VOLUME 25, ISSUE 20 • OCTOBER 18, 2022

Partnerships help students regain progress lost during COVID

By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR

A little after 3 p.m. on a Tuesday afternoon, a Beaufort County school bus dropped off 16 young students at Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Seabrook.

Although they had just spent all day at James J. Davis Early Childhood Learning Center, they were eager to get on with the next three hours, beginning with a snack and a juice cup.

One by one, the 10 excited students in April Smalls’ pre-kindergarten to first grade after-school class told her how they did in school that day. There were a lot of A-plusses earned for accomplishments from doing homework to being quiet. There was even an A++ for math.

Malachi, 5, likes coming to the program because he likes the singing. Akeena, 4, is learning letter shapes and vowels. A lot of the students said they like math.

In the room two doors down, Sholonda Simmons finished reading a story to her six students who range from second to fourth grade. Their first task after story time was using words written on separate pieces of paper to create a sentence. The next activity is either doing homework or pulling out a storybook.

The church is one of 10 sites coun ty-wide that are participating in the Beaufort County School District’s Extend ed Learning Community Partnerships in an effort to regain ground lost during the

8A

Kids fishing tournament set for Oct. 22 at town dock

As part of the Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival, a free fishing tournament for children 13 and under will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at the town dock at the end of Calhoun Street at Wright Family Park.

Parents should plan on fishing with their children. Bring your own fishing equipment

Kayaking

if possible. Some fishing equipment will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the tournament beginning 10:30 a.m. Weigh-in will begin at 12:30 p.m.

Prizes will be given for first, second and third biggest fish.

A nature trivia game will be held from

12:30 to 1 p.m. There will also be a casting competition. Each participant will receive a gift package including a soft tackle bag, fishing rod and reel combo.

All participants will adhere to all SCDNR rules and regulations.

To pre-register, contact Tom Bulcock at 912-210-1222.

In the after-school program at Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Seabrook, teacher April Smalls gets the daily report on how everyone’s day went. Smalls is a pre-K teacher at James J. Davis Early Childhood Learning Center, which is where the students are bussed from.

PHOTOS BY GWYNETH J. SAUNDERS

EASY

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Make Your Purchase Online

Pay in advance by October 31 with a credit card, HSA/FSA account, or PayPal. Vouchers can be used up to six months from the time of purchase.

Schedule Your Mammogram

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appointment.

UP

Books are timeless friends, offering joy, adventure, comfort

By Lynne Cope Hummell EDITOR

In this space in our previous issue, I mentioned some interesting book expe riences that I would write about another time. That time is now.

But let’s go back a little further than a few weeks ago.

I fell in love with books at a young age –around age 3. I have a photo of me at that age sitting on our porch with a stack of Little Golden Books clutched in my arms.

Before I started first grade, my older brother taught me how to read from his first-grade Dick, Jane and Sally books from 10 years prior. I loved those books!

When I started first grade, and got my own Dick, Jane and Sally book, I was in heaven! But my teacher, Mrs. Rampey (who had also been my brother’s teach er 10 years before) suspected that I had

simply memorized them. She gave me lower grades for half the year because of it. I’ve always wondered, if she thought I couldn’t really read, why didn’t she give me a second grade book to read?

For many years, reading was my most favorite thing to do. I read everything I could get my hands on. With my library card, that meant a lot of books. I asked for books for Christmas and birth days, and I got them – from Dr. Suess to Beverly Cleary to New York Times bestsellers.

Reading took a back seat to other ac tivities over my young adult years, but later, when I had children, it came back full force. Reading to my children was one of the greatest joys of life. They, too, could read well by the time they got to first grade.

Fast forward to the present, when reading is something I wish I had more time to pursue.

The cool book experience I men

tioned in my last column was my first Book Club Convention, hosted by the Pat Conroy Literary Center, at the Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Culinary Institute (thank you, Jonathan Haupt, for the invitation!). I met many women and a few men who devour books like a grand meal. I met a couple of authors who made us laugh and made us think. They inspired me as well.

First up was Dorothy St. James, author of a number of books, includ ing the soon to be released (Nov. 1) “A Book Club to Die For.” St. James loves libraries too, she said. She said they were an important part of her child hood, offering new adventures with each book.

St. James read a passage from her newest tome that had the crowd in stitches. I might have guffawed at the visual I was getting about the scene she painted with her words.

The other inspiring author was Ms. Emily Meggett, the “matriarch of Edisto Island” and author of “Gullah Geechee Home Cooking,” a cookbook pub lished this year that seems to serve as a history of her life. Ms. Emily, who was described as “just shy of 90,” had some stories to tell, and with each one, a lesson on life.

In that session, she talked us through her way of making biscuits and her famous red rice. Part of the instruction about the rice was in stirring it: “Start at the end of the pot with the spoon and draw it to ya. If that rice come to ya fast, you need more rice. If it come to ya slow, it’s right.”

Her book sold out before I got to the table, but I’ll be getting one soon. And you can bet I’ll be at a bookstore on Nov. 1 to pick up St. James’ new book as well.

It’s time for me to get back to my first love.

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Lynne Hummell, editor@blufftonsun.com

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OFFICE MANAGER

Melissa McCullough

CONTRIBUTORS

Abby Bird

Jon Black

Amy Campanini

Emily Campbell

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Joan Flynn

Jean Harris

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Weston Newton

Joy Ross

Gwyneth J. Saunders

Larry Stoller Tim Wood

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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. Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Old Town Bluffton Merchants Society.

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

EDITORIAL

More info on Legislative Oversight Committee

By Weston Newton CONTRIBUTOR

Following last month’s column, a hand ful of folks asked me to elaborate on the House Legislative Oversight Committee structure, process and scope of authority.

The committee was formed in 2014 following the passage of legislation that required more robust oversight of state agencies. Our vision statement is: “For South Carolina agencies to become, and continuously remain, the most effective state agencies in the country through processes which eliminate waste and effi ciently deploy resources, thereby creating greater confidence in state government.”

Our mission statement is: “Determine if agency laws and programs are being im plemented and carried out in accordance with the intent of the General Assembly and whether they should be continued, curtailed or eliminated [and] inform the public about state agencies.”

As the inaugural chair of the commit tee, I am the architect of its rules and standard practices. Through these, public input is a firmly established cornerstone of our process. We essentially voice the concerns of the people we serve.

Our process starts with scheduled,

objective reviews of agencies focused on obtaining a single set of facts, separated from any partisan influence.

We first ask the agencies to engage staff at all levels in self-analysis and provide the assigned subcommittee an overview of its operations, including success and challenges. All information received from agencies is considered the agency head’s sworn testimony.

While the agency conducts this self-analysis, the full committee solicits public input through online surveys and holds public hearings, with all testimony provided to the committee being under oath; agency representatives are allowed to respond to public comments and efforts are made to verify the veracity of information from independent sources.

Next, the subcommittee holds public hearings with the agency developing findings and recommendations, and drafting a report. Typically, an agency will go through nine to 11 hearings in this process. The subcommittee report is then presented to full committee for discussion and consideration.

In addition to informing the public, one of our primary goals is for our colleagues to become confident enough in their knowledge of agency operations to both

Letters to the Editor

detect issues and craft useful solutions. An effective oversight process informs and engages legislators to have a substantive discussion of ideas with agency personnel about how to continually improve their operation and the overall operation of state government.

This oversight helps legislators make informed policy decisions. To make in formed decisions, you need public input and accurate data. If the data does not exist, oversight is a way to encourage data collection and program evaluation.

As a result of our committee’s work, more than 150 committee recommen dations have been implemented through agency internal action and, as mentioned last month, in just this last legislative session, 36 recommendations have been implemented via legislative enactment.

Additionally, our committee has been recognized five consecutive years by the National Conference of State Legislature’s Legislative Evaluation Society. This Com mittee continues to set the standard for effective oversight, and I am proud to be a part of that work.

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

To the Editor:

Not too often is a Letter to the Editor written about people who write letters to the editor. I want to thank you for pub lishing many of the letters submitted by Mr. Earle Everett and Mr. Gene Ceccarelli.

If a letter is well written the reader can establish a basic understanding of who the writer is and what he or she has gen erally experienced in life. Both of these guys exhibit good old fashioned common sense, seem to practice the golden rule in everyday living and keep God in the equation. We are at a time in history when our beloved country is missing these qualities.

In his most recent letter, Mr. Ceccarel li wonders if anyone finds value in his writing or even cares. Well, rest assured,

Gene, at least one Lowcountry resident appreciates what you and all the other contributors put out there. Keep up the good work!

Howard D. Sassman Bluffton

do not vote for them. They want to de stroy our democracy.

To the Editor:

The time is drawing near. Nov. 8 is the vote-in-person date to cast your ballot in the mid-term election. Vote-by-mail is happening now.

This vote is essential to save our de mocracy, our way of life, so I ask each and every registered voter to do your home work and vote.

If a candidate says they don’t accept President Biden as our current president,

Consider each candidate for office. Go to their website or hear them in person as they speak in our counties. Don’t vote straight party. More than ever, this time we need to consider each person’s skills and intentions. We need people who will stand up for our needs and fight for our rights regardless of party affiliation.

Serving in government is an honor, not a business.

We need to elect people who won’t take our democracy away from us. When you cast your vote, please know exactly what you are voting for.

Susan Baukhages Bluffton

Youthful perspectives on entrepreneurship ring true for all

this feature, we seek to cap ture a glimpse of what you and your neighbors have to say about a variety

topics, issues, events – and just plain

questions.

see us anywhere around

to participate.

we find you,

you will want to respond.

Entrepreneur Day for Kids, a

young people selling

handmade products, held at the USCB Gateway campus in Bluffton, we asked: “What makes an entrepreneur successful?”

Camille, Greenville, 7: “Hard work, and keep working.”

Ben Brown, Bluffton, 6: “Working together with anyone on a good idea.”

Teacher Sholonda Simmons works on building sentences with second to fourth grade students in the after-school program at Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Seabrook. “The first word begins with a capital letter and the last word has punctuation on it,” she tells them.

pandemic.

Each of the centers has a unique sched ule but the plans must include recreation, snacks, time spent reading, doing math or science, and using a new software pro gram that began this month.

“We tell them to always make sure that you include that recreation time, because we don’t want it to be another three hours of traditional school,” said Gaynelle Dan tzler, district director of community and extended learning.

In addition to Mount Carmel, program sites are currently Bluffton Communi ty Soup Kitchen, New Life Deliverance Temple Tutorial Center, Marshview Community Organic Farm, Meadowbrook Baptist Church, Grace AME Church, Scott Community Center, St. Paul Baptist Church, Church of the Harvest, and, in January, St. Andrew By-The-Sea, but the pilot was conducted at Hilton Head Boys & Girls Club.

“One of our goals or areas that we want to really focus on is the community engagement, and so we felt that it was a great opportunity after our school closure with COVID to really engage our com munities,” said N’Kia Campbell, BCSD officer of academic initiatives. “We had a lot of community people that reached out to the schools to find ways that they

could support our vision, our instruction al initiatives and goals in our district. And with that, we partnered with our boys and girls club.”

Kim Likins, director of the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island, said they call the pilot Saturday Camp so that it didn’t sound like more academics.

“I think overall we had an average of about 47 each Saturday,” she said. “The teachers were wonderful in the morn ing doing academics, and then we took over in the afternoon and did recreation, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), and arts, and provided basically full-day childcare for the parents who needed to work on Saturdays.”

Campbell said it was such a success that they looked for other communities to work with, and focused on St. Helena and Lady’s Island.

“Their model was a little different from the Hilton Head. Every community kind of gave what they felt would work,” said Campbell.

On St. Helena and Lady’s Island, there were six sites supported by churches and nonprofit organizations.

“We really did a lot in three weeks to get those six centers up and running from

New homes from the

Your key to paradise

January to May of this year,” said Dant

“The community partners are really vested in this initiative, because they want to see it work. And I think because of the relationships that we’ve developed, I think that they feel that they’re really a part of something huge. I think that it will go far beyond what we started with the pilot.”

At the Bluffton Soup Kitchen, Con stance Martin-Witter said each week has a theme for the activities that take place after snacks and homework or work on their computers.

“This week’s theme is sports, and I’m encouraging our little ones to learn old school as well as new school so we’re doing Double-Dutch, jacks, marbles, and four square,” she said. Other activities in clude art projects, reading, math, science and gardening.

At 5 p.m., the students at the soup kitchen and all of the other sites are served dinner. It’s yet another part of how the program serves both the students and the families. In many cases, without the programs, students would be dropped off at home to wait until the parents or

guardians returned from work to prepare dinner.

With the program, the children get an opportunity to get help with home work, have dinner, play and be ready to go home and get ready for bed. That’s the qualitative part of the program, said Campbell.

“When you hear grandmothers in the grocery store saying, ‘Hey, keep this program going on. This is a great resource for me.’ Or ‘When are you going to start this program again,’ we want to be able to capture that as well,” she said.

The program is open to students from kindergarten through grade 12 whose parents are interested in their children participating in the community engage ment initiative. Although the schools pass the information on to the parents, a num ber of enrollments are through word-ofmouth, said Dantzler, whose phone and email are exploding with requests. The maximum number of students per site –with the exception of Hilton Head – is 25 to 27, and the district wants to maintain that number at the moment. Spaces are

limited, but there are other community organizations that are interested in being a part of the initiative, said Campbell.

“I think that eventually we’ll get to that, because we don’t want to limit what we’re doing as far as the number of children that we’re impacting. But I think that we have to be strategic in how we partner with other organizations to make sure that we can maintain what it is that we’re doing,” she said.

The program costs approximately $32,000 per site, and is covered by federal grants from the Elementary and Second ary School Emergency Relief Fund under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, and the American Rescue Plan ESSER. The program is funded through 2024.

The grants pay for teacher salaries, school supplies, bus costs and meals.

“We’re in the process of creating a sustainability plan, so that is why we’re trying to really document the success of the programs through a quantitative mea sure: the attendance, the discipline, and the grades,” said Campbell, “but also the

qualitative part, where families are feeling loved and supported, and we’re meeting the needs of schools and the students in the community. Part of the sustainability plan is really accessing those grants that are aligned to this initiative that can sup port us beyond the funding source that we have here. That’s the work that we’re doing now.”

The program seems to have the com plete support of every facet of the commu nity, according to Campbell.

“Everyone took ownership of this, and this is what made it successful. I want to talk about our bus drivers. We have a group of bus drivers in the community because they are part of that community. And they are going to make sure that we are informed about every single kid,” she said. “At 7:15 I’m getting a text every night, ‘All kids are home safe.’ And so just that alone just tells you the buy-in and the commitment and love, because they want this to be successful.”

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

Friends remember Lowcountry culinary legend Steve Carb

By Tim Wood CONTRIBUTOR

Tony Arcuri tried to get his childhood friend into hobbies. Arcuri wanted his Pittsburgh compadre to enjoy the fruits of their collective labor as he built his guitar collection or became enthralled with an old motorcycle, but Steve Carb was just never about things.

He had a singular focus.

“Steve’s passion was people and his restau rants,” Arcuri said of his friend of 50-plus years and fellow SERG Group co-founder, who died Oct. 8 at the age of 63. “We grew up together, went to high school and college together, found the Lowcountry together and every step of the way, he had this dream and was so committed to it. And every step of the way, he did it with humility and compassion.”

Stories of Carb’s impact on Bluffton and the Lowcountry flooded the airwaves and social media soon after his passing, from the folks who met him once and thought he was a busboy as he ran around Poseidon bussing tables, to his friends and business partners who marveled at his attention to detail, his constant brainstorming and his legendary yellow legal pads.

“I will always remember him sketching logos for his upcoming restaurants on those famous yellow pads,” said co-worker Joanne Petro.

