Beaufort residents again join national rally on Saturday
By Delayna Earley The Island News
Beaufort County residents came out on Saturday to join in with a national protest organized by 50 50 1 to speak out against policies that are being enacted by President Donald Trump’s administration.
Around 300 protesters came out on Saturday to voice their disapproval of the actions be-
By Delayna Earley
The Island News Representatives for Pine Island developers on St. Helena Island say that their new development plan is asking for less than what they have previously asked for, but what are they proposing?
Earlier this month, Kevin Dukes, a real estate attorney with Harvey & Battey, P.A., applied with Beaufort County for a zoning map amendment while representing Pine Island Property Holdings LLC.
Pine Island is currently within the boundary of the cultural protection overlay (CPO) which is a zoning amendment that has existed since the 1990s and prohibits the development of resorts, gated
communities and golf courses on most of St. Helena Island. If Pine Island developers are granted the amendment the property would be excluded from the CPO’s boundaries and would allow the owners to go through with their proposed plan to build an 18-hole golf course and 49 residential structures.
This is the third time that the developers have sought to change the zoning designation for the property.
The first submission in November 2022 was short lived and quickly withdrawn.
The second submission went before the county’s planning commission
SEE PLANS PAGE A6
Pictured at right: View of Pine Island from Eddings Creek showing what it currently looks like, what it could look like after development under the Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO) zoning and what Pine Island’s developer is proposing it will look like with their Downzoning Plan. Submitted Art/Pine Island Property Holdings, LLC
ing taken by the president and his administration.
The number was smaller than the “Hands Off” National protest that Beaufort residents participated in earlier in the month – which drew around 800 protesters – but Barb Nash, president of the Northern Beaufort County Democratic Club said she believes it is due to the timing.
“I thought it was not the best choice to have this between Good Friday and Easter Sunday because a lot of people were out of town,” Nash said. “But by the same token, we had a lot of visitors. People who
were from out of town and were here for the holiday and looking for a protest and came and joined us.”
Saturday’s protest was held in addition to the weekly protests that have been held in front of the City of Beaufort’s City Hall and police department on Boundary Street.
Nash said that they plan to continue with the weekly protests for the foreseeable future and hope that as time continues their numbers will continue to grow.
“Currently we are seeing on average around 100 people every
By Shaun Chornobroff SCDailyGazette.com
“Well, yeah. Of course it f—ing is,” Hicks responded.
Mace, who’s considering a run for governor in 2026, then repeated the word three times, as seen in the video she posted on X.
After the interaction, Hicks grabbed a potted plant, which Mace said her security team thought
description and/or names of the people in the picture and the name of the photographer. Email your photos to theislandnews@gmail.com.
American Legion Beaufort Post
207 brings you Thomas MacDermant, 85, who joined the U.S. Marine Corps in Warwick, R.I., in 1958. After Boot Camp at Parris Island, he trained in Great Lakes, Ill., and in San Diego as an electronic technician specializing in radars. He then attended the Naval Preparatory School in Bainbridge, Md., before becoming a Navy ROTC student at Brown University, where he earned a degree
Thomas MacDermant
in psychology. Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, he was assigned to an artillery unit at Camp Pendleton before cold weather training in Japan and then assignment in Vietnam near Chu Lai, including duty with the Montagnards.
He next served as commanding officer for the Marine Barracks at Whidbey Island, Wash., before attending Advanced Artillery School at Fort Sill, Okla. Back to Vietnam, he served with an artillery battery near the DMZ and as liaison with the Army. He returned to Camp Lejeune with a Motor Transport Battalion, as CO of an Artillery Battery and as Regimental Operations Officer. His final assignment was at Par-
ris Island on the general’s staff and as the Motor Transport Officer. He retired in 1984 as a Major and finished a Master’s Degree from Pepperdine University. He worked locally as a social worker for children.
– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207 For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
Staff reports Beaufort Executive Airport (ARW) began a runway maintenance project Tuesday, April 22 that will continue through Friday, April 27. The project will require a temporary runway closure for several days. The runway affected is Runway 07/25
This essential project is part of the airport's compliance with the Federal Grant Sponsor Assurance, which requires regular airfield pavement maintenance. The rehabilitation will enhance both the safety and the service life of the runway.
The project scope includes
overlaying the existing runway, installing new pavement markings, making required edge light adjustments, and implementing sediment and erosion control measures. This is the first of three planned runway closures necessary to complete the project in its entirety.
The public is asked to be patient and to use caution when on the airport property during the project.
For more information about the project and Beaufort Executive Airport, please contact ARW Airport Supervisor, Brandon Chavis at 843-255-2972
April 24
2019: Beaufort’s C.J. Cummings, 18, dominates the Pan American Weightlifting Championships in Guatemala City, Guatemala, setting 15 records and sweeping all three gold medals in the 73kg weight class. Cummings’ 153 kg Snatch, 191kg Clean & Jerk and 344kg Overall lifts each set new junior and senior American records, junior and senior Pan Am records, and Junior world records.
April 26
2019: New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, a Democratic Presidential candidate, holds a revival-like political rally at Whale Branch Middle School in Seabrook.
Dog of the Week
Say cheese! The camera loves Declan . This 3 -yearold boy comes complete with a charming underbite and delightfully curly tail! If you're looking for a fluffy friend under 50 pounds, meet Declan today at Palmetto Animal League. He is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.
Cat of the Week
Looking for a calm, understated cat? Covet is a petite, 5-yearold, white-bibbed tabby who
April 28
2018: Seabrook’s Dee Delaney signs as an undrafted free agent with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.
April 30
1973: The Beaufort Gazette moves to publishing five days a week.
2019: Beaufort Academy, behind individual runner-up Cal Harvey, claims its second straight SCISA Class 1A boys golf championship. The Eagles down runner up Cambridge Academy by 42 stokes at the Hackler Golf Course in Conway. – Compiled by Mike McCombs
Animal League, but if you seek her out, you will discover her gentle nature and subtle charm. This sweet girl is waiting to find her soulmate, so she can settle into the tranquility of her forever home. She is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.
For more information on Declan, Covet or any of our other pets, call PAL at 843-645-1725 or email Info@ PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.
– Compiled by Lindsay Perry
Do you value your free hometown newspaper – made by locals, for locals? Free news isn’t cheap. Please help support The Island News!
Donations gratefully accepted at www.yourislandnews.com or The Island News, PO Box 550, Beaufort, SC 29901
Staff reports
The Beaufort City Council has finalized the selection of members for the Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC), according to a news release from the City. The appointed members include Joseph Oliver, David Russell, and Josh Schott as citizen representatives. Howell Beach and Perry Dukes will serve as alternate citizen representatives.
Councilman Josh Scallate will represent the City Council, while Bill Suter has been designated as the Planning Commission representative. Mike Sutton will serve as the Historic District Review Board representative, and
Councilman David Bartholomew will represent Beaufort County Council. City Manager Scott Marshall and City Attorney Ben Coppage will serve as ex officio members.
“The Waterfront Advisory Committee carries
a significant responsibility in helping to shape both short- and longterm policy decisions that the City Council must make," City Manager Scott Marshall said in a news release. "These decisions will directly impact the future vitality and sustainability of one of our region’s most cherished public waterfront recreational assets.”
The committee's responsibili-
ties include gathering information about current and potential future uses of both the Downtown Marina and the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park seawall. They will share their findings with City Council members and advise them, as well as the City Manager, on potential negotiations with third parties regarding the future use of the marina and seawall.
At Beaufort Memorial, our advanced orthopedics and spine care team is committed to helping you be your best and enjoy life without pain.
Whether neck or back pain is slowing you down or your activities are limited due to hip or knee pain, our board-certified specialists will personalize your care using sophisticated diagnostic and treatment options. Our advanced techniques and technologies, including Mako SmartRoboticsTM and VELYSTM robotic-assisted joint replacement, will improve function and relieve pain quickly. Many surgical patients even go home the same day.
Visit BeaufortMemorial.org/Ortho for help addressing your pain.
At Beaufort Memorial you’ll also find:
• Joint preservation therapies
• Numerous non-surgical treatment options
• A personalized approach to restoring mobility and joint function
• Pre-operative education classes that engage patients and caregivers in the healing process
• An Optimization Program that follows you through the process to ensure the best outcomes
• Outpatient and in-home rehab services to get you back to doing what you love faster
Staff reports
The Historic Port Royal Foundation will hold a Millett Park Rededication Ceremony at 4 p.m., Thursday, May 1
Stephen C. Millett
The park is located at the Magnolia Tree near the end of Paris Avenue across from the Brick Customs House (before entering Safe Harbor property).
Millett Park was established in 1932 and dedicated on May 22, 1976 to honor Stephen C. Millett, who oversaw funding and construction of the Port Royal Railroad. Over the past two years, the HPRF worked with Safe Harbor to refurbish the park.
Mayor Kevin Phillips and the Port Royal Town Council will participate in the rededication ceremony as a new sign for the park will be unveiled.
Staff reports
Again this year, Friends of Caroline will host “Release & Remember: A Community Butterfly Release,” a moving celebration of life, love, and remembrance, at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26 at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
This event invites community members to honor the memories of their loved ones by participating in a butterfly release over the Beaufort River. Each butterfly, available for purchase at $12, represents a tribute in memory or honor of some-
6th District Congressman Clyburn holding town hall in Beaufort
Sixth District Congressman Jim Clyburn, D-SC is hosting an in-person “People’s Town Hall” at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Beaufort.
“Since Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott and Congresswoman Nancy Mace refuse to show up for their constituents, we will,” the release from the S.C. Democratic Party reads.
According to the release, location details were to be emailed upon registration at https://bit. ly/4k4kiFd. However, according to the website, the event is already at capacity.
Foster, Mayer to speak at Beaufort Indivisible meeting
Mary Foster and Ellen Mayer of the Families Against Book
Protests from page A1
Monday,” Nash said. “The Saturday protest was nice because we were able to have younger people come out and join us since they weren’t working. We are changing the time of our protest from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays to try and allow younger people who have jobs more of an opportunity to participate instead of it just being the retired community.”
one special — a symbol of hope, transformation, and enduring love.
"We invite everyone to join us for a day of reflection, healing, and celebration," Friends of Caroline President and CEO Lindsay Roberg said in a news re-
lease. "Our butterfly release is a touching tribute that not only honors those we have lost but also inspires hope for the future. It is a testament to the enduring power of love and the beauty of new beginnings."
Since 1977, Friends of
Caroline has been dedicated to providing quality-of-life care through compassionate palliative, hospice, and grief support services to the Lowcountry. Their mission is to offer hope, encouragement, and comprehensive care for individuals near-
ing the end-of-life journey, as well as for their families and friends.
To purchase a butterfly, or for more information about the event, please call Friends of Caroline at 843-525-6257 or visit fochospice.org.
Banning (FABB) will be the guest speakers at the next Beaufort Indivisible meeting at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, April 26 at the Beaufort Downtown Library at 311 Scott Street. The event is free and open to the public.
Foster, a Board member of FABB, is a professional educator with a degree in Elementary Education from Auburn University.
She has taught elementary and preschool students for most of the last 27 years and currently owns a licensed preschool.
Foster also spends much of her time advocating at the local and state level on education issues and LGBTQ+ rights.
