Bluffton Sun • Nov 18, 2025

The Bluffton Sun

Bluffton Township Fire District names new fire chief following national search

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Bluffton Township Fire District has named David Hindman as its next fire chief following an extensive national search that drew more than 60 applicants from across the country.

The district’s Board of Commissioners recommended Hindman for the position after a months-long selection process.

County Administrator Michael Moore approved the hiring, and Hindman is expected to begin his duties on or before Jan. 5th, 2026. He will succeed Interim Chief Derek Church, who has led the department during the transition and will return to his role as deputy chief of administration once the new chief assumes command.

Hindman currently serves as chief of operations for the Greenville City Fire Department. He brings more than 25 years of experience in fire service, having started as a junior volunteer firefighter at age 16 and advancing through operational and administrative leadership roles.

“We took very seriously the responsibility to find the right leader for this organization and our community,” said Acting Board Chairman William Rickett. “The search process was thorough, thoughtful, and deliberate. We are confident that Chief Hindman brings the experience, leadership, and commitment to service necessary to guide the Bluffton Township Fire District forward.”

Hindman holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in fire services administration from Waldorf University. He is a graduate of the South Carolina State Firefighters Association Leadership Institute and the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. He also holds

the Chief Fire Officer credential from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in public administration.

Rickett said the board is grateful for Church’s leadership during the interim period. “His service ensured continuity and stability while the search process was underway,” he said.

The Bluffton Township Fire District provides fire protection, rescue, and emergency services to Bluffton and surrounding unincorporated areas of Beaufort County.

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BCSD opens 2026–27 Choice program applications

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Beaufort County School District has begun accepting applications for its Choice programs for the 2026–27 academic year, giving families the opportunity to apply for specialized programs outside their designated attendance zones.

Now in its 12th year, the district’s expanded Choice initiative offers a range of academic and career pathways designed to match students’ interests and future goals. Applications opened Nov. 10th and must be submitted online by 5 p.m. on Jan. 15th, 2026, through the district’s website at www.beaufortschools. net/bcsdchoice

Parents without internet access can request assistance at any district school.

“We want parents to know that Beaufort County School District is the best choice for their children,” Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said. “Our offerings are extensive, innovative, and

engaging. There’s something to match every student’s interests and future career plans.”

Programs approved by the Board of Education include Advanced Math, Engineering and Science (AMES), Montessori, International Baccalaureate, arts integration, language immersion, Cambridge Academy, Early College, and specialized medical, technology, and leadership pathways. Expanded opportunities this year include BCSD Tides — a dual-enrollment option for rising ninth graders — and new Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

If applications for a particular program or school exceed capacity, the district will use a lottery system to determine placement. Participation in Choice programs is tuition-free for Beaufort County residents, although families are responsible for transportation if they live outside the assigned attendance area.

For more information about the Choice application process visit www. beaufortschools.net.

State investments earn $1.7 billion

By The Bluffton Sun

South Carolina’s investment portfolio earned $1.7 billion over the past year, State Treasurer Curtis Loftis announced Oct. 29th, saying the returns will help fund schools, roads, public safety, and local governments across the state.

Loftis said the gains reflect a cautious, long-term strategy focused on protecting taxpayer dollars.

“This $1.7 billion benefits the taxpayers in the form of stronger schools, safer communities, and better infrastructure,” Loftis said in a statement. “We don’t chase risky bets or play politics with your dollars. We invest carefully, monitor constantly, and deliver results.”

Since taking office in 2011, Loftis has promoted transparency, accountability, and conservative financial management within the State Treasurer’s Office. He said the office’s investment strategy mirrors the approach used by private financial institutions, emphasizing safety, liquidity, and steady returns.

Loftis credited the office’s investment

team for its performance and consistency amid economic fluctuations.

“This performance didn’t happen overnight,” he said. “It is the result of more than a decade of sound strategy. I’m proud of our staff, whose expertise ensures that taxpayer dollars are protected and put to work for the people.”

Loftis also noted that his office has maintained balanced books, clean audits, and strong credit ratings for the state despite fiscal challenges elsewhere.

“The state’s financial future is brighter because of the foundation we’ve built,” he said. “Together we will keep it strong for generations to come.”

According to the Treasurer’s Office, the $1.7 billion in investment earnings contributes directly to state and local budgets, reducing the need for additional taxpayer funding.

For more information visit www. treasurer.sc.gov.

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Brown

Chad Cannon

Ryan Chowansky

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Channing Heiss

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PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-9507

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All contents are copyrighted by Beaufort Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. All submissions must include name, address and phone number. The Editor reserves the right to edit or reject any material, including advertisements. The Bluffton Sun does not verify for licenses, endorse nor warrant any advertised businesses or services. The opinions and views expressed in the editorials are not necessarily those of the Editor and Publisher. Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Old Town Bluffton Merchants Society.

THE BLUFFTON SUN Issue 23, Novmber 18, 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.

EDITORIAL

Bluffton’s 2025 Milestones

By Mayor Larry Toomer Contributor

As this year ends, I want to take a moment to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. Bluffton has grown and changed in many ways, but what inspires me most is how our community continues to come together—neighbor to neighbor and family to family—to shape the future of this special place we call home.

One of the highlights of this year was opening new places where people can gather. The historic Squire Pope Carriage House at 111 Calhoun Street found new life as the Town’s Welcome Center, offering visitors and residents a warm introduction to Bluffton. It’s our way of saying, “This is who we are, and we’re glad you’re here.”

The Town also opened New Riverside Barn Park, a 37-acre space with trails, open fields and a playground that includes a hill (one of the highest points in the Lowcountry), a zip line and equipment for all ages. The restored Barn on the property is set to open for event rentals in February 2026, providing a new gathering space for weddings, reunions, and celebrations. And at Oscar Frazier Park, the Town’s first Splash Pad quickly became a favorite spot for families. These places aren’t just projects—they’re where neighbors gather to make memories.

This year, the Town also took meaningful steps to protect the natural landscape that defines Bluffton. The Town became the first in South Carolina to adopt a wetlands protection ordinance, strengthening buffer requirements so new development better respects our environment. We continued progress on the Historic District Sewer Project, which will replace aging septic systems to safeguard the May River. And in partnership with Beaufort County’s Green Space Program, we’re working to preserve nearly 300 acres in Buckwalter that might otherwise be de-

veloped. Protecting this land means protecting water quality, open space and the sense of place that is uniquely Bluffton.

At the same time, we are working to ensure Bluffton’s economy serves the people who live here. Through the Town’s Economic Development Incentive Program, the Town supported projects that brought more than $56 million in private investment, nearly 90,000 square feet of new commercial space and around 150 jobs to our community. This program is strategically designed to bring medical, childcare, and professional services closer to the fastest-growing neighborhoods.

The Don Ryan Center for Innovation (DRCI), the Town’s economic development arm, continued helping entrepreneurs start and grow businesses—keeping talent and opportunity here at home. Next year, DRCI will open a second

facility in Buckwalter Place, providing space and support for new businesses as they get established.

All of this progress connects us back to a simple idea: we plan with purpose. Bluffton doesn’t grow by accident. Our Strategic Plan guides how we invest in infrastructure, housing partnerships, parks, and quality-of-life priorities—so we build a future that reflects who we are and what we value.

As a fourth-generation Blufftonian, this work is personal. My family is here. My history is here. And I want Bluffton to remain a place where every family can build their story.

Thank you for your care, your pride, and your partnership.

Larry Toomer is the mayor of the Town of Bluffton. ltoomer@townofbluffton.com.

LARRY TOOMER

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Progress made but more work lies ahead

By Rep. Weston Newton Contributor

It was an honor to serve recently as keynote speaker at the Ancient Order of Hibernians’ “Hibernian of the Year” luncheon, celebrating Tom Fletcher and Deb Bruen as this year’s outstanding honorees. The AOH’s commitment to faith, heritage, and community service continues to strengthen our neighborhoods and preserve the proud traditions of Irish America.

Last session, the legislature made significant strides in reforming the way judges are screened and elected, including expanding the screening commission to include gubernatorial (executive branch) appointments, establishing term limits for commissioners, and making the process more transparent. At the time the legislation was passed, we acknowledged it was a good step but that more work was needed, including magistrate court reform.

Currently, magistrates are only required to hold a bachelor’s degree and pass a basic eligibility test — they are not required to have a law degree or be admitted to the bar. These judges make significant decisions: issuing arrest and search warrants, setting bail, conducting preliminary hearings, and presiding over trials of criminal and civil matters. This mismatch, the loophole allowing magistrates to serve in a “holdover” status, along with the absence of an established merit-based, transparent screening process, opens the door to politicized or crony appointments and undercuts public trust in the courts.

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court outlined his support for magistrate reform this summer, and as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I am committed to working to pass further judicial reform, including magistrate court reform, this session.

Another important topic that I have been working on in this off-session involves hemp or THC drinks, which are appearing on convenience and grocery

store shelves across the state with absolutely no regulation for labeling, packaging, or age restrictions. These products are marketed like ordinary soft drinks, yet they contain psychoactive, intoxicating, addictive ingredients that can impair judgment, coordination, and decision-making.

Hemp is a legitimate agricultural product with real potential to boost our economy, but as with any emerging industry, public safety must come first.

The 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, passed by the U.S. Congress, permitted the processing and sale of hemp and hemp derivatives. The federal legislation removed THCs in hemp from Schedule I of the Federal Controlled Substances Act, and South Carolina followed suit, removing THCs found in hemp from the definition of marijuana. Therefore, products with a delta-9 THC concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis are legal under state and federal law. One effect of these state and federal laws is a new market where other forms of THC, including delta-8 and delta-10 derived from hemp, are being added to delta-9 and sold in beverages and consumer products across the nation and our state. States are beginning to respond, and it is time for our legislature to act.

At a minimum, we need sensible regulations limiting the type and concentration of consumables, requiring limited and controlled distribution and sales like the three-tier system for alcoholic liquors, ensuring accurate labeling of cannabinoid content, and, of course, prohibiting sales to or possession by minors. We have been studying this issue and legislation being proposed in other states since last spring, and we will be prefiling legislation in December to be taken up early in January when we return to Columbia.

Finally, as we enter the Thanksgiving season, it’s a time to pause and reflect on all we have to be grateful for — our families, friends, and the communities that bring us together. I am thankful for the privilege of serving you in the South Carolina House of Representatives and wish everyone a safe, joyful, and meaningful Thanksgiving filled with peace and gratitude.

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

WESTON NEWTON

Local advocates bid to host business summit

By Channing Heiss Contributor

Last month, as people throughout the country recognized National Disability Employment Awareness Month, local advocates began a campaign to bring a well-established business event to the Hilton Head-Bluffton area.

Organizers at the Columbia-based Able South Carolina center for independent living promote the Hire Me SC Employer Summit as one-day event as a conference for business managers, executives, human resources professionals and service providers ready to strengthen the workforce and the economy by including people with disabilities. It is not a job fair, but rather a largely educational event focused on exchanging information and cultivating ideas. The summit includes discussion panels, workshops, and speakers on a variety of employment related topics. The 2025 summit had an estimated 80 participants.

Hire Me SC is an Able South Carolina employment advocacy program working in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. On October 1, they hosted the 10th annual summit, held this year at the Michelin Conference Center in Greenville.

Advocates working to bring the summit closer to home are seeking support from other advocates and from the business community. Andrea Hattler -Bramson, who has worked with the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce on increasing employment of people with disabilities in her role on the workforce subcommittee of the Disabilities Coalition, contacted Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy Tom Henz, who expressed great interest in the summit proposal. “We enthusiastically support this effort,” Henz said in a follow up email.

While they do much of their work in the Columbia area and provide most of their core services there, Able South Carolina can and does help people statewide and they are willing to travel to provide some services, including accessibility assessments. They have also done work in other states and internationally.

As the oldest disabled-led nonprofit in the state, they emphasize their role as an advocacy organization and have successfully championed landmark legislation.

Able South Carolina promotes the philosophy that many more people with disabilities could work if given opportunity, training, and accommodation. Meanwhile, advocates here in Beaufort and Jasper counties also continue to work toward maximizing the possibilities in the lives of people with disabilities and welcome the pursuit of cooperation and opportunities among the regions of South Carolina.

Long time advocate Bart Brophy, a former Hilton Head resident who now has a home in Hardeeville, believes the summit idea is a positive step and long overdue.

“(It’s a) good one. Most things happened in Columbia all these years. We need more down our way,” Brophy said.

Hattler-Bramson, who co-founded Full Spectrum Studio to foster the integration of artists with disabilities into the art world and whose daughter, Victoria Bramson, is a local artist based at the studio, wants everyone to realize the many growth opportunities that hiring people with disabilities can bring with it.

“Having the Employer Summit in the Lowcountry is a perfect step in the right direction,” Hattler-Bramson said. “Employers everywhere should be afforded the chance to ask hard and sometimes uncomfortable questions. The best part is most of those questions are only uncomfortable for the asker. The answers are straightforward and honest. We need employers willing to be flexible, take a chance, and benefit from everything the community of people with disabilities can contribute.”

She believes these inclusive hiring practices and educational opportunities can become part of the culture and create mutual benefit.

“Here, they become a core element of the fabric of our employment community. In turn, a successful employee develops priceless skills and confidence making everything and everyone stronger.”

To inquire about how to support the summit initiative, call Andrea Hattler-Bramson at 786-371-5494. To find out more about the Employer Summit, call Able SC at 1-800-681-7715 TYY 803-779-0949 or visit their websites, www.able-sc.org or .www.hiremesc.org.

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

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Bluffton Chamber CEO named SC Chamber Executive of the Year

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Natalie Osterman, chief executive officer of the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, has been named the 2025 South Carolina Chamber Executive of the Year by the Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

The award was presented Oct. 30th during the association’s Annual Management Conference at the Beach House Resort on Hilton Head Island.

The honor recognizes chamber leaders who demonstrate excellence in leadership, innovation, and community engagement over a sustained period. Recipients are selected based on their performance in organizational management, service to the profession, community reputation, and personal integrity.

“Being recognized as the South Carolina Chamber Executive of the Year is truly humbling,” Osterman said. “My journey in this industry has been shaped by the

guidance, support, and collaboration of so many remarkable colleagues and community leaders. I am grateful to serve a chamber that is committed to making the greater Bluffton business community stronger, more connected, and full of opportunity for all.”

Osterman has led the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce in its mission to promote economic growth, collaboration, and professional development among local businesses. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded programming and partnerships to support Bluffton’s rapidly growing business community.

The Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, or CACCE, serves chamber professionals in North and South Carolina, offering leadership development and training opportunities. The group was formed in 1994 through the merger of the two state associations.

To learn more about the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, visit www. blufftonchamberofcommerce.org.

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Bluffton tree lighting and 54th annual Christmas parade

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Town of Bluffton will ring in the holiday season the first weekend of December with its 54th annual Christmas parade and tra ditional community tree lighting, continuing one of the Lowcountry’s longest-running holiday celebrations.

The festivities begin Friday, Dec. 5th, at 5:30 p.m. with the town’s tree lighting ceremony at Martin Family Park. Following the countdown, families can visit Santa’s Workshop at the DuBois Park pavilion and enjoy a free outdoor screening of Arthur Christmas at 6:30 p.m.

mas Parade steps off at 10 a.m. through the town’s Historic District.

Now in its sixth decade, the parade has grown alongside Bluffton’s booming population. This year’s lineup will feature up to 125 floats, marching bands, community groups, and local businesses..

The holiday spirit carries into Saturday, Dec. 6th, when the Bluffton Christ-

Organizers are emphasizing safety again this year. Throwing candy or items from vehicles or floats is prohibited, though participants walking alongside their entries may hand out candy or small giveaways directly to spectators. Visitors are reminded to stay out of the roadway during the parade. Parade applications are due Friday, Nov. 21st, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis online at www.townofbluffton.sc.gov

Fund to fight food insecurity launched

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has launched the Helping Neighbors Fund to support food pantries and nonprofit organizations across Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties as food insecurity rises during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The foundation, which has led regional recovery and relief efforts for more than 30 years, said the fund will provide immediate financial assistance to local organizations struggling to keep shelves stocked amid increased demand and higher food prices.

“Rising food costs and greater need have created serious challenges for food pantries throughout the Lowcountry,” the organization said in its announce-

ment. “This fund is designed to help ensure that our most vulnerable residents continue to have access to food and essential support.”

According to the foundation, more than 50 food pantries operate across its four-county service area, all of which are feeling the effects of greater demand.

All donations to the Helping Neighbors Fund will go directly to local hunger-relief efforts, with funds distributed weekly to ensure a rapid response.

The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has previously coordinated large-scale relief efforts, including post-hurricane recovery initiatives and emergency funding for nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More information about the Helping Neighbors Fund and how to donate is available by calling 843-681-9100 or visiting the foundation’s website at cf-lowcountry.org.

