Voice THE PLANTATION
Dear Rose Hill Plantation
Property Owners and Residents,
As we approach the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th, with the most activity typically occurring in August, September, and October, we want to emphasize the importance of hurricane preparedness. Given our location in the Lowcountry, Rose Hill Plantation’s low elevation makes us susceptible to flooding, in addition to potential damage from wind, wind-driven debris, and heavy rain.
Ensuring the safety of your property and family is the responsibility of each property owner and resident. We urge you to become well-informed about hurricanes and to develop your own personal plan of action. Please provide the POA office with your emergency contact information by emailing Adrianne Brown, our Administrative Assistant, at Frontdesk@rosehillpoa.com.
At a minimum, your personal preparation plan should include:
• Clearly defined escape routes and destinations in case of an evacuation order.
• An easily accessible supply kit containing a fire extinguisher, flashlights and extra batteries, a first aid kit, a portable radio, cell phones and chargers, bottled water, non-perishable food, sterno for cooking, a manual can opener, plastic utensils, toilet paper, and necessary pet food and supplies.
• At least a one-week supply of all necessary medications along with your physician’s contact information, as well as important documents such as property deeds, insurance policies, computer backups, photo albums, and other valuables.
• An adequate amount of cash and clothing for at least three days.
• A detailed inventory list for insurance purposes, supplemented by “before” and “after” photographs of your property.
• Crucial steps to take before evacuating, including shutting off water and electricity at the main service panels and ensuring your home is securely locked.
It is critical to follow the guidance of local authorities. If the County issues a general evacuation order, all residents should evacuate immediately. Evacuation orders from the Governor’s Office must also be followed without delay. Once the hurricane has passed, please stay informed by monitoring radio and television broadcasts to determine when it is safe to return to the area. For safety and security reasons, only authorized personnel will be allowed back into the community until authorities have declared it safe. Upon returning home, please keep the following safety tips in mind:
• Carefully check for any structural damage before entering your home.
• Avoid smoking, using matches, or any open flames due to the risk of potential gas leaks.
• Be vigilant for snakes both inside and outside your home.
• Open doors and windows to allow for thorough ventilation.
• Reserve your emergency water supply for drinking and cooking until you are certain the regular water supply is safe.
POA Staff
Crystal Higginbotham CMCA, AMS General Manager crystal@rosehillpoa.com
Caroline Adams, CMCA Office Manager caroline@rosehillpoa.com
Louann Shepler Staff Accountant Louann@rosehillpoa.com
Adrianne Collins-Brown Administrative Assistant frontdesk@rosehillpoa.com
Monica Stites ARB Administrator arb@rosehillpoa.com
Bill Oakley Chief of Security security@rosehillpoa.com
Mike Rivardo Maintenance Supervisor maintenance@rosehillpoa.com
POA Office Hours
Mon–Thursday: 8am-5pm Friday: 8am-1pm
Plantation Voice Editor Lu Klaiber, Communications Chair
Graphic Designer Aimee Downing
• Inform the security gate, as well as your friends and family, of your safe return and location.
• Fill out Rose Hill’s Hurricane Evacuation Form online: https://engage.goenumerate.com/site/6914/dynform.php?qid=90024
• Sign up for Beaufort County’s free Nixle notifications https://local.nixle.com/signup/widget/i/1550 or text your zip code to 888777 for the Nixle Alerts on your phone.
For more comprehensive information on hurricane preparedness, we encourage you to visit the Beaufort County Emergency Management Department, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, and the Rose Hill POA website. Remember, preparation is key when living in a hurricane-prone region like Beaufort County. By taking proactive steps and staying informed, residents can significantly reduce the risks associated with these powerful storms. It only takes one hurricane to impact your life—so don’t wait until the last minute.
Prepare now to stay safe this season.
Crystal Higginbotham
CMCA ® AMS ® | Rose Hill POA, General Manager | Office: 843-757-2450
Dirt Bikes and Golf Carts
As summer approaches and the kids are out of school there are two community safety issues that need to be addressed: Dirt bikes and other (nonauto) motorized vehicles being operated on the roadways of Rose Hill as well as the operation of golf carts by people without a driver’s license.
This list of rules will serve as a reminder of what is and is not permitted in Rose Hill.
• No motorized vehicles or pedestrians are allowed on the Equestrian trails. This could be dangerous for horses and their riders.
• Dirt bikes are not permitted on the roadways of the Plantation; however, they can be operated on your personal property.
• Motorcycles, mopeds, E bikes (pedal bikes with an electric motor) and motor scooters are permitted on the Plantation from the entry gates to a residential destination or any amenity. Operators of these vehicles must adhere to the applicable South Carolina motor vehicle laws.
