VOLUME 26, ISSUE 8 • APRIL 18, 2023cation

April 18, 2023 • Volume 26, Issue 8 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com

INSIDE • Lifelong Blufftonian Mary O. Merrick added to Wall of Honor 12A • Mental health issues of youth topic of community forum 16A • BPD’s Officer awarded top honors at Academy 19A • Bluffton’s ‘crown jewel’ due for cleaning 25A • Fishing trip yields great moments, memories

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MLK Martyr Day program honors local social justice advocates

By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR

On April 4, 1968, civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.

On April 4, 2023, leaders and community members honored the 55th anniversary of his death with a commemoration luncheon in Bluffton.

The luncheon was the first of a series of events hosted by the Bluffton MLK Observance Committee April 4-8 with the theme of “Together, We Can Be the Dream.”

From the luncheon to a soup kitchen to a community forum on race and education, the week focused on continuing the good work of community building, as encouraged

by Dr. King.

Toward that goal, on April 6, a private pop-up kitchen provided lunch for public works and sanitation workers, two groups near and dear to the heart of Dr. King.

Later that evening, the committee held a community forum on the topic “Race and Education: Post-Brown vs. Board of Education and the 1965 Civil Rights Act.” The observance week was scheduled to

close with a Gullah Market April 8 at the Heyward House Common Ground.

Aaron Jenkins, a board member of the Bluffton MLK Observance Committee, began the Inaugural MLK Martyr Day luncheon with a reminder that Dr. King’s death sparked renewed calls for nonviolence.

The event, sponsored by the committee, included remarks from local pastors, activists, officials and singers. There were also honored guests who received the first “We Can Be the Dream Social Justice Advocate” awards following the speakers.

Bridgette Frazier, chair of the committee, presented the 2023 awards to Billy and Brenda Watterson from the Watterson Family Foundation; Alison Bonner and Amanda Denmark from the nonprofit Save the Shutters; and Taiwan Scott, an advocate for the African American community on Hilton Head Island and a political activist.

“Everyone came out today with the hope that with our vision and all of our events, that you hear something that will spark that desire for you the call to action, because it takes us in order to effect the change we wish to see in our community,” said Frazier.

“And as Dr. King said, you don’t have to be

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The MLK Martyr Day Commemoration luncheon was held April 4, the 55th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Participants and attendees included local pastors, activists, officials, community leaders and other members of the community.

great to serve, but serving does bring about great actions.”

Frazier noted that the award recipients were selected for their actions, “not because they’ve been tasked or asked to do so, but because it was in them to look at their

community to not just complain about a problem, but to set out and endeavor to actually address the problem.”

The Watterson Family Foundation re-

Please see MLK on page 8A

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The Bluffton Sun

April 18, 2023

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April 18, 2023

The Bluffton Sun

Page 3A

SUNNY SIDE UP

Here’s a tip: A few dollars of gratitude can mean the world

By Lynne Cope Hummell EDITOR

The lead story in my New York Times e-newsletter on Easter Sunday was focused on tipping (as in tipping your server in a restaurant). Because the story had nothing to do with bunnies or church or a golf tournament, I automatically assumed the worst.

Oh dear, I thought. People are stiffing their servers and all wait staff in the country are on strike. No Easter brunch today, pal.

However, as I read the article, I saw that the issue isn’t that people are under-tipping their servers (although some servers might challenge that assessment). But some of us might not be as up to date on how and what to tip for all sorts of contemporary services – from Uber drivers to Instacart deliveries to dog groomers. Do we tip the owner of the salon? What about the bus driver? And what about all those other apps we use now to pro-

cure goods and services?

During the Year That Wasn’t Real (2020), our household became quite familiar with Instacart for grocery delivery. The app was easy to access, and my local store was a participant. I could find all our regular groceries, order them, and wait for delivery sometime the next day.

Two months later, the delivery time was trimmed down to a matter of hours. Eventually, they arrived as soon as I hit the “order” button. (Just kidding.)

What I didn’t understand was the tipping mechanism included on the order. How could I tip my shoppers appropriately if they hadn’t yet delivered my order? I had no way to judge their level of service.

It’s different when one goes to a dining establishment or bar and orders food and drink.

These days, the suggested tip for sit-down meal service is generally 20%, and it’s up to

the guest to determine whether to increase that tip based on superior service.

I firmly believe the vast majority of servers and bartenders in our tourist-oriented Lowcountry work hard to provide the best experience they can for their guests. They are serious about good service, and they strive to increase their tips based on that service.

And this brings me back to a point made in the article: “Tipping has not only been entrenched in American life but also formalized as part of the economy. The U.S. is unusual among developed countries in allowing tipped workers to make below the minimum wage, sometimes as low as $2.13 an hour.”

That is correct. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the minimum wage for tipped employees in many states, including South Carolina, is still just $2.13.

That is pitiful. We can do better. And, for now at least, it’s up to those of us who go to restaurants and bars to make up the differ-

ence. These workers truly depend on tips to make ends meet.

We are early into our high season. If we want to continue to entertain visitors well, and to enjoy hospitality venues ourselves, the least we can do is tip appropriately those who provide related services.

Not sure how much? Use your browser’s search bar and look up “tipping etiquette.”

For smaller eateries, which might share tips among each shift’s workers, toss some extra bills in the tip jar. Same goes for musicians.

While we’re being a little more generous, consider those who might not expect tips, like your trolley driver, your dog groomer, the babysitter, and your favorite barista. And yes, even that Instacart shopper who pays attention to your note to “Please put the chips in the top of the bag.”

Want to make someone’s day? Once in a while, dish out a 50% tip or more. It’s fun to watch someone’s eyes light up!

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Page 4A

The Bluffton Sun

April 18, 2023

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 Mark Deloach Chris Dewey Collins Doughtie Jada Gaines Jean Harris

Curtis Loftis Weston Newton Nannette Pierson Joy Ross Gwyneth J. Saunders Cinda Seamon Larry Stoller

ADVERTISING

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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 8, April 18, 2023 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.

Recap of legislative session, family matters

By Weston Newton CONTRIBUTOR

The azaleas are only one of the reminders of how special spring is in the Lowcountry.

The beauty and majesty of our community is unmatched, and we are incredibly fortunate to live in this part of the world.

This spring has been exceptionally busy for the Newton family. Our youngest child complet- Weston Newton ed her college visits and decided she would be a Wofford Terrier, and our oldest completed her tenure as the student body president at the University of South Carolina.

Listening to Reedy delivery her State of the Student Body address, I was overwhelmed with a variety of emotions – incredible pride and joy for her success, but doleful with the realization that in a matter of weeks she will be heading out into the business world away from Bluffton, and we will be adjusting to an empty nest.

Thankfully, everyone was home for both Easter and the Heritage, and the nest was brimming with the chaos I will miss.

Activity in the House of Representatives was likewise very busy as we approached “crossover.” Notwithstanding, the fact that we are in the first year of a two-year legislative session, pursuant to the Rules of the House and Senate, no bill from the other

body can be considered by the other body unless received by April 10 or two thirds of the respective body’s members present and voting agree to waive the rule.

With that deadline rapidly approaching, the House worked long hours and late into the evenings to push various legislation over the finish line. I was proud to support the passage of bills that promote public safety, streamline the adoption process, provide parental leave to school district employees, put life-saving medication in the hands of more professionals, and prevent ESG (environmental, social and government) influence on our state pension plans.

The Pension Protection Act seeks to ensure the $39 billion in the state’s pension system will be invested to maximize the returns for the 600,000-plus state and local government employees, and not be compromised by ESG objectives. Twenty-five states are currently pushing back on ESG, and this bill codifies South Carolina’s current investing practices to guard against potential changes.

Earlier this session, I highlighted our efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and address fentanyl trafficking. Continuing with those efforts, we passed a handful of bills expanding access and dispensing authority to the life-saving overdose medication Narcan to school nurses, in addition to school resource officers and also to coroners, in the event they encounter overdose victims.

Allowing new parents to take time off to care for their children without impacting income or risking job security is essential

to retaining experienced and attracting new teachers. The House bill provides that upon the birth of a child or initial placement of a foster or adopted child, eligible school district employees will be provided paid parental leave to the same extent available to state employees.

The House unanimously passed a handful of adoption-related bills designated to make the process less burdensome while ensuring safety and integrity. The bills encourage family members to become guardians, eliminate the 90-day waiting time to finalize adoption, allow family court judges to waive pre- and post-adoption report requirements, and speed up the adoption process. These reforms mark some of the most significant efforts to improve the adoption process in decades.

Finally, we passed a bill to ban the dangerous low-riding “Carolina squat” vehicle modifications, restricting a vehicle’s back-tofront height differences to four inches.

Additionally, my Judiciary sub-committees held hearings on a boater safety and education bill, a bill to standardize municipal elections, expand the DUI laws to require ignition interlock devices in more circumstances, and limit the number of absentee ballots that any one individual may witness.

It is an honor and privilege to serve in the House of Representatives. Please contact me if I may be of assistance.

Weston Newton is the representative for District 120 in the State House of Representatives. WestonNewton@schouse.gov

Letter to the Editor To the Editor: For the past 12 years the Bluffton Area Community Association has contributed to our community fun with healthy and family-youth events because we love bringing people together.

This year’s Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt was a joy. We had more than 3,000 eggs to hide and around 150 little

people who ran out to pick up eggs.

We want to the thank the people and organizations who helped make this possible: the Bluffton High Baseball Team and Coach Bryant Kitty; Beaufort County Library Bookmobile; Campbell Chapel AME Church; Compassion Church, Bluffton; Jack Frost Ice; Judy Frost; Golis Family Jewelers; Shon-

da Jenkins and sister; Jamie Haight; Joan Simmons; Lowcountry Yard Art; Michelle Mostiler; Benny Mullins and Hargray; Andrea Pejeau; Bluffton High JROTC Cadets; Kelly and her Motorcycle Club.

Lenora Grayson Event Coordinator

April 18, 2023

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The Bluffton Sun

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The Bluffton Sun

April 18, 2023

SUN ON THE STREET

Calling on superpowers to make life better for everyone 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 –

Theresa King, Bluffton: “Creating healing arts – that’s what I do. When you put healing energy into the art, it will heal what you need the most.”

and just plain fun questions.

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

Kylie Parker, Bluffton: “Bringing joy, light and laughter to people.”

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

Inside and outside the SOBA

Mary Kate Bozzelli, Connecticut: “Mind-reading. I have to – I’m a social worker.”

Gallery on Church Street in Old Town Bluffton, we asked: “Consider yourself a superhero. What is your superpower?”

Abby Fuller, Cincinnati: “To transport to any place. I hate driving.”

Katie Fuller, Cincinnati: “To stop time – everything is going too fast

Memories Do Matter Speaker Series April 20, 2023 @ 4p.m.

Memory & Aging Dr. Paul Mazzeo Encompass Health, Bluffton

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Preparing for the Unexpected Panel Discussion St. Gregory the Great, Bluffton

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Ask a Neurologist Dr. Jill Trumble Memory Matters, HHI

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April 18, 2023

The Bluffton Sun

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The Bluffton Sun

April 18, 2023

MLK from page 1A sponded to COVID-19 in partnership with the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce with an idea called Help 4 Hope, an initiative that used charitable donations not only to provide meals to those in need, but to keep money flowing into local restaurants during the shutdown.

The initiative raised $250,000 and served as a Lowcountry introduction to a force for positive change. The contributions began going to organizations such as Deep Well, the First Tee in the Lowcountry, Community Foundation of a Lowcountry, Teed up for the Troops, Black Equity, the Literacy Center, the Bluffton MLK Observance Committee, Bluffton Self Help and the Mitchellville Preservation Project.

In his remarks, Watterson said he realized that people in his position have a really rare opportunity to step into a space and do things that others can’t.

“We have a lot of work to do, but every one of us can do it. I will tell you the time for talking is over. When we work together, I can’t tell you how beautiful things are when we work together,” he said. “And when we

come together, black and white, men and women, children of God, it is unreal how beautiful the outcome.”

Bonner and Denmark started Save the Shutters when someone told them of a family in need. The family had a tree fall on their house during a recent hurricane and, in the process of doing those repairs, found numerous other issues that needed correcting.

