• Okatie’s ‘wild forest’ joins network of old growth parks 12A
• Idea for donated fabric results in new event for God’s Goods 22A
• New water app tracks leaks 24A
• Second career nurse finds new work fulfilling, rewarding 25A
• Custom luxury vessel offers accessible boat rides, tours 27A
A boat ride around the May River gives a different perspective on Bluffton’s personality. Filled with smooth cordgrass, sand bars and the odd abandoned boat or three, the tidal river is a dead end lined with cottages, elegant homes and memories forged on the water.
Over the centuries, the community’s shoreline has been affected the river’s tides, stormy weather and, in recent years, wakes from recreational boaters.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Boating Safety staff marked two no-wake zones around the Oyster Factory Park boat landing and the Calhoun Street public dock on May 4, 2018, ahead of the Memorial Day weekend that generally kicks off the region’s boating season.
The increased use of the water by visitors as well as locals became a safety issue, and the regulations created no-wake zones from the riverbank with a 75-yard buffer around the boat ramp and a 50-yard buffer around the public dock.
Native Blufftonian Amber Keuhn, who
has a Master Captain’s license, a Master’s Degree in marine biology, and owns Spartina Marine Education Charters, remembers what fun she had growing up on the river.
“Thinking back on all the fun things we did as kids – skiing and everything – you can’t have a no-wake rule,” she said. “The problem is the people moving here who don’t know how to handle a boat.”
Boats entering the no-wake zones must be at idle speed – the minimum speed to maintain steerage. Boaters are also advised to pass through from the middle of the zone to the farthest extent away from the ramp or dock, something Keuhn said does not happen.
“The problem with boat wake is if you aren’t familiar with the water, you need to go slow. But new people stay very close to the docks because they feel safe, and that sends more wake onto the shore,” she said. “There are a lot of people who are unfamiliar with boats. Do you offer a lot of training or do you shut it down and make it a no-wake zone? Who is going to enforce it? If you try to educate the public, would you be able to reach that amount of people and teach them boating etiquette?”
Knowing how to drive the boat and at what speed to minimize the wake is important.
“When a boat is ‘on plane’ – which is flat –it is going down the river either very slow or
very fast. That does not cause a large wake,” said Keuhn. “When people slow down to mid-speed, which they think is doing a
Please see RIVER on page 8A
Select Your Location
To purchase your mammogram, visit BeaufortMemorial.org/SaveOnMammos Select your preferred location (Beaufort or Okatie) and click “Add to Cart.”
Make Your Purchase Online
Pay in advance by May 31 with a credit card, HSA/FSA account, or PayPal. Vouchers can be used up to six months from the time of purchase.
Schedule Your Mammogram
Call (843) 522-5015 to make an appointment for your mammogram and bring your voucher to your appointment as proof of purchase.
In recognition of Women’s Health Month, Beaufort Memorial has partnered with MDsave to provide $99 mammograms. Promotional pricing applies to 3-D screening mammogram vouchers purchased through MDsave between May 1-31. If other procedures or views are necessary at the time of the exam, there may be additional charges for the patient and/or their insurance plan.
Baseball games are speeding up. Golfers are being encouraged to speed up. Kids are being put in accelerated classes to speed up their education.
Traffic on many highways, here and elsewhere, is speeding up and crashes are common.
Whatever happened to taking the Simon & Garfunkel advice: “Slow down, you move too fast.”?
Granted the first two examples are based on legitimate concerns that involve the fan and/or player experience – the folks who pay to watch or play.
Just last month, Major League Baseball added a pitch clock to speed up games so casual fans won’t get bored and leave. Apparently, some could-be fans won’t even show up because they don’t have time for a
four-hour ball game.
Golfers – amateurs and pros alike – generally have another group playing behind them, and nobody likes to wait for the slowpokes who enjoy a leisurely game. Students whose academic skills are beyond many in their age group could do well with accelerated, higher-level classes, of course. But what about children whose parents push their youngsters to do more, faster, better – if those kids simply don’t have the capacity to succeed at an advanced level? Is that good for a child’s mental health? And traffic. What has happened around here that is causing so many accident reports from our law enforcement agencies? It seems we get at least four alerts daily about yet another accident on Hwy. 278 or 170, or the parkways. Too often, these are serious crashes with injuries – and fatalities. We can likely point to an increase in our local population. More cars on the roads
means more opportunity that they could run into one another.
But a lot of workers are still remote and don’t drive as much as they used to. So the answer might not be simply the increased number of vehicles.
I believe we’re all just driving a little too fast, getting comfortable skimming through another yellow light, and just in a big hurry to get somewhere.
In fact, it seems we’re LIVING a little too fast in general. We feel like we need to do more, go more, see more people and places, and do it all before everyone else. We are living like we’re in hyperspace, traveling at warp speed. (And yes, I realize I’ve mixed two sci-fi franchise metaphors.)
Simon and Garfunkel had the right idea.
We’re coming into our high season for visitors. As soon as school is out in the northeast, our Saturday traffic will seem to quadruple. (“Seem to”? That might actually
be accurate.)
Presumably, not all of our 2.5 million annual visitors will drive here – certainly not in one car each. But it will seem like it in July. By then, we’ll all be hot and fussy anyway, and just the thought of getting into our cars and going somewhere will change our good moods to dark thoughts.
Let’s just not go there. Let’s all take a deep breath, think about clouds and puppies, and slow down. Consolidate four weekly trips to the grocery store into one. Ride your bike to your favorite restaurant for lunch. Walk to the pub. Wander down to a dock and just sit. Occasionally, just don’t go anywhere except your porch, garden or backyard. That kind of activity instantly calms my nerves and lowers my blood pressure. And when we must drive, let’s do so gently. Let’s slow down and take it easy on ourselves and others.
We all deserve it, don’t we?
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PUBLISHER
Kevin Aylmer, kevina@blufftonsun.com
EDITOR
Lynne Hummell, editor@blufftonsun.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Kim Perry Bowen
OFFICE MANAGER
Melissa McCullough
Abby Bird
Amy Coyne Bredeson
Amy Campanini
Shannon Copcutt
Collins Doughtie
Mathew Epps
E. Ronald Finger
Jada Gaines
Jean Harris
Jennifer Herrin
Ken Horup
The Town of Bluffton believes in and appreciates input from our residents. We feel strongly that our town makes the best decisions when getting feedback from our citizens.
the lodging industry.
The Affordable Housing Committee has three vacancies: one for a representative of a community organization (i.e., nonprofit or an organization that exists to serve the community), one for a representative of the banking/mortgage industry, and one for a Bluffton resident.
Therese Donlan Lee
Matthew Mastrorocco
Diana McDougall
Oswald Mikell
John Riolo
Dean Rowland
Gwyneth J. Saunders
Larry Stoller
Lisa Sulka
Tim Wood
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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
It is also important to get info out about the many ways people can participate in town business. Here’s one way you can get involved: Town Council is currently seeking qualified applicants for appointment to its boards, commissions, and committees.
This is a perfect time to consider volunteering because many terms will expire in June and there will be several opportunities for new participants to serve.
The Town is also debuting its newest committee, the Public Art Committee. See below for openings.
The most immediate need for new appointees is for the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee, which has four vacancies: two for representatives of the hospitality industry, one for a representative of a local cultural organization and one for a representative of
The Beautification Committee has two vacancies for a town resident, business owner, or freeholder (i.e., Bluffton property owner).
The Board of Zoning Appeals has four vacancies for a Town resident, business owner, or property owner.
The Construction Board of Adjustments & Appeals has two vacancies, one for an engineer and the other for an electrical contractor.
The Historic Preservation Commission has three vacancies: two for a resident, business owner or property owner in the Historic District, and one at-large position (i.e., applicant has a demonstrated interest, competency and/or knowledge in historic preservation).
The Municipal Election Commission has one vacancy for someone who is a resident and is registered to vote in the Town of Bluffton.
The Planning Commission has two vacancies for a town resident, property owner or business owner.
To the Editor:
Did you know that there can’t be birds without bugs, the little things that run the world? These are precarious weeks when our land birds are raising babies in their nests, and we can ease their efforts to find food. Little known, but more than 90% of these bird species feed insects to their young, who desperately need the
protein and fat to survive. That even includes nectar-loving hummingbirds.
Flies, beetles, crickets are on the menu, but caterpillars are the best! It takes more than 5,000 caterpillars to fledge a nestful of Carolina chickadees. What can we do insure survival?
We can stop spraying pesticides randomly on our plants and ground, killing the insects the birds need to survive, also ground-nesting native
The newly formed Public Art Committee has seven vacancies. Applicants can be those who produce art, sell art, are an art broker or work within the art community. Members of this committee may not submit proposals for consideration during their tenure on the committee and must recuse themselves from any votes or discussion related to projects, donations, or submittals with which they have a relationship.
A full list of the Town’s boards, commissions, and committees with a detailed description of their qualifications for appointment, duties and responsibilities is listed on the Town’s website, townofbluffton.sc.gov. Under the “Government” tab, click on the Boards, Commissions and Committees page.
The application is located online within this section.
Applications should be submitted to the Acting Town Clerk, Kerry Guzman, at kguzman@townofbluffton. com. Alternatively, applications may also be submitted by mailing a completed paper form to: Town Clerk, Town of Bluffton, P.O. Box 386, Bluffton, SC 29910.
For more information, contact Kerry Guzman via email or call 843-7064502.
Lisa Sulka is the mayor of the Town of Bluffton. lsulka@townofbluffton.com
bees, our champion pollinators. Think of joining “No Mow May,” a national initiative supported by many U.S. community governments and private landowners, a project to increase awareness of the vast importance of bugs – yes, bugs! – on this earth.
Debby Boots Hilton Head Island
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 fun questions. You might see us anywhere around town, with notepad and camera, randomly seeking out folks
who are willing to participate. If we find you, we hope you will want to respond.
At the God’s Goods thrift store in
Bluffton, we asked: “What is your all-time best, most fabulous thriftstore find?”
favor, they’re at a 45-degree angle, and they actually double the wake. It is actually doing more damage.”
The size of the boats now on the water has also had an impact on safety and marine traffic, Keuhn said.
“When I was growing up on the river, there were boats probably no bigger than 21- to 25-foot, but we’re starting to get boats with more engines on the back, massive sterns, and more massive boats than that body of water can handle,” she said. “You have to be respectful that other people might be on that waterway. If you have a boat that big, you need to go idle down that waterway. You can’t regulate the size of the boat, so I’d like to remind people that the May River is a small body of water with a dead end. Stay in the Calibogue or the mouth of the May.”
Then there is weather – one form for which we should begin preparations: hurricanes. Keuhn said after either Hurricane Mathew or Irma, Palmetto Bluff lost 10 to 15 feet of their riverbank.
“That’s not boat traffic. Palmetto Bluff is not allowed to have breakwalls for environmental reasons. They’re not allowed to cut down the maritime forest because the roots absorb the fresh water runoff from rain that we want to keep out of the salt water in the May,” said Keuhn.
That leaves the shoreline open to Mother Nature as well as human activity.
The five trees species that primarily comprise the maritime forest are pine, live oak, palmetto, Southern red cedar and magnolia, as well as the scrub brush and wax myrtle.
“The roots hold the sand together and stabilize the bluff,” she added. “The tide is responsible for some erosion along the bluff, maybe not on the marsh side. That’s why it’s hard to get a dock permit. The only thing that marsh grass can’t take is shade, so everywhere there is a break in the marsh system is because of the docks.”
Other challenges with building docks is that the lumber is treated and leaches chemicals, and oils sometimes leak from the boats.
“Docks aren’t very environmental but it’s kind of grandfathered and is a big part of our boating culture, so I wouldn’t get rid of our docks,” Keuhn said. “Our immediate problem is the influx of activity and lack of boating etiquette from people who don’t know better.”
Bud Mingledorff, who grew up visiting relatives in Bluffton and now lives along the river, also says new residents are impacting the environment and life on the water, and
RIVER from page 8A
knowing that the river is both tidal and a dead end would make their boating safer and better for everyone.
Slowly cruising along the riverbank in Old Town on a recent boating trip, he pointed out how homeowners, developers and the community on the Old Town side are dealing with the changes caused by the May River’s tides, boaters and the weather.
Mingledorff would like to see Palmetto Bluff allow bulkheads to protect the properties before the bluff itself is washed or blown away. The fallen trees and vegetation below the bluff provide perches for birds of all kinds.
In Old Town, some properties have new or aging bulkheads. Some have a few tons of rip-rap – a layering of large stones intended to protect soil from erosion where there is high or concentrated flowing water. An alternate effort similar to that was a load of recycled concrete construction debris. Other properties had a cover of heavy vegetation or chose to let a natural grass cover serve as erosion control.
“The problem with vegetation,” said Min-
gledorff, “is one good storm and the heavy bushes will pull out and take a portion of the
bluff with it. And the trees on the edge are in just as much danger when you can see the
exposed roots.”
For those with bulkheads, also called sea walls, their lawns are protected for the life of the wall, but the lack of one next door can affect the neighbors.
“What happens when your neighbor gets a bulkhead is it puts extra stress on your property. The water will pass by the wall and then break on the next shore,” Keuhn said. “You’d think it would be better but it isn’t. The more that people stabilize their bluff, it’s a trickle effect down the line. It’s the path of least resistance for the tide pushing into the land. It happens regularly even without boats.”
Eventually, the changes along the May River will impact property owners. Mingledorff said the geology that is happening on the high bluffs is like what happened to the Grand Canyon.
“The Colorado River was just a creek,” he said. “This is simply real life happening before your eyes.”
NOW
We are pleased to announce the availability of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry 2022 Annual Report.
The report is available to everyone digitally at: cf-lowcountry.org/news/2022-annual-report-all-together-now
Light rain filtering through the tree canopy overhead was pretty much ignored as a small group on a walking tour entered the Okatie Regional Preserve off Cecil Reynolds Drive in Bluffton. The thick, lush green of the leaves and vegetation also filtered most of the adjacent highway noise as the visitors were introduced to a future passive park.
The preserve is 187 acres of mixed pine and hardwood upland forest, bottomland hardwood forest, and salt marsh at the headwaters of the Okatie River. In January, the preserve was designated as the newest member of the Old-Growth Forest Network.
“We are a national nonprofit that focuses on our oldest forests across the country, trying to ensure that every county that can grow a forest will one day have an oldgrowth forest,” said Sarah Adloo, executive director of the Old-Growth Forest Network. “This particular property for this county represents some of the older, untouched wild forest that will soon be open to the public.”
The designation makes the Okatie Regional Preserve only the second South Carolina park to be part of the network The other is Congaree National Park, which includes in its 27,000 acres the largest intact expanse (11,000 acres) of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States.
There are 199 forests in 33 states in the network.
