The Bluffton Sun • October 6, 2026 by The Bluffton Sun

The

Bluffton Blufft n Sun October 6, 2026 • Volume 29, Issue 19 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com

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An unwelcome buzz By Barry Kaufman Contributor

There is a silent invasion happening all around us in the Lowcountry, wreaking havoc on the vulnerable creatures in our community that help make our flowers bloom and our crops grow. Scientists believe these insidious serial killers of the vespine world first snuck to our shores aboard a cargo ship bound for the Savannah port and were soon spotted swarming in the Hostess City in 2023. And now, the yellow legged hornet has arrived in our corner of the South. A fierce predator to honeybees, these hornets will camp out in front of entrances to hives, waiting for bees to return laden down with pollen. That’s when they strike, dismembering the honeybee and leaving only the thorax, which they feed to their young. “These are not your typical hornets. They have a whole set of specialized gear specialized for killing bees,” said Erin Carpenter, Master Gardener at The Greenery Garden Center. “And what’s really troubling is that the number of nests that are out there has doubled since they arrived because of the way they spread.” This spread is of particular concern given the compounding crises currently facing honeybees in our region, including pesticide-resistant Varroa mites, destruc-

tive small hive beetles, climate-driven drought and shifting weather patterns. “They’re kind of scary right now, because they’re reducing the bee population. And they’ve gone from just being found in Savannah to spread all the way up to Charlotte,” added Carpenter. “I just heard that they’ve removed 700 nests from Beaufort County this year.” This hit home to Blufftonians this past September, when the Church of the Cross’ famous honeybees were removed out of an abundance of caution before the yellow legged hornets could strike. Battling this invasive species is an all-hands-on deck effort, and citizens of Beaufort County are being urged to get involved. The Greenery is doing their own part in these efforts, hosting a seminar on October 24 to provide crucial information on identifying, reporting and ultimately removing these invasive hornets from the Lowcountry. Featuring a talk by Allison Lewis, Invasive Hornet Survey Specialist with Clemson University’s Department of Plant Industry, along with her team and local beekeepers and members of The Greenery’s team, will give attendees resources and guidance for reporting sightings. “They are going to bring everything you need to be able to identify these hornets,

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and all the information you need to report it so we can move them safely. The more people we have out there looking for nests, the better. That’s really what our goal is,” said Carpenter. And for most of us, identifying and reporting is the best we can do. It may be tempting to remove the nest yourself, but Carpenter urges people to leave it to the professionals. “They’re pretty docile. They’re not just going to fly up to you and sting you like normal hornets would, but they’re obviously not going to be too happy about that.” So that just leaves those of us in the public the crucial job of serving as the eyes and ears of efforts to eradicate this invasive threat. And that requires education. Completely free and open to the public, “Invasive Hornets in the Lowcountry” will be held on Saturday, October 24, at 10 a.m. at The Greenery Garden Center, 960 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. A 20-year Bluffton resident, Barry Kaufman is a freelance writer and editor as well as host of B-Town Trivia. Follow him on Instagram @btownbarry and @ btowntrivia

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Education news

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

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By Jeff Moeller

The Bluffton Sun

Carge, Roedig set the pace for Bluffton High cross country

Contributor

Bluffton High cross country runners Giada Carge and Brennan Roedig both understand how cross country can be just as grueling mentally as it is physically. “I like to listen to some house JEFF MOELLER music until about an hour to 1.5 hours before my race, and after that, it is silence, just me and my thoughts,” Carge said. The junior also excels in the 800 and 3,200 in track. “During this time I warm up, stretch, roll out, do dynamics, and most importantly get my head in the game. This is the most physical and most mental thing I have ever done in my life, so getting my mindset to where it needs to be is very crucial. “However, this does not just come from the hour before a race. It takes almost a week for me to be completely mentally prepared to give it my absolute all.” Roedig, a sophomore, also knows the sport can be a mind game. “Cross country is 100% a mental sport,” Roedig said. “I would say 70 to 30 percent mental. If you put in the work during practices, your mentality will break down before you physically do, which is a struggle many, including myself, struggle with. “After you push past that mental block, though, you can drop several seconds off your PR (personal record).” For both, running has been a longtime

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staple. They also have been integral runners in the team’s success the past few seasons. The girls’ team is the two-time defending Class 4A state champion. “I began to run from a very young age,” Carge said. “While I hated it, my parents continued to force me to do it because they were big runners themselves. “My mom has run many miles, and my dad to this day continues to wake up at 4:30 or earlier some days and go run.” Roedig also has been influenced by his parents. “I actually started running at a very young age with my mother at around 6 years old,” Roedig said. “She definitely was a big influence on me for running in general.” In the recent Beaufort County Championships, eighth-grader Kaylee Degirmenci took first place overall in 18:21.12. Carge finished second in 18:21.83. In the boys division, Roedig took third in 17:15, a new personal best for him. Besides Roedig, other Bobcats in the top 10 were junior Collin Singleton, fifth, in 17:16.60, and junior Aden McCartney, ninth, in 17:37.36. Both teams finished second overall. Head coach Brittany Carter, who is in her first year at the helm after serving as an assistant for the previous eight seasons, has been impressed with her runners’ results. Carge and Degirmenci lead a returning pack that includes junior Jillian Spencer and sophomores Emily Hunt and Ella Crapps, along with freshman Effie Hendry, who all figure to be major contributors toward a state three-peat. Carter anticipates Degirmenci running in the 17s before the regular season ends. Aside from Roedig, Singleton and McCa-

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er and run in the 16s.” Even though she has a positive outlook for both teams, Carter sees the bigger picture. “While we have our sights set on states in November, we are really excited about the long term,” Carter said. “We have an extremely young team, and we only lose two seniors this year. It is also about what the teams will be able to accomplish over the next two to three years.” Jeff Moeller has covered high school, collegiate, and professional sports for the past 42 years. He also is an avid runner and a frequent half-marathon participant.

rtney, eighth-graders Will Carter and Wes Saunders already have established their steady presence. Carter believes the boys’ team can be among the state’s top 10 at the end of the season. Carge and Roedig are expected to set the pace. “Giada is ranked the fourth-best runner (by SC MileSplit) in the state,” Carter said. “Her season started off a little rough, but she seemed to find her groove at county and can hopefully get back to her PR time of 18:15 by qualifiers. “Brennan ran a PR at county and continues to show improvement with every practice and meet. Hopefully he can knock off those 15 seconds by lower state qualifi-

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October 6, 2026

EDITORIAL

Our Staff

Current Circulation Via USPS is 24,533

Editor

Sasha Sweeney editor@blufftonsun.com

It’s Bluffton’s busiest event season

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By Mayor Larry Toomer

Cary Howard cary@blufftonsun.com

Contributor

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Bluffton has a crowded, fun-filled calendar of events, bringing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the cooler weather and spend time with friends and neighbors. The Town’s Events and Venues LARRY TOOMER Department brings these experiences to life throughout the year. Its team develops creative programs for residents of all ages and abilities. The Town’s calendar includes Concerts in the Park, summer waterslide events, movie nights, Ballet in the Park, end-ofschool pop-up events, the Bunny Bonanza, historic preservation lectures and the Kazoo Show. The Town also hosts a Glow Dance for residents with special needs and commemorative programs such as the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. Some of Bluffton’s longest and largest traditions are also Town events, including our Independence Day 5K, pre-party, drone show and fireworks. The annual Christmas tree lighting and Bluffton Christmas Parade are always held during the first weekend in December. Whether an event brings thousands of people or a smaller group of neighbors, the goal is the same: to help you love where you live. Here is what we have planned for the remainder of 2026:

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

Contributors Rich Bernstein Abby Bird Lisa Hostetler Brown Chip Collins Danie Connolly Collins Doughtie Thomas Dowling Monica Ferguson Rhoda Gordon James Hamilton Annelore Harrell Jean Harris Channing Heiss Jill Horner Kenneth Horup Ken Kanter Barry Kaufman Miguel Leman

Katie Licata Nanette Makrauer Nick Martin Tamela Maxim Jeff Moeller Dan Prud’homme Leslie Rohland Cinda Seamon Murray Sease Paul Tollefson Larry Toomer Joe Turino J. Eric Turner Matt Uppenbrink Sandro Virag Carol Weir Mark F. Winn

PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-9507 Physical address: We’ve moved to: 39 Pearce Rd., Ste 7, Bluffton, SC 29910 BlufftonSun.com All contents are copyrighted by Beaufort Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. All submissions must include name, address and phone number. The Editor reserves the right to edit or reject any material, including advertisements. The Bluffton Sun does not verify for licenses, endorse nor warrant any advertised businesses or services. The opinions and views expressed in the editorials are not necessarily those of the Editor and Publisher. Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Old Town Bluffton Merchants Society.

THE BLUFFTON SUN Issue 19, October 6, 2026, is published twice monthly by Beaufort Media Group, LLC, 181 Bluffton Rd Suite F103-2 Bluffton, SC 29910. Periodicals Postage paid at Bluffton, SC and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE BLUFFTON SUN, PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910-2056.

• Safety Spooktacular — Friday, Oct. 23, 5-7 p.m., Oscar Frazier Park: Bring the family out for an evening of Halloween fun with first responders, a helicopter display, a dunk booth (Bluffton police officers) and other activities. There will not be a costume contest for people this year, but our four-legged residents will have their chance to compete in the dog costume contest. • Concert in the Park — Friday, Nov. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Buckwalter Place Park Amphitheater: Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy live music by Groove Town Assault. This will be the third and final Concert in the Park of 2026. • Christmas Tree Lighting — Friday, Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m.: Join us as we officially kick off the holiday season in Bluffton at Martin Family Park. • Bluffton Christmas Parade — Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.: One of Bluffton’s largest and most beloved traditions returns with creative floats, community groups, local businesses and plenty of holiday spirit. Can’t come? Join us live on Beaufort County TV for the broadcast. • Holiday Ice Rink — Dec. 11-20, New Riverside Barn Park: For the first time, the Town will bring a free outdoor ice-skating experience to New Riverside. The rink will be open on selected afternoons and evenings throughout the 10-day celebration: Friday, Dec. 11, 4-10 p.m., with DJ “T-Bone” Taylor Saturday, Dec. 12, 4-10 p.m., with DJ “T-Bone” Taylor Sunday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., with a Holiday Craft Fair Monday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, 4-10 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, 4-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, 4-10 p.m., with DJ “T-Bone” Taylor Saturday, Dec. 19, 4-10 p.m., with a performance from The Nutcracker and a DJ Sunday, Dec. 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. • Santa at New Riverside Barn — Friday, Dec. 11, 4-7 p.m.: Santa will visit the barn to meet families and pose for photographs. Bring your own camera to capture the moment. • Holiday Craft Fair — Sunday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., New Riverside Event Lawn: Shop with local artists, craftspeople and hobbyists surrounding the ice rink. Stay tuned to the Town’s social media platforms for more details. • Santa at the Welcome Center — Thursday, Dec. 17, 4-7 p.m.: Stop by the Welcome Center to visit Santa and take your own photographs. • Afternoon Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy — Saturday, Dec. 19, New Riverside: The Okatie Youth Ballet will present excerpts from The Nutcracker, followed by tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy inside New Riverside Barn. Stay tuned to the Town’s social media for more details. I hope you will mark your calendar, bring your family and invite a neighbor to join you. These events belong to the community, and we hope you enjoy them. Larry Toomer is the mayor of the Town of Bluffton. ltoomer@townofbluffton.com Editor’s Note: As a service to readers, the newspaper regularly provides space to elected officials to share updates about the government bodies and communities they serve.

Letter to the editor The League of Women Voters of Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Area believes our community is strongest when every voter has access to clear, reliable information and the opportunity to hear directly from candidates. As a nonpartisan organization, we take seriously our responsibility to serve all voters fairly. While we may take positions on public policy, we never support or oppose any candidate or political party. To uphold that commitment, we do not host candi-

date events where only one political party is represented. For that reason, and with sincere regret, we have made a difficult decision to cancel our Beaufort County Council Meet and Greet on October 17, 2026. We are grateful for the interest and commitment so many neighbors have shown in learning about the candidates and participating in local democracy. We thank those candidates who accepted the invitation and were willing to engage with the community.

We strongly encourage voters to visit VOTE411.org to review candidate responses and to reach out to candidates directly with any additional questions. We urge all to check your voter registration and make a plan to vote. We hope you will be able to attend the Board of Education Forum on October 14, 2026 at Bluffton Town Hall. LWV HHI-BA Co-Presidents Deb McGivern and JoAnne Gatti-Petito

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

Oct 6 Public meeting to help shape 2027 Old Town Master Plan

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Town of Bluffton is asking residents, business owners and other community members to help shape a new 10-year vision for Old Town. A public meeting on the 2027 Old Town Master Plan will be held Oct. 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Rotary Community Center. The town is seeking input on what people value about Old Town, what they believe should be improved or protected and how they would like the historic district to develop during the next decade. Community input will be used in preparing the new master plan, which is scheduled for completion during the first half of 2027. The plan will establish goals and a 10-year vision for the Old Town Bluffton Historic District. The effort comes 20 years after Bluffton developed its original Old Town Master Plan with input from more than 300 participants.

That plan grew out of a seven-day charrette in January 2006 and was adopted by Town Council that June. It established three guiding principles: preserve, protect and enhance the elements that make Old Town unique; foster physical, social and natural connections; and create memorable streets. The plan included 12 major initiatives, described as “big moves,” and 34 related goals. A town review conducted in 2020 found that most of those goals had been achieved. They included the adoption of a form-based code in 2007 and the Unified Development Code in 2011, development or redevelopment of seven parks and streetscape improvements intended to make Old Town safer and more walkable. Other results cited in the review included approximately 100,000 square feet of new commercial space and about 110 residential permits. The town also cited the construction of six affordable, energy-efficient homes through the Wharf Street Redevelopment

Project, installation of wayfinding signs, rehabilitation of the historic Garvin-Garvey House and acquisition of the Squire Pope Carriage House for preservation. Public access to the May River also increased during the period, including through the acquisition and development of Wright Family Park. The town’s 2020 review reported that more than $6 million in town investment, along with other public funding, had helped spur more than $70 million in private investment in Old Town. At the time of the review, Old Town was attracting more than 100,000 visitors annually. The new planning process will examine both the results of the 2006 plan and issues associated with Old Town’s growth. The town said the 2027 master plan will evaluate existing programs, plans, policies and ordinances while gathering input from residents and other stakeholders. Planning, urban design and zoning work will be used to develop the district’s new 10-year vision. The planning effort also will consider

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how continued investment and economic activity can be balanced with preservation of Old Town’s historic, natural and community character. The town’s review of the 2006 plan concluded that public participation played an important role in developing a shared vision for Old Town and guiding development during Bluffton’s growth. Those unable to attend the Oct. 6 meeting may submit comments, ideas and suggestions to Charlotte Moore at cmoore@ townofbluffton.com.

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The Bluffton Sun

Applicants sought for Town Council boards, committees

Bluffton Town Council is seeking applicants to fill vacancies on several town boards and committees, including positions related to accommodations taxes, zoning, construction appeals and economic development. The town identified immediate vacancies on the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee, Board of Zoning Appeals, Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals, Don Ryan Center for Innovation Board of Directors and Wall of Honor Committee and a vacancy on the Public Art Committee. The Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee has one vacancy for a member of the hospitality industry. The seven-member committee advises Town Council on the distribution and expenditure of accommodations tax revenue. A majority of its members must represent the hospitality industry, including two from the lodging industry and at least one from a cultural organization. The five-member Board of Zoning Appeals has one vacancy for a town resident or a person who owns a business within Bluffton town limits. The board hears appeals of administrative zoning decisions and considers applications for variances and special exceptions. The nine-member Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals has one vacancy for a licensed

general contractor. The board hears and decides appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the building official. The Don Ryan Center for Innovation Board of Directors has one vacancy. The Don Ryan Center for Innovation is a nonprofit corporation established by the town and serves as Bluffton’s economic development department. The Wall of Honor Committee has two vacancies for town residents. The five-member committee advises Town Council by recommending citizens for inclusion on the Wall of Honor at the Theodore D. Washington Municipal Building. The Public Arts Committee also has one vacancy for a town resident. The town accepts applications for its boards, commissions and committees even when there are no current vacancies. Qualifications vary, although most appointments require applicants to live within the Town of Bluffton. Applications and information about the town’s boards, commissions and committees are available at www.townofbluffton.sc.gov/299/Boards-Commissions-Committees. Completed applications may be emailed to kguzman@townofbluffton.com or mailed to Assistant Town Clerk, Town of Bluffton, P.O. Box 386, Bluffton, SC 29910.

October 6, 2026

Bluffton Arts & Seafood Fest returns Oct. 9-18 The Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival returns Oct. 9-18 for its 22nd year, bringing seafood, art, music and activities to Old Town Bluffton. The 10-day festival celebrates locally harvested seafood, Lowcountry cuisine, art and the May River. Events include Art in the Park, the Blessing of the Fleet and boat parade, an oyster roast, boat and oyster farm tours, dinners, live music and the Old Town Oyster Run 5K. An Oyster Fest is scheduled for Oct. 11 at Bluffton Oyster Factory Park, featuring an oyster roast, shrimp boil, barbecue, live music and a drone show. Symphony Under the Stars will bring the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra to Martin Family Park on Oct. 15. The festival culminates with Street Fest on Oct. 17 and 18 in Old Town. The juried art show will feature more than 100 artists working in media including painting, photography, pottery, ceramics, metal, clay and wood. Local seafood and Lowcountry cuisine will be available along with live entertainment and children’s activities. Street Fest runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 17 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18. Admission is free. The complete schedule and information about ticketed events are available at blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org.

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The Bluffton Sun

By Cinda Seamon Contributor

A safe and successful Halloween party is all in the planning and preparation. First, outside, clear your walkways and driveways of any debris and make sure they are well lit. Inside, remove trip hazards like loose rugs, low decorations and extra cords. Be sure to move any heirlooms and valuable items to a safe place. Don’t block exits, hallways or stairways with decorations. Choose battery-operated LED candles or glow sticks instead of real flames in jack-o’-lanterns or decorations. If you are using dry ice, handle it carefully. Keep it in a large, separate outer bowl and put your drink in a smaller inner bowl. Never let guests swallow dry ice, as it can cause severe internal damage. Clearly mark foods containing common allergens like nuts, dairy or gluten. Keep hot foods and beverages away from the edges of tables. If you are serving alcohol, offer plenty of nonalcoholic drinks and arrange for

October 6, 2026

safe rides home if someone needs one. If you have younger people at the party, keep track of them and make clear rules about checking with an adult before going outside. Recruit other adults to help keep track of kids and offer games and activities to keep kids busy. Have flashlights available for outdoor activities. Keep dogs and cats in a quiet, secure room away from the front door and costumed guests to prevent stress. Keep a fire extinguisher accessible and make sure you know how to use it. Have a first-aid kit available. When going to and from a party, drive cautiously. Children are small and not always in your line of sight, so be extra vigilant. Slow down and drive below the posted speed limit in residential areas so you will have extra stopping time. Watch for young trick-or-treaters in unexpected places. They may be unaware of traffic and dart into the street unexpectedly. Have fun and make it a safe Halloween! Cinda Seamon is the Community Risk Reduction & Outreach Program Coordinator for Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue.

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance features cars, music and driving tour

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Jaguars, collector cars, car clubs and a Friday night concert are among the attractions at the 2026 Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival, which returns to Port Royal Golf Club this month for its 24th year. The Concours kicks off Oct. 29 and runs through Nov. 1, with its main public events beginning Friday, Oct. 30. While the weekend culminates with the judged Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, Saturday offers a different show field with the Car Club Showcase. The weekend’s activities begin before the cars fill the golf course. Friday features the Lowcountry Driving Tour, followed that evening by Motor Cars & Music on the 18th fairway at Port Royal Golf Club. Taylor Hicks, winner of the fifth season of “American Idol,” will perform during the benefit concert. Folderol also will perform. The Saturday showcase brings together vehicles representing 21 invited automo-

tive clubs. Participating groups include Corvettes of Hilton Head, the Ferrari Club of South Carolina, Coastal Empire Region Porsche Club of America, Mercedes-Benz Club of North America, Pontiac Owners Club and the Lowcountry chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, along with several Lowcountry-area car clubs. The clubs bring their selected vehicles to the first and 18th fairways of the Planter’s Row course at Port Royal Golf Club, where they compete for awards. The Car Club Showcase runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday brings a different field of cars and a different competition. More than 200 vehicles are expected for the Concours d’Elegance, where 75 judges from across North America are scheduled to evaluate entries in designated classes before the selection of Best of Show. Jaguar is the 2026 honored marque, with three Sunday classes devoted to the British automaker: Jaguar Saloons, Jaguars that Compete and Jaguar Sports Evolution. The Concours also will recognize Pontiac’s 100th anniversary with two classes. Additional Sunday categories include

Brass Era vehicles, American production and sports cars, British roadsters, classics, international sports cars, motorcycles, muscle and performance cars, Porsches, microcars, and supercars and exotics. Several collectors also will be featured Sunday. Ivan Ruiz is the honored collector, Stephen Plaster is the pinnacle collector, Mike and Debbie Rogers are the velocity collectors, and Rob Dyson is the motorsports collector. The Rogers’ display is expected to include a 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 “Narrow Hip.” Younger car enthusiasts can get involved on both Saturday and Sunday through the Hagerty Youth Judging Program. Open to ages 8 to 15 with advance registration, the program teaches participants how to evaluate selected vehicles and gives them an opportunity to talk with owners before choosing their favorites. According to organizers, the festival plans to revive the Michelin Junior Challenge Design program for 2026. In July, the festival announced Lowcountry GT, an automotive company founded by collector Steve Menzies, as its presenting

sponsor under a multiyear agreement. The festival says its charitable fund has donated more than $1 million to youth organizations, education programs and automotive scholarships. Both the Car Club Showcase and the Concours d’Elegance run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students 17 and younger with valid student identification receive complimentary general admission at the gate. One parent or guardian accompanying a student receiving complimentary admission can receive 50% off general admission at the gate upon request. The discount is available for up to one parent/guardian per student. Active Duty Military (with Active Duty I.D.) and immediate family will receive 50% off general admission to the Car Club Showcase plus the Concours d’Elegance at the gate. For more information about the 2026 Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival, including the event schedule, ticket options and updates, visit www.hhiconcours.com.