Mayer is a former public school teacher and currently works as the senior manager at The Ford & Ford Group where she spends much of her time teaching folks how to advocate within their communities. She also has a leadership position at FABB.
Both speakers will discuss this South Carolina legislative session.
using area boat landings for shellfish bed reseeding
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) will be conducting its annual shellfish ground management efforts (oyster shell reseeding) at several Beaufort County boat landings beginning this week and running through the end of May.
The boat landings will remain open to the public, however there will be increased truck and barge activity throughout each day while SCDNR reseeds the oyster beds at each location.
The schedule is as follows:
• Through Friday, May 2: Port Royal Boat Landing/The Sands, Port Royal.
• Monday, May 12-Thursday, May 15: Broad River Boat Landing, Beaufort.
• Monday, May 19-Wednesday, May 21: Edgar Glenn Boat Landing/Chechessee
Landing, Okatie.
The barge will occupy one ramp while it is being loaded. Loading will take approximately two hours.
At least one ramp will be available for public use while the barge is being loaded.
For questions and more information, contact County Public Works Director Bradley Harriott at 843-255-2740
Poll workers needed; training available
The Board of Voter Registration and Elections of Beaufort County will be holding 10 new poll worker training classes.
All of the classes will be held at the main office, located at 15 John Galt Road, Beaufort, S.C. 29906
The classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the following dates: Wednesday, May 14; Saturday, May 24; Wednesday, June 18; Wednesday, July 16; Saturday, July 26; Wednesday, Aug. 20; and Wednesday, Sept. 17
To sign up for a class, visit https://beaufortsc.easypollworker. com/home.
Rotary Club hosting annual Vidalia onion fundraiser
The Rotary Club of Beaufort is hosting its annual fundraiser – the sale of farm-fresh Vidalia onions in either 10-pound or 25-pound bags ($12 or $25).
The onions must be pre-ordered before Friday, May 9 and will be available for pick-up between noon and 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Sea Island Presbyterian Church, Lady’s Island, on Wednesday, May 14
The money raised by this fundraiser is used to support grant requests from nonprofit organizations north of the Broad River in Beaufort County. Onions can be ordered and paid for at www.beaufortrotaryclub.org.
– Staff reports
“We have even had some Republicans come out to our protests,” said Nash. “They have never supported Trump and don’t like the direction that our country is going.”
Anne Dickerson, with Indivisible Beaufort, said that most of the interactions they have had while protesting has been positive.
“We get a lot of thumbs up, and people will honk their horn and thank us for being out there,” Dickerson said. “Of course, we have people screaming obscenities at us and flipping us off – the worst is when they drive by in their big trucks
The point of Saturday’s protest was to speak out against Trump policies and actions since his inauguration which exceed the powers of a president in a democracy and more closely resemble that of a dictator or a king. But Nash said that they welcome all peaceful protesters who want to speak out about something that they see wrong with the current administration.
and they rev their engines and make a lot of smoke –but overall, we have had no violent interactions.”
Nash said that during the Saturday protest earlier in April, a few “misguided youths” came out and tried to provoke protesters into reacting to what they were saying, but everyone just ignored them.
While there have not been any violent interactions so far, both Nash and Dickerson said they were grateful for the Beaufort Police Department, which has not been visibly present but has helped by advising the protesters about safe practices.
Dickerson said that she has seen some people in the community express an interest in helping, but they are scared to come out to a
protest for fear of being targeted for retaliation.
“I tell people that their fears are valid, and there is more than one way to protest,” said Dickerson. “If you can’t come out to a protest, you can write letters, call your local elected officials, donate money to support Democratic campaigns and of course get out and vote.”
“We will continue to protest until there is some real change,” Dickerson said. She said that might be until the midterms, or it could be longer, but for now there is no end in sight.
Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
Because of their instrumental roles in workforce development, improving patient outcomes and hospital leadership, two of Beaufort Memorial Hospital’s nursing leaders have earned the 2025 Palmetto Gold Award, a prestigious honor and designation given by the South Carolina Nurses Foundation.
Karen Carroll, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Beaufort Memorial Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services, and Tricia Evegan, BSN, RN, Director of Nursing Supervisors and Float Pool, are the winners of the 2025 award. The two will receive their accolades on Saturday, April 26 at the Palmetto Gold Gala in Columbia.
Now in its 22nd year, the Palmetto Gold program awards nursing excellence, recognizing the state’s 100 top registered nurses annually for their contributions to patient care and their leadership in promoting the nursing profession.
“We couldn’t be prouder of these two fantastic nursing leaders, whose contributions continue to move our organization forward,” Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley said in
a news release. “Their commitment to our patients and Beaufort Memorial’s mission of compassion and innovation make them invaluable to this organization and to the community as a whole.”
Carroll played a valuable role in launching the Beaufort Memorial People Achieving Their Highest (PATH) program, which creates an internal pathway for front-line, non-clinical staff
to transition into a clinical role. This program’s impacts have already rippled through the organization, reducing staff vacancies, nurse turnover rates and lab delays –improving patient throughput overall in acute care settings – and it continues to expand and evolve.
Improving nursing efficiency and staff satisfaction, Evegan put scheduling software into place to increase transparency in shift vacancies. She’s also a mentor to front-line nurses as well as a leader on several committees driving process and policy change at Beaufort Memorial, improving overall patient care and outcomes. She has worked hard to improve mental health care at the hospital, leading and owning suicide prevention interventions such as the organization of a pool for patient sitters (nurses who are responsible for monitoring assigned patients at risk of accidental or intentional self-harm). Evegan’s initiative led to 100% of Beaufort Memorial’s suicide ideation
patients having one-on-one sitters throughout their stay.
“Tricia and Karen put patient care at the center of everything they do, and are not only leaders at Beaufort Memorial, but advocates, mentors and innovators,” Baxley said. “Their future-forward outlook makes our organization stronger and more adaptable to meet the healthcare needs of our community.”
Carroll and Evegan are leaders in their communities as well, with Carroll serving on several boards, including the Nursing Program of the University of South Carolina Beaufort, and the board of the Good Neighbor Free Medical Clinic. She has also spoken at nursing leadership conferences and volunteered on church committees. Evegan is also a dedicated volunteer, having spent countless hours volunteering with COVID-19 clinics and dedicating time to workforce initiatives related to Beaufort Memorial employee safety and a zeroharm environment.
the
gather more than 4,000
Meadowbrook Easter Egg Hunt on Good Friday, April 17, 2025. Five-year-old Scarlett Moore proudly holds one of the eggs she found. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Exchange from page A1
Hicks was going to throw at her. Mace repeated the claim on a Fox News appearance after the event. Talking to a pair of reporters, the 20-year-old student denied that claim.
“I’m like a shark, more afraid of her than she is of me,” said Hicks, who added that being at the event as a trans person was one of the bravest actions she’d ever taken.
“If I were attacking her, you’d have seen a very different video,” Hicks said.
About 60 people attended the roughly 35-minute event at USC’s student life center. It quickly devolved into a question-and-answer session as people in the audience interrupted Mace’s speech by shouting questions about immigration, abortion, student loans, and her repeated use of the phrase “lunatic left” to describe Democrats.
Monday’s interaction comes after multiple controversies between Mace and trans people.
In February, the 1st District congresswoman was criticized for using the same offensive language she used with Hicks during a House Oversight Committee hearing on spending by the Unit-
ed States Agency for International Development, known as USAID, which the Trump administration has halted.
Mace accused USAID of “funding some of the dumbest, I mean stupidest, just dumbest initiatives imaginable, all supported by the left,” citing a list of diversity and transgender advocacy initiatives funded around the world.
Following the election of Delaware Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress in November, Mace led the charge to ban transgender women from using women’s restrooms in the U.S. Capitol and House office buildings. House Speaker Mike Johnson then issued a rule that “all single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings — such as restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms — are reserved for individuals of that biological sex.”
Mace then introduced legislation to expand the rule to all federal buildings, as well as a separate bill applying the rule to restrooms nationwide.
The 47-year-old congresswoman didn’t mention McBride by name but alluded to her at Monday’s event.
“I was the first woman last year in Congress when we had somebody who was elected, who was a biological male dressed as a wom-
an, who decided this isn’t going to happen in the United States,” Mace said.
“It’s not going to happen in South Carolina. It’s not going to happen anywhere, if I decide to put a stop to it,” she added.
Over the weekend, an interaction between the congresswoman and Ely Murray-Quick at an Ulta Beauty store went viral after both the constituent and Mace posted video from their perspective.
Murray-Quick questioned Mace about not holding any in-person town halls, something she has been consistently criticized for in recent weeks. By the end of the video, both Mace and Murray-Quick had traded curse words.
The congresswoman has pointed to threats against her and staffers as the reason there has yet to be an in-person town hall in 2025
On April 8, she held a telephone town hall without advance notice or promotion.
Mace was the first to curse in the video she posted on X. When asked by a pair of female reporters ahead of the event why she started cursing and if that behavior was appropriate for a member of Congress, Mace criticized them.
“To shame a woman for standing up for herself is completely ridiculous. That’s what you’re doing. You’re shaming a woman for standing up for herself,” she said.
“Either of you, how do you think that makes other women feel?”
Minutes later, Mace took the stage and told the crowd that she had to “call out the insanity” with reporters who “were offended that an adult female used a curse word.”
“I’m like, have you seen my interviews?” she said.
It only took four minutes before Mace’s speech was interrupted by people in the audience.
When asked about mass deportations of immigrants without proper authorization, Mace said,
“We did it under Obama, we did it under Biden, we did it under Bush and beyond. If it was good enough for all of those presidents then, it’s good enough for Trump today.”
When asked if it was necessary for immigrants to receive due process with judicial proceedings, Mace said “they didn’t have due process on the way in, they shouldn’t get it on the way out.”
Her take received a mix of cheers and yells from an outraged crowd.
While the event was held by a conservative group, the most vocal members of the audience disagreed with Mace. One even asked if her faith in God is genuine.
“Yes, I went to church yesterday,” Mace said.
Mace has publicly said she’s mulling a run for governor.
Others publicly considering a bid include Attorney General Alan
Wilson, Lt. Gov. Pam Evette and U.S. Rep Ralph Norman, as well as state Senators Josh Kimbrell and Sean Bennett.
Holly Sox, a 58-year-old Gilbert resident, was among the attendees Monday.
Though a lifelong Republican, she said she started voting for Democrats last year due to the rhetoric of Mace and the Make America Great Again movement.
“This MAGA crowd has corrupted and co-opted what I grew up believing,” said Sox, who was wearing a shirt with the face of U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas, who Mace has sparred with.
The final question of the event came from a self-identified Democrat, who asked how Democrats can trust that Mace will have a real conversation with people she’s labeled part of the “lunatic left.” When the congresswoman said she’ll have a conversation with anyone, the person followed by asking if that extends to the trans community.
“It applies to everybody,” she said. “But I’m not going to allow some guy in a skirt to be in my bathroom or in my locker room undressed.”
Shaun Chornobroff covers the state legislature for the S.C. Daily Gazette, a part of States
Staff reports
Beaufort County is beginning road work in several locations around the County as part of the 2025 Pavement Rejuvenation Program. This road treatment is aimed at maintaining pavement integrity and enhancing road infrastructure across the County.