New volume of Francis Marion Papers released

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

A newly released volume of The Francis Marion Papers offers fresh insight into the Southern Campaign of 1781, a decisive period of the American Revolution that saw many of South Carolina’s most significant battles.

The South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust, in partnership with the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250), announced the release of Volume Two of the digital collection. The project, which builds on the previously released first volume, continues the effort to document and preserve the correspondence, orders, and accounts of Brig. Gen. Francis Marion — known as the “Swamp Fox” — and his contemporaries.

“When we preserve and publish the papers of Francis Marion—and make them freely available to everyone—we’re not just safeguarding history, we’re opening it up,” said Molly Fortune, CEO of SC250. “These documents help us better understand the people, places, and choices that shaped South Carolina and the birth of

our nation.”

Volume Two centers on 1781, when the Revolutionary War’s momentum shifted in the South. The collection includes newly transcribed letters to and from Marion, British correspondence referencing his actions, general orders, and editorial commentary designed to help readers follow the events of the campaign. Each document includes annotations, biographical notes, and links to maps and related sources.

“This volume will provide insights that earlier historians and biographers did not have,” said Rick Wise, director of the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust and co-editor of The Francis Marion Papers. “It shows that the Swamp Fox was always focused on duty first, as he fought a partisan war that kept the British off balance and ultimately helped defeat the British Southern Strategy.”

The collection highlights key military actions of 1781, including the battles of Cowpens, Hobkirk’s Hill, Ninety Six, Quinby Bridge, Shubrick’s Plantation, Parker’s Ferry, and Eutaw Springs. Maps based on the 1775 Henry Mouzon survey provide historical context for the engagements.

Editor in Chief David Neilan began assembling the collection more than two decades ago, compiling letters and docu-

ments from archives across the country. The project was later revitalized under SC250 in 2022 and advanced by Wise and co-editor Ben Rubin, following the vision of the late Charles Baxley of SC250 and Doug Bostic of the Battleground Preservation Trust.

Like the first volume, Volume Two is available online at no cost to the public. Teachers, researchers, and history enthusiasts can access the documents through the SC250 website at southcarolina250. com/publications/. Volume Three, which will cover 1782 and beyond, is expected in early 2026.

The South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission, established by the General Assembly, is charged with commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary era and highlighting the state’s central role in securing independence. More information is available at southcarolina250.com.

The South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust has protected 72 historic military sites statewide over the past three decades. Details about its preservation work can be found at scbattlegroundtrust.org.

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Oudinot to lead Beaufort Memorial Preoperative Assessment Clinic

By Emma June Grosskopf Contributor

Beaufort Memorial has welcomed a new nurse practitioner to lead the hospital’s Preoperative Assessment Clinic (PAC), which prepares patients for a safe, effective and stress-free surgery experience.

Krissy A. Oudinot, MSN, FNP-BC, brings her passion for patient education and communication to the PAC at the Beaufort Memorial Medical Plaza, addressing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension and developing individualized plans to prepare patients for surgery.

Specialists such as orthopedic surgeons, OBGYNs, urologists and general surgeons refer patients to the PAC if they have conditions or medical history that might affect anesthesia, the surgery itself, outcomes or recovery.

Led by Oudinot, the PAC team performs comprehensive patient evaluations; coordinated lab and imaging services; refers to specialists, including those in cardiology and pulmonology; refers to specialty programs for weight management, smoking cessation and mental health services; and consults with anesthesiology to ensure the optimal safety and readiness of surgical patients.

“Ms. Oudinot brings years of experience assisting in surgeries in the operating room, as well as providing pre- and postsurgical care, to her role at the helm of the PAC at Beaufort Memorial,” said Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley. “Her commitment to educating patients and ensuring their comfort and safety before their surgery will make her a valuable addition to the surgical services team.”

Since obtaining her Master of Science as a nurse practitioner at Millersville University in Millersville, Pa., Oudinot has spent more than two decades assisting orthopedic and spine surgeons in the operating room, resulting in an extensive surgical and occupational medicine background that has given her insight into surgical preparation and recovery process-

es.

Before joining Beaufort Memorial, she assisted in surgery in a variety of orthopedic, spine and pain management procedures at a Maryland surgery center.

Oudinot’s goal is for her patients to go into their surgical procedures as strong and knowledgeable as possible, with their worries alleviated and feeling as mentally and physically prepared as possible.

“Knowledge is power,” she said, “and through clear communication, I like to make sure my patients are as informed, healthy and comfortable as possible before they undergo surgery.”

At the PAC, patients who are referred to the clinic by their surgeon receive a comprehensive review of their medical history, an assessment of their current health status and undergo any additional testing that is required to ensure their safety and readiness for their upcoming surgery.

To learn more about the PAC and how to prepare for your upcoming surgery, call (843)522-7220 or visit BeaufortMemorial.org/PreoperativeAssessmentClinic.

Bluffton,

By Chad Cannon Contributor

Sometimes, five seconds can change everything. Many years ago I learned the 5 second rule and I have tried to follow it ever since.

Five seconds to step through the gym door for the first time.

Five seconds to say yes to a challenge that scares you like doing a 5K or a big hike somewhere.

Five seconds to start something when your mind is full of reasons not to. Courage doesn’t always show its face. Most of the time, it’s very quiet. It’s a moment where you take a breath and move forward before your excuses catch up.

In my business, we see it every day. People who haven’t worked out in years walk through the door, nervous, unsure, but they show up anyway. That’s courage. Not because they’re fearless, but because

Five Seconds of Courage

they act in spite of fear.

Five seconds is all it takes to change your hesitation to action. And that small window, that tiny decision can start a completely new chapter. You don’t need an hour of confidence. You just need a few seconds of it.

Five seconds to hit “register.” Five seconds to tie your shoes and start the walk. Five seconds to look in the mirror and say, “Let’s go.”

Those moments build something much stronger than muscle - they build belief. And once belief starts growing, everything else follows: better habits, more consistency, and a version of yourself that doesn’t back down so easily.

So, the next time you’re standing at the edge of a tough decision - whether it’s starting a new fitness program, speaking up for yourself, or simply showing up when you don’t feel like it, don’t overthink it. Count down from five, take the first step, and trust that momentum will carry you.

Because courage doesn’t come after the fear fades. It comes in those five secondsbefore you know how it’ll turn out.

“You don’t need to be fearless. You just need five seconds of insane courage - and

Take one small,

action

something you’ve been putting

Book a free consultation at your local fitness center. Start a conversation you’ve been avoiding. Say yes to something that makes you a little nervous.

is a health and fitness coach, success coach and the owner of the CannonFit Transformation Center. Chad can be reached at www.cannonfit.com

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Playoff heartbreaks and hopes

By Justin Jarrett Contributor

And like that, it was over.

Football season came and went far too quickly for fans of most of the area’s high school teams, as the Lowco went through the wringer in round 1 of the playoffs.

After a brutal opening night of postseason play, only three teams from Beaufort County strapped on the pads for practice Monday, and some of the early casualties were stunning.

The biggest shocker came in The Den, where dreams of a state championship started even before the season began. The hype machine was already cranked up with quarterback Aedan McCarthy and star receiver Carnell Warren coming back along with a strong supporting cast, but it hit a fever pitch when Amare Patterson announced his transfer from Beaufort High to join the Bobcats’ offensive juggernaut.

Bluffton’s air raid offense put up big numbers all season, as McCarthy and Co. carved up defenses and Kordell Holley gashed soft defensive fronts, but cracks in the foundation started showing in back-to-back losses to Lucy Beckham and Hilton Head High, and the self-inflicted mistakes that kept Bobcats fans on edge in close calls against Bishop England and May River down the stretch all came home to roost Friday.

Three ill-timed penalties wiped touchdowns off the board in Bluffton’s first-round matchup with Gilbert, including two that could have turned it into an early rout in the Bobcats’ favor. Missed tackles, blown coverages, dropped passes, and a blocked field goal for a touchdown all helped the Indians dig out of an early hole and suck the life out of Bluffton’s stadium.

This time, the Bobcats couldn’t muster the magic needed for a comeback, and Gilbert’s inspired and physical play was too much to overcome, sending a stunned home crowd home unsatisfied.

“We just can’t hurt ourselves. That’s easy,” Bluffton coach Hayden Gregory prophetically said at WHHI-TV’s preseason media day. “It’s very rare that if we’re at our ‘A’ game that the other team’s gonna beat Bluffton. The No. 1 enemy we’re gonna have is Bluffton.”

It’s cold comfort for the Bobcats that their rivals across town also bowed out early, as May River’s one-dimensional offense didn’t quite have enough gas in the tank to win a second-half shootout with Wilson. The Sharks’ slogging

Slot-T offense provides the smoke and mirrors necessary for May River to pull as many wins out of hats as possible year after year, but it hasn’t held up to quality competition in the playoffs.

For the second straight year, Beaufort County’s last remaining hope in the SCHSL football playoffs lies with B.J. Payne’s Hilton Head Seahawks, who navigated the Lowcountry gauntlet with expertise en route to their first region title since 2008 and kept the momentum rolling with a 52-24 home win over South Aiken on Friday.

The Seahawks seemingly have it all. Thaddeus Czarnecki and Jayvin Risher provide a dominant one-two punch running behind a veteran offensive line, Jeremiah Walters and Kaden Stewart have the speed to stretch the field in the passing game, and Derrick Raniszewski has played almost flawlessly at quarterback since being knocked out of the game in the Seahawks’ lone defeat at James Island in August.

Moreover, Hilton Head’s defense has

found a way to limit lethal rushing attacks like May River’s and stymie prolific passing attacks like Bluffton’s with an ensemble cast of unsung heroes, and a reliable kicker who hasn’t missed in 35 PAT tries and six field-goal attempts this season.

The playoff path goes through The Nest until at least the Lower State finals, when a return trip to South Florence would be in order for the Seahawks if the seeds hold. But Hilton Head will first have to take care of Wilson on Friday, and likely Gray Collegiate the following week.

The Seahawks are the best we’ve got, and but as we learned last week, sometimes that isn’t enough.

Just like that, it can be over.

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.

Myles Hickey / HHIHS Student Photojournalist

Beaufort County schools continue upward trend in state report

By The Bluffton Sun

The Beaufort County School District continued its steady academic progress this year, with 91% of its schools earning overall ratings of excellent, good, or average on the 2025 South Carolina School Report Cards released by the S.C. Department of Education and the Education Oversight Committee.

The annual report cards measure schools based on academic achievement, student progress, college and career readiness, and school climate. District leaders said this year’s results reflect sustained improvement and strong leadership across all grade levels.

“These report cards tell a clear story: South Carolina students and educators are rolling up their sleeves and getting results,” State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver said in a statement. “From the Lowcountry to the Upstate, we’re proving that when teachers are empowered, communities are engaged, and high expectations meet strong support,

students soar.”

Five district elementary schools — Bluffton, Lady’s Island, Okatie, Port Royal, and Red Cedar — earned an excellent rating, the highest possible designation. Okatie Elementary received that rating for the fourth consecutive year. Riverview Charter (grades 6–8) and Bluffton High School also earned excellent marks, with Bluffton High maintaining that status for five straight years.

Schools rated good included Beaufort, Coosa, Hilton Head Island, Mossy Oaks, Pritchardville, and River Ridge elementary schools; Bluffton and River Ridge middle schools; and Hilton Head Island, May River, and Whale Branch Early College high schools.

The average rating, which signifies schools meeting state standards, was assigned to several campuses including Broad River, Michael C. Riley, Joseph Shanklin, Whale Branch, and Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts. Beaufort High received an average rating for 2025.

One of the district’s biggest success

stories came from Port Royal Elementary, which climbed three levels in a single year—from below average to excellent.

“Driven by purpose and dedication, our teachers planned targeted instruction to meet every student’s unique needs,” Principal Vicki Goude said. Districtwide, no Beaufort County schools were rated unsatisfactory for the second consecutive year. Chief Instructional Services Officer Dr. Mary Stratos called the trend “a testament to our superintendent’s commitment to our educators, staff, and students.”

Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said the improvements were driven by collaboration between teachers, administrators, and families. “The progress we have made in our overall report card ratings is a reflection of our educators, students, administrators, parents, staff, and community members,” Rodriguez said.

The district’s graduation rate reached 89.3% for the Class of 2025. Beaufort County students also exceeded the state average in college and career readiness, with 85.3% of graduates meeting readiness benchmarks compared with the statewide

rate of 75.1%.

Beaufort County also recorded its highest English Language Arts proficiency since the SC READY exam began, with 60.5% of students in grades 3–8 meeting or exceeding expectations.

District officials said new initiatives, including a $14.9 million Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant, will continue to expand opportunities for students in Hilton Head Island schools through inquiry-based learning, International Baccalaureate programs, and dual-language immersion. Additional community partnerships supported by a $2.3 million Catalyst Grant from the Coastal Community Foundation will extend after-school learning and tutoring programs.

Rodriguez said district recruitment and retention efforts are also paying off. “Our current vacancies are the lowest they have been in years, which will no doubt serve to keep our student achievement momentum moving forward,” he said.

Statewide school report card information can be found at www.screportcards. com.

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From the Navy to the Lowcountry

By Carter Mello Contributor

When Dr. Addison Wilson Jr. earned his first aid merit badge as a young Boy Scout, he had no idea it would chart the course of his life.

“I really liked learning about treating health problems,” he recalled. That early spark would carry him through challenges far greater than he could have imagined, and ultimately to a lifelong mission of service through medicine.

In high school, Wilson was drawn to both the discipline and camaraderie of the military. “I was very impressed with the Naval Academy. The combination of athletics and academics made me want to join,” he said.

But before that dream could take shape, life delivered a profound test.

At 17, Wilson was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. What could have been a devastating setback instead became a turning point. “Cancer can be a terrible diagnosis, but in my case, it changed my life for the better,” he said. “I experienced firsthand the impact doctors and nurses had in my life, and ever since then I’ve wanted to

give back in a similar fashion, hoping to change others’ lives for the better.”

Once he was declared cancer-free in 1997, Wilson said he was determined to pay forward the care he had received. That determination carried him to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he majored in chemistry and fully embraced campus life, walking onto the baseball team as a freshman and later playing rugby for three years.

After graduating in 2001, Wilson pursued his medical career at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, completing medical school in 2005. His early Navy medical career took him both underwater and overseas. He served as a diving medical officer in Virginia Beach, Virginia, from 2007 to 2009, including a deployment to Iraq. From there, he pursued orthopedic surgery training in Portsmouth, Virginia — work that prepared him for the many ways he would support service members through injury, recovery and resilience. Early in his career, Wilson had the privilege of caring for military retirees, including World War II veterans whose stories left an indelible mark on him. “One patient in particular was a survivor

of Pearl Harbor,” Wilson remembered. “Time is precious, and I have a deep appreciation for those who came before me securing the freedom we have today.”

In his later years of service, Wilson provided care to Marines and recruits at Parris Island in the Lowcountry. “I’ve been fortunate to take care of America’s best,” he says. He retired from the military in May 2025 and joined Novant Health.

His military experience taught him lessons about teamwork and preparation that now guide his work as an orthopedic surgeon with Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine - Beaufort.

“Serving in the military showed me the importance of investing in people,” he says. “I was blessed to have so many amazing surgeons invest in me over the years. The Navy gave me incredible opportunities to learn, sending me to Boston to study joint replacement surgery and to Tampa to train under some of the best trauma surgeons in the world.”

While the pace of civilian medicine is different, his personal mission hasn’t changed: to help people recover, stay active and return to the lives they love. “I’m a strong believer in physical therapy before and after surgery to help maintain

range of motion and strength,” Wilson says. “The Lowcountry is blessed with some of the best physical therapists anywhere I’ve ever lived.”

Wilson’s story is a reminder that service takes many forms, and that the same dedication that heals a soldier’s injury can also restore a neighbor’s stride.

“I’ve had the privilege to serve my country and now to serve this community,” he says. “That’s what keeps me going: knowing I can make a difference, one patient at a time.”

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By Annelore Harrell Contributor

Zippers

The B.F. Goodrich Company came up with the zipper name when they used them on their rubber boots.

During World War II, the American public, everyone, no matter what age, was totally involved in what was called “the war effort.”

Forces led by Germany’s Hitler, Italy’s Mussolini, and Japan’s Emperor Hirohito were trying to take over the world, and as patriotic citizens, we were determined that was not going to happen.

Once a week in elementary school, one classroom after the other, we did our civic duty, lining up in the school hallway, money clutched in our grimy fingers to buy Savings Bond stamps, happily gluing them into booklets that, when filled, became the equivalent of an $18.75 war bond.

Sugar, meat, cheese, coffee, and butter. Leather, fuel oil, gasoline, tires. All rationed according to need and use. Ration books became an integral part of our lives. Buttons entered our lives in a big way. No zippers to be had.

