Bluffton and the Lowcountry Magazine - May 2023

MAGAZINE

May 2023 / $4.95

PRESIDENT KEITH BACH keith@anthemmediagroup.com

PUBLISHERS

MEREDITH DIMUZIO meredith@anthemmediagroup.com

SASHA SWEENEY sasha@anthemmediagroup.com

EDITOR

ANTHONY GARZILLI anthony@anthemmediagroup.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR REBECCA CASHWELL

GRAPHIC DESIGNER ALLYSON VENRICK

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE MARY ANN KENT maryann@anthemmediagroup.com

WRITERS

Amy Coyne Bredeson, Lawrence Conneff, Clay Bonnyman Evans, Nina Greenplate, Justin Jarrett, Barry Kaufman, Mark E. Lett, Dean Rowland, Edward Thomas

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michael Hrizuk, Rob Kaufman, Ruthe Ritterbeck

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COVER PHOTOS

Hilton Head Island Magazine: Michael Hrizuk

Bluffton and the Lowcountry Magazine: Ruthe Ritterbeck

2 Finch St. Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

never miss

< AMY COYNE BREDESON, WRITER

Bluffton history keeper, page 40

Amy Coyne Bredeson is a freelance journalist, who grew up on Hilton Head Island and has written for various publications during the past 24 years. She lives in Bluffton with her husband, two children and two dogs.

< JUSTIN JARRETT, WRITER

Parkinson’s awareness, page 88

Justin Jarrett has been writing about sports and the people who play them in the Lowcountry since 2005 and founded Lowco Media and LowcoSports.com in 2017. He lives in Bluffton with his wife and two children and spends a large percentage of his waking hours thinking about baseball.

< ROB KAUFMAN, PHOTOGRAPHER

Boating safety, page 98

Rob Kaufman has been a professional photographer based in the Hilton Head, South Carolina area for more than 20 years. In that time he has honed his photographic skills in such specialties as architecture and interiors, food and products, portraits and weddings and fine art reproduction.

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< MARK LETT I WRITER

The Greenery, page 34

Mark Lett has more than 50 years in journalism, from a copy boy at his hometown weekly newspaper near Detroit to reporting and editing for daily newspapers in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana and South Carolina.

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savoring spring

Springtime has us relishing the beautiful outdoors of the Lowcountry. We are enjoying the comfortable temperatures and look forward to continuing to savor this magnificent season.

Our area is full of businesses not only dedicated to its customers but also its employees.

The Greenery is celebrating 50 years in business. Its growth can be credited to its business strategy of employee ownership, which it established 20 years ago. Learn more about it in this issue.

Paul Tollefson is committed to telling Bluffton’s stories. From photos and interviews, Tollefson is fascinated with the town’s history. He is chronicling life in Bluffton — then and now.

Enjoy this fun and interesting read.

In the mood for some soft-shell crabs? Well, we have the story about a restaurant on the island with its own soft-shell “shedding” operation. Learn how Hudson’s on the Docks keeps the crabs fresh all day.

A new forum in the Lowcountry focuses on supporting mothers. By offering encouragement, advice and access to resources, the group continues to grow in its efforts to empower moms.

This is a nice time of year to relax outside and read a good book. We offer some great reads to enjoy this month. Check out Tom Hanks’ “thought-provoking” novel.

If you are looking for a fun day trip to entertain your kids, consider a ride to Columbia. The capital city has plenty to do for children, including a zoo, a museum with a 4D theater and a fun park with laser tag.

New boaters and those new to the area will be wise to read our boater safety article. America’s Boating Club of Hilton Head offers a free course that helps boaters develop essential skills to safely operate their vessels.

Commencement ceremonies are always fun. We congratulate the classes of 2023 and wish them all the best.

Thank you for reading. Enjoy the season.

KEITH BACH, PRESIDENT keith@anthemmediagroup.com

Pictured left to right – First Row: Alan Perry NMLS# 866734, Clara Good NMLS# 2169516, Libby Knapp, Brian Neumann NMLS# 174105, David Crowell NMLS# 12620, Kim Capin NMLS# 158295, Jason Goldstein NMLS# 2180858, and Aaron Benton NMLS# 1717095. Second Row: Tanner Ware NMLS# 278238, Chris Lane NMLS# 1892950, Christiane Goldstein, Sara Marx, Emma Gregory NMLS# 2179997, Gina Cavano NMLS# 1182146, Tricia Lowman, Susan Smith NMLS# 278903, and Sam Cavanaugh NMLS# 1293151. Not Pictured: James Leavitt NMLS# 1879498.

baseball is back with a buzz

Baseball cards line the mantle, displayed prominently among family photos and pieces of valued artwork. An autographed baseball sits nearby.

An afternoon game from a distant city plays in the background. There’s the distinct sound of the crack of the bat followed by cheers and whistles. Between innings the radio station plays catchy local commercials (“Hop on over to Meijer”).

I’m wearing a baseball-themed T-shirt (“Baseball is the Best”) and glancing at scores from a busy slate of contests.

The announcer shouts: “Quick toss to first ... got him!”

The crowd roars.

Baseball is back. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

The season is just getting going, but there’s a buzz about baseball.

New rules have been the storyline, most notably the pitch clock. The goal is to pick up the pace of play. The games had been crawling along in recent years (an average time of 3 hours, 6 minutes in 2022), often because of the sluggish down time between pitches.

The pitch clock, which gives pitchers 15 seconds to throw with nobody on base and 20 seconds when there is a base runner, has made an immediate impact. The games are about half an hour shorter, averaging 2:37 (shortest average time since the early 1980s), and the rhythm has quickened.

Fans nationwide took immediate notice. MLB.TV, the league’s streaming platform, saw a record 172 million watched minutes on Opening Day, according to SportsPro. That’s a 42 percent increase from last year. MLB’s social media views were up 83 percent. Back with a buzz.

I listened to a game from Detroit as I wrote this. After an hour had passed, two home runs had been hit, five runs had scored, and there were exciting defensive plays and two-out run-scoring hits.

The game was already in the fifth inning. My attention never wavered. Baseball didn’t need to invoke new rules (larger bases, restricting the infield shift) to rekindle my interest. I’ve been a fan since childhood, but the rule changes can’t be ignored.

The pace means I don’t have to struggle to keep my eyes open to watch the final innings of a night game. In fact, I can catch a decent amount of West Coast action.

In my line of sight are the baseball cards: Rickey Henderson darts off third base. Mike Trout leaps to rob a batter of a home run. Mariano Rivera smiles.

The cards are a reminder of the extraordinary talent of the game’s greats and have me excited for this season’s memorable moments.

And that afternoon contest in Detroit? Time of game 2:32. Leaving plenty of time to get ready to tune into the first pitch of the next game.

ANTHONY GARZILLI, EDITOR anthony@anthemmediagroup.com

WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL

The Hilton Head Island Wine and Food Festival enjoyed its 38th year of offering world-class wines and delicious bites.

If you have photos of an event to submit for consideration, please email them to anthony@anthemmediagroup.com

Photos courtesy Hilton Head Wine and Food Festival.

WINGFEST

CHAMBER BALL

HILTON HEAD-BLUFFTON CHAMBER

EASTER FUN

If you have photos of an event to submit for consideration, please email them to anthony@anthemmediagroup.com

anthemmediagroup.com

The Easter Bunny hopped on to the Farmers Market of Bluffton.

Hilton Head Wingfest hosted by the Island Recreation Association brought out a large crowd — and featured some of the area’s best wings.

Stan Smith, above, earned the Icon Award. Watterson Brands won the Pinnacle Award.

Easter fun was had by everyone at the Eggstravaganza, hosted by the Island Rec Center.

Photos: Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber Facebook page.

34 I GOOD OF THE GROUP

After 50 years in business, The Greenery continues to grow through help of employee ownership strategy.

40 I KEEPER OF HISTORY

Paul Tollefson is committed to sharing stories and documenting the past to help keep memories of Bluffton alive.

48 I EVERY-DAY DEDICATION

Take a glimpse into an ‘old-fashioned’ way of business as Hudson’s on the Docks keeps soft-shell crabs fresh every day.

76 I CULTURE CELEBRATION

Binya art exhibit honors the rich history of the Gullah Geechee, highlighting the strong sense of community and cultural identity.

88 I NEVER GIVING UP

Golfer Cris Lamdin keeps swinging on the course despite battling Parkinson’s disease. He aims to pass his insight on to others.

98 I SAFETY FIRST

New boaters and those new to the area learn essential skills to navigate unique local waterways.

Soft-shell crabs

18 I THE Q&A

Alljoy Donut Co. owners add their own delectable flavor to Bluffton.

20 I MAYFEST

Food, art, crafts live music. Annual event returns for its 43rd year.

24 I CELEBRATING BUSINESSES

Golden Oyster Awards recognize contributions to the community.

28 I AROUND TOWN

Highlighting the top news items from throughout the Lowcountry.

32 I GIVING SPOTLIGHT

Cookbook supports families with children battling cancer.

54 I CRAB DISHES

Delicious recipes to enjoy.

58 I SPECTACULAR SPACE

How to hang stunning gallery art.

60 I SHADY SPOTS

Tips to keep your cool outside at home.

66 I WORK FROM HOME

Move your work space outdoors.

68 I FASHION

Trendy spring styles for the kids.

84 I SPRING SHOWTIME

Hilton Head Dance Theatre’s troupe puts on spring performances.

86 I SUPPORT SYSTEM

New forum aims to empower moms.

92 I VISIT PINCKNEY ISLAND

Explore diverse wildlife.

96 I MASKED ANIMALS

Southern fox squirrels roam the region.

102 I FAMILY FUN ROAD TRIP

Kid-friendly activities to enjoy in Columbia.

108 I HERITAGE RECAP

Matt Fitzpatrick captures the crown.

112 I POLO CLASSIC

Rose Hill match benefits Lowcountry organizations.

116 I SALUTING SENIORS

Congratulations to the classes of 2023 .

43rd Annual Mayfest

kristie derda

OWNER, ALLJOY DONUT CO.

What’s it like to take over an institution as revered as Alljoy Donut Co.? Just ask the new owners. Blufftonians held their breath when news broke that it had sold last year. Thankfully, new owners and Wisconsin transplants Troy and Kristie Derda have kept our beloved tradition alive, adding their own delectable flavor to our town We spoke to Kristie about their transition to the Lowcountry

Q: What brought you to Bluffton?

A: My husband, Troy, and I have two sons in college and thought the timing was right to make a change. We really could have moved anywhere, as Troy works from home, and I kept hearing about Bluffton when we focused on South Carolina. We decided to make Bluffton home within a few hours of arriving to explore the area!

Q: How did you balance change and keeping what people loved?

A: We trained with Bill and Donna (Ellis) for several weeks before they moved to Florida, and their advice was invaluable: which doughnuts were the most popular and should be offered every week, etc. We’ll always have apple fritters, Reese’s, maple bacon, etc., but it’s been a lot of fun coming up with new recipes and ideas. Our collaboration with Burnt Church Distillery has been amazing, and there’s always huge demand when we create something with one of their delicious moonshines or their bourbon cream.

Q: What’s your favorite doughnut to eat and why?

A: I love anything with chocolate, so I have plenty of great choices such as our salted caramel or buttercream with chocolate frosting, but I love a great cinnamon roll, and our cinnamon spirals are so, so good!

Q: What do you miss most about Wisconsin?

A: We miss our wonderful friends and family in Wisconsin, but we’ve had so many visitors. Everyone who visits mentions wanting to live in Bluffton, and we feel so fortunate to have made it our new home. The doughnut shop has been an incredible way to meet people, and everyone is so welcoming and kind.

Q: What is your favorite thing about the Lowcountry?

A: The people, beautiful surroundings, great food, and endless options for listening to live music or attending a festival. Troy and I have become members of the Bluffton Paddle Club, and I continue to golf with the three lovely women I met during our golf clinic, so we’re really taking advantage of the fun options Bluffton offers.

something for everyone

MAYFEST RETURNS FOR 43RD YEAR OF FUN IN BLUFFTON

Written by Amy Coyne Bredeson I Photos supplied

A tradition that goes back more than four decades, Mayfest is one of Bluffton’s favorite events of the year. With a wide variety of food, art, crafts and live music, Mayfest has something for everyone.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bluffton, the 43rd annual Mayfest will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 13 in Old Town Bluffton. Admission is free, but make sure to bring some money for all the goodies you will want to purchase. Attendees are encouraged to park at Red Cedar Elementary School to catch a free shuttle ride to and from the festival.

Mayfest chairperson Mary O’Neill is looking forward to making money for the charities her club supports. Bluffton Self Help, Volunteers in Medicine and Habitat for Humanity are a few of those charities. She said the annual festival usually brings in about $30,000.

“We are a service organization,” O’Neill said. “Next year I’m the president, and that’s what I’m pushing — that we really get it out to the community that every time they support us, it helps us raise money for all the charities within our community.”

This year’s Mayfest will include more than 150 local and regional art, craft and food vendors, and live entertainment by Bluffton School of Dance, Burnt Church Revival, Lyn Avenue, Heavy Honey and the Jason LaPorte Duo.

Bluffton Family Seafood House, Bluffton Oyster Company, Southern Spice Deli & Catering, New York City Pizza and The Sugaree will all be serving up their delicious creations at the event this year.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Mayfest without a couple of fun contests. The Ugly Dog Contest has been a Bluffton tradition for more than 30 years and is always a howling success. What could be more entertaining than a group of unsightly animals vying for the title of ugliest dog? The dogs don’t seem to mind the insults, and their humans are proud to take home the awards.

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

Entertainment at Mayfest this year will include performances on the main stage at Martin Family Park, on a second stage on Bridge Street, at DuBois Park and at the Heyward House.

MARTIN FAMILY PARK PERFORMANCES:

• Bluffton School of Dance 10-10:40 a.m.

• Burnt Church Revival 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Lyn Avenue 2-4:30 p.m.

BRIDGE STREET PERFORMANCES:

• Heavy Honey 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Jason LaPorte Duo 2-4:30 p.m.

DUBOIS PARK PAVILION:

• Pie-eating contest 11:30 a.m

THE HEYWARD HOUSE:

• Ugly Dog Contest 1 p.m.

Mayfest featured artist Lauren Terrett.

The pie-eating contest is a hoot for spectators and participants alike. Unfortunately — or fortunately depending on how you look at it — the contest was more entertaining for the spectators than the contestants one year.

O’Neill said the pies used in the pie-eating contest are supposed to be filled with cream, but one year someone forgot to mention that small detail.

“People honestly stuck their faces in cherry pie and had big chunks,” O’Neill recalled. “It was pretty funny to watch these people. … I’ve never seen such a mess in my entire life.”

For an artsy experience, make sure to stop and see this year’s featured artist, Lauren Terrett, demonstrating her painting skills alongside her fellow artists at La Petite Gallerie, located at 56 Calhoun Street.

“I invite people to paint with me while I demo,” Terrett said. “And I am usually able to get the first-time artists to finish a painting.”

Terrett’s colorful, impressionistic paintings of the people, wildlife, landscape and architecture of the Lowcountry have been on display at La Petite Gallerie for the past seven years. Her work can also be found at the Society of Bluffton Artists, at Alexander’s Restaurant on Hilton Head Island, and on Facebook and Instagram under the name “Lauren Arsenault Terrett.”

Like many others, Terrett looks forward to Mayfest every year. She loves wandering the streets of Old Town, breathing in the delightful aromas of seafood, perusing the pieces of art on display and spending time with friends. She is proud to call Bluffton her home.

“We get to show off our charming town to people attending Mayfest from out of state,” Terrett said.

For details on Mayfest or the Rotary Club of Bluffton, go to blufftonrotary.org/page/mayfest.

celebrating bluffton businesses

Photos Supplied

The Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses and individuals in the Greater Bluffton area at the eighth Annual Golden Oyster Awards Gala (presented by Hospice Care of the Lowcountry), an event to honor businesses and individuals who have made substantial contributions to the Chamber and the community. The event was held at Pinckney Hall in Sun City.

