Town of Hilton Head deserves praise for awareness raised during National Bike Month

Biking kudos

On behalf of the Bike Walk Hilton Head Island Board of Directors, we would like to express our gratitude to the Hilton Head town staff who organized the celebration of National Bike Month in May.

This included a variety of special events that engaged the community and raised awareness about the importance of biking for residents and visitors. It also helped our island in the reapplication process for the Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community award early in 2023.

Hilton Head Island has become internationally recognized for its family-friendly recreational biking with biking becoming a leading island amenity.

We have achieved special recognition over the past eight years by Trip Advisor (Riding HHI bike paths – The #1 best thing to do on HHI), and, most recently, Travel & Leisure Magazine (HHI Bike Paths - The most beautiful place in the state of South Carolina).

Together, we should continue to be a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community, always striving to be “best in class.”

Frank Babel, Hilton Head

The Robert Smalls treasure

One could easily argue that Robert Smalls is the most consequential citizen in Beaufort’s 300- plus-year history. He is our “George Washington.”

I can’t understand why the Historic Beaufort Foundation is not working to make the Robert Smalls house an accessible tribute to his legacy instead of fighting twice a week walking tours to the property.

We recently took out-of-town guests to the National Park headquarters and participated in such a tour. Our friends loved learning about Beaufort’s history and especially the Robert Smalls story.

There are all kinds of tours going through the Old Point neighborhood on foot, golf cart, van, horse carriage. Why object to this tour?

I understand there is an easement on the property restricting its use, but legal experts could work to ensure that the house can be used by the National Park Service to tell this amazing story.

The Robert Smalls House is a treasure that we should use to proudly tell the story of our hometown American hero.

Come on, Historic Beaufort Foundation, help us do that!

Kate Joy, Beaufort

No mothballs, please

I have noticed that some residents in the Lowcountry use mothballs in their gardens to repel pests. The other day I was at a Primary Care Doctor’s office and noticed they had mothballs spread all over their garden, walkway, and grass.This practice is a hazard to people and the environment.

Mothballs are insecticides that are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. This makes it illegal to use them for any purpose or by any method that isn’t specified on the label (they are labeled for use in closed containers for the control of clothing moths).

Using mothballs in the garden presents a danger to children, pets, and wildlife that visit your garden.

Mothballs usually contain either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both of these chemicals are highly toxic and can get into the soil and groundwater. Eventually the groundwater finds its way into the waterways and rivers around the beautiful Lowcountry. This is an environmental hazard for the ecosystem and the birds, fish, and other wildlife that rely on this ecosystem.

Lastly, extended exposure to mothballs can also cause liver and kidney damage. So you might want to use a less toxic alternative for your clothing as well.

Nadine M Mooers, Bluffton

Stop posturing, fix problem

Many years ago we had a drunk driving problem in this country. We did not go after cars, bars or alcohol. We went after drunk drivers.

A political stalemate perpetuates our gun violence problem.

Most shooters are disturbed young men between the ages of 18 and 26, most of whom have psychiatric red flags.

The NRA has long advocated linking mental health databases with the FBI background check database. Can’t we implement this right away? Deeper background checks, waiting periods and potential restrictions on the types of weapons 18- to 26-year-olds can purchase focuses our attention on the problem. It’s the shooter, not the instrument.

As a Second Amendment supporter and regular shooter, I strenuously oppose any infringement on the rights of law-abiding owners; however, the senseless slaughter of human beings by people who have no business owning guns must and can be stopped. But it requires political will, not political posturing.

Steve Quick, Hilton Head Island