VOLUME 25, ISSUE 24 • DECEMBER 20, 2022

Page 1

Community bids farewell to ardent supporter Dianne Reynolds 10A Foundation awards 24 teacher grants for cool projects 12A

Communities create sustainable habitats as part of lifestyle 14A

• Businesses give away Disney trip to family 19A

• Bluffton women seek support for family, friends still in Ukraine 21A

Future Burnt Church changes will ease traffic, increase safety

The impetus for a planned transportation project intended to widen Burnt Church Road from Bridge Street to the Bluffton Parkway is improving the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers.

The tentative designs – there are four at the moment – that were presented at a mid-November public meeting included a 6-foot sidewalk, a 10-foot multi-use path and 4-foot bike lanes on both sides of the road. The two-lane road would be widened to also accommodate a center turn lane.

“In a complete-street fashion, this provides space for all users,” said Eric Claussen, Beaufort County’s director of engineering. “When there was a discussion about how to use the 2018 transportation tax, a survey went out looking for input on walking and bike paths.”

In the summer of 2020, the county created an online survey that asked for input on walking and cycling habits and what the county’s residents wanted. The month-long survey consisted of a multiple-choice question and answer section, and a mapping sec-

tion in which respondents were asked what new facilities or improvements they would like to see. Nearly 2,000 people completed the survey, and nearly 75% felt that investing in bicycle and walking systems were very important.

“That’s basically where the idea came from,” said Claussen. “In the most recent comprehensive plan, long-range improvements were proposed for Burnt Church Road. This gave us the opportunity to look at the potential to not only improve pedestrian accommodations but to improve the safety of that corridor.”

An increase in development along the route as well as its proximity to, schools, recreational areas such as the boat ramp on Alljoy, and Old Town with its many events made the potential for a boost to bicycle and pedestrian activity.

This project connects with the widening and pedestrian accommodations on Burnt Church between the Parkway and U.S. 278, but also ties in on the Bluffton streetscape project on Bridge Street and then the sidewalk improvements to Alljoy. In this concept design phase, the engineers took the center line and turned it into a two-way turn lane.

“The idea is to add that safety element to this roadway for those left turners going into driveways,” Claussen said. “During the busy time when there is travel in both directions,

people get impatient and that’s when they take chances.”

Dec. 20, 2022 • Volume 25, Issue 24 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com INSIDE
310 Okatie Highway | (843) 645-7774 PortRoyalSoundFoundation.org from your friends at the Maritime Center Happy Holidays! HOLIDAY HOURS: Tues-Fri: 10am-5pm Sat: 10am-4pm Closed December 23-26 & December 31
8A
Please see ROADWORK on page
Sidewalks and bike paths from the Bluffton Parkway to Bridge Street will enable children to bike or walk to Michael C. Riley Elementary School from nearby neighborhoods. GWYNETH J. SAUNDERS
Page 2A The Bluffton Sun Dec. 20, 2022 Don’t let illness ruin your holidays. BMH CARE ANYWHERE IS A BEAUFORT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL PROGRAM Visit BMHCareAnywhere.org Download the BMHCareAnywhere app. Available Christmas and New Year’s Day No appointment necessary Prescriptions when appropriate Our providers can consult, diagnose and prescribe for cold/flu, sore throat, allergies, infections and more! Board-certified providers Free to sign up and no monthly fees Just $67 for a visit! Beaufort Memorial is here for you every day throughout the holiday season with 24/7 online doctor visits through BMH Care Anywhere.

As year ends, reflect on your most amazing moments

You’re already thinking it, so I might as well say it: I can’t believe it’s already mid-December and the New Year is just around the corner.

I know, we haven’t even gotten through Christmas yet and we’re already dipping our toes into thoughts about 2023. But I have to ask: Where did this year go?

I have to look at the photos on my phone to recall what I did when and with whom. Thank goodness for that technology, right? Do you recall what you did, where you went, and who you hung out with this year?

As I scroll through my 11,262 images, I see some highlights, and note that friends and family are always in those photos. There were some splendid gatherings of dear, longtime friends, and just as wonderful were brief visits with my sisters, brother, niece

and nephews, and a short trip to Florida with one of my sons. And the other son opened a new business!

Scattered among those moments were chance meetings of kindred spirits who have become good friends. Sadly, also among the moments were more than a few passages of friends and family from this earth – some expected, some still unfathomable.

So what happened in the past year? I think all of us can say, “Life happened.”

We spent the months and weeks and days doing what we do – going about our routines day in and day out – waking up and going to bed at the same time, doing the same job, walking the dog on the same route, schlepping the kids here and there, going to the same grocery store and buying the same food, all while wearing the same lounge wear we purchased online in 2020.

Sounds rather boring and a bit depressing, doesn’t it?

But along the way, if we’re lucky, we were able to enjoy some amazing moments during the year as well.

I’ve had a few. Two stand out.

On the next to last day of last year, I met my sister from another mister. We are not related, but we bonded immediately and quickly learned we have very similar quirks, we’re both creative, and we’re both in love with country music superstar Vince Gill.

I met Danie because a friend insisted. Since I walked into her weird little store (and stayed for an unexpected 3 hours) that day, we have traveled to Charleston to see our shared “boyfriend” in concert; she came to see me in a play; I wrote a surprise press release for one of her artistic ventures. She is one of few people other than my family whose phone call I will answer at any hour.

Another person who was involved in some amazing moments with me was my sister Shirley. She and I grew up together,

then grew apart when I moved away. In the past few years, we’ve strengthened our relationship and have spent more time together – most recently on long road trips.

Last year, her first grandson, Henrik, was born in Illinois, and we drove up there to meet him. We had been there the prior year for her son’s wedding and got to know his wife’s family. We fell in love with all of them.

A few months later, we returned – mostly to see Henrik, but also to enjoy the annual wheat festival in the small town where the family lives. What a hoot! It was there that we watched our first tractor pull and got excited about a 99-pound prize pumpkin.

These days, we text, email or talk every single day.

Life is funny sometimes, and fun often – if you take advantage of random opportunities, whims and those amazing moments.

I wish you all the best life has to offer in the coming year!

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EDITORIAL

End of year legislative wrap-up, new assignment

Every two years, following the general election, the House of Representatives holds an organizational session to elect leadership, adopt rules, assign committees, and elect the respective committee chairs. We re-elected Murrell Smith (my law school classmate) from Sumter as speaker of the house and Tommy Pope from York as speaker pro tempore.

I was elected chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, a committee on which I have served since first being elected to the House in 2012. As Judiciary chair, I will no longer serve on the House Legislative Oversight Committee. For many years I devoted significant ink in this column regarding legislative oversight in South Carolina.

In 2014, I was elected as the first chairman of the then-newly created oversight committee and was thereafter re-elected for three cycles. As the architect of the House LOC structure and oversight process, I could not be prouder of the collective accomplishments of the staff and committee’s work over

the past eight years.

We established certain foundational principles rooted in transparency and accountability with a commitment to public non-partisan reviews of the state agencies.

The committee has completed more than 40 reviews of state agencies, received six national awards, has been recognized by the national Legislative Program Evaluation Society for impacts on public policy, and has twice been recognized as a “best practice” for other legislatures around the country. Our structure and process have been described as a model for all state legislatures to consider.

To date, more than 279 of the committee’s recommendations have been implemented, with 67 being through legislative enactment, and more than 50 of the 505 bills pre-filed on Dec. 8 seek to implement oversight recommendations.

It has been a privilege and honor for me to serve as the House LOC Chair and I firmly believe, as President Woodrow Wilson said, that “quite as important as legislation is vigilant oversight of administration.” By any measure the work of the oversight commit-

Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:

Whereas Christmas is undoubtedly the biggest holiday of the year and deserves the broad coverage it receives in local publications, I was pleased to see two articles in the Dec. 6 edition of the Bluffton Sun reporting on the Jewish community.

I am referring to the articles on the Hanukkah parade and menorah lighting by Rabbi Hertz of Chabbad and the article on Rabbi Haas’ lecture on antisemitism.

Thank you for being perhaps the only local publication to include the Jewish news. We appreciate your inclusiveness and thank you.

To the Editor:

While listening to a sermon recently on the three components of generosity – that is, time, talent and treasure – I was reminded how much a pledge to being generous should also be applied in our everyday life as well.

Webster’s defines generosity as “a spirit and action of freely and frequently giving to others”; “an overall spirit of kindness”; “freedom from pettiness in character and mind”; “general acts of kindness.” And, I might add, not necessarily a material gift.

In other words, simply being forgiving and unselfish serves to further our desire to be more generous. Sharing kindness with others can be transformational toward living a more productive life.

Seriously then, it is simply a state of mind,

tee has been impressive.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure there and will miss being a part the committee, but as chairman of Judiciary my efforts need to be focused on the many bills that are assigned to that committee.

As the holiday season approaches, I could not be more excited to have all my children back under one roof, at least for a few weeks. Our oldest child, Reedy, was elected student body president of the University of South Carolina last spring and because of that position she has not been able to spend any significant time at home since then.

As I assist the Elf on the Shelf’s move to a different location each morning to keep out a watchful eye and observe the children’s stockings hung from the mantle with care, I long for the days when we had our little people here all the time, but I quickly realize how incredibly blessed we are as a family.

Rose joins me in wishing you and your family a happy and safe holiday season.

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

something our divided society truly needs right now, and it’s free!

In a broader sense then, we have an opportunity, pledging our time, talent and treasure in an intangible effort, to make our community and country a better place for all of humanity.

Recently, an oped in a local paper spoke on the subject of changing one’s perspective. It ended with these words: “Seeing things from other perspectives can tone down our tempers, soften our anger, brighten our outlook, and maybe even help us be kinder and gentler to others.”

Friends, a pledge of sincere generosity starts with you and me.

Page 4A The Bluffton Sun Dec. 20, 2022
Earle Everett Moss Creek
Dec. 20, 2022 The Bluffton Sun Page 5A

Certain sounds of the season launch us into holiday spirit

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 Bluffton Branch Library in

Bluffton Village, we asked: “What holiday song puts you in the spirit of the season?

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Debbie Henderson, Beaufort: “Holly, Jolly Christmas.” Wendy Purdy, Bluffton: “Driving Home for Christmas,” by Chris Rea. Beth Dragoone, Bluffton: “A Christmas Song,” aka “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.” Shannon Kesecker, Bluffton: “Joy to the World.” Sharon Bomgardner, Bluffton: “O Holy Night.”

Sunshine and cool

Dec. 20, 2022 The Bluffton Sun Page 7A
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A single-lane roundabout will be constructed at the intersection of Burnt Church and Bruin, unlike the two-lane roundabouts at the intersections of Boundary Street and May River Road in Old Town, and S.C. 170 and May River Road in the area of New River.

“From a traffic calming and safety perspective, it is really going to slow traffic down,” said Claussen. “We had a pretty good turnout at the public meeting and only one person did not like it.”

Another point about the road improvements was to provide a safe walking connection to Michael C. Riley Elementary School and Early Childhood Center. Parents who responded to the survey said it was a priority to provide safe means for children to get to school.

Claussen said nothing is set in stone. The purpose of the first meeting was to provide a concept and take comments with a goal to get to the next step of a preliminary design. Another meeting will be scheduled for spring, when the new design will reflect community input and further investigations

for the project.

“We’ll try to avoid as many trees and as much significant property acquisition as we can. Once we work through what the property impacts are, we’ll go into negotiations with the property owners,” he said. “There’s a lot of things to try to figure out.”

The plans should be complete by early 2023, followed by permitting and obtaining the right of way negotiations that are needed. Construction is expected to start in the summer of 2024.

The engineering firm of Parrish and Partners from North Charleston was contracted to provide the plans. The design cost for this project is estimated at $1,411,334.

“All of this ties together for a real significant bicycle and pedestrian connectivity for the community,” said Claussen. “On this section of roadway in this area of Bluffton and the improvements that are going on in Alljoy, this is really a win-win for the community.”

Page 8A The Bluffton Sun Dec. 20, 2022 From your LOCAL CSB Team Seasons Greetings! (843) 341-9900 / 5 Bow Circle (843) 689-7800 / 98 Main Street (843) 837-0100 / 7 Thurmond Way (Bluffton) (843) 705-1200 / 30 William Pope Drive (Sun City) ROADWORK from page 1A
Gwyneth J. Saunders is a veteran journalist and freelance writer living in Bluffton. A one-lane traffic circle is proposed at the intersection of Bruin Road as part of the improvements to Burnt Church Road. GWYNETH J. SAUNDERS

ADVANCING THE FIELD OF HEALTHCARE.

After chest pain and shortness of breath began making peanut farming difficult for Terry, he was diagnosed with ischemic cardiomyopathy. His heart was functioning at half capacity and was deemed too diseased for a bypass.

Terry was referred to Dr. Papoy, a cardiothoracic surgeon at St. Joseph’s/Candler. Specially trained to perform coronary endarterectomies, Dr. Papoy was able to remove the diseased part of the coronary artery and reconstruct it. A rapid recovery after the operation was made possible by the Impella 5.5 heart pump. Terry’s heart is now fully working. And to his delight, so is he.

“The St. Joseph’s/Candler team not only saved my life, they allowed me to get back to work and spend quality time traveling with my wife and being with my grandkids.” – Terry Reese

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Farewell to Dianne Reynolds, tireless community champion

Don’t let anyone tell you Dianne Reynolds was from Hardeeville. For those who knew her, she was Bluffton through and through – a pillar of service to others and to setting the example of community giving that our town is so proud of.

Her death on Dec. 2 – just 11 days before her 80th birthday – has saddened the holidays for many long-time Blufftonians, but her contributions to the fabric of this town will be revered for generations to come as many a nonprofit CEO strives to clone her work-ethic DNA.

Her husband of close to half a century, Cecil, was more of the front-facing member of the Reynolds team, serving as a Beaufort County magistrate for 24 years, as well as on the Beaufort County Council, and as both police chief and the town’s first fire chief.

