March 16, 2021 • Volume 24, Issue 6 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com
WEAR A MASK!
INSIDE • Young “doctor” opens stuffed animal hospital at home 12A • Sun City resident spreads cheer, good will throughout community 14A • New feature! 10 Hot Spots 18A • Restaurants top list of business updates 24A • Ballroom dance good for your health 36A • Doughtie daughter coming home 43A
COVID-19: A year later, life defined by continuity, flexibility By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR
Since the March 13, 2020, declaration of a South Carolina state of emergency due to the coronavirus COVID-19, every aspect of life has been impacted. As the restrictions continued month after month, organizations, businesses, and people said they were adapting as best they could. First responders – those on the front lines in emergencies – were among the most exposed when responding to emergency calls, and some safety protocols were changed immediately. “It’s definitely been different,” said Chief John Thompson of the Bluffton Township Fire Department. “We’ve had to take a lot more precautions in what we do. We follow the CDC guidelines and we’ve had good success at not having a lot of our people contract the virus. We’ve never had to go to any of our emergency plans.” At the beginning of the emergency, the BTFD set up plans for staffing dropped to 70% or even 60%. At the most, though, the department had a couple of instances when there were two or three people off. When responding to calls, the firefighters
responded with the emergency medical service, and tried to use as few people as possible, Thompson said. “Obviously, when we needed the whole crew, we sent it, but when we get to the door and they don’t need everyone, then we don’t send them in,” he said. “Those kinds of precautions have kept the spread down. And EMS has carried the heavier load during this because they are the ones who transport [the patients].” Call volume for the fire department increased 16% in 2020 over the numbers in 2019. Thompson said the increase wasn’t in medical calls for COVID so much as it was attributed to the growth in the area. “Early on, we actually saw a dip in the call volume because people were staying home, and people were hesitant about calling for service, because people were confused and really didn’t want to have contact with anyone,” said Thompson. “And then the spikes hit. The first one was last summer and then one after Christmas and New Year’s, and lot of the calls that came in were what we call ‘positive address.’” Once screening began, and reports were compiled by the state’s Department of Health and Environmental Control, DHEC was able to send to the various emergen-
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cy dispatchers the addresses, but not the names, of where a positive test was recorded, in effect prescreening the home ahead of any emergency call. As for the future, Thompson thinks we are starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. “But things we’ve learned, I think people
are going to hold on to some of these ideas. When we build any new stations, we’re going to be building smarter, with things like individual sleeping areas to cut down on the chance of a spread,” he said. “I think everybody has a much better awareness
Please see COVID on page 8A
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The Bluffton Sun
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March 16, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Page 3A
SUNNY SIDE UP
In time of tragedy, finding the right words is difficult By Lynne Cope Hummell EDITOR
The shooting death of Dwon “D.J.” Fields Jr. on March 5, and the injuries of two other young men in the car with him, has wreaked havoc with the emotions of our community. We are collectively stunned, horrified, angry, sad. Whether we know D.J., E.J. and Kylan or not, whether we know their parents and grandparents, we feel the loss and we grieve with the families. We want to support the families in this most difficult time of their lives, but we don’t know what to do. Sometimes we don’t even know what to say. We certainly don’t want to say the wrong thing. Though I do not know any of these family members, I wanted to write a message in this space that might somehow give them a bit of comfort, a bit of peace, even a bit of hope for their future. I wanted them to know that people in
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the community that they don’t know are holding the family in their thoughts and prayers. But I didn’t know quite what to say. And I suspect that’s true for many others in our community. What does one say or do in a time like this? Drawing on some years working at a hospice agency as a communications director, I offer these suggestions for those who might be looking for guidance. Often, the most meaningful thing to say is a simple, heartfelt “I’m so sorry.” It signals that you really don’t have any words of wisdom, nothing brilliant or profound to offer. And that’s fine. A person who is grieving isn’t looking for brilliance or a solution to their grief, but a bit of comfort and compassion. “I’m sorry” can be a tremendous comfort, especially when you say it in person. If you are a friend of the family, your presence is key. Just be there. Listen if
the person wants to talk. Don’t overthink trying to say the right thing. Just be present and attentive. Sit in silence if that’s what the person wants. Be careful of trite phrases. Don’t say “I know how you feel,” because you don’t. You might have experienced a tragedy in your life, and you know the pain you felt. But you can’t know the pain of another. A better thing to say is, “I’m sorry this happened to you and your family” or “I’m sorry you lost someone you love so much.” Try your best not to say, “Call me if there’s anything I can do for you.” The grieving person is sometimes trying to just get through the next hour, and is likely not to remember who offered what. And they probably won’t call. A better way to offer help is to say, “What can I do for you right now?” You might offer to bring a meal, pick up relatives at the airport, clean up the
kitchen, walk the dog, or buy orange juice for breakfast. The home where the family gathers is likely to need extra plates, cups and utensils for meals. Consider making a delivery of paper plates, plastic cups, utensils, napkins, paper towels, and ice. A bag of coffee beans or tea bags might be welcome. In this case, D.J.’s family is asking for more answers. His father, Dwon Fields Sr., asked in a police update on March 9 that anyone who knows anything surrounding the incident come forward and tell what they know. “If you’re afraid, just call in, say what you need to say and hang up the phone. Just please come forward.” The Bluffton Police Department Crime Tip Line is 843-706-4560, or call Sgt. Ryan Fazekas directly at 843-540-5724. To Dwon’s family, we are sorry this happened to you. Your community loves you, we see you, we grieve with you.
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The Bluffton Sun
March 16, 2021
EDITORIAL
Current Circulation Via USPS is 24,670 Finalist: Small Business of the Year, HHI-Bluffton Chamber. Winner of the SAPA General Excellence Award; 1st place, Front Page Design; 2nd place, Most Improved Publication; and 3rd place, Self-Promotion Advertising. IFPA-SAPA 3rd Place, Business Coverage
PUBLISHER
Kevin Aylmer, kevina@blufftonsun.com
EDITOR
Lynne Hummell, editor@blufftonsun.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kim Perry Bowen
OFFICE MANAGER Melissa McCullough
CONTRIBUTORS Pete Berntson Abby Bird Amy Coyne Bredeson Collins Doughtie Jean Harris Heidi Johnson Laura Kaponer Brad Kelly Lou Marino
Edward Poenicke Joy Ross Gwyneth J. Saunders David W. Smith Larry Stoller Sandro Virag Mark F. Winn Tim Wood
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Salutes, updates for police department By Lisa Sulka CONTRIBUTOR
It is important to stay in touch with what our men and women in blue are doing for our town. Our Bluffton Police Department has its own Facebook page and also posts regularly on the different community pages in Bluffton. Our new chief, Stephenie Price, is no Lisa Sulka longer “new” and has really hit the ground running – looking at our policies, recruiting, and also getting out in the community to meet our residents and business owners. If you want to set up a time to meet with her, reach out to the department and she will more than happy arrange a time to get to know you. You may call 843-706-4550. Recruitment remains a top priority, so the Bluffton Police Department is holding a recruitment event from 9 a.m.
B.J. Frazier, Sales Director, 843-422-2321 Mike Garza 804-928-2151 Mike Novitski 843-384-6535 Stan Wade 843-338-1900
VISIT:
BlufftonSun.com For more information, contact: Kevin Aylmer PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-9507, 843-757-9506 (fax) Physical address: 14D Johnston Way Bluffton, SC 29910 All contents are copyrighted by Lowcountry Local Media Inc. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. All submissions must include name, address and phone number. The Editor reserves the right to edit or reject any material, including advertisements. The Bluffton Sun does not verify for licenses, endorse nor warrant any advertised businesses or services. The opinions and views expressed in the editorials are not necessarily those of the Editor and Publisher. Member: Southeastern Advertising Publishers Assoc., Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Old Town Bluffton Merchants Society. THE BLUFFTON SUN Issue 6, March 16, 2021 is published twice monthly by Lowcountry Local Media, Inc., 14D Johnston Way, Bluffton, SC 29910. Periodicals Postage Paid at Bluffton, SC and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE BLUFFTON SUN, PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910-2056.
to 1 p.m. March 27 at Bluffton Middle School on Buck Island Road located. The event will consist of a short physical agility test, written exam and a hiring board. We anticipate 20 or more applicants to attend and are looking forward to selecting the very best applicants to join the BPD family. The department is in the planning phases to host a larger recruitment event this summer. The summer event will be a joint police recruitment event with all the surrounding agencies. Chief Price said, “We need to collaborate with the other agencies to provide the best to our community and Lowcountry visitors.” The department training section held a demonstration of its second virtual training equipment, which brings another level of training experience to BPD personnel. TI is a realistic scenario-based response to resistance and de-escalation device that permits officers to experience various scenarios and train according to how they will turn out, and provide appropriate response to the actions of each scenario. BPD has created committees to review
policies, uniform and equipment needs, and the promotion process. The review will improve current processes that are currently in place while examining national standards. The department’s health and wellness section has just added chiropractor services to its officers’ health and wellness plan. The new service allows officers the option for an adjustment at the Bluffton Police Department Law Enforcement Center to accommodate shift schedules. Proper body alignment is a health issue which can effect an officer’s performance on and off duty. Bluffton Police Department is planning for its first virtual Citizens Police Academy which is planned to start in May and last four weeks. The virtual academy will include patrol duties, investigations, phases of training, de-escalation and crisis intervention. The CPA books up quickly, so if you have an interest in being part of our citizens police academy, reach out to the team via email or social media. Lisa Sulka is the mayor of the Town of Bluffton. lsulka@townofbluffton.com
Letter to the Editor To the Editor: Lowcountry Coalition Against Hate (LCAH) and Hilton Head MLK Committee for Justice (HH MLK CFJ) are appalled by the last month’s sexist, racist and anti-Semitic vandalism at the Hardeeville Fairfield Inn. As reported in the Island Packet Feb. 18, three May River High School students face charges after police say they spray painted Nazi swastikas, two uses of the N-word, “white power” and “the South will rise again,” and three profanities aimed at LGBTQ+, Spanish-speaking, and Jewish individuals. LCAH and HH MLK CFJ support the Beaufort County School District in its initiative to create an equity and inclusion task force. The Hardeeville Police Department
charged the perpetrators with burglary in the second degree and malicious injury to property. The charges should have included ones against hate. But those charges are not possible in South Carolina because South Carolina is one of only three states that does not have a Hate Crime Law. Hate crimes can terrorize entire communities – not just the people who share the targeted characteristics with the victims, but also neighbors and other citizens who may wonder, “Will I be next?” This is what makes hate-crime laws so necessary – these are crimes of outsized impact that need to be met with enhanced penalties. Hate-crime laws apply only when there is an underlying crime to prosecute. The First Amendment protects speech – even bigoted and ignorant
speech – and LCAH and HH MLK CFJ defend this vital democratic freedom. Biased language must be combated with positive speech from community members and leaders. But when someone goes beyond speech and commits a crime inspired by hate, then hate-crime laws have a vital role to play in ensuring justice and protecting the entire community. Join the call for a South Carolina Hate Crime Bill at stampouthate.sc and join our organizations to create a more equitable and inclusive community. Risa Sreden Prince, President Lowcountry Coalition Against Hate Galen Miller, President Hilton Head MLK Committee for Justice
March 16, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
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The Bluffton Sun
March 16, 2021
SUN ON THE STREET
Settle in with a cup of coffee and a chat with … whom? With this feature, we seek to capture a glimpse of what you and your neighbors have to say about a variety of topics, issues, events – and just plain
Kris Kaser, Bluffton: “This is going to sound cheesy, but … my boyfriend. I just like hanging out with him, and we don’t get enough time together.”
fun questions. We are back out on the street, with notepad and camera, randomly seeking out folks who are willing to participate.