The asphalt rejuvenation operations are funded by the Beaufort County Transportation Committee.
During lane closures, flaggers will be on-site to direct traffic. Operations will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, unless otherwise notified due to weather delays or other unforeseen circumstances.
Motorists are asked to use caution when traveling through work areas.
The road project was to begin Wednesday, April 23
Work on each road will be short in duration, weather permitting.
Day 1
Bermuda Bluff Road (Lands End Road – Bermuda Downs)
David Green (Caper Island Road – Terminus)
Day 2
Harrison Island Road
(Pinckney Colony Road –Terminus)
Archie Sumpter Road (Johnson Road – Page Point Road)
Day 3
Calico Court (Possom Hill Road – Terminus)
Pelican Circle (Mroz Road - Mroz Road)
• Summer Drive (Oakmont Drive – Terminus)
Wintergreen Drive (Mint Farm Drive – Mint Farm Drive)
Day 4
• Badgers Bend (Ratel Drive – Terminus)
Clydesdale Circle (Forest Field Drive)
Indigo Woods Court (Prince William Drive –Terminus)
• Orange Court (Prince William Drive – Terminus)
Tanglewood Drive (Mink Point Blvd. - Heron Way)
Wickecliff Place (Palomino Drive – Terminus)
Day 5
Bajala Drive E (Old Barb
Road – Causeway)
Brickyard Hills Drive (Brickyard Point Road S – Terminus)
Fiddler Drive (Brickyard Point Road South – Middle Road)
Kemmerline Lane (Lady's Island Drive – Terminus)
Planters Circle (Bluff Road – Bluff Road)
Day 6
Christine Drive (Lucy Creek Drive – Patricia Court)
Hewlett Road (Sams Point Road – Lucy Creek Drive)
Southern Magnolia Drive (S.C. 802 – Terminus)
Day 7
Ernest Drive (Club
Bridge Drive – Ball Park Road)
Day 8
Bridgewater Drive (Parkside Drive – Terminus)
Devon Court (Bridgewater Drive – Terminus) Hyde Park Circle
(Bridgewater Drive –Bridgewater Drive)
Island West Park (Fording Island Road – Island West Drive)
Kenton Court (Bridgewater Drive – Terminus)
Toyota Drive (Hampton Parkway – Island West Park)
Westfield Court (Bridgewater Drive – Terminus)
Woodcroft Court (Bridgewater Drive – Terminus)
Day 9
Baywood Drive (Simmonsville Road – Terminus)
lowtrace Lane)
• Juniper Lane (Baywood Drive – Terminus)
Lilac Lane (Baywood Drive – Terminus)
Privet Lane (Baywood Drive – Terminus)
Day 10 H.E. McCracken Circle (Buckwalter – Buckwalter)
Day 11
Benton Field Road (Ulmer Road – Devonwood Drive) Malphrus Road (Fording
crafted the
from page A1
and was voted down in June 2023, and, ultimately, the CPO was strengthened.
Following the second failed attempt at going through the county, Pine Island developers brought two lawsuits against the county stating that the CPO exceeds the county’s authority in regulating land use and it also violates the constitutional rights of the Pine Island property owners. Both suits are still being litigated.
Pine Island’s Downzoning Plan
“Our vision is to honor and elevate the past, the land, and its people and create an asset that benefits St. Helena Island for generations to come.”
That is the first thing seen on the newly published website for Pine Island’s plan for Pine Island Golf Course.
On the site, developers have proposed a development that they say, “serves as an instrument to help protect and preserve the cultural heritage and community of St. Helena Island while creating opportunities for
it’s citizens.”
The plan claims to reduce housing density, protect open space as well as green space, draw a minimal traffic increase, prevent future “max entitlement” development, not displace any residents, limit stress on the community, not have any impact on the schools and will practice responsible stewardship of the local environment.
The site claims that Pine Island Golf Club is “intentionally designed to be a Conservation Development that protects and preserves the environmental, historical and aesthetic values of the property.
The development plan accounts for 49 homes and an 18hole golf course, but as a plus touted by the developers, they would be reducing the allowable
docks along Village Creek by 90 percent, are planning to donate four acres of land to be used for a community center that the community of St. Helena Island has been asking for and offering a $2 5 million community investment with ongoing funding.
A point made on their website and repeated during the April 14 County Council meeting, the project would also provide between 35 and 70 jobs on the island.
Is this better or more of the same?
Supporters of the Pine Island Golf Club being built say that this Downzoning Plan is the best option for the county and people of St. Helena Island because they are asking for less than what they could under current zoning laws.
But Grant McClure, the South Coast Project Manager at the Coastal Conservation League, says that this proposal “mirrors the plan that they submitted a few years ago, just with a few more carrots for the community.”
When it comes down to it, McClure said, they still want to build a golf course, and that violates the CPO.
“This is bigger than one indi-
vidual property,” McClure said. “If you give one special concession, that sets a precedent. And it makes it a lot harder to say no to other developers wanting to do the same thing.” When asked if they think that the environmental and cultural impact from this new plan is better than 100 homes being built, he responded by saying that he does not believe that they have ever planned to build the 100 homes that they are talking about.
McClure said that there is not the infrastructure on St. Helena to support the homes that zoning currently allows and there is not a market for that kind of development on the island.
“It is and has always been about a golf course,” McClure said. “[The CPO] has been successful in protecting St. Helena Island from being overrun with golf courses, if one is allowed it gets harder to prevent others from following.”
Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
ART Coastal Discovery Museum
24th annual Art Market
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 26 & 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 27, Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. $5 Admission, free for children 12 and younger. Free parking. Visitors will find a diverse range of mediums, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, wood, metal, painting, drawing, photography, and sculpture. Beyond the art, visitors can enjoy live music and a variety of food and beverage vendors, with shaded seating under the Mary Ann Peeples Pavilion and throughout the scenic grounds. Proceeds from the Art Market support the Museum’s year-round programs, exhibitions, and events. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.coastaldiscovery.org/.
Budding Artist
After-School Art Club
4 to 5 p.m., or 5:15 to 6:15 p.m., Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesday/Thursdays, Happy Art Studio, 10 Sam’s Point Way, Beaufort. Ages 8 to 13. Painting, drawing, clay or crafts. Visit www.happyartstudio.net.
CALENDAR
Karaoke with Melissa
7:30 p.m. to midnight, Mondays, Tomfoolery, 3436 17 Market, Habersham, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Karaoke 9 p.m. to midnight, Tuesdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort. With DJ Ali.
Karaoke with Melissa
7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with either Parker or Eric.
Trivia with Tom – Bricks On Boundary
7 p.m., Every Thursday, Bricks on Boundary, 1422 Boundary St, Beaufort. Free. Team trivia event, win house cash and Beer Bucket prizes! For more information, visit https://rb.gy/o9nhwe.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
7 p.m., Thursdays, Amvets Post 70, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free. Public is welcome. Enjoy Karaoke. Dinner will be available.
Karaoke at Willie’s
8 p.m., Thursdays, Willie's Bar and Grill, 7 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Saint Helena Island. Come and showcase your singing talents or just enjoy the performances. For more information, visit www.GullahLove.com.
Bluffton Night Bazaar —
a Lowcountry Made Market
5 to 8 p.m., first Thursday of each month, Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road. A highly curated selection of accessories, clothing, home goods, custom gifts and more by local artists and makers.
Habersham Farmers Market
3 to 6 p.m., Fridays, Habersham Marketplace. Vendor roster includes B&E Farm, Cottonwood Soap, Flower Power Treats, Hardee Greens, Megs Sweet Treats, Vitamin Bee, Lady’s Island Oyster Company, Pet Wants.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9 p.m., Fridays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Lt. Dan.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9:30 p.m., Fridays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Parker.
Karaoke with Melissa
7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fridays, R Bar & Grill, 70 Pennington Drive, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Port Royal Farmers Market
9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, year round, Naval Heritage Park, 1615 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Rain or shine. You will find fresh, local, seasonal produce, shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese, as well as plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets. There are prepared food vendors serving barbecue, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee, baked goods, bagels and breakfast sandwiches. No pets allowed. For more information, visit http://www.portroyalfarmersmarket.com/, visit @portroyalfarmersmarket on Facebook or call 843-295-0058.
Slip and Splash Saturdays
10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays, Battery Creek Pool, 1 Blue Dolphin Drive, Beaufort, and Bluff-
ton Pool, 55 Pritchard Street, Bluffton. $5 per person. Stay busy for hours climbing on our inflatable challenge track.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
7 p.m., Saturdays, The Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd., Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with Lt. Dan. Come early at 6 p.m. for Steak Night.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew 9:30 p.m., Saturdays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with Eric.
Teddy Bear Picnic Read-Aloud
9 a.m. to noon, 1st Saturday each month, Port Royal Farmer’s Market, Corner of Ribaut Road & Pinckney Blvd, Port Royal. Free. DAYLO Students and other volunteers will read to young children, who are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animals.
Karaoke with Melissa
8 p.m. to 12 a.m., 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, Peaceful Henry’s Cigar Bar, 181 Bluffton Road, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
CLASS REUNION
Beaufort High School
Class of 1975
Oct. 17 through Oct. 19, 2025, Beaufort. 50th Class Reunion Celebration. Request that graduates of this class contact the class Community Outreach Representative Barbara Gardner Hunter at 347497-9326 or email gardnerbarbara991@gmail.com to provide current contact information.
DANCE
The Beaufort Shag Club
6:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays, AmVets Club, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free lessons for members from 6 to 6:30 p.m. We also host a dance the second Saturday of each month from 7 to 10 p.m. Lessons will run September through May only. Visit our FaceBook page (beaufortshagclub) for current events.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Rooted Beaufort Yoga classes
5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Thursdays, Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal; 9 to 10:15 a.m., Whitehall Park or Pigeon Point Park. Rooted Beaufort is a collective of local Yoga teachers who host outdoor yoga classes and donation-based events with proceeds being donated locally on a rotating basis.
BEMER Circulation Therapy
10 to 11 a.m., Fridays via Zoom. Already own a BEMER? Never heard of it but curious? Join to ask any questions about this leading-edge German technology that enhances blood flow 30% in 8 minutes. Sessions are designed to support those who have their own unit but everyone is welcome.
Brought to you by BEMER Specialist — Human & Equine, Elizabeth Bergmann. Text 410-212-1468 to get the Zoom link. Free.
HISTORY
Beaufort History Museum at the Arsenal 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays, 713 Craven St, Beaufort. General Admission for Adults $8, Seniors $7, Active Duty Military and College Students with ID $5. Children/Teens younger than 18 Free. Explore and experience more than 500 years of Beaufort History with knowledgeable docent guided tours.
The Historic Port Royal Museum 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or upon request, Thursdays through Sundays, The Historic Port Royal Museum, 1634 Paris Ave. The museum features the turn-of-the-century businesses and industries of Port Royal: Shrimping, crabbing, oystering, the railroad, the school and the mercantile. Great gifts featuring local artists are available. For more information. visit www.portroyalhistory.org, email historicportroyalfoundation@gmail.com or call 843-524-4333.