“We are not in the days anymore where you just make repairs to your home without going through certain permitting processes and getting certain reports and engineering information,” said Frazier in her introduction. “But it was them recognizing that instead of finding somebody else to fix the problem, they identified a problem and said, ‘Well, why can’t we do it?’”

Bonner and Denmark are architects with the firm of Pearce Scott Architects. With their knowledge and network, they brought in other partners in the trade and it became a community effort that saved the family’s home.

Now, Save the Shutters is looking for other

residents who have exhausted all of their resources and are in need of additional help to be able to stay in their home.

“Save the Shutters works with teams of volunteers in the community to pool resources, time, donations and kindness to make this goal achievable,” said Bonner. “It’s labor and material, love and community, and that’s what this is all about. We want to help our neighbors and we want them to stay where they are. We are lucky enough to know a lot of people and different partners that can help fill those gaps that other people don’t know. We’re just excited to be able to help people.”

Although unable to attend, the third recipient was Hilton Head Island resident Taiwan Scott, a real estate agent and entrepreneur. Scott was recognized for being an advocate for advancing opportunities for African Americans in business and housing.

When he ran into overwhelming roadblocks for his own enterprise, he made his presence known through attendance at town council meetings and organizing a five-yearlong protest. That resulted in the Town of

Hilton Head Island forming a task force that would examine a variety of problems and concerns affecting residents on the island.

Frazier noted that today the task force has more than 30 agenda items to work through.

Scott told Frazier that subdividing property and establishing new business enterprises has become easier.

Scott earned more recognition in his fight against gerrymandering. A federal court ordered South Carolina to redraw its 2021 congressional maps, ruling that Congressional District 1, anchored in Charleston County and other areas, were racially gerrymandered. The case was brought on behalf of the South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP, and one individual voter, Taiwan Scott, who was represented by the American Civil Liberties Union.

Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka said that the day’s program was a great way to celebrate King.

“He was the bridge builder. He spoke his belief and he wasn’t afraid. And he stood

Please see MLK on page 10A

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April 18, 2023

The Bluffton Sun

Page 9A

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Page 10A

The Bluffton Sun

April 18, 2023

MLK from page 8A

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up for people. That’s what this town does,” said Sulka. “So ask yourself if there are one or two people you can help, and let’s just remember what Martin Luther King stood for and be proud that we can be a force for our residents in our town and our county and our region.”

Bluffton Police Chief Joe Babkiewicz said that King was assassinated by a man with hate in his heart and prejudice, “Let us not remember him, but just remember MLK,” said Babkiewicz. “It’s not how he died that made him a hero. It’s how Martin Luther King Jr. lived his life dedicated to equality, justice, and love. … I’m proud to say his values will always be installed within our police department.”

Kathleen Hughes, chair of the Beaufort County Democratic Party, commented about service to community.

“Bridgette understands more than most that everyone can be great because everyone can serve. To quote Dr. King, life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ That’s a value that most of us here live by,” said Hughes.

Recalling a speech King wrote and delivered to Stanford University in 1967, Pastor Eddie Patten from St. James Baptist Church said he brought about eight issues that really pressed America then, and many will find that it still presses America today.

“One of the greatest things that still pressing America today is that there is a race problem in 2023,’ Patten said. “Martin Luther King began to say to us that there are two Americas. One is beautiful America that is flowing with the milk of prosperity and the honey of opportunity. … And yet in this other America, there is a daily ugliness that persists.” Patten cited unsafe housing, impoverished communities, educational inequities and discrimination as among the issues.

Today, there are still two Americas,” Patten continued. “Martin Luther King began to say to us, even in the midst of the two Americas, that we look for a nation that is one nation that is indivisible, that is standing for liberty and justice for all.”

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

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Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park - Downtown Beaufort Please join us as we celebrate the memory of the ones we love as we release butterflies over the Beaufort River

$12 per butterfly which can be picked up at the event at 10:30 am For more information call Friends of Caroline at 843-525-6257

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April 18, 2023

The Bluffton Sun

Page 11A

Elaine Lee - Savannah, GA

THE ART OF EXCEPTIONAL CARE

A sudden onset of weakness in her limbs and hands began interfering with two of Elaine’s biggest joys: painting and bike riding. Additional symptoms, including slurred speech and severe trouble swallowing, led to electromyography (EMG) and muscle biopsy testing, which revealed necrotizing autoimmune myopathy – a rare autoimmune condition attacking the muscles.

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Under the care of Dr. Poston, a neurologist, Elaine was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and other lifesaving drugs. Immunosuppression and regular follow-ups with Dr. Poston and multiple St. Joseph’s/Candler specialists helped Elaine regain her strength and return to the pursuits she loves.

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Page 12A

The Bluffton Sun

April 18, 2023

Lifelong Blufftonian Mary O. Merrick honored for dedication

By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR

When Mary Olive Pinckney Merrick’s name is mentioned – usually shortened to “Mary O” – longtime residents know who she is, and frequently can say “I recall the time when” she had a particular impact on their lives.

A teacher and defender of the region’s natural resources, Merrick grew up on her family farm, known as Calhoun Plantation, next to the Colleton River. Her dedication to her family, faith, students, community and Bluffton’s natural rich beauty was recognized April 11 with a ceremony giving her a place on the Town’s Wall of Honor in the Theodore D. Washington Municipal Building.

Merrick was highly intelligent.

She graduated top of her class from Bluffton High School in 1937. She also graduated from Florida State Univer-

GWYNETH J. SAUNDERS

Celebrating the recognition of their mother on the Town of Bluffton Wall of Honor April 11 were her five children, from left, Howard Merrick, Mary Connor, Chuck Merrick, Beth Merrick, Priscilla Coleman.

sity at the age of 19, taught school in Florida, and also became a chemist for Union Camp in Savannah.

“She was the smartest person I’ve ever known. Even now,” said her daughter, Priscilla Coleman. “She was very much an environmentalist. She did a lot for the county and the area to preserve the river.”

Merrick fought several industrial efforts to build manufacturing plants on Victoria Bluff and protected her childhood property from development.

Coleman said those efforts included keeping the chemical corporation BASF and Baron Yachts from building factories in the area.

Watching the increase in development around Pinckney Colony, Merrick signed development rights to the Beaufort County Open Land Trust to preserve the land, and encouraged

Please see HONOR on page 14A

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The Bluffton Sun

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April 18, 2023

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others to follow her lead.

Merrick and her husband, Edwin, raised five children on the family farm.

Coleman remembered they often went camping with her father, who taught them fly-fishing.

Merrick taught math and science for 30 years at Bluffton High School and McCracken High School. A number of former students – not just her children – were present at the ceremony.

She not only championed the causes of clean water, clean air, and controlled development, but also equity based on ability as she recruited and mentored numerous students to these causes.

Family friend and classmate Wiley Inglis had Merrick for math, science, physics, chemistry and algebra.

“She was my teacher for five years.

I remember one time, she went to the office to take care of some paperwork and while she was gone, we took a beaker and put a drop of everything in the chemistry lab in it,” said Inglis. “When she got back to the room, she asked, ‘What’s that smell?’”

Town councilmen Fred Hamilton and Larry Toomer were among her many students.

“She was an awesome lady, awesome teacher. She taught me a lot, and I am just totally humbled that she is being recognized with the Wall of Honor,” said Toomer. “She was my math teacher. I was good with numbers, and understanding math has helped me more in life than anything I learned from other teachers, not that I didn’t like them. Being able to look at numbers and do math in my head without a computer or pencil has helped me tremendously throughout my life.”

Hamilton described her as a teacher that was part of “the Village.”

“She was one of those teachers that followed you from school to home, was very committed to you being obedient as well as being studious in and out of class,” said Hamilton. “She was truly gifted in that respect and gained a lot of respect because she showed love in and outside of the classroom. I’d see her in the grocery store or other places

and she would always make sure my behavior was always in line. It wasn’t always, but I straightened up when I saw her.”

Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka, who knew Merrick and made the presentation, had a story to tell on her two council colleagues.

“Years ago, I had Fred and Larry on council and these [council chamber] doors opened up. You felt like you’re in a movie. They opened up and here’s this light, and here’s Mary O. walking down with her cane,” Sulka said. “And those two men straightened their backs. It was visible. They’re like ‘Yes, ma’am. Anything.’ It was precious. That shows what kind of person she was.

People just had such respect for her – whether they learned under her or learned around her.”

Hamilton’s football coach was Howard Merrick, one of Mary O’s sons.

“She was very caring, demanding and religious,” said Howard. “She loved her kids. She was very supportive and she loved her husband. She was very much a mother. That’s why her initials are M.O.M.” Merrick was known to speak her mind, according to daughter-in-law Diane who is married to Chuck Merrick. The couple own UPick Daffodils at the Daffodil Farm.

“I remember one time Mr. McCracken, who was principal, was running for something about 50 years ago. He was calling all of his teachers to see if they would vote for him, and she had the courage to tell him no. She thought it was about time for someone else to run. She spoke her mind but she wasn’t rude about it,” said Diane Merrick.

“She was a proponent of Sun City, and she was a hard-working woman. She wasn’t at all pretentious, and she was really very humble. She was quietly powerful.”

Merrick died at her home Feb. 24, 2014.

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

April 18, 2023

The Bluffton Sun

Page 15A

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The Bluffton Sun

April 18, 2023

Mental health issues of youth at core of community forum

By Amy Coyne Bredeson CONTRIBUTOR

An ongoing study of brain development and child health has revealed that one in five children had some type of mental health diagnosis at baseline, with anxiety being the most common, according to Medical University of South Carolina neuroscientist Anna Kirkland.

Kirkland spoke to a crowd of parents, students, teachers and leaders at the free Community Forum on Child/Adolescent Mental Health and Wellness held March 27 at Bluffton High School.

Beaufort County School District superintendent Frank Rodriguez, Board of Education chairperson Dr. Christina Gwozdz, Bluffton mayor Lisa Sulka and Hilton Head Island mayor Alan Perry were all in attendance.

The event was organized by the Lowcountry Alliance for Healthy Youth (LCAHY) in response to the United States surgeon general’s plea for a community-wide approach

CATHERINE TROT TER

Health and wellness care providers had tables of information available at the Community Forum on Child/Adolescent Mental Health and Wellness held March 27 at Bluffton High School.

to protecting mental health in young people, said Dr. Loretta Novince, psychologist and

Health Services Administration, half of all lifetime cases of mental and substance use disorders begin by age 14, and three-quarters by age 24,” Novince wrote in an email to The Bluffton Sun. Students who participate in Teens for Healthy Youth, an initiative of LCAHY, asked members of the community to get involved in promoting positive teen mental health and wellness.

MUSC clinical psychologist Alexis Garcia spoke about the signs and symptoms of adolescent depression, anxiety and behavior disorders. She discussed the risk factors for mental health problems in young people and shared some of the strategies for assessing and supporting their mental health and wellness. Some of those strategies include effective communication, parental monitoring and finding access to resources.

Garcia noted that three out of four children with depression also have anxiety and one out of five children with behavior

consultant for the group.

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The Bluffton Sun

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The Bluffton Sun

April 18, 2023

MENTAL HEALTH from page 16A

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problems also have depression. She also shared the somber fact that the top three causes of mortality in people ages 15 to 24 are accidents, suicide and homicide.

Kirkland spoke about the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study that is being conducted at 21 sites across the U.S., including at MUSC in Charleston.

In a phone interview after the forum, Kirkland said the study involves almost 12,000 children who are now between the ages of 12 and 13. It began when the participants were ages 9 and 10, and will span about 10 years.

Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the study tracks the biological and behavioral development of participants from adolescence into young adulthood using brain imaging, biological samples, cognitive tests, interviews, questionnaires and the use of Fitbits, Kirkland said.

“The end goal is to translate all of this data into either prevention or intervention treatment,” Kirkland said.

So far, Kirkland said researchers have gathered some important information, including the following: • At the first visit, 33.7% of participants met the criteria for an anxiety disorder, 18.8% met the criteria for ADHD, and 14% met the criteria for oppositional defiant disorder.

• At the first visit, 9.7% of participants were taking some kind of psychiatric medication.

