Issuu

The

Bluffton Blufft n Sun

November 3, 2026 • Volume 29, Issue 21 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com

Michelin Guide recognizes two Bluffton restaurants 12A

Parsons named 2026 Woman in Business of the Year By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Mandy Parsons, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry, was named the 2026 Woman in Business of the Year at the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce’s fifth annual Women in Business Luncheon on Oct. 22. Parsons was recognized for her leadership and work to expand opportunities for children and families throughout the Lowcountry. Since becoming CEO in August 2024, Parsons has overseen the organization’s growth from nine club sites to 13, with additional locations in development. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry now serves approximately 2,000 young people annually through programs focused on academic success, personal development and workforce readiness. Parsons, who previously experienced the organization’s support as a parent, also serves as secretary of the Greater Bluffton Chamber’s board of directors and is a founding member of the Kiwanis Club of Bluffton. “This event began five years ago with a vision to bring women together to cele-

brate their leadership and impact,” said Natalie Osterman, CEO of the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. “What

started with 128 attendees has grown to 335, reflecting the incredible women and businesses that make our community special. Mandy exemplifies leadership that creates meaningful opportunities for others, and we are proud to recognize her contributions.” The other finalists for the 2026 award were Kathy Straughn, founder of Blessing Box Project Bluffton, and Sandra “Sandy” Benson, owner of CAV Integrated Home. Nominations were evaluated by five Chamber of Commerce industry professionals from Michigan, Virginia, North Carolina, Idaho and Texas. The luncheon was presented by Beaufort Memorial Hospital, with Balanced Wellness sponsoring the Woman in Business of the Year award. The event, held at Montage Palmetto Bluff, drew 335 attendees, the largest turnout in the luncheon’s five-year history. The Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit business membership organization that supports local businesses, economic development and community partnerships. More information is available at blufftonchamberofcommerce.org.

Nominations open Nov. 10

School showcase highlight BCSD 41A programs

Big dreams drive athlete Jacob Murasko

For 45 years, our Bluffton branch has been proud to serve the people, families, and businesses that make our community special. Thank you for your trust, your friendships, and the opportunity to grow along side you. We look forward to serving Bluffton for years to come. We invite you to visit our recently renovated office. 194 Bluffton Road | (843) 757-3747 | palmettostate.bank | Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

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The Bluffton Sun

November 3, 2026

Minh A. Nguyen, D.O. TO BEAUFORT MEMORIAL Palmetto Medical Group

nternal medicine specialist Dr. Minh A. Nguyen has joined Beaufort Memorial Palmetto Medical Group in Bluffton, expanding access to primary care services to meet the growing healthcare needs of the Lowcountry.

Board-certified – Internal Medicine ............................................................

Dr. Nguyen specializes in managing chronic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, mental health disorders and HIV prevention, while emphasizing preventive care to help patients reduce their risk of serious illness and enjoy healthier lives.

Memorial Health University Medical Center

A first generation immigrant, Dr. Nguyen was inspired to pursue medicine after witnessing healthcare challenges faced by underserved communities. Before becoming a physician, he worked as a medical interpreter, helping patients navigate complex healthcare systems and overcome language barriers. Dr. Nguyen is committed to helping patients take an active role in their health by providing the knowledge, resources and support they need to achieve the best possible outcomes. “I view primary care as the stewardship of a person’s health — earning their trust over time, helping prevent disease before it develops and guiding them through life’s inevitable health challenges.”

CALL 843-706-0600 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. PALMETTO MEDICAL GROUP, 4818 BLUFFTON PARKWAY, BLUFFTON, SC.

BEAUFORTMEMORIAL.ORG • MOST MAJOR INSURANCE PLANS ARE ACCEPTED.

Residency – Internal Medicine Savannah, Georgia

............................................................

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Auburn, Alabama

............................................................

Bachelor of Science

Biochemistry Summa cum laude Georgia Southern University Statesboro, Georgia

Dr. Nguyen joins Dr. Kelsey Mijares, nurse practitioner Jennifer Stokes and Drs. Sreshtha Singh and Robert Smith at Beaufort Memorial Palmetto Medical Group.

November 3, 2026

Polo with a purpose By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The ponies were ready, the mallets were swinging and the Lowcountry community turned out for a good cause as the Rose Hill Charity Polo Match returned Oct. 25. Hosted by Equus Charities of the Lowcountry at the Dr. Sandy S. Termotto Polo Field at Rose Hill Plantation, the afternoon featured a match between the Rose Hill and Equus Charities polo teams, an exhibition by Rancho Lodazal, vendors and spectators gathered to enjoy the sport known as the “Game of Kings.” The event benefited the Lowcountry Autism Foundation. The event benefited the Lowcountry Autism Foundation, which provides resources, educational guidance, advocacy and programs for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. The foundation also helps connect families with local services and is working to add equine-assisted therapy to its programs. That goal made the partnership a natural fit for a day devoted to horses and helping others. Emily Termotto-Trott, speaking on behalf of Equus Charities, said the foundation hopes to launch its equine therapy program by early 2027. “We cannot be more thrilled to help them with that,” she said. The foundation currently serves more than 5,000 families across the region, including families as far north as Charleston, according to Termotto-Trott. The community turned out in force, with Termotto-Trott estimating that more than 1,200 spectators attended the match. “We’ve got a wonderful crowd out here,” she said during the event. Vendors also contributed to the charitable effort, with each donating 10% of sales to charity. Between the polo action, the Rancho Lodazal exhibition and the gathering of spectators along the sidelines, the afternoon offered another chapter in Rose Hill’s longstanding polo tradition. Equus Charities has continued its fundraising efforts through seasonal polo events. Its spring match on April 12 benefited Heroes on Horseback with a $5,000 donation. The next charity polo match is scheduled for April 4, 2027, when the spring event returns. For now, the fall match is in the books, with the Lowcountry Autism Foundation at the center of an afternoon of polo and community support.

The Bluffton Sun

EDITORIAL

Our Staff

Bluffton’s next chapter

Current Circulation Via USPS is 24,533

Editor

Sasha Sweeney editor@blufftonsun.com

By Mayor Larry Toomer Contributor

Page Designer

Cary Howard cary@blufftonsun.com

Advertising

Mary Ann Kent, Sales & Marketing Manager 843-575-4151 BJ Frazier, 843-422-2321 Claudia Chapman, 814-434-3665 Mary Pat Gifford, 912-414-7122

LARRY TOOMER

Contributors Rich Bernstein Abby Bird Lisa Hostetler Brown Ryan Chowansky Chip Collins Danie Connolly Tom Dorsel Collins Doughtie Thomas Dowling L. Kim Eanes Nabil El-Hag Annelore Harrell Jean Harris Channing Heiss Hilton Head Audubon Kenneth Horup

November 3, 2026

Rhoda Gordon Emma June Grosskopf Barry Kaufman Wendy Kushel Nick Martin Tamela Maxim Dan Prud’homme Leslie Rohland Gregg Schor Cinda Seamon Paul Tollefson Larry Toomer Matt Uppenbrink Joanne Vilardi Sandro Virag Mark F. Winn

PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-9507 Physical address: 39 Pearce Rd., Ste 7, 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 21, November 3, 2026, is published twice monthly by Beaufort Media Group, LLC, 39 Pearce Rd, #7 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.

Someone recently asked me, “If Bluffton were a person, in what life stage would it be?” I replied, just like me, Bluffton would be in the third quarter of our career level, still growing, still ambitious, but with enough experience behind us to know that what we do today matters to

our future. Bluffton spent decades planning for growth, and much of what we see being built today was envisioned and approved years ago. A bulldozer may arrive today, but the decision that allowed that development may have been made 20 years ago. We are not finished growing, but we are entering a new chapter. Our focus is shift-

ing from simply building a town to taking care of the community we have built. The numbers help tell that story. Based on development already approved, Bluffton is approximately 80% built out residentially but only about 32% built out commercially. We will continue to see homes built, particularly in the Buckwalter and New Riverside areas, but increasingly, we will also see the other pieces of a community catch up — jobs, businesses, health care, restaurants and services. Health care is one of the clearest examples. Major investments by Novant Health, Beaufort Memorial and MUSC are helping transform the Buckwalter area into a regional health care hub. Increasingly, Bluffton is not simply where people live. It is becoming a place where people work and receive services. But managing growth also means knowing when not to build. The Town is working to preserve nearly 500 acres in the Buckwalter area, representing an investment of approximately $18 million. Without these conservation efforts, that land potentially could have

accommodated approximately 1.2 million square feet of commercial development or nearly 1,000 homes. Those are development units that can permanently come off the books. That is an important part of Bluffton’s next chapter. Sometimes the most consequential development decision we make is deciding that something will not be developed. Our responsibility now is increasingly about stewardship — investing in infrastructure, protecting our natural resources, preserving land, creating housing opportunities, supporting public safety and making sure Bluffton remains the special and unique place we are proud to call home. Larry Toomer is the mayor of the Town of Bluffton. ltoomer@townofbluffton.com Editor’s note: As a service to readers, the newspaper regularly provides space to elected officials to share updates about the government bodies and communities they serve.

Bluffton Township Fire District promotes James Thomas to battalion chief By Bluffton Sun Staff

The Bluffton Township Fire District has promoted James Thomas, an 18-year veteran of the department, to battalion chief. Thomas is assigned to Shift 3 at Station 38. He was formally pinned during the Fire Commission Board meeting Oct. 20, with his wife, two sons, father and stepmother in attendance, along with fellow firefighters and district leadership. Thomas joined the fire district Aug. 11, 2008, beginning his career on Shift 3. He earned national certification as an emergency medical technician in September 2009, followed by his South Carolina EMT certification later that month. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2020 and reassigned to Shift 2, where he most recently served as lieutenant of Ladder 333. Throughout his career, Thomas has served as a hazardous materials techni-

cian on the district’s hazardous materials team and as an aerial apparatus driver and operator for Truck 335 and Ladder 333. In 2018, he deployed to Horry County following Hurricane Florence as part of an engine company providing coverage for Horry County Fire Rescue stations. Thomas earned the Fire Officer designation from the Commission on Professional Credentialing, a program of the Center for Public Safety Excellence, in May 2026. He also earned his Fire Officer III certification in September. The Bluffton Township Fire District provides fire protection, emergency medical first response and other emergency services across 246 square miles of southern Beaufort County. The district operates nine fire stations and offers fire safety education and community risk reduction programs. For more information, visit www.BlufftonFD.com.

November 3, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

November 3, 2026

Best of Bluffton 2027 nominations open Nov. 10

Get ready to celebrate your friends, favorite places and local businesses as The Bluffton Sun launches Best of Bluffton 2027, recognizing the area’s best. Last year’s contest drew 66,715 votes and recognized 285 winners. From real estate and dining to finance and more, readers can nominate their favorites from Nov. 10 through Nov. 30 at BlufftonSun.com/BestOf. The top five nominees in each category will advance to the final voting round, held Dec. 8-31. Participants may nominate and vote once per day during the respective contest periods. Businesses with a Bluffton mailing address or located in the greater Bluffton area are eligible to participate. The eligible area includes ZIP codes 29909, 29910, 29926 (mainland only), 29936 (east of Interstate 95 only) and 29927 (east of Interstate 95 only). Finalists receiving the most

votes will be recognized at an exclusive Best of Bluffton winners’ event. Winners will also be featured in the annual Best of Bluffton glossy magazine and on the winners’ website, and will receive a free framed certificate and window cling. “We’re excited to highlight the best Bluffton has to offer, to celebrate our neighbors and the businesses we frequent,” Publisher Vince Johnson said. No subscription to The Bluffton Sun is required to nominate, be nominated, vote or win. Promotional advertising packages are available to help nominees and finalists reach readers throughout the contest. Nominees can explore promotional options at blufftonsun.com/promote or contact their sales representative. Winners will be celebrated at a winner’s reception and throughout 2027 across The Bluffton Sun’s print and digital platforms.

November 3, 2026

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The Bluffton Sun

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November 3, 2026

Local Eagle Scout project creates new habitat at Jarvis Creek By Hilton Head Audubon Contributor

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Jackson Rothman, a junior at May River High School, is turning his commitment to community service and conservation into a lasting contribution to the Lowcountry. As part of his Eagle Scout project through Scouting America, Rothman built and installed seven bird boxes at Jarvis Creek Park on Hilton Head Island. Rothman completed the project in collaboration with Hilton Head Audubon and the Town of Hilton Head Island. The organizations helped develop a project that supports local wildlife while giving a young community leader an opportunity to make a difference in the environment. Rothman built seven bird boxes designed for different species: two wood duck boxes, one nuthatch box and four bluebird boxes. He constructed each box by hand before placing them along the walking path at Jarvis Creek Park. Visitors walking through the park may soon notice activity around the boxes and, next spring, may even see birds using their new homes. The project goes beyond building birdhouses. By providing nesting locations, Rothman has helped create additional habitat for native and migratory birds. The boxes also offer park visitors an opportunity to observe local wildlife and better understand the relationship between healthy habitats and thriving ecosystems. Hilton Head Audubon will maintain and monitor the bird boxes, providing long-term stewardship of Rothman’s project. Its involvement will help ensure the boxes remain useful for birds and that the project continues to benefit the park beyond the completion of Rothman’s Eagle Scout requirements. The collaboration demonstrates how local youth, community organizations and municipal partners can work together to protect and enhance the natural environment. Rothman’s project also illustrates the role young people can play in conservation and environmental stewardship. The seven bird boxes reflect Hilton

Head Island’s commitment to being an environmentally friendly destination. They also demonstrate how a relatively simple community project can benefit local wildlife while encouraging residents and visitors to appreciate the natural world around them. For Rothman, the project represents more than an Eagle Scout accomplishment. It is a lasting contribution to the community and a reminder that conservation starts with individual action. As birds begin to discover and use the nesting boxes, Rothman’s work will continue to make a difference, one nest, one bird and one season at a time.

Photo credit: Melissa Rothman

November 3, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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The Bluffton Sun

November 3, 2026

Estate planning:

A simple step that can prevent a world of problems By Mark F. Winn Contributor

Most people spend considerable time planning vacations, buying homes and saving for retirement. Yet many postpone one of the simplest and most important steps they can take to protect their families: estate MARK WINN planning. Perhaps it is because nobody likes to think about death or incapacity. But estate planning is not really about death. It is about making life easier for the people you leave behind and protecting the assets and family relationships you worked so hard to build.

A well-designed estate plan can prevent a surprising number of problems. First, it can help families avoid unnecessary court proceedings, delays and expenses. Without proper planning, loved ones may find themselves navigating a complicated legal process at an already difficult time. The right plan can simplify the administration of an estate and, where appropriate, help avoid probate altogether. Second, estate planning can protect privacy. Court proceedings may make personal and financial information part of the public record. Depending on the planning tools used, a properly structured estate plan can help keep family affairs more private. Third, it can reduce the risk of family disputes. When wishes are unclear, family members may disagree over who should receive what, who should make decisions or how an estate should be managed. Clear documents and thoughtful planning can spare loved ones unnecessary conflict.

After all, a family gathering should not turn into a courtroom drama. Estate planning can also help minimize taxes, defer taxes where appropriate and structure the transfer of wealth efficiently. With the right strategy, assets can be preserved for future generations rather than unnecessarily diminished by taxes, expenses or poor planning. It can even help protect family wealth from unintended consequences. For example, parents may want an inheritance to benefit their children without exposing those assets to a child’s future divorce or other creditors. Parents may also wish to leave assets to an adult child with someone else managing those assets for the child’s benefit. Properly structured trusts and other planning tools can accomplish these goals. Finally, estate planning is not just about distributing assets. It can establish who will manage your financial affairs or make important decisions on your behalf

YOUR TIME CAN CHANGE LIVES

if you become incapacitated. Will they have the right to be paid? Will they have a duty to report to others? These are all questions that need to be considered. The good news is that planning ahead is often far easier than fixing problems afterward. A thoughtful conversation with an estate planning attorney today can prevent significant expense, uncertainty and heartache tomorrow. You cannot control every circumstance life brings, but you can control how prepared your family will be. Estate planning is not simply a legal task. It is an act of responsibility, foresight and love. Contributed by Mark F. Winn, J.D., LL.M. in Estate Planning, who is a local tax, asset protection and estate planning attorney. This article is for informational purposes only, is not legal advice. Every situation is unique and should be analyzed independently by a licensed lawyer.

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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. Latitude Margaritaville and the Latitude Margaritaville logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC 1519880/CGC 120919. 2026

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November 3, 2026

Okan, Radici bring Michelin honors to Bluffton By Barry Kaufman Contributor

For decades, the common refrain was that you couldn’t make fine dining work in Bluffton. Despite being home to our share of high-end gated communities and the sophisticated diners within, Bluffton was always seen as a casual culinary scene. Over time, though, particularly within the last few years, that refrain has proven exceedingly misguided. Bluffton’s palate has expanded to include fine dining options and white-linen service, almost eclipsing our neighbors over the bridge. And now, we have the honors to prove it. During a special celebration at The Pinnacle in Nashville, the second annual selection for the 2026 Michelin Guide American South recognized two Bluffton restaurants among the finest in the region. The first Bluffton restaurant to earn accolades was Okan Bluffton, which received a Bib Gourmand distinction, an award through which Michelin “recognizes eateries for great food at a great value.”

Separate from the guide’s famed stars, Matthew Cunningham. “The invitation is the Bib Gourmand distinction recognizes a huge honor, and it really felt like being restaurants that at the Grammys. It’s are personal favorsomething only .05 ites of the orgapercent of restaunization’s anonyrants receive.” mous inspectors. Also on hand Opened in 2023, during the cereOkan weaves mony were Mattia together timeless Bianchi and his team African ingredifrom Radici Italian ents, tracing the Chophouse, which diaspora of cookwas named one of ing techniques as the Michelin Guide they became part American South’s of American and recommended restauCaribbean cuisine. rants for 2026. Just 32 It was one of just restaurants received 14 restaurants this designation at across the South this year’s ceremoto receive the ny, recognized for designation at this offering ingredients year’s ceremony. Photo credit: facebook.com/okanbluffton and dishes above and “Chef (Bernard beyond those of the Bennett) and I were just beside ourselves typical eatery. when they announced it. It’s emotional, Radici earned its distinction after just knowing the time, effort, teamwork and a year and a half in operation, adding process it took just to get there,” said to a trophy case that already includes a

prestigious “Ospitalità Italiana – Ristoranti Italiani nel Mondo” certification from the Italian-American Chamber of Commerce. Founded by a team trained in Michelin-starred restaurants, Radici Italian Chophouse places a premium on authenticity, bringing Italian food back to its roots. “We really went there with no expectation. When they call your name, and your restaurant has been recognized by Michelin, it’s unbelievable. It was more of a dream than a goal, because receiving that after a year and a half of being open is insane,” said Bianchi. “And the whole staff is so happy about it because it’s something we achieved together. It’s about everyone in the dining room, in the kitchen, the dishwashers … from the first one working in the morning to the last one that closes the restaurant, it’s totally been a team award.” A 20-year Bluffton resident, Barry Kaufman is a freelance writer and editor as well as host of B-Town Trivia. Follow him on Instagram @btownbarry and @ btowntrivia.

