VOLUME 25, ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 4, 2022

Jan. 4, 2022 • Volume 25, Issue 1 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com

INSIDE • BJVIM celebrates 10th anniversary of serving community 16A • Home Builders honors excellence with LightHouseAwards 23A • Memory Matters expands its care, support groups 28A • Night to Shine to celebrate special guests in drive-thru 29A • Snowbirds exhibit opens quirky store 35A

Bluffton Library reopens with spacious look, new technology

By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR

Bluffton’s passionate library patrons will be happy today because the Phase 1 renovations are finished and the doors are open. Following today’s 9 a.m. ribbon cutting, everyone who has been asking “When will it be finished?” will be able to see the results of the past 10 months of work.

The bright airiness of the gallery greets patrons when they enter from the lobby through the double glass doors. The new flooring now matches that in the large meeting room, and a new color scheme refreshes the most active area where the computers, check-out counters, chairs and the Friends of the Library section reside.

The renovation-era “pop-up” library temporarily housed in the building’s large public meeting room will melt into the stacks as if it never happened.

“What you’ll probably notice first is we have glassed in everything on this [left] side,” said Beaufort County Library Director Amanda Dickman as she walked through the building.

The Friends of the Library Corner, just inside the doors, has new shelving

and arrangements. The children’s section has moved, and in its place is the adult section with fiction, movies, audio books, new books, large print books, magazines, and newspapers.

Past the adult section along the gallery wall are built-in shelves that will house new books.

“The biggest change in this renovation is doubling the size available to children’s services, and giving them this dedicated program room. Before, they were competing with community groups and library programs for that large meeting room up front. Now they have their own space,” Dickman said. “We’ve been the proud home of an art collection of colorful papier maché animal heads from local middle school art classes from years ago, and they now take up residence in this creative space.”

Activities in the new space will include story time, performances, crafts, and whatever children programs are developed. All of the tables have wheels on one end and stoppers on the other so the tables don’t move away from the children as they sit.

“My favorite thing is in picking out new furniture. We wanted it to be contemporary but also tied to our communi-

New exhibits, new name, same great maritime center !

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310 Okatie Highway | (843) 645-7774 | PortRoyalSoundFoundation.org

PHOTOS BY GWYNETH J. SAUNDERS

Library assistant Wendy Purdy arranges books on the new shelving in the renovated children’s section of Bluffton Branch Library.

ty and reflective of the Lowcountry feel, so we picked white shelves,” Dickman said.

The new shelving sections are curved and on wheels so they can be easily rearranged as needed. “If you could see it from above,” Dickman said, “you’ll see it’s kind of a pinwheel, so kids can move

along here similar to waves and water.”

The new shelves are filled with picture books, easy readers, chapter books and nonfiction. Between some of the shelves are comfortable benches for those youngsters who want to sit a minute and look

Please see LIBRARY on page 10A

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The Bluffton Sun

A NEW FOR

JOINT PAIN

THE LATEST ADVANCEMENT in hip and knee replacements Mako® Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery If hip or knee pain is keeping you from doing the things you love, it may be time to consider joint replacement surgery.

To help you heal faster and get back to life more quickly, Beaufort Memorial surgeons are skilled in minimally invasive joint replacement procedures using the advanced Mako SmartRobotics® system.

They use 3D technology to model your joint and customize a surgical plan unique to your distinct anatomy, then guide the robotic arm to implant the prosthetic components with greater precision.

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After almost two years of highly successful knee replacements with the Mako® system, these Beaufort Memorial orthopedic surgeons are now offering the leading-edge technology for hip replacements, too: • Edward R. Blocker, M.D. • H. Kevin Jones, M.D. • Vandit Sardana, M.D. • Leland C. Stoddard, M.D.

Jan. 4, 2022

Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

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SUNNY SIDE UP

Happy New Year – and here’s hoping for more and less

By Lynne Cope Hummell EDITOR

This time last year, it seems that most of us were grateful just to be breathing after living through the previous nine months of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic changed our lives forever.

As we entered 2021, we believed that the worst was behind us. We had survived, at least.

A lot of us had figured out the 2020 work-from-home solutions, and even enjoyed the option of sleeping in a bit, maybe working in our jammies, and setting work hours at all hours that felt more relaxed.

While some parents set up their online-learning children for success, not everyone fared as well. Not all students succeeded at kitchen table classwork.

We became accustomed to shopping at our local grocery stores online and having our order delivered to the house just a couple of hours later. Amazon, FedEx and UPS

delivery trucks were mainstays in neighborhood traffic.

Lack of socialization took its toll on many.

Too much screen time inhibited play time outdoors. Team sports weren’t allowed.

Enthusiasm waned. Depression settled in for many, of all ages.

But as 2021 rolled along, we were able and encouraged to get out more. We saw friends again, shopped in stores, went to dinner and to movies. Kids went back to school in their school buildings, played soccer and basketball. Churches opened their buildings for in-person worship once again. Theatres that had been shuttered for much of 2020 were able to allow patrons at half capacity.

By the end of 2021, much of life in our community had returned to somewhat normal. And thank goodness for that. The Hanukkah and Christmas holidays seemed normal enough, with parades and light shows galore.

As we geared up for New Year’s Eve

celebrations last week, we heard plans for gatherings, popping of champaign corks, and fireworks at the stroke of midnight.

And now we’re just at the beginning of that New Year. What are our hopes for the coming months?

I’m hoping for more – and less.

I hope for more kindness and less griping.

Somewhere along the way, many of us forgot our manners and small courtesies. Let’s get back to being the giving and forgiving souls that we know we can be.

I hope for more gratitude and less grumbling. We likely will never have as “much” as we believe we deserve, and that’s OK. Let’s focus on being grateful for what we do have, make the most of it, and figure out how to make it work.

I hope for more positive and less negative, and I don’t mean COVID tests. It’s almost as if we need a bit of a reset to get our brains recalibrated to see the good in other people, events and actions rather than automatically seeing the bad stuff.

I hope for more face to face meetings and less Zoom. Honestly, meeting with a group in front of my computer was stressful.

Can you imagine two dozen 60-something former high school classmates on a screen at one time, trying to sing their alma mater?

The only thing comfortable about that was the fact that I was probably wearing sweatpants with a reunion-suitable top. (Although the singing was atrociously funny.)

I hope for more inclusivity and less separation. We need to be cognizant that not all of our neighbors look like us, live like us, behave like us. Let’s celebrate our differences, and be open to an alternative viewpoint, style and flavor. Who knows what delightful characters we might meet? (Goodness knows there are plenty of colorful people in our community!)

Most of all, I hope for more inspiration and less isolation. Our Lowcountry is full of the first, in its environment and in its people. I intend to get out a little more and learn more about both. I hope you will too.

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The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

EDITORIAL

Current Circulation Via USPS is 24,720 Finalist: Small Business of the Year, HHI-Bluffton Chamber.

Winner of the SAPA General Excellence Award; 1st place, Front Page Design; 2nd place, Most Improved Publication; and 3rd place, Self-Promotion Advertising.

IFPA-SAPA 3rd Place, Business Coverage

PUBLISHER

Kevin Aylmer, kevina@blufftonsun.com

EDITOR

Lynne Hummell, editor@blufftonsun.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kim Perry Bowen

OFFICE MANAGER Melissa McCullough

CONTRIBUTORS Abby Bird Amy Coyne Bredeson Emily Campbell Bob Colyer Collins Doughtie E. Ronald Finger Jerry Glenn Jean Harris Oswald Mikell Dave Miller

Lindsay Perry Kingston Rhodes Juan Rivera Gwyneth J. Saunders Larry Stoller Lisa Sulka Rebekah Thompson Scott Wierman Mark F. Winn Tim Wood

ADVERTISING

Looking forward to new year, new projects

By Lisa Sulk CONTRIBUTOR

Happy New Year!

I don’t know about you but I am ready to look forward to an exciting 12 months, and to see the many projects that our town is undertaking to completion. One of these projects involves reaching out to our residents on a community survey.

Did you know that 92% of the land area Lisa Sulk of Bluffton is located within a Planned Unit Development (PUD) and governed by a Development Agreement?

The rules and regulations are established at the initial time of the zoning with the maximum growth established, including the overall number of homes and commercial square footage.

The status of each of the PUDs is presented to Town Council annually and

B.J. Frazier, Sales Director, 843-422-2321 Mike Garza 804-928-2151 Claudia Chapman 814-434-3665 Stan Wade 843-338-1900

is available for the public to review. The report is titled, “Development Agreement Summary.”

These areas include: • Bluffton Village • Buckwalter • Jones Estate • New Riverside • Palmetto Bluff • Schultz Tract • Village at Verdier To further outline the regulations and conditions related to each agreement, Town staff is coordinating a regular meeting with property owner’s associations to make a similar presentation to residents to discuss the rules for each neighborhood and what they might expect in terms of development for their communities.

Town staff is always willing to come to your community organization to assist, so please don’t hesitate to contact Town Manager Stephen Steese to request a meeting or presentation.

In addition, if you would like to provide your opinions on all matters

Town related, including the growth trends, the Town of Bluffton is partnering with Probolsky Research, a national government research team, to conduct a community-wide survey. The survey will take a pulse of the Bluffton community, detailing the priorities, projects and perspectives of residents.

This is your opportunity to tell us what you like, what you would like changed, why you choose to live or work here, and what projects the Town should include in the next couple of years.

You may receive a call, email, or text about this survey, which should only take 15 minutes or so to complete. The survey began Dec. 20 and will run through the middle of January.

Please reach out to Heather Colin, assistant town manager at 843-706-4592 or hcolin@townofbluffton.com to schedule a community meeting or with general questions on growth, development or Town projects.

Lisa Sulka is the mayor of the Town of Bluffton. lsulka@townofbluffton.com

Letter to the Editor

VISIT:

BlufftonSun.com For more information, contact: Kevin Aylmer PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-9507, 843-757-9506 (fax) Physical address: 14D Johnston Way Bluffton, SC 29910 All contents are copyrighted by Lowcountry Local Media Inc. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. All submissions must include name, address and phone number. The Editor reserves the right to edit or reject any material, including advertisements. The Bluffton Sun does not verify for licenses, endorse nor warrant any advertised businesses or services.

The opinions and views expressed in the editorials are not necessarily those of the Editor and Publisher. Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Old Town Bluffton Merchants Society.

THE BLUFFTON SUN Issue 1, January 4, 2022 is published twice monthly by Lowcountry Local Media, Inc., 14D Johnston Way, Bluffton, SC 29910.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Bluffton, SC and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE BLUFFTON SUN, PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910-2056.

To the Editor: Recently, Hilton Head Hospital and Coastal Carolina Hospital were the only hospitals in the region to earn the grade of “A” in the Fall 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade.

For those not familiar, this is a national distinction recognizing the hospital’s achievements in protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care. To put this tremendous honor into further perspective, according to Leapfrog, less than one third of almost 3,000 hospitals across the nation earned an “A” rating.

Now more than ever, with our nation facing unprecedented times due to COVID-19, it is crucial to have access to a high standard of medical care.

As board members, we know how hard our colleagues work to help ensure patient safety. We also see the tremen-

dous amount of humility, perseverance and selflessness those same colleagues demonstrate on a daily basis. Our market CEO, Joel Taylor, pointed out that having an “A” rating from an esteemed group such as Leapfrog reflects the unwavering commitment of our physicians, clinical and support staff to put patients and best practices first.

To determine a hospital’s score, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to U.S. acutecare hospitals twice per year. According to Leapfrog, the fall 2021 Hospital Safety Grade represents the largest set of hospitals ever graded with grades assigned to 2,901 facilities. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public.

As Chairmen of the Boards at Hilton Head Hospital and Coastal Carolina Hospital, we have been amazed and impressed by the high-level services, exemplary staffs, outstanding leadership, and leading-edge technology offered at both facilities.

Leapfrog’s recent “A” grade offers further and objective proof that Hilton Head Hospital and Coastal Carolina Hospital set a high bar on standards of care and are tremendous assets to the community.

Jeffery Reuben, M.D. Chairman of the Board of Directors Hilton Head Hospital

L. Martin Sauls IV Chairman of the Board of Directors Coastal Carolina Hospital

Jan. 4, 2022

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Jan. 4, 2022

SUN ON THE STREET

This New Year, what’s on your list of self-improvement?

With this feature, we seek to capture a glimpse of what you and your neighbors have to say about a variety of topics, issues, events – and just

Laura Reilley, Hilton Head Island: “I would learn to spend more time with my family.”

plain fun questions.

You might see us anywhere around town, with notepad and camera, randomly seeking out folks who are

Maggie Vreeland, Bluffton: “I would be more resourceful with trash, recycling and stuff. Reuse more stuff.”

willing to participate. If we find you, we hope you will want to respond.

On Calhoun Street in Old Town Bluffton, we asked: “What is some-

Angie Harting, Bluffton: “I would be more grateful for every day.”

thing you want to do better, do differently, or learn in the New Year?”

Jennifer Sorensen, Charlotte, N.C.: “I would slow down in life.”

Cynthia DeLay, Davidson, N.C.: “I would get more of my first serves in, and have more patience with my mom.”

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Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

3rd Annual 200th Home Sale for Charity

Starts Now! CollinsGroupRealty.com/200thHomeSale Nominate your favorite non-profit organization to win a share of $10,000!

Thinking of Selling? (843) 837-6700 | Info@CollinsGroupRealty.com *Visit CollinsGroupRealty.com/200thHomeSale for terms and conditions

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Jan. 4, 2022

EDITORIAL

Rediscovering our American ‘We’ and coming together

By Crosscurrents Group CONTRIBUTOR

Crosscurrents is a small group of citizens with very diverse views across the political spectrum who meet regularly to dialogue about current public policy topics. We seek agreement on sound solutions to public problems. We have published these agreements in local newspapers to demonstrate that productive dialogues can take place among citizens with diverse views.

Recently, our group embarked on a series of dialogue sessions to determine if we could identify and reach agreement on a core set of values that we share as Americans. This effort is important now because Americans have become highly polarized, and this disunity has disabled our democracy and raised doubts that we have any values in common anymore. To begin our inquiry, we asked each member of our Crosscurrents group to identify their cherished values.

Working separately, we identified 81 concepts that could be narrowed to 45 ideas. We further examined these concepts and placed similar ideas in 20 categories.

Additional scrutiny showed that some were more fundamental and encompassed others.

Thus, we discarded some categories and merged others into a set of four fundamental values that we agreed were among our most important. These four are: • Enjoyment of freedom from oppression and freedom to fulfill each person’s potential.