More than 45 businesses were nominated to receive an award for nine different categories. Nominee applications for the awards were vetted by individuals in the Chamber of Commerce industry from Louisiana, Tennessee, and Florida. Based on specific award category criteria, the following local businesses were recognized as recipients among the different categories:

• Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Monty Schwartz

• Bluffton Chamber Young Professional of the Year: Marcus Walsh

• Non-Profit of the Year: Programs for Exceptional People (PEP)

• Community Philanthropy Award: Pay Proudly

• New Business of the Year: Southern Sky Recovery

• Business of the Year: WHHI-TV

• Chamber Member of the Year: Oceano Blue Media

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Daniel Wood

Oceano Blue Media was recognized as the recipient of the 2022 Pearl Award, the highest honor that is awarded to a recipient based on standing out above the rest for their contributions and service to the Greater Bluffton area.

“It is a true honor and privilege to prestigiously recognize local businesses for their contributions that they have made to the Greater Bluffton community,” said Natalie Osterman, CEO of the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. “This event was a true testament to the Greater Bluffton community, and we were elated to see so many women and men coming together to celebrate, connect, and support local businesses.”

Since its creation in 2012, the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce has been the “voice” of local businesses, providing them with valuable resources to help them connect, grow, and succeed in an ever-changing economy. For more information, visit www. blufftonchamberofcommerce.org .

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and the Lowcountry

foundation for educational excellence

HELPING BUILD A TEACHER’S TOOLKIT

Last year there were more than 250 new teachers in the Beaufort County School District.

Starting out in an educational career can be challenging. To help these new teachers get off to a good start, the Foundation for Educational Excellence, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, launched a new initiative entitled “Helping Build A Teacher’s Toolkit.”

Spurred by interest and discussions with Foundation board members, many of whom are retired educators, the goal is to help ease needs (beyond regular school supplies) in the classroom for first- and second-year teachers in the school district.

With the help of generous community members and organizations, this year the Foundation awarded 10 grants to new teachers across Beaufort County. The Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island (WAHHI) and board member Chris Epps donated some of the funding to help make these grants a reality.

Well-deserving teachers were surprised and honored to be presented with $500 checks from Foundation board members in their classrooms.

The teachers’ proposed supplies included everything from books to white boards and puzzles to flashcards and musical instruments. All of the supplies are helping to create more hands-on learning opportunities and improve the learning environment for their students. The students benefiting from these grants include all ages from Pre-K through high school.

Since 2009, the Foundation has awarded more than $325,000 in grants to the teachers and students of Beaufort County to support the mission and goals of the public schools.

The Innovative Teacher grants and School Resource grants given annually by the Foundation have benefited thousands of students across the county. These grants fund learning projects that go beyond traditional learning, empowering inventive teachers to transform the educational experience and spark inquisitive young minds.

Photo supplied

These grants help spark the imaginations of students to create a life-long interest in learning. Often these grant awards provide multi-year learning impact.

“The Foundation wants to encourage the teachers’ hard work as well as extend a helping hand to these new teachers,” says Cindy Sturgis, Foundation Board member. “They play such an important role in the future of their students, so we are happy to play a supportive role in making that future even brighter.”

For more information, visit foundationedexcellence.com

BLUFFTON INDUCTS

MARY O. MERRICK INTO WALL OF HONOR

‘True Southern Lady’ recognized

A lifelong Bluffton resident was inducted into the Town of Bluffton’s Wall of Honor. Mary O. Merrick, who was a teacher and defender of the region’s natural resources, was recognized April 11.

Merrick, who died in 2014, graduated top of her class from Bluffton High School in 1937. She also graduated from Florida State University at the age of 19 and taught school in Florida as well as becoming a chemist for Union Camp in Savannah.

She married Edwin L. Merrick, which brought her back to her family farm in greater Bluffton. She taught math and science for 30 years at Bluffton High School and McCracken High School. Merrick championed the causes of clean water, clean air, controlled development, and equity based on ability, according to the town.

Merrick was known as a “true Southern lady.”

BLUFFTON OFFICER RICHARD RAMIREZ NAMED TOP OFFICER IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY CLASS

The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy awarded Bluffton police officer Richard Ramirez the “J.P. Strom Award” as the top student in his graduating class, and the Physical Fitness Award for scoring highest for all physical fitness categories. The J.P. Strom Award is the Academy’s most prestigious award, according to a news release.

“This is a proud moment for Officer Ramirez and for the Bluffton Police Department,” Police Chief Joe Babkiewicz said. “Ramirez represents the caliber of officer the department wants to attract, and we are beyond proud of him for his dedication to the academy process and to the profession.”

Ramirez, a graduate of Bluffton High School, served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2012 -2022.

HOME STRUCK BY LIGHTNING IN BERKELEY HALL COMMUNITY

A lightning strike to the roof of a residence on Lancaster Boulevard in the Berkeley Hall community caused an attic fire, with multiple fire stations from Bluffton Township Fire District responding. The home was safely evacuated, and the fire was determined to be caused by the lightning strike, a news release said.

According to the US Fire Administration, lightning is the cause of an estimated 17,400 fires each year. Of those fires, 41% occur in structures.

TCL SIGNS AGREEMENT TO JOIN SOUTH CAROLINA VETERAN COALITION

The Technical College of the Lowcountry has partnered with the S.C. Department of Veterans Affairs to join the South Carolina Veteran Coalition, which works to improve care for veterans, their spouses and family

members based in South Carolina. The agreement enables coalition members to provide and expedite specific services to the state’s veteran population.

COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES 2023-24 CALENDAR

The Beaufort County Board of Education has approved the district’s academic calendar for the 2023-24 school year. The first day for students will be Monday, Aug. 21. The final day of classes will be a half-day Wednesday, June 5. State law mandates that no South Carolina public school may begin classes prior to the third Monday in August, which this year is Aug. 21.

Schools will be closed for students Sept. 4 (Labor Day); Nov. 7 (Election Day); Nov. 22-24 (Thanksgiving); Dec. 22-Jan. 5 (winter break); Jan. 15, 2024 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day); February 19, 2024 (President’s Day);Friday, March 29, 2024 (Good Friday); April 8 (vacation day); April 15-19, 2024 (spring break); May 27, 2024 (Memorial Day); June 19 (Juneteenth); and July 4 (Independence Day).

High school graduation dates are June 3 (May River), June 5 (Bluffton), June 6 (Battery Creek and Hilton Head Island), and June 7 (Whale Branch Early College). June 7 is also a graduation make-up day in the event of inclement weather.

PIGGLY WIGGLY OWNER WINS COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD

David Martin, owner of Hilton Head’s Piggly Wiggly grocery store, was named as the inaugural Joan and Wade Webster Community Impact Award winner at Community Foundation of the Lowcountry’s Annual Community Meeting.

Martin’s nomination for the award focused on his work with Lowcountry Alliance for Healthy Youth. Two LCAHY initiatives that he led were cited in the presentation: Banning the sale of tobacco products in Piggly Wiggly and the establishment of the “We I.D. the LCAHY Way” training program that educates local businesses about underage drinking laws and their consequences. He received a $10,000 grant to distribute to nonprofit organizations.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND AWARDED FEMA PROGRAM GRANT

FEMA awarded the Town of Hilton Head Island a Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant for development of a resilience plan. The Town will receive $56,250 to use toward its plan, which will focus on climate adaptation. The project will evaluate the effects of climate change, including sea level rise and natural disasters, and explore potential mitigation strategies and activities to reduce the impacts of climate change and natural hazards on our community.

BLUFFTON HIGH WRESTLER EARNS ALL-AMERICAN STATUS

Jada Lawrence places 7th at national tournament

Bluffton High School’s Jada Lawrence is one of the top girls wrestlers in the country. Lawrence, a sophomore, recently took seventh place in the 145-pound weight class at the National High School Coaches Association National wrestling tournament in Virginia Beach, Va. Her accomplishment earned her All-American status.

Said coach Neal Nutter on the Bluffton Bobcats Athletics website: “For those that don’t know Jada, she is just a sweet, hard-working and dedicated young woman! She makes us so proud.”

Earlier this year Lawrence won the school’s first girls state wrestling championship. In that title match Lawrence defeated Rory Travis of Gilbert High 10-3 in the 145-pound weight class.

HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION SELECTS WINNERS

Zhonghua Wei, 14, of China won the 2023 Hilton Head International Piano Competition. Wei also earned the Peter Takacs Classical Sonata prize. Donghwi Kang, 15, of South Korea placed second and Xinran Shi, 13, of the United States took third. David Choi, 15, (USA/ Korea) and Nathaniel Zhang, 15, (USA) were medalists. Zarin Mehta, 15, of the United States earned the Sascha Gorodnitzki Memorial Prize.

RESIDENTS ASKED TO SERVE ON GREEN SPACE COMMITTEE

Southern Beaufort County residents are sought to serve on Beaufort County’s Green Space Advisory Committee that aims to preserve open space and protect critical and natural resources. Areas of the region eligible include Hilton Head Island, Palmetto Bluff, Daufuskie Island, Brighton Beach/Alljoy, New Riverside, and surrounding areas. For more information, visit beaufortcountysc.gov .

TWO OSPREYS CHOOSE HHI RAPTOR CAM NEST

A pair of Ospreys chose the Hilton Head Island Land Trust’s Raptor Cam Nest as their home. Viewers can watch the nesting and incubation period by tuning into the HD Raptor Cam, which also has night vision. The Hilton Head Island Land Trust’s Raptor Cam is funded by donations and by sponsors Russell P. Patterson, P.A. and Hargray.

“The importance of preserving natural spaces on Hilton Head Island cannot be overstated,” said Robin Storey, Board Treasurer of the Hilton Head Island Land Trust. “We are fortunate to be able to observe nature in its home environment, and the Raptor Cam is a great way to get an up close and personal experience with the wildlife of this area.”

Ospreys nest for about 50 days, typically lay two to three eggs, and then incubate the clutch for about 36 to 42 days.

View the ospreys at hhilandtrust.org/raptorcam.

NEW ART INSTALLED ON THE SHELTER COVE SCULPTURE TRAIL

Featuring artists Mark Larkin and Michael Alfano

There are exciting new additions along the Shelter Cove Sculpture Trail. Recently the sculptures of artists Mark Larkin and Michael Alfano were installed by the Town of Hilton Head Island for the Lowcountry to enjoy.

The pieces are entitled:

“Egretious,” by Larkin, and “Liquid Sunshine,” “Beacon,” and “Self-Reflection” by Alfano.

The installations will be on exhibit through early 2024. The Sculpture Trail includes pieces that are in the Town’s permanent public art collection.

keep up with goings on around town. visit us @ anthemmediagroup.com

cookbook for a cause

COMMUNITY RALLIES TO AID LOCAL CHILDREN FIGHTING CANCER

The community is rallying to support four Bluffton families.

Members of the “What’s Happening in Bluffton? (Original)” Facebook group jumped into action when they learned there are local children fighting cancer.

To help support the families, the Lowcountry Online Journalism Initiative, which holds the Facebook group under its umbrella, is printing a cookbook that will feature recipes from Bluffton residents and a variety of Bluffton and Hilton Head Island cooks and chefs.

The idea was spurred when group members saw a post in the “Bluffton Then and Now” group that featured recipes from 1971. The members decided that selling a cookbook could raise money for the families.

All proceeds will benefit the families fighting medical battles.

Nine-year-old Red Cedar Elementary student Kendall Brodie was diagnosed with Stage 2 neuroblastoma, an extremely rare form of cancer.

Eighth-grader Kailey Morris, who attends River Ridge Academy, was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Three-year-old Bluffton Early Childhood Center student Daws Skager recently completed his eighth round of chemotherapy treatment to battle a brain tumor.

Bluffton Middle School student Krystal Buck is battling leukemia.

The artwork of renowned local artist Amos Hummell will be on the book’s cover.

Pre-order at lowcountrychronicle.com.

“It’s just something where we wanted to show these families we have their backs in a unique way,” said Tim Wood, Lowcountry Online Journalism Initiative President. “And the What’s Happening in Bluffton group members have been amazing as always in their giving ways.”

spotlight on giving

We have a winner!

NANCY CONDER - subscribed for free to our magazine and was automatically entered in our contest to win Ashley Hahn’s painting of the Little Blue Boat. Congratulations Nancy!

KIWANIS CLUB GIVES BACK TO RED CEDAR ELEMENTARY

Kiwanis Club of Bluffton donated to Red Cedar Elementary School’s book fair. The donation funded the school’s daily drawings which allowed 100 kids the ability to “shop a little extra at the fair,” according to the school’s Facebook page.

THE DONALDSON GROUP DONATES TO HHCA

The Donaldson Group donated a portion of a recent sale to Hilton Head Christian Academy. The funds will help make an impact toward the future of the campus, a HHCA Facebook post noted.

by Ashley

and featured on the March cover of Hilton Head Island Magazine.

Painted

Hahn

for the good of the group

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP HELPS THE GREENERY GROW

Written by Mark E. Lett

It stands to reason that a landscaping company knows what it takes to grow.

On Hilton Head Island, there’s no better example than The Greenery Inc., where the business took root a half-century ago.

To the company’s chief executive, observing the company’s 50th anniversary this year is a tribute to a father who founded the business, a salute to employees and testament to a four-letter compensation plan that provides workers with a piece of the action.

The anniversary also serves as motivation to commit to continued success, said Lee Edwards, the company’s leader.

“We are a growth-oriented company,” said Edwards. “We are proud of our past and, on this anniversary, excited about the future.”

There are many ingredients to business survival and endurance, from providing a great product or service to controlling costs and always looking for ways to improve.

Part of the secret sauce to success at The Greenery, Edwards will tell you, is the company’s ESOP – Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The plan has proven to be an effective tool in attracting, hiring, motivating and retaining quality employees, he said.

His parents, Berry and Ruthie Edwards, established the company in 1973, starting with a half-dozen employees and a couple of pickup trucks.

These days, in-season employment exceeds 750 at company locations at a dozen branches in three states. Inventory now includes some 300 vehicles, hundreds of mowers and thousands of weed eaters and hand-held pieces of equipment.

Photos by Ruthe Ritterbeck

The Greenery is celebrating its 50th year in business.

From left:

Amy Metzger, director of First Impressions

Janet Fanning, manager of the Garden Center

Lee Edwards, president

Holly Haakensen, customer relations manager

Darren Davis, Hilton Head residential manager

“It’s a lot to take care of and it takes a lot of coordination,” said Edwards, crediting company employees and managers.

The Greenery’s handiwork through installation, landscaping and maintenance has produced a book of business that reads like a guide to Hilton Head and the Lowcountry. Among the clients, to mention a few: Palmetto Dunes, City of Beaufort, Sun City, Shipyard, Indigo Run, Long Cove, Margaritaville and the RBC Heritage golf tournament at Harbour Town Golf Links.

Landscape Management magazine last year ranked The Greenery at No. 30 among the nation’s Top 150 revenue-generating businesses in the green industry.

The company’s business strategy includes a handful of core values – a deft mix of safety, quality and productivity. It’s an approach that has served Edwards since he started working as a 13-year-old in his father’s business.

With his father’s retirement, Edwards stepped up as the company’s chief. The ESOP has been essential to company progress and continuity, he said.

The California-based National Center for Employee Ownership estimates there are more than 6,500 ESOPs covering some 14 million participants. Such plans come in a variety of shapes, with the bottomline principle of a company setting up a trust fund for employees to acquire company stock and, in essence, become part owners.

To qualify for shares in the employee-owned company, workers generally must log a specified number of hours and years. The Greenery established its ESOP in 2003 and the company become fully owned by employees four years later. A per-share value is established each year, based upon company performance. An employee’s share builds over time, and the ultimate payout is, essentially, a retirement plan.

“It has been a part of our success and will continue to be in the future,” said Edwards.

Jerry Ashmore, a Greenery employee for 23 years, said the ESOP helps attract and retain quality workers who appreciate that their stake grows with improved company performance.

