• Transportation partnership helps feed commuters 12A
• Preparing scholars through community service 18A
• Women’s giving group celebrates five years of support 24A
• Pregnant vacationer grateful for special care nursery 27A
• Part 2 of local music history 31A
There is a lot of consternation over recent revelations that school test scores are alarmingly low – particularly post-COVID. It was an issue that the Beaufort County School District was addressing before the pandemic hit, and one that has received vigorous attention since schools reopened.
One of the steps the district is taking is implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), a process that fo cuses on both academics and soft skills – or behavior – with a strong focus on intervention.
“Most educators realize that, when it comes to reading, for example, when
somebody is struggling or behind grade levels, we’ve always been really good about meeting them where they are, providing interventions and strat egies to kind of build them up,” said Derek Skaggs, director of student suc cess. “But when it comes to behavior, we’ve definitely not used that process. We typically say, well, they should know what they should do, and we’ll punish them and send them home.”
In the past five to 10 years, South Carolina’s Department of Education has made the effort to move the focus of intervention to cover both academ ics and behavior.
“One of the biggest things that com
A ribbon cutting to signal the opening of the May River Road Pocket Park will be held at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 8 at the park, 1220 May River Road.
Mayor Lisa Sulka will make the park offi cial, accompanied by town councilmembers and the Marks Family, who donated the land for the project.
The event is open to the public.
Attendees are encouraged to wear secure footwear; the passive park is sloped. Parking is available at the parking lot directly across the street. There is also street parking on May River and Guilford Place roads.
The Pocket Park is a third-acre passive park designed to provide connectivity
between the Stock Farm neighborhood and the May River Road sidewalk system.
The Marks Family donated the land to the town in 2017. The donation enabled
the town to preserve open space and create a park that complements the ameni ties of Stock Farm and the May River Road Streetscape Project.
Dr. Robert L. Smith has joined Beaufort Memorial Palmetto Medical Group. Boardcertified in family medicine, he brings widely ranging expertise in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses to the Bluffton practice.
Dr. Smith comes to the Lowcountry from Finger Lakes Family Care in Canandaigua, N.Y., a practice which he founded in 2006 in part to enhance patient care through the use of innovations in e-health. The practice earned National Committee for Quality Assessment (NCQA) Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Home status under his leadership.
Chief of outpatient medicine at FF Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua and co-founder of Updox, a medical communication platform, Dr. Smith has significant experience in telemedicine, having used the technology to enhance his patients’ access to care over the course of his career and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Rochester, N.Y. native, Dr. Smith credits the time he spent with team physicians and trainers during his undergraduate years as Wake Forest men’s basketball team student manager with sparking his interest in medicine.
Bachelor of Science – Health & Sports Science Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, N.C.
Master of Science – Clinical Chemistry Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, N.Y.
Doctor of Medicine SUNY Upstate Medical University Syracuse, N.Y.
Residency – Family Medicine St. Joseph’s Health Syracuse, N.Y.
In snippets of down time, say, between the end of the work day and dinner being ready, I often drag out my trusty old iPad and play a few mindless games. My favorites include some old standards, such as Solitaire and Sudoku, and some newer games you might never have heard about.
A recent find is Tap Away (free at the app store!), a puzzle game with a challenge to remove all the colorful blocks from a 3-D “structure,” tapping one block at a time to move them in the direction indicated by the arrow on each block. One tap on a block with a “up” arrow, with no oppo sition above it, will send it “flying” off the structure. A clear shot to the left is easy on the outside left of the structure. The same goes for the right or the down arrows.
The early levels are simple – it took about 3 minutes to get to level 10. After that, the difficulty increased substantially. I
had to pay closer attention to which blocks might interfere with another’s passage, and which were open to travel.
The player is able to manipulate the structure in various directions with the touch of a stylus or finger, turning it around and over and sideways, in order to determine which blocks are stacked on top of others, and which are not.
As I learned the game, I realized I needn’t get hung up on clearing one row, or one side, or one corner right away. I should just deal with the obvious pieces of the puzzle, let them go, and focus on the remainder in due time, as the underlying pieces are revealed.
One night, as I completed a particularly stubborn puzzle, I suddenly realized I was reiterating a life lesson to myself: Many of life’s little challenges can be resolved by looking at them from a different perspec tive.
That revelation did wonders for my game and for a conundrum I had been
fussing over. There are other ways to con sider a solution.
The more one considers other perspec
tives, the more successful one will be in reaching the goal – whether it’s solving a puzzle, making a difficult decision or figuring out logistics.
Various perspectives offer more than the “flat,” one-sided view. Turning the puzzle around to look at it from another angle makes the overlaps and the blockages more obvious.
It’s all about the perspective.
Consider, for example, this type of issue with a neighbor. He says your lights are too bright in his kitchen window; you say his music is too loud.
Have you walked over to his house to see where your lights are shining? Did you notice your light reflects off his birdbath and into his window? And did you know he also is hard of hearing, and that’s why his music is louder?
Seeing things from other perspectives can tone down our tempers, soften our an ger, brighten our outlook, and maybe even help us be kinder and gentler to others.
Current Circulation Via USPS is 24,720
Finalist: Small Business of the Year, HHI-Bluffton Chamber.
Winner of the SAPA General Excellence Award; 1st place, Front Page Design; 2nd place, Most Improved Publication; and 3rd place, Self-Promotion Advertising. IFPA-SAPA 3rd Place, Business Coverage
PUBLISHER
Kevin Aylmer, kevina@blufftonsun.com
EDITOR
Lynne Hummell, editor@blufftonsun.com
Kim Perry Bowen
OFFICE MANAGER
Melissa McCullough
Abby Bird
Amy Coyne Bredeson
Sydney Caskey
Collins Doughtie
Mathew Epps
E. Ronald Finger
Jada Gaines
Jean Harris
Tom Henz
Edwina Hoyle
Therese Lee Oswald Mikell
Dave Miller
John Riolo
Gwyneth J. Saunders
Cinda Seamon
Larry Stoller
Lisa Sulka
Tim Wood
The town gets many of our cap ital improvement projects started and completed by creating different tax districts in our town. One of these is creating a TIF (Tax Increment Fi nancing) district.
Town Coun cil discussed and approved a recent bond to get the funding for many of the projects that are on our to-do list.
If you have questions on this or other financial questions you can call or check our website for more infor mation. You will also see a bit more about a recent award our financial department received.
On Oct. 13, the Town of Bluffton
closed on its new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Bond, totaling $9,800,000. In total, five bids were received with the lowest having a rate of 3.433% – which is terrific in our current market.
Having these funds provides the town the ability to accelerate some of its larger and much-anticipated proj ects for our community to soon enjoy.
The main project identified is the New Riverside Barn Park, located near the Hwy. 170 circle. The park will include a renovated barn as an event space, with plenty of parking, trails, open fields for community events, site furnishings, and a destination play ground.
The park will feature good lighting, professional landscaping, and safety cameras.
In addition, the town has identified the Squire Pope Carriage House and the Sarah Riley Hooks Cottage for use of these funds.
These projects are integral to providing our citizens with more recreational opportunities and public community amenities.
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) named the Town of Bluffton as a 2020 Triple Crown winner in September. The Triple Crown is a designation for govern ments who have received the Certifi cate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
The GFOA represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada with more than 20,000 members.
The Town of Bluffton is honored to have received this special designation that only 317 governments attained for fiscal year 2020.
Lisa Sulka is the mayor of the Town of Bluffton. lsulka@townofbluffton.com
B.J. Frazier, Sales Director, 843-422-2321 Claudia Chapman 814-434-3665 Mike Garza 804-928-2151 Mary Pat Gifford 912-414-7122
VISIT: BlufftonSun.com
For more information, contact: Kevin Aylmer PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-9507, 843-757-9506 (fax)
Physical address: 14D Johnston Way Bluffton, SC 29910
All contents are copyrighted by Lowcountry Local Media Inc. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. All submissions must include name, address and phone number. The Editor reserves the right to edit or reject any material, including advertisements. The Bluffton Sun does not verify for licenses, endorse nor warrant any advertised businesses or services. The opinions and views expressed in the editorials are not necessarily those of the Editor and Publisher. Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Old Town Bluffton Merchants Society.
THE BLUFFTON SUN Issue 21, November 1, 2022 is published twice monthly by Lowcountry Local Media, Inc., 14D Johnston Way, Bluffton, SC 29910. Periodicals Postage Paid at Bluffton, SC and at additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE BLUFFTON SUN, PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910-2056.
To the Editor,
With all the sad things we see in the news these days, I want to take a moment to share with you a good deed that was done by a family in my neighborhood.
The Mallory family of Shell Hall for the last two years during the month of October has set up two skeletons in a variety of positions that change daily. The skeletons are fondly named Bob and Bobette. At the end of each day, the family changes the skeletons’ positioning so that Bob and Bobette are doing everyday things like check ing the mail, playing a game, drinking coffee and reading the Bluffton Sun or roasting s’mores over a fire pit.
Every morning, neighbors heading to work or school look forward to driving by the Mallory home to see what Bob and Bobette are doing that day.
The Mallorys decided to put Bob and Bobette to work by posing them as representatives of Bluffton Self Help. They planned the BSH themed days in advance and advertised through our community Facebook page that they would be collecting do nations for BSH the weekend of Oct. 21-23. They ended up with a gener ous collection of food and hygiene items.
As we near the holiday season, I want to remind the community that 60% of those living in Beaufort County do not make a livable wage. This means they may not be able to purchase a turkey or ham for their holiday table, they may not be able to buy a toy on their child’s Christmas wish list, or they may not be able to pay their rent this month due to an unexpected hardship.
One small act of hosting a food
drive, donating financially or vol unteering time can make a positive impact. As they say, “It takes a village,” so I challenge your readers to find their inner “Bob” and “Bobette” and give to a charity of their choice.
Julia Violi BlufftonThe Bluffton Sun welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must be no longer than 250 words. Longer op-ed pieces on timely topics will be considered on an individual basis. Submissions must include the writer’s name, address and phone number. Email submissions to editor@ hargray.com.
With this feature, we seek to capture a glimpse of what you and your neighbors have to say about a variety of topics, issues, events –
and just plain fun questions. You might see us anywhere around town, with notepad and camera, randomly seeking out folks
who are willing to participate. If we find you, we hope you will want to respond.
At the Historic Bluffton Arts &
Seafood Festival Street Fest, we asked: “What’s comes to mind when you hear the word ‘art’?”
Cindy Sturgis, Hilton Head Island: “I just see a lot of things – paintings, colors, jewelry, books – like a kaleidoscope.”
Denise Pope, Okatie: “The first thing I thought was ‘pretty.’ If you want something for your wall, it should be appealing, eye-catching –short answer: Pretty.”
Ann Graham, Bluffton: “An appreci ation for beautiful things. You have to have ‘art’ to have ‘heart.’”
Kelly Graham, Bluffton: “A way of life. And a way of seeing the world that’s constantly changing. Because everyone was born an artist.”
Minnie Lifton, Bluffton: “I think about all types of art – visual arts, theatre, a masterpiece.”
SUPPORT from page 1A
panies tell us is a lot of our students are missing some soft skills,” said Skaggs. “Not students just in Beaufort County, but nationwide. They’re miss ing soft skills such as time manage ment, communication, and patience.”
Students also were not strong in other skills such as how to respectful ly disagree, self-regulation or conflict resolution.
“These are skills that they’re always going to need in life. Sending them back home every time is not the solu tion,” he added.
Because MTSS covers both academic and behavior performance, it allows the schools to provide support for individual student needs that have a long-term impact on them rather than the quick fix of a behavioral conse quence, said Karen McKenzie, director of Teaching and Learning, which is part of the instructional services de partment.
“Those quick fixes are still out there,” McKenzie said, “but we’re building citi zens that are involved in their commu nity in a positive way. They’re college and career ready in every aspect.”
Within the umbrella that covers both academics and behavior are three levels of intervention. Every student in every grade begins in tier one. It’s when they begin to show signs of struggling that the added attention of tier two begins.
“When they struggle, we can do a plan with a small group of kids who maybe are missing the same skill, and work very strategically with them,” McKenzie said. “If that kid still contin ues to struggle, we can move them to a tier three, and be more intensive on what that individual student needs.”
So, what does that look like in ac tion? Kathleen Corley, principal of Red Cedar Elementary School, said, “Our motto is ‘Whatever it takes.’ Specifical ly, whatever it is that is the best use of a child’s time that we can manage to make happen in that portion of time.”
Using her drum rehearsals for the school band as an analogy, Corley said some of the students were getting a certain part and others were not, so she gathered the few that were having difficulty and told them to watch what she did, then do the same thing.
“So, I’m just going to keep playing this part, and replay it over and over and over, and you do whatever you need to do to make that work. But we’re stuck. Now they’re doing weird things, because this one step is holding them up,” said Corley. “That’s a lot of what MTSS is about. ‘Oh, you don’t get that? Here. Let’s do that together. I’ll show you how to do it. I do, we do, you do, or we all do together. Now show a partner how to do it.’ So you’re making it ingrained. You’re trying to make that muscle memory.”
There are three literacy intervention ists and three ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers at Red Cedar. When a student begins to have difficul ties, they are monitored for about six weeks, then moved to tier two inter ventions if they do not improve. If they continue to struggle, they go into tier three for more intensive instructional support. There are very few students in that situation at Red Cedar.
If a child is struggling with reading, and needs a tier two plan, the teach er might bring a few other students together who are also struggling and have them work together on reading skills.
This group might work as a group for 30 to 40 minutes a day, McKenzie said. “They’re getting their regular language arts class, plus they’re getting this additional time. It’s personalizing it for what that individual student needs.”
Learning challenges also may be caused by health issues such as hearing or vision. No further kinds of tests are given until possible health causes are eliminated.
While the academics are handled with small-group instruction or additional time with an intervention specialist, behavior issues are another condition impacting student success.
“The tiered system of support is just your basic classroom expectations and rules, routines and procedures that are stated in a positive way,” said Skaggs. “Working with every kid to try to model those behaviors, and trying to also help eliminate some of those other
Early voting has begun and will continue through Nov. 5. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Registered voters may vote early at any of four locations in Beaufort County: Bluffton: Board of Voter Registration and Elections Satellite Office - Bluffton Recre ation Center 61-B Ulmer Road.
Hilton Head Island: Government Com plex, 539 William Hilton Pkwy.
Beaufort: Board of Voter Registration and Elections Main Office, 15 John Galt Road.
Saint Helena Island: Saint Helena Library, 6355 Jonathon Francis Senior Road.
Absentee ballots must be received at the county Voter Registration office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Call the Board of Voter Registration and Elections at 843-255-6900 for details. (The deadline for applying for absentee ballots has passed.)
Election Day is Nov. 8, for in-person voting only.
Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check your voter registration card to make sure you go to the correct precinct, or visit
SUPPORT from page 8A
distractions within the classroom that could take away from learning.”
When students attend the additional classes, they’re not missing out on free time or extracurricular activities.
“Typically, every student would be doing something. We try our best nev er to single kids out,” said Skaggs. “We have designated times, like at the Beau fort Middle School we just have Griffin time, where every kid goes somewhere and does something, whether it’s some thing that’s going to enrich their skills or something that helps catch them up on some skills.”
Corley said it is very difficult to keep everybody doing what they are sup posed to be doing if their intent is not to do it, unless someone is sitting right next to them. The solution, she said, is to make a behavior plan.
“We’ll be watching a child who wants to leave the classroom. He ‘elopes,’ as they say, and we need to figure out why. We need to figure out if there’s any relationship to anything that’s go ing on environmentally,” she said. “It’s
scvotes.gov to check.
