News Summary
The Old Commons Neighborhood Association will hold its final summer meeting, featuring City Manager Scott Marshall as a guest speaker. Residents are invited to participate in various community events, including potluck dinners, electronics recycling, and voter training classes. Efforts such as shellfish bed reseeding and tax preparation assistance further highlight Beaufort’s commitment to community involvement and environmental sustainability. Citizens have multiple opportunities to connect and engage with local government and each other throughout May.
Beaufort – The final meeting of the Old Commons Neighborhood Association (OCNA) for the summer is scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 15 at Wesley United Methodist Church’s Education Building, located in the 800 Block of Duke Street. This gathering aims to foster community engagement and dialogue among residents, particularly those within the Northwest Quadrant Neighborhood Association (NWQNA).
City Manager Scott Marshall will be the guest speaker at the meeting, providing an overview of insights from the City of Beaufort’s City Council Strategic Planning Retreat, which took place from February 24-26, 2025. The meeting will encourage attendees to bring a favorite covered dish or dessert for a Covered Dish Potluck Dinner. For those participating, iced tea, lemonade, bottled water, paper products, and plasticware will be available.
In addition to the OCNA meeting, there are several community events planned for residents. A “Coffee & Convos” session with Scott Marshall will occur on May 16 and May 30, both from 9:30 to 11 a.m. This informal setting will enable residents to discuss local issues and engage directly with the city manager.
On the same evening as the OCNA meeting, the Northern Beaufort County Democratic Club will convene at 6 p.m. at the Old Grace AME Chapel, located at 502 Charles Street in downtown Beaufort. Guest speaker Mac Deford is slated to address attendees during this session.
Environmental initiatives are also underway, as the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) plans to begin its annual shellfish bed reseeding efforts throughout May at various boat landings in Beaufort County. This program aims to restore and enhance marine ecosystems in the region, ensuring sustainable seafood sources for the community.
Residents looking to responsibly dispose of old electronic devices are encouraged to participate in two free electronics recycling events organized by Beaufort County on May 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The recycling sites will be available at River Ridge Academy in Bluffton and Beaufort County Public Works.
In light of upcoming elections, the Board of Voter Registration and Elections of Beaufort County will hold poll worker training classes at its office located at 15 John Galt Road. These classes will take place on multiple dates, aimed at equipping community members to facilitate the voting process.
The Beaufort County Veterans Affairs is also hosting End of Life Planning Seminars geared towards veterans and their families. Various locations will host these sessions, and interested parties are required to RSVP for attendance.
Another opportunity for community engagement is the open application window for the 41st class of Leadership Beaufort, which will commence in August 2025 and conclude in May 2026. Interested candidates can apply until May 23.
Lastly, the United Way of the Lowcountry has announced additional free tax preparation days specifically for qualifying residents in Beaufort and Jasper counties. These services will require in-person appointments to assist families in maximizing their tax returns.
These events and initiatives reflect Beaufort’s commitment to community involvement, environmental sustainability, and support for its residents. The variety of activities planned for May offers opportunities for citizens to connect, learn, and engage with each other and with local government.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: County Council Meetings Update
- Wikipedia: Beaufort
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Google Search: Beaufort Community Events
- Your Island News: News Briefs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beaufort
- Island Packet: Election News
- Google News: Beaufort Elections
- Island Packet: Community Update