“It’s not a get-rich-quick thing,” said Ashmore, the company’s director of workforce development and safety. “But it’s a fact that when you own something, you tend to take care of it.”

Edwards said the “we-are-all-in-this-together" sentiment is revealed on job sites daily by employees who take it seriously.

“You’ll see it show up in a variety of ways,” he said. “To help watch costs, someone will not let a vehicle idle and burn fuel, for example.”

Ashmore said the ESOP contributes to a corporate culture of personal responsibility and collaboration. That spirit is enhanced, he said, when workers are “good to each other and good to their equipment."

“As a part owner, you have to do your part,” he said. “We still have a small-company feel, even as we have expanded. Everybody here has the good of the group in mind, knowing that we care about people. Good people mean good results.”

Added Edwards:

“It helps when you hire good people, treat them well and get out of the way and let them do good work.”

business news

TOWN OF HILTON HEAD ADDS REVENUE SERVICES SPECIALIST

Caroline Rinehart has joined the Town of Hilton Head Island as a revenue services specialist. Rinehart has more than 25 years of experience. She will be responsible for the collection and receipting of fees and taxes, daily balancing and depositing of revenues, and business license processing and renewal. She recently was the business office manager for the Boys & Girls Club on Hilton Head.

DILLARD-JONES HOLDS GRAND OPENING IN BLUFFTON

Dillard-Jones Builders held a ribbon cutting at its location at 6 Promenade Suite 1005 in Bluffton. Founded in 2003, Dillard-Jones builds luxury custom homes in the Carolinas.

MEALS ON WHEELS, BLUFFTONHILTON HEAD NAMES TREASURER

Holly S. Golden was recently elected treasurer of the board of directors of Meals on Wheels, Bluffton-Hilton Head. Golden is a Certified Public Accountant.

Golden earned her bachelor's degree in accounting from Newberry College and an MBA from Winthrop University.

ARTWARE OWNER NAMED SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Jennifer Megliore, owner of ArtWare Designs on Hilton Head Island, was named South Carolina’s Small Business Person of the year for 2023 by the U.S. Small Business Administration. ArtWare Designs is in Shelter Cove Towne Centre.

KELLY CARON CURATED OPENS IN BLUFFTON

Kelly Caron Curated recently held a grand opening. The business is a “Coastal Couture Resort Collection” expansion of Kelly Caron Designs, according to its website. The new space is located at 6 Promenade Suite 1008.

EUROPEAN RESTAURANT OPENS ON HHI

Elements Restaurant and Lounge on the island recently held a grand opening. The eatery offers “modern” European-Chef inspired cuisine and craft cocktails with live music. It is at 2 North Forest Beach Drive. The menu includes lobster tacos, seafood scampi and roasted cod.

HILTON HEAD ADDS BEACH OPERATIONS MANAGER

Mike DeMaria has joined the Town of Hilton Head Island as its beach operations manager. DeMaria has more than 25 years of experience in operations management, having previously held senior management positions at The Oldfield Club and Athletes First Sports. He will be responsible for managing all aspects of the town's beach operations.

JOHN PAUL II HIRES FOOTBALL COACH

Shayne Milligan is the new football coach at John Paul II Catholic School. Milligan was recently the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Concord High (N.C.). He replaces Chris Meyers. Milligan spent five years at Concord.

CHARTER ONE REALTY ADDS AGENT

Sanders MacDonald, who spent the past 12 years working with the Carolina Panthers, is joining Charter One Realty. A Hilton Head Island native, MacDonald is partnering with his father, longtime real estate professional Richard MacDonald, as an agent at Charter One Realty/Richard MacDonald & Associates. A graduate of Clemson University, Sanders MacDonald lives in Bluffton with his wife and two children.

Have some business news to share? Please email anthony@anthemmediagroup.com

Golden

Dillard-Jones

DeMaria

Elements

MacDonald

history keeper

PAUL TOLLEFSON HELPS KEEP

BLUFFTON MEMORIES ALIVE

Written by Amy Coyne Bredeson

Born and raised in Michigan, Paul Tollefson spent much of his childhood in a community like Bluffton. He spent summers at his grandmother’s cottage in South Haven, a small resort town on the sandy bluffs of Lake Michigan.

Tollefson moved to Hilton Head Island 21 years ago, where he taught tennis at various clubs, and eventually moved to Bluffton, where he now lives with his wife, Carola; 17-year-old daughter, Sophia; and 16-year-old son, Sebastian.

Now director of court sports at Hampton Hall Club, Tollefson knew right away that Bluffton was a special place to live. He loves the interesting people of Bluffton and how everything revolves around the water.

“There was just something about the quaintness and the small, kind of easy way of living that even Hilton Head didn’t have,” Tollefson said.

He became fascinated with the town’s rich history once he began researching it. Tollefson started talking to longtime Blufftonians and writing down their stories.

He didn’t want to keep those stories to himself, so last year he and his friend Tim Wood, a local journalist, decided to start a public Facebook group called “Bluffton Then and Now.”

They started out just posting old photos of Bluffton and eventually shared the stories Tollefson had gathered through his interviews.

Tollefson wanted to be able to share what he found but didn’t want to be criticized for sharing Bluffton history when he isn’t a native Blufftonian. For that reason he only posts photos and stories he has heard directly from longtime Bluffton residents.

Photographed by Ruthe Ritterbeck

Photo courtesy Babbie Guscio, The Bluffton Eccentric and the Historical Bluffton Foundation.

Paul Tollefson stands along the bank of the May River where riverboats used to dock. (see opposite page)

“It’s simple,” Tollefson said about the “Bluffton Then and Now” group. “It’s to the point. And people can see what it looked like then and what it looks like now.”

Tollefson and Wood have shared stories about former teachers, principals and coaches, musicians who have played in the area and others who were an important part of the town’s history. They’ve shared tons of old photos of historic buildings, well-known spots in town, parades and festivals, the old draw bridge to Hilton Head, the aftermath of storms and much more.

“Bluffton Then and Now” is an offshoot of the private Facebook group “What’s Happening in Bluffton? (Original)” and is under the umbrella of the Lowcountry

A vintage photo of The Store on Calhoun Street.

photo: Babbie Guscio, The Bluffton Eccentric and the Historical Bluffton Foundation

‘You don’t have to be from Bluffton to be invested in the past, present and future of Bluffton.’

Online Journalism Initiative. Under the leadership of Wood and Tollefson, the group has garnered more than 2,600 members in less than a year.

“Paul cares so much about the history of Bluffton,” Wood said. “He is the epitome of, ‘You don’t have to be from Bluffton to be invested in the past, present and future of Bluffton.’ He is so passionate about history and about preserving the essence of what makes our town so special.”

When Tollefson heard about a dilapidated old building with an interesting story in late 2020, he was intrigued. It turned out that the building, located just past the traffic circle on S.C. 46, was originally the Pritchard Train Depot, a stop along the

Seaboard Air Line Railway corridor.

He also learned that the building was later purchased by a local farmer named Bubba Crosby, who used it as a packing plant for the tomatoes and daffodils he grew and sold. The building was previously located across the street from Crosby’s property, where the New River Linear Trail currently sits.

Tollefson reached out to one of Crosby’s daughters, who suggested he ride out to see her father, who was well known for sharing old stories about Bluffton and Pritchardville. He also visited the former depot, where he was gifted a piece of wood from the building.

This building, built in 1946, was originally built to be a grocery store but was only used as a grocery store for five to six months, according to a “Bluffton Then and Now” post. It has since been used for storage, an ice cream parlor, rented by a pharmacist, and as a post office.

photo: Babbie Guscio, The Bluffton Eccentric and the Historical Bluffton Foundation

Tollefson sat and talked with Crosby and his wife, Joyce Crosby, for hours. He said they gave him some great information about local history.

After his visit with the Crosbys, Tollefson took the piece of wood home, where he spent about a week sanding and waxing it so it could be transformed into a special gift for the couple. He had a local high school artist named Taylor James paint the old train, along with some daffodils and tomatoes, on the piece of wood.

“I wanted to give Mr. and Mrs. Crosby a token of my appreciation for letting me sit with them and pick their minds,” Tollefson wrote in an Aug. 30, 2022, Facebook post.

“Mr. and Mrs. Crosby have since passed on,” he said. “I hope that their family uses that picture as a remembrance of the old train and that depot.”

While he claims to be no expert on the history of Bluffton, Tollefson continues to soak up all he can. In addition to the Crosbys, longtime Bluffton residents Nate Pringle and Babbie Guscio, along with Town of Bluffton historic preservationist Glen Umberger, have all been great sources of information.

“It’s fun for me to listen to the stories of growing up here from different age groups, from the old-timers who used to be able to hunt in any part of the town to the newer generations who remember riding dirt bikes and four-wheelers in the rural woods that have now all been developed,” Tollefson said.

His stories have now been published on the Lowcountry Chronicle website, which is also under the umbrella of the Lowcountry Online Journalism Initiative.

Tollefson serves on the board of the Historic Bluffton Foundation. He has every copy of “The Bluffton Eccentric,” a quirky little newspaper that was published from 1987 to 1991. He also has thousands of old photo slides to go through and knows

Opened in 1956, the James F. Byrnes Swing Bridge was in service until 1982 when a fixed bridge was built (opposite page).

photo: Bluffton Then and Now Facebook group

there are so many more stories to be told about Bluffton.

Tollefson worries that if the old stories of Bluffton aren’t documented, they will be forgotten. He encourages people to share their stories and photos in “Bluffton Then and Now” to keep the memories alive. They can also contact him directly at ptollefson800@ gmail.com.

Tollefson is currently hoping to find people who knew Michael C. Riley, the namesake for the elementary school on Burnt Church Road.

“What he did for education in this town was remarkable,” Tollefson said. “His dream was for all of the children in Bluffton to have an equal education, and he set out to do something about it.”

Tollefson has given presentations about Bluffton’s history at local retirement communities and hopes to soon do the same at the local middle and high schools.

“Nobody around here teaches Bluffton history,” he said. “I thought, ‘What better way to do it than with pictures and places that the kids can see, that they drive by every day.’ ”

photo:

Robert Linder

soft-shell savants

HUDSON’S ON THE DOCKS KEEPS CRABS FRESH 24 HOURS A DAY

Written by Clay Bonnyman Evans

Here’s a fun fact about “soft-shell” crabs, a spring delicacy on Lowcountry seafood menus: They’re hard-shell crabs in the process of molting, when they shed and replace their hard, protective, outgrown carapaces.

Here’s another: To get the perfect texture, flavor and consistency in a soft-shell crab, you’d best have round-theclock “crabsitters” from roughly late March to early June.

When it comes to soft-shell crabs, timing is everything. Get it wrong, and “you have a papery consistency, sort of like a wet piece of loose-leaf paper,” says Andrew Carmines, owner of Hudson’s on the Docks, the only restaurant on Hilton Head Island with its own soft-shell “shedding” operation.

The shedding process begins when local water temperatures rise above 50 degrees. Crabs initially release enzymes to begin “molting their old exoskeleton and remain ‘soft’ until their shells begin to harden over the coming days,” according to restaurant’s website. They later ingest seawater, which helps to loosen and shed the old shell. It’s critical to remove them from the brine quickly, to prevent the new shells from hardening.

Hudson’s was built originally in 1912 as an oyster factory by J.B. Hudson, Sr.; Brian and Gloria Carmines bought the restaurant in 1975. When Andrew assumed management from his parents in 2013, he began to hear complaints from some customers about the texture of soft-shell crabs, which he was buying from a supplier on Lady’s Island near Beaufort.

The problem, the supplier explained, was that crabs were removed from saltwater, boxed up, and didn’t reach the restaurant for many hours. Picking up the crabs every day would solve the problem, he said.

Photographed by Michael Hrizuk

“So, I did that. I drove to Lady’s Island and back every day for the whole season. The complaints went away,” Carmines says, “but it was a real pain in the neck.”

Grousing that he was “damned if I do, and damned if I don’t,” he and his stone-crab supplier Rob Rowe decided to build their own shedding tanks and monitor the process themselves. They built and set up two tables from plywood and 2-by4s with fiberglass seams on Lemon Island, then used standard pool pumps and PVC pipe to circulate saltwater from nearby waters. They each took a 12hour shift, starting from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., every day, checking the crabs constantly and pulling them about 10 minutes after shedding.

They managed to “shed out” 3,000 crabs that first season, but it wasn’t easy. Crabs had a habit of escaping the rickety tanks and the grueling schedule left them exhausted.

“At the end of the season, we were just like, done,” Carmines says. “We recognized that to be more successful, we would have to have a lot more tanks … so we could afford to pay other people to keep watch 24/7.”

For their third season, Carmines had new fiberglass tanks built and the operation was moved to Hudson’s docks on Skull Creek. Today, the restaurant runs 14 tables and pays an employee to “crab-sit” overnight.

“If we shed out between 50 and 60 crabs, we can break even in a day,” Carmines says.

Having the operation on-site has the side benefit of giving customers a glimpse into Hudson’s “oldfashioned” way of doing business, Carmines says, which includes running a sustainable oyster farm off the northern tip of Pinckney Island, a clam farm, and fishing boats delivering right to the dock.

“We do a lot of things the right way, in my eyes. But that’s hard to share with people; they can’t go out and see the oyster farm; the shrimp boats don’t come in when guests are at the restaurant… The soft-shell operation gives our customers a look at the dedication we put in every day,” Carmines says. “They know that quality and freshness is going to be

there. Our phone rings off the hook for weeks before the season starts.”

Carmines, who eats at the restaurant six days a week, relishes how one season rolls right into the next, from soft-shell to stone-crab, to oysters, to shrimp: “It’s really exciting to have these little treasures happen at different times of the year.”

He’s also grateful for Hudson’s stellar reputation and the devotion of its customers, particularly locals: There are “Thursday guys” and “Sunday guys” and “Monday guys” who show up every week like clockwork. And one recent weekend morning, Carmines looked around and realized he knew somebody at every table, inside and out.

“It wasn’t like that when we started,” he says. “We’ve worked hard to get here.”

baked crab cakes

INGREDIENTS

1 pound lump crabmeat

1 egg

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon chopped or dried parsley

1 small lemon

2/3 cup bread crumbs

¼ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup green onion

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

• In a bowl whisk egg with fork. Add mayonnaise, parsley, onion, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Whisk together.

• Pick out any shells from crabmeat.

• Add crabmeat and bread crumbs to the bowl. Gently combine.

• Apply olive oil to baking sheet and distribute evenly.

• Shape the mixture into 6-8 patties and place on baking sheet.

• Bake crab cakes for about 10 minutes (or lightly browned).

• Carefully flip to other side and bake for about 4-6 minutes.

• Remove from oven. Serve with lemon wedges (optional).

NEW Y O RK CI T Y PIZ Z A has been a Lowcountry favorite since 1996

We have 2 locations on Hilton Head, 3 in Blu ton and 1 in Charleston

We use only 100% all natural ingredients in every housemade favorite Whether you’re a local or just coming for a visit, NYCP is a must eat!

NEW YORK CITY PIZZA has been a Lowcountry favorite since 1996. We have 2 locations on Hilton Head, 3 in Bluffton and 1 in Charleston. We use only 100% all natural ingredients in every housemade favorite. Whether you’re a local or just coming for a visit, NYCP is a must eat!

Make sure to visit our website, “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram! Don t forget to use #Ilovenycp!

Make sure to visit our website, “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram! Don’t forget to use #Ilovenycp!

she-crab soup

INGREDIENTS

1 pound lump crabmeat

3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour

3 cups seafood stock

4 tablespoons of unsalted butter

½ cup dry sherry

DIRECTIONS

1.5 cups of milk

2 cloves garlic

1 cup cream

1 small onion, chopped

1 celery stalk, chopped

1 bay leaf

½ teaspoon salt

Chopped fresh parsley

• Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, garlic, and salt until soft (about 4-5 minutes).

• Pour in flour and add sherry until it forms a paste.

