Wildlife, not golf, takes center stage on Sun City’s golf course nature tour
BY RICH BERNSTEIN Contributor
The solitude and natural beauty of a golf course totally exposed — no players, no mowers — only the faint sounds of a warm breeze rustling through the pines, a chirp of a bird in the distance, the gentle whir of golf cart wheels — a rare golf course experience that seems more fantasy than reality.
This unique and thoroughly enjoyable adventure is available to residents of Sun City-Hilton Head, by registering for a “Golf Course Nature Tour,” typically a two-hour exploration led by a knowledgeable guide on a selected 9-hole layout. Due to the ongoing renovation of the Okatie Creek Golf Course, nature tours are currently conducted solely on the beautiful Hidden Cypress Golf Course, with hopes they will soon be resumed at Okatie Creek.
As our group, which consisted of an equal number of golfers and non-golfers, began our tour of the front 9 of the Hidden Cypress course, the initial perspectives and impressions of participants was not as varied as one might have expected.
The nature tour provided non-golfers a first opportunity to experience a closeup encounter with the natural beauty, peace and solitude of a golf course setting. Similarly, for the golfers who are typically engrossed in their games, the nature tour afforded a first opportunity to experience the same natural beauty, peace and solitude of a golf course setting, notably barring the distraction of play.
“Slow down” and “smell the roses” are the hallmarks of the guided golf course nature tour, resulting in a much deeper appreciation for the encompassing beauty that exists within the Sun City-Hilton Head community.
Going on a nature tour is reminiscent of Forrest Gump’s Mama’s advice about a box of chocolates — you never know what
you’re gonna get. Seasonal changes, weather variations, time of day and migration patterns all significantly impact wildlife viewing opportunities.
Observing the many species of lowcountry birds can be successful throughout the year but experts advise they are typically best from October through April.
Herons, Egrets, Ducks, Anhingas, Hawks, Eagles, Ibises, Kites, Swallows, Blackbirds and Teals are commonly seen on the tours. Approaching the green of the 18th hole of Hidden Cypress is a rookery with many Wood Storks that can also be easily observed across from the parking lot area.
A notable discovery on our tour was the large lagoon located between the #1 and #10 holes, home of a large alligator, aptly named “Big Bubba.” As we drove to the second hole, we admired the row of loblolly pines, reminiscent of the logging industry and Seaboard Coast Railroad track that existed years ago when the land upon which the golf courses now exist, was a pine tree plantation.
To the right of the third tee box we witnessed the majesty of a gorgeous Live Oak tree, resplendent in Spanish Moss, with a juvenile alligator basking at its base, adding to this special memory!
As we continued our nature tour through swamp and marsh land, we observed many Bald Cypress trees, with their characteristic “knees,” rising above the wet turf. The state tree of South Carolina, the Sabal Palm, was also highlighted during the tour.
To the left of the #7 tee box, our guide advised us of the variety of both non-venomous (rat, pine, king and racer) and venomous (copperhead, cottonmouth, coral and rattler) snakes that live in our lowcountry habitat.
Worthwhile initiatives like the Golf Course Nature Tours don’t just happen on their own. Representatives of the Sun City-Hilton Head Board, the Golf Advisory Committee, Troon Golf Management, the Bird Club, the Fishing and Hunting Club, Okatie Farmers and Avant Gardeners, as well as other community volunteers, all play an integral role in the continued development and operation of this
engaging and fascinating program.
Through Audubon International, an organization committed to implementing environmentally sustainable management practices where people live, work and play, both the Hidden Cypress and Okatie Creek golf courses have earned the coveted designation of Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries. To achieve and maintain the certification, ongoing practices and newly initiated environmental projects are required.
In recent years, Purple Martin bird “condos,” nest boxes and bat boxes have been installed and maintained on Sun City’s golf courses. Measures have also been taken to limit the use of pesticides, establish and maintain wildlife meadows, improve course irrigation systems, allow ample growth of lagoon edges and expand “no mow” areas to enhance environmental sustainability of plant, fish, insect, reptile, amphibian and bird wildlife. A MOTUS tracking system has also been erected to track bird, bat and insect migration throughout our environmentally rich wildlife area.
Sun City’s Golf Course Nature Tours are typically scheduled when the course is closed for play, either during early mornings or later afternoons. Tour size is limited to five golf carts, and during the summer months special tours for grandchildren are also conducted. Due to the
popularity of the Golf Course Nature Tours, it is recommended that residents make reservations as soon as tour dates are announced.
