By Peggy Chandler
This week, the Royal Pines mail brigade again volunteered their time at Friends of Caroline Hospice.  Working on the project were Carol Clark, Kathy Adams, Frank and Carol Nocilla, Marisa and Bob Sherard, Nancy and Dick Steeves, Sherrie Suback, Marie Colucci, Marianne Hamilton, Maritza Schmidt, Mary Cieplowski, Richard and Maryanne Bender and, last but not least, Amy Stoeffler. We spent about three hours folding, sealing, yakking and laughing ... all for a wonderful cause.
<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Royal-Chatter1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5489" title="Royal Chatter1" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Royal-Chatter1-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>At the most recent meeting of the Royal Readers, the book “Goodnight Mr. Tom” by Michelle Magorian was discussed. According to Pat Davidyock, who is the group’s leader, “Everyone agreed this was a powerfully inspiring read that they would recommend to young readers as well as old.  Set in England’s countryside during WWII, this book deals with the dark side of child abuse balanced by the healing light of love this boy learns from kindly elderly Mr. Tom.”  For February the club is reading “The Red Tent” by Anita Daimant. This book is a personal favorite of mine, I look forward to their review.
Maritza Schmidt has returned to Royal Pines! Maritza spent a month in Chicago helping her daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and Michael Haught, adjust their schedules to coincide with their new daughter, Elisabeth. Michael Haught is the son of Bill and Marci Haught, also of Royal Pines. These two families have good news as Jessica, Michael and Elisabeth are moving back to South Carolina.  Although, not returning to Beaufort, they will be a short distance away in Columbia.  Happiest of all that Maritza is home is her husband Fred who will no longer be left to his own devices.
Maritza and a few of her Royal Pines friends gathered to celebrate her birthday.   Friends Nancy Steeves, Sherrie Suback, Kathy Adams, Mary Cieplowski, Betty Fulcher, Carol Clark, Barbara Gilbert  Amy Stoeffler, Marisa Sherard and  Carol Nocilla. A friend named Carol Wilson was invited but turned out to be a no show!
Speaking of Wilson, Cathy and Bob Wilson spent time in Connecticut with their 2-year-old granddaughter Mackensey McNeal Wilson and her little 4-month-old sister Morgan Murray Wilson. According to Cathy, the girls are planning to open their law firm sometime during 2027!  Their older cousin, 7-year-old Caitlin Elizabeth Wilson of Pennsylvania, was also visiting.
A 50th anniversary party was held in honor of Carol and John Clark at the home of Richard and Maryanne Bender.   Many Royal Pines friends attended and one escapee, Barb Gilbert, came back for the party.  It was a wonderful party for a wonderful couple.
A reminder: Best buy for salon services is the Technical College of the Lowcountry.  A new class is on hand to serve your every need. Also, Karen Clymer of Medimorphosis in Port Royal can take care of all your Valentine’s Day facial and spa needs.
If you have news to share, please contact me at buddysoma@embarqmail.com.