Ana Soulios, Bluffton: “Jesus.”
If we find you, we hope you will want to respond. We recently visited the Corner Perk in the Promenade and asked: “If you could
Olga Sawuk, New Jersey: “Jesus, and my mom. I have so much to tell her. And my brother; I’d like to talk with him.”
have a cup of coffee with anyone, living or dead, whom would it be?”
Sabrinna Cox, Bluffton: “I would like to talk to Jane Jacobs, a preservationist, urban planner and advocate for cities in the ’60s. I’d like to know what she thinks about urban planning now.”
Tom DiLorenzo, Bluffton: “Thomas Jefferson. I’m a big fan of his philosophy.”
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March 16, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
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Page 8A
The Bluffton Sun Beaufort County
March 16, 2021
COVID from page 1A
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FILE PHOTO
In this file photo from May 2020, a customer at ArtWare on Hilton Head Island places an item she decided not to buy in a green basket. Store staff has continued the practice of disinfecting items in the baskets before replacing them on shelves.
about how things spread, including people who work in it like we do. People are washing hands more often, and being more careful about personal interactions.” Battalion Chief Tom Bouthillet, from the Emergency Medical Services division of Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue, also thinks the increased sanitation practices will continue. “I think it’s fair to say that improved attention to infection control – including hand hygiene, and wearing a surgical mask during routine patient care – will continue for quite some time after the pandemic is over, especially for patients with flu-like symptoms,” Bouthillet said. “Additionally, over the past year, we have normalized staying home when you’re sick, and I hope that’s something that continues.” One thing the chief noted was it’s been shown that most meetings can be handled electronically, and certain types of support personnel can effectively work from home. “Being on the back side of this pandemic gives us the opportunity to think more about maintaining appropriate work-life balance, and ensuring that employees have improved access to mental health resources. We’re all anxious to get back to normal, and connect more with loved ones – including those who have been socially isolated.” For many, the pandemic literally hit home, impacting livelihoods and quality of life.
One of the charities that had to do a real pivot was Family Promise of Beaufort County. The charity provides temporary housing and meal support for families working their way into their own homes. Instead of staying in the parish halls of area churches for a week – because all of the churches were closed – Executive Director Lynda Halpern had to make a quick adjustment, and was able to place the families in an extended stay hotel. That means an increased cost in not only shelter, but a need for grocery store gift cards. The clients use the cards to purchase food to cook in their hotel kitchenettes, taking the place of meals that had been provided by each church’s congregations. The challenges haven’t stopped Halpern and her team from carrying on. In the past year, the organization has served 47 families, 156 individuals total. Three families are currently in the program. “I think our challenge is going to be trying to deal with what churches are going to volunteer, who will volunteer. Also, what are the congregations’ protocols going to be? I think the aftermath is going to be quite challenging,” said Halpern. “And with the rental assistance, we get financial support to do that, but when that money runs out, there are still going to be people who need help, and that’s going to be a challenge for the community.”
Please see COVID on page 10A
March 16, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
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The Bluffton Sun
March 16, 2021
COVID from page 8A Bluffton Self Help has seen an increase in their client base, and a greater need. “We served more people last year than we’ve ever served. We had a 40% increase and 30% of those were people who have never asked for help before,” said Executive Director Kim Hall. “Assistance is cyclical. It depends on how people are doing in their jobs, their career, mentally, socially. As those things change and evolve, so do the people seeking help. We served more than 1,100 households. Our goal is to make sure no one goes homeless or hungry.” Hilton Head’s Deep Well Project has seen both the fat and the lean aspects of the pandemic’s economic and health impacts. “It’s the classic ‘It was the best of times; was the worst of times’.” That’s how Executive Director Sandy Gillis described the past 12 months. “We saw the biggest run on our services in our 50-year history,” Gillis said. “But the beautiful balancing act that happened was we also were the beneficiaries of the largest donations of both food and financial gifts, which enabled us to meet those giant waves of needs that came crashing onto
our shores, thanks to COVID-19.” Gillis said the volunteer-driven organization was able to provide almost double – just under $2 million – what we normally offer in food, emergency rent, emergency home repair, emergency utilities,” she said. “Before COVID, we served about 8,500 people; now we have about 10,000 in our client database. They were new people, not people who were chronically on the edge, but brand new, normally self-sufficient individuals.” Businesses, especially small enterprises found themselves unexpectedly challenged. “For the first time in my life the future was unknown.” Jennifer Megliore, Bluffton resident and owner of the Hilton Head Island gift shop ArtWare!, found herself for the first time thinking about borrowing money to keep going forward. But, after talking with a SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) volunteer, she learned enough to make adjustments. “Luckily, we’ve been so well supported by our residents and visitors that I haven’t had to borrow money,” she said. During the pandemic, Megliore reopened
the store, but also conducted online shopping and curbside delivery during the business restrictions. She considers her routines of wiping everything down with Lysol, and providing in-store baskets where customers can place items they had touched but did not choose to buy were a plus when it came to attracting cautious customers. “It’s been really good,” Megliore said. “I think we inherited a number of customers who would have gone elsewhere but know they can shop here and do it safely.” Jennifer Kirkland, owner of Carolina Window Designs, said she did as well as can be expected. “I think we were very fortunate to have enough business to keep everybody working. We didn’t have any layoffs. I would say that the biggest challenges were supply chain issues – delays or merchandise, product coming in, back orders,” said Kirkland. “We’re very optimistic about 2021 being a strong year. I think we benefited by people being stuck in their houses. They were looking at what needed to be replaced and changed. So I think that in some weird way we have seen an increase from people
being stuck at home.” Nancy Landwehr, owner of The Spirited Hand in Bluffton, said things are good for her shop. “Because I have such varied products, I’ve been trying to stay on the upside of being a personal shopper, showing collections of things that I offer,” she said. “But still some people are afraid to come out, they’re still not comfortable.” During the pandemic and the business limitations, Landwehr expanded her procedures to reach as many customers as possible by emailing photos of various gift items, the inside of greeting cards, planters, pillows – whatever the customer was interested in seeing. “People are feeling optimistically more so than they’ve been because they’d gotten one or both vaccines. I think that spring is in the air and that always gets people out,” Landwehr said. “We’re seeing people thinking planters and home flags and interior home things because they’re staying so much at home.” Gwyneth J. Saunders is a veteran journalist and freelance writer living in Bluffton.
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The Bluffton Sun
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The Bluffton Sun
March 16, 2021
Young ‘doctor’ creates stuffed animal ‘hospital’ in her home
SHAWN GORLICH
SHAWN GORLICH
Nora Gorlich prepares bandages for “patients” in her stuffed animal “hospital” at her home in Bluffton. Nora tends to the “patients” in her animal “hospital” with the help of her mother.
By Amy Coyne Bredeson CONTRIBUTOR
Five-year-old Nora Gorlich has been helping her mother with sewing projects since she was a toddler. While other 2-year-olds were building towers out of blocks, little Nora was guiding thread through her mother’s sewing machine and pushing the pedal for her as she worked. Nora and her mother, Shawn Gorlich, recently opened a stuffed animal “hospital” out of their Bluffton home. A full-time stay-at-home mom with a background in advertising and graphic design, Shawn homeschools her two young children during the day and runs her textiles business at night. She designs and sews both modern and traditional quilts. She also makes T-shirt quilts and memory quilts. She is looking forward to releasing some of her own quilt patterns this year and testing patterns for designers around the world. Like many young girls, Nora wants to be just like her mom. And just like many other 5-year-olds, she wants to do the work all by herself. So Nora is the stuffed animal doctor, and Shawn is her medical assistant. After Nora’s stuffed cat, Rainbow Kitty, had to get stitches, Nora thought it would be nice to help other stuffed animals in
town as well. “She has such a nice, giving heart,” Shawn said about her daughter. “She wants to help others.” On Feb. 12, Shawn announced the grand opening of Nora’s stuffed animal hospital on the Bluffton SC Moms Facebook page. Her free offer to fix holes and rips in stuffed animals was well received among local moms. The post had 204 reactions and 46 comments when this article was published. Dr. Nora has already seen a few overnight patients and is ready for more. She made a bed out of a laundry basket for her patients, who she said she feeds and cares for until they go home. “If they are sad, I will make a fort for them, and they will be happy,” Nora said. And if they get lonely, Nora’s stuffed animals will happily play with the patients. While Nora’s services are free of charge, she and her mom will gladly accept donations, which they will use to buy dog food for local animal shelters. To make an appointment with Dr. Nora, search for “Made by Shawn” on Facebook. Donations can be made via the Facebook page. Stuffed animals can be dropped off and picked up on the Gorlichs’ front porch to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Amy Coyne Bredeson of Bluffton is a freelance writer, a mother of two and a volunteer with the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance.
