VOLUME 24, ISSUE 8 • MAY 4, 2021

May 4, 2021 • Volume 24, Issue 9 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com

INSIDE • Students to receive meals during summer months 10A • Education grants fund creative learning projects 12A • Teen drivers to see more options for training 18A • Women’s new softball teams wins 22A • Gaelic Football fills unique niche for sports enthusiasts 26A

New county program alerts property owners to new filings

By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR

What if you wanted to sell your home and found out it wasn’t yours?

Someone with the right knowledge could file paperwork with the deed office, leaving the real property owner in the dark until such time as it is put up for sale or someone tries to get funds from the property using fraudulent paperwork.

A free new program initiated on April 16 by the Beaufort County Register of Deeds will alert property owners any time a document is recorded

with the owner’s name or property ID. According to Dale Butts, register of deeds, such a situation has happened only once in Beaufort County, but it is far more serious nationwide.

“While it’s a hot button topic across the country, we’ve been very fortunate in Beaufort County to not have any reports of it come my way,” he said.

Owners can register their property into the new alert system by following the instructions on the Register of Deeds website. Users can register a username and password.

Please see PROPERTY on page 8A

Bluffton Town Hall reopened, ready for business Bluffton’s Town Hall reopened to the public May 3. The building, at 20 Bridge St., had been closed for most of the past year.

As with City of Beaufort and Beaufort County government offices, all visitors must wear a face covering to come inside Town Hall. Town employees will also wear face coverings when interacting with the public.

FREE ADMISSION!

Hand sanitizer will be available at every public and staff entrance to Town offices.

If anyone prefers to continue to conduct business remotely, that option remains. Bins will remain outside Town Hall’s front door to drop off and pick up paperwork such as business license applications, permit applications, plans for review, etc.

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The Town will invoice for any fees associated with the submission of applications or other paperwork normally associated with immediate payment requirements.

Cash or checks should not be placed into these bins. The bins will be monitored and emptied daily so that all proper paperwork can be processed accordingly.

For questions about this procedure or how to remotely conduct business, contact the Customer Service Center’s representatives at 843-7064500.

Town Hall, located at 20 Bridge Street, is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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The Bluffton Sun

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The Bluffton Sun

Page 3A

SUNNY SIDE UP

Reach out, check in, recognize mental health issues

By Lynne Cope Hummell

here in our little corner of the world.

I’ve spoken with folks who say they feel “on the edge” of a deep, dark precipice. I know of friends who are isolated, lonely and suffering. Their mental wellness is suffering.

Recently, a reader emailed some thoughts on my previous column about “brain fog,” sending a link to a New York Times article that describes that feeling as “languishing.”

The reader continued with a list of social activities and events formerly enjoyed that she said she has no desire to do again. She admitted she is “maybe more resigned to things not going back to that kind of normal.”

I am concerned about her, and so many others like her. Although I’m not a medical expert, I worry that this reader is suffering from isolation anxiety and perhaps even depression. I also worry that it’s far more common than we think.

Just last week, I heard from a friend whose high school child is experiencing

EDITOR

April showers have brought May flowers, so spring is a common topic this month.

The Kentucky Derby has been run, Mother’s Day is just around the corner and Memorial Day will be here in a few weeks. In normal times, the Bluffton Village Festival, aka MayFest, would be held the day before Mother’s Day. But these are still not normal times. And partially because of that, I’m choosing another topic for this first of May column.

May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, focused on an often overlooked – or ignored – topic that probably should get lots more attention. Would it be more palatable if we called it Mental Wellness Month?

As you can read in two other articles in this paper (pg. 38A and 58A), the pandemic has wreaked havoc with the mental health of all facets of our population, even

some serious mental health issues. The teen has suffered with depression and anxiety issues for a few years, and has been on medication, but now it seems different.

Social isolation from friends and classmates, losing interest in hobbies, falling grades – somewhat attributed to effects of COVID-19 – sent the child to a dark place, the parent relayed. I’m sure this child is not the only one.

Thankfully, a professional counselor was helpful in guiding the family through a crisis period, and all seems to be back on an even keel.

Psychologists and other therapists remind us that mental health is as vital to well-being as physical health. When we suffer physical ailments, we go to a doctor who specializes in that ailment – cardiologist, oncologist, dentist, orthopedist, etc.

When we suffer mental ailments, we need to just as quickly seek out professionals in the field – psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, counselor. There should be no

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I remember when, as a child, my mother whispering the word “cancer” in a sentence when telling a friend that someone was sick. Those days are long gone, and cancer treatment, surgeries, recovery, and survivorship are quite common.

One reason, I have to believe, is that the stigma was removed. We started talking about it.

Perhaps someday the same will be true of mental health. Let’s start talking. Let’s break the stigma.

Resources: NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) Lowcountry, 843636-3100, nami@namilowcountry.org or namilowcountry.org. National Helpline: 800-950-6264 (NAMI) In crisis, text “NAMI” to 741741.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Crisis hotline: 800-2738255, or text “TALK” to 741741.

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The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

EDITORIAL

Current Circulation Via USPS is 24,670 Finalist: Small Business of the Year, HHI-Bluffton Chamber.

Winner of the SAPA General Excellence Award; 1st place, Front Page Design; 2nd place, Most Improved Publication; and 3rd place, Self-Promotion Advertising.

IFPA-SAPA 3rd Place, Business Coverage

PUBLISHER

Kevin Aylmer, kevina@blufftonsun.com

EDITOR

Lynne Hummell, editor@blufftonsun.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kim Perry Bowen

OFFICE MANAGER Melissa McCullough

CONTRIBUTORS Abby Bird Amy Coyne Bredeson Amy Campanini Bob Colyer Collins Doughtie Lynn Hall Jean Harris Heather Hinshelwood Edwina Hoyle Oswald Mikell

Dave Miller Weston Newton Juan Rivera Gwyneth J. Saunders Larry Stoller Rebekah Thompson Scott Wierman Mark F. Winn Tim Wood

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BlufftonSun.com For more information, contact: Kevin Aylmer PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-9507, 843-757-9506 (fax) Physical address: 14D Johnston Way Bluffton, SC 29910 All contents are copyrighted by Lowcountry Local Media Inc. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. All submissions must include name, address and phone number. The Editor reserves the right to edit or reject any material, including advertisements. The Bluffton Sun does not verify for licenses, endorse nor warrant any advertised businesses or services. The opinions and views expressed in the editorials are not necessarily those of the Editor and Publisher. Member: Southeastern Advertising Publishers Assoc., Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Old Town Bluffton Merchants Society.

THE BLUFFTON SUN Issue 9, May 4, 2021 is published twice monthly by Lowcountry Local Media, Inc., 14D Johnston Way, Bluffton, SC 29910.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Bluffton, SC and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE BLUFFTON SUN, PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910-2056.

House gears up for end of legislative session

By Weston Newton CONTRIBUTOR

After the fast and furious week of meeting the crossover deadline, the House got back to work in committees and subcommittees over the last couple of weeks with several key issues moving quickly through the committee process.

Over the next three weeks, we will spend Weston Newton more time on the House floor trying to pass all necessary legislation before the sine die (meaning the day of adjournment) on May 13.

Bills dealing with voting integrity, supporting law enforcement, an Article V Convention of States, assisting our judicial system regarding the death penalty, and giving parity to local distilleries will be on the table these final few weeks.

Last week the House passed the COVID Liability Safe Harbor Act, which is headed to the Governor’s desk. This legislation creates liability protections (retroactive to March 13, 2020) for health care providers and businesses that follow public health guidance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This bill is a huge push to help ensure we make a complete economic recovery in our state.

The legislature also passed a bill which the Governor has signed requiring all school districts in the state to give an option for five-day in person learning by April 26, allowing parents to decide what learning format is the best fit for their students.

This law also suspended the earning limitation for retired teachers, ensuring that they come back to school without fear of too little pay.

This is a great step in giving parents the freedom to choose and getting our students back on track for a solid education.

The legislature also passed the REACH Act – or Reinforcing College Education on America’s Constitutional Heritage Act – which ensures that our students, both in high school and in college, learn about our Constitution, the Federalist Papers, the Declaration of Independence, and other important American documents.

Finally, I am pleased to report that the House overwhelming passed the Hate Crimes bill I discussed last month. This legislation protects each and every one of us from violent criminal acts motivated by proven hatred, avoids the slippery slope of any sort of thought police, and includes specific protections that there

must be a separate finding of guilt of an underlying violent crime before this law has application.

The bill is not a Republican or Democrat, Black or white, Christian or Jewish, gay or straight issue; it is a penalty enhancement bill which does not create any new criminal offenses, does not restrict free speech or religious liberties, but protects each and every one of us from heinous violent criminal hate-based acts.

South Carolina often finds itself at the top of the lists (domestic violence) where we should be last and near the bottom (education) where we should be first.

Only three states don’t have some type of hate crimes law, and our business community has been persistent in making sure we understand that this distinction can and does affect our competitiveness to attract business to the state.

As I closed my presentation of the bill to the House, I reminded my colleagues of the words of Sen. Tim Scott regarding his Federal Hate Crimes Bill: It is important that we send a signal to those with hate in their hearts that we will not tolerate these heinous actions in South Carolina.

Weston Newton is the representative for District 120 in the State House of Representatives. WestonNewton@schouse.gov

Letter to the Editor To the Editor: We have serious thoughts and prayers about the insanity that propelled the S.C. House of Representatives to pass legislation authorizing open carry of firearms.

Can the legislators and the governor hold straight faces if they say that South Carolinians will be more secure or otherwise better off when everyone can walk down Calhoun Street brandishing handguns, rifles, shotguns and AK-47s?

To Rep. Weston Newton’s recent statement in his column that the proposal safeguards the Second Amendment, we respond that we see the open carry law as

an abuse of the Second Amendment.

We have no objection to appropriately stored handguns in the home for protection, and we do not object to rifles and shotguns if they are properly stored and used only for hunting or sport. However, this nation’s love affair with firearms grows increasingly dangerous.

According to the internationally recognized Small Arms Survey, the U.S. civilian population, only 4% of the world’s total population, now owns 40% of the civilian world’s guns.

Think about this: Numerous studies show that it’s far more likely that a gun

in the home will be used for suicide or homicide than for self-defense.

What could be the reason for any law-abiding, emotionally stable person to show off his or her firearms in a public place – a city sidewalk, a parking lot, a grocery store, a park – where unarmed people are simply walking around, tending to business? And what about the risks to all of us from the openly armed angry, emotionally wrecked person (who can easily get any kind of gun he wants under current law)?

Bill and Fran Bollin Bluffton

May 4, 2021

n n

The Bluffton Sun

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The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

SUN ON THE STREET

Remembering and giving motherly words of wisdom 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.

Murray Sease, Bluffton: “Wash your hands – which is especially appropriate right now.”

Z

D

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.

Steve Mardell, Bluffton: “As long as I do what I love, she’s happy. And never forget Mother’s Day.”

For this issue, we spoke with guests at the Art Market at Honey Horn, home of Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head. The market featured dozens of artists, juried from

Mira Scott, Hilton Head Island: “Whenever I was anxious about something, my mother would say, ‘More than “no,” what will they say?’ It emboldened me.”

around the country.

To honor moms just before Mother’s Day, we asked: “What was the best motherly advice you ever received, or gave?”

Kris Kratzert, Syracuse, N.Y.: “Mother used to say ‘Life has no guarantees; you have to take the bitter with the sweet.’”

R.J. Dietz, Syracuse, N.Y.: “Be nice to your siblings because they will be your longest relationships.”

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The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

PROPERTY from page 1A Once you have received the confirmation email, log back into the deed website and complete the registration using the property’s parcel number or property ID, depending upon the information requested.

The instructions will show you how and where each part is. Be sure to use all the iterations of those names that are on the deeds.

“It’s a good tool for those who want to protect their property. Everything we index in this office is by buyer and seller name, so everything that is registered in a name,” said Butts.

“Enter it on each line. If it is a trust or LLC, you can enter that, too. In the event that fraud were to take place, that would base it on whatever name or names you have in our system.

You could have a middle name in one place or list no middle name somewhere else.”

The alert program won’t prevent fraud, but it will give owners a headsup to new filings.

Because property records are a mat-

ter of public record, there is plenty of information that nefarious individuals could use to compile a legal-looking document.

More than 70,000 documents are recorded annually at the deed office, and the only time recordings can be refused is when statutory guidelines are not met.

“People can still forge signatures, try to reserve your property and try to get funds out of it,” said Butts, “and a lot has to happen before someone can get through and get the property. It has happened some places, otherwise it would not be so well-known around the country.”

The register said the office staff would not necessarily know if someone has filed fraudulent documents, because nothing would seem out of the ordinary until the owners were trying to sell the property. When that happens, the first thing to do is contact law enforcement.

“You’re either going to have to contact the sheriff’s office or city police

and may even have to hire a lawyer, but this is an alert,” Butts said. “A lot of counties across the country are doing this as a tool to let local property owners that something has taken place.”

Within the first week of the alert program going online, more than 500 subscribers had registered their property. The alert program is for any type of land owned in Beaufort County, whether it is occupied or vacant.

Subscribers might want to register the names or legal descriptions of property for their elderly relatives.

“I think it is going to be a popular tool as far as subscriptions to it, and hopefully no one will have to use it,” Butts said.

To register, visit rod.beaufortcountysc.gov/PropertyAlert. For more information, call Beaufort County Register of Deeds at 843-255-2555.

Gwyneth J. Saunders is a veteran journalist and freelance writer living in Bluffton.

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The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

District’s students will receive meals during summer hiatus

By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR

Every student enrolled in the Beaufort County School District will be able to receive breakfast and lunch during the summer, under a program that originated as a result of World War II. Larry Wilson, district manager of onsite service solutions for Sodexo School Services, said the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National School Lunch Program began after the war when recruits arrived for basic training “malnourished.”

“The military made that determination during World War II as they were drafting soldiers for the war effort. They realized that so many of the draftees who came into boot camp were malnourished,” said Wilson.

After creating the meal program, Wilson said, the USDA started a commodity program which guarantees a marketplace for farmers. “What the

USDA said was ‘We’re going to feed the children, and we’re going to buy your fruit, vegetables, and proteins that you raise so you have a market for selling’,” Wilson said.

The meals follow USDA guidelines and include five required components, according to Wilson: protein, grain, fruit, vegetable and milk. In “normal” times, the program provided for meals Monday through Friday; as part of the COVID Relief Program, meals are also provided to take home for the weekend.

The program is funded by the USDA, and under COVID relief are offered under what is known as the free meal classification. Wilson said that every student enrolled in a school where the district is participating in the National School Lunch Program is initially assigned a meal eligibility status, and that is always as a paid student. Then the family has the opportunity to complete an application for free or reduced lunch at the time the

student enrolls.

“We review that application to determine the family’s financial situation, and then we determine which meal eligibility status they belong in: free, reduced or paid,” Wilson said. “The majority of school districts across the country participate in the National School Lunch Program.”