“One of the reasons why we chose this particular forest is because of the white oaks that are on this property,” said Stefanie Nagid, Beaufort County passive parks manager. “They’re not unique to the Midland or Upstate folks, but down here in the Lowcountry it’s kind of a unique tree species, and we don’t see many large ones because they grow in an area that is highly prized for development.”
At the head of the group, Beaufort County arborist and Passive Parks Manager Michael Murphy began pointing out some of the unique qualities of the trees along the rough trail.
• Board Certified ABIM Medical Oncology
• Fellowship at the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University
• The only recommended physician by CLL Society in South Carolina.
• Member of ASCO’s Cancer.net Lymphoma Advisory Panel.
• Serving the lowcountry since ‘93
• Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology
• Fellowship at The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, and Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
• Serving the lowcountry since ‘21
• Board Certified ABIM Medical Oncology
• Fellowship at Department of Hematology/ Oncology at Emory University, Atlanta
• Principal investigator on more than a dozen clinical trials
• Serving the lowcountry since ‘95
QOPI CERTIFIED: St. Joseph’s/Candler SC Cancer Specialists has once again been recognized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Certification Program (QOPI) for meeting the institution’s highest level of quality cancer care.
CANCER CARE BY SMART, SPECIALIZED ONCOLOGISTS.
We keep great oncology care in the community. As a QOPI® Certified Practice, we meet certain defined quality and safety standards in the administration of cancer care. Our team of medical oncologists are life-long learners who continue their education and apply their board-certified knowledge to help stop cancer in its tracks and get you back to living the life you want to live. There’s no reason to travel: compassionate and highly experienced medical expertise is right here in the lowcountry.
AT ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER, WE PROVIDE NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED CANCER CARE CLOSE TO HOME.
The John Paul II Catholic School Model United Nations team had a strong showing at the recent MUN Conference held at Winthrop University in Rock Hill. Several students spoke during the General Assembly, and the club had a resolution pass through the Human Rights committee. Members include Johana Trejo, Monica Jimenez, Maura Clark, Paige Weniger, Marcela Carbajal, Ru Bennett, Mya Jenkins, Samantha Reilly, Kathleen Hammett, Lili Lutheran, Karoline Rustad, Ben Villalobos, Cole DeTurris, Collin Anfinson, and Bodie Daniel. History teacher Bill Damude is the school’s MUN moderator.
“This forest has diversity beyond anything we could think of. Here we’ve got an elm tree, and people always think the American elm has just been devastated all over the country, but we have what’s called the black elm or water elm that’s related to it,” said Murphy. “It doesn’t get the Dutch elm disease, mostly because the beetle that carries the vector doesn’t really hang out down here.”
Murphy pointed out the wide root plate of the elm, explaining that it was not only indicative of an elm but of a high-water table, making the tree respond by growing a stronger root plate for stability during storms. He made other points about the sweet gum, which provides fruit for wildlife; the American sycamore – uncommon in the Lowcountry but extensive in the Northeast; and the wax myrtle, part of the understory beneath the taller oaks and pines.
“This forest is large enough to have a healthy understory because it’s not just the trees that live in here. It’s all the animals and the birds and microorganisms and arthropods,” Murphy said. “Everything that can live and make the soil healthy is here and the understory is just as important as the overstory.”
Throughout the forest along the trail were bushes, grasses, decaying leaves and fallen
trees. The arborist said most of the time a forest does not need maintenance, particularly an old-growth forest. He pointed out a fallen pine a few feet into the woods.
“When you really think about it, trees are designed actually to fail. Their main goal in life is to grow, die, and become food for the trees that are around them. Hundreds of trees die in a forest for every handful that live,” Murphy said. “When you think about that, these are the plants that we build our houses under, that we drive under every single day, that we paid more for having them on our property. And then we get all upset when a limb falls. Well, this is what they’re supposed to do. … You have to realize that there’s a certain amount of risk that you have when a tree is there. It’s just the way they’re built: they’re built to fail.”
Sun City resident Georgia Ringo is looking forward to when the park is opened, which Nagid said might be in two or three years, depending upon completion of planning and the construction of minimal amenities such as an entryway, benches and a bathroom.
“I do all kinds of trails. I’m with Girls Who Hike South Carolina, and I think we have maybe 12,000 members statewide,” said
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Ringo. “We get groups together and go to parks and nature areas and hike.”
Murphy pointed out one of the older trees – a white oak approximately 75 years old. Adloo said such a tree supports as many as 500 species.
“Just having one in a wide-open area is benefiting so much around it. Not to say the other trees aren’t, but the white oaks are like that,” she said.
A new wing of arboriculture is called “conservation arboriculture” that deals with maintaining older trees, veteran trees and ancient trees.
Murphy explained that an ancient tree is one that is old for its species, and preserving and maintaining them are highly beneficial for other plants and wildlife. “And they’re also much more efficient at doing what they do, which is pulling carbon dioxide out of the air and pushing oxygen back out,” he said. “For every one old tree, you’d have to have hundreds and hundreds of smaller trees around, so the conservation of these older trees is very important.”
There aren’t many old-growth forests around, according to Adloo, who said only 1% of what once was, has been removed.
“And that’s why it’s so urgent to make sure that we have even younger forests set aside to age into that old growth character and all those benefits,” she said.
Crossing through the strip of the property that carries the power lines, Murphy responded to an earlier comment by one of the guests about why there were so few white oaks if this property had been preserved for that particular tree.
“Well, here we are on the other side of the
powerlines. And this is where the majority of the white oaks are,” he said. “You can’t throw a rock here without hitting one.”
Having reached the end of the navigable trail, Nagid turned the group around for the return trip.
Unbeknownst to several of the group members who were ahead of them, two people trailing behind were literally getting a head start on Earth Day cleanup. By the time they reached the cars, Jerri Dipietro and Vera Shoaff had two barrels and a bucket overflowing with bottles, plastic, cans, trash and a pipe.
“This is virgin property, and nobody’s been out here to clean it up,” said Dipietro, “so whatever has been blown into or thrown into or dropped is here. I do (this) whenever there’s an opportunity for a trash pickup.”
As Nagid told the group at the beginning of the hike, there is much work to be done before the park can be opened to the public, including generating plans and finding grants to help fund any construction. As part of both the passive parks program and the Old-Growth Forest Network, the property will provide green space that will be protected from lumbering for perpetuity, as per the Beaufort County Council.
“I hope all of you by coming on this walk, it has given you a new pair of glasses to see a forest thoroughly so you can see the beauty in a dead tree or the defects of a tree,” said Adloo. “You can start to recognize the diversity in the plants and the sounds that an older forest will give you when you’re walking on that much thicker leaf and mulch layer.”
For the fourth consecutive year, Bluffton Township Fire District has received a Fire Safe South Carolina Community designation for its commitment to reducing fire-related injuries and promoting consistent fire safety messaging. The Fire District will receive official recognition at this year’s Fire-Rescue Conference to be held in Myrtle Beach in June.
To earn the Fire Safe South Carolina designation, fire district staff completed courses intended to improve data quality related to fire scenes, conducted in-home safety visits, and further developed their skills through National Fire Academy courses in risk reduction and assessment.
According to S.C. State Fire, almost one million citizens across the state received education on fire and life-safety topics from fire departments participating in the program.
“Being recognized as a Fire Safe South
Carolina Community is quite an honor for the Fire District,” Fire Chief Paul Boulware said.
“This designation demonstrates our commitment to providing educational resources and community outreach to build a safer community,” Boulware said. “By helping residents understand how to protect their families from fire-related injuries and developing prevention programs to reduce the risk of fires in homes, we increase overall community safety.”
Fire Safe S.C. was launched as a statewide initiative in 2017 through collaboration with the S.C. State Firefighters’ Association, the S.C. State Association of Fire Chiefs, the S.C. Fire Marshal Association, and the S.C. Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators. This year, 132 fire departments in the state achieved the “Fire Safe South Carolina Community” designation.
You are cordially invited to “Explore the World in Comfort” with Viking at this seminar.
Viking River, Ocean & Expedition Cruising. This is the “Must Attend Event ” for first-time Viking guests who are looking to book and have questions.
Your Presenter is Anders Bailey, a Certified Master Viking Specialist
Date: May 9th, 3023
Times: Session 1 10:00 AM Viking River Cruise Seminar
Session 2 11:30 AM Viking River Cruise Seminar
Session 3 12:00 PM Viking River Cruise Seminar
Session 4 1:30 PM Viking River Cruise Seminar
Session 5 3:00 PM Ocean & Expedition Seminar
Session 6 4:30 PM Viking World Cruise Seminar
Venue: Hilton Garden Inn, 1575 Fording Island Road, Hilton Head
Do to room size & the popularity of the seminar: R.S.V.P. is required
1 (877) 937-1187 or (352) 278-1595
By Amy Coyne Bredeson CONTRIBUTORDo you have leftover fabric and sewing items lying around your home? Are you looking for the perfect fabric for a sewing project?
God’s Goods Thrift Store is organizing a unique event that you might want to attend May 19-20 – a special Fabric Fair inspired by an event one of the store’s volunteers attended in Pennsylvania.
Priscilla Bauer has been sewing for most of her life. She said she’s made all sorts of clothing from Halloween costumes and ballet tutus to wedding dresses and everything in between.
Bauer is always looking for a good fabric sale.
Before moving to the Lowcountry almost four years ago, Bauer lived in Pittsburgh, where the Salvation Army raised millions of dollars hosting an annual fabric fair for more than 30 years.
When she moved to Bluffton, Bauer start-
ed volunteering with her sister, Karen Walker, in the linens department at God’s Goods. She noticed that the store received a good bit of donated fabric, but it wasn’t selling, so it was donated to a recycling company.
“That was hurting my sewer’s heart,” Bauer said. “There were some beautiful and expensive fabrics going out the door. I couldn’t stand it!”
She decided to put together a proposal and presented it to God’s Goods ministry leader and founder Kim Perri, and the store’s crafts manager, Lori Schultz. Bauer proposed that the store host its own fabric fair like the one she had attended in Pittsburgh.
Perri and Schultz loved the idea, and now the nonprofit store that funds Christian outreach ministries has its own fabric team. Volunteers have been busy collecting, measuring, pricing and organizing fabric for the store’s first fabric fair.
Before they had even told anyone about the fabric fair, the thrift store started getting a
”PHOTO BY LYNNE COPE HUMMELL
FABRIC from page 22A
“ton” of fabric donated.
“We have been getting some really beautiful pieces,” Bauer said, indicating an embroidered piece of upholstery fabric. “Some of it came on bolts, which might be a little much for some people. So we started measuring and cutting by the yard or two.”
In addition to the fabric that has been donated, the store has received unexpected donations as well. As word of the special event started to get out, Bauer said, “We received two sewing machines, an embroidery machine, and other sewing and crafting items.”
Some would call that a “God thing.”
“I feel like God has just blessed this project,” Perri said. “There’s a great little team working together on this.”
Bauer hopes the fabric fair will become an annual event.
“We have gotten just incredible things,” she said. “We are really hoping it will be a success and it will continue to grow.”
The fabric fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 19 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 20 in the Youth Center at God’s Goods
Thrift Store, located at 15A Centre Drive in Bluffton.
The thrift store will accept donations through May 12. Items can be dropped off in the back of the building between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and between 10 a.m. and noon Saturday.
For more information about God’s Goods or the fabric fair, call 843-757-2024 or visit godsgoods.org.
Amy Coyne Bredeson of Bluffton is a freelance writer, a mother of two and a volunteer with the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance.
For more information or to pre-register contact Music Director,
If you think your water bill is high, it might not be due to your spending a whole day doing load after load of laundry. It might not be because your houseful of guests showered twice a day.
It could be from an undetected leak, but how would you know unless it spouted up in the middle of your lawn?
There’s an app for that.
EyeOnWater (EOW), which can be found in app stores, is one way Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority can help customers detect a problem when the “gallons used” number does not match the activity in their homes.
Pamela Flasch, BJWSA spokesperson, said 13,072 customers are currently signed up for the app.
“If they have leak alerts set up, they will receive a leak notification,” she said. “It is extremely helpful to BJWSA. Since the usage
is seen daily, it is easier to find and fix leaks before they escalate.”
BJWSA detects leaks as part of routine operations, Flasch said.
“Bills are analyzed monthly based upon specific thresholds. Once the threshold has been reached, coordinators check EOW,” she said. “If constant consumption is found, information is sent to the customer to check the property. This applies to both residential and commercial customers.”
Customer Service Manager Jane McCormick said there is no such thing as an “average” household water use.
“Everyone uses water differently. For example, some people shower twice daily, while others shower once daily, once weekly or other,” she said. “The same holds true for dish washing, laundry, lawn watering, etc. We all have different habits.”
Hence the authority’s monthly monitoring of usage, a process that has saved a number of customers money and grief. Once a leak is detected, its location determines who is
responsible for repairs.
“If the leak is on the street side of the meter, we can send a technician out to investigate and repair if needed,” Flasch said. “If the leak is on the customer side of the meter, we can offer a partial leak adjustment off the one highest bill after repair has been made.”
Even without a leak, water bills can be
high, especially this time of year when homeowners turn their attention to lawns and gardens. The water company once more is urging customers to regulate their irrigation by alternating days and avoiding high use hours.
Excessive watering can put a strain on the distribution system by reducing its water pressure, causing discolored water and low levels in water storage tanks. That reduced water pressure can potentially affect public safety, since it will impact fire hydrants and other fire suppression facilities.
BJWSA recommends not irrigating on Mondays or between the hours of 3 and 9 a.m. any day. Odd-numbered addresses are asked to water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, while even-numbered addresses are asked to water on the other three days. To receive a free reminder sticker to place on an irrigation unit for your landscaper, visit bjwsa.org/irrigation-sticker-requests.
Gwyneth J. Saunders is a veteran journalist and freelance writer living in Bluffton.
treatments reduce
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and regulations
A midlife occupational shift may seem like an unsurmountable challenge for some, but big changes can also yield big rewards. And the idea of having a truly fulfilling career does not have an expiration date.
It was with this in mind that Robin Cifaldi made a monumental career change in her 40s, from a married restaurant owner to a single mom and ICU Critical Care Nurse in the Cardiac Unit at Hilton Head Hospital.
While the transition wasn’t easy, as Cifaldi approaches her seventh year in her new vocation, she said she loves and appreciates her new life as a nurse and feels lucky to have been able to make the change and find her “calling.”
“It was the hardest thing I ever did. Going back to school… I was the oldest person there,” Cifaldi said. “But there was a fire inside of me that said, ‘You can do this.’ I had to let go of my ego and just do it.”
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Indeed, Cifaldi jokes that it “took a village” to accomplish the career change. At the time she decided to make the change to become a nurse, she was going through a divorce from her husband and had small children. Thankfully, she was able to lean on family members and friends to help her successfully juggle her many responsibilities.