Dianne was the one behind the scenes who got stuff done, made things happen and made sure they were done well.

Yes, she graduated from Hardeeville High School, a basketball team member and a leader in many school clubs. Reynolds was a devoted wife and mother, a stay-at-home Mom – her proud profession as she raised her sons, Michael and Marshall, at their Alljoy Beach home.

When the boys hit high school, Reynolds became an unstoppable force for good in Bluffton and the Lowcountry.

One of her first large-scale projects was organizing the town’s first-ever Christmas parade in 1971. Then-mayor Grady Messex leaned on Reynolds to create a gathering that celebrated everything good about the town and gave the kids a chance to strut their stuff and get some face time with Santa.

“It was such a joy and a point of pride to have so many dignitaries visit Bluffton and be part of the parade,” Reynolds

told me for a 2021 profile. “We had all the Scouts marching – Cub, Boy and Girl. We had kids wrapped as gifts, antique cars, horse and buggies. Grady wanted something to be proud of, and I took that as an honor and a sacred responsibility.”

Reynolds said she must have sent 1,000 invites to politicians and state leaders through the years. Brantley Harvey was the first parade grand marshal. He went on to become the state’s lieutenant governor in 1975.

“I mean, who wouldn’t want to come for a stay by the May, take in the Lowcountry and celebrate the holidays,” Reynolds said rhetorically of her persistent invites. “David Beasley was part of the parade before he became Governor. Strom and Nancy Thurmond came down every year and were so appreciative to be included,” Reynolds said, acknowledging that even though he opposed the civil rights movement

Page 10A The Bluffton Sun Dec. 20, 2022 DECADES OF TRUST! Before you buy or sell anything of value, come see me! 17 Sherington Drive, Suite G., Bluffton, SC 29910 (In Sheridan Park, next to Island Bagel) 843-836-5566 www.acgoldandsilver.com Craig Burgess of WISHING YOU Happy Holidays AND A JOYFUL NEW YEAR
Dianne Reynolds was a stalwart supporter of the Bluffton community’s activities, whether sports, music or just fun.
Please see DIANNE on page 29A
COURTESY THE REYNOLDS FAMILY
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Foundation awards 24 grants to local teachers and schools

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“At Pinnacle, we want our patients to feel like they are part of our family and we strive to treat them that way from the first time they visit. We pride ourselves on the customer experience. It is important to always keep up with the latest advances, but our practice uniquely separates the gimmicks from the options that produce results. It is our philosophy to listen first to our patients’ goals and then help guide them to the treatments and procedures that will help us all work toward that shared goal. Your inner and outer you should be in harmony.”

“At Pinnacle, we want our patients to feel like they are part of our family and we strive to treat them that way from the first time they visit. We pride ourselves on the customer experience. It is important to always keep up with the latest advances, but our practice uniquely separates the gimmicks from the options that produce results. It is our philosophy to listen first to our patients’ goals and then help guide them to the treatments and procedures that will help us all work toward that shared goal. Your inner and outer you should be in harmony.”

The Foundation for Educational Excellence awarded 20 Innovative Teacher Grants and four School Resource Grants in November to teachers from 15 schools across Beaufort County. The grants, totaling more than $29,000, were awarded to teachers and schools for innovative learning opportunities and projects that go beyond the regular school district budget.

“The Foundation is thrilled that this year’s grants will provide individual learning opportunities for almost 5,000 Beaufort County students,” said Michel Claudio, Innovative Grants chair and Foundation board member.

Projects funded by the Foundation this year range from purchasing materials for sensory bins for early education learners to building pickleball courts for middle schoolers and providing funds for a printmaking press for high school students.

Pritchardville Elementary School teacher Nancy Frigon received a grant for her project “Let’s Code with Micro:bits.” The funds will go towards the purchase of Micro:bits, credit card-sized computers that integrate both hardware and software. Using these Micro:bits, students will be able to code a tool like a thermometer or barometer that can be used to determine the current weather conditions.

Other Bluffton teachers who won grants are: Bree Lauffer, Okatie Elementary, It’s Electrifying; Summer Tucker, M.C. Riley Elementary, Increasing Vocabulary through Sensory Bin Exploration; Jill Exley, M.C. Riley Elementary, Let’s Give ’Em Something to Talk About; Lizabeth Webber, Okatie Elementary, It’s Never Too Early to Teach Computer Science; Melissa Murray, M.C. Riley Early Childhood, Building Confident Readers; and Blake Bishop, River Ridge Academy, Pickle Ball for Middle School.

“The Foundation’s Board loves to see the impact that these projects have on the future generations in our community through the initiative and creativity of these amazing teachers,” said Lisa Carroll, Foundation Board Chair. “It is our honor to be able to make projects possible through the funding of these grants.”

The Foundation for Educational Excellence raises funds to support the mission and goals of the Beaufort County School District by furthering student instructional activities and projects through Innovative Teacher Grants, Innovative School Resource Grants and Student Enrichment Grants.

For information, contact the Foundation at foundationedexcellence.com, call 843304-1922, or email FFEEinfo@email.com

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At M.C. Riley Elementary School, Principal Melissa Holland, left, and Assistant Principal Sam Ford, right, celebrate with grant winners Jill Exley, Summer Tucker and Melissa Murray. COURTESY FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
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Communities create sustainable habitats as part of lifestyle

Rolling down SC-170, most people passing the Oldfield community notice only the white picket fence enclosing the fields that occasionally hold a few horses. Next to the community’s entrance sign, a much smaller one pronounces Oldfield as an Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community, an award not easily achieved.

Although Audubon is primarily synonymous with birds, this designation from the international branch goes far beyond tending to the needs of feathered dinosaur descendants. It encompasses all manner of wildlife that inhabits the marshes along the Okatie River, as well as the landscape within the fences.

Leeanna McMillan, Outfitter Center assistant director and the community’s naturalist, said the process began before her arrival in 2019, but her efforts since then ensured that Oldfield would be recertified.

“To get the original certification, you have to have a list of goals and objectives that you want to reach. That’s kind of a lengthy process to get all those in line and get them approved by Audubon,” McMillan said, “and then we had to have a site visit.”

That evaluation visit resulted in Oldfield earning the designation in 2018 in the record time of one and a half years, not the usual three to five years.

The Oldfield Golf Course is certified under the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, which includes such recommendations as maintaining numerous bird boxes for blue birds and wood ducks and monitoring water usage. But the sustainable community tag goes much deeper toward balancing people with nature.

Audubon International helps the communities achieve a number of goals by helping them work through three stages needed to become certified: assessment,

Page 14A The Bluffton Sun Dec. 20, 2022
Leanna McMillan, assistant director at the Outfitter Center at Oldfield, checks out the community garden with her constant companion, Bear. PHOTOS BY GWYNETH J. SAUNDERS
Please see AUDUBON on page 16A
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planning and implementation. Communities focus on 15 different areas, including natural and cultural resources, land use planning efforts, ecotourism, volunteerism, and environmental awareness through education.

At the Outfitters Center, a small nature center gives community residents and their guests an up-close look at a few creatures that inhabit the marshes and surrounding area. The star of the show is Col. Hazzard, a small alligator named after the previous owner of Oldfield.

“I had to get an educational permit to have him. I got the permit from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. About a week later, DNR’s alligator biologist called me because they confiscated this gator from an illegal online sale,” she said. “They were looking for a home so that’s where he came from. I can keep him until he’s 36 inches long. He’s 27 inches now.”

In addition to the gator, there are yellowbellied sliders, a diamondback terrapin, saltwater fish and snakes. There are books to borrow and brochures to help people

identify things that fly, crawl, walk and slither.

From the dock adjacent to the center, McMillan, who has a captain’s license, takes

guests on river eco-cruises aboard the Oldfield Belle, a covered pontoon boat.

“People who aren’t from here want to see the area and experience the nature here,”

she said.

Other aspects that fit into the Audubon certification include assets such as a quartet of beehives. McMillan said the hives produced 80 pounds of honey last year.

With her ever-present canine companion, Bear, McMillan checked on the community garden near Oldfield’s main gate, one of the sources of pollen.

“We’re in the winter so it’s not as beautiful as it normally is,” she said.

Most of the individual beds were still green with lots of lettuce, cauliflower and broccoli, plenty of herbs like oregano, sage and marjoram. There are grapefruit, lime and pecan trees.

The children’s garden has herbs and other plants, and there is even a fairy garden for the little ones. A small grape arbor is wrapped with muscadine and scuppernong grape vines that have produced wine.

“It’s all volunteer work, and it’s a true community garden where everybody gardens and everyone harvests,” she said.

Please see AUDUBON on page 18A

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Col. Hazzard, a small alligator named for Oldfield’s previous owner, chills out in his tank inside the Outfitter Center at Oldfield.
Dec. 20, 2022 The Bluffton Sun Page 17A COME SEE US AT SHERIDAN PARK Simmonsville Rd. Pennington Dr Bluffton Parkway Persimmon Sherington Dr Hwy. 278 Sheridan Park Circle

AUDUBON from page 16A

The garden holds about 40 beds and there are plans underway to expand the garden to 80.

Volunteers built the gate, the arbor and many other structures found around the community, including the chicken house for heritage chickens in the equestrian center which is also home to a pair of Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs named Ham and May.

“We do a farm-to-table program for the kids which includes the chickens and pigs. At this time of year, we let the kids feed pumpkins to the pigs,” said McMillan. “The rest of the Halloween pumpkins we take over to Whippoorwill Farms in Ridgeland for their pigs.”

When it was certified, Oldfield was one of eight communities in the world to be so designated. Now it is one of 13, a number that includes the Town of Hilton Head Island, which earned its designation in 2017, and was recently recertified.

Brian Eber, senior environmental planner, said the town sets goals and tries to work on them each year in order to keep in the good graces of the sustainable community program.

“Obviously it touches key points in our long-range plan that we completed in 2020 for bicycle safety, rentals, public transportation, cost of living and recycling,” said Eber. “One of the things we’re looking to do is to add traditional recycling along our trails, so that if you’re cycling you can recycle.”

One of the things that often is overlooked is stormwater. The Hilton Head Town Hall has a xeriscape garden that requires no irrigation.

“You don’t use irrigation but you can plant a garden, our native flowers, bushes, trees – you can plant all native plants and have a garden because they thrive in this environment,” Eber said.

When people come to Hilton Head, they want to experience the island, so visitors are directed to places like Newhall Preserve and Sea Pines Forest Preserve, where the longleaf pine is being reintroduced.

“I think it used to make up 80% of the pine population before development started happening a long time ago. We’re trying to reintroduce this,” said Eber.

The town also has a native plant guide

that is given to developers for wherever they want to plant trees as buffers along the shore line or in the developments.

“Sometimes people think only of the birds that are in our preserves and communities, especially people look for the raptors, but we also look out for the shore birds – the pelicans, seagulls – all of them,” said Eber.

Counting: It’s all about the birds

The Hilton Head Audubon Society, which is part of the National Audubon Society and not connected with Audubon International, has helped Hilton Head succeed in its efforts toward sustainability. It also participates in the annual nationwide bird audit known as the Christmas Bird Count.

Between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5 of each year, groups of bird lovers will organize to take a tally of species and total numbers of birds located within a prescribed 15-mile circle. Research scientists, wildlife agencies, conservation biologists and others use the results to study the long-term health and status of bird populations across North America.

Local bird clubs, including Hilton Head and Sun City, have completed their counts already, but anyone interested might check with the group in Edisto. According to the bird count map at audubon.org, this group has scheduled its count for Jan. 2, 2023. Contact Tom Austin at land@edisto.org to see if he still has openings.

If you didn’t get in on any of the holiday counts, you can still participate in another citizen-scientist project called the Great Backyard Bird Count that requires nothing more than sitting in the comfort of your home on your porch (or looking out of your living room, bedroom or kitchen window) and counting the birds you see.

This event takes place from Feb. 17-20, 2023, and bird counters can spend as little as 15 minutes or as long as they want on any or all of the four days.

For more information, a checklist and how to report what you see, go to birdcount.org.

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

Page 18A The Bluffton Sun Dec. 20, 2022

Businesses give away Disney trip to family longing for magic

It was a sign from the heavens.

That’s what Pat Mahoney thought when he saw a contest post on a local Facebook group. He and his wife, Michele, are Disney fanatics. They went to the Magic Kingdom for their honeymoon in 2011 and always hoped to get back once they started a family.

Fast forward 11 years and the couple are firmly entrenched in “the grind.” Pat is an Iowa native and a former catcher for the University of Connecticut, the cousin of former Major Leaguer Mike Mahoney. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 49th round of the 2004 draft and worked his way through the Rays and Chicago Cubs system before deciding that family life was more important than chasing the Major League dream.

Mahoney stayed in baseball as a youth coach and instructor and in 2021, launched a baseball-themed company called Bat-

Bands. He and Michele sell personalized rubber bands and decals to adorn baseball bat and racket handles that let kids show off their personality at the plate. Think of it as Jibbitz for sports equipment.

Michele also has a business of her own, Permanent Jewelry by Michele, and has been working the pop-up market circuit from Charleston to Savannah.

The couple have also written a book, “Play Ball,” that is a confidence-boosting gameday guide for up-and-coming baseball and softball players.

Between starting two new businesses, writing and publishing a book, buying and moving into their Cypress Ridge home and parenting four little ones, the Disney dream was increasingly becoming a financial and logistical long shot. That’s until Mahoney saw on Facebook the What’s Happening in Bluffton contest sponsored by Steven Libman’s Integrity Holdings Group and Ryan

see DISNEY on page 20A

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Dec. 20, 2022 The Bluffton Sun Page 19A
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Please The Mahoney family at Walt Disney World in the classic pose in front of the Magic Kingdom. PHOTOS COURTESY MAHONEY FAMILY

Chowansky at Bluffton Builders.

Mahoney posted Halloween photos of Luci, Tenli, Rory and Josi dressed as their favorite Disney characters. It caught the eyes of Libman, Chowansky and the WHIB moderators. Between the couple’s honeymoon story and the over-the-top cuteness of their four pack, the Mahoneys were chosen as the winners from more than 150 entries in the contest.