Wilson said 60% of students in Beaufort County qualify for the benefits.

There are two meal provision subsets for summer programs.

The Seamless Summer Option is for children who are continuing an academic program during the summer in their schools. They receive their meals in school.

“What that allows the school to do is continue feeding kids during the summer like the regular school year,” Wilson said. “The secondary summer provision is the Summer Food Service Program, and that allows us to transport food to places like the Boys &

Girls Clubs or YMCA, and feed those same children that depend on us for their nutrition during the school year.

They get hungry in the summer, too.”

The Island Recreation Center, the Boys & Girls Club near McCracken Middle School and the Boys & Girls Club in Beaufort are some of the locations.

“To get the meals the student just has to be there – in school or at the various sites. And parents can pick up the meals,” Wilson said. “The benefits of the program are particularly important during COVID. It’s taken a huge burden off families that have had huge financial strains by being out of work. We’ve been authorized to feed kids not only Monday through Friday, but to send food home through the weekend.”

Gwyneth J. Saunders is a veteran journalist and freelance writer living in Bluffton.

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The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

Education grants fund teacher projects to engage students

COURTESY BLUFFTON HIGH SCHOOL

Bobcat Beanery student worker Jonathn sorts coffee deliveries by floor and room number. The student coffee shop was funded by a grant from the Foundation for Educational Excellence.

By Amy Coyne Bredeson CONTRIBUTOR

Students across Beaufort County are excited about learning, thanks in large part to a local nonprofit organization that awards grants for innovative learning projects.

Teachers often have grand ideas about how to get their students interested in learning, but turning those ideas into reality often requires money that is just not in the budget. The Foundation for Educational Excellence gives Beaufort County School District teachers and schools the opportunity to bring those ideas to life.

“It runs the gamut of ideas and requests to stimulate children to learn,” Foundation board chair Lisa Carroll said.

The grants have made it possible for students at River Ridge Academy to learn to play the ukulele and for Joseph S. Shank-

lin Elementary School students to create a butterfly garden. They have provided Hilton Head Island High School with a science lab for studying light, color and fiber optics; and Red Cedar Elementary School with a coding robot.

The organization gives out three kinds of grants. Innovative Teacher Grants are awarded each fall to teachers seeking to go above and beyond regular classroom lessons. Student Enrichment Grants are awarded throughout the school year for academic and arts-related events held outside of the school district. Innovative School Resource Grants are awarded each fall for schoolwide projects.

One of the teacher grants this school year went to Bluffton High School for a store run by special education students. The plan

Please see GRANTS on page 16A

Reliable WiFi Anywhere With summer approaching, there is nothing more enjoyable than spending time outdoors among the sights and sounds of nature–especially after a difficult year that kept us partially secluded and tucked inside. While many have relied on technology to stay connected, safe and operational inside their homes this past year, they are now discovering it is just as easy to do the same on the outside.

The increasing popularity of outdoor living has brought a new focus to outdoor lighting, audio and WiFi. Creating areas outside your home to enjoy by yourself or with loved ones adds to the livable square footage of your property. This means there is more space for family to spread out. Adding landscape lighting and outdoor audio features to your home is an investment in pleasure, safety and curb appeal. Ensuring WiFi is accessible anywhere on your property, opens a whole door of possibilities for entertaining, work and controlling your home automation system.

As the demands for data use increase throughout home and yard, many consumers are finding that their off-theshelf networking equipment cannot handle the demands of multiple wired and wireless devices. So, while working from your patio, or hosting a party down at the dock sounds like a great idea, system drop outs, video buffering or equipment lockups can become a critical inconvenience.

The good news is that enterprise grade equipment and proper design and installation can solve your access problems while keeping your home network safe from prying intruders. A robust, reliable wireless network gives your home the strong base it needs to smoothly control features both indoors and out.

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The Bluffton Sun

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The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

Workshops offered for caregivers of those with dementia Senior Living Connections will host a series of educational workshops, “Discovering Dementia,” for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia.

Senior Living Connections is an organization of advisors for assisted living options.

The livestream workshops will be held via Zoom from 6 to 7 p.m. on the designated days.

• May 6: “Stages and Communication Techniques,” a discussion about how to interact with those living with dementia, various stages of the disease and best ways to communicate.

• May 20: “Behaviors and Medication Management” focuses on understanding different behaviors that can accompany dementia, how to manage challenging situations, and types of medications used in treatment.

• May 27: “Choices at End of Life,”

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a deep dive into final stages of life, challenges one might encounter, and education on care options.

The presenter for the workshops is Melissa Chambers, a dementia specialist with more than 25 years’ experience in the health care industry.

Chambers is a certified Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia care trainer, and offers fresh insight to questions about dementia.

A question and answer session will be held at the end of each workshop.

There is no charge to participate.

The series is non-sequential and open to anyone caring for persons living with dementia.

If unable to attend any session, complimentary consultations are available.

For more information and to register for the workshops, email info@seniorlivingconnections.org.

May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

y e k r u o Y

Page 15A

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Page 16A

The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

GRANTS from page 12A changed slightly, and the school opened a coffee shop instead.

However, at the time of publication, the students were setting up the store, which was set to open in the next week or so. Students will sell T-shirts, lanyards and phone chargers during the four lunch periods.

Special education teacher Elizabeth Reber oversees The Bobcat Beanery, but the students do the work. Everyone has a job, whether pouring coffee, adding cream and sugar, putting lids on coffee cups or delivering drinks to the teachers.

Every Monday morning, about 14 students with varying abilities make and deliver drinks and breakfast treats to teachers throughout the school. Teachers can order hot tea, hot coffee or iced coffee as well as muffins, indicating on an order form how much sugar or cream they would like. They can purchase a $10 card. Each item costs $1.

The Corner Perk provides the coffee at cost. The special blend is called the Bobcat Brew.

“There’s a lot of differing skills that they have to do,” Reber said. “It works out well

for all the different kids. Some of the kids who are higher functioning help the kids who are lower functioning, which is nice, too. It gives them a little bit of leadership opportunities.”

After delivering the coffee on Mondays, the students take inventory and fill out an order form for supplies. They update, alphabetize and file cards that keep track of which teachers ordered something each week.

Reber said the students have gained a lot working at the coffee shop. Some of them are nonverbal by choice, and delivering coffee has helped them open up. Even something as simple as “Here’s your coffee” is an important accomplishment.

“We had a couple of kids who didn’t want anything to do with it in the beginning, and now show up and ask for work,” Reber said.

“So it’s been an amazing transformation.”

According to the Foundation for Educational Excellence website, the group has granted more than $270,000 to the school district since 2009, impacting more than 90,000 students. Just this school year, the foundation has distributed almost $30,000

in grants – 19 innovative teacher grants and seven school resource grants. Those grants went to 18 different schools and provided 5,606 individual learning opportunities.

Carroll said in the past, the group has raised about $30,000 a year for the schools.

This school year, the group has raised almost $100,000 to help with tutoring, technology and other specific needs for students who have fallen behind due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this year, the foundation awarded $61,000 to the five Hilton Head schools, and $25,000 to Robert Smalls International Academy and Shanklin S. Elementary.

The foundation relies on the support of the community through the following groups: the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, Bargain Box of Hilton Head, Friends of Callawassie Island, The Italian-American Club of Hilton Head Island, the Okatie Rotary Club, Women in Philanthropy, and the Moss Creek Charitable Fund. Another major fundraiser for the organization is its annual Jewels and Jeans fundraiser, which is not being held in 2021.

Every year, the foundation gives a $1,000

grant to the Beaufort County Teacher of the Year. This year’s recipient was Okatie Elementary School first-grade teacher Megan DeWeese.

The organization also honors a person or group of people each year with the Peggy May Inspiration Award for dedication, inspiration and support for the county schools.

This year’s award went to the entire school system.

“How do we pick just one person when all of the schools are improvising every single day?” Carroll said. “And not just teachers, not just administration but really everyone at the school level, from bus drivers to cafeteria workers to custodians … so we decided to honor all of them.”

Each school received a plaque, a “Congratulations” sign at its entrance and a breakfast buffet.

For more information about the Foundation for Educational Excellence, visit foundationedexcellence.com.

Amy Coyne Bredeson of Bluffton is a freelance writer, a mother of two and a volunteer with the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance.

May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

Page 17A

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The Bluffton Sun

Creating spaces where family and friends make memories

May 4, 2021

Teens will have more drivers ed options coming this spring

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Teenagers have already been especially challenged during the coronavirus pandemic socially, mentally and academically.

Add “learning to drive” as another aspect of their growth that has been stunted.

Bluffton teens and parents will tell you there was already a shortage of Lowcountry class space and instructors pre-COVID. Between business shutdowns and restrictions on class size during the pandemic, a trying situation became nearly untenable.

But there is relief on the horizon – both in a tapered return to normalcy from the area’s established driving academy and news of a new school opening up to service the Lowcountry’s population explosion.

Doreen Haughton-James started 123 Driving Academy 15 years ago when she found there to be a lack of quality driver education options for her kids. Now, as a pair of competitors retired and high

schools cut back on offering in-school drivers’ ed, she has had to navigate the pandemic knowing less kids will be able to learn to drive in a timely manner.

“We had to close in April 2020 for a month and that alone created a backlog of students. We moved classes online and that helped, but our in-person classes were cut in half,” said the owner of the school with classes in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island. Island classes shrunk from 40 to 20 while Bluffton classes contracted from 30 to 15 in-person spots.

The Department of Motor Vehicles allowed the school to go virtual with their Saturday 8-hour classes with strict supervision to make sure students were watching and following the class instruction.

“It helped for sure, but right now, our classes are full through the end of June into July,” Haughton-James said. “As the numbers get better, we’re slowly getting classroom seats back and we’ll offer them

Please see DRIVERS ED on page 20A

May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

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Page 20A

The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

DRIVERS ED from page 18A to waitlisted students to try to get them into class sooner.”

Students with their beginners permit that completed the class and want to begin in-car driving instruction must currently wait up to a month to get started.

“Between the masks in class and wearing masks and creating partial partitions in the cars to prevent any transmission of the virus, there were a lot of inconveniences and delays, but we’re slowly getting back on schedule,” she said.

The business is also trying to adjust to added demand beyond the delays caused

by COVID. “We just added a car, our eighth, and we’re always advertising for quality teacher to add to our staff of 10 instructors,” Haughton-James said. The school is also looking into added a third location in Ridgeland to service the growing population along the S.C. 170 corridor. “Finding the right instructors are key. We have former teachers, UPS drivers, instructors with masters in education, all types. But the key is to be personable and show they’re comfortable teaching teens.”

The 123 owner has seen a population growth since beginning the business and said that increased traffic and more scrutiny of their performance have been the biggest changes over her tenure.

As for what parents can do to help their kids navigate the learning process and the potential delays in getting to learn in the field, Haughton-James said nothing beats the basics.

“Find an empty parking lot, get your kids as many reps and hours behind the wheel as you can,” she said. “There is no substitute for experience and comfort in operating the vehicle.”

A new option with a twist David Murphy served a decade in local law enforcement – eight with the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office and two as a Bluffton police officer. During that time, he was part of countless traffic accident investigations.

It gave him a unique and often gruesome insight into the results of poor or distracted driving. When he, his wife Carrie and his father (a former sheriff deputy and current owner of New River Transmission in Hardeeville) were looking to start a business, his experience with

accident collisions combined with his knowledge of the population growth and lack of drivers ed options led his family to buy a franchise with the 911 Driving School.

The chain, a subsidiary of the Seattle-based Driver Training Group, has seven offices across South Carolina and 50 across the country, with more franchises coming online every month.

The differentiating factor that Murphy said will make 911 stand out: all instructors are current or retired first responders or law enforcement officers.

“Officers can relate to the teaching on a different level. We’re out there driving 12 hours a day, we see the barrage of distracted driving first hand and have a unique insight into proper defensive driving,” Murphy said. “Driving is one of the most underestimated tasks we do.

Repetition of doing it creates complacency and lazy habits. A Ford F-150 with a distracted or texting driver is essentially a 3,000-pound missile.”

The school’s first class began May 1 with eight-hour classes scheduled for each Saturday through mid-September.

The school will offer in-person classes at their Plantation Park classroom and office.

The school’s cost run from $400 to $600, $75 to $200 higher than 123 Drive’s class rates. Murphy said the professionalism and experience that instruction from law enforcement officers will give beginning students a leg up in their learning.

“We have seen the 911 teaching blueprint, it’s proven and successful and we’re excited to bring that to this area,” Murphy said. He said that in addition to himself, he has two current local police officers signed up to teach classes and do in-car instruction and will hire more instructors as demand warrants.

“And we are already seeing that demand. We’re built to serve the growth in the need for drivers ed, and to service that need with the highest quality instruction possible,” he said. “We have a very fertile pool of current and retired officers to recruit instructors from.”

Sign up for classes online at 123drivingacademy.com or 911drivingschool.com.

Tim Wood is a veteran journalist based in Bluffton. Contact him at timwood@blufftonsun.com.

May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

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Page 21A

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The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

Sun City’s first women’s travel team wins tournament

By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR

Victoria Black thought it was a good idea in 2017 when Peg Welch, another softball player in Sun City Hilton Head, suggested they get a women’s league started. There have been coed teams for years, but not women-only.

“I helped her get the league going and three months later she moved,” Black laughed. “That was OK. We started just playing. Then it started morphing into getting more ladies in, and we started playing scrimmages.”

Named for the founder, the Peg Welch Ladies League began. Teams were loosely formed by having each group wear different color shirts. By November 2019, the casual sport was an official women’s softball league with four teams and a small pool of committed players.

Little did Black know that within four years that league would produce The Islanders – the first women’s travel team from Sun City to win an International

GWYNETH J. SAUNDERS

Victoria Black, left, discusses strategy with co-captain Claire Stille following a recent practice of their travel softball team, the Islanders.

Senior Softball Association tournament.

Played in Jacksonville in April, it was the

team’s second tournament.

“There were a total of six teams in the

tournament, and The Islanders won in the 55-AAA division,” Black said.

Debbie Daugherty, another softball player, said that the travel team was limited to only Sun City residents, a limitation the other teams in the tournament did not have.

“There’s a blog out there for teams looking for a good second baseman or catcher for a tournament. There was one team from Detroit, another team had player from North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, all over. These girls out there – they’re like machines. They can hit the ball, they’re big and muscular.

It’s great being our age, and having this accomplishment. All these other girls had 20 years’ experience, and we’re just gutsy.”

The travel team idea came up in 2018 with a group of women who wanted to compete outside of Sun City.

“We formed a team made up of more experienced players, and started with Sun

Please see SOFTBALL on page 24A

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The Bluffton Sun

Page 23A

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Page 24A

The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

SOFTBALL from page 22A

GWYNETH J. SAUNDERS

Members of the Sun City Islanders travel softball team meander off the dusty field following an afternoon practice.