Voters may view their sample ballot online at scvotes.gov, by clicking on the Get My Sample Ballot box on the home page. Voters may print out these sample ballots to take to the poll when voting in person but may not share it with others there.
For more information about voting, polling place locations and candidates, visit scvotes.gov or vote411.org/south-carolina.
kind of like kids who show up at the nurse’s office when it’s math time. In the old days, (teachers would) just say you’re not going anywhere. You don’t have a cold, you don’t have to go to the nurse. You don’t even need a Band-Aid. Or they have to go to the bathroom and take too long. It’s either Johnny needs a urologist or there’s something else that’s going on.”
Skaggs said the district is making ev ery effort to identify what the students need while not doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome.
“We’re doing everything we can to find new and innovative ways to help meet the needs of these students mov ing forward so they can be successful in life,” he said. “That’s what this is all about. We’re trying to help these students be successful community members.”
Gwyneth J. Saunders is a veteran journalist and freelance writer living in Bluffton.
Now
Now
the time to change
not happy with
plan or your plan's
notice of change.
Review
Review
Annual Notice
from your carrier,
you have a drug
medicare
1. ·Are your drugs in the new 2023 formulary?
2. ·Are your doctor's still in network for next year?
3. ·Higher hospital copays or deductibles, max-out-ofpocket?
4. Are there new quantity limits or preauthorizations for your drugs?
You don't have to change anything with your medicare supplement,but you should shop out the market every two years
shop out the market every two
you can switch the following plans:
SCAN
GET YOUR FALL AEP CHECKLIST
SCAN CODE TO THE RIGHT TO GET YOUR FALL AEP CHECKLIST AND WATCH VIDEO ON THREE THINGS YOUR MUST DO DURING FALL ENROLLMENT
https://mayrivermedicare.d
TO THE RIGHT
VIDEO ON THREE THINGS
FALL
MUST DO
FALL ENROLLMENT
Living and working in a coastal community, we all have to endure our fair share of storm related outages. But as ever y member knows, Palmetto Electric’s linemen work diligently to restore the calm after the storm and to ensure our community is back up and running as soon as possible.
By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR
The Palmetto Breeze Transit Hub in Bluffton is usually abuzz on Thursdays because it’s the day when volunteers from Second Helpings greet commuters from Hilton Head Island, but Oct. 13 was special.
This was a fifth anniversary celebration of Fill the Need, a program that provides fruit, vegetables, baked goods, meats and other items to workers whose long com mute to and from the island keeps them from accessing their neighborhood gro ceries or local food banks. The effort has provided 250,000 pounds of food to bus riders, impacting hundreds of families as distant as two hours away.
The program began when the Breeze contacted Second Helpings, the Low country’s nonprofit food rescue and distribution network, about the challeng es island workers faced obtaining food for their families.
“They called us, and we formed this
innovative partnership. I don’t know of anybody else who does this,” said Mary Ann Bell, Second Helpings president. “We invite the riders to come in every Thurs day. We give them bags, and we encour age them to take a selection of meats and a lot of healthy food, produce, canned goods and things like that.”
Although there was a ceremonial cake-cutting, the real excitement came closer to 5 p.m. That’s when commuter buses from Hilton Head began to arrive, discharging their passengers who eagerly lined up at the check-in before heading to the tables laden with food of all kinds.
The dozen or so Second Helpings vol unteers were eager to help.
As the bus riders moved along the tables, the hum in the Hub – the Breeze’s garage – increased. Each person scanned the offerings, picking up peppers, onions, berries, green beans, apples and squash –whatever they wanted that could sup plement what they already had at home,
particularly fresh produce.
Also available were frozen meat, stacks of homemade cookies, and racks of canned and dry goods, including cereal, sugar and flour.
As the riders finished their selections, they headed out of the Hub to their con necting bus for the long ride home, some going as far as Walterboro and Yemassee.
One busload replaced the next, but the atmosphere was always the same. It was like Old Home Week as the volun teers and the riders cheerily greeted one another, chatted about their week and – it appeared – to share some recipes for the produce on hand. And why not?
“Probably most of the volunteers who work here have been here for the full five years,” said Bell. “Second Helpings has a total of 325 volunteers, and most of them work the trucks, so we’ve got eight refrigerated trucks criss-crossing the three counties that we work in every day.”
Bell said what was on the tables and shelves was mostly food the organization has rescued from food stores in the area, but it is also supplemented it with pur
chases of healthy food. The organization has a partnership with Dempsey Farms on St. Helena Island, and raises money to buy more food from a food service distributor.
The individual who oversees and ensures that a variety of foods is available is Second Helpings program chairperson Margie Tomczak, who also is the person who started Fill the Need.
Tomczak makes sure the registration is done, that there will be enough volun teers, finds substitutes if necessary, makes sure the food is procured or brought from the nonprofit, and brings in items from food drives held by places like St. Francis by the Sea, Indigo Run and Sun City.
“One of the points I made this morning was the first bus leaves Walterboro at 4:24 a.m. It makes stops along the way; it gets here at 6:24. People then change buses, and they get dropped off on the island at 7:25 a.m. at their jobs,” said Tomczak. “Then the route reverses itself. So think about these people who get on the bus before five o’clock in the morn ing, and get home at seven, eight o’clock
at night.”
Viola Williams, one of several riders who work for the Disney Resort on Hilton Head Island, commutes from Yemas see, because it’s a better paying job than anything near her home. She has been a participant since the program first began.
“It’s good, because sometimes it helps with my struggles. You’ve got other bills, and the money you have has to go to the bills,” Williams said. “This helps it go further.”
For a lot of those rural commuters, Dol lar General might be the closest grocery store.
Every new rider gets a large bag to hold their selections. This helps get the food home, but for some, taking what they want would be burden because they may have a long walk home when they are dropped off at a central location, such as the corner gas station.
Brian Sullivan, Palmetto Breeze exec utive director and general manager, said Fill the Need has made a tremendous impact on the passengers.
“They commute about two hours each
way, every day. They don’t even have time to shop,” Sullivan said. “A lot of them just really appreciate the opportunity to come and pick some really nice food for free, take it home to their families, and just gives them sort of a leg up.”
The impact also affects the bus drivers, said Sullivan because their long days also keep them from stopping at any grocery stores.
“A lot of our drivers take advantage of the contributions as well because they deserve to, but they really look forward to Thursdays,” Sullivan said. “In the public transit world, there’s nothing like this. Those other public transits, they’re a very different animal than ours. So it’s really great that we can do something that’s unique. And the drivers really do appreci ate being a part of it.”
Charles Mitchell, chairperson of the Palmetto Breeze board of directors, said the program was absolutely amazing, and the drivers take pride in their contribu tion of driving safely.
Please see NEEDS on page 16A
For that 4:24 a.m. bus in Walterboro, the driver must get up around 3 a.m., Mitchell said. The return trip puts him home closer to 8 p.m.
“So they’re already in a long shift,” said Mitchell. “So far, we’ve been blessed with their safety and their driving, that we’ve been able to get people to work without any accidents. This speaks volumes for the kind of drivers that we have here.”
Mitchell is also proud of the part nership with Second Helpings. “It’s so important because we’re able to give back some token of appreciation,” he said. “So we look forward this giving back every Thursday.”
The tables were covered with a cor nucopia of produce, beautifully set out for the riders, belying the Hub’s earlier appearance.
“It’s all the volunteers who do the hard work, and get it all cleaned up and pret ty,” said Sullivan. “I’m amazed because it’s a jumbled mess at times during the week, but by the time Thursday rolls around, it looks like this: very nice and orderly.”
The impact of the program isn’t limited to the riders and drivers. The volunteers also get something out of their service.
“I do it because of the gift of giving to others and the gifts they give back to us,” said Nancy Calhoun Sullivan. “I get appreciation, enjoyment, joy.”
Kathy O’Donnell said she volunteers to give back to the community. “There are people that need it. And it gives me great joy to be able to provide that,” she said. “And it’s a simple opportunity to volun
teer, and they can receive something they need.”
Resources are almost back to normal, but during COVID it was “extremely dif ficult” and quantity was hard to come by, according to Second Helpings Executive Director Marcus Tanner.
“In every aspect of the word, with re gards to logistics, personnel, staff, grocery stores. There were so many restrictions put on not only the grocery stores, but our clientele, our volunteers,” he said. “There was on average, about 20 to 30 minutes per stop at the grocery stores to pick up (donated food).”
Local restrictions on quantities reduced what the volunteers were able to pick up, Tanner said, which in turn reduced what Second Helpings was able to drop off.
The reduced availability lasted nearly a year. Once a lot of restrictions were released, what Second Helpings noticed was they were still faced with supply chain restrictions.
“Grocery stores are ordering 50 cases of chicken and getting 12. And so what they bring in, in return affects what they push out to us,” said Tanner. “Our grocery stores have just been absolutely amazing in what they’ve done. We’re still at a slight decline compared to where we should be, but our agencies, our staff and our grocery stores are all working together to figure out the best way possible to get the most food to the right people.”
Gwyneth J. Saunders is a veteran journal ist and freelance writer living in Bluffton.
bus filled with excited teens from John Paul II Catholic School in Okatie pulled into the parking lot of St. Gregory the Great Catholic School in Bluffton for a Day of Service Oct. 21 to commemorate the feast of St. John Paul II.
Thirty-eight students clad in bright pink T-shirts filed out of the bus, and several boys carried cases of bottled water. They were all ready to work.
Trott, parish manager, wel comed the students, divided them into three groups, explained their work details and gave them their marching orders. One group went into the school to help stock candles; others cleaned out the attic and made multiple trips to the dumpster. The second group marched outside to weed garden and flower beds, collect
trash and sweep gravel off the parking lot; and the last group was tasked with moving pallets of pavers to an area behind the school garden.
“I think the Day of Service is a good idea and that we should do it more often,” said student worker Angelo Iskandar. “Saint John Paul II is our patron saint, and he had such a big mission of compassion and service. He is a role model for us, so we help people (in order) to follow his legacy. We go out to serve, and getting a little exercise is nice, too.”
In 1978, John Paul made history by becoming the first non-Italian pope in more than 400 years. As the leader of the Catholic Church, he traveled the world, visiting more than 100 coun tries to spread his message of faith and peace.
A vocal advocate for human rights,
John Paul often spoke out about suffering in the world and is credited with the fall of communism in his native Poland.
A number of chaperones accompa nied the teams of students. Not only did they supervise the students, the adults pitched in and worked along side them.
Karen Floyd was a religion teacher at St. Gregory the Great for 13 years and now teaches at St. John Paul II. She is also the girls basketball coach. Her children attend John Paul II Catholic School and are alumni of St. Gregory the Great.
“We are putting faith in action by serving others,” Floyd said. “Today they are living and doing it. We en courage them to be leaders and good stewards in the future.”
John McCarthy, president of John Paul II Catholic School, said their day began with a morning Mass, that the bright pink T-shirts represented unity and shared purpose, and all 332 students spread out into the commu
nity to perform all kinds of service projects.
The middle school students, grades 6-8, stayed on campus at John Paul II for “service to school” by washing windows and school buses, gardening, mulching, making cards for nursing home residents and setting up the ath letic center for a robotics tournament.
For “service to parish,” students in grades 9 and 10 were also sent to St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Beaufort, where they cleaned out two large storage units and assisted the physical education teacher with fun activities.
Students in grades 11 and 12 provided “service to community” throughout Beaufort and Jasper counties. At the Port Royal Maritime Center, they cleared brush, cleaned up the nature trail and collected more than 14 bags of trash. They picked up litter along E. Hazzard Road in Jasper County and cleaned and landscaped the area at the Sister’s House in Hardeeville. At Mercy Mission, they stocked and organized shelves and
Day of Service jobs included the hauling of trash, cleaning out an attic, weeding garden beds, clearing brush, helping teachers, and landscaping chores.
displayed items and donated clothes.
The Feast of St. John Paul II is rec ognized every year on Oct. 22, and for the past three years has been honored as a Day of Service by the students.
McCarthy said that the students of John Paul II Catholic School had always done a lot of service projects, but their work wasn’t known in the community. “Service is one of our core values,” he said, “and we want to make it natural for them to carry this forward in their lives.”
Mcarthy also said that because of increased enrollment – more than 50% in the past two years – they want to reach out to the community to identify additional needs. Any orga nization in Beaufort or Jasper county that would like to benefit from the 2023 Day of Service can call McCar thy at 843-645-3838 to be added to the list of service projects for the next school year.
Edwina Hoyle is a freelance writer in Bluffton.
Majic Stairs allow you to safely access your attic storage space with the touch of a button. Free up garage floor space and add usable square footage to your home.
of the Bluffton
host its annual meeting and Bluff
Branch birthday party Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Eric Crawford will be the speak
on the topic of Gullah spirituals; his presentation will include music.
is the author of “Gullah Spirituals: The Sound of Freedom and Protest in the South Carolina Sea Islands.” He will discuss the history of Gullah Geechee songs from their beginnings in West Africa to the 20th century American South.
Crawford will sign copies of his book at the conclusion of his talk. Special activities for children will be offered in the children’s room.
At 11:45 a.m. all attendees are invited to celebrate the 20th birthday of the Bluffton Library building in the lobby.
The event is free and open to the public.
Also this month is a discussion by Kristen Miller, executive director of the Costume Society of America, of “Gender and the Decorative Arts in Jane Austen’s Novels.” The event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 5 at the library.
Miller will offer a “visual feast” through the gendered aspects of the architecture, decorative arts, interiors and fashion of the Regency Period, as she explores the ways Austen presents these in her novels.
This event is also free and open to the public.
For more information about either event, contact Deborah Barnum at jasnavermont@gmail.com or Debbie Henderson at 843-255-6503, or visit friendsofblufftonlibrary.com.
Restorative
Over
Many
Dr. Heather Hinshelwood
$155,900.
That is how much the members of the 100+ Sun City Women Who Care have poured into the Beaufort and Jasper coun ty communities surrounding Sun City.
Vicki Mack and Andy Hoerner intro duced the idea for the group to Sun City residents at the annual 2017 October club fair after attending a summer meeting of the Bluffton chapter.
The 100+ Women Who Care is a nationwide organization that began in 2006. There are local chapters in Bluffton, Hilton Head Island and Beaufort, and Mack and Hoerner wanted to start one in Sun City.
“We were just so impressed at how organized they were, at how the checks were written, and how they were all turned over to charity, so it was exciting,” Hoerner said after the group had been approved by the Community Association.
To participate in the group, members commit to writing four $100 checks a year to the charity selected at each hourlong quarterly meeting. Members may
nominate their favorite charity by submit ting a form.
If there are more than three organiza tions nominated, the names of the groups go into a hat, three are drawn, and the person nominating each charity has five minutes to talk.
After the presentations, members vote for one of the three and the winner is the recipient of the checks.
Once an organization is selected, it cannot be nominated again for two years. With so many organizations in need, it is not difficult to find deserving recipients, from children’s support organizations to senior citizen programs.
The first recipient was Staying Connect ed, a service organization within Sun City. Sun City required an initial minimum of 40 members in order to be designated a group. There are now 146, according to Mack.
“I think it’s grown by word of mouth. It’s Sun City women contacting Sun City women. I also think it’s because you can see $100 turn into $14,000. It’s huge! You’re part of something bigger than
The Grind Coffee Roasters in Sheridan Park has created a way to enjoy des sert and a fancy beverage on weekend evenings, without taking up a table at a restaurant or driving to Savannah.
Grounded Dessert and Dry Bar is now open on Friday and Saturday nights from 6 to 10:30 p.m. both nights. A grand opening celebration will be held Nov. 18 and 19.
