The Bluffton Sun • July 21, 2026

The

Bluffton Blufft n Sun July 21, 2026 • Volume 29, Issue 14 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com

Bluffton police address questions about Flock Safety camera program 7A

Bluffton’s U8 baseball and softball champions head to World Series Bluffton Bookshop opens

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Diagnosing summer lawn problems 20A

By Justin Jarrett Contributor

Seven years ago, a new sign appeared outside the gates of Oscar Frazier Park, honoring the first Bluffton team to claim a Diamond Youth Baseball state championship and advance to represent South Carolina in the organization’s regional

World Series. Another appeared two years later when a group of all-stars from the same cohort of boys did it again.

This summer two more Bluffton teams will be memorialized with their own signs after winning state championships, including the first Bluffton team to advance to the Dixie Youth Softball World Series.

It remains to be seen whether either

team can take the next step and claim the town’s first World Series championship.

Winning a state championship is no small accomplishment, as evidenced by how long it took Bluffton to win its first and how few have followed since. It takes a special group of kids, all born within the

CHAMPIONS CONT. ON PAGE 2

Beginner’s guide to running in Bluffton

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The Bluffton Sun

July 21, 2026

Sreshtha Singh, D.O.

to Beaufort Memorial Palmetto Medical Group Beaufort Memorial Palmetto Medical Group has added Dr. Sreshtha Singh to its team of trusted providers, expanding access to high-quality primary care in the Bluffton area.

A specialist in internal medicine, Dr. Singh provides care for a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity. He works closely with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that support healthier lives through prevention, education and ongoing care.

Driven by a lifelong passion for helping others, Dr. Singh was drawn to primary care because of the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Dedicated to delivering personalized, compassionate care, Dr. Singh focuses on building lasting relationships that help patients achieve their long-term health goals.

“I give all of my patients my undivided attention, providing them with personalized, accessible care and physician-patient transparency,” Dr. Singh said. “I want to build those long-lasting connections based on trust and open communication.”

Residency – Internal Medicine University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Mercy Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Lewisburg, West Virginia

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Dr. Singh joins Dr. Kelsey Mijares, nurse practitioner Jennifer Stokes, physician assistants Erica Roper and Stephanie Lovato, Dr. Nikki Keisler and Dr. Robert Smith at Beaufort Memorial Palmetto Medical Group.

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July 21, 2026

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CHAMPIONS FROM PAGE 1 same two-year span, and parents committed to helping them develop their talents to the fullest, often at the expense of just about everything else.

It takes weekend after weekend of practices and tournaments, thousands of dollars in tournament fees and travel expenses, countless hours in sweltering heat, and untold trips to the concession stand for more water or Gatorade.

And the sacrifices almost always begin years before the payoff finally comes.

In most cases, success is preceded, and even prompted, by a dose of humility. A team that breezes through the district tournament gets an eye-opening lesson at the state tournament, and disappointment gives way to determination. A travel team is formed, weekend tournaments are booked, and experience is gained in preparation for the following summer.

Even then, it is a grueling journey to survive to the end of the state tournament, outlasting teams that have been equally single-minded in their pursuit of a championship.

But Bluffton has an impressive group of 8-and-under all-stars, both boys and girls, and they’re ready to represent South Carolina in Laurel, Mississippi.

For the first time, Bluffton will be represented in the Dixie Youth Softball World Series. The girls open play July 16, hoping to reach the championship game on July 20.

And these girls know a little something about survival. After outscoring three opponents 56-3 in the district tournament, they faced adversity on the opening day of the state tournament, losing 21-16 to Williamston in just their second game.

They responded by winning their next six games, including two victories over Williamston, 19-11 and 14-11, to claim the state championship and earn a trip to Mississippi.

The Bluffton American baseball squad also rolled through the district tournament, going 5-0 with three shutouts, an especially impressive feat considering the teams still play coach-pitch at that age.

Even with the opposing coach pitching to his own batters, Bluffton posted three shutouts behind flawless defense while outscoring opponents 61-10.

The team won its first two games at the state tournament before losing 13-3 to Hartsville Northern and dropping into the loser’s bracket. It took three consecutive victories to reach the championship game,

Flooring June 30 - August 3, 2026

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where Bluffton had to beat Hartsville Northern twice to win the state title. A 3-2 victory forced a winner-take-all final.

Bluffton built a 4-0 lead, but Hartsville Northern rallied in the sixth inning, scoring two runs and bringing the tying run to the plate before the local boys closed the door and punched their ticket to the Diamond Youth Baseball World Series.

Coach Michael White’s team opens play July 23 in Laurel with two pool-play games before bracket play begins the following day.

Win or lose in Laurel, the future of baseball and softball in Bluffton appears brighter than ever with these all-stars coming through the pipeline, and this is unlikely to be their last opportunity to shine on the big stage.

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

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July 21, 2026

Letters to the Editor I want to say thank you for your recent article regarding E bikes along the mini sidewalks and pathways of Bluffton. I want to make a comment about their usage and feel able to speak in this regard seeing that I walk and ride my bike daily in Bluffton.

I want to address three main areas of concerns regarding E bikes as they navigate today. First, there is a blatant disregard by overwhelming majority the operators of Bike here in Bluffton.

Second, whatever the rules may be here in town and whatever enforcement there may be here in town there appears in many instances gross neglect of these rules. Third, most of these bikes are black, and an overwhelming majority of the operators are dressed in black, making them very difficult to see. I only have one recollection of any one of these mostly young operators of these bikes to have a forward facing red light.

In the past two years increase in the

number of bikes seen on sidewalks and pathways seems large. Personally, I can recollect four times of nearly being hit by a e-bike while cycling.

These three realities require us as a community to take pause regarding the operation of the bikes on our sidewalks, pathways, and roadways here in Bluffton.

Again, thank you for your recent article on this topic.

Your recent article entitled, “Safety concerns grow as e-bike use rises,” offers good information for your readers. I would like to add some comments: The safety problem is not with e-bikes; rather the problem is with small e- motorcycles. (e-motos) Before buying an e-moto (Class 3, or no rating) for their child, parents need to understand the differences between Class I, II, and III.e bikes in power, speed, regulations, and riding etiquette. In general, e-motos exceed 750 watts of power; many have no pedals; and most can reach speeds of 30 - 50mph.

Know that in South Carolina e-moto riders must be a minimum age 16 and possess a driver’s license and be insured; must have the e-moto registered with the DMV; must display a visible class sticker on the bike; and wear a helmet. In South Carolina E-motos are defined under the same regulations as mopeds. They are legal on the street, but not legal on side-

walks or bike paths.

E-moto riders really have no place to ride. State regulations prohibit Class 3 bikes on sidewalks and pathways. They are legal to ride on the street but what parent wants their child riding a small motorcycle, going 30 mph or more and dealing with automobiles and trucks.

Through school resource officers and public safety campaigns, the Bluffton Police Department is trying to educate parents and children: https://www. facebook.com/blufftonpolice/posts/ebike-safety-week-bluffton-police-department-day-1-know-your-e-bikebeforeyou-r/1407477041428353/ It would help all of us if Beaufort County would erect some speed limit and informational e-bike signs on Bluffton and Buckwalter pathways.

It would help if Beaufort County and the Town of Bluffton would build facilities where e-moto riders could ride safely.

Municipalities build parks, recreational

facilities for sports, skateboard parks, etc; why not build a safe place for e-moto riders?

Here is a link to possible federal regulations that was introduced in Congress this spring: https://www.congress.gov/ bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7839/text Here is a link to the Town of Bluffton Council Member, Dan Wood,’s presentation to our Southern Lowcountry Regional Board of Advisors: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=qWvfmtVGmYo. His presentation begins at the 48 minute mark.

Conclusion: The e-bike market is projected to grow at a 10-12% rate for the next several years. Instead of complaining about “wheelies,” let’s work on safe solutions.

As a seasoned bicyclist, pedestrian and bicycle advocate, and retired safety professional, I appreciate the story titled Safety Concerns Grow As E-Bike Use Rises. However, the story incorrectly directs concerns at e-bikes when it should be directed toward E-motorcycles. The public and the press do not understand the nuance.

While the article accurately recognizes how speed and weight increase stopping

distances and makes these vehicles harder to control, it failed to mention the dangers these E-motorcycles pose to other pathway users.

The story should have included that a comprehensive pedestrian and safety program is needed in the Lowcountry delineating where shared-use pathways are; posting pathway speed limits; adding etiquette signage; developing and delivering an effective outreach educational plan at community events and local schools;

prohibiting kids under 16 from parking e-motorcycles on Town of Bluffton, school district, and County property; and finally, enforcing rules and regulations.

Going forward, more E-motorcycle safety awareness is needed as it is an important aspect of avoiding the risks before they happen.

Fred L. Shinn, MS, PT

Contributors Joe Battista

James Hook

Rich Bernstein

Kenneth Horup

Abby Bird

Justin Jarrett

Lisa Hostetler Brown

Wendy Kushel

Chad Cannon

Nick Martin

Ryan Chowansky

Tamela Maxim

Chip Collins

Jeff Moeller

Danie Connolly

Weston Newton

Zach Deloach

Leslie Rohland

Collins Doughtie

Chris Roosa

Kevin Fitzpatrick

Gary Smythe

Emma June Grosskopf

Paul Tollefson

Annelore Harrel Jean Harris Channing Heiss Andrea Hoerner

Joe Turino Ginny Underwood Mark F. Winn Tracy Winslow

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PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-9507 Physical address: 181 Bluffton Rd., Ste F103-2, Bluffton, SC 29910 BlufftonSun.com 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 14, July 21, 2026, 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.

Dave Kimball, President Lowcountry Bike/Walk Advocates dkimball@lcbwa.org

CR “Chuck” Valentino, CSP Retired Bluffton Resident

July 21, 2026

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July 21, 2026

House legislation advances key bills

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Last month, I reported that the General Assembly would need to reconvene before July 1 to complete conference committee work on several important matters, including finalizing the WESTON NEWTON fiscal year 2026-27 budget.

On June 25, the House and Senate returned to Columbia to vote on several final conference committee reports.

Even though we were only in session for one day, we passed several important bills that will strengthen our economy, support local businesses, protect South Carolina industries and ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely. Gov. Henry McMaster has already signed these bills into law.

In a big win for South Carolina’s small businesses, we passed H. 3021, the Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act, a major step toward reducing unnecessary government red tape and creating a stronger, more competitive business climate. Small businesses are the backbone of South Carolina’s economy. They create jobs, support local families and drive our state’s economy. That’s why my colleagues and I continue to work to make it easier, not harder, to start, grow and succeed in South Carolina. It is vital to keeping our state one of the best places in America to live, work and do business.

The House adopted the conference committee report for H. 4248, the Truth in Shrimp Labeling Act. While I was proud to sponsor this legislation requiring restaurants and food establishments to disclose the country of origin of the shrimp they serve, helping prevent imported shrimp from being passed off as local, I appreciate the focused efforts of my colleague and desk mate, Rep. Bill Herbkersman, in drafting the bill and leading the effort to get it across the finish line.

The House voted unanimously to send the Guarantee Banking Act to the governor’s desk. No South Carolinian should lose access to banking services because

of political or religious beliefs. This act protects consumers and businesses by ensuring financial institutions cannot discriminate based on ideology.

The House also unanimously passed the Buy American Iron and Steel Act, sending it to the governor’s desk for signature. This common-sense legislation ensures that South Carolina taxpayer-funded public works projects prioritize American-made iron and steel, helping strengthen our nation’s manufacturing base while supporting hardworking South Carolinians and American workers. This includes a wide range of items, such as pipes, bars and structural steel. When we invest in our infrastructure, we should also invest in the people and businesses that built America.

This legislative session reflects our commitment to fight for freedom, families and a more affordable South Carolina with the passage of major legislation focused on lowering taxes, improving public safety, fixing our roads and bridges, strengthening schools, defending constitutional rights and growing our economy.

While many bills addressing these and other significant matters have now become law, work continues on DUI reform and passage of South Carolina’s state budget. The General Assembly is operating under a temporary continuing resolution, which keeps state government running at current funding levels while budget negotiations continue.

Although essential services remain funded, several priorities included in the House budget, such as teacher and law enforcement pay raises, additional funding for our schools, investments to accelerate road and bridge improvements, and tuition mitigation to help keep college affordable, cannot move forward until a final agreement is reached.

The House remains committed to finishing the job. Our goal remains the same as it was when we crafted a balanced budget that provides historic tax relief while investing in priorities that matter most to South Carolina families: to deliver a final budget that strengthens our economy, supports our communities and keeps South Carolina moving forward.

Weston Newton is the representative for District 120 in the State House of Representatives.

July 21, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Bluffton police address questions about Flock Safety camera program

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Bluffton Police Department released information July 15 about its use of Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras, responding to what the department said were questions and misinformation regarding the technology.

According to the department, Flock Safety cameras capture still images of vehicles traveling on public roadways, including license plate information and vehicle characteristics such as make, model and color. Police said the cameras are used as an investigative tool in cases involving stolen vehicles, missing persons and criminal investigations.

As part of the release, the department addressed several common misconceptions about the camera system. Police said the cameras do not record video or monitor people but instead capture still images of vehicles. The department also said Bluffton police do not use facial recognition technology with Flock cameras.

The department further stated that the cam-

eras are not used to track residents’ daily activities. According to police, camera information is accessed only for legitimate law enforcement purposes, including criminal investigations, locating stolen vehicles and assisting with public safety investigations. The department said access to the system is limited to authorized personnel and that all searches are documented and reviewed.

“Flock Safety cameras are a great tool that assists our officers,” Police Chief Joseph Babkiewicz said. “Like any tool we use, it is important that it is used responsibly, with proper oversight and accountability. We remain committed to transparency and maintaining the trust of the community we serve.”

The department currently operates 52 Flock Safety cameras throughout Bluffton. When asked police said at this time no additional cameras are planned after the completion of the program’s second phase of implementation.

The department said it partners with the Town of Bluffton’s Law Enforcement Citizens Advisory Committee to provide oversight of the Flock camera program.

According to the department, the six-mem-

ber committee provides recommendations regarding the use of the technology and conducts quarterly audits of camera usage to ensure compliance with department policies.

Committee member Bill O’Toole said the advisory committee has been informed about the implementation and use of the cameras and reviews audits of every system search.

“As a former law enforcement officer, I recognize the value this technology brings when used responsibly, constitutionally, and with strong community oversight,” O’Toole said.

“Bluffton Police Department has demonstrated its commitment to transparency and accountability every step of the way.”

Residents interested in learning more about the department’s use of Flock Safety cameras may contact Chief Babkiewicz at jbabkiewicz@ townofbluffton.com. According to the department, the chief is available to meet with community members to discuss the camera system, its role in public safety efforts and answer questions.

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The Bluffton Sun

July 21, 2026

For Bluffton FINS swimmers, lessons extend far beyond the water

By Jeff Moeller Contributor

Looking back on his time with the Bluffton FINS, Logan Grissom wouldn’t trade it for any other experience.

Grissom, who began swimming at age 7, is among thousands of swimmers who have passed through the program since it began in 2005.

“I wouldn’t be who I am if it wasn’t for this team,” said Grissom, a rising senior at May River JEFF MOELLER High School. “This sport is very difficult, but it is so much better with the right environment, which is what FINS gives you.

“You grow many friendships through those around you, and the coaching is incredible. They will guide you through the ups and downs but, most importantly, make you the best version of yourself you could possibly be.”

