Sun City Sun • May 20, 2025 by The Bluffton Sun

Maturing is not for sissies

BY CHRIS ROOSA Contributor

When I was a much younger version of this currently aging self, I would spend a ridiculous amount of time getting ready for a date. Those were the days of pin curls, brush rollers or rag ties. I’d spend an hour sitting under a hot hooded hair dryer with a head full of brush rollers and pink pics.

Today, I try to take a couple of days a month for “a day of beauty.” I’ll steam my face prior to smearing a mud pack all over the hills and valleys of my wrinkled skin. My husband questions if I leave this concoction on far too long. He worries that vegetation is growing under the black mask of clay. His concern? Does it need to be watered?

My youth was spent with a great deal of time devoted to making sure every strand of hair was in place. Then I’d spray half a can of Aqua Net on my masterpiece until it was stiff as a board. Remember the

beehive? The French twist or the flip?

Today, my head is more a wash and wear look. No primping, no fuss whatsoever. I no longer own a can of spray net. I gave up worrying about the back of my head years ago, as I realized I can’t see it. Now I just concentrate on the reflection in the mirror. Plus, I have gathered quite a collection of hats. When I’m super lazy, I can just plop a cute hat on my head and eliminate devoting any time to my locks.

The fifty-five plus generation is on the tennis court or playing an aggressive game of pickle ball. The men gather at the baseball field cheering one another on. The gals show up at the swimming pool with their nicely toned legs and flat bellies while the fellows still have muscles to flex.

Then there’s my age group! We’re lathered up with a maximum protection sunscreen lotion to save what little damaged “baby oiled skin” we might have left. Big brimmed hats to block out the summer rays.

room, den, eat-in kitchen with lots of cabinets, granite counters, prep island, laundry room with sink. Primary bedroom with walk-in closet, bath w/double vanity, separate soaking tub & shower. Tile flooring & ceiling fans throughout. Great location to Hidden

We pay to have our nails manicured because we no longer have the sight to clip or polish. Pedicures are no longer a luxury but more a necessity as we can no lon-

ger bend beyond our “pouch” to reach our toes.

Yoga and Pilates are a thing of the past. Our replacement is chair exercising. The exercise center now gives a class in balance, which is much needed at our age. When I look back now to “my youth,” it’s age 55+ when I could still wear cute skorts and sleeveless blouses that showed off my toned arms due to all the bales of hay I hoisted, for years, along with the many hours of yard work I was capable of doing.

Yeah, those were the days. Yet, in all reality somewhere there is a ninety-year-old senior looking upon their neighbors, in their seventies or eighties, with envy that they can still take long walks or breath without an oxygen tank.

This aging “ain’t for sissies”!

Chris Roosa is a resident of Sun City Hilton Head.

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Selling and buying a home at the same time? How to make it work

BY GARY SMYTHE Contributor

One of the most common questions I hear from homeowners preparing to sell is:

“How do I sell my home and buy my next one without ending up with two mortgages— or no place to live?” Coordinating both transactions can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy and guidance, it’s absolutely manageable.

Start with a plan—and a market evaluation

The first step is understanding your current home’s market value. A local real estate expert can provide a comparative market analysis to estimate what your home could sell for and how long it may take. This will help shape the financial and logistical decisions that follow. Talk to a lender early

If you’re planning to finance your next purchase, consult with a lender early in the process. They can determine whether you qualify to buy before you sell or if you’ll need to sell first to access your equity. In some cases, a bridge loan or home equity line of credit may allow you to move forward with a purchase before your current home closes.

List to sell, shop to buy

Most sellers list their home first and begin seriously shopping for their next home once it’s under contract. Once you’ve accepted an offer, it’s time to identify your next home quickly and write an offer. If your sale hasn’t yet closed, try to negotiate a “home to close” contingency, this lets the seller of the home you’re buying know that your pur-

chase depends on your current home closing successfully.

This contingency gives you more security and can help reduce the risk of overlapping mortgages or temporary housing needs. Just keep in mind that sellers may be more likely to accept this type of offer if your home sale is already under contract with a solid buyer.

Bridge the gap with flexibility

To ease the transition, many sellers negotiate a post-closing occupancy agreement; also known as a lease-back. This gives you time to stay in your home after closing while completing the purchase of your next one. Temporary housing or flexible closings are also good solutions.

Partner with the right team

Timing two major transactions takes coordination. An experienced agent can help you align timelines, negotiate contingencies, and guide you every step of the way.

