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The Bluffton Sun n

New energy, old rivalries

By Justin Jarrett Contributor

Let’s face it: Last year was humbling for Lowcountry high school football.

No area public school team advanced past the second round of the playoffs, and the Lowco had only one representative in the SCISA state finals, though Thomas Heyward’s SCISA 1A title prevented us from a complete shutout.

And the winds of our best bellwether — how our Lowco squads match up with their peers from other regions — did not blow in our favor. Newcomer Bishop England crashed the Lowco party in Region 6-4A and claimed the region championship, recent Lowco bell cow Hampton County bowed out in the second round at Manning, and Pinewood Prep knocked Hilton Head Christian Academy from its perch as a perennial SCISA power.

It all added up to an early start to basketball season.

The final chapters of this season have yet to be written, but it’s shaping up to be a bounce-back year and a more fruitful fall for the Lowco in 2025.

The first winds of change came when Hilton Head High thoroughly dispatched the defending region champion Battling Bishops, who came to the island ranked third in Class 4A, and May River followed it up by slogging out a 14-7 home win over Bishop England in a steady rain.

Mind you, this was not a case of catching Bishop England in a rebuilding year. The Bishops were undefeated and ranked third in Class 4A before running into a one-two punch from the Lowco.

That means we’ll have a new region champ who reigns from the Lowco, and the Bishops still have to go through Beaufort and Bluffton, which boasts a stable of offensive stars who can hold their own in a shootout against any team in the state.

Each of the top four teams in the region is capable of making a deep run in the playoffs, but the road to Columbia still goes through South Florence. The Bruins ended Hilton Head High’s season a year ago, and

The May River Sharks outlasted Bishop England 14-7 on Friday to improve to 6-1 and stay undefeated in Region 6-4A play heading into a home matchup with Hilton Head High, the only other unbeaten team in the region.

the Seahawks would like nothing more than another opportunity to measure themselves against the gold standard, but they first have to deal with May River in The Tank. If Hilton Head wins, the Seahawks will just need to take care of business against Beaufort and Colleton County — the bottom two teams in the region standings — to run the table.

On the other hand… if the Sharks and their Slot-T attack find a way to fluster the Seahawks’ stoic quarterback and wear down B.J. Payne’s defense, chaos will ensue, and it won’t settle until May River invades The Den to take on the high-flying Bobcats on Oct. 30.

Such drama is hard to come by for Hampton County these days. After suffering three straight losses in the type of games that forge champions — win or lose — the Hurricanes have been untouchable in region play and are developing depth and tightening up for what could be a lengthy postseason.

The Lowcountry has been notoriously overlooked in relation to larger population centers (and media markets) in the state, and there’s only one way to break through the noise: Keep knocking on the door until it opens.

We’ll send several teams into the postseason with the pieces necessary to compete with the big boys from the Pee Dee and the Midlands, but the one who runs the Lowcountry gauntlet will earn the most advantageous path through the bracket. We’ll find out over the next few weeks who has what it takes.

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

Photo by Cameron Jacobi (MRHS Student Photojournalist)

A screening mammogram is one of the best tools for detecting breast cancer early. Isn’t your health worth it?

Buy Now, Schedule Later

Select Your Location To purchase your screening mammogram, visit BeaufortMemorial.org/SaveOnMammos. Select your preferred location (Beaufort, Okatie or Hilton Head Island) and click “Add to Cart.”

Make Your Purchase Online Pay in advance by October 31 with a credit card, HSA/FSA account, or PayPal. Vouchers can be used up to six months from the time of purchase.

Schedule Your Mammogram Visit BeaufortMemorial.org/ MammoAppointment or call 843-522-5015 to schedule your mammogram. Bring your voucher receipt to your appointment.

– Purchase a $99 screening mammogram voucher from MDsave during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, then schedule with Beaufort Memorial in the next six months. Promotional pricing applies to 3D screening mammogram vouchers purchased through MDsave between October 1-31. If other procedures or views are necessary at the time of the exam, there may be additional charges for the patient and/or their insurance plan.

By Channing Heiss Contributor

Osprey Village plans fundraisers, anticipates groundbreaking

As they work toward the goal of a groundbreaking later this fall for a customized neighborhood accommodating adults with developmental disabilities, Osprey Village Inc. organizers are holding fundraisers to help support their work.

Osprey Village was founded to advocate and develop opportunities where adults with developmental disabilities can gain maximum independence in a supportive neighborhood with a variety of housing, services, and activity options. The establishment of Osprey Village is happening as this area faces growing demand, overwhelming existing resources when it comes to housing and services accommodating people with disabilities, resulting in years long waiting lists.

The organization is engaged in a capital campaign and has raised $686,000 of an initial $3 million goal needed to break ground on the Hardeeville development. Organizers are planning for building to begin next spring. Phase I will offer one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas and phase two will offer condominiums and apartments.

In addition to housing, Osprey Village will offer residents customized services according to Osprey Village’s individualized services philosophy. These services in-

clude life skills training, health and wellness resources, job coaching, social activities, transportation, and personal assistance adjusted to fit individual requirements.

The Osprey Village Golf Tournament will return to Golden Bear Golf Club on Hilton Head Island on Sunday,

November 9, for the seventh annual tournament. This year’s tournament is presented by Subaru Auto Nation Hilton Head. The price to participate in the tournament is $175 for an individual golfer and $700 for a foursome.

The day includes breakfast by Nectar Farm Kitchen, a buffet lunch by Tina and Joedon Boney, Starbucks coffee, craft beers by Lincoln and South Brewing Company, and 18 holes of golf with a cart. There will be contests along the course in which golfers may win prizes. In addition to the golf, there will be a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction. Sponsorship opportunities span many categories and donation levels. Those options are listed on the Osprey Village website. Over twenty sponsors are supporting the tournament.

Osprey Village will also be having a fundraising dinner on November 16 at 5pm at Chophouse 119, also on Hilton Head. According to their website link, only a few tickets remain available.

For more information on Osprey Village fundraising and village development plans, to make a donation, or to set up an initial interview as part of the application process for residency, go to the Osprey Village website or call 843-422-6099.

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

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South Carolina House continues push for comprehensive tort reform

By Rep. Weston Newton Contributor

As I mentioned last month in this forum, the House GOP caucus convened for our annual legislative planning retreat to discuss the upcoming legislative session and our shared values of limited government, individual liberty, fiscal responsibility, and strong, safe communities.

Earlier this year, we successfully passed and the Governor signed into law H 3430, marking the initial phase of our tort reform efforts. I played a pivotal role in guiding this liquor liability reform through the legislative process on the House side.

The legislation encompasses sweeping liquor liability reform and long-overdue updates to our states’ joint and several liability laws. It ensures that businesses are held accountable for their share of fault, rather than being punished for the actions of others. After the House consistently championed this issue for three consecutive sessions, the and the Senate finally reached a consensus on these key points. Consequently, we delivered substantial liquor liability relief to restaurants, bars, and VFW posts across our state, as well as businesses and individuals facing liability claims, including those arising from the

actions of others.

In my efforts to reach consensus with the Senate, as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, I established an ad hoc committee to explore other aspects of tort reform. This committee started with medical malpractice and will in the coming weeks take up construction defect liability/the statute of repose, and time limit settlement demand-related claims commonly known as Tiger River demands.

Earlier this month, the ad hoc committee convened and received testimony from diverse stakeholders representing various perspectives on the medical malpractice issues. Tort reform in the medical malpractice context involves amendments to various statutes, particularly those that often differentiate treatment of medical providers based on whether they are for-profit private hospitals, charitable hospitals, or government/public hospitals.

For-profit private hospitals are subject to a medical malpractice cap statute that limits non-economic damages. This statute includes a single defendant cap of $350,000 per claimant against a single provider or institution, and an aggregate cap of $1,050,000 if there are multiple defendants. These caps are adjusted annually for inflation. Economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, are not capped, and punitive damages are not barred by the statute.

In contrast, the South Carolina Tort Claims Act (SCTCA) caps damages at $300,000 per person and $600,000 per occurrence for governmental entities. Punitive damages are also barred against

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The Mayor’s contention that unretrieved dog poop is to blame for pollution to the May River is disingenuous. There are many sources for the contamination as described below. I attended a Town Watershed Meeting that included a presentation by a college professor that actually provided an analysis of the culprits by name. Toomer did not attend that meet-

ing. The internet provided the following summary.

Sources of fecal matter in the May River include human waste from malfunctioning septic systems, particularly in the headwaters, pet waste from urban runoff, sanitary sewer leakages and spills, wildlife, and the overall increase in stormwater runoff carrying pollutants into the

governmental entities. Charitable nonprofit hospitals are treated similarly to charitable organizations, with recovery against the charity limited to the SCTCA caps. Further suing the charity generally blocks suit against individual employees unless the employee acted recklessly or grossly negligent. In essence, charitable hospitals are capped by the SCTCA caps with employee protection.

The Senate’s legislation includes changes to the medical malpractice area of law which are in part intended to resolve problems that recent lawsuits have highlighted including the need to review and address the statutory definition of “occurrence” to ensure that the limits and caps are actually meaningful. Additionally, the bill aims to review the cap amounts to ensure that the potential recovery adequately protects victims of malpractice without inappropriately increasing healthcare costs.

Following the medical malpractice hearings, we will schedule hearings on the other components of tort reform to expedite the legislative process when we reconvene in January. Next month I will share my thoughts on the importance of the continued efforts with judicial reform, namely improvements to our magistrate court system.

It is my honor and privilege to represent the citizens of District 120. If I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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

river due to development and increased impervious surfaces. Rising fecal coliform levels are linked to the increasing population and development in the May River watershed.

John Genovese, Bluffton Resident and dog lover

WESTON NEWTON

Navigating the time shift: Mental health tips for post-daylight saving time

By Alex Barry Contributor

As daylight saving time ends on November 2, 2026, millions of Americans will set their clocks back one hour, gaining a bit of extra sleep but also facing a shift in their daily rhythms. While this transition may seem minor, it can significantly impact mental health—especially as shorter days and longer nights settle in. While we are blessed to live in a climate that is generally much more moderate than “back up North,” here’s how to stay mentally resilient during this seasonal adjustment.

The end of daylight saving time disrupts our circadian rhythm, the internal clock that regulates sleep, mood, and

energy. Sudden changes in light exposure can lead to fatigue, irritability, and even symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Being aware of this shift helps you prepare and respond proactively.

With earlier sunsets, it’s crucial to soak up daylight whenever possible. Take morning walks, open blinds, and sit near windows during the day. Natural light boosts serotonin levels, which can improve mood and focus. If sunlight is scarce, consider using a light therapy box to simulate daylight indoors.

Even though we “gain” an hour, resist the temptation to stay up later. Maintain a regular bedtime and wake-up time to help your body adjust smoothly. Good sleep hygiene—like limiting screen time before bed and creating a calming nighttime routine—can ease the transition.

Exercise is a proven mood booster, and staying socially connected combats feelings of isolation that can creep in during darker months. Schedule regular workouts, join a group activity, or simply check in with friends and family. Meditation, journaling, and deep

breathing exercises can help manage stress and maintain emotional balance. Even five minutes a day can make a difference in how you respond to seasonal changes.

Eat balanced meals rich in omega-3s, vitamin D, and complex carbohydrates. These nutrients support brain health and help regulate mood. If needed, talk to a healthcare provider about supplements. By embracing these strategies, you can turn the end of daylight saving time

into an opportunity for renewal and self-care. A little preparation goes a long way in protecting your mental well-being through the darker days ahead.

Alex Barry, MA, LPC-A. is the acting Executive Director of Mental Health America of the Lowcountry, providing daily adult group mental health counseling programs in Bluffton and Beaufort for clients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD and more.

ALEX BARRY

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Bluffton grad returns home as physician

By Novant Health Contributor

“I always knew I’d come back”

Bluffton has changed dramatically over the past decade, growing from a quiet coastal town into one of South Carolina’s fastest-expanding communities. And with so many new residents moving in each year, the need for more primary care doctors is also growing.

That’s one reason Alexis Almeida, MD, decided it was time to come home.

The Bluffton High School graduate has joined Novant Health Arley Way Primary Care, one of eight new primary care providers recently hired by Novant Health in the Lowcountry as part of a regional expansion to increase access to family medicine.

“I always knew I’d come back to Bluffton,” Almeida said. “Even when I was away for school or residency, I stayed plugged in. This is home.”

Born in New Jersey while her father completed his medical residency, Almeida spent her early years in Baltimore before her family relocated to Bluffton when she was 14. The move came with slight cultur-

al adjustments. “I remember someone saying hello to me in a grocery store and I panicked — stranger danger!” she recalled, laughing. “Then I realized, oh wait… that’s that Southern charm people talk about!”

Almeida quickly found her place in the

community, joining service clubs in high school including Rotary and Interact, volunteering for health-related causes and staying active in town events. She left for the University of South Carolina - a proud Gamecock - then earned her medical degree at St. George’s University in Grenada before completing her residency University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Greenville, Seneca Family Medicine Residency. That opportunity allowed her to learn more about rural medicine, too.

Almeida’s extensive training exposed her to full-scope care: inpatient, outpatient and even obstetrics, and taught her the value of long-term relationships with patients.

“When you see someone regularly over time, you notice things that a one-time visit could miss,” she said. “Continuity is powerful. Preventive care can help prevent or manage illnesses before they become emergencies.”