Zippers were made of metal, and so were airplanes, and bullets, and jeeps, and tanks, and rifles, and machine guns, and big guns, and little guns. All needed for the military. Metal was not available for civilians for anything, certainly not for something as insignificant as zippers.

What to do? In years past, clothes were fastened with lacing ribbons or string through openings or using bone, or wood, or mother-of-pearl buttons. And now years later, during wartime, because of the lack of this one little item, the zipper, fashion reverted to ladies’ dresses being buttoned up the back, men’s trousers buttoned up the front.

Sigh.

I can only wonder what Otto Fredrick Gideon Sundback (1880-1954), born in Smaland, Sweden, who emigrated to America in 1905 after studying at the polytechnic school in Bingen am Rhein, was thinking about when he invented the zipper.

He had only been married to Naomi Elvira Aronson for 5 years, when in 1914 he filed for his zipper patent issued in 1917. He called it a Separable Fastener.

But wait. It seems there was another name in the offing.

Way back in 1893, Whitcomb L. Judson founded the Universal Fastener Company, making zippers for boots and shoes, an organization recognized for years as Talon, Inc.

None of this matters when I go camping, tent camping, tents that open and close with zippers. I don’t care who invented the zipper. I just want the zips on my tent to function.

A door in a house has a handle, a knob on both sides. Yes, I know there are sliding doors and swinging doors. An opening in a tent has a zipper with two tabs, one on the inside and one on the outside. Plus, it has one zipper that starts at the top of the tent’s opening and one zipper that begins at the bottom.

So that when you want to go either in or out of the tent, you grab one zipper fastener and scrutch it up and over, and then reach down and do the same with the other zipper in the opposite direction. The trick is to zip an opening big enough to crawl through without tripping and breaking your neck. Woe to he who leaves a tent unzipped. I did. The first day, when we set up the campsite. Not for long. Only for a little while, long enough so mosquitoes slipped in. There is nothing like being so ready to go to sleep, and you hear a soft, recognizable whining in the air. It was hot. Not a breath of air. I pulled covers up and over my head and finally fell asleep. The next morning, I blasted five mosquitoes with a book, leaving them squished on the tent canvas.

Ugh.

Many zippers these days are made of plastic. Not tent zippers. Always metal. Sometimes temperamental. Mostly functional. Always super-sized. There is a new closer on the block. Velcro. Haven’t seen it used on tents yet.

‘Tis a thought.

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ANNELORE HARRELL

Hilton Head National – a cut above

By Dr. Jean Harris Contributor

Every few years I highlight some of the great golf courses in Bluffton. We are very fortunate to have these great designs that you can play. This is the second of my series.

Hilton Head National (National) was opened in 1989 with Scratch Golf Management and they remain the only management group for the National course. This stability has made National the premier public course in Bluffton. Sterlyn Mitchell, golf professional, has been with National since 2008. The course has been rated by local magazines and golf apps as one of the best courses in South Carolina.

According to Mitchell, “service is their number one priority. The course is extremely popular with tourists and a majority of our play comes from visitors to the low country. Locals enjoy playing the course because we treat them like a member.” Mitchell also stated “[that the] absence of houses, roads and traffic noise make them different from most other public golf courses. We want the golfer to

feel like they are having a country club experience.”

There have been a number of renovations the past couple of years. They recently had a bunker renovation making the bunkers perfectly manicured and consistent. They are strategically located where you can run up shots to many of the greens instead of the forced carries that you have at many of the golf courses

in the lowcountry.

The sixth hole is the most picturesque and is their “signature hole” This hole is very narrow with water all along the right side and bunkers well placed. The shot to the elevated green is challenging and well bunkered with water coming into play if you use the wrong club into the green.

A recent renovation to the number one handicap hole, 16th hole, was a widening

of the fairway to the right to give the golfer a larger landing area. This helps the golfer have an easier shot to the smallest green on the course.

The restaurant has new furniture and features a full menu after 11:00 with daily specials, and a full bar for an enjoyable 19th hole experience.

One of the unique aspects of the National is their golf carts. They have a GPS system that shows the hole design and distance. It can also show you how far it is to bunkers and water hazards. The pro shop can see every hole and whether a group is keeping up with the group in front. They can also make a hole “cart path only” where your cart won’t be able to leave the path.

It is easy to make a starting time online 24 hours a day. There are local resident rates throughout the year. For a great golfing experience, I recommend you play Hilton Head National.

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

Highlights and lowlights are a great option for blending gray hair

By Joy Ross Contributor

Going gray is a natural part of life, but not everyone is ready to fully embrace it. For many people, the transition to gray can feel sudden, patchy, or uneven, which is why highlights and lowlights have become a popular and effective solution. Instead of applying one solid hair color that can look flat or harsh, highlights and lowlights work with your natural shade to create dimension, softness, and a beautifully blended look.

are combined, they bring back dimension-something that a single, solid box dye can’t match.

Another key advantage is maintenance. Full color coverage requires frequent root touch-ups and can be costly or time-consuming. Traditional dyes also fade faster on gray hair because of its unique texture. Highlights and lowlights grow out more gracefully, meaning longer periods between salon visits. For many, this approach is both more affordable and less stressful, while still keeping the hair looking vibrant and polished.

This season, turn gratitude into action — create a plan that protects your family and preserves what matters most. Through Prevention Planning and Life Care Planning, you can prepare for the future, ease burdens on loved ones, and ensure your wishes are honored every step of the way.

This season, turn gratitude into action — create a plan that protects family and preserves what matters most. Through Prevention Planning and Life Care Planning, you can prepare for the future, burdens on loved ones, and ensure your wishes are honored every step of the way.

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One of the biggest benefits of highlights and lowlights is that they soften the contrast between gray hair and the rest of your color. Gray strands can appear lighter and more reflective, making them stand out-especially at the roots. By adding highlights that are slightly lighter than your base color, the gray begins to look intentional rather than distracting. This creates a more natural transition, allowing your hair to grow in without obvious lines or frequent touch-ups.

Lowlights are just as important. These are small sections of hair dyed slightly darker than your natural tone. They help restore depth and richness, especially for people whose hair has become lighter or more washed out over time. When highlights and lowlights

Finally, highlights and lowlights enhance the overall health and appearance of the hair. A skilled stylist will place color strategically, reducing the need to dye the entire head each time. This helps maintain shine and minimizes damage, especially if conditioning treatments are used alongside coloring.

Highlights and lowlights are an excellent choice for anyone who isn’t ready to go fully gray but doesn’t want to fight the go fully gray but doesn’t want to fight the process with high-maintenance coloring. They allow for a softer, more natural look while offering flexibility, lower upkeep, and a beautiful blend that celebrates your hair, exactly as it is evolving.

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

You want a puppy?

By Abby Bird aka Alphadog Contributor

Much forethought should go into deciding to get a puppy of any breed or mix. Of course, puppies are adorable. Even if you weren’t specifically looking for one when you went to a rescue or a shelter, or knew someone who breeds puppies, they are pretty much irresistible. But, the commitment is huge.

The major issues when you first get a puppy are going to be housebreaking/crate training and, of course, the dreaded nipping, biting, and chewing. Regardless of whether you have an adult dog in the house, you are starting from scratch with a puppy.

One of the major things to remember is that puppies need boundaries. They do not automatically get the same privileges that an adult dog gets, whether you have another one in the house now or you had one in the near past. You are starting from scratch.

What do you need to think about? What are the hours that someone is home, whether it’s a dog walker or an owner? Do you have physical space for the puppy to play safely without getting into things? Do you have enough room for a crate and even possibly a playpen? Are you prepared to get up at night, if needed, to take the puppy out? Do you have a trainer lined up to help you and guide you through the initial phases of potty training and nipping and biting?

We forget, when we have been lucky enough to have had adult and older dogs, what the process was of going through puppyhood or have never been through puppyhood. Often times we just don’t remember all that it took to achieve an adult dog that was happy to work into your life and schedule. We end up with a lot of frustrated pet parents usual ly saying, “I don’t remember doing all of this for my last pup pies,” when in fact they probably did, but it was so long ago they don’t remember.

When a

puppy is nipping and biting, 99% of the time it is not a form of aggressive behavior. All puppies come into your household wanting to play the same way they played in their litter. They play with their paws and they play with their teeth. If there is no other tolerant dog in the house to play with, then the humans become the playthings. It is incredibly important at roughly 10 weeks of age to begin training your dog to understand that people don’t play the same way as dogs.

Before you make that decision to get a puppy, please think about the months, possibly even a year, of how that puppy will change your life and your lifestyle. Many puppies are given back to breeders, and/or sold or put up for adoption, just because the owners really hadn’t thought the entire process through. Is your puppy going to learn to walk on a leash to potty outside? Or are you planning on potty pad or potty patch training your dog? It depends on the size of the dog and your ability, physically, to be able to walk a dog not just for potty but for exercise.

One of the critical things about having a puppy is that they cannot socialize with other dogs outside the family until they have had all of their required vaccinations. There’s a serious downside to this, which is that those are the formative weeks and months to develop their social skills, and it helps dramatically in the nipping and biting area.

It also helps if there are multiple people in the house to help. If they’re all aware of the correct training process and the schedule, it takes the burden off of one person, who can literally be overwhelmed going through puppyhood.

We all love puppies, and we want them to grow up with us and have a long life, but please think this process through before you decide to get a puppy. Make sure that this decision in the short run is one you can, and are, prepared to

Abby

Bird is the owner of Alphadog Training Academy. AlphadogTrainin-

We are so thrilled to be celebrating 25 years serving Bluffton, Hilton Head, and beyond with the very best care, skill, and experience in the country. Thank you to our amazing team and patients for your support of our locally owned, private practice since 2000! And if you haven't found us yet, we would love to welcome you in!

By The Bluffton Sun

A new addition to Bluffton’s growing art scene will make its debut Dec. 12th with the opening of Gallery in the Alley at the Burnt Church Business Park on Bruin Road.

The grand opening and artist reception, scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m., will feature the work of local artist D. Pierce Giltner. The exhibit, titled Coastal Sketcher, showcases a series of watercolor paintings inspired by Giltner’s travels to seaside destinations around

the world.

The collection captures coastal scenery and maritime life in vivid color and detail, reflecting what Giltner describes as “the beauty and diversity of our world’s shores.” In addition to the new watercolor series, the artist will display selected works from earlier in his career, offering what he calls a look at the evolution of his style and influences.

Among the pieces premiering at the event is an oil painting drawn from Giltner’s experiences in the construction industry, a sub-

ject he said has long influenced his creative approach.

The opening celebration will include complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and live music performed by local musicians Jevon Daly and Andy Pitts. Organizers said the evening aims to bring together art lovers and members of the community in a relaxed, festive setting.

The gallery is located at 57B Bruin Road in the Burnt Church Business Park. For more information, contact D. Pierce Giltner at 843338-7267.

Arts & Entertainment Calendar

Bluffton Farmers Market

Thursdays 12-4pm. | Martin Family Park, Bluffton farmersmarketbluffton.org

SOBA Annual Holiday Market

November 3 – December 28 | SOBA Gallery, 6 Church Street, Bluffton Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

SOBA transforms its featured artist room into a cheerful boutique bursting with handcrafted treasures made by local artists. www.sobagallery.com

Thanksgiving Turtle Trot 5K

Thursday, November 27, 9 a.m. | The Dunes House, 14 Dunes House Ln., Hilton Head Island

The fifth annual family-friendly beach run/walk hosted by the Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association. Registration is $35 for adults and $20 for kids 12 and under. Proceeds benefit Palmetto Dunes Cares, supporting local youth and environmental programs. Register at pdpoa.run

Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Thursday, November 27, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, Squire Pope Rd., Hilton Head Island

The 26th annual free, family-style Thanksgiving meal hosted by St. Andrew By-The-Sea United

Methodist Church and Hudson’s. Donations benefit Bluffton Self Help, Deep Well Project, and Second Helpings. Open to residents and visitors. communitythanksgiving.com | 843-505-1370

Palm Trees & Pistons Special Tuesday Car Show

December 2 | 3–5 p.m. | Nala’s Beach Bar & Grill, Hilton Head Island Kick off December with a special weekday edition of the Palm Trees & Pistons car show. (weather dependent) Bring your classic, muscle, or exotic car to display or stop by to enjoy an afternoon among fellow car enthusiasts. Nala’s will offer a 25% discount on dinner from 3 to 6 p.m. for guests who mention Palm Trees & Pistons.

Hilton Head Choral Society’s “Celebrate the Holidays” Concert

December 5 | 7 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island

Celebrate the season with the Hilton Head Choral Society during an evening of cherished traditions and contemporary holiday favorites. This year’s program features selections from Handel’s Messiah in honor of the Society’s founding in 1975. Tickets are available at www. hiltonheadchoralsociety.org. For information or ticket assistance, call 843-341-3818 or email tickets@

hiltonheadchoralsociety.org.

The Shore Notes Free Holiday Concert – Hilton Head Island

December 6 | 2:30 p.m. | Island

Lutheran Church, 4400 Main Street, Hilton Head Island

Join the Shore Notes for a free holiday concert featuring spirited seasonal favorites and beautiful harmonies. This lively performance by the beloved local women’s chorus will fill the church with festive cheer and community spirit. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

JPII 2025 Ugly Sweater 5K Run & Walk

Saturday, December 6, 9 a.m. checkin | John Paul II Catholic School, 4211 N. Okatie Hwy., Ridgeland Festive 5K run and walk sponsored by the JPII PTO. Proceeds benefit JPII PTO programs. Race begins at 10 a.m. Registration is $35 by Nov. 19 (includes T-shirt) or $45 after Nov. 19 (T-shirts available for purchase).

Prizes awarded to top finishers by age group and for the ugliest sweaters. Open to the public.

Contact: Miranda Shipman, PTO@ thejp2.org

The Shore Notes Free Holiday Concert – Bluffton

December 13 | 3 p.m. | Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Bluffton

The Shore Notes bring their

signature harmonies to Bluffton for a joyful afternoon of holiday music. Celebrate the season with friends and neighbors during this free community concert featuring classic carols and contemporary arrangements.

2025 Hilton Head Island Jingle Jingle Bridge Run

December 21 | 8 a.m. | Crossings Park, Hilton Head Island

The Mercedes-Benz of Hilton Head Jingle Jingle Bridge Run celebrates its 34th year as one of the island’s favorite holiday traditions. Participants can choose between a 5K or 10K course that takes runners across the scenic Broad Creek on the Cross Island Expressway. All runners receive a long-sleeve race T-shirt, and the morning concludes with awards, refreshments, music, and door prizes. Costumes are encouraged. Proceeds benefit Hilton Head High School Athletics. For registration and details, visit bearfootsports.com or call 843-7578520.

Please note: Events are subject to change. For the most current details, contact event organizers directly. To submit events for consideration in future issues, email editor@ blufftonsun.com.

Enjoy the Holidays

Enjoy the Holidays

OLD TOWN BLUFFTON

ShopOldTownBluffton.com

ShopOldTownBluffton.com

MALL-TERNATIVE PARTY

MALL-TERNATIVE PARTY

November 28th All Day

November 28th All Day

Find the best LOCAL deals for all your gift giving this holiday season! Follow Shop Old Town Bluffton on Facebook & Instagram for more info.

Find the best LOCAL deals for all your gift giving this holiday season! Follow Shop Old Town Bluffton on Facebook & Instagram for more info.

3rd

ANNUAL JINGLE STROLL

3rd ANNUAL JINGLE STROLL

December 4th 3 - 7 pm

December 4th 3 - 7 pm

Find treats for every age and a few just for yourself. Be on the lookout for Santa!

Find treats for every age and a few just for yourself. Be on the lookout for Santa!

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

December 5th 5:30-8:30 pm

December 5th 5:30-8:30 pm

Tree Lighting at Martin Family Park, then Santa’s Workshop and a Movie

Tree Lighting at Martin Family Park, then Santa’s Workshop and a Movie

CHRISTMAS PARADE

December 6th 10 am - 12 noon

CHRISTMAS PARADE

54th annual parade through Historic Old Town Bluffton

December 6th 10 am - 12 noon

54th annual parade through Historic Old Town Bluffton

The Old Town Merchants will be collecting donations for Blessing Box Project throughout November

The Old Town Merchants will be collecting donations for Blessing Box Project throughout November

BRINGING THE PAST TO LIFE

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!

Scan to register for classes and tours at HeritageLib.org

Turkey meatball soup: cozy comfort in a bowl

By Leslie Rohland Contributor

As the weather cools and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of homemade soup simmering on the stove.

This Turkey Meatball Soup is one of my favorites to make during fall and winter. It’s hearty enough for dinner, filled with wholesome ingredients, and comes together easily on a busy weeknight. The combination of tender turkey meatballs, fresh vegetables, and pasta simmered in a rich broth makes every spoonful satisfying and full of flavor.