March 16, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Page 13A
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Page 14A
The Bluffton Sun
March 16, 2021
‘One of a kind’: Della Vecchia spreads wit, cheer, kindness By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR
When Larry Della Vecchia moved to Sun City Hilton Head in 1997, little did he know what kind of an impact he would have. He just thought he and his wife Carol were moving away from the snow and the ice of Long Island. “I had retired, it was getting expensive in New York, and we decided to get somewhere warmer,” Della Vecchia said. “I saw an ad about a big meeting on Sun City. I went and came home with two bags of junk with all the information.” After talking about it with Carol, they decided to set up an appointment and come down to the new development. “They showed us the models, which was all they had. For some reason, we said ‘We’re going to go back and let you know.’ But they don’t let you go. As soon as we got back, they called us, so we said let’s go back for the free seven days. We fell in love with it, checked around and said, ‘We’re going to buy
SUBMITTED
In this photo from the 2019 Veterans Day ceremony, Larry Della Vecchia adjusts the microphone so he can be heard. He has served as the organization’s senior chaplain since it was founded in 1997.
this house.’” They returned to Long Island, put their house on the market and moved south. “The weather is beautiful, even if you get a little rain. There are a lot of people. You make friends easy and they’re from all over,” he said. “There’s so much to do, you can belong to a dozen clubs if you want to put all your time in.” He might not belong to a dozen clubs, but what he has done in Sun City and outside the gates has certainly been a blessing – as well as entertaining. “When we were first down here, we went to Maye River Baptist Church,” Della Vecchia said. “When we mentioned to the pastor that Carol and I did a clown ministry back home, he said that would be great,” said Della Vecchia. “We started doing it, and the kids were happy to be clowns and some of the grownups, too. We’d put something on in church once or twice a year. And then
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The Bluffton Sun
March 16, 2021
DELLA VECCHIA from page 14A Carol and I and some of the others who could take the time would go to the hospitals, like in Savannah and around here, too, to entertain the children.” Even without the clowning, every day is an adventure, according to Carol. “We were both at a Parent Without Partners dance. That’s how we met. I was dancing with this nice-looking fellow named John. He was Larry’s friend, which I didn’t know at the time,” she said. “I see this little guy on the other side of the dance floor and he was yelling ‘John, John,’ acting like an idiot, which is par for the course. We get off the dance floor, and he comes running up to us, and said dance with me.” She and Larry started talking. “I said to him, ‘John is nice guy.’ Then he said, ‘Yeah, but he’s still in love with his wife.’ Well, that cut the rug out from under John, but come to find out that wasn’t true at all!” Larry and Carol hit it off. “We only went together for six months and we got married,” she said. “He had five kids. When I went home
and told my mother I met this nice man who had five kids, she said ‘What? Get rid of him!’ But my father said, ‘He’s an Italian. What do you expect?’ So he had five kids, I had two, and then we had one. Eight is enough. We’ve been married 43 years.” Della Vecchia has stayed busy inside the Sun City gates all these years. “I got involved right away with the vets. The Sun City Veterans Association had just been formed. They had jobs that needed filling, and one of the things was a chaplain. I was sitting there, and two guys I was with put my hand in the air,” he said. “I was all of a sudden a chaplain for a group I hadn’t even joined yet.” That was in 1997 and he has been chaplain ever since. “Larry’s one of a kind, that’s for sure,” said former SCVA Commander Dan Peters. “We’d be in a discussion, with everybody tense and arguing about something. He could come in and start to tell us a story, then forget where he was going, then come back and finish it. That would break everybody’s tension.”
Della Vecchia has probably given the hadn’t quite been formed yet. I jumped benediction for every Memorial Day and right in,” he said. “I enjoyed doing the Veterans Day ceremony held in Sun City. rabbi in ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ especially Sometimes it was a challenge when it since I come from a Catholic backwas cold or especially when it was very ground.” hot, but there has always been on conDirector Anrose Perlstein asked him to sistent need – the microphone would play the part of the rabbi, he said. have to be lowered to accommodate his “I said, ‘But what do you do with the height, especially when the commander blessing?’ She said you bow down but or the guest speaker was 6 foot 4 inches. you don’t do the cross when you come Before the ceremonies began, though, up. I did it the first time, but I rememit was Della Vecchia who made sure bered not to do it on stage. I enjoyed there was someone guiding people to being in Fiddler,” Della Vecchia recalled. their seats, and that the cadets from the Perlstein said the feeling was mutual. Bluffton High School JROTC unit had “He was wonderful. We used to kid programs to hand out. him all the time, because I know he’s “I’d see him talking to people on extremely religious. He was wonderful Veterans Day, and when we had to lay in the part, played it beautifully. It was a veteran to rest, he would be dealing perfect,” she said. “With Larry, he just with the families,” Peters said. walks out on stage and people laugh. When he isn’t serving as the vets’ We adored having him. His personality chaplain, he has often been found on being as sweet and loving as he is came stage in shows produced by the Sun through as the rabbi.” City Community Theatre. Because of the His character roles have even extendmany roles he has played, almost every- ed to Church of the Palms, where he is body involved has a “Larry story.” “I got involved with the theatre that Please see DELLA VECCHIA on page 25A
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The Bluffton Sun
March 16, 2021
10 HOT SPOTS
In hot pursuit of the locally perfect French fry By Tim Wood
Ask about a good French fry and you’d better be ready for a mouthful of opinion. Most will agree it is a quintessential American comfort food, but just what makes the perfect fry is where the debate gets interestingly tricky. From thin chips to plump steak fries, everyone likes their potato product a little different. Here is our take on The 10 Hot Spots For French Fries. We’ve excluded fast-food chains, though McDonald’s, Five Guys and Zaxby’s got plenty of love from our crew. These are the spots brought up most often by our committee and the reasons behind the hype.
CONTRIBUTOR
It’s the question that starts instant debate. “Who has the best?” We live in a time where getting feedback to that question is as easy as hitting “send” on social media. Just be prepared for the barrage of hot takes. The Lowcountry is a melting pot of cultures, as folks have migrated here from every direction. While it often appears most newbies are from Ohio or New England, the answers we see in these questions online often reveals regional biases and actually starts conversations that allow us to get know each other. The downside: These debates are often repeated with little consensus and fade quickly from a social media news feed. So, we at The Sun have endeavored to provide some closure and a more navigable road map to finding the best of the best. We’re calling it 10 Hot Spots.
TIM WOOD
The thick-cut (but not steak fries thick) fries with a homemade Hungarian seasoning at Bluffton’s Craft Kitchen are winning over diners at this five-month-old craft beer eatery.
This isn’t a ranking; it’s the 10 places that were mentioned most often by our “editorial committee,” which includes online polling of readers. When editor Lynne Hummell
and I discussed which topic should begin the series, there was a strange mind meld of what must be first. (We must have both been hungry.)
• Street Meet, The American Tavern, 95 Matthews Drive, Suite D11, Hilton Head, streetmeethhi.com: This official home of Cleveland Browns backers has won many best-of votes for wings and their signature
Please see HOT SPOTS on page 22A
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The Bluffton Sun
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Visit online for more information LatitudeMargaritaville.com Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THE OFFERINGS. Latitude Margaritaville Kentucky Registration Number R-201. For NY Residents: THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE AT HILTON HEAD ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, MINTO LATITUDE HH, LLC. FILE NO. CP18-0021. Pennsylvania Registration Number OL001170. Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head is registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen, 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118 and with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1700 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20552. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required and has not been completed. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are merely representative of current development plans. Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. ©Minto Communities, LLC 2021. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored, or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Latitude Margaritaville and the Latitude Margaritaville logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC 1519880/CGC 120919. 2021
Page 20A
The Bluffton Sun
March 16, 2021
•Dine! •Shop! •Fun! •Art! •Gifts! And More! Something for Everyone!
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March 16, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Page 21A
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Page 22A
The Bluffton Sun
March 16, 2021
HOT SPOTS from page 18A hot dogs. Thin, crispy and hot, you get four options – soul (tossed in homemade chipotle ranch), chili cheese, cajon and original crispy cut. • Old Town Dispensary, 15 Captains Cove, Bluffton, OTDBluffton.com: This Calhoun Street fixture has a roasted garlic fondue option with smoked gouda, blue cheese, bacon and a roasted garlic bulb. But it is the truffle fries that got the most raves, thanks to OTD’s secret truffle oil, parmesan shavings and curry ketchup. • R Bar and Grill, 70 Pennington Drive, Suite 1, Bluffton, RBarBluffton.com: The slow-roasted roast beef with Kimmelweck roll is a Western New York import and fave here, but their hand-cut Cajun fries were a consistent rave from our committee. • Craft Kitchen, 7 Johnston Way, Bluffton, craftkitchen.online: This newcomer to the scene, opened in October 2020, is earning fast attention for its craft beer variety, small but delectable menu choices and homemade desserts. Their fries are thick
cut, meaty and tender inside, crispy outside, with a homemade Hungarian seasoning blend. • Bluffton BBQ, 11 State of Mind Street, Bluffton, bluffton-bbq.com: Ted and Donna Huffman are pulled pork, ribs and roasted chicken geniuses, but the quiet champion of the menu here is the hand-cut beauties. It seems criminal at such a staple BBQ joint to say the fries are worth a meal all by themselves, but it’s true. A perfect blend of spices adorn these gems. • Skull Creek Boathouse, 397 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head: Crinkle-cut fries got very little love in our polling, and that just ain’t right. Yes, hand-cut is all the rage and for good reason, but a good crinkle-cut fry invokes childhood memories of tasting the perfect pier or boardwalk fries. Skull Creek is waterfront, and their thick crinkle-cut fries are the unsung heroes of an award-winning menu. • Upper Crust, 30 William Pope Drive, Suite 105, Bluffton: We’re still adjusting to
GET IN. GET OUT.