Bluffton may be booming, but Almeida says its heart hasn’t changed.

“There’s still this small-town spirit. People look out for each other,” she said. Since moving back in July, she’s already run into familiar faces — a contractor who remembered her from the school

bus stop, a family friend now working in real estate, even former classmates now raising children of their own.

“That’s the special part of practicing medicine in your hometown,” she said. “These aren’t just patients; they’re my neighbors.”

Almeida says Novant Health’s investment in both urgent care and primary care has helped smooth the path for patients who may have gone years without a dedicated physician. Many in the community, she notes, rely on urgent care simply because it’s accessible.

“Urgent care is a great resource, and we also want patents to have a long-term primary care home to help them stay healthy and manage acute and chronic conditions,” she said. “Research shows people with a consistent doctor are significantly less likely to need Emergency Department visits.”

Dr. Alexis Almeida is now accepting new patients at Novant Health Arley Way Primary Care in Bluffton. “It feels good to say I’m not just visiting… I’m here to stay.”

Appointments with are available online or by calling Novant Health’s new primary care patient navigator at 843-471-1239.

Serving Beaufort & Jasper Counties

Alexis Almeida, MD

Mathew Epps MD, MS, DABS

Jane Epps RN, BSN

Estate planning is more than “who gets what?”

By Mark Winn Contributor

In the arena of estate planning, avoiding unnecessary court involvement, preserving privacy, maximizing income tax deferral planning (IRA’s), planning to ensure availability of government benefits (Medicaid), and structuring affairs to ensure assets stay in the family bloodline (Bloodline trusts) are the big areas we address for most of our clients.

Retirement accounts are creatures of the law. As such, they are subject to many rules such as when you must begin taking out distributions and how much you must take (and therefore pay tax on). When one passes, the beneficiary designation on file with the administrator or custodian controls. The beneficiary has settlement options that they should consider before making any decisions. It is advisable to seek professional guidance on your settlement options, and which choice is best to take. We usually try to structure these assets so as to preserve income tax deferral as much as the law permits.

Government benefits are a lifeline to those in need. Planning in advance so

as to qualify for needs-based programs is critical to success in this arena can be the difference between someone who gets care and someone who does not get care. Making sure your agent can do this kind of planning is also critical. If the person who needs it is disabled, nothing can be done absent express specific authority to the contrary. Keeping your assets in the family is easy if you plan ahead. The law recognizes “future interests” so you can direct that a child inherits your property for their use and then when they pass it goes to your blood descendants, not your in-laws. Most people want this. We can make sure the in-law will not get it in a divorce or at death, and we can shelter it from estate taxes in the child’s estate and remove it from exposure to creditors’ claims.

Good estate plans will address all the issues raised above. While estate planning is about who gets what, it is also about how they get it and what that means. In today’s day and age, estate plans need to be flexible. They need to guard against exposure to estate taxes and take inflation into account. They also need to account for the possibility that fortune could turn against them, necessitating the need or want to obtain government benefits.

Mark F. Winn, J.D., Master of Laws (LL.M.) in estate planning, is a local asset protection, estate and elder law planning attorney. mwinnesq.com.

MARK WINN

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From courts to clubs to concerts, life here never skips a beat.

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How to avoid fall lawn and landscape issues

By Zach Deloach Contributor

Happy October! We hope everyone was able to weather the recent wet and windy weather. We saw a few branches down and lots of leaves and smaller twigs on the ground. Removing debris from the lawn in a timely manner is essential to avoiding damage to the lawn this time of year. If debris stays down too long, it can restrict essential sunlight to the lawn and create areas for moisture and fungus to develop.

We are currently entering the fall transitional period where we see fluctuating temperatures. With the addition of excess moisture, fungus is bound to develop. Fungus can present itself in many ways, but the main thing to look out for is uneven discoloration in the turf. A lot of times you will have bright yellow and red indications in the blades, but other times it can just appear that the grass is dying in certain areas. The best way to avoid this is with a preventative fungicide application, but the risk can be minimized in other ways as well.

The main cause of fungus is excess

moisture in the soil. It is most common in shaded areas that hold water or heavy traffic areas of the lawn. The easiest way to control this is by keeping your irrigation systems off until late spring. We recommend only watering once if we go two to three weeks with no rainfall. If possible, you want to avoid excess traffic across the lawn and building up low lying areas with sand or soil to reduce puddling. If you do still get a fungus, a fungicide treatment will be needed to avoid growth and spreading.

Aside from keeping an eye on fungus in the lawn, now is also a great time to make any necessary soil amendments for healthy growth next season. If you have not taken a soil sample from your property, it is highly encouraged that you do, as nutrients and composition of the soil vary yard to yard, even within the same subdivision. A good soil sample will tell you exactly what nutrients are at healthy levels and what needs amending for the following season. This time of year, pH and potassium levels are most essential. An application of potassium will give you a healthier, hardier root system to fend off cooler weather and bounce back from damage more effectively.

Lastly, we have started to see the cooler effects on our landscape plantings as well. Many trees, such as crepe myrtles, maples, Bradford pears and hydrangeas, have begun to drop their leaves and lose their color for the season. Other plants, such as camelias, are getting ready to flourish with new growth and blooms. Deep root feeding your winter bloomers

will increase the health, size and number of blooms. You can also feed other plants at this time to help them better withstand the cooler weather. We would recommend avoiding high nitrogen and focusing mainly on potassium and micronutrients.

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

How you can attain confidence in golf

By Dr. Jean Harris Contributor

The first step to gaining confidence is you must “believe before you can achieve.” Confidence is not a God given trait you are born with. Confidence is built step by step, though developing basic physical skills is essential to play well.

Steps you can take to improve your round of golf:

You must have a consistent “positive” pre-shot routine.

Thinking about technique and swing mean you are having internal focus. Your focus needs to be “external.”

Think more about where you want to hit the shot instead of how to do it.

To have true confidence, you must stay in the present. Don’t evaluate how you are playing because that means you are thinking of past holes. Also, don’t think ahead to future holes.

Think about what you want to happen. You are lacking confidence if you think about what you don’t want to happen. If you say “don’t hit in the water,” your brain hears “hit it in the water.”

Golf is a game of mistakes, and it is important to be able to react positively to your bad breaks on the course. Remember that once the ball leaves your club, the result is out of your control.

We have all hit good shots before, so build confidence by remembering a similar situation where you were successful. Success breeds success.

There is no such thing as “muscle memory.” Your muscles have no capacity to remember. Memory is in your brain, not your muscles. Build positive memories.

Focus on things you can control. Don’t let course conditions, distractions from fellow players, and slow play affect your attitude.

Don’t let anger get in the way during your round. Anger is a confidence killer. Mistakes are going to happen, and you must learn to accept them and move on to the present situation. If you are angry, you are thinking about previous results instead of focusing on the present shot.

Examine your self-talk. Speak to yourself like you would a friend. You must have positive self-talk.

Remember that confidence in golf can be achieved. It takes practice and positive reinforcement. Having realistic goals is important. A confident golfer has more fun.

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

Beaufort Memorial honors employee service

By Emma June Grosskopf Contributor

Nearly 200 Beaufort Memorial Hospital employees were honored earlier this month for their dedication and years of service to the community during the health system’s annual Employee Service Awards.

The celebration recognized 190 employees representing a combined 1,985 years of service to the nonprofit hospital system.

Honorees included staff marking 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 45 years with the organization. Among them were 92 employees celebrating five years, 52 with 10 years, 13 with 15 years, 16 with 20 years and 11 with 25 years of service. One employee was honored for 30 years, four for 35 years and one for an exceptional 45 years with Beaufort Memorial.

Christine Smith, a central transporter at the main hospital in Beaufort, received a standing ovation for her 45 years of service. President and CEO Russell Baxley praised Smith and others with long tenures, comparing their enduring dedication to the Lowcountry’s live oak trees, calling them “rock solid, sturdy,

dependable, everlasting.”

Three employees with 35 years of service — Deborah Cofer, a catheterization lab technician; Sharon Simmons, a clinical analyst; and Juanita Singleton-Murray, RN, MSN, a psychiatric nurse — were also recognized with standing ovations. Milagros Calderon, a financial accounts specialist, was honored in absentia, and Linda Arp, a respiratory care practitioner, was recognized for 30 years with Beaufort Memorial.

During the ceremony, Baxley reflected on the importance of loyalty and commitment in today’s workforce, referencing one of his favorite quotes: “Grow where your feet are planted.”

“There is something so special about this, especially in a world like today’s,” Baxley said. “Your commitment shines through, and we thank you for that. We thank you for your dedication.”

Beaufort Memorial Hospital, founded in 1944, is a nonprofit health care system serving Beaufort, Bluffton and surrounding Lowcountry communities. The annual awards ceremony highlights the organization’s emphasis on community, longevity and service in health care.

Healthy aging after 55

By Dr. Kenneth Horup Contributor

When my patients come into my office they are warmly greeted with: “Good to see you!” 5 times out of 10 their answer is: “Better to be seen that viewed!”

My older patients often tell me:

“Don’t get old, it’s not for the weak!”

But aging does not have to be that way or mean losing independence or quality of life. With all jokes aside aging brings many changes to the body, but nerve health is one area that often gets overlooked.

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It affects millions of people, the majority being older adults. It often begins with tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in the hands and feet, and if left untreated, can progress to balance problems, weakness, and chronic pain. While peripheral neuropathy has many causes, including diabetes, certain medications, and circulatory issues, research shows that lifestyle choices made after age 55 may significantly reduce risk and slow progression.

One of the most powerful tools against peripheral neuropathy is regular movement. Exercise increases blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients essential for nerve repair and function. It can also help regulate blood sugar which can be a key factor in preventing diabetic neuropathy and strengthens muscles that support balance.

Regular movement could be walking, light resistance training, stretching, and daily mobility exercises that improve circulation and reduce pressure on peripheral nerves. Being a doctor who looks at joints all day, I recommend low impact workouts such as Pilates, barre, or yoga. Even small changes, such as standing up more often and avoiding prolonged sitting, can have lasting benefits.

A common question I am asked about nerves is “what diet or supplements can

I take to help prevent nerve damage?” Our diet does play a critical role in how nerves age. Foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and B-vitamins support nerve regeneration and may reduce inflammation, which is a major contributor to nerve damage. Incorporating leafy greens, berries, whole grains, and lean proteins helps maintain healthy blood vessels and can improve circulation which is very important for your nerve’s health.

I often tell my patients that they already know what they need to take out, we all have our guilty pleasures. Avoid the excess sugars and processed foods, as high blood glucose levels can damage delicate nerve fibers over time.

After 55, the body’s ability to adapt (known as neuroplasticity) remains strong but requires regular stimulation. Activities that challenge balance and coordination, such as tai chi or targeted stability exercises, help maintain communication between the brain and peripheral nerves. Learning new skills or engaging in mentally stimulating activities can also strengthen neural pathways and enhance overall nervous system function. Neither of these additions to your daily routine need to be long or extensive, sometimes just 5 minutes a day can improve the trajectory of your health.

As far as peripheral neuropathy is concerned, one of the most common mistakes is waiting until symptoms become severe. If your feet are talking to you — and not about the weather — it might be time to listen! They are smarter than they look. Tingling, burning, or numbness are your nerves’ way of saying, “We need help down here!” Don’t brush them off as “just getting older.” Talk to your neuropathy doctor, neurologist, or healthcare provider to see what can be done.

Early intervention, including proper medical evaluation, lifestyle changes, and therapies designed to improve circulation and nerve function, can slow or even reverse early stages of peripheral neuropathy. The sooner you act, the more likely you are to keep walking strong — one step at a time.

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

DR. KEN HORUP

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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!

Ask the Expert Why Should a Medicare review Be part of my estate planning?

By Lisa Hostetler Brown Contributor

Expert Answer: As we approach Medicare’s annual open enrollment period, it’s worth remembering that reviewing your Medicare coverage is more than just a health care task—it’s also an important part of your overall estate planning strategy.

Your estate plan isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone. It’s about protecting your well-being, your assets, and your loved ones throughout your lifetime. Health care costs can quickly derail even the most carefully crafted financial or estate plan if coverage gaps or unexpected out-of-pocket expenses arise. That’s why an annual Medicare review deserves a place on your planning checklist.

Health coverage affects financial stability.

Choosing the right Medicare plan—or failing to adjust an outdated one—can make a significant difference in your long-term finances. Prescription drug costs, copays, and coverage limitations can add up quickly. Reviewing your plan ensures you’re not paying for coverage you don’t need or missing benefits that could save you money. Those savings can be redirected to preserve your retirement income or strengthen your legacy goals.

Plans change, and so do your needs.

Each year, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans update their formularies, provider networks, and premiums. Meanwhile, your personal health or financial situation may have shifted. A new diagnosis, a move, or changes in income can all impact which plan best fits your needs. Regular reviews help ensure your coverage continues to support your broader estate plan, especially when medical expenses or long-term

care costs are part of the picture. Estate planning is about control. The goal of estate planning is to make sure your wishes are followed and your loved ones are protected. A Medicare review aligns with that same principle of control—by ensuring your health care decisions are intentional, informed, and well-coordinated with your legal documents, such as powers of attorney and health care directives.