City Peachtree in the fall of 2018, playing against their team on their property,” Black said. “Then we started talking about getting into tournaments. Basically the team is selected from the women in the ladies’ league. If you want to participate in the travel team, you come to the practices.”

Those players get invited to work out with The Islanders and find out what conditions are needed on the team. Dennis McGuire, the manager, and coaches John Meckley and Bob Black, get together, determine what the needs of the team are and who will be selected.

In the beginning, the women were playing every week and had instructional clinics. There were so few subs that if someone got hurt during a game, the managers pulled players from other teams and dropped them in, Black said. Just like every other Sun City club, there aren’t any tryouts to join the league, and anyone can come out to three sessions and play.

“What Victoria doesn’t say is she takes any women, no matter what their skill level,” Daugherty said. “Not everybody’s hitting it over the fence but everybody’s got your back, and we just encourage each other so much.”

Both women played softball when they were younger, and Black mostly played basketball, but when they moved here, they picked the game up again.

“We moved here because of the field.

My husband saw it and said this is it,” said Black. “I play because I like it. It gets me outside, I get to meet with people, and it’s a team sport, and I love team sports. It’s a good group we have here in Sun City.”

The average age for the travel team is 63, and the team plays in the 55-AAA bracket. The oldest member of the league is in her 80s, said Black, while most players are in their 60s.

“I think once you play it, it’s like riding a bicycle and you have the competitive instinct in you,” Daugherty said. “Though we run shorter and throw shorter, we still have that desire to get out on the field and compete. We’ve been out in the sun, out in the rain and we say that we’ve got aches and pains but there’s nothing a heating pad or a good orthopedic doc tor won’t fix.”

“Yeah. Just rub some dirt on it and get back out there,” Black said.

The league is hosting Sun City Peachtree May 18-19 for some friendly competition, and a second travel team, The Hurricanes, is being formed.

For more information, email suncityhhws@gmail.com or call Black at 512468-7053. Membership is $25 to join the club.

Gwyneth J. Saunders is a veteran journalist and freelance writer living in Bluffton.

May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

Page 25A

Page 26A

The Bluffton Sun

HELP BEAT DOWN POWER COSTS WITH

May 4, 2021

Gaelic Football fever catching on with fans in Bluffton

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NIALL ARCHBOLD/BLUFFTON GFC

Niall Archbold and his wife, Kristin, at the June 2020 meet and greet gathering for the Gaelic Football Club, held at Bluffton Trading Post.

By Tim Wood CONTRIBUTOR

If we all cut back on energy use a little during the peak periods, we can make a big difference together!

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If you have the look of an athlete and are old enough to vote, odds are Niall Archbold has either chatted you up or will befriend you in the coming weeks.

The Dublin native and recent Bluffton transplant is the founder of the Bluffton Gaelic Football Club (GFC) and is on a mission to form a local team and introduce his beloved sport to the Lowcountry en masse.

“If you’re between 18 and 60 and have a pulse, I’ve met you at a Bluffton pub,” said Archbold with an endearing brogue largely intact despite being in the U.S. since 1986. “This is a dream of mine. And I just know that once I introduce it to folks, if they’re the

least bit competitive or social, they get hooked.”

The 54-year-old resident of The Walk knows he has a bunch of strikes working against him. First, he started this quest right as COVID exploded.

Second through 10th on the list: Very few in the U.S. have heard of Gaelic football.

“What can I say? I love a good challenge,” he said with a smile. “This isn’t just another newbie imparting my ways on others. This is a game that folks can play for life. It’s very social, it’s a community builder and, did I mention, it’s highly addictive?”

Bluffton GFC’s website has an intriguing slogan: “Come meet soccer’s

Please see GAELIC on page 28A

May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

Page 27A

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Page 28A

The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

GAELIC from page 26A older punk-rock brother.” It paints a picture, for sure, but if you’re one of the vast majority new to Gaelic football, think of it as a cocktail of many sports with heavy pinches of soccer and basketball. Players advance the volleyball-esque sphere up the field with a combination of carrying, bouncing, kicking, hand-passing and something called soloing – where you drop the ball and then toe-kick it into your hands. Points are scored by putting the ball over a crossbar, goals are scored by successfully angling the ball under the crossbar into a net.

The amateur sport is religion in Ireland, with county and national clubs vying to play in the All-Ireland Senior Championship – an annual event that trumps our Super Bowl with 83,000 rabid fans in attendance.

Archbold’s family was all about it – his father was part of the 1957 national team, his mother was an avid camogie player (the female version), and his brothers and nephews all play.

Archbold played both semipro soccer

NIALL ARCHBOLD/BLUFFTON GFC

Members of the Gaelic Football Club practiced at Oscar Frazier Park in its early days. The club is open to adults of all ages.

and Gaelic football in Dublin before heading to the U.S., where he played for multiple teams in both sports while

also helping turn the NYU men’s soccer program into winners as a coach in the late ’90s.

A back injury and operation when he was 29 ended his pro playing days, but the passion for the sport never faded.

He continued to coach and launch youth programs around New York before moving to Raleigh, N.C., with his wife, Kristin, in 2012.

“I joined a thriving club in Raleigh and saw that there were pockets of clubs all around the Southeast,” he said. “When we first talked of moving to Bluffton, I started picking a lot of brains of these club leaders. I knew I wanted to start something here.”

That feeling was amplified when he met Savannah Gaelic Football Association founder Caleb Harkleroad. The two became fast friends and Archbold trained and coached a bit with Savannah before a conversation with Kristin ahead of Memorial Day in 2020.

“She told me, ‘Don’t give up on it,’ don’t let COVID stop you,” Archbold said. “A lot of these picked brains told me to just start it slowly, but I am bad

Please see GAELIC on page 34A

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The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

New leadership to head up human trafficking task force

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The Lowcountry Human Trafficking Task Force has new leadership after the election of two new co-chairs during its April 21 quarterly meeting.

JoJo Woodward and Michelle Fraser will lead the task force, one of nine regional task forces under the state’s task force purview. The South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force is headed up by the S.C. Attorney General’s Office.

Woodward has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience. He is a member of the Solicitor’s Office Career Criminal Unit, a team of veteran prosecutors and investigators who target habitual and dangerous defendants.

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and is a Marine Corps veteran.

The Lowcountry Human Trafficking Task Force encompasses Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton, Hampton and Allendale counties and includes active members from the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, nonprofits, victim service providers, social services, clergy, local, state and federal law enforcement, healthcare professionals, civic organizations and others.

Woodward and Fraser take over from Sheila Roemeling, founder of Fresh Start Healing Heart, and Capt. Shane Roberts of the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office.

The next meeting of the task force is July 21. For more information, email sclchtff@gmail.com.

To report suspected human trafficking call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 (BeFree).

May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

Page 31A

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May 4, 2021

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The Bluffton Sun

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May 4, 2021

GAELIC from page 28A with slow. I like to build things rapidly. But Kristin convinced me to have patience, and why do the 40-minute drive when you really want to do this here?”

So that’s just what the couple did.

They had a meet and greet at Bluffton Trading Post a month later and that’s when the heavy recruiting began. And the all-important choosing of colors – the purple logo is an homage to his hometown St. Joseph’s club colors.

“I’d be out having a pint and I just kept telling people, ‘Come out and try it,” he said. “We had a dozen at the meetup, then about the same at the early practices. Maybe three or four of the folks were athletically ready, but I just want bodies. I like a blank canvas.”

Word slowly but surely spread, and the numbers began to swell at the weekly practices in the public park space near the dog park at Oscar Frazier Park. Archbold hoped to strike an immediate partnership with Beaufort County Parks and Recreation, but COVID staffing and meeting protocols created a roadblock.

“Hey, no worries. I’d get to that little patch of field 90 minutes before practice, bring dirt with me to fill any holes and get the space before any other clubs took it,” he said. Archbold recruited a number of fellow new residents at The Walk to join the club initially, and parkgoers and Bluffton Park residents quickly got curious as well.

“The numbers started to swell, men and women alike. They saw me teaching this odd thing and just wondered what we were doing,” Archbold said.

“And my neighbor at The Walk, Morgan Crutchley, has been a godsend in finding recruits and building hype.”

One of the early converts was Corks co-owner Sean Ritter. The former pro rugby player was looking for a way to get back into exercising and found it with Bluffton GFC. “I need to scratch that itch but life got in the way. I went to a couple practices and had never felt anything like it,” Ritter said. “I had never been so tired playing anything. It worked so many muscles and the group of people was so fun, I got addicted very quick-

ly.”

Archbold was able to connect with Parks and Rec in January and found champions in BCSC officials Shannon Loper and Matt Watts.

“I can’t thank them enough. I told them we were looking to build community here in introducing this new game and they were just incredible,” he said. The club is now partnered with Parks and Rec, has scheduled weekly practice space at M.C. Riley Field and has formed the beginnings of a youth program.

“The ultimate dream is to have a bunch of 7-on-7 teams in Bluffton, have a rec league. And to really explode the sport with our youth,” he said of future plans.

As club numbers grow, so too does the athletic makeup of the club, which now resembles more of a CrossFit class than a couch potato club. After a year of teaching pure basics and fundamentals, Archbold has started making things more official.

The club has formed a board, has joined the U.S. Gaelic Athletic Association and, thanks to the support of local sponsors like Choo Choo BBQ Express, realtor Catherine Donaldson, Stretch Zone and official post-practice meetup Katie O’Donald’s, Bluffton GFC is about to order authentic team jerseys from Ireland ahead of their first scheduled scrimmage June 13 – against his old buddy Harkleroad’s Savannah club.

“We have made such strides, it’s so exciting to see. We have had such fun together, all these folks new to the area or new to the game. The social end is so great and I’ve loved coaching these players up,” Archbold said. “Someday, I’d love to join regional powerhouse leagues, play for a U.S. title, bring our team across the pond. But it’s baby steps and we are making them. Right now, just come to our Tuesday practice, see what’s it all about. I promise you’ll have fun.”

The team practices Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the M.C. Riley Sports Complex.

Visit blufftongfc.com for more information.

Tim Wood is a veteran journalist based in Bluffton. Contact him at timwood@ blufftonsun.com.

May 4, 2021

e

The Bluffton Sun

Page 35A

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Page 36A

The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

Chronic pain group created to help sufferers share info, cope

By Amy Coyne Bredeson CONTRIBUTOR

Bob Fortier of Hilton Head Island has suffered from chronic pain for more than 20 years. After looking for a support group and realizing there were none within hundreds of miles, he decided to start one.

The 71-year-old retired engineer said the pain started when the disc between his Bob Fortier L4 and L5 vertebrae burst. Fortier said a spinal disc is similar to a baseball in that its outer layers consist of a leather-like material and the nucleus in the middle is soft.

“In my case, I wore through all of the layers of leather,” Fortier said. “In a singular moment – I was actually putting my socks on – the last layer went, and the nucleus came out, and extruded up and down my spine. And, of course, I hit the

deck.”

Fortier said when you have a catastrophic failure of a disc like he experienced, the whole structural system fails over time. Now he also has diagnoses of complex regional pain syndrome and peripheral neuropathy.

If he hurts himself, the pain stays with him for a long time. For example, he had hip surgery a couple of years ago and the post-op pain has never left him.

Fortier said between 2000 and 2015, he had a spinal cord stimulator installed and tried most of the opiates that are on the market. Unfortunately, he had to keep increasing dosages and trying new medications because they just weren’t working.

In September 2020, he had a pain pump installed. The pump is filled with a mixture of morphine and fentanyl.

Fortier sees his pain management doctor every four to six weeks, at which time the doctor uses a syringe to refill the pump.

The relief so far is marginal, but it helps him sleep. He and his doctor are still working on finding the correct dosage.

In the meantime, he continues to take oxycodone for pain.

About 15 years ago, Fortier was diagnosed with clinical depression. “That was a dark, lonely place to be,” he said. “And pain can bring you there.” Thankfully, Fortier was able to dig himself out of the darkness and began to get better.

Fortier knows he’s not the only one in the Lowcountry with chronic pain. He also knows he wants to share the knowledge he has gained along his journey and support others on theirs, while also bringing in experts to discuss the latest research and treatments.

Fortier received positive feedback after giving two presentations on chronic pain for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of South Carolina Beaufort.

A participant’s comment was a catalyst for him. “One woman in particular wrote, ‘I was in tears listening to you because you’re the first person who has validated my pain,’” Fortier said. “I just said, ‘I have to do this. I can’t sit around and complain

that there’s no group here. If there’s no group here, get off your sorry butt and start one.’”

Fortier is now a certified support group facilitator for The American Chronic Pain Association. His new group, the Lowcountry Chronic Pain Support Group will meet via Zoom, at least in the beginning.

He hopes to be able to host the first meeting in mid-May. “Because I’ve had this 20-year journey and I’ve acquired, through experience and through study, a lot of information, it would be an utter waste of my efforts to keep that all to myself,” Fortier said. “It’s kind of like music – it’s to be shared. So I’m hoping that in sharing, other people can benefit from my journey. And I would feel utterly selfish if I didn’t do it.”

For more information on the group, contact Fortier at 843-290-7556 or rdfortier@twc.com.

Amy Coyne Bredeson of Bluffton is a freelance writer, a mother of two and a volunteer with the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance.

May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

Page 37A

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Page 38A

The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

Mental Health Month a good time for personal wellness check

By Edwina Hoyle CONTRIBUTOR

It’s been a tough year, and while 2020 may be in the rearview mirror, the effects of COVID-19 are still with us. It’s fair to say that there has been universal frustration, sadness and isolation, and many have lost loved ones.

So it’s important to recognize that life has changed – and change is tough. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and experts say it’s a good time to evaluate our COVID program at Lifecare of Hilton Head. That week’s theme was The Benefit of Nature in own stress, sadness, anxiety and levels of Dealing with Anxiety and Depression. The program was funded by a grant from the Community isolation.

Foundation of the Lowcountry.

From youngsters in preschool to seniors treatment, and follow a plan of care. The face-to-face engagement, many have lost in long-term living communities, we have jobs and income, and in-person social inter- onset of COVID-19 has complicated this all missed out on significant celebrations exponentially.” action is limited. we took for granted: school, graduations, Anxiety and depression, loss of income According to Steve Maglione, executive parties, sports, clubs, proms, dinners out and normal routine, worrying about the director of Mental Health America Beaufort/ with friends, and especially family gathvirus, and loss of loved ones are among the Jasper, “Mental health issues like depreserings. These are the moments we cannot adverse effects of COVID-19 Maglione listsion, anxiety and substance use are difficult recapture, and for many, it has been not ed.

“These factors increase stress and lead to to identify, screen and treat under any only disappointing but potentially devastator compound mental health issues,” he said. circumstances. The person must seek help, ing emotionally.

In addition, Zoom meetings have replaced access a screening provider, begin indicated “The pandemic has led to increased risk of

substance use which compounds mental health problems.”