the location change from Moss Creek to just outside the Sun City gates, but the food, thankfully, is unchanged in the move. Sure, come for the pizza (and it’s delish), but we guarantee you’ll be thinking of the sour cream and chive fries long after you leave. They are addictively delectable. • Fat Baby’s Pizza and Subs, 1034 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head, fatbabyspizza.com: I was drawn to this place by the logo the first time. The food kept me coming back. Oh, the pizza (another story). But the chili cheese fries were repeatedly complimented by friends, foodie confidants and strangers online and off. I will second that emotion. • Captain Woody’s Seafood Bar and Grill, 17 State of Mind, Bluffton, captainwoodys.com: This legendary 38-year-old island eatery has distinguished itself even more in Bluffton’s Promenade. Their seasoned fries made their seafood sing just as melodically as Jevon Daly and Gary Pratt on Thursday nights. And they are the perfect brain fuel to try to win B-Town Trivia on
Wednesdays. • French Bakery and European Cuisine, 28 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite 120, Hilton Head, frenchbakeryhhi.com: This is an entry that threw us, if only because there are so many other oohs and ahhs of this eatery that have drawn louder attention. But commenter Robert Leonard summed up the praise perfectly, saying, “It’s a French bakery, no one would suspect out-of-the-world truffle fries. Don’t believe me, try for yourself.” Others winning kudos: Okatie Ale House, Fat Patties, Katie O’Donald’s, Butchers Market and Deli, Oak Terrace at Rose Hill, British Open Pub, Downtown Deli and Southern Barrel Brewing Company in Bluffton; Main Street Café, Brother Shucker’s, Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café, Charbar, Harold’s Diner, Gr8 Bites, Bistro 17, Jane, Rockfish and HogsHead Kitchen and Wine Bar on Hilton Head. Do you have other choices you think we missed or other categories you want us to tackle for 10 Hot Spots? Email Tim Wood at timmaywood@gmail.com
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Noteworthy • Palmetto Quilt Guild will hold a member meeting via Zoom at 1 p.m. March 18, with a social hour beginning at noon. The program topic will be Barn Quilts, with speaker Suzi Perron. Perron discovered barn quilts on a trip through Kentucky in 2008. She travels full time by RV, speaking to quilt guilds, libraries, civic organizations. She has documented more than 1,000 in the process of writing two books, “Barn Quilts and the American Quilt Trail Movement” and “Following the Barn Quilt Trail.” For more information and the link to the meeting, visit palmettoquiltguild.org. • “Contemporary Russia and its Position in the Middle East” is the topic of a March 19 lecture by Michael A. Reynolds, presented by the World Affairs Council of Hilton Head via Zoom. The webinar begins at 10 a.m. Reynolds is a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute; director of Princeton University’s Program in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies; and associate professor in Princeton’s Department of Near Eastern Studies. World Affairs Council of Hilton Head is a 501(c)(3) non-partisan organization that takes no political positions. Guests are welcome for $10 each. For more information, call 843-3846758 or visit wachh.org. • The Lowcountry Kappa Delta Alumnae Chapter will host a benefit Beach Walk starting at 10 a.m. March 20 at Coligny Beach Park on Hilton Head Island. The Beach Walk will be followed by an optional, socially distant picnic at Lowcountry Celebration Park. The rain date is March 21. Proceeds benefit CAPA (Child Abuse Prevention Association) of Beaufort. Can’t join the walk in person? Walk on your own anywhere before March 20 and send selfies to lowcountrykds@aol. com. A minimum donation of $10 per person is suggested. Make checks to Lowcountry KD AC and send to Lowcountry SC Kappa Delta Alumnae Chapter, attn. Jennifer Kaple, 301 Central Ave-
nue, Suite 122, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Or donate via Venmo to Jennifer-Kaple-SC1. The Beach Walk is the latest in a series of fundraisers the Lowcountry Kappa Deltas have held to benefit CAPA. In the past ten years, the KD Alumnae Chapter has raised thousands of dollars for the local non-profit which serves families in Beaufort County with residential and outreach programs. CAPA programs raise awareness about child abuse and its effects on the community. For more information, call 843-3844612. • The Bluffton Area Community Association will host a free drive-through Community Easter Egg Basket giveaway from noon to 3 p.m. March 27 at Bluffton Eagles Field on Buck Island Road. In addition to the filled baskets for children, the whole family can enjoy music, Chef B Eatz food truck, and Jack Frost Ice. Peter Cottontail might make surprise visit as well. Community support is sought to donate prefilled easter baskets for all ages of children. For more information contact Lenora Grayson, event coordinator, at 843-6849230 or 843-36806755 • Easter Sunday outdoor service will be held April 4 in the Providence Church Fellowship Park beginning at 8:30 a.m. Easter Eggs will be hidden so children can revel in the 9:45 Easter Egg Hunt while adults enjoy refreshments. The main sanctuary service is at 10:30 a.m. COVID precautions require masks and separation. Pews seat about 90 worshipers and the services are broadcast to other buildings so that all participants will be accommodated. All activities are open to the public. Providence Presbyterian Church is located at 171 Cordillo Parkway on Hilton Head Island. Services are also live-streamed to BoxCast, Facebook (ProvidencePresbyterian-HHI), and providencehhi.org. For more information call 843-8425673.
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The Bluffton Sun
March 16, 2021
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Diners enjoy the outdoor seating on a sunny day at Tio’s Kitchen, which recently opened in Bluffton, next to Kroger in Buckwalter Place.
By Tim Wood CONTRIBUTOR
It has been a busy couple months for budding Bluffton and Hilton Head Island small business owners. The new year has yielded a number of new businesses, new owners in new places and proposed businesses that have the community excited. Here’s the latest business activity up and down the U.S. 278 corridor.
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• Nood, Coligny Plaza, 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Suite 1B, Hilton Head Island, 843-715-9224, noodhhi.com: A new “good mood food” eatery has launched on the island with a word-of-mouth opening that’s reminiscent of getting a super secretive invite to a speakeasy. The edifice offering four different kinds of noodles and build-your-own broth bowls has a Hawaiian vibe. The business, from the culinary genius that is Alex Vitto of Al’s Aloha Kitchen, offers a twist on traditional ramen bowls along with Asian appetizer favorites and Boba Tea. Vitto promises great food in a casual setting, sure to satisfy cravings for unique Asian cuisine.
58 Schinger Ave., Okatie/Bluffton, SC (First Left on Hwy 170 After Riverwalk)
• Tio’s Kitchen, 7 Venture Drive, Bluffton, 843-757-8467, tioshhi.com: Chef Lynden Zuniga and wife/co-owner Sally have had
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their hands fuller than most during the pandemic. The family welcomed a new baby in November and Sally is homeschooling her second and fourth graders, all while keeping customers happy at their Shelter Cove location on the island. Now, the Latin American eatery has opened a second location in Buckwalter Place, next to Kroger, in late February. Chef Zuniga grew up in Honduras and worked in kitchen through high school to pay rent before moving to the island, starting a family with Sally and opening Tio’s. The restaurant will offer its signature tacos, quesadillas, ensaladas, burritos and nachos and operate a full beer, wine and liquor bar. • Peace by Piece Boutique, peacebypieceboutique.com: Vegan Earth activist and Philadelphia transplant Susan Rafetto has opened a virtual boutique to sell her one-of-a-kind jackets, clothing and accessories made largely by repurposing fabric from a mashup of old clothes. The results are a stunning array of Bohemian urban chic offerings. Rafetto is also offering custom pet portrait beach bags and a personal fashion show, where customers give her five pieces of their clothing and she creates a new wardrobe. Check out Susan’s Instagram @susanpeacebypiece.
Please see UPDATE on page 26A
March 16, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Page 25A
DELLA VECCHIA from page 16A a member. “We have an annual Advent evening called ‘The Night with Saint Nicholas,’ who is the patron saint of the church. Saint Nicholas comes to tell us the story of secret giving,” said Pastor Pete Berntson. “We had elves come to help, so we got Larry a costume complete with pointed ears and a hat and pointed shoes – a full green outfit. He was to be one of the tiny elves, but everybody thought he was a leprechaun, so it didn’t come out as planned. We had to keep explaining that he was an elf. He has played multiple sidekick roles for our Sunday school. We call him the rabbi here, too.” Sometimes the role calls for Della Vecchia to occasionally say something he would normally never say. Fellow thespian Bob McCloskey, who played Tevia in the same “Fiddler” performance, recalled a separate production that stopped the show. “Larry was performing in a monthly skit with Irene Reed and had to say a
line that was so unlike Larry that he had to have second thoughts about it,” McCloskey said. “Regardless, he soldiered on in the part and, when Irene’s character shared with Larry’s character a disparaging remark she had heard about Larry, he let it rip. ‘Well, you can tell (so-and-so) to go *^%& in his hat!’ It took four minutes by the clock to get the audience re-settled.” McCloskey also had two observations about Della Vecchia. “He has a way with the ladies, and never hesitates to demonstrate his considerable charm when the opportunity presents itself,” he said. “He is also one of the most thoughtful and considerate individuals I have ever met. Always with a kind word, and when he asks how you are, he means it.” Peters agreed: “He just has a way of making them feel comfortable. I never saw Larry not being kind or happy. He’s a very steady person.” Gwyneth J. Saunders is a veteran journalist and freelance writer living in Bluffton.
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Page 26A
The Bluffton Sun
March 16, 2021
UPDATE from page 24A
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• Pure Salt Studios, 23 Plantation Park Drive, Suite 303, Bluffton, 843707-7027, puresaltstudios.com: Downtown Catering Company founder Leah McCarthy has taken over as owner of the Bluffton location of the halotherapy and wellness center known for its signature salt room and salt therapy. Among the center’s offering are infrared sauna sessions, salted yoga and meditation and salted massage, which utilizes Himalayan salt for the ultimate in tension release and relaxation. • Palmetto Dunes, Robert Trent Jones golf course, 4 Queens Folly Road, Hilton Head Island, palmettodunes. com: The gated community has announced it will try to fill the gaping hole left for golfers who long for a Top Golf facility in the area. The resort will install 15 bays on its driving range and equip them with Toptracer technology, which will allow novices to experts to compete against friends, get feedback on the accuracy and distance of their swings and play an array of virtual
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courses like Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill and battle in leagues and events (which will be priced on an hourly basis). The tech will be available to anyone who purchases range balls and is planning to open this month. • Coastal Gymnastics, 4371 Bluffton Parkway, Suite 105, Bluffton, 843836-2411, coastalgymnasticscenter. com: The teachers and their rising stars have moved from May River Road to a 7,000-square-foot facility in the new block of storefronts next to Bacon Diner. The new digs include a 30-foot Tumbl Trak, 5 high beams, an in-ground foam pit and a separate viewing and play area for parents and siblings. Summer Camp weeks are still available but filling fast. • Lowcountry Lawn Services, Bluffton, 843-290-5333: Chris Young has opened his own residential drainage, irrigation and maintenance company after working 20 years as a golf course superintendent. Young and his crew
can handle anything outdoors, including sod installs and landscaping needs. Email LowcountryLawn789@gmail. com for more information. • Cool Delivery, itscooldelivery.com: Delivery and takeout options are more important than ever, but why give your money to some Silicon Valley conglomerate when you can keep your dollars local? And the restaurants, they pay gigantic fees to these corporate giants. Cool Delivery is trying to provide a local option, hiring drivers to deliver food to your home from locally owned and operated restaurants. There are 10 restaurants signed up in the launch phase, with many more Hilton Head and Bluffton restaurants to come. Download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Have Bluffton or Hilton Head business news to share with our readers? Email Tim Wood at timmaywood@gmail.com. Wood is a veteran reporter and first managing editor of Bleacher Report.