Grounded offers a variety of delectable delights from Baker’s Pride, as well as gluten-, dairy-, soy-, and nut-free desserts (that taste anything but!) from Cappys Farm Fresh Food.
What, you may ask, is a dry bar? The folks at Grounded have crafted a menu of premium cocktails made with zero-proof liquors, herbs, fruits, and mixers – aka mocktails.
Don’t let the lack of alcoholic content stop you. The only proofs that there is no alcohol are: 1.) You can still drive, 2.) You won’t send drunk texts to your ex, and
WOMEN from page 24A
yourself,” said Mack. “I love Sun City, and I am always humbled by women coming together to make such a big difference in our community. It’s one of those things that even when you’re tired you go there and you get so much energy out of what we’re doing. And it hasn’t changed in five years.”
Supplementing donations to the past four recipients has been an additional check of $5,000 from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation. This grant award was made available to the chosen nonprofits through a unique, invita tion-only program of the foundation. Last year, 100+ SC Women Who Care group was invited to submit an application each quarter with information about the charity selected.
“The thing of it is we do this every three months for an hour, and what a differ ence it makes in impacting the commu nity. That’s what I think is really cool,” Mack said. “The fact that we’re well over $10,000 a quarter and now we’re topping another $5,000 over that … it’s amazing.”
The organizations that have received
3.) There’s no hangover. Win-win-win.
Come for the desserts and drinks, and stay for the vinyls, ambience, friendly fac es, and board games. A number of games are available to play, or guests may bring their own to share.
The Grind is located at 1 Sherington Drive, Suite J, just down the sidewalk from the British Open Pub.
Getting grounded never felt so good.
checks from the groups include: Staying Connected, St. Stephens Community Food Bank, Beaufort-Jasper Volunteers in Medicine, Memory Matters, Blue Line Tails, Julie’s Mission, Bluffton Community Soup Kitchen, Hopeful Horizons, Back pack Buddies, Dragonboat Beaufort, PEP Programs for Exceptional People, Family Promise, Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton, LC COVID-19 Response Fund, HELP of Beaufort, Antioch Educational Center, Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, and Second Helpings.
PEP and Dragonboat Beaufort have been selected twice.
100+ SC Women Who Care will celebrate their five years of impacting the community from 4 to 5 p.m. Nov. 14 at Jameson’s Charhouse, followed by the quarterly meeting.
Appetizers, water and a cash bar will be available. Women interested in joining the organization are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Gwyneth J. Saunders is a veteran journal ist and freelance writer living in Bluffton.
By Amy Coyne Bredeson CONTRIBUTOR
This past June, Jennifer and Ray Moon brought their three children to Hilton Head Island for vacation. Two weeks later, they left with one more child.
The Warthen, Georgia, family came earlier than usual for their yearly visit because Jennifer was pregnant with their fourth child. She still had more than a month until her due date, though.
A few days into their vacation, Jenni fer noticed the baby wasn’t moving as much as usual. He had been very active up to that point. Then she started having contractions, which she assumed were false labor pains known as Braxton Hicks contractions.
“This is baby number four,” Jennifer said. “This isn’t anything new.”
The family had planned to visit the Harbour Town Lighthouse that day, then play miniature golf.
Jennifer sat in a rocking chair in the
shade as her family climbed to the top of the lighthouse and back down. She hoped the pains would cease, but they did not.
The family didn’t get to play putt-putt that day. Instead, they went back to the condo for a movie night. Jennifer took a relaxing bath to ease her discomfort, but it did not help. The contractions became more consistent, and it became clear that she needed to go to the hospital.
Ray drove his wife to Hilton Head Hospital, reluctantly leaving her there so he could take care of their three children back at the condo. At 11:30 that night, Jennifer was transferred to Coastal Caro lina Hospital, which had just opened its level-2 special care nursery two months earlier.
Before the new nursery opened, babies born prior to 35 weeks gestation at Hilton Head or Coastal Carolina hospitals had to be transferred to either Savannah or
~ 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.
Charleston for special care. Now, many of those in need can stay local. The new nursery is capable of taking care of infants born as early as 32 weeks gestation and weighing at least 3 pounds, 3 ounces.
According to a press release from Coast al Carolina, the special care nursery has a neonatologist, neonatal nurse practi tioners, level-2 registered nurses, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists and lactation consultants.
An OB-GYN certified in responding to obstetrical and gynecological emergencies and an anesthesiologist are available 24 hours a day.
The hospital has a suite reserved for C-section deliveries, Couplet Care bassi nets, and support for women who want a natural birth.
Jennifer was already planning to have the baby via C-section.
“It went off without a hitch,” she said. “And Fletcher was born at 1:48 a.m.” The baby weighed 6 pounds, 3 ounces.
After Jennifer’s surgery was complete, her blood pressure began to plummet, and she started crashing.
“So my husband gets a phone call, asking him if it’s OK to give me blood transfusions and to do a CT scan,” Jenni fer said. “‘Oh, and by the way, you have
a son.’”
The CT scan revealed that Jennifer was profusely bleeding internally. Ray got another phone call, asking for permission
After living 50 years on Hilton Head Island, David and Nancy Ames have cultivated deep roots in our community. David, a land planner, developed Long Cove Club during Hilton Head’s early days. In 2016 he was elected to town council. They’ve both invested their invaluable talent, along with countless hours, to nonprofit boards and volunteer activities.
They wanted a way to continue to support the community after they’re gone. They found it at the Community Foundation.
As members of our Legacy Society, they’ve named the Community Foundation as part
of their estate plan. Why? “We want to create a safety net for our community, and an endowment at the Community Foundation does that,” David says. Nancy agrees, “Building the Community Foundation into our estate plan allows us to continue to invest in the community we love, even after we’re gone.”
Their love of our community shines in all they do now and, through our Legacy Society, that light will continue to shine for years and years to come.
What will you endow for future generations? Let’s start a conversation today.
to give his wife more transfusions and to perform a hysterectomy.
When the team began to operate, they realized that Jennifer’s uterus had rup tured on the back side. She received eight units of blood, four units of platelets and two units of plasma.
Unfortunately, all the blood pumping through her left hand led to two superfi cial blood clots in her upper left arm, and she had to be transferred to Savannah to make sure nothing vascular was going on.
But before Jennifer was transferred, the team at Coastal Carolina made sure she got to meet her new baby.
“That team was just amazing,” Jennifer said. “They did everything they possibly could. They took … my son’s little bed and all of his wires and everything that was connected to him and rolled him down to me in ICU so I could see him before I was transferred.”
Jennifer got to spend five minutes with Fletcher before being taken to Savannah, where she stayed for the next 36 hours.
Please see PREEMIE on page 30A
Unfortunately, when she made it back to Coastal Carolina, she was readmitted to the emergency room because her sur geons were concerned about the amount of pain she was still experiencing.
Thankfully, she was only there for a couple of hours, and all was soon right with the world, when Jennifer was finally able to spend some quality time with her newborn son.
Jennifer can’t say enough about the staff at Coastal Carolina. She said surgeons Dr. Brooke Gaspari and Dr. Lynn Norton took great care of her, and the nursery staff kept Fletcher safe and comfortable.
The staff even took care of the rest of her family when they arrived. When Ray first got to the hospital to meet his new son, he had the three older children with him until family members were able to get there to help. Jennifer said the staff gave the kids teddy bears and coloring packets, fed them, and made sure they weren’t scared.
She said the staff even allowed the couple to stay in a room in the labor
and delivery ward so they could be with Fletcher until he was released.
“The nurses, the doctors, the NPs, the custodial staff, everybody was amazing,” Jennifer said. “They just took us in, and we were part of their family for 10 days, and it felt like we had been there forever.”
Fletcher is now five months old. He has had a few minor issues but is thriving.
“We now call him Squish because he’s just a big, old chunky baby getting fat off of Mama’s milk and loving life,” Jennifer said.
The Moons are already planning their next vacation to Hilton Head. They look forward to stopping by the hospital to say hello to the team that they called family for the first 10 days of their youngest child’s life.
And this time, they will make sure to get to the miniature golf course for some putt-putt.
Amy Coyne Bredeson of Bluffton is a free lance writer, a mother of two and a volunteer with the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance.
(Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of articles about the evolution of the music scene on Hilton Head Island and, eventually, in Bluffton.)
By the late 1980s, the Lowcountry music vibe was evolving from a resort ballroom scene full of high-paid, ca reer-twilight crooners to a thriving rock scene with musicians planting roots on Hilton Head Island.
Spots like The Earle of Sandwich, Wild Wing Cafe, the Grog & Galley, Remy’s and the Old Post Office sprung up, serving as a rock incubator that birthed local music celebrities like The Mundahs, and became a must-play locale for up-and-comers like Hootie & The Blowfish.
Money was flowing readily in a booming real estate economy and a
growing island population. Musicians tried being businessmen, with a slew of them opening their own clubs. David Wingo, one of the early faves of Dick Mariotte’s “Talk of the Town” column in the twice-weekly Hilton Head News, was one of the few that proved able to juggle both hats – creating an epicenter of lyrical creativity in the late ’80s. These are all names and plotlines at the backbone of music history, but one legend we missed in our kickoff of this series was John “The Mayor” Brackett. We heard tales from so many of you of the legendary Monday night jams at Big Rocco’s, where Brackett first held court. Jazz was the island’s calling card for much of the ’80s – the roots of the rock evolution – thanks to pioneers like Freddy Cole and Bobby Ryder.
Brackett came to the island in 1989 from Virginia with his girlfriend for a
visit that evolved as a back-up plan. The mechanic-by-day, musician-by-night finally had a week off, and the couple were scheduled to travel to Newburyp ort. Massachusetts. When a snowstorm threw off those plans, his girlfriend’s half-brother on Hilton Head invited the couple to housesit while he headed to France for the summer.
“He really undersold this house. No windows, screened in, but it’s on the water. We got here, and it was just paradise. We knew we were staying,” Brackett said. “I was making a living as a photographer and an auto mechanic, but music was the passion. I played piano but trombone was my main jam to begin when I was playing traditional jazz. When we got to the island, my eyes just lit up with the possibilities and I just started hitting all the clubs and getting to know folks.”
One of the first folks he befriended was Bill Barnwell. The piano man was a key cog in growing the burgeoning jazz scene on the island. The Hilton Head Jazz Society formed in 1986, led by legends like Bob Masteller and the Bay Street Stompers, with jam nights at spots like Top of the Isle and Fratello’s. Barnwell was both a musical anchor (alongside bassists Delbert Felix, Ben Tucker and Teddy Adams) but was also a social connector for many of the
talented newcomers.
“I was Bill’s chauffeur at first,” Brack ett said. “When we weren’t heading to gigs in his boat, I’d drive him to the Fratello’s gigs. That was where Santa Fe Café is now, and they became a place where musicians would come to jam late into the night.”
Late in 1989, a buzz was making the rounds that Rainer Geingross was taking his profits from the sale of Café Europa, and that he and wife Olga were opening a new spot, Big Rocco’s (the site of Nick’s Seafood today on Park Lane).
The very opening of the joint got Geingross sued for breaking a five-year non-compete clause he signed when he sold Café Eurora, but the brash en trepreneur missed the nightlife action enough to pay the legal fees.
“They were looking for a house band, and so I jumped in and applied to be the leader,” Brackett said. “I got the gig and Darryl Horne joined up. We built a following and carved a spot onto the music calendar.”
What took Brackett and his Prime Time Band from popular to legendary came by accident.
“Mondays was our dark night, but we were always hanging around before
from
32A
going to check out other bands and shows. One Monday, we got asked to play a few songs and we obliged.”
Those “few songs” turned into a jam session that spawned an integral part of the early ’90s island scene: the Monday night jam at Rocco’s.
Musicians and their groupies are notorious for foggy memories, especial ly when it comes to the height of the “Snow Island” era where cocaine and its accomplices were as plentiful as the ocean water along our shores. But fans remember Big Rocco’s Mondays vividly for the non-stop party atmosphere.
“The locals showed up every Monday night and it was a party because ev eryone knew it was going to be great,” said long-time resident Terry Bergeron. “Most of the local musicians and theater folks from the Playhouse (later the Arts Center) were off on Mondays, so they showed up to jam or sing with the band.”
Julie Mariotte, Dick’s daughter, wouldn’t miss a Monday.
“You just never knew what or who
you were going to see,” she said.
“John always made it fun,” said fellow music fan Holly Hoover. “It was just always an event, always something we knew would deliver.”
Brackett said it was far from him alone.
“We invited so many musicians and they all came. The first three to play would get 75 bucks, but it was free beer for musicians and free pizza at midnight,” Brackett said. He said the place could hold 300 people, but others remember even bigger crowds that war ranted monitoring by the fire marshals.
Brackett, always one to pass on praise to others, said musicians like Bob Alber ti, Sterlin Colvin and, in the later years, Martin Lesch, made it truly special.
“Such talents, all of them. We’d get the touring bands that would play The Jazz Corner that would come over after their sets. We’d get musicians from Savannah, Charleston. They all wanted to be in on it,” he said. “We had this guitarist from Detroit that was incredi ble. We had John Mellencamp’s drum
mer, Kenny Aronoff, sit in a bunch. Edwin McCain – just so many. We were blessed.”
The jams also attracted celebrities that enjoyed the mix of off-the-beaten path action and an anything-goes vibe that made it a welcome hideaway. Sylvester Stallone, Michael Jordan, Chris Farley, Arsenio Hall and Isaiah Thomas were just some of the names folks were will ing to name.
“I mean, I’m not a name dropper, and the anonymity is what they enjoyed. They liked music and they could just vibe like a groupie, like a nobody. I mean, a nobody with a bodyguard, but still, just one of us,” said one of the regulars in the Monday jams.
Big Rocco’s run lasted for eight years until Gerngross sold the place to the Huge Seafood Company.
“It was a different thing. I think I last ed three months after the sale,” Brackett said. He went on to concentrate on growing his photography business and his family. The key tickler later returned to playing regular gigs when the Blue
Night opened and has been playing island gigs ever since – the latest a 13-year-long Wednesday night residen cy at Redfish.
Oh, and he’s also been a charter captain for the past 16 years and runs Sweet Pea Fishing. (Stop hogging all the professions, Mayor.)
But you never forget your first. And for Brackett, Big Rocco’s was the ulti mate.
“It was a heckuva run,” he said with a smile. “We had some fun. A whole lot of fun.”
Fans like Bergeron agree wholeheart edly and are thankful to Brackett and to have been witness to the magic melo dies.
“It was a special moment in time in the history of music on Hilton Head Island,” Bergeron said. “There was noth ing quite like it before and I don’t think there ever will be again.”
Tim Wood is a veteran journalist based in Bluffton. Contact him at timwood@ blufftonsun.com.
During October, the Mallory family in Shell Hall decorates their front yard with two skeletons, posing them in a different position every day. For Oct. 21-23, they worked with Bluffton Self Help to use Bob and Bobette to request donations of food and hygiene. Neighbors responded generously.
The 51st annual Bluffton Christmas Parade, hosted by the Town of Bluffton, will step off at 10 a.m. Dec. 3 at Town Hall, proceeding through Old Town and ending at Red Cedar Elementary School.
On Dec. 2, Bluffton’s Tree Lighting ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Martin Family Park, followed by Santa’s Workshop at DuBois Park’s Pavilion. A screening of “The Grinch” will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Martin Family Park. Attendees should bring blankets or chairs for seating.
“The Town’s Christmas tree lighting, Santa’s workshop and movie night is the official kickoff to the holiday season, fol lowed by the Bluffton Christmas Parade the next morning,” said Mayor Lisa Sulka. “It is Bluffton’s way to usher in the holiday season complete with lights, music and getting together with your neighbors.”