Scan code for: Rose Hill Hurricane Evacuation Form
Scan code for: Beaufort County’s Nixle Notifications
• We have received numerous complaints regarding underage people operating golf carts. Anyone operating the golf cart must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver’s license per South Carolina Law. If an unlicensed driver is stopped by security at the gate or driving on any road within the Plantation, they will not be permitted to drive the vehicle home and fines may apply.
• DO NOT operate any motorized vehicle or bicycle on the decks or gazebo at Colleton Point Pavillion. This is not only dangerous to anyone who may be using the deck, it can also cause damage to the structures.
Finally, if your kids are riding scooters, E bikes or bicycles please tell them to use extreme caution when crossing Route SR 278. We are all aware of the dangers of reckless drivers running through red lights and the recent horrific accident at our intersection.
On behalf of your security team, have a fun and safe summer.
Chief Oakley Rose Hill Head of Security
ROSE HILL Letter from Security
Rose Hill Plantation Financial Update
One of the responsibilities of the Board of Directors is a fiduciary obligation to the association and its residents. The Board should act and carry out business with a goal to improve the value of the residents’ and associations’ property. The health and strength of our financial statements is one way to measure the success of the board’s actions toward this goal.
Rose Hill has several financial funds that have been created to support and protect our community assets.
Reserve and Replacement Fund – as defined in our Covenants, reserves are to be used for emergency and capital repairs and improvements, roads and drainage improvements, and other major repairs that are not part of the regular operating budget. The construction of a new swimming pool, major roof repair or aging building upgrades, are all projects that would be covered by a reserve fund.
Funding levels of our Reserve and Replacement Fund have seen an increase over the years.
June 2025
June 2024
June 2023
$ 1,077,091
$ 637,426
$ 161,576
It should be noted that our Reserve Study adopted in November 2024 recommends a five-year balance of $4,476,100. This professional study is done to assist with budget planning for anticipated costs of future repairs and replacement of our current infrastructure. While 100% funding is ideal, a 70% funding level is considered a good benchmark. As you can see, Rose Hill is currently funded at 24%, which is well below the recommended amount.
The Reserve Fund is currently funded by two sources. One, as defined by the Covenants, is equal to 10% of receipts from each annual Assessment. The second, as per the 3rd Amendment to the Covenants as approved by the Members in March 2023 -“The Association shall impose a fee equal to one and one-half percent of the annual assessment fee for a family dwelling unit… upon the sale of any residential or unimproved property”. The amount of that fee is currently $4,500 for each sale of a residential or unimproved property.
Emergency and Disaster Fund – hurricane, wind and water damage to our infrastructure and buildings would be covered by our emergency and disaster fund. As we all remember, in August of 2024, Rose Hill was hit by Hurricane Helene and sustained wind damage to a significant number of trees within our community. The clean-up costs to date are around $80,000 and this cost was covered by our Emergency and Disaster Fund.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY ROSE HILL!
Wishing everyone a safe and fun-filled holiday!
The Emergency and Disaster Fund over the years has been:
June 2025
June 2024
June 2023
$ 553,329
$ 588,304
$ 520,127
The Emergency and Disaster Fund is funded from $10,000 from the 10% that goes into the Reserve Fund from the quarterly regular annual assessment. That equals $40,000 per year.
Community Enhancement Fund – funds in our Community Enhancement account are to be used for the purpose of infrastructure and amenity improvements. The amount of the contributions is also defined by the 3rd Amendment to the Covenants as approved by the Members in March 2023 - The Association shall impose a reserved fee … plus a $1,500 Community Enhancement Fee which shall increase by 5% annually. The amount of that fee is currently $1,654. This fund allows us to invest in projects and initiatives that continuously improve our community’s appearance, amenities and overall lifestyle.
Balances over the years are as shown below:
June 2025
June 2024
June 2023
$ 216,288
$ 124,165
$ 4,500
The funds noted above are a very important indicator of Rose Hill’s longterm financial health. Most residents tend to only examine the profit and loss statements and while that is an essential metric, it is always important to examine these funds as they are longer term funding sources for an important part of our community.
Sue Wolford
Rose Hill Board President
Mario & Kimberly Campuzano
Richard & Charlene Ellison
Sarah & Carmen Facciobene
Scott & Tamara Freeman
Alayne Galbreath
Paul & Patricia Haley
Roel & Jennifer Harsta
Marissa & Michael Moses
As the weather grows hotter, alligators and snakes in Rose Hill will be more active. Stay extra vigilant near lagoons and wooded areas.
Rose Hill Board
Sue Wolford, President
Chris Van Geisen, Vice President
Sam Robinowitz, Secretary
David Berliner, Treasurer
Chris Henke Patrick Kestner
Jon Nelson
Donald Schenk
Susan Tucker
Steve & Lori Murray
Lynn Norfleet
Stephanie Sloan
Luke & Robin Thigpen
Luan Vo & Thi Quynh A Tran
Douglas & Randi Whiteaker
Hans & Daria Williams
Wishing you Fair Winds & Following Seas!
