Feb.2, 2022 • Volume 11, Issue 2 • Complimentary • HiltonHeadSun.com
PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID BLUFFTON, SC PERMIT NO. 135 POSTAL CUSTOMER
E-bike town ordinance being planned ahead of tourist season By Tim Wood CONTRIBUTOR
If you’re not really paying attention, you might think all bikes are created equal. But a trend toward electric motorized bikes is causing much concern among users of the already congested pathways on Hilton Head Island. After a number of residents raised repeated concerns about the growing use of the e-bikes along island pathways, the Town’s Public Planning Committee is looking to create an ordinance governing the proper use of the vehicles. The issue was brought to the Town in early 2021 and the discussion is just now gaining momentum toward an ordinance. Electric bikes have a motor that can be triggered either by pedaling or by using a throttle similar to a scooter or motorcycle.
The bikes have become popular among older residents and visitors who have eschewed pedaling a bike but want to continue to include biking as part of their exercise plan. They have also become popular with teenage bike riders and with commuters traveling across the island for work. The popularity of e-bikes is exploding nationwide, with a 240% growth from July 2020 to July 2021. That is 16 times faster than the 15% growth of regular bike sales in the same period. What was at first seen as a fad by bike enthusiasts at the onset of the COVID pandemic has turned into a sustained growth in both usage and in sales. There are a handful of businesses on Hilton Head that now exclusively sell and rent e-bikes, some that have up to a 100-mile range on one charge.
Please see E-BIKES on page 10A
COURTESY AVOCADO BIKES
E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular on island beaches and pathways. Discussion continues about a proposed Town ordinance to govern proper use of the bikes.
‘State of the Sound Symposium’ on ecology set for Feb. 11 The Port Royal Sound Foundation will host the first State of the Sound Symposium, moderated by Dr. Chris Marsh. The event will be held virtually, via Zoom, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb 11. Several area experts from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and University of South Caroli-
School populations push district capacity 14A
na-Beaufort will discuss what knowledge currently exists about the ecology of the Port Royal Sound. The event will feature a series of short talks covering an array of topics including crustaceans, fish, underwater soundscapes, dolphins, shorebirds, water quality, geology, and land use. A roundtable discussion will follow
Faithful volunteers tend to feral cat colonies 18A
that explores how future research can help citizens better understand and protect this incredible resource in the heart of the Lowcountry. Registration, information & schedule available at: portroyalsoundfoundation. org/event/sos. The Port Royal Sound Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to
New at comedy, Matt Stock sets record at Roasting Room 26A
preserving the Port Royal Sound for the environmental, cultural and economic well-being of our area. The Foundation is committed to education, research, conservation and sustainability. For more information, contact Kat Armstrong at 843-645-7774 or email at karmstrong@portroyalsoundfoundation. org.
“Curious Incident” takes stage at Arts Center 47A
Sunny Side Up 3A • Editorial 4A • Sun on the Street 6A • Noteworthy 40A • Business 41A • Wellness 51A • Faith 55A • Giving 47A • Nature’s Way 57A • Pets 59A • Sports 62A
Page 2A
The Hilton Head Sun
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Feb.2, 2022
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 3A
SUNNY SIDE UP
Proud new senior embraces title, seeks great adventures By Lynne Cope Hummell EDITOR
Something weird happened to me in the midst of preparing this issue of our paper for publication: I turned 65. I seldom mention my age, especially in print, especially to thousands of people at the same time. This year is different, and I must address it. I am now eligible for the real senior discount: Medicare. Never mind the difficulties I ran across in applying – somehow, something in my online application caused a piece of my identity to be questioned. (At the time of this writing, there have been four emails, five text messages, and 11 phone calls back and forth trying to resolve the issue. No, I didn’t wait until the last minute to apply.) In chatting with my cousin Pam, who is 10 days older than I, we decided the celebration should last all year. This is
special! This is a big deal – like one’s 21st birthday all over again, except we’re a little older. But our brave and adventurous spirits remain the same youthful age. I have decided that this should be a year of “awesome.” I don’t often use that word – for me, it should be reserved for something truly astonishing in nature, like a magnificent mountain view or a brilliant full moon, or the Grand Canyon. I’m ready for some adventures of a different and remarkable sort – the kind of thing I’ve always wanted to do, but never quite got things together to DO it. Or something that I’ve done before and that I enjoyed but haven’t done in quite some time. One item in that latter category is coming right up. You might have heard that I am appearing in an upcoming play, “Steel Magnolias,” at May River Theatre. (See more information in our arts section!) This will be the first time in more than
a decade that I’ve been onstage. (Before that, there was almost a 25-year gap between my performances.) Another artsy thing I want to try is learning to weave (on a real loom). There’s something comforting in the feel of a woven scarf, for instance. And how amazing is it that a piece of woven textile can be created from just two strings? Maybe I’ll re-learn how to ride a motorcycle. I’ve always said, “When I’m 80, I want to be that granny on the Harley.” I have just 15 years to make that happen! Travel has to be on my list. There’s a big world out there, but honestly, I don’t think I’d have the patience for an international journey. I’d be fine to rent an RV and drive across the good ol’ USA. Perhaps I would start with seeking out every waterfall in North Carolina. Maybe a road trip would provide an opportunity to stop talking and start writing that book buried in my brain. And, expecting that my husband would
join me, he can illustrate it. (My book, not my brain.) Of course, if I hit the road, I’d have to either retire or edit this newspaper remotely. (Please don’t mention anything to my publisher until I have time to speak with him about this wild idea.) But it’s not just big adventures I seek. I know that real joy can be found in every day. I’ll close with these wise words from cousin Pam as our conversation ended: “Carpe diem – seize the day – for real! If you are 65, the reality is that there are more days behind you than in front. Let that scare wash over you. Then seize your days. Savor, experience and enjoy them as much as possible. This will create enthusiasm that is worth sharing You can let your joy be infectious and it will spread faster than COVID. Not too shabby for a senior citizen. Now, go get your day.”
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Page 4A
The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
EDITORIAL Current Circulation Via USPS is 25,266
Community input sought on redistricting process
Winner of the 2013 IFPA-SAPA award for Business Coverage
By John McCann
PUBLISHER
Our Town staff and leaders deal with many issues that affect our residents. They range from shortterm rentals and beach parking to workforce housing and redistricting. These are important concerns that I’m sure we all have questions about. Town staff is doing a phenomenal job John McCann engaging the community through a series of virtual and in-person workshops and communicating a vast amount of information about these issues. I will use my next several columns to provide you with information on our progress addressing these issues. Let’s start with redistricting. This is a very important process for our community, which is divided into six Town Council wards. Redistricting is the process of redrawing state legislative and congressional district boundaries. This occurs every 10 years following the decennial U.S. Census, and is based on numerous criteria, including population and geographi-
Kevin Aylmer, kevina@blufftonsun.com
EDITOR
Lynne Hummell, editor@blufftonsun.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kim Perry Bowen
OFFICE MANAGER Melissa McCullough
CONTRIBUTORS Abby Bird Jeff Bradley Amy Campanini Collins Doughtie E. Ronald Finger Amber Kuehn John McCann
Brett Myers Gwyneth J. Saunders Cinda Seamon Larry Stoller Scott Wierman Jennifer Wolfe Tim Wood
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B.J. Frazier, Sales Director, 843-422-2321 Mike Garza 804-928-2151 Claudia Chapman 814-434-3665 Stan Wade 843-338-1900
CONTACT
For information about The Hilton Head Sun, 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 copyright protected 20220. All submissions must include name, address and phone number. The Editor reserves the right to edit or reject any material, including advertisements. The Hilton Head 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, Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.
Circulation verification for each issue provided with USPS Form 3541 and/or USPS Form 8125. These forms are available for review during normal business hours at the offices of The Bluffton Sun, 14D Johnston Way, Bluffton, SC 29910.
CONTRIBUTOR
cal boundaries. It affects all jurisdictions that have single-member elections, whether for members of Congress, state legislatures, county councils, city councils, school boards, etc., and seeks to equalize population among districts. The state Constitution and state law, among other authorities, require South Carolina to redraw electoral lines. Local governments have the authority to redraw lines for their districts. Federal law dictates that redistricting lines be drawn to allow for equal population and comply with the Voting Rights Act to ensure minorities have an equal opportunity to elect representatives of their choice. Districts must be drawn con-
tiguously, so that all parts of the district are connected to each other. To help our community further understand how this process works and how redistricting affects our ward boundaries, Town Council’s Finance and Administrative Committee along with Town staff have planned a series of workshops. The workshops are scheduled as follows: • Feb. 3 at 4 p.m. at the Hilton Head PSD Community Room, 21 Oak Park Drive. • Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. at the Hilton Head Branch Library, 11 Beach City Road. • Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. at Town Hall in the Benjamin M. Racusin Council Chambers, 1 Town Center Court. • Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. at the Island Recreation Center, 20 Wilborn Road. Community input is vital to the process. It ensures that we are taking into consideration all concerns as we finalize ward boundaries. If you are unable to attend any of the workshops, you still can provide input and ask questions about the redistricting process through the Town’s website at hiltonheadislandsc.gov/ redistricting. John McCann is the mayor of the Town of Hilton Head Island. JohnM@hiltonheadislandsc.gov
Letter to the Editor To the Editor: Some “food for thought” came to me after reading Lynne Hummell’s Sunny Side Up in the Jan. 19 Bluffton Sun about what might constitute a “feeling of community.” Her witnessing a gorgeous sunset while in the car brought to mind Sun City’s residents Facebook page. The site is administered beautifully, i.e., don’t even bother with political posts, nasty comments, anything unrelated to Sun City’s community. It’s a friendly group for asking questions, getting advice, sharing helpful information and celebrating our Sun City Hilton
Head lifestyle. I get a definite “feeling of community” when folks post photos of January’s glorious orange full Wolf Moon on the rise; photos of gorgeous flowers in someone’s yard; photos of flora and fauna captured during a walk along one of our nature trails or just in one of our many neighborhoods; photos of the adorable carrying on of numerous kinds of birds in their bird boxes and water fountains; photos of fabulous sunsets and sunrises; photos of golf cart parades over a holiday. All such posts prompt others to share their photos and saying, “Yes! I
have the same thing!” or “Wow! How did you grow that?” or “I saw it too – here’s the shot I took of it!” For me, sharing beautiful moments experienced within our contained yet vast complex of homes makes me feel connected to my neighbors, knowing that we are not living alone, that there are others witnessing those special moments in time as a community, that we can reach out to one another and share life’s bounties. Barbara Costa Bluffton
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 5A
Page 6A
The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
SUN ON THE STREET
’Tis the season of bringing back those lovin’ feelings 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 –
Alan Perry, Hilton Head Island: “When my dog cuddles up with me.”
and just plain fun questions. You might see us anywhere around town, with notepad and camera, randomly seeking out folks
Mike Taylor, Bluffton: “A super squeeze from my granddaughter.”
who are willing to participate. If we find you, we hope you will want to respond. At Reilley’s Grill & Bar on the
Gabrielle Muthing, Bluffton: “When my husband sends me the ‘just because’ emoji just because he was thinking about me.”
island’s south end, we asked: “What makes you feel loved?”
Jim Laferriere, Hilton Head Island: “My whole family makes me feel loved.”
Mila Zindovic, Hilton Head Island: “When people pay attention to details and remember them.”
Call Andy Today For A FREE Market Analysis Of Your Home In Today’s Market And How To Get The Highest Price! Professional Real Estate Services
Cell: 843.384.7771 • andytwisdale@gmail.com
HILTON HEAD ISLAND SALES RESULTS FOR DECEMBER 2021 AND YEAR TO DATE
Hilton Head Totals Detached Homes Only
2021
Percent Change
2020
101
63
- 37.6%
161
118
- 26.7%
Key Metrics
2020
New Listings Closed Sales Median Sales Price*
December
$660,000 $938,725 + 42.2%
Hilton Head Totals
Year to Date 2021 Change
Percent
1,659
1,419
1,572
1,474
Condos / Villas Only
December
Percent Change
2021
Percent Change
1,421
1,613
+ 13.5%
1,399
1,518
+ 8.5%
Key Metrics
2020
- 14.5%
New Listings
79
93
+ 17.7%
- 6.2%
Closed Sales
164
122
- 25.6%
$337,000
$399,000
97.7%
99.2%
+ 1.5%
96.7%
99.2%
+ 2.5%
$625,000 $799,950 + 28.0%
Median Sales Price*
2021
Year to Date
2020
+ 18.4% $302,500 $359,100 + 18.7%
97.7%
98.6%
+ 1.0%
96.5%
98.5%
+ 2.1%
Percent of List Price Received*
Days on Market Until Sale
115
84
- 27.3%
153
96
- 37.0%
Days on Market Until Sale
102
79
- 23.0%
124
75
- 39.5%
Inventory of Homes for Sale
240
93
- 61.3%
--
--
--
Inventory of Homes for Sale
163
108
- 33.7%
--
--
--
Percent of List Price Received*
* Does not account for sale concessions and/or downpayment assistance. | Percent changes are calculated using rounded figures and can sometimes look extreme due to small sample size.
* Does not account for sale concessions and/or downpayment assistance. | Percent changes are calculated using rounded figures and can sometimes look extreme due to small sample size.
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 7A
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♥ LOW INVENTORY ALERT!!!! ♥ 351 GREENWOOD DRIVE MLS 421771 $2,750,000
S! DAY 6 T C TRA CON
Incredible quality construction throughout this beautiful 5 BR 5 ER BA home. Striking entry, coffered UND ceilings, beautiful fixtures, updated baths, gorgeous floors, this VanGeison built house is the perfect primary, rental or dream vacation home. Naturally lit & beautiful open floor plan w/ chefs kitchen, it is the perfect home for entertaining. Pretty screen porch overlooks the beautifully landscaped & private pool/spa. EZ access to oversized garage from Loblolly. Primary & a guest BR are first floor, 2 BR upstairs w/ pvt baths. Larger 5th BR being used as an office currently. Short walk or bike to the beach & Offered beautifully furnished! WOW!
NT RO F N EA OC
1 STONEY CREEK VILLAS #261 MLS 421172 $598,500
You’ll love the proximity to Harbour Town from this spacious villa! Stroll to shops and restaurants, relax on the patio overlooking the Marsh where the eagles, osprey, egrets,& nature abounds. Newer kitchen cabinets, granite counters & stone back splash, HVAC 2018 Newer disposal, washer/dryer and fridge. Brand new roofs! Pretty wood ceilings in LR and Primary BR too. Bedrooms are a generous size & main BR has a vaulted ceiling & marsh views too! All tile downstairs, carpet upstairs, tile in baths. Great rentals last year. Walk to Heritage golf tournament! Pet friendly too.
Ocean Views. Never rented. Amazing location, steps from the pool and Jamaica Joez, sit on your balcony and listen to the live music at your own private Happy Hour. Steps to the sand.
40 FOLLY FIELD ROAD #A346 MLS 418011 $395,000 What a view. Top floor Ocean Villa! Desirable “Y” (best kept secret) section of the A building...Everything is practically brand new, fully furnished. Everyone on the deck can see the ocean!
