Millions of oysters still cluster on the South Carolina coast. Ben Moise (that’s another one of those French emigre names – Mo-ees) should know. He spent two years with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources arresting those who harvested too many oysters; now he roasts thousands more than that at 50 to 100 private and public parties a year.

One was in Orangeburg for the Thalian Club last week; last year he held another for the International Congressional Conservation Fund at the historic Sewell House on the Mall in Washington, D.C.

Editor’s note – Cheryl Metz, daughter of Times and Democrat Columnist Rinehart Chewning, writes about her father’s medical condition in the column below for readers who have missed his regular columns each Saturday.

Most days you will find him sitting in his big, comfy blue recliner, probably daydreaming about things he wishes he could see. He probably thinks about his childhood and his beloved mother whom he so often writes about in his columns.

My nephew is now a 25-year-old man, a college graduate, a married man and successful in his career. His passion as a youngster was baseball. He played college ball at Anderson University and continues to be involved in the sport by coaching teams in his hometown.

I used to tease Will, mainly because he’s so teasable. Just a quirky comment or a funny joke, and his cheeks, already naturally rosy, would deepen, his facial expression revealing that once again his Aunt Harris had gotten the best of him.

The wife and I have been taking the last few days off of work to get some stuff done around the house.

I love working around the house. The yard work. Painting. Touching up this and that.

Before Odysseus embarked on his mystic journey, he entrusted the upbringing and education of his son to his friend, Mentor. A mentor carries out a desired fulfillment. Century 21 The Moore Group Realtor Marion Moore mentors real estate personnel with aplomb.

Mentors are trusted counselors, or guides, with special expertise; serve in voluntary … and sometimes involuntary roles … assist with the growth and development of others. Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell attributes his career success to having several mentors.

Do you want to grow a vegetable garden but aren’t sure where to start? Start by attending a free Home Vegetable Gardening class from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 25, in Bowman.

The class will be held in the Bowman Town Hall banquet hall, and pre-registration is not required.

I have been asked time and again if I am religious. And my answer always has been “Yes! I am. But again, I am more spiritual than religious.” I like to go to a temple to be in the congregation. The pious atmosphere, worship, prayers and company of friends and families, every aspect is calming, recreational and enriching. After worship, as we receive “Prasad” (share the holy meal), we get to exchange our greetings and enquire each other’s wellbeing, which is always fulfilling.

However, when conflict arises and I must choose between work and worship, bowing my head in God Almighty’s grace with gratitude, I undertake my work. I consider my work as self-discipline, my worship to God and service to the community. After my day’s schoolwork is over, my research and writing keep me occupied. I feel fortunate, encouraged and rewarded by readers’ generous compliments and their occasional requests to write about certain issues or topics, which prove that they read and care for my writings.

Caring and compassion comes in all ages, and 10-year-old Erin Clark of Santee is an outstanding example.

Erin, a daughter of Laura and Scott Clark, donated 12 inches of her thick blonde hair to Locks of Love back in January.

Among the members of the Orangeburg County Advisory Board of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Board is Mrs. Rose Dukes, who is always working hard to “put Norway on the map.” Mrs. Rose has succeeded in making the Willow School an official historic site.

I may mention at this point Sylvia Heirs’ efforts to transform the old Springfield school into a showplace for its community, complete with an auditorium, museum, county library branch and other wonderful rooms.

Said Brooks Atkinson: “In every age, ‘the good old days’ were a myth. No one ever thought they were good at the time. Every age has consisted of crises that seemed intolerable to the people who lived through them.” Picking cotton was fashionable during the 1950s.

It might be unbelievable that yesteryear’s children were to attend church services weekly; walk great distances to and from school; some boys were encouraged to drop out of school to take jobs, and age 18 was a reasonable time to be married. Those were good old days in reflection, but intolerable by today’s measures.