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October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Emergency care now on Buckwalter Parkway

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

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

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The Bluffton Sun

Hilton Head Island CamelliaHead Sectional Tournament Hilton Island HiltonNovem Head ber Island 13-15, 2026

Hilton Head Island Camellia Sectional Tournament November 13-15, 2026

Camellia Tournament Saturday, November 14 Sunday, Friday, November 15 13 CamelliaSectional Sectional Tournament November 13-15, 2026 10:00 am am Stratiﬁed10:00 Openam and 0-500 November10:00 13-15, 2026 i

Friday, November 13

Stratiﬁed Open and 0-500 Pairs i 2:30 pm Friday, November 13 Stratiﬁed Open 10:00 and am 0-500 Pairs

y, November 13

Stratified Open and 0-500 Pairs Stratified Open and 0-500 Pairs Swiss Teams 2:30 pm 2:30 pm Saturday, November 14 Sunday, November 15and Two sessions: 10:00 am Stratified10:00 Open Stratified Open 0-500 amand 0-500 Pairs Stratified andand 0-500 PairsPairs TBA Open

Saturday, November 14

Stratified Open and 0-500 Pairs

October 6, 2026

Saturday, November 14

Sunday, November 15

10:00 am Stratiﬁed Open and 0-500 Pairs 2:30 pm Stratiﬁed Open and 0-500 Pairs

Stratiﬁed Open and 0-500 Swiss Teams Two sessions: 10:00 am and TBA

Sunday, November 15 Swiss Teams

2:30 pm 2:30am pm Two Stratified sessions: 10:00Open am and and 0-500 0:00 am 10:00 Stratified Open and 0-500 Pairs Stratified Open and 0-500 Pairs TBA Open and 0-500 Pairs Stratified Open and 0-500 Pairs Swiss Teams 30 pm 2:30 pm Playing Site and Fees Game Two Information Playing Site and Fees Game Information sessions: 10:00 am and Site andResort FeesOpenACBL Game Information Hilton HeadPlaying Beach and Tennis Convention Hilton Head Chart Beach will be and used Tennis for Open Resort ACBL Open Convention Chart will be used for Open Open and 0-500 Pairs Stratified and Open 0-500 Pairs TBA Hilton ACBLPlayers Open Convention Chart willpoints be (including life 40 Folly FieldHead RoadBeach and Tennis Resort, games. with 40 500 Follyor Field fewer Road games. Players with 500 or fewer points (including life How competitive is it? Hilton Head Island, SC Field 29928 masters) areOpen eligible Hilton for “0-500” Head games. SCTeam 29928game masters) are eligible for “0-500” games. Team game 40 Folly Road used for games. PlayersIsland, with 500 (800) 475-2631 stratification will be (800) according 475-2631 team MP average. stratification will be according to team average. Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 or fewer points (including lifetomasters) JonMP Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton from LIV to By Dr. Jean Harris Table fees: $15 per person for pairs; Table fees: $15 per person for pairs; Stratifications: Stratifications: play. The International team should play (800) 475-2631 are eligible for “0-500” games. Team Contributor $140 for Swiss teams which includes $140 for Swiss teams which includes LIV players as long as it is still a league. Open:1000/3000/open Open:1000/3000/open Table fees: $15 per person for pairs; game stratification will be according to lunch. 0-5 points, free with ACBL #. lunch. 0-5 points, free with ACBL #. This year’s event was exciting until 0-500: 100/300/500 0-500: 100/300/500 $140 forCREDIT Swiss teams whichCARDS includes team MP average. ying Site and Fees Game Information The Presidents Cup began in 1994, with Sunday’s singles. The U.S. is horrible at CASHLESS: OR DEBIT CREDIT CARDS Daily stratificationCASHLESS: at the discretion of OR the DEBIT Director Daily stratification at the discretion of the Director the U.S. playing an international field of lunch. 0-5 points, free with ACBL#. foursomes play. The team went 0-5 on ONLY ONLY Beach and Tennis Resort ACBL Open Convention Chart will be used for Open

The Presidents Cup

Tournament Chairpersons

Tournament Chairpersons non-European countries. This event was

Friday and 2-2 on Saturday. This made CASHLESS: CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDS ONLY Stratifications: Accommodations Accommodations becauselife there were a number ofVictoria Cathy Beckman Victoria Holdren Cathy Beckman d Road games. Players with 500 or fewer pointscreated (including theHoldren match look competitive until Sunday’s www.hiltonheadisland.org is a great www.hiltonheadisland.org golf professionals608-334-3619 who couldn’t play in 708-366-7429 Open: 1000/3000/open 608-334-3619 708-366-7429 is a great singles matches. Accommodations Island, SC 29928 masters) are eligible forfor“0-500” Team Rydergame Cup. Countries represented victoriaholdren@gmail.com resource for options resource options games.the United States rookies Chris Gotterup, cwbeckman2017@gmail.com cwbeckman2017@gmail.com 0-500: 100/300/500 victoriaholdren@gmail.com www.hiltonheadisland.org is a great this year included South Korea, Japan, with a 3-1-0 record, and Jackson Koivun, 631 stratification will be according to team MP average. Daily stratification at the discretion of resource for options Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, with a 2-0-1 record, were the best players Complimentary coffee each morning Complimentary coffee each morning Partnership Desk Partnership Desk the Director 15 per person for pairs; Canada and Colombia. for the U.S. team. Justin Thomas had a Stratifications: Lunch available for purchase Lunch available Karen Zemba for purchase I have been watching the Presidents Karen Zemba great tournament and did an awesome Complimentary coffee ss teams which includes (gluten free and vegetarian options) (gluten free and vegetarian options) 704-519-7506 704-519-7506 Open:1000/3000/open Cup since it began. It takes place every job of coaching Koivun when they played each morning two years, alternating years with the outside food allowed at venue No outside food allowed at venue kzpinecone@outlook.com kzpinecone@outlook.com oints,No free with ACBL #. together. 0-500: 100/300/500 Lunch available for purchase Ryder Cup. It has been a noncompetiAn interesting event happened Sunday CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDS (gluten free and vegetarian options) tiveDirector event, with the U.S. holding a 14-1-1 Daily stratification at the discretion of the when Scottie Scheffler showed incred-

No outside food allowed at venue

odations

record. The one tie was a gentleman’s

agreement between captains Gary Player Tournament Chairpersons and Jack Nicklaus when darkness came

Cathy Beckman Victoria Holdren Tournament Chairpersons after a three-hole playoff. headisland.org is a great This year, the United States was a huge Cathy Beckman Victoria Holdren 608-334-3619 708-366-7429 favorite. The average ranking of the U.S. options 608-334-3619 708-366-7429 cwbeckman2017@gmail.com victoriaholdren@gmail.com team was 16. The U.S. had six players in cwbeckman2017@gmail.com

victoriaholdren@gmail.com

the top 10 of the world golf rankings. The average ranking of the 12 International players was 49. The International team ntary coffee each morning Partnership Desk had no players in the top 10. This just isn’t lable for purchase Karen Zemba Karen Zemba competitive. I believe LIV hurt the International ee and vegetarian options) 704-519-7506 704-519-7506 team, with four players from Austrakzpinecone@outlook.com e food allowed at venue kzpinecone@outlook.com lia and four players from South Africa leaving the PGA. The Ryder Cup allowed

Partnership Desk

ible sportsmanship. He was playing Nico Echavarria when a fan yelled, “Go Scottie,” during Echavarria’s backswing, causing him to hit a poor drive. When they got to the green, Scheffler gave Echavarria a 32-foot putt while he had a short birdie putt, which tied the hole. I don’t know the answer to this event, but the format needs to change. I aso think it shouldn’t be played during football season, which hurts its TV ratings.

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

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

What buyers and sellers are telling us about today’s market

By Chip Collins Contributor

Market statistics tell us what has already happened. But some of the most valuable insight comes from listening to what buyers and sellers are saying, watching how they are CHIP COLLINS behaving and understanding what is driving their decisions. With roughly 4.4 months of inventory, our Lowcountry real estate market is operating in balanced territory. Unlike a strong seller’s or buyer’s market, where the advantage is clear, a balanced market requires more give-and-take. That is creating a different mindset on both sides of the transaction. For sellers, one of the biggest chal-

lenges is separating broad market chatter from what is actually happening in their specific neighborhood or property type. One seller may hear about a home that sold immediately, while another knows someone whose property has been listed for months. Both stories can be true. That is why hyperlocal data matters. Pricing, competition, condition and buyer activity can vary considerably from one community to another. Sellers need to understand their particular playing field, then align pricing and preparation with their goals. Flexibility has also become increasingly important. Negotiations may involve price, repairs, timing, contingencies or other creative solutions. Preparing for those possibilities before listing can help reduce surprises later. Buyers, meanwhile, are approaching purchases with more caution. They want the right property at the right price, but they also want time and information to feel confident about their decision.

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One trend we are seeing more frequently is an offer contingent on the buyer selling another property. These contingencies are not all equal. There is a significant difference between a buyer who still needs to list a home and one whose property is already under contract with key contingencies satisfied. Understanding the buyer’s situation, and even the market where their home is located, can help a seller better evaluate an offer. Buyers are also more likely to want to see a property in person before fully committing. In a market with many out-of-town and second-home buyers, we may see creative solutions such as short viewing contingencies that allow buyers to secure a property while quickly arranging travel to the Lowcountry. Inspections are another important piece of today’s buyer mindset. Buyers are paying close attention not only to existing defects but also to aging systems or components that could become future expenses. That increased scrutiny makes pre-listing preparation particu-

larly valuable for sellers. Knowing the condition of the home before negotiations begin can prevent an unexpected inspection issue from disrupting a transaction. The takeaway from what we are hearing on both sides is not that buyers or sellers have control. Rather, information, preparation and flexibility have become increasingly important. Today’s Lowcountry market remains active, but successful transactions often require more investigation and negotiation than they did during the strongest seller’s-market years. Understanding the property, the neighborhood, the other party’s circumstances and the available options can help both buyers and sellers make more informed decisions and move toward the closing table with fewer surprises. Chip Collins is the Broker-Owner of Collins Group Realty founded in 2002. Find Chip at chip@collinsgrouprealty. com or collinsgrouprealty.com.

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The Bluffton Sun

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Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THE OFFERINGS. Latitude Margaritaville Kentucky Registration Number R-201. For NY Residents: THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE AT HILTON HEAD ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, MINTO LATITUDE HH, LLC. FILE NO. CP18-0021. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE WATERSOUND ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, LMWS, LLC. FILE NO. CP20-0062. Pennsylvania Registration Numbers OL001170 (Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head) and OL001182 (Latitude Margaritaville Watersound). Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head and Latitude Margaritaville Watersound are registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen, 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118 and with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1700 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20552. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required and has not been completed. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are merely representative of current development plans. Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. ©Minto Communities, LLC 2026. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored, or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Latitude Margaritaville and the Latitude Margaritaville logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC 1519880/CGC 120919. 2026

MINTT-110F_lmhh_26Q2_BS_LYDIP_9.96x9.765.indd 1

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

Lowcountry communities plan Oct. 10 tribute to William Green Jr.

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Retired U.S. Army Chaplain Maj. Gen. William “Bill” Green Jr. will be honored Oct. 10 during a public ceremony recognizing a military career of more than three decades and his ties to Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Historic Mitchelville. The Chaplain Maj. Gen. William “Bill” Green Jr. Day ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. Community leaders, elected officials, military veterans, clergy, family, friends and former classmates are expected to participate. Green, a Hilton Head Island native and graduate of the former H.E. McCracken High School in Bluffton, retired Aug. 1 after serving as the 26th chief of chaplains of the U.S. Army. During his military career, Green provided spiritual leadership and guidance to soldiers, families and Army civilians.

As chief of chaplains, he led the Army Chaplain Corps and supported religious freedom within the Army. The Oct. 10 program will include proclamations from the towns of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. Hilton Head Island’s proclamation will designate Oct. 10 as Chaplain Maj. Gen. William “Bill” Green Jr. Day, while Bluffton’s proclamation will recognize his military service and connection to the Bluffton community. Historic churches on Hilton Head Island

also are scheduled to present a joint proclamation recognizing Green’s Christian ministry, leadership and community service. Military honors recognizing Green’s service as the Army’s 26th chief of chaplains are planned, along with tributes from clergy, elected officials, community leaders, classmates, mentors, veterans and members of his family. The celebration also will focus on Green’s family connection to Historic Mitchelville. Organizers have chosen “From General Mitchel to General Green” as the theme for the ceremony, connecting Green’s story with the Hilton Head Island community established during the Civil War. Green is a descendant of Mitchelville, and his family has roots in the historic community. The ceremony’s theme references Union Gen. Ormsby M. Mitchel, whose leadership preceded the establishment of Mitchelville on Hilton Head Island in 1862. The community was established by

formerly enslaved people and developed around principles that included self-government, education, faith and community. Organizers said Green’s connection to Mitchelville will be part of the Oct. 10 recognition. “General Green’s life reflects the very best of our community,” said Thomas C. Barnwell Jr., advisor emeritus of the Chaplain Maj. Gen. William “Bill” Green Jr. Day Recognition Committee. “His journey shows how faith, family, education, and perseverance prepare someone to lead and serve at the highest levels. This celebration allows us to thank him for his service and ensure his legacy inspires future generations.” The ceremony also will include the announcement of a scholarship established in Green’s honor at the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. Donations are being accepted to support the scholarship. A community reception will be held immediately after the ceremony. The event and reception are open to the public.

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October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Now Is the Time to Prioritize for Your Health Connection, Wellness and Fun Await! Peggy Bourguillon, MD

Find out more about how we take a comprehensive approach to primary care dedicated to people who are 65 and older. JOIN US FOR UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS!

ACTIVE LIVING

Get Moving Monday Mondays 10 -11 a.m. Get Fit Friday Fridays 10-11 a.m.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY Meet the Care Team November 4, 4-5 p.m. Wooden Pumpkin Wreath Craft* November 11, 1-2 p.m. Book Club* November 17, 4-5 p.m. Bingo November 18, 1-2 p.m.

HEALTH & EDUCATION

Preparing for Medicare 2027* November 5, 12-1 p.m. Lunch & Learn Navigating Your Health Portal November 10, 10a.m. -12 p.m.

Medicare for Veterans* November 12, 12-1 p.m. Lunch & Learn The Gift of Advanced Health Care Planning* November 19, 12-1 p.m. Lunch & Learn

*RSVP for highlighted events at 843-867-3254 or visit ochsner.org/65pluseventsokatie

Ochsner Novant Health 65 Plus – Okatie 50 Terrace Drive | Ridgeland, SC 29936 For an appointment or clinic tour, call 843-867-3254. Follow us on Facebook at Ochsner Novant Health 65 Plus – Okatie Dr. Kenneth Tomczyk’s final day seeing patients at Ochsner Novant Health 65 Plus was October 2, 2026. Dr. Felix, Dr. Bourguillon and Cassanda Wright, DNP, are all accepting new patients.

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

Financial considerations for unmarried couples

By Thomas Dowling Contributor

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A growing number of couples are choosing to build their lives together without getting married. While that arrangement is increasingly common, it can present some unique challenges when it comes to financial and

wealth planning. Unmarried couples don’t have many of the automatic protections that married couples enjoy. For example, unmarried partners generally don’t have automatic rights to each other’s assets if one partner dies. Health care or end-of-life decisions may go to the person’s next of kin rather than an unmarried partner. An unmarried partner is also not eligible for Social Security spousal or survivor benefits. Retirement accounts can present additional considerations. A nonspouse beneficiary who inherits an IRA has fewer options and less flexibility than a surviving spouse. That makes it especially important for unmarried couples to understand the rules that apply to them and plan accordingly. So where should you begin? Start by talking openly about your finances. Discuss spending, saving, investing, financial values and the legacy you each hope to leave. Decide whether you’ll handle finances jointly or separately, or use a combination of the two. From there, talk about long-term financial goals and how you’ll handle unexpected expenses. The next step is to formalize your plans. Unmarried couples may want to name each other in wills, trusts and powers of attorney so their wishes are clearly documented. Valuable assets can also be titled jointly with rights of survivorship. Couples who own real property together may want to consider a property co-ownership agreement that documents each person’s contributions. Beneficiary designations are another

important consideration. Each partner needs to name the other as a beneficiary if they want their retirement assets to pass to that person. Those designations can generally be changed as circumstances evolve. Health care planning shouldn’t be overlooked, either. Living wills or advance directives can document each partner’s wishes for medical care. Written consent may also be necessary for unmarried partners to share personal health records. Durable and financial powers of attorney can provide additional authority to discuss medical care, insurance coverage and other important matters. Some couples may also consider a cohabitation agreement that establishes how assets and shared debts would be handled if the relationship ended. These agreements do not override applicable state or federal laws, but they can help establish expectations between partners. None of these considerations mean unmarried couples should necessarily get married. Rather, the goal is to understand how being married or unmarried can affect your financial rights and protections so you can make informed decisions. All relationships take work, regardless of marital status. Some of the most important work couples can do is to carefully discuss and plan their financial future together and revisit that plan as their lives and circumstances change. Thomas M. Dowling, CFA, CFP®, CIMA® is the Head of Wealth Management at Alliance Global Partners of the Lowcountry on Hilton Head. He can be reached at infohh@allianceg.com or (843) 420-1993.

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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October 6, 2026

Early voting for Nov. 3 election begins Oct. 19 By The Bluffton Sun Staff

Early voting for South Carolina’s Nov. 3 general election begins Oct. 19, giving registered voters nearly two weeks to cast ballots before Election Day. Early voting continues through Saturday, Oct. 31. Voting centers will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and will be closed Sunday, Oct. 25. Registered voters may cast a ballot at any early voting center in their county. On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters casting ballots that day must go to their assigned polling place. Qualified voters also may vote absentee by mail. South Carolina limits absentee voting by mail to voters who meet specified eligibility requirements. The deadline to return an absentee ballot application is 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the county elections office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Voters should be prepared to present an accepted photo ID when voting in person. State law provides a provisional-ballot process for registered voters who cannot obtain an accepted photo ID because of a reasonable impediment.

Voters can check their registration, find polling information, see what is on their ballot and review candidate information through VOTE411.org, a nonpartisan voter-information service provided by the League of Women Voters Education Fund. Official South Carolina election information, including early voting locations, absentee voting information and polling places, is available from the South Carolina State Election Commission at SCVotes. gov.

Celebrating

100 years

A century of love, family and memories surrounds Dorothy Brown as she celebrates her 100th birthday. Born Oct. 2, 1926, in Chattahoochee, Georgia’s Whittier Cotton Mill village, she has watched the world change while building a life centered on family. Dorothy was married to Carlton Brown for 53 years and raised three children. Today, her family spans five generations. After a lifetime of moves and milestones, Dorothy looks back with gratitude, describing hers as “overall a wonderful life.”

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Making Home Improvements or Thinking About Selling?

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

Six simple home checks for a Lowcountry fall

VOTED

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

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Nick Martin, AAMS®, MBA

Izaac King, CFA®, CFP®, MBA

https://www.blufftonfinancialplanning.com/

I grew up in Colorado, where fall was pretty easy to recognize. The temperatures dropped, the leaves changed and you knew winter was coming. After more than a decade of living on Hilton Head Island and raising my family here, I’ve learned that fall in the Lowcountry requires a slightly different definition. By October, we’re finally starting to get those mornings and evenings that remind us a new season is here. But the air conditioning may still be running, humidity is still part of everyday life and seasonal allergens certainly haven’t disappeared. As a dad of two boys and someone who has spent a lot of time thinking about heating, cooling and indoor air quality, I’ve also learned that this transition between seasons is a good time to give your home a little attention. Here are six things I check or think about at my own home this time of year. 1. Start with the air filter. This is probably the simplest thing on the list but the most commonly forgotten. Your HVAC system has been working hard through a Hilton Head summer, and your filter has been collecting dust, pet hair and other particles along the way. Check it. If it looks dirty, change it. And make a note somewhere you’ll actually remember for next time. 2. Pay attention to the humidity inside your home. We all know what Lowcountry humidity feels like outside, but excessive moisture inside the home can be a problem, too. If your house consistently feels damp or clammy, you notice condensation or there’s a musty smell that wasn’t there before, don’t simply write it off as “Hilton Head humidity.” Those are signs worth paying attention to. 3. Give your vents and returns some breathing room. Take a quick walk through the house and look at your supply vents and return-air grilles. Furniture, rugs, curtains and even the things our kids leave lying around can unintentionally block airflow. While you’re there, wipe away any visible dust that has accumulated around them.

4. Look around your outdoor unit. Summer storms, landscaping and general Lowcountry growth can leave leaves, pine straw and other debris around an outdoor HVAC unit. You don’t need to take anything apart. Just make sure the area around it is clear and that plants and debris aren’t crowding the equipment. 5. Think about what you’re bringing indoors. Fall allergies aren’t just a spring problem. Pollen and other outdoor allergens can hitch a ride inside on shoes, clothing and pets. Simple habits can help: Leave shoes near the door, wash bedding regularly, vacuum and dust, and keep an eye on that HVAC filter. Indoor air quality is about more than one piece of equipment. It’s the combination of how we live in our homes and how we maintain them. 6. Finally, listen to your house. This might be the best advice I can give any homeowner. You know what your home normally sounds, smells and feels like. If the air conditioner suddenly sounds different, one room feels warmer than the others, the house seems unusually humid or you notice a new smell, pay attention. None of these things takes much time, but after a long Lowcountry summer, they’re worth checking as we head into a new season. Fall may look a little different here than it did growing up in Colorado, but I’ve come to appreciate it. And I know cooler evenings are coming, even if, on Hilton Head, the air conditioner is still running. Miguel Leman is the owner of TemperaturePro Lowcountry. He can be reached at 843-380-9137 or miguel.leman@temperaturepro.com.

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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USCB historian takes wider look at Civil War By Channing Heiss Contributor

Events such as the Civil War, slavery and Reconstruction are often referenced in both U.S. history and the history of Beaufort County, but historians have the knowledge and ability to contextualize the common narratives to reveal a much more detailed, comprehensive and complex picture. James Shinn Jr., assistant professor of history at USCB, is one such historian, and the story he tells addresses misconceptions, reveals little-known facts and explains history’s relevance today. Shinn, who earned his doctorate in history from Yale University, specializes in 19th-century history and the Civil War. He is also co-director of the Institute for the Study of the Reconstruction Era. Among the misconceptions Shinn works to correct is the idea of a largely domestic and “intranational” civil war. “For a long time, the way we taught the Civil War was not really the way people experienced it,” Shinn said, adding that this has been changing in recent decades as regional differences have lessened,

allowing a wider view of history. He observed that, after the war, the focus turned to how to put a country back together that had, in his words, “absolutely torn itself apart.” “Relations between the North and the South continued to be fraught. It was enough just figuring out how these two regions could exist in the same country.” He explained that, during the Civil War, people were acutely aware of the international implications, economic and otherwise, of their situation. The war influenced the U.S. relationship with Cuba and involved the Confederacy seeking recognition from Britain and France. “People from the 1860s and 1870s were already thinking in global terms.” “You look at the newspaper and it’s full of economic information from other parts of the world,” Shinn said. Shinn wrote his dissertation on the postwar relationship between the U.S. and Cuba and is now writing a book on the connection between the U.S. Civil War and Cuba’s Ten Years’ War. He sees his historical research as adding perspective to the existing narrative rather than completely replacing it.

“I would never dismiss the significance of the classic Civil War narrative of Lee and Grant. There’s just more to it.” Shinn said some of the misconceptions about this period come from historical omissions, including the untold stories of people and places that shaped America as much as, and perhaps in some cases more than, their more famous narrative cousins. Those include the stories of Robert Smalls’ seven lesser-known crewmates and their families; Smalls’ postwar political career and involvement in the Port Royal Experiment; figures including Prince Rivers and Hastings Gantt; cross-racial negotiation among planters and farmers, including Black landowners; South Carolina’s distinction of preserving and continuing Reconstruction longer than any other state and into the early 20th century. “You can start in the 1520s with the Spanish and take the story all the way through to the present day. There’s not a more important site in the history of Reconstruction than right here. You can follow the Revolution, the Civil War, the Antebellum period, and never leave Beau-

fort County.” If the Civil War leaves a message of caution, Reconstruction, Shinn said, leaves a different message of hope despite the resistance that often met what Shinn described as the “whiplash-inducing change” instituted at the time that many white Americans could not have imagined becoming reality. “The American project can be expanded, it can change. It’s plastic. It’s elastic. It’s not written in stone.” He emphasized the cyclical nature of America — change, reaction, regression and equilibrium — and the influence of human nature itself. “That’s just how things work.” He said people should not be discouraged by those realities. Speaking about what he calls the ongoing quest to determine what the U.S. is and what it stands for, Shinn concluded: “The country is a never-ending process. It’s never complete.” Channing Heiss is a freelance writer and a member of the Beaufort County disAbilities Coalition.

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

Avoiding legal problems is the name of the game By Mark F. Winn Contributor

What are the tools available to an estate planning attorney? Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, contracts and deeds. What are the things we address? Present and future beneficial MARK F. WINN interests, covering contingencies and managing tax uncertainty. All of these tools are designed to minimize, if not avoid altogether, legal problems, costs, family conflicts and headaches. In the game of golf, the winner has the lowest score. In other words, they got through the course in the most efficient manner with the fewest strokes. As is

the case with golf, in the arena of estate planning, we are trying to avoid problems. Fortunately, it is not too difficult to be successful in this arena. Those who try to configure their own solution based on something they read on the internet or what a friend told them are the ones who are likely to experience unintended negative consequences. For instance, let’s say Mom survives Dad and basically inherits everything from Dad free of trust. Okay, so that transfer may not have been too involved because the assets may have all been owned jointly with survivorship rights or designated to go to the survivor. So, Mom may think that she should just put one child (let’s call him Frank) on the house and the accounts and that child will “do the right thing” and make sure his siblings get their share. Well, this is an accident waiting to happen. If Frank is sued while Mom is alive, can Mom’s house and assets that she owns with Frank be in jeopardy? Yes.

There is a better way. Mom hires a lawyer and creates a trust, and she makes it so she and Frank are co-trustees and that Frank can act alone while Mom is alive. Mom wants Frank to handle the bills, so she makes him a co-trustee with the full authority to act. Mom’s trust directs Frank to distribute the property to him and his siblings in equal shares, and she leaves it to them “in trust” so they can use the money but can’t lose it if they get sued. Now, under this better way: If Frank is sued while Mom is alive, can Mom’s house and assets that she owns with Frank be in jeopardy? No. If Mom passes and then Frank gets divorced, can his wife get half ? No. If Mom passes and Frank’s siblings plead with Frank for their share, are they legally entitled to it? Yes. Isn’t that better? If Mom passes and then Frank gets divorced, can his wife get half ? Yes. If Mom passes and Frank’s siblings plead with Frank for their share, are they legally entitled to it? No.

