Author: Margaret Evans

The Geico Skytypers have a giant message for you   Okay, so the Blue Angels perform incredible, death-defying aerobatic maneuvers at sub-sonic speeds. But can they make giant billboards in the sky?  In a word, no. In spite of all their advanced technology, state-of-the-art aircraft and elite pilots, they still can’t fire off messages in the sky that can be seen for 400 square miles. Nope. For this you need the Geico Skytypers, the only flying unit on the planet to perform at events like the Beaufort Air Show and “type” in the sky. The Skytypers also fly a unique aircraft: authentic World War II era North American SNJ-2 trainers. Of the 11 remaining planes still in existence, the team uses six of these.

Editor Margaret Evans gets up close and personal – over the phone – with Lt. Cmdr. Jim Tomaszeski, one of America’s famed flying daredevils known as the Blue Angels.   The Call  I’m sitting in my home office (i.e. breakfast nook), watching the clock, waiting for a phone call from Lieutenant Commander Jim Tomaszeski of the United States Navy. I’ve got my voice recorder all set, my list of incisive questions before me, and my cat in my lap. I am well prepared. And I am nervous. Lt. Cmdr. Tomaszeski isn’t just any old naval officer, you see. He’s a Blue Angel – a member of that super-elite squadron of Navy and Marine Corps flyboys who travel the country dazzling large audiences with their breathtaking audacity and spectacular skill. As far as I’m concerned, they’re the sharpest, bravest, coolest dudes this side of a movie screen. And I am a small town journalist, sitting in a breakfast nook, wearing pajamas and holding a cat. Thank goodness for phone interviews. Ours is scheduled for 2 pm.The phone rings at 1:58. Naturally. These guys don’t miss a trick.

  The historic Penn Center, Inc. will hold the 8th annual fundraiser 1862 Circle Gala and Awards Banquet on Saturday, May 7 at The Holiday Inn in Beaufort.  The celebration marks 149 years of the historic Penn Center’s service to the community in education, preservation and the arts.  This year’s Gala theme is “Preserving the History – Fulfilling the Promise.” The reception and silent auction begin at 6:00 p.m., with dinner and the awards program following at 7:00 p.m.   .   The 2011 Gala will honor two individuals and one organization for diverse contributions they have made in support of Penn Center:  Pat Conroy, Roland Gardner, and Sankofa Circle, Inc. of New York.   Pat Conroy was born in Atlanta, Georgia to a young career military officer and a Southern beauty from Alabama whom he credits for his love of language.