“I think he slept with those yellow pads. On the beach, out at dinner, inspecting a kitchen, that pad was attached to him,” said Guiseppi’s Pizza managing partner Jim Lo

niero. “He’d be over at my house watching a Steelers game, a commercial would come on and there would be Steve jotting an idea he saw on to those pads. He was relentless with creating and always thinking of what’s next.”

Almost as ubiquitous in the early days was the constant menu grabs in pursuit of the perfect pizza recipe.

“This was the early ’80s, there was no internet, no easy access to menus. So we’d travel all over and everywhere we went, he’d see a dinner item or a font on a menu and want to bring it back to the island,” Arcuri said.

Robert “Moose” Rini first met Carb as a pizza delivery driver at Guiseppi’s. He admired Carb, growing up a few years apart in Pittsburgh, and became a confidante and travel buddy, one of the few that could get Carb to occasionally take his foot off the pedal.

“I took him four wheeling in the Georgia mountains, we went to Costa Rica, Ve gas, Biloxi, Steelers and Dolphins games, but everywhere we went, we were always stealing those menus,” Rini said. “It was always research and development. We’d see an over-the-top dessert, Steve would grab a disposable camera and take a picture. He was relentless. I remember staying at the Bellagio, ready to relax. Then Steve knocked on my door, said, ‘Let’s go to the restaurants, Moose.’ I’d say which one. And he smiled and said, ‘All of them.’”

Rini knows he’s a bit biased, but he sees Carb as one of the true pioneers of the mod

These three long-time friends built a restaurant empire and family on Hilton Head Island, based pri marily on the dreams and vision of Steve Carb, right. With him are Jim Loniero, left, and Tony Arcuria.

TEDxHiltonHead returns Nov. 4

International world surfing champion and youth advocate Shaun Tomson will headline local and national speakers presenting insights and “ideas worth sharing” when TEDxHilton Head returns Nov. 4.

This year’s theme is “Making Waves” and will feature speakers who create real change to make a positive impact in the world.

Tomson has been “making waves” in professional surfing since the mid-1970s. After the tragic death of his son Mathew, Tomson turned his attention to helping youth understand how poor decisions can be harmful, and how important it is to be yourself and make decisions that will lead to success.

TEDxHiltonHead will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Sea hawk Cultural Center, 70 Wilborn Road on Hilton Head Island. Tickets are $25

and available at tedxhhi2022.eventbrite. com.

Dr. Debi Lynes, WHHI TV host, will serve as master of ceremonies.

Confirmed speakers include: Candace Blair, Soul Fire Social; Chloe Diamond, Hilton Head Preparatory School; Kat Eberly, Bluffton School of Dance; Ryan Herd, Caregiver Smart Solutions; Jeff Maine, Pay Proudly; Anna Ponder, Uni versity of South Carolina Beaufort; Janet Porter, HealthCare Advocate and Hospice Visionary; Jon Rooks, singer, songwriter, and performer; Dr. Sidney Smith, Georgia Skin and Cancer Center; Jennifer Urez zio, Soul Language; and Robert Young, Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines.

TEDxHiltonHead is a locally organized TED event and 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to bring ideas to the Lowcountry that will inspire intellectual curiosity, con tinuous learning, and promote communi ty cohesiveness.

For more information, visit tedxhilton head.com/making-waves.

Shaun Thompson

ern Lowcountry landscape, the builder of the largest employer in the region, a person who helped turn the F&B life into sustain able careers for so many.

“Charles Fraser put Hilton Head Island on the map, he had the vision of a resort com munity,” Rini said. “Steve had the vision of serving and entertaining all those people and for giving his staff a path to truly investing in the business.”

Arcuri said from the very earliest days, that pathway was crucial to the growth of SERG.

“It began with plucking Jimmy from his radio DJ days to help me run Giuseppi’s. Tony at Wiseguys, Chris Spargur at Skull Creek, our new company president Alan Wolf, they all began behind the bar,” Arcuri said. “We have 35 partners now in this group and it is all built on that buy-in, back ing up folks’ commitment to the mission with ownership in the mission.”

The passion for people was more than just the food for Carb. His commitment to build ing up the community was just as legendary.

“In the Asian culture, Steve was the epito me of what we would call ‘The Golden Boy’. Everything he touches turns to gold. His

generosity was endless,” said friend Linda Peterson. She said that no matter what non profit she approached Carb to support, he always got his staff to buy-in. “He’d sponsor events, cater them for free. He was so busy but always followed up with me every time.”

Connie Lindler will never forget Carb’s commitment to caring during Hurricane Matthew.

“He did so much for so many when Mat thew hit. I truly enjoyed working with him and his incredible family of staff to feed hun dreds of people on short notice,” she said.

Loniero said that Carb’s 700-plus em ployees and his restaurants were his family. Animals also held a special place in his heart. Carb was an ardent supporter of the Hilton Head Island Humane Society and a serial dog owner, including his final two compan ion pups, Frankie and Sheldon.

“I remember years ago living next to him in Windmill Harbor. A stray cat comes to our door and we had too many cats and dogs at that point. I knew just what to do,”

Arcuri said. “I put this little orange cat on Steve’s doorstep, I watched him love on this kitten for an hour. He took him in and loved

him for 15 years.”

He gave Rini $400 to take a career leap and get his real estate license. He paid for Arcuri’s honeymoon to the Bahamas back in the day.

Heart, playfulness, passion and giving – it’s the common threads of every tale of Carb’s immeasurable impact.

“You’d think here’s this guy that helped build the backbone of our area’s hospitality and real estate economy. You envision this hard-core businessman, but that was never the truth,” Loniero said. “He was the most unique person I have ever met. To be so much about the thousand little details but to still have that heart, that wonder, that enthu siasm. He was my mentor, he gave me my MBA on the ground, not in the classroom. And so much of that is just rooted in caring.

“He didn’t play golf, wasn’t a vacation guy. His life was making the rounds to his restaurants, jumping in to bus tables when he saw the crew getting slammed. Giving, not taking,” Loniero said. “He never forgot his roots, never took himself too seriously. I told him, ‘you have nothing left to prove, retire and enjoy what you have earned.’ He

just was never about stuff. He told me he wouldn’t know how to stop caring.”

Arcuri said that Carb embodied the saying they learned decades ago in their college fraternity.

“He was all about humility before great ness,” Arcuri said. “Listen, we knew, we were just three schleps from Pittsburgh. Steve was an idea guy but he was a worker at heart. It’s in his bones, in his soul.”

Carb’s family and friends that in lieu of flowers or gifts, supporters send donations to the Hilton Head Humane Society at hhhumane.org and to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at theaftd.org, which raises awareness for the form of early onset dementia Carb fought since being diagnosed three years ago.

“It wasn’t fair that (FTD) was part of his last chapter, but he was graceful and loving to the end,” Loniero said. “The journey won’t be nearly the same or nearly as much fun without Steve.”

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

Make time for your mammogram.

Early detection can save your life. An annual mammogram can find cancer up to three years before symptoms appear making it easier to treat. Hilton Head Regional Healthcare’s Breast Health Center is a nationally accredited program offering innovative screening services. Whether you need a routine mammogram or higher-level diagnostics such as breast ultrasounds, 3D mammography, breast MRIs or biopsies, rest assured that your breast health is our priority.

Don’t wait.

Schedule a mammogram at HiltonHeadRegional.com/Mammo

School district’s new food service gives students tasty options

Students at Battery Creek High School consider their choices on the new menu offered by The Nutrition Group, Beaufort County School District’s new food service vendor.

By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR

It’s almost like ordering from a fast food franchise, except the meals are offered in school cafeterias across the county.

Beaufort County School District’s new food service vendor, The Nutrition Group, has kicked off its inaugural year with Nu trislice – a menu app for families. The app gives parents and students the ability to access their particular school’s menu online using their mobile device.

Reports from the users so far are that the app is a success.

“I receive a lot of phone calls from parents on different subjects,” said Sheila Burtz, the district assistant coordinator for the finance department and the food ser vice department. “This is one of the topics that they are enjoying, where they can see on a daily basis the menus, and then the children can make their decision if they want to eat lunch in the cafeteria or take their lunch.”

Nutrislice provides nutritional details and photos of the menu items, including descriptions, ingredients, carb counts, allergens, or special dietary information. It also offers the users the ability to rate each menu item. That will help the vendor finetune the menus for individual schools.

Joe Geisweidt, general manager for The

Nutrition Group and the food service department at Beaufort County School Dis trict, knows the app has been widely used, based on conversations with both students and parents.

“In the Nutrislice app, all the schools are listed, and they’re available for all the students, so the parent may have multiple children in different buildings, and they’re able to access those menus both for lunch and for breakfast,” he said.

The menu might be the same across the district for certain grades or it might vary.

“The menu options may change slightly, and whether it might even be the main menu option all depends on the area and the grade levels that we’re serving,” Geis weidt said.

Another option on the app is choosing items based on allergies, Geisweidt said. If a student has a gluten allergy, for example, a click on the app will remove all items that have gluten.

The new vendor, which replaced one the district had employed for 22 years, has listed a number of innovative programs they anticipate gradually introducing to the schools, including Farm to Fork, Wellness Wednesdays, Food Fusion, Tasty Bites, and Recipes of the Month.

“Like any new program, you can’t roll

PHOTOS COURTESY BEAUFORT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

everything out at one time, so we started with some of the big items that we can make an immediate impact with. Freshdough pizza for all grade levels is one thing that is offered at the high school level. The fresh-dough pizza is offered on a daily basis, along with the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables for all grade levels,” said Geisweidt. “We’re making immediate impact in those areas trying to offer more healthy choices along with different wraps and hoagies and salad.”

There are even options for those students on the go who find themselves caught in tight bus schedules or school activities.

Grab-and-Gos might be a pre-packaged item from Pillsbury, or maple-flavored pancakes. A student could grab that and a juice or milk for breakfast, and be able to eat it quickly and get to class.

In addition to a new vendor and menu roll-out, the school year began with a re turn to pre-COVID paid, free and reduced lunch fees, something that has confused some families with the new year.

“All school districts across the United States had to go back to what the gov ernment refers to as normal,” Geisweidt said. “That has been confusing for parents because we went three years where all the meals were free to all students, regardless of the income levels.”

The average meal cost for paid students is $1.75 for lunch for elementary students and $2.25 for secondary students. Break fast for all paid students is $1.

Although those students who fit the paid or reduced meal fees are charged, there are still some whose accounts are unpaid for whatever reason. That costs the district money.

“We typically incur anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000 in unpaid meal bal ances per year. We haven’t fully reconciled those for the end of this year, but we do have a number of balances that accumulate throughout the year from not paying up,” said Tonya Crosby, chief financial officer for the district. “We can’t deny students the meals so we won’t turn them away without food.”

Crosby said financial donations from the community help offset the meal balances. Burtz at the district office is the contact for those efforts.

On the lighter side, The Nutrition Group at the beginning of October brought its

With the new food service, students through out Beaufort County School District are offered a daily variety of fruits and vegetables, such as these selections at Okatie Elementary.

corporate chefs into the high schools to cook a new dish in front of the students in their cafeterias.

“It’s what we call the spaghetti bowl and a sandwich, which is a food infu sion product that we have developed. It’s spaghetti and grilled cheese combined, and grilled, and it’s going to be offered to all the students at the high school level,” said Geisweidt.

“The adults are waiting patiently as well. We have tasted it, and it’s a really good sandwich,” said Burtz laughing. “It sounds a little scary, but it’s delicious.”

Crosby said that despite changing com panies the district was very satisfied.

“We’ve definitely seen improvement in the food quality, and that was one of the main concerns that we had,” she said. “Sheila and I have been visiting schools, and we’ve been eating lunch in the cafete rias, monitoring their progress and talking to students. Everyone that we’re talking to is very pleased with the quality and the changes that have been made. So we are very happy.”

Crosby also mentioned that the district is hiring.

“We still have some positions to fill and in order to get fully staffed in all of our buildings, particularly in the Hilton Head and Bluffton area, we’re looking for new employees.”

That’s one way to get in on the next food fusion opportunity in the cafeteria.

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

LET THE

Light In

Home Lite brings natural sunlight

space using

Surprise bouquet deliveries spark intrigue and smiles

By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR

No one is checking for fingerprints and there is no handwriting analysis being conducted, but the mystery remains as to who was behind the recent spurt of beau tiful bouquets arriving on certain Sun City Hilton Head doorsteps.

It is possible that the first bouquet land ed on Kathe Kline’s doorstep. She posted a photo of her flowers at 4:47 p.m. on Sept. 18 on the SCHH Friendly Neighborhood Facebook page that she manages.

“Even though I don’t do most of the work – the moderators take care of that –but I sort of set the tone for the group and we’re the largest currently active Facebook group for Sun City residents. And the friendliest in my opinion,” she said. “It was the day after the Art Club and Avant Garde Club had their event. I suspect it’s some body in that group, but I don’t know.”

There are more than 3,800 members signed up on the SCHH Friendly Neigh borhood, a page that is a “friendly group for asking questions, getting advice, sharing helpful information and celebrat ing our Sun City Hilton Head lifestyle. We are obsessed with being friendly, courteous and helpful to our Sun City Neighbors,” according to its stated purpose.

“I’m honored that I was a recipient. I said the next day that there were little elves,” Kline said. “We have some real ly, really wonderful people in Sun City. And sometimes they’re overshadowed by people who complain. I want to encourage people to be kind on Facebook as well as in real life, so I am thrilled this is happen ing.”

A surreptitious delivery was also made Sept. 18 to Ann O’Brien Morgan’s front door. She posted a photo of her bouquet at 8:04 p.m. with the following comment: “Some little elves have been quite busy today – I hear our own admin, Ms. Diana Guenther Lackey got a bouquet as well!! Wow!! This sure perked up a rather ‘down’ day for me…. Thank you to my ANGEL, whoever you are (I have a wild guess though…)”

Morgan can be found most often on

This bouquet was secretly delivered to Kathe Kline’s Sun City doorstep in September.

the SCHH People Pets & Plants Facebook page with photos of her bird rescue work and her Great White Pyrenees – the infa mous Guinness and Bad Boy Murphy.

“I suspect it’s because of my work with the wildlife here in Sun City,” said the sur prised and pleased recipient. “I rescue just about everything but mostly baby birds. I nurture them and feed them and then release them out into the wild.”

Morgan specifically handles blue birds, cardinals and titmouse, all the little birds and ones that are prevalent in the area during the spring and summer.

“I get lots of praise for that by the community and lots of donations, and I’m happy about that. It actually started about three years ago with Stars and Stripes,” Morgan said, and she wasn’t talking about either the popular overseas military newspaper or John Philip Sousa’s march.

“I got a call about two baby blue birds and they had fallen out of the mailbox. I went over and just took them, googling what I should do.”

With names and a photo album to challenge any family’s camera abilities, she

successfully raised them to fledges and sent them out into the world.

“It just became kind of a thing from then on, and I’ve had lots of calls. There’s no organization in South Carolina that will do anything for them,” she said.

Morgan said she was quite surprised by the flowers. “Before that I got an anony mous gift of a handmade ceramic bluebird and $50 donation for the mealworms and crickets I get for the birds,” she said.

Lackey said when she received her bou quet it was a shock.

“I’m not usually at a loss for words and this one left me speechless. I looked out on the porch and saw this gorgeous vase with all the beautiful flowers,” she said.

All of the bouquets arrived with hand written notes. Hers read, “Thanks for all you do to make our community special. Thank you so much.”

Lackey runs the SCHH People Pets & Plants page as well as a number of others for the community.

