The Bluffton Sun

‘Live Like D.J.’

Fields family turns loss into legacy

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

D’won “D.J.” Fields Jr. was known throughout Bluffton as a young man who “never met a stranger” and whose heart for service began in early childhood. From giving his shoes to a stranger in need to turning his Christmas wish list into offerings for others, D.J.’s life was defined by empathy and generosity, his father, Dwon Fields Sr., recalled in a recent interview. Fields Sr. shared anecdotes that reveal a son who valued giving above receiving. At around nine years old, D.J., while on a trip to Atlanta, encountered a barefoot man on the street and insisted on helping, even offering him his own shoes. His mother intervened, and they instead bought the man a pair of shoes, which the boy promptly handed over. At age 11, when asked what he wanted for Christmas, D.J. requested nothing, opting instead to deliver toys and clothes to less fortunate children in Savannah.

“He just wanted to help,” Fields Sr. said. Those early experiences foreshadowed the kind of person D.J. would become; someone who lent money from his wallet to friends,

LEGACY CONT. ON PAGE 3A

Head, Bluffton and Hardeeville named

TKelsey Mijares, D.O.

to Beaufort Memorial Palmetto Medical Group

o continue expanding access to primary care in the Lowcountry, Beaufort Memorial has added an internal medicine physician to the team at its Palmetto Medical Group practice in Bluffton.

Dr. Kelsey Mijares joins the practice after completing her residency at Memorial Health in Savannah, where she led research initiatives focused on glucose monitoring, hypertension and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Mijares lists among her clinical interests the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity as well as thyroid disease. Bringing an understanding, patient-first approach to primary care for her patients, she emphasizes the critical importance of a healthy diet and active lifestyle in managing a wide array of chronic conditions.

“I like to approach every patient as an individual, looking to understand their background, motivations and goals,” she said.

“My patients and I develop a plan together with an approach that aligns with their needs.”

Residency – Internal Medicine

Memorial Health University Medical Center Savannah, Ga.

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Lincoln Memorial University, Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine Harrogate, Tenn.

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

Bachelor of Science

Neurobiology and Behavioral Science

Emory University Atlanta, Ga.

Dr. Mijares joins the board-certified team of primary care providers at Palmetto Medical Group: nurse practitioner Jennifer Stokes; physician assistants Erica Roper and Stephanie Lovato;

someone who taught the younger neighborhood kids how to fish, someone grounded who “never let us worry,” his father said. “He was always willing to help. He was his mom and my best friend. He wasn’t the one who always wanted to go to a party. We always knew where he was, where he was going. We couldn’t have asked for a better kid.” Fields continued.

That spirit extended into high school, where D.J. wore the number 55 as a tribute to his grandmother, who died just before she would have turned 55. When it was time to pick his number, he chose a different number than the 45 he wore in middle school. The number 55 became his identity on the football field, and ultimately, both his middle school and high school retired his jerseys in his honor.

His death in March 2021, at age 18 and weeks away from graduation, left the Bluffton community in shock. D.J. was killed in a case of mistaken identity, caught in a shooting after being misidentified by assailants embroiled in a violent dispute. Two teammates in his car were injured but survived. But the loss of such a promising, caring young man devastated those who knew him.

Since that day, the Fields family has channeled grief into purpose. They launched “D.J.’s Day of Giving,” held on February 24 each year, the 55th day of the calendar year. Local businesses contribute 10 percent of that day’s proceeds to the scholarship fund. Over the past four years, the initiative has awarded nearly $100,000 in scholarships, $2,000 each for about a dozen high school seniors or freshman college students, each chosen based on their academic or tradeschool aspirations, not athletic prowess.

“We do it in September, always a couple of days before his birthday. We want to show our appreciation for the support that we have been getting since D.J. passed, because of D.J.’s day of giving, and for the support that we get. We’ll never get our son back, but we know the impact that our son has made on other people’s lives.” said Fields. “I was born and raised here, and I’ve seen all the changes, but the local people and the people that have moved to Bluffton have just embraced my family. No matter what you’re going through, you know that you can always lean on your community, and our community has showed up in numbers.”

Legal closure arrives, wounds remain

He received a 12-year prison term. Prosecutors noted Void had no prior criminal record and had cooperated with investigators, testifying against codefendants. He was the third person convicted in the case.

Two others were already sentenced: Jimmie Lewis Green received 40 years after a guilty plea in May 2023; Ty’leic Dae Jhon Chaneyfield was convicted in October 2023 and given life in prison on multiple counts, including murder and attempted murder.

Fields Sr. called the outcome “somewhat of a relief,” but did not shy away from expressing lingering pain. He was relieved yet reminded of what was lost: graduations, birthdays, shared achievements. And on Void’s sentencing, he acknowledged the measure of justice served, but noted that in South Carolina, inmates may earn parole after serving 85 percent of their term, meaning Void may be released years earlier — hardly a proportionate penalty for a life lost.

“For a crime that was so brutal, a case of mistaken identity. [To] get 12 years, knowing that you can walk out of prison in about six or seven years. To me, that’s sending the wrong message.” said Fields

Two other defendants, Messiah Kasheef Anderson and Shayniah Void, remain indicted and have yet to face trial.

A stolen memorial, community hurt Adding to the Fields family’s sorrow, Bluffton officials and residents were rocked in midAugust when the roadside memorial marking D.J.’s life was stolen. The large cement cross, placed at the intersection of Bluffton Parkway and Flat Creek Drive, vanished overnight, leaving behind a gaping hole where it had stood for years. The memorial, which had grown over time with flowers, photos and personal mementos, served as a place of comfort for his family and friends.

to live on through all of us each day.” Said Bluffton’s Police Chief Joseph Babkiewicz. Authorities are treating the incident as vandalism or theft and are investigating, though video surveillance has provided limited leads. Community members with any information about the memorial are encouraged to contact Captain Karafa of the Bluffton Police Department at 843-706-4564 or by email at ckarafa@townofbluffton.com

A temporary cross is expected to be installed soon, with plans for a permanent replacement within a few months.

Carrying a legacy forward

Through tragic loss, public remembrance and acts of community kindness, Fields Sr. remains committed to preserving his son’s memory. The Live Like D.J. - Team 55 scholarships, community days, 5.5 K races, blood drives and “J’s for D.J.” a campaign in which friends and family post Jordan sneakers on social media each year on his birthday to honor his love of Jordans, keep D.J.’s caring presence alive.

Fields Sr. emphasized that while his son is gone, his impact endures. “Helping other people is my reason,” he said. Even on days when grief overwhelms, D.J.’s memory continues to drive a commitment to service, community and hope.

In September, D.J.’s Day of Giving Back includes a blood drive – one of the most successful in the area, a 5.5 K run, food and games, extending the legacy beyond scholarships into a community celebration.

In late June 2025, the legal system delivered a longawaited verdict: Jayden Lamont Void, now 23, pleaded guilty to multiple charges tied to D.J.’s death, thirddegree assault and battery by mob, seconddegree mob violence, and firstdegree mob violence, with all sentences running concurrently.

The Bluffton community will gather Sept. 13th for a 5.5K noncompetitive walk and run in memory of D.J. Fields, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Eagles Field. Following the event, the Fields family will host D.J.’s Day of Giving Back to the Community, starting at 2 p.m. at Eagles Field, with a cookout featuring food, games, a live D.J. and fellowship. All proceeds will benefit the Live Like D.J. Scholarship Fund. The event is sponsored by the Town of Bluffton, Bluffton Police Department and Riverwalk Animal Hospital.

Those wishing to give may donate to the D.J. Fields Memorial Fund at Palmetto State Bank or support the Live Like D.J. –Dwon Fields Jr. Scholarship Fund through cf-lowcountry.org. LEGACY FROM PAGE 1A

“The theft of D.J. Fields Memorial is disheartening, but it will never erase D.J.’s legacy or the love this community has for D.J., Dwon and Kema. D.J.’s spirit continues

Our Staff

Current Circulation Via USPS is 25,051

General Manager

Melissa McCullough melissa@blufftonsun.com

Editor

Sasha Sweeney editor@blufftonsun.com

Page Designer

Cary Howard cary@blufftonsun.com

Advertising

Mary Ann Kent, Sales & Marketing Manager

843-575-4151

BJ Frazier, 843-422-2321

Claudia Chapman, 814-434-3665

Mary Pat Gifford, 912-414-7122

Contributors

Alex Barry

Rich Bernstein

Abby Bird

Lisa Hostetler Brown

Ryan Chowansky

Chip Collins

Danie Connolly

Collins Doughtie

Thomas Dowling

Dr. Mathew Epps

Dr. Ronald Finger

Kevin Fitzpatrick

Rhoda Gordon

Kay Grinnell

James Hamilton

Annelore Harrell

Glenda Harris

Jean Harris

Channing Heiss

Dr. Kenneth Horup

Justin Jarrett

James Jolly

Rabbi Ken Kanter

Contact us

Barry Kaufman

Wendy Kushel

Page Leggett

Therese Donlan Lee

Nanette Makrauer

Nick Martin

Tamela Maxim

Dr. Matthew Mastrorocco

Lindsay Perry

Dan Prud’homme

Leslie Rohland

Cinda Seamon

Scott Selkowitz

Jason Smith

Edward Thomas

Paul Tollefson

Mayor Larry Toomer

Matt Uppenbrink

Sandro Virag

Mark Winn

Tracy Winslow

Melissa McCullough PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-9507

Physical address: 181 Bluffton Rd., Ste F103-2, Bluffton, SC 29910 BlufftonSun.com

All contents are copyrighted by Beaufort Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. All submissions must include name, address and phone number. The Editor reserves the right to edit or reject any material, including advertisements. The Bluffton Sun does not verify for licenses, endorse nor warrant any advertised businesses or services. The opinions and views expressed in the editorials are not necessarily those of the Editor and Publisher. Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Old Town Bluffton Merchants Society.

THE BLUFFTON SUN Issue 17, September 3, 2025, 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.

EDITORIAL

So, you want to run for office?

By Mayor Larry Toomer Contributor

Every election season, I hear from residents who are considering a run for Town Council. That passion is vital—our community thrives when our neighbors are engaged and willing to serve. But before you throw your hat in the ring, it’s important to understand the difference between the concept of holding office and the reality of daily public service.

Serving on Town Council isn’t a parttime hobby or a platform for talking points. It takes real commitment that demands time, preparation, and knowledge. We read hundreds of pages each week, including development proposals, contracts, legal memos, and budget documents. Town Council meeting packets range from 300 to 900 pages. And that’s just the reading.

We attend Council meetings, committee meetings, and joint sessions with regional and state partners. We return calls and emails from residents, business owners, and community partners. The time commitment? Easily 10–30 hours a week.

Many campaign slogans promise to “stop growth.” That sounds simple—until you’re seated at the Council dais and realize that much of the development we see today was approved legally years ago. The Town must operate within state laws and existing development agreements. If a property owner

meets all zoning and permitting requirements, they have a legal right to build.

That said, knowing what Town Council can do is your focus – we can invest in infrastructure, protect natural resources, promote affordable housing, and work with our regional partners to find long-term solutions. That’s where real progress is made—not in slogans, but in strategy and service.

If you’re serious about running, I encourage you to:

• Read the Town’s Resident Resource Guide to understand how the Town functions and how responsibilities are shared among agencies.

• Attend Council meetings and ask questions.

• Meet with Town Manager Stephen Steese to review the Town’s Strategic Plan and budget so you fully understand what’s ahead.

• Consider why you’re running. The most effective leaders serve the entire community—not just one neighborhood or interest group.

Here are some lessons learned from my current Council colleagues:

• Treat it like a job: This role demands consistent time and attention each week.

• You don’t know what you don’t know: Even with prior committee experience, it can take 1–3 years to fully understand the Town’s policies, legal parameters, and historical context.

• Regional understanding matters: Councilmembers often serve on boards like the Southern Lowcountry Regional Board (SOLOCO), Lowcountry Area Transportation Study (LATS), and Lowcountry Council of Governments (LOCOG). These partnerships shape funding, transpor-

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

I was disappointed in your recent article concerning BJWSA. The portion on the PFAS/PFOS in our water seemed misleading at best. I wish you had pointed out that for 2025, BJSWA’s tests for PFAS and PFOS failed to meet the MRL of 1.9 for every month in 2025 and only passed the MCL of 4.0 in May 2025.

The test results for 2025 Jan. to June pdf is attached, and the link is below to the BJWSA test results. BJWSA only started testing for PFAS and PFOS in 2023 and in the other link below they

tation, and planning decisions across jurisdictions.

• Be ready for pushback: Misinformation spreads faster than facts. Sometimes, the loudest voices don’t represent the majority. But with time, facts and thoughtful planning win out. (For example: Town Council faced strong opposition to the Dog Park and Wright Family Park—both are now cherished assets.)

• Know what the Town can’t do: Town Council doesn’t control utilities, major roadways, or can break legally binding development agreements. Understanding the Town’s legal and regulatory limits is crucial.

• Courage counts: Public service often means making difficult decisions. Know the issues’ nuances and minutiae so you have conviction in your decisions.

• Elected officials have one vote: Issues require open-mindedness and the ability to work together with other viewpoints and elected officials.

• Personal life: When you represent the town; that means your family dinner or personal time will be interrupted by people who want to speak to you wherever you are.

Running for office is an act of service. Bluffton is lucky; elected officials may not always agree but they all agree that they deeply care about our community.

The candidate filing period closes at noon on September 5. Whether you’re planning to vote or run for office, I encourage you to approach the process with thoughtfulness, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to our whole Bluffton community.

Larry Toomer is the mayor of the Town of Bluffton. ltoomer@townofbluffton.com

again failed in Nov. 2023. I have no idea how BJWSA is claiming in the report you mentioned PFAS and PFOS were only 1.7 and 2.3 because their own test’s shows otherwise. You also failed to mention that BJWSA is performing the tests themself so who knows if the

test results are accurate as an independent outside lab is not performing the tests according to the BJWSA customer service person I talked to today. Please do better.

Andrew Kiehle

See: bjwsa.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/120

bjwsa.org/DocumentCenter/ View/1142/PFAS-Monitoring-Results-2025-PDF?bidId=

LARRY TOOMER

Free Estate Planning Seminar

Beaufort County Delinquent

Tax Sale

Bluffton Buzzard Ball set to return

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

One of Bluffton’s quirkiest fall traditions will take flight again this year when the Bluffton Buzzard Ball returns Nov. 15th to the historic Heyward House.

For Guscio, the event is the latest in a long line of traditions she has nurtured over more than five decades. Her contributions include organizing the Bluffton Village Festival (originally Mayfest), the town’s Fourth of July and Easter parades for children, the Bluffton BBQ Festival, and the Bluffton Flower Show. Each celebration has combined small-town charm with a creative flair, making her one of Bluffton’s most influential cultural advocates.

Monday, October 6, 2025

Monday, October 2, 2023

10:00 a.m.

Buckwalter Recreation Center

905 Buckwalter Parkway in Bluffton

Delinquent Taxpayers

To avoid the auction of your property, all delinquent taxes must be paid before 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 29, 2023

Friday, October 3, 2025

Delinquent tax payments will not be accepted the day of the tax sale.

Interested Bi dd ers

Al l bidders must pre-register online at BeaufortCountyTreasurer.com before 12:00 p.m., Friday, September 29, 2023. A complete list of delinquent properties is available online at BeaufortCountyTreasurer.com

$50.00

12:00 p.m., Friday, October 3, 2025

The $30.00 registration fee includes a listing of all properties to be sold, distributed the morning of the sale.

Bidder sign-in begins at 8:00 a.m. the day of the sale and all bidders must be signed in no later than 9:30 a.m.

For spectators and community members, the Delinquent Tax Sale will be broadcast virtually via YouTube. BeaufortCountyTreasu rer.com

The event, scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m., promises an evening of food, live music, and dancing under the town’s signature canopy of live oaks. Guests will enjoy a Lowcountry dinner catered by Calibogue Catering, with complimentary mixers provided for those who bring their own beverages. Georgia Overdrive, a popular regional band, will provide the soundtrack for the night’s dancing.

Tickets are $65 and are available online at BlufftonBuzzard.com or in person at The Store, 56 Calhoun St. Organizers said attendees are welcome to come dressed as they are, though costumes and playful “buzzard homage” attire are encouraged.

The Buzzard Ball was created by Bluffton resident and community organizer Babbie Guscio, whose vision was to capture the town’s artistic and lighthearted spirit. “If you love Bluffton as much as I do, you’ll want to join us in celebrating the Buzzard by dining and dancing the night away,” Guscio said.

The Buzzard Ball continues that tradition by gathering neighbors and visitors alike for an evening that mixes humor, music and fellowship. Guests can expect a blend of community pride and playful irreverence that, according to Guscio, defines Bluffton’s identity.

The Heyward House, located in the heart of Old Town Bluffton, provides a fitting backdrop for the event. Built in 1841, the former residence is now operated as a museum and serves as Bluffton’s official welcome center. The venue’s sprawling oaks and open-air setting offer a distinctly Lowcountry atmosphere for the ball. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit a local Class of 2026 high school graduate pursuing their creative passions. Sponsorship opportunities are available in limited quantities, providing businesses and individuals a chance to support both the event and Bluffton’s next generation of artistic talent.

Organizers said the Buzzard Ball has quickly become a hallmark of Bluffton’s fall social calendar. Its mix of dinner, dancing and tonguein-cheek fun attracts longtime locals and newcomers alike, offering a chance to celebrate what makes the town unique.

“Come as you are, or in your best Buzzard homage, and get ready for a night to remember,” Guscio said.

The Bluffton Buzzard Ball will take place Saturday, Nov. 15th, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Heyward House. For details on tickets, sponsorships, or event information, visit BlufftonBuzzard.com or contact Guscio at thestoresc@gmail.com.

Trade your alarm clock for steel drums and a long commute for a leisurely stroll. At Latitude Margaritaville, every day is a vacation where “wasting away” means soaking up the sun and every moment revolves around fun.

MOVE-IN-SOON HOMES ARE AVAILABLE NOW.

DON’T WAIT TO GET THE BEST VALUE IN 55+ ACTIVE LIVING!

RBC extends title sponsorship of RBC Heritage

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The RBC Heritage will continue as one of the PGA TOUR’s premier events on Hilton Head Island for years to come following a new multi-year extension of RBC’s title sponsorship.

The announcement, made Aug. 18th by the PGA TOUR, RBC and the Heritage Classic Foundation, ensures the bank’s name will remain tied to the Lowcountry’s largest annual sporting event. RBC has served as title sponsor since 2012, while Boeing remains the tournament’s presenting sponsor after signing an extension earlier this year.

The 2026 RBC Heritage, part of the PGA TOUR’s Signature Event series, is scheduled for April 16th-19th at Harbour Town Golf Links.

Welcome Dr. Louque!

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

ROCDENTALGROUP.COM

Bluffton | 843.706.3800

Hilton Head | 843.682.4601

Emergency Care | Annual Membership Plans

Financing Available | Se Habla Español

Our Insurance Experts File Your Claims

2000

A signature role

“As the title sponsor of two events on the PGA TOUR schedule, RBC plays an essential role in golf, providing both critical development at the amateur level and life-changing moments for the world’s greatest players,” said PGA TOUR CEO Brian Rolapp. “We are grateful to extend our relationship with RBC … as well as the RBC Heritage, the Signature Event culminating across the marina from Harbour Town’s iconic lighthouse.”

The tournament is one of only a handful of Signature Events on the TOUR schedule, featuring elevated purses and elite fields.

Community and economic impact

Organizers and sponsors underscored the Heritage’s role as both a world-class golf tournament and a major driver for South Carolina’s economy.

“We are pleased to extend our long-standing relationship with the PGA

TOUR, and to continue working with our partners to elevate the RBC Heritage … for players and fans,” said Mary DePaoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at RBC. “These world-class tournaments are also becoming powerful drivers of economic and social impact, with more than $56 million raised for local charities across North America, and nearly $250 million of economic impact generated in 2024 alone.”

Since 1987, the tournament’s charitable arm, the Heritage Classic Foundation, has distributed more than $52 million to nonprofits in the Lowcountry and across South Carolina.

“We are thrilled that RBC has extended our partnership, as their continued commitment strengthens our worldclass PGA TOUR event on Hilton Head Island and fuels its profound impact across South Carolina,” said Steve Wilmot, Heritage Classic Foundation President and RBC Heritage Tournament Director. “The RBC Heritage is a major economic driver for our state and a powerful force for good. Having a steadfast partner like RBC allows us to grow our mission and deepen our reach, and we look forward to this exciting next chapter together.”

A Lowcountry tradition

First played in 1969, the Heritage has become one of the TOUR’s most iconic stops, with its lighthouse backdrop at Harbour Town Golf Links recognized around the world. Winners include Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Davis Love III and Matt Fitzpatrick, who captured the plaid jacket in 2023.

The RBC Heritage will again bring international attention to Hilton Head when it returns in 2026, broadcast by CBS, GOLF Channel, ESPN+ and international partners through the TOUR’s World Feed.

Groundbreaking begins on I-95 widening

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

State and local officials gathered on August 21st to break ground on the Interstate 95 Widening and Improvements Project in Jasper County, marking the start of the largest project in the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s history.

The effort, developed in partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation, will expand 70 miles of I-95 between the Georgia state line and I-26 in Orangeburg County. Improvements include the addition of lanes, new bridges, and redesigned interchanges to keep up with growth in the region. A new bridge over the Savannah River will also improve the connection between South Carolina and Georgia.

Gov. Henry McMaster said the project will support safety and economic development across the state.

“People and businesses want to come to South Carolina, and we need the roads to support our momentum,” McMaster said. “Interstates like I-95 are essential to both daily life and long-term economic strength.”

Transportation Secretary Justin Powell said beginning construction on

the first 10 miles in Jasper County represents a milestone for the agency.

“We are excited to begin work on this project alongside our partners at GDOT to make this area of I-95 a better entryway to our great state,” Powell said.

For residents, the improvements are expected to ease congestion, reduce delays, and make travel safer for daily commuters and long-distance drivers alike.

Officials also point to potential benefits for local businesses, with better highway access helping to attract employers and tourists to the Lowcountry.

Future phases will include significant changes to Exit 3 near Hardeeville and Exit 8 at U.S. 278. Exit 3 will be upgraded to handle increasing residential and industrial growth in the area, with new ramp designs aimed at reducing traffic backups. Exit 8, one of the busiest interchanges in the county, will be modernized to improve safety and traffic flow for drivers heading to Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. Both interchanges will be rebuilt to meet current federal design standards and better serve the region’s long-term growth.

The I-95 Widening and Improvements Project is scheduled for completion by 2030.

More information is available at scdoti95widening.com.

William Raveis is proud to be selected as one of the national Finalists for Top Luxury Brokerage, Golden I Club 2025 by Inman, the voice of REALTORS®. And we are honored to announce we are #1 in the United States thanks to our extraordinary sales associates, managers, marketing, technology and support teams.

The Agency

Amherst Madison

Brown Harris Stevens

Christie’s International Real Estate (acquired by Compass)

Corcoran Group

Engel & Völkers

Sotheby’s International Realty William Raveis

Okatie

LEGACY OF IMPACT

At Community Foundation of the Lowcountry (CFL), we make charitable giving simple, personal, and powerful. With over 30 years of trusted service, CFL connects generous people with causes that matterright here in the Lowcountry.

When you partner with CFL, you have the opportunity to choose flexible charitable fund options and witness the tangible results of your

LEGACY OF IMPACT

Contact Community Foundation of the Lowcountry at 843-681-9100 or visit cf-lowcountry.org to learn how your generosity can create lasting change!

When you partner with CFL, you have the opportunity to choose flexible charitable fund options and witness the tangible results of your philanthropic efforts.

To support CFL’s grantmaking in the four-county region, please scan the QR code.

Beaufort County prepares for delinquent tax sale

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Contact Community Foundation of the Lowcountry at 843-681-9100 or visit cf-lowcountry.org to learn how your generosity can create lasting change!

When you partner with CFL, you have the opportunity to choose flexible charitable fund options and witness the tangible results of your philanthropic efforts.

Contact Community Foundation of the Lowcountry at 843-681-9100 or visit cf-lowcountry.org to learn how your generosity can create lasting change!

To support CFL’s grantmaking in the four-county region, please scan the QR code.

When you partner with CFL, you have the opportunity to choose flexible charitable fund options and witness the tangible results of your philanthropic efforts.

To support CFL’s grantmaking in the four-county region, please scan the QR code.

The annual Beaufort County Delinquent Tax Sale is scheduled for Monday, October 6, 2025, at the Buckwalter Recreation Center in Bluffton. The auction, conducted by the County Treasurer’s Office, will offer properties with unpaid taxes to registered bidders, in compliance with South Carolina Code §12-51-50

delinquent taxes, interest, and applicable fees within 12 months and one day after the sale. If redemption does not occur, the Treasurer’s Office records a tax sale deed with the Register of Deeds, typically within 90 days of the redemption deadline.

What homeowners should know

4 Northridge Drive, Hilton Head Island 843.681.9100 • cf-lowcountry.org

Contact Community Foundation of the Lowcountry at 843-681-9100 or visit cf-lowcountry.org to learn how your generosity can create lasting change!

4 Northridge Drive, Hilton Head Island 843.681.9100 • cf-lowcountry.org

To support CFL’s grantmaking in the four-county region, please scan the QR code.

4 Northridge Drive, Hilton Head Island 843.681.9100 • cf-lowcountry.org

All delinquent properties must be advertised prior to the sale in accordance with statute; publication is expected to begin in early September. A full listing of properties will appear in the September 16th edition of the Bluffton Sun which will be available online at blufftonsun.com.

Bidders must register in advance— either online or in person—beginning on the first Tuesday in September. The process closes at noon on Friday, October 3, 2025, and carries a nonrefundable registration fee of $50.

The sale operates as a tax deed auction. While ownership may ultimately transfer to the bidder if the delinquent taxpayer fails to redeem, most participants seek the guaranteed interest return, rather than the property itself. Current official resources specify that annual interest for the 2025 tax sale will be set at 12%, charged quarterly. That equates to 3% for each quarter the property remains redemption eligible: October–December, January–March, April–June, and July–September. Redemption allows the original owner to reclaim the property by paying the

Owners facing potential sale have received notifications via certified mail, newspaper notices and signs posted on the property. To avoid auction, delinquent taxes must be paid by the statutory deadline, usually late September. Specifics for 2025 are expected to mirror prior years’ schedules.

If the property is redeemed, the winning bidder is refunded the purchase price plus interest, though a delay may occur if required documentation is missing. If the property is not redeemed, the successful bidder becomes the owner— subject to title issues—after recording.

Why buyers participate

Buyers often target these auctions not to own property, but to collect the guaranteed annual interest. Many properties are redeemed before ownership transfers. Outside analyses of tax lien investments note that while high returns can be attractive, they may carry risks such as title issues, other liens, or neighborhood decline.

For details on registration, property listings, and auction rules, contact Jeff DeLoach, deputy tax collector, at jdeloach@bcgov.net. Additional resources, including deadlines and payment options, are available at the Beaufort County Treasurer’s Office website: www. beaufortcountytreasurer.com.

