Veterans Day Ceremony
honor service and sacrifice
BY JOE TURINO Contributor
Sun City will once again proudly salute America’s heroes when the Sun City Veterans Association (SCVA) presents its annual Veterans Day Observance on Tuesday, November 11th, at Magnolia Hall, with overflow seating and a live simulcast in Pinckney Hall. The program begins at 10 a.m., with a 9:30 a.m. prelude by the Lowcountry Brass Quintet.
Following the strong turnout for May’s Memorial Day ceremony—when Magnolia Hall filled and overflow seating was needed in Pinckney Hall—organizers expect another large audience as residents, veterans, families, and friends gather for one of Sun City’s most inspiring traditions.
This year’s featured speaker is Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate Kelly M. Bennett, officer in charge of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ibis, homeported in Savannah. SCVA Commander and Navy veteran Dale Dietz will introduce Bennett, whose distinguished 25-year Coast Guard career
has taken her from Maine to Hawaii in leadership roles on some of the service’s most notable cutters, including the Forward, Midgett and Cuttyhunk. Her personal decorations include three Coast Guard Commendation Medals and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal.
The morning will open with the entrance of the Rudy Haumann Marching Unit led by Lt. Col. Mike Chorney, USAF, retired, and the Presentation of Colors by the Color Guard led by Bill Field. Chaplain Fleet Begley will offer the Invocation, followed by the National Anthem. The Lowcountry Brass Quintet, led by Ed Ober, will perform patriotic selections, including My Country ’Tis of Thee.
The Sun City Singers, directed by Nancy Laws with Debbie Raitiff accompanying, will perform America the Beautiful, Unsung Heroes, and God Bless America, closing the ceremony with their signature harmonies.
A moving highlight will be the Presentation of the POW/MIA Table, a solemn remembrance of those still missing in ac-
tion. The Calling of Names of Deceased Veterans will follow—a moment that always brings quiet reflection to the audience.
Later, the Service Medley will invite veterans to stand proudly as their branch’s anthem is played, filling the hall with applause and emotion. The Dan Sullivan Founder’s Award, honoring exceptional service within the Sun City Veterans Association, will also be presented.
Master of Ceremonies Carl Trovato, LTC, USA (Ret.), will guide the ceremony, ensuring every moment—from the benediction to the final notes of “Taps,” performed by Larry Katz and Charlotte Gorrell—captures the reverence and gratitude the day deserves.
The Veterans Day Observance continues a proud Sun City tradition of honoring service and sacrifice. With stirring music, a distinguished Coast Guard speaker, and the collective spirit of a grateful community, it promises to be one of the most memorable events of the year.
The Lowcountry Wind Symphony (LWS), a 60-member concert band, will present a free concert honoring Veterans titled “Saluting America’s Veterans X” exclusively for Sun City Residents and their guests on Saturday, November 15th, at 7 p.m. in Magnolia Hall. This year LWS pays tribute to the US Army and US Marines in celebrating their 250th Birthdays. Instrumental highlights will include Esprit du Corps, Semper Fidelis, Hymn to the Marines, Invincible Eagle, They Solemnly Served, America the Beautiful, and more. The band, directed by Donald F. Jemella, has a long-standing tradition of honoring Veterans each November.
PHOTO BY WARD LITZENBERG Sun City Veterans Association Members photographed in front of Magnolia Hall.
Veterans to be honored in Sun City Free Concert
American Heart Association recognizes Beaufort Memorial for Commitment to Quality
BY EMMA JUNE GROSSKOPF Contributor
Beaufort Memorial Hospital has been recognized by the American Heart Association with a Commitment to Quality award, honoring hospitals that achieve high performance across at least three clinical areas in the association’s Get With The Guidelines® program for heart and stroke care.
Beaufort Memorial is one of just 158 hospitals nationwide to earn the distinction, which highlights a comprehensive, systemwide approach to improving care and patient outcomes. Participating hospitals demonstrate their commitment to using real-time data, evidence-based treatment protocols and cross-disciplinary teamwork to raise standards across multiple specialties.
In 2025, Beaufort Memorial reached achievement levels in five clinical areas,
earning recognition in both heart and stroke care programs.
“Our organization is focused on continuous improvement and delivering the highest quality care across every department, and this award means that we have made huge strides in coordinating care across our service lines, resulting in better outcomes for our patients here in the Lowcountry.”said Russell Baxley, president and CEO of Beaufort Memorial.
