Plantation Voice Spring 2024

THE PLANTATION

Letter from the General Manager

Hello Rose Hill Residents!

It’s spring in Lowcountry when everything is starting anew! In our community we are pleased to welcome eight new members to the Rose Hill Board of Directors. Congratulations to David Berliner, Scott Firetto, Daniel Fults, Eric Larson, Jon Nelson, Samuel Robinowich, and Sue Wolford and to returning Board member, Chris VanGeisen.

This Board is the first to be made up of so many new members and the first required to complete a 3-hour training course through Community Association Management (CAM). They are also the first group of Board candidates to meet with the General Manager and Former Board President for a briefing event where we discussed the roles and responsibilities of the board, the management team, conflicts of interest, code of conduct and confidentiality, and other important topics.

With the added training and potential mentorship opportunities with former Board members, Rose Hill will have a well-informed board with diverse personalities and life experiences, resulting in thoughtful, educated decisions made on behalf of the community. These dedicated volunteers, selflessly give of their time to serve the POA members. There will be times when they will shine and times when they will grapple with very complex issues.

In the past several years, I’ve had a front row seat to observe different boards in action. One thing they all have had in common… they were faced with challenging situations that sparked strong emotions within the community. In due course, this board will also be confronted with potentially explosive matters and some members will not agree with their recommendations. We can all help our new Board be successful by listening, offering constructive feedback, seeking the truth on matters before lashing out, and extending kindness and grace. The end goal is to build trust between the Board, the POA staff and all Rose Hill residents.

Anyone who has served in a leadership role has probably read the Man in the Arena quote by Theodore Roosevelt. This year, When the prior Board was going through their own set of challenges, former Board President, Mike Hagen, brought in a framed copy of the famous quote to remind them all that it is not the critic who counts. I will close with this quote.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

― Theodore Roosevelt

I’m eager to work with our new Rose Hill Board of Directors and pledge the support of the POA staff to help them achieve the important goals on their agenda.

Crystal Higginbotham

CMCA® AMS® | Rose Hill POA, General Manager Office: 843-757-2450

Rose Hill Board

David Berliner

Scott Firetto

Daniel Fults

Eric Larson

Jon Nelson

Susan Tucker

Samuel Robinowich

Chris VanGeison

Sue Wolford

Board positions to be announced.

POA Office Hours

Mon–Thursday: 8am-5pm Friday: 8am-1pm

POA Staff

Crystal Higginbotham CMCA, AMS General Manager crystal@rosehillpoa.com

Caroline Adams Office Manager caroline@rosehillpoa.com

Lisa Darazs Accounting Administrator accounting@rosehillpoa.com

Adrianne Collins-Brown Administrative Assistant frontdesk@rosehillpoa.com

Ron Pfuhl ARB Administrator arb@rosehillpoa.com

Thomas Tracy Operations Manager Thomas@rosehillpoa.com

Kirkland “Kirk” Adams Chief of Security security@rosehillpoa.com

Letter from the Audit Committee

The Rose Hill Audit Committee is a standing committee oriented to the financial affairs of the Association. Our mission is to provide expertise and recommendations to the POA Board of Directors on financial and administrative matters.

The Committee meets on a monthly basis with the General Manager, Staff Accountant, Treasurer and Board Liaison to review the month’s financials. This includes the Treasurer’s Report, POA and RHGC Golf Profit & Loss statements, Balance Sheets, POA Cash flows and Owner Receivable Balances. After reviewing the monthly transactions, any adjustments to be made, would be included in the following month’s reports.

Additionally in 2023, the committee recommended various special reports (Special Assessment Payments, Community events, etc.) be completed on a monthly or quarterly basis, would also be reviewed at our monthly meetings.

In addition to the above, the Audit committee members took on the task of reviewing both the current and future vendor contracts. This would include the following:

Equestrian | Tennis | Security | Landscape | Restaurant

Minutes are taken at every meeting and sent to POA for publication on the Rose Hill website.

Another annual responsibility of the Audit Committee is to create the new year’s budget for the following:

• POA Profit & Loss Statements including Capital Expenditures

• IGM Golf Profit & Loss Statements

Audit meets and works with the POA office to review inputs from the various committees’ requests, (Social, LRP, Equestrian, etc.) as well the input from POA General Manager and IGM – RHGC Budget requests. The data needs to be reviewed, adding various items, and deleting others. The end goal is to have a Budget that can be reviewed with the POA Board of Directors. The package includes annual operating income and expense and the capital budget. This was completed on October 26, 2023 for the 2024 Budgets and approved by the Board of Directors.

Audit and the POA office work with the independent outside auditors to determine the scope of the audit. All the relevant documents requested by the outside auditors are provided by the POA staff. After the data has been completed by the auditors, the first draft of the information is reviewed by the RH Audit Committee and any necessary changes are agreed upon by all the committee members in attendance.

The auditors will then update the data, independent auditors’ report and consolidated statements and meet again in order to review the updated information. If no further issues need to be addressed, the final report and documents will be prepared and returned to POA office.