Known in some circles as the nation’s most eccentric Christmas parade, the event has been a part of Bluffton tradition for more than five decades. Due to the com munity’s growth, public and personal safety remains the event’s most important priority.
New rules, detailed in the Christmas Parade application, will be enforced to ensure safety for all.
Highlights of new rules are:
• Parade entries will be considered on
a first come, first serve basis, with a limit of 125 entries for the 2022 parade. It is advised to submit applications as soon as it is completed.
• The town is asking parade entrants to
give a donation to the Bluffton Lutzie 43 Charitable Fund, in lieu of a parade entry fee. Donations will help fund scholarships for Bluffton’s students as well as support the town’s safe driving campaign, to reduce/ eliminate vehicle causalities and fatalities in our town.
• Throwing of candy or any item from parade vehicle or float is prohibited. Partic ipants are allowed to walk alongside their parade entry and distribute items to crowd hand-to-hand to the spectators.
• Spectators will not be allowed to run into the streets to grab items.
• Applications are due Nov. 11. To apply, visit townofbluffton/sc/gov and click on Res idents, and 2022 Christmas Parade. Hard copies of the application are available at the front desk at Town Hall, 20 Bridge St.
For more information, and to send completed applications, email Lyndee Simoneaux, special events manager at tob christmasparade@townofbluffton.com.
The event will only be canceled if the Town of Bluffton deems weather conditions as unsafe.
Rainbow flags, umbrellas, balloons and attire are expected to set a colorful tone for the annual Lowcountry Pride Parade and Celebration set to kick off at 10 a.m. Nov. 5 at Bluffton’s Oscar Frazier Park, 10 Recre ation Court.
“Lowcountry Pride is excited to again hold this event that brings together our LGBTQ+ and ally community to celebrate the diversity of Beaufort County,” said cochair Darion Allen.
“The level of excitement is high since this event is what we build to throughout the year,” said Angela Wright, co-chair. “We’ve expanded some of our offerings.”
The parade line up will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the park, and everyone is welcome to join in. Costumes are encouraged, and no registration is required.
The route exits the park on Eighth Avenue, proceeds down Shults Road, then along Hildebrand and Dr. Mellichamp Drive to the Promenade. From there, the parade will turn right onto the sidewalk along May River Road, and back up Shults to return to the park.
The festival will begin as parade par ticipants return around noon. The family friendly celebration will include food and retail vendors, a kid zone area with bounce houses, face painting for all, live music and other entertainment, a silent auction, as well as nonprofit and educational booths. Low country Pride merchandise will be available
for sale as well.
New this year is a judgment-free table where people can go to learn, understand and ask questions about the LGBTQ com munity.
Allen said last year’s parade and festival was held at Oyster Factory Park over two days.
“We had about 750 people show up across both days last year, even with Covid,” he said, “so we had a great turnout.”
The planning committee hopes to build the event up going forward.
“Our first year, we had about 1,000 peo ple come out in June 2019 at our inaugural event,” Allen said. “With us back at Oscar Frazier Park this year, we’ll have a lot of space for a lot of people!”
Allen encourages anyone interested to vis it the website, lowcountrypride.org, to learn more about the organization, support its other activities, and donate to help support its programs.
Yearly activities include support groups for parents of LGBTQ+ children and people in transition, community building events, educational panels and other support for the LGBTQ+ community across the Low country, Allen said. “We are also looking for volunteers to help us year-round,” he said.
For more information and a map of the complete parade route, visit lowcoun trypride.org.
• The next Words & Art workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 5 in Old Town Bluffton. Participants should meet at Corner Perk, 1297 May River Road in the Promenade.
Artist Polly Rowles and writer Cindy Sturgis will lead participants in creative exercises, focusing on Art and Soul, at two locations, Red Piano Art Gallery and Wright Family Park.
The peaceful retreat is designed to spark one’s inner creativity.
Registration is $20 per person. For more information and to reserve a spot, email Sturgis at cindysturgis@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page Words & Art.
• The Mobile Education Exhibit for Wreaths Across America will make a stop in Beaufort County Nov. 6 from noon to 5:30 p.m. as part of its national tour.
The exhibit will be at the Beaufort County Administration Building in the Robert Smalls Complex, 100 Ribaut Road, Beaufort.
The mobile exhibit serves as a museum
on wheels, educating visitors about the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes.
Wreaths Across America is a nonprof it organization best known for placing wreaths on the headstones of veterans in national cemeteries throughout the coun try, including Beaufort National Cemetery. In 2021, the organization and volunteers placed more than 2.4 million sponsored wreaths at more than 3,100 participating locations.
The exhibit is free and open to the pub lic. For more information, visit wreathsac rossamerica.org.
• The next monthly luncheon meeting of Liberal Men of the Lowcountry will begin at noon Nov. 9 at the Country Club of Hilton Head.
Guest speaker is Margaret Walden from the South Carolina Council on the Holo caust.
Cost for the luncheon is $27. Non-mem bers who are considering joining the orga nization are welcome to come, but must email bew_50@hotmail.com in advance.
• The Beaufort Sportfishing and Diving Club will meet Nov. 20 at the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club on Lady’s Island off Meridian Road. The social begins at 6:30 p.m. with the meeting beginning at 7 p.m.
Guest speaker is Ryan Yaden, DNR director of the South Carolina Artificial Reef Program. He will discuss the history of this successful program, with updates on the reef from Edisto to Hilton Head White Water Reef, including new coordinates.
Guests are welcome. Reservations not required. For more information, contact Capt. Frank Gibson at 843-522-2122 or fgibson@islc.net.
• The American Legion Alexander Wattay Post 185 and the Military Veterans Coalition of Hilton Head Island will host the 2022 Veterans Day Remembrance Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 11 at Shelter Cove Veterans Memorial Park.
In the event of rain, the ceremony will be moved to the sanctuary of St Andrew by the Sea, 20 Pope Ave.
The keynote speaker for the ceremony
is Joe McNamara, a member of the board of directors of Operation Patriots FOB in Ridgeland.
The Hilton Head Choral Society, under the leadership of Dr. Dustin Ousley, will perform several patriotic numbers includ ing our National Anthem and the Armed Forces Salute.
The color guard will be provided by the ROTC from Hilton Head Island High School.
For more information, contact Warren Graves a 843-342-6322 or warrenagraves@ hotmail.com.
• The monthly Palm Trees & Pistons car show will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 12 at Sea Turtle Marketplace on Hil ton Head Island, in the parking lot of the former SteinMart store.
The show will feature vintage, antique, exotic, muscle and unique cars owned by area locals.
Any car owner who would like to display
Please see NOTEWORTHY on page 38A
their vehicles are welcome to bring them for show and tell, and to meet others of like mind.
The show is held the second Saturday of each month and is free and open to the public.
• The annual Holiday Craft and Bake Sale, sponsored by the Hilton Head Plan tation Crafters, will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 12 at Christ Lutheran Church, 829 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island.
Hundreds of unique handmade items and home-baked goods will be available for sale.
The Crafters group began in 1980, when a group of women living in Hilton Head Plantation pooled their talents and supplies to raise money for local charities.
In 1995, the group partnered with Hospice Care of the Lowcountry and began holding their annual craft and bake sales with all proceeds supporting the nonprofit hospice. Since then, the Crafters have gen erated more than $275,000 in donations
for Hospice Care.
In addition to a variety of baked goods, items for sale include home decor, apparel, accessories, children’s toys and clothing, pet items, stationery and cards, and holiday decor and gifts.
Admission is free. Come early for the best selection. All proceeds benefit Hospice Care of the Lowcountry.
• Long time Hilton Head Island resident and two-time Grand Slam champion Stan Smith will be the featured speaker during the Athletic Club of the Lowcountry meeting on Nov. 14 at Lord of Life Luther an Church, 351 Buckwalter Parkway.
An informal reception will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by Smith’s presentation at 7 p.m.
Smith won the 1971 U.S. Open and was crowned Wimbledon champion in 1972. He also teamed with Bob Lutz to win four additional doubles Grand Slam champi onships. Smith has a career record of 558 wins and 201 losses. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in
1987 and has served as President of the Hall since 2011.
Contact Judy Barry at golfmates202@ gmail.com if you plan to attend.
• Swing into the holiday season with the new Hilton Head Big Band at its benefit dinner dance at the Hilton Head Island Beach and Tennis Resort from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 17. Proceeds go to support mu sic education for young local musicians.
The all-volunteer band, consisting of 19 musicians and five vocalists, will be per forming dance music of the ’60s through today.
Tickets are $10 each. An optional full buffet dinner is available for $20 per per son. A cash bar will also be provided.
Tickets for the concert are available on Eventbrite. Tickets for the buffet dinner can be purchased at the door.
• America’s Boating Club Hilton Head presents Deck the Hulls, a Christmas Boat Parade, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3 in Port Royal Sound.
The parade route will begin at Port Royal Sound, proceed along Skull Creek to Hil ton Head Harbor RV Resort & Marina, and return to end at Safe Harbor-Skull Creek Marina.
The event is free and open to public viewing.
The evening will feature an established fleet of local watercraft, in all shapes and sizes, “decked out” in dramatic light dis plays, costumed crews, special effects, and other creative holiday decorations.
Participating boats will compete for prizes and dazzle spectators as they cruise along Skull Creek.
Parade-goers can enjoy the parade from many ideal viewing locations including Skull Creek waterfront restaurants and marinas, the Rowing and Sailing Center at Squire Pope Community Park, Dolphin Head, and Fort Mitchel. It’s also anticipated that residents along Skull Creek will be hosting private viewing parties to experi ence the evening with friends and family.
For more information, visit abchh.org/ deckthehulls.
At the Oct. 4 Board of Education meet ing, the Citizen-Led Oversight Committee (CLOC) was recognized by the South Caro lina School Boards Association (SCSBA) as a Champion for Public Education. This award is presented to community residents, or ganizations or businesses/industries whose support and contributions have significantly benefited public schools.
In 2019 Superintendent Frank Rodriguez announced the formation of a citizen-led oversight committee to monitor all building, schedules, budgets and expenditures from the newly approved $344 million school bond referendum by Beaufort County voters – the largest bond referendum in the district’s history. As the community gave the school district an overwhelming demonstra tion of support, Rodriguez felt it essential to keep taxpayers’ confidence by having an independent citizens group track referen dum project progress.
“When initially established, CLOC was viewed as a new and innovative approach for the Beaufort County School District,” said Rodriguez. “The CLOC has since prov en that there is talent in Beaufort County that can be leveraged to help public schools, build confidence in the community, and
ensure the district is doing its best by pro viding state of the art schools and security for our students, teachers, and staff in a transparent and accountable way.”
The committee’s independence is essen tial, as taxpayers trust them as watchful and effective monitors because they are not affiliated with the district, contractors, or architects. The CLOC combs through docu ments, reviews spreadsheets and blueprints, and walks construction sites to lay their own eyes on what is happening. After this, they put together their own independent analysis and report back to the community.
“The CLOC is relatable to voters as independent taxpayers themselves serving as watchdogs over the district’s 262 projects at 36 schools,” said SCSBA officer Jamie Devine.
The founding CLOC members, Ted Bar ber, Michael McNally, David Ames, Derrick Coaxum, Carlton Dallas, Kim Fleming, Ron Groteluschen, Richard Tritschler, and Ray Warco, all of whom served in a volunteer capacity donating countless hours of their time and expertise, bring a wide variety of professional capabilities to their monitoring tasks as a diverse group of individuals with varying backgrounds and knowledge.
From old businesses with new owners to new businesses in new places, we have much to discuss.
Rohland takes over Village Pasta Shoppe: There are changes afoot just down the sidewalk from our office on Johnston Way in Bluffton Village. Leslie Rohland, owner of The Cottage Café and the Juice Hive, has taken over ownership of The Village Pasta Shoppe. The Bluffton pasta pavilion and Italian gourmet food market celebrated its grand re-opening Nov. 1.
“We are so excited to be continuing the tradition of bringing the taste of Italy to the Lowcountry through our fresh gourmet pasta, artisanal ingredients and take-home ‘heat-n-serve’ pasta dishes that have long been loved by so many in the community,” said Rohland, who is also the founder of May River Coffee Roasters and owner of The Emporium and Sidecar
Catering – which features personal cater ing services featuring her award-winning cuisine.
“I am thrilled to be the new owner of this beloved gourmet pasta shop,and am excited to not only be continuing the tradition of the highest quality pastas, ingredients and food items, but bringing some new and unique menu items, prod ucts and programs like our PASTAport to the Bluffton community.”
Their fresh cut pastas and homemade “heat-n-serve” pastas are all made fresh daily with their homemade marinara sauce and available in various sizes. The shop also offers a large selection of artisan breads, antipasti, cheese, cured Italian meats, desserts and wine. And customers have long lauded the selection of Italian gourmet food products not found on local supermarket shelves.
For more information and to view the takeout menu, visit villagepastashoppe. com.
New boutique indoor playspace opens: We told you about a trampoline park coming to the area in the coming months, but there is a new option for parents of young ones open at Tanger Outlets 1. Jumpin’ Jellybeans (1256 Fording Island Road, Suite 175, Bluff ton, 843-929-0231, jumpinjellybean shiltonhead.com) is all about the ball bit. No bounce houses, no trampolines, just one of the largest ball pits in South Carolina, a designated toddler area and fun obstacles for kids up to 10 years old. The family-owned business is focused on parent satisfaction and the cleanest and most state-of-the-art fun for your kids. Plus, there is a CoolBeans Café for the parents to sip on hot and free coffee while the kids get their ball pit time.
The CAVA transformation is com plete: A few buildings down at the front of Tanger 1, Cava Grill officially opened its doors Oct. 14. GM Jay Isakson is excited to welcome former Zoe’s Kitchen diners and newcomers to sample the new Mediterranean-focused chef-ca sual restaurant. Area foodies know the Cava brand from their line of dips and spreads sold in area specialty food stores and at Whole Food Market. The grow ing eatery chain started among three friends from three loud Greek families in Maryland and has expanded nation wide to more than 80 locations. This is the first lower Lowcountry location and the chain’s third in South Carolina. The concept is simple eating, a you-buildyour-meal eatery where you choose your ingredients from a base (salad greens, a pita, rice or a grain bowl), choose your dips and spreads (six different choices, including the spicy tomato and pepper harissa spread, our fave), pick a protein (falafel, lamb meatballs, honey chicken, grilled chicken or meatballs, or braised lamb) and then complete with toppings and dressings. For more information, visit cava.com.
High-end steakhouse opens on island: Bowdie’s Chophouse, a high-end steakhouse, has opened in Island Cross ing at 11 Palmetto Bay Road. Bowdie’s earned a reputation for elegance and epic steaks at its three locations in Michi
gan. While the eatery has a selection of starters and a trio of fish and chicken options and add-ons such as lobster tail, the star of the show is the steak. They offer six choices – the 18-ounce Kansas City, bone-in 14-ounce filet, a 10-ounce filet mignon, a 26-ounce Cowboy ribeye, a 36-ounce Tomahawk for two, and a gargantuan 40-ounce, bone-in tenderloin and strip steak in one. For more infor mation and to make reservations, visit bowdiechophouse.com.
Soules expands to Bar 19: Under ground Burritos owner James Soules was golfing at the newly opened Island West one afternoon when he noticed the 40 Island West Drive clubhouse restaurant space was still vacant. That changed very quickly. Soules talked to course management and quickly struck a deal to take over the space. Within weeks, he transformed the clubhouse into Bar 19 at Island West.
