The Hilton Head Sun • July 8, 2026

A flight path to the future

By Edwina Hoyle Contributor

“Man must rise above the Earth – to the top of the atmosphere and beyond – for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.” – Socrates

The world today is changing at speeds never experienced in history, largely due to technology. Children still dream of being astronauts, pilots of planes or helicopters, military officers, engineers and scientists. They watched in awe as the Artemis rocket circled the moon. The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) can prepare them to make their dreams come true.

Many of the nation’s astronauts, pilots, engineers, scientists, and business leaders first explored their careers through Civil Air Patrol, the volunteer, nonprofit auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Its three missions are to develop its cadets, educate Americans on the importance of aviation and space, and perform life-saving, humanitarian missions.

1st Lt. Dave Allison has served in CAP for six years at the Hilton Head Composite Squadron, located in Bluffton. He said the cadet program is for local kids from 12-18 years of age, and offers expanded opportunities for careers in aviation, aerospace, STEM careers, or the military. Dues are only $35/year. Uniforms are required and scholarships are available to assist needy families. Gently used uniforms may be available.

“When the cadets first come, they are shy and lack confidence. The change is amazing in the cadets. There is significant development in confidence and it’s a great experience. They wear their uniforms, stand up straight, do lots of public speaking, and even mentor and teach new cadets,” Allison said. “The cadets progress with experience in activity and academics. As they move up in rank, they take responsibility for training others.”

Through their experiences as CAP cadets, young people develop into responsible citizens and become tomorrow’s aerospace leaders. The cadet program

focuses on four elements: leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness, and character development.

Civil Air Patrol follows Air Force values, customs, courtesies, and traditions, but there is no military obligation for either cadets or adult members.

Cadets learn about aviation and develop leadership and teamwork skills valuable in becoming responsible adults. The year-round program typically includes a two-to-three-hour squadron meeting each week, one Saturday event every four to eight weeks, and one sevento-10-day encampment each year, usually in the summer.

provide helicopters. Attendees can sit in a plane and get an overview of the craft.

“CAP is not a flight school, but cadets are eligible for five flights. Flights are done out of the Hilton Head Island Airport area, and the Air Force provides the planes and maintenance support,” Allison said.

In addition to the cadet program, Allison explained that CAP also offers STEM teacher programs for middle schools, career fairs, and presentations about careers in aviation for K-12 grades. An Air Expo is held in conjunction with the Beaufort County Sheriff and Beaufort County Fire and Rescue, both of which

CAP is an all-volunteer organization made up of people including retired military members, airline pilots and other community volunteers. Allison said there are 30 adults, ten of whom are pilots, and 30 cadets. Males and females are welcome, and those with special needs will be accommodated.

“Many of our CAP graduates are accepted into the Air Force Academy,” Allison said. “One is now a sophomore at the Air Force Academy and is certified as a glider pilot. Another kid who went through the program is now a pilot flying corporate and regional jets. CAP offers opportunity for everybody.”

Edwina Hoyle is a freelance writer in Bluffton.

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North-end post office access changes as Hilton Head construction project begins

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Town of Hilton Head Island began work June 1 on a project that includes construction of a 10-foot-wide pathway, a new access road and parking lot upgrades at at the United States Postal Service north-end location on William Hilton Parkway.

Town officials said the project is intended to improve access and connectivity among the Northpoint on Jarvis Creek neighborhood, Gumtree Road and the Hilton Head Island public schools campus.

The work is being completed in coordination with the town’s development partner, OneStreet Residential, and the United States Postal Service. Construction is occurring alongside development of the Northpoint neighborhood, which began in February 2026.

The project is being completed in two phases and includes demolition of the existing post office parking lot and con-

struction of a new asphalt parking area, drive aisles, a pervious asphalt pathway, signage, pavement markings, stormwater drainage and grading improvements.

Phase 1 began June 1 and is scheduled to continue through July 31. During this phase, the William Hilton Parkway entrance and exit, along with half of the post office parking lot, are closed.

Construction crews are building the access road, installing the pathway from Northpoint to Marsh Point Drive and rebuilding the first half of the parking lot.

Access to the post office during Phase 1 is available through Gumtree Road.

Phase 2 is scheduled to run from Aug. 1 through Nov. 15. During that phase, the Gumtree Road entrance and the remaining half of the parking lot will close, and access will shift back to William Hilton Parkway.

Crews will complete the roadway and pathway work and reconstruct the remaining portion of the parking lot during the second phase.

Town officials said the post office will remain open throughout construction. Motorists are advised to follow posted detour signs and use caution while traveling

June 30 - August 3, 2026

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm

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EDITORIAL

Investing in Hilton Head Island’s future through our budget

By Mayor Alan Perry Contributor

As we begin our new fiscal year on July 1, I’m proud to announce that the Town of Hilton Head Island is moving forward with a $233 million budget—approved by Town Council with no increase to the millage rate. This balanced budget is more than just numbers on a page: it is a roadmap that reflects our priorities laid out in our 2026-2028 Strategic Action Plan and 2020 Comprehensive Plan. It builds on our commitment to keep Hilton Head Island vibrant, resilient, and welcoming for all.

This year, we’re focusing on protecting the island’s unique character, managing growth, enhancing our corridors, investing in stormwater infrastructure, supporting public safety, and advancing economic development. We’re also championing workforce housing, celebrating Gullah Geechee culture, and protecting our natural environment.

Contact us

PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910

843-757-9507, 843-757-9506 (fax)

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

Sun on the Street

What do you love about the Lowcountry?

The FY 2027 consolidated budget totals $233,284,719 and covers all projected revenues and planned expenses. Our funding comes from a diverse mix of sources, including hospitality and accommodations taxes, beach preservation fees, business licenses, stormwater and real estate transfer fees, and property taxes.

Highlights include over $55 million for capital improvements such as upgrades to Islanders Beach Park, Crossings Park (pickleball, skate park and pump track) and Patterson Family Park; Jonesville stables renovation, road and safety improvements; new fire rescue ladder trucks; and planning for future land acquisition. We’re continuing to invest in stormwater resilience, with $7.5 million to accelerate critical infrastructure projects and complete our Stormwater Master Plan.

We’re also supporting our Gullah Geechee neighborhoods with nearly $1.7 million for preservation and economic development, and over $3.2 million to advance workforce housing and neighborhood stabilization. The budget includes more than $86 million in special revenues to support capital projects, housing, and operations, along with $11.5 million to maintain our strong credit and reduce debt.

Beyond infrastructure, we’re investing

“Being close to the river and the ocean.“

$2.4 million in people and experiences— funding community events, enhancing public safety, and supporting nonprofit partners including the Island Recreation Association, Coastal Discovery Museum, Mitchelville Preservation Project, the Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority (Palmetto Breeze), the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation, Sea Turtle Patrol HHI and the Outside Foundation.

Our budget, our vision for the Island, the enhancements we have planned and our relationship with various nonprofits wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of our Town staff. So, I want to thank Town Manager Marc Orlando and his team for their diligent stewardship in preparing our budget to meet the needs of our community. I invite you to explore our budget in detail at hiltonheadislandsc.gov to learn about the many enhancements that will be invested into our community over the next 12 months. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a thriving and sustainable Hilton Head Island.

Alan Perry is the mayor of the Town of Hilton Head Island. AlanP@hiltonheadislandsc.gov.

ALAN PERRY

Elise Hunt

Ryan Kurz “I love the gators and the sunsets are great.”

Positive future for conservation and economy in SC

By Rep. Jeff Bradley Contributor

As South Carolina continues to attract new residents, employers and investment, we face a defining question: Can we grow without surrendering the natural character that makes people want to live in South Carolina in the first place?

I believe the answer is yes—but only if conservation is treated as part of sound economic policy, not as an obstacle to it.

That’s why I was proud to co-sponsor H.5069, the “South Carolina Protected Lands and Conservation Coordination Act,” signed into law in May. This legislation formally recognizes our forests, farms, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and beaches as essential to our state’s environmental health, economic vitality, and quality of life.

South Carolina currently has approximately 3.4 million acres protected through conservation easements, public ownership, and other legally enforceable means. The H.5069 legislation establishes a long-range benchmark of seven million protected acres by 2050— roughly one-third of our state.

Just as important, the law does not diminish private property rights or obligate future legislatures to appropriate money. Progress will come through voluntary easements, willing landowners, public-private partnerships, and better coordination of existing programs. Its overwhelming final votes—110-2 in the House and 41-2 in the Senate—demonstrated the breadth of that commitment.

This approach is especially meaningful here in the Lowcountry and on Hilton Head Island. Our beaches, marshes, waterways, maritime forests, and open vistas are not merely scenic amenities. They support tourism, protect wildlife, strengthen our resilience and help

sustain property values. They continue to be essential to South Carolina’s reputation and our quality of life.

A Guiding Conservation Principle. Early in the 21st century, President Theodore Roosevelt, in a speech “The New Nationalism,” stated: “Conservation means development as much as it does protection.” I believe that mindset still remains good guidance 100 years later. Conservation is not a command to stop growing. It is a responsibility to grow intelligently.

This is the same principle that should guide us as we debate data centers and other new technology investments. As chairman of the SC House Regulations, Administrative Procedures, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Committee, I recognize that digital infrastructure is becoming as necessary to modern commerce as roads and electricity. Data centers bring substantial investment, broaden local tax bases and support South Carolina’s participation in the growing artificial-intelligence economy.

The claim that data centers are inherently anti-conservation is simply wrong. Environmental impact depends on where a facility is located, how it is powered, the cooling technology it uses, and whether infrastructure costs are responsibly allocated.

For example, South Carolina’s York County, a new data-center project plans to use technology requiring no water to cool its customers’ computing environments and carbon-free power when feasible. Other zero-water designs are being built in Arizona and Wisconsin by Microsoft.

H.5069 provides us with the right model: protect what is irreplaceable, respect property rights, coordinate government wisely and welcome responsible growth.

South Carolina should not have to choose between a strong economy and a beautiful, livable state. With disciplined leadership, we can preserve both and pass both along to future generations.

Jeff Bradley is the representative for District 123 in the State House of Representatives.

JEFF BRADLEY

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USCB professor honored with newly identified coral species

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

A newly identified species of deep-sea black coral has been named in honor of University of South Carolina Beaufort professor Dr. Mercer R. Brugler, recognizing his contributions to black coral research and marine biology.

The species, Leiopathes brugleri, was described by scientists from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History and international collaborators. The discovery was published June 15 in the journal Coral Reefs.

Brugler, chair of USCB’s Department of Natural Sciences and professor of marine biology, said he learned the news while attending a professional development program in Glacier National Park in Montana.

“I was thrilled, flabbergasted,” Brugler said. “It was really cool.”

He said the recognition carried both personal and professional meaning.

“Usually you get this when you’re dead, and so you never know about it,” he said. “It was nice to have been recognized when I was alive.”

The coral was found in deep waters on continental slope and mound habitats from the Gulf of Mexico between Louisiana and Florida and in the Azores, Portuguese islands in the North Atlantic, at depths ranging from 244 to 488 meters

Though called black coral because of

its black skeleton, the animal’s living tissue can vary in color. Brugler said this species is typically white, though it can also appear red or orange.

The coral forms bush-like colonies that resemble plants, but Brugler said black corals are animals made up of thousands of feeding polyps.

“Instead of one mouth, like you and I, it has thousands of individual mouths that we call polyps,” he said.

Scientists noted the species belongs to a genus known for exceptional longevity. Related species have been aged at more than 4,000 years old.

Brugler said such lifespan raises major scientific questions.

“How do you live for 4,000 years and not get cancer or tumors?” he said. “That’s something we’re looking into right now.”

Brugler has spent more than two decades studying black corals. He said when he began his work in 2001, only one black coral had been genetically sequenced.

“I was the first one to do genetics on black corals and kind of paved the way,” he said.

Much about black corals remains unknown, particularly because most live in deep ocean environments under extreme pressure and cold temperatures.

At USCB, Brugler helped launch the undergraduate marine biology program in 2020. He said the program has grown rapidly and emphasizes hands-on fieldwork and research.

“We’ve only explored 5% of the world’s oceans,” Brugler said. “We’re just barely scratching the surface.”

Stay safe on the water

By Cinda Seamon Contributor

Staying safe on the water requires being prepared.

Start by checking the weather. Check local weather and radar. Sudden changes in the weather, such as temperature drops or increasing winds, are signs to head back to shore.

Is everything in working order on the boat? Navigation lights, fire extinguishers, a working radio, a tool kit, a first aid kit and throwable flotation devices should all be checked. You should have a pre-departure checklist. Taking the time to prepare will help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Do you have Coast Guard-approved life jackets for everyone? The U.S. Coast Guard reported in 2021 that 81% of boating deaths were due to drowning, and 83% of those victims were not wearing life jackets. Even good swimmers need a life jacket. When people fall off a boat, they may become disoriented, injured or unconscious. Life jackets can keep a victim’s head above water so they can breathe and be rescued more easily.

Plan to have two people who can safely

and competently operate the boat. This is important in case something happens to the primary operator.

Be aware of your surroundings. Many boating accidents are due to collisions in which the operator is not paying attention or no one is keeping a lookout. Maintain 360-degree awareness while on the water.

Know where you are going. Familiarize yourself with local boating speed zones, and let family and friends know where you are going and when you are expected to return.

If you find yourself in the water after an accident or if your boat capsizes, do your best to stay with the boat, even if it is partially submerged. A vessel, even a small one, is more visible to rescuers than a single person. This increases your chances of being found.

Don’t overload your boat. Always know the boat’s capacity in both weight and number of people. Exceeding limitations is unsafe.

Finally, designate a sober driver. It is illegal to operate a vessel while impaired. Celebrate after your boat ride.

Cinda Seamon is the Community Risk Reduction & Outreach Program Coordinator for Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue.

I’m David Ellis

The “South End” deserves a dedicated advocate on council.

I’ll be that voice that listens to your priorities and delivers results that preserve our natural environment and safeguards the assets that support our island economy.

My Qualifications are as follows:

1. Graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago School of Law.

2. Practiced law in Vicksburg, Mississippi where I was city attorney for many years and rendered public service as president of several civic organizations.

3. I continued my commitment to public service after retiring to Hilton Head by serving on the board of the Sea Pines Country Club for 6 years — the last four as president.

4. Most recently, I served on the Board of CSA for 6 years — the last 3 as chairman. I also served on the Sea Pines POA Board for 3 years.

