The Hilton Head Sun

Hilton Head Town Council advances FY 2026 budget with property tax cut and major investments

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

As Hilton Head Island prepares for the start of its new fiscal year on July 1st, Town Council is advancing a proposed $174.7 million consolidated budget that aims to reduce the local property tax rate while prioritizing investments in infrastructure, public safety, housing, and cultural preservation.

The budget, unanimously approved at first reading on May 6th, includes a rare tax cut alongside major capital project funding and is designed to reflect the town’s broader vision of resilience, sustainability, and equitable growth. A second public hearing and final vote is scheduled for June 3rd.

“This budget allows us to move forward on protecting our Island’s character, investing in resilience, and strengthening community services,” said Mayor Alan Perry. “The Town Manager and his staff have done a fantastic job of bringing forward a balanced budget that eases some of the tax burden on our residents, puts shovels in the ground on some big projects, plans for future capital investment and economic growth, and creates some tangible, long-awaited improvements in our land management ordinance. I encourage everyone to do a deep dive into this budget because I think our community will be pleased with how well it positions us for success.”

A 2-Mill Tax Cut, Offset by Revenue Diversification

The FY 2026 proposal includes a 2-mill reduction in the property tax rate, from 21.4 mills to 19.4 mills, expected to reduce revenue by approximately $2.3 million. Town officials say the reduction will be offset by increased income from diversified sources, including business license fees, hospitality and accommodations taxes, short-term rental fees, and state and federal grants.

A newly implemented beach parking program is projected to generate an additional $650,000, earmarked for beach access improvements and operations.

“This budget reflects our commitment to renourishing our beaches, breaking ground on major capital improvement projects, improving our public services, and enhancing public safety—while lowering the tax burden for our residents,” Orlando said. “It’s a plan designed to im-

prove quality of life through investments that matter most to our community.”

Strategic Alignment with Long-Term Community Plans

The FY 2026 budget is guided by the Town Council’s 2023–2025 Strategic Action Plan, the 2020 Comprehensive Plan, and initiatives discussed during the February 2025 strategic planning workshop. Strategic priorities include:

• Protecting the Island’s character through growth management

• Reinforcing resilience and upgrading stormwater infrastructure

• Suppor ting economic development and workforce housing

INTRODUCING THE

BEAUFORT MEMORIAL

Emergency Services

• 2 Triage Rooms • 5 Fast Track Rooms

• 13 Treatment Rooms • Trauma Room • 3 Ambulance Bays

• Decontamination Room • Helipad adjacent to building

Imaging Services

• X-ray • MRI • CT • Ultrasound • Fluoroscopy

• Nuclear Medicine

Surgery Center

• 4 Surgical Suites (1 with Cardiac Catheterization Lab)

• 2 Endoscopy Procedure Rooms

• 20 Pre-Operative/Recovery Rooms

Acute Inpatient Care

28-Bed Nursing Unit

FEATURED SPECIALTY CARE

• Breast Surgery • Cardiology • General Surgery

• Gastroenterology • Gynecology • Orthopedics

• Plastic Surgery • Urology

CONSTRUCTION IS UNDERWAY OPENING 2027

• Enhancing public safety and recreational facilities

• Preserving and investing in Gullah Geechee neighborhoods and culture

$77.7 Million for Capital Projects

Nearly $78 million of the budget is dedicated to capital investments:

• Beach renourishment: $47.5 million

• Roads and pathways

• Stormwater infrastructure upgrades

• Parks and open spaces

• Public safety facilities and equipment

• Affordable housing development

The town’s stormwater program alone will receive $11.1 million, continuing Hilton Head’s long-term commitment to environmental protection and flood mitigation. These projects are not expected to result in any rate increases in FY 2026.

Organizational Capacity and Public Service

The budget funds several new staff positions to improve public service and envi-

STEP INTO SUMMER

ronmental management, including:

• Inte grated Pest Management Technician

• Community Code Enforcement Officer

• IT Help Desk Technician

These additions are part of an effort to modernize operations, optimize costs, and maintain quality service delivery.

Other initiatives include:

• Continued updates to the Land Management Ordinance (LMO)

• Expanded community event programming

• Enhanced public amenities in parks and beach areas

• Investments in technology and public safety

Workforce Housing and Community Development

Hilton Head will continue expanding its workforce housing strategy, with $4 million allocated to housing development and stabilization efforts. Projects include:

• Nor thPoint Development: A public-private partnership delivering attainable housing for island workers

• Muddy Creek Neighborhood Stabilization Plan: Infrastructure and housing improvements in a historically significant neighborhood

• Bryant Road Partnership Project: Additional housing development in coordination with private partners

Supporting Cultural Heritage and Nonprofit Partners

The FY 2026 budget designates $3.3 million for the Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (GGHNCDC). These funds will help preserve cultural heritage, retain land ownership, and support local development initiatives.

Another $1.99 million is allocated to nonprofit and partner organizations, including:

• Island Recreation Association: $1.25 million

• Coastal Discovery Museum: $141,650

• Mitchelville Preservation Project: $105,000

• Palmetto Breeze (Lowcountry Transit): $350,000

• Sea Turtle Patrol HHI: $97,500

• Beaufort County Economic Development Corp.: $42,000

Environmental and Community Resilience

The budget reflects a strong emphasis on environmental resilience and sustainable practices. Projects include:

• Shoreline stabilization efforts

• Expanded recycling programs at beach parks

• Implementation of a fully organic Integrated Pest Management program These initiatives are intended to protect Hilton Head’s natural resources while supporting the island’s quality of life. The full budget document and supporting materials are available at hiltonheadislandsc.gov/finance.

Editor’s Note: Information was sourced directly from the Town of Hilton Head Island’s public statements and budget documents as of press time. For the most up to date information visit hiltonheadislandsc. gov/budget/FY2026/

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Contributors

Rep. Jeff Bradley

Lisa Hostetler Brown

Chip Collins

Collins Doughtie

Thomas Dowling

Dr. Mathew T. Epps

Dr. Ronald Finger

Annelore Harrell

Dr. Jean Harris

Channing Heiss

Dr. Kenneth Horup

Edwina Hoyle

Justin Jarrett

Hilton Klein

Tamela Maxim

Dr. Matthew Mastrorocco

Mayor Alan Perry

Dan Prud’homme

Leslie Rohland

Cinda Seamon

Scott Selkowitz

Edward Thomas

Rev. Dr. Christopher

L. Thompson

Paul Tollefson

Matt Uppenbrink

Sandro Virag

Mark Winn

Tracy Winslow

Melissa McCullough 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

EDITORIAL

A word from our Mayor

By Mayor Alan Perry Contributor

By the beginning of June each year, the Town of Hilton Head Island has two very important messages we must convey to the public. First, we present the final consolidated budget for the upcoming fiscal year ( FY; July 1 to June 30), and second, we remind the community of the importance of emergency preparedness as we begin another hurricane season.

On May 6, Town Council passed unanimously the proposed FY26 consolidated budget with a 7-0 vote on the first reading. Just to state it, that has not happened in the past several years and I think it signals a huge step forward for our Island community. The balanced budget totals $174,711,350 million in projected revenues

and scheduled expenditures. It spans six major funds and includes a 2-millage (mills) property tax rate reduction, decreasing the rate from 21.4 mills to 19.4 mills. At the time of my writing, I anticipate that the budget will pass its second reading on June 3.

Town Manager Marc Orlando and his team have done a fantastic job in exploring avenues to cut operational costs, save money for rainy days, move our strategic priorities forward, and become even more fiscally responsible. We’re putting shovels in the ground on some big projects, supporting economic growth, and I’m particularly excited about the forthcoming, long-awaited improvements in our land management ordinance. By no means is this an exhaustive list of what we plan to accomplish. I encourage you to take a deep dive into the budget materials on the Town’s website because I think you will be pleased with how well it positions us for success now and in the future.

And finally, a reminder about staying

ready for anything during hurricane season, which began June 1. There is a wealth of great information and connection to resources on the Town’s website (hiltonheadislandsc.gov/hurricane) so you can prepare. I’m also happy to share that if we do get a storm, the Town will operate a new, real-time emergency services dashboard on the website, too. It’s intended to help residents understand what roads may be affected or impassable, damage assessments in residential and commercial areas, and where our Town staff are working to restore normalcy. Please don’t wait until the last minute to have an evacuation plan mapped out, your supplies on hand, and a detailed conversation with your loved ones about hurricane emergency preparedness. Your safety remains our priority, always.

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

Additional bike repair stations open at Hilton Head parks

Cyclists in need of a quick tune-up now have more options thanks to a new set of bike repair stations installed by the Town of Hilton Head Island.

The stations, located at six parks across the island, are part of a town initiative to enhance recreational amenities for both residents and visitors. They offer free-touse tools and air pumps for basic bike maintenance.

The repair stations can be found at:

• Chaplin Community Park

• Coligny Beach Park

• Folly Field Beach Park

• Jarvis Creek Park

• Rowing & Sailing Center at Squire

Pope Community Park

• Shelter Cove Community Park

Each station includes a stationary bike rack and a set of tools that can be used to fix chains, tighten seats and inflate tires. No staff are present at the stations, and users are expected to handle their own repairs.

The installations are intended to support the island’s popular biking culture, especially along its beach access points and public pathways.

More information about the Town’s recreation projects is available on the Town of Hilton Head Island’s official website, hiltonheadisland.gov/parks/

ALAN PERRY

Exciting new statewide tax legislation and other noteworthy bills

By Rep. Jeff Bradley Contributor

new conservative vision for tax reform in the South Carolina General Assembly finally took a major step forward last month and I was proud to vote in favor of it.

It took several weeks of intensive analysis to smooth out the rough edges of the original tax legislative bill which I commented on in last month’s column here in the Hilton Head Sun, but our budget writers were able to find the sweet spot.

The latest version (H.4216) provides a path that aims toward eliminating our state income tax in 10 years. It also lowers the current 6.2% income tax to 5.39%.

Under this revised plan nearly 75% of tax filers will see either a reduction or no change in their tax liability in the first year. The plan calls for all existing state tax exemptions to remain. The first $30,000 in taxable income will be taxed at a rate of 1.99% with every dollar after that taxed at a rate of 5.39%.

It is anticipated that future growth in overall tax revenues in South Carolina, based on our State’s projected economic expansion over the coming decade will allow us to eliminate state income tax entirely. This is largely because of overall business activity and diversified revenue streams across South Carolina from corporate taxes of new industry, tourism taxes, sales and gas taxes et cetera. These new revenues will be used to flatten the income tax burden on individual taxpayers and potentially allow the state to reach a zero-income tax level.

Because the State Senate Finance Committee did not act before the session’s ad-

journment at the end of May, the bill remains in the committee. Given that 2025 is the first year of South Carolina’s two-year legislative session, the finance committee will take up the bill again when the legislature reconvenes in January.

This proposed income tax reduction plan has major support from the NFIB (National Federation of Independent Businesses) which has stated it will simplify the tax code and allow small business owners to reinvest in their businesses. It also has the support of key taxpayer advocacy groups like Americans for Prosperity-South Carolina and the South Carolina Policy Council which are urging the Senate to prioritize its passage in the upcoming session.

Hands free phones

Drivers in South Carolina will now be banned from talking or scrolling on a cellphone while behind the while beginning September 1, and could even face fines if a phone device is in your lap.

The “Hands-Free Driving Act” passed in the final days of the 2025 session. Texting while driving was already banned statewide, but the new law prohibits even physical cellphone use for any reason while driving, including having it in your lap or looking for directions. You can keep it in your cup holder.

Major energy coming

Another late bill that passed was on the issue of energy where the legislature authorized construction of a natural gas plant in Colleton County (near Walterboro) by Santee Cooper and Dominion Energy. The bill secures a mayor supply of energy for our growing state’s future while transitioning from coal.

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

floor 2 bedroom and Den. Apartment was updated in 2022-2023. Move in condition. New kitchen & appliances, HVAC, smooth ceilings, shiplap on some walls and LIVP flooring throughout. Washer and Dryer included.

REP. JEFF BRADLEY

"I

have experienced positive physical and emotional changes; I have more confidence and self-esteem in my daily life."

-Debbie,

actual patient

Jim Self named 2025 Hilton Head Island Hall of Fame Honoree

by Sasha Sweeney Editor

James Cuthbert “Jim” Self, a visionary businessman whose early investments helped shape Hilton Head Island’s future, has been named a 2025 Hilton Head Island Hall of Fame honoree by the Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island and was inducted in a ceremony on May 8th.

Self, a Greenwood native and successful textile executive, saw promise in Hilton Head long before its growth into a world-class destination. His contributions date back to the late 1950s, touching nearly every aspect of island life — from golf and retail development to health care and the arts.

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SINCE 2000 WELLNESS

Self was one of the first investors in Charles E. Fraser’s plans for Sea Pines, providing crucial financial support when the project was in its earliest stages. He bought lots to help Fraser raise capital and financed the purchase of 1,281 acres at the island’s southern end, making possible the vision for Sea Pines and Harbour Town.

Among his most enduring legacies was his push to elevate golf development on the island. Initially, Fraser had planned to build a modest nine-hole course, but Self persuaded him to aim higher. He introduced Fraser to noted golf course designer George Cobb and helped finance what became the Ocean Course at Sea Pines — now known as Atlantic Dunes. The course was one of the first major golf developments in South Carolina and helped establish Hilton Head as a yearround resort destination.

“Golf gave Hilton Head its worldwide identity and laid the economic and social foundation for the modern island,” the Rotary Club stated in its announcement.

Self’s influence extended beyond Sea Pines. Through his company, Greenwood Mills, he helped develop Palmetto Dunes Resort after purchasing it in 1979, as well as Shelter Cove Harbour, Palmetto Hall, and other residential and commercial projects. His efforts brought critical capi-

tal and stability to the island’s early growth.

His contributions to the community also included land donations for Hilton Head Hospital, the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, and various public amenities such as schools, recreation areas, and a fire station. The Self family’s donations helped launch the Arts Center’s original $10 million capital campaign, leading to the opening of what was initially named the Self Family Arts Center in 1996.

Self’s company also restored the historic Rear Range Lighthouse in the Leamington section of Palmetto Dunes and supported local events such as the Hilton Head Island Celebrity Golf Tournament.

Though he remained a resident of Greenwood, Self owned a home on Hilton Head and continued his involvement in the island’s development throughout his life. His family remains active in managing their holdings on the island today.

Known for his quiet leadership and sharp business sense, Self stood just 5-foot-7 but was affectionately called “Big Jim” by his grandchildren — a nickname memorialized at the Palmetto Dunes golf clubhouse restaurant.

Self died in 1998, but his legacy endures in Hilton Head’s landscape and community institutions.

The Hilton Head Island Hall of Fame was established by the Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island in 2012 to honor individuals who made extraordinary and lasting contributions to the island’s quality of life. Honorees are commemorated with bronze plaques at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. Previous honorees include Charles Fraser, Charlotte Heinrichs, Charles Simmons Sr., Benjamin M. Racusin, Jack B. McConnell MD among others.

For more information about the Hilton Head Island Hall of Fame, visit the Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island’s website, www.hiltonheadrotary.org.

Man swims Port Royal Sound

By Edwina Hoyle Contributor

Brent Cawn has completed 56 triathlons, and 140 various kinds of races since 2001: running, biking and swimming. “I’ve done a lot of multiple mile swims,” Cawn said. He swam from Alcatraz to the shore of San Francisco; a sixmile swim down the Hudson River; a seven-and-a-half-mile swim in the Potomac River; and he probably swam 200 miles in a lake near his home in Charlotte, NC. On April 21st, Cawn swam from Hilton Head Island to Parris Island, and it was the most difficult swim he’s done, even more difficult than the Alcatraz swim.

A year ago, Cawn moved to Hilton Head Plantation. “My neighborhood borders Port Royal Sound at Dolphin Head. I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t try it. It would haunt me if I didn’t try to cross that water. I’ll be looking at it for the rest of my life.”

“The unfamiliarity of the water was made it an adventure,” Cawn said. “Locals who fish would say, ‘Man, you’re crazy!’” He also heard about Hilton Head’s Great White sharks.

Cawn and his friend, Daryl Fuller, a retired marine, scoped out the sound in a boat and plotted the route for a week. Cawn said it was about a three-mile swim, and he timed it at peak high tide for slack water. The swim was extremely difficult, however. The current was incredibly strong and pushed Cawn, and their boat, from right to left with up and down swells. He had to swim in a sawtooth pattern which added at least another mile. Cawn swam for nearly four hours.

Fuller said they met at a summer camp when they were both 12-years-old. “We were swimming, I got caught in an undertow in the ocean and couldn’t fight it. I was going under and drowning. I took my last breath and went under. Brent went down after me. He saved me, so I’ve never been too concerned about his ability. I was more concerned about the challenges that nature would pres-

ent like changing tides and adverse effects of wildlife like jelly fish and sharks.”

As Cawn was starting out, he cut his hand and was concerned about bleeding and sharks. “Blood was coming out, but not spurting, more like cascading. I got six stitches later that night. I can’t touch the boat and must be under my own power, so I was treading water trying to put clear tape on it, but it came off. I would never do it again. I swam over a six-foot shark,” Cawn said. “He went right under me swimming in the other direction. I wear a Sharkbanz on my ankle which uses electromagnetic field as a shark deterrent. It makes me feel a little safer.”

“It was like someone dumped 10,000 jellyfish there. It was ridiculous. I nearly quit several times. This is one and done.” Fuller said the cannonball jellyfish just kept coming at him non-stop causing him to break his rhythm.

Cawn will not swim the Port Royal Sound again, but he did participate in the three-mile Beaufort River Swim in late May.

There are no documented instances of anyone successfully swimming from Hilton Head Island to Parris Island in public records or news archives.

Edwina Hoyle is a freelance writer in Bluffton.

Rare Sperm Whale strands on Hilton Head

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

In a rare and somber event, a juvenile sperm whale stranded along South Forest Beach on Hilton Head Island on May 3rd, 2025, drawing marine biologists and federal agencies and the attention of crowds of onlookers.

Local marine biologist Amber Kuehn, who responds to marine mammal strandings under a Letter of Authorization from the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN), was among the first responders. Typically, Kuehn is called to recover deceased marine mammals, recording location data, identifying the species, taking measurements and collecting tissue samples. These samples are frozen and transported to NOAA headquarters in Charleston for further analysis. Burial is handled by Shore Beach Services staff. This case, however, was different. The whale was still alive when the call came in—a 30-foot juvenile male sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), the only living

member of its genus and the largest species of toothed whale. Sperm whales are rarely seen near shore, preferring deep waters where they dive as much as 8,000 feet to hunt giant squid and are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.

Kuehn arrived on the beach about an hour before sunset and encountered a growing crowd alongside vehicles from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Town of Hilton Head Island Code Enforcement, and local lifeguard supervisors. She verified both the whale’s species and its condition.

“With 20 years of experience on this beach, I am familiar with the reaction of visitors to spectacles, but social media sent them in droves,” Kuehn said. It was requested that she stay through the night to help manage the situation and ensure the animal and the public remained safe.

On May 4th, federal officials from NOAA Fisheries and partnering agencies

arrived on-site. After assessing the animal’s condition, they determined the whale was too emaciated to survive and made the decision to humanely euthanize it. A veterinarian administered the procedure using specialized equipment according to NOAA Fisheries.

A full necropsy was completed on May 5th. Initial physical observations noted

the whale was emaciated, very skinny. Samples were sent to NOAA and a final report with results from the lab work will be shared with local biologists. Afterward, the remains were buried on-site.

