020216 blufftonsun

Feb. 2, 2016 • Volume 19, Issue 3 • Complimentary • www.blufftonsun.com

INSIDE • River Ridge students promote recycling program 12A • Evening of Love Feb. 13 14A • Attitude is everything! 28A • Great speakers for ultimate audio experience 31A • Natural skin care at home 33A • Find your perfect Southern style 42A

New center eases the way for veterans entering college

By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR

Active duty and military veterans entering college for the first time or after several years away from college courses often find themselves confronted with the same mountain of paperwork required of any college applicant.

When the Beaufort campus of Technical College of the Lowcountry opened its Veterans Resource Center on Nov. 11, 2015, the whole goal was to make college enrollment for both active duty and veterans a smooth process.

Christina Welsch-Copeland, the Veteran Student Services coordinator, said the center has been a big hit and already has helped more than 300 active

duty service members, veterans and retirees get ahead in college.

Salina Bowen is one of those veterans.

The Dallas native and Marine Corps veteran worked in distribution while on active duty, spending 12 years in the Corps – including a tour in Iraq and training as a drill instructor at Parris Island. After badly injuring a knee, Bowen left the Marines and looked at the future.

“I want to be the first in my family to be successful in the military and to get a degree,” said Bowen, who stopped into the Center between classes. “I’m getting my general credits here to transfer. I plan to go to a major university, but after 12 Please see VETERANS on page 10A

P H OTO B Y G W Y N E T H J. S AU N D E R S

Marine Corps veteran Salina Bowen uses the computer at the Veterans Resource Center between classes at the Technical College of the Lowcountry Beaufort campus.

Register students for public school kindergarten through March 1 Registration for Beaufort County children whose parents want them to attend public school kindergarten or pre-K next school year will be held through March 1.

Interested parents with children who will be 5 years old by Sept. 1 should complete kindergarten enrollment packets at

the school serving their neighborhood’s attendance area. Children who will be 4 years old by Sept. 16 should be registered for pre-kindergarten at their neighborhood schools.

Because space is limited for Pre-K, 4 year olds will be assessed for possible

enrollment during Child Find screenings March 7-11. Decisions on placement for Pre-K will be made at each school after children’s screenings are complete.

For all student enrollments, parents should bring their child’s birth certificate, South Carolina Certificate of

Immunization (shot record) and two proofs of residency such as a utility bill showing a home address.

For more information, call your neighborhood school or the district’s Office of Early Childhood at 843-521-2399 or visit www.beaufort.k12.sc.us.

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SUNNY SIDE UP

Will the [cars in the] circle go unbroken?

By Lynne Cope Hummell EDITOR

Nearly four years ago, I wrote in this space about difficulties in navigating traffic circles. I referred specifically to the nearly new (at that time) roundabout at the intersection of Hwy. 46 (aka Bluffton Road) and the Bluffton Parkway.

“It seems so easy,” I wrote. “It’s a simple circle. Why, then, is it causing so many near-crashes?”

It was then, and is now, a huge improvement for what used to be an intersection with two stop signs, where drivers previously were forced to wait eons for a break in traffic, then quickly zoom across, hoping not to get T-boned.

But more improvements are needed.

Apparently Town staff and a Beautification Committee have been working on that. They had plans to add trees and other foliage, lights and signs.

They want to make the circle prettier and more visible. If the visibility causes drivers to slow down, it should make the circle safer.

It was recently reported that the S.C. Department of Transportation, which owns the roadway, has nixed many of their plans.

So now, how about we make the circle safer by redesigning it?

I’ve lost count of how many times I have narrowly avoided being hit by another car, usually one cutting me off where I want to exit. If you drive the circle regularly, you very likely have been in similar situations.

I maintain– nearly four years after my diatribe here – that the directional signs for lane usage are wrong. And by that, I mean unsafe.

As marked, drivers in the outside, or right, lane may turn at either of the next two exit “spurs.” Drivers in the inside, or

left, lane may turn right at the second or third exits.

What often happens, though, is that a driver in the right lane wants to turn at the second spur, but a guy just ahead of him in the left lane wants to turn at the previous exit. Crash!

And if I am in the inside lane and going to the third exit, and the woman in the outside lane just before my turn wants to go two turns, what can happen? Crash!

I haven’t even mentioned those [idiots] who randomly change lanes the entire way around the circle.

Those squiggly lines on the signs are confusing, to say the least. Many drivers new to the area have no idea what they’re supposed to do. And some local drivers have decided it’s okay to race through to get to their destination. (These people apparently are much more important and busier than the rest of us.)

Wouldn’t it be simpler – and certainly

safer – if cars in the outside lane were forced to exit at the very next spur? That would leave the inner circle for left-lane drivers to navigate without worrying about cutting off someone in their path.

I must report that when I first mentioned this solution, I received more than a few emails supporting the idea.

I know some folks in Bluffton don’t like comparisons to Hilton Head Island, but let’s just note that their Sea Pines Circle, which accommodates hundreds of thousands of cars annually, works very well. At the entrances to the circle, the right and left lanes are divided by concrete islands.

Couldn’t the DOT afford to install four simple concrete dividers?

And maybe then the Town staff and the Beautification Committee could plant some pretty shrubs and flowers, and life would be good. And to work, school and home would be a heck of a lot safer.

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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 Cynthia Bensch Mary Bieda Abby Bird Karen Doughtie Tom Ferraro Dr. E. Ronald Finger Allen Freeman Dr. Jean Harris Lou Marino Andrea McGilton Dr. Oswald L. Mikell Weston Newton

Sam Posthuma Carlos Ramos Gwyneth J. Saunders Bill Sauter Angela Scharver Arthur Segal Jessica Sferlazzo Lindsey Spargur Helene Stoller 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

Impatient for change, optimistic it will come

By Weston Newton CONTRIBUTOR

The second half of the current session of the South Carolina General Assembly got underway the second Tuesday of January. We got our organizational business out of the way and are hard at it.

Our agenda is long, and each of the needs is pressing. We will be known as the Reform Assembly if we get even half of our needed reforms accomplished.

The first thing out of the box is reform of the much-maligned Department of Transportation (DOT), along with its funding and prioritization arm, the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB). The House passed and sent to the Senate a measure that did exactly that before we adjourned in late June.

In fact, our bill also featured diverse funding approaches for roads, as well as an income tax reduction demanded by the governor to offset any increase in revenue for roads. It is presently mired in the Senate.

As you might remember, as chairman of the Legislative Oversight Committee (LOC), I insisted that all our proceedings be televised via SCETV. Our most recent

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, Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Old Town Bluffton Merchants Society.

familiar, it is because at one time he was the legislative liaison for the DOT. He is more than passing familiar with these issues.

In my view, it would have been preferable to tackle ethics reform prior to any of the subsequent matters, for the simple reason that the configuration of the ethics law should aid in the reform of the other pieces, especially as we get into the all-important details.

The House passed an Omnibus Ethics Bill last year that would greatly aid in not only structuring a coherent road building regime, but also the pension reform we are facing, as well as reform of Eminent Domain, and our current method of judicial selection. The Omnibus Ethics Bill is presently mired in the Senate.

Those who know me will tell you I am not a patient person, but I am relentlessly optimistic. We will face and defeat these political challenges. We have no choice.

What really disturbs my rest is something much more profound. My oldest child is now a licensed driver.

Weston Newton is the representative for District 120 in the State House of Representatives.

Letters to the Editor

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

agency to be investigated was the above mentioned DOT. I am hopeful that among those watching will be some members of the Senate, as the volume of testimony we took was different in its particulars, but the adamant consensus among those who spoke before us urged fundamental reform. They also laid out the case for why the reform was a matter of high urgency.

Ted Pitts, president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, speaking for the business community, was unusually blunt in his comments on the need for change. He also presented a jobs scenario that would be an outcome of thoughtful reform and increased funding.

Mike Covington, speaking for the Coastal Conservation League, suggested that the SIB board be abolished and its bonding responsibilities be folded into the DOT. He also said that applications should be standardized, and prioritization criteria be refined and undue political influence be minimized by mandating the governor appoint the DOT board.

If Mr. Covington seems vaguely

To the Editor: I always find it very interesting and amusing when public figures make ignorant comments and then blame the media for the disparaging remarks made by the public about the comment.

The most recent example is Beaufort County School Board member Evva Anderson’s statement “If anyone in this room believes that someone driving an RV is not a pedophile or a criminal – I'm not saying they all are – but pedophiles like to hide out in RV parks and places like that.”

She now says the media has “…misrepresented her words and intentions ‘just to draw interest’" and asks the recipients of her e-mail “…to be the judge if

the intent was to slam RV owners…”

Fortunate for us in the public and unfortunate for her, only she knows what her actual intent was in using the words she did. We can only assume she meant exactly what the words she chose conveyed.

In my opinion, her intent was to attempt to put a scare into the public with words which had no basis in fact. If her intent was otherwise, I would think she would have chosen other words.

Only Evva Anderson is to blame for any “public flogging” she has received as a result of her statement. She needs to take full responsibility for the words and for any aftermath they caused. The media only printed what she said. Where

exactly is the media misrepresentation?

Michael F. Vezeau Bluffton To the Editor: Donald Trump is the leading Republican presidential candidate.

Stoking racial demagoguery politics, he’s creating an enormous problem for this country. Even race card deniers can’t deny racial politics generates impulsive behavior.

Trump mocked John McCain, an American war hero, for being a prisoner of war, he implied a POW was some kind of loser. Of course Republicans Please see LETTERS on page 10A

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EDITORIAL

Let’s rethink renovations on aging Town Hall

By Cynthia Bensch CONTRIBUTOR

I think Mayor Sulka is correct in recently stating “we need to think outside the box” about the renovations of Bluffton Town Hall.

Bluffton Town Manager Marc Orlando stated that estimates for the cost Cynthia Bensch of construction renovations are approximately $3.5 million.

Since that article was written, many people have asked me why not build a new building for that much money, possibly on Hwy. 46 near the Post Office or another location?

The Town has already spent over $750,000 on a building the school district owns and the Town leases for $1 a

year. Now Town Council is considering spending $3.5 million on a building that belongs to the school district. Why? It’s certainly not a great geographic location for the Town Hall. Maybe an investor would create a cultural arts center-museum there.

Or, since the school district said there is a need to provide workforce housing, why don’t they renovate their building into beautiful cluster townhomes that would be compatible with the residential area and increase property values?

The cost of renovations when there is extensive tear out, such as this building will require, could easily be 25 percent of the cost of construction, approximately $875,000. That could go towards a land purchase.

People are telling me they do not think this is smart planning or a good investment of taxpayer money.

Since all of the Town’s agencies are not

able to locate in the current building, smart planning could incorporate a design to include them and eliminate any additional leases the Town may have.

Re-locating employees and equipment during construction will be another cost factor, not to mention the stressful problems the employees will face in trying to do their jobs while maneuvering in temporary quarters.

It’s very important that people care about our governmental decisions and that officials are prudent in listening to ideas “outside the box” that make good economic sense.

Bluffton is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the state, and that’s why Town Council needs to envision ownership of its town hall in a location that provides for the needs of new growth for all the citizens of Bluffton.

I hope Town Council will “think outside the box” and reconsider the impor-

tance of the financial asset benefits of owning Bluffton’s Town Hall building and the convenience of a new location for the citizens and the Town of Bluffton.

Cynthia Bensch represents District 7 on Beaufort County Council.

Editorial Policy The Bluffton Sun welcomes and encourages readers to submit letters to the editor on topics of general interest to our community.

Letters must be no longer than 250 words and must include the writer’s name, address and day-time telephone number for verification purposes. Longer op-ed pieces may be submitted that exceed the 250word limit, and will be considered on an individual basis.

Email all submissions to editor@hargray.com.

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VETERANS from page 1A years in the military you might as well start with baby steps.”

She is attending TCL on her path to a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a master’s in occupational therapy. Going through the VRC helped her key in on her goals and get started.

“Part of what I do is help veterans with their admissions process, figure out their financial aid and if they’re trying to figure out what they want to do with their courses, I help them with their courses,” said Welsch-Copeland.

For many college students, parents were the ones who filled out the forms for high school transcripts, financial aid and a myriad of other requirements, leaving the written essay to their student.

“The military path is a little harder,” said WelschCopeland. “For example, if you came in as a veteran, and you wanted to use your GI Bill, not only do you apply but you don’t live right down the street. You can’t go get your high school transcript. You have to contact them and have them mail that in.”

The same is true for those who have attended colleges while serving at different duty stations, said WelschCopeland, who spent eight years in the Army and earned her MBA through the University of Maryland.

“A lot of people in the military have been to three or four

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colleges. They need to contact each of those colleges and have each transcript sent in,” she said. “The next step is the GI Bill, and that is a process. Getting into college is not significantly different from that right out of high school, but there are a lot more steps involved.”

Some students go through vocational rehabilitation so they’re on a completely different path, she said.

“It’s almost like after World War II the amount of veterans getting out and going to school. It’s a significant population,” said Welsch-Copeland, “and a lot of them are dealing with issues we don’t know about, like PTSD, different stressors in their lives and service dogs. There are a lot of wounds. And part of what I do is be an advocate for them, help them understand that they have a voice, they don’t have to stop at the first ‘no’.”

The center is more than a place to get help with college enrollment. It’s a gathering place complete with computers for vets to use, a supply of coffee, tea and snacks and a place to swap stories as well as get help with issues relating to veterans.

For more information on the Veterans Resource Center, go to www.tcl.edu/military-programs/veterans-resourcecenter or call 843-535-8264 or 800-768-8252.

Gwyneth J. Saunders is a veteran journalist and freelance writer living in Bluffton.

attacked veteran John Kerry, questioning the severity of his Vietnam wounds.

Trump claims to be a small government conservative. His massive roundup of illegals and the vetting of all Muslims changes a democratic republic into an East German-style police state, a terrorist government. Unless you foolishly believe those people are going to go willingly.

Trumps sacrifices Constitutional liberty and justice for bigotry and prejudice. With capture and control, the federal government becomes bigger, more powerful and more fearful. Big government persecution of any type is the ruination of a free society.

When asked about the power of nuclear triad, he demonstrated he had no idea what it is, and I suspect many of his supporters don’t either.

This maniacal Republican candidate is playing hardball demagoguery to get elected. He has no idea how the Constitution works, doesn’t understand the Geneva Convention, and lacks knowledge of international rules.

If elected, this pathetic billionaire would be viewed as another Kim Jong-un by world leaders.

Bill Mahaffey Bluffton

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River Ridge students focus on recycling activities

By Sam Posthuma CONTRIBUTOR

When it comes to helping our environment, there’s nothing better to encourage in people than recycling, and that’s exactly what River Ridge Academy’s students are doing in their latest initiative.

