the statewide nursing shortage.
Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the USCB initiative aims to recruit more nursing students, prepare nurses to serve in acute and long-term care settings, strengthen clinical instruction, and boost workforce placement. Focus will be placed on helping underserved and rural areas of South Carolina.
“With this significant grant, USCB is well-positioned to help meet South Carolina’s future nursing needs,” said Professor Lynne
Hutchison, director of the project.
“We are taking a multi-pronged approach to recruit diverse nursing students, train and retain them to graduation, and promote their entry into the healthcare workforce.”
To achieve these goals, USBC plans to implement several student-focused strategies. These initiatives include increased student financial support and tutoring, upperclass peer mentoring, student success workshops, expanded clinical partnerships and training, and a 12-month transition-to-practice program.
The project aims to support up to 64 nursing students each year. USCB’s partners in the project are Beaufort Memorial Hospital, No-
vant Health, and Friends of Caroline Hospice.
“We deeply appreciate HRSA’s recognition of the strengths of USCB’s nursing program in awarding this grant,” said Dr. Kim Dudas, interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, “especially in light of the highly competitive federal grant environment.”
South Carolina will face a critical 20% shortfall in registered nurses by 2036, according to the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis. The challenge is compounded by an aging population. The South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health predicts that by 2030 more than 1 million of the state’s residents will be aged 65 or older.
to the
Staff reports The Technical College of the Lowcountry recently dedicated its new state-of-the-art nursing simulation center during a Sept. 25 event held at its Beaufort Mather Campus.
Named The Frank and Stevie Raiti Nursing Simulation Center, the new center is designed to train the nurses of tomorrow and was made possible by a generous gift from longtime TCL supporters, Frank and Stephanie “Stevie” Raiti, of Hilton Head Island. The Raitis also established the Joseph Raiti Memorial Scholarship in Practical Nursing at TCL. The Raitis, who were on hand for Thursday’s dedication and unveiling along with faculty and staff from the college and members of the community, said they
mitment to meet that need through dedicated instruction and pragmatic management of all their resources, both human and fiscal. TCL is a great resource for our community, and we are happy to support their efforts to provide a well-trained workforce that is so vital at this time.”
who may perform such clinical tasks as CPR, patient assessments or medication administration during the scenarios.
TCL President Richard Gough told those who gathered for the dedication that the Raitis always “had a heart” for workforce development and technical school education.
a “transformative impact” on TCL’s nursing program. The center is “so much more than equipment and spaces,” she added.
were “thrilled” to attend the event and in their investment in nursing education. “We invest in TCL be-
cause we see the need in our community,” they said in an earlier statement. “And we have witnessed TCL’s com-
Located in the Health Sciences building on the college’s Beaufort Mather campus, the roughly 625-square-foot space consists of two mock hospital rooms, classroom space, a control room with new software and technology, and mechanized mannequins that stand in for patients. The center uses simulation-based learning combined with advanced technology to provide realistic clinical scenarios for nursing students
“They are not just supporters in talk but in financial support as well,” he said. He went on to say that the center would have a “generational impact” – not only on the lives of the students it trained, but on those they would go on to treat and care for.
Interim Dean for TCL’s School of Nursing Vandy Amason echoed Dr. Gough’s remarks saying the Raitis’ contribution already has had
“It’s a dynamic learning environment where future nurses will gain the confidence, competence and critical thinking skills they need to provide exceptional care,” she said. “Practicing in a safe and controlled environment helps students feel more prepared and less anxious before they go into clinical settings. Students report feeling more prepared and empowered, and faculty are thrilled to integrate advance simulation into their teaching.” To learn more about TCL’s nursing or other health sciences programs and majors, visit www.tcl.edu/academics/pathways/health-sciences.
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.
CALENDAR
Gather & Give: A Family Promise Barn Bash
6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3, The Barn at Hampton Lake, 7457 Hampton Lake Drive, Bluffton. $150 per ticket. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, good food, good company, and giving back — all in support of Family Promise of Beaufort County. Beer & wine included. Live music and more. To purchase tickets, visit https://bit. ly/45gHNpF.
