March 15, 2022 • SECTION SC Volume 25, I ssue 6
Resident veterans helping veterans Jim Speranza, left, and John Brown, right, assist a disabled veteran into the DAV van. This transportation goes only to the Naval Hospital Outpatient Clinic in Beaufort and the Ralph H. Johnson Medical Center in Charleston. PHOTO BY TOM MILLS
Monthly Market Report
Sun City Hilton Heads Home and Villa
SEE SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION INSIDE
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Rick Malon
Owner/Broker (843) 338-1360
March 15, 2022
Donnie Kunich Owner/Broker (843) 301-8517
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March 15, 2022
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Featured Pet
March 15, 2022
Residents give a hand, and a ride, to area’s disabled veterans
Rufus is a sweet Southern gentleman who recently relocated to the Lowcountry from Atlanta. This big cheeked boy is made of purrs, biscuits, and lots of love. He likes other cats and does not mind dogs, and he would do well in a house with people of all ages. He is 18 months old, neutered, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped. If you are interested in adopting Rufus, call the Palmetto Animal League adoption center at 843-645-1725 or email info@palmettoanimalleague.org to set up an appointment.
PHOTOS BY TOM MILLS
Volunteers, from left, Dave Krauser, Al Breininger, Steve Pickhaver, Chuck Newland (in the van), Jim Speranza, David Hahn and John Brown pose with the DAV van they drive to take disabled veterans to medical appointments at two regional veterans facilities.
By Katherine Mace CONTRIBUTOR
blufftonsun.com 14-D Johnston Way (physical) P.O. Box 2056 (mailing) Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-9507 • 843-757-9506 (fax)
Publisher
Kevin Aylmer, kevina@blufftonsun.com
Editor
Lynne Hummell, editor@blufftonsun.com
Advertising Sales B.J. Frazier, sales director, 843-422-2321 Art Director Kim Bowen Contributors
Katherine Mace, Chris Roosa, Sophia Schade, Tom Mills Editor reserves the right to edit or reject material, including advertisements. The Sun City Sun does not verify, endorse nor warrant any advertisers. The editorial views expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor and Publisher.
Not for one but all veterans who served with Honor you dedicate time beyond the call of Duty, you build a solid foundation throughout The nation! Not hard to see D.A.V. giving to Others always in need. James Watson, a poet and disabled Vietnam vet, penned these lines, a portion of a poem written to thank the committed drivers who provide rides through a jointly operated program of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Veterans Administration (VA). Sun City residents Jim Speranza and David Casperson, who are also veterans, serve as transportation coordinators and head a team of 10 to 12 drivers who transport Lowcountry vets to the Ralph H. Johnson Medical Center, a huge VA facility in Charleston every Tuesday and Thursday. The DAV was created in 1920 by World War I veterans for disabled vets of the U.S. armed services. They were given a federal charter in 1932. According to DAV.org, the organization serves more than 1 million
members. Their motto is “fulfilling our promises to the men and women who served.” “We didn’t miss a single trip (during the pandemic),” said Doug Hart, DAV Adjutant/Service Officer from Beaufort Chapter 12 in Port Royal. Hart oversees the program for the DAV. Pre-COVID, they drove up to 48,000 miles a year, taking up to 12 vets a week to Charleston. In 2021, they provided about half that, but their numbers are growing. “We mostly take folks who are unable to drive, or are alone,” Speranza said. “Last week I transported a WWII vet. Most sleep on the way to Charleston, but on the way home we have such a good time. We’d have sing-alongs, and laugh. During holidays I take treats to share. It’s wonderful.” According to Hart, the van is part of the VA and DAV network. The DAV Chapter 12 purchased five vans. “Our chapter had to raise half the cost, and the national DAV gave us grants for the other half,” he said. “Then the DAV donated the vans to the VA, which pays for maintenance and gas. Three
Please see DAV on page 6SC
March 15, 2022
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Friday, March 18th 5:30 - 6:30 PM Lakehouse Ballroom in Sun City
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March 15, 2022 DAV from page 4SC
Jim Speranza sits at the wheel of the DAV van, ready to drive disabled veterans to medical appointments.
