Port Royal Mayor Sam Murray cuts the ribbon at a ceremony for the Cypress Wetlands and Historic Walking Trails on Tuesday, May 15. From left is Councilman Tom Klein, Town Manager Van Willis and Councilman Joe Lee.

Willis recalled all the times he woke up early to meet with Henry Robinson about the project that’s been more than nine years in the making.
As far as restoring the area to its natural state and managing stormwater, Willis said, “We’re pretty proud of what we’ve done so far.”
He thanked all the people and businesses that helped turn this long-term eco-dream into a reality.
The citizens and Town of Port Royal also recognized Public Works employee

The new Cypress Wetlands and Historic Walking Trails provide tranquil views and the opportunity to see many birds.

Silas Green for his dedication to the town. The World War II veteran was given a flag and was called “a great ambassador for Port Royal.”
Meanwhile, back in the wetlands, interactive boards contain information about birds of prey, species of trees and the ecological importance of this area. The 0.56 mile trail — a combination of boardwalk, paved trail, and roadside pedestrian and bike trail — is also easy to follow with well-placed markers.

Aunt Pearlie Sue will be performing at this year's Gullah Festival, May 25-27.

venues throughout Beaufort, from Friday, May 25, until Sunday, May 27. The festival celebrates and recognizes the history, customs, cultures, language and accomplishments of the African Americans of the Lowcountry. The theme for this year’s event is “Preserving a Legacy for the Next Generation,” with a focus on the family. In fact, Friday is Family Day, and events begin at 10:30 a.m. with a large lineup of local school bands, choirs and dance ensembles. The official opening ceremony will kick off at 4 p.m., with the Miss. Gullah Teen Pageant at 6 p.m. The whole weekend will be a blend of music, arts, food, remembrances, special events and worship that will create an unforgettable experience. This year’s honorary chairperson is Dr. Frank Faulk, and singer Tony Terry from L.A. is the featured artist. To purchase tickets or for a complete schedule of events, call 843-636-3788 or visit www.gullahfestival.net.

“Mother’s Little Helper” by Marie D. Lewis.

Hank D. Herring creates his unique graphics from found or rescued materials such as driftwood, discarded metals or fabrics.  He learned whittling from his two grandfathers and quilting from his family, crediting his family with artistic stimulation. He creates original wood stamps used for batiking, and then the stamps themselves become pieces of art. He teaches at the Children’s Educational Village in Atlanta as the village printmaker and continually shows his passion for the community and the arts through public events and forums. His work and that of many additional artists is exhibited in his gallery the Green Herring Gallery in historic downtown Beaufort.
Claudette Humphrey was a first grade teacher in New Rochelle, N.Y., when she joined scores of other arts-minded teachers in year-long workshops at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in Manhattan and Julliard School.  She immersed herself in the burgeoning New York arts culture inviting all the arts daily into her classroom and into her life. Her paintings smile through bright, elemental colors reflecting themes and vistas from her years living in California, Hawaii, New York, and now Beaufort.
Patricia Wells is a Beaufort native who offers peace, love and harmony through her acrylics and oils which she describes as “divinely guided.”
Marquita Willis is an artist from California, holding the BFA from California State University, and recently

“Amazing” by Patricia Wells.

relocated to establish Island Girl Art in South Carolina. Her paintings reflect the vibrant Gullah culture. She has exhibited in several galleries throughout the Carolinas and Virginia and has illustrated the children’s book “I Saw It Coming.” Rose Willis, also of Island Girl Art, will be exhibiting her custom silver and exotic bead jewelry creations.
Marie D. Lewis, of Beaufort, began her painting in oils and acrylics five years ago. She has an A.A. Degree in apparel design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, a B.S. Degree in marketing and distributive education from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development from Webster University. She has conducted seminars and workshops in fashion, color, line and design, interior design, and management development for 25 years.
Mary Anderson, a Winnsboro, S.C., artist, creates art from gourds and handmade paper.
Gwen Williams is a Beaufort artist who creates jewelry and paintings in oils and acrylics.
Bridget Murray is a contemporary fabric artist based in Walterboro. She works with traditional quilting techniques and paints and embellishes fabrics to create her original designs.
Liz and Charlie Mitchell, who are authors, marketing consultants and event managers for international clients and cultural organizations, will be showing their mobile travel apps: Hilton Head Essentials and Myrtle Beach’s Best.
For more information, follow and connect at http://www.bcbcc.org, on Twitter at BeaufortBlack and the Facebook page Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce.

