Bluffton Sun • July 15, 2025

The Bluffton Sun

Major growth planned for Exit 8 in Hardeeville

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Hardeeville is preparing for a transformation at Exit 8 along Interstate 95, where two major developments are planned; a sprawling residential community named Southpoint and Hardee Station, a commercial hub that includes the highly anticipated Buc-ee’s Travel Center. These are set to bring thousands of new residents, travelers and jobs to the rapidly growing Lowcountry community.

The scale of the projects is substantial: Southpoint will span more than 360 acres across two phases, bringing more than 14,000 new homes, over 50 businesses, 10 restaurants, multiple hotels and a major grocery store to the region by the early 2030s. Across the interchange, Bucee’s will establish one of its signature large-format convenience stores and gas stations on a 46-acre site approved in late 2024.

City officials say these investments mark a significant milestone for Hardeeville, which has experienced exponential growth in recent years.

A growing city looks to expand infrastructure

Located a short drive from Savannah, Bluffton, Beaufort and Hilton Head Island, Hardeeville was recently named the fastest-growing municipality in South Carolina, with an 85% growth rate between 2020 and 2024. Its population jumped from around 7,000 residents to over 13,000 during this period according to the US Census.

Local officials believe the Exit 8 corridor offers the perfect setting to accommodate continued growth while also helping the city become a self-sustaining destination.

“Our goal is for residents to find their shopping, dining, groceries and retail here, rather than having to drive out of town,” said City Manager Josh Gruber, in an interview with WJCL “This development will help meet those needs.”

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is supporting the plan with a major infrastructure upgrade. A $800 million project is underway

to widen I-95 through Jasper County and reconfigure both Exit 5 and Exit 8, easing access to the area and improving traffic flow to match expected population and tourism surges.

“They’re doing that specifically with the knowledge that Buc-ee’s is going to be coming into that area,” Gruber told WJCL. “And that Buc-ee’s does produce a high volume of traffic.”

CONT. ON PAGE 3A

HARDEEVILLE

HARDEEVILLESC.GOV

TCory A. Messerschmidt, M.D., FAAOS

BOARD-CERTIFIED, FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

o further enhance orthopedic options for patients throughout the Lowcountry, Beaufort Memorial has added an experienced surgeon to its team at Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists.

Dr. Cory A. Messerschmidt brings his expertise in joint preservation, replacement and robotic surgical techniques to the practice, seeing patients in both Port Royal and Okatie. Fellowship-trained in sports medicine, he also performs minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures such as ACL repairs, meniscus preservation and shoulder arthroscopy for both adult and pediatric patients.

Dr. Messerschmidt joins the practice from his role as an orthopedic surgeon at Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic in southern Georgia. His interest in medicine developed in high school, when he volunteered at a hometown emergency room in Virginia with his father.

Board-certified Orthopedic Surgery

Fellowship Training

Sports Medicine

Emory University Atlanta, Ga.

Residency Orthopedic Surgery

Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, S.C.

During his sports medicine fellowship at Emory University, Dr. Messerschmidt worked with professional sports teams such as the Atlanta Falcons and NCAA collegiate teams including Georgia Tech. In recent years, he has worked closely with local high school athletes, helping them recover from sports-related injuries and make a confident return to activity.

Doctor of Medicine

Eastern Virginia Medical School Norfolk, Va.

Dr. Messerschmidt joins boardcertified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon Vandit Sardana, M.D., MSC, FRCSC at the Orthopaedic Specialists practice.

Dr. Vandit Sardana

HARDEEVILLE

FROM PAGE 1A

Southpoint: a multi-phase community hub

The Southpoint development, located at the southeast quadrant of the Exit 8 interchange, is being constructed in two primary phases.

Phase one, projected for completion by 2030, will introduce more than 1,400 homes, over 50 commercial spaces, 10 restaurants, three hotels and a major grocery store. The development is designed to serve both residents and travelers, with a blend of walkable retail corridors, residential neighborhoods, green spaces and hospitality offerings.

Phase two, scheduled through 2032, will add more homes and businesses as demand grows. Once fully built out, Southpoint is expected to feature more than 14,000 residential units and become one of the largest master-planned communities in the region.

The developers aim to create a “town center” environment, with shopping and dining options accessible on foot or by short drive. Officials hope it will serve as both a gateway to Hardeeville and a model for sustainable suburban growth.

Buc-ee’s and Hardee Station

Across from Southpoint, Texas-based Buc-ee’s has secured a 46-acre site for its second South Carolina location. The chain is known for its sprawling gas stations, extensive food offerings and famously clean restrooms. Each store typically includes dozens of fuel pumps, car wash stations and a massive convenience store.

The Hardeeville Buc-ee’s will be part of a new mixed-use development called Hardee Station. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with an opening date projected for 2028. Local officials anticipate the brand will attract travelers from I-95, helping to boost local commerce and visibility. The company’s presence is expected to significantly increase traffic at Exit 8, reinforcing the need for coordinated infrastructure improvements.

A regional destination

Gruber told the news station the City of Hardeeville’s long-term planning is focused on managing growth in a way that enhances quality of life and fosters a sense of place.

“These developments are about more than just economic growth,” he said.

“They’re about building a community where people want to live, work and spend time.”

The vision aligns with broader trends across the Lowcountry, where suburban cities like Hardeeville are playing an increasing role in absorbing the population spillover from Savannah, Bluffton and Hilton Head. Affordable housing, access to transportation corridors and the appeal of a new, walkable community are drawing families and businesses alike.

In Southpoint and Hardee Station, city leaders see a unique opportunity to set a new standard for development along I-95. Both projects include environmental considerations, road improvements, and design elements meant to encourage local spending and reduce outward commuting.

What’s next

Preliminary site work for Southpoint is underway, with vertical construction on homes and commercial buildings anticipated to begin in late 2025. The Buc-ee’s development is currently in the planning and permitting stage.

Meanwhile, SCDOT continues its design and environmental review process for the I-95 widening and interchange redesign. Officials have said the upgrades to Exits 5 and 8 are scheduled to be completed before Buc-ee’s opens.

Once complete, the developments could collectively reshape how travelers and residents experience Hardeeville — turning Exit 8 from a pass-through stop into a bustling hub for living, shopping and leisure.

“We’ve worked for years to create the conditions for this kind of growth,” Gruber told WJCL. “Now, it’s here — and we’re ready.”

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EDITORIAL

By Rep. Weston Newton Contributor

When thinking about what to write this month, I continued to come back to a message focused on family, the Fourth and the incredible natural environment we call home.

I was reminded of our founding father John Adam’s famous 1776 letter to his wife Abigail on the subject of celebrating the Declaration of Independence. In it he wrote: “It ought to be commemorated, the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward, forevermore.” As usual there was wisdom in a founding father’s words.

The Fourth of July is indeed, a special day on our calendar; it is more than just a day when things go on sale at our favorite stores. It is a holiday that unites our communities, states, and the nation through our shared patriotism. This year for our family it was no different and yet it was.

For the first time in almost 15 years, we had all three of our children home- to-

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THE BLUFFTON SUN Issue 14, July 15, 2025, is published twice monthly by Beaufort Media Group, LLC, 181 Bluffton Rd Suite F103-2 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.

gether, unhurried, and perfectly content. Rose and I had spent the better part of June readying the home place and preparing for water born adventures for our children and their out-of-town friends and guests.

We piled in the boats early and headed out to the sandbar on the May River. It’s a place of annual ritual: tidal waters, anchored boats, coolers, grills and familiar voices drifting across the water as the sand disappears. Exactly what a holiday with family and friends should feel like.

The May River sandbars are the jewel of Bluffton’s celebration culture. At low tide stretches of sandy refuge where boats literally beach themselves and families revel in freedom. For as long as I can remember this has been our family tradition, each of the children has grown up on the sandbar and yet with competing camp, summer abroad and work schedules we have not been able to all be together for many years – this year it felt like a perfect symphony of togetherness.

But these lighthearted scenes carry a deeper promise: we are stewards of this river. The May isn’t merely beautiful; it is part of our natural legacy. It’s 15 miles long sweeping through marshes rich with oysters, shrimp, and crabs.

A tidal river, it is sustained entirely by ocean tides- supporting a fragile ecosystem that includes migratory birds, fiddlers’ crabs, dolphins’ fisheries and hatcheries. Over the past couple of decades, however, its health has taken a

hit. The rapid development in Bluffton has increased storm water runoff and fecal coliform levels. Its not just scientific jargon, sections of the river have been closed to shellfish harvesting.

This year my thoughts kept returning to the many years of River Sweeps and clean up days not only involving my family but the hundreds of volunteers that have removed something like 60,000 lbs of trash in recent years.

We owe this place more than gratitude. It’s where history and modern life intertwine, this river sustained Native Americans, carried goods and oyster fleets during the antebellum era and drew summer residents seeking the breeze of the high bluffs. Bluffton began its life on the bluffs above these tides and today we build memories on these same waters.

So, while our children hung on to the back of a large floating “oasis” when the tide overtook the sandbar each explaining to their out-of-town friends about the uniqueness of the river and recalling the lectures from old Dad regarding protecting our rivers for generations to come, I realized my children know that part of freedom is caring for what sustains it. It is an honor and pleasure to serve in the SC House of Representatives. If I may be of assistance, please call on me.

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Thank you for your article “Safety concerns persist on U.S. 278 following fatal Bluffton crash,” June 3, 2025, your exposé is timely, accurate, and critically important and I hope our public officials were paying attention.

I’ve agonized over the “who” and “how” of our public officials to whom I should address my concerns, but sadly previous written communication with said officials has been fruitless, return correspondence, as pathetically rare as it is, has been in the form of boilerplate nonsense.

I join those clamoring on social media by commending the following to your attention. I present my observations in numbered-points for brevity

hoping that you or a designated member of your team will dig-in and bring greater attention to this exceptional problem.

1. Our region is “rated” by insurance companies, accordingly we, the insured, pay higher premiums due to the out-of-control number of automobile accidents, including the horrific and disproportionate number of traffic fatalities in our area.

2. Many of the aforementioned accidents are the result of aggressive driving and the several traffic violations that constitute aggressive driving, the problem is exacerbated by the lack of robust and coordinated traffic enforcement efforts.

3. Virtually all major intersections in our area are littered with shards of glass and broken auto body parts left behind following motor vehicle accidents. NOTE: there are no SC Traffic Laws requiring tow truck operators to clean-up at the site of an accident to which they respond, any rules that may exist are anemic at best – the SC Highway Patrol is in favor of such legislation, BTW other states do it and it works and it is cost-free.

Proposed solution: The establishment of an Aggressive Driving Enforcement Task Force to address this worsening problem. Many will ask “who is going to pay for this?” The answer lies in a coordinated effort by the mem-

ber agencies assisted by our Federal and State Legislators, in receiving a Federal Traffic Safety Grant.

Composition: A team of 5 highly motivated and dedicated officers, one each led by the SCHP, with deputies and officers representing the Sheriffs of Beaufort and Jasper counties and the Chiefs of the Bluffton and Hardeeville Police Departments. Fluctuating schedules and varying zones of patrol activity, supported by a vigorous Public Service Announcement campaign would serve as force multipliers. Thank you for your kind and considered attention to this matter

Charles B. Read, Jr. Major, US Air Force (retired)

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Town of Bluffton awards 13th Historic Preservation Grant

The Town awarded its 13th Historic Preservation Grant to the homeowners of “the Bluff” in June towards the cost of exterior painting as part of a larger rehabilitation project of the historic residence located at 130 Pritchard Street.

This one-story residence, known as “The Bluff,” was constructed by John Guerard Heyward c. 1880 as a two-story summer cottage with a wide wraparound front porch facing the May River. The second floor was destroyed in the Sea Island Hurricane of 1893 and the house was later expanded in the 1920s.

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“The Bluff” is a contributing building to the Bluffton Historic District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1996 and is a “Contributing Resource” to the Old Town Bluffton Historic District.

The $30,000.00 grant was awarded to the homeowners to help to cover the cost of exterior painting as part of a larger rehabilitation project.

Mayor Larry Toomer said this preservation project is crucial to Bluffton’s collective history since it is a rare example of a late nineteenth century riverfront summer cottage that remains in the possession of the Heyward family.

“This house stands as a witness to life along the May River in Old Town Bluffton,” Mayor Larry Toomer said. “Since its construction, the cottage has weathered hurricanes and other natural disasters, serving several generations of the Heyward family, first as a summer cottage and now as a year-round family home. Preserving this cottage and its story is of utmost importance.”

The Town’s Historic Preservation Grant Program, which launched in January 2022, is available to owners of “Contributing Resources” to the Old Town Bluffton Historic District to financially assistin the preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation of these structures so, collectively,

these will continue to represent the history of Bluffton. Since the program began, the Town has awarded $297,839.52 in grants to further preserve eight individual Contributing Resources.

Bluffton currently has 86 designated “Contributing Resources” within the Old Town Bluffton Historic District, which means that these homes, churches, schools, and other resources (i.e., non-structures which include the Heyward and Huger coves,) significantly contribute to the Bluffton’s history and tell the stories from our collective past. Without these resources, meaningful components of Bluffton’s rich diverse history would be lost.

Owners of qualifying structures in the Old Town Bluffton Historic District can apply for grants up to $30,000 for residential structures and for up to $20,000 for non- residential/commercial structures.

The Town of Bluffton has been honored with a 2025 South Carolina Historic Preservation Award for its Historic Preservation Grant Program—marking the second consecutive year the Town has received statewide recognition for its preservation efforts.

Bluffton’s Historic Preservation Grant Program, launched in 2022, provides financial assistance for the preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation of “Contributing Resources” within the Old Town Bluffton Historic District. These include historic homes, churches, schools, and cultural landscapes such as the Heyward and Huger coves.

“This grant program is a powerful example of our community’s commitment to protecting what makes Bluffton special,” Mayor Larry Toomer said. “Bluffton is honored to receive this award and provide a template for other communities looking to preserve their historic assets.”

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High school transfer portal brings changes

By Justin Jarrett Contributor

The transfer portal has made its way to high school sports, and it could have players shuffling between rosters all over the Lowcountry.

Students moving between schools is nothing new, but the biggest remaining guardrails are off for the first time this summer because of the S.C. High School League’s new one-time free transfer rule, which allows players to pop between programs regardless of their home address.

Attendance zones have always been irrelevant when transferring to schools competing in the S.C. Independent Schools Association (SCISA), but moving between public schools was tricky under SCHSL’s previous rule, which required a “bona fide address change” to reside within the school’s defined attendance zone.

The rule was designed to keep kids at their zoned schools, but when circumstances dictate a change for whatever reason, parents of student-athletes are motivated to make sure their kids can play, and those with the means to do so were able to find loopholes.

It’s an open secret that many schools have boosters who can provide an address for a rental property where a student-athlete’s family may or may not actually reside. Others have tried to cheat the system — but gotten sloppy — and the kids have paid the price by being banned from postseason play.

As the waters have muddied surrounding what is and isn’t allowable — complicated by the flood of charter schools that aren’t bound by attendance zones — it has become increasingly difficult for SCHSL to split hairs and dole out sanctions for eligibility infractions without inciting controversy and claims of favoritism. All the precedents have been mashed to a pulp.

Enter the one-time free transfer rule. Everybody gets one freebie to cash in for a fresh start, even if they’re not in a position to move; and the SCHSL takes a whole bunch of anxious hearings off its docket.

In that sense, the new rule makes sense, and it frees families to flee bad situations where their kids haven’t been able to flourish and provides opportunities for families from failing districts.

We’ve already seen a couple of high-profile moves in the Lowcountry this summer, with Jayvin Risher transferring from Hampton County to Hilton Head High and Amare Patterson announcing he’s bouncing from Beaufort High to Bluffton, but we won’t know how big the initial wave is until August.

In fact, SCHSL’s original proposal indicated the rule was, “designed to discourage transfers for athletic reasons, multiple transfers, and transfers after a sports season has begun, by imposing short but predictable periods of ineligibility for those transfers while providing one penalty-free transfer under certain conditions.”

The transfer rule includes a couple of stipulations aimed at preventing transfers en masse. On the front end, students must be enrolled at their new school on or before the first practice date of the sports season in which the transfer occurs. Students who transfer after that date will be ineligible for 30 days or half the team’s season, whichever is shorter.

And if you’re going to chase greener grass, you better get it right, because if a student transfers a second time, they will be subject to the same period of ineligibility and may be deemed ineligible for the postseason.