Head coach Yorlliry “George” Moreno, a professional triathlete, has watched the team’s numbers fluctuate, ranging from more than 100 swimmers to the current group of 75 who train at the Bluffton Pool. He also serves as the head coach at Bluffton High School, where he once held nearly every individual swimming record.

The FINS’ season began in late October and will conclude in early August. Bluffton High’s season begins in August and ends in October. This season, the FINS had nine swimmers qualify for postseason events.

For Moreno, who was one of the program’s original swimmers, it has been a year-round commitment that has fueled him professionally and personally.

Moreno has helped many of his swimmers continue their careers at the collegiate level. Club swimming plays a prominent role in that path.

“It’s never a dull moment,” Moreno said. “We have a

lot of ambitious kids, and they are a very tight-knit group that supports each other.

“The kids prioritize their club swimming. Colleges recruit from clubs.”

Moreno said the majority of the team’s current swimmers are 14 and younger. Over the years, the program’s numbers have fluctuated.

“Some years we will have more older kids in the program,” Moreno said. “It is a cycle. There have been years when many kids qualified for postseason events. Some programs in the state have more than 200 swimmers. Our numbers fluctuate. Some seasons they’re higher, and some seasons they’re lower.”

Moreno, who is a Venezuela native and also swam at Pfeiffer College, knows he has found his calling in coaching and competing as a triathlete.

“It’s a passion,” Moreno said. “The team is built on discipline, integrity and belief in the process. We have a lot of kids who are passionate about the sport, and we strive to keep them working diligently.”

Amorette Chapman, a rising senior at Beaufort High School, has swum for the FINS since her freshman year.

She is grateful for how the program has helped shape her life.

Grissom finished 19th in the 100-meter backstroke, while Chapman placed sixth in the 50-meter freestyle and eighth in the 100-meter backstroke at the senior state meet in Duncan this past weekend.

“This program has absolutely shaped my character,” Chapman said. “Having to commute an hour to practice every day has taught me discipline and patience. The coaches have really helped guide me in building my confidence and understanding that hard work truly pays off and beats talent any day. I attribute 100% of who I am today to club swimming with FINS and the discipline it has woven into my life.”

Jeff Moeller has covered high school, collegiate, and professional sports for the past 42 years. He also is an avid runner and a frequent half-marathon participant.

Sun on the Street What is your favorite thing to do when it’s too hot to go outside?

Kam Brayboy “Play video games and watch TV.”

Kate Madden “Reading mystery novels.”

July 21, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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The Bluffton Sun

July 21, 2026

After 20 years, it’s time to say goodbye

By Chad Cannon Contributor

This is my last article.

After 36 years as a personal trainer and 20 years as a business owner here in Bluffton, I’ve decided it’s time to retire from the health and fitness profession and CHAD CANNON close the doors to CannonFit, formerly known as Shaping Concepts.

Looking back, I don’t remember the workouts nearly as much as I remember the people.

I think about my very first paid client Marjorie Wood. I think about my first client at Shaping Concepts, Peña, who brought me a plant that stayed with me until just last year. It’s funny how something so small can become a reminder of where everything began.

I opened Shaping Concepts when US 278 was still a two-lane road. Our first studio

was in Plantation Park, where T-Mobile sits today. Every workout came with the smell of Domino’s Pizza, Dairy Queen, and Kobe drifting through the doors.

Back then, we somehow fit seven trainers into a 1,200-square-foot studio. It was loud, crowded, and a whole lot of fun.

Over the years we hosted the “Get Sexy Boot Camp,” participated in the Bluffton Christmas Parade, and participated in Heart Walks and spoke at many events.

After ten years, Shaping Concepts became CannonFit. We moved to Sheridan Park, survived more floods than I care to remember, and eventually expanded into a 3,800-square-foot facility. That’s where I started the Push-Ups & Pizza Podcast, which later became the Live Inspired Podcast. During COVID, I sent individualized workouts to every client so they could continue training at home. Around that same time, I wrote my first health and fitness book and later had the privilege of co-authoring a second.

But those aren’t the things I’ll remember most. I’ll remember the people.

I’ve often joked that I knew “a little bit about everything and a lot about nothing.” I never wanted to be known for just

one specialty. If someone needed help, I wanted CannonFit to be the place they felt comfortable walking into.

More so, I wanted it to feel like family.

From day one, my goal was to greet every client by name as they walked through the door -just like the old TV show Cheers.

Twenty years later, I still do exactly that.

To every person who trusted me, whether for six months or twenty years, thank you.

One client who represents what CannonFit has meant to me is Nancy Yocco.

Nancy was one of my very first clients at Shaping Concepts, and she still trains with me 20 years later. Relationships like that are what made this business so special.

When I look back now, I realize CannonFit was never really about fitness.It was about community, and relationships.

It was about friendships, encouragement, laughter, and helping people believe they could do more than they thought possible.

That’s what I’ll miss the most.

But while one chapter closes, another begins.

For the past 26 years, I’ve had the

privilege of coaching at Hilton Head High School, Bluffton High School, and May River High School. Today, I’m honored to begin a new journey as the Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at Savannah State University.

I’ve always believed that if you discover your passion, that’s what you should do for a living. Now I have the opportunity to live my own advice.

To everyone who walked through the doors of Shaping Concepts or CannonFit, thank you for trusting me, encouraging me, and allowing me to be a small part of your lives. Bluffton has been home for two incredible decades, and I will always be grateful for every workout, every conversation, every laugh, and every friendship.

This isn’t just the end of a business.

It’s the end of one of the greatest chapters of my life. Thank you, Bluffton.

Chad Cannon is now a retired health & fitness coach, success coach, and owner of the CannonFit Transformation Center in Bluffton. Now the Head Cross Country/ Track & Field Coach at Savannah State University. Chad would love to hear from you at chad.cannonfit@gmail.com

July 21, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

Bluffton couple brings independent bookstore to Old Town

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

After nearly two years of planning and renovating a local home into a business, Allyn and Jamie Oliver have opened The Bluffton Bookshop in Old Town Bluffton, bringing a locally owned independent bookstore to the community.

Located at 89 Bridge St. (next to the Bluffton Oyster Company), the bookstore occupies an approximately 80-year-old home with separate rooms for different genres, a children’s area and outdoor seating. Outside, The Frozen Fiddler serves frozen treats and cold beverages from a walk-up window.

Allyn Oliver and her family relocated to Bluffton from Charlotte, North Carolina, though she grew up in South Carolina and had been visiting the area for years. She said she quickly realized the town was missing something.

“I told my husband years ago if we moved there and there’s not a bookstore, then we’ll have to build one,” Oliver said.

Before moving forward, Oliver spent about a year talking with residents about the idea and later enrolled in a three-day bookstore training course in Jacksonville, Florida. After deciding to pursue the business, she searched for a location in Old Town before purchasing the Bridge Street property. The project required about 18 months of permitting and renovation before the doors could open.

Today, the bookstore carries titles covering fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, cookbooks, travel, history and Lowcountry-interest books. Oliver said assembling the opening inventory required months of research to create a collection that reflected local readers’ interests while also offering popular new releases and bestselling authors.

“There are 6,000 books in here, so it just takes a long time to curate it,” she said.

In addition to books, the store offers puzzles, games, stationery, greeting cards and gifts for readers. Customers

can also special order books that are not in stock, with most orders arriving within a couple of days, Oliver said.

One room is dedicated entirely to children’s books, complete with a reading nook and a hidden miniature house built into one wall. During renovations, their contractor discovered a foundation block inscribed “Emmett 1946.” Rather than cover it, the builders incorporated it into the display, creating one of the shop’s most talked-about features.

Oliver said she designed the bookstore to encourage customers to linger rather than simply shop.

“We just wanted a place for the community to gather together, to meet other readers and find our people.” she said.

She said that vision has already begun to take shape as customers strike up conversations, exchange recommendations and discover new authors while browsing.

“It’s fun hearing the strangers, people who don’t know each other, talking about books too and giving recommendations,” she said.

The Bluffton Bookshop plans to host author signings, book clubs, children’s story times, workshops, mahjong gatherings and collaborations with local artists and small businesses. A large-scale mural by Bluffton artist Amiri Farris, commissioned with partial funding from a Town of Bluffton grant, was unveiled during the grand opening celebration.

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July 21, 2026

Ask the Expert:

Is a trust right for you?

Understanding the benefits beyond avoiding probate

By Lisa Hostetler Brown Contributor

Many Bluffton-area residents have heard that a trust helps you avoid probate.

That’s true, and it’s only one of many advantages a trust can provide. Whether LISA HOSTETLER BROWN you’re enjoying retirement, raising a family, or planning for future generations, a trust can be a valuable part of a comprehensive estate plan.

What is a trust?

A revocable living trust agreement is a legal document creating your trust and, once the trust is created, you are allowed to place your assets into the trust, but maintain complete control over them during your lifetime. You can update or revoke the trust as your circumstances change. Upon your death or incapacity, the person you appoint as Trustee will manage or distribute your assets according to your wishes—without going through probate.

Why consider a trust?

A trust can provide several important benefits, including: • Avoiding probate: Assets properly titled in your trust can pass to your beneficiaries without the delays, expense, and public nature of probate.

• Maintaining privacy: Unlike a Will, which becomes part of the public record during probate, a trust generally remains private.

• Protecting loved ones: Trusts allow you to control when and how beneficiaries receive their inheritance, which can be especially helpful for young adults or individuals who may need financial guidance.

• Planning for blended families: A trust can help ensure your current

spouse is cared for while preserving assets for children from a previous marriage.

• Supporting family members with special needs: Properly designed trusts can help provide financial support without unintentionally affecting eligibility for certain government benefits.

• Planning for incapacity: If you become unable to manage your affairs, your successor trustee can step in to manage trust assets according to your instructions, helping avoid unnecessary court involvement.

Do you still need a will?

Yes. Even if you have a trust, you’ll still need a Will. A “pour-over” Will directs any assets that were not transferred into your trust during your lifetime to be placed there after your death and allows you to name guardians for minor children.

Is a trust right for you?

Every family’s situation is different.

A trust may be beneficial if you want greater privacy, wish to simplify the transfer of assets, protect loved ones, or create a plan that reflects your unique family dynamics.

The best way to determine whether a trust is appropriate for your situation is to speak with a Certified Elder Law Attorney. An experienced attorney can evaluate your goals, explain your options, and create an estate plan designed to protect both you and the people you care about.

If you have questions about trusts or any aspect of estate planning, reach out to a Certified Elder Law Attorney to discuss the right strategy for your family and your future.

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.

July 21, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Art and science unite in coral conservation

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Collaborators from the University of South Carolina Beaufort are among the contributors to a paper on coral conservation published in Science Advances, a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

The paper, “Communicating Coral: Art and Science for Global Reef Action,” explores how art and science can work together to encourage public engagement, influence policy and support conservation efforts aimed at protecting coral reefs.

The publication includes USCB marine biologist Dr. Kim Ritchie, Associate Professor of Art Joanna Angell, and artists Eveline Kolijn and April Flanders as contributing members of the Coral Art-Science Consortium. The paper’s lead authors are Mónica Medina, Or Ben-Zvi and Oren Levy.

According to the release, the Coral Art-Science Consortium is an international nonprofit organization that brings together scientists and artists to promote coral reef conservation through collaboration, storytelling and environmental awareness.

Ritchie is an associate professor of genetics and prokaryotic cell biology at USCB and director of Pritchards Island Research. Angell teaches ceramics, drawing and printmaking and serves as director of USCB’s Sea Islands Center Gallery.

Kolijn and Flanders completed artist residencies at USCB’s Beaufort campus and Pritchards Island in 2025. During those residencies, they presented exhibitions titled “Fragile Oceans,” “Tidalectics” and “Altered Environments.”

The paper describes coral reefs as facing increasing threats from climate change, pollution, overfishing and coastal development. According to the authors, mass coral bleaching events that were once rare now occur frequently around the world, placing ecosystems at risk. The paper states that coral reefs support food security, coastal protection, cultural identity and livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people.

The authors argue that while scientific research provides data needed to understand reef decline and develop conservation strategies, art can help communicate those findings in ways that encourage public understanding and action.

“Scientific research tells us what is happening to coral reefs worldwide and why it matters,” Ritchie said. “Art helps people connect with those findings on a human level. When people feel connected to coral reefs, they’re more likely to support actions needed to protect them.”

The publication also emphasizes involving Indigenous communities and coastal populations in conservation efforts, stating that engaging those communities as collaborators can make conservation initiatives more equitable, effective and sustainable.

The full article is available through Science Advances.

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This composite image includes (l-r) Kim Ritchie, Eveline Kolijn, Joanna Angell, and April Flanders in front of a detail from Kolijn’s “Tidalectics” exhibition.

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The Bluffton Sun

July 21, 2026

When was the last time you reviewed your estate plan?

By Mark F. Winn Contributor

One of the most common misconceptions I encounter after more than 20 years of practicing estate planning is that once an estate plan is signed, the work is done. In reality, an estate MARK F. WINN plan should be viewed as a living set of documents—one that evolves as your life, your family, your finances, and the law change.

Even the best-crafted estate plan can fail to achieve its intended purpose if it is not reviewed periodically.

One of the first places to start is with beneficiary designations. Retirement ac-

counts, life insurance policies, and many investment accounts pass directly to the beneficiaries named on those accounts, regardless of what your will or trust says.

I’ve seen carefully prepared estate plans unintentionally undermined because beneficiary designations were outdated, inconsistent with the overall plan, or simply forgotten after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of a loved one.

Asset ownership deserves the same level of attention. Trusts are only effective if the appropriate assets are actually titled in the name of the trust when that is the intended strategy. New bank accounts, investment accounts, business interests, and even newly acquired real estate should be reviewed to ensure they are owned in a manner that supports your estate planning goals. An untitled asset can create unnecessary probate proceedings or produce unintended tax or distribution consequences.

An estate plan is about far more than distributing assets after death. It is also about protecting you during your lifetime if you become unable to manage your own affairs. That is why choosing the right people to serve as your agent under a power of attorney, your trustee, or your personal representative is one of the most important decisions you will make.

As part of every review, I encourage clients to consider practical questions that are often overlooked. Should the individuals serving in these fiduciary roles be compensated for their time and responsibility? To what extent should they be reimbursed for expenses they incur while acting on your behalf ? Should they have an obligation to provide reports or accountings to other family members or beneficiaries during a period of incapacity? These oversight provisions can promote transparency, reduce misunderstandings, and help prevent disputes before they arise.

Life changes. Families change. Assets change. Relationships change. Your estate plan should change with them.

As a general rule, I recommend reviewing your estate plan every three to five years, or sooner following any significant life event or substantial change in your financial circumstances. A thoughtful review today can prevent confusion, conflict, and unnecessary expense tomorrow, while ensuring that the plan you’ve worked hard to create continues to reflect your wishes and protect the people you care about most.

Mark F. Winn, Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Estate Planning, a local asset protection, estate planning and elder law attorney serving Bluffton and Hilton Head residents for more than 20 years. See, www.mwinnesq.com.

July 21, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Nonprofit adopts new name as service area grows

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Family Promise of Beaufort County has changed its name to Family Promise of the Lowcountry, reflecting the nonprofit’s expanding service area and plans to serve additional counties in the region.

The organization announced the name change July 8, saying it better represents the families it already serves throughout Beaufort and Jasper counties while signaling plans to expand into additional Lowcountry counties during the next five years. The nonprofit also launched a new website, fp-lc.org.

Family Promise of the Lowcountry provides services to children and families experiencing homelessness through four programs focused on preventing homelessness, providing temporary shelter and helping families secure and maintain permanent housing.

