A small but mighty group of volunteers have been making a name for themselves as the “go to” group for helping non-profits in the Lowcountry.

   Founded by the YMCA five years ago, the Togetherhood initiative is the national organization’s signature program for social responsibility. Here in Beaufort County, the group has been busy growing and getting things done.

 “I’m tickled to death we’re up to 24 members,” said the program’s chair, Gale Swann.

The most fun I've had since this whole social distancing business started has been delivering little surprise treats, breads and casseroles to our friends. Every few days, Vince plays chauffeur and drives Miss Debbi to drop off goodies on the front porches of dear chums that we have been missing terribly. More often than not, we've all been able to chat (within a safe distance of six feet or more), laugh a bit and see each other's smiles. That's how Vince and I are getting through these “unsettling times.” My mama believed that food was love and that it could solve all of the troubles of the world. I guess the apple didn't fall too far from the tree, and that's a good thing.

Through a generous and selfless act, the greenspace known as Oak Island in St. Helena is now protected from development via a group of anonymous donors from Dataw Island. The group, Oak Island Preservation LLC, comprises an unknown number of Dataw Island residents who purchased the land and donated it to the Dataw Island Owners Association (DIOA) with significant restrictions to assure it will remain protected from development. 

I believe there are as many types of saints as there are souls to be saved. - Flannery O'Connor

            I’ve decided I’m stopping after this — writing pandemic essays — but I can’t promise. I suspect I’ll need to redirect my thoughts to the election in November. That’s a different column, and probably one that will never be written. Contributing to divisiveness is not a calling I want to pursue. The first time I put on a face mask helped me understand a new kind of wall between us. Anonymity appeared as smiles disappeared.