Hello Friends and Neighbors!
As we celebrate our one-year anniversary at Fair Winds Bar & Grill, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the love, support, and encouragement we’ve received from this remarkable community. We truly couldn’t feel more blessed, appreciated, and celebrated than we do right here, surrounded by such a warm and welcoming group of neighbors and friends.
Over the past year, we’ve shared more than just meals—we’ve shared life. From navigating unexpected challenges like power outages and hurricanes to honoring moments of deep meaning through celebrations of life, your support has never wavered. And beyond those moments of resilience, we’ve had the immense joy of hosting weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, retirement celebrations, art shows, fundraisers for extraordinary causes, golf outings, and so much more. Each event has brought us closer to the heart of this community and strengthened the bonds we cherish so deeply.
As we look to the future, we’re more inspired than ever to continue growing with you.
Our new Sunday evening Italian dinners are already becoming a beloved tradition, and we’re excited to see them evolve into a true staple of community gathering and connection.
We have an incredible lineup of live music planned for the coming year and will remain closely engaged with the social community to keep creating opportunities for fun, friendship, and meaningful connection.
We’re also thrilled to be expanding our relationship with the golf community and look forward to supporting its growth in every way we can as they have shown immense support for all of our endeavors.
Thank you for an unforgettable first year. Here’s to many more memories made together at Fair Winds Bar & Grill.
Love, The Randall’s and the Fair Winds team!
TheRandalls
CLASS OF
2025
Congratulations to Our Rose Hill Graduates and Their Families!
COLLEGE GRADUATES
Trey DeTurris
Darla School of Business - USC
The DeTurris Family Crosstide Lane
Jacob F. Kaplan
Darla School of Business -USC
The Kaplan Family Greenwood Drive
Azilee Davis
University of South Carolina
Caroline Adams, POA Staff
2nd Lt Brilee A Larson
The United States Air Force Academy
The Larson Family Sumpter Square
Hailey Riedinger
Central Piedmont CC (Nursing Program) – Charlotte NC
The Riedinger Family (Grandparents) Greenwood Court
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
Delaney Brown
May River High School
The Brown Family Club Gate Lane
Madeline Downing
May River High School
The Downing Family Greenwood Drive
Shiann Moore
Pennsaken High School NJ
The Pratt Family (Grandparents) Sorrelwood Lane
Brooke Sweigart
May River High School
The Sweigart Family
Martingale W.
Isabel Zellweger
May River High School
The Zellweger Family
Plantation House Drive
Aiden Dill
May River High School
The Dill Family Piper’s Pond
Elijah Spike Hudson
Hilton Head High School
The Hudson Family Coventry Court
Daniel Nester
John Paul II Catholic School
The Nester Family Plantation House Drive
Brandon Solorza
May River High School
The Solorza Family Sorrelwood Lane
Robbin Zetrouer
May River High School
Greenwood Drive
The Zetrouer Family
ROSE HILL
Tennisclub of the Low Country
Tennis of the low country
Happenings!
TLC is offering a Membership special starting June 23rd until July 31st. We are waiving the initiation fee for any new Members joining during this period, and who pay for the year up front. The added benefit here is that by paying for the year – you pay for 11 months and get the 12th month free. This special has not been offered for several years and it will only last 6 weeks.
Our adult programs Our daily programs and clinics continue to be well attended. Our Beginner and Advanced Beginner Adult programs have grown considerably. The next 6-week session will start mid-August. We offer programs for all levels of play and these programs are open to both Members and Non-Members alike. Come and try them out and work on your game! Reservations are necessary and the schedule is on the website: www.tlcrosehill.com/adult-tennis-programs.html
Summer camp for our junior players is in full swing and July camps are filling quickly. We do still have space for Under 10 beginner players, and limited availability for those players over 10. Camps run mornings only from 8:30 – Noon for all levels. More information is available on our website at www.tlcrosehill.com/juniortennis2023.html and click on our summer camp link.
You can also call our Pro Shop at 843-271-6401 and our staff will answer any questions that you may have.
Our pro shop offers 24 hour stringing service and players are enjoying the line of Diadem strings on offer. You can also provide your own string and just pay labor for the restringing of your racket.
As always, we thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you on the courts this summer!
TLC Management and Staff
Rose Hill LGA News
Submitted by Bunny Stoykovich
The summer “muggies” are beginning and our “pop-up” showers have certainly managed to drench us, on and off the course.