Saint Peter’s Catholic Church 65th Annual Fall Bazaar
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4, Saint Peter’s Catholic Church, 70 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort. The Bazaar features international foods, a craft fair, a sweet shoppe, in-person and online silent auctions, wine and beer garden, plant sale, church and school tours, and a Kids Zone with inflatables, games, and the Beaufort Barnyard Petting Zoo. Artists and crafts people interested in a 10x10 outdoor space can send an email to gather@stpetersbeaufort.org for more information. The 65th Annual Fall Bazaar benefits Lowcountry Outreach, a ministry of Saint Peter’s parish that provides free office and meeting space for partner organizations, including Lowcountry Legal Volunteers, A Father’s Place, and several support groups. Lowcountry Outreach provides a rideshare program designed to assist individuals lacking transportation, enabling them to access essential services.
Inaugural Port Royal Plein Air Invitational
5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 10; all day Saturday, Oct. 11; all day Sunday, Oct. 12. 809 Paris Avenue, Port Royal. A three-day celebration of open-air painting and creative community, taking place at The Shed and throughout the picturesque streets and coastal landscapes of historic Port Royal. For more information, visit https://bit. ly/4lLDpnA.
40th annual Hilton Head Kiwanis Chili Cookoff & Jeep Island Noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island. All major debit and credit cards will be accepted for chili samples, food, beverages, and more. Local BBQ legend Orchid Paulmeier of One Hot Mama’s restaurant, fresh off of her Top 5 finish on the Food Network’s “BBQ Brawl,” will once again be competing in the Chili Cook Off! In addition to the traditional adult beverages and soft drinks, this year’s event also will include local craft brews from Local Legend Brewing Company! The event raises much-needed funding for many local youth charities, including Island Rec Association and the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island. Chili cooks will face off to determine the best concoctions in Professional, Amateur, and People’s Choice categories. Winners will earn cash prize donations to the local youth cause of their choice. Visit www.hiltonheadkiwanis.com to sign up online to cook, sponsor, and buy tickets. For more information, email the Hilton Head Kiwanis Club at hiltonheadislandkiwanis@gmail.com
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.
Karaoke at Willie’s 8 p.m., Thursdays, Willie's Bar and Grill, 7 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Saint Helena Island. Come and showcase your singing talents or just enjoy the performances. For more information, visit www.GullahLove.com.
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, 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.
CLASS REUNION
Beaufort High School Class of 1975 Oct. 17 through Oct. 19, 2025, Beaufort. 50th Class Reunion Celebration. Request that graduates of this class contact the class Community Outreach Representative Barbara Gardner Hunter at 347-4979326 or email gardnerbarbara991@ gmail.com to provide current contact information.
DANCE
Lowcountry Shaggers
6 to 9 p.m., Mondays, Holiday Inn, 2225 Boundary Street. Shag lessons with Tommy & Sheri O’Brien and others. Occasional ballroom and once-a-monh line dancing. Biginner, 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 843-255-6458.
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 843255-6458 for more information.
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 843-255-6458.
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 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 843-5750021 or email universitybicycles@ hotmail.com.
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
Distant Sounds
6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3, Another Slice Pizza, Harbor Island. Something for everyone, from the 60s to the 10s. David Ayres on guitar & vocals, Richard Knieriem on drums & vocals, Eric Roberts on bass, Paul Butare on guitar & vocals.
Warsaw Island Boys
6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 10, ShellRing Ale Works, Port Royal.
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.
OUTDOORS/NATURE
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 843-838-7437.
RUNNING
Run Forrest Run 5K 8 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 4, 1015 Bay Street, Beaufort. $40 for pre-registration, $45 for regular registration. Race through iconic movie locations to make Lowcountry history. Feel the ocean breeze in your poncho as you compete over the Woods Memorial Bridge. Take your photo with our Forrest Gump impersonator at the Start/Finish line. First-, Second-, and Third-Place runners will receive the coveted Run Forrest Run 5K medals both for winners of each age division and overall placers. Bring your favorite characters from the Forrest Gump movie to life as you race towards shrimp glory. We encourage participants to get groovy with themed costumes and unique outfits. Those donning a Forrest Gump getup can race to the finish line in hopes of claiming the Fastest Forrest Award. Register now and RUN, FORREST, RUN! For more information and to sign up, visit https:// shorturl.at/YoyHx.
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
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 843-5972541 for location.
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 843255-6458 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.
Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the Voices section are not necessarily the opinions of The Island
America seems to be souring on President Donald Trump.
This may not be surprising after the national reaction to pressuring ABC/Disney to suspend late night comedian Jimmy Kimmel and an embarrassing Sept. 23 speech at the United Nations that can, at best, be described as unhinged.
