Feb. 2, 2021 • Volume 24, Issue 3 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com
WEAR A MASK!
INSIDE • Local solar energy company partners with Tesla for chargers 12A • Students at BHS create food drive for families in need 18A • WAHHI celebrates 60-year legacy of service 20A • Despite shutdown, libraries continue to serve community 26A • Theatre company plans for future 30A
Flood insurance premiums could be dropping for some residents By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR
Thanks to modern technology and a re-evaluation of the town’s flood hazards by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a number of Bluffton residents might find themselves paying less for flood insurance as of March 23. According to Richard Spruce, Bluffton’s chief building official and certified flood plain manager, there are two reasons for this. “With the way FEMA has changed the map, the flood zone is getting lower,” he said. “And in addition, the town is considering requiring a 3-foot freeboard. The more freeboard required, the more savings on
your flood insurance.” “Freeboard,” a term used in many fields for similar reasons, is defined as “the factor of safety usually expressed in feet above a flood level for purposes of flood plain management,” according to changes being made to the town code. In construction, a freeboard foot is 12 inches. At the Jan. 12 town council meeting, Heather Colin, director of growth management, introduced the first reading to consider amendments to the town’s Code of Ordinances concerning flood damage protection. She said that approximately 5% of the town is in a flood zone, according to current
GWYNETH J. SAUNDERS
Please see FLOOD on page 8A
The tree-shaded Garvin-Garvey House on Wharf Street – like much Church of the Cross and most of Old Town Bluffton along the May River – has a 1% chance of flooding during a 100-year flood.
Free help available for students struggling during pandemic Beaufort County School District K-12 students whose academic work has suffered during the coronavirus pandemic might be eligible for free special assistance. “The coronavirus pandemic has forced instructional changes that have been challenging for many students and their families,” said Superintendent Frank Rodriguez. “This
Introducing…
new initiative is designed to identify and support those students creatively and effectively.” Schools have already begun identifying possible student participants for ENGAGE South Carolina, a partnership that includes the district, the S.C. Department of Education, and the Grad Alliance, a nationwide program
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Lakinsha Swinton, the district’s director of student services, said students who qualify for the program and choose to participate will get an academic coach to work with them to develop a plan to get them on track for a strong finish to the school year. Trained teachers and social workers will identify students’ needs and support them,
Swinton said. Qualifications include being at risk of failing classes, chronically absent, designated as homeless, among other criteria. Families can also request the free assistance, Swinton said. For more information, parents should contact their children’s school, or call 803897-8517.
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The Bluffton Sun
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Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
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SUNNY SIDE UP
It’s true; one can become friends with quirky co-workers By Lynne Cope Hummell EDITOR
Our office was busy, but particularly somber, last week – something I never thought I’d say about this crazy (in a good way) place I’ve worked for more than 11 years. It was a print week, when our whole team works together to get the papers ready for the press. This time, we were missing a key player. Our office manager, Susan Tarbona wasn’t there. She had gone home early on a Friday in mid-December, thinking she had a bad case of bronchitis that wouldn’t go away. But it wasn’t bronchitis. It was COVID-19. Very sadly, after battling the virus and its complications for a month, Susan died Jan. 23. Her only child, her beloved son Joe, was at her side. Joe and his family had just recently moved to Brunswick, Ga., after years of living far away. Susan had been excited that
they were moving closer. As we have let folks know about her passing, we have heard some lovely comments about Susan. Some common themes were apparent: “She was my go-to.” “She was a great help.” “She always had an answer.” Our VP of Advertising, B.J. Frazier, was the publisher of the papers when he hired Susan in 2012. “Susan was a diligent, professional, extremely productive and positive force in our office who was so much more than our office manager,” he said. “I will dearly miss my friend.” Susan was my friend too. But we didn’t cozy up too quickly. She used to drive me nuts! Someone recently mentioned how easily Susan connected with strangers who came to the office. I often heard her on the phone in the office, talking to an advertiser whom she had never met in person, asking about the family, or someone’s recent surgery, or new home, or vacation – whatever. The chatter used to make me crazy (because she
was a loud talker), but it also reminded me of my dad, who was the same way. We’ve learned that Susan had an extended network of friends, including some she talked about a lot (“my friends Pam and Sam and Ruth, whom I’ve known for 30 years”). I knew she had lots of friends, because every Friday, her cell phone would constantly “ding, ding, ding” with text messages. I found it annoying and must have mentioned it. “Oh, that’s just everybody saying ‘Happy Friday,’” she would chirp. But it was the ring tone on her phone that drove me up the wall. Not content with soft piano notes or waves, Susan had chosen the lyrics to “All Summer Long”: “We were trying different things, and we were smoking funny things, making love out by the lake to our favorite song, Sipping whiskey out the bottle, not thinking ’bout tomorrow …” While she usually answered by the word “smoking,” there were more than a few times it got all the way to the “whiskey.” I reminded her once (and only once) that
“You know, you COULD set that to vibrate.” She replied, “But I like that song.” The end. I eventually lightened up and tried to get to know Susan. That was a good decision on my part. I learned she met those “old” friends when the three women worked together for AT&T. I realized she truly enjoyed her sister Marcia’s four-month annual visit to escape the winter in upstate New York. I knew she loved pro football and golf, and was a decent player (of golf, not football). And I recently learned that Susan went to Woodstock! I am still shocked to learn that this person with whom I worked for more than 8 years – this very business-like, no-nonsense (at work, anyway), cultured individual – was a hippie! She had never mentioned Woodstock!! But, that explains her ringtone, doesn’t it? Rest easy, Susan. Your work here is done. Please go find my dad and tell him all about your Woodstock experience. He’ll get a kick out of that.
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The Bluffton Sun
Feb. 2, 2021
EDITORIAL
Current Circulation Via USPS is 24,670 Finalist: Small Business of the Year, HHI-Bluffton Chamber. Winner of the SAPA General Excellence Award; 1st place, Front Page Design; 2nd place, Most Improved Publication; and 3rd place, Self-Promotion Advertising. IFPA-SAPA 3rd Place, Business Coverage
PUBLISHER
Kevin Aylmer, kevina@blufftonsun.com
EDITOR
Lynne Hummell, editor@blufftonsun.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kim Perry Bowen
OFFICE MANAGER Melissa McCullough
CONTRIBUTORS Brian Baltzegar Abby Bird Debby Boots Amy Coyne Bredeson Amy Campanini Bob Colyer Stephanie Dion Collins Doughtie Stephen Fedec E. Ronald Finger Glenda Harris Jean Harris
Edwina Hoyle James Jenkins Oswald Mikell John Riolo Gwyneth J. Saunders Larry Stoller Rebekah Thompson Kathie Walsh Mark F. Winn Tim Wood Scott Wierman Holly Wright
ADVERTISING
B.J. Frazier, Sales Director, 843-422-2321 Mike Garza 804-928-2151 Mike Novitski 843-384-6535 Stan Wade 843-338-1900
When it comes to facts, what do we really know? By Scott Wierman CONTRIBUTOR
We don’t know what we don’t know. Perhaps what’s worse, sometimes we think we know when, in fact, we’re actually making an assumption based on a related fact. If I’ve totally confused you, I apologize. What I’m trying to say is that we generally don’t know Scott Wierman all the facts until we do our research. And that’s what the Community Foundation plans to do. In the next several months, we’ll embark on a community indicator study that will provide valuable, in-depth information about our region. This data could have far-reaching implications on our grantmaking process and how we financially support local nonprofits. It will also provide donors and other funders timely and relevant information to help them make more informed and personally meaningful giving decisions. Community indicator studies arose from the realization that simply using
economic indicators – what had been used in the past – to gauge the health of a community didn’t provide a comprehensive snapshot of a community’s overall well-being. Many organizations – generally nonprofits, but also municipalities and other governmental entities – conduct and use these studies to measure the interplay between social, environmental and economic factors, determining the community’s greatest areas of need. This then charts a course for effective and focused policymaking and grantmaking. Community foundations, whose missions are to strengthen their communities by addressing ever-changing local needs, have a broad working knowledge of the challenges their communities face. They work closely with organizations that address these needs. Community foundations are, therefore, naturally positioned to conduct a survey like this.
Granted, some helpful sources of public information already exist, such as the census or other government-curated reports. However, that information is rarely timely and might not measure topics or challenges specific to the Lowcountry. Conducting our own study allows us to drill down on a more granular level, allowing us to focus on our specific local concerns, get input from people living in our community and pinpoint information specific to our distinct geographic region. How will our findings be used? This source of unbiased information for donors, local governments, businesses, service providers and other nonprofits will mobilize community knowledge, identify community priorities and drive the formulation of plans to address the most pressing issues. That will result in more effective grantmaking for us, as well as for our donors and fund advisors. Ultimately, grantmaking driven by our research findings will have a more positive and powerful impact in our community. Stay tuned. We’ll keep you informed of our progress and our findings. Scott Wierman is the president and CEO of Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.
VISIT:
BlufftonSun.com For more information, contact: Kevin Aylmer PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-9507, 843-757-9506 (fax) Physical address: 14D Johnston Way Bluffton, SC 29910 All contents are copyrighted by Lowcountry Local Media Inc. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. 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. THE BLUFFTON SUN Issue 3, February 2, 2021 is published twice monthly by Lowcountry Local Media, Inc., 14D Johnston Way, Bluffton, SC 29910. Periodicals Postage Paid at Bluffton, SC and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE BLUFFTON SUN, PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910-2056.
Letter to the Editor To the Editor: Mental Health America of Beaufort/ Jasper and the Island House program serve adults who live with a mental health diagnosis, and for whom recovery is a goal. The mission of MHABJ and the Island House program is to promote wellness and support to those with mental illness through advocacy, education, research, and service. The program commits to work that promotes mental health, prevents mental disorders, and offers continuous improvement services that center on enhancing the lives of persons served.
COVID-19 required a change in the way core functions and services are delivered. The Island House program suspended regular face-to-face services last year from March until June and has yet to return to its pre-COVID census. The program’s therapeutic element program has shifted to prioritize personal health and safety measures, and the responsibility for practicing those measures in the community. The Island House program wishes to acknowledge the kindness and generosity of community stakeholders that have supported some of our most vulnerable
citizens during this trying time. They include the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, Coastal Community Foundation, Operation Colleton River, Second Helpings, Calhoun Station, Hampton Hall Charitable Fund, St. Francis Thrift, Walmart Foundation, Palmetto Electric Trust, Luther Charitable Fund, and a number of anonymous donors and in-kind supporters. Your belief in our mission and work is so appreciated.
Steve Maglione Executive Director
Feb. 2, 2021
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Feb. 2, 2021
SUN ON THE STREET
What do we need to help our current state of being? With this feature, we seek to capture a glimpse of what you and your neighbors have to say about a variety of topics, issues, events – and just plain
Cappy Waite, Bluffton: “Having empathy toward toward others. Acting outside yourself.”
fun questions. We are back out on the street, with notepad and camera, randomly seeking out folks who are willing to participate.
Corey Cunningham, Hilton Head Island: “That is 100% what the world needs. Love is the glue that keeps the world going. When we put out the love, the love comes back. It’s contagious!”
If we find you, we hope you will want to respond. We recently visited the Bluffton Farmers Market and posed the follow-
Brandon S, Bluffton: “We need unity, but it might be too late. There is no harmony. Universal Law – Mother Nature – is going to take care of that.”
ing: “There was a popular song released in 1965 titled ‘What the World Needs Now is Love.’ How does that apply and what does it look like in 2021?”
Will Womble, Estill: “Love is when somebody comes along and doesn’t have enough money and I give them some produce. Love is noticing when things are amiss, showing you care.”
Kimber Viljac, Bluffton: “What the world needs now is patience and understanding.”
