July 18, 2023 Sun City Sun

Veterans Memorial Field Ribbon Cutting

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PHOTO BY PETER ALBERO

Emily Mueller cuts the ribbon on the new Veterans Memorial Field sign at the Sun City Hilton Head softball field. Standing by are, from left, Holly Meckley, president, Sun City Softball Club; Commander Dave Davis, Sun City Veterans Association; and Brad Phillips, Sun City General Manager.

Sun City dedicates softball field to its military veterans

By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR

There are few guarantees in life, but in Sun City Hilton Head some are regimented like a military exercise, primarily because they are military-oriented.

Sometimes Mother Nature decides otherwise, however, and such was the case that impacted a Memorial Day weekend softball tournament that had special connotations for both the Sun City Veterans Association (SCVA) and the Softball Club.

Leaving the field literally to the rains, the planned dedication of the Veterans Memorial Field with a follow-on series of tournaments was held July 8, and the weather could not have been nicer at the time of the ceremony.

SCVA Commander Dave Davis, who initiated the project, said he knew the veterans were visible within the community, especially during events such as Memorial and Veterans Day, and at Flag Day.

“I got to thinking about visibly recognizing the veterans within the community. Out of the 19,000 people who now live in Sun City, 25% of them are veterans. How could we - in a very public way - recognize the veterans past and present, and those who come in the future?” he said. “By having an established monument, it gives them the permanent recognition.”

As both a member of the SCVA and the Softball Club, Davis also knew that a large number of veterans played ball. It seemed like an ideal solution to name the community’s ballfield, akin to Chicago’s Soldier Field

and Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium.

After discussing the idea with the softball club’s President Holly Meckley, the two leaders made a proposal to the community’s board of directors. After the presentation, the board discussed it and immediately moved to approve the project.

Cutting the ceremonial ribbon was Emily Mueller, whose late husband Stephen – as an Army veteran and a dedicated softball player - was the epitome of those being honored.

The Sun City Singers provided musical support as they frequently do for many community events, including opening day ceremonies.

The coordination of the two clubs for this particular event is nothing new.

The SCVA was formed in 1996 and a year later the Sun City Men’s Softball League was chartered. The two clubs have grown and been inseparable ever since, with members of both organizations participating in opening day ceremonies, competing in regular season games, and participating in special occasions such as hosting the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, supporting the Built to Honor housing program, providing umpires, announcers and the SCVA Color Guard for the Battle of the Badges charity games, and annual Memorial Day tournaments, frequently bringing in teams from neighboring military bases to play Sun City athletes.

The new Veterans Memorial Field sign now stands as a dedication to Sun City’s military veteran residents past, present and future.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY MUELLER

Embracing Quiet with Sustainable Landscaping

A revolution is quietly taking root in Sun City. Frustrated with noisy polluting gas-powered landscaping equipment, a group of residents has opted for a landscaping company, Landscape in Paradise’ that exclusively uses quieter environmentally friendly battery-powered tools. Their customer list has grown to twelve Sun City homeowners in just 90 days. This number will surely grow as satisfied customers spread the word of their affordable high-quality service.

Sun City residents are not alone in their pursuit of peaceful landscapes. Throughout the United States, over a hundred communities and homeowners associations have already implemented bans on gasoline-powered landscaping equipment. With concerns over noise and air pollution, as well as the health of workers operating these tools, beginning next year California will be banning the sale of these highly polluting small gasoline engines. These bans highlight the pressing need for change in the landscaping

industry.

What is new in this movement is the availability of reliable and reasonably priced battery-powered equipment. Companies like Landscape in Paradise are demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of using battery-powered tools for landscaping needs. Major retailers have acknowledged the demand for such equipment and have begun offering a wide range of options to consumers. Home Depot expects that by 2028, more

than 85% of U.S. sales in outdoor power equipment will be battery powered. Furthermore, recent federal legislation has introduced significant tax breaks to incentivize the purchase of electric equipment, making the switch even more appealing.