Trump’s approval ratings are upside down with 54% of American voters disapproving, compared to 42% approving of what he’s doing in the White House.
“Trump’s approval ratings across a wide range of polls are both lower than his historical highs and low compared with many other post-World War II presidents,” according to writer Louis Jacobson at the award-winning Politifact journalism website.
ANDY BRACK
“An aggregation of polls by former FiveThirtyEight. com editor and Substack author G. Elliott Morris shows the most recent polling average for Trump is 41 9% approval and 54 2% disapproval.
“At the start of his second term, Trump was above water in the polling average, with an approval rating of 50 7% and a disapproval rating of 38 7%.”
That’s a 15-point swing in eight months. In an interview, analyst Jacobson observed that controversies generally don’t change the
minds of Trump’s supporters or critics.
“(But) his low ratings on the economy would seem especially important.
A lot of people voted for Trump in 2024 because of inflation and the economy, especially a lot of voters who didn't have strong feelings otherwise.
“If he can't improve his approval ratings, especially on the economy, it will complicate his party's task heading into the midterms – because midterms are generally a referendum on the incumbent president and their party. The out-of-power party has usually gained in midterm elections, especially in the House."
Scott Huffmon, the chief pollster for South Carolina’s Winthrop Poll, noted that Trump’s current support is under water across an array of issues.
“This [dropping] trend across multiple polls is driven by independents but they are always the hardest to turn out, especially in off-years,” Huffmon said. “He is still sky-high among Republicans nationally. Consistently mid-80s.”
But it’s unclear how long that will last, particularly if approval/disapproval numbers grow further apart as fresh polling that takes into account the impact of Kimmel, his flamboyant return and Trump’s U.N. speech that offended leaders across the world.
“Coalitions of discontent – the model that explained presidential approval until Bill Clinton – could definitely be building,” Huffmon said. “If the GOP can keep things focused on identity politics and ensure that marginal-news consumers feel a constant series of vaguely defined
threats, they may win enough ‘lean Republican’ districts and keep a few tossups, then Dems might not be able to flip the House.”
But if Democrats are able to focus on economics, such as how Trump hasn’t decreased the price of groceries and how his tariffs are really bad for farmers and small businesses, they may be able to flip the House – just as they did in 2018 when they picked up 41 seats at the midpoint of Trump’s first term.
A new September poll shows 47% of Americans say they’ll vote for Democrats and 42% for Republicans on a generic ballot. The same poll of 1,500 people showed 60% believed the country was on the wrong track, compared to 28% of people who said it was on the right track. That’s a 3% increase in pes-
It is Tuesday, 2 a.m., and I’m sitting at my pine-planked dining room table watching County Council deal with the Pine Island Development Agreement.
I have been watching Council on my computer and I’m feeling slightly guilty about not being in the gymnatorium at Burton Wells. But that guilt is assuaged by a glass of pinot and a small bowl of Doritos.
I have been watching a small screen for six hours waiting for the final vote on whether Council will entertain the new, improved development agreement presented by Elvio Tropeano and his attorneys.
For those who have been in Portugal or Perugia this summer — the amended agreement provides for $3 47 million for affordable housing, home repair and heirs property; $2 5 million for grants to non-profits; $600,000 for a Cultural Center; and a bevy of other benefits including washer-dryer for every resident on the St. Helena.
Of course I’m joking about the
washer-dryers, but the proposed agreement does provide money for a turn lane, improvements at the Station Creek boat landing and dedicates $150 000 to start a “local heirs property program.”
“We’re putting in programs that will make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Kevin Dukes in his opening presentation that went on for nearly an hour.
After Dukes’ remarks the podium was given to the public — 65 people had signed up — and for the next five hours one heard a variety of opinion followed by repeated warnings from Councilwoman Anna Tabernik to keep one’s wisdom within a 3-minute window or “We’ll be here all night!”
As the speakers came forward — the majority being St Helena residents saying something like, “Thanks for the goodies, but no thanks, we just want to be left alone with what remains of our culture.”
— my own thoughts kept going back to my time on St Helena.
In 1973, I was let go from the Dowling Law Firm and thereafter hired to help run the Black Land Program at Penn Center. “Black Land” sometimes paid delinquent property taxes and sometimes we filed a full-blown quiet title action at the Courthouse. I did all of this with the guidance of Joe McDomick and a single secretary who typed our lengthy pleadings on a Selectric.