CT TRA
N Beautiful 4BR 3BA home on over R CO E 1.8 acres w/heated saltwater D UN pool & lanai. Coastal living at its best! Jasmine floor plan w/ many upgrades. 1st floor living with primary BR and 2 guest BRs downstairs. Open concept w/upgraded kitchen, gas range, beautiful granite & tile backsplash. Open to dining/living area & formal dining room. LR has gas fireplace & French doors to Carolina Room. M BA has custom shower. Hand scraped wood floors through main living & M BR, tile in baths & laundry. Stately wrought iron & wood staircase leads upstairs to open loft, 4th BR & BA & large heated storage area. Pvt, peaceful, wooded views!
L OO OP T S EP ST
WS VIE N EA OC
40 FOLLY FIELD ROAD #C229 MLS 420065 $349,900
23 BARTONS RUN DR MLS 414507 $870,900
ACT NTR O C ER UND
W VIE AN E OC
40 FOLLY FIELD ROAD #C144 MLS 420453 $290,000
Never been rented, wonderful condition. Of course, it would make a great rental. Location excellent. Can see pool and top of ocean. Nicely redone. Unit very close to laundromat.
40 FOLLY FIELD ROAD #C354 MLS 421426 $339,000 Lovely third floor beachy villa with great ocean view. Desirable wing location. Lots of shiplap!
♥ CALL DEE TO SELL YOUR HOME OR VILLA TODAY! ♥ UNDER CONTRACT LISTINGS AND SALES
HHBT OCEAN VILLAS
BROAD CREEK LANDING
BARTONS RUN
COLLETON RIVER
UNIT #B150 1BR - 1BA $249,900 UNIT #B335 1BR - 1BA $330,000
1 FOREST COVE #1 2BR - 2 BA $224,000
23 BARTONS RUN DRIVE 4BR –3BA $870,900
1 SPRING HILL COURT 5BR -6BA $1,299,000
HHBT TENNIS VILLAS
HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
SEA PINES
LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE
UNIT #F22 2BR - 2BA $325,000
HH RESORT/FOUR SEASONS
663 WILLIAM HILTON PKWY #1110 2BR -2BA $309,000
HARBOUR TOWN
1 Stoney Creek Villas #261 2BR - 3BA $598,500
10 WILD AZALEA 5BR –4BA $685,000
351 GREENWOOD DRIVE 4BR –4BA $2,750,000
995 BEACHCOMBER BOULEVARD 2BR -2BA $334,350
4 BIRKDALE COURT 3BR –3BA $645,000
214 WOODEN WHEEL LANE 3BR -3BA $330,000
MILL CREEK
967 BEACHCOMBER BOULEVARD 2BR -2BA $345,098
7 CLOVE HITCH COURT 4BR –3BA $649,000
1899 SHORESIDE DRIVE 2BR -2BA $393,520
OUR CLOSED LISTING/SALES LAST 60 DAYS
HHBT OCEAN VILLAS
HHBT TENNIS VILLAS
BROAD CREEK LANDING
SEA PINES HARBOUR TOWN
UNIT A304 1BR - 1BA
UNIT #F20 2BR - 2BA
UNIT A146 1BR - 1BA
HH RESORT/FOUR SEASONS
28 ANCHORAGE POINT #28 2BR - 2 BA
5 MIZZENMAST LANE 5BR -4BA
HARDEEVILLE
HILTON HEAD - WILDHORSE
UNIT B3351BR - 1BA UNIT A229 1BR - 1BA UNIT B235 1BR - 1BA UNIT B354 1BR - 1BA UNIT C109 1BR - 1BA
UNIT #1110 2BR –2BA
FOREST BEACH
3025 SEASCAPE VILLAS 2BR –2BA 26 S FOREST BEACH DRIVE #54 2BR –3BA
74 OSPREY LAKE CIRCLE 3BR –2BA
1 OLD STONY LANE 3BR – 3BA
OAK VIEW
28 SILVER OAK DRIVE 3BR –3BA
Call Dee Gramoy, at 843-384-1525, for an appointment to see these extraordinary properties!
REAL RESULTS FROM SEA PINES TO SUN CITY Dee Gramoy
Broker in Charge, Realtor
Century 21 A Low Country Realty • 40 Folly Field, HHI, 29928 (843) 384-1525 or email dkgramoy@aol.com www.c21lowcountry.com
A Tradition Of Trust
Page 8A
The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
EDITORIAL
Booming South Carolina economy promises bright future By Jeff Bradley CONTRIBUTOR
The new session of the General Assembly began two weeks ago, and we legislators were greeted by Gov. Henry McMaster’s 2022 glowing “State of the State” appraisal. “South Carolina is booming,” said the Governor in his annual address. Indeed, there is no Jeff Bradley question about it. South Carolina will begin getting a much-needed facelift as the result of more than $6 billion in windfall dollars gleaned from the American Rescue Plan passed the by the U.S. Congress, coupled with higher than expected tax collections that were spurred by our state’s decision to not shutter local businesses like so many other states did in 2021. The bottom line is that South Carolina’s state government is currently in the strongest fiscal condition in our history. Business across the state is flourishing and, as the Governor pronounced, “Our family-friendly environment has produced historic gains in new jobs, capital investment and population growth. We now have the largest budget surplus, the largest rainy day reserve account balance, and the lowest debt in our history.” As a result, our primary job as legislators this session will be to work out how to best utilize this abundance of newfound money in a judicious manner while providing for much needed infrastructure upgrades of our roadways, bridges and bringing high-speed broadband to rural areas of South Carolina Gov. McMaster pointed out that our state’s population growth – especially along the coast – “has outpaced our ability to keep up with improvement
of our transportation infrastructure.” Thankfully, he prioritized the need for widening from four lanes to six lanes both Interstate 95 here in the Lowcountry as well as Interstate 26 between Columbia and Charleston. Additionally, he pointed to the need of repairing or replacing more than 400 bridges statewide, while resurfacing hundreds of secondary roadways. He recommended allocating $1.26 billion for these essentials. Education was another focus with the Governor’s recommendations that additional funding be provided for teacher salaries if South Carolina is to be competitive with neighboring states. McMaster’s proposal is for our average salary for teachers be lifted to $66,524 including benefits. He noted starting teacher salaries should be raised to a $38,000 minimum. However, in exchange, he declared that all school districts must disclose how they have spent every budgeted dollar each year (whether those funds are local, state or federal), and that this information must be published online by our Department of Education so parents and taxpayers will know exactly how their district money is being spent. Among several other priorities, McMaster is also recommending cutting our state’s income tax. I heartily agree, as I emphasized in my column here last month. McMaster points out our economic success could be even better because it’s being stunted by the fact that our marginal income tax rate of 7% is the highest in the Southeast and 12th highest in the nation. For example, Arkansas is at 5.9%, Georgia and Virginia are 5.75% and North Carolina is 5.25%. This makes South Carolina less competitive for new jobs and capital investment. Jeff Bradley is the representative for District 123 in the State House of Representatives.
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 9A
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Page 10A
The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
E-BIKES from page 1A Town staff attorney Diane Busch made a presentation to the committee at its Dec. 16 meeting, outlining the scope of the issue, the potential problems the bikes create and the recommendations from staff on how to move forward. Busch said that in staff’s examination of the industry and usage on the island, they support the industry insider belief that e-bikes are more than a fad. “Yes, it’s a fashion trend, but it is staff belief that we need to make clear that e-bikes are here to stay and address the issue appropriately,” Busch said at the Dec. 16 presentation. So how does the Town address the safety concerns and the regulation of the vehicles? At issue is the basic premise of what state law governs. Busch and Town staff are interpreting South Carolina state code adopted in February 2020 as a mandate that e-bikes must be allowed on pathways, while groups like the Coalition of Island Neighbors (COIN) disagree. “We feel the staff interpretation of state law is inaccurate … we do not have to and
should not allow use of e-bikes on our pathways,” said COIN co-founder Patsy Brison, who provided the committee with multiple photos of potential problems with pathways being already too narrow and full of root growth over the asphalt that would make the continued use of e-bikes too dangerous. Some e-bikes can reach speeds of 28 mph, which causes an immediate danger to regular bicyclists and pedestrians using the pathways. The committee asked for further study of the issue and Town staff recommendations,
®
|
which were presented by Deputy Town Manager Josh Gruber at the committee’s Jan. 27 meeting. Gruber proposed a draft of an ordinance that would include a speed limit of 12 mph for the bikes, an education program initiated by the Town that would require distribution of safety and etiquette guidelines given to renters by bike shop owners with each transaction, and require the use of technology by the bike shops to restrict the speed of the bikes to a maximum of 12 mph. Frank Babel of Bike Walk Hilton Head
|
|
said during Jan. 27 comments that the organization’s major concern is the safety of all riders and that e-bikes do not discourage the overall use of bikes on the pathway. “I encourage you all to go out, to take a look at both the high-congestion areas like the Pope Avenue corridor and U.S. 278 and the usage on side streets to see how this issue is evolving,” Babel said. Gruber said that the Town has worked with bike shop owners, POAs and concerned citizens in moving toward an ordinance, and that all stakeholders agree that more safety information needs to be provided to riders. How that information is conveyed, whether by the staff or by groups such as Bike Walk Hilton Head, must be addressed. “We believe that the recommendations begin to take steps to address concerns out there in a meaningful way, but that we are going to have to monitor this situation and the growth of e-bike usage,” Gruber said. He said that while there is a notion that these bikes are a millennial and teenage trend,
Please see E-BIKES on page 12A
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 11A
2022 Real Estate Steering Factors What are the factors that will shape Lowcountry real estate sales in 2022? Here are our thoughts on what will be most impactful in the months ahead:
INVENTORY LEVELS We’ve all heard (or said ourselves) the following: “I’d sell in a heartbeat, but then CHIP COLLINS I’d have no place to go!” Such is the vicious Owner of Collins Group Realty cycle of our low inventory challenge, and we expect it to continue further into 2022. It would seemingly take some dramatic/ significant event to turn content homeowners into sellers, and we do not have any basis to predict this happening anytime soon or in any dramatic fashion. As such, we expect inventory to remain low, which generally sets up to favor sellers for the foreseeable future.
COVID The sharp spike in Omicron cases in January across the country (and Lowcountry, of course) caused widespread disruptions in the real estate cycle for the market kick-off in 2022. These disruptions are expected to be short-term, while the bigger factor is what we might see in early Spring. If COVID cases settle dramatically, we may arrive in a new era of confidence and enthusiasm that could fuel a new wave of buyer and seller activity. Conversely, others have renewed their own interest in calling the Lowcountry home, resulting in an increased level of property retention and a corresponding decreased level of property turnover. At the same time, rising property values, downsizing/simplifying, and general changes in housing needs are certain to fuel a much-needed level of new listings in the first two quarters of 2022. Therefore, inventory is shaping up to be the key steering factor in how the 2021 real estate market unfolds.
INTEREST RATES While we are not expecting any drastic increases in mortgage interest rates, we are pretty confident that rates will climb in 2022. In fact, indications here are the start of the year are that second home rates may experience a bump as early as April 2022. Since rates will still be historically low and extremely attractive, the challenge isn’t the rates themselves, rather the increase in rates as real estate values have climbed so significantly. The net-effect is reduced affordability as the borroweddollar doesn’t buy as much real estate as it once did, while some buyers (especially first-time homebuyers) need all the buying-power they can get.
REMOTE WORKPLACE Work From Home (WFH) is here to stay for a certain percentage/segment of companies, as workers desire autonomy, flexibility, and the opportunity to relocate to a more desirable location to meet their work obligations remotely. As such, we continue to see more and more people move to the Lowcountry where they can significantly enhance their quality of life (weather, natural amenities, year-round activities, etc.) in their WFH mode. This movement is additionally fueled by “life is short” and “why wait” mentalities that are compelling accelerated purchase timelines among those who may have been waiting to move upon retirement.
RELATIVE VALUE While we have all been impressed with the sharp increase in real estate values locally, we are not nearly unique in that vein as values have jumped dramatically across the country. The Hilton Head/Bluffton marketplace has long-since been a relative “value” in comparison to other coastal communities, and it still is. We expect this to continue to drive additional interest among buyer prospects, especially those who are selling high in areas like New York and California, only to buy here in the Lowcountry, feeling like they hit the lottery. For the complete 2021 Year End Report, visit CollinsGroupRealty.com/MarketReport
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Page 12A
The Hilton Head Sun
E-BIKES from page 10A one bike shop owner said their average renter is 54 years old. The Town ordinance would require additional signage be placed on the pathways, especially in the high-congestion areas. Committee members voiced continued concern that while the pathways are becoming more congested, there is not enough governance or attention paid to the problem. “We give far more concern to beach regulation and maintenance than we do to the pathways and we need to address that balance,” said committee member Alex Brown. Each committee member voiced concern that the e-bikes are allowed to be used on beaches and that any ordinance needs to address this and potentially limit beach usage. “We have issues on the beaches, we haven’t properly addressed the impact of ordinances on commuters. This is just not an issue we should pay short attention to,” said committee member Tamara Becker. “We have to create regulations that we can actually enforce, not just regulation for the sake of regulation.”
To that end, committee member Glenn Stanford suggested that the town should employ dedicated enforcement staff on the pathways. The committee approved by a 3-1 vote for Town staff to create a draft ordinance that would be presented at the committee’s February meeting, with hopes of a first reading to Town Council at their March 15 meeting and a second reading at the April 5 Town Council meeting. Committee members also wanted more study of overall bike and pathway usage impact in the town’s upcoming Pope Avenue Streetscape project. While there is agreement that the Town needs to take action here, there is much disagreement on just how far the Town can or should go with governing e-bikes. “Enforcement is going to be a key component to this issue,” said committee chairman David Ames. “Who is accountable for the abuses here? We have to get the purveyors of these vehicles to be our partners in ensuring the safe use of e-bikes moving forward.” Tim Wood is a veteran journalist based in Bluffton. Contact him at timwood@blufftonsun. com.
Feb.2, 2022
Deep Well announces new program Some struggling Hilton Head Island families will be receiving not just a helping hand from the Deep Well Project, but a strong hand up. The nonprofit has launched a new program, Wellsping – Creating Pathways to Brighter Futures, designed to move families from crisis to stability to self-sufficiency. Wellspring is a new initiative funded in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry that will initially serve select low-income families on the island. For 50 years, Deep Well has focused almost exclusively on providing basic needs to aid people experiencing an emergency, like food shortage, rent and housing expenses, payments for utilities, transportation, livable housing repairs, and furniture. With Wellspring, Deep Well is committing to provide the right multi-faceted support and guidance that will
enable select struggling families to remove those barriers that keep them from self-sufficiency. With guidance from Deep Well professionals and volunteers, families will be empowered to make positive changes that will improve the trajectory of their lives. The barriers and challenges to be overcome will be as diverse as the people enrolled in the program. Wellspring, with its ongoing coaching and mentoring programs, will be the “glue” that keeps motivation high and goals on track. “This is an exciting new challenge for Deep Well,” said Gillis. “We are thrilled to move families forward on the path to solid, productive and independent lives. And then to watch as this success spreads throughout the extended family and our community.” For more information, contact Gillis at 843-785-2849 or email her at deepwellprojecthhi@gmail.com.
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 13A
CONSIDERING A KNEE OR JOINT REPLACEMENT?