Going back to school for her nursing degree meant taking classes while the kids were at school and studying while they were asleep late at night or early in the morning. She waited tables and bartended when it fit in her schedule to earn money.
With her steadfast determination, Cifaldi was able to complete her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) and get to work in just three years.
Cifaldi said she looks forward to going to work every day.
“I feel privileged to do what I do. I love nursing because I learn something new every
Please see NURSE on page 26A
NURSE from page 25A
day. I bring my personal experiences in life to the table as well as my training to help care for others,” Cifaldi said. “As a nurse, I have to problem-solve, think critically about different situations, and rise to the challenge for every patient.
For several years now there has been a huge demand for nurses, so finding a job can be fairly easy for those entering the nursing sector, even if they are older and entering the field as second career candidate. As a result, Cifaldi was able to line up work while completing the final portion of her BSN – the required clinical hours, where one gains real life experience in a hospital or doctor’s office.
“This is where you get to use what you learned and see what you may have an inclination for; what type of nursing you want to be in,” Cifaldi said. “The thing about nursing is that it is such a versatile field, you can do so many different things with it.”
In 2016, Cifaldi decided to work as a nurse in the Cardiac ICU unit in Hilton Head Hospital, a demanding unit with high stakes, as patients’ lives are on the line every day.
“I feel privileged to do it, because I’m with
patients and their families at a very vulnerable and traumatic time and I help them feel safe and care for them in critical situations that are constantly changing,” she said. And perhaps its Cifaldi’s life experience –having cared for her sick mother and grandmother prior to becoming a nurse – that allows her to draw on just the right kind of bedside manner for these critical situations and mix it with her new nursing expertise. In fact, Cifaldi said that her personal experience caring for family members may have planted the seed for her second career. That experience meshed with a commercial she saw about Julia Child having begun her famed occupation as a chef at the age of 50.
“That fact about Julia Child stuck with me and I thought, if she can do it, I can do it,” Cifaldi said.
Bringing life experience to nursing as Cifaldi has done is in fact a great asset to the field, according to her supervisor, Christina Brzezinski, market chief nursing officer for Hilton Head Regional Healthcare.
“Second career nurses are so determined and looking for a more rewarding career,”
Brzezinski said. “They have made a choice to sacrifice things and disrupt their lives to become a nurse.”
Brzezinski also noted that their prior work experience, time management, life skills and relationship building skills all come into play to make second-career nurses the best they can be, a facet of nurses that should be fully embraced.
“And it certainly shows when they work,” she said.
Having come to nursing much later in life and through hard work and sacrifice, Cifaldi does appreciate her second career as a nurse and values how it has enriched her life.
“It’s a part of my DNA to help people. I finally found something that is all mine, that I accomplished and that I’m meant to be doing,” she said. “I now know it’s never too late to find your calling.”
Shannon Copcutt is a children’s book author, magazine writer and editor who recently moved to the Lowcountry.
National Nurses Week, May 6-12. Show some love to your favorite nurses!
(Editor’s note: Typically, a journalist does not write about family members. This article includes an exception to that format.)
At Windmill Harbour Marina on the north end of Hilton Head Island, on a brisk and slightly overcast morning in March, five passengers and a captain stepped down from the dock onto the deck of a vessel moored there.
Another passenger for the day’s cruise rolled aboard.
With assistance from his mom (this writer), Chandler Hummell, seated in his manual wheelchair, rolled across a
metal ramp from the dock onto to a teak platform attached to the stern of the vessel. The platform was then lowered by hydraulic scissor-lift, controlled by USCG certified Capt. Trey Snow.
Once the platform was secured and locked in place, Capt. Snow opened the aft doors and Hummell rolled onto the deck of the boat.
He was the first wheelchair passenger on the boat that was custom built to accommodate people with mobility challenges.
“It was so cool to be able to take my wheelchair into the middle of Skull Creek aboard Spirit,” said Hummell. “Usually, I’m just looking out from the shore.”
Please see TOURS on page 28A
TOURS from page 27A
Hummell has a rare neuromuscular disease, Friedreich’s Ataxia, that affects his balance and his ability to walk. The disease affects only about 5,000 people in the United States.
Spirit, a beautifully appointed flat-bottom boat with an enclosed cabin, indoor and outdoor seating (fore and aft), a handicap accessible bathroom, and kitchenette, was conceived with love by owner Terry Brubaker. He had it custom-built so that his wife, Nancy, who is challenged by symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, could enjoy getting out on the water again.
Brubaker commissioned fabled New Zealand builder James Kerr and marine architect Matt Smith to design and build the vessel – the hull in Maine’s Brooklin Boat Yard and the interior in their Rhode Island workshop, a two-year process.
The Brubakers, longtime boating enthusiasts, had previously enjoyed cruising the waters around Hilton Head Island, where they live. As Nancy’s mobility declined, her ability to climb aboard their
previous boat declined as well.
Now, on Spirit, the lift allows her to safely get aboard. A specially designed upholstered chair at the bridge lets her sit comfortably next to her captain in the climate-controlled cabin.
The couple has recently made the vessel publicly available for small groups to take tours of local waterways, starting this month.
History tours are narrated by Rich Thomas, an expert on the area’s history. On this March morning, he pointed out that “Everyone who ever came to Hilton Head Island prior to 1956 (when the bridge was built) had to come by boat.” Thus, he said, it makes sense to learn some of the area’s early history by boat as well.
Thomas pointed out spots on Pinckney Island where pirates are thought to have landed at their “careening point,” and where Native Americans had a trading
Please see TOURS on page 29A
Bluffton Self Help will host a “Stock the Market” donation event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 13 for members of the community to help replenish empty shelves with food for neighbors in need.
Over the past few years Bluffton Self Help has experienced and witnessed a community coming together in the face of inflation, rising grocery prices and declining government support.
Thanks to donations from residents, the organization provided groceries to more than 850 families last year.
But the need persists. The average household grocery bill has gone up $395 a month compared to last year, and paychecks are not stretching far enough.
The need will continue to soar during the difficult summer months. Children will be out of school, no longer receiving school lunch and snacks. Many families also experience higher utility bills and childcare
TOURS from page 28A
post around 1708.
Thomas is knowledgeable about many aspects of Lowcountry history, from the Tuscarora scouts in the early 1700s to Union troops in 1861, from Native Americans to Native Islanders.
“The vision for these tours is to enlighten people, marveling about the history of Hilton Head, its long-term relationship with the water that surrounds it, and its treasured heritage,” Thomas said.
Voyages of discovery aboard Spirit, with an expert local historian and storyteller as the guide, offer a deep understanding of this unique viewpoint in a luxurious and comfortable setting.
The narrated history tours include the North Shores and Pinckney Island, or the South Shores and Daufuskie Island. Spirit is also available for other types of cruises, whether an evening on the ocean watching sunset, a lunchtime Mackay Creek cruise with family, a ladies’ day out, or a number of other unique possibilities.
The flat bottom of the boat’s design al-
costs, over the summer, that put a strain on their budget.
Lowcountry households will rely on The Market to shop for more than 8,000 bags filled with groceries, diapers, and hygiene items this summer and the shelves at Bluffton Self Help are bare.
BSH is relying on our community to help fill the need.
The most common items requested include canned fruits, cooking oil, taco kits, spaghetti and sauce, shelf-stable cheese, rice, canned meats and tuna, whole grain cereals, oatmeal, shampoo and conditioner, first aid items, body lotion and deodorant.
In addition to this special event, donations are accepted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at The Market of BSH, 39 Sheridan Park Circle, No. 10, in Bluffton. Financial contributions may be made at blufftonselfhelp.org or by mail at PO Box 2420, Bluffton, SC 29910.
lows it to cruise the shallows and estuaries, unlike most larger boats, so up-close nature tours are possible.
As good and generous neighbors, the Brubakers have donated tours to several local nonprofits to auction in their fundraisers. To date, the organizations include Hilton Head Humane Society, Parkinson’s Foundation and Memory Matters.
Tours are being offered for groups of up to six passengers, with a base price of $2,000 for a three-hour narrated tour. Individual tickets are not available. Food and beverages are not included, but can be arranged for an additional fee. Specific times and dates can be reserved but not guaranteed, due to tides and weather.
Currently, all tours depart from Pinckney Island Public Boat ramp. There is ample parking available and the dock is wheelchair accessible.
For information and to request a group tour, contact Terri Mooney at 603-3878278 or mooneyterri@hotmail.com.
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The list of services, amenities and coastal lifestyles in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton area that senior citizen communities provide for its residents is staggering.
Health and wellness programs, fine dining, community programs and amenities, housekeeping, devotional services, free local transportation and social hours are all-inclusive for renters and homeowners. An assortment of healthcare services is all nearby too.
Housing covers a wide swath of options from apartments to villas and homes; prices vary. Many rental units are available too.
Overall, there are 22 senior living options in the area, with 13 on the island and nine on the mainland.
Here’s a sampling of what some have to offer. (This list does not include home care services.)
•
age-restricted community in South Carolina with more than 8,000 homes and 13,000 residents. Unsurpassed amenities and 200 chartered clubs and interest groups appeal to almost every resident. If you can’t find it here, chances are you won’t find it anywhere in the area.
• Canterfield Senior Living, Okatie
Nine independent villa units, 93-bed assisted living unit, and a specialized secured unit for those who need memory care services are located in this modern facility.
Restaurant-style dining, health and wellness programs and a vibrant social life are hallmarks of this carefree living country-club environment.
• Bloom at Belfair, Bluffton
Set amidst a 6-acre cluster of pine trees tucked off U.S. 278, this family-owned and operated facility houses residents for independent living, assisted living, memory care and respite care.
All units are rentals. Bloom Senior Liv-
SENIORS from page 30A
ing management recently spent $1 million renovating the stately interior.
Inside, residents find a hair salon, billiards, card table, TV lounge and an entertainment room. Outside, there’s a patio with grill.
• The Pines at Bluffton
This assisted living, memory and respite care facility touts “Discover your Best Self” as its calling card. Staff focuses on the wants and needs of each resident who lives on-site at the 6-acre campus in the heart of Bluffton. There’s a variety of floor plans for each apartment, with a host of amenities.
• The Bayshore on Hilton Head
This state-of-the-art rental facility along the intracoastal waterway and across from Pinckney Island attracts those seeking the best of independent and assisted living life. Apartments stylish furniture, state-of-theart appliances and finishes, spacious floor plans, and full-size kitchens. There is no entrance fee for new residents.
The new Villas at Bayshore are scheduled to open this year and will feature three floor plans and two bedrooms. Concierge services and access to the Country Club of Hilton Head are among the perks for residents.
Among the amenities are a pier and boat dock, outdoor swimming pool, salon and spa, game rooms, a library, movie theater, bocce court, courtyards with fountains, and café.
There are four levels of assisted living care, with each catering to the individual needs of residents.
• Palm Meadows Village, Hilton Head
This assisted living respite care facility on Main Street accommodates up to 25 residents. It provides a variety of senior care services, including activities and home-cooked meals. Included are social, recreational, exercise and wellness activities.
• Okatie Pines Retirement Community, Okatie
This all-inclusive, lavish independent facility features 24/7 service. There is no buy-in fee or long-term lease attached to
signing up.
The full-time activities director ensures the busy calendar is full of things to do, such as painting classes, shopping and outings.
This Resort Lifestyles community offers valet parking, a pharmacy, a salon and home-care support.
• The Seabrook of Hilton Head
Founded in 1982 as a tax-exempt charitable organization, this continuing care retirement community sits on 21 manicured acres. Units are available for purchase or rental.
Its five residential buildings house 206 condominiums with 10 floor plans available.
The Fraser Health Center on-site offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Behind the security gates are a library, auditorium, lounge, salon, exercise room, recreation room and heated swimming pool.
• Sprenger Healthcare, Bluffton
This newer facility offers 65 private rooms and a therapy gym in the skilled nursing wing, with 45 private suites occupying the assisted living portion of the space. Long-term and respite care are also available.
Life enrichment offerings include art therapy, cooking and pet therapy, and support groups. Activities include art and exercise classes, movies, live performances, community outings and wellness prorams. The property includes a fitness center, chapel and cafe, and a daily happy hour is offered for residents.
• The Cypress of Hilton Head
A resort-style environment envelops the 100-acre campus dotted with lagoons and live oaks. Ownership of a cottage, villa, apartment or home offer an independent lifestyle at the Cypress, managed by Life Plan Communities.
Clubs and games, health and fitness, and continuing education are offered. Home health care, an on-site clinic and the 62-bed Preston Health Center with
see SENIORS on page 32A
SENIORS from page 31A
skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services are at the disposal of residents. Outdoor dining overlooking the golf course, a heated indoor/outdoor pool, salon/spa, fitness center, clubhouse and community hall are among the amenities.
• TidePointe, a Vi community, Hilton Head
Independent living for homeowners paying a one-time membership fee comes with an array of upscale amenities. Homeowners choose from one of 10 floor plans. The property includes a fitness center, aquatic center, indoor/oudoor dining, concierge services, billiard and card rooms, a library and reading room, salon and spa, fine dining, a clubhouse for casual dining. Outdoor seating areas and walking trails take advantage of the mild Lowcountry weather.
The on-site Broad Creek Center offers quality care and attention in assisted living and skilled nursing.
• Holiday Indigo Pines, Hilton Head Studio apartments, one-and-two bedroom units and cottages are available at this independent living community. A patio or balcony are part of the living package managed by Holiday at Atria. A library, card and game rooms, a TV lounge, theater, community center, hair salon and rehabilitation services are among the amenities.
• Benton House of Bluffton
The community offers assisted living, memory care and respite stays. The facility is conveniently all on one level, featuring a variety of floorplans for residents. Activities are led by full-time social directors, and include concerts, arts events, and fitness options. Meals are enjoyed in the large dining room.
• The Palmettos of Bluffton, Okatie Condo ownership along with assisted living and continuing care services are offered by NHC Healthcare management.
• Bloom at Hilton Head
Studio, one-bedroom apartments and companion suites house residents of this assisted living and memory care facility, which is a family-owned sister property to Bloom at Belfair.
Perks include room service for meals, shared dining room meals, in-room kitchenette, salon, party space, library, garden and patio, and TV room.
• The Pines at Hilton Head
This assisted living, memory and respite care facility on 3 acres provides independence and assistance to all residents.
• Vineyard Bluffton
This assisted living and memory care facility focuses on care, connection and community. Independence and assistance join together in a relaxing environment with and a state-of-the-art gym and spa.
Lowcountry resident Dean Rowland is a veteran senior editor and freelance writer.
Local senior citizens who wish to stay active and engaged are fortunate to have the option to join the Hilton Head Senior Center. About 422 residents and snowbirds are members, said Cherie Bronsky, director of the center. The average age is 75, and one member is 102.