“I was in shock at first. Then I started thinking of the logistics,” Mahoney said. They were picked on Dec. 2 for a three-day, two-night trip just over a week later – a stay at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, provided by Libman, and two-day Disney park passes courtesy of Chowansky and his crew.

The look on the kids’ faces when their Dad told them of the trip is something right out of a Walt Disney World commercial. Their photo hugging Mickey, all in green shirts and all hugging super tight, was a moment parents dream of for their Magic Kingdom memories.

“I think we’re still in shock that this all

happened. It’s just such a blessing that came at such a right and needed time for us,” Mahoney said. A momentary jump off the daily hamster wheel of life for the parents, and the

coolest thing ever for the kids.

“Mentally it felt like another planet, just to be away and doing a different kind of hustle around the parks, it was just unbelievable,”

Mahoney said.

As for the kids, Dad says they are all telling family and friends that the Aladdin carpets was their favorite, but the Jungle Criuse, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Small World boat rides were a close second.

“To see my kids riding the same rides I enjoyed when I was a kid, it was a real special moment for us,” Mahoney said. From the pictures the Mahoneys sent, it was clear they made the absolute most of their time with Mickey, Donald and the Disney gang. The three girls got the Disney princess treatment while Rory led the charge to get hugs from Mickey and prime seats on all the rides.

The only down side to the adventure is that Christmas may be a letdown in comparison.

“Not too many things are better than Christmas morning, but finding out you’re going on your first-ever trip to Disney is definitely on the short list,” Mahoney said.

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

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The Mahoney children get their magical Mickey Mouse moment with lots of hugs.

Nataliya Yanovska and Iulia Shvachko have a lot in common: They are both from Ukraine, they live in Bluffton, they both are married and have small children, and they have good jobs. In addition, they both volunteer a lot of their time collecting, sorting, packing donations and preparing shipping containers to support the war effort in Ukraine through Savannah Supports Ukraine.

Both women fear that the Ukraine they love will never be the same – that the war will continue to ravage their home country.

“During the first month, I was in shock and in disbelief. It’s turning into a never-ending battlefield – a battlefield of Putin’s ambition,” Shvachko said. “My beautiful country is being destroyed. I will never see the same Ukraine again.”

“The power of the people is greater than any one man,” said Yanovska. “We cannot

turn away. The news and awareness must continue. There’s a nuclear threat, no power, and in so many ways it could be an apocalyptic disaster. There must be an end.”

“I wake up every day thinking I’ve had a bad dream,” Yanovska continued. “Then I realize it’s really happening.”

Yanovsak strongly encouraged her parents to leave the country. “I have my independence and now the role with my parents is reversed,” she said. “I kept insisting loudly for my parents to leave.”

Her parents lived in the Donetsk region near the Russian border. Yanovsak said they came here from March to June, but their hearts remained in the home country. “They have a farm and were worried about their village, family, and their animals. They know how much I worry, so they stay strong for me,” she said. “They relocated to a village near Kiev away from the front.”

Shvachko is from the Zaparesia region in

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COURTESY IULIA SHVACHKO
Please see UKRAINE on page 22A
Iulia Shvachko, second from left, and Nataliya Yanovska, second from right, with their children during a recent Savannah for Ukraine event.

southern Ukraine, which is under Russian occupation. Her parents moved here five years ago, but still own their apartment in Ukraine. However, her uncles, aunts and cousins have been displaced to Poland, Lithuania and safer locations in Ukraine.

“Everybody wants to go home,” she said. “Huge apartments full of people have no power, water or gas. The Russians vandalize these places because the people can’t just sit there for weeks and months in a concrete building.”

Shvachko added that property insurance is not a common practice in Ukraine, so her parents are sick with worry about their apartment.

“This is everybody’s fight,” she said. “The world didn’t realize how much Ukraine feeds the world, especially African countries where there is a real food crisis. This leads to riots and children are dying. This is a third World War – it is, and it affects the whole world.”

Yanovska has two sons, ages 4 and 6. Shvachko is the mother of a 9-year-old boy and 5-year-old twin girls. As mothers, they try to protect their children from the trauma

and horrors of war.

The children are aware that there is a war going on, but they are shielded from the details. Yanovska said they try not to listen to the news with the children. “I’m strong,” she said, “but I wonder how it would be to raise

them there in Ukraine with the war.”

Both Yanovska and Shvachko fear that people will tune out news of the continuing conflict and become complacent. “We have to continue to support Ukraine,” Yanovska

said. “We cannot turn away. The news and awareness must continue.”

Shvachko agreed. “Awareness is a great thing, to remember it’s still going on,” she said. “If people can donate that’s great, but remember. Don’t forget. Ukraine is fighting for the whole world for the true definition of freedom.”

Shvachko looks to the future, when people can start to rebuild in Ukraine. “I remain hopeful,” she said. “I told my husband, when the war is over, we’re going to Ukraine to mix some concrete!”

“We can ask our state representatives to speak on our behalf and continue support,” Yanovsa said. “The power of human connection and ability to understand the size of this tragedy should unite us in our efforts to help.”

Any individual or community who wants to help can donate to Savannah Supports Ukraine. For more information, visit savannahsupportsukraine.org.

Edwina Hoyle is a freelance writer in Bluffton.

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Lowcountry woman gives helping hand to neighbors in need

by Helping Hand Center, this crew of workers recently replaced a set of stairs with a newly built handicap ramp that gives the resident, who uses a wheelchair, safe access to the home.

The holiday season is a time to give thanks for the blessings that enrich our lives, including the opportunity to live in our corner of paradise in the Lowcountry. Right around the corner, however, things are very different.

The rural areas of Jasper and Hampton counties are food deserts, resources are slim and poverty is prevalent, especially among the elderly. The closest grocery store, pharmacy and doctors are in Ridgeland, and the nearest hospital is in Beaufort. Public transportation doesn’t reach some areas, and many elderly residents don’t have transportation.

Nancy Morgan, executive director of the Helping Hand Center, opened her heart to help in an area that isn’t touched by most human service organizations. She spent her career working in community service and saw how “no” usually was the standard answer when

the poor elderly asked for help.

“I saw how hard it is for them. They have no clear understanding of all the paperwork,” Morgan said. She felt they were neglected, and she became disillusioned.

But when she retired in 2009, she asked God to give her the resources to help. She started outreach to churches and soon Morgan became the one to call when hope was lost.

In 2012, she officially launched her nonprofit organization, Helping Hand Center. Since then, Morgan has helped hundreds of individuals and families in various ways.

One of Morgan’s many success stories started with a call from a social worker at Beaufort Memorial Hospital. An elderly diabetic man had had his leg amputated and he was worried and agitated, because he was now in a wheelchair and knew he had no way to get back into his house. He had no

Dec. 20, 2022 The Bluffton Sun Page 23A
Please see HELPING on page 24A
Recruited COURTESY HELPING HAND CENTER

money to build a handicap ramp, and it would have to be constructed before he left the hospital.

Morgan got to work and the project was completed within three days. She said that most of her clients live on Social Security or Social Security Disability and can’t afford $7,000 for a roof, or even the cost for a ramp.

The success stories are numerous and varied.

“A man recently called me who had lost all hope. People here are always told there is no help,” Morgan said. “He was devastated and crying because his roof was ready to fall in. Sometimes we don’t even have the money allocated, but we start the project and believe the money will come. We walk in faith.”

Home repairs are often needed just to make a home safe. “I go into homes and they don’t even realize how unsafe it is,” Morgan said. “One elderly woman asked if we could fix a door that had been blown off in a storm. The door-

way was boarded up so there was only one way in and one way out. She couldn’t even lock her door. It was tied shut with a rag.”

And sometimes that walk of faith is literal. In another case, Morgan said when she walked into the house, the floors were moving under her.

“I was terrified. The family told me to step where they stepped, but I was afraid to walk on it,” Morgan said. “The contractor said they were walking on the floor beams and used them as a path through the house.”

Morgan got a contractor to donate the repairs and he told her that he also painted the house. “But I didn’t ask you to paint,” she told him. He responded, “I know, but if it looks better, they will feel better.”

“Small changes matter,” Morgan said.

In addition to home safety projects, Helping Hand Center addresses critical needs for the elderly and disabled with monthly health screenings, with

nutrition and supplemental meals, and incontinence and medical supplies.

Last year, 711 individuals received these services, and 63 families got help with new roofs, handicap ramps, handicap baths, deteriorated porches and entry steps, and falling ceilings.

There are six senior centers in the area where Morgan sets up regular health screenings to check blood pressure, heart rate and weight, and monitor diabetics, etc. This year three clients were sent directly to the hospital – one had emergency surgery to insert a pacemaker and one was close to going into diabetic coma. Both probably would have died without this intervention.

The amazing thing about Helping Hand Center is that Morgan runs the entire show – by herself – and says she loves every minute of it. “Finding money is the hard part. The people here are too poor,” she said.

Kim Davis of Hilton Head Island vol-

unteers at a senior center in Robertville and has crossed paths with Morgan many times. “She is a force of nature,” Davis said. “She has so much energy and passion, and she is revered by everyone. She keeps her head down and works. Mrs. Morgan is amazing.”

Davis said that she was impressed with how much heart Morgan has for people who don’t have resources.

“The people in Bluffton, when they learn about Helping Hand, usually by happenstance, they become donors,” Davis said. “People want to help, and the money goes to people who desperately need help in rural areas where there aren’t many resources available. Bluffton is full of generous people.”

For more information, email helpinghand0912@gmail.com or find the nonprofit on Facebook @HHC.Jasper. Hampton.

Edwina Hoyle is a freelance writer in Bluffton.

Page 24A The Bluffton Sun Dec. 20, 2022 HELPING
page 23A
from

Some folks see it as a nuisance and an environmental danger. Others see it as a symbol of hope and resilience in a time when we need more good news to talk about.

It has been decorated, it has survived multiple storms, it has become the meme of the moment on local social media pages.

Everywhere across Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, people are talking about the Little Blue Boat.

The sailboat with the white top and baby

blue bottom was originally located offshore near the Daufuskie Island Ferry dock in Bluffton. Multiple charter boat captains we talked to, all wanting no part of having their name next to a quote, say the dinghy is a “don’t-ask, don’t-tell” open secret among area captains.

“There’s a folklore built around this boat, but the truth is, this happens all the time. It’s moored offshore, it’s out of the way of regular maritime traffic and it’s proven itself unsinkable,” said one long-time charter cap-

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COURTESY ERIN AUDAS-CRISTOFOLI Artist Erin Audas-Cristofoli stands with the paintings she and fellow painter Stephen Gregar created. Both paintings have a new home at Agave in Bluffton.

tain. “It’s not abandoned; we all know and love the owner. I wish people would move on and let it be.”

Ah, the title of a Beatles song. John, Paul, George and Ringo of the “Yellow Submarine” era have been Photoshopped onto the boat by Facebook posters.

One meme of the boat appeared about three weeks ago on the We Love Hilton Head group and commenters immediately saw it as a creative challenge.

Soon, everyone from Popeye to Gilligan and Skipper, the Lock Ness Monster to Duran Duran were appearing on “Bluey,” as some have affectionately dubbed the boat.

But this became more than just the latest disposable online fad. As the watercraft made its way to the other side of the U.S. 278 bridge into a salt marsh, it has become a mascot for many, an allegory for the spirit of never-surrender Lowcountry storm survival.

“I saw it driving (while) back and forth to work every day, crossing that bridge. At times, I would be stuck in accident traffic and I would just watch it wobble,” said Bluffton resident Ann Hadson. “It went from this

eyesore to this thing you could count on seeing. Where’s Bluey today? It’s still there, it’s still standing, so all is right with the world.”

Hadson isn’t alone in letting Bluey creep into her heart. We Love the Little Blue Boat, a new Facebook group, grew to 2,500 members in a matter of hours after its creation.

A crew of benevolent groupies adorned the vessel with a wreath and Christmas lights.

The beloved and mild-mannered owner that no one was looking to “out” was named in a WSAV report and then in a local daily paper. Charter boat captain Jon Everetts, the Black Dog Fishing Charters owner and 30year veteran of area waters, has owned the boat for the past two years.

Yes, he moored the boat by the bridge to avoid paying dockage fees. He has been nudged by SCDNR to remove Bluey before. At first, it just gently moved with the waves before breaking free during one of 2021’s more powerful storms. Everetts retrieved it and docked it farther away from the bridge, out of the way of boating traffic (and hopefully off the DNR radar).

But Bluey had a stubborn streak. It cut

loose once again during a storm earlier this year and took a small journey under the bridge to where its keel is currently stuck in four feet of mud in the marsh.

It’s not an easy task to remove a boat that’s so attached to the landscape. Everetts has said it will take a sailboat trailer to tow it – a piece of equipment he neither owns nor has been able to find as a loaner from fellow captains.

And that’s just fine with the thousands of cultlike devotees. To them, this water wonder is like a Weeble – it wobbles but it doesn’t fall down. It’s like Stallone with the Russians in “Rocky IV,” at first jeered vociferously, but after an onslaught of deadly Drago body blows and uppercuts, an unlikely hero.

Seven-day visitors and 70-year residents alike are literally ready to register this little blue boat as a national landmark. Now, with DNR threatening action and Everetts eyeing a “super tide” on Christmas Eve that will dislodge the skiff and allow him to remove it, its ardent admirers are taking action.

Another Facebook page, Save the Little

Blue Boat, has been formed, with members looking to start a petition to make the boat a permanent fixture and give an official label to the calm and welcoming status the now-iconic boat has achieved.

“I love the beacon of hope this little boat represents. I arrived here from California in the summer and it called to me every time I drove across the bridge onto Hilton Head,” said recent transplant Sam Wood. “I had driven all the way from California and this boat reminded me that I was coming to a better place.”

Everetts has said that while the boat is sturdy and not in danger of sinking, it does need work. But locals like social media philanthropist Heather Price suggest ridding Bluey of any environmental concerns and keeping it moored right where it is.

