Sheriff’s deputy, neighbor arrested
Squires pointed gun at teenagers on Hilton Head Island
By Delayna Earley
The Island News
Former Master Sgt. William
“Billy” Squires, 41, was arrested early on Tuesday, Oct. 28, and charged by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for repeatedly pointing his gun
at a group of four teenage boys while off duty and intoxicated on Hilton Head Island in September.
His neighbor, Brian Stahlheber, both of whom live in the Squiresgate subdivision where the incident took place, was also arrested. Squires, who has since been fired from his job as a Beaufort County
Community still waiting for answers
ST. HELENA ISLAND
t’s been two weeks since
IBeaufort’s first “mass murder” took place at Willie’s Bar and Grill, leaving four people dead, others injured and law enforcement still trying to collect information about who did it.
The building remains closed — apparently, Willie’s is “slowly reopening for business” — and the perimeter fence is decorated with bouquets of fading flowers and weathered slips of paper speaking of love and community support.
The four victims have been buried but their families and friends are still grieving while the community wonders who among them could have fired those shots and why.
Two individuals “of interest,” according to “unidentified sources” but not official sheriff’s department sources, remain in the county detention center while an anonymous tip line set up by the FBI waits for anyone in the estimated crowd of 700 gathered at Willie’s that fateful early Sunday morning of Oct. 12, to give up some information helpful to the investigation.
Two more recent shootings, on Monday night, Oct. 20 in Bluffton and on St. Helena, five hours later on Tuesday morning — the incident reports say only one individual was injured “with non-life-threatening” wounds in the St. Helena shooting five miles away from Willie’s.
The sheriff’s department has released no further information about those shootings or whether they could be related to what is now being called “Willie’s shooting.”
Some community events have been canceled because of concerns about potential further shootings. The Hwy. 21 Drive-In in Burton cancelled its “trunk or treat” event on Oct. 31 out of respect for staff members and friends “affected by this awful and evil assault on our community,” as posted on their Facebook.
Ironically, posters of the late Martin Luther King Jr. hang
Sheriff’s deputy, was charged with aggravated breach of peace, which is a misdemeanor, and four counts of pointing and presenting firearms at a person, which according to South Carolina law, is a felony and could be punishable with up to five years in prison.
Stahlheber was charged on
Tuesday with two misdemeanors, giving false information to law enforcement and breach of peace. Both men were under the influence of alcohol during the incident, according to the release sent out by SLED.
SLED was responsible for investigating the Sept. 28 incident and Squires’ actions when he violently confronted the four teenage boys as they were walking through the neighborhood.
According to SLED documents, Squires said he believed they had a gun and told them to get on the ground and several of his neighbors joined in to help restrain the boys.
No gun was ever found in the boys’ possession.
Squires was released with a $40 000 cash bond for the four charges of pointing and pre-
3 seek 2 spots on Port Royal’s council
Candidates took part in forum Monday night
By Mike McCombs
The Island News
Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 4 with town council races in Port Royal. Two of the four town council seats in the Town of Port Royal are available this election cycle with three candidates who believe that they are the right fit to fill the seats for the next four years – incumbents Mary Beth Gray-Heyward and Daryl Owens, as well as newcomer Angela Tillman.
Early voting began Oct. 20 Precincts and polling places
Only voters who reside within the town limits of Port Royal are eligible to vote in the Town of Port Royal Municipal Election. The following precincts and polling places will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on election day. Check your polling place at scVOTES.gov before voting.
Burton 1A (Part) TEMPORARY
LOCATION Robert Smalls Lead-
in memory of the four people gunned down there in the early morning hours of Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, are fading as the time passed since the mass shooting is approaching three weeks. Lolita Huckaby/The Island News
ership Academy (Gym) 43 W.K. Alston Drive
Burton 3A (Part) Robert Smalls Leadership Academy (Gym) 43 W.K. Alston Drive
Burton 2A (Part) Community Bible Church, 638 Parris Island
Gateway
Burton 2C (Part) TEMPORARY
LOCATION Community Bible Church, 638 Parris Island Gateway
Investigation continues; Persons of interest remain in jail on ‘unrelated
By Mike McCombs and Amber Hewitt
investigation of the Oct. 12 Willie’s Bar & Grill mass shooting. And though there have been no charges filed in the case, two men believed to be involved in the incident that left four dead and 16 others wounded remain detained in the Beaufort County Detention Center.
LOLITA HUCKABY
Flowers left in the fence at Willie’s Bar & Grill on St. Helena Island
Port Royal Town Council Candidates answer questions from a preselected panel during the Port Royal Candidate Forum at Port Royal Elementary on Monday, Oct. 27, 2925. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS
When this Yellow Rat Snake visited Ron Callari’s backyard in Habersham last week, he asked his next-door neighbors if he was friend or foe? The response was unquestionably “friend,” who is a nonvenomous constrictor that prefers a diet of rodents and their young. Adults are yellow with dark stripes, and juveniles are gray with blotches. To submit a Lowcountry Life photo, you must be the photographer or have permission to submit the photo to be published in The Island News. Please submit high-resolution photos and include a description and/or names of the people in the picture and the name of the photographer. Email your photos to theislandnews@gmail.com.
American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you Satin Ibrahim, 48, who joined the U.S. Navy in 2010 as a nurse after graduating from Hampton University. She attended Officer Development School for new medical personnel in Newport, R.I. She first served at the Bethesda Naval Hospital in Washington, first in the wounded ward, then as a post anesthesia nurse and finally in the Pentagon as a rapid response nurse. Her following assignment was here at the Parris Island Branch Health
Satin Ibrahim
Staff reports
Clinic, working with newly arrived recruits. She was then assigned to the Navy Recruiting Office in Charleston, recruiting all varieties of Medical Staff Corps personnel.
Heading overseas, Ibrahim was assigned to the Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan, where she worked on the inpatient ward and as Medical Staff Coordinator. At the end of that tour she transferred to Portsmouth Naval Hospital to work in the wards, in mental health, in the Breast Care Clinic and in surgery. She recently reported to Beaufort Naval Hospital as lead nurse in the Medical Home Port Clinic. She has attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander (O-4).
– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
Beaufort County names Nicole Wood Deputy County Administrator
Beaufort County announced Friday, Oct. 24, in a press release that Nicole Wood has been appointed as Deputy County Administrator (DCA), effective Dec. 1 2025
Beaufort County Administrator
Michael Moore expressed his enthusiasm for her arrival, stating in the release, “We are eager to
welcome Mrs. Wood to Beaufort County as our next DCA. Her vast experience and proven track record will make her an asset to the Beaufort County team.”
Wood serves as an Assistant County Administrator with Greenville County, S.C., where she manages a diverse portfolio of departments including human resources, information technology,
emergency management, emergency medical services and more. She holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Clemson University and the University of South Carolina.
“I am looking forward to taking on this exciting and dynamic role,” Wood said in the news release. “It will be an honor to contribute to the mission of Beaufort County.
Through collaboration with our team, County Council, and the community, I will continue to focus on expanding and improving our services to meet the needs of residents in this incredible place.”
According to the release, in filling this role, Beaufort County employed Find Great People for the executive search and considered more than 70 applicants.
October 30
1862: Gen. Ormsby Mitchel, founder of the Hilton Head Island village of Mitchelville, the first self-governing freedmen’s town, dies. November
1717: A treaty signed in Charles Town (Charleston) with the lower Creeks formally ends the Yemassee War.
1862: The first African American regiment of the U.S. Army musters into service in South Carolina. The First Regiment of South Carolina Volunteers, commanded by Col. Thomas W. Higginson of Massachussetts, saw roughly 5 000 Blacks from South Carolina join the Union Army.
November 3
1874: Beaufort’s Robert Smalls is elected to the South Carolina Legislature. November 5
1895: Annie Wigg Smith, second wife of Robert Smalls, dies.
2019: Joe DeVito is elected Mayor of the Town of Port Royal, defeating Mayor Pro-Temp Mary Beth Gray-Heyward by 22 points. – Compiled by Mike McCombs
PETS OF THE WEEK HAVE A NEW HOME!
Our Pets of the Week have moved to Page A18 so we can showcase even more pets in need of loving homes. Be sure to check it out and meet all the new faces waiting to be adopted through Palmetto Animal League and Beaufort County Animal Services.
Do you value your free hometown newspaper – made by locals, for locals? Free news isn’t cheap. Please help support The Island News!
Donations gratefully accepted at www.yourislandnews.com or The Island News, PO Box 550, Beaufort, SC 29901
Beaufort residents look to local food pantries for help
Government shutdown threatening SNAP benefits
By Delayna Earley The Island News
As the federal government shutdown continues, a new concern has arisen for many in Beaufort County — how can I feed my family?
The Trump administration has said that as of Nov. 1, food assistance known as SNAP will end as a result of the ongoing shutdown.
Lori Opozda, Executive Director of HELP of Beaufort, which is the largest food pantry in northern Beaufort County, said that they have already experienced an increase in people coming into the food pantry just with the program being cut down.
“We’ve seen about a 22% increase in the last three to four weeks,” Opozda said. “You know with the holidays, it just couldn’t come at a worse time of the year because with Thanksgiving right around the corner, it defiantly puts a larger burden on our pantry trying to keep it stocked with food.”
Who is affected?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a food assistance program that provides aid to more than 40 million American citizens by allowing them to receive benefits on an EBT card, which is similar to a debit card, monthly.
In South Carolina, fami-
lies that make less than 30% above the official poverty line qualify for the “food stamps,” as it is common known.
In Beaufort County, an estimated 40% of the population is below the SNAP threshold, according to Feeding America, and as recently as 2022, more than 21 000 citizens dealt with food insecurity.
Food insecurity is when a household does not have access to enough food due to lack of money or other essential resources, according to Feeding America.
Isn’t that what a food pantry is for?
Opozda said the last time that there was large rush and uptick of people the pantry was right at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when no one had any real idea what was going on.
Not all food pantries in the Lowcountry operate the same, they each have their own set of rules and some have certain thresholds you have to meet in order to be able to qualify for food.
HELP of Beaufort does not require you to meet any such threshold to get food at their new facility on Ribaut Road in Port Royal, unless you want to get food from the shelves donated by Lowcountry Food Bank. They do require you to
sign up with an online charity tracker when you arrive so that they can keep track of where you visit and how many times you have been, but anyone, no matter your income or socioeconomic status is welcome to come get help at HELP of Beaufort.
“Most people don’t realize how close they are to having nothing,” Opozda said. “If you made $80,000 a year but are out of work for several weeks because of an accident, illness or surgery, it’s amazing how fast the money can go. Everyone needs help every once in a while.”
Opozda said that not only are they expecting the regu-
lar clientele, but they are expecting the normal uptick in people coming into the pantry to get food because of the upcoming holiday season, and they must account for all of the government employees who are currently not receiving a paycheck also due to the ongoing government shutdown.
Now if you add in all of the people who are in desperate need of everything due to losing their SNAP benefits, Opozda said she would not be surprised if the number of people coming to HELP of Beaufort rose to rival that of the early COVID-19 shutdown.
How can you help?
“If you can, donate,” Opozda said. “I’m so grateful that we were able to open this new facility when we did so that we have more space to store non-perishable goods.”
While most immediately think of non-perishable canned goods when it comes to donating to food pantries, Opozda said that they are in need of perishable items, as well, as their new facility has a lot of refrigerated space to store the items.
“Dairy, cheese, meat, lunch meats, breakfast foods, they are all very much appreciated and go quickly,” Opozda said.
She also said that fruits and vegetables are also welcome, although they do Fresh Express events in partnership with Lowcountry Food Banks where anyone is welcome to come by and get fresh vegetables put directly into their cars for free.
At the Fresh Express event held on Tuesday, Oct. 28 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Opozda said that nearly double the number of people showed up for the free corn, sweet potatoes and onions.
Normally the events attract around 125 people, 170 at most, but on Tuesday more than 250 people came for the free fresh vegetables.
“The line was out into Ribaut,” Opozda said. “They had to redirect traffic down the road not to clog it up.” HELP of Beaufort also accepts monetary donations, donations of non-food items such as personal hygiene items, and if you cannot make it to the store yourself, you can place an order at Walmart and have it delivered straight to their address at 1600 Ribaut Road in Port Royal.
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.
Help of Beaufort Volunteers Stacey Russo, Doc, and Anthony Baker bag fresh vegetables preparing for the vegetable giveaway on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Civil War Living History Encampment set for Nov. 1
Staff reports
The Beaufort History Museum's annual Civil War Living History Encampment returns to the Beaufort Arsenal Courtyard at 713 Craven Street in downtown Beaufort on Saturday, Nov. 1
Enjoy a visit by the 79th New York Highlander Regiment for a day full of interaction, living history, drills, educational activities, and lots of family fun from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public to enjoy, and donations to support the museum are much appreciated.