SCHSL Commissioner Jerome Singleton was adamant during an interview following the 29-4 passage of the transfer rule in March that the new rule does not allow for recruiting — another Pandora’s box that has proven impossible to legislate effectively and equitably — and while it might not allow for it, it certainly invites everyone from kids, parents, and coaches to try to exploit it.

It’s not quite the Wild West scenario that the NCAA has become, with rampant free agency complete with “NIL” deals that are akin to pro contracts (without the pesky collective bargaining element that provides limitations and protections for both sides), but it has some real danger of becoming unmanageable.

Justin Jarrett is the sports editor of The Island News and is the founder of Lowco Sports. He has a passion for sports and community journalism and a questionable sense of humor.

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JULY LAWN REPORT

By Zach Deloach Contributor

July is known for hot days with afternoon showers. We have seen a fair share of dry spots appearing in lawns from the stress of the heat and we wanted to address some things to look out for this month to keep your landscape healthy.

Most of the calls that we have been receiving have been related to brown spots in the lawn. The term brown spot can be vague and without putting eyes on the lawn it can be hard to diagnose the root cause. Knowing the turf type that we’re working with, and recent service history can help point us in the right direction. We also want to rule out environmental factors such as too much shade or holding water. All our grass types need at least 6 hours of sun a day to thrive, clearing out overhead limbs and adding sand to low spots will go a long way.

Roughly half of the “brown spot” calls we have been receiving have been correlated with not enough water in the lawn. In June we received a fair share of rainfall, and our lawns got used to the excess moisture. It only takes a week or two without rainfall in this heat to begin to see drought stress. This can be visible in all grass types causing the grass blades to lose color and wilt.

Other causes of “brown spots” could be mowing, fungal, or insect related, and this is where knowing your grass types comes into play. Bermuda lawns are notorious for showing brown areas the day after mowing. This is because only the top half of the blade has green foliage, if too much of the blade is cut off at once it will expose the brown underside. This is typically not a major concern as it will recover with the new growth and can be avoided with more frequent mowing. St. Augustine is still experiencing grey leaf spot fungus which can cause discoloration and wilting. You can identify the

fungus by looking for spots on the individual grass blades. Lastly, you want to check for insects any time you’re seeing discolored areas. We will cover a few athome tests in the next chapter.

If you are really wanting to be sure of your diagnosis, there are a few quick tests we recommend doing the next time you have a discolored area appear in your lawn. First, look at the area overall, making sure it is not a defined circle and does not have spots on the blades to rule out fungus.

Next, you can test for insects by dumping a bucket of dish soap and water on the area to bring mole crickets to the surface or hammer a cylinder into the area and fill it halfway with water to bring chinch bugs to the surface. Lastly, if you have ruled out fungus and insects you can flood the area with the hose. If it is drought stress it should begin to perk up within a couple of days. If you have a fungal or insect issue, we recommend having it treated immediately.

Insects will continue to be a topic of discussion until the late fall. This time of year, we have a high activity of insect damage on both lawns and trees and shrubs. We have started to see the early signs of Sod webworms which we will be discussing next month. Keep an eye out for moths in your lawns at dawn and dusk as they are typically the early signs of an infestation.

White flies have also begun to make their presence known in viburnums. We have been seeing higher numbers of white fly infestations, and it is still early in the season. Look out for white flies swarming the underside of your bushes to try to catch them early on. Hope everyone has a great remainder of the month.

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

Bringing light through purposeful engagement

National Therapeutic Recreation Week, observed this year from July 6–12, celebrates the professionals who use creative, activity-based interventions to improve quality of life for individuals facing illness or disability. In Bluffton, one such professional is Lauren Morales, CTRS, CMDCP®, who brings compassion, purpose, and joy to her work at Memory Matters as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.

Lauren, a Bluffton resident since 2017, joined Memory Matters in 2023 after 12.5 years of experience in the field. Originally from Greenville, North Carolina, she holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Recreational Therapy and Spanish from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Lauren is also a Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional, specializing in therapeutic approaches for individuals living with memory loss.

“I’ve always been drawn to this work because I love helping people—spending time with them, really listening, and being present,” Lauren says. “My goal is to bring light to others—whether that’s lifting a burden, sharing a smile, or creating a space where someone feels truly supported.”

What is recreational therapy?

Also known as Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy is an evidence-based healthcare practice that uses enjoyable, goal-directed activities—such as music, art, movement, gardening, and games—to improve an individual’s social, emotional, physical,

cognitive, and spiritual well-being.

Unlike Physical or Occupational Therapy, which focus on restoring function or supporting daily tasks, Recreational Therapy emphasizes quality of life and emotional engagement. It helps individuals develop or maintain independence, find purpose, and feel connected.

Who benefits from rec therapy?

Children, adults, and seniors with physical disabilities, chronic illness, behavioral health needs, or cognitive impairment—including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias—can all benefit from Recreational Therapy. Rec Specialists work in settings such as hospitals, schools, VA programs, mental health facilities, adult day centers, and nonprofits like Memory Matters.

Recreational therapy and memory care

In the context of dementia, Rec Therapy offers powerful ways to stimulate memory, reduce agitation, and support non-verbal communication. Lauren notes that:

RT Targets Both Memory and Emotional Anchoring: Activities like cooking a childhood recipe or listening to nostalgic music can tap into deeply rooted emotional memories, even when short-term memory fades.

RT Uses Creativity as a Non-Verbal Outlet: Art, dance, and music bypass language loss, allowing individuals to express feelings and identity in accessible ways.

RT Helps with “Sundowning”: Structured, engaging activities in the late afternoon can help manage agitation, confusion, and anxiety—common symptoms of sundowning syndrome in memory care settings.

At Memory Matters, Lauren thoughtfully crafts programs that enhance well-being while fostering connection. Her sessions offer more than entertainment— they’re therapeutic tools that help people living with memory loss experience joy, agency, and dignity.

“We might use a game to spark communication or a song to stir a memory,” she explains. “Even a small moment of connection can change the course of someone’s day.”

Outside of her work, Lauren loves dancing and music, being in or near water, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two young children (a daughter, 4, and son, 2). Her love of joy, rhythm, and community is evident in everything she brings to the Memory Matters team.

For more information about recreational therapy or how Memory Matters supports families through brain health education, therapeutic programming, and caregiver services, visitwww.mymemorymatters.org.

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Town of Bluffton issues Resident Resource Guide to clarify government roles and services

The Town of Bluffton recently published its first-ever Resident Resource Guide, a 24-page publication designed to help residents better understand how the Town functions, what services it provides, and how various government agencies work together to serve the region.

The guide was mailed to each town resident in late June, and the digital edition is available on the Town website by searching “Resident Resource Guide” on the Town’s website: www.townofbluffton.sc.gov.

Developed in response to a recent Town community survey, the guide addresses feedback from residents, especially those who have relocated from other states, about the need to clarify government roles, services, operations and legal parameters.

“It is human nature for new residents to compare their current government operations and experiences to their previous hometowns,” Town Manager Stephen Steese said. “However, each government is different in structure, operations and services.

This guide is designed to serve as a clear, go-to re source to help navigate local, county, and state responsibil ities and help our residents quickly find the information they need.”

The Resident Resource Guide is designed to be evergreen, meaning most of its content is not time-sen sitive and remains relevant year-round. To ensure long-term usability, the guide does not include staff names, contact in formation that frequently changes, or specific dates.

Topics covered include growth management, in frastructure, stormwater services, road maintenance, police services, annexation, historic preservation, development guidelines, and more.

Residents are encouraged to read the

guide—or at least keep it accessible for future reference.

Additional copies are available at Town Hall (20 Bridge St.), the Bluffton Welcome Center at the Squire Pope Carriage House (111 Calhoun St.), or by request.

Residents may also request a “Mobile Town Hall” presentation for their neighborhood, homeowners’ association or civic group by contacting Public Information Officer Debbie Szpanka at dszpanka@townofbluffton.com.

“This guide is also helpful for those with a Bluffton mailing address who live outside the town limits,” Steese said. “When people understand which agency is responsible for which services, it makes it easier for everyone to get the answers they need and be more informed citizens.

It’s not unusual for people who live outside the town limits to show up at the polls and wonder why they can’t vote for the mayor or town council members. We hope this guide helps the entire region gain a clearer understanding of how local governments function.”

The connection between cardiovascular health and neuropathy

By Dr. Kenneth Horup Contributor

The nervous system leans on the heart’s steady pump to fuel the blood’s pathway through the body. When a heart’s pump falters, the nerves often feel the blow. Although peripheral neuropathy can develop from various conditions, a potential reason can be due to heart issues. Let’s track down why that is.

Blood vessels are the supply lines of the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the peripheral nerves threading through your hands and feet. If these lines are damaged, the nerves will falter like warriors weakened without rations. It usually begins subtly – a faint tingle in the toes, a dulled sensation in the feet, or sparks of

pain along the nerve pathways.

So, what are some realistic lifestyle ways that you can help your nervous system receive greater blood flow? Here are a few commonly recommended actions for patients with peripheral neuropathy. Regular exercise such as brisk walks are often recommended; it does not always need to be intense sprints and marathons. Eat foods that strengthen the body: antioxidants from berries, healthy fats from fish, and fiber from whole grains. Drink an appropriate amount of water and remove all the sugary coffees and sodas. Remove the processed junk food, replace with healthy whole foods; these are weapons against illness and poor health. Your blood vessels and nerves (as well as the rest of your body) will thank you for these habit changes.

The proof lies in the benefits: stronger circulation and the body often feels more resilient. Perceptions can be more alert, and those evening neuropathy flare-ups may calm down. These “little victories” don’t always come from massive overhauls

of your life, but consistent, positive habits that support your health.

The heart and nerves work together as they are all the same body. If one is strengthened, we may help the other! But if we neglect the heart, then the nervous system can follow. The key is to fight

smart and work on both! For those of you who aim to be proactive, please see a cardiologist or a doctor you trust to ensure your cardiovascular system is healthy and receive recommended lifestyle changes.

For those of you who are already experiencing peripheral neuropathy, I would also advise you to check on your cardiovascular health and additionally consult with a professional who treats peripheral neuropathy to see if there is action you can take to help heal the nerves that have been damaged.

Some neuropathy conditions are related to the circulatory system, and some conditions are not. However, ruling out any contributing cardiac conditions would be beneficial so you can fight smart! To help heal your nerves, you typically need to attack it from every angle – a healthy cardiovascular system is another way to help win the battle!

Dr. Kenneth Horup, DC is a Chiropractic Physician at Discover Specific Chiropractic, Board Certified in Neuropathy.

DR. KENNETH HORUP

Assisted Living of Bluffton, a National

Three drownings in five days prompt water safety warnings in Beaufort County

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

A trio of drownings in Beaufort County over a five-day span has prompted local officials to renew calls for beachgoers to take water safety seriously, especially in the presence of rip currents and hazardous conditions.

The deaths occurred between June 30th and July 4th — two at Hunting Island State Park and one at Hilton Head Island’s Coligny Beach — during what local authorities describe as particularly dangerous water conditions along the coast.

On June 30th, 69-year-old William King of Georgia was pulled from the surf at Coligny Beach around 6:30 p.m. According to Shore Beach Service, a lifeguard on duty performed CPR before emergency crews arrived, but King was pronounced dead at the scene. The drowning happened near N. Forest Beach Drive on Hilton Head Island.

Just one day later, on July 1st, 65-year-

old Steven Thackston of Decatur, Georgia, drowned while swimming off Hunting Island. A bystander fishing nearby noticed Thackston floating unresponsive in the water and pulled him to shore. Lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful, and Thackston was pronounced dead on scene, according to the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office.

On Independence Day, 38-year-old Paul Peters of Indian Trail, North Carolina, was swimming at Hunting Island with his 4-year-old son when both were swept into a rip current shortly before noon. Bystanders rushed into the water and were able to rescue the child, who was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Peters was pulled from the water unresponsive, and CPR efforts failed to revive him.

“It’s incredibly tragic, especially around a holiday weekend,” Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner said in an interview with a local news station. “This is a heartbreaking reminder of how dangerous the ocean can be, even for strong swimmers.”

SAFETY CONT. ON PAGE 19A

SAFETY

FROM PAGE 18A

The drowning incidents have focused attention on rip currents — narrow channels of fast-moving water that flow away from shore and can overwhelm swimmers in seconds. The National Weather Service estimates that more than 100 people die each year in the United States due to rip currents, making them one of the leading causes of ocean-related fatalities.

Authorities said a yellow flag was flying at Hunting Island on July 4th, signaling moderate hazards, including stronger surf and currents. While the flag does not prohibit swimming, it is meant to warn beachgoers to use caution, especially if they are not strong swimmers or are supervising young children.

“The yellow flag should always be taken seriously,” said Lt. Col. Angela Viens of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. “It doesn’t mean safe — it means proceed with caution.”

Local officials also urged residents and visitors to familiarize themselves with beach warning flags, which indicate daily water conditions. A green flag means calm conditions and low risk, yellow signals moderate hazard, and red indicates high hazard, such as strong currents or surf. Purple flags are used to warn of marine pests like jellyfish or stingrays.

In addition to understanding warning flags, the sheriff’s office urged beachgoers not to underestimate the ocean and to avoid risky behavior such as swimming alone, consuming alcohol before swimming, or relying on inflatables for safety.

If someone is caught in a rip current, swimmers are advised to remain calm,

swim parallel to shore until free of the current, and then swim back to land at an angle. If unable to escape, they should float or tread water and signal for help.

Authorities also stressed that untrained bystanders should not enter the water to attempt rescues. Instead, they should call 911, alert a lifeguard if present, and attempt to throw a flotation device if available.

“These tragic events show how quickly things can go wrong in the water,” Tanner said. “We’re urging everyone: please respect the ocean, know the risks, and take steps to keep yourselves and your families safe.”

Local safety officials recommend always using the buddy system rather than swimming alone, keeping children within arm’s reach, and avoiding alcohol before or during swimming. Swimmers should stay out of the water during red flag conditions, avoid relying on floats or inflatables for safety, remain within their depth, and be aware of their physical limits. Beachgoers are also urged to check surf and weather conditions in advance or consult with a lifeguard before entering the water.

Real-time surf advisories and rip current forecasts are available from the National Weather Service at weather. gov/chs. Additional updates and safety information are also available from Shore Beach Service.

Beaufort County officials said they plan to continue working with state park staff and beach patrols to increase public awareness about ocean safety, especially during the height of the tourist season.

Budget and time friendly facial plastic surgeries

By Dr. Mathew Epps Contributor

If you are interested in the benefits of plastic surgery, but hesitant to schedule a procedure due to downtime constraints, budget, or just looking to ease in to having a major procedure at another time you may consider the following procedures: upper lid blepharoplasty, surgical lip lift, surgical earlobe reduction, and fat grafting. While healing varies according to the individual, these procedures boast little downtime where you can return to work the next day or within a week.

Upper eyelid lift

Upper eyelid lift or blepharoplasty is possibly the biggest bang for the buck in plastic surgery with minimal operative and recovery time – modern eyelift reliably restores youthfulness of ten years or greater.

Surgical lip lift

Ideal candidates include those with naturally thinner upper lips, excessive distance between the base of the nose and top border of the lip, or issues related to “lateral lip collapse” where volume decreases towards the outer

edges of the mouth. Results often yield a perkier smile and enhanced definition above the vermillion border—a signifier of youthfulness.

Surgical earlobe reduction

Earlobes tend to stretch and lose structure through gravity’s pull and piercing wear. An earlobe reduction helps correct enlargement caused by weight gain, pregnancy, heavy jewelry usage, or simple genetic predisposition. Patients benefit from restored balance among facial proportions and renewed comfort wearing accessories.

Fat grafting

Restoration of volume with fat-grafting adds volume and fullness to the face and other areas such as the hands to improve and strengthen its structure affected by aging and factors of heredity. The limited downtime, cost, and benefits to facial enhancement associated with upper eyelid lift, surgical lip lift, surgical earlobe reduction and fat grafting make them excellent options to consider in weighing an aesthetic procedure. Remember, individual experiences vary, and consulting reputable practitioners remains crucial prior to committing to elective operations.

Mathew T. Epps MD, MS, DABS is Triple Fellowship Trained Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon Specializing in Facial, Eyelid, and Breast Surgery. Visit Matheweppsmd.com, call (843) 707-7060 or email info@ dreppsmd.com

DR. MATHEW EPPS

Ask the Expert: Why does my estate planning attorney need so much information?

By Lisa Hostetler Brown Contributor

Expert Answer:

If you’ve decided to start your estate planning journey, congratulations—you’ve taken an important step toward protecting your future and your loved ones.