The organization’s prevention program helps families at risk of homelessness access resources and short-term assistance to remain in their homes. Its diversion

program connects families with alternatives to emergency shelter before they become homeless.

Family Promise also operates Freedom House, which it says is the only shelter in Beaufort and Jasper counties that serves families with children younger than 18.

The shelter recently was remodeled to include six private bedrooms.

According to the organization, families may stay at Freedom House for up to 90 days while working to increase income and secure employment. Family Promise continues to provide support services for 12 months after families move into permanent housing.

The nonprofit said more than 91% of

the families it has assisted remain in permanent housing one year after leaving the program.

Family Promise programs are supported by community donations and volunteers, whose contributions help provide emergency shelter, homelessness prevention services and housing support for families in Beaufort and Jasper counties. The organization said local financial support allows it to respond to families’ immediate needs while helping them work toward long-term housing stability.

“Our families have always come from across the Lowcountry, and our new name reflects both who we serve today and where we’re headed,” Executive Direc-

tor John Trinh said. “This is a promise to reach every family in our region who needs a hand up, not just now, but for years to come.”

The organization said the final component of its housing model focuses on stabilization by helping families maintain permanent housing and avoid returning to homelessness.

Development Manager Haley Greene said the organization intends to maintain its local focus while expanding its reach.

“Every dollar raised here stays here, working for families in our own backyard,” Greene said. “As we grow into new communities, that local promise doesn’t change. It only reaches further.”

Family Promise said the new name reflects both its current service area and its plans for future growth across the Lowcountry. The organization said it will continue providing services through its existing programs while expanding into additional counties over the next five years.

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By Channing Heiss

The Bluffton Sun

July 21, 2026

2026 SC Youth Leadership Forum training conference convenes

Contributor

The South Carolina Youth Leadership Forum annual leadership training conference was held June 21-24 at Presbyterian College in Clinton, bringing together a select group of first-time delegates and peer mentor alumni focused on leadership development for youth with disabilities.

The conference included workshops and guest speakers, as well as time for recreation and networking. Speaker topics included leadership, independence, life skills, advocacy and the history of the disability rights movement.

The conference is funded by the South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council and organized in partnership with Able South Carolina, Walton Options and AccessAbility.

The leadership program is open to South Carolina residents with disabilities

ages 15-23. Fifty-five applications were received for this year’s program. Of the 23 candidates selected, 15 were new delegates and eight were peer mentors. The newly selected delegates represented 10 counties.

Julianna Carr of Beaufort was chosen to serve as a peer mentor after being selected as a delegate to the 2025 class.

Reflecting on what she gained from her experience with the Youth Leadership Forum, Carr said: “This year YLF was beyond amazing.

In the short period of time I was at YLF, I had grown tremendously, probably more than I even realize. My favorite part of YLF is not the conventional answer. My favorite part of YLF was being in a community that is truly supportive, understanding and sees me for me and not my disabilities.”

In addition to her work with YLF, Carr was elected chairperson of the Student Stakeholder Work Group in the South Carolina Pathways Project, a disability-led

statewide collaborative focused on the transition from high school to adulthood.

In a youth spotlight interview for the Pathways Project posted by Able South Carolina, Carr discussed having autism and the empowerment of owning and accepting her disability.

Troy Hall, director of youth transition programs at Able South Carolina, said the goals of the leadership program include fostering disability pride and promoting an environment with no “disability hierarchy.” He said the conference, like other events, follows the concept of universal design to facilitate maximum participation by everyone attending, regardless of the nature of their disability.

Hall said it is essential for people with disabilities to work together and further emphasized the program’s goal of preparing participants for leadership. He said peer mentors facilitate that process because it is often easier for conference participants to begin those conversations

with their peers. Hall said the peer mentors help participants feel seen, heard and respected. He added that peer mentors sometimes “nudge” participants toward realizing their leadership abilities.

“It gets them having conversations about the change they want to see. The program sets them on a path to a grander sense of leadership,” he said.

Hall also noted the significance of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, saying “people with disabilities can and must play a role in reshaping America.”

The South Carolina Youth Leadership Forum and Able South Carolina provide additional information about these and other programs on their websites and share comments from conference delegates on their social media pages.

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

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July 21, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

Have more fun playing golf

By Dr. Jean Harris Contributor

According to the United States Golf Association, only 15% of golfers have established a handicap and post scores. Those golfers should play by the Rules of Golf. The other 85% of golfers may benefit from relaxed rules to make the game more enjoyable and help speed the pace of play. Golf is losing players because the rules can be too difficult for many recreational golfers.

Embrace the social aspect of the game. Golf should be about building relationships with your fellow golfers.

It is one of the few games where you can laugh, share conversations and experiences, and support your playing partners.

I have interviewed many of my students and asked what would make golf more fun. They also offered suggestions for speeding up the pace of play.

I came up with the following casual rules to create a less-pressured game and improve the pace of play. These suggestions should be used only if you are not posting a score for handicap purposes.

• Choose the teeing ground that makes the game more enjoyable.

• Create your own personal par for each hole.

• Allow one mulligan anywhere on the course every nine holes. Beginners may choose to allow additional mulligans.

• Beginners may tee the ball up in the fairway.

• Pick up your ball once you reach double par on a hole. For example, pick up after an 8 on a par-4 hole.

• Concede all putts inside the length of your putter grip.

• Improve unfortunate lies, such as in a divot, in a footprint in a bunker, or against a tree root.

• Assess a one-stroke penalty for all penalty situations, then drop the ball near where it was lost, went out of bounds or entered a penalty area.

• Limit searches for a lost ball to two minutes. Most golfers spend too much time looking for lost balls.

• Use a “hand wedge” after two unsuccessful attempts to escape a bunker.

• Always play ready golf, even if you are not farthest from the hole, provided it is safe to do so.

• Keep score using these modified rules to track your improvement over time.

Adopting some of these suggestions can make golf more enjoyable. You can spend more time enjoying your playing partners and the scenery on the course.

As the saying goes, “A bad day on the golf course is better than a good day at work.”

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

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The Bluffton Sun

July 21, 2026

Inside Porsche Hilton Head’s new Destination Porsche dealership

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

From the moment customers walk through the front doors, Porsche Hilton Head’s new dealership is designed to feel different.

Natural light streams through expansive windows onto a showroom of sports cars and SUVs. A café welcomes visitors, while upstairs, a dedicated Fitting Lounge invites buyers to compare sam-ples before customizing a new Porsche. Private seating areas provide space for customers to relax or work while waiting. Beyond the showroom, windows a vast service department where custom-ers can watch technicians work on their vehicles.

It’s all part of Porsche’s Generation 5 “Destination Porsche” concept, the automaker’s newest retail design. Dealership officials say the Hardeeville location is the only Generation 5 Destination Por-sche facility in South Carolina and one of only a select number in the United States.

“Our goal here is to really drive the experience home,” General Manager Ray Wood said during a recent tour of the facility.

The two-story, 34,000-square-foot dealership at 84 Auto Mall Blvd. in Hardeeville replaces Por-sche Hilton Head’s former location with a larger showroom and

service center designed to serve customers from the Lowcountry, coastal Georgia and beyond. The dealership offers new Porsche models, pre-owned vehicles and service. AutoNation Chief Executive Officer Mike Manley said in a news release that the new facility reflects the company’s continued investment in one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing regions.

Customers are greeted by a concierge-style reception area, a Porscheplatz Café, a Porsche 4Kids play area and quiet lounges overlooking the service bays. Upstairs, private workspaces allow cus-tomers to take business calls while waiting for service.

One of the dealership’s standout features is the Fitting Lounge, where buyers can see and handle leather, trim, carpet and paint samples before placing a factory order. Buyers can compare materials under natural light and personalize everything from stitching and seat fabrics to exterior paint col-ors, giving them a tactile alternative to selecting options from a catalog or computer screen.

“You can actually see it, feel it, touch it,” Sales Manager Blake Hutter said.

“You can really craft your Porsche exactly how you want it.”

The experience continues after the purchase. Rather than simply handing over the keys, the dealer-ship delivers new vehicles in a private Owner Collection Suite,

where customers receive a person-alized orientation to their Porsche before driving away.

Hutter said many buyers have anticipated the moment for years.

“We have a lot of clients who wait their whole lives to buy a Porsche,” he said.

“It’s really special to be part of it.”

The new facility also significantly expands Porsche Hilton Head’s service operation.

Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook a service department that bears little

resemblance to a traditional repair shop.

The uncluttered workspace features lifts recessed into the floor, leaving technicians to work in an open, streamlined environment beneath bright LED lighting.

Before a technician ever reaches for a wrench, every vehicle entering for service passes over a computerized scanner that captures hundreds of images while measuring tire tread depth, wheel alignment and suspension geometry, providing technicians with a detailed undercarriage inspection before work begins.

Wood said the dealership currently employs 11 Porsche-certified technicians, several of whom hold Porsche’s highest Gold certification, and plans to add more.

An enclosed service drive shields customers from the weather, while complimentary pickup and delivery service and loaner vehicles make maintenance more convenient.

Beyond sales and service, Wood said he hopes the dealership becomes a gathering place for the area’s Porsche community, not just a place to buy or maintain a vehicle.

“We know you love the cars. We know you love the brand. But we want you to love the experi-ence,” Wood said.

More information, including showroom and service hours, is available at hiltonhead.porsche.com.

July 21, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

Beaufort Memorial expands primary care with concierge practice

By Emma June Grosskopf Contributor

Beaufort Memorial has expanded its primary care services with the addition of Beaufort Memorial Concierge Care, a membership-based program that offers patients increased access to their primary care physician.

The program is designed to provide patients with smaller physician panels, allowing for same-day or next-day appointments when available, longer office visits and direct communication with providers by phone, text or email.

Additional services include coordination of specialty care and personalized health care navigation.

Board-certified family medicine physician Dr. James Frost has joined Beaufort Memorial Concierge Care following the transition of his Hardeeville-based Signature Health and Wellness into the Beaufort Memorial network.

Frost founded Signature Health and Wellness more than 20 years ago.

The annual membership fee covers access to the concierge care program. Medical services, including routine wellness visits, laboratory work, imaging and specialty care, continue to be billed through a patient’s insurance.

“As the Lowcountry continues to grow, Beaufort Memorial is committed to growing with it and finding new ways

to meet our community’s health care needs,” Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley said. “Concierge Care is another way we can deliver primary care in Beaufort and Jasper counties for patients who want a more direct, personalized health care experience.”

Beaufort Memorial plans to expand the concierge care program this fall with the addition of another physician and a location on Hilton Head Island.

Frost provides preventive care and diagnoses and treats a range of acute and chronic illnesses, including diabetes and hypertension.

A Baltimore native, Frost served in the U.S. Air Force before retiring with the rank of major. He later opened Signature Health and Wellness while maintaining privileges at area hospitals, including Beaufort Memorial Hospital.

“I became a physician to truly know my patients as people, not numbers,” Frost said. “Concierge care allows me to build relationships and focus on what matters most to each individual.”

Frost lives in Jasper County with his wife, Nicole, and their daughter, Nora.

To enroll in Beaufort Memorial Concierge Care or to learn more about the program, call 843-815-5211 or visit BeaufortMemorial.org/ConciergeCare.

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The Bluffton Sun

July 21, 2026

Diagnosing summer lawn problems

By Zach Deloach Contributor

July is known for hot days with afternoon showers, and so far we haven’t noticed as many showers as expected.

We have seen a fair share of dry spots appearing in lawns because of heat stress, and we wanted to address some things to look out for this month to help keep your landscape healthy.

Most of the calls we have been receiving have been related to brown spots in the lawn. The term “brown spot” can be vague, and without seeing the lawn, it can be difficult to diagnose the root cause.

Knowing the turf type we’re working with and its recent service history can help point us in the right direction. We also want to rule out environmental factors such as too much shade or standing water.

All of our grass types need at least six hours of sun each day to thrive. Clearing overhead limbs and adding sand to low spots can go a long way.

Roughly half of the “brown spot” calls we have received have been related to

insufficient watering. In June, we received rainfall after our prolonged drought, and our lawns got used to the additional moisture. It only takes a week or two without rainfall in this heat to begin seeing drought stress. This can be visible in all grass types, causing the grass blades to lose color and wilt.

Other causes of “brown spots” could be mowing, fungal disease or insects, and this is where knowing your grass type comes into play. Bermuda lawns are notorious for showing brown areas the day after mowing. This is because only the top half of the blade has green foliage.

If too much of the blade is cut at once, it exposes the brown underside. This is typically not a major concern because it will recover with new growth and can be avoided with more frequent mowing. St. Augustine grass is still experiencing gray leaf spot, a fungal disease that can cause discoloration and wilting. You can identify the fungus by looking for spots on the individual grass blades. Lastly, check for insects any time you see discolored areas.

We will cover a few at-home tests in the next section.

If you want to be sure of your diagnosis, there are a few quick tests we recommend the next time you notice a discolored area in your lawn. First, look at the area overall, making sure it is not a defined circle and does not have spots on the blades to help rule out fungus. Next, you can test for insects by pouring a bucket of dish soap and water on the area to bring mole crickets to the surface. You can also

hammer a cylinder into the area and fill it halfway with water to bring chinch bugs to the surface. Lastly, if you have ruled out fungus and insects, you can flood the area with a hose. If the problem is drought stress, the grass should begin to recover within a couple of days. If you have a fungal or insect issue, we recommend having it treated immediately.

Insects will continue to be a topic of discussion until late fall. This time of year, we see a high level of insect damage on lawns, trees and shrubs. We have started to see the early signs of sod webworms, which we will discuss next month. Keep an eye out for moths in your lawn at dawn and dusk, as they are often an early sign of an infestation. Whiteflies have also begun to make their presence known in viburnums. We have been seeing higher numbers of whitefly infestations, and it is still early in the season. Look for whiteflies swarming on the undersides of your shrubs to catch them early. We hope everyone has a great rest of the month!

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

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8:30am Outdoor Worship 10:30am Traditional Worship in Sanctuary Both Services live-streamed at ProvidenceHHI.org Located on the south end of the Island on Cordillo Parkway (halfway between Pope Avenue and the Sea Pines Ocean Gate)

171 Cordillo Parkway Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

843-842-5673

IS COMING TO BLUFFTON!

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TEMPLE OSEH SHALOM Come join our vital, creative, enthusiastic, inclusive synagogue for monthly Shabbat and Holiday worship, study, and social events!

Please give us a call at 843-321-9216 for more information!

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Scan the QR Code to apply or go to culvers.com, select careers and find us!

July 21, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Don’t guess when treating hair loss

By Joy Ross Contributor

If you’ve noticed your hair getting thinner, you’re certainly not alone. One of the first places many people turn for answers is the internet. Within minutes, you’ll find shampoos, vitamins, rosemary oil, collagen powders, laser caps, scalp serums, gummies, supplements and dozens of other products claiming to restore hair.

The number of choices can be overwhelming.

The truth is that some of these products may help certain people. The problem is that many people begin trying treatments before they understand why they are losing their hair.

Hair loss is not a single condition with a single solution. It can result from genetics, hormonal changes, menopause, stress, thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies, medications, illness, scalp inflammation or the natural aging process. Without knowing the underlying cause, choosing a treatment often amounts to guesswork.

Consider rosemary oil, for example.

Some research suggests it may benefit certain people, but it is not a proven solution for every type of hair loss. The same is true for biotin. If you have a true biotin deficiency, supplementation may help. If you don’t, taking extra biotin is unlikely to

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produce thicker hair. Likewise, expensive shampoos may improve the appearance and feel of your hair, but they generally do not address the underlying cause of hair loss.