Celebrating National Recognition for Thomas M. Dowling We are excited to announce that our Head of Wealth Management, Thomas M. Dowling, has been named a 2026 InvestmentNews 5-Star Financial Planner. Tom was recognized alongside just 80 financial planners nationwide through an objective, qualitative review focused on credentials, expertise, and commitment to clientfocused service. This honor reflects the dedication and care he brings to every client relationship.

Thomas M. Dowling Head of Wealth Management AGP of the Lowcountry

Offering securities and advisory services through A.G.P. / Alliance Global Partners Member FINRA & SIPC

The Village at Wexford Hilton Head Island 843.420.1993 infohh@allianceg.com agplowcountry.com

November 3, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

Discover an Exceptional Way of Life at

Canterfield of Bluffton An Independent, Assisted, & Memory Care Community

Experience an inspiring lifestyle in a vibrant community that enables you to design each day as you desire! Our residents enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle along with chef-prepared meals, transportation, engaging activities, quality care, housekeeping, utilities, and a strong sense of comfort and fun! Named Best of Low Country in 2024

Schedule an In-Person Community Tour! canterfieldseniorliving.com/bluffton 567 Okatie Hwy, Ridgeland, SC 29936 | (843) 645 - 4000

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Hilton Head Bridge Club, Beginner Bridge Lessons

Join Us For a One Day Beginning Bridge Seminar

Hilton Head Island Camellia Sectional Tournament Get on the fast track to learning bridge, November 13-15, 2026

er 13

00 Pairs

starting Sunday, January, 10th. 10:00 am Stratiﬁed Open and 0-500 Join Patty Tucker, Founder of Learn Bridge in a Day? ® Stratiﬁed Open and 0-500 Pairs Swiss Teams Saturday, November 14

Sunday, November 15

2:30 pm Stratiﬁed Open and 0-500 Pairs

Two sessions: 10:00 am and

nd Fees

Tennis Resort

29928

son for pairs; hich includes with ACBL #. DEBIT CARDS

If you are justTBAstarting, returning to the game or wanting to “test the waters” before taking our nine week beginner course that follows this class is for you. Game Information

ACBL Open Chart will be usedbe for Open This oneConvention day seminar will taught by Patty Tucker. Patty is a games. Players with 500 or fewer points (including life Grand Life Master, ABTA Master masters) are eligible for “0-500” games. Team game Teacher, NAP Champion and she is stratiﬁcation will be according team MP average. in the Bridge Hall ofto Fame.

Stratiﬁcations:

Open:1000/3000/open Date: Sunday, January 10th: Noon to 6 PM. 0-500: 100/300/500 Daily stratiﬁcation at the discretion the Director Comeofalone or bring a partner. Tournament Chairpersons Location: HiltonVictoria Head Island Bridge Club s Cathy Beckman Holdren org is a great 608-334-3619 95708-366-7429 Mathews Dr. cwbeckman2017@gmail.com victoriaholdren@gmail.com Port Royal Shopping Center, Store AB e each morning Partnership HiltonDesk Head Island, SC, 29928 urchase Karen Zemba etarian options) Cost: $30 if you 704-519-7506 pre-register by contacting Kristi. owed at venue kzpinecone@outlook.com $35 at the door. Textbook and snacks are provided. Register: To register or if you have questions contact Kristi Menees: kristimenees@mac.com; 551-795-6329

Beginner Bridge Lessons

Winter 2027 Sunday afternoons at the Bridge Center Please join us this winter at the Hilton Head Island Bridge Club for lessons Sunday afternoons from 1:00 - 3:00 PM. The course will include nine sessions. You can attend the classes as they fit your schedule. If you are brand new to the game, you will gain the most if you are able to attend a majority of the classes. Jan. 17th: Intro to Bridge & Taking Tricks Jan. 24th: Choosing a Contract; Hand Evaluation Jan. 31st: No Trump Opening Bids Feb. 7th: No Trump Responses Feb. 14th: Major Suit Opening Feb. 21st: Major Suit Bidding March 7th: Minor Suit Open March 14th: Minor Suit Bidding March 21st: Duplicate Game Each lesson is $20. We will be using the Audrey Grant’s textbook: Bridge Basics One. Taught by Kristi Menees. To register please contact Kristi: kristimenees@mac.com. 551-795-6329

Hilton Head Island Bridge Club, ACBL Sanctioned www.bridgewebs.com/hiltonheadisland.

November 3, 2026

Why do stairs feel harder going down?

By Dr. Kenneth Horup Contributor

Have you ever noticed something strange about stairs? Going up might make your legs tired. But going down? That’s when you grab the railing, you slow down, and start looking at DR. KEN HORUP your feet. Maybe you take one step at a time. And somewhere around step number three, you’re thinking: “When did coming downstairs become a strategic operation?” The Harbour Town Lighthouse is perfect to test your relationship with stairs. Going up is pretty straightforward. Your thighs start complaining. Your breathing gets a little louder. Somewhere along the way, you begin wondering whether seeing the view from the top was really necessary. Then you make it, take the picture, catch your breath, and prepare yourself to head back down those stairs. Suddenly you’re holding the railing, watching every step, and thinking: “I don’t remember these stairs being this steep on the way up.” There’s actually a reason coming downstairs can feel very different from climbing up. And here’s something important right from the start: trouble going downstairs does not automatically mean neuropathy. Sometimes the problem is the joints. Knee osteoarthritis, for example, can make descending stairs particularly uncomfortable. Your thigh muscles have to control your body as you lower yourself onto the next step while the knee is bearing load. If that knee is arthritic, it may let you know about it. Sometimes loudly. So, if your complaint is: “My knee hurts every time I go downstairs,” we need to think about the knee. But other people tell me something completely different: “It doesn’t really hurt. I just don’t trust my feet.” Now we’re asking a different question. Walking downstairs requires your brain to know where the next step is, where your foot is, when your foot has

made contact, and whether your body is balanced enough to transfer weight safely. Your eyes help locate the step. Your inner ears help with balance. Your muscles control your descent. And sensory nerves from your feet and legs constantly report back to your brain. Basically, your brain is running a tiny engineering department every time you walk downstairs. Peripheral neuropathy can interfere with some of that information. If sensation in the feet becomes reduced, the brain may receive less reliable information about foot position and contact with the step. Some neuropathies can also cause weakness. That’s when people start looking down more. They grab the railing. They slow down. They may put both feet on each step. And here’s the distinction I want people to remember: Pain going downstairs may make us think about the joints. Feeling unsure where your feet are makes us think about the nervous system too. And sometimes it’s both. A person can have knee arthritis and peripheral neuropathy. Your knee is complaining about the load while your feet aren’t giving your brain the information they used to. Basically, your knees and your nerves have decided to hold a meeting—and unfortunately, you’re invited. That’s why figuring out why stairs have become difficult matters more than simply saying: “Well, I guess I’m getting older.” If you’re experiencing increasing pain, numbness, tingling, burning, weakness, or changes in balance, get evaluated rather than guessing at the cause. And use the railing. Especially at the lighthouse. Nobody gets extra points for coming down hands-free. The view from the top of Harbour Town Lighthouse is beautiful. Getting back down shouldn’t require a strategy meeting between your knees, your feet, and your nervous system. If your feet are numb, tingling, burning—or feel like you’re walking on marshmallows—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.

November 3, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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November 3, 2026

Second Helpings recognizes hunger relief champions By The Bluffton Sun Staff

Second Helpings celebrated a milestone Oct. 21, recognizing more than 60 million pounds of food rescued and distributed in Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties since 1992. The Bluffton-based nonprofit marked the achievement during a celebration at Burnt Church Distillery, where it also presented awards to volunteers, donors and community partners who have supported its hunger relief efforts. Larry Landry received the inaugural Guenther & Louise Hecht Legacy Award, established in partnership with Second Helpings Atlanta to honor the organizations’ founders and recognize individuals who continue their commitment to service and hunger relief. Landry, a former president of the Second Helpings board of directors, has volunteered with the organization for more than six years. He has helped organize fundraising events, develop community relationships and secure resources to support its operations. He and his wife, Nancy, have remained active supporters of the organization. The Long Cove Fund was named Supporter of

the Year. Established as the first charitable endowment fund by a residential community on Hilton Head Island, the fund has awarded more than $1.8 million in grants to local nonprofits over the past two decades. Mark McGilvery, director of food industry partnerships at the Lowcountry Food Bank, received the Partner of the Year award. McGilvery works with national grocery chains that donate food across 10 coastal South Carolina counties, helping Second Helpings expand food rescue efforts and support its partner agencies. Publix Hardeeville was recognized as Food Donor of the Year after donating enough food for nearly 120,000 meals over the past 12 months. Store employees also volunteer at Agape Family Life Center and Mercy Mission, two Second Helpings partner agencies. “Sixty million pounds is an extraordinary milestone, but it is really a story of people,” said Amy Colin, executive director of Second Helpings. Second Helpings collects surplus food that otherwise might be discarded and distributes it free of charge to agencies serving people experiencing food insecurity in the Lowcountry. For more information, visit www.secondhelpingslc.org or call 843-689-3689.

A symbol of remembrance

Students in Mr. Jarvis’ history class at Bluffton High School unveil a box of poppies provided by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 205 after learning about the flower’s significance in honoring veterans. Auxiliary members will distribute the poppies throughout the Bluffton community in observance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

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November 3, 2026

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Emergency care now on Buckwalter Parkway

Novant Health Bluffton Emergency Department is now open at 8 Parkside Drive on Buckwalter Parkway. Health emergencies are stressful enough without a long drive. When every minute matters, you need care close to home. That’s why Novant Health is expanding emergency care — bringing trusted, high-quality care to your community, 24/7. Why choose a Novant Health emergency department? • Close and convenient: Our locations are strategically placed to minimize travel time. • Expert care you can trust: You get hospital-level care from board-certified physicians and an experienced care team. • Comprehensive care: Our freestanding ERs come fully equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, imaging and lab services. Come to us for expert care with your emergencies. Visit NovantHealth.org/Emergency to learn more about our locations.

Find the location nearest you: Novant Health Hilton Head Medical Center Emergency Department 25 Hospital Center Blvd. Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Novant Health Tidewatch Emergency Department 349 Tidewatch Drive W. Bluffton, SC 29910 Novant Health Coastal Carolina Medical Center Emergency Department 1000 Medical Center Drive Hardeeville, SC 29927 Novant Health Bluffton Emergency Department 8 Parkside Drive Bluffton, SC 29910

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The Bluffton Sun

USCB basketball to honor military veterans

November 3, 2026

Free online guide to VA benefits

By The Bluffton Sun

The University of South Carolina Beaufort men’s basketball team will open its season Nov. 10 against UNC Pembroke with a Military Recognition Night honoring veterans and their families. The game, part of USCB’s Warrior Week activities surrounding Veterans Day, will begin at 6 p.m. at The Cove in the Bluffton Campus Recreation Center. The evening will feature a presentation of the colors and the national anthem, followed by a special pregame ball presentation by the designated Hero of the Game. The honoree is a local veteran who served during World War II and the Korean War. USCB plans to recognize him for his military service. “To all who have worn the uniform, thank you for your courage, your dedication and your service to our country,” USCB Chancellor Al M. Panu said. The university is inviting veterans,

A free online guide designed to help veterans navigate federal and state benefits is scheduled to launch at 11:11 a.m. Nov. 11, Veterans Day. Veteran Benefits GPS, created by Iraq War veteran Casey Rose of southern Illinois, will be available to veterans in Bluffton and nationwide at vbgps.org. The website helps users find official government resources and free assistance from accredited veterans service organization representatives. After answering two or three questions, users are directed to appropriate U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs webpages, applicable forms and available assistance. The guide covers 10 benefit categories, including federal and state programs. Rose said it works on cellphones without requiring an

Staff

military families and community members to attend the game and participate in the recognition. For more information, visit uscbathletics. com or follow Sand Shark Athletics on social media.

application, account or personal information. Veteran Benefits GPS is not affiliated with the VA and does not file claims or provide legal advice. “VA.gov is the official source, and I am not trying to replace it,” Rose said. “The official pages are the destination. This is the map. I would rather send a Veteran to a VSO ten times too early than once too late.” Rose served in the Kentucky National Guard from 2007 to 2013 and deployed to Iraq in 2011. He developed the idea while helping fellow veterans navigate education benefits at Southeastern Illinois College in 2012. Although Veteran Benefits GPS operates as a for-profit Illinois company, Rose said the service will remain free to veterans, supported by business sponsorships and voluntary contributions. The website opens Nov. 11 at vbgps.org.

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November 3, 2026

Should I explore selling my family business? By Gregg Schor Contributor

Many companies with annual revenue between $10 million and $100 million are family-owned, and the prospect of selling can be overwhelming. The process involves a complex GREGG SCHOR mix of short- and long-term professional, personal and financial issues. As a result, owners sometimes prefer to postpone addressing these matters rather than face them. Some questions these business owners commonly consider include: 1. Will a buyer pay what my business is actually worth? 2. Will I have the option to stay on or transition out? 3. Can I risk having a customer, employee or competitor discover that I am exploring a sale? While many business owners frequently check the value of their stock portfolios, they may have no realistic idea of what could be their largest asset, their company, is worth or what they can do to increase its value in the eyes of potential buyers. As the cliché goes, a business is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Factors buyers consider favorable when deciding on the type and structure of an offer include profitability, usually measured by adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA); increasing and recurring revenue; limited customer and supplier concentration; barriers to entry; a loyal and satisfied customer base; and untapped growth potential. These factors are associated with lower buyer risk, which can lead to a higher valuation and a greater percentage of the purchase price paid in cash at closing, rather than through contingent or “earn-out” payments tied to the company’s achievement of agreed-upon objectives after the transaction.

An experienced mergers and acquisitions (M&A) adviser can provide reasonable estimates of what a company might be worth under current market conditions. It is also beneficial to work with an experienced wealth manager, accountant and attorney to determine what steps can be taken before a sale to minimize taxes and make the due diligence process go more smoothly. It is possible to sell 100% of a company and negotiate a very short transition period. However, opportunities also exist for owners who are not ready to retire but would like to take a substantial amount of cash off the table. These owners may be able to leave day-to-day operations to the new owners while remaining involved in areas such as maintaining strategic customer relationships and identifying and evaluating additional acquisition opportunities. They may also work less than full time as an employee or consultant. In these situations, the owner typically retains some equity, usually in the 5% to 20% range, and may benefit from a second sale in a few years, sometimes referred to as a “second bite of the apple.” Keeping a potential company sale confidential is critically important to business owners. Word of a possible sale can negatively affect employee morale, harm customer relationships and embolden competitors. Experienced M&A advisers know how to manage a confidential, well-organized process and establish appropriate safeguards. These include serving as the primary point of contact for interested parties and initially distributing a “blind” teaser that describes the business without identifying it. The company’s name is disclosed only after an appropriate nondisclosure agreement is in place. Gregg Schor is the CEO of Protegrity Advisors and advises owners of privately held lower middle market companies on mergers, acquisitions and succession planning. A resident of Bluffton, South Carolina, he works with business owners throughout the Southeast and across the country.

November 3, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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November 3, 2026

Pass the photos, not just the turkey

By Rhoda Gordon Contributor

Bluffton Financial Planning is a boutique wealth management firm committed to delivering quality advice to a fiduciary standard, personalized service, tax-efficient investment strategies and comprehensive financial planning. Nick and Izaac are a unique team characterized by the quality of their education, their veteran backgrounds and their combined 24 years financial planning experience. They understand the shifting dynamics when preparing for retirement, transitioning to retirement and living in retirement. Market volatility is here, Bluffton Financial Planning is providing value through quality advice and effective communication. Let’s talk!

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Thanksgiving is all about family, food and traditions. We gather around the table, share favorite recipes and catch up with relatives we may not have seen in months. But this year, RHODA GORDON after the turkey is carved and before everyone disappears into football games or their phones, why not try something different? Bring out a handful of old family photographs and see what happens. You might be surprised at how much laughter, storytelling and friendly debate a few pictures can create. Think about the last time someone pulled out an old family photograph. Suddenly, everyone has something to say. “Look at Dad’s hair!” “Remember that awful station wagon?” “I can’t believe we wore those outfits!” And inevitably, someone insists they remember the occasion completely differently. That’s part of the fun. Old photographs have a wonderful way of bringing generations together, giving everyone, from grandparents to grandchildren, something to talk about. This Thanksgiving, create a simple family photo memory kit. Gather 10 to 20 photographs from different decades and place them in a small box or envelope. Include pictures of family vacations, holiday celebrations, childhood adventures, old homes and relatives everyone remembers. Add a few index cards and a pen, and you’re ready. There’s no need to organize the entire family collection or spend hours preparing. In fact, the more unexpected the photographs, the better the conversation. After dinner, turn it into a game. Have someone select a photograph without showing it to everyone else and offer three clues about what’s happening in the picture. Let the family guess the people, place or occasion. Or try “Who Is That Baby?” using childhood photographs of the adults around the table. Another favorite is “Remember When?” in which each person chooses a photograph and shares a funny memory connected to it. You can even let the kids interview their grandparents. The goal isn’t to get every

answer right. It’s to enjoy the stories, surprises and laughter along the way. As the stories unfold, jot down names, dates and funny details on the index cards. Better yet, ask permission to record a few of the conversations on your phone. Imagine hearing Grandpa explain how he met Grandma or listening to siblings debate who really broke the kitchen window (we still haven’t gotten to the bottom of that). These spontaneous moments are part of your family’s history, too. And before everyone heads home, take a new group photograph. Someday, that picture may be the one your grandchildren pull out at their own Thanksgiving gathering. I spend a lot of time helping families preserve photographs, but I also love seeing people enjoy them. Photos aren’t meant to sit forgotten in boxes or disappear into digital folders. They’re meant to be shared, talked about and laughed over. So this Thanksgiving, add one more tradition to your celebration. Pass the mashed potatoes, pass the pumpkin pie and then pass the photos. You may discover that the best part of the day isn’t what’s on the table but the memories shared around it. Rhoda Gordon, a local certified photo manager, is the owner of Sunflower Photo Solutions and the creator of DIG YOUR PHOTOS!™, a DIY photo organizing kit. For a decade, she has helped families and businesses sort, organize, digitize and back up their print and digital photo collections. Discover more tips, tricks and how-tos on her YouTube channel, youtube. com/@digyourphotos, or visit sunflowerphotosolutions.com or digyourphotos.com for guidance and support with your media collection and organizing projects.