In short, Medicare reviews and estate planning go hand in hand. Together, they provide a proactive approach to maintaining both your health and your financial security. Check with your elder law attorney to see what Medicare review workshops or educational sessions they are holding this season— these events can be an excellent opportunity to get personalized guidance and make confident, informed choices. As open enrollment approaches, take time to sit down with your insurance provider to make sure your Medicare choices support your long-term plan—so you can focus on living well today and protecting your legacy for tomorrow.

For educational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Lisa Hostetler Brown is a Certified Elder Law Attorney certified by the National Elder Law Foundation. 2 Hampton Hall Blvd, Ste 100, Bluffton, SC 29910. | 843-757-5294 | LawyerLisa.com.

LISA HOSTETLER BROWN

Palmettos Assisted Living of Bluffton, a National

Bluffton Post Office Job Fair

Beaufort/Burton Post Office Job Fair

Hilton Head Post Office Job Fair

Hardeeville Post Office Job Fair

Ridgeland Post Office Job Fair

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6th, 2025

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Located at the Bluffton Post Office at 25 Thurmond Way, Bluffton SC 29910

ASSISTANT RURALCARRIERS (Sun/Holidays)

RURALCARRIER ASSOCIATES (Relief Carrier)

CITY CARRIER ASSISTANTS (CCA’s)

Apply for all SC Post Offices

US Postal Service Postmasters will be on hand to answer your questions about careers with the USPS!

Stand tall and bolted down in your belief

By Wendy Kushel Contributor

When you start something bold—a business, a dream, a brand—it’s amazing how many people will try to “help” you by reshaping it into something else. Everyone’s an expert. “Change your font.”

“Tweak your label.” “You should do it my way.” Even family, with love and worry in their voices, will ask, “When are you going to quit?”

on the outside.

There’s a certain kind of power that comes from knowing exactly who you are and what you’re building. It’s quiet, it’s steady, it’s fierce. You start to see that not everyone’s opinion needs to stick. Their criticism rolls off like rain on waxed skin. You don’t need validation—you’ve got vision. You’ve tested your formula, lived your truth, put in the miles. You know what works because you’ve done the work.

Every successful entrepreneur, artist, and leader eventually learns this lesson: your confidence is your armor. Without it, you’ll be swayed by every breeze of opinion and every “expert” who swears they’ve got the right way. But when your bolts are tight—when your belief system is locked stock and barrel—you can withstand any storm.

Visit www.usps.com/careers to complete an application.

TON Post Office Job Fair

Online assessments can now be completed from your electronic devices.

• Must have a valid SC Driver’s License

Burton Post Office Job Fair

• Must be at least 18 years of age

Head Post Office Job Fair

eville Post Office Job Fair and Post Office Job Fair

So the next time someone tells you to change your font, your product, or your path, smile politely and keep going. They don’t see what you see. They haven’t climbed what you’ve climbed. The truth is, your pedestal isn’t made of marble—it’s made of grit, conviction, and the unshakeable belief that you were meant to do this. And that kind of strength? It doesn’t fall over. It rises.

• May be required to use your personal owned vehicle ($0.97 cents per mile)

• PAY: $20.85 per hour paid Bi-Weekly; There is NEVER a charge for background checks, to apply or test. If you are ‘charged’ you have been re-directed to a third-party site. Visit usps.com/careers to apply for a career with the US Postal Service.

Tuesday December 13th,2022

But when you’re strong in your belief—really bolted down, lids sealed, patches closed—no gust of doubt or criticism can knock you off your pedestal. Being grounded in your purpose doesn’t mean you don’t feel the punches. They come hard and fast—flat tires, late rent, electric bills, broken equipment, and days where you swear the universe is testing you just to see if you’ll bend. But that’s when strength matters most. Strength is the invisible steel beam that keeps you standing when everything around you shakes.

It’s not only mental. It’s physical, emotional, spiritual. When you take care of your body—when your core is strong, when your mind is clear, when you skip the drink that dulls your focus—you’re reinforcing the foundation that supports your dream. The stronger you feel inside, the more unshakable you become

Wendy Kushel is the owner of Wendala’s LowCountry Sugar Scrub, LLC based in Bluffton, SC. Drawn to the Beauty & Personal Care Industry Wendy founded her company in 2020. Her background includes stand-up comedy, film, TV and a lot of sales and marketing. For more information about Wendala’s® LowCountry Sugar Scrub visit www.lowcountrysugarscrub.com or call/text 843-949-8933.

WENDY KUSHEL

Arts & Entertainment Calendar

Come From Away

September 24th – October 26th, 2025 | Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island

Award-winning musical telling the story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Newfoundland on Sept. 11, 2001, and the community that welcomed them. Directed by Todd Underwood. artshhi.com

Safety Spooktacular

Thursday, October 24, 5–7 p.m. |

Field of Dreams, Oscar Frazier Park, Bluffton

Family-friendly Halloween event featuring dozens of booths and activities. townofbluffton.sc.gov

Tanger Outlet’s Boo Bash

Saturday, October 25, 2-4 p.m. | Tanger Hilton Head 2 1414 Fording Island Rd, Bluffton Enjoy games, crafts and activities, trick-or-treating with select retailers. A costume contest, open to all ages, with prizes awarded to the bestdressed participants. The event is free and open to the public.

Rock n Ribs Festival

Saturday, October 25 | Coligny Plaza Hilton Head Island

Live music and barbecue festival benefiting Second Helpings. rocknribshhi.com

Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Saturday, October 25, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. |

The Promenade

1 Promenade St, Bluffton https://act.alz.org

Annual Oktoberfest

Saturday, October 25, 12–3 p.m. |

Side Hustle Brewing Co. parking lot, 10 Buck Island Rd., Bluffton

Community Oktoberfest hosted by The New Bluffton Worship’s Blessing Ministry, featuring traditional fare, live music, kids’ activities, and special drinks from Side Hustle. Admission by donation. thenewblufftonworship.com

Hilton Head Island Concours

d’Elegance & Motoring Festival

October 29 – November 2, 2025 | Hilton Head Island

Five-day festival featuring classic automobiles, aircraft displays, a driving tour, and judged concours event. hhiconcours.com

Exploring Beaufort: Salt Marshes

Thursday, October 30, 11 a.m. | Hilton Head Branch Library

Destiney Rains, Beaufort County Naturalist, leads a free program on the importance and complexity of local salt marsh ecosystems. No registration required. beaufortcountylibrary.org/calendar

The Roommate

October 31 – November 9, 2025 |

HHPS Main Street Theater, 3000 Main Street, Hilton Head Island

By Jen Silverman, directed by Whitaker Gannon. A comedy-drama

about an unexpected friendship between two very different women. Talkbacks follow Nov. 1, 2, 7 and 9 performances. leanensemble.org

Día de los Muertos: A Celebration of Life and Remembrance

Saturday, November 1, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Bluffton Branch Library, 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton Celebrate Día de los Muertos with crafts, refreshments, and an exploration of traditional symbols such as ofrendas, marigolds, papel picado, and sugar skulls. Seating is first come, first served. beaufortcountylibrary.org/calendar

Blue Zone Health Fair

Saturday, November 1, 3:00-4:30 p.m. | Lowcountry Celebration Park 94 Pope Ave, Hilton Head

Complimentary whole-health assessment and recommendations from physicians and health professionals. liferxmedia.com/scan

Palm Trees & Pistons Car Show

Saturday, November 8, 9–11 a.m. | Nalas Beach Bar & Grill, Hilton Head

Monthly car show featuring vintage, antique, exotic, and muscle cars. Free admission for participants and spectators. Weather permitting.

Holiday Craft and Bake Sale

Saturday, November 15th, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. | Christ Lutheran Church, 829 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island

Bluffton’s 5th annual Safety Spooktacular

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Bluffton’s favorite family Halloween tradition is back. The Bluffton Police Department will host its fifth annual Safety Spooktacular on Thursday, October 24th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Oscar Frazier Park, 7 Recreation Court.

What began in 2021 as a combination of the department’s National Night Out and a Halloween celebration has grown into one of Bluffton’s most popular community events. The Safety Spooktacular brings together residents, first responders, and local businesses for an evening of trunkor-treating, music, and Halloween fun — all with a focus on safety and community connection.

“This event started as a way to help families enjoy Halloween safely while getting to know their local first responders,” organizers said in a release. “It’s now a Bluffton tradition that’s as much about community spirit as it is about costumes

and candy.”

The free event will feature dozens of local organizations and agencies offering treats, safety tips, and hands-on experiences. Bluffton police officers will serve up free hot dogs and hand out light-up safety necklaces, while firefighters, sheriff’s deputies, and emergency responders display vehicles and equipment, including fire engines, patrol cars, and even a helicopter.

New this year, the traditional costume contest has been replaced with a booth-decorating challenge. Each participating organization will compete for the “2025 Kids’ Choice Award” by decking out its table with imaginative Halloween decorations. Children can cast votes for their favorites by dropping tickets into voting buckets.

Participating organizations include the Bluffton Police Department, Bluffton Township Fire District, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and U.S. Coast

Guard Auxiliary, along with more than 40 community partners and local business es such as Walmart, Beaufort Memori al’s Mobile Wellness Unit, The Rotary Club of Bluffton, Okatie Youth Ballet, and The Bluffton Bookshop.

The event’s family-friendly atmo sphere and focus on safety reflect the police department’s goal of strengthening relationships between first responders and the community they serve.

The Bluffton Police Department encourages families to come in costume, meet their neighbors and local heroes, and enjoy a safe night of Halloween fun.

For more information, visit townofbluffton.sc.gov.

2026 SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT

Art in the Park

By Luke Frazier Contributor

One of the best things about art fairs or festivals is the splendid spectrum of creativity it provides for the casual art viewer. There is something about the energy produced when canvas tents are erected, signs are hung, and eager artists declare their passions open for inspection. Such was the case recently in Martin Family Park as part of the Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival.

The festival began in 2005 as a oneday thing but has been a week-long event since 2007. This year’s scheduled events included a supper soiree, May River boating, an oyster farm tour, music ranging from rock to classical, a lecture, and a culminating street festival to top it all off.

On this cloudy day spirits remained high for three of the participating artists, and they provided a nice spectrum of passions. There was a young jewelry maker, a mid-career photographer and a painter winding down his career.

Cassidy Fearer is a jewelry maker who proudly represents her Cherokee Nation heritage and culture. She is self-taught and has run Water Tupelo Beadwork for a year now. Her work is intricate, beautiful to look at as objects apart from their utility as earrings and bracelets One wrist cuff is called “Fearless” and features a redwing blackbird and a horse donning a warrior mask. Cassidy says it took her weeks to make it and mentions that the design process itself takes significant time. She considers art fairs time well spent, “It’s a lot to prepare for but it’s so worth it…the best part is talking to people and getting to see faces.”

From the world of fine art photography, Charleston’s Scott Henderson displayed a variety of natural scenes from the Lowcountry and beyond. In his comfortably crowded tent there were images of sunlit marshes, meandering creeks, and majestic mossy oaks. Scott says he enjoys participating, “This art fair exposes my work to people that otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to see it, so that’s always a positive thing.” Much of his work follows leading lines and geometric shapes and pulls viewers into the image. “If I do it well, I’m able to capture a feeling, and if I do it well enough I’m actually able to share that feeling, and that’s a beautiful thing.”

The third artist spoken to was painter Amos Hummell from Hilton Head. He sat comfortably behind a display of colorfully painted small tiles with Lowcountry references. Amos says he used to paint larger scenes on plywood but is downsizing his output in size and scope. “I’d paint on anything back in the day, but now I just work on the small gift items.”

After decades as an artist, he’s in a different place than Cassidy or Scott. He gets reflective for a moment about his artistic life. “I’m living the dream, yeah, it’s beautiful.”

And so it was for all on this art-filled day in the park.

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

Gear up for five days of cars, culture, and community

The Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival returns Oct. 29 through Nov. 2, offering five days of automotive excellence, aviation displays, fine dining, films, and charitable engagement.

Organizers describe the annual event as a celebration of craftsmanship and creativity that tells a broader story of automotive heritage, innovation, and community. Beyond the gleaming chrome and polished finishes, the festival supports scholarships and educational programs focused on mobility, engineering, and design.

The Concours d’Elegance itself — set for Sunday, Nov. 2 — is the festival’s centerpiece. Nearly 200 rare and historic vehicles will line the fairways of Port Royal Golf Club’s Planter’s Row, where expert judges will evaluate each entry for authenticity, design, preservation, and presentation. One will earn the coveted Best of Show title.

Festival highlights

The festivities begin Wednesday, Oct. 30, with the Best in Show Wine Dinner (6:30–9:30 p.m.) at Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana. Guests will enjoy a curated menu paired with gold-medal wines from the Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival, accompanied by sommelier commentary and presentations from past Concours winners.

On Thursday, Oct. 31, the Lowcountry Driving Tour (8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.) takes participants on a scenic journey through the island’s historic and coastal landmarks, ending with a Southern-style lunch at Skull Creek Boathouse. That evening, the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina will host the Grand Motoring Film Festival (5–9:30 p.m.), featuring premieres, short films, a red-carpet reception, and juried awards.

Saturday, Nov. 1, brings two of the weekend’s largest attractions: the Car Club Showcase (9 a.m.–4 p.m.) at Port Royal Golf Club, featuring more than 200 classic and collector vehicles, and the Aero Expo (9 a.m.–3 p.m.) at Hilton Head Island Airport, pairing vintage and modern aircraft with rare automobiles. A free shuttle will link both venues throughout the day.

