NC man drowns at Hunting Island while saving lives of his children
First responder vehicles at North Beach at Hunting Island State Park on Friday, July 4, 2025. Paul Peters, 38, of Indian Trail, N.C., died Friday from drowning. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
BEAUFORT
The newly installed fencing along the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park got a lot of attention last week. But locals should get used to it because it’s probably going to be there for quite a while.
City officials announced they were closing a 1 200-foot portion the waterfront promenade Sunday, June 30, after receiving an updated engineering report on the status of the 46-year-old seawall (technically a relieving platform). The closing included the popular day dock and initially, the playground, but a portion of that has been reopened.
They actually received the report on Friday, the eve of the 12th annual Beaufort DragonBoat races, an event that drew more than 700 participants, residents and guests to the waterfront park, raising more than $90 000 for the cancer research fundraiser.
But without advance notice, the officials, aka City Manager Scott Marshall and his team, opted to wait until Sunday to close the area. Yes, less than two weeks prior to the start of the Beaufort Water Festival.
The festival hierarchy, used to dealing with weather
By Mike McCombs and Amber Hewitt The Island News
A North Carolina man drowned at Hunting Island State Park just after noon on Friday, July 4, while trying to save his children.
The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office, on Saturday morning, identified the deceased as 38-year-old Paul Peters from Indian Trail, N.C. Peters and his wife, Emily, and their two children — Asher, 4, and Ezra, 7 — were in Beaufort County on vacation, according to a source at the scene of the incident.
According to witnesses at the scene, around 11:30 a.m., on Hunting Island’s North Beach, Peters
was in the water with his children, when they got caught in a rip current and began to struggle, according to witnesses. Several men went in to the
water to help. They were able to get the children to safety, but by the time they could get Peters to shore, he had been under the water for some time.
Bystanders started to perform CPR, and EMS continued the life-saving efforts upon arrival.
According to witnesses, EMS, “pumped a bunch of water out, but he never regained consciousness.”
The Coroner’s Office declared him dead, on scene, at 12:10 p.m.
Sixteen-year-old Taylor Durrance of Beaufort and her family were in the middle of the rescue efforts on Friday.
By Delayna Earley
The 69th Annual Beaufort Water Festival Commodore Todd Stowe in front of the newly installed fence at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS
Jess Trippi comes to visit family once a year at Tansi Village
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VETERAN OF THE WEEK GIONNA GENTRY
Gionna Gentry
American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you Gionna Gentry, 27, who joined the United States Navy in Flint, Mich., in 2017. After Boot Camp in Great Lakes, Ill., and Hospital Corpsman School in San Antonio, Texas, she trained as a Dental Technician. Her first duty station was at the Walter Reed National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
Following that three-year assignment, she trained at Camp Pendleton to qualify to serve with the Fleet Marine Force. Thereafter, she served for four years at MCAS Miramar in San Diego before reporting in 2024 to the Beaufort Naval Hospital clinic at Parris Island. She is working on her qualifications to be a dental instructor.
– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207 For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
ON THIS DATE
July 12
2019: Coinciding with the opening of the 64th Beaufort Water Festival, the League of Women Voters Beaufort and Indivisible Beaufort stage a Lights For Liberty vigil in protest of U.S. detention camps along the southern border.
2019: Nate Livesay steps down as head boys basketball coach at Beaufort Academy.
2020: Twelve-year-old Gavin Moore of Beaufort wins the 50mile Cremator Ultra endurance race from Beaufort Town Center to St. Helena Island and back, twice.
July 14
2020: After being elected to three terms as Mayor of the City of Beaufort, Billy Keyserling announces he will not seek reelection. – Compiled by Mike McCombs
RobeRt Leo KReuL
December 26, 1939 –May 4, 2025 Beaufort
Robert Leo Kreul passed away at home in Beaufort on May 4, 2025. Bob was born on Dec. 26, 1939 in Racine, Wis., where he attended St. Rose Grade School, and graduated from St. Catherine’s High School. Bob then joined the U.S. Army and served at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., before spending four more years in the U.S. Army Reserves. After his military service, he earned an associate’s degree from the Racine Vocational School (now Gateway Technical College) and
went on to a successful career in manufacturing technology.
Bob married his first wife Karen Sorenson in Racine in 1961 They had four daughters before moving to Spencer, Iowa, where
PAL PETS OF THE WEEK
Dog of the Week
Attention lab lovers! Lady is a 9-year-old chocolate lab who loves to walk, swim, play fetch, and cuddle. She is easy-going, friendly with strangers, and enjoys naptime with her favorite people. She knows what it means to be a member of a family and longs to know that kind of love again. She is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.
Cat of the Week
Like a fine, aged cheese, Palmetto Animal League’s Fromage is both unique and
delightful! This sweet, gentle, senior emanates peace and warmth, and she is waiting and hoping for a home where she can spend her golden years. All she asks for is a soft blanket and someone to love. Fromage is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.
For more information on Lady, Fromage and any of our other pets, call PAL at 843-645-1725 or email Info@ PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.
– Compiled by Lindsay Perry
Karen still resides. In 1981, Bob moved to Beaufort, S.C., where he met Sharon Johnson. They married in 1984 and have lived in Beaufort ever since.
As a young man, Bob loved his hot rods and, as a father, he loved spending time with his girls, especially camping and fishing. He loved his pets, most of all his K9 buddy “Gunner.” Throughout his life, he had a tireless work ethic, both in his career and home life, but found time to relax quietly with a pipe of tobacco and his family.
Bob is preceded in death by his father Alvin, mother Lilly, sister Ellen, and brothers James and Thomas. He is survived
OBITUARIES
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by his wife Sharon, former wife Karen, daughters Sarah (Spencer, Iowa), Susan (Statesville, N.C.), Pamela (Bozeman, Mon.), and Anne (Spencer, Iowa), as well as his sister Mary Kreul-Starr (Raleigh, N..C), brother Edward (Leland, N.C.), and stepdaughter Tiffany Levitt (Beaufort, S.C.).
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on St. Helena Island. This year, they caught a June storm during a walk
pier. To
photo,
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Island News.
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Attendees line the boat landing as “Iron Mic” Parris Island Marine Band plays on stage during the Port Royal Fireworks Show on Friday, July 4, 2025 at The Sands Beach in Port Royal. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Paola Serrano and 4-year-old daughter, Sophia, from Davenport, Fla., enjoy a dance as “Iron Mic” Parris Island Marine Band plays on stage during the Port Royal Fireworks Show on Friday, July 4, 2025 at The Sands Beach in Port Royal. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Port Royal Town Councilman Jorge Guerrero joins the Dunn and Batchelor families of Eatonton, Ga., for a photo during the Port Royal Fireworks Show held Friday, July 4, 2025, at The Sands Beach in Port Royal. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Bicyclist killed in hit-andrun on Trask Parkway
By Mike McCombs The Island News
A bicyclist was struck and killed Sunday, July 6, by a vehicle in a hit-and-run on U.S. Hwy. 21 near Bruce K. Smalls Drive.
The deceased, 50-yearold Vick Smalls of Beaufort, was declared dead on the scene at 2780 Trask Parkway (Hwy. 21) by the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office. The exact time of the incident is as of yet undetermined.
According to Sgt. Tyler Tidwell of the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), there were two units involved in the incident.
The first unit, an unknown motor vehicle, and the second unit, the bicyclist, were both headed south on U.S. 21 when the vehicle struck the bicyclist. The vehicle then left the scene.
Smalls was declared dead of “blunt force injuries sustained in an automobile versus bicycle collision.”
The incident remains under investigation by the SCHP.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
Georgia man who drowned at Hunting Island identified
By Mike McCombs
The Island News
A 65-year-old Decatur, Ga., man who drown Tuesday, July 1, at Hunting Island State Park, has been identified as Steven Thackston.
According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded just before 5:30 p.m. after a bystander fishing from the shoreline saw a man floating in the water. The man swam out to him and brought him ashore before administering CPR. Despite efforts by bystanders, as well as first responders, the man could not be revived.
According to the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office, Thackston died at approximately 4:45 p.m., on scene.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
Beaufort County Walk for Water set for Sept. 13, 20
1,000 walkers expected to raise money for access to clean, safe water
Staff reports Registration is open for the ninth annual Beaufort County Walk for Water on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Live Oaks Park in Port Royal and Sept. 20 at Wright Family Park in Bluffton. An estimated 1 000 walkers are expected to participate, helping raise a record $100 000 to fight the global water crisis.
Beaufort County Walk for Water promotes awareness of the global water crisis and raises money to provide sustainable, safe water around the world. All money raised benefits Water Mission, a nonprofit Christian engineering organization based in Charleston that builds safe water solutions in developing countries and disaster areas.
Participation by Beaufort County residents, businesses and churches makes a life-changing difference for thousands of people in desperate need, according to Nan Krueger, Beaufort County Walk for Water committee leader.
“The money the walk raises lifts up people for generations in communities around the world,”
Drowning from page A1
Krueger said in a media release. “As little as $50 provides one person ongoing access to safe, clean water,
Durrance said she was sitting on the beach, listening to music, when she got a strange feeling. She said she looked up and realized something was happening.
“I saw people surrounding this man on the beach,” she said. “I didn’t really see them doing CPR yet, I think they had just [dragged] him on shore.”
She said she called out to her father, Bryan, and her brother, Matthew, that she thought this man was drowning.
“That’s when my brother found out his little boys were drowning as well,” she said.
Taylor Durrance said Ezra was pulled out of the water first, but she didn’t believe he was actually drowning but had “just swallowed some water.”
Asher was being helped by “a man in pink shorts,” though they were repeatedly being pulled back in the current.
Matthew Durrance, 22, went out into the water and retrieved Asher from the man and brought him to Taylor.
Taylor Durrance said she continued to slap Asher’s back, getting the water out of him a bit at a time, until there was one big cough and
WATER SAFETY TIPS
$500 can create latrine sanitation for a community, and about $1,000 can build solar panels for a power
source. These are things most of us take for granted but make a transformational difference to those who
This incident is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of rip currents and the importance of water safety while enjoying our coastal areas. Our local National Weather Service office in Charleston (www.weather.gov/chs) and National Hurricane Center (www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent-forecasts) provide up-to-date forecasts and warnings, including rip current risks.
Beachgoers are urged to follow these water safety tips:
Do not enter the water if you cannot swim.
Swim near a lifeguard whenever possible.
Ask about conditions before entering the ocean, especially when flags are posted.
Supervise children closely at all times.
Never swim alone; always use the buddy system.
Stay within your depth and avoid overestimating your abilities.
Watch out for drop-offs and changing water depths.
Do not rely on inflatable flotation devices.
Swim parallel to shore if swimming for distance.
Never swim while intoxicated.
Always enter the water feet first to avoid spinal injuries.
Report dangerous conditions to a lifeguard or beach attendant.
If you’re in trouble, wave or call for help immediately.
Source: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
he got rid of most of the water and could breathe.
She said when the 4-year-old was able to talk, he immediately asked, “Where’s my dad?”
“It just broke my heart,” she said.
While all of this was happening,
Taylor Durrance said her father, Bryan Durrance, was among the group of bystanders surrounding Paul Peters and performing CPR.
She said Emily Peters asked her to watch her children while she joined the group of people tending to her husband.
Taylor Durrance said the whole situation was “really sad” and a bit surreal. It might sound strange, she said, but “it felt kind of … quiet.”
This is the second drowning this week at Hunting Island. Steven Thackston, a 65-year-old male from Decatur, Ga., was pronounced dead from drowning at approximately 4:45 p.m., Tuesday, July 1 according to the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office.
The red flag was flying at Hunting Island on Friday, which indicates High Hazard, meaning the
don’t have them.”
Participants can carry a bucket of water on part of a 3-mile walk to symbolize the burden millions of women and children in developing countries carry daily to collect water that’s often contaminated. That unsafe water has dire consequences: A person dies from water-related illness every 37 seconds somewhere in the world, according to Water Mission.
Registration is open now on the Walk for Water website at walkforwater.com/ beaufort.
Registration is $25 for adults 18 and older, $10 for youths ages 5 to 17, and free for children 4 and younger.
Participants who register by Aug. 13 will get a T-shirt and a $5 discount using the code EARLYBIRD on the registration site. Follow Beaufort County Walk for Water on Facebook and Instagram @ BeaufortWalkforWater, and on Twitter #bftwalkforwater. For more information, call 843-769-7395. For sponsorship information, contact Robert Lasher at 843-906-8118 or rlasher5519@gmail.com.
surf is hazardous, often due to strong currents, high waves, or other unsafe conditions.
Under a red flag, swimming is often prohibited, and not recommended for anyone other than experienced, strong swimmers.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office issued a release Monday.
“Our thoughts are with the family during this incredibly difficult time,” the release read. “The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office thanks the brave bystanders who acted without hesitation and all first responders who provided aid at the scene.”
When speaking with The Island News, Durrance said she wouldn’t have normally talked about an event like this, but she struggled to sleep Friday night, and every time she closed her eyes, she kept reliving the event.