Audit results are reviewed following the completion of the audit and recommendations on any procedures or policies (if required) are made to the Board.

Michael Burnce

Chair, Audit Committee

Current members of the audit committee:

Michael Burnce

Audit Chair

Ron Stovall

Jay Parks

Jack Diver

George Kelly

Terry Boyer

Cathy O’Connor

Crystal Higginbotham

General Manager

Lisa Darazs

Staff Accountant

The Board Treasurer and Audit Liaison

To be determined.

What’s the Buzz about “5B”?

Submitted by Susan Tucker & Mike Hagen

If you have been a Rose Hill resident for less than 4 years, you may be wondering about the email blasts and social media chatter regarding “5B” and the Bluffton Parkway extension.

The Phase 5B project is an approximately 3-mile road that would reroute the Bluffton Parkway, beginning at Buck Island Road, to where Buckwalter Parkway intersects with the southern portion of the Bluffton Parkway.

This section, originally designed back in 2006, would run directly behind Bill Baker Park. It would also enable development of the tract known as Willow Run, which lies immediately behind the homes on the west side of White Oak.

The tract, which lies in the Town of Bluffton, is subject to several commercial and residential development agreements by the Town. A connector road is also planned between 278 and the proposed new section of the Parkway. Both roads, if built, will provide for development of that tract. It will result in increased traffic on 278, destroy wetlands, adversely affect drainage, and increase noise pollution for all the surrounding communities.

Engineering costs for this road are included in a proposed Transportation Infrastructure Plan (TIP) to be funded by a sales tax increase to be voted on in November 2024.

The projected cost to build Phase 5B:

• $25 million in 2013,

• $42 million in 2018,

• and now, $62 million.

The roads would run through an area that backs up to six different neighborhoods, all of whom oppose the new road. Clearly, the town, which will see significant tax revenue from the commercial development, wants to push this project through despite the adverse effects on some of its own residents and those of the county. The connector will add traffic to 278 requiring another light. Suffice to say, adding a road behind these neighborhoods will dramatically decrease property values and further exacerbate traffic issues by adding more commercial development, including hotels. It is also important to remember the environmental impacts, as this is one of the last remaining areas of undeveloped greenspace left on 278 between Sun City and Hilton Head.

What Can YOU Do to Help Stop 5B?

Sign the Petition

• Along with other affected Communities, we are working on several fronts to remove this road from the TIP. One such front is a petition to the County Council, signed by as many voting residents as possible. You can sign at Change.org.

• There is a paper petition at the POA office if you’d like to top by and sign in person.

The North South Connector would run from Rt. 278 south along the western boundary of Rose Hill (Sorrellwood Lane and Whiteoaks Circle) down to the proposed 5b (“Bluffton Parkway realignment) to open the land to its west to development.

Buckwalter

Attend the Beaufort County & Bluffton Meetings

There IS power in numbers. If you can, attend the meetings. Both the 5B Facebook page and the Rose Hill POA page will post meeting dates.

Freshwater Forest/Shrub Wetlands

Freshwater Forest/Shrub Wetlands

278 - Fording Island Road Blu

The Future Bluffton Parkway, aka 5B and Bluffton Parkway Extension runs west from Buck Island Road along the southern boundary of Rose Hill (Greenwood Drive & Canebrake) to the Buckwalter Parkway.

ROSE HILL

WOODBRIDGE

SHELL HALL

PINECREST

PINECREST

RAMPING UP FOR SPRING

9th hole is "lookin good." It will reopen in April.

Spring is upon us and we are ramping up efforts to make Rose Hill Golf Club a premiere destination experience in 2024. Currently there are 4 IGM and 7 LGA/MGA events scheduled. In addition, we partnered with Spark Golf to attract league play.

League play includes the following:

• Mixed Tuesdays (open to all),

• Ladies Thursdays

• Afternoon 9-hole Events

• Men’s Wednesday Gross 9-hole Scramble

• Twilight Play Specials

As for course maintenance we have installed drainage at the 18th hole tee boxes and the 7th green to help alleviate those constant wet areas. We closed the 9th hole in January, in an effort to protect the green due to a total lack of winter sun. This will help better prepare it for summer play. Also, we have clearly marked the distance a cart can approach a hole to create a better chipping surface. Please do not cross the blue lines. In addition to the regularly scheduled green aerification, we will be performing full course aerification in May and August. This will help the grass grow and spread faster into the bare spots on the tees and fairways.

Now that the course is in better shape than when we first arrived 20 months ago, we will begin to actively start a promotion campaign. Last year there were radio commercials which helped increase play. This year, in addition to the radio ads, we are advertising on Facebook and Google using Geo Fencing technology to better target golfers within a specific area. The Communications Committee ran an ad in the CB2 March and April issues and is looking into additional publications to help promote both the course and community.