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The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
Growing population is pushing county schools to near-capacity By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Beaufort County’s population has increased 18.4% in the past 10 years, growing from 162,233 to a total of 187,117. The growth has had a major impact on student capacity in the county’s education system, particularly in those schools south of the Broad River. Bluffton area enrollments data from November 2021, part of a county-wide document that was presented to the Beaufort County Board of Education’s operations committee on Jan. 12, shows that both May River and Bluffton high schools are nearing maximum capacity. H.E. McCracken is 50 students above capacity, and Pritchardville Elementary is more than 200 above. “The district is seeing a return to pre-pandemic growth rates in southern Beaufort County,” said district
COURTESY BEAUFORT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The addition to May River High School was completed in 2021 to provide space for increased numbers of students. The school is again nearing maximum capacity.
Superintendent Frank Rodriguez. “Overall, the schools in Bluffton are at or over capacity.”
A new round of facilities inspections and needs assessments are currently underway, said Rodriguez.
“There continues to be a need for additional schools in Bluffton. Impact fees and a referendum bond are both options,” he added. The subject of student numbers was under discussion during the Jan. 12 meeting of the district’s Operation Department when the 2022 Facilities Master Plan was introduced. This plan is one of two documents that replaces the previous planning process provided under a single document as a five- or 10-year plan. It was scheduled to be presented to the school board at its Jan. 18 meeting, although it may go into deeper discussion at a workshop or special session. The second document is the Capital Improvement Plan, which covers the status of current projects. That will be presented to the board in March. Operations Committee Planning Coordinator Carol Crutchfield gave a brief overview of the 165-page doc-
Please see SCHOOLS on page 16A
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Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
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Page 16A
The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
SCHOOLS from page 14A ument, which is laid out under what the document defines as a threepronged framework for comprehensive facilities planning that covers programs, student demographics and facilities. When reviewing the issue of demographics and school capacities, Crutchfield said the ideal scenario is to have the schools hovering around 85% capacity. Included in the current student population section are three years of projections: 2019 pre-COVID projection, 2020 projection showing where there was drop in enrollment, and then 2021 projections. Numbers show that the district is almost at preCOVID numbers. “What we’re seeing in terms of trends are those areas that were declining pre-COVID, they are still declining,” said Crutchfield. “District-wide we’re in great shape, but the projection model looks at bursts – who’s moving in – and those numbers coming in have gotten smaller every year.” The decrease isn’t hitting the Bluffton Cluster, which includes Bluffton and May River high schools, Bluffton, Okatie, Pritchardville and Red Cedar elementary schools plus two Early Childhood Centers, H.E. McCracken and Bluffton Middle School plus River Ridge Academy. Bluffton schools have a total capacity of 10,573 students. The current student population is 9,510, as of attendance data taken 45 days into the school year, and the report projects a 3.1% growth in the next five years. At the moment there are no plans for any rezoning or changes in student assignment. In 2018-19, Crutchfield reminded attendees, the school board gave the committee the ability to assign brand new neighborhoods that didn’t have any students in them to schools that had the ability to expand or were capable of incorporating mobile classrooms into their campuses. “Now houses are being sold, students are starting to move in, so we are going to continue to track those, and see what the effect is until we are able to build more schools, and make those changes in student assignment in the future,” Crutchfield added.
Both McCracken and Pritchardville are using mobile units, and Pritchardville, built in 2010 was not – according to the data report –designed for expansion. Eight additional mobile classrooms will be set up this summer at Pritchardville to supplement the 10 already in use. The core facilities at both schools, the report notes, are inadequate. The district defines the core facility of a school as all of the non-classroom spaces. That means student growth is out-pacing school resources such as the cafeterias, auditoriums, physical education facilities and libraries. One solution – for at least Pritchardville – was classroom expansion at the May River High School campus. “We do foresee a need in the future for additional high school capacity in Bluffton. Until a new facility is constructed, mobile units will be used to accommodate student growth. Both schools currently have mobile units in use. The district has plans to add to additional modular classrooms at Pritchardville this summer,” Rodriguez noted. “Inactive mobile units will be put back into active service at McCracken Middle School.” County voters refused to pass two previous referendums, leaving a gap of 11 years when citizens approved a $162,735,000 bond in 2008. The initial needs assessment from the 2019 bond identified a total of $629 million in projects that would bring the system up to speed with, among other items, aging facilities, rapidly changing technology, and an increased requirement to improve school security. The school system is currently midway through completion of the projects that were covered under the $345 million bond referendum county voters approved in 2019. The current referendum projects include improvements district-wide in safety and security, and technology and infrastructure. All county school projects are on track to be completed late 2023 or early 2024. Gwyneth J. Saunders is a veteran reporter living in Bluffton.
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 2, 2022
The #1 Women’s Collegiate Event in the Country Returns to Long Cove Club, FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 2
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The Hilton Head Sun
Paying Your Bill Has Never Been Easier
Feb.2, 2022
Volunteers work to corral the cat community’s cast-offs
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PHOTOS BY KATHY KLINE
When inhumane people dump unwanted cats into the community, local volunteers do what they can to shelter, feed and water. They also ensure all cats are spayed or neutered, get medical care if needed, and adopted out whenever possible.
By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR
To cat lovers, they’re cute, cuddly and part of the family, but to some people domestic cats are disposable, and that’s a problem for both the animal and the places they’re dumped. That prompted the growth of an army of volunteers who spend their time and their own money to trap, spay, neuter and feed the cats they return to the wild. “When these colonies started, we went to where the cats were,” said Bluffton resident Kathy Kline, who is one of the organizers on her side of the Hilton Head bridges. “Because they are looking for food, they tend to congregate around shopping centers and dumpsters. I read somewhere they can smell food from two miles away.” Kline said there are a number of cat colony locations, and volunteers go at least once a day to check on and feed them. Her volunteers cover Buckwal-
ter Parkway to Malphrus Road. “I try to put volunteers at places close to where they live. We trap (the cats) and make sure everyone is neutered or spayed,” she said. “I’ve probably trapped hundreds of cats. We try to help them with their lives, and then try to prevent more kitties coming into the world unwanted.” Sometimes the trapping is pretty quick, and sometimes it can take a month. Any cats that end up out there that are friendly enough, the volunteers try to get them adopted. The more feral ones are returned to the colonies after they’re spayed or neutered. “The population has grown, and people are dumping cats more often, and it’s expensive to fix cats,” said Hilton Head volunteer Megan Aylmer. “A lot of these women pay for it out of their own money, and we all pay for the food out of our own money. Some of the women are getting older, and
Please see CATS on page 20A
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Happy New Year HHA HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION FROM OUR HBA FAMILY TO YOUR FAMILY. VOLUME 36
THE
Page 19A
MAR 25-27 2022
COMING MARCH 2022
WE BUILD RELATIONSHIPS.
36th Annual Lowcountry Home & Garden Show Tanger 1 - 1254 Fording Island Rd. Bluffton
Everything you need to renovate, decorate and landscape your home!
A lowcountry tradition for over 30 years is back! Save the date now for this yearly event that gives the gift of inspiration, tips and ideas for your home.
MARCH 25-27, 2022 MAR CH 27-29, 2020 Catch me at the show! KEEP WATCHING FOR DETAILS Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association
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The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
CATS from page 18A
This covered triple-deck feeding station was built at one of the Bluffton cat colonies.
can’t feed anymore.” Kline said there are approximately 20 cat colonies throughout Bluffton, as well as a cat sanctuary run by the nonprofit All About Cats on the island. Claudia Kennedy, who heads the Hilton Head organization, said it is really just a way to group the people that help with cats. “We are a nonprofit but we use that money for dry cat food, which runs about $700 to $800 a month. We used to do vet care also but we can’t afford it,” Kennedy said. “The good news is we have Hilton Head Humane Association. They spay and neuter, and vaccinate for rabies and distemper as part of their feral cat program.” Kennedy said 10 or 12 volunteers feed twice a day: morning and night. “What we really need is for the people renting apartments and homes to allow cats, because we could reduce the number of cats enormously,” she said. “I understand the concerns about dogs because they are bigger, but if we
could put cats in homes with people who would love to have them, we wouldn’t have any cats. I guarantee you that Beaufort County Animal Services and Hilton Head Humane would empty out.” Althea Hicks, who works on the Bluffton side with Kline, covers the area from Moss Creek traffic light to the Tanger 1 complex. “People constantly drop off cats at our colonies, and you can’t always keep it a secret where you’re feeding. People see your car, see the cats, and sooner or later someone is going to drop an unwanted cat right where you feed,” said Hicks. “It happens several times a year to me, and to Kathy, too. Usually those cats are not adoptable. They have not been socialized with whatever person had it before, they weren’t treated very well or didn’t get a lot of attention.” When a new cat gets dropped off, she traps them, gets them to Hilton
Please see CATS on page 24A
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 21A
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The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
Get antiques appraised Feb. 19 The Kiwanis Club of Bluffton will host its annual Antiques Appraisal event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 19 at Seaquins Ballroom, 1300 Fording Island Road in Bluffton. 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. Educational verbal appraisals start at $10 per item, or three appraisals for $25. With prepaid tickets, purchasers can reserve a time slot. In addition, an online silent auction will held through Feb. 20. View, bid, and share the auction by visiting cutt.ly/bkcauction. There is no cost to bid. The Kiwanis Club will continue to follow town ordinances relating to COVID and mask mandates. Any updates will be
posted on the group’s Facebook page and sent to paid ticket holders 48 hours in advance of the event. Net proceeds from both the event and the auction will support community programs that serve children and their families. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit cutt.ly/bkcappraisal. Walkins are welcome.
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The Hilton Head Sun
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The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
CATS from page 20A
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Head Humane or the county facility, and then works with local fosters. “The people who do fostering – they’re absolutely a godsend, and they will foster the cats or kittens for a while, and determine if they’re adoption material. From there we work with the shelters to try to get them on the intake list,” Hicks said. “I would say eight out of 10 are back with us again because they’re not socialized enough to be in a shelter or in an adoption with other cats.” In most cases, people won’t see where the cats are fed by the volunteers. That’s because many of the colonies have been moved out of sight, and previous plastic shelter bins replaced by less visible “cat condos” made by Kline and others. Some are designed with inclement weather in mind, lined with Styrofoam and filled with straw. “There was a core group doing this beginning about 2009. When I first started getting involved in 2015, I noticed there were a lot of plastic bins turned on their side as feeding stations. I thought if they were better looking or cuter then the colonies wouldn’t look so bad,” Kline said. “I made painted wooden beds filled with straw as a place for them to go and stay warm or sleep.” Most people are supportive of the volunteers assisting the abandoned felines. Other people are not, and think that feeding the cats is encouraging them to stay around. “A feral cat will not hunt enough to keep itself alive,” said Kennedy. “There’s not enough prey. It’s a bad outcome if these feral cats are not fed.” The volunteers try to explain the situations. The colonies overseen by Hicks range in population from one to about a dozen. “They are where they are to live out their lives. We make sure everybody is OK, and nobody is limping or has a gash in their head or their ears,” she said. “One last thing I like to say when someone is asking me about feral cats is the cats come from human neglect and abandonment. They’re not out here because they choose to
be. They’re here because somebody neglected to get them fixed, and they abandoned them.” Kline has also encountered some resistance about the colonies. “Sometimes people will literally yell at you for feeding the cats. Their viewpoint is ignore them, and they’ll go away. I try to explain to them that they are all fixed, and we try to help them,” said Kline. “Sometimes the property managers don’t want us there, and that’s when the county steps in because there are county ordinances protecting the colonies.” According to ordinance Sec. 14-42. Management of feral cat colonies, all authorized colonies are managed by a caregiver, and fall under the protection of the Beaufort County Animal Services. “Some of the locations are very supportive, and sometimes the employees will leave food out for us to help. A lot of times, if it’s somebody from this area that’s running the business, they know it’s a huge cat- and dog-loving area,” Kline said. “And then there are other times with people moving in from out-of-state, they feel like it’s unprofessional. ‘We’re trying to run a business.’ They eventually come to see it’s even a positive.” Kline said they are always looking for volunteers. “Several volunteers have been doing this for years. You get to know the cats, it makes you feel good, and you’re doing something productive out there,” said Kline. “And I feel like these little animals are at the bottom of the priority list.” For more information or to support feeding the cat colonies, call Kline at 843-368-0167 for Bluffton or visit allaboutcats.org for information on the island colonies. To help offset the cost of the vaccines and surgeries, write a check to the Hilton Head Humane Association and send to 10 Humane Way, Hilton Head, SC 29962, and write For the Feral Cat Program in the memo line. Gwyneth J. Saunders is a veteran journalist and freelance writer living in Bluffton.
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 25A
COMPLIMENTARY WILLS and LIVING TRUST SEMINAR South Carolina Law Firm reveals the 7 costly mistakes families make in their estate plans! WILL YOUR BASIC ESTATE PLAN ADDRESS THESE ISSUES?
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Page 26A
The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
Stock hoping to start a Roasting Room comedy revolution By Tim Wood CONTRIBUTOR
“Matt Stock. Seriously?” That was the text that Roasting Room founder Jordan Ross received from a wellknown local musician the day that Stock, set to take the stage at the venue Feb. 2425, broke the record for the fastest-ever sellout at the Bluffton performing venue. Ross has spent the past six years building the listening room’s reputation as one of the premier spaces in the Southeast for musicians to play. So even he was surprised that a local comedian set the new standard for ticket sales at the Room. “He shattered it, man. Just obliterated the record,” Ross said of Stock, the 48-year-old Hilton Head Island scene fixture who just recently began his pursuit of a comedian career. “We knew he had an underground legion of fans who adore him, but this was just a revelation.” The pristine acoustics of the venue make it a musician’s dream space, but Ross and Roasting Room owner Josh
COURTESY MATT STOCK
Matt Stock’s “I’m Not Alright: A Night of Positive, Inspirational Comedy” show at the Roasting Room, slated for Feb. 24-25, sold out in hours.
Cooke have also regularly rented out the room for business lunches and meetings
for such groups as the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors.
Ross is a musician himself and has played regular gigs throughout the Lowcountry. He launched The Roasting Room with no experience as a promoter and musician booker, so music has largely been the focus since the opening of the room. He has earned a reputation with artists and music agents that has made the Room a must-stop for both rising stars and established acts looking for a more intimate space to connect with their fans. But booking music and comedy are two different worlds. “I think I know what’s funny but I never really knew how to sell it,” Ross said. “We had an improv group come in here a couple years ago, and people loved it. The performers all said this would make a great comedy room. But I didn’t really have any good guidance on how to build that avenue, since we really don’t have any regular comedy venues this side of the Talmadge Bridge.”