vans are kept at the Naval Hospital in Beaufort, one is at the Sun City woodshop, and one is in Hampton.” To qualify for a ride, the person has to be in the VA health care system. “You don’t have to have a service-connected disability. We do not give rides to any private doctor offices … only the Naval Hospital outpatient clinic in Beaufort, and the hospital in Charleston,” Hart said. Here’s how it works. The VA sends Hart an email confirmation that the veteran is in the system and has an appointment. Hart figures out who to refer the vet to. That’s where Speranza or Casperson take over. “We make the schedule on the second or third week of the month, and the guys (drivers) fill in when they will drive. We never miss a time. All the days get claimed. Now and then we have a special unexpected run,” said Speranza, who has been with the program for nine years. “The traffic is getting worse. It used to take 1½ hours to get to Charleston. Now it takes two hours. We do a pre-trip safety check of the van, and leave Sun City at 6:30 am. We have eight to 10 stops on the way. Very few of the people we transport live in Sun City. The drivers schedule themselves, and then I call to remind them. Doug Hart and I stay in touch.” The drivers, who have a physical exam and a 10-year check on their driving record when they first volunteer, have
good stories about runs to Charleston. They all refer to their passengers with the utmost respect, using a courtesy title when referring to them. Most of them know Mr. Watson well. A couple of the drivers have a service-related disability, like John Brown, who has been driving for the program for 1½ years. He described Mr. Watson’s poems as “heartfelt.” Another driver, Steve Pickhaver, was a gunner on Marble Mountain in Vietnam. “The VA has been very good to me,” he said. “I feel like I’m really helping when I do this.” When asked why he does it, Dave Krauser, who is the only non-veteran on the team said, “This is my way of paying back all the guys and gals who served our country. It’s a small way I can contribute.” Providing transportation is only one of the things that the DAV does. They also help vets re-acclimatize when they are discharged from the military, and they give invaluable help filing disability claims. If you’re a vet who has questions about transportation or could use information on DAV services, contact Hart at 843321-2557. If you would like to volunteer as a driver, contact James Speranza at jamessun@sc.rr.com. Katherine Mace is a writer who lives in Sun City.
March 15, 2022
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CONSIDERING A KNEE OR JOINT REPLACEMENT?
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THE LEADERS IN RESTORATIVE MEDICINE
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Over one million joint replacements are performed in the U.S. each year and according to the Cleveland Clinic, over 85% of knee replacements need to be redone within 15 years. Since 2018 the Fraum Center for Restorative Health has been offering a non-surgical alternative to joint replacement that is Beyond Stem Cells™. This cutting edge technology helps patients get back to living the life they love.
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March 15, 2022
Move to the beat of Sun City Chorus and Orchestra spring show
TOM BRIM
TOM MILLS
On Feb. 24, the philanthropic 100+ Women Who Care Sun City presented a check to representatives of Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, a nonprofit agency based in Bluffton. Attending were members of the group as well as James Dismond, far left, business development director for HCL; Margaret Male, nominator, holding the check at left, and Sharonica Gavin, an HCL representative, holding the check at right.
The Sun City Chorus and Orchestra, shown here during its 2021 holiday performance, will present its spring concert series, “Just Dance,” May 5 to 8 in Magnolia Hall.
By Rhonda Harris CONTRIBUTOR
If you’re looking for a springtime treat for yourself or special people in your life, you’ll want to be in the audience for the Sun City Chorus and Orchestra’s spirited spring show “Just Dance,” scheduled for May 5-8 at Magnolia Hall. Just as music, singing and dancing evoke and encourage emotions, thoughts of love and life, “Just Dance” promises to put a smile on your face, a song in your soul, and an animated spring in your step. You’ll be dancing in your seat as this popular large, mixed chorus and the talented instrumentalists present a wide variety of classic pop and show tunes that deliver something for everyone. To prepare the audience to have some fun, the performers open with a swinging contemporary version of the Martha and the Vandellas 1960’s hit, “Dancing in the Street.” Then, before you catch a breath or get too comfortable, you’re led into a nostalgic medley of Irving Berlin tunes featuring classic ballroom dances. As you visualize flowing ball gowns and snappy tuxedoes, you’ll be “steppin’ out” in fast-paced quicksteps and elegant foxtrots.
For a change of pace, set aside your formal attire and slip on your imaginary Latin shoes as you swing and sway to the popular Michael Bublé hits “Sway” and “Save the Last Dance for Me.” Musical directors Art Hansen and Lorraine Hansen enjoy highlighting the orchestra, composed of Sun City residents and other Lowcountry musicians, with an instrumental medley of enduring classical standards by George Gershwin. Closing the first half of the program is the lively contagious hit “Let’s Get Loud,” with its not-to-be-resisted strong cha-cha beat, and then a rock ’n’ roll, steam-engine-roaring-down-the-track, “A Tribute to the Blues Brothers.” Lyrics and music of love, broken hearts, resilience, hope and joy continue in the second half of the program with Big Band swings, more Latin rhythms, disco, jive, shag, and even some slow dances. Who can resist the upbeat tempo of selections from “Mama Mia,” or the enduring melody and love story of “Evergreen?” “Just Dance” will be presented at 7 p.m. May 5 to 7, and at 2:30 p.m. May 8. Tickets are available at the box office from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, by calling 843-941-9729, or emailing suncitytix@gmail.com.