“Dump all the oil out of it, make sure it’s not disturbing any oyster beds and just let us have this goodness in our lives,” Price said.

The growing obsession with the boat has sparked a wave of creativity and charity

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from local artists. Wine and Design owner Erin Audas-Christofoli made a painting of the Little Blue Boat and auctioned it off on the What’s Happening in Bluffton Facebook page with all proceeds going to Bluffton Self Help. Fellow artist Stephen Gregar offered to add a painting of his own, a classic May River sunset, to the auction.

The bidding was crisp and constant for days before Agave owner Linda Belskis took home the paintings for $550. Gregar later auctioned off a Christmas-themed painting done on a T-shirt with $300 more headed to BSH.

Gregar, the mastermind behind the Bluffton rock pile organic art installation, has been prolific when it comes to Bluey. He’s created close to a dozen different takes on the boat and has created two designs that are being featured on T-shirts and kitchen towels produced by Pockets Full of Sunshine, an organization that teaches vocational skills to special needs adults. A portion of the sales will go to PFS.

“It’s just sparked something inside me. It just makes me smile, makes so many of us happy to see. We need to celebrate moments like this more,” Gregar said.

Bluffton singer-songwriter Jevon Daly agrees. He has commemorated the maritime marvel with a song, “Little Blue Boat and You,” available for download on YouTube and Spotify.

Back on the water, Bluey sways with the tides. Its fate is largely in Mother Nature’s hands. While a smattering of folks can’t wait for the “blight” on our pristine reputation to be removed, the vast majority of newfound blue boat buffs are hoping for a Christmas miracle.

“I hope the ‘super tide’ is a dud and we can let Bluey live in peace,” Hadson said. “I just hope this hysteria fizzles out and I will have this fierce little warrior still around to greet me crossing the bridge and let me know it’s going to be a good day.”

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

Dec. 20, 2022 The Bluffton Sun Page 27A BLUEY from page 26A
One of artist Stephen Gregar’s renditions of the Little Blue Boat. This painting on a T-shirt was auctioned for a $300 donation to Bluffton Self Help. STEPHEN GREGAR

For nonprofits, a bequest is a gift that keeps on giving

Historical documents often uncover a surprise. That’s what happened at Meals on Wheel, Bluffton-Hilton Head recently. While going through old agency minutes, it was discovered that in 2010, Meals on Wheels, Bluffton-Hilton Head was one of four local charities that received a bequest from a prominent member of our community and a military giant. Maj. Gen. Joseph E. Bastion, Jr., known as “Eddie,” left a legacy that still has an impact today. Eddie lived at The Seabrook on Hilton Head Island in his senior years, and passed away in 2009.

According to his obituary in local papers, “His distinguished army career took him to all parts of the world. In June 1942, he was assigned to the General Staff Headquarters, 11 Army Corps. This assignment took him to England and then to Allied Planning Forces Headquarters for the invasion of North Africa. Then, in 1945, he became secretary to Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, then Supreme Allied

Commander.

“After attending the National War College, Gen. Bastion was assigned to the 7th Infantry Division in Korea where he served as Chief of Staff. In September 1958, Gen. Bastion became Assistant Division Commander, 4th Armored Division in Germany. Later, in 1960, he became Chief of Staff and Deputy Commanding General, V Corps, USAREUR.

“Upon his return to the United States Gen. Bastion became the Commanding General of the US Army Training Center, Armor, at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and then the Commandant of the Armor School at Fort Knox. During his distinguished Army Career, Eddie was decorated by five countries other than the United States.”

His estate was divided among four local charities and each charity received more than $200,000. For Meals on Wheels, operating with a very small budget, this bequest was and is still felt today.

This year, the agency received another

The Reason for the Season is at Markel’s

bequest, for $25,000.

“We often don’t know our agency is a recipient, so when we receive the notice we are both delighted and surprised,” said Joe Scalzo, chair of the board.

Leaving a bequest to a nonprofit can create a legacy that is felt many years after the gift is received and might result in some tax advantages.

“We encourage people who name a nonprofit, especially Meals on Wheels, Bluffton-Hilton Head, in their will, to let us know,” said Lili Coleman, executive director. “We would love to keep you informed on how much that gift will

impact the agency.”

Of course, Coleman said, the will is not binding and can be changed during the person’s lifetime.

Maj. Gen. Bastion’s bequest represented more than 44,400 meals for local seniors and homebound clients. That was well over two years’ worth in 2010 – and more than the volume of meals delivered in 2022.

The numbers in 2022 will reach 36,000 meals provided to seniors and homebound neighbors by the end of the year and is expected to grow to 40,000 in 2023. These are hot, nutritious meals delivered Monday through Friday in Bluffton, Hilton Head and in Sun City to more than 200 clients by more than 214 volunteers.

Maj. Gen. Bastion wanted his gift to be directed to local charities that he felt made a difference. His gifts to our country and to this community are well remembered 12 years later.

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and supported racial segregation in the 1950s and 1960s, he was a devoted public servant. “He pushed for Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday to be a federal holiday. That was the Strom I knew.”

The event, as we know now, became a town staple and Reynolds served as its organizer through 1975 and volunteered on the parade into the early 1990s. She was named the parade’s grand marshal for its 50th edition in 2021.

Reynolds became a strong advocate for youth sports in the town, believing Bluffton’s athletes needed a specific outlet to showcase their talents – not just as part of a Hilton Head Island or regional squad. She was the brains behind the creation of the Bluffton Crusaders in 1971 (which later evolved into the Bluffton Bulldogs).

Churchgoers would also get to know what her friends and family had known for decades – that Reynolds was a bit of a musical savant when it came to the piano. She took lessons as a toddler, but her teachers quickly realized she could

play most anything by ear.

“I liked to play the classical music, but I would slip in some jazzier tunes or more modern sounds from time to time,” Reynolds said. She got the chance to showcase her skills publicly as the pianist and organist at First Baptist Church, a gig she held down for three decades.

“I loved playing classical and church music, it was such an honor. But I’ll tell you what, when I got home, I loved pop and rock music,” she said. “Barry Manilow, Elton John, their talents seemed superhuman to me. I’d often close my eyes, listen to Monty Jett’s radio show and just dream of playing with Sir Elton.”

Her friends used to marvel at her endless energy for community endeavors. For 25 years through the mid-1990s, if an organization asked for help, Reynolds was there. And then, she’d usually turn around and write about the events in her woman-about-town column for a local publication.

She was especially passionate about

the local political scene. She and Cecil were fixtures as election volunteers, and Dianne was a strong voice in four different area Republican clubs and the League of Women Voters.

“I would say she was the godmother of politics,” said her long-time friend state Rep. Bill Herbkersman. “She was everyone’s friend and her and Cecil would make everyone feel like they were somebody.”

The simplest way to describe Reynolds? She was a doer at a crucial time in the town’s history where Bluffton needed doers.

“Bluffton Self Help has received many donations in her honor, which speaks to how important she was in our community,” said Courtney Hampson, CEO of the organization.

Whether it was Meals on Wheels, the Red Cross, the Bluffton Rescue Squad or picking up trash along May River Road, she was usually either first in line or coordinating the line.

Reynolds devoted more time to

Cecil at the turn of the century straight through to his death in 2010. She was recognized by the state senate in 2008 as the Senior Citizen of the Day for her endless efforts to help others.

Reynolds had a love-hate relationship with those kind of honors.

“I appreciate the recognition, it’s nice to be seen. But it also is a lifetime achievement medal, like they’re putting you out to pasture,” Reynolds said. “We all have to slow down, but I never want to stop giving back.”

Reynolds knew she was getting close to seeing Cecil again when we talked in August 2021. When asked how she’d like to be remembered, she smiled and said she had the response down to a tidy little soundbite.

“I showed up. You have to show up for your community if you care,” she said. “And I cared. And I always showed up.”

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

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HOT SPOTS

Highlights of holiday lights across the Lowcountry

We are headed into the final stretch of holiday cheer for 2022, but with so many busting their behinds at work or to keep up on the hamster wheel of daily life, this coming week might be the first chance you get to take a bit of a breather and take in the sights and sounds of a Lowcountry holiday. Fear not, there are tons of options to get you in the holiday spirit just in time.

BLUFFTON

Arborwood Lights, facebook.com/arborwoodlights: These lights are hard to miss as you drive down Buckwalter Parkway. They are specifically located on Arbormeade Circle, where the entire neighborhood goes all in on trying one-up each other’s light displays. The end result is a magnificently eclectic display in styles and colors. The Wil-

tse family runs a hot cocoa stand and there are ornaments you can select to purchase toys, gift cards and much-needed supplies to provide a Christmas boost for 15 families across the area. The lights are lit from 6 to 9 p.m. each night through New Year’s Eve.

Sharman Family Light Show: We love all the displays, but this one wins the prize for techno wizardry and the best mix of music

to go with the lights. You can sit in your car, tune to 99.3 FM and watch an orchestra of lights at 43 Neligh Lane, choreographed to 18 songs over two hours (with shows in 10-minute increments). The Sharmans go equally all-out for Halloween, but their Christmas display is the perfect elixir for anyone needing a caffeine jolt of holiday excitement.

Across the street from Cypress Ridge, the Lemon Family Light Show is a new entry into the worth-the-trip lights game that rivals the Sharmans. It’s at 89 Isle of Palms East and runs Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 10 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. You’ll tune to 99.5 FM here. It offers slightly fewer lights (5,000 to Sharman’s 7,000-plus) and the show is 13 minutes long and resets every 15 minutes.

Light The Lowcountry: Lowcountry

Community Church has a walking trail of lights that are elegant and whimsical and sure to delight kids of all ages. The shows runs daily through the end of the year from 5 to 9 p.m. beginning Dec. 23. We have also head wonderful feedback from neighborhood displays on Red Cedar Street in Bluffton Park, Hidden Lakes

Please see HOT SPOTS on page 31A

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The sad news is that the grandiose display that long was the Dove Street Lights is officially no more. There are a few families still lighting their houses, so it’s still worth a drive down the street. (But don’t tell anyone that we told you.)

Fire Rescue Station 3 Drive-Through Display, facebook.com/hhilights: Located at 534 William Hilton Parkway, this is a perennial favorite for those looking for the quintessential lights display.

We have heard wonderful things about Shelter Cove this year – even more so than usual, and that’s saying a lot. Especially at Towne Center, but the marina is just as lit up. You will also find worth-your-drive displays Coligny Plaza and Harbour Town.

HEADING OUT S.C. ROUTE 170

Brendlen’s Lowcountry Light Display,

1570 Driggers Lane, Ridgeland: This is the 25th year the Brendlen family will be putting on their lights spectacular, and this year’s display is done in honor of the four Jasper County firefighters who have died over the last two years – Coleman Loadholt, Andy Orphanoudakis, Chad Atwood, and Brian Mixson. This is the most interactive family experience, as families can decorate their own Christmas ornament or holiday cookie, enjoy face painting, hot chocolate, desserts, hamburgers, hot dogs and BBQ sandwiches for sale. Nightly from 6 to 10 p.m.

Blue Heron Nature Trail, 321 Bailey Lane, Ridgeland: This honestly might be the unsung hero of the area Christmas displays, simply because it’s county-run and does not do much advertising. Locals know it’s worth the trip, with more than 15,000 lights spread across 57 displays shining bright nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. through Christmas Eve.

Cadd Family Light Show, 66 Springfield Road, Lady’s Island: Our blue ribbon panel raved about this display, now in its 11th year

of wowing visitors. The Cadds have decorated their property with a seemingly endless array of lights, all synchronized to music. Plus, there’s a “snow” machine to give kids the feeling of a white Christmas. Visitors are asked to park roadside and walk through the displays, which are open 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday through the end of the year.

Mink Boulevard, Beaufort: There are two homes on one street directly across from each other that stage what feels like a good ol’ fashioned Christmas lights duel, as both show off their themed displays set to music. It’s hard to crown a neighbor winner, but you’re the winner if you make the ride out. You might want to take in a collection of the S.C. 170 displays to truly make this worth the trip, but even on its own, it will give you one big Christmas smile.

ONE WAY OR THE OTHER

So if you’re fixin’ to really take a drive, we can point you in two directions. Head to

Georgia and I-16 toward Statesboro for the TMT Farms Christmas Lights Drive-Thru (16710 Old River Road North). The unique part of this 25-year-plus Bulloch County favorite: Farm owner Roy Thompson built a replica Western town with a saloon, livery stable, stores, an authentic moonshine still and a chapel (presumably, for the moonshiners to pray for forgiveness).

If you’re more in the mood for a ride toward Charleston, we highly recommend the James Island County Park’s Festival of Lights (871 Riverland Drive, Charleston, ccprc.com). This is not a free endeavor (it’s $25 in advance, $30 at the gate per vehicle) but there is plenty to make the price of admission worth it, including a Santa’s Village with a carousel, a portable climbing wall, pictures with Santa and festival fun foods and a build-a-reindeer stuffed toy workshop. The Winter Wonderland includes a 12-minute train ride, gift and sweets shops and a holiday sand sculpture.

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

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HOT SPOTS from page 30A Circle, Palmetto Pointe Townes and all throughout Cypress Ridge.

Noteworthy

• A community Hanukkah celebration will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 21 at Nectar Farm Kitchen, 207 Bluffton Road.

All are welcomed to participate in this event featuring the lighting of the Menorah, latkes and sufganiyot (traditional Hanukkah food), music, dreidels and gelt for the children (while supplies last) and more.

The event, sponsored by Congregation Beth Yam on Hilton Head Island, is free and open to the public.

Attendees who stay for dinner at Nectar will receive special offers on their meal.

• Beginner Shag Lessons, offered by the Hilton Head Island Carolina Shag Club, will resume Jan. 6 at Heinrichs Hall, inside Christ Lutheran Church, 829 William Hilton Parkway on Hilton Head. Lessons begin at 5:30 p.m., with check-in at 5:15 p.m.