Working under the U.S. Army’s Educational Outreach Program, River Ridge students are participating in the eCybermission, a web-based competition for grades 6 through 9.

The program prompts students to use science, technology and engineering to provide solutions to real world problems that are affecting their communities.

Using the advantage of the newly opened school, students and adult mentors are working to turn the Academy into a school that participates fully in recycling. Combining activism, outreach and their own personal research, students are dedicated to raising awareness, as well as bringing recycling centers, bins

recycling, and to not throw everything in the trash,” said Mac Noyes, a member of the Plastic Recycling team.

The Plastic Recycling team took the initiative and contacted Brian Goldstein, general P H O T O B Y S A M P O S T H U M A manager of Publix on The eCybermission team members, along with teacher-advisor Chandra Buckwalter Parkway, who agreed to Payne and Publix general manager Brian Goldstein, are working to make the school a beacon of environmental activism. sponsor their misand biodegradable materials to the sion. Together they’ve brought multiple school. recycling bins to the school to encourage The students are split into four teams less needless trash.

– Plastic Recycling, Paper Recycling, However, through all this activism, Marine Life and, in a joint effort with students aren’t just doing the teaching, Beaufort Middle School, Energy but learning a lot about their cause as Conservation. Together, they’re working well. to clean up their communities.

The Marine Life team is studying the “We’re trying to get people to recycle effects of trash and pollution on our local more, to make them more aware about seafaring wildlife. They also are in the

process of developing a website that will chronicle their findings and promote awareness for their cause.

Team members are spreading their knowledge to fellow students in morning “huddles,” River Ridge’s way to encourage students’ socialization and the discussion of ideas. Colin Beine, a member of the Paper Recycling team, has expressed his excitement talking with other students about their cause and how they intend to help the community.

Supplementing their activities to better their school, students and volunteers will be participating in Adopt-AHighway cleanup programs throughout the year, in efforts to bring awareness of their efforts to the community.

Although a recently planned community cleanup was canceled due to inclement weather, the students intend to invite their neighbors to get involved and join them in future projects.

Sam Posthuma is a freelance writer and production assistant for The Bluffton Sun.

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‘Evening of Love’ funds go to those who ‘need more help’

For 25 years, the Children’s Relief Fund, founded by Rose and Frank Fotia, has been helping the Lowcountry’s special needs children and their families through programs and financial support.

Much of that support is garnered through its annual dinner dance, An Evening of Love, to be held at 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 13 at the Sonesta Resort in Shipyard Plantation.

“Every child is special,” said Rose Fotia. “Ours just need a little more help than others.”

The Fotias have been working for special needs neighbors in the Lowcountry since they realized there were limited local resources for their son, Gregory.

CRF fulfills both tangible and intangible needs for local 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.

Programs supported by CRF include Special Olympics, Heroes on Horseback, a summer camp and Fish with Friends.

“We have wonderful support that grows as our community grows.

Unfortunately, our needs are greater than ever,” said Mrs. Fotia.

Today, new initiatives have been increasingly found in the form of collaborations with local businesses and organizations.

Pockets Full of Sunshine, a new nonprofit spearheaded by two local teachers, is committed to making Beaufort County a sunnier place by employing intellectually and physically disabled adults.

As special needs children age out of many existing programs, Pockets Full of Sunshine hopes to fill in with vocational and employment opportunities.

The nonprofit started two years ago with an inventory of recycled by-products from the Whitlam Label Company in Detroit. The “sunshines” are the leftovers from warning labels for brake fluid caps.

Participants make the sunshines into greeting cards, gift tags, magnets and stationery. Proceeds from the sales will be put toward opening an eco-friendly, community craft center fully staffed by intellectually and physically disabled adults.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Bluffton is another organization with a big heart.

At the start of the school year, a group of volunteers and principal Amanda O’Nan determined to make dance a part of the special education program at Hilton Head Island High School.

Sandro Virag, co-owner of Fred Astaire, quickly agreed to donate his time, his dance studio and financial support to offer 20-25 students a monthly dance session. Children’s Relief Fund underwrote the cost of the transportation. The students have now dubbed themselves the Dancing Seahawks.

Yet another recent collaboration with the Island Rec Center has led to a new after-school program for a group of special needs children.

“This is an incredible community with many generous people,” said Fotia. “We ask and they say ‘yes’.”

An Evening of Love begins with roses and chocolates, and continues with hors d’oeuvres, wine, a sit-down dinner, professional New York dinner show entertainment, music and dancing, and live and silent auctions. The lovefest tickets are $125 per person.

For tickets, auction donations or sponsorship information, call Rose Fotia at 843-681-7668 or 843-342-5267 or email rfotia333@yahoo.com.

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Noteworthy • A new ancestry class at the Heritage Library, to be held at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 3, will show how participants how to make the most of their autosomal DNA test results.

Jan Alpert will help attendees analyze what they found with Ancestry, Family TreeDNA, or 23andme, show how to use the results with www.gedmatch.com, and find matches from other sites.

The fee is $15 for non-members, $10 for members of the Heritage Library Foundation. Class size is limited, and reservations are required. Call 843-6866560 or visit www.heritagelib.org.

The Heritage Library is open to the public at 852 William Hilton Pkwy.

• The Hilton Head Miniature Dollhouse Club will meet at 1 p.m. Feb. 4 in the community room at Palmetto Electric, 111 Mathews Dr. The club welcomes all interested miniaturists. For more information, call the club’s president at 843-689-6986.

• The Hospital Auxiliary will hold a sterling silver jewelry sale from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 4 in the main lobby of Hilton Head Hospital, and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 5 in the main lobby of Coastal Carolina Hospital.

Proceeds from this event support the Hospital Auxiliary’s Caring Touch Program, which provides medication and specialized equipment to those in need.

• A Chinese New Year Gong Bath

by Alice Tobin will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at The Energy Center, Island Medical Plaza Building C, 35 Bill Fries Drive, Hilton Head Island.

Cost is $25 per person, with all proceeds to benefit Dolphin Project.

For more information visit www.alicetobin.com or call 843-422-7697.

• The regular meeting of the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 10-01 (Bluffton/Beaufort/Jasper) will be held Feb. 9 at the Port Royal Sound

Foundation on Hwy. 170. Social time will begin at 6:30 with meeting at 7 p.m.

Guests are welcome. For more information, call Bill Ballard at 843-605-3563.

• Dr. Fredrick G. Weniger, board certified plastic surgeon, will offer a facelift seminar, “The Cutting Edge 2016,” at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at his office, 350 Fording Island Rd. The event will include food and prizes. For more information and to RSVP, call 843-757-0123.

• Liberal Men of the Lowcountry will meet at noon Feb. 10 for lunch at the Golf Club at Indigo Run, 101 Berwick Dr. Robert Fenlason will present on the status of solar energy, solar opportunities in the Lowcountry and his work in Sun City and with county governments.

Cost is $20 for guests. To attend, please call Richard Hammes at 847-9218188.

• The Opera Lovers of Hilton Head will meet at 1 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Seabrook, 300 Woodhaven Dr. Two ballets will be presented: “The Green Table” (Kurt Jooss) and “Swan Lake” (P.I. Tschaikovsky).

For information, call Prisca Bagnell at 843-715-2610.

• The Hilton Head Audubon Society will meet from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Dr. on Hilton Head.

Doreen Cubie, a master bird bander, will present “On the Trail of Rubythroated Hummingbirds,” describing her research and her banding projects, including a four-year study of wintering Rubythroats near Charleston. Cubie is one of only 300 hummingbird banders in the U.S. and Canada.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 843689-6767 or visit www.hiltonhead audubon.org.

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Noteworthy • The Palmetto Chapter of the West Virginia University Alumni Association will host a reception for Director of Athletics Shane Lyons at 6 p.m. Feb. 11, at Sea Pines Country Club.

Cost of the event, which includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction, is $20 per person ($25 for nonmembers). Admission to Sea Pines is free; just mention the event at the gate.

To attend, send registration to: Palmetto Chapter WVU Alumni & Friends, P.O. Box 2786, Bluffton, 29910, with name, address, phone and e-mail.

• The Hilton Head Sail and Power Squadron will offer safe boating seminars on Tides and Currents, Feb. 13, and Mariner’s Compass, March 12.

Both seminars will be held at the Hilton Head SHARE Center, 70 Shelter Cove Way, Suite L. Cost is $40 and registration is required.

Sail and power boaters are welcome.

For more information and to register,

contact Peter Dion at peterjdion@gmail .com or 631-559-9263.

• The Greater Bluffton Republican Club will holds its third annual Republican of the Year dinner at 6 p.m.

Feb. 15 at Rose Hill Golf Club.

The event will honor Gail O’Kane as the Greater Bluffton Republican of the Year for 2016.

Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased by calling Gina Raymond at 843247-1895 or by emailing ginamraymond @yahoo.com. Tickets may also be purchased online at http://awe.sm/qAn5c.

• The American Association of University Women of Hilton Head and Bluffton will hold its meeting at 10 a.m.

Feb. 16 at the Seabrook, 300 Woodhaven Dr., Hilton Head.

The guest speaker will be Karen Doughtie, assistant director of Memory Matters, who will speak on “Caregiving and Brain Health.”

She will be joined by Lydia Inglett, publisher, and Lynne Cope HummelI, editor of “Meet Me Where I Am,” a recently published inspirational book.

Autographed books will be available for purchase. The meeting is free and open to the public.

• The Lowcountry Christian Women’s Connection will hold its monthly luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 17 at the Hampton Hall Clubhouse.

The feature will be Wanda Lane of Sun City, author of three plays and currently working on her third book in the “Wrinkles” series. Guest speaker will be Sherisse Forrest of Savannah on the topic, “How to Have an Extreme Makeover: Life Edition.”

Cost is $25, with prepaid reservations due by Feb. 10. Make checks payable to CWC Bluffton and mail to: CWC Bluffton, Attn: Irene Cusato, 7 Nesting Lane, Bluffton, SC 29909. For additional information, call Carol at 843-705-7604.

• Aging Gracefully will meet at 11 a.m. Feb. 17 at the Hilton Head Library, 11 Beach City Rd. The topic is “Better Food Choices for Better Energy.” Fresh and healthy food samples will be served.

RSVP to Leah Kidwell at lkidwell@msa-corp.com or 843-4222612.

• The monthly meeting of the Palmetto Quilt Guild will be held at 1 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort, 40 Folly Field Rd. Guest speaker will be Michele Scott, a prolific writer, fabric designer, and quilter extraordinaire, on the topic “Every Quilt Tells a Story.”

Guests are welcome for a $5 visitor fee. Come early and socialize.

For more information, visit www.palmettoquiltguild.org.

Also, the club is preparing for its 2016 Quilt Festival to be held March 11-13.

Save the date.

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Feb. 2, 2016

Business Briefs • Mark Mayer, a resident of Hilton Head Island since 1997, has joined Lancaster Real Estate Sales as a full time agent.

Mayer has more than 19 years of real estate experience. He was the top selling Mark Mayer agent in the Syracuse, N.Y., marketplace for many years before selling his company and relocating to Hilton Head Island in 1997.

He was a top agent with Sea Pines Real Estate Company for many years before opening Mayer Collins Real Estate team in 2001.

After selling his half of the business in 2005, Mayer decided to expand his experiences and pursued other interests, which included a brief ownership of Lawton Stables in Sea Pines.

Contact him at 843-816-0693 or email Mark@HiltonHeadHomes.com • Eric Magnin has joined Boys, Arnold and Company’s Hilton Head Island office as a wealth counselor.

Magnin will be responsible for the development and support of new client relationships in the Eric Magnin region, as well as enhancing the team serving existing clients.

For the past 18 years, he has worked on Hilton Head Island for a national bank and its nationally chartered trust company subsidiary as the lead relationship advisor for clients in the region, overseeing a team of financial specialists.

Magnin is a graduate of West Virginia University.

Locally, he serves on the board of the Hilton Head Symphony and previously served on the board of the Hilton Head Estate Planning Council.

He and his wife, Janice, and their five children reside on the Island.

• R. Stuart Bedenbaugh has been promoted to vice president at BB&T Carswell Insurance Services.

Bedenbaugh is an agent in the Employee Benefits department at BB&T Carswell Insurance Stuart Bedenbaugh Services, located at 7 Arley Way, Suite 300 in Bluffton.

He has been in the insurance field for almost 20 years and specializes in claims analysis, benefits analysis and carrier negotiations for fully insured and selffunded accounts.

For more information, call 843-8150522 or visit www.Insurance.BBT.com.

Linda Delcher

Duke Delcher

• The Delcher & Delcher real estate team has moved its office to 1 Promenade St., Suite 101 in Old Town Bluffton, across from The Corner Perk.

Linda and Duke Delcher are a husband and wife real estate team with a combined 40 years of real estate experience.

For more information, visit www.delcherand delcher.com.

• Clark & Stevens, P.A., a family law firm based on Hilton Head Island, has been recognized by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys as one of the 10 Best Family Law Firms for client satisfaction in 2015.

The AIFLA is a third-party attorney rating organization that publishes an annual list of the Top 10 Family Law Attorneys in each state. Attorneys who are selected must pass a rigorous selection process.

Feb. 2, 2016

The Bluffton Sun

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Feb. 2, 2016

Business Briefs • Frank Sirianni has joined Coastal Signature Homes as the company’s new market manager.

After building several homes and experiencing firsthand the fine quality work of CSH, Sirianni is passionate about proFrank Sirianni moting a company he believes in.

Originally from Mayfield Village, Ohio, Sirianni earned a Master’s degree in business administration from Case Western Reserve University. Before joining CSH, he was owner and president of a manufacturing firm specializing in mechanical custom gear drives.

Providing an exceptional skill base for his position at Coastal Signature Homes, Sirianni will work to promote CSH in Beaufort County and expand market awareness on Hilton Head and beyond.

Sirianni and his wife, Mary Ann, have

owned a home in the Lowcountry for almost 20 years and made Hilton Head their permanent home in 2013. They have two grown daughters and three grandchildren.

For more information contact Coastal Signature Homes at 843-757-8889 or visit www.coastalsignaturehomes.com.

• Showcase Photographers recently opened its doors for business in the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton area.

The company provides professional and affordable real estate photography services for area agents, brokers and sellers of residential and commercial properties.

These services include still shots, slide shows and mini-movies.

The firm uses state-of-the art technology, including drones for elevated photos, which results in visual real estate experiences designed to showcase and sell properties.

For more information, call or text

843-608-0356 or visit www.Showcase Photographers.com.

