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PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID BLUFFTON, SC PERMIT NO. 37
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OCTOBER 6 - 12, 2016
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COVERING BEAUFORT COUNTY
New section of Spanish Moss Trail now open An additional 2.5 miles of the Spanish Moss Trail – from Roseida to Poppy Hill Roads – is now open, bringing the Lowcountry a fully-connected, 9-mile trail from Port Royal to the communities north of the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS). “This rails-to-trail greenway has become a recreational centerpiece for our community,” said Dean Moss, executive director of the Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail
(FSMT). “With an 18-mile round trip experience, the recreational and commuting benefits of the Spanish Moss Trail are now being fully realized.” The new section of the trail provides a safe connection from MCAS to Beaufort’s downtown shopping, restaurants and Henry C. Chamber’s Waterfront Park. It also provides a safe route for the residential communities north of MCAS. This section also features a
view of the fighter plane display at the main entrance of MCAS and leaves the original railroad rightof-way, at several points, giving the path a more interesting route. The approximately 1-mile section from Poppy Hill to Clarendon Roads is still under construction. In the last year, an estimated 36,500 people explored the trail by bike or on foot. Its 10-phase master See TRAIL, page A7
Erik Thoreson, chef at Q on Bay, drains his freshly fried shrimp to be used in several shrimp dishes during the annual Shrimp Festival at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Photos by Bob Sofaly.
More than 36,000 people have enjoyed the Spanish Moss Trail in the past year.
A huge crowd took advantage of gorgeous weather to enjoy the 22nd Annual Shrimp Festival at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park on Oct. 1. The Lowcountry event featured a run/ walk, local coastal cuisine, live music, contests and much more. In addition to the annual run and culinary competitions, the Sea Island Rotary Club's Annual Charity Shrimp Race provided spectators the opportunity to adopt one or more of its 5,000 rubber floating shrimp that were dropped into the Beaufort River. The rubber shrimp floated toward the finish line and the owners of the first 10 shrimp to finish shared $5,000 in cash prizes. “The Shrimp Race is a fun event for the club to present and for the spectators to watch,” said Paul Moore, Rotary Club president. “More importantly, the proceeds from the event go to support the Smile Mobile, our mobile dental clinic that will help the under-served population of Beaufort and Jasper County. “The proceeds from last year’s race are
The Gracie Belle shrimp trawler was on hand during the annual Shrimp Festival at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
helping to purchase equipment needed for the clinic, while proceeds from this year will allow us to begin operating the clinic. The goal of the Smile Mobile is to relieve the pain and suffering associated with ongoing dental problems; problems that can keep adults out of work or children out of school.” The Beaufort Shrimp Festival is produced by Main Street Beaufort, USA, the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, the South Carolina Shrimpers Association and multiple sponsors.
Veteran graduates from unique treatment program The first person graduated recently from Veterans Treatment Court, a unique program that seeks to help veterans with substance abuse and/or mental health issues who are caught up in the criminal justice system. Former Army Spc. German Batista, 52, of Hilton Head Island, successfully completed the
treatment court program over the course of 10 months. The Veterans Treatment Court assists combat veterans who have had brushes with the criminal justice system due to substance abuse and/or a mental health disorder. The three-phase program provides the treatment and structure they need to resume productive lives.
FINDING INSPIRATION A child with leukemia inspired the Beaufort Academy football team to raise money to fight cancer.
SAVE THE DATE Tickets are on sale for the YMCA's fundraiser, the Boots & Bling Fundraiser & Silent Auction. PAGE B5
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in 1986. Two years later, Batista enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a tactical helicopter repairman on Black Hawks. In 1991, Batista stepped on an IED while traveling in a convoy in Iraq. Shrapnel struck his legs, thighs and hands, resulting in lifelong physical and mental problems.
He earned a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars for his bravery and combat heroism. He was honorably discharged from the military in 1996. His treatment team consisted of professionals from the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, the Veterans See VET, page A7
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Batista was recommended for the program following a drug possession charge. He underwent treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and drug and alcohol counseling. He regularly appeared before a judge and underwent random drug screenings. Batista was born in Panama and became a permanent U.S. resident
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