Tour Historic Fort Fremont Dawn to dusk, Monday through Sunday, The Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land’s End Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public. The History Center is open Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m., Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors can learn about the fort’s history during the Spanish-American War through interpretive signs, self-guided walking tours with a smart phone, exhibits in the history center, and docent-led tours. For more information visit www. fortfremont.org or contact Passive Parks Manager Stefanie Nagid at snagid@bcgov.net.
LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
Toddler Storytime 11 a.m., Mondays through May 12, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. (Library will be closed Jan, 20 and Feb. 17.) Join us for
a fun-filled time of stories. Books and activities will focus on toddlers/preschoolers, but siblings are welcome.
Make a Seashell Trinket Dish
11 a.m., Saturday, April 26, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island. Ages 12 and older. All materials will be provided. Space is limited. Call 843-255-6487 to register.
Mother’s Day Gift
11 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 3, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island. Come and celebrate the mothers and the mother figures in your life with a fun craft.
“Hidden Gems” Book Club
3 p.m., third Monday of each month, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island. Free. So many books, so little time. St. Helena staff have uncovered some great titles to get you started on your “hidden gem” journey. Join us for lively discussions and coffee or tea. No registration required.
Postpartum Support Group
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesdays, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Join us fr a postpartum and parenting support circle, a weekly gathering for parents and caregivers navigating the postpartum journey. Led by full-spectrum holistic doula Tameka Walker, the circle provides a warm supportive environment where families can connect, share and learn together. Registration is requested but not required. Call 843-255-6487 for more information.
“Lego” With Lego 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., every Tuesday, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public. Ages 5 and up. No registration required. Come see our new and improved Lego Club. Choose one of our new Lego kits and get going. Call 843-255-6540 for more information.
Career Navigator
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Tuesday, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Free one-on-one resume writing and job application assistance with a Career Navigator from Palmetto Goodwill. No appointments necessary. For more information call 843-255-6458.
Bridge Club
10 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Join us if you want to learn a new game, practice your skills, or need more players. Call the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-255-6458 for more information.
Baby Time
10 a.m. Thursdays through May 15, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Join us for stimulating stories, activities, and more. Designed for babies, 0-18 months.
Mahjong Basics
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Join us to learn the basics of this fun tile game. Intructor Donna Misuraca will teach participants the structure and rules of the game and guide you through how to play. All game materials will be provided. Call 843-255-6540 for more information.
Mahjong Club
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays, Beaufort Library, 311 Scott Street. All levels of players are welcome. Feel free to bring your own mahjong sets. Plan to meet every week. For more information, call the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-255-6458.
MEETINGS
Citizens’ Climate Lobby of Beaufort County
1 to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 31, Bluffton Public Library, 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton. Learn about climate change and solutions with a nonpartisan group. Guest speaker will be Vince Albanese, former Board President, Institute of Clean Air Companies. For more information or questions, visit beaufort. sc@citizenclimatelobby.org
PFLAG Savannah –Beaufort Peer Group
6:30 p.m., first Tuesday of every month, Fellowship Hall, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Beaufort (UUFB), 178 Sams Point Road, Beaufort. Free. The group will be moderated by Rick Hamilton and Kay Carr. The provides advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, family, peers, and allies in the Lowcountry. The peer group provides a safe and strictly confidential environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, friends, and allies to discuss the challenges faced in coming out or being out in neighborhoods, the workplace, school, or church. The organization offers resources for counseling, educating, and advocating to achieve
Nature Center at 843-838-7437.
an equitable, inclusive community where every LGBTQ+ person is safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved. Minors under the age of 18 are required to come with an adult parent, guardian, or mentor. Additional information about peer groups, membership, donations, and volunteering is on the website www.PFLAGSavannah.org and on Facebook.
Zonta Club of Beaufort 6 p.m., 4th Tuesday of each month, Smokehouse, Port Royal.
Rotary Club of Sea Island lunch meeting 12:15 p.m., 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Social gathering every 3rd Tuesday at 5:30 pm, locations vary and posted on our website. For more information, visit www.seaislandrotary.org.
Rotary Club of Sea Island social gathering 5:30 p.m., 3rd Tuesday of each month, locations vary and posted on our website. For more information, visit www.seaislandrotary.org.
Beaufort Rotary Club Noon, Wednesdays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Catered buffet lunch, followed by a guest speaker. Prospective members welcome. For further information and upcoming speakers, please visit website www.beaufortrotaryclub.org.
The Beaufort Trailblazers –A Volunteer Group 8 a.m., first Thursday each month, Herban Marketplace, Beaufort. Anyone interested in supporting or building off-road/dirt/wilderness mountain biking/jogging/ walking trails near is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 843-575-0021 or email universitybicycles@hotmail.com.
Emotions Anonymous International local group meeting 4 p.m, Thursdays, via Zoom. Emotions Anonymous International, (EAI), is a nonprofit program designed to help people with emotional difficulties. It has a chapter in the Lowcountry and members want others who feel the need to know they are welcome to participate. There is no charge to participate. They are based on the 12 steps and 12 traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous and follow a specific format designed to provide the support and tools for navigating life’s painful difficulties. All are welcome. Anyone interested in participating may contact the group via email at EALowcountry@gmail.com or call or text Laurie at 252- 917-7082. For more information on EAI visit www.emotionsanonymous.org.
Rotary Club of the Lowcountry 7:30 a.m., Fridays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Lady's Island Dr., Ladys' Island. Catered breakfast from local chef. Speakers weekly. Occasional social events replace Friday mornings, but will be announced on our website, www.rotaryclubofthelowcountrybeaufort.org.
MUSIC
Music on Malphrus —
Karyn Oliver 7 p.m., Saturday, April 26, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry, 110 Malphrus Road, Bluffton. $25. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Tickets available at the door or at https://www.uulowcountry.org.
Live entertainment 7 to 11 p.m., Wednesdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort.
Chris Jones 7 to 11 p.m., Thursdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort.
Habersham Third Fridays
Music on Market 5 to 8 p.m., third Friday of the month, Habersham Marketplace.
Live entertainment 9 p.m. to midnight, Fridays & Saturdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort.
OUTDOORS/NATURE
The Beaufort Tree Walk Lady’s Island Garden Club invites you to take a meandering walk through the Historic “Old Point” and enjoy some unique and noteworthy trees. The “Walk” takes about an hour, is a little over a mile starting at the corner of Craven & Carteret streets in Morrall Park and concluding in Waterfront Park. Booklets with map and information about each tree are available free at the Visitors Center in the historic Arsenal on Craven Street.
Tours of Hunting Island Every Tuesday, Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy. Free, park entry fees apply. Sponsored by Friends of Hunting Island Keeper Ted and his team. For more information call the Hunting Island
SEWING/QUILTING Sea Island Quilters “Southern Comforts” quilt show 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, April 25, & 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 26, National Guard Armory, 1 Cavalry Lane, Beaufort. Featured at the show will be approximately 150 quilts of all sizes and styles from traditional to modern to contemporary art. A “Lowcountry Store” will sell used magazines, books, patterns, fabrics from “stashes”, and a few surprises. “Southern Elegance,” the Sea Island Quilters beautiful raffle quilt is in tribute to and in loving memory of its maker, Joanne Moss. A valued guild member for many years, Joanne passed away shortly before the 2023 Southern Comforts Quilt Show. The quilt was acquired from her husband. Tickets for the quilt are $1 each or six for $5. In addition to raffle, there will be an opportunity to purchase tickets for various themed gift baskets. A small Merchant’s Mall will be available for shopping. Items include fabric, threads, embroidery and wool supplies, long arm quilting demos, tools, templates, and more. Proceeds from the quilt show will be used to support guild activities such as making quilts for local children’s shelters and the Good Neighbor Clinic and making stockings for Christmas babies born at Beaufort Memorial Hospital. Ribbons will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in each of the 15 categories. Attendees also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite quilt to be awarded the “Viewer’s Choice” ribbon.
American Needlepoint Guild Meeting
10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1st Tuesday each month. The Hilton Head Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in needlepoint to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. For more information, please contact us at hiltonheadislandchapter@needlepoint.org.
Embroidery Guild of America Meeting
Second Tuesday of every month, Palmetto Electric Community Room, Hardeeville. The Lowcountry Chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in any type of embroidery including needlepoint, cross-stitch, surface and beaded embroidery, hardanger, bargello, sashiko, etc., to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. For more information, please contact us at lowcountrychapter@ egacarolinas.org.
SPORTS/GAMES
Hilton Head Kiwanis Club Cornhole for Charity Tournament
1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 26, Lincoln & South, 138 Island Drive, Hilton Head Island. Overall proceeds from the 2025 Tournament to benefit Volunteers in Medicine — Pediatric Care. Winning team selects a youth charity of choice for the $300 prize; runner-up selects for $150. For more information and to sign up, visit https://shorturl.at/cFB0k
ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Carteret Street. Events will be held weekly. Contact Director and Club Manager Susan DeFoe at 843-597-2541 for location.
Bridge Club
10 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Join us if you want to learn a new game, practice your skills, or need more players. Call the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-255-6458 for more information.
Beaufort Masters Swim Team 6 to 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, Wardle Family Port Royal YMCA. Coached practices. Ages 18 & older, all skill & speed levels, no prior swim team experience needed. Visit lowcountryswimming. com for more information.
Poet Marjory Wentworth at the Pat Conroy Literary Center 5 p.m., Friday, April 25, Pat Conroy Literary Center, 601 Bladen Street, Beaufort. Free and open to the public. Former South Carolina Poet Laureate Marjory Wentworth will read from her work, including “One River, One Boat.” Books will be available for purchase and signing. Seating is limited; call 843379-7025 to reserve.
Writing Living Newspapers Workshop
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, April 26, Pat Conroy Literary Center, 601 Bladen Street, Beaufort. $45. Led by poet Marjory Wentworth, this hands-on workshop explores occasion poems as a way to document and reflect on real-life events. Limited to 12 participants. Advance registration required. Learn more or register at bit.ly/44ETQ0b.
Staff reports
St. Helena’s Anglican is celebrating the 100th annual prayer service at the Old Sheldon Church ruins.
Each year, the church gathers at the Old Sheldon church ruins for a morning prayer service to honor the history and beauty of the structure. The public is invited to the 100th annual prayer service at 11 a.m., Sunday, April 27 at the ruins at 948 Old Sheldon Church Road. Attendees should bring a chair or blanket as well as your a picnic lunch.
On Friday, April 25 from 5 to 7:30 p.m., St. Helena’s Anglican is having a Musical Celebration at the ruins in honor of the 100th
annual service. A string trio will perform, as will The Plantation Singers, a Gullah and Spiritual a capella group. Several parishioners and a Holy Trinity student have donated commissioned art pieces of the ruins to be auctioned off.
History professor John McCardell is writing a new publication on the history of Old Sheldon, and one copy per household will be included with the ticket purchase. Wine and hors d'oeuvres will also be included. Tickets are $100 each and seating is limited.
Visit https://bit.ly/42nsA4U to purchase tickets for the Musical Celebration.
This week we continue with our discussion about heaven, and realize we’ve left many stones unturned. Even though our knowledge of the next life is sparse by design, our curiosity makes this a popular subject. There are countless speculations of what heaven will be like and like all of you I have my own thoughts. I appreciate all the emails about your thoughts and I agree with the general consensus that seeing God in person is going to far outweigh our surroundings. We know that whatever He has prepared for us will be a million times more breathtaking than anything we could imagine, and our fascination will be focused on spending an eternity with the one who loves and saves us.