Growing use of e-bikes and scooters raises safety concerns across the Lowcountry

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

As electric bicycles and scooters become increasingly common throughout the Lowcountry, safety concerns are growing among parents, residents and law enforcement, especially as more children and teenagers ride them on roads, bike paths and sidewalks.

Social media posts and neighborhood forums across the Lowcountry have increasingly reflected concerns about riders speeding through neighborhoods, weaving through traffic, ignoring stop signs and riding without helmets. While public concern appears widespread, local crash data specific to e-bikes and electric scooters remains limited.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said it has not seen a significant increase in crashes involving e-bikes or scooters.

“We’ve had calls in reference to it, but not a rise in the actual collisions.” said Master Sgt. Robert Herlong of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

The biggest concern, officials and safety experts say, is speed.

Unlike traditional bicycles, many electric bikes and scooters can travel much faster with far less effort. Casual cyclists often travel between 8 and 15 mph. By comparison, many e-bikes and scooters can reach 20 mph, while some higher-powered models can travel even faster.

South Carolina generally recognizes three classes of e-bikes.

Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 20 mph. Class 2 e-bikes use either pedal assist or throttle power and also max out at 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 28 mph and are considered the fastest street-legal e-bike category.

Safety experts warn that crashes at those speeds can cause serious injuries, including head trauma, broken bones and severe road rash.

“Broken bones or fractures in the ankles, legs and hands are common injuries we see in patients hurt while using e-scooters,” said Dr. Cory Messerschmidt, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists.

“These injuries often result from high-impact collisions or falls.”

Messerschmidt said recovery from fractures can take months and, in more serious cases, may require surgery and

physical therapy.

He emphasized that protective gear can significantly reduce injury risk.

“At a minimum, riders should wear a helmet,” Messerschmidt said. “Hands and wrists are also especially vulnerable during falls, so wrist guards and gloves can help reduce injuries.”

Weight is another safety factor.

Traditional bicycles often weigh between 20 and 35 pounds. Many e-bikes weigh 45 to 80 pounds or more. That added weight increases stopping distance and makes bikes harder to control, especially for younger or inexperienced riders.

That combination of speed and weight is a major reason many residents are concerned about children riding high-powered e-bikes.

Many parents may not realize how powerful some newer models are. Some bikes marketed to teenagers can reach speeds comparable to small motorized vehicles.

Age requirements remain a source of confusion.

South Carolina law does not clearly establish a statewide minimum age for most standard e-bike use. However, manufacturers, safety groups and rental companies often recommend riders be at least 14 to 16 years old, depending on the bike’s speed and power.

Local rules also vary.

Hilton Head Island has some of the clearest e-bike regulations in the area.

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are generally allowed on public roads, bike lanes and the island’s public pathways. However, Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on Hilton Head’s public pathways because of safety concerns involving shared-use spaces with pedestrians, runners and traditional cyclists.

Class 3 e-bikes may still be ridden on roads where bicycles are permitted.

This distinction is especially important on Hilton Head, where crowded pathways near beaches, parks and shopping areas often include a mix of walkers, children and cyclists.

Hilton Head town officials say those shared-use spaces have become a growing concern as more powerful electric vehicles appear on pathways and beaches.

“The Town has observed an increasing presence of high-powered electric motorcycles and similar motorized vehicles operating on Town pathways and beaches, with some capable of speeds exceeding 30 mph,” town officials said in a statement.

Officials said those vehicles create

safety risks for pedestrians, recreational bicyclists and riders because of the speed differences in shared-use areas.

Bluffton currently has fewer e-bike-specific rules.

Riders generally follow the same laws as traditional bicyclists unless restricted by private property rules, neighborhood regulations or specific local restrictions. That means riders are expected to obey stop signs, traffic signals and right-of-way laws. But not every rider is obeying the law.

“This is the number one concern that the town is hearing about.” said a Bluffton Town official.

Electric scooters create additional legal confusion.

Not all scooters are regulated the same way. Rules often depend on motor size, speed and whether the device is classified as a scooter, moped or another type of motorized vehicle.

Herlong said confusion about classifications remains one of the biggest issues.

“A lot of the time, parents need to educate themselves on the differences between an e-bike, an electric dirt bike and a moped,” Herlong said. “They need to understand the licensing requirements and how fast they can go.”

The sheriff’s office has also worked to educate residents through community outreach and online safety resources, including an e-bike safety video explaining the differences between e-bikes, mopeds and other motorized vehicles. Readers can view the video at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=XD0tXptRHiQ

“We want to keep everybody safe,” Herlong said. “You’ve got motor vehicles on

the roadway, bikes on the roadway, and it never works out when the two collide.”

Safety officials say responsible riding habits remain critical for both adults and children.

Recommended safety practices include wearing helmets, riding with traffic, avoiding distracted riding, using lights at night and slowing down around pedestrians.

On shared-use pathways, pedestrians have the right of way. Riders should reduce speed, pass carefully and stay alert.

Hilton Head officials say some of the greatest safety concerns involve roadway crossings and curb cuts throughout the island’s pathway network.

Those areas often create conflict points where pedestrians and bicyclists interact with vehicles entering and exiting streets, driveways and commercial properties.

Officials said high-speed motorized vehicles on pathways increase the risk of serious crashes and injuries.

For parents, experts say supervision and education are essential.

Before allowing a child to ride an e-bike or scooter independently, parents should understand how fast the device can travel, where it can legally operate and whether their child understands basic traffic rules.

As e-bike and scooter use continues to grow across Hilton Head and Bluffton, many residents say education, awareness and enforcement will be key to improving safety.

For now, one issue remains clear: education, safety and enforcement remain central concerns as the popularity of e-bikes and scooters continues to grow.

Hilton Head completes $4.34 million property sale to Novant Health

By The Hilton Head Sun Staff

Hilton Head Island has completed the sale of the former Modern Classic Motors property to Novant Health for $4.34 million, clearing the way for a new medical facility at the site.

The town said the sale of the 4.57-acre property at 355 William Hilton Parkway was completed Friday, May 8.

Novant Health plans to build a medical facility on the site that includes a 25,000-square-foot medical office building and an additional 15,000 square feet of medical office space.

According to the town, the planned facility could offer services including primary care, physical therapy and urology.

Town Council approved a resolution to sell the property to Novant Health on Dec. 9, 2025, following what the town described as a competitive public solicita-

Seabrook

tion process.

Mayor Alan Perry said the project addresses a longstanding need for expanded healthcare services on Hilton Head Island.

“For years, our community has recognized the need for expanded healthcare services here on Hilton Head Island, and I’m encouraged to see real momentum moving this effort forward,” Perry said.

Town Manager Marc Orlando said the project is expected to expand health services while also supporting job growth.

Novant Health said the project represents an estimated $25.3 million investment, including land acquisition, construction, equipment and technology.

The health system said the facility is expected to create about 50 jobs on Hilton Head Island.

Joel Taylor, president of Novant Health’s Hilton Head area, said the project is intended to expand healthcare access for residents and visitors.

Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry to host golf tournament

By The Hilton Head Sun Staff

Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry will host its 29th annual golf tournament Sept. 28 at Oldfield Golf Club to raise funds for affordable housing programs in Beaufort and Jasper counties. The annual fundraiser brings together local businesses, community organizations, golfers and volunteers to support the nonprofit’s housing efforts.

Tournament proceeds will support Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry and its mission of helping local families through homeownership opportunities. Funds raised this year will also help support construction of the organization’s 14th Golf Tournament House.

Organizers said rising costs for building materials and supplies have increased the importance of fundraising

efforts that support home construction and repair projects.

The tournament has been led for several years by longtime Habitat volunteer and supporter Larry Sanders.

Registration is $250 per golfer or $1,000 for a foursome. Registration includes greens fees, a golf cart, golfer swag bags and a post-tournament buffet reception.

Tournament registration is open to both individuals and teams. Registration information is available at lowcountryhabitat.org/2026golf.

An online auction will also be held in conjunction with the tournament. The auction opens Sept. 14 and will feature items and experiences to support the organization’s housing efforts.

Organizers are also offering sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals interested in supporting the event.

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Summer in the Lowcountry: Why neuropathy loves the night shift

By Dr. Kenneth Horup Contributor

All day long, life in Bluffton and Hilton Head has a way of keeping people busy. There are errands to run, grandkids to chase, beach plans to make, golf stories to exaggerate, and at least one

person insisting they can handle this heat better than everybody else. During the day, people are distracted. They are working, walking, talking, driving, shopping, answering texts, and doing everything else life throws at them. Then nighttime shows up. The house gets quiet. The feet hit the recliner. The bedcovers go on. And suddenly those same feet that were merely “annoying” all day start acting like they have a personal grudge.

It is a little like having a smoke detector with a low battery. During the day, you may not notice it because life is loud. At night, when everything else is quiet, that little chirp suddenly feels like it is the only sound in the universe.

That is one reason peripheral neuropathy can be so frustrating. Many people notice the burning, tingling, prickling, or zinging sensations more at night. Neuropathic pain is often worse at night, and common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include numbness, tingling, burning pain, and even pain from the lightest touch, such as bedcovers. So why does this happen?

Part of it is simple: when the world quiets down, the nerves in your body get the microphone. During the day, your brain is busy paying attention to everything else. At night, there are fewer distractions, so abnormal nerve signals become harder to ignore. Damaged nerves can misfire and send pain or “warning” messages even when nothing harmful is happening.

Another reason is that neuropathy is not always just pain. Sometimes it is hypersensitivity. That means things that should not bother yousuddenly do. A bedsheet touching the feet can feel irritating, hot, sharp, or downright rude. Mayo Clinic specifically notes that with neuropathy, even the weight of a bed sheet can be painful for some people.

There is also the fact that neuropathy often starts quietly. It may begin as a little tingling, a little numbness, or a burning sensation that mostly shows up at night. Easy to ignore at first. Easy to blame on “circulation,” “age,” “sleeping funny,” or that one cousin who swears everybody’s feet burn after 50. But symptoms that are worse at night are a recognized pattern in peripheral neuropathy, especially diabetic neuropathy. That is why patients say things like:

“I am mostly okay during the day, but at night my feet burn.”

“The tingling gets worse when I lie down.”

“It feels like my legs get restless the second I get in bed.”

Or my personal favorite: “The whole house is quiet, but my feet are throwing a party.”

A funny image. Not a funny problem. And here is the bigger point: burning and tingling are not random. They are signs that nerves may be irritated or damaged and not sending normal signals anymore. Burning feet are often a sign of peripheral neuropathy, and numbness or altered feeling can go right along with it.

Summer in the Lowcountry is too good to spend awake at 2 a.m. arguing with your toes. If you suffer with numbness, tingling, or burning—or if your feet feel like they are walking on marshmallows—your body may be trying to tell you something. It may be time to get evaluated for peripheral neuropathy. Start early, before a small problem turns into a bigger one.

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

DR. KEN HORUP

ENDLESS WAYS TO PLAY

From

MORE THAN NEIGHBORS

Make

LiveWell Terrace aims to expand housing options

By Emma June Grosskopf Contributor

Beaufort Memorial and Woda Cooper Companies have broken ground on LiveWell Terrace, a 120-unit affordable housing development planned for Bluffton.

The $39 million project, located along Buckwalter Parkway, is expected to expand workforce housing in southern Beaufort County while also increasing access to healthcare through planned medical office space.

LiveWell Terrace will be built on 6.9 acres of land provided by Beaufort Memorial. The development will include 30 one-bedroom units, 60 two-bedroom units and 30 three-bedroom units.

Monthly rents are expected to range from $700 to $1,725. Planned amenities include a business center, fitness facility, playground and community park. The units will be open to eligible renters whose household income generally falls between 40% and 80% of Area Median Income.

Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley said the project is designed to address two major challenges in the Lowcountry: housing affordability and access to healthcare.

“The Lowcountry’s rapid growth is driving unprecedented demand for both healthcare services and the workforce needed to provide them, while simultaneously intensifying the region’s housing challenges,” Baxley said.

He said partnerships like the one between Beaufort Memorial and Woda Cooper are key to meeting those needs.

Victoria Smalls, the Town of Bluffton’s affordable housing director, said the project will add much-needed housing options in a market where affordable rentals remain limited.

“This project is another key piece in tackling the housing crisis in our region,” Smalls said. “This is a close-knit community, and we are thrilled to see quality affordable housing like this become available in our market.”

In addition to housing, the development will include medical office space aimed at expanding access to prima-

ry care services in southern Beaufort County.

The project was made possible in part through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits allocated by the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority. Robert MacDonald, executive director of SC Housing, said “Every investment in housing drives our state forward, so it’s thrilling to see a new construction project like LiveWell Terrace come to life and welcome new residents.”

Construction is now underway, with LiveWell Terrace expected to add 120 affordable housing units in Bluffton as demand for workforce housing continues to grow.

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!

Century 21 Office Location

Century 21 Office Location

Our Century 21 office has been serving the

Head Area for 40 years. Our location at the

Our Century 21 office has been serving the Hilton Head Area for 34 years. Our location at the Hilton Head Beach & Tennis Resort has 1000’s of visitors each week, many of whom see our listings and ask us about buying on Hilton Head Island. Century 21 Real Estate Referral

Head Beach & Tennis Resort has 1000’s of visitors each week, many of whom see our listings and ask us about buying on Hilton Head Island.

powder room has capped plumbing to make for an easy transition back to a full bath. Remote controlled draperies, 3M storm film on windows, along with all new interior mahogany doors. UV Air sanitizing system runs throughout ductwork. Centered in the marina, famous golf course and iconic restaurants, this location is the heart of Harbour Town.

Century 21 Real Estate Referral Network

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125 GREENWOOD DRIVE #3423

MLS #510993

$825,000

Turnkey Sea Pines Retreat with Proven Rental Income. Welcome to this beautifully updated singlelevel 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhouse nestled in one of Sea Pines’ most peaceful and desirable communities. Offering the ease of one-level living, this furnished, move-in-ready home is the perfect primary residence, vacation retreat, or investment property, combining comfort, convenience, and outstanding income potential.The thoughtfully updated interior features luxury vinyl plank flooring, fully renovated bathrooms, vaulted ceilings in both the living room and primary bedroom, and an open, light-filled layout designed for relaxed coastal living. Recent improvements include a new water heater (2023), new HVAC system (2024), and freshly repainted exterior (2024).