Many people spend months, or even

years, trying one product after another.

Individually, each purchase may not seem expensive. A shampoo here, a supplement there, another serum the following month.

Before long, the costs can add up without addressing the reason the hair loss began.

That doesn’t mean these products are bad. It simply means they are not the right solution for everyone.

A good first step is understanding the cause of your hair loss. Once that is identified, you can make more informed decisions about which treatments are most appropriate. Depending on the cause, that may include improving nutrition, treating an underlying medical condition, medication or other treatment options.

Every person’s situation is different.

Before spending more money on hair loss products, consider taking time to understand why your hair is changing.

Identifying the underlying cause is often the first step toward finding the most effective treatment.

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The Bluffton Sun

Carter named principal of MRHS The Beaufort County School District has named Carrie Carter as the new principal of May River High School for the upcoming school year.

Carter, who has served as assistant principal at May River High School since 2019, succeeds Dr. Karon Webb, who accepted a principal position with Lexington 1 School District.

Carter has 18 years of experience in secondary education, including 12 years with the Beaufort County School District. Before becoming assistant principal, she served as lead school counselor at May River High School and as a school counselor at Beaufort High School. She began her school counseling career at Fred T. Foard High School.

The district named Carter its secondary assistant principal of the year for 2023-24 and school counselor of the year for 2018-19.

She holds School Administration Licensure Certification from Gardner-Webb University, a master’s degree

in community counseling with school licensure and a bachelor’s degree in human and community services from Lenoir-Rhyne College.

“Every exceptional district has strong school leaders, and I’m excited to see this superb educator be successful in her new role,” Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said.

Community Engagement Builds Cohesive Communities The Bluffton Sun and Hilton Head Sun invite you to like and follow our socials, as we will be more active on our social media channels moving forward to keep an open dialogue with our community members. We will also be posting events, calls to action, and opportunities to get involved in the newspaper.

Don’t miss the chance to get involved and/or get published! We look forward to your feedback, ideas, and ongoing communication. facebook.com/blufftonsun

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instagram.com/the_real_blufftonsun

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The

Blufft n Sun Hilton Head Sun

July 21, 2026

Registration opens for Senior Softball fall season Registration is underway for the Senior Softball Beaufort Fall 2026 season, with league officials inviting players age 55 and older to take part in the upcoming schedule.

The fall season is scheduled to begin Sept. 16 at Barker Field on Hilton Head Island. The league welcomes players of all experience levels, from longtime softball veterans to those returning to the game after several years away.

To help prepare for the season, player evaluations will be held on three dates: Wednesday, Aug. 5; Saturday, Aug. 8; and Wednesday, Aug. 12. League organizers use the evaluations as part of the process for organizing teams before the start of league play.

Senior Softball Beaufort provides organized recreational softball for older adults in Beaufort County and the surrounding area. According to league

information, the program is designed to give participants an opportunity to stay physically active while enjoying friendly competition and the social connections that come from playing on a team.

League officials encourage eligible players, regardless of previous experience, to consider joining for the fall season. Returning players and newcomers are welcome.

Those interested in participating can find registration information and additional details about the league, including eligibility requirements and season updates, by visiting www.SeniorSoftballBeaufort.com.

The league’s slogan, “Experience.

Compete. Community.,” reflects its emphasis on bringing together older athletes who want to continue playing softball in an organized league setting.

July 21, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Why peripheral neuropathy can steal your balance

By Dr. Kenneth Horup Contributor

Summer in Bluffton and Hilton Head has a certain rhythm. Some folks are out early walking before the sun turns the parking lot into a cast-iron skillet.

Some are headed to the outlets, some DR. KEN HORUP are making their neighborhood loop, and some are still convinced this is the summer their tennis game, golf swing or pickleball reflexes are coming all the way back.

Then, somewhere along the way, a few people start noticing something odd. They are not exactly dizzy, but they are not exactly steady either. They feel a little wobbly. A little unsure. A little less confident on their feet than they used to be. That is one of the

sneaky things about peripheral neuropathy.

A lot of people think neuropathy only means pain, burning, tingling or numbness. And yes, it can absolutely cause those symptoms. But peripheral neuropathy can also affect the nerves that help tell your brain where your feet are and what the ground feels like. When that signal gets fuzzy, balance can get fuzzy right along with it. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning, loss of sensation, lack of coordination and, sometimes, falls.

Here is the part many people do not know: Not everyone with neuropathy loses balance right away. People with small-fiber neuropathy often complain of burning, pins-and-needles sensations, electric-type pain or sensitivity to temperature changes.

Small-fiber neuropathy usually does not cause major balance problems by itself because it typically does not involve the large sensory fibers that carry balance information to the brain.

Balance problems become more common when the large sensory fibers are involved.

Those fibers help carry vibration and posi-

tion sense. They are a big part of how your brain knows where your feet are positioned.

As neuropathy progresses, people may have more trouble walking on uneven surfaces or in the dark because their feet are not sending clear information to the brain.

That is why patients say things like: “It feels like I’m walking on marshmallows.”

Or rubber.

Or foam.

Or like they have thick socks bunched up under their feet even when they are barefoot.

That is not people being dramatic. It is often the best way they can describe reduced sensation. And if your brain is not getting a clear report from your feet, balance becomes more difficult, especially when turning quickly or walking on uneven ground. So yes, this can happen to active people too.

A golfer may say, “I just do not feel steady over the ball anymore.” A tennis player may start favoring one foot. Someone walking around Bluffton or Hilton Head

may notice they are looking down at their feet more, walking more slowly or feeling awkward on stairs, grass, sand or even a driveway that suddenly feels steeper than it used to.

At first, people blame age, bad shoes, a stiff back or just “one of those things.”

Then they realize the problem may be starting from the ground up. Neuropathy also tends to creep in quietly. It often starts gradually, and many people brush off the early symptoms until their balance begins to change. Summer in the Lowcountry is too good to spend staring at the ground and negotiating with your toes.

If you have numbness, tingling or burning, or if your feet feel like they are walking on marshmallows, your body may be trying to tell you something. It may be time to get evaluated for peripheral neuropathy. Start early, before a small problem turns into a bigger one.

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

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By Tracy Winslow

The Bluffton Sun

July 21, 2026

How not to move a yarn store

Contributor

The 9 a.m. call came, but it was not the one I was expecting.

I was waiting for the moving company to let me know the men I hired to lift heavy furniture were on their way. Instead, they called to tell me they were canceling.

“But we can come on Monday.

Will that work?”

Will that work? I had six people TRACY WINSLOW waiting to help me unpack thousands of skeins of yarn into the furniture they were supposed to bring from the old location to the new one. No, Monday would not work. I needed the furniture now. Apparently, it was up to my friend, her husband and me to make this happen, a scenario I tried to avoid by booking the moving company two months in advance.

My friend and I kicked off this adventure with a cabinet, wrestling the heavy piece of furniture out of the back of her SUV. It was awkward, but between the two of us, we’d figured out a system that was actually working ... up until a curb decided to crash the party, uninvited.

It turns out giant concrete slabs don’t move out of your way. Who knew? My foot figured that out immediately, and gravity enthusiastically took it from there. My hands were trapped underneath the cabinet, leaving me with absolutely no way to protect myself in the instant I went from vertical to horizontal.

My body hit everything but the lottery.

My face stopped the fall. More specifically, my nose.

Blood poured onto the white cabinet, creating a Tracy/ Jackson Pollock collaboration. Sotheby’s might’ve been interested in the statement piece, assuming the CDC didn’t claim the original artwork first.

I somehow pried my hands out from between the furniture and the concrete parking curb and stood up, completely shell-shocked. You know how cartoons have little birds circling someone’s head after an anvil falls on them? That was me, except I now had to unpack inventory instead of lying on the ground with a bouquet of flowers in my hands.

My broken finger immediately turned a deep aubergine, like a furious eggplant.

My nose was also broken and had a huge gash across it.

My lip looked as if I thought getting Botox in the back of a van was a solid life choice.

Both my knees were skinned and bloody, like I was an 8-year-old who had crashed my bike.

A bruise the size of Egypt blossomed across my arm, a lovely arm cuff in the color of death.

At this point, I looked less like a yarn store owner and more like I’d spent the morning making questionable decisions in a basement at someone’s Fight Club meeting.

Oddly enough, all I really remember from that moment was worrying that my favorite pair of sunglasses had gotten smashed in this goat rodeo, which, thankfully, was the only thing on my body that wasn’t pulverized. At that point, my friend must have taken over because the next thing I remember, I was sitting on the couch with ice on

both my nose and my finger.

At some point, the unpacking crew arrived and tried their hardest to convince me to go to the emergency room to have a professional check out my yard sale of injuries. However, a few weeks earlier, I had surgery to remove a large benign tumor. On the drive home from the procedure, I began hemorrhaging and ended up spending hours back in the ER, where they did absolutely nothing except stab me for various tubes of blood and bill me a ludicrous amount of money.

I was not going back.

Besides, what were they going to do? Make me sit in a germ-infested waiting room for six hours before telling me to ice it, take ibuprofen and rest? I had already pinched the cartilage back into what I hoped was a straight line, using all of my expert medical training learned from watching House.

Another friend was on her way to help and texted to ask if I needed anything. She probably meant a box cutter. Maybe some packing tape.

“Band-Aids,” I replied.

Because she’s known me for years, her response was immediate.

“Well ... that doesn’t sound good.”

She showed up with an entire first-aid kit, the majority of which was immediately used to prevent me from having to knit an alpaca straitjacket to hold my shattered body together.

The ladies unpacked eleventy-five million skeins of yarn. They took turns making sure I wasn’t concussed, handing me fresh ice packs and trying, unsuccessfully, to convince me to go to the emergency room. My friend’s

husband quietly kept hauling the heavy furniture over from the old shop, hanging things and doing stuff that I couldn’t remember needed to be done. Things found their way out of boxes and onto shelves. Everything came together, I think. Honestly, that day is mostly a blur, and even now, I’m still kind of swirling.

Should I have gone to the emergency room? Probably.

My crooked, still-swollen finger is a permanent reminder of my awesome decision-making skills. My nose now has a scar across the middle, and my upper lip has a little more bad attitude than it used to.

I asked if this disaster would ever be funny.

My friends said yes.

Looking back, they weren’t completely wrong. It’s almost humorous now as my wounds slowly show themselves to the door. My upper lip, however, remains unconvinced, as the permanent “Oh my gawd, are you serious?” look seems to indicate.

Also, for the record, I still maintain that losing a fight to a cabinet does not count as me joining Fight Club, because it totally doesn’t exist.

Tracy Winslow is currently a hot mess. As soon as she figures out where she packed her will to live, she hopes to extinguish the flaming dumpster fire that is her current life and get back to doing what she does best. Which, it turns out, is not bare-knuckle boxing cabinets. Come see the new Low Country Shrimp and Knits at 10 Kitties Landing Road, Suite G in Bluffton. And while you’re here, treat yourself to a coffee and a sweet treat from One More Row Coffee Co., now open inside the shop!

July 21, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Blufft n Sun

The

Short plays, big stories take the stage See page 29

that's the

T E K TIC O N E SUE 14 T I M D A 9, I­S OLUME 2

026 • V JULY 21, 2

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The Bluffton Sun

July 21, 2026

Arts and Events Calendar Celebration Park Turtle Talks Mondays, June–August, 7:30–9 p.m.

Celebration Park, Hilton Head Island Free family-friendly program featuring hands-on activities beginning at 7:30 p.m., followed by a Sea Turtle Talk presentation from 8–9 p.m. led

by Amber Kuehn, marine biologist and director of Sea Turtle Patrol HHI. Program focuses on local nesting sea turtles and conservation efforts. seaturtlepatrolhhi.org Mean Girls June 24-Aug. 9 Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Hilton Head Island The hit musical based on Tina Fey’s film follows Cady Heron as she navigates the social hierarchy of high school.

Features a pop-inspired score, energetic choreography and themes of friendship, identity and belonging. Recommended for ages 13 and older due to language and mature themes. artshhi.com

“The Toxic Avenger: The Musical” July 9-26 Thursday-Saturday: 7:30 p.m.

Sunday: 2 p.m.

Sea Glass Stage at Coligny Theatre, 1 N. Forest Beach Drive, Unit I-5, Hilton Head Island Musical comedy based on the cult classic film follows Melvin Ferd the Third, an environmental scientist transformed into an unlikely hero after a toxic accident. Features a cast of five performers playing 33 characters. sgstage.org Rick Hubbard’s Great American Kids Show July 24, 8-9:30 p.m.

Liberty Oak Tree, Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island Family entertainment featuring music, comedy and audience participation led by longtime Hilton Head performer Rick Hubbard. seapines.com

“Halfway Home” July 21-31 Art League Academy, 106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island Sea turtle-themed art exhibit benefiting Sea Turtle Patrol HHI. Includes Turtle Talk on July 24 at 2 p.m. and closing reception July 31, 5-7 p.m.

843-842-5738 May River Shrimp Festival & Sunset Party July 24, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Oyster Factory Park, Bluffton Annual waterfront festival featuring live music by Mily Kinner and Rock Candy, food, beverages and family-friendly entertainment along the May River. blufftonsunsetparty.com | 843-757-8520 May River Shrimp Fest Hawaiian Shirt 5K July 25, 9 a.m.

Oyster Factory Park, Bluffton 5K run and health walk followed by a post-race party as part of the annual May River Shrimp Festival weekend. bearfootsports.com | 843-757-8520

“Finding Light” by L. Robert Stanfield July 28-Aug. 28 Art League Gallery, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island Exhibit featuring works by L. Robert Stanfield. Opening reception July 29, 5-7 p.m. Coffee meet-and-greet Aug. 11, 10:30 a.m.-noon. artleaguehhi.org | 843-681-5060 “Floga Ilios” by The Siren’s Song Choirs Aug. 1, 6:30 p.m.

All Saints Episcopal Church, 3003 Meeting St., Hilton Head Island Debut concert by The Siren’s Song Choirs under the direction of composer and conductor L.M. Bucklaw. Program features African American spirituals, European hymns and contemporary works exploring themes of struggle, hope and resilience.

SirensSong.org

CELEBRATE AMERICA 250 AT SHELTER COVE HARBOUR & MARINA

2026 FIRE WORKS* Start on Tuesdays when sky is dark SPECIAL SHOW on Saturday, July 4th!

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Two shows: 6:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.

Now to August 19: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. June 11, - August 20.

Two shows on Labor Day Weekend: September 5 & 6

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Face painting, balloon animals, sand art & more! 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Now to September 4: Monday to Friday.

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LOCATED MID-ISLAND, MILE MARKER 8, ACROSS FROM ENTRANCE TO PALMETTO DUNES, *All events subject to change without notice. Weather permitting

Scan code for show updates

July 21, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

27A

Sweet grit pudding: A southern tradition with a sweet twist

By Leslie Rohland Contributor

Few ingredients are as deeply woven into Southern cooking as grits. For generations, they’ve been a staple on breakfast tables, served alongside shrimp, topped LESLIE ROHLAND with butter, or enjoyed simply with salt and pepper. Made from stoneground corn, grits represent comfort, hospitality, and the rich culinary traditions of the South.

While savory grits often take center stage, there’s another side to this Southern classic that’s just as deserving of the spotlight, and that’s sweet grits.

In the Lowcountry, we love celebrating recipes that honor tradition while inviting people to experience familiar ingredients in new ways. Sweet Grit Pudding does exactly that. By transforming grits into a warm, creamy dessert, this recipe brings together simple pantry staples to create something unexpectedly comforting. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both nostalgic and elegant; equally at home after Sunday supper as it is at a leisurely weekend brunch.