• At the first visit, 15.4% of participants were receiving some kind of treatment for mental health problems.

• Mental health problems, including depression, anxiety and impulsive behav-

ior, were negatively correlated with sleep duration – so higher levels of mental health problems were connected to shorter sleep time.

• Mental health problems in the parents were also correlated with short sleep duration in their children. Depression symptoms had the strongest relationship with sleep problems.

• Screen time has increased from four hours daily in 9- to 10-year-olds to more than seven hours daily in 12- to 13-yearolds.

• Substance use experimentation, such as having a sip of alcohol in a non-religious setting or taking a puff of either cannabis or nicotine, increased from 23.1% at ages 9 and 10 to 39.7% at ages 12 and 13.

• Substance use initiation, such as drinking a standard alcoholic beverage or trying more than just a puff of cannabis or nicotine, increased from 1.1% at ages 9 and 10 to 7.4% at ages 12 and 13.

“One thing that I read one time was that kids aren’t adults with just fewer miles on them,” Kirkland said. “They are at a unique point in their lives, and they are doing the best they can with what they have. Our job as parents, educators, guardians, mentors, what have you, is to help them grow and develop, and to do that as safely as possible.”

For more information on the LowCountry Alliance for Healthy Youth and to find mental health resources, visit lcahealthyyouth. com. For more information on the ABCD study, visit abcdstudy.org.

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

Meet our Editor LYNNE COPE HUMMELL, EDITOR Lowcountry resident for 37 years

A native South Carolinian, Lynne hails from the capital city of Columbia, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism at the University of South Carolina. She moved to Hilton Head Island in 1984 for a typography job, not even realizing there was a beach. The next year, she met Amos, the man who would become her husband and soul mate.

They married in 1990 on one of the beaches they discovered.

A frequent crosser of the bridges to Bluffton, Lynne worked at the local daily for nine years and has been with the Sun since 2009. While her job is editing, she also enjoys writing, and is confident there is a novel in her head somewhere.

ENJOYS: Waterfalls, good coffee, hanging out with the fam.

April 18, 2023

The Bluffton Sun

Page 19A

Ramirez awarded top honors from Criminal Justice Academy

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COURTESY S.C. CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY

Officer Richard Ramirez, center, of the Bluffton Police Department was awarded the J.P. Strom Award and the Physical Fitness Award and named the top officer in the recent graduating class of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. With Ramirez are Bluffton Police Chief Joe Babkiewicz, left, and Lewis “Jackie” Swindler, director of the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy.

The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy awarded Bluffton Police Officer Richard Ramirez two top honors during the graduation ceremony March 31 for the most recent law enforcement training class.

Ramirez received the J.P. Strom Award as the top student in his graduating class, as well as the Physical Fitness Award for scoring highest for all physical fitness categories.

The J.P. Strom Award is the Academy’s most prestigious award and is bestowed on the student who obtains the highest overall academic average in each class.

The award memorializes Joseph Preston “Pete” Strom. He was the eighth chief of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), serving from 1956 until his death in 1987. Strom led the movement to raise professional law enforcement standards within the state.

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

Ramirez joined BPD in September 2022.

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

This is the second time a Bluffton police officer received top Academy honors.

Officer Frank Ginn, Jr. was awarded the J.P. Strom Award June 26, 2020.

The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy is an eight-week program.

It consists of classroom, field training, firearms, and physical ability instruction required to become a law enforcement officer in the state of South Carolina.

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The Bluffton Sun

April 18, 2023

Workshop to be held for help with naturalization process A free naturalization workshop will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 6 at the Bluffton Public Library, 120 Palmetto Way in Bluffton.

The workshop will offer resources and assistance to help attendees prepare an application for U.S. citizenship.

Those attending should bring: Green card; list of your addresses for the past five years; a list of all of the trips you have taken outside the USA since becoming a permanent resident; list of employers or schools attended in the past 5 years; marriage certificate, divorce decrees, and children’s birth certificates.

Attorneys will be on hand to assist in reviewing naturalization applications and eligibility.

In addition, volunteers are needed to assist in preparing forms for attendees. Volunteer arrival time is 10:30 a.m. for a brief training meeting.

For more information, or to register or volunteer, contact Deverall Immigration Law at 843-815-7444 or La Isla Magazine at 843-681-2393.

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April 18, 2023

The Bluffton Sun

Noteworthy • Bluffton Branch Library will host two special upcoming events that are free and open to the public.

On April 20, author Stuart Bennett will discuss his book “The Charleston Gambit,” a romance set against the backdrop of the 1780 British siege of Charleston and its aftermath.

Light refreshments will be served.

Books will be available for sale by the Friends of the Bluffton Library. Profits from sales will benefit the Bluffton Library.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. From 10 a.m. to noon April 29, Master Sergeant Daniel Allen, crime prevention/assistant public information officer of the Beaufort County Sheriff ’s Office, and Rape Aggression Defense instructor Christina Owens will present “Talk & Tips.”

They will give facts about sexual assault in our community and provide tips on what can be done to prevent and combat it.

No registration is required for either event.

• The Knights of Columbus Cardinal Bernardin Council will host a Charity Golf Outing April 22 at Pinecrest Golf Course in Bluffton.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Four-person teams will play in a scramble format.

The event includes lunch and prizes, a raffle and a silent auction. Four hole-inone prizes will be offered.

Registration is $90 per player, and includes greens fees, cart and range balls.

Golfers may sign up individually or as teams by calling Phil Burke at 631-7938393 or emailing him at philburke111@ gmail.com.

• Lowcountry Legal Volunteers will host its 11th annual Wild Women’s Tea Party from 2 to 4 p.m. April 29 at Indigo Hall at Indigo Run. The theme is “An Afternoon At Tiffany’s.”

Riley Miller, news reporter and anchor at WJCL-TV, will be the emcee. Guests are encouraged to wear their finest jewel-

ry and perfect little black dress.

The event will include a fashion show from J. McLaughlin, raffle prizes, silent auction, and prizes for best hat, best dressed, best table, and wildest hat.

For tickets, visit lowcountrylegal.org.

• The Hilton Head Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in needlepoint to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship.

The group meets the first Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Upcoming meetings are May 2 at the Indigo Run Clubhouse on Hilton Head Island and June 6 at Palmetto Electric in Hardeeville.

For more information, email hiltonheadislandchapter@needlepoint.org.

• May River Quilters will meet at 10 a.m. May 6 at Palmetto Electric Cooperative, 1 Cooperative Way in Hardeeville.

To attend as a guest, email RSVP to mayeriverquilters@gmail.com.

For more information and for membership form, call 843-705-9590.

• A cornhole tournament to benefit #KaileyStrong will be held May 7 at Lot 9 Brewing in Bluffton to benefit the family of Kailey Morris, an eighth grader at River Ridge Academy who is battling cancer.

Registration being at1 p.m. with the tournament starting at 2 p.m. Cost is $25 per person or $50 per team. Prizes will be given for first, second and third place winners.

Register online at KaileyStrong2023@ gmail.com.

For more information and T-shirts, visit @CheerOnKaileyMorris on Facebook.

• Sankofa Nights, an evening of storytelling, dinner and a silent auction, will be held May 12 at 6 pm. At the USCB Hilton Head Campus. The event is a fundraiser for the Lowcountry Gullah Foundation.

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The Bluffton Sun

Buck Island-Simmonsville community meeting set for April 25

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The Town of Bluffton will hold a meeting at 6 p.m. April 25 for the Buck Island-Simmonsville (BIS) community to discuss updating the Neighborhood Plan, as well as discussing the status of public and private projects. The meeting will be held in the Rotary Community Center at Oscar Frazier Park, 11 Recreation Court.

The original Buck Island-Simmonsville Neighborhood Plan was approved by Bluffton Town Council in 2009 to guide development and Town projects. Town projects in the community include installation of sewer lines, sidewalks and lighting.

The Buck Island-Simmonsville community is among the 8% of Town neighborhoods that are not in a planned neighborhood, therefore did

not benefit from planned infrastructure.

In conjunction with the Comprehensive Plan, the BIS Neighborhood Plan serves as a long-term, comprehensive policy guide for the development and infrastructure additions.

The BIS Neighborhood Plan acts as a vision of how the community would like to see its future.

Town staff members are working to update the Buck Island-Simmonsville Neighborhood Plan. The current plan is available at townofbluffton.sc.gov/ DocumentCenter/View/2917/BuckIsland---Simmonsville-Neighborhood-Plan-PDF. For comments or any questions, contact Charlotte Moore, principal planner, at cmoore@townofbluffton. com.

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April 18, 2023

The Bluffton Sun

Noteworthy Storyteller Sista Patt will speak and share stories about the culture, its foodways and music.

The mission of the Lowcountry Gullah Foundation is to preserve and protect historic Gullah Land. The Foundation raises funds to assist Gullah Geechee families who are trying to untangle issues with heirs’ property and or struggling to pay their delinquent county taxes.

In addition to financial assistance, the Foundation provides necessary solutions to prevent yearly returns to the tax list and resolve heirs’ property for good.

Tickets are $65 and are available at EventBrite.com or gullahland@gmailcom, or 843-715-3506.

• The next Lowcountry Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 17 at Hampton Hall Clubhouse in Bluffton.

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The theme is Derby Days, and the feature will be a presentation from members of Heroes on Horseback.

The invited speaker is Rose Lewis.

Cost is $28 and must be prepaid by mailing check, payable to CWC Bluffton, to Carol Mock, 607 Argent Way, Bluffton SC 29909. For more information, call Julie Ott at 602-705-5465, or find the group on Facebook.

• Donations of fabric and sewing items are being sought for the first Fabric Fair at God’s Goods Thrift Store, 15A Centre Drive in Bluffton.

The event will be held May 19-20 at God’s Goods in the Youth Center. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Donations may be dropped off at the store Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

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The Bluffton Sun

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Bourbon & Bubbly, benefit for BJVIM, set for May 11

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Bluffton Jasper Volunteers in Medicine (BJVIM) will host its major fundraiser, Bourbon & Bubbly, a Lowcountry dinner party, to benefit BJVIM from 6 to 10 p.m.

May 11 at Hewitt Oaks, 205 Stillwell Road in Bluffton.

The public is cordially invited to join in the evening of bourbon and champagne tastings, dinner, and musical entertainment.

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour under the cascading oaks – including jazz music, a bourbon tasting bar, hors d’oeuvres and a special offering of silent auction items to bid on.

Following the cocktail and social hour, there will be a Lowcountry-inspired four course dinner, including champagne and wine selections, and a fabulous dessert finale.

“Hewitt Oaks is the perfect backdrop for this wonderful evening,” said Pam Toney, executive director of BJVIM. “We are so appreciative of our loyal supporters and friends of BJVIM that always help make this event such a success.”

A silent auction before dinner and a post-dinner live auction will be moderated by well known Charleston auctioneer Tom Crawford.

Tickets for Bourbon & Bubbly are $150 each; a table for eight can be reserved for $1,200.

Proceeds from the event will help to expand the Ridgeland Clinic and supply medical care for the underinsured community

of Bluffton and Jasper counties. Presenting sponsor for Bourbon & Bubbly is Parker’s Kitchen and title sponsors are Hilton Head Regional Health Care and Charter One Real Estate.

For more information regarding tickets and auction items, visit BJVIM.org or contact Dennis Toney at dennisbjvim@gmail. com or 843-706-7090, ext. 110.

In operation since 2011, BJVIM’s Bluffton facility is located at 29 Plantation Business Park, Building 600. There is a second clinic located in Ridgeland at 11332 N. Jacob Smart Blvd.

BJVIM operates with the help of 110 medical and non-medical volunteers, including bilingual volunteers that speak Spanish. BJVIM sees an average of 125 patients a week and requires a minimum of 67 volunteers per week to operate; this includes administrative staff, doctors and nurses.

Bluffton-Jasper County Volunteers in Medicine is one of more than 400 independent free clinics under the guidance of the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics. The clinics offer free medical exams, counseling and nutritional services, as well as preventative disease education to the uninsured and financially qualified members of our community.

The greater Bluffton and Jasper County clinic provides more than 5,000 medical appointments a year. For more about BJVIM, visit BJVIM.org.