40 FOLLY FIELD ROAD #C246

MLS #502730

$293,500

Beautiful lagoon view from this lovely 3rd floor Tennis Villa. No one above you! What a plus!

Incredible opportunity for this perfect beach villa! Bright, cheerful and adorable beach decor. This unit is pristine and has a new HVAC in 2025. Great rental that sleeps 6. Has a sleeper sofa and bunks for kids, so everyone came come. Newer cabinets, quartz counters.

6 TANNERS CROSSING

MLS #500865

$374,500

Incredible opportunity and the best Bluffton neighborhood! This home offers 3 huge bedrooms plus bonus loft, soaring ceilings in LR and primary BR on the first floor. Many rooms freshly painted. LVP downstairs, huge kitchen

40 FOLLY FIELD ROAD #A232

MLS #508165

$320,000

Great view and NO upgrades needed! So lovely and ready to enjoy or use as a short-term rental or both! Walk into gray luxury vinyl flooring. Pass bunks with a TV in each one. Smooth ceilings, shiplap accents, paneled doors, soft closed doors, gorgeous shower.

50 PEBBLE BEACH COVE #L215 MLS #509937

$243,500

Incredible opportunity for an easy living primary residence or investment property in a great Bluffton community. Close to so many amenities, restaurants, theaters, downtown Bluffton.

This is a great 3 BR 2 BA villa on the top floor with pretty wooded views.

Great price for 10 weeks per year in Paradise. This is a fifth equity share. Very low fees as all expenses divided 5 ways. Just a few

Career-building majors hands-on learning

Hilton Head home sales hold steady as market shifts toward balance

By Dan Prud’homme Contributor

The Hilton Head Island real estate market continues to show strength, but it is also showing more balance and more opportunity than buyers have seen in several years. Inventory remains tight, closed sales are steady, and pricing is holding up well, even as properties take longer to sell and negotiations have become more meaningful.

Average days on market is now 111 days, up from 109 last month. That is a modest 1.8% increase, but the longer view is more telling. At this same point, days on market were 92 in 2021, 59 in 2022, 47 in 2023, 59 in 2024 and 83 in 2025. The current figure is

the highest in that five-year comparison, suggesting buyers are being more patient and selective. For sellers, this reinforces the importance of accurate pricing, strong presentation and realistic expectations from the start.

Active inventory declined from 888 listings last month to 874 this month, a 1.6% decrease. Compared with prior years, inventory is below the 995 listings available at this point in 2025 and the 1,002 listings available in 2021. It is only slightly above the 869 listings in 2024. In other words, inventory has improved from the extreme lows of 2022 and 2023, but it is still tight enough to limit sales activity. In some cases, buyers are ready, but the right property simply is not available. Closed sales now stand at 1,016 year to date, up from 855 last month. That adds 161 closings since the last update. Compared with 1,014 sales at this point last year, sales are essentially flat, up just 0.2%. While that may not sound dramatic, it is encouraging given limited inventory and broader economic uncertainty.

One of the biggest opportunities for buyers is the list price-to-sale price ratio, which remains at 94.9%, unchanged from last month. That is lower than 95.4% in 2025, 95.7% in 2024, 96.8% in 2023, 99.9% in 2022 and 98.6% in 2021. This is a real opportunity for buyers. Sellers are still achieving strong prices, but buyers have more room to negotiate than they did during the hottest years of the market.

The median sale price is now $1,175,667. That is down slightly from $1,195,783 at this point in 2025, a 1.7% decrease, but still well above 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021 levels. This does not necessarily mean property values are falling. More likely, the luxury segment has slowed somewhat amid uncertainty tied to conflict in Iran and broader financial market caution. Fewer high-priced sales can pull the median down, even when individual property values remain stable.

Overall, Hilton Head Island appears to be in a seller’s market with a more balanced feel. Inventory is still tight, sales remain resilient and pricing is strong.

Once geopolitical uncertainty eases and Federal Reserve leadership becomes clearer, the market could be positioned for a very strong second half of the year.

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

Tamara Becker Protects Hilton Head’s Unique Character

DAN PRUD’HOMME

Creating a more bird-friendly Hilton Head

One habitat at a time

By Kay Grinnell Contributor

Across Hilton Head Island, a quiet conservation movement is taking root. More homeowners, neighborhoods, businesses, and public agencies are discovering that even small changes to the landscape can make a meaningful difference for birds and other wildlife.

Hilton Head Audubon’s Bird & Wildlife Friendly Habitat program is helping lead this effort by encouraging residents and organizations to replace traditional landscaping with native plants, reduce pesticide use, conserve water, and create healthy habitats that provide food, shelter, and nesting opportunities for wildlife. What began as a program focused on individual yards is now expanding across the island as entire organizations embrace conservation.

A recent celebration at the Hilton Head Public Service District (PSD) highlighted this growing momentum.

More than 60 residents gathered as the PSD officially celebrated the certification of its property as the PSD’s first Bird & Wildlife Friendly Habitat.

The event showcased how public spaces can successfully combine attractive landscaping with environmental stewardship. Native plants, sustainable landscape management, and water-wise practices have transformed the property into habitat that supports birds, pollinators, and other wildlife while reducing maintenance and conserving valuable water resources.

The celebration also demonstrated the power of partnerships. Hilton Head Audubon, the Lowcountry Master Gardener’s Association, Pockets Full of Sunshine, and PSD staff were there to celebrate the concept of wildlife-friendly landscapes, while representatives from the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce underscored the business community’s growing interest in environmental sustainability.

Another exciting example can be found within Palmetto Dunes, where the Property Owners Association has become the first community to pursue certification for a neighborhood habitat project. Working with Hilton Head Audubon, the POA is transforming Picnic Island into a future rookery and nighttime roosting site for herons, egrets, ibis, and other colonial waterbirds.

By carefully managing vegetation and preserving suitable trees and shrubs, the community is creating the conditions these birds need to rest and eventually raise their young. As development continues throughout the Lowcountry, isolated nesting islands and protected roosting areas have become increasingly scarce, making projects like this especially important.

While it may take several years before birds fully establish themselves on the island, the project represents an investment in the future of Hilton Head’s natural heritage. It also

demonstrates how thoughtfully managed landscapes can enhance both wildlife habitat and community beauty.

Whether planting a few native flowers in a backyard, certifying a business property, or restoring habitat across an entire neighborhood, every effort contributes to a healthier environment. Collectively, these projects are creating a network of habitats that supports birds, butterflies, pollinators, and other wildlife throughout our community.

Hilton Head Audubon hopes these success stories will inspire others to join the movement. Together, we can ensure that Hilton Head remains a place where both people and wildlife continue to thrive. For more information go to hiltonheadaudubon.org/ certify-your-garden.

Kay Grinnell is president of the Hilton Head Audubon.

We are excited to announce that our Head of Wealth Management, Thomas M. Dowling, has been named a 2026 InvestmentNews

5-Star Financial Planner.

Tom was recognized alongside just 80 financial planners nationwide through an objective, qualitative review focused on credentials, expertise, and commitment to clientfocused service. This honor reflects the dedication and care he brings to every client relationship.

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Dolphin tour blends wildlife with education

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

As the sun dropped lower over Hilton Head Island’s marshes, passengers aboard Outside Hilton Head’s Ohana settled in, scanning the water for movement.

Families with young children sat beside retirees while couples leaned against the railings. Soft music drifted across the deck as songs by James Taylor and Jimmy Buffett played in the background.

Within minutes of leaving Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, the first dolphins appeared.

Approximately eight Atlantic bottlenose dolphins surfaced, drawing excited reactions from the 41 passengers aboard the 50-passenger boat. Some surfaced at a distance. Others swam close enough to the vessel to appear almost curious, surfacing beside the boat before disappearing into the tidal waters.

The 90-minute sunset dolphin cruise, operated by Outside Hilton Head, offers more than wildlife viewing.

The trip combines dolphin sightings with an ecological tour of Hilton Head’s waterways, salt marshes and tidal systems.

The tour departed shortly after 7:30 p.m. after guests checked in at a marina kiosk, signed waivers and received a brief safety talk. The Coast Guard-inspected vessel includes onboard safety equipment, a restroom and a bar with drinks available for purchase.

The Ohana is designed with comfort in mind. Most of the boat is covered, providing ample shade and making the tour comfortable even during warmer daytime cruises. Padded seating lines the outside of the vessel, giving guests unobstructed views while still offering protection from the sun.

Captain Dan Killian guided the trip

through Broad Creek toward Calibogue Sound, slowing the boat whenever dolphins approached while sharing information about the area’s marine ecosystem. Captain Shea Larkin helped passengers spot wildlife. Like other guides and captains with Outside Brands, Killian and Larkin are trained naturalists who incorporate local knowledge, conservation education and storytelling into each tour.

The educational component is central to the experience.

Passengers learned that dolphins can often be identified by their dorsal fins, much like fingerprints in humans. Each fin has unique markings, nicks and shapes that help researchers distinguish one dolphin from another.

Guides explained that Hilton Head and surrounding waters are home to a yearround population of Atlantic bottlenose

dolphins. During summer months, transient dolphins move through the region, increasing local numbers.

The tour also highlighted broader environmental issues, including the importance of marsh grass, tidal flow and water quality in sustaining the Lowcountry’s ecosystem. Guests learned how dolphins use echolocation to hunt in the region’s murky waters and why feeding wild dolphins is prohibited under federal law.

For visitors, the cruise offered a memorable vacation experience. For locals, it offered something just as valuable: a fresh perspective on familiar waters.

Many Lowcountry residents are familiar with seeing dolphins from docks, beaches or boats. But stepping aboard a guided cruise offers something different. The experience slows things down, allowing residents to enjoy the waterways

without having to captain a boat, navigate traffic on the water or plan the outing themselves.

Even longtime locals may be surprised by how much they can still learn about the area’s wildlife and ecosystems.

That emphasis on education and connection has long been central to Outside Brands, founded by Mike Overton in 1979. Through dolphin cruises, kayak tours, private charters and other excursions including a happy hour cruise, the company has focused on pairing outdoor recreation with conservation and environmental education.

Long before ecotourism became a mainstream travel trend, Overton introduced guests to the Lowcountry through some of the nation’s earliest nature-based kayak tours, helping shape a model centered on recreation, conservation and storytelling. That combination has become a key part of Hilton Head’s tourism economy. For visitors seeking both wildlife encounters and a deeper connection to the Lowcountry landscape, dolphin tours remain among the island’s most popular water-based activities.

It is the rare outing when dolphins do not appear, though Killian said guests still enjoy the scenery, sunset views and ecological insights.

On this evening, however, the dolphins delivered as pods were spotted throughout the trip.

As the boat returned to dock under a rising full moon, passengers filed off smiling and animated.

A child asked a question that may best capture the appeal of the experience:

“Can we do this again tomorrow?”

For many visitors, the cruise is a chance to spot dolphins. For local residents, it may also be an invitation to experience home from a different point of view.

Estate planning in blended families Protecting your legacy for generations

By Mark F. Winn Contributor

One of the most common, and often overlooked, estate planning challenges arises when families are blended through a second marriage. While remarriage can bring great joy and companionship, it can also create complex questions about how assets should ultimately pass to children and grandchildren from prior relationships. Without careful planning, the outcome may be very different from what either spouse intended.

Consider a common scenario: A husband has two children from a prior marriage, and his wife has one child from a prior marriage. Like many couples, they want to ensure that the surviving spouse remains financially secure for the rest of his or her life. At the same time, each spouse wants the assets he or she accumulated over a lifetime to ultimately benefit his or her own children and descendants.

Unfortunately, relying solely on a simple will, or worse, having no plan at all, can create unintended consequences. Assets left outright to a surviving spouse become that spouse’s property to control. The survivor may later change beneficiaries, remarry, spend the assets or inadvertently leave them to someone other than the deceased spouse’s children. This can lead to family disputes, disappointment and outcomes that directly contradict the original intent.

A properly designed trust can address these concerns. Through thoughtful estate planning, a husband or wife can leave assets in trust for the benefit of the surviving spouse while clearly directing where those assets will go upon the survivor’s death. The surviving spouse

can continue to enjoy the financial benefits of the trust during his or her lifetime, while the deceased spouse maintains control over the ultimate disposition of those assets.

For example, the husband’s trust may provide income and support for his wife during her lifetime, with the remaining assets passing to his two children when she dies. Likewise, the wife can establish similar provisions ensuring that her assets ultimately benefit her child. This approach provides financial security for the surviving spouse while preserving each family’s inheritance goals.

The benefits do not end there. Assets passing to children can remain in trust rather than being distributed outright. These trusts can provide valuable protection against future creditors, lawsuits and even divorce. In many cases, properly structured trusts help ensure that inherited assets remain within the family rather than becoming subject to division in a child’s divorce proceeding.

For families focused on creating a lasting legacy, trusts can also extend protection to future generations. If assets eventually pass to grandchildren who are under a designated age, such as 25, the inheritance can continue in trust for their benefit. This allows responsible management of assets while providing for education, health and other important needs until the grandchild reaches an appropriate level of maturity.

Blended families present unique estate planning opportunities and challenges. With careful planning and properly drafted trusts, families can protect loved ones, avoid conflict, preserve wealth and ensure that assets remain within the family bloodline for generations to come. Estate planning is not simply about transferring assets. It is about protecting your intentions and preserving your legacy.

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

Patsy Brison: Solutions Not Politics

WARD 2 • HILTON HEAD ISLAND TOWN COUNCIL

Patsy Brison believes that serving on Hilton Head’s Town Council is about solutions — not politics.

As Ward 2’s representative, Patsy has focused on protecting Hilton Head’s character through responsible growth management, workforce housing initiatives, and the preservation of Gullah-Geechee culture and heritage. She has been commended for guiding strategic planning initiatives that balance growth with the quality of life residents value most.

Property Tax Reductions

Patsy has also demonstrated strong fiscal leadership by supporting property tax reductions while maintaining essential Town services and preserving the Town’s AAA bond rating. She has championed investments in beach preservation — especially at Pine Island — plus stormwater resilience and transportation improvements to help ensure a strong future for Hilton Head Island. Patsy is a problem solver, not a politician.

Ward 2 needs to re-elect Patsy Brison in November!

MARK F. WINN

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Mean Girls: The Musical Arts Center’s summer hit blends satire with sequins See page 31

Arts and Events Calendar

Gregg Russell Summer Concerts

Monday-Thursday through Aug. 13, 8-9:30 p.m.