Single members pay a $35 annual fee and couples, $60. It entitles them to attend all programs, workshops, health fairs and activities, with the exception of a few, such as chair yoga, tai chi and country line dancing, which require an outside instructor.
A nominal $3 fee per class is charged. Activities are scheduled year-round, and 122 members are regularly active, Bronsky said.
“We have to keep seniors actively engaged in the community they live in,” she said. Cards, board games, table tennis are scheduled, as are day adventures for high tea, museums, educational events, and boating tours of Savannah, Beaufort and Daufuskie Island.
Holiday parties with notable speakers, a walking group at Jarvis Park, bowling and seasonal golf also are in the lineup.
Of the island’s nearly 40,000 permanent population, 38.4% are age 65 and older, according to the U.S. census. Bluffton, which doesn’t have a senior center or programs, has a median age of 37.5. Bluffton residents are invited to attend the programs on the island, as are walk-ins from anywhere.
The ever-popular All Saints Garden Tour will celebrate its 34th year of sharing unique local gardens with its self-guided tour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 20.
The Tour has something for everyone with this year’s six distinctive gardens: mature gardens of various sizes; gardens located on the water; gardens that were lovingly created and maintained by the owners; and gardens with stunning views.
Each $35 ticket includes the Tour and access to the All Saints Boutique and Bake Sale. A raffle for an original pastel by award-winning artist Joyce Nagel will be held during the day.
The six gardens are: An Unexpected Garden, Hilton Head Plantation, with mature camellias and hydrangeas, a pool and fountains; Serenity on the Sound in Port Royal Plantation, a tropical paradise with lilies, citrus and breathtaking views of Port Royal Sound; After the Deep Freeze in Port Royal Plantation, a mature garden with hydrangeas that is always a work in progress; Wright Family Park in Bluffton, with its historic camellias and a view over the May
River; In the Mood for a Change in Moss Creek, where the owner was inspired by freeze damage to try new things; and Nostra Gioia (Our Joy) in Hilton Head Plantation, designed to be a pleasant place to sit and contemplate nature.
Tickets are available online through midnight on May 18 at allsaintsgardentour.com. Through noon on May 19, they also can be purchased at The Greenery, The Green Thumb , Bruno Nursery, All Saints Episcopal Church, Burke’s Pharmacy, Hilton Head Wine & Spirits, and Markel’s Card & Gifts, Taylor’s Landscape and Sunshine Nursery during normal business hours.
If tickets remain, they can be purchased by cash or check the day of the Tour at All Saints Episcopal Church at 3001 Meeting St. from 8:30 a.m. to noon. For tickets and updated information, visit our website or call 843-681-8333. Tickets not picked up by noon on the day of the tour are forfeited.
Participants need to be able to safely walk on flagstone pathways and through uneven surfaces in the gardens.
• In observance of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, an Open House will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. May 4 at Hilton Head Island Mental Health Clinic, 151 Dillon Drive.
The event offers an opportunity to meet the staff, learn about services, network and strengthen relationships.
The event is free and open to the public.
• The Civil Air Patrol will hold an Open House from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 4 at Palmetto Electric Cooperative, 1 Cooperative Way in Hardeeville for prospective new members.
The organization is an official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. This meeting will include current cadets speaking about their experiences and opportunities to members.
Membership is open to ages 12 and older, including adults. Parents are encouraged to attend with youth.
For more information, visit the CAP
Facebook page, @Hilton Head Composite Squadron, or email richard.moscatiello@ scwgcap.org
• May is Free Concert Month at Bluffton Branch Library, with events celebrating spring.
Scheduled events begin May 11, with Spring Ring Fest, presented by the Sun City Chimers, from 10 to 11 a.m. Spring Zing will be offered May 20 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. with the Sun City Jazz Band.
Spring Sing with the Sun City Singers will be held May 25 from 1 to 2 p.m. The concerts will be held in the large meeting room at the library, 120 Palmetto Way in Bluffton Village. Doors will open 15 minutes before each performance time. For more information and other special events, visit beaufortcountylibrary.org.
• Lowcountry GRASP (Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing) will host meet-
ings May 13 and June 27 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Bluffton Library, 120 Palmetto Way in Bluffton Village.
GRASP provides sources of help, compassion and understanding for individuals who have lost a loved one because of substance use.
There is no fee to attend, but registration is required prior to the first meeting. To register, contact Steven Weber at 843384-0938 or sweber7151@gmail.com. For more information, visit grasphelp.com.
• Local representatives from James River Greyhounds will be featuring retired race greyhound adoptions at PetSmart stores from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Hilton Head Island, first Saturday of the month; Bluffton, second Saturday of the month; and Hilton Head Island, third Saturday of the month.
Come to meet these sweet gentle dogs and learn about their transition to pets after their racing years end. Greyhounds are
a unique breed of dog with an interesting history.
Contact Chris Schlentner 847-321-1771 or Karen Shea 804-356-4102 for more information.
• Meals on Wheels will host its inaugural Pickleball Tournament and Exhibition May 13 at Sea Pines Country Club on Hilton Head Island.
There will be three leveled men’s and women’s divisions, which may be combined based on number of entrants. At 5:30 p.m., a Men’s 5.0 Exhibition Match will be held. A silent auction will be included.
Entry fee is $75 per person and includes T-shirt and refreshments. A cash bar will be available.
Proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels Bluffton-Hilton Head to cover the cost of meals for homebound neighbors. For more information and to register call Bil Anderson at 843-302-0404 or
Mary Ellen Blankenship at 917-494-1698. For application, visit mowblufftonhiltonhead.org.
• The Sun City Hilton Head Amateur Radio Club will host an Amateur Radio License Exam session at 1:30 p.m. May 17 in the Bayside Room at The Lakehouse, 1251 Sgt William Jasper Blvd. in Sun City.
The exam session is open to all, but candidates must pre-register, both to ensure entry into Sun City for the exam, and to receive instruction about exam requirements. Contact Dennis Hopkins, 207350-1350, or AC4DH@arrl.net to register.
SCHHARC is dedicated to furthering the goals of Amateur Radio within the SCHH community and greater Beaufort County. Emergency communication drills are held throughout the year, and emergency communication support is provided to the Bluffton Township Fire District.
In addition, various programs are regularly presented to upgrade members’ and interested non-members’ radio skills and communications proficiency.
• Palmetto Quilt Guild will hold its monthly meeting May 18 at Hilton Head Beach and Tennis, Folly Field Road. Social hour begins at noon with the meeting beginning at 1 p.m.
Guest lecturer is Beth Helfter, who developed the accordion sewn half square triangle.
The following day, she will host a workshop, “The Carpenter’s Apprentice,” discussing how to use her unique tech-
nique, at Palmetto Electric Community Room, Hardeeville.
Space is limited for the workshop. Cost is $48 for non-members. For more information, contact palmettoquiltguild@ gmail.com.
• Dr. Jill Tremble of St. Joseph’s Candler Neurology will be the speaker at 10 a.m. May 20 for the second session in the Memory Matters Speaker Series
The session will be held at Memory Matters, 17 William Hilton Parkway on Hilton Head Island. Cost is $20 per session, or $40 for the series.
For more information, call 843-8426688 or visit mymemorymatters.org.
• Sunset Rotary Club will host its inaugural Memorial Day Weekend Flags for Heroes event May 26-28 at the Veteran’s Memorial in Shelter Cove on Hilton Head Island.
The event seeks to honor local heroes and raise funds for veteran-related charities. Each honoree will have a 3-foot-by5-foot U.S. flag dedicated in their honor, and the flag will be mounted on a 10-foot pole along with others through the weekend.
Anyone can recognize a local hero –whether veteran, first responder, nurse, teacher, or anyone worthy of hero status. Cost of a flag posting and recognition is $65.
For more information, contact John Abboud at jmabboud@msncom or 303378-9390.
A native South Carolinian, Lynne hails from the capital city of Columbia, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism at the University of South Carolina. She moved to Hilton Head Island in 1984 for a typography job, not even realizing there was a beach. The next year, she met Amos, the man who would become her husband and soul mate. They married in 1990 on one of the beaches they discovered. A frequent crosser of the bridges to Bluffton, Lynne worked at the local daily for nine years and has been with the Sun since 2009. While her job is editing, she also enjoys writing, and is confident there is a novel in her head somewhere. ENJOYS: Waterfalls, good coffee, hanging out with the fam.
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• Dee Gramoy, Broker in Charge and Realtor with Century 21 A Low Country Realty on Hilton Head Island, has earned Centurion status, a special award from Century 21 Real Estate.
The designation honors an agent or team who has consistently earned the level of Centurion sales production and embodies the qualities, integrity and best practices of the Century 21 system.
Mary Hiers, an agent with Century, a Low Country Realty, has earned the Master Diamond Producer Award from Century 21. The Diamond Award is the top honor in the Century 21 Masters Program and recognizes exceptional home sales production.
• Sanders MacDonald, who has spent the past 12 years working with the Carolina Panthers, has returned to his Lowcountry roots to join Charter One Realty.
MacDonald, a native of Hilton Head Island, is partnering with his father, longtime real estate professional Richard
MacDonald, as an agent at Richard MacDonald & Associate.
Richard MacDonald has more than 43 years of real estate experience on Hilton Head Island/Bluffton and is one of the area’s most established real estate professionals.
As a Lowcountry native, Sanders MacDonald brings clients important insight into the communities and amenities of the area, which are key factors in today’s real estate market.
A graduate of Clemson University with a BA in marketing, Sanders MacDonald
lives in Bluffton with his wife and two children.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment with Sanders MacDonald or any member of the Richard MacDonald & Associates team, visit rmacdonald.com or call 843-384-8797.
• Sammie Jo Manning has been named communications manager at The Seabrook of Hilton Head, a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization. The Seabrook is a continuing care retirement residence.
Manning previously served as activities director at The Fraser Health Center on The Seabrook campus. In her new role, her responsibilities include creating and pioneering marketing projects and initiatives; managing and maintaining TouchTown, a resident-used application regarding The Seabrook’s activities; creating The Scoop, a monthly newsletter for The Seabrook’s residents; and handling internal and external communications for residents and resident families.
A Greenwood native, Manning earned her B.A. degree in psychology with a minor in theatre from Stetson University. Manning’s previous work experience includes Walt Disney World, where she was an Attractions Cast Member; she also worked as a bird of prey trainer at the Irish Raptor Center and as a U.S. Coast Guard Certified Boat Captain at Aqualeisure Tours in the Florida Keys. For more information about The Seabrook of Hilton Head, please visit theseabrook.com.
By Tim Wood CONTRIBUTOR
It is a very busy month for new businesses readying to open, businesses committing to spaces and entrepreneurs expanding their empire. Let’s get to it.
B-Jack’s Deep South Mercantile, 16 Church St., Bluffton: You may know Michael Gonzalez as a Realtor in town, as an avid boater, and active philanthropist, but now he’s added “mercantile shop owner” to his resume. This shop has a little bit of everything that will appeal to Southern souls, from fishing rods to college and pro-team themed tailgate gear, and apparel to Rugged Road boat coolers. Church Street is turning into a browser’s dream with Bluffton General Store right next door, and there is very little overlap between the two stores. B-Jack’s has a lot of unique finds, from the TidalBall beach game to Toadfish non-tip koozies and oyster shuckers to William Murray and Lowcountry Livin’ golf shirts. Plus, they have their own private label candles and hand
Lobster Bar, 81 Pope Avenue, top floor, 843-715-0224, toasttab.com/the-lobsterbar: You might remember this space as the former home of a bar or comedy club. Now, Rob Saxton has transformed the space above New York City Pizza into a 180-seat restaurant and bar featuring beautiful views of the new Celebration Park. You will find some boilerplate apps like mozzarella sticks and delicious wings, but the stars of the menu are the crustaceans. Lobster bites, lobster mac and cheese, and tempura fried lobster dominate the app menu. Also on the menu are four types of lobster rolls, including the Maine roll with chilled lobster, the Connecticut roll with warm lobster and butter, the Buffalo Roll with flash fried lobster and the Lobster Bar Classic. You can even get lobster on a burger bun, thanks to the surf and turf burger. Great bar, live music, great views and a needed concept on the island.
UPDATE from page 39A
Meg’s Mobile Hydration, Bluffton, 843949-8524, megsmobilehydration.com: I first got hip to this when I saw a newly wrapped vehicle rolling around my Cypress Ridge roads. I first knew Kris Coleman when he helped launch Mr. Pest Control. But Kris’ true passion is caring for others. He has been a registered nurse for nearly two decades, formerly at the Cleveland Clinic. Kris worked in New York City ERs during the pandemic and kept traveling, working in COVID ICUs across the Southeast before going to work at Coastal Carolina Hospital’s ER last year. Now he has launched a mobile IV vitamin hydration business. The company is named after his sister-in-law, Meghan, who owns a similar brick-and-mortar spa in Ohio. Kris travels to homes and events to start saline electrolyte and vitamin IV drips to help with energy, sickness, hangovers, athletic performance and more.
For over 20 years our locally owned, private practice has provided our community with the most advanced dental care in the country. And we have made it our mission to support local nonprofits that work to promote wellness in our community.
It would be our privilege to welcome you to our Bluffton or Hilton Head Island location and help you achieve your best oral and overall health.
Deano’s Wood Fired Grille, 7 Greenwood Drive (Reilley’s Plaza), 843-686-3000, deanoshhi.com: Folks have emailed wondering what was going in at the Triangle, and now we know. Executive Chef Robert Shaffer and his wife, Jennifer, are both graduates of the Culinary Institute of America and opened their first Deano’s restaurant in Dublin, Ga., in 2010. The menu features a variety of unique takes on Italian staples like pizza, lasagna and chicken parmesan, and dishes such as steak Regina, shrimp and grits, pork porterhouse and chicken cordon bleu. Deano’s will feature a $24.99 early bird special (4 to 5 p.m.) featuring a choice of four soups and appetizers and a choice of five entrees, including crab cakes and chicken marsala. Open Tuesday through Saturday 3 to 9:30 p.m.
The North End’s premier shopping destination is in a transitional phase, with a number of new stores and owners taking over storefronts. First, a welcome to Rick Patel of Patel’s Liquors. Rick has become well known for his charitable foundation and his budding beverage and convenience store empire in Jasper County, and he has taken over both Reilley’s Spirits locations on the island, including the Main Street location at 1105 Main St.
There are a number of new stores readying their locations. A new handmade jewelry and accessory store is opening at 1401 Main Street, next to Fraum Chiropractic. Then there’s a brand that’s built its following as a grazing board, basket lunch and picnic stylist, Board and Basket, that is taking over the former Pizza Co. space at 1201 Main Street. They hope to have their doors open in early May. And finally, No Bull Mattress, the discount luxury mattress store that opened in Bluffton in 2021, is expanding to the island. Mark and Shannon Coleman hope to be open at 1203A Main Street next to Limoncello’s in June.