But as you begin the process, you might be surprised by how many questions your attorney asks. Why do they need to know so much? Isn’t a simple will enough?

Estate Planning Is More Than Just Documents

Many people come in thinking they just need a will, a power of attorney, or maybe a trust. But estate planning with an elder law focus isn’t just about preparing paperwork—it’s about designing a long-term strategy tailored to your life, your goals, and your family.

That’s why your attorney needs a complete picture:

• What assets do you have?

• Who depends on you—now or potentially in the future?

• What are your health concerns, personal values, or charitable wishes?

• How do you want to be cared for later in life?

These aren’t just questions— they’re the building blocks of a plan designed around you.

We Plan for the Long Game

The goal of comprehensive estate planning is to think beyond what you need right now and anticipate what you might need in 10, 20, or even 30 years.

Here’s why it matters:

• A basic will might work today, but it could cause complications later if your family or financial situation changes.

• If you own a business, you’ll need more than a simple plan to ensure it passes smoothly to the next generation.

• If you have a loved one with special needs, a standard inheritance could unintentionally do more harm than good.

• If you’re concerned about longterm care, we can help you plan strategies to protect your assets and options.

By understanding your full story, we can design a plan that works now and later—even if life throws curveballs.

It’s Not Just a Transaction— It’s a Relationship

Estate planning is not a one-sizefits-all process. We take the time to get to know you so that your plan reflects your unique situation. And as your life changes, your plan should evolve too. That’s why we aim to build a long-term relationship with our clients—not just prepare a set of documents and send you on your way.

Final Thoughts

So when your attorney asks detailed, even personal questions, it’s not about being nosy—it’s about being thorough. Your life isn’t generic, and your estate plan shouldn’t be either.

The better we understand your life, the better we can protect it.

For educational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Lisa Hostetler Brown is a Certified Elder Law Attorney certified by the National Elder Law Foundation. 10 Pinckney Colony Rd, Ste 400, Bluffton, SC 29909 | 843757-5294 | HiltonHeadElderLaw.com

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

St. Helena Island Post Office Job Fair

THURSDAY, JULY 29th, 2025

Located at the Bluffton Post Office at 25 Thurmond Way, Bluffton SC 29910

ASSISTANT RURAL CARRIERS (Sun/Holidays) 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!

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

Online assessments can now be completed from your electronic devices.

• Must have a valid SC Driver’s License

• Must be at least 18 years of age

13th,2022 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• May be required to use your personal owned vehicle ($0.97 cents per mile)

• PAY: $20.38 per hour paid Bi-Weekly; There is NEVER a charge for background checks, to apply or test. If you are ‘charged’ you have been re-directed to a third-party site. Visit usps.com/careers to apply for a career with the US Postal Service.

LISA HOSTETLER BROWN

Beaufort Memorial hosts career fair amid growing hiring needs

Beaufort Memorial Hospital, the region’s largest private employer, is inviting job seekers to explore more than 250 open positions across its health system during a career fair scheduled for Wednesday, July 16.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Beaufort Memorial Medical and Administrative Center (BMAC), 990 Ribaut Road. Parking is available at the corner of Ribaut and Allison roads. While registration is not required, RSVPs are encouraged at BeaufortMemorial. org/JobFair.

Openings range from clinical roles to positions in hospitality, housekeeping, business operations and customer service. Many of the jobs do not require prior healthcare experience. Representatives will be on site to discuss benefits, including affordable insurance plans, discounted childcare, homebuyer assistance and tuition reimbursement. The event will also showcase the hospital’s PATH (People Achieving Their Highest) program for internal advancement and professional development.

Carolina Cart Company opens golf cart dealership in Bluffton

Carolina Cart Company celebrated the grand opening of its Bluffton showroom July 1, bringing premium, street-legal electric golf carts to the Lowcountry.

Located at 4375 Bluffton Parkway, the boutique-style dealership specializes in custom-built carts suited for both

Business Briefs

leisure and transportation. Founder Rob Karecky said the company focuses on “white-glove care before, during and after the sale,” offering brands such as Dach, Venom and Roxie.

The business aims to serve Bluffton, Hilton Head and surrounding areas amid rising demand for eco-friendly, community-based transport. https://carolinacartco.com/

Zero Dark launches gaming and content venue in Bluffton

A new entertainment space focused on gaming, esports and content creation has opened at 30 Malphrus Road, Suite 105.

Zero Dark offers stations for competitive gaming, livestreaming, videography and photography, as well as regular community tournaments for popular titles such as Call of Duty, Fortnite and Mario Kart. Participation fees average $15. The venue aims to blend technology and creativity, serving as a hub for both casual and competitive gamers. For details and event schedules, visit zerodarkgaming.com.

Don Ryan Center for Innovation names new CEO

The Town of Bluffton has appointed Paul Arvantides as the new CEO of the Don Ryan Center for Innovation (DRCI), effective July 1.

Arvantides previously served as the center’s director of innovation services and brings more than 20 years of experience in business development, entrepreneurship and

organizational leadership.

“Paul is well-positioned to lead the Center as it strengthens business support, drives economic development and provides resources companies need to succeed,” said Bluffton Town Manager Stephen Steese.

Arvantides will oversee the center’s expansion efforts, including development of its second building at Buckwalter Place. Former CEO David Nelems will remain with the organization as director of special projects, focusing on artificial intelligence and regional economic initiatives. donryancenter.com

Santa Fe Café to expand to Bluffton

Santa Fe Café, a longtime Hilton Head favorite, is expanding to Bluffton with a second location opening July 8 in the Moss Creek shopping plaza, replacing the former Kung Fu Cantina. The new location will offer a refreshed design and menu distinct from the original, according to the company. santafehhi.com

Lot 9 Brewing Co. Marks Five Years

Lot 9 Brewing Co. is celebrating its fifth anniversary highlighting its growth as a staple of the local craft beer scene. Founded on a “made right” philosophy emphasizing quality and consistency, the nano-brewery at 258 Red Cedar xatyfirst approach and support for local causes. lot9brew.com

If you have business news to share, please email it to editor@blufftonsun.com for consideration.

Arts & Entertainment Calendar

Turtle Talks

Mondays through August • 8–9 p.m.

Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Ave., Hilton Head Island

Free weekly sea turtle presentation by Amber Kuehn, director of Sea Turtle Patrol HHI. Held rain or shine. Bring a chair or blanket.

Details: seaturtlepatrolhhi.org/ eventcalendar

HarbourFest Fireworks

Tuesdays • 8:30–10 p.m.

Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina

Weekly fireworks show as part of HarbourFest. Entertainment includes Shannon Tanner and Cappy the Clown. Full schedule: sheltercoveharbourfest. com

Flight n Fancy Exhibit by Janet Urbanic

July 6th–August 2nd

SOBA Gallery, 6 Church St., Bluffton Features oil and watercolor batik artwork inspired by Lowcountry wildlife. Free reception:

Thursday, July 10th • 3–5 p.m. sobagallery.com • (843) 757-6586

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

July 11th–August 3rd

Sea Glass Stage at Coligny, 1 N. Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head

Performances: Friday–Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets/info: sgstage.org

Beaufort Water Festival

Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort

The 69th annual celebration features concerts, races, tournaments, and fireworks.

July 14–15: Motown Monday and Caribbean Night Concerts

July 16–17: Talent Show and Lowcountry Supper

July 18: Bed Races and “Rockin’ the River” Concert

July 19: Commodore’s Ball and Air Show

July 20: Blessing of the Fleet and Boat Parade

Full schedule: bftwaterfestival.com

Oyster Reef Building Volunteer Event

Saturday, July 19th • 7:30 a.m.

Shoreline near MCRD Parris Island

Join SCDNR and SCORE and help build a 500-foot oyster castle reef.

Email: richtera@dnr.sc.gov

Slide Out of July

Saturday, July 19th • 9 a.m.–noon Buckwalter Place Amphitheater, Bluffton Free waterslide event for kids. Bring towels and sunscreen.

Halfway Home: A Sea Turtle Art Exhibit

July 22nd–30th

Art League Academy, 106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Art exhibit supports Sea Turtle Patrol HHI.

Gallery hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. daily Closing reception: Wednesday, July 30th, 5–7 p.m.

Info: (843) 842-5738

May River Shrimp Fest

Thursday, July 24th

Bluffton Oyster Factory Park 5K run and walk followed by a party. Info: bearfootsports.com (843) 757-8520

May River Shrimp Fest – Friday Concert

Friday, July 25th • 5:30–9:30 p.m. Bluffton Oyster Factory Park

Live performances by Cristaldi & Stiltner and Vanna & the Rump Shackers. Details: blufftonsunsetparty.com

Foodees Food & Culture Festival July 25th–27th

Tanger Outlet Mall, 1270 Fording Island Road, Bluffton

Three-day celebration of food and culture with 40+ food trucks, 60+ artisans, Foodees Fun Park and cooking contests. Free admission. Fri. 1–9 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. More: foodeesfest.com

Book Launch: “Mudflats Murder Club” Friday, August 1st • 4–6 p.m. SOBA Schoolhouse, 8 Church St., Bluffton

Includes refreshments and author meetand-greet. brianthiem.com

If you have event to share, please email it to editor@blufftonsun.com for consideration.

SOBA Gallery to feature Hilton Head artist Nancy Huson in August exhibit

The Society of Bluffton Artists will feature “Everyday Life on Hilton Head,” a solo exhibit by local artist Nancy Huson, as its August featured show.

The exhibit will be on display from Aug. 3rd through Aug. 30th at the SOBA Gallery in Old Town Bluffton. An opening reception, free and open to the public, is scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 7th. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Huson and enjoy light refreshments.

Huson’s oil and pastel paintings are inspired by her daily walks through Hilton Head Island’s natural landscapes, including beaches, gardens and marshes. Her work often depicts scenes such as blooming lilies or ibises in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, rendered with

vivid color and an emphasis on light and tranquility.

“I try to capture the beauty of those experiences with vibrant colors as I see them in nature’s light,” Huson said. “It is my hope that I can visually communicate the happy and peaceful feelings of my experiences with the viewer.”

Huson studied fine art and printmaking at Colgate University and has continued to refine her skills at studios in Kansas City and through workshops with plein air artists Carol Douglas and Greg Barnes.

More information about the artist and a preview of her work is available at nancyhuson.com. For gallery hours and details about the Society of Bluffton Artists, visit sobagallery.com.

Lowcountry authors bring fresh voices to summer reading lists

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

From cold-case crime solving to therapeutic film analysis and sharply observed humor, this summer’s crop of new books by Lowcountry authors offers something for nearly every reader.

Whether you’re spending quiet mornings on the porch, beating the heat with an audiobook, or planning a vacation read, three newly released titles—and a fourth on the horizon—highlight the creative output of local writers with national appeal.

Homicide fiction meets island charm in new series

Hilton Head Island resident Brian Thiem, a retired Oakland Police Department lieutenant and longtime volunteer with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Team, is launching a new crime fiction series with The Mudflats Murder Club, publishing July 29th, 2025 by Severn River Publishing.

Set on fictional Spartina Island, the book introduces Sean Tanner, a widow and retired detective, adjusting to life in a quiet coastal retirement community. He soon finds himself drawn into the Mudflats Murder Club, a group of retired detectives, prosecutors, and forensic experts who are engrossed in solving the 38-yearold unsolved murder of Theresa Goldberg. When the quiet of the community is shat-

tered when Sean’s neighbor, Nancy Russo, is found dead in her home the club jumps into the fray. When Sean and his cohorts uncover a shocking connection between Nancy’s murder and their long-standing cold case, everything they thought they knew goes up in flames.

• Publishing Date: July 29th, 2025

• Formats: eBook, Paperback, Audiobook

• ISBN: 9781648756283 (Paperback)

• Page Count: 354

• Publisher: Severn River Publishing

• Genre: Crime Thriller

• Website: www.brianthiem.com

Jaws as therapy? Local counselor offers cinematic insights

Bluffton therapist Michael Pecosh brings a unique perspective to one of cinema’s most iconic thrillers in his new book Jaws Therapy: A Counselor’s Insights on the Iconic Film. Released this summer to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the 1975 movie, Pecosh’s book analyzes Jaws through the lens of personal growth and psychological resilience.

“Though it may surprise many to hear it,” says Pecosh, “I believe that Jaws is one of the best therapy movies ever, too.”

Mr. Pecosh believes that its popularity endures for many reasons. “It obviously is a compelling story and gripping adap-

tation of Peter Benchley’s original novel. Directed by Steven Spielberg, scored by John Williams and starring three legendary actors, it has everything a movie-lover could want. But I think the appeal is even broader: it speaks to us on levels both subtle and heroic.”

• Formats: Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

• Genre: Self-help / Film Studies / Psychology

• Website: www.jawstherapy.com

Satirical essays from Hilton Head author hit familiar nerves

Longtime Hilton Head resident Frank Lazarus shifts from mystery writing to social satire in his new release, Is Anything All Right? Observations of a Misanthrope, a collection of irreverent essays drawn from two decades of his blog, A Blog About Nothing.

In his unique and irreverent style, Lazarus covers a wide range of things, people, and businesses that confuse, annoy, and piss him off, including: Ordering a Donut at ‘Dunkin, Why Would Anyone Own a Pet, The Top Ten Reasons for Dating Frank Lazarus, What to Wear to Your Own Funeral, Sitzpinkling, Why Do People Go Fishing, Why Do We Bother Praying, and I Might Have to Kill My Cleaning Woman.

• Formats: Paperback, eBook

• Genre: Humor / Essays / Satire

• Available at: Amazon

New release: practical tools for managing teams and leading organizations

Now available from Routledge, Dr. Richard G. Hammes’ new book The Management Puzzle Solved: Hiring, Developing, Managing, Leading offers a complete toolkit for business leaders and HR professionals.

Drawing on decades of consulting experience across industries, Hammes presents a structured, easy-to-follow guide that includes original frameworks, practical forms, and field-tested techniques to build effective teams and retain top talent. This comprehensive manual is ideal for managers, consultants, HR practitioners, and business educators seeking reliable methods for improving organizational performance and employee development.

• Publishing Date: June 24th, 2025

• Formats: Hardback, Paperback, eBook

• ISBN: 9781041028710 (Paperback)

• Page Count: 298

• Publisher: Routledge (Taylor & Francis Group)

• Genre: Business / Leadership / Human Resource Management

• Book Website: routledge.com

Arts Center of Coastal Carolina’s 30th anniversary theater season

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina is celebrating its 30th anniversary season with a full lineup of Broadway blockbusters, musical comedies, and family favorites.

The 2025–26 five-show mainstage season opens Sept. 24th with Come From Away, the Olivier Award-winning musical based on the true story of thousands of stranded airline passengers welcomed by a small Newfoundland town following the Sept. 11 attacks. The production runs through Oct. 26th and sets the tone for a season built around themes of community, resilience and joy.

The season continues with Frozen, Disney’s hit stage adaptation, running Nov. 26th through Dec. 28th. With its story of sisterhood and self-discovery, the production features classic songs along with new music.

2026 brings The Play That Goes Wrong, a fast-paced British farce set for Jan. 28th to Feb. 22nd. The physical comedy spoof follows a disastrous community theater murder mystery where everything that can go wrong, does.

Hairspray takes the stage in the spring, running April 22nd to May 24th. The musical follows teenager Tracy Turnblad’s effort to integrate a local television dance program in 1960s Baltimore and remains a favorite for its message of inclusion and high-energy score.

The season closes with Mean Girls, adapted from the 2004 Tina Fey film. Running June 24th through Aug. 9th, the musical is a sharp, humorous take on high school cliques, featuring a fastpaced script and original music.

“We are a professional producing theater—the largest of its kind in South Carolina,” said Andrea Gannon, vice

president of marketing. “When you see a production on our stage, we’ve taken it from cast to curtain. What audiences experience here is unique to that show and cast.”

The Arts Center casts primarily out of New York City, with some exceptions for local talent, and houses performers locally for about three weeks of rehearsals before each production opens. Scenic and costume elements are built in-house by a team of more than 35 people. Gannon said the organization brings in directors from New York as well. One performer in the current Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, which runs through Aug. 17th, is originally from Hilton Head but now lives and works in New York.

“Our shows don’t go on to tour or move to another city,” Gannon said.

“They’re created right here for this community, for this unique space and time.”

The Arts Center offers season subscription packages starting at $295, with fix-, eight- and ten-show flex passes available. Subscribers receive early access to seat selection, no-fee ticket exchanges and discounts of up to $80 along with other perks. Single tickets are sold closer to each shows run. Prices vary by production, with discounts available for students, military personnel and groups.