The four-week series of lessons will be repeated each month through April 2023.

The Shag Club continues to host Friday Social Dances every Friday night through

the holidays and into the New Year. Club annual dues of $30 entitle members to free lessons that can be repeated throughout the year.

The social dance begins at 6 p.m. and continues until 9:30 p.m. with music provided by DJs. Lessons and the social are open to the public and all styles of dancers – shag, ballroom, swing, country or line. Single gentlemen and ladies are welcome.

There is a $5 entry fee each Friday night. Guests are welcome to bring their own food, snacks and drinks. For lesson dates and current social dance schedule visit hiltonheadshagclub, facebook.com/HHICSC, or call Bruce Zimmermann at 843-363-6008.

• The World Affairs Council of Hilton Head presents R. Evan Ellis, professor at the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute, at 10 a.m. Jan. 6 at First Presbyterian Church on Hilton Head Island.

Ellis, also a renowned scholar on Latin America Security issues, will speak on “New

Developments in Chinese Engagement with Latin America.”

The event is free for members; guests are welcome for a $20 registration fee. For more information call 843-384-6758 or visit wachh.org.

WACHH is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that takes no political positions Its mission is to educate, engage and inspire the community about world affairs.

• The Maye River Quilters will meet Jan. 7 at 9:30 a.m. for social time, with the meeting beginning at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held at Palmetto Electric Cooperative, 1 Cooperative Way in Hardeeville.

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

For more information and for membership forms to join the group, call 843-7059590.

• The Friends of the Bluffton Library will

host a free Zumba Gold class for adults from 10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 7 at the Bluffton Library, 120 Palmetto Way, in Bluffton Village. All are welcome to experience this fun, low-intensity version of Zumba. To learn more about this and other events visit beaufortcountylibrary.org/calendar or call 843-255-6503.

• James River Greyhounds’ local representatives will be featuring retired race greyhound adoptions at local PetSmart stores on the following days from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Hilton Head Island, first Saturday of the month; Bluffton, second Saturday of the month and Hardeeville, third Saturday of the month.

Anyone may come meet these sweet gentle dogs and learn about their transition to pets after their racing years end.

For more information, call Chris Schlentner at 847-321-1771 or Karen Shea at 804356-4102.

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Helpers needed for VITA tax filing

United Way of the Lowcountry is seeking volunteers who are interested in helping Lowcountry residents – who need extra support and guidance – file their tax returns for free.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) – a collaboration between the IRS, Beaufort County Human Services Alliance and United Way of the Lowcountry – supports individuals and families with low-to-moderate incomes, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speakers with free tax preparation.

VITA volunteers are community members trained to help their neighbors file their taxes for free and claim every tax credit available to them. Their service supports workers in caring for their families, withstanding unexpected economic challenges and bolstering their overall financial well-being.

Last tax season, a team of 49 volunteers saved 1,797 Lowcountry residents more than $450,000 in tax preparations fees alone and

placed more than $2.6 million in refunds back into residents’ pockets.

Non-tax certified volunteers can serve as greeters and screeners; interpreters; and computer specialists/troubleshooters. Tax certified volunteers are needed as site coordinators; tax preparers; and quality reviewers. There is also a special need for bilingual Spanish speakers for all positions.

Because no tax experience is required, volunteers assisting with the VITA Program come from all walks of life: working professionals, retirees, college and high school students and people who just want to contribute to their community.

Free training is offered both online and in the classroom. Tax sites are open the first week in February through mid-April during weekdays, weeknights and Saturdays. Hours are flexible, allowing volunteers to choose time slots that fit their schedules.

To learn more about volunteering for the VITA Program, email lowcountryvitacoalition@gmail.com or call 843-379-3064.

The Area’s Most Advanced Technology. Now in Bluffton.

When it comes to the latest, cutting-edge technologies in eye care, industry experts around the world look to Bishop Eye Center. Working in partnership with Johnson & Johnson CATALYS and Cassini technologies, the passionate eye care pioneers at Bishop Eye Center are setting the standard by advancing the precision of cataract surgery.

Ribbon Cutting

Dec. 20, 2022 The Bluffton Sun Page 33A
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Charlie Taylor, holding scissors, cuts the ribbon Dec. 2 on his new business, May River Mattress Company, at 1060-B Fording Island Road, between Starbucks and Honey Baked Ham. Joining Taylor are his wife, Carolyn, and their two daughters, Stella and Rose; his parents, Mark and Ginny Taylor; Carolyn’s parents, Jeff and Lori Bolin; his brother, Joey; and the family pet, River. Also celebrating the new business are friends, ambassadors and staff of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. COURTESY HHI-BLUFFTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Technical College of the Lowcountry’s burgeoning cybersecurity program just took an even bigger step forward with the introduction of a new associate degree program. Recently approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, TCL’s Cybersecurity Associate Degree program will feature 63-credit hours of coursework that can be completed in as little as two years. The deadline to register for spring courses is Jan. 5.

The new program is just the latest in work and planning that began in earnest in 2017 when TCL launched its certificate program in cybersecurity. As Angel Kern, TCL’s Cybersecurity Program Director said, building on those earlier efforts and expanding to an associate degree has always been the idea.

“The certificate program essentially became the second year in the associate program,” she said, adding that the earlier program was initially designed for people already working in the field who wanted or needed to add cybersecurity to their skill set.

The new associate degree program will provide students who are new to the field with a solid foundation in networking and programming before moving on to information security. Classes will include operating systems, cyber law, ethical hacking and penetration testing, among others. But that’s not all the big news to come out of the department, Kern said. TCL is also planning to launch a separate certificate program that will serve as an introduction to the field and is working to introduce cybersecurity as a dual enrollment program within high schools.

“The dual enrollment/cyber essentials program would feature an eight-course sequence that students can take in their junior and senior years,” she said.

By the time these high school students complete the program, they will have completed their first year of the cyber associate degree program and have those credits out of the way.

And the news doesn’t stop with program additions. The computer labs are getting a fresh look as well.

TCL recently updated a large classroom to serve as the new computer lab by adding

new furniture, computers and group workstations.

The college is also scouting for space to install a cybercafé where students will be able to interact, work collaboratively on projects and of course, have a coffee.

All these initiatives could not come at a better time, Kern says, given the increased demand for information and computer security professionals.

In fact, the demand for cybersecurity specialists is so great the U.S. Department of Commerce reported last year that nearly 600,000 jobs were going unfilled.

“And that number is closer to 700,000 (job vacancies) now,” Kern said.

“More and more companies are waking up to the idea that they need more people in place who have these skills and can help reduce their cyber risk/exposure,” she said. “So, we need to get people through these programs faster.”

For more information about the program, visit TCL.edu and search cybersecurity.

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LEGAL

Trust issues and matters that deserve close attention

Many modern estate plans incorporate the use of Revocable Living Trust (RLT) agreements as a substitute for a will so the assets in the trust do not go through probate. Within the RLT, clients will often direct that assets be left in a trust (irrevocable) for the benefit of loved ones (usually their children), instead of outright.

The benefits of leaving assets into a trust for their benefit are many and include: 1. asset protection (assets left into a properly drawn trust will not

be subject to most lawsuits including divorce); 2. estate tax avoidance (assets left into a properly drawn trust will not be subject to estate taxation in the beneficiary’s estate); and 3. control of assets (assets left into a properly drawn trust can be directed to stay in the blood family).

Nowadays, points 1 and 3 are usually what concerns clients the most.

In this regard, if estate taxes on the beneficiary’s estate is not a concern, then, in order to achieve maximum step-up in basis at the death of the beneficiary, it is advisable to consider giving the beneficiary a general power to appoint the assets so it will be included in their estate.

In addition, it is a good idea to review estate plans that leave assets “in trust” so as to ensure the trustee has full authority to treat capital gains

as income that is distributable net income to beneficiaries. The reason for this is it provides the trustee with the ability to achieve maximum total return, taking into account income tax considerations.

Absent provisions that permit this, capital gains incurred within these irrevocable trusts might have to be reported at the trust level, which can result in a higher rate of tax due on gains.

Furthermore, if the main goal is asset protection and you are trying to protect assets, once inherited, from loss to equitable distribution in a divorce, and generally to keep money in your blood family, it is advisable to name an independent party, which could be a child’s best friend, who would have absolute and pure discretion in making distributions

of income or principal. If the child or loved one who is beneficiary has the ability to fire the trustee for any reason, so long as a new independent trustee assumes the role, the asset protection purpose of the trust is best accomplished.

Careful analysis of each individual case is crucial to success. It is a mistake to focus only on probate avoidance.

In sum, when it comes to estate planning, one size does not fit all. Careful scrutiny of all the issues is necessary if you are to achieve maximum benefit for your family.

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

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Wrapping up the year with debunking of hair myths

As we celebrate the holidays that are upon us, let’s prepare for 2023 with some education on our hair and some myths and facts about hair.

There are many old wives’ tales that some people believe just because they’ve heard them for ages. But with a bit of knowledge, we can realize how absurd they are.

For instance, you might have heard that eating the crust on your sandwich bread will make your hair curly. That’s so funny –ridiculous, actually.

Our hair grows out of follicles and the only thing that governs how curly or straight the hair is, is the shape of the hair follicle itself. If it is a completely round hole, the hair is straight. The more oval the follicles are, the curlier the hair is. It has nothing to do with your sandwich crust.

Another unreasonable myth is that if you pull out a gray hair, two more will grow out of the same follicle. That is impossible. There is only one hair per follicle. However, repeatedly pulling out a gray hair – or any color hair – could result in the follicle dying, therefore leading to no hair growth at all.

The outside layers of the strand of hair are called “cuticle layers.” When those layers are lifted, especially on the end of the strand of hair, the result is a split end. There are products on the market that claim to repair split ends. They simply will not. Nothing except trimming that frayed end will repair it.

Brushing the hair 100 strokes a night will not make it shiny. Brushing can make the scalp produce more oil, which could give the appearance of shine.

Contrary to another myth, hair doesn’t grow any faster if it is cut regularly. Rather,

it will stay healthy and therefore not have breakage. This in turn will make the hair that grows stay on the head so it looks like it’s growing faster.

The outside cuticles also can be more rough, so using a towel and vigorously rub-

bing wet hair can cause less shine and more damage. Wet hair is more elastic and can be damaged easier.

Brushing and towel drying wet hair also will damage and make the hair dull. If the outside layers are lifted, then there’s no reflection and shine. Chemicals and the use of incorrect products will of course damage the hair. A cool rinse will help those layers to close, making the hair reflect and shine.

Just know that TLC is important in maintaining the health of your hair. Professional stylists are trained to help you maintain the integrity of the hair. Our professional products are helpful as well.

There is no sense in having something done that will harm the health of your hair. When in doubt, call a pro.

Wishing you the happiest holidays yet.

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

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Remembering with fondness our goofy, odd, quirky dogs

Those of us who have had dogs have all kinds of stories about our dog’s quirky behaviors. Some are funny or even weird, and others are a sign of anxiety. But to dwell on the funny side even if it is anxiety- or phobia-based can still bring outright laughter.

As you read this, I hope you will think of your quirky dogs over the years and smile.

Years ago, I had a Newfoundland, Godfrey, who could have used a psychotherapist. He was a sweet, gentle soul at 145 pounds and the lights were on, but no one was home. Even though he was anxious, he was still a very happy dog – except when in those phobic moments. He lived a very long life for a Newf, so I was certainly blessed. Godfrey was afraid of floors that might be slippery. He preferred rugs or carpet. Even when he was a pup and had no arthritis or

spinal issues, he looked at every surface to walk on before he decided if it was OK.

When I took him to be neutered, he took one look at the floor in the waiting room and decided that walking nearest the wall would be safest. He upended all the chairs with people seated in them with their pets so he could get close to the wall. It looked like a cartoon with chairs, pets and people flying everywhere. Visualize that if you can!

When we were moving and the rugs were removed from the house, Godfrey couldn’t figure out where he could go and be safe. My step-son-in-law was seated on the couch. Godfrey was on one rug, which was like an island in the middle of the floor. The only safe place he could see was my son-in-law’s lap – so he leapt and landed, all 145 pounds of him!

My husband-to-be, Robert, and I were dating. We went for a walk in a beautiful park in Connecticut. We looked around and

my dog Lucy was right there. Godfrey was nowhere in sight. We finally tracked him down, rolling on his back in horse manure.

Getting him back in Robert’s car, covered in you-know-what, and then into an apartment bathtub was not fun either. What a way to start a romance!

Another time we were walking high up on an embankment in Stamford, overlooking

the Long Island Sound. The park embankment was lined with ballast stones from 30 feet up all the way down to the water.

We turned around and Godfrey the Newfie, of course, serious water fanatic, was making his way down the awkward stones on the high slope, down to the water. Brave man, my husband-to-be – he started climbing down the stones to retrieve the dog, who by this time had had his swim and was now stuck because he wouldn’t climb back up the stones.

Godfrey was certainly a character, quirky, loving and loaded with phobias. So sweet, loved everyone except the UPS driver.

I have been blessed with so many wonderful dogs since him, but I certainly do miss him.

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

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What characteristics do basic swim strokes have in common?

Swimming instructors these days teach six strokes: Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Breaststroke, Butterfly, Elementary Backstroke and Sidestroke. The first four are used in competition, and the latter two are relaxing options for non-competitors. Each of the six strokes is unique in its individual propulsive characteristics, as has been pointed out over the course of my writing this column.

Despite these many differences, efficiency of aquatic locomotion (i.e., good swimming) in all of them depends on several aspects that all six have in common. Efficiency leads to relaxed strokes and makes swimming more enjoyable, too.

All six strokes include a glide. The glide position in each is different, but each represents a starting point for performing that stroke. In competition, the glide aspect is minimized, but learning each stroke is much

easier if the would-be swimmer starts from its glide position.

These glide positions have much in common when performed correctly. The head needs to be partially submerged to optimize the glide, whether on the front, back or side. The head and upper body thus affect

buoyancy to keep the hips and lower body close to the surface as the whole body (like a seesaw) rotates around its center of buoyancy.