The tissue samples and biological data collected during the necropsy will contribute to broader research on sperm whale health and marine ecosystem stressors. Sperm whale strandings are rare in South Carolina, making this case especially significant for scientists and conservationists.

For the many onlookers, this event will be one not easily forgotten.

“The reactions to this incident ranged from tears to academic inquiries,” Kuehn said. “I think that this reflects the diversity of personalities and the awe that the sea invokes for coastal residents and visitors to the beach.”

For more information on marine mammal response and conservation efforts, visit www.lmmn.org.

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NAME ADDR1 CITY/STATE ZIP

ADES SUE/RUBINSTEIN PAT 2445 SELWYN AVE APT 302 CHARLOTTE NC 0282091668

ALLEN MARIE A/LEAH BLUM 1382 CHANDLER CIR FLORENCE SC 0295050000

ALLISON BILLY (THERESA) 2701 MAGNOLIA SPRINGS DR APT 238 LEXINGTON KY 0405110000

ALTHOFF ANGELA M 190 WINFIELD RIDGE DR WINSTON SALEM NC 0271036943

AMEER ALEXANDER (DIANA Y) 15 MINUTEMAN DR BLUFFTON SC 0299107100

ANDES C S (RUTH G) 535 GRADYVILLE RD UNIT S18 NEWTOWN SQUARE PA 0190730000

ANELLO DALE L 1 TUPELO RD HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299285911

APPLE J LP PO BOX 789788 WICHITA KS 0672789788

ARNOLD EDWARD L (JUNE L) 5373 THOMPSON MILL RD #209 HOSCHTON GA 0305484037

ATLANTIC WOODWORKING INC

TRAM COLKET 4 S CALIBOGUE CAY RD HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299282912

ATLANTIS CO INC PO BOX 23887 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299253887

ATWOOD DAVID (ANNE) 37 TOPPIN DR HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299261003

AUDUBON NATURE STORE 33 OFFICE PARK RD #4A 354 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299280000 AUTO EXPERTS IV

D/B/A MIDAS AUTO EXPERTS 4 PO BOX 14318 SAVANNAH GA 0314161318

BANKMERIDIAN NA 1320 MAIN ST STE 175 COLUMBIA SC 0292013267

BECK CHARLOTTE H (RAYMOND) 39 SANDFIDDLER RD HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299283149

BELL CRISTIAN CALDERAN 117 RIVANNA LN GREENVILLE SC 0296070000

BENTRUP R/JOHNSEN S/JOYCE P

ROBERT L BENTRUP JR PO BOX 391124 SOLON OH 0441398124

BENTRUP/JOYCE/COODE ROBERT L BENTRUP JR PO BOX 391124 SOLON OH 0441398124

BERUBE JANICE K PO BOX 21808 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299250000

BEVERLY BARBARA 3440 HILLCREST RD UNIT 33 MOBILE AL 0366953180

BEVERLY THOMAS (ANNE) 1305 MCCABE ST ROCK SPRINGS WY 0829010000

BLACKWELL COMPANY 23 SANDDOLLAR RD HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299285455

BLAIR CHRISTINA 3055 WILSHIRE BLVD STE 300 LOS ANGELES CA 0900101147

BLANCO DAVID (CECILIA) 6217 BEES CREEK RD RIDGELAND SC 0299364815

BLIND AMBITIONS WINDOW FASH 11 RUSTY RAIL LN HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299262560

BLUFFTON ELKS INC 2773 23 PLANTATION PARK DR STE 304 BLUFFTON SC 0299109012

BLUMBERG FREDERICK (GAIL) 24 RIBAUT DR HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299261986

BOOCKMEYER CARMEN LUCIA 125 SHIPYARD DR APT 190 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299287828

BOW CIRCLE STATION INC 180 S KNOWLES AVE STE 9 WINTER PARK FL 0327897009

BOYD JANET GAY 85 CYPRESS RUN BLUFFTON SC 0299095080

BRANSFIELD DELANO 181 COURTNEY LN RIDGELAND SC 0299364703

BRANSOME ED JR (JANET) 621 MAGNOLIA ST SE AIKEN SC 0298010000

BRAVO FOOD GROUP LLC

STORE #20468 2702 INTERNATIONAL LN STE 201 MADISON WI 0537043117

BRICKER BARBARA 63 STRATFORD DR OKATIE SC 0299094641

BRINKMAN CARL A (JACKIE) 26 ANSLEY PL BLUFFTON SC 0299093500

BROWN JUSTINE 3905 RICE SHIRE RD RIDGELAND SC 0299360000

BRZ INC 10 PINCKNEY COLONY RD STE 401 OKATIE SC 0299094149

BUIST CHARLES PO BOX 6657 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299386657

BURGESS JAMES A (MARILYN A) 3939 ERIE AVE APT 410 CINCINNATI OH 0452081915

BURHANS RONALD L (JUDITH) 4 INDIGO RUN DR APT 1422 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299264114

BURLESON MARDY A (MATTHEW) 6 EXECUTIVE PARK RD STE 6 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299284741

BURRISON DAISY P (DAVID)

JACOB PATTERSON 3876 BEES CREEK RD RIDGELAND SC 0299366538

BUSH JESSIE JR PO BOX 601 BLUFFTON SC 0299100601

C A C HOMES 327 KILLIAN PT CHAPIN SC 0290368226

CAMERON NATHAN (LINDSAY) 21 MIDDLETON GARDENS PL BLUFFTON SC 0299104908

CANDELARIO WILBER 220 SHADY GLEN CIR BLUFFTON SC 0299100000

CANFIELD JOHN J (MARGUERITE) 98 SUMMERTON DR BLUFFTON SC 0299104802

CAPSTONE FINANCIAL GROUP 104 PALMETTO PKWY HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299263761

CAROLINA CRYSTAL HH LLC PO BOX 16 SHELDON SC 0299410016

CARROLL DAVID N (BETH A) 81 MAIN ST STE 201 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299260000

CARROLL MARY T 9 PEEKS PIKE CHARLESTON SC 0294077237

CARSON WILLIAM S (EMMA J) 809 E ST LEXINGTON SC 0290720000

CARTWRIGHT JACK (MARY) 1040 CANTERING RD HIGH POINT NC 0272624506

Special Section

Palmetto Electric Cooperative is trying to locate former members with unclaimed Capital Credits.

Please refer to the following listing to see if the Cooperative has unclaimed Capital Credits for you. If your name is on the list, please call 1-800-922-5551 to find out how to claim your Capital Credits.

NAME ADDR1 CITY/STATE ZIP

CATRABONE DONALD R (LISA) 1881 SS RAILROAD BED RD APT 3101 STATESBORO GA 0304610000

CHESHIER HUGH A (MARLENE) 123 ROBERTS LN HARDEEVILLE SC 0299276159

CHILDERS JOHN JR 4801 GILLISON BRANCH RD PINELAND SC 0299345916

CIRCLE OF HEALTH LLC PO BOX 5370 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299385370

CKT INC 807 WILLIAM HILTON PKWY STE 1000 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299283487

CLOVER LEAF LLC

D/B/A MURPHY’S IRISH PUB 81 POPE AVE AVE STE 11 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299284785

CLUB TAN 38C NEW ORLEANS RD HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299280000

COLDWATER CREEK MALL @ SC 80263/MS #10 PO BOX 182308 COLUMBUS OH 0432182308

COLLINS MARVA N 71 WHEATFIELD CIR BLUFFTON SC 0299100000

CONLAN RICHARD J (JOANN) 26 OYSTER SHELL LN HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299262609

CONRAD GROUP OF HH LLC

D/B/A TJ’S TAKE & BAKE PIZZA 11 PALMETTO BAY RD STE 107B HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299287333

CONRAD STEVEN M (PAMELA J) 301 TINGEY ST SE APT PH32 WASHINGTON DC 0200034623

COON MARY T 110 GARDNER DR APT 120 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299260000

COX STEPHEN R/CAMERON MARY 10 S FOREST BEACH DR APT 122 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299287016

CPL PROPERTIES INC 8 SWING ABOUT HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299285276

CRADLE ‘N’ ALL 1000 E NORTH ST STE 200 GREENVILLE SC 0296013178

CRAIG’S FURNITURE 1 SPARROW HAWK CT HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299261947

CRAWFORD DENESE M (RANDALL) 118 HEADLANDS DR HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299260000

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DAVIDSON ALICE F 1000 PAVILLIONS CIR TRAVERSE CITY MI 0496840000

DAVIS HARRIETT P 37 WOOD DUCK CT HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299283010

DAWSON P A 31 CARROLL DR BLUFFTON SC 0299106311

DELANEY AMANDA E (DOUGLAS) 100 KENSINGTON BLVD APT 703 BLUFFTON SC 0299100000

DELGADO RAY 21 FARNSLEIGH AVE BLUFFTON SC 0299100000

DELONG ROBERT H JR (SHIRLEY) 10701 GULF SHORE DR APT 502 NAPLES FL 0341083020

DELOREY CLIFFORD (JILL)

CAITLIN DELOREY 9064 DOWDEN RD APT 203 ORLANDO FL 0328276833

DENNIS SEXTON HOME BLDRS 55 MATHEWS DR STE 220 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299263788

DENNIS SEXTON HOME BLDRS 16 SPANISH WELLS RD HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299261402

DEZEEUW GERLINDE B 10492 N ELWOOD AVE SYRACUSE IN 0465679523

DLG ENTERPRISES LLC

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DON BRYANT INC D/B/A

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DRYCLEAN-USA COASTAL INC

DCI MANAGEMENT GROUP PO BOX 20587 PHOENIX AZ 0850360587

DUNNAGANS RESTAURANT INC 614 E HIGHWAY 50 STE 408 CLERMONT FL 0347113164

EATON MARGARET E

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ENGLAND KENT B MD 46 MANAGHAN DR DR APT 202 HARDEEVILLE SC 0299272616

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ERICKSON THEODORE W JR

JANET N ERICKSON 945 RIVERBEND PKWYHENS GA 0306052674

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FERON DONALD H (LOIS D) 45 KENSINGTON DR EASTON MD 0216010000

FIRST STATES INVESTORS

AVIDXCHANGE-149 PO BOX 30701 CHARLOTTE NC 0282300701

FIRTH THOMAS A (JERRI)

D/B/A HAIR & COMPANY 1 N FOREST BEACH DR

D/B/A

FRASER JOHN III (JOAN G) 194 SPRING ST CHARLESTON SC 0294030000

GALE

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JUDY & MAC’S DELI INC 11 MATHEWS DR STE 6 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299263781

KASTEN ALEXANDER (BARBARA E) 14 GHOST PONY RD BLUFFTON SC 0299100000

KEISLER EMERSON 71 POPE AVE STE B HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299284771

KELLER C H (JOYCE) 501 TIDEPOINTE WAY APT 5302 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299283054

KELLER DEAN R (MARILYN) 3743 LAKE RD SHEFFIELD LAKE OH 0440540000

KELLY DAVID F 1717 HOMEWOOD BLVD APT 342 DELRAY BEACH FL 0334456804

KELLY JAMES J (ALICE) 2083 LAWSON BLVD GURNEE IL 0600311773

KENNEDY ROBERT M

SUNTRUST BANK,NASHVILLE N A 6315 VALLEY RD NASHVILLE TN 0372050000

KESLER SARA/LAWSON CHAD 3 SHELTER COVE LN APT 7487 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299281505

KING MONICA SUE 149 CHERRY POINT RD S BLDG B OKATIE SC 0299090000

LA GUADALUPANA INDIRA RUANO 76 PIN OAK ST BLUFFTON SC 0299107601

LARSEN EVERETT P (DOREEN) 4001 W SILVER SPRINGS BLVD LOT 601 OCALA FL 0344820000

LARSEN RICHARD H (FRANCES A) 66 HICKORY FOREST DR HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299262670

LASHER BEVERLY J 12 OUTERBRIDGE CIR HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299262916

LAYCOCK JEFFREY A (LEIGH)

D/B/A GARDEN SERVICES PO BOX 22952 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299252952

LEE ELIZABETH /MELINDA MITCHELL 6538 MARCEL WAY UNIT 101 SAN ANTONIO TX 0782330000

LEIHBACHER ROBERT R (PAMELA)

CHARLES WALKER GIBBES TRUST 20 PLANTERS ROW HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299285504

LENZ ROBERT (ERMA) 51 BIRDSONG WAY APT A210 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299261392

LILLAGORE CAROLYN 1105 HUDSON LN FRANKLIN TN 0370678604

LINCOLN ALLEN A (NORMA JEAN) 3844 HIGHGATE RD NORTON SHORES MI 0494410000

LINDGREN JOHN C (MARCY) PO BOX 23164 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299250000

LOCASCIO ANA MARIA 14 EDS LN LITTLE ROCK AR 0722233501

LOSINSKI FREDERICK A 604 FILMORE CT JACKSONVILLE NC 0285403099

LOVELESS JOSEPH A SR (LETHA) 31 BIRDSONG WAY HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299261362

LOW-COUNTRY FIRE & SAFTY LLC

D/B/A FIRE TECH SERVICES PO BOX 100596 NASHVILLE TN 0372240596

LYLE ROGER H (MURIEL) 126 HIGH BLUFF RD HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299261842

LYNCH STUART M PO BOX 483 AGUANGA CA 0925360483

MALLORY DOUGLAS R (KELLY) PO BOX 33 GARNETT SC 0299220000

MANCILLA JOSE LUIS 10 SOLOMON LN BLUFFTON SC 0299106606

MAR Y TIERRA 76 PIN OAK ST BLUFFTON SC 0299107601

MARKS NICK 4339 PEMBROKE RD HOLLYWOOD FL 0330230000

MARREN JAMES J (PATRICIA A) 1070 OLD SALEM RD APT 1405 GREENSBORO GA 0306426484

MARTEL BRANTLEY C (REBECCA) 130 HILLCREST DR APT 102 FORT MILL SC 0297150000

MARTEL LAURENCE D (MARY) 43 FAIRWAY WINDS PL HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299285547

MARTINEZ JULIO C 345 GARDNERS CIR BLUFFTON SC 0299105861

MC INDUSTRIES LLC 36 PERSIMMONS ST STE 203 BLUFFTON SC 0299107661

MCALHANEY HIRAM Q (CHRISTINE) 214 MCQUAIL DR EARLY BRANCH SC 0299163234

MCDANIEL GARY G (DEBBIE) PO BOX 54 BLUFFTON SC 0299100000

MCDONALD MONIKA M(STANLEY C) 76 POINT COMFORT RD HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299283004

MCGINTY RICHARD A PO BOX 1027 CLEMSON SC 0296331027

MCKENNA JAMES C (SARA JANE) 22 SPARWHEEL LN HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299261224

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MCMANUS MARY C/LUCIA MCMANUS 617 ARGENT WAY BLUFFTON SC 0299090000

MCPHERSON MALCOLM T (SANSING S) 28 CHINA COCKLE WAY HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299261907

MELADON DEV GROUP VII LLC 200 MAIN ST STE 201B HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299261659

MELICK MARGARET L 2498 S GREEN ST SALT LAKE CITY UT 0841060000

MEUDERSCHEID DIETER (PAULA RITA) 15 FOXBRIAR CT HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299261925

MILLER MICHAEL (SUSAN) 38 SPANISH POINTE DR HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299261436

MMS INC/LONG BOAT INVESTMENT 19 SHELTER COVE LN STE 302 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299283549

MOLINARO PERRY J (DOLORES D) 1500 COCHRAN RD APT 602 PITTSBURGH PA 0152430000

MOORE WILLIS M III (GUNILLA G) 1618 OLD TRAIL DR CROZET VA 0229320000

Special Section

NAME ADDR1 CITY/STATE ZIP

MORGAN ALANA JEAN PO BOX 94318 LAS VEGAS NV 0891930000

MORGAN STANLEY ECOVA MS1571 PO BOX 2440 SPOKANE WA 0992102440

MORRIS WILLIAM L 4833 LINWOOD WEST BLOOMFIELD MI 0483240000

MOSELEY JAMES ARCHIE JR 348 MAIL CARRIAGE RD ESTILL SC 0299182659

MULL ROBERT 60 ASHTON COVE DR HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299280000

MURNANE JAMES (PATRICIA) 87 BIRDSONG WAY HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299260000

MYRTLE PARK ACQUISITION INC 4921 BLUFFTON PKWY BLUFFTON SC 0299104610

MYRTLE PLANTATION PRTRSP LLC 1010 HIGH HOUSE RD STE 300 CARY NC 0275133581

NARDONE ENTERPRISES INC PO BOX 21305 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299251305

NECKLES SUSIE W 7900 ALPHA WAY

DOUGLASVILLE GA 0301345700

NIGRO CONSTANCE 402 FOULK RD APT 3C8 WILMINGTON DE 0198035806

NOBLE PETER A (CAROLINA) 313 MARSH POINT DR HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299260000

NTP ENTERPRISES INC 20 TOWNE DR BLUFFTON SC 0299104204

OCEANSIDE LLC MARK C MATHEWS 115 WOODBINE AVE

OCEANVIEW HOLDINGS LLC PO BOX 7873

WILMETTE IL 0600913329

HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299387873

OGREN JANET M 208 PINECREST CIR BLUFFTON SC 0299107935

OKATIE BUSINESS DEVELOPERS 750 HAMMOND DR BLDG 6 ATLANTA GA 0303280000

OKATIE HOTEL GROUP LLC

D/B/A FAIRFIELD INN 1074 PINNACLE POINT DR STE 200 COLUMBIA SC 0292235735

OLSEN MARY S 300 WOODHAVEN DR 5308 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299287511

OOLEY ROBERT G (JACQUELINE) 1702 STILLWOOD DR SAVANNAH GA 0314192428

OPTIMUM RESOURCES INC 1 MATHEWS DR STE 107 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299263765

ORR EARL L MD 826 BAKERS CT BLUFFTON SC 0299105885

OYSTER CATCHER INVESTORS LLC

ROBERT CESA 30 BARAUD RD S SCARSDALE NY 0105836805

OZLEY LEE M (THERESA D) 6 SPRUCE CT HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299287147

PALMER MARTHA L PO BOX 595 BLUFFTON SC 0299100595

PAPER & PARTY PLANTATION 430 WILLIAM HILTON PKWY APT 209A HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299262408

PARKER/SANDERS LLC

STEVE PARKER 55 W CHURCH ST APT 1704 ORLANDO FL 0328014917

PASAS NORMAN L (JUDITH C) 302 HADDON CT FRANKLIN TN 0370676242

PETERS BONNIE C (LARRY) 56 CROSSINGS BLVD BLUFFTON SC 0299100000

PETERS KENNETH R (JOANN)

CHRISTINE SMITH 13330 56TH AVE N MINNEAPOLIS MN 0554421723

PIER 1 IMPORTS #465 1313 N ATLANTIC ST STE 5000 SPOKANE WA 0992012330

PIGGLY WIGGLY CARO CO INC

DAVID SCHOOLS PO BOX 686 MT PLEASANT SC 0294650000

PIGGLY WIGGLY CAROLINA CO IN 176 CROGHAN SPUR STE 302 CHARLESTON SC 0294077556

PIROZZI DONALD (LOUISE) 2 MARSHLAND RD HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299262305

POLEY BROOKS J (NANCY) 15 MULBERRY RD BLUFFTON SC 0299104953

POPE AVE PARTNERS PO BOX 7049 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299387049

POPE THOMAS M (ELISA M TROEH) 10 10TH ST APT 33 ATLANTIC BEACH FL 0322330000

POWELL D FRED (PATRICIA)

HOOSIER VILLAGE 5292 SNOWBELL LN HICKORY HALL BLDG INDIANAPOLIS IN 0462680000

POWERS RICHARD (MARGARET)