Learn about Civil War era camp life, educational discussions about medical support in the field, women’s roles, drills, weapons, cooking, an enlistment ceremony for children and interactive activities for the whole family to enjoy throughout the day. Attendees will be able to interact with the soldiers to learn firsthand how life was lived in Beaufort during the Civil War years. Join us to meet and greet the reenactors with morning refreshments before the day's activities get started. This early morning
pre-event is for members only and will be from 9:30 to 10 a.m.
The 79th New York Volunteer Infantry, a Regiment of the New York State Militia, was originally a social club in New York City in 1858. It was comprised primarily of emigrant Scots and Scottish Americans. The militia was modeled after the famous Scottish regiment of the British Army, the 79th Cameron Highlanders of Scotland, but other than their name and tartan they had no official connection.
Their original duty was to parade, train as heavy artillery, and provide a guard for the Prince of Wales when he visited the United States. But the 79th, without intention, set themselves up to take part in nearly every major engagement in the Civil War and became one of the most well-known and traveled regiments in the Union Army.
Among their South Carolina forays into battle, in December of 1861, the Highlanders were sent to the city of Beaufort to help occupy the town. At one point they set up camp near what is now the National Cemetery. Seven Highlanders lost their lives in battles near Beau-
fort. To honor them, a Memorial Ceremony at the National Cemetery will be held at 8 a.m. We are looking forward to presenting the encampment to showcase these dedicated volunteers and reen-
actors who carry on the tradition and history of the 79th Regiment in such a meaningful, educational, and authentic manner.
Beaufort History Museum thanks its encampment partners,
Haunted Hallows Festival
OBITUARIES
EmanuEl ButlEr
December 7, 1940 – October 3, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Emanuel Steward Butler, who left us peacefully on Oct. 3 2025, at the age of 84. Stew was a beloved husband, son, father, grandparent and great grandparent and friend to many. He will be deeply missed.
Born on Dec. 7, 1940, in Juniata, Stew was a successful businessman and at separate times was one of the owners of Butler Trucking Company, Woodland, Pa., and Butler Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Beaufort, S.C. He loved all sports with basketball and golf being at the top of his list. He attended Lock Haven University and played basketball there. He held the scoring record at Lock Haven for several years and mentioned this often to his children. He became a basketball coach and teacher at West Branch High School. Later he assumed the same positions at Philipsburg High School. His teaching career was cut short when he began to help his father in the trucking business.
Stew will be remembered for his outgoing personality and competitive spirit. He was a friend to all he came in contact with and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was an avid golfer and won several club championships over the years as well as playing in state and national events. Stew is survived by his children, Steward (Pat), Beth Kephart (Francis), Chris (Maureen) and Sharon Mansell (Mark). He
was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey J. Butler (Hall), father, Emanuel C. Butler, Jr., mother, Lelia Jane Butler, brother D. Stephen Butler and Sister Nancy Bish.
The family will be holding a private service.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that any donations be made to Lock Haven University Athletics at https://lhufoundation.org/ donate-lhu. Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.
Placida Brazinski montgomEry
October 11, 1930 – October 15, 2025 Beaufort, S.C.
Placida Brazinski Montgomery, 95 of Beaufort, S.C.; formerly of Taylorsville, N.C., and Allisonia, Va., passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 15 2025
Placida was known by friends and family as Pal. Pal was born on Oct. 11, 1930 in Elizabeth, N.J., the daughter of Adolph B. and Agatha (Stevens) Brazinski. She was sister to Adolph (Ade) and Zoe Brazinski. They lost their mother when Pal was 9 and the three of them were joined by four step siblings after their father remarried to Anne Hamley. All seven grew up going to the Lithuanian Roman Catholic Church that Pal's grandfather helped build in 1896, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Elizabeth.
Pal and her brother Ade left Elizabeth together to attend Centre College in Danville, Ky., never to return.
While at Centre, Pal met Alexander Brooks Montgomery on a blind date. She and Alex were married Aug. 25 1951 at Fort Meyer Chapel outside of Washington, D.C. At the time, Pal was working with the Armed Forces Security Agency (precursor to the NSA), and Alex was assigned to Company A of "The Old Guard" acting as a guard to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier among other duties. Pal never confided in anyone as to what exactly she did while with AFSA, but the family all understood she would have to kill us if she did.
After many moves early in their married life, Pal and Alex settled in Atlanta, Ga. Pal was a librarian for Catholic Schools initially and with the Cobb County Library System for many years thereafter, and Alex worked as a Fisheries Biologist with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. They had a daughter Lisa soon after the first born, Brooks; and after a few years Robert was born. Vacations were spent largely "in the field" with hunting and fishing featured prominently.
Regular destinations included Sanibel Island, Fla., (before there was a bridge), Panama City, Fla., Dry Valley in Townsend, Tenn., and Allisonia, Va. Ultimately, they retired to a small farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains along Big Reed Island Creek and lived many wonderful years among a very special community. They took up gardening in their typical “take no prisoners” way, and her children and especially grandchildren always looked forward to a bushel of potatoes and canned vegetables every year from their bounty.
Pal had deep affection for books and knowledge. She was the quintessential craftsman, sewing outfits and PJs for herself, her children, and especially for her grandchildren throughout her life. She took up quilting in retirement, producing many for friends and family over the last thirty years. She had a beautiful soul and was grounded in her Catholic faith. As we let go of a remarkable woman and mourn her loss, we also celebrate her love and kindness.
Pal is predeceased by her husband of 69 years, Alexander Brooks Montgomery, and her oldest son, Alexander Brooks Montgomery Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Catherine Montgomery Schaffer (Gary), and her son Robert Clay Montgomery (Audrey), seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, and numerous siblings, nieces, and nephews.
A funeral Mass was held at Saint Peter's Historic Church, 710 Carteret Street at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Edwards Catholic Church, North Washington Ave. and 7 Street NW, P.O. Box 1670, Pulaski, Va. 24301 Anderson Funeral
and
79th Highlander Regiment leader Tom Vaselopulos, the reenactors, the BHM Board, their knowledgeable Docents, BHM members, and the citizens of Beaufort for their generosity and support.
The 79th New York Volunteer Infantry, a Regiment of the New York State Militia, without intention, set themselves up to take part in nearly every major engagement in the Civil War and became one of the most well-known and traveled regiments in the Union Army. Submitted photo
Bruce Marroquin holds his 2-year-old son, Mateo, as he fist bumps a Viking during the 2025 Haunted Hallows Festival on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 at Naval Heritage Park in Port Royal. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Michael Myers stands silently behind 3-year-old Sawyer Cassidy as his mother attempts to introduce them during the 2025 Haunted Hallows Festival on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 at Naval Heritage Park in Port Royal. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
City warns of scam targeting public, developers
Staff reports
The City of Beaufort sent out an email Monday, Oct. 20, to alert the public and members of the development community about a fraudulent email scam that is falsely claiming to be from the City’s Planning Department.
Several developers have reported receiving emails from communitydevelopment. cityofbeaufort@usa.com that appear to come from Director of Community and Economic Development Curt Freese. These emails are not legitimate and are part of a phishing scam intended to defraud recipients by requesting payment of a fake application approval fee.
The email includes misleading language, such as:
“The Planning Department has completed its review and prepared its recommendation for approval, pending the settlement of the application approval fee as outlined in the attached invoice …”
Recipients are then instructed to reply to the email, settle the attached invoice, and return payment confirmation.
Important reminders
All official City of Beaufort email addresses end in @cityofbeaufort.org;
The City will never request payment through unofficial email addresses or third-party services; and ...
If you receive a suspicious email, do not respond, click on links, or download attachments.
If you have received a suspicious email, forward it immediately to info@cityofbeaufort.org and call the City of Beaufort Police Department non-emergency line at 843-524-2777
The City is actively investigating the matter and working with appropriate authorities to identify the source of these fraudulent messages.
EDUCATION BRIEFS
TCL to hold Saturday Enrollment Fair in Beaufort, Bluffton, Walterboro
The Technical College of the Lowcountry will hold an enrollment fair for its spring and summer 2026 semesters from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, at its Beaufort Mather, New River and TCL Colleton campuses.
Those interested in learning more about TCL’s 60-plus program areas of study are welcome to attend.
Information on the college’s programs and majors, admissions, financial aid, course planning and registration will be provided as well as one-on-one assistance.
The Beaufort Mather Campus event will take place at The Hub in Building 8 921 Ribaut Road, in Beaufort. The New River Campus event will take place at 100 Community
Arrests from page A1
senting the firearms and a $25 000 personal recognizance bond for the aggravated breach of peace charge.
A defendant can be released from jail without having to pay the bail amount with a personal recognizance bond if they agree to appear at all future court dates and to comply with the conditions set by the judge.
Stahlheber was given a $65 000 personal recognizance bond for giving false information to law enforcement and a $25 000 cash bond for aggravated breach of peace.
Both men are prohibited from possessing firearms and have been ordered not to contact the four victims in the case. Additionally, both men were recently named as defendants in a civil lawsuit brought against them by the mother of one of the teenage boys who was part of that incident.
In the arrest documents released by SLED, several new details were revealed.
One of the defendants, Stahlheber, had apparently been wearing a pair of Ray-Ban Meta smartglasses that captured video of the incident and has not been published yet.
He can be seen wearing
College Drive, in Bluffton. The TCL Colleton Campus event will take place at 1085 Thunderbolt Drive, in Walterboro.
For more information or to RSVP visit www.tcl.edu/chart.
School, aid applications open for JPII
The 2026-27 application for School and Financial Aid at John Paul II Catholic School are open. Ready to see how JPII combines academic excellence, athletic achievement, artistic sensibility, and a focus on safety to create a nurturing environment? Visit the admissions section of our website at johnpaul2school.org. Contact Anne McClure, Admissions Director, at 843-645-3838, to schedule a private tour.
– Staff reports
“[Squires] ‘escalated the situation’ by pointing his gun at the teens without ‘reasonable basis or legal justification.’”
SLED AFFIDAVIT, on the Sept. 28 confrontation.
the glasses in a previously published video of him riding on a four-wheeler while questioning the teenagers. According to the documents, following that interaction, he spoke with Squires and told him that he thought that the teens had a gun.
Per the affidavit, there was no criminal conduct observed from the teens.
At this point, Squires drives up to the teenagers in his undercover, department-issued white truck, asked them what they were doing in the neighborhood and told them they had to leave when they said they were just walking and asked him to leave them alone.
This is when he left and went inside of his house and put on his Sheriff’s
deputy vest and his gun and returned to where the boys were still walking and demanded for them to get on the ground with his gun drawn.
The published videos all show the same scene. The boys were visibly and audibly terrified and were screaming for their moms, and for help and for someone to call the police — at which time Squires finally identifies himself and says, “I am the police.”
The affidavit states that he “escalated the situation” by pointing his gun at the teens without “reasonable basis or legal justification.”
While this is all happening, at some point Stahlheber can be seen walking angrily toward the group of boys screaming for them to get down and, per the affidavit, he restrained one of the boys by applying choking pressure.
At the scene he said that he saw the teenagers with a handgun magazine, but later he admitted to police that he never saw a weapon or extended magazine but only assumed that there was one based off of the “posturing of the teen[s].”
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.
Democratic group delivers letters opposing ICE agreement to BCSO
By Mike McCombs
The Island News
A half dozen members of the Sun City Democrats delivered a box containing 336 letters to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) on Thursday, Oct. 23
The letters, addressed to Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner, are in opposition to the BCSO’s 287g agreement to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The small group present was representing a larger group of Sun City Democrats that had attended a meeting with Tanner in September at the Bluffton Library. The letters were written by those members, as well as affiliated groups north and south of the Broad River.
in response to crimes being committed because of the Sheriff’s involvement with immigration control.
“Of course, we’re concerned like everybody else these days about inhumane treatment of immigrants,” member Mike McClure said.
“We’d like to make sure they get treated with dignity and have due process.”
Kathleen Leopard said when citizens met with Sheriff Tanner, “it was evident the people did not want this,” but she said she didn’t feel like the Sheriff listened to their concerns at all.
“We were very clear in what we said …,” she said. “He really didn’t want to hear it. He was there to convince us that he was right, and that was it.”
Habersham Harvest Fest
Saturday, Oct.
2025
The small group gathered with signs for 45 minutes or so in front of the Beaufort County Government Building on the corner of Ribaut Road and Boundary Street before carrying the box of letters to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office on Duke Street, where they delivered them to Lt. Langford of the BCSO.