She felt like those not from the Beaufort area might not realize just how serious the conditions can be at Hunting Island.
“These oceans aren’t what they think they are,” she said. “They have to be aware of the currents. If it’s a red flag, don’t go in the water.”
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
Amber Hewitt is a photographer for The Island News.
CS INSTRUMENTS establishing North American headquarters in Beaufort County
Staff reports
CS INSTRUMENTS, a manufacturer of compressed air measuring technology, today announced it is establishing its North American headquarters in Beaufort County, according to a media release from the office of Gov. Henry McMaster. The company’s $3 6 million investment will create 13 new jobs.
We’re proud to welcome CS INSTRUMENTS to Beaufort County and look forward to supporting their continued growth in our community.” Operations are expected to be online in December 2025. Individuals interested in employment with CS INSTRUMENTS should email info-us@cs-instruments.com. $3.6 million investment will create 13 new jobs in Bluffton
Founded in Germany in 2002, CS INSTRUMENTS specializes in the production of reliable and innovative measurement technologies for compressed air and industrial gases and operates subsidiaries in 13 countries.
CS INSTRUMENTS will construct a new 11,000-square-foot headquarters facility, located at 8237 Pinellas Drive in Bluffton, which will house office space, warehousing, and a service and training center. The new facility will increase product availability and the overall experience for North American customers.
County as a smart, strategic location for light manufacturing and professional services,” Beaufort County Council Chair Alice Howard said in the release.
“CS INSTRUMENTS’ investment in Bluffton is a strong vote of confidence in Beaufort
“This new regional headquarters brings quality jobs, technical training and increased access to innovative products for customers across the Americas.
Roughly 1,000 walkers are expected to participate in this year’s Walk for Water events in Beaufort County. Photos courtesy of Walk for Water
Pedestrian killed Sunday morning on Trask Parkway NEWS
By Mike McCombs
Island News
The
A pedestrian was killed early Sunday morning, July 6, on Trask Parkway (U.S. Highway 21) in Beaufort.
The deceased, identified by the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office as 35-year-old Rhonda Randall of Beaufort, was struck by two vehicles — a 2005 Dodge SUV and a 2011 Jeep SUV — heading south on U.S. Hwy. 21 just after midnight, according to Cpl. David Jones of the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP). Randall was pronounced dead at the scene from “blunt force injuries” by the Coroner’s Office. The drivers of the two SUVs were not injured. The incident remains under investigation by the SCHP.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
Red, white, blue and new
The Beaufort Memorial Collins Birthing Center saw four sweet new arrivals on Independence Day, ringing in the summer holiday donning red, white and blue (pictured clockwise from top left). Melody Flores Varona (4 pounds, 15 ounces) was born to Maria Varona Romero and Sebastian Flores Adame of Hardeeville in the wee hours of July 4, making her appearance at 1:18 a.m. Gianna Garcia Diaz was born at 10:35 a.m., weighing 5 pounds, to Hardeeville's Nuvia Diaz and Mario Garcia. Fatima Santiago and Aldo Morales Vite, also of Hardeeville, saw the arrival of their son Elias Santiago at 8:10 p.m., weighing 6 pounds, 1 ounce. And finally, born to Pooler, Ga., parents Sindi Serrano and Allan Velasquez was Lucas Stefano Velasquez, born at 7 p.m., weighing 7 pounds, 5 ounces. Crocheted red, white and blue ice cream outfits were made by Sabrina Cooler, PCT. Photos courtesy of Charlotte Berkely Photography
Nurse practitioner joins Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists
Staff reports Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists have added a new nurse practitioner, further expanding access to high-demand orthopedic care in the Lowcountry.
Aron Love, MSN, FNP-C, a board-certified family nurse practitioner with a diverse background including athletic training and caring for patients in both emergency and urgent care settings, will see patients at the practice’s locations in Port Royal and Okatie. He will also play a vital role in caring for patients before and after their orthopedic surgical procedures.
Love’s expertise ranges from emergency medicine and urgent care to athletic training, intensive care and orthopedics, including the treatment of injuries like fractures and sprains. His background with the “organized chaos” of working in an emergency room for 15 years gives him a strong foundation for Beaufort Memorial’s busy, fastpaced orthopedics practice.
Love said he is carrying over to orthopedics at Beaufort Memorial the same philosophy he brought to patient care in the emergency and urgent care settings.
“I like to take time to understand my patients and meet them where they are, speaking with them honestly and hearing their perspectives,” he said in a media release.
“I listen to them, and we develop a plan together.”
Love will treat patients experiencing a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including arthritis, carpal tunnel, shoulder conditions, hip and knee pain, and fractures and other injuries, as well as educating patients about pre- and post-operative care.
At the practice, Love joins board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons Dr. Cory Messerschmidt and Dr. Vandit Sardana. Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists are located in Port Royal at 1680 Ribaut Road and in Okatie at the Okatie Medical Pavilion (122 Okatie Center Blvd. North, Suite 210).
To schedule an appointment with any of the providers at Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists, call 843-524-3015
Living & Growing the Jesus Way
Sunday Morning Worship at 8:30 & 10:30 81 Lady’s Island Drive
Pastor Steve Keeler • (843) 525-0696 seaislandpresbyterian.org
CANCER
Aron Love
BMH career fair to showcase wide range of open positions
Staff reports
Beaufort Memorial Hospital, the county’s largest private employer, is hosting an open job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 16, for anyone interested in exploring career opportunities with the nonprofit hospital system.
Beaufort Memorial currently has more than 250 openings across the health system. These positions are in clinical areas as well as hospitality, housekeeping, business office operations, customer service and more.
“Our people are what make Beaufort Memorial strong, and we’re looking for individuals with a passion for helping others,” Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley in a
media release. “For many of these positions, healthcare experience isn’t required. Anyone interested in learning about meaningful career paths at Beaufort Memorial that contribute to the health of a community are invited and encouraged to attend.”
In addition to showcasing a wide range of career opportunities, hiring managers will be available to discuss Beaufort Memorial’s employee benefits package, which includes affordable medical, dental, vision and prescription benefits, discounted childcare, homebuyer assistance, scholarships and tuition reimbursement.
The job fair will also feature resources and information about the Beaufort
Memorial People Achieving Their Highest (PATH) program, a career development and internal advancement program for Beaufort Memorial employees. Members of the hospital’s education team will be onsite to answer any questions.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16 on the fourth floor of the Beaufort Memorial Medical and Administrative Center (BMAC), 990 Ribaut Road. Parking for the job fair will be in the BMAC Allison Road parking lot at the corner of Ribaut and Allison Roads.
Registration is not required for the job fair, but it is encouraged. Visit BeaufortMemorial.org/JobFair to RSVP for the event.
Beaufort Lions hosting annual Water Festival Breakfast
Staff reports The Beaufort Lions will host the annual Water Festival Breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m., Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Sea Island Presbyterian Church at 81 Lady’s Island Drive. The menu will include pancakes, waffles, scrambled eggs, cheese grits, sausage, the famous Jim Palmer sausage gravy and biscuits, coffee, and juice. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for those under 12 Tickets can be purchased online
https://beaufort-lions-club.square. site/? or at the door, or from a Beaufort Lions member.
Lion members volunteer to help improve the quality of life within the community. Thanks to the Lions' vision screening team, more than 6,000 students in public and private day cares and schools received vision and hearing screenings. The Beaufort Lions assist monthly at The Volunteers in Medicine Vision Clinic in Ridgeland,
which provides free eye exams, eyeglasses, and/or referrals to vision specialists to eight to 10 clients each month. The Beaufort Lions Club purchases approximately 30 pairs of eyeglasses each year for those who qualify.
The club sponsored one diabetic elementary student for a weeklong, in-state diabetic camp at no cost. About 30 diabetic students in schools North of the Broad receive free, nutritious snacks during
school hours to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, which contributes to better focus in class thus improving learning.
Beaufort Lions play bingo twice a month with residents of a senior living facility. They sponsor, organize, and lead the Water Festival, Veterans’ Day, and Christmas parades. Members work at the Water Festival tents, as well as donating food to local food banks, and blankets and activity books to both
Beaufort Memorial and Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital MUSC oncology units. If you are interested in improving the quality of life of the citizens of Beaufort, become a Lion. Due to several personal conflicts, club members will need assistance with the Water Festival breakfast, tents, and parade. If you are interested in joining or just volunteering as part of the vision screening team, call 843-522-0066
Project Freedom 326 Juneteenth Celebration
“Cowgirl”
Lowdown from page A1
emergencies, swung into action and began planning alternatives. But the Festival, when the opening ceremony is held, Friday night, July 11, will be taking place in a reduced space.
Those watching the city’s comings and goings should not have been quite as surprised since a similar scenario played out almost one year ago, when the City Council heard from engineering consultants that the underwater shelf of the park was impaired and something needed to be done, sooner than later. While the grim (and expensive) news was described as a “shock” to those who heard the report at that time, others who’ve watched that seven-acre public man-made park evolve have known concrete pilings, even fortified with steel,
would only last so long in our salt-water environment.
And though the park was NOT closed to the Water Festival crowd last year, the downtown business community kicked into gear assuring the general public they were still open, just as they have done this past week. (For a reference, tourism guru Rob Wells, head of the Beaufort-Port Royal Convention and Visitors Bureau, has said the Water Festival has an $7 million economic impact on the area’s pocketbook.)
To their credit, city officials have not been sitting on their hands and waiting for the park infrastructure to heal itself. Starting last fall, American Cruise Line boats which had been tying up to the seawall for years were redirected down the Beaufort River to Port Royal where passengers were off-loaded onto busses for tours of Beaufort’s historic district.
A contract with McSweeney Engineering, which was already
doing routine maintenance surveillance, was issued in December 2024 for the first phase of a multi-phase process, collecting specific data on the underwater conditions. A five-member Waterfront Advisory Committee including Beaufort County Councilman David Bartholmew, City Councilman Josh Scallate and local contractor Mike Sutton, was appointed in the spring to work with the city and consultants to consider a repair plan.
At the advisory committee’s second meeting on June 23 – a meeting you can go back and watch on the city’s website if you’re so inclined – they heard a presentation from their consultants about the worsening infrastructure problems. Some ideas about alternative repairs were tossed around but the consultants stressed this Phase 1 was designed to “see what we’ve got.”
At that meeting, the consultants warned the next assessment,
which the city received Friday before the Dragonboat races, probably wouldn’t bring good news. At this point, there have been no estimates on time or cost to repair the “jewel” of the city’s crown but everyone knows it’s not going to be quick or cheap.
So, get used to the fences and remember, shop local … support your local businesses.
Happy Birthday to Lowcountry Weekly
BEAUFORT – As a point of personal privilege (you can do that when you write your own column), kudos to Margaret and Jeff Evans who last week celebrated the 25th anniversary of The Island News’ sister publication, Lowcountry Weekly
The Evanses didn’t birth the bi-weekly entertainment publication, but they’ve certainly shepherded it through its toddler and teenage years.
It’s not easy to keep a business
going for 25 years. Many folks can’t maintain a marriage that long.
The Evanses can certainly testify to the ups and downs of a business enterprise, especially in the publishing arena where everyone walks around plugged into iPhones or ear buds.
We recently saw the closure of The Chocolate Tree, a major Beaufort retail institution, for 45 years. Businesses come and go, that’s life.
No one knows what the future holds but we can hope for the best and spit on the rest.
Lolita Huckaby Watson is a community volunteer and newspaper columnist. In her former role as a reporter with The Beaufort Gazette, The Savannah Morning News, Bluffton Today and Beaufort Today, she prided herself in trying to stay neutral and unbiased. As a columnist, these are her opinions. Her goal is to be factual but opinionated, based on her own observations. Feel free to contact her
Beaufort Memorial staff members assembled to share information and resources about careers with the organization at a job fair in 2023. Photo courtesy of Beaufort Memorial Hospital
Quanna
Terry leads her horse, Smokey, while 8-year-old Zaiire Robinson enjoys a ride during the Robert Smalls Men & Women of Action fifth annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration, hosted by Project Freedom 326. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Attendees enjoy a variety of vendors during the Robert Smalls Men & Women of Action fifth annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration, hosted by Project Freedom 326 at John Parker Park in Port Royal on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
from page A1
Several events, including the children’s fishing tournament and the Raft Race have had to be moved to different locations, but it seems that most of the events will be able to continue as planned according to 69th Commodore Todd Stowe.
“The festival changes somehow every year,” said Stowe. “This is just a little closer than we’d like and a little bit bigger change than we’d like. But, you know, I’ve got smart people volunteering for me. We’ve got it figured out.”
Meet the Commodore
This year’s festival theme is “Blue Skies & Starry Nights,” which was developed by Stowe and is based on the painting Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh, a tie-in with this year’s T-shirt design that he said he had been “doodling” for a while.
Stowe’s wife Patsy is an art teacher, and he said there was no question that he was going to ask her to paint the design for the T-shirt.