• Paige Rose has joined Charter One Realty as chief marketing officer. She will be working out of the company’s Hilton Head Island office at 11 Park Lane, where she will be overseeing all marketing, public relations, advertising Paige Rose and branding for the real estate agency’s 11 offices throughout the Lowcountry.

Rose also will be providing additional strategic guidance and tools to residential and commercial brokers and agents to assist in building and growing their businesses through the use of a number of marketing tactics, including print advertising, direct mail, online marketing, digital platforms, blogging and social media outreach.

She will also be working to further enhance the real estate client experience by providing agents and staff with the tools and resources they need to ensure successful and smooth real estate transactions.

Originally from Hilton Head Island and a current resident of Bluffton, Rose received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Carolina in Columbia. She brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing, advertising and sales management to her role.

For more information, call 843-7854460 or visit www.CharterOne Realty.com.

SUBMIT YOUR BUSINESS NEWS The Bluffton Sun welcomes news of new employees, promotions, awards and honors, as well as new businesses and relocations.

Email your business info to editor@hargray.com.

Feb. 2, 2016

The Bluffton Sun

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Feb. 2, 2016

LEGAL

Second marriages, live-ins present competing interests

By Mark F. Winn CONTRIBUTOR

In the world of estate planning, every situation or family is unique.

Situations that involve second marriages and live-in lovers can reveal competing considerations.

Fortunately, using Mark F. Winn the law of trusts can often help us accommodate the competing concerns and fashion a comfortable result for all interested parties.

For instance, let us imagine the following scenario. Larry and Joyce have each been married in the past, and they want to live together. They have determined getting married is unduly burdensome and not necessary.

Larry has two children from a prior marriage: Emily and Samantha. Joyce has two children from a prior marriage: Janice and Tom. Larry owns the home and wants Joyce to be able to live in the house for her remaining single life, if she survives him.

He wants to make sure his two daughters will eventually get the house.

What should Larry do?

Larry should create a trust agreement and deed his house or the real estate into his trust. This will avoid probate and can leave the house to Joyce for her life while single, then to his daughters in equal shares.

Larry will want to pay careful attention to the conditions that could cause the beneficial interest in Joyce to cease, such as remarriage or carnal cohabitation.

Also, Larry might want to consider naming one of his children as co-trustee.

This is a good solution to a difficult problem.

Now, let us consider that Janice has special needs that entitle her to government assistance.

Joyce’s disposition will want to ensure that Janice’s share might be held in trust for her benefit, and perhaps that her brother, Tom, is the trustee.

If done properly, these funds can be made available for the benefit of Janice while at the same time not jeopardizing her government benefits.

Without the law of trusts, we would not be able to accomplish this good result.

Now, let us consider that Emily is a surgeon. For asset protection purposes, it would be advisable to strongly consider leaving her share in trust so that these assets would not be exposed to lawsuits.

Further, let us assume that Emily will never have children because she is infertile and she will not adopt. In this case, it would be wise to spell out in Emily’s trust that when Emily passes, the property will go to her sister, Samantha.

By the above example, we can see trusts can be used to control the flow of assets over time and to preserve government entitlements and protect against legal claims.

If used properly, trust law can prove a wonderful tool to manage competing concerns that naturally arise in the context of cases involving second marriages and live-in lovers.

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

Feb. 2, 2016

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MONEY

Making and keeping financial resolutions for 2016

By Allen Freeman CONTRIBUTOR

How will your money habits change in 2016? What decisions or behaviors might help your personal finances, your retirement prospects or your net worth?

Each year presents a clean slate, so as one year ebbs into Allen Freeman another, it’s natural to think about what you might do (or do differently) in the 12 months ahead.

Financially speaking, what New Year’s resolutions might you want to make for 2016 – and what can you do to stick by such resolutions as 2016 unfolds?

Strive to maximize your 2016 retirement plan contributions. The 2016 limit on IRA contributions is $5,500; $6,500 if

you will be 50 or older at some point in the year.

Contribution limits are set at $18,000 for 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and most 457 plans; if you will be 50 or older in 2016, you can make an additional catch-up contribution of up to $6,000 to those accounts.

If you want to retire in 2016, be mindful of the end of “file and suspend.”

Social Security is closing the door on the file-and-suspend claiming strategy that married couples have used to optimize their Social Security benefits.

If you are married and you will be at least 66 years old by April 30, 2016, you and your spouse still have a chance to use the strategy.

Starting May 1, that chance disappears forever for all married couples. (It will still be permitted on an individual basis.)

Similarly, the opportunity to file a restricted application for spousal benefits

has also gone away. This was another tactic that retirees employed in pursuit of greater lifetime Social Security income.

How do you keep New Year’s resolutions from faltering?

Often, New Year’s resolutions fail because there is only an end in mind – a clear goal, but no concrete steps toward realizing it.

So, if your aim is to save $20,000 toward retirement this year, map out the month-by-month contribution to your retirement account(s) that will help you do it.

Web tools such as Level Money and Mint.com can help you examine your cash flow week-to-week and month-tomonth; you can use them to keep track of your saving efforts as well as other aspects of your finances.

If you wish, you can let a loved one or a close friend in on your New Year’s financial resolutions.

That loved one or friend might decide to adopt them.

Even if he or she does not, sharing your resolution might increase your commitment to carrying it out.

Dominican University of California did a study on this very subject and found that when people set near-term goals and kept those goals private, they achieved them about 35 percent of the time – but when they informed friends about them and sent weekly progress updates, the achievement rate surpassed 70 percent.

Lastly, you might want to automate more of your financial life. If you have not set up monthly money transfers to a retirement or investment account, 2016 can be the year this happens.

Allen Freeman, CFP provides financial planning to retirees and widows. www.allen freemanfinancialplanner.com

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Feb. 2, 2016

MONEY

Will the presidential election affect investment outlook?

By Bill Sauter CONTRIBUTOR

We’re just a couple of weeks away from the first caucuses and primaries, so the presidential election season is in full swing.

As a voter, you might be keenly interested in the election process. But as an investor, should you be concerned?

If you take a look back, you might be somewhat encouraged over the prospects of the financial markets this year. In the last 12 presidential election years, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has been up nine times and down just three.

So election years must be good for the financial markets, right?

Not necessarily. In every year, the markets are influenced by a variety of factors: interest rates, inflation, corporate profits, geopolitical events, economic growth, even the weather.

And it’s safe to say that 2016 will be no different.

At this early stage of the year, one could say that some of these factors, such as continued low interest rates and a reasonably strong economy, might bode well for investors. But there’s a lot of 2016 ahead of us – and it’s notoriously difficult for anybody, even so-called experts, to accurately predict the market’s performance over a relatively short time, such as a year.

Still, the market’s history of pretty good results in presidential election years might not be entirely random. For one thing, the White House is never the only office being contested; elections are also held for every congressional district and many seats in the Senate.

Consequently, during these election years, campaigning often takes precedence over legislating. This legislative inactivity tends to be welcomed by the

financial markets, which generally dislike surprises, big changes and new directions.

However, you can’t really count on past trends to provide a certain roadmap for the year ahead, in terms of the performance of the financial markets. As mentioned above, many factors influence this performance, and at this early stage in the year, we just can’t predict which of these factors will take precedence.

So, instead of worrying about things you can’t control, focus on those that you can. For starters, review your investment mix. Does it still properly reflect your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon?

Over time, even if you haven’t made many changes to your portfolio, it can become unbalanced.

For example, if you own some stocks that have increased greatly in value over the years, these stocks might now be taking up a larger percentage of your

holdings than you had intended, bringing with them a higher degree of risk.

Consequently, you might want to consider selling off some of these stocks and using the proceeds to fill in other gaps in your portfolio.

On the other hand, if you think your mix of investments is not providing you with the returns you need to help make progress toward your long-term objectives, you might need to add some vehicles that can provide you with more growth potential. After all, it’s 2016 now, so whatever your age, you are another year closer to retirement.

Will this year look like past presidential election years, as far as good returns from the stock market? No one can say for sure. But if you “vote” for smart investment moves, you won’t be sorry.

Bill Sauter is an Edward Jones financial advisor in the Greater Bluffton-Okatie area.

Feb. 2, 2016

The Bluffton Sun

Noteworthy • The Social Action Committee of Congregation Beth Yam, in co-sponsorship with the Hunger Coalition of the Lowcountry, will present a public forum, “Corridor of Shame-Highway to Hope,” from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 18 at Congregation Beth Yam, 4501 Meeting St., Hilton Head Island.

The purpose of the forum is to inform, educate, and share ideas regarding the educational system in rural South Carolina, with the spotlight on Jasper County. The evening will include a showing of highlights from the documentary film “Corridor of Shame,” followed by a moderated panel discussion.

The event is free, although the committee is requesting attendees donate either a book to help a teacher tutor basic skills or any school supplies.

• The Compassionate Friends (TCF) of Beaufort County, a national self-help organization for families who have had a child die, will meet the third

Saturday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hampton Inn & Suites, 29 William Pope Dr. in Bluffton, just outside the gates of Sun City, next to the Okatie Ale House. The next meeting is Feb. 20.

The support group is open to immediate family members, close relatives and friends. For more information, contact Christine Mauro at 843-422-2083 or tcfbeaufortcounty @gmail.com.

• Hospice Care of the Lowcountry will hold its annual bereavement day camp, Camp TLC, for children ages 516, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 27 at Sargent Jasper Park.

Activities will include games, crafts, and age-appropriate discussions about grief and loss. Lunch and snacks are provided. At the end of the camp, the children’s parents are invited to participate in a short memorial gathering.

For more information call Jenna Watkins at 843-706-2996 or email music@hospicecarelc.org.

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Feb. 2, 2016

HEALTH

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference

By Karen Doughtie CONTRIBUTOR

“There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference.

The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.”

– W. Clement Stone I have been working with a caregiver – let’s call her Ann – for about three years. When Ann first came to Memory Matters with her husband, she was so positive, so effervescent.

She always had a peaceful aura, engaged other caregivers and seemed to give them hope. She enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, having an ice cream cone with her husband, taking a walk, or sharing a joke.

Secretly I wanted to be her. I wanted her inner beauty.

Two years later, she is like a different person; she is resentful about being a caregiver, angry, abrupt, and she openly complains about most anything.

What happened to her? How can she regain some of her happiness?

Just a few weeks ago Ann said she was ready to run away. This really discouraged me and left me thinking about what Memory Matters could do to help her regain some sense of happiness.

We could offer support, resources, help her with arrangements for respite care to allow some time for her to recharge. Maybe her husband could attend the day program more often.

But what would really help Ann? The answer? Only Ann can really help Ann. Is caregiving for someone with dementia easy? No. Life gives us lemons, and we have to learn to make lemonade, lemon bars, lemon pound cake – heck, anything with lemons.

And again, it all comes back to attitude.

Let’s end by reflecting on these

encouraging words by Charles Swindoll: “The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do.

“It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.

“We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude…

“I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so it is with you…we are in charge of our attitudes.”

If you need Memory Matters, call and speak with one of our dementia care specialists. Maybe, just maybe, we can help improve your attitude as a caregiver. Call us at 843-842-6688 or visit our website www.memory-matters.org.

Karen Doughtie is assistant director of Memory Matters, serving Bluffton and Hilton Head. karen@memory-matters.org

Feb. 2, 2016

The Bluffton Sun

HEALTH

Care tips for treating sensitive skin

By Oswald Lightsey Mikell CONTRIBUTOR

Sensitive skin is a common complaint that can result in redness and a sense of tight, burning or stinging skin immediately after being exposed to irritants – such as soaps or cosmetics.

Skin redness (erythema) might occur very quickly and only last minutes, while repeated stress can cause the redness to persist.

Certain individuals are more prone to sensitive skin, such as people with dry skin, eczema, dermatitis and rosacea.

Children and the elderly are more apt to experience skin sensitivity.

Q: What is sensitive skin?

A: Many people say they have sensitive skin because skin care products or household products that contact their skin cause stinging, burning, redness or tightness. Or they say they have it because, even though they have no visible effects after contact with a product, it always makes their skin feel uncomfortable. But here is what dermatologists look for when diagnosing sensitive skin: • Skin reactions such as pustules, skin bumps, or skin erosion • Very dry skin • A tendency toward blushing and skin flushing Q: How do I know if I have sensitive skin?

A: The best way to find out if you have sensitive skin – or whether something else is causing your skin condition – is to consult a dermatologist.

Q: What are some tips for sensitive skin care, especially on my face?

A: Specific guidelines are lacking, but here are a few tips: • Always start a new skin product by applying it to only a small area of skin, and gradually increase the amount applied if the product is tolerated.

• Read the labels of products used on the skin to identify possible triggers.

• Use sun protection measures.

Staying out of the sun or wearing protective sunscreen might be critical for reducing skin sensitivity, particularly for those who are prone to sunburn or who freckle easily.

• Those with sensitive skin might consider avoiding makeup with too many ingredients (10 or more ingredients are usually considered too many).

Also, throw out old makeup, use silicone-based foundation, use a face powder with few preservatives, and avoid waterproof makeup, as these require solvent to remove.

Earth-toned eye shadow tends to cause fewer reactions than dark colors, while black eyeliner and mascara appear to be safer than other cosmetics.

Meanwhile, liquid eyeliner might contain latex, which could lead to an allergic reaction, so pencil eyeliner is a good alternative.

• Avoid fragranced products, those with methylparaben or butylparaben as preservatives, antibacterial or deodorant ingredients, alcohol, retinoids, or alphahydroxy acids.

Some conditions like rosacea might lead to facial redness and irritation.

Q: Are skin care products labeled “hypoallergenic” safer for sensitive skin?

A: Hypoallergenic skin care products are not necessarily safer for sensitive skin.

There are no federal standards governing manufacturers’ use of the term “hypoallergenic.” So it can mean whatever a particular company wants it to mean.

If you are suffering with sensitive skin, call a dermatologist.

Dr. Oswald Lightsey Mikell, certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, is the owner of Dermatology Associates of the Lowcountry.

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Feb. 2, 2016

Coastal Carolina names new chief financial officer Ronald J. Groteluschen, a certified public accountant, has joined Coastal Carolina Hospital as its new chief financial officer.

As the CFO, Groteluschen will oversee all financial operations for the R. J. Groteluschen hospital. In addition, he will oversee several hospital departments including finance, business, health information management, patient access and materials management.

Groteluschen has 25 years of experience in healthcare accounting and financial management.

Most recently, he was the CFO for Central Carolina Hospital, a 135-bed facility in Sanford, N.C. He has also held several financial

management positions, including that as assistant chief financial officer, at Frye Regional Medical Center, a 355-bed hospital in Hickory, N.C. Groteluschen has an associate’s degree from St. John’s College in Winfield, Kansas, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska in Omaha.