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March 16, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Page 27A
Business Briefs • Bernadette Bryant has joined Coastal Care Partners as its new director of finance. Bryant comes to the company from Hospice Savannah, where she was director of finance. Her previous experience includes Ellis, Painter, Ratteree, Adams, LLP, where she was Bernadette Bryant assistant controller. In her new role, Bryant will have a vital role on the Coastal Care Partners leadership team and contribute to strategic business development, planning and growth. Her other responsibilities include employee payroll, account receivables, medical billing and coding, and budgeting. Bryant earned her M.B.A. degree in from Webster University and Bachelor’s Degree in accounting from Savannah State University. She also received an associate degree in health infor-
mation technology from Ogeechee Technical College. A native of Greenwich, Conn., Bryant has lived in Savannah for more than 20 years. Her community involvement includes the Junior League of Savannah, where she has served in several leadership positions and board placements. Coastal Care Partners is a registered nurse-managed aging services company that serves the Lowcountry of South Carolina as well as Savannah. For more information, visit coastalcarepartners.com. • Melissa Brock has been promoted to the position of director of business development at The Greenery, a premiere landscaping services company based on Hilton Head Island. In this new position, Brock will be responsible for overseeing the business development team. Her main focus will be to continue to build relationships with clients to generate
opportunities for company growth in all markets served by The Greenery, including Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Beaufort, Savannah, Greenville, Daytona, Fla., and surrounding areas. Melissa Brock Brock has been with The Greenery for 10 years. For more information, visit thegreenery.com. • Jeff Dekruif has joined the Berkeley Hall team as assistant general manager and chief financial officer. A financial and operational leader, Dekruif brings more than 20 years of valuable experience in the golf resort and country club industries. His wide-ranging knowledge of data and benchmarking best practices are instrumental assets that greatly enhance and elevate the membership experi-
ence. Most recently, Dekruif served as the chief financial officer and assistant general manager for Blackhawk Country Club in Danville, Calif. Prior to that, he served as chief Jeff Dekruif financial officer at Belfair Golf Club in Bluffton. For more information, visit BerkeleyHallClub.com.
SUBMIT YOUR BUSINESS NEWS The Bluffton Sun welcomes news of new employees, promotions, awards and honors, as well as new businesses and relocations. Email info to editor@ blufftonsun.com.
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The Bluffton Sun
March 16, 2021
Business Briefs • Chef Eric Golden has joined Chez Georges Bistro & Bar on Hilton Head Island as its new head chef. Over his 20-year career, Golden has worked in a variety of restaurants across the U.S. His love of cooking began as a teenager working at Jake’s Del Mar in Chef Eric Golden Pacific Beach, Calif., and then at Duke’s Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii. Years later, he became the private dining chef at Hotel Solamar’s Jsix restaurant in downtown San Diego, where he led the local and sustainable sourcing of restaurant ingredients. After his time on the West Coast, Golden went on to explore other regions to further his culinary expertise. He first landed in St. Simons, Ga., where he was chef de cuisine for the Sea Island Resort, a five-star Forbes, five-diamond restaurant. He then became the executive chef for CO Sushi in downtown Savannah. Golden’s appreciation for all things Southern led him to Hilton Head Island, where he now resides. Golden served as the executive sous-chef at Sea Pines Country Club, and then Chef de Cuisine at the Lucky Rooster. When Lucky Rooster closed their doors, Chez Georges Bistro & Bar became his new culinary playground. Golden will be leading the kitchen staff and working closely with owner George Casalicchio to create new dishes. For more information, visit chezgeorgeshhi.com. • Brooke Hasselwander, Isabella Possinger, Aimee Rusch, and Amelia Sauter have joined the team at J. Banks Design Group, serving Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. Hasselwander and Possinger join the group as residential design assistants. Both are currently completing their interior design degrees from Savannah College of Art and Design and will graduate in March.
Hasselwander comes with three years of independent design experience. Possinger was previously the procurement and fulfillment manager for Salacia Salts. Rusch joins J. Banks as executive assistant after relocating to the Lowcountry from Columbus, Ga., where she worked at Hinson Galleries. Prior to Hinson Galleries, Rusch was with Nandina Home in Aiken, where she was buyer and director of merchandising. Rusch will assist the firm’s president, Joni Vanderslice, as well as the director of design operations, Amanda Ives. Sauter joins the team as commercial design assistant. She is a graduate of Colorado State University, where she obtained her degree in interior design. Prior to coming to J. Banks, Sauter was a commercial design intern for MCG Explore Design in Alaska. J. Banks is a full-scale design firm with more than 40 employees. • Michelle Elliott has joined Charter One Realty as an agent, partnering with Becky Herman and Monica Davis of Herman and Davis Properties. Elliott and her team bring more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, and real estate in the Lowcountry. Michelle Elliott Michelle comes to the company from a national franchise brokerage in the Lowcountry. She has been involved in all aspects of real estate, starting her professional career in the banking and real estate industry, focusing on mortgage lending, operations, and compliance. Elliott serves on several boards including Hopeful Horizons, the Shipyard Board, and Hilton Head Association of Realtors. She was a Realtor Service Award winner in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Elliott has joined the company at its Park Lane office on Hilton Head Island. She can be reached at 704-737-3128 or MichelleElliott@CharterOneRealty.com.
March 16, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
LEGAL
Estate problems are easy to avoid if you plan ahead
By Mark F. Winn CONTRIBUTOR
When you pass on, would you like your heirs to avoid fees to the treasurer, to avoid substantial fees to an attorney or law firm, to avoid lack of privacy and to leave your assets to loved ones protected from most lawsuits? Of course, the answer is yes. If you only use a Mark F. Winn will, then the assets your will governs, which are “probate assets,” will be listed on a form available to the public. If it is $1 million going through probate, the fee to the treasurer is about $1,800 and the fee to the attorney, who might charge 1.5% to 2.0% of the probate assets, could be $15,000 to $20,000. Let’s also imagine you own a home (real estate) in another state. Then, your out-of-state real estate would have to go through probate in that state and that, of course, could cost more in terms of legal fees and court costs. So, let us imagine, that you plan only with a will, and all of those fees, costs and lack of privacy do occur (unfortunately),
and then your children inherit from you. If they inherit outright and free of trust, they can lose everything they inherit from you to a lawsuit, and that exposes them to federal estate tax in their estate. So, if your child is married when they inherit free of trust from you, and they then later commingle those funds with their spouse, they can lose much of what they inherit from you to equitable distribution. What is the solution? Create a revocable living trust. Title the out-of-state real estate and other assets (that would otherwise go through probate) into your RLT. Voila! None of the property goes through probate. Your named successor becomes the trustee upon your incapacity or death and the court does not need to be actively involved. All the fees to the treasurer and much of the legal fees that would otherwise have been spent, and all the lack of privacy and delay is avoided. People who want to avoid all of the above problems use a revocable living trust and other legal papers to ensure their affairs are private and administration is as easy and less costly as possible. Mark F. Winn, J.D., Master of Laws (LL.M.) in estate planning, is a local asset protection, estate and elder law planning attorney. mwinnesq.com
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The Bluffton Sun
March 16, 2021
HEALTH
Tips for conquering the coffee and caffeine conundrum By Brad Kelly CONTRIBUTOR
For many people, mornings aren’t complete without a cup of coffee – or two or three. This time of year, you might be tempted to have another cup in order to cope with the recent time change and the loss of that hour of sleep as we all “spring forward.” Brad Kelly While it might make for a productive start to the day, too much coffee means too much caffeine – a stimulant, which can negatively affect your health by increasing heart and breathing rates, and cause anxiety, insomnia, irritability, stomach aches and headaches. How much coffee is OK? Experts say up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is safe and healthy for adults, but with about 95 to 165 milligrams of caffeine in one 8-ounce cup of coffee, drinking more than two cups might put you over the limit. Keep in mind that coffee might not be your only source of caffeine. Tea, sodas, energy drinks and anything with chocolate will also contribute to your caffeine intake. Pregnant or nursing women should limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams per day, as a higher intake increases the risk of miscarriage and premature birth, and caffeine transmitted through breast milk could make your baby extra fussy or sleep less. Despite these concerns, coffee can offer some nutritional benefits, as the beverage contains potassium, magnesium and niacin, all of which improve body function. Drinking coffee daily might also lower a person’s risk of
heart disease and type 2 diabetes, aid in weight loss and fight neurological defects and some types of cancer. But these perks apply only to coffee that’s served black or with some milk and consumed in moderation. Extras – such as whipped cream, sweeteners and syrups – quickly add calories, fat and sugar to your morning beverage. Bottom line: If you feel jittery or anxious or have trouble sleeping, it might be a sign that it’s time to cut down on your daily joe. And how can you do that? While it might seem that the answer is as simple as “consume less,” it might be a bit more complicated than that, as many people suffer from caffeine withdrawal at first. Common symptoms include headache, fatigue, low energy, irritability, anxiety, poor concentration, and a depressed mood. To avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms, cut down your consumption gradually. Some tips for doing that: • Water down your coffee and drinks that contain caffeine. • Try changing from coffee in the morning to tea. (Green tea is particularly healthy.) • Switch to decaf coffee, or, if you “need” a second cup, drink a decaf instead. (But decaf is not completely caffeine-free, so don’t take it as a free pass to drink all you want.) • Instead of a large cup, make it a small one, and if you’ve been drinking a dark roast, take it down a notch or two to a lighter roast. • If you’ve been drinking multiple cups during the day, try alternating one cup of coffee with one cup of herbal tea or decaf or even better, juice or water. Dr. Brad Kelly is a board-certified family medicine physician with Beaufort Memorial May River Primary Care in Bluffton.
March 16, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Page 31A
WELLNESS
Neuromuscular therapy has roots in holistic medicine By Heidi Johnson CONTRIBUTOR
Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) is a highly-specialized form of manual massage therapy that is extremely helpful in correcting reoccurring pain and dysfunction. NMT techniques are also used for acute injuries and post-surgery. The goal of the NMT session(s) is to find the impaired muscles and assist in correcting the dysfunction by working on the muscle-nerve connection, fascial-connective tissue, adhesions (knots), along with the trigger points, or sensitive areas in the belly of the muscle, that are causing discomfort. Neuromuscular therapy is a scientific, time-tested, medically oriented form of massage. NMT therapists are educated in precise treatment protocols to help correct the impairment. Although the massage is highly technical, the recipient can relax and should
feel some relief after just one session. The therapist addresses the whole problem zone – everything that innervates the area of the body that is causing discomfort. Neuromuscular therapy is rarely full body, although the therapist might work in other places to give nerves in the treated region a chance to register the changes produced in the muscles, muscle-nerve connections, and/ or joints. Sessions are planned to release tension from the top down, or light to deep into the muscle/functional site. If one’s pain threshold is breached, the response to pain in the muscle, and in the area being treated, is counterproductive to releasing the dysfunction in the tissues. Pressure varies depending on the tissue’s response. NMT therapists have highly developed palpation skills and increase or decrease pressure as the tissue allows. Neuromuscular therapy is found in
chiropractic, osteopathic, and ayurvedic medicine and dates back as far as the 1930s, when two chiropractors, Dr. Stanley Lief and Dr. Boris Chaitow, in Europe developed Ayurvedic manual therapy principles. Then, in America, in the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s, Dr. Janet Travell was making ‘Trigger point therapy” a household phrase, especially when she became the first female personal physician to President John F. Kennedy, treating him with trigger point injections. Dr. Travell teamed up with Dr. David Simons to publish the first of two trigger point textbooks in 1983. Dr. Raymond Nimmo, a chiropractor, came across Dr. Travell’s beginning publications and shared her thought processes about soft tissue points being problematic to healing. Finally, in the 1970s, Paul St. John, a student of Dr. Nimmo, named the modality “St. John Neuromuscular Thera-
py.” Licensed Massage Therapist Judith DeLany trained and taught under the St. John method of Neuromuscular Therapy until developing her own protocol and seminar program called Neuromuscular Therapy the American Version. Both European and American models shared theoretical bases but applied different manual techniques. A joint research venture in 1996, between DeLany and Chaitow’s nephew, Dr. Leon Chaitow, led to the publication of “Modern Neuromuscular Techniques.” To this day, there is continued research in the field of neuromuscular therapy, which will help therapists develop new protocols and adjust their current strategies to reduce chronic pain and physical dysfunctions in our bodies. Heidi Johnson, L.E. is a dual certified licensed esthetician and anti-aging specialist, and the owner of Inner Peace Massage & Spa.
