Jan. 5, 2016 • Volume 19, Issue 1 • Complimentary • www.blufftonsun.com
INSIDE • New Miss Bluffton winners 12A • Boys & Girls Clubs honor long-time supporters 16A • Interested in nonprofit board service? 22A • Bluffton Business Awards finalists 24A • Tips for loving your hair 43A • Begin training new pup now 44A
Safety is focus of new U.S. 278 frontage road By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR
Nervous parents and Sunday drivers will find their commutes on U.S. 278 near Buckwalter Parkway in Bluffton a bit easier and much safer by this time next year. The traffic congestion near St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church will abate with construction of a frontage road that connects the church campus with the entrance to the Bluffton Township Fire District headquarters and the entrance to Berkeley Hall at the Buckwalter Parkway intersection. A new, full traffic light planned for the fire station entrance will give eastbound drivers heading to church and school a
safer way to cross the highway than waiting for a break in the traffic. “It’s difficult to get in here, but the police force has done a really good job on Sundays,” said St. Gregory pastor Monsignor Ronald Cellini. “It’s during the week we worry. We have three Masses every day. Just regular weekday traveling is dangerous, and Saturday night. With the new lights and all the development on the property, I think it’s just going to be a nice flow.” The project was officially underway following the Dec. 15 groundbreaking ceremony at St. Gregory. It was a plan 10 P H OTO B Y G W Y N E T H J. S AU N D E R S years in the making, as noted in remarks Participating in the readings for the groundbreaking ceremony at St. Gregory the Great Catholic made by state Sen. Tom Davis, RChurch are, from left, the Rev. Matthew Gray, parochial vicar; Monsignor Ronald Cellini, pastor; and Please see ROAD on page 6A
sixth grade students William Lemire and Katie Lyons, assisted by the school’s Latin teacher Rich Fagon holding the microphone.
Bluffton builder hopes tiny homes will make a big impact By Dean Rowland CONTRIBUTOR
South Carolinians will long remember the devastating flooding early last October that washed away bridges, swelled creeks and rivers, displaced hun-
dreds from their homes, forced road closures, caused fatalities and wreaked billions of dollars in damage. Some residents are still living the nightmare that struck the Midlands and Lowcountry on Oct. 4 in the 1-in-1,000year natural event, living in temporary
shelters and hotels. Ben Kennedy usually thinks big when building homes, but recently he downsized his dreams to think small…as in “tiny homes.” “My realization (at the time of the flooding) was there was going to be a need for housing, and there was
going to be a lot of people displaced,” said Kennedy, a Georgia native who owns Brighton Builders in Bluffton, a high-end builder of residential homes and upscale renovations. Please see TINY on page 10A
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SUNNY SIDE UP
Listen to the stories of others to find nuggets of value By Lynne Cope Hummell EDITOR
Everyone has a story, though it might take some effort to bring it to the surface. What can we learn, what can we appreciate, what can we celebrate in hearing the stories of others? Let’s find out.This is the first in what I hope will be a regular series of stories about People I Meet. --My husband and I were having a beer at San Miguel’s in Shelter Cove Harbour on Hilton Head. In the summer, visitors crowd the place. In late fall, we were two of a sparse group of diners. A familiar song was playing on the sound system, the volume rather low. “Are we listening to Edwin McCain?,” I wondered aloud. The man sitting across the bar looked up from the work papers strewn in front
of him. He had a pencil and a calculator. I surmised he was the manager on duty. “Ummm, no. This is, ummm, oh, Hootie and the Blowfish!,” he replied. “It’s kind of funny,” he said, “that they actually sort of got their start here. They used to play at a bar called The Old Post Office.” I knew then that he thought we were tourists. He didn’t know we too had heard them there, back in the ’80s. “I used to go to the Old P.O. before I went to college,” he said. “I thought they were pretty good. By sophomore year, everybody was tired of them. But I remember listening to them here first.” He paused. “I probably shouldn’t have been in the bars that early,” he chuckled. We ordered a salad from Carrie the bartender and began chatting with her. Soon, the topic of cold pizza came up. Best breakfast in the world, she said. Yes, I agreed. “Wonder why nobody sells it
that way?,” I pondered. “A great idea would be for a clever restaurant to sell cold pizza as a breakfast item.” “David!,” Carrie exclaimed to the man with the papers. “Did you hear that? A restaurant that sells cold pizza for breakfast! Isn’t that a great idea?” “That is a great idea,” he said. The pizza discussion continued until our salads arrived. Both Carrie and David were gracious and wise enough to stop talking to us while we ate – a sign of true restaurant professionals. A few minutes later, a server came out with a newspaper folded to the crossword puzzle and put it in front of David. I couldn’t discern what was said, but the server left the paper and walked away. David studied it for a while. “Damn crossword,” he muttered. “Tough one?,” I asked. “Yeah. I have dyslexia, so working a crossword is challenging,” he said. “It’s
the vowels that get me. If I mix up an ‘a’ with an ‘e,’ it makes the next word really difficult to figure out. But I work on them every day.” He had a keen sense of attention to detail – working on spreadsheets and conversing with strangers with great ease, while keeping an eye on the door, his staff and his customers. The crossword stumped him, yet he still continued to challenge himself with it. To me, this was evidence of skill in persevering through adversity. He picked up his worksheets and the crossword and walked away. A few minutes later, he came back to the bar and made a point of asking us how our meal was – another sign of a good manager. Excellent, we replied. “That’s good to hear,” he said. “My name is David, by the way – David Thornton. Thanks for coming in. I hope you’ll come in again.”
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EDITORIAL Current Circulation Via USPS is 27,494 Finalist: Small Business of the Year, 2014, HHI-Bluffton Chamber. Winner of the 2011 SAPA General Excellence Award; 1st place, Front Page Design; 2nd place, Most Improved Publication; and 3rd place, Self-Promotion Advertising. 2013 IFPA-SAPA 3rd Place, Business Coverage
PUBLISHER B.J. Frazier, bjf.citysun@hargray.com
EDITOR Lynne Hummell, editor@hargray.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kim Perry Bowen
OFFICE MANAGER Susan Tarbona
CONTRIBUTORS Barb Bausch Mary Bieda Abby Bird Karen Doughtie Tom Ferraro Jean Harris Alison Jedrick Lou Marino Andrea McGilton Oswald L. Mikell Falecia Mize Debbie Morris
Sam Posthuma Carlos Ramos Diamond Riegel Dean Rowland Gwyneth J. Saunders Bill Sauter Arthur Segal J Lanning Smith Denise K. Spencer Larry Stoller Kathie Walsh Mark F. Winn
COPY EDITOR Pam Gallagher
ADVERTISING • B.J. Frazier 422-2321 • Tim Anderson 540-0882 • Bill Griffin 705-9453 • Dean Rowland 609-505-2195 • Stan Wade 338-1900 • Larry Stoller, real estate, 290-5101
Review of past year reveals many changes By Weston Newton CONTRIBUTOR
Change is the only constant. It is cliché, but demonstrably true. This past year has been one of profound change in our state. For example, one of the perennial impediments to progress in South Weston Newton Carolina has been our history of racial mistrust and tension. One of the flashpoints has always been the matter of the Confederate flag either atop the statehouse or on the grounds. The flag was a reminder for many of our citizens of our state’s fraught racial history, from slavery to Jim Crow and beyond. This past year, the flag was removed from the statehouse grounds, but the catalyst for the change was horrendous. The Mother Emanuel Massacre left nine dead, including our Sen. Clementa Pinckney. In response, the governor and the leadership of the General Assembly finally did what heretofore could not be done, and placed the flag in a more
VISIT: www.blufftonsun.com For more information, contact: B.J. Frazier PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-9507, 843-757-9506 (fax) 14D Johnston Way Bluffton, SC 29910 All submissions must include name, address and phone number. The Editor reserves the right to edit or reject any material, including advertisements. The Bluffton Sun does not verify for licenses, endorse nor warrant any advertised businesses or services. The opinions and views expressed in the editorials are not necessarily those of the Editor and Publisher. Member: Southeastern Advertising Publishers Assoc., Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Old Town Bluffton Merchants Society, Jasper County Chamber of Commerce.
appropriate museum setting. The result was race relations, at least in the Lowcountry, were unfrozen, leading to at least a glimpse of what might be possible. Thousands of Charlestonians walking together across the Ravenel bridge, black and white, many hand in hand, was astonishing and, in many ways, revolutionary, for our state. The unprecedented October rains, and the accompanying catastrophic flooding, was another cause for change. Not only did we see an outpouring of civic virtue, in the form of local heroes loading their trucks with supplies for the hard-hit areas of the state, but we are also likely to see the General Assembly, again, do what could not be done, which is to repair and upgrade our failing transportation infrastructure. The disaster revealed how fragile we have allowed our roads and bridges to become. It highlights the absolute necessity to reform our Department of Transportation, but also to provide a consistent source of funding for this essential aspect of state governance. Any strategic overview of how to advance our state, relative to our regional competitors, begins with reforming our ethics regime. I was confident that the
disgrace and removal of two of our top state officials for corruption would have made ethics reform a top priority. I was mistaken. As long as the South Carolina Senate will not accept any version of outside oversight of ethics issues, the good work of the House in this area will languish. Of course, I will continue to beat the drum for this urgent reform. That said, as I become more experienced in the culture of the legislature, I understand that we are a body that values incremental change over costly revolution. In looking more closely, I noticed that the clerk of the House has reported that due to an increase in the number of committee meetings being streamed on ETV, our streaming capacity has doubled. This is due, in no small part, to the fact that this legislator, as chairman of the Legislative Oversight Committee (LOC), insisted that we televise every meeting and hearing of our committee. Ethics and transparency reform is not moribund; it is just taking a more subtle form in our statehouse. In truth, I am excited by this development. Weston Newton is the representative for District 120 in the State House of Representatives.
Letters to the Editor To the Editor: One senior awoke to see Santa Claus bearing gifts at the foot of her nursinghome bed. The woman started giggling, saying, “I never thought I would see Santa again!” This is just one reaction to the giftgiving program known as “Be a Santa to a Senior.” At Christmas, needy children and families are remembered while isolated seniors are often forgotten. Home Instead Senior Care of the Lowcountry receives the names and three wishes for each person from local agencies serving seniors. The first name
and wishes are placed on a paper ornament; then taken to participating local retailers, civic clubs or residential neighborhoods. Community members take ornaments, fill the wishes and return the gifts to the host. The gifts are then retrieved by Home Instead, checked, wrapped and delivered to the seniors before Christmas. This is the ninth year of the program, which grows yearly. With the assistance and generosity of the community, this year we were given 652 seniors’ names and had the privilege of delivering 3,346 gifts.
We would especially like to thank Santa’s helpers: Sun City’s Alexandria Village, Okatie Village, Willow Brook Village and People, Pets and Plants Club; Markel’s Card and Gift Shop; Curves of Bluffton; the Stephen Ministry at Church of the Cross; CPM of Beaufort; Hilton Head Senior Center; all branches of CoastalStates Bank; and Palmetto Self Storage. Happy New Year! Rachel Carson Owner, Home Instead of the Lowcountry Please see LETTERS on page 14A
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ROAD from page 1A Beaufort, and several others at the ceremony. “I think it’s a long time coming, with a solution that really is a win-win for all sides,” Davis said. “I think everybody is satisfied with the outcome. It’s not one of those situations where you get somebody begrudgingly accepting something. You’ve got a deal that really meets the needs of all parties here.” The church was dedicated Sept. 3, 2000. With the 2007 dedication of the school, the need increased for a safer way into the campus. “The challenge has been having decent access into our school and church property. Even with the changes that they had made to help alleviate some of that concern, it actually created more of a challenge,” said St. Gregory School Principal Chris Trott. “Morning rush is a challenge on 278, and so when you have folks who are trying to make a U-turn, it’s very dangerous.” The western end of the frontage road will merge into the main access road of
This artist’s rendering of the road’s master plan was provided by land planners of Witmer-JonesKeefer Ltd. of Bluffton.
the church’s neighbors at Berkeley Hall. In August, that gated community’s residents voted 315-4 in favor of the project after six years of negotiations. “I think it’s a good, safe solution for everybody for the safety of the kids and for the parishioners coming to St. Gregory and also for our residents,” said
Adrian Morris, general manager and chief operating officer at Berkeley Hall. “Putting the light at the fire station has really helped everybody and was one of our major concerns.” When the agreement between Beaufort County and Berkeley Hall was announced in August, Beaufort County
Administrator Gary Kubic stated in a press release that the county had the funding already in place to complete the project, which was designed by Bluffton landscape architects Witmer-Jones-Keefer Ltd. At the groundbreaking ceremony, Deputy County Administrator Josh Gruber said the work would begin immediately, with the goal to have the project completely open from the east end to the west end by the time the next school year starts in August. “It’s an aggressive schedule, but we want to have that in place for the students to have that to utilize before they start school,” said Gruber. “It took a little bit of compromise by all parties to finally come to a solution that’s going to allow for a frontage road to get in here that’s going to help make it safe for both the parishioners and the students to come in and out of this property.” Gwyneth J. Saunders is a veteran journalist and freelance writer living in Bluffton.