The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines initiative is a national quality improvement program that helps hospitals follow the latest, research-based standards of care.
“This award highlights Beaufort Memorial’s impressive commitment to improving care across multiple disciplines,” said Donald Lloyd-Jones, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association and current volunteer chair of the Association’s Quality Oversight Committee, in a
statement.
To qualify for the Commitment to Quality award, hospitals must achieve at least Silver-level performance in three or more Get With The Guidelines programs within a calendar year. In 2025, Beaufort Memorial earned recognition in the following areas:
• Stroke Gold Plus: For two or more consecutive years of at least 85% adherence to all achievement measures and 75% or higher adherence to additional stroke quality metrics.
• Rural Stroke Gold: For maintaining 75% or higher adherence to rural composite measures over two consecutive years.
• Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI Gold: For achieving 65% adherence to dual antiplatelet prescription at discharge and 85% or higher compliance on performance measures for two or more consecutive years.
• Rural Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Silver: For maintaining 75% or higher adherence to rural composite measures over one calendar year.
• Rural Heart Failure Silver: For one year of 75% or higher adherence to the identified composite score for rural measures.
Heart disease and stroke remain the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Studies show that patients experience better recovery and long-term outcomes when hospitals consistently apply treatment guidelines.
“These awards in areas of patient care are some of the highest that hospital systems can receive,” Baxley said. “Our commitment to quality, patient-centered care and cross-departmental coordination are reflected in these awards. We are proud to be nationally recognized for that commitment with these five awards.”
Should you get a pre-listing inspection?
BY GARY SMYTHE Contributor
If you’re thinking about selling your home, you might be wondering whether it’s worth getting a pre-listing inspection before putting it on the market. While it’s not required, in today’s market, where the momentum is shifting toward buyers, it can be a smart move that helps your home stand out among the competition and keeps your sale on track.
What Is a Pre-Listing Inspection?
A pre-listing inspection is just like the one a buyer would order, but you do it before listing your home for sale. A licensed home inspector evaluates your home’s major systems and components such as the roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, as well as structural elements and safety issues. In the Bluffton and Hilton Head area, a typical inspection costs between $350 and $500, depending on the size and age of the home.
The Benefits
• Fewer Surprises: Contracts rarely fall apart because of the items on an inspection report, they fall apart because of surprises. Knowing what’s coming allows you to address issues upfront or price your home accordingly.
• Stronger Negotiations: By being transparent with buyers and providing a copy of the inspection report, you show confidence in your home’s condition. That can build trust and make your contract more solid.
• Less Stress Later: Once your home is under contract, you’ll be busy with your own move—packing, arranging movers, and maybe purchasing another home. The last thing you want at that stage is to be juggling repair requests or contractor quotes.
• Competitive Advantage: In a cooling market, where buyers have more choices, offering a pre-inspected home can make yours stand out as the “safe” and “ready” option.
The Drawbacks
• Upfront Cost: You’ll pay for the inspection whether or not your home sells.
• Disclosure Obligation: Once you have the report, you’re required to disclose any known defects to potential buyers. But remember, transparency builds credibility—and often results in smoother sales.
The Bottom Line
In a market trending toward buyers, a pre-listing inspection can be one of the best tools to help your home sell faster and with fewer headaches. It takes uncertainty off the table and sets the tone for a smoother, more confident transaction for both parties.
If you’re considering selling and want to discuss whether a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your home.
Gary Smythe is a local Real Estate Agent with William Raveis Real Estate specializing in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island. Gary@ GarySmythe.com www.WilliamRaveis. com/GarySmythe
In search of better golf…
BY RICH BERNSTEIN Contributor
Like many of us who have retired and relocated to the Lowcountry, I must admit to being fairly well set in my ways. I know what I like to eat, what I like to wear, which teams I like to follow, which shows I like to watch — you get the idea. As birthdays pile up, I’m much less likely to take advice concerning any of life’s various choices as I unthinkingly freewheel through my daily activities. If I’m in an Italian restaurant, I don’t bother with the menu. I don’t care how famous they are for their pasta Bolognese, how everyone raves about their lasagna, or how their veal scallopini “is to die for.” Just slap my usual chicken parm on a plate, and I’m all eats. Keep the latest fashionista recommendations to yourself — if I wasn’t wearing a golf hat, golf shirt, and golf shorts, my own family wouldn’t know who I am. I’ve got no time to watch the latest “must-see” TV miniseries — my DVR is already maxed out recording every golf tournament known to mankind.