Please see STOCK on page 28A
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The Hilton Head Sun
Page 27A
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The Hilton Head Sun
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Feb.2, 2022
STOCK from page 26A Ross brought in Savannah comedian Dustin Sims for a show last summer, a regional star who is known for a more blue delivery (he swears a fair bit). “It sold well, and folks knew what they were getting with Dustin and his fans liked it,” Ross said. “His agent is a music agent and both Dustin and the agent both said it’s the most comedy-ready room they’ve played. I put those ticket sales and that advice in my back pocket, a lane to pursue for sure.” Stock approached Ross in the fall about the potential for a show in Bluffton. The general manager of the island’s Coligny Theatre, Stock is the poster boy for paying his island dues, going from a bouncer at The Lodge to a bartender and music promoter to working with longtime friend and musician John Cranford on both Southender Magazine and now at Coligny Theatre. The theatre’s general manager had always dreamed of launching a comedy career, but always felt it was a goal too far out of reach. That changed in 2019 when friend and fellow island scenester Brian Eason suggested a fundraiser for St. Jude’s that features funny folks taking the stage for the first time. The event, Laughs Against Cancer, was a huge hit and a coming-out party for Stock. He began to book more local comedian shows at the theatre, taking the stage and honing his craft and his set. Stock was the headliner for a May 2021 concert, “Man of the People,” which sold out quickly and won raves from all who attended. That made the former bouncer, long-time holiday Santa think bigger. “The Roasting Room is a Cadillac destination. I’m at as many shows as I can watching friends like Jevon Daly and Cranford and Kyle Wareham just slay it,” Stock said. “I really see that room as a sleeping giant when it comes to comedy, and I want to show Jordan and Josh that it can be a win-win in selling tickets and giving local comedians a premiere spot to aspire to play.” That led to Stock’s show, “I’m Not Alright: A Night of Positive, Inspirational Comedy” being put on the Roasting Room calendar. What followed was a flurry of ticket sales that led to a sellout of his Thursday, Feb. 24, show in just four hours.
“I never really even got to promote it on social, I had just barely posted it on the website, but Matt’s fans just gobbled the tickets up,” Ross said. The speed of the sellout beat previous record holder Daly, the man behind the aforementioned sarcastic text and a long-time friend and huge supporter of Stock. Ross got with Stock and decided to add a second show on Friday, Feb. 25, which sold out just as quickly. “I’m just in awe. It was surreal to see the tickets go that quick. You dream of being on a level with these musicians you revere. I’ve just been working at it, getting my sets tighter and tighter, really learning the craft,” Stock said. “This is scary as hell, but I know I’m ready for this moment.” Stock hopes the Roasting Room shows will help propel him to more regional gigs in Savannah, Charleston and Jacksonville. But above all, he’s just thrilled to get the chance to cross the bridge and make folks smile a bit when we all need a good laugh the most. “I hope five years from now, we look at this as the beginning of a comedy revolution at the Roasting Room. Jevon has the most sell-out trophies, like six at this point, so I’m looking to chase him down a bit,” Stock said. Daly will try to add to his record with his next performance at the venue set for April 1. “I’m just so grateful these guys gave me the shot,” Stock said. “So grateful to all the folks who have encouraged me, I want to make them proud. It’s a bit of pressure, but that’s a good thing. You got to keep pushing out of the comfort zone. It’s just never too late to chase down a dream.” Ross is transitioning out of management as he plans a full-time return to his childhood Ohio hometown later this year. But he, too, hopes this is the beginning of a new means of filling the space that is a dream fulfilled for him. “I could definitely see a comedy series here, a place for newer comics to really cut their teeth,” Ross said. “It’s the Wild Wild West when it comes to booking comedy here, a whole new frontier.” Tim Wood is a veteran journalist based in Bluffton. Contact him at timwood@blufftonsun.com.
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 29A
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Page 30A
The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
Hilton Head businessman marches into motion picture industry Walter Czura, a longtime resident and entrepreneur on Hilton Head Island, had been thinking about making a movie for many years, and has now produced his first feature length motion picture. The independent film, “Sherman’s March to the Sea,” premiered at the Poison Peach Film Festival 2022 in Augusta, Ga., last month. Czura, who describes himself as a history buff, is excited about his new venture because of his love of both movies and Civil War history. “Sherman’s March to the Sea” is a historical drama, not a documentary. Its plot follows the often brutal monthlong military campaign that was conceived by General Sherman to terrify the region’s civilian population into abandoning the Confederate cause. Instead it embittered Southerners for generations thereafter. Czura, who owns Marlin Outdoor Advertising, one of South Carolina’s largest billboard marketing compa-
COURTESY WALTER CZURA
nies, formed a new company, Fortress Films, to produce the movie. He then hired filmmaker Christopher Forbes to direct the 92-minute project estimated at $1.25 million. Forbes has previously directed 38 commercial films that have been distributed as direct sale DVDs through chain store outlets, or more recently, via streaming platforms. After recruiting Forbes, Czura took on the task of the script research and plot development. The two then collaborated on the final scene sequencing while Forbes recruited the actors and other participants needed to make the film come alive. Forbes recruited more than 500 re-enactors to stage most of the combat and marching scenes. “I spent several months late at night poring over historic documents and old books to come up with true-life anecdotes during Sherman’s March
Walter Czura stops for a photo with some of the actors in his film, “Sherman’s March to the Sea,” at its premier in January at the Poison Peach Film Festival in Augusta, Ga.
Please see MOVIE on page 32A
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Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 31A
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Page 32A
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In Walter Czura’s film, “Sherman’s March to the Sea,” Civil War re-enactors portray Union troops as they engage the enemy.
that would be compelling for the script,” Czura said. “We then created a series of vignettes that would carry forward the storyline and effectively reveal the intense emotion of the campaign from a balanced perspective between four separate groups: the two opposing armies, plus the civilians living along the path of the march, and the slaves who were freed along the way.” Czura knew the island had been heavily populated during those times. “There were more than 60,000 federal troops and nearly 10,000 freed 51% TAX CREDIT slaves fanned out over 60 miles wide 26% FEDERAL & 25% 26% FEDERAL & 25% STATE TAXSTATE CREDIT TAX CREDIT and moving toward the sea at a pace of six to 10 miles per day,” Czura said. “Sherman’s army covered more than 26% FEDERAL 25%STATE STATETAX TAXCREDIT CREDIT 280 miles in five weeks, but unfor26% FEDERAL& & 25% tunately there were also roving gangs Your Lowcountry SKYLIGHT SPECIALIST called ‘bummers’ who shadowed the Your Lowcountry SKYLIGHT SPECIALIST Getting Sun Tunnels has never been easier. march and took advantage of the chaos CLICK. ORDER. SCHEDULE. INSTALL. by raiding and pillaging individual Getting Sun Tunnels has never been easier. Your Lowcountry SKYLIGHT SPECIALIST and even small towns. 246 Mead Rd., Suite D, CLICK. ORDER. SCHEDULE. INSTALL. farmhouses “I hope this film will do more than Hardeeville, S.C. 29927 Sun Tunnels hasbeen never been easier. GettingGetting Sun IWANTLIGHT.COM Tunnels has never easier. just entertain, but will also help au246 Mead Rd., Suite D, CLICK. ORDER. SCHEDULE. INSTALL. CLICK. ORDER. SCHEDULE. INSTALL. diences get a better understanding of 843-412-5162 Hardeeville, S.C. 29927 the human trauma that was impacting 246 Mead246 Rd.,Mead Suite Rd., D, Suite D, entire southern communities during IWANTLIGHT.COM Hardeeville, S.C. 29927S.C. 29927 Hardeeville, that period of time,” he said. 843-412-5162 IWANTLIGHT.COM • 843-412-5162 IWANTLIGHT.COM The formerly enslaved people,
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having been newly freed by the Union soldiers, play an important role in the film as they follow behind the battalions of soldiers pushing toward the Savannah and the ocean. And, as Czura pointed out, “those people wound up becoming America’s first freedom march.” Nonetheless, there was a tragically compelling incident at Ebenezer Creek near present-day Rincon, Ga., where federal troops, fearing for their own safety, pulled up a pontoon bridge, leaving behind nearly 100 newly freed travelers who drowned trying to cross the creek. Czura’s vignettes effectively carried the storyline to its conclusion on the outskirts of Savannah, where General Sherman wired a telegram on December 23, 1864, to President Abraham Lincoln: “I beg to present to you as a Christmas gift the City of Savannah.” According to Czura, “Sherman’s March to the Sea” will undergo final editing revisions in preparation to being turned over to a California movie distributor, who will purchase it. In the meantime, Czura is a looking toward another motion picture with a larger budget to include some better known actors.
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 33A
Celebrate Lowcountry culture at Taste of Gullah Feb. 12 The 26-year history of partnership between the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina and the Gullah community will be celebrated once again with a community-wide festival of all things Gullah. Taste of Gullah will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Feb. 12 on the grounds of the Arts Center. The free event promises an exciting day of celebrating the entertainment, food, and art of the rich Gullah culture that remains an integral part of the history of Hilton Head Island. The day includes performances by the award-winning Voices of El Shaddai choral group, sweet-grass basket weaving demonstrations by Michael Smalls and Dino Badger, and a special presentation of “Harriet Tubman” orations by Cora Miller. Gullah-inspired crafts will be outside for all ages as well. The abundance of fun, family activities will work up your appetite for some delicious Lowcountry specialties, thanks to two food trucks, Melly Mel’s and Chef B. Eatz, featuring okra gumbo, red rice, fried fish, shrimp, slow smoked ribs and
The Voices of El Shaddai will perform at the Taste of Gullah festival set for noon to 3 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.
chicken. Beer, wine, soda and water will also be available as well. This year, a special unveiling of a largescale mural will be one of the highlights of the festival. Through a series of workshops, children from the Arts Center, Penn Center, and the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton learned about the Gullah/ Geechee culture, then conceptualized and
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Sweet-grass basket weaver Michael Smalls will be on hand with a display of his artful baskets and will give a demonstration of the traditional ways his family has made baskets for generations.
created the mural with artist Amiri Farris. After the festival, the mural will travel to various cultural sites in Beaufort County through Juneteenth. This project is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the South Carolina Arts Commission. Also part of the festivities is the annual art exhibit and sale of the “Arts Ob We
People” in the Walter Greer Gallery at the Art League of Hilton Head, located inside the Arts Center near the box office. The exhibit displays original work by well-known artists, including Lisa Rivers, Alvin Glen, Patricia Sabree and Serena Hall, representing the life of Gullah people in the Lowcountry. For more information about the Taste of Gullah festival, visit artshhi.com.
Page 34A
The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
Restaurant Week celebrates best of Lowcountry cuisine
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COURTESY HILTON HEAD ISLAND-BLUFFTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Discover taste sensations and support new and old favorite restaurants during the 14th annual Restaurant Week in Bluffton and on Hilton Head Island.
By Tim Wood CONTRIBUTOR
It’s the seven-day stretch when local foodies rejoice, when waistlines are waxing and chefs get to flex their culinary muscles. It’s the 14th annual Restaurant Week around Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, the annual event presented by the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce that gives diners discounts galore and new dishes to try at more than 70 area restaurants. This year’s foodie fest runs through Feb. 5. “People call our front desk to ask about Restaurant Week to make plans around it,” said Chamber spokesperson Charlie Clark. “It’s a week for diners to try something new or hit that restaurant they have had on the bucket list, and for chefs, it’s a chance to try some new dishes to see how they’re received.” The idea behind the event was simple. The food and beverage industry drives
the Lowcountry economy, so the Chamber asked its restauranteurs the best way to spotlight the industry. The response was equally a gimme: Help us cultivate business and potential new regulars during a slower time of the year. The event was patterned after successful events in New York and other culinary centers. Restaurants create special menus for the week and create attractive package deals in hopes of filling the reservation list. All the deals are listed on the Chamber’s Restaurant Week website, with more restaurants being added daily. You can feast on the beef bourguignon as part of a three-course package at Chez Georges Bistro & Bar, the blacked Carolina catfish as part of a three-course meal deal at Fishcamp on Broad Creek, or the chicken saltimbocca at Frankie Bones Restaurant & Lounge – just three examples of the
Please see FOODIES on page 35A
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 35A
FOODIES from page 34A hundreds of main entrees on parade for your palate this week. “We all get in that restaurant rut. This is the chance to expand those horizons,” said Clark, who plans to try at least a couple of new eateries this week. “It’s become one of our most enjoyable events because people are so enthusiastic to use this as a chance to broaden their culinary adventures a bit.” The week is just one part of the Chamber’s Foodie February, which includes the month-long Gullah Celebration, sharing recipes for local favorites and podcast interviews with chefs such as Andrew Carmines of Hudson’s on the Docks and Nathan “Nate” Beriau, the new director of food and beverage at Montage Palmetto Bluff. It culminates with the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival on Feb. 25. “Nate is the former executive chef at the Ritz Carlton San Francisco. He is just the latest chef planting roots here, truly bolstering the Lowcountry as a foodie destination,” she said. “Culinary tourism has exploded across the country, and the talent we have here, it’s worth celebrating.
Creative dynamos like Brandon Carter at FARM in Bluffton or Margaret Golson at Charlie’s, one of the few female certified sommeliers in the Southeast – it just shows how we are continually growing the restaurant scene here.” Local restaurant leaders say the event is a gentle nudge to remind Lowcountry residents that now is the best time to dine out before the next wave of tourists invade the region. “It’s a great opportunity at a slower time of year to give our locals that support us year-round a discounted dinner,” said Lauren Jordan, general manager at area staple Captain Woody’s Seafood Bar and Grill in Bluffton. The restaurant is offering a three-course meal at both their Bluffton and Hilton Head locations, featuring main entrée options like chicken Milanese, fried shrimp, salmon Oscar and fourcheese ravioli. “It’s a great time to let new residents or locals that haven’t tried us yet a chance to see what we offer for a great price.” It’s also a chance for newer restaurants to showcase their menus. Chronic Golf
on Hilton Head opened last year, and is a spot some may think of more as a fun-night-out destination than a dining option. “We decided to participate in Restaurant Week because we think now, more than ever, our community needs unifying events and promotions for our locals,” said Chronic Golf co-founder Ashley Pemberton. Chronic Golf is offering a deal that includes a two-course menu plus a 90-minute rental of their golf and sports simulators, with menu options including Hawaiian flatbread, shrimp scampi, shrimp Pomodoro, pasta and meatballs
and chicken parmesan. “We are thrilled to be able to include something Restaurant Week has never seen before, an activity paired with a menu,” Pemberton said. This is also a chance for the Chamber to showcase its potential to restaurant owners looking to become members. “We regularly gain new members before and after Restaurant Week, because it’s driving thousands of folks to these eateries. It’s truly a win-win for everyone,” Clark said. The week is purposely designed to give locals two shots at a Saturday night on the town, but the sooner you make your plans, the better. “You want to get your reservations in before these hot spots get booked,” Clark said. For more information on Restaurant Week and all of the meal offers available, go online to chamberrestaurantweek.com. Tim Wood is a veteran journalist based in Bluffton. Contact him at timwood@blufftonsun.com.