• Belief in equality and opportunity for all.

• Pursuit of financial security and well-being.

• Commitment to community and the common good.

These values are articulated in key documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights and reaffirmed in countless documents and speeches since then.

Since the founding of the United Sates,

our country has never fully realized these shared ideals, but we celebrate the substantial progress our nation has made, and these values continue to serve as our guiding principles. We cling to these principles even as we may disagree vigorously about their more specific meaning and the best way to implement them.

Our Constitution, which gave birth to our democracy, makes it possible for us to have these necessary conversations, keeping competing values in check and balancing them in making needed trade-offs. It stands paramount among the enduring legacies we share as Americans. It is the second oldest such governing document among nations.

It has combined constancy in protecting the rights of our people even as it has flexed over 233 years to accommodate new understanding of those rights and government’s role in the American Experiment.

Our Constitution is historically unique and quintessentially American.

Our original national motto was “E pluri-

bus unum (out of many, one),” an aspiration echoed in the Preamble’s phrase, “to form a more perfect Union.” We know from the Founders that “united we stand and divided we fall.” Put another way, we are all passengers on the same ship of state and our fates are linked regardless of our political leaning. For this reason, we all have a large stake in rediscovering and refocusing on our common ground and shared interests.

The result of this Crosscurrents effort reminds us that common ground exists in shared values of freedom, equality, financial security, and community.

Our common ground can also serve as the needed springboard to reach agreement on what course of action we as a people should take in helping to solve our public problems and rehabilitate our democracy.

The Crosscurrents group is interested in growing to help increase its credibility and impact. To learn more about the group or to join, contact Roger Bernier at rogbernier@ gmail.com

Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

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The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

LIBRARY from page 1A at their selections.

Independent of the shelves are a number of “mushrooms,” sturdy, stable seats that can be moved around the room as needed. A section of the children’s area will have a space for Spanish language books, which are being covered by a grant.

Bluffton Branch Manager Kitti McKean is thrilled with the results.

“My favorite part of the renovation was it’s just so light and bright and open.

I love the space for the children with a dedicated program meeting space. I love that we have three small meeting rooms as well as our large meeting room, because so much of what people use the library for is getting together,” she said, while sitting in the new desk in the children’s section. McKean said she also loves the new “tech” chairs, where visitors can sit with their electronic devices plugged into the integrated USB port.

Dickman wasn’t the only one who kept getting questions about when would the library be available to the public.

“I am happy that we can open it again.

Amanda Dickman, Beaufort County Library director, peruses titles in the new adult section of the Bluffton Branch Library. This area near the front of the building was formally the children’s department.

People have been coming, and they’ve been hanging out in the lobby. They’ve had to sit out on the porch and use the tables. So they’re going to be able to

come in again and use the whole space, and everybody’s so excited about it, the patrons are so excited about it,” said McKean.

Preparation for construction began March 1, 2021, and the library’s entryway and large meeting room were staged as a “miniature pop-up” library to continue providing library resources and services to the community during the renovation project.

In this designated space, the library provided shelves of books available for browsing and check out, as well as a pick-up station for book on hold. Public computers, a fax/scanner and copy machine, and self-checkout unit were also available.

“We were able to offer all of the services and access to public computers, reference services, curb-side pickup up – the whole suite of things we offered. We did not want to stop that. We did not stop that at any point, so we have not ever fully closed the library,” said Dickman.

“We just had a selected number of things available. All of our new books were able to be in the large meeting room and were never stored. A portion of our children’s

Please see LIBRARY on page 12A

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Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

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The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

LIBRARY from page 10A collection was never stored. And then we housed everything in our nonfiction section so that if somebody requested it we could go get it.”

She added that the new color scheme, shelving, and furniture updated the Bluffton Branch Library while also “providing durability, flexible use, and positioning the library to adapt to future developments in providing library services to the community.”

That is one of the reasons nearly everything is on wheels. For example, in the adult fiction space all of the bookcases are on wheels.

“If for some reason we needed to use this space for something, we can wheel these aside, and we have a nice square space to do something, maybe be even for voting days,” Dickman said.

A well-used and integral part of the community, Bluffton Library was the most used of the county’s five locations prior to the renovation, and Dickman said it has held second place even with the pop-up.

“Prior to COVID-19 closures from March to October 2020, the Bluffton Branch Library welcomed approximately 14,000 guests per month. During the renovation from this past March until today, Bluffton welcomed approximately 6,000 guests per month,” she said. Since introducing curbside pickup during the COVID-19 closures, the branch averaged 150 curbside deliveries per month. Dickman anticipates the branch will return to pre-renovation usage once immediately following today’s ribbon cutting.

The renovations are Phase 1 of a twophase plan. Dickman said the changes were designed as a response to usage,

community feedback, focus groups, surveys, and a space study conducted in 2019. Approximately 60% of the Bluffton Branch Library was updated. Part of the renovations included repurposing a space that existed between the children’s and adult section to give staff a one-shot office rather than segmented so they are all together, Dickman said. This phase of renovation – including design, architecture and engineering, construction, and furnishing – had an approved budget of $844,000.

“What we haven’t addressed are some other staffing reconfigurations we need to make so we can accommodate staff, especially in the age of COVID. And then also our nonfiction and our quieter spaces. That’s Phase 2,” she said. “The teen area will be relocated and enhanced.

The teens will now find their section located in the nonfiction area away from the children’s section, and both areas will be renovated at a future time.”

To no one’s surprise, there were a few supply chain challenges, but as the final pieces of furniture arrived, Dickman was able to set the date for the reopening.

“We’re happy to get it back, fully available to the public, as they are happy to get it back. We were very blessed by county council and Beaufort county personnel that this project was prioritized and went on fully without a hitch,” Dickman said. “A couple of supply chain things (happened) that were beyond our control, but really it was seamless project from start to finish. I can’t say enough about that.”

Gwyneth J. Saunders is a veteran journalist and freelance writer living in Bluffton.

Meet our Contributors GWYNETH J. SAUNDERS, JOURNALIST Lowcountry resident for 13.5 years

Gwyneth was born in Pennsylvania, raised in South Jersey, now living in Bluffton. She retired from the U.S. Navy after 26 years as a Navy journalist. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Norfolk State University (“Go Spartans”). Married 19.5 years to Tony, an adorable Welshman. They have two sweet rescue cats, Tigger the tripod and Benji (neither are spoiled). She is a member of Sun City Veterans Association; chorus, Sundancers, softball, art, and computer clubs. A Philadelphia Eagles fan, Gwyneth love pasta, sushi and great burgers. Love my family, friends. I have the best job.

ENJOYS: Books, performing, art, cooking

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WISHING YOU A HEALTHY, HAPPY

New Year IN 2022

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The Bluffton Sun

F I V E T I M E TO N Y AWA R D -W I N N E R

D I R E C T E D BY W H I TA K E R G A N N O N

FEBRUARY 2–20 FIFTEEN YEAR-OLD CHRISTOPHER HAS AN EXTRAORDINARY MIND BUT STRUGGLES WITH THE SENSORY CHAOS OF EVERYDAY LIFE. He has never ventured alone beyond his street, but when the neighbor’s dog is mysteriously murdered, Christopher is galvanized to solve the crime himself, leading him on a transformative journey.

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Jan. 4, 2022

Jim Witter to perform Beatles Tribute at USCB Center for the Arts No wigs. No costumes. Just the incredible, timeless classic songs that took four young lads from Liverpool and placed them in the history books as the greatest pop/rock band of all time.

Jim Witter and his band will perform Jan. 15 at USCB Center for the Arts in Beaufort. In “The Long and Winding Road,” the band will faithfully re-create some of the Beatles’ greatest hits including “Hard Day’s Night,” “Nowhere Man,” “Help,” “Hey Jude,” “Let it Be,” and countless others.

During this multi-media magical mystery tour, attendees will learn some interesting facts about how some of these songs came to be, and what inspired John and Paul to write arguably the most memorable music of our time.

Young and old will enjoy this fresh approach to presenting the music of two of pop music’s most prolific songwriters.

Showtimes are Jan. 15 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 for adults, $35

for seniors, and $25 for students and are available at USCBCenterForTheArts.com.

Tickets are also available through the box office Monday through Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m. by calling 843-5214145, and may be available at the door one hour prior to showtime.

USCB Center for the Arts is at 801 Carteret St., Beaufort. Masks are required inside university buildings.

Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 15A

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

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Page 16A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

BJVIM celebrates 10 years of health care for neighbors in need

COURTESY BJVIM

BJVIM Executive Director Pam Toney, left, with her husband, Dennis Toney, and Mary Jane Richardson, seated, work outside the BJVIM offices during an outdoor COVID-19 clinic.

By Emily Campbell CONTRIBUTOR

“Throughout the whole of my life I have learned and relearned that it is only in service to others that we find and begin to understand ourselves.” – Dr. Jack McConnell, Founder of Volunteers In Medicine.

For the past decade, dozens of volunteers have given of their time each week in order for Bluffton Jasper Volunteers In Medicine to fulfill its mission of caring for those in our Lowcountry community without medical insurance and access to quality health care.

In our fast-paced world, the fact that so many community members would take the time to care for their “neighbor” is almost unbelievable. A miracle, some might even say.

Well, if you are doubting that miracles still happen, all you have to do is encounter one of these individuals to witness the caring, compassionate care given by these selfless volunteers.

From the clinic’s inception in 2011, it has been the goal of the BJVIM board, staff, and volunteers to care for their patients with respect and dignity.

Looking back over the past 10 years of patient care, BJVIM has been able to achieve its goal and make plans for future growth with help from the community, staff, donors and volunteers who take the time to care for their neighbor.

How it all started Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) began just across the bridge in Hilton Head,

by Dr. Jack McConnell, a retired physician who lived on the island. In 1992, one out of three people who lived on Hilton Head Island had no access to healthcare.

At the same time, several retired medical personnel began expressing an interest in finding a way to continue practicing their profession on a voluntary, part-time basis to help those without access to healthcare.

Please see BJVIM on page 18A

Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 17A

2021

LightHouse Awards Honoring Building and Design Excellence Hilton S by P the ON S OHead R SArea Home Builders Association

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Page 18A

The Bluffton Sun

LET’S TACKLE

FISHING!

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Jan. 4, 2022

BJVIM from page 16A After much work, the first clinic opened on the island in 1993.

In 2010, a group of concerned citizens recognized the need for a free clinic that would serve the town of Bluffton and Jasper County. A group of volunteers, headed by Joe Michalcewicz and Rev. Renty Kitty, began meeting with others to explore this possibility.

The national Volunteers in Medicine office was contacted and soon plans were underway with the help of many in the community. The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, the South Carolina Free Clinic Association, BlueCross/ BlueShield Foundation of South Carolina and the Bluffton Rotary were instrumental in providing the oversight, grants, and donations to begin the clinic. And BJVIM was created.

On the day of dedication Dr. Jack McConnell, the founder of Volunteers in Medicine, joined state and local dignitaries to cut the ribbon on the opening of the Bluffton Jasper Volunteers in Medicine clinic.

The staff and volunteers have grown each year and with that growth the services BJVIM provides have also increased. When the Bluffton clinic opened in a small building on Bluffton Road in September 2011, they had just two primary care physicians, two nurses and a small group of caring volunteers.

After a few years of operation, the board of directors realized that about one-third of the patients who visited the Bluffton-Jasper Volunteers in Medicine clinic in Bluffton were Jasper County residents. Recognizing the need for a facility closer to home for their patients, plans began to open a Ridgeland clinic. And in 2016, the ribbon was cut on the facility at 11332 N. Jacob Smart Blvd. to serve Jasper County residents.

With the organization growing and serving more and more patients each year, the need for additional space at the Bluffton clinic eventually arose.

In 2018, with help once again from the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, Palmetto State Bank, and Palmetto Electric Trust, BJVIM purchased the building at 29 Plantation Park Drive in Bluffton.

In the past 10 years, BJVIM has provided more than 55,000 patient visits, referred more than 1,000 patients for specialties appointments, provided almost $10 million worth of medications and provided care to more than 5,000 individuals.

Today, medical services offered

by BJVIM include not only primary care but also cardiology, gynecology, endocrinology, podiatry, mental health, optometry, and referrals to specialists in gastroenterology, orthopedics, acute care, surgery, and ophthalmology.

How it’s going Ten years after the ribbon cutting, BJVIM now operates with 13 volunteer physicians, 22 volunteer nurses and more than 40 administrative volunteers along with a paid staff of eight. It takes 67 medical and nonmedical volunteers to operate the two clinics weekly – in Bluffton and in Ridgeland. Pam Toney serves as executive director.

Original long-range plans for the clinic included adding additional medical services, opening a pharmacy, providing mental health services, offering patient education, opening a satellite office in Ridgeland and opening a dental clinic. With the help of more than 60 community and national grants along with community donations, BJVIM has been able to meet all of these goals over the past decade.

Serving thy neighbor “When I am at the clinic, I forget the challenges in own my life,” said volunteer Martha Girardi of her experience volunteering at BJVIM. “Instead, I ask myself how I might make the life of even one of our patients a little bit easier. It is cliché to say that I get more from my volunteer time than I give.

Nevertheless, it is true.”

Girardi says she constantly witnesses gratitude, generosity and hope through the people she serves – whether it is the young woman who pulls a $5 bill from her purse and asks where the donation box is located, or the man who says, while choking back tears, that the people in the clinic quite literally saved his life. It reminds her each time why

Please see BJVIM on page 20A

Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 19A

LET’S CLEAR THE AIR

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Page 20A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

BJVIM from page 18A she serves.

“A volunteer doesn’t have to have medical experience,” Toney said. “We just need to have people who truly believe in our mission.”

Dr. James O’Malley was among the numerous volunteers who got BJVIM off the ground, saw some of its first patients and for a brief time, served as the clinic’s first Medical Director. Since then, the clinic has grown in size and scope though its mission remains the same.

“Knowing we are obliged to share our gifts and talents, our many volunteers and staff do so gratefully and with great satisfaction,” said Dr. O’Malley.

A patient named Gloria tells the story of how BJVIM saved her sight. After suffering from cataracts and complications from diabetes, Gloria came to BJVIM for eye surgery because she had no insurance.

“They really took care of me,” she said. “I would be blind because I couldn’t afford to pay for what I needed.”

And beyond saving her vision, Gloria

was grateful for the kind, compassionate staff as well. “They care about people … everybody,” she said. “And I really appreciate that.”

