Recognizing the Best of the First Congressional District of South Carolina
Floor Speech
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Ms. MACE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city of Charleston in South Carolina's First Congressional District.
For the 10th consecutive year, the Holy City has been recognized as the best city to visit in the United States by Travel and Leisure magazine.
It is easy to see why. Charleston's tremendous natural beauty, rich history, and friendly faces make it a magnet to visitors from across the country.
To quote Travel & Leisure's article: ``The city expresses the perfect balance of Southern charm, knockout food and drinks, and walkability.''
When they say drinks, they mean some of the best cocktails in the South.
I want to commend our tourism and hospitality industry, our mayor, and every resident of the city of Charleston for this decades-long recognition. Saving Sea Turtles
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Ms. MACE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the Hilton Head Island Sea Turtle Patrol and their sister group, the Turtle Trackers.
From the beginning of May until the end of October every single year, hundreds of sea turtles return to Hilton Head Island to lay their eggs on 14 miles of sandy beaches.
These turtles are a crucial part of our ocean environment, and each nest is critically important for protecting their future as they are still endangered.
For over 15 years, Amber Kuehn, has led the effort to protect the island's sea turtle nests. When she began the Turtle Trackers program, it was just Amber and about six other women. Today there are over 500 volunteers across Hilton Head Island who work hard to remove obstacles from the beach. They fill holes, and they make it easier for the mother turtles to return safely and return to the water every year.
Her elite corps of 18 expert volunteers forms the Hilton Head Island's Sea Turtle Patrol. They travel the whole length of the beach every morning in search of sea turtle nests. Since they began their work, the number of sea turtle nests on Hilton Head Island has increased by over 300 percent. In 2021 they tracked and maintained approximately 423 nests.
Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in commending Amber and her team for their incredible conservation efforts. Beaufort, South Carolina, and Ostroh, Ukraine
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Ms. MACE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the city of Beaufort on raising three-quarters of a million dollars for their sister city, Ostroh, in western Ukraine.
After the invasion of Ukraine began, Mayor Stephen Murray was looking for ways to help so he began looking for a sister city. There are many very strong similarities between Beaufort and Ostroh. They are very similar in size, both have centuries of rich history, and both have some of the oldest universities in their respective regions.
After connecting with Mayor Yurii Yahodka in Ostroh, which currently houses thousands of refugees from the eastern part of the country, Mayor Murray and the residents of Beaufort spent the next 4 months raising money and raising awareness across the Lowcountry.
Beaufort's famous Thibault Gallery sold Ukrainian flag pins, and they raised over $40,000. Community groups, businesses, and citizens from all walks of life raised almost $150,000 through raffles, fundraising drives, and several large anonymous donations to represent and assist their sister city.
Mayor Murray did not stop there. He worked tirelessly with members of the city council to secure MREs, grits, and cornmeal from local South Carolina businesses to bring approximately $600,000 worth of food and supplies to the people of Ukraine.
Mr. Speaker, I commend Mayor Murray and all of the residents of Beaufort for this incredibly generous effort. Honoring Sara Cathey
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Ms. MACE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sara Cathey, a paramedic who lost over 125 pounds to donate her kidney to her niece Natalyn. Natalyn had both of her kidneys removed at only 1\1/2\ years of age due to a devastating genetic condition.
As a healthcare professional, Sarah understood the difficulty of securing a donor kidney and had herself tested. She was a perfect match. But one thing stood in the way. When Sara learned her weight could prevent her from saving Natalyn's life, she was more determined than ever to get in shape. She got to work changing her habits and her lifestyle so that little Natalyn could have a chance at life.
Through grit and determination, she reached her goal and was cleared for surgery. The hard work and effort she put forth shows the love and compassion she has for her family and everyone in the Lowcountry whom she selflessly serves each and every day. Congratulating the Charleston RiverDogs
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Ms. MACE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Charleston RiverDogs, our Lowcountry minor league baseball team, on clinching their second consecutive league championship finishing the post season with a 4-0 record.
I have twice had the privilege of throwing out the first pitch. The RiverDogs is an integral part of the Charleston community and has created lasting memories for our community and in the Lowcountry for the better part of the last 40 years.
This year's team also tied the franchise record for the number of wins in a season, and I want to congratulate the RiverDogs on a terrific season and wish them all the best of luck in the next season.
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