November 3, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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presents

Kristal Fogle is a local real estate agent who has met many women through the league.

Golf for the business person

By Dr. Jean Harris Contributor

Why should a busy businessperson make time to play golf ? For one thing, you can spend four hours or more with a business colleague or client. The golf course is a terrific place to network. Unlike many other sports, golf offers a significant amount of time between shots, allowing players to get to know one another and discover common interests outside of business. Golf also offers a quiet, serene environment for networking. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, players have opportunities for conversation and bonding. Some employers use golf as a way to observe potential employees and clients. They believe they can learn more about a person during a round of golf than in an interview across a desk. A round of golf can reveal several personal traits: • How does she handle stress? • Does she have a positive or negative attitude? • What does her behavior reveal about her character, sense of humor and honesty? • What can you learn about her interests, dislikes and family life?

There are many similarities between golf and business. Both require strategic thinking, decision-making and patience. Golf provides time for conversation and camaraderie, as well as opportunities to discuss ideas, exchange information and learn about a client’s goals. Businesspeople who play golf can gain an advantage in their careers. Many people advancing into high-level management positions recognize the value of building personal relationships through golf. I highly recommend that businesspeople get involved in the game, whether for networking or relaxation. Locally, there are opportunities to play golf after work. Spark Golf leagues are available at several public golf courses, offering a chance to network while playing nine holes. Seventeen years ago, I started a women’s golf group for those who work and want to meet people through the game. Chicks With Sticks plays during the spring and summer at many local public courses. It is a great opportunity for businesswomen to relax after 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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November 3, 2026

Stumbling and bumbling through life By Collins Doughtie Contributor

Well, it looks like fall has finally decided to come out of hiding. Maybe that change is responsible for what has happened to me over the past couple of weeks or so. Quite frankly, my daily life is pretty quiet and mundane, but out of nowhere, I started getting requests for public speaking events. Public speaking was something I used to do fairly frequently, but to say time has rusted out a fair amount of my brain cells is putting it mildly, as I stumbled through not one but two speaking engagements in a matter of days. One of the many flaws I have is always saying “yes” to commitments like these before thinking things through. I reckon that’s OK, but being the slacker that I am, preparation is out of the question. So I just ramble on, stumbling and bumbling along like I had just downed an entire bottle of Mad Dog 20/20. With that, my first slurring event was at the MUSC campus, where Al Stokes, the Waddell Mariculture Center’s previous director, and I teamed up to talk about our local waters. Al took on the science behind what makes our waters so special with a really cool slide presentation, while I talked about fishing around here. Imagine that. With pretty much a full house and lots of interaction with those who attended, it was really enjoyable. Thank the Lord above for Al being there because, being way smarter than me, he saved me from hooking myself in the head while demonstrating something like the perfect cast. On to “sure, I’ll do it No. 2.” Now, this one really had me b’dazzled because, for once, I actually tried to do some prep work. Held at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn Plantation on Hilton Head, my plan was to talk, or maybe even lie, about what it was like

growing up on Hilton Head, particularly in the early days after our family moved there in 1960. Sitting down at my computer, I wrote down bullet points in a somewhat chronological order so I wouldn’t stagger through this presentation. Just hours before I was to arrive, I went to print out my talking points when my printer bit the dust. Oh great, just great. So instead of neatly printed pages, I walked in with scraps of paper and sticky notes that magically all decided to stick together. Thinking there might be a handful of

people to listen to my ramblings, I was surprised when the entire room filled up. To make this scene complete, I learned that my talk was going to be filmed and kept for all time as part of Hilton Head’s historical record. OMG, if folks who attended the event wondered at all if I was a fruitcake or not, they sure know now! I love telling people about the good old days and the unique childhood I experienced, but I was all over the place. I swear I heard whispers like “Is he OK?” or “There sure are a bunch of splinters in that boy’s windmill.”

I swear I tried, but had a judge been there, he would have pounded his gavel and yelled “Out of order!” numerous times. There was no order. One second, I would be telling tales about a seventh-grade classwide science project where each student was given a petri dish and told to touch the gel in the dish to see if mold would grow when the dishes were checked a week later. When that time came and the dishes came out, every dish had a touch of mold except one, mine. Having sucked on a lollipop just before the class when we were to touch the gel, the lid on my petri dish had popped off, with mold that was a good 6 inches high. Needless to say, at this fragile entrance into puberty, girls would steer way clear of that dirty Collins Doughtie. If I remember correctly, my middle school escapade was closely followed by one of the attendees asking me to talk about Operation Jack Pot, when a fair number of well-known islanders ended up in the pokey for pot smuggling. See what I mean? There was absolutely no order to my talk. I can only imagine that after I am dead and gone, a husband and wife will watch my hourlong psychotic historical rant and, upon its ending, agree that genetics sure must have been messed up back then. Hey, they might just be right! Collins Doughtie is a 60-year resident of the Lowcountry, a sportsman, graphic artist and lover of nature. collinsdoughtie@ icloud.com. Editor’s note: I had the pleasure of attending Collins’ sold-out talk at the Coastal Discovery Museum and it was thoroughly engaging, entertaining and educational. If you ever have the opportunity to hear Collins speak, I highly recommend you take it.

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November 3, 2026

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I’m not 60. I’m 40. Again. By Wendy Kushel Contributor

I woke up this morning and decided I’m not 60. I don’t want to be 60. I don’t feel 60. I don’t look 60. I’m not fat. I don’t have flabby arms. I don’t wear patterned shirts from Belk. WENDY KUSHEL I’m 40. I hang out with young people. I work every day. I put up tents. I take down tents. I haul tables, unload boxes and lift 30-quart batches of sugar scrub like I’m training for the Olympics. I wear yoga pants and sneakers to work. I run around all day. Does that sound like a 60-year-old woman to you? What’s up, brother? I’m out here working. I bartend part time with a young crew at a catering company, so I have to stay current. I’m not about to be the old lady standing there confused while everybody else is saying “that’s fire” and “you’re tripping.” I’m locked in, twin. I know what “sus” means. I know “unhinged” means somebody has completely lost the plot. I know “triflin’” means you’re doing something out of pocket in a bad way. And right now? I’m crashing out. Because my friends are turning 61. Some are turning 62. These are women I went to high school and college with. Women I remember drinking cheap wine with, dancing until 3 a.m. and making questionable decisions about men. Now they have a six in front of their age. I find this deeply disturbing. I think I’m having a midlife crisis. Which, if you do the math, means I’m planning to live to 120. Fine. I’ll take it. And yes, I still flirt. Not with anyone in particular. I just believe a little harmless flirting is good for the soul. I’m married, not invisible. What I refuse to do is wake up

one morning wearing capri pants, a patterned shirt and those hideous orthopedic-looking sandals that appear to have been borrowed from Melissa Etheridge. Not happening. And I’m not saying anything is wrong with living in a 55-and-older community. Some of those places have better amenities and a stronger social calendar than I do. I’m just not ready to move into one. I’m not ready to spend my mornings playing pickleball, joining the mahjong club or attending meetings about the community garden. I still have tents to put up, sugar scrub to make and a business to grow. Now, I will admit there are certain physical indications that I might not actually be 40. For example, if I drop something on the floor, I have to seriously consider whether I need it badly enough to bend down and retrieve it. And if I actually get down on the floor, getting back up requires furniture, strategic planning and possibly a crane. At those moments, I’m not 60. I’m 92. My knees are tripping. But when did 60 become old? And who decided what 60 is supposed to look like, dress like or act like? Because nobody consulted me. I still have businesses to build, places to go and a closet full of yoga pants. So I’ve made an executive decision. I’m 40. Again. And if anyone has a problem with that, they can take it up with my knees. They’re the only ones telling the truth. No cap. 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 stand-up comedy, film, TV and a lot of sales and marketing. For more information about Wendala’s® LowCountry Sugar Scrub visit www.lowcountrysugarscrub.com or call/text 843-949-8933.

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November 3, 2026

New Bluffton facility aims to attract businesses, support entrepreneurs By The Bluffton Sun Staff

The town of Bluffton and the Don Ryan Center for Innovation will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 16 to celebrate the opening of The COVE, a new facility designed to attract businesses and support economic development. The ceremony is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at 97 Progressive St., near the Bluffton Police Department. The COVE, which stands for Community, Opportunity, Vision and Entrepreneurship, will provide temporary office space for companies considering establishing operations in Bluffton. The facility also includes a large training and conference room, networking space and offices for economic development partners. The building will serve as a second location for the Don Ryan Center, the town’s economic development department. The first floor includes commercial spaces available for lease to new business-

es, including a child care center that is already open. “This project is about more than a building—it’s about people and possibility,” Mayor Larry Toomer said. “Bluffton’s strength has always come from our small businesses, not just one or two major employers. One of Council’s priorities is to support small businesses with resources and a place to land. The COVE is that welcome mat—an invitation for new

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businesses to take root in Bluffton.” The COVE is the first completed building in a three-building development at Buckwalter Place, a 94-acre commerce park. The development is expected to include approximately 50,100 square feet of office and light industrial space when completed. The COVE accounts for 14,400 square feet. The project is a public-private part-

nership between the town and Dolnik Properties. The town owns the land, while Dolnik Properties is developing the site. Bluffton invested approximately $4.1 million in infrastructure, utilities and parking, while the developer invested more than $7 million in construction. The town will own The COVE, with the Don Ryan Center overseeing operations and leasing. The project also received a $130,000 grant from the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation and a $1 million grant from Palmetto Electric Cooperative through the South Carolina Power Team. SouthernCarolina Alliance contributed $25,000. Representatives from Bluffton Town Council, the Don Ryan Center, regional economic development organizations and the development team are expected to attend the grand opening. Buckwalter Place is home to medical, retail, educational and business facilities, including the Don Ryan Center for Innovation.

November 3, 2026

Gallery OF GIFTS

The Bluffton Sun

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T E K TIC ONE A D M2I6T• VOLUME 29, ISSUE 21

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Arts and Events Calendar Bluffton Library Events

For information on events, call 843-2556503. Nov. 5, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Musical program featuring the Sun City Jazz Band.

Fabulous Forgeries Exhibition

Nov. 6, 5-8 p.m. Atelier Off Bay, 203 West St., Beaufort First Friday exhibition featuring hand-painted interpretations of famous masterpieces and artistic styles by 14 resident artists. Includes artist meet-andgreets, wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres. Open to the public.

Palmetto Quilt Guild

• PQG Community Service Day Nov. 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Island Lutheran Church, 4400 Main St., Hilton Head Island Community service day hosted by the Palmetto Quilt Guild. • PQG Meeting and Holiday Luncheon Nov. 17, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. TidePointe, Hilton Head Island Palmetto Quilt Guild meeting and holiday luncheon.

Sea Pines Bonfire Fundraiser

Nov. 13, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Sea Pines Forest Preserve 15th annual fundraiser featuring cocktails, Lowcountry-inspired food, live music and a bonfire. Proceeds benefit capital replacement projects throughout the preserve. seapines.com/events

Hilton Head Plantation Crafters Annual Holiday Craft/Bake Sale

Nov. 14, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Christ Lutheran Church, 829 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island Annual holiday craft and bake sale benefiting MiraSol Health’s Hospice Care of the Lowcountry program.

Bob Masteller’s Jazz For All Ages Music Festival

Nov. 14-15 Hilton Head Island The 12th annual festival features Joe Gransden and his Big Band presenting a Tony Bennett tribute Nov. 14 and the Jazz Legacy Project All-Stars presenting a Ray Charles program Nov. 15. Noon jazz brunch performances feature Harper

Krimm and her quartet Nov. 14 and Cynthia Utterbach with the Eric Jones Trio Nov. 15. Proceeds benefit the Junior Jazz Foundation. JazzForAllAges.com

Four Corners Holiday Open House

Nov. 22, 3-6 p.m. Four Corners Fine Art & Framing, 1263B May River Road, Bluffton Holiday open house featuring original artwork, gifts and an opportunity to browse the gallery’s collection. Four Corners has served the Lowcountry arts community for 28 years.

Thanksgiving Wagon Rides

Nov. 23-28, 10 a.m. Heritage Farm, Sea Pines Seasonal wagon rides through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve featuring views of the preserve’s fall scenery. seapines.com/events

Pre-Turkey Day Sea Pines Dolphin Dash 5K

Nov. 25, 9 a.m. Sea Pines Beach Club Five-kilometer beach run and walk along Hilton Head Island’s shoreline. Online registration only, closing at 8:45 a.m. on race day. seapines.com/events

23rd Annual Fishing Tournament

Nov. 27, 10-11:30 a.m. Fish Island, Sea Pines Forest Preserve Fishing tournament featuring bass, bream and catfish, with prizes in several categories. Reservations required. seapines.com/events

Caramel Apple Festival

Nov. 27, 1-3 p.m. Heritage Farm, Sea Pines Family-friendly fall festival featuring caramel apples, games, crafts, a bounce house and other activities. seapines.com/events

Gregg Russell Thanksgiving Concert

Nov. 27, 7:30-9 p.m. Liberty Oak, Harbour Town Free family concert featuring Gregg Russell, the official Harbour Town Christmas tree lighting and a Santa Claus visit from 5:30-7 p.m. seapines.com/events

Palm Trees & Pistons

Nov. 26, 9 a.m. Harbour Town, Sea Pines Family-friendly holiday scavenger hunt. Reservations required by 5 p.m. Nov. 25. seapines.com/events

Nov. 28, 9-11 a.m. NALA’s Beach Bar & Grill, Hilton Head Island Monthly car show featuring vintage, antique, exotic, muscle and other unique vehicles. Vehicle owners are welcome to participate. Free and open to the public. NALA’s offers a 25% breakfast discount from 9 a.m. to noon for attendees who mention Palm Trees & Pistons. The show is moving to the fourth Saturday of each month, weather permitting.

Thanksgiving With Stan Smith

Holiday Pops

Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt

Nov. 26-28, 9 a.m.-noon Sea Pines Racquet Club Tennis sessions with former U.S. Open and Wimbledon champion Stan Smith. Reservations required. Call 843-363-4495.

Harbour Town Lights

Nov. 27-Jan. 1, all day Harbour Town, Sea Pines Holiday light displays and a towering Christmas tree, with seasonal entertainment. Official tree lighting takes place Nov. 27 before the Gregg Russell concert. Donations of canned goods and new, unwrapped children’s toys benefit The Deep Well Project. seapines.com/events

Nov. 28, 7 p.m., Bluffton; Nov. 29, 4 p.m.; Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m. Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra holiday concerts featuring conductor John Morris Russell, vocalist Melinda Doolittle, the HHSO Chorus and violinist Mana Takahashi, winner of the 2026 Youth Concerto Competition.

Bluffton Christmas Tree Lighting

Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m. Martin Family Park, Bluffton Town of Bluffton holiday celebration featuring the annual tree lighting, Santa’s Workshop at DuBois Park and an outdoor screening of “The Muppet Christmas Carol” at 6:30 p.m.

Bluffton Christmas Parade

Dec. 5, 10 a.m. Historic District, Bluffton The town’s 55th annual Christmas parade featuring a procession through Bluffton’s Historic District.

Singer-Songwriter Workshop With THE Dubber

Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-noon Hardeeville Library, Hardeeville Free singer-songwriter workshop featuring South Carolina musician THE Dubber, a former Richland Library artist-in-residence who has appeared on SCETV’s “Towns in Tune.” Presented by GrahamJamMusic and Hardeeville Library. grahamjamfam.com

Santa’s Tour

Dec. 11 and 17, 4-7 p.m. New Riverside Barn, Dec. 11; Bluffton Welcome Center, Dec. 17 Holiday visits with Santa Claus at locations throughout Bluffton. Families are encouraged to bring cameras for photos.

Bluffton on Ice

Dec. 11-20, times not provided New Riverside Event Lawn, Bluffton Free outdoor skating on synthetic ice, with skates available to borrow in all sizes. Food trucks will be on-site during rink hours.

Merry & Made Holiday Craft Fair

Dec. 13, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. New Riverside Event Lawn, Bluffton Holiday shopping event featuring handmade crafts, gifts and merchandise from local vendors.

The Nutcracker and Sugar Plum Fairy’s Sweet Soirée

Dec. 19, 5-7 p.m. New Riverside Barn, Bluffton Okatie Youth Ballet performs scenes from “The Nutcracker” from 5-6 p.m., followed by the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Sweet Soirée from 6-7 p.m. Includes ballerina photo opportunities and light refreshments. Bring chairs or blankets.

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW – BOOK TODAY! THE SUN WILL COME OUT

Planning to attend the Lantern Parade? Here’s what to know

By Barry Kaufman Contributor

Over the seven years since its inception, the Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade has grown to become one of our most beloved traditions. But it has also grown, in the very literal sense, into an evening that requires a little planning. As many locals know, traffic getting in and out of the parade has become an issue over the last few years, but there are several ways to avoid it. “The best advice I can give is to make a day of it. Plan on going early, having lunch at one of the great local restaurants down that way, walk the beach and just enjoy playing tourist for a bit,” said Natalie Harvey, director of cultural affairs and organizer of this year’s parade. “And be patient. This is a big event, and there’s only one way in or out.” That’s not to say organizers haven’t been proactive about pre- and post-parade gridlock. For one, they’ve been fortunate that the tides allowed this year’s parade to take place Nov. 14, rather than adding to Thanksgiving traffic. Organizers have also secured parking spaces stretching from Alder Lane to Coligny and up Pope Avenue, including at venues such as First Baptist Church on South Forest Beach. Plus, they’ve added musical performances at Lowcountry Celebration Park, featuring Groove Town Assault, New Orleans-style jazz ensemble The Kanola Band, Black Sheep Ensemble, the Marine Corps Dirty Boots Band and the Atlanta Drum Academy. “We have the Rec Center coordinating food trucks at the park starting at 3 p.m.,

and the Beaufort County channel livestreaming the parade on the jumbotron,” Harvey said. “We started encouraging people to stay a little later, and it’s become a really great spot for families.” Harvey has a few other tips for reducing the time spent in your car before and after the parade. The first is to take advantage of the shuttle from USCB, which starts at 4:15 p.m. The second is to enjoy the parade a little farther up, closer to where it steps off on Alder Lane, allowing you to get on the road before the parade even reaches Coligny. And if you want to extend the festivities, book a room at a nearby hotel and turn the outing into a staycation. The best advice she can give, however, is simply to enjoy the parade for the celebration of island culture that it is. And that means getting involved by making your own lantern to light up the night. Lantern workshops will be held across the island in the weeks leading up to the parade: at Full Spectrum Studio on Nov. 4 and 11; at the Coastal Discovery Museum on Nov. 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12; at the Hilton Head Library on Nov. 6; and at Carolina Coffee & Crumbs on Nov. 10 and 11. The Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade steps off at 5:45 p.m. Nov. 14 at Alder Lane Beach Access, winding across Coligny Beach and into Lowcountry Celebration Park. Visit culturehhi.org for more details. A 20-year Bluffton resident, Barry Kaufman is a freelance writer and editor as well as host of B-Town Trivia. Follow him on Instagram @btownbarry and @ btowntrivia.