BJVIM does not charge for any medical services, but relies on the generosity of the Greater Bluffton and Jasper County communities to meet the clinic’s monetary needs. This help comes in the form of individual donations, support from two annual fundraisers, as well as local, state and national grants.

Many local organizations, businesses and community groups also generously support BJVIM each year.

“The community support from Greater Bluffton and Jasper County is the reason we have been able to expand services and succeed over the past 10 years,” said Toney.

The Covid -19 Pandemic impacted the lives of everyone at the clinic and shaped the services delivered at BJVIM. From the closing of the clinic for in person visits to losing many of their volunteers, BJVIM had to reorganize, re-think and re-deliver quality care to their patients.

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In what proved to be its most challenging year, BJVIM continued to make an impact on the Lowcountry’s most vulnerable population in 2020.

More than 5,000 medical visits were completed at the clinics. And BJVIM volunteers helped local hospitals to screen more than 1,500 patients for COVID-19.

Amidst the crisis, there was still progress. BJVIM was able to add a monthly diabetic clinic and now offers telemedicine appointments for their patients.

And in 2021, BJVIM established the Sheryl & William Magro Dental Clinic, made possible by the Magros’ generous donation and through national and community grants. BJVIM also collaborated with the former Smile Mobile to open the clinic on the first Saturday of each month for free dental care to the underserved in Beaufort County.

“As we celebrate our first 10 years of this much-needed care, we can give thanks to our staff and volunteers for the exceptional outpouring of care they provide our patients,” says G. Thomas Upshaw, chair of the board of directors

of BJVIM. “Thanks to their dedication, BJVIM was able to continue our work even during the trying times of the pandemic.”

Also in 2021, an anonymous donor gave BJVIM a gift of $85,000 for the expansion of the Ridgeland Clinic.

With this donation, the clinic has been able to hire a nurse and a receptionist/ translator. The clinic was also able to upgrade the phone system, enhance the web page and purchase a telemedicine cart with peripherals for the telemedicine program.

In collaboration with the Pregnancy Center of the Lowcountry, which occupies one of the clinic’s exam rooms, the Ridgeland clinic is now open four days a week delivering services in general medicine, cardiology, gynecology, podiatry, and optometry.

Thanks to the generous support of the community and the dedicated volunteers and staff of BJVIM, the future is bright and BJVIM will continue to work hard for years to come to meet this vital need in our community.

Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 21A

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Page 22A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

Evening of Love comes back for 2022 An Evening of Love, an elegant wine pairing dinner, will celebrate Valentine’s Day and the Children’s Relief Fund Feb. 12 at Venue 1223 on May River Road in Bluffton.

Chef Ryan McCarthy will create a multi-course dinner paired with fine wines in an exciting and glamorous venue.

“Back with this special event after two years, we are planning a memorable evening of fine dining, celebration and camaraderie,” said Rose Fotia, founder and chair of the Children’s Relief Fund. “Only 100 reservations can be accepted and we urge our friends and supporters to reserve their spots now.”

The evening will include dining, wine pairings, and a limited live auction. All proceeds raised by CRF, now in its 30th year, benefit the Lowcountry’s special needs children and their families. Programs that are supported include Area 8 Special Olympics, Heroes on Horseback, SOAR, Fishing with Friends, Pockets Full of Sunshine and the Island Rec Center,

where the inclusive Gregory’s Playground is located.

CRF fulfills both tangible and intangible needs for families, providing funding for much-needed equipment such as wheelchairs, prosthetics and medical supplies, and financial support for physical, occupational, behavioral and speech therapies, as well as life-enriching programs.

Reservations for the Wine Dinner are $250 per person and can be made online at thechildrensrelieffund.org. For more information and seating requests, email rfotia333@yahoo.com.

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Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 23A

LightHouse Awards recognizes NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! finest builders, designers Get Upgraded On Us

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COURTESY HHAHBA

One group of winners poses with their LightHouse Awards trophies following ceremonies Dec. 3.

Building industry professionals attended the 22nd annual LightHouse Awards gala Dec. 3 at the Sonesta Resort on Hilton Head Island to learn who judges selected as the Lowcountry’s most talented builders and designers.

The awards gala is presented by the Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association.

“The LightHouse Awards is truly like the Academy Awards for our local building industry. It gives builders and designers the opportunity to be recognized for the hard work, talent and vision they put forward in building some of the most remarkable homes found in this area and beyond,” said Dan Monroe, chairman of the LightHouse Awards program since its inception. “We are so blessed as a community to have such imaginative architects, talented interior designers, quality builders and exceptional trades craftsman whose hands touch each project in the Lowcountry.”

First held in 1999, the LightHouse Awards are presented annually to qualified members of the Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association for the demonstration of quality craftsmanship and design excellence in the construction of homes throughout the Lowcountry.

A total of 23 builders, including remodelers, custom, semi-custom, and light commercial building companies, submitted 55 entries. In addition, six firms submitted 31 interior and architectural design projects for a total of 86 qualifying projects on our physical judging event for 2021, making this year’s event one of the largest.

The construction cost of this year’s remodeled or newly built home entries ranged

from $150,000 to over $3 million. Each award was subdivided into categories based on project cost of construction and similar square footage.

The 2021 LightHouse Awards judging panel included builders, remodelers, architects and other industry professionals from all over North Carolina and South Carolina.

Winners were announced in 19 categories under seven divisions. The Best Overall winners in Full Remodel were: TDC Builders, Element Construction, Esposito Construction Inc., and Roberts Construction Company. Best Overall in New Homes were: Logan Homes, Advantage Builders LLC, Artisan Custom Homes - Hilton Head LLC, Reclamation By Design Ltd., Boshaw Residential LLC, Compass Custom Homes, Ashworth Construction Group LLC, Full Circle Construction, ACH Custom Homes, Element Construction, Bunting Construction and Simpson Construction.

In addition to the builders’ awards, the 2021 Joseph C. Harden Community Excellence Award was presented to Allen Patterson of Allen Patterson Builders. This award acknowledges a builder for continuing the work of Joseph C. Harden in creating new and better ways to make vibrant, adaptive spaces for all Lowcountry citizens.

Allen Patterson Builders’ most recent community project, which has garnered national attention, is known as the Adaptive Cottage to benefit the Parkinson’s Foundation. It is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in May 2022.

For a full list of winners, visit hhahba. com.

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Page 24A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

ARTS

SOBA begins new year with Gentile’s abstract exhibit A captivating array of abstract paintings will be on display in January at the Society of Bluffton Artist’s Gallery in Old Town Bluffton, as the work of Missy Gentile will be featured in an exhibit titled “Non-Objective Art.” Visitors to the exhibit can expect to see bright colors, bold strokes and geometric patterns. Simple forms and textures produce a dramatic effect.

“I don’t want to put boundaries on my art,” said Gentile, whose paintings are featured in international collections. “What the eye sees is what it is.

How the art moves you is the most important thing.”

Gentile’s exhibit will be featured Jan. 3-29 at the SOBA Gallery, 6 Church St. in Old Town Bluffton. The public is invited to meet the artist in person at the gallery’s opening reception at 3 p.m. Jan. 9. Both events are free and open to the public.

Gentile spent three years in Paris before settling in Houston, Texas, for two decades. There, she devoted herself to teaching and volunteer outreach programs that utilized her artistic talents.

She currently teaches Abstract Painting at SOBA and provides private instruction for adults and children.

SOBA is located in the flourishing art hub of Old Town Bluffton’s historic district at the corner of Church and Calhoun streets. As a nonprofit art organization, SOBA offers regular art classes, featured artist shows, exhibitions, scholarships, outreach programs and more.

The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit sobagallery. com or call 843-757-6586.

Untitled work by Missy Gentile

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Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 25A

Something for Everyone!

Furniture • Art • Lighting • Consignments

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Page 26A

The Bluffton Sun

TRY SOMETHING NEW

BRIDGE

HILTON HEAD BRIDGE CLUB, WINTER 2022 LESSONS

Jan. 4, 2022

ARTS

Painting to music sets tone for artist’s whimsical works

BEGINNER BRIDGE LESSONS Sunday Afternoons at The Bridge Center Bridge is a game you can enjoy for a lifetime. Please join us this winter at the Hilton Head Island Bridge Club for lessons Sunday afternoons 1:30 – 3:30. The course will run for ten weeks, you can attend the classes as they fit your schedule. If you are brand new to the game, you will gain the most if able to attend a majority of the classes.

Jan. 9 Introduction to Bridge and Taking Tricks Feb. 20 Major Suit Bidding/Practice Hands Jan. 16 Choosing a Contract Feb. 27 Minor Suit Opening Bids & Responses Jan. 23 Opening Bids & Selecting the Best Contract Feb. 6 Minor Suit Bidding/Practice Hands Jan. 30 Notrump Opening Bids & Responses March 13 Overcalls Feb. 6 Major Suit Opening Bids & Responses March 20 Takeout Doubles Feb. 1 No Class, Hilton Head Regional Tournament March 27 Bridge Plus Game Each lesson is $15.00. We will be using Audrey Grant’s textbook, Bridge Basics One, which will be available to purchase for $15.00. Please contact me to indicate your interest in attending classes so that I might order the correct number of textbooks. Taught by Kristi Menees, kristimenees@mac.com. 551-795-6329

UPDATE YOUR BRIDGE SKILLS - 2022

Preempts--Stayman--Jacoby Transfers Feb. 18 Using Stayman Jan. 14 Preempts Feb. 25 Jacoby Transfer Basics Jan. 21 Weak Two Bids Mar. 4 Using Jacoby Transfers Jan. 28 No Class Mar. 11 Review of Stayman and transfers Feb. 4 Stayman Basics Feb. 11 No Class--Come to our Regional Tournament These classes are designed for players who have taken beginner classes and want to continue their study of this challenging game. We will use Audrey Grant’s Popular Conventions text, which you can purchase for $15.00 at the first few classes.

All clinics will be held on Fridays from 10 a.m. until noon at the Hilton Head Island Bridge Club at Port Royal Plaza.

Handouts and hands dealt to the lesson will be included--$15.00/session.

Please call Kathie Walsh at (843) 384-8351 or email her at kbwalsh@roadrunner.com for additional information.

SHORT COURSE ON BASIC CONVENTIONS Bridge is all about communicating with your partner and the better you “speak the language” the better your game will be. Join me this January at the Hilton Head Bridge Club for a short course on basic conventions, Wednesday mornings 10-12. The course will run for four weeks and you can attend the classes as they fit your schedule.

Jan. 12 Jacoby Transfers, Texas Transfers, Smolen Jan. 26 New Minor Forcing Jan. 19 Double Trouble: Takeout, Negative, Support Feb. 2 Inverted Minors Each lesson is $15.00. For more information, please contact Beth Dresher at bethdresher@gmail.com.

SUPERVISED PLAY Thursdays 10AM to 12PM Each session begins with a ten minute mini-lesson, and then each table plays hands at their own pace. You are able to ask questions at any time about bidding, defending, playing the hand. It is a perfect way to practice in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Come alone, come with a partner, or come along with a full table. Cost is $10.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND BRIDGE CLUB, ACBL Sanctioned See our website www.bridgewebs.com/hiltonheadisland for a schedule of our Face to Face duplicate games.

Located at : 95 Mathews Dr., Port Royal Shopping Center.

For more info: 843-342-7529. Also see us on Facebook: Hilton Head Bridge Club

COURTESY LA PETITE GALLERIE

Kristin Griffis paints a portrait of Wally Palmer while he plays guitar on the porch of La Petite Gallerie in Bluffton.

This month, La Petite Gallerie, an intimate Old Town Bluffton shop featuring local art, is featuring the fun-loving painter Kristin Griffis.

A true Hilton Head Island native, Griffis has been creating and selling her art from an early age. Always a music lover, her paintings often depict dancing, instruments, and people making and enjoying music in all its forms.

In fact, Griffis experiences synesthesia, which, in the arts, is a concept defined as the simultaneous perception of two or more stimuli as one unified whole experience.

That is, the music she hears translates to color and movement of brushstrokes on her canvas.

The result is an energetic, colorful, music-filled, and almost primitive style of painting that her customers love.

Her work is in private and corporate collections, including the Folk Art Museum at General Mills Headquarters in Minneapolis, and her “Piano Man” graces the CD cover

of local jazz pianist Martin Lesch’s “Journey Through Jazz.”

Griffis is creative and productive in many aspects of her full life. In addition to painting, she is an avid gardener and raises a menagerie of wonderful animals, including turkeys, chickens, and bunnies. She and her husband James have recently bought a home on beautiful farmland acreage in Ridgeland.

After some interesting travels as a youngster, Griffis loves living in the Lowcountry.

She enjoys spending time with family at the beach, gardening, enjoying live music and painting – at the same time.

La Petite Gallerie will be celebrating this colorful artist with a reception, featuring music (of course!) by Jared Templeton, from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 7.

Visit La Petite Gallerie anytime to see the art of Griffis and the six other member artists at 56 Calhoun St. in Bluffton.

For more information please visit lapetitegallerie.com.

Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 27A

ARTS

‘Anything Goes!’ this New Year at Art League of Hilton Head The first in a year-long series of events celebrating Art League’s 50th Anniversary, the annual Member Show, “Anything Goes!,” officially kicks off the year in celebration of Art League’s artists and the depth and breadth of their best work.

The exhibit runs Jan. 4-29 at the gallery.

All artworks will be on display and for sale.

An opening reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 12. All attendees at the reception will be invited to vote for their favorite art pieces on exhibit, with awards going to First, Second and Third places.

A champagne toast officially ringing in the 50th Anniversary year will take place at 6 p.m., followed by the announcing of the People’s Choice awards and exciting door prizes.

Truly anything goes at this exhibit: any media, size, shape, form or subject. From 2D art in painting, pencils, and photography to jewelry, glass, wood and other 3D “This Thing Called Life” by Debi West forms, exhibiting artists challenge them-

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selves to create their most informed work – a bringing together of new techniques and ideas into the new year.

“This year’s ‘Anything Goes!’ show will be a special one,” said Kristen McIntosh, general manager. “Not only will we showcase our members’ creative achievements but also begin to celebrate and commemorate a milestone year in Art League’s history.”

The public is also invited to attend free artist demonstrations and talks at the gallery throughout the month, featuring member artists.

Art League Gallery is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, and 90 minutes before every Arts Center performance.

Art League Gallery is located mid-island inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island.

For more information, visit artleaguehhi. org or call 843-681-5060.