As a CPA, he is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants and Beta Alpha Psi, an accounting honor society.

Coastal Carolina Hospital, located off Hwy. 278 near Exit 8, has been serving the medical and health care needs of Jasper and Beaufort counties since November 2004.

For more information, visit www.coastalhospital.com.

Feb. 2, 2016

The Bluffton Sun

HOME TECHNOLOGY

Latest speakers provide ultimate audio experience

By Carlos Ramos CONTRIBUTOR

When looking for a high fidelity experience, every component plays a critical role, whether it be the amp, digital analog converter, or various cables.

Perhaps the most glamorous of all the components are speakers.

Most likely to be seen when walking into a space, as well as the final component between your music source and your ears, these are usually in the forefront of an audio equipment purchase, with many buyers choosing a set of speakers, and then selecting the right components to amplify and push music to them.

When choosing, we must take into consideration what specific function the speakers will serve. Are they for indoor or outdoor use?

Are they for ambient music, a surround sound theatre experience, or critical listening to your favorite recording artists and their latest releases?

By looking at speakers applied to the ambient scenario, we can also cover the question of “indoor or outdoor.”

If your goal is to have your favorite music while lounging by the pool, consideration of the impact the elements will have on your speakers is of primary importance.

Bowers and Wilkins has tackled the issues of rain, heat, and more with the AM-1 Architectural Monitor, a weatherproof speaker designed for wall mounting, with cast aluminum wall brackets that allow 110-degree rotation from their center.

These speakers are constructed with an auxiliary bass radiator to the rear, offering exceptional bass response while still allowing the housing to be sealed.

For indoor ambient music, B&W offers a wide range of in-ceiling speakers in the CI 600 series. Featuring magnetic

Bowers and Wilkins speakers are not only stylish, but also provide superior sound quality in many applications.

grills for a tight fit to sheet rock surface, these low-profile speakers not only blend into any environment, but with Kevlar cone bass-midrange drivers and Nautilus swirl-loaded aluminum dome tweeter that pivots, these speakers can also be used in home theatre applications.

While the speakers described so far provide a superior experience, Bowers and Wilkins’ technology gets the best opportunity to shine with speakers in bookshelf or floor-standing formats.

Whether for critical listening or incorporating the speakers into a surround sound system, features like Decoupled Double Dome aluminum tweeters set the B&W sound well above the pack.

Seen in the CM series, this tweeter design allows for accurate reproduction of highs while preventing audible distortion.

B&W 800 series floor-standing speakers break the mold with Diamond tweeters, Kevlar drivers and matrix vented-box system, all designed to provide the audio experience of a lifetime.

Ultimately, when it comes to speakers, hearing is believing.

Visit your local audio-video integrator to discuss your audio needs and to get an earful of just how amazing your audio system can be.

Carlos Ramos is the sales and marketing manager with Custom Audio Video in Bluffton.

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Feb. 2, 2016

WELLNESS

Tap your way to positive mental health with EFT

By Mary Bieda CONTRIBUTOR

One of the easiest self-administered techniques for dealing with stress, anxiety and worry is called Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Many individuals have also reported positive results when using it for other issues such as weight loss, pain, and addictions.

EFT is part of a unique type of healing known as Energy Psychology. It derives from principals of energy medicine and acupuncture. Some people refer to EFT as emotional acupressure.

Energy medicine is thousands of years old. In fact, it is the oldest type of medicine known to man. Using his knowledge of energy medicine, Dr. Roger Callahan was the first to develop a tapping method known as Thought Field Therapy (TFT).

After studying Dr. Callahan’s tech-

niques, Gary Craig developed the easily used approach now known as Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT. EFT is based on the belief that we are energetic, electrical and vibrational beings. With that in mind, it uses the energy meridians in the body to correct imbalances in the energy system.

Sound complicated? It is not. First

identify the problem you want to work on (example: anxiety) and rate it on a scale of 0-10 in terms of how distressing it is to you.

Then begin with a “karate chop” by using the side of one hand to tap on the side of the other hand.

While doing this, recite the words, “Even though I have this anxiety (or whatever the problem is that you are addressing), I unconditionally accept myself.”

Say this affirmation three times while doing the karate chop on each hand.

Then proceed using the very tips of the index and middle fingers to tap about 10 or so times in the following sequence.

You do not have to count the times. Just tap for a few moments on each area: • Inner side of the eyebrow • Side of the eye • Under the eye • Under the nose

• Chin • Collarbone • Under each arm • Top of the head While tapping on each of these areas, you do not have to repeat the whole set up phrase but simply say, “this anxiety” (etc.). Go through the entire sequence three times.

After the third time, stop, take a deep breath, and rate your level of distress again from 0-10. This can be done many times over while looking for shifts in perspective or energy.

Demonstrations of EFT are readily found on YouTube. I commonly teach the practice to my clients in therapy as a means of self-soothing. It is one of many tools to have in one’s emotional toolbox known as coping skills.

Mary Bieda, MS, LPC is a licensed professional counselor and pastoral counselor in private practice in Old Town Bluffton.

Feb. 2, 2016

The Bluffton Sun

WELLNESS

Five natural ingredients for at-home skin care

By Lindsey Spargur CONTRIBUTOR

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on skin care. Mother Nature created everything you need to keep your skin in wonderful condition.

Fine-grain sea salt makes a terrific all-body treatment to remove dead skin cells, balance moisture and pull toxins from pores. Rich in potassium and magnesium, it can reduce stress, tension and ease sore muscles.

To use, wet your skin and lightly massage the salts over your body. Leave them on for a few minutes, then rinse. Try adding them to a warm bath and soaking for 10-15 minutes.

Apple cider vinegar is a great natural astringent and helps to balance the skin's PH, remove dirt, kill bacteria and promote circulation. Always dilute it.

After cleansing and before moisturizing, mix one part vinegar to three parts water and apply to your face with a cotton ball. No need to rinse.

Coconut oil is an amazing body moisturizer and facial cleanser. Naturally antibacterial and antifungal, it helps heal rashes, scars, infections and acne. Apply to your body and leave on for 20 minutes, then shower off.

To cleanse very dry facial skin, apply a small amount to wet hands and rub in circular motion over the face. Rinse with warm water. Note: Coconut oil may clog pores if your skin is normal or oily.

Extra virgin olive oil, rich in vita-

mins, minerals and natural fatty acids, is excellent for sensitive skin. This antioxidant-rich oil minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, nourishes and protects the skin from sun damage.

Use a small amount on your face or hair.

Honey is soothing, moisturizing, and helps kill bacteria. Try these excellent homemade facial mask recipes: • Honey mask for acne-prone skin Mix 3 tsp. raw honey with 1/2 tsp. cinnamon. Apply and leave on for 10-30 minutes. When rinsing, gently massage your face in circles for a light exfoliation.

• Honey mask for dry skin Mix 1 tsp. each of mashed avocado, plain whole milk yogurt and raw honey.

Spread the mixture over your face and wait for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.

Avocado and yogurt are deeply moisturizing, and the lactic acid in yogurt smoothes, refines pores and stimulates collagen production.

• Honey mask for sensitive skin Mix 2 tsp. raw honey with 1 tsp. aloe vera gel. Apply and leave on for 10-20 minutes.

For personalized advice, including skin analysis, mini facial and “do’s and don’ts” of buying organic and natural, schedule a consultation with a skin care professional.

Lindsey Spargur is the owner and esthetician of Healthy Skin By Lin, located within the Just Be Centre in Bluffton Village.

Lindsey@healthyskinbylin.com; www.JustBe Centre.com

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Feb. 2, 2016

Nonprofit News • “For pioneering the search for real history … for creating a mission of discovery through research – discovery that leads to time, place, and self,” the Heritage Library on Hilton Head Island won the 2016 Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Service Award.

The award was presented Jan. 18 during ceremonies at Hilton Head Island High School.

“We have worked very hard to research and document the island people during the Civil War era, and are now beginning a project to do the same with the Reconstruction era,” said Linda Piekut, executive director of the library.

“It is very rewarding to be able to put the stories of the people of the island together for future generations."

The Heritage Library is dedicated to the study of Hilton Head Island history and is also a premier ancestry research center. Open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the library is at 852 William Hilton

Parkway, Hilton Head Island. For more information call 843-686-6560 or visit www.heritagelib.org.

• Memory Matters elected a new slate of officers for 2016 at its annual meeting held in January.

The new officers are: Sarah Coffin, president; Volker Kettering, vice president; David Rose, treasurer; and Ann Conlon, secretary. “Memory Matters continues our commitment to being a center of excellence in dementia care, as well as good stewardship of resources, transparency and advocacy. We have a strong board of directors, and are proud to announce our new slate of officers,” said Edwina Hoyle, executive director.

In addition, Curtis Coltrane, Mike Cooke, Michael Harter, Steve Miller, Chip Simons and Brad Wilson were welcomed as new board members.

For more information, visit www.memory-matters.org or call 843842-6688.

Feb. 2, 2016

The Bluffton Sun

Holistic classes held at Just Be Centre The holistic practitioners at Just Be Centre in Bluffton will be holding a variety of events during February that all take place at the Centre, 159 State St. in Bluffton Village. For full details visit www.justbecentre.com.

Dwanna Paul, trance medium, will hold the following events: • Mediumship Development to help participants identify and strengthen their psychic gifts on Feb. 4, 11 and 18 at 7 p.m. Cost is $40.

• Circle of Lights, on communicating with spirits, Feb. 6, 13 and 27 at 7 p.m.

Cost is $40.

• Alternative Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. Participants will share stories and explore topics including spirits, UFOs, healing, Sasquatch and more.

Donations appreciated.

• Angels of Light Healing Service, for emotional and physical healing, on Feb. 9 and 23 at 7 p.m. Donations appreciated. Call 972-735-8188 to register.

Sarah Mastriani-Levi, Director of

Nutrition, will be holding a Spiritual Sexuality & Healthy Aphrodisiacs talk on Feb. 12 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Cost is $15. RSVP at 843-757-7512.

Essential Oils for Natural Health Solutions will be held from 1 to 3 p.m.

Feb. 10 with Julez Weinberg, certified health coach and essential oils specialist, and Meredith Kelly, licensed massage therapist and certified AromaTouch facilitator.

The two will compare and contrast modern medicine with nature’s gifts.

Attendees can learn about certified pure therapeutic-grade essential oils and how to use them to support emotional and physical well-being. RSVP at 843-2278812.

Monday Guided Meditation is held each week from 9 to 9:30 a.m. A $5 donation is suggested; walk-ins welcome.

Gentle Power Yoga with Janine Cole is offered every Thursday from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Cost is $10. RSVP at 843-3683545.

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The Bluffton Sun

Feb. 2, 2016

Feb. 2, 2016

The Bluffton Sun

WELLNESS

Vaginal rejuvenation offers multiple benefits

By E. Ronald Finger CONTRIBUTOR

In 2014, labiaplasty, or rejuvenation of the vaginal area, was among the procedures that showed the largest growth in volume on a year-over-year basis, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgery. In fact, the numbers of procedures for vaginal rejuvenation are increasing every year, and it has become accepted as a mainstream category.

While one segment of women gets these procedures to improve their sex lives and the appearance of their private parts post-childbirth or with advanced aging, others are more concerned with functional issues, including incontinence and discomfort.

Loosening of the vaginal area is caused by stretching in the diameter of the vagina and surrounding tissues when pelvic muscles become stretched or weakened due to aging, hormonal changes and especially vaginal deliveries.

In fact, all women who have given birth vaginally experience stretching of their vaginal tissues.

The ThermiVa is based on the “science of heat,� in that heating the tissues to a certain temperature definitely tightens the collagen and elastin in the heated tissue. The ThermiVa treatments use radiofrequency to gently heat the tis-

sues to rejuvenate collagen, without discomfort or downtime.

A recent study documented multiple benefits for those complaining of vaginal laxity. Usually three treatments are recommended at one-month intervals for maximum results. The treatments are non-painful and have been equated to a hot stone massage and are, in fact, quite comfortable. The treatment consists of passing the probe over the labia majora, the labia minora, and intra-vaginally, tightening all of the tissues treated.

Unlike other types of treatments, such as lasers or surgery, there is no recovery time. Benefits that can be expected are: 1.

Tightening of all of the vaginal tissues; 2.

Diminished or elimination of urinary incontinence; and 3. More normal secretions from the vagina, thus less painful intercourse, called dysperunia.

The ThermiVA, like other Thermi treatments, uses a specially designed probe to deliver the heat to the specific vaginal area to be treated, and it monitors the exact temperature being delivered. Temperature is critical for the shrinkage of tissue. There is no local anesthesia needed for the ThermiVA and no recovery time.

E. Ronald Finger, MD, FACS is a board certified plastic surgeon and medical director for Savannah Antiaging and Rejuvenation Center. www.fingerandassociates.com

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The Bluffton Sun

Feb. 2, 2016

20th Gullah Celebration continues

The 20th annual Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration continues with special events through Feb. 29 in various venues. Since 1996, the event has showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah People and their history on the island.

Back by popular demand is the Arts Ob We People art exhibition and sale, continuing through the end of the month at the Art League of Hilton Head gallery, 14 Shelter Cove Lane.

Other favorites are the Gullah Music Series at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 and 26 at various venues; and the Arts, Crafts and Food Expo Feb. 20-21 at Coastal Discovery Museum.

A Celebration of African American Authors will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 27 at Custom Audio Video, 48 Pennington Dr., Unit B. Meet published authors who will share insights, and share authentic Gullah cuisine.

Debuting this festival season is the National Gullah Institute, which will present its first panel discussion on the American South’s Connection to West Africa at 5 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane.

For more information and to purchase tickets for all Gullah Celebration events, call 843-255-7303 or visit www.gullahcelebration.com.

Feb. 2, 2016

The Bluffton Sun

Find treasures at spring show The 14th annual Springtime Made in the South will be held Feb. 19-21 at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center on Hutchinson Island.

The popular event features handcrafted items for home, garden and wardrobe. Artisans travel from across the country to participate in the annual show.

“Springtime Made in the South has its own nature that is guided by our artists and craftsmen,” said Bob Hunt, president of Carolina Shows Inc., producer of the show and sale. “Those who take the time to use handmade items enjoy the important aspects of human interaction that are often overlooked in today’s fast-paced world, and it’s all made in America.”

Attendees can make their backyards a main attraction with an unforgettable, handmade birdhouse or birdfeeder.

Bring nature indoors with an enchanting photo from renowned photographer Dan Williams of Tennessee. Visit local artist

Dee Jackson of Georgia and see charming Savannah and surrounding areas through her eyes.