He added that it’s important to talk to someone, not isolate, engage and keep to a normal, healthy routine as much as possible.

“Linkage to support during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical for people in recovery from existing mental health and substance abuse issues,” Maglione stated.

“As social entities who crave connection with others, isolation causes these issues to spiral. There a plethora of evidence linking social isolation and loneliness to mental health and addiction.”

Maglione and other experts say major concerns include stress, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, disordered eating and sleeping patterns, and general addictive behaviors.

“We believe it is critically important that people with existing mental health and addiction issues stay connected to help and support as vaccines are rolled out and the

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May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

Page 39A

10 HOT SPOTS

Cinco de Mayo: Are you ready for a party in your mouth?

By Tim Wood

The tacos dorado curried particular favor, along with the quesadillas. Feel free to get the ordinary chicken and cheese fixings, but if you’re adventurous, the chorizo, shepherd, roast, tongue and head options are on par with anything we’ve had in Mexico.

CONTRIBUTOR

How did a holiday meant to commemorate the Mexican Army’s victorious stand against the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 become synonymous with food and egregious margarita consumption?

Cinco de Mayo is so much more than that to both Mexican Americans and fans of Mexican heritage. In celebrating the liberation, we are simultaneously shining an annual spotlight on the spirit of a people and their freedom to share their passions with the world. And if ever there was a year we’re all ready for a party (socially distanced, of course), it is 2021.

In honor of the May 5 Mexico-a-palooza, here are our blue ribbon panel’s picks for the 10 Hot Spots for Mexican cuisine in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, with input from you, the readers, weighing heavily as always. Picks are in no particular order, though again, you weren’t shy about voic-

COURTESY HOLY TEQUI

The prime rib taco from Holy Tequila

ing your clear-cut favorites.

• Taqueria del Sabor, 142 Bluffton Road, Bluffton, 843-227-1203: Folks

couldn’t always give us the name of this outdoor dining spot, but they know that the “spot across from the Bluffton post office” is where to get the authentic goods.

• La Huesteca, 12 Sheridan Park Circle, Bluffton: When you want the straight word on who’s got the best, you get it from a chef’s mouth. Big Dog Tacos food truck owner Joe DePatty has won plenty of raves for his creations, but when Joe wants the legit stuff – not the TexMex variety that caters more to the American palate – this is where he goes. “It’s as close to the true Mexican my mom and grandma made us as kids in San Diego,” he said. “This is, in my opinion, the truest in every sense of the best Mexican food around. None other will do.” He is especially a fan of their mole and sauces.

Please see HOTSPOTS on page 40A

Page 40A

The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

HOTSPOTS from page 39A • Maiz Taqueria, Bluffton, 843-8162389: It’s a food truck on the move, so you have to check the latest location on Facebook (though they have been seen at the Backyard State of Mind food truck pavilion on Bluffton Road). The owners promise a gluten free, organic and 100% delight in every bite. Foodies also rave about their Sunday brunch.

location is a bit tricky, but the pursuit is worth it. The eatery wins particular honors for their service and friendly staff.

• Holy Tequila Mexican Kitchen, 33 Office Park Road, Hilton Head Island, 843-681-8226, holytequila.com: This island fave wins raves for atmosphere and ambience along with its attention to vegan and vegetarian-friendly menu options. The carne asada taco is a particular favorite, along with the flourless and breakfast burritos. Wash it all down with a jalapeno margarita if you’re looking for a walk on the wild side.

• Tio’s Latin American Kitchen, 40 Shelter Cove Lane #181, Hilton Head, and 7 Venture Drive #106, Bluffton, 843-8428467, tioshhi.com: Honduras native chef Lynden Zuniga won over island diners who comment that his personality shines through in every bite. He, his co-owner and wife Sally, and fellow chef Logan McManus have created a diverse menu that showcases several different Latino country faves and win just as many kudos for their drink menu with a mix of sophisticated offerings and attention to basics (namely, a depth of tequila and rum options). Plus, they feature a locally owned company, Ring Stinger Pepper Company, in all their hot and taco sauces.

• Fiesta Fresh, 51 New Orleans Road, Suite 4, Hilton Head Island, 843-7854788, fiestafreshgrill.com: A lot of our options are newer compared to this OG island dinery that sprouted a Bluffton sibling. Getting a table for lunch at the island

• Blue Laguna Mexican Grill and Cantina, 841 William Hilton Parkway Suite L, Hilton Head Island, 843-682-6222, facebook.com/bluelagunagrill: This newer eatery is winning fast praise for their fajitas, the way they differentiate their Taco Tues-

day specials and the homey atmosphere.

• Mi Tierra, 27 Mellichamp Drive, Bluffton, 843-757-7200, mitierrabluffton. com: The staff was repeatedly mentioned by our panel, as well as the colorful interior design. The salsa, sautéed shrimp tacos and guac were also singled out by readers, as well as the large portions and bang for the buck. The pollo poblano and steak picado are among our favorites of their house specials. This is consistently the top-ranked Bluffton Mexican locale on TripAdvisor, and for good reason.

• La Poblanita, 4494 Bluffton Park Crescent, Bluffton, 843-815-5221, la-poblanita-bluffton.com: “Best in class” and “hidden secret” are the review headlines you’ll see on the web. This spot is tucked behind the Enmarket off Bluffton Parkway, but the food quality is far from shy. The shrimp tacos are a winner for sure. Again, be aware that this is not the more Americanized TexMex palate. It’s much more of true Mexican. Our reviewers repeatedly said they don’t want to risk their special place being overrun with newbies.

• Agave Side Bar, 13 State of Mind Street, Bluffton, 843-757-8226, agavebluffton.com: You will think the people watching and outdoor dining is worth the trip alone … until you taste the food. It is among the pricier options on our list, but the portions are strong, the ahi tuna tacos are delectable and the blackened mahi and pork belly taco will bring you tears of joy.

And oh my, the street corn.

Honorable mentions: If you’re up for a drive, La Parilla on S.C. 170 across from Oldfield Mews offers brains and cows head tacos that multiple panel members said were otherworldly. Mi Tierrita in Okatie could be on a top pizza list just as much as for their Mexican, odd combo but it works.

Taqueria El Primo in Bluffton, Amigos in Bluffton’s Belfair Village, and Java Burrito, Aunt Chilada’s and San Miguel’s on the island also got votes from our readers and panelists.

Have a suggestion for our next topic for 10 Hot Spots? Email Tim Wood at timwood@ blufftonsun.com to give us your idea.

May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

Page 41A

AWARENESS from page 38A pandemic’s end is within sight,” he said.

One way to check in with yourself is to take a mental health screen at MHAscreening.org, he said. It’s a quick, free and private way for someone to assess their mental health.

Typical questions used in mental health screenings at MHA Beaufort/Jasper include: Have you felt consistently sad for the last few months or lost interest in things you enjoy? Have you had occasions when you felt anxious, overwhelmed, afraid or experienced panic-like symptoms? Have you excessively worried about things that are out of your control? Have you felt as though you don’t care about your own well-being?

Have you been fearful of leaving your safe places in the last few months? Have you experienced a traumatic event recently?

The answers can help professionals determine how and what kind of help might be warranted.

“Anxiety increases depression and even suicidal ideation,” said Susan Williams, board co-chair of MHA of Beaufort/Jasper.

“No concentration, motivation or energy to keep up, and lack of socialization are signs

to make a special effort reach out to others for support.”

To help increase our mental wellness, counselors encourage consumers to accept situations in life that we cannot change, actively work to process the mental struggles associated with big changes, manage anger and frustration, recognize when trauma might be affecting our mental health, challenge negative thinking patterns, and make time to take care of ourselves.

Knowing when to turn to friends, family and coworkers when you are struggling with life’s challenges can help improve one’s mental health.

MHA has received a grant to provide free counseling services to low- and moderate-income people in Hilton Head. Call 843-757-3900 for information.

Other resources are professional counselors; NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), 843-636-3100; Alcoholics Anonymous/Al-Anon, 843-785-9630; as well as senior services, the Council on Aging, and support groups.

Edwina Hoyle is a freelance writer in Bluffton.

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Page 42A

The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

Noteworthy • Congregation Beth Yam in Hilton Head will sponsor a live-streamed musical program called Music Makes Friends at 4 p.m. May 9.

The program will feature the musical group Latin Vox, whose lead singers, Guillermo and Nellymar Brazon, might be familiar to residents of the Lowcountry.

The program can be accessed from the CBY Facebook page or directly from the CBY website at bethyam.org.

• The Beaufort Sportfishing and Diving Club will meet at 5 p.m. May 13 at the Beaufort Yacht Club’s new deck on Lady’s Island off Meridian Road.

The program will feature the Club’s Best Charter Captain (two years in a row), Christopher Mattson, will discuss Cobia: how, when, where, and why not; top water and deep water techniques, and rods and reels, and appropriate nets.

Dues and renewals will continue on the same monthly system prior to the pandemic. The porch bar will be utilized and club restrooms will be available.

Guests are welcome. Reservations are not needed. For more information, contact Capt. Frank Gibson at 843522-2122 or fgibson@islc.net.

• The 21st annual Low Country Home & Garden Show will be held May 14-16 at the Savannah Convention Center on Hutchinson Island.

Admission is free; parking is available for $5, credit or debit only.

Show hours are 2-6 p.m. May 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 15, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. May 16.

For more information, visit SavannahHomeandGardenShow.com.

• The Bluffton Rotary Club is accepting orders for its Memorial Day smoked Boston Butt and Brisket Fundraiser. Pre-orders may be made online at blufftonrotary.org. The prices and approximate weights prior to smoking are $40 for 8-pound Boston Butt and $125 for 10-pound brisket. Orders must be placed before May 15.

Orders must be picked up May 28 between 4 and 6 p.m. at the Bluffton Rotary Community Center, 10 Recreation Court, in Oscar Frazier Park.

Contactless pickup will be employed; your order will be placed in your vehicle if you prefer.

Monies raised by the Bluffton Rotary Club is given to various local charitable organizations.

• May is Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) awareness month. The annual fundraiser will be held virtually this year.

The Step Forward to Cure Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Global Virtual Walk-Run-Ride will be held May 15-16, wherever participants are located.

TSC, a rare, incurable genetic disease called tuberous sclerosis complex, is the leading genetic cause of autism and epilepsy, and affects 1 million people worldwide.

Walk, run or ride wherever you are May 15-16, and share your photos on social media with #StepForward4TSC. To sign up or donate, visit stepforwardtocuretsc.org.

• The Sun City Amateur Radio Club will sponsor an Amateur Radio license testing session May 19 at Pinckney Hall in Sun City.

While the test session is open to all, appointments are suggested. Contact Dennis Hopkins, AC4DH, at 207-3501350 or AC4DH@arrl.net for additional information or to schedule a test.

Those interested in a pre-exam review session to help them prepare for the test may contact Hopkins indicating interest, and the topic(s) you would like covered.

The SCHHARC is dedicated to the furthering of the goals and ideals of Amateur Radio within the community.

Technical discussions, demonstrations and communication related events are conducted each year, with time out during the summer months.

For additional information about the SCHHARC call Ron Frick, membership chairman, at 843-705-9923 or email Ron at frickron@aol.com.

May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

BUSINESS UPDATE

New indoor sports venture headlines business openings, renos It has been a busy month of businesses moving dirt, hanging shingles, and planning for the next chapter of their commercial adventures. Here’s the latest on the business front around Bluffton and Hilton Head Island.

Golf simulators and so much more Dreaming of a place where you can play a round of golf with air conditioning keeping you cool from above? There has been much talk of a true TopGolf experience needed in the Lowcountry – and Jeff Smith heard your pleas.

The entrepreneur is prepping to give locals and tourists so much more with the opening of Chronic Golf, taking over the former home of the Adventure Radio Group at 59 New Orleans Road. Renovations have been ongoing since late 2019.

The sports experience bar and grill will feature full-swing simulators with two advanced tracking technologies to give HD feedback and analytics as you play a choice of 90-plus golf courses.

It’s much more than just golf though.

You can actually play 13 different sports on each simulator, from baseball to hockey to football and soccer.

Not interested in sports? Try tossing some bombs at zombies.

Everything from the sports to the food and drink will operate with a next-gen tech backbone experience. The space will be open for leagues, corporate outings, and birthday parties.

Smith is planning for a soft opening during the week of Memorial Day with a full grand opening in early June. Visit mychronicgolf.com for more information.

Quick hits from the storefronts • Lowcountry Fresh is inching toward completion. The new grocery store, market and café featuring locally source products in a farmers market atmosphere has hung the signs at 303 Bleecker St. on Buckwalter Parkway between Buckwalter Place and Berkeley Place.

Management is putting the finishing touches on the buildout and running

the final dry runs of training with new employees.

Visit lowcountryfresh.com for the latest information on the business’ grand opening plans.

• A new Starbucks is coming to island’s South end. The exhilarating game of Lowcountry Starbucks musical chairs continues and this time, we’re adding a couple. We told you of the plans the java-centric chain has for May River Crossing in Bluffton. Now, the company has filed plans to open at 18 Pope Ave., next to St. Andrew By-The-Sea Church.

This will be the fourth Starbucks on the island, with one in the Sea Turtle Marketplace (rebuilt after a fire in 2019), one in Shelter Cove, and one near Publix off Palmetto Bay Road (the only freestanding location without a drive-thru).

The new location promises a drive-thru, but also a walk-up window and a large outdoor dining area.

• Wiseguys is closed for renovations: One of the gems of the SERG Restaurant Group is closed to make improvements for foodie fans. Wiseguys closed its Main Street location on the island temporarily to make the eatery “bigger and better for our loyal guests,” according to its Facebook page. The restaurant closed the day after Easter and is working on renovations now, according to staff.

• May River Crossing taking shape with two more shingles hung: We now know there will be an AT&T store in the block of storefronts directly across from the Publix in May River Crossing, located at the intersection of Hwy. 170 and May River Road, near the New Riverside circle.

Logo signs were hung on the building in mid-April. Great Clips has hung posters in the storefront attached to Publix in search of hairstylists for their new location. No opening dates for either spot have been announced.

Page 43A

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Page 44A

The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

UPDATE from page 43A • Lucky Rooster is back in business: Beloved island chef Clayton Rollison’s popular Lucky Rooster Kitchen and Bar reopened April 8 with new owners. The Leffew Restaurant Group has continued the focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, now under the direction of executive chef David Landrigan.

The former chef at Circa 1875 and La Scala Ristorante in Savannah joins operating partner David Leffew in promising to build on what Rollison started. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Check luckyroosterhhi.com for more information.

• Berkeley Hall starts upgrades project: The Berkeley Hall Club in Bluffton broke ground on the first phase of a renovation project to transform its clubhouse and eateries.

The centerpiece of the project is the building of the 4 Seasons Veranda, a 5,000-square-foot addition that extends off the Grand Hall. The new space will provide year-round dining in a climate-controlled environment.