Recently, residents have been asking about their rates to play. Now that we are in season the 18-hole resident rate is $40 and 9 holes is $22. Each includes cart and tax. As for the practice area it is open to all residents at no charge other than range balls, of which a small bag is $4.00 and large bag $8.00. Currently, practice Hole 1 is only open to paying players due to Hole 9 being closed. Once Hole 9 reopens both practice fairways will be available to you.

Thank you for your continued support as we strive to make RHGC a course we all can be proud of.

Mike

Kuhn, Mark Teed, and the entire IGM Staff

IGM EVENTS

Sat. March 30

Par 3 Tournament

Sat. June 22

Operation Patriots FOB Fundraiser

Sat. September 14

Superintendent’s Revenge

Thurs. November 7

Glow Golf

Aerification

Wednesday-Thursday May 22 & 23

Wednesday-Thursday

August 14 & 15

2024 GOLF TOURNAMENT CALENDAR

LGA/MGA Events

Sat. March 16

St. Patrick’s Day Mixed Tournament by LGA

Sat. April 27

MGA/LGA Member-Member

Sat. May 25

Memorial Day Mixed Tournament by MGA

Wed. July 3

4th of July Firecracker Tournament by MGA/LGA

Sat. August 31

Labor Day Mixed Tournament by the MGA

Saturday. August 12

MGA/LGA Member-Guest

Sat. December 7

Christmas Classic by LGA

HILL Story of the Month

Howdy Mister Harp

James Edward Alexander

Last week I sat and repeated a ritual that has given me pleasure since childhood. I sipped homemade lemonade and ate boiled peanuts. And as I tossed the hulls for the squirrels and birds, I remembered the man who introduced me to this delight. I introduced him in my first book, Halfway Home from Kinderlou, and again seven years ago in a monthly offering. Meet him again.

Domicile and residence are often used interchangeably. A person can have many residences, but only one official domicile. Mister Harp had neither. Our family offered him both.

My mother doesn’t recall how he came to us, who accompanied him to our door, or where he came from. I just remember one summer day when I walked onto the front porch and saw a stranger sitting there. That was not unusual at our home, for many travelers occasionally stopped to refresh themselves, to share a meal, or spend

a night before moving on to a predetermined destination or continuing their search. His presence did not alarm me. He was an adult, so I did what I was taught to do. “Howdy –sir.” He responded, “How you, boy?” He rocked smoothly in a comfortable chair that I had intended to use that day to watch the train. He asked, “What’s ya name?”

“My name is James Edward.” “Ain’tcha got no last name, boy?” I answered, “My name is James Edward Alexander. What’s yours — sir?” “Just call me Harp,” he replied. Now I had enough information to properly greet him. “Howdy, Mister Harp.” He responded, “How you, James Edward Alexander?”

Since the seat I wanted was now occupied, I sat in the swing, alternately observing Mister Harp and the last few boxcars. When the train passed and left a normal calmness, I initiated further conversation. “Whatcha got that stick for, Mister Harp? You crippled or something?” The man smiled and said, “Naw, I ain’t crippled, James

ROSE

ROSE HILL

Story of the Month

Edward. I’m blind, and this here stick is like a pair of eyes sometimes.” I sat silently, wondering if I had said something that I shouldn’t to a blind person. I even closed my eyes and tried to imagine how it would be if I were unable to see the train. Suddenly, I had some reservations about his blindness, so I checked. “If you’re so blind, Mister Harp, then how did you know I’m a boy when I spoke to you?” The blind man gave me an answer. “Boy, when you blind you see some things with your ears. Not only did I know you was a boy, I reckon you about six or seven years old.” He was close. I continued the interrogation. “Whatcha got in that bag, Mister Harp?” He didn’t answer. My mother did: “None of your business.” She then invited him inside to become familiar with the place that he could call his domicile and his residence. Before bedtime, Daddy walked our newest family member around the yard. Mister Harp extended his cane to “see” the corners of the house, to locate the path to Mister Dye’s well for fresh water, and to find his way back to our yard and to the big black cast iron pot. He stored the information about shapes, sizes, locations, and distances in order to find his way in his new environment. The next day a car brought the rest of Mister Harp’s belongings from wherever he last slept. Among the items were a large bag of raw peanuts and a collection of tools, containers, and implements for doing what he did best — roasting and boiling peanuts.

On the third day Mister Harp rose early and got started. To help him get underway, Daddy had filled the large pot with water and had constructed a hearth on which another 10-gallon container rested. Thereafter, he toted his own water and refused offers of help, except to do those things that he couldn’t manage, such as chopping wood. He simultaneously monitored the two containers in which peanuts were boiled and roasted. When the peanuts were cooked and sufficiently cooled, the industrious blind man used his hands to fill 40–50 small paper bags with his product. After a short rest, he headed to the marketplace — the busy streets of downtown Valdosta.