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Page 36A
The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
HOT SPOTS
Coffee: The brewers with the most boast behind their roast By Tim Wood
right. Ever since then, I’ve kept it to that one cup per day. But it is the most glorious part of my entire 24-hour cycle – not the best part of waking up like the Folger’s slogan tells us, but pretty damn close. Finding that perfect cup of coffee outside the house was an uneven and tumultuous experience at best even 10 years ago here in the Lowcountry. Squat N’ Gobble, Downtown Deli (back in the breakfast days) and Stooges (RIP) were the best and only options. And if you wanted freshly roasted beans, it was off to Savannah or Charleston. Then an upstart dude with a passion for the bean opened at the corner of Burnt Church and Bruin. The Corner Perk was a revelation, and I discovered Java Joe’s on the island soon after (again, RIP). I ventured back north for a bit in 2014. When I returned in 2020, it was like a whole new world of bedazzling beanery
CONTRIBUTOR
I have two huge regrets when it comes to a lifetime of eating and drinking. I didn’t have my first slice of pizza until I was 12. What an absolute travesty, although saving the carbs probably kept me from a bunch of extra pounds sooner. Second is my one-time disdain for coffee. It’s not that I’m a tea guy, because I’m not (unless it’s iced and sweet). I just didn’t “get it.” I think I had memories of going to work with my Dad and watching him drink what would generously be described as sludgy tar. Black. And he liked it. Still turns my stomach just thinking about it. I was rehabbing an ankle injury in Bluffton in 2011 and told the physical therapist I was having a hard time with migraines. She said that one cup of coffee in the morning would drastically reduce the frequency and intensity of my brain storms. And she was
Coffee is served with a smile at Carolina Coffee and Crumbs.
Please see HOT SPOTS on page 37A
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 37A
HOT SPOTS from page 36A here. Now, the options are plentiful and you have full blown allegiances to one brand or one spot over the other and for good reason. We’re not here to pick one over the other, just to inform you of your choices and enlighten you with a bit of insight from various members of our Blue Ribbon Panel. Java Burrito, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Suite J-6, Hilton Head Island, 843-8425282, javaburrito.com: Because, as one of our Blue Ribbon Panel put it, “Who doesn’t want a burrito with their coffee?” This is a Miami thing brought north, and it’s striking a chord with many islanders curious to try the unlikely pair. On the java side, you’re getting locally-roasted beans, signature drinks like the cold brew that many say is tops in the area (or opt for a very cold brew with an ice cream scoop), and some curious not-coffee options like a beetroot latte blended in almond milk, honey and French vanilla. Corner Perk, 1297 May River Road, No. 101, Bluffton (flagship) and 1628 Paris Avenue, Port Royal, cornerperk.com: Josh and Kali Cooke believed in a better coffee experience here. If he had never left the original location, he would have still slayed it. But he dreamed bigger and leveraged every possible penny (and a bunk of bank pennies as well) to get the OG Promenade hot spot built. Today, the brews like the honey lavender latte and the take-home grounds are wowing all across the Lowcountry. The Cookes deliver on their promise of “exceptional experiences and artfully crafted goodness” in their coffee blends, their thoroughly yummy breakfast and lunch menu, their customer service and a constant commitment to giving back to the community that embraced them from the jump. Much love came in from our crew for the Port Royal locale as well and raves for the ambiance and the avocado toast. Odd Birds, 1536 Fording Island Road Suite 107, Hilton Head, 843-707-9927: Yes, it’s technically HHI, but it’s before the bridge (and dang it, if it’s before the bridge, it’s not on the island). I digress. This newer spot has built a quick reputation for a variety of blends and lattes, a colorful selection of smoothies and a mouth-watering variety of crepes (the ultimate cinn with sugared cinnamon, maple cream cheese frosting
and pecan crunch for us, please) and baked goods like pecan coffee cake. And we love the names behind the panini lunch options like the Leu Vega and the Ham Jam. Carolina Coffee and Crumbs, 101 Pope Ave., Hilton Head Island, 842-342-4800, carolinacoffeehhi.com: This two-and-a-halfyear-old shop owned by Erika Waronsky is using beans from The Grind in Bluffton and has an interesting combo of coffee, beer and wine for the chill island tourists. The S’Mores latte (toasted marshmallow, hazelnut and mocha) and candy flavors like Milky Way and Almond Joy are winning raves, as is the paninis and the primo location for people watching. The Grind Roasters, 1 Sherington Drive, Suite J, Bluffton, 843-368-3348, thegrindroasters.com: Ian Duncan began his roasting journey under the tutelage of Corner Perk’s Cooke, then migrated across the street to run the coffee bar at Peaceful Henry’s. Duncan was passionate about opening his own roasting shop, which led him to open his own spot on Simmonsville Road in 2016. All the while, he built a cult following and won numerous awards for his craftsmanship. His flavors include a limited edition Burnt Church Distillery whiskey coffee along with Haitian, Columbian and Brazilian blends. The Americano blend makes me feel like one of the Three Bears with porridge: “Juuust right.” Their current home on the back side of British Open Pub is cozy with a bunch of nooks to work or chat with friends. Purple Cow, 24G Palmetto Bay Road, Hilton Head Island, 843-681-2253, purplecowhhi.com: Most of you know Lisa “Bernie” Bernstein as the baker who works harder in one day before 10 a.m. than most of us work in a week. But she’s equally proud of her coffee blends from CupToCup Roasters out of Savannah. Bernstein began her small business journey right alongside Brewer James 13 years ago on the farmers market circuit and remains a diehard supporter and booster of his espresso, Vienna, Ethiopia and Brazil decaf. The Cottage Café, 38 Calhoun Street, Bluffton, 843-757-0508, thecottagebluff-
Please see HOT SPOTS on page 38A
37TH ANNUAL
WEEKEND! SATURDAY, MARCH 12 2nd Annual Hilton Head Ireland
Inaugural
BOAT PARADE
IRISH CONCERT
Join the fun and deck out your boat with St. Patrick’s Day spirit!
• The Fenian Sons, Boston Irish Rock Band • Boston Police Gaelic Column P&D • NYPD Emerald Society P&D
Broad Creek, Early Morning
Celebration Park, 5-7 p.m.
PLUS Post-concert Irish Music at Reilley’s Grill & Bar
~ SC’s Oldest St. Patrick’s Day Parade! ~ SUNDAY, MARCH 13 Hilton Head Ireland
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE Pope Avenue, 3 p.m.
Participate or Attend Hilton Head Island’s Largest Single-Day Event!
hiltonheadireland.org
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The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
HOT SPOTS from page 37A
concentrate over ice. While the brand and the grinds are not local pure se, the attention to detail from the Johnsons make this a down-home spot off I-95 exit 21.
drip, iced, cold and an affogato to die for (two ounce espresso with vanilla ice cream). On the island, C’Est Bon in the Sea Pines Shoppes (71 Lighthouse Road, Suite 318, 843-671-2200) won praise for its nitro brews, Nutella lattes and what one of our panel described as the “best chicken salad ever.” And the GFree Spot in Main Street Village (1511 Main Street, Suite 1511) is largely known for its amazingly delicious gluten free desserts, but won high marks from our online crew for their brews. If you’re heading toward Beaufort, Common Ground (102 W Street Ext., 843524-2326, commongroundbeaufort.com) won widespread praise for coffee quality, the atmosphere and the friendly staff. Urban Brew + Co. (2139 Boundary Street, Suite 104) wins love for their matcha latte and their customer service, and Lowcountry Cider Co. and Superior Coffee (507 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island) is a must stop for a variety of brews, ciders and tomato pie.
Honorable Mentions: In Bluffton, Joe’s Ice Cream and Beverage Co. (15 Bruin Road, joesicecreambeverage.com) offers
Tim Wood is a veteran journalist based in Bluffton. Contact him at timwood@blufftonsun. com.
ton.com: Leslie Rohland is a world-class chef with an appreciation for small-town values. She also believes in the power of coffee to bring folks together. So it wasn’t a full-on shock when she launched May River Roasters, a line of May River Coffee Roasters (mayrivercoffeeroasters.com). I love that she gives you adjectives to describe each blend. It’s clear each and every flavor is a prized child. That includes her three new Lowcountry collection blends, Bluffton State of Mind (dark roast), Pluff Mud (medium roast) and Lowcountry Blonde (light roast). Watusi Café, 71 Pope Ave., Hilton Head Island, 843-686-5200, watusicafe.com: This 10-year-old spot, known for its “it is what it is” vibe, is more known for its ability to make healthy comfort food. The brews and espressos are all sourced from Batdorf & Bronson out of Atlanta, so while not a strictly local bean, it’s mighty smooth and palate-pleasing. PJ’s Coffee, 8026 East Main St., Ridgeland, 843-726-8888, pjscoffee.com: Dr. Kirk Johnson and his wife Linda operate
The Grind Roasters
this chain coffee shop with a New Orleans flair where King Cake reigns supreme. The orthopedist grew up on Swedish coffee and became somewhat of a coffee connoisseur as a resident, a way to caffeinate, gather to talk shop and unwind. The Zulu Coconut Iced Mocha is a current fave, a Viennese blend cold brew with milk, syrup and coconut
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Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 39A
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The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
Noteworthy • The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is gearing up to provide free, IRS-certified tax return preparation for Lowcountry residents. VITA, a collaboration with the IRS, Beaufort County Human Services Alliance and United Way of the Lowcountry (UWLC), will kick off its popular tax filing support program beginning the first week in February and continuing through April 10. The Bluffton Branch Library, 120 Palmetto Parkway, is the only location in Bluffton; and the Deep Well Project, 80 Capital Drive, is the only site on Hilton Head Island. Other locations are open in Jasper, Hampton and Northern Beaufort counties. Staffed by local volunteers, VITA provides free preparation and electronic filing of income tax returns for individuals and families with low-to-moderate incomes who are eligible for tax credits. Last tax season, VITA helped file more than 2,400 free tax returns in Beaufort and Jasper counties – generating more than $4 million in economic impact. Taxpayers eligible for VITA services include people with annual incomes of less than $57,000; anyone with a physical disability; non-English-speaking citizens; and people older than 60. In addition to electronic filing for quick deposit of returns, VITA volunteers can inform taxpayers about special tax credits for which they may qualify, such as earned income tax credit, child tax credit, and credit for the elderly or the disabled. Masks will be required at all locations, and COVID-19 health and safety precautions will be taken to prevent the spread of illness. For more information about VITA services, site locations, dates, times and required documents, visit vitalowcountry.org. • The Maye River Quilters will meet Feb. 5 at the Church of the Palms, 1419 Okatie Hwy. The meeting will start at 10 a.m. The wearing of masks is encouraged. For more meeting dates and times, and for membership forms to join the group, call 843-530-1244. To attend the meeting as a guest, send an RSVP email to mayeriverquilters@gmail. com.
• The Christian Women’s Connection will host its next gathering, themed Celebrate Enduring Love, Feb. 16 beginning at 11 a.m. at Hampton Hall Club House. The luncheon program features Karen Gilmour’s “A Love Story Retold” and Aunt Laurie’s Gift Baskets along with Trapper the Wonder Dog, which supports job training and assistance to disabled. Music is provided by vocalist Laurie Haddock on Hampton Hall. Cost of the luncheon is $28 and must be prepaid by Feb. 9. Make checks payable to CWC Bluffton and mail care of Carol Mock, 607 Argent Way, Bluffton, SC 29909. For more information, call Mock at 843705-7604 or Julie Ott at 602-750-5465 or Julie.ott.az@gmail.com. • Registration is open for the Sporting Clays Shoot to be held March 11 for the benefit of Pockets Full of Sunshine. Proceeds from the event will help grow the nonprofit organization, which creates vocational and social opportunities for adults with disabilities and engages them in the greater Hilton Head Island/Bluffton communities. The event, which sold out in 2021, is open to shooters of all abilities. Early registration is suggested. Sponsorship opportunities are available and appreciated. Register at pocketsfullofsun.org, or contact Carol Bartholomew at 843-384-1315. • The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival will return Feb. 21-27, offering a weeklong experience with celebrity chefs, local chefs, local seafood, artisans, musicians and more at various venues on the island. Events include the Celebrity Chef Dinner Feb. 24, master classes, “Secrets of a Pitmaster,” a Pig Pickin’ and Oyster Roast, and fireworks. The headliner event, the 15th annual Seafood Festival, will be held at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina Feb. 26 from 1 to 4:30 p.m., featuring nearly 100 food, beverage and artisan booths, with wine, beer and spirits tastings. Celebrity chefs and cookbook authors will provide demonstrations. For more information and tickets, visit hiltonheadseafoodfestival.com.
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 41A
BUSINESS UPDATE
Nectar, food trucks, knitting, ice cream and sports facilities By Tim Wood CONTRIBUTOR
We have a full lineup of new businesses to share with you, as Lowcountry entrepreneurs are doing their darndest to make sure that business growth keeps pace with the ongoing population explosion. Here’s the latest on the newest shingles hung around town. Tayble’s On The Move, 10953B N. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland, 843-949-0893: This food truck is anchored in the parking lot of Schooner’s Bar and Grill for now, as truck owners Starla Taylor and O’Neill Able get 1 fully up and running (the name is a combination of their two last names). Taylor grew up in the restaurant industry 2 and is the long-time manager of Schooner’s. She said their menu is all about freshness, nothing 3 potato chips frozen. That includes hand-cut and deep-fried loaded potatoes with your choice of plain, BBQ, Philly and cheese4
TIM WOOD
Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka joined SERG Group and Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce officials to cut the ribbon at the new Nectar Farm Kitchen on Bluffton Road in Old Town.
burger filling. The truck also offers Philly cheesesteaks, burgers (including an epic one-pounder), grilled or hand-breaded and 1 fried chicken with garlic aioli and chicken tenders. The truck will be open Monday, 2
Wednesday and Friday to start and will offer a home-cooked special on Wednesdays. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @ tayblesonthemove. Stormy’s at Riverwalk, 61A Riverwalk
Hardeeville ER
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Okatie
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17 315
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We’re here - and here and here and here - for you. BUS
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In uncertain times, one thing is for certain: our commitment to safe, quality care. Our integrated network of comprehensive specialities and over 25 locations have precautions in place to keep you and your loved ones safe. Your safe care is our #1 priority.
833-383-3744 HiltonHeadRegional.com @hhregional
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Blvd., Ridgeland, 843-645-5544, stormys. cafe: The former home of Cheap Seats Riverwalk has a new owner, as Mike and Debby Comisac have taken over the space from their friend, Cheap Seats co-owner Rob Hummel. The couple are new to the Lowcountry but have big plans for the newly renovated space and have already made a splash since their early January opening by bringing Target the Band on as a Tuesday night fixture. The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with a wide selection of American pub sandwich and wrap favorites as well as pizza, pasta entrees, wings and salads. Try the Philly cheesesteak – I had it on one of the eatery’s first days open and it was tender and juicy with a perfect blend of cheese sauce. Nectar Farm Kitchen Old Town, 207 Bluffton Road, Bluffton, 843-706-2337, nectarfarmkitchen.com: The SERG Group
Please see UPDATE on page 42A
Hilton Head Hospital 25 Hospital Center Blvd. Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Bluffton Medical Campus 75 Baylor Dr. Bluffton, SC 29910
Tidewatch Freestanding Emergency Department 349 Tidewatch Dr. West Bluffton, SC 29910
Bluffton Okatie Outpatient Center 40 Okatie Center Blvd. South Okatie, SC 29909
Coastal Carolina Hospital 1000 Medical Center Dr. Hardeeville, SC 29927
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The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
UPDATE from page 41A eatery that has won consistent raves on Hilton Head for its farm-to-table freshness and outstanding customer service has opened in the former home of Fat Patties in Old Town. The official ribbon cutting was held Jan. 25. Head chef Christopher Carge and his team are serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, using ingredients sourced from more than 25 local farms and vendors. We have heard raves about the homemade cinnamon sugar and jam donuts, especially when paired with an egg, meat and cheese on a donut sandwich. Lowcountry Shrimp and Knits, 181 Bluffton Road, Suite 1031 Building F, Bluffton, 508-864-0718, shrimpandknits.com: Tracy Winslow and her family turned their vacation home into their permanent home last year. Winslow, a former morning radio show host and current Spanish professor and tutor, was training for the Daufuskie Marathon when she got COVID in February 2020 and has been dealing with long-haul symptoms ever since, still unable to return to running. So she turned to her other passion, determined to build a local yarn shop
COURTESY BENJAMIN’S FOOD TRUCK
A funnel cake pretzel, just one of the delectable creations from Benjamin’s Food Truck.
for people to hang out, knit and learn. The shop offers heirloom-quality yarn for sale as well as classes for kids and adults and every level of knitter. The shop is located in
Magnolia Village, behind Peaceful Henry’s. See the website for the full menu of classes, yarns and accessories.