Cart Path Only has been used occasionally for the front of the course and 90 degrees on the back has made it a bit easier for everyone to play around the raindrops. We are fortunate to have a course that drains well compared to some other local courses. We continue to simply enjoy the course coming into its own with the care and management that IGM works hard to attain.
We continue to grow the Ladies Golf Association with new members from the Rose Hill community, Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Okatie as well as many “snow birds”. With handicaps from 14-38, everyone finds it enjoyable to play on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The LGA has planned games which players join for that day of play. Our games consist of Individual, 2-Person Teams, and 4-Person Teams and often a Closest to the Pin. Now, if you think you know golf games, here are a few that may be new to you: Synchronized Swimming, Chips Ahoy, Chips and Dips. The games are varied and as we know, golf is the most equitable game to play and the entry is only $3 plus green fees. Laughter and Camaraderie freely provided!
Many LGA members also play in other state-wide leagues such as Epic, LPGAA Savannah/Hilton Head, and SCWGA. Rose Hill is included in the rotation of the courses that these leagues play throughout the year.
LGA members also come together once a month to play and socialize in the evenings for Nine and Wine events. In partnership with the MGA ( Men’s Golf Association), we alternate hosting Saturday tournaments for special holidays, which always draws a full field of players. The Firecracker Golf Tournament is July 5th. Sign up and join in the fun!
A fun note from Terry’s record keeping is, there was one Chip In at least on every hole. The most Chip Ins on all the holes was #10 and #16 that had 12 Chip Ins each.
We look forward to a wonderful 2025 season and though off to a cold start, we are beginning to feel those warmer temperatures we all live here for.
At the turn
IGM 2nd Quarter Update
Rose Hill Golf Course continues to see steady growth in both play and revenue, with a 34% year-to-date increase as of this past spring. While we’re pleased with the progress, we recognize there is still more work to be done.
Course Conditions & Winter Impact
The winter ice storm in January created some challenges on a few greens where turf quality did not meet expectations. We’ve sodded those areas and anticipate the roots will establish themselves in the coming weeks. This issue is not unique to Rose Hill—many local courses, both public and private, are experiencing similar setbacks.
Fairway Progress & Pest Management
Fairway conditions have shown significant improvement since we began our treatment program three years ago. However, maintaining healthy fairways remains an ongoing effort. Recently, we treated the entire course to eliminate mole crickets—sub-surface pests that tunnel through soil, damage grass roots, and attract other animals that exacerbate turf damage. Proactively addressing this threat is key to preserving course quality.
Tee Markers & Yardage Updates
We’ve started installing new tee and yardage markers to align with recent updates made by the USGA to the course’s yardage and slope. These adjustments provide a more accurate reflection of the difficulty and handicap rating for each hole, improving overall playability and consistency with our scorecards.
Equipment Upgrades & Fall Leaf Management
To enhance course maintenance, we’ve purchased a zero-turn mower that will be delivered shortly. This equipment allows for more precise cutting around trees and, more importantly, has mulching capabilities. The abundance of trees along the fairways adds beauty and character to Rose Hill, but fallen leaves in the fall present a recurring maintenance challenge. The new mower will enable us to blow leaves off the fairways and follow up with mulching, helping to keep fairways clear for longer while reducing the manpower needed for constant leaf removal.
Welcome Ashleigh Mead – Teaching Professional
We are excited to welcome Ashleigh Mead to the Rose Hill team as a teaching instructor. A standout golfer at USCB, Ashleigh recorded five collegiate wins and set multiple school records, including most rounds at par or better, most birdies, and lowest 18-, 36-, and 54-hole scores. She is a two-time All-American and Conference Player of the Year, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 3.99 GPA. Ashleigh brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her new role and looks forward to helping golfers of all ages and skill levels improve their game.
Thank you for your continued support, The IGM Team
Beautiful 16th fairway and 13th green.
Ashleigh Mead
Declaration of Independence trivia
The Declaration of Independence was finalized as a written document on July 4, 1776—but on which date did the Continental Congress vote in favor of declaring themselves independent of British rule?
Answer: July 2, 1776
On which day was the Declaration of Independence actually signed?
Answer: Aug. 2, 1776
How many original copies of the Declaration of Independence are believed to have been printed?
Answer: 200
Who is credited with writing the Declaration of Independence?
Answer: Thomas Jefferson
One of the most famous lines in the Declaration of Independence is “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable
Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” But as originally drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the pursuit was not of happiness but of what?
Answer: Property. As the story goes, Benjamin Franklin convinced Jefferson to make the change because property was too “narrow” a notion.
How many sections are in the Declaration of Independence?
Answer: Five
How many signatures are on the Declaration of Independence?
Answer: 56
How many people who signed the Declaration of Independence also signed the Constitution?