Mark F. Winn, Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Estate Planning, a local asset protection, estate planning and elder law attorney.

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October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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

nternal medicine specialist Dr. Minh A. Nguyen has joined Beaufort Memorial Palmetto Medical Group in Bluffton, expanding access to primary care services to meet the growing healthcare needs of the Lowcountry. Dr. Nguyen specializes in managing chronic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, mental health disorders and HIV prevention, while emphasizing preventive care to help patients reduce their risk of serious illness and enjoy healthier lives. A first generation immigrant, Dr. Nguyen was inspired to pursue medicine after witnessing healthcare challenges faced by underserved communities. Before becoming a physician, he worked as a medical interpreter, helping patients navigate complex healthcare systems and overcome language barriers. Dr. Nguyen is committed to helping patients take an active role in their health by providing the knowledge, resources and support they need to achieve the best possible outcomes. “I view primary care as the stewardship of a person’s health — earning their trust over time, helping prevent disease before it develops and guiding them through life’s inevitable health challenges.”

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

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

Sea Turtle Patrol year-end event set for Nov. 10 By The Bluffton Sun Staff

Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island will mark what the organization describes as its second-most successful season with a year-end event Nov. 10 at Poseidon Rooftop in Shelter Cove. “Beyond Expectations: Celebrating a Remarkable Season” will run from 5 to 8 p.m. and include a review of the 2026 nesting season, recognition of volunteers and community supporters, and a silent auction. Proceeds will benefit the organization’s sea turtle conservation efforts and DNA research. The silent auction will run from 5 to 7 p.m., with the program beginning at 6 p.m. Sea Turtle Patrol Director Amber Kuehn will present a season wrap-up and recognize some of the people who contributed to the organization’s work during the year. Throughout the nesting season, Sea Turtle Patrol volunteers monitor Hilton Head Island’s beaches, identify and protect nests and educate the public about sea turtle conservation. The organization also works to help hatchlings reach the

DEBBIE SUBERA WIGGIN

ocean. Those efforts extend beyond monitoring nests. Sea Turtle Patrol encourages residents and visitors to keep beaches dark and clean, fill in holes and remove beach furniture and other potential obstacles. The organization also asks beachgoers to give nesting sea turtles and hatchlings the space they need.

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“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported our programs, donated, volunteered, or simply made a choice to be a better steward of our beaches,” Kuehn said. “Together, we are making a difference.” The organization credits its volunteer staff, auxiliary members, community partners, donors, residents and visitors

with contributing to its work during the 2026 season. The year-end program will provide an opportunity to review the season’s conservation efforts and recognize volunteers and supporters. Sea Turtle Patrol’s event page identifies 2026 as the second-most successful season in the organization’s history, although it does not provide nesting or hatchling totals or specify how that ranking was determined. Tickets for the Nov. 10 event are $50 per person and include admission and light bites. A cash bar will be available. Tickets are nonrefundable. The event will be held at Poseidon Rooftop, 38 Shelter Cove Lane on Hilton Head Island. Proceeds will support Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island’s conservation work and DNA research. Tickets and additional event information are available at https://seaturtlepatrolhhi.org/event/2026/. For more information, contact Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island at events@ seaturtlepatrolhhi.org.

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Wreaths Across America brings mission of remembrance to the Lowcountry

By The Bluffton Sun Staff

The rows of white headstones at Beaufort National Cemetery tell a story stretching from the Civil War to Vietnam and beyond. On Dec. 19, volunteers will return to those rows as part of National Wreaths Across America Day, placing remembrance wreaths on veterans’ graves and saying their names aloud. Wreaths Across America describes its year-round work in three words: remember, honor and teach. What began with a Maine wreath maker placing surplus wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992 has grown into a national effort involving thousands of cemeteries and memorial sites. The nonprofit organization was established in 2007 to expand the annual tradition. In 2025, more than 3.1 million sponsored wreaths were placed at 5,598 participating locations, according to Wreaths Across America. The organization brought that broader

mission to the Lowcountry recently when its Mobile Education Exhibit stopped Sept. 28 and 29 in Hardeeville. The traveling exhibit, hosted locally by Wreaths Across America Beaufort and Sun City Hilton Head, was stationed at the Walmart at 4400 U.S. 278. Visitors could learn about military service and speak with volunteers. The exhibit also serves as an official “Welcome Home” location for Vietnam veterans. The Hardeeville visit was part of a national tour that continues through other communities this fall. “The Mobile Education Exhibit provides the unique opportunity for communities to come together and share the stories of those who served and sacrificed,” Wreaths Across America Executive Director Karen Worcester said in announcing the Hardeeville visit. The next major local observance will take place at Beaufort National Cemetery, where Wreaths Across America lists about 25,000 veteran graves. A ceremony is scheduled for noon Dec. 19, with wreath placement immediately afterward.

Beaufort National Cemetery was established in 1863 during the Civil War. Its original interments included Union soldiers who died in hospitals in the area. Some had initially been buried elsewhere, including on Hilton Head Island. About 2,800 remains were later moved to Beaufort from cemeteries in Millen and Lawton, Georgia. The cemetery also contains the graves of 117 Confederate soldiers. Among those buried there are two Medal of Honor recipients from the Vietnam War, Marine Pfc. Ralph H. Johnson and Marine Capt. John James McGinty III. Johnson, a Charleston native, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after throwing himself on a grenade during a 1968 attack in Vietnam, an action that saved the life of another Marine. McGinty received the Medal of Honor for his actions during a 1966 battle in Vietnam. The cemetery also became the final resting place in 1989 for 19 Black Union soldiers whose remains had been discovered two years earlier on Folly Island near Charleston. They were identified as mem-

bers of the 55th Massachusetts Infantry and the 1st North Carolina Infantry, units that fought alongside the 54th Massachusetts during the Civil War. That history gives particular meaning to Wreaths Across America’s emphasis on connecting younger generations with the individual stories behind military service. Nationally, Wreaths Across America Day will be observed at more than 5,500 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad this year. At Beaufort National Cemetery, the local effort is working toward placing wreaths on as many graves as possible. Wreath sponsorships are $17, and volunteering to place wreaths does not require purchasing or sponsoring one. National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, Dec. 19. The Beaufort National Cemetery ceremony begins at noon at 1601 Boundary St. in Beaufort, with wreath placement immediately afterward. Information about the local effort and wreath sponsorships is available at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/SC0151.

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

A tale of spies and secrets

Katherine Reay to open Lunch With Authors season By Sasha Sweeney Editor

What if the friendly neighbor who baked the best cakes in town was secretly working for the Soviet Union? It sounds like the setup for a mystery novel. For author Katherine Reay, however, the premise behind “The Undercover Bookshop” has an intriguing connection to history. Reay will bring that combination of books, secrets and Cold War espionage to Bluffton on Oct. 22 as the opening speaker in the University of South Carolina Beaufort Center for the Arts’ 2026-27 Lunch With Authors series. Reay will discuss “The Undercover Bookshop,” her new historical novel being released Oct. 6 by Harper Muse. “The Undercover Bookshop” takes readers to the winter of 1950 and the small Cotswold village of Great Rollright, England. There, newcomer Gemma Brown is trying to build the sort of picturesque village life she knows from her favorite mystery novels.

Gemma has trouble navigating some of the social expectations of village life, but mysteries are another matter. She sets up the village’s first bookstore and befriends Peggy, another newcomer, as well as Ursula Beurton, a talented baker who becomes a subject of local gossip. Then Gemma starts noticing things that seem more at home in one of her novels. Gemma’s suspicions pull her into an international story involving MI5, the KGB and a mystery that becomes far more consequential than the ordinary dramas of village life. The unusual premise is not entirely fiction. Reay drew inspiration from the real Ursula Kuczynski Beurton, better known by the code name Agent Sonya. According to publicity materials for the novel, Beurton was

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born into a Jewish family in Berlin, became a communist as a teenager and eventually worked as a Soviet intelligence agent in Europe and Asia. She settled in England in 1941 and fled to East Germany in 1950 as British intelligence pursued her. Her story gave Reay fertile territory for exploring a question at the heart of historical fiction: What happens when the truth is already stranger than something a novelist might invent? “The Undercover Bookshop” also taps into Reay’s interest in classic British mysteries. Its fictional heroine is an avid mystery reader whose knowledge of books begins to shape the way she interprets the strange events around her. Reay is a bestselling and award-winning author who writes fiction and nonfiction. She holds bachelor’s and

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master’s degrees from Northwestern University and lives outside Bozeman, Montana, with her husband and, as her biography puts it, “too many dogs.” Books aren’t her only longtime interest. Reay has been fly-fishing for about 45 years and says some of her best ideas have emerged while fishing streams in England, across the United States and as far south as Patagonia. Her Bluffton appearance opens a Lunch With Authors season that will continue through April, bringing writers and readers together for lunch, conversation and book signings. Katherine Reay will appear at noon Oct. 22 at the Belfair Clubhouse, 200 Belfair Oaks Blvd. in Bluffton, as part of the USCB Center for the Arts’ Lunch With Authors series. Reservations are required at least seven days in advance. Books will be available for purchase and signing before and after the luncheon. Tickets and additional information are available through the USCB Center for the Arts ticket office or by calling 843-521-4145.

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October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

Blufft n Sun

The

e h t s ' t a h t

T E K TIC O N E, ISSUE 19 T I M D A 29 VOLUME

6, 2026 OCTOBER

•

John K. Crum exhibit opens Oct. 13 SEE PAGE 32

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

John K. Crum exhibit opens Oct. 13

By Sasha Sweeney

Sunday, OctOber 11, 2026 ART ON THE STREET • 11:00AM - 4:00PM

Stroll Old Town Bluffton and see our cultural district come alive! POP UP ART on gallery lawns, on gallery porches and in Martin Family Park. Temporary art displays join the many galleries to highlight the artistic and cultural side of Bluffton. A celebration of exceptional handmade, original local art including oil and acrylic paintings, pottery and much, much more.

11:00AM - 4:00PM

Art Exhibits, Music by Pete Carroll and More in Old Town. BOAT PARADE ON THE MAY BLESSING OF THE FLEET GOSPEL MUSIC WRIGHT PARK • 4:00PM

Bring your lawn chair, view the Boat Parade and enjoy Gospel music by Lavon Stevens on the bluff in Wright Park or join the parade in your own boat. Make plans now to gather at the sandbar before 3:00 PM and process to the Public Dock in Wright Park honoring Admirals of the Fleet, Roberts & Mary Vaux.

OYSTER FEST AND DRONE SHOW 5:00 - 8:00PM, Bluffton Oyster Factory Park Dedicated to the Memory of George Adam Simoneaux First Oyster Roast of the Season, Shrimp Boil & BBQ, Drone Show, Live Music by Crosstown Traffic. Please bring canned goods for Bluffton Self Help, an organization which Adam held dear to his heart.

Editor

Acrylic paintings by Hilton Head Island artist John K. Crum will be featured in a monthlong exhibition opening Oct. 13 at Art League Gallery. “Finding the Rhythm of Nature: Art That Makes You Smile” will run through Nov. 13 and feature works inspired by the Lowcountry and Crum’s travels. An artist reception is scheduled for Oct. 21, followed by a painting demonstration Oct. 30. Crum describes his style as “gently surreal landscapes,” combining recognizable settings and subjects with stylized and surreal elements. His acrylic paintings use bright colors, bold brushstrokes and layered compositions, with subjects ranging from Lowcountry landscapes and waterways to figures and wildlife. His work explores themes including love, inner peace and nostalgia, often incorporating symbols and narrative elements into the paintings. “I invite you to explore my paintings up close and embark on your own magical journey,” Crum said. “Hearing viewers and collectors express how my art makes

them smile and what it means to them is a source of profound satisfaction and motivation.” A graduate of The Ringling School of Art & Design, Crum has worked in illustration, graphic arts, book design, mural painting and fine art. He moved to Hilton Head from Ohio more than 20 years ago and draws inspiration from the Lowcountry as well as his travels. The artist reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21. Crum will present an artist demonstration at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30. The exhibition, reception and demonstration are free and open to the public. Art League Gallery displays work in a variety of media by more than 250 member artists. Artwork on display is available for purchase, and exhibitions change monthly. The gallery is inside the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, next to the box office. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. The gallery also opens 90 minutes before Arts Center performances. For more information, call 843-681-5060 or visit www.ArtLeagueHHI.org.

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

The Italian Heritage Festival returns Oct. 17 By Joe Turino Contributor

The aroma of Italian food, the sounds of live music and the cheers of spectators at grape-stomping and pizza-eating contests will help turn Hilton Head Island into a little slice of Italy when the Italian-American Club of Hilton Head hosts its 16th annual Italian Heritage Festival on Saturday, Oct. 17. Open to the public, the festival will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Historic Honey Horn, 70 Honey Horn Drive on Hilton Head Island. More than 3,000 people attended last year, and organizers are preparing for another lively day of Italian food, music, family activities, contests and Italian hospitality. Food has always been one of the festival’s biggest attractions, with visitors lining up for Italian favorites, including pasta dinners and cannoli. Between bites, festivalgoers can enjoy live music by the Hilton Head Big Band, a Roman encampment, market-

place vendors and the always-popular grape-stomping and pizza-eating contests. Activities, especially for children, are an important part of making the festival a family event. A kids’ section offers younger visitors their own share of the fun. The spacious grounds of Historic Honey Horn provide a natural setting to stroll among the activities, browse vendor booths and experience a taste of Italy in the Lowcountry. For Italian-American Club President John DeCecco, better known as “Johnny D,” the festival’s continued success reflects the efforts of all those who come together to make it happen. He expressed his appreciation for club volunteers, nonmember volunteers who donate their time, participating vendors and, especially, the thousands of attendees whose support makes the festival a success year after year. That support also helps the Italian-American Club fulfill an important part of its mission. Festival proceeds benefit scholarships for local students and support local charities throughout the community.

The Italian-American Club of Hilton Head has long combined its celebration of Italian culture and traditions with community service. The Heritage Festival has grown into its largest annual fundraiser and one of the club’s most visible events, bringing residents and visitors together while raising money that remains in the local community. Local nonprofit organizations also participate, strengthening the connection between the festival and the community it supports. Whether it’s the pasta and cannoli, the Hilton Head Big Band, the contests, the Roman encampment, children’s activities or simply an October afternoon with family and friends, the Italian Heritage Festival offers a variety of reasons to join the celebration. While the festival brings a taste of Italy to Hilton Head for just one day, the proceeds it generates help the Italian-American Club give back to the Lowcountry throughout the year. Tickets are available in advance at IACHH.org or may be purchased at the gate on the day of the festival.

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The Bluffton Sun

By The Bluffton Sun Staff

Two artists will offer different perspectives on the landscapes and natural life of the coastal South in an exhibition opening Oct. 29 at Four Corners Fine Art & Framing in Bluffton. “Between Tide & Sky” features work by Lita Gatlin and Claire Powell and will remain on view through Nov. 21. An opening reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, giving visitors an opportunity to meet the artists. The exhibition brings together Gatlin’s larger landscapes with Powell’s closer examination of subjects found within the coastal environment. Both artists work in oils and draw inspiration from the natural world. Gatlin, a Georgia native who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, began drawing in pencil and ink at an early age. She transitioned to oil painting after college and began pursuing art full time in 2002 following a career in banking. Her work focuses on the effects of

October 6, 2026

“Between Tide & Sky” changing light and atmosphere on the colors and character of a landscape. Her subjects include Lowcountry marshes, water and sky, along with the North Carolina mountains, European scenes and figurative work. Powell also works primarily in oils, with paintings exploring nature, place and traditions of the coastal South. Her work combines realism with carefully composed scenes and draws inspiration from the landscape and wildlife around her. Powell earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in art education with a concentration in painting from the University of Georgia. She lives and works in coastal Georgia, where the changing light of the marsh is among the influences on her work. Her paintings are held in private collections throughout the Southeast. The opening reception will include light refreshments and beverages. Four Corners Fine Art & Framing is at 1263-B May River Road in Bluffton. For more information, call 843-757-8185 or visit fourcornersgallerybluffton. com.

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October 6, 2026

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Arts and Events Calendar Hilton Head Library

All events take place at the Hilton Head Branch Library • Law Talk: Wills and Estates: Oct. 8, 2-3 p.m. • Adult Craft: Book Pumpkins: Oct. 14, 1-3 p.m. • Library Travel Guide: Egypt: Oct. 21, 10:30 a.m.-noon • Tales from the Crypt: Death in the Archives: Oct. 23, 11 a.m.-noon Cassandra Knoppel of the Beaufort District Collection presents stories about death, legends and unusual materials found in the archives. Ages 18 and older. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. • Author Talk with Michael Wayne Wojcik: Oct. 28, 2-4 p.m. • Spooky Ink Marbling: Oct. 29, 11 a.m.noon

Bluffton Library Events

For information on events, call 843-2556503. • Pat Conroy’s Lowcountry and his Legacy of Literacy: Oct. 7, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: • 16th Century Explorations and Settlements in Port Royal Sound, with Peggy Pickett: Oct. 8, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm: • Plant It Forward Plant Exchange: Oct 8, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm: • Let’s Talk AI: Oct. 20, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm:

Empowering Caregivers Series:

Oct. 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Palmetto Electric Community Room, 1 Cooperative Way National speaker Dani Klein Modisette presents “The Unexpected Power of Humor in Caregiving.” Lunch included. Free; registration required. HBanks@mirasolhealth.org

A Celebrity Photographer Turns His Lens to Alzheimer’s

Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Grace Community Church, 450 Spanish Wells Road, Hilton Head Island Conversation with photographer and filmmaker Mark Sennet. Free; registration required. mymemorymatters.org/ events

Palm Trees & Pistons

Oct. 10, 9-11 a.m. NALA’s Beach Bar & Grill, Hilton Head Island Monthly car show featuring vintage, antique, exotic, muscle and other unique vehicles. Free and open to the public. Vehicle owners are welcome to participate. Weather permitting.

Tom Reilley Memorial Golf Tournament

Oct. 10, 9 a.m. Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes, Hardeeville Ancient Order of Hibernians golf tournament featuring a four-person scramble with a shotgun start. Cost is $150 per player and includes green fees, cart, range balls, tournament gift, lunch and prizes. Proceeds benefit Christian education and other local charities. bplaoh.org

Frank & Friends

Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m. SoundWaves, Hilton Head Island Gretchen Kristine Stelzer and Trae Gurley perform a Sinatra-style cabaret with pianist Jared Hall, saxophonist Matea Jerkovic and a Rat Pack-inspired rhythm section. Supper provided by Food Savvy Catering. 843-842-2055

Palmetto Quilt Guild

Patchwork Sashiko Oct. 15, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Island Lutheran Church, Hilton Head Island Oct. 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Zoom workshop led by Diana Fitzgerald. palmettoquiltguild.org

Roots & Reins Community Pop-Up

Oct. 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. D & S Plantation LLC, 2592 S. Okatie Highway, Hardeeville Community event featuring guided horseback riding, a horse confidence and obstacle course experience, community garden activity, petting zoo and other activities for children and families. Presented by Roots & Reins, a program of Rise with Living Hope, in partnership with D & S Plantation and the Gullah Geechee Carolina Cowboys. Free; registration required. Donations and volunteers welcome. go.risewithlivinghope.org/rootsandreins

Beth Yam Book Fair

Oct. 25, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Congregation Beth Yam parking lot. 4501 Meeting St Hilton Head Island First annual book fair featuring gently used books. Proceeds benefit The Deep Well Project. Open to the public.

Equus Charities Polo Match

Oct. 25 Dr. Sandy S. Termotto Polo Field, Rose Hill Benefiting the Lowcountry Autism Foundation. The event includes a polo match, a pre-show by Rancho Lodazal,

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horses available for family photos and a vendor village. equuscharities.org

Olga Kern: Beethoven Emperor

Oct. 25, 4 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, Hilton Head Island Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra season-opening concert featuring pianist Olga Kern and conductor John Morris Russell. Program includes Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor,” and Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet” Fantasy Overture.

Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra 45th Anniversary Gala Oct. 25, immediately following the opening performance Wexford Country Club Anniversary event following the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra’s opening performance of its 2026-27 season. Additional details are forthcoming.

Volunteers in Medicine Clinic – Hilton Head Island Circle of Caring 2026 Gala

Oct. 30, 6-11 p.m. Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Annual gala featuring cocktails, seated dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions and music by Deas-Guyz. Black-tie optional. Valet parking is $12.50. Proceeds benefit Volunteers in Medicine Clinic – Hilton Head Island. vimclinic.org

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ONSTAGE NOW! – OCT 25

Choral Society to feature Holiday music, Broadway favorites By Sasha Sweeney Editor

A private letter, a secret truth, and a life he never imagined possible: Evan Hansen is on the verge of getting the one thing he’s always desired—a chance to truly belong. Winner of six Tony Awards, Dear Evan Hansen is a profound contemporary musical for anyone 2 SHOWS! who’s ever felt alone in a crowded room.

NOV 5 & 6 |

Franco Valerga (Evan Hansen) in Dear Evan Hansen. Photography by Gustavo Ratiia | Oceano Blue Media

October 6, 2026

The Hilton Head Choral Society will continue its 51st season Dec. 11 with “A Holiday Tapestry,” the first of three remaining concerts in its 2026-27 schedule. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. “A Holiday Tapestry” will bring together Christmas classics, secular holiday favorites and Hanukkah selections. The program will focus on musical traditions associated with the holiday season, ranging from reflective pieces to celebratory choral works. The Choral Society began its 202627 season Sept. 25 with “Questions & Answers,” its annual POPS program. The concert featured popular songs centered on questions and answers, including “What’s Going On?” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” The season follows the organization’s 50th anniversary celebration.

“We are beyond excited to kick off our 51st season,” Artistic Director Dustin Ousley said in announcing the season. “Our singers have spent the summer preparing, and their dedication truly shows in every rehearsal.” Following the holiday program, the Choral Society will turn to musical theater for its spring concert. “Broadway Bound” will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday, April 2. The program will feature songs from Broadway shows spanning different generations and styles, including music from “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Mamma Mia!” The season will conclude with the annual “America Sings!” concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 30. The program will feature patriotic selections and songs of remembrance honoring members of the military and those who died while serving. All three remaining concerts will be held at First Presbyterian Church. Season tickets are available at www. hiltonheadchoralsociety.org. For more information or assistance ordering tickets, call 843-341-3818 or email tickets@ hiltonheadchoralsociety.org.

Shore Notes invites singers to Halloween, holiday guest night By The Bluffton Sun Staff

Shore Notes A Cappella Chorus is celebrating five new members who discovered the joy of four-part harmony during the chorus’s free Summer Camp. Participants spent several Monday evenings rehearsing with Shore Notes, developing their vocal skills and preparing music for a final performance for family and friends. “Summer Camp lets women experience the music and friendships that make Shore Notes special,” said Christine Raetsch, membership chair. “We’re thrilled that five decided to keep singing with us.” The chorus will welcome more prospec-

tive singers during Boo La La: A Halloween and Holiday Guest Night from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26. Guests can sing with the chorus, meet its members and get a sneak peek at music being prepared for Shore Notes’ holiday performances. Attendees are invited to wear something Halloween-themed, holiday-themed or both. “Every member once attended her first rehearsal,” Raetsch said. “Guest Night is a fun way to take that first step.” Boo La La will be held at Okatee Baptist Church, 5467 N. Okatie Highway in Ridgeland. Advance registration is available at www.shorenotes.com. Shore Notes is an award-winning women’s a cappella chorus with members from communities throughout the Lowcountry.

The Bluffton Sun

‘Pasture to Palette’ exhibition opens Oct. 28

By The Bluffton Sun Staff

Artists of Sea Pines will open “Pasture to Palette,” an exhibition inspired by Lawton Stables, with a public reception Oct. 28 at the Sea Pines Community Center Gallery. The exhibition, presented in collaboration with Lawton Stables, will feature works depicting horses, other animals at the stables, the surrounding landscape and trail rides through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. The opening reception will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the gallery, 71 Lighthouse Road at The Shops at Sea Pines. Admission is free. Jazz trio Sharp Five will perform during the reception, and light food and beverages will be served. Artists of Sea Pines member Bob Bellion is the exhibition’s spotlight artist. Bellion, who has been a Sea Pines property owner for 28 years, began painting

15 years ago after a 32-year corporate career. He works in multiple mediums. Bellion will donate one of his original works for a drawing during the opening reception. The exhibition will include artwork depicting Lawton Stables and its surroundings, including horses, resident farm animals, live oaks and trail rides. Original works by Artists of Sea Pines members will be available for purchase. Member artists donate a portion of their gallery sales to the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. “Pasture to Palette” is the group’s third exhibition of 2026 and will remain on display through Jan. 23, 2027. The Sea Pines Community Center Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Artists of Sea Pines is an organization of resident artists whose exhibitions feature original artwork and support the Sea Pines Forest Preserve through a portion of gallery sales. For more information, contact Donna Barnako at donna@donnabarnako.com.