I love how this recipe brings a touch of Italian comfort to the table while still keeping things light. The lean turkey keeps it wholesome, and the fresh herbs and parmesan add that extra layer of warmth and richness. Serve it with a crusty loaf of bread and a sprinkle of cheese, and you’ve got the kind of meal that gathers everyone around the table.

Turkey Meatball Orzo Soup

Ingredients

1 1/2 pound lean turkey

1 egg, lightly whisked

1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for serving

1/3 cup unseasoned bread crumbs

1 tablespoon dried oregano, divided

1 teaspoon sweet paprika, divided 1 cup chopped parsley leaves, divided

3 to 5 garlic cloves, minced (divided)

Extra virgin olive oil

Kosher salt

Black pepper

1 small onion, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

Instructions

Make the meatball mixture. In a large mixing bowl, add the beef, egg, parmesan, bread crumbs, 2 teaspoons oregano, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 cup parsley, and half of the garlic. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well. Roll the meatballs. Form the mixture into meatballs–I like about 1 1/2 tablespoon each. Arrange on a large, lightly oiled sheet pan and broil for 5 to 8 minutes until browned (they will cook some more in the soup).

Soften the vegetables. In a large pot over medium-high, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and remaining garlic. Saute for 5 minutes.

Add the broth, tomatoes, remaining 1 teaspoon of oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then cook over medium/medium-high heat until thickened, about 10 minutes.

Open Monday-Friday 10am -3pm

The Professional Bldg | 2 Corpus Christi | Suite 100

Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 | 843.686.6560 | HeritageLib.org

½ lb orzo pasta (tubetti or pastina would work as well)

5 to 6 cups (40-48 ounces) beef, chicken or vegetable broth

1 (28-ounce) can peeled tomatoes with juices

Red pepper flakes (optional)

Finish the meatballs. Add the meatballs and pasta. Cook until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are cooked through, about 10 minutes. Finish and serve. Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of parsley. Transfer to serving bowls and sprinkle with a bit more grated Parmesan cheese. If you like heat, finish with a sprinkle of crushed pepper flakes. Enjoy!

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

Santa to arrive at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina by firetruck Nov. 28

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Santa Claus will make his grand arrival at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina on Friday, Nov. 28th, as part of Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort’s kickoff to the holiday season.

Arriving by firetruck at noon, Santa will greet families and pose for photos at the Neptune Statue until 2:30 p.m. Children are invited to share their wish lists, enjoy Christmas-themed activities, and meet Buddy the Elf along with some of Santa’s toy makers.

“The holiday season is a magical time at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina,” event organizers said. “This tradition brings families together for festive fun and helps support a good cause.”

The event will feature bounce houses, train rides around the marina, and holiday music from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The first 300 children in line to see Santa will receive a gingerbread cookie, created by Hilton Head Social Bakery and sponsored

by the merchants of Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina.

Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy or canned goods to benefit the Deep Well Project.

Guests can also enjoy shopping at the marina’s locally owned boutiques, including Nash Gallery, Neptune’s Niche, Pure Salt Studios, and Southern Tide Signature Store. Participating shops will feature holiday sales, and restaurants such as ELA’s on the Water, Scott’s Fish Market, San Miguel’s Mexican Café, and Hilton Head Social Bakery will offer seasonal dining specials.

In the evening, visitors can stroll through the marina’s new holiday lights display, which will remain on view through December.

Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina is located at mile marker 8 on U.S. Highway 278, across from the entrance to Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. For details, visit www.sheltercovehiltonhead.com or the Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina Facebook page.

Coastal Discovery Museum to host holiday store sale and farmers market

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Coastal Discovery Museum will celebrate the start of the holiday season with a special holiday Museum Store sale and Farmers Market on Tuesday, Nov. 25th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Honey Horn campus.

The event will feature discounts, local vendors, and festive shopping opportunities that highlight the art, culture, and flavors of the Lowcountry. Museum members will also have early access to the sale during a Shop & Sip preview on Monday, Nov. 24th, from 4 to 6 p.m.

“The holiday museum store sale and farmers market is an opportunity for people to shop locally, meet artists and vendors, and support the museum as we celebrate our 40th year,” said Jennifer Stupica, director of finance and administration at the Coastal Discovery Museum.

The museum store will offer a 10% discount on non-consignment items and a 20% discount for members. Shoppers can find regional gifts including artwork, jewelry, books, ornaments, games, and Gullah sweetgrass baskets, along with local food products from Marsh Hen Mill, Lowcountry

Produce, Charleston Tea Garden, and “We Island” Gumbo.

For those looking to give back, the museum will offer its sea turtle nest adoption program as a unique holiday gift that supports local conservation. Each adoption includes a certificate and additional items depending on the chosen level of support.

The Hilton Head Farmers Market, held weekly at Honey Horn, will feature a special holiday edition during the sale, with vendors offering seasonal produce, seafood, baked goods, locally roasted coffee, pet treats, art, and handmade crafts.

The Coastal Discovery Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is located at 70 Honey Horn Drive. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The museum will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 24th, 25th, and 31st, and Jan. 1st, 2026.

Founded in 1985, the museum’s mission is to provide educational and cultural experiences that inspire appreciation and stewardship of the Lowcountry. Admission is free, with donations supporting its programs and conservation initiatives. More information is available at www. coastaldiscovery.org.

Lecture to explore Beaufort militia’s role in Revolutionary War

By The Bluffton Sun

The Bluffton Branch Library will host a lecture Thursday, Dec. 4th, examining the crucial role of Beaufort District militia forces in the American Revolution and their influence on the fight for independence.

Titled The Role of the Beaufort Militia in the Revolutionary War, the presentation will be led by historian and author Richard Thomas at 11 a.m. as part of the “Historically Speaking” series, presented by the Beaufort District Collection and the Beaufort County Historical Society. The session is co-sponsored by the Beaufort County 250 Committee, which is organizing local observances of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

The program will trace how local militia units north and south of the Broad River repeatedly disrupted British advances after the 1778 capture of Savannah, shaping the Continental Army’s eventual success. Thomas will highlight individual patriots whose courage and strategic insight helped secure South Carolina’s contribution to American independence.

Thomas, a Princeton University graduate and former global business executive, co-founded Battlefield Leadership, an international consulting firm that conducts leadership seminars on historic battlefields in the United States and Europe. A U.S. Army veteran, he served in Special Operations Intelligence during the Vietnam War.

Locally, Thomas serves as chairman of the Beaufort County 250 Committee and is active with the Heritage Library, the Santa Elena Foundation, and Friends of Honey Hill. He is also the author of Backwater Frontier: Beaufort County, South Carolina at the Forefront of American History and continues to research the colonial history of St. Helena and Prince William’s parishes.

The lecture will be held at the Bluffton Branch Library, 120 Palmetto Way, beginning at 11 a.m. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., and seating is first come, first served.

For details on the “Historically Speaking” series, visit the Beaufort County Library’s website at www.beaufortcountylibrary.org

GAL Program seeks volunteers

By The Bluffton Sun

As the holiday season highlights the importance of giving and compassion, the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program is encouraging South Carolinians to volunteer as advocates for children involved in the Family Court system because of abuse or neglect.

The statewide program, part of the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy, will begin new free virtual training sessions for volunteer Guardians ad Litem in January. Morning and evening options will be available beginning Jan. 6th.

Volunteer Guardians ad Litem, known as GALs, serve as the voice for children during court proceedings, ensuring their best interests are represented as the courts make decisions about their future.

To qualify, volunteers must be at least 21 years old, have no criminal record or history with the Department of Social Services, and be able to devote four to five hours a month to a child’s case.

The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program provides all training and support. Participants will complete live online sessions before being assigned to a case.

For more information or to apply, visit gal.sc.gov. Those interested can also contact Regional Recruiter and Trainer David McAlhaney at 843-277-5849 or emailing David.McAlhaney@childadvocate.sc.gov

ENTER TO WIN

A Stitch in Time

Created by Art Quilters of the Low Country

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, support The Heritage Library, and enter to win a one of kind art piece.

A Stitch in Time is a visual timeline of history that starts with The Battle of Sullivan’s Island and moves through glimpses of the changing decades that are Hilton Head Island and Lowcountry history.

This unique piece showcases the artistry of the Art Quilters of the Low Country – Ron Hodge, Ro Morrissey, Peg Weschke and Jody Wigton.

Scan the QR Code to purchase a ticket and a chance to win “A Stitch in Time”. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25. Tickets can also be purchased at the Heritage Library or online at HeritageLib.org.

The Heritage Library Foundation proudly sponsors the raffle of this quilt. All proceeds from this raffle will be used for educational programming on local and regional history.

ARTS CENTER OF COASTAL CAROLINA’S production of

NOV 15 | 12:00 - 3:00PM

Book signing to benefit SOBA student art scholarships

ART MARKET

TOWN’S OFFICIAL

HOLIDAY KICK-OFF

Join us for a celebratory kick-off to the holiday season! Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph are part of the festivities! Lowcountry groups will perform, including the cast of Frozen.

LIVE PERFORMANCES • TASTY TREATS

BEER, WINE, & SOFT DRINKS

FEB 16 | 4:00 & 7:30PM

With more than 20 years as a standup comedian, Tom Papa is one of the top comedic voices in the country.

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) will host an afternoon celebrating local literature and the arts when Lowcountry travel writers Lynn and Cele Seldon visit for a book signing and fundraiser from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20th, at the SOBA Art School, 8 Church Street in Old Town Bluffton.

The husband-and-wife authors will sign copies of their new book, 100 Things to Do in the South Carolina Lowcountry Before You Die, with a portion of proceeds benefiting SOBA’s Naomi McCracken High School Scholarship Fund. The annual scholarship supports graduating seniors pursuing visual arts careers.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Lynn and Cele to SOBA,” said Karen Richards, president of the Society of Bluffton Artists. “This event is a wonderful opportunity to support both the arts and local authors — and to give back to the next generation of artists through our scholarship program.”

Guests can meet the authors, enjoy light refreshments, and browse SOBA’s Holiday Market, which features handmade artwork, jewelry, pottery, photography, and other locally crafted gifts. The event is part of SOBA’s annual Holiday Scholarship Fundraiser, which promotes arts education and community engagement.

Published last month by Reedy Press, the Seldons’ book highlights destinations across the Lowcountry — from

Edisto and Walterboro to Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Daufuskie Island. The guide completes the couple’s travel trilogy, which also includes 100 Things to Do in Charleston Before You Die and 100 Things to Do in Savannah Before You Die.

The Society of Bluffton Artists, a nonprofit organization, has long served as a cornerstone of Bluffton’s arts community through exhibits, classes, workshops, and student outreach. The SOBA Gallery is located at 6 Church Street, with classes and workshops held at 8 Church Street.

For more information about SOBA events and exhibits, visit www.sobagallery.com.

Local author Annelore Harrell releases ‘Et Cetera Y’all’ Volume 2

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Beloved Southern columnist and storyteller Annelore Harrell has released Et Cetera Y’all, Volume 2, a new collection of essays and recipes celebrating Lowcountry life with her signature humor and warmth.

The book, published Oct. 27th, features 46 of Harrell’s award-winning newspaper columns from 1999 and 2000, along with a selection of vintage Southern recipes. The release follows the success of Et Cetera Y’all, Volume 1, released in 2024. Readers will have two opportunities to meet Harrell in person. She will appear Monday, Monday, Dec. 1st, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at The Roasting Room, 1297 May River Road in Bluffton. The Bluff-

ton event will include an optional Dutch treat lunch following the program.

The December appearance is sponsored by Libraries for Kids, International, which hosts free monthly author events and suggests a $5 donation. RSVPs for the Bluffton program can be made by contacting Tamela Maxim at 843-683-4100 or tamelamaxim@gmail.com.

Only 1,000 copies of the new book are available in a limited signed edition. Copies can be purchased for $20 or by mail for $25. Payments can be made by Venmo (@Annelore-Harrell) or by cash or check payable to Annelore Harrell. Personalized inscriptions are available upon request.

Updates and additional information about Et Cetera Y’all, Volume 2 are available at anneloreharrell.com. The books are not sold online or in stores.

USCB Center for the Arts presents two festive holiday concerts

By The Bluffton Sun

The University of South Carolina Beaufort Center for the Arts will bring holiday cheer to the stage this month with two festive performances celebrating the spirit of the season.

“We have two great shows filled with the holiday spirit,” said Bonnie Hargrove, director of the USCB Center for the Arts. “Real Love: Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton and The Doo Wop Project Christmas each offer something special for audiences to enjoy.”

The first concert, Real Love: Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, will take place Saturday, Dec. 13th, at 7:30 p.m. The onenight-only performance stars award-winning country artists Alan Turner and Laurie Lynn in a tribute to the beloved duo, featuring holiday favorites and timeless classics from two legends of country music.

The celebration continues Friday, Dec.

19th, at 7:30 p.m. when The Doo Wop Project Christmas returns to the Beaufort stage. The group — featuring Broadway veterans known for their dynamic harmonies — will perform a mix of nostalgic hits and “doowopified” contemporary songs, including The Drifters’ White Christmas, The Temptations’ Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons’ Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, as well as modern favorites such as This Christmas and Last Christmas.

Both performances will be held at the USCB Center for the Arts, located at 801 Carteret Street in Beaufort. Tickets are available now at uscbcenterforthearts. com.

Hargrove encouraged audiences to secure seats early. “These shows capture the joy and warmth of the holidays,” she said. “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season with friends and family.”

Artist Deborah Sisco explores memory and loss in new exhibit

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Charleston-based abstract artist Deborah Sisco presented Between the Stillness and Disappearance, a solo exhibition which opened Nov. 1st at the University of South Carolina Beaufort Center for the Arts. The exhibit will remain on view through Dec. 20th, 2025.

The deeply personal collection examines the emotional landscape of Alzheimer’s disease through color, texture, and form. Inspired by her husband’s experience with the illness, Sisco’s work offers what she describes as “a layered encounter with memory, loss, and love.”

The exhibition unfolds across five thematic zones — Prelude to Loss, Disorientation and Loss, Care and Holding On, Interlude, and Vanishing Point — guiding viewers through a visual and emotional narrative. Each work is paired with a short poetic reflection designed to invite contemplation rather than provide interpretation.

Sisco’s signature style blends oil on canvas and wood panels with elements of digital inspiration, sometimes drawn from artificial intelligence

imagery. The result, she said, seeks to capture “the shimmer and fragmentation of memory” as it fades and reforms.

Featured works include The Little Things, a tender opening piece displayed in the lobby; Turning Point, which signals transition and reflection; Still Quiet, positioned with a bench to encourage pause; and the title painting, Between the Stillness and Disappearance, which closes the series in what Sisco describes as “a moment of emotional release.”

A companion hardcover book and booklet accompany the exhibit, featuring high-resolution reproductions and selected poetic texts to extend the show’s narrative beyond the gallery.

Sisco earned her bachelor’s degree in studio art with honors from the College of Charleston at age 69 after years as a self-taught painter. Her work has received international recognition, including the Leonardo Da Vinci Contemporary Artist Award and selection among the Top 60 Masters.

The USCB Center for the Arts gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and during performances. More information is available at www.uscbcenterforthearts.com

Art League of Hilton Head opens annual ‘Gallery of Gifts’

By The Bluffton Sun

A beloved Lowcountry holiday tradition returns this season as the Art League of Hilton Head transforms its gallery into the annual Gallery of Gifts, showcasing locally made art, jewelry, and festive décor for holiday shoppers.

The exhibit opens Nov. 18th, and runs through Jan. 3rd, 2026, at the Art League Gallery inside the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. An opening reception will be held Wednesday, Nov. 19th, from 5 to 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, with refreshments and opportunities to meet the artists.

Visitors will find handcrafted works by the Art League’s member artists, including paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry, wreaths, ornaments, and other artisan-made gifts. Every item is one of a kind, created by local artists who live and work in the community.

“Each year we’re delighted to offer holiday shoppers a gallery bursting with creative, locally made gift options,” said Art League Executive Director Kristen

McIntosh. “There’s something special about giving a gift that has been imagined and crafted by the talented artists in our own community. It’s a meaningful way to support the arts while finding something truly one of a kind.”

The Art League Gallery, the island’s only nonprofit visual arts gallery and teaching academy, features the work of more than 170 member artists in a variety of media. Exhibits change monthly, and all displayed artwork is available for purchase.

The gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m., as well as 90 minutes before all Arts Center performances. It is located at 14 Shelter Cove Lane, mid-island inside the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.

The Art League’s accompanying Academy offers classes and workshops for artists of all skill levels, taught by professional instructors in a range of media. For more information about Gallery of Gifts, classes, or membership, call 843-6815060 or visit www.artleaguehhi.org.

By Tracy Winslow Contributor

My friend Mike makes this legendary Mississippi Pot Roast that simmers away in his crock pot for 8 hours like a Southern miracle. The aroma alone could make angels drool. When that rich, savory scent curls through the air, you’re instantly Pavloved into submission—mouth watering, eyes glassy, stomach speaking in the international language of deliciousness ahead.