“So I could continue sleeping indoors, I made sure she was the one that painted the shirt,” Stowe joked. “Because if anybody else did it, I would be sleeping on the front porch for quite a while.”
For Stowe, being named as the Beaufort Water Festival Commodore was not one of his goals when he started volunteering with the 10-day-long festival in the 1990s.
Stowe moved to Beaufort in August of 1994 when he accepted a job teaching at Beaufort High School. He was asked by his colleague Mike Rentz if he was interested in volunteering, and he never looked back.
Rentz was in charge of the fence crew at the time and so Stowe started volunteered with the fence crew for a few years before moving up to be in charge of the fence crew.
As one does, volunteering and working hard with the festival, Stowe continued to rise through the ranks eventually becoming a
coordinator in 2016
Stowe said that the sense of satisfaction that you get when everything comes together is one of the main reasons why he has loved coming back for so many years.
“A lot of things are frustrating, and a lot of things are beyond your control, not everyone works on your timeline but once the festival gets here and you know you get to stand on this side of the fence, look out at the crowds like that, it just gives me a lot of satisfaction,” Stowe said.
As for being named as Commodore, Stowe said that was never why got into it.
“You know, it’s kind of like a byproduct of doing a good job,” said Stowe.
He said that while he was honored, it was a bittersweet moment.
“It’s actually a little sad because once you’re Commodore, they put you out to pasture and you can’t volunteer anymore,” Stowe said.
“So I’m sitting here going, what am I going to do with myself next year?”
As for this year’s festival, Stowe said he is most looking forward to seeing the Mötley Crüe tribute band that will be playing during Rockin’ the River on Friday, July 18
He said he was a big fan of the original band in high school and enjoys the music.
Stowe did say that he is terrified of the Bed Races though, because he replaced the wheels on the hospital beds a few years ago so that they would move better and he did too good of a job.
“I replaced those wheels, and they will move,” Stowe said. “So I got a bunch of teenage girls going push me down asphalt … yeah, I have a little concern.”
What you need to know
– Heat and rain are in the forecast for the 10 days of the festival as of Tuesday, July 8, so if you are heading out to enjoy the entertainment plan accordingly.
– Outside food, drink and coolers are not allowed in the park.
– Water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages will be available for pur-
chase onsite.
– In accordance with the city ordinance, alcoholic beverages cannot be taken outside of the gated area.
– Strollers are not permitted during Concert in the Park as it is a large standing-room only crowd and strollers pose a safety hazard and make it difficult for others to navigate the walkways.
– All tickets need to be purchased online in advance; there will be no ticket sales at the gate. Tickets will be emailed once the purchase is finalized.
– Any bags larger than 4 5 inches x 6 5 inches will need to be a clear bag, clutch bags smaller than those measurements will be allowed during all events. There will be clear bags available for purchase at the festival’s merchandise tent.
– Children 5 and younger are admitted free, and children are not allowed at the Teen Dance and River Dance.
– The venue is an open seating venue and is available on a firstcome, first-served basis. But during Concert in the Park the grass area
directly in front of the stage will be standing room only.
– Lawn chairs may be set up in advance; the park closes an hour before gates open, so it is best to arrive early before the park closes or just as the gates open to set up early.
– While most musical acts will play in a light rain or drizzle, occasionally a sudden shower will cause a delay in the event.
– Refunds will not be issued in the event of rain, even if it results in the event being canceled.
– Pets are not allowed during the scheduled evening events.
– Parking is available for the evening events at the Beaufort Government Center on Boundary Street and a free shuttle will be available to take people to and from Waterfront Park.
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.
A volunteer dances with a concertgoer during the Motown Monday event at the 68th annual Beaufort Water Festival in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort. Amber Hewitt/File/The Island News
Initiative honors man who sacrificed his life, places life rings around Port Royal
Beaufort Water Search and Rescue provides a demonstration on how to correctly use a life ring in the event of a water emergency during the ceremony on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, to mark the Aden Perry Life Ring Initiative to place life rings in and around Port Royal near local waterways. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Staff reports
The City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department, the Town of Port Royal Police Department,, the Town of Port Royal, and Beaufort Water Search and Rescue held a ceremony to commemorate the installation of the Aden Perry Life Ring Initiative on Wednesday, July 2 2025, at the Sands Beach boat ramp.
The municipalities and agencies have teamed up to place 10 life rings around various bodies of water in Port Royal.
The Aden Perry Hero Life Ring initiative was established in memory of 17-year-old Aden Perry, who tragically drowned three years ago while attempting to rescue a driver who had crashed into a body of water in Florida. These life-saving devices are designed to provide a simple yet effective means of response during water emergencies.
The City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department, the Town of Port Royal Police Department, the Town of Port Royal, Beaufort Water Search and Rescue, and Aden Perry’s mother, Sarah Perry, address the crowd during the ceremony on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, to mark the Aden Perry Life Ring Initiative to place life rings in and around Port Royal near local waterways. Port Royal is the first place the Aden Perry Life Ring Initiative has placed life rings outside the state of Florida. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
After contacting 911, bystanders can use the life ring to assist a swimmer in distress, with the attached rope allowing them to pull the individual to safety without endangering themselves. Port Royal is the first place the Aden Perry Life Ring Initiative has placed life rings outside the state of Florida.
NOTICE, YOU WILL RISK LOSING YOUR INTEREST IN THIS TIMESHARE ESTATE THROUGH A NONJUDICIAL FORECLOSURE PROCEDURE. HOWEVER, UNDER THE NONJUDICIAL PROCEDURE, YOU WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO A DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT OR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED EVEN IF THE SALE OF YOUR TIMESHARE ESTATE RESULTING FROM THE NONJUDICIAL FORECLOSURE IS INSUFFICIENT
TO SATISFY THE AMOUNT OF THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED. YOU MAY OBJECT TO THE SALE OF YOUR TIMESHARE ESTATE THROUGH THE NONJUDICIAL FORECLOSURE PROCEDURE AND REQUIRE FORECLOSURE OF YOUR TIMESHARE INTEREST TO PROCEED THROUGH THE JUDICIAL PROCESS. AN OBJECTION MUST BE MADE IN WRITING AND RECEIVED BY THE TRUSTEE BEFORE THE END OF THE THIRTY-DAY TIME PERIOD. YOU MUST STATE THE REASON FOR YOUR OBJECTION AND INCLUDE YOUR ADDRESS ON THE WRITTEN OBJECTION. IN A JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING THAT RESULTS FROM YOUR OBJECTION, YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO A DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT AND PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED IF THE SALE OF YOUR TIMESHARE ESTATE RESULTING FROM THE JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE IS INSUFFICIENT TO SATISFY THE AMOUNT OF THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED. FURTHERMORE, YOU ALSO MAY BE SUBJECT TO A PERSONAL MONEY JUDGMENT FOR THE COSTS AND ATTORNEY’S FEES INCURRED BY THE LIENHOLDER IN THE JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING IF THE COURT FINDS THAT THERE IS COMPLETE ABSENCE OF A JUSTIFIABLE ISSUE OF EITHER LAW OR FACT RAISED BY YOUR OB-
JECTIONS OR DEFENSES. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CURE YOUR DEFAULT AT ANY TIME BEFORE THE SALE OF YOUR TIMESHARE ESTATE, BY PAYMENT OF ALL PAST DUE LOAN PAYMENTS OR ASSESSMENTS, ACCRUED INTEREST, LATE FEES, TAXES, AND ALL FEES AND COSTS INCURRED BY THE LIENHOLDER AND TRUSTEE, INCLUDING ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COSTS, IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEFAULT. Any response or inquiry should be made in writing to King Cunningham, LLC, Attn: Jeffrey W. King, Esq. who is serving as Trustee in this matter, at the following address: 1000 2nd Ave S, Ste 325, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. EXHIBIT “A” Owner(s), Address, TS Interest, Interval Control No. (Unit, Week, OEB), Deed BK/PG, MTG BK/PG, Default Amount, Costs, Attorney Fee, Total Amount Due, Per Diem; HESRICK S. RICHARDS&GEORGEENA MARIA RICHARDS, 466 LAKE ST, BELLINGHAM, MA 02019-1810, 0.0073861610410129%, U2205W5E, 4225/3235, 4225/3240, $15,077.48, $49.56, $450, $15,177.48, $7.6.; SHANIDA N. GOGGANS , 1935 MCGRAW AVE 1H, BRONX, NY 10462, 0.0073861610410129%, U2302-W4E, 4201/1052, 4201/1057, $14,359.90, $49.56, $450, $14,459.90, $7.34.; LINA CHUA FANG ,
171 HOWARD AVE, STATEN ISLAND, NY 103014400, 0.0147723220820258%, U1109-W40B, 4359/3059, 4359/3064, $66,599.39, $49.56, $450, $66,699.39, $27.44. STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF BEAUFORT IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT CASE NO.: 2025-CP-07-0999 Jane Powers Huggins Plaintiff, vs. Superior Pine Realty Company, Beaufort County, South Carolina, William M. Miley, Jr., Leith Paul Webb, Penn Agricultural School, et al. Defendants. LIS PENDENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an action will be commenced in the court upon a Complaint of the above-named Plaintiff against the above-named Defendants regarding property which is located in the County of Beaufort, State of South Carolina. Said premises affected by this action are more particularly described as follows: This
to the subject property (the
which is more particularly described
as
ALL that certain piece, parcel or lot of land, together with the buildings and improvements thereon if any, situate, lying and being in St. Helena Township, in the McTurius Section, Beaufort County, South Carolina, containing fifteen (15) acres, more of less, being bounded and described as follows, to-wit: Bounded on the North by lands, NOW OR FORMERLY, of the Rosenwald School; Bounded on the Ease by Seaside Road; Bounded on the South By lands, NOW OR FORMERLY, of Lawrence Poper; and bounded on the West by lands, NOW OR FORMERLY, of Joe Johnson.
Derivation: This being the same property conveyed to Jane Powers Huggins as “Parcel M” by deed dated July 15, 2016 and recorded on August 4, 2016 in Book 3499, at page 2324 in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Beaufort County.
PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1662 Seaside Road, St. Helena Island, SS 29920
TMS No: R300 036 000 006A 0000
This Lis Pendens is filed pursuant to South Carolina Code of Laws § 15-11-10, et seq., to provide notice of the forthcoming action affecting title to the above-described Property.
May 23, 2025
BUIST BYARS & TAYLOR, LLC /s/ G. Hamlin O’Kelley, III G. Hamlin O’Kelley, III S.C. Bar No. 15491 /s/ William McAdoo Deford, Jr. William McAdoo Deford, Jr. S.C. Bar No. 103784 Buist, Byars & Taylor, LLC 652 Coleman Blvd., Suite 200 Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina 29464 (843) 856-4488 hamlin.okelley@buistbyars.com mac.deford@buistbyars.com Attorneys for the Plaintiff STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF BEAUFORT IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT CASE NO.:
Bringing history to life
West Point cadets will use digital animation to illustrate Fort
Staff reports On Sunday, Aug.t 3 2025, cadets from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point will participate in a panel discussion titled, “Digitizing History of Fort Fremont,” at 3 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at 1004 11th Street in Port Royal. The public is invited, free of charge.
The panel discussion is sponsored by the Friends of Fort Fremont, the Beaufort County Historical Society, and the Beaufort County Library. James Shinn, Assistant Professor of History at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, will moderate.
NEWS BRIEFS
City honored with
Excellence in Financial Reporting for 18th straight year
The City of Beaufort has been recognized for the 18th consecutive year for excellence in financial reporting.
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has awarded the City of Beaufort a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30 2024
“This marks the 18th consecutive year that the City of Beaufort has earned this distinction, which reflects our steadfast commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in financial management,” said City Manager Scott Marshall in a news release. “I commend our Finance Department for their continued professionalism and dedication to upholding the highest standards in public financial reporting.”
The report was judged by a panel to meet the high standard of the program, which include demonstrating a “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate Beaufort’s financial story and motivate users to read the report. The City keeps all of its financial and budgeting information on its website, www. cityofbeaufort.org. Users can access the financial transparency tool to take a closer look at the City’s budget.
Level Up Parenting: Tools For The Journey
The Beaufort County Youth Conference and Forward Learning Consulting are sponsoring an event, Level Up Parenting: Tools For The Journey, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 16, at the St. Helena Branch Library.
The goal is to empower parents for a successful school year. There will be refreshments, door prizes and back-to-school parenting kits. Register at https://bit.ly/40afgiJ.
Saint Peter’s 65th annual Fall Bazaar vendors spaces available
Saint Peter’s Catholic Church will hold its 65th annual Fall Bazaar on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., on the church campus at 70 Lady’s Island Drive in Beaufort.
Fremont as it was at turn of 20th century
The Friends of Fort Fremont (FFF) is collaborating with the West Point Department of History Digital History Center (DHC) to develop a historical work of Fort Fremont including digital simulations of Homeland Coastal Defense at Fort Fremont at the turn of the 20th century. The project will apply state of-the-art technology to bring history to life through digital animation of the building and operation of Fort Fremont -- information that is currently available only in manuals and textbooks.