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Page 8A FLOOD from page 1A maps. When the new base flood elevation ranges go into effect, there will be a reduction to 3%, with most of the flood zones located within Palmetto Bluff and along the river. “Overall base flood elevation is lowering by five feet,” said Colin. “The additional freeboard will reduce flood loss, reduce insurance rates. The more freeboard required by town or county, the lower the insurance rate.” A base flood elevation (BFE) is the elevation that a flood is expected to reach during what is referred to as a 1% annual chance flood or 100-year flood. What does all this mean to the average homeowner currently sitting in a 5% flood zone? “If you built right at the required flood level, the normal house is 2,100 square feet with $200,000 insurance on the house and $80,000 on the contents. It’s going to run you an estimated $2,100 a year,” Spruce said. “Right now, the Town of Bluffton has a 1-foot freeboard requirement. That drops it down to about $1,600 a year. The flood zone is dropping 5 to 6 feet, and that means
The Bluffton Sun your house is going to be 5 to 6 feet above the new flood level, so then it would drop to around $600 a year.” In other words, because the new maps are more precisely defined, it shows that the anticipated base flood elevation is not as high as was previously determined. It’s like raising your house 5 to 9 feet above flood level without literally raising your foundation. Although the council presentation focused on how the ordinance changes relate to residents within Bluffton’s jurisdiction, the FEMA changes and insurance impacts will affect all of Beaufort County and its municipalities on March 23. The additional two feet of freeboard will aid a number of factors as they were listed in the proposed ordinance change: 1. Reduces flood losses in the habitable portion of homes so that citizens can return home faster; 2. Benefits citizens, as they will receive improved flood insurance rates; 3. Most of Bluffton’s construction located in the special hazard flood zones are new construction areas with no unregulated areas affected; and 4. With the additional 2 feet of freeboard recommended there should be less drastic
height deviations between new and existing construction. What prompted the FEMA’s re-evaluation and the ordinance changes? “We’re working on 1986 maps that are almost 40 years old. The technology FEMA is using of surveying methods with Lidar and survey maps has gotten so much better that they can really drill down,” said Spruce. “The old maps were blobs. The new maps almost look like a sawtooth. They’re not guesstimates.” “Lidar” stands for Light Detection and Ranging, and is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth. Lidar can see through thick forest cover right down to solid ground, and has helped scientists discover abandoned structures and settlements, such as ancient Mayan settlements in Guatemala. More familiar technology that does similar tasks are radar, which transmits radio waves, and sonar, which uses sound echo. One of the concerns expressed by Councilman Larry Toomer at the council meeting dealt with sea levels rising. “Was that taken into consideration with new standards?” he asked. “With our prox-
Feb. 2, 2021 imity to the river, the salt water is rising to where it never has before in my lifetime on a regular basis.” Colin said it was taken into consideration. “That was the reason for staff to recommend moving from 1 to 3 feet just to be above that minimum,” said Colin. “And there’s nothing keeping someone from building even higher, as long as their POA or HOA approves. All of that was taken into consideration with historical data, and FEMA has been working on that for at least 10 years.” Spruce said scientists are predicting a sea rise. “The best I could understand they are predicting, you’re looking at maybe an inch rise every 50 years, but that’s where the freeboard plays in. You’re at least 12 inches above what FEMA says you have to be now,” he said. Spruce offered a piece of advice for homeowners: “If you’re thinking ‘I’m moving out of a flood zone, I’ll cancel my flood insurance,’ it’s not recommended,” said Spruce. “If you’re close to water or close enough, I’d recommend you keep your insurance.” Gwyneth J. Saunders is a veteran journalist and freelance writer living in Bluffton.
Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
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Feb. 2, 2021
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Beaufort Memorial
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Paul A. Saconn, M.D. and Stephen Tiley, D.O. to Beaufort Memorial
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Paul A. Saconn, M.D. Board-certified in radiation oncology, Dr. Saconn brings significant experience in the field of radiation oncology to his practice at the cancer center, having worked with multidisciplinary teams at several other institutions, both in Beaufort County and beyond. Before his career in medicine, he spent 12 years as a counselor, case manager and social worker and now takes the same personalized, holistic approach in caring for his cancer patients. CALL 843-273-7980 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
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New River Cancer Center A partnership with MUSC Health and Alliance Oncology, Beaufort Memorial New River Cancer Center brings all of the hospital’s cancer services closer to home for patients who live south of the Broad River. Equipped with the state-of-the-art Varian Halcyon™ Linear Accelerator radiotherapy system, the cancer center offers access to medical and radiation oncology as well as lab, imaging, chemotherapy/infusion and breast health services. Through its collaboration with the National Cancer Institute-designated cancer program at MUSC, patients have access to subspecialists experienced in treating rare or complex cancers, and are able to participate in groundbreaking clinical trials studying promising new cancer drugs and treatments.
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Feb. 2, 2021
Local company adds Tesla power to its solar energy lines By Gwyneth J. Saunders
locations of stations in South Carolina, and other states. Schwartz began working with EVs two years ago, started installing Tesla’s Powerwall – a battery that serves as a backup power supply for the home – seven months ago. He expects to receive soon the documentation that supports their certification to install the high-tech company’s solar roof. Although they are happy to install the home chargers for Tesla owners, those can be handled by a knowledgeable electrician. “When you buy a Tesla vehicle at Tesla Motors, you have an option to purchase the residential charger when you receive the vehicle,” he said. “When you leave with it, it’s pretty self-explanatory for an electrician.” Schwartz’s company is one of only two that installs the Tesla chargers and Powerwall, but the only one that will install
CONTRIBUTOR
Electric-powered vehicles (EVs) are increasing in numbers on highways and city streets. Nearly 5.4 million hybrid EVs have been sold since 1999, and more than 1.4 million plug-in EVs have been sold since 2010, according to USAFacts. org. Tesla, the most popular of the all-electric cars, requires its own unique charging station to power up, and a local company has been certified to handle not only the installations of residential and commercial stations but other Tesla solar energy products. Steven Schwartz, owner of Hilton Head Solar Power, has been in the business for 14 years. To date, the company has installed more than 50 chargers and superchargers on Hilton Head Island, and more than a dozen in Bluffton. An online search for superchargers on the island and in Bluffton lists the locations, and the Tesla website lists the
PHOTOS COURTESY HILTON HEAD SOLAR POWER
This Tesla Powerwall, installed by Hilton Head Solar Power inside a customer’s garage, collects power from solar panels on the roof and stores it for use should the grid go down.
Please see SOLAR on page 16A
restaurant week February 20-27, 2021
February 20-March 8, 2021
Dine in. Order in. Support your local restaurants.
Experience Lowcountry cuisine like never before.
The chamber’s 13th annual Restaurant Week is back! Enjoy special value menus from 50+ Bluffton and Hilton Head Island restaurants. Take out or dine-in are available!
Celebrate Foodie February and choose exclusive Lowcountry culinary experience in our first-ever Taste of the Lowcountry silent auction. It showcases experiences such as cooking lessons, wine dinners, private parties, and more!
View participating restaurants and menus at www.ChamberRestaurantWeek.com
Check out the packages available at www.ChamberRestaurantWeek.com
Feb. 2, 2021
Light up your life the smart way Home automation has become much more than a one-trick pony. A system built on a strong foundation with an advanced operating system can create a myriad of possibilities for use. For example, smart lighting is much more than just setting lights to turn on and off with a timer. Here are a few great ways home automation can improve your lifestyle with controlled lighting: • One button turns on all lighting for a given room or floor, or activates a “scene” that adjusts all lighting to a preset mode. • Double-tap the same button to turn everything (lighting, electronics, devices, etc.) in the room off. • Lights flash on your patio when someone rings the doorbell. • When the garage door opens after dark, the outdoor lights leading to your door automatically turn on. • Motion sensors in critical areas can signal the system to switch off lights when a room has been vacant for some time. • Landscape lighting can turn on automatically at sunset and off at sunrise. • Set a “Bedtime” scene that adjusts bedside lamps at a level comfortable for reading. • With the touch of an “All Off” button, all of the lights in your entire home turn off. • Midnight snack mode – just enough light to make your way to the refrigerator and back without disturbing family members. • When motion is sensed at night, set lights to ramp to 15% (just enough light to see, not to be blinded). • Turn off lights automatically each morning when kids leave for school. • If the natural light in the room is less than 50%, lights adjust to 50%. If natural light is less than 40%, lights increase to 60%, and so on. This helps when the shades are drawn, or on a cloudy day in the middle of summer. • Landscape lighting – have the lights come on brighter at sunset, and then dim to 20% at 11 pm to conserve energy. Make your home more comfortable and userfriendly with lighting automation by Custom Audio Video. Our experts will work with you to create a smart home experience that is uniquely your own.
The Bluffton Sun
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One-touch control, so many possibilities
Create a home that is uniquely yours by commanding every room from your favorite device using home automation technology. A myriad of possibilities awaits you.
For a FREE review of your audio video and home automation options,
Call. Click. Or Come In. 843.815. 5130 www.custom-audio-video.com
48 Pennington Dr., Suite B Bluffton, SC
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Feb. 2, 2021
Hopeful Horizons honors volunteers Hopeful Horizons held its “V-Oscars” via Zoom on Dec. 10 to honor the organization’s volunteers and outstanding service. “Volunteers are critical to Hopeful Horizons,” said Kristin Dubrowski, Hopeful Horizons’ CEO. “I wish to congratulate all of the award winners and thank each Cinda Seamon and every volunteer for their service.” The 2020 Awards were presented to: • Marilyn Mueller, outstanding service to the Charles Street office • Lary Jones of Bluffton, outstanding service to the Bluffton and Okatie offices • Carol McGarth, outstanding service to the emergency domestic violence shelter • Jennifer Palmer of Hilton Head Island, outstanding service as a hospital advocate • Beth Young of Beaufort, Race4Love Chairwoman, outstanding service with
fundraising • Helen Tallone, outstanding service with the Strengthening Families Program • Gail Temple, outstanding service in community education The Volunteer of The Year Award was given to Dr. Mary Helen Niemeyer for her generous gift of her time, talent and dedication. A special award, the Hopeful Horizons Award, was given to rape crisis volunteer Cinda Seamon of Hilton Head, for her 30-plus years of services to Hopeful Horizons. Volunteers support a number of critical functions for Hopeful Horizons, including providing a welcoming environment for children who have been abused, providing support during hospital exams to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, and assisting with the day-to-day activities of the domestic violence shelter and other office locations. For more information, visit hopefulhorizons.org
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The Bluffton Sun
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The Bluffton Sun
Feb. 2, 2021
SOLAR from page 12A Tesla’s solar roof between North Carolina and Georgia. All of the Tesla products, much the same as the other solar energy equipment Schwartz installs, are designed to provide power while saving money and the planet. “We’ve been installing solar energy systems and battery systems for some time. I own another solar power system in New Jersey. We brought the technology down to the Lowcountry, and opened up Hilton Head Solar Power six years ago,” said Schwartz. The Powerwall is a battery for the home as a backup power supply that gets its energy from the sun. Many customers are thinking about resilience, he said, and having that autonomy if the local power provider experiences an outage. “You have to be certified to install the Powerwall. Otherwise (the homeowner) won’t receive the warranty. We will became the area’s only certified roof installer. Our certification, due to COVID, is still in the mail,” he said. There are several customers already on a waiting list for the solar roof panels. “We’re certified for certain solar panel installations, and we basically checked all the boxes for their certifications,” he said. “We were installing the Tesla Powerwall and had no complaints with all the customers. That shined with Tesla, and after speaking with reps at the company, they asked us to be one of the partners with Tesla roof.” Tesla’s idea about the roof and the Powerwall is for the home to get its own power supply from the sun. “You receive free power from the sun. And as prices increase from local companies, you have that power from the sun and it’s a quiet power,” said Schwartz. “Let’s say the battery in your home is not enough to back up the power. You can actually take that power from your vehicle to power your home again. That is the future mindset of Tesla and the incorporation of all these battery systems and solar energy system.” The roof comes with a 25-year warranty, the home Powerwall can last from 15 to 20 years, depending on how often you use it, and comes with a 10-year warranty. “In an off-grid situation, there’s a monitor on the battery system and you can see
Tesla chargers can be positioned outdoors, like this one, as well as inside a garage.
how much power you have left and how much power you’re going to consume,” Schwartz said. There is also the financial side of solar energy. First of all, the Department of Energy website states that there’s a federal and state tax credit for solar systems for both commercial as well as residential customers: “All-electric and plug-in hybrid cars purchased new in or after 2010 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. The credit amount will vary based on the capacity of the battery used to power the vehicle. State and/ or local incentives may also apply.” Power companies are installing solar panels on their properties for their uses, recognizing that they can produce power for less by using the sun. “If they’re taking advantage of it, why not let the consumer take advantage of it?” said Schwartz. “That’s why there’s a big push for solar energy in the Lowcountry, because we have a big need. Our air conditioners are running almost all year long. The industry in itself is very important. Look at what the pandemic has done to us, raising our eyebrows about the security of everything. Having the security of power is important.” Gwyneth J. Saunders is a veteran journalist and freelance writer living in Bluffton.
Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Page 17A
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The Bluffton Sun
Feb. 2, 2021
Student-led food drive request results in unexpected bounty By Amy Coyne Bredeson
A hallway at Bluffton High School is lined with food donations collected over two weeks.
18, is now hoping to set up a nonprofit organization so he can continue helping families. He has started a GoFundMe page to raise the money needed to start the organization, which he thinks will cost less than $500. Any additional money he collects will go toward purchasing more items for families in need. “It’s important to help the people in need because one day you may be in their shoes,” Shrewsbury said. “Treat others how you want to be treated. You have no idea why the people you are helping need that help.” After graduation later this year, Shrewsbury plans to study either aerospace or electrical engineering in college. He hopes to one day work for either Boeing or Gulfstream. For more information on Shrewsbury’s project or to make a donation, visit gofund.me/193836e9.
