<em>Photo above: Beaufort County residents, from left, Beverly Brown, Laura Hansen, Cindy Keener, Sandra Simmons, Ann Ackerman and Hope Cappelmann were among more than 80 women from around the state for SCFB’s annual Women’s Leadership Conference in Florence.</em>

<b>Home watchers earn </b><b>national accreditation</b>

Palmetto Home Watchers and Concierge of Beaufort has earned Accredited Member status in the National Home Watch Association for the second consecutive year.

The NHWA was formed in 2009 in order to establish and maintain the highest industry standards for home watch and absentee homeowner services throughout the United States and Canada (www.nationalhomewatchassociation.org).

Co-owners Tammy Buchanan and Jack Mathison recognized the need for and importance of having a trustworthy home watch service and are dedicated to service and the community.

Palmetto Home Watchers and Concierge serves Beaufort, Burton, Port Royal, Okatie, Bluffton, Sheldon, Spring Island, Callawassie Island, Dataw Island, Brays Island, Palmetto Bluff, Oldfield and Lady’s Island. They can be reached at 843-592-0639 or palmettohomewatchers@gmail.com. Learn more at www.palmettohomewatchers.com.

<b>DQ being renovated; </b><b>to reopen in November</b>

The Dairy Queen at 115 Sea Island Parkway in Beaufort is currently under renovation and will reopen in mid-November as a DQ Grill &amp; Chill restaurant.

The DQ Grill &amp; Chill restaurant interior brings an innovative dimension to QSR dining. Highlighted by the “char-grill” and the “chill” sections, the restaurant features comfortable booths and large wooden tables, warm lighting, music and an overall inviting environment.

“We are excited to bring the DQ Grill &amp; Chill experience to our fans here in Beaufort,” said franchisee Zuber Malek, who owns and operates two additional DQ locations in Glennville and Reidsville, Ga. “We offer a full menu of cravable food offerings, cool treats and delicious beverages in a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere.”

<b>Farm Bureau women hold annual meeting </b><em>(top photo)</em>

More than 80 women from 26 counties across the state gathered in Florence from Sept. 26-27 for South Carolina Farm Bureau’s (SCFB) annual Women’s Leadership Conference.

Beaufort County residents Beverly Brown, Laura Hansen, Cindy Keener, Sandra Simmons, Ann Ackerman and Hope Cappelmann were among the group of women who experienced the “Magic of the Southern Heritage in the Pee Dee” as they took part in workshops that addressed local agriculture, personal development, and tools that they can use to promote agriculture in their counties.

The conference concluded with a tour of the area, including Kalmia Gardens, Darlington Raceway and Wynona Place Plantation.

SCFB President Harry Ott said: “We are thankful to have such dedicated women in Farm Bureau. Without their enthusiasm and commitment, SCFB would not be able to have the far-reaching influence it has. So far this year, these women have put in more than 3,500 hours of purpose activities around the state. We are extremely proud of their accomplishments.”

“SCFB women work hard to educate both students and consumers about South Carolina’s No. 1 industry – agribusiness,” said Ag Literacy and Women’s Program Director Vonne Knight. “Their knowledge of and interest in family farms contributes much to the organization, as they work for the future success of agriculture in our state.”