Celebrating Independence Day often means enjoying fireworks outside. But there are plenty of other activities to help celebrate the festive day. Monthly has got you covered with these DIY Fourth of July suggestions.

BACKYARD BARBECUE

There’s nothing better on Independence Day than enjoying your family, spending time outdoors and cooking a savory backyard barbecue. The summer heat is upon us, so keep it simple. Start with starters such as chips and dip and then grill burgers, hot dogs, steak, grilled vegetables or corn on the cob. Cool off with sweet tea, lemonade or a cold beer. 

Beaufort County School District teachers and staff were treated with flowers, balloons and other goodies as Board of Education members and district administrators made surprise visits to their classrooms and work areas to announce the 2021-2022 Teachers of the Year and Support Staff of the Year.

Beaufort County has its eyes on the future.

The county has released its Envision Beaufort County 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which sets goals for the upcoming years.

The comprehensive plan sets priorities around how the county can best accommodate growth, protect the natural environment, support economic development efforts, consider housing affordability, and promote cultural diversity.

Sebastian Vela Garcia of the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island was named 2021 Lowcountry Youth of the Year. He is a junior at Hilton Head High School. 

As the Lowcountry Youth of the Year, Sebastian will receive a college scholarship worth $500 and continue on to compete in Boys & Girls Clubs of America's the State Youth of the Year competition on April 22. 

Alex Brown had a history of active business and community involvement on Hilton Head. It wasn’t until the coronavirus pandemic winnowed down his busy schedule that he had time to assess his ability to make real change. 

He started thinking about, and praying on, making a run for the soon-to-be-vacated Ward 1 town council seat, which he won in November. 

Brown, 47, who served as a member of the planning commission, is also vice president of operations for Camp Hilton Head, a company that sells Hilton Head-inspired merchandise. His community service is lengthy, including coaching and mentoring youth. 

The area’s top football players were recognized with all-state honors by the South Carolina Football Coaches Association. 

May River’s Ahmad Green made the Class 4A first team, as did May River defensive standouts Eli Hall and Steffin Gadson.  

Bluffton defensive end DJ Aiken and Beaufort’s Tyler Haley were first-team performers. May River’s Will Wilson, Garrett Bonneville and Moxon Zehr earned honorable mentions.  

Noah Alexander is only 19 years old, but his drive to help Hampton County evolve has already made headlines. Alexander is the youngest County Councilman in the county’s history, and likely the youngest elected official in South Carolina’s history.

Elected in November 2020, he takes office this in January and said he’ll spend the first few weeks getting to know the county’s staff and fellow elected officials and learning about their responsibilities.

The ongoing migration of residents to southern Beaufort County has exacerbated an already strained healthcare system, making it difficult to find even basic primary care. This month, Beaufort Memorial Hospital will help ease the demand for medical services with the opening of its new 70,000-square-foot Okatie Medical Pavilion.

The brand-new three-story facility opens Nov. 2 and features 16 practices offering primary and specialty care along with a walk-in clinic, outpatient and cardiac rehabilitation, laboratory and imaging services, a breast health center, memory center and Beaufort Memorial’s second-full-service cancer center.

The commitment to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease continues with an extra emphasis on health and safety this year. Bluffton’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s is set for 10:45 a.m. Oct. 31.  

To ensure a safe walk, participants are invited to walk in small teams of friends and family on sidewalks, tracks and trails.  
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, Walk to End Alzheimer’s raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. 
Vineyard Bluffton has a team of dedicated walkers. The assisted living and memory care community walks for its residents with Alzheimer’s and their families.