McClure wasn’t sure Tanner would ever see the letters, and if he did, it may not matter.
“I would guess he won’t read a single letter,” he said.
“I would guess he’ll continue to say he’s right and we’re wrong,” Leopard added.
Mike McCombs is the editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
Habersham. Asa Aarons Smith/The Island News
NEWS BRIEFS
County testing Ballot
Tabulating Machines
A public test of the Central Count Scanners (Ballot Tabulating Machines) for the Nov. 4, 2025 Town of Bluffton, Town of Port Royal and Town of Yemassee General Municipal elections will begin on Thursday, Oct. 30 2025 at 10 a.m. at the Board of Voter Registration and Elections of Beaufort County office, located at 15 John Galt Road, Beaufort, S.C. 29906
For more information, call 843 255-6900
Erickson to speak at November LIBPA Meeting
South Carolina state Rep. Shannon Erickson will be the featured speaker when the Lady’s Island Business & Profes-
sional Association meet at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, at the Beaufort Realtors’ Association Headquarters at 22 Kemmerlin Lane on Lady’s Island. Please stop by for coffee and conversation concerning the community.
Lady’s Island Garden Club hosting baked goods, floral arrangement sale
The Lady’s Island Garden Club will be holding its fifth annual Baked Goods and Fall Floral Arrangements Sale on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in front of Grayco Hardware and Home at 136 Sea Island Parkway. They accept cash and checks.
The homemade baked goods will include cakes and pies and packages of cookies, snack mix, muffins, cupcakes, brownies, cinnamon rolls, and gluten free items and treats
for man’s best friends! Many of the baked goods will be packaged for gift giving. You can also buy a fresh cup of hot coffee to enjoy while you are shopping.
Fresh floral arrangements created by our talented gardeners will also be offered.
The Lady’s Island Garden Club is a 501(c) (3) organization. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used for community service projects. Current projects include maintaining the Tree Walk on the Point, planting flowers at the Beaufort National Cemetery, supporting Wreaths Across America and more. The group also contributes financially to many charitable organizations, such as Friends of Hunting Island, Friends of Fort Fremont, Camp Wildwood, Lowcountry Raptors and Beaufort Open Land Trust. – Staff reports
Reward from page A1 EDITOR’S
Persons of interest
Anferny Devon “Ant” Freeman, 27, of St. Helena Island, was arrested Monday afternoon, Oct. 13 the day after the shooting, during a traffic stop, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), and charged with breach of peace, aggravated in nature; and possession of a machine gun in an unrelated 2024 case.
At the time, BCSO spokesperson Lt. Daniel Allen emphasized that these charges were not related to the Oct. 12 shooting, and would not confirm or deny that Freeman was a person of interest in the Willie’s shooting, but sources close to law enforcement told The Island News that authorities believed he is tied to the case because “several people identified Freeman that night at the scene.”
Another source with knowledge of that night’s events called Freeman a “suspect” and told The Is-
land News that Freeman himself was wounded that night at Willie’s Bar & Grill and sought treatment at Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville in Jasper County.
A recording of a phone call in possession of The Island News identified by a member of the BCSO as a dispatch call, names Freeman as a “possible suspect or shooter,” as identified by a third party.
Later on Monday night, Oct. 13, Marktazius Jovan “MJ” Smalls, 23, of St. Helena Island, was arrested by the BCSO in a raid for possession of narcotics and the same two charges as Freeman -- breach of peace, aggravated; and possession of a machine gun.
Once again, Lt. Allen emphasized that these charges were unrelated to the Oct. 12 shooting at Willie’s. But a law enforcement source confirms to The Island News that Smalls, too, is a person of interest in the case.
According to a source, a machine gun and cocaine were recovered in Smalls’ arrest.
It is unclear if a gun was recovered when Freeman was arrested. The BCSO has not responded to
The Island News’ latest questions about his arrest.
Freeman bonded out on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 14 and was free for a week until his bond from a previous case — a 2023 charge of failure to stop for a blue light, first offense — was revoked and he was rearrested on Tuesday, Oct. 21
Both men have remained incarcerated in the Beaufort Count Detention Center since.
There has been no more information released publicly in the case since a BCSO statement on Tuesday, Oct. 21, that included a plea for members of the community to
come forward with any information that they have about the incident.
As previously reported, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has set up a website for digital media tips specifically for this shooting.
Anyone with cellphone video or other multimedia recordings of the St. Helena shooting are encouraged to upload the media to www. fbi.gov/sthelenamassshooting.
BCSO is asking for any information beyond digital media to be submitted to the lead BCSO investigator for this case, Master Sgt. Duncan at 843-255-3418 or email him at TDuncan@BCGov.net.
The reward
Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County, Inc., announced a “Private Reward Donation of up to $10,000” along with Christopher Gibbs of The Gibbs Law and Personal Injury Law Firm, LLC, in a news release on Monday, Oct. 27
“Following the tragic incident, Mr. Gibbs issued a reward on behalf of his firm and has since worked with the appropriate au-
thorities to officially partner with Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County,” the release reads. “This agreement ensures that the funds will be used to incentivize community members to come forward with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) responsible, as identified by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. All tips, inquiries, and information must be submitted directly to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County through the P3 Tips Mobile App available for Android and iOS in the app store, the website at www. tipsbft.com, or via the 24/7 tollfree tip hotline at 1-844-TIPS-BFT (844-847-7238).
Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County, Inc. is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization operating under its own established bylaws. All tips remain anonymous, and eligible tipsters may receive a reward for information that leads to an arrest.
Mike
Sun City Democrats stand with signs outside the Beaufort County Government Center on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 just before walking to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office on Duke Street to deliver 336 letters to Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner protesting his support of ICE and his “disregard for the fundamental protections afforded to all under the Constitution.” Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Kids playing on mock boat at the Habersham Harvest Fest on
11,
at
Brittany Merrill of Beaufort takes a chance at digital roulette to win a free pizza sponsored by the Miramare Restaurant at the Habersham Harvest Fest. Asa Aarons Smith/The Island News
Step back in time at the Fort Fremont Harvest Festival
Special to The Island News
The Friends of Fort Fremont invite the public to step back in time at the 3rd annual Fort Fremont Harvest Festival, set for Sunday, November 2, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Fort Fremont Preserve at 1124 Land’s End Road on St. Helena Island.
This year’s festival promises fun for all ages with historical reenactments, music, games, crafts and local food. Visitors will be greeted by Teddy Roosevelt and a Buffalo Soldier, who will bring Fort Fremont’s 1898 history to life. Children and parents are encouraged to join Roosevelt’s troops in re-creating the Charge up San Juan Heights at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The Buffalo Soldiers, composed primarily of African American men — many formerly enslaved or free men from the North — served with distinction during the Spanish-American War, fighting alongside Roosevelt’s Rough Riders.
“This event keeps getting bigger and better each year,” organizers said. “It’s a great way for families to enjoy local history, food and fun.”
Festival activities will include period games, live music, crafts and historical reenactors in era-appropriate costumes. Visitors can also enjoy hands-on activities such as hat decorating and pumpkin art. Area nonprofits will offer interactive history and nature displays, including a demonstration on Carolina rice culture. Popular local food vendors will be on site.
Admission is free. Food and crafts will be available for purchase. A free shuttle service will operate from Land’s End Woodlands Road, about one mile from the preserve. The event will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.
A living piece of history Fort Fremont was built in 1898 during the Spanish-American War as part of the coastal defense sys-
tem protecting Port Royal Sound and the Naval Station at Parris Island. Today, Beaufort County owns 18 acres of the original site, which now serves as a passive park featuring walking trails, a picnic pavilion, historic batteries and a History Center with a diorama and period artifacts.
The preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk, free of charge. The History Center exhibit hall is open Thursday through Sunday and is staffed by Friends of Fort Fremont volunteers.
Preserving the legacy
The Friends of Fort Fremont work in partnership with Beaufort County to preserve and promote the site’s educational, historical, natural and cultural resources. Their mission is to ensure that the story of Fort Fremont and its people continues to inspire visitors for generations to come. For more information, visit www.fortfremont.org.
Beaufort County’s Fermin receives Women Veterans Trailblazer Award
Staff reports The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans (CWV) has named Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Director Caroline Fermin one of 28 extraordinary women veterans to receive the 2025 Women Veteran Trailblazers Initiative Award, themed “Women Forging a Path.”
The CWV’s Trailblazer award celebrates women veterans who inspire and uplift, making a lasting impact on their communities: shining a spotlight on women who have served with
get building materials onto the island.
from page A1
right across MLK Jr. Drive from Willie’s, which is also less than two miles away from the grave of the late Pat Conroy, whose birthday was celebrated this past weekend.
Both men were advocates of peace but familiar with the high price of that peace.
County boat ramp changes protested
BEAUFORT — Sometimes following local governments meetings can be tedious and boring, unless you’re a REAL “meeting junkie.”
But the process of our government in operation can be interesting if you include the multitude of committee meetings which are part of the puzzle.
Case in point, last week’s meeting of the Council Public Facilities committee. The monthly meeting drew a room full of folks; the majority concerned about proposed changes to the regulations dealing with activities at the county-owned boat landings.
Of the 21 speakers, more than half were individuals who owned or operated fishing tours, kayak and paddle-boarding businesses, business folks who told the county officials they would have to go out of business if they were no longer able to use the public boat landings to launch their operations.
Representatives from isolated Daufuskie Island attended and expressed their concerns that the limitation of construction barges using the island’s public landing would make it even harder to
The proposed changes were attached to a larger ordinance rewrite copying state law in dealing with abandoned boats left in public waterways, which no one seemed to have a problem with.
It was the prospect of increased regulations for business operators that drew the speakers to the Monday afternoon meeting.
County attorneys explained the draft had been in the works for at least two years, promoted by some concerns from marinas that businesses operating from the landings could afford to rent slips. Part of the reasoning for the proposals included the problems with parking at some landings, with clients partaking of the kayaking or paddle-boarding activities or fishing tours occupying those limited parking spaces.
But the committee council members, who had already been bombarded by opposition once public notice of the changes came out, heard and agreed to make exemptions.
Another discussion of the amended regulations will be scheduled for the Nov. 17 committee meeting. But for now, the maritime business folks seem safe. But as one observer said, when lawyers and politicians get together and start drawing up regulations, you have to pay attention.
Sheriff’s helicopter request on hold for now
BEAUFORT — Another County Council committee meeting that was worth a watch last week was the Finance, Administration and Economic Development Committee.
One of several items on their
valor and continue to blaze trails for veterans, their families, and caregivers.
Named in April, the presentation ceremony was held in late September.
Fermin, a retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel with an illustrious 25-year career, has worked with her department staff, to expand and strengthen resources and services for County veterans since taking the helm as Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Director in June 2023. Beaufort County has a vibrant and growing veteran community and the
agenda included approval for the expenditure of $398 000 already in the county’s 2026 budget to 33 different nonprofit groups.
The council several years ago set up this distribution system for providing financial support to groups like HELP of Beaufort, United Way, Bluffton Self-Help, Second Helpings, Programs for Exceptional People, etc. rather than the individual agencies coming in during budget discussions and making requests.
This year’s grant panel considered requests from 53 agency requests that applied for assistance. They provided a list of recommended funding options to the committee for approval before going to the full Council for endorsement.
Traditionally, the recommendations are approved with only minimal questions, but last week’s discussion hit the skids when one council member who wanted more details, to make sure “the county is getting its money’s worth.” Plus two of the committee members recused themselves and left the meeting, creating a lack of a quorum to continue discussion.
So, while the nonprofit agency representative sat patiently through the meeting only to find out their requests for money to provide services to citizens who need help would not be decided, they did get a glimpse of the council’s priorities.
In this case, it was a $3 9 million request from the sheriff’s department for a new helicopter.
Yes, the same Sheriff P.J. Tanner who, when being criticized last month for his decision to participate with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, program, said the County Council had no control
County Veterans Affairs Department is positioned to meet those program needs.
From championing landmark legislation like the PACT Act and the Major Richard Star Act to leading grassroots efforts to combat veteran suicide, Fermin has been a leader for change both locally and on Capitol Hill.
“I’m absolutely thrilled and deeply honored to receive this award,” said Fermin. “As a proud Beaufort native and lifelong servant leader, I’m all in for ensuring our veterans, service members, and their families
over his operations. Because he’s an elected official, just like the 11 council members, he completely controls the operation of his law-enforcement department, a point reiterated by County Council members who, when asked by citizens concerned about the ICE relationship, agreed they had “no control” over the Sheriff’s operations, only approval of his budget.
Well, here we are, looking at approval for the $3 9 million helicopter needed to replace the two aging ones already in operation as a gift from the Department of Defense.