The geography of heirs property then stretched from Virginia to Mississippi. My wife and I had previously done a months-long, on-the-ground road trip confirming that one third of all Blackowned land was, indeed, heirs property.
Eventually I realized that “solving heirs property” would require federal legislation which
would permit the Farmers Home Administration to make its loans without the requirement of having fee simple, single-owner title. I took this proposed legislation to Washington, found a congressional sponsor from Wisconsin, but like 90% of all federal legislation this bill died in committee.
Heirs property is clearly a problem when one wants to borrow money for home repairs — or for money to put in a crop of tomatoes — but in those days there was a minority opinion that favored doing nothing. That opinion — given to me one night as we were driving to yet another churchbased workshop — was that heirs property kept the land in agriculture and also kept developers away.
During this same time my wife and I were separated — my wife moving to Manhattan and going to work in the Garment District. It happened that many of the heirs I dealt with had, years earlier, migrated up to New York City.
So I would look for heirs in, say, Harlem by walking down darkened hallways, pounding on
simism over the previous month.
Perhaps the best indicator of what the country’s really thinking will come on Oct. 18 when people see the number of Americans who protest Trump at hundreds of the scheduled No Kings rallies across the country. Millions are expected.
While there are a lot of political parallels between what’s happening now in Trump’s second term compared to the same time in his first term, protests and increasingly virulent anti-Trump sentiment across the country could make the 2026 midterm elections more volatile than ever before.
Andy Brack is editor and publisher of the Charleston City Paper and Statehouse Report. Have a comment? Send it to feedback@statehousereport.com.
locked doors, and when no one answered would shout, “Do you have land on St Helena Island?”
After a day with dozen heirs in and around 125th Street, I would call Susan and say, “Let me buy you a Schlitz and cheeseburger at the All States Cafe on West 59th Street.”
I remember those troubled days because I usually needed agreement from 10 or 15 heirs and that agreement was elusive. I would sit with Susan whining about my efforts to persuade these relocated heirs, but eventually Susan and I would get around to our marriage.
These meals were difficult, but now there was candor, and eventually it was clear that we both wanted our marriage to work. One cold afternoon, after two huge bowls of chili, Susan decided to come back to Beaufort.
Looking back at 56 years of marriage I know we owe part of this reconciliation to heirs property.
Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.
The Coastal Conservation League thanks the Beaufort County Council for their vote to deny the development agreement for Pine Island. We are thrilled with the result and greatly appreciate the elected leaders who listened to their constituents. We are pleased that the county government took decisive action to reject the golf resort proposal, which plainly violates the county’s comprehensive plan and community development code. Thank you to the more than 500 residents that attended the meeting Sept. 22. The strong showing of solidarity on display last Monday night was empowering, and your participation in local politics truly helped to move the needle. We will continue to keep you updated as the Pine Island golf resort issue evolves.
The Coastal Conservation League is an integral part of the South Coast community, and we are thankful for the opportunity to work closely with dedicated St. Helena Island advocates. Our history in Beaufort County extends back to the 1990s, when CCL Founder Dana Beach and founding board member Emory Campbell partnered to engage with St. Helena residents to protect culture and land.
Working together, the League and St. Helena residents fought off a proposal for a five-lane Sea Island Parkway, which would have adversely impacted Gullah/ Geechee landowners. What’s more, the League helped defeat a private marsh bridge proposal that would have obstructed access to public marshlands on St. Helena.
We are perhaps proudest of our partnership with Penn Center on the Penn School for Preservation — a series of land-use seminars, civics, and planning workshops focused on keeping St. Helena a rural Sea Island with thriving Gullah/Geechee culture. These events laid the groundwork for the adoption of the CPO in 1999 Penn Center has been essential in efforts to preserve land and community along the Gullah
coast. One key contributor to land loss along the coast is the prevalence of heirs’ property.
For decades, Penn Center’s work on heirs’ property issues, along with CCL’s policy research on land use patterns in Gullah Geechee communities informed the work that resulted in the creation of the Center for Heirs’ Property. Legal research and community experience reveal that when development pressures increase in an area, this escalates the risk of land loss through partition actions that plague heirs’ property owners. The Cultural Protective Overlay has been an essential tool in deterring development pressures and thus protecting heirs’ property. Let us all retain our resolved to continue to protect heirs’ property owners by maintaining the CPO’s
protections on St. Helena Island. Penn Center and the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation are continuing to do the critical work of preserving heirs’ property, and we remain confident in their ability to help clear titles, offer wills clinics, and save land from tax sales. Our environmental and cultural advocacy will always be informed by communities, and not the other way around. We’ve dedicated our efforts to St. Helena Island for three decades — and our commitment endures. Thank you to the Beaufort County citizens who came out to Council meetings to speak up for the CPO, and to Beaufort County Council for listening to the community.
Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the Voices section are not necessarily the opinions of The Island
Beaufort’s Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park is collapsing in on itself. Understanding it must do something, City Council asked the city’s Waterfront Park engineering consultants, McSweeney Architects, to present them with alternatives.
The presentation was last week. It was pretty dry stuff, except when Waterfront Advisory Committee Chairman Mike Sutton invited citizen-activist Graham Trask to “go outside” to settle their differences. Nonetheless, assuming Council wants to keep Beaufort’s signature park more or less as it was when it was at its best (which they do), the discussion came down to three decision points.
Here's my take on the three hot spots.
1. Do we want cruise ships? Yes. This discussion is as old as the park, and it always comes out the same way. No one really wants them because the ships block the view, and the downtown merchants say cruise ship passengers don’t spend real money when they come ashore. But the downtown business community doesn’t really want to be inhospitable and say “no” to them either, because the cruise ship passengers are typically better heeled than the bus
Sometimes I wish there weren’t so much in the political realm to commit to print. I long for the time when the greatest problem confronting us was Monica’s blue stained dress or the hanging chads of the George W. Bush election.
What happened back then was “chump change,” as my grandfather used to say. So, as I sat at my computer, considering my usual Saturday afternoon conundrum, what to write about, I ran across this bit of sage advice.
“Feeling scattered or shut down isn’t a weakness -- it’s what authoritarian chaos is built to produce. Of course you are exhausted. Of course you freeze sometimes. That’s the point. Write it down, say it out loud: “I’m not failing. I’m responding to engineered chaos.”
Engineered chaos … hmmm.
If I were to include a list of every presidential action that has thrown us into this state of chaos ever since No. 47 took office in January, I would far exceed my word constraints. The pardons given to the January 6 insurrectionists was just the beginning, and as promised, occurred on the first day of his second term.
What follows is a partial list compiled by Congressman Steve Cohen of Tenn., who opens his remarks with this: “The Trump Administration has
people, and maybe they’ll come back later and stay awhile.
The solution here, as proposed by Sutton, is to construct a mooring dolphin at the end of the park closest to the marina. The water’s deeper there; the view out to the Port Royal Sound from the park is less obstructed when the cruise ships are tied up at that end of the park; and if it must not accommodate commercial traffic, the park’s seawall wouldn’t have to be constructed to commercial pier specifications that would be more costly than providing the dolphin.
A mooring dolphin is a slip created by several clusters of pilings (each of which cluster is bound together by cables) to which the cruise ships can be made fast. The “slip” would be close enough to the seawall that the cruise ship’s gangway could reach the Waterfront Park promenade.
2. Do we want to continue the relieving platform design? No.
Time has shown that the 570 steel-reinforced concrete pilings that hold up the park do not hold up to the challengers presented them by the Beaufort River. Instead, the consultants propose as an alternative constructing a steel seawall where the present facia panel is and then backfilling the 36 feet behind that to where the existing seawall is. (Readers, please accept my apologies for asserting in an earlier column that the width of the shelf that holds up the park is 65 feet back from the facia panel. It is not. It is 36 feet, according to the park’s original construction plans.) This would mark the end of the troubled relieving platform system. The park would rest on something solid, just as Freedom Mall rests on dredge spoils. If this alternative were pursued, exactly what material or materials would best be used for the backfill is still an open question. While not yet set in stone, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has recently suggested, according to the consultants, that the critical line is along the outside of the park’s promenade where the existing facia panel is. If that holds true, getting the redesign (steel seawall) permitted will be a lot simpler.
3. Given current sea level rise data, by how much should the existing promenade be raised to avoid flooding? Should there be a second somewhat higher barrier to protect from flooding the buildings on the river side of Bay Street? And what about raising the marina parking lot? Yes, yes and yes.
The elevation of the park’s promenade is currently at about six-foot Mean Sea Level (MSL). Because of sea level rise, in recent years, at very high tides the Waterfront Park promenade has experienced flooding. As was suggested at last week’s meeting, raise the park’s edge about a foot to avoid near-term future flooding, and engineer the perimeter so that when an additional foot or two are needed, the underpinnings will be there to support it. Future councils will thank you.