Page 28A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

Memory Matters expands care program, support group Memory Matters is adding an additional in-person Memory Care class in the New Year.

Beginning Jan. 4, a third in-person Compass program will be available weekly. The addition of the class will allow those who live with mild to moderate levels of memory loss to come to Memory Matters three days a week to receive socialization and stimulation through exercise, creative arts, music, pet therapy, and brain engagement.

These classes are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Not only do the participants of this class benefit, but so do the caregivers who receive respite during the same time period.

This break for the caregivers is vital to their own self-care, as well as knowing their loved one is being cared for and receiving engaging experiences.

“COVID-19 closed our doors to programing from March 2020 until March 2021,” said Mary Doyle, Memory Matters executive director.

“Since then, we’ve been gradually adding

COURTESY MEMORY MATTERS

Volunteers and participants in a Memory Matters day program enjoy dancing together.

in-person programming to our schedule.”

The Wednesday afternoon in-person Connections class, for those who have just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or another cognitive impairment, will still be available from 1 to 3 p.m.

Virtual classes for both Connections

and Compass will continue to be offered.

To learn more about both classes, visit mymemorymatters.org/programs-and-services.

Alongside the expansion of Connections and Compass, Memory Matters is also able to offer in-person support groups once again. Since March 2020, support groups

have been conducted online, but beginning this month attendees can come in person or continue participating virtually.

In order to comfortably accommodate support group members, spaces to participate in person will be limited to 13. There are six support groups throughout the month, meeting on different days. There is a men’s group, a women’s group, and four co-ed groups. For the full schedule visit the events page on the website.

Support groups are free and allow family members of those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia a safe place to be heard, validated, find community, and learn about resources and caregiving tips.

Founded in 1997 on Hilton Head Island Memory Matters is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that provides compassionate memory care and optimizes brain wellness through education, programs, and support for individuals, caregivers, and our community.

For more information, call 843-8426688 or visit mymemorymatters.org.

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Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Special guests of Night to Shine to be celebrated with fanfare

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This screenshot from the 2021 Night to Shine event shows an example of how the special guests are celebrated during the drive-thru experience.

By Amy Coyne Bredeson CONTRIBUTOR

On the Friday before Valentine’s Day, LowCountry Community Church will join hundreds of churches around the world to give special needs individuals, ages 14 and up, a chance to shine.

The local church has partnered with the Tim Tebow Foundation to bring to Bluffton a prom night experience called “Night to Shine.”

“It’s really designed to celebrate every individual, and their uniqueness and how they’re created by God,” said Erin Pickering, LCC adult ministries director.

Due to COVID-19, this year’s event – like last year’s – will feature a Shine Through Parade followed by a virtual celebration, rather than a more traditional prom experience.

The Feb. 11 event will start with the parade from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the church, 801 Buckwalter Parkway.

When guests arrive, they won’t even get out of their vehicles. Volunteers will decorate their cars for the occasion. Each guest will receive a corsage or boutonniere, and will be welcomed by a crowd of fans and paparazzi.

Guests will be introduced one by one before riding over the red carpet. The parade will include lively music, a drive-through photo booth, swag bags, and a catered dinner to enjoy at home.

To the honored guests of Night to Shine, Pickering said, “You are valued. You are

special. You are worth something.”

LCC wants to partner with the community to make this event extra special. The church needs donors and volunteers to help in several areas, including administrative tasks before the event, passing out swag bags, decorating vehicles and cheering on guests. The following businesses have already agreed to support the event: Mikkelson Law Firm, Lowcountry Yard Art, Hilton Head Honda, Nourish, Cookie Monster, Salon Karma, Outback Steakhouse and Sign Dreamers of Beaufort County.

LCC’s communications director David Blum said the church plans for this to be an ongoing annual event.

The church hopes to be able to celebrate 150 honored guests at this year’s event. To find those guests, organizers have reached out to Beaufort County School District as well as Special Olympics, Programs for Exceptional People, and other special needs organizations.

On a separate note, Tim Tebow fans will be happy to know that the well-loved Christian athlete and bestselling author will be in Bluffton in the spring. Tebow will be a guest speaker at a men’s event May 5 at LCC. The deadline to register as a guest of Night to Shine is Feb. 1. To register, volunteer or donate, visit lowcountrycc.org/ nighttoshine.

Amy Coyne Bredeson of Bluffton is a freelance writer, a mother of two and a volunteer with the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance.

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Page 30A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

Women In Philanthropy grant application deadline Jan. 14 The deadline for Women In Philanthropy (WIP) grant applications is 4 p.m. Jan. 14.

WIP previously announced its grant theme for the coming year: Continuing Efforts In Pandemic Recovery To Address Issues Of Family Stability. This is an on-going theme to address issues such as food security, domestic violence, employability, mental health, and housing that continue to have negative effects in our community.

Grants will be awarded in the range of $25,000 with a project timeline of May 2022 through April 2023.

Applications are due no later than 4 p.m.

Jan.14. Nonprofit organizations in Beaufort County with programs specific to the grant theme are invited to submit applications.

Grant guidelines are available. For more information, contact Mary Stuart Alderman, chair, WIP grants committee, at Msalderman@Me.Com.

Women in Philanthropy was established in 2003 and is a fund of Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. With the funding of each grant award, WIP upholds its mission: “Through a woman’s unique lens, we promote the power of collective giving, engage and inspire women along their philanthropic path; commit to growing an endowment to ensure grantmaking into perpetuity; and support new approaches to address community needs.”

When You Endow, You Empower.

It’s been said that a good teacher’s legacy lasts forever.

recently received a grant for their “Botley 2.0” program, which introduced the concept of computer programming in a fun and engaging way. The program also hones problem-solving and encourages teamwork, valuable skills that will serve these children well into the future.

The Foundation for Educational Excellence, an endowed fund of Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports this legacy by rewarding teachers with grants to implement innovative educational programs.

In the past 12 years, the Foundation has A teacher’s legacy lasts forever. So does the awarded more than $300,000 in grants, ongoing impact of an endowment fund. impacting students with over 65,000 individual learning opportunities.

What will you endow for future generations?

Let’s start a conversation today.

Rebecca Himes and Beth Simpson, at Red Cedar Elementary School in Bluffton,

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• 843.681.9100 • cf-lowcountry.org

Since their founding in 2003, the members of Women in Philanthropy have built an endowment of more than $1million and have awarded more than $685,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations throughout Beaufort County.

For more information about Women in Philanthropy, visit the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry website at cf-lowcountry.org and click on Giving Circles.

Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 31A

Hilton Head National RV Resort nears completion, ready to host

By Kingston Rhodes CONTRIBUTOR

The much anticipated Hilton Head National RV Resort, in final preparations here for a February grand opening, is now taking online reservations for check-ins starting on Feb. 1.

Through Jan. 31, there is very limited opportunity to make a reservation at the resort, with only 20 sites available. This “soft opening” is offered so that new operations staff can become adjusted to the new facility with real guests on property.

During this time the clubhouse and care/ lounge, with its arcade, store, and fitness facility, will be operational for limited hours – along with the heated pool. The adjacent Hilton Head National Golf Course is fully operational, and other features, including the dog park, playground, basketball and PHOTOS COURTESY HILTON HEAD NATIONAL RV RESORT pickle ball courts, will be open.

This aerial view shows parking sites for luxury RVs next to the dog park at Hilton Head National Bill Palmer, president of Scratch Golf RV Resort.

LLC, which owns the RV resort as well as soon be among the top-rated RV parks in the adjacent 18-hole championship golf facilities and amenities, coupled with its the entire South because of its high-quality unique location between historic Old Town course, said he expects “our RV resort will

Bluffton and Hilton Head Island’s numerous oceanfront attractions and recreation opportunities.”

Located alongside Bluffton Parkway, less than one mile from the bridges to Hilton Head Island, the RV resort is spread over 97 acres. It will offer 341 rental-only, landscaped RV sites. It is designed to complement the award-winning Hilton Head National golf course, built in 1989.

Kathy Chittenden, the resort’s general manager, said the large concrete motorcoach sites will have full hookups with 30/50 amp service. She said every rental site has WiFi, HD cable and a fire pit.

The resort is open to all Class A, B and C motorhomes, 5th wheels, and all towables 18-feet or more that are less than 10 years old.

In addition to the 18-hole championship golf course, which is a rare and much-desired amenity in the recreation vehicle world, the RV resort features include: Multi-Purpose Clubhouse: The

Please see RV PARK on page 32A

Page 32A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

RV PARK from page 31A

Adjacent to the main clubhouse at the Hilton Head National RV Resort is this Lazy River water feature, flowing off the larger pool and underneath a waterfall.

expansive clubhouse facility includes an open-style casual bistro with indoor-outdoor seating and full-service bar that looks out to a beach-access pool. Here, there is a fireplace with TVs, plus a retail store that’s part mini-mart and pantry.

It also includes a fully equipped fitness center with cardio and strength machines, a deluxe arcade with Skee-ball, air hockey and the latest video games. Outside, there is a basketball court, bocce court and pickle ball courts, plus an outdoor event stage nearby.

Water’s Edge: An exclusive, adults-only enclave of the resort features panoramic views of a large lagoon and the golf course.

It boasts an intimate pool with adjacent oversized hot tub, sundeck, fire pit, and private plush cabanas for rent. An intimate clubhouse features a service bar, lounge with wide-screen TV, and card room plus private individual showers and laundry.

Dog Park: Because a large majority of RVers travel with dogs, the resort has gone all out to serve dog owners. An all-grass, 1-acre park provides two totally fencedin and separated areas, plus dog-agility apparatus, a water-misting system and sun shading for the dogs to relax. Additionally, there is a state-of-the-art dog washing station with elevated washing tubs so dogs can be bathed at a comfortable height.

Beach Access Pool and Lazy River: The main clubhouse looks out to an 8,500-square-foot beach entry pool that

gradually increases from ankle deep to 5½ feet at its deepest point. There is a tiki bar at one end and a centerpiece island with colorful chaise lounges for sunning, plus a dozen pool-side cabanas. A 400-foot Lazy River flows from the main pool and passes beneath a waterfall bridge. Spray loops and wet-deck springs will delight small children.

Children’s Playground: The playground is designed for kids to unloose pent-up energy after a long drive. Swings, slides, shoots and climbing apparatus appeal to youngsters, while toddlers have their own ground-level merry-go-round, spring riders and a playground cottage to explore.

Walking Trail: The resort has its own 2.1-mile pathway system. It winds in and around the entire 97 acres so guests can walk or jog as long as they wish. Its pressed stone, concrete surface is 4 feet wide and easy on the feet. Bicycles can use the pathway system, but golf carts are not allowed.

Paved roads run throughout the park and, as the park matures, Chittenden said there will be generous landscaping, including live oaks and other large specimen trees.

Reservations for the soft opening beginning Feb. 1 can be made only by phone at 843-0707-4800 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

For more information visit hiltonheadrv. com.

Longtime Lowcountry resident Kingston Rhodes is a veteran freelance writer.

Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Local Pie cooks up more than pizza with a special community

Page 33A

Here, There and Everywhere...

IMPROVED

PHOTOS BY SOPHIA TOWNES

Sonny Winn, left, shows Brian Ciccantelli how to shape pizza dough during a pizza social at Local Pie in Bluffton.

By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR

When one goes into Local Pie, one of the restaurants on The Promenade in Old Town, it feels cozy, like a log cabin, with the wood fire brick oven and polished wood beams.

The cuisine focuses on pizza, and they’re famous for their award-winning mac ’n’ cheese, but it’s not all about the food.

One thing that makes Local Pie unique goes beyond what’s on the menu. It’s how the staff has reached out to a special part of the community.

For the past nine months, Sonny Winn, Genna Scheuer, Adam Weatherford and other members of the Local Pie cook and wait staff have partnered with a group of eager pizza-makers who participate in programs with the Lowcountry Autism Foundation and Pockets Full of Sunshine, two programs for people with different abilities.

Chef Lee Lucier, owner of the restaurant, said it was his staff’s idea.

“My team came to me with it, and ran with it,” he said. “We’re just taking care of the community. Kind of ‘walk the walk.’”

That walk began when Sophia Townes, program coordinator for LAF, was talking with friends who happened to work at Local Pie. “We were doing the pizza making and it was very successful. So we thought, why

not incorporate teens and adults into this as well to give them an opportunity to practice social skills, and give them an opportunity to learn a life skill of cooking,” Townes said.

A chef suggested a conversation with the manager, Scheuer, who said, “We would love to help you in any way possible.” The event is now held once a month.

Townes then called her friend Carol Bartholomew, co-founder of Pockets Full of Sunshine. Pre-COVID, the PFS “Rays,” or members, had been doing their own cooking – baking cookies in the commercial kitchen at the University of South Carolina Beaufort.

“I told her what I was doing and asked if she would like to promote the program within her Rays, and she said ‘Absolutely.’

After two or three months of doing it, I said ‘Why don’t we actually do a collaboration between LAF and Sunshine,’ and the rest is history,” said Townes.

The program fills up quickly, with only 12 slots available, and they try to make sure everyone gets a chance to participate before they make a repeat visit.

“Sonny is there … and he takes control, and it’s pure love for the people who need him,” Bartholomew said. “He jokes around with them. He doesn’t treat them any differently than just hanging out with them.”

Please see PIZZA on page 34A

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Page 34A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

PIZZA from page 33A

Riley Lewis is all smiles as he works on creating his pizza during a pizza social at Local Pie in Bluffton.

For the participants, it’s a great way to hang out with friends, Bartholomew said.

“The pizza gets made, then it gets cooked, and comes out piping hot. Collaborating – basically you’re making a village to build something together. We raise the money and get the programs going, but it takes people like Sonny. Everybody needs a Sonny.”

Winn grew up in the area, and studied early childhood education in college. This opportunity was right up his alley.

“When I heard they wanted to start a program here, it was something I wanted to do because I love helping people and kids, and it was just giving back to the community,” Winn said. “It’s like a pizza social. We do it upstairs, and we get to talk with them, see what they’ve been doing in their lives.

While we talk, we bring up ingredients for pizzas.”

While the pizzas are cooking, everyone – including the staff – gets involved setting the tables for a fun dining experience.

Both organizations are nonprofits created with the intent of providing learning opportunities, activities and social events for people with autism and different abilities.

Two of Townes’ sons are autistic, and Bartholomew’s adult daughter has special needs. Both women are well aware of limited resources and opportunities for adults with special needs.

“There’s not enough options in this area for our adults and teenagers,” Townes said.