TRIPLE FELLOWSHIP TRAINED PLASTIC SURGEON SPECIALIZING IN

BREAST

Epps MD, MS,

Epps RN, BSN

My bunker woes

By Dr. Jean Harris Contributor

I have played golf for over 60 years and I have always enjoyed bunker shots. Growing up in South Florida, all the courses I played were well-bunkered and I enjoyed the challenge.

However, I was away from golf last year, due to a hand injury and when I returned to playing, I had difficulty hitting my wedges. I even purchased two new wedges to see if that would help, it didn’t.

Recently, I had my “all time” worst day on the golf course getting into the bunker five times and not being able to get out on my first swing. My frustration level was very high, to say the least. Trust me when I say that I can feel your pain in the bunkers.

So, I have decided to go back to the bunker basics that I teach and “practice what I preach.”

• Start with Grip - Make sure that you have a “weak” grip with the back of your target wrist facing the target and your dominant hand more on top of the grip.

• Aim your club – You need to aim the clubhead to the target.

• Use the Bounce – Open the clubface first and use the bottom or rounded part of the club, the bounce, not the clubface to hit the sand.

If you use the leading edge of the club

the, it will dig into the sand.

• Stance and ball position – Widen your stance and make sure you bend your knees and dig feet into the sand to get good balance. Your stance needs to be open to your target line. Ball position needs to be more forward in your stance.

• Backswing - You need an earlier wrist cock and a steeper, more upright backswing. Length of backswing should be ½ to ¾. You don’t need a full backswing.

• Path of Swing – Swing along your body line which is open to the target. Therefore, your swing path should be “outside-in” to the target that your club is aimed at.

• Contact the sand – Your club should enter the sand at least 2” behind the ball. Think of hitting a dollar bill out of the sand with the ball being on George Washington. Your club doesn’t hit the ball, you hit the sand out of the bunker. (Practice hitting off dollar bills).

• Follow through – Finish with a ½ to full swing depending on how far the flagstick is from you. You don’t need a lot of lower body weight shift. Find a place to practice your bunker shots, and if you have to, go out late in the day and practice on your golf course.

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

Bluffton,

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 have a conversation.

Business briefs

SC Biz News honors women-focused companies, top leaders

SC Biz News has announced its 2025 Empowering Women and Most Influential Leaders honorees, recognizing individuals and organizations making significant contributions to South Carolina’s business community.

Among those honored as Most Influential Leaders is Jeanean Petoskey, chief executive officer at LawyerLisa. The award program highlights executives across the business and nonprofit sectors who demonstrate leadership, integrity, vision, community engagement and company performance.

The Empowering Women Awards honor companies and organizations that show measurable results in hiring, promoting and supporting women. Winners were selected by the SC Biz News leadership team based on criteria such as advancement opportunities, advocacy efforts and initiatives to develop future female professionals.

More information is available at scbiznews.com.

William Raveis named top luxury brokerage

William Raveis has been named Top Luxury Brokerage by the Inman Golden I Club, one of the real estate industry’s highest honors. The award was announced earlier this month at Inman Luxury Connect in San Diego.

The Shelton, Conn.-based company, which has more than 4,500 sales associates in the Northeast, Florida and South Carolina, was recognized for its longstanding commitment to luxury real estate service.

Other national finalists included Sotheby’s International Realty, The Agency, Brown Harris Stevens and Engel & Völkers.

Founder and CEO Bill Raveis credited the award to the company’s privately held structure, which allows for reinvestment in technology, marketing and agent support without shareholder pressures.

The brokerage has also been recognized for its concierge-style services, which combine home, mortgage, insurance and moving support under one umbrella. The company recently earned finalist recognition for “Most Innovative Marketing or Branding Campaign” by Inman Innovators in 2025.

Founded 50 years ago, William Raveis continues to rank among the top independent family-owned brokerages in the nation. More information is available at raveis.com.

ROC Dental Group expands on Hilton Head

ROC Dental Group has expanded its Main Street practice on Hilton Head Island, adding a new dentist and hygienist to its staff.

Owner and founder Matthew Mastrorocco, DMD, welcomed Dr. Logan Louque, a Louisiana State University graduate who had been practicing in Columbia, S.C. The practice also added hygienist Nyaisha Griffin of St. Helena Island, a recent graduate of Trident Technical College in Charleston.

Louque said he was drawn to the practice because of its patient-centered approach and privately owned structure, which allows for more time with patients.

O’Reilly Auto Parts opens new Bluffton store

O’Reilly Auto Parts has opened a new location in Bluffton at 4362 Bluffton Parkway.

The new store offers a wide selection of auto parts, backed by the company’s lowprice guarantee and manufacturer’s warranty. With a nearby distribution center, parts not available in store can typically be delivered by the next day. The Bluffton store is part of O’Reilly’s expansion in the Southeas Store locations are available at oreillyauto.com.

Optim Orthopedics adds three fellowship-trained surgeons

Optim Orthopedics is expanding its team with three new fellowship-trained surgeons starting in September, enhancing access to specialized care across Southeast Georgia and Bluffton, South Carolina.

The new physicians are: Charles Powell, MD, joint replacement, serving Brunswick and Jesup; Edward Fakhre, MD, spine surgery, serving multiple locations including Savannah and Bluffton; and William “Cole” Skinner, MD, foot and ankle surgery, serving Savannah, Statesboro, Jesup, and Richmond Hill.

Patients can now book appointments through Optim’s new online scheduling system, designed to cut wait times, which already average just 8.1 days compared with the national average of 16.9.

Optim Orthopedics operates clinics across Southeast Georgia and the Lowcountry with more than 30 fellowship-trained physicians.

To submit business news for consideration in future issues, email editor@ blufftonsun.com.

Staying connected in the digital age

By Matt Uppenbrink Contributor

In our serene setting of the Lowcountry, a quiet revolution is taking place. Older adults are increasingly embracing technology not just as a convenience, but as an essential tool for maintaining their independence, staying connected with loved ones across the globe, and continuing to learn and explore the world we share.

And for those looking at Independent Living communities as the next step in their journey recognize that digital literacy and access is no longer optional but a requirement to make that move. Many of these communities are positioning themselves to address the digital divide that affects older adults nationwide.

The challenge is significant. Research published in JMIR Aging demonstrates

that structured digital literacy programs can dramatically improve older adults’ technology skills and confidence. For independent living communities, this presents both an opportunity and a responsibility to ensure their residents don’t become isolated in an increasingly connected world.

Technology integration is an essential part of maintaining the “vibrant senior lifestyle” retirement promises to bring, along with physical activities, social connection, and fulfilling experiences. Residents need digital skills for everything from video calls with grandchildren to accessing telehealth services, managing online banking, and participating in virtual community events.

Local computer clubs continue to serve as a valuable resource for residents, helping with various devices and platforms. However, some forward-thinking active living communities recognize the need to bring technology support directly to their residents, creating on-site programs, classes, and partnerships that address the unique learning styles of older adults. Communities provide support and amenities for seniors who no longer want to be responsible for home maintenance,

and increasingly, this includes technological support. Modern amenities now encompass not just dining service and housekeeping, but also WiFi infrastructure, computer labs, IT security and safety support, and digital literacy programs. These benefits extend beyond simple convenience. For residents of communities like The Seabrook of Hilton Head and other local providers, technology has become a bridge to the broader world. Whether it’s participating in virtual programs offered by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at USC Beaufort, accessing services through the Lowcountry Area Agency on Aging, or simply staying connected with family members

through Amazon Alexa, Zoom calls, and other apps on their cell phones, digital fluency has become integral to successful aging in place.

This collaborative approach taken by senior living communities reflects a broader understanding that independent living in the 21st century requires digital independence. By providing comprehensive technological support within the safe, supportive environment of a familiar setting alongside their peers, residents can learn and practice new skills without the anxiety that often accompanies technology adoption.

As the population of active seniors continues to grow in the Lowcountry, communities are evolving into comprehensive lifestyle centers that address every aspect of modern senior living. Technology integration isn’t just an amenity—it’s becoming the foundation that enables truly independent living in our digital age.

Matt Uppenbrink, MS, is the Executive Director of The Seabrook of Hilton Head. Interested in learning more about The Seabrook of Hilton Head or if you would like to schedule a tour: https://www.theseabrook.com/ or call 843-842-3747.

SHOP T O SAV E HO MELE S S P ET S!

MATT UPPENBRINK

Let A mericAn Wood r efAce create your new dream kitchen in less than a week with our premium 1 /4'' S olid Wood c Abinet r efAcing . Saves time and hassle, and saves up to half the cost of replacement.

Our experienced carpenters painstakingly reface the cabinet boxes with premium furniture-grade 1 ⁄4” solid hardwood

We install brand new Amish-crafted solid wood doors and drawer fronts –cabinets look and perform JUST LIKE NEW AGAIN!

Huge selection of styles, colors, and wood finishes in eight different domestic woods. Beautiful new stone countertops.

Modify and customize cabinets: change function, extend, reduce or add new cabinets. Roll-outs† and drawer banks for accessibility and convenience.

$1 million gift doubles USCB Lucchesi Scholarship Fund

By James Jolly Contributor

An additional $1 million gift has doubled the largest endowed scholarship fund at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. The donation was made recently by the anonymous donors who first created the scholarship seven years ago.

The Nicholas D. Lucchesi Memorial Scholarship currently awards $10,000 a year each to five qualifying USCB students, in perpetuity.

“This scholarship has been life-altering for so many students to pursue their educational dreams, and now we are honored to assist 10 students a year with scholarships,” said Joe and Dana Lucchesi, Nick’s parents.

Lucchesi was a junior hospitality management major when he passed away in October 2018.

“Our son’s memory inspired very dear family friends to make this remarkable gift, twice,” said the Lucchesis, who live on Hilton Head Island. “We are immeasurably grateful that Nick’s legacy includes life-changing opportunities for future generations of USCB students.”

Born on Hilton Head Island, Nick Lucchesi graduated from Hilton Head Preparatory School in 2016. An athlete, lover of nature, and enthusiastic outdoorsman, he aspired to be a Lowcountry waterway and fishing guide and earned his captain’s license at age 18. Lucchesi then founded Fins Up Fishing Charters, LLC, and spent his final summer practicing his craft and building his business.

Reverend Dr. Alex Glenn of Memphis, TN, was Lucchesi’s roommate at USCB.

“One of the brightest lights you could ever encounter, Nick literally shifted atmospheres when he walked into a room with his positive light, energy, and attitude,” Glenn recalls. “To this day, I still reminisce about the times he’d never cease to amaze me on the water, nor fail to humor me on the field.”

Another friend and USCB classmate, accountant Chris O’Donnell of Bluffton remembers Lucchesi for his passion and caring.

“Growing up, he always found ways to bring people together and make us all smile and happy,” said O’Donnell,

who named his son Maverick Nicholas in memory of Lucchesi. “There are so many lessons he taught me that I am now able to pass along to my sons.”

To date, the Nicholas Lucchesi Memorial Scholarship has helped 12 USCB students pursue their dreams in various fields, including nursing, business, psychology, marine biology, and education.

Tobias “Toby” Brock of Columbia, SC, is a current recipient of a Lucchesi scholarship. He is a junior majoring in Hospitality, Tourism, and Resort Management with a minor in Special Events Management. After graduation, he hopes to build a career in ecotourism and excursion planning.

“This wonderful scholarship makes it possible for me to further my studies and career at USCB,” Brock said. “I feel blessed that I get to honor the Lucchesi family through my work in nature tourism and our shared passion for the Lowcountry. I am forever grateful for this scholarship because it has given me the opportunity of a lifetime.”

For more information about establishing a scholarship at USCB, contact Tim Daniels, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations, at 843-208-8258 or tdaniels@uscb.edu.

James Jolly is Senior Director of Marketing & Communications at the University of South Carolina Beaufort.

Nicholas D. Lucchesi

Bluffton council approves 120-unit workforce housing project

Bluffton Town Council has cleared the way for a 120-unit affordable apartment community aimed at supporting the region’s workforce and future health care employees.

Town Council unanimously approved the development of Livewell Terrace by Beaufort Memorial Hospital (BMH), a 120-unit apartment community on Buckwalter Parkway. The decision followed the second and final reading of ordinances transferring residential development rights from the town to to project developer Woda Cooper Companies and Beaufort Memorial.

The complex will be built on Buckwalter Park way, less than a mile from Beaufort Memorial’s planned Bluffton Community Hospital, a $103 million, 28-bed facility expected to open in 2027.

to qualified tenants regardless of employer.

The 10-acre site was purchased in 2023 by Beaufort County from St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church with the intent of creating workforce housing. The sale was backed by the Town of Bluffton Affordable Housing Committee and received unanimous approval from Beaufort County Council earlier this

“Providing quality, affordable housing is critical to attracting and retaining the staff we need to deliver exceptional care,” said Russell Baxley, BMH president and CEO. “Livewell Terrace will not only benefit our team but will also help address a pressing community need.”

The project will include 30 one-bedroom, 60 two-bedroom and 30 three-bedroom apartments. Rents will range from $570 to $1,720 a month, depending on unit size and income qualifications. Units will be available

“Affordable housing is essential to sustaining Bluffton’s economic growth,” Mayor Larry Toomer said. “Projects like Livewell Terrace make it possible for teachers, nurses, hospitality workers and other essential employees to live in the community they serve.”

“A decade ago, affordable housing was an issue few wanted to tackle— today it’s a top priority because we know it directly impacts economic development, quality of life and the prosperity of our entire community,” Mayor Toomer said.

The high cost of living in the Lowcountry is one of the barriers to attracting skilled professionals in healthcare and other industries. Construction is expected to begin by the end of the year once permitting is complete. The first tenants could move in by early 2027.

Scholarship resources at the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry (CFL) manages more than 50 scholarships to help students in Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton and Colleton counties pursue higher education. Since 1995, the foundation has connected donor funds with students based on a variety of eligibility criteria.

Scholarships fall into several categories, including merit-based, need-based, service-oriented, hardship recognition and awards for nontraditional students. Many combine academic achievement with financial need, and some are tied to specific schools, majors or extracurricular activities.

Applications are handled through CFL’s online portal. Students create an account, complete a universal application and, if eligible, answer supplemental questions for individual awards. Supporting materials such as transcripts, recommendation letters and FAFSA documentation may be required. Returning applicants can often use a streamlined follow-up process. Deadlines vary but most fall between

Education briefs

mid-January and mid-April. The Heritage Classic Foundation also partners with CFL to award scholarships to students in Beaufort and Jasper counties, with applications opening each fall.

Awards range from a few hundred dollars for textbooks and supplies to multiyear commitments worth $20,000. Because criteria differ, CFL encourages students to review each opportunity carefully and begin applications early.

More information, including eligibility quizzes, full guidelines and deadlines, is available at cf-lowcountry.org/students/ find-a-scholarship

Bluffton High School has welcomed Lauren Norris as its new school nurse.

Norris, a Boston native, previously worked for more than 20 years at Beaufort Memorial Hospital as a registered nurse in the emergency room, oncology and medical-surgical units.

Outside of work, she enjoys the beach, cruising, sports, music and spending time with her family, especially watching her two sons play. She said her goal at Bluffton High is to help keep Bobcat Nation

healthy and to make a positive difference in the school community.

JPII middle schoolers learn science safety through hands-on lessons

John Paul II Catholic School middle schoolers kicked off the semester with lab sessions designed to show that safety is as essential as curiosity.

Science teacher Nicole Schatzle led sixth- and eighth-graders through interactive activities that blended problem-solving with practical skills. Sixth-graders investigated a staged “lab crime scene,”

where they identified safety errors in a mock experiment and discussed how to correct them. They later tested how Pixie Sticks dissolve in different amounts of water, practicing safe measuring, pouring and cleanup along the way.

Eighth-graders took part in the “Eye Scramble” experiment, which underscored the importance of protective eyewear. By comparing water to clear chemicals like hydrogen peroxide and observing how egg whites reacted, students saw firsthand the risks of skipping goggles in the lab.

Schatzle said the goal was to show students that good habits in middle school labs prepare them for more advanced work in high school and beyond. Through teamwork, problem-solving and plenty of lively experiments, students walked away with a clear message: science is most rewarding when safety is second nature.

To submit educational news for consideration in future issues, email editor@ blufftonsun.com.

CAROLINA ATTIC SOLUTIONS

MOTORIZED REMOTE CONTROLLED STAIRS AND LIFT

Pure Med Spa is here to assist you in achieving your skincare goals.

Enlarged Pores | Oily or Congested skin

DR. KLENKE’S APPROACH

“At Pinnacle, we want our patients to feel like they are part of our family and we strive to treat them that way from the first time they visit. We pride ourselves on the customer experience. It is important to always keep up with the latest advances, but our practice uniquely separates the gimmicks from the options that produce results. It is our philosophy to listen first to our patients’ goals and then help guide them to the treatments and procedures that will help us all work toward that shared goal. Your inner and outer you should be in harmony.”

Audrey Klenke, MD, FACS, Board Certified

Mitchelville Freedom Park breaks ground on new archaeological research facility, auditorium

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Dozens recently gathered at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park for what leaders described as a major step forward in the effort to preserve and share the story of America’s first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people.

On Aug. 27th, park officials, community members, and supporters broke ground on a new Archaeological Research Facility and Auditorium, a project more than 25 years in the making. The new space will serve as a hub for uncovering, studying, and interpreting the history of Mitchelville, a settlement founded in 1862 on Hilton Head Island by people freed during the Civil War.

Ahmad Ward, executive director of the park, said the groundbreaking was a victory for the community and for generations to come. “This groundbreaking marks a powerful turning point — decades of dedication, vision, and perseverance have led us to this moment,” Ward said. “For over 25 years, and for many in our community, a lifetime, this project has been a deeply held goal. We’re creating a place where history will be uncovered, voices will be amplified, and generations will come to understand the significance of Mitchelville. This is a victory for our ancestors, our supporters, and our shared future.”

The groundbreaking included ceremonial shovels in the soil at the park’s 40 Harriet Tubman Way location. Among those present were members of the park’s board of directors, local elected officials, and community leaders, along with descendants of Mitchelville residents.

The new facility will feature laboratory and research space for archaeologists, an auditorium for lectures and community programming, and educational displays highlighting discoveries from the site. Leaders said the project will make Mitchelville one of the few African

American historic sites in the Southeast with an on-site archaeological research hub.

The auditorium is expected to host lectures, performances, and community events. Park officials said it will provide a needed venue for school groups, heritage tourism programs, and cultural gatherings that highlight Gullah Geechee traditions, an integral part of the region’s identity.

The project reflects years of collaboration between the park, the Town of Hilton Head, and a wide range of supporters. State and local grants, along with private donations, helped make the construction possible. Officials did not announce a final construction timeline but said work is expected to begin immediately following the groundbreaking. For community members, the facility represents more than bricks and mortar. It marks a commitment to honoring ancestors who carved out freedom under extraordinary circumstances. Founded in the midst of the Civil War, Mitchelville offered self-governance, education, and land ownership to freed men and women years before Reconstruction. At its height, hundreds lived in the town, running schools, churches, and businesses in what many historians call a blueprint for African American communities after emancipation.

The park continues to seek support for its long-term plans, which include additional interpretive trails, expanded exhibits, and preservation of existing cultural landscapes. The groundbreaking, however, was the most visible step yet.

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the story of Mitchelville through cultural programs, educational initiatives, and historic preservation. To learn more about the park’s projects or to support the archaeological facility and auditorium, visit exploremitchelville.org.

Navigating the closing process in the Lowcountry

By Chip Collins Contributor

Buying or selling a home in the Lowcountry is an exciting milestone, but between signing a contract and sitting at the closing table lies a detailed process filled with moving parts. In South Carolina, that journey is uniquely shaped by state laws, local practices, and the many “characters” who enter the story along the way. Understanding who those players are - and how they interactcan make the difference between a smooth closing and a stressful one.

The Framework of a Closing Every transaction begins with a contract, which establishes the framework for the deal. While price often receives the most attention, other terms such as closing timelines, inspection periods, and

contingencies play just as important a role in shaping the path ahead. When negotiated thoughtfully, this contract lays the groundwork for a cooperative, efficient process.

Key Players in the Process

One of the first characters to step into the picture is the “other” agent. Their experience, communication style, and professionalism can strongly influence the transaction. A seasoned, collaborative agent helps keep the process moving forward, while a less experienced one may require more guidance to avoid delays.

Next comes the other party - the buyer or seller on the opposite side of the transaction. Their intent, priorities, and flexibility (or lack thereof) can shape the storyline. “Hot buttons” on either side need to be identified and addressed, stressing the importance of open communication and attention to detail throughout the process. Recognizing that each good negotiation reflects a give-and-take approach is crucial for achieving a successful agreement and outcome. South Carolina law requires attorneys to oversee real estate closings, making the attorney another central character.

Choosing a local attorney is key. Out-ofstate counsel may lack familiarity with area contracts, property regimes, or the nuances of Lowcountry communities, creating unnecessary complications. In fact, many professionals advise that each side retain their own attorney to ensure fair and efficient representation. Inspectors also play a pivotal role. Beyond the standard home inspection, transactions here often involve specialists in termites, stucco, pools, or structural systems. Their findings may lead to repair negotiations, credits, or contract amendments, all of which must be managed carefully to stay on track for closing. Reliable, licensed contractors become essential supporting characters in this stage.

For buyers using financing, lenders and appraisers enter the process as well. Local lenders understand regional homeowners’ associations, condo documentation, and unique property structures, helping to prevent last-minute surprises. Similarly, appraisers familiar with the Lowcountry’s diverse neighborhoods and market trends are better positioned to provide accurate valuations.

PRESENTS:

Talk with the Doc SOLUTIONS FOR SHOULDER PAIN

MONDAY SEPTEMBER AT 1 PM

BLUFFTON BRANCH, BEAUFORT COUNTY LIBRARY

120 PALMETTO WAY, BLUFFTON

ABOUT

The Importance of Coordination

What ties all these elements together is proactive management. Successful real estate teams often rely on dedicated closing coordinators who track deadlines, anticipate potential issues, and maintain clear communication among all parties. From ensuring utilities are transferred, to handling last-minute repairs, to advising when insurance coverage should remain in place, these professionals help clients avoid pitfalls that could otherwise derail the process.

A Smooth Ending

Every closing is different - no two transactions are exactly alike. But with the right framework, the right local professionals, and attentive coordination, buyers and sellers in the Lowcountry can navigate the journey from contract to keys with confidence. In the end, the goal is always the same: to write a happy story that concludes with a successful closing day.

Chip Collins is the Broker-Owner of Collins Group Realty founded in 2002. Find Chip at chip@collinsgrouprealty.com or collinsgrouprealty.com

Dr. Cory Messerschmidt Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists 843-524-3015

Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Messerschmidt works with patients to preserve and maintain joint health, providing personalized shoulder, hip and knee procedures using the most advanced surgical techniques. Fellowship trained in sports medicine, he also provides preventive and rehabilitative care to patients who have developed injuries related to physical activity. Dr. Messerschmidt joined Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists in July 2025 and sees patients in Beaufort and Okatie.

When the Simple Things Hurt: Don’t Shoulder the Pain Alone

Have your questions answered about shoulder issues including persistent stiffness, aching and weakness. Hear about diagnostic approaches, conservative treatments and surgical solutions for rotator cuff tears, arthritis and tendon injuries.

Join Beaufort Memorial board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon Cory Messerschmidt, M.D., FAAOS, for an interactive discussion about:

• Common types of shoulder injuries and how to avoid them

• Importance of movement and strength training for shoulder health

• Effective non-surgical treatments to relieve shoulder pain

• The latest innovations in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery and joint replacement

CHIP COLLINS

Second marriages and blended families

By Mark Winn Contributor

If you are in a second marriage or have a blended family, then you need to plan ahead, carefully. You want to plan to avoid unnecessary administrative costs, taxes and delay: preserving privacy and keeping it in your family. Situations that involve second marriages and blended families often reveal competing considerations. Fortunately, using the law of trusts can often help us accommodate the competing concerns and fashion a comfortable result for all interested parties.

Assume, for instance, Bernard and Denise have each been married in the past, and they want to live together. They have determined getting married is unduly burdensome and not necessary. Bernard has two children from a prior marriage:

Teresa and Liza. Denise has two children from a prior marriage: Amy and Tom. Bernard owns the home and wants Denise to be able to live in the house for her remaining single life, if she survives him. What should Bernard do?

First, Bernard and Denise should have it in writing that they DO NOT intend to be married. Bernard should create a trust and deed his real estate into it. It will not go through probate when he passes, and the instructions in the trust will control. He may direct Denise may live there during her life, and when she passes, it goes to his children. He can place a time limit or conditions on her living there. He may also name one of his children as co-trustee. The language needs to be clear about the rights and responsibilities created.

Now, assume Amy has special needs that entitle her to government assistance. Denise’s disposition will want to ensure that Amy’s share may be held in trust for her benefit and perhaps that her brother Tom is the trustee. If done properly, these funds can be made available for the benefit of Amy in a special needs trust while at the same time not jeopardizing her government benefits.

Now, assume Teresa is a surgeon. For asset protection purposes, her share should be left to her “in trust” with a clause that spells out her share will not be subject to creditors or other lawsuits, so that these assets would not be exposed to lawsuits. Further, let us assume that Teresa will never have children because she is infertile and she will not adopt. In this case, it would be wise to spell out in Teresa’s trust that when Teresa passes, the property will go to Liza.

In sum, by the above example we can

see trusts can be used to control the flow of assets over time and to preserve government entitlements and protect inheritance from legal claims. If used properly, trust law can prove a wonderful tool to manage competing concerns that naturally arise in the context of cases involving second marriages and blended families.

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

MARK WINN

Nature’s Way

Patience and caring

By Collins Doughtie Contributor

I would love to say that I did nothing but fish over the past couple of weeks, but the truth is I didn’t get to wet a line once. Why? As if you haven’t noticed, it hasn’t just rained every single day, it has dumped crazy amounts of water paired with bone jarring thunder storms. In my book, not the best for fishing. Luckily my son Logan flew in from Los Angeles where he now lives and works for the John Tracy Center, a highly touted non-profit organization for deaf and hearing-impaired children.

So why am I writing about my son when this is supposed to be an outdoor column? I can answer that question by saying that his love for the outdoors had a lot to do with his choice of careers. If you are wondering how this love for the outdoors has anything to do with working within the non-profit sector, then let me explain. In a nutshell, it all has to do with patience and caring, two components that seem to be a constant with nearly every avid outdoorsman that I have ever known.

Since my son was barely old enough to talk, I would take him with me whenever I would go fishing or just messing around in the outdoors. In those early days I can still remember that he seemed more interested with playing with the bait than he was with fishing. At the time I didn’t know what to think of it. I didn’t want to push him into something he didn’t have an interest in but the more I thought about it, I would much rather he be out there with me than sitting in front of the TV or computer, so I let him play with the bait all he wanted. Like so many parents, I wanted him to avoid mistakes I had made in my younger years (which I made many) and the best way to do that was by steering him in directions that hopefully would keep him from away from some of the early pitfalls that had caused me anxiety and stress.