DECEMBER 2 – JANUARY 3 Annie is the heartwarming, Tony Award-winning classic that follows the adventures of a spirited young orphan determined to find her parents. With the help of her dog Sandy and a little “Tomorrow” optimism, Annie discovers the true meaning of family in this beloved musical filled with unforgettable songs and big-hearted charm.

NOV 14 | 11:30AM - 2:30PM TOWN’S OFFICIAL

HOLIDAY KICKOFF

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

DEC 15 | 2 SHOWS! A HOLIDAY SPECIAL

A brand-new holiday concert from Broadway & multiscreen star Cheyenne Jackson. Expect classic favorites, candid storytelling, and a night of unforgettable holiday magic.

T i c ke t s f r o m t h i r d - p a r t y s e l l e r s m a y n o t b e v a l i d . F o r g u a r a n t e e d e n t r y, p u r c h a s e t i c k e t s f r o m A r t s C e n t e r o f C o a s t a l C a r o l i n a : a r t s h h i .c o m , o v a t i o n t i x .c o m o r c a l l t h e b ox o f f i c e a t ( 8 4 3 ) 8 4 2 - 2 7 8 7.

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Children’s Book Week brings author visits, book fair to Bluffton

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Bluffton will celebrate Children’s Book Week with two events in November, including a visit from bestselling children’s author Max Brallier and the ninth annual Lowcountry Children’s Book Fair. Children’s Book Week runs Nov. 9-15, but the local celebration will begin Nov. 8 with an appearance by Brallier, author of The Last Kids on Earth series, at the Bluffton Branch Library, 120 Palmetto Way. Brallier will visit the library from 4 to 6 p.m. as part of a book tour celebrating The Last Kids on Earth and the Zombie Parade: The Graphic Novel. The event will begin with themed activities inspired by the series, followed by a question-and-answer session with Brallier and a book signing. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the author, and one participant will win a complete set of The Last Kids on Earth books provided by the Friends of the Bluffton Library. Books will be available for purchase through The Storybook Shoppe. Brallier’s The Last Kids on Earth series follows 13-year-old Jack Sullivan and his friends as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world filled with monsters. The books combine adventure, humor and friendship and have inspired a Netflix

animated series. Brallier has also written Eerie Elementary, Mister Shivers, Galactic Hot Dogs and Can YOU Survive the Zombie Apocalypse? The celebration will continue Nov. 14 with the ninth annual Lowcountry Children’s Book Fair, scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. at Tanger 1, 1256 Fording Island Road, Bluffton. The free event will feature 16 children’s authors from across the Southeast, offering families opportunities to attend interactive storytimes, meet authors and purchase signed books. The book fair will also be part of Tanger Outlets’ Tree Lighting Celebration. This year’s featured local author is Ann Lilly, creator of the Scoot series. Lilly will lead interactive storytimes featuring her new holiday book, Scoot’s Coastal Christmas, at 1:30, 3 and 4 p.m. Other participating authors include Kelly Byrd, Rebecca Bruff, Judy Drew Fairchild, Angela May, Katherine Robinson, Mary T. Jacobs, Kate Devlin, Doug Snelson and Helen Wilbur. Lucky Rabbit Publishing, a South Carolina children’s book publisher, will also participate with featured author Meredith Walker. The Lowcountry Children’s Book Fair is presented by The Storybook Shoppe, the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center and Tanger Outlets.

Bring a friend, raise a glass & kick off the holiday season at Four Corners.

Open House!

Before the hustle & bustle begins, spend a festive afternoon enjoying the gallery, discovering original art & finding something special for everyone on your list, including yourself.

Sunday, November 22nd | 3 - 6pm

Sip, Shop & Celebrate the Season with us! Enjoy festive sips & bites while browsing beautiful art, one-of-a-kind gifts, & plenty of holiday inspiration.

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1263-B May River Rd Old Town Bluff ton, SC 29910 fourcornersgallerybluffton.com

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Madeline Martin, Annelore Harrell featured at Bluffton author talks

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Bluffton readers will have opportunities to meet two authors in November, with bestselling historical fiction writer Madeline Martin visiting The Bluffton Bookshop and local author Annelore Harrell appearing at The Roasting Room. Meet Madeline Martin at The Bluffton Bookshop Martin will discuss and sign copies of her latest novel, A Time of Witches, at 6 p.m. Nov. 11 at The Bluffton Bookshop in Old Town Bluffton. The event will mark the independent bookstore’s first appearance by an internationally bestselling author. Published Sept. 1, A Time of Witches follows two women whose lives are connected across centuries. After her mother’s death, Lilith Legare experiences unsettling changes and dreams that lead her from Savannah to an old manor in England. There, she discovers a connection to Sybil Brantham, a widow accused of witchcraft in Suffolk, England, in 1645. The novel explores betrayal, family history and the experiences of women whose voices were silenced. Martin’s visit came about after a customer expressed interest in seeing the author at Bluffton’s new bookstore on social media. Martin subsequently contacted the shop, leading to plans for the event. Martin’s books have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists, and her historical fiction has been translated into more than 25 languages. Her other novels include The Last Bookshop in London, The Keeper of Hidden Books, The Librarian Spy, The Booklover’s Library and The Secret Book Society. Martin spent much of her childhood in Germany while her family was stationed there through the military. She now lives in Florida with her husband and two daughters. Tickets for the Nov. 11 event include a copy of A Time of Witches. Space is

limited, and tickets are available at theblufftonbookshop.com. The Bluffton Bookshop is located at the corner of Wharf and Bridge streets in Old Town Bluffton. Discover Annelore Harrell at The Roasting Room Another author event is scheduled for Nov. 16, when Bluffton resident Annelore Harrell will give a talk from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at The Roasting Room, 1297 May River Road, upstairs above Corner Perk. Harrell’s second book, Et Cetera Y’all, Volume 2, brings together 46 of her newspaper columns from 1999 and 2000, along with vintage recipes. The collection offers a look at Bluffton’s people, traditions and history through stories originally written for local newspaper readers. Harrell wrote a weekly column for nearly 25 years, beginning with the Carolina Morning News, and continues to write for The Bluffton Sun. Her writing has documented everyday life and the changing character of the Lowcountry. Copies of Et Cetera Y’all, Volume 2 will be available for purchase at the event. The talk is free, but reservations are required. A $5 donation is suggested for Libraries for Kids, International. To reserve a place, call or text Tamela Maxim at 843-683-4100 or email tamela. maxim@libraries4kids.org.

OUR NOVEMBER EVENTS FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS • 10AM-2PM Vendors will be offering Holiday & Vintage Themed Merchandise. Enjoy Special Holiday Treats & Drinks from our Bakers & Drink Vendors. SUNDAYS, NOVEMBER 15TH & 22ND 11AM-4PM

VINTAGE & ART BAZAAR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH 4PM-7PM

‘Tis the Night to Celebrate

Enjoy the festivities under the lights with food trucks and a handmade mercantile for all your holidays needs. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH 11AM-1PM

Don’t forget to visit me! 172 BLUFFTON ROAD (ROUTE 46)

BLUFFTONFARMANDFLEA.COM • 843-837-3111 BLUFFTONFARMANDFLEA@GMAIL.COM

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Sip, Savor & Save The Dates! JOIN US

November 6 at 6:30pm for Bourbon Women South Carolina

$129

includes 4 Course Gourmet Dinner, Tax & Tip

(space is limited to 50 people. Call today and reserve your spot)

National Brand Ambassador Caryn Wells will be here to share history and products.

November 13

Exclusive Wine & Culinary Event Cristom Wine Dinner at 6:00 pm

$125 (Plus tax and tip)

Enjoy and evening of great wine and excellent food.

November 26

Thanksgiving Day Serving Traditional & Local Favorites from 10am-4pm Secure Your Place and Make a Reservation Today.

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843-648-5858 www.lulukitchenhhi.com

November 3, 2026

Gallery of Gifts returns to Hilton Head for holiday shopping By The Bluffton Sun Staff

The Art League of Hilton Head will bring back its annual Gallery of Gifts holiday exhibit Nov. 17 through Dec. 31, featuring original artwork and handcrafted gifts by Lowcountry artists. The seasonal exhibit at Art League Gallery will offer an assortment of items for sale, including paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, ornaments and holiday decorations created by local member artists. The selection will change throughout the exhibit, giving visitors opportunities to discover different pieces during the holiday shopping season. “We love seeing the gallery take on a whole new personality during Gallery of Gifts,” said Kristen McIntosh, general manager of the Art League of Hilton Head. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to discover the incredible talent we have right here in the Lowcountry. And there’s something especially satisfying about finding a gift you know won’t be sitting on a shelf in every department store!” An opening reception will be held Nov. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m., offering visitors an opportunity to meet participating artists and enjoy refreshments. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. Art League Gallery is located inside

the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina at 14 Shelter Cove Lane on Hilton Head Island. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. The gallery also opens 90 minutes before Arts Center performances. The Art League of Hilton Head is a nonprofit visual arts organization that operates a gallery and teaching academy. The gallery features work by more than 250 member artists, with exhibitions changing monthly and artwork available for purchase. The Art League Academy, located at 106 Cordillo Parkway, offers classes and workshops for artists of various experience levels, including beginners. For more information about Gallery of Gifts, call 843-681-5060 or visit www. ArtLeagueHHI.org.

November 3, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Hampton Lake | Bluffton

Hampton Hall | Bluffton

24 Harborage Court | $1,175,000 Maureen Harris | 973.943.6449

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1043 Caravel Court | $1,299,000 Kim Molloy | 843.368.1300 The Prud’homme Team

44 Minuteman Drive | $1,849,000 Allison Cobb | 843.338.7256 The Cobb Group

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275 Belfair Oaks Boulevard | $1,375,000 Ken Vilcheck | 843.422.3145 Renee Vilcheck | 843.422.5165

58 Sparwheel Lane | $2,119,000 Max Gregori | 614.364.0304 Gerry Prud’homme | 843.384.5436 The Prud’homme Team

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2026-2027 | 45th Season HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

John Morris Russell, Music Director

A heartwarming holiday tradition that brings generations together through the joy of music.

Siren’s Song Choirs to perform ‘Vintervärlden’ By The Bluffton Sun Staff

The Siren’s Song Choirs will present “Vintervärlden,” a candlelit winter concert, at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at All Saints Episcopal Church on Hilton Head Island. Under the direction of composer and conductor L.M. Bucklaw, the concert will explore winter celebrations and traditions, including Christmas and Hanukkah, through a variety of genres. The program will feature individual vocal solos accompanied by choral arrangements, with an emphasis on storytelling and the beauty of the winter season.

THE LOWCOUNTRY’S HOLIDAY TRADITION. Holiday Pops SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 · 7:00 PM St. Gregory the Great Parish Life Center John Morris Russell, conductor Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus, Dustin Ousley, director Melinda Doolittle, vocalist Mana Takahashi, violin (2026 Youth Concerto Competition winner)

Kick off the holiday season with American Idol’s Melinda Doolittle, the HHSO Chorus, holiday favorites, and music the entire family will enjoy.

hhso.org • 843.842.2055 Thank you to our Holiday Pops Sponsors

November 3, 2026

Award-winning organist and pianist Mollie Nichols will join The Siren’s Song Choirs for the performance. The concert will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church, 3001 Meeting St., Hilton Head Island. Tickets are $30 for general admission, $20 for students with identification and $15 for children ages 5-12. Tickets may be purchased in advance at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/vintervarlden or at the door on the day of the concert. Credit cards, debit cards, cash and checks will be accepted. Checks should be made payable to Siren’s Song Choirs.

Sweet candied carrots

By Leslie Rohland Contributor

Every holiday table needs a dish that brings a little color and brightness to the richer flavors of the season. Sweet Candied Carrots do exactly that, adding a vibrant autumnal hue and just the right balance of LESLIE ROHLAND sweet and savory flavor. They pair beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, pork tenderloin, or a traditional holiday roast. Their natural sweetness also complements savory favorites such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and warm dinner rolls without competing for attention. Carrots can sometimes feel like an everyday vegetable, but this recipe gives them a place at the center of a celebratory table. The finished dish feels familiar enough to appeal to guests of all ages while offering enough depth to make it memorable. A touch of acidity keeps the sweetness balanced, raisins add texture, and fresh parsley provides a colorful finishing note. This is also a practical choice for Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings. It is prepared on the stovetop, leaving valuable oven space available for the turkey, casse-

roles, and pies. The bright orange carrots look especially beautiful on a simple serving platter and can bring warmth to an otherwise neutral holiday spread. Sweet Candied Carrots are the perfect side dish for a holiday table. Colorful, comforting, and easy to pair with the season’s favorite foods, they may even convince a few guests to make room on their plates for seconds.

Sweet Candied Carrots Serves 8-10

Ingredients: ¼ cup Butter 2 lbs. Carrots, cut into bite size coins 1/2 cup Honey 1/2 cup Brown sugar, packed 1/2 cup Raisins 2 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar Salt and pepper Fresh Parsley, minced, for garnish Instructions: Place the carrots in a large skillet and add 1 teaspoon salt and 1 cup water. Bring to a rapid simmer over medium-heat, and cook until the carrots are just tender, about 5 minutes and drain. Add the butter, brown sugar, honey, raisins, vinegar, and pinches of salt and pepper to the skillet. Increase the heat and boil, tossing the carrots occasionally, until the sauce is reduced to a glaze, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with parsley and lightly drizzle with extra honey.

holiday 26 line up ch2 full.qxp_Layout 1 10/28/26 3:57 PM Page 1

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The Bluffton Sun

Enjoy the Holidays

OLD TOWN BLUFFTON ShopOldTownBluffton.com

HOLIDAY ART WALK Friday November 13th 3 - 7 pm It’s the perfect time to start your holiday gift shopping!

MALL-TERNATIVE Friday November 27th All Day SHOP LOCAL ~ SHOP SMALL Find deals and savings all day long at your favorite local Bluffton merchants. Visit www.shopoldtownbluffton.com for more info!

4th ANNUAL JINGLE STROLL Thursday December 3rd 4 - 7 pm Find treats for every age and a few just for yourself. Be on the lookout for Santa!

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Friday December 4th 5:30-8:30 pm Tree Lighting at Martin Family Park, then Santa’s Workshop and a Movie

CHRISTMAS PARADE Saturday December 5th 10 am - 12 noon 55th annual parade through Historic Old Town Bluffton

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

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Okatie Youth Ballet dancers earn top honors at Grand Jeté By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Dancers from Okatie Youth Ballet earned five awards, including two first-place finishes, at the 2026 Grand Jeté dance competition held Sept. 28-Oct. 4 at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities in Greenville. Brooke Smith won first place in the senior ballet category, while Sadie Taft took first place in junior modern/contemporary dance and second place in junior ballet. Two other Okatie Youth Ballet dancers also received recognition. Giana Rosenbaum earned the Promise Award in the pre-competitive category, and Eliza Kirkland placed third in junior modern/contemporary dance. The competition brought together 81 student dancers from across the region for classical ballet and contemporary solo performances, master classes and auditions for dance programs. Now in its eighth year, Grand Jeté provides opportunities for dancers from studios across South Carolina to perform, receive instruction and connect with other young artists. Representatives from 23 recruiting institutions and conservatory programs attended the event. Participants received more than $90,000 in scholarship offers for summer and college dance programs, in addition to competition awards. The South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities hosted the competition through its Dance Department. The Greenville-based public residential high school provides academic education and pre-professional arts training for students in grades 10-12. It also offers summer programs and arts outreach opportunities.

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November 3, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

A sliver of soap

By Danie Connolly Contributor

I did my summer-to-winter clothes switch today. I’m behind schedule, but it’s been an interesting month getting here, even today. As I was escorting my white shoes to their sandal pals DANIE CONNOLLY for the long season ahead, I spied a pair of beat-up white flats that sank my heart when I picked them up. They belonged to my dearest girlfriend. She passed away more than a few years back, but it still hurts when I see something that reminds me of her. We traveled across America, kinda like Thelma and Louise (minus the cliff), and still have friends we accumulated along the way. I have custody of them now, and the unwritten rule is that any of us can pick up the phone to relate the day’s funny moments and laugh for hours. If you’ve been blessed with friends like that, you know what I mean. I want to share a moment in time that will make you smile, no matter how low your low is. I was recovering from a major health hiccup (stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma), and she made me laugh every single day through phone calls, cards or visits. Early in my treatments, BBB and I would drive her to the airport for her trip home,

loaded with bags from all the shopping we spent hours doing. Shopping’s always been my best medicine. She loved the scent of New England balsam, and I always made sure to stock up on it for her in lotions and other products. It had been an unusually difficult visit, and on the way out of the airport, I received an urgent call from her. BBB and I turned around and met her outside. Apparently, they had changed the list of hazardous items, and she couldn’t take her mini balsam forest on the plane. Apparently, the soap looked like C4! I took it and guaranteed her I’d find a way to get it to her. She hugged me tight as we said goodbye again, and she whispered with tears in her eyes, “As long as you have a sliver of soap, you’ll be OK.” From that day forward, I always brought her a beautiful bar of soap if I traveled by car or ordered it online to arrive at her house. It became my “gift of friendship” whenever we were together. When it was her time to live with devastating ALS, I stayed with her, armed with her precious scented soaps. “You’ve gotta stop with the bars of soap!” she said, exasperated. “I’ve got enough soap to clean everyone in Baltimore!” “Oh, OK. Well, I only bring it because of what you said,” I protested, and then repeated, “As long as you have a sliver of soap, you’ll be OK.” She stared at me for a long moment, bewildered and confused. Then she gave me a smile I remember to this day. “I said a sliver of hope, you moron, not soap!”