GOLDEN OAKS 33398 OAK GLEN RD APT 325 YUCAIPA CA 0923992087

PRICE W GREGORY/HOGAN ALAN 7 DONCASTER LN OKATIE SC 0299096048

PRINCE A J (DOREEN) 111 BIRDSONG WAY APT 3311 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299261379

PRITCHARD DALTON H (CAROLINE) 9038 SHENENDOAH CIR NAPLES FL 0341131663

PUTNAM CAROL S (SIDNEY R) 77 WHEATFIELD CIR BLUFFTON SC 0299105890

QUAESTUS CORPORATION J

AVA JOE’S PO BOX 5942 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299385942

QUESINBERRY MICHAEL (JESSICA) 2909 CAT BRANCH RD EARLY BRANCH SC 0299167144

R & M PLANTATION 32 SUGAR MILL RD OKATIE SC 0299090000

RAFF MARION B

DOUGLAS P RAFF 665 SPRING LAKE DR MELBOURNE FL 0329400000

RAINTREE ENTERPRISES INC 21 LAGOON RD APT B2J HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299286479

0299260000

RAMIREZ ALBEIRO 90 DILLON RD APT G4

RASCH WILLIAM G III (JOAN) 203 MARLBROCK RD SEVERNA PARK MD 0211460000

RAULAND & PASSE

MAIN STREET REALTY 200 MAIN ST STE 201 HILTON

BLUFF PLANTATION 545 GLASGOW

SMITH

SMITH THOMAS M (ELLEN K) 2300 HOSPITAL DR 450 BOSSIER CITY LA 0711110000

SOTO MARGARITO 129 PICKETT MILL BLVD OKATIE SC 0299090000

SOUTHERN HOMES CORP

WAYNE & SVETLANA FIRESTONE 1 GREENWOOD DR BLUFFTON SC 0299105708

NAME ADDR1 CITY/STATE ZIP

SWIM N SPORT RETAIL INC 2396 NW 96TH AVE MIAMI FL 0331722323

SYKES PETER (PENELOPE) 45 FOLLY FIELD RD APT 14H HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299285488

SZALEY CATHERINE D 46 E MORNINGSIDE DR BLUFFTON SC 0299100000

TAYLOR CLIFTON LEE 4 WINDTREE LN BLUFFTON SC 0299100000

THIELE ROBERT (EDELGARD)

JOHN L WILSON PO BOX 21668 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299251668

THIERRIN EDWARD V

D/B/A/ SEARS ROEBUCK & CO 1555 FORDING ISLAND RD STE F HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299261176

TILTON JOHN 728 COPE ISLAND DR RIDGELAND SC 0299364982

TINGLE ROBERT L/SPANN T 897 FORDING ISLAND RD APT 1410 BLUFFTON SC 0299100000

TORRENS JANIE (JOHN) 62 HARIDNG ST BEAUFORT SC 0299090000

TRAN JOHN NGOC 2315 BEACON BROOK LN KATY TX 0774490000

TURN KEY SERVICES INC 32 HUNTER RD STE B HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299265720

TUTTLE H RON 36 PURRY CIR BLUFFTON SC 0299094589

TWITCHELL THOMAS 11 CRAMER AVE BLUFFTON SC 0299106716

URSILLO NICHOLAS (RAE) 20 S POINT CT BLUFFTON SC 0299106132

VAN EPPS DALE L (RILLANN) 1 E SHORE PATH CAZENOVIA NY 0130350000

VAZQUEZ JULIO C (PATRICIA) 175 SOUTH ST BLUFFTON SC

VICS ICE CREAM 430 WILLIAM HILTON PKWY STE 400 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299262424

VILLEGAS MARTIN 839 WILLIAM HILTON PKWY APT 303 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299280000

WAGNER ELOISE P

MARTHA STICHWEH 31 OYSTER LANDING LN HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299283045

WANDERER LANE LLC

JUNE & ASSOC PA 99 N MAIN ST HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299266613

WARREN HELEN (RICHARD) PO BOX 1011 BLUFFTON SC 0299100000

WEINSTEIN SHERMAN (BERNICE) 1900 TREE LN UNIT 371 SNELLVILLE GA 0300780000

WELBORN DANIEL J (KATHY) 1058A MAY RIVER RD BLUFFTON SC 0299105801

WENIG RAYMOND P (SANDRA) 411 WALNUT ST APT 14257 GREEN COVE SPRINGS FL 0320430000

WENNING WILLIAM F JR (JUDITH) 26 WOODLAND RD SEWICKLEY PA 0151430000

WESTLAKE SALLY JO 1017 GROVE AVE APT 2 RACINE WI 0534050000

WICKER MATTHEW R 406 7TH AVE N MYRTLE BEACH SC 0295770000

WIERINGA DARLENE L 216 WEYMOUTH DR LEBANON PA 0170424158

WILLIAMS BENJAMIN (DONNA) 261 SEABROOK DR HILTON HEAD ISLAND SC 0299260000

WILLIAMSON BARBARA B 16 LAKE VIEW CT BLUFFTON SC 0299105318

WILLINGHAM RICHARD (KATHLEEN G) PO BOX 2448 BLUFFTON SC 0299102448

The cataract experts at Bishop Eye continue to lead the way in eye care in the Lowcountry with the Light Adjustable Lens. This unique lens technology allows your Bishop Eye surgeon to non-invasively adjust your lens power after surgery to achieve the highest performance level based on your personal preference. Our goal at Bishop Eye is to offer our cataract patients an exceptional cataract surgery experience and best-in-class results.

We look forward to serving you.

James Aragon

Gabriel Arnold

Anders Askeland

Samuel Bach

Aron Bakala

William Barron Isabelle Bauer

Samuel Bocian

Ella Boorom

HILTON HEAD PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Reagan Boyse

Luke Eanes

Thomas

Paul

Members of the Class of 2025

Maksim Pekar

Jake Sheahan

Maya Shimada

Juliana Sperry

Jackson Stanyard

Sienna Vaughn

Jacob Vickrey

Citadel Military College of South Carolina | Clemson University | Coastal Carolina University | College of Charleston | Colorado College

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Rhodes College | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rollins College | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Rutgers University-New Brunswick

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The University of Tampa | Thomas Jefferson University | University of California-Davis | University of California-Irvine | University of California-Santa Cruz

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Hilton Head Island, South Carolina real estate market update: June 2025

By Dan Prud’homme Contributor

The Hilton Head Island real estate market continues to evolve in June 2025, with conditions pointing toward a slow drift from a strong seller’s market toward a more balanced environment. Several key metrics this month illustrate the subtle but important shifts taking place.

Average days on market (DOM) increased to 77 days in June, up from 63 days in May—a 22.2% jump—and higher than the 70 days recorded in June 2024. This rise indicates that properties are taking slightly longer to sell, giving buyers more breathing room as inventory builds and decision timelines lengthen.

Inventory levels climbed to 942 active listings, up 4.6% from 901 last month and up 30.6% from 721 listings in June 2024. While this growth in supply offers more choices for buyers, it’s worth remembering that Hilton Head Island’s current inventory still falls short of pre-pandemic levels, when inventory regularly hovered between 1,300 and 1,800 listings. Nonetheless, the trend is clearly toward greater availability.

June saw 162 closed sales, a slight decrease from 164 in May and an 11% decline from 182 in June of last year. This marks the third consecutive month of declining transaction volume. With invento-

ry rising and sales slowing, the absorption rate sits at approximately 5.8 months of supply—approaching the six-month threshold that typically signals a neutral market.

The average sale-to-list price ratio remained stable at 96%, unchanged from May and just a hair below the 96.1% figure from June 2024. This suggests sellers are still achieving strong results when pricing their homes appropriately, though buyers are seeing more negotiating room than in prior years.

Perhaps the most striking figure this month is the median sale price, which held steady at $1,200,000. That’s a 10.4% increase from $1,087,500 in 2024 and up from $1,035,000 in 2023. The consistent year-over-year growth highlights continued demand—especially at higher price points—despite macroeconomic uncertainties. The luxury segment in particular is showing signs of renewed activity, potentially setting the tone for a strong summer season.

With expanding inventory, longer selling times, and fewer bidding wars, Hilton Head Island’s real estate market is entering a more measured phase. But make no mistake—well-presented homes priced correctly are still moving, and the overall value trend continues upward.

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

DAN PRUD’HOMME

EVER VIGILANT

IMAGING SERVICES

Get a clearer picture of your well-being at St. Joseph’s/Candler. You can expect access to advanced imaging technology powered by our team of devoted, hardworking imaging specialists and radiologists. Our non-invasive diagnostic screening services also include pretesting, bone density screening, 3D mammography, echo cardiology, ultrasounds and CT scans as well as an open MRI. If it’s advanced imaging technology for diagnostic and therapeutic applications you’re looking for, then look no further than our team. At St. Joseph’s/Candler, we’re proud to call the Lowcountry home.

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Sea Turtle Patrol dedicates first nest of season to late island leader

The first sea turtle nest of the 2025 season has been laid on Hilton Head Island, and it comes with a special tribute to a well-known figure in the local community.

Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island announced the discovery of the nest on May 7, marking the official start of the nesting season. In a gesture of remembrance, the nest has been dedicated to Jay Wiendl, a hospitality industry leader and longtime supporter of local conservation efforts, who died earlier this year at age 51.

Three golden poles and a commemorative plaque now mark the nest site. The dedication honors Wiendl’s commitment to preserving the island’s natural beauty and his consistent support for sea turtle conservation.

“This first nest is more than just a beginning—it’s a legacy,” said Amber Kuehn, director of Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island. “Jay’s enduring impact on our mission and this island will live on

with every hatchling that makes its way to the sea.”

Wiendl, remembered for his generosity and leadership, was known for his environmental stewardship and deep connection to Hilton Head Island. The Sea Turtle Patrol said his support helped further its mission of protecting loggerhead turtles and educating the public about coastal conservation.

The nesting season on Hilton Head typically runs from May through October. Volunteers with Sea Turtle Patrol monitor the beaches daily at sunrise, tracking nesting activity and working to ensure a safe passage for hatchlings to reach the ocean.

Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island continues to encourage residents and visitors to respect marked nest areas and minimize beachfront lighting to protect sea turtles throughout the season.

United Way honors Hilton Head’s Mary Stuart Alderman with 2025 Peter Post Service Star Award

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Mary Stuart Alderman, a longtime community volunteer and civic leader, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Peter Post Service Star Award by United Way of the Lowcountry, recognizing her decades of dedication to service in Beaufort and Jasper counties.

The award was presented during United Way’s Annual Meeting and is given annually to an individual who embodies the spirit of selfless service, humility, and lasting community impact. Alderman was nominated by The Deep Well Project, where she has held multiple leadership roles and continues to volunteer actively.

“Her service work in our community is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Dale Douthat, president and CEO of United Way of the Lowcountry. “She is, quite simply, the kind of leader every community needs — one who leads by example, not by title.”

Alderman’s community involvement spans a wide range of local organizations. She served on the board of The Deep Well Project for six years, including two and a half years as chair, and now leads the nonprofit’s donor database team. She is also a member of the Rotary Club

of Hilton Head Island, where she has chaired numerous service committees and was named Rotarian of the Year. Through United Way, Alderman has served as a Read Indeed tutor and long-time campaign volunteer. She has

also played key roles with Women in Philanthropy, the Junior League of the South Carolina Lowcountry, and First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head Island, where she serves as both a Deacon and an Elder.

Her volunteer efforts reflect a broad commitment to causes including social justice, environmental sustainability, education, and economic mobility.

Established in 2020, the Peter Post Service Star Award honors the legacy of Peter Post, a devoted United Way volunteer and Dataw Island resident. In addition to public recognition, each honoree receives a symbolic tribute — a star named in their honor, located in the constellation corresponding to their birth month.

Alderman now joins a distinguished group of past recipients, including Charlie Francis, Katie Phifer, Renarta Thompson, and Lisa Wilt.

“Mary Stuart is the very definition of a servant leader — someone whose faith, family, and community drive everything she does,” Douthat said.

For more information about United Way of the Lowcountry’s mission and volunteer opportunities, visit www.uwlowcountry.org.

United Way of the Lowcountry President and CEO Dale Douthat presents Mary Stuart Alderman with the 2025 Peter Post Service Star Award during the organization’s Annual Meeting.

The Century 21 A Low Country Realty

40 FOLLY FIELD ROAD #234

MLS #451914

$465,000

40 FOLLY FIELD ROAD #B320

MLS #446698

$309,000

40 FOLLY FIELD ROAD #C353

MLS #448526

$310,000

40 FOLLY FIELD ROAD #A309

MLS #450302

$283,000

MLS

$330,000

pantry.

Lovely views & ocean breezes from this 2nd floor villa with a peek of the ocean. Convenient to the elevator, laundry and steps to the beach. The villa is light & bright, has pretty LVP and tile floors, smooth ceilings throughout, stylish decor & furnishings.

Incredible rental opportunity or pvt vacation villa for your own enjoyment, this villa has amazing updated features.

Kitchen is spectacular w/ generous, updated design w/ extra cabinet storage, pantry, built ins, cool banquette, granite counters & glass tile backsplash.

Stunning renovation on this Fabulous Ocean View 3rd floor unit. Amazing bathroom with tiled walk in shower, wonderful fixtures and vanity. The master bedroom has been opened up allowing for a king bed, beautiful designer furniture. Terrific rental history.

Beautiful tile throughout, contemporary and modern, the bath has floor to ceiling tile, glass tile accents and a fabulous walk in shower. Unit has an open floor plan, modern kitchen design w/granite tile counters & glass tile accent walls.

Second back from front of B building. Fantastic ocean, marsh and lagoon views. Open bedroom for greater comfort. Lovely shower with seat. Sit on balcony and hear the waves. Extra cabinets, ice maker to name a few pluses.

FOLLY FIELD ROAD #B334

#452840

Mathew Epps MD, MS, DABS

Jane Epps RN, BSN

BCSD to offer free meals to children this summer

The Beaufort County School District (BCSD) has announced its participation in the 2025 Seamless Summer Option Program, offering free meals to children across the county during the summer months. This initiative aims to combat food insecurity, a pressing issue in South Carolina, where approximately 14.4% of households struggle to provide adequate food due to limited resources

Under the program, all children aged 18 and under, as well as individuals over 18 who are determined by the state to be mentally or physically disabled and participate in school-year programs for such individuals, are eligible for free meals. The program ensures equal access to meals regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

Meals will be available at various locations throughout Beaufort County from June through July, excluding holidays on June 19th and July 4th including public libraries, parks and recreation centers, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA locations, and other community centers.

Hilton Head Island sites:

The following sites will be open to the public, except during the June 19th and July 4th holidays:

Beaufort County Libraries June 02-July 31

• Hilton Head Branch (10:00am - 11:00am)

11 Beach City Road, Hilton Head

Lunch First Come First Serve

Monday – Friday

Meals will be provided at the following sites and times, families interested in enrolling must reach out to the program site directly.

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry

Please contact your local Boys and Girls Club Office.

• The Batten Family Unit (Hilton Head Club) June 16th-July 25th

151 Gumtree Rd., Hilton Head

Breakfast (7:30am - 9:00am)

Lunch (11:30am - 1:00pm)

Monday – Friday

Neighborhood Outreach Center:

Please contact the Neighborhood Outreach Center office at (843)681-4100

• NOC Cordillo @ Providence Presbyterian Church

171 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton HeadJune 9th-July 3rd

Lunch (11:30am - 1:00pm)

Monday - Thursday

• NOC New Oaks

4 Southwood Park Drive, Hilton Head, June 2nd-June 27th

Lunch (11:30am - 1:00pm)

Monday - Thursday

Beaufort County School District’s Summer Programs:

Breakfast and Lunch will be served to students attending the following Beaufort County School District’s Summer Programs:

Summer Reading Program

June 9-June 28 (Monday – Friday)

• Hilton Head Elementary

• Hilton Head School for Creative Arts @ Hilton Head Elementary

Summer School Program

June 9th-June 28th (Monday – Friday)

• Hilton Head Middle

• Hilton Head High @ Hilton Head Middle

Families interested in participating should contact the specific sites directly to verify meal times and enrollment details. A comprehensive list of meal sites and schedules is available through the USDA’s Summer Meals Site Finder at https:// www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sunmeals.

This summer meal program is a vital resource for the community, addressing the nutritional needs of children during the school break and supporting families facing food insecurity.

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Advance planning is key to keeping your estate in your family

By Mark Winn Contributor

When your child or children inherit from you will they lose it if they get sued or when they get divorced? Will the inheritance you leave to them be taxed in their estate when they pass? Will they squander it? Will it disincentivize them to be productive, contributing member of society? Will the inheritance cause them to lose precious government benefits?

Let’s assume, hypothetically, Max and Florence are happily married retirees who moved here from Ohio two years ago. They have two children whose names are Joe and Emily. Joe is a successful surgeon. He is married to Madeline. They have two children whose names are Emily and Sue. Emily is an elementary school teacher who is married to Jack. He is a struggling artist. They have one child whose name is Franklin. Franklin is autistic.

Max and Florence have a simple will. An Ohio lawyer prepared it for them twenty years ago. It is “simple” because it basically says everything goes free of trust to their spouse if their beloved spouse survives them, and of not, it goes to the children free of trust in equal shares. Now, is this going to be good enough to fully protect them and their family? You decide.

If Joe and Emily inherit free of trust, then if they get sued or divorced, they can lose their inheritance. Since they will own the inheritance free of trust, there is nothing to protect the inherited funds from loss in a lawsuit, bankruptcy, or a divorce. If Joe gets sued for medical malpractice, he could lose all his inheritance. If Joe does not get sued but successfully accumulates wealth, then what he inherits could be exposed to the federal estate tax when he passes. If Emily passes or predeceases, and her share

goes to Franklin, this windfall could jeopardize Franklin’s ability to qualify for government benefits. All these things can and often do happen to families who fail to act, who fail to plan ahead to neutralize these threats.

If Joe and Emily each inherit their share pursuant to the terms of a trust for their benefit, then if it is drawn properly, the monies or assets can be available for their use and benefit during their life, but not subject to loss in divorce, not subject to loss in lawsuits, not subject to estate taxes in their estate (exceptions: if they owe the IRS money or they owe child support). Also, Max and Florence can ensure that the assets will stay in their family bloodline. Effectively, they can direct that when Joe and Emily pass, that their share (or what is left of it) goes to their children. They can provide that if this happens the share for Franklin will be held in a special needs trust which will preserve Franklin’s ability to qualify for government benefits. If they think Emily will waste the money by careless spending, they can have Joe serve as trustee, alone or with another, to administer the monies for the benefit of Emily.

When planning your estate, all these matters require attention. Professional guidance and counsel are imperative to success in this area. The moral of the story is that a little bit of planning can do wonders to keep your assets in your family.

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

MARK WINN

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Business briefs

Indigo Run golf club launches major renovation project

The Golf Club at Indigo Run is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation, marking a significant investment by Invited, one of the nation’s leading private club operators. The extensive project will bring major upgrades to the clubhouse, dining spaces, Technogym fitness center, and racquet sports amenities. Dining areas will be expanded and redesigned with a relaxed coastal aesthetic to reflect the Lowcountry lifestyle.

Golf course renovations will include a full restoration of the greens, honoring the original design by Jack Nicklaus and his son, Jack Nicklaus II. Built in 1995, the Indigo Run course is the first father-son signature design and the last golf course constructed on Hilton Head Island. The project is part of Invited’s long-term reinvestment strategy to enhance member experience at its more than 160 properties. During summer renovations, members will have reciprocal access to play at the Country Club of Hilton Head and Golden Bear Golf Club. Work is expected to be completed by early October.

