"Only love can conquer hate."

-- The Rev. Clementa Pinckney, the state senator slain last week in the Charleston church shooting.  The quote was the start of a memorial poem by S.C. Poet Laureate Marjory Wentworth.

Extracted from SC Clips

"It's past time to tackle county's parking woes"

 BY ISLANDPACKET

newsroom@islandpacket.com

June 17, 2015

http://www.islandpacket.com/2015/06/17/3799584_editorial-its-past-time-to-tackle.html?rh=1

Beaufort City Council to review, discuss Parking Task Force Report at June 30 work session

Since the 1930's when merchants asked the City fathers to manage parking because shop owners and employees were occupying spaces that should be available for customers, the City has faced the challenge of managing parking.

Over the years the City and Mainstreet Beaufort have retained consultants and done self studies to ensure parking works best for all.

 When many merchants and shoppers cried out to continue holiday free parking, the City Council agreed to a six month trial. We also assembled a broad group including merchants, other business men and women, and a wide assortment of representatives including shoppers. Some live in the City. Others do not.

 Over the past five plus months, the Task Force -- including about twenty five people -- ably chaired by retired businessman David Cargile have studied the challenges of parking in what has likely the most comprehensive approach ever.  

The Parking Task Force presented its findings to Beaufort City Council and the public at a special council meeting held June 11. The report was well received by those in attendance and by the Mayor and City Council, who thanked David Cargile, Task Force Chair, and all the committee members for doing a very comprehensive report.

 The report presented both short and long-term recommendations for staff and council to consider and implement. The presentation can be found on the City's website.

City Council has scheduled a work session for June 30 at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Planning Conference Room.  Council and staff will discuss the Task Force recommendations and will develop an action plan for addressing the issues raised in the report.

The public is invited to attend and comment.

Since the temporary test of two hour free parking ends as of June 30, 2015, SP+, the city's parking management company, will be making the necessary changes to the signage and meters to reflect the resumption of standard parking rules and regulations effective July 1, 2015. 

During his early years, Charleston called him "Little Joe", but Joe Riley has An Icon for US Mayors Across recognized know for his innovation and dedication to Public Service

Charleston Mayor Joe Riley receives 

U.S. Conference of Mayors' top honor

 Extracted from Charleston Post and Courier

"Mayor Joe Riley's innate political astuteness makes him one of the best politicians in our nation's history. The years of his stewardship, 1975 to 2015 for his beloved city of Charleston were tumultuous years for our mayors and our nation. He was our guiding star through the best and the worst times," Tom Cochran, the conference's CEO and executive director, is quoted in the release as saying.  

 Read More

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20150624/PC16/150629690/1177/charleston-mayor-receives-us-conference-of-mayors-x2019-top-honor

Together We can, and must do better for the next generation!

Health, Poverty, and Engagement: How States Stack Up on 'Whole Child' Issues

By Evie Blad on June 24, 2015 

Extracted from Education Week

Schools increasingly agree that student success is about more than mere academic skill. Educators and policymakers should also address so-called "whole child" indicators like poverty, civic engagement, and emotional factors to give all students a chance to learn, they say.

With that in mind, newly updated "Whole Child Snapshots" from ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development)

The indicators, taken from a range of federal sources, include household educational attainment levels, student-to-school counselor ratios, graduation rates by race, bullying data, obesity rates, and voting rates of young adults.

"The Whole Child Snapshots are intended to highlight how well children are faring, both in and out of school, in each state," ASCD Director of Public Policy David Griffith said in a news release. "The nation has mixed results, with some encouraging signs of progress alongside some persistent challenges. We want to work with educators and the public to put in the place the strategies to best meet the comprehensive needs of children."

While the data have all been previously reported, here are some of the statistics ASCD highlighted:

At least 86 percent of students live in a place where the head of household has at least a high school diploma or GED.

About 32 percent of children have not had both medical and dental preventative care in the past year, but some states are ahead of others: Massachusetts, for example, has that number down to 21 percent, while South Dakota is at 40 percent.

On average, 22 percent of U.S. children live in poverty, but that number masks major disparities among blacks (39 percent), Native Americans (37 percent), and Hispanics (33 percent).

View report state by state

http://www.ascd.org/programs/whole-child-snapshots.aspx

Dear USC-Beaufort Family:

Earlier today, the USC Board of Trustees approved Dr. Al Panu as the next Chancellor of USC-Beaufort.

Dr. Panu is an accomplished scholar and academic leader. After a distinguished teaching career, Dr. Panu entered academic administration over 15 years ago at Kennesaw State University. He then worked his way up the ranks at the University of North Georgia and in his current role as Senior Vice President for University Affairs is responsible for overseeing three campuses. In addition Dr. Panu has responsibility for the University of North Georgia's Complete College Georgia (CCG) Initiative, which promotes improvements in retention, progression, and graduation rates. Under his leadership, enrollment has increased at all three campuses he leads.

As you know, it is critical that we make the right choice for Beaufort to ensure the momentum of growth continues. Throughout the interview process Dr. Panu won the confidence of the search committee and he comes with their strong recommendation and support.

I want to thank the faculty, staff and students who gave their time to serve on the search committee. Theirs was no easy task. Chancellor Upshaw will certainly be a tough act to follow, but I believe Dr. Panu is the right person to lead us into the next era at USCB.

I know you will have the opportunity to meet him soon and will enjoy working with him in the years to come. I've attached Dr. Panu's CV and photo so you can be sure to say hello or take a selfie when you see him on campus later this summer.

Harris Pastides

President, University of South Carolina

http://radon.qa.sc.edu/presEmail_templates/images/CV.AlPanu.pdf

Pope Francis, in Sweeping Encyclical, Calls for Swift Action on Climate Change

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/19/world/europe/pope-francis-in-sweeping-encyclical-calls-for-swift-action-on-climate-change.html?nlid=56148725

The Beaufort Film Society will hold a Meet & Greet/Membership Drive on Tuesday, June 30, 5:30-7:30pm at the Albergotti Grill, Holiday Inn Beaufort. There is no admission fee to attend.  Get the latest information about, "Basement Bob" the upcoming feature film to be shot in Beaufort and surrounding areas, learn more about the Pat Conroy @ 70 Festival coming in October and be present for a surprise announcement concerning the 10th anniversary of the Beaufort International Film Festival to be held February 10-14, 2016. 

 For more information contact beaufortfilm@gmail.com.