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HERITAGE LIBRARY FALL HISTORIC TOURS VISIT HILTON HEAD ISLAND

COLONIAL ERA CEMETERY TOUR

A JOURNEY ROOTED IN HISTORY Visit the gravesites of four Revolutionary War heroes and find out about the bloody skirmish that was fought just steps away. Site on the SC Liberty Trail. Corner of Hwy. 278 & Mathews Dr.

TUESDAYS November 3, 10 10:00-11:00am $10/LIBRARY MEMBERS | $12/NONMEMBERS CHILDREN 12 & UNDER FREE Registration required.

HISTORIC FORT MITCHEL TOUR

Fort Mitchel contains the remains of a coastal defense battery erected in 1862 to protect the Port Royal Sound by way of Skull Creek from incursions by Confederate gunboats. 65 Skull Creek Dr., Hilton Head Plantation

THURSDAYS November 5, 12 10:00-11:00am $10/LIBRARY MEMBERS | $12/NON-MEMBERS CHILDREN 12 & UNDER FREE Registration required.

Scan to register for classes and tours at HeritageLib.org/Tours Open Monday-Friday 10am -3pm The Professional Bldg | 2 Corpus Christi | Suite 100 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 | 843.686.6560 | HeritageLib.org

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The Bluffton Sun

November 3, 2026

SC Humanities statewide tour to stop at Historic Mitchelville Nov. 7 By The Bluffton Sun Staff

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SC Humanities will bring its statewide Ask Me Anything tour to Historic Mitchelville on Hilton Head Island from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 7, offering residents an opportunity to meet the organization’s executive director and discuss the history, culture and stories that shape their communities. The free public event will feature Jennifer “Bingo” Gunter, executive director of SC Humanities, and Annemarie Reiley-Kay, deputy director and chief operating officer of the Coastal Discovery Museum. Reiley-Kay will share insights into the impact of SC Humanities, which has previously partnered with the Coastal Discovery Museum. The gathering is part of “SC Humanities Ask Me Anything: Communities. Conversations. Culture,” a seven-stop initiative designed to connect the organization with residents across South Carolina’s seven congressional districts. The tour introduces Gunter, who became executive director in July 2025, while providing opportunities for com-

munity members to share their perspectives on local history, cultural traditions and the role of the humanities. Discussions will address the organization’s work in local communities, the importance of the humanities, South Carolina’s cultural economy and priorities for future programming. Each stop includes remarks from local hosts and community partners, a presentation from a local SC Humanities grant recipient and an open question-and-answer session. Gunter, a historian specializing in the American South, previously held several positions at the University of South Carolina and served five years on the SC Humanities board of directors. The statewide tour began Feb. 28 at the Aiken County Public Library and includes stops in communities across the state. The initiative is part of SC Humanities’ two-year strategic plan, with community feedback intended to help guide future programs and partnerships. The Nov. 7 event is free and open to the public. Registration is requested. For more information or to register, visit https://schumanities.org/ask-meanything-state-tour.

Concert blends Gullah, Latin traditions By The Bluffton Sun Staff

A blend of Gullah gospel, Latin-influenced music and American standards will take center stage Nov. 21 when Christ Lutheran Church and the Gullah & Latino Advisory Council present “Rhythms of the Lowcountry” on Hilton Head Island. The concert, part of the Crescendo series, will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church Hall, 829 William Hilton Parkway. Doors open at 5 p.m. The program will feature local performers presenting a mix of Gullah gospel classics, Latin-influenced songs, jazz, pop, swing and familiar American standards.

Organizers hope the concert will bring together people from different cultural backgrounds through music while raising support for underserved communities. The event is hosted by Christ Lutheran Church in conjunction with the Gullah & Latino Advisory Council, a fund of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, and other supporting organizations. General admission tickets are $25 and will be sold at the door only. Cash, credit cards and checks will be accepted. Seating is open, with no assigned seats. Groups of six or more may arrange reserved blocks of seating by contacting Terry Herron at 843-271-9919. For additional information, call Herron at the same number.

November 3, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Jazz For All Ages Festival returns Nov. 14-15 By The Bluffton Sun Staff

The 12th annual Bob Masteller’s Jazz For All Ages Music Festival returns to Hilton Head Island Nov. 14-15 with big-band tributes to Tony Bennett and Ray Charles, jazz brunch performances and a mission to support young musicians throughout the Lowcountry. The two-day festival will take place at Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, 130 Shipyard Drive, with performances by Joe Gransden and his Big Band, the Jazz Legacy Project All-Stars and several other jazz artists. Proceeds will benefit the Junior Jazz Foundation, which supports music education and opportunities for aspiring musicians. The festival opens Nov. 14 with Joe Gransden and his Big Band presenting “The Good Life: Happy 100th Tony Bennett,” a tribute marking the centennial of Bennett’s birth. The program will feature songs associated with the singer, including “The Good Life,” “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and “The Best Is Yet to Come,” performed

in big-band arrangements. On Nov. 15, the Jazz Legacy Project All-Stars will present “Yes Indeed! The Ray Charles Experience,” celebrating the music of Ray Charles. The program will draw from jazz, blues, gospel and soul, with selections including “Georgia on My Mind,” “Hit the Road Jack,” “What’d I Say” and “Unchain My Heart.” General admission tickets for each evening concert are $45, with doors opening at 7 p.m. VIP tickets are $175 and include a reception beginning at 6 p.m. in the resort’s Santee Ballroom, with cocktails, tapas, live entertainment and reserved seating for the concert. The festival will also feature jazz brunches on both days in the resort’s Savannah Room, with doors opening at noon. Tickets are $75 for each brunch. On Nov. 14, Junior Jazz Rising Star Harper Krimm and her quartet will perform music from the Great American Songbook, including “I’ve Got Rhythm,” “Cheek to Cheek” and “On the Sunny Side of the Street.” The Nov. 15 brunch will feature vocalist Cynthia Utterbach with the Eric Jones Trio in a program honoring women in

jazz, including Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone. Beyond the performances, the festival serves as a fundraiser for the Junior Jazz Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides instruments to students, grants to school music programs, support for Hilton Head Jazz Camp and college scholarships for young musicians. “Jazz For All Ages is about honoring the legends who came before us while investing in the young musicians who will carry this incredible music forward,”

festival director David Masteller said. The foundation’s work focuses on expanding opportunities for young people in the Lowcountry to learn, perform and pursue music. Sonesta Resort is also offering a special group room rate for festival guests, subject to availability. Tickets, accommodations and additional festival information are available at JazzForAllAges.com. For questions, call 843-480-9101.

Fresh from the Boat to Your Table

PALMETTO ANIMAL LEAGUE THRIFT STORE 1 SHERINGTON DR # B, BLUFFTON, SC 29910 (843) 837-6369 Open Tuesday through Saturday 10AM-4pm

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The Bluffton Sun

November 3, 2026

Becoming a ballroom instructor

By Sandro Virag Contributor

Becoming a professional ballroom dance instructor may look glamorous from the outside, but there is much more to the profession than simply knowing how to dance. It takes years of training, dedication, patience and experience to develop the skills necessary to teach others successfully. A strong dance foundation is essential. Instructors need a thorough understanding of the dances they teach, including technique, timing, musicality, partnering and movement. Competition and performance experience can also be valuable because they develop discipline, confidence and a deeper understanding of dance. However, being an excellent dancer does not automatically make someone an excellent teacher. Teaching is a skill of its own. A good instructor must be able to take something that may have taken years to learn and explain it in a way that makes sense to a beginner. Every student learns differently. Some respond to counts and technical explanations, while others learn through music, demonstration, repetition or simply feeling the movement. Patience and communication are just as important as dance ability. Ballroom instructors also work with people of many different ages, backgrounds, personalities and physical abilities. One student may be preparing for a competition, while another may simply be looking for an enjoyable new hobby. A successful teacher must recog-

nize those differences and adjust lessons accordingly. The profession can also be physically and mentally demanding. Instructors often spend hours on their feet teaching private lessons and group classes or participating in rehearsals and performances. They must remain enthusiastic even at the end of a long day while continuing to work on their own dancing and professional development. For instructors who operate their own studios, there is another side to the profession entirely. Running a dance studio means managing schedules, events, performances, students, staff, marketing, finances and countless details that students may never see. Still, ballroom dance instruction can be an incredibly rewarding career. There is something special about watching a nervous beginner gain confidence, seeing a student accomplish a goal they once thought was impossible or watching someone step onto a dance floor or stage and truly enjoy themselves. Becoming a ballroom dance instructor is not an overnight process, and the learning never really ends. The best professionals continue studying, practicing, adapting and improving throughout their careers. Becoming a ballroom dance instructor may not be as easy as it looks, but if you are passionate about ballroom dancing, learning to teach others could be the best decision you ever make. Sandro Virag is a partner and instructor at Hilton Head Ballroom Dance Studio of Hilton Head, hiltonheadballroom.com.

November 3, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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School showcases highlight BCSD programs

By The Bluffton Sun Staff

The Beaufort County School District will host two school showcases, giving families an opportunity to explore academic programs, extracurricular activities and enrollment options at schools throughout the district. District representatives will provide information about the BCSD Choice enrollment process, which allows families to explore school options. Attendees will have opportunities to speak directly with principals, teachers and students. The Beaufort-area showcase will be held Nov. 16 at Robert Smalls Leadership Academy, 43 W.K. Alston Drive, Beaufort. Participating schools and programs include Academy for Career Excellence, Battery Creek High, Beaufort Elementary, Beaufort High, Beaufort Middle, Broad River Elementary, Coosa Elementary, Joseph S. Shanklin Elementary, Lady’s Island Elementary, Lady’s Island Middle, Mossy Oaks Elementary, Port Royal Elementary, Riverview Charter School,

Robert Smalls Leadership Academy, St. Helena Elementary, Whale Branch Early College High, Whale Branch Elementary, Whale Branch Middle and BCSD Tides. The Bluffton and Hilton Head Island showcase will be held Nov. 17 at River Ridge Academy, 3050 River Ridge Drive, Bluffton. Participating schools and programs include Academy for Career Excellence, Bluffton Elementary, Bluffton High, Bluffton Middle, H.E. McCracken Middle, Hilton Head Elementary School for the Creative Arts, Hilton Head Island Early Childhood Center, Hilton Head Island Elementary, Hilton Head Island High, Hilton Head Island Middle, May River High, Michael C. Riley Elementary, Okatie Elementary, Pritchardville Elementary, Red Cedar Elementary, River Ridge Academy and BCSD Tides. Families may drop in at either event, although advance registration is encouraged. Those unable to attend can arrange school tours throughout the year. To register for a showcase or request a school tour, visit www.beaufortschools. net/showcase.

Choral Concert with Chorus, Youth Choir & Orchestra

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28 • 10AM-5PM

Join Us For Refreshments, Door Prizes and Special Savings Shop for Unique Gifts, Hand Crafted by North American Artists. IT’S OUR WAY OF SAYING THANK YOU!

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Dr. Dustin Ousley, Artistic Director

Introducing Dr. Pam Kane & the HHCS Youth Choir!

Like Threads in a Tapestry … this festive concert will “weave” together beloved Christmas classics, secular favorites and meaningful Hanukkah selections creating a vibrant celebration of the traditions and music that bring us together across cultures and generations.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2026

7:00 PM | FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 540 WILLIAM HILTON PKWY, HHI

FOR TICKET INFORMATION:

VISIT www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org SCAN QR code CALL 843-341-3818

CONCERT SPONSORED BY

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The Bluffton Sun

Shop Local!

November 3, 2026

Halloween

By Annelore Harrell Contributor

Old Town Bluffton

Holiday ArtWalk Fine Art, Music and Refreshments! Friday Novemberr 13 3-7 pm

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Shops and Galleries open late!

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Oct. 31. Halloween. Ghosts and goblins and ghouls. Burnt orange and jet black and bone white, colors of the day. Outrageously large plastic spiders with their webs tangling, ANNELORE HARRELL dangling in your neighbor’s front yard. Plastic skeletons, twisted into unbelievable shapes, 10, 12 feet tall, bought at your local Home Depot. Did I mention pumpkins? The orange ones? Huge pumpkins? Blow-up pumpkins? The Band-Aids on your hands from trying to make your pumpkin into a masterpiece of cutout art. I’m sorry. I can’t seem to wrap my head around decorating so extravagantly for Halloween. What in the world are they going to do for Christmas? Put a life-size Santa and sleigh on the front lawn? Will it become de rigueur to put out a Statue of Liberty on July 4, hearts and cupids on Valentine’s Day? And where will they store all of it? Will they rent a storage unit somewhere? If we managed to put a pumpkin with a candle stuck inside out on the front doorstep, we were doing good. We did do costumes. Loved dressing up. Mostly homemade stuff. I remember the ol’ days, a time when imagination definitely took precedence over store-bought costumes. Not that we didn’t have some of those, too. Store-bought, I mean. Ten-cent stores like McCrory’s in downtown Savannah sold costumes. They came in clear cellophane packages, costumes made of the flimsiest material ever, a slick, shiny, satiny fabric that gave you Cinderella, always a blue dress, or a pirate with an eye patch, or a rootin’ tootin’ cowboy with a pair of six-guns in a genuine imitation-leather holster. Then there was the counter with the masks: full-face masks of just about any creature, celebrity or horror personality you could imagine. Some just covered the eyes and had a

skinny elastic band with clasps on each end to hold them on, and lovely masks with lace dripping from the eye covering. Halloween was so very exciting because you not only dressed up, you got to go trick-or-treating. Not that you even thought about tricking anyone. Of course not. It was the candy, that long-awaited cache of candy coming from one exciting night of traveling from door to door, ringing the doorbell and singing out, “Trick or treat!” Yes, there was always the door with the porch light out. No one home? Forgot to buy candy? Couldn’t afford to buy candy? Halloween grump? No matter. Just run on to the next house. As a small child, I wasn’t that keen on Halloween. Scary. We lived in downtown Savannah, and they had a big celebration down on Broughton Street between Drayton and Whitaker streets. They simply closed it off; stores boarded up windows; the street and sidewalk space became one big party arena. Really for grown-ups only. Not for children. I lasted about 10 minutes with Mama and Daddy before I was taken home. Still, I got to see it was a raucous affair, firecrackers going off, so many people you could barely move, a full-blown conga line going on, one, two, three, kick. Every kind of costume you could think of was there, even a clown on stilts. At least he could see over everybody. Friday night, 1941, and it was wild. That was then. Times have changed. The latest thing is trunk-or-treat. Parents no longer have to worry about their children walking about in the dark, stumbling over whatever. They simply drive to a designated space, park their vehicle, make their vehicle accessible, sit back and enjoy. Super idea. Yes, times are a-changing. Ain’t it grand? Annelore Harrell’s journey is a tapestry woven with fascinating experiences and extraordinary accomplishments. Even at 92 in 2025, Annelore’s energy and zest for life continue to inspire. Annelore Harrell’s story is a testament to living with passion, resilience, and an unquenchable thirst for adventure.

November 3, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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A safe and happy Thanksgiving 2026 By Cinda Seamon Contributor

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and delicious food, so the kitchen is often the hub of activity. With so much going on at once, it can also be a place for potential accidents. Want to know how to keep it happy and firefree? Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires, so stand by your pan! Never leave cooking on the stovetop unattended, and stay home while that turkey is roasting. If you need to step away, turn off the burners or put someone else in charge. Keep towels, oven mitts, paper products and other flammable items away from the stovetop. Create a kid-free zone of about 3 feet around the stove and hot foods to prevent burns from accidental spills. Keep a lid nearby when cooking on the stovetop. If you have a small grease fire in a pan, carefully put a lid on it, turn off the heat and leave the lid in place until cool. Never use water on a grease fire. If you have a fire in the oven, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. If a fire spreads and becomes uncontrollable, get everyone outside and call 911.

If you are deep-frying a turkey, remember that outdoor fryers can be dangerous. Always fry outdoors, well away from your home, garage, deck or anything that can burn (10 to 20 feet). The turkey should be completely thawed and dry before lowering it into the hot oil. Always wear long, well-insulated oven mitts to avoid burns from splattering oil. Never use a turkey fryer indoors or in an enclosed space. Make sure you have working smoke alarms. Check the manufacturer’s date on the back of each alarm. Smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years because the effectiveness of their sensors diminishes over time. Before you turn on the stove, make the decision to stay alert, keep watch over your cooking and put fire safety first. Share your safety tips with the family, and talk about an escape plan and a designated meeting place in case of fire. Don’t let carelessness turn your day into a tragedy. A few simple steps can keep your Thanksgiving safe and fire-free! Cinda Seamon is the Community Risk Reduction & Outreach Program Coordinator for Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue.

“Magnolia” by Karin Haupstein

GIVE THE GIFT OF “ART” Hours: Hours:Monday Monday––Wednesday Wednesday10-5 10-5 Thursday Thursday––Friday Friday10-6 10-6• •Saturday Saturday– –10-5 10-5

November events

Fall Art Walk Friday Nov 13, 3-6pm Black Friday in Old Town Nov 29 OPEN 7 days 11-5pm

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The Bluffton Sun

I Think by Mary Burrell

November 3, 2026

NOW OPEN TUES. thru SAT. With Lunch Weds., Thurs. & Fri.!

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Delicious Special Menu Every Evening! You Must Be Seated Between 4:45 to 5:15 Dine In Only. Must present coupon. One coupon per couple. Can not be combined with other offers. Automatic 20% gratuity will be added to original price.