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October 6, 2026

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

Coastal Discovery Museum announces six speakers for fall series By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Six people with connections to Hilton Head Island’s history, culture and development will speak at the Coastal Discovery Museum this fall as part of its 2026 Legends & Luminaries Speaker Series. The six-event series will be held on select Tuesdays in October and November at the museum at Honey Horn. Topics will include life on Hilton Head before widespread development, Gullah heritage, the island’s tennis history and the growth of its residential communities. Frederick C. Hack Jr. will open the series Oct. 6. Hack moved with his family to Honey Horn in June 1950, before he was 3 years old, and grew up on the property that is now home to the Coastal Discovery Museum. His talk offers a personal look at Honey Horn and Hilton Head during a pivotal period in the island’s history. Collins Doughtie will speak Oct. 13. His family moved to Hilton Head in 1961. A

longtime Lowcountry writer and outdoorsman, Doughtie has written about the region for The Hilton Head Sun, The Beaufort Gazette and other publications. His program will draw on his experiences in the Lowcountry and the people and places he has encountered. Landon Thorne III will speak Oct. 27. Thorne first came to Honey Horn at age 7, when it was his family’s island home. He is a poet, journalist, film producer and pilot, as well as a Yale graduate, retired Marine Corps Reserve colonel, decorated combat veteran and business leader. His debut novel, “The Mud Bone Squabble,” is scheduled for release in early summer 2027. Charlotte Pazant-Brown will speak Nov. 3 about her family’s connections to Hilton Head’s Gullah community. Her grandfather, William Bradford Frazier, was born on Hilton Head in 1895 and was a musician and educator. Her mother, Rosalie Pazant, was an educator and founder of the original Gullah Festival. Pazant-Brown and her sisters helped establish the festival in

1986, and Pazant-Brown later served as its president. Tennis will be the focus Nov. 10, when Stan Smith speaks. Sea Pines founder Charles Fraser invited Smith to Hilton Head in 1971 to become Sea Pines’ touring professional. Smith won the U.S. Open that year and Wimbledon in 1972. He later made Hilton Head his home and, with Billy Stearns, established the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy in 2002. David Ames will close the series Nov. 17. Ames arrived on Hilton Head in 1973

and joined Fraser’s Sea Pines Company. His work included helping develop Hilton Head Plantation and later co-developing Long Cove Club. Ames also served on Hilton Head Island Town Council from 2016 to 2024. “We are honored to present six fascinating people and inspiring leaders whose experiences help tell the story of Hilton Head,” museum President and CEO Rex Garniewicz said. “These conversations offer an opportunity to hear directly from people who have witnessed, contributed to, and influenced the island’s history and culture.” All sessions will be held in the Sea Island Room at Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive. Wine and conversation begin at 5 p.m., followed by the speaker and a question-and-answer session from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for ages 13 and older, and registration is required. Information and registration are available at coastaldiscovery.org or by calling 843-689-6767, ext. 223.

F OUR CORNERS s!

FINE ART & FR A MING

A UNIQUELY SOUTHER N COLLECTION

— UPCOMING EXHIBIT —

BETWEEN TIDE & SKY Featuring the Art of

LITA GATLIN & CLAIRE POWELL You are invited to please join us for an Opening Reception on

Thursday, October 29th from 5 - 8pm The show will hang through November 21st.

1263-B May River Rd Bluffton 843.757.8185 fourcornersgallerybluffton.com

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

Follow the Oyster to the 22nd Annual H

Celebrating 22 Years of

Where Fine Art & The Bount

Thank You

To Our Supporting Sponsors!

DAUFUSKIE ISLAND HISTORY & ARTISANS TOUR OCTOBER 9 – 14, 2026 Special Festival Excursion: Daufuskie Island History & Artisans

Special Festival Excursion: Daufuskie Island History & Artisans Celebrate the Bluffton Seafood & Arts Festival with a one-of-a-kind journey to historic Daufuskie Island—accessible only by boat and steeped in Lowcountry charm. Duration: 4 hours Fee: $145 per person Fee Includes: Round trip Interpretive boat cruise, golf carts, tour destinations, USCG licensed Captain & Interpretive Historian Meet at: Town Dock in Wright Family Park 111 Calhoun Street October 9 8am-12pm October 10 9am-1pm October 13 8am-12pm October 14 1pm-5pm For reservations: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/outsidehiltonhead/ items/667305/?full-items=yes&flow=60759

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026 MAY RIVER DUCKS UNLIMITED FALL FRENZY

MARTIN FAMILY PARK 6-9 PM

This fall frenzy will be another great event promoting wetlands and waterfowl conservation. Bring your friends and family to see what Ducks Unlimited is all about. Dinner, beverages, raffles. For more information: (843) 368-7380. https://ducksunlimited.myeventscenter.com/ event/May-River-Ducks-Unlimited-Fall-Frenzy-Presented-129959

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026 BLUFFTON STATE OF MIND SUPPER SOIRÉE 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Eat in the street 4 Course Dinner with music, wine, served in the center of Historic Calhoun Street highlighting some of our local chefs. Come enjoy a night under the stars! SOLD OUT

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026 ART IN THE PARK- A CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS LOCAL 11:00AM - 4:00PM

Stroll Old Town Bluffton and see our state designated cultural district come alive! POP UP ART on gallery lawns, on gallery porches and in Martin Family Park - temporary art displays join the many galleries to highlight the artistic and cultural side of Bluffton. A celebration of exceptional handmade, original local art including oil and acrylic paintings, pottery and much, much more. Art Exhibits, Music by Pete Carroll and More in Old Town.

EMPTY BOWLS NOON – 4:00PM

Jacob Preston Pottery Studio 10 Church Street

Come and buy a bowl and have some homemade soup. All monies raised will go to Meals on Wheels, Second Helpings and Bluffton Community Soup Kitchen

BOAT PARADE ON THE MAY BLESSING OF THE FLEET GOSPEL MUSIC WRIGHT PARK 4:00PM

OYSTER FEST AND DRONE SHOW 5:00 - 8:00PM, Bluffton Oyster Factory Park Dedicated to the Memory of George Adam Simoneaux First Oyster Roast of the Season

Shrimp Boil & BBQ, Drone Show, Live Music by Crosstown Traffic. Please bring canned goods for Bluffton Self Help, an organization which Adam held dear to his heart.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026 MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY - SUNDAY

Join Capt. Chris and his crew for a one hour guided “Skiff” cruise on the May searching for local wildlife, discussing history and soaking up the tidal estuary air. All trips leave on the hour every hour from the public dock at the end of Calhoun Street in Wright Park. $35/ per person...subject to availability. Please call Capt. Chris for reservations and more information. 843-304-2878

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival

f Tradition! October 9th-18th, 2026

ty of the Sea Come Together DINNER & LEARN CHERISH OUR WATERWAYS TOUR OF WADDELL MARICULTURE CENTER, Tours available at 5:00PM, 5:30PM

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2026 MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY - SUNDAY *Daily* See October 12, 2026 for details

MAY RIVER OYSTER FARM TOUR WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS 10:00am – Noon Come enjoy a rare opportunity for an up-close-and-personal experience with May River Oyster

Company’s pioneering oyster farm in collaboration with the Bluffton Seafood Festival and May River Excursions. This 2 hour in-depth tour brings you out to a working oyster farm where the farmers demonstrate the techniques and methods used to produce some of the best oysters in the world. Afterward enjoy lunch at Bluffton Seafood House in Historic Downtown Bluffton. Limited availability. $115.00 per person. Call 843-304-2878 for reservations (includes lunch at Toomers Family Seafood Restaurant).

PALETTE & PLATE: LIVE ART DINNER AT OKAN 71 CALHOUN STREET 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Experience an unforgettable evening where fine art, live music, wine, and culinary creativity come together during the 22nd Annual Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival. Join acclaimed Lowcountry artist Amiri Geuka Farris and James Beard Nominated Chef Bernard Bennett at Okàn for a special dinner and live action-painting performance. Throughout the evening, Amiri will transform a large-scale canvas in real time, creating an original work inspired by the rhythms, flavors, culture, and energy of the Lowcountry. Guests will enjoy a specially curated multi-course seafood dinner, accompanied by live music and wine pairings, while surrounded by an exhibition of Amiri’s vibrant artwork. Each guest will also receive an exclusive art keepsake/print by Amiri Farris created especially for this experience. $140.00 per person. Book your experience now at okanbluffton.com/events

MONDAY - SUNDAY *Daily* See October 12, 2026 for details

AUTHOR NIGHT 5:30pm Cherishing Bluffton’s Past- “HISTORY ALIVE”

Rotary Community Center at Oscar Frazier Park (11 Recreation Court Bluffton SC 29910). Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages provided by Southern Spice Catering and Events. 6:00PM Showtime with local historians/authors: Dr. Steve Wise and Dr. Larry Rowland. Steve Wise was the director of the Parris Island Museum for 46 years and is the most authoritative person on the US Civil War in the country. His long time friend Dr. Larry Rowland is a retired history professor from the University of SC (he knows more about Beaufort County History than any one else). Larry wrote three books about Beaufort County history extending from 1514 thru 2006. Steve Wise co-authored one of those books that included the Civil War years. Loanna Graves Sellars. Loanna runs the Lowcountry Gullah Foundation that spends much of their effort focusing on the problem of Heirs Property in the SC Lowcountry. She will talk about how the former enslaved people in Bluffton became land owners after the Civil War. She is in the process of writing a book that she hopes will be in print by the time this event occurs. Michael Reynolds will speak about “new” Bluffton history that is associated with the Revolutionary War that no one seems to know about. A very interesting evening for all! Cost: $15.00; additional donations accepted; proceeds to the Waddell Mariculture Center. Reservations required: blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org

SYMPHONY IN THE PARK MARTIN PARK Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Outdoor Pops in the Park 7:30 pm (Rain or Shine) Free Admission

Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary Street, Bluffton, SC, Enjoy the sweet sounds of your own Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra as they invite you to Day-O: Harry Belafonte at 100 Trinidad born Etienne Charles, trumpeter, composer and storyteller, and René Marie, modern vocal icon and two-time Grammy Award nominee for Best Jazz Vocal Album, join HHSO’s very own Grammy nominee, Maestro John Morris Russell and the HHSO in a swinging party celebrating the music of Harry Belafonte. Calypso your way to the Arts & Seafood Festival to authentic rhythms and harmonies of true Caribbean sounds. This Outdoor Pops concert “under the stars” is FREE for one and all. Bring a blanket or folding chair, a picnic dinner and enjoy your HHSO al fresco. General lawn seating with free admission. Limited Tables for 8 available for $160.00; reserve at blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026 MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY - SUNDAY *Daily* See October 12, 2026 for details

RED APRON SIPS AND SEAFOOD PARTY 5:00PM - 9:30PM

Presented by Bluffton Self Help

Join us on Friday, October 16, 2026 for the 10th Annual SIPS Party, an unforgettable evening at the beautiful Palmetto Bluff Farm. Enjoy a signature cocktail, handcrafted hors d’oeuvres by Montage Palmetto Bluff, live music, an exciting silent auction, an inspiring program, and our premier live auction, all while celebrating a decade of community impact. More than just a party, SIPS is Self Help’s signature fundraiser. Every ticket purchased helps ensure our Lowcountry neighbors have fresh food on the table, access to education, and the tools they need to build brighter futures. SIPS sells out every year. Reserve your seats today and join us as we celebrate 10 years of creating opportunity together. All proceeds benefit Bluffton Self Help.

RUSSO’S FRESH SEAFOOD 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Russo’s Fresh Seafood 246 Red Cedar St.

For the first time, Russo’s Fresh Seafood is joining the Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival, and we’re doing it the best way we know how: with fresh, local seafood. After you explore Bluffton’s historic streets, join us at Russo’s for a Lowcountry Boil Night unlike anything previously hosted as part of the festival. This special evening is about more than a great meal. It’s a celebration of our coastal community, the hardworking people behind our local seafood industry, and the wild-caught shrimp harvested from the waters we call home. Enjoy a classic all-you-can-eat Lowcountry boil prepared with fresh, local, wild-caught shrimp, live music, and a cash bar in the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere of Russo’s. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to support the Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival. General Admission | $70, VIP Admission | $95 • Champagne welcome • First access to dinner • Reserved seating in the pavilion • An exclusive Russo’s event gift Only 100 tickets are available for this first-of-its-kind festival experience. Come hungry, raise a glass, and help us celebrate everything that makes the Lowcountry and its seafood traditions so special. https://russosfreshseafood.com/store/p/wild-caught-lowcountry-boil

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026 MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY - SUNDAY *Daily* See October 12, 2026 for details

timed. Awards presentation and After-Party immediately follows. Music, Mimosas, Cold Beer, Oysters and much, much more!

TAKE A KID FISHING TOURNAMENT, Wright Family Park. 10:30AM –12:30PM

Take a Kid Fishing Tournament managed by the Bluffton Chapter of Coastal Conservation Association. There will be some amazing prizes for everyone and the first 25 kids will get a free rod and reel combo and buckets. Drinks will be provided and don’t forget to sign up for The Mud Minnow Roundup. (Winner Takes All). Last but not least, the salt water trivia game and the shrimp basket full of prizes!!! Register between 10:00-11:00AM at Wright Park. Weigh-In at 12:30PM at Wright Park. Children 13 and under welcome with parents. There is no fee. Prizes will be awarded. Bring your own fishing equipment if possible; limited equipment will be available on a first come first serve basis. To pre-register call Tom at 912-210-1222.

ART & SEAFOOD STREET FEST 10:00AM – 5:00PM HISTORIC DISTRICT BLUFFTON FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY Enjoy our juried art show featuring over 100 local and regional artists from 10 different states, displaying an array of fine art: oils, pastels, acrylics, photography, pottery, ceramics, water color and much, much more. Local seafood and low country cuisine served by area restaurants. Enjoy the delicious seafood and view the outstanding art on the street. Take a break at the Tailgate area and catch up on your favorite team’s game while enjoying craft beer, premium wine and music.

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT Favorite bands will entertain on two stages throughout the day. CHILDREN’S ART IN THE PARK 11:00AM – 4:00PM DuBois Park on Boundary Street Children’s art activities conducted under the pavilion. Visit the stations around the pavilion and create your very own masterpiece. Prizes, games, fun and much, much more for the budding artists of all ages.

ROCKIN’ ON THE DOCK 6:00pm -8:00pm Bluffton Oyster Park

Seafood Extravaganza Tasting Live music with J. Edwards Band, Fireworks at Dusk, End the full day of activities with a grand finale. Eat great local seafood and watch the fireworks for a night to remember! Fireworks sponsored by Howell Chase Heating and Air Conditioning

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2026 MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY - SUNDAY *Daily* See October 12, 2026 for details

ART & SEAFOOD STREET FEST 10:00AM – 4:00PM HISTORIC DISTRICT BLUFFTON FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Enjoy our juried art show featuring over 100 local and regional artists from 10 different states, displaying an array of fine art: oils, pastels, acrylics, photography, pottery, ceramics, watercolor and much, much more. Local seafood and low country cuisine served by area restaurants. Enjoy the delicious seafood and view the outstanding art on the street. Take a break at the Tailgate area and catch up on your favorite team’s game while enjoying craft beer, premium wine and music. h

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2026 MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS,

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

21 Sawmill Creek Road, Bluffton. Only closed toe shoes. Reservations required. $45/per person. Proceeds to Waddell Mariculture Center. To make your reservation: blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org TTour the Waddell Mariculture Center, view the updated facilities, and learn from Director Erin Levesque how important this research facility is to our area and our resources. The tours will be given at two times, 5:00PM and 5:30PM followed by dinner at Toomers Bluffton Seafood Restaurant, 27 Mellichamp Drive, Historic Downtown Bluffton. The dinner buffet includes Gumbo 2 Ways (chicken and seafood), Caesar salad, cornbread, cookies and tea. Beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase. During dinner a presentation will be given concerning preservation of our natural resources. Limited to 24 guests each time slot.

MAY RIVER OYSTER FARM TOUR WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS 10:00am – Noon Come enjoy a rare opportunity for an up-close-and-personal experience with May River Oyster

OLD TOWN OYSTER 5K RUN 8:00AM – 10:30AM Bluffton Oyster Factory Park. Join us for a 5K run through Old Town Bluffton. Professionally SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

the only time Waddell is open to the public. DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY - SUNDAY *Daily* See October 12, 2026 for details

MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT Favorite bands will entertain on two stages throughout the day.

CHILDREN’S ART IN THE PARK 11:00AM – 4:00PM DuBois Park on Boundary Street

Children’s art activities conducted under the pavilion. Prizes, games, fun and much, much more for the budding artists of all ages.

No Parking in Downtown Bluffton on Saturday, the 17th, and Sunday, the 18th. Free Shuttles from Red Cedar Elementary (Bluffton Parkway to Red Cedar Street).

Saturday, 10/17: 10:00AM - 9:00PM; Sunday, 10/18: 10:00AM – 5:00PM; for more information 843-757-BLUF (2583).

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The Bluffton Sun

HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The whimsical world of Molly Dots

By Monica Ferguson Contributor

DAY O - A CELEBRATION OF HARRY BELAFONTE RENÉ MARIE � ETIENNE CHARLES John Morris Russell, Music Director Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra

FREE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 � 7:30 PM

Martin Family Park, Bluffton hhso.org • 843.842.2055

October 6, 2026

Molly Rohrer has always dabbled in art in one form or another. While raising her three children on Florida’s West Coast, she worked in interior design, owned and operated a Candy Bouquet business and participated in local craft shows. Her first foray into jewelry was making polymer clay accessories to match her daughter’s outfits. When a running injury caused her to spend less time on her feet, Molly’s jewelry skills advanced. Encouraged by a gift of hand-stamping equipment, she enrolled in an enameling class in Sarasota, and the rest is history. Molly’s subjects range from seathemed pieces, including mermaids, oyster shells, turtles and flamingos, to graphic symbols such as the moon and palm tree of her adopted home. Then there’s the grill, complete with a removable lid, grate, steak and gleaming charcoals. Some of Molly’s designs pay homage to a spoonbill she and her husband named Louie after the bird made their yard his home. For those unfamiliar with the process, it may be surprising to learn just how

time-consuming enameling can be. Her items are the visual definition of whimsy, although that seems incongruous with the amount of work required: cutting, filing, forming, drilling, layering enamels, firing and finishing. The process can involve six to 15 layers of enameling and firing required to satisfy the artist’s vision. Molly and her husband moved to Bluffton four years ago because they wanted a change of scenery while remaining near the beach, which she loves. She continues to be inspired by the area’s coastal beauty and has joined the local art community. A cat and two dogs accompanied the couple on their move, and they have since hosted 11 cats and kittens. Molly also fosters cats and works with the trapping and spaying community. Molly Dots has been exhibiting work at the Art League of Hilton Head. During its closure for renovations, Molly has been invited to exhibit at Maye River Gallery. Visitors can meet the artist from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, when the Church Street galleries welcome Pluff Mudd’s grand opening and join the Society of Bluffton Artists’ reception for Julie Jones and Maye River Gallery’s reception for featured landscape artist Kathy Tortorella.

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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HERITAGE LIBRARY FALL HISTORIC TOURS VISIT HILTON HEAD ISLAND

COLONIAL ERA CEMETERY TOUR

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

TUESDAYS September 15, 22, 29 October 6, 27 November 3, 10 10:00-11:00am $10/LIBRARY MEMBERS | $12/NON-MEMBERS CHILDREN 12 & UNDER FREE Registration required.

Creatures inspired by the sea By Murray Sease Contributor

This fall, La Petite Gallerie is featuring two sculptors, both drawing inspiration from the waters surrounding the Lowcountry. Sanders Black is still a fresh face at the gallery, an emerging talent whose creativity knows no bounds. His art features large resin and fiberglass sculptures of ocean creatures: beautifully painted deep-sea fish, bronzed horseshoe crabs, a clownfish swimming among sea anemones and, most recently, an imposing octopus that stretches 40 inches from toe to toe. Sanders is always thinking of his next piece. Currently, he is working on a graceful betta fish approximately 3 feet wide. This one may be his most beautiful yet, with flowing fins that belie the wire, mesh and fiberglass components. He is not yet sure whether this one will be freestanding or hanging. His art evolves as he works on it, using intuition and artistic license to make creative and practical

decisions. Wally Palmer is a veteran La Petite Gallerie artist who has continued to delight customers with his bas-relief sculptures depicting Lowcountry life. His pieces are poured in resin using molds he has carved over the years. It is a multistep process ending with the bronze coating and patinas Wally is known for. Many of his recent reliefs are done in collaboration with his partner, Denise Pope, who finishes them with luminescent paints, creating another dimension of realism. Wally is also known for large sculptural fountains and other freestanding pieces. The work of these artists is prominently on display this fall at the Gallerie. Stop by to see their art as well as the latest work of the four other owner-artists, plus pottery, jewelry, garden art and more. There is something for everyone in the gallery and garden. Murray Sease is an artist at La Petite Gallerie, 56 Calhoun Street, Bluffton, SC. lapetitegallerie.com

HISTORIC FORT MITCHEL TOUR

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

THURSDAYS September 17, 24 October 1, 8, 29 November 5, 12 10:00-11:00am $10/LIBRARY MEMBERS | $12/NON-MEMBERS CHILDREN 12 & UNDER FREE Registration required.

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

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

Bluffton eighth-grade art show begins call for 2027 entries

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Bluffton eighth-graders are being encouraged to get creative as organizers begin seeking artwork for the 2027 Bluffton 8th Grade Juried Art Show. The annual exhibition, established in 2015, gives young visual artists an opportunity to have their work judged and displayed for the community. Students from five Bluffton-area schools participate, with each student eligible to submit one piece of two-dimensional visual art. Previous participants have included H.E. McCracken Middle School, Bluffton Middle School, River Ridge Academy and Cross Schools. Artwork for the 2027 competition is due March 5. A three-judge panel from the Society of Bluffton Artists will review the submissions March 10 and select 30 pieces for the exhibition. Organizers are encouraging students to create traditional, original artwork and specifically ask that students not submit AI-generated pieces. The program was created to provide students with artistic talent a community platform similar to the recognition often available to students through athletics. Art teachers and school administrators at the five participating schools help encourage students to take part. Last year, judges selected 30 works from 56 submissions for the 2026 exhibition.

Students at Bluffton Middle School will have another opportunity to put their creativity on display this year. The school has been selected to provide artwork for the 2027 show poster. Each year, one of the five participating schools is chosen on a rotating basis to submit potential poster artwork. Bluffton Middle School students selected by their art teacher will create work for consideration this year. Poster artwork is due Jan. 8, with the finished show poster scheduled to be released Jan. 22. After the March judging, the 30 selected works will be professionally prepared for exhibition with assistance from The Great Frame Up in Bluffton. The Bluffton Library will again provide space for the show. The exhibition is scheduled to open April 1 and continue through May 8. Visitors will be able to cast ballots for a People’s Choice selection from April 1 through May 1. An artists’ reception is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. May 6 at the library. The Society of Bluffton Artists assists with the judging process, while The Great Frame Up provides mounting assistance for the selected artwork. The Bluffton Library serves as the exhibition site. Students interested in participating should work with their school art teachers to prepare and submit artwork for consideration.

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Crescendo returns for 10th year with six weeks of arts and culture By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Dozens of arts and cultural events are planned across Hilton Head Island during the 10th annual Crescendo Celebration of Arts & Culture, which runs Oct. 9 through Nov. 22. Organized by the Town of Hilton Head Island’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the Arts Council of Hilton Head, Crescendo brings together concerts, theater, dance, visual arts, historical programs, cultural festivals and hands-on activities at venues across the island. The celebration gets underway with a kickoff from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Shelter Cove Community Park. The event will feature local artists and cultural organizations, along with music by jazz artist Mark Rapp and the Soda City Band. Two days later, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra will present “Symphony Under the Stars: Day-O: Harry Belafonte at 100” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Lowcountry Celebration Park. The free concert will feature trumpeter Etienne Charles and vocalist René Marie with the orchestra under conductor John Morris Russell. Cultural festivals and community events are also part of the Crescendo calendar. The Gullah Food Festival is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island. The festival will include traditional foods, music, cultural demonstrations, vendors and storytelling. The 16th annual Italian Heritage Festival will be held the same day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, with food, music, arts and crafts and activities.