In our town, in those days, it was customary that only White boys peddled their peanuts along the downtown streets. Likewise, I don’t recall seeing any White boys running errands for the soldiers on the troop trains. Economic reality in those days also restricted ownership of downtown property to white merchants. Colored businessmen only worked “across the tracks.” This

territorial division was another way each race identified “our place” and “your place.” Yet, despite the customary restrictions, Mister Harp was allowed to vend on whatever corner he chose, not because of his blindness, but because of his warmth as a person and the quality of his product and service. His packages were full, and when a customer paid him the dime for a bag, Mister Harp smiled sincerely and said, “You gonna enjoy them peanuts. I cooked them with care just for you.”

There is no record, or memory, of how long he shared our home, but we learned to like and trust each other during our days together. When he left, he went across another set of tracks into another hub of Colored activity. He still had his downtown corner of choice, but he was not a young man when he was with us, and by the time I changed schools, old age had forced him to find a suitable spot near his new residence. It was on my route to school, and each afternoon as I passed, we exchanged greetings that transmitted mutual caring and years of friendship: “Howdy, Mister Harp.” “How you, James Edward Alexander?”

Good memories are treasures that we horde for ourselves.

Sometimes they are the only currency that can buy peace of mind.

They give us safe passage to where we were once content.

Good memories are not exhausted by time.

James E. Alexander is a Rose Hill Resident. He has written several books and short stories. To enjoy more of Mr. Alexander’s stories, visit www.jeatrilogy.com.

CLUBS, GROUPS & ASSOCIATIONS

Submitted by Laura Casey – Communications Committee

Welcome to the Rose Hill Clubs, Groups and Associations’ Page!

Whether you are a new resident or have been part of the Rose Hill community for many years and are looking for a way to connect with others, we are sure there is something here for YOU! Check out this list of clubs, groups and associations in Rose Hill, all coordinated by residents. If your club or group is not mentioned below and you would like to have it added, please contact Laura Casey at 404-229-9766 (texting is encouraged), or caseyzoo@gmail.com. The list will be posted on the Rose Hill website under the “For Residents” page.

BOCCE BALL

Bocce, also known as Italian lawn bowling, is one of the most widely played games in the world and is one of the oldest lawn/garden games. The game is simple and can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. The Rose Hill Bocce Ball group will be starting up in April and will tentatively meet every other Sunday at the Bocce courts. Contact Veronica Muir at vmuir@carolina.rr.com or 360-961-0380.

BOOK CLUBS

There are currently three Rose Hill book clubs.

1. Ladies’ Book Club – Meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 9:30 in various locations. They cover a variety of genres and are currently accepting a few members. Contact Marjean Huber at 843-815-2627.

2. The second book club meets the 3rd Wednesday, at various places and times. This club is currently full, but you may contact Linda Jeney at 843-422-0238 to be placed on their waiting list.

3. Rose Hill Readers meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 11:00. For information and to inquire about openings, contact Sheryl Horton at srh4749@gmail.com or 832-265-7103.

CANASTA

Canasta meets on Thursday afternoons, and new players are welcome! If interested, and for updated meeting time/place, please contact Theresa Petruzzi at 843-757-6240.

CARING NEIGHBORS

This group of outstanding volunteers help deliver food to local families, assist with transporting neighbors to doctor appointments, and provide visits for those with limited mobility. Flexible schedules for volunteers! For volunteer information, visit www.caring-neighbors.org or call 843-368-2096.

CRAFT GUILD

People who love to craft can bring their projects to work on independently, while enjoying each other’s company. This group will be starting up again after a “covid hiatus.” If you have an interest in participating, contact Theresa Petruzzi at 843-757-6240. Meeting times and dates will be discussed once interest level is determined.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE

Duplicate Bridge meets on the 2nd Monday, 9:00 am-noon at Colleton Point. They are currently full. For more information, contact Carol Fruit at 618-920-1184.

EQUESTRIAN CLUB

The Equestrian Club is an informal group of neighbors who enjoy horses in any capacity. They have created a network of resources to make horse and barn management easier. They love to gather to socialize and tell horse stories and organize learning events. Meetings are random and scheduled via their FB group. New members are always welcome! Contact Vannessa Weatherford at 843-298-2789

EUCHRE

A Euchre group meets 6:30-9 pm, 1st Monday of the month. New players are welcome and encouraged to contact Kim Dulinski at 419-283-3997

GARDEN CLUB

Meets the first Sunday of the month, 1:30 - 4:00 pm. The official meeting starts at 2:00 with a half hour meet and greet before. Contact President, Lisa Bush: lisadbush@hotmail.com.

JOURNALING

Debbie McNabb has had over 10 years’ experience in facilitating purposeful journal writing groups. As a registered nurse (for 40 years with a master’s degree in nursing), her professional focus was on mindfulness-based stress reduction. Please upcoming journaling dates, call Debbie at 781-775-2171.

ROSE HILL List of Clubs

LADIES BRIDGE

Ladies Bridge meets on the 1st Thursday of every month, 9 am-noon at Colleton Pointe. If interested, please contact Nancy Kirkland at 843-815-9980.