Dill Dinkers celebrates opening of Hilton Head’s first indoor pickleball club

Located at 93 Mathews Drive, the former location of Sams Club, Dill Dinkers Hilton Head welcomed players of all ages and skill levels to experience its eight state-ofthe-art Pro-Cushion® courts during the celebratory event.

Founded on the values of fun, community and inclusivity, Dill Dinkers has grown into a national leader in indoor pickleball, offering clubs designed specifically for recreational and competitive play in welcoming, climate-controlled environments.

The Hilton Head facility features a clean, modern layout and is expected to become a central hub for local pickleball enthusiasts seeking year-round access to high-quality courts and instruction.

For more information about Dill Dinkers Hilton Head, visit www.dilldinkers.com.

Fraum Health honors Dr. Brian McGinnis for 25 years of care

Fraum Health recently recognized Dr. Brian McGinnis for 25 years of dedicated service as a chiropractor on Hilton Head Island. Known for his clinical expertise and compassionate care, Dr. McGinnis has been a cornerstone of the practice, specializing in sports injuries and rehabilitation. His path to chiropractic care was shaped by his own struggles with asthma and sports injuries, which led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. CEO Henry Criss noted that McGinnis exemplifies Fraum Health’s mission of compassionate, integrative care. In addition to his professional achievements, McGinnis is active in the South Carolina Chiropractic Association and the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.

Kilpatrick joins BJWSA board of directors

The Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA) has announced the appointment of Carl Kilpatrick to its 11-member Board of Directors. Kilpatrick, chief banking officer at Bank of the Lowcountry, was appointed by S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster and attended his first meeting as a voting member in May. With three decades of experience in banking, customer service, and organizational leadership, Kilpatrick is expected to bring valuable insight as the utility continues to serve a growing customer base in the Lowcountry.

A Beaufort native, Kilpatrick is active with the United Way of the Lowcountry and the Southern Carolina Regional Development Alliance and volunteers at the Good Neighbor Free Medical Clinic. He succeeds Gerald Schulze, who retired from the board earlier this year and was honored for his service. BJWSA provides water and wastewater services to approximately 200,000 residents in Beaufort and Jasper counties.

To submit your business news for future consideration, please email details to editor@blufftonsun.com.

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How to defer real estate taxes with a 1031 exchange

By Chip Collins Contributor

For property owners considering the sale of an investment property, the 1031 Exchange, named after Section 1031 of the IRS tax code, offers a powerful way to defer capital gains taxes and preserve investment momentum. While it’s often misunderstood, this strategy can be a valuable financial tool, particularly in a real estate market like the Lowcountry’s, where property values have seen significant appreciation in recent years.

At its core, a 1031 Exchange allows an investor to sell one investment property and reinvest the proceeds into another, deferring the capital gains taxes they would normally owe on the sale. The term “like-kind” is often used to describe the transaction, but it’s more flexible than many assume.

According to Michael Fleenor, CPA at Robinson Grant, “It’s not just a swap of a similar type of real estate (i.e. a short term rental villa for another short term rental villa). It’s about exchanging real estate that serves a similar investment intent.” Investors can exchange a long-term rental home for a vacation rental, a condo for vacant land, or even commercial property, as long as the replacement asset is also held for investment or business use.

One of the more common questions in our market involves second homes and vacation rentals. Fleenor clarifies that vacation properties can qualify for a 1031 exchange, but owners must be mindful of personal use limitations. “Generally, the owner cannot use the property for more than 14 days a year or 10% of the time it’s rented out,” he says. “Exceeding that could disqualify the property.”

There are two key deadlines every 1031 investor needs to track. Once the sale of the original (or “relinquished”) property closes, the clock starts ticking. Within 45 days, the seller must identify a replacement property.

Then, they have 180 days total from the date of recording on the relinquished prop-

erty to close on the new property.

Another essential rule is that the seller cannot take possession of the proceeds from the sale. Those funds must be held by a Qualified Intermediary (QI), a neutral third party that ensures compliance with IRS rules.

“If you touch the money, you’re taxed,” says Fleenor. “It has to go straight from the sale to the QI and then into the new property. That’s a critical step in preserving the tax-deferred status.”

There are also more advanced strategies, such as reverse 1031 exchanges, where the investor purchases the replacement property before selling the original. “Though more complex and costly, a reverse exchange allows for flexibility in hot markets when timing doesn’t line up,” Fleenor explains. In this case, a temporary LLC may be used to hold the new property until the original is sold.

One long-term benefit of 1031 exchanges is the ability to defer taxes repeatedly, by continually rolling investments into new properties. In some cases, Fleenor notes, “That property can eventually be passed to your heirs with a step-up in basis, potentially eliminating the capital gains tax liability altogether.”

This strategy is ideal for landlords, business owners, and real estate investors who want to grow their portfolios without triggering a taxable event. Whether you’re trading up to a larger asset or repositioning your holdings, a 1031 exchange gives you more control over timing and tax outcomes.

Of course, this is not a DIY endeavor. Anyone considering a 1031 exchange should work with both a CPA and a Real Estate Specialist who understand the process, the rules, and the local market. When executed properly, a 1031 exchange is one of the most powerful tools available to investors in real estate.

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

Michael E. Fleenor, CPA, ABV, at Robinson Grant & Co., specializes in tax strategy and business valuation. He is licensed in South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.

CHIP COLLINS

Arts & Entertainment Calendar

HarbourFest at Shelter Cove

Monday–Thursday, June 3rd–August 21st Evenings

Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina

Live music, kids’ activities, arts, and fireworks on Tuesdays. sheltercoveharbourfest.com

Historic Fort Mitchel Tours

Mondays, June 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th 10 a.m.

Fort Mitchel, Hilton Head Plantation

Guided Civil War history tours. Reservations recommended. heritagelib.org

Bluffton Farmers Market

June 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

68 Boundary Street, Bluffton Fresh produce, artisan goods, and local music.

blufftonfarmersmarket.com

Turtle Trot 5K

Wednesdays, June 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th 8 a.m.

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort

Weekly charity run/walk with beach and road options. palmettodunes.com

Historic Bike Tours

Wednesdays, June 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th 10 a.m.

Starting from Hilton Head Island Community Park

Scenic guided rides to historic landmarks. heritagelib.org

Photography Walk and Talk

June 6th

9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Daufuskie Island (departing Bluffton dock)

A hands-on photography experience led by videographer Andre Berg. visitbluffton.org

Celebrating Bluffton 2025: Movie Night

– Garfield the Movie

June 6th

7:30 p.m.

Buckwalter Place Park, Bluffton

Free family-friendly outdoor screening. Bring chairs or blankets. townofbluffton.sc.gov

Jazz in the Park – Junior Jazz Foundation All Stars

Tuesday, July 8th

7:30–9:15 p.m.

LowCountry Celebration Park at Coligny, 94 Pope Ave., Hilton Head Island

Free outdoor concert showcasing rising talent from the Junior Jazz Foundation. Bring chairs or a blanket and enjoy food and dessert from nearby Coligny spots. hhso.org/event/jazz-6-245-25/

Summer Jams at Shelter Cove Park

Tuesdays, June 10th–July 29th (no event July 1st)

6–9 p.m.

Shelter Cove Park, 39 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island

Free weekly summer series featuring live music, DJs, kids’ activities, and fireworks around 9 p.m. Bounce houses and face painting available for a small

fee. Bring lawn chairs for this familyfriendly event. Special July 4 performance by Rock Candy. On July 15, The Outside Foundation will host Keep the Broad Creek Clean from 5–8 p.m. in conjunction with the event. islandreccenter.org

Party in the Park + Car Show

Thursdays, June 12th, 19th, 26th

5:30–8:30 p.m.

Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Avenue

Live bands, food trucks, and classic cars.

hiltonheadisland.org

Movie Night in the Park Thursdays, June 12th, 19th, 26th

9 p.m.

Shelter Cove Community Park

Family-friendly outdoor films under the stars.

hiltonheadisland.org

Bluffton Sunset Party: Beers, Burgers & BBQ

June 13th

5–9 p.m.

Oyster Factory Park, 63 Wharf Street, Bluffton

Food trucks, beer garden, wine bar, and live music. blufftonsunsetparty.com

Sunset Celebrations

Fridays, June 13th, 20th, 27th

6–9 p.m.

Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina Family fun and music by the water. sheltercoveharbourfest.com

Shag & Drag

June 14th

Noon–4 p.m.

Historic Downtown Bluffton Classic car show and live entertainment. blufftonsc.gov

Jazz in the Park – Tower of Funk and the Choosy Mothers Horns Tuesday, July 22nd 7:30–9:15 p.m.

LowCountry Celebration Park at Coligny, 94 Pope Ave., Hilton Head Island

Free outdoor concert featuring Tower of Funk and the Choosy Mothers Horns. Bring chairs or a blanket and enjoy food and dessert from nearby Coligny spots. hhso.org/event/jazz-6-245-25/

Jazz in the Park – The Tuffus Zimbabwe Quartet Tuesday, June 24th 7:30–9:15 p.m.

LowCountry Celebration Park at Coligny, 94 Pope Ave., Hilton Head Island

Free outdoor concert featuring pianist Tuffus Zimbabwe of the Saturday Night Live Band, Mark Sterbank on saxophone, Kevin Hamilton on bass, and Eddie Hamilton on drums. Bring chairs or a blanket and arrive early for dining and treats in Coligny. hhso.org/event/jazz-6-245-25/

Eventsaresubjecttochange,please confirmwitheventorganizerspriorto attending.Tosubmityoureventfor futureconsideration,pleaseemail detailstoeditor@blufftonsun.com.

BRINGING THE PAST TO LIFE

BUILD YOUR FAMILY TREE WITH US

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

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

LEARN ABOUT LOCAL HISTORY

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

EDUCATE & CELEBRATE –

250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

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

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

Scan to register for classes and tours at HeritageLib.org

Mitchelville to host 11th annual Juneteenth celebration with weeklong events and headliner Leela James

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park will commemorate Juneteenth with a week of family-friendly programming culminating in a headline performance by acclaimed R&B artist Leela James on Saturday, June 14th. The celebration, running from June 12th to 19th, marks the 11th annual Juneteenth observance at the site of the first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people in the United States.

Organizers say the event honors the rich legacy of freedom and community embodied by Mitchelville, while also highlighting the ongoing importance of cultural reflection and celebration.

“Events like this bring our community—both near and far—together in powerful ways,” said Ahmad Ward, executive director of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. “They offer an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and celebrate the progress we’ve made.”

Festival in the Park highlights –Saturday, June 14th

The main event, Festival in the Park, will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes:

• Gospel music hosted by Marti Baker

• A special appearance by Marlena Smalls at the historic Praise House

• Family activities including a Kids’ Corner, karaoke, and an old-school dance contest

• Food trucks, local vendors, and community exhibitors

• A live performance by Leela James, known for hits such as “Fall For You” and “Complicated”

Weeklong schedule of events

Thursday, June 12th

• Naych and B’uhds | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. A collaboration with Hilton Head Audubon featuring birding and nature education under the oaks and along the marsh. Free with registration.

• Slee p Under the Stars: The Juneteenth Sleepover Experience | 6 p.m. –9 p.m. (Optional overnight stay until 6 a.m.) $20 per person | $10 tent rental

A reflective overnight experience offering participants a unique connection to the historic grounds of Mitchelville.

Friday, June 13th

• Children’s Day: Dig Into History | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Children can step into the role of junior archaeologists in a hands-on, educational excavation. Free with RSVP.

• Feel the Beat: Juneteenth Drum Circle | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. An interactive, high-energy community drum circle led by master drummers. Free with RSVP.

Saturday, June 14th

• Festival in the Park | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission: $10 The marquee celebration includes performances, vendors, food, children’s programming, and a headline concert by Leela James.

Wednesday, June 19th

• Juneteenth 5K | 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Hosted by Palmetto Running Company. Registration available online. Event location and tickets

Open Monday-Friday 10am -3pm

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

“Her soulful voice and dynamic performance will be the pinnacle of our weeklong Juneteenth celebration,” said Joyce Wright, program director at Mitchelville.

All events will be held at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, located at 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island. Admission for the Saturday festival is $10, with other events during the week either free or low-cost with registration. For tickets, registration, and event updates, visit exploremitchelville.org.

Comedian Paul Reiser perform at Arts Center

Emmy-nominated actor and comedian Paul Reiser will bring his signature humor to the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina for two performances on Sunday, July 21st, with shows scheduled at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Known for his quick wit and wide-ranging career in film, television, and publishing, Reiser is expected to deliv er an evening of smart, relatable comedy. The performances are part of the Arts Center’s 2025 Presenting Series.

Reiser, a household name since the 1990s for his role on the hit sitcom Mad About You, has enjoyed con tinued success with roles in Stranger Things and clas

sic films like Aliens and Beverly Hills Cop. In addition to his work on screen, he is a bestselling author of three humor books.

Named one of Comedy Central’s “Top 100 Comedians of All Time,” Reiser continues to perform at soldout venues nationwide, entertaining audiences with observations on life, family, and aging.

The show is recommended for ages 13 and up. Tickets can be purchased through the Arts Center’s website at artshhi.com.

For locals and visitors looking for standout summer entertainment, Reiser’s one-day appearance offers a rare chance to see a seasoned performer live on stage.

June 17–July 18

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

TRIBUTE TO THE QUEEN OF DISCO!

A Boston girl with a voice from heaven, Donna Summer soared to the stars from her beginnings in her church gospel choir to the pinnacle of fame as a dance floor diva. The Summer score features more than twenty classic hits including “Love to Love You Baby,” “Last Dance,” “MacArthur Park,” “Bad Girls,” “She Works Hard for the Money,” and “Hot Stuff.”

Opening Reception: Wed, June 18 • 5-7pm Enjoy refreshments and meet the artist • Free and open to the public

Washi Tape Demo: Fri, June 20 • 1:30pm Learn more about the artist and her process

Summertime fun is ahead for ages 6 and up with the Arts Center’s creative, actionpacked summer camps!

Where Kids Learn to Play & Play to Learn!

An Interactive Children’s Museum Located on Hilton Head, SC

Coastal Discovery Museum to spotlight “Wild Bees” photography exhibit

The Coastal Discovery Museum will debut Wild Bees, a traveling photography exhibit that offers a rare, close-up view of America’s native bees, on Wednesday, May 15. The exhibit will run through August 17 in the museum’s main gallery.

Created by photographers Paula Sharp and Ross Eatman, Wild Bees features macro photography that highlights the beauty and diversity of wild pollinators across the country. The exhibit aims to raise awareness about the critical role these often-overlooked insects play in ecosystems and agriculture.

“Visitors of all ages will be captivated by the close-up images of native bees— and inspired to learn more about these essential pollinators and why bee conservation matters,” said Elizabeth Greenberg, Director of Exhibitions at the museum.

An opening reception will take place Thursday, May 15, from 5 to 7 p.m., pre-

ceded by a guided tour of the exhibit with the photographers at 4 p.m.

To mark World Bee Day on May 20, the museum will host a special event titled Bee Inspired: Celebrating World Bee Day in the Lowcountry. The program will include a self-guided tour, honey wine tasting, and a presentation by Master Beekeeper David Arnal, president of the Beaufort-Jasper Beekeepers Association. Tickets for the May 20 event are $10 and require advance registration.

Additional bee-related workshops and family programs will continue throughout the summer. “While honey bees often get the most attention, wild bees are important pollinators for our flowering plants, home gardens, crops, and woodlands,” said Dawn Brut, Director of Education.

For more information or to register, visit www.coastaldiscovery.org or call 843-689-6767 ext. 223.

Since

- Saturday: 10:00am-1:00pm and 1:30-4:30pm • Sundays: 12:30pm-3:30pm

SSTI’s summer kickoff with Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5

The Southeastern Summer Theatre Institute (SSTI) opens its 18th season this June with 9 to 5: The Musical, the high-energy stage adaptation of the classic 1980 film featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick.

The production, which celebrates friendship, resilience and fighting back with humor, will be directed and choreographed by Broadway veteran Jelani Remy. Known for roles in The Lion King, Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, and Back to the Future, Remy makes his SSTI directorial debut after previously working with students on technique and audition coaching.

“We’re thrilled to have Jelani back with us in a new capacity this summer,” said SSTI founder Ben Wolfe. “His passion for storytelling and talent for connecting with our actors elevates the process on every level—and the joy he

brings is contagious.”

Performances will take place at the Seahawk Cultural Center at Hilton Head Island High School, located at 26 School Road. Evening shows are scheduled for June 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances will be held on June 22nd and 29th at 1 p.m.

Tickets are available online at www. hhisummermusicals.com or by calling 866-749-2228.

SSTI, founded in 2008, is recognized as one of the country’s most immersive and challenging summer training programs for high school performers and theatre technicians.

With alumni performing on Broadway, national tours and at major universities, SSTI continues to shape the next generation of performing arts talent.

For more information about this season’s productions and training programs, visit www.summertheatreinstitute.com.

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More than movement: the health and social benefits of dance

By Sandro Virag Contributor

Dancing is more than just fun—it’s an instinctive part of human expression with benefits that stretch far beyond entertainment. People have been dancing for millennia, and for good reason. Dance supports both physical and mental health, offering a way to connect with the body, process emotions and engage in joyful movement.

At its core, dance combines several powerful activities: physical exercise, music and social interaction. After a dance class or even a few songs in your living room, you may feel more energized and uplifted.

Many people notice they simply feel better while dancing. Watch any dance floor, and it’s likely filled with smiling faces. Dance is known to reduce stress and combat symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma and even chronic pain— whether you’re dancing at an event or moving freely at home in your living room.

Some find their way to dance during difficult times in life. On a night when you feel isolated or overwhelmed, letting go to music can be comforting. Dance can also lead to meaningful social connections, helping you meet new people and build confidence. Engaging in creative movement can offer a much-need-

ed distraction and restore a sense of control and self-expression.

Dance is also a window into global cultures. From Argentine tango to salsa and cha-cha, each style carries its own history and tradition. Exploring the cultural roots of these dances can add depth and appreciation to the experience.

Whether dancing solo or with a partner, the social aspects of dance are undeniable. At group classes or social events, people often mingle before stepping onto the floor. These interactions help foster community and connection, even among strangers.

As we age, dance can also offer important physical and cognitive benefits. Regular dancing has been shown to improve balance, coordination and flexibility. For older adults, especially those managing conditions like Parkinson’s disease or dementia, dance may enhance mood, focus, mobility and overall energy levels.

In short, dancing is good for the body, mind and spirit. So whether you’re taking a class, joining a social dance or simply moving to music in your living room—keep dancing, and keep smiling.

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

Strawberry-basil sorbet:

sweet a taste of summer

By Leslie Rohland Contributor

There’s nothing better than a cool, refreshing treat on a warm Lowcountry day, and this strawberry-basil sorbet is just that—light, naturally sweet, and bursting with fresh flavor. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!

With just five ingredients and a blender, you’ll have a silky, fruity sorbet that feels indulgent but is completely guiltfree.

The combination of ripe strawberries and fragrant basil is what makes this recipe so special. The strawberries bring bright, juicy sweetness, while the basil adds a subtle herbal twist that elevates every bite. A touch of honey (or maple syrup) and fresh lemon juice balance the flavors perfectly, creating a refreshing,

sophisticated treat that’s as good for you as it tastes.

And let’s talk convenience—no ice cream maker required! Just blend, freeze (if you can wait that long), and enjoy. Whether you’re serving this as a healthy dessert, a midday pick-me-up, or a fun way to impress guests, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season’s flavors.