The evening’s signature gala, Flights & Fancy (6–10 p.m.), transforms the airport into an open-air celebration of aviation and automotive design, where collector cars and aircraft will shine under the runway lights.

The festival concludes Sunday, Nov. 2, with the main Concours d’Elegance competition (9 a.m.–4 p.m.) and awards presentation on the fairways of Port Royal Golf Club.

Tickets and packages

General admission prices vary by day and event, and special discounts will be available Nov. 1–2 at the gate. Students with valid ID receive free admission to the Car Club Showcase, Aero Expo, and Concours d’Elegance; one accompanying parent or guardian receives 50% off. Active-duty military members and their families also receive 50% off with ID.

VIP Signature Experiences offer access to exclusive areas, hospitality lounges, and reserved seating for those seeking a more immersive weekend.

For tickets, schedules, and package information, visit www.hhiconcours.com.

Cemeteries and graveyards

By Annelore Harrell Contributor

Years ago, my darling friend Carolyn Bremer asked me if I knew the difference between cemeteries and graveyards. I told her I hadn’t given it a minute’s thought, and no, I hadn’t the foggiest idea of one from the other.

“Well,” she said, in her best schoolteacher voice, “A graveyard is attached to a church, but a cemetery stands alone.”

I didn’t often think about burial sites, but after our chat, I began making a list of cemeteries, graveyards, and memorials I had visited, those that had left an indelible impression, and it grew and grew and grew.

Among them Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where standing in silence at the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier brings tears. Verdun, France, where my maternal grandfather — a German cavalry officer — was buried in a mass grave after a horrendous World War I battle. The USS Arizona Memorial on Oahu, Hawaii, where the sound of water hissing and bubbling from the ship’s watery tomb echoes the lives lost. Vicksburg, Mississippi, overlooking the river and its countless monuments. Ground Zero in New York City, where the back steps still stand in place. Mount Moriah Cemetery in Deadwood, South Dakota, where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane rest on a steep, tree-shaded hillside. Bluffton, Beaufort and Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Here are some graveyards and cemeteries that are a day trip away.

Colonial Park Cemetery

201 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA

My earliest memory of a cemetery is of being unknowingly disrespectful. The Colonial Cemetery in Savannah is only a block away on Oglethorpe Avenue from where I lived as a child in an apartment house on the northwest corner of Lincoln and York Streets.

With building walls coming straight down to the sidewalks in this older part of the city, the closest playground for us was the cemetery, where the above-ground tombs were a challenge for any child. I loved to climb the tallest ones, straddle the peak and view the world, pick sugar berries off the tree that shaded one of the

largest of these, faded red brick edifices that held the bodies of entire families. No ghosts in the sunlight.

At the far end of the cemetery on Liberty Street Lane was the playground devoted to swings and sliding boards and monkey bars, a gray sand section overseen by a Parks and Recreation Department supervisor, who came every afternoon to unlock the large wooden storage box where she kept bean bags and basketballs and games like chess and Chinese checkers.

Wearing my brown lace-up oxfords with a skate key hanging around my neck on a skinny ribbon, I learned how to rollerskate on the cemetery paths and thought I was something else when I skated fast as anything and jumped the concrete steps under the cemetery entrance archway and spun around on the sidewalk. On the Abercorn Street side, the cemetery sidewalk was paved with red corrugated bricks that, when you skated over them, your entire body vibrated. Hated that. I kept to the smooth concrete paths.

Benches lined the main cemetery walkway that at one time had been Lincoln Street, beginning at the Oglethorpe Street entrance and ending at Liberty Street Lane. It was here that nannies dressed in starched uniforms of grey or blue or navy cotton with white collars and aprons sat and visited while their charges took the air sitting in their strollers or baby buggies.

These days, tourists walk around the cemetery with iPhones and backpacks. And no one dares climb on a tomb. And no one roller skates. And ghosts still only come out at night.

Bonaventure Cemetery

330 Bonaventure Rd, Thunderbolt, GA

A rite of passage for high school seniors in Savannah was to spend the night in Bonaventure Cemetery. Actually, if you just went there and drove through after midnight, that entitled you to bragging rights.

Whether or not you believed in spooks, Bonaventure, the former plantation on the Wilmington River, could be a really scary place after dark.

With 160 acres of oyster shell roads, moss-draped oaks, and massive azaleas, plus huge camellia bushes that bloom in the dead of winter, this is a beautiful but

somber place on the sunniest of days.

The cemetery became famous with Berendt’s book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, but if you go to look for the statue of the Bird Girl, you won’t find it at Bonaventure. It has been relocated to the Jepson Center for the Arts.

Savannahians are more likely to remember this as the resting place of little Gracie Watson and of Johnny Mercer, who gave us songs like “Stardust” and “Moon River.”

During Covid, I would drive to Bonaventure and go all the way through the cemetery until I reached the parking lot, which is on the Intracoastal Waterway.

A lovely place to watch motor boats and impressive yachts moving from here to there, do lunch, read awhile, rest awhile. Special. Note. Best restroom around.

Sheldon Church Cemetery

Old Sheldon Church Rd, Yemassee, SC

Just 17 miles north of Beaufort, SC, Sheldon has always been one of my favorite places.

Sheldon Church is fenced off these days. Vandals, you see, spoiled it for all of us. Drive past slowly, maybe, just maybe you can find a place to park and see from the road.

There isn’t much of the church left. Maybe, it’s the vision of what it used to be

that’s so enticing.

Built sometime between 1745 and 1753 as Prince William’s Parish Church Chapel of Ease, set on a slight knoll in a grove of ancient oaks, it must have been spectacular in its architectural design of massive columns and arched windows.

Burned in 1779 by the British under General Prevost in the Revolutionary War, it was rebuilt 47 years later in 1826. Before it could collect cobwebs in the eaves, it was burned again in 1865 when General William Tecumseh Sherman’s troops came through the area.

This time, there was no one to put it back together. The congregation had dispersed.

Nonetheless, through the years, there have been many a couple married here in the ruins whose durability defies time. Whether you see Sheldon in bright sunlight, under a Carolina moon, or on a foggy winter day, the ruins are haunting, beautiful, never defeated, only waiting. And it’s here, beside the ruins of Sheldon Church, we find the graves of Colonel William Bull and his family

Born at Ashley Hall in Charleston, Bull was a great help to General James Edward Oglethorpe in finding a site for the newest British colony. The two men spent a great deal of time together scouting locations before settling on a high bluff overlooking a river 18 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. They named it and the river Savannah. By the by, it was there they met Mary Musgrove, who served as an interpreter and was the daughter of a Creek mother and an English father. Tomochichi, chief of the Yamacraw Indians, an imposing and knowledgeable man who intrigued all he met on a trip to London, provided invaluable help in establishing this outpost between Charleston in the north and the Spanish in St. Augustine. He is buried in Wright Square, where if you walk around his tomb three times, stand in front and ask, “Oh mighty chief, what say you?” It doesn’t take long to get an answer. Don’t miss Sheldon.

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.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Oct. 25th

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Lowcountry residents will gather in downtown Bluffton later this month to take part in the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, part of the world’s largest fundraising event for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

The walk will be held Saturday, October 25th, at the Bluffton Promenade, 1 Promenade Street. Check-in begins at 10 a.m., followed by an opening ceremony at 10:45 a.m. The event is open to all ages and abilities, with participants invited to join a casual two-mile walk following the ceremony.

Hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association South Carolina Chapter, the annual event raises money to support families affected by dementia and to advance research toward prevention and treatment. According to the organization, the Bluffton walk has already raised more than $101,000 toward its $110,000 fundraising goal.

“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s,” said Ashton

Houghton, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association South Carolina Chapter, in a news release. “There are now treatments that can slow the course of the disease. By gathering together for Walk to End Alzheimer’s, everyone can play an important part in providing vital support for families facing dementia today, while also funding global research.”

A highlight of the event is the Promise Garden ceremony, where participants carry brightly colored flowers representing their personal connection to Alzheimer’s disease. The display is meant to symbolize hope, remembrance, and unity in the fight against dementia.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including an estimated 112,500 South Carolinians. Nearly 12 million family members and friends nationwide serve as caregivers for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Registration for all Walk to End Alzheimer’s events is available at www. alz.org/walk.

HHCA students bring heart and humor to stage

Hilton Head Christian Academy’s Fine Arts Department will bring laughter and warmth to the stage with its fall production of Over the River and Through the Woods, a family comedy by playwright Joe DiPietro.

Performances are scheduled for October 29th and 30th at 7 p.m., and November 1st at 7 p.m. at the HHCA Performing Arts Center in Bluffton.

The production features a small ensemble of student actors in a story centered on Nick, a young professional caught between his career ambitions and the traditions of his close-knit Italian-American grandparents. The play, known for balancing humor and heart, examines the enduring strength of family bonds.

HHCA junior Luke Strebe stars as Nick, alongside Noah Berry as Frank, Jetts Nelson as Aida, Eli Taylor as Nunzio, Amelia Lockhart as Emma, and Addi Rogers as Caitlin. The show is

directed by Michelle McElroy Cox, who oversees the school’s performing arts program.

In addition to the performances, HHCA has partnered with local restaurant Frankie Bones to offer a “Dinner & a Show” package. The package includes a pre-show dinner followed by the performance, with reservations and details available through the school’s website.

Tickets are $12 for students and seniors, $18 for adults, and $55 for the dinner package. Seating is limited, with only three performances scheduled. Tickets and additional information about the production are available at www.hhca.org/showtickets.

Hilton Head Christian Academy’s Fine Arts Department provides students with opportunities in theatre, music, and visual arts, encouraging creativity and excellence throughout its programs. More information about the department can be found at www.hhca.org.

BRINGING THE PAST TO LIFE

BUILD YOUR FAMILY TREE WITH US

Unlock your family history with the help of our volunteer genealogists!

Whether you’re just getting started or facing a research roadblock, we’re here to guide you. Call 843.686.6560 to schedule your appointment today!

LEARN ABOUT LOCAL HISTORY

We preserve and share the rich history of Hilton Head Island, stewarding two historic sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Throughout the year, we offer engaging classes, tours, and events, with sessions available in the spring and fall. For full details and registration, visit HeritageLib.org.

EDUCATE & CELEBRATE –

250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Join us as we celebrate 250 years of American independence and honor the fight for freedom! Discover Hilton Head Island’s vital role in shaping our nation’s history at HeritageLib.org – your local resource for all things related to the American Revolution

The Heritage Library is the heart of Hilton Head Island’s history and genealogy. Visit us soon!

Scan to register for classes and tours at HeritageLib.org

Kale Pecan Pesto

A bold twist on a classic favorite

By Leslie Rohland Contributor

Pesto purists, brace yourselves—because this one’s going green in a whole new way. While basil may get all the glory, kale makes a surprisingly delightful base for this Kale Pecan Pesto, bringing a slightly earthier flavor and a big punch of nutrients to the party. Add in toasted pecans (yep, we’re skipping the pine nuts!), fresh lemon juice and zest, plenty of garlic, and a healthy splash of olive oil, and you’ve got a pesto that’s bold, bright, and begging to be spread, swirled, or spooned onto just about everything.

Kale Pecan Pesto Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups kale, slightly packed

• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1 tbsp lemon zest

• Juice of 1 lemon

• ½ cup olive oil (may need more if dry)

• 1 tsp sea salt

• Pinch of red pepper flakes

• ½ cup toasted pecans

Instructions

1 Clean kale and remove tough stems as needed.

2. Toast pecans in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until lightly golden and fragrant.

3. Add all ingredients to a blender.

4. Blend on high speed until everything comes together, adding more olive oil as needed.

Open Monday-Friday 10am -3pm

The Professional Bldg | 2 Corpus Christi | Suite 100

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

This is the kind of recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights—whirl it up in minutes and use it to dress pasta, top grilled chicken, drizzle over roasted veggies, or even stir into scrambled eggs for an herby breakfast upgrade. The parmesan adds salty depth, the red pepper flakes give it a whisper of heat, and the lemon lifts it all into wow-worthy territory.

5. The pesto should pour out easily but not run like water—adjust consistency as needed.

Leslie Rohland is the owner of The Cottage Café and Bakery, The Juice Hive and the Bluffton Pasta Shoppe. Leslie was named one of the South Carolina Chef Ambassadors for 2024.

LESLIE ROHLAND

Frank Lazarus releases

‘The Coligny Beach Murders’

Hilton Head Island resident and author, Frank Lazarus, has released The Coligny Beach Murders, the seventh book in his popular Brown and McNeil Mystery Series.

A native of Philadelphia and longtime Hilton Head resident, Lazarus continues the adventures of detectives Vernon Brown and James McNeil in this latest installment. In the story, the two detectives and their wives travel to Hilton Head Island for a peaceful May vacation that quickly turns grim when the men discover a body on the beach — the third young Black teenager found dead in what police suspect is the work of a hate group.

Though Brown initially vows to leave the case to local authorities, the investigation soon becomes personal, drawing him and McNeil into a dangerous web of secrets involving powerful politicians and businessmen.

Lazarus said the book combines the hallmarks of the series — suspense, sharp dialogue, and vividly drawn characters — while shifting the setting

from Philadelphia’s urban grit to the haunting beauty of South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

The Coligny Beach Murders is available through Amazon and other online booksellers.