Whether you’ve enjoyed grits your entire

life or are discovering them for the first time, we hope this recipe inspires you to see this Southern staple in a new light.

Savory grits will always have a place at our table, but there’s something extra special about ending a meal with a bowl of sweet grits.

Sweet Grit Pudding • 1 cup milk • 1 cup or heavy cream • 1/2 cup sugar • 1/4 cup unsalted butter • Pinch of salt • 2 cups pre-cooked grits • 3 large eggs, whisked • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • Dash of ground cinnamon • Dash of nutmeg • Fresh berries of your choice or add raisins • Whipped cream Instructions 1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the milk, heavy cream, sugar, butter, and salt to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then add the leftover grits.

2. Reduce the heat to low, stir constantly, and let simmer for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.

3. Temper the beaten eggs by stirring a small amount of the hot grits’ mixture into them, then whisk the eggs back into the main saucepan.

4. Stir in the vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

5. Spoon the warm grit mix into bowls, top with fresh berries or raisin and whipped cream.

Leslie Rohland, 2024 SC Chef Ambassador, Chef and Proprietor of The Cottage Cafe, The Bluffton Pasta Shoppe, the Juice Hive, and May River Coffee Roasters.

(843) 757-0508, 38 Calhoun St, Bluffton, SC.

Get up close with baby alligators, turtles, snakes, and other Lowcountry critters!

Drop in Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays between 9:30 am & 12:30 pm FAMILY-FRIENDLY. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

Scan for details & tickets!

coastaldiscovery.org

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The Bluffton Sun

VISIT HILTON HEAD ISLAND

A JOURNEY ROOTED IN HISTORY

New documentary explores faith and art through Sea Island artists

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

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 visit HeritageLib.org Open Monday-Friday 10am -3pm The Professional Bldg | 2 Corpus Christi | Suite 100 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 | 843.686.6560 | HeritageLib.org

July 21, 2026

A documentary exploring the relationship between faith and artistic expression through the lives of three Sea Island artists will premiere Aug. 1 at Penn Center on St. Helena Island.

“The Art of Believing,” a 30-minute documentary produced through a collaboration between NOW Communications and Harden Creative, will be screened from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Frissell Community House on the Penn Center campus. According to the event announcement, the screening will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the filmmakers and featured artists, as well as a reception.

The film highlights the work and personal stories of Rev. Johnnie Simmons, Susan Stone and John M. Bradley, three artists whose creative work is connected to their individual spiritual experiences.

Producer Luke Frazier and associate producer Sasha Horne Hirshout will host the event.

Simmons, a self-taught Gullah folk artist and ordained minister, was raised in the Frogmore community on St. Helena Island. A 1969 high school graduate, he served as a paratrooper with the Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade during the Vietnam War. According to the press release, Simmons began creating art after participating in a treatment program for post-traumatic stress disorder, where an experience finding a rock shaped like a lion’s head inspired a new artistic direction. He later took up pyrography, the art of decorating wood through controlled burning, producing works that depict Gullah life and biblical themes. His artwork often includes captions written in the Gullah language and has been exhibited at Penn Center, Four Corners Gallery and other Lowcountry venues.

Stone, a Port Royal-based artist, author and healer, holds an associate degree in commercial art and spent much of her career working in advertising, landscape design and kitchen design while continuing to paint and teach. The press release states that after

being struck by lightning in 2010, an experience that required eye surgery, she came to view her artwork through a deeper spiritual perspective. The release also states that Stone is a certified crystal healer, Reiki master and initiated shamanic practitioner and founded The Arts Port Royal, a school that offers classes in fine, mystic and healing arts.

Bradley, who has family roots on St. Helena Island, is known for creating large-scale spray-painted artwork, including a tunnel installation at the Technical College of the Lowcountry featuring historical figures. According to the press release, he has developed what he calls “Ministry Art,” combining spray-painted imagery with biblical passages intended to encourage viewers to look beyond the surface of his work.

Admission to the screening is free.

Organizers are requesting a suggested $5 donation to benefit the York W. Bailey Museum at Penn Center.

According to the press release, the documentary is scheduled to air on South Carolina ETV in fall 2026.

Those planning to attend may reserve free tickets through www.eventbrite. com. Additional information is available from associate producer Sasha Horne Hirshout at sasha@beaufortjournalism. org or 323-422-5700.

July 21, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

Short plays, big stories take the stage

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“WOW WOW WOW!” - Norma Taylor, SunCity TV

ONSTAGE NOW - AUG 9

TH E RE VIE WS

AR E IN !

Ellie Baker (Karen Smith), Kelsey Lepesko (Regina George), & Brianna Gentilella (Gretchen Weiners) in Mean Girls.

Photography by Gustavo Rattia | Oceano Blue Media

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Five original plays exploring American history, identity and the people who shaped it will take the stage July 25-26 when May River Theatre presents its annual 10-Minute Play Festival.

This year’s festival, themed “We the People,” features “Collide,” “Beautiful Dreamers,” “Sewn Into History,” “Finders Weepers” and “Lady Balls.” Each play runs about 10 minutes, creating an evening of short performances connected by a common theme.

According to May River Theatre, the festival invited playwrights to tell stories inspired by the American experience, from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Rather than focusing on well-known historical events, the call for submissions encouraged stories about ordinary people, overlooked figures, family history and moments of courage that helped shape the nation.

The annual festival gives audiences an opportunity to experience several original works in a single performance while giving playwrights, directors and actors a chance to develop new material on stage. Unlike a traditional full-length

production, each play tells a complete story in about 10 minutes, allowing audiences to experience a variety of styles and perspectives during one evening.

Founded in Bluffton, May River Theatre is a volunteer-driven community theater that produces a full season of plays and musicals each year. In addition to established productions, the theater regularly provides opportunities for new playwrights and local performers through events such as the 10-Minute Play Festival.

The festival is part of May River Theatre’s 2026 season, which also includes productions of “Sweeney Todd,” “The Savannah Sipping Society” and “Young Frankenstein.”

For community theaters, short-play festivals often serve as an introduction to new voices while offering audiences a fast-paced evening of original storytelling. This year’s “We the People” theme aims to spotlight the people and moments that helped shape the American story, one play at a time.

Performances will be held at May River Theatre’s Ulmer Auditorium, 20 Bridge St. in Bluffton. Tickets are available through the theater’s website www. mayrivertheatre.com.

If you haven’t heard the rumors yet, allow us to confirm: Audiences are loving the Arts Center’s production of Mean Girls!

DIRECTED BY WHITAKER GANNON

The Cast of Mean Girls. Photography by Gustavo Rattia | Oceano Blue Media

The Cast of Mean Girls. Photography by Summer Pagatpatan

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The Bluffton Sun

July 21, 2026

The connoisseur of condiments

By Danie Connolly Contributor

I’m just going to say it out loud: It’s too hot to cook!

The only thing I’m making these days is reservations.

As I write this, I envision my Scotty, Hamish, grinning from ear to ear. The thought of me walking through the door with a new doggie bag is more than he can fathom. Oh sure, I can leave it in the fridge for two days and then throw it out, or I can deconstruct this overpriced yummy for my tummy like those TV food shows.

I usually dice it up and put it in his bowl, or I can put it on a lovely dinner plate, all laid out spiffy like I got it the night before, and sit down at the table. He’ll be watching like a hawk in eager anticipation. On cue, I’ll say, “Oh, do you want some of this?” His eyes will light up, and I’ll place the entire dish in front of him to gobble up. He loves it when he doesn’t have to eat out of a bowl. It’s heaven, pure heaven.

There is no more room in my fridge since the King of Ketchup, Prince of Pickles, Captain of Capers (a.k.a. BBB),

started collecting condiments. Apparently, I am the Jester of Jams because I have no willpower. I never met a condiment I didn’t like. As long as I have a couple of shiny pretzels to dip into some sour cream concoction, I’m a happy girl.

Of course, we all have our favorites. He is the Man About Mayonnaise. Originally, I designed, at least in my mind, a carousel for leftovers in my refrigerator. I’d enter the kitchen after stuffing my cheeks because my eyes were bigger than my belly, then waltz over to the refrigerator and find a shelf on the carousel for Thursday’s leftovers. If it’s Wednesday, it’s pasta. If it’s Friday, it’s fish.

Brilliant, I know ... huh?

Unfortunately, I haven’t quite figured out how to put a round carousel in a square fridge. I’m a Cains mayonnaise girl, and he’s gone over to the Duke’s side. I guess you could say he’s the Duke of Duke’s. But if I’m making lobster

rolls, there’s only one choice: Cains mayonnaise.

Our shelves are filled with bottles and jars of one-spoonful wonders. I worry that if some stranger knocked on our door begging to find refuge for a baby’s bottle of milk, I’d have to tell him there’s no room at the inn. Even the Rolls-Royce that pulls up beside me looking for Grey Poupon couldn’t get one square inch of shelf space.

Being the organizer of all things in plastic containers, I’ve categorized every chutney, butters from unsalted to Maine, Ireland

and the Land of 10,000 Lakes. But nothing comes close to cheese: tubs, slices or shredded. We have more cheese than France.

And please don’t forget legitimate dog food, too. Hamish has his own side of the refrigerator. Until then, it’s just a sea of white takeout containers, soy sauce packets, 2-ounce cups of sliced ginger and more. Someday I’m going to be a millionaire when I get my patent for the leftover carousel. I relish that day!

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July 21, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

Memory Matters expands adult social day program to Okatie

By Ginny Underwood Contributor

Memory Matters, the Lowcountry’s only South Carolina-licensed provider of comprehensive dementia care programs, is expanding its COMPASS Adult Social Day and Caregiver Respite Program to Okatie beginning July 20. The new programming will be held every Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3080 Okatie Highway, just off Highway 170 near Sun City.

The expansion adds a third day of service in the Bluffton-Okatie area, providing families with access to up to three days per week of programming for individuals with mild to moderate memory loss and cognitive decline.

“This is about meeting families where they are,” said Michelle Frink, program director at Memory Matters. “We know caregivers in the Sun City and Okatie corridor have been looking for closer options. This third day of service means more flexibility, more support and more breathing room for the families who need it most.”

The COMPASS Program provides a safe, engaging environment for individuals experiencing mild to moderate memory loss and cognitive decline. Each session includes purposeful activities, music and art therapy, brain-stimulating games, exercise, socialization and a healthy lunch, all supported by Memory Matters’ trained staff and dedicated volunteers.

The program is designed as much for caregivers as it is for participants. While their loved one is engaged and supported, caregivers are free to work, attend appointments, run errands or simply rest, something many say they haven’t done in years.

“We hear it over and over,” Frink said.

“’I didn’t know how much I needed this until I had it.’ That’s what COMPASS does for families.”

Memory Matters subsidizes program fees through donations and community partnerships, according to the organization.

Monthly rates begin at $340. According to Memory Matters, families attending three days a week at its Bluffton-Okatie locations pay as little as $78 per day, which the organization says is less than the cost of one hour of many in-home care services.

Fee assistance ranging from 10% to 90% is available based on financial need.

Additional funding sources may include benefits through the Medicare GUIDE Model, South Carolina Respite Coalition vouchers, Veterans Administration benefits, and health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts.

“We want every family to know that cost should never be the reason someone goes without support,” Frink said.

“We’ll help you figure out what’s available to you.”

The Okatie program is limited to 15 participants. Memory Matters officials said interest has been strong ahead of the July 20 launch and encouraged families to join the interest list.

New COMPASS families also receive free access to the SAVVY Caregiver Program, a five-week course designed to provide practical skills and resources for family caregivers.

Memory Matters serves families in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Beaufort and holds a Platinum Candid/ GuideStar rating and 4M Age-Friendly Health System certification.

For more information or to join the interest list, call (843) 842-6688, email info@ mymemorymatters.org or visit www. mymemorymatters.org.

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The Bluffton Sun

July 21, 2026

Local nonprofits receive $162K in grants

May River Theatre Presents

Women in Philanthropy, a charitable giving circle of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, awarded $162,475 in grants to seven Beaufort County nonprofit organizations during its 2026 Grant Awards Luncheon.

The 2026 grant cycle focused on the theme “Bridging the Gap: Employment, Basic Needs, and Family.”

The grants were awarded to: Bluffton Jasper Volunteers in Medicine, $18,000, for its Chronic Disease Care Program, which provides resources to help uninsured adults manage chronic disease.

Family Promise of Beaufort County, $20,000, for its Housing Stabilization Program, which supports families with children who are at imminent risk of homelessness or are experiencing homelessness.

Hilton Head Deep Well Project, $21,475, for its “From Surviving to Thriving: Connecting Neighbors to Education, Employment, and Family Stability” program, which connects individuals with education, basic needs and family stability

resources.

Lowcountry Legal Volunteers, $28,000, to expand its Charting a Path Forward for Families program, which provides free legal advocacy and outreach to families in need.

Neighborhood Outreach Connections, $20,000, for its “Breaking Barriers by Creating Opportunities: Integrated Support for Working Families in Hilton Head” program, which provides educational support for children and employment-related assistance for parents.

Second Helpings, $25,000, from the Dr. Juliann Bluitt Foster Fund, for its Basic Needs and Family Stability Through Food Rescue Operations program.

The Children’s Center, $30,000, for its Bridging Communities Through Tuition Assistance program, which provides child care scholarships for working families.

According to the organization, Women in Philanthropy has more than 200 members and has awarded more than $1.3 million to local organizations since it was established in 2003.

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A clearer view of what matters most

By Kevin Fitzpatrick Contributor

The clarity of vision that comes with age is, interestingly, a direct contradiction to the physical changes that aging brings.

Even that, however, has its ebbs and flows.

KEVIN FITZPATRICK I wore glasses for distance vision from the time I was 10 years old (and likely should have had them even earlier had I not memorized the eye chart). Five years ago, however, age-related cataracts led to surgery that changed things. My vision improved to the point that I no longer needed glasses for distance. In fact, because it’s so sunny

here in South Carolina, I even went on a sunglasses-buying binge, something I had never been able to do before. That part of the flow eventually gave way to the ebb of needing glasses only for reading. After years of wearing progressive lenses, it has been a relatively minor annoyance.

Clarity of vision, however, is not always a physical reference. As your position on life’s cradle-to-grave timeline moves ever more rapidly from one end to the other, you begin to look back, realizing, of course, that none of it can be changed. At the same time, you also look ahead with far greater clarity than you once had.

If you’ve read any of my previous columns, you already know that music plays a major role in my life and always has.

The right song at the proper moment can open the floodgates of emotion, help me think and sort things out, or take me back to both the good and the not-so-good times.

When I was in high school, I remember be-

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ing required to read a little-known author named William Shakespeare, who is said to have wrote, “When words fail, music speaks.”

There are also the words of William Congreve, another playwright I am grateful I was required to read some 60 years ago: “Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend the knotted oak.”

Whether it’s Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” Mountain’s “Mississippi Queen” or Dan Fogelberg’s song referenced in the title, music speaks loudly when it is needed and soothes when that is what is called for.

Over the past week or so, several friends have experienced difficult turns in their lives. Again, the reality of aging is that when you open an email or receive an unexpected call or text, your heart skips a few beats.

Along with that ebb comes the flow of

gratitude and the realization that your own small issues are insignificant in the old “grand scheme of things.”

That brings us back to the idea of music and the clarity of vision it can provide. A few days ago, a friend texted me out of the blue (yes, one or two heartbeats skipped).

Along with that text was a wonderful song he wanted to share by the band Switchfoot titled “Beautiful Life,” and it arrived at exactly the right moment. This would be the proper place for part of it to play us out: It’s a beautiful life I’m still learning to breathe I don’t have what I want But I have what I need 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.