April 18, 2023

The Bluffton Sun

Page 25A

Bluffton’s ‘crown jewel’ is due a community cleanup

By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR

The 21st annual May River Cleanup will begin a third decade of the Bluffton community taking to its shores and waterways to clear the river of lost, tossed and stormblown items that don’t belong in the water.

“The May River is the crown jewel of Bluffton,” Mayor Lisa Sulka said. “The river’s existence is a major component to Bluffton’s identity, essence and joy. This event is an opportunity when the Bluffton community can take care of her in return for all the beauty she brings us.”

The event is scheduled for 9 to 11:30 a.m.

May 6, originating at the Oyster Factory Park.

Two cleanups are held annually, with the River Sweep held in September as an opportunity to pick up after summer vacation.

In the past 20 years, volunteers, community partners and town staff members have removed approximately 55,000 pounds

PHOTOS COURTESY TOWN OF BLUFF TON

of litter, debris, discarded appliances and abandoned boats from the May River and Bluffton Historic District. Some of the items retrieved have included boat steering wheels, hard hats, buoys, lawn chairs and many tires.

The town has paired up with numerous partners and one of them encourages using the river to clean it.

“We’ve always partnered with the town of Bluffton, and because there are so many kayakers in the area, we invite our local kayakers to come down and launch,” said Jean Fruh, executive director of The Outside Foundation.

Boats, kayaks and paddleboards should arrive at 8:30 a.m. to allow time for setup.

The town also partners with younger environmentalists, Michael C. Riley Elementary School will host the Annual School Participation Challenge. This will be the eighth time the school and the town have partnered for this

School groups participated in the 2022 May River Cleanup. Michael C. Riley Elementary will host its eighth School Participation Challenge to encourage other students to participate.

Please see CLEANUP on page 26A

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Page 26A

The Bluffton Sun

April 18, 2023

CLEANUP from page 25A

BLUFFTON Post Office Job Fair Beaufort/Burton Post Office Job Fair Hilton Head Post Office Job Fair Hardeeville Post Office Job Fair Ridgeland Post Office Job Fair Tuesday, April 25th, 2023 10:00AM - 1:00PM.

Located in the Bluffton Branch Library Multi-purpose room 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton SC 29910 ASSISTANT RURAL CARRIERS (Sat/Sun Amazon) RURAL CARRIER ASSOCIATES (Relief Carrier) Apply for all SC Post Offices US Postal Service Postmasters will be on hand to answer your questions about careers with the USPS!

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Visit www.usps.com/careers to complete an application.

Online assessments can now be completed from your electronic devices.

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Volunteers for last year’s May River Cleanup collected trash along the river’s edge, in the water and around docks. This year’s event will be held May 6 at Oyster Factory Park.

event. Students and their families will have the opportunity to take part in the cleanup and waste reduction efforts provided by i2 Recycle.

Coastal Kingdom will be partnering to assist the Town with the School Participation Challenge, and participants will be given a reward at the end of the school year.

Part of the purpose of the community event is education and outreach. Educational booths provided by Lowcountry Stormwater Partners/Town of Bluffton, Coastal Kingdom, The Outside Foundation, and i2 Recycle will be available to visit by the time the cleanup is finished.

The Town’s press release notes “this is an important component because Beaufort County’s large expanses of salt marsh, tidal rivers and deep channels provide for a high level of biodiversity, allowing wildlife such as oysters, dolphins and cobia, to flourish. This also means that the ecosystem is sensitive to the environmental pollutants found in the stormwater that drains into rivers and streams, carrying pollutants with it.”

Partners also include Corner Perk, which will provide coffee and hot chocolate, and i2 Recycle, which has provided since 2015 the opportunity to process and recycle suitable

materials collected by event volunteers. This has resulted in more than 3,200 pounds of waste being diverted from the local landfill.

When the event is over, partner Waste Management will provide disposal services for all materials that cannot be recycled.

Partnerships also include American Rivers, Lowcountry Stormwater Partners (LSP), Outside Hilton Head, Port Royal Sound Foundation, Keep Beaufort County Beautiful, Beaufort County Solid Waste & Recycling Division, Beaufort County Soil and Water Conservation District, Palmetto Pride, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium.

Volunteers are asked to meet at the Oyster Factory Park at the end of Wharf Street. All supplies, including gloves, vests, bags and water will be provided by the Town of Bluffton, American Rivers, Palmetto Pride, Keep Beaufort County Beautiful and Beaufort County Solid Waste & Recycling.

Personal supplies such as sunscreen, bug spray and water will be also provided.

The town of Bluffton will provide snacks and lunch.

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

April 18, 2023

The Bluffton Sun

Page 27A

TCL signs agreement to join South Carolina Veteran Coalition MATHEW EPPS MD P L A ST I C S U RG E RY

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TCL President Dr. Richard Gough and Col. David Rozelle (ret.) signed a Memorandum of Understanding March 13 for the Technical College of the Lowcountry to partner with the S.C. Department of Veterans Affairs to join the South Carolina Veteran Coalition.

The Technical College of the Lowcountry has partnered with the S.C. Department of Veterans Affairs to join the South Carolina Veteran Coalition.

In a signing ceremony held March 13 on TCL’s Beaufort Mather Campus, representatives from the college and the department signed a Memorandum of Understanding effectively making TCL one of the coalition’s newest members.

“This is a great day for TCL and for our veterans and their family members who make up a significant percentage of our student population,” said TCL President Dr. Richard Gough, who signed the agreement on behalf of the college.

Comprising state and county veterans affairs leaders and veterans service organizations from across the state, the South Carolina Veteran Coalition was formed in April of 2022 and works to improve care for veterans, their spouses and family members based in South Carolina.

The agreement enables coalition members to provide and expedite specific services to the state’s veteran population. In TCL’s case, that includes education and training as well as future services available through its Office of Military and Veteran Programs, said officials on hand at Monday’s signing.

Director of Operations for the Department of Veterans Affairs retired U.S. Army Col. David Rozelle, who signed the agreement on behalf of the department, thanked TCL for supporting veterans.

“The pathway for our veterans back to being great and thriving is through education,” said Col. Rozelle. “That’s really the first stop, and education leads to employment, and employment leads to thriving.”

Having been a career Marine, Dr. Gough echoed Col. Rozelle’s comments.

“We really want to reach out to our military population, veterans, active duty and their families and get them what they need to move on to the next phase of their life or, if they’re on active duty, to improve their skills while they’re still in,” he said.

For more information on TCL’s military and veterans services, visit tcl.edu/military-programs.

The Technical College of the Lowcountry is the region’s primary provider of higher education and workforce training. The public, two-year, multi-campus community college serves approximately 5,000 students annually. TCL has campuses in Beaufort, Bluffton and Hampton and serves Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. For more information, visit tcl.edu.

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The Bluffton Sun

Town to celebrate opening of park in Buckwalter Place

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Town of Bluffton will celebrate the official opening of its second public park in Buckwalter Place April 28, with a brief celebration ceremony at 5:30 p.m., followed by the movie “D.C. League of Super-Pets” at 6 p.m.

The Town bought the park in late September 2022. It was formerly owned by eviCore and includes a fenced-in park with restrooms, benches, outdoor bistro furniture, amphitheater, and a large field.

This park is adjacent to the Town’s Buckwalter Place Park, where the Bluffton Veterans Memorial Park resides. The second park will become an extension of the Buckwalter Place Park and its sections will also be available for renting and events, beginning in July.

“Purchasing this park just made perfect sense,” Mayor Lisa Sulka said.

“This enlarges the Town’s park portfolio

in one of the town’s fastest growing areas and adds an oasis of recreation amidst the commercial offerings of Buckwalter Place.”

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for the movie.

The schedule for the April 28 Park Celebration is: • Park opens at 5 p.m. with music, bounce houses and concessions • Celebration ceremony to begin at 5:30 p.m., with ribbon-cutting • Movie Night, featuring “D.C. League of Super-Pets” 6-8 p.m.

• Food trucks will be available, incuding Chef B’s Eatz, Lowco Grub, and Rolling Cow Creamery The park is located at 20 Carecore Drive, across from the Bluffton Police Department.

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The Bluffton Sun

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Page 30A

The Bluffton Sun

April 18, 2023

Town seeks citizens to fill vacancies on committees Applicants are being sought for Bluffton Town Council appointed committees, including the newly formed Public Art Committee.

Many terms of those on various Town’s boards, committee and commissions will expire in June. Note that most vacancies have specific criteria.

The most immediate need for new appointees is on the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee, with four vacancies.

Two vacancies are for representatives of the hospitality industry, one vacancy for a representative of a local cultural organization, and one vacancy for a representative of the lodging industry.

In addition, the Affordable Housing Committee has three vacancies: one vacancy for a representative of a community organization (i.e., non-profit or an organization which exists to serve the community), one vacancy for a representative of the banking/mortgage industry and one vacancy for a Bluffton resident.

The Beautification Committee has two

vacancies; these vacancies are for a Town resident, business owner or freeholder (i.e., Bluffton property owner).

The Board of Zoning Appeals has four vacancies; these vacancies are for a Town resident, business owner of freeholder (i.e., Bluffton property owner).

The Construction Board of Adjustments & Appeals has two vacancies. One vacancy is for an engineer and the second is for an electrical contractor.

The Historic Preservation Commission has three vacancies: two vacancies for a resident, business owner or property owner in the Historic District, and the third vacancy is an at-large position (i.e., applicant has a demonstrated interest, competency and/or knowledge in historic preservation).

The Municipal Election Commission has one vacancy for someone who is a resident and is registered to vote in the Town of Bluffton.

The Planning Commission has two vacancies for a town resident, property-owner (i.e., freeholder), or business owner.

The Public Art Committee has seven vacancies. Town Council is seeking inaugural committee members for this new committee. Applicants can be those who produce art, sell art, is an art broker, or work within the art community. Members of this committee may not submit proposals for consideration during their tenure on the committee and must recuse themselves from any votes or discussion related to projects, donations, or submittals with which they have a relationship.

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

Applications are kept on file for two years.

Applicants 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 details of qualifications, duties and responsibilities are listed at townofbluffton.sc.gov.

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The Bluffton Sun

Page 31A

Hargray seeks grant applications Hargray, along with the other Cable One family of brands, is accepting applications for the company’s 2023 Charitable Giving Fund through April 30.

The company annually awards $250,000 in grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Grants will concentrate support in the priority areas of education and digital literacy, hunger relief and food insecurity, and community development Last year the company awarded grants to nearly 60 nonprofits, including organizations serving the homeless, providing child advocacy, offering senior assistance, and supplying food to those in need.

The Charitable Giving Fund is an extension of the company’s existing corporate social responsibility efforts, which include: • Supporting national organizations dedicated to advancing education and

diversity, including the Emma Bowen Foundation and the National Diversity Council.

• Supporting the mission of Special Olympics, which provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports, as well as health, arts, and leadership and advocacy programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

• Planting trees through the Arbor Day Foundation on behalf of customers who switch to paperless billing.

By the end of 2023, the company will have planted 130,000 trees in its markets and national forests.

• Supporting the mission of Keep America Beautiful in cleaning up and beautifying communities across the U.S. For more information about the Hargray Charitable Giving Fund, visit hargray.com/charitablegiving.

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Page 32A

The Bluffton Sun

April 18, 2023

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April 18, 2023

The Bluffton Sun

Page 33A

Business Briefs

Kassie Sikes

Tracey Cannon

• Kassie Sikes has been named lower school principal and Tracey Cannon has been promoted to assistant middle and upper school principal at Cross Schools in Bluffton.

Sikes comes to Cross Schools from Calvary Day School in Savannah, where she served as lower school director for the past seven years. Cannon has been with Cross School for nine years in other roles.

Sikes brings more than 15 years of educational experience to her new role.

She served as academic development coordinator at Calvary Day. Over the

years she has taught in both private and public schools, from pre-K through middle school. She has also held leadership positions as an instructional and literacy coach.

Cannon is an expert teacher and mentor, and recently completed a Master’s degree in educational leadership. She has provided assistance in a variety of parttime administrative roles over the past few years, in addition to coaching the middle school girl’s basketball team.