Ladies can add a new twist to their wardrobe with any of the accessories available at this year’s show, ranging from hand-knitted scarves to whimsical jewelry.

Other outstanding artful items are hand thrown pottery, basket weaving, colorful purses, totes, metal working, blown glass and stained glass. The creators of these handcrafted treasures will be available to meet and greet visitors.

In addition, there will be delicious gourmet delights to savor on-site and to take home.

Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 11a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Adult admission is $7 – good for all three days with a hand stamp – and free for children 12 and under. Free parking is available.

For more information and coupons, visit www.madeinthesouthshows.com.

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The Bluffton Sun

Feb. 2, 2016

Feb. 2, 2016

The Bluffton Sun

WELLNESS

Love languages important in expressing feelings

By Helene Stoller CONTRIBUTOR

Valentine’s Day presents an optimal opportunity to improve communication with one’s romantic partner.

With our fastpaced lifestyles, we often unintentionally neglect our primary relationships for the Helene Stoller many other competing demands on our time – jobs, children, friends, and hobbies – leading to the languishing of love.

Moreover, the manner in which we express our loving feelings to our partners might not be received as intended by our partners because of different “love languages.”

It’s as if we are saying “I love you” in a foreign language; our partners don’t understand our meaning.

Therapist-author Gary Chapman, Ph.D., described five “love languages” in his popular book of the same name.

We typically express love to our partners in the way we prefer to have love expressed to us, which works well for couples that have the same love languages.

But using one’s own preferred love language(s) with a partner with different love language preferences could result in the partner not feeling loved – and not even knowing why.

The love languages Chapman describes are acts of service (doing helpful things for your partner without being asked, such as preparing dinner before your partner gets home), quality time (spending dedicated time with your partner doing things you both enjoy), gifts (things purchased or made with your partner’s tastes in mind), words of affirmation (recognition or praise for

your partner), and physical touch (handholding, cuddling, love-making).

While couples might use each of the love languages at different times, the most preferred and-or frequently used love languages are considered the primary love languages.

My husband and I both prefer acts of service and quality time as our primary love languages, so it is relatively easy for each of us to meet the other’s love needs.

On the other hand, Sally and Fred are a fictional couple whose relationship is fraught with squabbles because neither partner feels truly loved by the other.

Fred shows his love for Sally by buying her expensive gifts (e.g., jewelry), which she puts in her drawer and doesn’t wear.

What she really wants is to spend a romantic evening at Palmetto Bluff, because her primary love languages are quality time and affectionate touch.

Fred feels unloved because Sally doesn’t wear his loving gifts, and Sally feels unloved because she thinks that Fred is inattentive to her needs.

Over time, their love languishes.

Even if your love languages differ from those of your romantic partner, you can build a bridge over the love language gap by discussing your love language preferences; you can even make a guessing game out of it.

Most importantly, once you know the love language preferences of your partner, use those love languages rather than your own, if different, to express your love for your partner, and watch your romantic relationship blossom as your partner feels truly loved by you.

Helene Stoller, Psy.D., licensed psychologist, is the non-practicing owner of Psychological & Counseling Associates of the Lowcountry, LLC in Bluffton.

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The Bluffton Sun

Feb. 2, 2016

FASHION

Southern style: A Northerner’s guide to fitting in seamlessly

By Jessica Sferlazzo CONTRIBUTOR

Chances are, most of “y’all” reading this article are from up North. And, if you’re like me, when you first moved to the South, you had some style questions.

Sperry’s? Why are boat shoes being worn on land?

Why does everyone wear sunglasses around their necks?

Why is everything monogrammed?

After a while, I grew to love some of these styles, especially “popping my collar.” Don’t judge; it was 2004 and I was in college.

So if you are a brand new transplant to the South, what are some Southern styles you can easily adopt? I would start with monogramming.

Chances are, you already have something in your closet that could be monogrammed. A large tote, beach bag, or

even a vest are great items that you can monogram. It gives your accessory a special flare that it may not have had before.

Pearls are another accessory you can

easily add to your wardrobe. A strand of long pearls will add pizazz to even the most basic outfit.

Or, go bold and pair a chunky pearl statement necklace with a plain white collared shirt and jeans for a chic, effortless look.

If you’re not sure about either of those options, choose a pair of big bold pearl stud earrings. These are the epitome of Southern style.

If pearls aren’t your thing, choose a statement stud like a sweet pineapple or flower to add a dash of sweetness to your look. Pineapples on jewelry, scarves and even handbags is a trend that I am really liking right now. Pineapples are the icon for Southern hospitality, so if you are wearing them in any type of accessory, you will exude warmth and kindness.

Lastly, there are some smaller accessories that will ease your transition. A classic pair of Ray Ban “wayfarers” or

“aviators” will complete any Southern preppy look. Colored, mirrored lenses are very big right now.

Boot socks are another fun trend, usually topped off with lace. They add just a little something to complete your look, some you can even monogram!

The South is also synonymous with outdoor sports – such as football, fishing and equestrian events. Make sure your fan-favorite attire or swag includes a fun colored, insulated tumbler or koozie that you can easily carry in your purse.

Whether you choose a combination of these tips I’ve suggested, or focus on just one, they’re sure to help you ease your transition into the Southern scene. So cheers, y’all, and wear that Southern charm!

Jessica Sferlazzo is a fashion merchandiser and general manager of the Spartina 449 flagship store in Bluffton. www.facebook .com/spartina449fs

Feb. 2, 2016

The Bluffton Sun

New Officers

P H OTO S U B M I T T E D

The Bluffton American Legion, Post 205 held its installation of officers Jan. 16 at Caddy’s in Rose Hill. District Vice Commander Bob Scherer from Greenvile administered the oath of office to the incoming officers. From left are Cmdr. Scherer, incoming Commander Courtney Peeples, Jim Cubey, Roberta Poulos, Mike Miranda, Art Ranta, James Gilliard and Steve Robillard. In addition, Roberts Sterling was acknowledged and thanked for his years of service as past Post Commander. For information on becoming a member, visit www.alpost205.com.

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The Bluffton Sun

Feb. 2, 2016

BEAUTY

When changing your look, going red ups the ‘wow’ factor

Nicole Jelbert before her new style.

By Angela Scharver CONTRIBUTOR

At the beginning of a new year, the urge to change one’s appearance for a healthier outlook on life can mean so many things.

Freshening your look seasonally is, I believe, extremely significant for staying on top of current trends. From adding highlights to a full-out change in haircut and style, our inner fire to look different and feel rejuvenated is very important.

It makes us empowered. Maybe a new look will help you feel more confident at work or give you a sassy edge to perform any task you want to accomplish.

A sweet friend of mine, Nicole Jelbert, has gorgeously long, thick hair with a natural ombré effect going on. (This is something tons of clients have asked me for.)

Nicole was looking for a change, but little did I know she wanted a drastic change. During our thorough consultation, while going through her Pinterest favorites, I discovered she had her heart set on going red.

There is a wide spectrum when it comes to becoming a redhead. Cooltoned violet reds are my personal favorite. But depending on skin tone, you might be able to get away with more of a copper underlying pigment.

Nicole after a vibrant change of hair color.

With Nicole showing me a couple of shades of red that she loved, I knew I needed to shift it back two color levels to give leeway for fading.

With high-fashion color tones, as a professional stylist I can guarantee success with your color only with proper home care. This is just as crucial as being in the salon for your experience.

Professional shampoos and conditioners are definitely a must.

To finalize Nicole's new look, she wanted to maintain length but have a nice shape to accent her everyday look.

Of course nearly every woman with long hair loves her ponytail or messy bun.

I cut 2 1/2 inches off the length and gave her a surface layer cascading down for a swinging effect and movement. I also sculpted in a nice face frame to accent her jawline.

These shorter layers at the face naturally draw attention to her beautiful bone structure.

After I styled her hair to a smooth silkiness, Nicole couldn't stop staring at her new look in the mirror at the salon. We booked her again in six weeks to maintain this new look that she wants to rock out. Now she’s ready to take on 2016.

Angela Scharver, hair artist at House of Color in the Plaza at Belfair, Bluffton, specializes in full-service hair styling.

Feb. 2, 2016

The Bluffton Sun

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Feb. 2, 2016

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.

• Opera Lovers of Hilton Head, 2nd Wednesday, 1 p.m. Oct.-May. Prisca Bagnell, 843-715-2610.

• 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. 3rd Saturday, 1 p.m. Hampton Inn, 29 William Pope Dr., Bluffton, near Sun City gate.

Christine Mauro, 843-422-2083.

• 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

Feb. 2, 2016

The Bluffton Sun

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SPORTS

Trouble with your serve? Chin up – it’ll get better

By Lou Marino CONTRIBUTOR

Question: How many times have you, your doubles partner, opponent(s) or someone on the court next to you missed a serve and said, “Head up!” immediately after?

I’ll bet it’s a commonly heard selfinstruction, trying to fix something that likely causes a majority of service faults.

All the strokes or shots in tennis have many elements in common to execute them successfully. To name a few: balance, posture, staying relaxed, transferring weight forward, eye-to-ball-to-racquet-hand coordination, etc.

When played correctly, tennis is one of the most gracefully coordinated and choreographed of sports.

Ah, but then there’s the serve.

Unique because it’s the only shot that a player is in complete control of, it’s also

the toughest shot to learn, having much more involved than firing it like a cannon or just trying to get it in. Making it a good one can, as John McEnroe says, “pay dividends” quickly.

Although the serve starts with a good toss of the ball by your “off hand,” by focusing on keeping your chin up and having it stay lined up with the tossed ball through contact, your serve consistency will be greatly improved.

Another aspect of the service motion that helps to achieve this is to point at the ball with your off hand through contact: line up your chin, pointing fingers extended and ball to and through racquet contact.

A couple of other benefits to “chin-

up into the ball.

It also helps the shoulders and hips to stay in alignment, allowing an optimum transfer of energy from the legs and hips, through the core and back, to the shoulders and hitting arm.

This is the same energy transfer for groundstrokes, starting with the legs and hips, through the core and back, to the shoulders and hitting arm, except that the head has to stay down and still through contact.

So, if you’ve been having trouble with your serve, be positive, keep it simple – and keep your chin up. It’ll get better. If it doesn’t, contact me and I’ll show you how to use the “Italian salute” to make it work. (Just kidding, but some of my students know what this refers to.) up”: When starting the service motion, getting your chin up can help you load up your weight on the back foot to push

Lou Marino is a USPTA Cardio & Youth Tennis coach who lives and teaches in the greater Bluffton-Hilton Head Island area.

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Feb. 2, 2016

SPORTS

Legends at Parris Island great golf course to walk

By Jean Harris CONTRIBUTOR

(Editor’s note: During the next six months, Dr. Jean Harris will showcase local golf courses of interest.)

I went out to The Legends Golf Course at Parris Island last month to help with the Adaptive Golf Clinic they have once a month. What a great experience to help golfers with physical limitations enjoy the game. After the clinic I went out to play golf with a friend.

The course is a super layout. We were very impressed with the shape of the greens, fairways and tees for a course that gets a lot of play from the military, locals and tourists.

The course has beautiful marsh views, and the fairways are lined with magnificent live oaks. It’s nice to play a course that isn’t surrounded with homes lining the fairways.

was built by Fred Findley and George Cobb in 1947, making it one of the oldest in the area.

There was a redesign in 2000 by local architect Clyde Johnston. The course is ranked in the Top 10 military courses worldwide.

Golf professional Andy Hinson has been at Parris Island since 2006 and has 13th green at The Legends Golf Course at Parris Island. seen tremendous growth and The fairways are flat, which makes the improvements to the course. “Our focus course very walkable, which is someis on providing a quality golf course for thing that most courses in the Marines and Sailors as well as their famiLowcountry don’t allow. More than half lies and friends. Our goal is to provide a of the players on the course were great product for all our patrons,” he said. walking, which is how golf is meant to The course has five sets of tees, be played. ranging from 4,969 yards from the front There’s a lot of history about this to 6,898 yards from the tips. This gives course. Each hole is named after a legthe beginner a chance to score well and endary U.S. Marine who made contribu- also challenges the advanced player from tions or excelled in service. The course the tips.

At each tee there is a pictured sign showing the hole’s layout, with bunkers, water and green position. The scorecard and carts have a pin placement sheet that helps the golfer with the distance to the green. It also shows the depth of the green. This is great information when hitting to the green.

The pro shop is well stocked with plenty of golf equipment. The golf professionals have fitting carts from most of the major companies, including U.S. Kids Golf for fittings for junior golfers.

They also have Mitchell Club Fit that gives the pros the ability to change shafts and grips.

To make a starting time, call 843-2282240. For more information, visit www.thelegendspi.com.

Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at Brown Golf Management courses. jean.golfdoctor. harris@gmail.com; www.golfdoctorjean.com

Feb. 2, 2016

The Bluffton Sun

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PETS

Basic training skills make for happy dogs and owners

By Abby Bird CONTRIBUTOR

Getting your dog well behaved and trained enough to enjoy her is work, especially if the dog is a puppy.

The first skill is potty training.

Whether your dog is outside trained or even inside trained with potty pads, you need to know what her schedule is.

Making social plans or just getting on with your lifestyle requires knowing when your dog needs to potty. Having a puppy temporarily changes your schedule, so the faster you learn your dog’s schedule the easier it is for you.

The same is true for travel. Is your dog predictable enough to be invited places with you? Keep a written record of when your dog potties based upon the activity your dog just did – playing, sleeping, walking, eating, drinking, etc.

Puppyhood is like having a new baby.

Did you prepare for that? The dog’s energy level – not just in puppyhood but when the dog becomes an adult – is a good thing to know before you choose a dog.

If you are sedentary, did you choose a dog that is appropriate? If you are active, did you get one that can participate with your exercise and play? Is size important?

Do you have kids? Not all breeds are good with kids, plus you have to instruct your kids in appropriate behavior to avoid issues. All dogs need supervision around children. You cannot expect a puppy to know what to do, so you must instruct the humans.

Puppy- or dog-proof your home with baby gates, exercise pen and crate.

Remove anything the puppy can get into or block it so the area can’t be accessed.

Temporarily remove rugs and anything reachable.

Socialize the dog by bringing him to

public places, introducing him to all kinds of situations, environments and people. Bring the dog to puppy playtimes, not dog parks, if he is too young.

Have family members attend obedience and behavior classes. Owners and dogs bond through training. Sit, come, lie down, leash walking, leaving items alone, good manners and more are imprinted at a young age.

Families need to learn these basic skills and behaviors to train their dog to be enjoyable and well adjusted. You might think the dog is behaving abnor-

mally when actually she is acting out ageappropriate behaviors.

Jumping, chewing and nipping are normal in pups but can persist due to lack of training or if the behavior is breed related. Everyone in the family needs to know how to redirect those the right way.