Selling and buying at the same time may seem daunting, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth and successful transition to your next chapter.

Gary Smythe is a local real agent with William Raveis Real Estate focusing on the Hilton Head and Bluffton areas.

Sun City veterans Memorial Day event spotlights women in military

BY JOE TURINO Contributor

The Sun City Veterans Association (SCVA) will host its annual Memorial Day Program at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26th, at Sun City’s Pinckney Hall. All Sun City residents are invited to attend this year’s annual event, according to SCVA Vice Commander Alan Richter.

This year’s theme is “Women in the Military: A Legacy of 200 Years,” and promises to offer a special tribute, highlighting the significant contributions made by women in uniform. The guest speaker will be Captain Tracy R. Isaac, Commanding Officer of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Beaufort, Naval Support Facility Beaufort, and Director of the Naval Hospital Beaufort since June 2024. Captain Isaac, originally from New York, earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from SUNY Health Center in Brooklyn in 1993. She will be introduced by SCVA Commander Dale Dietz.

The program will also include a heartfelt wreath-laying ceremony at the Veterans Monument. Musical performances will be provided by the Bluffton Brass Quintet, conducted by Pete Stephenson, and the Sun City Singers, directed by Nancy Laws with Debbie Ratcliff accompanying on piano. Additional highlights include appearances by the SCVA Marching Unit led by Michael Chorney and the SCVA Color Guard, coordinated by William Field, with Bluffton High School JROTC Color Guard. Serving as Master of Ceremonies will be Senior Chief Gwyneth Saunders, U.S. Navy retired.

The colorful, 44-page SCVA event booklet that will be distributed to attendees of the event acknowledges special appreciation for those making the program possible, including Sun City Safety and Services, Sun City Hilton

Head Community Association’s Lifestyles and Event Staff, dedicated SCVA volunteers, Marketing Manager John Buyers, and the program sales team. Additional thanks go to the Bluffton High School JROTC, Tony LaSpina for event booklet, and the numerous local advertisers who generously supported the SCVA Memorial Day Event.

Founded in 1996, the Sun City Veterans Association continues its tradition of supporting veterans and families through educational programs, social events, and volunteer initiatives. The SCVA actively engages in community service, including Adopt-a-Highway cleanups and assisting Disabled American Veterans by transporting local veterans to medical appointments. The association also provides ongoing support to organizations dedicated to aiding veterans in need.

GARY SMYTHE

The Sun City Hilton Head

Monthly Market Report

May 2025 | SECTION B | Volume 14 I Issue 5

The April 2025 market data for Sun City Hilton Head highlights a cooling trend, with several key indicators pointing toward a shift in momentum. New listings dropped 24% year-over-year, with only 75 homes coming to market compared to 99 in April 2024. Closed sales followed suit, f alling 15%, signaling softer buyer activity. Despite the slowdown, home values remained remarkably stable. The median sales price ticked up slightl y by 0.3% to $512,410, indicating continued buyer confidence in Sun City’s long-term value. Sellers, however, are facing growing competition. Inventory surged 62% from 136 homes last April to 219 this year providing buyers with more options and putting pressure on pricing. One of the more telling si the decline in pending sales, which dropped from 67 in April 2024 to just 50 this April. Additionally, sellers received slightly less of their asking price, with the average percent of list price received slipping to 97.78%, down 0.6%.

How Can I Assist You? For buyers, this market presents an excellent opportunity with more inventory to choose from and increased negotiating power. For sellers, it’s still a great time to capitalize on the significant equity gains built during the pandemic years. Navigating today’s shifting landscape takes insight and preparation, and that’s where having a seasoned real estate professional makes all the difference.

If you’re considering selling your home, I invite you to take advantage of a FREE comprehensive market analysis and in-depth market review. Together, we’ll develop a strategy to ensure your home stands out and achieves the best possible value in this evolving market. Contact me today!

Sun City Real Estate April Market Snapshot

Open House May 22 3PM-5PM by appointment only

Call (843)301-1591 to schedule

Open House May 22 3PM-5PM by appointment only

Call (843)301-1591 to schedule

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BY DR. TOM DORSEL Contributor

Connecting with Memorial Day

My mother’s family included eight children, five of whom served in World War II at the same time. Thankfully, all returned home. Two other World War II veterans later married into that family.

One of them, my Uncle Harold, came home without his right arm. He was my most personal connection to the war. A call to Mary Pat, his daughter and my cousin, helped clarify what happened to her father.

