To the Editor:

I’m a supporter of Josh Gruber and thought he was the perfect candidate for the position of Beaufort County Administrator.

I was quite surprised when the story came out about his “ongoing and unlimited consulting contract.” This tells me two things: 1. the interim administrator Thomas Keaveny needs a firm “back-up” to consult with on issues; and 2. the interim administrator and Josh are not very sensitive about an important principle – if you are going to do this, do it in “sunshine.”

When things are done outside the public’s knowledge, the motivations are highly questioned when they become public … and they always do.

We’re still trying to get over the significant three-year episode with the Beaufort County School Board and superintendent. Hopefully everyone would have learned from that experience, but apparently not!

I’m not encouraged by the members of the council who were Josh Gruber’s supporters when they now seem to have no concern with the “consulting contract.”

And I’m quite surprised with the Hilton Head Island officials, especially Steve Riley, who also seem to have no problems with Josh still being at the “beck-and-call” of Beaufort County.

Based on the salary of the position, I wouldn’t think that Josh’s job on Hilton Head is a normal 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. job, and the island taxpayers-voters are expecting Josh to perform whenever the needs arise.

All Beaufort County residents should be concerned with this “consulting contract” and the impact of it on our ability to trust the officials who seem to be supporting it.

Michael F. Vezeau

Sun City Hilton Head

To the Editor:

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is described as a more rapid loss of one’s short term memory as compared with normal memory decline that we all experience during aging.

Simply stated, MCI can be described as early onset of dementia, a general term to describe a decline in memory retention and, later, motor skills, which might interfere with daily life. It develops in stages with 60 percent to 80 percent of the cases advancing to Alzheimer’s, a disease that is affecting an increasing number of Americans.

In our 62nd year of marriage we want to share with all of you some constructive suggestions that has helped make our journey a more pleasant, happier experience.

First, understand, dementia – just like diabetes – presently has no cure. Early clinical detection, prescription medications and supplements, as well as life-changing adjustments, can help.

Personally, my wife and I are convinced that the steps we have taken have contributed to slowing down her memory loss. Those include physical activities such as golf, tennis, swimming, biking, walking, gardening and aerobic exercises; social interaction such as singing in a choir, dancing, word puzzles, games and diet recommendations from the neurologist; family acknowledgement and involvement, and a genuine loving partnership.

Finally, for spouses and those who have a relationship with a care receiver, don’t attempt to go it alone; get professional help. While a volunteer at Memory Matters, I found this local organization to be an excellent reference for information while offering a variety of support programs.

Most important, maintain a positive attitude!

Earle and Nancy Everett

Moss Creek

To the Editor:

After several years of major damage in our area from hurricanes, Florence spared us. But she didn’t spare our neighbors just up the coast. We were nervous and mesmerized at the same time as we awaited another shift in direction, and watched the power of Mother Nature unleashed once again.

Just as we needed the generous nature of others in times past, others need our help now.

We know philanthropy. We know community foundations. We know what they’re going through because we’ve gone through it too. So, if you’re moved to help, I offer some suggestions that allow you to give to vetted institutions that are known to us and where your gift will be well-utilized:

The One SC Fund is a statewide disaster fund managed by the Central Carolina Community Foundation in Columbia. It did statewide disaster grantmaking following the floods in 2015, Matthew in 2016, and Irma in 2017. And it will be there for Florence.

Those wishing to contribute to the One SC Fund can do so in the following ways:

  • Online: Visit OneSCFund.org.
  • Mail: Make checks payable to Central Carolina Community Foundation-One SC at 2711 Middleburg Drive, Suite 213, Columbia, SC 29204.

The Disaster Relief Fund at the North Carolina Community Foundation is also an option to help our friends farther up the coast.

  • Online: Visit donatenow.networkforgood.org/1442933
  • Mail: Make checks payable to NCCF – Disaster Relief at 3737 Glenwood Ave., Suite 460, Raleigh, NC 27612

Live generously.

Denise K. Spencer

President and CEO

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

To the Editor:

Vince Sgroi made several inaccurate statements in his recent letter (Bluffton Sun, Sept. 5). He complains Democrats “still can’t accept the result … of the election.” Not liking the results is true.

He also writes, Democrats “will obstruct and resist.” It is entirely normal for both parties to disagree and resist the other.

Mr. Sgroi does not mention the eight-year-long GOP campaign to obstruct President Obama. This included a public insult during the State of the Union address.

The GOP blocked a hearing for Merrick Garland to join the Supreme Court.

Mr. Sgroi writes that Democrats advocate open borders and support crime by aliens. This is a lie. No one I have heard of advocated open borders. The GOP has refused to allow any immigration bill to come to a vote.

Immigration is a fundamental American value. It was a stated cause in the Declaration of Independence. It is a stated direct power of Congress to make legislation on the subject. This power has very limited court review as long as the law or any part of the law is rational.

I am a retired immigration official and have the knowledge to write on the issue.

William Cubley

Sun City Hilton Head

To the Editor:

Imagine my shock after returning from the mandatory evacuation from Hurricane Florence and opening my mail to find a letter from Crescent Atlantic States Management, stating that we must remove the banner over our front door that depicted a recent photo and congratulations for our Parris Island Marine graduate and his homecoming.

I am totally numb by the idea that people in this community would complain about a family being proud of their son in the armed services, especially since our Marines have been exceptional at helping those suffering in this storm and its aftermath.

The letter stated “no sign whatsoever,” commercial or otherwise should be posted, and that the banners must be taken down immediately.

I have no words for such a display of disheartening disrespect.

Claudia Cebollero

The Crescent, Bluffton