Television veteran Kenneth Lee Horton debuts first novel

Bluffton resident and Emmy-nominated and Golden Globe-winning television writer and producer Kenneth Lee Horton has launched his debut novel, The Ushering. The novel is billed as a psychological thriller with speculative and spiritual overtones.

Horton, known for his work on series such as Smallville, The X-Files and Millennium, describes The Ushering as “a darkly inspirational journey through destiny, evolution, and the extraordinary potential of the human spirit.”

“What if humanity’s next great leap forward didn’t begin with science—or war—but with the awakening of a child?” asks Horton

The story follows Cassandra Ha Joon Conway, whose life is shaped after a surreal childhood encounter with a dying man on a Chicago beach. As she matures, her path becomes entangled with scientists, soldiers and spiritual seekers joined in an unfolding revolution meant to alter the course of human evolution.

Horton’s transition from television to fiction reflects his interest in probing

human identity and transcendence beyond screen narratives. He has said his fiction is shaped by decades working in writers’ rooms and production environments.

The Ushering is available for purchase through Horton’s website kennethlhorton.com and amazon.com.

Traditions in Thread: Culture, Costume, and Community Film; All on a Mardi Gras Day: Big Chief Demond of the Young Seminole Hunters

Speaker: Big Chief Demond Melancon

Feeding the Culture: Farmers, Fire, and Flavor Film: When Rice Was King

Speakers: Marion “Rollen” Chalmers, BJ Dennis, ad Ed and Ryan Mitchell

SHOW ADDED! BY POPULAR DEMAND!

SATURDAY, OCT.25 | 2PM MATINEE

ONSTAGE NOW! – OCT 26

Haul out the Halloween haunting

By Danie Connolly Contributor

Over the course of a hundred years, I’ve accumulated quite a collection of Halloween crapola. It started innocent enough with glass blown pumpkins, but through the years pumpkin people, witches, black crows, spiders and skeletons have snuck into the repertoire of things to decorate the house. It’s now at a sentimental rivalry with the Christmas storage and definitely overcoming the attic war of boxes and bags.

MONDAY, FEB. 16

4:00 & 7:30 PM

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

I’m just a gal who can’t say no and I’ve rode that tide with the rest of America that hunts in August for the latest scary contraption. At my age I should be scaling down- not revving up! But I owned an event company, and have restaurants and needy friends that knew I’d cave and share my stuff. Thus, justifying every new ghoul coming down the pike. I’m going to have to acquire a pyramid for my cemetery plot.

I can’t help it! I’m definitely a candidate for the shrink’s couch but the joy of adding a plastic trophy for best costume doesn’t help my purging.

Living on a historic street that was famous for thousands of trick or treaters didn’t help either - and we didn’t even live near the epicenter of the houses that were celebrated for their clever decorations. Each house transformed into a ghoul’s paradise which focused on enormous spiders covering a mansion here, or skeletons swarming all over the property of another there, and monsters and zombies afoot everywhere. I could never compete with that!

But talking a dozen of my pals into wearing a gaggle of swan outfits and head down to Salem, MA for the Mecca

of Halloween was easy!

We’ve been Beverly Hill tooth fairies, a flurry of Brides of Frankensteins with Frankenstein hubbies. A murder of black crows in a crowd was a sure win and a troop of the ugliest mermaids (including pregnant ones) sipping on blue martinis wasn’t too shabby.

We’ve been a covenant of witches, a banquet room with walking tables and our heads as flowered bouquets complete with plastic silverware – a trophy winner albeit difficult to sip wine while posing – a pack of ghosts and roaring twenties gals and tramps and scarecrows,you never know when a call goes out early for sugar plump fairies.

One year BBB won for a decorated walking talking Christmas tree- another time for The Statue of Liberty. It’s the only time he’ll let me perform magic on him. I sense he’s done with Halloween

My promise to calm down my 20 plus boxes and the age of our own bones has hit an impasse. It’s become a dangerous sport lugging stuff up and down. I agreed to a moratorium on outside decorations. It came close to arse over tea kettle and the exasperation level was loud and clear.

This year he’s going as the invisible man…

DANIE CONNOLLY

Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities opens applications for 2026–27 school year

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities is now accepting applications for both the 2026–27 school year and its 2026 summer arts programs, inviting creative students statewide to apply for these competitive opportunities in the arts.

South Carolina residents in grades 6 through 11 can apply online at www. SCGSAH.org for the school’s summer programs in creative writing, dance, drama, film, music and visual arts. Students interested in attending the tuition-free, residential high school — which serves grades 10 through 12 — can also apply now for admission to the 2026–27 academic year. The priority application deadline for all programs is Jan. 10, 2026, though applications will be accepted until all spaces are filled.

Located in Greenville, the Governor’s School offers students in grades 10 through 12 a rigorous academic curriculum alongside intensive pre-professional arts training. The school’s SAT and ACT scores consistently rank above state and national averages, and graduates go on to earn scholarships to top colleges, universities and conserva-

tories nationwide.

The school has received high marks from Niche, which named it the “Best High School for the Arts in South Carolina” and ranked it among the top five “Best College Prep High Schools in South Carolina.”

Governor’s School students regularly earn recognition in national competitions such as YoungArts, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, and the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts. Alumni have become award-winning artists, educators and performers, earning honors including Emmy, Tony, Grammy and Webby awards.

In addition to its residential program, the Governor’s School hosts immersive summer sessions for middle and high school students who want to explore their artistic interests in a collaborative environment. Financial assistance is available through the Governor’s School Foundation.

Families interested in learning more can attend the school’s annual Go Govie! Day events on Nov. 1, 2025, and Jan. 10, 2026. Visitors can tour campus, attend arts demonstrations and meet current students and faculty. Registration information is available at www. SCGSAH.org/go-govie-day.

ENTER TO WIN

A Stitch in Time

Created by Art Quilters of the Low Country

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

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

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

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

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

FISH FRY TUESDAY

Collins Group Realty donates $15,000

Collins Group Realty is celebrating a major business milestone by giving back to the community it serves. In recognition of closing its 200th home in 2025, the Hilton Head-based real estate firm donated a total of $15,000 to three Lowcountry nonprofit organizations, each receiving $5,000 through a random drawing.

The three selected charities are Family Promise of Beaufort County, Lowcountry Master Gardener Association, and Caring Neighbors of Rose Hill.

Family Promise provides shelter and support for homeless children and their families, working to break the cycle of poverty. The Lowcountry Master Gardener Association promotes environmentally responsible gardening practices and community education, while Caring Neighbors of Rose Hill helps Bluffton-area residents age in place through volunteer assistance.

The donations were made through the firm’s Community Results Project, a

Welcome Dr. Louque!

We are thrilled to welcome Logan Louque, DDS, to our practice! A Louisiana native, Dr. Louque practiced dentistry in Columbia, SC before moving to the Lowcountry to join our team at Main Street, Hilton Head. Dr. Louque’s kind personality and expert clinical skills make him an incredible addition to our private practice. His arrival enables us to better serve our patients and contribute more to our local community.

ROCDENTALGROUP.COM

Bluffton | 843.706.3800

Hilton Head | 843.682.4601

Emergency Care | Annual Membership Plans

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giving initiative that supports nonprofits across Beaufort and Jasper counties.

“We are honored to partner with and celebrate these organizations,” said Chip Collins, broker-in-charge and owner of Collins Group Realty, in a statement. “Every home we sell is a milestone for our clients, and through this tradition, it also becomes a milestone for the community.”

Understanding hair loss

By Joy Ross Contributor

Hair is often tied to how we see ourselves. It can be part of our identity, confidence, and even how we express our personality. That’s why hair loss can feel so discouraging. But the truth is, millions of men and women experience thinning hair or baldness, and you’re not alone in this journey.

Hair loss can happen for many reasons. Genetics play a big role—if your parents or grandparents dealt with thinning hair, chances are you might too. Hormonal changes, stress, certain medical conditions, and even daily habits like styling or diet can also affect the health of your hair. Sometimes, the causes are temporary and can be reversed; other times, hair loss is a long-term condition that requires ongoing care.

For those who suffer from hair loss, the emotional side is just as real as the physical. It can impact confidence,

self-esteem, and even social interactions. Some people may try to hide thinning hair under hats or hairstyles, while others feel frustrated or embarrassed. It’s important to remember that these feelings are valid, and support is available.

The good news? There are more solutions today than ever before. From medical treatments and laser therapy to specialized products and lifestyle changes, many people see great improvements in their hair and confidence. Even small steps, like taking better care of the scalp or managing stress, can make a difference.

Most importantly, know that experiencing hair loss doesn’t define who you are. Your worth, beauty, and personality go far beyond your hair. Reaching out to professionals, friends, or support groups can help you feel less alone and more empowered on your journey.

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

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East Africa Part 7

By Tamila Maxim Contributor

East Africa Journal: Days 7-11

Day 7 –June 5

Today brought both a practical tip and a quirky surprise. First, a travel truth: gas stations in East Africa are unexpectedly wonderful pit stops. Clean bathrooms and all. Second, our safari guide, Witress Emmanuel Nassary, revealed his nickname “Watercress.” It’s a curious moniker for someone so grounded and knowledgeable, but fitting perhaps – besides taking folks on safaris, he’s also a farmer. Witress holds a degree in Tourism and a master’s in Natural Resource Assessment and Management, and he was born and raised near Kilimanjaro. I tried to look up the origin of his name online, but every search turned into “waitress.” I wish I’d asked him directly if it held a special meaning.

Witress introduced us to Angel Deus, a proud member of the Changa tribe. She welcomed us to her village, Mwaba, and guided us through lush rice fields. Lunch was a hands-on adventure in an open-air kitchen, where we prepared our own meal: a fresh salad with tomatoes, onions, spinach, garlic, cucumbers – and yes, watercress. We dined on beef chapatis, cooked bananas, rice and avocado, and sipped ginger beer, banana beer, and some banana wine.

We also had our first ride in a tuktuk – a tiny, three-wheeled motor taxi that zips through places larger vehicles can’t reach.

Angel talked to us about her village. She explained that public schools teach only Swahili, while private schools offer both Swahili and English. Before formal schooling, children speak their tribal language – one of over 100 across Tanzania and Kenya.

Later, we browsed a bustling market filled with wood carvings, banana leaf paintings, jewelry, clothing, spices, and food – though no pork, out of respect for the Muslim community. Pork and alcohol are sold elsewhere.

We ended the day at Tloma Lodge in Karatu, nestled beside a coffee plantation.

Day 8 – June 6

Today I learned more about our driver, William, whose Swahili name is Perdama. But out of respect for his lineage – his father was a pastor and his grandfather a Meru chief – he’s called only by his last name, Nassary. (He is Witress’s cousin)

I also learned that kale isn’t exactly a favorite food here. Locals call it “push week” – a nickname that means your stretching your food supply and eating kale until better options are available. So, if someone offers you “push week,” and you’re not a fan of kale, consider yourself warned. If you’re from the American South and love “push week” like I do, you can ignore the warning and enjoy.

We spent the day exploring the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is technically a caldera, like Yellowstone, but they call it a crater.

Wildlife sightings included a Kori Bustard (the world’s heaviest non-flying bird), a close encounter with an elephant, Thompson Gazelles (nicknamed “Tommies”), Grant’s Gazelles, Wildebeest, Crown Cranes, and a stunning Serval Cat that we watched hunt and devour a mouse.

Day 9 – June 7

We were up early – breakfast at 5:30 after a night filled with barking dogs (guarding homes from hyenas) and a lively birthday party hosted by French tourists. At dawn, the call to worship from a nearby mosque added a serene note to the morning.

Our visits today took us to the Hadzabe and Dtoga tribes. The Hadzabe, numbering only about 1,300, speak a click language that defies written transcription. They’ve preserved their way of life for over a thousand years and move frequently. Witress had sent a guide ahead by motorcycle the night before to locate them for our visit. Their hunting routines vary by time of day – larger game like gazelles in the morning, smaller animals like mongoose, dik dik, and baboons in the evening. Our Hadzabe guide gave a theatrical demonstration of their eight types of arrows, keeping us laughing throughout. We even learned a few phrases in their click language – an unforgettable experience.

The Dtoga tribe specialize in metal-

work, crafting blades, knives, arrowheads, and jewelry. The Hadzabe source their arrowheads from them.

Back at the lodge, we toured the coffee plantation. Phillipe, the owner, proudly shared that Starbucks buys his coffee beans.

Coffee trees live about 60 years, starting as seedlings, then moving to pots, and finally being planted in the grove after 1 ½ years.

We took turns roasting beans and learned that even a few seconds of neglect can burn and ruin the batch. You have to keep turning – no stopping to rest.

We also learned about the local honeybees – tiny and stingless. At first, they seemed like a dream alternative to stinging bees, but it turns out they’re fiercely territorial. If introduced elsewhere, they’d destroy native bee populations by tearing off the wings of intruders.

Day 10 – June 8

Breakfast was a treat. French toast, eggs, ground beef with cinnamon, tree tomato chutney, and local honey. We learned about a peculiar fly that can land on you and remain motionless for hours – appearing dead but very much alive. Sort of like those movies where the scary villain keeps popping up.

After a long drive to our Serengeti camp, we were greeted with warm washcloths and vegetable samosas before settling into our tents.