Ice Cream Stop, 2700 May River Crossing, Bluffton, 843-757-7867, theicecreamstop.com: Bill and Gayle Pollard have become fixtures in Richmond Hill and Pooler with their warm and inviting ice cream parlors. Bluffton was the obvious choice for expansion as Gayle’s mother, Paula, lives in Sun City – and was the first customer to have their picture on the wall at the Bluffton location that officially opened Jan. 7. The pictures are a family tradition of filling the walls with photos of happy customers. The menu includes a wide variety of handscooped ice creams, non-dairy sorbet and Italian ice, chocolate and vanilla soft serve and a treat from Heaven known as Dole Whip. The fruity creation with a cult following among the Disney crowd is a gluten-free taste sensation. We suggest trying the Coconut Allman Joy – an ice cream named after the legendary singer Gregg, a frequent Georgia customer who recruited Bill as a groupie (a fact that has the true diehard fan Gayle feeling a bit salty). Check out their website for flavors of the month and new ice
Please see UPDATE on page 44A
The Area’s Most Advanced Technology. Now in Bluffton.
When it comes to the latest, cutting-edge technologies in eye care, industry experts around the world look to Bishop Eye Center. Working in partnership with Johnson & Johnson CATALYS and Cassini technologies, the passionate eye care pioneers at Bishop Eye Center are setting the standard by advancing the precision of cataract surgery.
The Leading Center for Cataract Surgery Hilton Head • New River/Sun City • Bluffton • 843-689-3937 • BishopEye.com
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 43A
TIRED OF THAT SAG? Renuvion is a minimally invasive solution to tighten skin on the neck, arms, abdomen, thighs, love handles and even breasts!
Renuvion requires only 1 treatment and downtime is minimal.
Call 912-354-4411 for a complimentary consultation. Visit www.fingerandassociates.com to learn more.
Page 44A
The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
UPDATE from page 42A
The road to
CARNEGIE HALL begins on Hilton Head
2O22
HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION FOR PIANISTS AGES 18 - 30
MARCH 7TH - 14TH 20 pianists compete for $34,000 in cash prizes, a concert at Carnegie Hall, a return engagement with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and more!
Tickets on sale now at hhipc.org or by calling the box office at 843.842.2055.
Official Hotel of the HHIPC
Official Competition Piano
PRESENTED BY THE H I LTO N H E A D S Y M P H O N Y O R C H E S T R A
creams. 843 Sport, 139 Hartwell Ave., Ridgeland, 843-290-3638, 843sport.com: The new 8,200-square-foot training facility is the brain child of H2 Elite travel basketball founder Rob Benson. Billed as the “future of basketball and sports performance training in the Lowcountry,” the space offers basketball, volleyball and sports performance and Pilates training and indoor pickleball courts and instruction. Benson envisions the space as the kids’ “third place,” away from home and school, where they can meet fellow motivated athletes. The facility will be a melding of a number of different established programs. The H2 program has moved from Hilton Head to this new centrally located facility, as has the Marwin Kline Speed and Sport Academy, SeaSide Volleyball, Gunner Strength Club and Twisted Pilates. Benjamin’s Food Truck, 843-707-2114, benjaminssouthernfriedpies.com: You better be ready for full-on guilty-pleasure gluttony when you visit the creation of chef Benjamin Watterson. The food truck offers Monte Cristo sandwiches with ham or turkey, loaded tater tots in BBQ pork, buffalo chicken and veggie varieties and soft pretzel, funnel cake pretzel and funnel cake Oreo bites. Did we mention it’s all Southern fried? We tried some of the creations when they made a stop at Cypress Ridge and all we can say is … mind blown. We haven’t even mentioned the six varieties of the main attraction pies – available in Lula Mae sweet potato, chocolate, lemon, Mub’s jalapeno popper, LJ’s Lowcountry boil and Bluffton blue crab – that have been winning raves on social media. Check out where they’re at next on Instagram @benjaminsfoodtruck. Ehwa Electric, Bluffton, 843-505-7161, Master electrician Dan Ehwa recently relocated to Bluffton from Massachusetts with wife Diane and their family and is excited about carrying on his 20-year-old practice in the Lowcountry. Ehwa is fully licensed and insured to handle any and all residential and commercial, including Ring alarm and smart home installations. Email Ehwa at Daniel@ EhwaElectric.com. Travel By Steph and Dream Vacations, 843-816-4073, swise.dreamvacations.com: Travel agent Stephanie Wise has worked for brick and mortar agencies for more than
16 years, but has decided to hang her own shingle and put her expertise to use for adventurers looking to return to travel. Wise is associated with Dream Vacations and can plan any size itinerary to all corners of the world. In-person appointments available and Wise will travel to clients’ homes as well. She offers referral discounts as well first booking discounts to new clients. Clist Café at the Culinary Institute of the South, 1 Venture Drive, Bluffton: The café is open at Technical College of the Lowcountry’s new 28,000-square-foot teaching facility in Bluffton’s Buckwalter Place. The café is offering an array of lattes, teas, coffee and hot chocolate and an evolving lineup of pastries and breads such as linzer torte, sour cream streusel muffins and potato herb rolls. The eatery is open 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and will also offer pop-up specials direct from the learning kitchens, like the fresh fruit gateaus offered last week. Check the TCL Facebook page for the latest menu additions. Rumblings around town: Carrie and David Leffew have already put their own blueprint on the Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar, which they purchased from chef Clayton Rollison in early 2021. Now comes word that they’ve purchased the old Carrabba’s building at the corner of Folly Field Road and U.S. 278 on the island. Plans submitted to the town show the new venue’s working title is Lucky Beach Bar + Kitchen. Social media was buzzing over the last couple weeks as word slipped that a Cinnabon food truck was headed to Bluffton. While we’re told the rumors are true and the truck will be anchored near the Bluffton post office on Johnston Way, the new owners want all the T’s crossed before they go any more public with details. The Sea Pines Resort has begun hosting job fairs to hire more than 200 positions to staff the newly rebuilt Quarterdeck restaurant that is looking at an April re-opening. We’re also hearing that both Tangerines Café and Bakery right outside the Sun City gate and Mama G’s Pizza Bistro & Bar the Moss Creek plaza are making progress toward mid-February openings. Tim Wood is a veteran journalist based in Bluffton. Contact him at timwood@blufftonsun. com.
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Business Briefs • Calhoun Station Thrift Store has reopened after six months. Significant renovations to the interior of the store are now complete, with new paint and merchandise organization. The all-volunteer run thrift store supports nonprofit programs throughout Bluffton. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization can apply for funding by completing an application. Since it was founded in 1989, Calhoun Station Thrift Store has donated more than $1.5 million to help improve social services for Bluffton residents. Completely supported by donations and volunteers, Calhoun Station is continuously looking for volunteers to help the mission and vision of the organization. Donations are accepted during store hours Wednesday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The store is located at 77 Prichard St. For more information call 843-7575191. • Rebekah Anderson, DMD, MSD has joined the practice of Maginnis Orthodontics. She will be seeing patients at the offices in Beaufort and Bluffton. Dr. Anderson received her Bachelor of Arts in chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She Rebekah Anderson went on to Boston University, where she received her Master of Arts in medical sciences and her Doctor of Dental Medicine (where she graduated summa cum laude). She also earned her Master of Science in Dentistry at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Anderson resides in Charleston with her husband, Ryan, and two doodles, Cooper and Charlie. For more information, visit maginnisorthodontics.com. • The Juice Hive, the Bluffton-based healthy eatery and sister restaurant to The Cottage Café, Bakery & Tea Room,
has once again been honored with two prestigious Good Food Awards. For the fifth consecutive year, the eatery has achieved high honors, rising to the top of nearly 2,000 entries, and honored for foods that “represent the highest standards of quality, sustainability and social responsibility.” The Juice Hive’s winning entries this year are Korean Pickled Elephant Garlic (category: Pickles) and Watermelon Rind Chutney (category: Pantry). In addition to these two winning entries, the Juice Hive also had an additional honor this year: their popular Superfruit Roll-up was named a finalist in the competitive Snacks category. For more information, visit thejuicehive.com and thecottagebluffton.com. • Bluffton resident Suzanne Giesemann has been named to the 2022 Watkins List of 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People. Giesemann is honored for her global work as a spiritual teacher, author and medium. The list celebrates the positive influS. Giesemann ence of today’s teachers and leaders who nurture spiritual growth and make the world a better place. Those on the list must have made a unique spiritual contribution on a global scale. Pope Francis is No. 1 and the Dalai Lama is No. 2. Giesemann debuts at No. 92. Former U.S. Navy Commander Giesemann’s service to humanity as a spiritual teacher, author and medium comes after a distinguished 20-year career in the military where she served as a commanding officer and as aide to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Her transition from senior officer to her current work is featured in the award-winning documentary “Messages of Hope,” based on her memoir by the same name. More information about Giesemann’s work and many free resources can be found at suzannegiesemann.com.
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r e t n i W
Old Town Bluffton
Fine Art and Refreshments!
Many Shops and Galleries open late! Friday, February 18, 5-7 pm
shopoldtownbluffton.com
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The Hilton Head Sun
F I V E T I M E TO N Y AWA R D -W I N N E R
Feb.2, 2022
‘Steel Magnolias’ tackle life onstage at May River Theatre
FEBRUARY 2–20
TONY AWARDWINNER FOR BEST PLAY!
CHRISTA FORTNEY
“MAGICAL & MOVING”
Part mystery, part intimate family drama, this is an atypical adventure of someone completely, wonderfully unique. This visually dazzling story of bravery against all odds shows how special life is when you’re allowed to be yourself. Don’t miss this spellbinding theatrical experience!
– DAILY MAIL
“SPECTACULAR & TRIUMPHANT” – VARIET Y
“LIFE-AFFIRMING & UNMISSABLE” – TIME
“BLAZINGLY EXPRESSIVE” – DEADLINE
Parental discretion advised: strong language/subject matter that at times may be difficult for younger viewers. Ages 12 & up. Masks are REQUIRED for attendance (regardless of vaccination status) Mariah Lotz in Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time | Photogaphy by Gustavo Rattia
FEBRUARY 12
12:00 – 3:00 PM FREE COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
Lowcountry specialties such as shrimp and grits, grilled fish and okra gumbo will feed your spirit! Enjoy gospel music, native artwork, crafts and more! Sponsored By: SCAC, NEA, and Concours d'Elegance / Driving Young America
The cast of “Steel Magnolias” rehearses at May River Theatre. The play will run Feb. 25-27 and March 4-6 at the theatre.
Southern women have long gravitated toward the beauty shop to connect with friends, share some gossip, have a glass of something – and get their hair done. In “Steel Magnolias,” onstage Feb. 25-27 and March 4-6 at May River Theatre in Bluffton, viewers can get an inside scoop on how precious life can be among small-town confidants. On Shelby Eatonton’s wedding day, the bride and her mother, along with friends, descend on Truvy’s Beauty Spot in Chinquapin Parish, La., for final touch-ups and the low-down. As the story unfolds, magnolia blossoms and gunfire cause anxiety, a young woman finds a job and a husband in a new town, two old broads trade jabs that cement their friendship, and a mother and daughter come to terms with difficult decisions. The play was written (in 10 days) by Robert Harling, a native of Natchitoches, La., about his mother, his sister and their friends during an uncertain time in their lives. Harling said he could “just hear those women” as they traded insults and jokes, lifted up one another, screamed a little, and eventually found solace in one another. The title of the play is a nod to the Southern women Harling knew who are like the beautiful, delicate magnolia (the state flower of Louisiana), and yet tough as steel.
The play had a successful run off-Broadway in 1987. It was adapted into a movie by the same name in 1989, with an extended storyline and a cast of well-known actors in the lead roles. The cast, directed by Liz McGinnis, includes Julie Siebold as Shelby; Christine Grefe as M’Lynn, Shelby’s mother; Tracy Butts as the effervescent and nosy Truvy; Izzy Madden as “the new girl” Annelle; Margaret Oehlert as Clairee, the stylish former mayor’s wife; and Lynne Hummell as Ousier, the crusty curmudgeon. Christa Fortney is assistant director, with Ellie Friedman as stage manager. Celebrating its 20th anniversary season, May River Theatre was founded by Ed and Jodie Dupuis in 2002. “Steel Magnolias” was produced during that first season. This all-new cast and crew, as well as the board of directors, honor the memory of the founders with this production. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25-26 and March 4-5; and 2 p.m. Feb. 27 and March 6. Tickets are $25 each and are available online at mayrivertheatre.com or by calling 843-8155581. Seating is general admission. The theatre is located in Ulmer Auditorium at Bluffton Town Hall, 20 Bridge St. in Old Town.
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 47A
‘Curious Incident’ director looks forward to sharing insights
PRESENT
PRESENTS
KELLY GENOVESE
Whitaker Gannon, second from right, directors the cast of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.
By Lynne Cope Hummell EDITOR
For the run of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” opening Feb. 2 at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, its director hopes audiences will take away an appreciation of the many varied and beautiful ways the brain works. The play, based on the novel by Mark Haddon, opens with a young man named Christopher discovering that his neighbor’s dog has been murdered with a pitchfork. He feels empowered to solve the crime himself. Christopher sees the world differently, the playwright tells us. He never uses the word “autistic,” said Whitaker Gannon, director of the show. However, “Christopher’s behavior is similar to those with autism.” Gannon has personal experience with someone like Christopher: her brother. “My relationship with my brother, Blake, who is on autism spectrum, has greatly influenced how I see the world,” she said. “Growing up with Blake, I’ve been able to see autism in a way that goes beyond general perception. Because of him, I have seen things that I would not have noticed otherwise.” Gannon said the script stays pretty true to the novel, which is good because “we can use that as a guide for how to present the show.” Audiences can expect some twists and turns, not only in the story, but
in the way it is presented on stage. The cast is made up of 10 actors total, but Christopher encounters different people on his journey, and six of the actors play about 30 different characters. They stay very involved throughout the story. In some “stylized” moments, they become almost an extension of Christopher himself. “We are, as most other productions, using Christopher’s autism to tell the story – embracing that perspective of Christopher as autistic,” Gannon said. Interestingly for this production, the lead actor is on the autism spectrum. Gannon said her personal life experience will certainly inform how she directs the show. And, she said, her brother’s experiences have caused her to expand her own way of thinking. “I hope I can show audiences that autism is much more nuanced than what most people think,” she said. “There are many beautiful, wonderful things that Christopher sees. I am excited to bring my knowledge to this show and hope I do it justice. I want the world to see what autism does look like and what it can look like.” Performances are Feb. 2-20 at the Arts Center, 14 Shelter Cove Lane on Hilton Head Island. The show is recommended for ages 12 and up. For tickets and more information, call 843-842-2787 or visit artshhi.org.