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November 3, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

The watercolor doesn’t have to be good

By Matt Uppenbrink Contributor

Picasso. A hack. Mozart. Overrated. Ansel Adams. Beginner’s luck. Obviously, none of that is true. But it is worth pointing out because along MATT UPPENBRINK somewhere the way, the word “creative” came to mean “good enough to show.” Most people, asked whether they’re creative, will say no. They mean they are not an artist, not a musician, not a writer, not the kind of person whose work would hang on a wall. And so they stop making things, or never start, because they have quietly decided the bar is too high. Which is a shame, because the research on what creative activity does for the aging brain does not care whether the watercolor is any good. It only cares that you made one. The Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, which has followed thousands of older adults in Olmsted County, Minnesota, over many years, found that people who regularly engaged in artistic activities and crafts, such as painting, drawing, woodworking, quilting and pottery, had significantly lower odds of developing mild cognitive impairment, a condition that often precedes dementia [1]. The protective pattern showed up regardless of skill. It required participation, not talent. This fits into a broader body of research on what Columbia University neuropsychologist Yaakov Stern has called cognitive reserve, the idea that a lifetime of mentally engaging activity builds a neural buffer so that when age-related changes do arrive, the brain has more resources to compensate [2]. Creative work, with its mix of problem-solving, decision-making, hand-eye coordination and emotional engagement, turns out to be one of the better ways to

build that reserve. A word of honesty is in order. None of this is a cure. Nothing is. What the research suggests is that creative activity is one of several things that appear to help, alongside the better-known ones: a reasonable diet, regular physical activity and strong social and emotional support. These factors reinforce each other, which is part of why community living matters. A life that includes shared meals, movement, friendship and the quiet weekly habit of making something is a life that gives the brain more of what it needs across the board. No single piece of that is magic. Together, they are the best current picture of what healthy cognitive aging looks like. So. Back to Picasso. The point of making something is not to compete with him or with anyone. The point is the making itself. The hour spent choosing colors. The problem of how to render light on water. The hand remembering how to shape clay. The brain, during all of this, is doing exactly the kind of work it most needs to do. Senior living communities across Beaufort County have come to understand this. Art studios, pottery wheels, music rooms, writing groups and performance opportunities are increasingly built into daily life, not as brochure amenities but as part of what a healthy aging environment provides. Beyond community walls, the Art League of Hilton Head, the Society of Bluffton Artists and the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina all welcome beginners. The brain does not grade on talent. The watercolor can be clumsy. What matters is that you made it and had some fun doing it! Matt Uppenbrink, MS Gerontology, is the Executive Director of The Seabrook of Hilton Head. Interested in learning more about The Seabrook of Hilton Head or if you would like to schedule a tour: https://www.theseabrook.com/ or call 843-842-3747.

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The Bluffton Sun

November 3, 2026

Shower stretches By Ryan Chowansky Contributor

RYAN CHOWANSKY

The 20-year-old fiberglass tub. A shower curtain that hasn’t hung straight since 2007. Needing to do warm-up stretches before you do your high-knee hurdle into the tub to take a shower. I get it. I had one, you have one, and so do your

parents. Homeowners tell me, “Oh, it’s fine. We’ve been using it for years.” How long has that drywall been soft? “Oh, I never noticed that before.” Meanwhile, it’s been a growing issue for the last 10 years. That’s exactly what worries me. Just because something has “worked” for 20 years, with a little willful ignorance sprinkled in, doesn’t mean it’s going to work for the next 20. I get it. The bathroom is one of the last places we think about safety until it’s the only thing we’re thinking about. Here’s the thing I’ve noticed. People will spend thousands of dollars upgrading their countertops, landscaping and living rooms. They’ll replace perfectly functional appliances because they don’t match the kitchen anymore. But that old bathtub? The one they have to climb into every morning? “We’ll get to that eventually.” Eventually is an interesting word. It’s where we put all the things we know we should do now but don’t want to deal with. And when it comes to bathroom safety, eventually can become too late. Now, I’m not suggesting everyone needs to rip out their shower tomorrow. Though I am suggesting we start looking at our homes a little differently. Instead of asking, “Does this still work?” maybe we should be asking, “Does this still work for me?” There’s a big difference. A home should adapt to the people living in it. Not the other way around. And that brings me to something I think we get wrong about aging. We associate making our homes safer with losing our independence and enjoyment of living.

Grab bars? Those are ugly and for old people. Lower threshold on my shower? Maybe “someday.” A shower seat? “I don’t need that!” I hear versions of these objections all the time. But here’s my question: Since when did making a smart decision about your future become something to be embarrassed about? We put seat belts in our cars. We install smoke detectors in our homes. We buy insurance for things we hope never happen. Nobody calls those decisions signs of weakness! We call them being responsible. Why should our bathrooms be any different? Proverbs 22:3 tells us that the prudent see danger and take refuge, while the simple keep going and suffer for it. That’s a pretty direct message. Wisdom isn’t waiting for something bad to happen and then figuring out how to recover. Wisdom is recognizing a problem before it becomes a crisis that needs to be solved now. After years of building and remodeling homes, I realized there was a group of homeowners who didn’t need a massive renovation. They didn’t want six weeks of construction. They didn’t want their entire bathroom torn apart. And they certainly didn’t want to spend a small fortune just to replace an outdated bathtub. They wanted something simple. A beautiful shower. Easier access. Less maintenance. A bathroom they could feel comfortable using every day. And they wanted it done right. Independence isn’t about proving you don’t need help. It’s about making decisions today that give you more freedom tomorrow. So the next time you walk into your bathroom, take a look around. Not at the color of the tile or whether the fixtures are outdated. Look at how you actually use the space. And ask yourself a simple question: Is this bathroom making my life easier, or am I working harder than I should just to use it? You might be surprised by the answer. And if it’s time for a change, well, I got some guys. Ryan Chowansky is the owner of Bluffton Builders and The Shower Guys. myshowerguys.com.

November 3, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Buy first or sell first?

How to make the right move in today’s real estate market By Chip Collins Contributor

One of the most common questions homeowners ask when preparing for a move is surprisingly simple: Should I buy my next home before selling my current one, or CHIP COLLINS should I sell first? There is no universal answer. Every move involves a unique mix of finances, timing, local market conditions and personal priorities. Ultimately, the decision comes down to balancing opportunity against risk. Option 1: Buying first Buying first offers one major advantage: You can secure the home you tru-

ly want the moment it hits the market. In competitive areas or markets with limited inventory, having the flexibility to act quickly keeps you from missing out on the right property. The trade-off: Financial risk. If your current home takes longer to sell than expected or fetches a lower price, you could end up carrying two mortgages simultaneously or facing unexpected financial stress. Option 2: Selling first Selling first provides maximum financial certainty. Once your sale is finalized, you’ll know your exact equity and can make stronger, more confident offers on your next home. The trade-off: Timing and logistics. If you haven’t identified a new property before closing, you may need temporary housing, storage units or even multiple moves while searching for the right fit. How current market conditions factor in

Local market dynamics play a major role in determining your best strategy: • In a seller’s market: Selling first carries less risk because homes move quickly and demand remains strong. • In a slower market: Buyers hold more negotiating power, making it crucial to realistically evaluate how long your current home might sit on the market. Bridging the gap: Flexible solutions and tools Modern real estate transactions offer several strategies to ease the transition between homes: • Lease-back agreements: Allow you to rent your home back from the buyer for an agreed-upon period after closing while you shop. • Delayed closings: Extend the time before the transaction becomes final, giving you extra time to search. • Purchase contingencies: Make the sale of your current home contingent upon successfully identifying a

replacement property. • Bridge loans: Provide temporary financing to fund your purchase before your existing home sells. Crafting your strategy No two real estate transactions are identical. A strategy that worked well for a friend or neighbor may not fit your financial goals, timeline or comfort level with risk. Successful moves start with thoughtful planning rather than assumptions. Before taking your next step, evaluate your priorities, assess your local market and choose an approach that aligns with your goals. With the right plan in place, you can minimize uncertainty and transition smoothly into your next chapter. Chip Collins is the Broker-Owner of Collins Group Realty founded in 2002. Find Chip at chip@collinsgrouprealty. com or collinsgrouprealty.com.

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The Bluffton Sun

November 3, 2026

Tax-saving moves to consider before year end

By Nick Martin Contributor

As the year comes to a close, it may be a good time to check on your investments with an eye toward tax implications. Keeping long-term investment goals in mind, a trusted advisor can help you NICK MARTIN consider adjustments that could impact your typical year-end planning. Manage your income and deductions If you’re at or near the next tax rate threshold, pay close attention to anything that might tip some of your earnings into the next range and consider ways to reduce your taxable income before the end of the year. Determine whether it makes sense to accelerate deductions or defer income to minimize your current tax liability. Certain retirement plans also can help you defer taxes. Contributions to a traditional 401(k) are made with pre-tax dollars,

which lowers your income by the amount of the annual contribution. You won’t pay income tax on the contribution and earnings until the time of the withdrawal, at which point your income and tax rate may be lower or you may have more deductions available to offset the income.* Contributions to a health savings account (HSA) can reduce taxes too. Your pre-tax payroll deductions reduce income, and any after-tax contributions can be deducted on your tax return, even if you don’t itemize. Remember, your HSA funds can be withdrawn tax-free for qualified medical expenses and never expire. To harvest or not to harvest Tax-loss harvesting – selling an investment at a loss – has the potential to help offset gains. If your capital losses exceed your capital gains, a portion of your excess losses can be used to offset ordinary income and additional losses can be carried forward to future years. You’ll want to be mindful of harvesting losses in a manner that doesn’t disrupt your long-term investment strategy. Additionally, understand wash sale rules, which limit the ability to buy a “substantially identical” security within a set timeframe. Mind your RMDs

Investors who reach a certain age are required to take RMDs from their IRAs. You face a 25% tax penalty on amounts not withdrawn from your IRA to meet the RMD, so you’ll want to confirm you’ve met your obligations. Taking a distribution will impact your taxable income or tax bracket. If you are in a lower tax bracket, consider taking an additional strategic distribution at that lower rate. Your first RMD can be delayed until April 1 of the year after you reach 72 or 73 (depending on your year of birth). If you delay, however, you must also take your second RMD in the same tax year. This can inflate your income, which may affect your tax bracket. Note: To streamline the process, RMDs can be automated to help ensure you don’t miss applicable deadlines. Evaluate changes From welcoming a new family member to moving to a new state, these life changes can impact your financial situation. Bring your financial advisor up to speed on major life changes and ask how they could affect your year-end planning. Moving can significantly impact tax and estate planning, especially if you’ve relo-

cated from a high income tax state to a low income tax state, from a state with a state income tax to one without (or vice versa), or if you’ve moved to a state with increased asset protection. With the new year on the horizon, now’s the time to schedule your year-end planning review. 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. *Withdrawals from qualified accounts, such as an IRA, prior to age 59 1/2 may also be subject to a 10% federal penalty tax. RMDs are generally subject to federal income tax and may be subject to state taxes. Consult your tax advisor to assess your situation. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional.

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November 3, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Golf is puzzling

By Rich Bernstein Contributor

Working diligently on a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle is a challenge many of us enjoy. With a puzzle haphazardly spread across a tabletop, we twist and turn each interlocking piece, using a trial-and-error strategy until it properly snaps into place. Whether it’s finding the home for a pale blue cutout in a partly cloudy sky or the correct landing spot for a dark gray, double-tabbed piece in a detailed cityscape, patience and persistence are the keys to perfectly solving a jigsaw puzzle. My father-in-law loved to work on crosswords, notably tackling the very difficult New York Times Sunday edition puzzle using an indelible ballpoint pen! It might have taken him most of the week to go through the complex list of Across and Down clues, but his stick-to-itiveness always paid off with a perfectly completed themed grid, proudly beating his self-imposed deadline before the release of the following Sunday’s formidable challenge. Sudoku numerical puzzles are a lot of fun, ranging in difficulty from easy, medium, hard and expert to multi-Doku

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Sudoku, with its intricate interlocking grids and common cells. Word games like Wordle and Connections are enjoyable mind-teasers, with their seemingly endless combinations of letters and ostensibly unrelated clues. Regardless of complexity, however, there’s comfort in knowing that each numerical and word puzzle has one perfectly completed, achievable solution. Although the sport of golf has many wonderful qualities to offer, perfection, unfortunately, is not one of them. Holesin-one can be followed by quadruple bogeys, and a perfectly struck approach shot can quickly be negated by a missed short putt. A personal-best front nine offers no guarantees for a well-played back nine. As sports psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella forewarned, “Golf is not a Game of Perfect.” No matter how well we play, instead of celebrating our successes, we play the mental game of what-ifs. Following our very best rounds, we’re left to wonder, “What if I hit the ball one yard farther and missed the bunker? What if I didn’t have that horrible lie? What if I didn’t lose that ball?” Whether our scores are in the hundreds or the 70s, we are always left with the remorseful feeling that we could have done better.

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Golf is like a jigsaw puzzle with a missing piece, like a crossword puzzle with no clues provided, like a Sudoku puzzle needing algebraic equations or a word game printed in a foreign language we don’t understand. The childhood Humpty Dumpty rhyme may have been our first indication that not all puzzles can be perfectly completed. Golf is truly an unsolvable puzzle, with no absolute solution or definitive answer. Every round is a story without a perfect ending. It can be extremely

difficult, immensely challenging and, at times, self-defeating, yet we golfers have an unstoppable passion for the game. Perhaps our intriguing, fatal attraction to all things golf is, in itself, the most puzzling part of all! 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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The Bluffton Sun

November 3, 2026

Bluffton home sales remain strong as inventory rises By Dan Prud’homme Contributor

November’s midterm election is part of the national backdrop for housing, but its influence on confidence will not begin or end on Election Day. Election periods can create a temDAN PRUD’HOMME porary pause in major decisions, but Bluffton’s latest figures show that local buyers have continued to act. That is notable with mortgage rates back near 7.4%, even as consumer spending remains resilient and the stock market stays strong. Those competing forces can influence confidence, but they have not stopped well-prepared buyers and sellers from moving forward. Bluffton currently has 707 active

listings, up from 683 in last month’s report. That increase of 24 homes, or 3.5%, gives buyers a little more choice and creates slightly more competition among sellers. The increase is modest, but it reinforces the importance of pricing and presentation as buyers compare their options carefully. Average cumulative days on market rose from 86 to 105, an increase of 22.1%. The shift means homes are taking longer to find the right buyer. It does not mean demand has disappeared. It does mean sellers should pay close attention to early showing activity and market feedback rather than waiting too long to adjust when a home is not getting the expected response. Contract activity remains encouraging. Bluffton has recorded 1,925 properties under contract or active under contract this year, up from 1,800 in the previous report. That gain of 125 transactions, or 6.9%, shows buyers are still making commitments despite higher borrowing costs and

the political uncertainty surrounding the midterm election. Closed sales have reached 1,911, an increase of 147 sales, or 8.3%, from last month’s total of 1,764. Based on the pace of sales so far this year, Bluffton is averaging approximately 197 closings per month. With 707 active listings, that produces about 3.6 months of inventory. Six months of inventory is considered a neutral market. At 3.6 months, Bluffton remains firmly in seller’s market territory. The market is not as tight as it was last month, but it still gives well-positioned sellers an advantage. Buyers have more choices than they did in the previous report, yet they should still be prepared to move when the right home appears. The median sales price is now $547,672, compared with $549,641 in last month’s report. That decrease of less than 1% points to stability rather than a meaningful change in value. The current figure is also about 1.8% below the comparable 2025 average

and 2.1% below 2024, suggesting pricing has settled into a relatively narrow range. Overall, Bluffton’s market is balancing several competing forces. More inventory and longer selling times are giving buyers additional breathing room. Strong contract and closing totals, resilient consumer spending and healthy investment values are supporting demand, while mortgage rates remain the clearest restraint. The midterm election may influence confidence for a time, but the lasting story will be determined by affordability, inventory and how accurately each property is positioned. Sellers still have the advantage, but disciplined decisions matter more than ever. Dan Prud’homme is the Visionary & Success Coach of The Prud’homme Team at William Raveis Real Estate. dan@danprudhomme. com theprudhommeteam. com

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when a loved one has dementia

By Lisa Hostetler Brown Contributor

A dementia diagnosis can leave families wondering where to begin. Medical appointments may come first, while questions about daily support, finances and future decisions wait for LISA HOSTETLER BROWN another day. Taking a few manageable steps now can help South Carolina families prepare while keeping their loved one’s wishes at the center of the conversation. The goal is to create a thoughtful foundation that can adapt as circumstances change. Begin with everyday life Before focusing on paperwork, consider what helps your loved one feel comfortable, connected and valued. A familiar morning routine, favorite music, family visits or time outdoors may still bring enjoyment and purpose. Ask about preferences and include your loved one in decisions whenever possible. Discuss whom they trust, what matters most to them and how they would like to receive support. Allow time for answers and recognize that these conversations may unfold gradually. Writing down preferences can give family members a shared understanding of what matters. These conversations can guide both immediate caregiving arrangements and longer-term planning. Make time for a document review Locate existing legal documents and schedule a review with a South Carolina elder law attorney. Durable financial powers of attorney, health care powers of attorney, wills and trusts may need attention as circumstances change. Having documents in place is a starting point. Families should also consider whether the people named remain appropriate and whether the documents reflect current wishes and anticipated needs. Make sure trusted individuals know where important paperwork is kept and whom to contact with questions. An attorney can evaluate available planning options and determine whether

the individual can legally sign new or updated documents. Addressing these questions early allows more time for careful discussion. Prepare for changing care needs Consider who can provide help today and what additional assistance might be needed later. Review financial resources and discuss long-term care costs, including whether Medicaid planning is appropriate. Gathering information about income, insurance, accounts and regular expenses can help organize these discussions. Families can also explore available care options before an urgent need arises. Give caregivers a place in that plan, too. Sharing responsibilities, arranging breaks and exploring support groups or community services can help make caregiving more manageable. Identify specific tasks others can handle, such as transportation, meals or appointment scheduling. A plan should be revisited as care needs and family circumstances evolve. Move forward one step at a time Planning after a dementia diagnosis involves personal conversations as well as legal and financial decisions. Each step offers an opportunity to better understand your loved one’s wishes and organize support around them. 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.