March 15, 2022
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Support Backpack Buddies II
CORKY BURT
COURTESY CHANGE 4 CHANGE
Village Green Neighborhood Captain Bob Woods and Northlake Neighborhood Captain Patrick Heintz hold their Change 4 Change collection cups. These cups are left in lower mailboxes or hanging from doorknobs for neighbors wishing to donate.
Sun City residents will have an opportunity through March 21 to support the nonprofit Backpack Buddies II by simply tossing spare change into a cup – which is being provided by the Change 4 Change committee. Since March 7, Change 4 Change volunteers have been distributing labeled plastic cups to lower mailboxes throughout Sun City. Residents may use the cups to collect spare change, and then return the filled cups to the volunteer whose name is on the cup. As well, checks and cash are welcomed. Backpack Buddies II currently supports more than 100 families of students at Bluffton and Hardeeville schools. This year’s campaign will fund the 2022-23 school year.
Backpack Buddies II’s efforts are focused on providing 30-pound boxes of shelf-stable, nutritious foods to qualifying families to supplement a family’s food needs near monthend when budgets are tight. Volunteers pack and deliver the boxes to the schools, where a parent picks up the box. This allows teaching staff the opportunity to discuss each child’s monthly progress with parents. To donate by check, make check payable to Crossroads Community Support Services, the organization that supports Backpack Buddies II. Mail to PO Box 3525, Bluffton, SC 29910. Change 4 Change is sponsored by Friends of Backpack Buddies II: The Box Program, a Sun City Registered Community Group.
Creative Visions (originally known as Double Vision), a yearly event produced by Sun City Hilton Head’s All About Art Club and the Photography Club, was held Feb. 11-13. Creative Visions is a community-wide show bringing together different art disciplines. Each artist and photographer are free to capture their subjects in a realistic, impressionistic, or abstract way. The entries are shared with
Sun City residents and friends and those in attendance voted for their favorites. Winners are, from left: Third Place Pair: Photographer Diane Brayden and artist Janet Urbanic. Second Place Pair: Photographer Tom Mills and artist Nancy. First Place Pair: Photographer Linda Moore and artist Cynthia Byers. Byers was also Best Artist. Best Photographer: Sophia Schade.
RUTH KIMBALL, REALTOR® | 843-540-0205 President’s Club Platinum Award Winner Ruth Kimball Received the President’s Club Platinum Award at the 2021 Southeast Regional Weichert Realtors Awards Banquet Criteria: $275,000 GCI or 80 Units in 2021
LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A HOME? Call or email me today for more information or for a free comprehensive market analysis! I am a Sun City resident and have been a real estate agent since 1980! Having participated in listing and selling over 300 Sun City Hilton Head homes, I know the market extremely well. I can help!
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING OF MOVING TO SUN CITY? CALL ME TODAY! IT WOULD BE MY PLEASURE TO ASSIST THEM IN THEIR HOME SALES OR PURCHASE!
COURTESY CHANGE 4 CHANGE
Change 4 Change steering committee members Sherry Capstick, Edie Autuori and Pat Stoudt prepared the bags holding supplies for distribution to each of the 37 participating Sun City neighborhoods.
Ruth Kimball | 843-540-0205 | ruthkimball@msn.com
ASK ME ABOUT U.S. MILITARY ON THE MOVE! All information is believed to be accurate. Subject to verification by Buyer/Buyers Agent
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March 15, 2022
NATURE
Organic adventure to a regenerative, sustainable local farm By David W. Smith CONTRIBUTOR
It was the coldest morning in many months, but Rosemary and I are happy to have ventured out to take part in what turned out to be a wonderful tour of Whippoorwill Farms in Ridgeland. The tour was one of two organized by the Environmental Action Group of Sun City. Marissa Paykos, the tour leader and farm owner, is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic that the hour-plus tour flew by without much concern for the temperature on an otherwise beautiful day. Marissa and her husband, James, moved from a smaller farm to 40-acres of mostly wooded, partially swampy land a short distance away a couple of years ago. Most of the trees remain, though some have been thinned out and sections of these woods are now homes to flocks of chickens and herds of pigs.