LADIES GAME NIGHT

After taking an extended Covid pause, Ladies Game Night hopes to get re-established. They plan to meet several times during the month. Please contact Theresa Petruzzi for further information at 843-757-6240

LADIES GOLF ASSOCIATION

The LGA meets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, playing 18 holes, usually at 8:30-9:00 am (depending on the season) at the Rose Hill Golf Course. They also meet 4 times per year for a luncheon and business meeting. The LGA is growing and always welcomes new players, and everyone does need an official Handicap to play. For dues, and other information, contact Kathy Burnce, Membership Chair at KMBurnce@yahoo.com or 843-757-0869 or Susan Tirard, LGA President at 843-247-0112.

LAND AEROBICS

This group meets during the year while the pools are not open (Water Aerobics is included later in this list). They currently meet MWF, 9:00-10:00 am and include basic aerobic exercises, light weights, and balance exercises. Contact Debbie Kimson at skimson@aol.com or 330-607-0100.

LITTER GETTERZ

The Litter Gitterz is a merry gang of Rose Hillites who try their best to keep our stretch of Highway 278 litter-free. We meet every three months on the first Saturday of the month at 9:00 am at the POA office. Contact Lisa Bush at lisadbush@hotmail.com or Lynn Zipse at lynnkingsley1@gmail.com.

MAHJONG

The Mahjong group meets on Tuesdays, 1-4 pm, at Colleton Pointe. New members are welcome and they will even teach you how to play! Contact Betty Solomon at 843-757-3017.

MENS GOLF ASSOCIATION (MGA)

The MGA meets Tuesdays and Saturdays, 8:00 am at the Rose Hill Golf Course. Contact the Membership Chair, Jay Parks at 843-757-1577, or Ron Wimbauer, MGA President, at 909-503-2652 or rwimbauer@aol.com.

PICKLEBALL

• Pickle Ball Open Play meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 am at Colleton courts. Contact Colette Goddard at 614-397-3686.

• Pickle Ball meets M/W/F, 10 am, at Colleton courts. Contact Tom Brouillette at 904-497-2709 or Bruce Clemons at 864-426-5559.

ROSEBUDS

Rosebuds is an informal group of lady golfers with various skill levels. They play 9 holes, and days/times will vary according to the season. Contact Linda Miller at linda.miller0527@gmail.com.

ROSE HILL SINGLES

This group within Rose Hill organizes social outings and activities within the neighborhood and the greater Bluffton area. Meeting times and days vary depending on the planned activity and a Google calendar is maintained for members. A monthly email blast is sent to communicate and coordinate events. They welcome new members of all ages!

Contact Sue Wolford at Wolford2120@gmail.com or 703-851-6192.

SIPS AND SUNSETS

Come join your neighbors at Colleton Pointe every 1st Wednesday (except July and December) for fun and beautiful sunsets! 6-8 pm. BYOB (and perhaps an appetizer to share). This is open to everyone in Rose Hill, (over 21) and has become THE place to be!

TENNIS

• Ladies Open Tennis meets on Tuesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. in summer; 10 a.m. in winter, at the Willow Lake Courts. Contact Marlene Dunning at 843-290-2643 or Maureen Valiquette at 407-765-1423.

• Ladies Tennis (3.5 and above) plays on Thursdays, 9-11 am, at the Willow Lake Courts. Contact Barb Danyi at 843-706-3403.

• Men’s Tennis plays M/W/Sat at 8:00 am at Willow Lake Courts. Contact Steve Kirson at 843-757-2246.

WALKING TRIBE

If your idea of exercise is jumping to conclusions or running late, this is the group for you! Starting their walk at Colleton Point, this remarkably diverse group of people will encourage you to enjoy the beauty of Rose Hill while doing the least amount of exercise possible! Currently they walk every day except Sunday (if the temperature is above 45). For information, including times, contact Tribe Leader, Nancy Mac 843-290-7277

WATER AEROBICS

Classes will begin when the water temperature reaches at least 75 degrees consistently. The group meets at Willow Lake pool, M/W/F, from 9-10 am. You will need a larger pool noodle that can hold you, water weights, and water for drinking. Contact Debbie Kimson at 330-607-0100.

WELCOME CAPTAIN KIRK!

head of security

Kirkland “Kirk” Adams has joined the Rose Hill Community as Captain Kirk, head of the security team for DSI. Originally from Walterboro, SC, he currently resides in Hampton, SC. Kirk is a widower with three adult children: Terrance, Travis, and Tiffany.

Kirk is a United States Army Veteran with multiple overseas deployments. His additional professional pursuits have included working as a correctional officer for the SC Department of Correction and a merchandising and sales position with Pepsi, from which he recently retired. After sitting at home for just a few weeks, he discovered he couldn’t just sit around any longer and joined the security team at DSI. He is happy to be serving the residents of Rose Hill and looks forward to getting to know everyone. Please take the time to introduce yourself when you see our very own Captain Kirk around the community!

A few security tips from DSI in light of recent auto break-ins:

1. Do not leave valuables in vehicles and certainly not visible.

2. Lock your vehicles. Most criminals are looking for unlocked vehicles.

3. Make sure firearms are secure in your homes and not in vehicles. This is how stolen weapons get on the street and in the hands of “bad guys!”