Walk and exercise the dog enough to allow him to explore and get tired. Make time to play at what the dog enjoys – playing with the ball, running, chasing, tugging and other human play.

Does your dog like to sniff and smell or hunt or swim? Find puppy or dog games that allow your dog to use those instincts. Supervise all child play.

If you can handle this, then you will enjoy your dog for a long time, and the dog will be blessed to have you as owners.

Abby Bird is owner of Alpha Dog Obedience Training. ajbird@hargray.com

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The Bluffton Sun

Feb. 2, 2016

FAITH

Follow phases of the moon to understand Jewish calendar

By Arthur Segal CONTRIBUTOR

Shalom and greetings.

In our tour through the Jewish calendar this year, February brings us an additional month, a leap month if you will, named Adar One. It can get conArthur Segal fusing, because Adar Two is the regular Adar with its holiday of Purim.

Adar One has no real holidays so we will use it to discuss the Jewish lunar calendar. This will help answer why Jewish holidays fall on different dates in the Gregorian calendar, but in the same season.

The first commandment given to the

recently freed Hebrew nation involves our Jewish courts setting our lunar calendar as well as its continued modification (Ex. 12:02). Without a calendar, the holidays could not be observed and religious chaos would follow.

The Jewish calendar is based on the moon but regulated by the sun. The average time from one new moon to the next is 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 3.5 seconds.

Months must have complete days.

Jewish months have either 29 or 30 days.

Twelve lunar months makes a 354-day year.

Jewish holidays are seasonal and agriculturally based (Passover is the ‘’spring holiday’’).

Hence we have a leap month, a second Adar, seven times in every 19year cycle. This way, Rosh Hashanah and Sukkoth are in the fall, and Passover is in the spring.

In 358 C.E. Rabbi Hillel II preset a lunar calendar for the future and a monthly court would no longer be needed. However, the average Hebrew

year is slower than the average solar year by about one day in every 216 years.

That means that today we celebrate the holidays an average of about eight days later than did our ancestors in 358 C.E. Should no new calendar reform take place, our holidays would drift out of their appropriate seasons. Passover would be observed in the winter.

As you are reading this, ‘’this’’ moment never existed before from the time the Earth was created, and ‘’this’’ moment will never exist again.

Every ‘’now’’ has its meaning. Carpe Diem! Seize the day! Cherish and do not waste these precious moments of our lives. A freed people, and a free person, control their time. Let us not be in selfbondage to our clocks and calendars.

Rabbi Arthur Segal is an international lecturer, author, and teacher. www.Jewish SpiritualRenewal.org, RabbiASegal@aol.com

Feb. 2, 2016

The Bluffton Sun

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BRIDGE

Finding the ‘golden fit’ using Jacoby transfers CONTRIBUTOR

What's our all-time favorite opening bid? 1NT, of course, because it immediately tells partner how many points we have (15-17).

What's our alltime favorite contract? A major suit contract, because it Kathie Walsh allows us to have ruffing power. To play in a major suit contract, the partnership must first locate their "golden fit," eight cards in hearts or spades.

We know that we can find our 4/4 major suit fits when partner opens 1NT by using Stayman, but there is another wonderful way to locate a magic 8-card major suit fit.

It's time to enter the world of Jacoby transfers. We use Jacoby transfers when partner opens 1 NT and we have five or more cards in a major suit.

How do we use it? After partner opens 1 NT, you bid the suit below your real suit; if your suit is hearts, bid 2 diamonds; if your suit is spades, bid 2 hearts.

Why use it? You use Stayman and Jacoby transfers so that your partner can bid your suit and still be the declarer. Having the strong hand concealed can give you and partner extra tricks.

So if partner opens 1 NT, and if you bid 2 diamonds, the opener will bid 2H; and if partner opens 1 NT and you bid 2 hearts, the opener will bid 2 spades.

Your next bid will tell the opening NT bidder if you have five or six of the major and how many points you have so that

of these exercises, the bidding has proceeded 1NT by opener – 2H by responder; 2S by opener, and now it's time for the responder's rebid): 1. QJ9753 1096 95 76 2. KJ987 K87 A 9876 3. K8763 K76 Q43 98 4. KQ8654 A53 32 87 5. Q98765 K54 Q9 A8

the opener can decide the best final contract. You will pass if you have 0 to 7 points; you will invite game with 8 to 9 points; and you will make sure that game is reached with 10 or more points.

This special bid must be announced to your opponents. That means once the responder bids 2 diamonds or 2 hearts, the NT opener must say transfer.

Let's try some responder rebids (in all

To learn all the details about this amazing bid – responder's and opener's rebids and the reason for announcing the bid – please join us at the bridge workshops this month at the Hilton Head Island Bridge Club on Friday mornings at 10 a.m.

Kathie Walsh is a certified ABTA teacher at Hilton Head Island Bridge Club. kbwalsh@roadrunner.com Answers: 1. Pass; 2. 3NT 3. 2NT 4. 4S 5. 4S

By Kathie Walsh

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The Bluffton Sun

Feb. 2, 2016

HOME

Consider these trends for remodeling a dated bathroom

By Andrea Antunes McGilton CONTRIBUTOR

Seems like everyone’s got a theory about what’s hot and what’s not. Here are some hot bathroom trends to choose from: Bathroom remodeling. Remodeling itself is a hot trend as homeowners update their homes for personal use or resale. Enhance your pleasure and the value of your home by adding stone and tile to dated baths.

Smart technology. High tech is definitely “in” in the bathroom, applied to showers, showerheads, sound systems, lighting and water-saving fixtures.

Showers can now be programmed to save water, play music, pulse at a certain speed and rhythm, and accommodate Bluetooth and video systems.

Vessel sinks and trough sinks.

Decorative vessel sinks that sit on top of

tile. Whatever sink you choose, under mount is the most popular installation.

Shower seats and grab bars. Once thought of as a special amenity for seniors, shower seats and grab bars are good for everyone who 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 wants a little Stylish free-standing tubs are a hot trend going into 2016. extra security. stone counters are stylish and dramatic.

Freestanding tubs. Tubs are now A trough sink is big enough for two and considered design elements and can be styled for contemporary consumers. dramatic focal points that draw the eye.

Square sinks. Square or rectangle, Instead of building tubs into walls, tubs these sinks are modern, clean and versaof all shapes and sizes are just placed on

the floor, inside or outside of the shower.

Open shelving. Cabinets are not necessarily the only solution for bathroom storage. Open shelving allows you to display lushly rolled towels and toiletries in an artful and convenient way. Perhaps a combination of open shelving and cabinets is the way to go.

Trendy colors. White and white-onwhite will always be at the top of the popularity list. It works for modern, contemporary, traditional or transitional designs and with every accent color and decorative motif.

Gray is a close second as a base for colorful accents and designs. Black and white is always trendy. And beige will continue its decline as a color that can easily look dated.

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.

Feb. 2, 2016

The Bluffton Sun

Page 53A

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Page 54A

The Bluffton Sun

Feb. 2, 2016

HOME

Investing in solar energy can provide security, high returns

By Tom Ferraro CONTRIBUTOR

If you’re like me, the recent performance of stocks, bonds, real estate and some other so-called “safe” investments has been playing havoc with my tolerance for risk. Our 401(k) has performed like a yoyo since financial markets crashed back in 2008 and more like deadweight since the new year started.

Since then, I’ve moved most of my investments into low return but “safe” money markets and certificates of deposit, lowering my returns down to what I call “why bother” rates.

The returns promised by investment houses just don’t materialize any more unless you’re willing to take on high risk and expose your principal. But there is a not very well understood option, a way to diversify your investment portfolio while garnering significant returns.

Known to only a select few, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can typically return 7 percent to 15 percent on your investment.

Here’s how it works: The cost of a typical solar PV system is averaging about $30,000. First, right off the top, you’re eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit, or in this case $9,000, and a South Carolina income tax credit of 25 percent, or $7,500. Depending on your tax situation, your actual out of

pocket could be as low as $13,500.

For this net cost, you can expect to reduce your electric bill about $1,500 in the first year. This results in a simple return on investment (ROI) of over 11 percent. And it’s an “after-tax” return because you don’t report the savings on your electric bill as taxable income.

One more thing; as utility rates increase, your savings go up too. So a return on investment of 11 percent today could be over 15 percent in 10 years with the way our utility companies are constantly raising rates.

If you pay income taxes (and, with the way our government spends money, who doesn’t?), this is a great investment to consider, especially when you don’t put your principal investment at risk.

When you buy a solar system, no one

can take it away from you. Try convincing your broker or financial advisor to protect your principal investment when the market crashes.

There are also programs to help you get to the end of the first year without any out-of-pocket outlays. In effect, you can buy a $30,000 solar system and only pay $13,500.

With that kind of savings in a safe investment such as solar, you can add diversity to your portfolio.

So, the question you have to ask your investment advisor is can you get me an average return on investment of 11 percent on an investment whose principal can’t go down? And, can you do that without affecting my current cash flow?

The answer is yes, if you invest in solar.

Tom Ferraro manages the Solar Division at Carolina Energy Conservation with offices in Bluffton and Myrtle Beach. www. carolinaec.com

Feb. 2, 2016

The Bluffton Sun

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REAL ESTATE

Possible changes in real estate under a Trump presidency

By Larry Stoller CONTRIBUTOR

If you think you’ve had enough presidential election campaigning and political promises, as Al Jolson said, “You ain’t heard nothing yet.”

As a matter of fact, it will only get worse (maybe better) in 2016. Perhaps now’s the time to take a break from all the speeches and debates and fast-forward to see what changes are in store for us if and when Donald Trump is elected president.

Here’s what I think could happen, real estate-wise, under a Trump administration: 1. The White House will be expanded with a new real estate wing of deluxe hotel rooms for visiting foreign dignitaries (who will have to pay to stay there with proceeds going to the U.S. Treasury (aka UST).

2. The first Red, White & Blue (aka RWB) Casino will be built in Washington, D.C. (will create new jobs and profits will go to the UST).

3. Red, White & Blue residential housing developments will be incentivized to create more affordable rental and owner housing (will create new jobs and part of rental payments and-or mortgage payments will go to the UST).

4. Red, White & Blue commercial properties will be developed as National Casinos in national parks and other (tbd) geographic areas (will create new jobs and all profits will go to the UST).

5. Hilton Head Island and Bluffton will be the first two geographic areas

(after Washington, D.C.) to obtain Nos. 2 and 3 above (not sure why, might have something to do with Trump getting 95 percent of the votes on the Island and 94 percent in Bluffton).

6. Property tax incentives will be given to businesses that bring back meaningful manufacturing jobs to America (we’re talking about well-paying jobs for manu-

facturing of in-demand items).

7. Real estate subsidies will be given to colleges and companies that create programs and projects that are designed to Make America Great Again (geared towards putting people to work, making the economy stronger and making the country better).

8. MACICs (Model America Cities In Cities) are created in select U.S. cities to stop illegal immigration, to stop terrorist threats from within and to reverse the problems existing in some cities (immigrants will live and work in these MACICs and be on probation for a year or two before being able to apply for citizenship).

Larry Stoller is a real estate consultant, advertising executive & self-proclaimed futurist who loves living in Bluffton and helping real estate agents and sellers get homes sold.

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The Bluffton Sun

Feb. 2, 2016

ut n llo tio Pu ec S

Feb. 2, 2016 • SECTION B Volume 19, Issue 2

Piano Palooza!

Alexandra Sharma and Mark Maute display the work in progress on their painted piano for the upcoming Piano Palooza.

See page 3B.

Photo by Jean Marie Coté

Classic thriller “Mousetrap” at ACCC - 4B

MRT presents “Smoke on the Water” - 6B

Let’s Eat! Toomer’s Family Seafood House - 13B

Meet the Musician: Bobby Ryder - 14B

Page 2B

PERFORMING ARTS Feb. 3 “An Evening of Folk Music,” music from the 1960s with sing-along, 6:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Pkwy., Hilton Head Island. Featuring Rusty Floyd, Chad Martin, Laura Sutton Floyd, Brian and Jan Fatzinger, Delbert Felix, Anneliza Itkor and David Kimbell. Free. 843-681-3696

Feb. 2, 2016 Monthlong At the Jazz Corner: Feb. 5-6, Davis Johnson and the Fabulous Equinox Jazz Quintet; Feb. 12, Big Band vocalist Lynn Roberts with The Bob Alberti Trio; Feb. 13, Rene Marie, Grammy nominated jazz vocalist; Feb. 19-20, The Peter and Will Anderson Trio; Feb. 26-27, Velvet Caravan. Doors open at 6 p.m. Concerts begin at 8 p.m.

Village at Wexford, C-1. 843-842-8620 or www.thejazzcorner.com March 4-6 “Deathtrap,” by Coastal Stage Productions, at Bluffton School of Dance & Performing Arts, corner Persimmon and Hornbeam streets, Bluffton. Tickets $18 adults, $15 seniors, students and military in advance at www.BrownPaperTickets .com or $20 at door. Group rates available.

912-656-1598.

Feb. 5 First Friday for Folk Music, presented by Savannah Folk Music Society, 7:30-10 p.m. Stewart Hall, First Presbyterian Church, 520 Washington Ave., Savannah. Featuring Savannah Ceili Band and 2015 winners of the Youth Songwriting Competition. $5 minimum donation requested. www.savannahfolk.org Feb. 9-28 Agatha Christie’s “Mousetrap,” directed by Russell Treyz, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. Tickets Feb. 9-11 preview, $37 adults, $27 children 5-15; regular run Feb. 12-28, $47 adults, $33 children. 843-842-2787 or www.artshhi.com Feb. 12 Doug MacLeod, traveling blues artist, in concert, 7:30 p.m. Stewart Hall, First Presbyterian Church, 520 Washington Ave., Savannah.

Tickets $15 general, $12 Savannah Folk Music Society members, cash only at the door. www.savannahfolk.org Feb. 14 “L-O-V-E,” an afternoon of music with Reggie Deas and the Martin Lesch Band, 1-3 p.m. at The Jazz Corner. Three-course tasting menu with wine pairings, $100 per person. Benefits Junior Jazz Foundation. Reservations, 843-842-8620.

Feb. 19-March 6 “Smoke on the Mountain,” May River Theatre, corner of Bridge and Pritchard streets, Old Town Bluffton. Curtain at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets $25, by calling box office 10 am-2 p.m. Monday-Friday beginning Feb. 8.

Feb. 21 “Harmonies for Habitat,” benefit concert for Habitat for Humanity, 3-5 p.m. at The Jazz Corner. Tickets $150, includes tapas, wine and live jazz. Reservations at www.allsaints-hhi.org or 843-689-9495,

by Feb. 14.