At The Juice Hive, we love simple, wholesome recipes that make eating well both delicious and effortless. Try this sorbet, and you’ll see exactly what we mean!

Enjoy every spoonful!

Strawberry-Basil Sorbet

(A refreshing & guilt-free dessert!)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and frozen

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 3-4 fresh basil leaves

• 1/4 cup water (as needed)

• Sprinkle of dried cranberries and honey

Instructions:

1. Blend all ing redients in a food processor or blender until smooth.

2. Add a little water if needed to reach a creamy consistency.

3. Serve immediately ( drizzled with more honey on top) for a soft sorbet or freeze for 1 hour for a firmer texture.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Naturally sweet with no refined sugar!

• Bursting with fresh spring flavors.

• Just 5 ingredients and no ice cream maker needed!

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

LESLIE ROHLAND

Locally produced movie was represented at Cannes Film Festival

By Edward Thomas Contributor

Hilton Head Island filmmaker Walter Czura’s motion picture “The Final Run” was represented in May at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on the French Riviera.

The Cannes Film Festival is internationally recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, if not the most prestigious. Each May, it hosts thousands of leading business figures and luminaries in the motion film industry, as well as other celebrities.

Walter Czura, who is also the founder and CEO of Marlin Outdoor Advertising, said, “I was very honored to have our film represented at the international Cannes Festival by Level 33 Entertainment, a Los Angeles-based film distribution company, and Sublimity Entertainment, a firm that specializes in licensing global media rights.”

“The Final Run” was filmed locally in and around the city of Beaufort. It’s inspired by actual events that unfolded both in Beaufort and Hilton Head Island almost 50 years ago that triggered “Operation Jackpot,” America’s first major marijuana smuggling crackdown in the 1980s initiated by President Ronald Reagan’s “War on Drugs.”

Czura’s film delivers an emotionally charged crime drama

in today’s setting where the fictionalized main character, Pierce Butler, a college-educated, former U.S. Marine and reformed smuggler from that earlier era, finds himself forced to organize one last run, not for greed, but to pay for his wife’s life-saving, advanced experimental cancer treatment.

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

Standout performances by award-winning film industry veterans Jeff Fahey, Judd Nelson, and Drew Waters, plus breakthrough actress Maddie Henderson, make “The Final Run” appeal to fans who enjoy tense, character-driven drama, true crime, and Southern noir.

It is storytelling born from facts, but elevated from the heart by Czura, a former attorney, who was caught, tried, and imprisoned as part of the Operation Jackpot smuggling ring.

“I’ve been deeply touched by the positive reception and interest in our film and the events of that era it portrays,” said Czura, who is hopeful that North American streaming distribution rights will soon be secured because he is currently working on writing the script for a sequel.

Czura said Sublimity has secured distribution licenses for “The Final Run” to appear in theatres, streaming services, pay-per-view, cable, and other formats in more than 120 nations and territories in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands.

Actor Jeff Fahey with Walter Czura

Art League of Hilton Head awards over

prizes at 2025 Biennale National Juried Exhibition

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The Art League of Hilton Head celebrated artistic excellence during the 2025 Biennale, its 29th National Juried Art Exhibition, awarding over $5,000 in cash prizes to artists from across the country. The awards were presented at a reception held Friday, May 16th, at the Art League Gallery, located inside the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.

Selected from more than 1,000 entries submitted by artists representing 41 states, the final exhibition features works by 100 artists from 25 states. The juried show, considered a significant event in the Southeast arts calendar, remains open through June 13th.

Tony Armendariz, this year’s exhibition judge, returned to the gallery on Saturday, May 17th, to host a “Critic’s Coffee” session, offering insights into his judging process and commentary on several of

the winning pieces. Armendariz, a nationally recognized artist and juror, focused on originality, technique, and emotional impact when evaluating the works.

The top prize of $1,500 was awarded to Alberto Barbusano Perez of New Caney, Texas, for his oil painting “Osorbo’s Resistance.” Second place, with a $1,000 award, went to Hilton Head’s own Ellen DiFazio for her mixed media work “Marsh Reflections,” while third place and a $750 prize were awarded to Laurel Lake McGuire of Morris, Illinois, for her watercolor “Boneyard Beach.”

In addition to the top three prizes, 8 artists received Honorable Mention awards of $250 each for works spanning photography, oil, encaustic mixed media, watercolor, and mixed media assemblage. Local artist Pearl Mintzer of Hilton Head Island was among the honorees, recognized for her oil painting “Bathing Beauties.”

The Art League Gallery, which hosts the Biennale, is open daily and welcomes visitors Monday through Saturday from

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The gallery also opens 90 minutes before every performance at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, located at 14 Shelter Cove Lane.

For more information about the exhibition, upcoming programs, or to view the featured artwork, visit www.artleaguehhi. org or call 843-681-5060.

HarbourFest returns to Hilton Head for 36th Summer Season with fireworks, live music, and family fun

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

One of Hilton Head Island’s most popular summer traditions is back. Now in its 36th year, HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina will once again bring live music, family entertainment and fireworks to the waterfront from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The 2025 season features a full lineup of weekly events for both residents and visitors, including longtime favorites such as Cappy the Clown, singer-songwriter Shannon Tanner and Parrot Palooza, a high-energy Jimmy Buffett tribute concert.

Fireworks return on Tuesday nights

HarbourFest’s hallmark fireworks shows will be held most Tuesday nights throughout the summer, launching at dusk over Broad Creek. The 2025 schedule includes:

• Tuesdays: June 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th

• Friday, July 4th (Independence Day)

• Tuesdays: July 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th

• Tuesdays: Aug. 5th, 12th and 19th

There will be no fireworks on Tuesday, July 1. Organizers note that drones are not permitted during fireworks displays.

Live music and family entertainment

Shannon Tanner, a HarbourFest staple, will perform two shows nightly at 6:30 and 8 p.m. His summer schedule includes:

• Monday through Thursday, June 2nd–5th

• Monday through Wednesday, June 9th–Aug. 20th

• Friday, July 4th

There are no performances scheduled for Aug. 22nd–29th.

Cappy the Clown will provide children’s entertainment — including face painting and balloon animals — from 6 to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday from May 26th to Aug. 29th, as well as on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

On Thursday nights from June 12th

through Aug. 21th, Tanner will join The Oyster Reefers for Parrot Palooza, a live tropical music performance celebrating the spirit of Jimmy Buffett. The group will also perform during Labor Day weekend on Saturday, Aug. 30th, and Sunday, Aug. 31st.

A signature Lowcountry experience

HarbourFest is held at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, located mid-island across from Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. The marina features year-round waterfront dining, shopping and recreation, as well as a variety of water activities and excursions. Admission to HarbourFest is free. Event schedules are subject to change due to weather or other conditions. For the latest updates and information, visit sheltercovehiltonhead.com.

Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, HarbourFest continues to offer a memorable blend of coastal charm and family-friendly entertainment under the stars.

TCL president earns top statewide CEO honor

Dr. Richard Gough, president of the Technical College of the Lowcountry, has been named CEO of the Year by the South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners (SCATCC). The honor recognizes exceptional service and contributions by a technical college leader. Gough, who has led TCL for 11 years, will be recognized at a joint meeting of SCATCC, the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education, and the Technical College Presidents Council in Columbia.

Rotary Club honors Students of the Year

The Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island has recognized seven local students as its 2024–25 Students of the Year. Selected by school administrators for their academic excellence, leadership, and community service, each student received a certificate and a $70 Amazon gift card. Honorees in-

Education briefs

cluded:

• Janeal Stevens, Hilton Head Island High School

• Lu Yi, Hilton Head Island Middle School

• Har per Kelly Hodsdon, Hilton Head Preparatory Middle School

• Cade Lucas Kriscunas, Hilton Head Preparatory Upper School

• Joey Richard Bailey, Heritage Academy Middle School

• Mason Petty, Heritage Academy High School

• Cadence Smith, St. Francis Catholic School

High school seniors complete first steps on ‘PATH’ to healthcare careers

Beaufort Memorial was the first step toward a career in healthcare for 13 Beaufort County high school seniors, as the first-ever high school cohort graduated from the hospital’s PATH program on

May 13th.

At the beginning of 2025, Beaufort Memorial and the Beaufort County School District (BCSD) partnered to offer an opportunity for high school seniors countywide who are enrolled in a Health Sciences completer program to participate in the hospital’s PATH program (People Achieving Their Highest) tuition-free.

Graduating seniors at the May 13th ceremony included:

Patient Care Technicians (PCT): Rihanna Cooler, Alani Crawford, Ja’Miah Fields, , Luciana Garcia-Figueroa, Kalia Jenkins, Evelin Leija

Clinical Medical Assistants (CMA): Kayla Arias, Jasmyn Charles, Adeline Gibbons, Kayla Jones, Aysha Perez, Jasmyn Reames

District announces new principals and executive director

The Beaufort County School District

has named four administrators to key roles for the 2025–26 school year:

• Melissa Pender, principal of Coosa Elementary, has been promoted to executive director, supervising multiple schools with a focus on instructional leadership.

• Michelle de Bruin will become principal at Beaufort Elementary, where she currently serves as assistant principal.

• Dr. Brandi Bullock will lead Bluffton Elementary, replacing retiring principal Paula Brown. Bullock is currently the district’s director of teaching and learning.

• Kelly Goudy will take over as principal at Coosa Elementary. She is currently assistant principal at Lady’s Island Elementary and a doctoral student at Purdue Global University.

To submit your education news for future consideration, please email details to editor@blufftonsun.com.

The boys of summer

By Justin Jarrett Contributor

On consecutive nights last week, middle-aged men became young again and teenagers reverted to boyhood, chasing one another around the outfield, arms in the air with half-filled water bottles or towels flailing in the night.

The boys of summer put the punctuation on spring with dueling dogpiles, as Hilton Head Christian Academy’s baseball team capped off an improbable run to a second consecutive state title, and Hilton Head Prep followed it up three days later with — inconceivably — the first state championship in a proud program’s history.

Each scene was the type young boys dream about in their idle time while tossing a ball in the air or against a wall, imagining they’re the one to make the play that sets off the celebration.

HHCA left fielder Eli Morgan’s heart must have stopped for just an instant when he saw the final out soaring his way, trying not to notice his teammates on the infield with their gloves already skyward in anticipation of the celebration to come. No pressure, kid.

Morgan wasn’t part of last year’s championship team. He’s one of several young players who were on the JV roster, waiting their turn while a senior-laden squad fulfilled its lofty expectations and delivered the Eagles’ first baseball crown in 14 years. Players like Morgan, Brody Mayles, and eighth-graders Stone Burd and Colt Spargur stepped right into key roles and rolled with the punches when first-year head coach Jay Scarbro constructed a challenging schedule aimed at preparing his team for the jump to SCISA Class 4A.

After waiting nearly a decade and a half for a second state championship, no one at HHCA expected the third to come so quickly.

But with only one senior on the roster

— albeit Montreat College-bound ace Hayden Brooks, whose improbable walkoff home run sent the Eagles into the championship series — the expectations have been reframed for his program.

If the drought between HHCA’s first two titles wasn’t enough to indicate the difficulty of running the gauntlet, Hilton Head Prep’s long search for a championship drives the point home. The Dolphins have had their share of dominant teams over the years, but a title evaded them time and time again.

The closest call came in 2016, when Dobbie Green’s Dolphins took the opening game of the championship series against Calhoun Academy before losing two straight one-run games. HHP made deep runs each of the last four years under veteran coach Chris Wells, but each fell short of the championship series.

Until this year.

Coincidentally, the Dolphins punched their ticket at the expense of Calhoun Academy on a walk-off hit–by-pitch to end an epic nine-inning battle, perhaps extinguishing any remaining demons, because even when two errors opened the door for Orangeburg Prep’s seventh-inning to force a decisive game 3, the Dolphins were undeterred.

They fell behind 3-1 in the finale but pounced on the Indians’ miscues in the sixth to plate four runs, and sophomore Brandon Espinoza finished off a compete game in a 5-3 victory.

Espinoza wiped out the final hitter with a nasty breaker, and catcher Jackson Stanyard spiked his facemask and sprinted toward the mound to experience the purest form of catharsis.

Hail to the champs.

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

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Know the signs: how to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses

By Cinda Seamon Contributor

Your body is a natural regulator of heat. It responds to high temperatures by circulating blood and increasing the temperature of your skin. Excess heat is released through the skin by sweating. Sweating helps maintain a stable body temperature, but only if the humidity is low enough for evaporation and if the fluids and salts lost are adequately replaced.

When the body can no longer release heat effectively, it stores it, raising your core temperature and putting your health at risk.

As temperatures rise, so does stress on the body. Several factors can help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, including proper acclimation, adequate hydration, and good nutrition.

Heat Stress (Heat Cramps)

When your core body temperature rises even slightly above normal, you may experience heat stress. Symptoms can include muscle cramps, weakness, disorientation and general discomfort.

Signs of heat stress (heat cramps):

• Tiredness

• Irritability

• Inattention

• Painful, intermittent muscle spasms in the abdomen or other voluntary muscles

Heat cramps usually occur after heavy sweating and tend to develop late in the day after physical exertion.

First aid for heat stress:

• Move to a cool environment

• Drink fluids like water or electrolyte drinks like Gatorade. Avoid alcohol, caffeine or carbonated beverages.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs when a person fails to replace fluids and salt lost through sweating. This condition can become serious if untreated.

Signs of heat exhaustion:

• Extreme weakness

• Fatigue

• Dizziness or giddiness

• Nausea

• Headache

First aid for heat exhaustion:

• Rest in a shaded or cool place

• Drink plenty of water or an electrolyte replacement like Gatorade

• Loosen clothing to help the body cool

• Apply cool, wet cloths to the body

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Sweating may stop entirely, leaving the skin hot and dry. Body temperature can exceed 105F degrees.

Signs of heat stroke:

• Mental confusion

• Delirium

• Chills

• Dizziness

• Loss of consciousness

• Convulsions or coma

• Hot, dry skin that may appear red, mottled or bluish

First aid for heat stroke:

• Call 911 immediately

• Move the person to a cooler location

• Do not wait—brain damage or death can occur if not treated urgently

Final Reminder:

Understanding the stages and recognizing the symptoms early and responding quickly can save lives.

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

SEE THE ISLAND

Avian influenza in wild birds and poultry

By Hilton Klein, VMD, MS Contributor

Avian influenza (AI) is a type of influenza virus that infects nearly all bird species, from wild and agricultural flocks to zoo and pet birds. Most AI viruses are of low pathogenicity (LPAI), causing mild or no symptoms, especially in wild birds.

However, certain strains, like Avian influenza A (H5N1) - commonly known as bird flu, are highly pathogenic (HPAI) and cause severe disease and high mortality rates in birds.

cous, and feces. The virus can also spread via aerosols or contaminated surfaces.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that the best way to prevent H5N1 infection is to avoid exposure. This means:

• Avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, or other animals.

• Observe wildlife from a distance.

• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and eye protection, if you must handle birds or clean feeders and water features.

• Do not touch surfaces contaminated with bird secretions or feces.

Human infections usually require prolonged, unprotected contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H5N1, though experimental vaccines are in development for both humans and poultry.

Wild birds, particularly shorebirds and waterfowl, often carry LPAI viruses without appearing ill. These birds act as natural reservoirs, allowing the virus to mutate over time. Through processes called antigenic shift and drift, these viruses can become more dangerous, as seen with the emergence of HPAI H5N1. This strain has led to significant die-offs among wild waterfowl, vultures, pelicans, terns, and cranes.

Symptoms and disease in birds

LPAI infections in wild birds are typically subclinical, but stress or secondary infections can worsen the disease. In contrast, HPAI infections are much more severe. Infected birds may exhibit weakness, swelling around the head or feet, hemorrhages, red discoloration of the feet, blood-tinged discharge, or greenish diarrhea. Often, birds succumb to the disease before these signs are even noticeable. It’s important to remember that these symptoms are not unique to avian influenza and can be caused by other diseases.

AI viruses can mutate and infect other species, including humans, though this is rare. Transmission typically occurs through close contact with infected birds or their secretions, including saliva, mu-

Because avian influenza can be spread by feces and airborne particles, it’s possible for backyard feeders and water features to become contaminated, especially during bird migration. To minimize risk:

• Clean feeders and water features every two weeks (or more often during migration) using warm, soapy water.

• Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.

• Disinfect with a virucidal product like Lysol® or a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) after cleaning.

• Always wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection, and clean outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

Avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds. Report unusual bird deaths, especially large numbers, to local or state wildlife authorities. If instructed to dispose of a carcass, use gloves or an inverted plastic bag to handle it, and place it in the trash.

Stay informed and follow local guidelines to help protect both wild and domestic birds, as well as your own health.

Hilton Klein is a former Hilton Head Audubon Board member and a retired board certified veterinarian.

HILTON KLEIN

The surprising link between gum health and Alzheimer’s and why it matters

By Dr. Matthew Mastrorocco Contributor

What if taking care of your teeth and gums did more than prevent cavities and bad breath? What if it could protect your brain? At our recent charity pickleball tournament to benefit the local nonprofit, Memory Matters, their team was very excited to talk about the new research that is pointing to a connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease. While that might sound unsettling, it’s leading to promising new ways to prevent cognitive decline.

What’s the link between your gums and your brain?

The idea that your mouth could affect your brain isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem; dentists have known that everything in the body is connected, and that untreated gum disease can trigger chronic inflammation in the body. But a new study from Columbia University’s College of Dental Medicine has found a compelling link between periodontal (gum) disease and brain changes that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive aging. The study looked at brain scans from hundreds of participants and found that people with signs of gum disease showed unfavorable changes on brain MRIs. These changes are commonly seen in people at risk for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

The researchers didn’t find definitive proof that gum disease causes Alzheimer’s, but the connection is hard to ignore.

Here’s why:

Knowing that inflammation from untreated gum disease may contribute to neuroinflammation, a known factor in Alzheimer’s disease, is fascinating.

Even more intriguing: certain bacteria

under the gums were associated with either better or worse brain MRI results, suggesting your oral microbiome may influence brain health.

What Can You Do Now?

The science is still developing, and cause and effect have not been proven, but one takeaway is already clear: good oral health isn’t just about aesthetics or avoiding trips to the dentist. It could play a role in protecting your brain health, especially over the long term.

This doesn’t mean brushing, flossing, regular oral hygiene visits and dental checkups are a guaranteed way to avoid memory loss, but it does indicate that a good oral care routine could be a simple way to support your overall health, including your cognitive well-being. Here is what you can do right now:

• Brush twice a day

• Floss daily

• Visit your dentist regularly

• Address signs of gum disease - redness, bleeding, receding gums - early

Hope for Alzheimer’s Prevention

For a long time, Alzheimer’s research focused on what happens in the brain alone. But the discovery of this mouth-brain connection is shifting that thinking. It suggests that conditions like Alzheimer’s may be influenced by infections and inflammation that start elsewhere in the body.

That’s interesting and hopeful. While we can’t control every factor involved in brain health, we can control how we care for our bodies, including our oral health.

Taking good care of your teeth won’t cure Alzheimer’s. But it might just be one more smart, simple way to invest in your longterm health. As science continues to uncover the surprising links between oral and cognitive health, taking care of your mouth might turn out to be one of the most brain-friendly things you can do.

Matthew Mastrorocco, DMD is the owner and founder of ROC Dental Group, serving Bluffton and Hilton Head Island

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Ask the expert: can annuities help with long-term care planning?

By Lisa Hostetler Brown Contributor

Expert Answer: As an elder law attorney, one of the questions I often receive from clients planning for retirement or long-term care is about annuities— what they are, how they work, and whether they’re a good fit for their estate or Medicaid planning strategy.