Cross Schools was established in 1998 as an independent Christian school.

The school expanded to its Buckwalter Campus, at 495 Buckwalter Parkway, and serves more than 600 students in preschool through high school.

For more information, visit crossschools.org or call 843-706-2000.

• Chris Correll has been named executive director at Benton House of Bluffton.

Correll has more than 20 years of ex-

perience managing a variety of senior living communities, including assisted living and memory care. His career began shortly after graduating from Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in Chris Correll health studies, where he completed an internship in his hometown of Chicago.

During his career, he developed a passion for seniors, delivering consistent clinical outcomes with impeccable customer service. Additionally, he has accomplished many personal goals including establishing a consultant firm as well as developing and managing a rental company.

In January, Correll and his girlfriend moved from Chicago to Bluffton with their two children ages 15 and 18. Correll and his family love the outdoors and plan

to do a lot of fishing and golfing in their new home.

Benton House of Bluffton, which offers assisted living and memory care for seniors, is located at 8 Hampton Lake Drive.

For more information, visit bentonhouse. com.

• Albert Schubert has opened Citadel Self Storage at 121 Okatie Center Blvd.

North.

The facility offers more than 62,000 square feet in temperature-controlled self storage units that are kept safe with 24hour security.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Schubert also owns four additional locations of Citadel Self Storage, including one in the Palmetto Bluff area.

For more information, call 843-9621980, email info@citadelokatie.com or visit CitadelSelfStorage.com/okatie.

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Page 34A

The Bluffton Sun

April 18, 2023

LEGAL

Life estate deed not popular, but can be good transfer tool

By Jada Gaines CONTRIBUTOR

One of the most underused estate planning tools is a life estate deed (LED).

Though LED’s should be used with caution, there are a number of goals it can satisfy versus making an outright transfer of home ownership to someone.

An LED is a deed that effectively and legally transfers real estate from one party to another. The parties to an LED are known as the “life tenant” and the “remainderman.”

The life tenant is the current owner(s) of the property who transfers future ownership in the property to the remainderman, who is the beneficiary.

The life tenant reserves the right to remain in the home during their lifetime. Upon their death, the lifetime right of use and enjoyment of the property then terminates and the remainderman becomes the full owner.

There are a few common benefits of an LED: • Avoids probate. Upon the death of the life tenant(s), the remainderman becomes the full owner of the property. The property associated with the LED keeps the home out of the probate process.

• Asset protection tool. An LED can serve as asset protection and Medicaid compliant tool protecting the home from nursing homes. Note that the deed transfer is still subject to the five-year lookback period.

• Guaranteed residency for life tenant(s). The life tenants have granted themselves the right to live in the property during the remainder of their lifetime.

• Less expensive. An LED is typically a less expensive tool than creating a revocable living trust or an asset protection trust.

• Remainderman’s creditors can make no current claim. The current creditors of your named remainderman cannot make a

claim against the property that would affect your right to live in the home during your lifetime.

• Tax benefits. An LED offers the ability to get a “stepped-up basis” at capital gains upon a potential sale of the home after the death of the life tenant. The remainderman typically will receive the same tax treatment as if the property had passed to them at death with a stepped-up basis.

In addition, the life tenant continues to qualify for and receive many property tax exemptions during their lifetime (i.e. homestead exemption, senior citizen tax exemption etc.)

There are, however, some pitfalls of LED: • Deceased remainderman. If one or more of your named remainderman dies, their interest in the property becomes part of their own estate.

• Sale of property. If the life tenant sells the property, the remainderman is entitled

to share in the sale proceeds.

• Mortgage. If there is still a mortgage on the home, or the current owner wants to remortgage the home, a bank or lender may have an issue with a remainderman being on the deed. It’s recommended that prior written consent from a bank or lender is obtained before an LED is signed.

Overall, a life estate deed does offer many benefits, especially for smaller families or those whose primary assets are their homes.

While this estate planning tool on its face might not be best suited for everyone, you should consider all of your options that may be available to you.

To learn more about life estate deeds and discuss your estate planning goals, contact an estate planning attorney.

Jada L. Gaines is an associate attorney with Elder Law & Estate Planning Center in Bluffton. hiltonheadelderlaw.com

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April 18, 2023

The Bluffton Sun

Page 35A

MONEY

Automated contributions can grow your 529 savings

By Curtis Loftis CONTRIBUTOR

The flowers, the trees, the birds, even the seasonal allergies signal spring is here. It’s always refreshing – aside from the allergies – to welcome a new season of growth. And it’s good to remember that growth doesn’t need to be limited to nature.

Maybe this is the season you’ll choose to make a simple change to your Future Scholar 529 savings routine that could grow your investment and move you closer to your education goals.

We all know daily spending can add up.

Before you know it, the money you intended to contribute to a 529 account has been spent, and you’ve skipped a month or more of contributions. Sometimes life just happens, and you forget to deposit the funds.

You can set up electronic bank transfers that will move whatever amount you choose

into your 529 account on a regular basis, perhaps every two weeks or every month.

These automatic contributions, even in small amounts, add up over time.

Today, many employers pay their employees through direct deposit. It’s a safe and speedy way to compensate workers.

Beyond basic employee compensation, many employers have begun to offer their workers the capability of splitting direct deposits to flow into multiple accounts. For example, part of your paycheck can be sent to a checking account and a portion can be sent to an investment account, such as a Future Scholar 529 college savings account.

Whether through electronic transfer or direct deposit, the ease of automating contributions is getting rave reviews. A study by the Consumer Federation of America found that 83% of Americans think automatic transfers are the most effective way to save.

Here’s a quick look at why automating

your contributions makes achieving consistent savings easy.

• You save time. You won’t have to log into your 529 account every month to submit your payment.

• You have nothing to remember. Automating contributions mean you can set it and forget it.

• You pay yourself. By automating your contribution, you pay yourself the money that will help cover the cost of a child’s education in the future.

• You stay on course. Automatic contributions put the guardrails in place that keep you on the road to reaching your savings goal.

• You stay in charge. You can always take the guardrails off. It’s easy to adjust or stop recurring contributions.

Even though automating your contributions is a no-brainer, it’s still a good idea to set aside a specific time to check into your

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529 account. Spring is the perfect occasion to take a look at your 529 growth and analyze any changes in your salary to see if you’re able to contribute more to your account.

Next, take time to check your tax status.

Are you getting a refund you could add to your education savings? Or maybe you need a tax deduction. In South Carolina, Future Scholar allows you to make 529 contributions up until the April 18 tax deadline and deduct them from your 2022 state income tax return.

When you set up automatic 529 contributions to save for future education, you give your money the chance to grow as your child does. Before you know it, you’ll be very glad you did.

Curtis Loftis is the State Treasurer of South Carolina. He also serves as administrator of the state’s Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan. treasurer.sc.gov or futurescholar.com

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Page 36A

The Bluffton Sun

April 18, 2023

Beaufort Memorial welcomes familiar face back to clinical team

Through an Eternal Law you are burdened with an irrevocable obligation to make atonement, which you can never cast upon others. What you burden yourselves with through your thoughts, words or deeds can be redeemed by no one but yourselves!

Consider, were it otherwise Divine Justice would be but an empty sound, in which case everything else would also crumble into ruins.

– Abd-ru-shin

Nikki Keisler, M.D., a board-certified family medicine specialist broadly experienced in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illness, has joined Beaufort Memorial Palmetto Medical Group in Bluffton.

Dr. Keisler first came to Beaufort Memorial May River Primary Dr. Nikki Keisler Care in 2019. In order to be closer to family, she left in 2022 to join Piedmont Physicians at Thomas Crossroads Family Medicine in Newnan, Georgia, but decided to return when the lure of the Lowcountry proved too strong.

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A native of Fort Stewart, Georgia, she earned a Doctor of Medicine from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia and completed a residency in family medicine at Palmetto Health Richmond Family Medicine Residency (now Prisma Health Richland Hospital), also in Columbia.

At Beaufort Memorial Palmetto Medical Group, Dr. Keisler joins Drs. Scott Cummings and Robert Smith, physician assistants Stephanie Lovato and Erica Roper, and nurse practitioner Jennifer Stokes.

The practice offers a full range of general outpatient medical care with an emphasis on wellness and on chronic disease management. Laboratory services are available on-site.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keisler or any of the practice’s other providers, call 843-706-0600.

April 18, 2023

The Bluffton Sun

Page 37A

FAITH

Love one another, regardless of their varied beliefs

By Nannette Pierson CONTRIBUTOR

In terms of religion, “mutual respect” refers to living comfortably and contently among all faiths and recognizing each religion’s value for different people.

As a theologian and scholar, when studying the historical Jesus in many Eastern and Western texts, I always ask myself if I am reading them right. When I do, I discover an even more empowering Jesus emerges and I recognize how amazing life can be when we love one another no matter one’s belief.

Approximately 2.2 billion Christians have just journeyed with this Messiah through the darkest of time, leading up to His crucifixion, to the brightest of time, emerging victorious over death from the tomb. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, followed by the Passover meal with the disciples on the night he

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was betrayed and arrested.

Good Friday commemorates the trial, suffering and death of Jesus, then the stillness of Holy Saturday, with the week ending in new beginnings with Resurrection Sunday, when the women discover the empty tomb and are told by an angel that the crucified one is risen!

Reform Judaism, birthed in the 19th century in Germany in reaction to the strictness of the Judaism of the day, made a radical change, and instead of praying for a Messiah, now pray for a Messianic Age. This led me to wonder: If I had been raised in Reformed Judaism, rather than Roman Catholicism, might I believe the same?

The basis of Jewish belief is the Revelation at Mount Sinai, which they saw with their own eyes and heard with their own ears, not dependent on the testimony of others … as it says, “Face to face, God spoke with you. …”

While the Jewish people do not rely on

miracles as the basis for their religion, Christians do, even if only one little drip at a time.

These aren’t all life-changing moments; most are small, where only a few are renewed and redeemed, and many wonder if God has abandoned them as they look at their broken lives. Who can blame them if they send the same message to Jesus that John the Baptist did: “Are you the one, or should we look for another?”

For reasons beyond my understanding, the Messiah decided not to come all at once like a tsunami, but like a steady rain fall for the past 2,000 years. And every time someone lives as Jesus lived, by loving as He loved, another drop falls.

I understand that for some it is not enough, for others it is a way of life and blessed are those who take no offense at Him. The disciples of Jesus spent the days after His death fearful, confused and grieving. They were defeated, until they saw him

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alive again and his first words were “Peace be with you.” Shalom.

So, I ask myself, what would cause these scared men to suddenly spread the message of Jesus to the ends of the earth? What would cause 10 to be killed for testifying that Jesus lived, while the 11th was exiled and imprisoned? I can’t imagine that these first followers were willing to die for what they believed was a lie!

In this Eastertide of new life, 50 days from Resurrection Sunday to Pentecost Sunday, many across all time and generations, spirits and hearts woven together in love, stand in testimony that even in an age of unbearable pain, sickness and division, still we rise and sing “And Are We Yet Alive!” – for we are Resurrection People!

Rev. Dr. Nannette Pierson is an itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and pastoral associate at Campbell Chapel AME in Bluffton.

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Page 38A

The Bluffton Sun

April 18, 2023

SENIORS

Don’t be scared into accepting more popular Medicare plans

By Chris Dewey CONTRIBUTOR

Over the past few months, I’ve noticed a rather disturbing trend, particularly in the Lowcountry. Agents are using scare tactics to mislead their prospects into enrolling in the popular Medicare Plan G rather than the lower-cost Plan N. Why are they doing this? Agents, on average, make 22% of the total premium their clients pay each year. Keep in mind, rates are the same for everyone, no matter where you buy your Medicare supplement plan.

You can buy your supplement from an agent in an agency, an independent agent who works alone, or directly from the insurance carrier. Either way, you pay the same.

So rather than being scared and choosing a supplement based on fear, I want you to choose a plan based on risk avoidance and

knowledge.

Plan G and the Plan N offer virtually the same benefits, with a few exceptions. Both plans have an annual $226 Part B deductible, but the Plan N has a $0 to $20 doctor copay after hitting the $226 deductible and a $50 dollar ER copay. The only other difference agents exploit to get a higher commission is excess charges.