Answer: Six (Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, George Read, James Wilson, Robert Morris and George Clymer)
Who has the biggest signature on the Declaration of Independence?
Answer: John Hancock
Who was the youngest person to sign the Declaration of Independence?
Answer: Edward Rutledge, who was 26 years old
One of the signers of the Declaration of Independence wound up recanting his support of the Colonies’s independence. Who was it?
Answer: Richard Stockton. On Nov. 30, 1776, Stockton was captured by the British and forced to repudiate his declaration of independence and to swear his allegiance to King George. A little over a year later, he escaped the British and re-avowed his loyalty to our country.
True or false: A woman’s signature appears on some copies of the Declaration of Independence.
Answer: True. Though she’s not an official signer, Mary Katharine Goddard, who was commissioned by Congress to print copies of the important document, added her name below the original signers’ names. Though it’s not clear why she included her name, Goddard was a wellknown patriot and one of the first women publishers and postmasters in the young country.
What was the first newspaper in the Colonies to run the Declaration of Independence in print in its July 6, 1776, edition?
Answer: The Pennsylvania Evening Post
George Washington read the Declaration of Independence in front of the city hall of which city on July 9, 1776?
Answer: New York City. In fact, a riot broke out amid the reading, in part as a reaction to the fact that British naval ships were occupying the harbor at the time. During the riot, a statue of King George III was toppled and melted down to make 42,000 musket balls for the Revolutionary Army.
Where was the Declaration of Independence stored during World War II?
Answer: Fort Knox, Kentucky
DIGNITY
A
story by Rose Hill Resident, James Alexander
My agenda includes much travel, mostly by air, with three fellow travelers: patience, stamina, and money. These essentials are my closest companions. Here is an example of how all three were activated, and a reminder of respect.
Patience: A few days before I planned roundtrip travel from Savannah, Georgia (SAV) to Santa Barbara (SBA), I changed the return reservation to depart from Los Angeles (LAX) rather than SBA. A live reservation agent made the requested change. When I attempted to checkin and print my boarding passes, I was electronically informed that I should get the changes at the check-in counter. On Saturday morning at 4:10 am, I reported to SAV, to be informed that my departure date had also been changed -- to the next day, Sunday. The supervisor at SAV tried for at least forty minutes to provide a remedy. She was unsuccessful, so I returned home.
Patiently outlining my next approach, I telephoned the airline and told the robot that he was not yet able to address my problem. I was eventually transferred to a live representative. Again, I asked for a flight that day, if not to SBA, or at least to LAX. The Savannah agent had also
requested the same adjustment. Within five minutes I was informed of a cancellation and asked to return to SAV for an 11 am flight to LAX.
I reserved a rental car for the drive from LAX to Santa Barbara, but because of late arrival and baggage handling delays, I reported to the rental car counter an hour later than the requested time for pickup. The agent informed me that the cost would be another $150. It was a company I had never used. I had spent my patience. Stamina: I refused the new car rental terms and walked out, carrying, then at age 84, a large golf bag carrier and a medium-sized piece of luggage. Both seemed heavier than they did last year. My intent was to stand at the curb on busy Century Boulevard near the airport and hail a taxi to take me to another rental car counter. Then, my patience having been exhausted, defiance and determination engaged my stamina. I began to roll my luggage to an alternate car rental agency two blocks away.
Twenty yards on I spotted two men sitting and staring at the fast-moving traffic. Anything moving seemed faster than their idleness. I hastily judged by their appearance and posture that they likely had not eaten a meal that
ROSE HILL Story of the Month
day, or their intake might only have been a bottle of wine. I might have been wrong, which is often the unfair consequence of rash judgment.
Money: I also had miscalculated my stamina, so I called forth my third traveling companion. I stopped and offered the men, “For five dollars, which of you would like to help me with my luggage to the car rental?” All of us could see the distance as nearly two blocks. The downand-out don’t have accessories to hide their discomfort and the aging process, so I guessed it was the older looking man who rose and accepted my offer.
He stood erect, steadied himself, put on his hat, and took my bags. I followed, admiring his engagement which countered my earlier assessment. I was witnessing a man whose resources seemed depleted. But he was not poor. His last asset was his most valuable — his dignity. For five dollars, he promised to perform, and I watched as he carefully maneuvered the luggage to the edge of the curb. He was a man hired for a brief task, and he was performing with such pride in his employment. When we arrived at our destination, I offered to assist him with the luggage up the steps. He declined. I immediately withdrew, recognizing that my help would diminish his moment.
As I handed him two five-dollar bills, I acknowledged his zeal. He said, “I ain’t got much left, but I did well enough for you to pay me double what you promised. I thank you, mister.” I felt ashamed for my rash, hasty judgment. His smile reinvigorated my patience, and his toil preserved my stamina.