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Page 32A
The Bluffton Sun
March 16, 2021
WELLNESS
Standard’ of beauty needs to change, not our bodies By Laura Kaponer CONTRIBUTOR
For most of my life I believed I wasn’t beautiful. This was the narrative I was given until it became internalized as my absolute truth. I would never be the face on a beauty magazine. I would never be someone others aspired to look like. I was not the standard or even remotely close to the standard of beauty. In my 40 years on this planet none of that has changed. I became OK with it, as I’m sure so many of us have. But, it’s not OK. As I stare at my naked body in the mirror taking in the mixed terrain – the lumps and bumps, scars and stretch marks – I think to myself, “What about this isn’t beautiful?” Hoping my skin was a different shade, my eyes another color, wishing for longer legs because this is a world not built for short people. Always wishing parts of my body were more than or less than or just altogether completely different. Why did I accept that I was that bowl of porridge desperately wanting to be chosen because I was “just right”? The fact that most of us don’t fit the incredibly marginalized beauty standard doesn’t mean WE have to change. It means the beauty standard itself needs to change. Inclusivity in and of itself is beautiful. It means beauty isn’t just one thing that continues to make the rest of us feel inadequate. I don’t want to feel inadequate and I shouldn’t because I’m not. Neither are you. Inclusivity means beauty is all the things. But for this standard to change, we have to change our thought process. We have to put away that beauty-measuring yard stick we weaponize
between ourselves and others. We need to appreciate the uniqueness of each person’s beauty instead of comparing it to our own – as if one type of beauty is superior or inferior to the other. Believe me, this is a competition no one ever wins. Why are we so desperate to edit our own existence in an effort to duplicate another’s? It’s not OK that anyone different should be made to feel “less than.” Aside from the sheer shortness of my legs, there is nothing “less than” about them compared to longer ones. My short legs are capable of many great things. My body is capable of many great things. Probably some I have yet to discover. My full-figured body tells the story of a person who is conquering her eating disorder. My body tells a story of my darker days when my mental illness wasn’t handled to the best of my abilities. My body tells the story of resilience, as my hair fell out more than once yet came back again. Why can’t I be an example of a new standard of beauty? Why can’t you? Laura Kaponer is a mental health advocate and social media blogger, as well as a volunteer with the local chapter of NAMI. #LauraKaponeris1in5 (as 1 in 5 Americans have a mental illness).
March 16, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Page 33A
BEAUTY
If 50 is new 30, don’t let your hair make you look 80 By Joy Ross CONTRIBUTOR
About 65% of my clients are above the age of 50. I do believe that 50 is truly the new 30 – at least I pray it is. We are all aging much more gracefully and gently than the generation before us. I don’t think this means embrace an older age. “Old lady” haircuts and hair color make us look like old ladies. I believe that we should look like we feel or want to feel. That does not mean that your hair needs to be spiked, shaved or fuchsia. There is a very fine line in trying too hard to stay young and looking a bit ridiculous. Look at Jane Fonda, Joan Sawyer and Barbara Walters, for example. They are striking, beautiful, older women that have great haircuts and color. I feel sure they wouldn’t look as beautiful if their hair was not maintained or suited for them. The short, over the ears, no-style, salt-
and-pepper or white “old lady” ’do’s are DON’T’S! Instead of looking old or older, why not have a cut and/or color that can take years off how you look? The basic rules, as I consistently write about, are: 1. Your cut should bring focus to the eyes and cheeks, not the jaw or chin. 2. Your color should be lighter around the face to soften the wrinkles. Both of of these can be achieved with the proper stylist. It doesn’t have to be high maintenance. However, you have to be a willing to use products and a tiny bit of effort. I’m sure everyone has heard the saying, “We are beauticians not magicians.” Our hair is lightening as “nature’s blonde,” better known as gray, begins rearing its ugly head. That starkness can be softened easily, without that dreaded line of new growth and without being a slave to your hair. All over, one-color,
no-dimension color is not the answer either. That’s what inevitably happens when you color you own hair. That just makes it more obvious. The gray can be softened to look like a natural color with shine and dimension that just wears off with time. You won’t have to have speed dial on the phone for the salon to cover the roots. Again, I promise. As far as the cut, the upside down triangle shape that I constantly dwell on is the most youthful shaped cut for everyone. It draws the eye up and brings focus to the place we all want the focus to be. It doesn’t have to be short. It can be a layered bob (bottom layers are a must). Many versions of the old shag are extremely flattering on all ages. Texture and products can make a boring haircut come to life. Layers are also very flattering and helpful in achieving volume with a little bit of effort.
The stylist should take the time to consult with you before doing anything. Your lifestyle and routine are of utmost importance when tailoring a style that suits you. Instructions should be given while styling so you can recreate it at home with no problem. I tell all my clients three very important things: I cannot read your mind, therefore you must tell me if something bothers you. I can’t fix it if I don’t know. And come back if it doesn’t work for you. I’ll show you again. There is nothing good about having a style that you can’t do yourself. Remember those things and make an appointment for a new, more youthful look. It will be your least expensive and easiest 10 pounds lost and 10 years gained. Joy Ross is owner of Style It Salon in Old Town Bluffton. styleitsalon.com
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The Bluffton Sun
March 16, 2021
PETS
Choose healthy options for your dog’s diet too By Abby Bird CONTRIBUTOR
What food ingredients are not healthy? And what are some of the dog foods that contain these? The marketplace abounds with foods that are loaded with additives, cheap fillers and poor quality meat products. People will buy these because they are inexpensive, not realizing that the poor quality causes dogs to need to eat more for nutritional value. They can even add to medical issues. Even when the first ingredient says meat or chicken, it might not be what you think it is. By-products can be anything from ground bone to organs. What you really want is something like chicken meal, not by-product meal. Meat meal is the flesh with the water taken out, so it is concentrated, good protein. When quality is good, the meat itself contains a lot of water. Problem ingredients include:
• Meat by-products, chicken by-products, soy flour and protein, ground yellow corn, anonymous meat and bone meal, animal digest, corn gluten meal, ground wheat, artificial flavors, artificial colors and preservatives. • Many of these are nutritionally low value and are heavy with carbohydrates instead of good, quality proteins and fats. Even if the first ingredient is meat, often it is poor quality and followed by several high carb fillers. In my opinion, some poor quality brands include: Alpo, Beneful, Purina Dog Chow, Kibbles ’n’ Bits, Ol’ Roy, Cesar, Gravy Train, Kal Kan, Great Choice, Pedigree, Science Diet, Royal Canin, some of the Diamond brand and others. Science Diet and Royal Canin might surprise you on this list, but look at the ingredients: mostly carbs and fillers. They do produce a good quality stool, which some owners like. Natural foods are more highly digested,
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so instead of getting pooped out, they are absorbed by the body, producing softer stools. Quality ingredients to watch for include: High quality meat as the first ingredient, meat meals (not by-product meals), no anonymous or controversial ingredients, whole grains or non-grains, modest amounts of carbohydrates, pre- and probiotics, chelated minerals and fruits and vegetables to provide anti-oxidants. Some top quality food brands are: Taste of the Wild, Acana, Nature’s Variety, Earthborn Holistic, Wellness Core, Solid Gold,
Canidae, Merrick, Natural Balance, Blue Buffalo, Orijen, Fromm and others. Several quality, regionally based, small, natural food companies are not listed here because the foods are not readily available. While the above are mostly dry foods, generally the same can be said to be true of the same brands in canned foods. The best advice I can give is to read the labels before you make a decision that might impact your dog’s overall health. While all of the above ingredients are allowable to the FDA and USDA, do you really want to put that stuff into your four-legged family member? The exception to these guidelines is a veterinary formula, which is designed specifically to deal with an ongoing medical issue and other nutritional issues. Giving your dog high quality foods benefits both of you. Abby Bird is owner of Alphadog Training Academy. AlphadogTrainingAcademy@gmail. com
March 16, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
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Drawing for Dollars
MAR 26 7:30PM
LYNNE COPE HUMMELL
Pam Mazur of Martinez, Ga., a regular visitor and customer at Osprey Village Thrift Store’s Hilton Head Island location on Main Street, reaches for the winning ticket in a drawing held March 2 at the store. David Green, director of business development for the organization, holds the container of 570 tickets that were sold for the recent fundraiser. Green said proceeds would go to support operations of Osprey Village that were affected by COVID-19 cutbacks in services. The winner of the first prize, and the second, was Neil Castellane. Osprey Village serves adults throughout Beaufort County with developmental disabilities.