Whether you are a non-golfer who will be returning to the course for a different nine-hole tour, or a golfer who will be returning to test your skills against its many challenges, there’s no doubt you will be returning with a newfound respect and appreciation for the spectacular, thriving lowcountry environment in which we live.
Rich Bernstein recently moved to Sun City - Hilton Head. Rich has been experiencing the joy, challenges and frustrations of golf since his selection as the 6th player on his 5-player high school golf team.
RICH BERNSTEIN
AI snaps into focus at Sun City Photo Club
BY JOE TURINO Contributor
critiquing images to sparking
artificial intelligence (AI) is giving photography a new dimension in Sun City.
This fall, the Photography Club will debut AI classes in its education schedule, thanks to the initiative of members Jim Smith and Shashi Cooduvalli, who brought the idea to Education Chairperson Cindy Fiano. She presented it to leadership, and the decision was made to add it to the club’s fall offering of classes.
Smith was among the first to experiment.
“I started playing with ChatGPT to critique some of my photos,” he said. “It was surprising how the feedback made me look at my images differently.” In late spring, Smith began posting those results on the club’s Facebook, giving other members a glimpse of how AI tools might be applied to photography. At the same time, Cooduvalli was ex-
ploring Microsoft Copilot. “When I saw what Jim was posting, I thought this was the right time to bring AI into the club,” he explained.
The two began comparing experiences and ideas. Both could see how AI might be used not only to critique images but also to spark creative thinking and suggest innovative approaches to their photography. Earlier, Cooduvalli recalled how Tom Mills, during a Composition SIG meeting, asked members to submit their best photograph to be critiqued by an “expert,” and then provided a written critique generated by an AI tool.
It was then that Cooduvalli started thinking of applications where AI could be used in photography and the Photography Club.
By early summer, Smith and Cooduvalli offered to test the concept with a “pop-up” summer class, introducing members to AI’s potential in photography. The turnout and questions that followed confirmed for both that the topic deserved a larger place in the club’s education program.
“We could see right away there was strong interest,” Smith said. “People were surprised at how accessible these tools are.”
This fall, Smith will teach two new courses designed for all members. “Using ChatGPT to Plan a Photography Trip” will show how AI can research destinations, build itineraries, anticipate weather and lighting, and even suggest creative shot ideas—helping photographers spend less time planning and more time behind the camera.
His second course, “Using ChatGPT for Better Photographs,” explores how AI can help break through creative blocks, refine artistic vision, and critique images with
an eye toward composition and storytelling. “It’s like having a brainstorming buddy, mentor, and editing assistant all rolled into one,” Smith explained.
Cooduvalli’s program is presently in use for current member instructors and for club members who may be considering becoming an instructor in the future.
“Designing a Photography Class: From Concept to Slides,” is geared exclusively toward current or aspiring instructors. This course demonstrates how Copilot and ChatGPT can streamline lesson planning, locate sample images, and refine prompts to create more engaging presentations.
Together, these initiatives mark a new chapter for the Photography Club. “The goal isn’t to replace anyone’s eye or judgment,” Smith emphasized. “It’s about giving members another way to think about composition and creativity.”
The Photography Club of Sun City is open to all Sun City residents. To learn more about the club and its fall classes— or to join—visit PCSCHH.ORG.
Score Big with a Seafood Spread
This season, team up with Russo’s Fresh Seafood Bluffton to elevate your tailgate par ty.
We’ ve got an MVP lineup for a winning gameday feast Enjoy f resh f ish for tacos and sliders, peeland-eat shrimp, or house-made crab dip and seafood salads They ’re easy to pack, easy to ser ve, and impossible to resist. At the game or hosting at home, our grab-and-go case is loaded with Lowcountr y crowd-pleasers that’ll keep your guests cheering No cooking required! Fresh. Local. Friendly.
Fur-ball
BY CHRIS ROOSA Contributor
I spent three years trying to find an adult tri-colored King Charles Cavalier. I was at a point where I was about to give up as I was now three years older myself. I had to weigh my age into the mix for the well being of the dog. The day I made the decision to stop the quest; I received the phone call I had been awaiting. A young male had become available as the breeder was going out of business.