Spokesmen for the Sheriff stressed the importance of the “patrol car in the sky” and noted the department offers its helicopter team to adjoining Jasper County when needed. That prompted the council members to suggest they ask Jasper County to help finance the new addition.
Further discussion got pushed to a Nov. 13 budget workshop where the new $3 9 million helicopter … and $398 000 for help agencies are expected to be on the agenda.
Cane Island neighbors remain opposed to revetments
LADY’S ISLAND — No action yet from the S.C. Bureau of Coastal Management on the Cane Island Development Company’s request to construct a one-plus mile of riprap erosion control devices but that hasn’t stopped the developers’ plans to build up to 240 homes, a marina and waterfront inn on the former daffodil farm.
Residents of neighboring Cat Island have continued to petition the Beaufort City Council to at least oppose the proposed
get the top-notch support they’ve earned. This recognition fuels my passion to keep pushing forward!”
The Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Office assists veterans, their spouses and other dependents with access to government programs for which they are eligible. Veterans Affairs Counselors are available by appointment only by calling 843-2556880. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3KXnkyB.
The Federal Benefits Handbook for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors is available at www.va.gov.
control devices, but to date, the elected officials, who have only limited say-so on the future development because it was annexed into the city 30 years ago, have said nothing.
Those residents, by the way, can’t VOTE for City Council members because they don’t live within the annexed area.
When Cane Island was annexed into the city, the owner, Fred Trask and the city agreed to a Planned Unit Development, which outlined what is now being built on the property. What has not been determined is how the increased traffic on the single, two-lane road that services Cane and Cat, will be handled at the busy intersection with Sea Island Parkway.
While there has been much discussion about a traffic signal, the state Department of Transportation does not have that in their plans for the area.
A public hearing last month brought out more than a dozen speakers opposing the state permit, contending the riprap and bulkhead would make erosion for neighboring properties. The S.C. Coastal Conservation League has also opposed the permit.
While the developers wait to hear from BoCM, their timber trucks continue to haul cut trees off the island, clearing the way for roads and more homes.
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.
Teddy Roosevelt, Buffalo Soldier reenactors, and family fun will highlight the Fort Fremont Harvest Festival on St. Helena Island. Photo courtesy of Friends of Fort Fremont
Pictured at September's award presentation (from left) are Jacquelyn Hayes-Byrd, Executive Director, Center for Women Veterans; Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Director Caroline Fermin; Karen Brazell, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and Lynda Davis, Chief Veterans Experience Officer. Photo courtesy of Beaufort County
Making good choices about funding your retirement
Presented by Fred Gaskin
Simply put, a successful retirement requires making a number of good decisions. Not surprisingly these decisions almost always require some form of compromise and involve trade-offs. This is certainly the case when it comes to determining how much you should be spending from your retirement, investment, and savings accounts. There are lots of different ways to approach spending strategies, but one of the methods many clients use to start the process is the 4% rule.
How the 4% rule works
The 4% rule is a simple, generic rule of thumb for calculating retirement withdrawals. It says you can withdraw 4% of your nest egg the first year of your retirement, then adjust that amount each year to account for inflation, with a high degree of confidence that your portfolio will last 30 years.
Here’s how it might work: Say you retire with a $1 million portfolio. In your first year of retirement, you would withdraw $40 000 ($1 million X .04). The next year, you’d withdraw $41,200 ($40,000 plus 3% for inflation), followed by $42 436 the year after that ($41,200 plus 3% for inflation). And so on.
Although investors and financial planners have used the 4% rule for decades, keep in mind it’s only a starting point. It relies on assumptions that may or may not apply to you or the environment in which you retire, including:
• Return estimates: The projections assume future returns will be on par with past returns.
• Portfolio allocation: The rule also assumes your portfolio will remain invested in 50% stocks and 50% bonds for the duration of your retirement, which is unrealistic—it’s likely to grow more conservative in your later years.
• Withdrawals: The biggest “problem” with the 4% rule is that is assumes your withdrawal plan will never change. It doesn’t account for changes in your spending needs, market conditions, or inflation.
Flexibility is key
Rather than adhere rigidly to a 4% withdrawal rate, it’s better to view the rule as a starting point. Once you have a rough dollar figure in mind, you can personalize it depending on your investments, risk tolerance, and life expectancy, while also staying flexible as conditions change. Here are three
dynamic ways to manage your spending in retirement:
1 Develop a plan. Online retirement calculators (such as the one available at schwab. com/retirement-savings-calculator) can help you determine a sustainable portfolio withdrawal rate based on your specific situation. Likewise, a professionally created retirement plan can give you an even more detailed analysis. But whether you do the math yourself or work with a pro, review the numbers regularly to ensure you remain on track.
2 Adjust as needed. A static withdrawal rate doesn’t factor in the market’s inevitable ups and downs, nor does it account for health or lifestyle changes that demand flexible cash flow management. Taking a more dynamic approach might mean withdrawing a bit less (perhaps by skipping the inflation increase) in years when the market is struggling and withdrawing a bit more in years when the markets are on a roll. These types of moves may mean your budget fluctuates year to year, but they’ll also help increase
the probability that your savings will last throughout your lifetime.
3 Consider an annuity. Annuities are one of the only types of financial vehicles that can ensure you have guaranteed income for life. With an ongoing stream of payments coming to you, you can feel more comfortable that you’ll have the income needed to cover essential expenses in retirement—even if you outlive your investment portfolio. However, annuities are not for everyone—they can be complex and costly, vary in flexibility. Annuity guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing company.
While not exhaustive, the above ideas should provide a constructive framework for investors to begin to consider their income sources of their retirement spending. Successful plans do not need to be complex or forever. Simple and flexible plans can make life a little bit easier, and the process of managing your retirement a little less confusing.
Fred Gaskin is the branch leader at the Charles Schwab Independent Branch in Bluffton. He has
over 35 years of experience helping clients pursue their financial goals. Some content provided here has been compiled from previously published articles authored by various parties at Schwab. This material is intended for general informational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The securities, investment products and investment strategies mentioned may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.
Annuities are long-term investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes. Withdrawals prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10% Federal tax penalty in addition to applicable income taxes. Withdrawals from an annuity will reduce the account value. Withdrawals will also reduce the death benefit amount in direct proportion to the percentage by which the contract value was reduced. This
Kids, Cops, Cars & Candy
Council from page A1
Voters will be asked to provide one of the following Photo IDs when voting in person:
S.C. Driver’s License
S.C.
S.C
School. The event was be hosted by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce and moderated by Chamber President Megan Morris. There were nine questions asked of the candidates. Here are a few of their answers. (The complete event was streamed live and can be found on the town’s Facebook page and on the County Channel’s YouTube page.)
When asked to introduce themselves, incumbent Mary Beth Gray-Heyward, who has been on Town Council for 34 years said she had been the “voice for the people.” Incumbent Darryl Owens, an educator, said he was a “listener.” And the newcomer, Angela Tillman characterized herself as an advocate for small businesses and young families.
When asked how to reach all residents of Port Royal and make sure all voices were heard, Owens emphasized that sometimes constituents don’t “come to us, so we have to go to them.” Go to the people, listen to the people, respond to their concerns.
Tillman said you have to reach young people in the same way that they communicate. She said she’s
experienced in this and is willing to put herself out there on social media.
Gray-Heyward emphasized that Port Royal is a big family. “We want people to come and talk to us.” She prioritized getting people together and doing the right thing for all of Port Royal.
All three candidates supported reducing regulatory requirements to help small businesses. Tillman reiterated that whatever measures were taken, they had to actually help small business owners.
Gray-Heyward advocated getting small business owners together to hear their concerns on a regular basis, while Owens talked about recruiting new businesses.
Gray-Heyward advocated a penny tax on gas to replace the Beaufort County penny tax to fund transportation projects, as did Owens. Tillman advocated the expansion of Palmetto Breeze transit.
Owens and Gray-Heyward both agreed with the revocation of funding for the County Economic Development Corporation to focus, at least temporarily on more Port Royal-centered projects. Tillman advocated for more devel-
opment on the outskirts and less downtown.
All three candidates felt like the goals of the moratorium on multi-family housing were met, particularly examining the town’s codes. Tillman and Gray-Heyward would extend the moratorium. Owens opposed extending it.
Gray-Heyward and Owens felt the town’s agreement with Safe Harbor for the development of the Port of Port Royal is on the right track after a rocky start. Tillman emphasized staying in front of whatever Safe Harbor had planned and actually examining whether the waters on the port were safe.
When it comes to affordable housing, Owens said the Town needed to have an understanding of what affordable or attainable housing was for different people.
Tillman advocated reaching out to those in need of affordable housing to understand who they are and what exactly they need.
Gray-Heyward went further, saying the problem is a regional issue more than a town issue. She also tied affordable day care issues in with affordable housing issues for working families.
When asked how well Port Royal works with other municipalities to address shared challenges, Tillman advocated being a bridge to the other communities to understand what the common concerns were, and allowing “no dust to settle.”
Gray-Heyward and Owens cited joint council meetings and regional organizations in which Port Royal already participates and asserted this was an area in which Port Royal was quite successful. On what Port Royal could do to further ensure the area’s military installations have the support they need, Gray-Heyward and Owens both were confident Port Royal “was already doing what we need to do,” Owens said, working with state and national legislators to guarantee they knew they had the town’s support.
Tillman suggested the town could be more patriotic and that people visiting Port Royal “need to know” how much we support the military,
Trunk or Treaters line up to pick a treat from a
Beaufort’s Grace West, 5, chooses her treat during the Beaufort County Trunk Or Treat: Kids, Cops, Cars & Candy held at the Charles Lind Brown Center on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
For the better part of the 21st century, Hilton Head Christian Academy has boasted the preeminent private school football program in the Lowcountry, but this has developed into a rough season for the Eagles, culminating with an unexpected quarterback change at midseason.
As the lopsided losses began to mount, it was looking bleak on Bluffton Parkway. The star quarterback was dismissed from the program, the ground game was nonexistent, and the defense was beaten and battered.
Meanwhile, a young and talented John Paul II team was gaining momentum, piling up rushing yards and wins ahead of schedule after winning just one game a year ago.
For the better part of a month, we talking heads who keep folks abreast of the goings-on in the local sports scene wondered aloud whether the tipping point was approaching.
The tipping point isn’t here … yet
Our speculation was premature.
Ron Peduzzi’s team turned in its most complete performance of the season Friday night in Hardeeville, spoiling the Golden Warriors’ senior night and maintaining their stranglehold on the rivalry with a 35-21 win, HHCA’s 10th straight in the series.
“We had a lot of people make big plays,” HHCA senior Kres Langhals said. “Coach always says big-time players make big-time plays, and we made a lot of big plays at the right times tonight. It was good to finish a close game and beat our rivals.”
No one has come up bigger than
Langhals, and no one has felt more of the pressure to maintain HHCA’s status as a perennial power.
After doing yeoman’s work as an undersized running back working behind an undersized offensive line in a system built around the pass throughout his career, Langhals was thrust into the frying pan and asked to take over the reins of the offense right when the season was sitting on the precipice.
Oh, yeah, on top of that, his dad is the head of school. No pressure.
Langhals’ debut as QB1 was a mixed bag — he passed for 390 yards and three touchdowns but threw five interceptions in a lopsided loss at Bulloch Academy — and three more interceptions against struggling First Baptist didn’t inspire confidence despite another 331 passing yards, three more touchdown passes, and a 33-6 win.
Then the Eagles got the break they needed. Their Oct. 17 game against Beaufort Academy was
May River 10, Beaufort 6 Sean Mitchell rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries; Hudson Tanner booted a field goal; and the Sharks’ defense made it stand up in a defensive struggle on Lady’s Island. Michael Poole made a team-high 10 tackles, Zavier Polite had nine tackles and a sack, and Brayden Harris and Brahlin Paylor came up with interceptions to help May River seal it and make next week’s matchup with Bluffton a showdown for second place in Region 6-4A. Tylik Isom had another productive game on the ground and scored a rushing touchdown for the Eagles.
Next week: May River (7-2, 3-1) at Bluffton; Beaufort (3-6 1-3) at Hilton Head Island Orangeburg-Wilkinson 48, Battery Creek 6
O-W’s Brenden Peoples carved up the Dolphins’ defense with 267 passing yards and five touchdowns as the Bruins rolled on the road and remained undefeated to set up a showdown with Oceanside Collegiate for the region title. Daylin Haltiwinger had seven catches for 125 yards and two TDs, and three other receivers caught touchdown passes for O-W.