West Point cadets will be at Fort Fremont from July 31 through August 5 to conduct an on-site survey
and digital mapping, and primaryand secondary-source research. As part of their academic curriculum, they will study Fort Fremont as an example of how geography, international politics, and advanced military technology in the late 19th century helped shape America’s emergence as a global power following the Spanish-American War.
Fort Fremont was constructed in 1898 for coastal defense of the Port Royal Sound and the Naval Station at Parris Island during the Span-
ish-American War. It stands today as an artifact of an era that represents national security and homeland defense when the military threat was from modern naval forces of competitor nations.
Beaufort County purchased 18-acres of the original fort for use as a passive park. The site encompasses mixed hardwood forest with walking trails, a picnic pavilion, remains of historic batteries, and a History Center with a diorama and period artifacts. Fort
Fremont is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Fort Fremont Preserve is open to the public free of charge Monday through Sunday from dawn to dusk. The History Center exhibit hall is open Friday through Sunday and staffed by Friends of Fort Fremont volunteers. The Friends also offer docent-led walking tours by appointment.
The Friends of Fort Fremont work with Beaufort County to preserve and promote Fort Fremont’s educational, historical, natural, and cultural resources.
For more information visit www.fortfremont.org.
The Bazaar features international foods, a craft fair, a sweet shoppe, in-person and online silent auctions, wine and beer garden, plant sale, church tours, and Kids Zone with inflatables, games, and the Beaufort Barnyard Petting Zoo.
Artists and crafts people interested in a 10-foot-by-10-foot space can send an email to gather@stpetersbeaufort.org for more information. Indoor space is very limited, so those interested should reach out as soon as possible.
The Bazaar will raise funds for Lowcountry Outreach, a Saint Peter’s ministry that works to increase scarce services in northern Beaufort County. Lowcountry Outreach partners with several agencies and services such as Good Neighbor Medical Clinic, Lowcountry Legal Volunteers, and Alienated Parents of Adult Children among others. Its Angel Rides program has completed more than 850 rides for people needing transportation to medical and other needed appointments. Additional information can be found at www.LowcounryOutreach.org.
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, July 16; Saturday, July 26; Wednesday, Aug. 20; and Wednesday, Sept. 17
To sign up for a class, visit https://beaufortsc.easypollworker. com/home.
United Way of the Lowcountry offers additional free tax prep days
United Way of the Lowcountry's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is offering additional free tax preparation days to help qualifying residents of Beaufort and Jasper counties file their federal and state tax returns accurately and efficiently.
The program – a collaboration between the IRS, Beaufort County Human Services Alliance, and United Way of the Lowcountry (UWLC) – is designed to assist low-income individuals and families, non-English speaking taxpayers, people with disabilities, and seniors with their tax filing needs.
In Bluffton, the service is available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mondays, July 28; and September 29 at the Bluffton Public Library at 120 Palmetto Drive.
In Beaufort, the service is available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, August 25 at the United Way of the Lowcountry Beaufort Office at 1277 Ribaut Road.
Limited spots are available, and in-person appointments are required. Visit www.uwlowcountry. org/VITA to reserve your spot, check for eligibility requirements and to find a list of necessary documents to bring.
Human Services accepting grant applications
Beaufort County Human Services is accepting applications for the FY26 Grant Program. Applications will be accepted until Friday, Aug. 22. Any application received after that date, will not be considered. According to the Community Services Grant Program webpage, "Funds for this grant program are provided by County Council of Beaufort County. Established in 2013, the Beaufort County Community Services Grants Program supports local non-profit human service organizations in enhancing residents' quality of life. All grant awards are contingent upon the availability of funding."
To be eligible for the Community Services Grant, organizations are required to meet
specific criteria:
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations whose mission aligns with improving quality of life for Beaufort County residents, particularly those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged Agencies must directly serve Beaufort County and use all awarded funds for the benefit of its residents Only one application per organization (identified by EIN) will be accepted, and fiscal agents are not permitted Agencies seeking funding must register their organization prior to applying; instructions are provided within the application
Eligibility, criteria, application timeline and the application itself are all outlined at https://bit. ly/4l8UTe8 for interested groups. Funds may not be used for: fundraising or capital campaigns endowments or scholarships to reduce debt of any kind religious or political activities legal services.
For questions or more information, please call Beaufort County Human Services at 843-255-6058 or visit the webpage at https://bit. ly/4npqEBv.
– Staff reports
Roughly two dozen people gathered outside Beaufort City Hall on Monday, July 7, for the weekly
“We the People” rally, protesting what they described as authoritarian overreach. Members of the grassroots group held signs urging passing motorists to support democracy, equality, and civil rights. Asa Aarons Smith/The Island News
What is the best way to get rid of a headache?
By Mary Beth Donovan, ACNP-BC Beaufort Memorial Primary Care
Most of us are no stranger to a headache every once in a while. When a headache strikes, we might go into our medicine cabinet and grab an aspirin or ibuprofen for quick relief. Sound familiar? You may be surprised to learn that may not be the best decision.
Most recurring headaches are due to self-medicating. You get a headache, so you take an ibuprofen. Do this often enough, and it can lead to a cycle of more headaches. Instead of doing that, it’s better to learn what is causing your headaches. Then, you can prevent them from happening in the first place.
Top headache causes
About half of the patients I see for frequent headaches experience them due to taking medication too often. However, self-medicating is not the only cause of headaches.
WHEN A HEADACHE INDICATES A BIGGER PROBLEM
Most of the time, headaches are nothing more than a nuisance. They slow you down, but they don’t stop you in your tracks. In some cases, however, a headache is a signal that something more is going on with your body.
Headaches can be a symptom of high blood pressure, which your primary care provider can treat.
Recurring headaches, marked by moderate to severe, throbbing pain, could be migraines, another form of headache that your primary care provider can help address. Seek emergency medical attention if your headache: Causes fever, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting; Is accompanied by vision changes or numbness; or Is the worst headache you’ve ever experienced.
Call 911 if you or a loved one experiences a headache accompanied by stroke symptoms. Classic stroke symptoms can be remembered with the acronym BEFAST:
• Balance loss or loss of coordination, resulting in falling or motor control issues. Eye or vision issues, such as losing sight in one or both eyes. Facial drooping or numbness, particularly on one side of the face. Arm weakness and inability to hold both arms up for 10 seconds. Speech difficulty, such as slurring or strange speech or inability to speak.
• Time to call 911 to prevent permanent damage or even death.
Other common causes include: Alcohol consumption Allergies Cigarette smoking
Dehydration
Excessive caffeine consumption or caffeine withdrawal
Eye strain Hunger Stress
Home remedies for frequent headaches
Once you understand the root
Meet the demands of motherhood
Mental and physical self-care is key
By Catherine Tambroni-Parker, CNM Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists
Motherhood is an amazing, wonderful adventure, from conception to delivery or adoption, to toddlerhood, to the school years and beyond.
Motherhood is also demanding. Trials and tribulations are real, but so are the many heartfelt rewards that being a mom brings. It’s important to remember that you’ll need help from your support network to get through the child-rearing years. Remember it takes a village to raise a child, and you must take care of yourself, too.
Don’t forget to ask for help from your partner, family and friends.
Sleep is imperative! A well-rested mother is more able to cope with the busy dayto-day routine necessary to raise children with joy and humor. Take a little time each day, even if it’s just 15 minutes, to meditate, journal, pray or even quietly reflect. This practice will help you to be more present in your own life as well as your children’s.
Exercise and enjoy the sunshine. Being outdoors releases much-needed endorphins that make it easier for us to cope when daily life gets crazy. Your exercise may include taking the baby for a stroller ride, biking with the kids, playing in the pool—the little family activities that bring joy and make lasting memories.
Eat nutritional foods that are good for both you and the children. They’re great for maintaining strength and energy. And being a role model for children in the realm of nutrition will benefit everyone in the long run. Remember that you had hobbies, sports and friends before motherhood. Try to maintain them. You may need to alter the frequency and duration with which you enjoy them, but don’t abandon those things in life that lift your spirits.
Don’t compare your life or your children with those of other families; enjoy who you are and who your children are becoming.
Make your relationship with your spouse or partner a priority. Take small moments together if that is all time permits, listen to music, dance in the living room, talk about what makes you joyful.
Don’t forget to make your own healthcare a priority, taking time for annual physicals and dental and vision exams.
Pamper yourself when you can, be it by walking the beach alone, taking a bubble bath, reading a chapter in your book. Be sure you have something of yours alone to look forward to on a weekly or monthly basis. Time for yourself refills the tank and refuels you so you can continue to be the giver, nurturer and role model for your children.
Learn to let go of those things that cause you anxiety and to recognize your stress cues before stress overtakes you land leads to outbursts you’ll regret. Practice self-soothing techniques that will help calm your system like deep breathing, counting backward from 10 or just reminding yourself, like a mantra, that you can do this. Remember, too, that every mother feels at her wits end from time to time, and that’s OK.
Try to restore and recharge often, so you’ll have the strength and determination to enjoy each moment, each accomplishment, each milestone of your children’s lives.
Catherine Tambroni-Parker, a certified nursemidwife at Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists, has delivered more than 3,000 babies. Many local mothers-to-be benefit from Catherine’s experience at the Baby University –Baby Basics classes she teaches each month.
cause of your headache, you’re able to treat the problem and prevent it in the future. If you learn that your headaches are caused by taking over-the-counter pain medication, stop taking them and try the following strategies when a headache strikes:
Drink a glass of water instead of coffee, tea or soda.
Eat on a regular schedule. Identify your allergy triggers, because allergies can also cause headaches.
Quit smoking.
Try peppermint essential oil, a natural remedy that works for some people and can be diffused in the air, added to a warm bath or applied directly to your skin.
Use meditation or exercise to get your stress levels under control.
Wear appropriate prescription eyeglasses, if necessary.
It may take a couple weeks to get rid of medication-related headaches, but fighting through the pain can help you avoid more
medication-related headaches moving forward.
Coffee conundrum: how much caffeine is too much?
Special to The Island News
For many people, mornings aren’t complete without a cup of coffee — or two or three, but how much is too much?
“While it might make for a productive start to the day, too much coffee means too much caffeine,” said Dr. Brad Kelly, board-certified family medicine physician at Beaufort Memorial May River Primary Care in Bluffton. “Caffeine is a stimulant, which can increase your heart and breathing rates and cause anxiety, insomnia, irritability, stomachaches and headaches.”
Experts say up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is safe and healthy for adults, but with about 95 to 165 milligrams of caffeine in one 8-ounce cup of coffee, drinking more than two cups might put you over the limit.
“Keep in mind that coffee may not be your only source of caffeine,” Dr. Kelly says. “Tea, sodas, energy drinks and anything with chocolate will also contribute to your caffeine intake.”
If you feel jittery or anxious or have trouble sleeping, it might be time to cut down on your daily joe.
Dr. Kelly also noted that some people should limit — or totally eliminate — consumption:
• Children. Although studies show that most American children ages 5 and older consume caffeine daily, having caffeinated beverages at a young age has been linked to anxiety disorders in adulthood. Coffee isn’t recommended for children, but if they are drinking it, Dr. Kelly pointed out that it should be mostly milk.
• Teens. For teens looking for the caffeine boost to aid in latenight studying, there are alternatives. “If they need to stay up later, have them take
a half-hour nap, then continue,” he says. “Or eat something nutritious, like a piece of fruit or some protein.”
Pregnant women. When pregnant or nursing, women should also limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams per day, as a higher intake increases the risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
“And if you drink caffeine while breastfeeding, the caffeine transmitted through breast milk may make your baby extra fussy or sleep less,” said Dr. Kelly.
Despite these concerns, coffee can offer some nutritional benefits; the beverage contains potassium, magnesium and niacin, all of which improve body function.
“Drinking coffee daily might also lower a person’s risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, aid in weight loss, and fight neurological defects and some types of cancer,” Dr. Kelly said.
These perks apply only to coffee that’s served black or with some milk and consumed in moderation. Extras — such as whipped cream, sweeteners and syrups — quickly add calories, fat and sugar to your morning beverage.
How can you cut down on caffeine?
While it may seem that the answer is as simple as consuming less, it may be a bit more complicated, as many people suffer from caffeine withdrawal at first.
“Common symptoms of caffeine withdrawal include headache, fatigue, low energy, irritability, anxiety, poor concentration and a depressed mood,” Dr. Kelly said. “To avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms, cut down your consumption gradually.”
Here are a few ways to do that:
Water down coffee and drinks that contain caffeine. Try changing from coffee to tea, which has lower caffeine levels. Green tea is particularly healthy.
Switch to decaf coffee, or if you “need” a second cup, drink decaf instead. Just remember, decaf is not completely caffeine free, so don’t take it as a free pass to drink all the coffee you want. Instead of a large cup of coffee, make it a small.