Free Entertainment by Mahoganee at Artist Showcase Public Reception: Live entertainment is a new feature of the Artist Showcase at the public reception Friday, May 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. Recording artist Mahoganee will perform and the almost two dozen local and regional artists will be introduced. Mahoganee is a singer and songwriter with extensive performance and collaboration history who is described by the sound of Lauren Hill with a twist of Minnie Ripperton and a cup of Janis Joplin. Her name means rich in strength which she strives for as an artist using her music to provide positive outlets for women and girls to achieve dreams.

Back row, standing, from left, Trainer Louis Pantoja, Assistant Coach James Murray, Jay Abney, Anthony White, Shykeem Gardner, Jay Middleton, Preston Suber, Simeon Middleton, Michael Middleton, Assistant Coach Marvin Middleton, Trainer and manager Madison Bell. Front row, kneeling, from left: Coach David Francis, Rafael Guevara, Keiom Marshall, Andre Pringle, Tony Winston, Damian Brown and Brandon Washington. Not pictured: Wesley Riley and Sire Perry.

“We learn a lot about leadership and how to work together as a team,” said Simeon Middleton, a 10th grader at Whale Branch High.
In addition to strength training, conditioning and practice three or four times a week, the players have etiquette training and team counseling.
“The coach is always getting us to motivate each other,” said junior Preston Suber at Beaufort Academy.
Ruby said they want to help the boys be more confident in who they are. “We help prepare them for where they’re going, and in order to achieve their goals, you have to work for it,” she said.
Coach David said his goal is to make it to nationals at Disney in July. At a recent tournament in Orlando, the team came home with a championship out of the 30 teams in their division, so the team of talented athletes is looking forward to a successful season.
The Unit is a nonprofit and relies strictly on donations to help the players afford to travel to tournaments throughout the Southeast. They are very appreciative of their sponsors including Butler, Love House Ministries, Coastal OBGYN, Stokes Used Cars and Spectrum Graphics.
Where can you go to show your support for the team? The Unit will be playing in their third regional tournament on May 19 and 20 in Bluffton. They will also be having a fundraiser at Nippy’s on Saturday, June 2, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. with food and live music.
For more information about how to get involved with the team, call 843-476-1193.

The home of Master Gardener Susan Harden on Lady’s Island is right on the water.

For the past 17 years, The Beaufort Garden Club has presented gardens large and small. Some have been professionally designed and maintained.  Others are lovingly cared for by the homeowner, who often propagates plants from seeds and cuttings. This is the first time that all five gardens are “Master Gardener” gardens. The Beaufort Garden Club is featuring Master Gardeners in recognition for all they do for Beaufort County.
Homeowners have generously opened their gardens to the public for this special event. A visit will show you what is attainable without the aid of professional assistance. All of these gardens are designed, planted and tended by the homeowner.
Master Gardener Linda Peters tends lovely roses in her five acre property, but she has allowed Mother Nature a free hand in much of the rest of the space.  She isn’t hesitant to give her a nudge, though, when she feels it’s needed. “Many plants in my garden are gifts from God. They just appear.  Some have gotten out of hand, but I don’t mind very much,” Peters said.
“I seem unable to stop making new beds.  There must be some Nomad in my genes, too, because I keep moving things. There is very little rhyme and absolutely no reason to my garden, but it seems to work,” says Master Gardener Sandra Educate. “Plants aren’t an obsession with me, but they’re close!”
Master Gardener Kathi McKinley began to garden when she moved to Beaufort from Pennsylvania. She says that she became a Master Gardener because she had to. She was new to gardening and to the Lowcountry and wanted to be personally involved in creating her landscape and gardens.  She credits her Master Gardener training to finding plants, shrubs and trees that co-exist with a persistent deer population.
Master Gardener Tei Tober had a completely blank canvas when she moved to Habersham. It was an opportunity to create a garden without having to work around existing landscaping. She wisely postponed all planting until her soil had been properly amended — using an 18 wheeler truck load of organics. She enjoys every minute she spends in her garden and admits it’s a labor of love.
It is a truism that if you want anything done, give the job to a busy person.  Master Gardener Susan Harden is often that person. In addition to an active golf schedule, volunteering, and a busy travel agenda, she takes care of large front and back gardens at her Lady’s Island home. She also tends a fair-sized vegetable garden.
Garden a Day has become a tradition in Beaufort and many visitors to this area schedule their trips during Garden a Day week. What began 18 years ago as a way to celebrate National Garden Week has grown in popularity every year. Last year’s Garden a Day greeted more than 2,000 visitors.  Don’t miss it!