This new canine was our fourteenth dog in sixty years. We always had two or three dogs at a time. But normally we owned either a Maltese or Shih Tzu. Both breeds are hair dogs that don’t shed. A King Charles Cavalier is a fur dog; a shedding canine! The key word: shedding.
The first couple of weeks were very trying. The dog was timid, wouldn’t eat or drink, was not housebroken and ran from our outstretched hands. It took a lot of patience to convince him that we were not going to harm him in any way. Once I gained his trust, I took the poor little guy to the vet and had him neutered. Trust lost! But, in time, he became my Velcro dog.
He’s like a large growth on my body. If I’m in bed he’s snuggled up against me. He’ll even lay next to my face dreamily staring into my eyes. If I’m sitting on a chair, naturally he’s in my lap…. all day long! I can’t shower without him. I can’t brush my teeth without this little fur-ball at my feet watching me admiringly.
Immediately I noticed clumps of black/white fur floating across my wood flooring like tufts of tumbleweeds. Balls of fur greeted me, first thing in the morning, before I’d even had my first cup of coffee. Slowly these clumps would drift around the house settling under the couch, chairs or tables. Prior to the arrival of the cleaning lady, I’d be
dust mopping the floors. My efforts were to make her job easier, so she doesn’t quit on me due to this dog. My nightly routine involves putting moisturizer on my face. Did you ever lay on your pillow only to find dog hair sticking to your greased up checks? It’s floating in the air so naturally it manages to land on my creamed-up mug. As I rest in bed, watching television, I’m peeling fuzz off my sticky skin. If I’m not picking strands of his hair off my face I’m trying to keep him at bay, so he doesn’t lick all this lotion off my wrinkled face.
All clothing is covered in fur, from my nighties to my dress clothies. If I want to meet someone for lunch, I need to clean off all this fur with a sticky lint roller before walking out the door. And then there’s food! Never do I sit down to eat a meal that two little black eyes aren’t watching me in a begging mannerism. As I look into those yearning eyes, I am picking dog hair out of my mouth because it’s somehow managed to land in my meal.
Now, he has become totally bonded. In the beginning, when I’d put on my shoes, he’d begin softly whimpering as he figured out I was leaving him. Then it transpired into crying when he saw me dressing. Now he sits at my feet, hysterical, when I begin putting on make-up. The frenzied hysterics continue while following me to the back door. Once I leave the house, he throws himself into his kennel and doesn’t show his face again until my return where upon he once again becomes... Velcro dog.
When all is said and done I would do it all over again as this fur-ball has brought so much love and happiness into my life. I know he’s my very last dog, so I want to enjoy every minute of him, annoying hair and all.
Chris Roosa is a resident of Sun City Hilton Head.
Since the market peak in early 2023, we’ve seen a modest 3% softening, even with a dramatic 641% increase in listings from th e low point in summer 2021. Despite these shifts, the Sun City market has remained remarkably resilient. For buyers, this market presents an excellent opportunity, with more inventory to choose from and increased negotiating power. For sellers, it’s still a great time to capitalize on the significa nt equity gains built during the pandemic years. Navigating today’s shifting landscape takes insight and preparation, and that’s where having a seasoned real estate professional makes all the difference. If you’re considering selling your home, I invite you to take advantage of a FREE comprehensive market analysis and in-depth market review. Together, we’ll develop a strategy to ensure your home stands out and achieves the best possible value in this evolving marke t. Contact me today!
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Active Homes and Villas
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Thinking about listing your home? Start with Simple, cost-effective updates
BY GARY SMYTHE Contributor
GARY SMYTHE
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to make a move, now may be it. With interest rates easing into more favorable territory, many homeowners in Bluffton who have been sitting on the sidelines are beginning to consider their next step. But once you’ve decided it’s time to sell, the big question becomes: how do you prepare your home to make the best impression on buyers?
The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to make your home more appealing. In fact, some of the most impactful updates are also the most affordable.
The first step is simple, declutter and deep clean. A fresh, tidy space instantly makes your home feel more inviting and gives buyers a chance to imagine themselves living there. But if you’re ready to take it a step further, painting offers the biggest return for your money.
While paint prices have risen in re-
cent years, it’s still one of the least expensive ways to increase your home’s value. Dingy walls, outdated shades, or overly dark colors can make a home feel tired. A fresh coat of light, neutral paint, especially in a flat or eggshell finish can brighten up a room, hide minor imperfections, and create a fresh, modern look.