As each year passed, I noticed that he was developing patience. For example, when he was around seven years old, he was able to focus on fishing for about fifteen minutes before he would put down his fishing rod and do something else. By the time he was ten that span had grown to an hour and now that he is in his mid-thirties,

he will fish from dawn til dusk or longer providing that I could match his pace. You may think this is the way it goes with all kids but to me it was the outdoors that taught him the wonderful attribute of patience.

We all know that L.A. isn’t known for its fishing, but Logan and his bride Kali did find that it is a great place for hiking. Living on the outskirts of L.A. proper, he and a few friends hike nearly every weekend. They head up to the mountains one week and to the coast around Catalina Island the next and after every trip, I am rewarded with long-winded descriptions of the things they saw and did. This is where the caring part of his personality comes in. It is hard to tell people that have no interest in the outdoors just how “caring” is one of nature’s rewards but I’m going to give it a shot.

I’ve thought about some reasonable answer, and I think it all boils down to seeing things that others never see. For instance, have you ever seen two bald eagles locked up tumbling head over tail and free falling over 1,000 feet before breaking apart? Or experiencing a manta ray, easily 24 feet across, gliding just under the surface of the water an arms length away from the boat? Or maybe while fishing offshore you have the opportunity to witness a 500-pound marlin —brightly lit with pulsating colors—as it zigzags right behind a trolled bait before opening its massive mouth and devouring the bait in the blink of an eye? It’s so humbling that you have no choice but to care that this natural world be protected so that future generations may have the same opportunity to witness the same amazing sights much like we been so fortunate to witness.

Before heading back to L.A., Logan and I talked a lot about his future and where it might take him. He seemed pretty definite that he wanted to stay in the non-profit sector not because he would find wealth in the normal sense of the word but rather wealth in a more spiritual sense. To say I am proud is an understatement and though I would love to take credit for his patience and caring, I know that nature and his love of the outdoors was no doubt his real teacher.

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

Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce awarded $35,000 grant

Ethan James, Beaufort Housing Authority Chairman; Viola Smalls, BCBCC Board Chair; James Chatfield, Truist S.C. Community Development Manager; Jessica Johnson, Truist Commercial Client Specialist; Charley Ledoux, Truist Commercial Relationship Manager; Stuart Bedenbaugh, McGriff Insurance; Mark Lattanzio, Truist Coastal Market President; and Marilyn Harris, BCBCC President & CEO.

Discover Your Dream Home

The Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce received a $35,000 grant from the Truist Foundation on Aug. 20th during a check presentation ceremony at the Chamber’s downtown Beaufort headquarters.

Leaders from the Chamber, Truist Bank and the Truist Foundation gathered to highlight the partnership’s impact on supporting minority-owned businesses, preserving cultural heritage and engaging local youth.

“We are deeply grateful for Truist’s investment in our mission,” said Marilyn Harris, president and CEO of the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce. “This generous grant provides vital support for the Chamber’s capacity to deliver on its work—empowering minority-owned small businesses, advancing cultural preservation, and equipping the next generation of leaders.”

The event also featured a Youth Artisan Workshop: Creating with Purpose, led by local artist Hank D. Herring, owner of Green Herring Art. Participants repurposed materials into functional, sale-ready works of art, combining lessons in sustainability, entrepreneurship and creativity.

“At Truist, our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities,” said Mark Lattanzio, coastal market president at Truist. “That means creating opportunities for economic mobility, empowering small businesses to grow, and supporting the entrepreneurs who strengthen our local economy.”

The Chamber said the funding will strengthen its ability to serve Beaufort County through business support, cultural programming and youth engagement initiatives.

More information about the Chamber and its programs is available at www.bcbcc.org.

Are you looking for an experience that’s truly special?

Whether you’re searching for a hidden gem in Bluffton or a secluded retreat in the Lowcountry, I specialize in discovering properties with character, charm, and privacy that others might overlook. Whether you’re buying your dream home or selling your current one, my goal is to turn your vision into reality. This isn’t just about a transaction—it’s about crafting a personalized experience with attention to every detail, clear communication, and proactive support at every step. We will work together, with the passion and commitment of the Herman & Davis Team and Charter One Realty, to ensure your journey is smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable. Call me today and let’s get started!

Hilton Head, Bluffton and Hardeeville named among best places to live

Three neighboring Lowcountry communities have been recognized as among the best places to live in South Carolina, according to a new list by Travel + Leisure.

The magazine’s “11 Best Places to Live in South Carolina, According to Local Real Estate Experts” was published Aug. 17th and features Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Hardeeville alongside other cities and towns across the Palmetto State.

Hilton Head Island — No. 5

If you’ve always dreamed of living by the beach, there are several options in South Carolina, but Hilton Head Island is certainly one of the top highlights.

“Hilton Head remains one of the most iconic coastal communities in the Southeast. The appeal has never wavered,” said Mitch Burns, license partner and private office advisor at Engel & Völkers Hilton Head.

“Between the private golf communities, the pristine beaches, and the island’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty, it offers a level of lifestyle, investment

opportunities, and stability that’s incredibly rare.”

Bluffton — No. 9

Ranked ninth on the list, Bluffton was praised for its balance of charm, convenience and long-term value.

“For clients who want a blend of charm, convenience, amazing lifestyle, and longterm value, Bluffton is a clear standout,” Burns told Travel + Leisure. “As someone who’s watched this town evolve over the last decade, I can tell you it’s one of the most exciting markets in the Southeast right now.”

As you walk through Old Town Bluffton, he added, it’s hard not to fall for what he described as a “magnetic energy,” one created by “walkable streets, art galleries, chef-owned restaurants, and a strong sense of community.”

Hardeeville — No. 11

Hardeeville rounded out the statewide ranking at No. 11, recognized as an increasingly popular choice for retirees.

“Hilton Head has always been popular for its beautiful beaches, golf, shopping, and dining, but many may not know that the average age of a homeowner there is in their late 50s, so it has become a retirement mecca,” said Aimee Peterson, owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto.

“And if you’re looking to spend your post-career chapter in this part of South Carolina, I recommend looking at Hardeeville—specifically, Latitude Margaritaville. The 55-plus community started welcoming new homeowners five years ago. With an average home sale price of $500,000, homes here are well-priced com-

pared with similar communities along the coast,” she said.

Statewide recognition

The three Beaufort County communities joined Mount Pleasant, Blythewood, Charleston, Summerville, Simpsonville, Fort Mill, Greenville and Chapin in the statewide rankings.

According to Travel + Leisure, the top destinations share common features: access to natural beauty, growing cultural opportunities, a slower pace of life and, in many cases, more affordable housing compared with larger metropolitan areas in neighboring states.

For Beaufort County, having Hilton Head, Bluffton and Hardeeville recognized together reflects the region’s range of options—from established resort living to small-town vibrancy and rapidly growing retirement communities.

See Travel + Leisure’s full rankings online at: www.travelandleisure.com/bestplaces-to-live-in-south-carolina-11791072

Non-surgical combinations for a youthful face

By Dr. Ronald Finger Contributor

Resurface, reposition, refill, and relax, are the four goals for the most effective “Turn back the clock” goals for facial rejuvenation. For treatment and maintenance, these four treatments are the most effective approach in most people who do not want surgery as well as the post-facelift patients who need additional treatments.

These four modalities should be performed in specific order although some treatments can be done at the same time. However, one must keep in mind that every patient has different needs and goals. The treatments that are available for rejuvenating skin and the shape of the face to turn back the clock aesthetically are first, Laser, then PDO lifting threads, facial fillers, and then Botox type injections.

Lasers: these treatments can do wonders toward one’s age reduction goals with youthful looking skin with less wrinkles, age spots, and tighter skin. Several lasers can be beneficial. However, I have tried many and finally settled on the UltraClear laser, which can be used on the face and neck, as well as areas of body. The advantages are less discomfort, shorter recovery, and improved results. The energy settings on most lasers vary from a “lunchtime” laser to much more aggressive energy settings. When higher energy is delivered, the result is better, there are fewer treatments needed, and the results greatly improved. The UltraClear laser uniquely has a laser coring mode, which can be combined with other modes simultaneously.

PDO threads: These are smooth or lifting threads, which are dissolvable. The lifting threads have tiny burrs to tighten the skin. These threads lift the face and neck creating a mini-facelift

appearance. The number and type of threads used is based on the individual’s needs. They, like lasers, stimulate production of collagen and elastin resulting in improvement and increased volume for 3-6 months. While the threads dissolve in about 6 months, the produced collagen and elastin may last 1.5-2 years. Discomfort is minimal.

Fillers: Juvederm or Restylane products are hyaluronic acid products lasting from 6 months to 1.5-2 years, according to the ones used and based on the price and what is needed to reach their goals. The fillers Sculptra and Radiesse are fillers that both fill and stimulate collagen and elastin production. They both can last up to 2 years and reduce the aging appearance of the skin as well. Often a combination of different fillers is best. An example would be injecting the hollows under the lower eyelids while injecting in the cheeks or lips.

The specific timing of the treatment combinations is used because: the laser will lift the face and neck thus requiring less threads. The PDO threads are then used to lift face and neck plus increases volume, so less or no filler may be needed.

The treatment combination is entirely based on the patient’s facial aging and desires, and must be explained in all details with exactly what each treatment does.

Dr. Ronald Finger, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon with offices in Savannah and Bluffton. fingerandassociates.com

DR. RONALD FINGER

Bluffton’s inventory is tightening

By Dan Prud’homme Contributor

The Bluffton real estate market continues to be shaped less by a lack of buyer demand and more by homeowners unwilling to give up historically low interest rates. Many people would gladly pay more for a larger or better located property, but they are hesitant to also take on a mortgage rate that is more than double what they currently have. This reluctance to trade up is one of the biggest factors holding back the market today.

Inventory has dropped again this month. There are currently 755 homes for sale in Bluffton, down from 867 just last month. This is a sharp monthly decline and follows the pattern of the past couple of months, signaling that choices for buyers are becoming more limited. For perspective, inventory this time last year

was 815, which means current levels are running about 7 percent lower than a year ago.

The average days on market rose notably to 84, up from 70 in August. This is a meaningful increase and suggests that even with less inventory, buyers are taking more time to commit. A year ago, homes were averaging just 54 days to sell, so the pace of transactions has slowed considerably over the past twelve months. Pending sales remain solid despite these shifts. There are 135 homes under contract right now, compared to 141 last month. This is a healthy number given the recent drop in inventory, and it reflects a market

A BRAND NEW

ONLY ONE STEP AWAY

where demand is holding. At this time last year, pending sales were at 191, so activity is somewhat softer but still strong relative to available inventory.

Closed sales year to date stand at 1,153, up from 988 last month. This trails the 1,319 closed sales we saw by this time in 2024, showing a 12.6 percent decline year over year. Even so, the number remains consistent with the slower pace expected in a higher interest rate environment.

Looking at absorption, Bluffton currently has 5.6 months of inventory based on the relationship between listings and pending sales. Last month the figure was 6.1 months. This improvement pushes the

market slightly closer to balance, but it remains in neutral territory overall.

Prices tell another important part of the story. The median sales price so far in 2025 is $550,655. That is down 1.7 percent from $560,000 in 2024 but up from $540,000 in 2023, $491,790 in 2022, $391,983 in 2021, and $346,555 in 2020. The longer-term trend remains firmly upward, with home values in Bluffton growing by nearly 60 percent in just five years.

In summary, Bluffton is currently in a neutral market. Inventory is tightening, days on market are extending, and pending sales are holding steady, creating a balanced environment where neither buyers nor sellers have a decisive edge. For the market to break out of this holding pattern, hopes of a mortgage rate pull back will need to materialize.

Dan Prud’homme is the Visionary & Success Coach of The Prudhomme Team at William Raveis Real Estate. dan@danprudhomme.com, www.theprudhommeteam. com

DAN PRUD’HOMME

Think it. Believe it. Go get it.

By Wendy Kushel Contributor

When you read the stories of self-made entrepreneurs—those who rose from nothing to build empires—one striking pattern emerges: visualization. Across industries and generations, the common denominator among these high achievers is the ability to clearly see their success before it happens.

From Shark Tank’s Barbara Corcoran and Daymond John to modern innovators like Sara Blakely, creator of Spanx, countless leaders credit visualization as the catalyst that transformed their dreams into reality. Many of them even point to the same classics, like Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich or Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking, books that stress the importance of creating a vivid mental picture of your goals. The message is clear— what your mind rehearses, your life begins to create.

Take Jim Carrey, who famously wrote himself a $10 million check at a time when he was broke, visualizing that one day he’d earn that sum for a movie role. Years later, that dream materialized exactly as he had imagined. Similarly, Kendra Scott recalls writing down a detailed vision of her business during an entrepreneurship program—everything from the store’s layout to the customer experience—and later found herself living out the blueprint she had once only imagined.

Steve Harvey openly shares his daily practice of affirmations, while Andy Frisella, the creator of 75 Hard, dedicates time each day to visualize the life he’s building. Even Jesse Cole, the maverick behind the Savannah Bananas, credits The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod for teaching him the power of morning goal-setting and visualization to build his baseball empire.

Skeptics may dismiss visualization as “woo-woo,” but the evidence is undeniable. Whether you call it programming the subconscious or aligning your ac-

tions with your intentions entrepreneurs who practice seeing it before it happens say visualization helped them achieve their goals.

Visualization not only sharpens focus but also fuels persistence, helping people push through the grind with a clear picture of where they’re headed.

The lesson? If you want to achieve something extraordinary, start by seeing it. Close your eyes and imagine your business thriving, your book published, your product in stores. Write it down. Say it out loud. Live it in your mind until it feels inevitable.

Think it. Believe it. Go get it. That’s the quiet habit that connects nearly every story of remarkable success.

Wendy Kushel is the owner of Wendala’s LowCountry Sugar Scrub, LLC based in Bluffton, SC. Drawn to the Beauty & Personal Care Industry Wendy founded her company in 2020. Her background includes stand-up comedy, film, TV and a lot of sales and marketing. www.lowcountrysugarscrub.com or call/text 843-9498933.

WENDY KUSHEL

Arts & Entertainment Calendar

Lowcountry Paddlefest

September 5th–7th | Multiple Hilton Head locations

Proceeds benefit The Outside Foundation and Hilton Head Island Recreation Association.

• Sprint races: Friday, Sept. 5th, 9 a.m., Sprint Rowing and Sailing Center

• Pint Night: Friday, Sept. 5th, 4:30–7:30 p.m., Outside Hilton Head Store

• Race day & family fun: Saturday, Sept. 6th, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Rowing and Sailing Center

• Pinckney Island litter sweep: Sunday, Sept. 7th, 8–10:30 a.m., Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

• Technical races: Sunday, Sept. 7th, 8:30 a.m., Sea Pines Beach Club Details: lowcountrypaddlefest.com

Escape to Within art exhibit by Jeanine Potter

Artist reception: Saturday, September 6th | 2–4 p.m. | Hilton Head Library Branch, 11 Beach City Road

Abstracts, florals, and cloud formations in Potter’s colorful style.

Sparklight digital literacy class

Tuesday, September 9th | 12–2 p.m.

925 Fording Island Road, Bluffton

Free class covering internet basics, Wi-Fi troubleshooting, online searches and digital safety. Participants are encouraged to bring their own devices. Info and registration: 843-422-4351

Beaufort County Walk for Water

• Saturday, September 20th | Wright Family Park, Bluffton

An estimated 1,000 walkers expected to raise $100,000 for Water Mission’s safe water projects. Registration: walkforwater.com/beaufort. $25 adults, $10 youths, free for children under 5.

Opening of Canvas of Cultura! A Hispanic Heritage Art Exhibit

Monday, September 15th | 5:30 p.m. |

Bluffton Branch Library, 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton

Meet artists, take a guided tour, and hear the stories behind the work. Light refreshments provided by Friends of the Bluffton Library. Exhibit runs Sept. 15–Oct. 15 during library hours.

Quilt Guild

Meeting: Thursday, September 18th

| 11:30 a.m. | Island Lutheran Church, Hilton Head Island

Tina Craig of Seaside Stitches presents 30 Years and Counting.

Workshop: Friday, September 19th | 9 a.m.–3 p.m. | Palmetto Electric Community Room, Hardeeville Zoom workshop on English Paper Piecing. palmettoquiltguild.org

American Legion Post 205, 19th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Saturday, September 20th | Eagles Point Golf Course, Bluffton

Check-in 8 a.m., ceremony 8:45 a.m., shotgun start 9 a.m. $100 per player; $90 active duty or veteran; $70 students. Includes breakfast, lunch, raffles, silent auction, and door prizes. americanlegionpost205@yahoo.com

Come From Away

September 24th - October 26th, 2025

| Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14

Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island Award-winning musical telling the story

of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Newfoundland on Sept. 11, 2001 and the community that welcomed them. artshhi.com

Kerry Peresta book launch and signing

• Tuesday, September 30th | 1:30–3:30 p.m. | Emrys Bookshop, 95 Mathews Drive, Hilton Head Island

• Wednesday, October 10th | 1–3 p.m. | Barnes & Noble, 20 Hatton Place Launch of The Shaking, Book Five in the Olivia Callahan suspense series.

Fall native plant sale

Saturday, October 4th | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island

Annual fall sale features native plants that support local wildlife. Cash or check only. Free admission.

Please note: Events are subject to change. For the most current details, contact event organizers directly.

To submit events for consideration in future issues, email editor@blufftonsun.com.

Palmetto

Society of Bluffton Artists marks 32 years

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) is celebrating more than three decades of creativity, marking 32 years since its founding and 14 years at its current home on the corner of Calhoun and Church streets in Old Town Bluffton.

What began in 1994 as a small circle of local artists has grown into a nonprofit gallery and art school with more than 100 members from across the Lowcountry. Today, SOBA serves as a cornerstone of Bluffton’s arts district, offering rotating exhibitions, workshops and scholarships that connect the community with visual arts.

Anniversary highlights

SOBA’s anniversary coincides with a new membership year and a leadership transition. The group recently welcomed an almost entirely new board of directors, bringing fresh ideas and energy to its programs. To celebrate, the gallery is hosting a five-week exhibition of small works, replacing the traditional featured artist show. The display allows art lovers to take home original Bluffton pieces while supporting local creators.

“Our current home has been the perfect place to grow,” said President Karen Richards. She credited longtime landlord Kirk Glenn for helping the gallery thrive in a location that reflects Bluffton’s historic character.

SOBA will also take part in the upcoming Gallery Hop & Block Party on Sept. 10 from 3 to 7 p.m. on Church Street. The free event will feature refreshments, shopping and exhibits at the SOBA Gallery as well as nearby arts venues

Supporting artists and students

The organization continues to focus on nurturing artists of all levels. Its offerings include classes for beginners and experienced painters, opportunities for mentoring and camaraderie, and special exhibits during Bluffton festivals and art walks. The gallery’s lawn and porch often fill with displays where visitors can meet artists in person.

SOBA also administers the Naomi McCracken Scholarship, funded through contributions from the McCracken family. Each year, local high school students who plan to pursue art education submit portfolios and written statements of their career goals. Winners are chosen jointly by SOBA board members and the family. The award recognizes both talent and commitment to the field, encouraging the next generation of artists in the Lowcountry.

Part of Bluffton’s identity

The SOBA Gallery has become an anchor of Church Street’s creative row, which has helped transform Old Town Bluffton into a cultural destination. For longtime residents and newcomers alike, the gallery provides a gathering place to connect, learn and celebrate the arts.

SOBA leaders said the group’s future will focus on expanding outreach and continuing to highlight the role of art in Bluffton’s identity.

The gallery, located at 6 Church Street, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is free.

For more information, visit sobagallery.com or call 843-757-6586.

This Olivier and Tony award-winning musical tells the incredible true story of 7,000 air passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, during 9/11, and the small community that welcomed them with open hearts. With soaring music, this joyous production celebrates the real-life friendships formed between spirited locals and global passengers, highlighting a powerful moment of hope, humanity, and unity.

including the Robert Rommel Gallery of Nature, Preston Pottery Studio and Maye River Gallery.

Step inside Bluffton’s past: Historic Foundation hosts 2025 Tour of Homes

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

History and hospitality will come together this fall as the Historic Bluffton Foundation opens the doors of some of the town’s most treasured homes.

The 2025 Historic Bluffton Foundation Tour of Homes will take place Saturday, Oct. 4th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will have the rare chance to step inside seven historic private residences as well as the Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center, a cornerstone of Bluffton’s preservation efforts.

The tour begins at the Heyward House, located at 70 Boundary Street, where guests will check in starting at 9:30 a.m. The house, built in 1841, serves as Bluffton’s official welcome center and one of only eight antebellum homes remaining in town. From there, attendees will embark on a self-guided journey through Bluffton’s Historic District, discovering homes that tell stories of the community’s resilience and growth.

Homes with history

According to the Historic Bluffton Foundation, the residences featured on this year’s tour were chosen “for their historic significance, their connection to the community, and their role in shaping the future of Bluffton.” Knowledgeable docents will be stationed in each location, sharing context and anecdotes that bring the architecture and history to life.

The homes are kept private until the day of the tour, a tradition that both safeguards homeowner privacy and heightens anticipation. Each stop is within reasonable walking distance of the Heyward House, and guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes for the roughly threehour event.

Photography, pets, strollers, and service animals are not permitted inside the homes, and all children of walking age must have a ticket.

A stroll through Bluffton’s charm

Beyond the tour, Bluffton itself offers a wealth of landmarks worth visiting. Just a short walk from the Heyward House, Calhoun Street leads to the banks of the May River, where visitors can enjoy the views from Wright Family Park or the Squire Pope Carriage House. The river, long central to Bluffton’s economy and culture, remains a vital natural resource, sustaining oysters, blue crabs, shrimp, and fish.

Standing proudly on the bluff at the end of Calhoun Street is the Church of the Cross, perhaps Bluffton’s most iconic structure. Designed by Charleston architect Edward Brickell White, the church was built between 1854 and 1857 using heart pine set on brick piers. Its lancet windows and palmetto frond shutters have made it a fixture of Bluffton’s skyline for more than 150 years.

Equally significant is the Squire Pope Carriage House, which today houses the Bluffton Welcome Center. Built in 1850, it survived the Civil War’s “Burning of Bluffton” in 1863. After a major restoration effort completed in 2020, the structure now serves as a symbol of the town’s commitment to preserving its heritage.

What to expect

Tickets for the tour can be purchased in advance through Eventbrite or, in limited numbers, on the day of the event. Prices vary by age, and all attendees must present a brochure—provided at check-in—to gain access to each home.

Comfort is key, organizers advise. Guests should dress for walking and avoid high heels, which are not allowed inside the homes.

Public restrooms will be available at the Heyward House, Wright Family Park, Martin Family Park, and Oyster Factory Park.

Parking is available on the street and in

designated lots, with no parking permitted at any of the private homes.

Southern fare will be available for purchase at the Heyward House throughout the day, offering guests a chance to pause and enjoy Lowcountry flavors between stops.

Supporting preservation

Proceeds from the Tour of Homes go directly to the Historic Bluffton Foundation, which oversees preservation initiatives across the town.

“All money raised from the Tour of Homes will help support the mission of the Historic Bluffton Foundation,” the organization stated. “Our mission is to preserve historic structures, the May River and our Archives. We safeguard Bluffton’s past while promoting the distinctive character and identity essential to our future.”

The foundation manages not only the Heyward House but also preservation programs, archival collections, and events that highlight Bluffton’s unique history. Funds from the tour support ongoing efforts to protect historic properties, maintain the town’s archives, and preserve Bluffton’s distinctive identity amid the growth and development reshaping the Lowcountry.

A legacy worth protecting Bluffton’s story is one of resilience.

Founded in the early 1800s, the town was largely destroyed during the Civil War, yet several structures endured. These homes, alongside later historic buildings, serve as tangible reminders of Bluffton’s past.

The Tour of Homes highlights this legacy by offering the public a firsthand experience inside private residences rarely open to visitors. For both locals and out-of-town guests, it’s an opportunity to better understand the town’s evolution— from its antebellum roots to its role today as a thriving Lowcountry community.

Organizers stress that the event is more than a showcase of architecture; it’s a living tribute to the generations that built and rebuilt Bluffton. Each home has its own story, shaped by families, economic shifts, and the natural environment. Together, they form a narrative of continuity and change that defines the community.

Plan your visit

The 2025 Historic Bluffton Foundation Tour of Homes runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4th. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Heyward House, and no check-ins will be accepted after 3 p.m.

The event is not handicap accessible, and pets and service animals are not allowed. Guests should anticipate approximately three hours to complete the self-guided tour.

Tickets and additional details are available at eventbrite.com

September

Cele ate Unity

Photo by Lukas Beck

Dr. Dustin C. Ousley, Artistic Director

Tom Reilley Memorial Golf Tournament returns

The Ancient Order of Hibernians, a ministry of St. Gregory the Great Church, will host the eighth annual Tom Reilley Memorial Golf Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 4th, 2025, at the Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes. The tournament is open to all golfers.

The event honors the late Tom Reilley Jr., a restaurateur and community leader remembered for his commitment to the church and service to others. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit Christian education, support seminarians and fund local charities that address hunger and social welfare across the Lowcountry.

Registration is $150 per player and

includes green fees, cart, range balls, breakfast, lunch, a custom tournament gift and prizes. The format is a four-person scramble with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Players may sign up individually or as part of a foursome.

Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Checks should be made payable to Beaufort County AOH Division #1 and mailed to Richard Breen, 293 Danner Drive, Bluffton, SC 29909. For details, Breen can be reached at 917-375-4997.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Joe Gibbons at gibbjp67@gmail.com

Coastal Discovery Museum to host annual fall native plant sale

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Coastal Discovery Museum will hold its annual Fall Native Plant Sale on Oct. 4th at Honey Horn, offering a range of trees and perennials suited to the Lowcountry landscape.

The sale is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until sold out, at 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. Admission is free.

Organizers said fall provides the best conditions for planting trees and many perennials because cooler, wetter soil allows roots to establish before summer heat. A variety of one-gallon and three-gallon plants will be available for $10 and $17, respectively. Purchases can be made by cash or check.

Local master gardeners will be on hand to advise on plant selection and care. Native plants generally require less watering and fertilizing than non-native species and play a key role in supporting local ecosystems, according to museum staff.

“If we want our local bees, butterflies, turtles, and birds to survive, planting native species helps provide the essential food and habitat they need,” said Annmarie Reiley-Kay, deputy director of the Coastal Discovery Museum.

The museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate founded in 1985, is dedicated to exploring and preserving Lowcountry history, culture, art and environment. It hosts exhibitions, programs and events throughout the year at its Honey Horn campus. For more information, visit www. coastaldiscovery.org

Hosted by BlacQuity, a Lowcountry-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting, elevating, and empowering Black-owned businesses, the Roots & Rivers Festival is a celebration of Black entrepreneurship, culture, and community.

Your support of this festival directly fuels Black Equity University (BEU) — our flagship 12-week accelerator that equips Black entrepreneurs with the education, resources, and connections needed to build sustainable, successful businesses.