GARDEN SCHEDULE:

Come celebrate National Garden Week  and The Beaufort Garden Club’s 18th annual Garden-a-Day.
• Monday, June 4: Master Gardener Linda Peters, 1 Blythewood, Lady’s Island. Five magical acres of an enchanted garden with a surprise around every corner.
• Tuesday, June 5: Master Gardener Sandra Educate, 100 Green Winged Teal North, (Walling Grove), Lady’s Island. Tropicals and aquatics mingle with English roses and unusual specimens in this eclectic garden.
• Wednesday, June 6: Master Gardener Kathi McKinley, 9 Sandy Ridge Road, Beaufort. Dappled sunlight, shades of green and varying textures bring tranquility to this serene and peaceful, deep water property.   • Thursday, June 7: Master Gardener Tei Tober, 50 St. Phillips, Habersham. The sound of trickling water invites you to explore this exquisite courtyard  garden.
• Friday, June 8, Master Gardener  Susan Harden, 121 Sunset Blvd., Lady’s Island.A sea of waving ornamental grasses is the intermezzo between a beautiful home and the waterfront.  Colorful flowers and shrubs add grace.
Master Gardeners will be on hand at all homes to answer your questions. For details, e-mail   gardenaday@embarqmail.com.

Terry Waldron puts the finishing touches on one of her fabric figures as Barbara James looks on.

shows her work at The Bay Street Galley.
Andrea Stern shows in the Silver Fox Gallery in Hendersonville, N.C. She manipulates silk using the ancient art of Japanese Shibori and other techniques.  Andrea also makes hooked rugs and pillows in contemporary original motifs. She is especially interested in educating the public about fiber as means of artistic expression.
Terry Waldron is best known in the Beaufort art scene for whimsical figurative art shown at Green Fish Gallery in Beaufort, Bodhi Tree Gallery in Sharon, Conn., and the May River Gallery in Bluffton.
“I joined FAB because I was interested in showing my work with fellow contemporary fiber artists,” Terry said. She will realize her goal when FAB holds its first show and sale from October 26-28.
“I have been seeking a support group of artists for some time.  I have been a fiber artist in Beaufort for years and it is so great to now have fellow contemporary artists who share my love for the medium,” says Pat Wilcox, who uses needle felting to make captivating figurative art. Pat also is known for her creative costuming of many Beaufort theatrical productions.

Cynthia Zeiss hangs her silk painting at the Beaufort Art Association Gallery.

Cynthia Zeiss shows at the Beaufort Art Association Gallery, the Charles Street Gallery and Nuances in Port Royal.  At a recent meeting she showed her luscious silk scarves and wall pieces that she hand paints.
Linda Patalive also shares Cynthia’s enthusiasm for embellishing silk using many techniques including batik, shibori and silk screening and painting. Linda shows at Pluff Mudd Gallery in Bluffton and the Beaufort Art Association.
Kim Keats’ work has been included in museum and university gallery exhibitions around the Southeast.  Her interlaced sculptures and vessels are made of tree bark, twigs, driftwood and palmetto root that she harvests from both highland and Lowcountry habitats.  She is excited to be part of a group that has a focus on innovative explorations.
Newest members of the group are Rhonda Jordan and Diane Martin. Rhonda owns Tabby Fabrics and Studio in Beaufort. She promotes fine craft and hopes to offer contemporary fiber arts classes in her shop soon. Diane Martin hails from the San Francisco Bay area and works as an architect. She blends fiber materials with a structural sensibility.
For more information about Fiber Artists of Beaufort, its members and meetings, contact Barbara James at 843-525-6855.