• Add in stock.

• Add milk and cream. Stir.

• Add bayleaf, nutmeg. Bring to a boil then reduce to medium heat and let the pot simmer.

• Next, add crabmeat and simmer for 12-15 minutes.

• Serve hot with parsley.

crab and avocado salad

INGREDIENTS

6-8 ounces lump crabmeat

2 avocados, peeled

½ cup red onion

¼ cup chopped cilantro

1 cup tomatoes

½ cup cubed cucumber or mango (as preferred)

1 lime (juice)

Old Bay seasoning

Salt for taste

DIRECTIONS

• In a bowl stir in onion, cucumber/mango, tomatoes, cilantro and add salt and lime as preferred.

• Add avocados

• Stir in crab. Season lightly with Old Bay.

• Serve.

mahi tacos

INGREDIENTS: SERVES 4

1 ½ lbs of mahi filets (usually ¾ to 1” thick)

Blackening seasoning

Shredded lettuce or pre shredded coleslaw mix

Shredded Mexican cheese blend

Pico de gallo

Sliced avocado

Sour cream

Cilantro for topping

Fresh lime

Taco shells

DIRECTIONS

If mahi filets are skin on-heat a skillet with olive oil on high. When olive oil is starting to marbalize add the filets skin side down for about 10 seconds.

Remove from heat and use a fork to remove the skin-should come off easily and all in one piece.

Coat mahi filets with blackening seasoning. Place on hot grill or frying pan. Start on high heat to sear the seasoning and then back down to medium high heat. Cook till meat is no longer pink-turning ½ way thru. Usually 10 minutes per inch of thickness.

Flake filets and top with a squeeze of lime juice.

Assemble tacos with the remaining ingredients.

Grab a margarita and enjoy!

Tonya Hudson is owner of Hudson’s Seafood Market, known far and wide for selling the freshest and best seafood for over 5 generations. Find them at 175 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island, 29926

spectacular space

HOW TO HANG STUNNING GALLERY ART

Written by George Armond

PLAN

Pick a space in your home that is easily visible and one where you’d want to enjoy your artwork often. Once you pinpoint the perfect spot, gather supplies. You’ll need the art, hammer, nails (or picture hangers), a level, pencil and paper to sketch, a ruler or measuring tape.

Planning also includes choosing the right type of art. Try laying out your art on the floor to better have an idea of how each piece complements the other. This will help you rearrange the pieces.

You can also try tracing the pieces of artwork on kraft paper. Then cut out each piece and note the hanger placement for each.

The fun part is that choosing the artwork is up to you. You might prefer family photos or a collection of black-and-white pieces. Or, you might consider a color theme with pieces that have tones that are alike.

Think about balance by mixing larger and smaller pieces.

Consider the size of the room. A larger room with large furniture will be best with largest pieces. A room with high ceilings requires larger artwork, but rooms with lower ceilings are best with smaller pieces.

PRECISION

The largest piece is generally at eye level and is placed in the middle. Conventional thought is to hang artwork 57-60 inches from eye level, but there are no strict rules. Go with what feels right. Use the measuring tape to mark the distance between each piece, which is ideally 3 to 6 inches.

Aim to give more space between frames to larger art and place smaller pieces closer together. Negative space is OK. You don’t want the wall to look crowded. Let it breathe.

Review the cutouts or pieces spread on the floor to decide where you want to place each one.

PATIENCE

After the planning is done, it’s time to have patience in placing each piece. Gently hammer nails into the wall where the spots are marked. Grab the picturehanging hooks and place your pieces. Start with the largest pieces first. Use a level to ensure the pictures are straight.

Take a step back and admire your work.

Hanging gallery art takes planning, precision and patience. Showing off your treasured artwork should be a rewarding experience. Here’s how to put a spotlight on your space.

shady spots

Written by Dean Rowland

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR COOL OUTSIDE AT HOME

Hot and steamy Lowcountry weather in late spring and summer is as natural as the architecture 150 years ago that offered relief from these elements. Today’s homes take a cue from the past but on a more sophisticated level, of course. But no matter the era, the goal when the weather heats up is to stay cool.

Staying cool outside in the warmer months can turn sweaty misery into a cool, delightful experience.

It’s easy to install an umbrella or design a space full of shade. Here are some cool ideas for beating the heat.

PATIO UMBRELLA. There are many options, including a “retro fringe umbrella” that weighs 7-9 pounds and folds down to fit into a carrying case with a strap for easy traveling. Be sure to find a weighted umbrella stand and an umbrella that you can pivot so you can find the perfect spot. Aluminum poles should be best to resist weather, or look for fiber glass, which is lighter weight and is good against bad weather. Prices range from $40-$125.

SHADE SAILS. These overhead strips of fabric provide a modern look to shade. Most often shade sails are triangular, rectangular or square. A good rule of thumb is to add at least 2 inches on all sides beyond the area that will be shaded, Popular Mechanics said. Typically they offer 95 percent UV protection from the sun. If you want a little bit of sunlight, consider a retractable sail. These will allow you to pull the shade back and bring is as much sun as you’d like. Prices range from $25-$75.

PERGOLA. This structure uses four columns that support a roof. It allows in some sunlight, but keeps most elements at bay. It can be a focal point for an outdoors space. Add foliage, curtains or shade cloth to keep out the sun. Because it’s sturdy, you won’t have to worry about the wind. Pergolas can be used to have plants grow on them. Build or buy? The national average cost to build a 10-foot wood pergola by yourself is $3,500, according to Home Town Structures. It costs about the same to have one built, but that’s before delivery and installation and other charges.

RETRACTABLE AWNING. Consider an awning that is water- and fade-resistant. Awnings can make the temperature feel about 20 degrees cooler. Retractable awnings are more durable than fixed awnings (can easily fold during stormy weather) and are made with vinyl, canvas, polyester and acrylic. Best used to beat the heat. Costs vary depending on size and installation, but range from $500 to $3,000.

SCREENED-IN PORCH. Screen your space from the sun. The cost of a new screened-in porch is typically between $2,000 and $2,800 to install, with an average of $2,400, according to bobvila.com. Not only does a screened-in porch help cut down the sun, but it adds some privacy. They also help keep bugs away. Consider pairing screens with windows to enjoy your porch year-round.

INVEST IN A CANOPY DAY BED. Add some luxury to your space with an outdoor round daybed. Different options come with waterproof cushions and an adjustable canopy. Many have a round table in the center which can hold books or drinks. Prices range from $350-$600.

photo: frontgate.com

outside office

TIPS FOR MOVING YOUR WORK SPACE OUTDOORS

Written by Anthony Garzilli

As more people spend time working from home, the spring weather invites many to bring their work outside. But what’s the best way to enjoy the outdoors and be efficient at work?

Here are some ideas.

WIFI BOOST

A strong internet connection is crucial. The strength often declines the farther we go from a router, but a WiFi extender will help keep you connected.

Extenders offer an easy solution. They plug into an outlet and generally require the same password as your main router.

Costs vary but run from $25 to $100. Top-line extenders offer ranges that reach up to 1,500 to 2,500 square feet.

WORKSTATION SETUP

Once you have your WiFi connection complete, you’ll need a comfortable and durable place to work. Consider an all-weather table to use as a desk – with an umbrella to protect you from the sun and light rain drops.

Consider a table that’s durable and comfortable. Outdoor furniture that doesn’t rust (teak wood is durable) or fabrics that don’t fade are ideal. A larger table gives you room for drinks, papers and other accessories.

Direct sunlight on a laptop screen will likely cause a glare, and the sun might cause the laptop to overheat. A durable umbrella will keep the rays at bay. If you would rather eschew the umbrella and soak in the sun, a laptop sunshade is recommended. They attach to your screen and can be folded and stored away. (Generally cost about $50).

A canopy chair ($40-$80), which has an adjustable built-in canopy, will provide protection from the sun and make you feel like you’re at the beach or a serene campsite instead of at work.

Also consider rolling out an outdoor rug which will add a little bit of the inside feeling to the outside. An outdoor rug will provide a place to rest your feet and add a little charm to your space and can be found for less than $25.

COMFY CHAIR

It’s important to consider your posture. Sitting in a comfortable chair will help you stay efficient and avoid body pain.

Look for a chair that supports your back. Patio chairs often won’t cut it, but there are some ergonomic outdoors chairs that are designed to help your back.

Consider a lumbar support pillow (costs about $30) or a firm seat cushion that keeps its shape (costs vary but range from $45 to $100).

POWER UP

Spending hours outside will drain a laptop battery and you’ll likely need to charge your phone.

Charge multiple items at one time with a power strip tower. There are many varieties (and costs range from $25 to $50), with up to 10 outlets, multiple USB ports and some include an extension cord.

Or try a power pack portable charger. These batterypowered chargers quickly give your devices a charge (many simultaneously charge smartphones and laptops) and are $60-$70.

LAPTOP STANDS

Hunching over a laptop is uncomfortable and can lead to long-term aches and pains. Working from home should be relaxing, not aggravating. Consider an adjustable laptop stand ($30 to $50). Not all stands are adjustable, but many can be adjusted to your preferred height (eye level) and angle.

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PHOTOS BY RITTERBECK PHOTOGRAPHY

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celebrating the culture

‘BINYA: FACES OB DE GULLAH GEECHEE’ ON EXHIBIT AT COASTAL DISCOVERY MUSEUM

Story Submitted | Photos Supplied

An exhibition that celebrates the rich culture and history of the Gullah Geechee people through the lens of portraiture is featured at the Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head Island.

“Binya: Faces ob de Gullah Geechee,” which is open through July 9, features more than 50 portraits and related objects, from the late 1920s to the present.

Drawn from the museum’s and numerous private collections, featured artists include Sam Doyle, Jonathan Green, Winold Reiss, Walter Greer, Charles Edward Williams, Natalie Daise, Johnnie Simmons, Anthony Johnson, Doug Corkern, Curtis Phillips, Louanne LaRoche, Judy Mooney, Nancey B. Price, Roger Manley, Amiri Farris, Camden Bernstein and Lisa Rivers.

The Gullah Geechee people have a deep history and connection to the Lowcountry. They are descendants of enslaved Africans brought to the area to work on rice, indigo, and cotton plantations in the 18th and 19th centuries. Despite facing numerous challenges, including slavery, segregation, and discrimination, the Gullah Geechee people have maintained a strong sense of community and a unique cultural identity.

As co-curator Angela Dore notes, “Many of us identify with the culture in terms of the sense of place that we have from our family roots being here and being raised within the corridor. Many of us remain actively engaged with the cultural practices, and others identify with the culture because of their lineage.

“For example, their parents or grandparents may have grown up within the corridor and passed the dialect, spiritual beliefs, and foodways down to them. We still cook like our grandmothers did. We remember the stories, values, and lessons that our elders taught us, and we teach those things to our children.”

Jannie Cohen by Roger Manley 1986-87

Gelatin silver print. Courtesy Louanne LaRoche Collection

Noon on Broad Creek (John Holmes)

by Walter Greer, 1963

Oil on canvas CDM collection

Emory Campbell by Natalie Daise, 2023. Acrylic on canvas. CDM collection

Opposite page: Clockwise from top left: Self portrait: Trust_Swim, by Charles Edward Williams 2022 Oil on mylar. Courtesy of artist

Mr. Rivers by Walter Greer, 1967 Oil on canvas Courtesy of Iva Roberts Welton

Midwife (Lucinda Ladson), Sam Doyle c.1980s House paint on tin courtesy Louanne LaRoche Collection

Ruby Lee, 1996 unknown street artist Shar Courtesy Govan and Singleton Family

One of the exhibit’s goals is to spark conversations about what it means to be Gullah Geechee and how the culture can be preserved and celebrated for future generations. The exhibit features portraits of different generations, highlighting their connections and differences. The Gullah Geechee culture is alive and well, thanks to the elders who have preserved their language and way of life, but its future also depends on its youth.

Portraiture has long been used to honor and recognize important individuals in society, while providing a visual remembrance for present and future generations. In Western traditions of art and society, wealthy individuals have often had portraits painted to create this facade.

However, as the “Binya” exhibit demonstrates, the Gullah Geechee people have not needed to purchase their place of honor. Through their resilience and perseverance, they have maintained a unique culture that invites recognition and celebration. As part of the exhibition development, the Coastal Discovery Museum purchased or commissioned five new portraits of significant local community members, both past and present. Native Hilton Head Islanders Emory Campbell, Louise Cohen, and Alex Brown; renowned St. Helena cast net sewer Joe Legree; and iconic Beaufortonian Robert Smalls.

The exhibition is curated by Elizabeth Greenberg, Director of Exhibitions at the Coastal Discovery Museum, and Angela Dore, Research Coordinator for the Wilson Center for Humanities and Arts at the University of Georgia.

A free exhibition tour is set for 1 p.m. Saturday, May 6. An evening event will be held on June 2 focusing on music, fashion, food, and fun.

For more information, go online at coastaldiscovery.org

Top: Louise Cohen by Anthony Johnson, 2023 Ink on paper CDM collection.jpg

Right: Jonathan Green Self-portrait, 1983 Egg tempera on paper. Courtesy of the artist.

must read

THE MAKING OF ANOTHER MAJOR MOTION PICTURE MASTERPIECE

Tom Hanks

Acclaimed Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks pens a novel that captures “the changes in America and American culture since World War II.”

The story begins in 1947 when a soldier returning from the war meets his young nephew. By the 1970s, the nephew, who is now drawing underground comic books, reconnects with his uncle and draws a new version of his uncle as a war-fighting hero.

In present day a director discovers the comic book and turns it into a superhero movie. The novel introduces us to an “eccentric” writer/director, a “pompous” film star and engaging characters on both sides of the camera. Hanks offers a story that is “funny, touching and wonderfully thoughtprovoking.”

new this month:

Malcolm Gephardt is set to buy the Half Moon bar where he works as a bartender, but then he learns “shocking” news about his wife, Jess, a bar patron goes missing and a massive blizzard hits town. The book explores a marriage in crisis and the meaning of family.

Alice writes a debut novel that impacts the lives of nine readers. Each one discovers something that “alters their perspective,” and offers new pathways forward in their lives. The novel is a look at how books affect us in unexpected ways — and the many ways we are all connected.

Five longtime college friends annually reunite to remind themselves that their lives are meaningful, but this reunion isn’t like the many others. Jordan has a secret that will “upend their pact.” The novel is a tale about the false invincibility of youth and how friendship helps us celebrate our lives.

The Savannah Bananas are a hit. Now owner Jesse Cole tells the true tale of the exhibitionbaseball phenomenon. The story details the backstory behind the fun and entertaining Bananas, who have charmed fans with their Banana Ball style. It is “a creativity story,” and one about a business “scrapping for every success.”

LCLASS OF 2023 Congratulations

SCHOOLS THESE SENIORS WERE ACCEPTED:

Adelphi University, Appalachian State University, Auburn University, Berry College, Boston - Suffolk, Boston College, Boston University, Broadway Dance Center, Brown College, California State University, Charleston Southern University, Citadel, Clemson University, Clemson University - Honors, Coastal Carolina University, College of Charleston, Cornell University, Charleston Cosmetology Institute, Duke University, East Carolina University, Emory University, Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Erskine University, Florida State University, Fordham University, Full Sail University, Furman University, George Washington, Georgia Southern University, Grand Canyon University, Harvard University, Hawaii Pacific University, High Point University, International University of Monaco, Long Island University, Loyola University, Lyon College, Maryville College, Mercer University, Middle Tennessee State University, Northeastern University – London, Ohio State University, Ohio University, University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Pace University, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Rowan University, San Diego State University, California State University - San Marcos, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Southern Methodist University (SMU), St. Andrews University - Scotland, St. Joseph’s University - New York , Suffolk College on Long Island, University of California Merced, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina - Charlotte, University of North Carolina - Wilmington, University of Colorado - Boulder, University of Miami, University of Mississippi, University of Pennsylvania, University of Wisconson - Madison, University of Alabama, University of Kentucky, University of South Carolina, University of Tampa, University of Tennessee, University of South Carolina - Aiken, University of South Carolina - Honors, University of South Carolina - Beaufort, University of Tennessee - Knoxville, Villanova University, William & Mary, Wofford College

This Class of Graduates are receiving more than $2 million in scholarships.