Every ticket purchased helps us uplift more entrepreneurs, expand access to opportunity, and create lasting economic impact in our region. This annual celebration of Black entrepreneurship and cultural heritage features live music, food, art, and local vendors.

Photo Cred: Oddyssey Wade - Savannah Magazine

Photo Cred: Denolis Polite Photography

ENTER TO WIN

A Stitch in Time

Created by Art Quilters of the Low Country

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

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

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

Chocolate Marble Coffee Cake: A Swirl of Sweet Comfort

By Leslie Rohland Contributor

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

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

There’s something downright magical about a cake that swirls two flavors into one perfect slice. This chocolate marble coffee cake isn’t just a treat—it’s a masterpiece of rich cocoa, buttery vanilla, and just a hint of coffee to wake up your taste buds. The marbled effect makes it beautiful enough for a special occasion, yet it’s simple enough to whip up for Sunday brunch or a cozy afternoon treat. The real joy? That intoxicating combination of coffee and dark chocolate— balanced with tangy sour cream and the fluffiness of cake flour to create a moist, tender crumb. A drizzle of melted chocolate and a scattering of crushed almonds on top seal the deal with a satisfying crunch.

Chocolate Marble Coffee Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened

• 1 cup white sugar

• 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk

Open Monday-Friday 10am -3pm

The Professional Bldg | 2 Corpus Christi | Suite 100 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 | 843.686.6560 | HeritageLib.org

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• 2¼ cups cake flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 2½ o z + 3½ oz dark chocolate (melted separately) – about ½ cup and 2/3 cup

• 1 tablespoon instant coffee + 1 tablespoon sugar + ¼ cup hot water (allow to cool)

• ¼ cup crushed almonds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 340°F (or 320°F for convection/fan ovens). Grease a cake pan with a blend of 1 tsp oil, 1 tsp butter, and 1 tsp flour.

2. In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on high until light and fluffy.

3. Add eggs, yolk, vanilla, sour cream, and milk. Beat until well combined.

4. Lower the mixer speed and add cake flour and baking powder. Mix until just combined. Scrape down the sides.

5. Transfer 2 cups of batter to a separate bowl. Mix in ½ cup melted dark chocolate and the cooled coffee mixture.

6. To marble: Add 1/2 of the plain batter to the pan, then 1/3 of the chocolate batter. Repeat until all batter is layered. Swirl gently with a knife or fork.

7. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean.

8. Cool slightly before removing from pan. Drizzle with remaining melted chocolate (2/3 cup) and sprinkle with crushed almonds.

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

LESLIE ROHLAND

Chili Cook Off and Jeep Island returns

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

A beloved Lowcountry tradition will mark a milestone this fall as the Hilton Head Kiwanis Club hosts the 40th Annual Chili Cook Off & Jeep Island on Saturday, Oct. 11th, from noon to 3 p.m. at Lowcountry Celebration Park.

The event, presented by Renewal by Andersen, combines food, family fun and community spirit. Attendees can sample dozens of chili recipes, explore an array of Jeeps from across the country, and enjoy live entertainment — all while supporting local youth charities.

Chili, competition and community

This year’s cook off will feature both professional chefs and amateur enthusiasts competing in three categories: Professional, Amateur and People’s Choice. Winners will receive cash prize donations directed to the local youth-focused charity of their choice.

Local barbecue favorite Orchid Paulmeier, owner of One Hot Mama’s, will return to compete after earning

national recognition with a Top 5 finish on Food Network’s “BBQ Brawl.” Her participation is expected to draw fans eager to see how her chili stacks up against the competition.

Organizers also announced a major change for 2025: the cook off will be entirely cashless. All purchases — including chili samples, beverages and activities — must be made with debit or credit cards.

More than just chili

In addition to the wide variety of chili, guests can enjoy burgers and hot dogs from the Hilton Head Kiwanis Grill Team, as well as local craft brews from Local Legend Brewing Company. A Kids Zone with inflatable play areas will keep younger visitors entertained, while Hilton Head’s own RetroRoxx, an ‘80s party cover band, will provide live music.

For car enthusiasts, Jeep Island remains a centerpiece of the event. The expo showcases Jeeps from across the nation, highlighting both vintage models and custom builds. Over the years, it has become a must-see attraction for attendees and a celebration of automotive culture alongside culinary creativity.

Supporting youth programs

The Chili Cook Off & Jeep Island is more than an afternoon of food and fun; it also raises funds for organizations that serve young people on Hilton Head Island. Beneficiaries include the Island Recreation Association and the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island. Funds raised by the competition and related activities go directly to these and other local charities, extending the impact of the event far beyond the park.

Get involved

The Hilton Head Kiwanis Club is inviting chili cooks, sponsors and communi ty supporters to sign up now.

Registration details and ticket information are available at www.hiltonheadkiwanis.com

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Got Art? returns Oct. 3rd with 100 artworks, 100 tickets

The Art League of Hilton Head’s high-energy fundraiser, Got Art?, is back Friday, Oct. 3rd, 2025, offering guests the chance to take home an original artwork for just $100.

The one-night-only event has become a favorite for both artists and art lovers. More than 100 works, created and donated by Art League member artists, will be displayed in advance at Art League Gallery for a free public preview running Tuesday, Sept. 30th through Friday, Oct. 3rd, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Only 100 tickets are sold, each priced at $100. On event night, names are drawn at random. When called, each ticket holder has the opportunity to select a favorite piece from the gallery’s collection. Every ticket guarantees a piece of art, and each work is valued above the ticket price.

“Got Art? is one of our most exciting and unpredictable events of the year,” said Art League Executive Director Kristen McIntosh. “The energy in the room is incredible. There is suspense, laughter, and joy as people watch their favorites get picked and cheer for their friends. It is a wonderful way to bring the community together in support of the arts.”

The event begins with a preview reception from 4 to 5 p.m., followed by the live drawing from 5 to 7 p.m. Organizers encourage guests to arrive early, review the available works during the preview days, and come prepared to make a quick decision when their number is called.

All proceeds support the Art League’s year-round exhibitions, educational programs and community outreach. As Hilton Head Island’s only nonprofit visual arts organization, the Art League operates both a gallery and a teaching academy.

The Art League Gallery, located mid-island inside the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina at 14 Shelter Cove Lane, features work by more than 250 member artists. Exhibits rotate monthly, and all displayed pieces are for sale. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., and 90 minutes before Arts Center performances.

The Art League Academy, at 106 Cordillo Parkway, offers classes and workshops for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced students. Taught by professional educators, courses cover a wide range of media. Tickets for Got Art? are $100 each and expected to sell out quickly. Once the 100 tickets are gone, no more will be available. Tickets can be purchased at www. ArtLeagueHHI.org.

Birds of a Feather by John K. Crum. Acrylic

Learn more than dance steps

By Sandro Virag Contributor

Dancing is more than just dance steps, it offers something timeless, a chance to connect and communicate. Most people walk into a dance studio expecting learn steps and routines but in fact they find something even more valuable – confidence and a connection with others.

Face it – ballroom is social, plain and simple. First of all, you are not alone. Whether you know your partner or not, together you are learning how to move together, to communicate without talking and support each other through rhythm and motion.

Even if you are shy, ballroom dancing helps you interact naturally with others in a structured and friendly environment. You begin to learn how to listen

learn new steps and improve posture, you will find yourself walking taller, speaking more clearly and feeling more comfortable making eye contact. These tools will carry over into your daily life.

While dancing – you focus on your partner, the music and the moment, this can help with the ability to read cues, respond to others and be fully present. You are communicating without even talking. Dancers think this is one of the best ways to get in tune with other people.

Dance studios typically have a welcoming atmosphere with people of all backgrounds. There is no pressure to be perfect, just encouragement to improve and enjoy the moment. You will meet new people and sometimes build friendships that go beyond the dance floor. And another added benefit is its good exercise!

Dancing is more than turns and being technically correct. It’s building confidence, gaining stronger social skills and creating more meaningful human interaction. With ballroom dance you can expect to grow - not only as a dancer, but as a person. Step forward and bring out the best in yourself!

TRY SOMETHING NEW BRIDGE

HILTON HEAD BRIDGE CLUB, Fall Bridge Lessons

Bridge is a game you can enjoy for a lifetime! This Fall the Bridge Center is offering a wide variety of classes for both beginners and those who want to take their game to the next level.

BEGINNER BRIDGE LESSONS

Tuesday mornings from 10AM to Noon at the Bridge Center

Sept. 9: Introduction and Taking Tricks

Sept. 23: Opening Bids, Hand Evaluation

Oct. 7: Major Suit Opening

Oct. 21: Minor Suit Opening

Nov. 4: Minor Suit Bidding

Nov. 18: Bridge Plus Game

Sept. 16: Choosing a contract

Sept. 30: No Trump Opening

Oct. 14: Major Suit Bidding

Oct. 28: No Class

Nov. 11: Putting it all together

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

Starting on September 9th, this series of 10 weekly lessons will teach the basics of bridge for beginners. You can attend the classes as they fit your schedule. If you are brand new to the game, you will gain the most if you are able to attend a majority of the classes. Topics include: HILTON HEAD ISLAND BRIDGE CLUB, ACBL Sanctioned See our website www.bridgewebs.com/hiltonheadisland for a schedule of our Face to Face duplicate games. Located at : 95 Mathews Dr., Port Royal Shopping Center. For more info: 843-342-7529. Also see us on Facebook: Hilton Head Bridge Club

Each lesson is $20. We will be using Audrey Grant’s textbook, Bridge Basics One. The class is being taught by Kristi Menees. Please register with Kristi at kristimenees@mac.com or 551-795-6329

BREAD & BUTTER CONVENTIONS: BASICS YOU SHOULDN’T PLAY WITHOUT!

Selected Wednesday mornings from 10AM to Noon at the Bridge Center

This class is for Bridge players who are ready to take their bidding skills to the next level. These conventions will help you communicate more effectively with your partner to describe your hand and find the right contract. Topics include:

Sept. 3: New Minor Forcing Sept. 17: Michaels Cue Bid Nov. 19: Help Suit Game Try Dec. 10: Negative Doubles Part 2

Sept. 10: Fourth Suit Forcing Nov. 12: Drury Dec. 3: Negative Doubles

Join teacher Peg Gibson to round out your convention card. Classes are $20 each.

2 OVER 1 GAME FORCE

Selected Wednesday mornings from 10AM to Noon at the Bridge Center

2 over 1 Game Force is a bidding system in which a response of a new suit at the two-level over an opening bid by partner, is forcing to game. It helps you find the right game fit and provides insight on whether or not to explore slam.

Sept. 24: When does 2/1 apply; advantages Oct. 8: Forcing 1NT responses; advantages Oct. 22: Rebids with and without interference

Oct. 1: When 2/1 is off Oct. 15: Responder’s bid Oct. 29: Finding Slam

Taught by Bev and Joe Meyers, lessons are $20 each. Registration is required at: jmeyers247@aol.com or 917-836-3459.

Goodbye HelloSummer,Fall

Author talk with Pat Branning

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Libraries for Kids, International will host author Pat Branning for a free talk on Monday, Sept. 15th, 2025, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Roasting Room, 1297 May River Road in Bluffton.

Branning is the best-selling author of seven Southern cookbooks and a longtime journalist. A graduate of the University of Georgia, she began her career at WSB Radio in Atlanta, where she became the station’s Women’s Editor and hosted daily radio programs. She later worked as an assistant to Ted Turner before his founding of CNN.

After moving to Beaufort, Branning became known for stories rooted in Lowcountry traditions and meals shared in antebellum dining rooms. She went on to contribute to publications including The Local Palate, Deep South Magazine and Charleston Style and Design. She also served as editor of Shrimp, Collards, and Grits, a regional magazine that was distributed across the South until it closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, Branning connects with readers through her Substack newsletter,

patbranning.com

The Diary of Southern Lifestyle Author Pat Branning, which has more than 7,000 subscribers. Many of her stories are from her early days in Beaufort and the memorable meals she shared with friends who entertained along Beaufort’s waterfront and across the sea islands.

The author talk is part of an ongoing series hosted by Libraries for Kids, International, a Bluffton-based nonprofit that provides leisure and reference books to schools in rural Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The group focuses on communities with little or no access to electricity or the internet.

Upcoming events in the series include author Scott Gould on Oct. 20th, Lynn and Cele Seldon on Nov. 17th, and Annelore Harrell on Dec. 15th.

The event is open to the public, though a $5 donation is suggested. Space is limited and reservations are required. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Following the talk, guests may join Branning for an optional Dutch treat lunch to continue the conversation in a more casual setting.

For more information or to RSVP, contact board member Tamela Maxim at 843-683-4100 or tamela.maxim@libraries4kids.org.

PULTE HOMES

Book Review: What we set in motion

By Glenda Harris Contributor

Meet Stephanie Austin Edwards, a former dancer who worked on Broadway, in film and on television, who has returned to her Lowcountry home. Her debut novel is set in both the Lowcountry and New York City. In addition to writing her first novel and working on other writing projects, Edwards facilitates writer’s groups and workshops and provides a number of consulting services for authors.

Edwards tells the story of young Nadine Carter Barnwell, who I can only speculate could be based at least somewhat on the author’s early experiences as a dancer and costumer. A recent graduate of the University of South Carolina, an accomplished equestrian and the only child of Samuel Preston Barnwell, Nadine has her heart set on dancing in the big city. Having lost her mother while in high school, Nadine and her father are very close and his plan for Nadine has always been for her to come home after college and work for the family business.

Feeling she must seize the opportunity while she is young and accept a scholarship she was offered to study dance at a prestigious study in New York, Nadine defies her father’s directive to remain in South Carolina. Though her boyfriend, an aspiring actor, was to make the trip with her, he backs out at the last minute to accept a job offer and Nadine is on her own. She believes, however, he will follow her to New York soon. She knows full well the cost of defying her father but is determined to do what it takes to make her dream come true.

The character of Nadine is courageous and appealing. When her boyfriend writes with news of his own

plans that do not include her, she only becomes stronger and more determined not to fail in her unwavering dream of becoming a professional dancer. Working through every obstacle thrown in her path, she beats the odds and finds an apartment she can afford (with a roommate), makes new friends who support her and gets a job that will pay the rent until she can make it as a dancer.

Through her new friends, she meets Colin, a successful and handsome theater director. They eventually marry and when her dance school encounters problems, she takes a job with the production he is working on, temporarily stepping away from dancing. She finds success as a costumer but with busy schedules and career demands, there is little time for the couple to be together. As time passes and Nadine is torn between her love for Colin and her desire to get back to dance, she receives a life-changing surprise in a letter from a young girl.

Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain what to do, she seeks the counsel of a dear aunt, as she has done so often in her life. Flying to Asheville to spend a few days with her Aunt Amelia, her mother’s sister, she finds solace and clarity. When she leaves to head back to New York, she takes with her Aunt Amelia’s promise of a full-hearted life and exactly what she must do to fulfill this promise.

Play with Purpose Learn For Life

Where kids explore interactive exhibits, create art, build, play, imagine, and discover in a hands-on museum designed just for them.

“What We Set in Motion” is a thoroughly enjoyable and engrossing story, with a hidden secret you will only learn by reading the book. Nadine’s story touches on emotions, values and experiences we can all identify with and endears us to this brave young woman who finds a way to honor her long-held dream…and in a most satisfying way.

The winner of a Best Submission Award at the Atlanta Writer’s Club Conference in 2013, you can order your copy at www.Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble. com.

A former Bluffton resident, Glenda finds stories everywhere and writes about nature, travel, healthy living and books.

LEVEL UP! LEVEL UP! LEVEL UP! growing with them— keeping learning fresh, fun, & full of possibilities.

Our new STEM Lab will open worlds of robotics, 3D printing, and interactive play for ages 7+. We’re

GLENDA HARRIS

The Mary Green Chorale seeks singers for upcoming season

The Mary Green Chorale is inviting experienced singers to audition for its upcoming season, which will feature two major concerts in 2026.

The ensemble, directed by founder Mary Woodmansee Green, includes 30 to 40 singers and performs a wide range of music. Monday evening rehearsals will begin Sept. 29th at Lowcountry Presbyterian Church in Bluffton.

The group’s winter program, “Mozart à la Carte,” is scheduled for Jan. 25th, 2026, at 4 p.m., featuring sacred works including Ave Verum

Corpus and selections from the composer’s operas. The spring concert, “Vive la France!,” will be held April 25th, 2026, at 4 p.m., showcasing French vocal music by Bizet, Debussy, Ravel and others. Both performances will take place at Lowcountry Presbyterian Church, 10 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton SC.

The nonprofit chorale, founded in 1986, is considered one of the Lowcountry’s premier choral ensembles.

For audition information, call 843-715-2557 or visit marygreenchorale.org.

May River Theatre appoints Michael Disser to board

May River Theatre has appointed Michael Disser to its Board of Directors, adding a veteran sales and marketing leader as the nonprofit works to broaden its reach and deepen community ties.

The appointment, announced Aug. 20th, 2025, places Disser in a role overseeing sales and marketing team leadership with a focus on brand awareness, audience growth, and community engagement and support.

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming Mike to the MRT team,” Board Chair Elizabeth Schlieger said. “Mike’s remarkable ability to lead teams throughout his career makes him a strong addition to MRT. We look forward to adding more experienced professionals like Mike to our team as we continue to grow and attract more Lowcountry patrons to our shows.”

Disser has lived in the Lowcountry since 2009 with his wife, Rebekah, on Callawassie Island. His background includes executive sales and marketing posts at CCIS, NES Rentals, Levi’s and Sears. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Southern New Hampshire University.

“I’m excited to utilize my passion for the arts and theatre at MRT,” Disser said. “I look for-

ward to providing strategic direction, value and growth opportunities to the organization and our patrons.”

Founded more than two decades ago, May River Theatre presents plays and musicals for Bluffton audiences at Ulmer Auditorium, 20 Bridge Street. The organization describes the appointment as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen operations and expand relationships across Greater Bluffton.

“This step reflects MRT’s ongoing commitment to growth rooted in building connections with the greater Bluffton community for more than two decades,” the theater said in its announcement.

As a nonprofit, MRT relies on ticket sales, donations, sponsorships and partnerships to sustain programming. The theater’s leaders said Disser’s experience will support initiatives aimed at increasing attendance, elevating the brand and creating new opportunities for collaboration with local businesses and civic groups.

For information about partnering with May River Theatre or to learn more about upcoming productions, visit mayrivertheatre.com. The box office and administrative offices are at Ulmer Auditorium, 20 Bridge Street, Bluffton, SC 29910.

Locally produced movie now available on streaming services

By Edward Thomas Contributor

“The Final Run,” a locally produced movie, written and produced by Hilton Head Island filmmaker Walter Czura, is now available for viewing across North America on streaming services like Amazon Prime, Apple, Fandango, Google Play and others.

Locally filmed in waters near Beaufort, the movie is inspired by actual events that unfolded in this region almost 50 years ago, triggering “Operation Jackpot,” America’s first major marijuana smuggling crackdown in the 1980s initiated by President Ronald Reagan’s “War on Drugs” and executed by United States Attorney Henry McMaster now Governor of South Carolina.

The film delivers an emotionally charged crime drama in today’s setting where the fictionalized main character, Pierce Butler, a college-educated, former U.S. Marine and reformed smuggler from that earlier era, finds himself forced to organize “one final run,” not for greed, but to pay for his wife’s life-saving experimental cancer treatment.

Shooting for the movie was completed in early 2023. It premiered at the Beaufort Film Festival in February 2024 and was finally previewed for potential international distribution at the Cannes Film Festival in France in May of this year.

“It has been a long and arduous process, but I am thrilled that it can now be seen virtually everywhere,” said

THE PAST TO LIFE

Czura. “The Final Run was previewed for potential international distribution at the Cannes Film Festival in France in May by Level 33 Entertainment Company, a Los Angeles based film distribution company. It attracted several international streaming services at the Festival because of its distinctive plot and southern noir theme, and is now available for viewing in several nations around the globe.

The full-length movie explores themes of redemption, love, and family loyalty. It also echoes the real-life exploits of those young and daring smugglers who lived life on the edge during that period, turning Lowcountry inlets into marijuana-running goldmines – until Operation Jackpot brought them down.

The main character is played by Jeff Fahey, an award-winning movie veteran who has appeared in more than 90 feature-length films and more than 50 TV series since his career began in the 1980s.

Czura, who wrote the screenplay and produced the independent movie out of his own pocket, is a well-known local business entrepreneur who founded Marlin Outdoor Advertising Company, which operates across much of the Lowcountry of South Carolina and Georgia.

Fahey gave Czura a warm tribute for his perseverance. “I was extremely impressed with Walter and what he has been able to achieve with this screenplay and film as a new producer. It’s a great accomplishment in a very competitive industry.”

BUILD YOUR FAMILY TREE WITH US

Unlock your family history with the help of our volunteer genealogists! Whether you’re just getting started or facing a research roadblock, we’re here to guide you. Call 843.686.6560 to schedule your appointment today!

LEARN ABOUT LOCAL HISTORY

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

EDUCATE & CELEBRATE –

250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

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

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

Art League Academy announces workshops with acclaimed artists

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Two nationally recognized artists will headline Art League Academy’s fall workshop schedule, offering Lowcountry residents and visitors opportunities to learn watercolor, oil and pastel techniques in small group settings.

Returning guest instructor Gary Baughman will present “Stroke Up on the Basics of Good Painting” Sept. 17th–19th while Charleston artist Peggy Ellis will lead “Watercolor Made Easy” Oct. 10th–12th. Both workshops will be held at the academy, 106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island.

Baughman’s program will run three days, with morning sessions dedicated to oil painting and afternoon sessions focused on pastel. Students can sign up for one or both, depending on interest. Organizers said the workshop is designed for all levels and will concentrate on strengthening fundamentals through demonstration, practice and personalized feedback. Baughman is nationally recognized for

his teaching and painting expertise, and his return to Hilton Head is described by academy leaders as an exciting addition to the fall lineup.

In October, Ellis will guide participants through the essentials of watercolor in a workshop that blends instruction with hands-on experience. Students will work with watercolor templates and complete a finished painting to take home.

Ellis, the daughter of acclaimed Lowcountry painter Ray Ellis, is recognized for her vibrant depictions of coastal landscapes. Her artwork is represented by Reinert Fine Art in Charleston and appears in private and public collections nationwide. Alongside her studio work, she has built a reputation as an approachable, inspiring teacher.

Former students have praised her style, describing her as knowledgeable, enthusiastic and encouraging. Marilynn G. said

Ellis is “knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and very encouraging,” while Dylan Sell, former arts coordinator at Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, called her “a positive force in the workshop” and recommended her classes for both beginners and advanced artists.

Class size for Ellis’ workshop will be limited to ensure individual instruction and participants are encouraged to register early. Participants may bring their own supplies or request a materials kit, available for $100 to $130. Orders for kits must be placed at least 10 days before the start of the workshop by emailing Academy@ArtLeagueHHI.org.

“Inspiring visual arts for our community and its visitors through exhibitions, education and partnerships” is Art League of Hilton Head’s mission. For more information, call 843.842.5738 or visit www.ArtLeagueHHI.org.

Lowcountry birds are in trouble

By Kay Grinnell Contributor

Whether you live here year-round or are just visiting, chances are you’ve noticed the incredible variety of birds that grace the Lowcountry. For me, what started as a casual hobby turned into a passion. I picked up birding in my late 40s, and it’s safe to say I’m hooked — so much that I now serve as the President of Hilton Head Audubon (HHA), currently in my fifth year.

Why the deep dive into birds? First, I’ve fallen in love with the beauty and wonder of our native bird species and want to share that joy with others. Second—and more urgently—I’ve learned how dangerously close many of these birds are to extinction.

Bird populations across North America are in steep decline, primarily due to loss of habitat. A groundbreaking 2019 study found we’ve lost 3 billion birds in the last 50 years. That’s nearly one in four birds that have vanished. The newly released 2025 State of the Birds Report from the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) confirms this trend is continuing.

Let’s bring that closer to the Lowcountry. Our shorebird populations have de-

clined 33 percent. Wilson’s Plovers, those sweet little birds skittering along the shoreline, have lost more than half their population. Eastern forest bird numbers, such as warblers and woodpeckers, have dropped 27 percent.

It’s a sobering reality, but there is hope. We know that smart conservation policies based on science is the answer. When we protect habitats, support bird-friendly practices, and advocate for stronger environmental regulations, bird populations can recover.

Thanks to contributions from our nearly 500 members and a grant from the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, HHA has hired a part-time Conservation Coordinator, Denise Pritchard. Denise, is launching three key initiatives to protect birds.

1. Keep cats indoors: Outdoor cats are one of the top killers of birds. Educating the public about this issue is essential.

2. Protect shorebirds: From nesting signs to simple beach etiquette, small actions can make a big difference.

3. Create bird-friendly habitats: Whether it’s your backyard or a public park, planting native species, providing a water source and eliminating pesticides can support bird life.

Locally, a new organization, the Car-

olina Bight Birding Center, is setting up shop near the Port Royal Sound Foundation. (A bight is a bend or inward curve in the shoreline.) Their mission is both timely and exciting “To enhance and preserve the diversity and quantity of bird populations in the Carolina Bight and the Atlantic Flyway.”

Beyond local initiatives, public advocacy is necessary to turn the tide. Many of the biggest threats, such as habitat destruction are policy-driven. That’s why HHA frequently speaks out. We encourage you to do the same.

Currently, environmental organizations, including S.C. Audubon and HHA are objecting to plans for Santee Cooper, a state-owned utility, to install a natural gas pipeline through the Francis Beidler Forest near Charleston. The pipeline

would cut a 25-mile swath through the world’s oldest cypress swamp, which is also a crucial refuge for migratory songbirds. The SC Public Service Commission must approve the plan before it can move forward.

We can stop this. Write, call, contact, speak out and stand up. Contact your PSC commissioner in Beaufort County, Carolyn Williams, at CWilliams@psc. sc.gov. to register your objection. Learn more by visiting the Coastal Conservation League’s website a coastalconservationleague.org/blog/save-the-beidler-forest/ Birding is not just a hobby—it’s a gateway to appreciating and preserving our natural world. Our Lowcountry birds are in trouble, but together, we can make a difference. Whether it’s joining Hilton Head Audubon, planting a native garden, or raising your voice in defense of habitat, every action matters. Let’s protect the beauty we are so lucky to witness—before it’s too late.

In the words of author and anthropologist Margaret Meade, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Kay Grinnell is the President of Hilton Head Island Audubon

‘What the Heck Is It?’ session returns to Hilton Head Island Library

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Curious about that mysterious object you’ve tucked away in a drawer or dug up in the backyard? The Hilton Head Branch Library is offering a chance to solve the mystery.

On Saturday, Oct. 4, from 2 to 4 p.m., the library will host “What the Heck Is It?: Artifact Identification Session.” The free, drop-in program invites the public to bring in almost any non-weapon artifact for professional identification and dating.

Expert perspectives

The session will feature some of South Carolina’s most experienced archaeologists. Dr. Jon Leader, the State Archaeologist, has decades of fieldwork and research experience and leads the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology’s work in preservation,

public archaeology and cultural resource management. Dr. Eric Poplin of Brockington & Associates has more than 30 years in the field and has directed archaeological projects throughout the Southeast, focusing on prehistoric and historic sites.