The impact of this movement can be observed closer to home as well. In October 2021, the Charleston City Council joined other cities across the country by passing a resolution to transition their gas-powered leaf blowers to electric alternatives by mid-summer of 2023. Sea Pines HOA on Hilton Head Island has also implemented regulations, requiring leaf blowers to operate below specific noise levels, effectively elimi-

nating gas-powered models. These measures not only benefit residents by reducing noise pollution but also set a precedent for other homeowner associations in the area to adopt similar policies.

The success and growing adoption of battery-powered landscaping equipment offers hope for a greener and quieter future. Gasoline powered lawn-edgers and leaf-blowers are at the top of the list of toxic fume producers, spewing into the environment nearly as much raw gasoline as they burn. Isn’t it time all HOAs, including SCHHCA, begin moving toward their removal from our neighborhoods creating a ripple effect of positive change for the environment, for workers, and for the overall quality of life. Visit lcenvironment.org to read why Leaf Blowers are Worse for Communities than Just Being Noisy.

For more information about ‘Landscape in Paradise’, contact Lowcountry Environmental Action at lcenvironment@gmail. com.

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Lou was experiencing ongoing neck pain from a previous injury. After consulting with two neurosurgeons, Lou was on the verge of surgery in hopes of relieving the constant pain. He saw the ad for the Fraum Center for Restorative Health and signed up for a free seminar. With the promise of pain relief without surgery, Lou started restorative treatment with the doctors at Fraum for his neck, knees, and shoulders. Lou has not only rebuilt his strength and movement again, he has also rebuilt a pain-free life.

Summertime and the selling is easy

By Larry Stoller

It’s Summer 2023 in the lowcountry and the real estate market, like the weather, is heating up.

Not as crazy as it was in 2021, but still advantageous for Sellers. But selling a home in the summer has some challenges: people go on vacation, kids are out of school and need attention, and summer activities distract.

There are too many fun things to do and selling home is not one of them. It is more difficult to get sellers in the home-selling mood in the summer (but with a strong seller’s market , maybe not this summer!).

Another challenge , especially during July and August, is the heat. It might be too hot for buyers to be running around looking at homes.

On the other hand, our lowcountry area is in very high demand. And with inventory

increasing, more competition, and price reductions, motivated buyers (many of them out-of-state) are ready to make a deal this summer of 2023.

In the summertime, here are some things that you can do to attract buyers and make your home more appealing:

• Mow the lawn more often. Grass and weeds grow fast, so cut and manicure the

lawn to make it look its best.

• Decorate with summer in mind. Use brighter summer colors and vibrant blues for a calming and cooling effect.

• Create curb appeal. Curb appeal makes buyers feel happy about your home. Trim bushes, plant flowers, spruce up the yard, and make your home entryway attractive and welcoming.

• Bring in the light. Open the blinds, remove the heavy drapes, make it light and bright.

• Accentuate the outside. Move furniture to the sunroom, screened porch and covered patio. Create an allusion of (or highlight) an appealing summer lifestyle.

• Supply summer treats. Different parts of the country are noted for their summer food and drink. Offer some pecan pie and lemonade at your next open house.

• Keep it nice and cool. No one wants to be in a stuffy hot house on a hot summer day. Turn on the fans, keep the air moving, and turn down the AC a bit to keep visitors cool, comfortable and want to stay inside a while.

Happy 2023 Summer Selling!

Larry Stoller is the Broker-Owner and Realtor with Real Estate FIVE of the Low Country. larry@RealEstateFive.com, www. RealEstateFive.com

Cracking the Bat: Unleashing the spirit of Softball

By Ron Gray

At Sun City’s Softball Field, the batter digs in at the batter’s box and anxiously awaits the delivery of the pitch. The pitch is high arching and the batter takes a vicious swing, a swing that would be fitting for Major League Baseball’s Homerun Derby. The bat connects with the ball, just barely, and the ball ticks off the bottom of the bat and rolls softly in front of homeplate in fair territory.

The catcher, pitcher and the first or third baseman (basewoman) charge the ball at full speed. The batter’s teammates shout to the batter from the dugout “Run, run!” The batter takes off at full speed toward first base. As one of the fielders gets to the ball, they spin toward first base and throw the ball as hard as they can as the player covering first base stretches toward the throw while keeping a foot on the base.