The scope of the first phase work also includes a renovation of the Mixed Grille eatery and a kitchen and design upgrade.

The exterior is scheduled to be finished by the fall with full use by spring/summer 2022.

The Clubhouse, Mixed Grill, Tap Room bar bistro and Tuscan Wine Room will remain open throughout most of the construction.

The club’s two Fazio-designed golf courses are also getting a facelift and “return to their pristine original vision,” according to club officials.

• Sweetgrass Inn opens: Hilton Head Health has opened the doors of its 18,000-square-foot, $5 million Sweetgrass Inn project, the first time in the business’ 40-plus-year history that the island weight loss and wellness retreat will have its own on-campus accommodations.

Sweetgrass features 30 guest rooms, a game room and a theater room overlooking the pool. For more information on the new addition and all that Hilton Head Health has to offer, visit hhhealth.

com

en products in one place. What started as a popular website that has spawned the duo’s first brick and mortar location, which opened in mid-April.

Welcome to the neighborhood • Animal Eye Clinic, 70 Pennington Drive, Suite 10, Bluffton, 912-236-2050, coastalaec.com: This specialty veterinary clinic devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders in animals based in Savannah has opened an office in Bluffton. The staff works closely with their patients’ primary care vets to reach a diagnosis and establish a plan for ophthalmic treatment for pets.

• La Pizzeria, 1460 Fording Island Road, Bluffton, 843-757-4444, lapizzeriahhi.com: A new pizza place has opened in Tanger 2. The new eatery opened April 19, promising hot, fresh, made-fromscratch pizzas, wings, pasta and salads.

They will offer lunch specials daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as vegetarian and gluten-free menu options.

• Cassandra’s Kitchen, 258 Red Cedar Street, No. 17, Bluffton, 843-815-3500, cassandraskitchen.com: Cassandra Schultz’s family has a 40-year history with Ina Garten, aka Barefoot Contessa. Her dad worked for Garten in East Hampton, N.Y. She worked the cash register at Ina’s East Hampton store. Her mom helped on the photo shoots for Garten’s first cookbook.

Cassandra knows Garten’s work and products inside and out, so it makes perfect sense that she along with co-owner Cintia Parsons would open a store featuring all of Barefoot Contessa’s kitch-

• 911 Driving School, 22 Plantation Park Drive, Suite 105B, Bluffton, 911drivingschool.com: A new option for drivers education has opened in the U.S. 278-adjacent plaza known for tenants like Dairy Queen, Kobe and Enterprise Rent-a-Car. The school will offer drivers ed with a twist, with current and retired first responders and law enforcement officers teaching students. Now registering students for weekly classes throughout the summer. See page 18 for more on the new driving school in town.

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May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

Meet Bluffton’s 30-year-old real estate sales dynamo

Page 45A

How Dangerous is Sunburn?

Does the Sun Cause Melanoma?

What Can I Do About Sensitive Skin?

COURTESY THOMAS KERSEY

Thomas Kersey with his wife, Brittani, and their daughter, Penelope.

CONTRIBUTOR

When the Hilton Head Island MLS first quarter rankings were released in April, a name at the top of the rankings might have been a shock to some. But for those who have seen the work ethic and tenacity that Bluffton native Thomas Kersey has shown since he was a teenager, the news came as little surprise.

At a time when most of his high school friends were involved in sports, clubs and socializing, Kersey built a tennis racquet stringing business that started as favors for friends and grew to a loyal 500-client following.

“I guess I’ve just never been that ‘follow the pack’ guy,” said the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Realtor. “I’ve always done my own thing, always been close to family, but always been driven to succeed and find the right path to success for me.”

Kersey went to college thinking he was headed into the law profession. He started law school but did not finish.

He worked at a local law firm, focusing on estate planning, asset protection and probate.

“It’s a hard area of law to practice,”

Kersey said. “Family, death and money are three things you don’t want to be in the middle of. I enjoyed helping clients but I got no pleasure out of my career.”

At a crossroads, Kersey leaned on family. He had an uncle in commercial real estate who had seen his business acumen, personality and attention to detail and thought his nephew would be great at real estate.

Kersey convinced his mom, Kim, to take the real estate course with him, they passed, and eventually formed a sales team together, repping D.R. Horton in Georgia during their first year. The pair were successful, but while he enjoyed working with his Mom, he hated the drive to Georgia. Plus, he saw an opportunity in Bluffton.

At a time when more than 3,000 agents were registered in the Hilton Head regional MLS, Kersey saw a lane for him to make a name for himself in the luxury market. So, he and Kim parted ways and Thomas forged his own path.

He used technology to his advantage, using social media analytics and marketing tools to introduce himself to buyers

Please see KERSEY on page 46A

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Page 46A

The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021M

KERSEY from page 45A looking to make larger purchases. Slowly but surely, he gained the trust of CEOs, celebrities and millennial millionaires looking to find the perfect respite residence in the Lowcountry.

“I think my first advantage was that I know this area, I have seen the growth, I constantly research where the growth is going and where the best real estate opportunities are for my clients,” he said of his approach to real estate. “I love Bluffton. I’m proud of this growth and it’s thrilling to see the new wave of clients coming into the region.”

Kersey knew that hanging his own shingle at age 24 was going to be an uphill battle to gain respect and trust.

So he got to work, refining his client relations approach and learning how best to use the quickly evolving technology to personalize his pitch to potential buyers and sellers.

“I am confident that I am the one to find them their best outcome,” Kersey said. “I built a word-of-mouth reputation for building instant connections and shooting straight with my clients, and always having research to back up my approach.”

Kersey was Coldwell Banker’s rookie agent of the year in 2015, and one of the company’s worldwide top 30 agents under age 30 in 2016, when he became a luxury market specialist. In 2017, he was the 23rd-ranked advisor in North America among the Engel and Volkers Luxury network and the highest-ranked agent in South Carolina.

It all led to a record-breaking past 12 months for Kersey, a time when he has won the trust and listings of billionaire clients. In March, he closed the largest-ever sale in Bluffton to date, a $5.6 million deal for the historic estate at 17 Belfair Point Drive.

He was honored in a March ceremony as the No. 2 agent companywide for Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, just $20,000 shy of the top spot.

After finishing 2020 as the No. 6 agent in the Hilton Head MLS and the highest-ranked agent working solo, more than $25 million in closed sales since January led to the No. 1 ranking for the 30-yearold Kersey. He is also proud to note that his mom, Kim, is also consistently one of the top listing and sales volume agents in

the Pooler market.

“I’m not being cocky; I come from a family that has achieved success through a lot of ups and downs, so there’s no silver spoon here,” he said. “I close deals, period. And I put the needs and the outcome of the client above all else. I spent more than $100,000 in marketing on that property out of my own pocket because I’m not afraid of the risk if I believe I can achieve the reward.”

He has a deep respect for the veteran agents in the market but he also sees the industry evolving.

“There is a new generation of both trust-fund millennials, engineers, high-salaries mobile and remote workers and young folks achieving once unthinkable success in industries we didn’t even know about 20 years ago,” Kersey said.

“Some of these agents have been practicing longer than I’ve been on Earth, they have institutional memory that gives them one kind of advantage. I speak the language of this new wave and I try to maximize that advantage.

“The average age here now is in the 30s, these folks know the internet inside out. They know 50 percent of what brokers know about the market these days because the information is out there,” Kersey said.

Beyond the records and the rankings, Kersey also closed a very important personal deal in 2020, marrying his longtime girlfriend, Brittani, in October. The couple are parents to 3-year-old Penelope. “Building that future for my family, it’s important. I am exhausted some days, but it’s all for them,” he said.

In terms of what’s next for him, he says it’s not as sexy a story as Bluffton’s growth.

“This isn’t about ego, there’s no Thomas Kersey Team here, just me. I am a details guy, a ‘do it right, do it yourself’ person. If I do expand, it’s going to be office staff.

“I’m not looking to socialize with my clients, I don’t live among them or play golf with them,” he said. “I form friendships and connections with these folks, but it’s about business and it’s about delivering for them and them knowing to trust me with the next deal.”

Tim Wood is a veteran journalist based in Bluffton. Contact him at timwood@blufftonsun.com.

May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

Page 47A

Business Briefs • Karen Schatz Croll has joined the Holistic Wellness & Detox Center in Bluffton as an integrative health coach.

Croll moved to Bluffton last fall from Southern Maryland.

Her focus as a health coach is to help people suffering from chronic inflammatory issues resulting from a poor Karen Croll diet, sedentary and unbalanced lifestyle and then support them as they exchange poor habits for healthier habits leading to a more vibrant, energetic life.

Additionally, she is a Juice Plus partner offering a variety of products that inspire healthy living through whole food-based nutrition.

Croll has partnered with Hollie Udvornocky, Functional Nutritionist, to offer their combined services in a new program called Advanced Nutrition 360. For more information, visit wellnessgardencoach.

com.

• The Don Ryan Center for Innovation will offer a free Zoom webinar May 12 to provide strategies, tips and ideas for launching and growing a family business, led by family members of one of the region’s most successful family businesses.

The webinar, “They ‘Aced It’ and You Can Too: Strategies for a Successful Family Business,” will be held from 8 to 9 a.m.

The webinar will be led by Bob, Renee and Bobby Heuser, owners of Heuser Ace Hardware, a family-run business that has grown to two locations in Bluffton and Hardeeville. They will offer their insight into what it takes to launch a family business today and tips on how they have succeeded in making a family business thrive and grow.

To register and for more information, visit donryancenter.com.

• Christopher Odom has opened Barefoot Floorcare LLC in Bluffton.

With 23 years of experience, Odom and his company offer all types of commercial

and residential floor care, for carpet, tile and rugs, in addition to upholstery, draperies and mattress cleaning services.

Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information, call 843-9497258, email chris@barefootfloorcaresc. com or visit barefootfloorcaresc.com.

• Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton will host a Job Fair May 20 via Zoom.

Job seekers ages 19 and up are invited from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and ages 14 to 18 are welcome from 5 to 7 p.m. Registration is free.

Employers and vendors who wish to participate are requested to pay a $10 fee or make a gift card donation.

For more information and a link to participate, call 843-757-2845 or visit BGCBluffton.org/jobfair.

• Elite Physical Therapy and Sports Performance has opened a second clinic, at 38 Sheridan Park Circle, Suite E in Bluffton.

Meghan Hall, DPT will manage the

new location. She has been practicing in the community for the past 10 years. A graduate of Emory University, she is certified in dry needling and vestibular rehab.

The original location of the clinic is 4 Okatie Center Blvd.

South, Suite 101 in Okatie.

For more informa- Meghan Hall tion, call 843-7575566 for the new clinic, or 843-705-9480 for the Okatie location, or visit elite-ptsp.com.

SUBMIT YOUR BUSINESS NEWS The Bluffton Sun welcomes news of new employees, promotions, awards and honors, as well as new businesses and relocations.

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Page 48A

The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

TECHNOLOGY

Personalize your high-tech backyard, then get outside

By Lynn Hall CONTRIBUTOR

Warm weather calls for more time outside. Is your backyard the ultimate hangout space, or does it need an update?

Now is a great time to personalize your outdoor space and turn your yard into an oasis, entertainment hub, or activity center. Whatever you want to use your space for, here are some ways you can take your backyard to the next level with helpful high-tech devices.

If your greenery is sacred, check out smart gardening tools like a robotic lawnmower and sprinkler system.

A smart sprinkler lets you manage your sprinkler system from anywhere with a mobile app. It can cater to the specific needs of your lawn, by programming based on plant type and sun exposure.

These sprinklers can also check the weather to adjust based on the amount of precipitation. They can also help con-

serve water and save you money, all while keeping your lawn healthy.

If you don’t have space for an outdoor garden, a smart indoor planter helps you grow fresh greens, fruits and herbs inside.

A connected planter programs lighting,

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Ambiance can bring any backyard to life at night. Use smart outdoor lights to illuminate your space. Specialized outdoor lights have weather-proof bulbs that are safe to use outside. You can turn them off and on and change the color using an app on your phone.

If security is a concern, secure your backyard with a keyless outdoor smart lock. You can easily control access to the lock and monitor activity from your phone using Bluetooth technology.

When adding more connected devices to your home, you’ll need the fastest internet in town to keep them running at top speed!

Lynn Hall is the general manager of Hargray.

May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

Page 49A

LEGAL

In blended family, plan ahead for each child’s interest

By Mark F. Winn CONTRIBUTOR

Many people are in blended families. You might be in a second marriage. You might have a significant other and are cohabitating but not remarried.

These situations beg resolution by good planning. So, if one of the above circumstances apply to you, how do you protect your children’s inheritance and make sure the people you love ultimately inherit what is left?

There are two primary tools we use: 1. trust law to protect the property and to control and direct the remainder interest, and 2. an agreement not to alter the plan.

Let us assume John and Cindy are married and John has a child, Michael, from a prior marriage. Cindy has a child, Janice, from a prior marriage.

John and Cindy realize it is possible that the survivor could get remarried. They also

realize the survivor could re-direct assets to their child.

Given this possibility, when they are getting their estate planning put together, they can sign an agreement that indicates neither will alter their estate plan to change the distribution without each other’s consent.

The agreement can also state if the survivor is to get remarried, then the new spouse

will waive their spousal rights under a valid prenuptial agreement.

Also, let us imagine that John owns the home and he wants Cindy to be able to live in it for her life if she survives him, with the remainder to Michael. John can direct the home into a trust for her benefit, and he can spell out all the terms of who pays for what, and when the interest ceases.

It would usually cease on cohabitation with another or on death. There are many options. But the idea is to keep your property so it ultimately goes to whomever you want it to go to.

What does signing the agreement not to alter the plan do? It creates equitable rights in Michael and Janice and ultimately protects their remainder interest.

If we do this and we also utilize trust law to protect assets during surviving spouse’s life and to direct where the remainder will go (to Michael and or Janice), then you have secured the manner in which your property will benefit loved ones.

With good planning, your assets will not be lost to a new spouse, will not be lost to a lawsuit, and will not be lost to unnecessary taxes.

Mark F. Winn, J.D., Master of Laws (LL.M.) in estate planning, is a local asset protection, estate and elder law planning attorney. mwinnesq.com

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Page 50A

The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

LEGAL

Estate planning lessons taken from the Star Wars Saga

By Rebekah Thompson CONTRIBUTOR

In honor of May the 4th, aka “Star Wars Day,” based on the greeting “May the Force be with you,” this article addresses estate planning lessons learned from the Star Wars Saga. Yes, you read that correctly.

“Star Wars” is a story of legacy. The saga follows several generations of characters, like the Skywalker clan, as they navigate life and decisions that will affect their own legacies.

It is no different from the decisions you and I make regarding our own legacies.

There are two major lessons to be learned from “Star Wars.”

Lesson No. 1: Families are complicated.