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November 3, 2026

Celebrating All Saints! By Rev. L. Kim Eanes Contributor

Nov. 1 is All Saints’ Day, a sometimes overlooked holy day in Protestant congregations. Indeed, All Saints’ Day is not nearly as well known as the day before, All Hallows’ Eve, better known as Halloween. But All Saints’ Day is far more important in the life of the church. As a United Methodist pastor, I have done some research into the celebration of All Saints’ Day in our own denominational history. John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, enjoyed and celebrated All Saints’ Day. In a journal entry from Nov. 1, 1767, Wesley called All Saints’ Day “a festival I truly love.” On the same day, Nov. 1, in 1788, Wesley wrote, “I always find this a comfortable day.” And then again, on Nov. 1, 1789, Wesley is recorded as saying about All Saints’ Day, it is “a day that I peculiarly love.” This may sound like an odd history. After all, Protestants don’t believe in saints, right? Well, yes and no! All Saints’ Day originated in Europe as the Feast of Samhain, a pagan celebration marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was a joyous occasion of remembrance and thanks for those who once lived on earth but are now loved as saints in the spirit world beyond. People dressed in costumes, went door to door, begged for food (sound familiar?) and received soul cakes as gifts for the spirits of the dead. Feasts were held with empty seats reserved at the table for the spirits of the dead. The fields were cleared and big bonfires lit to “purify” the earth. And people visited the graves of their ancestors. In the Christian church, however, the “season” of All Saints (All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day) is a time to remember and celebrate the lives, famous or not, of those who have gone before us. While we may think of saints as “a person in ancient costume with a halo around their head,” similar to what we may have seen in a stained-glass window somewhere, the Bible teaches us that all who trust in Jesus and try to do his work on earth are saints: “To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours …” (1 Corinthians 1:2 NRSVUE). So, in effect, “saintliness” refers to someone who conveys the love of God to all people. And a saint is one who

displays goodness and simultaneously tries to live according to Jesus’ commandments. Simply put, a saint is kind, forgiving, charitable, always living for others and always doing for others. Actually, that’s not so simple, right? But no matter how challenging it may be to live a saintly life, saints include extraordinary and ordinary folks; common and radical folks; living and dead folks; and people who now reside in both the unnamed and named cloud of witnesses! So how can we live up to “the call” of a saint? Well, again, that call is simple but simultaneously challenging, for a contemporary saint is called to listen to others’ struggles, share what you have, speak kindly to others, forgive the unforgivable and spread the Good News of love, hope and salvation through the example of Jesus! Given that résumé, it is clear that we need more saints in today’s world! For saints are agents of change, making good things happen instead of bad. Our tomorrows will always bring new challenges, new problems and new opportunities. So will we fight for change, will we ignore change or will we become agents for improvement and solutions? May the Holy Spirit, working in all of us, bless us through the memory of all the saints who have thus far been a part of our lives. And may the Holy Spirit empower us to pick up the mantle of their work and press on. “And God, who searches hearts, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:27 NRSVUE). Rev. L. Kim Eanes: St. Luke’s UMC/ Okatie

November 3, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Lowcountry Legal Volunteers to host Ride for Justice By Channing Heiss Contributor

Lowcountry Legal Volunteers will host its annual Ride for Justice fundraiser Thursday, Nov. 19, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Local Kollective fitness center, 11 Palmetto Bay Road, Hilton Head Island. The stationary bike event gives participants the option of riding solo or as part of a team. There are 28 seats available, with tickets starting at $75 each. Three sponsorship levels are listed on the nonprofit’s website. At the $100 Strength level, sponsors receive recognition on the LLV website and mentions on social media. At the $250 Endurance level, sponsors receive website and social media recognition, plus a reserved ride seat. The $500 Performance level includes website and social media recognition, plus two reserved ride seats. In addition to hosting the fundraiser, Lowcountry Legal Volunteers will have another opportunity to connect with local residents this month as the featured nonprofit at the Hilton Head Community Market. The organization will have a display table every weekend morning in November, beginning at 9 a.m., and will receive a share of the registration fees collected during the month. The nonprofit legal service organization, which

marked its 25th anniversary last year, is a repeat partner with the market. It also works with Bluffton Self Help as a member of the Red Apron Alliance to provide free services to low-income residents. Lowcountry Legal Volunteers was founded on the belief that no one should be denied access to legal protection because of an inability to afford it. The organization serves residents of Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties, handling issues involving abuse and safety, family law, guardianships, heirs’ property, wills and health care, and housing. Its client numbers, workshops and overall services have been growing. In 2025, according to the organiza-

tion’s records, it provided more than $3 million worth of legal services, logged more than 2,000 volunteer hours and closed 320 cases while opening more than 400. It also held 65 free clinics and trained multiple groups for certification through the Legal Link Justice Navigator program, part of the South Carolina Justice Navigator Network. Studies of social determinants of health indicate that burdensome legal issues can adversely affect overall wellness. To address legal issues as an extension of health care, the Coastal Community Foundation established the Catalyst Grant program as part of the Medical-Legal Partnership Pipeline. Through this initiative, Lowcountry Legal Volunteers is receiving a $525,000 grant over three years. The threeyear funding cycle began in 2024. Grants like this, along with local community partnerships, are resources that Lowcountry Legal Volunteers will need as it works to serve the next generation of Lowcountry residents. For more information about Ride for Justice, visit the Lowcountry Legal Volunteers website, email sandy@lclv. org or call 843-815-1570. Channing Heiss is a freelance writer and a member of the Beaufort County disAbilities Coalition.

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November 3, 2026

Golf and football placekicking have more in common than you think By Dr. Tom Dorsel Contributor

One particular aspect of how sports psychologists can help in football is field goal and extra-point kicking, and that is because this soTOM DORSEL called “placekicking” is so much like golf, a sport that is so dominantly psychological. Consider that in both placekicking and golf, you are swinging an appendage of your body (a leg in football, arms in golf), and the focus is on making pure contact with a stationary ball to propel it precisely toward a target.

The contact is everything, the only thing that either player can control. Once the contact is made, the ball is gone, out of the player’s control and at the mercy of the wind, rain and whims of the respective football and golf gods. Both swings involve form, timing and power; aim and distance are critical; and you have to train your eyes to focus intently on contact with the ball without being distracted by the target in the distance, onrushing opponents or anything else. Mental challenges of placekicking With kicking, it doesn’t matter who you are playing, the No. 1 team or a cellar dweller. It doesn’t matter if it’s the first game of the season or the last, or if you have a winning or losing record. The kicking game is always the same, a game within a game: just you, the ball and the goalposts.

The kicking mental game is similar to putting in golf. On the long kicks, just get it somewhere between the goalposts; on putts, near the hole. The proper length of a long kick or putt is imperative, while you have a little latitude on direction based on the width of the goalposts and a couple of feet to either side of the hole. But when it comes to extra points in football, like short putts in golf, the kick should split the uprights and the putt had better be center cut, even though sometimes you do get away with a kick or a putt on the edges. The mental game similarity goes further when you think of the circumstances of both the kicker and the golfer. Both have a lot of stressful time to think about the action they are about to take. Then, when the time comes to take action, all eyes are on the player and their ability to execute. Both the

kicker and the golfer are all alone: No one can help them out, no one can do it for them, and no one can make up for their mistakes. Even when it comes to blocking the ball, similarities exist between football and golf. It is certainly evident that blocking can happen in football when a defensive edge player comes swooping in from seemingly out of nowhere and dives across to block the path of even a good kick. And in golf, a spike mark or some other imperfection in the surface of the green can emerge unexpectedly as an obstacle that ruins even the best of putts. Dr. Tom Dorsel is a clinical/sport psychologist practicing on HHI. A Notre Dame alum, his best selling book is “GOLF: The Mental Game.” Tom can be reached on Facebook or his website, Dorsel.com.

November 3, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Eight ways to make philanthropy a family affair By Thomas Dowling Contributor

THOMAS DOWLING

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a natural time to reflect on what we’re grateful for and how we can give back. Charitable giving is a meaningful way to support causes that matter to you. But involving your family in those efforts can make the experience even

more rewarding. According to CEG Insights, 75% of investors with a net worth of $25 million or more believe leaving a legacy is essential, and more than half say that includes passing along both assets and values. Family philanthropy creates opportunities to share those values, build awareness and empathy, and teach financial responsibility. Here are eight ways to make charitable giving a family affair.

1. Volunteer together. Participate in charitable events or volunteer opportunities as a family, especially with younger children, to demonstrate the importance of giving back. 2. Share your giving story. Talk about the causes you support and why they matter to you. Understanding what inspires your giving can help family members connect with those values. 3. Introduce the organizations you support. Help children understand the missions of the charities you contribute to, how they work and the impact they make. 4. See the impact firsthand. When possible, visit places or projects your charitable contributions have helped support. Seeing the results can make giving more tangible. 5. Research causes together. Encourage family members to explore issues they care about and identify organizations working to address them. 6. Include them in decisions. Invite older children and adult family members to participate in giving decisions, research organizations and share their recommendations.

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7. Keep the conversation going. Make charitable giving an ongoing family discussion, including opportunities to respond to new community needs. 8. Involve your financial advisor. An advisor can help facilitate conversations about your family’s charitable values, priorities and goals. Philanthropy can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. When families participate together, it can also

strengthen relationships, pass along important values and create a lasting legacy. Source: CEG Insights, The $25 Million+ Investor, 2024. Thomas M. Dowling, CFA, CFP®, CIMA® is the Head of Wealth Management at Alliance Global Partners of the Lowcountry on Hilton Head. He can be reached at infohh@allianceg.com or (843) 420-1993.

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The Bluffton Sun

November 3, 2026

Emmett McCracken

By Tamela Maxim Contributor

One of Emmett’s earliest memories is of a bad storm, probably the 1940 hurricane, when he was 5 years old. His family evacuated to the schoolhouse while the river rose several blocks beyond the boat landing at Alljoy. Without sophisticated warning systems, people had little choice but to hunker down and ride it out. For a 5-year-old, a hurricane was mostly about the excitement of no electricity and burning candles. After first grade with Ms. Niver in Bluffton, Emmett moved with his family to Key West, Florida, where his father was stationed. He returned to Bluffton for sixth grade and graduated from Bluffton High School in 1959, one of six students in his class. “Childhood in Bluffton was mostly quiet and slow-paced. Excitement meant a fire or a cow out of the pasture,” is how Emmett described it back then. Life revolved around family, school and farm work. After school, he worked

A life of service rooted in Bluffton

with cows, hogs, oats and soybeans and took afternoon truck rides to Pritchardville, where his father rented farmland and shared a hay baler with the Johnson family. Depending on the season, the truck often didn’t return to Bluffton until nightfall. Emmett’s lifelong appreciation for hard work came from watching Murck Johnson farm, usually from sunup to sundown. Families sat down together for supper every evening, and lessons and manners were taught the old-fashioned way, with no room for discussion. When your father is the school principal, nobody has to remind you to do your homework, and playing hooky is out of the question. Yet Cecil Reynolds made it an annual tradition and tried in vain to convince Emmett to join him. Cecil would always disappear from school every April Fools’ Day and ask Emmett, “Aren’t you going with us this year? You really need to go,” but, as Emmett told me, “I never did take him up on it.” Cecil, who later served 24 years as a Beaufort County magistrate, taught Emmett to make chinquapin necklaces and

bracelets for cute girls and schoolteachers. He also organized high school reunions for graduates dating back to 1928. There were plenty of other mischievous Bluffton boys besides Cecil. Emmett shared a story about the Bluffton Future Farmers of America summer camp. Most of the boys attending camp were from upstate South Carolina and had never even seen saltwater. When they asked about the land at Spanish Wells across from Alljoy Landing, the Bluffton boys told them, “That’s Portugal!” After high school, Emmett spent two years at Clemson before receiving an appointment to West Point from Sen. Strom Thurmond. In 1958, during his senior year, he met his future wife, Miss Theodora “Teddy” Albritton of North Carolina, on a blind date. The following year, they married and headed to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Over the next three decades, the McCrackens moved 20 times, with many of those assignments taking them to Korea and Northeast Asia. In 1989, after 30 years of Army life, they returned to Bluffton. I asked Emmett about that blind date

with Teddy in New York City, where she was a beautiful, sophisticated young woman working in advertising. He told me that he arrived at her apartment building and rang the bell. Once. Twice. Three times. Nothing. He did hear a buzzer, but as a smalltown boy, he had no idea he was supposed to push the door open after she “buzzed” him in. Teddy finally came downstairs and let him in herself. Emmett says he’s surprised he ever got a second date, but Teddy might not have gotten one either if she hadn’t liked antiques. While waiting for a taxi on Second Avenue, he asked whether she liked antiques. She did. They eventually “retired” to run Stock Farm Antiques, founded by his mother, Naomi, in her home and later relocated to May River Road in Bluffton. Back in Bluffton, Emmett served on boards and commissions and held elected office. His first campaign for Beaufort County Council was unsuccessful, but he ran

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again two years later and won in 1992. He served on the council every year thereafter, became chairman in 1998 and served as Bluffton’s mayor from 1999 to 2001. The Bluffton Town Council named its new council chambers in his honor, and the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber presented him with the 2018 Alice Glenn Doughtie Good Citizenship Award. McCracken and his father, H.E. McCracken Sr., were inducted into Bluffton’s Wall of Honor in 2026. Mayor Lisa Sulka called him “a native son of Bluffton.” Interestingly, his great-grandfather, George Sewell Guilford, a Yankee from Maine, was elected Bluffton’s first mayor only 40 years after the Civil War, otherwise known as “The Great Unpleasantness.” With Emmett’s slow Southern drawl and impeccable manners, you might never suspect his Northeastern roots. Then again, that says something about Bluffton, doesn’t it? We truly are eccentric. We don’t care much about where you come from, but mind your manners and show us you truly care. 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

The Bluffton Sun

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Four Seasons residents join together for a cause

By Joanne Vilardi Contributor

Residents of Four Seasons Carolina Oaks in Bluffton raised $1,208 for CURE Childhood Cancer during October through three evenings of Community Feud, bingo and music bingo. The fundraising events were organized by volunteers Nancy and Gerard Martinsen, Mary DeMarsh, Ken Herbers, and Joann and Mark Bomia. Community Feud brought neighbors together for a friendly competition to see who could come up with the best answers to a variety of questions. Representatives from CURE Childhood Cancer attended the bingo events to share information about the organization and its mission. During one bingo event, Ella Basnett, a 12-year-old Bluffton resident and childhood cancer survivor, who is in remission, shared her story with attendees and received a standing ovation. At the music bingo event, Abby Smith, development manager for community engagement at CURE Childhood Cancer, discussed the organization’s two primary areas of focus: research and family support. The research initiative supports scientists working

to improve childhood cancer treatments, including precision medicine approaches for various types of pediatric cancer. The organization’s family support services include six programs: Early Outreach Program: Connects with families at the time of diagnosis to provide information and support. Emergency Fund: Provides financial assistance to families experiencing hardships related to a child’s cancer treatment. Open Arms Meal Program: Provides meals to hospitalized patients and their families at little or no cost. Counseling Program: Offers professional counseling to patients and family members at little or no cost. Bereavement Care Program: Supports families grieving the loss of a child. Survivorship Care Program: Helps patients transition from active treatment to survivorship care. The fundraising events gave Four Seasons Carolina Oaks residents an opportunity to enjoy time with their neighbors while supporting children with cancer and their families. For more information about CURE Childhood Cancer, contact Abby W. Smith at 912-777-8128 or visit www. curechildhoodcancer.org.

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The Bluffton Sun

November 3, 2026

Big dreams and determination drive Hilton Head athlete Jacob Murasko By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Life is busy for 20-year-old Hilton Head Island resident Jacob Murasko. He works four days a week at The Crazy Crab Restaurant at Jarvis Creek, plays golf competitively, participates in several Special Olympics sports, enjoys spending time with family and friends, and hopes to attend Clemson University. Jacob’s passion for golf recently took him to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota, where he and his father, Paul Murasko, finished fourth in their division. Representing South Carolina as a Unified golf team, the two competed together on a national stage, an accomplishment made even more impressive by the fact that Jacob, who has Down syndrome, began playing golf competitively just two years ago. Although he has played golf since he was around 7, it wasn’t until the family moved from Massachusetts to Hilton Head Island two years ago that he began competing. In a Bank of America video featuring the pair ahead of the USA Games, Jacob made his competitive spirit clear. “I play golf with my dad,” Jacob said. “My dad is very good coach. He is amazing father and I can’t wait for USA

Games.” In the video Paul said competing alongside his son has been an emotional experience. “Him and I became Unified partners and we’ve won a few medals this past season. I did not realize during this whole time how much he was taking to heart. And as soon as they placed the medal, he started breaking down. I started breaking down. I’m proud.” Jacob first became involved with Special Olympics eight years ago while living in Massachusetts. There he competed in swimming, basketball and track and field at the state level. He also served as a manager for his high school’s boys basketball and girls volleyball teams. Since moving to Hilton Head Island, he has expanded his athletic interests to include golf, pickleball and kayaking, and he is preparing to try tennis. Over Labor Day weekend, Jacob placed second at a Special Olympics golf invitational held at Golden Bear Golf Club on Hilton Head Island. The tournament attracted approximately 46 athletes from South Carolina and North Carolina, according to his father. And his golf season isn’t over. Jacob is preparing to compete in the upcoming South Carolina Special Olympics state golf tournament

DREAMS CONT. ON PAGE 59

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DREAMS FROM PAGE 58

Nov. 7 in Columbia. But sports are only part of Jacob’s story. Four days a week, he works as a host and busser at The Crazy Crab at Jarvis Creek, where he enjoys greeting customers and interacting with his co-workers. During a recent interview, Jacob talked about his responsibilities at the restaurant, including greeting guests and talking with customers. He also spoke positively about his managers and co-workers. “Jacob is very proud of having a job and a job where he is working really independently,” Paul said in the video. And now Jacob has his sights set on another milestone: college. He is on the waiting list for ClemsonLIFE, a program at Clemson University designed for students with intellectual disabilities. When asked about his future goals, Jacob didn’t hesitate to talk about Clemson even though his family’s football loyalties traditionally lie elsewhere. “We’re a Notre Dame family, but we do cheer for Clemson,” Paul said. “You have to cheer for Clemson.” For Paul and Marla Murasko, watching their son pursue opportunities like college, employment and competitive sports represents something they have encouraged throughout his life. That independence, however, has come with challenges, including a medical condition that affected Jacob for years. Jacob spent much of his childhood dealing with severe obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. Doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Down

The Bluffton Sun Syndrome Clinic recognized signs of the condition when Jacob was young, but his sensory sensitivities made traditional sleep studies difficult. His parents also knew that continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, therapy, which requires wearing a mask during sleep, was not be a practical option for him. “We saw an individual who was wanting to be active, but was very tired,” Paul said. “And we saw someone who wasn’t always focusing.” The family eventually learned about Inspire therapy, an implanted medical device designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea without the use of a CPAP mask. Jacob participated in a clinical trial involving individuals with Down syndrome and received the Inspire implant when he was approximately 18. The small implant helps keep the airway open during sleep by stimulating a motor nerve with gentle pulses to move the tongue out of the way during each breath. It is turned on with a small remote before bedtime and the stimulation settings can be adjusted to meet a patient’s needs. For Jacob, those adjustments have been especially important. Due to his sensory sensitivities, he prefers a lower setting. Within about a month of Jacob getting consistent sleep, Paul began noticing a difference. “He wakes up and isn’t as tired,” Paul said. “And we notice not only how he acts, it’s how he looks. He doesn’t look like he’s still sleeping.” A reading specialist who works with Jacob also noticed improvements in his ability to focus during their sessions. Other people who work with him have commented on improvements in his speech and articulation.