“Getting the course back open, it’s huge for the community. So I talked with Joe Walters and we made this happen. These folks, they fought hard for this and they deserve a place all their own,” Soules said. “We’re open to the public, but first and foremost, we’re here to hon or the blood, sweat and tears that went into bringing Island West back to life.”
The idea was to bring a bit of Under ground Burritos along with unique items from Soules’ culinary Rolodex culled from decades of opening eateries across the Lowcountry.
Bar 19 features a lunch menu with golfers’ favorites like the pimento cheese sandwich and grilled chicken Caesar wrap, sandwiches (the French dip is spectacular) and a selection of UG’s award-winning quesadillas. The dinner menu features a lump crab cake start er, featured dinners like penne vodka, shrimp and rice, and blackened chicken and pasta.
The eatery has already built a follow ing with their Taco Tuesday menu and their Wing Wednesday specials. For more information, visit bar19bluffton. com
Tim Wood is a veteran journalist based in Bluffton. Contact him at timwood@ blufftonsun.com.
The Beaufort County Information Tech nology Department currently is hosting a cybersecurity student internship program with USCB. Student interns are getting re al-world experience working as IT security analysts with Beaufort County.
The internship program provides a tailored work experience that meets local governments’ current and future workforce needs.
The program includes expectations of a strong work ethic, communication, inter personal, and computer science\cyber-secu rity skills. Each intern will receive periodic performance reviews as well as peer reviews.
Candidates for the positions are select ed by USCB staff and will go through the onboarding process with Beaufort Coun ty. The length of the internship is based upon the availability of the intern. This is a paid position and interns will be paid an agreed-upon rate of the work performed, and are considered part-time employees.
USCB offers a Bachelor of Science in information science and technology with concentration in cybersecurity for careers in
technical areas related to the field of cyber security. This degree aligns with a course of study required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. National Security Agency in order for USCB to be officially designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
USCB is a primary academic partner with the South Coast Cyber Center, a nonprofit partnership that includes the Technical College of the Lowcountry, the Beaufort Digital Corridor, the city of Beaufort and the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation, along with business leaders.
The South Coast Cyber Center aims to help recent graduates, exiting military personnel, and members of the local com munity attain high-paying jobs by deliver ing affordable and relevant cybersecurity education and training.
“Cybersecurity education is a critical component of the cybersecurity ecosys tem. The quality, depth, and diversity of its educational programming work towards creat¬ing a cyber-aware population,” said Assistant County Administrator Patrick Hill.
“Giving students experience in protecting and securing a complex local government infrastructure is a great pathway to increase the cyber workforce development within Beaufort County.”
Working in a real-world environment helps cyber students understand the securi ty challenges and threats facing infrastruc tures today. Internships help students learn about their capabilities, and ultimately en courages them to understand their strengths and weaknesses better.
“Internships are invaluable to the student
and Beaufort County,” said Shakeeya Polite, IT director-systems management. “Getting on-the-job experience is invaluable for the student. It allows the county, as a potential future employer, to guide students and help them expand their skills and experience in the workplace. With cyber security as the fastest growing career field, Beaufort County is uniquely positioned to develop a pool of qualified future employees.”
Internships equip students with more than just technical skills: business and technical knowledge are also necessary. People skills, such as a collaborative work ethic, learning to be a team player, working under pressure, and knowing why deadlines matter, are also developed.
There are numerous internship oppor tunities available with Beaufort County. The Communication Services and Legal Departments are also collaborating with local colleges and universities with a student internship program.
For more information about securing an internship, visit beaufortcountysc.gov/hu manresources or call 843-255-2990.
Having a clear vision of achieving your win can benefit many facets of life.
By Tom Henz CONTRIBUTOR
Earlier this year I was out for a jog when I ran past someone wearing a T-shirt that read “What’s Your Why?” I was curious and came to find out this phrase is a popular topic that has you consider your life’s purpose, inspiration, motivation . . . what makes you, you.
In the business world, this would be called your mission statement. The mission statement is typically followed by a vision statement that establishes an organization’s future direction and desired destination. Perhaps the T-shirt version of your vision statement could be “Where’s Your Win?”
All successful organizations start with a mission and vision, then they craft a strate gic plan to achieve their win. The same can work for you.
Let’s develop a plan for Me, Inc.
Start with your Why (mission) and your Win (vision), because it’s hard to chart a course if you don’t know where you are and where you want to go. You can find articles, books and videos to help you devise your Why and your Win, but in the final analysis they are as unique as you are. It might take some time and self-reflection.
With your Why and your Win estab lished, it’s time to develop your plan in six steps:
Step 1. Determine your present situation:
education, career, connections, finances, family, interests, experiences, challenges and your Why. This will be where you’ll begin your journey.
Step 2. Identify opportunities and threats you may encounter on the way to Win.
Step 3. Brainstorm bridges. Consider all the possible ways you can think of to span the divide from where you are today to where you want to go, being mindful of the potential obstacles and opportunities along the way. This step works best with multiple viewpoints. Enlist a diverse group of close confidants.
Step 4. Evaluate all the possible alterna tives, then select the best bridge to get to your destination (the best way to Win!).
Step 5. Now build that bridge. Corpora tions build their bridges using goals, strat egies and tactics. To simplify, let’s build the bridge for Me, Inc. using guideposts instead – think what needs to be accomplished, how, and when. A short bridge can typi cally be built with three to four guideposts; longer ones may take five or six.
Step 6. You have assessed where you are today and where you want to be tomorrow, and you built the bridge using guideposts to get you there. Now it’s time to execute. Cross that bridge on your way to Win. Then buy the T-shirt!
Tom Henz is an adjunct professor at USCB, as well as director and facilitator of the school’s Center for Strategic Planning. uscb.edu/csp
The Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association (HBA) is pleased to announce Coastal States Bank as the 2022 Presenting Sponsor of the Annual LightHouse Awards. Pictured from left are Meg James, executive officer for HHA Home Builders Association; Coastal States Bank branch team leader Mark Brittman; Lowcountry Regional President Diana McDougall; Mortgage Loan Officer Lisa Henry; Ric Spiehs, president of Coastal States Mortgage; and Lighthouse Awards chairman Dan Monroe. 2022 LightHouse Award win ners will be announced at the 23rd annual gala Nov. 18 at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort. For more information visit hhahba.com.
and owner of a number of Bluffton’s most established busi nesses, was honored by the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce with the 2022 Inaugural Women in Business Award. The
was created to recognize women in business who have demonstrated exception al growth, change and impact in the Greater Bluffton area.
The award was presented to Rohland at the Bluffton Chamber’s inaugural Women in Business Luncheon held Oct. 13 at Venue 1223.
Rohland is the owner of The Cottage Café, Bakery & Tea Room; The Juice Hive; The Emporium; Sidecar Catering; and May River Coffee Roasters, all in Old Town Bluff ton. Her newest enterprise is Village Pasta, scheduled to open in November.
Rohland was selected based on her longtime role in helping to grow, change and impact the Greater Bluffton area, her commitment to “giving back” to the com munity through her philanthropic works and donations to many local causes, and for her leadership as a woman who embodies a
successful entrepreneur and business owner in the Greater Bluffton area.
“We are so happy to honor Leslie for her longtime business leadership and commit ment to the community, and thrilled to pres ent her with the 2022 Inaugural Women in Business award,” said Natalie Osterman, CEO of the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.
For more information about the Greater Bluffton 2022 Inaugural Women in Business Award, visit blufftonchamberofcommerce. org.
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a lifetime estate planning tool that allows you to appoint and authorize someone (agent) to act on your behalf in the event you become incapacitated. Your unavailability can be due to several reasons but is most commonly a result of you becom ing sick or disabled, either temporarily or permanently.
affairs; collect your debts; manage your business; buy or sell things such as per sonal property and real estate, etc.; make banking transactions; file a lawsuit on your behalf; make gifts on your behalf.
• Who should I choose as a POA?
There are various traits to consider when selecting an agent (or agents). Your agent is a fiduciary and owes a duty of loyalty to you. Consider selecting some one who is 1. trustworthy, 2. able and available, and 3. close in proximity.
• When does a POA take effect and how long does it last?
comprehensive and usually gives your agent all the powers and rights that you have. This type of POA may grant your agent the powers to sign documents for you, pay your bills, and conduct other financial transactions. A General POA ends upon your death or if you become incapacitated.
may be presented with some challenges with this type of POA.
• Can a POA be canceled?
Yes – this is called revoking the POA. To revoke a POA, a notice will need to be provided to the agent(s), and if the POA has been recorded, a notice of revocation should also be filed.
Jada L. GainesIt is not a requirement to have a POA, but without one, you and your family could find yourselves in a bind during an unexpected occurrence.
Here are some suggestions to consider:
• What can I authorize an agent or agents to do? Manage your financial
There are several different types of POAs that can be used for different purposes. Typically, there are four main types: Limited. Gives authority to someone for a very limited purpose. For example, to attend and handle a real estate closing. A Limited POA usually contains a specific end date.
General. A General POA is very
Durable. A Durable POA can be either general or limited in scope. The differ ence between a Durable POA and a Gen eral POA is that a Durable POA remains in effect even after you become incapaci tated. It is meant to be effective upon the date that you sign and remain in effect during your lifetime unless you revoke the POA prior to becoming incapacitated. Springing. A Springing POA doesn’t become effective until you are incapaci tated. A triggering event must occur, al lowing the agent to step in. The standards determining incapacity and the trigger ing event must be clearly defined and outlined in a Springing POA. Your family
• What is the alternative if I don’t have a POA and become incapacitated?
Without a POA, your family may likely have to file a “guardianship” or seek conservatorship. Your family or loved ones will have to seek authority from the court and request that the court appoint a guardian over you, which is very tedious and expensive.
It is important that you give your loved ones the tools selected by you, to help you if or when you cannot help yourself.
Jada L. Gaines is an associate attorney with Elder Law & Estate Planning Center in Bluffton. hiltonheadelderlaw.com
To increase the availability of urgent care in Beaufort County and beyond, Beaufort Memorial Express Care & Occupational Health has added another certi fied physician assistant to its clinical team.
Amanda Piolata, PA-C, brings extensive experience in providing urgent and primary care to both adults and children, having served for five years as a physician assistant at OhioHealth Urgent Care in Gahanna/Reynoldsburg, a suburb of Columbus.
Earlier she worked in the same capacity at CardioMetabolic Health in nearby Wester ville, where before becoming a physician assistant she had been an exercise physiol ogist.
The Columbus native earned a Master of
Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Ohio Dominican University and a Bachelor of Science in exercise science from The Ohio State University, both in Columbus.
A longtime fan of the Lowcountry, Piolata began vacationing on Hilton Head Island when she was in the sixth grade.
At Beaufort Memorial Express Care & Occupational Health, board-certified physi cians, physician assistants and nurse prac titioners offer care for acute but non-life- or limb-threatening illness and injury. Open seven days a week, including weekday evenings, the practice also provides services to employees of businesses participating in Beaufort Memorial’s Well at Work program.
The practice has three locations: 1 Burnt Church Road, Bluffton; 122 Okatie Center Blvd. North, Suite 100, Okatie; and 1680 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. To see current walk-in wait times and to save your spot in line, visit BeaufortMemorial.org/Express Care.
Board-certified, fellowship-trained or thopaedic spine specialist B. Andrew Cas tro, M.D., has joined BOSS Orthopaedics (formerly known as Beaufort Orthopaedic, Sports & Spine).
Dr. Castro brings extensive experience to the practice, having treated a variety of disorders of the spine in both adults and children. Trained in the latest surgical techniques, including minimally invasive surgery and disc replacement, he most recently spent more than 20 years in Den ver, Colorado, where he built one of the busiest spine practices in the area and was selected as one of Denver’s “Top Docs.” A graduate of Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Sci ence in bioengineering, Dr. Castro earned
his medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He completed residency training in ortho paedic surgery at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn and went on to complete fellowship training in com plex spinal deformities at the University of Colorado.
Dr. Castro is active in spinal biome chanics research and has presented at various national conferences and pub lished journal articles and book chapters on the subject. Recipient of the John H. Moe Award from the Scoliosis Research Society, he has also designed and patent ed medical implants that are currently in use.
The practice has three locations: 1076 Ribaut Road, Suite 101, in Beaufort, 843525-0045; 39 Hospital Center Commons on Hilton Head Island, 843-681-2363; and 4812 Bluffton Parkway in Bluffton, 843-837-4300.
Healthy nails can be very attractive. They also reflect an individual’s personal habits, good or bad.
Aside from their cosmetic appeal, nails serve many important functions. They help us pick up and manipulate objects and support and protect the tissues of the fingers and toes. Most importantly, nails often reflect our general state of health. To the trained eye, nails can provide valuable clues about your overall health.
Q: I’ve always had healthy nails, but as I get older, I find they are brittle and splitting. Is there anything I can do to help?
A: Your nails dry out as you age, losing their natural oils which act as a glue to hold the nail layers together.
Here are a few things that can help:
• Hydrate and add oils. Use creams, oils and ointments on your nails every day after
they’ve been wet.
• Clip and file your nails when they’re wet. Clipping and filing dry nails makes the splits worse, so always do it after water exposure.
• Wear gloves when you do rough work
or get your hands into harsh chemi cals.
Q: I sometime get “white spots” on my nails – is this a concern?
A: White spots on the nails are very common. These small, semi-circular spots result from injury to the base (matrix) of the nail, where nail cells are produced. They are not a cause for concern and will eventually grow out.
Q: The old saying “sticks out like a sore thumb” is true. Recently I damaged my thumbnail, not once but twice. The second time caused my nail to peel about 1/3 of the way down. It appears to be
healing, is not painful and the color is good, but there is still a raised portion (at the bottom). Do I need to do anything –or just allow it to heal on its own?
A: It sounds as though the nail may be healing, although the raised portion may be permanent. If the nail does not continue to show progress, or becomes painful or discolored, you should contact a dermatolo gist right away.
Q: How do I know when to see a dermatologist about a damaged nail?
A: Most minor nail injuries heal on their own, although, they might be unsightly for a while due to the nail’s slow growth rate. If healthy fingernails begin to change color or texture, if symptoms persist, especially if the nails start to dislodge from the base, or you experience pain and swelling, call a dermatologist.
Dr. Oswald Lightsey Mikell, certified by the American Board of Dermatology and the Amer ican Board of Cosmetic Surgery, is the owner of Dermatology Associates of the Lowcountry.
By Sydney Caskey CONTRIBUTOR
A Midwest football fan, I know a thing or two about planning a stellar game-day menu. My white bean chicken chili recipe even won the office chili cookoff last year!
I also know the consequences of over doing it with food like chili, that can lead to acid reflux. Acid reflux is a condition in which your stomach contents move back up into your esophagus, the canal that connects your stomach and throat.
It can cause heartburn, a burning feeling in your chest or neck, or even regurgitation.
More than just an uncomfortable effect of overindulgence, I see all too often how acid reflux has a direct impact on your oral health.
Some acid reflux is normal after eating and is cleared naturally by saliva. But when we sleep, as we age, or when we change or increase medications, we don’t salivate as frequently. This prevents the natural cleanse
and creates an acidic environment in the mouth: a perfect storm for an environment that leads to decay.
The excess acid extracts minerals from teeth, leading to erosion of tooth enamel, the thin outer covering of the tooth. Enamel
cannot be replaced but can be strengthened by increasing its mineral content.
Dentists and dental hygienists are usually the first to identify acid reflux during dental exams and cleanings, even in patients with outstanding home hygiene.