Next week: Battery Creek (2-7 0-3) vs. Hanahan
Hampton Co. 62, Whale Branch 12
Jaylen Singletary rushed for 156 yards and three touchdowns on just eight carries and took a kickoff return and an interception to the house as the Hurricanes rolled on homecoming night to wrap up a perfect run through Region 5-2A.
Tarell Grant and Desmond Mathis hooked up for a touchdown, and Jazmir Goines and Robert Amaker added touchdown
wiped off the schedule because BA had to complete its suspended game at Colleton Prep.
The opportunity to hit the pause button and go back to the drawing board to tweak the offense to fit around Langhals as the centerpiece was just what Peduzzi and his staff needed, and the result was HHCA’s most complete offensive performance of 2025
Not only did Langhals have his best game yet through the air, completing 20-of-26 passes for 308 yards with two touchdowns and only one interception, but he also rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns to lead a season-best rushing effort from the Eagles.
Senior Hudson Baker, once Langhals’ understudy in the backfield, also had a breakout game, rushing for 100 yards on 12 carries and catching two passes for 69 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown after Langhals hit him in full stride.
Still, it took everything the Eagles had to retain the belt, so to speak.
“We had some challenges,” Peduzzi said. “They battled and kept the game close and kept coming at us with that triple option.”
Indeed, the duo of junior quarterback Alan Wolf and freshman phenom Jadon Inabinett punched back all night, and Merrick Baroni’s kickoff return touchdown pulled the Golden Warriors within 28-21 and renewed hope among the home crowd.
That hope will not soon fade. John Paul II has arrived, and with an impressive corps of young talent and more on the way from a powerhouse middle school program, we talking heads will soon wonder again when the scales will tip. And the Eagles will be waiting to try to prove us wrong again.
Justin Jarrett is the sports editor of The Island News and the founder of LowcoSports. com. He was the sports editor of the Island Packet and the Beaufort Gazette for 6½ years. He has a passion for sports and community journalism and a questionable sense of humor.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ROUNDUP
Beaufort High’s Keaudre Jenkins runs the ball past his opponent during Beaufort’s 10-6 loss to May River on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at Beaufort High School. Beaufort lost, 10-6. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
runs for Hampton County, which outscored its region opponents 211-12. The Hurricanes are off next week and will host a firstround playoff game Nov. 7
Next week: Hampton Co. (7-3 4-0) is idle; Whale Branch (3-6 1-2) vs. Barnwell
Beaufort Academy 44, Andrew Jackson Academy 8 Nych Underwood racked up 144 rushing yards on just eight carries and scored twice, and Nic Shuford Jr. added 82 yards on five carries and threw a pair of touchdown passes, as the Eagles jumped out to a big lead early and cruised to a lopsided region win, setting up a showdown for second place in the region next week at Thomas Heyward. Devin Fripp caught two touchdown passes, and Jace Paulk and Gunnar
Bridges Prep’s Syleia Sanders serves the ball at home Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, during a 2A playoff match vs. Manning. Bridges Prep won, 3-0. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Bridges Prep’s Kami McHale hits the ball at home Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, during a 2A playoff match vs. Manning. Bridges Prep won, 3-0. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
ARTS
Celebrating the season
BAA hosting All Member Show, 10th anniversary of Brick Wall Gallery
By Betty Cothran
Special to The Island News
Beaufort Art Association celebrates the holiday season this year beginning with “The Best of Beaufort Art,” our annual All Member Show. Join us on First Friday, Nov. 7, for an open house reception highlighting art from our general members, many of whom are professional artists who support BAA but are not regular exhibiting artists in the Gallery.
Participating artists include John Hume, Audrey Montgomery, Mary Segars, Linda Tully, Jennifer Wharton, and Beth Williams.
There will also be new art from 70 of our local exhibiting artists including 2-D paintings and 3-D works of pottery, metal, and wood. The Gallery will also showcase signature pieces from our seven custom jewelers: Helena Appleton, Cheryl Arnold, Carolina Alderman, Lisa Biesterfeld, Linda Dixon, Jan Glover, and Molly Rohrer.
In addition, the reception will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Brick Wall Gallery, a special area created for members who want to rent a larger or more defined space within the Gallery to exhibit their work. Currently there are 11 exhibiting members: woodturner Frank Anson; fine art photographers Sandy Dimke, Eric Horan, and Karen M. Peluso; basketry artist Karen McCarthy; encaustic artist Anne Kennedy; and fine art painters, Donna
Cole, Wyn Foland, Susan McCarthy, Marian Sanders, and Tommie Toner.
Brick Wall artists will be on hand at the anniversary reception to discuss their work and originals, as well as prints and notecards, will be available.
More than 20 years ago, BAA opened its first gallery on Port Republic Street, moving a few years later to the Elliott House on Bay Street. Today, BAA’s home is at 913 Bay Street in an expansive space that showcases some of the best art in the Lowcountry, with many types of art and artists represented and exhibits changing every two months.
The nonprofit organization strives to encourage, support, and provide opportunities for the artistic growth of its members. BAA welcomes both established and emerging artists in a variety of mediums and styles.
Looking ahead, BAA will also host a Holiday Show featuring original small art including holiday themed works perfect for gift giving and decorating. The festive Preview Party will be held Thursday, Nov. 13 from 2 to 5 p.m. Bring a friend and come start your holiday shopping.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the upcoming open house and reception on First Friday, Nov. 7 from 5 to 7:30 pm. Refreshments will be served and the community is invited. The exhibit begins on Nov. 4 and runs through Dec. 27
Shorts at High Noon continues this week
Staff reports
The Beaufort Film Society, in association with the Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL), is presenting the popular Shorts at High Noon program once again this fall, and it continues this week. You'll get a chance to catch encore presentations for many of the 2025 Beaufort International Film Festival films in the categories of Shorts, Student Films, Short Documentaries, and Animation Films. Spend your lunch hour at the movies. Get excited, get inspired, and get ready for BIFF 2026, the event’s 20th anniversary. Screenings are on Wednesdays only. Checkin time is 11:30 a.m., with screenings beginning promptly at High Noon. TCL’s Auditorium is located at 921 Ribaut Road, Building 12 in Beaufort. Admission is free. For more information, visit beaufortfilmfestival.com.
Individual winners are denoted by * Nov. 5
*Neither Donkey Nor Horse (29 minutes, Short)
Love Less Likely (17 minutes, Short) Nov. 12
Breakfast In Beaufort (29 minutes, Short Doc)
*Ms. Rossi 3: Ms. Rossi Meets the Mob (20 minutes, Short)
Nov. 19
Shorts At High Noon 2025 Schedule All screenings, held on Wednesdays, are from the 2025 Beaufort International Film Festival. Category or
BFS Members will vote on 1 of 3 BIFF 2026 film submissions to help determine an Official Selection for the upcoming festival. Proof of membership is required.
ARTS BRIEFS
AFSGB hosting reception for Charleston artist Sisco
Charleston based artist Deborah Sisco, will be introduced at the opening reception hosted by Alzheimer’s Family Services of Greater Beaufort (AFSGB) on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, from 5:30 until 7 p.m.
An exhibit of her artwork, “Between the Stillness and Disappearance,” will be on display at the Performing Arts Center of USCB in Beaufort until Dec. 22, 2025. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. The exhibit is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m., to 6 p.m., and on weekends during performances (check the USCB Center for the Arts website for schedule at https://www.uscbcenterforthearts.com/).
Promotional events
continue for Seldons’ new book
Promotional events are still ongoing this fall for the new book by Beaufort’s Cele and Lynn Seldon, “100 Things to Do in the Lowcountry Before You Die.”
The book completes a trilogy for Reedy Press following the bestsellers “100 Things to Do in Charleston Before You Die” and 100 Things to Do in Savannah Before You Die.”
The new book explores all of the great things to see, do, eat, and buy between Charleston and Savannah, including Edisto Island, Walterboro, Beaufort, Yemassee, Ridgeland, Hardeeville, Bluffton, Daufuskie Island, Hilton Head Island, and more.
Upcoming events include:
Thursday, Nov. 6 – Book Signing: Grayco Holiday Open House, 136 Sea Island Parkway, 5 to 8 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 7 – Book Signing: First Friday at Nevermore Books, 910 Port Republic Street, 5 to 7 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 17 – Book Talk and Signing: Libraries for Kids International, The Roasting Room, 1297 May River Road, Bluffton, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Call 843-683-4100 or email tamela.maxim@libraries4kids.org for reservations.
Saturday, Nov. 22 – Book Signing: Tacaron, 6983 Okatie Hwy, Ridgeland, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 5 – Book Signing: Night on the Town at Oyster Cay Collection, 917 Bay Street, 5 to 7 p.m.
USCB Chamber Music opens season Nov. 9
The first concert of USCB Chamber Music's 46th season is at 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 9 at the USCB Center for the Arts, 801 Carteret Street, Beaufort, in the downtown historic district.
For concert, artist, event, OLLI, and ticket information, go to www.uscbchambermusic. com or call 843-521-3107, Monday through Friday.
USCB Center For The Arts showing ‘Wicked’ The USCB Center For The Arts is showing the movie “Wicked” at 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 16. All seats are $8
Staff reports
The Lowcountry Wind Symphony, a 60 member concert band, continues its longstanding tradition of honoring Veterans each November. This year, LWS pays tribute to the US Army and US Marines in celebrating their 250th Birthdays.
Instrumental highlights include ‘Esprit du Corps’, ‘Semper Fidelis’, ‘Hymn to the Marines’, ’Invincible Eagle’, ‘They Solemnly Served’, ‘America the Beautiful’ and more.
A FREE CONCERT…
Sunday, November 9, 2025, 4:00 P. M. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 157 Lady’s Island Dr., Beaufort, SC 29907 (Open to the Public)
Date: April 21, 2018
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Date: April 22, 2018
Time: 4:00 PM
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 7:00 P. M. Carolina Ballroom, Dataw Island, SC 29920 (DIC Members/Guests Only)
351 Buckwalter Pkwy, Bluffton
Location: St John’s Lutheran Church
157 Lady’s Island Dr, Beaufort
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 7:00 P. M. Magnolia Hall, Sun City, Bluffton, SC 29909 (Residents/Guests Only)
Exploring What’s Musically Possible Explore What’s Musically Possible
The Lowcountry Wind Symphony is funded
Patients who need blood only have one source: YOU
Special to The Island News
Medical advancements have created artificial substitutes for everything from limbs to internal organs, but one of our most precious and life-saving resources, human blood, is not one of them.
Patients who require blood transfusions rely on healthy humans to donate blood at community blood drives and blood centers across the nation so that blood and blood products are available at hospitals like Beaufort Memorial.
“The fact is there is no other source of human blood,” said Michelle Foster, HT (ASCP), Director of Laboratory & Pathology services at Beaufort Memorial. “It cannot be manufactured or produced in any other way, so the importance of volunteer blood donors to the health of our patients cannot be overstated or overvalued.”
Hospitalized patients require blood for a variety of reasons, including car accidents, traumatic injuries and surgical blood loss, among others.
“The need for blood donations is constant and never takes a holiday,” said Pat Michaels, director of media and public relations for OneBlood. “That’s why we stress the importance of having donors who give regularly; we never know when a tragedy may happen, so it’s important to have a ready blood supply.”
Today, Beaufort Memorial utilizes about 200 pints of blood per month. As the hospital system expands its surgical capacity and operations throughout the county, that number is on the rise, and the availability of safe, reliable blood products can mean the difference between life and death for patients who need them.
The connection between domestic violence and PTSD
Special to The Island News
Domestic violence is a traumatic experience that affects more than 10 million American men and women every year.
Because it often takes place behind closed doors, it is easy to overlook or explain away.
Abuse can take many forms, ranging from physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, financial control and psychological actions or threats meant to harm or influence an intimate partner. It can happen at any age and affects people of all sexual orientations, ethnicities, religions, sexes and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Abuse victims may experience a wide range of physical and mental health symptoms resulting from domestic abuse trauma, including depression, suicidal tendencies, panic attacks, substance abuse disorders, and sexual and reproductive health issues.
Domestic violence and PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop in anyone experiencing a major life-threatening event, and this includes domestic violence, which exposes the victim to varying degrees of fear, vulnerability and helplessness.
Symptoms of PTSD are sometimes difficult to establish, but are normally defined by three overarching categories: Avoidance: Avoiding reminders or “triggers” of the traumatic event, such as people, places, thoughts or events.
• Arousal and reactivity: Sudden inexplicable anger, outbursts, difficulty being reached emotionally, feeling numb, trouble sleeping and startling easily.
• Reliving the event: Being confronted by the emotional trauma of the event suddenly and without an obvious reason, resulting in emotional outbursts, chills, heart palpitations, extreme anxiety and other symptoms.