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GROUPS & GATHERINGS Civic Clubs • American Legion Auxiliary: 2nd Monday, 7 p.m. 4 Clubhouse Dr., Rose Hill Plantation. • Bluffton Rotary Club: Every Wednesday, 7:30 a.m., Bluffton Community Center at Oscar Frazier Park. 815-2277. www.blufftonrotary.org. • Bluffton Toastmasters: Every Thursday, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Lowcountry Presbyterian, Simmonsville Rd. Dave Robbins 705-9997 or darobbins67@gmail.com • Democratic Club of Beaufort County, South of the Broad: John Giles, 689-3006. president@scdem club.com; www.scdemclub.org • Lions Club of Bluffton: 2nd Tuesday. Brenda Linblad, 757-3747. • Military Officers Association of America, Lowcountry: 2nd Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. Lady’s Island Airport. lcmoaa@gmail.com or www.lcmoaa.org. • Republican Women of Southern Beaufort County, 3rd Monday. 912-401-2628, vano9144@bellsouth.net • Rotary Club of Okatie: Every Tuesday, noon. Sigler’s Rotisserie. Julie Lester, 384-8010 or jlester@bbandt.com. www.rotaryclubofokatie.com • Unanimity Masonic Lodge #418. 2nd Monday, 6:30 p.m. St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church, 20 Pope Ave. Hilton Head. Jim Kilgore, 785-4766. • VFW: Call Joe Viens, 757-2757. • Zonta Club of Bluffton: 3rd Wednesday, 5 p.m. info@zontaclubofbluffton.com. General • Bluffton Book Club: 3rd Wed. 1:15-3 p.m. Bluffton Library, except June, July, Dec.. 255-6503 • Bluffton Public Library: 10-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs..; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Closed Sun. 255-6490. • Bluffton-Jasper County Volunteers in Medicine: 706-7090. • Christian Fishing Association 247-0241 or www.christianfishingassociation.org, or stuartg@christian fishingassociation.org. • Dos Lupes Gun Club: Every Saturday at club’s gun range in Ridgeland. Russ Keep, 683-4407. • Drinking Liberally: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., various locations. www.hiltonhead@drinking liberally.org. • Genealogy Group: Thursdays, 2 p.m. Bluffton Library. 255-6503. • Green Drinks Bluffton: Last Thursday. 6:30 p.m. Chris, 816-0317, or Mark 301-2327. • Heritage Library History & Genealogy Center, 852 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. Mon.-Tues., Thurs.-Fri., 10 a.m.-3
p.m. Linda Piekut, 686-6560. www.heritagelib.org • Hilton Head Island Ski Club. Monthly TGIF, trips, socials, skiers and non-skiers. www.hiltonheadskiclub.com • Island Singles, social activities for mature singles. Jane Tapia, 785-5724. www.hiltonheadislandsingles.com • Island Writers’ Network, first Monday, Heritage Library, 852 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. www.iwn-hhi.org or call Sansing McPherson, 682-8250. • Italian-American Club of HH, 12:15 p.m. Thursdays, Flora’s Cafe, South Island Square, 841 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. John De Cecco, president, 401-524-1416. • La Dolce Vita, Italian American Club Sun City, quarterly. 7 p.m., Pinckney Hall, Sun City Hilton Head. Jim Cacciola, 705-2771. • Lowcountry Chapter American Guild of Organists: 2nd Friday. W. Raymond Ackerman, 888-8400152. www.lowcountryago.org • Lowcountry Civil War Round Table: 2nd Wednesday, Sept. to May (no Dec. mtg.) 6:45 p.m. at Bluffton H.S. auditorium. Joe Roney 838-4972. • Lowcountry Professional Women’s Networking Group, 3rd Tuesday, noon, luncheon, Oldfield Club. Danielle Jeffcoat, 815-4054. • Lowcountry Property Management Association, third Tuesday, noon, Country Club of Hilton Head. 785-3447. lcpmahhi@aol.com • National Active & Retired Federal Employees (NARFE)-Hilton Head-Bluffton Chapter 2258: First Tuesday (Sept-June) 11:30 a.m., Golden Corral, 1196 Fording Island Rd., Bluffton. Bob Chase, 705-6125. • Rug Hooking Group, 2nd Sat. 1-3, Bluffton Library. 255-6503. • U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Uniformed, volunteer component of USCG. Hal Blaisdell, 705-5424. • Widows and Widowers (WOW), 3rd Thursday, 7 p.m., All Saints Episcopal, 3001 Meeting St., Hilton Head. Marilyn Brian, 689-5378. Health and Fitness • Bluffton Health Center: Immunizations, family planning, STD control. Appt only. 757-2251. • Bluffton Fins Swim Team & Bluffton Redfish Summer Swim Team: Swim programs for all ages. Practice groups at Bluffton Pool. 298-4491 or www.blufftonfins.com. • Community Weight Loss Challenge: Ongoing 8-week program, payouts for winners. 843-644-1991. • Diabetes Classes: Free to Medicare participants. 1-800-922-3089, ext. 7585 for times, locations. • Lowcountry Vegan Community Outreach. Various events. www.meetup.com/Lowcountry-Vegan
• Med-I-Assist: Free assistance for low-income patients. Tues., Thurs. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 757-4818. • PRC Running Club: Group runs, various times, locations. www.meetup.com/Palmetto-Running-Club. • Sea Island Sea Kayakers: 684-3296. • Senior Tennis: Thursdays, 9 a.m. edchen@aol.com • Team in Training: Local training for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society fundraisers. Jade, 843-881-8176. Support Groups • Aging Gracefully: 11 a.m. 3rd Wednesday, various locations. Leah Kidwell, 843-422-2612. • Alcoholics Anonymous: Meeting daily at YANA Club, 107 Mathews Dr., Hilton Head. For schedule, www.YANAClub.com. • Alcoholics Anonymous: For meeting information and locations call 785-2921 or (888) 534-0192 or en Espanol 247-2713. www.area62.org. • Al-Anon: Bluffton UMC, Calhoun St., 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; St. Luke’s UMC, 3080 Okatie Hwy. 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. • Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group: 2nd Wednesday, 2 p.m. NHC, 3039 Okatie Hwy. Stacy Floyd or Heather Miller, 705-8220. • As It Began Group, Alcoholics Anonymous: Tuesday 1:30 p.m.; Thursday 7:30 p.m. YANA Club, 107 Mathews Dr. 290-2292. • Bereavement Support: New Beginnings, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 2:30-4 p.m., Lowcountry Presbyterian. Renee, 706-2296. • Bereavement Support: Thursdays, 5 p.m. Tidewater Hospice, 10 Buckingham Plantation Dr., Ste. A. 757-9388. • Breast Cancer Support: First Thursday at 10 a.m. Bluffton-Okatie Outpatient Ctr. Pat Southworth, 705-5607 • Breastfeeding Support Group: Thursdays, 2:30 p.m. Hilton Head Hospital. 689-8110. • Cancer Support: 3rd Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., BlufftonOkatie Outpatient Center. 815-4090. • Caregiver Support: 3rd Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. Palm Meadows Court, 48 Main St., 342-7122 • Compassionate Friends: For bereaved parents and other adult relatives. Usually 3rd Saturday, 1 p.m. Bluffton Library, 120 Palmetto Way. Chris 422-2083 or Jay 422-2082. • Diabetes Support: JDRF Adult Type 1 support, adultt1dgroup@gmail.com • DivorceCare Group: Lowcountry Community Church, 816-7722. divorcecarelcc@hargray.com. Church of the Cross, Calhoun St. 757-2661. • Emotions Anonymous. Mondays, 6:30 p.m. Call
252-917-7082 or 252-2479. • Experiences in Aging Support Group: Twice monthly, alternating between Bloom Hilton Head, 35 Beach City Rd.. and Bloom Bluffton, 800 Fording Island Rd. Carly Wallace, 342-5599 • Hearing Loss Association of America Lowcountry: Quarterly. Laurette Del Pozzo 705-3088. • Helping Parents Heal, for parents who have lost a child, 2nd Sunday, 1-3 p.m., Seaquins Ballroom, 1300 Fording Island Rd., Bluffton. 201-233-6015 • HIV/AIDS Support: Free, confidential HIV testing, counseling. Call 379-5600. • Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry: Free adult literacy tutoring and English instruction. 686-6655. • Many Faces of Dementia: 2nd Monday, 10 a.m. Bloom at Belfair, 60 Oak Forest Rd., Bluffton. 815-5350. • Memory Matters: Dementia care support groups, various focus, times. 117 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. 842-6688. www.memory-matters.org • Mental Health Association of Beaufort-Jasper Counties Rendezvous Club: 1st and 3rd Wednesday, 6 p.m. Social club for adults recovering from mental disorders. 682-2900. • MS Lowcountry Support: Betty, 757-4402. • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Caregiver groups, 4th Tuesday, 10 a.m. Lowcountry Presbyterian, general; NAMI Connection: Monday, 5:30 p.m. NAMI office, 117 Wm. Hilton Pkwy.; Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., USCB Gateway Library. 681-2200. • NAR-ANON: Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. Central Church, 975 Wm. Hilton Pkwy., Hilton Head. Kevin, 717-314-9704. • Narcotics Anonymous: Wednesday, 6:15 p.m. Bluffton Library. • Overeaters Anonymous: Tuesdays, 6 p.m. St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3080 Okatie Hwy. Bebe, 318-393-5297. • Pain Support Group: Mondays, 2 p.m. Church of the Palms, Okatie. DeeAnn, 298-2900, 681-7830. • Parkinson’s Disease Support: 3rd Thursday, 2:304 p.m. Memory Matters, 117 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. Adrienne O’Neill, 836-2727. 4th Thursday, 12:45-2:30 p.m., Bluffton Medical Campus. Muriel Coleman, 987-3505. • Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group: 6 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday, Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, 7 Plantation Park Dr., unit 4. 706-2296. • SC Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation. Joanna, 785-9109. • Survivors of Suicide (SOS) support: 6 p.m. 1st Monday, First Presbyterian Church library, 540 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. Vanessa Riley, 384-2901. vrileyhhi@gmail.com
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TINY from page 1A “I realized I wanted to help in some way, and I was ready to take my little boat and go up to Columbia or Charleston and start pulling people out of their houses,” said the 33-year-old husband and father of 2-year-old twins. Within a week after the natural tragedy, he began building a tiny home on May River Road near the Corner Perk. The tiny home movement has been a slowly growing trend in the country in the 21st century, inspired mainly by financial necessity and social reform. “I thought I could build these little houses here and deliver them to where they needed to go,” said Kennedy, who founded his company five years ago. “I made it into a custom home, just on a smaller scale.” After five-and-a-half weeks, he and his team of local volunteers completed construction of his first tiny home, and he has begun work on a second. Some of the money and supplies came from donations; the rest came out of Kennedy’s own pocket.
home with plenty of storage space throughout,” he said. Among the features are custom wood flooring and walls in the showers, a full-size refrigerator, a sliding door between the bathroom and living area, a premium gas stove with oven and countertops, a P H O T O B Y D E A N R O W L A N D pantry, a wardrobe Ben Kennedy inside the 200-square-foot tiny home he built to donate. closet, custom walls Kennedy’s tiny home has one bedand windows, central heating and room, a full bathroom, a full kitchen and cooling, a mounted flat-screen television a living room area. in the living room, a couch, and a sitting Sounds pretty much like a normal area with two chairs. A ladder leads to dwelling except for the fact that it’s only the queen-size bed in the loft with 200 square feet of living space – 160 in charging stations on both sides and a the living area and 40 in the sleeping loft. reading light. “It has all the features and amenities He believes the home will be transyou would typically need in a basic ported soon, somewhere within the state.
He has been working closely with a nonprofit organization in Texas on the logistics and screening of possible occupants. Whoever moves in will only have to pay the utility bill, about $30, Kennedy said. He envisions the tiny home being repurposed for years to come. Occupants might live in the home for a few months until they find permanent housing, and then the tiny home will become the new temporary home for another family, and so on. “A tiny house that keeps on giving is my goal,” he said. Giving back is a way of life for Kennedy, who was on the receiving end of support when he endured three rounds of debilitating cancer and its long recoveries. “I’ve been knocked down, but I got back up, and I never let it (the cancers) take me out,” he said. “As long as I’m alive and kicking and well, I’m going to keep going and doing and trying to give.” Dean Rowland is a veteran senior editor and freelance writer living in Bluffton.
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Local beauties named winners in local pageant
P H OTO S U B M I T T E D
Winners of the Miss Bluffton pageant are, from left, Miss Bluffton Britney Wilson, Miss Bluffton Teen Barbara Frederico and Miss Bluffton Pre-Teen Angelina Facenda. Joining the ladies is Ashley Byrd, director of the Miss South Carolina Pageant.
The Miss Bluffton Scholarship Program has three new ambassadors. Miss Bluffton Britney Wilson, Miss Bluffton Teen Barbara Frederico, and Miss Bluffton Pre-Teen Angelina Facenda were officially crowned at the Miss Bluffton Pageant held Dec. 5 in the auditorium of the Bluffton High School. The pageant is an official preliminary for the Miss South Carolina Pageant, precursor to the coveted Miss America Pageant held each year in Atlantic City. N.J. Pageant director Sabra Stutz of Bluffton said she was very pleased with the pageant and the winners. Wilson is a senior at Hilton Head Island High School. She gave a vocal performance to Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love,” with which she won the talent competition. Other Miss Bluffton winners include: first runner-up Claudia Swidzinski, who also won the swimsuit competition. Frederico is a sophomore at Hilton Head Island High School. She gave a vocal performance of “The Climb,”
which won for her the talent competition. Sabrina Powers was Miss Bluffton Teen gown winner. Facenda is a fifth grader at Red Cedar Elementary. She performed a lyrical dance to “Winter’s Night.” She won both the talent and evening gown competitions. Jasmyn Schettino was first runner-up for Miss Bluffton Pre-Teen. The emcee for the event was Poppy Miller, a communications major at USCB who is also a reporter for WHHI-TV on Hilton Head Island. This year’s event was sponsored by Mike Reichenbach Chevrolet and the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. The new Miss Bluffton winners will be seen throughout the community as they spread awareness about their platforms, raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network, and prepare for the Miss South Carolina Pageant in June. For more information or to book an appearance, call Stutz at 843-837-2002.
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LETTERS from page 4A To the Editor: Let me start by indicating I’m neither a gun owner nor a gun advocate. But I do fully support what I believe was/is the intent of the second amendment and have no problem with people owning reasonable weapons for both their hunting experiences, target shooting, and for personal protection. After the Colorado Springs and San Bernardino incidents, when anyone mentions “improve gun control,” the gun advocates and especially the NRA immediately say “they want to take all of our guns away?” Clearly that isn’t the intent of those who want to propose outlawing some assault type weapons and extra large capacity magazines. Most of the “gun control” advocates, and I, see no reason to believe that these types of weapons and magazines are necessary for or needed by hunters, personal protection, or target shooters to pursue their gun avocation. Obviously, I don’t support taking
away or making illegal all long guns, hand guns and reasonably-sized magazines – and I don’t see a “slippery slope” potential here. Additionally, I do fully support closing any existing loopholes in gun purchasing and gun registration procedures and perhaps making these procedures uniform throughout the country. Again, I’m not sure how closing these loopholes would significantly affect the pro-gun community nor diminish the rights guaranteed by the second amendment. Certainly, the two sides should be able to fully understand that it’s not an “all or nothing” argument and that there’s plenty of room for compromise when discussing this very volatile issue. Can’t we get some rational thoughts into the discussion? Michael F. Vezeau Bluffton To the Editor: Many talking heads brand Donald Trump un-American and unfit to be
president, but his poll numbers accurately reflect people’s frustrations and fears over an America they no longer recognize. So, what is “America” today? Is it a foreign policy that fails to protect our borders, support our allies and allows tens of thousands of Syrians into our country, ignoring the terrorist threat and forcing them upon the states? My cap says “these colors don’t run.” Is it “American” to withdraw from the international stage, become a feckless spectator while the world descends into chaos, nullify all the blood and treasure lost in Iraq, while Obama preaches to West Point graduates that climate change is their most immediate enemy? Perhaps it’s “American” to allow race relations to devolve and fester with no attempt at healing the growing divide from Obama while the cities burn and a few tragic incidents incite a national war on police, castrating their effectiveness. Maybe it’s “American” to turn our universities into coddling bastions of polit-
ical correctness where students are encouraged to imagine insults and aggression in every discourse, snuffing out free speech and creating distrust among one another. Or is it “American” to claim a bogus 5.3 percent unemployment rate with millions of Americans still suffering while the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows it to be twice that nationally and higher for the inner cities. America has lost its morale, identity, purpose and place in the world. The next president must restore them. That’s American. Don Maresca Bluffton
Editorial Policy The Bluffton Sun welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must be no longer than 250 words and must include the writer’s name, address and phone number. Email letters to editor@ hargray.com.