A hippo lingered near the fence line,

reminding us why resorts provide escorts after dark and before light in the morning. I felt safe, but that night I had a vivid nightmare – likely a side effect of the malaria medication, Malarone. I dreamt that an animal was attacking me, and my roommate struggled to wake me. Frightening, but it never happened again, and better than risking malaria.

Day 11 – June 9

Our safari drive through the Serengeti was filled with wildlife, but we were especially eager to spot a leopard – the elusive Chui. You scan the trees for a dangling tail. The highlight though came when we witnessed something our guide, Witress, had never seen in his 25 years’ experience.

We drove approximately fifteen miles and saw nothing but mile after mile after mile of wildebeest in every direction. Since the land is very flat -you can see very far in the distance. Witress explained that what we were seeing was well over one million, maybe even two million wildebeest, stretching in every direction. The wildebeest, also known as the gnu. A sea of gnus! Truly indescribable.

Something I never gnu I’d ever experience!

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

From Bridge Street to the Board of Education: the story of Michael C. Riley

By Paul Tollefson Contributor

Every day, people drive past Michael C Riley Elementary School on Burnt Church Road, its name as familiar to Bluffton as the tides of the May River. But how many pause to wonder: Who was Michael C Riley?

The answer begins with a man born in 1870 who grew up right here in Bluffton and went on to shape both its classrooms and its community spirit. Riley was remembered as much for his roasted peanuts and trusty bulldog, “Little Joe” as he was for his tireless work on behalf of children. He could run a store on Bridge Street, serve faithfully

at Zion Baptist Church, and still find the time and determination to demand better schools for every child in Bluffton. By the time he passed away in 1966 at the age of ninety-six, he had become both a serious force for change and a figure of hometown legend.

Michael C. Riley’s daughter, Sarah Riley Hooks, remembered her father as a man who loved all children, black or white. He gave more away than he sold, had a way of correcting young folks without saying much, and could stop a boy from smoking with a single glance. His life was marked by fairness and a simple truth: in Bluffton, children were raised together. Friendship crossed color lines—but school did not. That was the sore spot Riley set out to change. White children in Bluffton enjoyed high school, steam heat, hot lunches, and plenty of books. Black children, meanwhile, were given just five months of school, ending at seventh grade, so they could work the fields and river. Riley, who had studied at Georgia

State College and sent his own children to board in Savannah and Beaufort so they could finish high school, believed every child deserved better. So, he rolled up his sleeves. Riley convinced the superintendent to keep the Bluffton school for Black children open nine months, promising to raise the money himself. And he did. He rallied bake sales, parties, outings, and any fundraiser Bluffton could invent. He scrounged for chalk stubs, scrap paper, and used books, anything to keep learning alive.

His efforts carried him further: Riley became the first Black man to sit on the Beaufort County Board of Education, District #2. He fought for county funds to expand grades, and by the 1950s, Black children in Bluffton could finally graduate from high school at home. It was a triumph he lived to see, even if he passed in 1966 just before full integration. His dream—that no child be denied an education because of race or poverty—was set in motion.

Michael and his wife Daisy McDowell Riley raised six children with strict rules: Sunday meant Zion Baptist Church, figs kept you healthy, and education was non-negotiable. Their children went on to make their mark far and wide: postal workers, nurses, musicians, and professionals who carried the Riley spirit across the country.

Daughter Sarah stayed in Bluffton, working as a nurse for decades, trading figs from the old family tree for vegetables and chickens from neighbors, and serving as the town’s unofficial health adviser. Her son Anthony even became a guitarist for Sly and the Family Stone, touring the world but always rooted in Bluffton pride.

But Riley’s story was not all school boards and serious battles. Locals fondly remembered the little joys too. His front yard grocery doubled as an ice cream shop, where children lined up for

PAUL TOLLEFSON RILEY

RILEY

FROM PAGE 40

lemon or pineapple sherbet cones, sold for a nickel. On Sundays, the family’s giant pans of gingerbread, pies, and ribs filled the air with scents that drew folks from all corners of southern Beaufort County. Riley even rented swings and benches across the street, turning “Riley Park” into a gathering place where laughter mixed with the taste of sugar and smoke.

Neighbors remembered the scuppernong and muscadine grapes that drooped from his arbors each September, so plentiful they seemed to roof the yard in purple speckles. Children raided the vines with pots and pans, leaving sticky-fingered and grinning. It was Bluffton at its finest: simple, shared, unforgettable.

By the time Michael C. Riley passed in 1966, Bluffton had changed. Schools were beginning to open their doors equally, Black children could graduate high school in their own town, and the seeds of opportunity he planted had begun to bloom.

In the 1950s, a new brick school for Black students on Goethe Road was named the Michael C. Riley School. After desegregation in 1970, the name

stayed, and when a new elementary school opened on Burnt Church Road in the 1990s, it carried the Riley name forward once again.

There are still so many questions that may never be answered but Riley’s life proved that one man—armed with a bulldog, a pocketful of peanuts, and an unshakable belief in children—could bend the arc of Bluffton toward fairness and hope. He left Bluffton better than he found it, and his name remains stitched into the very fabric of the town.

Paul Tollefson is the Director of Tennis at the Hampton Hall Club in Bluffton. He found his love for the Lowcountry in early 2002 after graduating high school and unsure of what career path he was destined towards. After moving from Hilton Head to Bluffton he became enthralled with the history of the town and the people and cultures that called it home for many generations. He has found a passion in writing and enjoys being able to share the stories and pictures of long-time locals. He is the co-creator of the Facebook page “Bluffton Then and Now.”

Community Engagement Builds Cohesive Communities

The Bluffton Sun and Hilton Head Sun invite you to like and follow our socials, as we will be more active on our social media channels moving forward to keep an open dialogue with our community members. We will also be posting events, calls to action, and opportunities to get involved in the newspaper. Don’t miss the chance to get involved and/or get published! We look forward to your feedback, ideas, and ongoing communication.

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By Ryan Chowansky Contributor

Last week I celebrated another birthday. My twenty second, twenty first birthday, woo hoo! We piggy backed having to attend a midweek wedding in Lake Wales, Florida with a bit of a couples get away and birthday celebration at the “Happiest place on Earth,” Walt Disney World. It was the first time in two years we got away without the kids.

And, it felt strange. For the last five years, every Disney trip has been with our children. To stay at the same hotel and walk the same paths without them felt like a dream. Not a magical dream, but one of those foggy dreams where

The paradox of pursuit

everything seems familiar yet off. A little bit of “this should be cool, but it’s not.” What gives!?

It took us about 36 hours and a couple of butter bars from Karamell-Kuche at the Germany Pavillion in Epcot to shake that feeling and truly start enjoying being just us again. We learned what it felt like to finish our sentences and thoughts completely, bask in silence, and to simply exist in peace. That silence was golden, not just because of the rest it brought, but because it made us realize how much joy usually fills it. And how grateful we should be to have that chaos.

Somewhere in that quiet, we remembered our why. For us, it started years ago with our first Christmas ornament that says, “Let’s Go on An Adventure.” Boy have we been on one. From traveling the country for two years full time in an RV to climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro (pregnant), to moving to Bluffton on a whim to help market a construction company, to having two kids… it’s been an adventure for sure!

The simple phrase on that ornament became our north star. It shaped our relationship, our family, and even how I run my business. But here is what I realized on that trip. We became so caught up in the adventure that we forgot to enjoy it. We even forgot we were on one.

That is what is called the paradox of pursuit. You start chasing or living in something that once inspired you, and before long, the chase itself takes over. Life takes over. Instead of you chasing, it’s chasing you. You forgot your why, and it just all feels like it’s happening to you. Life moves so fast that you stop remembering what you were after in the first place.

It is easy to say you will slow down once things calm down, once the next goal is hit, or once you have “arrived.” But the truth is, the arrival never feels like you expect it to. Plus, by the time you get there, you are already planning the next step and you forget to relax. Then suddenly, decades have gone by, and you forgot to enjoy it.

Silence, rest, and reflection break that cycle. When you pause just long enough to appreciate the moment, you remember that the pursuit itself is the gift. The insanity of a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old are the best gift ever. The insanity of a commercial and residential construction company is a blessing. That short trip reminded us that we are already living the adventure we once dreamed about. It does not take a new destination to find joy. It just takes self awareness, pause, and gratitude for where you already are. So if you are reading this and find yourself in the middle of the chase, take a moment to stop and look around. You might realize that what you have been working for is already here. Enjoy it.

Because at the end of the day, the journey is what makes the story worth telling.

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

RYAN CHOWANSKY

By Collins Doughtie Contributor

Nature’s Way Harvest moon indeed

Did any of you happen to catch the full moon around October 12th? I was at my grandson’s soccer game and after it was over I pulled out of the soccer complex onto the Bluffton Parkway when I saw it. I swear that moon took up a good portion of the sky in front of me. It was ginormous! As a matter of fact, it was so incredible I pulled over in a large open field, turned off the car and marveled at it for a good thirty minutes or so.

It was not the first time I have seen such a massive full moon, and no matter how many years I have witnessed such a celestial event, it still stops me dead in my tracks. I always call autumn full moons like that one a Harvest Moon but it is reality it is called a Hunter’s Moon. I read that it was given that name back in the 1700’s because during this moon, game animals like deer, turkeys, boar and others were out and about fattening up on late summer bounty preparing for lean winter months.

So now that you know the history how the name came about, full moons of any size usually keep me off the water. From experience, fishing during a full moon really isn’t worth the effort, much less the expenses like gas, bait and tackle. My theory is that during bright full moon nights and unusually high tides, fish have the opportunity to feed from moon rise til sunrise. The only exceptions to this theory might be king mackerel during the week before the full moon, when I usually catch the larger kings, and during the actual full moon cobia and tarpon seem to go on a feeding frenzy. Other than that, inshore species like trout, redfish and such develop lockjaw and stay that way until the moon and tides settle down.

With that said, I wasn’t all that excited when I learned that my good friend Dave Harter had entered myself, the Waddell Mariculture Center’s former director Al Stokes and Al Segars in the week-long Port Royal Inshore Slam Tournament put on by the Port Royal Foundation’s Maritime Center at Lemon Island. Having just returned from my sister’s home in Florida I missed the Captains Meeting where you learn all the rules and regulations for the tournament. In other words, I didn’t know squat. On the same evening I sat and watched the moon Al Stokes called me and informed me that he, Al Segars

and I would meet at Bluffton’s Alljoy Boat Landing the next morning and at least get in one day of tournament fishing. To say I was skeptical is putting it mildly. An incredibly full moon, 10 ½ foot tides and a northeaster

barreling our way combined to make the worst possible time possible to catch a fish or better put, any fish. I told both AL’s that there were no guarantees and just as we met up at the boat landing the tide was so high it covered the parking lot making it impossible to launch Al Segars boat. With only possibility left, we headed to the landing at the Bluffton Oyster Factory and with a sigh of relief we were finally able to launch the boat.

As we puttered down the May River all the pressure was on me. This was my home turf while Al Stokes doesn’t have a boat and usually only fishes with me while Al Segars home turf was north of Beaufort. I hate being a fuddy duddy but with all the environmental elements against us I told them both that on this particular day high hopes were out the window, The tide was so high it about covered the marsh grass and when it is like that the fish could be anywhere, maybe even way up in the grass. Racking my memory there was only one spot that might pay off so twenty or so minutes later over when the anchor and we began to fish.

This is where some sort of divine spirit had pity on us because no sooner had the first bait hit the water when Al Segars hooked up to a nice trout. A fluke maybe? Nope, because for the next hour and a half the trout bite was on fire! I was flabbergasted and though I didn’t keep count, we caught and released dozens of trout. I didn’t even fish because I was too busy unhooking their fish and photographing them for the tournament. The moon fooled me big time this time.

When the bite slowed down, I suggested we move to another spot that usually holds flounder and my mates were all in. The tide was hauling bogey as the tide dropped and then it happened. We had caught and released a couple of small flounder and a couple of sting rays when Al Segars rod bent over. Another stingray was my bet until it showed itself. It wasn’t a big flounder, it was huge flounder! Al was over the moon with this personal best flatty that measured 22 ½ inches. I am not sure if my opinion about full moon fishing will change but on this particular day it was definitely a “harvest” moon!

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

Mastering a significant wealth event

By Nick Martin Contributor

A significant wealth event occurs when liquid assets under your control increase in a meaningful way. These events can be planned, like with the sale of something valuable, or unplanned, like a sudden windfall from an inheritance. Whatever the source may be, significant wealth events come with changes.

If managing significant wealth is a new experience for you, then it may alter your self-perception. Friends and family members may begin to perceive you differently as well. It’s important to ask the right questions and work closely with a financial advisor to ensure you receive the right guidance to successfully navigate the opportunities and potential challenges that wealth can introduce. There are many things, both planned and unplanned, that can lead to a significant wealth event in your financial life.

Significant wealth can result from:

• Sale of real estate or other family asset

• Capital markets transaction (e.g., IPO)

• Substantial inheritance

• Lump-sum retirement payout

• Divorce

• Legal settlement

• Exercise of stock options

• Unexpected financial windfall

• Success as an athlete or entertainer

Each wealth event is unique, from your personal financial situation to the amount of the assets acquired and the circumstances that led you to receive it. There are also emotional factors to consider. A significant wealth event can often inspire compulsion, whether in the form of excessive spending or reckless investing without a greater plan in place. But there are things you can do to avoid the common pitfalls of a significant wealth event. No matter where your wealth comes from you should be ready to take steps that will ensure it works for you.