Liberty Oak Tree, Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island

Family-friendly concerts featuring longtime Sea Pines entertainer Gregg Russell performing music and interactive entertainment for all ages. seapines.com

Jazz in the Park

July 8 & 22, August 5 & 19 7 p.m.

Lowcountry Celebration Park, Hilton Head Island

Free outdoor concert series presented by the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra featuring live jazz performances ranging from standards to contemporary favorites. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. hhso.org

Celebration Park Turtle Talks

Mondays, June–August, 7:30–9 p.m.

Celebration Park, Hilton Head Island

Free family-friendly program featuring hands-on activities beginning at 7:30 p.m., followed by a Sea Turtle Talk presentation from 8–9 p.m. led by Amber Kuehn, marine biologist and director of Sea Turtle Patrol HHI. Program focuses on local nesting sea turtles and conservation efforts. seaturtlepatrolhhi.org

“Put the Beach to Bed” with Sea Turtle Patrol HHI

June–August, 7–8 p.m.

Sundays: The Dunes House, Palmetto Dunes

Tuesdays: The Sonesta, Shipyard Beach Access

Wednesdays: The Beach House, ColignyTiki Hut

Volunteer beach program focused on preparing shorelines for nesting sea turtles and educating participants about sea turtle conservation. seaturtlepatrolhhi.org

Farmers & Makers Market

Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Shops at Sea Pines Center, Hilton Head Island

Weekly market featuring seasonal produce, handmade goods, local artisans and live music. seapines.com

Mean Girls

June 24-Aug. 9

Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Hilton Head Island

The hit musical based on Tina Fey’s film follows Cady Heron as she navigates the social hierarchy of high school. Features a pop-inspired score, energetic choreography and themes of friendship, identity and belonging. Recommended for ages 13 and older due to language and mature themes. artshhi.com

“The Toxic Avenger: The Musical”

July 9-26

Thursday-Saturday: 7:30 p.m.

Sunday: 2 p.m.

Sea Glass Stage at Coligny Theatre, 1 N. Forest Beach Drive, Unit I-5, Hilton Head

Musical comedy based on the cult classic film follows Melvin Ferd the Third, an environmental scientist transformed into an unlikely hero after a toxic accident. Features a cast of five performers playing 33 characters. sgstage.org

Rick Hubbard’s Great American Kids Show

July 10 and 24, 8-9:30 p.m.

Liberty Oak Tree, Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island

Family entertainment featuring music, comedy and audience participation led by longtime Hilton Head performer Rick Hubbard. seapines.com

Tim Meadows Live July 13, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Hilton Head Island

Former Saturday Night Live cast member Tim Meadows brings his signature humor and storytelling to the stage for an evening of stand-up comedy. artshhi.com

Fun 40 Quarter Quilt Workshop

July 17, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Palmetto Electric New River Community Room, 1 Cooperative Way, Hardeeville Palmetto Quilt Guild member Mary Willis will lead a “Fun 40 Quarter Workshop,” where participants will create a quilt using strips from 40 contrasting fat quarters.

palmettoquiltguild.org

DJ Alan Family Show

July 17 and 31, 8-9:30 p.m.

Liberty Oak Tree, Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island

Interactive family show featuring games, music, dancing and activities for all ages. seapines.com

Lawn Tennis Party with Stan Smith

July 17, 1-5 p.m.

Sea Pines Racquet Club, 5 Lighthouse Lane, Hilton Head Island

Round robin lawn tennis tournament hosted by Stan Smith, 1972 Wimbledon champion, and Sea Pines Director of Tennis Patrick O’Keefe. Open to players of all skill levels. Includes round robin play, pro doubles match, awards and post-event party with refreshments. Playing participants: $175. Spectators admitted free. seapines.com | 843-363-4495

“Halfway Home”

July 21-31

Art League Academy, 106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island

Sea turtle-themed art exhibit benefiting Sea Turtle Patrol HHI. Features works inspired by sea turtle conservation. Includes Turtle Talk on July 24 at 2 p.m. and closing reception July 31, 5-7 p.m. 843-842-5738

May River Shrimp Festival & Sunset Party

July 24, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Oyster Factory Park, Bluffton Annual waterfront festival featuring live music by Mily Kinner and Rock Candy, food, beverages and family-friendly entertainment along the May River. blufftonsunsetparty.com | 843-757-8520

May River Shrimp Fest Hawaiian Shirt 5K

July 25, 9 a.m.

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

“Finding Light” by L. Robert Stanfield

July 28-Aug. 28

Art League Gallery, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island

Exhibit featuring works by L. Robert Stanfield. Opening reception July 29, 5-7 p.m. Coffee meet-and-greet Aug. 11, 10:30 a.m.-noon.

artleaguehhi.org | 843-681-5060

“Floga Ilios” by The Siren’s Song Choirs Aug. 1, 6:30 p.m.

All Saints Episcopal Church, 3003 Meeting St., Hilton Head Island

Debut concert by The Siren’s Song Choirs under the direction of composer and conductor L.M. Bucklaw. Program features African American spirituals, European hymns and contemporary works exploring themes of struggle, hope and resilience.

SirensSong.org

Author Event with Michael Wayne Wojcik

Aug. 20, 2-4 p.m.

Emry’s Bookshop, Port Royal Plaza, Hilton Head Island

Author Michael Wayne Wojcik discusses his paranormal novel “Don’t Let Me In,” followed by audience Q&A and book signing. Limited copies available for purchase.

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Stanfield exhibit opens July 28 at Art League Gallery

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Art League of Hilton Head will present “Finding Light,” an exhibition by local artist L. Robert Stanfield, from July 28 through Aug. 28 at Art League Gallery on Hilton Head Island.

The exhibition features abstract mixed-media paintings and sculptural works by Stanfield. According to the Art League, the collection explores themes of resilience, renewal and hope.

Stanfield said his work focuses on light, growth and human connection.

“My work is rooted in the search for light, growth, and human connection,” Stanfield said. “If a piece encourages someone to pause, reflect, or feel a sense of possibility, then it has fulfilled its purpose.”

Stanfield has lived on Hilton Head Island since 1999. He studied at Savan-

nah College of Art and Design and has exhibited throughout the Lowcountry According to the press release, Stanfield has worked extensively in arts education and has used creativity as a tool for growth and healing. His work is included in private collections and public spaces, including MD Anderson Cancer Center and MiraSol Health.

“Creating art is a powerful form of healing, impacting both mental and emotional well-being,” Stanfield said.

“Viewing and experiencing art is also a source of healing.”

Art League Gallery is located inside the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

A reception with the artist is scheduled for July 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. A Coffee Meet & Greet is planned for Aug. 11 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

By Andrea Gannon Contributor

Mean Girls: The Musical Arts Center’s summer hit blends satire with sequins

Cady Heron may have survived the African savanna, but nothing could prepare her for the wilds of suburban Illinois.

Based on Tina Fey’s 2004 cult classic film, this stage adaptation brings a sharp, modern edge to the timeless, and often treacherous, world of teenage social hierarchies. A naive newcomer, Cady, played delightfully by Kirsten Bleu Kaiser, quickly falls into the orbit of a trio of lionized frenemies led by the alluring, ruthless Regina George, whom Kelsey Lesko brings to life in quintessential Queen Bee fashion.

At the helm of this summer’s production is director Whitaker Gannon, whose vision transforms the Arts Center stage into a vibrant, fast-paced arena where the yearning for popularity feels primal. The production pulses with the energy of the modern age and the instantaneous consequences of social media, capturing a world of 24/7 battles over likes and subscribers, where gossip spreads like wildfire, all while keeping the story’s true center intact: the universal, ageless desire to belong.

The vivid aesthetic, with scenic design by Curt Tom-

cyzk and costume design by Aimee Carson, along with Jeff Richmond’s driving pop score and lyrics by Nell Benjamin, gives the show its dazzling exterior. But this Arts Center production reaches for something deeper.

“This show is about the power of friendship,” Gannon said, “and the bravery it takes to be real in a world that demands perfection. It also ultimately reminds us that one can have a strong sense of self without burning others down in the process.”

When auditions were announced for the Arts Center’s

summer show, the creative team received more than 8,800 headshots and résumés.

“To say we had a ton of talent turn out is an understatement,” Arts Center President and CEO Jeffrey Reeves said. “Because we saw so many top-of-their-game triple threats, we’ve been able to produce a show starring the best of the best. Everyone in this cast is a star.”

The results speak for themselves.

Soaring anthems like “I’d Rather Be Me” sit alongside gems like “World Burn,” performed by an uber-talented professional cast, most of whom bring flawless vocals and razor-sharp character work to the stage. All of it is set to Ashley McManus’ high-octane choreography, which keeps the stage electric from the first bell to the final bow.

Musical director Justin P. Cowan conducts the live orchestra, ensuring the harmonies stay every bit as tight as the powerhouse vocals demand.

Ultimately, “Mean Girls” pulls off a feat rarer than a mathlete snatching the Spring Fling crown: turning a cinematic classic into a warm, wickedly funny show that stands on its own two heels.

“Mean Girls” is onstage at the Arts Center through Aug. 9, with performances Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets are available online at artshhi.com or by calling the box office at 843-842-2787.

AMERICA 250

Photography by Gustavo Rattia. Oceano Blue Media.

HERITAGE LIBRARY SPRING HISTORIC TOURS

COLONIAL ERA CEMETERY TOUR

HISTORIC FORT MITCHEL TOUR

Visit the gravesites of four Revolutionary War heroes and find out about the bloody skirmish that was fought just steps away. Site on the SC Liberty Trail.

Corner of Hwy. 278 & Mathews Dr.

TUESDAYS

March 17 - June 9

10:00-11:00am

$10/LIBRARY MEMBERS

$12/NON-MEMBERS

CHILDREN 12 & UNDER FREE Registration required.

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

65 Skull Creek Dr., Hilton Head Plantation

THURSDAYS

March 19 - June 11 10:00-11:00am

$10/LIBRARY MEMBERS

$12/NON-MEMBERS

CHILDREN 12 & UNDER FREE

Registration required.

Sea turtle art exhibit to benefit Sea Turtle Patrol HHI

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Art League Academy will host “Halfway Home,” a sea turtle-themed art exhibit benefiting Sea Turtle Patrol HHI, from July 21-31, 2026, on Hilton Head Island.

The exhibit will feature artwork by local artists focused on sea turtles. According to organizers, 20% of artwork sales and class tuition during the event will benefit Sea Turtle Patrol HHI, a nonprofit organization that works to protect sea turtle nests and hatchlings during nesting season.

Kristen McIntosh, executive director of Art League of Hilton Head, said the exhibit is scheduled at the midpoint of sea turtle season.

“We named the exhibit Halfway Home because we’ll be right at the midpoint of sea turtle season,” McIntosh said.

The exhibit will be open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Art League Academy, 106 Cordillo Parkway.

Programming during the event will include sea turtle-themed classes and a free Turtle Talk presented by a Sea Turtle Patrol volunteer on July 24 at 2 p.m. Organizers said the presentation will focus on Hilton Head Island’s sea turtle population, nesting season and conservation efforts.

A closing reception is scheduled for July 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. Organizers said attendees will have an opportunity to meet participating artists and Sea Turtle Patrol volunteers. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

Amber Kuehn, director of Sea Turtle Patrol HHI, said volunteers monitor Hilton Head beaches daily during nesting season to help protect nests and hatchlings.

“Community partnerships like this not only help fund our mission, but also educate residents and visitors about how they can help protect this endangered species,” Kuehn said.

Class registration is available at artleaguehhi.org.

Sea Turtle II, oil by Molly Leech

SOBA to host 32nd annual judged show

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Society of Bluffton Artists will host its 32nd Annual Judged Show from Sept. 1 through Oct. 4 at the SOBA Gallery in Old Town Bluffton.

The monthlong exhibition and fundraiser will be held at the gallery, 7 Church St., and is open to both members and nonmembers. Organizers said the show is limited to the first 100 entries received and will feature cash awards in seven artistic categories, along with a Best in Show award and honorable mentions. Entries will be accepted through Aug. 23.

Artwork may be submitted in oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media and collage, photography and digital art, drawing, and 3-D art. According to SOBA, artwork incorporating artificial intelligence will not be accepted.

Tricia Dudley, chair of SOBA’s Annual Judged Show, said the event supports the organization’s mission and programming.

“As a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and nurturing the visual arts, this event allows us to celebrate artistic excellence while supporting programs that enrich our community,” Dudley said.

Cash awards will be presented for first, second and third place in each category.

Artwork drop-off is scheduled for Aug. 31 from 9 to 11 a.m. A reception and awards ceremony will be held Sept. 2 from 4 to 6 p.m. Artwork pickup is scheduled for Oct. 5 from 9 to 11 a.m.

Proceeds from the fundraiser support SOBA’s programs, art education initiatives and capital campaign, “A Forever Home for SOBA.”

SOBA became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2004 and relies on art sales, sponsorships, donations and volunteer support to fund its operations, according to the organization.

Local businesses and community members may also support the event through sponsorship opportunities.

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

Author event to feature Michael Wojcik’s latest thriller

Michael Wayne Wojcik, a South Carolina author and Lowcountry resident, will discuss his latest novel, “Don’t Let Me In,” during an event Aug. 20 at Emry’s Bookshop in Port Royal Plaza.

The event is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. at the bookstore. Books will be available for purchase, and Wojcik will sign copies following the discussion.

Wojcik is known for writing character-driven fiction centered on suspense, dialogue and psychological tension. His debut novel, “Powers of Persuasion,” explored themes of ambition, influence and relationships set in the South Carolina Lowcountry. His newest book, “Don’t Let Me In,” moves into supernatural suspense, blending folklore, mystery and psychological thriller elements.

The novel follows Dr. Phyllis DeFalco, a former CIA operative turned folklore professor at Kensington University in coastal South Carolina. DeFalco is drawn back into investigative work after a series of disturbing

crime scenes emerge in Rome, Hong Kong, Beaufort and Lagos.

As she investigates with an international team, DeFalco uncovers ritual patterns tied to ancient beliefs involving spirits crossing between the living and the dead. The investigation eventually leads back to Beaufort, where local folklore surrounding Boo Hags becomes central to the story.

The novel incorporates supernatural traditions from multiple cultures, including Gullah spiritual practices and global folklore.

Wojcik said his writing focuses on ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances and the choices that define them. Living in the Lowcountry continues to influence his work, drawing from the region’s history, culture and folklore.