Performances are held in the Arts Center’s 349-seat mainstage theater at 14 Shelter Cove Lane. In addition to producing five mainstage shows annually, the nonprofit supports arts education, outreach programs and special events throughout the year. It relies on a combination of ticket revenue, donors, sponsors and public grants.

For ticket information, visit www. artshhi.com or call 843-842-2787. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours on performance days.

BUILD YOUR FAMILY TREE WITH US

Unlock your family history with the help of our volunteer genealogists! Whether you’re just getting started or facing a research roadblock, we’re here to guide you. Call 843.686.6560 to schedule your appointment today!

LEARN ABOUT LOCAL HISTORY

We preserve and share the rich history of Hilton Head Island, stewarding two historic sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Throughout the year, we offer engaging classes, tours, and events, with sessions available in the spring and fall. For full details and registration, visit HeritageLib.org.

EDUCATE & CELEBRATE –

250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Join us as we celebrate 250 years of American independence and honor the fight for freedom! Discover Hilton Head Island’s vital role in shaping our nation’s history at HeritageLib.org – your local resource for all things related to the American Revolution

The Heritage Library is the heart of Hilton Head Island’s history and genealogy. Visit us soon!

GUSTAVO RATTIA

The Cast of Chicago (Summer 2024)

Hilton Head Choral Society welcoming new voices for 50th anniversary season

The Hilton Head Choral Society is welcoming new members to join its 50th anniversary season, with rehearsals beginning Sunday, July 13th, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 829 William Hilton Parkway.

Open to singers 18 and older, the group welcomes all voice parts. While no audition is required, previous choral experience and music-reading skills are preferred.

Those interested in singing in the first concert are encouraged to attend a rehearsal before July 27th. New singers may also attend a rehearsal to observe before committing.

The 2025–2026 milestone season includes four concerts with a repertoire ranging from Broadway and patriotic

tunes to holiday classics and light classical works. A highlight of the season is their beloved holiday concert, filled with festive cheer. Most performances are accompanied by a professional orchestra.

The Hilton Head Choral Society, a nonprofit member of Chorus America, is known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to sharing the joy of music with the Lowcountry. Membership dues help cover musical expenses, with additional support coming from donors, advertisers, sponsors and ticket sales.

For more information or to sign up, visit www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org or contact membership@hiltonheadchoralsociety.org.

Sea turtle art exhibit returns to Art League Academy

A community art exhibit celebrating Hilton Head’s most iconic sea life will return to Art League Academy this summer in support of local conservation efforts.

“Halfway Home,” a week-long sea turtle-themed art show, will run July 22–30 at the academy’s Cordillo Parkway location. The exhibit is hosted in partnership with Sea Turtle Patrol HHI, a nonprofit organization that protects sea turtle nests and hatchlings during the island’s nesting season.

Featuring a range of creative works by local artists, the exhibit will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a free closing reception on July 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. Attendees can meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments.

“We named the exhibit Halfway Home because we’ll be right at the halfway point of the sea turtle season,” said Kris-

ten McIntosh, executive director of Art League of Hilton Head. “The artists have created thoughtful, beautiful pieces, and we’re proud to support this vital cause once again.”

Twenty percent of all exhibit and class sales will benefit Sea Turtle Patrol HHI. In addition to the exhibit, themed art classes will be offered throughout the week, covering media such as paint, mosaics, and mixed media.

“We patrol the beach daily from May through October to protect our sea turtle population,” said Amber Kuehn, director of Sea Turtle Patrol HHI. “As a volunteer-run organization, partnerships like this help us educate the public and keep doing the work that matters.”

For details or to register for classes, visit artleaguehhi.org or call 843-8425738.

SSTI Closes Season With Cole Porter’s ‘Anything Goes’

The Southeastern Summer Theatre Institute will cap off its 18th season with a fresh take on the Broadway classic Anything Goes, featuring music and lyrics by Cole Porter. The production will be directed and choreographed by Jacob Brent, a veteran of the Broadway stage and a familiar face at SSTI.

POSTER 6/17/25 11:15 AM Page 1

Anything Goes, set aboard a luxury cruise liner, the S.S. American, is a musical comedy of mistaken identities, romantic entanglements and over-the-top antics unfolding at sea. With its blend of farce, fast-paced dialogue and elaborate tap dance numbers, the show has remained a staple in American musical theatre for nearly a century, most recently revived on Broadway with Sutton Foster in the lead role.

“This show is pure joy,” said SSTI founder and producing director Ben Wolfe. “It’s the kind of musical that reminds audiences why they love theatre. It’s filled with hummable hit songs, constant humor and a pace that doesn’t let up.”

The score features some of Porter’s

most celebrated tunes, including “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” “Friendship” and the show’s iconic title number, “Anything Goes.” The SSTI production will feature a cast of performers selected through a nationwide audition process and supported by a team of professional designers and directors, including Brent.

Brent, best known for his role as Mistoffelees in Cats on Broadway, London’s West End and in the 1997 filmed stage production, brings a wealth of performance and teaching experience to the rehearsal room. His previous directorial work at SSTI includes Gypsy, The Music Man, Hello, Dolly! and A Chorus Line — several of which have received awards in regional and national voting.

“Jacob has an ability to bring out the best in each person on our team, whether it’s a performer, a technician or a member of our design team,” Wolfe said. “He elevates the entire room with his energy, professionalism and creativity.”

The production will be staged at Hilton

Head High School, located at 32 School Road. Evening performances are scheduled for July 25th, 26th, and Aug. 1st and 2nd at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees on July 27th and Aug. 3rd at 1 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased online at HHISummerMusicals.com or by calling 866-749-2228.

SSTI was founded in 2008 and has since developed a reputation as one of the most challenging and rewarding pre-professional training programs for high school students interested in the performing arts. Alumni have gone on to appear on Broadway, in national tours and at leading theatre conservatories and university programs.

The company was recently named Lowcountry’s Best Live Theatre by The Island Packet and received seven BroadwayWorld regional awards. Last month, SSTI produced its best-attended production to date, breaking all previous box office records with its hit staging of Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5: The Musical.

Baby, You’re a firework!

By Tracy Winslow Contributor

A loud boom shakes us from our reveries. My daughter and I stare at each other in shocked silence. The dogs start quivering in fear and whining from the explosion. I braced myself for another one - as they come fast and furious this time of year - but this sonic boom sounded like it was on top of us. It is a bit early in the day for fireworks. And the news anchors remind us every year that celebratory gunfire is illegal in South Carolina. But, rules - who follows those things, right? My neighbors behind me love a good party - so I figured it was them and paid it no heed. The dogs were calm

again and I drifted back into my book.

I thought it was a one-and-done…until it happened again. And this time I realized that it came from inside my house. The smell of burning twinged my nostrilssomething very bad has happened in the kitchen. It was then I realized what had happened and my stomach sank to the bottom of my toes.

The clanging still resonating in my ears; a bell that tolls for thee. There is no one here besides my daughter and me - and she has abandoned me in my time of need. I’ll have to handle this quickly before things got even worse.

I didn’t want to face what was behind that door. I wanted to run away and pretend it didn’t happen. For someone to come to my home and clean up the catastrophe that I unwittingly caused. I take a deep breath and prepare myself to witness the aftermath of the destruction that occurs following such a sound. I don’t want to face this alone; more importantly I do not want to plague my child’s memory

Bluffton brand lands in 222 Walmart stores

Wendala’s LowCountry Sugar Scrub, a skincare brand born at a Bluffton farmers market, has secured a national retail deal with Walmart, with products now featured in 222 stores across the United States.

The handcrafted sugar scrubs are displayed on endcaps — high-visibility spots at the ends of aisles — positioning the small business for increased exposure and customer reach.

The launch marks a significant milestone for founder Wendy Kushel, who began selling her exfoliating hand scrub with little more than a spray bottle and portable sink. The brand has since expanded into a full line of sugar scrubs for hands, body, lips and shaving, all made with clean, nourishing ingredients.

“From farmers market tables to Walmart shelves — we’ve scrubbed our way here one jar at a time,” Kushel said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to bring our playful, powerful products to a national audience.”

Alongside the retail expansion, Wen-

with this horror. My daughter peeks from around the corner.

I want to shield her young mind from this carnage, but I am secretly glad for the back up. I slowly open the door, its hinges creaking as if judging me. I don’t want to look but I must. “Oh. My. God. Mom…” Lena’s shocked words echo my sentiments.

It was worse than I could have imagined. I wish my baby wasn’t there to witness such complete and macabre destruction. Why did this have to happen? I thought I had taken all the precautions and necessary steps - but it obviously wasn’t enough. We should have seen the signs. We could have stopped this. Now all that is left is the gruesome entrails of a shattered soul.

I begin to scoop the viscera. Unceremoniously they are deposited into a Pyrex coffin. Scrubbing takes my mind off the task, and makes quick work of the repugnant chore. A few more swipes and the scene of the accident has been cleansed.

I say a quick prayer: Dear God;

Please welcome this spaghetti squash into your kingdom. Its time here on Earth was short and stringy, and it came to a terribly violent ending. For this I am sorry. Also, please inspire me to whip up some other dinner with this bowl of spaghetti squash guts. My husband is on his way home and always makes fun of the way I can screw up dinner - even in the microwave.

Amen.

And in the seventh hour: there was spaghetti squash quiche. And it was good.

Tracy Winslow is a professional chef and is available for catering your next event! Just kidding. She’s the owner of Shrimp and Knits - the premier yarn shop in the Low Country. When she’s not blowing up gourds or hawking fiber, she is getting ready for her little girl to move off to college, taking care of a zoo of pets, and ordering take out. shrimpandknits.com

dala’s also achieved certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a designation recognizing women-owned and operated businesses. The certification supports the company’s mission to promote female entrepreneurship and business leadership.

Wendala’s LowCountry Sugar Scrubs are available at participating Walmart locations and online.

For more information, visit wendalas. com.

Annual golf tournament to support Habitat homes

Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry will host its 28th annual golf tournament on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at Oldfield Golf Club. The tournament is a key fundraiser to support the organization’s mission of building affordable housing in Beaufort and Jasper counties.

An online auction will open ahead of the event on Sept. 2, offering additional opportunities for the public to contribute. Proceeds from both the tournament and the auction will go toward building a Habitat home for a local family in need.

Habitat is currently constructing the Larry Sanders House in Ridgeland using funds raised from previous years’ tournaments. The home is named in honor of Larry Sanders, who has led the tournament effort for many years and remains actively involved by recruiting

sponsors and participants.

Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry serves all of Beaufort and Jasper counties and is the only organization in the area constructing new homes for residents earning between 30 and 80 percent of their county’s median income.

To register for the tournament or become a sponsor, visit www.lowcountryhabitat.org/2025golftournament.

TRACY WINSLOW

Sea Glass Stage revives quirky ‘Spelling Bee’ on Hilton Head

Sea Glass Stage at Coligny will present The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a delightfully peculiar and wacky musical for all ages, with performances weekends from July 11th thru Aug. 3rd.

Directed by Alex Clark, the production captures the charm of the Tony winning show, which follows six eccentric middle school spellers competing in an off beat bee.

“There’s something so lovable about The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Clark said. “It has quirky humor and eccentric characters, but the root of it is about growing up, finding connection, and learning to laugh at life’s awkward moments.”

The cast features adult performers playing young

spellers: Sadie Beaumont as Marcy, Mark Erickson as Chip, Dan Franke as Barfée, Chloe Fry as Olive, Natalie Miller as Schwartzy and Alyssa Vogt as Leaf.

Drake Carney portrays Mitch, the bee’s former champion-turned-moderator; Ellie Friedman is Rona Lisa, the gentle counselor; and Kyle Price plays Vice Principal Panch, who also serves as pronouncer.

Audiences will have the chance to join the fun on stage: four audience members are selected each performance to take part in the bee, adding unpredictable, interactive moments to the show.

Performances run Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. from July 11th to Aug. 3rd, at Sea Glass

Stage at Coligny, 1 N. Forest Beach Drive, Unit I 5. Adult tickets are $35; student admission is $20. Tickets are available at sgstage.org.

Originally by William Finn (music and lyrics) and Rachel Sheinkin (book), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee opened Off Broadway in 2005 and transferred to Broadway later that year. The musical earned acclaim for its clever script, memorable score and innovative audience participation.

Sea Glass Stage, a nonprofit community theatre based at Coligny Theatre, includes this production among its 2025 season offerings, alongside Next to Normal, The 39 Steps, The Great Gatsby and Christmas Belles.

Bluffton Township Fire District launches “Name Our Mascot” contest

The Bluffton Township Fire District’s Community Risk Reduction Division has launched a community-wide contest to help name its newest team member—a dynamic, fire engine-inspired robot mascot designed to support the District’s public education and outreach efforts.

The contest opened July 7th, and runs through August 7th, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Community members of all ages are invited to submit their most creative name idea for the new character, which will be featured alongside longtime favorite, Sparky® the Fire Dog, at future events and safety campaigns.

“We’re excited to introduce a new mascot that reflects the energy and innovation of our fire safety programs,” said Stephen Combs, Public Information Officer for the Bluffton Township Fire District. “This character will help us better connect with all ages—especially young learners—while complementing the legacy of Sparky®, who isn’t going anywhere. We see this as an opportunity to grow our out-

reach and bring our fire safety messages to life in fun, memorable ways.”

Entries are limited to one per person and must be submitted through the official contest page at blufftonfd.com/nameour-mascot-contest/.

The winning name will be selected by the Fire District’s Community Risk Reduction team and announced via social media following the contest’s close. The winner will receive:

• Lunch for four at Bluffton Township Fire District Headquarters

• A Bluffton Fire swag pack

• Recognition on a newly designed poker-chip-style challenge coin featuring the mascot and the winning name

The new character, a transformer-style robot with a fire engine theme, is part of the District’s growing toolkit to creatively engage the public in lifesaving fire and life safety education. Plans are also underway to develop a costumed version of the mascot to join Sparky® at local events, school visits, and community activities.

Are you a singer looking for a fun summer activity?

If so, the Shore Notes A Cappella Chorus is hosting a ‘Summer Camp’ on four Mondays: July 28, August 4, August 11 and August 18 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, and ending with a performance on August 25 at 7:30 pm!

acappella harmony with our chorus! Visit our website, www.shorenotes.com for more

to sign up! We look forward to seeing you there!

as

more active on our social media channels moving forward to keep an open dialogue with our community members. We will also be posting events, calls to action, and opportunities to get involved in the newspaper. Don’t miss the chance to get involved and/or get published! We look forward to your feedback, ideas, and ongoing communication.

Shrimp, Watermelon, and Feta Cheese Salad

By Leslie Rohland Contributor

Sweet, Savory and Shrimp-tastic!

Some dishes just taste like sunshine—and this Shrimp, Watermelon, and Feta Salad is exactly that. Bright, fresh, and bursting with sweet-and-savory flavor, it’s the kind of salad that earns you compliments and recipe requests every time. Whether you’re poolside, porch-sitting, or packing a picnic, this one-bowl wonder is a light yet satisfying way to beat the Lowcountry heat.

Juicy cubes of watermelon bring a cooling sweetness, while briny Feta adds a creamy, salty pop. Toss in plump, tender shrimp (already cooked, making this recipe almost too easy), and you’ve got a dish that’s equal parts elegant and effortless. The dressing—a simple mix of olive oil, lime juice, and honey—ties it together with a zesty finish. It’s the kind of recipe that works beautifully as a starter or main course, and it pairs just as well with a chilled glass of rosé as it does with a tall pitcher of iced tea. Bonus points if you plate it up on your favorite summer dishes and drizzle with a little extra olive oil before serving. Trust us—this is the salad that makes everyone look forward to dinner.

Ingredients Dressing

• 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice

• 1 1/2 teaspoons honey

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Salad

• 1 pound shrimp, cooked, peeled, and deveined

• 4 cups seedless watermelon cubes

• 1/4 cup crumbled Feta cheese

Instructions

1. COMBINE the olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt and pepper in a large bowl.

2. ADD the cooked shrimp and toss to combine.

3. ADD the watermelon and TOSS gently to combine.

4. Add the crumbled Feta cheese

5. Plate and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil

Leslie Rohland is the owner of The Cottage Café and Bakery, The Juice Hive and the Bluffton Pasta Shoppe. Leslie was named one of the South Carolina Chef Ambassadors for 2024.