Music & Lyrics by Laurene O’Keefe and Nell B Music & Lyrics by Laurene O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin. Hach.and the Me Based on theBook novelbybyHeather Amanda Brown Legally Blonde is presented through special arrangeme Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture.
authorized performance materials Legally Blonde is presented through special arrangementAllwith Music Theatre International (MTI). are also sup All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS
MUSICAL DIRE
MUSICAL MARKDIRECTOR ERICKSONCHOREOGRAPHER JOSHUA L. W
MARK ERICKSON JOSHUA L. WALL VICTORIA K. & ALEX CLARK & ALEX CLARK MONTGOMERY
MARCH 4 -MARCH 6, 2022 4 -
TICKETS $25/Adults $15/S TICKETS $25/Adults $15/Students $5/Under 8
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M
Hilton Head Prepara 3000 Main St, H
& CULTURAL COUNCIL O F
H I L T O N
H E A D
MSCT is a member of the Arts&Cultural Council of Hilton Head
Go Online at www.m to purchase tick 843-689-6246 |
Hilton Head Preparatory School Main Street Theatre 3000 Main St, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Go Online at www.mainstagecommunitytheatre.org to purchase tickets or call the Box Office 843-689-6246 | email: info@msctheatre.org
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The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
MSCT brings ‘Blonde’ dreams to stage
Annual celebration
February 1-27, 2022
Artists Reception
of Gullah life in the Lowcountry featuring the work of local artists
Mon-Sat • 10am-4pm Sun • 12-4pm and 90 minutes before all Arts Center performances
Wed, Feb 9 • 5-7pm Enjoy refreshments and meet the artists Free and open to the public
Presented by Art League of Hilton Head Inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina 14 Shelter Cove Lane, HHI www.ArtLeagueHHI.org 843.681.5060
50th Anniversary Sponsors: Gary Bezilla, Bezilla Kinney Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors The Great Frame Up
Dreams really do come true. You never have to compromise.” So says Elle Wood, the main character in Main Stage Community Theatre’s upcoming production of “Legally Blonde JR.” The play follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. When Elle’s boyfriend, Warner, dumps her and heads to Harvard, claiming she’s not “serious” enough, Elle takes matters into her own hands, crafting a showy song-anddance personal essay and charms her way into law school. Befriending classmate, Emmett, and spunky hairdresser Paulette, Elle finds that books and looks aren’t mutually exclusive. As Elle begins outsmarting her peers, she realizes that law may be her natural calling after all. It’s a fabulously fun journey of self-em-
powerment and expanding horizons! The show features Sadie Beaumont as Elle Woods, George Hussey as Warner Huntington III, Sami Othmani as Emmett Forrest, Lilly Brashear as Paulette and a cast of sorority sisters, law school students, hairdressers and more. Performances will be at 7 p.m. March 4-5, and 2 p.m. March 5-6. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students and $5 for children under 8 with easy online booking via MainStageCommunityTheatre.org or by calling the box office at 843-689-6246. Main Stage Community Theatre (formerly Main Street Youth Theatre) is a nonprofit organization established in 1997. For more information, visit MainStageCommunityTheatre.org, Facebook.com/MSCTTheatre or email info@msctheatre.org.
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Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 49A
Art League Gallery features Gullah artists, themes “Arts Ob We People: Winter Exhibition and Sale” is a display of original work by emerging and leading artists that represents the life of Gullah people on Hilton Head Island and the surrounding community. This featured exhibit will run Feb. 1-27 in Art League of Hilton Head Gallery, 14 Shelter Cove Lane on Hilton Head Island. An artists reception, free and open to the public, will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 9. All artworks will be on display and for sale. This annual arts and crafts exhibition features the work of local artists’ interpretation of the people, food, dancing, and daily living of the Gullah people. Amiri Farris is the 2022 featured artist of this annual Gullah Celebration. Farris’ featured piece, “Da Island Life,” depicts the maintaining of wellness and a healthy lifestyle as the subjects revel in nature’s bounty and embrace the land and spirit that surrounds them. It celebrates creativity, using quality time to focus on the arts, mental positivity and other healthy habits inspired
“Da Island Life” by Amiri Farris
“Breezy” by Lisa Rivers
by Gullah culture. Other artists who will be featured in the show include longtime favorites Lisa Rivers, Alvin Glen, Patricia Sabree and Serena Hall. Art League Gallery is open every day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, and 90 minutes before every Arts Center perfor-
mance. Art League Gallery is located mid-island inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane. Art League of Hilton Head is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit visual arts organization on Hilton Head Island with a synergistic art gallery and teaching academy.
“Waves of Courage” by Patricia Sabree
Art League Academy welcomes artists and students in all media at all skill levels, including true beginners. Taught by professional art educators, students can choose from many art classes and workshops that change monthly. For more information, visit artleaguehhi. org or call 843-681-5060.
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The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
Renowned harpist Rhett Barnwell to perform World-renowned harpist Rhett Barnwell will perform in concert with the Lowcountry Harp Ensemble at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church on Hilton Head Island. The free concert is presented by the Lowcountry American Harp Society Chapter along with the Hilton Head Choral Society. Barnwell’s arrangement of “Wade In The Water – A Lowcountry Suite” will be premiered that afternoon. Eight harpists will perform a free program, under the direction of Tim Reynolds, artistic director of the Hilton Head Choral Society and former Music Director at St. Andrew, celebrating the musical cultures of our area. This harp ensemble work is made possible in part by a grant from the American Harp Society. Each February, Hilton Head Island celebrates one of its most important cultural chapters with a month-long celebration in honor of the Gullah culture and heritage. The concert is in honor of the Gullah music of the Lowcountry as well as Black History Month. Barnwell is a composer, arranger and
World-renowned harpist Rhett Barnwell will appear in concert Feb. 26 at St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church on Hilton Head Island.
performer, and the founder of Seraphim Music, which publishes sacred, classical and meditative music for lever and pedal harp. A specialist in classical and sacred music for harp, he has been in demand as a presenter and performer at conferences all over the country. He is also on the faculty of Harp Column Academy. Barnwell earned a Master of Music degree from St. Louis Conservatory and
did post-graduate doctoral study at the University of Georgia. He has served as a choral director and organist for churches throughout the Southeast since 1984, and is currently organist and choirmaster at the Church of Our Saviour in Atlanta. “We welcome the community to come enjoy this artistic celebration,” said Reynolds. “It will be a special afternoon commemorating music that is unique to the Lowcountry.”
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Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 51A
WELLNESS
Hate your love handles? Muffin tops? You are not alone By E. Ronald Finger CONTRIBUTOR
How did the term “love handles” come about, when there is nothing to love about them? After 50 years of plastic surgery, I can assure you that it’s a misnomer. They are universally hated. Fortunately, love handles can be eliminated fairly easily. A simple liposuction under local anesthesia usually takes care of the problem. If there is also excess loose skin, such as sun damage or lots of weight loss, there may be a need for the Renuvion. This is an instrument that is used through the holes for liposuction. The difference is it does not remove fat, but tightens skin with the use of heat. The Renuvion produces a form of matter called plasma. The best example of plasma is a bolt of lightning. These micro “bolts of lightning” basically shrink-wrap the skin. Occasionally, fairly thin men and women
will have love handles varying from small to quite large. The treatment is the same unless they are huge and there has been lots of weight loss. Then procedures as large as circumferential excision of skin and fat may be necessary, along with liposuction, regardless of the gender. All cases must be tailored specifically toward the patient’s needs and desires. As expected, the more extensive cases require general anesthesia. How about the famed “muffin-tops?” These are mounds of fat at the top of the lateral buttocks and can be quite unattractive.
Oddly, those with muffin-tops often have lateral depressions in the buttocks below the muffin-tops, which patients call the “hip-dip.” The muffin-tops make the depressions look worse and vice versa. Typically, the muffin-tops are liposuctioned, and the liposuctioned fat is grafted (transferred) to the depression. When can excess fat and loose skin in the abdomen be reduced without major surgery, such as a tummy tuck? If there is no actual overlapping of the skin, liposuction with Renuvion may be sufficient. It’s all a matter of degree, and your plastic surgeon will help you with this. Sometimes liposuction with Renuvion can be performed with a mini-tummy tuck,
according to how much extra skin there is to remove or tighten. Generally, if the extra fat and loose skin is in the upper abdomen, a full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is needed. The variation of fat and loose skin appears to be unlimited, which is the reason individual assessments are necessary to establish a plan. Often all of the above or an assortment of the procedures mentioned above are required for optimal results. However, patients may choose to correct the part of the problem and are happy with the results or plan to do the rest of the procedures in stages. This is why a personal visit to their plastic surgeon is important. A careful assessment is necessary for the patients to understand the various options with expectations, limitations and recovery discussed in depth. E. Ronald Finger, MD, FACS is a board certified plastic surgeon with offices in Savannah and Bluffton. fingerandassociates.com
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Page 52A
The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
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The Vintage Four, a barbershop quartet, practices serenading in preparation for the Singing Valentine offerings of the Hilton Head Lighthouse Chorus. Quartets will be performing for individuals or groups by reservation Feb. 13 and 14 in Bluffton and on Hilton Head Island. Singing Valentines can also be sent virtually via email or Facebook. For more information, call Duke Andrus at 843-226-6262 or visit hhibarbershoppers.org/valentines.
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Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 53A
WELLNESS
Share a happy, healthy Valentine’s Day with one you love By Jennifer Wolfe CONTRIBUTOR
Mid-February is usually when the best of intentions for New Year’s resolutions start to fade. Exercise and diet routines give in to boxes of chocolates and wine in the spirit of Valentine’s Day. The best gift you can give to your significant other is the gift of couples-based wellness. Helping each other stay on track with goals through fun activities might be better than a box of chocolates this year. The American Psychological Association has noted that studies show individuals who went through weight loss programs with a partner saw more permanent results than those who went through them alone. A support system can make holistic health and wellness not just good for you but good for your relationship. It’s not all about weight loss. Wellness is a holistic approach to living that focuses
on physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and relationship health. Consider these great ideas for ways to support wellness with those you love this Valentine’s Day. • Take a healthy cooking class. One of the biggest challenges many couples face is how to cook foods that not only taste great but are healthful. Learning to cook healthy meals together can help you have fun and achieve better eating habits. If a class isn’t your thing, consider a subscription to one of the delivery
services that focuses on healthy eating. You might consider Home Chef, Sunbasket, Green Chef, Blue Apron, Gobble and Freshly to name just a few. • Go to a painting class. Whether your community offers regular classes or you choose one of the many options for a special painting class in the area, consider tapping into your creative wellness together. Painting can help not only foster creative growth, but stimulate memory, challenge your problem solving and motor skills and provide stress relief. • Fitness tracking. Whatever your exercise goals, tracking your progress has been proven to lead to greater success and help you feel stronger and healthier. Sharing your fitness achievements with
someone you love is a great way to support each other. Whether you are exercising on in-home fitness equipment, going to a fitness center or just tracking your walks on an Apple watch or Fitbit, use sharing platforms and send positive messages within your close circle to help boost your success. • Couples massage. Massage is proven to promote not only relaxation but to ease sore muscles and pains. Doing this together brings you even closer together. Plan a day together in the beautiful Lowcountry to take a long walk or bike ride and then wrap up the day with a relaxing couples massage. There’s no greater way to say I love you this Valentine’s Day than fostering healthy relationships by tackling health challenges together. Jennifer Wolfe is the co-owner of Whisper Creek Day Spa in Bluffton, which she opened with her husband last year. jen.wolfe@whispercreekspa.com or whispercreekspa.com
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The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
FAITH
Let your spiritual life be more than just a slice of the pie By Brett Myers CONTRIBUTOR
On Feb. 18, the church I pastor, First Baptist Church Hilton Head Island, will celebrate its 60th anniversary. We will celebrate this anniversary in a special service with our recently retired pastor, Dr. John Keller, preaching the service and some special guests attending from our early days. Brett Myers There were many great church leaders in the early days of FBC, among whom were Norris and Lois Richardson. I imagine the church founders had much to do in life as they started and ran businesses in the early development of the island. However, these early church leaders saw the need not to get caught up in the decisions of
the “here and now,” but to meet the eternal and spiritual needs of people as well. It is tempting sometimes for well-meaning Christians to see their faith as a “slice of the pie” that is the sum of their life, with other slices consisting of work, family, hobbies, and so on. But the scripture in its entirety gives us a different view. While our lives certainly consist of numerous slices, the faith of a Christian is not one of those slices. Rather it is the lens that through which we are to see every slice. So, when we approach work, we are not only a businessman but a Christian businessman. When we approach mothering, we are a Christian mother. We are to seek ways to glorify God in and through all that we do. Going through a very difficult time in life, the apostle Paul understood the importance of glorifying God in living for something greater than himself. He wrote to the church in Philippi, “For to me,
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living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.
But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.” (Philippians 1:21-24, NLT) This time spent in thought over our church’s history has been a reminder that life is about so much more than the “here and now.” Yes, we all have jobs to do, decisions to make, families to take care of, and the list goes on. But be reminded with me that the decisions we make in this life have a much greater effect than we will ever see. How are your decisions impacting others? How are your decisions impacting your eternity? When it comes to your spiritual life, don’t see it as a piece of the pie. It is rather that lens through which we are to see every area of our life, as we strive to make an eternal impact here and to glorify God in all that we do. Brett Myers is the senior pastor at First Baptist Church on Hilton Head Island. FBCHHI.org
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
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GIVING
Amplifying impact through Lowcountry Communities Collective By Scott Wierman CONTRIBUTOR
One of the many things I enjoy about my job is bringing together groups in our community that are working toward our common good. Building collaboration, pooling ideas, and sharing resources and manpower are some of the best ways to affect positive change. Group effort initiScott Wierman ates buy-in and, it is hoped, leads to more impactful outcomes. These same concepts have been adopted by a number of neighborhoods and communities in our area. Their residents have joined together to create philanthropic funds, realizing that by pooling their time, talent and treasure, they can
accomplish more. We proudly administer these funds for nine local communities. The funds and their missions include: • Belfair 1811 Fund, impacting the lives of those in need in the greater Bluffton area. • Hampton Hall Charitable Fund, supporting the charitable interests of Hampton Hall residents and assisting with needs in the community. • Hampton Lake Tiger Bass Race Charitable Fund, supporting the charitable interests of Hampton Lake residents. • Long Cove Community Charitable and Endowment Funds, supporting the needs of health, housing, hunger and education in Beaufort and Jasper counties. • Moss Creek Giving and Endowment Funds, supporting local charitable organizations and those with the greatest need. • Operation Colleton River, supporting the charitable interests of the Colleton
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River Club. • Palmetto Dunes Cares, supporting the charitable interests of those who live, invest, work and play in the Palmetto Dunes community, benefiting the greater Hilton Head Island area. • Port Royal Community Charitable Fund, supporting the charitable interests and enhancing a sense of community while providing resources to improve the lives of people in the Lowcountry. • Women of Palmetto Bluff, providing support and resources for charitable programs and services of Women of Palmetto Bluff. Individually, these groups have accomplished phenomenal things. Each fund has established its own grant process and awarded thousands of dollars to local nonprofits. If we combine all their efforts, these nine funds have invested an astounding $3.38 million into our community. So one day a thought occurred to us: If
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we gathered all of these groups together, could their impact be amplified even more? Thus, the Lowcountry Communities Collective was born. We held the first meeting in November. Not surprisingly, we learned many of the communities face similar challenges and have had comparable experiences in their philanthropic journeys. By discovering ways they might work together, even if on just a small scale to start, the groups will learn and grow together, and their impact on our communities can be even more powerful. Who knows what they might accomplish? Convening groups is just one of the many things community foundations do to bring people together and strengthen our communities. Learn about others at cf-lowcountry.org.