“I was not sure of the scope of this. We’re boomerang residents. We were here in 2015, left and came back in 2020,” she said. When they moved back after a short time away, they lived on the island, then moved to Columbia, hated that, and then returned to Sun City. “Somehow, I got the pages back, so I guess you get some type of notoriety or something. I think that must be the common thread – community service,” Lackey said. “The pages work to help people. I know the note said ‘we’ appreciate, so I don’t know if this is an individual or a group, and I say ladies. I love the idea even if I had not been the recipient. Just a day brightener.”

Like the other recipients, Toni Siegfried Valenstein has no idea what prompted the surprise gift.

“The only idea I can think of is the oth ers who got it are on Facebook, and I run several pages. And I don’t know if it has anything to do with my being in the Com puter Club but I think it’s the Facebook pages. The card didn’t say anything like that, just for what you do in the communi ty,” she said.

Valenstein runs the Sun City Friends Helping Friends and the Hilton Head & Bluffton United for Vaccinations and Covid Prevention Facebook pages.

“It was such a nice gesture, and it’s things like that that encourage people to

Ann O’Brien Morgan found this bouquet at her front door in Sun City on Sept. 18.

continue doing good things for the com munity, and maybe get other people to do good things for the community,” she said.

“We’re all volunteers. When we help some body at the computer club and they have a smile on their face, that’s how we get paid. That’s why we keep doing these things.”

On Sept. 22, Anna Marie Tabernik, who is a Sun City Community Association resident board member, was surprised by a delivery that moved too fast for her cameras.

“I don’t really know why. I noticed on Facebook that someone was delivering them to different people, thanking them for their help, and all of a sudden one appeared at my door,” she said. “It was a wonderful gesture and highlighted my day. It was such a nice thing that it caught me off guard. I get a lot of complaints versus kudos but it was really a wonderful way to start my day.”

Tabernik said the day before the delivery had been somewhat difficult. “I had just spent a day answering some not very nice emails,” she said. “Somebody is just being very considerate and cheering people up. It was great. It lets you feel good in that moment that people appreciate what you do.”

There are reports that others have received bouquets, gift cards and other surprises that have cheered up the recipi ents. Perhaps the Flower Elves will deliver in the future to a doorstep near you.

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

SAVE THE

Concours celebrates 20th year with grandest weekend yet

By Tim Wood CONTRIBUTOR

This is a special year for one of the Lowcountry’s most celebrated events.

The Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance and Motoring Festival is celebrating its 20th celebration of the grandeur and magnificence of the automobile Nov. 3-6.

This is the second year back af ter the COVID pandemic canceled the in-person 2020 event and while organizers admit that 2021 was a measured return to normal, the 2022 event is shaping up to be the larg est-scale Concours yet, truly honoring the two decades of prestige the gather ing has garnered among car collectors worldwide.

Thousands of exhibitors and enthu siasts descend upon the island each year, including more than 200 cars and motorcycles that will pack the first and 18th fairways of Port Royal Golf Club’s Planters Row Golf Course on Nov. 6 for the Best in Class and Best of Show judging.

The celebration of all things wheels and engines begins Nov. 3 with the

sixth Grand Motoring Film Festival at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. The night will feature displays of clas sic and collector cars and the world premiere of “Punters,” plus documen taries “In the Blink of an Eye” and “Betty Skelton: Boundless.”

The screenings continue with a full day of film screenings at Coligny The atre on Nov. 4, starting at 9 a.m.

Concours visitors will also be welcomed with a Big Band Swingin’ Swag Show at 6:30 p.m., featuring the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra.

The annual driving tour starts at 8 a.m. Nov. 4. The tour begins at Berke ley Hall and traverses the Cheches see and Broad Rivers into Beaufort, wrapping up with a tour of the Marine Corps Museum at Parris Island.

But this isn’t just about land-bound wheels and engines. The Flights and Fancy Aeroport Gala Friday night and Aero Expo on Nov. 5 will put some of the world’s most revered airplanes on display at the Hilton Head Island Airport.

The Aeroport Gala will combine

Spectators at the Hilton Head Concours d’Elegance and Motoring Festival will find plenty of exotic, unique, classic and beautiful automobiles to appreciate.

LYNNE COPE HUMMELL

CONCOURS

five-star dining along with a taste of both Concours vehicles and Aero Expo aircraft on display against the backdrop of an airport hangar.

The Aero Expo is a display of both the world’s most vintage airliners along with the latest technology and flying innovations in private aircraft.

The focus shifts to the ground gear shifters with the Car Club Showcase from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 5. More than 20 clubs, including the Sun City Car Club, will fill the fairways of the Port Royal Golf Club. Each club se lects their best of the best to compete for top awards. The 2022 edition will feature both women-owned vehicles and cars of Japan.

Renee and Christina Brinkerhoff will be honored alongside their 1956 Porsche 356A used to race more than 20,000 miles across the world to com bat child trafficking.

“To say that the efforts of Renée and Christina Brinkerhoff are inspiring is an incredible understatement,” said Lindsey Harrell, Concours President. “These women embody the true meaning of Women Driving America. In fact, we would go so far to say that they are Women Driving the Globe. Valkyrie Racing ensures that 100% of every donation to Valkyrie Gives is granted to vetted frontline NGOs fighting child trafficking around the world. In addition to providing funding, they look for ways to become active participants in the organizations they support and we are pleased to support their efforts in this worthy cause.”

The Sun City Car Club will have 10 of the 200 judging slots and will include Terri Banovsky’s 2005 Toyota Solara, Elaine Blank’s 1999 Plymouth Prowler, Bob Florio’s 1992 Daihatsu, Jenny Kramer’s 1968 Pontiac Firebird, Georgia Lash’s 2008 Nissan 350Z, Vicki Pasquale’s Mercedes SL500, Jim Reeves’ 2000 Honda S2000, Gary Tan credi’s 2008 Dodge Challenger, Steve Tomko’s 1952 Mercury and Roger Velliquette’s 2007 Saturn Sky.

Other local clubs invited to partici pate include Corvettes of Hilton Head and The Classic Car and Truck Club of Beaufort.

The showcase will also feature two specialty exhibits, Legends of the Autobahn East and the Austin-Healey Southeastern Classic.

The showcase’s afterparty will fea ture an array of local breweries and distilleries along with live entertain ment from The Road Agents.

One of the most beloved events of the weekend returns with the Design Among the Stars event at the Harbour Town Clubhouse Nov. 5. It’s a night of mingling and dining with some of the world’s most iconic automotive designers. These giants of the industry will sketch automotive art live at the event and auction off their creations, with proceeds going to the Concours’ charitable fund, Driving Young Amer ica.

This all leads up to the Sunday af ternoon Concours d’Elegance judging, with more than 200 cars on display at Port Royal from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 75 judges from across North America will trim the field to 31 best of class winners who will compete for the Best in Show honor.

The 2022 Honored Collector is Dirk and Alexandra de Groen from Coral Gables, Florida. Five of the couple’s most acclaimed vehicles will be on display, including their 1937 BMW 328, 1960 BMW 700 Sport, 1958 Mercedes-Benz 219, 1991 Z1 Alpina

RLE #28 and 1971 BMW 2002 Alpina A2.

“Dirk has been such an avid collec tor of German cars, which is a perfect fit for this year’s honored marque,” said Merry Harlacher, chairman of the Hilton Head Island Concours. “It’s al ways been important for us to engage with critical collectors like Dirk and to maintain the highest quality of vintage cars showcased at the event. Dirk’s on going participation has helped make this event what it is – a display of incredible vehicles overlaid with our signature Southern hospitality.”

Tickets to all the events for the 2022 Concours d’Elegance are available online at hhiconcours.com.

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

Plan Your Next Event at Whisper Creek Spa!

Reserve your spot now for the Holidays!

~ Holiday Parties ~

~ Bridal Showers & Parties ~

~ Getting Ready Bridal Beauty Party ~

~ Employee or Client Appreciation ~ ~ Corporate Events & Retreats ~

~ After Golf Gatherings ~

~ Any Reason at All for Spa Day with Friends ~

Stop by for a tour, call our concierge team at 843-960-0100 or email us at info@whispercreekspa.com for a special events brochure.

Bluffton residents help raise record funds in Walk for Water

Bluffton residents joined a record-set ting 689 people from across Beaufort County who “picked up the bucket” on Sept. 17 at the sixth annual Beaufort County Walk for Water. Their combined efforts raised a record $77,326 to help fight the global water crisis, including more than $15,000 raised in Bluffton.

Participants met at Wright Family Park in Bluffton for the event’s first large com munity walk in three years, while other walkers met at Live Oaks Park in Port Royal. The walkers carried buckets for three miles to symbolize the walk millions of women and children in developing countries make daily to collect water that’s often contaminated.

The event raises money for Water Mission, a Charleston-based Christian engineering organization that builds sus tainable safe water solutions in develop ing countries and disaster areas.

Chris Procida and his wife, Barba ra, first-timers walking with Beaufort’s Knights of Columbus, said they were drawn to the event because they’d lived

Participants of all ages joined the Beaufort County Walk for Water in Bluffton Sept. 17, helping raise more than $77,000 dollars for the Water Mission, a Charleston-based nonprofit serving global communities.

in Asia for 25 years. “We lived in villages and experienced what it’s like to not have water,” Chris Procida said. “You have no idea how lucky and fortunate you are until you see that. It’s a blessing.”

“Every time I get in the shower, I have hot water,” added fellow KofC member Terry Buquet of Beaufort. “So many peo

ple in the world don’t have that luxury. I believe in this cause and the people who do it.”

Marcia Lynch of New York was visiting her daughter, Kara, in Beaufort, and both joined the walk for the first time. “It’s a wonderful cause,” Lynch said. “So many people die from water-borne diseases, and

it’s women who have to do most of the toting. We take it for granted.”

“What you’re doing here today will change the lives of people for genera tions,” said Beaufort County Walk for Water chair Robert Lasher to walkers in Port Royal. “It’s so awesome to see the community come together like this.”

For more information or to donate, visit the website at walkforwater.com/beaufort co or call 843-769-7395.

Since 2001, Water Mission has used innovative technology and engineering expertise to provide access to safe water for more than seven million people in 57 countries. Water Mission has 400 staff members working around the world in permanent country programs in Africa, Asia, North, South and Central America, and the Caribbean. Charity Navigator has awarded Water Mission its top four-star rating 15 years in a row, a distinction shared by less than 1% of the charities rated by the organization. Learn more at watermission.org.

Cabinet ReFacing or Painting & ReFinishing

WATERED GARDEN MEDIA

Five charities awarded grants from 200th Home Sale program

Collins Group Realty announced the top five winning charities of their annual 200th Home Sale for Charity program and awarded a total of $10,000. The grand prize winner with the most votes, River Ridge Academy Foundation, received a check for $4,000.

Second place winner, Turtle Trackers, was awarded a donation of $3,000. Third through fifth place winners received $1,000 each: Lovable Paws Rescue & Sanctuary, Volunteers in Medicine Clinic Hilton Head Island, and Memory Matters.

For its third year, the 200th Home Sale for Charity program received nominations for 112 nonprofit organizations. The Top 10 nominated charities moved onto a final vot ing round. Once the real estate group closes on their 200th home sale of the calendar year, the winners are announced and receive a share of $10,000 in cash donations.

In addition to the top five winners, this year’s top 10 nominated charities included Bluffton Jasper Volunteers in Medicine, Jas per Animal Rescue, Lean Ensemble Theatre, Pledge the Pink, and Sea Pines Montessori. These funds donated by Collins Group

Realty and members of the community help fund the unique and diverse efforts of these nonprofits’ organizations.

River Ridge Academy Foundation will use the funds to purchase additional school supplies that aren’t covered by the school budget.

Turtle Trackers will be able to expand its education, awareness, and advocacy outreach program by setting up additional information tents at locations and events across the island to spread the word about how everyone can help protect our sea turtle

population.

Lovable Paws Rescue is busier than ever, sharing that they have an overabundance of dogs available for adoption every Saturday at their Ridgeland location. Their monthly vet bills are more than $12,000 a month.

Volunteers in Medicine Clinic HHI has recently installed a new hydroponic growing room and outdoor garden to grow certain fruits, vegetables and lettuces, as a new component of health and wellness for their patients. Their efforts have formed a unique and powerful partnership with Second

Helpings, Sandalwood Food Pantry, Deep Well Project, Sea Pines and Hilton Head Plantation gardeners, and other food outlets that can help provide healthy food to our neighbors in need.

Memory Matters has an impressive facility (which they have almost outgrown) to provide education, support, and counseling programs for memory patients, families, caretakers, and the overall community to aid in the care and happiness of those who are affected by memory afflictions.

“I am forever grateful for our team’s com mitment to supporting the community that supports us,” said Chip Collins, founder and broker-in-charge of Collins Group Realty.

Collins Group Realty will launch its fourth annual 200th Home Sale for Charity at the start of 2023. For updates, follow Collins Group Realty on Facebook.

For more information, terms, and con ditions, please visit CollinsGroupRealty. com/200thHomeSale or contact Ashley Lindblad at Ashley@CollinsGroupRealty. com.

Chip Collins, left, was on hand to present a check for $4,000 to River Ridge Academy Foundation as part of the 200th Home Sale for Charity program sponsored by his company, Collins Group Realty.

Oct. 20-21

“Symphony Under the Stars,” Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra season kick off, 7:30 p.m. at Martin Family Park, Bluffton (part of Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival). Same program Oct. 21 7:30 p.m. at Lowcountry Celebration Park, Hilton Head Island (part of Crescendo Arts & Culture Festival). Bring chairs, food, beverages to celebrate the new season. HHSO.org

Oct. 20-30

“The Taming,” regional premiere, Lean Ensemble Theatre at Hilton Head Prep’s Main Street Theatre, 3000 Main St., Hilton Head. Performances 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets $45. Leanensemble.org or info@ leanensemble.org

Oct. 22-23

StreetFest on Calhoun, part of Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival, 10 a.m-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Visit more than 100 artists selling original work, along with food and beverage vendors, live music, other performances. Free admission. (See main section for more festival activities.)

Oct. 22

Greg Greenway, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, at Music on Malphrus, 110 Malphrus Road, Bluffton. Doors open 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Tickets $25 general admis sion at the door. uulowcountry.org or MusicOnMalphrus@ gmail.com

Through Oct. 23

“Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,” May River Theatre, directed by Christine Grefe. Performances 7:30 p.m. Fri day-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday at Ulmer Auditorium in Bluffton Town Hall, 20 Bridge St., Old Town Bluffton.

Through Oct. 23

“Heart and Soul of the South,” exhibit by Art Quilters of the Lowcountry, at Coastal Discov ery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. Artist walks on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Gallery hours 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. 843-689-6767 or coastaldiscovery.org

Oct. 28

“A Night at the Movies,” rescheduled concert, first of the 2022-23 season and debut of new director, Hilton Head Choral Society, 7 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway. Hiltonheadchoralsociety.org or 843-3413818

Oct. 28-30

7th annual Pat Conroy Literary Festival, various locations in Beaufort County. Includes Moth-inspired storytelling event by George Dawes Green Oct. 29 at USCB Center for the Arts; free screening of “Conrack,” based on Conroy’s days of teaching on Daufuskie Island. patconroyliteraryfestival.org.

Oct. 29

50th Anniversary Gala: Art League of Hilton Head, featuring Deas Guyz, 5:30 p.m. Sonesta Resort, Hilton Head. Tickets $150, artleaguehhilsquare.site.

Oct. 30-31

8th annual Bob Masteller’s Jazz for All Ages Festival, featuring the legendary Count Basie Orchestra Oct. 30, and Charlton Singleton and Friends Oct. 31. Also, new Jazz Brunch Oct. 30. Junior Jazz Rising Stars will open both nights. Tickets at jazzforallages.com.