Left untreated, PTSD can cause longterm mental health effects and can increase the likelihood of developing several life-threatening conditions including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and substance abuse disorders. The fear experienced from a traumatic event can become overwhelming but is often not dealt with immediately, due to the abuser living in close quarters or being in the victim’s life regularly.
“The likelihood of PTSD increases after a domestic abuse event, though its effects
can be mitigated through seeking emotional support,” says Dr. Mary Wynn Hill, a board-certified psychiatrist and medical director of the Beaufort Memorial Mental Health Unit. “However, this is not always possible, as it requires trusted family and friends who are willing to listen and potentially intervene.”
Treatment for PTSD
Treating PTSD in domestic abuse victims can be complicated, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. A mental health professional can devise a treatment plan to address specific symptoms.
“If the abuse victim is still partnered with the abuser, it is unlikely that PTSD treatment will be highly effective,” says Dr. Hill, who sees patients at Beaufort Memorial Sea Island Psychiatry. “Both domestic violence and PTSD must be addressed at the same time. Victims who feel trapped in their relationships or are hesitant to seek treatment due to ongoing threats of violence may find it increasingly difficult to receive or benefit from proper treatment.”
When PTSD is properly diagnosed, it can be treated successfully.
“Treatment often involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help victims manage the trauma of their experience,” Dr. Hill says. “There are many different types of CBT that can help people who have experienced domestic violence. Depending on the person, we can focus on therapies that help them feel safe, regulate their emotions, become more assertive, manage grief and the life transitions that may come with leaving an abuser, and dealing with depression and anxiety.”
Self-care when experiencing PTSD remains critically important. In addition to medication and psychotherapy treatment, there are simple lifestyle changes you can make to improve your chance of recovery: Engage in regular exercise to help reduce stress.
Confide with a trusted friend or loved one
Communicate what may trigger your symptoms
Above all, go easy on yourself. Symptoms may improve gradually, not immediately, so don’t get discouraged.
If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799SAFE (7233).
that Beaufort Memorial and its patients always have the blood products they need, when they need them.
One pint of blood can save up to three lives, and eligible donors can roll up their sleeves every 56 days to donate. Almost anyone can donate, though only 5 to 10 percent of eligible donors give, and even fewer do so regularly.
Donors must be in good health, at least 16 years of age and weigh more than 110 pounds to be eligible.
In 2002, Beaufort Memorial and community leaders began developing a community blood center in Beaufort to provide for patients at the hospital.
That community blood center is now known as OneBlood, and the center and its staff have a 23-year history of collecting blood from local donors to ensure
OneBlood partners with businesses, schools, neighborhoods and community organizations to host mobile blood collection events several times each month. They also operate a free-standing center on Boundary Street in Beaufort.
“We are so grateful to the thousands of people who have rolled up their sleeves to provide this resource to patients at Beaufort Memorial,” Foster said. “If you’re thinking about becoming a regular donor, the time is now.”
Your strongest ally
Understanding the immune system
By Dr. William Clare Beaufort Memorial Lady’s Island Internal Medicine
Dr. William Clare
Your immune system is a powerful ally. It’s responsible for identifying and attacking organisms that invade the body and cause disease. The immune system is the network of organs, cells and proteins that help your body fight against infections and keeps you healthy.
When it works, it’s a beautiful thing.
Autoimmune diseases are conditions that result from “autoimmunity,” which is when an individual’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy tissues in the body.
These diseases can attack a single organ or multiple organ systems within the body, and range from mild in their severity to debilitating and disabling. These disorders can occur as a result of several factors, including genetics, environmental influences and gender.
There are more than 80 autoimmune diseases — each one with a slightly different mechanism of attacking the body.
According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), nearly a fifth of the U.S. population — or 50 million people — suffers from an autoimmune disease. More than 75 percent of those affected are women.
There are some genetic risk factors that predispose you to developing autoimmunity, and researchers are trying to determine exactly why; it could be the interaction of specific genes and environmental factors that lead to autoimmune diseases, but scientists don’t yet know exactly how.
One thing researchers are trying to better understand is why autoimmune
diseases are becoming more prevalent. Although autoimmune diseases run in families, the increase is occurring faster than genetics can account for.
Type 1 diabetes, for example, is increasing at a rate of 2 to 5 percent per year worldwide. Several studies looking at autoimmune disease prevalence shows the annual increase to be between 3 and 12 percent. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that attacks the pancreas and its ability to produce insulin, affecting about 1 25 million Americans.
The treatment for Type 1 diabetes is daily insulin injections or an insulin pump to ensure the body gets the right amount of insulin to manage blood sugar levels. It’s not a cure, but with daily insulin and good blood sugar control, a person with Type 1 diabetes can live a long and healthy life.
The immune system slows down with age, which makes it harder for the body to fight off illnesses and recover when they develop.
Getting older also increases the risk of developing au-
toimmune diseases and reduces the system’s ability to correct cell defects, leading to a higher risk of cancer. To keep your immune system strong as you age, there are a few key habits to incorporate into your lifestyle, including regular exercise, a healthy and balanced diet and getting enough sleep. For people with an autoimmune disease, managing the physical impact of their chronic condition is critical. But treating the problem is not the same as eliminating the disease. It’s important to have support and understanding from loved ones.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease — or any chronic condition — talk to your healthcare provider about a referral to a support group or a mental health expert who can help you cope with your thoughts and feelings.
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
28th annual Rotary Family Oyster Roast
3 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, Live Oaks Park, Port Royal. Ticket $50, Children under 10 free. Tickets can be purchased at Bay Street Jewelers, Palmetto State Bank, & Lowcountry Insurance, and include all-you-can-eat oysters, beer, wine, soda, hot dogs, and chili! Live music by Mike Kavanaugh. Door prizes, and Live & Silent Auction items. Oyster knives available to purchase. For more information, call Kerry at 843-521-3488 or Paula Bunton at 843-521-7679, or email them at kpbunton@gmail.com.
3rd Annual Fort Fremont Harvest Festival
1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 2, Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Lands End Road, St. Helena Island. Free. Food, games, and music! Free shuttle service available from the overflow parking lot at Land’s End Woodland Road. Canceled for inclement weather!
Lady’s Island Garden Club 5th Annual Baked Goods & Fall Floral Arrangements Sale
9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, Grayco Home Center, 136 Sea Island Pkwy., Beaufort. Cash & Check accepted. Our homemade baked goods will include cakes and pies and packages of cookies, snack mix, muffins, cupcakes, brownies, cinnamon rolls, and gluten free items and treats for man’s best friends! Many of the baked goods will be packaged for gift giving. You can also buy a fresh cup of hot coffee to enjoy while you are shopping. Fresh floral arrangements created by our talented gardeners will also be offered. The Lady’s Island Garden Club is a 501(c) (3) organization. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used for community service projects. Our current projects include maintaining the Tree Walk on the Point, planting flowers at the Beaufort National Cemetery, supporting Wreaths Across America and more. We also contribute financially to many charitable organizations, such as Friends of Hunting Island, Friends of Fort Fremont, Camp Wildwood, Lowcountry Raptors and Beaufort Open Land Trust.
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 Ri-
WHAT’S HAPPENING
baut Road, Port Royal. Rain or shine. You will find fresh, local, seasonal produce, shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese, as well as plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets. There are prepared food vendors serving barbecue, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee, baked goods, bagels and breakfast sandwiches. No pets allowed. For more information, visit http://www. portroyalfarmersmarket.com/, visit @ portroyalfarmersmarket on Facebook or call 843-295-0058.
Slip and Splash Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays, Battery Creek Pool, 1 Blue Dolphin Drive, Beaufort, and 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.
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 oncea-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.
FAITH
Alpha Sessions
6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Mondays through Nov. 17, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 70 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort. We believe everyone needs a space to ask questions and be heard. If you have questions about Christianity, or are exploring life, faith, and meaning, this session is for you! We offer a free meal and good conversation. For more information, email Matthew at faith@ stpetersbeaufort.org.
GOLF
Beaufort County Championship
10:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22, Cat Island Club, 8 Waveland Avenue, Lady's Island, and 9 a.m., Sunday, Nov 23, Ocean Point Golf Links, 250 Ocean Point Drive, Fripp Island. $250 entry fee. Entry fee includes two rounds of golf, meals provided both days, tee gifts, and prizes. Practice rounds are available up to two weeks in advance, based on availability, for $55 per player. For more information and to register, visit https://shorturl.at/OkvAP.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
BEMER Longevity Technology 9 a.m., Wednesdays via Zoom. Seen the buzz on “life span VS health span?”
Want to grow better, not older? Haven’t heard of BEMER yet? Come for Q&A about how this longevity-enhancing medical device can enhance your health, fitness and overall well-being in just 8 minutes, 2 times a day. Offered by BEMER Specialist - Human & Equine, Elizabeth Bergmann. Text 410212-1468 to get the Zoom link. Free.
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.
HISTORY
Heritage Library Fall Classes –Carolina: Barbadian Clone 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 5, USC Beaufort, Hilton Head Island Campus, Room 115, 1 Sand Shark Drive, Hilton Head Island. $10 to $12 per person.
The relationship between government and early settlers in Carolina south of Cape Fear provided proving ground for the development of social activism and organized resistance leading to open and armed revolt. Learn how this dynamic evolved in South Carolina and influenced the development path that evolved the older, American colonies of Britain to the north. With presenter Richard Thomas. For more information and to register, visit https://heritagelib. org/classes-events/.
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-ofthe-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
Advance Care Planning & The Five Wishes
4:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 30, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Free. Join us for a discussion on Five Wishes and give a gift to those you care about by sharing your values, goals, and preferences. Five Wishes is an easy-to-complete form used by anyone 18 or older to discuss their personal, emotional, and spiritual needs, as well as their medical wishes. Once properly signed, it becomes a legal document used in all 50 states. For more information, visit https://www. beaufortcountylibrary.org/calendar.
Writing workshop 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Free. Registration required. Join bestselling author Jennifer Margulis to explore turning life experiences (or lack thereof) into engaging prose. Whether you’re a novice, a writer wannabe, or a well-published author, this workshop will teach you writing techniques that will help you get unblocked and inspire you to tap into your most creative self. To register, call 843-255-6458.
Stormwater 101
11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12, Lobeco Branch Library, 1862 Trask Parkway, Lobeco. With Valentina Palacio of Beaufort County Public Works. For children.
Drawing Basics 10:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Nov. 15, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island. Join art instructor Cindy Tighe to learn the basics of drawing. Ages 12 and up. Space is limited and registration is required. Call 843-255-6487.
Composting 101
4 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island. With Valentina Palacio of Beaufort County Public Works. All ages.
Zero-Waste Tye-Die
11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 20, Lobeco Branch Library, 1862 Trask Parkway, Lobeco. With Valentina Palacio of Beaufort County Public Works. For children. Requires registration. Call 843-255-6479.
Recycling 101
11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10, Lobeco Branch Library, 1862 Trask Parkway, Lobeco. With Valentina Palacio of Beaufort County Public Works. For children.
Composting 101
2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10, Port Royal Branch Library, 1408 Paris Ave., Port Royal. With Valentina Palacio of Beaufort County Public Works. All ages.
“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.
Mah Jongg Open Play
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursdays, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Is-
land. Already know the basics of this fun and popular tile game? Join others for open play – all materials supplied. Cards may be purchased at nationalmahjonggleague.org.
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 offroad/dirt/wilderness mountain biking/ jogging/walking trails near is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 843-575-0021 or email universitybicycles@hotmail.com.
Emotions Anonymous International local group meeting 4 p.m, Thursdays, via Zoom. Emotions Anonymous International, (EAI), is a nonprofit program designed to help people with emotional difficulties. It has a chapter in the Lowcountry and members want others who feel the need to know they are welcome to participate. There is no charge to participate. They are based on the 12 steps and 12 traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous and follow a specific format designed to provide the support and tools for navigating life’s painful difficulties. All are welcome. Anyone interested in participating may contact the group via email at EALowcountry@ gmail.com or call or text Laurie at 252917-7082. For more information on EAI visit www.emotionsanonymous.org.
Al-Anon Beaufort County 7:30 p.m., Thursdays, 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 Lowcountry Wind Symphony Saluting America’s Veterans X 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 9, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 157 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort. Free. The Lowcountry Wind Symphony, a 60-member concert band, continues its longstanding tradition of honoring veterans each November. This year, LWS pays tribute to the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps in celebrating their 250th birthdays.
Campfire Tyler 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays, The Fillin’ Station, Lady’s Island.