The Aug. 20 event will include a discussion of Wojcik’s storytelling process, audience participation and a book signing.

Attendees planning to purchase books for signing are encouraged to reserve copies in advance through the bookstore.

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

Hilton Head Library events

The Hilton Head Library will offer a full schedule of educational, literary and recreational programming throughout July. Several recurring programs return throughout the month. Mahjong Club will meet from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on July 6, 13, 20 and 27. The weekly gathering welcomes players of all skill levels.

Library Game Night will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on July 7, 14, 21 and 28. Participants may join rotating board games as well as classic games including Mahjong, Bridge and Spades.

The Classics Book Club will meet from 3 to 5 p.m. July 7 to discuss “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe.

Adult Crafts returns July 9 from 2 to 3 p.m. with a flower hammering class focused on creating botanical prints using fresh flowers. Participants are asked to bring fresh flowers, and registration is required.

The library’s monthly Plant Swap is scheduled for 1 to 2 p.m. July 14. Participants may bring healthy plants, seeds or rooted cuttings to exchange with others.

On July 15, the library will host a presentation on mapping and geographic information systems from 2 to 3 p.m. The program will focus on resources available

through the Beaufort County GIS Department, including historical maps, zoning and conservation tools.

The Theme Team Book Club will meet from 4 to 5 p.m. July 16. This month’s theme is books set in a state participants have never visited.

A program on native Lowcountry plants is scheduled for 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 17. Presenters Glen Payne and Lily Cooper of Clemson Cooperative Extension and the South Carolina Master Gardener program will discuss local plant species and landscaping applications.

The library will host a writing workshop from noon to 2 p.m. July 22. The program, titled “Tell Your Story!,” will feature Barry Dickson and Susan Diamond Riley and focus on memoir and personal storytelling.

The Novel Choice Book Club will meet from 4 to 5 p.m. July 27 to discuss “Night Watch” by Jayne Anne Phillips.

The month concludes July 29 with an all-day take-and-make craft program featuring book-themed earrings. Craft kits will be available while supplies last. For more information about library programming or registration contact the Hilton Head Library at 843-255-6525.

July 28–August 28

Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 12-4pm and 90 minutes before every Arts Center performance

Opening Reception: Wed, July 29 • 5-7pm

Enjoy refreshments and meet the artist • Free and open to the public

Coffee Meet & Greet: Tuesday, August 11 10:30am-12pm Free and open to the public

ADULT ART ADULT ART CLASSES CLASSES

July 20 & 27: Steve Liker

July 22: Helen Hodge

Brusho

July 28: Helen Hodge

Vibrant

July 29-30: Mickey Boisvert

The Lowcountry – A Little Bit of Heaven by Bill Winn

C. Iglesias

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

A series of recent announcements across Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Beaufort County highlight leadership transitions, business expansion, industry recognition and continued investment in community programs.

From public sector appointments to healthcare expansion and major real estate transactions, organizations throughout the Lowcountry reported notable developments in recent weeks.

Community Foundation names finance executive

The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has appointed Sherry Burik as vice president of finance and administration.

Burik officially assumed the position July 1 and will work with interim Vice President Jim Gresham during the transition.

Burik most recently served as chief financial officer for the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania.

The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry serves Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties. According to the organization, it administers more than 560 charitable funds and has awarded more than $138 million in grants and scholarships.

Sparklight launches communications platform

Sparklight Business has introduced Sparklight Unified Communications, a cloud-based communications platform now available to businesses across the South Carolina Lowcountry.

The platform combines business calling, SMS messaging, video meetings and collaboration tools into a single system.

Sparklight said the service is available in Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Ridgeland, Hardeeville, Hampton and Estill.

The platform is designed for businesses seeking communications systems that support office, remote and hybrid work environments.

Business Briefs

Beaufort Memorial expands Bluffton care

Beaufort Memorial has added internal medicine physician Dr. Sreshtha Singh to Beaufort Memorial Palmetto Medical Group in Bluffton.

Singh treats a range of acute and chronic conditions, including high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

He completed medical school at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and finished his internal medicine residency at UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh in June 2026.

The practice is located at 4818 Bluffton Parkway and provides outpatient medical care for adults and children ages 5 and older.

Record residential sale reported in Palmetto Bluff

The Ussery Group of Charter One Realty announced the sale of 393 Old Palmetto Bluff Road for $15 million.

According to the company, the transaction marks the highest residential sale recorded in Palmetto Bluff and, based on publicly available records, the highest residential sale in Beaufort County history.

The property, known as Heron Hall, sits on approximately 10 waterfront acres with more than 658 feet of May River frontage.

The estate includes a main residence and guest house with nine bedrooms, nine full bathrooms and two half-baths.

Hilton Head appoints new town attorney

The Town of Hilton Head Island Town Council has appointed Brittany Ward as the town’s next attorney, effective July 1.

Ward succeeds Curtis Coltrane, who is retiring after more than 20 years of service to the town.

Ward was selected through a competitive bid process. In her new role, she will provide legal advice to Town Council, the town manager, municipal clerk and town employees on matters related to town business.

Ward previously served as Beaufort County deputy county attorney from 2019 to 2022 and county attorney from 2022 to 2025. She later joined Finger, Melnick, Brooks & LaBruce P.A., where she assisted Hilton Head Island on legal matters.

Latitude Margaritaville earns national recognition

Latitude Margaritaville communities in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Panama City Beach, Florida, were named among ideal-LIVING magazine’s Top 100 Best Places to Live.

The communities were recognized in the publication’s Summer 2026 issue.

Latitude Margaritaville communities are developed by Minto Communities under license from Margaritaville Holdings.

The Hilton Head development remains one of several Latitude Margaritaville communities operating or planned nationwide.

Congregation Beth Yam welcomes new rabbi

Congregation Beth Yam has named Rabbi Sharon Marcus as its new spiritual leader, effective July 1.

Marcus succeeds retiring Rabbi Brad Bloom.

She previously served for 27 years at Park Synagogue in suburban Cleveland and earlier as assistant rabbi at Fairmount Temple.

A Philadelphia native, Marcus graduated from Brandeis University and was ordained in 1995 at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. She received an honorary Doctor of Divinity in 2020.

Her leadership experience includes service as president and treasurer of the Greater Cleveland Board of Rabbis and co-vice president of national events for the Women’s Rabbinic Network.

Habitat receives AARP grant

Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry announced it has received a 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant. The funding will support installation of handicap-accessible ramps for qualifying Bluffton residents age 50 and older. Residents interested in applying for the ramp program may contact Habitat’s Bluffton administrative office.

Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry serves Beaufort and Jasper counties and has helped 195 families since 1990, according to the organization.

Non-surgical facial rejuvenation strategy

By Dr. Ronald Finger Contributor

Facelifts have been available for aging patients for more than a century. Originally, only skin in front of the ear was removed, often creating wide scars in front of the ear with minimal lifting. As techniques evolved, better and more complex procedures were developed. Eventually, deep-plane facelifts, which lift deeper structural layers, were developed in the 1980s. However, no procedure stops the aging process. To maintain a youthful appearance, additional nonsurgical options are often requested.

Many patients want to avoid the postoperative course, downtime and expense of a facelift. Also, some aging skin problems are not addressed as well

surgically as they are with nonsurgical options, such as wrinkles around the mouth, skin quality and volume loss, which is a major cause of sagging in the aging face. Because facelift patients still may need nonsurgical treatments after surgery for optimal results, some people choose nonsurgical options instead of undergoing surgery.

The strategies for nonsurgical options, based on patients’ goals and needs, are:

• Tightening sagging skin — This is one area where surgical facelifts perform best, especially in older patients. The nonsurgical options that result in actual skin lifting are lifting threads and certain lasers that vaporize tiny holes in the skin, called coring, thus removing skin. Lifting threads are dissolvable threads with tiny barbs that attach to and lift skin. They also increase volume by stimulating new collagen and elastin.

• Resurfacing — This is usually done with heat from RF (radiofrequency) devices or lasers. There are many excellent types of lasers. The latest lasers are fractional lasers, meaning they heat

and/or vaporize tiny holes in the skin, thus removing skin from the entire face without scarring. In addition, heat tightens skin. To understand how heat shrinks skin, think of bacon in a frying pan. CO2 lasers such as the Helix are more aggressive but involve more downtime. A new concept is the UltraClear laser, which can microcore skin and may be equivalent to CO2 lasers with less discomfort and recovery time. This is a cold laser and may be more suitable for summertime. Both lasers have very light energy modes for mild resurfacing and minimal recovery time.

• Remodeling with volumizing — Youthful faces are well-volumized. Aging results in the loss of both fat and bone. In their 20s and 30s, people may hear, “You’ve lost your baby fat.” The problem is that people continue losing volume, and like a beach ball that loses air, sagging occurs. Thus, volume must be replaced. For this, fillers such as Juvéderm and Restylane products are used. Fillers that also stimulate collagen production include Sculptra and Radiesse. The newest such filler is

Renuva, which stimulates your own fat production for volume that lasts five years or more.

The newest technology for nonsurgical skin lifting is the Everesse. This radiofrequency device thickens and tightens skin with no numbing, needles, pain or recovery time. Everesse RF stimulates increased collagen and elastin production with large amounts of energy. When combined with lifting threads, collagen and elastin production increases further, resulting in more skin lifting. This device changes the shape of the face and improves skin quality for a more youthful appearance. With no downtime, these treatments are ideal for a summertime lift.

Combination therapy appears to be the wave of the future in minimally invasive procedures.

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

DR. RONALD FINGER

Navigating short-term rentals during peak season

By Chip Collins Contributor

As the warmer months arrive across the Lowcountry, the shortterm rental season quickly moves into full swing. In communities throughout Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, vacation properties become highly active with weekly guests, seasonal travelers, and investors looking to maximize both enjoyment and rental income. At the same time, many buyers and sellers begin asking an important question: how do real estate transactions successfully happen during the busiest rental months of the year?

One of the most common concerns involves showing properties that already have vacation renters occupying them. During rental season, guests under-

standably receive priority while they are enjoying the property they booked. Sellers cannot simply displace renters for showings, which means buyers, agents, and property owners must work together creatively and respectfully.

In many cases, the best opportunities to show a property occur during what rental managers call “the turn” — the short window between one guest checking out and the next guest arriving. During that compressed timeframe, cleaners, managers, and vendors are often all working simultaneously to prepare the property for incoming renters. Coordinating showings during those few hours requires planning and flexibility, but it is often the most practical solution.

Technology has also become increasingly important in helping buyers evaluate rental properties from afar. Virtual tours, FaceTime walkthroughs, professional photography, and detailed videos allow buyers to make informed decisions even when access is limited. In highly competitive situations, some buyers may even submit offers contingent upon later viewing

the property in person.

Another major topic during rental season is how closings are handled when future bookings are already on the calendar. Fortunately, South Carolina law provides a clear framework through the South Carolina Vacation Rental Act. In most situations, existing reservations must be honored for 90 days following the closing and recording of the property transfer. This helps protect renters who planned vacations well in advance while also creating a smoother transition for buyers, sellers, and property managers alike.

Rental income is typically prorated at closing, meaning sellers receive income during the period they owned the property, while buyers receive income after ownership transfers. However, self-managed properties listed on platforms such as Airbnb or VRBO can require additional coordination, since accounts and reservations may not transfer automatically between owners.

For many buyers, the long-term appeal of owning a rental property extends beyond personal enjoyment. Investors

today are increasingly focused on maximizing occupancy and rental performance throughout the entire year — not just during the summer season. Snowbird rentals during winter months, pet-friendly accommodations, dynamic seasonal pricing, and even charitable donation weeks have all become creative strategies owners use to enhance value and visibility.

At the end of the day, however, one factor consistently separates successful rental properties from the rest: guest experience. Cleanliness, communication, responsiveness, and thoughtful hospitality continue to drive strong reviews, repeat bookings, and long-term rental success.

As demand for Lowcountry vacation properties continues to evolve, buyers and sellers who understand how to properly navigate rental season are often the ones best positioned for success.

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

CHIP COLLINS

Hilton Head Island progressing with ADA access project

By Channing Heiss Contributor

The Town of Hilton Head Island is continuing its work to update accessibility to town resources in accordance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, having recently achieved key goals in the development of its ADA access self-assessment and transition plan project.

The town has developed a timetable for the work and recently executed a contract with Bureau Veritas which was selected in April to carry out the project.

Angie Stone, assistant town manager of community engagement and ADA coordinator for Hilton Head Island, said in a news release that Bureau Veritas was selected because it is a global leader in testing, inspection, certification, and compliance services.

The company provides ADA self-assessments, transition plans, accessibility evaluations, and compliance consulting services for public agencies across the United States. Stone explained the firm’s ADA assessment

services and actionable transition planning help organizations create more accessible and inclusive environments.

While the Town has conducted accessibility assessments in the past, those efforts were narrower in scope. A more comprehensive review is needed today due to the acquisition and construction of new parks and facilities, the expansion of Town programs and services, and updates to accessibility standards.

The assessment of town buildings, parks, and other facilities started on June 16 after the execution of the contract and will continue through late July. Assessment of the public right-of-way was scheduled to begin early this week. For this portion of the work, Dax ADA robots will be used. The AI robots were developed by Daxbot, an Oregon/based company. The company also makes security robots to assist in public safety. Daxbot has configured the ADA robots to provide precise measurements for accessibility evaluations. The data collection points on the island by the Dax robots will include slopes, widths, clearances,

pavement conditions, curb cuts, ramps, the pathway network, intersection markings, and pedestrian signaling devices.

In addition to these onsite robotic measurements and other analysis of facilities and programs, the town will conduct public outreach via focus groups and an online survey. The focus groups and surveys will continue an engagement effort that had a public rollout last August with an open house inviting the public to share priorities and concerns. Among those attending were disabled advocates from organizations including Touch the Future and Walton Options.

In the Town statement, Stone expressed appreciation and enthusiasm for the ideas contributed by the public.

“The feedback we’ve received from residents and visitors has already provided valuable insight and we look forward to building upon that foundation.”

Employee ADA training will also be part of the accessibility project.

Summarizing the overall goal, Stone said “This effort will help us gain a thorough

understanding of accessibility throughout our programs, services, public buildings, facilities and parks, exterior amenities, and paths of travel while providing a clear, prioritized roadmap for identifying and removing barriers.”