4. Even in “nice” neighborhoods, criminals will sneak in and steal.

5. Don’t allow yourself to become a victim.

Library Art Exhibit

Submitted by Marguerite C Carver

We are excited to share a new Mini-Art Exhibit in the Annex Library.

ABOUT Robin Sue Ross

Rose Hill resident, Robin Sue Ross, is an impressionist artist with a degree from Kent State University in Ohio and an art teaching degree. Robin has brought pleasure to clients and gallery visitors with beautifully-executed interpretations of our Lowcountry landscape, flora and fauna. In addition, her custom pet portraits have been a popular success.

We are pleased and proud to have Robin’s art on display currently. She is a member of the American Impressionist Society, The Society of Bluffton Artists and The Art League of Hilton Head.

I hope you will take time to see her works while they are available in our Library.

New Residents

Matthew & Heather O'Shaughnessy

Shelia Rae Eaton

Michael & Gail Kent

Jordan Lettice

George & Kimberly Makar Getz

Thomas & Hanne McNutt

Robert & Patricia Nelson

Michelle & Alexander Palamarchuk

Justin & Janette Paris

Lorene & Timothy Sauer

William & Sheryl Winn

kids spa day

On February 19, Rose Hill moms and grandmoms gathered with their little girls for a Kids Spa Day party. Ten kids signed up and together we laughed, danced, sang and enjoyed each other's company. Chiki Girls Spa was booked to host the fun kids event.

Animal Shelter Drive

Way to go Rose Hill neighbors! You really showed up for the “Will you Paw-lease be my Valentine?” animal shelter drive. Two car loads of much needed supplies and $125 in monetary donations were collected. Thank you to all who contributed.

For more information on how you can continue to help visit https://jarmission.org/.

ROSE HILL Speaker Series

WINTER and Wine

SeriesSpeaker

WINTER SPEAKERS’ SERIES

The Communications Committee wrapped up their first Winter Speakers’ Series on March 19th. Rose Hill residents packed Colleton Point for wonderful presentations from three very knowledgeable, local experts:

Mike Reynolds, Bluffton history expert and founder of “You Know You’re from Bluffton When” Facebook page.

Jonathan Haupt, Executive Director of the Pat Conroy Literary Center, shared engaging stories, photos and videos introducing Conroy’s writing and teaching life.

Erica Veit, Founder of the Daufuskie March Tacky Society which exists exclusively to benefit the critically endangered South Carolina State Heritage Horse.

The Speakers’ Series will start up again this fall or winter. We hope you can join us.

EASTER EGG HUNT

The Rose Hill Easter Egg hunt was held in Willow Lake Park on Sunday March 24th! It was a tremendous success with kids “scrambling” (get it?) to gather 2,500 eggs filled with candy and prizes. The Easter Bunny made an appearance and the Kona Ice truck was on site to serve up their famous icey treat to the kids. It was a fun time for all.

Thanks to our heroic Social Committee for saving a beloved event that Mother Nature almost forced them to cancel. Happy Easter!

ROSE

HILL Womens Golf

ROSE HILL LGA NEWS!

Submitted by Bunny Stoykovich

The Rose Hill Ladies Golf Association continues to grow and with the golf course emerging into the growing season, we are looking forward to a wonderful 2024.

In February, we met for our Annual Meeting and new officers were elected and welcomed. The officers for 2024 are President – Susan Tirard; Vice President – Sue Wolford; Secretary – June Buggie; Treasurer – Pam Hannock; and Past President – Bunny Stoykovich.

Our St. Patrick’s Day Tournament was co-chaired by Jackie Currie and Patti Morrison. It was a fabulous day. Caring Neighbors was the charity chosen as this year’s recipient of our 50/50 Raffle. After playing, a box lunch was enjoyed by all at beautiful Colleton Point. What better way to spend the day after a round of golf, rocking in a chair, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow players and reliving some laughs from the round among breathtaking scenery.

If you are interested in joining the RHLGA, please contact any member or request an application from the Pro Shop. Our membership fee is $25 and we play on Wednesday and Saturday. Our current start time is 9:00 and would love new members!

ROSE

Our pro Mark Teed is terrific!!

Equestrian Center

Equestrian Center News

Submitted by Heather Jenkins

We are looking forward to Spring here at the Rose Hill Equestrian Center – longer days mean we have more times available for lessons and getting projects done. One of the goals I set when I took over as operator was to make the barn a more attractive and active locale for the larger lowcountry equestrian community. One way to do that is to bring in skilled clinicians. I am proud to welcome Bernie Traurig from March 21st through 24th. Bernie is a world renowned talent who has competed at the top of equestrian sport in the Show Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing disciplines. I am getting the Equestrian Center properly equipped to host Bernie at the level he is accustomed – new jumps, well-maintained arenas, and an updated trainer’s stall!