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The Hilton Head Sun
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Feb.2, 2022
Use space heaters only as intended By Cinda Seamon CONTRIBUTOR
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A space heater is a good option to keep warm this winter – just make sure you are familiar with the manufacturer’s instructions and use the heater safely. The use of space heaters or portable heaters is growing because they are economical and easy to use. Although portable heaters are designed to be safe, if used improperly, they can cause fires, burns, explosions or electric shock. Space heater designs currently have better insulation around the heating coils and smaller grates so fingers don’t get in so easily. Do not place heaters on shelves or up high. The best flat smooth surface is the floor. Space heaters should be kept away from kitchens and bathrooms (electricity and water do not mix).
Space heaters should be at least 3 feet from furniture, walls, bedding, etc. Never leave a heater unattended, especially if you have young children or pets. Before you buy a space heater, look for a listing by a testing lab to insure certain safety standards. Look for heaters that have automatic turn-off switches should the heater get too hot or if it tips over. Space heaters should not be plugged into a surge protector or extension cord, but directly into a wall outlet. These heaters normally come with enough cord to position the heater in a safe place in the room. Resist the temptation to use your heater as a dryer. Keep clothing and other combustibles away. Stay warm and safe this winter! Cinda Seamon is the fire and life safety educator for Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue.
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The Hilton Head Sun
Page 57A
NATURE’S WAY
When it’s this cold, the fish don’t bite, but kids still play By Collins Doughtie CONTRIBUTOR
Since I write my column days in advance of printing, it is probably 75 degrees and sunny outside when you’re reading this, but how about that cold snap around Jan. 20? For many of you transplants from up north, you were probably wearing shorts and a T-shirt during those three days but for this Southern boy, I had so many layers of clothing on I looked like the Michelin Man. Looking back at past January columns, I have a tendency to rant and rave about how much I hate the cold, so this time around, I’ll try to be a bit more up-beat. For the most part, we are pretty darn lucky to have a winter that lasts all of two months, specifically January and February. But do you know that since I have lived here, the January cold snap paled in comparison to a few of the weather events I have witnessed in the Lowcountry over my 60-something years living here? Let me tell you about one of these past weather events so that you’ll know that anything is possible if the conditions are just right. I know we had a few snow flurries on Christmas day in 2012, but back in 1989 we had a white Christmas that was one for the record books. In a 24hour period it snowed 12 inches on Christmas Eve!
If I had time to crawl up into the attic where my photo albums are stored, I would have grabbed a couple of photos to show you from that day. It snowed so much so fast while the tide was low that the beach on Hilton Head was a foot thick all the way to the edge of the water! It was bizarre looking. You know how the Chamber of Commerce describes “Wide beaches with sugary sand as white as snow”? In this case, the beach was just that. Also, because there weren’t quite as many folks around back then, there wasn’t a footprint to be seen in the snow, making the scene even more surreal. Another aspect of that blizzard that stands out in my memory was the palmettos draped in thick layers of snow. It was breath taking! As you probably have guessed, I was a wild man back in my younger years. I was living in Hilton Head Plantation; my kids were young, and my fishing mobile was a blue Suzuki Samurai with the floorboards rusted out, so you could see the road zoom by under your feet — kind of a Fred Flintstone car. Anyway, the snow began to melt pretty quickly but that night it froze again, turning the melted snow to ice. The next morning there were still a few patches of snow along the icy roads and – snow or no snow – I just
had to take my kids sledding for the first time. Since there were no hills around, I nabbed a large sheet of plywood, curled up the front a bit so it looked like a sled, and tied a rope to it so I could pull it behind my 4-wheel-drive vehicle. By the time I had finished making it, the roads were 95% ice with a thin layer of snow on top. Much to the chagrin of my wife, all the neighborhood kids wanted to get on board and, being the responsible parent that I was, my theory was “the more the merrier.” Loaded down with kids, I took off slipping and sliding down the street with the kids howling with glee. At some point that howling sort of changed to screaming, and I took that to mean “Go faster,” which is exactly what I did. Looking in my rear-view mirror, I saw what looked like smoke and figured it was simply the car’s exhaust in the cold air. It was only when the screaming reached a fevered pitch and one kid appeared to jump off the board and roll down the road that I deduced that something was wrong. The friction of the board on that ice was so great it caught the board on fire! I can laugh about it now, but neither my wife nor the neighbors would talk to me for weeks. Ah, the good old days.
Other weather events included an 8-inch snowfall in the ’60s, a spring hurricane in the early ’90s and again in the ’80s, when 24 inches of rain fell in a two-day period. I wish I had more space to tell you about some of these weather-related phenomena but that will just have to wait for some other time. Right now, I want to tell you about something I have up my sleeve, should there be enough interest. February is the perfect time for me to resurrect my two-part “How to Fish the Lowcountry” seminars. Should I find a convenient space to hold them, I will limit the seminars to 15 or 20 attendees, allowing for more one-on-one time, answering questions, or showing folks how to rig for different species. My plan is to cover every aspect of fishing our area. The primary emphasis will be on inshore fishing, but near-shore and offshore will also be covered. Bait and rigging for different species, the importance of tides, navigation and boat handling, throwing cast nets plus a lot of one-on-one instruction. I will also answer any and all questions. If you are interested, email me at collinsdoughtie@icloud.com. Collins Doughtie, a 60-year resident of the Lowcountry, is a sportsman, graphic artist, and lover of nature. collinsdoughtie@icloud.com
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The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
NATURE
It takes a village to get ready for loggerhead sea turtles By Amber Kuehn CONTRIBUTOR
Loggerhead turtles won’t be returning to Hilton Head Island until May, but there is ever so much to do right now to assure a successful season. Sea Turtle Patrol and Turtle Trackers are already busy getting ready to welcome and protect our 2022 turtle visitors. The Sea Turtle Patrol HHI, which monitors the beaches under a permit from SCDNR, is readying equipment and vehicles needed to patrol the island’s 14 miles of beach every day from May through October to protect the nesting and then the hatching sea turtles. The Turtle Trackers, a virtual army of volunteers, undertake comprehensive education programs to inform islanders and tourists so that they are aware of what it takes to protect the sea turtles – and how to enjoy this exciting natural phenomenon. Resorts and hotels are supplied with ed-
rental home companies are reminded of the Town of Hilton Head’s light ordinance. Hundreds of “Lights Out After Dark” door mats will be distributed to oceanfront homes and villas to remind guests and residents. Stickers are prepared COURTESY SEA TURTLE PATROL to be adhered to thouIt takes dozens of volunteers to keep up with patrolling island beachsands of pizza boxes es to protect loggerheads and pick up litter. used by Giuseppe’s Sea Pines during the “season.” Green turtle ucational materials for their staff, including logo signs will be in place along every beach window clings that remind folks along the walk and access point ocean to turn down their lights after 10 Learning about loggerheads has become p.m. Suggestions on how to keep the beach turtle-safe – clean, flat and dark – are shared an increasingly popular activity among with management and staff. Education is the visiting families. Most have never visited a protected area for an endangered species. key for a successful turtle season. Window Indeed, many folks plan their visits to Hilclings are also placed in many retail shops throughout the island. ton Head to coincide with our nesting and Along the oceanfront, homeowners and hatching season. Educational presentations
are scheduled at local resorts and Lowcountry Celebration Park so that visitors can attend “Turtle Talks” almost every evening during the season. Beach sweeps are already scheduled and will be held throughout the year. Of course, the Turtle Trackers sweep their assigned beaches – every day, mornings and evenings – during the turtle season. Many guests who observe their efforts join in as well. And there’s even more to do. Volunteers are preparing materials for the Learning Stations that are found at the Salty Dog in South Beach, in Shelter Cove Harbour, and at special events through the turtle season. QR code stickers that are placed on signs and materials enable tourists – and locals – to visit the Sea Turtle Patrol HHI and Turtle Trackers websites to learn more, get involved, support our efforts, and protect the sea turtles. Amber Kuehn is executive director of Sea Turtle Patrol HHI, and is the SCDNR permit holder for the island.
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Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
PETS
Adoptable dog loves bananas and trustworthy people
Page 59A
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“Where there is great love, there are always miracles.” – Willa Cather At the Palmetto Animal League Adoption Center, miracles come in many forms. For some homeless pets, the miracle is being rescued from an overcrowded shelter just in time. For others, the miracle comes the day they form a profound connection with that special human they’ve been waiting to find. A dog named Rosie must wonder if miracles truly exist, and at PAL we assure her every day that they most certainly do. Rosie has been bounced in and out of the shelter environment her whole life. She has never experienced true comfort and stability that come along with a lifelong home. Through no fault of her own, Rosie has found herself discarded more times than she cares to remember. “She has been adopted five times and has spent 449 days in our kennel over the past nine years,” says PAL Adoption Coordinator Sally Dawkins. At PAL, we never give up on a pet. We see each animal as a unique and precious soul, hoping to find their perfect place in this world. In Rosie’s case, she has learned
to be careful with her heart. “It can take a few weeks to gain a true bonded relationship with Rosie,” said Natalee Marick, PAL dog trainer. “But, when she learns that she can trust you, the relationship is pure bliss.” Rosie longs for a forever home where she can relax with her people and watch Netflix at night. She is very obedient, a wonderful leash walker, enjoys the company of other animals, and is equal parts loving and quirky. “When it comes to treats, Rosie likes only bananas,” said Kennel Supervisor Shelby English. You can help animals like Rosie live out a miracle. 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.” You can send an eCard or print a card at home. Your donation will give homeless pets the gift of life proving that, “Where there is great love, there are always miracles.” If you’d like to meet Rosie, lover of bananas and people she can trust, call PAL at 843-645-1725 to schedule a visit to our adoption center. Amy Campanini is president of Palmetto Animal League.
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The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
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Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 61A
PETS
Find It games can help solve boredom, chewing, digging issues By Abby Bird CONTRIBUTOR
Puppy behaviors that might need to be addressed could be caused by boredom or short attention span. Behaviors such as digging, chewing, general unruly behavior, not paying attention, and other bad habits might fall under this category. An underused type of game that is appropriate for many terrier, hound, hunting and sporting breeds that will help with undesirable behaviors is “Find It.” You can play Find It games at many different levels. If you have a dog that enjoys digging, you can create an area in your yard where you allow the activity. Buy a child’s small plastic swimming pool and fill halfway with playground sand. Bury any of the following depending on your dog: bones, rubber toys or other hard washable toys, tennis balls, or rubber balls. If in-home games are what you’re look-
ing for, hide smelly dog treats in different areas and teach the dog to hunt for those. Make sure they are safely placed so the dog won’t knock things over to find them. If your dog has a favorite toy, you can choose to hide that instead and have the dog search for it. Then, of course, is the Find It game with people. Hide and Seek is the ultimate fun game for many dogs when played with their owners. Hide behind doors, furniture or around the outside of your house, and behind trees if the yard is secured. Dogs absolutely love to play this and it is a great way to work on your Recall commands. Another game is to hide treats and toys under small plastic containers and place them around the house or yard. The dog not only has to find them but knock the containers over to get their reward. Hide stuffed Kong toys in your yard or your home as a way to keep the dog busy
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when you are gone. Or, how about practicing some runaways by having someone hold your dog and you go hide outside? Your dog can track your scent in order to find you. My personal favorite is hiding items in the yard and watching my dog go find them. Really smelly treats work wonderfully well. You can hide things at ground level and even in bushes or trees. Put them in a small bag or even an old sock.
When they find the item, have them bring it to you and reward them with another treat or play with a toy when they drop the Find It object. You have to begin by marking the ground with your scent by scraping your feet and planting a treat. Continue this as you work around your yard. Then your dog, on a leash or off leash in a fenced area can start searching for the items you’ve hidden. You can even stimulate your bored dog on a walk by hiding toys on your walking route, especially favorites. Use something that carries their scent and they will work hard. These games stimulate their brain and body and will help bored dogs or those with very short focus skills. Vary the games and you and your dog will have great fun. Abby Bird is owner of Alphadog Training Academy. AlphadogTrainingAcademy@ gmail.com
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The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
SPORTS
Consistent good putting can improve your golf score By Jean Harris CONTRIBUTOR
Golf can be a frustrating game. The best way to improve your score is to improve your putting. Remember that a 3-foot putt counts the same on your score card as a 300-yard drive. Putting accounts for approximately 40% of all shots taken on the golf course. As a golf Jean Harris professional, I think it is interesting that putting instruction accounts for less than 10% of all golf lessons even though it is the most important shot in the game. What can you do to improve your putting this year? It is important to know your dom-
inant eye when aiming the putt. All aiming decisions need to be done behind the ball with your eyes level. Left-eye dominant golfers tend to aim left of the target and should play the ball more back in their stance. Conversely, right-eye dominant golfers tend to aim too far right and should move the ball forward in their stance. Once you are astride the ball, you should keep your dominant eye behind the ball when setting up for the putt. Reading greens is an art and a science. A good system for reading a putt is to think of a clock. You need to read the green from 12 o’clock behind the hole first. This will help you determine if the putt is uphill or downhill. Next you have to look at 3 and 9 o’clock from the sides of the hole. Determine the low side of the hole and then walk back behind the ball, which is 6 o’clock. Always aim to the high side of
the hole and let the slope take the ball to the hole. To ensure more accuracy, a good method for aiming is to put a line on your ball and aim the line to where you want the putt to start. It is important to do this from behind the ball and not from astride. Distance control is more important than accuracy. If you want to improve your putting, you need to get your first putt within a 3-foot radius of the hole. In order to do this, you need to focus on distance control. If you can control the speed of your first putt, you should have a manageable second putt. Get a metronome and find your best tempo. There are free downloads for your phone. Start at 76 beats, since that is the average tempo of good golfers. Count one-two along with the metronome and keep this tempo for all of your putts. The only thing you change
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is the length of your stroke back and through the ball. To be a good lag putter, you need to use the big upper body muscles in the shoulders and arms and not the “fast twitch” muscles in the wrists and hands. Get your arms “connected” to your body. Feel like your elbows are into your rib cage and that the shoulders and arms swing the putter back and through. You must also keep your lower body quiet throughout the stroke. Finally, make sure that your eyes are over the ball. It would also be a good idea to take that much-needed putting lesson in 2022. Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at Pinecrest Golf Club. jean.golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean.com
Feb.2, 2022
The Hilton Head Sun
Page 63A
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The Hilton Head Sun
Feb.2, 2022
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