Both experts have participated in earlier artifact identification programs and are known for their ability to place ordinary objects into broader cultural and historical contexts. They will be joined by archaeologist Jeff Sherard, who has specialized in prehistoric and historic artifacts across the Carolinas.

What to bring

Over the years, participants at similar sessions have presented an astonishing variety of finds, ranging from projectile points and ceramic fragments to Civil War-era equipment, African dolls and even oil lamps dating back nearly 2,000 years. Attendees are encouraged to “look around the house” and bring along any

unusual or unexplained items.

To ensure safety, no weapons—including guns, swords or daggers—will be accepted. In addition, staff and archaeologists will not provide monetary appraisals; the focus is purely educational.

Local partnership

The program is co-sponsored by the Beaufort District Collection (BDC) of the Beaufort County Library system and the Hilton Head Chapter of the Archaeological Society of South Carolina.

The BDC, headquartered in Beaufort, serves as the library system’s special collections and archives unit. It focuses on preserving the history, culture and environment of Beaufort County and the broader Lowcountry. Its holdings include manuscripts, photographs, maps, oral histories and rare books that document the region’s past. The collection also offers public programs and lectures aimed at making local history accessible to resi-

dents and visitors alike.

By co-sponsoring sessions like “What the Heck Is It?,” the BDC extends its mission of connecting the community with its heritage—not just through documents and artifacts preserved in the archive, but also through hands-on engagement with the objects people encounter in daily life.

Event details

“What the Heck Is It?” Artifact Identification Session

Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 · 2–4 p.m. (doors open at 1:30 p.m.)

Hilton Head Branch Library, 11 Beach City Road

Cost: Free, open to the public

Restrictions: No weapons, no pets, no monetary appraisals

For more information, contact Grace Cordial at bdc@bcgov.net

Dear Jason: How do I forgive someone who never said sorry?

By Jason Smith Contributor

Dear Offended,

You’ve just asked one of the hardest— and most important—questions of the human experience. Forgiving someone who never apologized feels like giving a gift they don’t deserve. And in some ways, you’re right. Forgiveness is a gift. But here’s the catch: it’s not a gift for them—it’s a gift for you.

Let’s start by clarifying what forgiveness is not. It’s not saying, “It’s ok, don’t worry about it.” That kind of brushing off pretends

there was no harm, no wrong. That’s not forgiveness; that’s denial. Real forgiveness begins with telling the truth: “What you did was wrong. It hurt me.” And yet, it continues with a bold internal decision: “But I’m choosing to no longer hold it against you.” That’s what forgiveness is—release.

When we withhold forgiveness, we usually think we’re punishing the other person. But in truth, we’re drinking poison and hoping they get sick. Resentment slowly erodes your peace, not theirs. And if they’re not even aware of your pain, or worse, don’t care, then your grudge becomes a prison of your own making.

Forgiveness is not a feeling. If you wait until you feel like forgiving, you’ll wait forever. It’s a choice you make with your will—a daily one, not a one-time emotional breakthrough. Feelings will follow that choice eventually, but only if you start walking the path first.

And yes, there’s a world of difference between forgiving someone who is genuinely sorry and someone who maintains their innocence or disappears from your life. When someone says, “I’m sorry,” it brings relief. It puts them on your side of the truth. They’re agreeing with you that a wrong happened. But when there’s no apology, no closure, it can feel like the pain is ongoing. And in some ways, it is.

That’s why forgiveness in these cases requires even more strength. You must let go without ever getting the satisfaction of justice or acknowledgment. You release the other person from your contempt, not because they’ve earned it, but because you’re tired of carrying the weight.

Still struggling? Here’s one more thought: think about how much you’ve been forgiven. Not in a vague, theoretical sense—but really think about times when you got it

wrong, when you needed grace. This shift in perspective doesn’t erase what others have done, but it does dismount us from our high horse. We’ve all needed forgiveness. We’ll need it again.

So, what now? Make the decision to forgive. Say it out loud if you must: “I release them.” Ask for help if you need it—from a friend, a counselor, or God Himself. Do it again tomorrow. And the next day. Forgiveness doesn’t erase the past, but it does untangle you from it.

You’re not letting them off the hook. You’re setting yourself free.

Warmly, Jason

Lowcountry native, husband, and dad to two teenage daughters. Jason Smith is Pastor of NewSpring Church’s Bluffton campus, passionate about faith, family, and connection. jason.smith@newspring.cc

HHSO unveils three new subscription series for 2025–26 season

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra (HHSO) is expanding its upcoming season with three newly curated subscription series—Americana, Classical and Cinematic—designed to cater to a wide range of musical tastes.

The Americana Series spotlights the vitality and warmth of American music traditions. Highlights include the Holiday Pops, a festive musical celebration; a

performance by the Marcus Roberts Trio, known for its vibrant jazz stylings; and Ellis Island: The Dream of America, a stirring tribute to the immigrant experience.

The Classical Series invites audiences into the realm of timeless orchestral masterpieces. Featured works include the emotionally rich Dvoák Cello Concerto, a joint concert showcasing pieces by Beethoven and Mozart, and the expansive Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2. These concerts promise to bring some of the greatest works in the orchestral canon to

life.

The Cinematic Series offers dramatic, narrative-driven music, suited for both film enthusiasts and classical music lovers. Presentations include Ellis Island: The Dream of America—which doubles as part of the Americana offerings—The Music of Harry Potter, and the dramatic Verdi Requiem.

Each three-concert series provides an opportunity for subscribers to tailor their season to their personal interests, whether drawn to jazz-infused Americana,

symphonic masterworks or emotionally rich cinematic scores.

HHSO invites prospective patrons to contact its box office at (843) 842-2055 or visit hhso.org for details on subscription packages, pricing and concert schedules.

The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra delivers a wide array of musical programming each year—from classical orchestra series to jazz, cabaret, cultural events and educational outreach. It serves both locals and visitors and remains a vital cultural institution in the Lowcountry.

Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus seeking new singers for 2025–26 season

The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus is welcoming new members for the 2025–2026 orchestra season, which will feature two major choral programs: the popular Holiday Pops and Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem, one of the most celebrated works in the choral repertoire

Led by Artistic Director Dr. Dustin

Ousley, the HHSO Chorus draws experienced singers from across the Lowcountry to perform with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and guest soloists. Weekly rehearsals begin in October and emphasize musicianship, ensemble blend and preparation for mainstage performances. Chorus leaders say the season also offers

a strong sense of community for vocalists who want to make high-quality music alongside peers.

The ensemble is encouraging auditions from both seasoned choral singers and passionate vocalists with solid music-reading skills. Prospective members should review audition requirements,

which include brief vocalises and prepared excerpts, and submit an application in advance of scheduling. Complete details are available at hhso.org/chorus-auditions.

Applicants should email a completed application to Chorus Manager Gayle Lang at diva.gkl7@gmail.com

JASON SMITH

Hilton Head Choral Society opens 50th season with ‘Celebrate Unity’ concert

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Hilton Head Choral Society will launch its 50th anniversary season with a celebratory concert titled Celebrate Unity on Friday, Sept. 26th, at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway.

Sponsored by Custom Audio Video Integrated Home, the performance will highlight the power of music to inspire connection. The program will feature spirituals, anthems and popular favorites, including A New Jerusalem Arise, Hold Me, Rock Me, Lift Every Voice and Overcome, O Love and Bridge Over Troubled Waters. Audiences can also expect moving renditions of One Love, It Takes a Village and We Are the World. A medley of Stand by Me and Lean on Me will serve as a centerpiece for the evening’s theme of unity and compassion.

The 75-voice chorus will be joined by special guest Z. Randall Stroope, a noted American composer and conductor whose works have been performed internation-

ally. Stroope has composed more than 200 published pieces and conducted ensembles in more than 25 countries.

The concert will mark the world premiere of Courage Sings, an original piece Stroope composed in honor of the Choral Society’s 50th season. Commissioned by the ensemble, the work reflects the group’s milestone and will serve as the keynote of the evening.

“We are absolutely thrilled to kick off our 50th anniversary season with a concert that celebrates the heart and history of the Hilton Head Choral Society,” said Artistic Director Dr. Dustin C. Ousley. “It’s an incredible honor to welcome the acclaimed Z. Randall Stroope to Hilton Head for this milestone occasion. His commissioned piece beautifully captures the spirit of our journey, and we’re so proud to share its world premiere with our community.”

Following the performance, guests are invited to a celebratory reception in the church lobby.

Season tickets are available now through the Hilton Head Choral Society’s website, www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org

Dr. Dustin C. Ousley

Z. Randall Stroope

Gentle Breeze (detail) by Jane Capraro

Internal medicine specialist joins Beaufort Memorial Palmetto Medical Group in Bluffton

To continue expanding access to primary care in the Lowcountry, Beaufort Memorial has added a new board-eligible physician specializing in internal medicine to the team at Beaufort Memorial Palmetto Medical Group.

Kelsey Mijares, D.O., brings to the Bluffton practice a passion for the dynamic field of internal medicine. She specializes in the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity as well as thyroid disease, and brings an understanding, patient-first approach to primary care to her patients at Palmetto Medical Group.

“Dr. Mijares’ dedication to an individual approach for her patients will make her a valuable part of the primary care team with Beaufort Memorial,” said Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley. “Her experience helping patients manage their chronic conditions will further develop the way primary care is delivered in the Lowcountry.”

Joining Beaufort Memorial from Memorial Health in Savannah, Ga., Dr. Mijares always knew she was destined for a career in medicine, having spent a great deal of time in her youth around healthcare professionals due to her father’s health issues.

While she was originally interested in becoming a surgeon, she shifted her focus toward the more family-friendly and diverse field of internal medicine. After earning her medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University’s Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, Tenn., she completed her residency at Memorial Health and has led research initiatives focused on glucose monitoring, hypertension and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

For her patients, Dr. Mijares emphasizes the critical importance that a healthy diet and active lifestyle have in managing a wide array of chronic conditions.

“I like to approach every patient as an

individual, looking to understand their background, motivations and goals,” Dr. Mijares said. “My patients and I develop a plan together with an approach that aligns with their needs.”

At Beaufort Memorial Palmetto Medical Group, Dr. Mijares joins Drs. Scott W. Cummings, Nikki Keisler and Robert L. Smith, as well as physician assistants Stephanie Lovato and Erica Roper and nurse practitioner Jennifer H. Stokes. The practice, located at 4818 Bluffton Parkway, provides a full range of general outpatient medical care for adults and children five years and older, with an emphasis on wellness and chronic disease management and prevention. Laboratory services are also available on site.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mijares or any of the practice providers, call (843) 706-0600.

For more information about Beaufort Memorial primary care providers, visit BeaufortMemorial.org/PrimaryCare.

Experience affordable golf on the Island with the only par-3 course–perfect for instruction, children, and senior play. Driving range and putting green are open to everyone. $10 donation for adults, $5 donation for kids – all you can play. You don’t need to bring clubs – the pros at the First Tee will lend you a set at no charge!

Kelsey Mijares, D.O.

Snakes on a drain

By Tracy Winslow Contributor

In case you were wondering what things can crawl into your house through your drain in South Carolina - it’s pretty much everything.

I opened the door to my shower to turn the water on, when I noticed my cute little drain cover had been carelessly shoved aside by some silent assailant. And as a strong, independent, single woman, I did what any sane person would do; I called my best friend in Upstate New York to assess the situation.

“So, something creepy crawled up through my drain and is waiting to kill me in my sleep. Can you come over and hide with me?”

“I’m not getting anywhere near that death house.”

“Great friend you are.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I don’t know. Probably burn the house down?”

She reached out to the experts for advice - Google. “Ok, so, it could be bugs, rodents, frogs, snakes, baby alligators - pretty much anything. Yeah, you have to move.”

I’m not afraid of most of those things. Granted, I don’t want them taking up residence with me as they are known to be freeloaders and party until all hours of the night. But, I am freaking out that there’s a snake in my house. Knowing my luck, it’s the venomous kind and will eat my dogs as an appetizer and then me as the main course. Even if it’s not venomous, I have two parrots that would make a delicious snack for the uninvited guest.

“Are you looking for this disgusting thing?”

“Um, NO. I’m on my way to work. I got ready as fast as I could and got the heck out of there. But I did shake out my shoes before I put them on, just in case they were hiding in there. You know how snakes love a good pair of Jimmy Choos.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that. What are you going to do?”

Sigh. I guess I have to call for reinforcements because I cannot face this alone. I have now whipped my anxiety into a frenzy, and am imagining a nest of slithering adversaries taking up residence

under my bed. Cold and calculating, waiting for just the right moment to strike. Fangs, dripping with venom, licking slimy little snakey lips with anticipation. So, I reached out to my ex-husband for help.

“Hey, any chance you’re free today?”

“No, I’m in board meetings all day.

What’s up?”

“Yeah, so, something crawled up through my drain and is going to murder me in my sleep tonight. Any chance you have a break and can go kill it for me before it makes me its next meal?”

“Wait, what? What do you mean something crawled up through the drain?”

“Well, it pushed the drain cover off and slithered in. There was yucky drain sludge and a hairball that most definitely wasn’t there when I showered yesterday.”

“And you didn’t notice this until now? Could it have been the dogs?”

“Nope. The shower door was closed and my bedroom door is always shut.”

“Was there a slime trail or footprintsany evidence that something came in?”

“I don’t know. I was scared and turned on the shower really hot so it pushed the

cottonmouth’s friends back down the drain.”

“Do you have any traps?”

“You know I keep bear traps at the house for this type of situation.”

“I mean, like a mouse trap.”

“Ew. No.”

“Ok, I’ll come over when I have a break.”

He texted me moments later to let me know he moved a few meetings around so he could go take a look for me. He also grabbed a rat trap.

“I’m going to put the dogs in their crates in case something did come up through the drain. I don’t want them chasing it around or getting hurt while I try to catch it.”

“Make sure you get a whacking stick too so the pit viper doesn’t kill you. Or maybe those grabber things.”

“I’m already on the way to your house. Those grabber things would be useless for a snake. They don’t squeeze tight enough. It would only create a bigger issue. Do you have a shovel?”

“Only a gardening trowel. I don’t typically bury bodies in the backyard. Oh, and get a video if you find something.”

“I am not getting a video. I’m gonna need both hands to catch whatever it is that crawled in.”

He also decided to bring his best friend with him to join in on the fun - all the while I was loudly praying that a cobra hadn’t devoured my pets.

“One of us can use a flashlight and the other can use the shovel. I only have about a half an hour so we’ll set up a few traps in your room. Do not let the dogs go in there when you get home. The traps will break their jaws.”

What fresh hell had I gotten myself into?

A few minutes later I received a picture of a rat trap placed next to the shower and then a follow up phone call.

“No evidence of anything that we can see. We looked under the bed and in the closet. Was the shower door completely closed when you saw it this morning?”

“Yes. I didn’t notice anything was awry until I tried to take a shower.”

“Well, you washed away the crime scene. I can’t believe you didn’t use a different bathroom so I could see the evidence. Did you see any tail marks or footprints on the tiles?”

“Um, a Black Mamba was going to murder me. I just showered quickly and ran away before I died.”

“I don’t think it was a snake or anything. We have had a lot of rain this summer so the water levels in the neighborhoods are high. Once in a while the water pressure builds up and an air bubble bursts through the system. You used the wrong screws on the drain cover which is why it came off when the water backed up from the pressure.”

Oh. Oops. My B.

“Just be aware for the next few days or so - you know, cautious about moving shoes and things on the ground.”

Ok, well, that’s the theory I’m going to go with - otherwise I will have a nervous breakdown. But I am still sleeping with one eye open, just in case. Do snakes have evil laughs? I could swear I just heard one. At the time of publishing Tracy had not been devoured, yet…

When Tracy isn’t trying to fight things with no arms, she is getting all stocked up with yarn at Low Country Shrimp and Knits for the official start to the knitting season - FALL! The holidays will be here before you know it - come kick off your gifts or ship something fabulous to someone you love through www.shrimpandknits.com

TRACY WINSLOW

Protect your family’s memories

By Rhoda Gordon Contributor

September is Save Your Photos Month, a global campaign dedicated to helping families protect their treasured photo and video memories before disaster strikes. Living in the Lowcountry, we know firsthand how hurricanes, floods, and even simple accidents can erase what matters most in an instant. You can always buy new furniture, but you can’t replace the only photo of your grandparents’ wedding or your child’s first steps.

Save Your Photos Month began 11 years ago in response to disasters like Superstorm Sandy and the Joplin tornadoes. Since then, it has grown into an international movement offering education and resources to help people digitize, organize, and preserve their collections. The message is simple: Don’t wait until it’s too late to safeguard your family’s story.

Natural disasters are not the only threat to our memories. Everyday accidents such as a spilled drink on a photo album, a phone dropped in the pool, or a computer that suddenly stops working can be just as devastating. Even without a dramatic event, fading prints and outdated technology slowly erode our personal history. Taking time now to protect and preserve your photos ensures that the people, places, and milestones that shaped your life are not lost to time.

As the owner of Sunflower Photo Solutions and creator of the DIG YOUR PHOTOS!™, A DIY Print Photo organizing kit, I’ve seen firsthand the relief families feel when their memories are safe, accessible, and ready to be shared. Photos are more than images, they are milestones, traditions, and legacies. Yet so many of us have boxes of prints, outdated albums, and old media like VHS tapes and slides piled in closets, waiting to be tackled “someday.”

Creating a memory legacy starts with a few simple steps. Decide what you want future generations to know, then gather your photos and technology/media

from every corner of your home. This includes prints, albums, framed pictures, old phones, hard drives, DVDs/CDs and flash drives. From there, you can sort, discard, scan, and create order yourself, or work with a professional photo manager to guide you through the process.

Using a photo organizing kit can make this process simple and fun, especially for families who want to turn a dreaded chore into a meaningful activity.

Throughout September, I’ll be sharing tips and advice on protecting your memories on my Instagram and Facebook pages, as well as my Youtube channel and I also offer complimentary consultations to help families create a plan that works for them.

Whether you spend 15 minutes sorting through a box of prints or commit to building a family timeline to date your photos, every step counts toward preserving your legacy. Don’t wait for disaster to remind you how valuable your photos are. Take action this month, because saving your photos means saving your story.

Rhoda Gordon, a local Certified Photo Manager, is the owner of Sunflower Photo Solutions and the creator of DIG YOUR PHOTOS!™, a DIY photo organizing kit. For a decade, she has been helping families and businesses sort, organize, digitize, and back up their print and digital photo collections. Discover more tips, tricks, and howtos on her YouTube channel: youtube.com/@digyourphotos, and visit sunflowerphotosolutions.com or digyourphotos.com for expert guidance and support with your media collection and organizing projects.

RHODA GORDON

Complacency vs growth

By Ryan Chowansky Contributor

I am currently in a massive growth phase in my business. Where people and processes can make or break your company because you cannot do it all yourself anymore. It feels so awkward. It seriously feels like the business is going through puberty.

All of a sudden, we’re bigger, we’re stumbling, not used to this new size and strength. Sometimes we can absolutely power through an incredibly complex project. Other times for some reason there’s a massive breakdown in process and communication on the smallest simplest job. That was an absolute layup otherwise. Hell, sometimes my voice is literally cracking… thanks stress.

Most people would want to avoid this phase. They just want to be winners. They just want to be the bigger company instantly. Most people would see everything we’re going through with consistent failures. In my eyes, we are learning.

Many contractors would rather just stay as a smaller one-to-three-person company and make a lot more money to their pocket.

Some people are built to create the right safety bubble for themselves. Other people like me will perpetually feel the need to push the limits and break things to get to the next level. In doing so you learn to get comfortable in discomfort. You learn to see organization through

the chaos. You learn what a true test of faith is and making sure you’re aligned with God’s will is imperative.

The interesting thing here is the dichotomy between a safety bubble and the lack of one. It’s all perspective.

The ability to get comfortable looking stupid, being wrong a lot, learning through failure, and knowing that, it is actually the steps to success. That’s what winning looks like. Nothing worthwhile comes easy and if you start feeling comfortable and cozy where you’re at, that may be a gut check to see if you need to continue growing.

I truly feel a person’s biggest internal battle is complacency. But at the same time, I also feel that’s completely OK to be complacent if that’s what you want. But for those out there that don’t feel like they fit in because they don’t like being comfortable, this one’s for you. Don’t be afraid to look stupid. Try and try and try and try and do not stop. Just make sure you’re learning from every mistake and failure. That’s how champions are created. That’s what creates winners. Keep that mindset and find some sort of comfort in the discomfort. Keep pushing.

For those that are comfortable where they are, try taking a different look at what us crazy people are doing. Cheer us on. Support us. We might end up having a harder life than you ever had, and it may never actually work the way we wanted it to. But the difference in our success could just be as simple as your support.

For my fellow crazies or those scared to take the first step. Just do it.

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

RYAN CHOWANSKY

Smart ways to keep your dental care affordable

By Dr. Matthew Mastrorocco Contributor

As a dentist, a concern I hear from patients is about the cost of dental treatment. Taking care of your teeth and gums is one of the best investments you can make in your health. But for many people, the cost of dental care can feel overwhelming. The good news is that there are practical ways to manage expenses without sacrificing the quality of care you need. With a little planning, you can keep your smile healthy—and your budget on track. Here are some practical options I recommend:

1. Consider an in-house membership plan

For patients without dental insurance, many offices offer in-house membership plans. These plans typically include preventive services such as cleanings, exams, and X-rays for a set annual or monthly fee, along with a discount on additional treatment. It’s a simple way to keep up with routine care while saving money throughout the year.

2. Commit to preventive care

Prevention is the most effective—and cost-effective—approach to dentistry. Regular checkups and cleanings allow us to catch small problems early before they turn into bigger, more expensive issues. Daily brushing, flossing, and fluoride use at home also go a long way in reducing your long-term dental costs.

3. Ask about discounts for upfront or cash payments

In some cases, practices can offer a discount if treatment is paid for in full at the time of service or in cash. By reducing administrative costs associated with billing and credit card fees, we can pass some of those savings back to our patients. It never hurts to ask if this option is available.

4. Take advantage of flexible payment plans

For larger treatment plans, we understand that paying all at once may not be feasible. Many dental offices partner with financing companies or offer inhouse payment options to spread costs out over time. In fact, interest-free payment plans are often available, making care more manageable for patients on a budget.

5. Explore community-based resources

If cost remains a barrier, community resources can help. Dental schools provide quality care at a reduced rate under the supervision of licensed dentists. Nonprofit health clinics and federally qualified health centers also offer lowcost or sliding-scale services. Our local Volunteers in Medicine locations provide dentistry at no cost to eligible patients. These can be excellent options for families who need additional support.

My goal as a dentist is always to provide high-quality care while helping patients feel comfortable—both in the chair and with their financial decisions.

By taking advantage of preventive care, asking about savings options, and exploring community resources, you can keep your dental care affordable and protect your oral health for years to come.

Your smile is one of your most valuable assets. With the right strategies, it can stay both healthy and affordable.

Dr. Matthew Mastrorocco is a dentist and the owner of ROC Dental Group in Bluffton and Hilton Head. Learn more at ROCDentalGroup.com.

DR. MATTHEW MASTROROCCO

Celebrating 50 years of care and commitment: Hilton Head Medical Center

By Page Leggett Contributor

In 1975, America caught disco fever, and Roy Scheider (Chief Brody in “Jaws”) adlibbed one of the greatest lines in cinematic history: “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” The Vietnam War ended and a Harvard dropout named Bill Gates co-founded a little company that would grow into a global giant.

But that August, the biggest news on Hilton Head Island was that residents finally had a medical center: When Hilton Head Hospital opened Aug. 8, the island’s 6,500 residents no longer had to leave town for hospital care.

That day, Gov. James B. Edwards gave a speech, the Parris Island Marine Band played and 1,600 people – nearly one-fourth of the island’s population – came out to celebrate.

Hilton Head Medical Center has seen a lot of change in 50 years. One of the biggest changes happened in February of 2024 when the community hospital, now known as Novant Health Hilton Head Medical Center, joined the Novant Health network.

A hospital auxiliary that predates the hospital

Two years prior to the hospital’s 1975 opening, Dr. Peter LaMotte, a Hilton Head transplant from New York, and local attorney William Bethea, Jr., hatched a plan to build a hospital on the island.

LaMotte, who’d been chief of trauma in orthopedic surgery at Roosevelt Hospital and team physician for the New York Mets, was acutely aware of the need to serve Hilton Head Island’s citizens who were mostly retirees.

In November 1973, LaMotte enlisted Dorothy Hatch to create an auxiliary to raise money for hospital equipment and serve patients, staff and the community.

“We assist in improving healthcare quality, access and delivery by providing aid and comfort to patients and their families at Hilton Head Hospital and Coastal Carolina Hospital,” said Mike Rosenfeld, a Washington state transplant who serves as president of the Hospital Auxiliary. “We’re 100% run by volunteers.”

“From the minute the hospital opened, I think it became very important to the

community,” he added. “From anywhere on the island, you can be in our hospital’s ER within 15 minutes. And there, you’ll find tremendous expertise in the types of ailments we have here.”

He’s referring to the needs of seniors, since so many call Hilton Head Island home.

“About 25% of island residents are 65 or older,” Rosenfeld said, about double the average American city. Between 2000 and 2020, the island’s 65-and-over population increased 80%.

“So, the hospital has a number of specialties oriented toward that demographic – cardiopulmonary and thoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery, gastroenterology,” he added. “Coastal Carolina has a NICU and a big OB practice. There are lots of babies born at Coastal; that’s where the young folks are.”

It also serves tourists whose vacations are interrupted by injury or illness. In the summer, Hilton Head’s population of around 40,000 balloons to about 160,000.

“We see lots of tourists,” said Rowena Deaton, a nurse and the hospital’s director of surgical services. “People who haven’t ridden a bike in a long time come to the

island and may fall and break a bone. Pickleball seems to be big business development for us now, too.” Jellyfish stings also bring people in.

Four decades … and counting Rowena Deaton has been caring for patients at Hilton Head Medical Center for 42 years. She originally worked nights as a staff nurse, and rose through the ranks to supervisor and then director. She’s seen a lot of changes. The biggest one, she said, is “the complexity of cases we see and the huge growth in minimally invasive treatments.”

Very few people these days spend their entire careers at one organization, but Deaton isn’t unique at Hilton Head Medical Center. “Three or four of us have been here over 40 years,” she said, “And a lot of staff members have been here 15, 20 years.”

Her colleagues are the main reason for her longevity. “You become very loyal to them, and they become loyal to you,” she said. “What we do can be high stress, but we thrive on that. The teamwork within the

50 YEARS CONT. ON PAGE 41A

operating room is phenomenal.”

That makes a difference for patients, as Deaton knows. She’s been admitted as a patient four times. “It’s different being on the other side,” she said. “I’m proud of this staff. They will take great care of you.”

When the retired civil engineer and his wife moved to Hilton Head in 2021, he knew he needed both hips replaced. “My wife said, ‘Since you’ll be in the hospital – twice – I’m going to get involved with the auxiliary so we can get to know these folks,’” he said. “I joined a couple of weeks after my second hip replacement.”