Similarly, the hips and legs in all strokes need to function in keeping the body level at the surface, thus decreasing frontal resistance. This can be accomplished by flutter kicking or with the momentum from a more propulsive kick.

Efficient swimming pairs decreased resistance with increased propulsion. In all strokes, this is achieved principally by keeping the elbow above the hand and secondarily by keeping the wrist above the fingers. It is true regardless of whether the propulsive

force is DRAG (backward pressure against the water to move the body past the hand) or LIFT (using the arms like airplane wings to move the body from an area of higher pressure toward lower).

Trying to master six strokes presents a distinctive challenge because each has a unique set of stroking details. And those details require timing to be integrated into an efficient whole. Thus, it is essential for the swimmer to consider what all these strokes have in common – glide position, head-hip relationship, and effective leverage to propel the body past the hand and arm.

Such an overall view will go a long way in helping the swimmer toward efficient strokes and enjoyable swimming.

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

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Looking forward to a new year and setting annual golf goals

As I write this annual golf goals article, I realize that I have been writing for the Bluffton Sun for 15 years, resulting in more than 350 articles. I have written on every conceivable golf topic, and I am interested in your input on topics you would like to read. One of my golf goals is to continue writing interesting golf articles.

This article will help you come up with a few goals to help you improve your golf game in 2023. Think of A, B, M. Your goals need to be achievable, believable and measurable. If my goal is to hit my driver 300 yards, this is not achievable or believable.

My three golf goals for 2023 are the following:

• I will continue to keep my statistics during my rounds. I will chart fairways hit, greens in regulation using my irons, and putts. This helps me figure out where I need to practice and continue to set realistic goals. I believe in setting short-term goals and will assess them again this summer.

• I will become a better iron player. I will keep track of how many iron shots I hit solid during my round. My goal is to take a divot in front of the ball. I can practice this on the driving range by hitting off a powder line.

• I will start putting out all short putts –no more gimmies. I need to go through the same routine I use for longer putts.

Below are some helpful suggestions that could help you set your own golf goals:

• Focus on lowering your handicap index one stroke every three months. That would lower your handicap four strokes in the upcoming year.

• Aim for the middle of the green. If the flag stick is behind a bunker on the right side of the green, you need to aim to the left center, giving you a better margin of error.

• Become a wedge wizard. Your wedge is the second most important club in your bag, behind your putter. Spend time on the driving range with a range finder with all your wedges. Know your half swing distances and full wedge swings. Learn how to hit it high and low.

• Get fitted for a new set of clubs. My next article in January will cover how to get fitted. You can get fitted for your driver, wedges and putter if you don’t want to get a full set.

Have a Happy New Year and enjoy your golf game in 2023.

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

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Dive deep for seafood twist on Christmas dinner

When planning for your Christmas dinner, consider looking to our local waters for a fresh, seafood-centered feast.

A roasted whole seabass stuffed with herbs and mushrooms makes a statement. A hearty serving of tuna, swordfish or salmon also makes a great main course.

Cuts of fish like these can be prepared in a variety of ways in the kitchen – or take advantage of our wonderful Southern climate and consider using the grill. The addition of a compound butter made with herbs like tarragon, rosemary or parsley adds a richness and flavor profile that you expect to taste during the holidays.

The options for incorporating seafood into a traditional Christmas dinner as side dishes are endless. Crab, shrimp and oysters are delicious enhancements to

the stuffing. Raw shellfish is welcome any time of the year, and many people serve shrimp cocktail as an appetizer.

Lobster or crab bisque offers a more delicate opening course. Seared scallops incorporate sweetness to salads or can stand alone as a decadent treat wrapped in

bacon. Salmon and other cuts of flaky fish make a scrumptious topper for a creative canapé.

For dips and spreads, trout is a popular choice. For a cool, light appetizer, ceviche made with red snapper has a big flavor and won’t fill you up early.

The list of feast favorites can go on and on. We in the South love our seafood. Of course, what’s most important about Christmas is the family and friends we gather with around the table. A delicious meal with fresh seafood, prepared with love and care, gives us another reason to be grateful for the holiday season.

Be sure to share your favorite Christmas recipes on social media and tag #TraditionOfSeafoodExcellence.

Charles J. Russo III is the owner of Russo’s Fresh Seafood Bluffton. russosfreshseafood.com

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NATURE’S WAY

Love of fishing started in a lagoon, continues with grandson

At a holiday get-together recently, a 14-year-old boy who told me that he loves to fish, but, because his dad isn’t much of a fisherman, he had no place to go wet a line. Something about that conversation struck a deep chord in me because when I was his age fishing was all I could think about.

Luckily, I had a dad who loved to fish. Even so, because my dad was working, there were a lot of days I was on my own – just me and my old beat-up Schwinn bicycle.

As if it were meant to be, the day after my chat with the boy, I decided to take my 6-year-old grandson, Benjamin, lagoon fishing. Unlike so many kids around his age that I have mentored over the years, Ben is a born natural, always wanting to do everything himself, from baiting his hook to fighting redfish nearly as long as he is tall.

Maybe some of you look at lagoon fishing as cheating, but when a 6-yearold boy hooks into a 4-foot-long redfish, it pretty much seals the deal that he will grow up with a deep love of fishing.

Local lagoons are home to a variety of fish. Some hold 14-pound largemouth bass or 5-pound crappie while others, more brackish, have fish that are so big they could eat a small child.

I kid you not, because I have hooked and landed redfish that are more than 50 inches in length, black drum more than 45 pounds, tarpon pushing 40 pounds and trout in the 8- to 11-pound range.

Most always I practice catch and release when lagoon fishing so that maybe, just maybe, some kid from Ohio will latch into one of these bruisers and go home with a story and pictures that might inspire him to fish the rest of his days.

Thankfully I no longer have to ride that old Schwinn bike loaded down with rods and buckets of water to go lagoon fishing, but every so often I get the itch to head back to my roots. When my daughter’s family moved here from Virginia, Ben became my excuse to give lagoon fishing another go.

The plan recently was to get some big live shrimp, a few finger mullet and, using nothing but ultralight spinning tackle, head to some of my tried and true lagoons that have given me an almost fanatical love for angling. You would think since I have done this type of fishing since I was knee high to a grasshopper that the excitement of once again going lagooning would be somewhat diminished, but I was stoked. You never know what you might encounter in these amazing ecosystems.

The conditions were perfect. It was one of those unseasonably warm days, there was no wind, and I had lucked into some

shrimp that were the size of freshwater prawns. After a short drive, we reached our destination. No sooner had we begun fishing than something big burst through a school of mullet that were basking on the surface within casting distance.

Looking at the commotion through my polarized sunglasses, there they were – redfish, and lots of them. These weren’t small redfish either. I don’t think there was a fish in that group that was less than 23 inches long. It was like watching a fishing show, as the tightly grouped school of mullet swam in lazy circles over a white sand bottom and every so often, six or eight monster reds would rise from the depths and scatter the mullet.

Using an ultralight spinning outfit, I hooked one of the shrimp through its horn, handed the rod to Ben and told him to wait. Patience is by far the hardest thing to teach young kids but, by gum, he held off for a good five minutes before this big redfish edged toward the mullet.

Ben made a near-perfect pitch, with his shrimp landing about 4 feet in front of the redfish. That shrimp didn’t last three seconds when that brute exploded on it.

It’s one thing to catch reds that you don’t see but when you pitch to one that is right there in front of you, it is a totally different experience. I felt like Captain Ahab and the great white whale as the fish screamed across the lagoon with powerful sweeps of his tail. After 10 minutes and

numerous heart-stopping moments when the fish headed for any and all obstructions, Ben got him within netting distance and with one swift scoop, he was ours.

With a picture taken and a kiss on the nose, Ben released him for the next person to battle. Was I proud? It was fantastic!

In all, Ben and I caught about 10 redfish, three flounder and a couple of really nice black drum. Other than instructing him to keep the rod tip high and not to reel when the fish was taking line, he proved to be a natural, all while sight casting.

All I could think was, how could anybody not thoroughly enjoy this type of fishing? Lagoon fishing is a blast, and you never know what you will hook into.

Since that day it doesn’t take much convincing to get both Ben and his 9-yearold sister, Alice, to accompany me lagoon fishing.

One thing is for sure, if you are lucky enough to have kids that love the outdoors, try lagooning. Whether you are 6 or 60, one successful fishing outing in any of the hundreds of brackish bodies of water around here, and I promise you’ll never look at a lagoon the same again!

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

Dec. 20, 2022 The Bluffton Sun Page 41A
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Lawn and garden chores minimal in dormancy, but stay alert

The time has finally come that lawns are seeming to be standing still. New growth has subsided, summer weeds have started to die off, and winter weeds are beginning to make their way in.

Not a whole lot of interaction is needed with the lawn this time of year; however, there are still a few things to keep in mind.

First and foremost, we want to avoid letting pests such as weeds, fungus, and insects sneak their way in. This can be done through preventative treatments or just keeping a watchful eye.

Areas where the turf was damaged and has not fully recovered are often the first to deal with weed intrusion. Its important to keep these areas free of weeds for faster recovery in the spring.

Once we fully fall into dormancy, fungus

should not be a concern but we are still seeing it occur as lawns transition. Keeping an eye out for unusual discoloration patterns such as circles appearing and spreading in the lawn, and making sure irrigation systems are off, are good practices in avoiding fungus this time of year. Treating any areas with these signs immediately will help avoid

further damage.

Unusually, we have seen an increasing number of mole cricket cases this year. Even with the cooling weather their activity is becoming more present. Keep an eye out for finger width tunnels in thin areas of turf. If your grass is pulling up with ease, this is often a sign of active mole crickets.

Mole crickets tend to target Centipede and Bermuda turf most frequently.

Lastly, to seed or not to seed? As you look around you may notice bright green lawns or neighborhood entrances while everything else is still dormant. This is a result of overseeding with Rye grass, which can be aesthetically pleasing, but at what cost?

Rye is a great alternative for areas that typically do not support grass (i.e., heavy shade) or when transitioning grass types. However, it is not right for everyone – and not every lawn.

Rye seed will borrow nutrients needed to support your existing dormant grass. It also creates a blanket blocking the view of any issues arising in your current lawn.

Bermuda is one of the only grasses we would recommend overseeding with rye as it does a great job filling back in.

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

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Preparing ourselves for finding, sharing Christmas love

There is a beautiful Brothers Grimm fable from 1813 that I share every year at the Sandalwood Community Food Pantry, a place of refuge from the storms of life, that I founded 14 years ago, where I joyfully serve our neighbors in need, reminding them that more is not better, it is simply more, and can sometimes cause great sorrow. I have taken the luxury of editing bits and pieces of this tale.

Once upon a time there lived a shrimper and his younger brother on a small coastal island. Their home was a broken-down rusty trailer with a small vegetable patch

and a well. Every day the fisherman would go out in his boat and in the evening bring home his catch, sometimes good, sometimes poor.

But the fisherman’s brother was lazy, liked his liquor and was never happy. “Why should I have to live like this? Am I asking too much to live in a decent house with running water and electricity?” His complaining made the fisherman miserable until something happened that changed their lives.

Out on the water, he caught a strange and beautiful fish that startled him by speaking. “Please throw me back into the sea and I’ll grant whatever you wish.”

The fisherman thought a bit and replied, “I wish my brother lived in a house with running water and electricity.” When he returned, he found the wish had been granted and his brother was pleased.

As the months passed, his brother began

to complain again. “Is it too much to expect something better? I wish I were living in a mansion. Why didn’t you ask for more? I’m sure the fish meant us to do better than this.”

Driven by this nagging, the fisherman tried to find the fish, and no sooner had he called than the fish appeared and agreed to his request. But the wealthy brother was still not satisfied. “What I really wanted all along is to be God.”

Sad and distraught, the fisherman again found the fish and made this last request. When he returned, he found no mansion, no cottage, not even the rusted old trailer. Then he heard crying. Noticing a small tent at the water’s edge, he looked inside and saw, lying in a sweetgrass basket, a little baby.

The fisherman’s younger brother was granted his last wish – only he had forgotten what God is like in this world, in human flesh. He’d forgotten that our God came

down from heaven and dwelt among us in Christ and especially with the poorest of people.

It is so easy to forget that Almighty God and Creator gave up being worshipped and adored by angels to give us heaven. We must never forget that holy night, when the stars were brightly shining, a night divine when Christ was born.

Never forget that the Lamb of God left His glory above, to bear it to dark Calvary. This is Christmas love! Love is not just a feeling, love is a choice! As we prepare our hearts, let us choose love. Video games and toys will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But the gift of love will endure for that is what Christmas is all about. Such was, and is, Christmas love.

Rev. Dr. Nannette Pierson is an itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and pastoral associate at Campbell Chapel AME in Bluffton.

Dec. 20, 2022 The Bluffton Sun Page 43A Connecting to God, Connecting to One Another www.palmsumc.org Pastor Pete Berntson Anna Marie Kuether Director of Music and Worship Arts 1425 Okatie Hwy. (170) Hwy 170 between River’s End & Oldfield. 843-379-1888 • www.palmsumc.org We are now in-person at 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m on Sundays Live-Streaming the 5:30 and 11 services. A Stephen Ministry Congregation December 25, 10 a.m. A Whole New World ~ A World Filled with Glory and Grace John 1:1-14 Proclaimer: Pete Berntson January 1, 10 a.m. A New Year For Shepherds and Kings Matthew 2:1-12 Proclaimer: Pete Berntson
and
you concerned about someone’s drinking?” Al-Anon meeting information: al-anon-lowcountry.org or call 843-785-9630 • alanonbeaufortcounty@hotmail.com FAITH
Beaufort County Al-Anon
Alateen Family Groups “Are
Nannette Pierson

REAL ESTATE

Hardeeville’s Latitude Margaritaville opens final phase of amenities

More pickle ball courts, a pet spa, and a movie and performance theatre are all part of the final phase of amenities that recently opened at Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head’s Town Center.