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Boys & Girls Clubs honor long-time supporters The Boys & Girls Clubs of Bluffton and Hilton Head Island will host the 2016 Hope & Opportunity luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Westin on Hilton Head Island. This year’s event will honor Bluffton Police Chief Joseph Reynolds and Hilton Head’s Margie and Stan Smith, all longtime Club supporters and champions of children. The Bluffton Club started the luncheon in 2012 as a way to honor those who have achieved professional excellence, actively served the community and have directly supported the club. This is the second year the event will be co-hosted with the Hilton Head Island Club. Joseph (Joey) Reynolds was appointed Chief of Police for the Town of Bluffton in 2012. He is an active member of the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton’s Advisory Board and a strong supporter of the Club’s Explorers Learning for Life Program, which teaches youth ages 12 to 17 basic law enforcement training as well as life and leadership skills. “Chief Reynolds has been a huge supporter of Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton, understanding that together we are building a better Bluffton, one child at a time,” said Molly O. Smith, Bluffton Club unit director. Reynolds also makes himself or other officers available to provide police presence at the Club during special events. In 1996, board member and International Tennis Hall of Fame president Stan Smith chaired a capital campaign to secure $5 million to build a Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island facility. Smith and his wife, Margie, have continued to serve the Club by remaining active board members and volunteers. The couple chairs the annual Hilton Head Island Club Spring Gala, which in 15 years has raised more than $2 million for the Club.
“Stan labors on the Club’s behalf in one way or another almost daily, and has made supporting the Boys & Girls Club mission a priority in his life,” said Kim Likins, Hilton Head Club unit director. “Margie graciously gives of her time most every afternoon to help with just about anything needed at the Club,” Likins said. “The Smiths’ commitment to the success of the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island is unprecedented.” The Boys & Girls Clubs of Bluffton and Hilton Head Island serve about 1,500 youth annually and work to provide them with a fun, safe and constructive environment when they are not at home or in school. Club members interact with friends, classmates, and supportive volunteers and staff while they enjoy activities designed to put them on track to achieve academic success, become productive citizens and live a healthy lifestyle. This event benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs’ STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Program. Jobs in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields are growing nearly twice as fast as other fields, presenting young people a huge opportunity. With this in mind, the Clubs work to engage their members in STEM education during out-of-school time in hopes of giving Bluffton and Hilton Head Island-area youth the opportunity, skills and confidence to one day succeed in STEM fields. Past Hope & Opportunity honorees include Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka, educator and businesswoman Dr. Helen Ryan, President and CEO Warner Peacock of New River Auto Mall, President and CEO Denise Spencer of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, and Merrill Lynch financial advisor Susan Ketchum. The luncheon is open to the public. Tickets are $75. For more information, call Micki Schiffman at 843-379-4530 or visit www.bgclowcountry.org.
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Noteworthy • The hours at various Beaufort County Library branches have changed. The Bluffton Branch will continue to offer 50 hours of operation per week. Daily hours are now 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The library is closed on Sunday. The Hilton Head Branch also will continue to operate for 50 hours per week. New hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The library is closed on Sunday. The Beaufort District Collection, 311 Scott St. in Beaufort, will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, and by appointment only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For more information call the main library at 843-255-6430 or visit www.beaufortcountylibrary.org. • The Arthur E. Wiley Post 49 of the
American Legion will host its second annual D. H. Dare Maness Oratorical Contest for high school students at 2 p.m. Jan. 7 at Hilton Head Island High School’s Seahawk Cultural Center. The event is free and open for the public to attend as audience members. The purpose of this year’s “A Constitutional Speech Contest” is for students to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the U.S. Constitution. Other objectives include the development of leadership skills, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation of the duties and responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. The winner at the Post level will compete at the Quadrant level (nine Lowcountry counties), and be eligible to advance to the national level to compete for scholarships up to $18,000 for first place. For more information, call Kenneth James at 843-816-5933.
• Maye River Quilters will celebrate its first anniversary at 10 a.m. Jan. 9 at The Haven at Riverside. The social will begin at 9:30 a.m. For more information call 843-7572526 or email mndswan@aol.com. • The holistic practitioners at Just Be Centre in Bluffton will offer workshops and seminars on a variety of topics this month. Among them are the following. “Healthy Cleanse & Detox,” led by Sarah Mastriani-Levi, from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan.9, will provide healthful information and lifestyle tips for attendees to immediately put into practice. Cost is $15. To register, call 843-757-7512 or email just becentre@gmail.com. “Aromatherapy Blending Hour” with Lin Drechsler will be held Jan. 9 from 10 to 11 a.m. Cost is $45 and includes a take-home blend. Call 941-735-8373 to register. Dwanna Paul, trance medium, will lead “Circle of Lights,” a session on com-
municating with spirits, Jan. 9 and 23 at 7 p.m. Cost is $40. Call 972-735-8188 to register. Paul also will present “Activate the Law of Attraction” Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. Participants will create personal 2016 dream boards. Cost is $30. Call 972735-8188 to register and learn about supplies. “How to Drop the Diets & Create a Lifestyle Change,” a workshop led by Mastriani-Levi and Dr. Moshe Dekel, will be held 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 20. Cost is $15; to register, call 843-757-7512 or email justbecentre@gmail.com. “Supporting ADHD with Nutritional & Natural Remedies,” an interactive discussion led by Mastriani-Levi and Dekel, will take place 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 30. Cost is $15; to reserve call 843-757-7512 or email justbecentre@gmail.com. Just Be Centre is located at 159 State St. in Bluffton Village. For full details, visit www.justbecentre .com.
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Noteworthy • Helping Parents Heal, a support group for parents who have experienced the death of a child, will hold its next monthly meeting 1 p.m. Jan. 10 at Seaquins Ballroom, 1300 Fording Island Rd. (Hwy. 278) in Bluffton. The group meets the second Sunday of each month. The newly formed local group is part of an international organization that offers bereaved parents support and resources to aid in the healing process. The group is free and open to the public. For more information about the local group, call 201-233-6015. • The Athletic Club of the Lowcountry will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 11 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 350 Buckwalter Parkway in Bluffton. Social time with refreshments will begin at 6:30 p.m. Jim Buser, owner of Sports Addiction in Okatie Village, will be the guest speaker. Buser is a former track athlete at
Oklahoma State University, a tri-athlete and bicycle racer. His store caters to the amateur athlete, especially cyclists. Members and guests are welcome to attend. Guests should call Judy Barry at 843-540-7159. The club meets the second Monday of each month except June, July, August and December. • An informational and organizational meeting for a new Kiwanis Club in the greater Bluffton area will be held 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at Golden Corral, 1196 Fording Island Rd. (Hwy. 278) in Bluffton. All interested are invited to attend to learn more about Kiwanis International, a worldwide service organization, and the new local club. Kiwanis is an international organization with more than 100 years of service to communities and children around the world. For more information, contact Phil Kiser at 843-842-6615 or Pkiser 9947@aol.com.
• Heyward House Historic Center, 70 Boundary St. in Old Town Bluffton, will host its annual Volunteer Recruitment Social at 11 a.m. Jan. 15. The Center is seeking volunteer tour guide-greeters and help with its educational programs. Refreshments will be served, and prospective volunteers will meet docents and staff. For information, call 843-757-6293. • A free Bluffton Health & Wellness Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 16 at Technical College of the Lowcountry’s New River Campus, 100 Community College Dr., Bluffton. The event will feature free health screenings; healthy cooking and exercise demonstrations; information on medical and holistic wellness, weight loss, chiropractic and in-home care options; and door prizes and drawings. The Expo is hosted by the Greater Bluffton Chamber and Healthcare Network Group of the Lowcountry.
For more information, call 843-7571010 or 843-837-5627. • The Camera Club of Hilton Head Island will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, 2 Mathews Court. Scott Schroeder, wedding, family and lifestyle photographer, will be guest speaker. The meeting is free and open to newcomers and guests. For more information, visit www.cchhi.net. • Just midway through the fiscal year, FastTrackers Toastmasters Club of Hilton Head has been recognized as a “Distinguished” club for 2015-16, the only Toastmasters club in the Lowcountry to accomplish this level of member success in the period. The group meets at 7:45 a.m. Fridays in the Community Room of Palmetto Electric Company, 111 Mathews Dr. Visitors are always welcome.
Jan. 5, 2016
The Bluffton Sun
A Grands Christmas
HELP By Barbara “Nonna� Walton 3 of the grandchildren for the weekend. at the door: can we have more hot chocolate? can we have cookies? can we paint the driveway? at the door: connor hit me. maggie is being mean.
katy is being a hog. we are hungry. we need more food for the 2 boys who are visiting from next door. they will not let me ride their bikes. can we go in the pool? we like cold water. nonna, are you listening? nonna, why are you always cleaning? nonna?
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Jan. 5, 2016
CHARITY
Is serving on a nonprofit’s board right for you? By Denise K. Spencer CONTRIBUTOR
Several times lately, individuals have approached me as follows: “I’ve been asked to serve on a nonprofit board. What questions should I ask? What do I need to know? How do I decide?” Here’s my list: 1. Do you have a true interest in the mission of the organization? If not, no matter how badly you might be needed, it will seem like drudgery. Pass. 2. Does the organization have Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance? As a board member, you are legally responsible for the decisions you make and for the actions of the organization. D&O insurance is liability insurance that can reimburse you for losses or advance legal defense costs for actions brought against you. Intentional wrong-
doing, of course, would not be covered. If there is no D&O insurance, pass. 3. What is expected of board members in this organization? How many years would you serve? What are the dates, times and frequency of board meetings? Would you serve on committees as well? Is there an expected monetary contribution to the organization, and is it within your comfort range? (Every board member should plan to make an annual gift, however.) What “extra” expectations are there? Selling gala tickets? Soliciting donors? Meeting with grant makers, or government officials? It is important that you know what to expect, just as if you were taking on paid employment. Can you envision yourself working there? Are the expectations in line with your time, skills and abilities? If not, pass. 4. Do your due diligence on the
organization. As you review the audit, the 990 (the nonprofit’s tax form) and annual report, is there anything that causes you discomfort? Unreasonable debt? Limited sources of revenue? Is there an active legal action against the organization? What is its reputation? Do you know anyone on the board? If so, what is his or her reputation? Check them out on The Giving Marketplace (if it’s a local, Lowcountry organization) at www.cf-lowcountry.org, or check them out on www.Guidestar .org. Do an Internet search for media stories – are they positive? If red flags emerge, at least ask the chief executive or board chair to answer your questions. If they are not answered to your satisfaction, pass. 5. Why you? Why now? Finally, ask why you specifically are being approached. Is there a skill set they need to advance their mission or their strategic
plan? Are they impressed with your ability to speak, fundraise or lead? Understand that each person on the board has legal obligations, and there is no such thing as just a name on the letterhead. If you feel you can be of value to a great cause, then welcome to the sector! If you’ve done your homework and made a good match, nonprofit board service can be some of the most satisfying volunteer work on the planet. Imagine supporting causes in significant ways – with your money, your time and your talent – and addressing important needs. Living generously in this way can be rewarding beyond belief. Give it a try! Denise K. Spencer is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. www.cf-lowcountry.org
Jan. 5, 2016
The Bluffton Sun
HOME TECHNOLOGY
Answers to commonly asked audio-video questions By Carlos Ramos CONTRIBUTOR
Anyone in a technology-related field can tell you that perhaps the biggest part of their job is to provide answers to questions that range from mundane to bizarre, and with integrators and audiovideo specialists tackling solutions across a variety of disciplines, questions become equally varied. However, there are always a few questions that seem to be asked on a regular basis. While some of the topics raised by these questions have been covered either briefly or at length in previous articles, let’s start 2016 with a quick look at some of the more frequently asked questions and some quick answers to these. “Can I have one control for everything, and can it be easy to use?” With manufacturers now including remote controls for nearly all electronic devices, this has become a very common inquiry. The answer is yes, with the stipulation that level of ease of use in a universal control system is contingent on the extent to which the user is willing to invest. Control solutions can range widely in both form and function, from the long-used handheld style that some refer to as a “wand” or “clicker” controlling a few A/V components, to systems that can include controls for lighting, shades and security, and for which tablet or wall panel interfaces are used. All remote solutions need programming, and any reliable system will require programming to be done by a trained technician. “What wireless surround sound system do you recommend?” Short answer: None. While some surround systems do provide partial wireless
options, these are never reliable, with signal loss being common, and sound quality well below audiophile standards. “Do I need 4K?” You need air. You need water. 4K? No, you don’t “need” it, but I do recommend it for TV’s over 50 inches. Simply put, a larger TV requires more pixels to maintain picture quality. Regardless of whether your TV is a 19-inch or 79-inch, if it’s 1080P both have the same number of pixels. In a smaller TV, those pixels will be packed tighter, rendering a sharper picture than a larger TV with an equal number of pixels spread over a greater area, and this is why larger TV’s require more pixels, which is what those numbers, 1080p and 4K, represent. “Do I need Blu-ray instead of DVD?” Like 4K, a Blu-ray player will provide a higher resolution experience from both Blu-ray discs and DVDs. In addition, most Blu-ray players allow for streaming from sources such as Netflix and YouTube. “How can I make my TV less of a centerpiece?” There are a number of different ways to disguise televisions. One option is an art lift. Here, a TV is covered with a painting or picture, and this is raised mechanically with the tap of a button. Other options like TV’s hidden in mirrors or rising from a floor or countertop make excellent alternatives to the art lift. For a more detailed view of what A/V integrators can accomplish, call or visit a local showroom and let one of their expert team members discuss some smart solutions for your technology needs. Carlos Ramos is the sales and marketing manager with Custom Audio Video in Bluffton.
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Jan. 5, 2016
Greater Bluffton Chamber announces award finalists Finalists have been named in nine categories of the inaugural Bluffton Business Awards: Small Business of the Year, Business of the Year, Person of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Business Startup of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Good Heart Award, Professional Education and Development Person of the Year, and Regional Impact Award. Finalists of the Lifetime Achievement and Memorial awards will be announced after press time. Winners will be announced at the Bluffton Ball, to be held Jan. 8 at the Bluffton Rotary Community Center at Oscar Frazier Park. The Bluffton Business Awards and Bluffton Ball were created by the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce to celebrate Bluffton. The event is sponsored by Moonlit Lullaby. Since the Awards Committee began receiving nominations in October, more than 160 were submitted for 90 different businesses and individuals impacting the Greater Bluffton area. Some categories drew more than 20 nominees. Submissions were open to the public and no affiliation was required for nomination or recognition. ““We are proud of our tradition of business in Bluffton. Bluffton represents the best in business, and our local companies do a great deal to support the community,” said Shellie West, executive director of the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. “Our committee has worked hard to narrow down the selection of finalists. Our formula was based on the quality of the nominations, the match to the category criteria, community involvement
and impact, and committee research,” said award committee chair Ron Gray. “Now comes the difficult task of picking just one winner.” Small Business of the Year finalists: Sea Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Accurate Lithography, The Breeze Media, Easy2Own Furnishings Business of the Year finalists: Covert Aire, Beacon Insurance, Coastal Shores Landscape & Property Management, Timeless Interiors, Reichenbach Chevrolet Person of the Year finalists: Lili Coleman, Bluffton Self Help; Mike Covert, Covert Aire; Ben Kennedy, Brighton Builders Nonprofit of the Year finalists: Programs for Exceptional People, Second Helpings, Bluffton Self Help, The Literacy Center Business Startup of the Year finalists: Aunt Laurie’s, Healthsmart, Just Be Centre, Lowcountry Lobster Rookie of the Year finalists: Daniel Lentz, Memory Matters; Mike Reichenbach, Mike Reichenbach Chevrolet; Emily Cohn, Moonlit Lullaby Good Heart Award finalists: Audre Reichenbach, Mike Reichenbach Chevrolet; George Owens, Town of Bluffton; Nate Pringle, A Call to Action Professional Education & Development Person of the Year finalists: Dylan Curtis, Hilton Head Christian Academy; Timothy Chase, Bluffton High School; Marva Neal, Okatie Elementary School Regional Impact Award finalists: Parker’s, John Paul II High School, The Greenery For more information about the awards, visit www.BlufftonBusiness Awards.com.