In addition to the benefits of a regular professional dental cleaning for prevent ing tooth erosion, they may recommend a high-mineral toothpaste like 3M Clinpro 5000 or MI Paste, a great way to strengthen tooth enamel. Ask your hygienist about the best option for your unique mouth.
Frequent acid reflux, called gastroesopha geal reflux disease (GERD) increases the risk of esophageal cancer, so definitely consult your general practitioner about chronic acid reflux.
After indulging on tailgating day, consider treating acid reflex with over-the-counter antacids and a mouth rinse like Biotene. On non-tailgating days, choose healthier food options, drink plenty of water throughout the day, and brush and floss regularly to safeguard against an overly acidic mouth.
Also, reach out to me if you want to try my game-day chili recipe this fall!
Sydney Caskey, DDS is a dentist in practice with ROC Dental Group in Bluffton.
is Tuesday, November 29! Please donate today to fill this Club with bright young minds and hearts!
For 24 years the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton has played a critical role in the lives of young people. Your support has an incredible impact on our community!
First, one should know that having one’s face be symmetrical would be very rare. After all, our liver is on the right, the heart is on the left, pancreas on the left, and so forth.
Usually, one leg is a little longer than the other, the hairline is not even, etc.
Very commonly a patient will visit a plastic surgeon re garding asymmetry of the face. Depend ing on the location and degree, most asymmetries can be diminished, but not all.
For instance, virtually all human skulls are smaller on one side, and
usually it’s the right side (for reasons un known). Possibly it’s because our heart is on the left and, in utero, the left side receives more blood supply and thus grows slightly larger.
This can be noticed by looking at the eyes to assess which one is lower than the other. Also, the lower eye will then be closer to the mouth.
What types of asymmetry can be treat ed, and how?
If one side of the brow sags more than the other, a brow lift can be done on that side. An alternative treatment would be using lifting PDO (polydioxa none) threads, a biodegradable polyester suture. Inserting these threads takes only a few minutes, and the result will last about two years. These threads last about six months, but they stimulate production of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and most importantly, elastin, causing the longevity of the results.
If the lips are uneven (often noticeable in the upper lip) the treatment might be an asymmetrical lip lift, called a “buck horn” lift. The result is permanent. Or a filler on the side that is thinner can be used. Each patient must be carefully assessed.
Fillers such as Juvederm or Restyl ane products are usually used for other asymmetries of the face, such as a cheek that is smaller than the opposite cheek. This also applies to the jawline or any part of the face on the deficient side.
Surgery may be indicated, such as a facelift or non-surgical PDO lifting threads and/or fat grafts. Again, each patient must be assessed and treated appropriately.
Eyes are a common request for more symmetry. As mentioned, the right eye is usually lower than the left, and this cannot be corrected. However, the ap pearance of more evenness can often be
achieved by removing more skin from the upper eyelid. Again, if indicated, el evating the lowest brow may be another solution. Fat grafts or even a cheek im plant may be used if there is a deficient bony rim below the lower eye.
Asymmetrical noses usually require a surgical rhinoplasty, but amazing results can be achieved in many cases with properly placed fillers. In fact, humps can be minimized, noses shortened and even tilted more upwards non-surgically as well.
Although most people are unaware of the asymmetry of their faces, others have noticeable asymmetries which can easily be corrected with minimal (if any) downtime.
E. Ronald Finger, MD, FACS is a board certified plastic surgeon with offices in Sa vannah and Bluffton. fingerandassociates. com
Many of us want to restore a youthful appearance. Looking in the mirror may feel overwhelming as the years go by, seemingly in the blink of an eye. However shallow some may see it, feeling good about your reflection in the mirror boosts self confidence and puts a smile on your face.
What causes a tired, aging appearance?
As we age, the quality of our skin, volume and structure of our face declines. As collagen, elastin and oil production diminishes, the texture and quality of skin declines and is further compromised by sunspots arising from sunlight damage over the years.
The volume and fullness in our face is affected by loss of subcutaneous fat, especially in the midface areas, bringing the muscles closer to the surface, creating
and accentuating the formation of lines and wrinkles and producing a hollowed appearance.
The structure of our face is obscured by sagging skin because at some point, gravity wins.
Restoring a youthful appearance re quires three steps:
Step 1. Improving skin quality: Medical-grade skin care is the first step to healthy skin, and incorporating non-sur gical treatments can have a profound ef fect on signs of aging. Advanced medical grade skin care can help restore, protect and correct signs of aging with replenish ment of lost nutrients, protection from sun, free radicals and intrinsic factors of aging and brightening skin from dyspig mentation. Fine lines, wrinkles, and brow position (chemical browlift) are markedly improved with Botox, Dysport, and Xe omin when injected properly. Skin peels, hydrafacials, microneedling, lasers, and
intense pulsed light (IPL) accelerate cor recting signs of aging and can be tailored to the individual and their budget.
Step 2. Volume restoration: Dermal fillers are the most modern addition to the plastic surgeon’s toolbox. These fillers add volume and fullness to the face to improve and strengthen its structure. Dermal filler brands vary in their com position, qualities, areas of injection, requirement for treatments, and duration of efficacy.
Using dermal fillers to restore a youth ful appearance may delay the need for surgical intervention for some time, such as with a “liquid facelift.”
Dermal fillers bring fullness to the cheeks, plump lips and improve dark circles under the eyes, soften lines around the mouth, strengthen the jaw line and can improve hollowing in the temples while elevating the lateral brow.
Step 3. Enhancing structure: The
most effective way to restore a youthful structure to the face with a strong jawline, youthful brow and alert appearance is achieved through surgical intervention. A facelift elevates and repositions skin in the midface, improves the appearance of the jawline, and re-creates a firm neck. Brow lift re-establishes the natural eyebrow shape and placement at a height just slightly above the bony rim of the eyes.
Eyelid or blepharoplasty is possibly the biggest bang for the buck in plastic sur gery with minimal operative and recovery time. A modern eyelift reliably restores youthfulness of 10 years or greater, espe cially when combined with lower eyelid lift and facelift.
Mathew T. Epps MD, MS, DABS is a triple fellowship trained aesthetic plastic surgeon specializing in facial, eyelid, and breast surgery. Matheweppsmd.com or info@ dreppsmd.com
friend told about this “gathering” at a local tackle shop after hours, but couldn’t exactly explain to me what is was. He just said, “if you want to have a beer and talk about fishing you should come”. Well I do, and I do, so I went. “
“I had never been to Southern Drawl before and wasn’t sure about a party in a bait shop. As I walked up there were two guys out front smoking cigars, which added to the mystique. But as soon as you walk in you quickly realize this is not a typical tackle shop.”
“With a smile and a handshake Paul, the guy behind the bar earlier, introduced himself. He told me that this their open house they do once a month. He encouraged me to listen in on conversations and to ask questions. I told him I was new to the area but liked to fish and he enthusiastically said “perfect!” He went on to say that half of these guys there were also transplants and the others were a mix of long time locals, staff and even a few charter captains. Paul said “We’re all here to BS about what’s hap pening on and off the water.” It was really great to hear so many conversations about the local fishing scene. I had heard that the fishing was hard around here but after hearing these guys I have hope.
in the Lowcountry is the best time to fish. Let us show you what its all about!
DETAILS: The Lowcountry Social is a free event open to anyone 21+ who likes to fish. This event is help on the first Tuesday of each month from 7pm to 9pm at Southern Drawl Outfitters in the Moss Creek shopping center.
Located in the Moss Creek shopping center on Rt. 278 before the HHI Bridge
The most common error for the rec reational and beginner golfer is a slice. It is a ball that curves from left to right for the right-handed golfer. In this article we will be addressing the right-handed golfer, so a lefty will just have to switch left and right.
There are many reasons why you could be slicing your driver. You could have an incorrect grip, too steep a swing path, and an open clubface at impact. If your drives are starting to the left and “banana” to the right, I have some tips for you.
I first look at your equipment and make sure that the grip on the club is the correct size. Too large a grip can cause you to hold on too tight and not be able to release the clubface after impact.
Another area of equipment is the shaft
flex. If the shaft is too stiff, you will tend to hit the ball to the right.
Finally, consider the loft of the driver. Most amateurs need to have more loft on their drivers. The new adjustable drivers let you increase the loft and move more weight to the clubhead’s heel.
Next, I look at how you set your hands on the club’s grip. Most slicers have too weak a grip with their thumbs pointing straight down on the grip and the right hand too much on top of the left. You need to move both hands slightly to the right so the V’s formed by your thumb and index finger are pointing at your right armpit instead of your chin.
Grip pressure needs to be light. Do not hold the grip tightly in the palms. Instead hold the club lightly in your fingers.
Most slicers take the club back too inside causing the clubface to open. You
need to feel like you push away the club straight back with your left arm. A major cause of the slice is your clubface is open to the target line. Move
your ball position back more toward the center of your stance and this will help you make contact with the ball in a path out to the target.
Tilting your spine angle behind the ball at address and keeping your center behind the ball at impact will help you shallow your swing and square the clubface.
The path that you swing the club is very important. You want to approach the ball on the forward swing from the inside and swing out to the target. Most slicers have an outside-in swing path. To cure the outside-in path, make sure your right shoulder is behind the ball at impact.
Remember if you can turn your banana ball drive into a straight drive, I guarantee that your scores will improve.
Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at local courses. jean.golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoc torjean.com
Excessive licking is an anxious dog behav ior whereby the dog attempts to self-calm by constantly licking themselves, a person, oth er items or even the air. The more anxious they are, the more they lick.
This behavior could result in a lick granuloma (chronic sore) most commonly on either the paws or hind quarters, or hair loss. You might have to medically treat the area with bitter spray and something to heal the sores. A vet might suggest an anti-anxi ety medication, or a holistic remedy.
Redirecting requires the need to satisfy the licking process by giving the dog something appropriate to lick, like a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter, cheese or cream cheese. Turning the licking process into a positive thing comforts the dog.
Don’t allow the dog to lick you, since the anxiety only ratchets up to higher levels. The key here is to catch it quickly and to
end all negative licking.
This behavior is rarely corrected at a young age in a dog because many owners like it when their dog licks them – not realizing that it will become excessive and annoying. Once it is learned and becomes self-satisfying to the dog, it is very difficult to correct.
The other reason is licking is often used to get some one’s attention and if it succeeds then the dog learns to use it that way.
Often dogs like to lick cream or sun screen off a human. It not only tastes good, as does salt from your legs or arms, it is a bonding mechanism to make contact and show affection.
They also do it to other dogs, especially to show deference or to lick wounds. Unfortu nately, there are some serious health conse quences as many medications are now used topically and may present hazards to dogs.
Such a medication is Fluorouracil which is used to treat skin cancer and other
ailments. Signs of poisoning can be vomit ing, seizures, tremors, diarrhea or difficulty breathing. If not treated promptly this poison may result in death or a need to euthanize the dog.
Correcting the licking behavior early before it is imprinted is critical. In addi tion to redirecting with appropriate licking substitutes mentioned above, it is necessary to use a “No Lick” cue and move the dog off of you. You might need to resort to using something on you as well as the dog to make licking unappealing. There are a num ber of bitter spray deterrents on the market.
Reducing anxiety and keeping your dog safe are certainly more important than allowing a dog to show too much affection, especially since there is definitely some thing behind this behavior when it goes unchecked.
Abby Bird is owner of Alphadog Training Academy. AlphadogTrainingAcademy@gmail. com
A recent long-awaited trip to Hawaii was first planned for the spring of 2020 and finally accomplished in September of 2022. Most visitors to the Aloha state choose Waikiki Beach as their destination. And why not? With approximately two miles of shoreline along the Pacific Ocean and views of Diamond Head rising against the sky, it is the iconic Hawaiian expectation.
If the island’s center of tourism is not what you would fly all the way to Hawaii for, keep reading. Following are two perspectives with recommendations on both Waikiki Beach and the North Shore.
Hosting us for this Hawaiian tour was our son and his family who moved to the island in 2019, and quickly discovered the best beaches, bays, trails and views. The insider tips herewith originated with their guidance.
Consider doing a “windshield” tour, as the entire island is so profuse with natural
There’s nothing quite so glorious as the amazing sunsets of Hawaii, especially when one is watching them close to the water.
beauty, one need only pay attention.
To get the full tourist experience, we began by staying at The Hilton Hawaiian Vil
lage (aka the Village), a high-rise oceanfront resort. This property offers it all: panoramic views, restaurants, cafes and shopping, all
surrounded by lush gardens.
Near the Village is the Moana Surfrider, an historic hotel close to the International Market Place and Waikiki Beach Walk. On site are restaurants, a spa and a large lanai for people watching and resting.
Just up the road is The Outrigger Reef Re sort, a contemporary oceanfront hotel with excellent reviews. Note: Sea turtles are often seen from the elevated walkway behind the oceanfront hotels.
Check with VRBO and Airbnb for rental properties if more privacy or space is de sired.
The historical sites of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona can be visited free when you book through recreation.gov. Tickets are available as far as two months ahead of your visit with only a $2 booking fee.
For dining, Tropics Café is recommended for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their Vanilla Cream Caramel French Toast is a “must try.”
Please see HAWAII on page 56A
In the same area is Bali Oceanfront, offering premier dining and views, while a casual eatery adjacent to the pool is convenient for lunch, snacks and beverages.
There is no shortage of shopping here. Waikiki Shopping Plaza is brimming with three levels of retail heaven. Just steps from the Village are many small shops, including Honolulu Cookie Company, famous for their butter cookies. You can also take a short walk up Kalakaua Avenue to Luxury Row, a mecca of luxury brands and trending styles.
Enjoy a beachfront hike, heading to wards Diamond Head, until you reach Fort DeRussy Beach Park. This public beach is on the grounds of a former military base. Lush landscaping and monkeypod trees provide restful shade.
Onsite is the U.S. Military Museum, free to the public. For ambitious hikers, climb the steep 0.8 mile trail to the top of Diamond Head.
The North Shore is just a 30-minute drive from Waikiki Beach. Here, there are no highrise hotels blocking the views. With small towns and roads that hug the shoreline, the North Shore is all about the ocean, waves
and sunsets.
Winter months are the busiest, primarily November and December, when elite surfers of the world congregate to ride the enor mous waves, up to 50 feet. The record, set in 2016, is 70 feet.
Turtle Bay is the only full resort on the North Shore and definitely pricy … but you can actually spend the day on the property without staying there. (At this point, we were staying with family, so took advantage of this opportunity.)
Stroll the lush, manicured grounds, visit the lobby cafe, the reading room and take a self-guided tour of Hawaiian history. Also,
adjacent to this resort is a secluded beach, Kuilima Cove, for swimming or snorkeling.
Other places to stay include a Courtyard by Marriot which is across the street from the beach and several 4-star hotels on or very near the beach.
For fun in the water, check out Shark’s Cove, which was free of sharks but a good spot for snorkeling and sea turtles. The Cove is a collection of tide pools and part of Pupukea Beach Park, free and open to the public. Nearby Laniakea Beach offers yet another place to watch for sea turtles as they drift in on the clear-water surf.
Matsumoto’s Shaved Ice in the Haleiwa
area is worth a stop to try this cool treat with many favors to choose from. Café Haleiwa features a local-style breakfast called Loco Moco, and offers burgers and sandwiches for lunch. For dinner, enjoy casual surroundings and colorful cocktails at the Haleiwa Beach House (with sunset view).
While in the northern part of Oahu, visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, a living museum in Laie with art, information and exhibits on Hawaiian and Pacific Island culture.
Saving the best for last, let’s close with Hawaiian sunsets. Why the best? The combi nation of westward drifting volcanic dust from Kilauea and year-round humid climate creates more intense colors, plus the remote location surrounded by water means there is nothing to break up the line of horizon.