Two more island eateries
Elements Restaurant and Lounge, 2 North Forest Beach Drive, Unit 108, 843-802-4942, elementshhi.com, features gourmet European cuisine from chef Olivier Allain, a Paris-trained chef who has traveled the world cooking and perfecting his recipes to open this island eatery. The menu features appetizers like North Atlantic lobster tacos, truffle fries and a beet cobbler, followed by entrees such as osso bucco, butter fish and truffle linguine.
And there’s good news for fans of Thai Smile Cuisine, formerly of Bridge Center on the Bluffton-Hilton Head border. Chef Kanlaya Ouychaisawad began her cooking journey as a food blogger before building a diehard following in the Lowcountry. Now, she is relaunching over the bridge at 11 Palmetto Bay Road, Suite 102 in the Island Crossing Plaza. Thai Smile will offer lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit thaismilecuisine.com.
Coming attractions
• Two “future home” signs have popped up at the Washington Square site off of Buckwalter Parkway, both familiar names that have built up loyal Lowcountry followings. Palmetto Running Company is opening in the urban townhome mixed-use community. Named one of the best running stores in America for the past four years, the local fave will open a third location to go
The Town of Bluffton will soon install the final phase of the Town’s sidewalk project for the Buck Island-Simmonsville (BIS) community. This phase will construct new drainage and 1,250 linear feet of sidewalks, five feet in width, from the existing pathway at Sugaree Drive north to Windy Lake Court.
This is the final phase of sidewalk construction for the BIS community. These sidewalks will connect to existing pathways on May River Road and Bluffton Parkway and is a critical section of sidewalk for children who may walk to Bluffton Middle School.
Streetlighting will be installed upon completion of sidewalk construction.
The Town has awarded the $354,397 sidewalk installation project to Ridgeland-based J.S. Construction, Inc. Construction is expected to be complet-
ed by July, weather-depending.
“The goal of this multi-phase, multiyear infrastructure project is to connect neighbors, neighborhoods and businesses,” Town Manager Stephen Steese said. “Installing sidewalks and lighting in neighborhoods enhance safety for bicyclists, walkers and runners as well as increase the overall walkability of our town.”
During construction, there may be times which traffic is reduced to one lane on Simmonsville Road to allow for stormwater drainage installation and sidewalk construction within the right-of-way. The contractor will coordinate with the residents within the construction area to continuously ensure access to their homes. For more information about this project, contact project manager Mark Maxwell at mmaxwell@townofbluffton.com.
UPDATE from page 40A
with their Plantation Park Bluffton location and their Shelter Cove home on the island. They will be joined by Birdie James, the authentic chic women’s clothier opened by Michelle Taylor. Michelle was an Old Town fave at her former Calhoun Street location, but distancing restriction during the pandemic forced Taylor to focus on a larger location also at Shelter Cove on Hilton Head. Now, she will return to Bluffton with a 2,300-square-foot storefront. No word on opening timelines for the stores.
• Coligny Plaza is getting a new eatery in a familiar location. BBQ chef Scott Forrest Bodkin is opening Forrest Fire Southern Smokin’ BBQ in FISH’s back room in early May. For more opening details, keep an eye on forrestfirehhi.com.
• Finally, as we prepped to hit “send” here, we got word of Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream coming to Belfair Towne Village. Chill-N is one of the first liquid nitrogen ice cream concepts in the U.S., first opened in Miami
in 2012. The concept: Pick an ice cream base (milk, yogurt or alt-milk like coconut, almond or oat) and then a flavor. Add in
premium toppings like candies, cookies and cereal, then your scoop is flash frozen in front of you using liquid nitrogen chilled to
-320 degrees Fahrenheit. Soon-to-retire Marine Derek Cohen will run the latest Chill-N location and looks to open later this year. For more information, visit chilln.com.
You might have read of the Bed, Bath and Beyond bankruptcy. All stores are beginning liquidation sales, including the Bluffton location at 1460 Fording Island Road. Corporate officials are still hoping for a buyer that will save store closures scheduled for June. Coupons will no longer be accepted, while gift cards can be used through May 8. And finally, Underground Burrito has closed on May River Road. Owner Jimmy Soules sent out word of the closure in late March. Good news for addicts of the delicious burritos: They are still being offered at Bar 19 at Island West (including the 24-hour burrito vending machine behind the Island West clubhouse).
Tim Wood is a veteran journalist based in Bluffton. timwood@blufftonsun.com.
At our hospital, we create rehabilitation programs that are specifically designed for each patient’s needs, using advanced technology and innovative treatments to maximize recovery. It’s why so many people and their caregivers choose us. And why we are the trusted choice of a growing number of medical professionals.
encompasshealth.com/blufftonrehab
You might have heard friends talking about an estate planning seminar they attended, or you might have seen an advertisement for such an event and thought, “That sounds like a good idea, but is it worth it?”
The answer is “yes”!
Educating yourself and obtaining information is the first step toward creating a comprehensive and well-crafted estate plan. However, some people are hesitant to seek legal counsel for estate planning because they are scared of addressing complex issues such as death, disability and taxes, or are unsure where to begin and what questions to ask, thus resulting in procrastination.
Attending an estate planning workshop is the perfect way for people seeking solid,
reliable information to connect themselves with friendly, helpful attorneys. The workshop will provide you with a good understanding of the pros and cons of various planning options, so you can evaluate what is best for your family situation.
You are also able to ask questions and make sure you understand all the topics covered in the presentation. It is also an opportunity to evaluate the presenter’s demeanor, communication skills and depth of knowledge.
Typically, estate planning workshop topics include discussing advantages and disadvantages of a last will and testament and living trusts, and outlining the different legal strategies for choosing one over the other. Additional topics might include preserving your assets and your family’s inheritance from creditors, divorce and lawsuits, as well as ways to provide for special needs (disabled) children or grandchildren,
blended family situations, and options for bypassing in-laws. Other topics revolve around protecting yourself and your loved ones in the event of incapacity.
You can be sure you will get reliable, trustworthy facts that take the guesswork out of any internet searches you might have conducted. Attending a workshop does not represent a particular strategy or onesize-fits-all solution to every estate planning need. Instead, the goal is to educate the public and help families and business owners alike.
An estate planning workshop is an efficient and enjoyable way to interact with a qualified estate planning attorney before deciding whether to work with him or her, while learning about a complicated topic that could have a major impact on your family’s future.
Because there is so much information to unpack in a workshop, it is advisable
for both spouses to attend. It is difficult for one spouse to relay the stories and their importance once they leave the workshop. At the end of a workshop, with your newly acquired knowledge, you should be in a position to help you make a better-informed decision and move forward with your planning.
Attending an estate planning workshop is time well spent and should help pave the way for an efficient and productive follow-up meeting with your estate planning attorney to address questions pertaining to your specific situation. It is an effective way to make sure you understand all the relevant information and gain a clearer picture of what you need to do to properly plan for yourself and your family.
Jada L. Gaines is an associate attorney with Elder Law & Estate Planning Center in Bluffton. hiltonheadelderlaw.com
By Diana McDougall CONTRIBUTOR
Financial fraud is a growing crime. The United States Federal Trade Commission reported consumers lost nearly $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022, with 2.4 million consumers reporting scams.
The most commonly reported were imposter scams; online shopping scams; prizes, sweepstakes and lottery scams; and investment and business-related scams.
Now more than ever, it is important to stay alert and be aware to protect your personal and financial information.
Scammers can target victims in many ways, including emails (known as “phishing”), text messages (known as “smishing”), by phone (known as “vishing”), and even in person or by mail.
The most common tactics used by scammers that you should be aware of are:
• Unusual requests: Scammers might request unusual forms of payment, such as gift cards or money transfer services.
• Impersonating authorities: Scammers may pretend to be someone affiliated with your bank, the government, or a law office.
• Sense of urgency: Scammers will likely pressure you to act with urgency by requiring you to give your information or send money within a specific timeframe.
• Encouraging secretiveness: Scammers may encourage you to withhold your interactions with them from your family and friends in hopes that others won’t realize you are being scammed.
• Playing on your emotions: Scammers may present an offer that plays on your emotions. For example, request-
ing money to help a family member or friend, or offering a prize or reward that might seem too good to be true. Scams impersonating your bank or banker are also common and seek to obtain your account information. Scammers may request your account number or your password and onetime verification codes to your online banking account or person-to-person payment accounts such as Zelle.
If you receive a suspicious phone call, text message or email that you are unsure about, be sure to contact your bank directly to verify the request.
If you or someone you know believe you’re being targeted with a scam, remember: Don’t respond quickly to the request. Stay alert and take time to assess these tactics to identify the scam.
If you become a victim to fraud, be sure to report it as soon as possible to your bank, your local police department and the Federal Trade Commission.
Staying safe from fraudsters works when we all do our part!
Beaufort Memorial will host a system-wide hiring event from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 3 at Southern Barrel Brewing Company in Bluffton. Prospective employees will meet with and be interviewed by hiring managers during the RSVP-only event.
The third-largest employer in Beaufort County, Beaufort Memorial currently has more than 350 openings across its three-county system, including positions in clinical areas, hospitality services, housekeeping, business office operations, customer service, information technology, transportation, supply chain, talent acquisition and more. Several positions are located in Bluffton and Okatie.
“We’re looking for motivated people who care about helping people. That’s our business,” said Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley. “Healthcare experience is not necessarily required. We’re seeking great people
who want meaningful careers that align with their passions and values.”
In addition to a wide range of career opportunities, hiring managers will be available to discuss Beaufort Memorial’s generous employee benefits packages, which include: Affordable medical, dental, vision and prescription benefits; generous paid time off; discounted childcare; homebuyer assistance; scholarships and tuition reimbursement.
Prospective employees will also learn about Beaufort Memorial’s focus on career development through its PATH program, designed to help staff learn new skills, earn advanced certifications, and progress their careers within the health system.
Reservations are required to attend. Visit BeaufortMemorial.org/JobFair or call 843-522-5680 to reserve a spot. To learn more about open positions visit BeaufortMemorial.org/Careers.
After three decades of emergency medicine practice on Hilton Head Island, Michael R. Kaup, M.D. has joined Beaufort Memorial Express Care & Occupational Health. At the walk-in clinics, the board-certified emergency medicine specialist treats minor illness and injury in adult and pediatric patients of all ages.
Broadly experienced in his specialty, Dr. Kaup came to Beaufort Memorial from Hilton Head Hospital, where he served for 30 years in the hospital’s emergency room. During his long tenure there, the wellknown doctor and one-time ER medical director likely treated most of the island’s residents, and many of its visitors, at one time or another.
“It is a great pleasure to welcome Dr. Kaup to the skilled Express Care medical team,” said Russell Baxley, president and CEO at Beaufort Memorial. “Patients seeking care for urgent non-life-threatening conditions will surely benefit from his expertise, dedication and wealth of community knowledge.”
At Beaufort Memorial Express Care & Occupational Health, board-certified physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners offer care for acute but non-life-threatening illness and injury. The practice also provides services to employees of businesses participating in Beaufort Memorial’s Well at Work program.
The practice has three locations: 1 Burnt Church Road, Bluffton; 122 Okatie Center Blvd. North, Okatie; and 1680 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Walk-ins are welcome at all three Express Care locations. To see current wait times and to save your spot in line, visit BeaufortMemorial.org/ExpressCare.
Whether you realize it or not, the health of your skin is judged every single day. You do it yourself when you look in the mirror for blotches and bumps. Others also look at your skin to determine how attractive you are.
Q. What are the signs of healthy skin?
A. Consistent color and even texture. Now, this doesn’t mean that your skin is as smooth as glass, or that it should be. On the contrary, it has tiny peaks around hair follicles and pores, and tiny valleys in between the peaks. However, with healthy skin, these peaks and valleys are consistent – giving your skin a uniform appearance.
Unhealthy skin on the other hand, doesn’t have a uniform texture and may be inconsistent in color. Here are a few signs of
unhealthy skin: Bumps; acne; blackheads or whiteheads; wrinkles; scars; blotchiness; spots that are dark, light or red; scaly skin.
Q. Is dry skin considered unhealthy?
A. Yes, it is. Healthy skin is well hydrated. The skin cells slough off, but this sloughing is not noticeable. With dry skin, too many skin cells slough at the same time, creating problems like flaking, scaling and itching.
HALO Primary Care is a new primary care office in Bluffton, SC. Here at HALO, we believe you should be in charge of your health. We understand that each patient is different; therefore, we strive to work with you to develop a plan of care that is obtainable and reasonable.
• House calls are offered to homebound patients living in the 29909 and 29910 zip codes.
• Telehealth visits are also offered for established patients. 40 Okatie Center Blvd., Suite 215 Bluffton, SC 29909
(843) 603-4800
www.halo-primarycare.com
Q. I have lots of moles. What should I look for to determine if I need to see a physician to have them checked?
A. Not all moles look alike – they can vary in color, be flat or raised, round, oval or irregularly shaped, and still be quite normal. However, most typically normal moles are round, evenly colored, raised, symmetrical, small and have well defined borders.
You should check your skin frequently to learn to recognize the usual appearance of your moles. Any changes should be examined by a dermatologist as quickly as possi-
ble. Look for asymmetry – if half of the mole doesn’t match the other half in size, shape, color or thickness – or if the edges of a mole are ragged, scalloped, blurred or poorly defined. If the color isn’t the same throughout, and especially if it becomes spontaneously inflamed, you should have it examined.
Q. How serious are rashes?
A. There are many different kinds of rashes, and they may be serious or just mildly annoying. Irritated rashes are called “dermatitis,” the most common of which is atopic dermatitis or eczema. Other rashes may be caused by psoriasis, rosacea or an allergic reaction. If a rash persists more than a few weeks, see your dermatologist to be diagnosed and receive the proper treatment.
Dr. Oswald Lightsey Mikell, certified by the American Board of Dermatology and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, is the owner of Dermatology Associates of the Lowcountry.
By Matthew Mastrorocco CONTRIBUTOR
I became a dentist to help people. When I started my career, I thought this meant treating patients so they could achieve their best oral health. What I didn’t appreciate at the time was a beautiful smile’s enormous positive emotional impact on a person.
I see the most emotional impact in patients who choose restorative treatment, often referred to as cosmetic dentistry. I prefer the term “restorative dentistry” because the cosmetic results are just some of its many life-changing outcomes.
I have seen hundreds of patients experience other amazing benefits like increased confidence, improved self-esteem, and a new zest for life. I can’t even count how many times I have had a patient in tears of joy when they look in a mirror and see
their new smile for the first time. Restorative dentistry includes many types of treatment. Here are some of the procedures that I am asked about most frequently.