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Children’s Relief Fund to host 20th Valentine Dinner Dance Feb. 13 The Children’s Relief Fund will present its 20th annual Valentine Dinner Dance at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island in Shipyard Plantation. “An Evening of Love” includes a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, dinner, music for dancing, and silent and live auctions featuring dozens of items. Surprise entertainment has been planned by chair Rose Fotia for the romantic
Valentine love fest. Tickets are $125 per person. For 24 years, the Children’s Relief Fund, founded by Rose and Frank Fotia, has been helping the Lowcountry’s special needs children and their families. The Fotias started the organization when they could find no such resources for their son Gregory. Straight from the Heart, one of the island’s most popular fundraising events,
raises most of CRF’s annual revenue to support programs that include Special Olympics, Heroes on Horseback, Lowcountry Autism Foundation, a summer Strive Camp and Fish with Friends. CRF was the driving force behind the first handicapped accessible playground in our area. CRF fulfills both tangible and intangible needs for families, providing
funding for much-needed equipment such as wheelchairs, prosthetics and medical supplies, and financial support for physical, occupational, behavioral and speech therapies as well as lifeenriching programs. For information on tickets, donations and sponsorships, call Rose Fotia at 843681-7668 or 843-342-5267 or email rfotia333@yahoo.com.
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Business Briefs • The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce will host the 2016 Legislative Luncheon Jan. 6 at the Callawassie Island Club. Registration and networking will begin at 11 a.m. with the program starting at 11:30 a.m. State elected officials will discuss their plans for the upcoming legislative session. The panel will include Sen. Chip Campsen, Sen. Tom Davis, Sen. Margie Bright Matthews, Rep. Bill Bowers, Rep. Jeff Bradley, Rep. Shannon Erickson, Rep. Kenneth Hodges and Rep. Weston Newton. The Chamber will present its 2016 Legislative Agenda. For more information, call the Beaufort Regional Chamber at 843-5258500. • Dan Waymont, agent and producer specializing in homeowners, automobile and flood insurance, has joined Carolina Heritage Insurance. Waymont holds a Bachelor of Science
degree in sports management from Mars Hill University. Most recently he served as the director of soccer for Storm Soccer Academy on Hilton Head Island. For more information, call Waymont at 843-689-3030 or visit www.CarolinaHeritage.net. • Christina Forbis, Realtor and team member of Charter One Realty, was recognized at the company’s annual meeting for being among Hilton Head Island’s top producing agents in 2015. Forbis has a 20Christina Forbis year background in sales and marketing. She attributes much of her success to a strong focus on providing the best customer service to her clients. A Hilton Head Island resident since 1997, Forbis is a committed member of
the community, serving on the Port Royal Plantation board of directors, Zonta Club of Hilton Head, St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church and The United Way major accounts campaign committee. For more information, call Forbis at 843-301-7339 or email her at Christina@ChristinaForbis.com. • Hilton Head Health, an exclusive weight loss spa on Hilton Head Island, was recently named the No. 1 choice for Favorite Health and Fitness Spa, and its new Indigo Spa was featured as a Favorite New U.S. Spa, in American Spa magazine’s annual Professional’s Choice Awards. The retreat also received an honorable mention in the Favorite Spa Cuisine category. The magazine’s Professional’s Choice Awards is one of the industry’s leading awards programs. Winners were featured in the publication’s December 2015 issue.
• Brenda Campbell has been appointed to the position of program director for Jamison Consultants Behavioral Health Center in Bluffton. Campbell, who joined the practice as a counselor in 2014, Brenda Campbell has nearly 15 years of experience in the social service sector and more than 17 years of experience in corrections and correctional programs. Her specialties include counseling of children, substance abuse needs of children and adults, and counseling services in prison settings and residential substance abuse treatment programs. Campbell will be overseeing all behavioral health programs and services at Jamison’s locations throughout the Lowcountry. For more information, visit www.jamisonconsultants.com.
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LEGAL
Two main benefits of using trusts in estate plans By Mark F. Winn CONTRIBUTOR
Using trusts in estate planning is valuable in two main ways. First, assets titled in the name of a trust do not go through probate when the person who created the trust passes. Second, assets left to loved ones in trust can be protected from taxes, probate, loved one’s own indiscretions, loss to in-laws in a divorce, loss to loved one’s creditors, and you can guarantee that your grandkids will get what might be left over instead of your in-law. Meanwhile, assets left in trust for a loved one can be structured so the loved one is in control of the property, so they can use it, but they cannot lose it if they get sued or divorced. For example, let’s say Janice and Frank have been married 30 wonderful years and they have two children named
Franklin and Francine. Franklin is married to Leslie. Unfortunately, Franklin is reckless with money. Franklin has two children: Jerald and Fritz. Francine is married to Jack and she is very frugal. Francine has one son named Alex. Janice and Frank own a timeshare in Florida. Their net worth is about $1,500,000 (counting $200,000 life insurance that will pay off on Frank’s death). Janice and Frank want to avoid the cost and delay of probate. They also want to make sure they or their children will not have to hire a lawyer in Florida upon either of their passing. What should they do? They should each have a revocable living trust that owns their probate property. This will avoid probate in South Carolina and Florida. The exact titling and beneficiary desig-
nations on their assets should be determined with the advice of their estate attorney. Janice and Frank also want to make sure that Franklin will not squander the money, but they want him to benefit. They want to make sure Francine’s share will eventually go to Alex and not Franklin. What should they do? They should direct that Franklin’s share goes into a trust that is tailored so Franklin can’t squander the money. They should direct Francine’s share in a trust that directs the remainder interest to Alex. Results? First, probate will be avoided in Florida and South Carolina. Second, Franklin will not be able to waste the money. It will last. Third, Jack (Francine’s husband) will never get that money. Alex will get what is left over.
It is amazing what a good, solid, simple estate plan can do. And so the moral of the story is that a little planning can make a big difference. Mark F. Winn, J.D., Master of Laws (LL.M.) in estate planning, is a local asset protection, estate planning and elder law attorney. www.mwinnesq.com CORRECTION: In my article in the Dec. 15 issue of The Bluffton Sun, “Those who snooze, lose - and so do their children,” a word was inadvertently changed that changed the meaning of the sentence. “The biggest thing it will do is to guarantee that if you need Medicaid WITHIN five years ...” should have read “The biggest thing it will do is to guarantee that if you need Medicaid IN five years ...” The main idea of the article is that if this process is not done sufficiently in advance (that is, five years or more in advance), it WILL create a period of ineligibility. Therefore, if this is done “within” five years, it WILL create a period of ineligibility.
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Jan. 5, 2016
Let It Grow
P H OTO B Y B R O O K E M E N D E N H A L L
M. C. Riley Elementary School fifth graders applied what they are learning about slowing down storm water runoff to construct a rain garden on the campus. All fifth grade students took part in the project, from planning to site prep, and planting to maintenance. The planting phase is now complete, but students are still sharing ideas about future additions. The project is being supported by a partnership with the Town of Bluffton Stormwater Department, as well as contributions from the Lowcountry Institute, Clemson Extension, Beaufort County Recycling Department, and the Charleston County Environmental Management Department.
Jan. 5, 2016
The Bluffton Sun
MONEY
Investment mistakes to avoid along the stages of life By Bill Sauter CONTRIBUTOR
As an investor, how can you avoid making mistakes? It’s not always easy, because investing can be full of potential pitfalls. But if you know the most common mistakes at different stages of an investor’s life, you might have a better chance of avoiding these costly errors. Let’s take a look at some investment mistakes you’ll want to avoid. When you’re young: Mistake: Investing too conservatively (or not at all). If you’re just entering the work world, you might not have a lot of money to invest. But don’t wait until your income grows; putting away even a small amount each month can prove quite helpful. Additionally, don’t make the mistake of investing primarily in short-term vehicles that might preserve your principal but offer little in the way of growth potential. Instead, position your portfolio for growth. Of course, stock prices will always fluctuate, but you potentially have decades to overcome these short-term declines. Since this money is for retirement, your focus should be on the long term – and it’s impossible to reach long-term goals with short-term, highly conservative investments. When you’re in mid-career: Mistake: Putting insufficient funds into your retirement accounts. At this stage of your life, your earning power might well have increased substantially. As a result, you should have more money available to invest for the future. Specifically, you might now be able to “max out” on your IRA and still boost your contributions to your employersponsored retirement plan, such as your 401(k), 403(b) or 457(b). These retirement accounts offer tax
advantages that you might not receive in ordinary savings and investment accounts. Try to put more money into these retirement accounts every time your salary goes up. When you’re nearing retirement: Mistake: Not having balance in your investment portfolio. When they’re within a few years of retirement, some people might go to extremes, either investing too aggressively to try to make up for lost time or too conservatively in an attempt to avoid potential declines. Both these strategies could be risky. So, as you near retirement, seek to balance your portfolio. This could mean shifting some of your investment dollars into fixed-income vehicles to provide for your current income needs while still owning stocks that provide the growth potential to help keep up with inflation in your retirement years. When you’ve just retired: Mistake: Failing to determine an appropriate withdrawal rate. Upon reaching retirement, you will need to carefully manage the money you’ve accumulated in your IRA, 401(k) and all other investment accounts. Obviously, your chief concern is outliving your money, so you’ll need to determine how much you can withdraw each year. To arrive at this figure, take into account your current age, your projected longevity, the amount of money you’ve saved and the estimated rate of return you’re getting from your investments. This type of calculation is complex, so you might want to consult with a financial professional. By avoiding these errors, you can help ensure that, at each stage of your life, you’re doing what you can to keep making progress toward your financial goals. Bill Sauter is an Edward Jones financial advisor in the Greater Bluffton-Okatie area.
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Jan. 5, 2016
Human trafficking focus of events To mark January as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the Lowcountry Coalition Against Human Trafficking will hold its annual conference beginning at 8 a.m. Jan. 15 at Christian Renewal Church, 95 Gardner Dr., Hilton Head Island. Tickets for the day-long event are free and available at www.brownpapertickets .com/event/2471455. Prior to the conference, at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 14, a meet and greet will be held at Hilton Head Lexus in Hardeeville with filmmaker Robert Bilheimer, creator and director of “Not My Life.” The 2011 documentary, about human trafficking and contemporary slavery, will be screened during the free event. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Bilheimer and ask questions. Human trafficking affects an estimated 20.9 million people around the world, regardless of socio-economic status, history, or political structure. Human traffickers have created an international
market for the trade in human beings based on high profits and demand for commercial sex and cheap labor. The United States and South Carolina are no exceptions. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served in the Lexus dealership’s café. Seating will be limited. Guests are encouraged to register early by emailing lcaht@gmail.com. On Jan. 16, the Savannah Traffick Jam will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Armstrong Center, 13040 Abercorn St. Savannah. The event is presented by the Savannah Interagency Diversity Council (SIDC). Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens will be a keynote speaker. The event will include panel discussions with community service providers. There will also be a “resource fair” available in the grand lobby all day. For more information, find The Savannah Traffick Jam on Facebook.
Jan. 5, 2016
The Bluffton Sun
HEALTH
Make this the year you reach out for support By Karen Doughtie CONTRIBUTOR
Ah… it’s a new year and the perfect time to set a few goals, within reason, such as try to be healthier, happier, and to be a better caregiver while being kind to yourself. Caring for someone with dementia is not easy, but if you reach out to others and surround yourself with positive people, your world will be better. Make this year the one that you find support and accept love from others. Words are very powerful and can give us hope. My hope is that these words of courage and love will offer you some comfort in the coming year: “Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do, but how much love we put into that action.” – Mother Teresa “The love received is the love that is saved.” – Eddie Vedder “Love. Fall in love and stay in love. Write only what you love, and love what you write. The key word is love. You have to get up in the morning and write something you love, something to live for. – Ray Bradbury “Believe you can and you are halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt “You haven’t failed until you quit trying.” – Anonymous
“Begin with the end in mind.” – Stephen Covey “A loving heart is the truest wisdom.” – Charles Dickens “Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.” – Oscar Wilde “The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.” – George E. Mueller “Be determined to handle any challenge in a way that will make you grow.” – Les Brown “Impossible situations can become possible miracles.” – Robert H. Schuller Our mission at Memory Matters is to support our caregivers, offer the best dementia-specific day care center for their loved ones, continue to explore programs for early memory loss such as Connections, and help people understand the importance of keeping a healthy brain with innovative programs such as Brain Boosters. For more information, call our office at 843-842-6688 and talk to any of our staff members. We are all certified dementia care specialists through the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Visit our website at www.memorymatters.org. Karen Doughtie is assistant director of Memory Matters, serving Bluffton and Hilton Head. karen@memory-matters.org
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Jan. 5, 2016
HEALTH
Winter brings with it dry skin problems By Oswald Lightsey Mikell CONTRIBUTOR
It’s winter now, and for many people, the colder weather brings uncomfortable dry skin. The winter months might also pose unique challenges that can create serious dry skin problems. Q: What causes Oswald L. Mikell dry skin? A: Constantly switching between unnaturally dry air indoors and the cold and wind outdoors removes moisture from the skin. Lack of moisture — specifically in the outer layer of skin cells known as the stratum corneum — is the cause of dry skin. Q: Can dry skin be serious? A: At worst, dry winter skin might be
a symptom of eczema, ichtyosis and hyperkeratosis. Q: How do I know if my condition is more than just winter’s dry skin? A: Winter dry skin and eczema both can cause dry, itchy, flaky and red skin. Superficially, ordinary winter dry skin and eczema might look similar, but the conditions are unrelated, with different causes. You should call your dermatologist to have your condition assessed and proper treatment prescribed. Q. Can psoriasis become worse in the winter? A. Dry air and low levels of exposure to sunlight’s ultraviolet rays can aggravate psoriasis symptoms. Not only are the winter days shorter, but also most people tend to spend less time outside, lessening the exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun, which eases psoriasis in spring and summer.
Also, the lack of humidity in the air outside and the dry heat indoors can rob your skin of moisture. Q: What should I know about itchy skin? A: Itchy skin can be irritating, painful and accompanied by a rash. Symptoms of itchy skin might be red bumps, blisters and thick, leathery skin. Many different things can cause itchy skin – including cool dry weather. Proper treatment is important for long-term and even instant relief. Q: What can I do to prevent dry skin? A: Bathe with cool water, use nondetergent cleansers – and moisturize! Your winter skin routine might differ from your summer routine. If you’re feeling uncomfortable about how you look or feel, you should consult your dermatologist for a program customized for you.