The Skywalker clan is the poster family for complicated. Anakin Skywalker (aka Darth Vader) marries Padme Amidala, who gives birth to twins Luke and Leia.

We know that Padme dies in childbirth, arguably because of Anakin’s spiral to the dark side and transformation to Darth Vader,

leaving her extensive wealth up for grabs.

This was compounded by the complication that both twins were given up to two separate families, while Darth Vader works for the Empire.

Now, most families are not Skywalker-level complicated, but most families have some issues that require careful consideration when drafting an estate plan.

For example, in blended family situations where each spouse came into the marriage with assets and children from a previous marriage, what do you want to happen upon the death of the first spouse? Do you want everything to go to the surviving spouse? Or only a portion to the surviving spouse and the rest to your children and nothing to your spouse’s children?

Other issues include leaving an inheritance to a disabled child, or ensuring a child’s spouse never receives a portion of your estate, or how to leave money to grandchildren.

You must consider the family dynamics to

ensure your estate plan addresses the issues and develop a plan making sure all of your goals are met.

Lesson No. 2: Estate plans are a must.

The moment Padme learned she was expecting, she should have created a Durable Power of Attorney, a Healthcare Power of Attorney, and a Last Will and Testament, with each document naming at least a primary agent and a contingent.

The Powers of Attorney documents would have given her agents the ability to make financial and medical decisions on her behalf.

The Last Will and Testament would have named guardians to care for her children and provided detailed instructions for the management of her estate for the benefit of her children.

But Padme had no such documents, leaving her friend Obi-Wan Kenobi to make hasty decisions for her and the children – decisions that might not be aligned with her wishes.

This situation is all too common. If you

develop dementia, who do you want to make your financial and medical decisions or inherit your estate? Do you have an heir that needs their share to be managed for them? Do you want to leave money to charity? Do you want to disinherit a child?

It is folly to assume your spouse and-or children can just “handle it” if you do not have the proper documents.

When you have an estate plan that addresses incapacity and death, you can rest assured your wishes are secured, directing the distribution of your estate and controlling how your heirs will inherit.

While the Skywalkers were heroes of galactic importance, their lack of estate planning would have ultimately left their families in a fight worth more than that of the Rebel Alliance vs. the Empire.

Call a qualified estate planning today to address your estate planning goals.

Rebekah Thompson is an associate attorney with Elder Law & Estate Planning Center. hiltonheadelderlaw.com

May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

Page 51A

HEALTH

Hope of spring can take us outside for some Vitamin D

By Heather Hinshelwood CONTRIBUTOR

In contrast to last year, when the spring months felt somber, fearful, and enclosed, this spring has brought about feelings about hope and renewal. After the winter months of cooler temperatures, people are scrambling to spend time outdoors, and rightfully so.

In the initial efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, thousands of outdoor facilities were shut down to the public, hindering many people’s ability to enjoy the open, fresh air. Across the country, beaches, parks and even some waterways were closed.

Healthcare professionals saw an early and shocking trend: Patients that stayed predominantly indoors became the most ill when they contracted COVID-19. In July 2020, the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging published a compelling study: Low vitamin D levels are an independent risk factor (i.e., there’s an association but not

necessarily a causal link) for death due to COVID-19. Ninety-three percent of patients who experienced severe symptoms with the disease had a vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D is a nutrient our bodies need for good health, and luckily you can get it for free by spending some time outdoors.

A generation ago, vitamin D deficiency was not a concern. People were outdoors so

much that an extraordinary set of circumstances had to be present to lead to vitamin D deficiency.

The American lifestyle has become so sedentary that the deficiency is now much more common.

While a common response to this might be to just take a supplement, a recommendation we all should really consider is to go

outside in the sun. This spring and summer, take every opportunity to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Lowcountry weather.

When you wake up, go outside on a screened-in porch and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Go outside for walks along the May River or on one of the surrounding, sandy beaches.

Go outside and explore South Carolina’s state park system. Go outside and cook dinner on the grill. Go outside and plant some flowers, even if it’s just in a planter on your porch.

If you haven’t already, make the switch from a sedentary, indoors existence and take advantage of the free health benefits that come from spending time in the sun. Just remember to wear your sunscreen.

Dr. Heather Hinshelwood, MD, FACEP is a double board-certified physician and a passionate proponent for healthy living. She is a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and currently practices at Fraum Center for Restorative Health.

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Page 52A

The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

HEALTH

Common angiomas mostly harmless, can be removed easily

By Oswald Lightsey Mikell CONTRIBUTOR

Angiomas are benign growths made up of small blood vessels. They can appear anywhere on the body. The three most common types are cherry angiomas, spider angiomas, and angiokeratomas.

Cherry angiomas are red or purplish in color and don’t usually grow larger than a quarter inch in diameter. They can appear alone or in clusters.

Spider angiomas are red spots caused by a collection of small blood vessel on the surface of the skin. They often have a red center and thin, reddish lines that spread out like spiders legs.

Angiokeratoma is a benign lesion of capillaries, resulting in small marks of red to blue color and characterized by hyperkeratosis (a thickening of the outer layer of skin).

Q: What causes angiomas?

A: No one knows what causes angio-

mas, but there may be a genetic factor that makes certain people more likely to get them. They’ve also been linked to pregnancy, exposure to chemicals, and climate.

There also appears to be a link between cherry angiomas and age. They often begin to appear when individuals reach age 30, and seem to increase in size and number with age Q: What is the treatment for angiomas?

A: Occasionally angiomas may become irritated (such as from rubbing against clothing) and need to be removed to avoid further problems. However, since most angiomas are harmless, most people have them treated for cosmetic reasons.

Angiomas can be removed by electrodessication, which uses an electric needle to destroy the blood vessels in the growth; or laser treatment, which uses a beam of intense, focused light to remove the

growth.

Q: What are Campbell de Morgan spots?

A: That’s another name for cherry angiomas.

Q: Are angiomas very common?

A: Yes, these skin growths, which can grow on most areas of your body, are quite common particularly on people age

30 and older.

Q: How do I know if I have a cherry angioma?

A: A cherry angioma is bright red, of a circular or oval shape, and small – ranging in size from a pinpoint to a quarter of an inch in diameter. Some cherry angiomas appear smooth and even with your skin, while others are slightly raised. They most often grow on the torso, arms and shoulders.

If you notice any changes in the way an angioma looks, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. It is important to have any type of lesion or growth looked at when its appearance changes so that your doctor can rule out serious conditions, such as skin cancer.

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.

May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

Page 53A

FAITH

If you love God with all your heart, you can change the world

By Juan Rivera CONTRIBUTOR

While attending a worship service at one of our favorite Lowcountry churches, my wife and I noticed an adolescent boy sitting by himself in front of us.

During the sermon we saw that he was holding a Bible. What caught our attention about the boy was the way in which he fervently worshipped God. After the service we realized that he had come to church by himself and that he was waiting for a ride back home.

The boy is 12 years old.

While watching the boy worship, I was reminded of my childhood years and my own fervent devotion to God at that age. While other boys dreamed about baseball and soccer, I dreamt about becoming a “man of God” like Moses, King David, Daniel and Jesus.

Although my mom’s broom never became a serpent, I kept casting it to

the floor in the hopes that one day it would.

What motivated me to such dreams were not fantasies of grandeur and yearning for praise or respect, but a simple, fervent love for God that desired to express itself through extraordinary service.

I remember the time when Rabbi Grossman recited the Jewish profession of faith for me. I can still hear him chanting the second part: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5).

My rabbi friend then explained that loving God the biblical way means to intentionally and resolutely become totally absorbed in a lifestyle that seeks to please him in every conceivable and possible way. He then explained that the Talmud (a collection of rabbinic writings) is like a compilation of battle-ready plans that interpret the will of

God expressed in the Bible under every imaginable situation at the time of its compilation.

To love God with all your heart means that he is the foundation, center and goal of all our passions. To love God with all your soul means to submit every aspect of your life to his will. To love God with all your strength means to do everything humanly possible to remain devoted to pleasing him.

Some of the greatest people at the turn of human history have been “God-lovers.” My Hare Krishna friend used to refer to Hindu saints as “madmen of God.” My friend Kartikeya once shared the story of the founder of his sect, Lord Caitanya. His ecstatic worshipping of the god Krishna with song and dance had a profound effect on Vaishnavism.

Centuries before Mahatma Gandhi, Lord Caitanya preached against the corruption of the priesthood and called for

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the end of the Indian caste system.

Many would agree that true God-lovers have the power to transform the worst of situations around them into microcosms of heaven. God-lovers see life where there is death. They see hope where there is despair. They know peace even in the midst of war.

God-lovers see a way when every door is closed. True God-lovers see the face of God in every person, including their enemies.

Shouldn’t we be encouraging more people into becoming God lovers?

Shouldn’t we become God-lovers ourselves?

If you want to serve our community in a meaningful way, just love God – and everything will fall into place.

Shalom!

Rev. Juan C. Rivera of Bluffton is a Latino missions consultant and counseling therapist for Jamison Consultants.

Connecting to God, Connecting to One Another Pastor Pete Berntson

www.palmsumc.org

Anna Marie Kuether Director of Music and Worship Arts

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Page 54A

The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

PETS

Emergency vet clinic now open for off-hours pet services

By Abby Bird CONTRIBUTOR

Local pet owners have needed an offhours emergency veterinary clinic for years.

Our veterinarians have had to refer pets to emergency vets in either Savannah or Charleston.

It takes anywhere from 40 minutes to 2 hours to get there, and when your pet is in need of immediate urgent care that’s a long way. Plus, some emergencies, such as pets hit by a car, snake bite, unexplained illness, and poisoning are time-critical and need immediate care.

So here’s great news: Finally, we have an emergency vet clinic in Bluffton!

Carolina Veterinary Critical Care is now open in the building occupied by Coastal Veterinary Clinic at 21 Buck Island Road.

This is a temporary location until the permanent facility is built.

The office is open weekdays from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. and Saturdays from noon to

Monday at 8 a.m. These hours are meant to cover times when local veterinarian offices are closed.

The emergency care clinic will have welltrained emergency staff to cover overnight visits, and if your pet is OK, you can either take him home when discharged or you can pick up and take your pet to their regular vet when they open. Some might still need to be referred to specialists at other clinics.

Eventually, perhaps in about a year or so, the permanent 24/7 emergency clinic will also house specialists such as internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, post-surgical rehab, and more.

Over time they will offer a variety of laboratory and sophisticated diagnostic equipment as well.

“The time had come,” said founder Dr. Ben Parker, “when the local demographics could finally support this much-needed facility. It also needed support of the local veterinarians for referrals. The next step was to engage an emergency veterinarian. We

Dr. Matthew Tenwolde, who recently moved to the Lowcountry, is trained in emergency veterinary medicine and will lead the team at Carolina Veterinary Critical Care.

got lucky in that Dr. Matthew Tenwolde had recently relocated to the Lowcountry.”

Dr. Parker and Dr. Tenwolde make a formidable team for this project. Dr. Parker has been a trusted vet here for more than two decades and has huge community support and trust. Dr. Tenwolde trained in emergency veterinary medicine at the

prestigious University of California at Davis, where he also was faculty. He built a successful emergency practice – and then met his wife, who was from Bluffton. “Bluffton seemed like an excellent place to raise a family and to continue practice,” he said.

“Dr. Ben proposed this idea and I also saw the serious need and was on board!”

Both veterinarians said community support has been “fantastic” since they opened.

Once built, the clinic will require full staffing, and recent veterinary graduates and successful practitioners will be considered.

“The beauty, lifestyle, cost of living and safety will attract some very talented veterinary specialists. We can offer so much here and families will appreciate it,” Dr. Tenwolde said.

Contact Carolina Veterinary Critical Care at 843-706-9200 or visit carolinavcc.com.

Abby Bird is owner of Alphadog Training Academy. AlphadogTrainingAcademy@gmail. com

May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

Page 55A

PETS

Found abandoned and wounded, Malin gets her miracle

By Amy Campanini CONTRIBUTOR

When rescuing an animal, healing is often the key to helping. And, for one little homeless dog who came to Palmetto Animal League with a big wound, that was certainly the case.

Malin was picked up by a friendly law enforcement officer in Jasper County as a stray dog in distress. The gaping gash down her back was infected and ran so deep it mangled both muscle and tendon.

When Malin arrived at PAL, she was in shock and severely malnourished, with a badly damaged eye, so we rushed her to a trusted emergency vet clinic.

With a wound that large, sutures were not an option, so the vet recommended wrapping and changing the oversized dressing every day. Safe and secure in a foster home, Malin’s healing began.

After a couple of weeks of rest, food

and medications for her wound, her foster realized Malin was pregnant! And that wasn’t the only miracle. Without surgery, Malin’s wound responded to daily, specialized dressings and eventually closed on its own.

So, the little dog with the big wound raised her pups and watched as they all were happily adopted, and the next chapter of Malin’s life is unfolding in a wonderful way.

Her damaged eye responded to treatment, and PAL vets were able to save her vision. Meanwhile, our training team has been working on Malin’s leash skills as we search for her perfect adopter.

We will never know what happened in Malin’s past that left her with such a gruesome injury, but we can promise her a future filled with love.

If not for PAL’s commitment to saving every pet possible, Malin would have been euthanized and all her puppies lost along with her. But, because of caring

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The inset “before” photo shows the extent of Malin’s primary wound, while the “after” picture highlights her happy face after months of healing.

to have their stories told.

Do you have a pet with a special story?

Celebrate your special friend May 2-8 during National Pet Week by ordering a Pet Portrait Tile from Palmetto Animal League. PAL’s Pet Portrait Tiles are the perfect way to recognize the love a pet has brought to your life.

One tile will be permanently displayed on the walls of the PAL Adoption Center in honor or in memory of your beloved pet, and should you choose to order a second tile, it can become a beautiful display in your own home. Order tiles at PalmettoAnimalLeague.org. All proceeds support PAL’s adoption center and rescue programs.

Compassionate gifts were a miracle for Malin. Your support will pay it forward to save another animal waiting for rescue.

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Page 56A

The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

BJWSA projects to expand, improve service in Bluffton Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA) is moving ahead to improve the flow of water to the growing area in and around the Town of Bluffton, BJWSA’s Director of Engineering Rebecca Bowyer reported to town council members at their quarterly workshop April 20.

A proposed elevated storage tank (EST) will also deliver lower operational costs and a more reliable supply of drinking water, as well as meeting emergency needs and storage requirements as prescribed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC).

The overall project includes a new 24inch water main on the east side of Okatie Highway, and a new 36-inch water main along Bluffton Parkway to Buckwalter Parkway, where the new 1.5-million-gallon tank will be sited. Construction is expected to begin with the water main in September 2021, with the completion of

the tank anticipated for March 2023.

Council members supported the efforts to minimize impacts to local traffic and minimize tree removal during construction.