Rock N Ribs follows from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at Coligny Plaza. The fundraiser will feature music by Cowboy Mouth and Cranford Hollow along with barbecue from local and regional pitmasters. Proceeds will benefit Second Helpings. The Children’s Center will host Concert for the Kids from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Rooftop at Poseidon. Pretty Darn, featuring Kyle Wareham and Nick Poulin, will perform. Tickets are $25, with proceeds supporting The Children’s Center. Music returns to Lowcountry Celebration Park from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, for the free Crescendo Songwriter Show. Eric Reid & The Hebron Road Ramblers will perform original music with guests Matt Eckstine and Nick Poulin. Theater also has a place on the Crescendo calendar. The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina’s production of “Dear Evan Hansen,” which opened Sept. 23, continues through Oct. 25, overlapping with Crescendo. Lean Ensemble Theater will present Eboni Booth’s “Primary Trust” from Oct. 30 through Nov. 8 at Hilton Head Preparatory School’s Main Street Theatre. The play won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for drama. The Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival, scheduled Oct. 29 through Nov. 1, is also included in the Crescendo celebration. Dance takes center stage in November when Hilton Head Dance Theatre presents six performances of “The Nutcracker” over two weekends at the Seahawk Cultural Center at Hilton Head Island High School. Performances are scheduled Nov. 13-15 and Nov. 20-22. The Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade is scheduled Saturday, Nov. 14. Partici-

pants will begin lining up at 5 p.m. near the Alder Lane beach access, with the parade stepping off at 5:45 p.m. The procession will travel north along the beach before exiting near the Beach House and continuing to Lowcountry Celebration Park. Several lantern-making workshops are planned in the weeks leading up to the parade. Hilton Head Audubon will hold a free workshop from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Palmetto Electric, 111 Matthews Drive. Registration is required, and those who register are committing to walk with the Audubon group in the Nov. 14 parade. The Coastal Discovery Museum will offer adult lantern-making workshops Nov. 3, 5, 9 and 12. The $40 fee includes one lantern kit and admission for one adult participant. Two family workshops are scheduled Nov. 7, with a fee of $20 per lantern plus $5 per participant age 4 and older. Supplies and lights are provided, and advance registration is required. Four musical groups are scheduled to

participate in the Lantern Parade: Black Sheep Ensemble, Soda City Band, the U.S. Marine Corps Dirty Boots Brass Band and the Atlanta Drum Academy. Food trucks and beverages will be available at Lowcountry Celebration Park beginning at 3 p.m., with Groove Town Assault performing before the parade arrives. Crescendo also includes visual art exhibitions, poetry programs and historical tours and presentations. Participating organizations include the Coastal Discovery Museum, Art League of Hilton Head, Heritage Library, Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park and Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island. Event dates, times, admission prices and other details are subject to change. Attendees should confirm current information, including registration requirements, with individual event organizers before attending. For the latest Crescendo schedule and links to participating organizations, visit CultureHHI.org.

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The Bluffton Sun

Fabulous Local Italian Food & Wine Fun Entertainment THE OLDY COUNTR THE O COMES T NTRY! LOWCOU

Saturday, October 17, 2026 11 AM - 4 PM

Admission $8 Honey Horn, Hilton Head Island Rain or Shine - No Pets Please Lawn Chairs Encouraged Children under 10 admitted Free Proceeds of this event support charities of the Lowcountry

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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CHERISH OUR WATERWAYS TOUR OF WADDELL MARICULTURE CENTER A Dinner & Learn Event You Will Not Want To Miss!

HHSO’s 45th season offers musical variety By The Bluffton Sun Staff

The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra will mark its 45th anniversary with a nine-program 2026-27 season featuring works by Beethoven, Wynton Marsalis, Verdi, Mahler and other composers, along with guest artists and collaborations with regional performing arts groups. The season opens at 4 p.m. Oct. 25 with “Beethoven Emperor,” conducted by Music Director John Morris Russell and featuring pianist Olga Kern. The program includes Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, known as the “Emperor” Concerto, and Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet” Fantasy Overture. A 45th anniversary gala celebration will follow the concert. The season continues Nov. 15 and 16 with “Marsalis Concerto.” Violinist Bella Hristova will perform Wynton Marsalis’ Violin Concerto on a program that also includes Dvorák’s Seventh Symphony. Three performances of “Holiday Pops” are scheduled Nov. 28-30, including a Nov. 28 performance in Bluffton. Russell will conduct a program featuring vocalist Melinda Doolittle, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus under director Dustin Ousley and violinist Mana Takahashi, winner of the 2026 Youth Concerto Competition. The new year begins Jan. 17 and 18 with Saint-Saëns’ “Organ” Symphony. Antonio Marti and Paul Wesley Lott will perform on trumpet, with Chad Martin on organ. Vocalist Jay Dref returns Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 for “POPera with Jay Dref,” a

program combining classical selections, Broadway favorites and Italian songs. Guest conductor Joseph Young takes the podium Feb. 14 and 15 for a program featuring Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Pianist Jueon Lee, identified by the orchestra as the 2026 Hilton Head International Piano Competition winner, and narrator Ahmad Ward will also appear. The orchestra will join Lean Ensemble Theater and Hilton Head Dance Theatre for “The Soldier’s Tale” on Feb. 28 and March 1. The program combines music, theater and dance. One of the season’s larger collaborations is planned for April 11 and 12 with Verdi’s “Requiem.” The performance will bring together the orchestra, HHSO Chorus, Claflin University Concert Choir and classical vocalists presented by the Savannah VOICE Festival. The season concludes April 25 with a single performance of Mahler’s First Symphony, known as the “Titan” Symphony, conducted by Russell. For 45 years, the orchestra has presented musical performances and programs throughout the Lowcountry. In addition to its Orchestra Series, HHSO programs include SoundWaves, Jazz in the Park, BravoPiano!, the Hilton Head International Piano Competition and youth education initiatives. Individual tickets and subscription packages covering nine, six or three concerts are on sale. Subscribers receive preferred seating and savings compared with single-ticket prices. For more information about the 202627 season or to purchase tickets, visit hhso.org/orchestra-series-2026-2027.

Educate Celebrate Protect Monday, October 12 5:00PM and 5:30PM

Located at 21 Sawmill Creek Road, Bluffton. Reservations required. $45/per person. Proceeds to Waddell Mariculture Center. To make your reservation: blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org Tour the Waddell Mariculture Center, view the updated facilities, and learn from Director Erin Levesque how important this research facility is to our area and our resources. Only closed toe shoes. The tours will be followed by dinner at Toomers Bluffton Seafood Restaurant, 27 Mellichamp Drive, Historic Downtown Bluffton. The dinner buffet includes Gumbo 2 Ways (chicken and seafood), Caesar salad, cornbread, cookies and tea. Beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase. During dinner a presentation will be given concerning preservation of our natural resources. Learn how to be environmental stewards of our most cherished natural resources. DON’T MISS THIS UNIQUE EVENT THAT IS THE ONLY TIME WADDELL IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. IT WILL BE ENTERTAINING, INFORMATIVE AND SUPPORT THE WADDELL MARICULTURE CENTER…A LOWCOUNTRY GEM!

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

Exhibition explores schools that changed lives By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Photographer and author Andrew Feiler traveled more than 25,000 miles and photographed 105 schools to document a chapter of American history that once stretched across much of the segregated South. The result, “A Better Life for Their Children: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4,978 Schools that Changed America.” is on display through Nov. 1 at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. The exhibition tells the story of the Rosenwald Schools, an educational initiative that helped fund schools for Black children across the South and border states during segregation. The program grew from a partnership between Booker T. Washington, educator and founder of the Tuskegee Institute, and Julius Rosenwald, president of Sears, Roebuck and Co. and a Jewish philanthropist. From 1912 to 1937, their collaboration helped establish schools for Black children across the segregated South.” Feiler’s exhibition combines photographs of surviving school buildings with the stories of former students, teachers, preservationists and community leaders.

Only about 500 of the original 4,978 school buildings survive, according to the museum. “This is an opportunity for visitors to learn about a significant but largely unknown chapter that connects American, Black, and Jewish history,” Elizabeth Greenberg, the museum’s director of exhibitions, said in announcing the exhibition. The schools produced students who would go on to play prominent roles in American culture, politics

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and the civil rights movement. Rosenwald School alumni included author Maya Angelou, civil rights activist Medgar Evers and U.S. Rep. John Lewis. A portrait of Lewis is included in the exhibition. The story also has strong ties to South Carolina. The state had 481 Rosenwald schools, with at least one in every county, according to the museum. Only North Carolina and Mississippi had more. Among South Carolina’s schools was the Robert Smalls School in Beaufort. Feiler, a fifth-generation Georgian who grew up Jewish in Savannah, sees contemporary relevance in their partnership. “With a shared passion for education and social action, Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald reached across divides of race, religion, and region to make America a better place for all,” Feiler said. “Their remarkable accomplishments speak to us today. Individual actions matter.” The museum is also presenting “Bringing Back the Light,” a complementary exhibition by Charleston physician and photographer Alan Nussbaum. His photographs document the restoration of the Rosenwald School in St. George. A Better Life for Their Children” is on view through Nov. 1 at the Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive. Hours are 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

“BIG” OCTOBER EVENTS

•Food! •Gifts •Art! •Dine! •Shop! •Fun! •Galleries and More! Crab by Wally Palmer & Denise Pope

Featuring works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil and mixed media by

Mary Burrell | Jane Capraro Nancy Patrick Carney | Murray Sease & sculpture by Sanders Black & Wally Palmer Adjacent to “The Store” 56 Calhoun Street lapetitegallerie.com

Reception OCT 10, 3-6pm landscape artist - Kathy Tortorella *** DEMOS OCT 11, 11-5pm, featuring Local Artists meet/greet **** Art & Seafood Fest Oct 17-18 Local Artist Pop-ups on Church St OPEN 7 days 11-5pm, off street parking

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The Bluffton Sun

More Than A Front Row Seat Where Legends Gather.

Extraordinary automobiles, motorcycles, vintage watercraft, special exhibits, and unforgettable experiences. All set against the breathtaking backdrop of America’s #1 Island. Designed for collectors, enthusiasts, and every generation in between. Love to live, breathe, and talk automobiles? Join fellow collectors and enthusiasts this fall. Tickets are available now.

OCT 30 - NOV 1, 2026 • HHICONCOURS.COM

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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A timeless activity for every generation

By Sandro Virag Contributor

In today’s fast-paced world, many people are looking for activities that improve both physical and mental well-being while providing an opportunity to connect with others. Dance continues to be one of the few activities that successfully combines fitness, creativity, social interaction and lifelong learning into one enjoyable experience. Whether someone is interested in ballroom, Latin, jazz, tap, swing or social dancing, there is a style for every personality and every age. Dance is unique because it welcomes beginners and experienced dancers, allowing everyone to progress at their own pace while enjoying the journey. The physical benefits of dancing are well known. Regular dancing improves balance, coordination, flexibility, posture, cardiovascular health and muscle strength. It provides an effective workout without feeling like traditional exercise, making it easier for many people to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The mental and emotional benefits can

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be just as rewarding. Learning new dance patterns stimulates the brain, improves memory and challenges concentration. Dancing also helps reduce stress, boosts self-confidence and provides a positive outlet from the demands of everyday life. Many people find that after just an hour on the dance floor, they leave feeling energized, refreshed and happier than when they arrived.

For children and teenagers, dance teaches valuable life skills beyond technique. Young dancers develop discipline, teamwork, respect, musicality and confidence that often carry into school and other activities. Adults, meanwhile, often discover that dance provides an enjoyable way to meet new people and build lasting friendships within their community. Another positive aspect of dance is that

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Heather Connelly Call 843-757-PAWS (7297) 843-505-5698 For Appointment Non-Discrimination Policy - As a recipient of federal financial assistance, NCH does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the grounds of race, heather.connelly@nhccare.com color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, or on the basis of disability or age in admission to, participation in, or receipt of their services and benefits of any of its programs and activities (off Bluffton Parkway) Suite 601 or in employment. For more information, please contact 843-707-9400 or for TTY callers in SC dial 1-800-735-8583. Assisted Living • Memory Care • Respite ©2017 The Palmettos Assisted Living. All rights reserved. The Palmettos and The Palmettos 365 Red Cedar St., Bluffton Tree logo are registered trademarks of The Palmettos Assisted Living in the State of South Carolina. The Palmettos Assisted Living of Bluffton, a National Healthcare affiliate. 3035 Okatie Highway, Bluffton, SC 29909.

Sandro Virag is a partner and instructor at Hilton Head Ballroom Dance Studio of Hilton Head, hiltonheadballroom.com.

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it is a lifelong activity. People often begin in their youth, but many don’t discover dancing until retirement. There is no perfect age to start, and there is no finish line. Every lesson offers an opportunity to learn something new while enjoying the process. Perhaps the greatest gift dance offers is connection. It brings families together, strengthens friendships, creates memorable moments and allows people to express themselves through movement and music. In a world where so much communication happens through screens, dancing reminds us of the joy of genuine human interaction. No matter your age, background or experience level, dance offers an opportunity to stay active, challenge yourself, meet new people and simply have fun. It is far more than learning steps. It is a healthy, rewarding activity that continues to enrich lives and build stronger communities one dance at a time.

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

Flip-flop season is over

Why do my feet feel strange inside shoes?

By Dr. Kenneth Horup Contributor

Fall has finally arrived in the Lowcountry. Well, sort of. Around Hilton Head and Bluffton, fall usually means the temperature drops below 80, somebody orders a pumpkin-spice DR. KEN HORUP latte and the rest of us begin wondering whether it is finally safe to put the flip-flops away. For many of us, flip-flops are basically the official shoe of Hilton Head. Beach? Flip-flops. Publix? Flip-flops. Dinner? The nice flip-flops. Then cooler weather arrives, we pull out a pair of closed-toe shoes and something strange happens. “Why do my feet feel so weird inside

these shoes?” Maybe your toes feel crowded even though the shoes still fit. Maybe it feels like your socks are bunched up underneath your feet. You take the shoe off, fix the sock and put everything back on. But the sensation doesn’t go away. It’s still there. Some people even tell me: “It feels like I’m wearing two pairs of socks.” Except they’re not. That strange sensation can sometimes be associated with peripheral neuropathy. Healthy sensory nerves constantly send information from your feet back to your brain about touch, pressure, temperature, vibration and position. Normally, your brain interprets those signals accurately, and you barely think about them. When peripheral nerves become damaged, those signals can become altered. Some people experience burning or tingling. Some become unusually sensitive to touch. Others lose sensation and describe numbness, thickness, padding or that classic feeling of walking

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on marshmallows. That’s why putting closed shoes back on can sometimes make people more aware that something has changed. The shoes didn’t necessarily shrink over the summer. Your feet may simply be experiencing the sensation differently. And here’s something many people don’t realize: Neuropathy can produce both too much sensation and too little sensation. One person may say, “My socks touching my toes drives me crazy.” Another may say, “I can barely feel my socks at all.” Both can occur when sensory nerves aren’t communicating normally. Of course, strange sensations inside shoes don’t automatically mean neuropathy. Shoes that don’t fit properly, swelling, arthritis, bunions, skin problems, nerve compression and other conditions can also make footwear uncomfortable. That’s why figuring out why your feet feel different matters. And please check the feet themselves. Reduced sensation can make it easier to miss a blister, irritated area or pressure spot inside

a shoe. Looking at your feet regularly becomes especially important when you can’t completely trust what you’re feeling. So, this fall, enjoy the cooler weather. Open the windows. Take a walk. And when the time finally comes, say a respectful goodbye to the flip-flops. They’ve served the Lowcountry well. But if putting your regular shoes back on makes you realize your feet are numb, tingling, burning, unusually sensitive or feel like you’re walking on marshmallows, your body may be trying to tell you something. It may be time to get evaluated for peripheral neuropathy. Listen and get them checked. As a new season of fall starts and health goals come into focus, identifying the right therapies for your feet can help improve circulation, comfort and overall quality of life. Start early, before a small problem turns into a bigger one. Dr. Kenneth Horup, DC is a Chiropractic Physician at Discover Specific Chiropractic, Certified in Neuropathy.

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October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing By Rabbi Ken Kanter Contributor

As a loyal reader of the “Bluffton Sun” over the last few years, you will have seen a wide variety of authors who contribute articles representing the many faith communities of RABBI KANTER the Low Country. I am certainly honored to be one of those, serving as the rabbi of Temple Oseh Shalom. If you take a moment to think about the articles I have written, you will see they have one theme in common, hoping to show how our faith communities share so much more than how we are different. In the last two weeks, the Jewish community around the world celebrated and experienced the High Holy Days,

a ten day period beginning with Rosh Hashanah, the religious new year, and concluding with Yom Kippur, a solemn and profound day of introspection and atonement for the failings and weaknesses in our lives for the past year, inspiring us to do better in the new year just begun. Just five days after the day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, we have a seven-day period of thanksgiving. Called Sukkot, “Booths”, you will find it in the Bible where it is called the Feast of Tabernacles. As in most Jewish holy days or festivals, it combines an historic event with a celebration of nature. In this case, Sukkot reminds us of the forty-year exodus in the wilderness of the Israelites upon leaving Egypt. In synagogues and homes around the world Jewish families and communities build a temporary room open to the sky, covered with branches for coverings open enough to see the sky. These represent the huts the ancient Israelites built during those forty years wandering the desert. But Sukkot also represents the beginning of Autumn and the time of Harvest. We give thanks to God for the

food we enjoy, the gathering of crops from the fields, and all of those who make those harvests possible. So where does this fit in with you? All of you not in the Jewish community? Well, just a few weeks from now we all will celebrate one of the most beloved holidays in our American calendar,

the day of Thanksgiving, sharing our gratitude for the harvest, gathering our friends and family members at our festive holiday table, where we give thanks for all of these blessings. Yes, but how does that connect with Sukkot? When the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts, tradition tells us that, being the very religious sect that they were, they chose to honor that ancient Israelite tradition of the Feast of Tabernacles as found in the Bible, to give thanks to God for their arrival in the new world, and according to some stories, to give thanks for the welcome they received from the indigenous native American people they met there. When the turkey and all the trimmings are found on your table in a few weeks, remember that we are honoring those ancient Israelites traversing the desert as the Pilgrims did crossing the ocean. We share so much, and especially this season when we take time to give thanks for so much. Rabbi Ken Kanter currently serves the local Jewish congregation at the Temple Oseh Shalom in Bluffton, S.C.

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

Important supplements for dogs By Abby Bird aka Alphadog Contributor

I often write about healthy supplements we might give our dogs in addition to their regular food. But I keep coming back to a question: Which supplements are really important? Most of us assume the food we give our dogs is well-balanced, but that may not always be the case. For example: you may see probiotics on a bag of dog food, but when you look at the list of ingredients the probiotics in there is way down at the bottom, which means the percentage is pretty small and may not not enough to really do anything. An exception may if you have a specific dog food that caters to a specific issue. So, some owners may want to consider additional supplementation based on their dog’s age, breed, activity level or individual needs. If you have questions about the amount of a particular ingredient in your dog’s food, you can contact the manufacturer for more information. Here is my personal take on separate supplementation for dogs.

Joint supplements: If your dog’s age, activity level or breed makes joint health a concern, you may want to consider joint support beginning in early adulthood. Common ingredients in hip and joint supplements include glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and hyaluronic acid. Some products also contain collagen, including eggshell membrane. I generally add turmeric separately. If you can’t find everything you want in one product, you may need to use more than one. Younger dogs may have different needs than older dogs, so be careful about combining products and giving excessive amounts. You can adjust the level of support as your dog ages and its needs change. Probiotics: Probiotics are another supplement dog owners may consider. As a dog owner, I am well aware of digestive issues that come and go. Probiotics may help support digestive health. While they aren’t a substitute for veterinary care when a dog has a chronic or acute digestive problem, probiotics can be part of a dog’s regular diet. Canine probiotics also shouldn’t be confused with simply adding yogurt to a

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dog’s food. There’s nothing wrong with giving some dogs a little plain yogurt if they tolerate it, but it isn’t necessarily a substitute for a probiotic formulated for dogs. Dairy products also can cause digestive problems for some dogs. Two commonly available canine probiotic brands are Proviable and FortiFlora, although there are many others. Personally, I prefer a powder that I can mix into my dogs’ food. Whatever product you choose, follow its directions for the appropriate amount. Multivitamins: Some owners also choose to give their dogs a multivitamin. Products vary considerably, so read the label carefully rather than assuming every multivitamin contains the same ingredients or amounts. B vitamins are among the nutrients commonly included in canine multivitamins. Products may also contain vitamins E and C, as well as fish oil or other sources of omega-3 fatty acids. I don’t routinely give a separate fish oil supplement, but I have used one for coat and skin support and as additional joint support. Some multivitamins already contain fish oil, so check the ingredients

before adding another supplement. Fiber: I also add a pumpkin fiber supplement. I prefer a ground, dried pumpkin product rather than canned pumpkin. The product I use is Diggin’ Your Dog Firm Up!, which can be mixed into food. Are there other supplements? Certainly. But that doesn’t mean every dog needs them. A dog’s nutritional needs can vary with its age, diet, health and other factors. Before adding supplements, particularly multiple products containing overlapping ingredients, it is worth knowing what your dog is already getting from its regular food. Read labels, ask manufacturers for additional nutritional information when necessary and discuss your dog’s individual needs with a veterinarian. Supplements can be useful, but more isn’t necessarily better. The goal is to determine what, if anything, your individual dog needs and choose products accordingly. Abby Bird is the owner of Alphadog Training Academy. AlphadogTrainingAcademy@gmail.com.

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October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Pioneering a new era in brain health

By Lisa Hostetler Brown Contributor

The landscape of Alzheimer’s disease diagnostics is undergoing an important shift toward earlier, less invasive evaluation. Until recently, evaluating the amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease LISA HOSTETLER BROWN often required specialized brain imaging or analysis of cerebrospinal fluid obtained through a lumbar puncture. The development of blood-based biomarkers has introduced a simpler alternative. FDA-cleared blood tests, including the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio, can help physicians assess whether amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease is present in certain patients with signs or symptoms of cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s-related changes in the brain can begin years before noticeable

symptoms appear, making earlier and more accurate evaluation an increasingly important part of Alzheimer’s care. Why early detection matters Earlier diagnosis may provide access to treatment options that are most appropriate during the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. FDA-approved anti-amyloid treatments, such as lecanemab, have been shown to slow clinical decline in certain patients with early Alzheimer’s disease, including those with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia. Beyond potential medical benefits, earlier evaluation may give South Carolina families more time to address lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors and undertake important legal and care planning while the individual retains the requisite capacity to participate in those decisions. Expanding Alzheimer’s care in South Carolina The Palmetto State carries a heavy burden, with roughly 1 in 10 residents over 65 living with Alzheimer’s. South Carolina also ranks among the highest rates of dementia mortality in the nation. Recognizing this crisis, local medical leaders are taking aggressive steps to make advanced biomarker testing universally accessible.

Backed by $10 million in state funding, a partnership among MUSC, Clemson University and the University of South Carolina established the South Carolina Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (SCADRC), a statewide initiative focused on Alzheimer’s research, diagnosis, treatment, education and clinical care. State funding has also supported advances in biomarker testing and analysis for research and clinical use in South Carolina. MUSC has also developed the South Carolina Alzheimer’s Network (SCAN) to expand access to specialized expertise. SCAN uses an eConsult model that allows primary care providers to begin an evaluation and send patient records, imaging and other information to specialists for review. The specialist team can then provide recommendations concerning additional testing or treatment and arrange an in-person evaluation when appropriate. The model is designed to reduce delays and extend specialist support across South Carolina, including communities where access to neurologists is limited. Securing the future: How elder law firms step in For families facing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of cognitive decline, legal

and financial planning can take on added importance. An elder law firm can help families put appropriate documents and planning structures in place while the individual retains the requisite capacity to do so, which is one reason earlier recognition and evaluation of cognitive decline can be so important. Establishing clear decision-making authority early may reduce the likelihood that stressful and expensive court-supervised guardianship or conservatorship proceedings will be necessary later. Elder law attorneys can also help families address asset protection, caregiving arrangements, long-term care needs and Medicaid eligibility planning, with the goal of preserving as much autonomy and financial security as circumstances allow. The model is designed to reduce delays and extend specialist support across South Carolina, including communities where access to neurologists is limited. 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. | 843757-5294 | LawyerLisa.com.