Q: Is sunscreen helpful in the winter? A: Sunscreen isn’t just for summertime. It protects the skin from the long ultraviolet A rays and helps prevent redness. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and your hands about 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply frequently. Taking proper care of your skin can do more to enhance your appearance than all the lotions, creams and makeup that are often applied to cover up unhealthy skin. If you are experiencing persistent or uncomfortable dry skin problems, call a dermatologist. Dr. Oswald Lightsey Mikell, certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, is the owner of Dermatology Associates of the Lowcountry.
Jan. 5, 2016
The Bluffton Sun
Picture Perfect
Callawassie Island Photography Club’s fall exhibit, “Postcards from Beaufort,” allowed photo club members to act like tourists in their own hometown, while viewing Beaufort from the perspective of a photographer. Smithsonian Magazine named Beaufort the seventh of 20 small towns to visit because of its quaint charm and historical significance. The exhibit photos captured these Beaufort attributes. Exhibit viewers had the opportunity to vote for their favorite photos, which received People’s Choice Awards. The winners are Bob Norwood’s “Sunset on the Waterfront,” shown above, and “St. Helena Church Spire on a Moody Afternoon”; Dorothy Mosior’s “Lowcountry Beauty”; and Faye Scott’s “Walk to the Park.”
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Jan. 5, 2016
WELLNESS
To reduce anxiety, try shifting your focus in 2016
By Alison Jedrick CONTRIBUTOR
It’s difficult to go out to a large, crowded outing without fearing a shooter or another tragic possibility in the back of your mind. For some, it’s more the front of your mind. Either way, it’s easy to see the world as a dangerous place. Anxiety exists as a warning – an alarm system that something is wrong. As you see all of the terrible things that can happen on the news, it’s easier and easier to think of the world as a more violent place than it used to be. Yet, as you go about your day, do you recognize equally how many people want to be helpful to you, or how many people want to live in peace as much as you do? With social media and 24/7 news channels, it is easy to forget. It’s unwise to be uninformed, but too much information skewed in a way that promotes viewership without regard to emotional wellness is unhelpful for the management of anxiety. This year, in order to reduce your own anxiety, you can do several things to shift your own focus from the blaring headlines of everything wrong in humanity. First, moderate your “mental diet” more carefully. Pay attention to how much news, politics, crime dramas, horror stories, or otherwise potentially
disturbing material you are viewing or reading about. As with food, some things serve people better as an occasional treat rather than a staple. It is important to remain informed to an extent, but unless you are extremely socially isolated it is almost impossible not to know the significant events that transpire from the people with whom you interact on a day-to-day basis alone. A lot of information is truly superfluous to your life. Second, take time to clear your mind. Even if it’s just for a split second, your brain needs a break from time to time. If you are thinking about things seemingly even in your sleep, learning some meditative skills to quiet your mind will allow you to manage your emotional state with much greater success. Challenge yourself daily to see how long you can keep your mind as a blank slate, up to 20 minutes (and not while driving or operating heavy machinery). And finally, if your anxiety persists, it is important to seek professional help. Just as if you had physical symptoms for more than a few weeks, assessment and intervention can help you tackle your problems, bringing you more enjoyment in 2016. Alison Jedrick, MSW, LISW-CP, is an associate with Psychological & Counseling Associates of the Lowcountry, LLC in Bluffton.
Jan. 5, 2016
The Bluffton Sun
Those of Prose
P H OTO B Y F R E D P I T T S
Hampton Hall’s Those of Prose book club’s sixth annual “angel tree” charity book drive collected 529 new books for The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry in Bluffton, CAPA in Beaufort, and The Children’s Center on Hilton Head Island. Pictured from left are representatives from participating groups: Heather Perkins, Cornerstone Physical Therapy; Gina Sebastian Eibest, Harbor Light Insurance and Wealth Advisors investment advisor; Shelly Wright, Harbor Light account executive; Rob Gillinder, Harbor Light partner; Harry Lutz, Harbor Light managing partner; and Alice Pitts, Those of Prose member.
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Jan. 5, 2016
Website service helps users record their legacy Kirsten Hotchkiss, a new resident of Bluffton, and her father, Steve, have teamed up to form a new business enterprise: My Life’s Message, LLC. The company is a website service that enables people to share their legacy with families and loved ones and to record how they want their lives to be celebrated. “My Life’s Message addresses the emotional side of estate planning,” Steve explained. “We prompt users to record information related to dozens of topics, ranging from how they want their life to be celebrated, what final wishes they have, what directions they want to leave behind, and, importantly what favorite memories they want to pass along to their families.” Users of My Life’s Message upload their important information and appoint a “messenger.” When the time comes, the
messenger is able to access the web account and obtain all information the client-user had posted. Kirsten said the website also includes a “Records Roadmap” which provides a way for clients to guide their families to all their important information, including their digital estate, without having to input confidential financial information or passwords. “We want people to feel secure using this website while knowing they are helping their families at the same time,” said Kirsten. “Talking about death can be difficult,” she said, “but we think that My Life’s Message is an easy way to start the conversation, and a wonderful gift to give to one’s family and loved ones.” For more information, visit www. mylifesmessage.com.
Jan. 5, 2016
The Bluffton Sun
WELLNESS
Tackle the habit of procrastination - now
By Mary Bieda CONTRIBUTOR
It is that time of the year again, a time for examining our lives, deciding what we want to change, and setting goals. However, if you are anything like me, it might also be a time for remembering all those idealistic past New Years’ goals that never quite were met. So, unless I resolve to gain weight, keep a messy house and start smoking, I think I will take a realistic approach this year and not set myself up for failure. There is, however, one habit of mine that merits some work, and that is the habit of procrastination. For example, for several days I put off the writing of this article because I had not decided on a topic. Twenty-four hours before my deadline, I finally decided to put some thoughts together on this insidious habit. Is procrastination a problem for anyone besides me? Sources at Psychology Today report that 20 percent of people chronically avoid difficult tasks and deliberately look for distractions. Procrastination causes undue stress and anxiety and contributes to insomnia. As my husband will attest, it also causes problems in interpersonal relationships, because the very things we procrastinators put off often end up on someone else’s plate.
So, what is the secret for tackling procrastination? Experts seem to agree that “chunking” is a good way of managing tasks. Chunking is breaking a big task into small, manageable steps and deciding to work on one small portion of the task at a time. Setting up rewards for each task completed is also recommended. Rewards can be anything from having a piece of cake to taking a nice walk or whatever provides an incentive to get the job done. Having to-do lists is another thing experts recommend, as long as we do not maintain perennial items on the list that are just never going to happen in this lifetime. I also believe that an important strategy would be to eliminate the word “try” from our vocabulary, because as soon as I say, “I will try to do something,” I have already let myself off the hook. It seems that the old Nike slogan “Just Do It” should be the mantra for all of us procrastinators as we remind ourselves that we do not have to do things perfectly. Perhaps instead of making New Year’s resolutions this year, we should make a decision to stop procrastinating, and everything else will fall into place. Mary Bieda, MS, LPC is a licensed professional counselor and pastoral counselor in private practice in Old Town Bluffton.
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Jan. 5, 2016
WELLNESS
Invest in yourself with the holistic practice of reflexology By Barb Bausch CONTRIBUTOR
As you take charge of your health and wellbeing through nutrition, exercise, sleep and checkups, you can fine tune your body through the practice of reflexology. Reflexology is an art and science based on pressure points of the hands and feet that correspond to organs, glands and systems of the body. Pressure is applied to these points using thumb and finger techniques that result in improved blood supply and circulation, and decreased tension. Reflexology helps the body achieve homeostasis, or balance. Here is what you can expect in a 60minute session: As a client, you have the choice of receiving reflexology on your feet or your hands, or a combination of both. Just let
your practitioner know. For practical purposes, feet are described here. You will sit in an antigravity chair that leans your upper body back, extends your legs, and carries the weight of your body. As you comfortably relax in the chair, your feet are examined for cuts, bruises, abrasions and irritations. Then they are cleansed with an antibacterial wipe. Next, relaxing techniques of the foot are used by kneading,
stretching, loosening and gently twisting. Now the foot is open to receiving specific and pointed touch called thumb and finger walking. The thumbs and fingers of the practitioner are systematically working the reflex points on the feet. The pressure point for the spine is located on the medial side of the foot, head and neck are located in the toes, and eyes and ears located at the distal end of the foot, where the toes begin. Points for the torso of the body and its organs and systems are found in the upper half of the foot, while the pelvic area, including sciatic and lower extremities, is on the lower half of the foot. The practitioner will go from “head to toe,� providing overall wellbeing while
looking for specific spots on the feet that might appear tender to touch, or that might feel somewhat grainy just under the skin. The areas on the foot that are tender or grainy will be mapped to identify the corresponding body part and will be worked on more specifically to break up blocked energy and to increase blood supply and circulation. Over time, with treatment, the tenderness or graininess will be eliminated through touch and increased circulation to the area. The corresponding body part will be refreshed and function in a healthier manner. Other holistic benefits received are elevated energy levels and deeper sleep following a session. If you are looking for improved health without prescriptions, give reflexology a try. Barb Bausch is a nationally certified reflexologist at the Just Be Centre in Bluffton.
Jan. 5, 2016
The Bluffton Sun
Joy of Giving
P H OTO B Y B O B P O W E L L
Joyce Hall, representing the Mission Team of Bluffton United Methodist Church, distributed donated clothing to first grade students of Hardeeville Elementary School, where she is a teacher’s aide. In addition to miscellaneous clothing, every first grade student was given hats and gloves for the winter season. Money was raised by a special donation project led by The Mission Team.
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Jan. 5, 2016
WELLNESS
Losing weight and improving health during 2016 By J Lanning Smith CONTRIBUTOR
January is the traditional month for people to sign up for weight loss programs and classes and seek out ways to become healthier. It’s the month when gym memberships skyrocket, and exercise equipment flies off the shelves. That’s only natural. People are coming off a month or more of feasting and celebrating with all its attendant sugary and fatty foods. And who has time to exercise when there’s so much to do in December? So we make our New Year’s resolutions and begin again in earnest in early January. This year, I’ve decided to impart some of my suggestions for losing weight and improving on your health. What qualifies me to do this, you might ask? Well, for starters, I’ve lost 145 pounds over the past two years and have gotten off all prescription medications.
tion for losing weight and becoming healthier in 2016. First, think fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Those, along with nuts and seeds, are the healthiest foods on the planet, period. In addition to The author in 2012 The author in November 2015 being loaded with A few years ago, I never would have the vitamins and nutrients that our imagined being able to do all of that at bodies need in order to fight off diseases almost 70 years of age. – from the common cold to cancer and I’m also certified by Cornell University heart disease – those foods also are the in Plant-Based Nutrition, and I’ve learned lowest in something called calorie dento cook healthy meals through the sity (with the exception of nuts and Rouxbe Online Cooking School. seeds, which have a higher caloric denSo, let’s get started with my prescripsity).
That’s a fancy way of saying they have fewer calories per ounce of food than other foods do. So, the more fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains we eat, the lower the number of calories we eat, and the more disease-fighting nutrients we get. The second thing to focus on is eating whole foods, which is a fancy way of saying we should eat foods the way nature grows them. For example, the more real apples you eat, as opposed to picking apple-flavored foods, the better off your health and your weight will be. I think food writer Michael Pollan said it best when he wrote, “Eat food, not too much, mostly plants.” That’s a prescription for better health and greater weight loss in 2016. Your body will thank you. J Lanning Smith is a local freelance writer and graduate of Cornell University’s Plant-Based Nutrition program.
Jan. 5, 2016
The Bluffton Sun
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Jan. 5, 2016
SENIORS
Watch for signs that your aging parent needs help By Debbie Morris CONTRIBUTOR
The holidays are over. Adult children have returned home. Grandchildren are back in school. Holiday decorations have been packed away for another year. For some families, this New Year will bring discussions about difficult topics, including aging. In one family, a son has new doubts about his mother’s ability to handle finances. In another, a daughter noticed her father wore the same shirt and sweater each day she was visiting. Earlier that day, in the same family, the daughter had noticed several scrapes and dings on her dad’s car. It’s a post-holiday visit reality for many who are concerned about aging parents. If you are concerned about whether aging parents need professional home care or other outside support in order to
stay home and maintain their independence, here is a list of indicators to help quickly assess a loved one’s condition and potential areas of concern. Likewise, if you are older, the list might trigger signs to seek help on your own. These indicators come from a list compiled by Charles Puchta, a certified senior adviser and founder of Care Ministry. Consider: Medical condition: A recently diagnosed injury, illness or disease could affect daily ability to function. How is your parent coping with the condition? What services and supports are in place? Driving: Impaired vision, hearing and-or reflexes increase risks for driving difficulties. Has your parent been involved in recent accidents or become lost while driving? Food and nutrition: Take note of your loved one’s diet to ensure she is eating well-balanced meals and main-
taining a steady weight. Is refrigerated food within expiration dates? Hygiene: Note your loved one’s overall appearance and odor and if he wears suitable clothing for various occasions and weather conditions. Are bed linens, bath towels and clothing clean? Behavior: Is your parent anxious, irritable or depressed? Does he or she have difficulty remembering names, places and current events? Daily tasks: Are basic tasks, such as grocery shopping and meal preparation, becoming overly challenging? Medication: Is your parent able to properly manage medications, including dosage, frequency and changes to prescriptions? Are prescriptions being filled on time? Finances: Is your loved one able to manage personal finances, pay bills and balance the checkbook? Do you see pastdue notices?
Safety: Does your loved one remember to turn off appliances? What about cooking without mishaps or keeping doors and windows locked? Or is she losing balance and falling? It might be time to step in more actively into your parent’s daily life if even one of these issues is happening. Share your concerns respectfully. If you can bring in outside professional help, start with non-threatening things, such as grocery shopping, which can lead to adding more tasks as comfort levels grow. Remember, you can seek advice from trusted professionals, community support groups or other families who have faced similar issues. Debbie Morris, MA, EDs, is CEO of Home Helpers Home Care and Home Health and certified by the National Academy of Certified Care Managers. help@homehelperslowcountry.com; www.inhomecarelowcountry.com
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The same is true about small ads. This space available for as little as $48. Call 757-9507.
Jan. 5, 2016
The Bluffton Sun
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BEAUTY
7 tips that will make you love your hair this year By Falecia Mize CONTRIBUTOR
While you are resolving to make positive changes in this New Year, don't forget about your hair. Here are a few ideas to help you embrace your crowning glory, regardless of your style. 1. Go for it! Whether you’re dying to have a new color or a great new cut, don’t let your fear hold you back. Tell yourself that this will be the year to be brave and to do what you feel is right for you. Don’t let those long locks you’ve been sporting for 10 years hold you back from trying that cute short bob you’ve been thinking about. 2. Spend more time styling your hair. Having a low maintenance cut does not mean that you’re completely off the hook from styling.