“I think there seems to be focus on the youth with special needs, but we can’t forget

that ‘youth’ is for a very short period of time. Once they hit adulthood, that’s for the rest of their lives.”

Bartholomew said educating the community on the need is endless, and the need is great.

“We serve a population (starting at) at age 21,” she said. “There’s pretty limited resources and opportunities after school.

Some of our folks have jobs, some attend Pockets, but when you leave the school system, you leave a whole lot behind. You’re not a part of anything.”

Bartholomew said the purpose of Pockets was to try to fill in the gaps. “We are a part of the community, and want to be part of the big, vibrant community,” she said.

Pockets serves 60 participants and their families. LAF serves more than 2,500 families living between Charleston and Hilton Head with a small team of only four people.

They both could use volunteers in many positions.

“I am the only person in Beaufort County, so I rely on a whole lot of help, a lot of volunteers,” Townes said.

Townes said in January LAF will return to holding pizza socials for the siblings of those with autism.

“I came up with Pizza and Pops for children with autism and their dads, and also a separate session for autism siblings, for kids and teenagers who have a sibling with autism,” said Townes. “I did that because I

Please see PIZZA on page 37A

Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 35A

Snowbirds exhibit kicks off debut of Bluffton’s quirkiest store

By Tim Wood CONTRIBUTOR

Danie Connolly has been a snowbird for many years, shuttling between New England and Florida homes for decades. When COVID-19 clipped her wings a bit, she decided to fight back the only way she knows how, amping up her creative juices to outplay the bummer vibes of the pandemic.

The long-time artist got together with photographer friend Robby Dean to bring her snowbird persona to life.

“I scoured the internet for every possible bird mask I could find, and when those started rolling in, I started amassing the feathers to match,” said the newly minted Bluffton resident and owner of the Absolutely Perfect repurposing store in The Promenade.

“Then it was just a matter of finding the widest variety of settings we could find to show off the birds.”

TIM WOOD

Absolutely Perfect! owner Danie Connolly with her friend and photographer Robby Dean inside the new store, located at 6 Promenade St.

Connolly put together her vast network of friends made over five decades and seven different restaurants and catering businesses owned, photographing willing volunteers up and down the East Coast wearing the snowbird masks and feathers while going about everyday life.

The results of her and Dean’s photoshoots will be on display along with a variety of snowbird installations in a snowbird exhibit at Absolutely Perfect beginning this month.

The photos include a wild menagerie from a fire department crew and a snowbird float, both taken in Kennebunkport, Maine, to various dining and leisure poses taken in locales from Boston to Clearwater, Fla. From older married couples to students to toddlers, when folks saw the bird masks, they instantly became curious and, soon after, part of the exhibit.

Please see SNOWBIRDS on page 36A

Page 36A

The Bluffton Sun

What can I do to refresh my skin after the holidays?

Jan. 4, 2022

SNOWBIRDS from page 35A

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An example of the quirky snowbird photos dreamed up by Danie Connelly for a unique exhibit at her new store, Absolutely Perfect.

“Birds are shy, and I think a lot of us started getting cooped up and our moods went down with this COVID stuff, so this was the perfect way to have a little socially distanced fun, and folks just ate it up,” Connolly said. “It melds my sense of humor and creativity, and the lunacy of it all just connected with people at a time when I think folks especially needed a good laugh in their lives.”

Businesses, hotels and museums all offered up their spaces for shoots.

Connolly staged parties where revelers wore the masks and were captured digitally by Dean, including one shoot at the infamous Oddities and Antiques museum in Clearwater – where the duo repurposed a 1950s morgue gurney into a table and prop for one snowbird shoot.

There were pigeons, eagles, owls, pelicans, toucans and flamingos.

And then there are plenty of species Connolly hasn’t quite identified yet – if the mask had a beak, the pair found the right setting and costume to match.

Connolly and Dean’s work has drawn interest from the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Fla., which houses the striking and bizarre masterpieces of the iconic artist. The Dali has inquired about an exhibit

of their own and a coffee table book project. But first, Connolly is premiering the exhibit in her new hometown, and even convinced Dean to move up a couple states and be her business cohort.

Connolly says the store, which aims to “make old stuff cool again,” is a smorgasbord of creativity encompassing the many passions of her five decades of creativity and collecting.

Absolutely Perfect will offer antiques, china, linens, furniture, artwork and unique collectibles that Connolly has stored in a multitude of storage units through the years. The store opened Dec. 1 and fittingly was decked out with ready-to-buy Christmas décor.

Connolly introduced herself to Bluffton by painting a mural that hung in the store’s window celebrating the 50 years of the Bluffton Christmas Parade.

“It was an impromptu thing, much like most of the things I’ve purchased through the years for this store,” Connolly said. “I want to show folks that everything has a next chapter, that nothing is secondhand. It’s just waiting for its next purpose.”

The store itself is a fitting space, full of nooks and crannies to showcase

Please see SNOWBIRDS on page 37A

Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

PIZZA from page 34A

Page 37A

SNOWBIRDS from page 36A

have a 12-year-old with two brothers who have moderate and severe autism, and he needs support as much as the children with autism.”

She said there will also be Parents Night Out, a monthly respite opportunity. The three-hour program is held at the Sandbox at Tanger II Outlet.

LAF also provides family support services. “Basically we serve a family from the moment they suspect their child may have autism,” Townes said. “We hold their hand through the diagnosis and throughout their life, getting them connected with every possible resources.”

Pockets, in its sixth year, currently operates a micro-business of screen-printing.

During the pandemic, they began a pen pal program, and delivered care packages of craft items so members could go to their home and still be doing things staying connected to the Pockets program.

“We try to create and make things, and we’re out in markets selling our items. So you’re basically buying our things and the money is going back into the program,” said Bartholomew.

Making pizza together at Local Pie is a special way the two organizations work together. “This is just one little piece of what we do as an organization,” Bartholomew said. “We love collaborating. It’s vital to our community and both our organizations, even though LAF is serving children and we serve adults.”

The proof in collaborating is in the pizzas, the party and partnerships.

“When you walk in the door of Local Pie, it’s a happening place and it’s lots of fun, but after you’re there for a while, the real fun is happening upstairs, and the staff and all want to be up there, too,” Bartholomew said. “And when you walk out, the people downstairs know there’s something special happening upstairs. It’s pretty magical.”

For more information on Lowcountry Autism Foundation, email stownes@LAFinc. org, call 843-800-7171, ext. 3 or visit lafinc. org.

For more information about Pockets Full of Sunshine, visit pocketsfullofsun.org.

Gwyneth J. Saunders is a veteran journalist and freelance writer living in Bluffton.

different themes of goodies waiting for their next home.

Connolly has no idea yet just how well she fits in with the Bluffton vibe, but a glance around her store brings the idea of eccentricity to life. From a chair with a Connolly-painted gator on the seatback (“the lawyers in Florida couldn’t get enough of these”) to the wrought-iron chandeliers and candlesticks accenting a pair of beautifully reupholstered sofas – with snowbirds worked into every crevice in between – early patrons see Absolutely Perfect as a quirkily perfect fit for Old Town.

Connolly will also share her other passions, as she plans to hold regular painting, cooking, upholstery and charcuterie classes to pass her accumulated knowledge on to a new generation.

But make no mistake, to start the New Year, the snowbirds will be the star of the show at the store.

“We will constantly be switching

things up, offering new creative visuals here. I have five or six more storage units to get rid of,” she said with a smile, though she’s not kidding. “My retired doctor husband came here to take in the scenery as he sits and watches TV. Me, I’m here to run this business and to share my collecting with folks at the store until every last piece is cleared out.”

Will customers get to wear one of the bird masks on display?

“Anything is possible. This exhibit is ongoing, there are still plenty of photos left to take and moments to capture,” Connolly said.

One thing she’ll commit to in stone: Snowbirds still need to fly.

“Oh, I’ll be out of here in August – the heat and the bugs aren’t for me,” she said. “There will be no no-see-um exhibit here. I will never celebrate those buggers.”

Tm Wood is a veteran journalist based in Bluffton. Contact him at timwood@ blufftonsun.com.

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Page 38A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

Local events celebrate MLK Day

Two events have been scheduled to honor the birthday of Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The 2022 Black Excellence Ball will be held Jan. 14, organized by the Bluffton Martin Luther King Observance Committee.

The theme is “A Midnight Masquerade.”

Three individuals will be honored for their legacies: Laura Bush, Lifetime Achievement Award; Michael Lewis, Social Justice Award; and Chef BJ Dennis, Gullah-Geechee Gatekeeper Award.

Hosts are TV news anchor Tina Tyus-Shaw, and KJ Kearney, founder and creator of Black Food Fridays.

Music will be provided by the eight-piece band, The Promised Land Band.

The festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Northridge Event Venue, 435 William Hilton Parkway. Tickets are $75 per person.

Additional Black History Month celebrations include a service, parade and picnic to be held Jan. 17.

The MLK Day Commemorative Service will begin at 12:30 p.m. at May River Theatre, 20 Bridge St. Formation for the parade begins at 2 p.m. at the theatre followed by the Gullah Market and Community Picnic at Oyster Factory Park, 63 Wharf St. For more information about the ball and other events honoring Dr. King, find the group on Facebook, visit blufftonmlk.org or email mlkbluffton@gmail.com.

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Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 39A

Noteworthy • Town of Bluffton leaders have contracted with Probolsky Research, a national government research firm, to conduct a community survey through mid-January. The survey will provide valuable input for the Town’s strategic planning sessions, to be held in February.

The 15-minute survey will ask residents about Town services, priorities, projects and policies.

The survey will give Town Council and staff insight into the pulse of the community on several topics.

Probolsky Research will call, email or text messages to residents to conduct the survey. Survey responses are confidential.

If you have any questions about the survey, contact Assistant Town Manager Chris Forster at cforster@ townofbluffton.com.

• The University of Michigan Alumni Club of Hilton Head/Beau-

fort County will hold basketball game watch gatherings at the Mellow Mushroom in Park Plaza on Hilton Head Island to watch the team’s games against Michigan State and Ohio State. All Michigan alumni are invited to attend.

The game watch parties will be held: Jan. 8 at 2:30 p.m. vs Michigan State Jan. 29 at 12:30 p.m. vs Michigan State Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. vs Ohio State March 6 at 12:30 p.m. vs Ohio State For more information and to RSVP, email goblueuofmhhi@gmail.com • Maye River Quilters will meet via Zoom at 10 a.m. Jan. 9. To get a link for the meeting, visit mayeriverquiltguild.com.

For more meeting dates and times, and for membership forms to join the group, visit the website or call 843530-1244.

• J. Michael Williamson, the founder of WhaleNet, will be the guest speaker on the topic “Right Whales: Our Coastal Visitors” Jan. 11 as part of the WACHH Evening Speaker Series. He will discuss the plight of these beautiful creatures and what can be done to save them.

The event will be held at 6 p.m. at SoundWaves, 7 Lagoon Road on Hilton Head Island. This program is open to the public.

Tickets (single $35 or 3-part series $90) include hors d’oeuvres, soft drinks, and a cash bar. Doors open at 5:15 p.m., with the presentation starting at 6 p.m. Visit wachh.org/ evening-speaker-series-2022 or call 843-384-6758 for more information.

• The Savannah-Hilton Head-Bluffton chapter of Silverliners International flight attendant group will meet at noon Jan. 12 at Truffles Café,

91 Towne Drive in Bluffton.

Kindly call, text or email Sue Smith at 973-670-5832 to RSVP. All current and former flight attendants are welcome.

Silverliners International is a social and charitable organization of former and current flight attendants representing almost all of the airlines. The group meets every month on the third Wednesday for lunch.

• The Best You 2022 Virtual Women’s Summit will take place Jan. 13-15 on YouTube at times ideal for international attendance. Lowcountry resident Jodi Randisi is among 60 guest speakers to be featured.

Her segment will be held at 11 a.m.

Jan. 13, on the topic “Supersize Your Reach.”

The summit features five training tracks including: Spiritual Growth, Self-Care, Bold Living, Leadership Training, and Expand Your Reach.

Page 40A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

Featured Pet

Twix knows that 2022 will be her year! Twix is a silly girl who loves to spend her time chirping at anyone who walks by. She is always dressed for a formal occasion with her beautiful tuxedo coat. She is 5 years old, spayed, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped. If you are interested in adopting Twix, call the Palmetto Animal League adoption center at 843-645-1725 or email info@palmettoanimalleague.org to set up an appointment.

Noteworthy Tickets are free and available at BestYou2022.com.

• The next Bluffton Second Saturday Divorce Workshop will be held at 10 a.m. Jan. 14.

Register for the live, online workshop at secondsaturday.com. The workshops are held the second Saturday of each month.

The workshop is part of Wife.org, a national 501(c)(3) organization.

• Palmetto Quilt Guild will host an in-person meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 20 at Hilton Head Island & Tennis Resort.

The program is a Trunk Show with speaker Candace Hassen. She is an award-winning quilter who derives her design ideas from other cultures, nature and art.

Hassen also will present a workshop entitled “Let’s Polka” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Hilton Head

Library.

Visit palmettoquiltguild.org for details and to register for the workshop: • Senior Softball Beaufort is seeking players aged 55 or better to play organized softball in the spring season.

The league, entering its second season, currently includes six teams of more than 90 enthusiasts who enjoy fun, safe competition. Games are played at fields in Bluffton and on Hilton Head Island.

Each team includes players of all abilities, from tournament caliber to those who just want to have fun.

The league is administered through the Beaufort County Parks and Recreation Administration, and practices will commence on or about Feb. 19.

For more information and to register your interest, visit seniorsoftballbeaufort.com or call Rick Trenary at 843-247-2832.

Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 41A

BUSINESS UPDATE

New owners, new homes for old stuff, fresh designs, tasty tacos

Mia Birkelbach, center, has purchased the Corner Perk Okatie location from Josh Cooke, right.

She has changed the name to Tangerine’s Café and Bakery, and with the help of Fernando Lossada, left, will focus on pastries, cakes and breakfast sandwiches and will serve Corner Perk coffee.

By Tim Wood CONTRIBUTOR

It’s a New Year, and the entrepreneurial spirit is stronger than ever in the Lowcountry. Here is a look at the businesses that have sprung up in our latest new business update.