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

Medicare changes call for coverage review By Nanette Makrauer Contributor

If you have Medicare, you may assume that once you’ve chosen your coverage, you can simply leave it alone. Unfortunately, that can be an expensive assumption. Medicare costs, benefits, prescription coverage, provider networks and plan rules can change from one year to the next. And your own health, medications and financial circumstances can change. That’s why an annual Medicare review is worth your time. Start with Parts A and B For Original Medicare, review the annual changes to your Part A and Part B costs, including premiums, deductibles and coinsurance. Also look at whether your income has changed enough to affect your Medicare Part B or Part D premium through IRMAA, the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. If You Have Medicare Advantage This is where an annual review can become especially important. Don’t look only at the monthly premium. Check the plan’s deductible, copays, coin-

surance and maximum out-of-pocket limit (MOOP). Then make sure your doctors, specialists and hospitals are still in the plan’s network. Review the plan’s dental, vision, hearing and other supplemental benefits, but don’t let those extras overshadow the costs you could face when you actually need medical care. A plan that looks attractive because it offers generous extras may not be the best choice if your doctors aren’t in network. Don’t forget your prescription plan Part D is one area where an annual review is particularly important. Your plan’s premium, deductible, drug tiers, formulary and pharmacy network can change from year to year. For example, in 2027, the annual Part D out-of-pocket threshold is increasing from $2,100 to $2,400. This is the amount of qualifying out-of-pocket spending, known as True Out-of-Pocket (TrOOP), that generally must be reached before you enter catastrophic coverage. Once you reach that threshold, you pay no cost-sharing for covered Part D drugs for the remainder of the year. Of course, not everyone will spend $2,400 on prescriptions. But if you take several

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expensive medications, it’s important to compare not only the monthly premium, but also what your specific drugs will cost under each plan, and what Tier level they fall under. This is important because in 2027, the Part D Deductible for Tier 3 and above medications is increasing from $615 to $700. Review every medication you take against your plan. The plan with the lowest premium isn’t necessarily the plan with the lowest overall cost. Have a Medicare supplement / MEDIGAP? Medicare Supplement Plans are not limited in any way by enrollment periods, so they can be reviewed any time of year. If you have a Medigap policy, your benefits generally haven’t changed—but your premium may have. Check your current premium and any rate increase. It may be worthwhile to see how your premium compares with other companies offering the same standardized Medigap plan. However, changing Medigap policies isn’t as simple as changing Medicare Advantage plans. Medigap policies are underwritten, meaning the company can review your health status, and approve or deny new

coverage—but they can’t take away the existing coverage. Your health can affect whether you qualify for a new policy, so don’t cancel an existing policy until you understand your options. An insurance broker can compare/contrast rates for you. Finally, review you Medicare isn’t the only thing that changes. Did you start taking new medications? Change doctors? Move? Retire? Have a significant change in income? Lose employer coverage? Experience a change in your health? Any of these could affect whether your current coverage remains the best fit. Medicare isn’t something you choose once and forget about. It’s something worth reviewing as your health, finances and Medicare itself change. The Annual Enrollment Period isn’t necessarily about changing your Medicare coverage. It’s about making sure the coverage you have still makes sense for you. Nanette Makrauer is an independent insurance broker and Certified Medicare Advisor residing in Bluffton. nanette@ health-wealth-insurance.com. www. health-wealth-insurance.com.

October 6, 2026

By J. Eric Turner Contributor

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women in the United States, with about 1 in 8 women developing invasive breast cancer during her lifetime. Because breast cancer is so common, there’s no shortage of information (and misinformation) about it, especially with more individuals turning to online sources and social media with questions. Separating fact from fiction when it comes to breast cancer information is critical. Understanding your personal risk, knowing the signs of the disease and following recommended screening guidelines can help you take an active role in your breast health. Myth 1: If breast cancer doesn’t run in my family, I’m not at risk. Fact: Most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of it. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 5% to 10% of all cancers are directly caused by inherited gene changes,

The Bluffton Sun

Breast cancer myths

with approximately 1 in 10 cases being hereditary. When discussing your family history with your doctor, mention breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate and other cancers diagnosed in close relatives on either side of your family. If your history suggests an increased risk, ask your healthcare provider whether genetic counseling or a high-risk breast cancer assessment may be appropriate for you. Myth 2: Breast cancer only affects older women. Fact: Breast cancer can occur at any age. Breast cancer is more common in middle-aged and older women, but younger women can develop the disease, too. About 1 in 10 women diagnosed with the disease are younger than 45. Your age is just one factor that impacts your risk of breast cancer. Family history, inherited gene changes, breast density, reproductive history, previous radiation treatment and other factors also play a role. Myth 3: If I don’t feel a lump, I don’t have breast cancer. Fact: Breast cancer does not always cause a lump.

A new lump or mass in the breast is the most common symptom of the disease, but it’s not the only warning sign. Some breast cancers are detected on a screening mammogram before a person notices any symptoms. Other possible symptoms include: • Swelling of the entire breast or a part of the breast • Skin dimpling or texture resembling an orange peel • Red, dry, flaky or thickened breast or nipple skin • Nipple retraction (turning inward) • Irregular nipple discharge • A change in breast size or shape • Breast or nipple pain • Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone Myth 4: Mammograms can wait until I’m 50. Fact: It’s recommended to begin routine mammography before the age of 50. The American College of Radiology and the American Society of Breast Surgeons recommends that women aged 40 and older receive annual screening mammograms. Your personal screening schedule may be different if you have a higher-than-average risk of breast cancer. Talk with your

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doctor about when you should begin your screenings and whether you need additional imaging. Myth 5: There’s nothing I can do to lower my breast cancer risk. Fact: You can’t control every risk factor, but some lifestyle choices can help you lower your risk. Some breast cancer risk factors – like age, genetics and family history – cannot be changed, but there are steps you can take to support your overall health and potentially reduce your risk for breast cancer: • Limit alcohol • Maintain a healthy weight • Stay physically active • Don’t smoke • Choose a healthy diet J. Eric Turner, M.D., is a board-certified, fellowship-trained medical oncologist with Beaufort Memorial Oncology Specialists. He treats patients with a wide variety of cancers at the Keyserling Cancer Center in Beaufort, employing therapies such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy.

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The Bluffton Sun

By Katie Licata

October 6, 2026

Fur Ball grows from family tribute into annual PAL fundraiser

Contributor

What began as the Archer family’s effort to honor a loved one has grown into an annual celebration benefiting Palmetto Animal League. The Archer family’s connection with Palmetto Animal League began soon after they settled in the Lowcountry. Christopher Archer’s mother was experiencing physical and mental health challenges, and her doctor recommended pet therapy. Christopher recalls, “We started searching for a pet to keep her company, and PAL welcomed her with open arms. They treated her with dignity and respect despite her health issues.” PAL found a match for Christopher’s mother with an adult cat, and Smudgette became part of the Archer family. “I’m convinced Mom lived a couple extra years because of PAL and Smudgette,” Poppy says. After Christopher’s mother died in late 2024, the family began discussing ways

to honor her memory while thanking PAL for the joy and companionship it had provided. The Archers decided to host a “dress your best” evening featuring music and food as an event to support PAL. The event ultimately became the Fur Ball. Last February, approximately 70 guests gathered in a ballroom at the Sonesta Resort on Hilton Head Island, where Christopher works part time. The Archers personally covered all of the event’s expenses, allowing every dollar donated by guests to go directly to PAL. “It was an amazing success!” Christopher says. “We raised $10,000, and we hope to double that next year.” Now, planning is underway for the second annual Fur Ball, scheduled for Feb. 7, 2027, at the Sonesta Resort. The event will transition to a ticketed evening featuring a gourmet buffet dinner, an auction, live music by nationally recognized jazz musician Joe Gransden and dancing. Tickets will be $150 per person, with $100 from each ticket going directly to Palmetto Animal League. Ticket sales open Oct. 5 through Eventbrite.

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The Archers plan to continue funding most of the event’s expenses themselves, and the Sonesta will offer attendees special room rates for the weekend. “We want to grow it by making it as easy to attend as possible,” Christopher says. “We want to make it one of ‘the’ events to attend on Hilton Head every

year.” For the Archers, the Fur Ball is a meaningful way to give back. It is a way to honor Christopher’s mother and the organization that helped bring Smudgette into her life. Madison Thomas, PAL director of development, says, “A beautiful part of this is the love that Smudgette brought Christopher’s mother. Smudgette was an amazing cat companion for her when she relocated here, and now we get to come full circle and celebrate this wonderful event. One cat moved this family, and from their generosity, we have an incredible event that supports our mission to give every animal a second chance.” Every ticket and donation helps continue PAL’s mission of providing care and finding homes for animals in need. For more information about the Fur Ball or to buy tickets, visit Eventbrite. Katie Licata is the Director of Marketing at Palmetto Animal League palmettoanimalleague.org.

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

By James Hamilton Contributor

Modern technology can strengthen both safety and security when it is used thoughtfully. Some security apparatus, such as closed-circuit television, or CCTV, used to be reserved for the JAMES HAMILTON ultra-rich or seen only at large-scale commercial operations. This security feature is now available to all of us. Wi-Fi-enabled doorbell and perimeter cameras are an excellent addition to a comprehensive residential security strategy. “Comprehensive” means a camera and other things, like perimeter fencing, motion-activated lights, reinforced locks, an alarm, a dog, a real plan for intrusion, etc. A favorable aspect of the doorbell product is that it allows the homeowner to see who is at their home and verbally challenge the individual before opening the door to

Camera confusion

find out. Remember, it is always best to verbally challenge through a closed and locked door before allowing someone you do not know into your space. But what about the use of traditional CCTV security cameras by organizations, businesses, schools and houses of worship? During most physical security assessments, the cameras are present, but the understanding of their role in a comprehensive protective strategy is missing. Organizations often install cameras because they are relatively cheap to install, have some deterrent value and often make people and organizations feel good. “See, we have cameras there and there,” they say. But who is actually watching the camera feed? The answer to that very important question is often something like: “Well, I have a monitor on my desk, and so does Pam, and Gerald will watch occasionally when he is here.” This is not security. If no one is actually trained and in charge of watching and maintaining the cameras each day, and the footage is recorded somewhere, this is known as an investigative camera. Investigative cameras are utilized to gather evidence after

a crime has been committed in the hopes of catching the offender. Not great for a victim or an organization in the moment. To improve upon the situation, organizations can take steps to make these real security cameras. Security cameras are watched in real time by someone with actual training to stop activity before it

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starts or minimize the damage once it begins. They have policies and protocols in place to observe and take effective action. If you are a decision-maker in your organization and notice that you have cameras on the property, but no one is actually watching them or it is some type of shared responsibility among different employees, improve the situation. Just like any other area of effective organizations, someone needs to own the responsibility. They also will need to own the policy, the maintenance and the planning for upgrades. There is nothing wrong with cameras. They are very effective when they are utilized as part of a comprehensive security plan. But if an unwatched camera is the beginning and end of your security plan, you do not have a security plan. James Hamilton is a nationally recognized security expert with more than 34 years of protection experience. He is a former FBI Special Agent and created the close protection training for the FBI. He is the founder of the Hamilton Security Group and can be contacted at: www.hamiltonsecuritygroup.com.

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October 6, 2026

Explore your wild side By Hilton Head Audubon Contributor

What if a beach could be a great place for people and an important place for birds, too? That’s the idea behind Hilton Head Island’s Wildlife Beach Area, a small stretch of Fish Haul Beach that provides important habitat for shorebirds while remaining a place where visitors can walk, explore and connect with the island’s wildlife. Fish Haul Beach and the nearby Mitchellville mudflats are already recognized by biologists and local conservation organizations as some of the most important wildlife habitats on Hilton Head Island. The shoreline and mudflats support piping plovers, red knots, Wilson’s plovers, American oystercatchers, black skimmers, least terns and many other birds that depend on quiet places to rest and feed. At Fish Haul, the Wildlife Beach Area helps highlight this special habitat and gives residents and visitors another opportunity to learn about and celebrate the wildlife that depends on it. It may be a

small stretch of shoreline, but it supports an amazing amount of life. Migrating shorebirds use the area to rest and refuel, while other birds spend the winter along the South Carolina coast. Among them are federally threatened piping plovers, which arrive on Hilton Head Island in late summer and remain through early spring. They rely on quiet beaches and mudflats to rest and feed before beginning their journeys north to their breeding grounds. Federally threatened rufa red knots also depend on coastal stopover areas like this one. During migration, these remarkable birds travel between South America and the Arctic, stopping along the coast to feed and regain the energy they need to continue their journeys. The Wildlife Beach Area is a reminder that protecting wildlife doesn’t necessarily mean keeping people away. It is a place where people can enjoy the shoreline, experience wildlife firsthand and learn how a little awareness and consideration can help birds complete their extraordinary journeys. Plan a visit! Bring your binoculars and a little curi-

osity: You might spot tiny plovers feeding at the water’s edge or watch a flock of shorebirds move together over the water. Enjoy watching birds from a comfortable distance, giving them room to feed and rest. If birds stop what they’re doing or move away as you approach, give them a little more space. The Town of Hilton Head Island’s new regulations state that dogs are not permitted on the sandbar or along the shoreline

south of the pier. Dog owners can help by choosing the many other stretches of shoreline where dogs are permitted, giving birds and other wildlife a little extra space in this small but important habitat. As signage is installed, please look for posted information about local restrictions. Lastly, keep an eye out for future bird walks on www.HiltonHeadAudubon. org.

October 6, 2026

By Sasha Sweeney

The Bluffton Sun

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Music and marsh life inspire Linc Jolly’s DJ Whoop

Editor

Inspiration can strike anywhere, for Bluffton’s Linc Jolly it struck while driving by a street sign. Jolly had dropped his oldest son off at crew club on Hilton Head Island and was heading home when he noticed the sign for Whooping Crane Way. Music was playing in the car, and he suddenly pictured a whooping crane in the marsh, bobbing its head to the beat. “The light bulb just went off at that point,” Jolly said. “DJ Whoop, the whooping crane.” That thought grew into “DJ Whoop,” the first book in a collection of three illustrated, rhyming stories built around music, marsh animals and a bird who turns the wetlands into his own stage. In the first story DJ Whoop uses his surroundings to make music. Vines become microphone cords, a cypress board becomes a place to tap out a beat, and frogs, crabs, turtles and other marsh

residents join the party. In the second story, “DJ Whoop and MC Croak,” introduces a frog with musical ambitions of his own. MC Croak challenges Whoop to a “Battle of the Beats,” but competition eventually gives way to collaboration when the two discover their sounds work better together. The third story, “DJ Whoop’s Marshstock,” expands the musical world into a full marsh festival. Performers include Lil’ Chomp, the raccoon group Bandit Beats, singer Miss Sway, the River Rhymes and the underwater Shell Harmony. Jolly drew inspiration for Marshstock from years spent working as a visual artist at music festivals, where he painted during live performances and encountered musicians playing a wide range of styles. Music also shaped the language of the books. Jolly said the cadence developed as he wrote. The result can be read as rhyme, poetry or even a rap. The Lowcountry environment came from experience. Jolly moved from South

Dartmouth, Massachusetts, to Bluffton when he was in middle school and spent years exploring local waterways up close by kayak. He wanted children to recognize the creatures and sounds they might encounter around the marsh, particularly at night. For a child those sounds can be intimidating, he said. Giving them familiar

characters could change that experience. “Now they have something to associate with these noises,” Jolly said. “Hey, that’s DJ Whoop. Or hey, that’s MC Croak.” The project also grew directly from fatherhood. A parent of three, Jolly began thinking about writing a children’s book while reading to his son Ronin, then about a year old. “I realized, why don’t I just make you my own book,” he said. What he expected to complete became a roughly two-year project. Jolly, who studied art at the University of South Carolina and the USCB, also illustrated the stories. Drawing on his experience working with children as an art director at the Boys & Girls Club in Bluffton he chose saturated colors and strong outlines with young readers in mind. The finished collection brings together several parts of Jolly’s life: fatherhood, visual art, music and years spent around the Lowcountry marsh. “It’s just making things,” he said. “That’s what makes me feel good.”

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Some of us may remember a certain 1989 movie, the one with John Cusack holding a boom box over his head outside a girl’s bedroom window, blasting “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel. It’s an iconic MATT UPPENBRINK scene. What most people forget is the subplot: The girl’s father, played by John Mahoney, runs a nursing home and is under federal investigation for defrauding his residents. That subplot has stuck around in the culture longer than anyone in senior living would like to admit. Nearly 40 years on, the fear it named is still the first fear a family raises, sometimes out loud and more often not. Are these people just after my money? Are they going to talk me into services I don’t need? Is my inheritance safe? Those questions deserve straight answers, not reassurance. Yes, there are bad actors Senior living is a large industry, and like any large industry, it includes operators who do not deserve trust. Pretending otherwise is insulting to anyone who has read the news. The wariness families bring to this decision is not paranoia. It is reasonable caution, and any community worth choosing will respect a family for showing up with it. The good news is that the industry is also among the most heavily regulated in American health care, with federal and state oversight, mandatory financial disclosures, resident rights protections and public inspection reports available to anyone who asks. LeadingAge, the national association of nonprofit senior living providers, and AARP both publish consumer guidance on what to look for and what questions to ask. That guidance exists precisely because the industry knows the fear is real and knows that the honest members of it are held to a standard the bad actors aren’t. Cost should be transparent, full stop The cost of senior living is not small. It shouldn’t pretend to be. What it should

be is clear, itemized and explained in language a prospective resident and their family can competently follow. Fees, what they include, what they don’t, how they can change and under what circumstances, all of it should be on the table before anyone signs anything. A community that gets vague when the conversation turns to money is telling you something. A community that hands you a clear document, sits down with you and answers hard questions without flinching is telling you something else. When needs change, an honest conversation follows Here is the part that gets misread most often. Independent living can be a wonderful arrangement for a long period of many people’s lives. But needs sometimes grow, and when they do, an honest community will notice and start a conversation. Additional support with medication, help with a few activities of daily living or, in some cases, memory support may make life safer and more comfortable and may extend a resident’s ability to remain in independent living longer than they otherwise could. That conversation is not about extracting more money. If anything, it’s the harder path. A less scrupulous operation may let a resident struggle quietly in a setting that no longer supports the resident’s needs and keep collecting the same fees. Suggesting an honest plan of support, which would include an appropriate increase in fees, and letting the resident and family weigh it against outside opinions and their own judgment is what an ethical community does. It is also, incidentally, what the good ones will invite you to hold them to. They should invite you into that process. Ask hard questions. Ask for the numbers in writing. Ask your own doctor, your own attorney and your own children to look over what you’re being told. The right community will hand you the pen and welcome all of it. That, and not the boom box, is the scene worth remembering. Although Lloyd Dobler was epic. Matt Uppenbrink, MS Gerontology, is the Executive Director of The Seabrook of Hilton Head. Interested in learning more about The Seabrook of Hilton Head or to schedule a tour: https://www.theseabrook. com/ or call 843-842-3747.

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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James Vernon Taylor By Annelore Harrell Contributor

Daughter Tamela, her husband Nicholas and I went to a concert over Charleston Way. James Vernon Taylor, singer, songwriter, six-time Grammy winner, over 100 million albums sold worldANNELORE HARRELL wide, a career spanning five decades, was putting on An Evening with James Taylor and His AllStar Band Tour. And we had tickets. The concert would be at Credit One Stadium over on Daniel Island, noted for its exclusivity, pricey real estate and definitely challenging one-way streets and boulevards. Our hotel was the Hampton Inn on Daniel Island. We parked my car. We used Uber and Lyft. Our drivers were Russian, Venezuelan, Filipino and one from California who kept

getting lost. Tamela had bought concert tickets for my birthday present: Section 315, Row Q, Seats 17, 18 and 19. Nosebleed territory. Didn’t care. As long as their sound system worked, I was a happy camper. No worries. Through luck and craziness, don’t ask me, we never got near those seats, and somehow or other, we managed to be seated in the 11th row, orchestra, center right. This was an open-air arena, seating 10,000 souls, with a covered roof over the band. Not too hot, not too cold and not a raindrop in sight. Most concerts have those super-large TV screens here and there. Not this night. There was one enormous screen in front of the bandstand, up and over where James sat and sang. Now, if you were a stranger to James’ talents and were expecting some sort of glorious tenor or whatever, nope. James has a gravelly voice. He singtalks his way through songs that tell a story. A modern-day troubadour. His collection of guitars is amazing. Stage crew members would bring one out,

take the one just used and walk offstage with it. This happened over and over. There are backup musicians. They sing mostly in thirds, if you know what that means. His son Henry stands tall by his side, has his voice, his heir perhaps. James, alone and sometimes with his musicians, sang and we listened to “Whenever You’re Ready,” “Rainy Day Man,” “T-Bone,” “Shower the People,” which is one of my very most favorites, “Handy Man” and “Steamroller.” Then there was Set 2 with “Country Road,” “Copperline,” “Carolina in My Mind,” which made the evening perfect, “Fire and Rain” and another of my favorites, “Your Smiling Face.” For an encore, he gave us “Shed a Little Light” and “How Sweet It Is,” a Marvin Gaye cover, and how can you listen to that and not sing along? We wouldn’t let him go. We sat, all 10,000 of us, and listened as he sang, singing softly along, not loud, mind you, and when he stopped, we’d stand and whistle and cheer and whoop and holler until he would sing again. He sang and sang, and his crew was right there with him, and bless him, he

did one encore after another. Until, finally, at long last, the lights went up, the breakdown crew came out, and it was time for us to go.And we did. We were at the tail end of the herd as they filed out of the amphitheater. Tamela called the Uber. Um, what was the name of the street? Uber said they would pick us up at No. 185. We walked across the street. Looked. 182. Maybe we missed them on the stadium side. Walked back across. Nope. No numbers. One more time. Walked back across. People were standing on the sidewalk watching these three dummies go back and forth across the street. Finally, at long last, our Uber showed up. And you know which one it was, don’t you? Yes, the guy from California. And it took us a while to get to our hotel. Annelore Harrell’s journey is a tapestry woven with experiences and extraordinary accomplishments. Annelore is a testament to living with passion, resilience, and an unquenchable thirst for adventure.

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

Lower inventory and faster sales strengthen Bluffton market By Dan Prud’homme Contributor

Bluffton’s real estate market enters October with fewer homes for sale, faster selling times, and a strong round of contracts and closings. Those movements point in the same direction: buyers DAN PRUD’HOMME remain active, inventory is tightening, and the market continues to favor sellers. At the same time, buyers are still paying close attention to price, condition, and location. There are currently 683 active listings in Bluffton, down from 707 in last month’s report. That decrease of 24 homes, or 3.4%, gives buyers fewer choices and sellers slightly less competition. Well prepared homes that are

positioned correctly should benefit from the reduced supply. Average cumulative days on market improved from 109 days to 86 days, a decrease of 21.1%. That is a meaningful shift after last month’s increase. It suggests homes are moving more efficiently, although the average still includes properties that needed extra time or price adjustments before finding a buyer. Sellers should view the improvement as encouraging, not as permission to test the market with an unrealistic starting price. Contract activity remains healthy. Bluffton has recorded 1,800 properties under contract or active under contract this year, up from 1,588 in the previous report. That gain of 212 transactions, or 13.4%, confirms that buyers are continuing to make decisions as the year progresses. The strongest response is still going to homes that offer a clear combination of value, presentation, and location. Closed sales have reached 1,764, an

increase of 249 sales, or 16.4%, from last month’s total of 1,515. Based on the pace of sales so far this year, Bluffton is averaging approximately 198 closings per month. With 683 active listings, that produces about 3.4 months of inventory. Six months of inventory is considered a neutral market. At 3.4 months, Bluffton remains firmly in seller’s market territory. The gap from neutral is substantial enough to give sellers an advantage, especially for attractive homes in desirable locations. Buyers are not powerless, however. Longer financing timelines, inspection concerns, and properties that miss the mark on price can still create room for negotiation. The median sales price is now $549,641, compared with $554,121 in last month’s report. That change of less than 1% is another sign of stability rather than a major change in value. The mix of homes sold can move the median from one report to the next, so it should be considered alongside inventory, selling time, contracts, and closings rather than

viewed by itself. Overall, the latest figures show a market that has become more efficient without returning to the frantic conditions of several years ago. Sellers still hold the advantage, but thoughtful pricing and preparation remain essential. Buyers have to be ready when the right opportunity appears, yet they can still evaluate the details carefully and negotiate when a property has weaknesses. That combination is creating a disciplined market in which good homes can move well and informed decisions matter on both sides of the transaction. Talk soon, Bluffton! Dan Prud’homme is the Visionary & Success Coach of The Prud’homme Team at William Raveis Real Estate. dan@danprudhomme.com theprudhommeteam.com

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October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

Enjoy Risotto this Autumn By Leslie Rohland Contributor

Celebrating Italian Heritage Month offers a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the traditions, flavors and regional stories that make Italy’s culinary legacy so enduring. LESLIE ROHLAND Cooking is not just about preparing a meal. It’s about preserving memories, honoring family roots and savoring dishes that feel both comforting and meaningful. Risotto with Asparagus and Prosecco, a classic from Lombardy, is exactly the kind of recipe that brings heritage to life in a warm, approachable way. This dish embodies the elegance and simplicity that define northern Italian cooking. Lombardy is known for its refined risotto, each one built on patience, good ingredients and the gentle rhythm of stirring. For those who appreciate cooking as a calming ritual, risotto offers a soothing, almost meditative experience. The slow addition of stock, the softening of onions and the gradual transformation of Arborio rice into something creamy and luxurious make this recipe ideal for anyone who enjoys taking their time in the kitchen. The ingredients themselves also speak to Italian tradition. It is a dish that invites storytelling: memories of grandparents stirring pots on Sunday afternoons, tales of regional specialties passed down through generations or reflections on travels through northern Italy. It’s warm, comforting and deeply rooted in Italian culinary identity, making it an ideal dish for honoring the flavors and traditions that continue to shape family tables today.