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showtime!

HILTON HEAD DANCE THEATRE’S TROUPE OF TOTS AND TEENS PUT ON SPRING PERFORMANCES

Written by Barry Kaufman I Photo Supplied

Anyone who has ever attempted to get a 3-year-old to do anything knows – it’s not easy. While teenagers might drag their feet with a certain intractable willfulness, the mind of a preschooler is less stubborn but far more distractible.

But how about trying to get them to tell a story of magic, humor, beauty and virtue through movement alone? It’s something akin to an impossible mission.

“It’s a bit like trying to keep a bunch of kittens in a box,” said Katie Girardi, with a laugh.

She knows more than most. As ballet mistress at Hilton Head Dance and part of the team of the upcoming production of The Magic Toy Shoppe, she has been tasked with overseeing the school’s youngest students through a full production.

“Some of them are only 3, and they just started in January or February,” she said. “But some of them have been with us for many years. It’s great to see them shine in the storytelling part of it.”

Girardi handles her young charges with experience, however, having been on the other side of the student-teacher relationship at Hilton Head Dance. She first trod the boards there as a child herself, starting in 1987 and dancing all the way through her high school graduation 14 years later. After college and a stint with the Connecticut Ballet, she rejoined her old dance school as a teacher. Now 16 years later, she’s helping the next generation find its movement.

“It is magic. The Hilton Head Dance School is such a warm, welcoming, inclusive dance environment,” she said. “To have experienced that as a student, being able to replicate that same open arm environment is very special.”

Of the three shows the school is putting on this spring, The Magic Toy Shoppe features the youngest students in the school. The school’s founders, Karena Brock-Carlyle and John Carlyle, will lead older students through performances of Terpsichore (grades 9-12) and Terpsichore, Too (grades 5-8).

Terpsichore, Too is 7:30 p.m. May 5 and 6 and The Magic Toy Shoppe is set for 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. May 6. (Terpsichore was held in late April).

“The Caryles are just pillars of this community, and it’s an honor to work alongside them,” said Girardi.

Girardi’s lengthy tenure with the school – this marks her 16th year as an instructor – makes her a natural choice to work with the younger students through The Magic Toy Shoppe. And her experience as a student does wonders in helping her young students learn their roles as dancers on the stage and leaders off it.

“When we do the Nutcracker at the end of the year, the whole company is together and my fourth graders really look up to the older girls,” she said. “Now they’re the oldest, so we ask them to set the tone backstage and be examples for the younger students. It’s adorable to see how these 3- and 4-yearolds look up to them.”

Delegating leadership, however, is only part of it. Another part is accepting the fact that, as young children, these dancers have deep reserves of energy that we adults can’t begin to fathom. To channel that energy, Girardi is mixing up the standard elegance of ballet with an infusion of highenergy movement.

“On top of Magic Toy Shoppe, we’ll be doing a jazz dance as well,” she said. “We’re calling it, ‘Shake Rattle & Roll.’ It’s a brief change of scenery and it’s fun to see them get some of that energy out.”

Getting a group of children to do anything is difficult. Getting them to put on a breathtaking performance of skill, precision and grace even more so. But it is possible. It just takes patience, experience and a certain willingness to work with their boundless energy rather than against it. And it takes help.

“We just have such great instructors,” she said.

She points to fellow teachers Jamal Edwards, Caitlin Hoffman and Erin Demers as indispensable in their mission to make these young dancers into stars.

“Everyone is just fabulous with these kids, and they have been integral in teaching these children storytelling,” Girardi said.

Performances will be held at Seahawk Cultural Center. Visit hiltonheaddance.com for tickets.

support system

NEW FORUM AIMS TO EMPOWER MOMS

by Nina Greenplate

No earthly love is as powerful as the love of a mother for her children, the depth of which is difficult, if not impossible, to quantify.

This mighty and nurturing spirit helped launch a new forum, entitled “Discovering Your Village.”

Held every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Bluffton Library’s large meeting room (120 Palmetto Way), this free gathering focuses solely on mom-support issues and solutions.

Its mission is simple: to empower moms through sound advice, encouragement and access to community resources. This vision of community health care professionals Meghan Olsen, Diana Medina and Laura Longer, appears to have only just begun.

“This is a place to find community,” says Olsen, a speech language pathologist, specializing in pediatric feeding and swallowing. “This is where moms anywhere on their journey, from pre-conception to first-time moms, and beyond, can be heard.”

Olsen, a mother of two, had significant feeding issues with one of her children, and struggled to find assistance and resources.

“To be honest, I felt I wasn’t being heard,” she says.

Within her profession, Olsen was often unsettled with comments that left moms frustrated or without better guidance.

“No, breastfeeding is not supposed to hurt,” says Olsen. “No, your baby crying for six hours per day from colic is not normal. There’s often something else going on.”

Her training and desire to share that knowledge and experience led her to fellow medical professionals, and moderators for this forum. With Medina, a certified birth and postpartum doula, and Longer, a breastfeeding educator and lactation counselor, they agreed to create what is now becoming a thriving community.

“Social media can often paint a pretty picture that everything (with motherhood) is great,” says Olsen. “But that is just not the reality for everyone.”

She believes this forum is an opportunity for vulnerability and no subject is off limits. Conversations are honest and open, often getting into the good, bad and ugly that motherhood can inevitably present.

More young families are moving to the Bluffton and Lowcountry area and this growth has been seen in their attendance. In watching the group’s evolution, and considering the positive feedback they’ve received, it was decided that a monthly Community Speaker Series would be beneficial. Topics are varied along the spectrum of issues that moms in all stages encounter. Presented by professionals in their respected fields, some subject issues for May include:

• Feeding and Sleep, presented by an international boardcertified lactation consultant.

• Pelvic Floor PT/Not Your Mama’s Kegel’s, offered by a breastfeeding educator and lactation counselor.

• The Science Behind Increasing Milk Supply, presented by a breastfeeding educator and lactation counselor.

• Integrating Breath-work Into Exercise, offered by a certified birth and postpartum doula and a fitness coach.

Discovering Your Village’s Facebook page details each month’s changing schedule.

Olsen, Medina and Longer also have a passion to educate moms about healthcare choices and advocacy for care.

“One thing that is very important to me as a practitioner is to let moms know they have options when selecting their family’s healthcare,” Olsen says.

Many moms Olsen has worked with in her private practice were unaware of the wealth of resources available within the community. This forum provides a community resource table filled with business cards and information on a wide range of relevant area specialties to continue growing the access for families.

Meetings can last upwards of two hours, with the speaker presentations lasting no more than 45 minutes. Children ages 3 and up are welcome to attend.

Olsen said Discovering Your Village is a no-judgment zone. She encourages moms to come and stay as long as they can, even if they are running late, because she believes this support is valuable.

To learn more, call Olsen at 843-410-4466 or email meghan@ltssc.com.

persevering with Parkinson’s

Written by Justin Jarrett

The day 10 years ago when Cris Lamdin’s children noticed his hands shaking, leading to a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, wasn’t the beginning of his relationship with Spring Island Club golf pro Billy Sampson, but it was the start of something special.

“I’ve been working with Billy since 2000, really, trying to hit a ball straight down the fairway,” Lamdin says, “and of course as my Parkinson’s got worse, I could hit it straight down the fairway, but it only went about two yards because I didn’t have any strength, so we had to come up with a different way to hit the golf ball.”

Lamdin refused to allow his diagnosis to take away the things he loved, including time spent on the golf course with friends, and Sampson wasn’t keen on giving up one of his favorite pupils, so they worked together to preserve Lamdin’s ability to hit the links — and maintain his quality of life.

“When Mr. Lamdin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, we created a game plan on how he was going to continue to play golf,” Sampson recalls.

But Lamdin was still working as a managing director/portfolio manager with ClearBridge Investments in New York City and maintaining an active lifestyle at the time. As the Parkinson’s progressed, so did the challenge.

Sampson poured himself into research but found little, so he sought out a golf pro in Oregon who had helped a student in a similar situation, as well as neurologists and sports psychologists — anyone who could help him better understand the keys to continuing to play golf with Parkinson’s.

As he cast a wider net, he made an inadvertent catch. A plastic surgeon in Houston doing work with patients with Parkinson’s reached out with a wealth of information gleaned from his own experience

CRIS LAMDIN KEEPS SWINGING ON THE GOLF COURSE

Photographed by Rob Kaufman

Cris Lamdin, 74, continues to play golf as he raises awareness for Parkinson’s disease.

helping clients keep playing.

“At first I was scared because I didn’t want him to fall, I didn’t want to hurt him, and I didn’t know what I could and could not do,” Sampson recalls. “I went to doctors, and they basically gave me an open book and said the key is balance and mobility — keep the strength up and he’s going to be fine.”

The trick was finding a way to generate club speed while maintaining balance, and the answer was “the baseball swing,” a flatter, more rotational move that allows Lamdin to swing harder despite limited lateral mobility. Pool workouts have helped Lamdin maintain his strength.

The result?

“I’m hitting it about 102 yards off the tee box,” Lamdin says. “And then I probably hit it about 75 yards off the fairway.”

Lamdin had to retire from his career and give up driving, but he’s still hitting it down the middle 10 years after his diagnosis, a testament to an instructor with “the patience of Job” and a student who is equal parts positivity and determination.

Lamdin, 74, is quick to credit Sampson, who keeps him motivated and in good spirits and reminds him to focus on the process rather than the results, but Sampson marvels at his student’s ability to persevere through the disease’s degenerative effects.

“It shows me that you never give up,” Sampson says. “And it also shows me what kind of person Cris Lamdin is and the respect he has for people and the love he has for the people around him, his family and the people who work with him. I feel really fortunate to be a part of that team.”

Lamdin jokes that his biggest challenge now is getting his friends to swallow their

pride and play the forward tees with him.

“We’ve lost a little distance, but for the distance lost we’ve gained accuracy and consistency,” Sampson says. “We just play a shorter golf course than we used to, but his putting and chipping is still very, very solid. If anything, his short game has gotten better.”

Lamdin has taken great measures to ensure Sampson is recognized for his efforts keeping the game in his life, starting with a gushing letter to the Spring Island Club management and progressing through the various levels of the Professional Golfers Association.

Both teacher and pupil want to pass on the insight they’ve gained to others, and they’re planning an event at Old Tabby Links at Spring Island in September to raise funds for Parkinson’s awareness.

“At the end of the day you can sit back and say, ‘I finally got to help someone,’ and it’s not really about swinging a golf club at that point,” Sampson says. “You got to spend time with someone that you love and is a very caring person.

“Mr. Lamdin has a wonderful, wonderful attitude. Nothing’s going to stop him or hold him back. He doesn’t give up, and we’ll never let him give up.”

The Playing for Parkinson’s event is Sept. 24-25. For more information, visit shorturl.at/ NYZ15

“Nothing’s going to stop him or hold him back. He doesn’t give up, and we’ll never let him give up.”

Spring Island golf pro Billy Sampson has helped Cris Lamdin continue to play golf.

island pinckney

EXPLORE DIVERSE WILDLIFE

Written by Anne Brophy Chetwynd

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge has been a nature and forest preserve for aesthetic and conservation purposes since 1975. A wide variety of land types are found on Pinckney Island including salt marsh, forestland, brushland, fallow field and freshwater ponds. In combination, these habitats support a diversity of bird, animal and plant life. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website, wildlife commonly seen on Pinckney Island include waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, neotropical migrants, white-tailed deer and alligators, with large concentrations of white ibis, herons, and egrets.

History

The land was once part of the Major General Charles Cotesworth Pinckney Plantation. General Pinckney was a commander during the Revolutionary War, a signer of the U.S. Constitution, and a two-time presidential candidate for the Federalist Party in 1804 and 1808.

The Pinckney family developed the island into a plantation, removing much of the maritime forest and draining and tilling the fertile soil. By 1818, the land produced fine quality cotton. From the 1930s to 1970s, Pinckney Island was a privately-owned game preserve.

The Pinckney Island Refuge includes Pinckney Island, Corn Island, Big and Little Harry Islands, Buzzard Island and numerous small hammocks totaling over 4,000 acres, according to stateparks.com. But Pinckney is the largest of the islands and the only one open to the public.

Wildlife viewing

The diverse habitats at Pinckney Island Refuge attract an abundance of wildlife throughout the year, providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. More than 14 miles of hiking and biking trails are maintained to provide access to all parts of the refuge, the FWS website notes.

Visitors willing to make the longer treks to spots like Dick Point and White Point will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the majestic Lowcountry.

It is an important link in the chain of wildlife refuges along the Atlantic flyway, attracting thousands of migratory birds annually. The refuge also provides a nesting habitat, called a rookery, for colonial wading birds such as ibis, egrets and herons.

There are more than 250 species of birds nesting or migrating to the refuge. The most popular and colorful to see is the painted bunting, a common summer resident in the island’s brushy habitats. During spring and fall migrations, warblers and other migratory song birds are common among the live oaks and in the shrub/scrub habitat.

A variety of raptors, shorebirds and wading birds call the refuge home year-round. The refuge is one of the best places to see breeding yellow crowned night herons. Mammals include white-tailed deer, red fox and bobcat. American alligators are also abundant on the refuge, particularly in and around the freshwater ponds. Fishing is prohibited in the freshwater pond.

Photography

A growing activity on Pinckney Island Refuge is wildlife photography. You don’t need to purchase expensive equipment or have any experience to get started. A small camera or basic cell phone will do just fine for most visitors, according to the website.

The two-mile round-trip walk or bike ride back to Ibis Pond is sure to provide a wealth of photo opportunities; from shorebirds feeding in the salt flats to wading birds roosting in the Ibis Pond rookery.

Visitors willing to make the longer treks to spots like Dick Point and White Point will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the majestic Lowcountry.

Educational tours

Learn about the history and current management of the refuge through self-guided interpretive exhibits located in the parking area and along the main trail.

Guided interpretive programs are offered by local, trained, naturalist guides that can offer visitors a more enhanced experience by providing information on the natural resources and rich history of the refuge. Walking tours can be arranged through the Coastal Discovery Museum at 843-689-6767 or coastaldiscovery.org.

Location

The entrance to the refuge is located between the mainland and Hilton Head Island off of U.S. 278 on land bordered by Skull Creek (the Intracoastal Waterway) on the east, Mackay Creek on the west, and Port Royal Sound at its northern tip.

Sources: .fws.gov/refuge/pinckney-island; stateparks.com

fox squirrel

By George Armond

Sources: dnr.sc.gov; scetv.org

SOUTHERN FOX SQUIRRELS ROAM THE REGION

The Lowcountry is full of interesting people, places and animals too.

One of the most compelling animals is the fox squirrel. If you spot one in our area, you might do a double take.

Southern fox squirrels are closely related to gray squirrels and are the most variably colored tree squirrels in the world, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

The southern fox squirrel is the second most common squirrel species in the state, according to SCETV.

In South Carolina, fox squirrels are characterized as the gray, black or brown color phase based on their predominate body color. The gray color phase is the most common in South Carolina, SCDNR said.

Sightings of black fox squirrels account for 24% of all sightings, with only 2% of all sightings reported as brown.

A black facial “mask” and white patches on the nose, paws, and ear tips are common in the three color phases. The facial mask and larger body size of the fox squirrel distinguish the fox squirrel from the more common gray squirrel.

SQUIRREL SIZE

Fox squirrels are about twice the size of gray squirrels. They range in length from 20-26 inches (including tail) with an adult weight range from about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds.

LIFE EXPECTANCY

Fox squirrels that survive to become adults live an average of 3 to 4 years. Individual animals have been known to live as long as 12 years, SCDNR said.