As the hitter crosses first base and the ball arrives, one of Sun City’s outstanding umpiring crew puts both arms out to the side signaling that the batter is safe. Some umpires shout “safe”, sometimes in very dramatic form. From the dugout and/or from

the stands, a familiar sound can be heard: “Sun City Single!” Yes, the batter has just hit a Sun City Single.

As you sit in the stands and watch your friends and neighbors playing softball, and possibly also enjoying a “Hot Dog Day”, you

will know what it means when you hear someone call out “Sun City Single” when the speedy runner beats the throw to first base after hitting a swinging bunt. Sun City Singles are but one of the many enjoyable moments while playing or watching Sun City Softball.

Come on out and watch the Tuesday/ Thursday League (highest rated men and women players), the Saturday League (men and women who are not Tuesday/Thursday players and others who work during the week and can’t make it to Tuesday/Thursday games), the Ladies League (Sundays with the possibility of occasional Wednesdays) and the new Community Rec League (Tuesday afternoons). There is also an Instructional League and other alternatives including Travel Teams. There are many alternatives for players of all levels.

Come on out! Perhaps you will have the opportunity to call out “Sun City Single”.

CONTRIBUTOR

Sun City’s “Energizer Bunnies”

By Ron Gray

CONTRIBUTOR

In 1988, Energizer, the maker of batteries, introduced the “Energizer Bunny” with the slogan “Keep going and going”. Subsequently, throughout North America, the Energizer Bunny has entered the vernacular as a term for anything that continues endlessly, or someone with immense stamina.

Based on that definition, there are countless Energizer Bunnies in Sun City. Many residents are attracted to Sun City and remain in Sun City due to the availability of numerous activities. Resident Survey 2023, conducted by the Strategic Planning Committee as important input in the development of Strategic Plan 2024 and featured in the July issue of SunSations and available on the Community’s website, shows that the primary reasons that residents move to Sun City and remain here are amenities, an active lifestyle and access to activities and clubs.

There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Sun City residents who actively participate in multiple activities. The Resident Survey shows that four out of five residents are satisfied or very satisfied with amenities, that 85 percent of residents belong to one or more clubs and that 53 percent

Sun City Car Club

belong to three or more clubs. A list of alternatives for Sun City’s “Energizer Bunnies” would include those who participate in multiple activities including golf, tennis, softball, volleyball, pickleball, pocket billiards, croquet, swimming, biking, horseshoes, table tennis, roles related to plays and other events, and other activities including volunteer efforts within the gates or in the Greater Bluffton Community.

Do you know any Energizer Bunnies? There are many residents, men and women, who meet the definition of Energizer Bunny. Are you an Energizer Bunny? When you receive a text or an email informing you of the next activity, do you struggle to fit it into your already crowded calendar? Do you press down extra hard on the gas pedal of your golf cart to try to make it go faster as you are running late for your next activity? Are your meal plans ever disrupted due to conflicts with your activities? You get the idea. And yes, you might be a Sun City Energizer Bunny, or a SCEB, in this world of overused acronyms.

There are many Energizer Bunnies in Sun City. It’s a great thing, We live in an “active adult community”. To all of you Sun City SCEBs, keep living by the Energizer Bunny slogan: “Keep going and going!

Meet our Contributors

GWYNETH J. SAUNDERS, JOURNALIST

Lowcountry resident for 14.5 years

Gwyneth was born in Pennsylvania, raised in South Jersey, now living in Bluffton. She retired from the U.S. Navy after 26 years as a Navy journalist. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Norfolk State University (“Go Spartans”). Married 19.5 years to Tony, an adorable Welshman. They have two sweet rescue cats, Tigger the tripod and Benji (neither are spoiled). She is a member of Sun City Veterans Association; chorus, Sundancers, softball, art, and computer clubs. A Philadelphia Eagles fan, Gwyneth love pasta, sushi and great burgers. Love my family, friends. I have the best job.

ENJOYS: Books, performing, art, cooking

Excitement shifts into high gear when the Sun City Car Club meets at the Palm Trees & Pistons car show! For information about the Sun City Car Club contact Steve Lash stevelash0@gmail.com

Because Life is Short & Lights are Long! Jane Weaver taking in her Vitamin D in her 2006 Miata!