Risotto with Asparagus and Prosecco (Lombardy, Italy) Serves 4

Ingredients 1 large bunch fresh asparagus 4 Tbsps extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, minced 1½ cups Prosecco of your choice Salt and pepper, to taste 1½ cups Arborio rice 4 cups vegetable stock Parmesan, grated, for garnish 1½ Tbsp butter 2 oz Taleggio cheese (or other soft cheese like Fontina or Brie) Directions: 1) Cut the asparagus stems into small pieces. 2) In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm 2 Tbsps of the olive oil and brown half of the onion for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often. 3) Add the asparagus and cook until crispy and tender, about 3 minutes. 4) Add in a ¼ cup of the prosecco and stir, allowing it to evaporate. Add salt and pepper. Set aside. 4) In a heavy pot over medium heat, warm the remaining 2 Tbsps of olive oil and brown the rest of the onion. 5) Add the rice, and let it toast for 4 minutes, frequently stirring. Add ½ cup of the prosecco, and again, allow it to evaporate as you stir. Add 1 cup of the vegetable stock and stir the rice for 6 to 7 minutes. 6) Risotto requires constant stirring. Continue to add the remaining 3 cups of the stock in ½-cup increments, letting each addition absorb before adding more. When the rice is close to al dente, after about 12 minutes, add the asparagus/onion mixture. 7) Add the cheese, butter and remaining prosecco. Stir to combine. Divide risotto among serving bowls, garnish with grated Parmesan. Leslie Rohland, 2024 SC Chef Ambassador, Chef and Proprietor of The Cottage Cafe, The Bluffton Pasta Shoppe, the Juice Hive, and May River Coffee Roasters. (843) 757-0508, 38 Calhoun St, Bluffton, SC.

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October 6, 2026

It’s up to all of us By Collins Doughtie Contributor

As you might imagine, I am an avid weather watcher. I’m not talking about flipping on the Weather Channel and waiting for its segment called “Local on the 8s” — no sir, I’m talking more along the lines of exploring several websites and only then averaging the forecasts to come up with my own prediction. There are probably only a handful of you who go to such extremes, but when there was a story this past week about it being the second-warmest year on record, that really caught my attention. So, what’s the big deal about a 1-degree change in the world’s weather? From what I have learned, that 1-degree change is unheard of in weather terms. Do I think there is global warming? Absolutely. Say what you will, but with all the crud that we humans spew into our air and water, this planet’s lifetime may be way shorter than we ever imagined. Having lived here now for 67 years, you can imagine the changes to the Lowcountry that I have witnessed in that period of time. I realize my lifespan is but a pinprick in time, but if my memory serves me correctly (which it rarely does), both the temperatures and the ocean are way different than back in the 1960s and ’70s. During those summer months, you could set your watch by the afternoon rainstorms. They were that predictable. I also know that weather is cyclical, but there were other constants that have disappeared over the past several decades, and since I know more about fishing and the ocean, I’ll start there. When my family moved to Hilton Head in 1960, you could go beachcomb-

ing and, in the space of a hundred yards, fill a bucket with shells. One shell in particular was my favorite, the angel wing shell. Delicate and pretty and pretty much a dead ringer for its namesake, they were everywhere. I am no marine biologist, but I can only imagine that any amount of pollution or change in the water’s composition might affect the development of such a fragile piece of nature. I still look for angel wing shells, but finding one these days is a rarity, even on some of the pristine beaches on the outer islands where few humans tread. And where have all the ghost crabs gone? When I was a kid, my brothers and sisters and I would walk down to the beach at night with flashlights, and ghost crabs would be everywhere. White with long legs, the ghost crabs’ eyes would light up much like any animal’s eyes do when hit with a bright light, and we would chase them with crab nets. I know this sounds silly, but without computers to keep us inside, it was actually one of our favorite games. Their long legs made them the thoroughbreds of the beach, and besides their amazing speed, they could turn on a dime. Each of us would carry a shoebox, and the person with the most crabs after 30 minutes would win. Believe it or not, I can still remember how well I would sleep after an evening chasing those elusive critters. If you like to catch Spanish mackerel, I only wish you could have seen the schools of mackerel back then. You didn’t have to go any farther than the south end of Hilton Head to catch mackerel after mackerel. On most any hot summer day, it was nothing to catch a hundred Spanish mackerel. From the moment you made the turn at South Beach on Hilton Head into

schools that easily covered five or more acres of water. There were so many fish you didn’t have to wait for a bite, but rather see how fast you could bring a mackerel in and get the spoon back out. The water would be foaming with fish, and they would be in such a feeding frenzy that some would fly into the boat and others would slam into the sides of the boat. It was truly an amazing sight. I will say that our redfish populations, or as we called them, channel bass, back then, are not anywhere as prevalent as in the old days. When it comes to speckled sea trout, there doesn’t seem to be any consistency from year to year. The past couple of years have been pretty good years, but compared with when my dad and I would get up early on chilly winter mornings, in the space of an hour or so we could easily fill a washtub with trout if we were so inclined. To catch a trout on every cast was nothing unusual, and once again, it was usually right from the shoreline using a Christmas Tree lure, a funky piece of white plastic shaped like a fish with glitter sprinkled on it. I know development is something that can’t be stopped, but that growth should come with a responsibility to keep our air and water as clean as it was before any of this development started. I will always love the Lowcountry, but more importantly, I believe that we must respect its unique attributes if it is to remain the piece of paradise that goes back hundreds, if not thousands, of years. the ocean, you would be greeted by thousands of terns and seagulls diving on baitfish pushed to the surface by massive schools of mackerel. I’m not exaggerating when I say there were

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

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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Chasing rainbows on the golf course By Rich Bernstein Contributor

Once, just once, I’d like to come home from the practice range without innocently thinking, “I’ve got it, I figured it out, I’ve finally cracked the case!” only to have my exhilaration quickly RICH BERNSTEIN tempered as I begin my very next round with a double bogey or worse, wondering whether life, or more specifically my golf life, is still worth living. As we know, whether engaging a prospective client in the business world or preparing a special Thanksgiving Day dinner, it’s never a good idea to overpromise and underdeliver. Delayed, over-budget projects and a holiday bird encased in black soot are prime examples of disappointing outcomes. Yet time after time, we exuberant, overly optimistic

golfers are tricked into an unrealistic set of self-beliefs, seduced by recent swing tips, golf equipment ads or those rare, isolated shots we hit that are the essence of perfection. “Slash your handicap by 5 strokes in 5 minutes!” “Never miss a four-footer again!” “This simple move adds 30 yards to your drives!” These clickbait trappings are truly irresistible, and no one can blame us as we’re teased and cajoled into thinking we’re only an ant’s hop away from achieving golfing greatness. Did you ever want something so badly you could almost taste it? No, I’m not talking about Savannah’s infamously delicious Leopold’s ice cream. I’m talking about something much more important than that: playing our very best golf when we want it most. You know how it is. We head out to the golf course thinking today is the day we’re finally going to slay the beast, and we end up at the 19th hole needing a calculator to tally our score. Our heightened, unrealistic expectations seem to magnify the importance and difficulty of every shot. A three-foot, dead-level straight putt seems like a breaking, downhill six-foot slider. A forced

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carry over a gentle, winding creek feels like we need to cover the Calibogue Sound. Following several unsuccessful attempts to win the Masters, Rory McIlroy lamented, “You have to be the eternal optimist in this game.” Optimistic, yes, but for those of us who don’t golf like Rory, a large dose of realistic expectations is also fitting and appropriate. In the movie “A Few Good Men,” Tom Cruise, playing Lieutenant Kaffee, screams, “I want the truth!” Jack Nicholson, playing Colonel Jessup, fires back, “You can’t handle the truth!” Perhaps a few surprising statistics from the PGA Tour will finally convince us to reset our personal expectations. Although we might think differently

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after watching tournament leaders dazzle us on golf telecasts, ShotLink data for the current year shows the average of all PGA Tour competitors is to hit only 60% of fairways and two-thirds of greens in regulation. These elite players make just half of their sand-save attempts and sink only 50% of eight-foot putts. With touring pro stats like that, why do we feel disappointment when our own games don’t measure up to our expectations? One of my favorite Yogi Berra Yogi-isms is, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it!” For those of us wishful thinkers who chose the path where we struggle to achieve the game of our high hopes and dreams, it might be time to take the other path with reduced expectations, which may lead to more enjoyment of the game and, quite possibly, lower scores. To put it rather bluntly, it may be time for us to finally handle the truth! Rich Bernstein is a resident of Sun City - Hilton Head. Rich has been experiencing the joy, challenges and frustrations of golf since his selection as the 6th player on his 5-player high school golf team.

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

Education News By The Bluffton Sun Staff

Former student finds new role at Royal Live Oaks Academy

Caroline Moore came to Royal Live Oaks Academy looking for a different school experience. Years later, she has returned to the Hardeeville charter school in a new role, helping students in a first-grade classroom. Moore works as a paraprofessional at Royal Live Oaks Academy Charter School, assisting students with lessons, grading papers and providing classroom support. Her connection to the school, however, began when she was a student herself. Growing up, Moore said she struggled with confidence and often felt out of place or overwhelmed at school. She eventually transferred to Royal Live Oaks, where she found that the smaller classroom environment made a difference. “It just felt different the moment I walked in the door,” Moore said. “Getting to be in a smaller classroom worked wonders for the anxiety I had.”

Moore said her experience at Royal Live Oaks changed the way she approached school. Subjects including history, math, science and English became opportunities to build confidence rather than sources of apprehension. “Being shown what I was capable of really changed my worldview,” Moore said. “From then on, I always dreamed of being able to do that for the next shy kid.” That goal eventually brought Moore back to Royal Live Oaks, this time as an employee working with younger students who are beginning their own educational experiences. For Moore, returning to the school has also provided an opportunity to reflect on her own experience as a student. “More than anything, I want to pay it forward,” Moore said. “This school brought joy into my life, and I want to do that for every student who comes in those doors!” Royal Live Oaks Academy Charter School is a public charter school in Hardeeville serving students in kindergarten through 12th grade from Beaufort and Jasper counties. The school says its educational approach is designed to address

individual learning needs while providing opportunities for personal and academic growth. Now on the other side of the classroom, Moore is working with students as they begin building their own academic foundations.

Beaufort County students named National Merit semifinalists

Two Beaufort County School District seniors have been named semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. Maggie McGrath of Hilton Head Island High School and Kaden Claffy of May River High School are among more than 16,000 semifinalists nationwide. The students represent less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors, according to information provided by the school district. More than 1.2 million students at approximately 20,000 high schools entered the competition by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. “We are extraordinarily proud of Maggie and Kaden for earning this prestigious

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recognition,” Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said. “Their dedication to academic excellence highlights the strength of our educators and the ambition of our students across Beaufort County School District.” More than 15,000 semifinalists are expected to become finalists in February. Finalists will compete for approximately 6,700 scholarships valued at nearly $24 million, including 2,500 National Merit $2,500 Scholarships and corporate- and college-sponsored awards. Winners are scheduled to be announced between April and July 2027.

Public invited to comment on proposed state academic standards through Oct 9 South Carolina residents can comment this month on proposed state academic standards for social studies and civics and world languages. The Beaufort County School District is sharing the public review information on

EDUCATION CONT. ON PAGE 69

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October 6, 2026

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EDUCATION FROM PAGE 68 behalf of the South Carolina Department of Education. Comments on the proposed 2028 South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Social Studies and Civics Standards will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. Oct. 9. Draft standards cover grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and high school, along with disciplinary reasoning standards. Review materials and the public survey are available at ed.sc.gov/instruction/ standards/social-studies/standards/. Questions may be directed to Sandra Ammons at sammons@ed.sc.gov.

USCB to hold Asian Cultural Studies Conference

The University of South Carolina Beaufort will hold its third annual Asian Cultural Studies Conference from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 30 at its Hilton Head Island campus. The free conference will explore the cultures of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan through guest speakers, cultural activities and presentations by USCB faculty. Scheduled keynote speakers are Jared Chu-en Lin, director-general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta; Kenneth W. Choi, deputy managing editor

of Chosun Ilbo in South Korea; Hyungwon Kang, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist from South Korea; and Yuya Hirano, a member of Japan’s Gifu Prefectural Assembly. USCB Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Kimberly Dudas and William Fugate, director of Japan strategy and aerospace development for the Southern Carolina Regional Development Alliance, are also scheduled to speak. “USCB’s Asian Cultural Studies Conference provides an opportunity for our campus and community to engage directly with leaders and experts whose work connects South Carolina with Asia,” Dudas said. Afternoon activities will include a book signing with Kang, a noodle cooking class led by Carol Weir and a tasting of sake, soju and kaoliang led by Sean Barth. The cooking class and tasting are limited to 20 participants each. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Lunch is free for the first 150 people who register. Registration and additional information are available at USCB.edu/SKALE. Questions may be directed to HIGHLIGHTS@ uscb.edu.

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The Bluffton Sun

October 6, 2026

USCB professor turns Lowcountry folklore into a video game By Carol Weir Contributor

Don’t let the Boo Hag get you. Evading this Gullah-Geechee haint is the premise of a University of South Carolina Beaufort professor’s Lowcountry-themed video game that’s now available for iPhone and iPad. Created by Brian Canada, professor of computational science and chair of USCB’s Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, Bugs ’N Boo Hags combines Gullah Geechee folklore and Lowcountry history with tower defense and the fast-paced action of early-1980s games. It became available Sept. 15 through Apple’s U.S. App Store and is free to play, with limited in-game advertising and no microtransactions. Canada started building the game about ten years ago to inspire his students. “If I’m expecting students to make games for their term projects, I needed to

build one of my own,” he said. “It’s important for them to see their instructors make commercially viable work. I say to them, ‘If I can do it, you can too.” What began as a solo project eventually grew to include collaborators including USCB graduate Bethany Felix, who created environment art, and Canada’s sister, Amy, who composed the original music. In Bugs ’N Boo Hags, players become a “witchdoctor sheriff” of Beaufort County who must protect Lowcountry landmarks from the Boo Hags — supernatural creatures from Gullah Geechee folklore that are said to leave their skins at night and sneak into homes to steal people’s life energy while they sleep. Players use “haint blue” paint and other magical items to keep the Boo Hags at bay until sunrise. Other enemies include fire ants, mosquitoes and palmetto bugs. Corn brooms and salt shakers can temporarily disable the creatures, while local foods such as cheesy grits, Lowcountry boil and pulled-pork sandwiches help players survive. One magical item is a

“Bugs n’ Boo Hags” features eight playable characters, handmade pixel art and a chiptune soundtrack. Its tagline of “Live! Die! Repaint!” echoes the classic game mechanic of “Live! Die! Repeat!”— where players repeatedly attempt a challenging level, learn from each failure and try again. The game’s nearly 30 levels feature locations including the Robert Smalls House, a praise house on St. Helena Island, and the ruins of Old Sheldon Church. USCB’s Center for the Arts also appears in the game. The iOS version includes touchscreen controls, Game Center achievements and support for compatible physical controllers. Learn more and find the App Store link at bugsnboohags.com. purple kazoo inspired by Kazoobie Kazoos of Beaufort. “I wanted to make something that was simultaneously a love letter to the Lowcountry and a tribute to the arcade games I played as a kid,” Canada said.

Carol Weir is the Senior Director of Communications for the University of South Carolina Beaufort in Bluffton, weirc@uscb. edu

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October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

Seeing My Childhood Through My Sister’s Eyes By Rhoda Gordon Contributor

A month ago, I traveled to New Jersey to help clean out my niece’s apartment. As part of the process, I offered to take her albums of photos home with me, digitize them and return RHODA GORDON the originals along with a digital collection she could have and share. I thought I knew what I was bringing home: boxes of family photographs that needed to be sorted, scanned and protected. But tucked among my niece’s albums were many albums that had belonged to my older sister, who died in 2012. Suddenly, this wasn’t just another photo project. As I began removing and preparing the photographs for scanning, I realized I wasn’t simply looking at old pictures. I was reliving parts of my childhood through my sister’s eyes. She had chosen these photographs. She had decided which moments were important enough to save and which images belonged beside one another on a page. There were people, places, celebrations, hairstyles, and details I hadn’t thought about in decades. Some memories came rushing back. Others surprised me because I remembered the same time in our lives differently. Perhaps most powerful was seeing the phases of our relationship unfold on those pages. Sisters don’t have one relationship for a lifetime. We were children together, then teenagers, then young adults building separate lives. We became working women and mothers, and our relationship changed along with us. Our relationship, like many between sisters, was complicated. There were periods of closeness and others when we struggled to understand each other or the choices we made. Looking through her photographs years later allowed me to revisit those different chapters from a new perspective. I found myself remembering not only who she was at each stage, but who I was then, too. There was something unexpectedly cathartic about seeing our lives unfold again, with the benefit of time and distance. There were moments when the process

was powerfully emotional. Grief has a way of freezing someone at the point when we lost them. These albums did the opposite. Page after page, my sister was changing. She was young again. She was laughing. She was becoming a mother. She was surrounded by people she loved. I wasn’t just remembering the sister I lost in 2012. For a little while, I was remembering the lifetime we had before then. It also made me think differently about the albums and boxes of photographs sitting in our homes. We often see them as projects we need to “get to someday.” But an album can be much more than a collection of pictures. The person who created it was making choices, even if they didn’t realize it at the time. What they saved, how they arranged it and sometimes what they wrote beside a photograph can give us a glimpse of a story through their eyes. That’s something worth considering before we pull every photograph out, scan it and reorganize everything. Sometimes the original album itself is part of the story. I started this project because I wanted to preserve my niece’s family photographs for her. I didn’t expect those photographs to give something back to me. They gave me another visit with my sister, another look at my childhood and a perspective on our relationship I hadn’t experienced before. If you have an old family album, don’t wait until you have time to organize it. Just sit down and turn the pages. Look at who took the pictures, who saved them and what they chose to remember. You may discover that you’re not simply looking at your family’s past. You’re seeing it through the eyes of someone you love. Rhoda Gordon is the owner of Sunflower Photo Solutions. sunflowerphotosolutions.com or digyourphotos.com

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October 6, 2026

A little less clueless By Danie Connolly Contributor

What I’m about to confess is not going to make me look like the next contestant on “Jeopardy!” Thank goodness my car has internet maps and tells me where I’m headed. Before that, I couldn’t DANIE CONNOLLY turn a paper map fast enough to figure out whether I was supposed to go right, left or straight. It’s hard to figure out where you’re going when you’re already turned around. Speaking of things being turned around, a couple of weeks ago I became aggravated because the toilet paper was facing in the wrong direction. How did I know it was wrong? Because I had watched something about it on television. When I asked BBB why he had put the roll on backward, he looked at me as

though I had swallowed an extra dose of stupid pills. “I just take off the empty roll, put on the new one and use what I need. I didn’t know there was a right or wrong way.” It’s a quandary, my friends. I still can’t wrap my head around how a thermos knows whether it’s supposed to keep coffee hot or Coca-Cola cold. How do it know? For years, my pea brain couldn’t understand the number of seconds in two minutes on a microwave. If I pressed 120, it counted down from 120 to 119, 118 and so on. But when it reached 100, instead of continuing to 99, it suddenly jumped to 59 seconds. Let us all bow our heads and give thanks that I was not put in charge of designing airplane engines. A gazillion years ago, I read a newspaper headline that said: POLLS SAY KENNEDY TO BEAT NIXON BY X %. I asked my mother why people made so many jokes about Polish people and yet relied on them to take the pulse of America. She looked at me sideways. “They mean polls, as in Gallup polls.” Oh.

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I’ve come a long way since “Poles” and “polls,” but some things still do not compute. For example, how can a catering job take two solid hours to set up but only 20 minutes to break down? I still believe in love at first sight. Ask BBB. Unfortunately, my other instincts tend to arrive about one minute too late, usually just after I’ve received a parking ticket. Basically, if I’m given a 50-50 chance, I

am guaranteed to get it 100% wrong. I think it may be contagious. If I can’t find the paintbrush cleaner, I guarantee it will suddenly appear within 10 minutes of my returning from the hardware store with a brand-new bottle. The same rule applies to sunglasses, shoes, keys and computers. I still can’t explain this one: I can be shopping in a mall when beautiful Italian music begins playing, and suddenly I’m capable of bursting into full Italian opera, or at least something once sung by Andrea Bocelli. Apparently, this questionable musical wisdom came from my mother. When we were children, she would iron our school clothes late at night while I drifted off to sleep listening to Jerry Vale, “The Barber of Seville,” Puccini’s “La Bohème” or “The Marriage of Figaro.” I may not always know which way the toilet paper goes, how long two minutes lasts or where I left my sunglasses. But somewhere inside this slightly confused head of mine, an Italian opera has been playing perfectly for years. Go figure.