Although they may be well intentioned, I’m done considering any incoming suggestions, recommendations, and testimonials — with one glaring exception. If I see, hear, smell, taste, or touch anything that offers the slightest hint of improving my golf game, my senses go into frenetic high alert. As we golf lovers know, there ain’t no mountain high enough, ain’t no valley low enough, ain’t no river wide enough, baby, to keep us from wanting to get better at golf.
With an unlimited number of instructional books, magazine articles, videos,
podcasts, and infomercials, who can blame us if we succumb to temptation and consider the multitudes of tips, promises, hints, suggestions, pointers, and recommendations — not to mention the advice offered by our golf buddy who took up the game a few days ago?
If Joey Chestnut, winner of this year’s Nathan’s July 4 hot dog–eating contest, said that chowing down a wiener or two every day would result in longer drives, I’m breaking out the mustard and relish. If I open a fortune cookie note that says, “You will have a lucky day,” I’m on the phone booking a tee time.
Low-resistance golf tees? “Sure, I’ll try a bag.” Zero-friction golf gloves? “Left hand, medium, please.” Top-spin golf shoes? “Sounds interesting — I’m a size 11.” Artificial intelligence–designed golf balls? “I’ll take two dozen, pal.” Golf problems solved in two minutes? “Absolutely, I’m not busy right now.” Count me in, sign me up, time’s a-wastin’, consider it done! It’s so easy to get sucked into the spiraling vortex of golf information overload. As an example, if our putters aren’t behaving, we might feel it’s time for a little religion and delve into one of golf’s most revered instructional volumes, Dave Pelz’s The Putting Bible. Yet after reading 394 pages on how to improve a stroke that travels no more than two feet, many of us still want more. We’re like dieters with insatiable appetites on a street lined with bakeries. Our quest for better golf is endless — and more seductive than “add to cart” on Amazon Prime Day. And who can blame us? After all, we don’t play golf in the Lowcountry to shoot high scores.
Rich Bernstein is a resident of Sun City - Hilton Head. Rich has been experiencing the joy, challenges and frustrations of golf since his selection as the 6th player on his 5-player high school golf team.
GARY SMYTHE
RICH BERNSTEIN
The fall buying season has finally pushed the number of listings below the 200 mark. While the rolling 12 -month median sale price remains about 3% lower than it was a year ago, that decline has held steady since first appearing in May. 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 sign ificant equity gains built during the pandemic years. Navigating today’s shifting landscape takes insight and preparation, and that’s where having a seasoned r eal 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 marke t. Contact me today!
provided by the Multiple Listing
Island and the Hilton
Active Homes and Villas
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
BY CHRIS ROOSA Contributor
It was one of those unusually beautiful fall days when the crisp leaves were turning into an array of rusty burnt orange tones along with a splash of golden yellow. It was going to be a great evening for the kids to go out Trick or Treating in the neighborhood. Michigan weather could be unpredictable so you never knew, from one year to the next, what the children would be faced with in their quest to acquire as much Halloween candy as they could possibly gather in one night.
But today was going to be special for the adults as well because we were having a costume party later that evening. I decided to really make myself as ugly as I could. My disguise was going to be that of the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
I used theatrical make-up to prep my face into someone totally unrecognizable. Along with brown human hair glued on as eyebrows, I also wore a dark brown short choppy wig. I stuffed my gum-line with rolled cotton and managed to glue my left eyelash down onto my cheek. A lot of black shadowing around my eyes along with drab male clothing finished off the look.
Before leaving the house, I went outside to bring my Maltese dog inside from his potty break. One look at me and he began hysterically screaming and running around the yard trying to get as far away from this stranger as his little feet would carry him. Pleased with his reaction, I surmised that I had pulled off the look I was going after.
I walked down to the neighbor’s house by myself, as I didn’t want to enter coupled with my recognizable cowboy husband. Otherwise, I feared, everyone would immediately realize that the deformed individual before them was actually the tall redhead from two doors down.
I spent the next couple of hours hunched over, walking around the party, only grunting when someone spoke to me. Earlier, I had been at the house all day helping my dear friend preparing everything for her guest. Yet that evening, as she looked around, her constant remark was, “Where is Chris? I wonder what’s keeping her?” Even she didn’t recognize me.