The elevation of Bay Street is 10 5 -to- 11 0 -foot MSL. To protect the riverside buildings from flooding, raise the walkway on the backside of the park (where it abuts the businesses) to about 9 5 -foot MSL. And don’t forget the marina parking lot. It should be redesigned to preserve the present number of parking spaces. The space that’s been saved should be devoted to an
acted illegally and unconstitutionally in ways that weaken our democratic institutions, slow down our economy, roll back protections for public health and the environment, and put health care and Social Security benefits at risk for millions of Americans.”
The excessive deportations of many who were here legally. The list and why it was illegal to deport them is vast.
The creation of Alligator Alcatraz, an inhumane blot on our history if ever there were one. Ask yourself what your reaction was to Auschwitz when you learned of it in high school history.
The targeting of higher education as well as law firms, compelling them to abide by the newly established “standards” of this administration.
The stripping of power from Federal Independent Regulatory Agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission.
More recently, there is the retribution that No. 47 has promised, starting with James Comey. The attorney that was appointed
by this administration to prosecute saw little merit in the case and said as much. He then quit rather than become an adherent to what he knew was a losing proposition.
When No. 47 was asked, “who is next on the list?” he replied that there are more to come.
The ending of birthright citizenship is one to ponder, considering the marriages of No. 47 and the children born thereafter. Hypocrisy is no stranger to No. 47, but then, I digress.
For a comprehensive list of these actions during the past nine months, I strongly suggest you access Congressman Cohen’s website. It is well-written and very much to the point.
Perhaps that which will “seal the deal” for the goal of engineered chaos is the sending of federal troops to cities where No. 47 perceives (or not) there is sufficient unrest to merit such a move.
Washington, D.C., was the first, and we have seen pictures of the troops picking up trash, a rather expensive way to clean the city’s streets. In fact it is worth including these estimates regarding the deployment of the National Guard.
Recent deployments illustrate that costs often exceed $1 million per day and can quickly total tens of millions of dollars for a prolonged event. The estimated cost of the most recent deployment is this:
Recently, Donald Trump said that 300 million people died last year due to illicit drugs pouring into the country. This is one of many nonsensical statements Trump makes regularly, in speeches or on Truth Social, his social media platform.
These statements are routinely called “lies" by the mainstream media. Are Trump's statements really lies or are
they something else?
Los Angeles: A June 2025 deployment of around 4 200 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles was estimated by the Pentagon to cost taxpayers approximately $134 million over 60 days. This averages out to about $2 23 million per day. Costs included payroll, food and necessities, travel, and logistics.
Washington, D.C.: A deployment of more than 2 000 National Guard troops to D.C. in August 2025 was estimated to cost taxpayers more than $1 million per day. Based on previous reporting, the daily rate per Guard member can be roughly $530. For a month-long deployment, this could reach tens of millions of dollars. Chicago was in the bull’s eye, but the Governor squelched that quickly, and
The Random House Dictionary of the English Language defines a "lie" as "a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth." Trump is not known to be "deliberative" about anything. He believes what he is saying. So what else could the statements be?
Delusions! The Dictionary defines "delusion" as "a false belief that is resistant to reason or confrontation with actual facts." Trump is delusional. His statements are not
up-to-date marina store, and bus access to the Waterfront Park. Nowhere in the redesigned marina parking lot should be lower than 7 5 -foot MSL.
For the purposes of funding, the project described here could be phased with the new seawall and raising the park’s perimeter coming first, the barrier protecting the businesses that back up to the park second, and the improvements to the marina parking lot third.
As I mentioned to several City Councilmen when we were together last week, once there’s a plan and a budget, the needed money will materialize from the county, the state and the federal government. There’s a gubernatorial race starting up right now. All the candidates should be on record supporting funding for the project. Nancy’s Mace’s seat is up. All those running there should likewise be on record. That’s the way the game is played. And that’s how Beaufort’s signature park can be fitted out to serve for the next 50 years.
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.
that, dear reader is what it takes … material for another article. Memphis? Maybe. Portland? Maybe. Engineered chaos? Definitely.