The award-winning community already offers an irresistible concoction of fun, food, music and friends for those 55 and better who are growing older but not up. Now, even more fun is on the way with the completion of Latitude Town Center’s full complement of amenities.

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the most popular small towns to live in the U.S., Hardeeville is part of the greater Hilton Head Island area that is a major vacation destination as well as popular for year-round living.

The newly opened amenities include a Last Mango Theater where residents can enjoy movies, live music, dancing, theatrical and dance performances, magic and comedy shows; a Workin’ N’ Playin’ Center that in-

cludes a Coconut Telegraph Business Center with conference room and workstations; and the Arts & Crafts room and Clayground pottery studio. The Nautical Wheeler and Continental Drifter multi-purpose rooms also are available for seminars, games, club activities and more.

At the new neighborhood Hangar, residents can trick out their golf carts or work on projects at the Woodshop that is equipped with table saws, sanders and other power tools.

The expanded amenities also include two additional tennis courts, three additional pickleball courts, and bocce ball courts with lighting for night play. And four-legged family members now can get their pampering on at the Barkaritaville Pet Spa.

Latitude Town Center phase one amenities opened in March 2020. They include the Latitude Town Square that features a thatched-roof bandshell with full-size concert stage, jumbo screen, and a specially

surfaced dance area.

There also is a state-of-the-art Fins Up! Fitness Center with indoor lap pool and lagoon-style Paradise Pool with unique beach-style entry and its own Tiki Island.

A wide variety of Margaritaville-inspired menu selections and beverage concoctions are served up at the Latitude Bar & Chill Restaurant and Changes in Attitude Bar. Phase One amenities also include tennis and pickleball courts, a nature trail and Barkaritaville Dog Park.

Latitude Margaritaville communities are being developed by award-winning master developer Minto Communities

and global lifestyle brand Margaritaville. Latitude Margaritaville communities are inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of singer, songwriter, and best-selling author Jimmy Buffett whose songs evoke a passion for tropical escape and relaxation. This all-new approach to active adult living has captured the imagination of today’s vibrant and active 55-and-better market. More than 550,000 prospective buyers are registered as Latitude Margaritaville Paradise Club members to receive regular updates on the communities.

Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head is the second Latitude Margaritaville to open, with plans for a total of 3,000 homes. Additional locations are in Daytona Beach and Panama City Beach, Florida. Additional Latitude Margaritaville communities are planned for Texas as well as other popular destinations.

For more information on Latitude Margaritaville and to sign up to receive regular development updates, visit www.LatitudeMargaritaville.com.

Page 44A The Bluffton Sun Dec. 20, 2022
Wishing all of my Past, Present, and Future clients a Happy and Safe Holiday Season! Smile, Laugh, and Be Happy. Sincerely, Irene
n
n
hummellstudios.com
Lowcountry Art By Amos Hummell
ORIGINALS
PRINTS ON CANVAS
BLUFFTON n HILTON HEAD ISLAND
Dec. 20, 2022 The Bluffton Sun Page 45A TRI-DAY MEMBERSHIP 2023 $3000 individual • $1000 additional household member Golf including cart (Tuesday, Thursday, & Sunday) Range Punch Card Quarterly 1 Accompanied Guest Round Quarterly 20% Off Soft Good Purchases Member Only Events Membership pricing is before tax & subject to change and availability. Early payment will include golf for the balance of 2022. UNLIMITED MEMBERSHIP 2023 $4000 individual • $1500 additional household member Golf including cart daily • Range Punch Card Quarterly 2 Accompanied Guest Rounds Quarterly 20% Off Soft Good Purchases Member Only Events Use of Amenities Center ~Seasonal Pool ~ Tennis ~ Pickleball Add minor child $250 • Add adult child $1000 1 PINECREST WAY, BLUFFTON, SC 29910 • 843-757-8960 • INFO@PINECRESTSC.COM OPEN TO NEW MEMBERS NOW OFFERING TRI-DAY MEMBERSHIPS Cheerful Giving The Eagle’s Pointe Social Committee wishes to thank community residents for their generous donations to the Marine’s Toys For Tots event held Dec. 3. Special thanks goes to Marines Morgan and Nick for gathering and distributing all the toys to needy children and families throughout the Lowcountry. This inaugural toy drive was a tremendous success, filling the entire Toys for Tots van with items from bikes to gift cards and everything in between. DEBI LOVE

REAL ESTATE

The 12 days of selling your home during the holiday season

It’s not easy being jolly when your home is not selling.

In the spirit of the holiday season, here are some suggestions for getting your home sold in December.

First Day: Bury one small statue of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of real estate, in your front yard upside down. A little faith goes a long way.

Second Day: Put two flowering plants by the front door to give buyers a powerful first impression This is important for getting buyers to feel good before entering your home.

Third Day: Add three attractive floral arrangements in the foyer to enhance the positive feelings folks have as they enter your home. This keeps them feeling good after they enter your home.

Fourth Day: Place four fragrant cinna-

mon stick decorations inside the house to continue and enhance the “This is the house I want to buy” good feelings.

Fifth Day: Prepare festive fruitcakes, creating a fragrance that is sure to please any and all potential buyers.

Sixth Day: No offer yet? Position a photo of Saint Jude, the Patron Saint of

desperation in six different parts of your home.

Seventh Day: Obtain seven compelling reasons (one each by seven different people handwritten on an index card), stating why someone should buy your home. Put those cards with the writing facing upward throughout the house.

Eighth Day: Ensure that your home is advertised in eight different online real estate directories (e.g., Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Homes.com, etc.).

Ninth Day: Send nine brief but different emails to your real estate agent asking him or her what was done over the past

nine days to get your home sold.

Tenth Day: Use Feng Shui for 10 days in a row to sell your home. (What do you mean, you don’t know which real estate company he works for?)

Eleventh Day: Scatter 11 pictures of Sylvester Stallone around the house, to create the impression that nothing is impossible in this day and age (how many “Rocky” movies have there been to date?).

Twelfth Day: Still not sold? Then it’s time to take drastic measures. Go out and dig up that St. Joseph statue that you buried, turn it right side up, and place 12 more St. Joseph statues throughout the house. A lot of faith goes a long way!

I wish you all many smiles and a Happy Holiday season!

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

Page 46A The Bluffton Sun Dec. 20, 2022 23 Plantation Park Dr, Ste #202, Bluffton, SC 29910 VALERIE & LARRY LIST & SELL HOMES FROM SEA PINES TO SUN CITY AND OUR HOME SELLERS ENJOY FULL BROKERAGE SERVICES & VARIABLE RATE COMMISSIONS AS LOW AS 3% Call Valerie or Larry for your personal tour and/or more information about these two Featured Listings VISIT YOUR DREAM HOME ON CALLAWASSIE ISLAND BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME IN HILTON HEAD PLANTATION Visit WWW.RealEstateFive.com to see all we do for our Home Sellers. Valerie Shreckengost, Agent-Partner-REALTOR® 843-540-3829 valerie@realestatefive.com 3 SEQUOIA COURT - $1,390,000 11 KING RAIL LANE - $225,000 Larry Stoller, Broker-Owner-REALTOR® 843-290-5101 larry@realestatefive.com

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Page 48A The Bluffton Sun Dec. 20, 2022 From August 2022 Travel + Leisure®, published by TI Inc. Affluent Media Group, a Dotdash Meredith company. Travel + Leisure® is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Holdco, LLC, a subsidiary of Wyndham Destinations, Inc., and is used under limited license. NEW NONSTOP FLIGHTS HARTFORD NEW ORLEANS LOUISIANA CONNECTICUT WESTCHESTER NEW YORK f l ySAV.com
Dec. 6, 2022 • SECTION B Volume 25, Issue 23 SectionPullout ‘It’s a Christmas miracle!’ ‘A Christmas Story: The Musical’ Arts Center of Coastal Carolina See page 3B

Dec. 6-31

“A Christmas Story: The Musical,” Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. Directed by Mark Martino; children age 5 and older welcomed and encouraged. Tickets $53 child, $58 adult preview; $58 child, $63 adult regular run. artshhi.com

Dec. 8-18

“Educating Rita,” Lean Ensemble Theatre at Main Street Theatre, 3000 Main St., Hilton Head Island. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8-10, 15-17; and 2 p.m. Dec. 8, 18. Talkbacks Dec. 9, 11, 16, 18. Tickets $45, with student, first responder, military and group discounts offered. Rush tickets on sale 30 minutes prior to performances. leanensemble.org

Dec. 8

“A Singing’ Little Christmas with Suzy Bogguss,” 7:30 p.m. at USCB Center for the Arts, 801 Carteret St., Beaufort. Tickets at USCBCenterForTheArts. com or 843-521-4145.

Dec. 9-11

“A Hauntingly Good Victorian Comedy,” comedic adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” by Travis Hornsby at May River Theatre. Dec. 9-10 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. at Ulmer Auditorium, inside Town Hall, 20 Bridge St., Bluffton.

Dec. 9

“The Many Moods of the Season,” holiday concert by Hilton Head Choral Society, under direction of Dr. Dustin Ousley, 7 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Pkwy. on Hilton Head Island. Tickets $15$40, available at hiltonheadchoralsociety.org. For more information or for assistance with ticket order, call 843-341-3818 or email tickets@hiltonheadchoralsociety.org.

Dec. 10

“Carols in the Courtyard,” second annual free outdoor holiday concert by Lowcountry Community Concert Band, 2 p.m. at USCB Bluffton campus. Includes food truck, cookie baking contest, ugly sweater contest. Bring chairs and beverages. Wheelchair accessible. Donations welcomed.

Through Dec. 11

“It’s a Nutty Christmas,” nutcracker paintings on boards, created by Beaufort Art Association artists, placed at local businesses. Rent a nutcracker to benefit BAA education fund for children. Vote for favorite Nutcracker at BSS, 913 Bay St., Beaufort. 207985-8888 or 843-521-4444

Dec. 16

Lunch with Author Series, noon at Belfair Clubhouse, Bluffton. Featuring Mary Martha Greene, “The Cheese Biscuit Queen Tells All,” and Kevin Mitchell, “Taste of the State.” Books available for purchasing and signing. Tickets $50 at USCBCenterForTheArts.com or 843-521-4145.

Dec. 16

Ted Rosenthal Trio, holiday jazz piano, part of Hilton Head International Piano Competition Recital Series, 7:30 p.m. at SoundWaves, 7 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island. Tickets $40, cash bar. 843-842-2055 or hhso.org

Dec. 16

“Sounds of the Holidays,” annual holiday cabaret with Terry Herron and Friends, Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club. Cocktails, 5:30 p.m. (cash bar), dinner 6-7 p.m., show 7-8:30 p.m. Tickets $45. 843-271-9919 or 678-644-8200

Dec. 18

Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra final Supper Club of 2022, 6:30 p.m. dinner; 7:30 p.m. concert at SoundWaves, 7 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island. Cabaret seating, tickets $29-$69. 843-842-2055 or hhso.org

Through Dec. 31

Holiday Gallery of Gifts, Art League of Hilton Head, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 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.

Through 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. SOBAgallery.com or 843-757-6586

Through Feb. 12, 2023

“Avant Gardener: a Creative Exploration od Imperiled Species,” exhibition by artist Lisa D. Watson, at Coastal Discovery Musuem, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. “Art-full Seeding” workshop 5-7 p.m. Dec. 1, $30, reservations required at coastaldiscover.org. Gallery hours 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-3 p.m Sunday.

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Nicholas Reed as Ralphie in “A Christmas Story: The Musical” at Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.

From the songwriting team behind the smash-hit Tony Award-winning musical “Dear Evan Hansen” and the Academy Award-winning film “La La Land,” comes “A Christmas Story: The Musical,” bringing the classic 1983 movie to hilarious life onstage.

The Arts Center’s holiday production is directed by New York City’s Mark Martino (previous Arts Center credits: “Newsies,” “White Christmas,” “Elf,” “An American in Paris,” “Kiss Me Kate,” and “Forever Plaid”). The show runs Dec. 6-31.

Following a successful Broadway run garnering three 2013 Tony Award nominations including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical (Joseph Robinette) and Best Original Score (Benj Pasek and Justin Paul), along with six Drama Desk nominations, and two Outer Critics Circle nominations, “A Christmas Story: The Musical” is geared up to win you over – and your whole family too!

Based on the perennial holiday movie

favorite, “A Christmas Story: The Musical” chronicles young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle (“You’ll shoot your eye out kid!”).

An infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a maniacal department store Santa, and a tripledog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish.

Hailed by The Associated Press as “a joyous Christmas miracle,” The New York Times writes “You’d have to have a Grinch-sized heart not to feel a smile spreading across your face.”

“A Christmas Story: The Musical” is a triple-dog-dare of a good time and it is sure to warm your heart this holiday season. For tickets, call the Arts Center box office at 843-842- 2787 or visit artshhi.com.

A Christmas Story: The Musical 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 to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish.

Including Best Musical

Dec. 6, 2022 Page 3B
A great time for the whole family, sure to warm hearts this holiday season! - The
“A
JOYOUS CHRISTMAS MIRACLE.”
Associated Press 3 TONY AWARD
NOMINATIONS
The Cast of A Christmas Story: The Musical | Photography by Gustavo Rattia
A Christmas Story’ is a holiday must for the whole family GUSTAVO RATTIA

Comedic remake of classic Christmas tale hits stage at MRT

Travis Hornsby returns to the Lowcountry to direct his comedic adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” at May River Theatre, Dec. 9-11.

“A Hauntingly Good Victorian Comedy” is a comedic retelling of the classic Christmas novel by Charles Dickens that keeps viewers wondering will Scrooge change his ways and embrace the holiday spirit? Playwright Hornsby has created a festive frolic through Victorian England infusing humor that includes slapstick, vaudeville, adult jokes, as well as a healthy dose of cross-dressing to this famed holiday piece. Benjamin Morgan is musical director for the show, Not familiar with this Dickensian tale? The basic synopsis is that, on the anniversary of the death of his only friend (and former business partner) Jacob, the miserly Scrooge is visited by a host of ghosts on Christmas Eve. They show him his Past and Present and what is Yet to Come – if he does not change his ways. The story is propelled with the help of Carolers who

play a myriad of characters from Scrooge’s past, present and future.