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The Bluffton Sun

July 21, 2026

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35A

Golf can be lonely

By Rich Bernstein Contributor

A golf course can be a very strange place to feel lonely. After all, we’re typically enjoying our round with our favorite golf buddies and are often sandwiched between a foursome ahead and another RICH BERNSTEIN behind. Add to the mix the presence of an abundance of beautiful Lowcountry wildlife, and there’s no doubt we’ve got some company as we play our way from hole to hole.

But when it comes to the actual moment of truth, whether it be a required accurate drive off the first tee or a knee-knocker putt for a win on the final hole, feelings of isolation and desolation can occupy our minds. After all, we’re not touring pros, and we typically don’t have the benefit of

knowledgeable caddies, confidence-instilling sports psychologists, health-conscious nutritionists, supportive physical therapists, or the oversight of swing coaches or short-game gurus. As they say, there’s no “I” in team, and in most cases, there’s no “team” in golf.

As golfers know, using a golf club to achieve the perfect combination of length

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and accuracy can be one of the most complicated tasks known to mankind. Yet we are, quite literally, babes in the woods, entirely left to our own devices.

Some of life’s simplest tasks include basic instructions for proper use. You can’t get on a plane without viewing a demonstration detailing how a seat belt buckles. Restroom towel dispensers post

instructions advising whether to pull, tear or wave a hand. Soap dispensers indicate whether to pull or push and how long to wash our hands. Our golf carts’ accelerator and brake pedals are clearly marked “GO” and “STOP.” Whereas an instruction manual similar in length to that provided to the astronauts of the Artemis II space mission would be appropriate, we get zero, zilch, nada when it comes to the proper use of our golf clubs. The exuberance and excitement of opening a box containing a new driver or set of irons is quickly tempered when we realize someone must have forgotten to pack the instruction sheet.

So, with a shake of our heads, off we go in another attempt to conquer the course.

Our trusted team of “me, myself and I” has us wondering if we should supinate or pronate, swing out to in or in to out, or is it up to down? Whoever said golf was fair?

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.

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36A

The Bluffton Sun

By Paul Tollefson

July 21, 2026

Where the tide brought him home

Contributor

The May River was breathing toward high tide that afternoon.

The marsh grass bent lazily beneath a salt breeze drifting in from the sound, and the sunlight scattered across the water in broken pieces of silver. A shrimp PAUL TOLLEFSON boat worked somewhere beyond the bend, its engine little more than a distant hum, while egrets stood motionless along the shoreline.

It was Bluffton in 1978.

Not the Bluffton of traffic circles, subdivisions, and brake lights stretching toward the bridge. This was the Bluffton that still belonged to the river. The Bluffton where a man could spend an afternoon on the town dock without a schedule,

without a destination, and without anyone wondering why.

At the far end of the dock stood Martin Thorpe. He leaned against the weathered railing with the relaxed posture of a man who had nowhere else he needed to be. A cigarette rested between his fingers. Beside him, a crab trap disappeared beneath the dark water of the May River. Every so often he would pull the rope hand over hand, raise the trap into the sunlight, inspect the catch, and lower it back into the river. There was no urgency in the ritual.

He moved at the same pace as the tide.

When Island Packet newspaper columnist Jan Wongrey stopped to talk with him, he probably expected a conversation about crabs.

Instead, he got Bluffton.

The trap came up carrying several crabs that rattled against the wire cage in protest. Martin studied them carefully before shaking his head. Not today. Back into the river they went. The trap splashed into the water again, and the conversation drifted toward family.

For the people who grew up along the May River, family histories are often told the way other people discuss the weather.

Names stretch backward through generations until they become part of the landscape itself. Martin pointed toward the cemetery and began naming relatives buried there. Parents. Grandparents.

Great Grandparents. Ancestors whose lives were woven into Bluffton long before paved roads and air conditioning arrived.

One relative, he recalled, had been born in 1752. The statement hung in the air for a moment. A hundred years before the Civil War. More than two centuries before this conversation.

The remarkable thing was that Martin didn’t say it with pride or drama. He said it the same way he discussed the crabs.

It was simply part of the story. The river remembers things like that. People come and go, but the river remembers.

As the afternoon stretched on, Martin talked about the years he had spent away.

Work had taken him to Atlanta. He had worked in newspapers, sold insurance, and built a life beyond Bluffton’s borders.

Yet there was something in his voice that suggested he had never entirely left.

Most people who grow up beside the May River understand that feeling. You can move away. You can spend decades

somewhere else. But sooner or later the tide pulls at you. Sooner or later, you find yourself standing on a dock looking across the marsh and wondering why you ever left.

Another pull of the trap produced nothing worth keeping. Martin laughed it off and rebaited the cage. The reporter listened as the conversation wandered through stories of fishing, crabbing, and the old Bluffton that existed before the town appeared on anybody’s radar. Martin spoke of crabs that seemed larger than life and fish that sounded almost mythical. Whether every detail was true hardly mattered. The best stories along the May River have always improved with age.

By then the interview had become less of a question and answer session and more of a porch conversation shared between old friends.

The subject eventually turned to Martin’s son, a Marine captain who had traveled around the world. Oceans, foreign ports, distant countries, places most people only read about in newspapers. Martin

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July 21, 2026

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TIDE FROM PAGE 36 admired it. But he didn’t envy it.

When asked about traveling himself, he shrugged. There wasn’t much he needed to see. The river had always been enough.

The answer feels almost impossible to imagine today. Modern life encourages movement. Bigger cities. Better opportunities. New adventures. Yet standing there on that dock, Martin represented a generation that measured wealth differently.

Home was wealth and family was wealth. Knowing every bend of the river and every face in town was wealth.

The afternoon shadows began stretching across the dock as the tide continued its slow climb toward shore. Martin checked the trap one final time before dropping it back into the water.

Then he spoke about something that mattered even more than the river. He talked about where he wanted to be buried. Not Atlanta. Not wherever life happened to end.Bluffton. Back beside his people. Back where generations of his family already rested beneath the live oaks.

The statement carried no sadness. It felt as natural as the tide itself. A man belongs where his stories live.

Nearly fifty years later, that brief conversation on a dock, is a snapshot of a disappearing Bluffton, preserved for a moment in time. The dock is still there.

The river still rises and falls. The marsh still glows gold in the evening light.

But what makes the story special isn’t the dock or even the river.

It’s Martin Thorpe standing there with a cigarette in one hand and a crab trap rope in the other, perfectly content to spend an afternoon watching the tide roll through town.

And if you take a walk through Bluffton Cemetery today, you’ll discover something else.

Martin Thorpe got his wish.

Among the family members and his mother, Ms. Lilla Kirk Martin, beneath the shade of the old trees and within sight of the town he never truly left behind, Martin eventually found his final resting place. After years spent working elsewhere and building a life beyond the May River, he made his way back home.

Paul Tollefson is the Director of Tennis at the Hampton Hall Club. He has found a passion in writing and enjoys being able to share the stories and pictures of longtime locals.

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The Bluffton Sun

July 21, 2026

Beginner’s guide to running in Bluffton

By James Hook Contributor

Interested in taking up running? Bluffton offers a variety of resources, scenic routes and local groups that can help beginners get started. As a Bluffton resident and collegiate runner, I’ve found the area offers plenty of opportunities for runners of all experience levels.

Choosing the right gear It is crucial for first-time runners, or those returning to running after a break, to get started with the right equipment.

Choosing the proper pair of shoes can improve comfort and provide the support needed for running. A foot analysis can help store staff recommend shoes based on a person’s gait and foot shape. Stores such as Palmetto Running Company on Buckwalter Parkway and Fleet Feet in Okatie Village offer these services.

Moisture-wicking clothing is designed to pull sweat away from the skin and can

help runners stay more comfortable in the Lowcountry’s hot, humid weather. Local running stores carry a variety of these options. For those looking for additional brands, the Tanger Outlets off U.S. 278 include stores such as Nike, New Balance and Adidas that sell running apparel.

Other gear, including hats, hydration belts, GPS watches and headphones, is available at local running stores and online. While none of these items is necessary to get started, many runners find they add comfort or convenience. Hats can provide shade from the sun, hydration belts allow runners to carry water on longer runs, GPS watches can track pace and distance, and headphones can make workouts more enjoyable. Ultimately, the right gear comes down to personal preference and individual goals.

Starting slowly is one of the best ways to build a lasting running habit. Rather than trying to run continuously on the first day, beginners can alternate between walking and running while gradually

increasing their mileage and time on their feet. Programs such as Couch to 5K and similar smartphone apps offer guided training plans that help new runners progress at a manageable pace over several weeks.

Places to run Bluffton offers a variety of paved and unpaved running paths throughout the area. Beginning at New Riverside Park, runners can access a network of paved paths that extends past May River High School and toward Palmetto Bluff.

The Buckwalter Parkway multiuse path stretches about 5.5 miles through Bluffton. Connected to that route, the Buckwalter Place Greenway provides a change of scenery as the 1.4-mile trail winds through wooded areas and wetlands.

There are also many other places to run that are not designated trails. Old Town Bluffton offers a scenic setting for a run, and runners can also use the paths along Bluffton Parkway and around McCracken Circle.

Finding a group Palmetto Running Company offers group runs every Saturday at 7 a.m. at various locations in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island. Participants can choose from 3-, 5- or 7-mile routes. Track workouts are held Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. at Bluffton Middle School. Summer Pub Runs are held Wednesdays from June through August.

Lowcountry Community Church also offers a running club that typically meets Tuesday evenings. Information about the group is available on the church’s website.

Of course, you can always create your own running group. Inviting friends or family members to join you can make running more enjoyable while helping everyone stay motivated and accountable.

James Hook is a student-athlete at Converse University. He graduated from John Paul II Catholic School in 2025 and his interests include running, creative writing and true crime.

July 21, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

39A

Trading Lowcountry heat for mountain streams

By Collins Doughtie Contributor

When it gets so darn hot here that the trees begin chasing the dogs, there is only one thing to do. For me, at least, I head for the mountains in north Georgia or the area near Brevard, North Carolina. I pack lightly, remember my fly rod and head out with visions of cool breezes and chilly mountain streams dancing in my head. It’s pretty much a yearly excursion. This time, I left it up to my wife, Karen, to pick the spot, and boy, did she ever come through. Her sister, Mary, had flown up from Texas to visit, so I knew better than to get in the way of two women when it came to deciding our final destination. Had it been up to me, I would have found the crappiest cabin in existence as long as I could fly-fish all day, every day.

Staying out of her hair, I was surprised when she told me she had found a cabin in Mineral Bluff, Georgia. I had never heard of Mineral Bluff and had absolutely no idea whether it was even in the mountains because, most years, when we picked Georgia, it was almost always near the Chattahoochee National Forest. Having fished the Chattahoochee River dozens of times, I was a tad bummed because I knew that river like the back of my hand and always, and I mean always, tore up the trout there. Having no idea what to expect in this new area, I tried researching trout streams there, and for whatever reason, I couldn’t make heads or tails of the little information I could find. Oh well, I reckoned I would have to do some exploring and hopefully find a fly shop or local fly fisherman who might throw me a bone or two.

The drive was longer than one to North Carolina, and the car’s GPS routed us right through Atlanta. “Oh Lord,” I thought, because it seemed that every time I had ever gone through that city, the roads were always, and I mean always, under a perpetual state of construction.

Praying things might have changed, those prayers were flatly rejected. This time it wasn’t construction that got me but rather the FIFA soccer tournament. I dare anyone to tell me soccer isn’t as big here in the States as it is in Europe. I can honestly say the traffic congestion was the

worst I have ever seen. It took us nearly three hours to get through Atlanta, and I swore that on our return trip home I would take any back road if it meant avoiding the city. Oh yeah, there was some serious swearing going on during those three hours that went way beyond being a simple potty mouth. I used words that aren’t even in the dictionary, and thankfully so.

One of my favorite parts of going to the mountains during the summer is reaching a certain elevation, rolling down the windows and taking in the cool mountain air. After tolerating the brutal heat this summer, that first whiff of mountain air is indescribable. Add winding roads over the mountains, and I’m all smiles. We were so

close I could almost smell it.

Finally turning off the main highway onto a gravel road, there were only one or two cabins, and the rest of the way was lined with sweet-smelling virgin forest.

Arriving at our cabin, I was floored by my wife’s find.

Right there on the gate was a sign that read, “The Trout House.” For me, that sure beats a simple welcome sign.

This cabin wasn’t just nice; it was perfect. Tastefully furnished, with decks on all sides, an outdoor hot tub, and TVs inside and out, it couldn’t have been any cozier.

I had been told there was a trout stream nearby, so I walked onto the back deck and found the stream not 10 feet away. My first thought was, Is this north Georgia or heaven?

Leaning on the railing and taking in the sound of the running water, I watched a small pool behind a rock dam where the water flowed downstream, and then I saw a flash of white. A reflection on the water, maybe? Then another flash. And another. I’ll be, those have to be trout!

Always facing into the current that flash happens when a trout goes after a bug or something happens by them.

Karen had done good, real good.

I couldn’t get my fly rod fast enough. After three casts, I had three nice rainbow trout. Karen’s sister was amazed, thinking I was the master of masters. I usually practice catch and release, but those three fish went into the frying pan, and they were delicious.

A couple of days later, I found a rather large trout river where wading was the name of the game. Usually during the summer, waders aren’t necessary, but halfway across that river, my Lowcountry blood said, “No way, Jose.”

That water was too cold for my skinny butt.

Usually I can fly-fish from dawn till dusk, losing myself in the peace, beauty and sound of running water, but this trip was all about just chilling. I’m sure I’ll go back if I remember two things: a route that takes me far away from Atlanta and a pair of waders. What a great week that was. So north Georgia it is next summer or, if this heat continues, maybe next week!

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

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40A

The Bluffton Sun

July 21, 2026

What death teaches us about living

By Wendy Kushel Contributor

Here’s the truth: Death really sucks.

I know. Not exactly the uplifting start you were hoping for with your morning coffee.

But every single one of us is going WENDY KUSHEL to experience it.

First, we’ll lose the people we love. Then, one day, hopefully a very, very long time from now, it’ll be our turn.

That’s not depressing. It’s just the deal.

I recently lost my dad. He was 88, and while I’d gladly take another day with him, I also can’t help but think, what an incredible run.

CANDY APPLE RED

He flew airplanes. Drove boats. Water-skied. Rode horses. Traveled. Drove an RV around the country. He wasn’t someone who sat on the sidelines waiting for life to happen. He lived it.

Then, little by little, life changed.

The plane stayed on the ground. The boat stayed tied to the dock. The skis collected dust. The horses became memories.

That’s what happens if we’re fortunate enough to grow old. We trade adventures for stories, and eventually those stories become our greatest gift to the people we leave behind.

If we’re lucky, when that day comes, our family is there. They hold our hand, tell us they love us, make sure we’re comfortable and remind us that we mattered.

Then they cry.

A lot.

Eventually, they laugh again because someone remembers that ridiculous thing you did in 1987 that everyone swore they’d

never let you forget.

That’s the circle of life.

The world keeps spinning. The next generation takes over, and they start doing things we think are completely ridiculous.

Email? That was my generation.

Now it’s AI. Tomorrow it’ll probably be a robot making dinner while another one folds the laundry and a third reminds us to drink more water. Frankly, if someone invents a robot that unloads the dishwasher without breaking my wine glasses, sign me up.

Every generation thinks the next one is a little strange.

And every generation eventually becomes the one telling stories.