Dignity
is an asset that is not devalued by poverty.
Good memories are treasures that we horde for ourselves.
Sometimes they are the only currency that can buy peace of mind.
They give us safe passage to where we were once content.
Good memories are not exhausted by time.
James E. Alexander is a Rose Hill Resident. He has written several books and short stories. To enjoy more of Mr. Alexander’s stories, visit www.jeatrilogy.com
NOTABLE NEIGHBORS
In this issue we are pleased to feature two extraordinary ladies who have shared their hearts, friendship and love with our community. How fortunate we are to call them neighbors. In a world that is wrought with fear, division and anger, they are like medicine for the soul.
Janice Nill
Janice was nominated as a Notable Neighbor by the ladies at the POA office. When I inquired if they knew a candidate for this article, all three said without hesitation…Janice Nill. “She is so sweet and so kind!” I had the privilege of spending a couple of hours with Janice getting to know her. She had much to share about her interesting life and she both charmed me and made me laugh.
Janice was born in Huntington, Long Island on July 12, 1935, so yes, she has a 90th birthday celebration with friends and family coming up very soon! Janice grew up during WWII and was raised by her parents (her father was a strong disciplinarian), and her great grandmother. She is the mother of April and Ken and was married to her husband Bob Nill, a roofing expert, for 42 years before he passed in 2017. When Janice talks about the love of her life, there is a twinkle in her eye. Theirs was a real love story. She is still driving the car he bought her 20 years ago. It looks like it was just driven off the showroom! Every memory she shared honored the love and respect she had for him
ROSE HILL
Both stories submitted by Lu Klaiber
Notable Neighbors
and still holds firmly in her heart. As a legacy gift to her family, Janice just finished her 25-chapter memoir entitled “Janice.” Her daughter, April, compiled a book of poetry written by Janice and dedicated to her family titled, The Eyes of My Heart. This poem was written for Bob:
Love At First Sight
Your heart skips a beat You know it is true
Love unfolds in your eyes Beautiful sensations Encompass you
He smiles at you And you know it’s right
His words, “It’s there” Means
Love At First Sight”
Janice and Bob moved to Rose Hill in 1995, and he served on the Rose Hill Board of Directors for eight years. Bob played polo on Long Island so they both enjoyed the Rose Hill polo events and golfing. Janice, like so many of our residents, loves the picturesque setting of our community.
In addition to writing, Janice leads a very active social life. She plays mahjong and canasta with a group of Rose Hill ladies and is deeply involved in her church. She loves to bake and regularly drops off sweet confections to the Rose Hill POA office, the security attendants (many whom she knows by name), the local firefighters and even the folks who work at her pharmacy! She has organized groups of ladies to crochet blankets for the Marine Corp Community Services (at Paris Island) which are gifted to young marines and sailors and active-duty families with babies.
Throughout our visit Janice declared often and with conviction that she loves ALL people and clearly conveyed her deep faith and reliance on God. If you are fortunate enough to meet Janice one day, you will love her right back!
Irma Hegedus Bongiorno
A few months back, I had interviewed Irma because I knew she had a harrowing story of her escape during the Hungarian Revolution in the mid-1950’s. At the time she had second thoughts about sharing her story, because she wasn’t sure if it would really be interesting to anyone outside of friends and family. Sadly, Irma passed away on June 4th. At her “Celebration of Life” gathering, I spoke to her son and obtained permission to share her story.
Irma always did it her way… and she never apologized for it. She earned the right.
Irma grew up in small country, farm town of Gyomaendrőd, Hungary with her family. She traveled into the city of Budapest for school and work, and it was there she met her husband Frank, the father of her two sons, Frank and Peter. They were a young couple in love, (18 years old) when their lives got caught up in the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. It was a time of significant turmoil and unrest in Hungary that saw many civilians senselessly killed. The people of Hungary were resisting the government’s capitulation to Russian advances. With all of the unrest and danger, their parents hired a guide to secretly lead them out of Hungary and into Austria. The story of their escape is like the script of a Jason Bourne movie, including dressing as peasants on a train boarded by Russian soldiers, and being protected by the locals who shielded and hid them from view.
After a harrowing journey, and several instances of manipulation and deceit, they ended up in a refugee camp near Salzburg. They arrived on Christmas Eve and that is where Irma first heard the words to Silent Night, which is a family favorite to this day. You can hear Irma tell the story in her own words on her YouTube video, “Irma’s Immigration Story.”
https://youtu.be/wou1tEm7Ht4?si=7OnlGut3lW9oKcKR
Arriving in America in 1957 as teenagers, they had to learn how to survive in this new and wonderful land. Fortunately, they adapted to their new home in Goshen, NY and Irma loved America! She trained as a bookkeeper and Frank was a tool and die maker. Their hard work allowed them to provide for their family and enjoy the fun things life had to offer. Irma and Frank loved to go dancing and the family enjoyed camping, boating, hiking and skiing.