Our Bible has 66 books that were written by different people and to say the least, it’s a challenge to understand. Many believe there is only one interpretation of these truths, yet disagreements have divided God’s people since it was written. If there is only one truth of His written word, why can’t every Christian hear the Holy Spirit? Arguing and fighting does not usually convince anyone who has already made up their mind. I’ve studied the Bible for nearly 50 years, and what I’ve learned about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, has not come from others, but rather talking and listening to Him directly. The Bible is our general guide, but knowing Him personally comes from quiet times of intimacy with Him. We can train ourselves to converse with Him in our minds and lis -
ten for His still small voice which develops spiritual sensitivity and an awareness of His presence.
We say we cannot wait to worship Jesus in person, or to have a chance to serve Him with all of our hearts, but it strikes me as odd to see some who lack enthusiasm about abiding with Him now. Many believe that in heaven He will be the center of every thought and deed, as He helps, teaches, and guides us. These are truly dreams of bliss for the follower of Christ, but I thought He wanted to be the Lord of our lives in this life.
Maybe our lack of concentration is caused by not being able to literally see or hear Him. Most envision one day standing around His throne with their hands raised and voices lifted high in continuous worship as the Bible declares that He is worthy to receive all glory and adoration for all eternity. Listen to Revelation, Chapter 5, Verses 11 through 13
“Then I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!’ And every creature which
is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: ‘Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!’”
There is no doubt we will spend plenty of time, (even though measured time will be no more) around God’s throne, but I’m also convinced we will be involved with working, serving, helping, blessing, and accomplishing His desires.
So, who is going to heaven? Most will say those who have been born again which means being transformed into a new spiritual identity as Jesus shared with Nicodemus. Does this happen instantly or is it a gradual progression? This sounds simple, but it’s not. In fact, it could be one of the most misconstrued concepts in the New Testament as Christ also declared in Matthew 7: 21 that eternal salvation includes doing God’s will. Regardless of the modern easy path theologies, the gift of heaven is not just handed out to everyone who says they want a free ticket. God will not be deceived. The perception of just believing that He is real as a prerequisite for eternal life is a terrible misunderstanding, as even the devil and the demons believe, fear, and tremble in His presence. Of course, no one wants to suffer for all eternity, but taking up our cross is a lot more than just hoping that God is like a lenient grandfather.
William Holland Jr. is an ordained minister, chaplain, and author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com.
Although it may appear to be a trend, intermittent fasting has been an eating pattern for over 1,500 years. While we know that it works for some people to lose weight, the reality is that whether or not it helps organs such as the heart is still to be determined.
Early research presented at a recent scientific meeting suggested that intermittent fasting might be harmful or risky in general. It showed that people practicing intermittent fasting are twice as likely to die from heart disease or die in general than those who don't practice.
The main problem is that intermittent fasting is not standardized. There are many ways to do intermittent fasting. Over the past few decades, it has been popularized as "eat whatever you want for five days, then don't eat for two full days other than fluids and soups."
People were losing weight, and from that point on, people started adapting to fasting in very different ways. Some people will restrict their time for eating to 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., for example. The most common form of intermittent fasting is that people just skip breakfast. Whether breakfast is "the most important meal of the day" is still under debate.
Skipping breakfast historically hasn't been something necessarily healthy. It is not fully understood why, but there are numerous studies showing that people who skip breakfast have an increased risk for heart disease and other ailments. Early morning is the time when people have the most heart attacks. Part of the reason for that is the high-adrenaline state that occurs early in the morning. If you match that with no food, no calories at all,
that might be the reason why studies show that people practicing intermittent fasting are not necessarily healthier or safer. I think that's important to keep in mind.
People who lose weight through intermittent fasting can benefit their overall health, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they have to continue forever. There are many other fac-
tors to consider when people don't have breakfast or other meals. Stress hormones go up, which may increase blood pressure and adrenaline, causing many changes in our system that
might actually be more harmful than beneficial.
Studies show that having multiple small meals throughout the day versus just two big meals results in better cholesterol and many other positive changes in the metabolism. So, this idea of not having any food or calories for long periods of time is still under debate. Based on recent evidence, intermittent fasting is particularly unsafe for patients with heart disease or with a history of heart disease. Practicing intermittent fasting can be safer with supervision from your healthcare team.
Source: Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D., Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic. https://newsnetwork. mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayoclinic-q-and-a-is-intermittentfasting-a-helpful-practice-orhealth-risk/
Most of us get headaches from time to time. Some are mild. Others cause throbbing pain. They can last for minutes or days. There are many different types of headaches. How you treat yours depends on which kind you have. Headaches might arise because of another medical condition, such as swollen sinuses or head injury. In these cases, treating the underlying problem usually relieves headache pain as well. But most headaches—including tension headaches and migraines—aren’t caused by a separate illness.
A headache may feel like a pain inside your brain, but it’s not. Most headaches begin in the many nerves of the muscles and blood vessels that surround your head, neck, and face. These pain-sensing nerves can be set off by stress, muscle tension, enlarged blood vessels, and other triggers. Once activated, the nerves send messages to the brain, and it can feel like the pain is coming from deep within your head.
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. A person with a stress or tension headache may feel tightness or pressure like a band around the head. Intense work, missed meals, jaw clenching, or too little sleep can bring on tension headaches. The pain may spread to or from the neck. Cold compresses, relaxation techniques, and other tips may help relieve or prevent it. Over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen can help reduce the pain. Lifestyle changes to relax and reduce stress might help, such as yoga, stretching, massage, and other tension relievers.
Migraines are the second-most common type of headache. They affect more than 1 in 10 people. Migraines tend to run in families and most often affect women. The pain can be severe, with pulsing and throbbing, and can last for several days. Migraine symptoms can also include blurry vision and nausea.
Migraines are complex and can be disabling. Certain smells, noises, or bright flashing lights can bring on a migraine. Other triggers include lack of sleep, certain foods, skipped meals, smoking,
stress, or even an approaching thunderstorm. Keeping a headache diary can help to identify the specific causes of your migraines. Avoiding those triggers or using prescription medications could help prevent or lessen the severity of future migraines.
Be careful not to overuse headache medications. Overuse can cause “rebound” headaches, making headaches more frequent and painful. People with repeating headaches, such as migraines or tension headaches, are especially at risk. Experts advise not taking certain pain-relief medicines for headaches more than three times a week.
A less common but more severe type of headache comes on suddenly in “clusters” at the same time of day or night for weeks. Cluster headaches may strike one side of the head, often near one eye, with a sharp or burning pain. These headaches are more common in men and in smokers. In rare cases, a headache may
warn of a serious illness. Get medical help right away if you have a headache after a blow to your head, or if you have a headache along with fever, confusion, loss of consciousness, or pain in the eye or ear.
Know what kind of headache you have and, if you can’t manage it yourself, seek help. Remember there are preventive behavioral steps and medicines that can help manage headaches. But if the pain is severe or lasting, get medical care.
Prevent Headaches
Ease stress
Get enough quality sleep
Eat regularly scheduled, healthy meals
Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
Ask your doctor if medications might help prevent returning headaches
Home and alternative remedies
Some people find that home
remedies may be enough to relieve their headaches.
These include: reducing caffeine intake placing an ice pack on the achy part of the head or neck relaxation techniques gentle head massage or therapeutic massage yoga
Alternative remedies may include: aromatherapy involving the application and use of essential oils, including use of peppermint oil
acupuncture relaxation training stress coping skills nutraceuticals or supplements such as B vitamins, tryptophan, and magnesium biofeedback
These treatment options are not always helpful for everyone, and it is best to check with a doctor before using nutraceuticals or supplements.
When to contact a doctor
Sometimes a headache can have a serious underlying cause that needs medical treatment.
A person should see a medical professional about their headaches if: the headache becomes so severe it affects everyday activities a change occurs in the severity and frequency of tension headaches a person is over 50 years of age and has no previous history of headaches or has a medical condition that might result in headaches speech difficulty, vision loss or blurred vision, and movement problems accompany headaches • a headache develops suddenly and feels like the worst headache they have ever had a person has a new type of headache and a history of cancer a person becomes pregnant, as some medications may not be safe to use during pregnancy medication may be causing side effects a person needs medication to relieve pain more than 3 times a week, or previously effective medication no longer works changes in level of consciousness, personality, thinking, behavior, or slurred speech there is a fever or rash
In summary, a person should see a medical professional if headaches become more severe or result in vision disturbances or speech or movement difficulties.
Sources: https://www.medicalnewstoday. com/articles/313020; Medically reviewed by Susan W. Lee, DO — Written by Mark Cowen and Sarah Charmley — Updated on April 16 2025 10 headache triggers. (2024).
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ headaches/10-headache-triggers/ Tension-type headaches. (2022). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tensionheadaches/
If you are pregnant, it is a good idea for you and your partner to look at your environment, both at home and at work. You may need to take steps to avoid exposure to potentially harmful substances and conditions.
Household chemicals:
Cleaning substances, lawn chemicals, paints, insecticides, pesticides, are some of the possible hazards at home.
Hair dye and perms:
Some chemicals used in hair dye and perms may be harmful to the developing fetus.
Cat litter:
Toxoplasmosis is a parasite transmitted to humans by contact with feces of an infected cat. During pregnancy, have someone else change cat litter. Use proper hand washing.
Unpasteurized milk products:
A disease called Listeriosis caused by bacteria from unpasteurized milk and milk products, can lead to miscarriage, infection
of the newborn or stillbirth. Avoid unpasteurized milk or milk products. Wash produce thoroughly and cook meat well.
Fish and seafood:
Methyl-mercury and PCB's are found in some fish and seafood and can adversely affect the fetus. Limit swordfish, shark, fresh/frozen tuna, lake trout and walleye to one meal/month. Visit https:// www.seafoodwatch.org for updated information about fish and seafood safety.
Injuries from not wearing seatbelts:
Everyone, including pregnant women, should wear seatbelts for every journey in a vehicle. The lap belt must be worn low and fit snugly across the hips, not directly over the abdomen. The shoulder belt must also be worn properly over the woman's shoulder and across the chest (never tucked behind the back).
Insect repellent:
Due to risk of West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease, it is important to take precautions to avoid exposure to mosquitoes and ticks. Methods to avoid bites include wearing protective clothing, limiting time spent outdoors at dawn and dusk and using a recommended insect repellent.
Hobbies:
Some hobbies can expose you to potentially harmful substances such as lacquer, paint thinners, paint and varnish removers, cleaning solvents, lead, plastics, and adhesives. Although it's not known for sure whether the mother's exposure to particular substances can harm the fetus, it is wise to avoid them whenever possible before and during pregnancy. Reduce your risk by wearing rubber gloves and working in a well-ventilated area.
Hazards at the office
If you work in an office environment, you may also be worried about potential health hazards. Many pregnant women worry about prolonged use of the computer or photocopier at work; however, these pieces of equipment have not been shown to have any harmful effect on pregnant women. To enhance health during pregnancy, it is suggested that women take five-minute breaks every hour to get away from the screen and away from a static sitting position at the computer.