But here’s the thing: his Pot Roast Club is invite-only. The chosen few get to partake under strict, sacred guidelines.

Rule #1: Do not open the crock pot. Not a peek. Not even a teensy little sniff. The punishment is immediate and dire—something between a painful death and even worse - lifelong banishment from the invitation. And listen, I would never actually open it...but being told I can’t makes me want to so badly. Every. Single. Time. Because, well—me.

Rule #2: Eight whole pepperoncini peppers. Not the slices, not the rings, not “these banana things were on sale.” Eight. Whole. Peppers. Mike says it like it’s carved on a tablet handed down from Crock-Pot Moses. His MPR is always perfection on a plate and I can screw up a Pop Tart. If Mike says 8, then 8 it shall be. So, when my father and stepmother were coming over for dinner, I crossed myself, took a deep breath, and decided to attempt this sacred dish. This was risky because unlike Mike, I lack both recipe intuition and the joy gene for cooking. Some people find peace in the kitchen; I find rage, resentment, and flashbacks to my youth.

I suspect it’s because cooking was weaponized in my childhood. “You’ll make dinner for the next week” was punishment for a litany of teenage misdeeds like bad grades on tests, talking back, and missed curfews. It didn’t exactly spark a love of the culinary arts for me.

Add to that the fact that cooking is something you have to do every single day until you die, and suddenly dinner feels less like domestic bliss and more like

Guantanamo with a side salad. And don’t even get me started on choosing the right meat cuts. Listen, I understand chicken. Chicken makes sense to me: breast, thigh, wing - light and dark meat. But red meat? That’s a cow anatomy exam I never studied for. The words “Get some meat for dinner—not chicken” strike terror in my soul. I freeze in the refrigerated section, staring blankly at slabs of animal, like Indiana Jones in a death puzzle. One bad choice and I get squished by a rampaging bull in aisle 7.

I marched into the grocery store armed with my list and as much confidence I could muster for a woman who had no idea what she was doing nor desire to do it.

Ranch and Au jus packets—check. Butter (Mike insists on the high-end Irish Kerrygold. None of that “I can’t believe it’s not butter” blasphemy in this recipe) - check.

Up next was the protagonist of this par ty, the chuck roast. I stared into the meat refrigerator; dead things stared back at me. Well, not stared (at least for the most part). A drop of sweat rolled down my temple, blurring the words on my scrib bled list of ingredients. Rib, loin, round, flank, brisket, plate, and shank. None of them said “chuck”.

WHY DON’T ANY OF THEM SAY CHUCK? THE RECIPE SAYS “CHUCK”!

I was mere seconds away from lying down in the aisle in a pile of confusion and self loathing, when a butcher noticed the mercifully pointed me toward the right chunk of cow.

Phew - crisis averted. Only one ingredient left - the jar of whole pepperoncini peppers.

Now, I had a few at home, but those poor things looked like they’d been through the Confederate War. I needed big, puffy, condescending peppers. And unlike the chuck - I knew where they lived.

Only to discover a massive restock ing cart thwarting my escape. Boxes barricaded me from completing my mission.

Just as I was about to climb the pile like Everest, a man popped out from behind. “Hey there. You lookin’ for some thing?”

I just about jumped out of my skin. “Yes,” I said, trying not to sound like I might need him to restart my heart with his pricing gun. “A jar of pepperoncini peppers. Would you mind handing me

one?”

He teasingly dangled my coveted prize over the Great Wall of Condiments —then yanked it back.

“Many a Friday night,” he said, squinting meaningfully, “have been spent with a jar of these and a case of Natty Light.” He looks at the jar, looks back at me, smiles and says, “What do you think?” And then he winks.

Oh. My. God. Is he serious? This is why I hate cooking!

“Wow. You sure know how to spend a Friday night. You know what? I think I have enough of those at home.” and then I gracefully removed myself from that situation. And by “gracefully removed” I mean “jogged out of there like I just shoved a fistful of ghost peppers into my

pepperoncinis do not a proper Mississippi Pot Roast make. Mistakes were made that day. I mostly survived my Pot Roast Club initiation… and learned that the real danger isn’t opening the crock pot. It’s shopping for the ingredients.

Tracy Winslow is classically trained from Juilliard, and has been an Executive Chef at multiple Michelin Star restaurants. When she isn’t showing a box of Annie’s who’s boss - she is adding more fiber to her diet as the owner of Low Country Shrimp and Knits. Stop in to get something ahMAY-zing for the fiber lover in your life this holiday season. And, we ship! www. shrimpandknits.com

TRACY WINSLOW

Fall prep before dormancy

By Zach Deloach Contributor

We hope everyone is enjoying the cooler mornings as we work our way into the fall. As the weather cools, your warm-season lawn (Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia, or Centipede) will begin its natural dormancy cycle. You’ll notice the grass start to lose its green color and turn brown— but don’t worry, it’s not dead!

protects itself from cold temperatures, conserving energy until spring returns. During this transition, our focus shifts

from feeding the lawn to protecting it.

The largest set-back we see this time of year is fungus. If a fungus takes hold during the transition period it can undo all of the hard work you have done building up nutrients for a successful dormant period. That is why it is very important for the lawn to be protected for fungus this time of year.

During the transition into dormancy, you won’t see any new growth from your warm-season turf. If there are bare or

over the winter months, allowing it to blend in and thrive once the lawn greens up again in spring.

We recommend applying pre-emergent weed control at this time to prevent winter weeds from germinating and spreading. This crucial step helps keep your lawn cleaner through the winter and ensures a smoother recovery in spring.

It is important to note that while pre-emergent weed control does prevent weeds from germinating and popping up during the winter and through the spring, that no pre-emergent weed control on the market is 100% effective. We recommend using the most effective products for your lawn that have been researched, tested, and proven to be the best bet on warm season turf (such as Spectacle or Prodi-

Even though your lawn looks quiet during the winter, there’s still a lot happening beneath the surface. We recommend spot treating or blanket treating lawns through the colder months—including January—to maintain weed suppression and

prevent unwanted growth.

A split-rate pre-emergent application extends protection deep into spring, while winter post-emergent treatments target any weeds that do emerge. This is the time of year when you can safely use some of the most effective weed control products, as cool temperatures make them more efficient and less stressful on dormant turf.

It’s also normal for your lawn to look thin or dull during this period. Since warm-season grasses aren’t actively growing, color and density will be reduced— but rest assured, the roots remain healthy and ready to wake up once temperatures rise.

We have seen dryer weather recently, which has created the need for some watering, but we don’t recommend leaving it on auto. It is best to water only as needed throughout these cooler temperatures, which could be once every 2-3 weeks without rainfall. Most of the time the rain that we do get is enough to keep the lawns healthy, but we do see drought conditions without it.

Deloach is the owner of Lawn Doctor of Beaufort County.

Zach

Your personal wellness blueprint

By Matt Uppenbrink Contributor

Wellness in your prime years isn’t about following a one-sizefits-all prescription—it’s about crafting a personalized approach that honors your unique needs, interests, and aspirations. Creating a comprehensive wellness blueprint means addressing four interconnected dimensions: physical health, mental stimulation, emotional well-being, and spiritual fulfillment.

Physical vitality:

The physical dimension remains foundational to overall wellness. Research from the National Institute on Aging demonstrates that regular physical activity can significantly improve quality of life, reduce chronic disease risk, and maintain independence well into later years.

The Lowcountry offers abundant opportunities for staying active—from beach walks and kayaking to tennis and, yes, even pickleball. Independent living communities amplify these options with fitness centers, group exercise classes, and swimming pools designed specifically for active adults. The key is finding activities you

genuinely enjoy, making consistency natural rather than forced. Bring a friend or friends, as company can make your physical activities enjoyable and sustainable!

Mental engagement:

Cognitive health requires ongoing stimulation and challenge. The landmark Seattle Longitudinal Study, which tracked cognitive changes over decades, found that individuals who engage in mentally stimulating activities maintain cognitive function better than those who don’t. Whether it’s learning a new language or exploring art, book clubs, or mastering technology, mental engagement should be both challenging and enjoyable. Many independent living communities offer lifelong learning programs, bringing lectures, workshops, and educational opportunities right to residents’ doorsteps.

Emotional well-being:

Harvard’s Study of Adult Development—spanning over 85 years—consistently identifies strong relationships as the most important predictor of happiness and health throughout life. Emotional wellness flourishes through meaningful social connections, purposeful activities, and environments that support authentic self-expression. Independent living communities excel in facilitating social connections organically. Shared dining experiences, interest-based clubs, volunteer opportunities, and community events create natural pathways to friendship and belonging. This built-in social infrastructure can be particularly valuable for maintaining emotional health.

Spiritual fulfillment:

Spiritual wellness—whether through organized religion, nature connection, creative expression, or contemplative practices—provides meaning and perspective. The Lowcountry’s natural beauty offers abundant opportunities for spiritual renewal, from sunrise beach meditations to exploring our peaceful marshlands.

Many residents find that downsizing and simplifying their lives creates space for deeper spiritual exploration and connection to what truly matters.

Creating your integrated plan

The most effective wellness blueprint integrates all four dimensions into daily life. Many communities support this integration by removing many logistical barriers—home maintenance, meal planning, transportation—freeing residents to focus energy on what brings them joy and fulfillment.

Start by assessing where you are in each dimension, identifying what brings you vitality, and creating realistic, enjoyable practices. Your wellness blueprint should feel inspiring, not overwhelming—a roadmap to your most vibrant life.

Matt Uppenbrink, MS Gerontology, is the Executive Director of The Seabrook of Hilton Head. Interested in learning more about The Seabrook of Hilton Head or if you would like to schedule a tour: www.theseabrook.com/ or call 843-842-3747.

MATT UPPENBRINK

Automatic elegance

By Luke Frazier Contributor

Attending a showcase of more than five hundred vintage and specialty vehicles worth a lot of moola and displayed across a pristine golf course amid a government shutdown can feel a tad decadent, at least at first. But walking among these gleaming and superbly designed machines on a gorgeous fall day, soaking up both the sunshine and the passion oozing from collectors and spectators alike, resulted in a quick shift into affirmative gear. After all, celebrating quality and style is never a bad idea.

The event was the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival, and in addition to the parties, entertainment, and automobile show & tell there were educational programs and support generated for youth programs. According to the organizers, the event was a celebration of craftsmanship, innovation, design, and community spirit.

One unmistakable example of craftsmanship was provided by James Pickard of Beaufort. He sat demurely in a folding chair behind his 2024 Caterham, a British spe-

cialist lightweight sportscar which he said was a continuation of the Lotus Seven line. All the pieces were shipped to Jim from across the pond for assembly here. “It has to come in as a kit, then you put the kit together…it comes with no title because it’s not a car.” Six months later, it’s now a titled car which drives like a dream.

James says he’s been a car nut forever and has restored two Austin-Healey Sprites and a Sunbeam Tiger roadster. But he was reluctant to drive the vehicles with their sixty-plus year old parts, “So I said, okay, I’m done with old cars. I want a car that looks old, but all the parts are new, and I’d had my eye on doing a Caterham for about the last 50 years.”

Now he loves tooling around and sharing his engineering accomplishment. Jim says people follow him and stop him just to chat. “I tell people on the practicality scale it rates a zero, but on the fun and attraction scale it’s a ten.”

On the innovation axis was Jim Harrell’s midnight black 1939 Ford Deluxe Coupe. Jim explained that this model, with its huge trunk and roomy back seat, was known for being a moonshine-running car, “…they

Jim Harrell’s moonshine running coupe

ELEGANCE

FROM PAGE 42

became famous up in the hills of Tennessee and North Carolina and would be modified with more horsepower to haul the moonshine down from the stills.” On this day the coupe presented more innocently as a stunningly suave and charming visitor from a romantic past. It’s easy to nod in agreement when Jim waxes poetic on the cars around him being art forms and the realized visions of his fellow collectors, concluding, “It’s actually a common language around the world…and there’s not too many people you can you run into that don’t want to talk about cars.”

One person who likes to talk cars is my wife, Allison. She wears the motor-loving pants in our family. It was fun to hear her exclaim and downright purr when she saw something nice as we wandered. Her aesthetic pinnacle was a Rally Red 1966 Corvette Convertible Stingray with its distinctive “coke bottle” shape. She sweet-talked the owner into sitting in the driver’s seat. As we prepared to depart, he took his shot, “If you ever leave your husband come find me,” to which she instantly replied “as long as you still have this car…” It was that kind of spirited afternoon at a car festival in paradise.

Luke Frazier is a writer and award-winning media producer who recently transplanted to the Lowcountry. He runs NOW Communications, which focuses on the needs of mission-driven organizations.

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Values-based investing for the faithful

By Nick Martin Contributor

It is a precept of many faiths that one’s beliefs aren’t left hanging on the coat rack when stepping into the office, that there is an obligation to conduct business following the same values that guide the rest of life. For some, this imperative extends into one’s portfolio. Faith-based investing, or the practice of aligning investment decisions with religious beliefs, is not a new concept. Religious precepts have continually guided people of faith from the days of commodity currencies to today’s interwoven global financial system. Movements for avoiding so-called “sin stocks” in alcohol, tobacco and gambling companies date to at least the 18th century.

The complexities of the modern econo-

my can make it somewhat more difficult to keep one’s investments strictly aligned with one’s faith. It can be very time-consuming to keep up with precisely what businesses you own and through which methods they create revenues. A single well-diversified mutual fund may touch vast swaths of the market economy.

However, as it is prone to do, the market responded to this need. The first explicitly faith-based investment fund was founded in the 1950s. Since then, the world of options has only grown, and faith-based investing is a major pillar of the market for values-based investment products.

One common perception of values-based investing is that it involves sacrificing investment returns. However, this compares an idealized portfolio with real-world investing. While avoiding purchasing stock in a company may mean a faith-based investor misses out on a particularly stellar quarter for that company, it’s not a given that they would have otherwise owned shares in that company.

Modern portfolios, like the financial instruments that comprise them, have vast potential for diversification. Faith-based investment vehicles follow the same mod-

ern portfolio theories that define today’s prudent investment strategies. They rarely exclude entire sectors, instead selecting the strongest performers in each category on both traditional and values-based factors. They also typically use the same benchmarks as broad-based strategies to gauge performance.

Faith-based investment funds often follow what is known as an exclusion model in their selection process. Simply put, companies that provide products and services at odds with the directives of a faith tradition are not purchased. Likewise, a fund may exclude certain kinds of debt instruments that may be interpreted as usurious. When faith leaders call for a boycott of certain nations based on their actions, a faith-based fund may adjust its holdings to meet the new directive.

The other side of faith-based investing, which is quickly growing, is more affirmative, seeking to invest in companies and organizations seen to embody values consistent with a religious faith. By directing capital toward these companies, investors aim to be stewards, using their financial influence to support their moral beliefs.

Many faith-based funds use a combina-

tion of both negative screens and positive impact criteria in their investment decisions.

Popular faith-based investment frameworks adhere to specific religious traditions based on guidance from respective religious authorities. In choosing to align your entire portfolio or a portion of it, investment options include a range of products, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and separately managed accounts.

These are far from the only options, and as the world of values-based investments has grown, so have the tools for selecting and overseeing them. You can take a detailed questionnaire to both identify your specific goals and values and highlight well-researched investment products to suit.

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

Staying mentally composed through disruptions

By Alex Barry Contributor

Life’s unpredictability often tests our patience and emotional resilience. Whether it’s a cancelled airline flight, a delayed appointment, or a sudden change in plans, these moments of inconvenience and disappointment— especially when beyond our control—can trigger stress, frustration, and even feelings of helplessness. Maintaining good mental health during such times requires intentional strategies that foster calm, perspective, and adaptability.

Pause and breathe

The first step is grounding yourself. When faced with an unexpected disruption, take a moment to breathe deeply. This simple act activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping reduce anxiety and restore emotional balance. Even a brief pause can prevent reactive behavior and create space for thoughtful decision-making.

Reframe the situation

Cognitive reframing is a powerful tool. Instead of viewing the inconvenience as a personal setback or slight, consider it a temporary detour. A cancelled flight, for instance, might offer unexpected time to rest, read, or connect with others. Shifting your narrative from “this is ruining everything” to “this is challenging, but I can handle it” builds emotional flexibility.

Limit rumination and digital overload

Avoid spiraling into worst-case scenarios or obsessively checking updates. Excessive screen time—especially doomscrolling—can amplify stress. Instead, engage in grounding activities: journaling, stretching, or listening to calming music. These help redirect mental energy toward constructive coping.

Connect and communicate

Reach out to someone you trust. Sharing your frustration can lighten the emotional load and offer perspective. If others are affected too, such as fellow passengers, a sense of shared experience can foster empathy and reduce isolation.