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The Bluffton Sun
March 16, 2021
ARTS
Ballroom dancing excellent for good health year-round By Sandro Virag CONTRIBUTOR
Aren’t we all striving to become healthier each year? It seems like there are always new work outs emerging – kickboxing, Bokwat, dance fitness, aerial fitness, barre – or maybe you are looking for a more traditional way to get in shape. Ballroom dancing is something that has been around for years. People who haven’t tried ballroom dancing might not realize what a good workout it can be. For those who do dance, just ask them. They will tell you it rivals any boot camp or gym workout. For example, look at how winded those dancers are after a less than two-minute dance routine on “Dancing with the Stars”! So why is ballroom dancing so good for you? Along with burning calories and boosting your mood, you can gain muscle control and coordination. Your endurance and stamina will improve. That’s important
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Dance regulars at Hilton Head Ballroom Dance Studios enjoy camaraderie, fun and a healthy workout, even in pandemic times.
because endurance will allow you to work your muscles hard for a longer period of time without becoming so tired. Strength, flexibility and balance will all improve. Many dances require a tremendous amount of leg and core strength, which you can build over time. You might end up
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using muscles you haven’t used before and didn’t know you have! Dancing is also a weight-bearing activity, which helps to build bones and tone your body. Dancing can reduce your stress while increasing your energy. This can certainly add to a more positive outlook on life and
sense of well being. It also helps a person build confidence. Dancing is also healthy for your brain! When you are pushed to remember dance steps and sequences, you are boosting your memory skills. Dancing is unique because it provides the benefits of aerobic exercise while it also allows social activity. It’s for people of all ages and abilities. You can vary your level of exertion pretty easily. Just getting started or just getting back into it? Then start slowly. When you’re ready to take it up a level, add some turns, dips or more complicated moves. The more energy you exert, the more vigorous your workout will be. Maybe it’s time to get back to basics with your workout. Check out how much fun and how good for you dancing can be. Sandro Virag is a partner and instructor at Hilton Head Ballroom Dance Studio of Hilton Head, located in Bluffton at Seaquins Ballroom. hiltonheadballroom.com
March 16, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
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SPORTS
Choose the right golf professional for your best results By Jean Harris CONTRIBUTOR
Spring is here and you’ve decided to take up the game of golf or improve on the game you have. You need a teacher. Choosing a golf teaching professional should be similar to choosing a doctor. Check their credentials. Do research online and check their websites. Talk to friends and get their recommendations. Make sure you choose an LPGA or PGA certified professional. They should be class “A” or above in their qualifications. This means they have been trained to teach. Find out how long have they been teaching. Have they won any teaching awards? Next you want to call and interview them. Make sure you feel comfortable talking to them. They need to be a good listener. Do they interview you and find out about you as a person, your job, other sport activities, physical limitations and learning style?
game to beginners, women and seniors. Many professionals are used to teaching advanced men or athletes. They might not be able to relate to the beginner and explain SARAH HALLOCK complex skills and make Using teaching aids, student Christina Kolb lines up a shot while her instructor, them underDr. Jean Harris, videos her actions. standable. Good communicators use analogies, A good professional will ask you to come metaphors and comparisons to make things to one lesson and see if they are a “good more relevant. They adapt their speech to fit.” They don’t try to sell you a package of the student’s needs. lessons unless you ask for it after your first A good professional understands the funlesson. damentals of the game and can show you A good golf professional can relate the
the right moves. They use visual, kinesthetic and auditory teaching aids. A good professional needs to know your goals and teach you tips to improve your game in the shortest time possible. A good professional will supply written notes you can take home to work on the key points covered during the lesson. They will give you practice ideas. A good professional will use video and send you the video to watch at home. They are able to draw on the video for you to understand where you need to improve. Finally, choose a golf professional who teaches at a facility that has a good short game area. It is extremely important that you are able to practice between lessons. You will not improve if you don’t practice. Therefore, don’t sign up for golf lessons if you are not willing to practice. Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at local courses. jean.golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean.com
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March 16, 2021
SPORTS
Tennis in the spring: Time to restring – your racquet, that is By Lou Marino CONTRIBUTOR
Most recreational, club and league tennis players wait until they break a string before restringing their racquet. For many, that might take years, keeping them from enjoying and improving their game without ever realizing it. I hope the title of this article can be a “catch phrase” reminder. A general but not scientific rule of thumb is to consider replacing strings yearly as many times as you play per week (i.e., play tennis twice a week, restring twice per year). Restringing is one of the most underrated ways to improve and enjoy your game. Strings naturally lose tension with use, but might loosen from lack of use, too. As the tension lessens, so does the performance. Regular restringing can keep your racquet playing with comfort and consistency like a new one all over again. So every time you
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play, it feels exactly like you want it to feel (the reason you bought it in the first place). Although currently there are more than 1,000 different types of string to choose from, they can be divided into four main groups: 1. Natural gut (made from animal innards): Considered to have the best blend of power, touch, feel and overall playability, but least durable and most expensive. 2. Nylon-based (most widely used strings, including solid core and multi-filaments): These synthetic guts are soft, durable, cheaper and can approach the comfort of natural gut. 3. Polyester-based (stiff) and the newer co-polymers (softer): Provide more power, spin potential and tension retaining capability. 4. Aramid-based (Kevlar): Very durable, stiff and used mainly by hard hitters who are prone to breaking strings often. Another option, used widely by many pros, is called “hybrid” stringing. This
method combines string materials, one type for the main strings (going up and down) and another type for the cross strings (going side to side). After choosing the string material, two other parts of the stringing equation are string thickness (gauge) and string tension. Here’s how they figure in: Higher gauge numbers equal thinner strings (e.g., 17, 18); lower equal thicker strings (e.g., 15, 16). Sixteen gauge strings are likely the most widely used for overall
durability and playability. More advanced players prefer thinner gauges for enhanced feel and performance. Racquets have recommended string tension ranges printed on them and usually are strung in the middle ranges. Increasing the tension provides more control, while decreasing tension gives more ability to hit deeper into the court. Some racquet stringers will talk to you or even watch you hit to determine which stringing options will work best for your individual game. Others might let you try out a few racquets with different strings. How often you restring and what type strings you use makes a difference, and a knowledgeable, professional racquet stringer does, too. Lou Marino is a USPTA Cardio and youth tennis coach who lives, teaches and provides custom-hybrid racquet service in the Bluffton-Hilton Head Island area. lwmarino@ hotmail.com
March 16, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
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GARDEN
Spring is blooming! How to help your garden along By Edward Poenicke CONTRIBUTOR
As the weather warms up and plants awaken, we await new blooms of spring to decorate our landscape with a vivid plate of color. Finish up any severe pruning of shrubs that have overgrown an area in height or size. If some of these are early spring bloomers, such as azaleas, wait until after they have bloomed most of their flowers. Severe pruning is a rejuvenating of plants so they can come back stronger and meet the needs of space and height that you want. If the plant is old and weak, however, severe pruning might kill it. Be cautious with older plants. If you have not pruned your roses yet, do so quickly. It is time to clean up under your old roses by removing old mulch and replacing it with new mulch. If you have had problems with black spot on your roses, you will need to spray the
ground and bases of your roses with a fungicide before putting the new mulch down. It is still a good time to add some new shrubs to the landscape. Make sure to dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper than the root ball, so you do not plant the plant any deeper than what it is planted in now. You can prune any other plants that bloom after May now, but if they bloom before May then do not prune or shape these plants, as you are removing the flower
blooms. The grass will just be starting to green up this month (especially Centipede), so hold off on fertilizing until you have mowed once. If you fertilize too early, especially with a weed and feed, all you will get from this application is weed control. The fertilizer will move down below the root zone as the roots are not ready to absorb the nutrients from the fertilizer, and it will be wasted. Once it starts to grow, then you can fertilize and get the most from your fertilizer. If you have St. Augustine, Bermuda or Zoysia, you will have to wait longer before fertilizing, as these grasses take longer to green up and grow.
You still can do weed control in March to help control weeds that might be there or will be germinating. Continue to remove leaves that have fallen. This will help the ground warm up easier and allow the grass to green up and grow easier. Now is the time to redo your annual flower beds with mulch, lime and some fertilizer so they will be ready for the new plantings you will be adding to the landscape. If you have perennials you might consider dividing them at this time. If you do so, rework the beds with plenty of organic matter, lime and fertilizer as you will not be dividing them for a couple of years. Make sure you apply a new mulch to your flower and ornamental beds to help reduce weed growth, conserve water and give the beds a finished look. Edward Poenicke is a retired Chatham County extension agent. This article is provided in collaboration with Lawn Doctor of Beaufort County.
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vidual snacks and cold bottles of water at finish. No other pre- or post-race activities are scheduled during COVID restrictions. A percentage of proceeds will go to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire. For more information or to register for the event, visit bearfootsports.com or call 843-757-8520.
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March 16, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
Page 41A
FAITH
Season of Lent gives us time to reflect, trust, look forward By Pete Berntson CONTRIBUTOR
Examination. Repentance. Recommitment. Hope. New Life. We who claim the name of Christian – who view all of life through the lens of faith – have been on a 40-day journey we call Lent. It is a time during which we intentionally examine the shadows and darkness within us and all humanity. It is also a time of hope as we look forward with anticipation to the new life that is given to us by the love by God. This year, the spiritual work of Lent has seemed more important as the disruption, isolation, and yes, even the death of too many because of COVID-19 has continued. Consideration of our mortality has come with the acute realization that our time here on earth is indeed short and not something to ever take for granted. We grieve the loss of neighbors, friends, and for too many of us, members of our
CRAIG DENNY
own families. Dealing with just the fear and isolation created by the pandemic has driven many into the depths of depression. Into this dark reality, a wondrous ray of hope breaks through. This new hope is what we Christians know as the resurrection of Jesus the Christ. We believe that when
the world attempted to say “No!” to love and compassion and attempted to end it all by putting Jesus to death, God responded with a resounding “YES!” to life. The resurrection of Jesus broke the hold of our worst fears and our greatest unknown – death. The resurrection is the key
to understand all of scripture and all of life, even life in a pandemic. This grand act of God through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus gives us believers the ability to face each day. We are encouraged by acknowledging that our darkest days are not our last days. We face each challenge trusting that God and God alone writes the final chapter of life. The courage and confidence we receive by placing our faith in God is not only sufficient for us but also becomes a gift we can share with others. Having experienced God’s grace, we desire to connect others to the God who offers healing to the broken, peace for those in turmoil, forgiveness for those overcome with guilt, hope for those living in despair, and eternal life for those facing earthly death. And that makes the somber journey of Lent worth traveling. May it be so! Pete Berntson is the pastor of Church of the Palms United Methodist Church in Okatie.