LESLIE ROHLAND

Thinning hair culprits

By Joy Ross Contributor

Lately, I’ve been focusing many of my conversations, and columns, on thinning hair. It’s something I’m seeing more and more, and not just in men. Women are experiencing it too, and in both cases, there’s rarely just one reason behind it. Stress, in particular, has become a major culprit. Let’s be honest: the pressure we’re all under these days is intense. Whether it’s managing aging parents, recovering from joint surgeries, navigating new health diagnoses, or simply juggling everything life throws at us, it adds up. That kind of ongoing, internal stress can take a physical toll, and yes, your hair often feels it first.

I’ve also had quite a few clients come in after using weight-loss medications. While they’ve seen big results on the scale, they’ve also noticed significant hair loss. Rapid weight loss puts the body under stress, and when your body is scrambling to adjust, one of the first things it does is redirect nutrients away from “non-essential” systems. Unfortunately, your hair is one of those systems.

Hormonal shifts (especially around menopause), new medications, and nutritional deficiencies are all part of the puzzle too. And let’s not forget the basics: how you wash your hair, what products you use, and even how often you clean your scalp can make a difference.

Many people don’t realize that not shampooing properly, or using products full of harsh fillers, can cause buildup around the follicle. That buildup can smother the follicle, cutting it off from the nutrients it needs to thrive. Over time, it weakens or shuts down entirely.

That’s why I encourage clients to slow down and really think about what they’re putting on their scalp. Look at your labels. Avoid products packed with silicone or waxy ingredients that just coat the hair. And take your time in the shower; a good scalp massage while shampooing isn’t just relaxing, it stimulates circulation and helps remove buildup. Better yet, come in for a professional scalp treatment. Trust me, having someone else rub your head does wonders, for your stress level and your hair health.

I know it may seem like your hair shouldn’t require this much attention, but it truly does. Hair follicles are the last in line when your body hands out nutrients. If you want healthier, stronger hair, you have to prioritize it just like you would any other part of your body.

So take a breath, nourish yourself, and be mindful of what you’re feeding your body — and your scalp. Your hair is trying to tell you something. I hope you’re listening.

Joy Ross is the owner of Style It Salon. styleitsalon.com, 843-338-1530.

Secure. Smart. Forward-thinking. Estate planning isn’t just paperwork—it’s peace of mind for you and protection for the people you love.

Secure. Smart. Forward-thinking. Estate planning isn’t just paperwork it’s peace of mind for you and protection for the people you love.

LawyerLisa.com/events LawyerLisa.com/events

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

July 23, 2025 1:00-2:00pm

July 23, 2025 1:00-2:00pm

"I’m Alone, What Happens When I Need Help?"

"I’m Alone, What Happens When I Need Help?"

The inevitable will happen – illness or injury. It is better to have a plan – especially if your loved ones are not nearby. You need to know what to do from having the right documents to navigating care and future transitions. Planning takes the crisis out of a scary situation.

The inevitable will happen illness or injury. It is better to have a plan – especially if your loved not nearby. You need to know what to do from right documents to navigating care future transitions. takes the crisis out of a scary situation.

Not sure if you need a will or a trust? Get our free guide to understanding these documents.

Not sure if you need a will or a trust? Get our free guide to understanding these documents.

East Africa and Qatar Travel

By Tamela Maxim Contributor

While I have more travel tips to divulge, it’s time for me to take you with me on my month-long 2023 trip to Qatar, Tanzania, and Kenya.

Day One: Tuesday, May 30th

Why do airlines insist that people must be at the airport hours ahead of early flights? There is never anyone at the ticket counter until 8:00 or 9:00. But I don’t take any chances. Once at an airport in Denver, a snooty check-in person wouldn’t let me board a flight. We had been chatting for at least 30 minutes about a suitcase that exceeded the 50-pound limit. The moment the clock hit the luggage check-in deadline, he smirked as he explained that I’d be spending the night in Denver. I was allowed to carry one more personal item. With a 5-minute warning, I could have created one from a sweater for the extra weight and been on my way.

My trip to East Africa was booked close to my departure date, so my 42-hour travel time was much longer than the 25-30 hours it would typically take to get from Savannah, Georgia, to Tanzania. But making lemonade out of lemons, and since I have friends in Qatar, my long layover included some tourist time.

After the short flight to Philadelphia, I had a 9-hour layover until my 9:30 pm departure. The Philadelphia airport has something I’ve never seen before - a machine that provides free poems and short stories. You “tell” the machine what you want, and it spits out something to read while you wait for your next flight.

Flying from the US to Doha on Qatar Airways is a slightly different experience. They have their own boarding passes. It was a good thing I had a long layover, as it took a while to find their check-in desk. I kept hearing announcements over the PA system warning passengers that they might miss their flight if they tried to use non-Qatar Airways boarding passes. Eventually, after going to more than one terminal, I found the correct location and got my new pass.

I’m not afraid of flying, and my red-eye trip was supposed to be for relaxing and sleeping, but there was severe turbulence for most of the 14-hour flight. Not fun. The plane had seats for approximately 300 passengers, divided into three relatively equal sections. The middle row, where I was seated, had five seats together. My

seat wasn’t great but I smiled and made the best of it, thinking about my exciting adventures ahead.

Qatar Airways provides more amenities in the economy section than most other airlines. I appreciated that everyone received a large, fluffy blanket, a full-sized headset, earplugs, and a high-quality sleep mask. The plane was also immaculate. They fed us three times, not counting snacks. I was glad to have my large, blue, inflatable headrest, which goes on the tray table.

Day 2: Wednesday, May 31st

I arrived in Doha, the capital of Qatar. The airport is luxurious and enormous, rated #1 in the world in 2022. There are very fancy gold and jewelry stores, beautiful sculptures and artwork, gigantic smiling images of the handsome Emir and his lovely wife are everywhere, exotic cars on display, and every possible wealthy person’s favorite store.

I breezed through immigration. No smiles. But that’s ok. I’m an Army brat. I don’t expect to socialize with gatekeepers, and know better than to act too familiar.

I checked into the in-airport Oryx Hotel because it would be an exceptionally long

The market had distinct smells. 5 Spice in the spice section, leather in the shoe, wallet, pocketbook, etc. section, Shalimar dominated the perfume area, and the outdoor restaurants smelled like a heavenly combination of spices and grilled meat. Our delicious dinner of beef and chicken kebabs, with a side of fresh hummus and pita, was only $14 for three people. One of the most intriguing areas was where they sell falcons and falconry accessories.

A highlight of my visit was riding a camel. Getting up was a little scary, but coming back down – gasp - was like a zippy-fast elevator drop, and I felt like I was going to fall off. Slightly terrifying on the way down, but I loved it.

time before my flight to Tanzania. After checking in, I made my way to the exit with my special Doha visa, which allowed me to leave the airport. It was confusing when, all of a sudden, every airport staff member left their station. Thankfully, a man from London explained that when the call to prayer happens, every working person leaves their post for prayer. If you’re in line or in a hurry, you must be prepared for a delay until they return.

My friends picked me up in the large parking lot. Every car, truck, and van was white. I found out that white cars are cheaper and, of course, cooler in the heat. I’m sure someone in Doha has a vehicle that’s not white, but I never saw one.

The daytime temperature was 110 degrees, but it had dropped to a pleasant 80 degrees. Residents enjoy restaurants, exercise, and even family picnics in the dark. It was the middle of the night, but it seemed like the whole city was wide awake.

Our first stop was at the Souq Waqif, a fascinating, large marketplace with long, maze-like corridors. You can buy gold, jewelry, perfume, beautiful clothing, shoes, birds, rabbits, turtles, domestic pets, exotic spices, handicrafts and much more.

My friends told me they enjoy living in Doha. The cost of living is affordable, and they said wages are excellent. Just about everyone speaks English. Approximately 88% of Qatar’s 2.5 million population (Wikipedia, 2017) are foreigners. Qatarians do have legal protections in place to ensure that non-Qatarians can’t have full ownership of any businesses. You can have a company, but only if you share ownership with a Qatari native. Some Qatarians who aren’t even interested in involvement in your business will let you pay them to be “co-owners.” Interesting. We rode around Doha. I saw the FIFA World Cup Soccer stadiums. Doha is an exciting city, even when it’s not possible to visit museums or other daytime tourist attractions. There were tall purple buildings and large, beautiful mosques, lush parks and playgrounds, and maybe there’s a reason for the color purple? In Doha, with a large non-Muslim population, expat favorites such as gin and bacon can be found outside the regular shopping areas. I didn’t buy any luxury items, but there were many things I would have liked to take home – spices, beautiful leather, fabrics. I hope I can return to Qatar and stay for more than just a day. What a whirlwind adventure!

Tamela Maxim was previously the assistant publisher of Realtor Listings magazine, editor of Bluffton Breeze and Premier Lowcountry magazines, and occasional contributor to local newspapers and magazines. She plays the role of the assistant art instructor on the YouTube channel Art Posse, a local reality TV show. www.artposseproductions.com She recently edited and published two books, Et Cetera Y’all, Volume 1 by Annelore Harrell, and From Jellybeans to a Nobel Prize Nomination by Arthur V. Martin, Ph.D.

Programs aim to empower people with disabilities

By Channing Heiss Contributor

This story is the first in a series on the various aspects of living life as a person with a disability.

The advancement of the social model of disability has given rise to a variety of initiatives that focus on empowerment, inclusion, and respect. Over decades, Beaufort and surrounding counties have been taking their respective places in an evolution that includes centers for independent living, schoolbased work-readiness programs, grassroots nonprofits and other innovations that are being considered for expansion into this area in the near future.

The social model does not deny that disabilities are real, but it points out the influence of the cultural environment in exacerbating the restrictive effects of disability and the possibility of creating self-fulfilling prophecies. The National Coordination of Associations of People with Down Syndrome created an ad campaign last year titled “Assume that I can and maybe I will” based on these concerns about ableism.

Walton Options for Independent Living, Inc., is among the most established disabled advocacy organizations in the area, having just celebrated its 30th anniversary. Recent client Noah Richardson praises the approach of the skill training.

“They didn’t tell me what to do or try to tell me what I should want,” Richardson said. “They asked me a lot of questions about what my goals were.”

He described how he met a representative from Walton Options who told him about the organization and assisted him in getting his first job, a position with Americorps. He was among those whose jobs were eliminated in the recent government downsizing. Richardson was recently offered a new job in assistive technology at Walton Options.

In the Beaufort County School District transition program, students with disabilities are educated as much as possible alongside nondisabled students in what they refer to as “the least restrictive environment.” According to information from the Beaufort County

School District, these students are able to gain work experience under faculty supervision in one of four school-based businesses. They may also get work opportunities through the school’s partnerships with local businesses in the hotel, restaurant, and retail industries.

The Hilton Head Island Bluffton Chamber of Commerce has also worked with the Beaufort County disAbilities Coalition to promote hiring of people with disabilities, posting a link on the Chamber website under Lowcountry Jobs Now. The Coalition has been discussing various concepts for connecting jobseekers with prospective employers with a focus on preparing applicants and potential employers for a successful partnership.

People with disabilities have a wide variety of situations that can be compensated for with accommodation and training, and some of those situations involve simply becoming able to navigate the world.

This reality is the impetus behind Wings For All, an organization that holds air travel simulation days in which people with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience the sights, sounds and procedures from arrival at the airport to boarding that are involved in flying for business or pleasure, but without taking off. The concept for Wings For Autism/Wings For All was developed at an Arc affiliate in Massachusetts and was incorporated into the advocacy of the Arc of South Carolina. Leaders at the Arc have been working on bringing a Wings For All event to our area and have been looking into having one on Hilton Head.

The Beaufort County disAbilities Coalition plans to continue working to coordinate and promote all community initiatives with the goal of involving people with disabilities in all aspects of community life.

To find out more, visit the Coalition website at www.disabilitiescoalition. com. If you have questions or would like to get involved, contact Andrea Hattler Bramson at 786-371-5494 or andrea@ fullspectrumstudio.org

Channing Heiss is a freelance writer and a member of the Beaufort County disAbilities Coalition.

How heat and humidity interact with common psychiatric medications

By Alex Barry Contributor

Hot and humid conditions such as those found in the Lowcountry pose unique challenges for individuals taking psychiatric medications. Heat stress can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Many psychotropics alter the body’s ability to regulate temperature and fluids, making it harder to adapt to extreme weather. Understanding these interactions helps patients and their clinicians take precautions to maintain safety and treatment effectiveness in summer months.

Thermoregulation and Psychiatric Drugs

Psychiatric medications can interfere with sweating, vasodilation, and thirst perception—key processes for heat dissipation. Anticholinergic effects block sweat glands, while drugs that affect serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine can alter hypothalamic control of body temperature. Some agents also promote fluid retention or loss, modifying blood volume and cooling efficiency. Combined with humidity, which limits sweat evaporation, these effects heighten vulnerability to hyperthermia and related complications.

Key Medication Interactions

Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, clozapine): These block dopamine and muscarinic receptors, reducing sweat production. Risk of overheating and neuroleptic malignant syndrome rises in heat.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): Strong anticholinergic activity impairs sweating, elevating heat intolerance.

Lithium: Narrow therapeutic index and reliance on renal (kidney) excretion make lithium levels sensitive to fluid loss. Dehydration leads to toxicity, manifesting as tremors, confusion, or seizures.

Mood Stabilizers (e.g., valproate): May cause fluid retention, but pose less thermoregulatory risk than lithium.

Benzodiazepines: While generally neutral to heat regulation, they mask fatigue and sedate, potentially delaying recognition of heat stress.

Practical Recommendations

• Sip water or electrolyte solutions regularly, even before feeling thirsty.

• Encourage use of air conditioning or cooling fans, and avoid direct sun between 10 AM and 4 PM.

temporary dose reduction for high-risk medications under close supervision.

• Patients and caregivers should take extra care to recognize early symptoms of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

• Speak with your healthcare provider or licensed pharmacist ideally prior to the summer season to clarify any conerns.

As climate extremes become more common, integrating weather considerations into psychiatric care is essential. By understanding how heat and humidity interact with psychotropics, clinicians can guide patients in preventive strategies—balancing mental health management with overall safety.

Continuous patient education, environmental adjustments, and regular monitoring ensure therapeutic goals are met without compromising well-being in the heat.

Antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs): Serotonin reuptake inhibitors can disrupt hypothalamic temperature set-point. Serotonin syndrome risk escalates with dehydration and overheating.

• Schedule more frequent check-ins for lithium and antipsychotic patients during heat waves. Assess for confusion, dizziness, or excessive fatigue.

• In severe heat, clinicians may consider

Alex Barry, MA, LPC-A. is the acting Executive Director of Mental Health America of the Lowcountry, providing daily adult group mental health counseling programs in Bluffton and Beaufort for clients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD and more.

ALEX BARRY

By Dr. Jean Harris

Contributor

Time to relax, refresh and reflect

It’s summertime — a time to relax, refresh and reflect. It’s also a time to quit worrying about your golf game and enjoy time on the course with friends. Below is a collection of quotes from famous golfers and others who’ve played the game. Enjoy:

“A round of golf should permit eighteen inspirations.” — A.W. Tillinghast

“Success in golf depends less on strength of body than upon strength of mind and character.” — Arnold Palmer

“The more I practice, the luckier I get.” — Gary Player

“A bad attitude is worse than a bad swing.” — Payne Stewart

“You’ve got to have the guts not to be afraid to screw up.” — Fuzzy Zoeller

“I don’t think it’s healthy to take yourself too seriously.” — Payne Stewart

“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated.” — Arnold Palmer

“You don’t know what pressure is until you play for five bucks with only two bucks in your pocket.” — Lee Trevino

“The secret of golf is to turn three shots into two.” — Bobby Jones

“Golf is a good walk spoiled.” — Mark Twain

“Every shot counts. The three-foot putt is as important as the 300-yard drive.” — Henry Cotton

“It took me seventeen years to get three thousand hits in baseball. It took one afternoon on the golf course.” — Hank Aaron

“Golf is a compromise between what your ego wants you to do, what experience tells you to do, and what your nerves let you do.” — Bruce Crampton

“You swing your best when you have the fewest things to think about.” — Bobby Jones

“A perfectly straight shot with a big club is a fluke.” — Jack Nicklaus

“Golf tells you much about character. Play a round of golf with someone, and you know them more intimately than you might from years of dinner parties.” — Harvey Penick

“The two things that motivate me most are fear of failure and a desire for self-improvement.” — Jack Nicklaus

“You are what you think you are, in golf and in life.” — Raymond Floyd

“The object of golf is to beat someone. Make sure that someone is not yourself.” — Bobby Jones

“Golf is going to test you, but the test is a game.” — Tom Watson

Always remember this John Daly quote: “Golf, like life, should be enjoyable.”