If you’ve been drinking multiple cups of coffee during the day, try alternating one cup of coffee with one cup of herbal tea or decaf — or even better, juice or water).
Mary Beth Donovan, ACNP-BC, is a board-certified acute care nurse practitioner who sees patients at Beaufort Memorial Primary Care and specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illness in adults.
Mary Beth Donovan
Catherine TambroniParker
Palmetto Pencil Project will support Beaufort County teachers, classrooms
Staff reports
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) are sponsoring the third annual Palmetto Pencil Project, a statewide teacher supply drive aimed at supporting educators and classrooms across South Carolina. The initiative reinforces SCETV’s continued commitment to education and community engagement.
Through July 31, individuals and community groups are invited to donate classroom essentials that directly benefit teachers and enhance student learning. Requested items include:
• Writing Tools: Pencils, pens, markers, colored pencils,
crayons, dry erase markers. Paper Products: Printing paper, notebook paper, construction paper, composition
notebooks, spiral notebooks. Folders/Envelopes: Twopocket folders, manila folders/envelopes.
Adhesives: Glue sticks, scotch tape refills, whiteout.
• Desk Supplies: Erasers, staplers/staples, post-it notes, scissors.
• Cleaning and Hygiene: Tissues, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, sandwich-type storage bags.
SCETV regional studios will serve as donation locations to collect supplies during the drive.
Supplies can be dropped off at each location between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The local drop-off location is ETV Lowcountry at 925 Ribaut Road in Beaufort. Items will be do-
nated locally to the Beaufort County School District. Supporting educators is essential to SCETV’s mission of serving South Carolinians. Educators help shape young minds, inspire lifelong learning and strengthen local communities. Through initiatives such as the Palmetto Pencil Project, SCETV strives to help alleviate the potential burden of purchasing supplies and fosters an environment where every child can learn and thrive.
For more information about the Palmetto Pencil Project, including supply lists and drop-off locations, please visit SCETV.org/PalmettoPencilProject.
Fourth of July Firecracker 5K
SC voucher program hits 10,000-student cap
By Skylar Laird SCDailyGazette.com
COLUMBIA — South Car-
olina’s latest scholarship program for K-12 private tuition and other expenses reached its cap of 10 000 students for the year, according to the state Department of Education.
That’s more than triple the number enrolled last year, when just under half of the initial program’s 5 000 slots went unfilled even before classes started.
And as many as 1 000 of the students whose families received an initial payment were later removed from the program for failing to meet eligibility requirements, according to estimates from the Education Oversight Committee.
But under the new law signed in May, the scholarship amount and eligibility expanded for the coming school year. Families’ qualifying income can reach up to 300% of the federal poverty level, instead of 200%. For a family of four, for example, incomes max out at $96,450, up from $62 400. And students no longer needed to be switching schools to qualify.
That opened the door for a greater number of students to receive the $7 500
annual scholarships (up from $6 000), doled out in four quarterly payments that start this month.
“This is an exciting milestone in South Carolina’s education freedom journey,” state Superintendent Ellen Weaver said in a statement.
“This program puts hardworking families in the driver’s seat — empowering them to shape an education as unique as their child.”
The 10 000 students enrolled for 2025-26 include 1 691 students who participated in the program last year and wanted to renew. That left 8,309 open slots. All were filled within six weeks of applications opening for all eligible students May 19, which followed a one-week priority window for children in active-duty military families.
The department did not provide a breakdown of student demographics, such as age, race and geographic location, or the reasons applications were rejected.
Of the 16 119 applications submitted for students new to the program, 2 819 of them were rejected, and 4 991 applications remain under review, said agency spokesman Jason Raven.
If they’re found eligible,
those students will be put on a waitlist for any spots that might open up this year. Otherwise, they’ll have a priority status when the application process renews next year — when eligibility expands again.
Under the law, up to 15 000 students qualify for 2026-27, when parents’ incomes can reach up to 500% of the federal poverty line. That’s $160 750 for a family of four under the latest guidelines (which are adjusted annually).
If more than 15 000 students apply, legislators have the option of funding additional scholarships by putting more money in the state budget.
This year’s increase in students accepted has several possible explanations, Raven said.
For one, legislators did away with the deadline to apply, which was the primary reason the department rejected applications last year. Nearly 80% of the 5 027 applications rejected ahead of the 2024-2025 school year were because parents missed the deadline or failed to complete all the necessary paperwork, the department spokesman said at the time.
Palmetto Promise Insti-
tute, which spent years lobbying for the school choice program, also redoubled its efforts to help parents sign up, offering a webinar explaining the program as well as one-on-one support for parents with questions, said Felicity Ropp, who leads the conservative think tank’s information hub on school choice.
Another likely reason for the increase, Raven said, was a renewed spotlight on the program as the House and Senate debated and ultimately passed a law meant to get private schools back on the list of providers after the state Supreme Court’s ruling last September.
In a split decision, justices said K-12 private tuition payments violated the state constitution’s ban on taxpayer money directly benefiting private education, making private schools immediately ineligible for additional scholarship money. GOP legislators designed the new law to get around that ban.
Another potential explanation for the increase is a new provision allowing families using school choice options within their public school district to participate, said Patrick Kelly with the Palmetto
State Teachers Association. Students attending a school other than the one for which they are zoned, including a different public school, can use the money for various expenses including tutoring, textbooks and computers.
And the program no longer limits eligibility to students enrolled the prior year in a public school, allowing parents with children already in private school to get state aid. Last year, only entering kindergartners were exempt from that now-deleted rule.
However, how many of the enrolled students can use their scholarship for private tuition over the coming school year remains to be seen.
The state’s high court will ultimately decide whether tuition payments under the new law are constitutional, as another lawsuit is expected ahead of classes starting.
The compromise agreed to by Republicans in both chambers combined parts of the House and Senate versions of the legislation.
Following the Senate’s suggestion, legislators used lottery revenue to cover $20 million of the $75 million the program will need this year. Keeping with the
House’s proposal, the law requires Weaver to hire a “trustee” to oversee fund distribution, which will begin at the end of the month. Supporters of the program said the cap being hit showed a high demand for the payments.
“These robust application numbers show how excited South Carolina parents are to have opportunity and choice in their children’s education,” Ropp said.
Critics remain unconvinced.
Sherry East, president of the South Carolina Education Association, called the law a “blatant disregard for our constitution by those who are sworn to uphold it.”
“Funds that could be used for other state agencies are being diverted to private schools that pick and choose who they educate,” East said in a statement. “If they take state money, they should play by the same rules.”
Skylar Laird covers the South Carolina Legislature and criminal justice issues. Originally from Missouri, she previously worked for The Post and Courier’s Columbia bureau. S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
William Scates carries the American flag as he runs across the Woods Memorial Bridge during the fourth annual HELP of Beaufort Fourth of July Firecracker 5K on Friday, July 4, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Aiken’s Angela Ascherman shares a high five with her 12-year-old son, Benji, after crossing the finish line of the fourth annual HELP of Beaufort Fourth of July Firecracker 5K on Friday, July 4, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
ARTS
Beaufort play tells story of Gullah Geechee experience during Revolution
Da’Gullah American Revolution Experience reckons with the difficult history behind some of Revolutionary War’s most famous heroes
By Skylar Laird SCDailyGazette.com
When George Washington goes to heaven in the Gullah Traveling Theater’s telling of the American Revolution, Saint Peter stops him at the pearly gates.
The country’s first president and commander-in-chief of the Continental Army must first reckon with his ownership of slaves and their lives before he can pass, Saint Peter tells him.
Though that’s obviously a fictional scenario, some historians say Washington did struggle internally with the juxtaposition of securing freedom for a new country while enslaving people. His will, signed six months before his death in 1799, ordered enslaved workers at Mount Vernon freed when his wife, Martha Washington, died, though fewer than half actually were.
In the play, the Virginia planter does make it into heaven.
Through Washington and other famous Revolutionary figures looking back at their lives, the nonprofit theater company tells the often-overlooked story of enslaved people in South Carolina during the Revolution, said director Anita Singleton Prather.
“They say behind every great man is a great woman, but I knew behind every great Revolutionary hero was probably some Black folks,” Prather said.
SC250, which is tasked with celebrating the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding, asked the Beaufort-based theater troupe’s director last year if she would be interested in putting on a show about the Gullah Geechee experience during the Revolutionary War.
Prather jumped at the chance to tell the story, she said.
“A lot of our history has not been included in your normal textbooks or archives,” Prather said.
Research was Prather’s first step.
She, like many people, knew much of the history that has been compiled of enslaved people during the Civil War, but the Revolution remained a dark spot in that history. That wasn’t for lack of trying. Not nearly as much has been written about slaves during that era, she said.
Prather knew that many people were enslaved in Barbados and brought to Charleston, so she visited the country in the Caribbe-
ARTS BRIEFS
Conroy Center
hosting An Evening with Katherine Scott Crawford on July 17
The nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center, in partnership with the Beaufort Bookstore, will host an evening with novelist Katherine Scott Crawford, author of “The Miniaturist’s Assistant,” at 5 p.m., Thursday, July 17, at the Conroy Center at 601 Bladen Street in Beaufort.
Books will be available for sale and signing. Seating is limited; please call 843-379-7025 in advance to reserve a spot.
“The Miniaturist’s Assistant” explores the mystery of time, how our choices ripple throughout history, and what it means to be a fully-realized woman — in any century.
“‘The Miniaturist’s Assistant’ is a multifaceted love story wrapped in a mystery that unfurls on the changing winds of history. A rollicking, page-turning tale, this unforgettable novel explores time travel, art, passion, the complexity of past sins, and the abundant promises embedded in the here and now. Katherine Scott Crawford has written a beautiful book steeped in humanity, truth, and wonder.” — Connie May Fowler, author of “Be-
an Sea in January. There, she got a better sense of the slave trade during that time.
She read accounts of the people enslaved to wellknown figures during the war in South Carolina, including “Swamp Fox” Francis Marion and “Fighting Gamecock” Thomas Sumter.
Because the play is fictional, Prather used historical accounts as the bones of the stories and filled in the gaps with her own writing, she said.
The play, called Da’Gullah American Revolution Experience, heavily features music, which was another challenge.
Scott Gibbs, the company’s music and art director, wanted to include traditional Gullah Geechee songs
from the era, knowing some from the Civil War had survived the years, but he couldn’t find much. So, he rearranged other spirituals to fit the scenes, he said.
“I’ve learned that sometimes (music) lightens the telling of the story,” Gibbs said. “You still have to tell the story. You still have to tell the truth, but it’s how you tell the story and how you tell the truth.”
While the story grapples with an ugly part of history, the point is not to take away from the major contributions and sacrifices the heroes of the Revolutionary War made in founding the country.
Principles of the Declaration of Independence they signed, such as liberty, free-
dom and the pursuit of happiness, were generally good, Prather said.
The Founding Fathers should have recognized that those principles should have applied to all people in the country, including those who were enslaved, she said.
To do that, the play humanizes the people denied the right to freedom for which the heroes of the Revolution fought, she said.
At a time when references to slavery at places such as national parks are being removed, Prather wanted audiences to grapple with the difficult parts of the past, she said.
“If you leave out the Gullah Geechee, then South Carolina history is not complete,” Prather said. “If you leave out South Carolina history, American history is not complete. Without American history, world history is not complete.”
“We have to tell the stories, and history is not good or bad,” Prather continued.
“It’s just what happened.”
Those contradictions were what made Prather decide to frame the story through characters looking back on their lives at heaven’s gates as opposed to using a more traditional linear narrative, she said.
A person like Washington, seen as a symbol of freedom during the Revolution, can face the people he enslaved as he never would have in life, she said.
In this version of the afterlife, enslaved people confront the people who owned them. During one act of the play, the characters read fictionalized letters to their masters, saying everything Prather imagined they might have said if given the chance.
For instance, Oscar Mar-
ion — who was enslaved by the general who’s the namesake of a South Carolina city, county and public university — is able to ask Francis Marion how he could enslave him despite them reportedly being friends as children and fighting side by side during the war.
“‘You don’t think I deserve the same freedom I fought for you to have?’” Prather said Oscar Marion asks. “‘You don’t think I deserve the same thing?’” The play, which showed an abridged preview in May, is only able to tell the story of a handful of enslaved people. Prather wants people to take away a broader curiosity of their role in the war.
“There are so many untold stories that need to be told,” Prather said. “We won’t get to tell them all, but hopefully we’ll give people enough of a taste that they will go and do some of their own research.”
Skylar
fore Women had Wings.” Crawford is the award-winning author of “The Miniaturist’s Assistant” and “Keowee Valley.” A former backpacking guide, adjunct professor, and recovering academic, her newspaper column appeared weekly across the country and abroad, including in USA Today The Detroit Free Press, the Herald Scotland, and more. Winner of a North Carolina Arts Award in fiction, she holds an MFA in Writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. An 11th-generation Southerner, she directs writing retreats at a remote mountain lodge in Western North Carolina, where she lives with her family.