Wait 10 minutes AFTER sunset, because the colors change. You will have the best angle, richest colors and longest view – truly an unforgettable experience.
Glenda Harris is a freelance writer and book reviewer. This first-ever trip to Hawaii was a reunion with her son and family, currently stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
it’s morning.”
always, and in all ways, get to choose our attitude.
A discussion I often have with our Unity congregants is, “Attitudes are contagious. The question though, is: is yours worth catching?”
In Unity we teach and follow how Jesus lived his life as the Great Example, rather than the great exception.
The Bible tells us in the Matthew 6:33, “Seek ye first the kingdom, and God’s righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Metaphysically, we interpret this to understand that gratitude and thanksgiving work swiftly to make the mind receptive and responsive to God – the kingdom within. These attitudes of mind fill us – you
and me – with expectancy of the “added things” promised by scripture in the Book of Matthew.
Unity believes Jesus lived, not to save us, but rather to direct our attention back to the reality of who we are as divine expressions of God. Unity students follow how Jesus lived because he practiced what he taught.
A favorite Unity affirmation says, “What God can do for me, God must do through
me.” Our action – yours and mine – is the necessary process that completes the manifestation of God’s good through us. So how do we live as gratitude expressing? We can be thankful for every blessing we receive. We can be thankful for every little thing we have. We can say to ourselves, “I am blessed and I am a blessing.”
Right here, right now, I invite you to take time to acknowledge this wondrous season of harvest and the bountiful traditions of getting to gratitude and sharing from our full hearts.
Every day offers us the opportunity to make a difference in our own lives and in
the lives of others. We get to measure good ness by what we embrace, what we create, and who we include.
Gratitude allows for each of us to make sense of our past, bring peace to this day, and create an intention for tomorrow. An attitude of gratitude affirms the realization that we are now in heaven (on earth).
Each time we choose to notice life’s bless ings instead of focusing on life’s annoyanc es, we are aware of the gift of this present moment.
Join me as we take pause together today to celebrate that we each can and do make grateful meaning for our own lives, by the chosen sacred services we do. Whether it is a shared smile, holding open a door, or volunteering in our community.
Together, with gratitude and our hands and our hearts, we create a world that works for all. Amen.
Rev. Therese Donlan Lee is the senior min ister of Unity Spiritual Center on Hilton Head Island. revthereseunityhiltonhead@gmail.com
Memorial Health University Medical Center (MHUMC) in Savannah has been
a Level I Emergency Cardiac Care Center (ECCC) by the Georgia De partment of Public Health (DPH).
Memorial Health is the first hospital in southeast Georgia to earn this distinction, which recognizes the state’s highest level of emergency cardiac care.
“I am so proud of our cardiovascular team for earning Georgia’s highest desig nation for emergency heart care,” said Dr. Chad Stouffer, MD, FACS, FACC, medical director for MHUMC’s Heart & Vascular Institute. “Memorial Health has been a leader in cardiac care for more than 55 years and this designation demonstrates our commitment to providing safe, high-quality heart care for our patients.”
Each year, more than 800,00 Americans die from cardiovascular disease.
There are three levels of Emergency Cardiac Care Center – Level I, II, III. In
order to earn ECCC designation, hospitals participate in a rigorous evaluation pro cess that includes an on-site inspection and thorough assessment of emergency cardiac care processes and equipment. Level 1 designation means the hospi tal provides the highest level and most comprehensive emergency cardiac care services around the clock.
“We have the region’s only Level 1 trau ma center, Comprehensive Stroke Center, Level III neonatal intensive care and now the only Level 1 Emergency Cardiac Care Center,” said Shayne George, Memorial Health CEO.
Memorial Health has provided quality healthcare services since 1955, giving pa tients access to highly trained physicians and advanced technology. Our 655-bed hospital is one of the region’s leading acute care facilities, serving 35 counties in southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina.
Once again South Carolina’s Lowcountry dodged a bullet.
Hurricane Ian devastated South Florida, bypassed us, and headed up to Georgetown and the Myrtle Beach area.
Ironically, my wife and I retired to the Lowcountry in 2009 in part because this part of the Lowcountry had not had a signif icant hurricane in more than 100 years until Matthew in 2016.
We had a fairly strong hit from Hurricane Matthew and have experienced several close calls since then. The question then becomes not if, but when, a hurricane will come at us head-on.
Few of us like to think about it. However, homeowners’ insurance companies and the National Flood Insurance Agency (NFIA) are thinking about it.
A number of homeowners have expe rienced their insurance company walking away and forcing us to look for an alterna tive, at higher premiums. We can expect these insurance issues to continue this practice going forward.
This means that homeowners, towns and communities have similar serious, difficult decisions to make, and these decisions will have consequences.
Many homeowners who had their homes totally destroyed by Hurricane Matthew have rebuilt. However, even if they had the resources, and their insurance company and NFIA reimbursed them at replacement cost, will the destruction repeat itself?
Historically, we have a near-reflexive
inclination to rebuild after national disas ters. The efforts needed in New Orleans and Charleston after a hurricane or trop ical storm are just two of the more recent examples. This, is despite the fact that New Orleans is mostly under sea level, and Charleston is highly susceptible to flooding.
Beaufort County is better situated than that, but not by all that much. The average height above sea level of Hilton Head Island is 10 feet. Bluffton is higher on average, but still has large areas that can be impacted by storm surges. Nevertheless, the desire to rebuild is understandable.
But, what about new development?
Many of us see a pristine shoreline as the wonder of nature that it is. There are others who see waterfront property as an excellent opportunity to build something on it. However, is it wise to build multi-mil lion-dollar structures in areas that are highly susceptible to ever more frequent and more devastating storms?
There is more to a hurricane than storm surges. There is excessive wind. Even if you are a fair distance from the water’s edge, hurricane-force winds can do substantial damage to private and public structures.
The destruction of marshland is also a cause for concern and a topic for a future article.
Communities – whether county, munic ipal or homeowner’s associations – might want to think very carefully about approv ing more waterfront construction.
John Riolo lives in Moss Creek and is past president of the Nature Club of Moss Creek. john.a.riolo@gmail.com
By Collins Doughtie CONTRIBUTOR
“That’s it! You got it! Make that thun der talk!”
If you heard someone say that, what would you think the person was talking about? Well, right now – and probably until the water gets below 50 degrees –there will be a whole lot of “thunders” talking as fisherman target one of the most beautiful fish in the ocean: the speckled sea trout.
They’re talking about Cajun Thunder, a bobber that makes a “click-clack” noise when jerked that absolutely drives trout nuts.
I went out in mid-October and joined the multitudes targeting trout. Almost every boat that passed me had four to six rods in the rod holders – each rod adorned with either a Cajun Thunder cork, a popping cork or one of those foot-long, old school red and white corks.
For me, the cool weather always brings back memories of days spent trout fishing with my dad. As the water begins to cool, herds of trout invade our waters. There is just something about these fish that makes you want to fish for them time after time after time.
For some it might be their iridescent colors – a sort of purple mixed with yel low, red and blue (depending on which way the light is hitting them) – that makes them so irresistible. Personally, I love the surface headshake of a large
trout that I have just hooked. When fishing with live bait, watching that cork disappear in a flash is a joy hard to beat. For most any fisherman, that sight will take you back to those exciting child hood memories when you used worms and one of those round red and white plastic bobbers and it too disappeared.
Best of all is where you find one trout, you’ll often find a hundred just like it.
It might also be that trout aren’t picky about what they eat. They can be caught on live shrimp or live finger mullet, but when those baits begin to get scarce, that’s when I really like to go after them.
Generally, I might keep one out of every 20 fish I catch – then again, some days I might catch as many as 60 fish and not keep a single one.
Trout are delicious table fare, espe cially if eaten within the first day or two after being caught, but what makes fishing for them so addictive is the com bination of crisp, clear autumn air and the beautiful golden marshes that make a trout expedition unforgettable.
I particularly like to go after them at first light. Since trout are primarily incoming tide fish, I look at the tides for a given month and mark on my calendar the days when the tide is just right at first light. With nothing more than an ultra light spinning rod and some artifi cial lures, I often can catch and release several dozen trout before some of you even get out of bed. What a way to start the day!
All you need is a handful of soft plastic
screw tails and a couple of lead jig heads and you can catch a trout on just about every cast.
One of my favorite methods is using a Cajun Thunder cork with about two feet of 6- or 8-pound test mono and, for bait, either a white DOA imitation shrimp or the locally made Trout Trick lure with a 1/8-ounce lead head that looks more like a purple freshwater bass worm than anything you might find in the ocean.
Which lures to use is a bit tougher to choose, as trout can be caught on many
different kinds. Chartreuse screw tails with glitter in them are probably the best-known trout killers, followed by the “electric chicken,” a combination of pink and chartreuse. But, as with any fish, it’s wise to take a variety of colors because light conditions can change what’s hot and what’s not.
Trout love to hang up tight to the marsh grass, and that’s when I like to pull out a two-tone greenish, weedless jerk bait. The presentation is slow and steady with a twitch thrown in every other revolution. For whatever the reason, the bites just seem to be more vicious.
Keep in mind that sea trout have very delicate mouths. When you feel one latch on to the screw tail, don’t yank to set the hook. Simply reel faster and faster, and nine out of 10 times that’s all you’ll need to set the hook.
For big trout, a landing net is a must because that soft mouth will rip if you try and lift a big one into the boat. All you’ll have as a lasting memory is the fish swimming off.
From what I have seen so far this year, there are trout everywhere. Though many are undersized, if you weed through these little guys you’re pretty much guaranteed to latch onto some nice keepers.
Collins Doughtie, a 60-year resident of the Lowcountry, is a sportsman, graphic artist, and lover of nature. collinsdoughtie@ icloud.com
By Cinda Seamon CONTRIBUTOR
With all the people and activity going on at Thanksgiving, it’s important to keep the kitchen safe. Did you know that, according to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year
home fires involving cooking equip ment?
Now is a good time to make sure your smoke alarms are working!
When you are using the stovetop, stay in the kitchen to keep an eye on things. For baking and roasting, start with a clean oven and make sure you stay in the house and check on it from time to time.
Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stove – including potholders, wooden utensils, food wrappers, and paper towels.
Make sure your sleeves are out of the way when cooking. Wear tighter fitting clothing with shorter sleeves.
Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over toys, bags or other items.
Make sure things like knives, electric cords from appliances, matches and lighters are out of a child’s reach.
Remember that steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee can cause serious burns. Keep those pot handles turned in!
While older children might enjoy helping
you make dinner, have activities that keep younger kids out of the kitchen during this busy time. Games, puzzles or books can keep them busy. Let kids get involved in Thanksgiving with recipes that can be done outside the kitchen or without cooking.
Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors, a safe distance (10 feet) from buildings or anything else that can burn.
Never use a fryer on a wooden deck or in the garage.
Keeping fryers on a flat surface will help prevent accidental tipping. Never leave a fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls and the oil could end up heating until it catches fire.
Never let children or pets come near the fryer when it is in use. Even hours after use, the oil can remain dangerously hot.
Use well insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles.
Be careful with marinades when basting. Oil and water don’t mix and water can cause oil to spill over, which can cause a fire or even an explosion hazard. That’s also why your turkey should be completely thawed before it goes into the fryer.
To stay on the safe side of holiday cook ing, keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby and never use water to extinguish a grease fire.
Cinda Seamon is the fire and life safety edu cator for Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue.
By Dave Miller CONTRIBUTOR
In order to keep your home’s heating system running efficiently this winter, it requires a thorough HVAC inspection.
In fact, it is recommended you have your system inspected by an HVAC service professional in the early months of fall to get ahead of the cold winter months and keep your system operating smoothly. Now is the time!
The heating systems in any home or business are likely to last longer with regular maintenance and inspections. However, that does not mean they will last forever.
That’s why it’s important you ask your HVAC technician the right questions when it comes to the current condition of your system. Is it working as it should be? Are there any problem areas that will need repair? Are there any components that may need replacement?
Evaluating the current condition of the system can help you predict when repairs and replacements are needed and better yet, the expected lifespan of your system.
When it comes to efficiency, just because the system is working the way it should, does not mean it is running as efficiently as it can. A thorough inspection
will determine your system’s efficiency and where improvements can be made.
This may include replacing duct work, installing a smart thermostat system, and sealing off windows and attics that cause heat loss. The age of your system is also a major factor in its efficiency. If your sys tem is at least 10 to 12 years old, it may be time for an upgrade, as older systems tend to waste more energy – causing you to pay more in electricity costs.
Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial, so you must find a depend able and trustworthy team of HVAC professionals to conduct regular mainte nance. This may include checking outside vents and air circulation systems to ensure there is no debris in place. In between technician calls, you might need to clean and replace filters for these systems, too.
The more you know about your home’s heating system, the better. Not only do you want to prepare for potential prob lems now, but you also want to ensure you are doing the best possible job of maintaining your system. This way, you can get optimal climate control at the lowest overall cost to you.
Dave Miller, owner of Superior Services, has been providing residential and commer cial whole-home services in the Lowcountry for 20 years. gotosuperior.com
30, 2001. More
Fallen,
soon
displayed in Beau fort
Americans of
sacrifice made by those who died from
suffered in Iraq and Afghanistan
wearing our country’s uniform.
more
5,000
nation’s
Sept. 11, 2001, to
was unveiled nationally
the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. in September 2017. It has been on display at the Reagan Library, Marine Corps Museum, Pentagon, nu merous colleges and universities, and at various sites throughout the U.S.
also recognizes service
men and women who died in training accidents and stateside attacks. Those who suffered the invisible wounds of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and succumbed to suicide are also included to recognize the tragedy of PTSD.
Remembering Our Fallen Tribute Towers will be on display at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park on Bay Street in Beaufort from noon Nov. 9 to 5 p.m.
Nov. 13.
A Gold Star Family’s greatest fear is that their loved one will be forgotten. Visit this memorial and help to reassure them that this will not happen. Speak the names of the fallen, and reflect on the tremendous cost paid for our freedom.
For further info visit patrioticproduc tions.org or contact George Winslow at 205-999-0243 kbwdad91@gmail.com.
Many years ago I saw a real estate adver tisement with a picture of some turkeys, some houses and this text: “No turkeys in Riverwoods … Our listings sell fast because they are updated, upgraded, show great, priced right and marketed most effectively.”
That ad always bothered me because I felt that it was insulting to refer to houses as turkeys. It was also a bad rap for turkeys and false advertising (as I knew there were a couple of turkeys in Riverwoods).
Riverwoods was an older townhome development in Burnsville, Minnesota. A number of the homes there were dated, had the original furnishings and fixtures, were not well-maintained, and were difficult to sell. The ones that were updated and up graded were easy to market and sell.
In 2006, I moved to Bluffton and I was surprised to see some turkeys here. In fact, one real estate agent told me about a turkey
that she previewed and showed in a certain Bluffton plantation.
Recently I noticed a real estate advertise ment that read: “Absolute Turkey.” I called the listing agent and she told me that it was mistake … it should have read “Absolute Turnkey.”
I researched the dictionary definitions of the word “turkey”: 1. A large North Amer
ican gallinaceous bird that is domesticated in most parts of the world; 2. A failure, flop, as in a theatrical production that has failed; 3. Three successive strikes in bowling; 4. A foolish or inept person.
But there was nothing about houses being called turkeys.
Today’s market has shifted from the seller’s market of 10 months ago. We’re seeing
more inventory, longer days on the market and multiple price reductions. However, homes that are updated, upgraded, show well and priced right are selling very well.