Make a promise to yourself to do something nice with your hair every once in a while. Curl it, braid it, put it up – you can experiment with so many different styles even if it isn’t a special occasion. Because every woman deserves to get her hair done, put on some makeup and clothes to match and enjoy being and feeling flawless like a movie star at least once every 30 days. 3. Learn how to fight your frustrations. Could this be the year that you finally stop hating your hair? Time to learn how to mask those tiny flaws that are making you feel bad. Invest in a proper teasing brush, learn how to tease and enjoy that volume you’ve been dreaming about. For frizzy hair or unmanageable curls, ask your stylist which products and tools you should be using to fight the frizz. All of these common problems are
solvable; you just have to learn how to do it. 4. Splurge on the good stuff. If you have found a product that you love and that works wonders for your hair, don’t let price stand in your way. Sometimes we spend more money on haircuts thinking it’s the style, when it is actually the texture. Don’t go for the beauty aisle in the grocery store hoping for great results. Ask your stylist to help you find the right product for you. She or he will definitely guide you in the right direction. 5. Disregard all age vs. hairstyle stereotypes. “I will cut my hair because I’m not 30 anymore” has to go, along with “I will highlight my hair or go blonde because the grays are showing.” Don’t let society tell you who you ought to be! Enjoy your thick, long hair as long as you want. If you do want to cut it, do it because you need a change. If
you like your grays, embrace them. 6. Accept compliments with a smile. Gorgeous hair will attract attention. People will compliment you on it and you should learn to accept all of those compliments with a smile. Because it really is something you should be proud of. 7. Start a hair schedule. This is a great way to remember hair maintenance tasks you tend to forget. Get out your calendar for the year and pencil in haircuts, color appointments, a regular deep conditioning treatment and any other hair care rituals you need and set them up with your stylist. Get ready for a year of looking absolutely gorgeous, no matter what kind of relationship you have with your hair. Falecia Mize is a cut and color expert with House of Color in Bluffton.
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Jan. 5, 2016
PETS
Begin training, socializing your new puppy early By Abby Bird CONTRIBUTOR
Each year the greatest acquiring of puppies occurs at holiday time. The logic is that family might be off from work or school and thus home more to allow the puppy to adjust to them and the new surroundings. Reality sets in early in the New Year that this puppy needs lots of attention when family goes back to its post-holiday routine. Puppies are not potty or otherwise trained in two weeks. The first advice is to attend a pottytraining seminar, which is usually free, to get on the right track. Generally, crate training is recommended but might not meet all the needs of different family schedules. The wisest owners begin obedience training at about 10 weeks of age and their potty-training routine as early as possible.
Since young puppies physically cannot hold the need to potty, what humans need to know is how the pup signals and to write down the dog’s individual schedule. Each dog is different; how long after water, playing, napping, eating, etc., until the dog needs to go out? An owner’s job is to learn that schedule and adjust it over time. As your dog physically develops and with your understanding of his schedule and signaling, the pup is considered potty trained after seven to eight months
or even earlier. Accidents decrease, and when they occur it is mostly owner error. Your schedule plays the most important role as to whether you crate train or use other methods such as dog walkers, potty pads, exercise pens, baby gates, porch area, etc. In addition, your dog might indicate to you by signals when he has to go potty. These signals include circling, sniffing, going to the door, pacing, looking to hide, going to a place where he has had accidents before, staring, whining, barking or jumping on you. Or, you can put a Poochie Bell on the door you go out of for potty, and each time you go out, with dog on leash, take the dog’s paw and have him ring the bell (hang it down very low), using your potty words “Let’s go out.” Reward the dog outside after he goes potty. Most, but not all, dogs will learn to ring the bell within about four weeks.
Your pup should have his second set of vaccine boosters before starting obedience classes but not his rabies or final shots. This should be at about 10 weeks of age, the ideal time to start training before unwanted behaviors settle in. Thankfully, most veterinarians now understand the importance of early training and socialization with other vaccinated puppies and exposing the pup to new experiences early. Training during the imprint period is critical to proper development. In my many years of training, I have never had a pup catch any serious disease from another pup in training classes. Begin training and socialization early to prevent serious lifelong behavior issues. For a potty-training seminar schedule and other training information, email me at ajbird@hargray.com. Abby Bird is owner of Alpha Dog Obedience Training.
Jan. 5, 2016
The Bluffton Sun
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SPORTS
Make it your New Year’s resolution to follow through By Lou Marino CONTRIBUTOR
With the start of a New Year, how many resolutions have we made, past and present, that simply lack following through? I’m plenty guilty of not following through on the best of intentions with New Year’s resolutions and have almost given up making them. But that won’t keep me from making one to help me and you play better tennis. So here goes: I resolve to make a conscious effort to encourage myself and you to “follow through” completely on every forehand and backhand ground stroke – every time, no matter what! This element of the stroke completes it and at the same time allows you to control the direction of the ball and its depth into the court. Without it there’s little chance for a good shot to be made.
As I mentioned in a previous article about the role of the tennis player’s “off hand,” you can use your non-dominant hand to ensure a complete follow through. On the forehand side use it to catch the racquet over your non-dominant shoulder after contact with the ball. On the backhand side the follow through is over your dominant shoulder, with the “off hand” outstretched and used as a counter balance for onehanded backhands. When using a two-handed backhand the follow through is still over the dominant shoulder, but the “off hand” is above the dominant hand, helping to hold the racquet.
Another benefit of a complete follow through: It helps to ensure proper shoulder and core rotation, transferring the energy from your legs and hips through the body to contact with the ball. And now that I mentioned legs, make sure you use your legs on every shot.
They’re not there just to transport your body around the court. They perform the very important function of helping to transfer your weight (back foot to front foot) into the ball. This is how you get power behind your shots, not just using your arm. By turning your hips, bending your knees and moving into the ball from low to high, following through over your shoulder makes the groundstroke complete. In closing, I hope this resolution will encourage you to follow through with your “follow through,” and I hope you’ll follow through with any other wellintentioned New Year’s resolutions, too. Happy New Year! Lou Marino is a USPTA Cardio and Youth Tennis coach who lives and teaches in the greater Bluffton-Hilton Head Island area.
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Jan. 5, 2016
SPORTS
LPGA Girls Golf and The First Tee join forces By Jean Harris CONTRIBUTOR
The LPGA/USGA Girls Golf Club of Bluffton is starting its seventh year and is excited to announce that they are conducting a number of clinics at The First Tee of the Lowcountry. The facility is located at the Joseph B. Fraser Golf Learning Center at the Boys and Girls Club of Hilton Head. LPGA Girls Golf and The First Tee have the same goals for juniors. Together they will provide girls with quality golf instruction. The girls will learn so much more than the game of golf. They will be exposed to the 5 “E’s” of Girls Golf: Empower, Enrich, Engage, Energize and Exercise. The First Tee’s mission to provide educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote
healthy choices through golf goes handin-hand with LPGA Girls Golf philosophy. Above all, the girls will have fun and build new relationships. I am a co-director of the local chapter with Krista Dunton; we both have been named Teachers of the Year by the LPGA. The program also welcomes local LPGA and PGA professionals who volunteer their expertise to give the girls great instruction. Volunteers are needed to help the golf
professionals. They can also use help in the areas of motor skill stations, crafts, character and values sessions. Contact their website if interested in the volunteer program. LPGA/USGA Girls Golf is open to all girls ages 7-17. Girls need no prior golf knowledge, and golf equipment is supplied for those who don’t have clubs. Girls who possess previous knowledge and skill will be able to advance their skills and have opportunities to play. There will be a skills assessment so that the girls will be placed in the proper level of instruction. The program will begin on Jan. 31 with bi-monthly meetings from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sundays through May. Events
will be held at various golf facilities in the Lowcountry. Several sessions will be at the Boys and Girls Club of Hilton Head, which has recently added a driving range and six par three holes that the girls will utilize. Other golf facilities include Rose Hill, Pinecrest, Berkeley Hall and Colleton River. There will also be a field trip to the Heritage Golf Tournament. The fee for the five-month, 11-session program is $125 per girl. Scholarships are available based on need. For more information and to register, please contact LPGA Girls Golf of Bluffton at girlsgolfbluffton@gmail.com. The deadline for registration is Jan. 20. Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at Brown Golf Management courses. jean.golfdoctor.harris @gmail.com; www.golfdoctorjean.com
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AUTO
2016 Honda Civic wins AutoGuide.com Car of the Year The all-new 2016 Honda Civic has been named the Autoguide.com 2016 Car of the Year. The 10th generation Civic has been available since mid-November and sports an all-new 1.5 liter turbocharged DOHC 4-cylinder engine, with Direct Injection technology in EX-T models and above. “With a beautiful interior, quality materials, solid fit and finish, and a mature yet fresh design, the Civic has huge value for drivers looking for an affordable sedan with a high-end look and feel,” said Autoguide.com in its Car of the Year Award announcement. The new 2016 Civic sedan features a sportier interior and exterior style, with a more spacious cabin than previous models. The new vehicle architecture is accompanied with a host of new premium features, including Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technologies.
This new model marks the first application of Honda’s new turbo engine technology to the Civic, and the first compact car sold anywhere in the world featuring both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,
making it easier than ever to synchronize your devices into your driving experience. “Congratulations to the team at Honda,” said AutoGuide Group editorial
director Colum Wood. “The new Civic is easily the best all-around package I’ve driven, not just this year, but in a very long time. It’s premium, yet sporty, and I just love that new turbocharged engine. A car that’s this good, with Honda’s reputation for quality, reliability and durability, just doesn’t come along every day.” The Honda Civic sedan model is just one member of the Civic family, and is featured alongside the Civic coup, as well as the upcoming Civic Hatchback, Civic Si and high-performance Civic Type R, making up the 10th generation Honda Civic family. “The Civic has long been known as a smart choice for compact car buyers,” said Jeff Conrad, Honda Division senior vice president and general manager. “Now, with a healthy dose of style and sporty capability, it’s never been so much fun to choose wisely.”
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The Bluffton Sun
Jan. 5, 2016
FAITH
Humanity’s first Earth Day, Tu B’Shevat celebrates trees By Arthur Segal CONTRIBUTOR
Shalom and greetings. I wish you a happy, joyous, healthy, peaceful and prosperous 2016. This year in our Bluffton Sun articles, instead of touring around the globe, visiting exotic Jewish communities, as we did in 2015, we will take a tour around the calendar visiting the Jewish holidays and learning some universal spiritual lessons from them. Jan. 25 is Tu B’Shevat, the 15th of the Month of Shevat. It is one of the four Jewish New Years. This date marks the New Year for trees. Hebraically, this day was to mark the age of the tree, so that when it reached the start of its fifth year of existence, the fruit belonged to the owner. Prior to that date, the produce was tithed to the Temple in Jerusalem for charity.
tion, ownership of land is obtained by improving the land with tree planting. It has also taken on an ecoJudaic meaning, reminding us that we are caretakers of the planet, and to leave the Earth in a better state for the next generation. It was humanity’s first Earth Day. From a Jewish Spiritual Renewal view, Tu B’Shevat has much meaning. We celebrate it with a Kabbalistic Seder, spiritual dinner, utilizing seven Figs, dates, grapes, olives and almonds are some of the species found in Israel. They elements of a Seder to celebrate Tu B’Shevat. are: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, The holiday has taken different forms pomegranates, olives and dates. We of significance over the years. From a include almonds, as they blossom now in Zionist view point, trees were planted not Israel. only to help turn barren land into fruitful The spiritual lesson is that “a person is land, but also because in Hebrew tradilike a tree of the field.” When fortune has
turned for someone, and they have lost all hope and are despairing, they should ponder a tree in winter. Its leaves have fallen, its moisture has dried up, it is almost a dead stump in the ground. Then suddenly, it begins to revive and to draw moisture from the earth. Slowly it blossoms, then brings forth fruits. People should learn from this not to despair, but to take hope and have courage, for they, too, are like a tree. Tu B’Shevat celebrates the rebirthing of trees in the midst of winter, the Kabbalistic reawakening of Divine energy with God as the Tree of Life. The idea of having faith and moving forward with hope is a fundamental Judaic principle that has sustained us for 3300 years. Rabbi Arthur Segal is an international lecturer, author, and teacher. Visit him at www.JewishSpiritualRenewal.org. RabbiASegal@aol.com.
Jan. 5, 2016
The Bluffton Sun
Faith Briefs • “A Taste of Judaism: Are You Curious?” will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 21, Jan. 28 and Feb. 4 at Congregation Beth Yam, 4501 Meeting St., Hilton Head Island. The free course as designed by Union for Reform Judaism is primarily for unaffiliated Jews, non-Jews, intermarried couples and adult children of intermarriage, and open to anyone who is interested in learning more about Judaism. Rabbi Brad Bloom will be the instructor for all three sessions. He will cover three topics: Jewish Spirituality (God), Jewish Ethics (Torah) and Jewish Community (Israel). The classes are informal and interactive and questions and discussion are encouraged. Registration is required and participants should attend all three sessions. To register, contact Phyllis Napoli at 843785-3331 or pnap@roadrunner.com. For more information, call 843-6892178.
• Rev. Andy Langford, international speaker and workshop leader, will lead a workshop on “Trends in Worship: Liturgical, Praise and Worship, Seeker, and Emerging Worship Patterns” from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 23 at Lowcountry Presbyterian Church in Bluffton. Rev. Langford is a leader in evangelism, stewardship, worship, and reforms in The United Methodist Church. He will be visiting Bluffton at the request of the Low Country Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. The workshop is open to anyone interested in worship, transitions, enrichment and navigating worship wars. Cost is $10. A continental breakfast and light lunch will be provided. The church is located at the corner of Hwy. 278 and Simmonsville Road. For more information, contact Beth Corry at 703-946-7750 or corrymusic @yahoo.com.
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Jan. 5, 2016
BRIDGE
Making the switch: What is a 2/1 Game Force? CONTRIBUTOR
The 2/1 Game Force is a two-level response to partner’s opening bid of one of a suit, in a lower ranking suit. There are only six such auctions: 1S2H; 1S-2D; 1S-2C; 1H-2D; 1H-2C; and 1D-2C. In Standard American Bridge, we need 10 HCP to respond to partner’s opening bid in a lower suit at the 2-level. This bidding often leaves the partnership in no-man’s land; if opener has a mini hand of 12 and responder has 10, then opener knows that the partnership has 22+ points. What good is that? Playing 2/1 Game Force, the responder must have opening bid values or a hand that wants to be in game opposite her partner’s opener to make a 2/1 bid. Now we have two opening bids
facing each other and will not stop until we find our game (or slam). This bidding modification has been designed to give the partnership more bidding room both to find the best game contract and explore slam possibilities. The 2/1 Game Force does not apply to a passed hand, does not apply after a take-out double, and does not apply after an overcall.