An annuity is a financial product typically offered by insurance companies. In simple terms, you invest a lump sum or series of payments in exchange for regular income payments, either for a set period of years or for the rest of your life. There are different types of annuities: fixed, variable,

and indexed. Each of these has their own structure and risk level.

From an elder law standpoint, annuities can serve a couple purposes. Retirees can use them to create a predictable stream of income, especially when they’re concerned about outliving their savings. For Medicaid planning, a specific, Medicaid-compliant annuity can help a healthy spouse retain income while allowing the other spouse to qualify for Medicaid benefits for long-term care. However, a Medicaid-compliant annuity must be structured very carefully to comply with Medicaid requirements. Like any financial tool, using an annuity as part of your financial plan has its pros and cons.

Pros:

• Guaranteed income: Annuities can provide financial stability for individuals who worry about market volatility or running out of money in retirement.

• Customizable: You can tailor an annuity’s payout terms, whether you want

income for life or over a specific number of years.

• Useful in Medicaid planning: When properly structured, annuities can help protect assets while helping an individual qualify for long-term care assistance.

Cons:

• Complexity: Many annuities have fine print, fees, and surrender charges that can be confusing or costly if not fully understood.

• Lack of liquidity: Once you invest in an annuity, accessing those funds early may come with penalties.

• Tax implications: Income from annuities is often taxable, and the growth is tax-deferred—not tax-free.

One often-overlooked aspect of annuities is how they fit into your overall estate plan. Annuities can avoid probate and pass directly to heirs when they are properly titled and designated to your beneficiaries. However, if not carefully coordinated with

your will or trust, they can cause unintended tax burdens or distribution issues. That’s why it’s essential to ensure your annuity strategy is aligned with the rest of your estate plan.

Before purchasing an annuity, it’s crucial to review the details with both your financial advisor and an elder law attorney. What works well for one individual may not suit another’s goals, health, or financial picture.

In the right circumstances, annuities can be a valuable part of a comprehensive elder law plan—but like all tools, they need to be used wisely and with proper guidance.

For educational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Lisa Hostetler Brown is a Certified Elder Law Attorney certified by the National Elder Law Foundation. 10 Pinckney Colony Rd, Ste 400, Bluffton, SC 29909 | 843-757-5294 | HiltonHeadElderLaw.com

LISA HOSTETLER BROWN

Five in-retirement money mistakes—and how to avoid them

By Thomas Dowling Contributor

Avoiding costly retirement mistakes

Planning for retirement is one of life’s most crucial undertakings. But many people fail to put equal care into managing their finances once retirement begins. Whether you’re already retired or preparing for it, being aware of common post-retirement financial pitfalls can help you stay on track. Here are some of the biggest mistakes—and how to avoid them.

Overspending in retirement

Even wealthy retirees can overspend, often because they’ve grown accustomed to spending freely during their working years. Without income or with reduced income, a lack of budgeting can quickly cre-

ate problems.

Additionally, the excitement of retirement can lead to excessive spending early on. To avoid this, it’s essential to assess your income needs accurately and revisit them regularly. Make cash flow analysis a key part of your financial plan to ensure long-term sustainability.

2. Avoiding financial conversations with family

Many retirees hesitate to discuss finances with family, which can lead to confusion or even conflict when wealth is eventually transferred. In extreme cases, this silence can erode family relationships and financial legacies.

One solution: Work with your heirs and financial advisors to develop a family mission statement. This can clarify your values and explain how your wealth supports those values, helping everyone understand your decisions.

3. Missteps with social security

Social Security often plays a vital role in retirement income—even for the affluent. Common mistakes include:

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• Claiming too early can reduce lifetime benefits.

• Waiting too long might not be wise for those in poor health or with shorter life expectancies.

• Avoiding work due to income limits isn’t always necessary. While early earnings can reduce benefits temporarily, the government recalculates your payments once you reach full retirement age, potentially making up for any losses.

Smart Social Security planning requires a personal, strategic approach.

4. Poor withdrawal strategy

How you draw down retirement funds matters. A one-size-fits-all approach—like the 4% rule—might not suit everyone. Your withdrawal plan should consider your health, life expectancy, income needs, and tax implications of various accounts.

Instead of defaulting to a simple formula or discarding it as too basic, work with professionals to test and tailor different strategies to your specific situation.

5. Treating investing as a hobby

With newfound time, some retirees dive into investing, thinking they can apply their business success to the markets. This confidence can lead to mistakes such as overtrading, investing too aggressively, chasing hot tips, or concentrating assets in risky areas.

Rather than treating investing as a game, surround yourself with trusted financial experts who can help you make informed, balanced decisions.

Conclusion

Retirement should be a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor—not worry about money. But missteps can have lasting consequences, especially with limited time to recover. By avoiding these common mistakes and proactively managing your finances, you can better safeguard your future and fully enjoy your golden years.

Thomas M. Dowling, CFA, CFP®, CIMA® is the Head of Wealth Management at Alliance Global Partners of the Lowcountry on Hilton Head. He can be reached at infohh@allianceg.com or (843) 420-1993.

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Dental hygiene and facial aging

By Dr. Ronald Finger Contributor

This discussion is about a subject that is beyond my specialty but how it affects plastic surgery and even health and longevity.

The rate of breast encapsulations (breast firmness and distortion) with breast augmentations varies from 2 to 20%, according to the surgical technique and post-operative care.

However, through the years I have noticed that breast implant encapsulations can occur because of poor dental hygiene in many cases. Why? Because gingivitis/ periodontal disease (inflamed, swollen, and/or bleeding gums) is a bacterial problem, and the most common cause of implant encapsulations is bacteria and without clinical infection. With gingivitis, bac-

teria invade the blood circulatory system, which is bad for all types of implants from knees to hips to breasts.

Other problems caused by gingivitis are loss and thinning of the facial bones that house your teeth, the maxilla and mandible. In severe cases of gingivitis teeth can be lost. When bone loss occurs in the mandible and maxilla, there is loss of facial volume causing a dramatic appearance of facial aging. Two of the main causes of the appearance of facial aging are volume loss of bone and fat, and the loss of skin elasticity. Poor dental hygiene causes loss of volume in the bones, and thus in the face.

Another result of volume loss is excessive hollowing of the cheeks creating shadows and depressions including wrinkling around the mouth. In fact, bone loss of the maxilla causes sagging, drooping, and turning down of the nose.

Nasolabial folds between the nose and corner of the mouth are caused by volume loss of the maxilla and cheeks. The mouth area can become very wrinkled, and the Marionette lines below the corners of the mouth can occur at a younger

age with poor dental hygiene. Unrelated to plastic surgery, but statistics that are important to know are people with periodontal disease have 3 times the risk of dying from coronary disease prematurely. People with gingivitis have up to a 46% higher chance of dying prematurely. Men under 50 have 2.6 times more risk of dying prematurely and 3 times more likely to die from heart (coronary) disease. Gingivitis causes a compromised immune system and increases total body inflammation. This can be translated to dementia and other inflammatory diseases as well as heart disease. These are examples of the adverse effects of periodontal disease and poor dental hygiene. How do you avoid periodontal diseases such as gingivitis? The first step is to visit

a dentist twice a year for evaluation and professional cleaning. For home care, always floss 2 times a day with non-waxed floss. My favorite floss is POH®, which can be bought online. Waxed floss only glides over the teeth and does not cut the plaque off. Plaque is the sticky film of bacteria attached to the teeth, first white and then yellow. The answer: Brush with a SoniCare® toothbrush (my favorite) 2-3 times a day. The SoniCare® toothbrush has a 2-minute timer, and one should brush for two full minutes at a minimum. A regular toothbrush can be used after lunch at work. After flossing, use a good mouth wash designed to prevent gum disease and reduce plaque.

To be redundant, plaque is full of bacteria and contributes to breast encapsulations, inflammatory diseases, and reduced longevity. Get rid of it, and your face and health will age more slowly, and you will look younger.

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

DR. RONALD FINGER

Nature’s Way

The Hilton Head Harbor Toadfish Tournament

By Collins Doughtie Contributor

Have you ever participated in a fishing tournament? Freshwater bass tournaments are by far the biggest and most lucrative of tournaments simply because only a fraction of anglers in this country live along either the east or west coast. Since there are ponds, lakes and streams in virtually every state, it makes sense these freshwater tournaments would be the most popular.

For me personally, saltwater tournaments make up most of my attempts at catching the big one. This give me a chance, for a brief period at least, to strut around like a gobbler during mating season. From marlin to king mackerel to tarpon, redfish, wahoo, cobia and snapper, I have fished them all. But if you were to ask me which tournament I remember best, one tournament instantly rises to the top in my mind, the famous, or rather infamous, Hilton Head Harbor Toadfish Tournament.

If you are asking yourself what in the heck is a toadfish you can either Google one or I can summarize them by saying they are ugly, slimy, have a disproportionately large mouth, stubby teeth and if that were not enough, have no culinary value whatsoever. So why in the world would you have a fishing tournament for something like that? I guess the best answer to “why?” is that’s why it was held. Even now, no apparent reason comes to mind.

If I remember correctly, the first toadfish tournament was in 1975 and was held at the Hilton Head Harbor (now called the

Outdoor Resorts Marina) just as you come on to Hilton Head. This is when my memory, or lack of, gets the best of me but if I to guess who started the toadfish tournament, I’ll blame it on three individuals, Capt. Fuzzy Davis, Capt. Randy Osterstock and Capt. Miles Altman.

For the first two or three years it was a small event that was, more or less, a fun get together for locals to break the boredom. There just wasn’t much to do in those days, especially for all us young ins. There was nothing serious about any of it except possibly a libation or two or three or whatever.

We actually did fish for toadfish with prizes given out for the ugliest toadfish, the smallest, the largest toadfish and even one for the toadfish that looked most like Capt. Miles Altman.

But as the years passed, the word got

out and the Toadfish Tournament got larger and larger. About that same time, some whacked out graphic designer with a name exactly like mine, got involved. To this day, if you had enough brain cells left to actually store away one of these prized shirts, you are held in high esteem by those that attended those last two years. It was Hilton Head’s own little Woodstock. “You were at THE Toadfish Tournament? I am not worthy.”

In a nutshell, the t-shirts reflected the times. The one with Jesus holding a toadfish with copy saying “Holy Mackerel It’s a Toadfish” along with “Lord It’s Beautiful” caused quite an uproar with angry letters to the editor at the Island Packet. The next year the “Ayatoada” told the story of the American hostages being held in Iran after the Shah was run out of town by the Ayatollah.

It was what happened that last fateful year that doomed this great event from ever happening again. I can’t tell you the whole story but just enough where you might be able to fill in the blanks.

You would have thought the Beatles were in town; there were that many people. Some even say it was largest fishing tournament in South Carolina’s history. Even with the occasional beer or better-put keg or even better, a beer tanker truck, it was always a family affair.

There were kids and moms and dads, that is until the ever-popular beauty contest became a wet t-shirt contest, which in turn turned into a no t-shirt contest. I know for a fact a lot of children learned more about certain things that day than they ever learned in a classroom. If that wasn’t enough, a biker gang shows up out of nowhere. That started hair pulling between girls, teeth a-flying this way and that with the boys, and it all went way downhill from there. Heck, they even tried to roll over the beer tanker truck and those things are dang heavy. Every now and again someone blurts out “Hey, let’s bring back the Toadfish Tournament!” But you know what? According to Beaufort County’s 1980 Ordinance TFT-B-GONE, it states no toadfish may be caught for entertainment purposes under any circumstances whatsoever with all (and any) violators will be jailed and quite possibly, beaten. Ah, the good ol days!

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

East Africa and Qatar Travel Tips

By Tamela Maxim Contributor

Part 1

In the summer of 2023, I spent a month in Kenya and Tanzania with a long layover in Qatar. Preparing for a one-month trip to experience safari adventures and cultural visits requires lots of extras—extra sense of humor, extra research, extra time, and above all, extra patience.

Passports

Passports for overseas travel must expire no less than six months past the last day of travel and contain at least one blank page. The number of blank pages required depends on the country: one for Tanzania or Qatar, and two for Kenya.

You don’t want to be the unlucky traveler who gets left behind because it was discovered just as you were ready to board your flight, cruise ship, or train that you didn’t have enough validity on your passport. It happens. So sad.

Vaccinations

I visited many websites for help, including CDC.gov (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), WHO.int (the World Health Organization), and several companies offering passport and vaccine services. The CDC list of recommended vaccinations: typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A and B, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies (yes rabies), meningitis, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) Whew!

In the past, we could get travel vaccinations at the Bluffton health clinic, but it no longer offers travel vaccinations. Thank goodness Georgians don’t mind us South Carolinians coming over to get our shots. It took so long to get an appointment at the Chatham County Health Department at 1395 Eisenhower Drive in Savannah that I almost didn’t finish the series of shots in time for my trip.

They told me that for-profit clinics often scare people into getting rabies shots. I was asked if I had plans to pet dogs or wild animals while in Africa.

I said, “No, of course not.”

“Then don’t get the rabies shots.” They said that many people who’ve been to private clinics were talked into paying for a painful series of unnecessary and pricey

rabies shots. I ended up getting every required and recommended preventative except rabies and chikungunya. They will evaluate your health history, travel needs, and country requirements to help you make the best decisions about what’s right for you.

Research

I check reviews for just about every website I visit. The reviews for a large, private travel service company with hundreds of locations in the United States were a dismal 2.9/10.

Buyer beware

The yellow fever vaccine is live and can have dangerous side effects for folks over 60, especially anyone with serious health issues. If a health professional determines the risk is too great, you can get a Medical Letter of Exemption. However, the risk of yellow fever in certain countries exceeds the vaccine’s risk of serious side effects. I was 68 in 2023 when I had the vaccine, and it did cause a bad stomachache, but I think having protection was worth it. The typhoid shot made my arm hurt for almost a week. Hated that one, but East Africa is a hotspot for typhoid. I didn’t have any out-of-pocket cost for the vaccines, but I had to cough up $200 for the anti-malaria pills prescribed by my doctor. I chose the more expensive, but with fewer side effects, Malarone (Atavaquone Proguanil) over Doxycycline.

Check prices at various pharmacies, and don’t forget about GoodRx. Consider prioritizing less side effects over cost when comparing options.

Visas

I needed three visas—for Qatar, Kenya, and Tanzania. There are official government websites for visa applications. Like the expensive private companies offering travel services, there are companies with slick

websites intended to lure you into paying for the convenience of having them fill in forms you can complete yourself. I’m not saying you should never take advantage of paying for convenience, or that it was all easypeasy. The online visa applications were more than a pain and a bother, but I’m a DIY girl who is careful with her pocketbook. Uploading an acceptable headshot should have been simple, but it took hours. I repeatedly got an error message that my photo’s resolution was too high. Thankfully, when I couldn’t figure out how to do it, a photographer friend lowered the resolution to the required size. I also received other aggravating error messages: your eyes are closed (they were open), your head is tilted, your facial expression is unacceptable, and your background isn’t plain enough.

The Kenyan government website acknowledges that more than a few people have reported frustration with uploading their headshots.

You’ll need to upload a copy of your itinerary and proof of lodging. Unless you plan an extended stay, you don’t need a traditional visa for Kenya. An e-visa, also called an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), is sufficient for short durations.

For the Tanzania visa, I needed to choose between single entry or multi-entry, and I mistakenly chose multi-entry. The only difference it made was that I paid more for the visa. I also needed to know the name of our port of exit from the country, something I had to ask our tour director about before being able to finish the form.

For Qatar, if you want to leave the airport before returning to catch a flight, you’ll need a transit visa (called the Hayya e-visa). The requirements for US travelers: a minimum layover of 5 hours.

You can apply online or at the Discover Qatar Transit desk at the airport, and it’s valid for up to 96 hours. If you plan to spend at least one night in a hotel, you can apply for a visa waiver with the following require-

ments: a return ticket and proof of accommodation.

Packing

We were only allowed to pack a rolling duffle weighing no more than 33 lbs. Really? 33 lbs. for a month? Yes, really. We would travel in a jeep with other passengers from town to town. Luggage for six people needs to fit in the back of the vehicle. Our bags also had to fit in small airplanes for our two in-country flights.

We would have laundry services along the way. FYI – even the 5-star resorts washed our clothes in hot water – all colors mixed together – do NOT bring anything white or light that you don’t mind turning greyish. Recommended colors for safari clothing: neutral, khaki, tan, olive green, gray, brown. Whites, brights, blues, and blacks are not recommended.

Reasons given for non-recommended colors: White shows dust and dirt, and could make you more visible to wildlife. Blue and black attract tsetse flies. Brights make you more visible to wildlife. Camouflage clothing is reserved for military personnel, is considered disrespectful, and can even be illegal.

To be continued…

Tamela Maxim is thrilled to write for the Bluffton Sun and Hilton Head Sun. She was previously the assistant publisher of Realtor Listings magazine, editor of Bluffton Breeze and Premier Lowcountry magazines, and occasional contributor to local newspapers and magazines. She plays the role of the assistant art instructor on the YouTube channel Art Posse, a local reality TV show that has just completed its 2nd season. www.artposseproductions.com She recently edited and published two books, Et Cetera Y’all, Volume 1 by Annelore Harrell, and From Jellybeans to a Nobel Prize Nomination by Arthur V. Martin, Ph.D.

Pedal Hilton Head Island raises funds for HH

Boys and Girls Club

By Channing Heiss Contributor

The Boys and Girls Club of Hilton Head Island’s Pedal Hilton Head Island fundraiser rolled through the streets and bike paths of the island on May 4th, raising about $100,000 for club programs.

There were many rider levels available to participants, from the short-distance family ride to the 62-mile challenge for experienced cyclists.

“It’s a ride, not a race, and the prize is thank you for benefitting our island and the Boys and Girls Club,” says co-chair Russell Whiteford. 612 riders participated and represented all cyclist levels

For almost two decades, Pedal Hilton Head Island has raised money through sponsorships, donations, and participation fees. He adds people who pay the entry fee often make an extra donation to the club. In addition to those who donate

multiple times to this event, Whiteford says many alumni of the club make monthly donations to support the programs through which their lives were changed.

Of the 21 local sponsors from the business community, five donated at the highest level as premier sponsors, according to Whiteford. The premier sponsors were Nick’s Construction, May River Dermatology, Herman and Davis Realty, Dr. Philip Zitello, and The Bike Doctor. The Bike Doctor also provided service on the cyclists’ bicycles. Organizers are also grateful for the other non-cash donations such as the sandwiches donated by the SERG Group restaurant Char Bar. Whiteford commended the local businesses, hospitality industry and nonprofits for working to make the event a success.

“The success of Pedals has us considering how we can grow this to benefit all of

the other clubs,” Whiteford said.

Event organizers who track the demographics of attendees reported that 53 percent of attendees were tourists who traveled over fifty miles from places such as Atlanta, Charlotte, And Jacksonville. These guests, including many cyclists, help the local economy by staying in the hotels and dining in the restaurants.

“Fast forward ten years, they might be buying a house in Hilton Head.”

Whiteford, himself a cyclist, says he

and his fellow cyclists like to visit different places and experience different events. Whiteford notes Pedal Hilton Head Island is one of the largest events in the southeast.

For all of the extra benefits of this event, Whiteford reminds everyone 6that this is “for those who need us the most.” In addition to the growth education the Boys and Girls Club can provide, he points out “When you ask these kids why they like being there, they say ‘it’s safe and it’s fun’. “

To volunteer or find out more about our Boys and Girls Clubs, visit the Hilton Head Club website at bgchiltonhead.org or the Bluffton Club website at bgcbluffton.org.