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

Lessons from the past, strategies for the future

By Nick Martin Contributor

Time in the market is far more powerful than trying to time it. From investing to economics to politics, patterns emerge, lessons resurface and the past becomes a powerful guide for navigating today’s unpredictable landscape. Timing, perspective and adaptability can make all the difference in managing the complexities of modern markets.

Raymond James Chief Investment Officer Larry Adam revisits a few critical decades that still resonate today.

1970s: Trade policy and oil shocks

The 1970s was a time of rising inflation, oil shocks and growing trade tensions. Today’s headlines might echo the past, but we’re not headed for a rerun of 1970s-style stagflation. Inflation today, while higher than the Federal Reserve’s (Fed’s) target of 2%, is far less punishing and unemployment is roughly half of what it was back then.

Regarding trade policy, the 1970s saw Congress provide the president with powerful trading tools, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which gave the White House authority to regulate trade during national emergencies.

Today, Trump 2.0 has revved up the same toolkit. Tariffs are back, trade deals are being reworked and IEEPA is once again front and center as its authority is being challenged in the courts. With average tariff rates projected to hit 15–17%, we do expect some short-term inflation and economic drag, but not a full-blown recession.

Long gas lines and soaring prices led to moves aimed at reducing dependence on foreign oil. Today, the US is far more energy independent, and that shift should help keep oil prices more stable.

1990s: Fed prowess and fiscal discipline

From a market and economic standpoint, the 1990s might be one of the most enviable decades in modern history. The US experienced its second-longest expan-

sion and the Fed struck a near-perfect balance – cutting rates just enough to keep momentum going.

The Fed faces a similar opportunity today. With the fed funds rate hovering around 4.5%, there’s plenty of room to ease if needed. We expect two rate cuts beginning in the fourth quarter, with at least two more likely in 2026. These moves should help cushion any temporary slowdown as businesses work through pre-tariff inventories, consumers adjust to initial tariff price shocks, and hiring cools a bit.

Growth should also accelerate next year. The proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill” could provide a dose of fiscal stimulus, even as it keeps the deficit high. Our forecast calls for US GDP growth of 1.4% in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026.

Another lesson from the ‘90s worth remembering: Fiscal discipline matters. From 1999 to 2002, the US ran budget surpluses – helping pay down some of the national debt. That sense of responsibility was driven, in part, by the fact that interest payments consumed 18% of federal revenue. We’re right back at that level today, and there is little sign of a bipartisan appetite for restraint. Even with a growing economy, rising entitlement spending and rising interest costs are crowding out spending on other priorities. It’s a warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored.

2000s: Tech and US exceptionalism

In the early 2000s, technology felt futuristic, even if it was a bit clunky. Today, it’s sleek, seamless and everywhere – woven into nearly every moment of our lives.

Unlike the speculative frenzy of the early 2000s, today’s tech sector is built on solid ground – mature companies with real earnings and diversified revenue streams. With AI accelerating innovation, we expect technology to keep transforming industries across the economy. That’s why it remains one of our top sectors, alongside industrials and health care.

For the broader market, we’re a bit cautious in the short term. Our year-end S&P 500 target is 5,875, reflecting potential downward revisions to 2025 earnings –from the current consensus of $262 to our estimate of $255. Looking into 2026, we see brighter skies: improving GDP growth, a more accommodative Fed and greater clarity on tariffs and fiscal policy supports our 12-month S&P 500 target of 6,375.

The euro debuted in 1999 and at the time, it raised concerns about a serious challenge to the dollar’s dominance. Bringing together such a diverse group of economies proved difficult, and Europe has struggled to keep pace with US growth and competitiveness. Today, there’s a fresh wave of optimism in Europe – driven by increased defense spending and more flexible fiscal policies. We remain cautious and don’t believe that US exceptionalism is fading. Structural challenges in Europe persist, and while some expect a weaker dollar to boost international returns, we don’t see enough movement in currency markets to support that view. We continue to favor US equities, where the outlook is more stable and the path ahead is clearer.

Bottom line: Perspective is

power

For investors, market ups and downs

are nothing new. Despite interim setbacks, the S&P 500 has delivered a robust average annual return of ~11% since 1985. Bull markets historically last six times longer than bear markets and produce returns five times more powerful. The takeaway? Stay focused on the long term, stick to a well-balanced strategy and rely on your investment advisor. Looking back, it might seem like timing the market would’ve been easy – but markets move to their own rhythm. One thing is clear: Time in the market is far more powerful than trying to time it. We may not be able to predict the future, but we can prepare for it with discipline, perspective and some help from the lessons of the past.

Investing involves risk, and investors may incur a profit or a loss. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the Raymond James Chief Investment Officer and are subject to change. There is no assurance the trends mentioned will continue or that the forecasts discussed will be realized. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Economic and market conditions are subject to change. Diversification does not guarantee a profit nor protect against loss. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks. An investment cannot be made in this index.

Nick Martin is a financial planner and the founder of Bluffton Financial Planning. Bluffton Financial Planning is not a registered broker/dealer, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

NICK MARTIN

By Collins Doughtie Contributor

Nature’s Way Daydream believer

For some unknown reason this brutally hot part of summer almost always has me comparing summers as I was growing up here. Front and center are “Was it this hot back then?” It seems I remember more late afternoon showers that would cool things off a bit. Almost like clockwork thunder boomers would pop up around four in the afternoon and they might not hit everywhere but if they were anywhere close, the temperature would drop a few degrees.

Then again, maybe it’s my age that is making me go into what I call the “Latin mode.” Having lived in Puerto Rico while working as a sign maker for Sea Pines at their Palmas Del Mar development in the early 70s, the workers there had the right idea. My job was making all the wood signs for this new development while at the same time, teaching a native Puerto Rican, who spoke very little English, the art of wood sign making. My Spanish was fairly fluent back then, making that period a dream job for an 18-year-old like myself.

Getting back to the point I was trying to make about the “Latin mode,” each and every day around 11am work would stop and out came thermos jugs of coffee mixed with milk and huge quantities of sugar. Then again around 2pm, it was siesta time. It didn’t matter if they were pouring cement or any other time sensitive project, everyone would find a shady spot and almost like they were programmed robots, they would be asleep in moments complete with snoring and such. Then back to work when the temperature would drop. As hot as it has been this summer I have taken this page out of my memory book, and when I wake from one of these power naps I am raring to go.

Compared to now, there was but a fraction of visitors visiting Hilton Head on vacation. Most of the island remained undeveloped, so other than fishing, exploring took second place as my favorite summer activity. One area in particular was amazing.

On the south end of Hilton Head where South Beach Marina and the Salty Dog now occupy were huge rolling

sand dunes with a large, flat plateau smack dab in the middle. Year after year shore birds used that plateau as a nesting site and thousands upon thousands of various shorebirds laid their eggs there. As soon as I would crest the last dune before the plateau, anxious mothers would take flight dive-bombing me over and over. The noise was deafening and other than wearing a football helmet for protection, each and every step I took had to be done with great care. Eggs of every description lay on the open

sand along with just born baby birds. Sea gulls, plovers, pelicans, oyster catchers…the variety was incredible. Nowadays the largest nesting site I know of is on what is called “Bird Island” between Daufuskie Island and the Savannah River entrance. Created when they deposited sand dredged from the Savannah River, during this time of year it is wall to wall nesting parents. A word of warning though, besides being extremely noisy when disturbed, the smell from all their poop is overwhelming. I wouldn’t suggest walking around on this nesting site because when you get home your spouse will probably insist on hosing you off outside before you are allowed back in the house.

Another favorite summer haunt was Bull Island. All sorts of animals were allowed to roam free on the island including donkeys or maybe they were burros. Because so few people stepped on the shores of Bull Island, these animals didn’t seem to be afraid of people. Often when courting young ladies visiting Hilton Head, I would take them there and it was like being on an African safari. Young and dumb and loaded with testosterone, I would often try to impress these gals with “You wanna see me try and ride one?” Without going into too much detail, it wasn’t my smartest move. They might not be fearful of humans but they sure as heck took on a different attitude when I would try and hop on one. I was bitten, stomped on and worse of all, kicked in the you-know-what where, the only thing I rode for days afterward was an ice pack on my family jewels. TMI? Oh well.

As much as I miss those days, I can still find places to explore without too much effort. All you need is a small boat that can get into shallow water and within minutes after leaving a boat landing, I explore places with nary a human footprint to be seen. If you plan on giving this summer activity a go it is best to get an early start. Take water, binoculars, a camera, a few snacks but most importantly, be back around noon. Why? It’s the beginning of siesta time silly!

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

More summer products to love

By Abby Bird aka Alphadog Contributor

Every trainer has preferred products, and that list often changes over time or circumstance. The use of each product is situational and not all products are appropriate for all dogs. However, with summer in full swing, here are a few seasonal products worth considering

Waterproof long line leashes: Ideal for parks and beach should be 30’ or 50’ long. An advantage of these lines is that they can get wet and dirty and can be easily cleaned off. They can also be left outside without getting mildewy. Available in a variety of colors – I recommend a bright color to be seen easily. NIMBLE brand is a good choice for under $25.

Dog life jackets: Just like with people, deep water poses serious risks for dogs. If you take your dog on a boat or near deep water — even if they are strong swimmers — a life jacket is essential. Look for a jacket with a sturdy, well-constructed handle for lifting, and expect to invest a bit more for higher-quality options. RUFFWEAR

and KUOSER make some of the better ones especially for medium to large dogs and are priced between $45 and $95. For small dogs VIVAGLORY and OUTWARDHOUND offer effective models priced from $30 to $45.

High-quality dog drying towels: These are typically made of microfiber. Look for size options is important, as it allows for a better fit and more effective drying. CHUMIA has sizes and color options in quantity for $25 to $35. TUFFPUPPER and others offer a drying robe and comes in all sizes. Reasonably priced from $25 to $35.

Dog backpacks and carriers: Hiking backpacks for dogs and carry backpacks are very different. For the larger dogs that are physically able to carry their own supplies a well-made hiking backpack such as those from ONE TIGRIS, KURGO and RUFFWEAR will last for years and cost $40 to $100. Backpacks designed for you to carry a smaller dog are available from K9 SPORT SACK in different styles from $65 to $100. Canine cooling equipment: Keeping your dog cool is important, especially during the summer months if you like to take the dog with you. There are different options of cooling gear which can range from a cooling bandana ALL FOUR PAWS $14 to $18, to a cooling vest CANADA POOCH $35 to $65, to a cooling bed from K&H priced from $25 to $65.

Travel medical kit: Take your dog with you on your summer adventures including a medical kit which you can put together yourself. It would include Benadryl pills, Benadryl or hydrocortisone spray, vet wrap, tweezers, booties (TEDDYS TENNIES available on their own site) or something similar for rough terrain from Amazon, antibiotic spray or ointment or buy something readymade from RHINO RESCUE for $40. Don’t forget a silicone water bowl and plenty of water. Now you are all set for you and your four legged one to have some fun!

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

By Mark Winn Contributor

Consider all options when updating your planning

What is the most powerful tool in the estate planner’s toolbox? The most powerful tool to provide for the private administration of your affairs, is to have an agreement (a revocable living trust), where you spell out that you can amend and revoke your trust, but that if you become disabled (usually a 2 Doctor standard) or pass on, your successor trustee (usually a spouse or a child) must follow your instructions.

The biggest benefit is that your instructions are private, and your trust assets do not go through the expense and publicity of probate. Furthermore, we usually direct assets into “trusts” for loved ones.

If done properly, the assets left “in trust” can be protected from creditors claims, not subject to the federal estate tax, stay in your family, not go to your in-laws, and stay in your blood family. If you use a will alone, there is likely to be substantial administrative steps that need to take place that are costly and time consuming. What is necessary? The trust needs to properly articulate your wishes, and address contingencies. Assets need to be optimally titled to accomplish the proper flow of your assets. Proper and updated beneficiary designations on your life insurance and retirement plans is necessary. So, looking at all these things is necessary to ensure your plan will do what you want. This is where it is smart to have an objective professional advisor (attorney) who can help you make sure all is optimal, updated, and in place. So, let us imagine, Jackson and Mabeline are new to the Lowcountry from Ohio, and they have one child named Cagney. Cagney has one child named Little Sammy. Cagney’s husband is James. Jackson

and Mabeline could state all their asserts into a trust for Cagney, and when Cagney passes, the rest of her share in trust will go to Little Sammy in trust for his health and education until he turns age 30 (or 25 or 21). They could also direct that James would be the trustee, but as trustee he could be required to report bi-annually to an independent third party of all receipts and disbursements from the trust. Or, alternatively, if Cagney had a sibling, the sibling could be the trustee if Jackson did not trust James to be the trustee. There are many possibilities and scenarios. Asset titling and designations need to be coordinated. That is why when you update or secure your planning, it is critical that you consider all your options so that you make the best choice for your family, and for your peace of mind.

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

MARK WINN

From Twitter, fingers to understanding figures

By Ryan Chowansky Contributor

The other day I saw a post where a woman said she got quoted $35,000 for a six and a half by fifteen-and-a-half-foot master bathroom. Her husband had already demoed it down to the studs. She listed out the line items that were included, said allowances were built into the quote, but that there was still a big discrepancy between what the line items added up to and the final number. She asked where the rest of the money was going. Was it all in design fees? She said she felt lost.

Why not say, “Hey, Contractor Bob, I really appreciate the proposal, but I noticed a big gap between the allowances and the total number. Could you help me understand where the rest of the cost is coming from?” That’s a normal, respectful question that opens the door to clarity. Being more direct on your end, and

your contractor being more transparent on his end, will go a long way. Instead, we go online to get validation or stir things up, not always on purpose, but that’s what happens. I’m not saying this woman was doing that intentionally, but in general, if we had more calm, honest conversations with each other, I think we’d all get further.

There are different types of contractors out there. You’ve got the guy just starting out. You’ve got the guy who’s been doing these 40 years by himself. You’ve got one-man bands, two-man teams, companies with four people, companies with 20 employees. Some of these people will serve you better depending on what you’re looking for, but it’s your job to learn how they work and where the extra cost, or value, is coming from.

Now you may feel I am off base saying it’s your job to understand how a company works. And I’m going to agree with you. The company should be telling you how the company works. Regardless of whose job it is, someone steps up to the plate to understand what’s going on. If you don’t do that, that’s also your fault and your problem if you do not extract the things that matter while building a relationship.

On the contractor’s side, we’ve got to do a better job too. We should be educating our clients on how we operate, what makes us different, and how we deliver value, not in a salesy way, but in a clear, human way.

You’ve got to figure out what kind of person you want in your home. Do you want to be serviced by a full team? Or do you want one guy who might be juggling multiple jobs and doing everything himself? Or do you want one guy who’s only working in your house, charges a premium, but is happy in life and delivers everything himself at a high level?

when you’re not? Do you trust them to finish things while you’re on vacation and not watching?

Do you like being guided through a process where a sales rep gets you started, a designer walks you through all the finish selections, then hands it to an estimator who gets you an exact number, then it goes back to sales to walk you through the quote, and finally to a project manager and production team who keep things moving and handle the whole experience? That structure isn’t free, but it’s designed to make things smooth.

Hiring a contractor is basically like hiring an employee. Your remodel is your business. You are now the boss, interviewing people to work in your home. Do you trust them? Do you trust them to be there

This is where your own core values come into play. If you don’t know what you stand for or what kind of experience matters most to you, you’re going to struggle to figure out who the right contractor is for you. And don’t answer those questions based on who you want to be in the future. Be honest about where you are right now. Because when something goes sideways, it’s not future-you that must deal with it. It’s present-you. When you interview a contractor, ask what their core values are. If they look at you sideways, be fair and ask them to follow up. Ask them what matters most in the work they do. Ask them how they’d handle a change order. Ask them what they’d do if something looked perfect when they left, but three months later there’s a problem. That will tell you what kind of person you’re dealing with. Look, some people go with the cheapest quote and cross their fingers. Others want someone who’s going to pick up the phone and do the right thing no matter what.

Ryan Chowansky is the owner of Bluffton Builders, LLC, www.bluffton.builders.

CS INSTRUMENTS to open North American headquarters in Bluffton

CS INSTRUMENTS, a German-based manufacturer of compressed air measurement technology, announced plans to establish its North American headquarters in Bluffton.