Town officials anticipate the assessment work and transition plan development to be completed toward the end of 2026 or early in 2027.

“The transition plan will be priority based and incorporated into our Capital Improvements Program,” Stone explained.

The draft transition plan will then be presented to Town Council in a public meeting.

Further details on the project are available in the executive summary document posted on the Town of Hilton Head Island website.

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

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Historic Bluffton Foundation says Heyward House sale will support future work

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Historic Bluffton Foundation is moving forward with the sale of the Heyward House, a landmark 1841 property in Old Town Bluffton, in a move the nonprofit says will allow it to redirect resources toward broader preservation and advocacy efforts.

The sale is pending and expected to close by the end of July, according to written responses to questions provided by the Historic Bluffton Foundation through board chair Jen Sommerville. The buyer is local to the area, though the foundation is not publicly identifying the purchaser while the transaction remains incomplete.

The foundation also declined to disclose the exact sale price, saying only that the property is under contract for “slightly above appraised value.”

The Heyward House, located at 70 Boundary St., is one of Bluffton’s most recognized historic properties. Built in 1841, the house has operated as a museum, event venue and tourism destination under the Historic Bluffton Foundation.

The foundation described the sale as part of a strategic transition.

“This decision is a step in the process to refocus on our core principles of preserving historic structures and advocating that others do the same,” it said.

After years of restoration work, the foundation said it believes now is the right time to transfer ownership.

“We have spent the last decade doing significant restoration and repairs to the house and grounds,” the foundation said. “Now that it is in a well-maintained state, it is a good time to pass the torch.”

According to the foundation, more than $450,000 in grants from town, county and state agencies has supported restoration and preservation work at the site in recent years.

The foundation said two preservation easements tied to grants from the Town of Bluffton will remain in place after the sale and are monitored by the town.

“We have been awarded a Historic Preservation grant by the Town of Bluffton on two occasions so there are two recorded preservation easements in place that protect the historic facade of the Heyward House property in perpetuity,” the foundation said. “The protections will transfer with the property.”

The foundation said the buyer has expressed support for preserving the site’s historic character.

“The buyer is mindful of the unique historical significance of the property and through many conversations, has displayed a commitment to maintaining the historic nature of the property and abiding by the preservation easements,” the foundation said.

It remains unclear how the property will be used after the sale. The foundation said it does not control future use of the site beyond the protections established by the easements.

The Heyward House has also served as a popular event venue.

“We are working with the buyer to honor the events that are already booked for rentals,” the foundation said.

Proceeds from the sale will be placed into a restricted trust to support the foundation’s long-term operations.

“The mission of our Foundation is to preserve Bluffton’s history, protect its historic spaces, and inspire our community through education and engagement,” the foundation said. “Proceeds from the sale of the Heyward House will be placed into a restricted trust to provide sustainable funding for our operations.”

The foundation said programs and tours will continue during the transition as it expands its work in preservation advocacy, public education and community engagement.

“The Historic Bluffton Foundation will continue programs and tours during the transition and will expand its work in preservation advocacy in Bluffton, public education and community engagement, and advocacy for historic resources at the local and regional levels,” the foundation said.

By Collins Doughtie Contributor

Reeling in my true satisfaction

This past Tuesday, I guided a relatively new member of the boating community to our waters and, in particular, to Spanish mackerel fishing. His name was Gary, and along with his friend Chuck, I showed them around our waters and, in the process, we caught some mega Spanish mackerel live-baiting on light tackle.

But the coolest part of the trip wasn’t the fish we caught. Rather, it was the kick I got watching the two of them totally grooving on being out in the ocean, encountering loggerhead turtles, watching massive container ships heading into Savannah and sitting in the middle of massive schools of menhaden with their silver backs flicking on the surface for as far as the eye could see. It was as if the heavens had dropped sparkling glitter on the water for miles on end.

If you think back to any of my articles, nearly every fishing picture I put in my columns has someone else holding up a fish, whether it be a redfish, mackerel, dolphin, wahoo or whatever. My forte is not so much reeling in fish, but rigging and finding the fish. Then, if a fish should hit, I almost always leave the reeling to others. But what really keeps me going is introducing new people I meet to the water world that is my true home.

Don’t get me wrong, I have reeled in some monsters over the years, but what excites me more than reeling is making sure the cockpit runs smoothly and the rigging is perfect.

Take blue-water fishing, for instance. Luckily, I had some excellent teachers growing up, and they taught me that the smallest tweaks can make a huge difference between catching and not catching. Is the drag on the reel set just right? Is the lure running straight?

For instance, when I am trolling, it’s amazing how I can reel in 3 feet of line and the lure runs through the water with twice the action it previously had. If you want to be really successful fishing, no matter the species, you need to always pay attention to conditions and fine-tune your approach to subtle differences such as wind, tides and waves as the day progresses.

A perfect example is when you are trolling baits in the Gulf Stream. Using the same rig, it will act completely differently if you are trolling into the waves versus run-

ning downsea.

As anyone who has fished with me knows, I can get pretty darn cantankerous in the cockpit if I notice something is not quite right. I pretty much stay in perpetual motion the entire day, changing out baits so they are always fresh and mixing up colors to see what works and what doesn’t. But one thing is certain: All that perseverance pays off.

If I were to give you three words of advice about rigging, they would be: “Less is best.”

So many fishermen have so much stuff on their rigs, it’s surprising a fish can find the hook. You know what I mean: beads, crimps, large silver snap swivels, leader material that could haul in a marlin and lead weights as big as your hand.

I won’t go as far as saying fish are very smart, but they

are accustomed to eating critters that aren’t wearing gobs of bling. So it makes sense that the closer you can match their food source, the better your chances of getting a true trophy to grab your offering.

Another pet peeve of mine happens when anglers I fish with feel they need to rip the face off a fish when it bites. Frankly, I think they have watched too many freshwater bass fishing shows. The only two fish around here that require that approach are sheepshead and tarpon. But for all the others, simply reel, and your hook-up ratio will improve tenfold.

Since I am on the subject of pet peeves, another would have to be lifting a hooked fish out of the water with your rod. Why? The rod is bent double and acts like a spring stretched to its limit.

So what happens if the fish shakes loose from the hook? You got it. The hook flies through the air, and sooner or later you’ll find yourself in the emergency room with a hook impaled in your hand or another body part.

Believe me on this one because I am talking from firsthand experience. (And secondhand and thirdhand, and ...)

So there you have it: Collins doesn’t reel in fish. Even if I happen to be holding a rod when a whopper hits, I can’t hand the rod off to whoever is beside me quickly enough. My back has a lot to do with it, but reeling in fish is just not my thing. My true love is the art of rigging and figuring out how to get the most out of different ocean conditions.

Even more so, I love introducing new folks to my world of water. Almost without fail, except for a possible bout with seasickness, they are totally hooked after that first trip.

I get a big kick out of watching newbies grunt and groan after I hand off a rod attached to a big fish. It might take a day for them to recuperate after a daylong adventure on the ocean, but usually the greatest satisfaction I get comes when my phone rings and the 70-year-old man I guided thanks me with the voice and enthusiasm of a 14-year-old.

Now that’s life at its best!

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

Beaufort County Council approves key budget, land acquisition actions in June meetings

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Beaufort County Council advanced the county’s proposed 2026 transportation sales tax referendum, approved its fiscal year 2026-27 budget ordinance and authorized major land acquisition funding during meetings held June 8 and June 22.

Among the most significant actions were approvals tied to two major land acquisitions: the Broad Creek Marina tract on Hilton Head Island and the New River Forest property in Bluffton.

During the June 22 meeting, council approved third reading of an ordinance establishing the 2026 transportation sales tax referendum. The ordinance was amended to clarify ballot language before passing in an 8-3 vote.

Earlier, during the June 8 meeting, council amended the referendum to extend tax collection from eight years to nine years and remove prepared food as a taxable item. Discussion also focused on road paving priorities, particularly improve-

ments to S.C. 170 and U.S. 278.

Council also approved third reading of Beaufort County’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget ordinance in a 9-2 vote. The ordinance covers county government and special purpose districts and includes tax levies, service fees and user fees for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.

Several amendments were approved during budget discussions, including $12,000 for the TriShare child care program in a 9-2 vote, reinstatement of Human Services Department funding estimated at $465,000 in an 8-3 vote, and $309,000 for the Treasurer’s Office in a 6-5 vote.

Land acquisition proposals drew significant attention during both meetings.

Funding for the Broad Creek Marina tract was approved in a 9-2 vote after action was delayed June 8 for additional review. Council requested further due diligence, including zoning determinations, the number of planned units and three land appraisals before reconsidering the

proposal. The resolution authorizes up to $7.7 million for acquisition of the Hilton Head Island property.

Council also approved funding for The Nature Conservancy’s acquisition of the New River Forest property in Bluffton. The resolution authorizes up to $42 million for the purchase and passed 9-2 after being amended to clarify public vehicular access.

Airport-related business also moved forward without opposition. Council unanimously approved rental car concession agreements for Avis Budget Group, Enterprise Holdings and GSP Transportation Inc. for operations at Hilton Head Island Airport. Members also accepted an $88,538 grant from the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission for airport development projects.

Additional actions included approval of new stormwater management intergovernmental agreements with the towns of Bluffton and Hilton Head Island.

Amendments to the county waterways ordinance also passed after debate. During the June 22 meeting, council voted 7-4 to

remove Section 102-136 regarding student riders before unanimously approving the ordinance as amended.

On June 8, council approved amendments to the county’s single-use plastic bag ordinance in a 7-4 vote. The changes require events on county properties in unincorporated areas to comply with the ordinance and shift penalties from misdemeanor charges to civil citations.

Council also unanimously ruled that the St. Francis Center is exempt from obtaining a business license and sign permit following a business license appeal hearing.

During a June 8 workshop, Megan Dayson of the State Ethics Commission presented guidance on education versus advocacy related to the transportation sales tax referendum. She said council members may provide public education about the referendum but may not advocate for or against it using government resources.

Meeting agendas, minutes and video recordings are available at www.beaufortcountysc.gov.

Lawton Stables renovates small animal farm open

Lawton Stables has opened a renovated Small Animal Farm on Hilton Head Island following months of construction aimed at improving conditions for animals and visitors.

The new facility at 190 Greenwood Drive inside Sea Pines officially opened in late June with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The project follows renovations that began earlier this year to address long-standing drainage and mud issues in the animal farm area.

According to Lawton Stables, the upgraded facility includes new animal habitats, nutrition programs, enrichment opportunities and expanded daily care for the animals.

General Manager Haley Zimmerman said the project was designed to improve animal care while enhancing the visitor experience.

“We are incredibly excited to open the Small Animal Farm and share it with our community,” Zimmerman said. “From the beginning, our goal was to create an environment where animals

receive outstanding care while providing visitors the opportunity to enjoy meaningful interactions with happy, healthy animals.”

Lawton Stables, located in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, has long been a popular stop for Hilton Head families and visitors, offering horseback trail rides, pony rides and animal encounters. The small animal farm features animals including goats, cows, miniature donkeys, pot-bellied pigs, chickens, alpacas and a miniature horse.

The animal farm remains one of the stables’ most popular attractions, especially for families with young children. Visitors can feed and interact with the animals, and pony rides are also available for children.

Lawton Stables said the upgraded farm is part of its broader efforts to improve animal care and maintain family-friendly outdoor experiences on Hilton Head Island.

For more information, visit www. lawtonstables.com.

$395.3 million Beaufort County School District budget approved

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Beaufort County Council unanimously approved the Beaufort County School District’s fiscal year 2026-27 general fund budget on June 22, 2026, authorizing a $395.3 million spending plan focused on employee compensation, student services and school safety.

District officials said the budget aligns with priorities identified through stakeholder engagement, including staff compensation, academic programs, operational services and safe learning environments.

A significant portion of new funding will go toward employee pay increases. District officials said 83% of all new funding is dedicated to salary increases intended to support recruitment and retention across the district.

Under the approved budget, the starting teacher base salary will increase by $2,500, rising from $60,087 to $62,587. With a $1,500 locality supplement, firstyear teachers will receive total starting compensation of $64,087.

All district teachers will receive a $2,500 salary increase in addition to a state-mandated step increase. The teacher salary schedule also will expand to a maximum step of 31.

The budget also includes compensation increases for non-teaching staff. Classified, administrative and professional employees will receive a 3% costof-living increase, along with annual step increases where applicable.

Their pay schedules also will expand to a maximum step of 31.

Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said the budget is intended to strengthen support for employees and students while maintaining financial stability.

“This budget is a direct investment in the people and programs that make a difference for students every day,” Rodriguez said.

“By increasing teacher and staff compensation, expanding services for students, and maintaining safe learning environments, we are strengthening our ability to attract and retain exceptional

employees while ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed,” he said.

Rodriguez also said the district was able to make the investments without increasing taxes for county residents.

“We are also proud to do so without increasing the tax burden on Beaufort County residents, demonstrating our commitment to both educational excellence and responsible fiscal stewardship,” he said.

The Board of Education approved the budget before submitting it to County Council.

In addition to compensation increases, the budget includes funding for expanded student services.

District officials said targeted investments will support special education and multilingual learners, which were identified through public feedback as high priorities.

Additional funding will go toward Montessori expansion, career and technical education, extended learning opportunities, and behavioral and mental health supports.

The budget also includes continued funding and expansion of safety measures and security personnel.

District officials said the budget is fully funded through projected revenues totaling $395.3 million and does not include a millage increase.

Education roundup

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Recent education announcements across Beaufort County and the Lowcountry include school leadership changes, statewide recognition, scholarship honors and career training milestones.

BCSD names two new principals

Beaufort County School District has named new principals for Lady’s Island Middle School and H.E. McCracken Middle School for the 2026-27 school year.

Dr. Kyctrell Swinton-Atkins, currently assistant principal at Beaufort High School, will lead Lady’s Island Middle School. She replaces Dr. Chavon Browne, who accepted a deputy superintendent position in Colleton County.

Swinton-Atkins has nearly 20 years of experience in education, including 16 years in Beaufort County schools.

Aimee Whitesell, currently assistant principal at Battery Creek High School, was named principal of H.E. McCracken Middle School. She replaces Roger Ward, who has been promoted to BCSD executive director.

Hilton Head Prep names baseball coach

Hilton Head Preparatory School has named Hiram Rodriguez as head coach of the varsity baseball program.

Rodriguez succeeds longtime coach Chris Wells, who retired.