The high school’s guidance department has identified local residents in need and distributed items to more
Amy Coyne Bredeson of Bluffton is a freelance writer, a mother of two and a volunteer with the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance.
CONTRIBUTOR
Knowing that local families have struggled to keep food on the table during the pandemic, Bluffton High School’s Student Council launched a food drive in January. The student council had hosted food drives in the past but was blown away with the donations this year. Over the course of about two weeks, the students collected more than 10,000 items, including everything from baby food to canned vegetables to dog treats. “Our goal was to bring in 2,000 items,” said Student Body President Tyler Shrewsbury. The Bluffton High senior asked for donations for the food drive on the Nextdoor app. Within just a few hours, he said, 20 people responded that they wanted to donate groceries or money. Shrewsbury was able to bring in 2,000 items on the first day. He has collected at least 6,000 more items since.
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than 70 families so far. Since the food drive has ended and donations keep coming in, Shrewsbury,
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Feb. 2, 2021
From gardens to grants, WAHHI’s 60-year legacy serves island By Amy Coyne Bredeson CONTRIBUTOR
One of the oldest established organizations and one of the largest women’s groups in Southern Beaufort County, the Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. The association started out as a gardening club in January 1961 after a group of women decided to beautify Coligny Circle. At that time, the area was used by beachgoers for parking, among other things, and the local group of women felt it was not aesthetically pleasing. Nancy McBride of Sea Pines was the first president of the Hilton Head Island Garden Club, which started with just 23 members. The women spent 87 hours cleaning up the circle that first year. With the help of The Sea Pines Company, The Hilton Head Company and the Hilton Head Water Company, the
COURTESY WAHHI
Tamra Avrit, president of the Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island, holds aloft a silver punch bowl that was used for Welcome coffee events, Christmas gatherings and other events earlier in the Association’s activities. The bowl was recently found in storage, polished up by a member, and will be used again at appropriate events as a nod to the group’s history.
women’s group successfully completed its first project. While the club’s original mission, according to its website, was “to promote the natural and cultural beauty of the Island, promote the love of gardening among amateurs, encourage civic planting, and protect native flowers, birds and trees,” it morphed into much more. “It’s a great place to meet like-minded women who like to have fun, connect with each other, and do good things for their community,” said WAHHI president Tamra Avrit. “There’s really something for everyone.” In 1965, the club added special interest groups and became known as the Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island. Just prior to changing its name in 1965, the women’s club had begun publishing a newsletter to inform Hilton Head islanders what was going on in the community. There was no newspaper on
Please see WAHHI on page 22A
Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Page 21A
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Feb. 2, 2021
WAHHI from page 20A the island at the time. A Reporters group was created, and members wrote about island happenings. According to WAHHI’s website, for $3.50 a year, subscribers received the newsletter in their mailbox weekly. When The Island Packet began publishing in 1970, their first few hundred customers were from WAHHI’s newsletter mailing list. Some of the members of the Reporters group became contributing writers for the Packet. Now more than 600 members strong, WAHHI’s mission is to strengthen and support women in the Lowcountry. The group offers a variety of activities and programs to its members, and gives back to the community through various service projects. WAHHI groups cover dozens of hobbies, pastimes and interests, from arts, cooking and home improvement to sports, technology and world travel. One group that began in 1972 focused on genealogy. It later became the Heritage Library, according to WAHHI’s website. Diane Chandler moved to Hilton Head
went every week for a year. After starting the lessons, she felt comfortable enough to play with WAHHI’s Nine & Wine group. “I’m not exaggerating – I must know 100 people just in golf,” Chandler said. “WAHHI opened up a big, new social door for me.” Now Chandler plays golf every Friday, schedules lessons for other members and plays pickleball on Tuesdays. She also learned how to play canasta and mah jongg, although those activities have been put on hold due to the pandemic. Chandler is looking forward to attending one of WAHHI’s luncheons once it is safe to do so. “It’s better than I thought it would be,” Chandler said about WAHHI. “I’m not a COURTESY WAHHI big joiner. I’m really not, but it really has The most recent in-person meeting of WAHHI was a September 2020 luncheon held at Honey been an amazing experience.” Horn Plantation in the Mary Ann Peeples Pavilion, with COVID-19 precautions and protocols in The association is always looking place. members in Hilton Head and S H Ofor P •more D Oand N Awould six years ago from Santa Barbara, Calif. golf, and her friend told her the group Bluffton younger T E • love G I VtoEadd • V O LU N She heard about WAHHI from a friend had just started a golf group. members as well. T and joined a little more than a year ago. Chandler began taking lessons Chandler had wanted to start playing through WAHHI in October 2019 and Please see WAHHI on page 29A
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Page 26A
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Feb. 2, 2021
Despite period of closure, libraries continued to serve public
COURTESY BLUFFTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Signage at the Bluffton Public Library directs patrons as to usage of spaces and computers.
By Edwina Hoyle CONTRIBUTOR
Clichés are overused and unoriginal, but they have truth on their side. The Chinese language uses the same word for both “obstacle” and “opportunity”; a glass can be half-full and half-empty; every coin has two sides. These phrases sound trite, but if applied to how the Beaufort County Library System has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are apropos. “No matter what changes in the world around us, and no matter how the library’s programs and services must adapt through it all, one thing is constant: the Beaufort County Library will continue to find ways to serve its community – inside and outside of our buildings – for learning, for leisure, for life,” said Amanda Dickman, interim library director of Beaufort County Library System. Due to pandemic closures, beginning last March, the number of visitors through their doors in 2020 dropped by 69% from 558,758 to 173,992, but that in no way means that folks aren’t taking advantage of their library cards. A free library card opens up a world of opportunity despite COVID restrictions – e-books, audio books, magazines, music, movies, TV shows, unlimited access to
Ancestry.com, curbside pickup for books, hundreds of digital classes taught by premier industry leaders, and even grab-andgo activity kits for children to do at home. Mary Jo Berkes, manager of the Hilton Head Branch Library, emphasized that safety precautions are in place. A door monitor ensures that capacity is kept at 50% occupancy, and masks and sanitizers are readily available. “The staff is cautious and both our patrons and staff are relieved that we are now open for business,” Berkes said. “Our job is to be an information center – on the phone, in person or through emails. When we can help somebody, it feels good and that’s the fun part of our jobs.” Berkes said their phones had been busy during the pandemic, with questions of all kinds. Recently, she said, “I got a call about where to get a COVID vaccine appointment that I was happy to help with. Once I even got a call from a gentleman who couldn’t figure out how to navigate our rotary and needed directions.” “Our patrons are so glad they have access to services,” said Kitti McKean, manager of the Bluffton Branch. “People do come in to use the computers. We normally have 16, but because of social distancing we have four. People really
Please see LIBRARIES on page 28A
Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Page 27A
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Students will work in teams to create podcasts that focus on current events. Podcasts will be judged by a panel of distinguished journalists.
NOTICE: Due to C OVID-19 precautio safety ns, the W a Tour and shington Coopera Youth tive Yout trips hav h Summit e been ca ncelled fo A second V r 2021. irtual Youth Experience June, 21-25 will be held —a five-day v irtual leade rship progra Selected st m. udents will also be elig for the $5,0 ib le to apply 00 Robert D . Bennett C Service Sch ommunity olarship, plu s an audio p team comp odcast etition with each winne the team aw r of arded a $5,0 0 0 scholarship .
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A ribbon cutting for the new Hilton Head Christian Academy campus in Bluffton was held Jan. 15. The 70,000-square-foot, $23 million campus opened to students the same week. Attending along with the school family were elected officials, project partners and members of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. The school was previously located on Hilton Head Island.
LIBRARIES from page 26A appreciate access to our digital services.” McKean added, “Everyone has different comfort levels when dealing with COVID. If it’s curbside, email, phone, or in-person, we’ll find a way to provide services safely. Just call.” The Beaufort County Library system offers five digital programs. In 2020, digital circulations totaled 170,419, an increase of 44% over 2019. Hoopla circulations, which include e-books, e-audio books, TV, movies and music, boasted a 54% increase. CloudLibrary (e-book and e-audio books) grew 26%; and Flipster (digital magazines) had a 29% increase. Usage of Ancestry.com grew a whopping 295% because of free, in-home availability. A brand new offering is Lynda. com, which offers a wealth of web-based learning such as Microsoft Word and Excel, how to build a website, marketing strategies, and many more, all free. The libraries closed from mid-March till mid-June, so a new curbside service was begun in May to safely provide books to customers. More than 22,000 deliveries
were made, and the library plans to continue this service even after the pandemic is over. In addition, in response to the closure, residents are now able to sign up for a library card completely online at beaufortcountylibrary.org/get-a-library-card. Once registered, library staff will email your account number and a temporary password for online programs within 72 hours. New library cards were issued to 7,266 people in 2019, while only 4,108 were issued in 2020, a 43% decrease, but 1,870 of the cards issued were done online. “Beaufort County Library System is very fortunate across the state,” Dickman said. “Other counties have had to close due to COVID exposure or incidence. We are thankful to our staff, our patrons and our community for wearing masks and following safety protocols. We are also very fortunate to have retained staffing levels with no layoffs.” Edwina Hoyle is a freelance writer in Bluffton.
Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Page 29A
WAHHI from page 22A Like other groups around the world, the Women’s Association has had to rethink how it operates in the age of COVID-19. Most of their meetings have been by Zoom, including a Best-selling Author Series that began in May 2020. The next author event is Feb. 18 with Susan Meissner, author of “The Nature of Fragile Things.” Visit the website for information. WAHHI will celebrate its 60th anniversary Feb. 17 via Zoom, with featured speakers from the Heritage Library, Town of Hilton Head Island and J. Banks Design. “We will continue to focus on our community service,” Avrit said. “One of our groups is called Difference Makers, and their motto is ‘Make a difference in a day.’ I think we have about 145 members that are in that one specific group, that do different volunteer works around the island and locally.” Avrit said Difference Makers has provided stocking stuffers for troops, hosted coat drives and book drives, and has donated to Backpack Buddies.
WAHHI has done a great deal for the community over the past 60 years, but one of its most well-known programs is the Youth Community Service Award Program. The group has recognized more than 100 local students and given out thousands of dollars in awards since the program began in 1980, according to the organization’s publicity coordinator, Robyn Zimmerman. WAHHI is currently accepting applications for its 2021 awards. The deadline is March 2. Applications can be found on the group’s website. WAHHI’s Second Helpings 60th Anniversary Food Drive will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 17 at Whole Foods Market on Hilton Head. An informational session for prospective members will be held from 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 8 via Zoom. To register or for more information on WAHHI, visit wahhi.com. Amy Coyne Bredeson of Bluffton is a freelance writer, a mother of two and a volunteer with the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance.
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Page 30A
The Bluffton Sun
Feb. 2, 2021
Looking to future, theatre company knows ‘show must go on’ By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR
Main Stage Community Theatre is multitasking for the future. While its board of directors is working on plans for the 2021 season, it is also working on fundraising for a performing arts center that the theatre will share with Live Oak Community Church. The new structure, Live Oak Performing Arts Center, will be on property the church owns on State Street near the post office in Bluffton Village. Known as the Main Street Youth Theatre for years, the organization’s name was recently changed. Daniel Cort, the theatre’s vice chairman and a member of the Live Oak church, said the original name was limiting the theatre’s ability to grow and expand with the changing world. “We’re establishing a very focused and intentional campaign with the hope that our community sees the logic behind it, especially as it relates to our new home and location,” he said. All promotions will be prefaced with
“formerly Main Street Youth Theatre” for at least the first year. One of those promotions was scheduled to be an oyster roast with Shannon Tanner for February, but has been postponed. “The board of directors felt the responsible decision was to postpone the live event,” said theatre board chair Cinda Seamon. “While we all patiently wait for things to get back to normal, the show must go on. The construction costs are not insignificant, and
we cannot do this alone. By coming together as a community, we can build this new home for everyone to enjoy.” Cort said the plans for groundbreaking have been delayed by eight to 10 months due to COVID-19, but the preparations have continued. “Plans have evolved beautifully, with architectural designs about 90% complete,” he said. “All indicators point to a ground breaking in early summer.” In the meantime, social media will play a big part in keeping the theatre in the public eye. “We will continue to have a strong presence on Facebook with videos clips, photos and promos,” said Seamon. “Hope-
fully through our posts, many people will recognize former shows and be able to make the connection.” In addition to Seamon and Cort challenging board members to come up with creative videos to attract attention, there is ample opportunity for the community to get involved in supporting the theatre company in its One Home Campaign. Cort said there are plans for a very large concert or celebration-style event for late spring or early summer, with potential Broadway legends as headliners and local star Shannon Tanner. “Our new mission statement says it all: ‘Engage the artist in anyone, inspire the arts in Everyone,’” Cort said. “Our job is to inspire folks to explore whatever it is that enriches their soul. It takes a community to build this and it will be a community that grows it.” For more information, visit mainstagecommunitytheatre.org. Gwyneth J. Saunders is a veteran journalist and freelance writer living in Bluffton.