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Paul is careful not to credit every change to the device, noting that maturity and other factors have likely played a role. Still, the family believes better sleep has made a meaningful difference in Jacob’s daily life. “When you get a better night’s sleep, I think life in general is better for you,” Paul said. Beyond the golf course, Special Olympics has given Jacob opportunities to develop leadership skills. He has served as a U.S. Youth Ambassador, helping promote inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. “Special Olympics has actually helped Jacob mature, has helped Jacob grow,” Paul said in the video. “Jacob wants to be a leader.” With another golf tournament approaching and college on his mind, Jacob is already looking toward his next challenge.

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The Bluffton Sun

November 3, 2026

When the tambourine played on Dubois Lane: By Paul Tollefson

houses that had long been part of the Lowcountry landscape. These were intimate places where faith and community lived close together and where a small building could hold a much larger place in the lives of the people who gathered there. By the 1950s, Ark of the Savior had taken its place on DuBois Lane. At the heart of the little church was Margaret Taylor, a woman whose journey to that homemade pulpit had begun many years earlier and many miles away. Born in Savannah and raised for much of her childhood in Augusta, Margaret eventually found her way back toward the Lowcountry. In 1956, Margaret experienced what she described as a spiritual calling during a revival. Whatever doubts she may have carried before that night, faith would become a defining part of the rest of her life. Eventually, she found herself preaching inside that little church on DuBois Lane. Thankfully, somebody thought to take pictures while Ark of the Savior was still alive with worship. In one, Margaret

Contributor

There are places in old Bluffton that disappeared so quietly that, unless somebody saved a photograph or took the time PAUL TOLLEFSON to write down a memory, you might never know they were here. One of those places stood on DuBois Lane, where a small wooden church was once filled with preaching, prayer, music and the sound of a tambourine keeping time. It was called Ark of the Savior. It wasn’t a grand church with stainedglass windows or a steeple reaching above the trees. It was a simple, one-room Holiness church tucked among family homes, similar in many ways to the small praise

stands behind a simple, handmade pulpit, smiling with her hands raised, while the words “SAVIOR FOR ARK” are painted across its front. Nearby sits her mother, Susie Mae, tambourine in hand, while a drum waits close by. The photograph is silent, of course, but when you look at it long enough, the room somehow doesn’t feel quiet. On Sundays, there was Bible study, preaching and music. Visiting Holiness congregations sometimes traveled to Bluffton, and those Sundays could turn into all-day gatherings, with food prepared and people staying together for hours. Margaret’s younger sister, Theodosia, would later remember a childhood filled not only with Sunday worship but also Bible studies, weekday services and youth gatherings. For such a little church, there was plenty of life inside those wooden walls. But perhaps the best way to understand Ark of the Savior isn’t through the building at all. It is through what happened when

somebody needed help, because one story preserved from 1983 tells us something about Margaret and this little congregation that dates and names never could. While attending a Holiness church gathering in Columbia, Margaret encountered a mother and her three daughters who were facing a difficult situation and needed somewhere safe to go. Margaret didn’t have a large house or plenty of extra room waiting back in Bluffton, but that apparently wasn’t enough to stop her. She brought the family home with her. A small trailer nearby became available, giving the mother and her girls a place to stay. Before long, they became part of the community surrounding Ark of the Savior. The children played with the others, their mother joined the music during services, and a family that had arrived in Bluffton needing somewhere to go found people willing to make room for them. That small act may tell us more about

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The Bluffton Sun

Beaufort County food drive to benefit Bluffton Self Help

DUBOIS FROM PAGE 58 Ark of the Savior than anything else preserved about it. The little wooden church on DuBois Lane was a place to worship, but it was also a place where people shared meals, looked after one another and opened their community to someone who needed it. For years, Margaret continued preaching behind that homemade pulpit while her mother’s tambourine kept time, the drum joined in and voices filled the little room before carrying outside into the Bluffton air. For a while, that was simply part of life on DuBois Lane. But like so many pieces of old Bluffton, it would not last forever, and eventually the music coming from Ark of the Savior would grow quiet. Part Two will tell what happened to the little church on DuBois Lane and how close its story came to disappearing along with it. Paul Tollefson is the Director of Tennis at the Hampton Hall Club. After moving from Hilton Head to Bluffton he became enthralled with the history of the town and the people and cultures that call it home. He has found a passion in writing and enjoys being able to share the stories and pictures of long-time locals. He is the co-creator of the Facebook page “Bluffton Then and Now.”

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By The Bluffton Sun Staff

First responders across Beaufort County are joining forces for the fifth annual Beaufort County First Responder Food Drive, collecting nonperishable food donations from Nov. 1 through Dec. 11 to benefit Bluffton Self Help and HELP of Beaufort. The annual drive brings together law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical services, local governments and community partners to help stock food pantry shelves ahead of the Christmas holiday. Organizers hope to collect more than 5,000 pounds of food this year, surpassing the more than 4,000 pounds donated during the 2025 drive. Last year’s donations were divided equally between Bluffton Self Help and HELP of Beaufort. Both organizations have reported increases in the number of individuals and families seeking assistance. Donations must be nonperishable, unopened and within their expiration dates. Collection boxes will be available at participating locations throughout Beaufort County, including several in Bluffton, Okatie and Hilton Head Island. Bluffton-area donation locations include: • Town of Bluffton, 20 Bridge St.

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The Bluffton Sun

November 3, 2026

Canine Good Citizen test puts dogs’ manners to the test By Abby Bird aka Alphadog Contributor

The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program offers dog owners an opportunity to build on basic obedience training while developing skills that help dogs behave appropriately in public. Most owners begin this training after their dogs have learned commands such as sit, down, stay and walking on a leash. The CGC program goes further, emphasizing good manners, temperament and appropriate behavior around people, other dogs and everyday distractions. The program can serve as a foundation for therapy dog training or help owners develop a better-behaved companion. It also strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners through consistent training. The CGC test consists of 10 exercises designed to evaluate a dog’s obedience, confidence and behavior in common situations. 1. Accepting a friendly stranger The dog must remain calm when a

friendly stranger approaches and speaks with its handler. The evaluator greets the handler while ignoring the dog. The dog must not display shyness or resentment, demonstrating that it can comfortably encounter unfamiliar people. 2. Sitting politely for petting The dog must allow a friendly stranger to pet its head and body without showing fear or resentment. The dog may remain seated or stand during the interaction. The handler may speak to the dog and offer encouragement throughout the exercise. 3. Appearance and grooming The evaluator checks the dog’s general condition, cleanliness and grooming. Using a brush or comb provided by the handler, the evaluator gently brushes the dog, examines its ears and lifts each front foot. The dog must tolerate the examination without resistance. This exercise also emphasizes responsible pet care. 4. Walking on a loose leash The dog must walk attentively with its handler without pulling excessively. The exercise includes right, left and about turns, along with stops. Perfect heeling is not required, but the dog must respond to the handler’s movements and changes in

direction. 5. Walking through a crowd The dog and handler walk near at least three people. The dog may show interest in others but must remain under control without jumping, pulling on the leash or displaying excessive excitement, fear or resentment. This exercise reflects situations encountered in public places. 6. Sit, down and stay The dog must respond to commands to sit and lie down, then remain in place while the handler walks away using a 20-foot line. The handler returns before releasing the dog. The dog may change position but must remain where it was left. 7. Coming when called Using the same 20-foot line, the handler walks 10 feet away and calls the dog. The dog must respond and return to the handler. Verbal encouragement is permitted. This exercise reinforces an important obedience skill for everyday situations. 8. Reaction to another dog Two handlers approach each other with their dogs, stop briefly to exchange greetings and continue walking. The dogs must remain controlled, showing no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should approach the other dog or its

handler. 9. Reaction to distractions The evaluator introduces two common distractions, such as a dropped object, passing jogger or moving cart. The dog may show curiosity or mild surprise but must not panic, flee, become aggressive or bark. The handler may offer reassurance and encouragement. 10. Supervised separation The handler leaves the dog with an evaluator and remains out of sight for three minutes. The dog need not stay in one position but must remain reasonably calm without continuous barking, whining, pacing or excessive distress. The Canine Good Citizen program offers benefits beyond passing a test. Training encourages communication, trust and responsible ownership while helping dogs develop skills for everyday situations. I encourage dog owners to explore the program, which is offered through many trainers. The training can be a worthwhile investment in a dog’s development and the relationship between dog and owner. Abby Bird is the owner of Alphadog Training Academy. AlphadogTrainingAcademy@gmail.com.

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Minerals

Stardust that powers your life By Dr. Nabil El-Hag Contributor

Minerals are the quiet drivers of human health, essential nutrients that support many of the body’s vital functions. In fact, about 96% of the human body’s mass is made up of four elements: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen. About 99% is made up of just six elements, adding calcium and phosphorus to that list. The major minerals essential NABIL EL-HAG to human health include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and sulfur. Although dietary minerals are needed in varying amounts, they regulate many of the body’s most vital processes. Some minerals help transmit the electrical signals that allow nerves and muscles to function. In their ionic form, they help create the electrical impulses that allow cells to communicate. They help the heart beat, muscles contract, nerves fire and cells balance fluids and nutrients. Without minerals, the body could not maintain normal metabolism, movement or internal balance. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, and

more than 99% of it is stored in bones and teeth. Phosphorus works closely with calcium in skeletal structure while also supporting cell membranes, DNA and energy metabolism. Magnesium is needed for hundreds of biochemical reactions, including muscle and nerve function, protein synthesis, blood glucose control and energy production. Sodium, potassium and chloride help regulate fluid balance, nerve signaling and muscle contraction. Sulfur also belongs on the list of major minerals because it contributes to the structure of important proteins and other compounds in the body. Beyond the major minerals is a long list of trace min-

erals, including zinc, selenium, iron, manganese, copper and iodine. They are needed in much smaller amounts, yet they remain essential to health. When mineral intake is poor or absorption is impaired, the effects may gradually show up as fatigue, weakness, poor concentration, muscle problems or slower recovery. What makes this story even more compelling is the origin of these elements. NASA explains that nearly all of the heavier elements in the human body were formed in stars before Earth existed. The calcium in bones, the iron in blood and the phosphorus in DNA all share a cosmic history. So when you choose foods rich in minerals, protect your bones, support your heart and pay attention to the subtle signals your body sends, you are doing more than “staying healthy.” You are caring for a finely tuned, electrically alive constellation of cells, built from the same elements that light the night sky. To honor your minerals is to honor both your biology and your cosmic heritage. You are not just under the stars; you are one of them. Dr. Nabil El-Hag, PhD, MPH in Nutrition Biochemistry, is a social entrepreneur, technocrat, philanthropist, and judo Olympian. In his upcoming book, “Link to Vitality,” he shares the science and philosophy behind lifelong wellness. He also writes about wellness, vitality, and longevity.

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a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow and upper extremity. He is on the medical staff at Beaufort Memorial and part of the hospital’s Advanced Orthopedics & Spine program. Dr. Smith joins BOSS after completing advanced training at the prestigious Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. At the practice, he provides comprehensive care for a wide range of injuries and conditions, including fractures, tendon and ligament injuries, nerve compression disorders, arthritis and other disorders of the upper extremity. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Smith has contributed extensively to orthopaedic research and education. He has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and has presented his work at regional and national orthopaedic conferences. Recognized for academic and research achievement, he remains committed to advancing patient care through innovation.

“My approach emphasizes individualized treatment plans, patient education and evidence-based care, with a focus on restoring function, relieving pain and helping patients get back to doing what they enjoy.”

• Fellowship in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center

• Residency in Orthopaedic Surgery, Indiana University • Doctor of Medicine, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, Indiana University School of Medicine

• Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude, University of Alabama SEEING PATIENTS IN BEAUFORT, BLUFFTON, AND HILTON HEAD ISLAND

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November 3, 2026

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Collins Group Realty welcomes two new team members

Collins Group Realty has named Lauren Kovach business operations manager and hired Hilton Head Island native Cassie Cobia as a marketing team specialist. Kovach brings more than 25 years of experience in advertising, marketing, management consulting and software sales, including 10 years in sales support. She will oversee daily operations at the company’s Hilton Head Island and Bluffton offices and supervise administrative staff. A Chicago native, Kovach earned degrees from the University of Michigan and University of Georgia. She spent 20 years in Atlanta before relocating to Hilton Head Island with her husband, Jeff. Cobia will assist with property marketing, website content, social media and community outreach. A 2022 graduate of Hilton Head Preparatory School, she graduated with honors from Clemson University and previously worked in the local real estate industry. Chip Collins, owner and broker-incharge, said Cobia’s local connections and marketing background will benefit the company’s efforts throughout the Lowcountry.

Veteran-owned bicycle shop opens in Bluffton

Fowler’s Bicycle Shop has opened at 70 Pennington Drive, Suite 9, in Bluffton, offering bicycle sales, repairs and accessories. The veteran-owned, family-operated business is owned by Matt Fowler, who has more than 30 years of cycling and racing experience. The shop carries road, gravel, recreational and electric bicycles, including Cannondale and Aventon brands. Its service department handles tune-ups, adjustments and advanced repairs. Service manager Maria brings more than 16 years of experience. “We wanted to create something more than just a place to buy a bicycle,” Fowler said. The shop also hosts Saturday group rides and cycling events, aiming to become a gathering place for the local cycling community. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The shop is closed Sunday. For information, call 843-837-2453 or visit www.fowlersbicycleshop.com.

Lowcountry Autism Foundation director appointed to state council

Sophia Fakoury Townes, president and executive director of the Lowcountry Autism Foundation, has been appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster to the South Carolina Interagency Coordinating Council. She will serve as a parent representative through February 2028. The council advises the state’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. A former educator, Townes became involved with the foundation after her son Jack was diagnosed with autism at age 3. She served on its advisory council and later as volunteer program coordinator for Beaufort County. Her involvement grew after another son, Joseph, was diagnosed in 2018. She became president and executive director in June 2024. The foundation provides free programming and resources to more than 5,000 families throughout the Lowcountry.

Entrepreneur launches enthusiasm-inspired clothing brand

Hilton Head Island entrepreneur Matt Papka is using clothing and a simple message to encourage people to connect with others and approach life with enthusiasm. Papka founded The Enthusiasm Company and launched its bREAL clothing and merchandise line in 2025. The name stands for “Be Real Enthusiastic About Life.” The venture grew from an experience at his son’s soccer game, where Papka noticed parents and children struggling with stress and a lack of interaction. “Looking around at the bleachers, I saw parents who were either too stressed to fully enjoy the moment, or simply not being present. I saw kids that were playing through incredible anxiety. What I didn’t see was anyone talking to one another,” Papka said. After a three-decade career in insurance and later work as an inventor, Papka developed the company with a mission of encouraging kindness, personal connections and positive attitudes. The bREAL line includes shirts, hats and stickers. The company also promotes a pledge encouraging people to take small actions that improve the lives of others. More information is available at breal. life.

November 3, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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USCB’s Panu to retire By Sasha Sweeney Editor

University of South Carolina Beaufort Chancellor Al M. Panu will retire at the end of June 2027, concluding nearly 12 years as the university’s top administrator. Panu became USCB’s second chancellor in July 2015, succeeding Jane T. Upshaw. He was the first African American chancellor in the University of South Carolina system. During his tenure, USCB expanded enrollment, introduced academic programs, invested in campus facilities and increased its economic impact across the Lowcountry. According to the university, enrollment increased 27.8% during Panu’s tenure, while the number of graduates rose 43%. USCB’s annual economic impact grew from $75 million to $141 million. Academic expansion included the launch of the Beaufort College Honors Program, the university’s first graduate degrees, three bachelor’s degree programs and concentrations in cybersecurity and marine biology. Campus improvements included student housing, athletics facilities, library and stu-

dent center upgrades in Bluffton, expanded academic and student facilities in Beaufort and construction of the Hilton Head Island campus. Other developments included growth in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, which now has more than 1,800 members, and continued support for the university’s Center for the Fine Arts and its Chamber Music Series. During Panu’s leadership, USCB established the USCB Education Foundation, which has helped raise more than $8 million. The university also secured $15.9 million in federal grants and sponsored research funding and more than $15 million in additional state appropriations. The university reported receiving six Carolina Trustees Professorship Awards and twice being recognized as a top producer of Fulbright scholars during his tenure. “For Judith and me, serving USCB in the leadership capacity has been one of the greatest privileges of our professional life,” Panu said. “I have been inspired daily by the dedication, talent, and commitment of our remarkable faculty, staff, leadership team, and community partners in the service of our student learning.”

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November 3, 2026

Beaufort Memorial expands primary care

By Emma June Grosskopf Contributor

Beaufort Memorial has expanded its primary care services on Hilton Head Island with the opening of two practices at 100 Exchange St., Suite 200. Representatives from Beaufort Memorial, the Town of Hilton Head Island and the Hilton Head Island & Bluffton Chamber of Commerce celebrated the openings during an Oct. 15 ribbon-cutting ceremony. The location houses Marshview Primary Care, which relocated from Bluffton this fall, and a second location for Beaufort Memorial Concierge Care. “We hear time and time again that the Lowcountry needs more primary care options,” said Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley. “We couldn’t be more excited to expand our presence on Hilton Head Island and increase access to high-quality care for residents.” Marshview Primary Care offers comprehensive primary care services through board-certified family medicine physician Dr. Nikki Keisler and physician assistant Stephanie Lovato. Family medicine physician Dr. Chris-

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topher Opella provides care through Beaufort Memorial’s concierge medicine program, a membership-based service offering more personalized care and direct access to providers. The Hilton Head Island openings are part of Beaufort Memorial’s broader expansion of health care services in southern Beaufort County. The health system plans to open an

emergency and urgent care facility on William Hilton Parkway in January, followed by Bluffton Community Hospital in early 2027. “These projects represent a significant investment in the health and well-being of our community and in particular, our communities in the southern part of the county,” Baxley said. “Together, they’ll make it easier for residents and visitors

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both to access the care they need, closer to home.” Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry also emphasized the importance of expanding primary care services. “Primary care access in our community has been a challenge for a long time, and Beaufort Memorial is helping meet that need,” Perry said. “These new practices, along with the upcoming Emergency & Urgent Care, demonstrate what can happen when partnerships make these conversations a reality, creating a better community and healthcare system for everyone.” Beaufort Memorial Concierge Care also operates at 300 New River Parkway, Suite 16, in Hardeeville, under the direction of Dr. James Frost. Another board-certified provider is scheduled to join the practice in December. The concierge program offers same-day or next-day appointments when needed, flexible scheduling, around-the-clock communication with providers by phone, email or text, and coordinated care services. For more information, visit BeaufortMemorial.org/ConciergeCare. 2011-2026

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The Bluffton Sun

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