“During a land mine explosion, his left wrist was shattered. It had to be reconstructed and fused,” she said. “When he was shipped home from the MASH unit, the surgeon sat by his bed and told him that when he arrived Stateside, doctors would X-ray his arm and say the surgeon had done a poor job. He told my dad, ‘Please know, I am very skilled at what I do. Don’t let anyone re-operate. This is the best you can or will be.’

“Physical therapy was held in a New York hotel that had been converted into a hospital. His PTSD was severe, but he covered it well. It’s amazing what someone with determination can accomplish.”

Uncle Harold was heroic in how he handled his situation. Despite the loss of his arm, he finished his basement on his own and adapted to a new way of life. He had to abandon a promising baseball career but still managed to hit a multihundred-foot home run in a softball game using just one arm.

I also played golf with him. He was remarkably steady—straight down the middle, like Scottie Scheffler. He swung from the left side, his left arm firing from behind the ball. I knew another one-armed golfer who played from the right side, dragging the club through with his lead arm. But Harold’s left-sided swing may have been the better method, and perhaps his baseball background influenced his approach.

I wish I had known Uncle Harold better. Our opportunities to connect were limited, but I’m grateful for the times we played golf and attended a few Cincinnati Reds games together. He had a special box by the player runway, near the home dugout. I remember rubbing elbows with Big Klu, Gus Bell, Wally Post, Roy McMillan and Johnny Temple. I believe Bobby Adams, the third baseman at the time, was the player he knew best.

You’d never have known he suffered from PTSD—he always seemed so strong and in control. He was the strong, silent type.

I also remember, years earlier, watching him pick up my Aunt Eleanor for a date at my grandparents’ house. I was just 4 years old, watching from the next room as he quietly helped her into her winter coat. No words were exchanged, but I noticed he did it with only one arm. Off they went into a winter night, leaving a curious child to imagine the rest. God bless Uncle Harold and all the other true war heroes—then and now.

Tom Dorsel, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of Psychology, a clinical/sport psychologist, and a resident of Hilton Head Island. His best selling book is, “GOLF: The Mental Game.” He can be found on Facebook and reached via his website, Dorsel.com.

TOM DORSEL

Rolling responsibly: info about golf cart use

BY SASHA SWEENEY Editor

Golf carts have become a familiar sight on the roads and pathways of the Lowcountry. Once limited to the fairways, golf carts are now popular for daily errands, local outings and community events.

As more residents adopt golf carts for everyday transportation, both within their communities and around town, understanding the legal requirements, operational rules and safety practices necessary to prevent accidents is increasingly important.

Under South Carolina law, drivers must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver’s license to operate a golf cart on public roads. Operators must carry their driver’s license, proof of liability insurance and the registration certificate for the golf cart while driving.

State law allows golf carts to be driven within four miles of the address listed on the registration certificate, on secondary roads where the posted speed limit is 35

mph or less, and during daylight hours only. Nighttime use is permitted if local ordinances allow it and the cart is properly equipped with headlights and taillights.

Local governments may impose additional restrictions. In Bluffton, a 2016 town ordinance permits golf carts on certain roads with speed limits of 35 mph or lower. The town encourages use in neighborhoods designed with cart-friendly infrastructure and has designated parking areas for carts in some public spaces.

Many private communities enforce their own golf cart regulations, which can be stricter than municipal or state rules.

Residents are encouraged to review homeowner’s association policies or property management guidelines before operating golf carts.

To legally drive a golf cart on public roads, owners must register the cart through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, display a golf cart permit decal, carry proof of liability insurance and renew the permit every five years or whenever the owner’s address

changes.

While license plates are not required, state law mandates that golf carts used after dark — where permitted — must have headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors and a horn.

As golf cart usage grows, so does the potential for serious accidents. In 2021, a woman was seriously injured in Sun City Hilton Head when a golf cart overturned, resulting in a $1.2 million legal settlement, according to local news reports. In 2022, a fatal accident occurred in Latitude Margaritaville in Hardeeville when a woman fell from a moving golf cart.

Despite the low speeds, these incidents demonstrate that golf carts can cause severe injuries if not operated safely.

Experts recommend driving cautiously, obeying all traffic laws, avoiding distractions such as mobile device use, and ensuring that all riders are seated securely. Drivers should not exceed the golf cart’s passenger limits. If nighttime driving is allowed, carts must be equipped with headlights, taillights and mirrors. It is

also important to remove the key and lock the cart when not in use. Drivers are reminded that children should never be allowed to operate golf carts.