There was a fellow that attended the party who was a lifelong friend of the host. In the years past, every time Marv came over to visit them, he wanted to know where the sexy redhead was. He had always had a crush on me. That evening, I also managed to grunt at Marv a time or two during my time incognito.
Finally at midnight the Hunchback decided to go home and clean up for the balance of the evening. A while later I returned in my normal feminine attire which was short hot pants along with Go-Go boots. Groomed long red hair and perfectly applied make-up finished my look. As I walked around the party my male admirer, Marv, began talking to me and flirting.
During our conversation he mentioned that there was a fellow who came dressed as the Hunchback of Notre Dame. He rambled on about how ugly the guy was but mentioned that he noticed they had on diamond wedding rings. “Rumor was” he commented, “that this guy was actually a woman.” “Wow!” I replied.
His next remark was worth remembering all these many years. He questioned, “How would you like to have to crawl into bed with that ugly broad every night?” I just grinned. “By the way,” he asked, “who did you come as?” I smiled shyly at him and replied, “The Hunchback! You know, that broad you would never want to crawl into bed with!”
Chris Roosa is a resident of Sun City Hilton Head.
The power of collective giving
BY ANDREA HOERNER Contributor
“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For indeed that’s all who ever have,” wrote Margaret Mead, American cultural anthropologist and author.
Since biblical times, giving or philanthropy, has been a part of society, as stated in the bible: “It is better to give, than to receive.” Acts 2035. There has always been a need to promote the welfare of others.
Generations ago, wealthy individuals like Andrew Carnegie became philanthropists by donating large sums of money to create libraries and other institutions, usually named in their honor. Today, a unique type of giving that is growing in popularity is the concept of giving circles.
Giving circles are groups of people who pool their resources to make donations collectively. Giving circles are making a difference, whether to a nonprofit, religious organization, civic organization, the workplace or a school.
Those participating in collective giving want to amplify the impact of their giving and foster a sense of community. The leaders and members of the groups are overwhelmingly women and the charities they support tend to be small community organizations.
Collective giving changes who gives, how we give, and ultimately what gets funded. This practice strengthens community ties, encourages the practice of democracy, and increases civic engagement.
Currently, there are approximate-
ly 4,000 giving circles globally, with $3B+ donated each year by these groups. On their website, Philanthropy Together states: “Collective giving is kick starting a new era of philanthropy that is collective, intentional, democratic, joyful and rooted in trust.”
Following this concept of collective giving, Karen Dunigan started the first 100+ Women Who Care chapter in Jackson, Michigan. At the time, Karen saw a need for baby cribs for new mothers, some of whom were putting their newborns in boxes since they had no money for cribs. Karen realized that when people act together, they become a powerful force for doing good work.
According to the 100whocarealliance.org website, there are currently over 700 100 Who Care giving circles making a huge impact in local communities throughout the world. The chapters are made up of women, men, people, kids and teens. Collec-
tively they have donated over $52,000,000 to nonprofits.
A local group, 100+ Sun City Women Who Care has residents combining their efforts to make an impact. Started in 2017 out of concern about poverty in Beaufort and Jasper Counties, 100+ Sun City Women Who Care has flourished. From 21 members to more than 180. Their giving is based on the idea that when we combine our dollars, nonprofits can accomplish things they wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise. Their motto is: “Alone you are a drop, together we are an ocean!”
Vicki Mack, member and cofounder, sums up her feelings: “I wake up every day feeling blessed that I live here. For an hour of my time and $100 four times a year, I help make a huge impact on the area I call home … and I get to do it with incredible caring Sun City women!!”
To date, members have donated more than $330.000. Among the 24
groups that have been helped are those that address food insecurity, such as Backpack Buddies, Bluffton Soup Kitchen, Second Helpings and Meals on Wheels. Nonprofits focused on housing and mental and physical health include Hopeful Horizons, Memory Matters, BJVIM (Beaufort Jasper Volunteers in Medicine), Family Promise and NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness).
100+ Sun City Women Who Care meets quarterly for just one hour. After hearing three presentations from members, a vote is taken and each member writes a $100 check to the chosen charity. There is no committee work, no selling, no dues, no bank account – just women joining together to support local agencies.
For more information on how you can become involved, or how to start your own group, contact Andy Hoerner, andyhoerner@gmail.com.
ANDREA HOERNER
May meeting of 100+ Sun City Women Who Care