Lowcountry Wind Symphony rehearsals
7 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort High School Band Room. The Lowcountry Wind Symphony, a 65-member concert band, invites new members. Woodwind, Brass, Percussion. Open to adults and talented high school youth. For more information, email director@lowcountrywindsymphony.com or call 843-304-0543.
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@
RUNNING JPII 2025 Ugly Sweater 5K Run & Walk 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, John Paul II Catholic School, 4211 North Okatie Highway, Ridgeland. Sponsored by the JPII PTO. Proceeds benefit the JPII PTO. Check-in at 9 a.m., race begins at 10. Registration by Nov. 19 is $35, includes T-shirt. Registration after Nov. 19 is $45, T-shirts available for purchase. Course is mixed surface — grass, dirt, and pavement. Prizes -- Top finishers by age group and Ugliest Sweaters! The race is open to the public. Bring family, friends, and neighbors. For details, contact Miranda Shipman at PTO@thejp2.org.
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, cross-stitch, surface and beaded embroidery, hardanger, bargello, sashiko, etc., to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. For more information, please contact us at lowcountrychapter@egacarolinas.org.
SPORTS/GAMES
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 843-255-6458 for more information.
Beaufort Masters Swim Team
6 to 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, Wardle Family Port Royal YMCA. Coached practices. Ages 18 & older, all skill & speed levels, no prior swim team experience needed. Visit lowcountryswimming.com for more information.
VOICES
Editor’s
Not interested in whether there is a God
It is early, crisp and cool, and I have just finished “Winter Solstice” by Elin Hilderbrand (Little Brown, 2017, 297 pages).
Hilderbrand is prolific and popular and like John Grissom, or our own departed Pat Conroy -- whatever she writes is widely anticipated and usually consumed in one, well-intothe-night binge read.
Hilderbrand writes fiction that is usually set on Nantucket Island, which is 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod. This 14-mile-long by 3 5-mile-wide island is the creation of the rich and famous.
Nantucket is multi-million dollar homes nestled into 20-foot-high dunes. It has a quaint, cobblestoned downtown where one can find Hermes, Dior, Swatch, and Vuitton. It is fantastically expensive bistros that offer bits of artistically arranged tuna; and it is open air, sandy-floored beach bars that provide small
bowls of clam chowder at $16 a pop.
And there is no writer who can describe these Rolex-chronometered, Oakley-sunglassed, Italian-loafered mandarins — or what these pork-belly-trading residents are thinking at any given moment — better than Elin Hilderbrand. And what these folks are thinking — or what they are saying after a very few moments of thought — is even more interesting than what they wear and what they consume. They are monied — caught up in their greed and astounding self-centeredness — but also caught up in a desperate desire for
The
I admit to being passionate about William Shakespeare. I loved teaching his plays and tried to encourage my students to appreciate the scope of the author’s accomplishments for his time in history.
His approximately 38 plays (Royal Shakespeare Company) were written in blank verse, iambic pentameter, which promotes free flow of magical poetry. His range was wide and included comedies, tragedies, and histories. And they provided insight to life in the Elizabethan period; the same is true for today.
That, dear reader, is as much as I will bore you with the mechanics, except to say the man was a genius in evaluating the “condition” of man. In today’s society he might well be a psychiatrist who looks around and shakes his head.
For some reason, I began to wonder what Shakespeare would make of today’s situation, and the first quote that came to mind was from “Richard III,” “Now is the winter of our discontent.”
If Shakespeare bores you, I suggest you stop reading here because what follows builds upon that with quotes from his various scripts, proving how my man,
a meaningful life.
All of which brings me to Paul Tillich and his book, “The Courage To Be,” published in 1952 and largely forgotten.
Tillich, a philosopher/ theologian who taught at Yale, gave a series of lectures when America and its post-war prosperity were a rising tide — Billy Graham, Norman Vincent Peale and Bishop Fulton J. Sheen giving voice to this ascendant culture.
This was also a time of “a marked increase in church attendance and an epidemic of church building programs across the county, which Time magazine called America’s religious ‘edifice complex.’” (Peter Gomes’ Introduction to “CourageTo Be.”)
In his lectures Tillich said that in spite of the apparent religiosity, and prosperity, and the notion that God had designated the people in this country “Masters of the Universe,” there were still
lingering anxieties making our otherwise happy, hustling lives miserable.
The first of these anxieties was the belief we were going to die and, notwithstanding the desperate church building then underway, that there was nothing on the other side of that curtain.
And if this was the case, what was the point of doing something meaningful with one’s life? Tillich then, in his Terry Foundation Lectures, moved past “fear of death,” describing “guilt” and “fate” as rounding out the three “anxieties” that bedeviled our society in the 50s.
Finally Tillich described a self-affirmation process wherein a person could develop the “courage” to look at these confounding complexities and, perhaps, embrace the notion that there is a “God above God.”
“Tillich argued that he was not doing away with God and yielding to moder-
nities of secular atheism … but only with a particular perception of God that could no longer be supported by honest intellectual inquiry of the modern world.”
(Introduction to “Courage”)
Hilderbrand’s “Winter Solstice” centers on the slow death of Kelley Quinn — former trader in commodities — who is passing his last days in bed all the while listening to “The Mistress” by Danielle Steel. There is also a “going away party” planned for him that will be attended by his current and former wives and all of his children.
The children are adults — having grown-up on Nantucket — nurtured on smoked oysters, mussels in coconut curry broth and “scallops topped with black, glistening clumps of caviar.”
The daughters arrive in their Jimmy Choo stilettos; the male issue in their hand-tooled leather loafers; and everyone has some
kind of tasteful bangle on their wrist — perhaps its a Patek Philipp 18-carat-gold watch. Notwithstanding the jewelry, these children have had a tough go of it — divorces and even jail time. One would normally think that their father, Kelley, would have some passing thoughts on where he is bound — heaven, hell, oblivion. One would think that the dying patriarch might have read Paul Tillich back in his college days and now wonders if the old theologian was onto something with his “God above God” lectures in 1952
But Kelley Quinn is not interested in whether there is a God; or where he’s bound; he is heavily invested in Danielle Steel having moved on to “Dangerous Games.”
Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.
Bard on today’s duplicity
“Bill” might view the world in 2025. I came upon a quote from “Henry V” that I decided to explore: “Uneasy is the head that wears the crown.” Of course, dealing with a wannabe king today makes this pertinent.
While this implies that those charged with major responsibility carry a heavy burden that makes it difficult and creates anxiety, remember that royalty was established (Elizabeth I) and democracy was unknown.
AI also mentioned balancing personal desires with public duties. I have to think Mr. Shakespeare’s take on No. 47’s inability to do this might generate another play.
We use the phrase “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” today to indicate that things are what they are, no matter what name you give them.
This comes from “Romeo and Juliet,” a tragedy about the fall of two houses, the Montagues and the Capulets. It is Juliet who cuts through the self-imposed importance to say that “who you are is unimportant.”
Need I say, “ICE” and all the chaos and shame that has produced?
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts.” This is taken from “As You Like It,” and I am particularly taken by the latter line.
This reminds me of what I see happening to the Republican Party. There are those who are Reagan conservatives as opposed to those who are Trump MAGAs, and never the twain shall meet unless those real conservatives grow a set and come forward to take back their party. I have a great deal of respect for the likes of Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney, and as of late, Rand Paul. The verdict is still out on MTG.
It is Juliet who says, “A plague on both your houses” as she lay dying. I have tried to convey many times that I can see the conservative side of some issues,
despite being accused of having TDS. That is not to be confused with the MAGA credo, however. Regarding the Democratic response to much of what is happening, don’t be caught up in trivia and be dealt “too little, too late.”
I might add to that thought a line from “Julius Caesar” spoken by Cassius: “The fault, dear Brutus, lies not within the stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.” No Kings Day organizers certainly recognized this and put it to work. Kudos!
Just a bit more of the Bard, and I will dismiss the class.
It is in “The Merchant of Venice” that we find the phrase “a blinking idiot.” It is a colorful expression used to describe someone perceived as foolish or senseless. It’s akin to saying “a complete idiot” or “an utter fool,” emphasizing the degree of the person’s perceived lack of intelligence or awareness. The word “blinking” itself doesn’t refer to the physical act of blinking the eyes but is rather a mild expletive, possibly standing in for stronger language. But I digress.
And this: from “The Merry Wives of Windsor” comes the phrase “laughing stock.” This
says that you are someone to be mocked and ridiculed by of all those around you.
Your call, dear reader, on both of these!
The main character in “Timon of Athens” is a wealthy and generous Athenian. The society in which he lives is corrupt – full of mean, selfish, and hypocritical people. Sound familiar? When he loses all his money, the friends to whom he has been so generous abandon him. He leaves the city and goes to live in the woods where he finds a crock of gold which he then uses to ruin his betrayers. Just a short lesson for two groups: those hypocritical people as well as the wealthy throwing around unlimited amounts, right, Elon?
In closing, I dedicate this piece to a former student to whom I often referred as “my other Bill.” He happens to enjoy the same birthday as Shakespeare, April 23, and is a successful journalist. He’s one of my many “kids” of whom I am so proud.
Class dismissed.
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.”
CAROL LUCAS
SCOTT GRABER
VOICES
Norman may be in catbird seat in governor’s race
You wouldn't be alone if you felt South Carolina’s C teams are running for governor.
For years, Democrats controlled stuff throughout the Palmetto State, but they started fizzling in the mid-1980s when challenged with good leadership, new ideas and strong-arm politics by the late Republican Gov. Carroll Campbell.
By the time Republicans hogtied Democrats in a 1990s redistricting battle, the S.C. House changed to GOP, followed by the Senate a few years later.
What’s happened since is that the enthusiasm and dynamism of the 2000s-era GOP in South Carolina faded as early leaders aged out, the culture wars took on new significance and Trumpism transformed the party from seeming to care about governance to making sure people had enough red hats. So now comes the 2026 gubernatorial race. At least five prominent Republicans – none possess-
ANDY BRACK
ing the caliber of a Campbell or the acumen of a Nikki Haley – are in the hunt for the mansion. On the Democratic side, there’s one declared candidate and another expected to announce soon. No one really stands out. There’s a lot of milquetoasts.
Republican candidates include:
S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson, who seems to hit headlines mostly when joining others to sue to fuel the culture wars.
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, the aggressive Lowcountry congresswoman obsessed with finding television
cameras so she can comment on anything.
U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, the Rock Hill area congressman who touts how conservatively he’s voted for eight years in Congress, even though he was a stumbling block for some efforts pushed by Trump.
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, the Greenville businesswoman who is still introducing herself to GOP voters after seven years in office.
State Sen. Josh Kimbrell, R-Spartanburg, who is facing a civil lawsuit from a former business partner over company money. If you believe the polls, Wilson and Evette appear to have a slight lead over the other candidates, despite lackluster campaigns so far. Evette is trying hard and burning through money early, but it’s not clear it’s really working. Meanwhile Mace, who blasted out of the starting blocks with lots of media presence, seems
to have cooled – perhaps a sign that her negatives are starting to rise because of an obsession to talk about transexuals and other culture war issues. With Kimbrell’s business problems hampering his serious consideration, that leaves Norman, who may be in the catbird seat for next year’s primary. He emphasizes he’s got the most money on hand and is building enthusiasm across the state.
“What I’m going to do as a businessman with a background is I’m going to fix the roads and the bridges,” Norman said this week. “It is unacceptable to have infrastructure in pieces in South Carolina.”
He’s got a pretty good bunch of lines, such as talking about getting rid of corruption and implementing term limits. But they don’t exactly sync with reality when you consider most of the people he would want to limit would be fellow Republicans, who have been in control for 25 years.
And if there is corruption, whose watch would it be under?
Meanwhile on the Democratic side, the only candidate to date is Charleston lawyer Mullins McLeod, who is self-funding his race. But he’s facing calls to drop out by Democrats over a disorderly conduct arrest earlier this year. State Rep. Jermaine Johnson, R-Richland, is expected to announce soon. So far, no candidates impress. What South Carolina needs is a moderate populist who would put a chicken in every pot and fight for the people on pocketbook things like growing jobs, boosting education, improving health care access and protecting the state’s special places.
Hmm, a good government populist. Remember former Gov. David Beasley? He could do it.
Andy Brack is editor and publisher of the Charleston City Paper and Statehouse Report. Have a comment? Send it to feedback@statehousereport.com.
You can’t fix the birth rate without fixing child care
$
10,474 — that stunning sum represents the average yearly cost of child care for a single infant at a licensed center in South Carolina, according to Child Care Aware of America.
For many families, especially families with multiple children, child care is not just expensive, it is unaffordable.