Significant wealth events are happening with women at a higher rate than ever before amid the largest transfer of intergenerational wealth in history. The financial services industry is already adapting to a landscape where women have control of more wealth.

Because significant wealth events can be the result of your good planning paying off, it’s possible to prepare before the event. This is the time to assemble your financial team, address potential tax consequences and event timing, establish a cash flow budget and consider pre-transaction tax mitigation strategies. All of these things will help you ensure that the wealth you receive is preserved and that you are setting yourself up to make it last.

In the midst of a significant wealth event, especially an unexpected one, avoid large expenditures based on impulse, work with your financial advisor to determine secure cash holding structure and finalize a long-term wealth management plan. These steps will help you become a good steward for your wealth and help you stay savvy during this period of changes to your financial life.

Once things start to settle down following a significant wealth event, you should implement your plan and review its progress with the help of your financial advisor. This can range from estate and tax planning to investment management and the potential risks associated with significant wealth. These risks, including fraud and frivolous lawsuits, may be unfamiliar but can harm your wealth if you aren’t prepared. Finally, reflect on and outline your financial legacy and the impact you would like to have on others, then incorporate steps into your long-term financial plan that align with these goals.

Throughout your wealth event, there are several key strategies you can employ to help manage your wealth effectively and make the most of your chosen lifestyle.

Establish a “waiting period” during which you make no large purchases or allocations, helping you prevent ill-considered spending.

Monitor your tax strategies with the help of a qualified tax professional. They can provide you with guidance on

NICK MARTIN

WEALTH

FROM PAGE 44

tax planning strategies catered to your individual situation.

Prioritize your privacy to safeguard your personal activities and life events. Money often attracts attention, and discretion can be paramount for those not used to having it.

No matter where your wealth comes from or when, it’s important to have a plan in place. Start by identifying all potential sources of wealth in your life, and then take the necessary steps to prepare for those possibilities. If you unexpectedly come into wealth, it’s not too late to create a plan for that, too. With the guidance of a trusted financial advisor, you can preserve your wealth, cherish your lifestyle and cement your legacy.

Next steps:

• Evaluate possible wealth-generating sources in your life.

• Prepare for unexpected wealth events to ensure you’re ready.

• Make a plan for any anticipated wealth.

• Talk to your advisor to discuss proactive measures for wealth preparation.

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.

Novant Health expands primary care network

Novant Health is expanding its footprint in the Lowcountry with the addition of eight new primary care providers and several new clinics aimed at improving access to family medicine across the region.

The health system marked the growth with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Westbury Park Primary Care clinic at 29 Plantation Park Drive in Bluffton Additional clinics are planned for Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, including New Riverside Primary Care at 375 Hope Pond Way in New Riverside Village, scheduled to open in December.

“These new providers represent a critical step toward fulfilling our commitment to expand access to primary care and improve the health and lives of the communities we serve,” said Joel Taylor, president of Novant Health’s Hilton Head area.

“Families are moving to the Lowcountry at all stages of life, and primary care is essential so we can help patients detect problems early and offer them a reliable relationship with a provider who knows them and their health history,” said Dr. Carrie Alexander, who will practice at the new Westbury Park Primary Care clinic.

The newest providers joining Novant Health’s regional practices include:

• Dr. Carrie Alexander, Westbury Park Primary Care

• Dr. Alexis Almeida, Arley Way Primary Care

• Jessica Harpell, PA-C, Hilton Head Primary Care

• Jacey Cornett, PA-C, Arley Way Primary Care

• Alexis Riccione, FNP-C, Okatie Primary Care

Three additional providers are expected to join area practices in the coming months, according to the health system.

Appointments with the new providers can be scheduled online or through Novant Health’s primary care patient navigator at 843-471-1239. For more information, visit www.NovantHealth.org.

By Kevin Fitzpatrick Contributor

“I’m going to rent myself a house In the shade of the freeway Going to pack my lunch in the morning

And go to work each day

And when the evening rolls around I’ll go on home and lay my body down And when the morning light comes streaming in I’ll get up and do it again

Amen Say it again Amen”

And so opens the title track to Jackson Browne’s album of the same name. One of the benefits of being “of a certain age” [read: old] is the luxury of looking backward through various lenses and trying to make sense of it all.

I grew up in the Bronx, the son of a bus driver and a stay-at-home mom who even

The Pretender

tually went back to work as a secretary in a local hospital. I had a love of learning and read so much that my mom, during the annual parent conference, asked my second-grade teacher if they should be worried that I was so into comic books. Luckily for me, the answer was a resounding “no,” followed up by being told that “comic books, cereal boxes, labels—anything that kept me wanting to read—was great.” I only point this out to show how supportive my folks were about education and allowing me to follow my own path.

My dad, a union man and World War II Navy vet, was always looking out for my future. While I was focused on going to college, he repeatedly tried to encourage me to take a job in the NYC sanitation system, as they had a great salary and fabulous retirement benefits up the line.

I opted to go the college route—admittedly, part of it was staying out of the draft during the height of the Vietnam conflict—and my parents made sure, as much of a sacrifice as it was for them, that my undergraduate degree was fully covered and that I had zero debt when I received my first degree.

My first interview upon graduating was for the National Security Agency, where my mathematics degree was highly

valued, and after a three-day, very intense interview process, I was offered a position in operations at a salary that, at that time, was more than double what my dad was earning after almost 30 years at his job.

In addition to the great starting salary, the folks at NSA regaled me with the upward scale and pointed out multiple other benefits, including the opportunity to retire with full pay and full benefits after completing 20 years on the job, if I so chose. My folks were over the moon with excitement about what the future held for me, even though it would mean a permanent move to Maryland, far away from home and family.

While it was exciting in a financial and egotistical way—my first interview out of the gate after graduation, and they were putting on a very hard push—behind the offer and the relocation, there were other factors at play.

I had been, much to my dad’s dismay, very caught up in the anti-war movement. And while the last troops were removed in mid-1973, my first introduction to the NSA in Fort Meade, Maryland, was a huge neon sign that was over the door and read, “Security is your responsibility. Don’t fumble the ball.”

My second was an interaction with the

incredibly large Marine at the front entry where we had to sign in. We had been told to bring a lot of reading material, as the three-day process was filled with downtime, so I had under my arm copies of many of the newspapers of the day along with a book. I passed by the guard, he stopped me, and simply said, “Sir, the newspapers, please.”

I was all of 21, a recent college graduate and pretty full of myself, so I took a quarter out of my pocket, put it on the counter, and said, “I need these, but I’d be happy to buy a copy or two for you.”

He reached out and gently, but very firmly, grasped my arm and repeated his original request: “Sir, the newspapers, please.”

While I was young, I was not dumb, and I quickly understood the situation and the “request.” I handed him the papers, at which point he proceeded to unfold and shake them in a way that indicated he was practiced at it. Still kind of flippant, I asked, “You’re looking for microfilm, I’m assuming?” and his response was simply, “Among other things.” After that, he folded them all back up, handed them back, and said, “Thank you, sir. You may proceed.” He also pushed the quarter back toward me and reminded me to take it.

KEVIN FITZPATRICK

While I very much understood all of this had its place, it was not an atmosphere I was comfortable being in, and I had not even started my three-day process yet. Over the days, we were given multiple written screenings, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory with over 550 questions being the longest of them, a physical unlike anything I had ever experienced, a lie detector test, and all the follow-up personal interviews covering the results and clarifications where they thought necessary. This all led up to the final day, where the offer was presented, and when I did not accept or decline immediately, I was given a week to decide.

As mentioned above, my folks were very excited about the prospect, and all the talk was about money, benefits, job security, and retirement. I was looking at it as a 20–35-year commitment to a situation where I, at that moment, could not find anything that was enjoyable about it beyond the job.

I called them at the end of the week that I was given and thanked them profusely for the time and the offer, but I chose not to accept it. While both parents were disappointed, neither one put any pressure on me, and after telling me they thought I was making a mistake, it never came up again. They asked what I intended to do moving forward, and I said I had no clue and no plan. I had been in school since I was 5 and working since I was 11. My first job was

delivering a local weekly paper. I said I planned to do nothing for a while and live off the money I had saved. My parents were, again, incredibly supportive. My dad said, “I’ll give you six months. You are welcome to stay put and live as if you were 16 again, but at the end of those six months, you need to have a plan.”

I agreed and told him I was very appreciative and that I would make sure that whatever I chose to do would be practical but also something that made me want to wake up each day.

What happened after that? Guess you’ll have to read the next piece. But I will close this by letting Jackson add another verse to this part of my story:

“Caught between the longing for love And the struggle for the legal tender Where the sirens sing and the Church bells ring

And the junk man pounds his fender Where the veterans dream of the fight Fast asleep at the traffic light

And the children solemnly wait For the ice cream vendor Out into the cool of the evening Strolls the pretender He knows that all his hopes and dreams Begin and end there”

Kevin Fitzpatrick is a retired teacher who, along with his wife Sue (also a retired teacher) is enjoying exploring life in the lowcountry and all it has to offer.

Dipping into history with ink & quill

Thanks to a generous mini-grant from Heaven’s Treasure Thrift Store, the JPII 8th grade Social Studies students traveled back in time—feather quills in hand! The grant funded black walnut hulls, small jars, and goose feathers so students could create their own ink and quill pens just like early American writers.

“We made the ink by boiling black walnut hulls and water, brewed tea to dye ordinary paper into authentic ‘parchment,’ and carefully carved tips into classic quill nibs,” shared JPII teacher, Mrs. Angela Rossillo. “Watching the students roll up their sleeves and figure out how to make everything themselves was incredible.”

With their handmade tools, students practiced writing their names and beautifully penned prayers such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, or Glory Be. “The

best part,” Mrs. Rossillo added, “was seeing their excitement when the ink actually flowed and they could scratch their own letters across the page—it made history real.”

Beyond the novelty of walnut ink stains and feathery flourishes, the lesson carried lasting value. “Projects like this show students that learning is richer— and sticks longer—when it’s fun,” Mrs. Rossillo explained. “They gain a deeper appreciation for the patience and perseverance of the people who recorded our nation’s early stories.”

From swirling tea-stained parchment to the satisfying scratch of a freshly cut quill, our students discovered that sometimes the best way to understand the past is to get your hands a little inky!

To learn more about JPII visit johnpaul2school.org.

This cue is worth the practice

By Abby Bird aka Alphadog Contributor

Dogs use both their nose and mouth to explore their environment. Unfortunately, this curiosity can lead to chewing or eating inappropriate items — a habit that can cause safety and health concerns, as well as frustration and property damage. Beyond the annoyance, such behavior can result in costly veterinary bills or expensive home repairs, or the emotional stressful if sentimental items are destroyed.

To help prevent this, remove tempting or dangerous items from your dog’s reach and supervise them closely, especially in the early days when you’re still learning what interests them. Eliminating known toxins, such as all sago palms, should be a top priority.

Teaching the “leave it” cue

“Leave it” is a negative cue that teaches your dog self-control and helps keep them safe. Use a deep, firm tone of voice — not a

high-pitched one — and stand tall with no eye contact. Plan to exchange the forbidden item for a toy rather than a treat. Start indoors, practicing in different rooms with various items placed on the floor. Keep your dog on a leash and position them far enough away that they can see the item but not reach it. Do not

them back; simply prevent access and wait for them to choose to loosen the leash by moving away.

“Leave it” is an exercise in self control and making correct choices. When your dog loosens the leash or walks away, calmly praise and pet them. As they begin to ignore the item altogeth-

er, offer enthusiastic praise and, occasionally, a toy or chew bone as a reward (but avoid food treats). “Leave it” is very visual soonsistent daily practice will reinforce the command and build their self-control. After each session, pick up any “leave it” items and redirect your dog with an appropriate toy or chew.

Practicing outdoors

When practicing outside, step back and repeat the “leave it” cue if your dog pulls toward something. You can also set up controlled exercises by placing an item on the ground, allowing your dog to notice it, and then using the cue.

If your dog persistently chews on certain household items, consider using a deterrent spray with a bitter taste to make those objects less appealing. You can practice “leave it” lessons in front of those items to reinforce the behavior.

With consistent training, your dog will learn to respond to “leave it” even from a distance — a skill that can prevent accidents and may one day save their life.

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

pull

By Dr. Mathew Epps Contributor

Advanced neck rejuvenation

As aging takes its toll, the neck often reveals telltale signs before other facial areas: sagging skin, vertical banding, and loss of definition along the jawline. Modern surgical techniques now offer comprehensive solutions that address these concerns at their root, providing natural, lasting rejuvenation. Understanding deep plane neck surgery

Deep plane neck rejuvenation represents a significant advancement over traditional methods. Rather than simply tightening surface skin, surgeons work beneath the superficial muscle layer to reposition the platysma muscle—a thin sheet of tissue that stretches across the front of the neck like a hammock. When performed alongside a deep plane facelift,

this comprehensive approach restores structural support (like a hammock or sling) throughout the lower face and neck. Two key techniques define advanced neck surgery: hammock platysmaplasty and complete platysmal resuspension. The hammock platysmaplasty creates a muscular “floor” that supports the neck’s contents, lifting ptotic structures and eliminating banding. Complete platysmal resuspension involves repositioning the entire muscle complex to restore youthful contours and sharp jawline definition – this is especially helpful when rejuvenating patients who have had prior facial rejuvenation surgery.