Registration for this clinic has gone really well, drawing people from all over the area and various skill levels. I want to personally invite Rose Hill residents who want to observe Bernie in action to take advantage of the Auditing option being provided for this clinic. I am offering a discounted rate of $25 to residents for the dates of March 23rd and 24th which includes a boxed lunch. Please contact me at (912) 659-0952 to register.

I am also excited to be an active supporter of the Charity Polo Classic on April 7th. I will be offering pre-match entertainment with an equine demonstration as well as hosting a Sponsor Tent. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for one of your neighbors – some of them will be joining me on the field! This is a great way to highlight how special the Rose Hill Equestrian Center is and what an asset it is to this community.

Capping off this effort to stand out in the lowcountry equestrian community, I have partnered with the Rose Hill Equestrian Club to host Clemson University as they present an Equine Workshop focusing on Forage for Beaufort County on April 23rd. We will learn about pasture management and weed identification –something that can benefit anyone whether they have a horse or not. Registration information will be coming soon!

Above: Bernie Taurig and Heather

Below: Bernie Taurig coaching riders at the Rose Hill Equestrian Center.

I am so glad that many of you are interested in visiting the Equestrian Center. Please be sure to make an appointment first. This will ensure that someone is available to greet you and answer any questions. The horses at the facility are all privately owned. Many of the horses have diet and training protocols that we must respect, so petting and feeding is not allowed without owner permission. Thank you for understanding that this is for your safety and the safety of these privately owned horses.

Tennisclub of the Low Country

Tennis of the low country

Tennis courts are busy once again, and Members and guests are enjoying the warmer weather. The USTA winter/spring league session winds up lateApril and then the 65 and 75 age group leagues begin play. Teams are very active taking clinics and team practices, and there is plenty of great tennis to watch.

Our adult programs are in full swing and the updated schedule can always be found on our website at https://www.tlcrosehill.com/adulttennis-programs.html In March had a fun evening celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a fun evening of Triples! Everyone had a blast and enjoyed the social time afterwards.

New to the game? We are starting a Beginner’s Clinic mid-April on Sunday mornings so give us a call to reserve your spot. The program will run for 6 weeks and will cover the basic strokes and positioning and rules of tennis. We’d love to have you join us!

Our junior program is extremely busy and most our levels of play are nearly full. We have a strong coaching staff to help instill the love of game in our youngest enthusiasts. If you would like more information about our Junior Programs which run through June, you can go to our website at https://www.tlcrosehill.com/junior-tennis-programs.html or call the Pro Shop at 843-271-6401.

Coach Tim Eiff (Rose Hill Resident) and his student and the winners of the orange ball tournament are featured in the photos. Juniors in orange ball play on a smaller 60’ court with a pressurized ball for better control. They are just starting to play games and keep score.

Summer camp information is out and can also be found on our website. We will run junior camps during the month of July and reservations are already coming in. Space is limited so please secure your spot early.

If you are looking for some sharp outfits, stop by the Pro shop and browse through our array of IBKUL and Sofabella clothing. We place special orders if we do not have the size or style you would like.

As always, we thank you for your support, stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you on the courts this spring!

TLC Management and Staff

We have been hosting age and level appropriate one day tournaments for our young players in Orange, Green, and Yellow Ball groups. They have enjoyed learning how to play matches, score and develop their skills. Parents have been wonderful supporting the events which run for 3 hours per group. Our pros stay to help them navigate match play and a fun afternoon is had by all. The next round of tournaments will be held in May.

Notable NEIGHBOR

Brittany Bollinger

Submitted by Lu Klaiber

This Notable Neighbor submission honors Brittany Bollinger, the 24 year old daughter of Rose Hill residents and proud parents, Shawn and Nancy Bollinger.

Brittany Bollinger, who resides in Atlanta, Georgia, began working at Delta Airlines in January of 2023. It would be only eight months later that she received an email for a companywide design contest, urging people to submit their original design for a Delta X Team USA Olympic Pin. She spent the next two weeks doing research, going through ideas and drafts, and asking friends and family for their opinions before she submitted her final design. The design focuses on bringing in elements to emphasize the summer games, location of the games, and of course Delta Airlines. It would be one long month of deliberating and over 1500 entries before she received an email that her design had made it to the Top 3. From there it was left up to an employee vote. One week later her design was officially announced as the winner of the contest! With this win her design was going to be turned into an actual pin. As well, her prize was that she won a trip to the upcoming 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Games in Paris, France!

As of now the pins are finally finished being manufactured and have started being purchased and passed around between customers and coworkers. The paper packaging the pin comes in even recognizes the pin as Brittany’s design including her own artistic signature on the back. She happily keeps one of the pins on her work lanyard as a reminder of her accomplishment and to build excitement for the soon to begin Olympic Games!”

CONGRATULATIONS BRITTANY!!!

DELTA AIRLINES, OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF TEAM US

“We are proud to be the official airline of Team USA on the road to the Olympic and Paralympic games Paris 2024, Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Los Angeles 2028.”

Special note: Nancy and Brittany are also artistic cookie decorators and during the holidays, host an annual cookie exchange for their neighbors!