Stress: Stress is a common part of most jobs, and you may find that you are having a difficult time juggling your job responsibilities and your pregnancy. It is important to stay as stress-free as possible however, because stress can have negative effects on your health. Stress
There are all kinds of reasons a child may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, but one factor that could be playing a role is their nightlight.
That little source of light can actually be pretty disruptive.
“Nightlights can significantly impact a child's sleep, but it really depends on the type of light that you use, the brightnesses of it, the color of it,” said Brian Chen, MD, sleep specialist for Cleveland Clinic. “Generally bright blue lights, like the color of the sky, significantly affect our normal melatonin production, which controls our circadian rhythm. So, our sleep schedules can get really
messed up by bright lights, or blue lights at nighttime.”
Dr. Chen said research shows a red-colored nightlight is best for bedtime because it doesn’t disrupt melatonin production. However, little kids may find the color red scary in the dark, so a good alternative would be something that’s orange or amber-colored. The placement of a nightlight matters too. Dr. Chen recommends keeping it lower to the ground, if possible, and making sure it doesn’t illuminate the ceiling.
He adds nightlights are really about personal preference, some kids may need them and some may
not, and that’s okay.
“Another option is for the nightlight to slowly dim and then goes off at nighttime. If they can tolerate that, then that'd be great,” he said. “Or maybe they just need a nightlight for them to know that it's bedtime, and then after they've fallen asleep, it'd be great if the nightlight turns off and it is dark.”
Dr. Chen said if your child has had sleep issues for a while and doesn’t seem to be improving, it’s best to consult with their pediatrician.
Source: https://newsroom. clevelandclinic.org/2025/04/15/ can-a-nightlight-impact-yourchilds-sleep
has been known to contribute to poor eating habits and depression and may actually impair your body’s ability to fight off infection. Avoid stress as much as possible by taking frequent breaks, asking for more flexible working hours, or finding a coworker who can help you out.
Travel: Some jobs require frequent travel and you may find yourself spending long hours in a car, train, or airplane. While travel is safe for women up to the 36th week of pregnancy, you want to avoid lengthy trips. Try to minimize car travel to five to six hours a day and
be sure to stop or get up (if in a train or plane) frequently to walk around. Avoid traveling to places located at high altitudes, as this can lower the amount of oxygen that both you and baby get. As you get closer to your due date, be sure to discuss any travel arrangements with your health care provider.
Furthermore, pregnant women who work with chemicals on a regular basis are advised to ask their employers for another temporary position or to stop working altogether. However, the choice to continue working is up to you. If you choose to continue working, be sure to follow proper safety precautions:
Wear protective clothing, such as gloves and a ventilator, at all times.
Avoid direct contact with all chemicals.
Remove any contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
Ask your employer to install extra ventilation equipment.
For information about the risk or safety of prescription and overthe-counter drugs, herbal products, chemicals, x-rays, chronic disease and infections or exposure to Chicken Pox, Rubella, Parvovirus B19 (Fifth Disease) and STI’s during pregnancy, have an indepth discussion with your Primary Care or OB physician.
Reports show more than 100,000 people, including children, are currently waiting for an organ transplant here in the United States. And for some, that wait can last months or even years.
“There are many individuals that are waiting for organ transplantation, and unfortunately, there are not as many donors that happen from year to year, though it has been gradually increasing through education and online resources that are providing exposure to the necessity for more organs to become available,” said Bobby Zervos, MD, liver transplant specialist at Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Zervos said the organ donation process is extremely thorough to ensure the
organ is healthy for transplant and a good match for the recipient. On average, one organ donor can save up to eight lives. He said while wait times for organ donations can be long, new advancements in technology seem to be helping.
Dr. Zervos said people also have the option of being a living donor, which means they can donate part of an organ while they're still alive to someone else in need. Please consider becoming an organ donor. You can sign up to be a donor when you get or renew your driver’s license.
Source: https://newsroom.clevelandclinic. org/2025/04/16/physician-highlights-importanceof-organ-donations
Vacation and summer holiday travel is fast approaching. Here's a cautionary note for long-distance travelers: Sitting for long periods of time can put you at risk for developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
DVT is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by a blood clot, most often in a deep vein in the legs. The risk for DVT is small. However, it's sensible to take precautions if you're going to spend 10 or more hours on an airplane or you're planning extended travel by train, bus, or car. To stimulate blood circulation and reduce the risk for a clot: Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Walk around in the airport while waiting for your flight or when changing planes. Whenever possible, walk up and down the aisles of planes, trains or buses. If traveling by car, stop about every hour and walk around. While seated, move your legs and flex and stretch your feet to encourage blood Drink plenty of water and other fluids but avoid alcohol. Wear compression stockings to promote circulation. Ask your doctor about the kind of stockings you'll need.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the Voices section are not necessarily the opinions of
It’s Good Friday, still early, and the news this morning is Trump and his focus on Jesus.
This morning I am looking out at the Beaufort River — once again marveling at the effect of a low angled sun on the Spartina. I’m also reading an article titled “Do You Know Jesus” by Adam Gopnik. (New Yorker, March 31)
Gopnik’s piece centers on Elaine Pagels and her newest book, “Miracles and Wonder” (Doubleday, 2025).
Many of you know that Pagels is a professor at Princeton University who has written widely on the historical Christ, and made her mark with her book, “The Gnostic Gospels.” Those ancient writings — discovered in 1945 and probably predating the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — were discarded by the Church.
In “Miracles and Wonder” Pagels questions the story of the virgin birth and says that some of the more improbable tales are “familiar tropes and myths to smooth over inconsistencies that believers struggled with from the beginning.”
All of which brings us to Gospel-writers themselves; “undoubtedly Greek literature” says Robyn Walsh at the University of Miami; and written some 40 to 60 years after the Crucifixion is thought to have happened.
“Greek literature?”
For most of my life there has been periodic academic writing questioning the origin of the Gospels — some actually questioning whether there was a person called Jesus. But most go after details like the virgin birth and the post-birth visit by Persian kings.
Scholars often take aim at John and his Gospel. And there is no question that John, whoever he was and wherever he actually
lived, wanted to detach Christianity from Judaism.
“Christ was no longer presented as a Jew, living more or less under the Jewish Law; he was made to address the Jews as ‘you,’ and to speak of their Law as ‘yours,’ nor was he the Messiah sent ‘to save the lost sheep of Israel,’ he was the co-eternal Son of God; not merely the future judge of mankind, but the primeval creator of the universe.” (Story of Civilization, Part III, page 595.)
According to Will Durant and his iconic “Story of Civilization,” it was John and his Greek pals who inserted theology and liturgy into the early Church.
It was the Greeks who improved upon the “mystery of the Mass.” It was the Greeks (via Egypt) who inserted the Last Judgment and personal immortality as a reward.
Apparently these Greeks took the news coming up from Palestine and decided to replace the tired and shop-worn Roman gods forging an entirely new coda for living a moral, just and fulfilling life.
But Elaine Pagels is not yet
ready to dismiss Jesus altogether.
“The interpretative approach that Pagels represents is skeptical — nothing happened quite as related — but (she is) inclined to to believe that something happened, in something like the sequence suggested.”
So, alright, “something happened” 2,000 years ago — in “something like the sequence suggested” but this current batch of critics is not going anywhere near the divine or the mystical or the redemptive.
And yet Pagels, in a contemporary interview with David Remnick on NPR, says she is not completely sure about eternal life. In that interview she talked about her deceased husband and seemed unwilling to completely rule out seeing him again. She was not willing to rule out resurrection or rebirth.
My father, an immunologist, lost his faith sometime in his 50s or 60s. But in the last 10 years of his life he and my mother lived in a rough-built, four-room cabin at Land’s End that had once been a fish camp.
The property had a small elevated peninsula that stuck out into the dune field — the promontory featuring an oak tree (which was tilting into the water) and a metal bench.
In his last years he spent a lot of time on that wrought iron bench reading Durant’s take on Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. I know this because I now own these books and often encounter his pencil-written arrows in the margins. Then I come to sentences he underlined.
Sometimes, after work, I would join Dad on his iron bench. Sometimes we would talk about Caesar, Darius and Gandhi while keeping our eyes on the channel buoy dancing in the Sound. But somehow we never talked about Jesus or John.
He died at Land’s End — a stroke took him quickly — but I want to believe he was reading and questioning and wondering right up to the end.
Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.
It’s time to right some
It’s sad to say, but there’s more wrong going on than right these days in the United States. Sadder still is that these national wounds are self-inflicted — by the Trump Administration, a fearful Congress and a judiciary that needs to wake up more. We’ve faced such turmoil before, most recently with the overhyped “Red scare” in the early 1950s by U.S. Sen. Joseph McCarthy. Friends turned on friends.
Americans lived in fear that communists were going to take over, thanks to the Republican senator’s bullying tactics to spread allegations that spies and communist sympathizers infiltrated the national government.
When he went after the U.S. Army, the Senate convened weeks of hearings that exposed McCarthy as a bully. And the country turned on him, eventually closing a nasty chapter of American politics.
Now we’re living with the same kind of moment. The difference is that one branch of government – the
ANDY BRACK
executive – is pillorying everything. What’s happening is not just the work on one man with a bunch of files on people in the Senate. Rather, the full power of the presidency is coming down hard on just about anything not in line with the target of the day.
It’s wrong for the president and executive branch to curtail funding for dozens of vital programs that pay for medical research that can cure diseases.
It’s wrong to cut money for national treasures, such as national parks, libraries, museums and more.
It’s wrong to eliminate departments and agencies without the consent of Congress, which is charged with setting policies and funding them to make government
work. A president and executive branch are supposed to ensure that money appropriated by Congress is used correctly, not just turn off the spigot because of a perceived wrong or partisan agenda.
It’s wrong to threaten Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, student loans and other programs that serve masses of Americans and make their daily lives better.
It’s wrong to wage a campaign of retribution on foreign allies who do not deserve explosive tariffs, knowing full well that the turbulence created would sink the stock market and deflate retirement savings of millions of Americans.
It’s wrong to threaten institutions of higher learning with various punishments for not teaching or researching the way that the administration seeks.
“It’s wrong to curtail funding for dozens of vital programs that pay for medical research that can cure diseases.
It’s wrong to cut money for national treasures, such as national parks, libraries, museums and more. It’s wrong to eliminate departments and agencies without the consent of Congress...”
ANDY
without the due process of law required in the U.S. Constitution.
Maybe the tide is starting to turn a little, thanks to more than 100 cases filed against the administration.
Just look at the Maryland man sent to prison in El Salvador without due process. A federal appeals court this week blocked an attempt by the administration to try to stop a judge’s order to bring back the man to the United States.
Thank you for your continuing support of our vets
A note of appreciation to The Island News and contributor Larry Dandridge. My cousin, a 96-year-old Korean War veteran, is in the process of dying, and his family reached out to me re: VA benefits. Having read The Island News and knowing Larry Dandridge, I reached out to [Dandridge] knowing he's an expert re: veterans affairs/benefits. [Dandridge] instantly responded with the current information concerning veteran's benefits and how to access them. I'm sure I could have obtained required information otherwise, but the fact that I recognized The Island News as the vehicle via which Larry has over time conveyed this info made the search so much easier.