Maybe that’s why death, as awful as it is, also teaches us how to live.

Take the trip.

Learn something new.

Call your parents while you still can.

Tell people you love them before you wish you had.

Don’t save the good china. Eat dessert.

Laugh too loud. Say yes more often.

Because when people gather someday to tell your story, they won’t be talking about the day you died.

They’ll be talking about the way you lived.

And if they laugh through their tears once or twice, I’d say you did pretty well.

Wendy Kushel is the owner of Wendala’s LowCountry Sugar Scrub, LLC based in Bluffton. Drawn to the beauty and personal care industry, Wendy founded her company in 2020. Her background includes standup 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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41A

Who owns the outcome?

By Ryan Chowansky Contributor

For as long as I can remember, I’ve believed in taking ownership.

In sports, I was taught never to make excuses. In business, I learned that leaders own everything. If a customer wasn’t RYAN CHOWANSKY happy, own it. If a project fell behind, own it. Was it the subcontractor’s fault?

Own it. If the company succeeded, great.

If it failed, own that, too.

For years, I believed that meant I had to own the outcome.

Lately, my faith has challenged that way of thinking.

I’m beginning to realize there’s a difference between owning my responsibility and owning the final result.

I recently heard an example that really stuck with me.

A farmer prepares the soil. He plants the seed. He waters it. He pulls the weeds.

He protects the crop.

But the farmer cannot make the seed grow.

That part belongs to God. The farmer still has to work. In fact, he has to work incredibly hard. But no amount of effort can force life into a seed.

His responsibility is faithfulness. God’s responsibility is the growth.

The more I think about that, the more I realize it’s true in business, too.

I can lead my team well. I can answer my phone. I can communicate clearly. I can deliver quality work. I can make wise decisions. I can learn from my mistakes.

Those are all my responsibility.

Whether every customer says yes, whether the economy changes or whether every opportunity works out exactly as I planned, those things are ultimately outside my control.

That doesn’t mean I stop working.

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It means I stop carrying a burden that was never mine to carry.

That realization influenced one of the biggest professional decisions of my career.

I had the opportunity to help launch a one-day bath company in Greenville. It was exciting to build something new, learn a different business model and be part of a growing operation.

But the more time I spent there, the more I realized something was missing.

My heart has always been here in the Lowcountry. This is the longest I’ve lived in one place in 20 years.

This is where my family lives. This is where Bluffton Builders was built. This is where I’ve spent years serving homeowners and building relationships.

I realized I didn’t just want to help build someone else’s vision in another market. I wanted to focus on serving the community that has supported me for so many years.

So I decided to step back from my role in Greenville and focus on expanding Bluffton Builders’ shower remodeling

services here in the Lowcountry.

Will it succeed? I hope so. I’ll work as hard as I know how. I’ll continue learning, improving and serving people with excellence.

But I’ve also learned something that has brought me more peace than any business strategy ever could.

I don’t own the outcome.

God does.

I own my effort. I own my integrity. I own my decisions. I own my responsibility to serve people well.

The outcome belongs to Him. Ironically, I’ve found that letting go of the outcome hasn’t made me less driven.

It’s made me more focused.

Because when you’re no longer trying to control what only God can control, you’re free to give everything you have to the work He’s placed in front of you today.

Maybe that’s what true ownership looks like after all.

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

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The Bluffton Sun

July 21, 2026

Direct indexing:

An innovative and customizable capital markets strategy

By Nick Martin Contributor

The capital markets have become an increasingly complex space for investors, complexities that are heightened by the sheer number of ways one can invest.

Fortunately, NICK MARTIN necessity – often the mother of invention – can also be a conduit for simplification.

Enter direct indexing, an investment strategy that combines elements of earlier innovations – passive index tracking, active management, stock ownership, values-based investing and tax-loss harvesting – to give investors streamlined, tax-efficient and eminently personalizable access to the capital markets.

Direct indexing defined As the name suggests, direct indexing is an opportunity to directly invest in the individual stocks that make up an index. Starting with a separately managed account, a professional money manager purchases a selection of stocks from a chosen index. Typically, the manager includes a representative number from each sector in an attempt to replicate the market

exposure of the index on a smaller scale.

For example, a manager will purchase and track not all 500 stocks in the S&P, but rather a subset of the benchmark.

Direct ownership is what distinguishes this approach from others like index-tracking funds, mutual funds or exchange-traded funds in which every investor owns the same thing. The holdings in a direct indexing strategy can be customized, allowing you to avoid stocks that don’t align with your values, goals or needs – and to increase your investment in those that do.

To accommodate this level of customization, most investment management firms require a minimum investment of $100,000 to $250,000 to create a direct indexing portfolio.

The ability to buy and sell the individual stocks using this strategy can also create the opportunity for tax-loss harvesting: selling low-performing stocks at a loss in order to help offset the capital gains on others that increase in value. Tax-loss harvesting is available under nearly all market conditions for direct indexing. That’s because even in years when your direct indexing strategy is up, some percentage of your stocks may experience losses.

“Sophisticated investors increasingly look for ways to customize their investment strategies,” said Tom Thornton, a senior vice president, whose Manager Research & Due Diligence team at Raymond James has analyzed and evaluated direct indexing

managers for more than 15 years. “Direct indexing provides an opportunity for clients to tailor their portfolios to specific financial goals and personal needs.”

Financial scenarios The high tax efficiency and customization offered by direct indexing make it useful for managing a variety of common financial scenarios, including: Liquidity events: Proactive tax-loss harvesting can be useful ahead of substantial liquidity events, such as selling a home or business. Capital losses can be carried forward and used to offset gains from a sale, potentially reducing overall tax liability.

Assets in transition: Relocating a portfolio or transitioning assets typically carries a tax burden that tax-loss harvesting can address. An investor can sell certain positions all at once or slowly over time, and losses from sales in the original portfolio and the directly indexed account can reduce taxes on the gains from selling positions from the original portfolio.

Concentrated positions: Just as direct indexing can help an investor transition from one portfolio to another, it can also help an investor reduce a concentrated stock or sector position. If an investor holds a significant number of shares in one company or stocks in one sector with a low cost basis, any losses in a direct indexing strategy can help offset some of the gains from selling the concentrated position.

Portfolio construction: A direct-indexing

strategy can be used as a core allocation within a larger portfolio – US large-caps, for example – and any losses help to offset the gains of active managers focused on other areas of the market.

Gifting assets: Another advantage of owning individual stocks through direct indexing is the ability to gift highly appreciated stock shares to a charity or heir. This allows investors to avoid the tax burden that would result from a sale while gaining a significant tax deduction. At the same time, a charity or heir receives an asset that is greater in value than the cash that would have resulted from the investor selling the asset, saving some of the proceeds to pay capital gains taxes and donating the balance.

Given that direct indexing can serve a variety of purposes and involves precisely tailored tax management, a financial advisor may know whether you need to pull this arrow from your wealth management quiver – and where to aim.

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.

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July 21, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

43A

The beach

By Annelore Harrell Contributor

Shame on me.

The summer is half gone, and I haven’t been to the beach the first time. Not for lack of opportunity.

Hilton Head Island, with its world-famous beaches on the ANNELORE HARRELL Atlantic Ocean, is just up the road.

Yes, we have beaches in Bluffton, yellow sand edging our tidal rivers, and they are wonderful.

But, I need to see the sea, I miss waters that disappear over the horizon, I want to hear waves swish easy onto the beach and drag back into the depths with that soft sucking sound.

Besides, I truly enjoy watching all the people who have come from near and far to visit this special barrier island.

There are other public beaches on Hil-

ton Head, but I like Coligny Beach at the end of Pope Avenue the best, and it’s past time to tuck myself into my trusty Volvo and head east.

The Promenade to the beach is a wide sidewalk where the entrance has geysers that spurt water into the air, and children run under the water, and get all wet, and laugh and scream and dance about, and grownups wish they could.

There are showers to wash off sand and salty water, the ever-important loo, one for he’s and one for she’s. On both sides of the walkway are rocking chairs and swings that are seldom empty, even on cold winter days when most intelligent people are sitting at home in front of a fireplace sipping on a hot toddy. Even with the wind blowing in from the sea, people come and sit and swing or sit and rock, probably thinking about the snow and ice they left behind up there and whether or not that timeshare is really worth hanging on to.

Sometimes you just have to wait your turn for a seat, and it’s best to take that time to walk all the way down the promenade to the beach, sit on the lifeguard’s storage box, and look out to sea.

A couple of shrimp boats share the hori-

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zon with a string of freighters, those enormous ships that carry containers stacked higher than you think is possible, waiting to go up through Tybee Roads to Savannah Harbor and unload. Two hundred ships were waiting, they tell me. Imagine.

The beach is crowded with chairs and umbrellas, ambitious sandcastles, a game of volleyball, so many people.

Different from when my girls were young and we came over to an almost deserted beach, parking on a sandy lane, walking through cockspurs and sea oats over the dunes to claim a spot in the shade of a fallen tree, its bare branches an impromptu towel rack. I miss that.

A treat was a hot dog and chips at McKibben Pavilion, slippery, wet concrete floors soothing to feet that hopped over the hot sand, the smell of mildew, and mold, and salt water that identifies seaside, a building long since replaced by the Holiday Inn and the Tiki Hut. Whatever has changed on the land, the sea hasn’t, and for that I am grateful.

I claim a seat on one of the swings and settle down to people-watch And they pass by, young boys on skateboards, their britches hanging danger-

ously low, and all sorts of bicycles, some beach bikes with wide tires and some fancy with all sorts of gears and gadgets.

I want to say, “ride first into the wind and coast back,” but I don’t. There are young couples who pay no attention to anything but each other and could have stayed home in Ohio and gone to the local swimming pool and never known the difference.

There are lots of family groups dragging beach paraphernalia in a cart loaded so high I’m surprised it doesn’t all tump over. Papa leading, Mama in the rear, herding in the little ones reluctant to leave this magical land of sea and sand.

I seldom see smiles when people come off the beach. Too tired, I guess.

All that sea air.

Not me.

I smile. I’m satisfied. The ocean is still there. Hasn’t changed, and that’s a good thing.

Annelore Harrell’s journey is a tapestry woven with fascinating experiences and extraordinary accomplishments. Annelore Harrell’s story is a testament to living with passion, resilience, and an unquenchable thirst for adventure.

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The Bluffton Sun

July 21, 2026

A place built for listening

By Tamela Maxim Contributor

There is a place along the Cooper River where the world seems to exhale. The water widens, the oaks lean in, and the air grows quiet enough that you can hear your own heartbeat. This is Mepkin Abbey—3,000 acres just over two hours from Bluffton, yet far enough from the noise of modern life that time begins to behave differently.

The Trappist monks who live here call it home; retreatants call it sanctuary. And for anyone who has ever longed to step out of the chatter and clatter of daily life, Mepkin offers a rare invitation: come sit with the silence.

Retreats at Mepkin are simple by design. A small room. A bed. A desk. A chair angled toward large windows, facing away from the angular bite of modern development, in pleasant exchange for a chorus of birds, glimpses of forest creatures, and nature unfolding itself from daybreak to nightfall, as if that other busy world didn’t exist. Three vegetarian

meals taken in silence in a room next to the monk’s dining hall. Seven daily prayer sessions. Retreatants are warmly welcomed to participate in a spiritual renewal that I’ve never found anywhere else. The monks are Trappists, Roman Catholic, but retreatants are not required to be Catholic, or Christian, or even a believer in any religion. All seekers are welcome.

There are guided retreats, with meetings, classes, and discussions. I’ve been to some of those, but I prefer the private retreats – where there is no pressure to perform, no workbook waiting on the desk, no group dynamics to navigate. You arrive, you breathe, and you begin to remember what it feels like to be unhurried.

For me, I need to retreat on a retreat.

Retreats are either 3 or 4 nights and begin with a brief orientation, and then you are free—free to walk the gardens, free to read, free to pray, free to sit under an oak and watch resurrection fern turn green after a rain. Free, most of all, to listen for the “still, small voice” that Scripture promises is quieter than wind, fire, or earthquake.

Silence is cherished here, though it oc-

casionally comes with its own comedy. On my first retreat, unaware of any unspoken rules, I whispered a gentle “Hello” to a woman painting plein air near the path.

She turned, lifted her brush, and with a dramatic sweep of the hand, commanded me to hush. Her expression was so theatrically horrified that I nearly laughed out loud. Instead, I whispered a tiny prayer for her—one of those quick, affectionate prayers to bless her heart for correcting me with such disdain for my ignorance.

Long before the monks arrived, this land was a rice plantation carved out by enslaved Africans and owned by Henry Laurens. Centuries later, Clare Boothe Luce and her husband, Henry, inherited the property. In 1949, moved by the needs of returning soldiers and the overcrowding at Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky, the Luces donated the land to the Trappist Order. Twenty-nine monks traveled south to begin a new community on the river.

The abbey grew to about forty monks at its height. Today, the community is smaller—around fourteen men—but no less devoted. Their days are shaped by prayer, work, and the quiet stewardship of

the land entrusted to them.

Visitors often come simply to walk the gardens. The high riverbanks are shaded by ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss.

Camellias bloom in winter, azaleas in spring, and volunteers and staff help the monks rake, prune, plant, propagate, and maintain the many garden areas and the circular meditative walking labyrinth, which requires an annual burn. There is also a small garden dedicated to the Charleston 9, for the nine firefighters who lost their lives on June 18, 2007, in the tragic store fire in West Ashley, Charleston. The only interruption to the hush is the occasional buzz of a speedboat on the river, a reminder that the outside world still exists somewhere beyond the trees.

Once you open yourself to Mepkin’s prayer-filled space, your mind begins to unclutter. Mepkin monks have one main mission. Prayer. They pray all day. Every day. You can feel it. It is yours for the taking. Peace. Tranquility. Joy. Supernatural Calm.

In April 2025, Mepkin dedicated and

LISTENING CONT. ON PAGE 45

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The Bluffton Sun

LISTENING FROM PAGE 44 blessed its new Meditation Garden—an extraordinary addition honoring the enslaved who lived and labored there. I haven’t seen it yet, but I look forward to experiencing the seven meditations that guide visitors through reflection and remembrance, along with a life-size bronze sculpture of the Crucified Christ, Thy Father’s Hand, by artist Garland Weeks.

Nearby, the graves of the enslaved, behind the historic Laurens Cemetery, can be visited, and the Laurens Family Cemetery has been restored, with Henry Laurens and his son John now honored with Patriot medallions from the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution.

Mepkin Abbey has recently expanded its accessibility. QR codes placed throughout the property allow visitors to access videos, historical information, and descriptions of the meditations and sculptures directly from their smartphones.

Codes are located outside the Gift Shop, at the Luce Gardens parking area, and at the entrance to the

Meditation Garden.

Many areas are wheelchair friendly, including the main garden paths, Meditation Garden entrance, Gift Shop, Reception Center, Retreat Center, and the Abbey Church. The QR code system is especially helpful for visitors with mobility challenges, offering full access to the garden’s interpretive materials even if they cannot traverse the entire path.

For visitors who are blind or have low vision, the QR code videos include spoken narration and historical storytelling, and the Meditation Garden features tactile elements such as textured stone and the bronze sculpture Thy Father’s Hand.

The Abbey Church’s acoustics and chanting also provide a rich sensory experience.

For more information on Mepkin Abbey visit www.mepkinabbey.org 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

Sterling Helicopter selects Bluffton for new operations site

Sterling Helicopter plans to open a new operations facility in Bluffton, a project expected to create 15 jobs over the next five years.