WHERE THEY LIVE

Fox squirrels are strongly associated with mature pine forests and mature pine-hardwood forests. They prefer woodland habitats with an open herbaceous understory and patchy shrub cover. Prescribed fire in pine woodlands benefits fox squirrels by creating and maintaining this condition. Parks and golf courses can support substantial numbers of fox squirrels in certain locations across the state. They are common in the Coastal Plain.

WHAT THEY EAT

Fox squirrels are known to eat a variety of foods, including pine seed, acorns, hickory nuts, cultivated and native seeds, fleshy fruits, flower buds, tubers, roots, and fungi.

PEAK BREEDING ACTIVITY

The majority of breeding in fox squirrels likely takes place in December and January. Gestation period is about 44 days, with most young born during February and March. A normal litter in South Carolina consists of two or three young.

WHERE TO OBSERVE

The most common place for South Carolinians to find the southern fox squirrel is on Daufuskie Island, which has been their “main home for decades,” according to SCETV.

Fox squirrels are occasionally observed at bird feeders if those feeders are near areas of occupied fox squirrel habitats. Some of the better areas to observe fox squirrels in the Lowcountry include area golf courses, Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve and the New River Trail.

start with safety

BOATERS LEARN ESSENTIAL SKILLS TO NAVIGATE LOCAL WATERWAYS

Written by Edward Thomas

Photos by Rob Kaufman

Summer is almost upon us, and in Southern Beaufort County that means more traffic – roadway traffic, of course, but also a sudden rise of boating traffic along our waterways.

America’s Boating Club of Hilton Head (ABC-HH) executive officer Curtis Loomis points out that with the increase in traffic along the waterways comes an unfortunate increase in accidents, including fatalities.

That’s why his organization is now offering a special “Jump Start” program to help new boaters as well as “new-to-our area” boaters develop essential skills for safer operation of their vessels. It’s a program conducted by certified, experienced instructors — available free of charge.

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that boating traffic in South Carolina waters has increased by 41% between 2018 and 2021.

Likewise, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources reports registered boat owners have increased rapidly over the past three years, and now total more than 360,000 registered recreational motorboats and personal watercraft. Brad Loescher, assistant education officer with ABC-HH, says boating “has grown exponentially locally – especially since COVID.” He notes many newcomers to the boating scene are transplants from other parts of the country and are unfamiliar with local waters “that can be very tricky with such obstacles as oyster beds, sandbars and pluff mud.”

Statistics from insurance companies that specialize in boating accidents also point out that accidents and incidents have been on the rise, and they point to operator inexperience (to include lack of familiarity with local waters and weather conditions) as a key contributing factor.

Loomis says America’s Boating Club helps owners develop essential skills for easier handling of their boat, but even more important, they learn about safer operation of their vessels for the unique waters of this area.

Typical Jump Start training topics include: basic boat handling, understanding navigational aids, radio protocol, close quarters maneuvering as well as how to handle Beaufort County waterways’ currents, winds and tides.

Phil Burke of America’s Boating Club teaches the free two-hour Jump Start program to help new boaters as well as “newto-our-area” boaters develop essential skills for safer operation of their vessels.

“We consider our two-hour program an important part of our community service. And beyond that we offer even more training at very modest fees. We have more than 330 members. They include experts on all sizes of boats,” said Loomis. “We offer hands-on training that is customized to whatever size boat.”

Among the first items the Jump Start program addresses is the Boat Safety Kit that every boat owner should maintain.

Although these kits vary by the individual preference of boat owners and their type of vessel, Loomis suggests that “must haves” include: a first aid kit, flashlights with spare batteries, local nautical charts that depict the configuration of the local shoreline and seafloor including water depths and locations of dangers, visual distress signals such as hand-held red flares or parachute flares and orange smoke flares, a hand compass and tool kit with a screwdriver and

pliers – and always extra fresh water.

Life jackets are also essential for every person on board as mandated by the Coast Guard. They do more than simply keep you afloat, with many designed to turn an unconscious person face up.

Loomis and Loescher both point out that virtually all movers to our local area are totally unfamiliar with the unique water conditions of the estuaries that encompass our shorelines from Port Royal Sound on the north to Calibogue Sound on the south.

“Tides of our waterways are huge because of the South Atlantic bite” (curvature of the shoreline), said Loomis. “Newcomers must get used to them and how the currents affect sandbars. We help them get a better understanding of this particular area.

“If you meet someone who says he is a frequent boater locally and he tells you he has never been stuck on a sandbar, you know he is a liar.”

The essentials of boater safety are learned during the Jump Start program. Phil Burke, left, is chairman of the Jump Start committee and is a lead instructor.

family fun

KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY IN COLUMBIA

Written by Lawrence Conneff

RIVERBANKS ZOO & GARDEN

Visitors can observe more than 2,000 animals, according to Riverbanks officials. Attractions include the Spots & Stripes Railroad, Sky-High Safari, Giraffe Overlook, Koala Knockabout, Kangaroo Walkabout, Wild Adventures Rock Wall and Endangered Species Carousel. A 70-acre botanical garden features a children’s garden with tree houses and a splash zone.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is open daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $24.99 plus tax for those 13 and older, $21.99 plus tax for kids 2 to 12 years old, and free for kids younger than 2. Admission with a military or senior citizen discount is $22.99 plus tax (ID required). Pets, food and beverages are not permitted.

For more information, go to www.riverbanks.org.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE MUSEUM

The state’s largest museum houses exhibits that showcase South Carolina art, natural history, culture, and science and technology. The planetarium provides astronomy shows, films and laser-light shows. The 4D theater pairs “high-definition 3D digital projection movies with physical features to provide multisensory, interactive experiences for guests.”

The Boeing Observatory offers the public solar sky viewing in the afternoons.

The South Carolina State Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The museum is closed on Mondays. Admission is $8.95 for adults, $6.95 for kids 3-12, and $7.95 for seniors 62 and older. Planetarium and 4D shows can be added to general admission tickets. For pricing, go to www.scmuseum.org/visit/hours-admission

Less than a three-hour drive from Hilton Head Island, Columbia is a good place for a day trip.

Here are some of the best things for families with kids to do on a visit to South Carolina’s capital city.

SC State Museum

EDVENTURE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

EdVenture has been described as the largest children’s museum in the Southeast, offering all kinds of hands-on learning experiences for kids. There’s a cooking lab, bio lab, aeronautics exhibit, the World of Work, and a lot more.

It has nine “world-class” exhibit galleries, a library, learning laboratories, and resource centers. EdVenture has 92,000 square feet with more than 350 individual handson exhibits.

EdVenture Children’s Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $13 for adults and children, and free for kids under 2. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.

For more information on EdVenture Children’s Museum, go to www.edventure.org.

COLUMBIA MARIONETTE THEATRE

Shows to entertain all ages are presented weekly at the Allie Scollon Puppetry Center near Riverfront Park. The theatre says it works “to entertain and educate children and adults through the long-standing tradition and artistry of puppetry.”

The theatre features puppets from a few inches tall to over 5 feet, appearing on a 30-foot stage. It hosts daycare and school field trips any day of the week.

The Columbia Marionette Theatre presents shows at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. every Saturday and at 10 a.m. every third Monday. General admission tickets are $7.

For more information, visit cmtpuppet.org/

Columbia Marionette Theatre

Sesquicentennial State Park

SESQUICENTENNIAL STATE PARK

State park officials say Sesquicentennial offers campsites, a lake, splash pads, a dog park, and 12 miles of hiking and biking trails. Go to southcarolinaparks. com/sesqui/things-to-do for a list of activities, including scavenger hunts. The park includes a 100-foot-long aluminum bridge which spans a misty marsh area with a “babbling brook,” its website says. The two-mile Sandhills Trail is a park favorite.

Sesquicentennial State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $3.50 for children ages 6-15, $3.75 for South Carolina seniors 65 and older, and free for kids 5 and younger.

For more information, go to southcarolinaparks.com/sesqui

FRANKIE’S FUN PARK

The family-friendly activities offered at Frankie’s include three mini-golf courses, go-kart tracks, batting cages, an arcade, bumper boats, laser tag, a drop tower ride, and a virtual-reality attraction.

Frankie’s Fun Park is open throughout the year, but it says “hours of operation for the park and certain attractions vary throughout the year. Please call before you visit for specific hours of operation.”

Admission to the park is free and guests “pay per activity you choose to play.”

As of early spring, mini golf is listed at $10, go-karts start at $8, and laser tag (twolevel apocalypse themed world) is $9.

For more information on Frankie’s Fun Park, go to frankies.com/columbia/.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

RBC Heritage recap CHAMPIONSHIP

PERFORMANCE

Matt Fitzpatrick wins title in dramatic playoff

Matt Fitzpatrick had his Heritage moment. Fitzpatrick, the English golfer who used to vacation with his parents on the island when he was a child, captured the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing crown by defeating defending champion Jordan Spieth in a playoff at Harbour Town Golf Links.

The win was Fitzpatrick’s second on the PGA Tour.

The dramatic finish to the 55th edition of the event wasn’t decided until the third hole of the sudden death playoff.

On the 18th, Fitzpatrick hit a soaring approach shot that rolled just a few feet from hole, setting up a tap-in for a birdie and the title. Fitzpatrick and Spieth each finished 17-under to force the playoff, where each parred the first two playoff holes.

This year’s winner, Matt Fitzpatrick, (shown right with his father and younger brother) has been a longtime fan of Harbour Town.

Photos: RBC Heritage

SEEN AT THE HERITAGE

PHOTOS FROM THE RBC HERITAGE

Photos courtesy RBC Heritage Facebook page and supplied.

charity classic

ROSE HILL HOSTS POLO MATCH TO BENEFIT LOWCOUNTRY ORGANIZATIONS

Polo took center stage recently at Rose Hill Plantation as the Rose Hill Equestrian Club hosted its inaugural match — the Spring 2023 Charity Polo Classic.

About 1,000 spectators attended the April 2 event at Rose Hill, which is home to one of the only traditional polo fields in the Lowcountry.

The Charity Classic was held in support of numerous charities.

The match’s primary beneficiary was Family Promise of Beaufort County. Secondary beneficiaries, the Parkinson’s Foundation of the Carolinas, Caring Neighbors in Bluffton, Saint Gregory the Great Catholic School, and John Paul II Catholic School, were added as a nod to Dr. Sandy Termotto and the causes he champions.

Dr. Termotto has been a Rose Hill resident since the 1980s and is a former polo player.

The equestrian lifestyle in Rose Hill has been growing more prominent with the formation of the Rose Hill Equestrian Club, led by its founder, Vannessa Weatherford.

The Rose Hill Equestrian Club has hosted small social and learning events since late 2019, and soon after, it set its sights on bringing polo back to the neighborhood on a regular basis.

This grassroots effort was a throwback to the days when Dr. Termotto, along with a few others, including the late H. B. Buck Limehouse, established the Rose

photos by Kathy Hickling Photography

Hill Plantation Polo Field as a welcoming venue for polo matches benefitting charities.

The Spring 2023 Charity Polo Classic revitalized the tradition. Event organizers Charlotte and Danny Hieronymus, Emily Termotto Trott, and Weatherford, along with other Club members, felt it was important to honor Dr. Termotto by campaigning to have the Rose Hill Polo Field dedicated to him at the inaugural match.

The game was also played in honor of the late “Buck” Limehouse, a dear friend of Termotto and a staple in Lowcountry polo. Limehouse’s sons, family and friends made up the two teams, with Brien Limehouse taking on the role of organizing their participation.

The Rose Hill Equestrian Club plans to hold two matches annually beginning in 2024, one in the spring and the other in the fall. The club will begin hosting polo clinics at dates to be determined.

For more information, visit rosehillequestrianclub.com

The Spring Polo Classic attracted more than 1,000 spectators and raised funds for area organizations.

congrats

TO THE 2023 SENIOR CLASS!