BJWSA performed a rigorous process to determine a site for the tank, including criteria such as zoning, ground elevation, visibility, hydraulic performance, acquisition and environmental concerns. Of the four areas evaluated, the area at the intersection of Buckwalter and Bluffton Parkway received the highest ranking.

Additional steps include stakeholder outreach, design and permitting, then construction. Potential impacts will involve lane closures along Okatie Highway, Bluffton Parkway, and Buckwalter Parkway and minimal tree clearing and wetlands impacts are anticipated.

Public meetings will begin in May to solicit community input.

May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

Page 57A

NATURE’S WAY

Crazy for cobia? Don’t be greedy, help conserve our treasure

By Collins Doughtie CONTRIBUTOR

You would think that all folks would associate the color green with spring but, oh no! Around here, brown is by far the color everyone is talking about – everyone, that is, who has anything to do with fishing, and more specifically fishing for cobia. In some areas of the country they are called “ling” but around these parts “brownies” is their given title.

If you have followed my writing then you know I have a very soft spot for these particular fish. For most of my life, fisherman never targeted cobia all that much, but as techniques for catching them improved and more boats started showing up in local waters, the brownie craze took over. It got so crazy it was hard to see how these sociable fish could possibly survive such an onslaught.

Unfortunately, right here in Port Royal Sound, that possibility became reality as we decimated the population of genetically pure Port Royal cobia that had been arriving in that sound each spring to mate, something they had done for hundreds of years if not longer.

Without dwelling on the downside of this sad story, a lot of good came from what has since been learned about these amazing fish.

South Carolina is years ahead of other Southeastern states when it comes to understanding the migration patterns of cobia, through satellite tagging as well as identifying specific groups of cobia through DNA

sampling.

Much of this discovery came from our very own Waddell Mariculture Center’s studies, with the help of both private individuals and charter fisherman. By collecting them in deep freezers at specific marinas, carcasses of caught cobia, along with fin clippings from fish that were released, once and for all proved that cobia were divided into specific groups. Some were strictly offshore cobia, bouncing along the coast from Florida all the way to Virginia, while others, like the Port Royal group, were specific to that body of water.

It wasn’t until we learned this that steps were taken to close our state waters in the month of May so that these Port Royal cobia might breed and replenish the population there.

To further that cause, genetically pure Port Royal males and females were captured and bred at the Waddell center. In the past year alone, Waddell has released nearly 12,000 Port Royal strain cobia back into the sound.

Though the center is sorely understaffed, I have to hand it to Erin Levesque, Waddell’s director, and her two biologists, Jake Morgenstern and Jason Broach, for not only bringing the facility up to date but also doing a superhuman job with their fish rearing efforts, water sampling and research that will keep our precious waters healthy and vibrant.

State waters are closed the entire month of May and any cobia caught during that period must be released unharmed. As of June 1, the allowance is one cobia per day

The staff at Waddell Mariculture Center includes, from left, Jason Broach, Jake Morgenstern and Kyle Woznick. Erin Levesque, director of the center, is not pictured.

per angler in state waters, with no more than three per boat. As for offshore federal waters, one cobia per person per day with no more than six fish per boat. As for the size limit, they must be 36 inches fork length or 40 inches total length.

This is when I just have to throw in my personal opinion: South Carolina’s limit of six cobia per boat is insane. Two per boat is more than enough fish to feed a small army.

I have seen days at some of our artificial reefs such as the Betsy Ross with more than 50 boats covering every square inch of the reef, and every single boat is after one fish and one fish only – cobia.

These fish are being hammered from the moment they leave Florida waters all the way up to Virginia. Historically, North Carolina and Virginia have exceeded the allotted poundage for cobia by as much as 100%, which has led to closing of the cobia fishery.

They are about where we were when we initially began cobia research here.

While I attending conferences when I was on the cobia/mackerel board for the South

Atlantic Fisheries Management Council, I was very vocal, warning other delegates that they might see populations crash in their state waters if they don’t also close their waters for a period long enough to allow cobia to mate and keep populations stable. Thus far, they have no closure of state waters.

I’ll end this column with a plea to all you cobia freaks that live for this time of year: Cobia are not hard to catch because they are so curious, often swimming right up to a boat. From experience, I know how tempting it is go into a “fish frenzy,” when six or more brownies swim up. But if you want to continue to have cobia around here, make your own boat policy of one or two fish per boat. Another plea is to net fish, not gaff them.

The larger fish are almost always females full of eggs, so let the big ones go and keep a couple of smaller fish. Even then you’ll have more than enough meat to feed the entire neighborhood. If we all do this we’ll enjoy these great fish for generations, but if we don’t – well, the writing is on the wall.

Hopefully Waddell will reopen for tours once the pandemic threat is over and I encourage all of you to experience this great facility and donate to the Waddell Fund. I hope my Waddell fundraiser “Run For The Bulls” mahi tournament on May 15 will raise enough to add another intern to the staff.

Waddell is truly the gem of the Lowcountry and needs your support.

Collins Doughtie, a 60-year resident of the Lowcountry, is a sportsman, graphic artist, and lover of nature. collinsdoughtie@icloud.com

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Page 58A

The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

GIVING

COVID has taken quiet toll on community’s mental health

By Scott Wierman CONTRIBUTOR

As I watch the news each night, it strikes me how often I hear about the physical damage COVID-19 can cause.

During the past year I’ve learned more about the human respiratory system than I ever expected to.

Recently, I’ve also begun to hear more about the toll the Scott Wierman pandemic is taking on our minds.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to examine how the pandemic impacts us from a mental health perspective. To learn more, we reached out to the executive directors of two local mental health nonprofits – Sarah Eliasoph of NAMI Lowcountry

(National Alliance on Mental Illness) and Steve Maglione of The Island House/ Mental Health America of Beaufort-Jasper. Both organizations have established funds with the Community Foundation to further their missions of supporting individuals with mental health conditions, and they shared their observations on how the pandemic has affected people in the Lowcountry.

Both organizations have seen a tremendous uptick in mental health issues since the pandemic started, “primarily in the areas of depression and anxiety,” according to Eliasoph. “Everyday people are finding it difficult, especially if they are living alone. The stressors are finances, health, employment, child care, home schooling and day-to-day living in uncertainty.”

Eliasoph said that many calls they’ve received come from parents who are worried about their depressed, anxious and sometimes angry children.

It’s not just children who are affected.

COVID-19 is taking a mental toll on veterans, adults, young adults and law enforcement personnel, including white, Black, Latinx, LGBTQ, kids, parents and grandparents, Eliasoph says. “COVID is equal opportunity, just like mental illness.”

Maglione said it’s difficult to identify, screen and treat mental illness under any circumstances, but the pandemic has complicated the process even further. The Island House provides licensed therapeutic services to promote and sustain emotional stability within each person’s life situations, and COVID-19 has required that they “adapt additional safety measures and curriculum aspects to respond to the consequences of the pandemic.”

NAMI provides their clients the names of therapists or psychiatrists, or referrals to mental health centers. Additionally, they offer support groups for both the individual experiencing mental health

issues and their families, though some have been paused during the pandemic.

“The first thing we do is listen,” she says, “and sometimes we’re the first people to do so.”

Mental health problems are often stigmatized, even though statistics indicate that one in four adults in the United States will suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. The pandemic has only increased our awareness that anyone can experience this struggle.

If you find yourself wrestling with anxiety, depression, anger or other mental health issues, you can find helpful information at namilowcountry.org or mhaislandhouse.com. If you would like to support these organizations so they can continue their vital work, you can donate to their funds via the Community Foundation website at cf-lowcountry.org.

Scott Wierman is the president and CEO of Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

Page 59A

HOME

Innovations in air products that upgrade your comfort

By Dave Miller CONTRIBUTOR

In 1901, the version of what we know today as the modern electric-powered air conditioning unit was first built. While many of today’s ACs might run on the same fundamentals, there have been leaps and bounds in improvements made in ways to enhance comfort past just primary cooling.

Over the past few decades, the industry has developed split systems, smart thermostats, solar HVAC, and temperature zoning systems to help homeowners stay comfortable.

In a temperature zoning system, each separate living space can get its own discretely installed thermostat. This will control the flow of cool air to specific zones within your home through a series of ductwork upgrades to ensure each rooms’ own unique temperature needs are met, keeping every room of your home as hot or as cool as you’d like.

Split systems, sometimes referred to as mini-splits, allow for total comfort control for any room.

Many properties have one room that doesn’t get hot or cold enough, no matter how you set your thermostat. Split systems are essentially single-room HVAC systems, meaning you can have fine control of the comfort level of an individual room without an unsightly window unit.

This versatile option allows for customizable comfort in an individual room without

having to reconfigure your entire HVAC system.

Energy Star and the U.S. Department of Energy recommend that you heat and cool your property based on occupancy during specific times of the day. While you could try to manage this yourself by manually adjusting your thermostat every eight hours or so, smart thermostats make it easy.

These systems automatically learn your routines and adjust your HVAC system temperature multiple times throughout the

day without affecting your comfort.

The means your HVAC won’t run as hard while you’re not home but can also cool your property down again in anticipation of your return.

In the end, for a smart thermostat investment, you can save significant dollars on your energy bills without sacrificing comfort.

With solar powered HVAC units, you can harness the light and heat of the sun to power your property’s HVAC systems.

In addition to collecting solar energy, solar panels utilize natural heat retention to assist in the temperature control of your AC’s refrigerant.

In the end, that means you’ll see a major reduction in the power consumption of your AC. Dave Miller, owner of Superior Services, has been providing residential and commercial HVAC services in the Lowcountry for 20 years. gotosuperior.com

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Page 60A

The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

SPORTS

When warming up for swim, be sure to stretch your muscles

By Bob Colyer CONTRIBUTOR

Stretching before any physical activity is a commonplace recommendation. Without sufficient range of motion, muscles are subject to stress, strains, and even being torn.

Probably a light bit of activity to warm up tissues might make stretching easier.

However, for swimming, it is problematic to get into the water (hardest part of any workout) and then out again for stretching any muscles or movements below shoulder level.

Therefore, it is recommended that stretches be static and isometric, certainly only mildly active at first. Athletes can transition later to more ballistic movements, if desired.

You can use a doorframe for static shoulder stretches to the side or above to start out, and stairs for static lower body stretching.

I used to finish my stretching poolside, but with the pandemic, I now do all my stretching at home. It only takes a few min-

utes, regardless. The most important stretch every day is to hang from a doorframe for 20 to 30 seconds to let the weight of my lower body stretch my spine. It keeps the spinal discs from compressing.

Calf muscles can be stretched on a stair step by heel drops, gentle at first. Hamstring stretches using stairs at “hurdle” height can

isometrically prepare for more rigorous activity. These can be done for 20 seconds, too.

Dynamic shoulder movement to the sides, front and above can be done with gradually increasing range of motion that is slow enough not to overstretch. Gradual bending at the waist and letting hands down to toes

is also effective.

Choose a routine with a group of exercises that each take less than a couple of minutes. The resulting 5 or 10 minutes of stretching will make your swimming much easier.

Most swimmers and other athletes are aware that pre-activity stretching is essential, but so is post-activity. The simplest way is to do the same pre-activity stretches with half the reps. Believe me, your body will thank you.

Despite stretching, I have a tendency toward leg cramps, in bed or in the pool, possibly caused by dehydration. One solution: Theraworx both cures and prevents, and really works for me as advertised. There might be others from which to choose, but I highly recommend it for your swim bag.

Dr. Bob Colyer of Bluffton is an actively retired college professor, coach and author of “Swim Better: A Guide to Greater Efficiency for Swimmers & Instructors,” directed primarily to non-competitors. bobcolyer@yahoo.com

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May 4, 2021

The Bluffton Sun

Page 61A

SPORTS

Does your personality type affect your golf game?

By Jean Harris CONTRIBUTOR

As a golf instructor, I have taught all personality types and I am convinced that your personality shows up during your golf game.

When I was a college professor I remember having to take the Myers-Brigg personality test. I always tested as an ESTJ (extroverted, sensing, thinking, judging).

I know that my personality comes out in my swing and my attitude on the golf course.

I interview my students prior to their first lesson, and what they do or did for a living helps me figure out what kind of learner they are, and possibly their personality type. For example: Accountants, engineers, nurses, and some teachers tend to be more left-brain and analytical.

Several golf psychologists have come up with golf personality profiles. Brett Hardin’s four personality types is interest-

ing and easy to understand. Someone can be any of the four, but typically feel most natural in one.

Driver: Fact-based Extrovert. Drivers are very strong personalities. Typically they have a go-get-it-done personality.

They are very dominant and are quick to take action. They are goal-oriented, strong willed, a risk-taker and outwardly competitive.

Analytical: Fact-Based Introvert. Analytical, logical, methodical and serious.

They are constantly assessing and making lists of to do things. They constantly ask questions, almost to the point of getting too much information. They can suffer from “analysis paralysis.” A key for these players is they need to quiet their active mind to sharpen focus.

Amiable: Relationship Introvert.

Calm, laid back and hard to excite. They are relaxed and desire a peaceful environment. They go out of their way not to upset people. A key for these players is

Denson Todd, a retired data processor, is an analytical golfer. He is holding a scorecard that breaks down every shot he plays in a round.

enthusiastic, optimistic, sociable, creative, instinctive and outgoing. They enjoy socializing and talking. They get others excited about ideas and issues. A key for these players is they need to quiet their active mind to sharpen focus and concentration.

Knowing your personality can help you with the following in golf: • How you learn most effectively • Tolerance for swing changes • How long or short your attention span might be • How long or short your temperament “fuse” might be • Course management strategies • Practice strategies In what ways does your personality type affect your golf game?

they need to get their competitive juices flowing before they tee off.

Expressive: Relationship Extrovert.

They are “people” persons. They are

Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at local courses. jean. golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean. com

JEAN HARRIS

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10 Geranium Court $489,900

Wisteria model with 3BR, 2.5 BA plus den.

Great cul-de-sac, private wooded/lagoon lot, Eat in kitchen with extensive cabinetry, built in bar, utility room, large screened lanai, extended two car garage. Newer roof in 2019 and clean stucco report. Hurry this won’t last!!

130 Colonel Thomas Heyward Road $369,900

Hamilton Jefferson model. Meticulously maintained home has a lot and a half. 2BD, 2BA plus den. Pavers on the driveway and walk to leaded glass door, Bamboo floors, hardiplank exterior, 3 bay windows, upgraded bathroom, Carolina room, granite and ss in the kitchen, New rubberized garage floor, overhead storage, new gutters installed 2021, roof 2018, HVAC 2018, screened garage door, overhead storage in the garage, gas BBQ hook up and more

24 Biltmore Drive $300,000

Pristine Heather model with private beautiful wooded view, 3 bdrms or 2 bdrms plus den, sunroom, 16 x 16 screened porch with paver floor and additional paver patio, Brazilian cherry wood floors in great room, plantation shutters, crown molding, Silestone counters, tech shield radiant barrier, new appliances. Other upgrades include new roof in August 2020, HVAC replaced, move-in ready.