Don’t stop with the walls. Painting the trim can make a huge difference in how crisp and well-kept a space feels. And if you really want to polish your presentation, replace worn or discolored light switch and electrical outlet covers. It’s a small detail, but one buyers notice.
Preparing your home to sell doesn’t always require a major renovation. Sometimes it’s the simple, cost-effective updates that help you stand out, and help you move forward to your next home with confidence.
Gary Smythe is a local Real Estate Agent with William Raveis Real Estate specializing in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island. Gary@GarySmythe.com www. WilliamRaveis.com/GarySmythe
“To plant a garden is to dream of tomorrow.” – Audrey Hepburn
BY ANDREA HOERNER Contributor
Here in Sun City Hilton Head, gardening isn’t just a hobby—it’s a delight. Our mild climate makes it ideal for year-round planting and enjoyment.
Avant Gardeners, a Sun City Chartered Club, was organized in 1998 and now has over 500 members. They are a very busy club and aside from their monthly meetings, other popular events are planned annually.
The Avant Gardeners Sun City Garden Tours are a sellout, with 500 tickets going very quickly. The tours are held every two years and feature several homeowners’ gardens. The tours are fundraisers to support the Community Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden, which is a Sun City amenity that is maintained by the Avant Gardeners. Located by Lake Somerset, the garden is beautifully landscaped with a bubbling water feature at its center.
The Plants and Pots Exchange, which will be held on October 2 at the Sun City Pavilion, is an opportunity for members to expand their collections and share their prize plants.
This year’s Art in Bloom was held in
early September. In a collaboration between gardeners and artists, an original picture is paired with an arrangement.
Just about every garden interest can be found through the club’s six SIGs (Special Interest Groups) which meet monthly.
Carolyn Trueper has been the coordinator for the Sigs for 10 years and she says, “the talent of the SIG Leaders is so impressive as they plan presentations, speakers, and field trips for their members 8-9 times per year.”
Beautiful, small bonsai are nurtured by the Bonsai SIG. The term “bonsai” translates to “planted in a container” and refers to the living art form and the trees themselves, which are kept small by artistic care and environmental confinement.
Growing and maintaining indoor and outdoor container gardens is promoted through the Container Gardening SIG.
Creating beautiful fresh and artificial flower arrangements is the focus of the Designing with Flowers SIG.
The Herb SIG promotes an understanding of growing, maintaining, and harvesting herbs for culinary, decorative, and fragrant use.
The Lowcountry Gardening SIG promotes an understanding of gardening in the Coastal South. Information is provided for many plants, but the club encourages the use of native plants wherever possible.
The Orchid SIG fosters the interest in growing orchids, which are found on every
continent except Antarctica. As one of the largest families of flowering plants, they offer a wide variety of species with unique characteristics.
“Gardening has been an ongoing passion in my life. Upon retirement, I sought new creative outlets for my spare time. A board member of Avant Gardeners recommended joining this club, and it provided me with opportunities to work with so many great and creative members,” says Barbara Radvillas, club president.
Avant Gardeners outreach is Habitat for Humanity. In addition to donating funds , members landscaped 16 new built homes on Hilton Head Island and are now landscaping three Habitat homes in Ridgeland.
Members donate their time and money to purchase and plant shrubs for the front of the homes.
During the holidays, the Herb and Design SIG members make mini floral arrangements for local nursing home residents. The club advocates giving back to members, with craft projects and their annual holiday luncheon.
Avant Gardeners dues are $10 per person, and meetings are the second Monday of the month in Pinckney Hall. Each meeting has a guest speaker. Social time is 1:30 and the meeting at 2 pm. For more information see their listing in Sunsations or contact Barbara Radvillas, schhagclub@ gmail.com.
Sun City group donates
$18,300
Members of 100+ Sun City Women Who Care have donated $18,300 to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) following their May meeting.
NAMI’s mission is to improve the quality of life for people affected by mental health conditions through advocacy, education and support. The organization works to promote recovery with dignity, hope and reduced stigma.
to NAMI
A presentation of the donation included Jennifer Carlin, who nominated the organization; Shelley Hammond, NAMI executive director; and Heather Galvin, a NAMI board member.
The 100+ Sun City Women Who Care is a giving circle that pools member contributions to make a greater impact on local nonprofits.
ANDREA HOERNER
Purple passion flower blooming in the butterfly garden