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• Palmetto Quilt Guild members will meet via Zoom Feb. 18, with social hour beginning at noon, and the program from 1 to 3 p.m. Speaker Deborah Boschert will present “All About Art Quilts.” Boschert is an artist, author and teacher and creates art quilts with layers of fabric, point and stitching. Her award-winning art quilts have been exhibited in quilt shows and art
• Save the date for the Lowcountry Autism Foundation’s day of fun and fundraising April 24 at Crescent Point Golf Club and Southern Barrel Brewing Company Tavern. The 8 a.m. tournament will include 18 holes of golf, food, one drink and prizes. Cost is $100 a person. For more information, call Brian Johnson at Crescent Point Golf Shop, 315-65106763 or email bjohnson@hallmarkgolf.com. The fun continues at 5 p.m. with the annual Ales For Autism Spirit Night at Southern Barrel, 375 Buckwalter Place Blvd. in Bluffton. The event will include live music and local craft beer, with commemorative beer glasses, tee shirts and koozies available. There will be a 50/50 raffle and silent auction. Southern Barrel will donate 10% of all sales from the evening to LAF. For more information, contact Sophia Townes at 843-384-9702 or stownes@ lafinc.org.
5
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F
• The Hilton Head Lighthouse Chorus, the local chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society will be celebrating Valentines Day by offering Singing Valentines Feb. 13 and 14. For $40, a quartet will come and perform two songs. The quartet will be wearing masks and be social distanced. This can be at any location at any time of day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. One can also send a Virtual Valentine that will be personalized for the recipient. For more information, call 843-400-3038.
• Congregation Beth Yam on Hilton Head Island will host Cantor Lisa Levine for a virtual “Healing Shabbat,” live-streamed at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 20 at bethyam.org, as well as the synagogue’s Facebook page. The event is a service of prayer, songs and meditation designed to heal physical and spiritual challenges. Cantor Levine will be using a typical Shabbat morning service rubric that includes some melodies, Kaddish, prayers, and chair yoga for peace and healing. For more information about Cantor Levine, visit cantorlisalevine.com.
IS YOUR PROJECT TAKING LONGER THAN EXPECTED?
IN ––––––––
• The annual SouperBowl of Caring will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 6 at Coligny Plaza on Hilton Head Island. Chefs from Coligny’s restaurants will offer their best soups in the third annual fundraiser and competition. This year’s SouperBowl will be a safe Dine-Around outdoor event with soup samples at each location. Beverages will be available from the restaurants. Tickets are $25 each and only 150 tickets will be sold. To purchase, visit Eventbrite.com and search Coligny SouperBowl tickets. All proceeds benefit Second Helpings, the nonprofit food rescue organization that collects and distributes food to 55 agencies in Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties.
galleries throughout the United States and internationally. For more information, visit palmettoquiltguild.org.
ATION LL
• Maye River Quilters Guild will meet at 10 a.m. Feb. 6 via Zoom. To get the link for the meeting, visit mayeriverquiltguild.com. For more meeting dates and times, and for membership forms to join the group, visit the website or call 843530-1244.
AY BU S I E SS D N
S
Noteworthy
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INSP IR A
Feb. 2, 2021
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SUBMIT YOUR EVENT NEWS The Bluffton Sun welcomes news of community, club, church, school and organization events. If the event is open to the public, email info to editor@ blufftonsun.com.
CALL FOR YOUR PRIVATE APPOINTMENT 843.689.6980 | HILTONHEADSTONE.COM
Page 32A
The Bluffton Sun
Feb. 2, 2021
ARTS
‘Noises Off’ at Arts Center brings pure, laugh-out-loud fun Appropriately labeled “the funniest farce ever written” by the New York Post, this fan favorite show is a hilarious way to relaunch live theatre this New Year, running Feb. 2-28 at the Arts Center. Michael Frayn’s Tony Award-winning play about putting on a stage comedy is breathlessly clever and funny, becoming a staple of the contemporary theater repertoire. With its countless plates of sardines and slamming doors, this show brings belly laughs and simple, pure joy to audiences. The high-energy direction of Brad DePlanche (who directed the Arts Center’s production of Neil Simon’s “Rumors”) makes this well-choreographed comedy pure genius, with a brilliantly imagined set (designed by Charles Kading) that revolves on a turntable, so that audiences literally see “behind the scenes” of this play-withina-play as the set turns, front to back, in the second act. “If you liked ‘Rumors,’ which was about a dinner party gone wrong, you’ll love
‘Noises Off,’ which is about an entire play gone wrong! I’m so excited for you to get the chance to see this incredible show and enjoy the thrill of live theatre again,” DePlanche said. “‘Noises Off’ is considered one of the funniest plays ever written … and for very good reason.” “Noises Off” follows a troupe of has-
been, never-was, and wanna-be British actors as they rehearse their upcoming production of “Nothing On.” Their wonderfully pretentious director, Lloyd Dallas (played by the talented Christopher Patrick Mullen) is desperately trying to finish mounting their new bedroom farce, which will open the next day as part of their tour
of rural Britain. The stakes are high! We witness this hilarity in three parts: dress rehearsal, the opening performance, and a performance towards the end of a debilitating run. The result is a window into the inner workings of theatre, if it were perhaps a reality show! And, if it’s even possible, this show grows wilder and funnier as it progresses, with a dream-team ensemble who are all perfectly on-point. You’ll recognize some returning Arts Center favorites and a few talented new faces to love. “Noises Off” runs Feb. 2-28, and there’s never been a better time for non-stop, side-splitting laughter. For tickets, visit tickets.artshhi.com or call 843-842-2787. The Arts Center is operating under COVID-19 safety requirements, with 50% occupancy, social distancing, temperatures at the door, masks required. The theatre is fogged between performances and Plexiglas barriers are in place at the box office and concessions.
Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Restaurant Week offers special dining options Dine in. Order in. Either way, eat your heart out. The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce will host its 13th annual Restaurant Week Feb. 20-27 at restaurants all around the community. Patrons can enjoy a prix-fixe menu from some new spots or old favorites. Take out or dine-in are available. Modeled after successful restaurant weeks in New York and other cities, more than 70 Bluffton and Hilton Head Island restaurants will offer specially priced menus, signature dishes, new entrées and old favorites. View menus from this year’s participants at ChamberRestaurantWeek.com. “We love participating in Chamber Restaurant Week and haven’t missed one yet!” said Rebecca Fazzini of Michael Anthony’s. “There is always a bit of a lull after the holidays and it seems that when Restaurant Week rolls around, our local residents are ready to participate.”
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NITE UTIRE & AUTOD WE ARE YOUR ONLY
In conjunction with Chamber Restaurant Week, locals can get an exclusive Lowcountry culinary experience in the chamber’s first-ever Taste of the Lowcountry silent auction. It showcases experiences such as cooking lessons, wine dinners, private oyster roasts, and more for a deal you won’t be able to find anywhere else. The silent auction runs February 20-March 8 and benefits our local restaurants. A list of experiences and bidding information will be listed at ChamberRestaurantWeek.com. Whether it is a place that you’ve never tried or the area’s newest hot spot, Chamber Restaurant Week is the best way to dine your way through the Lowcountry!
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Page 34A
The Bluffton Sun
Feb. 2, 2021
BUSINESS UPDATE
New businesses offer consumers fun, food, education options
COURTESY MAYE RIVER QUILT GUILD
The Southern Peel Mobile Eatery owner Chloe Brownlee in front of her pizza-cooking 1953 Chevrolet.
By Tim Wood CONTRIBUTOR
The retail and commercial landscape in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island continues to expand, even with the challenge of doing business during the pandemic. Here are the latest openings, closings and relaunches south of the Broad. SCK Zone, 102 Buckwalter Parkway Suite 2F (above Berkeley Flowers), Bluffton, sckzone.com: A much-needed family entertainment option, the Smart Company Kids Zone is a unique combination of activities like laser tag, ninja courses, escape rooms and a mirror maze, all themed around the stock market and financial education. Now booking birthday parties, ninja classes and school field trips with strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols. Heritage Academy, 11 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head Island, heritagehhi. com: The private school, previously run by
IJGA with focus on private schooling for elite athletes, has been bought by educator Amanda O’Nan-Williams, who is looking to attract local families with affordable tuition and turn the campus into a community education center. The school is celebrating its relaunch with a ribbon cutting at noon Feb. 3. Popeye’s Hilton Head, 15 Park Lane, Hilton Head Island: The celebrated Louisiana chicken chicken chain closed its only Lowcountry location in early January with no warning. Your nearest Popeye’s chicken sandwich fix is now in Savannah. Blue Laguna Mexican Grill and Cantina, 841 William Hilton Parkway Suite L, Hilton Head Island: This Mexican restaurant has earned high praise from foodies for its cocktails and tacos since opening in mid-2020. The restaurant is having an official ribbon cutting celebration at 4 p.m. Feb. 5.
Please see UPDATE on page 35A
Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
UPDATE from page 34A Tulip’s Thrift Store, 57b Sheridan Park Circle, Bluffton: Open for just over a month, this thrift store is accepting donations and selling home furnishings, clothes and furniture to support the building of a home for battered women and their children. Open 10 a.m. to 6 pm. Monday through Saturday. Akomeya Asian Bistro, 16 Kitties Landing Road, Bluffton, akomeyabluffton.com: The former location of Montana’s, Tavern 46 and, most recently, Saint Pierre French bistro is now home to a family-run Asian cuisine restaurant offering favorites such as sushi and poke bowls along with staple entrees and bao donuts for dessert. The Southern Peel Mobile Eatery, Bluffton, thesouthernpeel.com: Owner/ operator Chloe Brownlee has opened one of the most unique eatery options in the Lowcountry: Pizzas cooked in a Mugnaini wood-fired pizza oven on the back of a 1953 Chevrolet truck. Chloe and her family are hosting pop-up events around the Lowcountry and offering catering for
private parties, company outings, weddings, rehearsal dinners and backyard BBQs. Brownlee offers three beers on tap and a full array of appetizers to go with the pizza lineup. Hilton Head Island House of Jerky and Popcorn, Coligny Plaza, 1 No. Forest Beach Drive Suite F-2, Hilton Head Island, islandhoj.com: This jerky-lovers’ dream promises “you can’t beat out meat!” and delivers with 60 varieties of gourmet jerky. The location has expanded to include 75 flavors of gourmet popcorn. Always free samples and freshly bagged. Two can’t-miss snacks and other local craft food items located under one roof in Coligny Plaza on the corner between the iconic Piggly Wiggly and Stu’s Subs in the old Sweet Carolina Cupcake location. Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Have Bluffton or Hilton Head business news to share with our readers? Email Tim Wood at timmaywood@gmail.com. Wood is a veteran reporter and editor and proud first-time bread machine owner.
Page 35A
Me want COOKIE!
SUBMITTED
Girl Scouts of Bluffton Troop 30 are ready to sell the organization’s tasty morsels of goodness outside Sports Addiction in Okatie Village. Sales days and times are 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 7, 12:15 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 14, and 10 a.m. to noon March 14. Eight troops from Bluffton and Hilton Head Island have lots of cookies to sell, including the ever-popular Thin Mints, Samoas, Do-Si-Dos and Tagalongs, among others. Customers can also buy a donation box to go to frontline health care workers. For more information, call 843-7077736.
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The Bluffton Sun
Feb. 2, 2021
Business Briefs • Shanti Bringas has joined Schembra Real Estate Group as a Realtor. Bringas is a lifelong Hilton Head Island resident with more than 22 years of experience in a variety of customer service roles, six of which have been spent as a Realtor. Over the years, she has lived in multiple Shanti Bringa communities throughout Hilton Head Island and has acquired knowledge of each pocket of the island. Bringas can be reached at 843-298-2743 (cell), 843-785-2452 or 800-843-9506, or by email at shanti@schembrarealestate.com. The Schembra Real Estate Group office is located at The Plaza at Shelter Cove next to Whole Foods Market. • Tina and Dave Kelsey have opened Sun Dog, a new Lowcountry-based virtual pet boutique, catering to pets and their humans. Sun Dog features unique custom collars,
leashes and ombré hand-dyed cotton rope leashes for pets. In addition, the shop offers fun products, such as totes, jewelry and T-shirts, for humans. Sun Dog has exhibited at several Lowcountry Made Outdoor Artisan Markets, and has premiered their new products at the holiday markets in Port Royal and at Lady’s Island Marina. The 2021 outdoor market schedule is being finalized and will be listed on the website. For more information, visit sundog.pet or email sundogpet@icloud.com, find it on Facebook, or call 860-303-1831. • Anna Dove, RN has joined the growing team at Coastal Care Partners as RN care manager. Coastal Care Partners, Savannah’s only comprehensive registered nurse-managed aging services company, also serves Bluffton and Hilton Head Island. As RN care manager, Dove will focus on her patients’ care and creating a smooth transition between different treatments and
stages of care. Dove brings 23 years of nursing experience in emergency, trauma, acute care and other areas. She comes to her new position from Memorial Health University Medical Center where she was staff RN and charge nurse in the emergency department. Anna Dove Her previous experience includes travel nursing, where she was staff RN in step-down and ICU settings. She also worked as a step-down and ICU nurse. A native of Weirton, W.Va., Dove received her nursing degree from Fairmont State University. She is certified in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Basic Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Trauma Nursing Core Course. • Chris Hervochon, CPA, CVA has been selected as one of the 2020 40 Under 40 in the Accounting Profession by CPA Practice
Advisor magazine. This is the second year Hervochon has received this recognition. “The 40 Under 40 Awards spotlight the top practicing public accountants, educators and thought leaders who are leading their profession by visibly and incrementally changing the account- Chris Hervochon ing profession through their exemplary leadership, their innovative thinking, their collaborative efforts to provide unity to the profession across the generations, and their community outreach which extends the visibility of the profession outside the workplace,” reads CPA Practice Advisor’s description of the awards. Hervochon operates a virtual accounting practice that specializes in helping marketing and creative agencies achieve greater profitability and grow confidently.
Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Page 37A
Business Briefs • Ashley Powell Schneider, a fifth grade teacher at Pritchardville Elementary School in Bluffton has been named an Extraordinary Educator by Curriculum Associates. She joins another South Carolina educator – Ann McCall Salway of Abner Creek Academy in Duncan – who also received this honor. Schneider is among 44 teachers from 26 states and Washington, D.C., chosen for this national honor that recognizes educators based on their classroom excellence, including their successes during the remote learning period dating back to last March. The educators were commended for their innovative practices for student engagement and students’ growth via formal assessments. Curriculum Associates’ programs are used in three-quarters of the state’s school districts. For more information, visit curriculumassociates.com/extraordinary-edu-
cators/2021-Class. • Peg Monastra has been promoted to the position of director of sales at Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Head. In her new role, Monastra will be responsible for managing all sales and marketing efforts for the 104-room hotel situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, just before the bridge to Hilton Head Island. Monastra most recently served as the hotel’s sales and service coordinator, managing sales outreach and research as well as booking group events, including banquets, corporate meetings, weddings, and more. A tenured sales professional, Monastra began her career in finance and banking, serving as a branch manager for United Savings Bank, where she oversaw client relations as well as the branch’s sales and marketing efforts. She later went on to manage budgets, sales strategies, marketing plans, and more for Sure-Power, Inc., a bat-
GET IN. GET OUT.
tery power products company based out of Pennsylvania before joining the Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Head team in 2018. The hotel is managed by McKibbon Hospitality. • Rolland, Debbie and Zach Black, owners of Screenmobile of Hilton Head, recently were presented with the company’s 10-Year award. The Black family earned the award in recognition of the 10-year anniversary of their successful Screenmobile location. The award was given at the brand’s annual convention. Connecting virtually, the convention’s theme was “Lead” and how to lead with integrity and honesty. This year’s convention was a way to join together as a franchise system and celebrate the past year’s accolades. “Although this has been a challenging year for everyone, we have stellar business owners that deserve recogni-
tion,” said Scott Walker, president and CEO of Screenmobile. “The Blacks specifically have gone above and beyond with their Screenmobile location. We are excited to see what’s in store for them in 2021 and beyond.” Based on Hilton Head Island, the company’s customer satisfaction is generated from the convenience and professionalism of the business, which provides mobile service to install window screens on site. From its inception in 1980, Screenmobile has experienced steady growth year after year. Today, there are 130 licenses across more than 28 states.
SUBMIT YOUR BUSINESS NEWS The Bluffton Sun welcomes news of new employees, promotions, awards and honors, as well as new businesses and relocations. Email info to editor@ blufftonsun.com.
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Page 38A
The Bluffton Sun
Feb. 2, 2021
LEGAL
Understand healthcare power of attorney vs. living will By Rebekah Thompson CONTRIBUTOR
Any competent adult, 18 or older, has the right to make his or her own healthcare decisions. An individual can specifically tell the doctors these wishes, but if a person is severely injured, unconscious, gravely ill, or mentally incompetent, the individual cannot. In the event of your inability to make healthcare decisions, someone needs to know your wishes in order to make healthcare decisions for you. In 1986, South Carolina created the Declaration of a Desire for a Natural Death (aka living will) as part of the Death with Dignity Act. It is important to note that a living will has no effect whatsoever over your estate upon your death. It is a health care document. In 1992, South Carolina created the Healthcare Power of Attorney (hereinafter “HCPOA”) as part of the South Carolina Health Care Power of Attorney Act. It is important to note that a HCPOA gives no authority for someone to manage your finances should you become incapacitated. It only pertains to your healthcare. Both documents are generally termed “advanced directives.” It is important to understand the differences between the HCPOA and the living will, as the two documents are not interchangeable. Both documents have different rules that govern their interpretation and application, which can cause them to conflict with each other. The main difference between the two documents deals with the scope of the documents. A person creating a living will is called a “declarant.” The living will designates no agents, and only directs a health care provider to withhold certain “life-sustaining procedures,” including artificial nutrition and hydration, if the declarant has a “terminal condition” or is in a state of “permanent unconsciousness.”
A person creating a HCPOA is called the “principal.” The principal can name an “agent” who is given the authority to make all health care decisions for the principal, both general and end-of-life decisions, if the principal is unable to make them. This document goes beyond the scope of a living will and can be a crucial document to have in your estate planning toolbox if a situation occurs where you are unconscious, but not permanently unconscious. A person can have both a HCPOA and living will, or a person can have one or the other. If you elect to have both documents, you must ensure the two documents are not in conflict with one another. If a conflict should arise, the living will overrides the HCPOA. These documents are a vital part of anyone’s estate plan. By executing these documents, you are ensuring your health care desires are known, and a person you designate will be in charge of making such decisions, should you become unable. However, due to the complex nature of these documents, it is prudent to speak to a qualified estate planning attorney who can assist you in creating a plan that ensures your medical wishes are carried out. Rebekah Thompson is an associate attorney with Elder Law & Estate Planning Center. hiltonheadelderlaw.com
Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Page 39A
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Page 40A
The Bluffton Sun
What is Mohs Surgery? What is Cosmetic Repair?
Feb. 2, 2021
LEGAL
Keeping your assets in your family is easy if you plan for it
What Can I Do About Sensitive Skin? How Do You Treat Rosacea?
By Mark F. Winn CONTRIBUTOR
Photography by M.Kat
Elizabeth Liggett MSN, AGNP-C
Oswald Lightsey Mikell American Board of Dermatology American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
Taylor Owens MSPAS, PA-C
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Leaving assets to a loved one “in trust” as opposed to “free of trust” is critical if you want to protect the assets from being lost in a divorce or a lawsuit, and want to make sure they stay in your family bloodline. Leaving assets in trust means that the loved one has Mark F. Winn inherited a beneficial interest. If this interest is protected by a spendthrift clause, is clearly defined, and the trust directs the remainder to stay in the family, then once the assets are inherited, they will be protected from loss in a divorce. Your in-law will not inherit your property. Let’s say Mom has a son, Derrick, who is married to Evelyn. Derrick and Evelyn have a son named Frank. Mom does not really like Evelyn that much. Mom wants to leave her assets to Derrick but she also wants to make sure that Evelyn will not get those assets. What should Mom do? She should direct that, when she passes, her assets are to go into a trust
for the benefit of Derrick. Mom can make Derrick the trustee of his own trust, and she can direct that when Derrick passes, what is left will go to Frank. If Mom wants to make sure Evelyn has no influence or control over the trust funds, Mom can make it so Derrick and someone else (other than Evelyn) serve as co-trustees with the duty to act jointly. If it is clear that Derrick gets all the income and principal for his needs, then Mom’s assets and legacy are protected, and Frank’s future interest is protected. If Frank is to inherit because Derick passed, Mom needs to specify in the trust at what age Frank would have control. Usually, it is age 25 or 30. In the meantime, we would need to consider who would be trustee for Frank. It is usually the biological parent, but it can be Frank’s aunt or uncle, if there is one. This kind of planning is crucial for those who want to make sure the assets they leaved loved ones are protected and will stay in the family. Mark F. Winn, J.D., Master of Laws (LL.M.) in estate planning, is a local asset protection, estate and elder law planning attorney. mwinnesq.com
Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Page 41A
Get antiques appraised Feb. 20 The Kiwanis Club of Bluffton will host its annual Antiques Appraisal event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 20 at Seaquins Ballroom, 1300 Fording Island Road in Bluffton. Changes and adjustments have been made due to COVID-19 protocols. The event is an opportunity for attendees to find out what their antiques and collectibles are worth and to learn more about them from our knowledgeable local appraisers. Four sets of appraisers will be spaced throughout the ballroom, and social-distanced waiting areas will be provided. Masks are mandatory, and social distancing will be practiced. Appraisals start at $10 per item, with a a bundle deal for three appraisals for $25. With prepaid tickets, purchasers can reserve a time slot. In addition, a silent auction will held online through Feb. 21. View, bid, and share the auction by visiting bit.ly/BlufftonAuction. There is no
cost to bid. Proceeds from both the event and the auction will go to community programs that serve children and their families. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/AppraisalTickets. Walk-ins are welcome.
Now is the Opportune Time to Move to The Palmettos of Bluffton Assisted Living & Receive Your COVID-19 Vaccination. 2021 SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY
The rate for the 1st two months is $2,021.00 if moving in by March 31, 2021. PLUS there will be no community fee and local movers provided at no charge. Call for details.
Moving into Assisted Living during a global pandemic could be perceived as a challenging decision, but it may be the smartest time to move to the Palmettos of Bluffton.
Page 42A
The Bluffton Sun
Feb. 2, 2021
HEALTH
Diet and heart disease: Good (and bad) eats By Stephen Fedec CONTRIBUTOR
Along with exercise, diet is one of the most important factors impacting your heart health. Simply put, what you eat and drink every day helps shape the health of your heart now and in the Dr. Stephen Fedec future. The good On one side are foods that can reduce your risk of heart disease if you choose them consistently. They include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, and healthy sources of protein, such as beans, eggs, fish, and skinless chicken and other lean meats.
The Mediterranean diet, recommended by the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology, includes many of those heart-healthy foods, as well as the use of olive oil as a healthy source of fat. It’s the only diet that’s proven to reduce risk of stroke and heart attack. While a vegetarian diet can be beneficial for your heart because it excludes meats, which can lead to a lower intake of saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol, for some people supplements and fortified foods may be necessary to fill nutritional gaps. There are also questions about whether a vegetarian diet decreases cardiovascular events. So far, only the Mediterranean diet is proven to do that. However, there are health benefits from the vegetarian diet that go beyond the cardiac realm. For the right patient, it can be a good choice. If you’re not ready to go vegetarian,
you could just plan a meatless meal once or twice a week to enjoy some of the benefits of reducing meat in your diet. The Bad On the other side of the heart-healthy diet are foods you should avoid or eat only in moderation because they can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. They include: • Foods and beverages with added sugars. Sugar-sweetened beverages are major culprits. Consuming too much sugar can lead to an increased accumulation of fat, fatty liver disease and Type 2 diabetes. And it can raise your blood pressure, a risk factor for heart attack and stroke. • Full-fat dairy products. These foods are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, both of which can contribute to the accumulation of plaque and other substances in the blood. That can narrow
your arteries, increasing heart attack and stroke risk. • Red and processed meats. These contain saturated fats and trans fats, both of which can make you more vulnerable to heart disease and stroke. • Sodium-rich foods. Many processed foods contain high levels of sodium, which is a component of salt. Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure. To develop heart-healthy habits, start by making incremental changes. For example, decrease your sugar-sweetened beverage intake by one drink a day, swap regular ground beef for a leaner version and choose 2% milk instead of whole milk. You might not be able to change your entire diet in one day, but even small changes can make a huge impact. Dr. Stephen Fedec is a board-certified cardiologist with Beaufort Memorial Heart Specialists in Okatie and Beaufort.
Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Page 43A
HEALTH
Skin cancer treatments include Mohs surgery, cosmetic repair
THE FUNNIEST FARCE EVER!
By Oswald Lightsey Mikell CONTRIBUTOR
Q: What is the process of Mohs surgery? A: Mohs surgery is a technique where cancerous lesions are removed one layer at a time until the healthy tissues are found. The goal of Mohs surgery is to remove all the cancer cells while keeping your healthy tissue intact. Q: What is cosmetic repair? A: There are two parts of the Mohs procedure. The first part is the removal of the entire tumor. The second portion of the procedure is the repair of the wound. A certified Mohs surgeon employs a cosmetic closure technique that is aesthetically pleasing to reduce the effects of scaring from the procedure.