Superior longevity and natural results

Clinical studies demonstrate that deep plane techniques maintain correction significantly longer than traditional approaches. Research comparing patients who underwent both traditional and deep plane procedures showed the deep plane method had maintained improvements in neck contour, jowls, and facial definition for 8-15 years, even as patients aged with sustained improvement in platysmal banding and submandibular contour. Faster, more comfortable recovery

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Contrary to expectations, deep plane neck rejuvenation often involves comparable or less recovery time than traditional methods. The technique preserves lymphatic drainage and blood supply, resulting in reduced bruising and swelling. Most patients return to social activities within two weeks, experiencing mild-to-moderate discomfort easily managed with medication. Recovery is comparable to traditional facelifts, with the added benefit of smoother healing and more graceful outcomes.

With less than a reported 5% of plastic surgeons qualified to perform deep plane facial rejuvenation, it is important to research a surgeon’s qualifications when seeking a consult for a safe and lasting outcome. This advanced approach offers patients seeking neck rejuvenation a powerful combination: comprehensive structural correction, natural-appearing results, extended longevity, and surprisingly comfortable recovery.

Mathew T. Epps, MD, MS, DABS is a plastic surgeon, triple- fellowship trained in facial, eyelid, and breast surgery. Visit matheweppsmd.com or contact info@ dreppsmd.com or (843) 707-7060.

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By Rabbi Ken Kanter Contributor

A time of gratitude, we hope

Maybe you remember, or at recall seeing, the famous photograph of President Harry Truman holding a copy of the Chicago Tribune headlined “Dewey Defeats Truman,” except Truman defeated Dewey! Obviously, the Tribune editors were a little premature in publishing that edition! That is why I am a bit reticent in writing an article about the Cease-fire between Israel and Gaza, with the hope that it will lead to the end of the two-year war, almost to the day, October 7-8, 2023, when Hamas murdered 1,219 Israelis, and took 251 hostages, many of whom died while in captivity. The cease-fire now presumably in place will allow thousands of Gazans to return to their homes, most of which have been

destroyed during these last two years of Israel-Gaza war, and several dozen Israeli hostages are set to be freed, to return to their homes and families. I hope and pray that this cease-fire holds, that the return of Israelis and Gazans to their loved ones continues, and that this long and terrible war will end. We owe President Trump and his administration our thanks for his efforts to end this conflict. There is a gigantically long road ahead to rebuild trust, rebuild destroyed homes and neighborhoods, rebuild lives so tragically shattered. I hope that this article will not prove to be like the famous Chicago Tribune article I mentioned; premature, inaccurate, embarrassingly wrong.

I can be sure of one thing, though, the timing for this moment of gratitude, could not be better, because in our Jewish calendar, we are in the midst of the Biblical holy days Thanksgiving, the holiday of Sukkot, also known as the Feast of booths, when we give thanks for the harvest. This festival is symbolized by the building of small structures in our backyards, with open walls and branch covered roofs, where we eat our meals, communing with nature, and sharing our gratitude

for our bounty. What more meaningful time could there be for this (hopefully) approaching time of cessation of war in Israel and Gaza, than this season where God commands us to give thanks.

My prayer is that all of us in the Low

Country community, will have continuing and increasing reasons for gratitude.

Rabbi Ken Kanter currently serves the local Jewish congregation at the Temple Oseh Shalom in Bluffton, S.C.

RABBI KANTER

Love and liberation in a divided world

By Rev. Fedrick A. Wilson Contributor

Scripture: John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

Love has always been at the heart of the Christian message. Yet the love of God revealed through Jesus Christ is not a quiet or comfortable love—it is a liberating love. It is love that heals wounds, breaks chains, and crosses boundaries. It is love that lifts burdens and challenges injustice. It is love that calls us not only to care for one another, but to create a community where everyone can live with dignity, opportunity, and hope.

The liberating love of Jesus Christ is practical. It looks like feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting those who are sick or imprisoned, and standing beside those whose voices are ignored. It looks like teaching our children to see every person as a child of God, no matter their race, language, or income. It looks like building affordable homes, creating fair economic opportunities, and ensuring that justice rolls down like waters in our

neighborhoods. Here in Beaufort County and across South Carolina, we see both the beauty and the struggle of our community. We are blessed with generosity, faith, and resilience—but we also face deep divides in wealth, housing, education, and understanding. Too often, we allow politics, fear, or tradition to separate us. Yet the Gospel reminds us that love is stronger than division. Love is the bridge that brings us back to one another.

This love is not partisan—it is personal and communal. It calls us to look beyond our labels and see the image of God in our neighbor. Whether conservative or progressive, wealthy or working-class, native or newcomer, we are all bound together by the sacred truth that every person matters.

As followers of Christ, we are called to live out a faith that sets people free—free from fear, free from hatred, and free from despair. This is the essence of Liberation Theology: the belief that the love of God is not just meant to save our souls but to transform our world. It means that faith is not passive—it is active. It builds, heals, and restores.

This message of love and liberation is also a gentle but firm reminder that the Gospel cannot be confused with nationalism or any ideology that claims God for one group over another. Christian love transcends all borders and political boundaries. The Jesus we follow does not belong to any flag or party; He belongs to the whole world. The love of God, as revealed in Christ, welcomes the refugee, restores the sinner, embraces the stranger, and brings dignity to the least of these. So how do we live this out in our every-

day lives? We start by seeing one another with compassion. We listen before we judge. We serve instead of striving for status. We forgive where there has been hurt. We build where there has been brokenness. When we do this, love becomes more than a feeling—it becomes a force of liberation that transforms our homes, our schools, our churches, and our communities.

At Campbell Chapel AME Church, we believe that true worship leads to true service. That’s what it means to follow Jesus—the One who came to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the captives, and sight for the blind.

Our world needs this kind of love again. A love that listens more than it lectures. A love that unites rather than divides. A love that stands up for what is right, even when it is not popular.

For God so loved the world that He gave. May we, too, give—of ourselves, our voices, and our hearts—until love becomes liberation for all.

The Rev. Fedrick A. Wilson is pastor of Campbell Chapel AME Church, Bluffton, S.C.

The misadventures of Pete the Dog

By Tracy Winslow Contributor

Pete the Dog is my French Bulldog. He’s a hot mess. He looks like something a kindergartner drew during indoor recess. He’s got these giant eyeballs — one of which tends to wander off like it’s on its own little vacation — so you’re never really sure what he’s looking at. They don’t seem like they belong in his face, either. It’s as if someone poked a couple of olives into a baked potato and said, “Good enough.”

The rest of him is a barrel with stick legs. And he has no idea how solid he is. I have bruises from all the times he’s bodychecked me at full speed (probably while looking at me with the wrong eye). I’m

Reach the Summit

convinced he’s secretly on Urgent Care’s payroll.

“Failed again this morning when she tried to feed me. Will attempt to knock her over later when she opens the door.”

His favorite hobby? Eating the trash out of my daughter’s bathroom.

“Can you believe it? She left me all these delicious treats! And I ate them all so you don’t have to bring them to the garbage can. Who’s a good boy now? That’s right. It’s me.”

In January, he had a series of massive seizures. The prognosis was grim — likely a brain tumor. When he finally came home from a long weekend at the emergency vet hospital, he was a shell of himself. My hilarious, chunky little man just walked endless laps around the perimeter of the living room, like he was doing a one-dog prison yard circuit. He couldn’t get on the couch, and if we put him up there, he wouldn’t sit still long enough for a cuddle.

With this awful diagnosis came the diapers. Large reusable doggie diapers — the kind you’d put on a goat or maybe a circus monkey. And he hated them. He’d roll,

wiggle, and Houdini his way out every single time, leaving a trail of filth in his wake like a crime scene. I tried different brands, styles, added suspenders, even considered duct tape at one point, just to get the diapers to stay on. And, was he

ever a sight. I was now the proud owner of a google-eyed, barrel-bodied dog in a diaper with suspenders holding them up. The only thing missing was a bow tie and

TRACY WINSLOW

MISADVENTURES

some symbols.

As if adding insult to injury, one day his ear puffed up — looked like someone had glued a crab rangoon to the side of his potato head. I figured he probably injured it while trying to escape his diaper again. It didn’t seem to bother him, but I took him to the vet anyway because, well… Pete the Dog.

Turns out it was an ear infection that needed surgery. Since when did ear infections cause ears to puff up like something you’d order with a side of Sweet Chili Sauce? The vet asked if I wanted to pay for cosmetic reconstruction to make it look like a Frenchie ear again. On a dog with a brain tumor that already looks like a Mr. Potato Head reject with a head injury? Not so much.

I dropped off a hot-mess Frenchie and a few hours later picked up an angry Polish Babushka, furious that I insulted her borscht. Pete the Dog now sported a green wrap with wires flattening down his ear so it wouldn’t re-inflate. He strutted out like he’d just been through a makeover on a budget reality show.

And honestly? I laughed so hard I nearly needed to borrow one of his diapers. The poor thing. Pete the Dog looked like

a yard sale — diaper, suspenders, head wrap, and one rogue eyeball pointing toward the heavens. But you know what? He didn’t care. Just owned that look and went on his next trash eating excursion like his outfit was just another cool thing he was rocking.

Ten months later he’s still with me, walking around in circles and staring into the abyss. I know the day is coming soon for my final goodbye. Pete the Dog may look like a taxidermy experiment gone rogue, but he’s still the happiest little disaster I know. Every day he wakes up ready to love, snack, and trip me on the way to the coffee maker.

We should all be so resilient. And so weirdly confident in suspenders.

Tracy Winslow is currently preparing for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. She is pretty sure Pete the Dog will be a top contender for Best in Show. When she is not sending Pete for spa treatments, she is planning fun classes and events for the BEST yarn store in the Low Country - Shrimp and Knits. Check out all the fun things to do for everyone (even non-knitters/crocheters) at shrimpandknits.com.

Silent auction, costumes, and cats

Local Legend Brewing Company will host the 2025 All About Cats HHI’s Annual Silent Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, October 25th, from noon to 4 p.m. at 1014 William Hilton Parkway. The event is open to the public, and no RSVP is required — guests can drop in anytime during the afternoon.

All About Cats is a local nonprofit that operates a cat sanctuary and provides neutering and adoption services for cats across the Lowcountry. Among the many auction items are two cat nutcracker paintings, sure to attract feline fans and art lovers alike. In addition to the silent auction, guests can take part in a 50/50 cash drawing, enjoy door prizes, and compete for best costume honors. Organizers encourage residents and visitors to come out for an afternoon of fun, community spirit, and support for a great cause. For more information, visit allaboutcatshhi.org

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The season of letting go

By Chad Cannon Contributor

Amanda Piolata, PA-C,

Board-Certified

eaufort Memorial has added an experienced, board-certified physician assistant, Amanda Piolata, PA-C, to its team at Bluffton Primary Care.

Piolata brings a wealth of experience in both urgent and primary care for patients of all ages. For the past three years, she has served as a physician assistant at Beaufort Memorial Express Care & Occupational Health, delivering high-quality care to the community at the hospital’s walk-in clinics.

Prior to relocating to the Lowcountry, Piolata spent five years at OhioHealth Urgent Care in Gahanna/Reynoldsburg, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. She also worked at CardioMetabolic Health in nearby Westerville, where she previously served as an exercise physiologist before completing her physician assistant training.

I recently took a peaceful hiking trip through the hills of Southern Ohio. All the leaves were changing colors, the air had that crisp feeling. Fall has a way of reminding us that change can be beautiful. The leaves begin to turn gold and red before they fall to the ground. There’s something symbolic about that - nature showing us that letting go isn’t losing, it’s part of growing.

Many of us hang on to things longer than we should — old habits, the pressure to be perfect, or fears of what could happen. We do it because it feels familiar. But, like a tree that refuse to drop its leaves, holding on too long can keep us from growing.

Maybe you’re stuck in a routine that doesn’t fit your life anymore. Perhaps it’s an old way of thinking that keeps you from moving forward. It could be the constant push to go faster, do more, and never take a breath. (This one is mine.) Fall reminds us it’s okay to pause — to think about what we have,

reset, and let go of what’s holding us back.

Letting go isn’t giving up. It’s making room for what’s next. When a tree releases its leaves, it’s not losing life — it’s preparing for a stronger season ahead. New growth is already starting. And, letting go looks different for everyone. For one it’s the habit of hitting snooze instead of getting up early to move your body. For another it’s the negative self-talk that plays on repeat every time you look in the mirror. It could be it’s the extra commitments that keep you too busy to focus on your health, your family, or your purpose. Ask yourself — what am I holding onto that isn’t pointing toward one of my goals? Sometimes it’s not the big things holding us back, but the small daily choices that no longer line up with where we want to go. Letting those go opens the door for real progress. So, as the air becomes cooler and the days get shorter, take a moment to ask yourself: What am I ready to let go of? Maybe it’s a thought, a fear, or a habit. Maybe it’s just the need to have everything figured out.

This fall, follow nature’s lead - trust the process, and make room for something better to grow.

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

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Piolata has long-standing ties to the Lowcountry, having vacationed on Hilton Head Island since childhood. Her deep appreciation for the area and its people inspired her to make it her home.

At the practice, Piolata joins board-certified

CHAD CANNON

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