Hello,

Last week, though busy spending three insprioring days at Furman University's Diversity Leadership Initiative's "One South Carolina" Annual Retreat, ended on a very sad note. Word came that our friend Pat Conroy was taken from us - truly a sad day for Beaufort, for SC, the nation and the world.

Through his beautiful story telling and personal investment in helping others, Pat gave us a large gift and will be missed by all.  Note the essay the Gazette asked me to write for Monday's paper.  

The huge positive review in Vogue is not to be missed and surely makes us proud.

And a lot more in this week's issue.

Have a good week.

 PS - Cast your vote for Hunting Island as the #1 East Coast Beach! We were in the lead but have slipped to #2. You can vote daily until March 14!