Q: What is the success rate for Mohs? A: Mohs surgery has the highest success rate of all treatments for skin cancer – up to 99%. Q: Does Mohs Surgery require a hospital stay? A: This procedure is done under local anesthesia, and nearly all patients can be managed on an outpatient basis. Local anesthesia is administered around the area of the tumor. Typically, the procedure starts early in the morning and can be completed the same day, depending on the extent of the tumor and the amount or reconstruction necessary.
Q: Do all dermatologic surgeons also perform cosmetic repair? A: The answer is no. A dermatologic surgeon must also be certified in cosmetic surgery in order to perform repairs.
Q: Is post-op follow-up required? A: Post-surgical check-ups are recommended in order to monitor the patient’s progress and spot any possible cancer recurrence in a timely manner. Since it is likely that two out of every five patients with one skin cancer will develop another within five years, follow-up is extremely important for early detection of any new lesions.
Q: Are there certain types of skin cancer that qualify for Mohs surgery? A: Mohs surgery has great success for both basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.
Dr. Oswald Mikell is a Fellow of the American Society for Mohs Surgery, and is certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. He is also double board certified in Mohs Surgery with Cosmetic Repair.
FEBRUARY 2 – 28, 2021
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Page 44A
The Bluffton Sun
Feb. 2, 2021
HEALTH
Look towards the future with happy, healthy smile By James G. Jenkins CONTRIBUTOR
It is said that in spring, “love is in the air.” That might be true also in February. After the cold of winter turns a little milder and the limitation of outdoor activities subsides, one feels compelled to “get out there!” You have just one chance to make a first impression, and it would be a shame for it to spoiled by an unattractive smile. Subconsciously, when meeting with others, it is the smile (or lack thereof) that people most notice and remember about your appearance. At the moment, our face masks cover our smiles, whether pretty or not. We hope that mask wearing will not last forever. Still, do not let yourself get caught short in looking your very best. No matter what the issue there, solutions are available. If you wear a denture and the teeth are too short, too long,
worn, broken, missing or discolored, the solution is obviously a new denture. If any of those conditions are in your natural teeth, bridge, or partial denture, the remedies are among the following:
For a partial denture, metal clasping the teeth that show is not an attractive site. There are flexible, more modern partial dentures that are comfortable, and are retained without metal clasps. If
this applies, do yourself a favor and inquire about this more modern approach. For natural teeth, there is whitening, composite resin and porcelain restorations. The composite resin is like a filling material that can be matched to your existing teeth. This is best for smaller corrections such as chips, small space closing, covering discoloration and many more. If the teeth need to be lengthened or the corrections are higher in number, then porcelain coverings as veneers and crowns are the best solution. If the problem is an existing bridge, crown or veneer, the only solution is to fix is to have it remade. No one knows when this mask mandate will end, and therefore you probably have time to improve your smile and appearance. Don’t put it off! James G. Jenkins, D.M.D. is the owner of Bluffton Dental Care in Bluffton
Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
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WELLNESS
Take small steps toward big goals with personal organization By Holly Wright CONTRIBUTOR
This year I have committed to create a more structured and organized approach to my mornings and evenings. I function well only when I have a list, but my lists are always growing – especially as new projects are added. I get overwhelmed by seeing all the items and I am not able to complete the most important tasks first, especially if I have a lot of easy tasks on the list. At the end of 2020, I purchased a planner that is broken up into 13 week segments to help the user reach specific goals. It gives options to plan for the week and also for each day. On the daily page there is a place to document that day’s to-do list, both business and personal. You then have to narrow down your vision for the day to determine your main goal for the day and three top priorities. It forces me to think about what
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can wait until tomorrow and what has to be completed today. In the mornings, after I journal, I fill out my ideal attack plan for the day. It might often be derailed, but if it is, I can look back at the top three priorities and focus on those tasks first. I also keep a separate to-do list in an app called Ever Note, which helps me create lists that I can open on my phone or computer. I also can share it with my husband or others if I am working on a project. The separation of the to-do list has an
option to have a daily, weekly, next month, and a “someday” option. I place things on this list as they come in instead of on my planner. That keeps me on track, because in the morning I am purposeful and clear on my intentions for the day – and although there might be new things that come up that seem more important, they also will derail me from my original purpose. The most effective solution I found was to break up my tasks into a daily allotment of under 15 minutes. For example, each evening I spend 8 minutes organizing
my things, and 5 minutes filing away my receipts for the day. I spend 5 minutes emptying out my e-mail inbox. I work out for 15 minutes; I read for 10 minutes. I break each task that seems impossible into small segments. By breaking larger tasks into small blocks of time, I have stayed consistent in getting them done daily. It has afforded me the ability to move past larger hurdles and to not have to dread getting them done. Start today by being purposeful in organizing your day and finding solutions to problems that are constantly vexing you. It might take a few weeks to feel comfortable in the new routine. Give yourself freedom to change the routine if it is not working, or to find solutions to what is not working, but take one step forward today. Holly Wright of Bluffton is a Reiki Master, reflexologist, NASM certified personal fitness trainer, and co-owner of Trinity TheraSpa in Moss Creek Village. trinitytheraspa.com
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The Bluffton Sun
Feb. 2, 2021F
WELLNESS
Treatments that could aid in reversing look of aging mouth By E. Ronald Finger CONTRIBUTOR
The areas that show age the most are the mouth and eye regions. Of course, if one has an obvious “turkey gobbler” neck or drooping jowls, these are problems too. This discussion is limited to the aging mouth, or the perioral area. The “cutaneous upper lip” is the skin between the nose and the vermillion, the red part of the lip. The “marionettes lines” are the creases below the corners of the mouth. The nasolabial lines are those smile lines between the nose and the corners of the mouth. As we age, the skin becomes thinner, and thin skin wrinkles more than thicker skin. The cutaneous upper lip gets longer vertically. Longer lips hide the teeth and actually turn under making the already thinner vermillion look even thinner. Then, wrinkles occur in upper and lower lips, which everyone hates. The marionette
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between the lip and nose, and also turns the lip outward making it look fuller. The next non-surgical treatment would be a filler or fat injected into each wrinkle as well as a layer to thicken the skin. Lips themselves also get thinner, and can be injected with a long-lasting filler using a micro-cannula instead of a needle to assure smoothness and less bruising. Too much filler or injecting in the wrong area of the lip makes people look like ducks.
Additionally, a filler can be used to fill in the marionette crease. Some of the marionette line problem is from the sagging cheek, and this can be treated with fillers in the cheek, an InstaLift or with a facelift. Surgical correction of a sagging cutaneous upper lip is removing a small strip of skin just under the nose. This scar fits in a natural crease and is difficult to see. It is done under local anesthesia. To turn the corners of the mouth up, a small procedure removes a triangle of tissue from just above the corners of the mouth raising it up according to how much is removed. The idea is to make the lips have a happy appearance. Finally, Botox or Dysport can be used to weaken the muscles of the lips to help diminish the wrinkles and even raise the corner of the mouth. Using a combination of these procedures can diminish the appearance of the aging lips dramatically. E. Ronald Finger, MD, FACS is a board certified plastic surgeon with offices in Savannah and Bluffton. fingerandassociates.com
Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Page 47A
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The Bluffton Sun
Feb. 2, 2021
BOOKS Virtual and in-person events planned for Gullah festival Tale of steamship and doomed passengers rises again in novel By Glenda Harris CONTRIBUTOR
“…I believe that the past echoes into our present time if only we turn our ear toward its stories.” – Patti Callahan History gives us some amazing stories, quite often more amazing than we could ever make up. Certainly it is true of the story told in “Surviving Savannah,” Patti Callahan’s second historical fiction novel following her critically acclaimed “Becoming Mrs. Lewis,” published in 2018. This is an impressively detailed account of the explosion and sinking of the S.S. Pulaski off the coast of North Carolina in 1838, and the survival of roughly half of her passengers. Sailing from Charleston and destined for Baltimore full of wealthy Savannahians, the steamship was lost to the ocean on June 14, “Heaven and Earth” by Patricia Sabree was chosen as the poster art for the 25th annual Gullah 1838, when it is believed copper boilers Celebration. exploded, tearing the ship apart. Often referred to as “the Titanic of the food and music; receive firsthand, historical The Hilton Head Island Gullah CelebraSouth,” the Pulaski was built with great information; and take a journey through the tion will hold its 25th annual festival Feb. pride, and advertised as solid and sea worculture via the visual arts. 1-28 with a number of events to celebrate thy. It was hoped the Pulaski would help The festival was established in 1996, the culture. restore confidence for seafaring travelers designed to create economic development This year’s events include lineup features opportunities for minority business owners, after the steam packet “Home” wrecked on the Arts Ob We People – Art Exhibition to develop the cultural tourism market and Ocracoke Island in 1837. and Sale, A Taste of Gullah, Soul Food and The novel primarily follows the Longto increase tourism in February on Hilton Friends Cooking Series, Ol’ Fashioned Head Island, historically the slowest month streets, a prominent family that was part of Gullah Breakfast and Freedom Day. Events elite Savannah Society, particularly Augusta of the year. are scheduled throughout the month of Longstreet and her niece, Lilly Forsyth. The While consistently meeting the intended February and tickets are available online at sinking of the Pulaski was a huge news event objectives, the Hilton Head Island Gullah gullahcelebration.com. when it occurred, affecting almost every Celebration continues annually to strateThe Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebraperson living in Savannah either directly or tion showcases the rich cultural heritage gically assess opportunity for continued indirectly. of the Gullah people and their history on growth and expansion. Interestingly, the Pulaski became a major Hilton Head Island. The Celebration is an initiative of the news story again with the 2018 discovery of Programming includes a variety of events NIBCAA in partnership with the Native the remains of the ship some 200 feet below designed to attract residents, regional, Islanders Property Owners Association, the national and international travelers. The Town of Hilton Head Island, Beaufort Coun- the ocean’s surface off the coast of North Carolina, the passengers’ belongings of Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration has ty and SC Parks, Recreation and Tourism. jewelry, gold coins and cherished keepsakes been recognized by the Southeast Tourism For more information, including locaSociety as one of the Top 20 Events in the tions, times and tickets, visit GullahCelebra- still aboard. Alternating the narrative between the time Southeast. tion.com. period of the accident and present day, we Festival events incorporate the many For general information, contact Courtmeet Everly Winthrop, a history professor in facets of Gullah culture. The annual festival ney Young at cyoung@thinkfsc.com or Savannah, who takes on the job of curating season is an opportunity to experience the 803-261-4180.
a collection of artifacts found on the ship – 180 years later. The two stories take the reader from the horror and desperation of a shipwreck to modern-day Savannah as Everly works to put together an exhibit that will honor the lost and tell their incredible story. The result is a story greater than the sum of the two parts separately. This book was difficult to set down. There is mystery: What happened to Lilly Forsyth after she survived the shipwreck? There is tension and drama: You can feel the emotions as you read personal accounts of the nightmare of days and nights at sea. And there is an abundance of courage, selflessness and amazing grace, demonstrating the best of humankind amidst the worst of times. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves this author’s work, historical fiction and mysteries, as well as those who love or have a connection to the city of Savannah. Glenda Harris is a freelance writer, the creator of the online book club “The Book Vault” and an aspiring novelist. She lives in a Lowcountry cottage in the Georgia woods with her husband and Boykin spaniel, Buddy.
Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
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NATURE’S WAY
Changing tides bring fish tales, Lowcountry lore to new home By Collins Doughtie CONTRIBUTOR
Hello, hello all you Sun readers! I reckon the best way to approach this new column is to introduce myself. My name is Collins Doughtie and, if that name somehow rings a bell, I wrote a weekly column called “Cast & Blast” for another local newspaper for nearly 10 years. But I figured a bit of sun was in order, especially after such a dark 2020. I don’t know about you, but I feel I lost one entire year of my life and just as soon as things begin to turn around, I have a lot of making up to do for all that lost time. Believe it or not, I am about as native a Hilton Head islander as you’ll find. I am the youngest of five children. My parents pulled a Jed Clampett in 1961 by piling all us young’uns in a Ford Galaxy station wagon and headed to a little-known island called Hilton Head, just off the South Carolina coast. For my dad to give up an extremely lucrative career as an advertising guru on New York’s Madison Avenue, while in his early 40s, was one brave move. Other than a relatively small local population, the island was pretty much dirt roads, lots and lots of gators, deer, wild hogs, rattlesnakes and such. For a 6-year-old kid, it was as if I had stepped onto the pages of Swiss Family Robinson, and from the get-go I loved every second of every day. Our home was one of the first dozen or so homes in Sea Pines. The swing bridge to the island had just been completed. Starting at the bridge and driving the entire length of the island, you would be lucky to encounter another car. Hwy. 278 was two lanes, and for most of its length it resembled a tunnel because of massive oaks loaded down with Spanish moss lining both sides of the road, meeting in the middle. It was incredible. As for school, from the second grade through fifth grade, I attended Bluffton High, that is until it burned down over Christmas break. The following year Bluffton United Methodist Church on
SUBMITTED
Some days, Charlie Doughtie commuted via sailboat from the family’s home in Sea Pines to work at their Island Shop at the oceanfront William Hilton Inn.