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

Rejuvenating the neck with non-surgical and surgical options

By Dr. Mathew T. Epps Contributor

Restoring a youthful neck is often part of facial rejuvenation where signs of aging lead to a loss in the tight contours of the neck and jaw line. Loss of elasticity in the skin and deposition of fat with aging contribute to sagging skin in this area and interrupt a crisp jaw line. Non-surgical technologies and surgical techniques offer effective interventions to improve signs of aging in the neck. Modern advancements in non-surgical technologies offer effective interventions to improve mild to moderate skin laxity. Various non-surgical technologies incorporate the delivery of radiofrequency energy to the skin.

Radiofrequency energy temporarily heats the skin, boosting the production of collagen, elastin, and new skin cells for an overall improvement in the tone, texture, and quality of the skin. Radiofrequency treatments are often performed in successive treatments for optimal improvements in skin tightening to reduce wrinkles and sagging skin. Radiofrequency skin treatments have become an increasing popular treatment as it offers minimal down time and is a less invasive alternative.

The most effective way to restore a youthful neck and reverse the anatomic changes of aging is through neck lift surgery. Neck lift surgery improves neck architecture for a tight contour in the neck and jawline. It is important to be accustomed to the anatomy of the neck to understand how a neck lift works. Immediately under the skin of the neck is a fatty layer of tissue which varies with the individual in thickness. Deep to this layer of tissue is a thin muscle called the platysma that extends from the collar bone to the jaw. More fat, important nerves, blood vessels and

glands lie underneath the platysma muscle.

Correcting and tightening the platysma muscle is essential in effective neck lift surgery. Incisions underneath the chin and in front and behind the ears allow the skin to be elevated from the platysma and offer an opportunity for removal of excess fatty tissue in these areas, including under the chin. The platysma is tightened much like a corset with stitches along the length of it.

Additionally, “lifting” stitches in the muscle below the ear enhances results. Skin is redraped with the removal of excess skin. Advanced surgical techniques aim to conceal the closure along and around the ear where the scars are minimal and well concealed.

Recovery from neck lift is well tolerated. Neck lift surgery often requires the placement of a temporary drain and a dressing to the head and neck. Patients are closely monitored with follow up visits to ensure optimal care and recovery.

Modern advanced non-surgical technologies utilizing radiofrequency energy offer skin tightening to the lower face and neck. The most effective strategy to restore a youthful contour to the neck and jaw line is through neck lift surgery with a skilled aesthetic plastic surgeon.

Mathew T. Epps MD, MS, DABS is Triple Fellowship Trained Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon Specializing in Facial, Eyelid, and Breast Surgery. Visit Matheweppsmd.com or email at info@dreppsmd.com

DR. MATHEW T. EPPS

Things they don’t tell you to expect when expecting - the teenage years

By Tracy Winslow Contributor

Congratulations!

You have survived the toddler yearsnot an easy feat. Years 4-11 are the parenting calm before the storm. By now, you have earned a false sense of security and believe you have a pretty solid grasp at this whole parenting thing. You have heard horror stories about the dreaded tween/teen years, but you foolishly believe, not my baby, they’re so sweet! And then one day, your child stomps in as if they have been replaced with something hateful and mean. (Googles: “has my child been demonically possessed?)

They hiss at you when you ask them a question. They argue with you about stealing their sister’s mascara- while holding their sister’s stolen mascara. They skulk from the dark recesses of their bedroom at odd hours to pilfer snacks and hoard water bottles. You love them ridiculously - yet there are times you wonder if you will sur vive until they leave for college. (Googles: “just how expensive is boarding school?”) And pray they will use this new found atti tude for good instead of leading a prison riot.

You are soooo dumb: It doesn’t matter if you have a Ph.D. and are an expert in the subject or have been performing whatever task since you were a fetus. You are so wrong with everything, that you are practically a bur den to society. Even when she announces she “loves the chicken” at Thanksgiving dinner - she will argue when corrected.

“Whatever, Mom. Turkey is a type of chicken. Like, you know how ducks, turkeys, and chickens quack?”

And defending yourself is futile. I could have called the CEO of Perdue to get a definition for types of poultry - and my off

spring would still be convinced I am wrong because I am a complete and utter moron. (Googles “recipes for a Xanax-tini.”)

You are little more than an ATM: “I need $20.” “I just gave you money this morning!” “That was for Moe’s. And I needed to get the new Nyx eyeliner before they are sold out.” Where’s your money from work? “Didn’t I show you the outfit I got at Aerie? I am soooo fire in it! Go like my Instagram post!”

Where are the spoons?: Remember that set of dishes and silverware that you got in your 20’s and managed not to lose for decades? Yeah. They somehow “disappear” and nobody knows how. When you ask them to bring missing items from their rooms, you are met with “STOP ACCUSING ME MOM! YOU BLAME ME FOR EVERYTHING! WHY DON’T YOU ASK MY SISTER TO BRING DOWN HER DISHES? SEE WHY I HATE LIVING HERE?” Yet the missing utensils mysteriously appear in the sink when your angel is told they cannot go to the football game until their room is clean. (Googles: “am I having a nervous breakdown or is this a heart attack?”)

you keep asking me about my grades. ICL, I’m locked in, so I don’t get cooked for real. Aight?” (Googles: “teenager to English translation”)

They have developed hearing issues: You can kindly call up the stairs to get them to come down. Nothing. You yell their name, which you KNOW they can hear because you don’t live at the Biltmore. Crickets. You call them on their phone - goes unanswered. When you finally stomp to their room and angrily inform them that you have been trying to get their attention, their response is “OMG Stop yelling! What is your problem?”

Sibling rivalry becomes epic: Remember those brawls about Barbie shoes? Yeah, they’re just the appetizers of arguments to come. Now they fight about everything you can imagine - and some things you cannot. It’s never anyone’s “turn” to do anything. Nothing is ever fair. Everything is the other sibling’s fault. And the other one is always “the favorite.” Did I mention the door slamming?

CHILD 1:“That is MY bikini top! I don’t care that I gave it to you last week. And stop stealing my pants!”

Gawd, so embarrassing (and did I mention stupid?). But it’s hard not to laugh - especially when you hear exchanges like this:

FRIEND: I need to get spelling good. I mean, good at spelling.”

DAUGHTER: And apparently grammar. (proud Mom moment)

But, you will fall apart when you miss out on big things in their life because they are spreading their wings. Senior year is a blur of hormones, college applications, and difficult goodbyes.

Your heart will shatter when theirs does. You will cry when you see pictures/videos of them when they were little. And wish you could hang out with their toddler version just one more time, because the years keep flying by. And as they approach the time to leave the nest - you will mourn the loss of the tiny person they were, as well as the person they have become. And while the idea of my baby not waking me up at 11pm to “dish about the latest tea” is heartbreaking, I know that she is ready for her next exciting chapter in life, and that I am sending a smart, kind and hilarious woman into the world.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025, and to all the people who stood behind these babies to make this monumental milestone possible. It truly takes a village, a strong sense of self, and Google to help get your littles to this important accomplishment.

Tracy Winslow is a mom who is trying to hold it all together while her baby graduates high school with top honors in all of her classes - except for Spanish. Which she almost failed. If only she knew one person… just one…that could have helped her in her time of need. I mean, apparently other than her MOTHER WHO IS A SPANISH PROFESSOR AND HAS BEEN TEACHING SPANISH GRAMMAR SINCE SHE WAS BORN. God help her and save her. Oh, and come buy gorgeous yarn at Low Country Shrimp and Knits. Which is Tracy’s clubhouse when she is not a college professor or arguing with her daughter about the fact that she should not be failing Spanish. www.shrimpandknits.com

TRACY WINSLOW

What is infrared light therapy and how does it support nerve repair?

By Dr. Kenneth Horup Contributor

When you think about healing damaged nerves, light probably is not the first thing that comes to mind. Yet infrared light therapy is a promising tool we must support the body’s natural repair processes—especially for neuropathy patients. Infrared therapy works with something the body already understands energy. Infrared light is invisible to the naked eye but powerful enough to reach deep into tissues, delivering gentle stimulation that en-courages healing where it is needed most.

The science behind infrared therapy is fascinating. Operating at wavelengths between 700 and 1000 nanometers, these light waves penetrate several centimeters

We need Houses or Condos to sell to the many active buyers for this island! If you’re considering selling your home, let’s chat about how we can help you navigate this market successfully. Text me on my cell below and let’s have a conversation.

Pamela Marinello

Licensed Real Estate Sales Agent #106195 Luxuory Home Certified

below the skin’s surface. At this depth, they interact directly with the mitochondria—often called the powerhouses of our cells—stimulating them to produce more ATP, the essential energy currency that fuels cellular repair and regeneration. This boost in cellular metabolism is par-ticularly valuable for nerve cells, which have extraordinary energy demands compared to other cells in the body.

For some people with neuropathy, a significant component of their nerve recovery is circulation. Without enough blood flow to the nerves, nerves struggle to get the oxygen and nutrients they need. Infrared therapy may help by prompting the body to grow tiny new blood vessels, known as capillaries, around damaged areas.

This process, called angiogenesis, doesn’t happen overnight but develops gradually with consistent treatment. Over time, this expanded network can improve the delivery of critical nutrients to the nerves, setting the stage for better func-

tion and less discomfort. Patients often describe feeling a difference in symptoms like numbness and tingling as their circulation improves.

Another major benefit of infrared therapy is its calming effect on inflammation. Damaged nerves are often surrounded by swollen, irritated tissues that only make the problem worse. Infrared light may reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines while in-creasing anti-inflammatory mediators. It also can help normalize the activity of the immune cells in the affected area. By reducing inflammation, infrared light has shown to create a healthier environment for the nerves to recover—quietly removing one of the big-gest obstacles to healing.

Beyond circulation and inflammation, infrared therapy frequently appears to directly support nerve cells themselves with consistent treatments. Research indicates it can help preserve the myelin sheath—the protective coating around nerve fibers that’s essential for proper signal transmission. It may also promote the expression of growth factors that encourage nerve regeneration and guide the direction of new nerve growth. These effects are particularly promising for conditions like diabetic neuropathy, where nerve degeneration progresses over time.

One of the things patients appreciate most is how easy and comfortable the process is. There are no needles, no downtime, and no pain. Modern infrared devices come in various forms— from professional panels used in clinical settings to convenient home devices like handheld units. During the session, you might feel a gentle warming sensation as the light penetrates the tissues.

It is important your physician prescribes the proper wavelength for your condition. The duration will vary depending on what wavelength is needed for your condition. Many people find these sessions relaxing, a welcome contrast to the more invasive treatments they may have tried. Each session simply gives the body a little extra support, helping it do what it was designed to do: heal.

It’s important to note that infrared therapy works best as part of a comprehensive approach to nerve health. While it supports healing at the cellular level, it complements rather than replaces other important factors like additional treatments, proper nutrition, regular gentle movement, and avoiding further nerve compression or injury.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of nerve damage—like numbness in your feet, unexplained pain, or difficulty with balance—consider exploring infrared light therapy as a treatment option. Ask a doctor or professional to see if you qualify for a light therapy protocol. Don’t wait for these symptoms to become debilitating before seeking help.

Small steps now can make a big difference in how well your body heals over time. Supporting nerve health is about giving the body the right conditions to succeed. Infrared therapy may be one way to do that, and it fits into a broader plan to help you stay active, independent, and live the life you want. Contact a healthcare provider you trust to discuss your options today.

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

DR. KEN HORUP

Financial planning for independent Lowcountry living: smart strategies and considerations

By Matt Uppenbrink Contributor

As the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age, more adults are considering the transition to 55+ communities for their independent living years. While these communities offer lifestyle benefits, understanding the financial implications is crucial for making informed, long-term decisions.

Understanding the True Costs

The financial landscape of 55+ communities extends beyond the initial purchase price or rent. According to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, the median monthly cost for independent living ranges from $1,500 to $4,000, with regional variations (NIC, 2024). In the Lowcountry, costs can be higher based on location and services. Additional expenses may include HOA fees, maintenance, utilities, and healthcare.

Compared to traditional homeownership,

these communities can offer financial advantages. “The elimination of exterior maintenance, property taxes in some cases, and access to amenities that would otherwise require separate memberships can create substantial savings,” notes financial planner Sarah Mitchell of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board, 2024).

Budgeting Strategies for Community Living

Effective budgeting requires accounting for both fixed and variable expenses. Experts recommend the 80% rule, where retirement income should replace about 80% of pre-retirement earnings (Social Security Administration, 2024). Housing costs should ideally not exceed 30% of monthly income. Budgets should include entrance fees, service charges, meal plans, transportation, and emergency reserves. AARP recommends maintaining an emergency fund equal to six to twelve months of living ex-

penses to cover unforeseen healthcare needs (AARP, 2024).

Long-term Financial Planning Considerations

Planning for 55+ living means projecting expenses over potentially decades. With healthcare costs rising, tiered care options in many communities may come with added fees. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that 70% of people over 65 will need some form of long-term care (HHS, 2024).

Long-term care insurance can help, though premiums rise with age and health issues. It’s important to understand a community’s policies on fee increases, entrance fee refunds, and coverage limits if care needs exceed community capabilities. Investment strategies should balance growth with capital preservation. A common rule suggests the bond portion of a portfolio equal one’s age (Investment Company Institute, 2024).

Making Informed Decisions

Before committing, prospective residents should review the community’s financials, tax filings, and contract terms. Consulting elder law attorneys and certified financial planners is strongly advised. Many communities offer varied financial options and benefits, so take time to find the one that fits your needs.

The move to a 55+ community is both a lifestyle and financial choice—one that requires careful planning to ensure lasting stability and peace of mind.

Matt Uppenbrink, MS, is the Executive Director of The Seabrook of Hilton Head. Interested in learning more about The Seabrook of Hilton Head. theseabrook.com

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial advice. Consult qualified financial planners, tax professionals, and elder law attorneys before making major financial decisions about retirement living.

Volunteers needed to advocate for abused, neglected children in Beaufort and Jasper Counties

The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program is calling on compassionate community members in Beaufort and Jasper counties to step forward and help represent the interests of local children facing abuse and neglect.

The state-run program, part of the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy, is currently offering free virtual training for those interested in serving as volunteer Guardians ad Litem (GAL). Volunteers act as court-appointed advocates for children involved in Department of Social Services (DSS) Family Court proceedings.

The need is especially critical in the Lowcountry. While the Beaufort and Jasper counties’ program is serving approximately 144 children, there are only 12 active volunteer advocates. GAL staff have stepped in to bridge the gap, but the shortage underscores the urgency of recruiting more volunteers.

“Our volunteers serve as strong advocates, upholding children’s best interests and prioritizing their well-being. With every child served needing a voice, the call to action grows for dedicated volunteers to step forward,” said Jennifer Burch, director of

the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program.

The next virtual training session begins June 30th, with additional opportunities scheduled for August 5th and September 2nd. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old, have no criminal record or DSS history, and be able to commit four to five hours a month to the child or children they are assigned.

Training is conducted entirely online and is provided at no cost. Upon completion, volunteers are sworn in by a Family Court judge and begin working under the supervision of local GAL staff.

To learn more or apply, visit gal.sc.gov. For direct inquiries, contact regional recruiter and trainer David McAlhaney at (843) 277-5849 or David.McAlhaney@childadvocate.sc.gov. You can also follow the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program on Facebook or sign up for updates via communications@childadvocate.sc.gov.

Volunteering as a Guardian ad Litem is one way to ensure the most vulnerable children in the judicial system are heard — and protected.

From Philly to Bluffton to Beth Yam

By Scott Selkowitz Contributor

Last June, my wife and I made “Aliyah” (migration) from the Philadelphia area to our new home in Bluffton. Having spent the past 25 years transitioning from tourists to timeshare residents on the Island, we finally made the decision to call the Lowcountry our home.

In preparation for our move, we navigated and dealt with obtaining new physicians, property taxes applied to our vehicles, traffic jams on 278, and not having a Trader Joe’s. However, one critical un checked box was finding a new syna gogue and Jewish community with whom we could connect.

In searching for a synagogue, and given our experienc es with attending services in rented or shared facility space, we wanted to be in a house of worship de signed to provide for and immerse us in our cultural and spiritual environ ment. We wanted to belong to a syna gogue with a full time Rabbi commit ted solely to the congregants and who was deeply involved with the local communities. At this stage of our lives, we also wanted the comfort of knowing that our pastoral care and life cycle needs would be met by a Rabbi who would come to know us personally.

Bluffton and Hilton Head Areas, Reform or Conservative, with a full-time spiritual leader. Rabbi Brad Bloom, now entering his 16th year of leading and guiding this congregation, is well respected and well known throughout our local civic and faith-based communities.

Upon entering the main foyer and sanctuary, one is deeply spiritually moved by the Judaica artwork, congregational acknowledgements and tributes, religious and symbolic artifacts, the beautiful stonework, and the ark housing the Torahs. Aside from the sanctuary, the facility has several multi-purpose rooms for special events, a full-service caterer-accommodating kitchen, and classrooms for its youth programs and religious school. Its location off Business 278 on Hilton Head’s North end, provides for an easy convenient, accessible commute from Bluffton and Southern Beaufort County. With an active men’s club, sisterhood, “chavurah” social groups and many celebratory events and special services scheduled throughout the year, there are numerous opportunities to meet new friends and form new relationships.

As retirees migrating to a new area, in addition to meeting our spiritual needs, opportunities to establish a social life and form new relationships were equally as important. We wanted a congregation that was inclusive, accepting, egalitarian and welcoming to all—regardless of one’s level of observance or background. After we explored our options, we found that Congregation Beth Yam, located on Hilton Head Island, checked all the boxes.

From its inception in 1981, followed by the construction of its own facilities, Congregation Beth Yam has evolved to become the only synagogue in the Greater

From men’s club monthly luncheons, congregational dine arounds, sisterhood events, book club, golf and pickleball groups, adult education seminars, and so much more, you can easily meet other congregants who also made “Aliyah” from somewhere else.

Services are scheduled most Friday evenings throughout the year, including occasional traditional Saturday services. Check out their calendar posted on the website: www.bethyam.org. Whether you are full or part time residents, visitors or guests, all are welcome to Congregation Beth Yam.

Scott Selkowitz is the Communications Chair and Board Member of Congregation Beth Yam, Hilton Head Island, communications@bethyam.org

Summer’s here but giving doesn’t take a break

By Rev. Dr. Christopher L. Thompson Contributor

Now that the school year has wrapped up, some of our kids are going without. For many, those school meals were the only solid food they could count on—and now, it’s just not there.

And it’s not just the children. All across our communities, folks are quietly struggling during these summer months. Empty refrigerators. Bare cabinets. Silent cries for help.

There’s an alarm sounding at the gates—and if we’re able, we need to answer it.

You might be thinking, “How can I help someone else when I’m just trying to keep my own head above water?” Or, “They made their choices… that’s their problem.”

But let’s be real—most of us are just one paycheck away from being in that same situation.

One unexpected bill. One bad break. One layoff.

But here’s the truth: if we take what lit-

tle we have and pour it into someone else’s cup, God will pour back into ours— pressed down, shaken together, and running over.

There are just a couple of rules we’ve got to follow. And they’re not complicated—just kingdom building; John 13:34-35 & Matthew 6:1-4.

Giving in Silence: The Real Reward

“Watch yourself when you’re doing good—don’t turn it into a performance just to impress people. If applause is what you’re after, that’s all you’ll get. Don’t expect anything more from your Father in heaven.

When you give to those in need, skip the spotlight. Don’t blast it like a trumpet or post it just to rack up likes, like those who crave attention in public spaces. They’ve already gotten their reward—the recognition. And that’s where it ends.