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October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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A bass line from Bluffton By Paul Tollefson Contributor

Drive down Buck Island Road today, and it takes a little imagination to picture the Bluffton that was once there. So much has changed that pieces of the old landscape have nearly disappeared beneath neighborhoods, businesses PAUL TOLLEFSON and new roads. But before all of that, this was home to families whose stories stretched across generations, and one of those families was the Browns. Years ago, a friend of mine put a name in my ear that I never completely forgot. He didn’t give me much to go on, just a few words: “Lynn Brown. The Impressions.” I looked into it at the time and found enough to know there was something there, but not enough to tell his story properly. I put it away, hoping that maybe one day another piece would turn up. That happened recently through conversations with George Chaplin, who has become someone I genuinely enjoy talking with about old Bluffton. Lynn Brown’s name found its way back into one of those conversations, and this time I started digging a little deeper. Before long, the pieces that had been missing all those years began falling into place. Leonard “Lynn” Brown grew up on Buck Island, one of nine children of Albert and Mary Jane “Jannie” Brown. Albert had purchased 15 acres there in 1927, and the Brown family made their life from that land. Albert farmed cotton, corn, peas, beans, sweet potatoes and watermelons, sometimes taking what he grew by sailboat to Savannah to sell. He was also a

World War I veteran and a deacon at First Zion Baptist Church, while Jannie would remain on Buck Island for decades and watch Bluffton change around her. Somewhere in that family was a boy with an ear for music. Lynn attended Michael C. Riley and graduated with the Class of 1960 before heading to South Carolina State College in Orangeburg. There, according to a history I recently found, he played drums in the marching band and bass guitar in the concert band. It was at South Carolina State that Lynn’s life appears to have taken one of those turns that nobody could have planned. In 1962, Les Cooper and the Soul Rockers came through Orangeburg while touring colleges. When the band’s bass player became ill, Lynn was given an opportunity to sit in. Whatever Les Cooper heard that day was enough to take notice of the young man from Bluffton, and Lynn soon became the band’s bass player and songwriter. Later that year, Les Cooper and the Soul Rockers recorded “Wiggle Wobble,” a song that became a national hit. And then Lynn did something that I love about this story. He came home. The account says Lynn brought Les Cooper and the Soul Rockers back to

Bluffton and to the school where he had graduated only a couple of years earlier. They played inside the Michael C. Riley gymnasium for a packed crowd of students, free of charge, and later played for a paying crowd at Troy’s Juke Joint. Suddenly, a memory shared with me by my friend Mr. Brother Kitty made perfect sense. He remembered Lynn Brown playing at Michael C. Riley with the Les Cooper band. All these years later, somebody in Bluffton still remembered that homecoming. Lynn’s musical journey didn’t stop there. By May 1965, he had joined The Impressions, one of the great soul groups of that era, and in the professional music world he became known as Lenny Brown. Curtis Mayfield was at the center of the group, alongside Fred Cash and Sam Gooden, and contemporary accounts from the time confirm that Leonard Brown was traveling with them on bass. The more I learned about Lynn, the more I understood that he wasn’t simply along for the ride. Sam Gooden later remembered him as an exceptional musician with a remarkable ear, the kind of player who could hear what a song needed and find it on his instrument. Fred Cash

remembered him, too, simply and clearly, as “the bass player.” Decades after those young men had traveled together, Lynn’s name was still part of their memories. Then came a record that many of us still know today. In 1967, The Impressions recorded Curtis Mayfield’s “We’re a Winner.” The song would become much more than another hit record, carrying a message of pride and perseverance during the civil rights era and eventually reaching No. 1 on the R&B chart. Playing bass on that recording was Leonard “Lenny” Brown. I keep thinking about the distance between those two places in Lynn’s life. On one end was Buck Island, Albert and Jannie’s 15 acres and a young boy attending Michael C. Riley. On the other was a recording studio with Curtis Mayfield, helping make a record that would be heard across America. That’s where I want to leave Lynn for now. Not with what happened next, because that can wait until Part Two, but right there in the middle of something extraordinary. A young musician from Buck Island had left Bluffton, found his opportunity, worked his way into one of the great groups of his time and was now playing on the No. 1 R&B record in America. And somewhere underneath those voices on “We’re a Winner,” you can still hear him playing. to be conitnued in part two… Paul Tollefson is the Director of Tennis at the Hampton Hall Club. After moving from Hilton Head to Bluffton he became enthralled with the history of the town and the people and cultures that call it home. He has found a passion in writing and enjoys being able to share the stories and pictures of long-time locals. He is the co-creator of the Facebook page “Bluffton Then and Now.”

Swing Fore The Symphony returns The League of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra will host its sixth annual Swing Fore the Symphony golf tournament Nov. 2 at Wexford Golf Club. The tournament will feature a stepaside scramble, along with games and prizes. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with light breakfast fare and coffee available

before play. A reception will follow the tournament in the renovated Wexford clubhouse. Heavy appetizers, beer and wine will be served, and the reception will include silent and live auctions and the presentation of tournament prizes. Proceeds from the tournament will ben-

efit the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and its programs. Those programs include free Symphony Under the Stars concerts, the Gullah Geechee Cultural Series, Young Persons Concerts for local schoolchildren, and piano and chamber music competitions. Registration information and forms are

available at Swingforthesymphony.org. For information about sponsorship opportunities or registering a foursome, contact tournament chair Terry Hicks at 843-415-5336.

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October 6, 2026

Business News Cobb Group joins William Raveis

The Cobb Group, led by Allison Cobb, has joined William Raveis Real Estate as the company expands its presence in the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton markets. The group includes Natalie Burnside, George Cobb and David Hussey and serves buyers and sellers throughout the Lowcountry. The team has more than 30 years of combined real estate experience. The Cobb Group will continue operating from its office in Moss Creek Village, 1533 Fording Island Road, Suite 318, while gaining access to William Raveis’ marketing, technology and referral network. “William Raveis gives us the combination we were looking for: the ability to remain local and personal while being connected to a much larger network,” Cobb said. William Raveis has South Carolina operations in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Charleston, Greenville and Clemson.

First Presbyterian Day School names executive director

First Presbyterian Day School on Hilton Head Island has named Ashley Parks its new executive director. Parks relocated to the Lowcountry from Asheville, North Carolina, in April and has a background in early childhood education, leadership and teacher development. She holds a Master of Arts in early childhood education and a master’s certificate in early childhood education emergent inquiry from East Tennessee State University. She has also studied the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education and served as an adjunct instructor at several postsecondary institutions. First Presbyterian Day School has served Hilton Head Island families since 1984.

Collins Group Realty donates $15,000 to nonprofits

Collins Group Realty marked its 200th home sale of 2026 by donating a total of $15,000 to three local nonprofit organizations. The Sandbox Children’s Museum, Coastal Discovery Museum and Island Recreation Center will each receive $5,000 through the company’s annual 200th Home Sale for Charity Giveaway. The company said it randomly selected the three recipients by placing the names of eligible organizations into a fishbowl

and drawing the winners. “Once we get to 200 closed transactions of families that we’ve served in this community, we just want to have the opportunity to support the community that supports us,” broker and owner Chip Collins said. This is the eighth year the company has held the charitable giveaway. The program is expected to return in 2027.

BJWSA welcomes new board member

Jessie A. White has joined the Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority board of directors following an appointment by Gov. Henry McMaster. White attended her first regular meeting as a voting member Sept. 24. She is a senior attorney with the South Carolina Environmental Law Project. White earned bachelor’s degrees in environmental thought and practice and psychology from the University of Virginia and graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Her professional work has included issues involving wetlands, water quality, land use and coastal environmental protection. BJWSA provides water and wastewater services through approximately 75,000 connections in Beaufort and Jasper counties.

Chase opens Bluffton branch, plans three more

Chase has opened its first branch in the Hilton Head Island area at 15 Towne Drive in Bluffton’s Belfair Towne Village and plans three additional area locations in 2027. The new branch is led by manager Nick Johnson and includes relationship bankers and financial specialists. Services include full-service banking, digital tools, a drive-through ATM and private meeting spaces. Chase said it plans two branches on Hilton Head Island and one in Hardeeville. The next is expected to open at 2 Lafayette Place on Hilton Head Island by spring 2027.

Coffee Roasters plans ribbon cutting for second location

Hilton Head Island Coffee Roasters will hold a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. Oct. 16 for its second shop, at 38C New Orleans Road, Suite 101. The shop had a soft opening in June. The company’s original roastery and espresso bar is on Cardinal Road.

The New Orleans Road location includes expanded seating and a retail area selling roasted coffee beans, local honey, books, mugs, apparel and other merchandise. The company said the expansion follows five years of operation at its original location and continued growth of its wholesale business. For information, visit HiltonHeadCoffee.com or email Susannah@hiltonheadcoffee.com.

LiveOak Fiber begins Bluffton network construction

LiveOak Fiber has begun construction of a fiber-optic internet network in Bluffton, marking the company’s expansion into South Carolina. The company said the project is expected to make its service available to more than 10,000 homes and businesses, with the first customers expected to come online in early 2027. Future phases are planned for Hardeeville and neighboring communities. LiveOak Fiber said neighborhoods will be activated in phases as construction progresses rather than waiting for completion of the entire Bluffton network. “As Bluffton continues to grow, our residents and businesses need services that grow with us,” Mayor Larry Toomer said. “Having another internet provider in the market gives customers more choices, and competition is generally a good thing.” Residents can find construction and availability information at www.liveoakfiber.com.

Sea Love launches perfume-blending experience

Sea Love on Hilton Head Island has added a Luxury Perfume Experience to its scent-blending offerings. The experience allows guests to create a custom perfume by selecting and combining fragrance notes with assistance from the company’s scent stylists. Sea Love already offers experiences involving custom candles, reed diffusers and other fragrance products. “This experience gives guests the opportunity to create something that truly reflects their personality, memories and style,” co-owner Sarah Brown said. The Hilton Head location will mark the launch with an event from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 9 featuring a champagne toast, food and giveaways. Reservations are available at sealove. com/hiltonhead.

Sea Pines Resort earns workplace certification

The Sea Pines Resort has received Great Place to Work certification for 2026-27. The certification is based on employee survey responses. According to information provided by the resort, 85% of participating employees said Sea Pines is a great place to work. The survey considers workplace factors including trust, respect, fairness, pride and belonging. “Our team is at the heart of everything we do at The Sea Pines Resort, and that’s what makes this recognition especially meaningful,” resort President Steve Birdwell said.

Tri Pointe Homes acquires 60 acres in New Riverside

Tri Pointe Homes has acquired 60.4 acres in Bluffton for a planned 76-home development in the final phase of New Riverside. The property is near the Palmetto Bluff entrance off New Riverside Road. Preliminary plans call for single-family homes of up to 3,600 square feet, with two- and three-bay garage options. Plans remain under development and may change. The gated neighborhood is also expected to include trail connections to New Riverside Barn Park. Tri Pointe said development was expected to begin in September, with home construction planned for late 2027 and sales projected to begin in 2028. The company operates in 13 states and the District of Columbia.

Frederick + Frederick Architects receives Forbes recognition

Frederick + Frederick Architects has been named to Forbes’ America’s Top 200 Residential Architects and Best-In-State Residential Architects lists. Forbes evaluated more than 18,000 architecture firms nationwide. Factors included architectural design, site and local context, materials, craftsmanship, spatial configuration, technology and environmental considerations. Jane and Michael Frederick founded the firm in 1989. It specializes in custom homes, additions and renovations, with an emphasis on designing for hot and humid climates. “Being named among Forbes’ top residential architects is a meaningful honor for our whole team,” founding principal Jane Frederick said.

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

Finding support for memory changes

By Jill Horner Contributor

At first, it may be a question asked twice at dinner or a familiar errand that suddenly feels harder. A loved one notices and wonders whether to say anything. Memory changes can be scary. It is easy to put off talking about them when no one is sure what they mean. That conversation is a good place to start. Memory concerns have many possible causes, and a health care professional can help determine what is happening. Families do not need to have the answers before they ask for help. Memory Matters meets people at just this point. Its Connections program is for people with mild cognitive impairment, changes in memory or thinking that go beyond normal aging, or other early memory changes. Most are still fairly independent and want a place to keep learning, stay active and spend time with others. The class follows Illuminate, a curriculum written by Dawn Adler, Kristin Einberger and Victoria Haas. It was developed by memory loss programs working with university researchers. Each session mixes discussion, creative projects, exercise and brain games. Just as important is the chance to belong. Walking into a program with “memory” in its name can feel like admitting more than a person is ready to say. Joining a class does not define anyone. It can be a way to meet people who understand, try something new and keep a familiar rhythm to the week. “People do not have to figure this out alone. In Connections, we focus on the whole person, not the diagnosis. We help

families find their footing, too,” says Michelle Frink, program director at Memory Matters. Jennifer has seen what that weekly rhythm can do for her husband, Joe. In her words: “I would like to say how much Memory Matters has helped my husband. He has vascular dementia. He has been going to Memory Matters Connections Class every week for four years. I believe Memory Matters has helped him get to this point. I can’t even imagine what he would be like if not for this program. Plus, he loves to go. If you have someone who is starting this journey, get them connected. Memory Matters also has a class for the loved one who is a caregiver. That course has helped me tremendously in this journey and the meetings to vent, ask for help and get ideas what I can be doing. Truly Memory Matters has been a life saver for us.” Getting support early gives families time to talk, make plans and find people they can call when things change. It also allows the person experiencing memory changes to continue doing what they enjoy with others around them. Those who have noticed changes in their own memory or in someone they love can start with a conversation with a health care professional. They do not have to wait for a crisis to find community. Memory Matters offers a free consultation and a free trial day at its Bluffton location, 2 Westbury Park Way, Suite 101. Call 843-842-6688 to learn more. Jill Horner, M.Ed. is the executive director of Memory Matters. 117 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. www.mymemorymatters.org

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October 6, 2026

How investments are taxed By Nick Martin Contributor

You’ve built a nest egg, watched your investments grow, and now you’re planning to use your savings. But before you start taking distributions – whether it’s for retirement or something else – you should be NICK MARTIN prepared for what the withdrawals will mean for your taxes. Generally, there are two manners in which investment income is taxed: ordinary rates and capital gain rates. Here, we will examine the two types of taxation. Ordinary income It’s common for investments to produce ordinary income, often in the form of interest or dividends. Savings accounts, certificates of deposits (CDs), money market accounts, annuities, bonds and some preferred stock, for example, typically generate ordinary income. This income is taxed at your ordinary tax rate, just like wages. Income that is generated in a taxable account is taxed as ordinary income in the year the income is generated. In some cases, you’ll detail your investments and income on a Schedule B of IRS Form 1040. Income that is generated in a tax-deferred vehicle, such as a 401(k) or traditional IRA, is not taxed in the year the income is generated because the income is not distributed to the account holder; it is accumulated within the tax-deferred account. Money in such accounts is taxed when it is distributed to the owner, at which point it’s taxed as ordinary income.

It’s worth noting that some investment income is not subject to any federal or state tax, depending on the investment and state of issuance. Municipal bonds and US securities are examples of vehicles that generate tax-exempt income. Capital gains When you decide it’s time to sell an investment, you’ll realize a capital gain or loss. Special capital gains taxes, which may be lower than ordinary income tax rates, can apply. Before you can calculate your capital gain or loss, or determine how much you’ll owe in taxes from the sale of the asset, you must understand something called basis. The initial basis is equal to the cost of the asset. For example, if you purchased one share of stock for $300, then your initial basis in the stock is $300. If your asset was a gift or inheritance, or received in a tax-free exchange, your initial basis may differ. The adjusted basis reflects how the value of your initial investment has increased or decreased over time due to certain circumstances. For example, while a stock dividend paid in cash will be taxed as ordinary income, a dividend paid in additional shares would affect the basis of your original shares, as would a company’s stock split. Real property and business assets are also subject to adjusted basis calculations. Refer to IRS Publication 551 for details about which items increase the basis of your asset and which decrease it. In the simplest form, your capital gain or loss is equal to the amount you receive for selling the asset minus your adjusted basis. You’ll report short-term and long-term capital gains and losses on the Schedule D of your income tax return. In addition to the adjusted basis and sale price, you’ll need to know your holding period, your realized gain or loss, and the type of asset

involved. See IRS Publication 544 for details. • Holding period: Generally, the holding period refers to how long you owned an asset. If the asset was held for a year or less, gains on it are classified as short-term gains; longer than one year is considered a long-term gain. This is important because tax rates applied to long-term capital gain income are typically lower than those applied to short-term capital gain income. Short-term capital gains are taxed at the same rate as your ordinary income. • Calculations: Long-term capital gains and qualified dividends are generally taxed at special capital gains tax rates of 0%, 15%, and 20% depending on your taxable income. There are some types of capital gains, such as those from precious metals and other collectibles, that could be taxed as high as 28%. The process of calculating tax on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends is dependent on how much taxable income you have for the year your gross income less any deductions that are available to you. • Type of asset: The type of asset you sell will dictate the capital gain rate that applies and even the steps you should take to calculate the capital gain or loss. For example, the sale of an antique is taxed at the maximum tax rate even if you’ve held it for more than a year. You can use the capital losses from one or more investments to reduce the capital gains from other investments. If you have a net capital loss for the year, you can also use it to offset ordinary income, up to predetermined amounts each year. Losses that you don’t use this year can be used to offset future capital gains. Schedule D of your federal income tax return can guide you through this process. Understanding the Medicare contribution tax High-income individuals may be subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on

unearned income. It is important to remember that this tax applies only to net investment income. This tax, which first took effect in 2013, applies to individuals, trusts and estates, and other entities with pass through income. The tax is equal to 3.8% of the lesser of: • Your net investment income from interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, rents, capital gains and other passive business income • The amount of your modified adjusted gross income that exceeds $200,000; or $250,000 if married and filing a joint federal income tax return; or $125,000 if married and filing a separate return It’s worth noting that distributions from qualified retirement plans and IRAs is not considered net investment income for the purposes of this additional tax. Such distributions can, however, increase your modified adjusted gross income to above the threshold amounts and subject investment income to the Medicare surtax. The taxes for the sale of some assets are more difficult to calculate than others, so you should consult your financial professional before disposing of assets. Consult a tax professional as well, to be sure you’re reporting all income accurately. This will ensure you’re leveraging the most tax-efficient strategy when you’re ready to start taking distributions. You’ve put in the work to grow your investments, so it’s worth the effort to make sure you’re using them in the most effective way. Nick Martin is a financial planner and the founder of Bluffton Financial Planning. Bluffton Financial Planning is not a registered broker/dealer, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

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October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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The soft scam By Tamela Maxim Contributor

Carla never expected the woman who sat beside her asking about her grandchildren, offering rides and bringing small gifts, to eventually drain her savings and leave her frightened, ashamed and unsure whom to trust. She believed she had found a friend. Instead, a scammer groomed her, using companionship as a weapon. Carla’s name has been changed to protect her privacy. Across the country, seniors like Carla are being targeted by people who begin with friendship. They begin with kindness. That’s what makes this form of exploitation so dangerous. The rise of the “friendly” scam Most people imagine scammers as aggressive callers or online criminals. But some forms of senior fraud are very different. They can look like a neighbor, a caregiver, a church acquaintance or a new “friend.” “Friendly” scammers use emotional grooming to slowly build trust and dependency. They don’t rush. They simply show up, warmly, consistently and strategically. How the grooming begins Casual companionship: It’s easy to find vulnerable seniors who live alone. Some dine alone in restaurants, look less than happy at church socials, volunteer at the local thrift shop, buy groceries for one or spend time by themselves at the local library. Groomers may sidle up, strike up a cheery conversation and sometimes offer or ask for favors and advice to slowly build trust. Emotional mirroring: Reflecting the senior’s worries to create false intimacy. Dependence building: Becoming

the person the senior trusts and relies on most. Loneliness and isolation: Many seniors live alone or have lost spouses. A scammer offering steady companionship can quickly become indispensable. Trusting norms from the past: Older adults may come from a time when politeness and neighborliness were cultural expectations. They may not suspect bad intentions. Cognitive changes: Even mild cognitive decline can make manipulation easier. Financial stability: Savings, pensions and home equity can make seniors attractive targets. The anatomy of the scam Once they establish trust, scammers tighten their control. The scammer discourages contact with family: “Your family is busy.” “You can trust me.” “They don’t care about you as much as I do.” Isolation is the foundation of manipulation. Victims often won’t confide in friends, children or siblings. Scammers sometimes introduce fabricated threats, such as fake bank problems, medical bills or emergencies, or work with outside callers and email senders impersonating agencies such as the FBI, IRS or police, or posing as creditors. Or, a scammer may say someone was “trying to access your account.” Victims might receive fake police calls claiming their identity is linked to a criminal investigation, fake bank alerts insisting they speak only to a “fraud liaison” connected to the groomer or fake IRS emails threatening legal action over “unpaid taxes.” Taking control of finances It sometimes begins with “helpful” actions: offering to pay a bill online,

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asking for account information or suggesting cash withdrawals “for safety.” Eventually, the scammer gains access to accounts or credit cards. Deepening emotional dependence The scammer becomes the senior’s primary support, calling daily, showing up unannounced, offering rides and inserting herself into every decision. Exploitation and secrecy By the time the senior realizes something is wrong, shame may keep them silent. Scammers reinforce secrecy: “No one will believe you.” “Your family will be angry.” The emotional toll Financial loss is only part of the damage. Seniors may experience deep shame for trusting someone who betrayed them. They may fear retaliation or worry that their family will take away their independence. Because they believed the relationship was real, they may feel genuine grief when the truth emerges and withdraw from friends and family. Common variations of the “friendly” scam The helpful neighbor: A man befriends an elderly widow, convinces her to add him to her bank account “for emergencies,” then drains it. The church friend: A woman meets a senior at Bible study and pressures her into “donating” thousands to a fake charity. The caregiver companion: A caregiver gives a senior unprescribed medication to keep her compliant, then manipulates her into signing checks. The online friend: A senior meets someone on Facebook who messages daily, then asks for money for “medical bills.” The sob story scammer: A scammer starts by telling a senior she is hungry. The senior, wanting to help,

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repeatedly gives money. The gift card scam: A scammer claims the IRS will no longer send mail to a P.O. box and insists the senior install a physical mailbox. That way, the scammer can retrieve gift cards she ordered for herself. How families can protect seniors Prevention begins with awareness and communication. Families with appropriate legal authority may be able to take steps to protect credit and bank accounts and help manage necessary bills. Financial safeguards can include withdrawal alerts, joint oversight or regular checkins. Have open conversations about scams, encouraging transparency while avoiding shame or embarrassment. Ask about new friends or helpers without judgment. Watch for red flags, including secrecy, unexplained withdrawals or a new companion who is overly involved. Strengthen social support by keeping seniors connected to community groups and family visits. Carla eventually told her family. It was difficult and frightening, but it was also the moment her healing began. Her experience is a reminder that people targeted by scammers can be manipulated through trust, loneliness and relationships. They deserve protection, respect and community support. The most dangerous scams can be the ones that whisper friendship. 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.

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October 6, 2026

FWDG names 12 nonprofits as 2026 Season of Giving winners

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Twelve Lowcountry nonprofit organizations have been selected to receive funding through FWDG’s 2026 Season of Giving, with Palmetto Animal League named the overall winner. The annual program invites local nonprofit organizations to participate and gives community members an opportunity to vote for organizations in a variety of categories. In addition to Palmetto Animal League, Junior Service League was selected in the Men & Women category; Child Abuse Prevention Association in Kids & Youth; Sec-

ond Helpings in Food & Self-Sufficiency; Bluffton Jasper Volunteers in Medicine in Medical & Healthcare; and Alzheimer’s Family Services of Greater Beaufort in Wellness & Recreation. The Pat Conroy Literary Center was selected in Education, Arts & Literacy; Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry in Family & Community Support; Operation Patriots FOB in Military, Veterans & First Responders; Humane Association of the Lowcountry in Animal & Conservation — Single Species; Raskel’s Rescue in Animal & Conservation — Multiple Species; and Programs for Exceptional People in Inclusion, Disability & Independent Living. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in this year’s Season of

Giving,” FWDG CEO Donna Senica said. “The passion and dedication of these organizations is truly inspiring. It is an honor for FWDG to help shine a light on the important work happening throughout our community.” FWDG also recognized the Mark family, owners of FWDG, Furniture Warehouse and Past Perfect Consignment, for supporting the annual program. “Season of Giving is about much more than a donation,” FWDG General Manager Nick Desautels said. “It is about bringing our community together, recognizing the organizations doing meaningful work, and helping provide resources so they can continue making a difference.” FWDG is a locally owned furniture and

mattress retailer at 745 Robert Smalls Parkway in Beaufort.

Second Helpings adds truck to Lowcountry food rescue operation

By The Bluffton Sun Staff

A new refrigerated truck has joined the Second Helpings fleet, adding another vehicle to an operation that moves millions of pounds of rescued food each year throughout Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties. Second Helpings marked the addition of Truck No. 17 with a community ribbon cutting Sept. 30 at Sam’s Club in Bluffton. Donors, volunteers and community partners were invited to attend and sign the inside of the truck before it entered service. The nonprofit uses refrigerated trucks

to collect surplus food from grocery stores, retailers, farms and other donors. The food is then delivered at no charge to food pantries and nonprofit agencies serving people throughout the three-county area. Second Helpings operates a fleet of 10 refrigerated trucks that collectively travel more than 90,000 miles a year. The organization estimates each truck helps rescue and distribute about 300,000 pounds of food annually. Truck No. 17 is expected to remain in service for about 10 years. Based on the organization’s current averages, Second Helpings estimates the vehicle could transport more than 3 million pounds of food during that period.

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The refrigeration system allows the organization to transport perishable foods, including fresh produce, dairy products and proteins, to its partner agencies. Volunteers play a central role in the operation. Second Helpings says its team includes more than 500 volunteers who drive trucks, collect food and make deliveries. “Every time one of our trucks pulls onto a route, it connects food that might otherwise go to waste with an organization that provides it to those who need it,” Executive Director Amy Colin said. “Truck #17 will be doing that work for years to come, and we are incredibly grateful to the donors and partners whose generosity made that possible.”

Second Helpings reported that its food distribution currently helps serve more than 14,000 people each week. Since the organization was founded in 1992, it says it has rescued and distributed more than 59 million pounds of food. In 2025, Second Helpings reported that 520 volunteers distributed 3.7 million pounds of food to 55 agencies in Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties at no charge. The organization collects food that might otherwise be discarded and distributes it through partner agencies serving Lowcountry residents. For more information about Second Helpings, visit www.secondhelpingslc.org or call 843-689-3689.

October 6, 2026

The Bluffton Sun

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October 6, 2026