Calhoun Street was our classroom. After that point, I joined my siblings along with other founding families, like the Hacks and Fraser kids, commuting to school in Savannah. Talk about long days! We were up way before dawn and rarely got home before dark. My parents opened the first shop on Hilton Head, appropriately called the Island Shop, located at the William Hilton Inn. They offered anything and everything that might usually require a trip to the mainland – toys, gourmet foods, unusual gifts from the world over, a rental library, surf boards … even motor bikes. Thankfully, my dad was an avid angler and passed that love of the nature and the ocean to all us kids. For whatever reason, his passion for fishing stuck to me like Velcro moreso than to my brothers and sisters. Whenever he could get away from the
Island Shop, you could bet your bottom dollar he was fishing. To further illustrate the lengths he would go to be on or near the ocean, during warmer months he commuted to work on his Sunfish sailboat. How cool is that! With a degree in graphic design and advertising after college, I could have accepted job offers in New York, Atlanta and other metropolitan areas. But instead of financial wealth, I decided to remain here for another kind of wealth that only nature can provide. Fishing, hunting or simply marveling at the scope of this incredibly diverse ecosystem was the smartest decision I ever made. Where else could I go and catch a limit of trout or call in a big gobbler and still be at work on time? With two children of my own, daughter Camden and son Logan, my life here
has been a true blessing. Both are smart adults and, should I pass away tomorrow, I have no regrets – or, more honestly, almost no regrets – for the life decisions I have made. So much has changed in the past 60-odd years but even with so much growth, the Lowcountry is in my blood and in my soul. I will do my best to entertain you all with tales from both the sea and the land, and with tips for angler newbies looking to be more successful in our waters. Lastly, if you have followed my past columns at all, you know I often inject humor that appears to come out of a totally strange, yet harmless mind. I’m excited to be in the Sun and hope you follow Nature’s Way! Collins Doughtie, a 60-year resident of the Lowcountry, is a sportsman, graphic artist, and lover of nature.
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The Bluffton Sun
Feb. 2, 2021
PETS
Animal rescue, fostering, adoption is true act of love By Amy Campanini CONTRIBUTOR
“Where there is love, there is life.” – Mahatma Gandhi For me, Gandhi’s quote paints a beautiful picture of just how impactful animal rescue can be. This brings to mind the story of a couple who fostered for the first time during the onset of the pandemic. Their life-changing experience illustrates the power of the connection between animal and human. “Palmetto Animal League has a special place in our hearts,” said Dana Jacobs of San Francisco. “Whenever we’re in the Lowcountry, we go spend time in the cat rooms at PAL, giving each of the kitties love.” One of these visits blossomed into something far more profound. “In July 2020, my partner and I spent two months in Bluffton with my parents,” Dana said. “And we convinced them it was the perfect time to foster!”
Jeffrey cuddles with his new people, Dana Jacobs and Caitlin Schillings.
So, Dana and her partner, Caitlin Schillings, brought home two kittens. Jeffrey and Grady, recently rescued by PAL, were small and sickly and required special attention. While it was apparent the pair needed Dana and Caitlin, the couple quickly found they too needed the kittens. “They were such a bright light in quarantine,” Dana said. “Grady was so warm, cud-
dly and trusting, while Jeffrey was brave, playful and sweet.” Eight weeks later, just before they boarded a plane back to San Francisco, Dana and Caitlin were incredibly sad to say goodbye to their foster kittens, but they
kept close tabs on the two. “When we heard Grady had been adopted, we were so happy,” said Dana. “Meanwhile, we knew Jeffrey was still at PAL and promised that if he wasn’t adopted by Christmas, we would make him our own.” And that’s exactly how the story unfolded. Hours after returning from the west coast last December, Dana and Caitlin came to
PAL to bring Jeffrey home. “Caitlin and I sat on the floor and all of a sudden, it just seemed to click for Jeffrey,” said Dana. “He remembered us, and he was overjoyed.” Now lovingly known as Tigey, he isn’t the only feline who loves spending time with Dana’s parents in Bluffton. “My mother is now fostering a litter of very young kittens for PAL who need bottle feeding,” said Dana. “She couldn’t stay away!” You too can be part of the rescue process! Share the love with homeless pets by sending a Valentine to the animal lovers in your life. Visit PalmettoAnimalLeague.org and click on “Create a Valentine.” Make a heartfelt donation to send an eCard or print a card at home. Your gift will help save the life of a pet waiting for rescue, proving once more that, “Where there is love, there is life.” Amy Campanini is president of Palmetto Animal League.
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Page 51A
PETS
Well-behaved, well-trained, happy dogs makes for happy owners By Abby Bird CONTRIBUTOR
Getting your dog well behaved and trained enough to enjoy them 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 their 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 theirs, the easier it is for you. The same is true for travel. Is your dog predictable enough to be invited to go 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 energy of the dog, not just in puppyhood but when they are adult, is a good question to ask 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 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 them so they can’t access it. Temporarily remove rugs and anything reachable from low surfaces. Socialize the dog by bringing him to public places, introducing him to all
kinds of situations, environments and people. Bring him to puppy playtimes, not dog parks if they are 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 the dog to be enjoyable and well adjusted.
You might think the dog is behaving abnormally when actually she is acting out age-appropriate behaviors. Jumping, chewing and nipping are normal in pups, but can persist with dogs due to lack of training – or are 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: 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 which allow your pet use those instincts. Supervise all child play. If you can handle this, then you will enjoy your dog for a long time and they will be blessed to have you as owners. Abby Bird is owner of Alphadog Training Academy. AlphadogTrainingAcademy@ gmail.com
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The Bluffton Sun
Feb. 2, 2021
Senior softball league seeks players Organizers of Senior Softball Beaufort are looking for players to join it inaugural season, with practices to begin in February. Players 55 and up who love softball and want to play in a league dedicated to fun, safety and competition are invited to sign up. Players are welcome from Beaufort, Hilton Head, Bluffton, and beyond. Organizers Rick Trenary, Doug Newton and David Hofmann will be working with Beaufort County Parks and Recreation, Is-
land Rec Center, area POAs, clubs and local media to promote the league. “We want players of all abilities and will build team rosters to foster friendships, fun and healthy competition,” said Trenary. The league plans to adapt the concepts and rules of successful programs in Charleston, Greenville, and Charlotte. Each of those leagues include tournament caliber players alongside guys who just want to play for fun, without a beer league atmo-
sphere. Spring and fall seasons will play 16 games each plus playoffs. Practice and pick-up games tentatively scheduled include: Feb. 17, 1-3 p.m. at Burton Wells, Beaufort Feb. 21 at MC Riley Fields, Bluffton Feb. 24 at Barker Field, Hilton Head Island Feb. 28, location TBA The league will sponsor these batting
Share the Love with Homeless Pets by sending a Valentine to the animal lovers in your life!
Visit PalmettoAnimalLeague.org and click on Send a Valentine. Make a heartfelt donation of any size and then choose to send an eCard or print at home. Your card will make someone’s day and share the love with a pet in need of rescue.
SEND A VALENTINE & SAVE A LIFE!
practice and pick-up game sessions in February to give players a chance to meet and feel comfortable. Registration is requested at SeniorSoftballBeaufort.com to help organizers reserve enough fields and provide equipment. The website will also serve as the main communication channel for the league. Watch the website for further details on practice dates, times, and fields, or email info@SeniorSoftballBeaufort.com.
Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Page 53A
BRIDGE
Be cautious when leading against suit contracts CONTRIBUTOR
In suit contracts, the defenders have to be careful to take their tricks before they disappear to the opponents’ trump suit. Declarer has sneaky ways of avoiding losers (discarding them on other suits, for instance). The defenders’ main sources of tricks are high cards and possibly trump tricks scored by ruffs. Little cards in long suits are not usually a source of tricks in trump suit contracts. In No Trump contracts, the defenders can afford to be a bit more patient. They give declarer the tricks he deserves early and take more tricks themselves later. Long suits are valuable because declarer has no trump to stop the defenders. In No Trump, the defenders’ main sources of tricks are their high cards and length. Because of these differing philosophies, the same hand might choose different opening leads depending on whether it is
played in No Trump or in a suit. What are good leads in a suit contract? Partner’s suit is almost always a good lead. Listen to the bidding. When partner has not bid, it’s usually better to lead an unbid suit, even if it is not your longest suit; long suits are more important in No Trump. Look at your own hand. Sequences of
high cards are often good choices. If there is a trump suit, a sequence need only be two touching high cards (not three as in No Trump). Short suits are sometimes a good lead. You hope to be able to trump (or ruff). But these leads are somewhat overrated. If you lead a short suit, you should have a reasonable expectation of getting a ruff before the trumps are drawn.
Trump can even be a good lead. After hearing the bidding, you might decide that it sounds as if the declarer is going to get extra tricks by trumping in the dummy; then you should lead trump to try to eliminate dummy’s trump holding before declarer can use them. You might also choose a trump lead when any other lead seems dangerous. Let’s practice. What lead would you make in a suit contract with these cards? 1. J432 2. QT932 3. AKJT 4. KJ874 5. KQ87 Answers are below. Kathie Walsh, accredited by ABTA, teaches all levels of bridge at Hilton Head Island Bridge Club. kbwalsh@roadrunner.com 1. 2, 2. T, 3. A, 4. 7, 5. K
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Page 54A
The Bluffton Sun
Feb. 2, 2021
HOME
Porcelain possibilities endless for countertops, floors, walls By Brian Baltzegar CONTRIBUTOR
Want to know what superior builders and interior designers in Europe and Canada have been raving about for years? It’s the luxurious look and large scale of porcelain slabs. Porcelain is one of the fastest growing trends in home building and remodeling and now available in the Lowcountry. Seamless porcelain slabs feature all the colors and beauty of natural stone but come with a larger scale and style for use in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Porcelain slabs look like granite, marble, wood, even linen … almost any other natural material you can imagine. Local homeowners, builders, and interior designers are falling in love with large porcelain slabs for a variety of diverse construction and remodeling projects, including flooring, walls, counter tops and more. Simply put, porcelain provides a look
worry of sun damage because it is completely UV and frost resistant and can even withstand the heat of being set on fire. Another amazing characteristic of porcelain is that it’s nonporous, providing a safe and healthy option MIKE RITTERBECK PHOTOGRAPHY for food prep areas. Even better, porPorcelain countertops are perfect for this Lowcountry kitchen. celain is incredibly and highly attractive characteristics that are easy to maintain. You can use your favorite unmatched by any other product. multipurpose cleaners, which is a real no-no One of the best attributes of porcelain is with natural stone. versatility; it can be used everywhere. It’s Porcelain slabs are much larger than ideal for kitchens and bathrooms because of natural stone slabs, so there are fewer joints stain, heat and water resistance. and seams in your completed project. That’s Porcelain also works well for outdoor a highly desirable feature in bathroom applications. This material eliminates the projects that require a spa-like finish. Large
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porcelain slabs on the walls, floors, showers and tubs eliminate grout seams that must be constantly scrubbed. Because porcelain countertops are still new to the U.S., finding a fabricator that has experience with the product can prove difficult. Crafting porcelain requires a very specific skill set and high-tech tools, so it’s critically important to find a certified stone specialist when choosing porcelain for your project. When carefully crafted and installed, porcelain countertops will add value to your home or office, while providing breathtaking beauty for a lifetime. Find out why people are raving about this wondrous product and discover how your next home building or remodeling project can be made extraordinary with porcelain. Brian Baltzegar is the sales manager at StoneWorks, experts in porcelain, quartz, granite and other natural stones. hiltonheadstone.com
Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Page 55A
FAITH
In difficult times of strife, violence, hate, is love enough? By Stephanie Dion CONTRIBUTOR
I sometimes wonder if love is enough. Is love enough to turn division into unity? Is love enough to transform distrust? Is love enough to turn an enemy into a friend? Is love enough to turn a vitriolic nation into one that can work together for the common good? Is love enough? After any kind of tragic event, and especially events with displays of violence, destruction and hate, as we saw with the events at our nation’s Capitol, I see pleas plastered on social media to “love one another.” I think to myself as I scroll, “But is love enough?” Idealized notions of loving our neighbor do not seem to be enough. They seem to be mere superficial sentiments. Because saying “love your neighbor” does not necessarily lead to actually loving your neighbor. Saying “everyone is made in the image of God” does not actually mean everyone
is treated as though they are equally and unequivocally made in the image of God. These calls for love feel like a warm blanket that quickly brings comfort but does little to resolve the problems you feel overwhelming you inside. Is love enough? Well, I do not think that
particular kind of love is enough to do much of anything, except maybe to make us feel comfortable for a few moments. Thankfully, those of us in the Christian faith are shown a love that offers more than a weighted blanket. We are shown love in the reality of God in human flesh hanging from a cross. There is nothing comfortable about that image. The love we find in Jesus Christ is one that is never a mere kind thought but one that confronts the hard stuff. It confronts our uncomfortable feelings when we hear news that does not align with our one-track-mind beliefs. It confronts the feeling we get of our blood boiling over a comment by a neighbor we used to call friend. It confronts us as part of the problem and not just “them” as the problem.