Conroy Center hosting An Evening with Karen White on July 23
The nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center and the Storybook Shoppe are hosting an evening with New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist Karen White, author of “That Last Carolina Summer” from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 23, on the ground floor of the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce at 711 Bladen Street. This event will also
feature a special welcome by Conroy Center honorary chair and bestselling author Cassandra King Advance registration is required; $40 fee includes an autographed copy of “That Last Carolina Summer,” the author's presentation, and refreshments. This is a book-with-ticket event; no refunds will be possible. Additional copies of Karen White's books will also be available for sale and signing through the Storybook Shoppe. To learn more or register, visit https://bit.ly/40xSlhk.
"Karen White brings all her magnificent storytelling gifts to this stunner of a novel. As much as you want to race along and discover all the secrets, you find yourself stopping to savor the truths she weaves into every twist and turn. If ‘That Last Carolina Summer’ has a flaw, it is this: you won’t ever want to wake up from its spell.” — Beatriz Williams, bestselling author of “Husbands & Lovers.”
Get Ready for a Night of Beachy Vibes & Jersey Harmonies!
“Lights Out Presents: The Jersey Beach Boys” is coming to the USCB Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 24. This
show blends the smooth moves of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons with the iconic sound of the Beach Boys — the perfect summer night out!
‘Da’ Gullah American Revolutionary Experience’ invites audiences to gather with the unforgettable Aunt Pearlie Sue and explore the often-overlooked contributions of Gullah men and women during the American Revolution. Photo courtesy of Gullah Traveling Theater
ART
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
Beaufort Lions Club Water Festival Pancake Breakfast
8 to 11 a.m., Saturday, July 12, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Lady's Island Drive, Beaufort. Pancakes, waffles, biscuits/gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, tea, juice. For more information, email beaufortlionsclub@gmail. com or follow us on Facebook/instagram/Nextdoor.
May River Shrimp Fest
Sunset Party
5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Friday, July 25, Oyster Factory Park, Bluffton. Featuring live music by “Cristaldi & Stiltner” and “Vanna & The Rump Shackers.” Enjoy a festive atmosphere with local seafood, food trucks, craft beers, boutique wines, and family-friendly fun. Kids and leashed pets are welcome. Tickets are $11 in advance, $15 at the door, with children under 12 free. Group discounts are available online. All tips collected from beer and wine sales support local charities. For tickets and more information, visit www.blufftonsunsetparty.com or call 843-757-8520.
Yemassee Shrimp Festival Friday, Sept. 19 & Saturday, Sept. 20, 101 Town Circle Yemassee. Live music includes the East Coast Party Band (8 p.m., Friday), sponsored by Comcast; and Funk Factory 5 (8 p.m. Saturday). Ore details to come.
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 with Ali
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
WHAT’S HAPPENING
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 Bluffton 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 347-4979326 or email gardnerbarbara991@ gmail.com to provide current contact information.
DANCE
Lowcountry Shaggers
6 to 9 p.m., Mondays, Holiday Inn, 2225 Boundary Street. Shag lessons with Tommy & Sheri O’Brien and others. Occasional ballroom and once-a-monh line dancing. Biginner, intermediate and advanced lessons. Open dancing after lessons. Visit www.lowcountryshaggers.com of email lowcountryshaggers@aol.com.
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.
GOLF
4th annual Stingray Scramble Saturday, Sept. 20, Ocean Creek Golf Course, Fripp Island. Proceeds benefit Riverview Charter School.
Early bird pricing is $650 for team of four through July 1. After July 1, $700 for team of four. Register online at https://bit.ly/4kTF4br. Visit https://bit.ly/4mWQ7ls for sponsorship opportunities.
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
Free Lunches At The Library
Through July 31. Ages 0 to 18. Child/teen must be present to receive lunch. Lunches must be consumed at the library location. All locations will serve “cold lunches.” No lunches will be served on July 4. Schedule for individual branches: Beaufort Branch, 11 to 11:45 a.m.; Bluffton Branch, 11 a.m. to noon; Hilton Head Island Branch, 10 to 11 a.m.; Lobeco Branch, noon to 1 p.m., Port Royal Branch, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.; St. Helena Branch, 11 a.m. to noon.
Moo-fort, Mermaids and More: Colorful Public Art Projects in Beaufort County
5:30 p.m., Monday, July 28, Beaufort Branch. Ages 12 to 100. Free, no registration. Join Cassandra Knoppel for a colorful review of past, present and public art projects in Beaufort County from 2000 to 2025. Come reminisce with us as we remember all the fun we had with the “Big Pig Gig,” the “River of Art,” “Surf and urf,” and “The Big Swim!”
“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.
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.
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
Beaufort Lions Club
6 p.m., first and third Monday of every month, St John's Lutheran Church, 157 Lady's Island Drive, Beaufort. For more information, visit thebeaufortlionsclub@gmail. com or follow on Facebook/Instagram/Nextdoor.
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 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.
Beaufort Chapter of America’s Boating Club
6 p.m., 2nd Tuesday of most months, at various Beaufort/Port Royal venues. Regular meetings begin with a Social, followed by Dinner and often include an exciting Guest Speaker from the Lowcountry. For Meeting Information or Educational Opportunities, please contact Paul Gorsuch, Administrative Officer at admino@ beaufortboatingclub.com . Boat ownership is not required, however a passion for safe responsible boating is mandatory.
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, University Bikes, 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 843575-0021 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.
Al-Anon Beaufort County
7:30 p.m., Thursday, 80 Lady’s Island Drive in Beaufort. “Do you worry about how much someone drinks? Is it affecting your life? You are not alone. Al-Anon Beaufort Serenity Group offers help and hope. Join the group in Beaufort, or visit the Lowcountry page at https://bit.ly/3HvksaF for more times and locations.
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
Campfire Tyler
6 p.m., Saturday, July 12, Olde Beaufort Golf Club Bar & Grill, Lady’s Island. Food and a full bar.
Distant Sounds 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday, July 12, Tomfoolery, Habersham. Something for everyone, from the 60s to the 10s. David Ayres on guitar & vocals, Richard Knieriem on drums & vocals, Eric Roberts on bass, Paul Butare on guitar & vocals.
Distant Sounds 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 8, Oct. 3, Another Slice Pizza, Harbor Island. Something for everyone, from the 60s to the 10s. David Ayres on guitar & vocals, Richard Knieriem on drums & vocals, Eric Roberts on bass, Paul Butare on guitar & vocals.
Distant Sounds 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 29, Sept. 12, Seaside Bar & Grill, St. Helena Island. Something for everyone, from the 60s to the 10s. David Ayres on guitar & vocals, Richard Knieriem on drums & vocals, Eric Roberts on bass, Paul Butare on guitar & vocals.
Campfire Tyler
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays, The Fillin’ Station, Lady’s Island.
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
Free boating inspections
Get a free vessel safety check by local members of the America's Boating Club of Beaufort. If your boat passes, you will receive a VSC decal to mount on your boat that will be visible to other boaters and maritime law enforcement personnel. Email Safety@beaufortboatingclub.com .
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 Nature Center at 843-838-7437.
PHOTOGRAPHY Wild Bees photography exhibit Through Sunday, August 17, Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head Island. A photography exhibit by Paula Sharp and Ross Eatman. A public opening reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, May 15 at Coastal Discovery Museum. Sharp and Eatman will conduct a tour of the exhibition before the reception at 4 p.m.
RUNNING Sunset 5K – Hawaiian Shirt Run 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 24, Oyster Factory Park, Bluffton. The route takes participants through the charming streets of historic Old Towne Bluffton. The event is perfect for both runners and walkers. Come dressed in your brightest Hawaiian shirt or shorts — prizes will be awarded for the most colorful outfits! All participants will receive a themed T-shirt, lei, post-race refreshments during our lively Post Race Celebration. Strollers & Leashed pets welcome. Registration is open at bearfootsports.com.
SEWING/QUILTING
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, crossstitch, 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
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 843-5972541 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 843255-6458 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.
VOICES
Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the Voices section are not necessarily the opinions of The Island
Graham still favored in U.S. Senate seat
ooks like four-term U.S.
LSen. Lindsey Graham has a pedigreed political challenger for the Republican primary in 2026, but he’s probably grinning privately because he may just have the perfect opponent.
Former Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, who's been pretty quiet in politics for a few years, said he’ll challenge Graham next year for essentially not being conservative enough – even though President Donald Trump has already vigorously endorsed Graham and tasked an ally to run his campaign.
Graham, who criticized Trump when both were running for president in 2016, morphed into the lackey of lackeys when Trump won the nomination. Since then, there’s been a hot bromance that cooled some, but the relationship remains close, on the golf course and off.
So with Trump being the only
Have you ever used the idiom, “Getting out while the going’s good?” Or perhaps you preferred “making hay while the sun shines” or even “striking while the iron is hot.”
All these suggest acting promptly and decisively to capitalize on a positive opportunity before it's lost. And in this case, it seems to suggest getting (the hell) out of Dodge, or more specifically Washington, D.C., would be the expedient path to take.
The departures from Congress began in 2024 when looming on the horizon were the dark clouds of unsuccessful dealmaking. Most notable were Senators Kyrsten Sinema, Arizona Democrat-turnedIndependent; Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.). All tended to be centrists whose main thrust while in office was fiscal responsibility. Before they left, a bipartisan bill on immigration collapsed after then-former President Trump urged the Republicans to kill the bill. It should be noted that
real endorsement that matters in MAGA-fueled Republican politics, it’s kind of hard to see Bauer’s path to winning the GOP nomination.
Bauer, who served eight years as lieutenant governor, last was in elective politics in 2011. Since then, he’s flirted with running for various congressional seats and worked as a political commentator and real estate developer. Now, he seems to be trying to out-Trump Graham as the America First candidate in the GOP primary. On his campaign website, Bauer, who didn’t return
a phone call, touted himself as the “only America First candidate South Carolina can trust to stand with President Trump, take on the establishment, and put our values first.”
Winthrop University pollster Scott Huffmon explains there are three branches of the Republican Party these days and “most of the time, their behavior and preferences are utterly identical.”
First, there are the Make America Great Again acolytes who are fiercely loyal to Trump – and where the endorsement of Graham is a big deal. Then are the America Firsters, who may be disappointed with foreign entanglements that Graham has supported and who may be a little skeptical of Trump after he pushed the U.S. to participate in a limited bombing of Iran. Finally are more traditional Republicans who don’t particularly like Trump but wouldn’t vote for a Democrat until hell froze over.
In Bauer’s favor are lowerthan-expected polling numbers in South Carolina for Graham.
In May, some 40% of South Carolinians disapproved of how Graham was handling his job as senator. But when you pull out Democrats, that number dropped to 18% of Republican respondents. Fifty-five percent said they approved; 26% said they weren’t sure.
But even if Bauer were able to peel off some of the America First faction, getting to 50% in a primary could be kind of tough, and not only because Trump’s endorsement means something. There are two other things going on.
First, Graham has a significant cash-on-hand advantage with almost $16 million in the bank on March 31. He’s also a proven fund-raiser and will be able to get more cash if he needs it to be on the ballot in November 2026
Second, Bauer has been out of the political eye for more than
a dozen years – a long time in politics. During that time – and despite being an early supporter of Trump – he hasn’t been about to get a job in the Trump administration, even after browbeating friends in Washington. When Trump nominated Bauer in 2020 to be U.S. ambassador to Belize, he wasn’t able to get through the confirmation process.
So while it’s not going to be comfortable for Graham to spend a little cash to beat Bauer in the GOP primary, he’s probably grinning like a Cheshire cat because he’s got Trump’s endorsement, he can likely count on the MAGA wing of the party and he knows there’s something that kept Bauer from becoming an ambassador that could come out if politicking were to turn nasty.
Andy Brack is editor and publisher of the Charleston City Paper and Statehouse Report. Have a comment? Send it to feedback@statehousereport.com.
EXIT STAGE RIGHT
there were Democrats who voted against it as well. What drew me to the ‘exit-stage-right’ trend, however, were some of the more recent decisions.
Last Sunday, June 29 Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) announced his retirement saying, “I haven’t exactly been excited about running for another term. It’s not a hard choice.” He capped off his retirement announcement by verbally attacking “the big beautiful bill” for its cuts to Medicaid and renewable energy tax credits.
It is worth noting that earlier this year, the N.C. lawmaker was the sole GOP vote against Ed Martin, the White House’s pick to become U.S. attorney for D.C. Tillis said at the time that he was skeptical of Martin’s views on the Jan.
Truth: Central to journalism
We should all be thankful for our free speech rights. It granted The Island News editorial contributor Tim Newman the right to express his personal views (“Episode 3”) — which clearly also illustrated his (perhaps unconscious?) biases.
My wife Cheryl and I have participated in nearly all of the rally gatherings adjacent to City Hall, each week with a sign expressing a concern around government action. But Mr. Newman wrote some untruths. I suggest we’re obvious projections of his blindness to factual reality.
No one blocks traffic, and it is only some few passing motorists yelling epithets — not rally participants who accept those curses without reaction. Organization leaders advise us every week to maintain civility and be respectful of opposing viewpoints.