Marilyn Esmeralda Alcantara

Malaysha Terica Altacho

Jonathan Jafet Altamirano Bengton

Angeles Yojana Altamirano

Max Alvarez

Patrick Alvarez

Brayan Anaya

Maverick Robert Anderson

Brian Andrew Andrade

Lavinia Cardoso De Andrade

Brittney Sadai Aquino

Cristian Araujo

Jesus Alberto Avalos Rubio

Angelo David Avendano Arrivillaga

Adrian Avila Romero

Jessica Danielle Bader

Jolene Guadalupe Balderas

Jonathan Rodrigo Barahona

Hernandez

Olivia Jane Barnett

Ethan Rene Barrera

Carol Barrientos

Jeimy Abigail Bautista Serrano

Jose Alfredo Bello

Jose Angel Belman Cuevas

Valentina Beltran Mancilla

Lyndsay Taylor Borja

Andrea Catalina Boyd

Jameel Aliyy Bright

Jameelah Aliyyah Bright

Kevin Leonard Brown

TyMaurion Dante Brown

Roderick Antonio Buxton

Laura Nicole Cabrera Rodriguez

Eleuterio Callejas

Amelia Nadia Camacho

Ashley Rosalba Campa

Alexander Cardenas

Lucas Cardozo Sire

BLUFFTON HIGH SCHOOL

Felix Josue Castellanos Navarro

Hector Miguel Castellon Mejia

Kaylee Naomi Castro

Caroline Teresa Caulder

Jake Nicholas Chapman

Andrea Michelle Chavez Hernandez

Nahuel Alejandro Chavez

Avery Camille Chen

Grace Catherine Cherewko

Damani Ahmad Clarke

Sophia Rae Claudio

Addison Damien Clint

Hunter Riley Cofall

Thomas Kempton Condame

Joseph Ryan Conte

Alberto Cortes

Angel Corza

Helen Margarita Costilla

Elizabeth Ann Court

Marlon Andre Creary

Grant Michaels Creque

Ian Clarke Cruikshank

Hannah Kirsten Davis

John Arthur Davis

Brayan De Leon Garcia

Charles Joseph Deaton

William Brandon Deloya

Aaron Diaz Perez

Tilden Rayne Dougherty

Trisha Duong

Olivia Christine Dupont

Saniyyah J’nene Dupont

Jennifer Duran Villegas

Natalie Marie Duran-San Miguel

Robert Newell Eastland

Abigail Olivia Emanuel

Alaysia Montrella Ervin

Kayla Demondrea Ervin

Ethan Jaziel Escamilla

Estrella Nicole Escandon Rodriguez

Maguiver Nehemias Escobedo Martinez

Jose Isaac Esquivel

Angelina Nicole Facenda

Annastacia Marie Federinko

Trinity Ariel Fields

Robert Davis Fletcher

Ethan Louis Fox-Wright

Mark Earl Frazer

Amanda Hope Frazier

Nadia Marie Frederick

Michael Elliott Fritz

Chloe Brianne Fry

Keegan Pierce Galloway

Sandy Michel Garay

Ashley Garcia Calvo

Anthony Garcia Ramos

Saul Alexander Garcia Rosa

Andres Garcia Sanchez

Deonte’ Roamon Gethers

Jose Angel Gil Arcos

Adrian Gomez Zena

Caitlin Selena Gomez

Jennyfer Mariana Gomez

Helen Sarai Gomez-Espinal

Diana Valentina Gonzalez Gonzalez

Amya Marie Gossett

Edwin Kiel Graham

Joshua Jaheim Grant

Daysha Leshay Green

Leah Michelle Grey

Sean Michael Griffin

Joseph David Gustowski

Caroline Elizabeth Haines

Tavon Terrell Hammond

William Allan Hanley

Martin Lee Harbarger

Ne’vaeh Jayvono Harris

Olivia Emma Harrison

Madison Rae Hebert

Savannah Rose Hebert

Trinity Grace Hecksher

Hadley Elizabeth Cantrell Hehn

Kerin Yosary Hernandez Urbina

Maydel Hernandez

Saul Hernandez

Samantha Hayes Hester

Mateo Holzmann

Christopher Ivan Hosso

Autumn Nevaeh Housey

Derek Alexander Huerta

Zykeria Jean Hunt Hamilton

Kayla Jade Jackson

Lucy Morgan Jackson

Jacob Campbell James

Shanique Sabrina James

Tysen Gunner James

Ziola E.S. Jevack

Jared Adair Jimenez

Julia John

William Fuller Johnson

Cooper Adams Jones

Chance Lee Kirby

Samantha Grayson Knight

Hunter Edward Kotovsky

Myron Matthew Kraycar

Zoe Monique Krikelas

Kevin Joseph Lagos-Juarez

Vivian Linda Lalima

Elyssa Rene’ LaMontagne

Hannah Grace Lawson

Kayleigh Michelle Leake

Yurianna Osfary Lechuga-Carbajal

Madelyn Sara Lee

Justin Leija

Evan Leo Lessard

Samuel Michael Liberatore

Adrien Lorraine Lidie

Jaylin Jermari Linder

Yanixa Rossalia Lopez Castellanos

Mario Jafeth Lopez Hernandez

Andrea Karolina Lopez Huerta

Amy Lopez

Damian Gary Love

Karla Elizabeth Macias Jimenez

Rosario Monserrat Macias

A’niya Keoni Mallory

Reese Carter Marcotte

Cameron Shane Martin

Trenton Davis Matuzak Hedin

Lennyngh Diblaim Mayorga-Carranza

Collin Aiden McLain

Poul Andrew McWilliams

Isabella Catherine Mealer

Korina Medina Giraldo

Dulce Arely Mendez

Laura Rivers Middleton

Josselyn Gizell Midence Olivera

Jessica Jasmin Midence

Jocelyn Miranda

Emmett Leonard Mitchell

Wyatt Ernest Matthew Moeckel

McKenzie Grace Morgan

Quali Rashe Morris

Diego Andres Mujica Aguilera

Elmer Bennett Mullins

Luirin Roberto Munguia Verela

Omar Asahel Muro Garcia

Sergio Nicolas Nava Azogue

Zareta Tyvonnia Newby

Jason Ni

Rachel Helen Nix

Daniel Nicholas Nobre

Gabriel Nunez

Wara Andrea Ordonez Doria Medina

Ryan John Orford

Jan David Ortiz-Gomez

Ja’liyah Deeijanah-Sem Osborne

Lenin Osornio

Mia Osornio

Vanessa Palacios

De’mia Mikayla Parker

John Michael Parker

Rocio Patino-Perez

Todd Lorne Patten

Faith Ann Paxton

Aidan Nicholas Pena

Ayden Cooper Penn

Jordan Orlando Perez Bonilla

Escarleth Pamela Perez

Khawn Phang

Sydnee Haleen Poliquin

Aidan James Quinn

Sofia Polet Ramirez Fernandez

Daniela Ramirez Hoyos

Jose Antonio Ramos Hernandez

Andrew Justin Ramos

Justin Moises Ramos

Mia E Catalina Ramos

Iman Rashid

Parker Camille Ray

Matthew Christopher Reitz

Leandro Jesus Remolina

Leonardo Alfonso Remolina

Nathanael Noel Rios

Mariana Carolina Rivera Ghirardi

Karla Rivera Martinez

Luke William Roberts

Benjamin Elias Rodriguez

Javier Alexander Rodriguez

Aaron Samir Rodriguez-Nunez

Siobhan Ciara Rogers

Luis Carlos Rojas Matkovic

Charles Joseph Rolf

Ian Wayne Roller

Faviola Elizabeth Romero

Evelyn Roque

Alyssa Taylor Rose

Connor Thomas Ross

Renee Michelle Ruelas-Rangel

Hanalei Joy Russell

Kathryn Marie Ryan

Israel Salmeron

Vanessa Patricia Sanchez Figueredo

Ezeckiel Shubey Sanchez Martinez

Estephany Michelle Sanchez

Leslie Sanchez

Meghan Nicole Sandman

Evelyn Sarahi Sandoval Cervantes

Angeles Jazmin Santos Martinez

Anthony Santoyo Texta

Valeria Sarabia Hernandez

Jones Danny Saylor

Brady Duncan Scott

Dora Nicole Scott

Zachary Thomas Seidner

Abigail Alize Shack

Olivia Lamatte-Deseral Shack-Martinez

Kaitlyn Grace Shrewsbury

Riley Faith Shyblosky

Alex Rodolfo Silva Duarte

Kayky Lucas Silva Rocha

Camauri Darnell Simmons

Jacob Brighton Slater

Dylan James Spain

Tahjna Tihla Stewart

Aniya Genell Stokes

Nataly Michelle Suastegui Canuto

Oscar Paul Szczepanski Castro

Tyler Lee Thompson

Braedon James Todt

Sophia Tollefson

Richell Aurimar Tortolero

Gwendolyn Rose Townsend

Antonny Triana Aguilera

Cristina Ann Trice

Catherine Ruth Trotter

Ashely Guadalupe Trujillo Mendoza

Nevaeh Jo Hope Tweten

Andrew Emanuel Velasquez

Bryan Miguel Velasquez

Leonardo Villasana

Max Christopher VonHohenstraeten

Aiden William Wallace

Amore Alegria Wallace

Jemari Anna Watlington

Caroline Elizabeth White

Connor James Williams

JaQuinn Raybaon Savion Williams

Audrey Grace Wilson

Joshua Asher Woody

Brianna Jahniya Wright

Gabrielle Grace Zapp

Andrew Alexander Zavaleta

Paxston Zehr

Carmen Valeria Zuniga Montoya

Diego Alfredo Zuniga

congrats

TO THE 2023 SENIOR CLASS!

Stephanie Adame Nava

Abigail Aguilar

Kadie Aguilera

Yarely Amador

Axa Amaya

Baxter Anderson

Luis Anzures Nunez

Deysi Arita Martinez

Kaleb Armstrong

Anya Arroyo

Elise Augustyniewicz

Ashlyn Babkiewicz

Laci Bailey

Madeline Baker

Ryan Baldwin

Brendan Barley

Byron Barley

Nicolas Barragan Avila

Luciana Barrero Aguilera

Daniel Barrios Velasquez

Caleb Batten

Zachary Beasley

Emily Beckman

Whitten Beebe

Emma Belcher

Brianne Belich

Tiara Bellamy

Brandon Bevan

Angelina Blankenship

Gavin Blocker

James Bodie

Gracee Bolin

Jacob Bollinger

Caleb Booth

Hayden Borth

Zakkary Bostick

Lily Bostwick

MAY RIVER HIGH SCHOOL

Christian Bowens

Madalyn Bozman

Lydia Bradway

Reagan Brandes

Trent Brantley

Camron Bristol

Riley Brodie

Sil Broersen

Aaliyah Brown

Abigail Brown

Isabella Brown

Geno Browne

Spencer Buick

Jessica Buskey

Illya Busorgin

Kyrylo Busorgin

Tyquan Calloway

Lexi Campbell

Mauricio Campos Gudino

Sophia Candlen

Ahmari Cannick

Claire Caraballo

Arles Carcamo Olivera

Sophia Cardin

Patrick Carr

Nataly Castro-Rojo

Sophia Catalanotto

Ashley Cerrato

Didier Chirinos Carcamo

Khora Coke

Joseph Comizio

Daniel Concha

Chloe Conley

Dani Conn

Katelyn Connolly

William Craig

Connor Crosby

Sashauna Curtis

Nathan Dalton

Erika Dart

Dylan Deets

Mary Delaney

Gracen Denton

Jack Dewey

Yilberth Diaz

Garrett Diemel

Daeshawn Dix

Olivia Dixon

Caleb Dollahan

Joshua Dorris

Shannon Dosher

Harper Doupe

Catherine Douthit

Macey Dowe

Joseph Downs

Isabella Dunn

Alexander Dunton

Devin Dupont

Karma Dupont-Francis

Naomi Edmondson

Alexsander Elcholi

Martin Eleuterio Reyes

Grace Enyart

Rebekah Esquivel

Reaghan Evans

Mackenzie Fermin

Christopher Feuers

Brendan Fisher

Landon Fisher

Carson Flanagan

Alex Flinn

Cory Foulk

Zachery Foulk

Maria Foust

Yannitze Franco

Genesis Delfina Fugon Murillo

Michael Fuller

Hunter Fuzetto

Brandon Garcia

Conah Garcia

Meah Garcia

Jesse Garcia Reyes

William Garcia Ventura

Kel Garrett-Carter

Cha’Niya Gaynor

Niklas Gialamas

Amaryah Gilbert De La Rosa

Justin Girdley

Gabriel Glen

Dara Glugover

Christopher Gonzalez

Megan Gourley

ShelbyGourley

James Graves

Harper Gray

Avery Grieve

William Griffon

Daniela Guerrero

Grace Guitar

Jackson Gump

Madison Hahn

William Hall

Zachary Hallman

Avery Harrell

Tyke Harrop

Aiden Hart

Jamison Hatcher

Ailey Hawkins

Ashton Hendricks

Jonathan Hernandez De La Cruz

Enrique Hernandez Hernandez

Jenna Herrin

Megan Hewes

Morgan Hewes

Ja’mya Heyward Jenkins

Janarith Higuera Munoz

Riley Hogue

Malachi Hudson

Julian Huerta

Alexa Huesca Fernandez

Karla Huesca Fernandez

Peter Hughes

Saul Huizar Ornelas

Joseph Ingram

Braden Jacobson

Brian Jaen

Steven Jaen

Elijah Jean

Adrian Jenkins

Amaud Jenkins

Henry Jimenez

Nicholas Jobst

Conor Johnson

Ashlynn Jolicoeur

Jaiden Jones

Gabriel Juarez

Abbigail Justice

Caroline Kaelin

Nathan Kamer

Noah Kamer

Michaela Keaton

Ava Kersten

Austin Kestler

Grace Kline

James Kreps

Morgan Kronimus

David Kroselj

Carley Kruckenberg

Cassie Kulas

Casey Laing

Aiden Lancaster

Isabella Lanier

Mitchell Leroux

Madison Levesque

Minnie Lifton

Donasia Ling

Angie Lopez

Valerie Lopez Guerra

Daniela Lorenzana Nunez

Cohen MacDonald

Yharlm Major

Victor Maldonado

Annmarin Manrique Borja

Emily Manzanares Cardenas

Parker Marinaro

Tyler Markle

Katelyn Martin

Lailah Martin

Daira Martinez

Jose Martinez Bautista

Alexa Mathis

Kevin Matute Baca

Thomas Maybank

Samuel Mayo

Kane McAlpine

Brianna McCarthy

Christian McCullough

Kylee McGuane

Leah McHale

Dylan McMahon

Lorenzo Mejia Sanchez

Emilio Mendoza

Sofia Mendoza Mayoral

Brendan Michael

Nicolas Mieres Alvarez

Jessica Millard

Haley Miller

Jeremy Molina Diaz

Estefany Mondragon

Zachariah Monford

Jeremy Montgomery

Amelia Moore

Cason Moore

Jullian Morales

Zachary Moreno

Lupita Moreno-Tinoco

Emma Morgan

Trevor Murdaugh

Anthony Murray

Michael Namdar

Abigail Nance

AnMei Nance

Zachary Naser

Nicholas Nelson

Vivian Nguyen

Yaye Niang

Gianna Nodelman

Sarah Nunez

Caroline O’Gorman

Nicole Oberti

Morgan Okupski

David Olguin

Analise Ortega

Bryan Osorto Vargas

Kennedy Palmer

Ramiro Paramo Sosa

Allison Parrish

Linder Pavon Zelaya

Tyler Peeples

Lucy Peltz

Veronica Perdomo

Darrion Perry

Michael Phillips

Alonzo Picasso

Javon Pinkney

Nicholas Pinkney

Antonio Pinto

Nicholas Pizor

Kali Plant

Tess Polites

Delaney Powell

Gillian Powell Ophardt

Corynn Psychoghios

Emma Puplava

Bradyn Quinn

Tristan Racey-Salvatto

Thomas Ragonesi

Thomas Raisch

Christian Ramos

Samantha Ramos

Jordyn Reeves

Alana Reid

Nathan Renner

Kaylee Ressler

Elthon Reyes Carcamo

Juana Reyna Lopez

Tereseva Rieck

Lillian Ritz

Sofia Rivera

Shantea Robinson

Julian Rodriguez Hernandez

Jahaziel Rosado

Davis Rose

Adam Rowley

Melina Rubio

Santiago Rueda

Yair Ruiz Avila

Yalexis Del Carmen Saavedra

Leon

Charity Saba

Molly Salus

Kimberly Sammons

Heather Sanchez

Pablo Sanchez Cruz

Jiselle Sanchez Mendez

Myriam Sandoval Abarca

Alexandra Sandoval Gomez

Jonathan Santos

Caroline Sapochak

Alexis Saunders

Journey Schertz

Kaylee Sharp

Patricia Shaughnessy

Natalie Sheets

Kira Shelley

Anna Shirley

Shelby Shoenberg

Jonathan Silva Perez

Jada Simmons

Renesha Simmons

Michael Simpson

Mason Singletary

Myles Singleton

William Sirico

Kailee Smith

Virginia Snowden

Ava Spires

Lola Spires

Sadie Squillace

McKenna Swinton

Robert Taylor

Jasmine Thilavong

John Toirkens

Alejandro Torrez

Trisha Tran

David Tucker

Cannen Turner

Julia Turner

America Valadez-Vega

Brooks van Esselstyn

Kenneth Velasquez Alvarado

Jacob Viets

Anna Wade

Kaylee Wagner

Nicholas Wallace

Masani Ward

Hannah Wease

Justin Wegard

Macayla Weiss

Zaire White

Janiya Williams

Hannah Wilson

Mark Winston

Hannah Yemec

Ivan Yunga

Philip Zuniga

RuNaishaAmariona TyShaunna

Bennett

John Hartley Brock

Abraham Isaak Brown

Emmett Scott Callanan

Marcela Danae Carbajal Calderon

Jason Scott Cohen

Johnathan Bodie-James Daniel

Julia Antonia Delgado

Anderson Joseph Dewig

Jessie Alexandra Eaddy

Brian Austin Floyd

Lauren Hausman

Ian Patrick Heintschel

Anthony Ryan Hill

Carson Daniel Holley

Hamrick William Hurst

Caleb Imhoff

Monica Jimenez

Andrea Laverde

Lourdes Hasell Low

Michael Finn Mahoney

Cooper Michael Montgomery

Jackson Daniel Ogden

Teresita Arlexth Oliva

Austin Morgan O’Quinn

Emily Marie O’Sullivan

Nia Princess Poacher

Samantha Ann Reilly

Samuel Christopher Rembold

Emma Martin Sauls

Brieana Shea Suiter

Sara Grace Swanson

Peter Anthony Torinese Jr.

Johana L. Trejo Salinas

Kevin Andres Vera Solorio

Paige Renee’ Weniger

Kohl Taylor Woodham

CROSS SCHOOLS

(Hilton Head Christian Academy and Cross Schools did not respond to our offers to publish their senior classes.)

JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC SCHOOL

HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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BLUFFTON MAYFEST

MAY 13

arts & entertainment

MAY 8

GARDEN LABYRINTH EXHIBIT: Coastal Discovery Museum will hold a short ribbon cutting for the newest exhibit, “Garden Labyrinth.” The Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island provided a gift to commemorate their 60th anniversary for the new garden labyrinth. Open to the public. 2 p.m. coastaldiscovery.org

THROUGH MAY 28

SONDHEIM’S “COMPANY”: “Company” is a ground-breaking, modern musical that is intelligent, mature and takes a wildly, funny look at relationships. This musical directed by Russell Garrett recently returned to Broadway, winning five Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical. Tickets are $52- $62. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. Purchase tickets online at artshhi.com

MAY 27

SAVANNAH FAIRYTALE BALL: Bring your little ones to this special event to meet all your favorite princesses. Enjoy Elsa’s story time, princess dance lessons, games, photo opportunities, a princess parade and more. Space available at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Savannah Convention Center, One International Dr, Savannah, Ga. Purchase tickets on eventbrite.com. prettyprincesspartiesmn@gmail.com.