To this day I am totally dumbfounded that there are those who voted for this person and are now suffering, in one way or another, from the promises he made. It isn’t as if he didn’t tell you. I agree that the man is a card-carrying purveyor of untruths, but folks, this is one time where he laid it out in clear language. Make no mistake. This is NOT conservative doctrine. Real conservatives want to keep government out of your lives as much as possible. This was always the bedrock of their platform. So don’t be presumptuous enough to purposely confuse John
McCain or Ronald Reagan conservative policy with that which is happening today.
I like to consider myself a fiscal conservative and a social liberal. I will always try to recognize the real needs of others and respond accordingly. Yet I recognize what is often wanton spending by the government. On that note, however, consider the above figures -- wanton spending at its most egregious. What I will never buy into is “authoritarian rule” and the engineered chaos that comes with it. Nor should you.
Carol Lucas is a retired high school teacher and a Lady’s Island resident. She is the author of the recently published “A Breath Away: One Woman’s Journey Through Widowhood.”
connected to reality. They are not lies. It is time to recognize the fact that Donald Trump is suffering from a mental illness. He is not able to run the country. However, there are plenty of people around him that are happy to push their extreme right-wing agendas with impunity. Donald does not have a clue.
Stop saying that Trump is lying! It's delusions, stupid! -- Terry Gibson, Beaufort
Aug.
This is the final article in a series of two on VA serviceconnected disability claims for high blood pressure (also called Hypertension).
How to prove service connection
To establish a service connection for hypertension, a veteran must provide the VA with evidence of military service (DD214 other discharge papers, or other proof of service) and evidence linking their condition to service or another service-connected disability. This includes: A current medical diagnosis of hypertension in your medical (military, VA, or civilian) records.
In-Service Event, Injury, Wound, Trauma, Disease, Presumption, or Aggravation. You must provide evidence of an event, injury, wound, trauma, disease, presumption, or aggravation that occurred during your military service that could have caused or worsened your hypertension. This should include documented high blood pressure readings, exposure to hazardous material (Agent Orange, etc.), or stressful/traumatic events during active duty.
Nexus Between Diagnosis and In-Service Event. Competent medical evidence must establish a nexus (link) between the current diagnosis of high blood pressure and the in-service event, injury, wound, trauma, illness, scar, or disease. This often requires a detailed medical opinion or nexus letter from a healthcare provider (Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Physician's Assistant, or other medical specialist) that explains how the veteran’s military service likely caused or aggravated the veteran’s high blood pressure.
Note: If a veteran has been out of the military for more than a year, it is recommended that they obtain a NEXUS letter from a healthcare provider (military, VA, or Civilian) and submit it with their claim. Learn more from a series of articles on “NEXUS
Letters” dated May 14 21, and 28, 2025, in The Island News at https://bit.ly/3IKLRWS.
Use a VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to help you file your claim
Use a VA-accredited VSO who is paid to help full-time, like the County and Region VSOs in most states, or the VSOs collocated with a Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) Regional Offices.
Learn more about VSOs in a Sept. 5, 2024, The Island News article titled “Things you need to know about Veteran Service Officers” at https://bit.ly/4pSutjS.
Find SC or GA VSOs
Veterans can find SC County VSOs at https://bit.ly/3qbLVSL or https://bit.ly/3KwL6RH and can find Georgia VSOs at https:// bit.ly/44KMVA7 or https://bit. ly/42WMvY5
Find VSOs Nationwide and at VBA Regional Offices
Veterans can search for VA-accredited representatives (VSOs, Attorneys, and Agents) nationwide at the VA “Accreditation Search” web page at https:// bit.ly/3QnCk5M or https://bit. ly/3IGWqdB, and they can search for VA-accredited representatives at VBA Regional Offices at the VA “Accredited Representatives: web page at https://bit.ly/3TahNn1 or https://www.benefits.va.gov/vso/ varo.asp
VSOs at the VBA Regional Office in Columbia
Veterans can also search for VA-accredited VSOs at VBA Regional Offices at the “VBA Regional Websites” web page at https://bit.ly/3WQp0e3 or https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/offices.asp. VSOs co-located in the Columbia, SC Regional Office travel throughout the state
to help veterans. Contact information: Disabled American Veterans – 803-647-2422
American Legion/SCDVA –803-647-2434 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) – 803-647-2443 Paralyzed Veterans (PVA) –803-647-2432
Some SC VA-accredited VSOs in The Island News footprint Beaufort County, Director Caroline Fermin, 100 Clear Water Way, Beaufort, S.C. 29906, 843-255-6880, web page at https://www. beaufortcountysc.gov/veterans-affairs/index.html, Email: caroline.fermin@bcgov.net. Beaufort DAV Chapter, Chapter Service Officer (Non VA-accredited VSO) Michael Vergantino, 843-301-2543 mlv1030@gmail.com. Jasper County, Alton Jenkins, 651 Grays Highway, Ridgeland, S.C. 29936, Phone: 843-726-7727, ajenkins@ jaspercountysc.gov. Hampton County, Daryl Harris, B. T. Deloach Building, 201 Jackson Avenue, West, Hampton, S.C. 29924, 803914-2085, dharris@hamptoncountysc.org. Colleton County, Janet Smith, 219 S. Lemacks Street, Suite 124, Walterboro, S.C. 29488 843-549-1412, cvao@ colletoncounty.org.
