The Books Sandwiched In series, sponsored by the Friends of the Beaufort County Library (FOL), will begin in January 2014 and is one of the group’s most popular projects. Local authors, well-known community leaders, celebrities, educators and world-travelers have appeared as presenters on the Books Sandwiched In stage.
With a book selection from a wide range of genres and subject matter, including those by local authors, best-sellers and fascinating prize winners, the series has attracted large audiences for many years.
Event chairpersons Lloyd and Jane Sidwell are excited about this year’s lineup of books and presenters. “Over the course of this BSI series we are privileged to have two authors speaking about their own books including ‘Memoirs of the Prodigal Son: The Road to Redemption’ by Reverend John Dortch,” said Jane Sidwell. “Also our first book in the series, ‘Catherine’s Cross’ by Millie West, is set in right here in Beaufort and we’ll have Sheriff Tanner presenting, so that should make for an especially intriguing talk,” she added.
There is usually plenty of time after each presentation for an audience question and answer session. There will be a light lunch for sale on site, or bring your own bag lunch. Coffee and cookies are complimentary and donations are very much appreciated. It is also a great time to become a “friend” of the Beaufort County Public Library or renew a yearly membership.
This year the FOL is again offering several opportunities for patrons to support the FOL and public libraries through drawings for items such as current best-sellers, gift certificates to local boutiques and restaurants, rounds of golf including two rounds for four at Dataw Island Club and a night’s stay at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton. The Inn at Palmetto Bluff was recently named the No. 1 resort and hotel in the United States by Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2013.
“The Friends of the Library is very appreciative to all its sponsors for helping underwrite the BSI Series,” said the Sidwells. “Without our friends at Palmetto Bluff, Lowcountry Produce, Hargray, Dataw Island Club, Hand & Tanner, BI-LO, Murr Printing, Kinghorn Insurance, Laura and Michael Eggers, and Kole Construction, we may not be able to put on an event like Books Sandwiched In free of charge to our community. We are very grateful.”
The series kicks off Monday, January 6 at noon, and continues on Mondays through March 3 when the final presentation by local chef and cookbook author Debbi Covington will be held at 5:30 p.m. Following that presentation, a closing reception, featuring Debbi’s appetizers and a glass of wine, will be available to all series attendees making a donation. All Books Sandwiched In events take place at the USCB Center for the Arts, 801 Carteret Street, Beaufort, SC, 29902.
BOOKS SANDWICHED IN SCHEDULE WITH PRESENTER PROFILES
P.J. Tanner has served as sheriff of Beaufort County since 1999. He joined the sheriff’s office shortly after his 21st birthday and in his 32 years with the county sheriff’s office, P.J. has served as a uniformed patrol officer, law enforcement instructor, patrol supervisor, criminal investigator, SWAT Team Leader, drug task force commander and southern division commander before being elected sheriff. He is a 1981 graduate of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
P.J. will be reviewing “Catherine’s Cross” by South Carolina native Millie West. Set in Beaufort and the Lowcountry, West requested that P.J. review the manuscript for accurate law enforcement protocol prior to publication.
Monday, January 13, Noon
Dr. Tom Downs presents “The House of God: The Classic Novel of Life and Death in an American Hospital” by Samuel Shem
Dr. Thomas J. Downs, born in London, Ontario, Canada, has resided in Beaufort County for six years. He completed both
his BA in Business Administration and his MD degrees from the University of Western Ontario. Before moving to the U.S., he worked for a Swiss investment company and as an emergency room physician in Ontario. In 2009, Dr. Downs began work with the Good Neighbor Medical Clinic in Beaufort.
Monday, January 27, Noon
Eileen Williams presents “The Sandcastle Girls” by Chris Bojahlian
Dr. Eileen Williams seems to have found the best of all worlds by splitting her time between Beaufort and her native Massachusetts. Dr. Williams’ field is education, having spent the entirety of her professional career in this realm, starting off as a first grade teacher, then serving as an assistant principal and eventually as superintendent of schools.
Monday, February 3, Noon
Patricia Turk presents “Wolf Hall” by Hilary Mantel
The Reverend Canon Patricia Daniel Turk is a native of Goldsboro, N.C. Prior to attending seminary, she worked as a social worker and in human resources. She graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary, Alexandria, Va., in May 1985
and has served parishes in the Dioceses of North Carolina, Central Florida and most recently the Diocese of Florida for 18 years. Prior to retirement in May 2010, she was rector of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville for nine years.
Monday, February 10, Noon
John Dortch presents “Memoirs of the Prodigal Son: The Road to Redemption: Fifteen years in Prison and Beyond” by Rev. Dr. John C. Dortch
Rev. Dr. John C. Dortch, Sr., is a native of Beaufort and the founder of the Circle of Hope Ministries, a church without walls. He attended Howard University, earning a BA Degree in History, with a double minor in Business and Government. He also served as an infantry platoon leader in Vietnam. After his military service, he worked for New York Life Insurance Company but struggled with
post-traumatic stress disorder. During this time, the heyday of the Civil Rights Movement, he went through a rebellious period and wound up spending 15 years in a maximum-security penitentiary. After his release, he earned his JD Degree from the District of Columbia School of Law.
Monday, February 17, Noon
Steve Murray presents “Freedom’s Forge” by Arthur Herman
Stephen Murray is the owner and president of Kazoobie Kazoos and New South Shirts. He is a
native of Beaufort and grew up in the Pigeon Point neighborhood. He is the newly elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce and has served as President of the Leadership Beaufort Alumni Association, Board Member of the Arts Council of Beaufort Council, and is a member United Way Business Cabinet.
Monday February 24, Noon
Alice Moss presents “Serena” by Ron Rash
Alice Beddingfield Moss is a native of Stantonsburg, N.C., and has resided in Beaufort for 27 
years. Alice is the founding and current executive director of the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation working with the hospital’s leadership and foundation trustees to guide the growth of philanthropic support for Beaufort Memorial.
Monday, March 3, 5:30 p.m.
Debbi Covington presents “Celebrate Everything!” by Debbi Covington
Debbi Covington is a native of eastern North Carolina and lived there until 1991 when she married her college sweetheart and moved to the Lowcountry. Debbi is a chef, caterer, author and food columnist. Her business, Catering by Debbi Covington, has been a success garnering accolades. Debbi will be presenting her favorite recipes and techniques from “Celebrate Everything!” with plenty of time for questions and answers and tastings, of course!