• Veneers are thin ceramic coverings bonded to the front of a patient’s teeth to eliminate flaws like stains, chips, gaps and misalignment. Dentists have been using veneers to correct crooked, misshapen and discolored teeth for decades.
Veneers were developed in the 1920s by a California dentist who designed them for celebrities to wear temporarily on-screen. The materials used for veneers, as well as the bonding used to affix them to teeth, have improved drastically since then. I have used the same dental lab to create my veneers for more than 20 years. Their craftmanship makes it nearly impossible to differentiate between their veneers and real teeth.
• Crowns are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged. A crown, sometimes called a cap, is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth’s appearance, shape and alignment. Crowns may be used to replace a large filling when there is little tooth structure remaining, protect a weak tooth from fracturing, restore a fractured tooth, or cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth, among other things.
• Dental implants are an ideal tooth restoration solution for people who are missing one or more teeth as a result of injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. A dental implant consists of a metal post being surgically positioned into the jaw. Once in place, and bone surrounding the implant has had time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the post.
Implants are long-lasting, stronger than
natural teeth, and generally last 10 to 20 years. To receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support them. You must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.
The above is just a sampling of treatments under the restorative care umbrella. If you are interested in learning more about transforming your smile, I recommend talking with your dentist about what treatment options are available based on your goals and level of oral health – which always starts with regular professional hygiene cleanings, dental checkups, and maintaining an excellent at home hygiene care routine.
As we approach the summer months, it might be important to consider corrective surgery for prominent ear(s) or those with abnormal shape or size among the pediatric population.
Otoplasty is the medical term used to describe cosmetic ear surgery, in which issues with the auricle, or outer ear, are corrected. There are several different types of otoplasty which commonly include ear pinning for prominent ears (prominauris), ear reduction for ears that are larger than normal (macrotia), and ear augmentation for ears that are smaller than normal (microtia). Typically, otoplasty is delayed in children until the age of 5 to allow for maturation of the ear in both size and growth pattern. Adults seeking correction ear surgery typically need to be in good health and be
non-smokers, as smoking can delay surgical healing.
The surgery itself depends on the type of ear deformity that exists. Typically, ears that protrude more than ¾ inch or 2cm are considered prominent.
In some patients with wide-set ears, the surgery can be as simple as placing sutures
in the tissue behind the ear with a few sutures to recreate the natural ear folds, called crura. For most cases, the surgery can be performed through a small incision hidden behind the ear.
Post-operative care is limited to a protective elastic head dressing for five to seven days, which is then continued for four to six
weeks at night.
Pain is often limited to discomfort that is treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. For additional comfort, a long-acting local anesthetic can be injected as a ring-block around the ear to markedly reduce discomfort for 48 to 72 hours after surgery.
Side effects are typically limited to mild bruising, swelling, redness and tingling that resolves within one or two weeks.
Otoplasty can be an extremely rewarding procedure for patients of all ages, particularly in children, and can be timed during long holidays or spring and summer breaks without disrupting school or social activities.
Mathew T. Epps, MD, MS, DABS is a plastic surgeon, triple- fellowship trained in facial, eyelid, and breast surgery. matheweppsmd. com or info@dreppsmd.com
Knee pain is a common ailment affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. Often associated with injuries, overuse and degeneration, knee pain can significantly impact one’s quality of life.
While conventional treatments like drugs and surgery are widely used, many individuals are seeking alternative methods to alleviate their knee pain without resorting to invasive procedures or medication. Chiropractic care and knee decompression are two non-surgical, drug-free treatments that can provide relief from knee pain and enhance overall well-being.
Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to health that focuses on the relationship between the body’s structure and function, particularly the spine and musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors treat various muscu-
loskeletal issues, including knee pain, by adjusting the spine and other joints to restore proper alignment and alleviate discomfort.
Misalignments in the spine and pelvis can lead to an uneven distribution of weight on the knee joint, causing pain and dysfunction. By correcting these misalignments through chiropractic adjustments, a chiropractor can help to alleviate knee pain by restoring balance and reducing pressure on the affected joint.
Chiropractic care may also improve joint mobility and flexibility, which can help prevent further injury and promote healing.
Knee decompression therapy, also known as nonsurgical spinal decompression, is another drug-free, non-invasive treatment option for those suffering from knee pain. This technique uses a specialized decompression device to gently stretch and decompress the knee joint, which can alleviate pressure on
the joint and surrounding structures.
The decompression process helps to create a negative pressure within the knee joint, encouraging the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the affected area, which can promote healing and reduce inflammation.
This therapy can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from conditions like osteoarthritis, meniscus tears and patellar tendinitis, as it can provide pain relief and improve joint function without resorting to drugs or surgery.
For individuals seeking drug-free,
non-surgical treatments for knee pain, chiropractic care and knee decompression therapy offer promising results. Both methods aim to restore balance, improve mobility, and alleviate discomfort by addressing the root causes of knee pain.
While these treatments might not be suitable for all types of knee pain, they can provide significant relief for many patients when combined with other lifestyle modifications, such as weight management, proper footwear and exercise.
It is essential to consult with a health care professional, such as a chiropractor or physical therapist, before undergoing any treatment for knee pain. They can assess your specific situation and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your unique needs and help you achieve optimal health and well-being.
Dr. Ken Horup is a chiropractic physician serving the Lowcountry for 25 years.
We frequently get questions about solutions for hair loss in men and women. Here are some answers.
1. What causes hair loss? The most common cause is genetic. Other causes are hormonal, such as thyroid imbalances, stress or excess testosterone causing an increase in DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Many men taking steroids have increases in DHT, causing permanent hair loss. In men, genetic hair loss is called male pattern baldness (MPB) and in women, female pattern baldness (FPB). Common causes in women are braids or tight hair pulled back, causing traction alopecia.
Non-surgical treatments are minoxidil 5% (Rogaine) foam or solution, and in men Finasteride, a prescription medication that prevents conversion of testosterone
to DHT. Often both are used together to reduce hair loss. Another excellent product is Spectral-DNC spray, which reduces DHT topically.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) scalp injections can also be successful. Blood is drawn from the patient and processed to isolate the platelets, which contain multiple growth factors, and then injected into the scalp. Injections are at one and three months, and then annually.
Often PRP injections are used with hair transplants to prevent further hair loss in the balding areas. Lately we have been injecting Exosomes, which requires no blood drawn and contains many more growth factors.
For women, hormones should be checked. If normal, they can try minoxidil and/or Spectral sprays. For men and women, hair transplants are often the best choice.
2. What do you mean by hair transplants? Hair grafts are removed from the back of the scalp, where they are not destined to fall out, and micro-grafted to the balding areas. In their new location, they will usually grow permanently.
3. What are some current hair transplant techniques? FUE (follicular unit extraction) involves removing – with a “punch” – a 1-millimeter micro-grafts containing from one to four hair follicles (thus, hairs). FUE grafts require no sutures and leave no visible scars in the back of the scalp.
FUT (follicular unit transplant) removes the grafts by removing a hair-bearing strip of scalp, closing the defect with sutures, and dissecting the strip into the same 1mm grafts as with the FUE.
FUT is faster and only a strip of scalp needs to be shaved, but it does leave a minimal scar hidden by hair.
4. What is NeoGraft? An automated FUE technique allowing a greater number of grafts to be taken than manual FUE.
5. What are the most important factors to consider? The skill and experience of those performing the grafts. The hairline must be designed naturally, the grafts must be placed in the proper direction, and the grafts must be single hair follicle grafts for a totally natural hairline.
Behind the hairline, grafts with 2 to 4 follicles are used for more density.
6. What results can I expect from a graft? Grafted hair starts growing at three months. Full density can be achieved at about one year to 18 months. Generally, it is permanent.
E. Ronald Finger, MD, FACS is a board certified plastic surgeon with offices in Savannah and Bluffton. fingerandassociates. com or hairrestorationsavannah.com
There are beautiful and stately things in this world, both natural and manmade. In nature, it might be a thoroughbred horse or an ancient oak. Some find man-made structures such as a skyscraper or suspension bridge inspiring.
For those of a more musical ilk, there’s nothing like the beauty, elegance and ingenuity of the grand piano.
A baby grand piano is a beautiful and complex instrument that produces an incredibly rich and full sound. It is constructed of many interworking parts, each of which contributes to the unique sound and feel of the piano. Let’s take a look at the major parts that make up a baby grand piano.
The soundboard: One of the most important parts of a baby grand is the
soundboard. It is a large, thin piece of wood (normally spruce) that spans the entirety of the piano bed, lying directly under the strings. When the strings are hit by the hammers, the soundboard amplifies the vibrations of the strings.
The strings: The strings of a piano are responsible for producing the tones that we hear. Most pianos have approximately 230 strings, a surprising number when compared to the number of notes on a piano, which is 88. The strings are made of steel and copper, and are stretched incredibly tight over the pin block, holding up to 160 pounds of tension. The strings of a piano have a shorter lifespan than the piano, around 25-30 years.
The hammers: Situated between the strings and the keys are the hammers. When a key is pressed by the pianist, the hammer strikes the string, causing it to vibrate and produce the sound. The ham-
mers are traditionally made of wood, but higher-caliber instruments are now made with carbon-fiber hammers, with greater durability with lighter weight.
The keys: The keys of a piano are the command center of the instrument. Keys are pressed to produce different notes, or pitches. A standard keyboard includes 88 keys, made of wood, and in modern times covered in composite plastic –gone are the days of ivory keys. There are 52 white keys that play the seven natural notes of the musical scale (A, B, C, D, E, F, G), and 36 black keys that create sharp or flat notes.
The pedals: A baby grand typically has three pedals. The sustain pedal is on the right; when depressed, it sustains (holds) the notes being played on the keyboard. The middle pedal is the “sostenuto” pedal, which can sustain some notes while allowing others to play freely. The
left pedal is the “una corda” pedal, or soft pedal. It mechanically shifts the keyboard, requiring the hammers to hit only one chord of the many extra strings mentioned above, thus softening the volume.
The cabinet: The cabinet is the visible character of the piano, and is its external case, housing all of its internal components. The variety of cabinets is diverse, although modern tastes usually prefer the high-gloss ebony polish.
Each part of a baby grand plays its unique role in contributing to the astounding instrument that is the piano. Whether for performance or for decorative beauty, it is a work of genius and art.
Jennifer Herrin is the co-owner of Kawai Piano Gallery by Herrin in Bluffton. jennifer@kpgbyherrin.com or kawaipianogallerybyherrin.com
The Berkeley Hall Charitable Foundation awarded its grants of more than $425,000 to fund 22 local projects that will help improve the lives of many vulnerable Bluffton and Beaufort County residents. Organizations receiving grants are: Backpack Buddies of Bluffton, Bluffton Community Soup Kitchen, Bluffton Self-Help, Bluffton-Jasper County Volunteers in Medicine, Boys and Girls Club of Bluffton, Boys and Girls Club /Family Promise Collaboration, Child Abuse Prevention Assoc., The Children’s Center, Deep Well, Family Promise, Hopeful Horizons, Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, Lowcountry Autism Foundation, Lowcountry Legal Volunteers, Meals on Wheels, Memory Matters, Neighborhood Outreach Connection, Operation Patriots FOB, Programs for Exceptional People, Second Helpings, The Outside Foundation, and Vantage Point Foundation. Since its inception, BHCF has raised over $2.5 million for Lowcountry charities.
A single individual cannot offer you perfection, but the whole of humanity, with all its varied characteristics, may do so! Each individual has something which is definitely part of the whole.
– Abd-ru-shin
You are invited to stay prayed up.
In the Book of Matthew, chapter 24, verse 42, scripture inspires and motivates us to “Stay prayed up and watch. Especially watch within yourself. Have you made room for your highest good when it may appear?’”
I think this is an invitation for each of us to pay attention to our self-talk, to focus our attention, to speak our intention, to allow for our good. We do this by going within ourselves, watching from within, rather than being influenced by things outside of us – or what I call “other-it is” – when we make someone or something wrong with us. Anxiousness, disappointment, irritation, and anger are indicators it’s time to pause and go within.
We are bidden to look for the good, having eyes to see it everywhere present. The
more prayed up we are, the more we choose to respond rather than react to news, politics, weather, and yes, to our neighbor – and even traffic on Hwy. 278.
Start each day calling forth the truth of you. Know deep in your heart that each of us are 100% divine and 100% human, regardless.
Take a breath. Now, exhale.
Regardless, because there is no judgment of all that brought us here today.
This is what Jesus, the great example (rather than the great exception), knew about himself and what he showed us through his teachings, how he lived and how he walked in his ministry. He asked us to follow him, rather than exalt him.
At Unity Spiritual Center Hilton Head, we affirm first for ourselves and then for everyone everywhere, “God Is. I Am. I Can.” Know with me that all that you are right now is absolutely on purpose as you will the will of God, allowing your goodness, prosperity, healing, happiness and wholeness to make manifest in, through and as you.
You, me – each of us is a unique unrepeatable expression of God. Own it. I often
joke, that even though you might not have freckles you are still beautiful just as you are. It usually gets a laugh!
We get to want what we have. We get to give thinks for where we are in life, in relationship, right here in this “now” moment. We get to stay prayed up, practice gratitude, give thanks, show appreciation and stay consciously aware of our oneness with God. Are you willing? This is my favorite question. You have heard it said that it takes faith, and that faith needs only to be the size of a mustard seed.
Stay prayed up. Watch and know from your Divinity which resides within you. Allow yourself to be open and receptive and willing to receive. Let your light shine. Namaste.
Rev. Therese Donlan Lee is the senior minister of Unity Spiritual Center on Hilton Head Island. revthereseunityhiltonhead@gmail.com
Our mission is to provide free medical care to the uninsured to ensure no one in our community goes without access
Some time ago, I wrote about feral cats and the problem they pose to our natural environment. But what about man’s best friend, the dog?
I came across a social media meme that read, “If your dog poo is on the path, just flick it to the dirt or grass. It will degrade naturally in a few days. Or, put in a plastic bag and dump it to the side That way, it will last for 500 years.”
I’m sure whether that was meant in jest or sarcasm, but it did get me thinking. Of course, leaving an occasional piece of poo on a seldom-traveled trail is not going to be much of a problem unless someone has the misfortune to step in it.
But most dog owners are not taking their dogs on back trails in the deep woods. Rather, they walk their pets in
well-populated urban and suburban areas with many other dogs.
How much poo do our pet dogs generate? There are an estimated 89.7 million pet dogs in the US alone. These dogs produce 21.2 billion pounds of poop each year.
The good news is that the majority of pet owners pick up after their dogs. But a sizable minority do not.
According to recent surveys, only about 60% of dog owners pick up after their pets. Among the excuses offered by the 40% who don’t pick up are: “Because eventually, it goes away;” “too much work;” “small dog, small waste;” “it’s in the woods anyway.”