Through Oct. 30

“Little Shop of Horrors,” Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. Tickets $62 adult, $57 children (recommended for 13 and older, parental

discretion advised). artshhi.com or 843-842-2787

Through Oct 30 “Landscapes From Within ...,” art by Jeanine Potter, Society of Bluffton Artists, 6 Church St., Bluffton. Gallery hours 10 a.m-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. sobagallery.com or 843-757-6586

Nov. 3-6

“Twelve Angry Jurors,” Sun City Community Theatre at Magnolia Hall. Performances 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets $22 SCCT members, $25 guests, open to public. suncitytheatre.org or 843-645-2700

Through Nov. 8

“Balance: Original Artwork by Richard Grant,” at Art League Academy, 106 Cordillo Pkwy., Hilton Head Island. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday. 843-842-5738

Through Nov. 11

New photography by Peter Cram, Four Corners Framing and Art Gallery, 1263 May River Road, Bluffton. Opening reception 5-8 p.m. Oct. 20.

Through Nov 12

“CraftHiltonHead2022,” Art League of Hilton Head’s eighth biennial Juried Fine Art Craft Guild Exhibition of 2D and 3D works of artists from throughout the Southeast. 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday, 90 minutes before every Arts Center performance. Artshhi.org or 843-6815060

Nov. 17

Beyond Chaotic, brother-sister rock band from Tampa, Flori da, 8:30 p.m. at Big Bamboo, Coligny Plaza. beyondchaotic. com

Choral Society reschedules concert

Hilton Head Choral Society

to kick-off its 2022-2023 concert

with “A Night at The Movies” on its rescheduled date, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway.

The concert, with full chorus and or chestra, will be the debut of Choral Society Artistic Director, Dr. Dustin Ousley. Out of extreme caution, the concert was resched uled from the original date of Sept. 30 due to Hurricane Ian.

The concert will feature a tapestry of familiar tunes from popular cinematic films, including “Saving Private Ryan,” “Home Alone” and “Star Wars.” Some favorite

pieces include “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic; “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz; and “Nine to Five” from Nine to Five. The concert will take the audience on a cinematic journey through the decades, featuring musical pieces for all ages.

Tickets purchased for the original concert will be honored on Oct. 28. Seat assign ments will remain the same. Ticketholders should retain and use the Sept. 30 ticket.

Tickets are still available online at hilton headchoralsociety.org. For more information or for assistance placing a ticket order, call 843-341-3818 or email tickets@hiltonhead choralsociety.org.

SELECTED LUNCH OFFERINGS

KYRA SPRING SALAD 12

Mixed Greens, apples, strawberries, candied walnuts, served with white balsamic (GF)

HONEY GARLIC SALMON 16

Wild caught salmon sauteed with a honey garlic sauce served with jasmine rice

HOUSE REUBEN 12

Sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, thousand island dressing on marbled rye

VEGETABLE OMELETTE 9

Seasonal vegetables, eggs and toasted bread

ANGEL HAIR AIOLI 11

Angel hair mixed with fresh garlic and herbs mixed with evoo and topped with parmesan cheese

CALIFORNIA BURGER 13

Blend of certified angus beef, short rib, and brisket, applewood bacon, avocado, provolone cheese, and tomato on a toasted brioche bun

CHICKEN PARMIGIANA 17

Breaded chicken breast topped with marinara and mozzarella cheese, served over a bed of spaghetti

SICILIAN CHICKEN MARSALA 19

Tender chicken medallions smothered with mushrooms in marsala reduction, tomatoes and greens served with spaghetti

SHRIMP JAMBALAYA 22

Fresh jumbo shrimp sauteed with sausage and onions, seasoned to perfection served over jasmine rice

HERB CRUSTED GROUPER 18

Fresh grouper filet with herb crust served with seasonal vegetable (GFR)

SELECTED ENTREES FROM OUR MENU

PAN SEARED SCALLOPS 36

Pan seared scallops with creamy Mediterranean herbs served with sauteed greens

PEPPERCORN FILET 29

8oz. grilled beef tenderloin finished with rich demi glaze, green peppercorn, touch of cream and tarragon, served with baked potato

SHRIMP AND CLAM SPAGHETTI 20

Jumbo shrimp, and chopped clams in a white wine reduction and a touch of marinara over a bed of spaghetti

TUSCAN BUTTER SALMON 25

Baked wild caught salmon, garlic, spinach, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, white wine reduction served with seasonal vegetable

SELECTED APPETIZERS

LOBSTER EGG ROLLS 15

Maine lobster with carrots, kohlrabi,brussels sprouts, and hand tossed pastry shellsbaked crispy golden brownSAUTEED MUSSELS 13

Sauteed mussels with fresh garlic touchedwith homemade marinara (GF)

GREEK NACHOS 12

Crispy pita chips topped with house seasoning,ground lamb, arcadian lettuce, onions, tomatoes, OVEN ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS 15

Brussels sprouts roasted with fresh garlic andherbs drizzled with balsamic reduction (GF)

ANTIPASTO MEDLEY 16

Chef selection of fine cheeses and meats (GFR)

NEW YORK STRIP STEAK 25

12oz. char grilled New York strip steak served with baked potato

SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE 15

Tender semolina pasta tossed in homemade Bolognese sauce

AMERICAN BURGER 14

Blend of certified angus beef, short rib and brisket, caramelized onions and cheddar cheese on a toasted brioche bun

BLACKENED SHRIMP & LOBSTER RAVIOLI 24

Lobster and cheese stuffed ravioli with ala vodka sauce, topped with blackened shrimp

Richard Grant’s ‘Balance’ on exhibit at Art League Academy

Originating in Scotland hundreds of years ago, the cairn – a carefully crafted stack of stones – has had many practical as well as spiritual jobs, among them memorial, gravestone, shrine, and trail marker. Richard Grant’s exhibition “Balance,” on view at Art League Academy, honors the soul of the cairn, as it has carried meaning across cultures for centuries. Each rock can signify an intention of praise, grace and love.

The exhibit will be open through Nov. 18 at the Academy.

“Richard’s work is timely for the current state of the world as we all are seeking balance in our lives,” said Amy Wehrman, Art League Academy manager. “The art col lected here looks to the cairn to depict the peaceful yet precarious nature of balance.”

Originally from Chicago, Richard was previously represented by the Thomas Masters Gallery. Now, living on Hilton Head since 2017, Grant has artwork on display at the Island Recreation Center, Art League of

Country Cooking & Cold

Hilton Head gallery, and various local Hilton Head businesses. View more of his work at richardgrantartist.wixsite.com/hiltonhead.

Art League Academy is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Academy is located at 106 Cordillo Parkway on Hilton Head Island. For more informa tion, call 843-842-5738.

A Taste of the Old Country is at

A Taste of Europe on Hilton Head Island

Authentic Eastern European Cuisine

A Taste of Europe

Plaza (Near the Cinema)

William Hilton Pkwy

O, Hilton Head Island

Opening night bringing the legacy of automotive

aviation together under the stars

Southeastern

Legends

“Harbor Master” by Richard Grant

Follow the Oyster to the 18th Annual Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2022

MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY - SUNDAY

Join Capt. Chris and his crew for a one hour guided “Skiff” cruise on the May searching for local wildlife, discussing history and soaking up the tidal estuary air. $35/ per person... subject to availability. All trips leave on the hour every hour from the public dock at the end of Calhoun Street in Wright Park. Please call Capt. Chris for reservations and more information. 843-304-2878

DINNER & LEARN CHERISH OUR WATERWAYS TOUR OF WADDELL MARICULTURE CENTER

Tours available at 4:00PM, 4:30PM, 5:00PM, 5:30PM and 6:00PM, 21 Sawmill Creek Road, Bluffton. Only closed toe shoes. Reservations required. $45/per person. Proceeds to Waddell Mariculture Center.To make your reservation: blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org Tour the Waddell Mariculture Center, view the updated facilities, and learn from Director Erin Levesque how important this research facility is to our area and our resources. The tours will be given at five times, 4:00PM, 4:30PM, 5:00PM, 5:30PM and 6:00PM followed by dinner at Toomers Bluffton Seafood Restaurant, 27 Mellichamp Drive, Historic Downtown Bluffton. The dinner buffet includes Gumbo 2 Ways (chicken and seafood), Caesar salad, cornbread, cookies and tea. Beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase. During dinner presentations will be given concerning preservation of our natural resources by Al Stokes.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2022

MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY - SUNDAY

*Daily* See October 17, 2022 for details

MAY RIVER OYSTER FARM TOUR WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS 10am – Noon

Come enjoy a rare opportunity for an up-close-and-personal experience with May River Oyster Company’s pioneering oyster farm in collaboration with the Bluffton Seafood Festival and May River Excursions. This 2 hour in-depth tour brings you out to a working oyster farm where the farmers demonstrate the techniques and methods used to produce some of the best oysters in the world. Afterward enjoy lunch at Bluffton Seafood House in Historic Downtown Bluffton. Limited availability. Call 843-304-2878 for reservations. $105.00 per person (includes lunch at Toomers Family Seafood Restaurant).

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2022

MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY - SUNDAY

*Daily* See October 17, 2022 for details

AUTHOR NIGHT 5:30pm CHERISHING BLUFFTON’S PAST

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages provided by Southern Spice Catering and Events; 6:00PM Showtime with a panel of local Historians, at the Rotary Community Center at Oscar Frazier Park (11 Recreation Court Bluffton SC 29910). Cost: $15.00; additional donations accepted; proceeds to the Waddell Mariculture Center. Reservations required: blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022

MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY - SUNDAY

*Daily* See October 17, 2022 for details

MAY RIVER OYSTER FARM TOUR WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS 10am – Noon

Come enjoy a rare opportunity for an up-close-and-personal experience with May River Oyster Company’s pioneering oyster farm in collaboration with the Bluffton Seafood Festival and May River Excursions. This 2 hour in-depth tour brings you out to a working oyster farm where the farmers demonstrate the techniques and methods used to produce some of the best oysters in the world. Afterward enjoy lunch at Bluffton Seafood House in Historic Downtown Bluffton. Limited availability. Call 843-304-2878 for reservations. $105.00 per person (includes lunch at Toomers Family Seafood Restaurant).

SYMPHONY IN THE PARK MARTIN PARK

Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Outdoor Pops in the Park, 7:30 pm (Rain or Shine) Free Admission

Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary Street, Bluffton, SC. Celebrate the return of live concerts!

Enjoy the sweet sounds of your own Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra.This Outdoor Pops concert “under the stars” is FREE for one and all. Bring a blanket or folding chair, a picnic dinner and enjoy your HHSO and JMR al fresco. General lawn seating with free admission.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2022

MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY - SUNDAY

*Daily* See October 17, 2022 for details

RED APRON SIPS AND SEAFOOD PARTY 6PM - 10PM HEWITT OAKS

Presented by Bluffton Self Help

Join us for a grand culinary celebration under the stars on the beautiful grounds of Hewitt Oaks. The evening will include sensational Lowcountry dining, savory cocktails, along with contagious excitement with a wine pull and live auction as we raise money to support our Bluffton neighbors in need. Limited tickets and sponsorships are available and can be purchased online at sipsandseafood.com. All proceeds benefit Bluffton Self Help.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2022

MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY - SUNDAY

*Daily* See October 17, 2022 for details

OLD TOWN OYSTER 10K ROAD RACE & 5K RUN 8:00AM – 10:30AM

Presented by Beaufort Memorial Bluffton Oyster Factory Park. Join us for a run through Old Town Bluffton with scenic river and marsh views. Compete in a fast-paced 10K or complete the 5K with the entire family!

Both events will be professionally timed. Awards presentation and After-Party immediately follows. Music, Mimosas, Cold Beer, Oysters and much, much more!

TAKE A KID FISHING TOURNAMENT, Wright Family Park. 10AM –12:30PM

Take a Kid Fishing Tournament sponsored by Bluffton Marine Sports and Supplies, Boat Floats, Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners, Spartina Marine Education Charters and managed by the

Bluffton Chapter of Coastal Conservation Association and honoring the late, Frank Atkins. Register between 9:30-10:30AM at Wright Park.Weigh-In at 12:30PM at Wright Park. Children 13 and under welcome with parents. There is no fee. Prizes will be awarded. Bring your own fishing equipment if possible; limited equipment will be available on a first come first serve basis. To pre-register call Tom at 912-210-1222.

ART & SEAFOOD STREET FEST 10:00AM - 5:00PM

HISTORIC DISTRICT BLUFFTON FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Enjoy our juried art show featuring over 100 local and regional artists from 10 different states, displaying an array of fine art: oils, pastels, acrylics, photography, pottery, ceramics, water color and much, much more. Local seafood and low country cuisine served by area restaurants. Enjoy the delicious seafood and view the outstanding art on the street.Take a break at the Tailgate area and catch up on your favorite team’s game while enjoying craft beer, wine and music.

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT • Favorite bands will entertain on two stages throughout the day. ART IN THE PARK 11:00AM – 4:00PM DuBois Park on Boundary Street Children’s art activities conducted under the pavilion.Visit the stations around the pavilion and create your very own masterpiece. Prizes, games, fun and much, much more for the budding artists of all ages.

ROCKIN’ ON THE DOCK 6:00PM - DUSK BLUFFTON OYSTER CO.

Seafood Extravaganza Tasting • Live music with The Chiggers • Fireworks at Dusk • End the full day of activities with a grand finale. Eat great local seafood and watch the fireworks for a night to remember!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2022

MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY - SUNDAY

*Daily* See October 17, 2022 for details

ART & SEAFOOD STREET FEST 10:00AM – 4:00PM

HISTORIC DISTRICT BLUFFTON FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Enjoy our juried art show featuring over 100 local and regional artists from 10 different states, displaying an array of fine art: oils, pastels, acrylics, photography, pottery, ceramics, watercolor and much, much more. Local seafood and low country cuisine served by area restaurants. Enjoy the delicious seafood and view the outstanding art on the street.Take a break at the Tailgate area and catch up on your favorite team’s game while enjoying craft beer, mead, wine and music.

MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT

Favorite bands will entertain on two stages throughout the day.

ART IN THE PARK 11:00AM – 4:00PM DuBois Park on Boundary Street

Children’s art activities conducted under the pavilion. Prizes, games, fun and much, much more for the budding artists of all ages.

No Parking in Downtown Bluffton on Saturday, the 22nd, and Sunday, the 23rd. Free Shuttles provided by our sponsor, Old Town Trolley Tours, from Red Cedar Elementary (Bluffton Parkway to Red Cedar Street). Saturday, 10/22: 10:00AM - 9:00PM; Sunday, 10/23: 10:00AM – 5:00PM; for more information 843-757-BLUF (2583).

SIGN UP TODAY

CUPCAKE, COOKIE & CAKE CLASSES

Twelve Angry Jurors’ comes to Sun City stage

A young man, accused of murdering his father, faces the death penalty. A jury has heard the evidence and now must unani mously decide his fate – whether he lives or dies.

For most of the jurors, the case appears to be open and shut. The evidence clearly points to a guilty verdict.

But for one juror, it’s not that simple. She’s got reasonable doubt, and a unanimous verdict seems impossible.

Hurry Class Space is Limited. Go to www.cupcakes2cakes.com/shop

MORE THAN JUST CUPCAKES!

Adapted for the stage from the 1950’s tele play and subsequent Oscar-nominated fea ture film, “Twelve Angry Men,” this drama is even more relevant now than it was when originally presented. “For that reason,” said director Phil Mastman, “I decided to set this production in the present time.”

Deliberations continue in “Twelve Angry Jurors,” presented by Sun City Community Theatre Nov. 3-7. From left are actors Dianne Jones, Craig Geoffrion, Victoria Baird and Ralph Spiegel.