Often the responder will have a hand in the 5- to 12-point range and will not be able to make a 2/1 call; he may use a 1NT response, which is forcing for one-round. The 1NT forcing bid frequently allows the partnership to find a more comfortable partial game contract. Little by little, most players are changing over to a 2/1 Game Force approach. I think it is a modification that you will agree is more flexible than Standard American. We will explore this 2/1 approach to bidding at the Bridge Club this winter; we will look at 2/1 bids (Standard American vs. 2/1), opener’s rebids, responder’s rebids, the 1 NT forcing
response and rebids, and slam bidding. Come join the party! For each hand below, what would you respond to partner’s 1 spade opening bid, playing Standard and 2/1. Two answers are required, one for each system. Answers can be found at the end of this article. 1. 2 A106 J87 KQ9875 2. 32 A98 KQ8 KJ987 3. J8 AQ987 K76 987 4. K98 4 K1093 AQ1076 5. K7 987 AK1097 876 Kathie Walsh is a certified ABTA teacher at Hilton Head Island Bridge Club. kbwalsh@roadrunner.com Answers: Playing Standard American: 1-2C; 22C; 3-2H; 4-2C; 5-2D Playing 2/1 Game Force: 1-1NT; 1-2C; 3-1NT; 4-2C; 5-1NT
By Kathie Walsh
Jan. 5, 2016
The Bluffton Sun
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HOME
Solar system offsets utility rate hikes, offers peace of mind By Tom Ferraro CONTRIBUTOR
It seems that the one thing we can always count on is change. When it comes to energy costs, change is not usually good news. Energy costs continue to go up. The cost of energy affects the price of Tom Ferraro everything you purchase. Oil is used to produce various plastics, chemicals and motor fuels that find their way into the cost of goods. Higher utility bills affect the administrative costs of business. All of these costs are ultimately passed on to consumers. But you can make a difference. Obvious answers are to drive less, adjust
your thermostat, and consume less energy. We need to look for alternative energy sources. Thankfully, there is plenty of good news. Did you know that South Carolina has unanimously passed new legislation that makes solar photovoltaic (electric) systems more affordable in our state? This legislation allows all utilities to offer Net Metering, which credits you back at full retail rates for excess energy that your solar system sends back to the grid. Just about every utility in the state offers Net Metering, with the exception of our state-owned utility, Santee Cooper. In fact, Santee Cooper has implemented a punitive rate increase for their customers who install solar. But that’s a subject for another day. South Carolina also has a state income tax credit equal to 25 percent of total system cost, and you have 10 years to use
these credits. Several utilities, such as Duke Progress and SCE&G, have strong rebate programs, and several others are considering stronger rebates for solar. But these rebates and state tax credits are only one part of the payback on a solar system purchase. The federal government also gives 30 percent of your total system cost back to you in the form of a tax credit when you purchase a solar system. Combine that with the savings on your monthly utility bill and you have a purchase that should show a return on investment between 7 and 15 percent. Can you get that kind of return on your investment in stocks, bonds or mutual funds? I don’t think so. And with solar, your principle investment is not at risk. How good would that have been when real estate and stock markets sunk back in 2008?
With no-money-down purchase options, all you need is good credit and you can “go solar.” And your home goes up in value, too. An average size solar system will increase a home’s value by approximately $20,000 on an average home. And finally, the effect on the environment is also huge. A typical solar system is equivalent to planting acres of trees. This effect will benefit you, your children and their children for years to come. You don’t have to be held hostage to ever-rising utility rates. There is an alternative that allows you to lock in the cost of electricity for 30 years or more and give you peace of mind. Tom Ferraro of Carolina Energy Conservation has been in the energy efficiency field for many years and provides residential and commercial solar systems and other energy efficient products.
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Jan. 5, 2016
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING FOR SALE: 2014 SPECIALIZED LANGSTER STREET 10TH ANNIVERSARY edition bicycle, fixed gear at its finest, without those pesky brakes. Frame is aluminum alloy, fork is carbon fiber. New inner tubes, Cinelli tape, headset. If you've never ridden brakeless, I recommend you try. It's kind of scary at first, but then you realize that you have all the control in your legs. You will build a ridiculous amount of muscle if you keep at it. $700. 347-746-8611.
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employees! Ads starting at $28 for 40 words. Call now, 843-757-9507. CLASSIFIED ADS WORK! CALL 843-757-9507. CLASSIFIED ADS WORK! CALL 843-757-9507. CLASSIFIED ADS WORK! CALL 843-757-9507. CLASSIFIED ADS WORK! CALL 843-757-9507.
Jan. 5, 2016
The Bluffton Sun
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HOME
Color drives kitchen design trends for the New Year By Andrea Antunes McGilton CONTRIBUTOR
Looking ahead, some of 2015’s strong on-trend kitchen designs are expected to continue. But you’ll also see a fresh take in many areas as the kitchen increasingly reflects the individual home’s style in terms of color, architectural detail and finishes. While white kitchens will continue to be a staple for many, color has definitely made its way into the most social room in the house. Alongside the popular commercial kitchen look, homeowners are opting for a more exciting and emotional impact. Looks that reflect cultural and geographical influences such as Tuscan, art deco, old European, retro and sleek modern are increasingly popular. Design professionals expect the use of color in the kitchen to explode in popu-
larity. Color doesn’t mean just a bold statement. Choices in color can be subtle as well as dramatic. For example, a dark granite countertop looks quite different if paired with a stainless steel sink than when matched with a gray cast iron sink. P H OTO C O U RT E S Y D I S T I N C T I V E G R A N I T E A N D M A R B L E The use of subtle colors that are near- Shades of gray and pops of color connect this kitchen to the overall design of the home. neutrals lets you gray) dramatically complementing black build in interest and appeal without granite countertops. competing with other decorative details Sinks won’t be just white or stainless. in the kitchen. A colorful sink offers a wonderful pop of In fact, gray might emerge as the new white. Expect the black and white palette color and focal point to a neutral kitchen. Bold fixtures in vibrant and complemento hold strong with white cabinets (or
tary colors can be changed in the future to create a whole different look. Customization means that you’ll use products and design features in fresh ways. Consider the faucet. Not only is the style of the faucet a major design statement, the finishes offered today allow the look to be further customized. There are virtually unlimited choices in faucet selections. Placement of the faucet is also a variable. Wall mount applications are increasing as designers choose unexpected faucet locations. The unlimited choices make it even more important to find a design professional who understands your style, budget and the home design industry’s options. Andrea Antunes McGilton is project manager at Distinctive Granite and Marble, with showrooms in Okatie; Lady’s Island; Pooler, Ga., and on Hilton Head Island.
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Jan. 5, 2016
HOME
Make a post-holiday assessment of your home’s decor By Diamond Riegel CONTRIBUTOR
The last bits and pieces of the Christmas holidays have been taken down and put away. It’s a New Year – and time for a reality check. If you’re looking around your home and it seems like Diamond Riegel something is wrong and it’s just not working anymore, start by assessing what you like, what you’re not sure you like, what you dislike or what you just hate. First, see if you need to add or possibly subtract furniture, accessories, paint colors, rugs, lamps, floors – or perhaps all of the above. Take pictures of all the stuff you want to sell or give away.
Remove those items from the room and put them out of sight. If you don’t miss them after a week goes by, you need to take them out of your house entirely. This is a great time to donate them to a charity. I love the room-by-room approach method of interior decorating for the long term. Of course if you’ve just moved into a new home without any furniture, that’s a perfect clean slate for a new beginning. In either case, try to picture your home as a totality rather then trying to decorate each room individually. Start by deciding on a common style or theme throughout all of your rooms. The perfect use of a color thread (as I like to call it) used in a variety of ways and in slightly different shades throughout the house bonds the entire decorating scheme solidly together. Naturally, having decided on what
colors you are going to use in furniture helps the plan. The easiest way is to keep large pieces of furniture, such as couches, chairs and beds, neutral. Then you can work with various shades of colors on walls, accessories, pillows and rugs. Here is an example of the color thread that can work in almost any situation. Shades of your favorite neutrals – including grays, taupes, whites and bones, tans, golds and certain shades of mossy greens – can be the “thread” color combinations. Carefully pick and choose four or five of the above. The more neutral you stay, the easier it can be for you to work them together. Another element in a long term decorating scheme is to create an equal distribution of weight in a room. My theory for successful design planning is that less is more. You want to
create a symmetrical balance to give each room a comfortable, neat and balanced setting without cluttering. Function for the “perfect” home is more then just eye appeal. It is making the room really work for you. Here are a few pointers on how to do it: Find the focal point in the room. This could be a fireplace, bay window, or even a bookcase. If the room does not have a focal point, create one. It might be a large, fabulous, dynamic piece of art or a colorful area rug. With all these pieces in place, you are well on your way to your new, fabulous home. Remember to love where you live and live where you love. Diamond Riegel is an interior design consultant and owner of Designs by Diamond, Bluffton. diamondbydesign@aol.com
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REAL ESTATE
Reasons why real estate robots will replace Realtors By Larry Stoller CONTRIBUTOR
As the New Year begins, we are standing on the edge of an industrial revolution, in which nanotechnology and robotics will revolutionize the real estate industry. Say hello to Nana and Robi and get ready to buy and sell real estate like you never did before. While robots may be lacking (or may be better) in social skills, here’s how and why they will replace Realtors: • They are super smart: Real estate robots will be programmed to have an IQ of 150. Even though it will be artificial intelligence, this intellect will have more smarts than the real intelligence that most humans have. • They are there for you 24/7: These robots are always ready to take care of your real estate needs. They never get
tired, they don’t go on vacation, and they are always available in the evenings and on weekends. • They can optimally price your home: With their advanced analytical capability, in minutes they can analyze all comparable properties, current tax values, cost per square feet, appreciation, depreciation, and even factor in price adjustments for location and improvements to arrive at the best selling price for your home. • They can provide an effective marketing plan to sell your home: In addition to stating exactly what they will do to sell your home, they will also provide you with a marketing timeline and update on tasks completed. • They have all the local housing for sale information: When buying, if you can verbalize the features of your dream home (and price range), the robots can provide you with a list of
homes that meet your exact criteria. • They can show you the above homes while you are sipping your hot chocolate or coffee: Just slip on these HGs (hologram glasses) and tour the top home contenders. See the outside, inside, all the rooms and all special features of these homes in any way you like. It’s almost better than being there, and it sure takes less time. • They are trustworthy and have your best needs at heart: They are programmed to make your objectives and goals their No. 1 priority, and even though they don’t have a heart as we know it, they are always representing your best interests. I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year! Larry Stoller is a real estate consultant and advertising executive who loves living in Bluffton and helping real estate agents and sellers get homes sold.
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Jan. 5, 2016
ut n llo tio Pu ec S
Jan. 5, 2016 • SECTION B Volume 1 19,, Issue 1
Rei Akazawa and Hank Bamberger in Paul Taylor’s “Esplanade.” Photo by Tom Caravaglia
Taylor 2: ‘inventive and versatile’ Arts Center, Jan. 16, 8 p.m. • See page 5B
“Laughter on the 23rd Floor” - 3B
Let’s Eat! Lucky Palace Asian Fusion - 4B
Dance: The show must go on! - 8B
Judy Pizutti retires from Art Academy - 9B
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Jan. 5, 2016
PERFORMING ARTS Jan. 8 “Music for the Heartstrings,” piano, violin and vocal concert to benefit Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island, 5:30-7 p.m., Providence Presbyterian Church, 171 Cordillo Pkwy., Hilton Head. Featuring award-winning vocalist Kim Michael Polote. Free, donations welcome. Refreshments served. 843681-3254
Jan. 21-24 “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” presented by Sun City Community Theatre, Magnolia Hall, 114 Sun City Lane, Bluffton. Performances 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21-23, 2 p.m. Jan 24. Tickets $21 general, $18 members by calling 843-645-2700. Jan. 22 Hiroya Tsukamoto, singersongwriter, in concert, 7 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry, 110 Malphrus Rd., Bluffton. Tickets $15 adults, $10 students, available at the door, which opens at 6:30 p.m. Part of the mUUsic series. 843-290-8785.
Jan. 8 First Friday for Folk Music, featuring Roll On Rodney and Jefferson Ross. 7:30-10 p.m., Stewart Hall at First Presbyterian Church, 520 Washington Ave., Savannah. Presented by Savannah Folk Music Society. $5 suggested donation. www.savannahfolk.org Jan. 13 Stardust Orchestra in concert, 6:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Pkwy., Hilton Head. Kickoff for family night. Free. 843-681-3696 Jan. 14-16 “Cinderella G2K,” 7 p.m. at Hilton Head Preparatory School’s Main Street Theatre, 3000 Main St., Hilton Head. Presented by middle school performers from Prep. Tickets $10 at www.hhprep.org or at the door. 843-715-8508 or bwilkinson@hhprep.org Jan. 16 Taylor 2, Paul Taylor modern dance troupe, one performance only, 8 p.m. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head. Tickets $50. 843-842-2787 or www.artshhi.com Jan. 17-18 Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra performs “Berlioz Symphonie fantastique,” featuring Elliot Wuu, winner of the 2015 Hilton Head International Piano Competition. Performances at 4 p.m. Jan. 17, 8 p.m. Jan. 18 at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Pkwy., Hilton Head. Tickets $30, $40, $55. 843-842-2055 or www.hhso.org
Jan. 28-31 “The Waverly Gallery,” presented by Lean Ensemble Theatre company at Hilton Head Preparatory School’s Main Street Theatre, 3000 Main St., Hilton Head. Performances 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28-30, 2 p.m. Jan. 31. Talkbacks after each performance. Tickets $40 evenings, $35 matinee, $15 student and military, by calling 843-715-6676. www.leanensemble.org Monthlong At the Jazz Corner: Jan. 8-9, Jazz Corner All-Star Sextet; Jan., 15-16, Kris Tokarski Trio; Jan. 22-23, Aaron Weinstein and Matt Munisteri; Jan. 29-30, Noel Friedline Quintet. Doors open at 6 p.m., music at 8 p.m. Village at Wexford, C-1, Hilton Head. 843-842-8620 or www.thejazzcorner.com
VISUAL ARTS Jan. 5-31 “Les Feminine,” exhibit of watercolor paintings by Gayle Miller, Society of Bluffton Artists Gallery, corner of Church and Calhoun. Opening reception 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 10. Gallery hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. 843-757-6586 or www.sobagallery.com Jan. 5-23 “Anything Goes!,” member show at Art League of Hilton Head, 14 Shelter Cove Lane. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. Jan. 7. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. 843-6815060 or www.artleaguehhi.org
MISCELLANEOUS Jan. 13-15 Karina Smirnoff of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Bluffton. Workshops, private coaching sessions available. 843-837-6161. Jan. 13-15 Basic Oil Painting Technique, class with Dennis Lake, Society of Bluffton Artists, corner of Church and Calhoun streets, Old Town. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. daily. $85 members, $110 non-members. Registration required, 843-247-2868 or www.sobagallery.com. Jan. 15 Master class with members of Taylor 2 modern dance troupe, 5:30 p.m. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane. $25, limited to 30 dancers. Reservations by emailing aadams@artshhi.com or by calling 843-686-3945, ext. 205. Jan. 21-23 Rendering Architecture in Landscape, workshop with Lind Hollingsworth. Society of Bluffton Artists, corner of Church and Calhoun streets, Old Town. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. daily. $105 members; $120 non-members. Registration required, 843-247-2868 or www.sobagallery.com. Through April 2016 Tickets now on sale for 27th annual Savannah Music Festival, March 24-April 9, 2016, various venues in Savannah. Featuring international musicians in wide range of genres. www.savannahmusicfestival.org or 912-525-5050 COMING UP Feb. 12 Debby Graves, organist at St. Andrew By-The-Sea Methodist Church, in concert, noon at the church, 20 Pope Ave. Hilton Head. Sponsored by the Lowcountry Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Free. 843-785-4711 or www.hhiumc.com Feb. 21 “Harmonies for Habitat,” benefit jazz event for Habitat for Humanity’s The Glen, first Habitat community on Hilton Head Island. Featuring Martin Lesch and his band at the Jazz Corner, C1 Village at Wexford. Includes tapas and wine. Sponsored by All Saints Episcopal Church. Tickets $150. Reservations at www.allsaints-hhi.org by Feb. 14. More information, 843-689-9495 or galisings@gmail.com.