I respect law enforcement, you included Mr. Newman. Thanks for what you do. I do NOT respect masked men in military garb refusing to show their faces, proving [neither] IDs nor warrants, literally disrespecting the rule of law. I abhor our abandonment of a commitment to Ukraine and its democracy and defend my right to honor their flag along with our own — don’t you?
6 2021, Capitol riot — the nominee defended rioters who breached the Capitol and, as D.C.’s acting U.S. attorney, was the subject of an investigation into his office’s handling of Jan. 6 cases.
Tillis, as a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the upper chamber’s influential panel charged with reviewing the White House’s picks for federal judgeships has been willing to reach across the aisle and support even those nominees offered by Democratic administrations.
Also joining the ranks of retirees is Rep. Mark Green, (R-Tenn.). This is a move that was expected but one that could, at least for now, shrink Republicans’ already narrow majority in the House. “While I cannot give the details here, I will be doing something specifically designed to help America compete against the CCP [Chinese Communist Party], but this time in business,” Green said in a video on X.
Still one more flight is that of Don Bacon (R-Neb.)
We are not lemmings, Mr Newman; we are patriots expressing our Constitutional right and OBLIGATION to disagree with our government when its actions stray from the values sacred to us all. The lens through which Mr. Newman sees all the issues we express in our signage at each rally, that lens has blinded him to other or more complex points of view, deafened him to the voices of his neighbors.
So, Mr. Newman, maybe make a sign, perhaps “Support LOCAL Law Enforcement,” and you and Beth come out on July 17 (A big rally in honor of John “Make Good Trouble” Lewis), and stand with your neighbors. You will find we are a very civil bunch, a beautiful cross-section of our community, all who simply care about America and worry about where she is going. See you and Beth there?
(Remember to bring water, it is hot out there!)
– Timothy Dodds, Lady’s Island re: Dickson and Newman
Mr. Dickson, I can't wait to sit on the front porch with the fine people (spelled MORANS) who drive by the Monday afternoon protest, roll down their window and shoot me the bird and yell "Fxxx You," while I am exercising my constitutional
who announced that he won’t run again. He, too, is considered to be a centrist who said this past week he doesn’t have the “hunger” for another grueling re-election campaign. It is worth noting that Bacon is just one of three House Republicans who won in Congressional Districts that were captured by Kamala Harris in her bid for the presidency.
And so, the gist I gathered from all of this is that centrist Republicans are opting out rather than staying to do battle. They apparently have reached the point of saturation.
Then there is this to be factored in. I watched a video in which Lisa Murkowski spoke and was very open in using the word “scared.” She reiterated this several times. Part of me is disgusted, and yet for part of me this admission resonates. After all, 47 ran on a “term of retribution,” and we know that there have been several examples of threats on members of Congress, as well as the assassination of those in Minn. That 47 exonerated
those incarcerated for their participation in the Jan. 6th riots that included the attack on and the murder of Capitol Police can hardly be overlooked. His green light for violence understandably instills fright in those who dare to object.
As of June 29, 2025, 23 members of the U.S. Congress — seven members of the U.S. Senate and 16 members of the U.S. House of Representatives announced they would not seek re-election in 2026., Elections to the U.S. Senate will be held on Nov. 3 2026. Thirty-three of the 100 seats are up for regular election. Special elections may be held to fill vacancies that occur in the 119th Congress.
Now, dear reader, you must admit I have been very matter-of-fact in writing this article, perhaps boringly so. In doing this, I have tried to provide accurate information without bias. But heaven help me, I must digress at least once. You would be disappointed otherwise.
I will momentarily move away from this fact-filled
rights to peaceful protest. The Republicans are calling for more babies to be conceived. I hope my younger friends don't pick one of those morans to assist in that process.
Mr. Newman, I rather liked your approach in Episode 1" and I did try one of those online apps that help you figure out if you are politically this or that. Somehow I missed Episode 2. In Episode 3 you lost your cool.
I have been at most of the protests and have only seen one or two signs that went a little too far. Don't forget we are protesting against a man who insults people, bullies dignitaries in the oval office, and uses foul language all while serving as our President. One sign I didn't see was the ACAB one. I don't think anybody protesting with our group believes that all cops are bad. In fact they believe the great majority are good hard working public servants, just like the thousands of public servants that DOGE fired.
Are there bad cops? For sure. If there are cops' kids who protest against their own parents, that ought to tell you something about that particular cop. A few cops are not heroes (ACAH). I imagine it depends on why they joined the profession to start with.
You also said that President Trump knows how to win and lose, in the part where you called us sore losers. I think
exposition, and provide something on a more positive note. In all my research for the facts, I ran across this nugget and simply couldn’t resist. It seems that U.S. Senator Tommy Tubberville (R-Ala.) is retiring and will run for governor of “Sweet Home” Alabama. I’ll leave it at that. It is becoming rather apparent that being a part of Congress is so miserable, especially for those who don’t see compromise as a dirty word, that leaving early is preferable to making it a life-long career choice. Perhaps this is a good thing as many political scientists have suggested that all terms should be limited. Clearly those who are exhausted rather than fulfilled by the lack of bipartisan deal-making are choosing to exit. Only time will tell whether or not their replacements are what is needed.
Carol Lucas is a retired high school teacher and a Lady’s Island resident. She is the author of the recently published “A Breath Away: One Woman’s Journey Through Widowhood.”
you need to rethink that part about being a good loser. He is still trying to say he won and planning to reinvestigate that election. How many times and how many independent people does he need to hear “you lost” from. You can't really think there is something wrong with people waving the Ukrainian flag in support of a country that is being attacked by the Russians (actually Putin). There are plenty of American flags proudly displayed out there. Maybe those folks waving the Ukranian flag have family or friends over there and just don't want to see a beautiful country overrun by just another bully. And what in the world is wrong with a sign protesting guns? I guess you like seeing a guy at Publix with a glock strapped to his belt. And citizen Musk (think apartheid South Africa) has found some waste -- but it's in the millions. What the heck, let's give him credit for a billion. Not chicken feed, but a far cry from a trillion. It takes a 1,000 billions to make a trillion. So one tenth of one percent in waste. I'd love to have a 99 9% score on just about anything. Remember, in the U.S.A., even the most despicable criminal gets his day in court. That is one of the many reasons America is already great.
– Bob Lewis, U.S. citizen, Port Royal
ANDY BRACK
CAROL LUCAS
VOICES
Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the Voices section are not necessarily the opinions of The Island
Call them ‘elites’ but don’t mock survival
It is Monday, early, and I have my coffee — Eight O’Clock. I also have an old New Yorker Magazine that features a long article by David Immerwahr called “Doctor’s Orders.”
“Doctor’s Orders” is about contrarians — Robert Kennedy Jr. in particular — but Immerwahr’s piece might have been titled, “What Happened to the American Psyche After We Beat Covid- 19 ?”
In this piece, two political scientists at Princeton University — Stephen Macedo and Frances Lee — offer their opinions about the widespread resentment and, specifically, the perception that the lockdowns and school closures were unnecessary. They say, “Trump was the clear winner. Inflation, fury at elites and disdain for experts propelled his re-election. ‘I am your retribution,’ he promised.”
In this regard it is important to remember that our species, Homo Sapiens, has gone down the contagion path before — and one must remember Europe and what happened after Bubonic Plague consumed one-third of its population.
Bubonic Plague first appeared in 1346 as the Mongol army was besieging the town of Caffa in the Crimea. After that the disease quickly spread into
Nthe Mediterranean Basin and then into Western Europe.
The bacillus was harbored by rats who knew how to burrow under the frozen steppe that was part and parcel of a Mongolian winter. Fleas, attached to these burrowing rats, provided what epidemiologists call a “vector” to the raiding, rapefocused horsemen who rode into Ukraine from the East.
Some cities like Milan escaped the plague entirely, Others, like Venice, lost their entire population to the disease. Before antibiotics arrived on the scene in 1943, the average death rate was 60 to 70% of those infected. In all about 1/3 of the European population simply vanished.
The idea of a quarantine probably originated in the Bible. And a few fortunate folks scrambled out of Venice and into the Apennines where they survived Pasteurella pestis.
The outbreak of Plague brought the fear of
imminent death — and that fear broke down laws, destroyed order, and removed social restraints. Plagues and rumors of plagues did their work in Italy, Flanders and Scandinavia fueling long standing grievances of the poor (against the rich) that led to riots.
Jews were often blamed for the disease and a sizable cohort headed eastward, into Poland, that country somehow escaping the first round of Black Death.
The Catholic Church, because of its sacred rituals, was slow to react and largely unable to answer the question of why some were killed, others spared, notwithstanding incense, sacraments and non-stop prayer. These rituals were no match for the vagaries of infection and sudden death. (see “Plagues and Peoples,” William McNeill, pages 184-185).
In the case of Covid there were no riots, or plunder that I remember, even though 1 197 470 people perished. We wore our masks; endured months of sedentary isolation; and waited for our white-robed scientists to come up with a vaccine.
But then we began to complain.
Was the Chinese lab in Wuhan the culprit? Then critics moved to the lockdowns. Were they
really necessary? Didn’t the Swedes avoid the closures and lockdowns?
The so-called “Blue States” (New York and California) endured and embraced the isolation. Florida and its red state citizenry did not. In the New Yorker piece, Princeton’s Macedo and Lee say there was the perception that working class people, and their children, took a serious blow while the rich had a “pajama party.”
When Trump was considering his third run for the Oval Office, he took note of these skeptics, especially those who believed in Chinese malfeasance and those who
said the lockdowns were too long and too severe.
Robert Kennedy Jr.’s embrace of unpopular theories had found a home with millions of Americans and Trump decided that he wanted this angry, motivated demographic in his column.
“Kennedy has faithfully carried out Trump’s war on science, firing thousands of HHS officials and terminating studies, including (those) into antiviral drugs for future pandemics.”
But nobody argues about the effectiveness of the Moderna or the Pfizer vaccine. There is no question that these vaccines were created, tested and
distributed in record time. Furthermore, the concept of triggering a cell into making a specific protein, involving two mutations, was revolutionary research. For most of our uneven and unrecorded history we have been looking through a glass darkly, now we can reach into a cell and change it. Call them “elites” if you must, but this was groundbreaking research undertaken by thousands of very smart people in labs throughout the United States.
Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.
249 years of physics and politics
ewton’s third law of motion says that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, and we are seeing much evidence of this in today’s politics.
Newton was a pretty smart man, so I am inclined to believe what he said is true. No, I am not talking about the late great Las Vegas singer and entertainer, Wayne Newton, even though I am sure he was pretty smart too. I am talking about seventh century English polymath Isaac Newton, who you will remember, is the guy who had an apple fall on this head, and came up with the laws of motion and gravity.
For much of our recent history Newton’s law has applied to politics in the form of the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, with the Democrats holding down the position left of center and the Republicans on the right of center. Neither party strayed too far left or right, and although that pushed back and forth, the government was usually close to the center without much influence from the radicals on the far left or the far right, and that
Make
worked because it reflected most people’s needs and values.
Newton’s law is working overtime today. The hard pull coming from the far left, and an equally hard push back coming from the far right is new, while the majority of the people are still pretty much in the center.
What is playing out has the center majority confused, disturbed and wondering what is coming next.
I am going to make an attempt to simplify the situation.
As we all know, words matter, so now that we have strayed from the traditional Democratic and Republican parties I think, at least for the time being, we need new descriptions. Some Republicans have sort of morphed into what is being described as MAGA Republicans, and some
Stealing our country's Wealth in front of our Faces it's for our own Good they say to make Them even richer
Democrats have become an amalgamation of Progressives, Socialists, and Communists, and the line among those groups is growing very thin lately. So, I am proposing for simplicity’s sake the new Republicans be called “Magapubs” and the new Democrats be called the “Prosoclnists.” That leaves most of the rest of us who can be correctly referred to as Republicans and Democrats.
Just to confuse things further, Elon Musk has now started the new “American Party.” At this point we are not sure what it stands for, who might be in it, or if it’s good or bad. The only thing that I have heard so far is that Elon is against the expansion of the national debt, which doesn't sound like a bad idea to me, but time will tell where that effort is going.
I think Elon has come down with a bad case of Trump Disparagement Syndrome, so he may be rejoining his former friends on the left, even though for the past months he has been persona non grata with that group, but they probably will forgive him, every cause can
– Carol Connor
‘Woefully inadequate’
We love residing in Beaufort, but find the local food scene so disappointing. Menus are repetitive, boring and rarely change, regardless of the season. Great for tourists, not for locals. Service is spotty, and any consistency of product quality and subsequent execution is
“Newton’s law is working overtime today. The hard pull coming from the far left, and an equally hard push back coming from the far right is new, while the majority of the people are still pretty much in the center. ”
JIM DICKSON, on the shifting balance of American politics.
use a billionaire or two.