108 Buckwalter Pkwy Suite 2C Bluffton 843-415-5678

Mastman was attracted to this play because he sees it as “a drama that mirrors some of the serious societal challenges we face in our country today. Tribalism. Preju dice. Lack of empathy. Distrust of facts, and our unwillingness to consider them once we’ve made up our minds.”

The jurors for this production are: Karen

Hilton Head Shore Notes

Reber, Ruelaine Peters, Craig Geoffrion, Vicky Baird, Chad Eastwood, Portia Haizlip, Ralph Speigel, Dianne Jones, Ron Vaughn, Nat Towle, Laurel Murray, and Kevin Karg, numbers 1 through 12, respectively. Wilma Mazo plays the Guard.

Witnessing the deliberations, audience members will become a “13th juror,” form ing their own opinions on the defendant’s guilt or innocence.

“Twelve Angry Jurors” will play at Magno lia Hall in Sun City, with performances on Nov. 3-5 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 6 at 2:30 p.m. The event is open to the public.

Tickets are $22 for members of SCCT and $25 for guests, and are available at sunci tytheatre.org or at the Magnolia Hall Box Office, hours 9-11 a.m. Monday, Wednes day and Friday, or by calling 843-645-2700.

Sponsored by ROC Dental Group Lang 72 Degrees Air Conditioning & Heating

women’s a cappella chorus presents Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022 at 7:00 pm Seahawk Cultural Center, Hilton Head High School 70 Wilborn Road, Hilton Head Island, SC

Tickets are $20 and are available at: Burke’s Pharmacy - Main Street, Hilton Head

Pretty Papers - Village at Wexford, Hilton Head

Markel’s - Kitties Crossing, Bluffton

Purchase tickets online at www.hiltonheadshorenotes.com or call (843) 422-4799

PHIL MASTMAN

Singer-songwriter Greenway set for Music on Malphrus

Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumen talist Greg Greenway will appear in concert

7 p.m. Oct. 22 at the next edition of Music on Malphrus, held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcoun try, 110 Malphrus Road in Bluffton.

Accompanying himself on guitar, piano and ukulele, Greenway will present an evening of original music woven with the multi-colored threads of a life that began in the nostalgia of the South, was shaped by the musical crucible of the Boston music scene, and has taken him to the far points of North America and to Europe.

Among Greenway’s solo highlights are a show at Carnegie Hall in the New York Singer/Songwriter Festival which was re broadcast on NPR’s World Cafe, an appear ance on nationally syndicated Mountain Stage, and a show at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honoring Phil Ochs.

For eight years, he was one third of the highly successful harmony trio, Brother

Sun. While touring internationally, they garnered the #1 CDs for 2013 and 2016 on the Folk DJ list of 300 international stations. He is currently one half of Deeper Than The Skin, a timely musical presentation on Race in America with his long time friend and singer/songwriter, Reggie Harris.

General admission tickets are $25 at the door, which opens at 6:15 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show.

For more information, visit uulowcountry. org or call 843-837-3330.

Accurate Lithograph

American Wood Reface

Barbers of the Low Country

Belfair Fine Wines & Spirits

Benchmark Physical Therapy

Bill’s Liquors

Bishop Eye Center

Boshaw Law Firm

British Open Pub

Captain Woody’s Cheers Liquor Club Car of Hilton Head

Edward Jones - Bill Sauter

Elite Physical Therapy

ENT & Allergy Partners

EXACT Flooring Experts

Food Lion

Georgia Eye Institute

Golis Family Jewelers

Harbor Point Dentistry

Hargray

Hilton Head Lexus

Hilton Head Regional HC

Jack Frost Ice Cream

Jameson’s/The Clubhouse

Jersey Mike’s (Okatie)

Katie O’Donald’s Irish Pub

Kelca Counters,Inc.

Lanier Roofing

LowCountry Golf Cars

Low Country Periodontics

Mark Winn

McKENZIE Insurance Svs

MedicareQuick

Mi Tierrita

Mobile Tax

Moe’s Southwest Grill

NHC HealthCare, Bluffton

O C Welch Lincoln, Inc

Off-Island Chiropractic

Okatie Ale House

Optim Orthopedics

Palmetto Electric Co-op

Quality Golf Carts

Raymond James Riverwalk Animal Hospital

Salty Dog Bluffton

Sauls Funeral Home

Sea La Vie Southeast Hearing Ctrs

State Farm-John Mallet Stokes Toyota Hilton Head

The Alliance Group Realty

The Bedminster Group

The Lunch Lady

The UPS Store

Vaux Marscher Berglind

We Care Family Dentistry

Weichert Realtors

Wooster Dental Care

SCAD Celebrates 25 Years of SCAD Savannah Film Festival

The Savannah College of Art and Design celebrates 25 years with its annual SCAD Savannah Film Festival, to be held Oct. 22-29 in various Savannah venues. The largest university-run film festival in the U.S., this eight-day celebration of cinematic excellence honors both professional and student filmmakers and welcomes major industry luminaries, in cluding award-winning directors, writers, and actors.

This year, SCAD will honor Kerry Con don with the Distinguished Performance Award for “The Banshees of Inisherin,” JD Dillard with the Rising Star Director Award for “Devotion,” Nicholas Hoult with the Vanguard Award for “The Menu,” Jonathan Majors with the Spotlight Award for “Devotion,” Janelle Monáe with the Spotlight Award for “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” Jeremy Pope with the Distinguished Performance Award for “The Inspection,” Sandy Powell with the Variety Creative Impact Award in Costume Design for “Living,” Eddie Redmayne with the Virtuoso Award for

“The Good Nurse,” Henry Selick with the Outstanding Achievement in Animation Award for “Wendell and Wild,” and Sadie Sink with the Rising Star Award for “The Whale.” Previously announced honorees include Colson Baker (“Machine Gun Kel ly”) who will receive the Discovery Award for “Taurus” and Ron Howard who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in Directing for “Thirteen Lives. Miles Teller (2016 Vanguard Award re

cipient) will attend an “In Conversation” following a Special Presentation of “Top Gun: Maverick.” Former U.S. Congress woman and Presidential Medal of Free dom recipient Gabby Giffords will appear with Oscar-nominated directors Julie Cohen and Betsy West following a Special Screening of the celebrated documentary “Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down.”

A key stop on the Academy Awards festival circuit, the SCAD Savannah Film

Festival will screen 143 films, including 53 narrative feature films, 20 documenta ry feature films, and 79 shorts, with eight world premieres and six U.S. premieres.

The 2022 schedule includes 22 Gala Screenings, 10 Signature Screenings, as well as professional and student compe tition films, forums, round table dis cussions, the Docs to Watch, Sketch to Screen: Top Animated Contenders, Shorts Spotlight, and Global Shorts Forum se ries, and the Wonder Women and Below the Line panel series.

Students from an array of the universi ty’s top ranked programs, including film and television, sound design, animation, performing arts, themed entertainment, dramatic writing, and more, will have the opportunity to engage and interact with these creative leaders throughout the fes tival providing insight that prepares them for future creative careers in the entertain ment industry.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit filmfest.scad.edu.

Where to find haunted houses, corn mazes and pumpkin patches HOT SPOTS

By Tim Wood CONTRIBUTOR

This is my favorite time of year in the Lowcountry. While most of my Northern relatives are beginning their annual whining about the temps getting colder and the skies getting danker, I feel like Goldilocks tasting Baby Bear’s small bowl of porridge. This time of year is jusssst right.

The humidity is gone, and it’s magnificent to sit out on the porch at night. There is enough of a chill in the morning to inspire a brisk walk, but not cold enough to revolt my kibbles and bits.

This next four weeks is the calm before the holiday madness of visiting relatives, epic meal preps, and dizzying searches for the perfect Christmas gifts.

Halloween is the anchor, the masterpiece, the apex of all things autumnal apprecia tion.

There are a few truly local efforts to capture the magic of pumpkin patches, corn

mazes and haunted houses. But the true Lowcountry life hack is to avail yourself to your surroundings. Whether it’s a minute up the highway or an adventurous jaunt along state roads in various states of disre pair, there are options aplenty to maximize your enjoyment of, in my humble opinion, the best month of the year.

Local Events

Pumpkin Patch Festival, Oct. 21, 4-7 p.m., Shelter Cove Community Park, Hilton Head Island: Island Recreation Association sponsors this annual event that offers hay rides, face painting, bounce houses, a train ride and a lineup of games for the kids. This year, there is also a rock wall for teens and adults. Plus there is a costume contest that starts at 5:45 p.m.

Bluffton Police Department’s Spooktac

ular, Oct. 28, 6-8 p.m., Oscar Frazier Park, Bluffton: It’s all about the trunk or treating for the kids and a night out for parental

socializing as they endure varying levels of candy and sugar load-up.

Cahill’s Market (1055 May River Road, Bluffton) is offering a pumpkin patch, a hay pyramid and a haunted trail ride open through mid-November.

The Sharman Family Light Show (43 Neligh Lane, Bluffton) offers up a nightly display of 8,500 LED lights set to spooky Halloween music. The show is open 7-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Hallow een. Tune your radio to 99.3 FM to match the music with the lights.

Just a Little Drive Holiday Farms Great Pumpkin Patch, 10884 Grays Highway, Ridgeland, holiday farmssc.com: Open Thursday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays noon to 6 p.m. Full array of animals on display in the barnyard. Activities for kids of all

World-Class Doctors Providing the Best Local Care.

When it comes to the very latest cutting-edge technologies and unparalleled patient outcomes, eye care experts around the world look to the Lowcountry and the passionate eye care pioneers at Bishop Eye Center. Yep. The best of the best in superior compassionate eye care are right here in Hilton Head, Sun City, and now Bluffton.

You don’t have to look – or go – far.

ages include duck races, hay rides, corn grinding, steer roping, cow milking, a corn maze. There are also nighttime rides with a wiener and marshmallow roast available for groups. Tickets $15 per person for ages 2 and up. Unlimited barrel train rides for kids for $3 more on Saturdays and Sundays. Guests can bring their own food to enjoy in the picnic pavilion. Did we mention live pig races every day? Plus there are concessions and food trucks onsite and live entertain ment on weekend afternoons. And there is a fully stocked general store with T-shirts, local honey, jams and jellies, candy, toys and more.

Dempsey Farms, 1576 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island: The urban farm opens a you-pick pumpkin patch and farm market each fall Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Several acres of pump kins, hayrides and a maze for the kids, and

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variety of fall veggies and gourds

Alee Haunted House, Alee Shrine Cen ter, 100 Eisenberg Drive, Savannah, alee shriners.org: It’s the 16th annual edition of this Coastal Empire favorite just 25 minutes from Bluffton. The house is open weekends through Oct. 29 and of course, on Hallow een. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $30 for the VIP limited wait passes and $50 to skip the line altogether and get a com memorative T-shirt. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and close at 10 p.m.

Madrac Farms, 580 Ralph Rahn Road, Rincon, madracfarms.com: It’s an equally short drive to feed the goats and chickens, traverse the giant potato sack slide, immerse yourself in the corn crib (think ball pit, but with loose kernels), take pictures with the epically huge pumpkin and pick a few of your own and finish your day finding your way through the 3.5-acre corn maze. $10 per person, kids ages 3 and under are free. There are outside food vendors and pre-packaged food for sale, but you can also

bring your own drinks and snacks.

We’re Day Tripping Now

Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch, 1235 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant, boonehallplan tation.com: If you’re a fan of corn mazes, this is the most worthwhile drive by far. Late Boone Hall owner Willie McRae loved this attraction, and the staff goes above and beyond to make this the envy of corn maze artists across the country.

Seeing how the farmers create these eight-acre works of art is worth the price of admission alone. But your $15 ticket also includes a tractor tour, petting zoo, pig races, two of the state’s largest jump pillows, inflatable slides and obstacle courses, rubber duck races, and Doc Magic’s Fun Time Vari ety Show. Additional fee events include the pumpkin sling shot launch, face painting and pony rides. The variety of food vendors is State Fair quality. Remaining dates are Oct. 21-23 and Oct. 28-30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Boone Hall Fright Nights, 2434 High

way 17, Mount Pleasant, boonehallfright nights.com: The perfect way to complete a full day at Boone Hall. The special effects and makeup behind this event makes this worth the ride, trust us. The event is open Oct. 20-23 and Oct. 27-30 and is ticketed separately from Boone Hall Plantation.

This year, there are three events that will scary the Beetlejuice out of you: the World of Freaks and Oddities, the Grossfest at the Lodge at Willow Ridge, and the Sinister Cinema Haunted Hayride: Extended Direc tors Cut. This is an age-12-and-up event, to be sure.

The scares are intense, but for the fright fanatics, the $35 general admission tickets and $60 VIP speed passes are bargains.

This is definitely a multi-hour event. Food vendors and the midway games open at 6:30 p.m., attraction lines open at 7:15 p.m. Events open at 10 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Poppell Farms, Odum, 1765 Hyma Poppell Loop, Odum, Ga.: It’s about 100 miles from Bluffton to Odum, a day trip that

rewards you with a pumpkin pick and a 10acre corn maze designed this year in tribute to University of Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett. It’s not actually corn, but sorghum, a cereal grain that grows just as tall as corn stalks. But there is so much more to enjoy here, including a petting zoo featuring Charlie the Llama and Elvis the Donkey, Farmer Brown’s Playground, hayrides, catch and release fishing, jump pads and a Wild West mining experience at Poppell Farms Mining Company.

The farm’s “Calf-A” offers burgers, sand wiches and chicken fingers. Save room for funnel cakes, candied apples, cookies and s’mores bars.

The Saturday and Sunday daytime tickets are $16.95 for events from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Friday and Saturday night farm featuring the flashlight corn maze and eight farm attractions is $8.95 and the haunted trail ride tickets (Fridays and Saturdays) are $11.95.

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

Noteworthy

• The Lowcountry Christian Women’s Connection will meet Oct. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Hampton Hall Clubhouse.

Featured will be Operation Patriots FOB with Roy and Stephanie Brown, which offers recreation experiences for veterans and first responders.

The speaker is Lt. Lee Levesque on “The Present of Presence: Real Footprints in a Servant’s Life. Levesque is a 30-plusyear veteran of the American Fire Service and currently serves on the Beaufort County First Responders Project targeting opioid overdoses.

Reservations are $28 prepaid check to CWC Bluffton, mailed to Carol Mock, 607 Argent Way, Bluffton, SC 29909. For more information call Julie Ott at 602760-5465.

• The Beaufort County Aging in Place Coalition and Healthcare Network Group of the Lowcountry will hold an interactive event, Stay Balanced, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 19 at Encom

pass Health, 107 Seagrass Station Road, Bluffton.

The event, which will focus on build ing balance and fall reduction for older adults, will offer head-to-toe balance and fall prevention information from 10 area health-focused businesses, including Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Memory Matters, and St. Joseph’s/ Candler.

The Bluffton Fire Department’s firefight er grill masters will be grilling lunch for participants.

The event is free and open to the public.

• Wine Down Wednesday will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Village at Wexford. Proceeds will benefit Hilton Head Heroes, a nonprofit organization that serves children with a life[threatening illnesses and their families.

Guests can enjoy wine tastings at participating merchants, as well as special promotions, sales and in-store demos.

Tickets are $15 each and are available at villageatwexford.com. Limited tickets

will be available on the day of event.

• The seventh annual Bluffton Book Festival will host a virtual event at 7 p.m. Oct. 21, featuring authors Tim Johnston and Mathieu Cailler discussing their recent releases, “Reciprocity” and “Heaven and Other zip codes,” winner of the 2021 Los Angeles Book Festival Prize.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit blufftonbookfestival.com.