Rodriguez brings more than eight years of coaching experience with youth and high school athletes in the Lowcountry. He has spent the past six years as an assistant coach in Hilton Head Prep’s baseball program and was part of the Dolphins’ 2025 SCISA state championship season.

BJACE earns Boeing certification

Beaufort-Jasper Academy for Career Excellence has become the first high school in South Carolina to receive certification through Boeing’s Pre-Employment Training Program.

The certification applies to the academy’s Automotive Technology, Auto Collision, Building Construction and Electricity programs through Aug. 1, 2028.

Students who complete certified programs and receive instructor endorsement may bypass Boeing’s traditional interview process and move directly into the company’s hiring pipeline for selected manufacturing jobs.

BJACE officials said the certification creates accelerated employment opportunities for students pursuing careers in manufacturing and technical fields.

USCB professor wins book award

A book written by University of South Carolina Beaufort professor Deborah J. Cohan has received national recognition. Cohan’s book, “The Complete U: Over 100 Lessons for Success in and out of the College Classroom,” was named the top education and academic book for 2026 by the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Cohan is a sociology professor at USCB and a writer for Psychology Today and HigherEdJobs.

Cross Schools student earns national scholarship

Luna Rangel of Cross Schools has been named a 2027 Horatio Alger National Scholar.

Rangel is one of 105 high school juniors selected nationwide for the honor. The scholarship provides up to $25,000 for higher education and recognizes students for academic achievement, leadership and perseverance in overcoming adversity.

Recipients also receive individualized college coaching and support through the Horatio Alger Association’s College Success Program.

Pritchardville Elementary earns state award

Pritchardville Elementary School has received the 2026 Data Trailblazer Award from the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee.

The school was one of three selected statewide for the award.

The recognition honors schools for effective use of data to improve student outcomes, support family engagement and promote data-informed decision-making.

District officials said the award reflects the school’s focus on student achievement and continuous improvement.

BCSD to host Back-to-School Expo Branches plans anniversary event

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Beaufort County School District will host its annual Back-to-School Expo on July 18 in Bluffton to help students and families prepare for the 2026-27 school year.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tanger 1, located at 1270 Fording Island Road.

The school district is partnering with presenting sponsor Tanger and other community organizations for the event.

The expo is designed to connect families with school and community resources before the start of the academic year.

Representatives from the district’s 32 schools, along with local businesses, civic groups and community partners, are expected to participate.

Free shuttle service will be available between Tanger 1 and Tanger 2, where activities will also take place.

Chief Student Services Officer Dr. Chad Cox said the event is intended to help families access resources ahead of the new school year.

“This event ensures our students and families have access to the tools, resources and connections they need for a successful start to the school year,” Cox said.

Students and families attending the expo will have access to information booths from Beaufort County School District schools and departments, along with opportunities to connect with community, health and education partners.

Free school supplies and boxed lunches will be available while supplies last. The event will also include door prizes and giveaways.

Families are encouraged to pre-register using the QR code included on event materials.

Additional information is available by contacting community.comments@ beaufort.k12.sc.us

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Branches, a family-owned home decor and faux-floral design shop on Hilton Head Island, will celebrate 31 years in business with a community event on Wednesday, July 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event will take place at Branches, located at 88 Arrow Road on Hilton Head Island, and is free and open to the public.

Founded in 1995, the business is marking the milestone with a birthday celebration featuring an indoor makers market, food vendors and special instore activities for shoppers throughout the day.

According to the company, the makers market will feature artisans from across the Lowcountry offering handcrafted goods. Attendees will have the opportunity to browse goods and meet

participating makers during the event. Food vendors will also be on-site serving a variety of items throughout the day.

Shoppers attending the event will also have access to in-store deals, promotions and giveaways during the celebration. The event is intended to bring together customers, local vendors and community members.

Sarah Perry, co-owner of Branches, said the event is intended to thank customers and highlight local artists, makers and small businesses.

“For 31 years, we’ve been incredibly grateful for the support of our customers far and wide, as well as the Hilton Head community,” Perry said.

RSVPs are requested and can be completed online at www.branchesdesigns. com or by calling 843-785-2535. More information is available at www.branchesdesigns.com or by contacting marketing@branchesdesigns. com.

Dancing is an art form

By Sandro Virag Contributor

It may not hang in a gallery or sit in a museum, but dance is undeniably an art form. Through movement, music and expression, dancers create something that can be both beautiful and deeply meaningful.

Dance is made up of a sequence of body movements with graceful and expressive motion. Sometimes these movements are improvised, and sometimes they are intentional. When dance tells a story, evokes emotion and captures the attention of an audience, it can absolutely be considered art.

A dancer can tell a story through movement. Dance has always been a way to express emotion and send a message. Like many art forms, dance requires a great deal of commitment. It demands full attention as well as complete physical involvement. A dancer may not have perfect technique or exceptional ability, but they may bring a presence that makes people feel something. That is what makes dance an art. It is influential.

Dancing serves as a medium for expression and storytelling without words. It is a universal language that communicates emotions, ideas and narratives through movement. Audiences love it because it is visual and emotional. They appreciate the costumes, lighting, music and dynamic movement of the dancers. This is another reason dance is considered an art form.

While many dance styles are rooted in tradition, dance continues to evolve as choreographers blend techniques and styles to create new forms of expression. This balance of tradition and creativity keeps dance fresh, relevant and inspiring.

The ability of dance to use movement to convey a message to an audience is powerful and exciting for the dancer. Dance presents audiences with shapes, movement and color they may subconsciously associate with experiences in their own lives. The musical backdrop also helps create the mood for that experience.

Ballroom dance reflects all of these qualities. It combines technique, musicality and partnership in a way that is both athletic and artistic. Unlike many other forms of dance, ballroom relies on the connection between two people moving together in rhythm and harmony. Dance is a unique form of communication built on not only skill, but also imagination.

At the end of the day, dance is something people feel, not just watch. Whether it is a simple social dance or a powerful performance on stage, it has the ability to connect people without saying a single word. That connection among the dancer, the music and the audience is what makes dance such a beautiful and timeless art form.

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

By James Hamilton Contributor

The heat is up, and so is the anger. It is difficult to read the news or watch a social media feed without seeing some type of road rage incident in the United States. Most often, these road rage incidents end in some form of violence: injury or death. In the aftermath of violence, there are inevitable consequences.

As discussed frequently in this column, random violence is not targeted, it is not planned, and it is purely random and often avoidable. That’s right: avoidable.

There are many reasons why these incidents are not avoided, but let’s focus on some of the most prevalent: lack of awareness and the inability to check the ego. Let’s start with some easy questions:

• Would you know what to do if confronted in traffic?

Avoid the rage

• Would you know what signs to look for before an impending incident?

• Have you equipped your vehicle properly to assist you in navigating these situations safely?

As with all safety-related matters, avoiding road rage starts with awareness and preparation.

Basic steps: Lock the doors, put your seat belt on and put the phone away. Focus on driving.

Prior to departure, it is favorable to review the vehicle and its various settings. If your vehicle is equipped with the automatic unlock setting when the car is placed in “Park,” carefully consider this feature. If a road rage incident happens and you place the vehicle in “Park” and the doors automatically unlock, it is quite easy for the angry driver to open the door and access you. This is unfavorable. When driving, the lanes are numbered from left to right: 1, 2, 3 and so on. It is favorable to think about using the No. 1 or No. 3 lane (if on a three-lane road like 278), as those lanes provide an ability to drive away if confronted. If choosing the No. 2 lane, it is quite possible the vehicle can be blocked in by other cars. This increases the concern for your safety

because it limits your options.

Additionally, it is a great idea to leave space between your car and the driver in front of you. The general recommendation is to allow enough room so you can see the rear tires of the vehicle in front of you, thus leaving room to maneuver around stopped traffic and escape if confronted.

Some behavior to look for from an angry driver prior to a road rage incident includes speeding, reckless driving, swerving, incessant use of the horn, flashing lights, a driver and/or passenger gesturing in your direction and this author’s least favorite: the one-finger salute. Once observed, the best thing to do is check your ego and not engage. Move away from the problem driver. Some action items to consider: Make a U-turn, turn left or right, or, if being followed aggressively, drive directly to the nearest police or fire station while dialing 911. Remember: Everything up to that point was a task. The mission is your safety.

James Hamilton is a nationally recognized security expert with more than 34 years of protection experience. He is a former FBI Special Agent and created the

close protection training for the FBI. He is the founder of the Hamilton Security Group and can be contacted at: www.hamiltonsecuritygroup.com.

JAMES HAMILTON

By Edwina Hoyle Contributor

While racquetball has declined in popularity nationwide, a group of competitive players in Bluffton and Hardeeville is keeping the sport alive, proving age has done little to slow them down.

One player is Bob Wills, 81, who started playing racquetball 50 years ago and still plays regularly.

Many of the players relocated to the Lowcountry from across the country and competed in state and national racquetball and tennis tournaments during the sport’s peak in the 1970s and 1980s.

The group began with four men in 2021, shortly after COVID-19 restrictions eased.

“As we met other competitive players, we invited them to join us,” Wills said.

Wills said racquetball has steadily declined in popularity as courts have been converted for other uses and more players have shifted to pickleball.

“Racquetball is a dying sport,” Wills said. “Most courts have been refitted for spin classes or fitness centers. Many people have shifted to pickleball as they

Old guys, fast game

age. The younger generation has so many distractions, like running, biking or pickleball. I used to go to racquetball tournaments and 400 people signed up. Now we’re lucky to get 30.”

Steve McCoy said the group now has 13 players, including one woman. They come from 10 states, with one player from Bluffton.

McCoy said the group values both competition and camaraderie.

“Golf is popular. Pickleball isn’t as aggressive, and it’s easy. Racquetball is timing, endurance and talent. I’d wager a bet that men ages 30 to 35 couldn’t beat us,” McCoy said.

“It’s different than old people playing bingo or card games. We’re bucking it for as long as we can.”

Wills’ competitive spirit remains one of his defining traits, McCoy said, recalling a story about Wills meeting tennis player Andre Agassi at a Mercedes Pro-Am tournament.

“Bob told him, ‘You may be better at tennis, but I can beat you at racquetball,’” McCoy said.

“And at 81, he probably still could,” he joked. “He plays seven days a week.”

For the group, the game offers more than competition.

“We’re active guys, happily retired. I don’t think a single guy has a wife who complains. They’re glad we’re having fun,” McCoy said.

He said racquetball also fits more easily into daily life than other sports.

“Golf is a five- or six-hour commitment. Racquetball takes one or two hours, and the wives get freedom to do their activities,” he said.

There are only two places to play racquetball locally: Bluffton and Hardeeville.

McCoy said he enjoys seeing children at the recreation center watching the players.

“They’re running around, they stop and look, and we’re the age of their grandpas. They must see a difference,” he said.

The friendships built around the game remain just as important as the exercise.

“We joke like we did in college. Old men can still act like young boys. We can be ourselves without a filter,” McCoy said. “That’s fun, and we don’t take it too seriously.”

Wills agreed.

“We joke and banter back and forth.

There’s good camaraderie. If there’s a questionable point, we just play it over. No arguing,” Wills said.

He said the game continues to offer physical and mental benefits.

“It’s good exercise. We stay in shape. It releases tension. There’s love of the sport, and it’s beneficial to our health.”

New competitive players are welcome, with competitive being the operative word. It costs $75 to join the Bluffton Recreation Center and $6 to play at the Hardeeville Recreation Center. Wills said a racquet costs about $250, but it can last for years. Just ask about the old guys racquetball group at either location’s reception desk.

For Wills and the others, racquetball remains more than exercise. It is competition, friendship and a reason to keep showing up.

“We all look forward to playing,” Wills said.

Edwina Hoyle is a freelance writer in Bluffton.

Protecting aging parents from scams

By Lisa Hostetler Brown Contributor

As our parents age, protecting their well-being often extends beyond healthcare and daily support. Increasingly, families are finding themselves concerned about another growing threat: financial exploitation.

Older adults are targeted by scammers every day through phone calls, text messages, social media, email, and even artificial intelligence (AI)-generated scams that can mimic the voices of loved ones. According to federal agencies, older Americans lose billions of dollars annually to fraud, and many cases go unreported due to embarrassment or fear.

The good news? With proactive planning and the right legal safeguards, many of these risks can be reduced.

Why older adults are frequently targeted

Scammers often view seniors as attractive targets because they may have accumulated savings, own valuable assets, or be less familiar with rapidly evolving technology.

In some cases, cognitive decline, isolation, or the loss of a spouse can increase vulnerability. Fraudsters know this and frequently use fear, urgency, or emotional manipulation to gain trust and access to financial information.

Unfortunately, financial exploitation doesn’t always come from strangers. Sometimes the individuals causing harm are caregivers, acquaintances, or even family members who have access to accounts and personal information.

Today’s most common scams

While tactics constantly evolve, several schemes continue to target older adults:

• Impersonation Scams: Criminals pose as government agencies, banks, utility companies, or law enforcement officials.

• AI Voice Cloning Scams: Fraudsters use artificial intelligence to mimic the voice of a child or grandchild claiming to be in an emergency.

• Tech Support Scams: Victims are convinced their computer or phone has been compromised and are persuaded to provide

access or payment.

• Romance Scams: Online relationships are cultivated over weeks or months before requests for money begin.

• Investment and Cryptocurrency Fraud: Scammers promise high returns with little risk, often targeting retirees seeking additional income.

One of the most important things families can do is create an environment where parents feel comfortable discussing suspicious communications without fear of judgment.

Legal tools that provide protection

Estate planning is not just about what happens after death. It can also help protect individuals during their lifetime.

A Durable Power of Attorney allows a trusted person to assist with financial matters if needed. A Revocable Living Trust can provide oversight and continuity in the event of incapacity while helping safeguard assets.

Likewise, a Healthcare Power of Attorney ensures trusted individuals can assist with medical decisions and access important information when necessary.

Having these documents in place before a crisis occurs is essential.

Practical steps families can take

In addition to legal planning, consider:

• Setting up account activity alerts

• Using multifactor authentication

• Monitoring credit reports regularly

• Reviewing financial statements together

• Creating a trusted contact relationship with financial institutions

• Encouraging parents to pause before responding to urgent financial requests

A final thought

Protecting aging parents from financial exploitation is not about taking away independence. It’s about preserving it. Thoughtful planning can help seniors maintain control of their lives while providing safeguards against those who seek to take advantage of them.