I am not sure how long it will take, but I have confidence that we will be coming back to the center, and that the gentle pull from center right and the gentle push from center left will resume again. “Prosoclnists” and “Magapubs” will be long forgotten, civility and reason
woefully inadequate.
Latino food is well loved, but do we really need over 24-plus eateries and food trucks with even MORE coming? We don’t even have a legitimate local bakery anymore and no, Publix doesn’t count.
Beaufort just doesn’t have enough chef driven restaurants. We had such hope when Blacksheep opened its doors — it offered such diversity, incredible flavors and combinations. The tremendous skill and passion was felt in every bite.
Chef Matt could convert the most die hard carnivore into a vegetarian for the evening as his ability to turn the most pedestrian of vegetables into masterpieces
will return to the American political scene.
A few brave men signed their names 249 years ago to what was almost certainly a death sentence if they were caught by the British, the Declaration of Independence. They pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor, and many of them lost it all but their sacred honor in the war for independence that followed. They envisioned a country that would be ruled by the people and for the people, and after nine hard years they succeeded, and it changed the world forever.
America has always been great, and as long as we understand what made it great and pass that knowledge along to our children, it always will be. Happy 249th birthday America!
Born, raised and educated in the Southwest, Jim Dickson served in the U.S. Navy Reserve in Vietnam before a 35-year business career.
Retired to St. Helena Island, Dickson and his wife are fiscally conservative, socially moderate and active in Republican politics, though they may not always agree with Republicans. Having lived around the country and traveled around the world, Dickson believes that the United States truly is the land of opportunity.
was amazing. And guess what? People responded in such numbers, that a whole new booking system had to be developed to accommodate the tremendous response. Doesn’t that say something?
It seems no one here does any market research before opening a restaurant. If they did, they’d realize how much the locals crave variety, seasonality, unusual or exotic flavors, and creative dishes. Like us, many of our friends and neighbors have simply stopped eating out. We’ve decided to save our dining dollars for when we travel. What a shame really, as we want to support as many local businesses as we can.
– Regina Sixta, Lady’s Island
SCOTT GRABER
JIM DICKSON
St. Helena Island native competes for Team Navy in 2025 Warrior Games
By Alyssa Ross Navy Installations Command
MILLINGTON, Tenn.
– A native of St. Helena Island will join more than 250 seriously wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans at the Department of Defense (DOD) Warrior Games Challenge July 18-26 2025, at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
U.S. Navy Chief Intelligence Specialist Dantrell "Dani" Chaplin will be competing against athletes representing the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force and U.S. Special Operations Command. During the nine-day competition, Chaplin will compete in archery, field, track and sitting volleyball.
Hosted by U.S. Army Training & Doctrine Command (TRADOC), the DOD organizes an annual premier and elite adaptive-sports competition, the Warrior Games. This year is the 15th anniversary,
highlighting the exceptional physical skills and mental toughness of seriously wounded, ill and injured active-duty and veteran service members.
Though there are medals distributed during Warrior Games, the competition most highly celebrates personal tenacity, perseverance and the triumph of the spirit.
Chaplin joined the Navy in 2003 to explore the globe and take advantage of the educational benefits of earning a degree. Chaplin began participating in adaptive sports after some encouragement from a fellow wounded warrior who participated in the Warrior Games in 2024
“Her passion ignited a spark within me, revealing a world where physical limitations were not barriers, but rather challenges to be
overcome," Chaplin said. "Navy Wounded Warrior became a lifeline for me. Connecting me with other wounded warriors, sharing experiences and finding that shared understanding is incredibly powerful."
Chaplin participated in her first camp in November 2024 and found a new love for archery. Outside of sports, Chaplin enjoys her “me time” with simple pleasures like casual dinners at home, movie nights and time well-spent with loved ones.
“Family is my anchor, and those connections bring me immense happiness and support," Chaplin added.
For more information about the 2025 DoD Warrior Games Challenge, visit https://dodwarriorgames.com.
About Adaptive Athletics
Team Navy is part of the Navy Wounded Warrior’s adaptive ath-
V“Family is my anchor, and those connections bring me immense happiness and support.”
DANTRELL CHAPLIN, on what keeps her grounded during recovery.
letics program. Serious wounds, illness, or injury can profoundly impact that way of life, often significantly altering their physical capabilities. Adaptive athletics have been modified to meet the abilities of injured or ill individuals. They help wounded warriors rebuild strength and endurance while also drawing inspiration from their teammates. Sports also help build self-esteem, lower stress
levels and invite service members to rejoin a team environment. All wounded warriors enrolled in the Navy Wounded Warrior program are encouraged to include adaptive athletics in their recovery.
About Navy Wounded Warrior
Navy Wounded Warrior is an official Navy program that serves as an unbiased advocate, bridging the needs of commands and care teams with those of sailors and Coast Guardsmen in the midst of navigating to a new normal after a serious wound, illness, or injury. Since 2009, Navy Wounded Warrior has helped more than 12 000 seriously wounded, ill and injured sailors and Coast Guardsmen, along with their families and caregivers. The program provides individually tailored and comprehensive non-medical assistance designed to optimize the success of enrollees’ recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
Agent Orange (Toxic) exposure and disability compensation
eterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service and who develop the presumptive cancers below do not have to prove a connection between their presumptive illness/ condition and service to be eligible to receive VA health care and disability compensation. Cancers caused by Agent Orange exposure are presumptive.
1. Bladder Cancer: A type of cancer that affects the bladder, where urine is stored before it leaves the body. Symptoms of bladder cancer include blood in the urine and pain in the pelvic region or back, according to the Mayo Clinic. Blood in the urine may be visible or only become apparent during a urinalysis. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4ezOmqH.
2. Chronic B-cell Leukemias: A type of cancer that affects white blood cells. This includes all chronic B-cell leukemias, including, but not limited to, hairy cell leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Common leukemia symptoms are persistent fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, weight loss without trying, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen, easy bleeding or bruising, tiny red spots in the skin (petechiae), and bone pain or tenderness. Learn more at https://bit.ly/46qTafH.
3. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A subtype of
leukemia. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common form of leukemia and is characterized by the production of an excessive number of white blood cells. Common leukemia symptoms are persistent fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, weight loss without trying; swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen, easy bleeding or bruising, tiny red spots in the skin, and bone pain or tenderness. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4es30zW.
4. Hodgkin's Disease: A malignant lymphoma (cancer) characterized by progressive enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, and by progressive anemia. Hodgkin's disease is one of the two most common cancers of the lymphatic system, a component of the immune system. Signs may include fever, fatigue, night sweats, itching, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Painless swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin may also occur. Learn more at https://bit.ly/45SLN0q.
5. Multiple Myeloma: A cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow. Multiple myeloma is a cancer
EDITOR’S NOTE This article is the second in a series of five.
caused by the overproduction of specific proteins from plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell. It is called multiple myeloma because it is characterized by plasma cell tumors in multiple bones throughout the body. Symptoms include bone pain, unexplained bone fractures, repeated infections, weakness or numbness in the legs, abnormal proteins in the blood or urine, anemia, fatigue, and high levels of calcium in the blood. Learn more at “Multiple Myeloma and Agent Orange” at https:// bit.ly/4nwvfSh.
6. Other myelodysplastic syndromes: According to the May Clinic, myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of disorders caused by blood cells that are poorly formed or don't work correctly. Myelodysplastic syndromes might cause fatigue, shortness of breath, unusual paleness, which occurs due to a low red blood cell count, easy or unusual bruising or bleeding, which occurs due to a low blood platelet count, pinpoint-sized red spots just beneath the skin that are caused by bleeding, or frequent infections, which occur due to a low white blood cell count. Learn more by watching the VA YouTube Video “Myelodysplastic Syndrome Patient Chooses
Warner Robins Treatment” at https://bit.ly/44qQ2ho.
7. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: A group of cancers that affect the lymph glands and other lymphatic tissue. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymph glands and other lymphatic tissue, which are integral to the body's immune system. Signs include swollen, painless lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin areas in the early stages. Other signs may include fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain or swelling, chest pain or trouble breathing, and itchy skin. Learn more at “Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphona and Agent Orange” at https://bit.ly/3IrbI5x.
8. Prostate Cancer: Cancer of the prostate is one of the most common cancers among men. Some individuals may experience urinary problems, while others may not exhibit symptoms until later in life. The most significant risk factor for prostate cancer is increasing age. Other risk factors include having a father or brother with the disease and being African American. Prostate cancer is often first detected with a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test or digital rectal exam. A 2013 study conducted at the Portland VA Medical Center and Oregon Health and Science University found that veterans exposed to Agent Orange are also more likely to have aggressive forms of the disease. Learn more at VA’s “Prostate Cancer and
Agent Orange” at https:// bit.ly/3TnmDQe.
9. Respiratory Cancers (includes lung cancer): Cancers of the lung, larynx, trachea, and bronchus. Veterans who develop respiratory cancer (lung, bronchus, larynx, or trachea) and were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service do not have to prove a connection between their disease and service to be eligible to receive VA health care and disability compensation.
Respiratory cancers are cancers of the lung, larynx, trachea, and bronchus. Symptoms vary, depending on the location of the cancer:
• Lung cancer — a new cough or cough that doesn’t go away, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness
• Cancer of the trachea — dry cough, hoarseness, breathlessness, difficulty swallowing Cancer of the larynx (at the top of the trachea) — hoarseness, voice changes, sore throat or earache, feeling of a lump in the throat
• Cancer of the bronchus — cough, chest pain, coughing blood. Learn more at the “Respiratory Cancers and Agent Orange” webpage at https://bit.ly/3ThZOxj.
10. Soft Tissue Sarcomas(other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, or
mesothelioma): A group of different types of cancers affecting body tissues, including muscle, fat, blood, and lymph vessels, as well as connective tissues (that is, distinct from hard tissue such as bone or cartilage). These tumors are relatively rare.. The VA does not include osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, or mesothelioma on our list of presumptive conditions. There are often no symptoms in the early stages. The first noticeable symptom is usually a painless lump or swelling. As the tumor grows, it may cause other symptoms, such as pain or soreness. Learn more at https://bit. ly/4lblTdf.
The bottom line Use a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to help you enroll in VA healthcare and file claims for service-connected disability compensation. If you have any health concerns, consult with your healthcare provider.
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
LARRY DANDRIDGE
Dantrell Chaplin
LOCAL MILITARY
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, 11 July 2025
Recruit Training Regiment • Commanding Officer, Colonel A. P. Bariletti 3rd Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel B. L. Tye Commander of Troops, Captain D. J. Gasapo • Parade Adjutant, First Lieutenant J. A. Olson Company “I”, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion • Captain D. J. Gasapo Drill Master • Gunnery Sergeant J. J. Merriweather, Staff Sergeant Y. R. Castellon
PLATOON 3048
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Sgt H. Perez III
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A Marvelous Unity
The Catholic Church is One
300,000 people can gather in Saint Peter’s Square. When there are large celebrations in Rome, the square is filled with Catholic faithful from around the world. Even though they come from different ethnic groups, social classes, and nations, there is a marvelous sense of unity as a single Church. They may not speak the same language, but they are bound closely as brothers and sisters in faith. It is a beautiful example of how the Catholic Church embraces all people and unites them as one family of faith.
Like the early Church, the Catholic Church is united by Jesus. In the New Testament, local churches were formed in each city or region. But Christians took for granted that they were part of a larger spiritual family, spread over many languages and lands. Jesus united them as his visible body on earth; his followers shared the same teachings, worship, and apostolic leadership. This is what one still finds today in the Catholic Church.
Catholics are united in the faith received from the apostles. Just as the apostles went and proclaimed one Gospel to all who would listen, the Catholic Church still proclaims that same message throughout the world. Catholic beliefs do not vary from place to place. The Nicene Creed is professed every Sunday, for example, in every Catholic parish in the world. There are no hidden teachings; all who desire can know the Catholic faith and ask God for his help to live in accord with these truths.
Catholics are united in worship.
Every Sunday throughout the world, Catholics unite in their local churches for the celebration of the Eucharist. The prayers and Scripture readings are the same across the world, but translated into the local language. By their baptism, Catholics are united as adopted sons and daughters of God the Father. By receiving Holy Communion, Catholics not only become intimately united with Jesus, but also united with one another as a spiritual family.
Catholics are united by apostolic leadership.
Most Christian communities are led by a pastor or another leader. The Catholic Church is also led by a pastor, whom we call the pope. As discussed in the previous message, Catholics recognize the pope as the successor to Peter and the bishops as successors to the apostles. Just as the early Christians remained united in the faith through the ministry of Peter and the apostles, Jesus still shepherds his flock today through the ministry of the pope and the bishops.
There are many beautiful ways of living the Catholic faith. One might imagine that this unity means that all Catholics are exactly the same, with a boring lack of individuality, but this is not the case. Different cultures bring their own unique ways of expressing the faith, and individuals find within the Church a great variety of prayer forms, spiritual practices, and callings. Helped by their spiritual family, each person is called on a unique journey, walking with Jesus to become the saint that he is calling them to be.