• Two special events are coming up at the Bluffton Branch Library, 120 Pal metto Way in Bluffton Village.

“Poe: Meditations for an Autumn Afternoon” will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 22, with a Readers Theatre presentation of selections by Edgar Allan Poe, followed by apple cider and cookies. All ages are welcome.

Nov. 1 is Author’s Day, and the library will host an Author Look-Alike Contest at 1 p.m. that day. Those who have been told they look like an author are invited to tell their mistaken identity stories while

enjoying cider or tea and good company. For more information about this and other library events and programs, visit beaufortcountylibrary.org.

• The Lowcountry Civil War Round Table will meet at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at Hidden Cypress in Sun City.

The presenter for the meeting is Rich Condon, who will speak about Camp Saxton, along the Beaufort River. An es timated 3,000 formerly enslaved African Americans met there for a public reading of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. These individuals laid the foundation for Black enlistment in 1863.

Guests interested in learning about the Civil War are welcome to attend this meeting and to join the round table, which meets eight times a year. Meetings are open to the public.

To get a gate pass to get into Sun City, guests must contact Sandi Schroeder at 843-415-3900 or sanindex@schroederin dexing.com.

Noteworthy

• The Hampton Lake Tiger Bass Race will be held Oct. 29, beginning at 9 a.m., at the Hampton Lake Amenity Center.

In addition to the 5K and 10K races, the event will include refreshments, door prizes, face painting, children’s activities and an awards ceremony. Medals will be given in various catego ries.

Registration is $20 to $30 depending on age and distance. For more infor mation and to register, visit tigerbass race.com.

• The Junior Service League of Beaufort (JSLB) will host its seventh annual Touch-a-Truck fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 29 at Beaufort Town Center, with a Quiet Hour from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for those sensitive to noise.

Touch-a-Truck is a family event that offers a unique and interactive experi ence for children of all ages. Children will have the opportunity to see, touch,

and safely explore their favorite vehi cles that serve our community.

Entertainment, food, drinks and music will be available.

Admission is $5 per person and free for children under 18 months old. Pets are not allowed.

For more information contact Kayla Griffin at communication.jslb@gmail. com or visit jslbeaufort.com.

• The Hilton Head Chapter of the South Carolina Archaeological Society will host its annual “What the Heck Is It?” program from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 29 at Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Hon ey Horn Drive on Hilton Head Island.

Dr. Jon Leader, state archaeologist, and Ron Anthony, retired, from the Charleston Museum, will be on hand to identify objects.

The event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be avail able.

• Knights of Columbus of Bluffton

will host a Spaghetti Dinner from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church Parish Life Center, 31 St. Gregory Drive in Bluffton.

The event will include pasta, meat balls, salad, bread and dessert. The sauce and meatballs will be provided by Nunzio Restaurant and Bar. Espres so, coffee and other beverages will be available, with a beer and wine cash bar.

Take-outs and walk-ins are welcome.

Raffles will be held for a 50/50 and Italian gift baskets.

Cost is $15 for adults and $7 for children under 12. Checks may be made to KofC Council #12263 and mailed to Mario Antonacci, 125 Wick low Drive, Bluffton, SC 29910.

For more information, contact An tonacci, event chair, at 908-400-9083 or maantonacci125@gmail.com.

All proceeds to benefit Knights of Columbus charities.

• A virtual Cooking for a Cure

fundraiser will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 30 to benefit the Lewy Body Dementia Association of America. The fundrais er will be livestreamed on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

The event is being presented by Hil ton Head Island native Matthew Coyne in honor and in memory of his uncle who recently died as a result of Lewy Body dementia, which is a degenera tive condition similar to Alzheimer’s Disease.

To join the event or make a dona tion, go to tinyurl.com/LBDfundraiser. For more information on Lewy Body Dementia, visit lbda.org.

• LowCountry Community Church’s Trunk or Treat, to be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30, is the perfect place for family and friends to come together for a great time.

The traffic-free candy collecting area features dozens of themed trunks and ends at the area’s largest field maze. Guests of all ages are invited to dress

PALE

up in costumes to get candy, and have a good time.

LowCountry Community Church is located at 801 Buckwalter Pkwy. in Bluffton. For more information vis it lowcountrycc.org/events or email info@lowcountrycc.org.

• Fresh Start Healing Heart will hold a Feast for Freedom Fundraiser be ginning at 5 p.m. Nov. 1 at the North End Pour House, 95 Mathews Drive in Port Royal Plaza on Hilton Head Island.

The mission of the organization is to support survivors of human trafficking, and working to put an end to traffick ing.

The event will include food, live music, education and a silent auction. Seating is limited and reservations are required by calling the Pour House at 843-681-4153.

For more information, call Fresh Start Healing Heart at 843-338-8896.

Noteworthy

• World Affairs Council of Hilton Head Island will host Sergei Medve dev, a Russian professor at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow and award-winning author, at its Nov. 4 Global Speakers Program, to be held at 10 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church on Hilton Head Island.

Medvedev will address topics related to Russia’s relationship with its neigh bors, how other countries should understand recent aggression and what can be done to stop Putin.

Guests are welcome for a $20 fee and are encouraged to register online at wachh.org. For more information, call 843-284-6758.

• Maye River Quilters will meet at 10 a.m. Nov. 5 at Palmetto Electric Cooperative, 1 Cooperative Way in Hardeeville.

To attend the meeting as a guest, send an RSVP email to mayeriverquil ters@gmail.com.

For more information and for mem

bership forms to join the group, call 843-705-9590.

• Registration is now open for the annual Osprey Village Golf Tournament, to be held Nov. 13 at Golden Bear Golf Course on Hilton Head Island.

The event will begin with registra tion at 8:30 a.m. and a 10 a.m. shot gun start, scramble format. The event includes breakfast, coffee, barbecue, a Bloody Mary bar, and fireball shots.

Guests may participate in a raffle and silent auction.

Registration fee is $150 per golfer.

Osprey Village is 501(c)(3) organi zation with a goal of building a com munity for adults with developmental disabilities. Permitting is underway for their land on Hwy. 170 near Argent Blvd.

For more information and to register, visit ospreyvillage.org.

• The 51st annual Bluffton Christ mas Parade will be held Dec. 3

starting at 10 a.m. through Bluffton’s Historic District. Registration is now open and applications will be accepted through Nov. 11.

The annual Tree Lighting ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Mar tin Family Park, followed by Santa’s Workshop next door at DuBois Park pavilion. “The Grinch” will be screened at 6:30 p.m.

This year, the parade will be limit ed to 125 entries, on a first-applied, first-served basis. In lieu of an entry fee, entrants are asked to donate to the Town’s safe driving campaign, the Bluffton Lutzie 43 Charitable Fund, at cflowcountry.civicore.com/blufftonLut zie43.

Again this year, throwing items from vehicles is prohibited.

Other rules are detailed in the parade application, available at townofbluff ton.sc.gov, at the Christmas Parade link. Hard copies of the application are available at Town Hall, 20 Bridge St.

Business Briefs

• Julie Martin has been awarded the designation of Certified Professional Re tirement Coach. Martin has more than 32 years of experience at AT&T, Microsoft and Marriott Vacations Worldwide. Her areas of exper tise were in sales and marketing, as well as human resources with an emphasis on man agement and leadership development, career development, succes sion planning and coaching.

The CRPC designation is awarded to professionals who have successfully com pleted advanced coursework, a final exam, and met both experience and skill-based requirements. The training program ex amines both the art and science of making a successful transition from work-life to home-life and includes practical applica tions to help people replace their work identity, fill their time, and stay relevant and connected as well as mentally and

physically active.

In connection with the training and designation, Martin will be offering clients a suite of tools and resources including upcoming workshops and one-on-one meetings.

For more information, email juliemartin rrhh@gmail.com, call 424-241-8808 or visit retirereadyhiltonhead.com.

• Diane Botch has joined Downtown Catering Company in Bluffton, serving on the event logistics team.

Botch grew up around the food and beverage industry because her mom, who was a single parent, has been a chef since before Botch was born.

She currently helps with prep work and behind-the-scenes of all Downtown Catering Company and Venue 1223 related events.

Botch holds an Associate Degree in

Liberal Arts, and has served as a substitute teacher.

• Great Place to Work and FORTUNE have honored Benton House Senior Liv ing as one of the 2022 Best Workplaces for Aging Services.

The National Award considered feedback representing 189,159 employees working for Great Place to Work-Certified orga nizations in senior housing and care and at-home care in the aging services industry.

Rankings are based on employees’ feedback and reward companies who best include all employees, no matter who they are or what they do for the organization. Only 50 companies make the list each year. Benton House took the No. 19 spot on the list.

It is the company’s fourth year to be a certified as a Great Place to Work, and its second national win.

• John Stalnaker has been hired as the estimator at the Savannah Hardscapes headquarters in Hardeeville.

Stalnaker brings sev eral years of sales expe rience to the Savannah Hardscapes team. He previously sold hard scape and masonry materials to contractors and homeowners.

He earned his degree in Landscape Architec ture from the Universi ty of Georgia.

As the estimator, he will analyze con struction plans and specifications to de termine the scope of work for all masonry, concrete and hardscape projects. His atten tion to detail will ensure accurate proposals for customers based on labor and material costs.

Savannah Hardscapes specializes in pro viding a large selection of exterior surfacing materials along with turnkey installation for projects of any size and scope. For more information, visit SavannahHard scapes.com.

Julie Martin

Diane Botch

John Stalnaker

Red Shoes Run 5K to benefit Ronald McDonald House

The 2022 Red Shoes Run will be held Nov. 5 starting at 8 a.m. at The Mansion at Rose Hill in Bluffton. The annual 5K event benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire.

This year’s 5K Run/Walk and Kid’s Fun Run is open to all ages and fitness levels and features an all-new course inside the gates of Bluffton’s Rose Hill

Plantation. Nestled among majestic oaks and magnolia trees, the course is surrounded by a Lowcountry land scape that features marsh views, acres of open green space, and undisturbed wildlife.

The 5K concludes with the Kid’s Fun Run and post-race celebration on the grounds of the Mansion. The celebration will include the awards

presentation for the fastest overall male and female runners and age group winners, door prizes, music, and fun for the entire family.

The Red Shoes Run is presented by Optim Orthopedics.

Registration is now open and lim ited to the first 350 participants. The entry fee is $38 per person until Nov. 2 and $45 per person after that. All

participants receive a colorful 2022 Red Shoes Run T-shirt and the first 100 registered will also receive a pair of red and white striped socks to wear on race day. A percentage of the pro ceeds will benefit the Ronald McDon ald House.

For more information and to reg ister, visit bearfootsports.com or call 843-757-8520.

BJVIM to host ‘wild’ dinner to benefit Ridgeland clinic

Bluffton Jasper Volunteers in Medicine (BJVIM) will host a benefit Dinner on the Wild Side from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at Legacy Park, 328 Lakeview Drive in Ridgeland.

The public is cordially invited to join the organization for a spectacular evening featuring shrimp, venison and other wild game dishes created by Frankie Denmark.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Lowcountry icon Shannon Tanner.

In addition to the dinner and enter tainment, the evening will feature a live auction with highly sought-after items, including vacations and artwork. The proceeds of the event will go toward the expansion of BJVIM’s free medical clinic in Ridgeland.

The BJVIM Ridgeland clinic provides free medical care to the low income and uninsured residents of Jasper County, including primary care, women’s health, cardiology and optometry services. Once a week the clinic also collaborates with the Pregnancy Center of the Lowcountry to provide prenatal care for those in need.

Opened in 2016, the clinic has seen great increases in both patients and ser vices. As the need for these services has grown, the current location has become too small.

“The evening promises to be filled with delicious food and great entertainment benefitting a very worthwhile cause,” said Pam Toney, executive director of BJVIM.

“We greatly appreciate our loyal support ers and friends of BJVIM who continually support our efforts to provide much needed medical care to members of our community.”

Tickets for the event, presented by Parker Law Firm, are $150 each; a table for eight can be reserved for $1,000.

For more information on tickets and

auction items, visit bjvim.org or contact Dennis Toney at dennis@bjvim.org or 843-706-7090, ext. 110.

In operation since 2011, BJVIM’s new Bluffton facility is located at 29 Plantation Business Park, Units 601-604. A second office is located in Ridgeland at 11332 N. Jacob Smart Blvd.

BJVIM operates with the help of 110 medical and non-medical volunteers, including bilingual volunteers that speak Spanish. BJVIM sees an average of 100 patients a week and requires a minimum of 67 volunteers per week to operate; this includes administrative staff, doctors and nurses.

Bluffton-Jasper County Volunteers in Medicine is one of more than 90 inde pendent clinics under the guidance of the National Volunteers in Medicine Alliance.

The clinics offer free medical exams, counseling and nutritional services, as well as preventative disease education. The greater Bluffton and Jasper County clinic sees more than 2,000 patients a year.

Physicist receives national recognition for cancer research

As a scientist, Brian Ruiz, Ph.D., DABR not only loves to learn, he also loves to share what he learns with others. That’s why the Beaufort Memorial medical physicist was thrilled to be invited to speak at the 2022 American Association of Physicists in Med icine Clinical Conference earlier this year in New Orleans.

It provided the opportunity to share what he and the Beaufort Memorial radiation oncology team have learned about how to best treat breast cancer patients using one of the newest technologies in the radiation oncology field, the Varian Halcyon linear accelerator.

Beaufort Memorial’s New River Cancer Center in Okatie was one of the first centers to use the new technology, designed to simplify and enhance virtually every aspect of image-guided volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), an advanced radiation therapy technique that delivers the radiation dose continuously as the treatment machine rotates.

According to Ruiz, who refers to the treatment as “surgery without the knife,” the machine is designed to provide treatments up to four times faster, be more comfortable for the patient, and allow for a more stream lined and efficient clinical workflow.

“But with the Halcyon being such a new technology, there was not a lot of medical literature published on clinical implemen tation,” said Ruiz. “Being among the first groups to utilize this technology, we had to understand it and know how it functions and how to use it to improve clinical out comes and the patient experience.”

As a medical physicist, Ruiz performs the important role of working along with the radiation oncology team to assure the accurate delivery of all aspects of a treat ment prescription. The unique design of the Halcyon made treatment planning different from traditional radiation treatments, as it uses a new beam-shaping design to deliv er treatment from different directions (or continuous arcs), sending a high dose of ra

diation to the cancerous tissue. In treatment planning, the team needed to look at each beam individually and analyze how therapy would be delivered.

“We needed to account for this technol ogy’s diverging beam, making key adjust ments to deliver the greatest cancer-fighting dose to the tumor, without providing too much radiation to surrounding, healthy tissues,” Ruiz said.

By studying the new technology and testing unique treatment planning meth ods, the team was able to develop a process that administers radiation treatment more uniformly to target both the breast and the lymph node area to reduce the chance that the cancer can spread.

Ruiz was invited to share this and other early findings with other medical physicists from around the country at the conference.

“There are other physicists who are also learning to use this machine,” said Ruiz. “These findings may lead to further improve ments in radiation treatment planning that could be transferrable to other radiation therapy delivery systems.”

Ruiz is hopeful that his research will con tinue to provide better outcomes for cancer patients.

“Every patient who comes to us is a special, unique person. They are someone’s mom, dad, family,” he said. “That’s why I’m focused on providing a level of care that is second to none.”

Shellie

Season

Family medicine physician joins

BMH Palmetto Medical Group

Robert L. Smith, M.D., FAAFP has joined Beaufort Memorial’s Palmetto Med ical Group practice.

Board certified in family medicine, Dr. Smith brings widely ranging expertise in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses to the Bluff ton primary care practice.