There are three types of providers in the Medicare space: participating (they accept Medicare assignment in full), non-participating (they don’t accept Medicare assignment, but will bill Medicare), and lastly 1% of providers opt out and are private contract providers that will not work with Medicare.

About 96% to 98 % of participating doctors accept Medicare assignment, which means excess charges never come into play.

Three percent are non-participating doctors – most of which are psychologists or

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podiatrists, according to the Kaiser Foundation, and these doctors are allowed to bill Medicare only 95% of the Medicare fee schedule, not 100% like the participating providers, but they can charge 15% above the Medicare assigned rate for a procedure.

So Medicare pays 80% of the procedure, your Plan N pays the other 20%, and the doctor could charge 15% above the assigned rate (excess charge). Again, only 3% of doctors can charge excess charges.

For example, let’s say you get a claim of $100 from a non-participating doctor. They are allowed to charge you 95%, or $95 of the $100 dollar claim. Let’s say they charge 15% excess charges from $95, then that leaves you with an excess charge of $14.25 after Medicare, and your Plan N supplement pays its share, which equates to a 9.25% excess charge.

Now let’s look the rate increase history between Plan G and Plan N. My few

same-aged Plan G clients averaged 9% rate increases per year over the past five years and my Plan N (same age) clients received, on average, 2.9% rate increases during that same period.

So if you start out at $85 per month with Plan N at a 3% average annual rate increase, in 10 years you will be paying $111.23.

But Plan G folks will start off at $111.58 per month and based on the 9% rate increase they incurred, they’ll pay almost double that, at $222 per month in year 10.

My Mutual of Omaha Plan G clients in Georgia received an 8% increase back in December, but my Plan N Omaha clients had a zero rate increase for the year.

Don’t be scared into making the wrong choice. You’re on Medicare for life. Consider the impact of rate increases over time.

Chris Dewey is the founder of May River Medicare Insurance in Bluffton.

April 18, 2023

The Bluffton Sun

Page 39A

BEAUTY

Fabulous fixes to fight frizzy hair, and other fun tips

By Joy Ross CONTRIBUTOR

I received such positive feedback from my column about hair tips that I decided to do another.

We are getting into our least favorite time of year for weather that affects our hair – that is, damp and steamy. (April showers, remember?)

At this point, most of us are walking around with a stunning halo of fuzz. This fuzz is part of living in the South near salty, wet air.

There are zillions of defrizzing products on the market. Anything that is silicone based or creamy should keep frizz at bay. However, use caution when applying, because your hair can get too oily and will need to be reshampooed.

The best solution to this fuzz issue is the Brazilian blowout for a three- to four-month

remedy. It actually changes the hair texture and makes it so much easier to style. The fuzz disappears and the hair is smoother, without compromising the body or curl.

A keratin relaxer also solves the frizzies and makes the hair much straighter. It’s kind of a Brazilian blowout on crack.

The benefit to both of these treatments is

they are good for the hair and are somewhat cumulative – so you don’t have to have them as frequently as the first few times.

Luckily, controlled wavy hair is very “in” right now. The poker straight hair is out.

Taking on more interest are beachy waves, braids, bangs, and curls.

Actually, anything and everything is in – as

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long as the hair is shiny and healthy. And as long as it’s a style that’s suited for your face and lifestyle.

I’ll say it again: Perms are great for you if you don’t want to have to do anything with your hair. The less you do, the better it looks.

Sun damaged, brassy, over-lightened hair is a no-no. It is very common in this climate as well. A clear sealer can be done in the salon that closes down the cuticle layer, making the hair look so much healthier and happier.

If that is coupled with a demi color, it will bring the hair back to a rich, natural color.

Then, clear sealing will improve the integrity of the hair 10 times.

Whether it’s a temporary wash-out laminate product or a salon treatment, you can give your hair some love and care and reboot it with some awesome salon products and services.

Joy Ross is owner of Style It Salon in Old Town Bluffton. styleitsalon.com

Page 40A

The Bluffton Sun

April 18, 2023

PETS

How to motivate your dog to pay attention and learn

By Abby Bird CONTRIBUTOR

What is a primary motivator for dogs? It is what can get your dog’s attention the fastest and the most consistently to teach a skill or to redirect from an unwanted behavior.

For each dog, the item or items can be different in different situations. For puppies, it is mostly treats, usually soft ones that appeal to their sense of smell and taste. This is true because they have been exposed to so little in their short time on Earth, so trying new things – especially with a scent or taste – is still very interesting.

As they get older this might change. It could sometimes still be treats, but new ones that they do not experience regularly, and so they remain interested. The more distracting something is in their environment, the higher the level of the primary motivator that you offer.

For older dogs that are rescues and might not have been raised in a home, treats are not always as important as they are for a puppy. And yet sometimes the older dog might be even more interested than a younger pup.

You can start with small treats and see if they want to work for you by offering them.

If they show little interest, then switch to stinky treats, which have a better chance of getting their attention.

If nothing works and you have tried several kinds, then switch to something of higher value, such as freeze-dried liver or chicken treats or freeze-dried raw treats.

Still no luck? Then try human food such as string cheese or American cheese or chicken hot dogs or fresh cooked chicken or similar. Don’t give up until you have exhausted lots of options, since food is what works best for training.

If food is not your dog’s primary motiva-

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tor, there are other potential options to teach your dog necessary skills and to get their attention. Play and toys are the next best choices.

What usually works is something that squeaks or can be thrown, such as a ball or a tug toy. The sound or sight of a favorite plaything as a reward for good behavior or having learned a new skill is a great choice for dogs that are play obsessed.

Mostly these are interactive toys, meaning play with you as opposed to things that they

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play with by themselves. They represent an excellent reward at the end of training sessions or in real life situations.

For certain dogs, your touch might be the motivator. Getting their belly rubbed, getting a scratch under their chin, or having their ears rubbed are common motivators.

Touch is often overlooked as a form of motivation, but many dogs prefer that type of reward system.

Taking the time to learn what pushes your individual dog’s buttons to get the best and most consistent response is worthwhile early on in your relationship. You might need to adjust them as the dog matures or just loses interest, but continuing the search to keep them stimulated is very important.

Your relationship with your own dog is unique.

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

April 18, 2023

The Bluffton Sun

Page 41A

SPORTS

Tips for buying a golf cart – for home, dog park, even golf

By Jean Harris CONTRIBUTOR

Golf carts are no longer restricted to the golf course. Families have caught on to the ease of this mode of transportation and carts are extremely popular in neighborhoods all over Bluffton.

If you’re thinking about buying a cart for your family or for your golf game, there are many factors to consider. First, should you buy new or used?

USED: If you decide to buy a used cart there are a number of things you should consider: • Should you buy from a dealership or from an individual who is selling their cart?

A dealership is going to put the cart through a number of check-points, including tires, body, battery and brakes. They will certify the cart.

If you are buying from an individual, you

JEAN HARRIS

Jeff Norden and his dog, Mimi, enjoys rides on their custom-design golf cart.

need to check the batteries. Make sure they are free of corrosion, dirt and grim. The

batteries don’t have to be new, but you need to know how old they are.

You can expect at least a four-year battery life from lead-acid based batteries that you need to water regularly. If the cart has lithium batteries you don’t have to water them and they last at least eight years.

Another item to check is the tires. Replacing them can be costly. Make sure that the seller has a maintenance history from a dealership.

REFURBISHED Refurbished carts are those that have been used solely in a golf course fleet. They are usually a couple of years old. Dealerships generally purchase these carts and strip them. You then can choose new seats, body, tire size, batteries, and various accessories.

Make sure that the refurbished cart is verified by a certified dealer.

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Page 42A

The Bluffton Sun

Featured Pet

Lola arrived at the Palmetto Animal League Adoption Center with her eight beautiful puppies several weeks ago, and she has watched her babies find their new homes. She is a spry and energetic dog who is the perfect size for an adventure buddy. She would do well in a home by herself, since she has shared her space with her puppies for so long. Lola is 4 years old, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped. If you are interested in adopting Lola, call our adoption center at 843-645-1725 or email us at info@palmettoanimalleague.org to set up an appointment.

April 18, 2023

CART from page 41A of red and black. The dealership comes to your house and do a yearly checkup on tires, battery, brakes, etc.

NEW In the past five years, there have been a great many changes to golf carts. Dealerships have popped up all over Bluffton and Hilton Head. You can buy carts manufactured by Icon, E-Z-Go, Yamaha, Bintelli, ClubCar and more. Kerry Davis, retail sales manager at E-Z-Go, recommends that all buyers of carts should get lithium batteries.

According to Annie Andrews, Club Car dealer, the majority of people who live in golf communities still buy the conventional two-seater since they aren’t using the cart on the road. However, many people purchase golf carts for other purposes besides golf.

In Sun City, for instance, many of the residents use their golf carts for tennis, pickleball, shopping and more. I use my cart daily to take Arnie, my dog, to the dog park.

One of the golf carts I’ve seen at the dog park is owned by Jeff Norden. His cart is custom-made and built in California and looks like a roadster.

You can choose a golf cart for golf only.

These carts can have USB outlets, sound systems, turn signals, brake lights, lithium batteries, and 8-inch tires for golf courses use, allowing 19.1 mph. Most carts used for golf are either two- or four-seaters.

You can also choose a four- to six-seater cart that can be used for street surfaces.

These carts can have bigger tires, hydraulic brakes, seat belts, Bluetooth sound systems, reverse camera, headlights and taillights, windshield wipers, turn signals and more – keep in mind that you need special insurance for these road vehicles. These vehicles have a 17-digit VIN number. (Sounds like a car to me).

Finally, another option is a gas-powered cart. These can travel up to 300 miles on a tank. Many of the road vehicles use gas especially in rural areas. Gas carts have become popular at golf courses due to lower maintenance.

Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at local golf courses. jean. golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean. com

April 18, 2023

The Bluffton Sun

Page 43A

NATURE’S WAY

Fishing trip yields great moments for landlocked anglers

By Collins Doughtie CONTRIBUTOR

Before I get going here, I need to come clean about the pitfalls of being an outdoor writer. As any of you that read my columns on a regular basis might know, the majority of my columns revolve around fishing.

However, fishing stinks from the first of the year through March or April, when the water finally begins to warm up along with the fish that have been lethargic due to the cold (combined with a serious case of lockjaw). This situation makes it challenging for writers like me to come up with interesting columns during this period.

This year in particular has been a struggle, because as ready as I was to get out there, the wind kept me tied to the dock for a good month or so when normally I would have had a couple of trips under my belt.

Even more frustrating than day after day of high winds was the itch to head out on my new ride owned by my best bud Dan Cornell, with whom I have fished for more than a decade. You might recall that I wrote about our trip to Florida last fall to pick up this beautiful vessel.

Champing at the bit to get out to the Gulf Stream in search of wahoo and mahi, we spent three days sorting all our tackle, relining and oiling reels, and organizing lures for this and that species. All we needed was calm winds and flat seas and we were ready to bolt.

Stream. My belief is the fish feed all night in the bright moonlight, so by morning they are fat and happy and ignore even the best presented baits we put out.

Thinking it over, Dan and I decided to bag going to the Gulf Stream and instead go bottom fishing. A lot of anglers scoff at bottom fishing, but both Dan and I love it. Even if Dan Cornell with one of many huge red snapper caught on our first day out this spring. the moon were to shut But day after day when I checked the down bottom fish too, at least we were way marine forecast, it called for wind and rough closer to land while saving a ton on fuel. seas. I am not used to being landlocked for We invited George Norton, a friend from so long and depression set in, to the point I Kentucky whom I have guided for several thought I was going down a dark rabbit hole. years, and Mike “Everyone Drives a Used Maybe you think that is ridiculous, but if I Car” Cody, owner of Lowcountry Motors. go a long spell without feeling salt air on my Blasting off at 8 a.m. – and I mean blasting face and the scream of fish dumping line off off, at 48 mph – we were at my first spot in a reel, it really does take me down. no time.