Some Georgia VSOs in The Island News footprint Chatham County, Ga., Manager Miguel Rivera (Bi-Lingual), 912-920-0214, Ext. 2412191, Miguel.rivera5@ va.gov, 1170 Shawnee Street, Savannah, Ga., 31419. VSO Sheri Shellman, 912-9200214, Ext. 412194, and VSO Robert Jones, 912-920-0214, Ext. 412193. Located in the Savannah VA Outpatient Clinic. Liberty County & Hinesville, Ga., Shannon Daniels, 912-408-2948, shannon.
daniels@vs.state.ga.us, and Dennis Boothe, 912-4082900, Ext. 352750, dennis. boothe@vs.state.ga.us, 500 East Oglethorpe Highway, Hinesville, Ga., 31313. Located inside the Hinesville, VA Outpatient Clinic.
Veteran Service Organizations with VSOs
There are 38 Veterans Service Organizations (VVA, DAV, VFW, AL, etc.) with VSO Programs listed on Page 3 of VA Form 21-22 which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs recognizes.
Ways to manage high blood pressure without medication, according to the Mayo Clinic
The Mayo Clinic's article titled “10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication” at https://bit.ly/4nqUzZk states, “By making these lifestyle changes, you can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease.”
• Lose extra weight and watch your waistline. Exercise regularly/ eat a healthy diet. Reduce your salt and sodium intake, limit alcohol consumption, and quit smoking. Get a good night's sleep, ease stress, control your cholesterol and blood sugar, frequently track your blood pressure at home, and get regular medical checkups.
Common VA Secondary Conditions to High Blood Pressure
Veterans should not forget that their service-connected high blood pressure condition can also cause other health problems, called Secondary Conditions. Some (but not all) of the common VA conditions secondary to hypertension include: Stroke, Heart Disease, Aneurysm, Angina, Kidney Disease, Peripheral Artery Disease, Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, Microvascular Disease, Pulmonary Hypertension, Cognitive Impairment, and ... • Erectile Dysfunction, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Mood Disorders (Anxiety-Depression-Bipolar-etc.),
Metabolic Syndrome, Sleep Apnea, Gout, and Retinopathy.
Ask VA Veterans can get information about VA benefits or file a claim for benefits by visiting the VA website www.va.gov and by asking a VA-accredited VSO for help. Veterans with claims-specific or other questions may request information via “Ask.VA.gov” at https://www.va.gov/contact-us/ ask-va/introduction or by telephoning 1-800-827-1000
The bottom line
High blood pressure can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Veterans (and anyone) with high blood pressure need to seek medical care if they have high blood pressure. Only a doctor or other qualified medical professional can confirm a diagnosis of high blood pressure.
If you are an eligible veteran and have a service-connected disability of high blood pressure or a secondary blood pressure-caused or worsened condition, you should ask a VA-accredited VSO to help you file a claim for service-connected disability compensation and help you enroll in VA healthcare.
Military members and veterans should monitor their blood pressure. To prevent high blood pressure, it is essential to follow your doctor’s advice, maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced and healthy diet, avoid highly processed foods, exercise regularly, limit sodium and potassium intake, refrain from using tobacco products, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and monitor your blood pressure regularly.
Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, exEnlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past Veterans Service Officer, a Patient Adviser at the RHJ VA Hospital, the Fisher House Charleston Good Will Ambassador, and the VP for Veteran Affairs for the local Army Association Chapter. Larry is the author of the award-winning book Blades of Thunder and a contributing freelance writer with The Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@ earthlink.net or 843-276-7164
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
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