• Emma’s Earth Shop, 1256 Fording Island Road, Suite 130, Bluffton, 843-2713568: The Bay Street fixture has opened a location at the Tanger 1 outlet next to Famous Footwear. Here you’ll find a handpicked rock shop that puts love into every piece while sharing the purposes behind every stone. Come learn about CBD with their knowledgeable staff or perhaps pick up a turtle box, a necklace or amethyst.

• Hilton Head Island Coffee Roasters, 843-321-9075: This is Suzanne Winters’ first roasting business but not her first coffee business. The West Coast import first moved to Washington, D.C., in 2017 and ran the Wheelys outdoor coffee bike company, wheeling coffee around the Capitol. Winters and her family moved to the Lowcountry and began brewing their own blends, which

have quickly become a word-of-mouth hit.

Her holiday chocolate, nutty, cozy, blend, Love Actually, was a big hit at the Root and Bloom Markets each first and third Sunday at Martin Family Park. You can also find the brew at the Hilton Head Farmers Market each Tuesday at the Coastal Discovery Museum.

• Absolutely Perfect!, 6 Promenade Street, Bluffton, 843-422-6940: Owner Danie Connolly is a New England import by way of Florida. She’s a serial entrepreneur, artist and chef, and has accumulated 50 years worth of antiques, furniture, lamps, collectibles and artwork that she is excited to share with the Lowcountry community.

Come visit her and fellow artist Robbie Dean on their mission to make old stuff cool again. And join in on the painting, cooking, upholstery and charcuterie classes taught

by Connolly herself. Read more about their snowbird exhibit on page 35.

• Tacos Go Food Truck, 9 Godfrey Place, 843-298-8938, Bluffton: Bacon Diner

Please see UPDATE on page 43A

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Page 42A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

Long Cove Fund accepting 2022 grant applications The Long Cove Fund will accept applications starting Jan. 17 for grants that will be made this year to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Beaufort and Jasper Counties.

To be considered, organizations should have plans for a project to improve health, housing, hunger or educational issues. The deadline for applications is March 31.

The application and all pertinent information can be found on Jan. 17 at longcoveclub.com under the “People” tab and “Caring Community.”

For more information on how to locate the grant application, contact the Long Cove Club Administration Office at 843686-1070.

Those who received a Long Cove Grant in 2021 should submit their interim report prior to the March 1deadline in order to be considered for a grant in 2022.

2022 Bluffton built GALA Friday, February 4, 2022 | 6:00 P.M. Montage Palmetto Bluff Celebrate what makes Bluffton special – our youth.

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The mission of the Long Cove Fund, administered through the Long Cove Fund Charitable Advisory Committee, is to encourage and support charitable giving by members of Long Cove Club and to provide grants to nonprofits in support of current needs in the areas of health, housing, hunger and education in Beaufort and Jasper Counties, with particular focus on projects and programs serving the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton communities.

The Long Cove Fund was created in 2003 by the directors of Long Cove Club in collaboration with the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. Long Cove Club is the first residential community on Hilton Head Island to establish a charitable endowment fund. Since its inception, $1,560,241 has been awarded to local nonprofits.

For more information, visit longcoveclub.com.

Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 43A

UPDATE from page 41A owner Omar Vallejo has launched his dream food truck behind the laundromat and next to the new Bluffton Goodwill location off Bluffton Road. Vallejo promises to bring the same passion to his fresh-made tacos that he has put behind Bacon Diner to make it a breakfast and lunch staple restaurant in Bluffton. The truck is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and accepts cash only.

• Marsh on the May, 43 Boundary Street, Bluffton: Leslie Trenta is the founder of this new home décor store in Old Town. She owned an interior design store for 17 years in the D.C. area and is excited to bring her love of bright and bold patterns and show clients how they too can be bold while creating stylish comfort and elegant design.

Check out her and husband Jack’s newly renovated shop and be sure to say hello to puppy Maisey Mae, the store’s first official employee and official greeter.

• Tangerines Café and Bakery, 6a Young Clyde Court, Okatie, 843-304-1164: The Corner Perk Okatie has new owners and

• White Raven Private Pet Services, Bluffton, 843-298-0602: Owner Alison Gravier offers bonded and insured grooming, pet sitting, dog walking, day care pick

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a new name, according to a post from CP founder Josh Cooke. “Mia Birkelbach is a kind, hard working, smiling face, who is always looking for ways to not only improve our drinks and food, but also our customer experience. We have loved watching her grow over the past couple years, and she has easily transitioned into one of our top leaders at the Corner Perk.

“I am very proud, to share with you, that Mia is purchasing the Corner Perk Okatie location. Along with a large emphasis on homemade pastries and cakes, breakfast sandwiches, and a few awesome family recipes, Mia will continue serving your favorite Corner Perk coffee and lattes. (And a couple new ones that I can’t wait to try!)”

Birkelbach and Fernando Lossada spent the last couple weeks of December transforming the Corner Perk space into Tangerines and are ready to start 2022 with a new look and the same focus on customers first.

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up and dropoff, as well as private in-home, one-on-one cage- and kennel-free grooming.

Gravier has won raves on Bluffton Nextdoor pages for her work with pets running from pups and kittens to mature pets.

• Go Green Pest Control, 440-2269937, gogreenpestcontrol.net: Owners Mike Martin and Chad Gotliebowski have both been visitors to the Lowcountry their entire lives. The Cleveland natives decided to branch out their company to include the Bluffton area to offer their all natural and low-dose pesticide applications to limit harm to the environment. They also handle wildlife trapping and exclusion work, termites and bird control.

• B Cares Concierge, 843-816-1981, bcaresconcierge.com: Benisha Brown has been involved in home health care for 16 years, but caring for an elderly family member recently inspired her to start her own business. Brown will handle a full array of services for seniors, including senior care advocacy, mobile notary services, wellness care checks, property management, downsizing

assistance, relocation, appointment and transportation assistance, mail pick up/drop off, grocery shopping, errand services.

Businesses that are oh so close • Keep an eye out for a new breakfast, lunch and dinner spot opening up in Riverwalk in a familiar location. The former Cheap Seats Riverwalk building at 61A Riverwalk Boulevard is being transformed into Stormy’s, a family-run operation with a bar and a pizza menu as well. More on the eatery in our next issue.

• We’ve written about Mama G’s and the Ice Cream Stop in this space before. Mama G’s Pizza Bistro and Bar is now targeting a February opening in the Moss Creek plaza and looking for team members (email bridgette@mamagpizzahhi.com if interested). Same can be said for the Ice Cream Shop, which is looking at an early 2022 launch at May River Crossing (and looking for staff as well, email thescoop@theicecreamshop.com).

Tim Wood is a veteran journalist based in Bluffton. Email your business updates to him at timwood@blufftonsun.com.

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Page 44A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

Business Briefs

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• Chris Romick has been named the new executive director of The Seabrook of Hilton Head, effective January 2022.

Romick brings more than 24 years’ experience in the senior living industry. He is a licensed nursing home administrator and has Chris Romick previously held the roles of marketing director, regional director and executive director.

Romick fills the position previously held by Rob Lee, who is retiring.

Romick’s background provides a diverse knowledge of developing a well-functioning community. Notable projects include a $147 million retirement community redevelopment, a $126 million start-up continuing care

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• The Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce will host a Coffee and Connections networking event from 8 to 9 a.m. Jan. 11 at Grind Roasters, 1 Sherington Drive, Suite J. The event is free for chamber members and $10 for guests.

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Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 45A

LEGAL

Keeping your assets in your family is easy if you plan for it

By Mark F. Winn

Mom can make it so Derrick and someone else (other than Evelyn) serve as co-trustees with the duty to act jointly.

If it is clear that Derrick gets all the income and principal for his needs, then Mom’s assets and legacy are protected, and Frank’s future interest is protected.

If Frank is to inherit because Derick passed, Mom needs to specify in the trust at what age Frank would have control.

Usually, it is age 25 or 30. In the meantime, we would need to consider who would be trustee for Frank. It is usually the biological parent, but it can be Frank’s aunt or uncle, if there is one.

This kind of planning is crucial for those who want to make sure the assets they leaved loved ones are protected and will stay in the family.

CONTRIBUTOR

Leaving assets to a loved one “in trust” as opposed to “free of trust” is critical if you want to protect the assets from being lost in a divorce or a lawsuit, and want to make sure they stay in your family bloodline.

Leaving assets in trust means that the loved one has inherited a beneficial interest.

If this interest is protected by a spendthrift clause, is clearly defined, and the trust directs the remainder to stay in the family, then once the assets are inherited, they will be protected from loss in a divorce. Your inlaw will not inherit your property.

Let’s say Mom has a son, Derrick, who is married to Evelyn. Derrick and Evelyn have a son named Frank.

Mom does not really like Evelyn that much. Mom wants to leave her assets to Derrick but she also wants to make sure that Evelyn will not get those assets. What should Mom do?

She should direct that, when she passes, her assets are to go into a trust for the benefit of Derrick. Mom can make Derrick the trustee of his own trust, and she can direct

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Mark F. Winn, J.D., Master of Laws (LL.M.) in estate planning, is a local asset protection, estate and elder law planning attorney. mwinnesq.com

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Page 46A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022J

LEGAL

All in the family: When to involve children in estate plan

By Rebekah Thompson CONTRIBUTOR

It is common for individuals to want their adult children involved when they meet with their estate planning attorney. It is also common for adult children to want to be involved with their aging parents’ meetings.

But is it wise to have your adult children involved?

This issue typically arises in the area of estate planning and elder law. While family involvement is important, there are several reasons attorneys prefer to meet with individuals without their adult children.

The reason? Attorneys are bound by “Rules of Professional Responsibility.” While the ethical rules encompass a wide variety of issues, there are four major rules that estate planning and elder law attorneys are required to follow.

Client identification: Every attorney has an ethical obligation to clearly identify who their client is. A client is the person whose

interest is most at stake in relation to the estate planning or legal problem.

Per the ethical rules, the client – and only the client – is the one to whom the attorney has professional duties of competence, diligence, loyalty, and confidentiality. This is true regardless of who is paying the bill.

Therefore, when an individual comes to an attorney for his/her estate plan, said individual is the client, not the individual’s children.

Conflicts of interest: Every attorney has an ethical obligation to avoid conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest is when another party’s interests are averse to those of the clients.

When representing an elderly client, sometimes the wishes and desires of the adult child may be in direct conflict with the best interests and wishes of the elderly client. The elderly client might be reluctant to voice his/her concerns if the child is involved in the meeting.

Therefore, to eliminate the conflict of

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interest and to ensure any documents or legal problems are handled based upon the client’s wishes, it is vitally important to meet with the client alone. This creates a space where the client is comfortable and able to discuss matters freely and candidly with the attorney.

Confidentiality: Every attorney has an ethical obligation to keep communications and information between the attorney and the client confidential. Meaning, attorneys cannot share information with adult children without the client’s approval. Each client’s desires for how much information is shared is different, and the attorney must respect the client’s desire for confidentiality.

Capacity: Every attorney has ethical obligations in working with clients whose capacity for making decisions is diminished.

Assessing a client’s capacity is part of getting to the know the client.

Therefore, meeting privately with a client gives the attorney the ability to ensure the client understands the issue and is making

his/her own choices. When adult children answer all the questions, it is difficult for the attorney to adequately assess the client’s level of understanding.

Unfortunately, sometimes the attorney may determine that a client lacks the capacity to execute estate planning documents.

In that case, the attorney is unable to assist with the particular task but can always explore other options that might be available.

For attorneys, being clear about who is the client, protecting confidentiality, and assessing capacity protects not only the client, but the adult children and family too.

So, while family involvement is important, understanding the ways legal services are provided are equally important, and adult children or family members should not be alarmed or offended when they are asked to “wait in the waiting room.”

Rebekah Thompson is an associate attorney with Elder Law & Estate Planning Center. hiltonheadelderlaw.com

Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 47A

GIVING

Unique ‘reverse’ scholarship addresses local nursing shortage

By Scott Wierman CONTRIBUTOR

If you’ve spent any time in a hospital, medical clinic or physician’s office, you know the vital role nurses play in delivering medical care.

That’s why a shortage of nurses can negatively affect patients, from the overall “customer experience” to the actual medical outcome.

Scott Wierman Beaufort County is currently experiencing a severe nursing deficit, but a group of local individuals is working to reverse that trend. Bob Elliott and Dr. William Fuller, along with other leaders, have established the South Carolina Nurse Retention Scholarship (SCNRS) at the Community Foundation.

Refresh

v

“South Carolina is designated a health professional shortage area,” Elliott said, “and Beaufort County has one of the most insufficient nurse-to-patient ratios in the state.”

Why should we be concerned? Elliott lists a number of worrisome reasons.

• Nursing shortages mean higher healthcare costs with a lower quality of patient care. Competition for nurses, created by insufficient staffing, leads to a demand for higher wages, signing bonuses and overtime.

• Businesses and our local economy may pay a price. Inadequate healthcare may thwart efforts to lure new businesses to the area, and existing businesses may have difficulty attracting and retaining employees.

• Nursing shortages mean the availability and quality of healthcare declines.

• Overworked nurses burn out, retire early and simply leave the profession, exacerbating the problem.

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• Nurses with the opportunity to make more money outside of Beaufort County may leave, intensifying an already growing shortage.

SCNRS hopes to counteract these problems. Although “scholarship” is in the name, a reverse scholarship doesn’t work like a typical scholarship. It’s more like a talent retention program. SCNRS awards money to nurses post-graduation, if they opt to stay in our area and work.

“We have 40 BSN nurses graduating from USCB every year,” Elliott says, “yet only 30% will remain in Beaufort and Jasper County to work.” The scholarship encourages these recent graduates to stay in the area by awarding them $6,000 per year for four years.

Of course, the awardees have specific guidelines they must follow in order to qualify. You can find scholarships eligibility information on the SCNRS website at scnurseretention.org/apply.

The success of the program has been rapid. Though just recently established, SCNRS awarded its first four scholarships earlier this fall. Recipients are: Lauren Londono, BSN, Beaufort Memorial Hospital; Krystal Maldonado, BSN, Hilton Head Regional Healthcare; Maria Novoa, BSN, Hilton Head Hospital; Erika Thalacker, Beaufort-Jasper-Hampton Comprehensive Health Services, Chelsea Pediatric Clinic.

Elliott is excited about their success, but understands that this ongoing problem won’t be solved immediately. There are more candidates than current funding can support. He said he hopes that others in the community will support the program financially: “Together we can make a difference in the quality of healthcare in our local communities.”