Smith comes to the area from Finger Lakes Family Care in Canandaigua, New York, a practice which he found ed in 2006 in part to enhance patient care through the use of innovations in e-health. The practice earned Nation al Committee for Quality Assessment (NCQA) Level 3 Patient-Centered Medi cal Home status under his leadership.

Chief of outpatient medicine at F.F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua and co-founder of Updox, a medical commu nication platform, Smith has significant experience in telemedicine, having used the technology to enhance his patients’ access to care, especially during the

COVID-19 pandemic.

The Rochester, New York, native grad uated with a Bachelor of Science degree in health and sports science from Wake Forest University. After a brief career as a PGA assistant golf professional, he returned to academics for a Master of Science in clinical chemistry from Roches ter Institute of Technology. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from SUNY Up state Medical University, completing his residency in family medicine in the St. Joseph’s Hospital Family Practice Residen cy Program in Syracuse.

At Beaufort Memorial Palmetto Medical Group, Dr. Smith joins family medicine physicians Dr. Scott Cummings and Dr. Lynn Goetze, physician assistants Steph anie Lovato and Erica Roper and nurse practitioner Jennifer Stokes. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith or any of the practice providers, call 843-7060600.

Looking forward to the new season that is to come

By Jon Black CONTRIBUTOR

I recently saw a picture of the fall foliage in the state of Maine. Of course, the colors were vivid and bright. Every color of the

seen in those leaves.

Maine’s fall foliage is a major tourist attraction. There are websites that predict the best times to visit various locations to capture nature at its fullest.

During my military career, I was stationed in Brunswick, Maine. While I longed for warmer climates, I knew that the state of Maine has four unique and distinguished seasons.

Winters start earlier than they do in South Carolina and last longer. One of the local ra dio stations offered a contest every year that allowed listeners to predict the date that the total accumulative snowfall would be more than 100 inches. That date usually occurred in January or February.

There were times I thought winter would

never end. Some winters seemed to have lasted for years. Of course, that was not the case. Every year, winter was followed by spring. Spring was followed by summer and so on. No matter how severe or long a winter might be, it was only one season, and I could count on the fact that another season would follow.

The Bible uses the seasons of nature to remind us that our current situation will not last forever. The book of Ecclesiastes pro vides a long list of seasons that might come

and go in our lives. Chapter 3 reads:

“There is a time for every thing, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot;

A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build;

A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance;

A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away:

A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak;

A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”

Pete Seeger used this passage to write a folk song, ‘Turn, Turn, Turn,” in the 1950s.

The Byrds recorded the song in the 1960s and it became an international hit.

The Bible, the fall leaves of Maine, Pete Seeger and the Byrds all serve to remind us that our current situation is transient. For the past few years, we have experienced a pandemic, an international war, a bear stock market, nearly double-digit inflation, and some strange politics.

Sometimes it feels like those long winters in Maine.

But the truth is, a new season is coming. There will be a day that we will talk about our current situation in the past tense. We will speak about where we were and what we experienced with pride.

We can count on the fact that a new season is coming.

The Rev. Dr. Jon R. Black is senior pastor at Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church in Bluffton.

SENIORS

Pay attention, be smart about Medicare enrollment this fall

By Chris Dewey CONTRIBUTOR Chris Dewey

Fall enrollment for independent bro kers like myself starts long before Oct. 15, which is the first day of the annual enroll ment period for folks on Medicare.

Medicare requires captive agents and independent brokers, like myself, to endure eight hours of required Medicare recertifi cation curriculum. Each carrier requires another three hours of course work on all their new 2023 plans.

Friends in my business ask me why would I waste my time getting licensed with 10 different advantage plan compa nies rather than just the big three?

My answer is that, unlike Medicare sup

plements, which are standardized, and have no restrictive network or hospital copays, and no 20% co-insurance for can cer treatment or no 20% for outpatient surgeries, advantage plans can change drastically from year to year.

Independent brokers have an obligation to offer every possible solution from every carrier, because every client has different needs, doctors, drugs, etc. So, if you have a Medicare advantage plan – which in most cases I do not advocate – then you owe it to yourself to call your agent and have them type in your drugs, your doc tors, and any providers you use.

An independent broker has software that will break down to the penny your total cost for drugs, doctor copays, hospital copays, which this year are more along the lines of $350 a day up to $500 per day.

Make sure your agent finds a plan where you have a copay – not coinsur ance – for outpatient surgery. One of my

clients wanted the $2,000 in “free” dental that an advantage plan offered last year. I pleaded with him, but the man wanted to eat steak again and needed dentures. Unfortunately, he also needed a stent put in, and they did day surgery rather than a hospital stay.

His share of the procedure was $3,000 and, what’s worse, he had to drive 65 miles away to see the only dentist that accepted the plan’s “free” dental.

Dental should be seventh or eighth on your list of important deciding factors when choosing a plan. You’re better off getting a separate dental/vision plan with a robust network and more extensive coverage.

Your biggest danger with an advantage plan is getting sick and actually having to use the plan, because with most plans your annual maximum-out-of-pocket is $7,500 in-network and $10,000 out of network, before the plan pays 100% of all costs for the remainder of the year. This

resets every Jan. 1.

As far as Medicare supplements, also known as Medigap plans, the biggest pitfall to avoid is rate instability. Avoid the Plan F and Plan G Medigap plans.

Since Jan. 1, 2020, if you were not yet 65, you can never again enroll in a Plan F. It’s discontinued to healthy young, new-toMedicare folks. Plan F has an older, sicker pool of people with more claims, thus higher rate hikes to compensate.

Plan G since Jan. 1, 2020, MUST take chronically ill and unhealthy people who exercise their Guaranteed Issue Rights.

The Plan N, which offers virtually the same coverage as the Plan G, is forecast ed by all the major insurance company actuaries, to have the most stable rates moving forward. It’s the supplement with the most value.

To learn more about Plan N, email me at mayrivermedicare@gmail.com and I’ll send you a video and independent studies verifying its value.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (Required by 39 U.S.C.3685)

Title of publication: THE BLUFFTON SUN

Publication no.: 192-70 3. Date of filing: 9/30/22 4. Frequency of issue: Twice monthly.

No. of issues published annually: 24 6. Annual subscription price: $75.

Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 14D Johnston Way, P.O. Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910.

Complete mailing address of the headquarters of general business offices of the Publisher: 14D Johnston Way, P.O. Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910.

Full names and complete mailing address of publisher, editor, and managing editor: Publisher: Kevin Aylmer, 14D Johnston Way, P.O. Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910, Editor: Lynne Hummell, 14D Johnston Way, P.O. Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910, Managing Editor: N/A.

Owner: Lowcountry Local Media, Inc., Kevin Aylmer

Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1% or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None.

Purpose, function, and non-profit status: Has not changed during past 12 months.

Publication name: The Bluffton Sun.

Issue date for circulation data: 9/20/22

Extent and nature of circulation: Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: (a) Total No. copies (Net Press Run), 24,966. (b) Paid and/or requested circulation; (1) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors and counter sales (not mailed), 0; (2) Paid or Requested mail subscriptions (Include Advertisers Proof copies/Exchange Copies), 17,926. (c) Total paid and/or requested circulation (sum of 15b (1) and 15b(2), 17,926. (d) Free distribution by mail (samples, complimentary and other free copies), 6,018. ( e ) Free distribution outside the mail (carriers or other means), 886. (f) Total free distribution (sum of 15d and 15e), 6,904 (g) Total distribution (Sum of 15c and 15f) 24,830. (h) Copies not distributed: (1) Office use, leftovers, spoiled, 136; Return from news agents: none. (i) Total (sum of 15g, 15h(1), and 15h(2), 24,830. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c/15g x 100) 72.1%. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: (a) Total no. copies (Net Press Run), 25,830. (b) Paid and/or requested circulation; (Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors and counter sales (not mailed), 0. (2) Paid or Requested mail subscriptions (include Advertiser Proof Copies/Exchange Copies), 18,891. (c) Total paid and/or requested circulation (Sum of 15b(1) and 15b(2)), 18,891, (d) Free distribution by mail (samples, complimentary and other free copies), 5,985. ( e ) Free distribution outside the mail (carriers or other means), 811. (f) Total free distribution (sum of 15d and 15 e), 6,796. (g) Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15f), 25,687. (h) Copies not distributed: (1) Office use, leftovers, spoiled: 143; (Returned from news agents, none. (i) Total (sum of15g, 15h(1), and 15h(2), 25,687.Percent paid and/or requested Circulation (15c/15g x 100) 73.5%. 16. This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the October 18, 2022, Issue of the publication.

I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete.

Kevin Aylmer, Publisher

Keep old and young brains sharp by learning, playing piano

By Jennifer Herrin CONTRIBUTOR Jennifer Herrin

We all want to keep ourselves fit and sharp for as long as we can. We get exercise, eat health fully, try to reduce our stress, get some sunshine, and sleep eight hours a night.

We stay sharp by reading, keeping up with current events, and exploring hobbies. (Sudoku or pickle ball, anyone?)

In 2020, for reasons that may be readily appar ent, a lot of us picked up old hobbies long since abandoned, honed some lost skills, and rediscovered some old pastimes.

One of the options sometimes over looked for keeping us fit and sharp

is the practice of learning to play an instrument. In particular, the skill of piano playing does wonders for both young and old. Whether or not you become a master of the piano is beside the point’ it’s really the habit of playing that reaps a lot of positive rewards.

Perhaps you have a youngster at home between the ages of 7 and 10.

Perhaps he has a bit of trouble reading or doesn’t really care to read. Perhaps she has some trouble learning her math lessons or making observations.

It has been scientifically proven in innumerable studies that the acquisi tion of piano skills aids dramatically in the left/right brain connection, in the ability to track from left to right as we do when reading, and in the reinforce ment of fundamental math skills. It is the repetition and schematic progres sion inherent in piano skills that form strong patterns of recognition in the brain.

Once these patterns begin to estab lish, mental agility and endurance are developed and enhanced. It has also been proven that hand-eye coordi nation is perhaps unparalleled in the development of piano skills, benefiting the pianist in numerous other contexts in life.

Moreover, reading notes on a staff is tantamount to learning a different language. This musical language has code, rooted in the number 4. Do you think your child might be a computer genius some day? Start him or her on the piano.

For those of us striving to stay men tally agile, I can recommend no other activity more heartily. If you played the piano in your younger years, the return to this skill that was learned in your prime reignites the formerly ac tive youthful neurons and regenerates portions of the brain.

If piano is new to you, the step-by-

step process of putting eyes, fingers, and ears to work in the pursuit of a collaborative outcome keeps the brain active and ordered. Set small, measurable, attainable goals, and find enjoyment in the daily training. The endorphins that your brain will release will bring you back to the keyboard for more!

Besides improved cognitive abilities, there are other rewards in learning to play the piano, too. Want to de-stress or relax? Get alone with your piano music. Want to be the life of the party? Entertain with your piano playing. Want to surprise your cultural coun terparts who are zoning out on video games or Facebook? Learn to play the piano. You won’t regret it.

Jennifer Herrin is the co-owner of Kawai Piano Gallery by Herrin in Bluffton. jennifer@kpgbyherrin.com or kawaipianogallerybyherrin.com

VISIT E-Z-GO OF HILTON HEAD

Spooktacular set for Oct. 28

BECOME PART OF OUR TEAM!

Looking For Born Again Believers with the Desire to Serve!:

P/T CHILDREN’S DIRECTOR

Lead children in growing closer to Christ

1 Hour Sunday School Hour

1 Hour Children’s Church

Recruit Volunteers to Assist

1 hour Sunday night

1 hour Wednesday night

5 hours at Maye River Baptist Church

5 hours planning on your own

P/T YOUTH MINISTER/DIRECTOR

1 Hour Sunday School Hour

1 hour Sunday Worship service

Recruiting volunteers to assist

Getting to know the Parents

1 hour Sunday night

1 hour Wednesday night

5 hours at Maye River Baptist Church

5 hours planning on your own

P/T MUSIC DIRECTOR

Lead the congregation in Worship

We have 3 pianist, 2 organ players, guitar player, and 12 solo singers to use

2 hours Sunday morning

(1 hour rehearse 1 hour Lead Worship)

2 hours Sunday evening

(1 hour Lead Worship 1 hour rehearse)

6 hours on your own to plan

2 WEEKS PAID VACATION

THESE POSITIONS MAY BECOME FULL TIME AS WE GROW!

Please mail resume to:

Mrmcalister8777@gmail.com Or Call (843) 816-2352 Mayeriverbaptist.org • 3507 Okatie Hwy, Bluffton, SC 29910

The Bluffton Police Department will host a Spooktacular night of Halloween fun from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 28 at Oscar Frazier Park.

Attendees are encouraged to wear Hallow een costumes and participate in the costume contest at 7:30 p.m. Prizes will be given in various categories.

Attendees can meet first responders from Bluffton Police Department, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Beaufort County Emergency Medical Services, Bluffton Town ship Fire Department, and SC Department of Natural Resources.

Trunk or Treating for goodies will be

offered by community partners and local businesses, including 104.9 The Surf, Bluff ton Area Community Association, Bluffton Rotary Club, Beaufort County Library, Beaufort County Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, Boy Scout Troop 241, Coastal Empire Mental Health Center, Fit4Mom, Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Hargray, Lowcountry Alliance for Healthy Youth, Teens for Healthy Youth, Moul Real tors, Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf, and Sip and Saddle.

There is no charge to attend. The event is open to citizens of all ages.

Call: Bob @ 843-540-7454

In-person: 5 Goethe Road, Bluffton SC

843-4228200

In-person: 6 Marina Side Drive, Hilton Head SC

Even if you aren’t young, hairstyle can make you look the part

By Joy Ross CONTRIBUTOR

It’s hard to believe summer is officially over and the winter holidays are around the corner. Another year bites the dust, and at a much too rapid rate. That means we’re not getting any younger.

The good news is there are a lot of things, big and small, available out there so that we don’t have to look or feel older. Yes, there’s plastic surgery. It is expensive. But a great haircut and color could make you look and feel 10 years younger for much less expense.

Besides that, contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be a slave to the salon. If your hair is done properly, you could look younger without breaking the bank.

The shape of the haircut is of utmost importance. The fullness of your style must be at your eyes and cheekbones in order to draw attention there – instead of the neck, chin and jowls.

Changing the shape of your haircut

alone will turn back time. My theory of the upside-down triangle-shaped haircut stands firm. The widest part of your style needs to be at your eyes and cheekbones the narrow est part needs to be softening your chin.

Depending on the size of your forehead, a soft bang (or side bang if your forehead is not too small) will also soften your look, taking attention away from those little lines

that sometimes the rear their ugly heads. No more Botox needed!

Another youth-enhancing option is color. Gray hair is an absence of color, washing out any kind of warmth in your skin and aging you. I don’t understand why anyone would let her hair go gray.

If highlights and or low lights are added, the color it will grow out gracefully, without

the ugly stripe of grey that appears after a short time if you have your hair all one color. That’s not attractive and it does not look natural.

Add to that the fact that the more gray that is hiding under the color, the sooner it needs to be re-colored.

It’s understandable why you don’t want to color your hair. Many other things can be done to make it subtle, warmer, brighter and more youthful. Why wouldn’t anybody want that for Christmas? A new improved you is not that expensive if you go to the right places.

Eating right, exercising, and staying busy are all good recommendations to stay looking and feeling your best, but the No. 1 priority is what you see when you look at your face (and hair) in the mirror.

That will start your day the right way or the wrong way – you be the judge.