Focus on what you can control

While you can’t change the disruption, you can choose your response. Make a list of actionable steps—rebooking, finding accommodations, or adjusting plans. The individual behind the counter or on the telephone does not set policies and is not conspiring against you. Remember, taking small, purposeful actions restores a sense of agency and reduces helplessness.

Practice self-compassiona

Finally, be kind to yourself. Disappointment is a valid emotion. Acknowledge it without judgment and remind yourself that setbacks are part of life— not reflections of personal failure. Inconveniences may be inevitable, but with mindful strategies, we can navigate them with grace, protect our mental health, and emerge more resilient.

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 Wendy Kushel Contributor

Thinking of starting a business?

You’re going to need three little words even more than money: figure it out.

Need to post something fun on social media? Learn how.

Don’t know how to edit video clips? Time for YouTube University.

Need to stack a pallet? There’s a tutorial for that, too.

Even if you’re well-funded, you’re better off learning the nuts and bolts before hiring someone to do it for you. Ever work in a restaurant? The best owners are the ones who’ve done every job—bussed tables, washed dishes, mopped floors. They know what good work looks like because they’ve done it themselves.

No matter what kind of budget you start with, it will never be enough. Everything

Figure it out

costs more than you think, and every time you grow, you’ll need even more. So why spend money on things you can learn yourself?

Now, there is a catch-22. You shouldn’t spend your days doing things you could pay someone else to do, if your time could be earning more elsewhere. For example: paying someone $15 an hour to label jars might free you up to chase new wholesale leads worth hundreds. That’s smart

business.

But in the early days, when time is your biggest asset, learning how to do everything—graphics, shipping, sales, social media—makes you stronger and more self-sufficient. You might start out fumbling through a design app like Canva, but soon you’ll be whipping up labels, flyers, and holiday cards like a pro. That knowledge saves money and builds confidence.

About 40% of businesses fail within the

first three years. Some had funding. Some had great ideas. But many didn’t understand every piece of their own operation. They ran out of steam—or cash—because they couldn’t “figure it out” fast enough. There’s no guaranteed formula for success. But there is one constant: resilience. When you can do every job in your business—from marketing to mopping—you’re never stuck waiting on someone else to make it work.

Because when the dishwasher doesn’t show up, the true business owner knows how to roll up their sleeves and keep things running.

That’s how you make it—and that’s how you prove it.

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.

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WENDY KUSHEL

Spillin’ the Tea

“I Think I’ve Caught a Volkswagen” A story from Mr. John Floyd

By Paul Tollefson Contributor

It was late summer, maybe early fall of ’76 or ’77—one of those warm, hazy days when Calibogue Sound looked like hammered glass and the shrimp trawlers were out in full force. The season was open, the grounds were decent, and every boat in sight was jockeying for the best line. Nothing unusual, just another day working the nets.

I was dragging along when I heard a crackle over the radio.

“I think I’ve caught a Volkswagen.” I laughed out loud—figured the man was just complaining about old chains, tires, maybe a waterlogged snag of something that didn’t belong in the Sound. We’ve all been there. I didn’t think much of it and kept working.

But a few minutes later the radio lit up again—this time his voice had that sharp edge to it.

“It’s a black turtle! I’ve got a big one here—she’s nearly capsized my boat trying to get her aboard. I need some help!”

Now that’s something you don’t scroll past. I raised my rig, swung the bow around, and steamed toward his boat.

When I arrived, there it was: a massive dark shape tangled deep in his bag— broad, slick, prehistoric-looking. Not your usual loggerhead. Bigger. Much bigger. We tied up side-by-side and talked it out. There was no way he was getting that turtle aboard without going over himself. So, we decided to put the whole operation onto my boat instead.

I brought my entire rig on deck—doors, net, and bag laid out clean—and then my striker crawled out onto the outrigger, hanging in the air like a circus worker. He clipped the other shrimper’s cables to our winch.

Then came the hard part. With lines popping, winch groaning, and the outrigger bending more than I liked to see, we hauled his entire trawl gear, net and all, over to my deck. When it landed, the turtle came with it in one

astonishing, heavy, prehistoric thump.

And there she was—a Leatherback. Jet black. Smooth like rubber tire. Eyes like something that had seen the world long before we were here to name it.

We moved his net back to his boat, shook hands across the water—one of those quiet acknowledgments shrimpers give one another when something unusual just changed the day—and I pointed my bow toward Hudson Seafood.

On the radio, I called ahead. Hudson’s folks called South Carolina DNR.

When I tied up at Hudsons, a long-bed DNR truck rolled right down the dock. We had to fold her flippers in just to make her fit. The biologists packed the entire bed

full of ice around her—truck looked like a snowbank with a sea monster tucked inside.

A few days went by before I called DNR down at Fort Johnson in Charleston to see what became of her.

They told me—plain as daylight—that she was the first Leatherback Turtle seen in South Carolina waters since before 1900. Nearly a century.

Last I heard, the turtle—or a replica made from her measurements—was placed on display at the Charleston Museum for everyone to stand in front of and say:

“My Lord… can you imagine catching that in a shrimp net?”

I don’t have to imagine it.

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

By Dr. Kenneth Horup Contributor

A patient came in last week wearing sandals on a chilly 45-degree morning. I smiled and asked, “Aren’t your feet cold?”

He laughed and said, “Not really, Doc.” But when I checked, his toes were almost ten degrees cooler than the rest of his body—and he had no idea.

That’s what happens with neuropathy, especially when winter rolls in. When nerves don’t send clear signals, your feet can’t always tell you what’s really going on. It’s like a broken thermostat—you think everything’s warm, but the system’s off.

Cold weather tightens blood vessels and slows circulation. Less blood means less oxygen, and that makes nerve pain, numbness, and tingling worse. That’s why

Cold feet, warm hearts

a little prevention this season goes a long way.

Start with the basics. Good shoes matter. Look for soft insoles, wide toe boxes, and enough room for warm socks. Avoid anything that feels tight, it might look good, but it cuts off circulation faster than you’d think. Wool or thermal socks keep heat in and moisture out, which is key during those damp winter days.

Now, let’s talk movement. You don’t need to jog a mile to get blood flowing. Roll a tennis ball under your feet while you read, stand up and stretch every hour, or take your dog out for a short walk. Motion is medicine. Every little bit helps your nerves wake up and your circulation stay strong.

Winter foot challenge:

1. Wiggle your toes a few times an hour.

2. Do five ankle circles each morning.

3. Move your legs during TV commercials.

4. Walk at least ten minutes daily—even indoors.

Did you know?

When your feet get cold, your nerve function can slow by nearly 30%. That’s why warmth isn’t just comfort, it’s therapy. Be careful with space heaters or

electric blankets if you can’t feel temperature changes well. It’s easy to burn your skin without realizing it. Instead, layer up naturally with socks, slippers, and gentle movement to build warmth from the inside out.

Check your feet often, stay active, and don’t ignore small changes. Winter can be a wonderful season when you keep your feet healthy, warm, and moving. If you are having balance issues or feel numbness,

tingling, or burning in your feet, your body is trying to tell you something. Do not ignore it. Find a doctor who specializes in neuropathy to get an evaluation to see what can be done to help you move safely and comfortably again.

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

DR. KEN HORUP

Ask the Expert: How Can I Make Sure My Trust Actually Works the Way I Planned?

By Lisa Hostetler Brown Contributor

Expert Answer:

A revocable living trust is a powerful estate planning tool. It allows you to stay in control of your finances while you’re alive and ensures those assets are managed if you become incapacitated. It also provides long-term security for your loved ones after your death. But signing the trust agreement is only the first step—your trust must be properly funded to work as intended.

What does it mean to “fund” a trust?

Funding your trust means transferring

ownership of your assets into it or naming the trust as a beneficiary so the assets flow into the trust upon your death. Without this step, your trust is merely an empty shell and won’t help your family avoid probate, the court process that oversees the distribution of assets after death. When fully funded, your successor trustee can more easily access and manage your accounts if you become incapacitated, efficiently administer your estate when you pass, and carry out your wishes as outlined in the trust. Assets not owned by the trust—or without beneficiary designations naming the trust—may still have to go through probate.

The role of a pour-over will

A pour-over Will acts as a safety net, transferring any unfunded assets into your trust after your death. While it ensures all property eventually falls under your trust’s terms, those assets must still pass through probate before reaching the trust. The Will itself doesn’t contain

detailed distribution instructions, helping maintain privacy for your beneficiaries. When the trust doesn’t control an asset

Your trust only governs assets titled in its name or naming it as a beneficiary. Property held jointly or with a designated beneficiary passes directly to the co-owner or named individual—regardless of what your trust says. For instance, if your trust directs assets to your children equally but your 401(k) lists your spouse as the sole beneficiary, the 401(k) will go to your spouse. The same applies to jointly owned accounts or real estate, which often pass automatically to the surviving co-owner.

Keep everything aligned

Regularly review your asset titles and beneficiary designations to ensure they match your estate planning goals. Misalignment can cause confusion, disputes, or unintended distributions.

Your elder law and estate planning attorney should guide you through the

funding process, provide titling instructions, and review your estate plan to ensure everything aligns with your wishes and provides peace of mind for you and your family.

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. 2 Hampton Hall Blvd, Ste 100, Bluffton, SC 29910. | 843-757-5294 | LawyerLisa.com.

LISA HOSTETLER BROWN

By Lindsay Perry Contributor

Say “Bonjour” to Ollie!

Ollie was adopted from Palmetto Animal League in June of 2023. Since then, he has been living a life most of us only dream of. PAL adopters, Hélène Balcerac and Ian Fleming, moved to France a few months after bringing Ollie home.

“We moved to Europe, and of course, Ollie came with us. He’s now been to Paris, the Brittany Coast, Switzerland, Italy, and Germany twice. He even has a European pet passport,” says Hélène.

After the loss of their senior dog in 2022, the couple found the PAL Adoption Center to be a therapeutic place, so they stopped by several times a week to visit with the cats and dogs. On one such visit, they noticed a little cat pawing at the window. They met Ollie, fell in love, and the rest is history.

“He was so affectionate, loving, cuddly, and soft,” says Hélène. “Who wouldn’t want a cat like that?”

With Hélène’s family residing in Paris,

they decided to pack up their belongings, secure overseas arrangements for Ollie, and make the big move to France. From the Latin Quarter of Paris to the Lion Monument of Lucerne, Switzerland, Ollie has visited some of the most famous places in the world, but nothing beats the simplicity of a loving home.

“I think his favorite spot is wherever the comfiest place to nap is,” says Hélène smiling. “Especially if there’s a ray of sun he can lay under.”

Bluffton may be a world away, but Ollie’s Lowcountry roots still run deep. With the thick drawl of a southern gentleman, and often dressed in his Sunday best, Ollie greets his admirers with humility sprinkled with a dash of feigned interest.

“He always gets smiles out of people, especially when he’s being walked on a leash,” says Hélène. “He actually loves the attention.”

Ollie’s next big adventure is learning to ride a bicycle - like the locals!

“Right now, we walk next to him as he sits in his bicycle basket,” explains Hélène. “It allows him to take in the scents

and scenery and get used to the feeling of being on a bike.”

So, the cat once abandoned and forgotten in South Carolina is now a much treasured, well-traveled, trendsetting adventurer who, quite literally, has the world at his feet (paws).

“I’m so glad we found Ollie,” says Hélène. “We’re writing from the French countryside to let everyone know that he is very loved.”

Hoping to find your next great love this holiday season? Make plans to attend PAL’s Holiday Open House Saturday, December 13 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at our adoption center, located at 56 Riverwalk Blvd in Okatie. Enjoy cookies, cocoa, and lots of good cheer as you spend time with adoptable pets. Can’t adopt? No problem! Please consider dropping by with a donation to make the holidays brighter for homeless pets.

Lindsay Perry is the Marketing Coordinator for Palmetto Animal League. www. PalmettoAnimalLeague.org

CAROLINA ATTIC SOLUTIONS

Hélène Balcerac Ollie enjoying the sights and sounds from a balcony in Paris.

Alex W. Johnson, D.O., joins Beaufort Memorial medical staff

Special to The Bluffton Sun

Beaufort Memorial has welcomed ophthalmologist Dr. Alex W. Johnson to its medical staff. He will be practicing with Beaufort Eye Center, a leading provider of comprehensive eye care in the Lowcountry, with locations in Okatie and Port Royal.

Dr. Johnson comes to the Lowcountry after completing his ophthalmology residency at the Medical College of Georgia, where he served as Chief Surgical Resident. He holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine with honors from Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Kentucky, graduating summa cum laude.

His clinical interests include: comprehensive ophthalmologic care including cataract surgery, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, oculoplastic surgery and chronic ophthalmic disease treatment.

Throughout his academic and clinical career, Dr. Johnson has been recognized for his excellence in patient care, research, and leadership. His accolades include Research Project of the Year, Consultant of the Year in Emergency Medicine and Liberty University Tutor of the Year. He has also served as President of Sigma Sigma Phi National Honor Fraternity and has published peer reviewed papers on ophthalmic trauma surgical techniques.

Dr. Johnson has also built a significant record of volunteer service, blending clinical expertise with a commitment to education and outreach. While at the Medical College of Georgia, he played a key role in mentoring future physicians at the Medical Student Eye Clinic, guiding them through essential eye examination techniques while helping deliver free vision care to those in need.

During his medical training at Liberty University, he provided medical care at Clinica Esperanza in Roatan, Honduras, where he also led a professional development session for local physicians, and participated in medical

outreach missions in Guatemala and Virginia, offering care in rural and medically underserved communities.

At Beaufort Eye Center, Dr. Johnson joins board-certified ophthalmologists

Drs. Jane Kokinakis, and Garrett Webster, as well as optometrists Drs. Nicole Sopp and Michael Nelson.

In addition to routine eye exams, the practice offers a wide range of medical and surgical eye care services including cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, diabetic retinopathy management, and dry eye therapy using Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). With a focus on individualized care, the practice uses current technology and techniques to develop treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

Dr. Johnson is now accepting new patients at both Beaufort Eye Center locations: 103 Okatie Center Blvd N, Suite 103, in Okatie, and 1664 Ribaut Road in Port Royal. For more information or to schedule an appointment with him or any of the practice’s providers, call (843) 522-8466 or visit www.beauforteyecenter.com.

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By Ryan Chowansky Contributor

I read this description of “God’s Will” recently and it has helped me a lot in my big decision-making process. Imagine you set up a backyard full of activities for your kids. You tell them they’re free to play with anything they like, as long as they stay inside the fence, because beyond it lies a pond filled with venomous snakes. Now, imagine your kids keep asking, “Can I throw the football?” At some point you say, “Of course! I wouldn’t have put it there if I didn’t want you to enjoy it!”

Just like kids, we start asking if we should take this job or that job. Should we date this person or that person? Should I move across the country, or just stay here?

Big decisions

We worry about whether it is the right time or the right order or the right choice. Meanwhile God is saying, “I gave you all of this. I want you to enjoy it. Play kindly. Love each other. Honor Me. Other than that, go live your life!”

That picture changed the way I see big decisions. My focus used to be, “What does this do for me? How does this move my life forward for what I want, for what I can control, for what I think is best for me?” Now, as I grow in my faith, I am asking a better question. How does this serve God? If the choice strengthens my character, honors God, and lifts others up, then I trust that I am still safely within His plan. I am playing within the fenceline. Here is something else I have learned. Sometimes two choices look like a coin flip. Honestly, both could work. Both could be exciting. Both could honor God. In those moments you might feel some nerves because the unknown is always a little scary, they might get you a little afraid of the future. Then I learned quickly, fear and confusion are not the same thing.

Fear shows up when God invites you

1425 Okatie Hwy. (170) Hwy 170 between River’s End & Oldfield 843-379-1888 | www.palmsumc.org

November 23rd "The

November 30th

December 7th "John the Road Builder” Luke 3 : 1-6 Rev. Randall Haase

to grow. There will be butterflies. There will be stretching. It wasn’t promised you’d feel cozy, and it will be easy. It will feel bigger than what you think you can handle.

Have you felt that “scary” moment before? I realized that if I have true faith and keep faithful, that means I have nothing to fear. What’s beneath the fear? It is peaceful. An odd, steady calm. A confidence that does not come from you.

Confusion feels different. The safer, easier road could feel so much better, but that comfort is covering the confusion. It clouds your thoughts. It creates doubt and frustration. Even if your intentions are good, if the path feels easy but confusing, if the path is uneasy after you have prayed and listened, then that might be God saying, “This is not the direction for you.” God does not lead with confusion. That is the enemy trying to pull you off course., using confusion, wrapped in comfort, to entice you in mediocrity and stop you from growing into who God needs you to be.

Listening to God isn’t waiting for a booming voice from the sky. It is the quick

but quiet pull in your heart that points you toward what is good and honest and true. It is that peace that refuses to leave even if the choice feels risky. It is the alignment you feel when you decide to trust God more than your comfort.