This love is hard work and constant work. It gives up sentiment for the real thing: Knowing that real love sometimes requires going to the depths of the grave to bring hope and healing. And this love requires humility and lament, confession and forgiveness. It requires us to acknowledge the ways we have contributed to a nation that cares more about party than people, the ways we’ve devoured friends who disagree with us, and the ways we have denied a history that has bubbled up into protests of all stripes. So if asked, “Is love enough?” my answer must be “Absolutely.” But it must be the kind of love Jesus showed us, a love that might take us to the grave before granting us new life. I hope you’ll join me in choosing a love that changes the world, and might change you and me in the process – a love that is enough. Stephanie Dion is the associate pastor at Lowcountry Presbyterian Church in Bluffton. LowcountryPres.org
Connecting to God, Connecting to One Another Pastor Pete Berntson
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Feb. 2, 2021
NATURE
Plastics and their harmful effects on our environment By John Riolo CONTRIBUTOR
As I sit at my computer to write this column I, like many of you, have that ubiquitous plastic bottle of water by my desk. Despite the fact that tap water is declared safe for consumption by the EPA and tastes fine in many locations, 1,500 plastic water bottles are being used every second in the United States alone. Plastics are everywhere. They have a huge range of practical uses. The use of plastic is so common that we often don’t think about its presence in our lives. Virtually everything we buy or consume seems to either be wrapped in plastic or made of plastic. Much of our food is individually shrink-wrapped and consumer products of all kinds are single-use wrapped. Our lives are often made easier and safer by the use of plastic wrap. While the saying goes that “diamonds are forever,” the same can be said for plastics.
More than 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year and used in a wide variety of applications. Why are plastics bad for the environment? Plastic bags, like other plastic materials, are made from crude oil. This is a problem because crude oil emits significant amounts of pollution and because the product is not biodegradable. Plastic bags and plastic water bottles
were, until recently, considered an essential part of everyday life, whilst being thrown away at will. This leads to some 8 million tons of plastic ending up in our oceans every year. Marine species ingest or are entangled by plastic debris, which causes severe injuries and deaths. Plastic pollution threatens food safety and quality; human, fish and animal health; and coastal tourism, and it contrib-
utes to climate change. How can we effectively address our problem with plastics? Currently only 14% of plastic packaging used globally makes its way to recycling plants, only 9% is actually recycled, and 40% ends up in landfills. It’s up to all of us. We need to be willing to do things such as: • Use refillable coffee cups • Top off our reusable water bottle or, better yet, use ceramic coffee cups at home and refillable cups at our favorite coffee shops. • Decline a plastic straw or ask for a paper one. • Use reusable food containers whenever possible. • Spread the word; only collectively can we make a difference. The future of our grandchildren’s world depends on what we do today. John Riolo lives in Moss Creek and is past president of the Nature Club of Moss Creek. john.a.riolo@gmail.com
Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
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NATURE
Consider the life once lived inside a ‘house’ the mantle built By Debby Boots CONTRIBUTOR
Have you thought much about the life story of the pretty mollusk shell you discovered on the beach? The shell is actually the empty house (exoskeleton) that protects a living animal much like ourselves – one with circulation, respiratory, nervous and digestive systems. And, guess what? The occupants get hitched and lay eggs and have babies and try to survive, just as we humans do. How does this animal grow up? An amazing organ called the “mantle” does most of the work. Although some dispute a mollusk having a brain, who needs a brain when you’ve got a mantle? It is a magical cloak that surrounds the body with pockets to store organs and eggs, and it regulates the whole household, but its most important job is being a master architect. As the animal inside the shell grows big-
ger, the mantle goes to work being the house builder. It takes calcium minerals from the ocean water and secretes calcium carbonate and conchiolin to build the shell extensions on the home. There are even three walls, the inner often pearly and the outer resilient and often highly decorated. If the shell home gets damaged, the mantle is ready to do any repairs. You might notice the growth rings on a clam indicating shell additions or look at the tiny top of a whelk or other snail. That’s the
baby shell, the mantle adding more material with turrets, spires and coils to accommodate a growing occupant. The mantle even makes the different colors and patterns on the shell – and some scientists even pose that it might help shell communication. We are fortunate to live near the ocean. The beach is a treasured ecosystem of animals living on and beneath the sand with eggs and larvae and plankton floating in the waves. We need to protect all of it! There is current concern that atmospheric CO2 is dissolving in the ocean at an alarming rate. It is forming carbonic acid which reduces the availability of calcium carbonate, therefore reducing the ability of the mantle
to form shell material. A good book to learn more about beach life is “Living Beaches of Georgia and the Carolinas” by Blair and Dawn Witherington. You can also sign up for a beach discovery walk or catch a program at the Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head Island. By the way, there is one beach critter who rents a shell home rather than being a permanent resident. Do you know who this hobo might be? You might think you have found an empty shell, but look closely and if you see some feet trying to hide, be sure to put the rental with the crabby tenant back in the surf. The same consideration goes for all living shells, as they deserve to live and reproduce and enjoy time on the beach just as we humans do. Debby Boots is a master naturalist, docent with the Coastal Discovery Museum, and author of a small cookbook titled “Cattail Cakes and Chickweed Snakes.”
Serving the Lowcountry for 21 years
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Feb. 2, 2021
SPORTS
LPGA Girls Golf: Growing the game by starting girls early By Jean Harris CONTRIBUTOR
We are excited to invite young girls, ages 6 to 17, to participate in our 2021 Program of the LPGA Girls Golf Club of Bluffton. It’s been a challenging year for everyone, but fortunately golf is a great sport that is played outside and we are able to social distance and abide by COVID-19 regulations. The great game of golf will not grow if we don’t introduce the game to children at a young age. That is why fellow LPGA professional Krista Dunton and I began the LPGA Girls Golf Club of Bluffton 12 years ago. Our chapter is one of 500 programs across the country. LPGA Girls Golf is a perfect way for girls to learn how to play golf, develop existing golf skills through motor skill activities, get fitted for the correct equipment, build new friendships and have fun. This means putting down the clubs and creating time for fun games and activities that catch their
Last year’s Girls Golf participants enjoyed a variety of golfing lessons, drills and outings, along with fun activities to build friendships.
attention. Often we’ll cut the drills short and have an Easter egg hunt, decorate a gift for Mother’s Day, throw a pizza party, or have a water balloon toss . . . the list goes on and on. Girls Golf also teaches respect, persever-
ance and honesty, values that are inherent to the game of golf. The program also allows the older girls opportunities to give back. Local high school golf team members volunteer their time and are E-leaders. This is done through the 5 E’s of Girls Golf:
Empower, Enrich, Engage, Exercise and Energize. Girls Golf philosophy is that everyone should learn the FUNdamentals of the game while engaging in activities that foster positive self-esteem. This year’s program will have six sessions beginning Feb. 28 and run through June 6. We will be using some of the same outstanding facilities we have used in the past for our training sessions: Berkeley Hall, Eagle’s Pointe, Pinecrest, Hilton Head Lakes, and the First Tee of the Lowcountry. The sessions will meet on Sundays from 3-5 p.m. The cost of the program is $100 and scholarships and clubs are available, if needed. Each girl will receive a shirt and gifts from the National program. Deadline for registration is Feb. 8. For more information about this program, email us at girlsgolfbluffton@gmail.com. Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at local courses. jean. golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean.com
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Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
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Feb. 2, 2021
SPORTS
Practice single-arm swimming to improve stroke efficiency By Bob Colyer CONTRIBUTOR
In a previous article, I advocated for single-arm swimming as the most useful drill to improve a swimmer’s stroke efficiency. The reasons are plentiful: alternating sides lap-to-lap, glide position for body length, easier recovery and catch, better stroke leverage, coordination with kick, and easier breathing. My examples were all related to crawl or “freestyle” stroking, but most apply as well to swimming back crawl and butterfly. Butterfly stroking is basically a double-arm crawl stroke, so the same advantages are gained. It is a whole lot easier to swim many lengths of single-arm “fly,” switching arms each lap, than it is to swim the same distance using both arms together. Single-arm fly makes it easier to coordinate the arm stroke with an up-and-down “dolphin” kick. One downkick is simultaneous with recovery and the other with the
propulsive arm as it levers against the water to move the body past. What is different from the usual butterfly is that the body is tilted slightly to one side. Thus, it is easier to breathe on that side (as in crawl stroking) instead of facing down and forward. However, the advantages gained by using just one arm can be felt
when the swimmer makes the switch to using the full two-arm fly. Swimming on the back with a single arm is easier if you reach back, drop your arm under water, and imagine grabbing a pole rising vertically from the pool bottom, then propelling yourself past it. This can be taught with an actual pole being anchored
by an instructor. Another analogy is to think of throwing a ball at your feet to create propulsive force. A good throw accelerates from beginning to end, and so does a good stroke, from catch to finish. A variation for all three strokes, especially the back crawl, is to swim single-arm with the non-stroking arm down at your side. This is, however, more difficult for fly and front crawl, and probably should be left to competitive swimmers. How can a swimmer tell the effectiveness of this or any other drill? Count strokes. If the drill helps to reduce the usual number of strokes taken per pool length, that’s greater efficiency, a worthy goal for every swimmer. Dr. Bob Colyer of Bluffton is an actively retired college professor, coach and author of “Swim Better: A Guide to Greater Efficiency for Swimmers & Instructors,” directed primarily to non-competitors. bobcolyer@yahoo.com
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Sun City | 201 Landing Lane | $259,000 • Gently used vacation villa • 2BR/2BA located in The Preserve. • Inviting entry foyer; den/office • Great room w/dining area • Eat-in kitchen w/white cabinets, Stainless appliances, quartz countertops, pantry closet • Extended 3 season room overlooking woods • Laundry room • Master bedroom suite w/large walk-in closet, bath w/raised vanity, walk-in shower, linen closet • Split floor plan w/guest bedroom & full bath
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Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
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SENIOR ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP Topics To Be Discussed: • Reducing Income Tax on Retirement Assets to Heirs • Potentially Increase Your Income & Defer Taxes • Secure Act • QLAC • Estate Taxes • Estate Tax Saving Techniques • Durable Powers Of Attorney • Wills vs. Living Trusts • Living Wills • Long Term Care Insurance • Medicare Parts A, B & D • Medicaid Planning
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Feb. 2, 2021
REAL ESTATE
Help your agent sell your home faster, for higher price By Larry Stoller
It also helps sellers get offers as close to their asking price as possible – or higher, as most purchasers do not want to undertake the time, effort, energy, vision and expense of doing the remodeling themselves. 3. Create an exclusive single property website: While this can be done by ambitious sellers using an online program like propertiesonline.com, many savvy real estate agents will include this marketing method as part of their services to their seller clients. Routinely, when you list your home, it immediately is displayed in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS), Zillow, and a number of other online real estate portals. Adding an exclusive single property website can syndicate your home listing to hundreds of other online real estate directories.
CONTRIBUTOR
While successful real estate listing agents go the extra mile for their sellers, sellers can help their agents get their home sold faster and for a higher price. Here are three ideas and sales strategies that sellers and agents can add to the marketing plan to get from “Just Listed” to “Just Sold.” 1. Create a selling book: Tell the story of your home through photographs, descriptions and graphics all combined in a beautiful book format. Not only is this a powerful selling tool, but also a nice keepsake for the sellers and the new buyers. A selling book will give the home its own identity, highlighting all the special features that the home has to offer (i.e., the beauty of the home in every season, the home’s appeal during special holidays, information about the architect and builder, views of the forest, the lagoon, nature that surrounds the home,
wildlife outside the window and anything else that shows how special your home is! Once the selling book is complete and in print, it can easily be developed into a digital flip book that can be added to various real estate websites. 2. Create a renovation book: List all the
home improvement projects that have been completed. Show before and after photos of renovations that made the property more comfortable and appealing. This is a very persuasive tool for buyers to see that your home has more added value than the competition.
Larry Stoller is a broker and Realtor with Real Estate Five of the Lowcountry. Larry@ RealEstateFive.com, RealEstateFive.com, SunCityOpenHouses247.com
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Feb. 2, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
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Feb. 2, 2021
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