“Think about what you think about when you are thinking about it.”
That’s the quote on the back of Martha O’Regan’s business card.
It’s heavy stuff, but it reflects the importance for this mother of two and owner of Therapeutic Solutions to be in the moment and to always appreciate the power of the mind and the body.
“I love the human body/spirit, specifically the brain/mind and it’s amazing power.  Every aspect of our life

Martha O’Regan is seen in one of the rooms at her office, Therapeutic Solutions, on Lady’s Island.

is managed through the mind and can change quickly.  I love watching the lights flicker on when a client gets the ‘ah-ha’ of the power of the mind/body connection,” Martha said.
The 49-year-old grew up in Kingsport, Tenn. She has been visiting her grandparents in Beaufort all her life, but moved here officially 18 years ago from the Florida Keys where she helped in the development and management of the island resort Little Palm Island. Also a boat captain, she spent a couple of years on Fripp and in Harbour Town, taking folks out on dolphin cruises before going to school to become a massage therapist.
Martha said she loves the water and the beauty of Beaufort. “I even find great joy to be stuck on the bridge so I can take that moment to slow down and appreciate what we get to see every day,” she said.
She first embarked on massage therapy because of a headache that had lasted 24/7 for more than four years. In her own words, Martha describes her healing journey: “After exhausting all avenues with conventional treatment methods, I stumbled on a neuromuscular therapist who put her thumb on the headache while explaining the muscular components to pain. Once the pain pattern was broken, I became trained and made it my mission to help others like I had been helped.
“After a decade of helping others through neuromuscular massage and learning about the brilliance of the human body and spirit, that the body does nothing wrong and that every pain and illness has a cause, I found myself with a new health challenge and went about trying to finding the cause.  After a couple of years of hearing ‘we can’t find anything wrong,’ ‘your test results are normal,’ and ‘here, let’s try this medicine or procedure,’ I became exhausted both with conventional methods as well as with many ‘alternative’ therapies. One day, I just surrendered to our Higher Power and quit ‘trying’ to find the answers and voila, the answer came — B.E.S.T. (Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique), a technique that gets to the cause of pain and illness. While working with a BEST Practitioner, my body quickly began to heal, my energy was restored, and I was able to get off countless medications.  Through BEST, I got my life back and made it my mission to learn the technique and get back to helping others like I had been helped.”
With a serene demeanor and a soothing voice, Martha describes the integrative healing approach she offers. “We meet folks where they are and using a variety of modalities and techniques, we remove whatever interferences that are keeping them stuck in a negative health pattern while at the same time empowering them into a greater state of health and well being.  Employing B.E.S.T. allows me to ask the body exactly what it needs right here and right now, so I don’t have to guess, I just have to listen. Then, I just do what the body indicates — it’s a beautiful thing,” she said.
Martha said she is most proud of the many folks over the years who have said “yes” to change and are living a healthy, vibrant life doing what brings them the greatest joy and passion.
Therapeutic Solutions has been in business for 17 years, the first 11 out of her home.  “When I decided to transition my practice from neuromuscular therapy to a more integrative healing approach, I moved into a space at Newpoint Corners and has grown and evolved to where we are now,” Martha explained.
She has one full time practice manager, Carolyn Roos; one wellness/life coach, Danette Vernon; and a part time chiropractor, Dr. T.J. Pritchard, who also has a practice in Bluffton.
When asked about her goals for the future, she said her teenage girls have inspired her towards teaching and empowering the next generation.
“We have created space for a variety of classes to teach the basics of BEST, self care techniques, Family BEST, which teaches parents how to treat each other as well as their children, breathwork, group coaching, etc. Our mission is teach others to live well and to have fun in this thing called ‘life.’”
Martha’s passion and positivity leaves a lot to think about.

Tanner Powell and Josh Forbes filling the balloon.

Attached to the balloon was a parachute and capsule. The capsule contained two different types of electronic tracking equipment. The primary device was a ham radio tracking device with GPS. The second was a SPOT Satellite Messenger. The capsule also contained a digital camera, set to take a photo every 15 seconds, a HD camcorder and a second camcorder that faced up and captured images of the balloon bursting. The balloon climbed to over 101,000 feet before bursting and

The High Altitude Balloon Club. Members are, from left, Todd Stowe (advisor), Josh Forbes, Jordan Washington, Tanner Powell, Ricardo Harris (photographer), Henry Savoie, Michael Price, Joe Tokar (advisor) and Joseph Young with his son Bryce.

traveled some 30 miles, coming down a mile north of Ehrhardt, S.C.
This was a training flight for the new club. They hope to pair with students from Lady’s Island Middle School during the 2012-13 school year to launch high altitude science experiments.
Photos of the launch can be seen at http://thetalon.smugmug.com/Misc/Space/More-Testing and a video of the balloon burst can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX6UXHLXjb0.

Fathers of Beaufort Elementary School students, Mr. Lovett, Mr. Fent and Mr. Londono, washed teachers’ car for Teacher Appreciation Week.