Feb. 26 Jacobs Brothers in concert, “A Legacy of Praise,” celebrating more than 50 years of gospel music and ministry, 7 p.m., Lowcountry Community Church, 801 Buckwalter Pkwy., Bluffton. Free. 843836-1101 Feb. 28 The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra Cabaret, 7-9:30 p.m. Westin Grand Ballroom, Hilton Head Island. Music and dancing to the Great American Songbook. Tickets $40 before Feb. 15, $50 after, by calling The Westin at 843-681-4000. Ticket includes two drink tickets and valet parking. Portion of proceeds benefits Junior Jazz Foundation.

March 5 “The Magic of Broadway,” annual show for Hilton Head Shore Notes, women’s a cappella harmony group, 7 p.m. Seahawk Cultural Center, 70 Wilborn Rd., Hilton Head. Featuring guests Speed of Sound, 2016 International Champion Quartet. Tickets $20, www.hhsn2016show.BrownPaperTickets.com and local outlets. 843-705-6852 or www.hiltonheadshorenotes March 7-14 Hilton Head International Piano Competition, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina and First Presbyterian Church. 20 competitors, ages 18-30, from around the world. Tickets at www.hhipc.org or 843-8425880.

VISUAL ARTS Feb. 2-March 6 “Upwardly Wall-Bile,” exhibition of new works by Mark Larkin, Society of Bluffton Artists Gallery, corner of Church and Calhoun streets, Old Town. Opening reception 3-5 p.m.

Feb. 7. Art Talk by the artist at 11 a.m. Feb. 13. 843-757-6586 or www.sobagallery.com

Feb. 18 Opening of exhibit “My Lowcountry Sketchbook,” works by Doug Corkern, Four Corners Gallery, 1263 May River Rd., Bluffton. Opening reception 4-7 p.m. Feb. 18.

843-757-8185 or www.fourcornersgallerybluffton.com Feb. 26-March 28 “Joan’s Picks: A Retrospective,” exhibit of work by Joan Templer, Charles Street Gallery, 914 Charles St., Beaufort. Opening reception 5:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 26. 843-521-9054 or www.thecharlesstreet gallery.com Through Feb. 28 “Stories from the Lowcountry – Gullah Geechee Life,” exhibit by Judy Mooney and Amiri Farris at Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Dr., Hilton Head. Artist workshop with Amiri Farris, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 12, $25 per person, reservations required by calling 843-689-6767, ext. 223. Closing reception 5-7 p.m. Feb. 26.

Gallery hours 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sunday.

MISCELLANEOUS Feb. 7 Auditions for “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” directed by Casey Colgan, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. by appointment, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head. Rehearsals begin April 12, performances run May 4-29. More information and character descriptions at www.artshhi.com/auditions. For appointment, call Gail Ragland, 843-686-3945, ext. 202, or email GRagland@artshhi.com.

Feb. 8 Auditions for “Million Dollar Quartet,” directed by Russ Treyz, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. by appointment, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head. Rehearsals begin June 1, performances run June 21-July 30. More information and character descriptions at www.artshhi.com/auditions. For appointment, call Gail Ragland, 843-686-3945, ext. 202, or email GRagland@artshhi.com.

Feb. 7 “Relentless,” Arts Alive gallery show, featuring submitted water theme images, Lowcountry Community Church, 801 Buckwalter Pkwy., Bluffton. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-1 pm Sunday. 843-8361101 or www.lowcountrycc.org

Feb. 13-March 1 Piano Palooza, playable pianos painted by local artists and positioned in public places around Bluffton and Hilton Head.

Community awareness event to highlight the Hilton Head International Piano Competition, March 7-14.

Feb. 12 One-year anniversary party, La Petite Gallerie, 5-7 p.m., coinciding with Old Town Bluffton Art Walk. Sign up for art give-away, starting with Don Nagel giclee. Located next door to The Store, 56 Calhoun St. in Old Town Bluffton.

Feb. 27 “Swing with Janie and Tea Cake,” finale for Beaufort County Librarys’ The Big Read, 5-8 p.m., Ruby Lee’s, 46 Old Wild Horse Rd., Hilton Head. Free event, dinner $45 per person, cash bar. Jazz age attire encouraged. Reservations, 843-681-7829 (use code MPP).

Feb. 13 “Emerging Palette,” exhibition by nine artists in various media, opening reception 3-5 p.m., Catch 22 restaurant, 37 New Orleans Rd., Hilton Head. Exhibit will hang through spring, open during restaurant hours. www.LRobert.net

Feb. 29-March 2 “Art of Animals” workshop, led by Linda St. Clair, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with lunch break. Beginners to advanced students, bring photos for reference. Society of Bluffton Artists, corner Church and Calhoun streets, Old Town Bluffton. $450 members, $475 non-members of SOBA. 843-247-2868 or www.sobagallery.com

Feb. 2, 2016

Get ready for Piano Palooza!

By Lynne Hummell Bluffton artists Amiri Farris and Vickie Jourdan each received a special delivery a few weeks ago, as did art students at Bluffton High School.

On Hilton Head Island, artists David Noyes, Alexandra Sharma and Mark Maute, along with art stuP H OTO B Y J E A N M A R I E C OT E dents at Hilton Head Island High School accepted similar Amiri Farris works on his artful makeover for Piano Palooza. deliveries.

Cove Towne Centre Altogether, six older model spinet • David Noyes, Pink House Gallery, pianos were distributed for artful Main Street Village makeovers. The artists were tasked with • Alexandra Sharma and Mark Maute, painting, decorating and otherwise beau- Coligny Theater, Coligny Plaza tifying the pianos for Piano Palooza, an • Hilton Head High School, Java upcoming event of the Hilton Head Burrito, Village at Wexford Symphony Orchestra.

The six whimsical instruments will be The local Piano Palooza was the brain- available beginning Feb. 13, when a child of Mona Huff, director of the kickoff will be held from noon to 3 p.m.

Orchestra’s Hilton Head International in each of the six locations, through Piano Competition, as a way to make the March 1. On March 2, they all will community aware of the competition to become part of the Art League of Hilton be held March 7-14.

Head’s show “Music As Art” and will be It’s not a new idea, but certainly a col- auctioned. The silent auction starts orful one. Similar public arts exhibits of March 2 at the Art League’s opening playable pianos have been held in reception, and will close March 20.

Cleveland, where Huff first heard of it, The pianos were donated by Rice New York City, Tel Aviv, London, Hong Music House in Columbia, which proKong, Singapore ... literally around the vides the Steinway grand pianos for the world. piano competition.

It was Huff’s idea to host a similar The HHIPC will be held March 7-14 event in the Lowcountry. “They’re works on the island and will feature 20 finalists, of arts,” Huff said. “They are fun and ages 18 to 30, who were selected from playful – a great way to merge art and 180 applicants from around the world. music in the community.”

The pianists will perform two prelimiEach of the artsy pianos will be placed nary rounds at the Arts Center of Coastal in a public location where passersby can Carolina March 7-10 and a semi-final stop for a moment or two and admire round at First Presbyterian Church them, and those who are so inclined can March 12. The Finals will feature three play them. Those who stop are encourfinalists performing with the Hilton Head aged to take a selfie and post it on social Symphony Orchestra, conducted by media as #2016HHIPC. John Morris Russell, March 14 at First The artists and their locations are: Presbyterian Church.

• Amiri Farris, Corner Perk, Calhoun Competitor biographies may be Street Promenade viewed online at www.hhipc.org. Tickets • Bluffton High School, Tanger Outlet 1 are available online or by calling the • Vickie Jourdan, Poseidon, Shelter HHSO office at 843-842-5880.

Page 3B

Page 4B

Feb. 2, 2016

Classic thriller ‘Mousetrap’ opens Arts Center run Feb. 9 Returning to the Arts Center Feb. 928 to direct “The Mousetrap,” Dame Agatha Christie’s masterful whodunit, is New York City’s Russell Treyz.

The play, which opened in London in 1952, is the longest-running play in modern theatrical history, and Treyz, a master at weaving both story and staging, brings it all to life on the Arts Center stage.

In her legendary style, Christie created a suspense-filled and brilliantly intricate plot where thrills and surprises lurk around every corner.

The scene is set when a group of strangers become stranded in a country manor cut off from civilization by a blizzard.

The eclectic suspects include the newlyweds who run the house, a spinster with a sketchy background, an architect who seems better equipped to be a chef, a retired Army major, a strange little man who claims his car overturned in a drift,

pasts until at the last, nerve-shredding moment, the identity and the motive are finally revealed, an ending that should keep audiences guessing until the very end.

“Everyone is trapped in this guesthouse,” said Treyz. “They have no means of contacting the outside world, and the P H O T O B Y LY N N E C O P E H U M M E L L murderer is “Mousetrap” director Russell Treyz is at home at the Arts Center. among them. No and a jurist who makes life miserable for one is quite what they seem. They all everyone. have secrets. It’s great, thrilling fun!”

Enter the policeman, who no sooner But theatergoers take note: The play is arrives than someone is killed. One by also known for its twist ending, which one, the characters reveal their sordid the audience is traditionally asked to

keep under wraps after leaving the theatre.

“The play features a cast of fully realized characters, each as intriguing as the next,” Treyz said. “And we have a dynamic cast of actors to give them breath and nuance.”

Arts Center audiences will recognize Ethan Saks (Andrew) from “The Unexpected Guest” and “I Hate Hamlet,” and Daryll Heysham (Major Metcalf) from “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure.”

Tickets for preview performances Feb. 9-11 are $37 for adults and $27 for children 5-15; regular run tickets Feb. 12-28 are $47 for adults and $33 for children.

All tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 843-842-2787 or visiting the website at www.artshhi.com.

The Arts Center is located at 14 Shelter Cove Lane on Hilton Head Island.

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Sing and laugh along with MRT’s ‘Smoke on the Mountain’ “Smoke on the Mountain,” opening Feb. 19 and running through March 6 at Ulmer Auditorium in Bluffton’s Town Hall, will close May River Theatre’s 14th season. Based on the musical comedy and its talented cast, it promises to be another box office hit for the community theater group.

Choosing a season of shows is always a challenge. The last two shows of the 2015-16 season at May River were unknown to the board, but the content was what they thought audiences would really enjoy. The group’s fall show, “You Haven’t Changed a Bit (and other lies!)” sold out seven of its nine performances.

“Smoke on the Mountain,” conceived

by Alan Bailey and written by Connie Ray, with musical arrangements by Mike Craver and Mark Hardwick, is reported to be one of the most produced shows worldwide.

Set in North Carolina in 1938, “Smoke” follows the Sanders Family

P H OTO B Y K E L L I E M C C A N N

The cast of “Smoke on the Mountain” prepares for a songfest at May River Theatre.

Singers as they perform at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church's Saturday Night Gospel Sing. In the play, the talented family, quirky, flawed and uniquely entertaining, turns the theatre audience into its congregation as it sings more than 30 classic gospel tunes that bring everyone back to a much simpler time.

Audiences are invited to sing along and witness a heartwarming conclusion that reminds us all what it means to be a family.

May River Theatre veteran Scott Grooms directs the production, with Beth Corry, another MRT veteran, as the music director. Her husband, Jeff

Grooms, playing bass, will be on stage with her throughout the show. Henry Clark, also an MRT veteran, will play guitar for the show.

Playing the patriarch of the Sanders family is newcomer Dennis Congrove, along with another newcomer, Cyndi Shedd, who plays Sanders’s wife. Playing more of the Sanders clan are newcomers Matt Davey as Dennis and David Southern as Burl. Rounding out the Sanders family are vets Rebecca Donaldson as June and Christa Fortney as Denise.

Mark Erickson, last seen in “No Time for Sergeants,” portrays Pastor Oglethorpe.

“Smoke on the Mountain” will play at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights, with matinees at 3 p.m. Sundays from Feb. 19 through March 6. Reservations can be made by calling the box office at 843815-3581 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays starting Feb. 8.

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Students win excellence award at international theater festival Students from the Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts after-school theater program brought home an award for excellence from an international arts festival in Atlanta.

The Junior Theater Festival, held each year in Atlanta, bills itself as the world’s largest celebration of musical theater for young people. Participating were more than 5,500 people from 125 schools and community theaters, from 28 states and the District of Columbia, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea.

Twenty-six third-, fourth- and fifthgraders under the direction of teacher Angelo Cerniglia competed in this year’s festival and earned honors from the festival judges for their 15-minute musical theater performance. The judges rated student performances in music, dance and theater, and students participated in workshops designed for young performers.

Creative Arts theater students celebrate a win.

In addition, each participating group had two students selected by the judges as “All Stars,” who worked together on a performance on the festival’s main stage.

The two Creative Arts All Stars were Laurel Watkins and Grant Pagatpatan.

Three additional students – Allison Bracken, Kendal Corella and Jack Gibson – were selected for another performance on the big stage.

Feb. 2, 2016

Clever twists and turns delight ‘Deathtrap’ audiences the original author and claim “Deathtrap” as his own.

Bruhl’s wealthy and emotionally supportive wife Myra (Christine Grefe), is reasonable and predictably cautious of the evening’s planned events. Bruhl lays out his masterplan and further troubles Myra as he begins to describe his intentions.

What follows is a roller coaster ride of cleverly played twists and turns. It quickly becomes clear that this evening will not end as planned.

Donna Capps, Bluffton “Deathtrap” leads, from left, are Christine Grefe, Roscoe Sandlin and Rodney Vaughn. resident and returning Locally owned Coastal Stage Coastal Stage player, brings humor and Production’s second season opens with zest to the plot as Helga Ten Dorp, an “Deathtrap,” Broadway’s longest-running imposing, clairvoyant neighbor who thriller by Ira Levin. Performances are at 8 senses imminent danger. p.m. March 4-5 and 2 p.m. March 6 at Her overzealous and enthusiastic proBluffton School of Dance & Performing motion of her recent book tour is gravely Arts, corner of Persimmon and Hornbeam overshadowed by her immense fear for the streets in Bluffton. survival of the murder-plotting members Directed by Henry Dreier and perof the Bruhl household. formed entirely by local talent, “Deathtrap” Rounding out the cast and making his is a suspenseful treat filled with greed, local theatre debut, Chris Donelson pordeceit, murder and shocking plot-twists. trays Porter Milgrim, the seemingly supThriller playwright Sydney Bruhl portive, yet cunningly opportunistic confi(played by Roscoe Sandlin) has found dant and legal advisor to Sydney and himself in a creative slump.

Myra.

His hit plays are long behind him, With his own revelations, it seems that hidden under a series of recent flops. His numbers aren’t the only thing that Milgrim debts are growing and he is in desperate needs to fulfill his clever yet devious plans need of a success. for personal success.