Big decisions will make you check your faith. They will reveal what you believe and who you are becoming. So, pray. Listen for a quick, powerful whisper. Check your heart posture.

Then take that first step into the scary, yet peaceful, possibly heartbreakingly painful, yet definitely not confusing, unknown. What if you don’t hear a clear answer? Do the confusion test. Find the answer that brings your heart peace, even if it seems scary. What if neither are confusing? That is great news. Stay within the fence lines and choose freely and confidently knowing that He will take you where he needs you to be regardless.

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

Randall Haase

RYAN CHOWANSKY

The woman with a thousand faces

By Collins Doughtie Contributor

I am sure I am not the only person that has periods, that for whatever reason, thoughts about your own mortality creeps in and hangs around like a skipping record. I am not trying to be morbid but simply stating a fact. When I was twenty, I never thought I would make it to thirty, and when thirty rolled around, I never thought I would see forty. On and on this “decade” strangeness kept popping up and now that I am in my sixties, I have finally realized that it is not worth fretting about. My new philosophy is “it isn’t how long you live; it’s how you live the life you have.”

Looking back, I have had more than my share of stumbling blocks but in just about every case, one thing got me up and running again and that is the ocean. If you thought “fishing” would be my answer, fishing is just a bonus that the ocean hands me every time I ride along on her maze of currents. I cannot think of any two times I have been out there when her face has looked the same, maybe similar but not the same.

Remember the book “Sybil” about the girl with sixteen different personalities? Well, if Sybil had sixteen, the ocean, which I regard as being of the feminine persuasion, has so many personalities they can’t be counted. And talk about being able to switch personalities in the blink of an eye, she can be as calm as new born kitten one second and just as quick turn into an angry lioness defending her cubs from a pack of hyenas. It really is amazing.

Two trips out on the ocean this past week serve as a perfect example of the ocean’s effect on me. I am not sure why, but I was kind of down in the dumps so II decided that I would look to “her” to once again pull me up by my bootstraps.

The first attempt occurred when a man I had fished with often aboard his 36’ boat and a friend of his came down from Atlanta with hopes of getting in on what I had heard was a hot bite that had developed in the Gulf Stream. Just so you know, I spend many hours prepping for such trips. It’s not like hopping in the boat to go catch a redfish, there are so many things that need to be just

right when you are heading 70-80 miles out. Fuel, tons of ice, rigging, bait, life raft, food, well you get the picture.

Then there is the weather. I swear you would think in this century that meteorologists could agree on forecasts, but no two sources ever agree on anything. It’s the only occupation I know of where you have a fifty/fifty chance of getting it right. The Gulf Stream current is like a snake, always undulating never staying in the same place for long. For instance, when we have north winds, it will blow the Gulf Stream further offshore while south or east winds push it closer. I go to extremes to get a clear picture of what to expect including thermal satellite imagery. Even with all of that there are no guarantees.

That proved to be the case a couple of weeks ago. Loaded for bear, as soon as I hit the ocean I knew this fickeled lady had pulled out yet another personality so half way there I sadly told my friend the Gulf Stream was a no go due to huge seas. Luckily though, I have learned to expect the unexpected from the ocean, so I had also brought along bait and tackle for bottom fishing. Instead of an 80mile run for pelagic species, going bottom fishing it is but

a fraction of that distance but even then, that lady can make getting there a test of wills. Not only was she angry, at the same time her tides were abnormally high and ridiculously low causing currents that makes staying on top of fishing spots a matter of seconds. I prefer drifting over my fishing spots rather than anchoring so I knew my work was cut out for me.

Knowing that grouper season was open, we pounded our way to my spot. It was like the ocean was testing my will power against hers. It was like a heavyweight fight, but it was a fight I needed to pull me out of my slump. Arriving beaten and bruised I turned to see my friend struggling to hold the rod that was bent at an impossible angle.

A relative novice to bottom fishing, he finally gained some ground on the fish and up comes a beautiful gag grouper. Stepping away from the wheel it was my turn. Using a live pinfish, it didn’t take long before I tied into something hefty and it’s another fine grouper, this time the finest eating grouper there is, a scamp grouper. Along with numerous big sea bass, vermillion snapper and some huge triggerfish we actually limited out on grouper. For me at least, it was just what the doctor ordered. I better clarify that statement a bit because mentally it was what I needed but physically, I truly believe a Mack Truck could have hit me head on and I swear the pain it may have caused couldn’t touch the back pain I endured for the next three days.

I wish I had enough space to tell you about my more recent Gulf Stream trip when the ocean actually let me make it there. All I can say is the ocean must have had pity on me because her face was beautifully serene on that trip providing me with healing thoughts along with some fine blackfin tuna and wahoo.

Sure, she can be a bitch but no matter what face she decides to paint on, she has served me well more times than I can possibly count.

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

Continuing to pretend

By Kevin Fitzpatrick Contributor

“I’m going to be a happy idiot And struggle for the legal tender” January 1975, a bit short of the six months my dad gifted me with to find a job. I had played some golf, taken trips to the beach, gone out with friends in the evening, spent money at the new and legal Off Track Betting that was available in NYC. I had a brand-new Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and no clue what I wanted to do.

I did know what I enjoyed the most was summer time at the beach, so I looked into teaching. I thought it was a great schedule, and my Uncle Dom was a teacher and loved it. Having zero credentials left me few options. But, the NYC Catholic schools didn’t require education credentials and a mathematics background was highly valued. So, a trip down to The Catholic Center resulted in an immediate offer to take a 6th grade position at Our Lady of Mercy in the Bronx for the sum of $6,100 annually.

I had zero clue what I was doing. I was not only teaching whatever 6th grade math was considered then, but a little bit of every subject. A funny thing happened on the way to the end of the school year: I discovered I was having fun, just not in 6th grade.

I did, however, take two formative steps, the first was being accepted into the MAT

program at Colgate University which allowed me to simultaneously get my Masters degree and my teaching certificate. The second was to apply for and get a high school math position at St. Nicholas of Tolentine HS, also in the Bronx, and along with it an increase in pay to $7100/yr.

There is a Yiddish proverb “Mann tracht, un Gott lacht,”: “Man plans, and God laughs” which I heard many times growing up, in the Bronx around so many different folks, and never was it more apparent then at the end of the school year in 1976. I was called into the office for my final review. Then, after an excellent review, the hammer dropped, “Unfortunately your position next year will be taken by our assistant principal who wants to go back to the classroom. As a nun, she receives no salary so it is a huge savings for the diocese and us.”

And just like that, two weeks away from my wedding, with a new apartment month, a new car, I was unemployed and scheduled to spend the summer at Colgate in Hamilton, working on my MAT degree so looking for a job in person was impossible..

The need to find the legal tender took precedence, so Colgate was put on hold, and I was off to find a “real job” with no experience or plan.

I bought a suit, took the subway into NYC every day with a briefcase full of resumès, and knocked on door after door delivering them along with a cover letter to every personnel department I could find that might be interested in someone with a mathematics background.

Days became weeks, and finally after two months of searching I had a series of interviews for Royal Globe, a British conglomerate and was offered the position of operations analyst for the “enormous”

sum of $9500/yr. I said “yes” and off I went.

Starting out in a corporate environment for a large company was eye opening. The routine was the same each day. At least once per month, I would take a trip to the satellite offices to work with the managers directly and discuss the reports. I hated the repetition and I hated the suit wearing. While the path forward was filled with upward mobility and salary increases, it was soul crushing.

I had been there a little over a year when I was sent on a three day trip to the office in Kansas and was told to bring my golf clubs. Travel was easy and comfortable then, and the expense accounts were generous to a fault. Whenever a NY person came out to a regional office everyone knew the playbook, someone or more than one someone was about to be cut.

After the morning introductions the office manager had arranged a golf outing where I met Tom Watson who played a few holes with us as a favor. That evening we went out to an incredible steak house in the stock yards, and the following day had a 3-martini lunch and then went to Arrowhead Stadium where we met Bunker Hunt, one of the owners of the Chiefs who took us around the owner’s suite.

The next day was decision day. I was up late that night pouring over the numbers, disturbed that the cost of my trip alone, never mind all that came with it, was in excess of the single salary I was there to cut. I spent hours trying to rationalize it all. The job prospects at that time were very difficult for the clerical folks so whoever was “out” was going to have a very hard time.

At the office the next morning, I met the three who were at risk and I closed the door. I told them they needed to listen to

me and trust me. I explained that I could not make a decision at that point based upon what I thought were under reported numbers. I handed out forms with new numbers and told them that over the next two weeks these were the numbers that were necessary and would save all three jobs. They looked at me as if I was setting all of them up, but I assured them that was not true and while they didn’t have to trust me, they were, at the very least, being given a two week “extension”.

I also said that as soon as I was back in the office, my plan was to hand in my notice as I could not live with what I was being asked to do and that the numbers I gave them would suffice for the next six months at least regardless of who was doing the analysis.

When I gave my notice, I was offered a salary bump of almost 50% and a new title. I explained that I was not happy in a corporate environment. I stayed for a month to ease the transition, and was delighted to see that the numbers being sent in from the Kansas office were “suspiciously” familiar. I was able to save all three jobs, at least for another half of the year.

I’ll let Jackson conclude this chapter: “Out into the cool of the evening Strolls the pretender He knows that all his hopes and dreams Begin and end there

…

Say a prayer for the pretender Who started out so young and strong Only to surrender”

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

By Danie Connolly Contributor

Gobbling up the good times!

Sometimes the best family stories aren’t about grand adventures, but those small gestures that capture who we are. I was just remembering a classic moment involving my mother and my husband from way back when BBB and I were first dating.

Bob was serving in the Army and happened to be attending a class in Texas. When he finally made it home a couple of days later, my mom asked if he’d had a Thanksgiving meal. Bob admitted that he and a few buddies had opted out of a turkey dinner in favor of exploring the Lone Star State instead.

“We’ve still got tons of leftovers,” she blurted. Bob, aware of her culinary expertise, piped up “Oh, how about just an

open-face turkey sandwich.”

My sister and I had a lifetime of building up to her cooking skills-not so much him.

Her secret ingredient for everything was… Wesson oil. You wanted a slice of birthday cake? “Bring me the Wesson oil!” she’d command. I literally slid through my adolescence.

She slapped a frying pan onto the burner, chugged a cup of her liquid gold into the pan and while it was heating up, she carved a few slices of turkey breast and plopped them into the already sizzling oil. Bob stood there, absolutely mesmerized, his eyes wide open. “Are you frying the turkey breast?” he asked. My mom,

spun around, spatula still in hand and answered, “Well, Soldier Boy, how else do you expect me to get your turkey hot?!”

The sight was just too much for him. He collapsed into a kitchen chair, shifting around until he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a little black book, clipped with a pen, and began to write. First, the date, then the time, and then these words: “First time ever having a fried open-face turkey sandwich.”

From that moment on, we knew he was the perfect fit for our family.

We’ve had our share of quirky turkey mishaps since then. Even Bob had his own personal disasters like the year he made the turkey gravy. I have to admit- it was

the most gorgeous caramel color I’d ever seen. Pure perfection…until I tasted it. He accidentally used confectionery sugar instead of flour for the turkey drippings. That was “The Year of No Turkey Gravy.” I was responsible for “The Year of the Drowned Turkey.” There was so much chicken broth floating in that pan that the turkey could’ve swam the English Channel. I swear I thought was going to evaporate and make it a wicked tender bird but instead, it turned into turkey stew with wings and legs sort of floating around. Maybe that’s why they call it the breast stroke.

Which brings me to my latest turkey recipe. I did not invent this, but I’ve been doing it for many, many years. Just take an orange and cut it in half and massage it under the turkey breast skin and so it looks like it has two domes. Then tinfoil tent the turkey and cook it as usual, basting it religiously til it looks like a golden suntanned bird at the beach. You’ll never forget “The Year of the Topless Bathing Bird.”

You’re welcome, merry turkey day and happy everything else!

DANIE CONNOLLY

Understanding hospice and palliative care

By Lindsay Roberg Spratling Contributor

The terms hospice and palliative care are often misunderstood, yet they represent two of the most compassionate and comprehensive approaches to medical care available today. Both focus on enhancing quality of life, providing comfort, and supporting patients and families during serious illness—but they serve distinct purposes.

Hospice Care

The word hospice originates from the term hospitality, which dates back to medieval times when travelers who were ill or weary were offered rest and care by compassionate hosts. Over time, this concept evolved into the modern hospice philosophy—providing comfort, dignity, and support for individuals at the end of life.

Today, hospice care can be provided wherever a patient calls home—whether that is a private residence, nursing facility, or inpatient hospice unit. Hospice focuses on comfort rather than cure, meaning that the goal of care is no longer to treat or reverse the underlying illness, but to man-

age symptoms and enhance the patient’s remaining quality of life.

Hospice care is available to anyone who meets eligibility criteria, regardless of age, insurance status, or financial means. In fact, hospice is fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. Care is also provided to uninsured individuals through community support. Contrary to common misconceptions, a physician referral is not required to inquire about hospice services. Many physicians and families hesitate to discuss hospice due to outdated fears that choosing hospice might hasten death. In reality, research consistently shows that patients receiving hospice care often live longer and experience improved comfort because their symptoms are well-managed and they are surrounded by compassionate support.

Hospice services include a full interdisciplinary team: a medical director, registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, medical social workers, chaplains, bereavement counselors, and trained volunteers. Additional services such as pet therapy, aromatherapy, and music therapy may also be offered. Medications, medical supplies (such as briefs and

underpads), and durable medical equipment (including hospital beds and oxygen) are provided at no cost to the patient or family.

Palliative

Care

The word palliative is derived from the Latin palliare, meaning “to cloak” or “to cover.” Palliative care “cloaks” or eases the symptoms, pain, and stress associated with serious illness—regardless of diagnosis or stage—while patients continue to pursue curative or life-prolonging treatments.

Palliative care provides an additional layer of support for both patients and families. The care team—typically consisting of a nurse practitioner, chaplain, and medical social worker—works alongside the patient’s existing healthcare providers to ensure that symptoms such as pain, anxiety, or shortness of breath are effectively managed. This allows patients to focus their energy on what matters most to them, rather than on managing frequent medical crises or emergency visits.

Care is available in the home, hospital, or other settings, and the palliative team is accessible for symptom management and support at any hour. This continuity of care reduces unnecessary hospitalizations

and helps patients and families feel more in control throughout their healthcare journey.

Hospice and palliative care are appropriate for individuals facing serious illnesses such as COPD, heart failure, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, kidney disease, cancer, ALS, AIDS and many other life-limiting or life-altering conditions

At Friends of Caroline, our mission is to ensure that every member of our community has access to compassionate care, education, and support during life’s most challenging times. Too often, individuals delay seeking help because of the stigma or misunderstanding surrounding hospice and palliative care. Our goal is to help families overcome these barriers by providing clear information, compassionate guidance, and comprehensive support. We will all need care and comfort at some point on our journey. It is reassuring to know that such care is available—right here in our community.

Lindsay Roberg Spratling, BSN, MBA, CHPN, RN President/CEO of Friends of Caroline.

By Tamela Maxim Contributor

East Africa Safari

Day 12 – June 10: Tanzania Bush Camp

I loved the morning routine at this lodge: 6:00 am – coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies delivered to the tent. We left for our safari around 8:00 after breakfast. The first photo of the day was of a sign over the toilet in a bathroom in Ikoma village.

PLEASE DO NOT FLUSH

Hand Towels

Tampons

Sanitary Napkins

Diapers

Goldfish

Money

Hopes

Dreams

Wildlife sightings began with two serious-looking hyenas in the wind-blown grass – creepy, and unsettling, but not dangerous to us. Down the road a little, we saw a stunning cheetah (duma in Swahili) perched on a termite mound. Cheetahs differ from leopards (chui); they are less agile, don’t have strong retractable claws, and usually don’t climb trees. They find places like termite mounds for lounging while watching for prey.

A line of stately giraffes appeared behind the cheetah in the distance. We traveled on and saw zebras, many of them bobbing their heads, something they do for various reasons – swatting flies, helping them balance, and also as a way to initiate social interaction – to get attention! Fun fact: Zebras have black skin under their white stripes of hair. Shave a zebra, and it would be black.

Our next sighting was of two lions resting under a tree. Typical lions – walk a little, rest a lot. We drove on a bit more and were awed by a very pregnant female hartebeest, and a little distance away, an agitated male, stomping and bobbing his head.

Our driver then took us to a very sad spot, where some Maasai had been killed by lions. In that same area, we saw lions atop rocky outcrops called kopjes (pronounced kahpees). The name is Dutch and means “little head.” Lions on the rocks enjoy a panoramic view for spotting prey. Disney’s “Pride Rock” was inspired by Serengeti kopjes.