A little appreciation for teachers
Take a look at Beaufort Elementary School dads — Mr. Lovett, Mr. Fent and Mr. Londono — washing teachers’ cars to show appreciation during Teacher Appreciation Week. Teachers entered a drawing for a free car wash. Teachers who didn’t win any other drawing this week were chosen.  A total of 25 cars washed! Also, parents of PAC have delivered goodies everyday to the school’s staff as appreciation. Beaufort Elementary is thankful for such wonderful generosity. A special thanks to Kim Hedges and Doug Fent who head BES PAC.

E. C. Montessori Celebrates Mother’s Day
The children of E. C. Montessori & Grade School celebrated all of their wonderful mothers on Friday with a luncheon and gifts.  Children gave handmade gifts and elementary children cooked a lunch from scratch.  Mothers were welcomed to decorated classrooms and outdoor areas.

Trinity Evans enjoys the picnic with mom, Dr. Andrea Shorter-Evans and grandmother, Charlye Shorter.

Touring Beaufort Memorial Hospital
May 3, Lady’s Island Middle School’s Junior Leadership Class toured Beaufort Memorial Hospital with Mrs. Cindy Coburn-Smith who is the hospital’s Community Health Programs Coordinator. They visited the Radiology, Pharmacy, Rehabilitation, Birthing and Life Fitness Centers. At each center, well-trained and knowledgeable professionals explained their specific roles. The students also learned that the hospital employees nearly 1,400 full and part time workers in Beaufort and surrounding counties, which makes it one of the largest employees in our area. BMH faculty emphasized the importance of a good education and that the Technical College of the Lowcountry offers degrees that fit in very nicely with the hospital’s goals and careers.

BA students learn to swim at the YMCA
Beaufort Academy second and third graders had their final days of swim lessons this week at the YMCA, which were free to the students through the Y’s Learn To Swim Program.  The students took lessons two days per week for four weeks, and learned skills ranging from treading water

Beaufort Academy second graders Aidan Camacho, Thomas Tram, Emma Grace Dinkins, Lily Melville, Mary Hanna Hiers, Lydia Suber, Caroline Marek, Ashley Dowdney, Thomas Mazzeo and Luke Rhatigan attend the Y’s Learn to Swim Program.

to stroke technique.  The students not only enjoyed their time, but also learned a lot about being safe around water and improved their swimming technique. “The teachers are always there when you need them for help.  At first, I didn’t know how to dive, but the teachers helped me and now I can,” said third grader Ansleigh Pingree.

Ecumenical partners to meet with Truesdale
Members of the clergy from Beaufort County are invited to attend an Ecumenical Partners meeting with Superintendent Valerie Truesdale on Thursday, May 17, 11 a.m. at the Beaufort County Disabilities & Special Needs Office
(100 Clear Water Way, off Castle Rock Road between Hwy 170 and Grober Hill Road).  Ecumenical partner meetings are held with the superintendent to further communication and discuss issues as they relate to the children of Beaufort County.  Please RSVP to Carol McMillan at 322-2306 or carol.mcmillan@beaufort.k12.sc.us.

Curtain Call
Beaufort Academy Upper School presents “Curtain Call,” featuring three one-act plays: “The Necklace,” based on work by Guy de Maupassant, “The Monkey’s Paw,” based on work by W. W. Jacobs, and “The Groom’s Ghost,” based on work by Washington Irving.  BA seniors Michael Bible and Eddie Shacklett will direct Curtain Call, featuring musical interludes by fifth and sixth Graders. Catch “Curtain Call” on Monday, May 21, at 1:30 p.m. or 7 p.m.

Robot Camp registration
The registration for the Beaufort County School District Robotics Camp is now open. Visit http://tinyurl.com/BCSDSummerCamps to register.

School briefs compiled by Tess Malijenovsky. Send your school or classroom events to schoolnews@beaufortislandnews.com.

The GrooveTones, a South Carolina blues and rock band, performed in front of a crowd of about 300 last Saturday as part of Street Music on Paris Avenue. The mild evening brought out music lovers young and old: Cute children ran around and danced while the adults mingled, drank beer and wine, and listened to the funky sounds of the band.
The Street Music series, committed to providing quality national and international touring musicians of all genres for free, is a gift to the community from the Town of Port Royal and produced by ARTworks. Four concerts are held from May to June. The next free concert is Saturday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. and features folk and Americana singer Angela Easterling and The Beguilers.  For more information, go to http://beaufortcountyarts.com.