This growing burden is pushing parents out of the workforce and discouraging family growth. Yet, while policymakers express alarm over declining birth rates and looming labor shortages, they aren’t investing in the very child care resources that make raising children feasible. This contradiction has real consequences.
A 2023 report by ReadyNation estimates that the infant-toddler child care crisis costs the U.S. economy a staggering $122 billion annually in lost earnings, productivity, and tax revenue. It’s based on a December 2022 national survey commissioned by
ReadyNation. Nearly one in four parents of children under 3 reported being fired for work interruptions due to child care struggles. Slightly more parents reported quitting a job due to child care problems.
The child care system’s collapse is much bigger than a burden on individual families. It is an economic and social failure that threatens long-term growth. Yet, instead of addressing this crisis, federal leaders proposed a federal budget for the 2026 fiscal year which did not prioritize Head Start funding and did not increase it to meet inflationary demands.
Head Start is a long-standing federal program that serves over 750 000 low-in-
come children up to 5 years old with early education, nutrition, and health services.
Funding freezes and layoffs at Head Start and similar programs don’t just affect low-income families; they significantly increase the strain on the broader child care network by increasing demand in a system already bordering on collapse. Reductions to early intervention services for babies with disabilities, services proven to improve educational outcomes, would compound the damage.
Meanwhile, amid Congress’ inability to agree on any funding, the federal government shutdown threatens Head Start programs nationwide.
It is tempting to frame this as a low-income issue, but middle-class and upper-middle-class families are feeling the pinch as well. Long wait lists, staffing shortages, and high turnover — in addition to affordability — make access to high quality child care difficult.
The consequences are more than financial.
“Affordable child care ... is an important investment in our workforce, our economy, and our children’s futures.”
ELIZABETH “TRUE” DEPAOLI, on the importance of early childhood education.
When families cannot afford care, children miss out on critical early learning that sets the foundation for future academic success.
Research done over a decade ago shows that children who attend high-quality early childhood programs are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and stay out of the criminal justice system. Investing in early childhood
is smart public policy with long-term returns.
We are also seeing the cracks in safety and oversight. In June 2024, two toddlers were found wandering a busy road in Greer, S.C., after leaving a daycare facility unsupervised.
While this may seem like an isolated incident, underfunded, understaffed programs cause alarming incidents like this to occur throughout the country.
When facilities are forced to operate on thin margins with underpaid staff, the quality and safety of children suffer.
Acknowledging the problem is not enough. We must take meaningful action to support children and the caregivers who nurture them.
Fundamentally, child care must be recognized as economic infrastructure. Policymakers cannot claim to promote “self-reliance” while dismantling the systems that allow parents to work and families to thrive.
Affordable child care is not a handout. It is an important investment in our
workforce, our economy, and our children’s futures. We cannot ask families to have more children while making it harder and more expensive to care for them. The child care crisis affects everyone: parents, children, employers, and taxpayers. Until we treat it like the national emergency it is, no amount of concern about birth rates or labor shortages will change our course. If we want a better future, we must build it, starting with the youngest among us.
Elizabeth “True” DePaoli, originally from Columbia, is a junior at Furman University majoring in business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship and a minor in poverty studies. This past summer, she interned at the Institute for Child Success through the Riley Institute Summer Experience. True is passionate about early childhood education and the importance of ensuring access to high-quality public schools. Her interest in education is deeply rooted in her background. Her mother was a teacher, and True is a graduate of the Richland School District Two public school system.
Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Eucharist
@ 7:30 p.m.
@ 7:30 p.m.
Good Friday, Apr. 18 @ noon
Easter Vigil, Apr. 19 @ 7:30 p.m.
9 a.m & 11 a.m. Children’s Sunday School & Nursery at 11 a.m. Service of Hope & Healing Weds. @ noon 1104 11th St., Port Royal stmarksportroyal.org
Good Friday, Apr. 18 @ noon
Easter Vigil, Apr. 19 @ 7:30 p.m.
Easter Sunday Apr. 20 @ 9 & 11 a.m.
Easter Sunday Apr. 20 @ 9 & 11 a.m.
1104 11th St., Port Royal stmarksportroyal.org
1104 11th St., Port Royal stmarksportroyal.org
ELIZABETH DEPAOLI
Refresher course on filing for service-connected disability compensation
This is the fourth article of five on the steps veterans need to take to prepare for and file a claim for service-connected disability compensation.
The first article was published on Oct. 9 2025, and can be read online at https://bit.ly/4hluGb9
The first article covered:
The basic sources of information available to veterans, including the Welcome to VA.gov website, VA Welcome Kit, 2025 Federal Benefits Guide for Veterans, VA YouTube Network, VHA website, VBA website, VA Podcast Network, SITREP, VA Facebook, VA NEWS Blog, and others; and …
Things to do while the veteran is still serving in the military to prepare for filing for service-connected disability compensation, including 1) keeping copies of evidence of service-connection; 2) getting a copy of all military personnel and medical records; 3) using a VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO); 4) asking your battle buddies, witnesses, and family for Lay Witness Statements; 5) making an inventory of your service-connected conditions and symptoms/ frequency — and how these conditions effect your social and work life; 6) making an inventory of your medications and why you take each medication; and 7) Making an inventory of your medical equipment and devices.
The second article was published on Oct. 16 2025, and can be read online at https://bit. ly/3JiYmZX. The second article covered things the veteran should do after being discharged from the military. The second article covered:
Using a VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO)
or, if justified, a VA-accredited Claims Agent or Attorney.
Ordering your DD214 or other separation documents, military personnel, medical, dental, and other records from the National Archives and/or the military; and • Enrolling in VA Healthcare, understanding your VA Patient Aligned Care (PACT) Team, and getting treated for your service-connected health conditions.
The third article was published on Oct. 22 20125, and can be read online at https://bit. ly/4noy06Q. The third article provided a warning and a call to action to assist veterans and their families. It also covered how to become your (veteran’s) own best advocate by doing your homework, by reading the referenced 34 web pages and The Island News articles, and by reading everything the VA and other reputable resources publish about filing a claim for service-connection.
This article will cover ways to prepare for filing a claim and gathering all of your evidence and supporting documents.
Prepare for filing a claim
According to the VA webpage “How to file a VA disability claim,” at https://bit.ly/3JrT4LJ, veterans should do the following things (with the help of their VSO) to prepare for filing a claim.
• Find out if you are eligible for VA disability compensation by reading the criteria
at the VA web page “Eligibility for disability benefits” at https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/ and asking your VSO to help you.
• File an Intent-To-File Form (if you are not filing online). Learn more about this form on the VA webpage, "About VA Form 21-0966," at https://bit.ly/3W9mzlP. Use VA Form 21-0966 if you are still gathering information to support your claim and want to start the filing process. Submitting an intent to file can secure the earliest possible effective date for any retroactive payments to which you may be eligible: Fill out your claim forms completely.
Gather “all” evidence (and supporting documents) you will submit when you file your disability claim. The VA encourages veterans to submit all supporting documents along with their claims. This will help the VA process the claim quickly. Read about “Fully developed claims at https://bit. ly/3CTtFV0. For the VA to consider your claim fully developed, you will need to:
1. Submit your completed Application (VA Form 21-526EZ) and submit all the evidence (supporting documents) you have or can easily get along with your claim; and
2. Certify that there is no more evidence that the VA might need to decide your claim and go to any VA medical exams (which will be scheduled by the Veterans Benefits Administration -- VBA claims adjudicator) required by the VA to decide your claim.
Find out if you will need to turn in any additional forms
with your claim. Go to the VA webpage “File additional forms for your disability claim” at https://bit. ly/3XgpDxU and ask your VSO to help you determine what other forms you will need. There are forms for submitting your intent to file, authorizing the release of your medical records, authorization of the release of non-VA medical information, lay witness statements, Individual Unemployability, Claiming PTSD, PTSD based on Personal Assault, Claiming Specialty Adapted Housing, Automobile adaptive equipment, Aid and Attendance (A&I), and many more. Watch the VBA’s “How to file a claim” Video, available at https://bit.ly/45lZEck.
More on gathering all your evidence Veterans can support their VA disability claim by providing these documents: • VA medical records and hospital records. These could relate to the veteran’s claimed illnesses, wounds, injuries, traumas, events, medical conditions, scars, or HAZMAT exposure injuries/diseases (and resulting injuries/conditions), or they could show that their rated disability has gotten worse or appeared after they got out of the military. Veterans should also ask their VA doctor (and other doctors - civilian and military) to write a Nexus letter supporting their claim. Veterans should ensure that other Physicians, Physician Assistants (PAs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), physical therapists, and other medical specialists are also writing supporting letters. Drafting a letter to your doctors and other medical
EDITOR’S NOTE This article is the fourth in a series of five.
professionals will increase the likelihood that they will finalize and sign it.
• Private medical records, hospital reports, and test results. These could relate to your claimed illnesses or injuries, or they could show that your disability has gotten worse.
• Supporting Lay statements. These could come from family members, battle buddies, friends, clergy members, law enforcement personnel, doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or individuals with whom the veteran served. These statements should tell the VA more about the veteran’s claimed condition and how and when it happened or how it got worse. Read more about Lay Witness statements in The Island News veterans’ benefits articles, dated April 24, May 1, and May 8, 2025, Parts 1, 2, and 3, titled “Lay Witness (Buddy) Statements,” at https://bit.ly/3KZCaVu, https://bit.ly/470Slu9, and https://bit.ly/49jRxSq.
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 VA-accredited VSO, a Patient Adviser at Charleston and Durham VA Hospitals, a Fisher House Charleston/Friends of Fisher House Charleston Goodwill Ambassador, and the Veterans Benefits Adviser for his local Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) Chapter and Cary, N.C., VFW Post 7383 Larry is also the author of the awardwinning “Blades of Thunder (Book One)” and a contributing freelance writer with The Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@ earthlink.net or 843-276-7164
SERVICE DIRECTORY
ATTORNEY
Christopher J. Geier
Attorney at Law, LLC
Criminal Defense & Civil Litigation
2048 Pearl Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
Office: 843-986-9449 • Fax: 843-986-9450 chris@bftsclaw.com • www.geierlaw.com
AUDIOLOGY & HEARING
Beaufort Audiology & Hearing Care
Monica Wiser, M.A. CCC-A Licensed Audiologist 38 Professional Village West, Lady's Island monica@beauforthearing.com www.beauforthearing.com | 843-521-3007 Hear the Beauty that Surrounds You The Beaufort Sound Hearing and Balance Center
Dr. Larry Bridge, AU.D./CCC-A 206 Sea Island Parkway, Suite 31, Beaufort thebeaufortsound@gmail.com www.thebeaufortsound.com | 843-522-0655
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Anointing of the Sick
During his ministry, Jesus had great compassion for the sick. When he encountered people who suffered from serious illness or physical affliction, Jesus would take time to speak with them and give them comfort. He miraculously healed many who were on the brink of death, instantly taking away their illness. He gave sight to the blind, made the deaf hear, cleansed those with leprosy, and enabled the lame to walk. (Matthew 11:5)
Since he was God in our midst, Jesus healed with divine power. At times, he worked these miracles with merely a word of command, but often his words of healing were accompanied by physical elements, such as when he made clay and placed it on the eyes of the man born blind. (John 9) These healings were signs pointing to the more important spiritual healing he had come to do, to free humanity from the eternal death caused by sin.
Jesus sent out the apostles to heal in his name.
During his ministry, Jesus sent his disciples to teach and heal in his name. “They went out and preached that men should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.” (Mark 6:12-13) And before he returned to heaven, Jesus commanded the apostles to continue this ministry, promising that in his name they will lay their hands on the sick, and the sick will recover. (Mark 16:18)
In the early Church, the apostles continued to heal.
In the New Testament, James writes, “Is anyone among you sick?
Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well, and the Lord will raise them up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.” (James 5:14-15) The word “elders” is what later became translated as “priests.” The oil mentioned is olive oil, used in biblical times as a medicinal ointment.
We call this the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
The gift described by James has been passed down through the centuries, and it is now known as Anointing of the Sick. It is usually requested when a Catholic is sick with a serious illness or about to undergo a life-threatening surgery. The priest prays with the sick person, asks God’s healing through the laying on of hands, and anoints them on the forehead and hands with olive oil that has been specially blessed for this purpose.
Jesus continues his healing ministry among us today. Sometimes Jesus works a miracle of physical healing through Anointing of the Sick, to the astonishment of the doctors and nurses! But more often, he gives strength to endure one’s sufferings with patience and love. If the sick persons are unconscious or otherwise unable to confess their sins, the Lord also forgives their sins and gives them spiritual healing. Through his family of faith, the Church, Jesus is still caring for the sick with great love and compassion.