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Funny business takes over SCCT stage with ‘Laughter’
P H OTO B Y S O N D R A G O L D B E R G
In “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” Joe Nicolini, seated, as Max Prince, leads his staff of comedy writers, portrayed from left by Ed Phelps, Nancy Austin, Roscoe Sandlin, Dominick Wasielewski, Larry Della Vecchia, Bert Cayer, Michael Stallone and Julie Davis.
By Jessica Goody The inaugural production of the Sun City Community Theatre’s 2016 season, “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” is a laugh riot about life behind the scenes of a hit TV variety show. The show opens Jan. 21 with a 7:30 p.m. performance at Magnolia Hall in Sun City. Inspired by Neil Simon’s experiences writing sketches for “Your Show of Shows” in the 1950s, “Laughter” stars Joe Nicolini as Max Prince, “the funniest man since Chaplin” and the powerhouse star of “The Max Prince Show.” Max presides over a neurotic team of comedy writers portrayed by SCCT regulars Ed Phelps, Roscoe Sandlin, Julie Davis, Michael Stallone, Bert Cayer, Nancy Austin, Dominick Wasielewski and Larry Della Vecchia. The plot deals with the trials and tribulations of Prince and his staff. Sometimes being in the funny business isn’t a lot of laughs, but life is easier when you have a sense of humor. The larger-than-life egos and insecurities of the actors, the ongoing battles
with NBC network executives, studio infighting and midlife crises are enlivened by playwright Simon’s trademark wit. “Between the laughs, we learn the strengths and weaknesses, the doubts and the growing confidence of the characters,” said Phelps. “The humor is fast and furious.” The SCCT production of “Laughter” is directed by Wendell MacNeal and produced by Ralph Spiegel. Performances are Jan. 21-23 at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee Jan. 24 at Magnolia Hall, 114 Sun City Lane. Tickets are $21 for the general public and $18 for SCCT members and can be purchased at the Magnolia Hall box office on weekday mornings and 90 minutes prior to each performance, or by phone at 843-645-2700. Non-residents must pay by cash or check only. “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Audiences should be aware that the dialogue contains adult language.
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Lucky Palace Asian Fusion new spot for lunch, dinner By Pam Gallagher With the holidays over and colder weather inevitable, comfort food comes to mind, as in dining out simply and inexpensively, or perhaps takeout – especially Chinese. To fit the bill, Lucky Palace Asian Fusion at 101-A Commerce Place West, off 170 and next to the post office in Okatie, is accessible to most in Sun City via golf cart and an easy drive from other communities in Greater Bluffton and Okatie. Open since September, Lucky Palace is a spare and simple space with a little more than a dozen tables and a menu that offers traditional Chinese dishes (lo mein, mai fun, chow fun and fried rice) as well as Thai, Mongolian and Hunan specialties. Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., many of its signature entrees can be sampled as a lunch special for $7.25 and served with your choice of wonton, egg drop, or hot
P H OTO B Y PA M G A L L AG H E R
Lucky Palace serves a delightful House Basil Curry Chicken and Shrimp, along with Vegetable Spring Rolls in a martini glass.
and sour soup with white or fried rice. There is a Weight Watchers menu with half a dozen selections (including Chicken with Broccoli, and Mixed
Vegetables with Shrimp or Scallops), all steamed and served with a light sauce on the side, from $9.25 to $13.95. A dozen appetizer offerings, $7 and under, include Crab Rangoon, Fried or Steamed Dumplings, Scallion Pancakes and Vegetable Spring Rolls, the latter attractively served in a martini glass for $3.25. From the chef’s specialties, General Tso’s Chicken, $11.95, is among the most popular, with tender chunks of crispy chicken that have been deep-fried and topped with a spicy brown sauce. Malaysian Fried Rice, $12.95, can be made with chicken, beef, shrimp or Chinese sausage. Lucky Palace gets creative with sauces, and here is where the Asian Fusion comes into play. From mild mango to spicy Hunan black bean, there is something for the more adventurous diner in these carefully blended, flavorful sauces. Thai Basil Ginger or Coconut Curry infuse dishes featuring fresh
shrimp, scallops, chicken, beef or tofu, from $10.95 to about $15, all served with white rice. Suzanne Walter, who lives in Oldfield, came in for a late lunch with her son Anthony Walter, who was visiting from Naples, Fla., on the day after Christmas. “I come here a couple of times a week,” she said, after being introduced to the restaurant by friends from Oldfield who recently moved to Hampton Hall. One night a former merchant marine who had traveled extensively in the Orient was with Walter’s group and used the translator app on his iPad to communicate what they wanted to the staff. “He knew what he wanted and what to order, and it was fabulous,” said Walter. “Prior to coming here, we’d given up on finding good Chinese.” For information or to order, call 843-705-5007 or 843-705-5077.
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Modern dance troupe takes Arts Center stage
P H OTO B Y TO M C A R AVAG L I A
From left are Taylor 2 dancers Lee Duveneck, Manuel Sanchez, Hank Bamberger, Rei Akazawa and Alana Allende in Paul Taylor’s “Dust.”
The Taylor 2 modern dance group will perform for one night only, at 8 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Considered one of the foremost American choreographers of the 20th century, Paul Taylor is, at age 85, the last living member of the pantheon that created America’s indigenous art of modern dance. At an age when most artists’ best work is behind them, Taylor continues to win public and critical acclaim for the vibrancy, relevance and power of his creations. As he has done since his origins as a dancemaker in 1954, Taylor offers cogent observations on life’s complexities while tackling a range of societal topics, using his dancers to illuminate issues such as piety, spirituality, sexuality, morality and mortality. The Paul Taylor Dance Company has represented the United States at arts festivals in more than 40 countries and has toured extensively under the aegis of the U.S. Department of State. While continuing to garner international acclaim, the Paul Taylor Dance Company performs more than half of each touring season in cities throughout the U.S.
In 1993, the choreographer formed Taylor 2, which brings many of his masterworks to smaller venues around the world. Taylor has been called “the most inventive and versatile choreographer alive today… one of the few indisputably great dance companies in the world” by the New York Post. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased by calling 843-842-2787 or by visiting www.artshhi.com. The Arts Center is located at 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. TAYLOR 2 OFFERS MASTER CLASS A master dance class at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 15 will offer dancers and dance students in the Lowcountry the opportunity to experience choreographer Paul Taylor’s style, technique, and a sample of his repertoire in a dance workshop format to be held onstage at the Arts Center. Taught by Taylor company members, participants will be shown signature movements that have shaped and influenced modern dance. Each class is limited to 30 dancers and usually lasts about an hour to 90 minutes. Intermediate to advanced dance experience is recommended. Cost is $25, and reservations can be made by emailing aadams@artshhi.com or calling 843-686-3945, ext. 205.
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The show must go on, but don’t let audience see you sweat By Sandro Virag You have probably heard the phrase “whatever can go wrong, will go wrong.” Well, it’s no different on the dance floor. One must be very creative fixing most of these problems on the spot because the spotlight is on and the show must go on. I thought you might enjoy some of the real-life mishaps or situations that have occurred with some of my dancers and how they recovered. Sondra Ammeen and I were at a competition and in line to begin. The announcers stated the next dance was a mambo. Sondra looked at me with panic on her face and said, “I’ve never done a Mambo!” I have to say we faked it pretty well – she just followed and made it happen. Judi Kestenbaum was getting ready to go out on the dance floor, but her dress
tions at the event, but her dress stayed on. Lori Price wasn’t so lucky. She was wearing a strapless bra that decided to relocate to her waist during the dance. Since she was dancing an allaround heat (four dances in P H OTO B Y C I N D A S E A M O N a single heat), Judi Kestenbaum watches as Christina Rodgers helps to make adjustments on she just kept Lori Price’s dress during a dance performance. dancing and would not stay up. We grabbed some of smiling as if nothing was happening. the crystal bead decorations hanging Marcia Adair was competing and kept from poles nearby and pinned them to feeling pain in her heel. When she had a the dress. minute to come off the floor, she looked There might have been fewer decoraat her foot and her heel was bleeding.
Having to go right back on the floor, she grabbed napkins off the buffet table, stuffed them in her shoe and went back out on the floor – napkins sticking out and all! Even when I performed in Broadway shows, it appeared to the audience that it was a perfect performance when, in fact, so many things went wrong. The right background set didn’t come down, singers forgot the lyrics so cues were off, the band changed the timing, and numerous costumes came apart. Because it is always live, one of the things we teach in dance performance is to be prepared for anything, and never let the audience see you sweat. As all dancers and other performers know, there is much more going on behind the scenes than meets the eye. Sandro Virag is a partner and instructor at Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Hilton Head, located in Bluffton at Seaquins Ballroom.
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Art League’s Academy thrived under Pizzuti’s leadership By Sam Posthuma For someone with no artistic training, Judy Pizzuti has had a tremendous impact on the local arts community. Pizzuti served for nine years as administrator for the Art Academy, the teaching arm of the Art League of Hilton Head. She retired in December. Pizzuti spent 25 years in public education across the state of Michigan, and another 10 in administration before retiring in July 2004 and heading South, building a home on Hilton Head Island. From there, Pizzuti participated in a number of volunteer activities within her church, joined her community’s women’s club, and worked with Meals on Wheels, an organization designed to deliver food to the elderly and those unable to cook or provide meals for themselves. The Art Academy began as an offshoot of the Art League in 2003, providing the community with a way to learn, practice
and manage art, as well as tools to better handle the business side of selling and presenting their creations. The Art League also holds a gallery that displays students’ work, a synergistic way to let the artists show off their talents in a comfortable, safe environment while simultaneously providing the Art League with attractions and exhibits. Pizzuti first learned P H OTO B Y F R A N K D. S U L L I VA N about the academy through Joyce Nagel, an artist with Retiring administrator Judy Pizzuti was presented with flowers whom she shared a water Dec. 4 at her last Student Awards Reception at the Art Academy. from drawing and painting to sculpting aerobics class. With the academy’s desire and photography, the academy is bigger to inspire the community to create, and and better than ever. Pizzuti’s expertise in administration and Pizzuti also implemented a number of education, it was a perfect fit. Under Pizzuti’s exceptional leadership, fun, innovative, community-building events such as “Lunch with the Masters,” the academy thrived and revolutionized an open-to-the-public, free weekly series itself. Now, with more than 40 classes,
that invites participants to bring lunch to the academy and participate in a viewing and seminar on a seminal artist and his or her works. “The Art Academy broadened me as a person,” Pizzuti said. “I never had art growing up or in school and this has been an amazing creative experience.” Now retired, Pizzuti plans to spend more time with her grandchildren in Michigan and take more art classes to build on the creativity she has been cultivating over the years. Her dog Maddie will also be overjoyed to hear how many walks they’ll be taking together. “My favorite art style has to be Impressionism,” Pizzuti said, citing the delicate brushstrokes and use of color. A central element of Impressionist art is the depiction of movement and the passage of time, a fitting symbol for Pizzuti’s next step, and an appropriate capstone on an extraordinary career.
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Watercolor ‘lovelies’ featured Prep presents ‘Cinderella G2K’ in Miller exhibit at SOBA “Les Feminine,” waterand patterning. She color paintings by Gayle found a second creative Miller, will be the featured outlet in watercolor exhibit Jan. 5-31 at the painting. Society of Bluffton Artists Miller has been very Gallery. An opening involved in the arts comreception will be held munity in Sun City, as from 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 10. well as SOBA, where she Miller presents a bounis a board member and tiful selection of beautiful volunteer. ladies depicted in flowing The work of more watercolor. The paintings than 100 other member are varied, colorful and artists is also on display. lighthearted. The gallery is open 10 Miller received her a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to undergraduate degree in Saturday and 11:30 a.m. business administration to 3 p.m. Sunday. The and management from the gallery is located at the University of Maryland, corner of Church and “Red Accessories Day” but her favorite classes Calhoun streets. were drawing and graphic arts. As an For more information visit www.soba adult, Miller delved into clothing design gallery.com or call 843-757-6586.
Glass slippers are so back! “Cinderella, G2K,” a timeless magical fairy tale reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality and charm, will be presented by the middle school performers of Hilton Head Preparatory School at the school’s Main Street Theatre Jan. 14-16 with performances at 7 p.m. Originally presented on television in 1957 with Julie Andrews in the title role, the musical was the most widely viewed program in the history of the medium. The beloved story of a girl who overcomes her circumstances by believing in herself explores themes of self-esteem, resourcefulness and forgiveness. As adapted for the stage, with great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, the hearts of children and adults alike still soar when the slipper fits.
The score includes the memorable “Impossible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” as well as the familiar “In My Own Little Corner.” This production is directed by Prep’s middle school performing arts director Pamela Capriotti Martin. Costumes are under the watchful eye of Kathy McGill with lively choreography under the direction of J. Kathleen Watkins. This marks the first time the Prep middle school performers have produced a play in a true theatrical space. With music by Richard Rodgers and the book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, this musical has been adapted for younger performers. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online at www.hhprep.org or at the door. For more information, contact Bethany Wilkinson at 843-715-8508 or bwilkinson@hhprep.org.
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‘The Waverly Gallery’ explores memory loss with a touch of humor
P H OTO B Y M A R C I T R E S S E L
Daniel Reed, played by Greg Hernandez, ponders how to deal with the topsy-turvy world of his grandmother, Gladys Green, who has dementia, in Lean Ensemble Theatre’s production of the comic drama “The Waverly Gallery.” (Painting courtesy Ted Jordan, from his Verbatim series.)
Art gallery owner Gladys Green’s memory isn’t what it used to be. As a matter of fact, it’s beginning to splinter into a kaleidoscope of images, dialogue fragments, and events that no longer tell a coherent story. As Gladys struggles to hold onto the socially passionate woman she once was, her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson Daniel grapple with her slide into senility, only to inadvertently slip into the same symptoms: misremembering names and incidents and repeating themselves over and over. Mix in Don, an aspiring young painter whose art will be the gallery’s last show, and confusion reigns – all with heart-rending yet deeply comic results. Kenneth Lonergan’s “The Waverly Gallery,” a 2001 Pulitzer Prize finalist, features Lean Ensemble members Jeffrey Watkins and Blake White. Making their Lowcountry debuts will be Los Angeles actress Anne Cooper, Atlanta actor Greg Hernandez, and Boston-based Sarah Newhouse. The production is directed by ensemble member Nick Newell and features scenery and lighting design by
ensemble member Terry Cermak. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28-30 and 2 p.m. Jan. 31 at Hilton Head Preparatory School’s Main Street Theater, 3000 Main St., Hilton Head. Audience talkbacks with members of Lean Ensemble and Memory Matters will follow each show. Tickets are $40 for evening performances, $35 for the matinee, and $15 for students and active military and may be purchased by calling 843-715-6676. Discounted subscriptions to all three plays are available. For more information, visit www.lean ensemble.org.
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