Notable Neighbors
Irma continued to ski into her 70’s! She was game for anything and always tried to remain current on technology to keep in touch with everyone including those back in Hungary.
After a divorce, Irma married Frank C. Bongiorno, and the two of them settled in Rose Hill Plantation over 30 years ago. While she still has many friends back in Goshen, her life with friends and neighbors here in Bluffton was her strength and protection. They all will attest to her spunk, enormous heart and nurturing disposition. And of course, no one brought her more sunshine perhaps than her faithful dog Rocky.
On July 14, 2007, at her request, Irma’s family and friends threw a big party to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her landing in America. A friend described her that day as feeling like “the luckiest girl in the whole USA!”
Irma was a role model for what being a good person is all about. She has been described as a “kindness magnet.” Her son Peter shared, “If Mom had a bumper sticker on her back, it would read “Practice random acts of kindness and simple gifts of love.”
Irma always did it Irma’s way, but she made everyone whose life she touched, better for it!
ROSE HILL
Equestrian Center
Equestrian Center News
Happy summer from your Rose Hill Equestrian Center!
We are helping the horses (and people) enjoy their sport and hobby, despite the heat, by doing most of our riding earlier in the day or later in the afternoon. We’re all staying hydrated and yearning for those cooler months where we can be a bit more active.
The electric fence has been completely repaired and is fully functional. We are so grateful to the POA and residents who prioritized safety to get our fences up to par. Although our arena lighting project was delayed, we are confident that 2025 will finally be the year we are able to continue to train during the shorter daylight hours of the fall and winter.
Lead Trainer and Operator, Heather Jenkins, will be making her way to France, Germany, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands to bring back future show horses for some clients who board and train in Rose Hill. It is a great pleasure for her to be an ambassador of our neighborhood by networking with quality breeders and highlighting her program in Rose Hill.
The equestrian team continues to be active in the showing circuit. They will show next in mid-June and we look forward to hearing how they performed. Olivia Vaughn is moving up to higher jumps, 2’6”, and will be doing her fist Derby on RHF PORT CITY.
Moraya Billion will be moving up to Crossbars on RHF SONYA. Missy Lieberman will be competing in higher jumps as well, 2’3”, and she will ride her horse, SHELDON. Heather will be showing two horses in the jumper ring, including last summer’s imported gelding,
BIG AL Z. Showing takes a lot of work and each of these riders have made a commitment to be disciplined and grow their skills. We are so proud of how they are progressing and how the horses are performing.
Please remember that horse trails are for equestrian use only. This part of community was designed with the equestrian lifestyle in mind. Just like the other amenities, the horse trails have a specific use and user. We would appreciate it so much if you could help us keep the horses and riders safe by remaining respectful of the purpose of the horse trails and making sure your family members are informed as well.
Please remember that horse trails are for equestrian use only. We would appreciate it so much if you could help us keep the horses and riders safe by remaining respectful of the purpose of the horse trails and making sure your family members are informed as well.
Social Committee Update
The Rose Hill Social Committee was thrilled to host this year’s Easter Egg Hunt on April 12th along with a visit from the Easter Bunny! Over 2,200 eggs were scattered throughout Willow Lake and filled with candy and toys.
Each child had a chance to find the 8 hidden Golden Eggs. The winners were provided a gift basket filled with fun Easter themed items. Coastal Events & Character Parties spent the morning painting faces and creating balloon art. We were gifted with beautiful weather, but most importantly, the opportunity to spend time with our neighbors and witness all the smiling faces! Thank you to all who participated.
Next event: July 4th Golf Cart Parade and Ice Cream Social.
Please join us on a day that is sure to bring a spirit of patriotism and community! Line up starts at 1 pm at the Club Gate path and ends at Fair Winds. Best 3 golf cart designs will win a gift card to Fair Winds. Ice Cream and toppings bar along with popsicles will be provided after the parade. Plan to stay and mingle at Fair Winds with the fabulous band, Sweet Forgiveness, along with some yard games. For more details, review the poster and map or visit rosehillsocial.com.
How to stay up to date with the Social Committee events:
• Make sure you’re receiving the Rose Hill POA emails
• Join the Facebook groups – Rose Hill Residents and Rose Hill Plantation Residents
• Visit rosehillsocial.com
ROSE HILL KIDS RAISE MONEY FOR LOCAL ANIMAL SERVICES
Submitted by Erin Ridolfo
Lemonade Stand
The kids of Rose Hill hosted a lemonade stand on June 2 at a residence on Whiteoaks Circle.