Eventually, though, that day finally came Dropping our baits down, we got not a when the forecast said “Go!” Checking single nibble. Not wasting time, we headed multiple forecasts, I was shaking my head in a little farther out to another spot and the despair when I learned that, of all things, the same-same. Running another few miles to moon was going to be full on the very day spot No. 3, the sonar screen was literally we planned to go. covered with fish!

If you are wondering why that should On the very first drop of our baits, all I affect anything, I can tell you from expecould hear was both reels and my anglers rience that a full moon can shut down the screaming as every rod was bent double. biting, especially 70 miles out in the Gulf Dan pulled up a big red snapper more than

30 pounds, while both George and Mike brought up other huge snapper, trigger fish and stud vermillion snapper.

On the next drop, all rods again hooked up and this time Mike brought up a really nice gag grouper. Sadly, both red snapper and grouper are out of season and had to be released, but that didn’t bother me one bit because all the tension I had been feeling while landlocked was instantly gone.

To say the bite was off-the-chart is putting it mildly. It was insane!

Both George and Mike were using a two hook “chicken rig” and just about every time they reeled up, both hooks held huge vermillion snapper or big trigger fish.

Those who scoff at bottom fishing must not know that just about every fish caught are prime table fare, with firm, white flesh that when cooked pretty much melts in your mouth.

We fished just a couple of hours and limited out on vermillions and trigger fish while we released Lord knows how many red snapper, grouper and amberjack.

I guess since the bite has indeed begun, I’ll have plenty to write about in the coming months. To best describe this amazing day, the saying “Variety is the spice of life” says it all.

Collins Doughtie, a 60-year resident of the Lowcountry, is a sportsman, graphic artist, and lover of nature. collinsdoughtie@icloud. com

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Page 44A

The Bluffton Sun

April 18, 2023

SAFETY

Lowcountry yards, landscapes are not immune to wildfires

By Cinda Seamon CONTRIBUTOR

People often think that dangerous wildfires occur only in the western United States, when in fact there is high fire activity in the South. Think of all the natural vegetation we have here. It can be fuel for a big fire.

Weather, topography and fuel are all elements together that determine how likely we are to have a fire, how fast a wildfire will burn, the direction a wildfire will burn, the intensity, and our ability to control the fire.

More people are now living in high vegetation areas and with more people using our wildlands, there is a greater chance of a fire starting. Today’s wildfires can burn intensely and be difficult to control. This can mean a greater loss of life, more property loss, more damage to natural resources and a great expense to all.

So what can we do to live more safely in

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Wildfires can start easily with dry brush in fields and yards.

this environment? For one we can manage the vegetation around our house and create a “defensible space” (the area between a house and an oncoming wildfire that has been modified). It can be as simple as a well maintained backyard.

Defensible space also provides an oppor-

tunity for firefighters to effectively defend a home.

Remember that all vegetation, plants and trees are potential fuel for a fire. We can keep plants shorter, change the arrangement of plants, increase moisture in the area, remove dead branches and leaves, mow dried grass,

and remove low tree branches that come in contact with homes.

Keep only small amounts of flammable vegetation, get rid of dead vegetation and flammable debris and keep plants green and healthy during fire season. Routine maintenance of your landscape is the best thing you can do.

There are some plants that are more fire resistant than others. They are less likely to ignite and they don’t burn so intensely.

They have stems and leaves that are not oily or waxy and have a high moisture content.

They are easy to prune and maintain and are drought resistant. Some common fire resistant plants are tulips, red oak, periwinkle, vinca, crape myrtle, azalea, and Boston ivy.

For more information on wildfires in South Carolina, visit state.sc.us/forest.

Cinda Seamon is the fire and life safety educator for Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue.

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April 18, 2023

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GARDEN

Watch lawn closely for signs of fungus, grubs, over-watering

By Mark Deloach CONTRIBUTOR

As the weather warms up and lawns begin to come out of dormancy, it’s essential to keep an eye out for any signs of fungus.

Fungal diseases can quickly spread in damp and humid conditions, and excess watering can contribute to the problem.

It is crucial to water your lawn appropriately, making sure not to overwater, and to avoid watering in the evening when moisture can settle and create ideal conditions for fungal growth.

While watering is important, it’s critical not to water your lawn too frequently. Most lawns only need about an inch of water per week, and this can be adjusted based on rainfall. Watering deeply and less frequently can encourage deep root growth and make your lawn more drought resistant.

In addition to proper watering, it’s important not to fertilize your lawn until it’s fully greened up. Fertilizing too early can cause new growth that’s susceptible to disease and pest problems. Instead, wait until your lawn is actively growing and needs the added nutrients.

Now is a good time to apply grub and mole cricket control. These pests can cause

significant damage to your lawn, and preventative measures can help to avoid costly repairs later in the season. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and apply the products at the appropriate times to ensure they are effective.

If certain areas of the lawn took a hit over the winter or if you’re looking for a boost in color or density, we recommend applying organic top dressing. A half-inch layer of organic compost will significantly help with growth, given the right environmental factors (proper sunlight and watering). We see thousands of dollars wasted on seed annually and would recommend this safer alternative if you are looking to enhance your existing lawn.

In summary, as lawns come out of dormancy, it’s important to watch out for fungus, avoid excess watering, wait to fertilize until your lawn is fully greened up, apply preventative measures for grub and mole cricket control, and water appropriately based on rainfall and the needs of your lawn.

By following these tips, you can help ensure a healthy and thriving lawn throughout the growing season.

Mark Deloach is the owner of Lawn Doctor of Beaufort County.

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Page 46A

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April 18, 2023A

REAL ESTATE

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Technological advances in the real estate industry are skyrocketing.

Internet searches are better than ever, online real estate information is abundant, photos are phenomenal and there’s not much you can’t do on today’s state-of-the-art real estate websites.

As technology in real estate continues to expand, the real estate agent’s involvement in providing better service, accurate information, clear communication, and timely follow-up will become more important in managing the overall real estate transaction.

That’s because this business of selling real estate is very relational and cannot be replaced by technology and robot realtors.

However, I do think that real estate agents who don’t adapt may be displaced.

I also believe that full utilization of technology, world-class service, and absolute trustworthiness will be the trademark of consummate real estate professionals.

I also think that real estate buyers and sellers will look for the following attributes and skills when choosing a Realtor to represent them: • High ethical standards. The Code of Ethics differentiates Realtors from the competition. As real estate continues to be the most important transaction in the lives of

consumers, integrity and loyalty are crucial agent characteristics. Now and in the future, real estate agents must continue to be honest professionals to the public and trusted advocates to their clients.

• More than just facts and figures. With all the real estate information that’s available online, consumers are better informed about the local housing market than ever before.

Therefore, in addition to being a local market expert, today’s real estate professionals must effectively utilize their skills and complete tasks that a computer cannot perform: negotiating contract terms, handling sensitive situations, and resolving contingencies to ensure a trouble-free transaction and successful closing.

• Embracing real estate technology: Technology is changing the real estate industry big-time, and it’s only the beginning.

Today’s savvy real estate agents are better prepared by updating their knowledge of new technologies and implementing these technologies to give their clients the competitive real estate advantage.

Visit 3SequoiaCourt.com to see an example of how an exclusive property website promotes a property every day of the year 24/7.

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

April 18, 2023

The Bluffton Sun

Page 47A

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The Bluffton Sun

FLIGHTS

NEW

Hartford CT

April 18, 2023

Westchester/ White Plains NY

New Orleans LA

From August 2022 Travel + Leisure®, published by TI Inc. Affluent Media Group, a Dotdash Meredith company. Travel + Leisure® is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Holdco, LLC, a subsidiary of Wyndham Destinations, Inc., and is used under limited license.

The Art Market

Coastal Discovery Museum, April 29-30

ut llo ion Pu ct Se

April 18, 2023 • SECTION B Volume 26, ­Issue 8

Page 2B April 20-30 “Ripcord,” by Lean Ensemble Theatre at HH Prep Main Street Theatre, 3000 Main St., Hilton Head Island.

7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets $45 at leanensemble.org or 843-715-6676.

April 21-23 Old Town Bluffton Spring Fling, various events including Spring Art Walk 5-7 p.m. Friday; Earth Day and live demos at art galleries in Old Town, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; Sunday brunch in downtown restaurants, with shops and galleries open. Shopoldtownbluffton.com or blufftonartsdistrict.com April 21 Joe Jencks, folk singer-songwriter, in concert, 7 p.m. at Music on Malphrus, 110 Malphrus Road, Bluffton. General admission tickets $25 at door; doors open 6:15 p.m. uulowcountry.org or MusicOnMalphrus@gmail.com April 21-22 “Dance ... Rhythm in Motion,” annual Rainbow of Rhythm production, featuring the dance clubs of Sun City. Performances 7 p.m. April 21; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. April 22. Tickets $15 at Magnolia Hall box office or 843-645-1870.

April 21-23 “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Beaufort Theatre Company at USCB Center for the Arts, 801 Carteret St., Beaufort. Adult $30, student $15, senior/military $25. 843521-4145 or uscbcenterforthearts.com (Not recommended for children under 16.)

April 18, 2023 April 22 “Let’s Rock,” 7 p.m. concert at Seahawk Cultural Center, 70 Wilborn Road, Hilton Head Island. Fundraiser for Foundation for Educational Excellence, featuring local bands, solos and students of Hilton Head Island High School, and celebrating the school’s 40th anniversary. General admission tickets $20 at foundationedexcellence.com and at the door. Students with ID, $5 at door; teachers with ID, $10 at door.

70 Wilborn Road, Hilton Head Island. Tickets $20 adult, $10 students and children 18 and under.

April 23-24 HHSO Harmony, Series Finale: The Planets, 4 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Monday, First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway.

May 5 SOBA 2nd annual Art Auction Fundraiser, in partnership with Bluffton Soup Kitchen, 5:30-9:30 p.m. at Bostwick Pavilion at Moss Creek. Tickets $100. Proceeds benefit both nonprofits. sobagallery.com

April 26-May 28 Sondheim’s “Company,” Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, tickets at 843-8422787 or artshhi.org.

April 28-May 7 “The Rise and Fall of Little Voice,” May River Theatre at Ulmer Auditorium, 20 Bridge St., Bluffton. Performances 7:30 p.m. April 28-29, May 5-6; 2 p.m. April 30, May 7. Tickets $26 at mayrivertheatre.com.

April 29 Abby Posner, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, at Music on Malphrus, 110 Malphrus Road, Bluffton. General admission $25 at door; doors open at 6:15 p.m., music at 7 p.m. uulowcountry.org or MusicOnMalphrus@gmail.com April 29-30 “Terpsichore,” presented by Hilton Head Dance Theatre, 7:30 p.m. April 29, 2:30 p.m. April 30, at Seahawk Cultural Center,

Through April 30 “Bring Nature Home,” art exhibit by Karen Richards at SOBA gallery, 6 Church St. in Old Town Bluffton. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. April 6, free and open to public. sabagallery.com or 843-757-6586

Through May 6 Bluffton 8th Grade Juried Art Show, featuring student art from Bluffton schools, on exhibit at Bluffton Library. People’s Choice voting through April 29. Artist Awards reception May 4.

May 11-14 “Steppin’ Out,” Sun City Chorus and Orchestra, at Magnolia Hall 118 Sun City Lane in Sun City. Open to public. 7 p.m. May 11-13, 2:30 p.m. May 14. Tickets $27 at suncitytix@gmail.com or 843-941-9729.

Through May 13 “Art That Makes You Smile: The Gently Surreal Art of John K. Crum,” at Art League of Hilton Head, 14 Shelter Cove Lane. Gallery hours 10 am.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday, and 90 minutes before every Arts Center performance. artleaguehhi.org or 843-681-5060

April 18, 2023

Page 3B

‘Rise and Fall of Little Voice’ tells familiar tale for actor APRIL 26 – MAY 28

By Lynne Cope Hummell The 4-year-old Ellie Friedman might have inspired the performance of the adult Ellie Friedman in the May River Theatre production of “The Rise and Fall of Little Voice,” opening April 28.

The play, by British dramatist Jim Cartwright, tells the story of a young heroine, called Little Voice, who has a hidden talent: She can emulate every chanteuse from Judy Garland to Edith Piaf to Lisa Minnelli and Barbra Streisand.