Scott Wierman is the president and CEO of Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

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Page 48A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

HEALTH

After holidays, skin health should be priority for New Year

By Oswald Lightsey Mikell CONTRIBUTOR

As much as we enjoyed the holidays, it’s time to make sure we have healthy skin. It’s the perfect time for some screenings, repair and for yearly checkups.

Q: After the holidays, my skin looks tired. What can I do to refresh it?

A: Too many parties, too much food and drink, and lack of sleep might take its toll on your skin. Damaged skin can cause signs of aging – like wrinkles, which are a major concern for men and women alike. Freckles, darker age spots and blotchiness are all common forms of skin damage.

Focus on trying to even out your skin tone and treat these problem areas with spot treatment products, or consult a dermatologist for professional treatments.

Q: The winter has left me with dry, chapped skin and lips. What can I do to rejuvenate them?

A: The skin on your lips is incredibly sensitive to cold, dry weather. Dry lips can be painful and lead to cracking and bleeding. Applying Vaseline, emu butter, or shea butter are great ways to seal moisture in and allow your lips to heal.

A good intake of vitamin B and hydrating with water are also great ways to re-hydrate your lips.

Q: What can I do to put moisture back into my skin?

A: This is a great time for your skin to recover and hydrate. Moisturizers should be different for your face and your body and should be used daily in these cooler months.

Q. Now that I’m not out in the direct sun as much, can I stop applying sunscreen?

A. Absolutely not, sunscreen should be applied year-round whenever you

are going to be outside. Make sure it is a broad-spectrum lotion to block UVA rays. UVA’s are most prevalent in the non-summer months and can be just as damaging.

Q. What about cosmetic treatments to refresh my skin?

A. There are a number of cosmetic

treatments that can effectively refresh your skin and help to restore a more youthful and healthy appearance. You should meet with a dermatologist who can evaluate your skin condition and make the proper recommendations. Together you can decide which treatments are best suited for you.

The main steps for your post-holiday skin care clearly include hydration, protection and renewal, and maybe some cosmetic repair. Continue to protect your skin with sunblock while repairing with moisturizer what the winter months might have damaged.

Start a proper skin care regime, and you’ll be showing off your new healthy skin all year long!

Dr. Oswald Lightsey Mikell, certified by the American Board of Dermatology and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, is the owner of Dermatology Associates of the Lowcountry.

Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 49A

HEALTH

BMH offers treatment to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy Cancer patients facing chemotherapy – and the prospect of losing all their hair – now have access to an innovative treatment that could save them from one of the most dreaded side effects of the powerful cancer-fighting drugs.

DigniCap, a scalp cooling system clinically proven to reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss in cancer patients with solid tumors, is now available at Beaufort Memorial’s New River Cancer Center in Okatie and Keyserling Cancer Center in Beaufort.

The system consists of a computerized cooling unit attached to a cooling cap the patient wears during each chemotherapy session.

“By cooling the scalp, you decrease the blood flow to the area so less of the chemicals reach the hair cells,” said Mark Hennigan, director of Beaufort Memorial’s oncology services.

For Bluffton High School teacher Melanie Williams, DigniCap was a godsend.

The 49-year-old mother of two teenagers, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last summer, jumped at the chance to save her shoulder-length hair and avoid going bald.

“It made a real difference for me psychologically,” she said. “You have so many things to worry about when you find out you have cancer. But one of my fears – losing my hair – at least I could push that one aside.”

The idea of cooling the scalp during chemo dates back to the 1970s when some cancer patients began using bags of frozen vegetables or ice packs to try to stop the cancer drugs from “burning” their hair.

Some 20 years later, a Swedish oncology nurse intent on sparing cancer patients the emotional pain of losing their hair, teamed up with an engineer to develop a system that would produce more consistent, controllable results.

A clinical trial showed DigniCap

DigniCap currently charges $300 per treatment. In addition, patients purchase the DigniCap kit, which includes an inner cooling wrap that tightens around the head, as well as a neoprene cap that goes over the wrap to ensure constant contact to the scalp.

“Quite a few insurance companies cover the cost,” said Melissa Bourestom, vice president of communications for medical technology company Dignitana, which produces DigniCap. “We offer an online Melanie Williams, left, at Disney World with her hub to help patients file for reimbursedaughter Aggie between chemo treatments ments and can assist with the paperwork last summer. Thanks to the DigniCap, Melanie required for submission.” experienced only minor hair loss.

Williams, who underwent her final prevented hair loss in 66.3% of patients treatment last fall, was impressed with the receiving chemotherapy. In 2015, the results. While her hair is a little thinner, medical device received clearance from she hasn’t had to wear a scarf or wig. the FDA. The treatment is currently “Keeping my hair made this process offered in more than 250 locations in much easier for me,” she said. “And my the U.S. Beaufort Memorial’s two cancer children and my students could look at centers are the only medical facilities in me and not be constantly reminded that I Beaufort County providing the service. have cancer.”

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Page 50A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

Applicants being sought for Town Council committees “We Make Coming to the Office a Breath of Fresh Air”

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Bluffton Town Council is seeking qualified applicants for appointment to its boards, commissions and committees.

The most immediate need for new appointees exists on the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee, Historic Preservation Commission, Planning Commission and the Law Enforcement Citizens Advisory Committee.

The Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee has two vacancies, one for a representative of the lodging industry, and one at-large member.

The Historic Preservation Commission has one vacancy for a resident or business owner in the Historic District.

The Planning Commission has one vacancy for a town resident, freeholder, or business owner.

The Law Enforcement Citizens Advisory Committee has two vacancies for residents within the boundaries of the

Town of Bluffton Growth Framework Map. The map can be accessed at townofbluffton.us/gallery.

The Town welcomes applications for all boards, committees, and commissions regardless of current vacancies.

Though qualifications for appointment might vary for each board, committee or commission, most appointments require residency within the Town of Bluffton.

Applications are kept on file for two years and will be considered for any vacancies for which the applicant may qualify that occur during the time their application is on file.

A full list of the Town’s boards, commissions and committees with a detailed description of their qualifications for appointment, duties and responsibilities is available on the Town’s website, townofbluffton.sc.gov. Under the “Government” tab, click on the Boards, Commissions and Committees page.

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Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 51A

COLLECTING

Anatomy of a serious collector: George and Dolly

By Jerry Glenn CONTRIBUTOR

It’s a New Year and we want to try a new approach to our column. Being an active dealer collector more than 50 years ago, we became friends with many collectors of bottles, dolls, coins, signs, Santas, and – you name it. We would often ask, “How did you get started?” Responses were quite similar.

We chose an actual case of a devoted couple from Allentown, Pa., named George and Dolly for our choice of the first “Anatomy of a Collector.”

Dolly, an art teacher, and George, a workaholic, had no idea of being a collector when Dolly, cleaning out her grandfather’s closet came onto a marshmallow tin full of buttons. She thought this tin, if polished up, would be nice on a kitchen shelf.

One day she noted that Angelus Marshmallows were made by William Rueckheim in Chicago. Upon curiosity, this is the same company that made America’s favorite snack, Cracker Jacks.

“Bingo,” she said, and she was off and running. (Coincidentally, the name of Sailor Jack’s dog was Bingo.)

Dolly pursued a Cracker Jacks item and found Jack and his girlfriend counter stand ups to add to her new hobby. George saw how much fun Dolly was having so he embarked on the search for colorful old oil tins and allied advertising for his workshop.

Dolly and George lived in close proximity to one of the largest indoor

George took the lead in declaring, “Dolly, if we are to invest in these more expensive signs and objects they must be near perfect.”

And so, George and Dolly went on to amass one of the best “art” collections in the country. Each room was specialized, such as ads with beautiful women in their bedroom, medicinal ads in the bath, soap ads in the laundry, and so on.

Along the way Dolly saw how attractive talcum tins were, and quickly was referred to as the talc queen. Dealers would hold their best for Dolly. In the past few years, you’ll recall how we would expand on how collecting is an exciting adventure. By now you can see what a great adventure this couple was on every weekend.

In 1985, they organized a “Canvention” which was a meeting of tin can collectors. More than 200 attended and buying, selling, and trading was robust.

Today, close to 40 years have passed and much of the great artistic items are in private collections and only come on the market through estate sales as yesterdays serious collectors of age are passing on to todays caretakers of Sailor Jack and his “girlfriend,” the Angelus Marshmallow girl, 10-inch cardboard counter “standhistoric artifacts. ups” helped collectors George and Dolly get off to a massive treasure trove of advertising art.

Sadly, George passed away several does indeed get the worm.” years ago and Dolly has vivid memories markets and weekend flea markets Their collection grew with each of where and when they purchased the in Adamstown, Pa. In the beginning, month and they decided to expand beautiful pieces of advertising that conwhen scouring the tables and booths their horizons by traveling to Brimtinue to adorn her walls and shelves. they were often told “Oh, we sold that field, Mass., and Gaithersburg, Md., Jerry Glenn, former owner of Legends early this morning.” Dolly looked at both large markets that specialized in and Reminisce gift shop, currently is apGeorge and said, “We have to get up advertising and country store artifacts. praising trading card collections. early every Saturday as the early bird

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Page 52A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

WELLNESS

Suffering from hair loss? Here are some treatment options

By E. Ronald Finger CONTRIBUTOR

• What can cause sudden hair loss?

The most common causes are hormonal changes from childbirth or after surgery involving general anesthesia, cancer chemotherapy, and HRT (hormonal replacement therapy), but lesser-known causes can be the start of new medications E. Ronald Finger such as antibiotics, antifungals, antidepressants, birth control pills, anticoagulants and statins.

The hormones that usually cause hair loss are testosterone with HRT and hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Lab tests and a good history and physical can reveal these issues so they can be treated.

Other causes are stress and nutritional deficiencies. Anorexics are a perfect example of the latter. Typically, people lose 50 to 100 hairs per day. Stress and nutritional deficiencies can increase this hair loss by 300%. This increased shedding occurs about three months after the event.

Tension on the hair, such as braids or tight ponytails, commonly cause permanent hair loss.

• How do I know if I am permanently losing my hair? For men, there might be hair loss in the crown, or the hairline is receding. However, losing 100 hairs per day is normal.

Generally, a receding hair line and baldness is a combination of family history and aging. Hair loss can start out slow and increase with age.

For women, thinning on top is the first sign of female pattern baldness. There might also be a noticeable decrease in hair volume. A loss of 50% of hair will

look thinner and baldness becomes visible.

Approximately one in five people in the United States will have some sort of hair loss by age 35 in men and age 50 in women.

• What can be done to slow this hair loss? There are now pills, shampoos, and sprays that can show some decrease in hair loss and, in combination, might show an increase in hair density.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has shown promise in a range of results from slowing hair loss to increasing hair density significantly. This is particularly beneficial in women. Some patients, however, are non-responders.

PRP involves using your own blood to isolate the platelets with their growth factors and injecting them into the scalp with a tiny needle. Virtually no recovery time is needed following PRP injections.

Ultimately, one may choose a hair transplant procedure. Performed by a

team that is experienced and skilled, this will yield the best and most natural result. Modern hair transplants use one hair per graft for the hairline and two to four hairs per graft for the top and crown for more density.

The direction of the grafted hairs must be placed properly. This can be done with the strip method or FUE, e.g.

NeoGraft. The difference is in how one procures the grafts. Your hair specialist will discuss the benefits of the different methods.

A hair transplant does not prevent your existing non-grafted hair from thinning. The other methods, e.g., PRP, sprays, pills, etc. may still be beneficial to continue having maximum hair density through the future years.

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Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 53A

FAITH

Face the truth, renounce the old and start afresh

By Juan Rivera CONTRIBUTOR

With head low, she gently sat down, took his hand, looked into his eyes and said, “Husband, you were right. I was unfaithful to you.”

The husband’s gaze changed swiftly from rage to relief when he saw the great burden lifted that she seemed to be carrying. Proverbs 28:13 says: “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

Vicky’s husband had noticed that his wife was spending a little too much time at the parish office. For a season, Rev. Vicky would slip out of the parsonage for “emergency” pastoral calls, which always served as the right excuse to see her secret lover.

Months before, Rev. Vicky was spiraling down a tunnel of silent hopelessness and pain. No one knew she was dying inside.

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She would preach about Jesus Christ and his grace and power every Sunday – but her mind, heart and life was a mess. Her personal issues, the burdens of her congregation and her lifeless, busy marriage all combined into a chasm that left her open to the advances of a divorced man.

John had been seeing a counselor who convinced him to seek healing through the truth. “If you want to save your marriage, John, then you have to be willing to listen to the whole truth and deal with it!”

Hearing about the affair was hard for him.

The point of the counselor’s advice was that unless you deal with the whole truth, then you can’t truly be healed. If you want to save your family, then that means that you must be willing to “stand firm” and go through the onslaught of pain and disappointment – deal with it and then rebuild.

Vicky has been going through counseling since she left the ministry and her family is beginning to heal. Vicky

is a human being who made the wrong choice at a time of great personal pain.

Having made the wrong choice does not make her into a hypocrite or a liar. On the contrary. She is brave person who decided to face the consequences of her bad choices, and in humility and repentance, is making amends.

John is also going to therapy. “Her betrayal of my trust made me feel less of a man, but I know now that she needs help,” he said. “And plus, I love her and

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want to save my family and restart.”

Just because John and Vicky were a ministerial family doesn’t mean that they are somehow more divine than the rest of us. They are human, after all.

Jesus says in Mark 8:36: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” What is the price you must “pay” in order for you to become the good person you know you are inside?

Are you willing to withstand the fires of truth (with yourself and others) and be purified of all self deceit? When we build our lives upon the truth, we have nothing to fear.

True healing only comes through the truth. Renounce the old and start fresh.

Only truth can save the soul, which is why He became a man and died on a cross for you and me.

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Page 54A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

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COURTESY PAL

Marvin Smart and his cat, Aslan, were reunited five months after Aslan disappeared from home.

By Lindsay Perry CONTRIBUTOR

At Palmetto Animal League, we match homeless pets with new families, but every now and then fate has a way of reuniting a loved one with a long-lost pet.

So, it was with Marvin Smart and his best friend. “It’s a true friendship,” said Marvin.

“I take care of him and in return, he gives me loyal companionship, spending hours by my side while I play video games.”

In the midst of a life change, unbeknownst to Marvin, Aslan had been brought back to PAL 6 years after being adopted.

“Aslan would follow staff members around, chirping along the way,” says PAL Adoption Coordinator Sally Dawkins. “He’d play like a kitten, proving his grumpy face didn’t match his fun personality!”