Founded in 2002, CS INSTRUMENTS operates in more than a dozen countries and specializes in innovative, precision technology for industrial gas and air systems. The expansion reflects the company’s growing footprint and long-term commitment to the North American market.

The company will invest $3.6 million to build a new 11,000-square-foot facility, creating 13 new jobs in Beaufort County.

The new headquarters, located at 8237 Pinellas Drive, will house offices, warehousing, and a service and training center aimed at enhancing product availability and customer support across the Americas. Operations are expected to begin in December 2025.

“Establishing our North American headquarters in Bluffton is a strategic and exciting step forward,” said Martin Zeller, CS INSTRUMENTS’ country manager. “The region’s strong business climate, skilled workforce, and exceptional quality of life make it an ideal home for our growing team.”

Local and state leaders welcomed the news, citing it as a sign of the region’s economic strength.

“This investment not only strengthens our local economy but also creates exciting new opportunities for our residents,” said Bluffton Mayor Larry Toomer.

Gov. Henry McMaster praised the announcement as another example of South Carolina’s appeal to international manufacturers.

Individuals interested in employment opportunities can contact the company at info-us@cs-instruments.com.

RYAN CHOWANSKY

Board-certified nurse practitioner Joins Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists

By Emma June Grosskopf Contributor

Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists have welcomed a new nurse practitioner, further expanding access to high-demand orthopedic care here in the Lowcountry.

Aron Love, MSN, FNP-C, a board-certified family nurse practitioner and Bluffton resident with a diverse background including athletic training and caring for patients in both emergency and urgent care settings, will see patients at the practice’s locations in both Okatie and Port Royal. He will also play a vital role in caring for patients before and after their orthopedic surgical procedures.

“Mr. Love brings a rich background in patient care, and his experience and patient-centered philosophy will make him an integral part of the orthopedic team at Beaufort Memorial,” said Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley. “Mr. Love and the skills he brings to the table are expanding much-needed access to orthopedic care in this region.”

Love’s expertise ranges from emergency medicine and urgent care to athletic training, intensive care and orthopedics, including the treatment of injuries like fractures and sprains. His background with the “organized chaos” of working in an emergency room for 15 years gives him a strong foundation for Beaufort Memorial’s busy, fast-paced orthopedics practice.

When he was injured playing football in high school, Love connected with his athletic trainer, which sparked an interest in the medical field. After realizing that nursing was a better fit, he set his sights on shifting from immediate care roles to the dynamic world of orthopedic care. He said he is carrying over to orthopedics at Beaufort Memorial the same philosophy he brought to patient care in the emergency and urgent care settings.

“I like to take time to understand my patients and meet them where they are, speaking with them honestly and hearing their perspectives,” Love said.

“I listen to them, and we develop a plan together.”

Love will treat patients experiencing a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including arthritis, carpal tunnel, shoulder conditions, hip and knee pain, and fractures and other injuries, as well as educating patients about pre- and post-operative care.

Love, a brown belt in jiujitsu, enjoys being outdoors with his wife Michelle, their two sons and their two dogs. The family lives in Bluffton and enjoys hunting, camping, fishing, baseball and being active.

At the practice, Love joins board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons Dr. Cory Messerschmidt and Dr. Vandit Sardana. Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists are located in Port Royal at 1680 Ribaut Road and in Okatie at the Okatie Medical Pavilion (122 Okatie Center Blvd. North, Suite 210).

To schedule an appointment with any of the providers at Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists, call (843) 5243015.

Opinion: A Little More “Thank You,” Please

By Wendy Kushel Contributor

In an age of instant everything— instant messaging, instant delivery, instant gratification— it seems we’ve lost something essential along the way: the simple art of saying “thank you.”

Remember sending a gift through the mail and waiting—hoping—for a response that never comes? No call, no card, no text. Just radio silence. You start to wonder: Did it arrive? Did they like it? Did it end up in the neighbor’s bushes? Eventually, you have to ask, awkwardly, “Hey, did you get the gift?” Cue the casual, “Oh yeah, thanks, that was nice.” It stings, especially when the gift was thoughtful, sent with love, or meant to connect across distance—like birthday presents for grandchildren, holiday boxes for nieces and nephews, or tokens of ap-

preciation to friends.

It’s not about needing a gold-embossed, handwritten letter (though hey, that’d be nice). A quick text or email does the job. It’s not about formality—it’s about gratitude. The acknowledgment. The kindness. The humanity. Gratefulness matters. Not just as a nicety, but as a way of grounding ourselves.

TEMPLE OSEH SHALOM

Life throws curveballs, large and small— illness, loss, burned toast, a broken laptop, an uncomfortable hotel pillow. Gratitude doesn’t erase the hard stuff, but it balances it. It reminds us we’re still standing. Still lucky in many ways. And if someone goes out of their way— whether it’s sending a gift, holding a door, or offering help—acknowledging it

matters. Saying “thank you” doesn’t cost a thing, but it says everything. It says: I see you. I appreciate you. I’m not taking this moment for granted.

So yes, let’s teach our kids and grandkids to say thank you. Let’s model it ourselves—in business, in friendship, in life. Because gratitude is not old-fashioned. It’s timeless.

And if you’re reading this and thinking, “Oops, I never thanked Aunt Marge for that cozy blanket,” there’s still time. Hit send. Pick up the phone. Drop a line. It’s never too late to say thanks.

Let’s not lose this beautiful habit to the pace of modern life. Let’s be a little more grateful. And for goodness’ sake, say thank you.

Wendy Kushel is the owner of Wendala’s LowCountry Sugar Scrub, LLC based in Bluffton, SC. Drawn to the Beauty & Personal Care Industry Wendy founded her company in 2020. Her background includes stand-up comedy, film, TV and a lot of sales and marketing. For more information about Wendala’s® LowCountry Sugar Scrub visit www.lowcountrysugarscrub. com or call/text 843-949-8933.

WENDY KUSHEL

By Rabbi Ken Kanter Contributor

The founding fathers’ wisdom

Dear Lowcountry friends,

Having just experienced our nation’s 249th Independence Day, replete with red, white, and blue bunting, patriotic parades and speeches, celebrations of hot dogs and (maybe) beer; I thought it was important to remember the very meaningful and historically important values of that hot Philadelphia day. Of course, it represented freedom from colonialism and monarchic hegemony of the British empire, with a king and government that had no desire to represent the citizens of our country, if it didn’t represent the interests of their government. The Declaration of Independence proclaimed religious freedom, and freedom for every person. The document didn’t include equality for women or people of

color, did not reject slavery, and many other essential issues of modern times, but the founders of our country did include one very contemporary concept, the separation of church and state.

That might seem a peculiar issue for a clergy person to mention, but representing the Jewish community is exactly why this is so important, because the delegates to the Continental congress were mostly religious people, and the primary majority were Anglican, or Episcopalian, in modern parlance. But not all. Some were Baptist or Congregationalists or

other Protestant denominations, Deists or non-practicing, but none practiced faiths other than some form of Christianity.

That is what makes the letter from our first President, George Washington, all the more remarkable.

This Anglican born Virginian, land owner and patrician, wrote several letters to synagogues around the new country of the United States, declaring the respect in which he held the children of Israel, the Jewish community of America.

While the first letter was written to the “Israelites” of Newport, RI, a second letter

is much closer to our Lowcountry. It is found in the archives of the Reform congregation of Mikveh Israel in Savannah, one of the original Jewish congregations in America.

At this season of commemoration of the creation of our country, dedicated to the values of our founding leaders, it is important to remember the significant role our SC community has played in the history of our country.

My hope is that we will remember much more than parades and fireworks, but the profoundly important reasons for which our country was created. When the great American and Jewish songwriter Irving Berlin wrote “God Bless America” while a soldier in World War I, he knew of what he wrote.

A Russian immigrant who escaped the intolerance, antisemitism, poverty of his people, America welcomed him and his family, and millions of us, to a land of the free and the home of the brave. Let’s remember that.

Rabbi Ken Kanter currently serves the local Jewish congregation at the Temple Oseh Shalom in Bluffton, SC.

JULY 20th

"And So We See Jesus"

Mark 4:35-41

Rev. Randall Lynn Haase

JULY 27th

"The “Un” Holy Spirit of God”

Luke 3:3-6

Rev. Randall Lynn Haase

August 3rd

"It Must Be a Good Thing"

Mark 1: 4-8

Rev. Randall Lynn Haase

RABBI KEN KANTER

Remembering July 4th

By Annelore Harrell Contributor

Ah, but then, there was the Fourth of July. Forget the rest of the month. The Fourth was all important, the summer version of New Year’s Eve with food, friends, and best of all, fireworks. It’s our country’s birthday, and we party hearty.

I can hear Kool & The Gang singing, “Yahoo!

It’s your celebration.

Celebrate good times, come on!

Let’s celebrate.

Celebrate good times, come on!

Let’s celebrate.

There’s a party goin’ on right here, A celebration to last throughout the years

So bring your good times, and your laughter too,

We gonna celebrate your party with you, Come on, now

Celebration

Let’s all celebrate and have a good time

Celebration

We gonna celebrate and have a good time

It’s time to come together

It’s up to you, what’s your pleasure?

Everyone around the world, come on!”

In Bluffton, way back in the 1940s, on the fourth of July, our Myrtle Island cottage was filled to the brim with visitors, luggage on top of beds, piled on chairs, spewing shorts and bathing suits and makeup bags with the latest Revlon lipsticks, hairbrushes, Mum deodorant, Ipana and Pepsodent toothpaste, Calamine and Noxzema lotion. Alka Seltzer, just in case.

Watermelons sat out in the yard cooling in a washtub of melting ice.

Coca-Cola came in small bottles, and we had a couple of cases from the East Broad Street plant, some large 15-cent bottles of ginger ale, and “seventy-leven” bottles of beer.

Most importantly, there was food, all kinds of food, fried chicken and sliced ham, red rice, butter beans, sliced tomatoes, corn on the cob, Hannah Childer’s pound cake, which was the absolute

best, and macaroons from Gottlieb’s Bakery on Bull Street in Savannah. And there was pie, lemon meringue, and apple, and pecan.

Our ice box was ready with a 50-pound block of ice from Bessie’s Ice House in Bluffton.

The ice cream churn waited on the doorsteps outside the kitchen for someone to turn the crank.

There was no electricity. We did have a well, and you hauled water into the house in buckets for the bathroom necessaries. We had kerosene lamps for light at night and a two-burner kerosene cook stove in the kitchen. The reek of mold and mildew from when the cottage was locked up during the winter months was almost gone by July.

Almost.

A few bed pillows still smelled a bit musty.

By the time this all-American holiday rolled around, the River Maye had warmed up. No shivering now when the water hit our belly buttons, thank you very much. We could hardly wait until the tide was right for swimming. Never even thought about a hurricane coming our way.

I take that back. There are always those gloom and doom people who tried to justify their predictions of disaster when the most pathetic of thunderstorms rolled through.

For us, it was the best of times.

The Fourth of July. Happy Birthday, America!

Annelore Harrell’s journey is a tapestry woven with fascinating experiences and extraordinary accomplishments. Even at 92 in 2025, Annelore’s energy and zest for life continue to inspire. Annelore Harrell’s story is a testament to living with passion, resilience, and an unquenchable thirst for adventure.

Beaufort Memorial workforce housing project next steps

By Emma June Grosskopf Contributor

Collaboration between Beaufort Memorial, Beaufort County and the Town of Bluffton is bringing workforce housing to the booming Bluffton area with the LiveWell Terrace by BMH project.

Beaufort Memorial is also partnering with Woda Cooper Companies to bring a total of 120 affordable housing units to 333 and 335 Buckwalter Parkway in Bluffton. This apartment complex will include 30 one-bedroom units, 60 two-bedroom units and 30 three-bedroom units, with monthly rent costs ranging from $570 to $1,720. These units are open to any tenant, Beaufort Memorial employee or otherwise, based on income qualifications.

The property also will include medical office space to house a new Beaufort Memorial primary care practice and physical, speech and occupational therapy services.

As the Lowcountry continues to grow, the need for healthcare services grows with it. As Beaufort Memorial strives to meet those needs, hiring and retaining employees plays a critical role in that mission’s success.

“The lack of affordable housing for the local workforce in the Lowcountry is at a crisis level,” said Russell Baxley, MHA, Beaufort Memorial President and CEO. “Without housing options that meet the needs of the working population, all industries suffer, including the healthcare industry. The collaborative approach to this project is an example of the innovative partnerships that Beaufort Memorial is pursuing to meet

these crucial needs of our workforce and community.”

Beaufort County purchased the 10acre property in 2023 from St. Andrew By-The-Sea with the intended purpose of developing affordable workforce housing with the approval of the Town of Bluffton’s Affordable Housing Committee. The site along Buckwalter Parkway in Bluffton – less than a mile from where the new Beaufort Memorial Bluffton Community Hospital is being constructed – was transferred in the middle of April, with the authorization of the transfer receiving unanimous support from the County Council.

“Beaufort County is dedicated to continued collaboration with our partners as we work to solve our area’s tough challenges,” said Beaufort County Council Chair Alice Howard. “Our workforce deserves affordable housing options, and we are grateful to have made significant progress on several initiatives over the past year. This project is a remarkable achievement, and we look forward to seeing this vision come to life as we continue to work together to make Beaufort County an ideal home for everyone in our community.”

Beaufort Memorial will be working with the Town of Bluffton throughout the summer and early fall to obtain the appropriate permitting for the LiveWell Terrace by BMH site, actively moving the project forward in coordination with both the town and with Woda Cooper Companies.

Construction is expected to begin at the end of 2025, with its completion and the move-in of the development’s first tenants scheduled for the beginning of 2027.

ANNELORE HARRELL

Education Briefs

May River Montessori launches hands-on marine biology program

May River Montessori has announced a new educational partnership with May River Excursions to offer students hands-on experiences in marine biology, beginning this school year.

The collaboration with May River Excursions, a Bluffton-based tour company known for educational and ecological tours, will give students boat-based learning opportunities on the May River. Students will study oyster beds, observe dolphins, and identify native species while exploring the Lowcountry’s waterways and marshes.

School officials said the initiative supports May River Montessori’s focus on experiential learning and environmental stewardship.

“The May River is more than a scenic view — it’s a living classroom, and we can’t wait to set sail on this new learning adventure,” the school said in a news release.

For more information visit mayrivermontessori.com.

Back-to-School Expo returns July 26

The Beaufort County School District will host its annual Back-to-School Expo on Saturday, July 26th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Battery Creek High School in Beaufort.

The free event will offer door prizes, school supply giveaways, and information booths hosted by district schools and community partners.

Free transportation for district families is being provided from high schools North and South of the Broad. BCSD Families interested in reserving transportation can do so as part of the pre-registration process

Families are encouraged to pre-register by Monday, July 21st. For more information, contact Shakinna Murray at 843-322-0790 or Savanah Rothenberger at 843-322-0720. Spanish-speaking families can reach Yanina Sarli at 843322-2420. Or, scan the qr code to register.

Smith named athletic director at John Paul II Catholic School

John Paul II Catholic School has appointed Tom Smith as its new athletic director. A graduate of the University of South Carolina and West Virginia University, Smith brings extensive experience in athletic leadership and administration. He most recently served as athletic director at St. Mary’s School in Annapolis, Md.

Smith will oversee all Golden Warrior athletic programs and lead the school’s athletic facility expansion as part of its Where Faith and Innovation Meet capital campaign. “We must create a culture of continuous development, adaptation, and creativity to prepare [students] for their JPII career and beyond,” Smith said.

JPII President David Lima called Smith “the ideal leader” to take the school’s athletic program to the next level.

LowCountry Alliance for Healthy Youth recognizes 2025 interns

The LowCountry Alliance for Healthy Youth (LCAHY) recently celebrated the efforts of its 2025 summer interns: Abigail Copcutt, Victoria De Armas, Aishling Lewis, and Sarah Lawson. Interns worked on several youth-focused projects, including educational materials about the risks of marijuana use, fentanyl exposure, cyberbullying, and youth wellness. A new partnership with local dentists was also piloted to distribute information cards on the health effects of vaping.

LCAHY is funded through a DrugFree Communities grant administered by the CDC, with the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry as its fiscal agent. The group’s mission is to promote youth development and reduce substance misuse through community collaboration.

If you have education news to share, please email it to editor@blufftonsun. com for consideration.