Of the 60% or so who pick up after their dog, most pick it up in plastic bags and it goes into our trash bins, and ultimately lands in landfills.
Unfortunately, when dog waste goes
to a landfill it can’t properly compost, according to many environmental experts, and it makes a significant contribution to greenhouse gases.
The best environmental solution for dog waste is composting. Compost heaps are one of the best environments for breaking down waste.
Compostable bags will rot in three months in a properly managed compost heap, however a high temperature of at least of 140°F must be maintained. That temperature should kill most bacteria, including the toxoplasmosis found in cat poo.
Cat poo! This means cat owners are now going to have to rethink how we dispose of our used cat litter.
John Riolo lives in Moss Creek and is past president of the Nature Club of Moss Creek. john.a.riolo@gmail.com
I intended to write my column before heading to my sister Grace’s home in Florida but, being the world’s biggest procrastinator, I didn’t.
I had intended to write about the upcoming cobia season and the do’s and don’t’s when fishing for these extremely popular fish but, not having access to cobia photos stored on my computer hundreds of miles away, I figured instead I’d write about pelagic fishing in the Gulf Stream off our coast.
I know not many of you have boats and tackle big enough to make the 70-mile run to the Gulf Stream but maybe I can describe a typical day with this highly specialized form of fishing. Luckily, my father was an avid Gulf Stream fisherman and blessed me with experiencing the best of blue water angling starting at age 6.
From that very first experience I was hopelessly hooked, especially after catching my first sailfish when I was only 7 years old. Since then, every single year I spend countless hours rigging my collection of hundreds of lures and relining my reels. Being a sucker for new techniques, I add to my lure collection the newest and supposedly the best new lures to hit the market that particular year.
It’s kind of silly, because all I need are maybe a dozen of tried and true lures that account for around 90% of the fish I catch every season.
Our season runs from late March until
November with the hottest bite from late April through May. First to show up are wahoo and black fin tuna, but come May, dolphin or mahi mahi show up in great numbers, along with blue marlin and any number of other pelagic species.
Considered the speedsters, wahoo hit a trolled bait with total abandon and make long screaming runs. Slender, with razor sharp teeth, it is said they can reach speeds up to 50 mph, so you had better have a rod and reel that can take such a whollop.
Excited, a wahoo’s body that is normally a drab gray lights up with vivid blue and purple stripes, which in itself is a sight to behold. The same goes for most pelagics like marlin, sailfish and probably the most
spectacular, mahi.
Though lures vary from species to species, most include a baitfish called a ballyhoo behind the lure itself. The spread I put out is usually six to eight rods, with the baits staggered different distances from the boat.
Since the water out there is gin clear blue, many times you can watch a fish zoom in to inhale one of your offerings. With their dorsal fin erect and vivid colors, fish like mahi are a blast to watch. It still amazes me just how fast they swim and how quickly they can change direction as they go from bait to bait until they find just the right one.
Once hooked, they are like acrobats. They jump, do somersaults and, once they settle in for the fight, put their broad side to
the angler, making it twice as hard to reel them in. It’s like trying to reel in a sheet of plywood with the flat side toward you. Their colors will blow you away with a combination of yellows, reds, blues and greens. Once they expire, the colors disappear.
Trolling is the common way of fishing blue water, but skill makes the difference between a fair day and a great day. Setting the baits the right distance, the way they track through the water is definitely an art.
In addition, finding a two- or three-degree difference in water temperature or finding a Sargasso weed line almost guarantees a banner mahi day. One of fastest-growing fish in the ocean and delicious table fare to boot, mahi are worth the long run offshore. Often, if you catch one and leave it in the water boat side, more mahi will join it. That’s when I stop the boat and pull out spinning rods and it becomes mahi-mania. All those that aren’t hooked are vibrant blue, but once hooked the rainbow of colors appear. To me it’s like a clown has stepped into party where everyone else is dressed in black and white. Just writing this has me itching to go and for those of you that have never experienced the Gulf Stream during this prime time, it’s worth every penny to experience it at least once.
Slow play has been an issue in golf for a long time. It came to the forefront again recently during the Masters, when Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka had to wait on most of their shots.
Koepka has been vocal about certain players. He felt that Patrick Cantlay played too slow. “Jon Rahm went to the bathroom seven times during the round and we were still waiting,” Koepka said. He said it starts with officials not enforcing the 40-second rule.
Some players move too slowly walking on the course and should receive the same scrutiny and punishment as those who take too long pondering their next shot.
If professional golf is going to have viewers, they need to put the players on a shot clock. Professional baseball went to a shot
clock this year and the games are shorter and more enjoyable. Basketball also has a shot clock. Rounds of golf on TV need to be about four hours.
Here are ways we can speed up play for amateur golfers:
• Choose the correct set of tees from which to play. Play where you can hit greens with lofted irons instead of hybrids and
fairway woods.
• Minimize time on the tee – hit when ready. Also play a provisional ball if your original ball is possibly lost or out of bounds.
• On the tee, always pay attention to fellow golfers’ drives so you help them find their ball.
• Once off the tee, forget etiquette and play ready golf, as long as there is no danger of you being hit.
• In a golf cart, the driver should go to the playing partner’s ball first and drop them off, then proceed to their own ball.
• Having a yardage device will speed up play since the golfer won’t have to look for sprinkler heads or walk off distances.
• Players should always park the golf cart to the side or behind the green so you can exit quickly, leaving the front of the green open for the next group to hit.
• On the green, begin reading the green as you walk to the ball.
• Don’t bother marking short putts; just putt out if it’s short enough and not in someone else’s line.
• Consider leaving the flagstick in for long putts. It saves time on the green.
• Always keep up with the group in front of you. If you are not able to keep up, let the group behind you play through. A round of golf should not take more than four hours and 20 minutes. If it takes longer than that, then someone is playing too slow.
Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at local golf courses. jean. golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean. com
Bluffton Sunset Party No. 2 – Sunset Palooza – will be held May 19 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Bluffton’s Oyster Factory Park on Wharf Street.
The festival event will feature Thomas Claxton and The Myth, with special guest Pete Carroll.
Bluffton Sunset Parties are held once a month on Friday nights during the summer, overlooking the May River at Oyster Factory Park. Each sundown celebration features a different theme with food court, sweet snacks, craft beer garden, wine bar, hard ciders, vendors and more.
Guests are invited to come by boat, bike, or golf cart. Party with your well-behaved pooch on a leash. Sunset Parties are kid and pet friendly. Lawn chairs are permitted, but outside food or drinks are not.
Tickets are available online at blufftonsunsetparty.com for $15 each or $20 at the door. Group discounts are also
available. Children 12 and under get in for free.
The event is presented by Bear Foot Sports, which is proud to partner with Bluffton Gaelic Football Club as the evening’s charity.
For more information visit blufftonsunsetparty.com or call Bear Foot Sports at 843-757-8520.
By Amy Campanini CONTRIBUTOR
“No language can express the power, and beauty, and heroism, and majesty of a mother’s love.”
– Edwin Hubbell ChapinWhen a mother cat is brought to Palmetto Animal League with tiny kittens, our team stands ready to provide whatever care is needed. When Karam and her two kittens arrived at PAL, we had our work cut out for us.
“A good Samaritan brought them to PAL because she thought Karam was bleeding, but what appeared to be blood was actually a bundle of flea dirt,” said PAL Foster Coordinator Sally Dawkins. “The kittens were riddled with fleas to the point we were worried about them surviving.”
Despite her dreadful condition upon arrival, Karam was very sweet to our veterinary staff during her initial exam.
“Karam has definitely been an outdoor cat for some time,” said Dawkins. “But she has allowed us to help her with her babies, which is incredibly gracious of her, considering what she’s been through.”
Our team handpicked fleas off mom and kittens because they were too young to
receive flea baths. And we are happy to say both kittens survived, thanks in large part to their brave and devoted mother.
“Karam has been a great mom, all while dealing with serious medical issues of her own,” said Dawkins. “We don’t know if she was born without teeth or if someone removed them.”
At some point, Karam also sustained a large wound that healed poorly over time, leaving a large scar on her back as a reminder of her dreadful past.
“It’s certainly sad to look at,” said Dawkins.
“We suspect the scar may have been caused by a burn. We’ll never know if perhaps she was burned by oil underneath a car, or if someone maliciously burned her.”
We can tell how thankful Karam is to be at PAL, where she is finally safe. She has lived a rough life, but she never gave up on caring for her kittens. Her will to survive and protect her babies exemplifies the inexplicable power of a mother’s love.
Karam’s kittens will be ready for adoption at the end of May. But don’t forget about Mama! She deserves a home too.
Visit the PAL Adoption Center, 56 Riverwalk Blvd. in Okatie, Monday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. to meet our adoptable pets. All pets are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations.
Why RE/MAX? RE/MAX gives your property more world wide exposure
Toni LaRose-Gerken has earned the Lifetime Achievement Award from REMAX – an award earned by only 6% of all REMAX agents worldwide!
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Glorious straight-ahead lagoon views in desirable Riverbend! This community has low HOA fees but more amenities than any other local area. Providing 3 Bedrooms each w/their own Bathroom (Ensuite) down & Bonus Rm set up as 4th Bedroom up w/own Bath. Powder Rm also. Spacious Foyer & Great Room overlook added SunRoom w/exceptional lagoon views. Kitchen w/double ovens & newer appliances, plus Breakfast area. Formal Dining area. Laundry Rm w/white cabinets, sink and W & D. BRAND NEW FLOORS in main areas! Oversized Garage gives you space for 2 cars plus a golf cart. All windows replaced w/storm windows and many more upgrades. SUN CITY & RIVERBEND SPECIALIST
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New Business of the Year Finalist
Bluffton Rising Star Recipient Sorensen, LE Licensed EstheticianThis Week’s Treatment Spotlight: DIAMOND-TIP MICRODERMABRASION
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Positive reinforcement training relies on the relationship and bond between you and your dog. The basis is touch, praise, and a reward system of treats and play.
Alas, when dogs are bored, they exhibit destructive behaviors such as chewing and digging, or annoying behavior like barking.
In truth, most dogs just don’t get enough exercise. Exercise means going for walks a couple of times a day – not just for the dog to potty, but until he is tired.
Don’t overexercise during the heat of the day – not just because of high temperatures but also to prevent burning their pads. Special exercise can mean going to a beach on a long line or off leash if your dog is so trained, a safe park, trails, etc. Walking may not stimulate a dog but all the scents and sights can help to tire out his brain.
If possible and there is a safe area to play off leash, such as a dog park, this form of dog to dog play tires a dog out better than most other forms of stimulation. The fourlegged ones do a better job at getting each other tired than we humans!
Playing ball or Frisbee is a fabulous way to tire them out relatively quickly. If your dog is fixated on those toys, it doesn’t take much to exhaust them.
Agility might tire them out, even if it is merely setting up some jumps in your yard.
And, of course, as we get closer to summer one of the best answers to boredom is going to the beach, river or pool to swim or chase birds. Just as with kids, a day of surf and sun is a remedy to having them spend the rest of the day as couch potatoes.
Indoor play is also possible on sweltering summer days when neither dog nor human wants to be outside much – except at the beach. Having your dog play fetch up and
down the hallways or, if you have stairs, throwing the ball up the steps and having your dog chase the ball up and down several times is a marvelous way to tire them out.
Take them to a pet store, find a dog to play with, bring them to lunch with you, open up their environment to more stimulation and you will both be happier.
On hot or rainy days I rely on a game of Find It in the house. I hide treats or special toys all around the house and teach dogs to seek them out. They love this game, and it uses their instincts to use their noses, with the reward being their toy, playing with you, or special treats that smell really good.
Just remember that tired dogs not only make happy dogs, but make happy owners as well.
By Larry Stoller CONTRIBUTOR
Here’s how homes get sold in a traditional real estate business transaction:
1. The home gets listed by a real estate brokerage, wherein the seller pays a total commission to that brokerage to list, market and sell that home.
2. The total commission, which is negotiable, is a percentage of the sale price, and the breakdown of that commission is usually 50% to the listing brokerage and 50% to the selling brokerage (the buyer’s agent).
3. The listing brokerage lists that home in their local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and indicates what percentage of the total commission (called the coop commission) that will be paid to the brokerage that brings in the buyer.
4. Once listed in the local area MLS, that listing is then syndicated to Zillow, Realtor. com, Trulia and hundreds – maybe thou-
sands – of other real estate websites for buyers to see when they search for their dream homes.
5. With more than 2,100 real estate agents in our local area MLS, more than 90% of the time, it’s the buyer’s agent who brings in the buyer (makes sense by the numbers and moreso since the listing agent represents the seller).
6. The buyer’s agent submits the offer to
the listing agent, who submits the offer to their sellers, who decide to accept, reject or counter and back and forth until buyers and sellers agree to all terms of the contract.
So when selling your home, how do you know which company and agent will sell your home fast and for the highest possible price? The answer is: Since the internet gives the same advantages to all real estate companies, whether big or small, choose the agent who best knows how to price and market your home so that it will sell at the highest possible price.
Here’s what to look for when choosing your listing agent:
1. Does the listing agent have a proven track record in selling local area homes?
2. Does the listing agent utilize enhanced marketing methods in addition to traditional real estate marketing?
3. Does the listing agent add value to your home by adding updates, upgrades and special features in the MLS?
4. Does the listing agent add value to your home by adding compelling captions to property photos in the MLS?
5. Does the listing agent also utilize exclusive property websites that effectively market your home 24/7?
6. Does the listing agent have excellent negotiating skills and incentives that will give you the competitive edge?
Email me with any questions or visit our website.
Larry Stoller is a broker and Realtor with Real Estate Five of the Lowcountry. Larry@ RealEstateFive.com, RealEstateFive.com
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT IN BLUFFTON as of July 1: 23 Plantation Drive, Suite 202, 1,300 sq. ft., five offices, waiting room, bathroom, lots of parking. $3,100/month. Contact Larry at 843-290-5101
CLASSIFIED ADS WORK! CALL 843-757-9507.
YOUR AD HERE CAN REACH 25,000 households and businesses from Moss Creek to Sun City to Callawassie Island. Promote services, sell goods, announce a yard sale, buy a house, sell a house, find a job, find employees, ask for help, offer help! Ads starting at $28 for 40 words. 843-757-9507.
CLASSIFIED ADS WORK! CALL 843-757-9507.
CLASSIFIED ADS WORK! CALL 843-757-9507.
CLASSIFIED ADS WORK! CALL 843-757-9507
CLASSIFIED ADS WORK! CALL 843-757-9507.
Through May 28
Sondheim’s “Company,” Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, tickets 843-8422787 or artshhi.org.