An integral part of the hospital

The Auxiliary’s importance to the hospital goes beyond the funds they raise. They also supply volunteers at both hospitals and the Bluffton-Okatie Outpatient Center, Bluffton Medical Campus and the Tidewatch ER.

“A lot of our volunteers are retired nurses and others with healthcare experience,” Rosenfeld said. Many have worked in hospitals as leaders. “That hospital experience adds a lot to what we do.”

The hospital and the auxiliary that supports it are inextricably linked. “The hospital identifies a need, and we respond,” is how Rosenfeld described the relationship. For instance: The Auxiliary raised $125,000

in 1976 to help the hospital remain open during financially difficult times.

Hilton Head is a wealthy and generous community. Many individuals and families give to the cause year after year. But it’s more than individual donors making things happen. One example, a benefit golf tournament grew into an annual event and became the principal source of scholarship funds. It’s the oldest charity golf tournament on the island. All told, it’s raised more than $1 million.

Among the major additions the Auxiliary made, or helped make, possible:

• CT scanner, $400,000 (1983)

• Addition of echocardiography, $100,000 (1989)

• Cardiac monitors for the ICU and PCU (progressive care unit, also called a stepdown unit), $100,000 (1991)

The acquisition that changed everything

But that changed when a for-profit corporation bought the hospital in 1994. “When we were sold and became for profit, I think we lost a lot of the community’s trust,” Deaton said. “We always said: ‘We’re still the same people. We’re still taking great care of you.’ But that got overshadowed by the for-profit organization.”

Tax rules prevented donations of equipment to a for-profit, so the auxiliary pivoted to focus on providing scholarships. Deb Har-

Counters Inc.

berger, a nurse who’s been at Hilton Head Hospital for more than 30 years, was among the first recipients.

In 1978, the Auxiliary began funding a scholarship program for nurses in an effort to address the critical nursing shortage in the region.

Scholarships are also available to hospital employees who wish to advance their healthcare education and to their children.

The more things change…

In February 2024, Novant Health bought Hilton Head Hospital and made it part of its 16-hospital system. The acquisition takes the hospital back to its nonprofit roots.

Rosenfeld said the Auxiliary is ready to do whatever it can “to help Novant Health and the Foundation advance its goals in creating quality healthcare in the region.”

There’s a lot of excitement – in Hilton Head and throughout Novant Health’s territory – about the alignment between Novant Health and Hilton Head.

Excitement coupled with hope.

“Becoming part of Novant Health is, to me, huge,” Deaton said. “I think the community is going to end up loving us again. We’re your neighbor, your daughters, your sons. And we’re going to take the best care of you we possibly can. I’m proud to go out and say I’m part of Novant Health.”

Novant

Hilton Head Medical Center nurses stand outside the hospital on opening day in 1975. People of a certain age will recall that before they wore scrubs and spongy athletic shoes, nurses were sheathed in white from head to toe, including the iconic cap that still stands as a symbol for nursing today.

Spillin’ the Tea... Tales from the Lowcountry From Hilton Head to Washington: A March for Justice

This story is from a collection of interviews from long time locals who have generously shared their lowcountry memories with me to be saved for historical purposes and future generations

By Paul Tollefson Contributor

Our “Bubba Arthur” is a significant yet often overlooked figure in Hilton Head Island’s history. He was a positive influence and an island icon whose life and legacy deserve recognition. He shall continue to be praised for his quiet impact and his deeper understanding; many never fully realized about him.” – Emory and Morris Campbell Mr. Arthur Fraizer’s life was anything but cushy and he wore more hats than a department store mannequin. As a boy, he was already no stranger to hard work whether it was shining the boots of wealthy hunters or digging ditches for 60 cents a day. By adulthood his resume read like a list of Lowcountry survival skills: Ferry service operator, farmer, logging truck driver, service station owner, and all-around problem solver. He once worked 30 days and 30 nights straight until his wife finally rescued him from exhaustion.

Arthur’s roots run deep in the Lowcountry. His grandfather, Mr. Daniel Frazier, had crossed from Ridgeland to Hilton Head in 1860, starting a family legacy tied to the sea and the land.

Before the tourist boom, before the change in landscape, and way before the bridge connecting the island to the mainland, Hilton Head was a close-knit community. A place where livestock could roam free, people knew each other and settled their own disputes, and everyone

looked out for one another.

This story is not about the ups and downs of life that we all endure, but this is a story about a man that set out to do something special. A man from a small island that had never seen the world, but he knew that racial equality was the correct way to live. Although from many accounts, Lowcountry didn’t see as much racial injustice or violence as other parts of the south, by 1963, Arthur had still endured his fair share. This only fueled his ambition to join the thousands marching for change. This is the story of the day Mr. Frazier went to see Martin Luther King Jr.

On a sweltering August day in 1963, Arthur Frazier stepped onto the Freedom Train in Savannah with nothing more than a seat for a bed, a lunch of cornbread and tea, and a heart full of conviction. His

destination: The March on Washington, where history was waiting to be made. The Freedom Train ride itself was a journey of determination. Every whistle stop brought more passengers, more voices ready to sing “We Shall Overcome” into the heart of the nation’s capital. And sing they did—led by the unforgettable voice of Broadway legend Lena Horne, echoing through the streets of Washington. “You could hear her voice all over,” Arthur later recalled.

When the marchers arrived at the Lincoln Memorial, Arthur stood among 250,000 others, waiting for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to speak. From about 200 feet away, he listened as King’s words painted a vision of unity—of little white boys and little black boys walking together in freedom. For Arthur, whose life had been shaped by the indignities of segregation,

that vision carried profound weight.

For Arthur, the day was more than a protest—it was proof that people from all walks of life could come together for something bigger than themselves. Beside him were professionals and laborers, Southerners and Northerners, natives and immigrants—all united in hope. Together they sent a resounding message that America could no longer ignore the injustices faced by millions of its citizens. “It was a day I’ll never forget” Arthur returned to Hilton Head knowing the fight wasn’t over. “It’s certainly a lot better… but somebody’s going to have to march again,” he said years later. Yet, there was pride in his voice when he spoke of that summer day—when he played his small part in the great movement toward equality.

In the end, Arthur Frazier’s journey was about more than just getting to Washington. It was about carrying the spirit of the march back home, living its values, and showing future generations that when opportunity knocks for justice, you step forward—boots shined, head high, voice ready to sing.

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

PAUL TOLLEFSON

By Channing Heiss Contributor

Town of Hilton Head hosts public disabled access meetings

The Town of Hilton Head Island hosted a public open house August 14th at the Town Hall to discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act and to hear from citizens about accessibility issues on the island.

The open house, which included a 9 a.m. meeting and a 5:30 p.m. meeting as well as opportunities for less formal conversations, was held as the official kickoff event for the Town’s ADA Self-Assessment and Transition Plan according to a news release.

“Our goal is to ensure that everyone in our community has equal access to the programs, services, and facilities offered by the Town,” said Mayor Alan Perry. “The input we receive during this process will help shape a more inclusive and accessible future for Hilton Head Island.”

The ADA Self-Assessment and Transition Plan is a requirement of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and serves as a roadmap for identifying and

addressing barriers to access. Hilton Head Island brought in Sandy Hanebrink, executive director of Touch the Future, Inc., as a consultant on the project. Touch the Future, Inc., based in Ander son, SC, started as an assistive technology company and now provides services including access consulting.

The goal of the company is to create accessible, inclusive, and sustainable communities.

Assistant Town Manager and ADA coordinator Angie Stone explained the project’s early goals and future steps.

“We’re on the front end of this process and held these sessions to gather initial input and let the community know what we’re doing. The feedback provid-

ed during these sessions was primarily related to non-Town facilities, programs and services.” She said future outreach will include an online survey, focus groups, and public presentation of the assessment and transition plan.

Stone observed “consistent themes” emerging in the discussions with the estimated 1520 participants, including calls for accessible parking island-wide, clearly marked accessible routes, expanded transportation options, and awareness within the business community.

Cyndy Milstead-Anzek, South Carolina director of Walton Options, attended the morning session of the open house and said the atmosphere was positive.

She also complimented Stone for productive meetings. Talking about the input from disabled advocates, she said it was important that issues such as visitability and universal design came up during the discussions for the awareness of groups such as homebuilders’ associations. While she said there are no specific plans in place for Walton Options to work on the accessibility project, Milstead-Anzek expressed a willingness and desire to work with the Town and others. “We would love to collaborate,” she said.

Milstead-Anzek supports access incentives such as awarding window stickers or similar recognition to businesses and other organizations that prioritize accessibility. “Like a certification of excellence or a deal of approval,” she explained.

Emphasizing cooperation and creativity in the quest for accessibility, she said “The ADA is the floor, not the ceiling.”

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

By Nanette Makrauer Contributor

If you are on Medicare insurance, or soon will be, you need to know your options. Everyone is in a different place, literally, with Medicare. Some people are entering due to the approach of their 65th birthday. Some are deciding if they should stay on an employer plan or move over to Medicare. Still others may have delayed taking Medicare and are in their 70s, and are now figuring out how to move over to Medicare from an employer plan. And finally, some people have been in the government program for years, and are looking to make changes to their plan and coverage choices. No matter which of the scenarios above might apply to you an excellent place to start is with an independent, certified advisor that can give you a clear picture of all your options, as well as manage your enroll-

Medicare made easy

ments, and advise you on potential pitfalls in your path. These people go through a series of exams and multiple certifications every year, to be able to offer solid, up-todate advice to Medicare beneficiaries since the plans, the rules, and the structure change annually.

You’ll usually come across three main types of advisors:

1. Government advisors – These work for the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and are paid through government funding.

2. Captive agents – These work directly for one insurance company and are paid by that company.

3. Independent agents – These don’t work for any one company. Instead, they’re licensed with many different insurance companies and earn a commission from whichever one you choose.

None of these advisors should be charging fees for the consultation.

Structure

Original Medicare is the only government sponsored portion of the program. It is the red, white and blue card that has a member number and an effective date for Part A and Part B. Those dates depend upon when you

entered the program and can be different for both parts.

For most, Part A is premium free, and Part B has a base premium. CMS, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, sets the standard Medicare Part B premium each year. In addition, if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is above a certain threshold, the Social Security Administration (SSA) adds an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) to your Part B and Part D premiums.

Part A (hospital coverage) requires you to pay a deductible each benefit period before Medicare begins covering your inpatient stay. After the deductible, Medicare covers the first 60 days in the hospital, but if you need a longer stay, you’ll pay a daily copay from days 61–90, and a higher daily copay if you use any of your 60 lifetime reserve days beyond that. Skilled nursing facility care is covered in full for the first 20 days (after a qualifying hospital stay), but daily copays apply for days 21–100, and you are responsible for all costs after day 100.

Part B (medical coverage for doctor visits, outpatient care, and other services) has a small annual deductible. Once that is met, Medicare generally pays 80% of approved

charges, and you are responsible for the remaining 20%, with no out-of-pocket maximum.

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not include a maximum out-of-pocket limit, meaning there’s no cap on how much you could spend in a calendar year. It also does not provide prescription drug coverage (Part D). Because of this high potential financial exposure and the lack of drug benefits, many beneficiaries choose to add coverage through a private insurance company to help manage costs and fill these gaps. Through private insurance companies you have the option between a Medicare Advantage plan, also referred to as Part C, or a Medicare Supplement Plan, also referred to as Medigap.

These are two vastly different types of health insurance coverages, and the next article in the series will provide detail on these two choices, as well as address your Part D (prescription drug) options, and Dental and Vision coverage.

Nanette Makrauer is an independent insurance broker and Certified Medicare Advisor residing in Bluffton. nanette@ health-wealth-insurance.com | www. health-wealth-insurance.com.

NANETTE MAKRAUER

By Justin Jarrett Contributor

Pace yourself for a long season

A football season is more marathon than sprint, and the clock just started ticking. Nothing is ever as bad — or as good — as it seems in August. None of these early-season games actually carry any stakes of substance, and winning or losing this time of year has no impact on the team goals that were determined well before we could play a full game without a mandatory water break forced by the dreaded “wet bulb.”

And in many cases, the apples are doing battle with so many oranges that it’s hard to get a read on what any of it means, anyway. In August, most teams are either punching way above their weight in games they have no chance of winning, which usually makes them better in the long run, or punching down on weaker opponents, which usually doesn’t.

Take the Bluffton Bobcats, for example. We know their offense is going to be electric, as evidence by the fact that North Carolina commit Carnell Warren, one of the top-rated receivers in the state, did not score one of the Bobcats’ seven touchdowns in a 49-0 rout of Whale Branch on Friday night. After a

sluggish start, Kordell Holley ran all over the Warriors’ defensive front, and Aedan McCarthy carved up the secondary, especially after fatigue took its toll in the second half and allowed Bluffton’s superior depth to take over.

But can we glean anything from it about how the Bobcats will matchup against Region 6-4A? Not really.

Neither can we tell how Hilton Head High’s defense will hold up against the Bobcats’ spread-out airshow or May River’s signature Slot-T rushing attack based on the Seahawks’ 59-12 dispatching of Stall on Friday. Sure, B.J. Payne’s boys gave up a couple scores, but second- and third-string defenders were on the field when the Warriors found the end zone, so Payne probably isn’t terribly concerned.

On the other hand, there’s no need to panic about a team like Beaufort High dropping its opener, even with a tepid offensive performance in Monday’s 17-6 loss to Fort Dorchester. Lest we forget, the Eagles managed only six points in a season-opening loss to the Patriots three years ago — and they didn’t lose again on their way to a Class 3A state title.

Hilton Head Christian Academy has taken a couple big ol’ bites out of its early-season sandwich, and the Eagles’ 1-1 record against a challenging schedule indicates Ron Peduzzi’s

John Paul II’s Nate Moore makes a tackle during the Golden Warriors’ season-opening 31-22 win over Colleton Prep on Aug. 22. Despite the impressive win to start the season, JPII is back to the drawing board after a 37-0 loss to Laurence Manning, illustrating the dangers or drawing too many conclusions from one game.

crew is poised to contend again in SCISA 3A. The Eagles went toe-to-toe with SCISA 4A power Porter-Gaud for three-plus quarters in a season-opening loss, and they showed more mettle late in Friday’s 36-20 win over Class 3A Battery Creek, a team that boasts plenty of size in the trenches.

Peduzzi could have scheduled down and piled up wins, but would it have helped his team get over the hump against Hammond or Pinewood Prep next month? Not likely.

Every football coach in America will gladly trade a loss in August or September for one more win in October or November, so don’t overreact to one or two games. The kids will keep playing, and we’ll keep showing up to see what happens. Everybody wins.

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

Justin Jarrett / LowcoSports

Getting a dog’s attention while walking

By Abby Bird aka Alphadog Contributor

Sometimes the most difficult aspect of walking a dog, besides finding the most appropriate equipment, is getting the dog to pay attention to the person holding the leash. In many cases the loose leash walk issues can be corrected merely by changing a collar or harness or leash type. But in other cases, it revolves around getting the dog to focus on the person.

Paying attention skills on the walk are necessary for many situations. They may include a dog’s reactivity to another dog or other distractions such as squirrels, noisy vehicles or even wheels on bicycles or carts. The reactivity generally results in inappropriate lunging or barking. In either case safety for the person as well as the dog and community can be impacted.

Once we go beyond necessary equipment adjustments our next step is teaching the dog in a positive manner to want to focus on pleasing the human.

Focus

With the dog by your side in a loose leash walk, (a short but loose leash for control,) keep them walking while you have them focus. Use a special treat, ideally one that has some strong scent that they do not get at any other time, to properly motivate them. Take the treat

and put in front of their nose while you continue moving, not stopping, and then in an arc with your hand and arm bring the treat to your nose. This should cause your dog to follow it with their eyes and to make eye contact with you. Use the “Focus”cue as you do this. Do these two or three times as you continue to walk. There is no sitting during this as the goal is to keep them moving past the distraction instead of being reactive. Begin doing this for just a few feet before you reward them. Do not have them sit when you reward just keep walking.

Hand signal with treat from dog’s nose to your nose. Practice your “Focus” in appropriate situations passing by distractions that are stationary or in a confined area such as dogs or kids in a yard. Or you can pass by other dogs only while in your loose leash walk. Do not reward the dog with the treat until they are safely past the distraction. No sitting. This is a great method to keep your dog safe and to get your dog out of the area. The “Focus” cue can be used preemptively before they see a distraction as well as when they are in the midst of it. This positive method of teaching them to want to look at you instead of elsewhere is one of the most important outdoor cues you can teach.

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

Can supplements help with neuropathy?

By Dr. Kenneth Horup Contributor

Peripheral neuropathy affects millions of people. It can cause burning, tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the hands and feet. For many, the search for relief begins in the supplement aisle. In my previous article I mentioned a few supplements that may help patients with neuropathy. However, in many cases supplements alone are not enough. Let’s dive into why…

While some supplements can indeed help nourish and protect nerves, there is a critical detail that’s often overlooked: nutrients must actually reach the nerves to be effective. And in many cases of neuropathy, poor circulation makes this harder.

Neuropathy is often linked with health conditions such as diabetes, arterial disease, or chronic inflammation. These can damage nerves directly and may also reduce blood flow to the extremities. When circulation is compromised, oxygen and nutrients cannot reach the nerves as efficiently, which can worsen symptoms.

I like to use the analogy of ordering from Amazon. We can order online and have it packaged in the warehouse. It will then be shipped, traveling down highway 95, to highway 278, but if the gate to the neighborhood is closed, the package can’t reach the doorstep. The same is true for nerves: even the highest-quality supplements may have limited benefit if blood flow to the nerves is impaired.

This often explains why some people spend months or years taking nerve-supporting supplements without improvement. It’s not always that the product is ineffective, it may be that the nerves are too damaged, or that circulation is too restricted for them to receive enough benefit.

So, what is the solution? The answer depends on the individual. The most effective neuropathy care plans address both the delivery system (blood flow) and the nutrient supply (supplements, diet). This often includes exercise, healthy food

choices, quitting smoking, and therapies that promote circulation to the feet and legs. In some cases, nerve-specific supplementation may be added once blood flow improves so nutrients can better reach their destination.

I recommend consulting with a doctor, therapist, or specialist you trust for a personalized treatment plan. Every person and everybody is different. For some, supplements help; for others, additional treatment is needed.

Nerves need both oxygen and nutrients to survive and function. Without adequate blood flow, neither can reach them in the amounts required for repair. Supplements are not “bad” for neuropathy. In fact, for the right person, at the right stage of care, they can be extremely beneficial. But taking them without addressing circulation may lead to frustration, wasted time, and wasted money.

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

DR. KEN HORUP

When borrowing can be a smart strategy

By Nick Martin Contributor

When it comes to personal finance, conventional wisdom says the best way to live is debt free. There are many important reasons why this is tried and true, but for highnet-worth individuals, lending can be an optimal way to access cash in the near term without sacrificing long-term gains on your assets.

It may seem counterintuitive to incur debt when you have the means to access cash in other ways, but doing so can have advantages depending on your unique circumstances. Some benefits include:

• Leveraging investments: By taking on debt, your assets remain invested and able to potentially grow

• Preserving liquidity: Maintaining liquidity by using debt for large purchases can help to ensure that your cash reserves

remain intact for other opportunities or emergencies.

• Tax efficiency: By leveraging your investments, you don’t incur capital gains taxes, and in some cases, interest on debt may be tax-deductible, offering additional financial benefits.

For high-net-worth individuals in particular, debt can offer greater flexibility and opportunities for investors. Used strategically, debt can enhance your financial position, and when managed wisely it can be a powerful tool, rather than a burden.

There are a number of scenarios in which borrowing options may be a good way to help you achieve your goals. Ask yourself, if you found yourself in an immediate need for significant cash –such as, if something happened to your home or family – how would you access that cash? This may be a situation in which having a line of credit available in advance and incurring debt in the short term makes sense within the comprehensive picture of your long-term financial goals. When the need arises, you can give yourself the time to the decision that best fits your situation and pay the emergent expense immediately, while allowing your asset base to continue to grow and address

that immediate need without disturbing your long-term plan.

But these aren’t strategies to consider only in emergency situations. The kind of life changes that call for celebration –such as investing in real estate, expanding your business, supporting adult children in their next steps such as marriages or home purchases, or luxury purchases such as a car or boat – may also present opportunities to utilize borrowing strategies.

While a variety of borrowing options exist that high-net-worth individuals may find advantageous in different scenarios, here are a few examples:

Securities-based lending

Securities-based lending or a securities-based line of credit (SBL) uses as collateral your existing eligible securities, giving you increased borrowing power without the need to sell securities and disrupt long-term investment plans. Securities-based lending can also be helpful if you’re a business owner and have a new cash flow need to help grow your business, allowing you to borrow against your existing assets.

Tailored lending

Tailored lending allows you to use

collateral such as control/restricted securities, hedge funds, exchange funds, American depository receipts (ADRs), non-investment grade bonds and over advances on typical SBL collateral to borrow.

Mortgage lending

When you’re thinking about purchasing a home – like a new home or dream vacation home for yourself, or home for your grown children – mortgage loan may be a smart strategy, offering many of the benefits mentioned above. And mortgage lending isn’t one size fits all – there are a number of loan options and strategies. When exploring any borrowing options, one thing to consider is your plan for repayment.

A thoughtful strategy can help you take advantage of borrowing in the way that best meets your needs and goals without needing to sell other assets.

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.

NICK MARTIN

Hilton Head Audubon certifies

Hilton Head Audubon has awarded The Green Thumb and its new Native Plant Resource Center the first designation in its “Certified Bird and Wildlife Friendly” program.

The recognition highlights businesses and organizations that commit to sustainable landscaping practices that support birds, pollinators and other wildlife in the Lowcountry.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 10 a.m. Sept. 9 at The Green Thumb, 35 Dillon Road. The event will also celebrate the opening of the Native Plant Resource Center, a new resource for gardeners and property owners interested in environmentally responsible practices. The public is invited, and the first 10 attendees will receive a free cutting of a native plant.

Hilton Head Audubon’s Bird and Wildlife Friendly Habitat Certification program was developed to help homeowners, businesses and community organizations improve their landscapes in ways that provide food, water, cover and places to raise young for wildlife. The program uses a checklist covering native plant use, water conservation, invasive plant removal and

avoidance of pesticides.

Participants pay a $25 certification fee, which supports Audubon’s local education and conservation programs. Certified properties receive a sign to display recognition of their efforts and their role in supporting the island’s ecological health. More information is available at hiltonheadaudubon.org/Certify-Your-Garden.

Green Thumb, a long-established garden center on Hilton Head Island, recently expanded its services by opening the Native Plant Resource Center. The center offers workshops, demonstration gardens and access to plants that are naturally adapted to the Lowcountry. Staff emphasize that native species not only require less water and maintenance but also provide vital food and shelter for birds, butterflies and pollinators.

By earning the first certification, Green Thumb is positioned as a model for how local businesses can align with conservation goals while serving the community’s gardening needs.

Hilton Head Audubon leaders say the certification program reflects a growing recognition that private yards and busi-

ness landscapes play an important role in preserving the island’s natural resources. With more than 200 bird species recorded in the area, including migratory species that rely on coastal stopovers, efforts to restore and maintain habitat are increasingly important.

The ribbon cutting at Green Thumb will

showcase how a business can contribute to those goals. Alongside celebrating its new designation, the event will introduce residents to resources and plant options that support a healthier environment for both people and wildlife.

For more on Green Thumb’s offerings, visit greenthumbhhi.com.

Minnie Lucas

Carolina Chickadee

By James Hamilton Contributor

As Hurricane Erin worked its way off the coast, many in the Lowcountry were breathing a collective sigh of relief knowing that the concern for personal safety and destruction of personal property is no longer present. People learn this information from a news source they have a degree of trust in. But what about daily safety? What about personal security? Where does the awareness come from? What is the source of trustworthy information?

Being safe is relative, there is no state of absolute safety. There is no tool or app that one can utilize that will guarantee 100% safety. However, there are things that people can do that will make them safer. That is the goal.

Many newcomers chose Bluffton and

It starts with awareness

Hilton Head because they wanted to leave areas of the country that felt unsafe. Yes, the weather helps, but there is something very nice about living in a part of the country where crime is relatively low.

As nice as living in the Lowcountry is, it is unwise to think this is some present-day utopia and that random crime only happens in other places. That would be naïve. It is best to be prepared, but not paranoid, about personal safety.

The first step in personal safety is awareness. Everyday read something that provides trustworthy information about crime. Make a mental note about crime trends and pay particular attention to news stories about random violence. Random violence is easily described as: wrong place - wrong time. In reading those stories, take a moment to think about personal decision making. What would be the best decision if faced with such a situation? Usually the answer here is flight – leave the area.

When leaving the relative safety of the home and going out into the world, awareness comes from the human body and the body’s amazing senses, mostly sight, sound, and smell. Unfortunately, there is a real impediment to the use of these sens-

es, and it is the distraction device – what is also called the smart phone. Everyone has one and everyone spends too much time glued to them.

The device takes away sight - as all focus is drawn to the little screen. It takes away hearing - when the headphones are shoved into the ears. Even if you aren’t using headphones, it draws your hearing towards the speakers and away from your environment.

It has not found a way to override smell, yet. The device provides dopamine and humans love it.

The content captures the mind and personal safety is diminished. It is impossible to drive around Bluffton and not see folks glued to the device – which is now illegal by the way.

Beginning Sept. 1st, 2025, South Carolina’s Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act prohibits drivers from holding a mobile electronic device while behind the wheel, including for talking, texting, watching videos or browsing. The law still permits hands-free calls, voice-totext messaging, navigation or audio apps, reporting emergencies and use while parked.

It’s not just drivers and runners that

need to put the phone away. People walking to their cars in parking lots, in parks and at playgrounds need to be present and aware of their surroundings.

So, first step of personal safety, put the phone away, get the head up, eyes focused and hearing unimpeded.

It is not easy, but it can be done and your safety will be increased.

James Hamilton is a nationally recognized executive protection expert and former FBI Supervisory Special Agent. With 18 years at the Bureau, he created its Close Protection School, served on the Director’s detail, and continues to advance protective security worldwide.

JAMES HAMILTON

Combining eyelid lift and browlift: solving lateral hooding

By Dr. Mathew Epps Contributor

Upper-face aging extends beyond the eyelid alone. As the outer third of the eyebrow slides below the orbital rim, skin folds over the eyelid crease, creating lateral brow hooding. Because this excess originates in the brow, a standard upper blepharoplasty, which trims eyelid skin and fat, often leaves residual hooding—or requires aggressive skin removal that can hollow the eye and distort lid position. A simultaneous browlift corrects the root problem, allowing a natural eyelid lift.

Why blepharoplasty alone is insufficient

Blepharoplasty can tighten the lid but cannot elevate the brow tail. Surgeons cannot rely on skin excision to compensate for brow descent without risking complications. When patients see “shadows” at the temple corner after surgery, it is because the lateral brow was never restored to youthful height. Recognizing this anatomical relationship is the first step toward durable, harmonious rejuvenation.