MAY 18- 21

DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID JR: Journey under the sea with Ariel and her aquatic friends in this production based on Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories. The beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home and live in the world above water. USCB Center for the Art, 801 Carteret St, Beaufort. Purchase tickets at centerfortheartstickets. universitytickets.com.

MAY 28

“AMERICA SINGS!” MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT LED BY HILTON HEAD CHORAL SOCIETY DIRECTORY DUSTIN

C. OUSLEY: The Hilton Head Choral Society’s annual “America Sings!” will be joined by the Lowcountry Winds Ensemble directed by Dr. Marshall Forrester. The Hilton Head Choral Society is currently the longestrunning performing arts organization in the area. A typical performance may include over 150 singers and musicians performing to audiences of more than 900 people. Concerts are held at either the First Presbyterian Church or the Holy Family Catholic Church. This concert will celebrate being an American. General Lloyd W. “Fig” Newton, Retired United States Air Force four-star general, will be the special guest speaker. He is originally from Ridgeland and was the first African-American pilot in the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. There will be a special tribute to the men and women of our Armed Forces from the past to the present. 7 p.m. Tickets are $10- $25. First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island. 843-341-3818 or tickets@ hiltonheadchoralociety.org. Tickets are available to purchase online at hiltonheadchoralsociety.org.

festivals events

MAY 3

HURRICANE PARTY: Put your dancing shoes on and enjoy energetic music by CornBreD who will be playing classic and modern rock and country. Also enjoy delicious Lowcountry cuisine and frozen cocktails overlooking the water. 6 p.m. Black Marlin Bayside Grill & Hurricane Bar, 86 Helmsman Way, Palmetto Bay Marina, Hilton Head Island. 843-785-4950.

MAY 6

CARING HEARTS OF SC CAR, TRUCK, JEEP & BIKE SHOW: Proceeds benefit Caring Hearts of SC helping families with a critical illness or injury. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event is free. Donations are welcome. Camping World, 401 Sycamore Dr., Ridgeland. caringheartsofsc.com .

MAY 6

PICKLEBALL FOR CHARITY EVENT

HOSTED BY THE ROC DENTAL GROUP: This event will benefit the Neighborhood Outreach Connection. All levels are welcome. 3-6 p.m. Registration is $90 per person/ $75 for Wexford members and includes one drink ticket to the cash bar, lots of pickleball games, appetizers, small bites, a swag bag, giveaways and more. 111 Wexford Club Dr, Hilton Head Island. 843-682-4601 or rocdentalgroup.com

MAY 7

FAIRY & GNOME FESTIVAL: Bring the family and stroll through Oatland’s magical trails. This enchanted event will include a scavenger hunt, fashion show, gem mining, fairyland

THE ART LEAGUE OF HILTON HEAD IS FEATURING ARTIST J.K. CRUM:

THROUGH MAY 13

J.K. Crum is a contemporary, expressionist painter of figurative and gently surreal landscapes. Crum will be the featured artist at The Art League of Hilton Head Island through May 13. His work includes bold designs, narrative themes, diverse subjects and bright color palettes. His distinctive subject matter can evoke different moods, feeling and ideas. Crum’s modern expressionism incorporates his imagination capturing life experiences, love and the human spirit. Crum has been a full-time artist with a successful career in illustration, graphic arts, mural painting and book design since graduating from the Ringling School of Art & Design in Sarasota, Fla., in 1973. He continues to create expressionist figurative painting and gentle, surrealistic landscape painting that keep viewers coming back to explore. Crum continues the journey of joyful storytelling and creativity in the Lowcountry. 14 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island. 843-681-5060 or artleaguehhi.org. johncrumart.com

GOLDEN GATSBY SOIREE

MAY 18

Celebrate spring Great Gatsby-style, and get dolled up for a fabulous ladies night out in the courtyard at Hewitt Oaks. Enjoy stepping back into the Roaring Twenties with complimentary mocktails and cocktails, glamorous hors d’oeuvres and gourmet food stations at a beautiful speakeasy lounge. Enjoy an evening of dancing, win prizes from local sponsors and showcase your glamorous ensembles at our styled portrait areas. Enjoy the charming ambiance of Gracie Ballroom while treating yourself to delicious bites, tasty drinks and an exciting evening among friends. There will be indoor seating as well as outdoor fire pits in the courtyard. 205 Stillwell Road, Bluffton. Tickets are $75 per person and include all food and complimentary beverages. 21 and over only. Purchase tickets online at eventbrite.com .

and gnome home building and food. Tickets can be purchased on site. 10 a.m. Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 711 Sandtown Rd, Savannah, GA. 912-395-1212 or oatlandisland.org .

MAY 11

FOUR CORNERS ANNIVERSARY: Celebrate Four Corners Fine Arts and Framing’s 25th anniversary. Refreshments served. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 1263-B May River Rd., Old Town Bluffton. 843-757-8185. Fourcornersgallery.com

MAY 13

BLUFFTON MAYFEST: Join the community at the 43rd anniversary of Mayfest coordinated by The Rotary Club of Bluffton. Includes a wide range of attractions, including delicious food, live music and more than 130 artists and food vendors. Featured artist is Lauren Terrett. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Free admission. Historic Downtown Bluffton. 843-540-7957 or blufftonrotarians@gmail.com. blufftonrotary.org

MAY 20

KERRY PERESTA BOOK SIGNING: Hilton Head author Kerry Peresta to host a signing event to promote “The Torching,” her latest book in the Olivia Callahan suspense series. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 20 Hatton Place, Hilton Head Island.

MAY 26-28

FLAGS FOR HEROES: Hilton Head Island Sunset Rotary Club, in partnership with the Island’s Military Veterans Coalition, host the “Flags For Heroes” event at the Veteran’s Memorial in Shelter Cove on Hilton Head Island. Individuals can recognize heroes in their lives and help veteran-related charities.

For more information or to nominate your hero, contact John Abboud at jmabboud@msn.com or 303378-9390. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Bob Pawlishyn at bjplapin@aol.com or 843-836-3828.

MAY 17

WOMEN’S WELLNESS EVENT HOSTED BY THE WOMEN’S COUNCIL OF REALTORS: This large event will be held at the Shipyard Beach Club and will be followed by a Happy Hour. The organization is still accepting new members and has sponsorship opportunities. wcrlowcountry@ gmail.com.

MAY 19

TOWN OF BLUFFTON MOVIE NIGHT

“VIVO”: Enjoy music and bounce houses at 5 p.m. followed by the movie at 6 p.m. Concessions will be available for purchase. Don’t forget your blanket and chairs. 843-8152277. Oscar Frazier Park, 77 Shults Road, Bluffton.

MAY 20

IRRITATING JULIE AT ELEMENTS

RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE: Enjoy smokin’ hot Rock & Roll with a lively stage show and modern European Chef inspired cuisine and craft cocktails in an upscale environment with live music. 9 p.m. 2 N. Forest Beach Dr, Hilton Head Island.

MAY 26

BURNT CHURCH DISTILLERY CONCERT

SERIES- CHILLY WILLY BAND: Join us every fourth Friday of each month outside on Square 67. Free and open to the public. Don’t forget to bring a chair. 120 Bluffton Rd, Bluffton.

meet ups and markets

MAY 4

FREE “PAINT IN” OFFERED BY SEA PINES ARTISTS: The debut of the Sea Pines Artists’ second show of the year with new works by award-winning artists. Held in conjunction with the First Thursday Art Market at The Shops at Sea Pines Center. Demonstrations of painting with watercolors, pastels and collage with acrylic and hand-made paper. An opening night reception with refreshments will be held during the Paint In. Free and open to the public. Sea Pines Community Center, 71 Lighthouse Rd, Suite 120, Hilton Head Island. Donna@DonnaBarnako.com.

MAY 4

MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC OPEN HOUSE: Hosted by Hilton Head Mental Health Clinic to promote mental health awareness month. Meet staff and learn about the services. 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. 151 Dillon Drive, Hilton Head Island.

MAY 4

BLUFFTON NIGHT BAZAAR: Shop small on the first Thursday of the month at this Lowcountry Made market featuring local artisans under the twinkling lights. Sip on a craft cocktail and enjoy live music all evening. 5- 8 p.m. Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Rd, Bluffton. lcmade.com

MAY 4

2ND ANNUAL TACOS & TEQUILA BY THE HILTON HEAD AREA HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION: Enjoy the indoor oyster roast of the summer. 6 p.m. Savannah Surfaces, 64 McDowell Circle, Hardeeville, SC.

BJVIM FUNDRAISER:

MAY 11

Bluffton-Jasper Volunteers in Medicine will host its major fundraiser, a Lowcountry dinner party, Bourbon & Bubbly. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dinner at Hewitt Oaks, 205 Stillwell Road.

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour under the cascading oaks – including jazz music, a bourbon tasting bar, hors d’oeuvres and a very special offering of silent auction items to bid on. Following the cocktail and social hour, there will be a Lowcountry-inspired four course dinner, including champagne and wine selections, and a fabulous dessert finale.

Tickets for Bourbon & Bubbly are $150 each; a table for eight can be reserved for $1,200. Proceeds from the event, including the silent auction before dinner and a post dinner live auction, moderated by Charleston auctioneer Tom Crawford, will help to expand the Ridgeland clinic and supply medical care for the underinsured community of Bluffton and Jasper County.

For more information on tickets and auction items, visit www.bjvim. org or contact Dennis Toney at dennisbjvim@gmail.com or 843706-7090, ext. 110.

MAY 6

WANDERLUST MARKETS: A market with rotating vendors in one spot including Ring Stinger Pepper Co., Peace by Piece, A Sweeter Seat, Soul on Fire candles, Saltwater Hippie Company and more. Lincoln & South Brewing Company, 138 Island Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-422-3992 or uscroach@gmail.com.

MAY 6

MOTHER-SON GAME NIGHT: DJ Jeff Taylor will spin tunes, and snacks will be served. Extreme Firehouse will offer board games and yard games. There will also be an ultimate dodgeball game between mothers and sons. 5-8 p.m. $25 per mother and son and $10 for each additional child. Island Recreation Center, 20 Wilborn Rd, Hilton Head Island. Purchase tickets at islandrec.activityreg.com

MAY 13

PALM TREES & PISTONS: Local car show every second Saturday of each month. Showcases local, vintage, antique, exotic, muscle and unique cars owned by locals. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sea Turtle Marketplace, 430 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island.

MAY 20

CARS AND COFFEE: Cars and Coffee HHI is a meet up for car enthusiasts. All are welcome to attend this event held the third Saturday of each month. Free to attend. 8 a.m.- 11 a.m. USCB Campus, 1 University Blvd, Bluffton. carsandcoffeehhi@gmail.com or carsandcoffeehhi.com

weekly

SUNDAYS

DEAS GUYZ AT THE JAZZ CORNER: Two shows nightly. 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Reservations highly recommended. The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island. 843-8428620 or thejazzcorner.com

MONDAYS

SHUCK IT TRIVIA AT BROTHER

SHUCKERS BAR & GRILL: Best trivia on the Island. 6:30 p.m., 7 Greenwood Dr, #3, Hilton Head Island. 843-785-7000 or brothershuckershhi.com

TUESDAYS

THE FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET: A local, charming festival featuring artisans, craft makers and fresh local foods including seafood, produce, breads and baked goods. 10 a.m. -2 p.m. The Shops at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-363-5699 or theshopsatseapinescenter.com

WEDNESDAYS

ROOT AND BLOOM MARKET: A weekly market supporting small business and featuring natural foods, organic produce, pastured meats, select artisans and natural wellness products. 3 p.m. -7 p.m. Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary Street, Bluffton. discoverrootandbloommarket.com.

WEDNESDAYS

CLASSIC OPEN MIC NIGHT HOSTED BY WILL COOK: Featured artists every week. Beginning at 8 p.m. until late. Elements Restaurant and Lounge, 2 N Forest Beach Dr, Hilton Head Island. 843-802-4942 or elementshhi.com

WEDNESDAYS THROUGH SATURDAYS:

COMEDY MAGIC CABARET: Upscale comedy theater featuring “funny-not-filthy” performances. Full-service bar and food. 843 William Hilton Pkwy. 843-681-7757. ComedyMagicCabaret.com

THURSDAYS

FARMERS MARKET OF BLUFFTON: Meet local farmers, chefs and artisans every Thursday on Boundary Street and purchase fresh strawberries, produce, beets, potatoes and more. 12 p.m. -5 p.m., Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary Street, Bluffton. 843-415-2337 or farmersmarketbluffton.org.

THURSDAYS

MUSIC & TASTE ON THE HARBOUR: Featured Shelter Cove restaurants will set up around the Neptune statue and offer a variety of specially-priced light appetizers, wine, beer and cocktails. Bring a chair and canned donation for the Deep Well Project to this free event. Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, 17 Harbourside Ln, Hilton Head Island. Purchase tickets online at sheltercovehiltonhead.com/music-and-taste

FRIDAYS

SAVANNAH PORT CRUISE: Meet in Savannah and join this cruise to experience the nation’s largest port in action from the water. The Savannah Port has over 50 piers, wharves and docks. $65/Adult, $45/Child. 10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. Book in advance on coastaldiscovery.org

SATURDAYS

HILTON HEAD COMMUNITY MARKET: A volunteer organized food event also featuring local artisans and makers. 50% of all vendor fees are donated to a different local non-profit organization each month. 9 a.m. -12 p.m. Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island.

SATURDAYS

LOUISE SPENCER AND RICK RADCLIFF AT KIND OF BLUE: Vocalist Louise Spencer and pianist Rick Radcliff will delight you with an evening of jazz and dancing. 5:45 p.m. -7 P.M. Call for reservations- 843-686-2868 or kindofbluehhisc.com

looking ahead

JUNE 2

TOWN OF BLUFFTON MOVIE NIGHT “PUSS IN BOOTS”: Music and bounce houses begin at 5 p.m., movie starts at 6 p.m., rain or shine. Concessions available. Don’t forget your blanket, chairs, and munchies. Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary Street, Bluffton.

JUNE 3

WANDERLUST MARKETS: A wandering market with rotating vendors. Lincoln & South Brewing Company, 138 Island Drive, Hilton Head. Follow Wanderlust Markets on Facebook. 843-4223992 or uscroach@gmail.com.

JUNE 9-10

SAVANNAH CLASSIC AUCTION: Premier Auction Group event. Gates open 9 a.m. Auction begins 9:45 a.m. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 seniors and military. Children 12 and under free. Savannah Convention Center. 1 International Dr., Savannah Ga., 31421.

JUNE 17

PADDLE THE MAY: A 3.5 mile short course and an 8-mile long course, plus a 1-mile fun paddle on the May River waterways. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton and the Lowcountry and the Bluffton Youth Theatre. 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Bluffton Oyster Factory Park, 63 Wharf Street, Bluffton. Purchase tickets online at paddle.guru.com/races/paddlethemay.

JUNE 19-23

HILTON HEAD JAZZ GUITAR INSTITUTE: Clinic to prepare students aged 14-20 with guitar experience for the challenges of jazz guitar. Registration is $25 and tuition is $229. Includes a 3-hour daily jazz guitar clinic with a professional jazz guitarist, a mid-week music trip to Savannah and a finale performance. 3088 Bluffton Parkway, Bluffton. Purchase tickets at hhjazzguitar.eventbrite.com.

JUNE 23

BURNT CHURCH DISTILLERY CONCERT SERIES: CHILLY WILLY BAND: Every fourth Friday of each month outside on Square 67. Free. Open to the public. Bring a chair. 120 Bluffton Rd, Bluffton.

JUNE 24

IRRITATING JULIE AT ELEMENTS RESTAURANT: Rock & Roll, a lively stage show and modern European Chef inspired cuisine. Craft cocktails with live music. 9 p.m. 2 N. Forest Beach Dr., Hilton Head.

YOUNG CRABBER.

PHOTO: MICHAEL HRIZUK | @HRIZUKPHOTO