pigs root around in the woods, turning and loosening the sandy clay soil. The chickens are moved in next to peck through and trample the decaying leaves and pine straw that COURTESY DAVID W. SMITH have been left to break down. Members of the Environmental Action Group of Sun City took a tour of The waste from Whippoorwill Farms in Ridgeland. both chickens Instead of building barns or sheds for the and pigs is incorporated, then compost is animals, the woods provide protection from added before sowing cover crops to further enrich the soil. the weather. Their animals are truly “free In addition to producing eggs, chicken, range.” and pork, Marisa and the farm’s one emThe animals are contained by portable ployee, plus several intermittent volunteers, fencing, which allows them to be moved practice no-till gardening to produce vegetaaround to different parts of the property bles. Their products – all organic – are sold to earn their keep. As they are moved, the
through several farmer’s markets and directly to consumers. Six-year-old daughter Ellie oversees egg production and sales at the farmer’s markets, recently earning enough to purchase her own horse. The agricultural practices carried out at the farm fall under the “regenerative agriculture” label and focus on the health of the whole ecological system, not solely on high production yields of crops. These methods produce healthier food while restoring the earth and treating the animals in a humane manner. It is believed that the focus on soil health and reduced tilling can lead to more carbon being sequestered as we fight against climate change. For more info, check out their fascinating website at WhippoorwillFarmsSC.com. And look for Marissa on the April 24 Earth Day Celebration in Sun City’s Pavilion. David W. Smith is a member of the Environmental Action Group of Sun City Hilton Head.
Shapeless, simple COVID attire replaces former sense of style By Chris Roosa CONTRIBUTOR
In my younger days I was totally put together. My latest designer ensemble was always highlighted with a complementary purse and footwear. Every strand of hair was lacquered into place, displaying some current sophisticated hairstyle. Whatever it took to pull together that perfection of myself, plenty of time was allotted in front of a mirror. Never would I dream of stepping foot out the front door without being completely coordinated. Virgo is my sign. Virgo, the perfectionist! And so I was. Fast-forward five decades, and just look at me now. Two years into COVID and I now look like some bag lady in a nightie. The hair is constantly slicked back into a ponytail, as I have been too lazy to even get my hair cut during this period of time. Heaven forbid some master stylist breathe down upon my
person, while attempting to improve the coiffeur of this once perfectly groomed woman. Not to air my dirty laundry, but that bin consists of an assortment of different thicknesses of nightgowns – from winter warmth to summer coolness. No one sees me, as I hardly step foot out of the house. I do shower, but replace my wardrobe with just a fresh nightie. I’m at a point in life where I want simply comfort. Make up! What’s that? In years past, I would go through a bottle of Revlon every two months. Now that ”liquid beauty in a jar” will last me up to a year. False eyelashes fluttered beneath perfectly groomed brows while lipstick was always fresh and aglow. Today my lashes are stubs; my brows are rapidly growing all over my forehead. In actuality people probably aren’t noticing my hairy brows. Instead, they are zoned in on my chin-hairs that sprout quicker than I can pluck them.
At the same time lipstick now slides into the lines around my wrinkled mouth. Back in the day, I used to wear spiked pumps along with different colored ny-
lons or tights that coordinated with my stylish outfit. Today’s footwear of choice is a pair of hospital footies with the sticky tabs on the bottom so I don’t slip and fall on my backside. I have them in an assortment of colors to match my seasonal nighties. Of course, there’s no need to match a purse to my footies, as we’ve already established that my life is so mundane I seldom leave the premises. Perhaps someday, life as we knew it will get back to normal. Masks may become a thing of the past and our daily national news will not continually reflect how many new cases of the virus came into our lives. But, one of the sad realities to these past two years is that there probably will never be a time when Wal-Mart is going to accept me shopping in my nightie, even if I’m wearing my colorful matching footies. Chris Roosa is a resident of Sun City Hilton Head.
March 15, 2022
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The big battle: Bald Eagle vs. Great Blue Heron. Winner: Catfish! PHOTOS BY SOPHIA SCHADE
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Rick Malon Owner/Broker (843) 338-1360
Donnie Kunich Owner/Broker (843) 301-8517
March 15, 2022
Ross Turpin Sales Associate (843) 263-3632
Hedda Tischler Sales Associate (843) 540-2074
Greg Price Realtor (843) 338-3418
COMING SOON!
Ibis model on lagoon. 3 bedroom, Den, 2 bathroom, Large covered lanai in back.
Limited homes on the market, now is the time to sell...Call us today and let us show you how we can maximize your profit on the sale of your home.
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12 Cypress Hollow $509,000
12 Southern Red Road $479,000
648 Cypress Hills Drive $469,000
71 Summerplace Drive $389,000
12 Raindrop Lane $409,000
30 Purry Circle $295,000
35 Southern Red Road $415,000
5 Broughton Court $299,000
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148 Doncaster Lane $429,000
38 Lazy Daisy Drive $322,500
110 Fort Beauregard Lane $345,000
129 Hampton Circle $393,000
5 Bishop Street $397,000
49 Biltmore Drive $339,000
11 Crescent Creek Drive $399,000