Marvin was heartbroken when his beloved buddy abruptly disappeared from his life. He began searching for Aslan in June of 2021, checking the internet often. Aslan was family, and Marvin was determined to bring him home.

“He’s a true tom cat,” said Marvin. “He’s 18 pounds of orange fur with a unique purr.

He even has a mole on his lip just like me!”

On Thanksgiving Day, Marvin was working when he saw a cat that reminded him of Aslan. A few days prior, he had dreamed about his cat, so he decided to check PAL’s

website one more time. Marvin was overwhelmed with emotion when he saw Aslan’s face staring back at him from the computer screen!

“I called PAL right away and told them he was my cat, and I knew it because of the mole on his lip,” said Marvin.

So, after five months of searching, Marvin left work on a holiday and rushed to reunite with his best friend.

“Aslan was near the front desk when Marvin walked in,” said Dawkins. “They instantly recognized each other and there was not a dry eye in the adoption center.”

It was the happiest moment Marvin had experienced all year. “When I walked in, everyone pointed at me and said, ‘There’s your daddy!’” Marvin even wore a sweatshirt he knew was Aslan’s favorite.

“The staff at PAL gave me great comfort, explaining how much love he had received while he was away from home,” said Marvin gratefully.

Thanks to a little luck and a lot of determination on Marvin’s part, Aslan is now Leo Cider Smart again, starting a new year in an old home with his very favorite person.

If you are searching for a special kind of love in the new year, visit PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.

Lindsay Perry is the marketing coordinator for Palmetto Animal League. PalmettoAnimalLeague.org

Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 55A

PETS

January is training time after holiday arrival of new pets

By Abby Bird CONTRIBUTOR

Each year, I write about the holidays being the time of year in which many families purchase or adopt dogs. It is a difficult time to establish routine, since these new family members have been added during the holiday break.

Families can generally spend plenty of time with the new dog, but the routine during this season is not the normal one and the return to a regular routine can be difficult.

As a private dog trainer and behavioral consultant, January is often my busiest time.

The coming quieter times gives owners a chance to embark on training necessary to teach the dog how to become an acceptable pet and acclimate to an everyday routine. Dogs are creatures of habit and do not like change.

For those with new puppies, the most

important things to do within their first months are potty training, eliminating nipping and biting, redirecting chewing to positive items, good manners (including not jumping), introduction to their world, proper greetings with children and adults, and socialization with dogs.

A pup trains easily with treats, toys, play, praise and touch rewards. Leadership skills demonstrated by the owner are critical so the puppy learns to respect as well as love you.

For the human, knowing what to do and what NOT to do, so that mixed signals are not sent to your dog, might make the difference between a healthy relationship and one that is fraught with difficulties. Most owners have had dogs before, but somehow memories of puppyhood are very short, and we don’t remember doing all this work.

Basic obedience should begin early and include Sit, Stay, Come (the most important safety command), Down, Leave

it, leash walking and more. These, and solving behavioral issues, need to be incorporated into your earliest training plan with puppies and older dogs.

Adopted dogs, whether adolescent or older, might need dedicated attention since you might not know their history.

Making a plan on how to introduce the dog to his new life will help not only the dog adjust but your family as well. Don’t be surprised if your new older dog is not

quite what you expected. Be patient!

Lifestyle and family type play an important role. Are you home during the day? Do you have young children? How much time can you devote to the dog?

How long will the dog be alone?

Do you have other pets? Are you expecting a baby? Will your dog be exposed to men, women and children? If the dog is a rescue, are you aware of any history?

Are you prepared to be patient with any behavioral issues?

Personally, I look forward to January.

Meeting new people and dogs that will become part of my life, as I become part of theirs, is extremely rewarding as it is challenging. Giving a family confidence that their new dog will indeed become the dog they want, with work and patience, is the best reward.

Abby Bird is owner of Alphadog Training Academy. AlphadogTrainingAcademy@ gmail.com

Page 56A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

SPORTS

Riverton Pointe in Hardeeville ‘so unlike anything’ in the area

By Jean Harris CONTRIBUTOR

Riverton Pointe Golf & Country Club in Hardeeville opened for play in October 2021 to rave reviews.

Located in the Riverton Pointe residential community developed by Toll Brothers, the course offers memberships to both residents and non-residents of the community.

This Nicklaus design course is an awesome experience. Jack Nicklaus stated that “The golf course should be pleasing to both those who play it and those who simply want to enjoy its beauty.” Riverton Pointe is without question the ultimate expression of that vision, with a course perfectly designed to harmonize with the lush Lowcountry landscape.

General Manager Gary Otto has been associated with several courses in the Lowcountry and is extremely proud of this Nicklaus gem. “The course is so unlike anything in the Lowcountry,” Otto said.

COURTESY RIVERTON POINTE GOLF CLUB

The No. 9 green at Riverton Pointe Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus designed course in Hardeeville.

“It has a Pinehurst, N.C., look with all the undulation in the fairways and greens while maintaining Lowcountry charm.”

The most interesting part of the course is the sculptured, cloverleaf-shape bunkers that are strategically placed on every hole. These bunkers create a distinct visual experience.

Accuracy is paramount to these beautiful greens because they are large and highly undulated with many slopes. Pin positions in the front or in the back section of the green can be up to two or three clubs. If you miss the green, your chip shot will be very delicate.

From a playability standpoint, Riverton

Pointe is designed to appeal to a broad range of players. There are five sets of tees – starting at 5,084 yards for beginners and high-handicappers and stretching all the way out to more than 7,200 yards for low-handicappers. There are also combo tees, making for even more opportunities.

Decide on the distance you want to play the course for 18 holes and play that tee.

The emphasis is on shot-making rather than strength and distance if you play the proper tee.

For information concerning membership and member for the day playing opportunities, call Diane Roberts, membership director, at 843-645-5556.

If you get the opportunity to play Riverton Pointe, it will be a memorable experience.

Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at Pinecrest Golf Club. jean. golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean. com

Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 57A

NATURE’S WAY

If a picture is worth a thousand words, here’s 8,000 words

By Collins Doughtie Why all the pictures, you ask? Seeing that it is 2022, I figured a picture is worth a thousand words to describe my 2021.

Like most all of you, COVID-19 was the dominate downer of the year, but I was blessed with the best of nature and family.

Tops on the good list was the day my daughter Camden, her husband Andrew, and my two grandchildren, Alice and

Benjamin, moved to Bluffton from Charlottesville, Va. Her reason for moving floored me. She simply wanted to be closer to me. Talk about being blessed, it was meant to be, especially when the house next door went

up for sale and she bought it. 2021 had its low points but all those were nearly forgotten the day her family moved into their new place.

Here’s to peace, good health, and fabulous fishing in 2022!

Daughter Camden and granddaughter Alice.

Son-in-law Andrew with Alice and Ben.

Quail hunting with Grant Kaple.

Teach your children well.

On the boat with the grands.

The Space X rocket – 70 miles offshore.

This Mahi bite was insane. So was Mike Cody.

My boat dog, Butterbean – a great catch.

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Page 58A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

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EMPLOYERS: WANT TO ADD YOUR OPENINGS TO THIS LIST? THIS IS A FREE SERVICE. CALL MELISSA AT THE BLUFFTON SUN/HILTON HEAD SUN AT 843.757.9507

Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Page 59A

SPORTS

Just in time for the New Year, 10 words of resolution

By Bob Colyer CONTRIBUTOR

“Do what you can do. Do it regularly.

Increase gradually.”

This is my annual guide for readers who make the New Year’s resolution to improve their physical condition, ideally for the rest of their lives. It’s indeed possible for anyone who is willing to follow just the 10 words above.

The most important word, suitably, is the first. Resolution without action means nothing.

If you intend to DO something for as long as you live, it is unimportant what you do to start. Don’t overdo; forget the “No pain, no gain” nonsense. If all you can do is walk to the end of your driveway or to the nearest corner and back, or something similar, that’s just fine, but DO it.

Next, be regular about it. What you do for fitness should be as regular as brushing your teeth or combing your hair. Perhaps three

times a week is a good starting point. That way, even if you have to do it on the last three days, you are still keeping up.

If you can start something and do it regularly, you are well on your way.

At some point, perhaps out of boredom, you will want to accomplish more. That is where “graduality” comes in, always being

sure that it’s something you CAN do. You can increase what you do by one of three ways: Frequency, duration, or intensity.

For my example, you can walk another day each week, or you can walk a little farther, or you can walk a little faster. I would recommend one of the first two before trying the third. Regardless, there is no hurry to

increase what you do, just that you continue to do something regularly.

I’m glad I chose walking for my example because fitness is a matter of gradual steps.

Always stay within the realm of what you can do, not getting impatient to try what you can’t. Perhaps it would help to find a partner with the same purpose.

My own choice, obvious from this column, is to swim. I still swim the same three times a week I started with. I swim 1,000 yards (40 lengths of the county pool in Bluffton), but I vary the intensity to meet my particular goals. It works for me.

Whatever your own long-term goals are, they can be reached by resolving to follow the 10 guiding words at the top. And, please, let me know how that’s working for you.

Dr. Bob Colyer of Bluffton is an actively retired college professor, coach and author of “Swim Better: A Guide to Greater Efficiency for Swimmers & Instructors,” directed primarily to non-competitors. bobcolyer@yahoo.com

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Page 60A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

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By Dave Miller CONTRIBUTOR

Since air ducts are hidden, we can’t tell what’s inside of them. What’s out of sight is out of mind, and many home and business owners forget about the importance and value of having their HVAC air ducts cleaned regularly. Duct cleaning is crucial for the health of all who breathe the air that passes through it.

For people with allergies or respiratory illnesses of any type, duct cleaning is probably a part of their regular yearly schedule because they have seen the benefits and consider it very important for their health. Now is the time, with a New Year upon us, to make it a priority.

Have you ever looked in the direction of a window or glass door in your home and noticed the light shining on all the floating dust particles? If you shook a blanket out against that same natural light, you would notice all the dust flying off into the air.

It’s easy to forget about that dust in the air you breathe and accumulating on surfaces you touch if you aren’t looking for it. That “dust” is made of mostly human dander (and pet dander if you have pets) but also contains harmful contaminants embedded in it as well.

One of the immediate benefits of a professional air duct cleaning is eliminating the dust, pollutants and contaminants

from the air duct system and certain parts of your HVAC equipment. HVAC systems are enclosed and contain a certain amount of natural moisture, which can also be a perfect place where mildew might grow.

The right conditions, especially in the humid South, can produce a high level of mold and mildew, causing bacteria and viruses to spread easily. Cleaning also removes other undesirable things we can’t see, such as insects, vermin feces, and even trash or items dropped through vents.

Beyond the health benefits of having your duct work cleaned regularly is the reduction of dust build-up and HVAC system efficiency. You will notice a decrease in dust since your system will be clean and won’t be recirculating particles through the air. Buildup inside the air ducts is also removed, allowing air flow inside the HVAC system to be restored, making your system use less energy and increase efficiency.

Choosing a local, professional and experienced company will provide peace of mind and security in knowing that the air you breathe is safe and clean, and that your HVAC unit is inspected and in its best working order.

Dave Miller, owner of Superior Services, has been providing residential and commercial HVAC services in the Lowcountry for 20 years. gotosuperior.com

Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

Meet our Contributors!

JEAN HARRIS Lowcountry resident for 14 years

Golf writer Dr. Jean Harris, a Master golf professional with the LPGA, loves the outdoors and playing sports – including pickleball, tennis and, of course, golf. She loves to exercise and goes to the fitness center five days a week. In the spring and summer, she runs a women’s golf program called Chicks With Sticks. Dr. Jean’s niche as a teaching pro for senior golfers came about from her 20-year tenure as a college professor, when she ran programs for adult learners. She has two children and two grandchildren, and the love of her life, her dog Arnie, who is named for her favorite golfer.

ENJOYS: Meeting new people, talking about sports and wine.

Page 61A

NITE UTIRE & AUTOD WE ARE THE BEST RECREATIONAL VEHICLE REPAIR AND SERVICE CENTER IN THE LOWCOUNTRY!

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In the late 1970s and early ’80s, Larry vacationed on Hilton Head Island so often it felt like a second home. He and his wife, Helene, met in D.C. and moved to Minnesota to raise their family. When their daughter was in college, they moved to Bluffton, which feels more like home than anywhere else.

Formerly an accountant and real estate consultant, Larry has been a real estate broker for 30 years and owns Real Estate Five of the Low Country. He now competes with the agents with whom he formerly consulted to help them build their businesses. Larry also wrote a murder mystery titled “Broker’s Open” that was published in 2001..

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Page 62A

The Bluffton Sun

Jan. 4, 2022

REAL ESTATE

How to have a happy real estate New Year in 2022

By Larry Stoller CONTRIBUTOR

It’s 2022, and many of us may have made resolutions to do things differently this year from last year.

In the spirit of making better real estate decisions, here are some real estate resolutions for the New Year.

• Selling and buying at the same time: Selling and buying simultaneously is very challenging. Concerns include: Can you afford to buy before selling? Must you sell before buying? Will you have to find temporary housing? How much inconvenience are you willing to deal with? To deal with these problems, it is best have a strategy in place and work closely with your agent for a win-win deal.

• Getting your finances together. If you plan to buy a home in 2022, now’s the time to meet with a mortgage professional to view your financial picture from a lender’s perspective. There is no charge

for this service, and meeting with a local lender will give you a clear picture of how much you can borrow and how much you can afford.

• Think of your home as a car that you

want to sell. Clean it up inside and out.

Make it appealing. Make it sparkle and shine. Do some painting if needed. (Back in 2004, I sold a 1983 280ZX that was newly painted, for more than I originally

paid.) Staging a home also helps get it sold.

• Check the market to see what homes are for sale. Going to open houses is a good start, but it’s also important to learn about the local real estate market, prices, and home values in the neighborhood where you want to live. Browse the MLS (multiple listing service) to see all available properties. Become an informed buyer or seller Engage the assistance of a knowledgeable real agent!

• Choose the right real estate agent who will work best for you. Selling and/or buying a home takes time and planning.

To make sure all your real estate needs are satisfied, it makes a lot of sense to get the right real estate agent involved in the process and working for you ASAP. Have a happy and healthy New Year!

Larry Stoller is a broker and Realtor with Real Estate Five of the Lowcountry. Larry@ RealEstateFive.com, RealEstateFive.com, SunCityOpenHouses247.com

Ruth Kimball (843) 540-0205

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Jan. 4, 2022

The Bluffton Sun

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The Bluffton Sun

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