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The Bluffton Sun
March 16, 2021
NATURE
Leaf blowers are worse for community than just being noisy By David W. Smith CONTRIBUTOR
One of the pleasures of Sun City life has been starting many of our days with coffee and breakfast in our screened room, enjoying the serenity of watching nature in and around our backyard lagoon. This tranquility is interrupted when our adjacent neighbors, one every Monday and the other each Wednesday, are visited by their landscapers, who invariably find the need to run their gasoline-powered leaf-blowers for at least 10 minutes. This racket drives us indoors, which reduces the noise to a dull roar, but there’s no way to really escape it. We don’t have a problem with our neighbors or their landscapers, but with the equipment that is most often used. While the noise is annoying for us, it can cause serious hearing issues, especially for the machine operators. An interesting article by James Fallow in the Atlantic includes
is more noise than that of an airplane taking off. Unfortunately, noise isn’t the only health concern with these blowers. Twostroke engines are extremely inefficient. They are fueled by DAVID W. SMITH mixing oil with gasoline and, Blow and mow landscape workers fire up two leaf blowers for one yard in when running, Sun City recently. they burn only about two-thirds of the fuel. The rest is a brief video describing the social-justice issues involved. An internet search for “The exhausted in a toxic, possibly carcinogenic, vapor. ‘Public Health Menace’ of Fall in America” When the machines leave the neighborwill get you to the YouTube video. hood, the fumes linger. The portion of the Most gasoline-powered blowers have fuel that does burn causes pollution and two-stroke engines and can expose users adds to the carbon in our atmosphere. Faland others nearby to 112 decibels, which
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low’s article suggests “running a leaf blower for 30 minutes creates more emissions than driving an F-150 pickup truck 3,800 miles.” There are alternatives to these menacing machines. Not every leaf needs to be removed. There are ecological benefits to leaving them on the ground or composting or mulching them. I doubt many will consider a rake. Probably the most acceptable alternative would be converting to battery-powered blowers, which are much quieter and have no exhaust. The initial cost is comparable to gas blowers and operational cost is minimal. No gas can to haul or store in the garage. Instant starting and maintenance freedom are additional benefits. Electrics are generally lighter and easier to handle. Is it time to discuss converting with your landscaper? David W. Smith is a member of the Environmental Action Group of Sun City Hilton Head.
March 16, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
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NATURE’S WAY
Oh, the joy of grown child coming back home to roost By Collins Doughtie CONTRIBUTOR
It’s amazing how a little bit of sunshine can completely change one’s attitude. After the year we have all had, the sightings of robins, a few azaleas blooming, and Bartlett Pear trees covered in glorious white flowers has me thinking that I will actually make it through this amazingly trying period. Even with these signs all around me that spring has finally sprung, it was something totally unexpected that has me smiling ear to ear. It has been a very long time since that type of grin has shown itself and, quite honestly, my mouth is sore. I guess it’s similar to being sore after running for the first time in months because you used muscles that had been idle for months. So, what has this clown-like grin plastered on my kisser? Completely out of the blue, I get a call from my daughter Camden telling me she wants to move home to Bluffton! She is a Harvard-educated orthodontist living in Charlottesville, Va., with her architect husband Andrew and my two grandchildren, Alice, a sweet 7-year-old, and Benjamin, a feisty 4-year-old. At first I thought she was pulling my leg. But as the number of phone calls mounted, it became crystal clear she was dead serious. Because she has a highly successful orthodontics practice in Virginia, along with a recently renovated home there, I had to ask her one question and one ques-
tion only – “Why?” Her answer was one that I could totally understand. She explained that had not my father, a very successful ad man on Madison Avenue in New York, not decided in his early 40s to ditch that frantic but lucrative occupation, and move his five children to a sparsely populated and remote island off the South Carolina coast, just how different would I be today. In addition, she knew that after I graduated from Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, Fla., I received numerous job offers in places like New York and Atlanta – but I decided that wealth came in two different ways. Obviously the first is financial wealth, while the second foregoes stressful high-paying jobs for happiness and quality of life. Like my father, I chose the second form of wealth and until my dying day, I will never regret one moment of that decision. From experience, I know better than to try and talk Camden out of the move. If I were to question her logic, I would pay dearly for opening my fat mouth. Instead, I simply listened until this past Sunday. That’s when the entire brood showed up for a week-long stay to look for a possible homestead. In my face-to-face discussions with her, she made it clear that quality of life was her goal. Born after a frantic race to Savannah’s Candler Hospital because Hilton Head had yet to open a delivery ward, Camden’s early years were spent playing with ducks and turkeys I had harvested instead of
COLLINS DOUGHTIE
Daughter Camden and grandson Ben on the dock with a redfish they just caught.
dolls. Watching a 4-year-old girl playing house with a 20-pound wild turkey that I had harvested that morning might sound strange, maybe even morbid, but if you know me at all, you know I loved every minute of it. Another vivid memory when she was
around 7 years old happened when we were fishing and I caught a tarpon that was well over 100 pounds. What made this particular memory so vivid was the boat I had at that time. It was a 14-foot aluminum jon boat held together by JB Weld glue because all the rivets had given way. That tarpon gave us a good four-mile Nantucket sleigh ride before I landed it. Unlike nowadays when we release all tarpon, this one was pulled into the boat and very nearly sunk us. It was darn near as big as the boat, but Camden wasn’t fazed a bit by the slime-covered fish. On the way back to the dock she petted and hugged it until she was absolutely covered in the goo. Needless to say, her mom didn’t share my glee that she was such an outdoor girl when she saw our slime-covered daughter. All of last week was spent looking at lots and houses and having a ball with my grandchildren – but it occurred to me that to seal the deal, I had to get them out on the water. It was warm, sunny with only the slightest breeze and we caught some absolute stud sheepshead. Keeping only two for a meal while releasing several others, I do believe it was the kicker to their future plans. How so you might ask? Because within an hour, Camden asked me how much it would cost to buy a boat. Slam dunk! 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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March 16, 2021
March 31 deadline to apply for school choice The Beaufort County School District is now accepting school choice applications for the 2021-22 academic year, the seventh year of the district’s expanded choice initiative. School choice applications are available at beaufortschools.net and must be submitted online by midnight March, 31. Parents who don’t have internet access may request assistance at any district school. Curriculum options approved by the Board of Education include such instructional choices as Montessori, advanced math and science (AMES), International Baccalaureate, arts infused, language immersion, Cambridge Academy, Classical Studies, early college, and leadership programs. To learn about all of the district’s school choice offerings, visit the District’s website School Choice page. Choice schools serve children who live in their attendance zones in addition to students from outside the zone
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who apply to attend. Beaufort County students who attend choice programs do not pay extra tuition, although families are responsible for their students’ transportation if they live outside of school attendance zones. If the number of choice applications at a school would cause the school to exceed its overall enrollment capacity, or if approved applications would push an individual choice program beyond its capacity, students will be placed on a waiting list. Five schools potentially have no availability for choice because they are at or above capacity: H.E. McCracken Middle School, Hilton Head Island High School, Hilton Head Island Middle School, May River High School, and Pritchardville Elementary School. All district schools maintain a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) focus, as well as a core curriculum that includes the arts, world languages and technology.
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March 16, 2021
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REAL ESTATE
Bluffton, Sun City homes inventory hits record low in 2021 By Larry Stoller CONTRIBUTOR
According to Realtor.com, in 2020, housing inventory declined nationally about 39% – the lowest housing inventory year on record. In Sun City Hilton Head (SCHH), that percentage is much greater. In fact, over the past several years, this real estate broker has been used to seeing at least 100 or more homes for sale in the active senior community. The last time I looked, a few weeks ago, there were only 28 homes for sale. Record-low inventories are not just in Sun City, though. They are all over our area, especially in Bluffton, and on the island. At the same time that housing inventory is disappearing, housing demand is increasing. These days it’s not unusual to see real estate agent email blasts that state “Have ready, willing and qualified buyers for Sun City homes … do you have any new listings
coming on market soon?” What does this mean for sellers? Well, it’s like the real estate Gold Rush in reverse! Simply stated, low inventory and high demand results in higher housing prices. So if you are thinking of selling your Sun City home, now is truly the time to sell. As per recent census data, lots of folks are moving to South Carolina because of the
great weather, many year-round outdoor activities, a strong economy, affordable housing and more. According to Kiplinger, South Carolina is ranked as one of the most friendly states for taxes on retirees and property taxes in general. The downside is seller’s uncertainty. On the one hand, sellers can get top dollar for
their home by listing now, but where are they going to live after their home sells? A number of my Sun City clients got rid of uncertainty by doing some very proactive planning. They knew where they wanted to go and they had all their new home buying options perfectly set up to fit into their home selling options. I have also noticed that today’s buyers are more willing to cooperate with sellers more than ever before. Such cooperation has certainly decreased seller uncertainty leading to win-win negotiations for both sellers and buyers. Additionally, builders have become more confident to build new homes. And even though they are getting top dollar, they are not overbuilding and they are willing to work well with “sellers who are becoming buyers.” Larry Stoller is a broker and Realtor with Real Estate Five of the Lowcountry. Larry@ RealEstateFive.com, RealEstateFive.com, SunCityOpenHouses247.com
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NOW IS THE TIME TO SELL YOUR HOME! The inventory is sparse and moving as quickly as they hit the market in Sun City and Bluffton.
Call me to get your property Listed so you will not miss this “MARKET”!
SunCitySherryl.com Sherryl Hennessey (843) 298-5219 sherrylhenn@gmail.com
®
Let me bring some SUNSHINE into your life!!
Ask about our military discount. Our way of thanking the people who have served our country!
NT EME V O R MP CE I I R P
SUN CIT Y
331 Eaglecrest Drive $509,000
Desirable 2736 sf SONOMA cove with beautiful GOLF views looks like a model and is move-in ready. 2 EN SUITE bedrooms and 2.5 baths, Den w French doors, a HEARTH room w FIREPLACE, CAROLINA room, GOURMET kitchen w island, granite, GAS range, SS appliances, staggered cabinets, large pantry w custom shelving, tile backsplash, raised dishwasher. Also has professional landscaping, SCREENED porch & covered front porch, wood floors in main living areas/kitchen/den, plantation shutters,3M window film on all windows, custom light fixtures/stands, custom MBR closet & fireplace, trey ceiling and more. OVERSIZED garage has industrial EPOXY floors and utility sink.
OUR AGGRESSIVE MARKETING AND EXTENSIVE NETWORK OF AVAILABLE BUYERS HAS RESULTED IN MOST OF OUR LISTINGS GOING UNDER CONTRACT. IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT SELLING YOUR HOME, PLEASE CONTACT SHERRYL TO quickly GO FROM JUST LISTED TO UNDER CONTRACT. UND ER C ONT RAC T
51 Seaford Place $312,000
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13 Padgett Drive $214,500
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23 Southern Red Road 31 Falmouth Way 570 Argent Way 74 Biltmore Drive $400,000 $339,500 $250,000 $289,500 16 William Pope Drive, Suite 103, Bluffton, SC 29909 (located across from the Candlewood Suites)
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170 Stratford Village Way $498,500
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46 Rose Bush Ln $415,000
March 16, 2021
The Bluffton Sun
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The Bluffton Sun
March 16, 2021
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