If you would like to nominate a neighbor whose careers, talents, military service or life experiences would be interesting to share with the community, please contact Lu Klaiber at lklaiber@hotmail.com

ROSE HILL Caring Neighbors

Caring Neighbors

By Jane Phipps

Caring Neighbors was organized in 2010 by Betty Miller, a retired nurse who was residing in Rose Hill at that time. Betty had a passion for helping people and recognized that there were adults living in Bluffton who were dependent upon the assistance of others but had no one to call upon for help. Betty eagerly took on the task of finding out exactly what needed to be done to start a volunteer organization that would benefit this group of individuals. Using the model provided by “Beacon Hill Village” of Massachusetts, and with the help of a few people who would eventually become the first Board of Directors, Betty spread the word about her idea and volunteers responded. Ginnie-Lee Chalmers Jett was one of the first Board members and remained in this position until February, 2024. She has taken on many roles over the past 14 years and the present Board (Sheryl Inglefield, Wendy-Orff Brantley, Susan Hazlett, and Jane Phipps) wish to publicly THANK Ginny for her long tenure on the Board and her willingness to remain with us as a volunteer.

For the third year in a row, Caring Neighbors has been chosen to benefit financially from the Birdies for Charity program at the 2024 RBC Heritage Golf Tournament being held at Harbourtown April 15 - 21. We will receive 100% of the money pledged to our organization and the Heritage Classic Foundation will add an

additional 20% to that amount. Additional information is available at HeritageClassicFoundation.com/giving-programs if you’re interested in supporting our mission of helping our Senior Bluffton residents age in the comfort of their homes. Additionally, paper forms are available if you prefer to donate that way and can be found at Colleton River, POA office, the Annex, Rose Hill Golf Club, and Tennis of the Lowcountry. Thank you for your consideration.

Caring Neighbors would like to remind you that we have 5 AED defibrillators: One is at the restaurant in the hallway outside of the ladies room, three are located at our swimming pools, and one is kept in the roving Security car and can be accessed by calling the North Gate at 843-757-3001 or the South Gate at 843-757-3000. In either case, call 911 immediately and start CPR if necessary while a second person gets the AED. Once it is turned on, the defibrillator will give you step by step instructions for its use. Our hope is that you will never need to utilize this device but being prepared may lessen the severity of a cardiac situation should one arise.

If you are interested in being a part of our group, please visit our website at www.caringneighbors.org or call 843-368-2096 for more information.

LIT TE R GETTERZ

Submitted by Bruce Clemens

ON TRACK TO HIT 1,000 BAGS OF TRASH COLLECTED!!!

Thank you to Lisa, Lynn, David, Sheri, Jerry, Zach, Kim, Pam and Steve, the crew who participated in our clean-up on February 3rd. Once again you exceeded all expectations!

We are amassing quite a team – 92 neighbors who have participated in one way or another!

A couple members of the LG team were reminiscing about the Litter Getterz and kicked around some numbers. Guess what? The Litter Getterz have collected 960 bags of trash from Highway 278!

Here are the numbers:

We average 60 bags an event, we do it four times a year and we have been doing it since 2020.

60 x 4 x 4 = 960

Bags/ Event Events/ Year

Bags of Garbage! Years

(Not to mention the bicycle, a pickup liner and a $50 bill!)

Thank you to Lisa Bush for organizing us and for the great photos! Perhaps we need to give a HUGE cash award for the Getter who collects the one-thousandth bag - It could happen on May 4!

Next Clean up is May 4, 9:00 am

meet up at the POA office! Be there or be square!

Long live Rose Hill...

Long Live the Litter Getterz...

Long Live a clean 278…..

ROSE HILL Events

There is a NEW GOLF CLUB APP!

There is a GREAT website to check out for all matters Bluffton!

www.visitbluffton.org

1st APRIL

All Rose Hill pools open on April 1st

Books & Puzzles!

Not only can you borrow and donate books at our Clubhouse Annex Library, you can also borrow and donate jigsaw puzzles. You will find a great selection in the large closet in the back room!

ROSEW DBLUE

JUNE 29TH

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, June 29th, 2pm-5pm Live Music. Food Trucks. Games. Golf Cart Parade.

WILLOW LAKE POOL

2 PM TO 5 PM

Join your neighbors at Colleton Point the first Wednesday of every month (excluding July & December) from 6-8 pm!

BYOB and if you feel like it, bring a snack to share! And, on May 1st we’ll have live music with Jim Davidson! Hope to see you there.

Ro se Hi l l S o c i al Co mmit t e e 2 02 4 Even t s

CelebrateourbeautifulLowCountryneighborhoodandjointhefun-filled communityeventsplannedfor2024!There'ssomethingforeveryonefromoutdoorFREEfamilymovies,seasonalhappenings andholidaycelebrations.

Ifyouwouldlikemoreinformationorwouldliketovolunteer, visittheSocialCommitteewebsite-https://rosehillsocial.com.