Through May 28
“May River Magic,” art by John Kenney, featured at Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA), 6 Church St., Old Town Bluffton. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. May 6. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. sobagallery.com or 843-757-6586
May 5
SOBA 2nd annual Art Auction Fundraiser, in partnership with Bluffton Soup Kitchen, 5:30-9:30 p.m. at Bostwick Pavilion at Moss Creek. Tickets $100. Proceeds benefit both nonprofits. sobagallery.com
May 5-6
Taste of Beaufort Culture, Music and Food Festival, Henry Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort. Free admission, $1 food tickets. 5-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Art vendors noon-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Music by Deaz Guys, Dirty Boots Brass Band and others. Beaufortsc.org/atasteofbeaufort
Through May 6
Bluffton 8th Grade Juried Art Show, featuring student art from Bluffton schools, on exhibit at Bluffton Library. People’s Choice voting through April 29. Artist Awards reception May 4.
Through May 7
“The Rise and Fall of Little Voice,” May River Theatre at Ulmer Auditorium, 20 Bridge St., Bluffton. Performances 7:30 p.m. May 5-6; 2 p.m. May 7. Tickets $26 at mayrivertheatre.com.
May 11
25th anniversary celebration, 4-8 p.m. at Four Corners Fine Art & Framing, 1263-B May River Rd. in Old Town Bluffton. Kick off for year-long anniversary events. 843-757-8185 or fourcornersgallerybluffton.com
May 12
Fei-Fei in Concert, Finale of 2022-23 Recital Series, Hilton Head International Piano Competition, at SoundWaves, 7 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island. Tickets $30 at hhipc.org or 843-842-2055.
May 12 Scott Cook and Pamela Mae at Music on Malphrus, 7 p.m. 110 Malphrus Road, Bluffton, at Unitarian Universalist Congregation. General admission
$25. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. musiconmalphrus@gmail.com or 843-837-3330
Through May 13
“Art That Makes You Smile: The Gently Surreal Art of John K. Crum,” at Art League of Hilton Head, 14 Shelter Cove Lane. Gallery hours 10 am.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday, and 90 minutes before every Arts Center perfor-
mance. artleaguehhi.org or 843-681-5060
May 16-June 17
“2023 Biennale” at Art League of Hilton Head, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. National juried art exhibit. Opening reception with awards, 5-7 p.m. May 19. Critic’s Coffee, 10 a.m.-noon May 20, $10. RSVP gallery@artleaguehhi.org. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday, 90 minutes before all Arts Center performances.
May 20
“The Torching,” by local author Kerry Peresta, book signing, 11 a.m.-3 pm., Barnes & Noble, 20 Hatton Place, Hilton Head Island. kerryperesta.net
Through May 26
Art by Susan Patton, at Island Rec Center gallery, 20 Wilborn Road, Hilton Head Island. Current works on display, 6 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.
May 28
“America Sings!,” annual patriotic concert, by Hilton Head choral Society, 7 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway. Features Savannah Brass Quartet and special guest speaker Gen. Lloyd W. “Fig” Newton, USAF (ret.) Tickets at hiltonheadchoralsociety.org or 843-341-3818.
CALAMARI NONNA ROSA $14
CALAMARI FRITTI $12
ANTIPASTO $18
BRUSCHETTA $9
EGGPLANT ROLLATINI $11
MOZZARELLA FRITTI $9
GLUTEN FREE FOCACCIA $5
198 Okatie Village Dr. Suite 105
Next To Sun City Food Lion
843.707.1750
SPAGHETTI VONGOLE $23
SPAGHETTI COZZE $21
PASTA POMODORO $15
SPAGHETTI POLPETTE $17
RIGATONI
SAUSAGE & PEPPERS $20
LA PUTTANESCA $20
MATRICIANA $20
GNOCCHI SORRENTINA $20
PAPPARDELLE BOLOGNESE $20
ZUPPA DI FAGIOLI
Our house made soup with white beans, spinach and cherry tomatoes $6
CREAMY POMODORO
Basil Soup $6
RIGATONI ALA VODKA $20
All of our entrees come with a side of angel hair pasta, gluten free options available. POLLO
GARDEN $5
CAESAR (anchovies available upon request, add $1.50) / $6
CAPRESE $12
PEAR AND GORGONZOLA $14
PROSCIUTTO & MOZZARELLA $14
ADDITIONS
Chicken $7 Shrimp $8
From musical theatre’s most renowned composer, the late, great Stephen Sondheim, “Company” is regarded as a trailblazer of the dark-comedy, modern-musical genre, and the Arts Center has produced it for their next show, directed by Russell Garrett.
The original production opened on Broadway at the Alvin Theatre on April 26, 1970. The production, featuring music and lyrics by Sondheim and book by George Furth, ran for 705 performances before closing on New Year’s Day, 1972. The production, directed by Harold Prince, went on to be nominated for 14 Tony Awards, winning six, including Best Musical.
The recent Broadway revival, starring Patti LaPone, captured five Tonys, including Best Revival of a Musical.
The story follows Bobby (Curtis Wiley) who is a confirmed, die-hard bachelor. On the night of his 35th birthday, Bobby contemplates his unmarried state. Over the course of a series of dinners, drinks, and even a wedding, his friends – “those good and crazy people [his] married friends” – explain the pros and cons of having a spouse.
Bobby is forced to question his adamant retention of bachelorhood during a hilarious array of interactions. We learn in scenes both hilarious and poignant that wedded bliss falls on the gamut somewhere between compromise and bourbon.
“Company” features a brilliantly brisk and energetic score containing many of Stephen Sondheim’s best-known songs and most beautiful ballads. The show is at once boldly sophisticated, deeply insightful, and downright hilarious. “Company” features Sondheim’s award-winning hit songs “You Could Drive a Person Crazy,” “The Ladies Who Lunch,” “Side by Side by Side,” and the iconic “Being Alive.”
One of the cast members is a Broadway-but-local favorite, Meredith Inglesby, who plays the lovable and quirky Amy. Amy, much like Bobby, is reluctant to wed and admits to preferring to be left alone.
“Meredith always shines when she’s on stage,” said the Arts Center’s President & CEO Jeffrey Reeves, “even when she’s in an ensemble piece like ‘Company.’ And all of the cast is just stellar. We are delighted to produce one of Sondheim’s most beloved musicals for our spring show.”
Chances are good that audience members will see reflections of themselves in at least one of the characters onstage. It’s a true testament to Sondheim’s legacy and talent that his musical written in 1970 is as relevant, poignant, and entertaining as ever.
Tickets can be purchased online at artshhi.com or by calling 843-842-2787. The Arts Center production runs through May 28.
John Kenney captures a colorful expression of the Bluffton State of Mind in “May River Magic,” the May featured artist exhibit at The Society of Bluffton Artists gallery in Old Town Bluffton.
The oil painting exhibit will run through May 28, with an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. May 6 at the gallery. The events are open to the public.
Kenney’s work is characterized by a wide range of expression and bold use of color. Kenney was Influenced by iconic pop culture artist Andy Warhol – who was friends with Kenney’s mentor – as well as the industrial cityscape of his native Pittsburgh. Kenney’s skills utilizing light, tone, color and form were refined by his studies with Rick Weaver in Charlottesville, Va.
Kenney works in oil and focuses on figure, still life and the everyday. “Art allows you to look at the world around us differently,” said Kenney. “The relationship between shape, line, color and tone come to life and are constantly changed by light. My oil paintings
are about the manipulation of light and geometric shapes. The direction and intensity of light controls the image and the texture.”
Kenney strives to create a mood for the viewer, whether as an abstraction or as modern impressionism.
His works are in private collections throughout the Southeast and Midwest He is an award-winning artist and exhibits in Virginia and South Carolina. Kenney was born in Pittsburgh and discovered his interest in painting while attending Washington & Jefferson College.
SOBA is located in Old Town Bluffton’s historic district at the corner of Church and Calhoun streets. A nonprofit art organization, SOBA offers regular art classes, featured artist shows, exhibitions, scholarships, outreach programs and more.
The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Visit sobagallery.com for a complete calendar of events and other information or call 843-757-6586.
On the night of his 35th birthday, Robert struggles to think of a wish to make as he blows out his birthday candles. The lone New York bachelor, surrounded by his married friends, is uncertain whether he should simply be happy with his lot in life or wish for his own romantic partner. Company, Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking modern musical, is a mature, intelligent, and wildly funny look at relationships, vulnerability, and “being alive.”
FIVE TIME TONY AWARD-WINNER, INCLUDING BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL.
DIRECTED BY RUSSELL GARRETT
Now– May 28“End of the Day” by John Kenney
Fasten your seatbelts!
The cast and crew of “Boeing Boeing” are ready for takeoff and scheduled to land soon at the Sun City Community Theatre.
Directed by Bonnie DeSimone, produced by Linda Herrick, and performed by a talented Sun City cast, the comedy promises to delight, amuse, and entertain.
Set in Paris in the 1960s, we follow the story of Bernard, played by Jim Brunner, an architect living in a lovely Parisian flat; his housekeeper, Berthe (Peg Marcotte); and three female flight attendants, Gabriela (Ruelaine Peters), Gretchen (Sally Spieth), and Gloria (Barbara Sweasy), who all of whom often visit Bernard, each believing themselves to be the fiancé of the handsome bachelor.
Due to his intense study and keen
understanding of flight schedules, Bernard believes he has everything under control. He simply manages each of his fiancé’s visits by working around each of their flight schedules and interchanging their photos on his desk.
However, when the airlines decide to introduce a new turbo-charged Boeing to improve their service, Bernard’s well-managed visits quickly become complicated.
Performances will be June 22-24 at 7 p.m. and June 25 at 2:30 p.m. at Magnolia Hall Theatre, 118 Sun City Lane in Sun City. Tickets may be ordered online at suncitytheatre.org, by calling the Box Office at 843-645-2700, Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m., or in person at the Box Office 9 a.m.-11 a.m. General admission tickets are $26, and $23 for Sun City Community Theatre members.
Scott Cook and Pamela Mae will perform at Music on Malphrus, 110 Malphrus Road,at 7 p.m. May 12.
General admission is $25. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
In 2007, Albertan songwriter Scott Cook quit his job teaching kindergarten in Taiwan and moved into a minivan. He’s made his living as a troubadour ever since, touring almost incessantly across Canada, the U.S., Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere, averaging 150 shows and a dozen summer festivals a year, and releasing seven albums of plainspoken, keenly observant verse along the way.
His latest collection, “Tangle of Souls,” comes packaged in a cloth-bound, 240-page hardcover book of road stories and ruminations, equal parts introspection and insurrection. The album spent two weeks at No. 1 on Alberta’s province-wide community
radio network CKUA, and earned Scott his third Canadian Folk Music Award nomination, for English Songwriter of the Year. In 2023, Cook is touring the album around North America with his sweetheart, Pamela Mae, on upright bass, banjo and vocals, believing more than ever that songs can change your life, and your life can change the world.
For more information, visit uulowcountry. org or email MusicOnMalphrus@gmail. com.
LOBSTER TACOS 24
2 grilled flour tortillas stuffed with cajun lobster sensation and coleslaw, drizzled with homemade ranch, served with jasmine rice
GROUPER FRANCAISE 22
Lightly egg battered grouper, lemon and white wine sauce over spaghetti
SHRIMP & CLAM SPAGHETTI 16
Jumbo shrimp sauteed with clam white wine reduction and a touch of marinara
NEW YORK STRIP STEAK 26
12oz. char grilled New York strip steak served with baked potato
SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE 16
Tender semolina pasta tossed in homemade Bolognese sauce
EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA 14
Lightly egg battered eggplant layered with mozzarella cheese and marinara, served over spaghetti
HONEY GARLIC SALMON 25
Wild caught salmon sauteed with a honey garlic sauce served with jasmine rice
6:00PM
HOUSE REUBEN 14
Sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, thousand island dressing on marbled rye
PENNE ALLA VODKA 13
Tender penne served in fresh homemade vodka sauce
CALIFORNIA BURGER 15
Blend of certified angus beef, short rib, and brisket, applewood bacon, avocado, provolone cheese, and tomato on a toasted brioche bun
KYRA SPRING SALAD 15
Mixed greens, apples, strawberries, candied walnuts, served with white balsamic (GF)
Kerry Peresta, Hilton Head Island resident and member of Thriller Writers International, has announced the release of “The Torching,” the third book in her Olivia Callahan Suspense series.
Peresta will host a book signing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 20 at Barnes & Noble, 20 Hatton Place, Hilton Head Island.
“The Torching” continues the ongoing story of one woman’s life-changing assault, and her struggle to reclaim her memory, her identity, and her future.
The heroine, Olivia Callahan, endured an assault that resulted in a devastating brain injury. She survived, but she couldn’t remember anything about her life or who she was.
When Olivia crosses paths with private
investigator Tom Stark, she is drawn to the investigative field, and becomes his intern. As Olivia moves forward with her fledgling career, a string of mysterious fires moves through the community. One of the fires strikes Olivia’s beloved farmhouse in rural Maryland. Now, in addition to uncovering the secrets bound within the redacted file, she becomes convinced that the fires happening around the area are disturbing calling cards … and they’re meant for her.
Peresta is also a member of Sisters in Crime, South Carolina Writers Association, and Island Writers Network. She is also a presenter at the Pat Conroy Literary Center in Beaufort. For more information, visit kerryperesta.net.
May 11−14 2023
Thursday−Saturday: 7:00 pm
Sunday Matinee: 2:30 pm
Box Office Hours
Mon, Wed, Fri 9:00−11:00 am
Phone Orders: 843-941-9729
Email: suncitytix@gmail.com
Director: Art Hansen
Asst. Director: Lorraine Hansen
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The Hilton Head Choral Society’s annual “America Sings!” concert will take place at 7 p.m. May 28 at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway.
The Savannah Brass Quintet will be joining the Choral Society for this celebration of the American spirit.
The evening will also feature special guest speaker Gen. Lloyd W. “Fig” Newton, USAF (ret.). Newton, a four-star general, is originally from Ridgeland. In 1968, he flew 269 combat missions in Vietnam and was later selected to join the U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron, “The Thunderbirds,” making him the first African American pilot to fly with the team.
In 1998, Gen. Newton was inducted into the South Carolina Aviation Hall of Fame. He and his wife, Elouise, now reside in Bluffton.
The Choral Society will invite the audience
to join along as they open the concert with the “Star Spangled Banner,” followed by moving patriotic arrangements by the Savannah Brass Quintet.
Members will also sing classics like “Followers of the Lamb,” “Song for the Unsung Hero,” and “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” The evening will conclude with a tribute to the men and women of our Armed Forces, both current and past.
Tickets are available at hiltonheadchoralsociety.org. For more information or for help placing a ticket order, call 843-341-3818 or email tickets@hiltonheadchoralsociety.org.
Hamner Music Harbor Point Dentistry
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