The aerospace engineering company will operate from 65 Innovation Drive in Buckwalter Place. According to the company, the Bluffton location will support its engineering services for Part 23, 25, 27 and 29 aircraft.

The project received financial support from local economic development partners. The Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation awarded a $7,500 grant to assist with upfitting the company’s new facility.

The Town of Bluffton also approved $14,500 in reimbursable grants to offset business license fees and Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority fees.

Edward Allen, Sterling Helicopter’s director of engineering, said the Bluffton location represents an expansion of the company’s operations.

“We are excited to expand our presence into Bluffton and become part of such a vibrant and growing community,” Allen said.

He said the new location reflects the company’s continued growth and commitment to aviation safety and customer service.

Bluffton Mayor Larry Toomer said the

town welcomed Sterling Helicopter’s decision to locate in Bluffton and noted the project is expected to create approximately 15 jobs.

“Companies like Sterling Helicopter bring high-quality jobs, investment and specialized expertise that strengthen our local economy and expand opportunities for residents,” Toomer said. He said the town supported the project through its Economic Development Incentive Program.

John O’Toole, executive director of the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation, said the company’s investment will contribute to economic growth and employment opportunities in Beaufort County.

“Sterling Helicopter’s investment is another example of the type of business growth that strengthens our local economy and creates quality job opportunities for Beaufort County residents,” O’Toole said.

According to the release, the project reflects cooperation among local partners to support business investment and job creation in Beaufort County.

Individuals interested in employment opportunities with Sterling Helicopter may contact Amanda Allen at aallen@sterlinghelicopter.com for information.

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July 21, 2026

Good dogs, bad decisions and great stories

By Abby Bird aka Alphadog Contributor

Every pet owner has favorite stories, especially the funny ones. I have a few that are veterinarian stories, pet owner stories or my own stories.

Hopefully, you’ll have a good laugh.

You’ll have to visualize the descriptions to fully appreciate the humor and, sometimes, the frustration.

This first story is mine, and I may have written about it before, but it still engenders smiles and laughter. Years ago, when I was dating the man who would become my husband, I introduced him to my two Newfoundlands, who had lived with me and my first husband. The two dogs were not crazy about him, and he wasn’t so sure about them.

This particular incident involved my Newfoundland, Godfrey. He was very sweet but not too bright. He was also phobic about many things in his surroundings. One thing, though, remained steadfast: his compulsion for water. If he

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saw water, he would do anything to get to it.

We were walking on a bluff above Long Island Sound in Connecticut when Godfrey spotted the water below us. The bluff was covered with ballast stones from early trading ships that came to New England.

Godfrey started down the uneven, 30-foothigh stone bluff, heading for the water. He would not come back when called.

My husband-to-be had to climb down the treacherous bluff, get hold of him and bring the 145-pound dog back up. Well, going down was one thing, but Godfrey refused to climb back up. I thought for sure this would be our last date! But he persevered and dragged that goofy Newfie all the way back to the top.

The next story is about my best friend, who is a veterinarian. She had performed dental and oral treatment on Mabel, a 10-foot, 80-pound boa constrictor. Once the snake’s treatment was completed, she and the owner realized Mabel had wrapped herself several times around the examination table. Boa constrictors are pure muscle and incredibly strong.

The two of them spent the next 20 minutes trying to unwrap her from the examination table, all the while laughing. Every time they freed one part of her body, she wrapped another section around the table.

I love the visual of that!

A local client of mine was working in his backyard while one of his dogs was with him in the unfenced yard.

After a while, the dog took off, and the owner called and searched for him. As he returned to the backyard, preparing to get into his car and drive around the neighborhood, the dog suddenly appeared, running straight into the back door of the house.

When the owner got inside, he noticed the dog was carrying something in his mouth. It was a large raw steak that someone had been preparing to grill outside.

He quickly closed the back door and hid, hoping no one would come looking for the chewed piece of meat because it was too late, and he was too embarrassing, to return it.

The last story is about my husband’s Australian shepherd. The breed isn’t

necessarily known for swimming, but Australian shepherds love both physical and mental challenges.

We were swimming at the lake with the two Newfoundlands, and he was intrigued.

Having never seen a lake before, he wasn’t sure what to make of it. The Newfies were out in the middle of the water, and it was as if he thought, “Hey, if they can do that, so can I!” He ran down the long dock, not realizing it ended, and kept running right off the raised dock. Then he ran out of dock..

He looked like the Road Runner cartoon character, legs still running in midair before his body dropped straight down into the lake.

Every dog owner has stories like these.

I, for one, never tire of hearing them.

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

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48A

The Bluffton Sun

July 21, 2026

BCSD BEACON BCSD Class of 2026 Celebrates Outstanding Achievements

The Beaufort County School District's Class of 2026 has much to celebrate. From earning millions in scholarships to serving their communities and committing to a variety of postsecondary pathways, this year's graduates have set a high standard for success.

THE LASTING IMPACT OF A GREAT TEACHER

CLASS OF 2026 AT A GLANCE

Long after students leave the classroom, the lessons and the teachers who taught them often stay with them for a lifetime.

Watch as seniors were invited to write heartfelt letters to a teacher who made a lasting impact on their lives. Some chose a high school teacher, while others returned to the elementary classrooms where their educational journey first began.

The seniors surprised their chosen teachers by reading the letters aloud in person. For many educators, the unexpected visits brought smiles, tears, and a powerful reminder of why they chose the profession.

DESTINED FOR EXCELLENCE

Members of the Class of 2026 will attend prestigious institutions across the nation, including Dartmouth College, Johns Hopkins University, Vanderbilt University, Boston College, Georgia Tech, Clemson University, the University of South Carolina, NC State, the College of Charleston, Florida Institute of Technology, Winthrop University, Georgia Southern University, and the University of South Carolina Beaufort, among many others.

The achievements of the Class of 2026 reflect the talent, determination, and bright future of BCSD students. The district congratulates its graduates and looks forward to the positive impact they will make in their communities, professions, and beyond.

SCAN TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO

July 21, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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MEET THE DISTRICT’S NEWEST PRINCIPALS!

Red Cedar Elementary School

Hilton Head School for the Creative Arts

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Broad River Elementary School

May River High School

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Aimee Whitesell, former assistant principal at Battery M E OF LL TH E B U Creek High School (BCHS), replaces Roger Ward, who has been promoted to BCSD Executive Director. Whitesell, whose educational career has spanned over a dozen years, brings prior experience in high school leadership positions having also served as an assistant principal at May River High School.

Her educational career began as a high school science teacher in North Carolina and Louisiana, in addition to serving in this role at BCHS. Named BCSD teacher of the year for 2021-22, Whitesell holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from American College of Education and a bachelor’s degree in natural science and biology education from Missouri Western State University.

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Renee Roberts, who recently served as acting principal at Broad River Elementary School, replaces Jamie Allen who accepted a district-level position. Roberts, a native Beaufortonian, previously served as assistant principal at Coosa Elementary, a National Blue Ribbon School. A National Board Certified Teacher, Roberts has experience teaching in grades 3-5, as well as working with students and teachers as both a math and literacy coach. Roberts holds master’s degrees in Literacy and Educational Leadership from Lesley and Capella universities, respectively.

Carrie Carter, assistant principal at May River High School since 2019, replaces Dr. Karon Webb who has accepted a principal position in Lexington 1 School District.

Carter brings 18 years of secondary education experience, including 12 years with BCSD, where she served as Lead School Counselor at May River High School, school counselor at Beaufort High School, and most recently as an administrator.

Named BCSD Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year (2023–24) and District School Counselor of the Year (2018–19), she holds school administration licensure from Gardner-Webb University, a master’s degree in Community Counseling with School Licensure, and a bachelor’s degree in Human and Community Services from Lenoir-Rhyne College.

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Prior to serving as assistant principal at RCES, Vaughn, whose entire educational career has been with the Beaufort County School District, spent over a decade at Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts teaching first and second grades and serving as MTSS Coordinator and Math Interventionist. A former Teacher of the Year, Vaughn holds a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of South Carolina (UofSC) as well as a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from UofSC Beaufort.

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Dr. Kyctrell Swinton-Atkins, former assistant principal at Beaufort High School (BHS), replaces Dr. Chavon Browne who has accepted the position of Deputy Superintendent for Colleton County.

Swinton-Atkins has had an educational career spanning nearly 20 years, including 16 at the Beaufort County School District where she also served in assistant principal roles at Whale Branch and Hilton Head Middle schools. Prior to this, she was an English teacher at H.E. McCracken Middle School and at May River and Battery Creek high schools. Named assistant principal of the year for 2022-23, Swinton-Atkins holds both a doctorate in curriculum and instruction and a master’s degree in education administration from Capella University, as well as an additional master’s degree in literacy and learning in the content areas from Walden University, and a bachelor’s degree in English education from South Carolina State University.

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Lady’s Island Middle School

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Dr. Staci Souhan, formerly the associate principal at Mounds View High School in MN, replaces Nikki Lucas, who has accepted a district-level position. Souhan, whose educational career has spanned over two decades, brings prior experience in both high school and elementary leadership positions having also served as an associate principal at Irondale High School and in principal roles at Turtle Lake Elementary and CE Jacobson in MN. Her educational career includes first and second grade teacher positions at schools in FL and MN, as well as serving in a management capacity for district transportation. In addition to serving in leadership roles in the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association, Souhan holds doctorate and master’s degrees in Education from Hamline University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Business from University of St. Thomas.

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Justin Vaughn, former assistant principal at Red Cedar Elementary replaces Dr. Kathleen Corley, who has retired after a 47 year career in education, 27 of which were serving Beaufort County School District as the first principal of Bluffton and Red Cedar elementary schools where she set the standard for excellence.

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50A

The Bluffton Sun

July 21, 2026

The 113,000-square-foot school, located next to May River High School, is designed to serve approximately 800 students and is scheduled to open for the 2027-28 school year. Funded through the Beaufort County School District's 2023 referendum, the project will help accommodate continued growth in the Bluffton area.

With the steel structure now in place, crews will begin installing the roof while advancing interior work, including HVAC systems, electrical and lighting infrastructure, ceilings, walls and windows. Site work will also continue, with paving and parking lot construction taking shape in the coming months.

Project leaders praised the rapid pace of construction, noting the site progressed from underground work to a fully framed structure in approximately four and a half months.

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Construction of the new May River Elementary School continues to move forward, with the building's structural framework now complete and work shifting to the next phase of development.

New Montessori Program Coming to HHI Early Childhood Center

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Once completed, the state-of-the-art facility will provide modern learning spaces designed to support students for years to come.

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May River Elementary School Takes Shape as Construction Advances

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This school year, Hilton Head Island Early Childhood Center is expanding its early learning opportunities with the introduction of a new Montessori program for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students.

Open to all Beaufort County residents, the program offers a child-centered approach to learning that emphasizes hands-on experiences, independence, and whole-child development.

Montessori classrooms are designed to encourage students to learn at their own pace while building confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking skills in a supportive environment.

This program is designed to inspire independence and academic growth while nurturing the whole child in a developmentally appropriate environment,” said Ashley Gould, Beaufort County School District's Director of Readiness.

In addition to the new academic program, families will also have the option of onsite after-school childcare, providing greater flexibility for working parents.

New Lady’s Island Middle School Underway

Beaufort High to Add New CTE Building

Construction is underway on a new Lady’s Island Middle School, funded through the voter-approved 2023 Beaufort County School District Bond Referendum.

Beaufort High School will soon expand its career-focused learning opportunities with a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) building.

The 84,000-square-foot school will replace the existing campus and provide modern classrooms, flexible learning spaces and updated infrastructure designed to support student success. The new facility is scheduled to open in January 2028.

The 10,875-square-foot facility, scheduled to open in August 2027, will house construction trades and public safety programs, including firefighter training.

The new building will provide dedicated classroom and lab space for hands-on learning experiences.

District leaders say the project reflects BCSD’s commitment to creating innovative learning environments that meet the needs of current and future students.

Funded through the 2023 BCSD Bond Referendum, the project supports the district’s efforts to prepare students for high-demand careers and workforce opportunities after graduation.

July 21, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS BCSD Budget Approved for 2026–2027 The Beaufort County School District’s approved $395.3 million budget places a strong focus on employee compensation, with the majority of new funding dedicated to salary increases for teachers and staff.

Under the plan, the district’s starting teacher base salary will increase by $2,500 to $62,587.

Combined with the district’s locality supplement, first-year teachers will earn $64,087, making BCSD one of the highest-paying districts in South Carolina.

All teachers will receive a $2,500 raise in addition to state-mandated step increases. Classified, administrative and professional employees will receive a 3% cost-of-living increase, along with annual step increases where applicable.

“This budget is a direct investment in the people and programs that make a difference for students every day,” Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said. “By increasing teacher and staff compensation and expanding services for students, we are strengthening our ability to attract and retain exceptional employees while ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed.”

The budget also includes investments in Special Education, Multilingual Learner programs, Career and Technical Education, Montessori expansion, student mental health supports and school safety initiatives. District leaders noted the budget is fully funded and does not include a tax increase for Beaufort County residents.

Are you an exceptional educator ready to make a difference? Beaufort County School District is searching for the best and brightest educators for the 2026-2027 school year!

✨ BCSD? ✅ Why One of the top-paying school districts in Carolina ✅ ASouth supportive community dedicated to student success ✅ Opportunities to grow your career in education leadership Don't miss this opportunity to join a district that values its educators and students. Apply today and take the next step in your teaching career!

We can’t wait to meet you and share why BCSD is the best place to teach and grow.

Want to Apply? Scan the QR code to view current job listings.

SCAN TO READ THE FULL STORY

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Beaufort County School District is proud to announce that Pritchardville Elementary School has been named a recipient of the 2026 Data Trailblazer Award by the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee (EOC).

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Pritchardville Elementary Named 2026 Data Trailblazer

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Check Out Groceries-to-Go

Pritchardville Elementary is one of only three schools in South Carolina to receive this prestigious recognition, which honors schools that use data effectively to improve student outcomes, engage families, support informed decision-making, and protect student privacy.

FREE weekly breakfast and lunch meal kits are available for children 18 and under through BCSD's Groceries-to-Go Summer Food Program.

“Data Trailblazer schools exemplify how utilizing student-centered data produces results that boost student achievement,” said EOC Executive Director Dana Yow.

Families can pick up meal kits at convenient locations in Bluffton, Beaufort, St. Helena, Seabrook, and Hilton Head.

The award highlights Pritchardville Elementary’s commitment to using data-driven practices to support student success and continuous improvement.

“We are incredibly proud of the Pritchardville Elementary team for earning this distinguished honor,” said Superintendent Frank Rodriguez. “This award reflects the school's dedication to using data thoughtfully and strategically to support student achievement, engage families, and ensure students have the opportunity to thrive.”

�� Weekly pickup available through July 31 �� Registration is required each week ✅ One meal kit per eligible child For locations, eligibility information, and to reserve tickets, scan the QR Code

52A

The Bluffton Sun

July 21, 2026

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Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THE OFFERINGS. Latitude Margaritaville Kentucky Registration Number R-201. For NY Residents: THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE AT HILTON HEAD ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, MINTO LATITUDE HH, LLC. FILE NO. CP18-0021. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE WATERSOUND ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, LMWS, LLC. FILE NO. CP20-0062. Pennsylvania Registration Numbers OL001170 (Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head) and OL001182 (Latitude Margaritaville Watersound). Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head and Latitude Margaritaville Watersound are registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen, 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118 and with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1700 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20552. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required and has not been completed. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are merely representative of current development plans. Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. ©Minto Communities, LLC 2026. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored, or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission.

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