And it’s wrong to cultivate fear among immigrants who help to make the country strong and do the kind of work that most long-time Americans no longer want to do. Instead, Trump and company threaten green cards and send people to foreign prisons
I clearly appreciate [Dandridge’s] expertise and commend The Island News for being the vehicle by which this vital information has been/is being conveyed to veterans. Thank you for your continuing support of our vets and the local facilities which are tasked to support them.
Thanks to Larry and The Island News for being there when I needed to obtain this information.
– D. E. Farley, Cmdr., U.S. Navy (ret.)
Stay the course on protecting the St Helena CPO
We are once again defending the St. Helena Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO) for the third year in a row.
BRACK, on failures of executive overreach in America.
“The government is asserting a right to stash away residents of this country in foreign prisons without the semblance of due process that is the foundation of our constitutional order,” wrote conservative U.S. Court of Appeals Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson. “Further, it claims in essence that because it has rid itself of custody that there is nothing that can be done. This should be shocking not only to judges, but to the intuitive sense of liberty that Americans far removed from courthouses still hold dear.”
Wilkinson envisioned
of no gates and no golf courses. Then he proceeded to employ a scare tactic believed by many prominent people of the community, including various County Council members, that there would be [more than] 100 houses and docks built, disrupting St. Helena’s environment, increasing traffic, polluting the water, disturbing the fishing businesses, etc., unless he is allowed to be excused from the CPO and build a golf course.
There is a reason why the CPO is in place, which is to protect the Gullah culture and resources, and as the governor previously stated, once we let one developer in, we open the gates for more.
what could happen if the executive branch continued to disregard court orders and deport people without due process: “What assurance will there be tomorrow that it will not deport American citizens and then disclaim responsibility to bring them home? … And what assurance shall there be that the Executive will not train its broad discretionary powers upon its political enemies? The threat, even if not the actuality, would always be present and the Executive’s obligation to ‘take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed’ would lose its meaning.” Public service is more than showing up at press conferences and ribbon-cuttings. Sometimes it’s about standing up for what’s right and opposing what’s wrong. It’s time for Congress to stop being fearful and for judges to get Trump to keep in his lane.
Andy Brack is editor and publisher of the Charleston City Paper and Statehouse Report. Have a comment? Send it to feedback@statehousereport.com.
negatively impact our fishing and shrimping industry?
And now the developer states that his revised plan includes a community center and a sweet grass farm. The children of St. Helena deserve a recreational facility and we should not be at the mercy of a rich developer to implement it. Philanthropy should be from the heart and not from self interest as a quid pro quo.
The developer of Pine Island originally purchased it being well aware of the rule
Pine Island golf course supporters are all using the term downsizing or downzoning, which an artificially created term. It was the developer that told the story and threatened to do the upsizing of over 100 homes and docks. Is DHEC ready to approve 100 docks if it could
The county was clear with the majority voting “No” to exclude Pine Island from the CPO. I understand this matter is still being litigated, so why are we bringing this up again? Why don’t we shift our time and energy as a community to create a safe and sustainable future for the St. Helena children and let the golf developers go someplace else. Please stay the course, county council, and continue to honor the CPO.
– Jane Caffrey, St. Helena Island LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the Voices section are not necessarily the opinions of The Island
Back in my newspaper days, I had the good fortune to be asked to head up a special project commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Anyone could expect Rosa Parks and her iconic bus encounter to be covered, but she was an elusive target. Parks lived in Detroit — she had moved to Detroit not long after “standing up by sitting down” in a gesture that helped trigger the protest — so we concentrated on people still in the Montgomery area.
Our writers, editors, and artists began crafting what would be called “Voices of the Boycott.”
The special edition came together slowly. In addition to articles and historic photos, we interviewed and recorded many of the people who had helped conceive of the boycott, supported the boycott, and participated in the yearlong strike against Montgomery’s city buses. Our digital team even created a website to accompany the print product, which itself would be purchased and distributed nationally by Target (that’s a story for another day).
The videos on the site brought the stories to life, especially the story of Claudette Colvin. Her story is slightly better
known now, but back then many others and I had not heard of the teenager who experienced a Rosa Parkstype incident before Parks. In March 1955, Colvin was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white patron on a Montgomery city bus. The local NAACP recognized the opportunity to challenge the city’s segregated bus policies, but they hesitated. Why? Colvin wasn’t the right victim. She was Black, yes, female, yes, and the deferential treatment expected of the city’s Black bus riders towards the white bus riders was unconstitutional, also yes. But Colvin was a teenager, and she got pregnant after her arrest. It sounds puritanical to even think about nowadays, but at the time it was a big deal to be an unwed teen mother. So the NAACP leaders decided to wait. Parks’ encounter in December of the same year gave them a better opportunity, strategically.
See, it’s not always enough to be on the wrong end of a bad decision or to fall prey to bad actors or immoral laws. Sometimes, to garner sympathy, you have to be the right victim.
Parks was an adult, married, a local professional seamstress, and likely some might have thought her fair complexion would make her story more palatable to certain segments in the community. History shows Montgomery’s local leaders ultimately made the right decision.
There’s something about how many perceive justice in this country that requires the right kind of victim. And if a person isn’t the right kind of victim, then some conclude maybe they deserved the fate that befell them.
It’s one reason El Salvadoran national Kilmar Abrego Garcia is continually and consistently attacked by those in the Trump administration who don’t want him returned to this country, even though courts have ruled on his case and said he must be returned.
Abrego Garcia entered the country illegally in 2012, according to court documents cited by the BBC. He was arrested in 2019 for loitering and subsequently identified as belonging to MS-13,
an International crime organization. Finding sufficient evidence to conclude Abrego Garcia was affiliated with the gang, a judge ordered him held despite his lawyers countering with the fact Abrego Garcia had no criminal record in El Salvador or the U.S. He fought extradition then, saying that if he were returned to El Salvador, he would face “retribution” from a rival gang of MS-13 He was allowed to stay — until the Trump administration snatched him up as part of its intended crackdown on illegal immigrants. He was sent to a notoriously corrupt prison in El Salvador while his wife
and lawyers have fought to bring him home, saying he — and others caught up in the deportations — were denied due process.
The administration has even admitted Abrego Garcia’s detention was a mistake, but it’s one they refuse to correct. Instead, they point to his alleged gang affiliation, incidents of domestic violence, and posts on social media with images doctored to affirm an association with MS-13
The fact is, Abrego Garcia is not an altar boy.
But the U.S. Constitution says he doesn’t have to be, not to have rights that are supposed to be honored by the government, including
a president who swore to uphold the Constitution.
But that won’t stop the daily onslaught on Abrego Garcia’s character. Trump and his “gang” know that if they can keep making him out to be a bad guy, their base will think he deserves being detained in some overseas hellhole.
For people to care about his case, Abrego Garcia shouldn’t have to be the right victim. He is a victim of a stupid, misguided, sloppily executed wrong. That should be enough.
Terry E. Manning is a Clemson graduate and worked for 20 years as a journalist. He can be reached at teemanning@gmail.com.
Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, 25 April 2025
Recruit Training Regiment • Commanding Officer, Colonel C. B. McArthur
2nd Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel A. Yang Commander of Troops, First Sergeant Jacob L. Kauth • Parade Adjutant, Staff Sergeant Giovanni R. Apollon Company “G”, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion • Captain A. L. Johnson Drill Master • Staff Sergeant E. Sarmiento Jr.
PLATOON 2016
Senior Drill Instructor
SSgt J. Navarro
Pvt Alonso, Lazarus L
Pvt Beltran, Ricardo
Pvt Biolsi, Robert P
Pvt Boakye-Afram, Nana
Pvt Brown, Keyshon D
Pvt Brown, Samuel T
Pvt Calderameza, David
Pvt Cannon, Moises K
Pvt Cantrell, Dalton C
Pvt Casasibarra, Kevin
Pvt Castro, John H
Pvt Coly, Souleymane S
Pvt Compton, Michael J
Pvt Coyotlcasarrubias, Steve
PFC Cuozzi, Anthony R
Pvt Darby, Daniel
PFC Davidson, Tennyson C
Pvt Dean, Aiden P
Pvt Delossantosclough, Christian M
Pvt Edmond, Jessiah J
Pvt Emerson, Phillip N
PFC Farwell, Connor G. *
Pvt Fletcher, Caden J
Pvt Fredericks, Zyarie I
PFC Garrett, Daniel J
Pvt Gidrislioglu, Ihsan
Pvt Gilmore, Zackery B
Pvt Hackett, Jadon G
Pvt Hackley, Jaalique J
Pvt Hale, Joshua C
Pvt Hamlett, Trenton J
Pvt Hendricks, Thomas M
Pvt Hernandez, Cuautemoc
Pvt Hernandezsanchez, Luis D
Pvt Holden Iv, Nakhi F
PFC Keller, Gage A. *
Pvt Lancaster, Kaleb H
Pvt Lemley, John M
Pvt Lucas, Josue
Pvt Mazurek, Christopher D
Pvt Muckler, Graceson T
Pvt Myers Iii, Clifford V
Pvt Nix, Ashton D
Pvt Olguinosorio, Angel
Pvt Ortiz, Gerardo D
Pvt Palafox, Cristobal
Pvt Pedarre, Zachariah L.
Pvt Ramirez, Cruzito E.
Pvt Ramirez, Jorge S.
Pvt Reconco, Andrew W.
Pvt Robinson, Xavier T.
Pvt Rodriguez, Michael
Pvt Sarmientobeltran, Jonathan I.
Pvt Shelton, Devlin A.
Pvt Silvaperez, Abraham
PFC Sneed, Isaiah W. *
Pvt Solarespetit, Victor D.
PFC Stiner, Wyatt C. *
Pvt Talaverabernal, Jairo A.
Pvt Upton, Jonathan M.
PFC Wattscaldwell, Jaylin D. *
Pvt Wilson, Gavin M.
Pvt Woods Jr, Joshua B.
Senior Drill Instructor
SSgt J. Cegueda
Pvt Beal, Elasia A.
PFC Blissett, Iris A.
PFC Brena, Evelyne D.
Pvt Chacongonzalez, Erika T.
Pvt Chavezgiron, Lucia
Pvt Dioniciogabriel, Elizabeth
Pvt England, Alexandria C.
Pvt Gagnaycando, Ayleen F.
Pvt Gaudiello, Sydney J.
Pvt Harvey, Hollie M.
Pvt Heaslet, Alyssa J.
PFC Hicks, Sidney D.
PFC Holmberg, Jasmine S.
PFC Jaco, Camryn E. *
Pvt Jallow, Mariatou
PFC Jones, Claudzetta D.
Pvt Lancaster, Dahlia D.
Pvt Laurin, Brianna N.
Pvt Lewellen, Ariela P.
PFC Licciardello, Adriana N. *
PFC Maas, Ryleigh B.
Pvt Mancill, Alexis N.
Pvt Morris, Alexia L.
PFC Musselman, Bethany M.
PFC Ouedraogo, Oumoul
Pvt Perez, Jessica J.
Pvt Peters, Tori E. *
PFC Pollardknight, Angelica C.
PFC Powell, Kara N.
Pvt Ramosordonez, Jeidy E.
Pvt Reese, Christina R. *
PFC Rodriguez, Avalon M.
Pvt Rodrigueztorres, Joanna C.