The combined technique

Under one anesthetic, the surgeon first lifts the brow – through a short temporal incision—anchoring the outer arc in a higher, aesthetically pleasing position. Once brow height is restored, only genuine eyelid redundancy remains, permitting a conservative blepharoplasty that refines the crease and removes puffiness without over-resection. The sequence matters: browlift before lid lift prevents removal of needed eyelid skin and ensures a smooth transition from temple to lash line. In some patients where the central or medial brow above the nose has become low, a central incision can be made to correct both the lateral and central brow.

Advantages to patients

• Comprehensive correction of central lid redundancy and lateral hooding.

• More balanced brow-eye relationship, avoiding an over-operated look.

• Single recovery period and anesthesia exposure.

• Longer-lasting results thanks to structural repositioning, not just trimming.

Candidacy and recovery

Ideal candidates display downward-sloping brow tails, excess upper-lid skin, and good forehead elasticity. The brow push test – lightly elevating the brow tail with two fingers—shows the improvement achievable with lifting.

Recovery parallels isolated blepharoplasty: minimal post-operative discomfort, bruising for one week, sutures out at day seven, and return to activities within two weeks; the brow settles over several months.

By treating lateral brow hooding as a problem of brow descent, combining a browlift with an eyelid lift offers the most effective, overall natural-looking and long-lasting solution for upper-face rejuvenation.

Mathew T. Epps MD, MS, DABS is Triple Fellowship Trained Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon Specializing in Facial, Eyelid, and Breast Surgery. Visit Matheweppsmd.com or contact info@dreppsmd.com or (843) 707-7060.

DR. MATHEW EPPS

Simple and Elegant Financial Freedom

REGULAR 401(k)?

Ask us about our

Let’s discuss how to align your 401(k) with your business and personal wealth strategy—so every dollar works harder for your company, your team, and your future.

843.420.1993

infohh@allianceg.com agplowcountry.com

agplowcountry.com

Small appliances are a quick way to heat up a meal

By Cinda Seamon Contributor

We take for granted that small appliances are safe, but in fact they can be dangerous if you are not careful.

Microwaves:

Never use an extension cord with a microwave – plug it directly into a wall outlet. Position the microwave at a safe height so it is easy to use, easy to put food in and easy to take food out.

If you are microwaving something that is covered, be sure and uncover it away from your face. Hot steam can cause bad burns. Remember to stir the food as well, because a microwave often heats unevenly, and always test it before serving children. Always use a potholder when lifting hot food.

Never heat a baby bottle in the microwave as it can create hot pockets. Instead place a bottle in a bowl of warm water that is not too hot or boiling. Use only microwave safe dishes. Anything with metal can spark and cause a fire, including handles on take-out food containers, twist-ties on bread bags, aluminum foil and even gold trim on china.

Toasters:

Toasters should also be plugged directly into the wall outlet. Never put metal

objects into a toaster that’s plugged in. You could get zapped or burned.

Keep plastic bags, paper bags, paper towels or anything flammable away from toasters and that includes items directly above the toaster like paper towels. Remember, butter goes on after the bread is toasted!

Clean out the crumbs regularly. Do this when the toaster is cool and unplugged.

Toaster ovens:

Toaster ovens are another quick and convenient way to cook small food items. All toaster ovens are meant for indoor use and should not be used by children. Make sure to leave 6-8 inches clear on all sides of your toaster oven. Never set anything on top of your toaster oven and don’t store anything inside. Do not cover the toaster oven crumb tray with aluminum foil as it can cause the toaster to overheat.

For your toaster, toaster oven, microwave, or any small appliance, make sure they are in good working order, and the cords are not frayed or split. Keep these items clean and always remember to use an oven mitt or potholder when operating toasters, toaster ovens or microwaves.

Cinda Seamon is the Community Risk Reduction & Outreach Program Coordinator for Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue.

Daniel Guerrini, CFP® Wealth Manager

Thomas M. Dowling, CFA, CFP®, CIMA® Head of Wealth Management Amy Allen, Client Relationship Coordinator

Ask the Expert: what does the new vehicle

law mean for

By Lisa Hostetler Brown Contributor

As of July 1, 2025, South Carolina residents have a new tool for estate planning—the ability to add a Transfer on Death (TOD) designation to their vehicle titles. This simple change can help families avoid probate and ensure a smoother transfer of ownership after death.

A TOD designation works much like a beneficiary designation on a bank account or life insurance policy. While you are living, you remain the full owner of your vehicle. Upon your death, ownership automatically transfers to the person or people you’ve named on the title—without the delays, costs, and complications of

probate.

To set up a TOD designation on your vehicle, you must complete the TOD-1 form, which is available on the South Carolina DMV website. You’ll also need to submit a Form 400, your current title, and a $15 fee. Once processed, the DMV will issue a new title reflecting the TOD designation.

It’s important to note a few key rules:

• Only individuals—not businesses or trusts—can add TOD beneficiaries.

• All current owners of a vehicle must agree to the designation and sign the form. For example, if you and your spouse co-own the car, both must sign.

• Vehicles with outstanding loans or liens typically need to be paid off before adding a TOD designation, unless the lienholder agrees.

• Jointly owned vehicles must be titled with “or” between the owners’ names (creating a right of survivorship) in order to use TOD. If the title uses “and,” probate will still be required.

The person you name as your TOD beneficiary has no rights or control over the vehicle during your lifetime. Ownership

only shifts upon your passing. If you name multiple beneficiaries, the DMV will title the vehicle jointly in their names with “and” as the connector—meaning if one passes away, their share will go through probate.

After your death, the beneficiary (or beneficiaries) must submit the title, a $15 fee, and your death certificate to the DMV to complete the transfer. If multiple owners are listed on the title, the transfer won’t occur until all owners are deceased.

This new law offers South Carolinians a straightforward way to ensure their vehicles pass smoothly to loved ones. However, it’s important to remember that vehicles are just one piece of your overall estate plan. Adding a TOD beneficiary may not be the best option in every situation, especially if there are multiple heirs, complex family dynamics, or larger assets to consider. Consulting with an experienced elder law attorney can help you determine whether a TOD designation fits into your broader estate planning goals and ensure that your plan works seamlessly to protect your family and your wishes.

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. 10 Pinckney Colony Rd, Ste 400, Bluffton, SC 29909 | 843-757-5294 | HiltonHeadElderLaw.com

LISA HOSTETLER BROWN

Bluffton urges dog owners to help protect the May River

Bluffton town leaders are asking residents to help protect the May River in an unusual but vital way: by picking up after their pets.

The campaign, launched August 18th, 2025, stresses that dog waste is more than a nuisance — it’s a significant source of bacteria that can harm water quality and public health when left on sidewalks, trails or even in backyards. Rain carries it into storm drains and creeks that empty into the May River, a delicate ecosystem central to Bluffton’s identity and economy.

According to the Town’s Water Quality Program, bacteria from dog waste has been detected more than 75 times so far in 2025. Officials say the message is simple: clean up after your dog every time, no matter where it happens.

Dog waste by the numbers

• South Carolina is home to an estimated 1.42 million dogs.

• Each dog produces about three-quarters of a pound of waste a day.

• Statewide, that adds up to more than a million pounds of dog waste every day.

• Just one gram of dog waste can contain as many as 23 million fecal coliform bacteria, which can cause illness in people who come in contact with contaminated water.

• Town officials warn that beyond health risks, dog waste contributes excess nutrients that fuel algal blooms, threatening aquatic life and degrading the May River’s ecosystem.

Tools and resources

To make responsible pet ownership easier, Bluffton provides and maintains dog waste stations in its public parks. This month, resi dents can also pick up a free leash-mounted waste bag holder at the Town of Bluffton Welcome

Center, 111 Calhoun Street, while supplies last.

Officials recommend that owners always carry bags, dispose of them in the trash or flush waste without the bag, and talk with neighbors about why scooping the poop matters.

A regional effort

Bluffton is part of Lowcountry Stormwater Partners, a consortium of Beaufort County jurisdictions working with Clemson Extension’s Carolina Clear program. The initiative educates residents about the connection between daily habits and water quality, from pet waste to stormwater runoff.

Resources on pet waste and water protection are available at Lowcountry Stormwater Partners and Clemson Extension’s pet waste facts page.

Protecting a community treasure

The May River has long been considered Bluffton’s heart, supporting fishing, recreation and tourism. Officials say protecting it requires small steps from every resident, especially dog owners. The town’s bottom line: love your dog and love the river — scoop the poop, every time.

By Barry Kaufman Contributor

We could be heroes

When they served on the battlefield, we called our veterans heroes. Now is your chance to be a hero to them.

No one needs to be told that our veterans are suffering. Every day the news tells us about further cuts to the Veteran’s Administration, and less funding for programs designed to help these heroes adjust to life after service. But when you look beyond those headlines, to the actual human cost of these decisions, the numbers are terrifying.

On average, 22-44 veterans will commit suicide every day. Today, while you read these words, it is happening to someone who once stood the line for your freedom. Although they only make up seven percent of the entire population, they represent 20 percent of all suicides. Their light is not being snuffed out by an enemy combatant or a mortar round, but by our own failure to act.

“The biggest problem is that our Federal Government, writ large, and our Department of Defense is not equipped to deal with the difficult issues that our service members suffer from when they’re on active duty,” said Admiral John “Boomer” Stufflebeem. He speaks from experience, having seen the military apparatus at every level, from ground combat and fighter aircraft operations to having served as a military aide to the Bush administration during the War on Terror’s earliest days.

In fact, in those darkest days at the start of the war, before embedded reporters could bring us images of operations in Afghanistan, our only source of news was daily briefings held by Stufflebeem at the Pentagon.

“Secretary Rumsfeld designated me to be the one to talk about all these operations we were executing,” he said. “I was only supposed to do it one time. It was seven months before I got off to go take command of a task force.”

During his celebrated career he racked up honors including the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Air

Medal with Bronze Numeral “2,” among others. And he gained crucial insight into the shortcomings of the safety net we’ve built for veterans.

“The two largest departments of the executive branch are the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs,” he said. “That’s number one and number two by size and by budget… and by any stretch of any imagination, those two combined have failed most of our military.”

Fortunately, he sees a way forward in helping these veterans. Along with his own medical consulting work, which is breaking new barriers in treatments for PTSD using cutting-edge quantum technology, he has pushed his efforts toward the private sector, working with organizations like OPFOB to help not only veterans but also first responders.

“Nobody takes care of veterans and first responders better than veterans and first responders,” he said. “And there’s an old saying I’m stealing from a brave Marine, but if not me, then who?”

As a keynote speaker at OPFOB’s 4th annual Dinner for Heroes, he will share some of those experiences with a crowd gathered to help the organization in their mission to support veterans and first responders and help them cope with the aftermath of their calling.

“The service is very rewarding until you can’t do it anymore. Being a first responder is very rewarding until you can’t do it anymore. Especially for the

first responder community there aren’t organizations like the VA that are there for them,” said Stufflebeem. “So, it falls to the private sector.

Based in Ridgeland, the heart of what OPFOB does can be found on their sprawling rustic campus. Among the peaceful serenity of its grounds, veterans and first responders have found a place to come together to find camaraderie and purpose. It’s a place for healing, in a country that has by and large provided these heroes with far too little opportunity. OPFOB gives these heroes that renewed sense of purpose and a refound camaraderie, without which too many veterans succumb to their grief, and they’re offering it all at no cost to them.

The 4th annual Dinner for the Heroes will be held November 8 at Hilton Beachfront Resort and Spa. Joining Admiral Stufflebeem as a keynote speaker will be combat veteran, Super Bowl champion and American hero Rocky Bleier. A four-time champ with the Pittsburgh Steelers where he played running back, he was drafted out of Notre Dame where he helped win a national championship. After just one year in the league his football career seemed like it would be cut short when he was drafted into the US Army at the height of the Vietnam War. After being severely injured in an ambush, it seemed like it would take a miracle for Bleier to ever play again. The lessons he learned during his triumph over his injuries and his return to gridiron glory form the basis

of his second life as a public speaker. Proceeds from the event go toward maintaining OPFOB’s 268 acres, and all the programs and thousands of local veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families it serves each year.

Sponsorships are still available, ranging from sponsoring a hero ($1,500) to Presenting Sponsor ($20,000) with a deadline of September 15. To learn more about attending or sponsoring OPFOB’s 4th Annual Dinner for the Heroes, email Craig Ostergard at craigostergard@yahoo.com.

Barry Kaufman has been a proud citizen of Bluffton for 18ish years and is host of B-Town Trivia. Follow him at @btownbarry in Instagram.

BARRY KAUFMAN

East Africa and Qatar Travel (Part 4)

By Tamela Maxim Contributor

From Lounges to Landscapes

Just before midnight on Thursday, June 1st, I found myself wandering Doha’s Hamad International Airport, hoping to slip into an Al Maha lounge for a cup of hot tea and a pastry, only to discover that every one of them was full. By full, I don’t mean that all the seats were taken. I walked from Concourse A to B to C to D to E and back again.

There are 17 lounges in the airport, but only a few accept my priority pass. By the time I found one for which I was eligible, I was zombie tired. “May I help you?” the clerk inquired sweetly. “Yes, thank you. I have a priority pass…” She interrupted. “I’m terribly sorry, but you’ll need an appointment, and there are none available. Would you like to reserve for breakfast?” “No, thank you,” I said. “Is there another lounge that might be available now?” She directed me to a lounge in another concourse, a location that was very, very far away.

The Doha airport is no ordinary airport. When I visited in 2023, it was the #2 busiest airport in the world. However, by 2024, it had surpassed Singapore Airport to become the #1 airport, capable of handling up to 65 million passengers annually. I walked to the end of beyond. “May I help you?” said the clerk. “Yes, I’m a Priority Pass member and I’m hoping to have a drink and a snack,” I smiled and continued, “I’ve just walked a long way, and am so happy to see that you have plenty of seating.” “Madam, we are completely occupied.”

Well, that was not what I was hoping to hear. It was late (or should I say early); I was plum tuckered out and still unfed. I hoofed it back to the other lounge, which just happened to be close to the Oryx (my hotel), and made an appointment for 4:00 am, then walked trance-like to my hotel room, where I set the alarm, took a shower, put on clean clothes, and went to bed fully dressed. Fell asleep, as they say, before my head hit the pillow.

Waking up at 3:45, I made my way to the lounge, where the aroma of fresh coffee –from espresso to Americano to cappuccino to plain coffee greeted me. The lounge was already crowded. The full menu had not yet been laid out, but I gathered a modest breakfast, a croissant with cheese and strawberry jam, a tiny omelet, one black olive, one green olive, and a small bowl

of what tasted like bean soup – simple, nourishing, and a refreshing way to start another long day of travel.

Before heading to Gate 33 for my flight to Dar es Salaam and then onward to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, I browsed the Duty-Free shops and picked up dates filled with almonds – a sweet, chewy luxury bought for my mother. The temptation was too great, and those dates never made it back to Bluffton. Sorry mom.

On the bus shuttle to the gate, I struck up a conversation with two eye surgeons from London. The younger of the two offered me his seat, while his colleague, Rita, shared that she’d spent the past thirteen years doing medical missionary work in Dar es Salaam. When another passenger asked whether it was truly necessary to take medication to prevent malaria, Rita didn’t mince words. She firmly corrected the misconception that malaria was no longer a problem, pointed out where to purchase anti-malarial drugs, and delivered a sobering lecture on the dangers of the disease.

Once on the plane, I found myself in a window seat. In the coveted aisle seat sat a man from India, and between us, a traveler from Japan. I noticed there was a diverse array of nationalities on the plane, including the flight attendant from Thailand. One of the best parts of my East African adventure was the frequent exposure to a colorful tapestry of languages and cultures.

Finally arrived in Kilimanjaro, after two full days of travel, at 5:00 pm on Thursday. The fatigue was intense, but so was the excitement. Witress Emmanuel, owner of Namaste Safaris, picked me up at the airport. The drive from there to the Kibo Palace Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania, wasn’t long, but it had taken over two hours to process out of the airport; consequently, dinner didn’t happen until after 8:00 pm.

Day 4 – Friday, June 2nd

The day began far too early. Wide awake

by 3:30, breakfast at 7:00, and a prompt departure at 8:00.

We traveled by Jeep through the Arusha Region, located in northern Tanzania and home to approximately 1.5 million residents and 120+ indigenous ethnic groups. The area is named after the Waarusha people—a group of Pare origin who settled near Mount Meru in the 19th century. Though they adopted many Maasai customs and speak the Maa language, the Waarusha are primarily agriculturalists, unlike the semi-nomadic Maasai herdsman.

Tanzania is an enchanting country, divided into over thirty regions, each with its own rich tapestry of cultural identities. While in Arusha, I learned about a few of the ethnic groups, including Witress’s tribe, the Meru, who live on the southeastern slopes of Mount Meru. They are known for cultivating coffee, bananas, maize, and beans. Witress also introduced us to the Chagga people from the Kilimanjaro area, an agricultural tribe, but mostly famous for being business-savvy, prosperous, and well-educated. And, then there are the Maasai, famed for their pastoral traditions and vibrant cultural heritage, known for colorful, intricate beadwork, their deep connection to cattle and the land, and, as I would later witness, for the Adumu, the jumping dance, where the Maasai men each try to outjump one another – the highest jumpers being considered the most manly and attractive to Maasai women. A few weeks into our safari, one of our drivers told us, “I don’t need to jump high.” We asked, “Why not?” He threw his head back with a laugh and replied, “I just need chocolate, and then all of the women love me the most!”

It was explained to us that each ethnic group contributes uniquely to Tanzania’s economy and cultural mosaic, whether through farming, livestock, crafts, or traditional knowledge. The diversity here is not just geographical—it’s deeply woven into everyday life. If I understood correctly, all of the many tribes have strong connections and inter-dependencies that create a perfectly harmonious economy, each tribe concentrating on whatever they do best for the benefit of all.

Tanzania has a complicated history with many twists and turns. At present it is a republic with a mainland and offshore islands. Formerly known as Tanganyika, it united with Zanzibar in 1964 to form a single nation. The name ‘Tanzania’ blends ‘Tanganyika’ and ‘Zanzibar’ with the suffix ‘-ia,’ which means unity.”

As our Jeep cruised along the highway, Witress—our guide with a keen eye for local detail—gestured toward clusters of Maasai huts nestled in the landscape. Each hut, he explained, represents a wife. The largest groupings marked the homes of men with many wives; a status symbol proudly displayed for our modern eyes. As tribes become more contemporary, homes with tin roofs are becoming more commonplace, and I forgot to ask if each wife gets a tin roof house or has to live in a nearby hut. I felt fortunate not only to see but also to spend time inside their traditional dwellings, called manyattas, made of a mixture of mud and cow dung, some ash, and sometimes a bit of human urine, with a roof made from grass, reeds, or branches plastered together with dung for waterproofing.

We learned that children as young as three are responsible for herding goats and cattle. Along the drive, the landscape on each side of the road was fascinating. We saw large termite mounds, masses of morning glories, and strong-looking Maasai men draped in brilliant red plaid Shukas, their presence striking against the sunlit plains. Environmental challenges were evident, caused by a succession of years-long droughts followed by rains so heavy that precious topsoil washed away, carving deep gullies into the land.

Witress took us to a village for a delicious lunch before driving on to show us his expansive farm, where he grows mostly sunflowers and kidney beans. As the daylight began to fade, we met the able-bodied guardians hired by Witress who camp overnight to protect the crops. I would not want to be a trespasser while they were on duty.

On the way back to the Kibo Palace Hotel, we enjoyed seeing zebra, elephants, and beautiful birds, including the gorgeous Superb Starling and the RingNecked Crow, just a few of hundreds of birds and animals Witress would point out to us over the next month. Agave plants dotted the terrain, their spiky silhouettes catching the late afternoon light. Our journey had only just started, but it was already rich in discoveries and encounters. Awe-inspiring, and only the beginning.

Tamela is a proofreader and book editor; she hosts paint parties for adults, art and drama camp for kids, and is the art teacher at May River Montessori. www.tamelamaxim.com www.artposseproductions.com

The king of delightful mischief

By Lindsay Perry Contributor

Claude has spent most of his life in a shelter. He was just 2 months old when he came to Palmetto Animal League in July of 2024. That means he has spent 425 days waiting and hoping for someone to bring him home.

Claude is FeLV-positive, which means he will be an indoor cat. Cats with feline leukemia, a virus that may suppress their immune system, can live very happy lives for many years. And just like any cat, they make good, loving companions. Claude has become a favorite of PAL staff and volunteers because he’s always up to something fun!

“What can I say about Claude, other than I love him,” says PAL volunteer Lori Higgins. “He is a sweet boy who is calm, social, and loving.”

Palmetto Animal League and many other shelters across the country believe that FeLV-positive cat are lives worth saving.

“We recommend discussing with your veterinarian the best strategies to reduce the risk when introducing a FeLV-positive cat to a multi-cat household, including vaccinating resident cats,” explains PAL President Amy Campanini. “FeLV-positive cats are just like other cats. They all have unique personalities and traits and will provide you with love, joy, and companionship.”

Claude is the king of delightful mischief, sure to keep you company and keep you laughing! His bright eyes and

expressive face perfectly capture his playful spirit. While underneath lies a sweet and affectionate side, always ready for cuddles.

“I’ve known him since he was a baby, and I’ve watched him grow from a rambunctious kitten to a wonderful, tolerant, sweet, and loving young adult,” says Higgins. “And don’t get me started on how handsome he is!”

Claude is a bundle of joy with a knack for turning everyday moments into funfilled adventures. After growing up at PAL, Claude deserves to know the love of a real home. If his story has touched your heart, meet him today at PAL’s no kill adoption center located at 56 Riverwalk Blvd in Okatie.

Can’t adopt? You can still help rescue more pets like Claude by taking part in PAL’s most important fundraiser of the year. The 16th Annual ‘Bid for PAL’ Online Auction takes place Thursday, September 4 at 8 a.m. through Sunday, September 7 at 8 p.m. It’s a shopping excursion like no other, showcasing many of our area’s most popular products and services all in one place, including golf rounds at renowned clubs, restaurant certificates, relaxing getaways, clothing, jewelry, home décor, and more. Animal lovers embrace this virtual marketplace where shopping for yourself doesn’t feel selfish! Start browsing today at PALauction.org, and let your heart do the bidding.

Lindsay Perry is the Marketing Coordinator for Palmetto Animal League. www. PalmettoAnimalLeague.org

See You in September

By Kevin Fitzpatrick Contributor

Outdoor living coupled with the ability to exercise outdoors most of the year were but two of the reasons toward the top of the list as to why we decided that the Lowcountry was the place to choose for our relocation back in August of 2021. What we quickly found out was how different perception is from reality.

I was very excited thinking that going out for a run or a long walk would not have me worried about slipping on ice (well, almost never since just last January we did have a very minor event where things did freeze-melt-freeze-melt and so on for close to a week) or gearing up with gloves, hats, vests, sweats, leggings etc. only to break into a sweat part way into the run.

The other option, of course, was to “gear down” and endure the frigid beginning while hoping the body would take care of warming itself up early enough into the run so that it would be enjoyable. While both of those options are a matter of personal preference, they both are ways that allow for keeping up outdoor activity throughout the year, just be careful about that pesky ice.

What I discovered quickly here is that there are no suitable options to mitigate the discomfort of a run or a long walk during the months from June through most of September, where visions of working out on the surface of the sun feel close to reality.

Playing golf 12 months of the year was also a draw for me, yet the realization that golf, though available, was also much more difficult during those same times both for the oppressive temperatures and humidity but also for the almost “you can set your clock to it” time of day where a serious storm will roll in and roll out.

If you’ve read any prior pieces you know that I also love to swim laps, but even that during the summer here is tougher as the pool becomes so hot that, believe it or not, you overheat far earlier than you’d like to causing it to become unpleasant unless you are done by 9 AM

which is not always my first choice.

So, you ask, is there a solution? The answer is a resounding yes, and I found it courtesy of my wife Sue who became enamored of using a virtual reality headset to work out using a program called Supernatural.

The skeptic in me made fun of what I saw for a long time, watching someone from the “outside” gesticulate around waving their arms and turning, ducking, raising their legs is, frankly, comical. Sue would emerge from her workout bathed in sweat and completely red faced all the while being able to do it in the comfort of the air-conditioned house and kept telling me I should try it. I just smiled and said it seemed so silly, but I would be interested in trying the VR world if there was an interesting golf game.

Well, she found Golf+VR and downloaded it for me. I was hooked from the first day, so much so that when they released Bethpage Black (a course I had played many times and you can find out why it was so dear to me in a prior piece) I bought my own headset and have spent the heat of the summer playing multiple

rounds a day on some of the best courses throughout the world. Courses like Pebble Beach, The Ocean Course at Kiawah, The Old Course at St. Andrews and even our very own Harbor Town all incredibly life-like and not requiring you to travel or break the bank for greens fees or worry about the weather for your tee time. Can’t sleep? Wanna play 18 in Ireland at 2 a.m., go right ahead. Want to play alone, great. Want to play against others in real time, you can do that as well.

A funny thing happened after I became so enamored of the VR golf world, I gave Supernatural another try and guess what…I love it as well. I use it almost every day now to loosen up for my golfing adventures.

I also find it has many great aspects I did not realize until I was fully immersed in it. You can increase your levels as you go so you can up the ante on your efforts, it also requires you to be very sharp as you have to focus on the targets and the various instructions. Each workout has a trainer guiding you so you are never alone. You can also do workouts in real time, with others each at your own level.

The bottom line is that my incredible wife did teach this old dog a number of new tricks while allowing both of us to do something we totally enjoy throughout the year.

So now that we are getting very close to that golden time where actual outdoor living and exercise returns to all that we hoped for, where dining outside, sipping a cold one outside at Lot 9, enjoying some wine as the breeze blows on the patio at WineTime, a burger at Tin and Tallow, among many outstanding options, and maybe even having to wear long sleeves, it is still great to know that there is now, for us, a supplement that will allow us to enjoy all the we have during the best times. My final take away is courtesy of my wife to not summarily dismiss what appears to be silly without looking further into it facts matter.

As Dan Fogelberg so eloquently put it

“Life here is easy, I’m sure you recall”

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

KEVIN FITZPATRICK

By Danie Connolly Contributor

I have so many red colored hummingbird feeders that I think Cuba and a couple of Russian satellites in the sky can see them hanging just about anywhere in my yard. The other birds are a little jealous of my devotion to the hummingbird world and ever since I read it is dangerous for hummingbirds to drink out of dirty sugar water receptacles, I have been on a crusade to not let anything to happen to them while on my watch.

I swear I’ve never scrubbed my own kid’s baby bottles this hard. And that goes double for the homemade cooked and preferred sugar water food. I’ve lost count of how many gallons of water and poured pounds of sugar I’ve used to make this delicate formula that these mini-flutter machines swoop down to. Don’t get me

Humming along

started on red food coloring. All I know is that I’ve got my formula for this years Halloween blood. That could be a slight exaggeration, but it sure feels that way when the brew is bubbling and causing the millions of humming bird wings and their needle bills to anxiously peck away at my window as they await their dinner bell.