Instead, give quietly. Give in such a way that your left hand doesn’t even know what your right hand is doing.

Keep it between you and God. He sees the hidden things. And trust me—He’s the

One who truly knows how to reward you.”

And then there’s this—Jesus’ mic-drop moment that still echoes with power today:

The New Rule That Changes Everything

“I’m giving you something brand new: Love each other. The same way I’ve loved you—deep, sacrificial, nostrings-attached—that’s how you need to love one another.

This is how the world will recognize you as mine—not by your words, ti tles, or posts—but by your love. Real love. Consistent, selfless, undeniable love.”

Let that sink in.

Giving without show. Loving without condition.

These aren’t just good ideas— they’re commands. They’re how heaven works, and they’re how we make heaven visible right here, right now.

Rev. Dr. Christopher L. Thompson is pastor of St. Luke’s United

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

pillin’ the Tea... Tales from the Lowcountry Captain Woody Rehab

By Paul Tollefson Contributor

If you grew up in Hilton Head — or this area, for that matter — then I’m sure you have at least one good partying story from your youth, though most people have many more than that. This particular story is one of the craziest, and not only did it change this young man’s life, it all happened within a 72-hour window.

It was the summer of 1986, and Wally Palmer had just graduated from Hilton Head Prep. He was living in a small apartment in Queens Grant, inside Palmetto Dunes. In typical Hilton Head beach bum fashion, there were probably about 11 guys living in that place that summer. Wally was doing tennis court maintenance during the day and working at the Old Post Office Emporium in the evenings.

One night, all the boys in the house were home, and an intense game of quarters broke out. The drinks were flowing heavily. Soon enough, the beer was gone, and it was time for a quick run up to “The Pig” for some replenishments.

“Me and my buddy Scott drove across to the new Shelter Cove Mall to the Piggly Wiggly, where they had cases of Busch on sale for $7.99. We got a few cases and loaded up the car to head back.”

“As we got into our little apartment area and out of sight from any PD security guards, Scott had this bright idea that he was going to floor it. I remember screaming at him to SLOW DOWN, but the boy just

didn’t seem to listen.”

“Before I knew what was happening, we bounced off a Palmetto tree like a pinball and barely squeezed between two more. After the first bounce off the tree, I looked up only to see us speeding out of control toward the lagoon behind the apartments,”

Wally said.

“Now, if bouncing off the trees wasn’t bad enough, we were heading straight for the lagoon — and the only spot in the whole area that had a berm. Sure enough, we hit it at full speed and it was liftoff.”

“I managed to somehow open the door midair, but as soon as we hit the lagoon, my head hit the windshield. I wasn’t knocked unconscious but was bleeding pretty badly from my forehead. As we swam to the lagoon’s edge, the car quickly became submerged and sank about 15 feet to the bottom.”

Wally and Scott headed back to their apartment, scared and unsure what to do. It became clear that the police were surely on their way. Sure enough, there was a knock at the door before too long.

“The security guard knew us by name, and we had to go with him. Being a small town, I knew one of the firemen, and he was laughing pretty good when he realized it was me. He quickly bandaged my head from where I hit the windshield.”

“The funny thing is, when I was talking to the police and they were trying to figure out how to get the sunken car out, tourists started crowding around the lagoon — even sitting in beach chairs watching what was going on. But the real kicker is that folks were wading into the water because 48 beers were now floating everywhere, free to anyone willing to get wet,” Wally continued.

“Well, of course one of the police officers knew my father, and soon enough he had him on the line. Dad was headed down to the scene.”

“Dad comes whistling in, convertible top down, and I was quickly handed off to him by the authorities.”

“‘Son, I’ve heard through the grapevine that you’re living pretty loose over here, riding a little too close to the sun,’” Walter Sr. said. “‘I’m taking you to the hospital to get checked out, make sure you don’t have a concussion.’”

“After we left the hospital, instead of taking me to his house, Dad dropped me back off at the apartment with my friends. Little did I know what was going to happen the next morning that would change my whole summer — and my life.”

The next morning, Palmer awoke to not only a pounding head but also a pounding knock at the front door of their Palmetto Dunes apartment. As he got up to answer, he saw the familiar face of his father, who he’d just seen six hours earlier.

“‘Get your stuff and get in the car,’” Wally’s dad said sternly.

Still foggy from the night before, Wally brushed his teeth, grabbed his things, and climbed into the waiting convertible.

“As we pulled out of Palmetto Dunes, my dad began telling me he’d heard I’d been hitting it a little too hard lately and that he was taking me to rehab. As I tried to argue and explain that I was fine and had everything under control, I noticed something. We took a left out of Palmetto Dunes, heading to the south end. There’s no rehab on the south end, and I wondered what the heck was going on.”

“Sure enough, my dad had this snarky kind of smile on his face. I kept asking where we were going, but he just turned the music up louder and said, ‘You’ll see.’”

“We ended up at Palmetto Bay Marina, and that’s when I knew this wasn’t going to be the rehab I had in mind. The first thing I saw was this small man, with a beard and shrimp boots, leaning against an old, beat-

up white truck. I immediately recognized him — ole Captain Woody, legendary waterman.”

“‘Well if it isn’t little Walter,’ Captain Woody said with a smirk. ‘You’re mine now!’”

“My dad was laughing hysterically. ‘Welcome to Captain Woody rehab!’”

PAUL TOLLEFSON

“They explained I was now in the captain’s care and would be the deckhand aboard the Lynn-Sea.”

Wally loaded his small bag of clothes onto the old trawler and they shoved off almost immediately.

“I give 10% to my strikers for the haul,” Woody explained. “If you want to do it all yourself, you keep it all. But I highly suggest we get another guy.”

“No,” said Wally, slightly arrogant. “I can do it myself. I don’t need anyone else’s help.”

After the first haul, it was clear that wasn’t going to work.

“I was covered in jellyfish stings, trying to sort shrimp as fast as I could and weed out bait fish and sharks caught in the nets,” Wally said, laughing. “The worst part was that Captain Woody always headed his shrimp!”

“I finally caved and told the captain I needed help. He whipped the boat around and headed for Thunderbolt, Georgia, where he sold most of his catch.”

They picked up a new hand from the docks — a big red-haired, freckled kid from Texas who called himself “Red.”

“We headed back out, and before long, Red was just blabbering away.

‘These shrimps are tiny compared to Texas shrimp,’ he said. ‘And these trawlers? Pfft, they’re like dinghies compared to what we have in Texas.’”

Captain Woody, clearly annoyed, was plotting his response. But then Red said, “Dag-gum, these guys around here can’t drink for shit!”

“Well, that was it,” Wally said. “Woody whipped the boat around so fast.”

“‘Wait, where are we going?’ Red asked.

“‘You’ll see,’ Woody replied.”

They returned to Palmetto Bay Marina. Woody anchored, got in his dinghy, and brought Red ashore. As they approached, Red saw the sign: Captain Woody’s.

“‘Your damn right it does,’ Woody said. ‘Now let’s see you come tell us we don’t know how to drink around here!’”

Woody bought shot after shot, going round for round with Red until the Texan was a wobbly mess.

“‘Now let’s go shrimping!’” Woody said.

Red thought he was joking. But Woody, an experienced drinker, showed no signs of slowing down. They loaded

back onto the Lynn-Sea.

“‘Captain, I don’t think I can work,’” Red gurgled as he threw up off the stern.

“Captain just laughed and yelled back, ‘Oh, we can’t drink, huh!’”

Wally and Red spent the next few weeks working the boat and finished out the summer with Captain Woody. Red never again claimed Texas did anything better than the Lowcountry, and Wally laid low on the drinking.

By fall of ’86, a freshly rehabbed Wally headed off to art school — and surprisingly, Red stayed on with Captain Woody.

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

The great debate: who is better Rory or Scottie?

By Dr. Jean Harris Contributor

Both players have had a “great” year thus far. Rory has three wins and they are more impressive. (Pebble Beach, The Players, and the Masters). Two of the wins were in playoffs. The wins were against “loaded” fields. Scottie has two wins by five or more strokes, including the PGA Championship.

Rory joined the PGA Tour in 2010 and won four majors by the age of 25 but then had a dry spell of 11 years before he won another Major, the Masters this year. Rory is only the sixth player in the history of golf to win the “Grand Slam”. Rory, age 36, has been a player much longer than Scottie and has 45 wins all over the world. So far, Rory has more wins and awards. However, it seems unfair to compare the two since Rory has been a professional much longer. Scottie, age 29, has had far less opportunities to win than Rory. Scottie joins Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only players to win three majors and 15 PGA titles before the age of 29. In 2024 Scottie won 7 times, including the Masters, The Players championship, four Signature Events, the Fed Ex Cup and an Olympic Gold Medal. Scottie has been the number one player on the PGA Tour for 105 consecutive weeks.

Both pros have strengths and weaknesses.

Rory is the best driver of the ball, possibly in the history of golf. He is a good iron player and putter. He tends to let his emotions get in the way at times. The politics of the PGA and LIV tour have distracted him. He doesn’t have a killer instinct and gets into too many playoffs.

Scottie has the best “mind” in the game. He is pretty even-keeled. He seems focused only on God, family and golf. He doesn’t show a lot of emotion. He is the best iron player in the game and his distance control to the greens is amazing. At times his driver and putter can leave him. However, this year his putting has improved.

As of this writing deadline, May 26th, Scottie will be playing in the Memorial Tournament (May 29th-June 1st) and Rory is skipping it for the first time since 2017. I thought the Signature Events were required of the top players, but not anymore. We will see the two players playing against each other again at the U.S. Open.

My verdict in in Rory is having the better year but Scottie will eventually go down in history as the better player. My bet is that Scottie will surpass Rory on Major wins and total wins. Only time will tell and then we will be able to compare their careers once they retire from the game.

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

Camping tales

By Annelore Harrell Contributor

Camping at Hunting Island didn’t turn out exactly as planned.

Tamela, Nicholas, and I had reserved Sites 111 and 114 ages ago. They had all the desired amenities, like electricity, near

where was Site 114, supposedly adjacent? Aha.

It was on the other side of a shoulder-high embankment, a miniature maritime forest impregnable to anything other than something furry or slithery.

Yes, Site 114 had an electric outlet, and water, and a level space for one small tent. We had two tents. Theirs and mine. Neither was small.

Tamela went off on a mission. Finally, at long last, after I thought she had run away home, she came back. We

generator chugging away anywhere near. Best of all, the latrine, aka bath house, was within a stone’s throw.

My tent had two compartments, one for sleeping and a screened one for dining. We dragged the picnic table inside that one. Even the choicest of camp sites has flying critters.

Tents were up; chairs were out; the campsite was ready.

Steak for dinner, a shower with limitless hot water - such a blessing, and it was lights out. Nighty nighttime to the rustle of

he was not going to wake up and didn’t until the rain started pouring into the tent and onto his head.

They had a frantic time pulling the tarp over their tent, getting sopping wet, wiping down their mattress, wringing out clothes and finally, absolutely exhausted, crawled under the one dry bed sheet to catch a few zzzs.

I had no idea all of this was going on. I was too worried about the tall pine next to my tent that any minute would be struck by lightning. I lay there counting between

The Seahawk Times

A Hilton Head Island High School Student Newspaper

HHIHS Students Take On The Port Royal Sound By

On Friday, February 21, 2025, a group of Hilton Head Island High School students took part in a field trip to the Port Royal Sound Foundation along with teachers Mrs. Kane and Mrs. McAllister.

The students, currently taking Marine Science or I.B. Environmental Systems and Societies, took a field trip to the Port Royal Sound Foundation to learn about the local marine environment and the ongoing efforts to protect marine life in the area.

In order to gain a better understanding of the local environment, the students took a boat excursion along the Chechessee River, observing a plethora of animals and marine ecosystems along the way. Members of the Foundation shared insightful information with the students about the animals and wildlife they observed on the trip. One of the students who participated in the field trip, Catharine Gavin, stated, “It was really interesting getting to see wildlife that I’m usually just driving past.” While on the trip, the students were able to see several dolphins, native birds, and lots of marine vegetation.

After arriving back on shore, the students then went into the Port Royal Sound Foundation’s classroom to learn more about marine life in the area. The students were able to gain hands-on experience by observing water samples from the Chechessee River under microscopes. Using the microscopes, the students were able to observe the microscopic sea life and plankton thriving in the waterways that otherwise could not be seen. After discussing the importance of plankton in the marine food chain, the group then turned to looking at the unnatural presence in the waterways: microplastics. Catharine Gavin states, “The microplastics stood out so much under the microscope. There would be grey pieces in the water and then suddenly just a bright red or blue thread.”

Lizzy Markowitz

After observing microplastics in water samples, the students were taught about the negative effects of microplastics on aquatic food chains, as they can be mistaken for food by marine animals and eaten. They also learned about the ways in which microplastic pollution can be limited.

Veronica Markowitz, a student that participated in the field trip as well, stated, “They taught us how washing clothes with plastic in them cause microplastics to enter water systems and how treatment facilities can’t filter it out, that definitely stood out to me.”

Learning about both the causes and effects of microplastic in local waterways, these students were able to take more away from this field trip than just a boat ride; they were able to gain knowledge and hands-on experience that will allow them to help support the local environment moving forward. Leaving the field trip with a unique experience and valuable resources to help support protection efforts of local waterways, the students are very thankful for the opportunity to visit and explore the Port Royal Sound Foundation.

Photo By Mrs. McAllister

Grease The Musical! By Connor Cooke

The HHIHS theatre department put on the production of Grease the Musical, which had its opening night on Wednesday April 25th at 7:00PM. The show had a total of six performances, taking place from April 25th and 26th and May 2nd and 3rd at 7:00PM, and then April 27th and May 4th at 2:00PM.

If you attended any performance dressed in a 50’s inspired outfit and post a picture to social media, tagging the stage company, you had a chance to win a $100 Truffles Cafe gift certificate!

In addition, the stage company also did previews of the musical for classes at the high school on April 24th. They performed a selection of numbers and scenes in front of their peers, changing what numbers they did for each block. They also offered volunteer opportunities for students who needed or wanted service hours. This would entail helping out with concessions, passing out playbills, etcetera.

Overall, the musical was a fun and entertaining production, and it clearly had a great deal of work and effort put into it in order to make it successful. Maggie McGrath, a student participating in the play, said the production had “a great sense of community due to the large and enjoyable cast”. Other students in the musical called it, “fun and energetic” and “a spectacular musical”. It also served as a good adaptation of the iconic, cult-classic movie that is Grease, and it does not fail to include many famous scenes and events into the play.

Photo By Mrs. Schoelkopf-Lewis

Senior Events By Steve Cobb

At Hilton Head Island High School, the seniors are leaving the Nest. Fortunately for them, they were able to partake in some activities that will create plenty of beautiful memories for them to ponder on 20 years from now. These activities were the grad-bash, cap and gown parade, and prom.

First was the grad-bash. Mr. Willard and Mr. Ewing took seniors to Universal Studios and Volcano Bay in Orlando to participate in grad-bash. They stayed up really late until the park closed. Seniors were gone for almost 48 hours. This was the first year since COVID that HHIHS was able to do grad-bash.

Next was the cap and gown parade. On the Friday before spring break, all of the seniors dressed up in their cap and gowns and walked from elementary, to middle, through the high school. This was used to reminisce on all of the grades they went through.

Then seniors participated in prom. This was not an exclusive senior thing, but there were more seniors than any other grade at prom. Lastly, was the senior breakfast and slide show--a tradition at HHIHS that was held on Monday May 19th. Seniors watch a slideshow, sign yearbooks, and eat a breakfast together.

Black History Month BY Connor C., Steve C.. Josh C., and Smith K.

The month of February is Black History Month,. HHIHS celebrated in many ways one of which was that staff could decorate their door in a Black History Month theme. Some doors had quotes from African Americans such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglas, and more.

Black History Month celebration also featured daily trivia questions about prominent black celebrities and a musical tribute of songs from influential black artists. Each morning, students got to see a trivia question related to a black celebrity during the morning news. This was used to test knowledge and encourage people to talk about the impact these people have had on our society. From actors and musicians to athletes, the trivia questions spanned a wide range of topics, which effectively shows the diverse things African Americans have done for our country.

As the school day ended, the PA systems played music in the hallways from black artists as well. This musical tribute celebrated the positive influence that black musicians have had on the music industry. From jazz and blues to hip-hop and R&b, the diverse genres show the creativity of black artists.

The Journalism and Event Management classes collaborated together to conduct interviews in celebration of Black History Month. In groups, the students were assigned a staff member that they were required to interview. Ms. Eastham and Ms. Spisz both came up with thirteen interview questions for their students to ask. Examples include, “Where are you originally from?”, “Where did you go to college?”, and “Who is your favorite black athlete?”.

While the students interviewed their assigned teachers, they also filmed at most three of the questions they asked. This recording would then be given to Ms. Spisz to put on the morning news show during Black History Month. It was also required to make a poster that contains all the questions, with answers. These posters would be printed and hung up by Ms. Eastham who hung them up near the Black History Month balloon arch in the brown brick area of the school. In previous years, the Event Management classes have done this assignment, but this year Journalism joined them to add a video element to the project.

HHIHS also had spirit days on Fridays during Black History Month. The spirit days included 90s Hip-Hop, Jersey Day, and Afrocentric Day. There was also one morning where students and staff wore Afrocentric clothing and did a fashion parade around the school.

Photo By Mrs. K. Smith

Coming Home 2025 BY Connor C., Steve C.. Josh C., and Smith K.

This year’s Coming Home was against the Colleton County Cougars. The Seahawks celebrated in several ways. The first was a basketball game buyout that was held on Wednesday February 5, 2025, and it was the boys’ basketball team against the male staff members and the girls’ basketball team against the female staff members. This event was a buyout which uses the money to provide a student or students with a scholarship that is in the name of a guidance counselor who passed away from cancer a few years ago. Buyout tickets were $1 and students were able to pay for the tickets during lunch from Monday through the day of the basketball game. The basketball game was held during fourth block. Each game was five minutes long. In the beginning of the first half it was the girls’ basketball team against the women’s faculty. Although the women faculty had some good defense, the girls’ basketball team won. Next up was the boys’ basketball team against the men's faculty. The boys put up a very good fight but the men’s faculty were stronger and better than them. While it was half-time there was a competition with how many times one student from each grade could put the basketball in the hoop. First it was between a freshman and a sophomore. When time was up the freshman had the most points and won. Next it was a junior and a senior. It ended quickly with the junior taking the win. The finale was between the freshman that won and the junior. Although the freshman did well against the sophomore, the junior took the win. The basketball game was back on with the girls and the women’s faculty going first. Both games ended with the same results with the faculty teams winning.

The Coming Home spirit days were Monday was Pj day. Tuesday was dress up day. Wednesday was hashtag day. Thursday was camo/wildlife day. Friday was 90’s hip hop day.

The 2025 Coming Home court included the freshman court which consisted of two students, Bailey Baroni and Kiedis Smith. Sophomores voted for Hayden Crocket, Thaddeus Czarnecki, Sharlene Mosquiera, and Sasha Bush. The junior court consists of Sonny Bambeck, Keiten Thierry, Daniel Maklogin, Faith Morgan, Lawton Crose, and Julia McKenna. Finally, the elected seniors for the Coming Home court are Nathan Apy, Malachi Bynum, Gary Greenberg, Tristen Simmons, Veronica Markowitz, Jessica Staigar, Hannah Dye, and Piper Basciano. The 2025 Coming Home King was Malachi Bynum. The 2025 Homecoming Queen was Veronica Markowitz.

Photo By Mrs. Schoelkopf-Lewis

Photo By Myles H.

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