Celebrate our quirky town at Buzzard Day

By Lisa Sulka CONTRIBUTOR

Our neighbor, Babbie Guscio, who so rightly is on the Wall of Honor in the Town of Bluffton, has come up with yet another eccentric event. She is one of the most creative people I know. I believe she must wake up every morning thinking of unique events for our town.

Therese Donlan Lee

Oswald Mikell

Lindsay Perry

John Riolo

Lindsay Roberg

Gwyneth J. Saunders

Cinda Seamon

Larry Stoller

Lisa Sulka

Mark F. Winn

Tim Wood

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She started the Bluffton Village Festival, also known as Mayfest, many years ago. After our beloved Oscar Frazier passed away, she wanted to spearhead the Bluffton BBQ Festival.

So, of course, when she called me recently, I knew her head was spinning on something new to do in the town.

The inaugural Bluffton Buzzard Day will take place March 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Martin Family Park. This will be a fun day totally focused on our young residents and families.

Our very own Jevon Daly, a well-known entertainer, took on the challenge of writing a “Buzzard Song,” which he will perform with some young Bluffton Buzzards. There will be a Pin the Feathers on the Buzzard game, a Bluffton Buzzard strut contest, and a Dress Like a Buzzard contest. All are invited to get creative and bring your own Bluffton Buzzard Picnic.

If your interest hasn’t been piqued yet, then I suggest that you make your way to Historic Bluffton on this day and take a look.

By now you must be wondering why buzzards? Here is a little background. In 1985 when George Heyward was Mayor of Bluffton, he proclaimed the buzzard to be the official town bird. He rode in the Christmas parade on top of a garbage truck in a buzzard costume, to declare this new honor.

The story I have been told as to the reason for his proclamation was that there was a resident who lived near the Oyster Factory who sued George personally for working to keep the native business open, because, the resident said, the factory was a nuisance and drew buzzards.

Letter to the Editor

To make a point, George then made the buzzard the town bird and went as far as to get stationery printed to make it somewhat official.

Mayor Heyward did so much more than serve as our mayor for eight years, as he was a teacher and has worked with hundreds of young people during his career.

He loves Bluffton, and pluff mud is in his veins, so it is quite appropriate to have so many new residents learn a little about Bluffton from back when no one knew about the town. Google him and you will find interesting articles on his life and his family.

Buzzard Day is just another reason we live and breathe our Bluffton state of mind.

Lisa Sulka is the mayor of the Town of Bluffton. lsulka@townofbluffton.com

To the Editor:

It has been said, a good attitude is a virtue. Just what is attitude? Webster’s definition states, “attitude is a manner of acting, thinking or feeling that shows one’s disposition, opinion or mental set.”

Taking it a step further then, a good attitude means having a positive way of thinking and perception of situations. Further, a positive attitude means being optimistic about issues, about interactions with others and about yourself, while remaining hopeful, seeing the best even in difficult times and generally having an encouraging affect among those around you.

It can be said, good results come when working in a positive environment.

“You can often change your circumstances by changing your attitude.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

That said, a positive attitude is a desirable personality trait in life. Surprisingly, here are a few not so obvious suggestions for all of us that can contribute to this positive trait: avoid gossip, be more friendly and humorous, take real breaks from serious situations, focus on long-term vs. short-term solutions, listen to relaxing music, and – my particular suggestion – love one another.

Lowcountry neighbors, if needed, if desired, in a minute, you can change your attitude and in that minute you can change your entire day (and life) as well as that of others, for the better. It’s your call.