Joy Ross is owner of Style It Salon in Old Town Bluffton. styleitsalon.com

FLOOD

TOBER

TRAVEL Get out there! It’s time to get back to traveling

Tuesday OCT 18th

Fishing for Bull Reds

25th

By Joan Flynn CONTRIBUTOR

The time has come to start traveling again. The majority of us are vaccinated and I hope boosted and I know we are tired of just sitting around.

While many have been traveling to other locales by land and air for a while, the time has come to consider cruising again. There are a number of good opportunities out there.

The cruise lines and tour companies have relaxed their entry requirements which makes it easier to travel. And if you’re still not 100% confident in traveling overseas, there are great tours and cruises here in the United States.

You can sail the Viking ocean cruise ships with just 930 guests from St. Paul to New Orleans, roundtrip New Orleans – even the Great Lakes – Milwaukee to Thunder Bay and Niagara and the Great Lakes.

Viking even has an 11-day cruise visiting Alaska. Another itinerary is cruising the Panama Canal from Panama City to Fort Lauderdale.

On the Viking ocean ships there is no charge for WIFI, they serve beer and wine at lunch and dinner, and there is one compli mentary shore excursion in every port of call and no charge for the specialty restau rant. And if you book your air through Viking, the transfers are included.

Then there is the American Queen, which

has fewer guests than the ocean ships –anywhere from 186 guests on the Ocean Victory to 417 guests on the American Queen. Their all-inclusive fares include a one-night pre hotel stay with transfer to the ship, unlimited guided tours, open bars and lounges with unlimited drinks, unlimited WIFI, acclaimed cuisine, featuring fresh lobster and USDA prime beef every night.

The cruise ships we are most familiar with visit the Caribbean and New England, and most leave either from Florida, New York or Boston, so driving is always an option.

There are also great land tours in the United States. Have you been to the Nation al Parks? New England? Washington, D.C.? New Orleans? Hawaii? I could go on and on.

For those of you more daring, there is a company called Backroads where you hike and bike at different levels – from level 1 biking 8-22 miles and walking 2-5 miles, to level 5 with world-class climbs, epic hikes and full days in the great outdoors.

Select your own bike – regular, e-bike, etc. These trips explore Hawaii’s big Island, Alaska’s Kenai, Oregon’s National Park play ground or wine country, the national parks and most places in Europe.

Talk to your family and your friends, make a plan, and start traveling again. The country, the world, is waiting for you.

Joan Flynn is a travel consultant with Valerie Wilson Travel.

Decisions, decisions: So much fishing to do, so little time

By Collins Doughtie CONTRIBUTOR

When I sat down to write this column there were so many things going on in and around fishing, it was like I had lockjaw or more specifically, mind-lock. Of the 12 months in a year, only two, May and Octo ber, seem to spur on this confusion.

Why May? After sitting around all winter just itching to get out on the ocean, May is when the fishing fires up like a brush fire that is out of control because of strong winds pushing it along at an incredible pace.

But when it comes to October, the options for catching are so intense I often find it nearly impossible to pick a target for a day’s foraging. Should I go shrimping or crabbing? Maybe hit the trout, redfish or flounder that are all biting like there is no tomorrow.

But wait, October is without a doubt the month when offshore fishing, whether bottom fishing or trolling in the Gulf Stream, is pretty much a guaranteed slam dunk. Decisions, decisions.

Since firm decisions don’t come easily to me, indecision has led me to try as many dif ferent foraging escapades as possible during the 31 “getting days” in October. Shrimp? Check. Flounder? Check. Redfish? Check.

I really can’t see how I am going to fit in all the rest of the foraging opportunities in the remaining days of the month. It’s those damn doctor appointments that are getting in the way of this prime time. I am sure that any of you who are over 65 can relate to that! If only my body was like my mind –which anyone who knows me well will tell

you is the mind of a 16-year-old. If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

Just the other day I went to the monthly open house hosted by Paul Duffey at South ern Drawl Outfitters in Moss Creek Village. It was like old home week as I got to hang with much of the fishing community, includ ing many old timer charter captains that I usually see only in passing on the water.

It used to be there was always some yearly event where we all got together and swapped fishing lies, but this was the first time in quite some time that so many of us were in one place at the same time.

Paul has done a fabulous job at Southern Drawl, especially when it comes to fly fish ing. They have a great selection of everyday

tackle and live bait, but when it comes to fly fishing, they are the bomb.

I was going to save offshore fishing for another column but I just have to tell you about my new ride and its maiden trip bot tom fishing last weekend. My fishing partner Dan Cornell, with whom I have fished for nearly a decade, traded in his 60-foot Viking for the center console of all center consoles.

At 53 feet long with four 425hp engines this HCB Suenos is like a thoroughbred race horse. Better suited for the type of fishing we do here, running offshore at 50 mph is quite the sensation.

Equipped with Sea Keeper system to pre vent the boat from rocking side to side and a 28-speaker sound system, even at top speed

This Column Brought to You By:

the sound system is so good it’s like having headphones on!

The bite was off the chart as we caught just about every kind of bottom fish. As you may or may not know, red snapper have been closed for harvest for years now due to declining stocks. But around these parts our red snapper stocks have never been in trouble. I’ll bet we caught and released 30 or 40 stud red snapper that day. We really wanted grouper, but the red snapper ate our live baits before a grouper even had a chance to give it a go.

Personally, I feel the data that led the National Marine Fisheries to close the red snapper was flawed. Much of that data came from Florida, where boats have to go just a handful of miles to catch snapper, while here there isn’t nearly the pressure on these fish since you have to go 30 to 60 miles to catch them.

Finally, I would be remiss not to mention that recently I received a letter from the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, informing me that a woman (whose name I will not reveal) donated $25,000 to the Waddell Mariculture Center in my honor. She said she loves my columns as well as my love for the Lowcountry and that led to her donation.

Needless to say, I was ridiculously flattered but, more importantly, it is what keeps me writing week after week. God bless you all.

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

Paul Duffey, owner of Southern Drawl Outfitters, hosts a monthly gathering of fishing enthusi asts, as well as evening fishing seminars, at the store in Moss Creek Village.

PETS

Loving a dog is not enough to make anyone a good owner

By Abby Bird CONTRIBUTOR

People in general think that if you love your dog, that alone makes you a good owner. Putting it simply, that is just not true. Each owner defines “love” differently. Is a dog loved that doesn’t go to the vet regu larly or when necessary? Is a dog loved that doesn’t get monthly heartworm and flea/ tick treatment? Is a pet dog loved if it is left outside all the time?

Is the dog loved that is crated excessively, if it never leaves the house for a leash walk or other experiences? Is a dog loved if it is allowed to develop separation anxiety from being with its owner too much? Is a dog loved if it is left home along for long hours all week?

Is a dog loved that hasn’t been taught certain basic commands to make the dog easier to live with and not develop behav ioral issues? Is a dog loved if it doesn’t get the opportunity to socialize with other dogs

when appropriate for its personality?

A pet allowed to reproduce unchecked is not loved. A dog allowed to wander and not kept safe is not loved.

Whew, that is quite a list! Many people think their dog is happy if it has human

company. And yet I hear, and rescues hear all the time, “but I love the dog.”

Dogs are not possessions to be disposed of at will because they don’t fit into your life anymore, or when you find out that you can’t afford them. If you can’t afford a vet or

decent food, you shouldn’t own a dog.

If you can’t expose a dog to a relatively full life, you shouldn’t own a dog. If you physically can’t handle the dog, then this might not be a good choice; look at another dog that suits your lifestyle. Don’t just look at breed, look at lifestyle, age (yours and the dog’s) and size.

This doesn’t mean that life changes don’t happen and you might need to make diffi cult choices. Tthat can happen to anyone af ter the fact. But, when you consider adding another family member to your home, make sure you have asked all the right questions of yourself.

It is hard to give up a dog you love, and it is even harder on the dog that doesn’t understand why they just lost their human and their home. Rescues, shelters and the streets are loaded with dogs like this.

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

Here

ROOFING &

Homeless dog seeks like-minded human with zest for life

By Amy Campanini CONTRIBUTOR

Cooler weather has finally made an ap pearance, making this the perfect time to get out and get moving! If you’ve been look ing for an energetic, adventurous, loving companion to do life with, Palmetto Animal League might just have your perfect match.

Aurora is a vibrant, 4-year-old dog who longs to find her perfect place in this world. She has the beauty and the brains! On top of that, she’s a survivor who doesn’t let life’s challenges stand in the way of happiness. For Aurora, one’s past does not have to define their future.

“She and her puppies were rescued, along with 30 other dogs, from a hoarding situation,” said Sally Dawkins, PAL adoption coordinator.

Aurora came to PAL in August when her puppies were just 4 weeks old. It was as if she sensed she was finally in a place where she would be safe and cared for.

Aurora

“A neighboring shelter needed our help to save this family, so PAL jumped in to help,” said Dawkins.

Finally able to relax, Aurora was a doting mother to her eight delightful puppies.

And, when it was time for them to leave the nest, this proud mama watched all her puppies find won derful homes.

“Aurora is one smart dog who needs a job,” said Dawkins. “The job of ‘mama’ has come to an end, and she is ready for her next posi tion as someone’s fun-loving, bub bly best friend!”

She would thrive in a home with a routine and lots of fun outings to keep her active, both physi cally and mentally.

“She only wants attention and love,” said Shelby English, PAL kennel supervisor. “She

enjoys toys and chews, and she takes really good care of her bed and pillows!”

Aurora dreams of finding someone who shares her zest for life. If her undeniable pizzazz has captured your heart, call PAL at 843-645-1725 to schedule a meet and greet at our no-kill adoption center located at 56 Riverwalk Blvd. in Okatie.

Even if you can’t adopt a dog set on adventure, you can still help raise money and resources for homeless pets like Aurora simply by walking! Any distance-related activity applies, such as walking, running, or biking, as long as the activity can be measured by GPS and involves a speed of less than 14 mph.

To earn contributions for PAL, download the free ResQWalk app, select Palmetto An imal League as your charity, and press start. The more miles you log, the more you raise for animals in need.

Amy Campanini is president of Palmetto Animal League.

How to avoid disaster holes when playing golf

By Jean Harris CONTRIBUTOR

If you play golf, you will experience an occasional blow-up hole. The secret to be coming a better golfer is to minimize these disaster holes. Here are a number of strate gies to help you become a better golfer:

• Use the 70% rule: Don’t try a shot on the course that you haven’t practiced. If you can pull it off 7 out of 10 times in practice, go for it on the course.

• Practice recovery shots: You need to learn how to hit a ball high and low. Getting out of trouble means learning how to curve the ball from left to right and right to left.

• Take only one risk per hole: If you were aggressive off the tee and got in trouble, then you need to be conservative on your next shot. It might mean chipping it back into the fairway.

• On tee shots, always play short of trouble. If hitting a driver can get you into a fairway bunker, then hit a fairway wood or

hybrid off the tee.

• Firing at the flagstick is not always a smart play. Picking a safe target on the green can eliminate big numbers. For example,

if the flagstick is tucked behind a bunker in the front of the green, then play one extra club and hit to the back of the green.

• If you are going to lay-up on a hole, lay up to a number that you can hit well. It is easier to hit a 100-yard shot than a 40- to 60-yard pitch.

• Always tee off on the side of trou ble. For example, if there is out-ofbounds on the left side of the hole, tee off on the extreme left of the tee box and swing away from trouble.

• Don’t live in the past. You can’t change

your previous shot so focus on the shot at hand.

• Before executing a shot, using the word “don’t” can cause you problems. For example, if you say “Don’t hit it in the water,” your brain hears “Hit it in the water.” Always be positive and tell yourself what you want to do.

• Your body language and self-talk is important after a bad shot. It can influence how you feel inside and cause you to hit another bad shot. Take a cleansing breath and walk to your ball slowly with your head high and shoulders back.

• Finally, expect that you are going to hit a bad shot or get a bad bounce during your round of golf. Remember that you cannot change the past so concentrate on hitting your next shot back into play. This will help keep those disastrous holes off your scorecard.

Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Profes sional and teaches at local courses. jean.golfdoc tor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean.com

Terry Reed demonstrates the agony of missing a short putt.

JEAN HARRIS

Time to plant colorful autumn favorites, apply weed control

By Mark Deloach CONTRIBUTOR

October has arrived, and with it, cooler temperatures. So, now is the time to plant

colorful fall annuals and perennials.

We live in Zone 8, so pay attention to this when you buy plants, seeds and bulbs online. You might be disappointed in the health of your plants if you buy those intended for areas outside of our zone.

Some of the plants that do well in Zone 8 are asters, chrysanthemums, dahlias, astilbe, coral bells, pigsqueak and golden rods.

When planting annuals and perennials, it is always good to have proper drainage, use a good potting soil, and build up the beds to improve the drainage.

Fall is also a suitable time to apply a hor ticultural oil or dormant oil on your plants. This is an insecticide which helps control insects and the eggs they lay on the plants. Horticultural oil should not be applied

when temperatures are above 80 degrees.

Pruning of shrubs should be done selec tively this time of year, as some shrubs start

getting buds for next spring during the fall.

You do not want to prune the buds.

Fall is a suitable time also to apply weed

controls on the lawn. Pre-emergent and post-emergent weed controls should be applied during October and November to prevent winter weeds and clean up existing weeds from the summer. Potassium (pot ash) can be applied to help provide a better root system for your lawn.

I would recommend that you start cutting back on watering this time of year to help prevent fungus. I would water just once per week during October and November and then, depending on the temperatures and our rainfall, cut back as needed.

Fall is also a good time to check the PH of your soil to see if lime or sulfur is needed. The best way to check the PH is to take a soil sample and have your county extension office or lawn and garden store do a soil test so you get accurate reading of what your soil needs.

Mark Deloach is the owner of Lawn Doctor of Beaufort County.

PAL

Stay clear of some scary real estate boos this Halloween

By Larry Stoller CONTRIBUTOR

Halloween is almost here. Pumpkins, broomsticks, spiders, ghosts, ghouls and goblins are everywhere.

These days, selling your home could be scary, so here are some real estate “boos” and “how to” avoid them:

• Listing price boo. Your home is on the market for two weeks and you have no showings. Your real estate agent says your price is too high; it should be lowered from $450,000 to $350,000.

How to: Savvy agents should be able to accurately determine a property’s market value and price range. Before listing your home, interview two or three agents, and compare their price determinations.

• A few days before closing boo. Just before you are ready to close the home you sold, your agent calls and says the closing will be delayed because there was a problem with the buyer’s loan package and final

approval.

How to: Before negotiating the sale, obtain a “loan pre-approval letter.” In the contract, include a “loan commitment contingency” (e.g., requiring that the buyer obtain a full underwriting approval subject to appraisal).

• Seller’s net proceeds boo. At closing,

the seller expected to receive $341,000, but the cash to seller on the settlement statement was $293,000.

How to: Estimate your net proceeds when negotiating your sales price (determine mortgage balance, loans and liens if any). Ask your agent what clos ing costs to expect. Some agents will pro vide a net proceeds sheet. Ask your attorney to see a pre-settlement statement.

• Property possession and move-in boo. You move into your new home. There are no appliances in the kitchen, the washer and dryer are gone, and the walls and doors are banged up. Yet, everything was OK when you did your walk-through one week

before closing.

How to: Do the walk-through (e.g., the final buyer’s inspection) on the day of the closing. If there is any damage, missing items, or other problems, get them correct ed before releasing funds, or withhold funds from the seller’s proceeds.

• Here’s one very scary seller boo. In many places on and off the island, the real estate market has cooled down. With more inventory and less demand, prices are not as high, sellers are not seeing multiple offers, and buyers are less motivated than they were many months ago.

How to: Now it is much more important to price your home right. And if you are not getting a lot of showings or an offer within a few weeks, reduce the price. In fact, as the market changes, many buyers will be looking for price reductions.

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

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