South Carolina lawmakers are advancing legislation that would expand nighttime golf cart use. House Bill 3292, which passed the House earlier this year, would allow all municipalities and counties to pass ordinances enabling nighttime operation, a privilege currently limited to certain barrier island communities. The bill would also allow local governments to reduce the allowable driving radius from four miles to two miles and authorize the creation of separate golf cart paths where feasible.

H. 3292 passed the House and The Senate approved the bill on May 7th, 2025, with a 42-1 vote, and the House concurred with a 105-6 vote on May 8th. The legislation now awaits Governor Henry McMaster’s signature to become law.

For more information, visit the South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s golf cart law page at scdps.sc.gov.

Sun City to host

‘Discover the Lowcountry’ event June 14th

Sun City residents are invited to explore the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the region at Discover the Lowcountry, a first-of-itskind event set for Saturday, June 14th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the pavilion. The event will feature a wide range of exhibitors highlighting ways to enjoy the area’s unique environment. Sun City clubs such as the Kayak Club, Bird Club and Photography Club will offer informative displays, along with state and local organizations focused on nature, conservation and lifelong learning.

Participants include the Port Royal Sound Foundation, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

(SCDNR), Operation Patriots FOB, The Bluffton Sun and the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.

Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast, a budding photographer or simply interested in learning more about the Lowcountry, this event promises something for everyone. Food trucks will also be on site. Discover the Lowcountry is free and open to all Sun City residents and their guests. The event is sponsored by the Sun City Fishing and Hunting Club.

For more information, contact Chuck Volpe at chuckvolpe46@yahoo. com.

Paving a new way forward

BY ANDREA HOERNER Contributor

In 2020, JR and Stephanie Brown purchased a 268acre preserve in Ridgeland with a mission: to create a space of connection, reflection and support for veterans, first responders and active-duty service members.

A former Marine and dog handler, JR Brown had struggled to find a place where he could experience the camaraderie and healing he missed after leaving military service — so he built one.

Operation Patriots FOB (OPFOB), founded in the heart of the Lowcountry, has since become a haven for those who’ve served. The facility, which is always free to its guests, promotes healing through outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and simply gathering around the fire. These shared moments help veterans and first responders forge bonds that are vital to processing trauma and restoring purpose.

Beyond outdoor recreation, OPFOB hosts AA meetings, Bible studies, and coffee hours. The property includes an event barn, cottage, bunkhouse, and tiny home, all used for individual and family retreats

“OPFOB isn’t the property—it’s the people,” says Executive Director Jimmy Banton. “We are building a community; a tribe, that we once had while serving. Our activities aren’t just for fun. They break the ice, build trust, and open the door to healing. Once that door opens, friendships form, and the real work begins. They understand that they aren’t alone when times get tough.”

OPFOB is funded through donations and annual events. Their flagship

fundraiser, Concert for the Heroes, drew more than 3,100 attendees in April. Other upcoming events include First Responders Appreciation Day on September 13, and the formal Dinner for Heroes on November 8, which will feature keynote speaker Rocky Bleier, a Vietnam veteran and former Pittsburgh Steelers running back.

To ensure long-term sustainability, OPFOB is running two capital campaigns—one to pay off the property, officially purchased last fall, and another to build a future lodge and headquarters. The planned lodge will include a commercial kitchen, meeting rooms, a wellness wing, and overnight accommodations to expand retreat offerings.

OPFOB recently partnered with Lennar Homes to build houses for veterans and first responders in Bluffton, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach. The first home, in Bluffton, will be ready this summer. Its recipient will also serve as kennel master for a new program pairing veterans with puppies. Over 12–18 months, participants will train the dogs to become certified service or companion dogs.

Raising awareness is as critical as fundraising. The suicide crisis among veterans and first responders is dire –averaging 22 to 44 deaths a day among veterans alone. Every May, OPFOB hosts a 22-day Fire Watch leading up to Memorial Day. A fire is lit in remembrance and kept burning 24/7 to honor those lost to suicide, culminating in a powerful ceremony on the final day.

How to help? Supporters are encouraged to join the Save 22 Club with a monthly donation of $22. This reliable support keeps the gates open and resources flowing to those who need them most.

“Each of our local heroes has a purpose beyond their call of duty. We are committed to helping them find it,” added Banton.

To learn more, visit opfob.org or contact info@opfob.org.