JUNE is here which means we are well into watermelon season. Watermelons can be grown all across South Carolina, but modern commercial production is concentrated in the Lowcountry. According to Healthline, watermelon may help lower inflammation, as it’s rich in the anti-inflammatory antioxidants lycopene and Vitamin C. Also, it is loaded with water, and it has special minerals called electrolytes that will recharge your body after some time in the sun.

In this newsletter, you will meet our newest assessor, and get a glance into the 2021 South Carolina Hurricane Guide. You will also learn about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and a public hearing to discuss Beaufort County's Comprehensive Plan.

Dig In!
Meet Our Newest Assessor: Mrs. Jenifer Jackson
Jenifer Jackson grew up in two communities--Camp Branch and Yemassee, South Carolina. She was educated in Hampton County School District 1 and received her BA in Social Work from Limestone College. She believes that her work experience with the Beaufort County School District as the Office Manager for Adult Education helped prepare her for the position of Assessor on the Lowcountry Area Agency on Aging team. Her passion for helping one of our most vulnerable populations urged her to apply to be an Assessor. 

A quote that Jenifer lives by is, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" by Maya Angelou. It resonates deeply with Jenifer because she strives to maintain a caring & outgoing spirit. She is a wife and mother of 2 biological daughters as well as a bonus son & daughter. She loves reading and learning about African American history.

We are glad to have her as a member of the LCOG Family and we look forward to the positive impact she will have on this region!
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15! The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations began WEAA Day in 2006. It’s about building strong support for elders and providing opportunity for communities to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons. 

Signs of Abuse in Elders:
  • Sadness
  • Isolation
  • Anxiety
  • Unusual changes in behavior or sleep
  • Broken bones/bruises
  • Missing daily aids such as glasses, walker, and/or medications
  • Unpaid bills
  • Fake signatures on financial documents

Knowing the signs can prevent elder abuse. You can help prevent elder abuse by volunteering in nursing homes and/or providing respite breaks to caretakers. Take a stand against elder abuse by contacting our Long Term Care Ombudsman Program to become a volunteer. Call 843-473-3955!
Volunteer Your Time and/or Talents!
On May 12, 2021, Norman Roberson (drummer), Greg Whittaker (saxophonist), Kenny Varner (pianist), and Maurice Primus (guitarist) volunteered their time to play music for the Beaufort Nursing and Rehab residents. Thanks a lot gentlemen!
Two Community Meetings and a Public Hearing on Comprehensive Plan Update
The Beaufort County Planning Department is hosting a public hearing and two open-house style community meetings to provide the public an opportunity to review and comment on the County's Comprehensive Plan Update.

The community meetings will be held:
  • Tuesday, June 8, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., at the Burton Wells Recreation Center, 1 Middleton Recreation Drive, Beaufort
  • Thursday, June 10, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., at the St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, Beaufort

The public hearing will be held Monday, June 7, at 6 p.m., at the Buckwalter Recreation Center, 905 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton. The public will be able to review and comment on strategies and action items addressing how the County can best manage growth, support economic development efforts, consider housing affordability, and promote cultural diversity.
The draft Beaufort County Comprehensive Plan can be viewed online at www.envisionbeaufortcounty.com. For more information, contact the Beaufort County Planning and Zoning Department at 843-255-2140.
Hurricane Guide 2021
Last week, the 2021 Hurricane Guide was released to coincide with the start of hurricane season. Hurricane season started June 1 and lasts through November 30.
For more information, visit the South Carolina Emergency Management Division's (SCEMD) interactive website, hurricane.sc. The site will guide people through the fundamentals of being prepared for hurricanes and tropical storms.