If you’re concerned about protecting an aging loved one, consider speaking with a local, trusted estate planning attorney. The right plan can provide peace of mind, preserve dignity, and help ensure your family’s hard-earned assets remain protected for years to come.

For educational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Lisa Hostetler Brown is a Certified Elder Law Attorney certified by the National Elder Law Foundation. 2 Hampton Hall Blvd, Ste 100, Bluffton, SC 29910. | 843757-5294 | LawyerLisa.com.

LISA HOSTETLER BROWN

How communities support active living

By Matt Uppenbrink Contributor

There’s a particular kind of freedom that happens when daily life doesn’t require a car key. A neighbor catches your eye across the boardwalk, and you find yourselves walking together to the dining room, the conversation outlasting the meal. A morning stroll under a canopy of live oaks turns into an invitation to join the afternoon bridge group. A quick errand becomes a half-hour of laughter with someone you might never have met otherwise.

These small, unplanned moments in our Lowcountry settings are not accidents. They are what happens when a community is designed for feet rather than tires. The science of putting one foot in front of the other

Walking is one of the most underrated longevity practices in modern medicine.

A landmark study, the Honolulu Heart Program and Honolulu-Asia Aging Study, followed more than 2,600 older men over decades and found that those who walked more than two miles a day had roughly half the mortality rate of those who walked less than a quarter mile. Not a half-marathon. Not a gym membership. Just walking.

The benefits run deeper than the heart. Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that older adults who walked regularly increased the size of their hippocampus, the brain region central to memory, effectively reversing one to two years of age-related shrinkage. Walking, it turns out, doesn’t just preserve the brain. It rebuilds it.

Why design matters

Most people intend to walk more. Far fewer actually do. Our daily environment doesn’t make it easy. Driveways and parking lots interrupt good intentions. Heat, rain and uneven pavement do the rest. A thoughtfully designed community quietly removes those obstacles. At The Seabrook of Hilton Head, covered

walkways and pavilions thread between buildings, sheltering residents from the Lowcountry sun and sudden afternoon cloudbursts alike. At many senior living communities across Beaufort County, the path to dinner is also the path to a chance encounter with a friend. The walk to the fitness center doubles as a moment of pause among the live oaks and tall pines, listening to the hoots of owls. Movement stops being something you schedule and becomes something you simply do, dozens of times a day.

The social currency of the sidewalk Walkable communities solve another problem that’s harder to measure but easier to feel: loneliness. When the route between your front door and dinner runs past your neighbors’ doors, friendships happen by accident. If you’ve read this column before, you know I often quote Harvard’s 85-year Study of Adult Development, which consistently identifies the quality of social connections as the single strongest predictor of health and happiness in later life. Walkable design isn’t a wellness amenity. It’s a friendship engine. And when you want the ocean Twenty minutes from a front gate, the Atlantic can be your vista. Perhaps Coli-

gny Beach at sunrise. A long walk where the tide has just pulled back and the sand is hard and cool. The kind of morning that reminds you exactly why you chose the Lowcountry in the first place. Or a walk to a salt marsh, a wide river or a forest glen. Many communities provide transportation that makes it easy to enjoy a long walk in the countryside: no parking, no driving home tired, just the walk itself and like-minded company.

A quieter kind of freedom

There’s a phrase worth pausing on this month: freedom of movement. We usually think of it in big, civic terms. But there’s a smaller, more personal version of that freedom, the kind measured in front doors that open onto somewhere worth walking to, in afternoons spent on your own two feet, and in the choice to set out without checking the calendar or your keys. It’s the freedom to decide, on a whim, that the morning is too pretty to stay inside. The freedom to take the long way home because the magnolias are blooming. This July, among the fireworks and the flags, it’s worth a quiet nod to that freedom, too.

MATT UPPENBRINK

Beaufort Memorial expands cardiac care with new specialist

By Emma June Grosskopf Contributor

Beaufort Memorial is enhancing access to cardiac care throughout the Lowcountry with the addition of a board-certified, fellowship-trained interventional cardiologist serving patients in Beaufort and Okatie.

Beaufort Memorial Heart Specialists has welcomed Dr. Paul Slota, who brings with him more than three decades of experience in general and interventional cardiology, including more than 10 years practicing on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton during his early career.

“Dr. Slota brings a wealth of experience caring for patients, and his expertise will further strengthen our ability to provide comprehensive cardiac care for our community,” said Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley. “His ties to this region and commitment to patient-centered care make him a valuable addition to our team of skilled specialists.”

After earning his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pa., Dr. Slota completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowships in cardiology and interventional cardiology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, participating in initial coronary stent trials as well.

Early in his career, Dr. Slota was a founding physician of Hilton Head Heart, where he cared for patients on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton and performed cardiac catheterization procedures at St. Joseph’s/Candler in Savannah for more than a decade.

“That was back when Bluffton was basically a single stoplight,” he recalled.

Dr. Slota and his wife Geralyn, an internist and geriatrician, decided to relocate their family to Rock Hill – then a bigger, more urban area – where he helped establish another cardiology practice as one of its founding interventional cardiologists. He saw patients there for nearly 20 years before he heard the call to return to the Lowcountry.

Dr. Slota will diagnose and treat patients with acute and chronic heart conditions at the Heart Specialists practice locations in both Beaufort and Okatie, as well as perform cardiac catheterization procedures at Beaufort Memorial. He specializes in caring for patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure, as

well as managing arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and high cholesterol.

His approach to patient care has been honed over his 30-year career and is rooted in ensuring every patient feels as if they are heard and valued.

“I listen to patient concerns and take the time that is needed to address them,” he explained. “I’m analytical, decisive and I give everyone their time so that I can care for them.”

At the practice, Dr. Slota joins board-certified interventional cardiologists Drs. Stuart Smalheiser and Francis O’Neill, board-certified, fellowship-trained general cardiologist Dr. Terry Grainger and physician assistant Tara Kay, MMS, PA-C.

Beaufort Memorial Heart Specialists is located in Beaufort at 300 Midtown Drive and in Okatie at the Okatie Medical Pavilion (122 Okatie Center Blvd. North, Suite 300).

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Slota or another Beaufort Memorial heart care specialists, call (843) 770-4550.

By Dr. Tom Dorsel Contributor

Tom Iredell, head golf pro at Bear Creek in Hilton Head Plantation, posed a question the other day: “What are the two most important things for being a great putter?”

I said (1) putter face control and (2) the length of the backstroke. That is, you have to manage the face of the putter head so that it is square to the line at impact. And you can control distance by varying the length of your backstroke.

Tom said very good, but he was thinking of two other things: Every good putter (1) thinks he is going to make every putt and, at the same time, (2) doesn’t care when he doesn’t.

I thought that was rather profound. And

Go for the gold

I thought it was curious that a psychologist picked two physical things, while a golf pro picked two psychological things.

A great putter stands over each putt and has an image of it going in the hole. The image is so vivid that it is hard for him to believe anything else could happen. In fact, the great putter sees the ball in the hole before he even putts it.

Then, if he does miss, he doesn’t get upset about it. He takes it in stride and just knocks in the comeback putt. He thinks, “How could it miss? I am such a great putter.”

As Jack Nicklaus once said, “I made that putt … it just didn’t go in.”

I’m sure when Steph Curry shoots a basketball, he is certain it will find the center of the hoop. And on the rare occasions when it doesn’t, he may be shocked but then he just goes after the rebound or waits for a pass back out for another shot. Alberto Tomba once called his father from the top of the ski slope to tell him that he was about to win another Olympic gold medal. And if somehow Alberto didn’t win, his patented response was, “Who cares? It won’t affect the party

tonight!”

Tennis players, quarterbacks, pitchers and dancers all have the same thing: onetrack minds focused on success, tunnel vision fixed on the ideal outcome, and maybe a little shock if it doesn’t happen. Picture Scottie Scheffler with his hand over his mouth in disbelief. But then the player moves on as if the miss never happened.

This type of thinking even applies to life. A confident boy thinks he could get a date with any girl he chooses. And when he gets shot down, he just says, “Who cares?” and moves on to the next attractive option.

A successful candidate applying for jobs fully expects to be hired by everybody. But when rejection happens, she doesn’t miss a beat and just moves on to the next job application.

A great comedian exudes the expectation that everyone will laugh uproariously at his joke. And if it falls flat, he just makes another joke out of that.

It is worth noting that Babe Ruth struck out 89 times the same season he hit his historic 60 home runs. The same lesson

applies to life: You have to be willing to strike out if you are going to take big swings at your ambitions.

Dr. Tom Dorsel is Professor Emeritus of Psychology and a clinical/sport psychologist in Hilton Head and Pinehurst. His best-selling book is “GOLF: The Mental Game.” Reach Tom on Facebook or at tom@dorsel.com.

TOM DORSEL

Seven students receive scholarships from Knights of Columbus Council

By The Hilton Head Sun Staff

Knights of Columbus Council 10668 awarded seven $2,000 college scholarships and one special recognition award to high school graduates during a recent presentation.

The council recognized Sophia Safe with a Special Recognition Award for her presidential appointment and full scholarship to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Seven students received $2,000 college scholarships.

Scholarship recipients were Evelyn Sofia Perez Torres, who plans to study chemical engineering at Clemson University; Delaney Anne Amelia Arroyo, who plans to study organizational management at either Furman University or

Denison University; Judith Borgmeier, who plans to pursue pre-med studies at The Ohio State University; and Eloise White, who plans to study pharmacy at the University of Mississippi.

Recipients not pictured were Ava Clay, who plans to study nursing at Bowling Green State University; Sophia Darling, who plans to study biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame; and Keira Morgan Middleton, who plans to study history at either the University of Michigan or William & Mary.

According to the council, the scholarships were financed by parish benefactors, individual Knights and other parishioners of St. Francis by the Sea. The council said recipients were selected based on academic achievement, leadership, work ethic, and parish or community service.

By Jeff Moeller Contributor

New chapter, same drive Former NFL lineman Kevin Breedlove makes impact at Hilton Head Recreation Center

Kevin Breedlove knows what it means to reinvent himself.

These days, Breedlove is enjoying life as an assistant athletic coordinator at the the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center. There, his energetic personality and willingness to help have created a welcoming presence around his 6-foot-4 frame, putting students and adults at ease.

However, Breedlove still beams about his time as an offensive lineman with the San Diego Chargers, and the other stops along the way and he continues to realize and relish his rare opportunity that sports provided.

After an All-American career at University of Georgia that was capped by an SEC championship in 2002, Breedlove signed as a free agent with the San Diego Chargers in 2003. He played in one game and also had stops with Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rhein Fire and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

“It was an awesome experience and something I will cherish for the rest of my life,” said Breedlove. “That’s something I worked for since I was 10 years old. It took me many years to accomplish, but when I did, it was amazing.”

For Breedlove, pro football was an environment of instinctive reaction, one that can’t be easily deciphered from a TV screen.

“No one can really understand the speed of the game,” said Breedlove. “It’s a lot easier to see everything when it’s on television. You have tenths of a second to react.

“You walk up to the line and you’re making calls. If you’re thinking once the snap happens, it’s already happening too fast for you. It’s muscle memory.”

One moment that remains vivid is his encounter with former All-Pro Warren Sapp during his time in Tampa.

“He was the strongest guy you could ever imagine,” recalled Breedlove. “I weighed about 320 pounds, and he picked me up during a drill and carried me about 10 feet.”

Unfortunately, Breedlove’s pro career would be a short one, cut short by a shoulder injury in Winnipeg. After stepping away from the game, Breedlove enrolled at Clemson University and earned master’s degrees in business and marketing.

That period also marked a major personal transformation.

Recognizing the need to address his 300-pound-plus weight, Breedlove became a personal trainer and started working at the former Palmetto Athletic Club on Hilton Head Island. In the process, Breedlove dropped 100 pounds.

His next step was entrepreneurship.

Breedlove opened his own gym, Odyssey Health Club, in 2010. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, forced the gym to close in 2020.

Another opportunity soon followed.

A former client brought Breedlove to Costa Rica, where he spent three years directing a health and wellness retreat. He maintained ties with the NFL involving health and CTE screening, traveling across the country.

“That was a neat experience there,” reflected Breedlove of Costa Rica. “I was able to help people eat right and get a little stronger.”

Eventually Breedlove returned to Hilton Head, where he has found a home helping oversee a myriad of leagues and events for students and adults.

He certainly has made an impact among

his current peers.

“When you have a former NFL player in your program, that’s great,” said assistant athletic coordinator Mark Powell. “Kevin helps us in many ways.”

“Having a guy like Kevin is a game changer,” said athletic coordinator Jesse Eddy. “He brings a level of professionalism that is unmatched. We’re very lucky.”

And Breedlove considers himself fortunate, too.

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

$304,500 in Impact Grants awarded

The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry awarded $304,500 in Impact Grants to seven nonprofits and organizations during its spring 2026 grant cycle. The grants support projects and programs focused on human services, arts, special needs inclusion, education, medical services, youth enrichment and food insecurity. The grants are distributed twice each fiscal year to nonprofits and organizations serving people who live or work in southern Beaufort County. The largest award, $100,000, went to

United Way of the Lowcountry to launch and operate a Mobile HELPLINE designed to provide access to services including benefit screening, referrals and case support in communities where residents face barriers.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry received $75,000 to launch the Coastal Connections Mobile Club, a mobile program providing academic support, STEM programming and youth development services in underserved neighborhoods.

Main Stage Community Theatre received $35,000 to launch C.R.E.A.T.E., an outreach initiative providing theater education in schools, libraries and community spaces for youth ages 6 to 18.

Heroes on Horseback received $30,000 to purchase a utility vehicle for its equine-assisted therapy program serving individuals with disabilities, children with special needs and veterans with PTSD.

T.R.U. Global Inc. received $25,000 for its TRU Lowcountry Legacy program, which includes youth enrichment programs,

athletic engagement, clinics and events.

The University of South Carolina Beaufort received $25,000 to enhance its nursing simulation lab with bladder scanners and nurse call systems for student training in clinical skills.

St. Andrew By-The-Sea UMC Soup Kitchen received $14,500 for a project called “Happy 250th Birthday America,” which will provide food gift cards, bikes with cargo carriers, grocery carts, clothing and school supplies to families served by the soup kitchen.

JEFF MOELLER

Mark Powell and Kevin Breedlove

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