Her talent was encouraged by her beloved father, a big fan of the divas. When the girl was very young, she would sit on his knee while he played his records, and she learned to sing their songs.

For Friedman, that part rings true.

“I did start singing with my dad. He would play the piano at Christmas events at Long Cove Club and I would stand on the piano bench and sing – when I was 4,” she said. “That went on for a couple of years.”

In the play, when the girl’s father dies, she retreats to her bedroom, becoming nearly agoraphobic. She plays the records and sings alone.

Her mother, a drunk who hates the old songs, plays her own music to drown out the sound. When a new gentleman friend comes to visit the mother, he hears Little Voice, and determines to make her a star – and make himself rich.

The first attempt in a nightclub is a flop.

She was awful. For the next event, she gets dolled up and does a complete cabaret performance – and succeeded in entertaining

the audience.

For Friedman, she began her theatrical career at the ripe age of 8, when she appeared in her first local play. She went on to get involved in local theatre productions, then a show choir at Hilton Head High School.

More recently, she has been involved with May River on stage, as crew and as a board member.

Liz McGinnes, director of the local production, has known Friedman for a number of years.

“Ellie and I saw this show at SCAD years ago,” she said. “We were so chuffed about it that we knew we wanted to do ‘Little Voice’ someday,” she said. “When it came around to picking this season (at May River Theatre), Ellie said, ‘We can do “Little Voice”’ … so we sort of sold it to the board.

McGinnes said she sees many parallels between the character of Little Voice and Friedman’s real-life experiences in choral groups and theatre performance. “This isn’t Ellie’s story,” she said, “but I felt like there were some parallels – in this person with his incredible voice, sort of coming in and out of the shadows a little bit.”

The cast also includes Diane Carter, Gregg Steele Heppner, Haden Gonsowski, Beth Schlieger, Tony Falgiani and McGinnes.

Performances of “The Rise and Fall of Little Voice” are 7:30 p.m. April 28-29, May 5-6; and 2 p.m. April 30 and May 7.

Tickets are available at mayrivertheatre. com.

May River Theatre is located at 20 Bridge St. inside Bluffton Town Hall.

On the night of his 35th birthday, Robert struggles to think of a wish to make as he blows out his birthday candles.

The lone New York bachelor, surrounded by his married friends, is uncertain whether he should simply be happy with his lot in life or wish for his own romantic partner.

Company, Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking modern musical, is a mature, intelligent, and wildly funny look at relationships, vulnerability, and “being alive.”

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Page 4B

April 18, 2023

SOBA offers ‘Art for the Soul …

Food for the Community’ The Society of Bluffton Artists is partnering with the Bluffton Community Soup Kitchen for its second annual Art Auction fundraiser. The spring fiesta-themed event will take place from 5:30-9:30 p.m. May 5 at the Bostwick Pavilion at Moss Creek.

The event will feature live and silent auctions of original works of art by local artists.

The community is invited to bid on their favorite pieces while enjoying food, beer, wine and sangria in a picturesque Lowcountry waterside setting.

The theme for this year’s event is “Art for the Soul … Food for the Community.” Proceeds from the Art Auction will support the Bluffton Community Soup Kitchen’s core mission of feeding the hungry in Bluffton, as well as SOBA’s scholarships for budding art students in the local community.

Each week, the Bluffton Community Soup

Kitchen provides hundreds of hot meals to the elderly, sick, shut-in, homeless and members of our community living in poverty. In addition, the organization offers a food pantry which includes healthy food options and hygiene supplies.

In 2022, the Bluffton Soup Kitchen distributed more than 35,000 hot meals to local residents in need. For more information, visit blufftoneats.org.

Tickets are $100 and are available at bit.ly/ sobaartauction.

Business sponsorships are also available.

For more information, visit sobagallery.com/ event-sponsorship.

Early Diners Save on Your Entrée with a Complimentary Glass of House Wine!

Dine In Between 5 – 5:30 PM Monday – Saturday and Save 10% off Your Entrée & Enjoy Wine on Us*

Waterfront Dining at it’s Best!

*Dine in only. Must be seated and ordered by 5:30pm. Offer expires 4/30/23. Cannot combine with any other offers.

Reservations Strongly Recommended

17 Harbourside Lane • Hilton Head 843-785-5517 • www.bistro17hiltonhead.com

April 18, 2023

Page 5B

SUMMER KICK OFF CONCERT OYSTER FACTORY PARK Friday April 21ST 5:30-9:30 LIVE MUSIC FEATURING

FOOD COURT CRAFT BEER WINE BAR VENDORS & MORE

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Page 6B

April 18, 2023

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13 Harbourside Lane #2-H Hilton Head Island 843-785-6424 • Nashgallery.com

April 18, 2023

Page 7B

Step out with Sun City Chorus and Orchestra concert

198 Okatie Village Dr. Suite 105 Next To Sun City Food Lion 843.707.1750

OPEN 6 DAYS PER WEEK – TUESDAY THRU SUNDAYS – OPEN 4:00PM TO 10:PM

CALAMARI NONNA ROSA CALAMARI FRITTI ANTIPASTO BRUSCHETTA EGGPLANT ROLLATINI MOZZARELLA FRITTI GLUTEN FREE FOCACCIA

By Rhonda Harris The Sun City Chorus and Orchestra will present its spring concert, “Steppin’ Out,” May 11-13, at Magnolia Hall, 118 Sun City Lane in Sun City. The public is invited.

Performances are 7 p.m. May 11-13 and 2:30 p.m. May 14.

Art Hansen, director, and Lorraine Hansen, assistant director, have selected contemporary arrangements of favorites that may evoke a range of emotions and seasoned memories, as well as toe-tapping surprises.

Love in its many forms is celebrated.

There’s romantic love in the iconic, sweeping, “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing.”

Vern Conway, chorus vice-president and longtime member, said, “Each time we begin rehearsals, I soon find myself caught up in the magical poetry of music. When I sing words like ‘in the morning mist two lovers kissed and the world stood still,’ I’m not an old man, but a fourteen year-old receiving his first real kiss.”

Setting the tone for romance, fun and a little rock ’n’ roll is Freddie Mercury’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” There is also the reflective thought-provoking “The Sound of Silence” by Paul Simon, with “people talking without speaking, people hearing without listening.”

Be prepared to “kick your knees up, step

in time” as the singers and instrumentalists gift the audience with an energetic number from Broadway’s “Mary Poppins.”

There’s also a nod to life’s challenges and occasional heartaches as the ensemble performs the popular tunes “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

Next on the program, the performers share a contemporary gospel-swing style arrangement of “The Glory of Love” that declares, “You’ve gotta laugh a little, cry a little, until the clouds roll by a little.”

A current arrangement by Mark Hayes of Al Durbin and Harry Warren’s standard “I Only Have Eyes For You,” asserts, “I don’t care if it’s cloudy or bright, ’cause I only have eyes for you.”

Highlighting the instrumentalists, the orchestra renders favorite selections from composer Henry Mancini and a medley from “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

Songs affirming love, resilience and assurance promise to leave listeners with an upbeat message and a spring in their steps.

Tickets are $27 and can be purchased at Magnolia Hall box office on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9-11 a.m.

Tickets may be purchased also via email at suncitytix@gmail.com or by calling 843-9419729. For more information, visit facebook. com/SunCity

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April 18, 2023

Page 9B

ART AUCTION FUNDRAISER

SPRING FIESTA

Mothers •Grandmothers •Daughters

Friday, May 5, 5:30-9:30pm Bostwick Pavilion, Moss Creek 341 Moss Creek Drive

Live & Silent Art Auctions of ORIGINAL works by local artists Delicious food, beer, wine & sangria

•Dine! •Shop!

•Fun! •Art! •Gifts!

And More!

April 18, 19, 20, 21 and 25, 26, 27, 28.

TICKETS $100

All proceeds will support the Bluffton Community Soup Kitchen’s core mission of feeding the hungry and will help The Society of Bluffton Artists provide scholarships to budding art students in our community.

Mon. – Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-4 6 Bruin Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910 • (843) 707-9083 Úmaggieandmeoldtownbluffton

Page 10B

April 18, 2023 $25 t icket s avail abl e at may r iver t heat r e.com

T he R i e a nd F a ll $25 t icket s avail abl e at may r iver t heat r e.com

T he R i e a nd F a ll

Magnolia Hall

May 11−14 2023 Thursday−Saturday: 7:00 pm Sunday Matinee: 2:30 pm Box Office Hours Phone Orders: 843-941-9729 Mon, Wed, Fri Email: suncitytix@gmail.com 9:00−11:00 am Director: Art Hansen Asst. Director: Lorraine Hansen

“The Rise and Fall of Little Voice” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

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Hamner Music Harbor Point Dentistry Hargray Hilton Head Buick GMC Cadillic Hilton Head Honda & Mercedes Benz of Hilton Head Hilton Head Lexus Howell-Chase Hughes Dental Group Jack Frost Ice Cream Jersey Mike's Subs John Mallett- State Farm John Rush and Associates, LLC Ameriprise Financial Lang 72 Degrees Low Country Chiropractic Low Country Presbyterian Church Lowcountry Dental Center Lowcountry Golf Cars-EZGO Lowcountry Podiatry Martin Chiropractic Moss Creek Furniture New River Veterinary Specialists NexxFaze NHC HealthCare Northpoint Heating & Air Off Island Chiopractic

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Page 11B

By Glenda Harris “The Secret Book of Flora Lea” is the latest offering by Patti Callahan Henry, the author of 16 novels and part-time resident of Palmetto Bluff.

Set in a small hamlet near Oxford, England, the story begins with 14-yearold Hazel and 6-year-old Flora Lea bidding a tearful good-bye to their father, who must join the fight against Nazi Germany. Soon after, the government issues an evacuation notice, “Operation Pied Piper,” ordering children to be evacuated from London, away from the air raids of war. Sadly, the girls must leave their mother and go to a new “home” in the countryside.

They will live with Bridie, a kind woman with a young son, Harry, about Hazel’s age. Their house is cozy and surrounded by woodlands, the River Thames nearby.

Hazel, remembering parts of the Pied Piper story, wants to read it to her sister to comfort her, but upon re-reading its tragic end, decides she must make up her own stories.

Spinning tales from her vivid imagination, Hazel and Flora Lea explore the woods and name their secret place “Whisperwood.” Hiding in small spaces in trees, they become whoever they want to be, creating adventures and escaping the worries of war and missing their mum. They tell no one about “Whisperwood.”

One day, while the three children are out exploring the woods, Flora Lea falls asleep and is left alone for a few minutes. When Harry and Hazel return, Flora Lea is gone. After intense searching and investigation that goes on for many weeks, it seems the little girl has vanished.

Heartbroken, Hazel carries with her immense guilt and never stops thinking about her little sister.

PHOTO BY DAVID HILLEGAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Twenty years later, working at “Hogan’s Rare Book Shoppe” in Bloomsbury, Hazel opens a package from America containing a book entitled “Whisperwood and the River of Stars.”

She cannot believe her eyes. How could this be? Seemingly impossible, the discovery sets in motion a search for the author of this book, hoping that maybe, just maybe, her little sister is still alive.

“The Secret Book of Flora Lea” is a tenderhearted story of families, the bond of sisters, tragic loss and a decades-long mystery. It also brings to life the horrendous uncertainties and separations of war.

This book will be available May 2 at all major booksellers and can be pre-ordered at patticallahanhenry.com/thesecret-book-of-flora-lea.

Glenda Harris is a freelance writer and editor, nature lover and aspiring novelist.

Old Town Bluffton

SPRING Sweet Summer by Sue Grilli

Callahan’s latest novel full of imagination, mystery, hope

FLiNG Art Celebration WEEKEND EVENTS

Friday April 21 Spring Art Walk 5-7 pm Shops and galleries open late Refreshments served New artists Music Saturday April 22 11am-4 pm Enjoy Earth Day Live Demos at galleries in Historic Old Town Bluffton Sunday April 23 Sunday Brunch in downtown restaurants Shops and Galleries Open shopoldtownbluffton.com

blufftonartsdistrict.com

Page 12B

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To see our menu of services, Scan the QR code

To see our menu of services, Scan the QR code