In today’s changing real estate market, your home has to be a top contender (defi nitely not a turkey) to sell fast and for the highest possible price.
The transformation from “turkey house” into “turnkey home” may require making some changes that include new paint, new flooring, upgraded or new heating/air-con ditioning systems, and new water heater and appliances.
We recently listed a home in Sun City that was distressed (better than saying it was a turkey). It got new paint, new floors, new appliances, a deep cleaning – and sold fast.
I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and happy home selling this holiday season.
Larry Stoller is a broker and Realtor with Real Estate Five of the Lowcountry. Larry@ RealEstateFive.com, RealEstateFive.com
Nov. 2-3, 5
“Elf, The Musical, Jr.,” by Hilton Head Christian Acad emy’s Fine Arts Department, cast of 70 students, at HH CA’s Performing Arts Center, 3088 Bluffton Parkway, Bluffton. Performances 7 p.m., plus 2 p.m. matinee Nov. 5. Tickets $10-$15 at hhca.org
Nov. 3-6
“Twelve Angry Jurors,” Sun City Community Theatre at Magnolia Hall Per formances 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
Nov. 4
“Oran Etkin: What’s’ New? Reimagining Benny Goodman,” dinner-concert, 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. concert at SoundWaves, 7 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island. Dinner by Rockfish Seafood and Steaks @Bomboras. Tickets from $29 for concert only, to $69 for reserved seats with dinner. HHSO.org or 843-842-2055
Nov. 7-Jan. 1
Christmas Bazaar at SOBA Gallery, 6 Church St., Bluffton. Unique handcrafted gifts, art, decor. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. SOBAgal lery.com or 843-757-6586
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
“Footloose,” by Main Stage Community Theatre, at Hilton Head Prep’s Main Street Theatre, 3000 Main Street, Hilton Head Island. Perfor mances 7 p.m. Nov. 11-12, 18-19; and 2 p.m. Nov. 13 and 20. Tickets are $25 adults, $15 students; $5 for children under 8. Purchase at MainStageCommunityTheatre.org or call 843-689-6246.
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.
Nov. 12
Joe Crookston, songwriter, guitarist, fiddler, at Music on Malphrus, 7 p.m. at 110 Malphrus Road (Unitarian Univer salist Congregation), Bluffton. General admission at door $25; doors open at 6:15 p.m. MusicOnMalphrus@gmail. com
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. 15-Dec. 31
Holiday Gallery of Gifts, Art League of Hilton Head, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. Opening reception 5-7p.m. Nov. 16. Original works of art, jewelry, handmade ornaments, stocking stuffers, and holiday decor. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday.
Nov. 17
Beyond Chaotic, rock band from Tampa, Florida, 8:30 p.m. at Big Bamboo, Coligny Plaza. beyondchaotic.com
Nov. 18-20
Roald Dahl’s “James and the Giant Peach,” Beaufort Children’s The atre, at USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret St., Beaufort. Perfor mances 7 p.m. Nov. 18-19, 3 p.m. Nov. 20. Tickets $22 adults, $28 seniors and military, $14 students. USCBCenterForTheArts.com
Nov. 18-19
Pretty Darn, popular local duo, 8 p.m. at Roasting Room, 1297 May River Road, Bluffton. Tickets from $30, at roast ingroom.live.
Nov. 22
Lunch With Author Karen Grassle, known as “Ma” on TV’s “Little House on the Prairie,” author of “Bright Lights, Prairie Dust,” noon at Belfair Country Club in Bluffton. Part of the Lunch With Author series from USCB Center for the Arts. Tickets $50 at USCBCenterForTheArts.com. Books will be available for purchase and author signing.
A crash course of everyone’s favorite Broadway blockbusters, including celebrity satires,
accompanied with hip-hop
the piano! After tearing it up in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and London, Spamilton: An American Parody will stage a singing, dancing, comedy revolution in Hilton Head Island!
and directed by Gerard Alessandrini.
Are you ready to “cut loose”? Well, get ready because “Footloose” is back! Main Stage Community Theatre’s latest produc tion will surely have everyone dancing in the aisles.
The musical is based on the hit film, and the true story, of Elmore City, Oklahoma, which banned dancing for 90 years.
blend of all ages and this show plays into that casting so well...”
“We are so excited to bring this produc tion to the Lowcountry,” said Daniel Cort, Vice Chairman of MSCT. “It is a high-energy show with a great message and music that we all know and love ... what could be better?”
A Christmas Story: The Musical chronicles young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams. Meanwhile, an infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a maniacal department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare
lick a freezing flagpole are
a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas
The story begins when big city teenager Ren and his mom Ethel move to a small town where they find that wide open spaces sometimes come with very narrow minds. As the town copes with tragedy, the influ ential Reverend Moore has banned dancing and rock music.
Pretty soon, Ren is the rebel with a cause, winning over the hearts (and feet!) of the whole community. “Footloose” celebrates the exhilaration of youth, the wisdom of listening to one another, and the power of forgiveness.
The cast of 35 is composed of teens and adults and the show includes popular hits from the movie such as “Almost Paradise,” “Holding Out For A Hero,” “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” and of course, “Footloose.”
The show features Justin Stone as Ren McCormack, Debbie Cort as Ethel McCor mack, Billy Simmons as Reverend Shaw Moore, Diane Fisher-Simmons as Vi Moore, Channing Coulter as Ariel Moore and Sami Othmani as Willard Hewitt just to name a few. MSCT Board President Cinda Seamon said, “Our fall show is traditionally our
The show’s production team includes Diane Fisher-Simmons (director), Melinda Bray (musical director), Dawn Rosa Miller (choreographer), Aiden Miller (assistant choreographer) and Paddy Myers (stage manager).
“We couldn’t be more excited to have this production team,” Seamon said. “Their professionalism and collective creative vision ensure this will be nothing short of spectac ular!”
There will be six performances total: Nov. 11-12 and 18-19 at 7 p.m., with matinees at 2 p.m. Nov. 13 and 20.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for stu dents and $5 for children under 8 with easy online booking via MainStageCommuni tyTheatre.org or by calling the box office at 843-689-6246.
Main Stage Community Theatre (formerly Main Street Youth Theatre) is a nonprofit organization established in 1997. For more information about MSCT go to Main StageCommunityTheatre.org, Facebook. com/MSCTTheatre or email info@mscthe atre.org.
JOYOUS CHRISTMAS MIRACLE.”
Next
Thing to Seeing Hamilton!"
HOFFMAN,
more than 70 Lower
School students, Hilton Head Christian Academy’s Fine Arts Department
“Elf The Musical Jr.” in four
November 2-5.
HHCA.org.
are
title known the world over, “Elf The Musical Jr.” has become a must-see holiday musical for the entire family.
New Line Cinema hit, “Elf Jr.” features songs by Tony Award-nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, with a book by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin.
This fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to discover his true identity.
In the show, Buddy (Eli Taylor), a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised by other elves, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth.
With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list and that his half-broth er doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and
help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
“Families from all around the Lowcountry should join us to kick off the holiday season at this fun family musical,” said HHCA Theater Director Michelle McElroy-Cox.
“This large cast and crew has committed many hours of preparation and rehearsal that will undoubtedly translate into amazing performances which are sure to delight.”
Shows will take place at Hilton Head Christian Academy’s Performing Arts Center, 3088 Bluffton Parkway in Bluffton. Perfor mances are at 7 p.m. Nov. 2, 3 and 5, and 2 p.m. Nov. 5.
Tickets are $10-$15 and are on available at hhca.org.
Hilton Head Christian Academy (HHCA) is an independent Biblically-based Chris tian K-12 school located in Bluffton, South Carolina. The school was founded in 1979 on Hilton Head Island by a small group of visionaries who believed that Christian ed ucation should be available for children in the Lowcountry. In 2021, HHCA opened a new state-of-the-art learning community in Bluffton. The 27-acre, $23 million campus was designed from the ground up to accom modate the school’s innovative project-based learning model.
tradition
p.m. Sunday.
season as
League Gallery is transformed into a Gallery of Gifts, featuring one-of-a-kind decor and gift items handmade by local artists. Visi tors can shop for works of art – such as paintings, photography, pottery, or mixed media – artistic stocking stuffers, jewelry, and unique ornaments and holiday decor.
“This is the third year we’ve turned our art gallery into a gift gallery during the holiday season. Each year has been a stunning success, and we’re excited to continue the tradition. Of course, all the artworks we exhibit throughout the year are available for purchase, but we’re proud to offer gifts from local artists at affordable prices,” said General Manager Kristen McIntosh. “Art League Gallery remains a must-see for holiday shop ping.”
The holiday Gallery of Gifts will be open Nov. 15-Dec. 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 4
An opening reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 16. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.
Art League of Hilton Head is located at 14 Shelter Cove Lane on Hilton Head Island, inside the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. For more information, visit artshhi.org or call 843-681-5060.
Art League of Hilton Head is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit visual arts organiza tion on Hilton Head Island with a syner gistic art gallery and teaching Academy.
Art League Academy welcomes artists and students in all media at all skill levels, including true beginners. Taught by professional art educators, students can choose from many art classes and workshops that change monthly.
Art League Gallery features local artwork in all media created by more than 170 member artists. All artwork on display is for sale and exhibits change every month.
of the Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) are creating original, one-of-akind handmade
for their Christmas Bazaar, which runs from Nov. 7 through Jan. 1, in the featured artist room at the gallery in Old Town Bluffton.
selection of handmade Christmas
also will be available from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 4 during the Holiday Artisan Market at the May River Lawn in Palmet to Bluff.
The SOBA Christmas Bazaar offers the community a unique place to shop for the holidays with hundreds of hand-created works by local artists – including wreaths, small paintings, holiday decor and other gift items.
“The Christmas Bazaar is a SOBA wintertime tradition – perfect for those shoppers looking for something unique this holiday season,” said Marie Burgeson, SOBA president.
Shoppers can expect all manner of décor from wreaths to handcrafted Santa figures to wall hangings, and made from
such materials as fabric, twigs and oyster shells.
SOBA gallery hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.
SOBA is part of the flourishing art hub in Old Town Bluffton’s historic district at the corner of Church and Calhoun streets. As a nonprofit art organization, SOBA offers regular art classes, featured
artist shows, exhibitions, scholarships, outreach programs and more.
The gallery is located at 6 Church St. For more information, call 843-757-6586 or visit sobagallery.com.
The USCB Lunch with Author 2022-2023 Series continues Nov. 22 at The Belfair Club house beginning at noon. Author Karen Grassle will be dis cussing her memoir “Bright Lights, Prai rie Dust.”
Grassle is known around the world for her iconic role as “Ma” on TV’s “Little House on the Prairie.”
Growing up in a loving but alco holic home by the Pacific, Grassle – the curious and optimistic little girl who would grow up to become the beloved actress from “Little House on the Prairie” – seeks comfort at her local Baptist church, in dance, and in friendship.
Finding herself wholly at home on the stage, she pursues acting with all
her heart. As a young woman, leaving lovers behind, she wins a Fulbright to study in London. There, she revels in the excellence of the theatre and the stimulating travel; only occasion ally, she is baffled when brought low by a night of drinking.
Cast as “Ma,” it seems she will have it all: love and acting in a big, new life. But her moods fluctuate wildly as the pressures of success increase along with her drinking. She is advo cating for women when it all comes apart.
In this raw, emotional memoir, Grassle recounts with surprising can dor and humor how she ultimately faced her own alcoholism and found her way home.
Grassle grew up beside the Pacific Ocean in Ventura, California.
While studying at the University of California at Berkeley, she discov ered her calling and began to pursue training in acting, eventually receiv
During her years on television, Grassle co-created the TV movie “Battered” and advocated for wom en’s issues. She continued to appear on television and also stood by on Broadway for Mary Tyler Moore and Lynn Redgrave. She has continued to work in major roles, spending six years
Actors Theatre of Louisville, and later, at theatres near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as around the U.S. and Canada. Her most recent film is Not to Forget, a lighthearted story that revolves around the issue of dementia and family.
Books will be available for purchase and the author will be signing books. Reservations must be made by Nov. 15. Tickets are $50 each.
For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit USCBCenter ForTheArts.COM or call 843-5214145.
in The Boston
brings “a luminous voice and a buoyant stage presence … big-hearted lyrics embrace the sum of life… Herscovitch’s music blows on the embers of a lagging spirit or a dor mant creative life.” She leads with authentic ity, integrity, humor and heart.
Sound Waves Magazine described her music as “expertly written prose… song writing at its best… Lara gets it all done with her skillful songwriting – musical timing, memorable melodies, and compel ling lyrics. It’s good for your ears AND your soul” – and with a voice Performer Maga zine called “clear and smooth like expensive liquor.”
Her new album, Highway Philoso phers, reflects about courage, authenticity, adventure, healing, love and loss, the hero’s
journey, faith and freedom. Connecticut Public Radio host Colin McEnroe observed, “Lara reminds us that music can be heroic when it springs from a strong heart. Walt Whitman would recognize his own soul in
her expansive American vision, and there really is no higher compliment I can pay an artist.”
The wisdom in Lara’s artistry comes from her decades of humanitarian work, focused
on education, community development, environmental protection, and justice system reform. The depth of this experience resonates throughout her music; as Acoustic Live in New York City described, “She pos sesses not only a huge reservoir of musical talent and a voice with a bell-like clarity, but a keen sense of global concern and a fierce intellect... It might seem too good to be true, but true it is.”
Lara tours and performs across the U.S., playing solo and with her backing band the Highway Philosophers. She is a regular guest speaker, keynote presenter and work shop facilitator. She holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Massachu setts and a policy MSW from the University of Connecticut. She grew up in the North east U.S. and lives in Connecticut.
Music on Malphrus is held at the Unitar ian Universalist Congregation of the Low country, 110 Malphrus Road in Bluffton. For more information, call 843-837-3330, visit uulowcountry.org or email MusicOn Malphrus@gmail.com.
I was mesmerized when I saw Fla menco dancers for the first time in Spain about 15 years ago. I was so taken by the dance, I returned again this September. Our group was privileged to attend some master Flamenco classes. In these classes, they never use recorded music – always live musicians.
Flamenco is a type of music and dance that comes from the southern part of Spain. The roots of Flamenco are not exactly known, but most agree it grew out of several gypsy cultures that existed.
There are many different types of Flamenco dances and each has a different look. Not only do the costumes differ but they also use a variety of accessories like castanets and fans.
It is a highly expressive Spanish dance and meant to show extreme emotion. Fla menco dancers are intense and passion ate. The main characteristics of this dance are hand clapping, percussive footwork like foot stomping and hand, arm and body movements, and oftentimes accom panied by guitar music.
Flamenco dancers also became one of the major attractions for the public and by the 20th century it became very
popular in the theater. Just like an Argen tine Tango, they were performing on the streets of Spain.
Flamenco dancers spend a lot of time perfecting the dance, which is difficult. There are so many rhythmic patterns to learn. The steps and movements are complicated.
It is also important to communicate your innermost emotions and feelings to the audience. This is probably the most interesting part of the dance to watch. This dance can be danced in partnership, singly, or in a group setting.
To celebrate Flamenco in some Spanish regions, there are colorful fiestas and cele brations with music and dance. Today the dance still retains its very Spanish, very Gypsy, and very passionate character.
If you are looking to learn Flamenco, keep in mind it is not a social dance, it is a performance dance. You might have to find a unique setting, as not all dance stu dios teach this. I recommend to everyone to experience the Flamenco in some way, whether it’s watching or dancing.
Sandro Virag is a partner and instructor at Hilton Head Ballroom Dance Studio of Hilton Head, located in Bluffton at Seaquins Ballroom. hiltonheadballroom.com