Pvt Saeznieves, Valeria I.
PFC Sandoval, Ana A.
PFC Steele, Kayla M.
PFC Swayne, Sabrina Z.
Pvt Upton, Serenity G.
Pvt Valle, Kenia Y.
PFC Vazquezmendoza, Lisette
PFC Verellen, Reghan C.
Pvt Villeda, Jazmine D.
PFC Williams, Roniayah M.
Senior Drill Instructor SSgt B. Gross
Pvt Acevedotorres, Breuly A.
Pvt Bales, Peyton A.
Pvt Blouin, Jason P.
Pvt Bounds, Carter M.
Pvt Brickhouse, Dashawn W.
PFC Brown IV, Derald D.
Pvt Brumfield, Jacob R.
Pvt Chaney, James P.
Pvt Chaygonzalez, Anderson S.
Pvt Cortes, Joel A.
Pvt Dawkins, Jasean L.
PFC Deickman, Chase A.
Pvt Delco, Kalheb J.
Pvt Domingoibarra, Tony S.
PFC Floresgranados, Bryan *
Pvt Fonner, Noah J.
Pvt Gibson, Cayden A.
Pvt Glasscock, Joshua T.
Pvt Gofourth, Jacob A.
Pvt Grullonmendez, Edison A.
Pvt Harris IV, Randolph D.
Pvt Heath, Isaac M.
Pvt Hernandezdelgado, Sean M.
PFC Hertzig, Django V.
PFC Highstreet, Aodahn C. *
PFC Howard Jr, Jeremy P.
PFC Jackson, Dallas R.
Pvt John Jr, Jason E.
PFC Kensler, Trevor D.
Pvt Koster III, John G.
PFC Kowlessar, Nasir D.
PFC Louischarles, Andrew
PFC Love, Jailyn G. *
Pvt Lujano, Angel
PFC Maguire, Connor R.
PFC Maness, Gage W.
PFC Marinaccio, John P.
Pvt Martinez, Victor S.
Pvt Mcbride, Michael H.
Pvt Mcdonald, Kaden L.
PFC Millar, Elijah J.
Pvt Moyamendez, Elvis A.
PFC Myers III, James W.
Pvt Noyes, Julian R.
Pvt Pablo, Ricardo A.
Pvt Postell, Luke E.
PFC Powers, Cole W.
Pvt Pusey, Tray A.
Pvt Raytaylor, Thomas E.
Pvt Rodriguezavilez, Leonardo J.
Pvt Rodriguezmota, Ismael
Pvt Roldan, Mathew L.
PFC Roodvoets, James P. *
Pvt Rose, Anthony D.
Pvt Sanchezrojas, Angel
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PFC Tompkins, Branson
Pvt Torres, Gabriel *
PFC Torres, Josiah M.
PFC Tran, Anh C.
Pvt Wolfenbarger, William C.
Pvt Zittel, Adrian L.
Senior Drill Instructor
SSgt D. M. Sosa
PFC Adeleke, Abduljamal O.
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PFC Akumkperik, Ken A.
PFC Almeida, Giancarlo A.
Pvt Balsavage III, Joseph J.
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PLATOON 2021
Senior Drill Instructor
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Senior Drill Instructor
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*Denotes Meritorious Promotion
Are you a veteran who cannot find evidence to support a claim for military service-connected disability compensation? Then, a Lay Witness Statement (also called a Buddy Statement) may provide the evidence you need to get the VA to award you a service-connected disability.
The VA’s SITREP Lay Witness Video and Witness Statements
According to:
The VA’s YouTube Video #theSITREP “Buddy Statement" for VA Disability Service-Connection (Statement in Support of a Claim)” https://www.bing. com/videos/riverview/relate dvideo?q=Buddy+Statement "+for+VA+Disability+ServiceConnection, dated September 10, 2021, narrated by Paul Corbett; The VA’s webpage “About VA Form 21-4138 (Statement in Support of Claim)” webpage https://www.va.gov/findforms/about-form-21-4138/; and The VA “About VA Form 21-10210 (Lay/Witness Statement, https://www. va.gov/find-forms/aboutform-21-10210/,
If your military and other records lack sufficient evidence, the VA may consider outside sources that support your disability claim. A Lay Witness statement (sometimes called a Buddy Statement) can be the supportive document that helps your claim get approved. Lay Witness statements are written documents from someone who knows about the veteran’s illness, disease, injury, wound, scar, HAZMAT contamination/ injury, noise exposure, burn, or trauma, and the resulting disability. A veteran’s spouse, other adult family members, friends, chaplains, coworkers,
supervisors, employers, and fellow military members often write the statement.
Warning: The VA will not seek out buddy statements for a veteran or family member. If done correctly, Lay Witness statements can be powerful supporting information that the VA will consider credible evidence.
Missing documentation
Many times, it is possible that an event or injury that occurred during service was never documented because the veteran’s records were lost, destroyed (for example, the 1973 National Archives fire in St. Louis destroyed 18 million military files), or never existed.
Lay Witness statements are especially impactful for claims where medical evidence is incomplete or the nexus (connection) between the disability and military service needs further support. Lay Witness statements can make a difference in a claim for military sexual trauma (MST) because MSTs are not usually documented in a veteran’s service records.
Writer’s experience with missing military files and Lay
Witness statements
The last time I was wounded in Vietnam was on March 28 1969
My Huey helicopter gunship's tail rotor exploded, causing a crash that seriously injured all four crew members, including me. My back was broken, my ankles were shattered, my right hand was broken, my left jaw was
broken, my left jawline and neck were deeply lacerated (five-inch gash), my neck was severely whiplashed, and I suffered severe traumatic brain injuries. When I claimed service-connected disability for these wounds and injuries 37 years later, all were VA-approved except the lacerated neck and jawline and the resulting scar.
The reason the VA disapproved service connection for my laceration, scar, and resulting nerve damage was that those injuries were not documented in my military medical or military personnel records. On March 28 1969, in Can Tho, Vietnam, the Emergency Room faced significant turmoil as my three crew members, other wounded individuals, and I were being treated concurrently for serious and life-threatening injuries.
Think of the television show MASH, with doctors, nurses, and medics running in every direction, in cramped conditions, shouting orders, amputating, clamping bleeders, sewing wounds up, and saving lives. Who had time for paperwork?
In the chaos of the Combat ER, my throat laceration was successfully cleaned up and sewn back together, my left jaw bone was wired back together, but the laceration, nerve damage, and repair were never recorded -- so without other evidence like the three lay witness statements I got from fellow Army aviators who were there, I would have gotten no service-connected disability for the laceration, resulting nerve damage, and scar.
My daily migraines and PTSD from TBIs were also not documented during my military service because I avoided consulting a flight surgeon to prevent losing my flight status and piloting career. It was three Lay Witness statements that helped convince the VA to award me service-connected disability
for PTSD and Migraines caused by TBIs.
What the VA is looking for in a Lay Witness statement
The veteran should explain to the Lay Witness that the VA is looking for a page or two that focuses on the injury, wound, illness, trauma, event, or hazardous material (HAZMAT) exposure/injury that caused the disability. The letter should tell the VA who, what, when, where, how the injury, illness, or event happened and how that has caused the veteran’s disability.
The Lay Witness statement must be specifically crafted to address the claim and should provide comprehensive information, including the following details:
1 The witnesses’ name, address, phone, email, and relationship (Battle buddy, spouse, etc.) to the veteran;
2 Details about the incident that caused the injury or illness (Who, What, When, Where);
3 Details about the injury, wound, illness, trauma, event, or hazardous material (HAZMAT) exposure (severity, frequency, and description of the injuries and symptoms);
4 Details about how the injury or illness affects the veteran’s job, social, and personal life (including complaints, having to take breaks, use of cane, wheelchair use, medications taken, and symptom like snoring, gasping for air, startling awakenings, sleepy and tired all day, falling/tripping, limping, nightmares, nausea, crying, threatening suicide, rashes, hypervigilance, irritability, depression, anxiety, etc.); and
5 Witness signature (Notarized if you use a simple letter).
EDITOR’S NOTE This article is the first in a series of three.
Provide the witnesses with a written summary It is wise to give the witnesses who offer to write a Lay Witness statement supporting your claim for service-connection (or individual unemployability) a written summary of your injury, wound, illness, trauma, event, or hazardous material (HAZMAT) exposure/injury and the resulting disability. Include a detailed description of the original injuries, trauma, or event, including your specific symptoms, frequency, type (stabbing, sharp, dull, burning, etc.), and pain level from 1 to 10. Include in the summary your military unit and the date, time, and location of the original injury, wound, trauma, illness, or event.
VA forms or letter Use VA Form 21-4138, “Statement in Support of a Claim”; or VA Form 21-10210, “Lay Witness Statement”, or a (notarized) Letter to the VA to provide a Lay Witness statement. The statement must be notarized if it is just a “letter” because the VA REQUIRES that the person writing it swear their testimony is the truth.
Continued next week.
Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past Veterans Service Officer, a Patient Adviser at the RHJ VA Hospital, the Fisher House Charleston Good Will Ambassador, and the VP for Veteran Affairs for the local Army Association Chapter. Larry is the author of the award-winning book Blades of Thunder and a contributing freelance writer with The Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@earthlink.net or 843-276-7164
Christopher J. Geier
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After his resurrection, Jesus spent forty days with his apostles. He appeared many times, comforting them and showing that he was truly alive. He taught them about the kingdom of God and gave them instructions. (Acts 1:1-3) Jesus was giving the apostles some final preparation for the mission he entrusted to them: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Jesus told the apostles to wait for a special gift.
At the end of these forty days, Jesus instructed his apostles to wait in Jerusalem, for “in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Then, as they watched, Jesus was lifted up into the air and returned to heaven. (Acts 1:4-11) Ten days later, on the Jewish festival of Pentecost, the apostles were gathered in prayer with other disciples. As they prayed, they heard a sound like the blowing of a strong wind, and they saw what looked like small flames that descended and came to rest on each of them. (Acts 2:1-4)
As Jesus promised, they were suddenly filled with the Holy Spirit. No longer afraid of being arrested or killed, the apostles began to courageously preach about Jesus to the people of Jerusalem. The streets were filled with thousands of Jewish pilgrims who had journeyed to Jerusalem for Pentecost. Amazingly, as the apostles preached, the Holy Spirit allowed for them to be understood by all of these pilgrims, no matter what language they spoke! (Acts 2:4-13)
With great power, Peter proclaims that Christ is risen. The apostle reminds the crowds that they and their leaders put Jesus of Nazareth to death, despite his good works and miracles: “You, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.”
But this was not the end of the story: “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it!” He concludes, “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” (Acts 2:23-36)
Jesus works through Peter to bring many to faith.
When the crowds ask Peter what they should do, he responds, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” As a result of this preaching, about three thousand people accept Peter’s message and are baptized! (Acts 2:38-41)
This is the birth of the Church.
On Pentecost, the special family of faith begun by Jesus grows from a small group to thousands of people. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the apostles begin fulfilling the mission given them by Jesus to make disciples of all nations. As these new converts return to their own countries, the Christian faith will begin to spread across the known world. As we read the rest of the Acts of the Apostles, we see these seeds bearing fruit, as more and more people come to know Jesus and are welcomed joyfully into his family of faith, the Church.