Asphalt Burning Bundle of Fun! Bill Foster’s 1955 Chevy First Series Restomod so he can keep up with traffic on 95 and enjoy the air conditioning.

So Fast the Wax Can’t Hang On! Jim Bennett and his 1998 Lotus Elise!

Camaraderie rings out at Sun City’s horseshoe pits

By Gwyneth J. Saunders

Clang, thump, thump, thump, clang!

From lane to lane, there’s a lot of joking and teasing as members of the Sun City Horseshoe Club toss the silver or red horseshoes at stakes in their opponent’s pit.

Players comment on their opponent’s technique, sometimes impressed.

“I don’t know how he does it,” said one club member as he watches club Vice President Bill Wilkey flipping one end over end. It lands very tidily around the stake 37 feet away from his own pit.

Wilkey’s a rookie compared to many of his counterparts. He and his wife moved to Sun City about 15 months ago, and he joined shortly after.

“I was still working at the time, had another few months to go, and it looked like an easy sport where I could go play in the morning and still make it to my office in the afternoon,” he said. “It was one of the smartest moves I made because it’s a great group of guys.”

The universal thread that ties the members together seems to be a sense of camaraderie, something newbie Wilkey appreciates.

“I’m an OK horseshoe player. These guys are much, much better than I am. It doesn’t matter if you’re good, bad or in between. There’s always a little competition, there’s some talking back and forth, but everyone has a good time,” said Wilkey. “Put it this way: if you’re not very good at it, people are still very encouraging.”

John Riccio, club past president, has a vastly different horseshoe background from Wilkey.

“I’ve been playing probably since I was a child. A lot of people probably did it when they belonged to a fraternal club that carried it, so that’s how people would get into it. They had access to it,” said Riccio. “I grew up in a neighborhood that had a lot of veterans in it, they played in the service and they got into it. Other people would go to a family reunion or outing or learn it from their grandfather.”

Riccio recently introduced a Hall of Fame program to honor those members who have

been members for 10 or more years, officers, contributors who improved the club in one way or another.

“Some people get into a club, and they could be gone in six months. But the ones that stuck it out and have been here a long time, I try to recognize that,” he said.

That includes members such as Herman Hauprich, a former firefighter, who suggested the club lay old firehose on top of the foul lines to protect the wood. Dave Kimball founded the club. Other Hall of Famers include Wayne Moore, Ron Petroff, Tom Schneck, Denny Leinberger, Joe Gilsinger, Florida and Bob Lindstrom, Art Holland, Dave Griffiths, Tiff and Jackie Tiffany, and Bert Ruys.

The main horseshoe pits are next to the softball field and pickleball courts at the corner of Red Dam Road and Sun City Boulevard, but early on – like the softball field – all the action was on the site of Magnolia Hall

Griffiths, who at 95 is one of the senior players, remembered what it was like to play in that first location.

“I joined when the horseshoe players used to play in the parking lot where Magnolia Hall is now. I was playing a lot of golf at the time, so I only played there on a Saturday.

Then they moved from there down to the sports complex,” he said. “I like the cama-

raderie. The guys are a great bunch of guys. You can be a bad player or a good player but it doesn’t make any difference. It’s a good social club, nobody gets angry, you do the best you can, and everybody is ok with that.”

It’s not just men who play horseshoes, either. There are two women who play and one of the “guys” is Jackie Tiffany, who can be seen pulling out of her driveway on her golf cart twice a week heading to the pits. She and her late husband “Tiff” were founding members, according to Riccio.

“We got involved with horseshoes right away, Tiff and I loved it. He was so good,” she said. “The people are so nice. I enjoy playing with them. They’re very kind to me.”

Tiffany said she heads out a little early, especially now that play begins at 9 a.m. because of the summer heat, so she can towel down the tables and benches set up under a canopy next to the pits.

“I’m not the best player. Every now and then I can get a ringer, but I really enjoy it,” she added.

Jackie Tiffany admires the awards presented to her and her late husband as members of the Sun City Horseshoe Club’s Hall of Fame.