By Kevin Fitzpatrick Contributor

I was born in 1952 and for the first 18 years I lived in a second floor walk up apartment in the Bronx. There were a lot of other kids around and we made our own fun. We “chose up sides” for just about any game we could play. A high bounce Spaulding ball (referred to in the vernacular as a “Spauldeen”). We played stickball, stoop ball, punch ball, “king-queen” which was a version of handball against a building, and box ball along with more formal baseball, football and basketball (broken fingers which thought were just jammed and were never reset and knee injuries which were simply “taped up” using an ace bandage will figure into this piece later).

During the summer between 8th grade and high school (there was no middle school back in the prehistoric days, only 1-8 elementary and then 9-12 high school) my friend Jimmy Paturas asked if I wanted to play golf, a sport I had only read about occasionally in the NYDaily News sports section.

We had a small course walking distance from our buildings, Mosholu, and Jimmy had been passed down a set of a few clubs and he, like me, had never played but wanted to try. So we arrived at the course and were taken aback by the cost of even a junior 9-hole charge, $1.50 at the time but decided to give it a try. We were both terrible holding the club and swinging it with a baseball grip and using the same motions we had used on the diamond but, we both walked off totally hooked. For my upcoming 13th birthday, I asked my folks for a set of clubs and a bag. I promised I would cover all other costs (green fees, balls etc) moving forward. So off we went to Honig’s Parkway, the local “everything” store where I picked out a set of Spaulding Clubs that consisted of a driver, odd number irons 3,5,7,9 and a putter along with what is now known as a “sunday bag” and I became somewhat obsessed.

I would walk to a local “green space” (hard to come by in our part of the Bronx

FORE!!

at that point) that was nothing more than an elongated island along Mosholu Parkway separating the two directions of traffic and would practice as much as possible. I would walk to Mosholu Golf course when I could, and Jimmy and I would play together or sometimes I played as a walk-up addition to another group or simply alone.

Toward the end of my high school years I had become decent, the two summers between junior-senior year and then graduation and first year of college there was regular group of 4 who played 5 or 6 days a week and now that we were driving, we expanded to other courses in the area (NYC and suburbs had many reasonable public courses including Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course considered the oldest public golf course in the nation opened on July 6, 1895 as a nine hole course. The “back 9” consisted of a then unheard of 612-yard par 5 public hole and the final 4 holes doubled, during the winter, as local public ski slope so you can imagine that terrain.

In the summer of 1969, I was spending some time in Long Island with my Uncle Dom, who also loved golf and he took me to play at Bethpage State Park which had (and still has) 5 courses in the complex. We played the Blue Course (and took a riding cart) which was considered a stern

test but was well shy of the now legendary Black Course which then, as now, was walking only. He walked me by it, pointed out the “warning” sign at the first tee and said that one day, when my game was up to it, I should make it a point to try it out and he planned to do the same someday as well.

Life, of course, has a funny way of altering the proverbial “best laid plans” and “life” nudged me to a very short stint as an analyst on Wall St in the mid 70s (I hated it, but I did, as part of a trip get to meet and play a few holes with Tom Watson on a work trip to Overland Park, Kansas). Ultimately it took me to Greenwich, CT where I not only taught for decades, but reconnected with an old grad school buddy and took up golf again after many years of parenting, teaching, tutoring, summer school teaching, had thrown many obstacles in the way.

We finally made it to The Black Course beginning in the early 80s driving out from CT at 3 am, queueing up in our car online with everyone else (yes, some still do that even in the days of online tee time reservations) and enjoying every minute of it. We made the trip at least once each summer for a number of years, one time even bringing along a few former students who had graduated and also loved the game. I also did have the great joy of

playing one round with Uncle Dom in the early 90’s. I have been fortunate and have been able to play some legendary courses over the years. Scarlett at Ohio State, Seven Oaks at Colgate, LaCosta, and most recently The Ocean Course at Kiawah (a birthday gift from my wife) but The Black remains my absolute favorite.

When we moved to Bluffton, one of the many motivating factors was the opportunity to play golf pretty much year ‘round. Life, again, can be funny and as I move along the cradle-grave railroad ride, the injuries mentioned earlier in this piece (most notably the broken fingers never reset) have made for obstacles that limit my ability to play as much as I’d hoped, coupled with the fact that I have a hard time dealing with how much my game has deteriorated now, when I compare it in my head to being 19 and while I know better, I still “see” 19 when I look in the mirror. I still love the game and still enjoy playing, but what I have done recently is to supplement it with Virtual Reality golf courtesy of a headset and Golf+VR game. I have a “club” attachment that I can swing and play courses ranging from the Old Course at St. Andrews, Pebble, Harbor Town and Kiawah among others, places I’d still, in my head, love to play but likely would not enjoy as much given the current state of my game. That brings me to the motivation for this piece. Just yesterday they released Bethpage Black and added it to the available courses. I was as excited to try it in 2025 as I was to line up in the car before dawn in the early 80s. It was even better than I hoped it would be. It was exactly as I remembered it, I was able to walk around it while still anchored in my home here, and while, even in VR land I was not playing the way I did at 19, I was able to play a full round (shot an 81 from the middle tees), and felt like Uncle Dom was walking beside me as I played even though we lost him in 2019. The only remaining trick now is to take advantage of one of the things that brought us here and get out to the range and hit some balls and see if I can complement “virtual” with reality. Pretty sure Uncle Dom will be smiling along in both cases.

Kevin Fitzpatrick is a retired teacher who, along with his wife Sue (also a retired teacher) is enjoying exploring life in the lowcountry and all it has to offer.

KEVIN FITZPATRICK

Beaufort County Walk for Water returns in September with $100K goal

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Organizers expect more than 1,000 participants to take part in the ninth annual Beaufort County Walk for Water, scheduled for Sept. 13 in Port Royal and Sept. 20 in Bluffton, with a goal of raising $100,000 to support access to safe, clean water around the world.

The community walk, which raises funds for the nonprofit Water Mission, will take place at Live Oaks Park in Port Royal on Sept. 13 and Wright Family Park in Bluffton on Sept. 20. Participants will walk a 3-mile course, with an option to carry a bucket of water to simulate the daily burden faced by millions of women and children in developing countries who lack access to safe water.

“The money the walk raises lifts up people for generations in communities around the world,” said Nan Krueger, committee leader for the Beaufort County Walk for Water. “As little as $50 provides one person ongoing access to safe, clean water, $500 can create latrine sanitation for a community, and about

$1,000 can build solar panels for a power source.”

Water Mission, based in Charleston, is a Christian engineering organization that builds safe water systems in disaster zones and developing nations.

According to Water Mission, a person dies from a water-related illness every 37 seconds globally. Funds raised during the Beaufort County walk help bring sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

How to participate

Registration is open now at walkforwater.com/beaufort. Fees are $25 for adults (18 and older), $10 for youth ages 5–17, and free for children 4 and under. Participants who register by Aug. 13 will receive a T-shirt and can use code EARLYBIRD for a $5 discount.

The event is supported by Beaufort County residents, churches, schools and businesses, all working toward the shared goal of improving global water access.

Bluffton Town Council election set

By Sasha Sweeney Contributor

candidate filing opens Aug.

The Town of Bluffton will hold its municipal general election on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, with voters choosing two at-large Town Council members. The seats currently held by Councilmembers Fred Hamilton and Emily Burden are up for election.

Candidate filing

Filing for candidates opens at noon on Friday, Aug. 8, and closes at noon on Friday, Sept. 8. Late filings will not be accepted.

All Bluffton municipal elections are nonpartisan, and all seats are elected at-large. Bluffton operates under a Council-Manager form of government, with four council members and a mayor. Council members serve four-year staggered terms and are compensated $17,000 annually, while the mayor earns $25,000. To qualify, candidates must be regis-

tered voters residing within the Town of Bluffton. Prospective candidates are

required to complete the Statement of Intention of Candidacy – Nonpartisan Form, which is available online through the South Carolina Election Commission at scvotes.gov.

The town recommends that candidates schedule an appointment with Town Clerk Marcia Hunter to submit their completed form, a valid government-issued ID, voter registration card, and the $100 filing fee in person at 20 Bridge Street. Hunter can be reached at mhunter@townofbluffton.com or by phone at 843-706-4505.

Candidates are also required to file campaign finance forms with the South Carolina Ethics Commission, available at ethics. sc.gov. A candidate packet with additional instructions will be provided upon filing. If no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast for the two council seats, a runoff election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 18. The runoff method is based on the total number of votes cast divided by the number of seats, then divided in half to determine a majority threshold, in accordance with the South Carolina Code of Laws and Town of Bluffton ordinances.

Voter registration

To vote in the November election, residents must be registered by the deadlines below:

• Online, email or fax registration must be completed at least 30 days prior to the election.

• Mailed registrations must be postmarked at least 30 days prior to Election Day.

Beaufort County’s Board of Voter Registration and Elections offices are located at 15 John Galt Road in Beaufort and at the Myrtle Park Government Center, 4819 Bluffton Parkway in Bluffton. The Bluffton office is open only on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m., in Room 138.

To check voter registration status, confirm a precinct or polling place, visit bcgov.net/vote or call 843-255-6900. Only residents within Bluffton’s incorporated boundaries may vote in the election. To verify residency status, visit the town’s “Am I in Bluffton?” map at townofbluffton.us/bluffton.

Bluffton Township Fire District earns sixth consecutive Fire Safe SC designation

The Bluffton Township Fire District has been recognized as a Fire Safe South Carolina Community for the sixth year in a row, affirming its continued commitment to fire prevention, safety education and community risk reduction.

The district received its official designation during a ceremony held Friday, June 13th, at the 2025 South Carolina Fire Rescue Conference in Myrtle Beach. Bluffton was among 208 fire departments statewide honored for leadership in reducing fire-related injuries and fatalities.

“This recognition reflects years of dedication from our team and strong partnerships throughout the community,” said Battalion Chief Terry Sheriff, who oversees the district’s Community Risk Reduction Division. “Being a Fire Safe SC Community means we don’t wait for emergencies to happen—we work to prevent them.”

The Fire Safe SC program highlights departments that excel in fire data reporting, public education and strategic outreach. Bluffton Township Fire District has maintained the designation each year

since 2019.

Serving the town of Bluffton and unincorporated areas of southern Beaufort County—excluding Hilton Head Island and Daufuskie Island—the district protects about 76,000 residents and thousands of annual visitors.

Prevention-focused programs lead outreach

A core focus of the Fire Safe SC initiative is home fire safety, particularly the use of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, fire extinguishers and family escape plans.

In 2024, Bluffton’s Smoke Alarm Program provided free safety support to residents, including the nstallation of 162

new smoke alarms and 25 CO alarms in 246 homes, many of which lacked existing devices. They also replaced 407 outdated smoke alarms, 400 batteries, 3 CO alarms, 25 CO alarm batteries, and installed 6 bed shaker alarms for residents who are hard of hearing, in partnership with SC State Fire.

In addition to device installation, residents received on-site education about modern fire risks and best practices for alarm use and placement.

Community engagement extends beyond fire safety

Bluffton’s Community Risk Reduction Division—led by Sheriff and supported by Public Information Officer Stephen

Community Engagement Builds Cohesive Communities

Combs and educators Haley Frazier and Sam Dulla—also contributed to broader safety efforts throughout 2024.

Among the division’s highlights:

• Delivered 115 CPR and AED classes, training nearly 1,000 residents

• Conducted child passenger safety seat checks at multiple fire stations

• Maintained and expanded public access to AEDs in support of Bluffton’s Heart Safe Community initiative

• Reached more than 30,000 people through over 100 community events, including safety presentations, school visits and station tours

The division aligns its programs with national Vision 20/20 strategies and Fire Safe SC standards to promote proactive safety engagement throughout the region.

“Recognition is an honor—but the real impact is in the lives we make safer every day,” Sheriff said.

For more information about Bluffton Township Fire District programs or to request free services, visit www.blufftonfd. com.

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Spillin’ the Tea... Tales from the Lowcountry

This story is from a collection of interviews from long time locals who have generously shared their lowcountry memories with me to be saved for historical purposes and future generations

Coach Morris Fields

By Paul Tollefson Contributor

The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” is an old African proverb, meaning that a child’s well-being and development rely on the support and interaction of an entire community, not just their parents.

Growing up on

Toy Field Circle in the Buck Island community, Morris and his brothers didn’t just know that statement, they lived that statement. Having lost their father at a very young age, and a mother who worked multiple jobs to support the boys, The older folks of Bluffton helped keep the boys on track and away from trouble.

“Black or white, the villagers in the early to mid-80s all still knew each other, and if you were doing something you weren’t supposed to, someone was gonna let your mama know”, laughed Fields.

Morris Fields attended M.C. Riley, McCracken Middle, and graduated from Hilton Head High School in 1999. He played baseball and football before attending Middle Georgia College.

“After my freshman year of college, I realized how much I was calling home asking for money, and I made the hard decision to return to Bluffton and begin my working career”.

Morris returned to Bluffton and started working for Kenneth Frazier in the masonry business before moving on and learning the trade of an electrician. Today, He owns his own company, Mo’s Custom Services.

From his extremely modest upbringing and the fact that he lost his father, Morris

did what most kids in that situation did, he made do with what he had.

“I had a great childhood here in Bluffton! We didn’t have much money but all the kids in the neighborhood stuck together very closely. The generation of kids that were outside playing sports from sunup, till sun down.

“I remember vividly, playing the football game, pick ‘em up bust ‘em up, for hours! But we didn’t have a football, so we used the biggest pinecone we could find. When we were in basketball mode, someone nailed an old bike tire wheel to a post, and we used a rubber ball we got from gym class. It wasn’t until they tore down one of the schools in town that someone snagged an old basketball rim that was going to be thrown out. That was the first time we had anything that resembled a real basketball goal”.

Morris always knew that he wanted to give back to the community in some way, and he figured sports were going to be his best bet. He started coaching the Bluffton Bulldogs about ten years ago and started learning from the older coaches that had much more experience than him. Year after year he learned and he started to become the coach that he wanted to be, picking bits and pieces of coaching knowledge from each older coach.

In 2023, after carpooling to the island and back multiple times a week for his own boys 7 v 7 teams, he made the decision that he was going to venture off on his own, and B-Town Athletics was born!

“We didn’t really have any 7v7 for our Bluffton youth out here, so I decided it was time to have a go at starting a team on this side of the bridge. Last year was our first year and we had one team, and now in our second year, we are up to three teams, so it’s growing”, Fields said to me with a smile.

But Fields was still looking for that big break, the job opening that would really

jump start his career. A career of coaching football, but also of mentoring and helping boys grow into men. A mentor like Kenneth Frazier, Leroy Jenkins, and Brother Kitty gave to him when he needed a father figure in his life.

That break finally happened!

“My son came home from HHCA one day and said “Dad, I heard the coaches talking, and they might ask you to coach, would you, do it?”

“YESSSS I yelled and I’m sure my jaw hit the floor. Wait, coach what?”

“Football Dad! Middle school Football”!

Morris has since signed on to coach and is now an official part of the HHCA coaches!

“I do feel like this was my break, I was waiting for something, what it was going to be, I wasn’t sure. I feel extremely blessed and excited to start this next chapter of my life. I look forward to the coaching

aspect of course, but I also want to be someone that these kids can trust. I want to be someone that they can look up to and help to steer them in a positive direction. Not every kid comes from a happy home with guidance, I want to be that person for them. This is my chance to give back to Bluffton, the town that gave me so much. As I sit with Morris, on the old bleachers of Eagles Field, where he was once a kid watching the “pros” of Bluffton play baseball on the weekends, I asked him one more question.

“Can you remember any funny stories of growing up where you did”?

“Man”, he says, and he starts to laugh. As I said, I grew up right down the road from this field, and every time my friends and I walked down the street, we had to pass Mr. Joseph Lewis Green’s house. Mr. Green had this monster of a rottweiler, and that thing would chase us all the way down the street! You almost had to sneak up on the house to see if the dog was in the back or the front, because if he was in the front, you had better have your shoelaces tied tight, cause it was off to the races for us young boys!”

Bluffton wishes you the best Coach Fields, you are truly a wonderful human and HHCA is extremely lucky to have you!

Paul Tollefson is the Director of Tennis at the Hampton Hall Club in Bluffton. He found his love for the Lowcountry in early 2002 after graduating high school and unsure of what career path he was destined towards. After moving from Hilton Head to Bluffton he became enthralled with the history of the town and the people and cultures that called it home for many generations. He has found a passion in writing and enjoys being able to share the stories and pictures of long-time locals. He is the co-creator of the Facebook page “Bluffton Then and Now.”

PAUL TOLLEFSON

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