Friendly Windsor Walk neighborhood

9 Nesting Lane $235,000

Cute azalea model with a private setting.

The roof is new in 2020, HVAC replaced in 2017, there’s crown molding and a patio.

Home is located on a cul-de-sac.

Don’t miss this one!

OUR AGGRESSIVE MARKETING AND EXTENSIVE NETWORK OF AVAILABLE BUYERS HAS RESULTED IN MOST OF OUR LISTINGS GOING UNDER CONTRACT. IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT SELLING YOUR HOME, PLEASE CONTACT SHERRYL TO quickly GO FROM JUST LISTED TO UNDER CONTRACT. UND ER C ONT RAC T

331 Eaglecrest Drive $509,000

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708 Serenity Point Drive $425,000

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29 Plymouth Ln 72 PURRY CIRCLE 170 Stratford Village 46 Rose Bush Ln $350,000 $250,000 Way $498,500 $415,000 16 William Pope Drive, Suite 103, Bluffton, SC 29909 (located across from the Candlewood Suites)

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3 Raintree Lane $675,000

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Page 62A

The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

REAL ESTATE

Shopping for real estate agent as critical as shopping for house

By Larry Stoller CONTRIBUTOR

Selling or buying a home might be one of the biggest financial decisions you will make during your lifetime. That is why it is very important to find the right agent who will work best for you.

Honest, competent, experienced, innovative, communicative and personable – these are the most desirable traits to look for when choosing your real estate agent. Your agent’s top priorities should be representing you exclusively and getting you the best real estate deal.

Some agents might not identify and deal with problems that might arise that could have been prevented or should have been resolved but were not. And the longer problems are left unresolved, the more difficult

they become to fix.

Common problems may include: contractual errors, missing documents, deadline issues, incorrect forms, contingencies, inspection issues, insurance issues, appraisal issues, underwriting conditions, the buyer walk-through and closing statement mistakes.

Can some of these problems threaten or break a deal? Yes. Can all or most of them be prevented or resolved? Absolutely.

With experienced and competent agents come fewer problems or none at all. That’s because they prepare and submit correct and complete documentation. They also follow up and communicate with all parties of the transaction. It is this attention to detail and oversight that prevent good transactions from going bad.

Real estate agents need to be directly

involved in the transaction every step of the way until it is closed. That is when the deal is done, the seller gets the money, the buyer gets the house, and the agents get paid.

When shopping for your next real estate agent, choosing the best agent to work for you is as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Decide what role you want to play, what work you want to do and what work you want the agent or broker to do.

2. Interview at least three agents from different companies and ask them how they can help you realize your real estate objectives and get you the best real estate deal.

3. Rate the agents by the questions you ask them and by the answers they give you.

Also consider your comfort level with each agent (it is also OK to ask for references).

For a free copy of a real estate guide of questions and answers to help you choose the real estate agent who will work best for you, visit RealEstateFive.com.

Larry Stoller is a broker and Realtor with Real Estate Five of the Lowcountry. Larry@ RealEstateFive.com, RealEstateFive.com, SunCityOpenHouses247.com

CLASSIFIEDS SPORTS CARDS WANTED: Vesci Sports Cards, specializing in pre-1972 baseball, football and basketball cards. Looking for personal collections.

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Page 63A

Page 64A

The Bluffton Sun

May 4, 2021

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Savannah Music Festival • May 23-30 Jazz composer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Camille Thurman will perform during the Savannah Music Festival. Photo courtesy of the artist.

ut llo ion Pu ect S

May 4, 2021 • SECTION B Volume 24, I­ ssue 9

Page 2B May 4-26 27th Biennale at Art League of Hilton Head gallery, 100 artists from 28 states, juried from 735 works from 40 states, across major media. Awards reception 5-7 p.m. May 7 with judge Marc Hanson, free and open to public. Critic’s Coffee with Hanson, 10 a.m. May 8, $10 fee, RSVP at gallery@artleaguehhi.org. Exhibit on display during gallery hours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday, and 90 minutes before every Arts Center performance. 843-681-5060 or artleaguehhi.org May 6 First Thursdays Art Market, 4-7 p.m. at Shops at Sea Pines Center, Hilton Head Island. Featuring local painters, photographers, sculptors, potters, jewelry makers and other creatives, plus live music and complimentary wine samples.

Continues monthly. For schedule, visit TheShopsAtSeaPinesCenter.com May 7-15 “Johnny Mercer: The Man and his Music,” 7:30 p.m.

Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. Cabaret-style musical featuring Mercer’s memorable songs with accompanying narration.

Tickets $35. artshhi.org May 7 “On the Edge: Our Maritime Forests,” exhibit of new

works by Atlanta collage artist Laura W. Adams at Mystic Osprey Gallery, 23BHabersham Marketplace in Beaufort.

Reception 4-6 p.m. Benefit for Port Royal Sound Foundation, with 15% of proceeds donated. Works will feature animals and plants found in maritime forests. Gallery hours noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. 843-475-6781 or mysticosprey.com May 9 Honky Tonk Angels at “Listen on the Lawn,” first of four outdoor summer concerts, 5:30-7 p.m. at USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret St., Beaufort. $10 bring lawn chair, food and drink. More information and tickets, $10, at uscbcenterforthearts.com.

May 15 “Decoration Day, an Old Fashion Memorial Day Celebration,” by Gullah Kinfolk Traveling Theater, featuring Aunt Pearlie Sue, 3 and 6 p.m. at USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret St., Beaufort. Tickets $40 at gullahkinfolktravelingtheater.org.

May 15-16, 22-23 May River Theatre presents “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged),” at Rotary Community Center, Bluffton; and Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head. Tickets $15 at mayrivertheatre.com.

Through May 16 Maye River Gallery’s Hopeful Horizons Fundraiser with Mother’s Day theme. Proceeds from designated items will be donated to the local children’s advocacy, domestic violence and rape crisis center. Various types of artwork, jewelry and decorative objects. 37 Calhoun St., Bluffton.

Mayerivergallerycom May 21 Cranford Presents: The New Stuff, 8 p.m. at The Roasting Room Lounge, 1297 May River Road, above Corner Perk.

Tickets from $20. (Re-scheduled from May 8, 2020; all pre-

May 4, 2021 viously purchased tickets are valid.) roastingroomlounge. com May 23-30 Savannah Music Festival Spring Season, featuring renowned artists in classical, jazz and American roots music.

Two venues, smaller than traditional scale, limited capacity audiences. Line-up headlined by Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Septet with Wynton Marsalis, plus Performance Today’s “Piano Puzzler” with Bruce Adolphe and Fred Child. Tickets at savannahmusicfestival.org or 912-5255050.

May 29 Through May 31 “Faith, Family & Foundation,” exhibit by artist Andie Freeman, inspired by the Gullah people, at Culture HHI Gallery at Island Rec Center, 20 Wilborn Road, Hilton Head. andiefreeman.com June 4-12 BravoPiano! Festival, “Celebrating the Music of the Americas,” presented by hilton Head Symphony Orchestra.

Multiple venues on Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. Featured composers whose works span three centuries. Tickets go on sale May 5 at HHIPC.org or 843-842-2055.

June 12 Bryan Elijah Smith, 8 p.m. at The Roasting Room Lounge, 1297 May River Road, above Corner Perk. Supporting act, Gia Ray. Tickets $15 roastingroomlounge.com June 25 Deadline for entries in 27th annual Judged Show at Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA), 6 Church St., Old Town Bluffton. Cash awards in acrylic, mixed media, oil, pastel, photography, watercolor or 3D. Registration $25 for SOBA members, $45 or non-members. Awards ceremony 5-7 July 7. More information at sobagallery.com or 843-757-3776.

May 4, 2021

Page 3B

MAY/JUNE

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Page 4B

May 4, 2021

BravoPiano! Festival honors ‘Music of the Americas’ EXPERIENCE A MUSICAL

JOURNEY THROUGH THE LIFE MEMORABLE

SONGS INCLUDE MOON RIVER T HAT OLD

BL ACK M AG IC HURRAY F OR HOLLY W OOD

AC C EN T UAT E

T HE POSIT IVE C OME RAIN

OR C OME SHINE

OF LOWCOUNTRY SONGWRITING LEGEND JOHNNY MERCER.

This cabaret-style musical brings Mercer’s timeless songs to the stage with fascinating narration woven throughout.

Mercer was inspired by the music and language of southern African Americans. Beginning in his youth, popular music had begun to infuse black musical culture in the world of blues and jazz.

Johnny Mercer absorbed the influences of his Lowcountry region and its people, merging music to create an entirely new sound.

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The BravoPiano! Festival, a production of the Hilton Head International Piano Competition, will take place June 4-12 in multiple venues on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton.

BravoPiano is held every three years. This year’s theme is Celebrating the Music of the Americas. Featured composers hail from Canada to Argentina with works spanning three centuries, from the Revolutionary War to the present day.

Guests will have a choice of solo recitals, chamber music, jazz and an intriguing piano trio. Tickets go on sale May 5 and are available HHIPC.org or by calling the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra office at 843-842-2055.

The schedule is: June 4, 7:30 p.m.: Music from the American Stage: The Cheng-Chow Trio share two pianos to perform works of Copland, Gershwin and Bernstein and others.

June 5, 7:30 p.m.: Rhythms of Latin America: Priscila Navarro, a native of Peru will explore the influence of dance rhythms on the music of South American, Caribbean and Mexican composers.

June 6, 7:30 p.m.: HHSO plays Chamber Music – join the principal players of the HHSO as they celebrate the chamber music of America.

June 7, 7:30 p.m.: Yankee Doodle and More: Jack Winerock will trace the history of piano music by American composers from Yankee Doodle Dandy to the mid-twentieth century.

June 8, 3 p.m.: Women of American Music: Jennifer Nicole Campbell and Chamber Music Charleston will showcase chamber music composed by American women including solo works by the artist herself.

June 8, 7:30 p.m.: Sing Out: Martin Lesch and Friends will perform variety of beloved American songs from the 20th and 21st centuries June 9, 7:30 p.m.: Jazz – Quintessential America: Sullivan Fortner, Grammy award-winning pianist, will dive into familiar jazz standards with vocalist Cecile McClorin Savant.

June 10, 7:30 p.m.: Visions at the Piano: Henry Kramer will play music of the Americas from the last 100 years, including a World Premiere of a living American composer, Hannah Lash.

June 11, 7:30 p.m.: Gullah-Geechee Musical Influences: Lavon Stevens, with a nod to our Lowcountry heritage and accompanied by a combo/vocalist, will trace Gullah-Geechee influences on American jazz, blues and gospel.

June 12, 7:30 p.m.: Three Centuries: The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra hosts Reed Tetzloff playing Edward McDowell’s Piano Concerto #2 (1885); Michelle Cann playing Florence Price’s Piano Concert in One Movement (1934); and Stuart Goodyear playing his own Callaloo Suite, a Caribbean Suite for Piano and Orchestra, composed by the artist (2016).

For more information, including locations and tickets, visit HHIPC.org.

May 4, 2021

Page 5B

27th Biennale debuts May 4 at Art League Gallery Art League of Hilton Head will present the 27th iteration of Biennale, a national juried exhibit of artworks, May 4-26 at its gallery, 14 Shelter Cove Lane.

Representing 100 artists from 28 states, including South Carolina, the 27th Biennale promises to be a showcase of exemplary artwork.

The national call for entries attracted 735 artworks from 40 states. Top pieces were selected based on originality of concept, composition and execution. The exhibition, which is the longest-running national juried art exhibition in the area, will feature work across major media categories including Three-Dimensional, Oil, Acrylic, Photography, Pastel, Mixed Media, Watermedia and All Other.

More than $5,000 in prizes will be awarded to the most outstanding works, selected by this year’s Biennale judge, Marc Hanson.

Hanson is a nationally known,

Phase Transitions,’ acrylic painting by Jim Aiken

“Stronger,” charcoal and watercolor pencil, by Jonathan Murrill

award-winning landscape artist currently based on Tybee Island.

He is a Master Signature Member of the Oil Painters of America (O.P.A.), having won awards of excellence over numerous years at the OPA National Exhibit.

He has also placed four times in The Pastel Journal’s Pastel 100 competition. Hanson has been featured on the covers of Plein Air and Southwest Art Magazine, and in the book “Oil Painting Secrets With The Masters” by Cindy Salaski.

Hanson’s work has been shown in museums and galleries throughout the United States and abroad and can be found in both private and public collections.

Hanson will be on hand to present the awards at a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. May 7 at the gallery. The event is free and open to the public.

Hanson also will lead a discussion on his selection process during the Critic’s Coffee event from 10 a.m. to noon May 8. Cost is $10.

Attendees to either event can RSVP at gallery@artleaguehhi.org.

The gallery is located mid-island, inside the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, and 90 minutes before all Arts Center performances.

For more information, visit artleaguehhi.org or call 843-6815060.

Page 6B

MRT back on stage with ‘Shakespeare’

Gregg Steele Heppner, Joe Ogiony and Christine Grefe appear in “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged),” presented by May River Theatre in May.

May River Theatre will present six performances of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” at two venues this month.

The parody, written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, offers a comedic view of all of Shakespeare’s 37 plays shortened or merged together, in about 97 minutes.

Directed by Liz McGinnes, this production features just three actors, Gregg Steele Heppner, Joe Ogiony and Christine Grefe,

playing all the characters.

Bluffton performances are May 15 at 7 p.m. and May 16 at 2 p.m. at the Rotary Community Center at Oscar Frazier Park, 11 Recreation Court. This is an indoor venue.

Hilton Head Island performances are May 22-23 at 2 and 6 p.m. at the Mary Ann Peeples Pavilion at Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, 70 Honey Horn Drive. This is an open-air venue.

Tickets are $15 and are available at mayrivertheatre.com.

May 4, 2021M

Celebrate timeless music of songwriting legend Johnny Mercer A cabaret-style musical at Arts Center of Coastal Carolina May 7-15 brings Johnny Mercer’s timeless songs to the stage with fascinating narration woven throughout.

“Johnny Mercer: The Man and His Music” celebrates the life and work of the songwriting legend from the Lowcountry region.

Mercer was inspired by the music and language of Southern African Americans. Beginning in his youth, popular music had begun to infuse black musical culture in the world of blues and jazz. Mercer absorbed the influences of his Lowcountry region and its people, merging music to create an entirely new sound.

Considered one of the greatest songwriters to ever live, Mercer wrote the lyrics to more than 1,700 songs from the 1930s to the 1970s.

This original work by playwright

Calvin Ramsey spotlights some of Mercer’s most memorable songs, including “Moon River,” “That Old Black Magic,” “Accentuate the Positive,” and “Come Rain or Come Shine.”

The Arts Center is located at 14 Shelter Cove Lane on Hilton Head Island.

May 4, 2021

Page 7B

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Page 8B

May 4, 2021

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