Other animals we saw were hippos, a crocodile, Thompson gazelles, and baboons. While in the water, hippos vigorously swish their tails and fling their poop – sometimes called “dung showering” as a

method of marking territory and even as a courtship ritual. Yuck. I learned that they are not only dangerous but also super stinky, and they’re proud of it.

We witnessed a male lion kill a male cub. Our guide explained: if a male lion mates with a female and she has cubs by another male, he may kill the young males to eliminate rivals and protect his lineage.

As night fell, later back at the lodge, the bush came alive with calls of lions, zebras, hippos, and those scary hyenas, but we felt perfectly safe in our compound.

Day 13, June 11

The day began early with loud animal sounds echoing through the camp around 3:30. We dressed by 5:30, had breakfast at 6:45, and left at 7:45 for our 9:00 flight to Arusha, Tanzania. Our pilots—both named Ali—treated us to a scenic detour around Oldonaya, a live volcano, circling it for a better view. Once in Arusha, we spent time at the Cultural Center, welcomed by a lively local band whose music set a joyful tone.

As we left, we happened upon a Lutheran first communion parade. The children, dressed in crisp white shirts and vibrant yellow pants and skirts, sang enthusiastically as musicians played alongside them. It was a beautiful, spirited celebration. By 4:30 pm we arrived at our new camp in Mkomazi National Park, where we were greeted by a troop of mischievous monkeys. Though undeniably cute, they were far from sweet—food thieves, every one

of them. Dinner was served in an outdoor tent, and afterward we gathered around a large round campfire pit with stone seating. Our guide casually mentioned that a hyena was watching us from behind some trees, just fifteen feet away. Later that evening, the same hyena had to be chased out of the men’s bathroom by some brave rangers, who had been watching a soccer match on the dining tent’s TV.

Day 14, June 12

We had breakfast in the big outdoor tent, only to be interrupted by a monkey determined to steal our food.

Our driver, Nassary, shared a story about waking up one morning to find seven lions—two males and five females—just outside his tent. He had to wait from 6:30 until 10:00 before it was safe to leave. One of the male lions whipped his tail with such force as a clear warning to stay put.

Later, we drove to the top of a hill with picnic tables, though one of our drivers accidentally took a road so steep that the front left tire lifted off the ground. We all got out and headed for the picnic tables so Jerry could carefully back down (without us) and try a safer route to the top.

The day’s sightings included a majestic Goliath heron, young giraffes engaged in neck-fighting, and a baby elephant crossing the road. The elephants in this park are known to be not-so-friendly because of long memories of mistreatment by humans. Sad. We kept a safe distance. We learned that locals burn elephant

dung and mix it with milk to create a treatment for arthritic joints. They also burn dung to relieve vertigo, believing the smoke carries medicinal properties because elephants have such a diverse diet that their excrement must certainly include healing properties.

As we drove through a grassy stretch, the air filled with the sweet, refreshing scent of wild mint. It was another amazing and magical day.

Day 15, June 13

We were up by 5:00 and had breakfast at 6:30. Nassary, one of our driver guides, told us about a traditional dish called loshoro, made from maize, beans, green bananas, and milk. He said his mother makes the best version of it, although sans beans.

The meals throughout our trip have been consistently delicious. At the safari lodges, food is typically served buffet style with a wide variety of options. The coffee is exceptional—some of the best in the world—and there’s always an abundance of fresh fruit and juices. The whole experience feels like a luxurious Sunday brunch at a high-end hotel.

We learned that our other driver, Sande Willis—pronounced Sandy—is from the Luo tribe. He shared that his grandfather had sixty wives, which made us laugh, imagining the scale of those family reunions. Sande also pointed out that western women who’ve lived in Tanzania for a while tend to wear skirts or dresses out of respect for local customs, while newcomers might wear tight pants.

He taught us many fascinating things: ostriches feed close to the ground and don’t actually bury their heads in the sand; the yellow bark acacia was mistakenly called the fever tree because people once believed it caused yellow fever; trees often die from damage from misbehaving elephants, or beetle infestations; wires and yellow beehive boxes are placed along roadsides to deter elephants from wandering into unwanted areas; black-faced vervet monkeys are notorious for stealing food and damaging crops; and bird watchers use a technique called GISS—general impression of shape and size—to identify birds by their overall appearance.

Tamela is a proofreader and book editor; she hosts paint parties for adults, art and drama camp for kids, and is the art teacher at May River Montessori. www.tamelamaxim.com www.artposseproductions.com

By Chris Dewey Contributor

Medicare plan considerations

With only a few weeks left in the enrollment period, here’s my take on 2026. Folks in Jasper County on Advantage plans have far more options than those in Beaufort County. The Plan N rates with the carriers I work with remain stable, while Plan G rates are skyrocketing. Brand name drugs like Eliquis and Jardiance remain expensive, especially with the $616 Part D deductible for brandname prescriptions.

Overall, Jasper County residents have access to more robust Advantage plans than Beaufort County—and one company stands out: Devoted Health. I’ve used Devoted in Florida, North Carolina, and Texas, where it earned a five-star overall Medicare rating for 2026, and my clients

WELCOME

there have been extremely pleased. Why do star ratings matter? Think of them as Medicare’s report card, grading each carrier’s performance across roughly 40 quality measures. The top categories include customer service, drug pricing, member complaints, member experience, preventive care, and chronic condition management. A five-star plan represents excellent performance; a four-star is above average, and a three-star is simply average.

That said, Advantage plans do come with disadvantages—restricted doctor networks, prior authorization requirements, and a track record of improper denials in recent years. The average maximum outof-pocket cost for 2026 Advantage plans in Beaufort and Jasper counties is around $8,000 per year. It’s not hard to reach that number—especially if you’re diagnosed with cancer. Patients typically pay 20% of all cancer treatments, infusions, and highcost Part B medications.

Hospital costs are another concern. The average Advantage plan hospital copay for 2026 is roughly $400 per day for the first five days—that’s $2,000 for a short stay. If you’re readmitted after 60 days, those co-

CHRISTIE HILTON, D.O.

pays reset. Day surgeries average around $400 each, and physical therapy sessions can quickly add up.

If you decide on an Advantage plan, I strongly recommend pairing it with a reliable indemnity plan to help cover hospital, cancer, and surgical expenses. These supplemental plans can be customized around your specific 2026 Advantage

plan copays.

For perspective, the average hospital stay is three days, costing around $1,200 out of pocket with an Advantage plan. Compare that to a Plan N Medicare Supplement, which for a 70-year-old female in our area runs about $90 per month ($1,080 annually). With Plan N, you could spend a year in the hospital and owe nothing out of pocket.

Plan N offers peace of mind—no doctor networks, no prior authorizations, and no worries about providers dropping out of your plan. You can see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare. For many, the math is simple: a full year of Plan N premiums often costs less than a threeday hospital stay on an Advantage plan.

Chris Dewey started his medicare career in 2010 with Humana as a salaried employee before going independent in 2013. For the past 15 year Chris has helped thousands of seniors navigate the medicare maze in the lowcountry and is licensed in 46 states. Chris and his family live in Old Town Bluffton. Feel free to learn more on Chris’s youtube channel: May River Medicare Insurance on Youtube.

CHRIS DEWEY

BCSD BEACON

BCSD Choice Application Now Open

The Beaufort County School District (BCSD) Choice Application Window is now open for the 2026–27 school year! Families can apply online from November 10, 2025, through January 15, 2026, to explore innovative learning options designed to fit every student’s talents and interests.

BCSD Choice frees students from a one-size-fitsall learning model, offering customized programs that build confidence, expand skills, and set students on a path for lifelong success.

“Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a parent can make,” said BCSD Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez. “We believe that BCSD offers the best choice!”

How It Works:

BCSD Choice allows Beaufort County students to apply for a Choice program at a school outside their attendance zone.

If your child already attends a school that offers the program you’re interested in, you don’t need to submit an application—but be sure to discuss your interest with the school counselor.

What’s Offered:

From arts integration and dual-language immersion to medical, technology, and STEMfocused pathways, BCSD offers programs that inspire curiosity and prepare students for future careers.

Highlights include:

Apply Now

Arts-Integrated Schools blending creativity and academics

Medical & Technology Pathways offering hands-on, real-world learning

Dual-Language Immersion programs fostering bilingual fluency

STEM Focus across all district schools

Take a Tour of Your Public School

There’s no better way to learn what makes the Beaufort County School District the best choice for your family than by visiting our schools in person.

We invite parents and guardians to take a tour, meet our dedicated educators, and see firsthand the engaging classrooms, innovative programs, and supportive learning environments that set BCSD apart.

Whether your child is interested in the arts, STEM, world languages, leadership, or career and technical pathways, you’ll find a program designed to help them thrive.

District Principal and AP of the Year

The Beaufort County School District has named its 2025 Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year.

Bradley Tarrance, Principal of Robert Smalls Leadership Academy, was selected as the 2025–26 District Principal of the Year, while Geneva Young of Lady’s Island Middle School earned the title of District Assistant Principal of the Year.

“We are extremely proud to celebrate our Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year,” said Superintendent Frank Rodriguez. “Their outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to our students, staff, and community inspire excellence throughout our schools.”

Tarrance called the honor a shared achievement. “This is an incredible honor not just for me, but for the entire Robert Smalls Leadership Academy community,” he said. “Being a principal is about growing a community grounded in excellence, and expectations.”

Young also emphasized teamwork and service. “Even though I’m being named Assistant Principal of the Year, it truly belongs to the staff, students, and community I serve,” she said. “It’s our award.”

Winners were selected through peer nominations and applications for their exceptional leadership, hard work, and positive impact. Tarrance will now represent the district in state-level competition.

District Teacher of the Year

Allison Gallagher, an eighth-grade science teacher at H.E. McCracken Middle School, has been named the Beaufort County School District’s 2025–26 District Teacher of the Year. The 16-year teaching veteran was recognized during a celebration honoring school-level Teachers of the Year.

“Teaching is who I am, and I am so thankful for this honor,” Gallagher said. “I’m excited to continue sharing my love of teaching and representing our amazing students, families, and teachers.”

Principal Dr. Roger Ward praised Gallagher as “the epitome of what any teacher should be,” citing her strong relationships with students and her dedication to helping them reach their full potential.

Other finalists included Elizabeth Herring of Bluffton High, Audrey Kaney of Red Cedar Elementary, Alison Lopes of Hilton Head Island Elementary ECC, and Amy Turner of Coosa Elementary.

Gallagher has led innovative programs such as “River of Words,” combining science, writing, and art, and expanded the school’s Science Fair, mentoring more than 200 students each year. She holds a master’s degree in Middle Grades Education and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia.

Gallagher will now represent Beaufort County in the South Carolina State Teacher of the Year program, with state finalists announced in February.

District Support Staff of the

Year

Whale Branch Early College High School’s Behavior Management Specialist, Kelvin Simmons, has been named the Beaufort County School District’s 2025–26 Support Staff of the Year. The honor was announced during the district’s annual Support Staff Celebration Breakfast.

Simmons earned the districtwide recognition through a competitive application process highlighting his impact on school culture, student achievement, and his ability to inspire and support others.

Assistant Principal Marcus Peacock described Simmons as a cornerstone of the school’s positive environment. “Mr. Simmons is awesome! He greets the kids every morning—I think he knows every student by name,” Peacock said. “If a student is having a tough day, he takes the time to talk with them. He brings warmth, energy, and a genuine care for everyone in the building.”

Simmons said he was honored by the recognition. “Every day, we give 110% to make sure our students are safe and supported,” he said. “I try to speak to every student, share a positive message, and help set them up for success in school and in life.”

All school-level Support Staff of the Year honorees were also celebrated at the event, held at the Port Royal Sound Foundation’s Weezie Educational Pavilion.

Beaufort County School District Athletics

Hilton Head Island High Girls Golf Wins 4A State Championship

The Hilton Head Island High School girls golf team captured the SCHSL Class 4A State Championship earning the program’s third state title.

The Seahawks posted a two-day total of 616 (+14), defeating rival and defending champion May River by 30 strokes. Sophomore Harper Hedden also won the individual state championship, shooting under par (-1)—the first HHI player to earn the honor.

The team’s victory highlights their talent, consistency, and teamwork, cementing their place among South Carolina’s top girls golf programs.

May River High School Girls Golf Team Finishes as 2025 State Runner-Up

The May River High School girls golf team earned State Runner-Up honors at the 2025 South Carolina AAAA Girls Golf Championship, capping off a remarkable season. The team battled tough conditions and set their lowest team score of the season in both rounds of the state tournament.

The team’s achievement highlights not only their talent but also their dedication, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities that promise continued success for the program in the years to come.

May River Elementary Groundbreaking

District Championships

Bluffton Middle School Mustangs win BCSD 2025 Region Football Championship!

The Hilton Head Island Middle School Stingrays Volleyball Team are District Champions!

Beaufort County School District (BCSD) celebrated the groundbreaking of its newest school, May River Elementary, on Monday, October 20, marking a major step forward in addressing growth and school capacity needs in Bluffton.

District leaders, Board of Education members, local officials, administrators, and community partners joined Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez at the future school site at 607 New Riverside Road, adjacent to May River High School, for the ceremonial turning of the soil.

“The May River Elementary School groundbreaking marks an exciting milestone for our district,” said Dr. Rodriguez. “We are grateful for the voters’ support of the 2023 bond referendum that made this possible. This new school represents our shared commitment to providing high-quality learning environments for every student.”

The 113,000-square-foot facility will accommodate up to 800 students and is scheduled to open for the 2027–2028 school year. The new school—whose mascot will be the Manatee—will help relieve overcrowding in Bluffton’s elementary schools.

BCSD Staff Spotlight

Director of Readiness Named EDmarket 2025 NexGen Rising Star

The Education Market Association (EDmarket) has announced its 2025 class of NexGen Rising Stars, recognizing Ashley Gould, Director of Readiness for the Beaufort County School District, among its honorees.

The NexGen Rising Star award celebrates emerging leaders in education who demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovation, and a measurable impact on student success.

Gould was selected for her leadership in transforming early childhood education environments and expanding access to quality learning experiences for all students.

She has led initiatives to embed researchbased environmental design into instructional strategies, creating classrooms that are developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and supportive of the whole child.

Among her career highlights, Gould has expanded early childhood programs, launched a mobile preschool bus, and redesigned classroom environments to better support cognitive, social, and emotional development. She is also a strong advocate for equitable early intervention and access to high-quality early childhood education.

BCSD Principal Honored with Prestigious State Leadership Award

Battery Creek High School Principal Dee Dee Thompson has received the 2025 Inez Tenenbaum Leadership Award, one of South Carolina’s highest honors in educational leadership.

Presented annually to one principal statewide, the award recognizes exceptional leadership following completion of the School Leadership Executive Institute (SLEI)—a seven-month professional program focused on instructional leadership, change management, and motivational strategies.

SLEI, operated by the South Carolina Department of Education in partnership with Truist Bank, provides executive-level leadership training designed to strengthen school leaders’ capacity to positively impact their schools and communities.

With 28 years in education, Thompson has served as a science teacher, assistant principal, and principal, crediting the Beaufort County School District for supporting his growth.

“It’s a proud moment for me.” Thompson said. “It’s because of this district and the opportunities they’ve given me, and because of the mentors who have guided me, that I’ve been able to grow as a leader. I just want to pay it forward!”

The award is named in honor of Inez Tenenbaum, who served as South Carolina’s State Superintendent of Education from 1998 to 2006.

BCSD Principal Recognized as Marquis Who’s Who

Congratulations to St. Helena Elementary School Principal Constance Goodwine-Lewis for being recognized in the 2025 Marquis Who’s Who publications. Marquis presents unmatched coverage of the lives of today’s leaders and achievers from the United States and around the world, highlighting individuals who have made notable contributions in politics, business, science, education, and more.

BCSD Students Named National Merit Semifinalists for 2026

Five outstanding Beaufort County School District (BCSD) students have been named semifinalists in the prestigious 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, advancing to the next stage of competition for college scholarships.

The district’s semifinalists include Halle Tran of Beaufort High School; Jamie Ni and Katherine Riddle of Bluffton High School; and Irina Anikina and Coleman Jacobi of May River High School. These students entered the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Their exceptional scores placed them among the top one percent of high school seniors nationwide, qualifying them as part of an elite group of approximately 16,000 semifinalists across the United States. As semifinalists, they will compete for one of 6,930 National Merit Scholarships, collectively worth nearly $26 million.

“These students have achieved something truly remarkable,” said Superintendent Frank Rodriguez. “Their hard work, dedication, and academic excellence have placed them among the top scholars in the nation. We are incredibly proud of them and look forward to seeing all they accomplish as they advance in this prestigious competition.”

To become finalists, students must submit detailed applications showcasing their academics, leadership, and service, along with qualifying test scores, an essay, and a school endorsement. National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced between April and July 2026, joining nearly 389,000 distinguished Merit Scholars since the program began.

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