A lemonade stand may seem simple, but it’s a fantastic, age-appropriate way to introduce kids to the basics of business, money, and responsibility in a fun and memorable way. It was a great way to kickoff summer vacation!
4 1/2 gallons of lemonade
72 cups
12 kids selling lemonade from ages 4-8 years old
$350 raised for local animal shelters/rescues
Animal Location Visits
Kids of Rose Hill Lemonade Stand visited Beaufort County Animal Services, Hilton Head Humane (Okatie Campus) and Palmetto Animal League
Animal Services received a trunk full of donated goods. The kids also delivered a $100 check to HH Humane and a $100 check to Palmetto Animal League (donations at PAL were being matched by a sponsor up until Father’s Day).
Erin and Victoria took a $50 check and a car load of donations to JARM (Jasper Animal Rescue Mission) and a $100 check to Lovable Paws Animal Rescue in Ridgeland.
All five locations received cold cans of lemonade for staff and volunteers!
Rose Hill kids know how to have fun!
The Rose Hill Garden Group will Host Their Second Annual
Submitted by Lisa Bush
The members of the Rose Hill Garden Group will host a magnificent Plant Swap event at Colleton Point in September. Please join us!
Contact Lisa Bush, Garden Group Lead at Lisadbush@hotmail.com for inquiries.
ROSE HILL Caring Neighbors
The history of Caring Neighbors
Submitted by Jane Phipps
Caring Neighbors, founded in 2010 by Betty Miller, a retired nurse residing in Rose Hill, is a charitable volunteer organization. Betty’s passion for helping people led her to recognize the need for assistance among adults living in the Plantation who lacked a support network. With determination, Betty followed the model set by “Beacon Hill Village” in Massachusetts and rallied a group of like-minded individuals to form the first Board of Directors. The response from volunteers was heartwarming, and soon, Bluffton residents were benefiting from the services provided by this newlyformed non-profit organization. The services offered by Caring Neighbors are diverse and essential:
• Transportation: Providing rides to and from doctors’ appointments.
• Food Shopping: Assisting with grocery shopping.
• Telephone Calls: Regular check-ins for shut-ins.
• Meal Preparation: Providing meals temporarily.
• Post-Surgery Support: Assisting individuals during their recovery.
• Temporary Dog Walking: Ensuring pets get their exercise.
• Chores Assistance: Lending a hand with household tasks.
• Home Visitations: Offering companionship and support.
Whether clients require short-term or long-term help, Caring Neighbors steps up as long as there are enough dedicated volunteers. Our services are free of charge, supporting independent living and wellness for the senior population in Bluffton. If you need assistance, an interview process ensures that your needs align with what Caring Neighbors can provide. If we cannot assist directly, we’ll offer a list of vendors who might be able to help.
To sustain our mission, Caring Neighbors relies on fundraisers, with insurance coverage being our most significant expense. We also embrace technology, utilizing smartphones and computers to stay connected and responsive.
One of the first Caring Neighbors Board members was Linda Miller of Rose Hill who recently passed away after a long journey of fighting cancer. Linda was the epitome of gentleness and compassion who had a huge impact on the people she serviced through her volunteering. She undoubtedly holds a special place in the hearts of all of us who knew her, including our senior “neighbors”.
To say she will be missed, is an understatement.
Days before her death, Linda wrote this beautiful prayer:
Every day is a blessing Lord
To be treasured and not ignored
To be lived to the fullest
And not passed by
Every day is a gift to be thankful for.
In the last 7 months Caring Neighbors has held 3 Food Drives to help Bluffton Self Help restock their shelves. We would like to sincerely thank David and Susan Tirard of Rose Hill for bringing this to the attention of the Rotary Club of Bluffton which they are active members of. The Rotarians quickly donated the needed food items and articles of basic needs which David and Susan then delivered to Bluffton Self Help. Such a fine example of “neighbors helping neighbors”!
On August 9th the Litter Getterz
will join hands donned with gloves and grabbers for the summer trash cleanup on SR 278. Meet at the POA office at 8:00 am. Remember its hot out there so please join us! Many hands make for less sweat!!!
Check out details of all the Bluffton Independence Day Celebrations at https://www.blufftonsc.com/4th-of-july-fireworksbluffton-independence-day-celebration-2025/ or scan the QR code.
There are 41 unimproved homesites remaining in Rose Hill.
Five of these are under construction and 5 have been submitted for preliminary approval!
As of the end of May, we had 25 home sales in Rose Hill.
In 2025, the average sale price on the Equestrian side was $1,030,200; and on the Golf side it was $606,321
We need volunteers! We have openings on the following committees: Audit, ARB, Communications, Long Range Planning and Social.
This year, unless a hot topic is going to be addressed, on average about 25 people attend board meetings in person and 32 people watch the meeting on Facebook Live.