When a former seminar student named “Deathtrap” is widely considered one of Clifford Anderson (Rodney Vaughn) sends the best stage thrillers of all time. This prohim an exclusive copy of his first play, enti- duction promises to keep audiences on the tled “Deathtrap,” Bruhl simmers with jealedge of their seats until the shocking end. ousy over his former pupil’s talent.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for The play is destined to be a hit, and seniors, students and military in advance Bruhl is so far the only other person to lay at www.BrownPaperTickets.com, or $20 at eyes on it. the door. For more information or group Somehow, he must cleverly get rid of rates, call 912-656-1598.

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Little gallery on Calhoun hosts big happenings La Petite Gallerie, the intimate little art gallery on Calhoun Street, is celebrating a one-year anniversary this month. The member artist will host a party coinciding with the Old Town Bluffton Art Walk on Feb. 12 from 5 - 7 pm.

Enjoy bubbly prosecco, divine chocolate, and be a part of a grand art giveaway by the six owner artists.

“We would like to thank our customers and our community for making our first year a grand success” says Peggy Duncan, one of the artists at the gallery.

“We will be giving away a piece of art each month for six months, beginning with a choice of any of the giclee prints of Don Nagel’s lovely pastels for the first month of the giveaway.”

Guests may simply sign up at the party on the 12th – or anytime during February – for the chance to win. The process will be repeated each month fol-

A Don Nagle giclee will be awarded this month.

lowing with each of the remaining artists contributing a piece for this grand art giveaway.

“This is a fun way to share our art and have a good time with friends” is the concensus of the artists involved. They are Emily Wilson, Margaret Crawford, Murray Sease, and Barbara Grubba, along with Duncan and Nagel.

La Petite Gallerie is located next door to The Store, at 56 Calhoun St. in Old Town Bluffton.

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Let’s Eat

At Toomer’s, seafood is as fresh and local as it gets

By Pam Gallagher

With a newly renovated bar and their name now proudly displayed on the sign above the entrance, Toomer’s Family Seafood House, the restaurant division of Bluffton Oyster Co., reopened late last month to begin marking its sixth year in business.

“Are you the restaurant related to the seafood company?” or “Is this the Toomers’ restaurant?” were questions Tina Toomer and her daughter Jessica, the general manager, would hear all the time. “Tying the oyster factory into the restaurant was always our goal,” said Tina, whose husband, Larry Toomer, carries on the work of his father and grandfather at the Bluffton Oyster Co., just blocks away at the end of Wharf Street.

The iconic concrete-block building on the banks of the May River – the last hand-shucking house in South Carolina – is strikingly depicted in paintings by local artist Kelly Graham in the main dining room.

If the heart of this restaurant is its kitchen, the oyster factory is its soul. The menu and seasonal specials – oysters, shrimp, crabs, clams and mussels – are harvested primarily from the May River.

With the emphasis on fresh and local, Larry Toomer prides himself that “nothing arrives or leaves here by truck.”

The space at 27 Dr. Mellichamp Dr. opposite the Promenade is casual and comfortable. The new raw bar beyond the dining area was designed and built by the Toomers’ neighbor Mark Reichert, a custom woodworker. It features shadowbox displays, two big-screen TVs, draft beers on tap, and two large but cozy booths opposite the bar.

With the oyster factory one of Bluffton’s primary tourist attractions in all seasons, Tina Toomer believes visitors in search of seafood are looking for honesty and authenticity. “What we feature is

Toomer’s oysters and she-crab soup

what we catch,” she said, “and sometimes we don’t know until we go out there.”

May River oysters, served steamed by the half-bucket, $12, or bucket, $22, or on the half-shell at $6 per half-dozen or $12 per dozen, are the most popular appetizers on the menu, followed by peel-and-eat shrimp (market priced), steamed little neck clams or mussels, or a fried sampler including shrimp, oysters and calamari, $12. House-made She Crab Soup or Gumbo is available by the cup, $5, or bowl, $9.

Seafood baskets and Captain Larry’s Combo Platters, from $16 to $26, feature shrimp, scallops, oysters, calamari or fresh catch, which can be fried, grilled, blackened or broiled and includes two sides. If you’re lucky enough to find Gulf corvina, trigger or wreck fish available, it will be expertly prepared and seasoned as ordered, and your greatest challenge will be selecting from more than a dozen tempting sides, such as smoky collard greens or creamy cheese grits.

Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Toomer’s accepts reservations for groups of eight or more. Call 843757-0380.

Freelance writer Pam Gallagher was a copy editor at USA Today and a staff writer and fashion editor for the Asbury Park (N.J.) Press.

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Meet the Musician

Feb. 2, 2016

Local sax man Bobby Ryder also an inspiring dad

By Sam Posthuma

Music will always be the greatest equalizer, that which permeates all of culture, that which brings mankind to their collective feet.

Performance, too, is an equalizing art form, and when it comes to the flash and style of the stage, and the musicianship carried with it, not many stand taller than local jazz musician and saxophonist Bobby Ryder, aka my dad.

Growing up in New Jersey, Bobby Ryder was first exposed to music at the behest of my grandparents, who urged him to learn an instrument and perform in order to pay his way through college.

Starting with private lessons on clarinet, Bobby found his calling on the saxophone during his time in his New Jersey high school’s band. From school orchestras and rock ’n’ roll bands, Navy bands, and stints in Atlanta and Hawaii, Bobby’s tour de force brought him to Hilton Head Island in 1984.

Performing for more than a decade at the former Mariner’s Inn (now the Omni) in Palmetto Dunes, Bobby continued working his way through plantations and nightclubs, fine dining and clubhouses, and other avenues that kept him doing what he loves.

My dad’s dream has always been to keep alive the legacy of those who influenced him, to emulate the romance of the American Songbook generation, the energy and class of such iconic performers as Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin and Tony Bennett.

“I’ve been a full-time musician my entire life and that’s why I keep doing what I’m doing,” He said. “I’m trying to keep that image alive, that classic style of America’s greatest musicians. It’s out of respect to my audience, to them, and to myself.”

With an arsenal of fan-favorite moves

P H OTO B Y S A M P O S T H U M A

Bobby Ryder ‘keeping it alive’ at the Jazz Corner.

onstage, a closet full of dazzling suits and shoes, and the passion of one of the greatest generation of musicians to ever live, Bobby Ryder makes me incredibly proud – as a son, as well as a fan.

A familiar anecdote to family and friends will always be that my first words were “Frank Sinatra,” and it’s not that hard to believe. Growing up in a musician’s household exposed me to a torrent of culture and creativity that was both incredible and influential, and while I might not have inherited the talent, music has influenced my life since the day I was born, and it’s all thanks to my dad “keeping it alive.”

Bobby Ryder performs every other Wednesday night at the Jazz Corner, every Thursday at Port Royal, the first Friday of every month at Pinecrest, in Charlotte every month performing at Mickie and Mooch, among other engagements.

He will also be performing Valentine’s Day dinner and dances at Port Royal on Feb. 12 and at Moss Creek on Feb. 14.

Sam Posthuma (aka Sam Ryder) is a freelance writer and production assistant for The Bluffton Sun.

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Local students engaged by star dancer and mentor

By Sandro Virag What an honor to have such an icon as Karina Smirnoff in the Fred Astaire Dance Studio recently! I have followed Karina for years, as we met when we were both 16 years old and competing around the world.

Our dancing careers proceeded in different directions and she went on to become one of the world’s best dancers.

Originally from Ukraine, she moved to New York and then Los Angeles where her celebrity life began.

I decided to try and reconnect with Karina because it’s always good to bring new energy and personality into a studio and what better time than the beginning of a new year and a new season of Dancing with the Stars. She agreed to visit and teach some of our students.

We found Karina to be personable, down to earth and grounded. Her energy and charisma was contagious.

Karina hosted private coaching as well as a group workshop.

What amazed me was the way she connected with each student on a personal level and was able to pick out what each person needed P H OTO B Y C I N D A S E A M O N in order to improve his or Karina Smirnoff of “Dancing with the Stars” leads a master class for Fred Astaire Dance Studio students. her dancing. mentor at our studio.

She was animated, enthusiastic and What most people were surprised to completely engaged in each coaching learn were some of the behind-the-scenes session. She also helped to choreograph secrets of “Dancing with the Stars.” For some of our showcase numbers, gave us ideas for future shows and presented cos- example, the host engaging the audience to yell louder, clap louder and longer or tume and music ideas. cheer (or boo) for certain people.

She proved to be an all-around

Karina is not only a world class dancer but also does work in television and movies, created a fitness video (“Shape Up with Karina Smirnoff”), gives health and beauty tips, designs dance costumes and owns a dance studio in North Hollywood.

It was hard to let her go and we will certainly miss the excitement she created but we look forward to having her return. She is now on her way to London, then to Greece and then Russia so it was remarkable that she made time for us.

No matter where you are, if you ever have the opportunity to train with someone of this caliber, take advantage of it – it could end up being a once in a lifetime chance.

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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Mark Larkin’s ‘Upwardly Wall-Bile’ opens at SOBA What, pray tell, is a Wall-Bile?

Walk into the featured artist area in the SOBA Gallery this month and you’ll find yourself in a world of brilliantly colored wall sculptures with moving parts – discs, balls, odd shaped metal pieces – that dip, sway and swirl in the air when tapped.

These kinesthetic metal designs spring from the fevered mind and skilled hands of sculptor Mark Larkin, who pays homage to his hero, 20th century artist Alex Calder.

Calder, Larkin explained, created mobiles – massive kinesthetic sculptures suspended from ceilings – and stabiles – large, floor-based kinesthetic sculptures.

Larkin, in turn, uprooted the idea of mobiles and stabiles from those horizontal anchors and attached them to walls, normally the province of paintings that invite the eye.

Wall-biles, however, also cajole fingers to touch, lips to blow and laughter to

“Ergonomaly” by Mark Larkin

erupt. Shadows cast by the moving pieces become part of the show.

In his piece “Ergonomaly,” Larkin tops a broken disc of Roy Lichtenstein-style Ben-Day dots with a stabile of orange,

yellow and red squiggles.

But then he balances it in his own playful way with a quartet of these colorful shapes dangling below.

A sky full of fluffy clouds Larkin spotted from the deck of a cruise ship provided the inspiration for “Zap!” but with a bolt of lightning jutting out from the blue, trailing a path of misplaced fluffy white puffs that rock back and forth to their own rhythms.

Upwardly Wall-Bile opens today at the Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) Gallery at 6 Church Street in Bluffton and runs through March 6.

A wine and cheese opening reception will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 7. To hear more of the “Zap!” by Mark Larkin story behind these whimsical creFor more information, call 843-757ations, join Larkin for his Art Talk at 11 6586 or visit www.sobagallery.com. a.m. Feb. 13.

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World’s best women’s quartet to appear at Shore Notes show

The Hilton Head Shore Notes prepare for their annual show, titled “The Magic of Broadway.”

The Hilton Head Shore Notes chorus Conditioning & Heating, Mangiamo’s will present its annual show, titled this Pizza Company, Matthew Mastrorocco, year “The Magic of Broadway,” at the DMD, and The Richardson Group for Seahawk Cultural Center at 7 p.m. generously supporting them again this March 5. year.

The chorus is proud to announce that As a result, a portion of their show the guest quartet at their show will be proceeds will benefit the music program Speed of Sound, the 2016 International at Memory Matters.

Champion Quartet. These queens of harThe Shore Notes chorus includes 30 mony competed in Las Vegas in October women who sing four-part a cappella and finished first in harmony. A chapter the world. of Sweet Adelines Together since International since 2009, these excep2001, the chorus tional singers come performs from different parts throughout the year of the country, with for community four contrasting events and private backgrounds over functions. They four different have entertained as decades, but some far away as sort of wonderful Charleston’s prestiforce brought them The award-winning Speed of Sound quartet will gious Yeamans Hall together.

Club and at venues appear during the Shore Notes annual show.

The Shore Notes throughout the shows sell out every year, and tickets can Lowcountry. They compete each spring be purchased online now at in Daytona at their regional competition, www.hhsn2016show.brownpaper where they have won medals in their last tickets.com. Local ticket outlets include five competitions.

Burke’s Pharmacy on Main Street, Pretty The Shore Notes rehearse Monday Papers in the Village at Wexford, and nights from 6:45 to 9:30 p.m. at the Markel’s Card & Gift in Kittie’s Crossing, Island Lutheran Church, 4400 Main St. Bluffton.

Prospective members are always welThe Shore Notes are also very grateful come. to their presenting sponsors: Hilton For more information call Barbara at Head BMW, Jones Brothers Tree 843-705-6852 or visit www.hilton head Surgeons, Lang 72 Degrees Air shorenotes.com.

Feb. 2, 2016

‘Emerging Palette’ exhibit highlights work of 9 artists Since Catch 22 Restaurant opened its doors on Hilton Head Island in 2001, its patrons have dined in a vibrant art gallery, surrounded by the lively works of its resident artist, L. Robert Stanfield.

Professionally trained at the Savannah College of Art and Design, Stanfield has been delighting patrons, students and clients with an expansive range of creativity including art instruction, film work, commercial interior design as well as stage and graphic design, illustration, visual brand marketing, painting and photography since 1999.

His artful creations generally are paintings and mixed media compositions that explore color, pattern and texture.

Stanfield says he seeks to F. Lynn Forbes’s realistic paintings will be included in the exhibit. awaken, nurture, and aquatic forms; empower the creative spirit in everyone, Elaine T. Jeffers, who prefers wildlife not only through his own artwork, but photography in natural settings; also through teaching and supporting Dayle Thomas, whose portrait phofellow artists. tography is unposed in natural settings; In that spirit, he brings to Catch 22 a Susan O. Patton, with acrylic paintnew exhibit, the “Emerging Palette.” The ings portraying the joy of children at play collection will feature recent works by on the beach; and Stanfield as well as painting, photogBeth Reynders, a mixed media collage raphy, and mixed media by eight of his artist who often bases her work on elecreative friends and colleagues. They are: Tina Bailey, with acrylic paintings that ments of popular culture.

An opening reception will be held are inspired by cultural and spiritual from 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 13 at Catch 22, 37 influences; New Orleans Rd. The event will be F. Lynn Forbes, whose acrylic painthosted by Catch 22 and The Hair ings are done in an intensely realistic Designers in the Village at Wexford. style; The exhibit will remain on display Rob Forbes, offering acrylic paintings through the spring, and all works will be that use colorful illustrations to evoke a available for purchase. For additional childlike playfulness; information about the artists, visit Lisa Shimko, who creates acrylic www.lrobert.net. paintings that celebrate natural and

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