I do have to say I find it suspicious that I’ve never actually heard them hum. Maybe my hearing aids need a tune up.

BBB and I risked life and limb creating a colorful garden in an effort to coax the bees and the hummingbirds to my banquet of yummy flowers growing in our summer garden. It’s a smorgasbord of pollen. They don’t call me “Black Thumb” for nothing but try as I’m

might, I’m constantly shocked at my short comings when it comes to growing and not killing. Apparently, it’s easier said than

Although catalogs like Brecks and Spring Hill (under the category of “What not to do when planting a garden”) you’d think by now we’d eventually acquire the ultimate goal of creating a bee haven and hummingbird paradise. Unfortunately, I can no longer venture outside near the garden since I created the epic center of buzzing. The bees have discovered that saying “Why buy the cow when the milk is free?” with a twist that

apparently goes triple for heading directly to the sugar sauce, and skipping the tedious task of pollinating for the same intention. Glad I could help.

However, I can’t anymore because the buzzing from the world’s largest swam of bees, no see ums, mosquitoes, and curious wasps, and dreaded fire ants prevents me from checking into my above-mentioned garden even when armed with life saving swatters and epi pens. Pray tell where are the hummingbirds? Where, I dare say are those tiny little miracles of flight that have boycotted my entire domain (except for the occasional hummingbird who hasn’t gotten word of their exodus). Lord knows I would personally pour boiling water on fire ants if I wasn’t so clumsy. I’m sighing because at least the raccoons like my cooking.

So, I have given up on luring these little Humdingers to my backyard. Maybe one day I’ll spy a group of wayward hummers pointing to their girlfriends while saying “Be sure to drop by this place the next time you’re around this next of the woods. That old lady is a bit cheap in the sugar water department but the kitchen’s always open!”

DANIE CONNOLLY

By Alex Barry Contributor

As hurricane season intensifies, adults living in vulnerable regions such as ours face more than just physical threats— they also grapple with heightened anxiety, stress, and emotional fatigue. The unpredictability of severe weather, coupled with memories of past storms, can take a toll on mental well-being. Fortunately, there are proactive strategies to help maintain emotional resilience during this turbulent time.

Prepare with purpose

One of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety is through preparation. Creating a comprehensive emergency plan, including evacuation routes, supply kits, and contact lists, can instill a sense of

Weathering the storm

control amid uncertainty. Knowing you’ve taken steps to protect yourself and your loved ones helps mitigate the fear of the unknown.

Limit media exposure

While staying informed is crucial, constant exposure to sensationalized news can amplify stress. Choose reliable sources like the National Weather Service and schedule regular, limited check-ins. Avoid doom-scrolling or leaving storm coverage on in the background, which can subconsciously heighten anxiety.

Practice self-care daily

Maintaining routines that support mental health is essential. Prioritize sleep, eat nourishing meals, and engage in physical activity—even short walks or stretching can help regulate stress hormones. Mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises can ground you when emotions run high.

Talk it out

Sharing your concerns with trusted friends, family, or mental health professionals can provide emotional relief. Social support acts as a buffer against

reminding you that you’re not alone. If anxiety becomes overwhelming, telehealth services offer accessible professional help, even during emergencies.

Accept what you can’t control

It’s natural to feel powerless in the face of nature’s unpredictability. Acknowl-

edging this reality and focusing on what you can control, your preparedness, your mindset, your support network, can help shift your perspective from fear to resilience.

Lean on community resources

Frequently local organizations offer mental health support during hurricane season. From counseling hotlines to community shelters with emotional care teams, these resources are designed to help residents cope with both the physical and psychological impact of storms. By integrating these strategies, adults can better navigate the emotional challenges of hurricane season. Mental health is just as vital as physical safety, and with thoughtful preparation and support, it’s possible to weather the storm with strength and clarity.

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

Latitude Margaritaville, 319 Harborside Drive New Tortola model

stress,

ALEX BARRY

By Rich Bernstein Contributor

My daily inbox overflows with an abundance of emails of all things golf. Like a poorly struck club slammed back into your bag, my inbox is pelted with a relentless stream of ads promising to improve my game.

There are newly released drivers guaranteed to add 25 yards off the tee and the latest set of irons, assured to hit greens with laser-like accuracy. Offers abound for wedges that will provide maximum spin and for putters that will impart a pure roll, destined to find the bottom of the cup. If you love golf as much as me, I’ll bet you too have an inbox chock-full of absolutely gotta-have golf offerings. As if these golf equipment emails haven’t provided enough information, an unlimited supply of golf tips and instructional videos reside

It’s so simple — not!

in the haunts of cyberspace, via quick searches on Google, YouTube and TikTok. Don’t get me wrong — I’m not being critical of our online attempts to quickly shave a few strokes off our scorecards. Desperate times require desperate measures and if standing on one foot or humming a few bars of “The Blue Danube Waltz“ (real internet tips) will help, I’m all in to give it a try. But as we golfers know, developing a great golf swing that results in a streak lasting more than one good shot, isn’t easily achieved. Arnold Palmer forewarned, “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated.”

We’ve all had those brief moments when the game seems so effortless. Maybe the stars were perfectly aligned, and we ran off a string of great shots, or a series of exceptional consecutive holes, or if really blessed by the golf gods, an extraordinary round or two. But those short-lived visits to golfing paradise were surely interrupted, often triggered by a single errant shot into the abyss.

It’s very tempting to wander over to The YouTube Golf Academy, to select an online instructor. As enticing as it may be, the likelihood of an internet swing coach, who has never seen us swing a club,

correctly diagnosing our golfing ills is not very promising. We’ve all learned the hard way that there are a seemingly infinite number of causes for each of our specific swing maladies. Deciding which video tip to choose is like pondering whether to select fresh fruit or chicken and waffles or biscuits and gravy at your favorite breakfast buffet. They all may look appealing, but there really is only one that is actually good for you.

In addition to all this confusion, consideration must be given to the time-honored debate as to what percent of golf is physical and what portion is controlled by those evil gerbils rattling around in our brains. In his celebrated book, “Golf in Not a Game of Perfect,” renowned sports

The trusted choice for inpatient rehabilitation

psychologist, Dr. Bob Rotella, wrote ”You cannot hit a golf ball consistently well if you think about the mechanics of your swing as you play.”

With full disclosure, knowing the average golf swing takes only 1.2 seconds to complete, I must admit to having a pre-shot checklist of my own. Although it innocently began with a simple, single reminder to keep my lead arm straight, it has now grown faster than Jack’s beanstalk to include “maintain loose grip, turn shoulders, feel connected, keep head behind ball, pause at the top, lead with left hip and swing out to right field.”

Oh, I just heard my phone bing — there’s an alert that my favorite online sports psychologist has uploaded a new video — he’s got something crazy to say about how I should think about where I want the ball to go and focus on the target. Who has time to think of something as ridiculous as that?

Rich Bernstein recently moved to 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.

Encompass Health is the largest system of rehabilitation hospitals, trusted by patients, caregivers and medical professionals.

We are proud to support the American Heart Association’s Heart Ball.

RICH BERNSTEIN

By Annelore Harrell Contributor

SOUTHERN EXPOSURE

If air conditioning had been available in the 1940s, it’s just possible we would not have come looking in Bluffton for a place on the Maye River, where life moved at a more placid pace and, more importantly, was cooler than in Savannah’s debilitating summer heat. Today, in our Lowcountry summer life, air conditioning is taken for granted. Years ago, we somehow managed home temperatures in the summer. Not by the mechanical means of today, we managed by old-fashioned tried and true adjustments.

We had practical means of combating heat. A perfect example of southern defense against the extreme temperatures of July and August is the Church of the Cross on Calhoun Street in Bluffton. When the church vestry in the early 1800s advertised in a Charleston, SC newspaper for someone to design and build a church up off the ground on brick to seat 500 and not cost over $5,000, they didn’t mention they wanted the design to have cross ventilation or a southern exposure. That was understood.

The church they built so long ago sits lengthwise on the high bluff overlooking the Maye River. For each window in the main body of this gothic design, there is a matching window on the opposite wall, so that when the windows were thrown open to the meekest of breezes coming off the river, the air would flow straight through. This was a summer church meant for summer people who had come to Bluffton from inland, where the temperatures hovered at least ten degrees hotter, and from Savannah, whose busy streets and brick buildings threw off heat even after the sun had long set.

Fortunately, the church has since been blessed with a central air conditioning system so that the methods of cooling 19th-century style are now only a matter of historical interest to the active yearround congregation of today. But, in the 1940s, we bent our lives to the heat. We walked slower. We talked slower. We closed windows and pulled

down shades on the east side of the house in the morning and reversed the order in the afternoon to cheat the sun’s blasting heat from invading. Only in the cool of an evening or after a cleansing thunderstorm were all the shades and blinds opened. In Savannah, during summer months, stores closed at 1 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, except for the first Saturday of the month. Only a few restaurants and Gottlieb’s Bakery were open on Sundays.

After church, we took time off to rest, to take to the river, the ocean and the beach to relax and concentrate on staying cool. The hours between one and three, when it was simply too hot to move around, were lazier than most.

If you were lucky, as soon as school was out for summer vacation, you managed to leave the city. Some families escaped the heat in the mountains of North Carolina, but most stayed near home. The men wanted to be able to drive into the city in the mornings and return in the evening to share the relative coolness of their summer cottage.

Tybee Island became popular because it was only 18 miles from Savannah, an easy commute. The ocean breezes even on the hottest of days were a delight as refugees from the heat sat on the wide porches with the ubiquitous swings and rocking chairs, never far from the rustle of palm trees and soft murmur of incoming breakers onto the beach.

Some of our friends bought property south of Savannah, down at Pine Harbor, Shellman’s, and Yellow Bluff, where tannin tainted the rivers the color of coffee. Cousin Henry, an avid fisherman, went to South Carolina and bought a riverfront lot down the road from Camp St Mary’s, where the Okatie River meets the Colleton.

We tried them all. None compared to Bluffton.

We wanted a place of our own, and trying to find something in those war years of the mid-1940s was difficult, to say the least. Gas was rationed, but as soon as we collected enough coupons, we were off every chance we got.

Surely, there was a place for us so we would no longer be dependent on the kindness of friends or worry about the dubious summer rental market. Houses for sale were out of the question. With the war effort, every available space was occupied. We looked for land. And we had special needs. Mama couldn’t swim. She never had, and she had no intention of

ever learning.

Swimming was simply not a talent Mama aspired to. We would need a place with a beach.

Not on the ocean, mind you. She didn’t care a thing about being near the ocean. She wanted a nice, quiet river, a gentle river. No swift currents or big fish. She did like to catch crab, and until Mama was in her 80s, she rowed our bateau for Daddy to throw a shrimp net. She never left to go on the river without her life preserver cushion or forgot to remind us to take ours.

Daddy, on the other hand, was a typical Aquarian. Loved the water, in it, on or near it, any kind of water, fresh or salt. He did insist on the land being high ground. His father had told him to always buy land that sat high, and he was most positive about not buying any land that looked as though it might be susceptible to flooding.

Their last consideration was that they wanted their property to face South. They knew of the prevailing breezes from the ocean, and again, in those days of no air conditioning, this was most important, no matter how much cross ventilation you designed.

We found a real estate broker in Bluffton. Mrs. Colcock, who knew everything and everybody and would be most surprised to learn that she was wrong about anything. She led us all over God’s earth. She simply could not understand us. She showed us a lot that faced South with a beach and on deep water. She showed it to us at high tide. When we went back later at low tide to check what we suspected, what we saw was an expanse of mud for a beach, and not a speck of water to be found. Then, there were the lots she showed us where the channel ran close and swift to a high bluff, a bargain at ten

dollars a front foot, $600 for a 60-foot lot. There was no beach at all, and the property faced due West, sure to be sweltering in the afternoons when the sun began to set. It was most discouraging.

Finally, one afternoon, she drove us over a rickety wooden bridge onto Myrtle Island. The half-sand, half-crushed oyster shell excuse for a road ended in a circle at the tip of the island. We parked the car and walked to the edge of the bluff. There was no road here, only an overgrown path where cars had beaten down the underbrush, evidence of what we later found to be a frequently used lovers’ lane.

“Except for the end of this island, which is $4,000, there is only one lot available for sale,” said Mrs. Colcock.

When Mama heard $4,000, I thought she was going to pass out. Our custom-built three-bedroom brick house in Savannah had cost $6,300. And Daddy had just happily paid off the FHA loan. Mama wasn’t too excited about this property anyway. There was only one house at this end of the island, and it wasn’t close. There was no electricity available. There was no water. We’d have to dig a well. You couldn’t even really tell one end of the property from the other.

But, Daddy persevered. He loved it. The lot was reasonable, priced under $2,000, and had 200 front feet on the Maye River.

Mrs. Colcock conveniently forgot to mention the lot was pie-shaped and went to 40 feet at the back.

You couldn’t see much. The lot was completely wooded, a tangle of vines. What we did see was a beautiful beach, yellow sand, wide and slanting carefully to a slow-moving river, green and clear in the winter cold.

Mama would have no trouble sitting on the beach. And there was a high bluff. A fact that really pleased Daddy.

We ignored the fact that the property faced almost due North.

We bought that lot.

No cooling breezes in summer. Frigid winds in winter. Somehow, we didn’t care. We were on the River Maye.

Annelore Harrell’s journey is a tapestry woven with fascinating experiences and extraordinary accomplishments. Even at 92 in 2025, Annelore’s energy and zest for life continue to inspire. Annelore Harrell’s story is a testament to living with passion, resilience, and an unquenchable thirst for adventure.

ANNELORE HARRELL

Congregation Beth Yam’s Rabbi Brad Bloom to retire

By Scott Selkowitz Contributor

Jewish communities are preparing for the upcoming High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. While the Jewish new year marks a new beginning for each congregant, this year’s services at Congregation Beth Yam will also mark a new beginning for Rabbi Bloom. Effective at the end of June 2026, Rabbi Bloom will be retiring as religious leader and will assume the mantle of Rabbi Emeritus. As we prepare for this solemn period of personal renewal and reflection, what better time to also recall and reflect upon Rabbi Bloom’s accomplishments and contributions to his congregants and to the greater community.

“I have always viewed my role as Rabbi to help people embrace their Jewish identity, connect them to whatever Jewish life they seek, and have them feel welcome and comfortable in our synagogue—regardless of their level of personal observance or faith.” said Bloom.

During this conversation, Rabbi Bloom expressed his love of teaching and learning. “We must continue to pass our knowledge, history, culture and values from generation to generation,” emphasizing the

need for continued religious education for our youth and adults.

He talked about the personal connections formed presiding over life-cycle events, providing comfort and support during times of need, visiting and reaching out to those unable to attend services, or just being available daily to engage with the congregants. Among his most heart-warming achievements was his development of programming enabling adults, who never had the opportunities as a child, to become a Bar / Bat Mitzvah.

Rabbi Bloom is especially proud of his community outreach efforts. Hilton Head Mayor Alan Perry said that “Rabbi Bloom has been a tremendous asset to the island community, recognized for his warmth, humor and leadership in bringing people together. His ability to communicate and build bridges connecting people has been invaluable with groups of differing perspectives.”

He was among the first of area clergy to bring people of different faiths and race together to worship and learn from one another. For 15 years, his messages were conveyed to the community as a featured and respected columnist. Debbie Urato, a founding member of Congregation Beth

HASHANAH

9/22 – 9/24/2025

10/1 – 10/2/2025 CONGREGATION BETH YAM

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC

Serving Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Southern Beaufort County. Affiliated with Union for Reform Judaism. An inclusive, egalitarian, interfaith, multigenerational congregation.

FOR TICKET INQUIRIES:

Submit name, residential address, email, and cell number for each attendee to: communications@bethyam.org

Yam said “Rabbi Bloom made the presence of Judaism understood in the community. Our presence as a local Jewish community on the Island was due to his diligence and commitment.”

These sentiments were also shared by Hilton Head Town Manager, Marc Orlando: “One of Rabbi Bloom’s lasting legacies will be his ability to bring people together, not only in times of celebration, but also in moments of challenge—always with grace, wisdom, and a call for us to support one another. Rabbi Bloom has been a tireless advocate for unity, compassion, kindness and understanding throughout his years of service. His efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and civic engagement have made

Hilton Head Island a kinder and more connected place. His work with the Clergy Council, the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, and as Chaplain of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reflects his deep commitment to serving others.”

In 2022, Rabbi Bloom in partnership with other local civic organizations and religious leaders, and with support from the Town of Hilton Head, organized a music festival benefitting and supporting relief and humanitarian efforts being provided to the citizens of Ukraine. This event held at Festival Park raised $77,500 for food and medical supplies, facilitated through the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

Rabbi Bloom may be retiring from daily leadership responsibilities, but as Rabbi Emeritus we all look forward to his mentorship and guidance. Serving as a resource for the new spiritual leader and the congregation, his past service and contributions will provide a source of continuity and connection to all our communities.

Scott Selkowitz is the Communications Chair and Board Member of Congregation Beth Yam, Hilton Head Island, communications@bethyam.org

By Rabbi Ken Kanter Contributor

Shanah tova- Happy New Year! This must be a typo, you may be thinking— why is the rabbi wishing us Happy New Year in September? Well, that is because in just three weeks from now, the members of our Jewish faith around the world will celebrate the coming of the new year, according to the Jewish calendar. Specifically mentioned in Leviticus 23:24-5 and then later in Numbers 29:1-6, these biblical references describe Rosh Hashanah as a day of rest, when we sound the shofar, the ram’s horn, to declare the new year.

Interestingly, Rosh Hashanah does not occur on the first day of the first month of the year, but the seventh month of the year. In the Jewish calendars there are several “new year” commemorations.

Happy New Year

In the first Hebrew month, Nisan, we celebrate Passover, the historic remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt, but also the coming of Springtime. Near the end of winter, in the eleventh Hebrew month called Shevat, we celebrate the new year for nature, specifically trees, when the growing season commences in Israel.

Another of these “new year” holidays is Sukkot, occurring fifteen days after Rosh Hashanah, which is both an historic reminder, and a natural time of the year. Historically, it reminds us of the forty years of wandering of the ancient Hebrews after leaving Egypt, when they lived in temporary dwellings, called a Sukkah. Now we build those temporary “huts” in our yards or synagogues for eight days, fulfilling the Biblical injunction found in Exodus 34:22, which marks the end of harvest season in ancient Israel.

An additional “New Year” occurs in early summer, the holy day called Shavuot, which occurs 50 days after Passover. If this sounds familiar to you, it is similar to the Christian holiday of Pentacost, commemorated fifty days after Easter. Described in Exodus 34:22 and Leviticus 23:15-21, Shavuot is celebrated in the Hebrew month of Sivan, recognizing the

spring harvest and end of the wheat and barley harvest, but religiously, commemorates the giving of the Ten Commandments by God to Moses, and through Moses to the Jewish people.

Rosh Hashanah is a time of joy and celebration, as we begin a new religious year, 5786, but it is also a serious time of reflection and spiritual renewal. For

most Jewish people it is a time to attend worship services with their friends and family, share unique and beautiful liturgy and music, hear the blowing of the “shofar,” the ram’s horn, and, of course, enjoy apples dipped in honey, special ritual foods symbolizing our hope for a sweet new year!

And if you meet Jewish friends and neighbors, what do you say? Well, “Happy New Year” is appropriate, and if you are adventurous, you could say “Shanah Tova” a good year! And if you are really brave, you might say “L’Shanah tova u metukah,” for a good and sweet year!”

Regardless, our new year is not a time of parties, noisemakers, and the ball dropping in Times Square, it is a time to draw closer to our people, our neighbors, our faith, and to God.

Let me wish you a healthy, happy year, whatever our faith tradition, from all of us at Temple Oseh Shalom in Bluffton!

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

RABBI KANTER

By Rev. Therese Donlan Lee Contributor

“Christ in you, the hope of glory,” scripture is found “in Colossians chapter 1, verse 27. Before finding UNITY I never understood how much this scripture could mean to me personally and to the truth of who I have come here to be. Learning the Christ is an inner depth to be awakened within each of us, rather than an external idol to be adored was and is life altering.

I’m grateful to know that Christ is not a person -- it is a state of being that dwells in each of us, as surely as the air we breathe. The Christ-consciousness is ever seeking expression in, through and as us. We no longer have to stand aside from our divinity, merely an observer, waiting for permission to belong; instead, we boldly claim our divinity as our birthright and

“Living as the Christ”

actively participate in it. This awareness continues to be so empowering for me, and I hope it is for you. Coming to understand that the truth of our being beckons each of us beyond our old belief system (BS) of separation and unworthiness, inviting us to recognize the inherent holiness at the heart of our very existence. And guess what? Our sacredness is not something to be earned or bestowed by another. We don’t have to do anything – no classes to take, no tests to pass, no hoops to jump though – you and I get to remember the Truth within and rise in conscious embodiment to express

Natural Massage Spa

One Hour Massage Only $65! Per person with coupon. First time clients only.

Swedish/Deep Hot Stone Massage • Foot Reflexology Couples Massage • Head Massages • Essential Oil Massages

Locally Owned and Operated. Gift Certificates Available Mon – Sat 9AM – 8:30PM • Sun 11Am – 8Pm 300 New River Parkway Suite 8 Hardeeville, SC • 843-304-8852 Behind

our Christ Self. Christ Consciousness is the divine frequency present in every soul, waiting to be remembered, embraced, and lived.

I so wish I learned this as a kid. I was taught to seek the light, not realizing I Am the light. Fr. Richard Rohr, author of “The Universal Christ,” writes that Christ is Jesus’ job description, not his last name -- that it is also your job description, and mine. We get to know that our spiritual journey is the process of releasing illusions and stepping into our truth, moving from fear into love, transcending the ego and discovering our souls calling.

The call for us all is very simple -remember the Truth within. Trust this indwelling Power. Open your heart to its quiet guidance. Know that, as you remember, affirm, and express this Truth, you become a channel of blessing, not only for yourself but for the world. In every ordinary moment, the Christ in us is revealed -- not as an ideal to be worshipped, rather as the reality to be lived.

As you and I allow ourselves to be spirit-led we realize that our lives are a living expression of the sacred. Each thought, each breath, every quiet longing is an invitation to return to the awareness of our unity with the One Presence, what I call God.

Christ Consciousness is the inner flame that burns quietly within all of us, waiting for the breath of awareness to ignite it. We begin to see through the eyes of love, hear with the ears of compassion, and speak from the voice of truth… all because we’ve remembered what we already are. Many blessings.

Rev. Therese Donlan Lee is the senior minister of Unity Spiritual Center on Hilton Head Island. revthereseunityhiltonhead@gmail.com

1425 Okatie Hwy. (170) Hwy 170 between River’s End & Oldfield 843-379-1888 | www.palmsumc.org UNITED METHODIST

THERESE DONLAN LEE

Is your pet part of your estate planning?

By Thomas Dowling Contributor

More U.S. households today own pets than ever before—a full 70%, up from 56% in the late 1980s. And, more than 23 million households (about one in five,) adopted a pet during the pandemic.

If you’re a part of that large group— made up of roughly 90 million families—you probably consider your pet an important member of the family that you love deeply. Example: A study by Consumer Affairs surveyed 1,000 pet owners and found that 57% of participants ages 27 to 42 love their furry friends more than their siblings.

But have you considered what could happen to that cherished family member if you were to die suddenly? And have you taken any steps to ensure your beloved dog, cat, horse or other animal will be well taken care of if you’re not around to do the job?

If not, don’t panic—it’s not an issue many of us think about. That said, it’s probably time to make your treasured pet part of your estate plan.

Initial steps

1. Identify your wishes and intentions. Decide how you would want someone else to take care of your pet—types of food you want (and don’t want) the pet to eat, preferred vets and medical care, etc. You’ll need to be clear about your wishes in order to communicate them to a chosen caregiver.

2. Choose a caregiver. A good pet guardian is someone you believe will be as good to your pet as you have been. Be sure the candidate is willing and able to be the pet guardian and take on the duties you

expect him or her to take on. Discuss with any candidate your expectations for care and whether that person is on board with your needs (or whether you’re willing to compromise in certain areas.) It’s probably best, if possible, to identify a few candidates so you have backups.

3. Factor in the financial considerations. Make sure you and the future pet guardian understand, as best as possible, the likely costs of pet care (more on that later). Does your cat eat special food that costs significantly more than grocery store options? Does your horse have physical health issues that need attention, medication or professional care? Is your dog a type of breed that is known for encountering health problems later in life, and how much might it cost to treat such problems? Answering questions like these now can help ensure that everyone involved in caring for your pet is clear about what may be required.

Crafting a pet plan

You have three main options for safeguarding the care of your pets:

1. Pet care agreement. A pet care agreement is a contract you make with another person who has agreed to care for your pet in case of your death. This type

of formal agreement will be enforceable. It should spell out the specific care you want for your pet as well as how any money you have arranged for that care is to be handled.

2. Pet trust. A pet trust is also a legally enforceable arrangement that helps ensure your pet care wishes are honored. As with the pet care agreement, you will need to identify a willing and able pet guardian. But you will also need someone to administer the trust—a trustee. You can establish a pet trust now or upon your death. Either way, you need to fund the trust for the care of your pet. This often entails coming up with some number to ensure a certain standard of living for your pet. The trust will detail the types and level of care as well as how money is to be dispersed from the trust (for your pet and possibly for the pet guardian’s compensation for his or her efforts).

Warning: Your pet trust must comply with your state’s laws. A description of each state law is available at www.aspca. org/pet-care/pet-planning/pet-trust-laws.

3. Will bequest. Your will determines how your assets will be divided and allocated after you die. Because a pet is considered property in the eyes of the law,

your will can stipulate who becomes its guardian and the amount of money that will be set aside for its care. Here again, you will need to identify a guardian, provide instructions for care and spell out the monetary arrangements. And, as with a pet trust, make sure the pet provisions in your will work in your state.

The financial side of your pet’s care

It is often worthwhile to provide the funding for the care of your pet after you’re gone. Thus, you need to calculate the amount needed for the care you prefer for your pet. Some considerations include:

• The cost of caring for your pet and the pet’s life expectancy.

• Some pets (such as macaws and cockatoos) can live more than 50 years.

• Medical costs as the pet ages.

• Boarding facility costs (if you have a horse, for example).

• The cost of any pet health insurance you may choose to have.

• Compensation (if any) for the caregiver for his or her efforts.

Important: If the pet dies and there’s money remaining—in the pet trust, for example—you’ll want to specify where those funds go.

Ultimately, you don’t have to be extremely wealthy to do some basic (or even advanced) estate planning that involves your pet. If you’re interested in making arrangements to have your pet taken care of after you’re gone, talk with your financial advisor about the best ways to accomplish that goal. Or if it’s been a few years since you last revisited your existing pet estate plan, give it a review to ensure it still meets your needs.

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.

THOMAS DOWLING

YOUR AD HERE CAN REACH 25,000 households and businesses from Moss Creek to Sun City to Callawassie Island. Promote services, sell goods, announce a yard sale, buy a house, sell a house, find a job, find employees, ask for help, offer help! Ads starting at $28 for 40 words. 843-757-9507.