New and returning actors and singers will be gracing the May River stage,

including Warren Cobb (Scrooge), Travis Hornsby (Fred), Benjamin Morgan (Jacob Marley), Wayne Hester (Gentleman), Jayme Brinson (Bob Cratchett), Rebekah

Kane (Martha Cratchett), Adalyn Aebersold (Fanny), Maggie Gardner (Clara), and introducing Jemma Beck (Tiny Tim). The cast includes Walt Hoskins, Heather Bell, Kirtus Miller, Haden Gonsowski, Luke Strebe and Val Tannuzzi as townspeople and Ellie Friedman, Catherine Trotter, Annaliese Germany, Belle Chirico and Lily Beck as Carolers.

Remaining performances are Dec. 9-10 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. at Ulmer Auditorium, inside Town Hall, 20 Bridge St., Bluffton.

May River Theatre is a local theatre company started by Ed and Jodie Dupuis in 2002. MRT is committed to engaging the Bluffton community through a breadth of quality theatrical performances that facilitate growth in both the production and understanding of the entire theatrical experience.

For more information on season tickets, sponsorships, gift certificates and tickets for this Christmas Carol adaptation, please visit mayrivertheatre.com.

Page 4B Dec. 6, 2022 You’ve Tried The Rest, Delivery and/or Pick-Up, Now Experience The Best Kept Secret! Order by Friday for Tuesday Delivery 843-812-8870 Order by 12/9 for delivery 12/13 Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast w/ Smoked Cheese & Bacon Lemony Pork Picata Pastitsio – Layered Greek Beef w/ Noodles & Bechemel Talapia in Papiote Chicken Salad w/ Fresh Greens and Side Turkey & Vegetable Soup Free delivery with $46 order. Order online at www.beaufortscmealdelivery.com *$24.00 meals w/sides included, large enough for 2 moderate eaters. $12.00 for QT. Soup or 1/3 Deep Dish Quiche. Always low salt/sugar delivered cold in microwaveable/freezeable containers. Let Us Know Your Allergies or Dislikes As We Pick Appropriate Sides FRESH & HEALTHY HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATES, TOO! Order by 12/16 for delivery 12/20 Christmas ham dinner New Year’s pork collards and black-eyed peas Chicken and asparagus gratin Shrimp Marinara Tuna salad Beef & Cabbage Soup Bacon Tomato Quiche Sue’s Zucchini, Date Nut or Cranberry Orange Nut Breads Kind of Blue Serving Lunch Daily with These Great Specials MONDAY $10 Burgers TUESDAY $10 Flatbreads WEDNESDAY 2 for 1 Wings THURSDAY 25% Off Appetizers FRIDAY 1 pc Fish & Chips $12 HAPPY HOUR 3-5 19 Dunnagan’s Alley, Hilton Head (843) 686-2868 info@kindofbluehhisc.com kindofbluehhisc.com Live Blues Every Evening with Local Headliners Memphis Gospel Bruch Sundays 11-2 BUY 1 BRUNCH GET THE 2ND 1/2 OFF (OFFER EXPIRES 12/19)
Scrooge terrifies villagers in Travis Hornsby’s comedic adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” presented by May River Theatre. COURTESY MAY RIVER THEATRE

Local author releases third novel

Hilton Head Island author Susan Diamond Riley has released the third entry in her celebrated Delta and Jax Mysteries series, “The Sea Witch’s Revenge.”

Set primarily on Hilton Head Island and surrounding areas, the series focuses on a pair of sibling sleuths whose grandfather runs the Island History Museum – loosely based on the real Smithsonian-affiliated Coastal Discovery Museum.

Each book focuses on a mystery related to a specific era in Lowcountry history, including the Civil War and the age of Spanish settlement. “The Sea Witch’s Revenge” explores the fierce rivalry between Hilton Head and Daufuskie islands during the American Revolution.

The first two books in the series, “The Sea Island’s Secret” and “The Sea Turtle’s

Curse,” have won numerous national and international awards, including an Amazon Bestseller title. In addition, both have been used by school systems in various states – including Beaufort County Schools – to teach American history in an entertaining but factual way. Earlier this year, interest in the “hidden history” addressed in her books prompted Riley to begin a blog, “Greetings from the Lowcountry!,” which now draws thousands of readers to her features on “the history, people, and traditions that make the Carolina Sea Islands and their mainland neighbors so special.”

All three books in the Delta and Jax Mystery series are available wherever books are sold. For more information, visit SusanDiamondRiley.com.

SOBA calls for entries in 29th annual Judged Show

Lowcountry artists are invited to submit their works of art for the Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) 29th annual Judged Show.

Winners will be awarded first, second and third place cash awards in the following categories: acrylic, mixed media, oil, pastel, photography, watercolor or 3D.

Registration is required by completing a form available at the gallery, 6 Church St. in Old Town Bluffton, or online at sobagallery.com/product/register-for-judged-show.

The cost to register is $25 for SOBA members and $50 for non-members. The registration deadline is Feb. 28. The deadline for dropping off art will be 9 to 11 a.m. March 6 at the SOBA Art School, 8 Church St.

A full list of rules is available online

at sobagallery.com/2023-judged-show.

The Judged Show exhibit will be on display from March 6 through April 2 at the SOBA gallery. An awards ceremony will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. March 9. These events are free to attend and open to the public.

The judge for the show is Eve Miller, a signature member of the Pastel Society of America and a member of the Master Circle of the International Association of Pastel Societies. Her works have been featured in numerous publications and she presently exhibits her work in three international juried exhibitions in France.

The SOBA gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit soba.com or call 843-757-6586.

Dec. 6, 2022 Page 5B LEAN ENSEMBLE THEATER 843.715.6676 LEANENSEMBLE.ORG

It’s never too early to start ballroom dance lessons

I was 5 years old when I took my first dance lesson and am still dancing today at age 45. It is never too early to introduce the arts to kids.

So why is dancing so good for kids? Overall, kids can gain muscle control and coordination. Their endurance and stamina will improve. Strength, flexibility and balance will all improve.

When kids are in a structured class, they engage in learning patterns and sequential learning. This involves planning, which helps with memory skills.

Children learn to focus and concentrate better. While in dance classes, kids also learn to work as a team and build camaraderie. They learn discipline.

Learning in a class setting also creates a sense of accomplishment while building confidence and self-esteem.

For many kids, dancing becomes an outlet of expression and fosters creativity so they might begin to appreciate the arts

in all forms.

It is never too early for kids to try dancing and learn how to coordinate and move their bodies to music. Consider giving your child a chance to be exposed to formal dance or dance instruction –you never know what’s hiding inside a child.

For example, our Youth Ballroom Dance Club consists of students from ages 7 to 18. It is amazing what they have been able to accomplish since they have been coming to us.

Each child is developing their own level of talent in their own way with their own individual style, and each is becom-

ing their own dancer.

Not only are we teaching dance, but also etiquette and social skills. These skills can help them interact with each other comfortably in close proximity at an early age and in an appropriate manner. We hope that going forward they will become ladies and gentlemen, and use their skills in the real world that were taught to them in the dance studio.

Parents, start opening those doors for your kids and allowing them to experience all the different art forms at a very early age. Remember, dancing is not only for girls – boys also will appreciate the benefit of being able to dance in the future.

When kids are involved in some sort of dance they will look better, feel better and have fun!

Sandro Virag is a partner and instructor at Hilton Head Ballroom Dance Studio of Hilton Head, located in Bluffton at Seaquins Ballroom. hiltonheadballroom.com

Page 6B Dec. 6, 2022 Let Our Mama Cater Your Thanksgiving So Your Mama Can Enjoy The Holiday COMPLETE THANKSGIVING PACKAGES with Turkey or Ham and Side Dishes Traditional Pies and our Famous Cheesecake and Pound Cake Go to mamajoyskitchen.com for complete menu Order by November 10 and get a complimentary Cranberry Side Dish 24 Palmetto Bay Road 843-785-2466 Go to mamajoyskitchen.com for complete menu 24 Palmetto Bay Road • Hilton Head 843-785-2466 Dine In or Take Out For The Best Soul Food On Hilton Head Buy 1 Large Plate or Mama Specialty & GET THE 2nd ½ OFF 841 William Hilton Pkwy Unit A Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 843.705.3215 luckyroosterHHI.com Delicious Country Cooking & Cold Beer It’s a Bluffton Thing Wednesday-Sunday 11am 1185 May River Road Bluffton
Students of the Youth Ballroom Dance Club at Hilton Head Ballroom Dance Studio pose for a group photo.

OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE!

Choose From Our Christmas Eve Special Menu:

Entrees

ROASTED BEET SALAD

Mixed greens, oven roasted red and yellow beets, blue cheese, red onion, and candied walnuts served with cilantro vinaigrette (GF) S15

GREEK SALAD

Mixed greens, feta cheese, red onions, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and olives served with white balsamic (GF) $14

ADD CHICKEN $6 / ADD SHRIMP $8 ADD STEAK $10 /

ADD SALMON $9

EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA

Appetizers

HOT PEPPERS

IN OIL

Fresh cut hungarian hot peppers in oil & herbs (GF) $7

LOBSTER EGG ROLLS

Maine lobster with carrots, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, and hand tossed pastry shells baked crispy golden brown $15

LOBSTER FONDUE

Maine lobster, swiss and monterey jack cheeses. served with pita bread S15

Lightly egg battered eggplant layered with mozzarella cheese and marinara, served over a bed of spaghetti $14

CHICKEN PARMIGIANA

Breaded chicken breast topped with marinara and mozzarella cheese, served over a bed of spaghetti $17

CREAMY MUSHROOM CHICKEN

Tender chicken medallions sautéed with mixed greens and creamy parmesan mushroom sauce over penne pasta $19

GROUPER FRANCAISE

Lightly egg battered grouper, lemon and white wine sauce over spaghetti $19

HERB CRUSTED GROUPER

Fresh grouper filet with herb crust served with seasonal vegetable (GFR) $18

HONEY GARLIC SALMON

Wild caught salmon sautéed with a honey garlic sauce served with jasmine rice $24

TUSCAN SALMON

Baked wild caught salmon, gal1ic, spinach, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, white wine reduction served with seasonal vegetable $25

TUNA CRAB RICE BOWL

Panseared yellow fin tuna tossed in sriracha aioli, seasoned crab meat, avocado, jasmine rice $23

PAN SEARED SNAPPER

Pan seared Red snapper with creamy Mediterranean herbs served with jasmine rice $22

MEDITERRANEAN SEA BASS ( BRANZINO)

Whole roasted fresh Sea bass topped with compound butter and Mediterranean herbs served with jasmine rice and Brussels sprouts $42

SHRIMP DIABLO (spicy)

Jumbo shrimp saU1eed with Hungarian hot peppers, and fresh garlic over a bed of spaghetti $19

SHRIMP & CLAM SPAGHETTI

Jumbo shrimp, and chopped clam in white wine reduction and a touch of marinara over a bed of spaghetti $20

BLACKENED SHRIMP & LOBSTER RAVIOLI

Lobster and cheese stuffed ravioli with ala vodka sauce, topped with blackened shrimp $24

BONE IN PORK CHOP

French cut pork chop topped with brandy glaze served with baked potato $22

PEPPERCORN FILET

8oz. grilled beef tendel1oin finished with rich demi glaze, green peppercorn, a touch of cream and tarragon, served with baked potato $29

RIBEYE

16oz. char grilled ribeye steak served with baked potato $28

PARMESAN HADDOCK

Fresh Haddock filet baked with herb and Parmesan crust served with seasonal vegetables $21

Dec. 6, 2022 Page 7B
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Free ‘Carols in the Courtyard’ holiday concert set for Dec. 10

The Lowcountry Community Concert Band will present a special outdoor holiday concert, “Carols in the Courtyard,” at 2 p.m. Dec. 10 in the front courtyard of the library at the USCB Bluffton campus. Admission is free to all, and donations are gratefully accepted.

The event will include a food truck, a Christmas cookie baking contest, and an Ugly Christmas Sweater contest.

Songs on the playlist include “Sleigh Ride,” “Minor Alterations (Christmas Through the Looking Glass),” “Ave Maria,” selections from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and a special “Christmas Finale.”

Guests may bring chairs and coolers. There is plenty of parking available and the event is wheelchair accessible.

The band is sponsored by the Osher

Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at USCB. In addition to the main concert band, LCCB/OLLI supports two smaller chamber ensembles — the Lowcountry Jazz Ensemble and the Flutes of the Lowcountry. The LCCB provides an opportunity for musicians of all ages and abilities to play instrumental music together for enjoyment as well as to perform for the community.

Any OLLI member is welcome to join. Students and adults of any age can join the band. The LCCB is 100% self-sustaining and receives no state or local funding. Donations are welcome, and are used for buying new music and equipment, repairing instruments, and rental of venue space for performances where required.

For more information, visit ollilccb. com.

Page 8B Dec. 6, 2022 This New Year’s Eve Ring In The New Year at LuLu Kitchen With A Special Menu, Champagne Toast 2 Seating’s 5 pm and 7:30pm Reservations Are Limited. Call Today Till we see you again… stay well & be sure to eat well ~ Chef Scott 890 William Hilton Parkway Fresh Market Shops 843-648-5858 (lulu) Check Out The New Expanded FREE Parking on Dr. Mellichamp Dr.! Christmas B A Z A A R B A Z A A R 6 CHURCH STREET • SOBAGALLERY COM Handmade Holiday Decor & Gift Items Through Dec. 24 at the SOBA Gallery
Dec. 6, 2022 Page 9B •Food! •Gifts •Art! •Dine! •Shop! •Fun! •Galleries and More! Market Day by Bill Winn Featuring works in oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media by Rose Coeld | Kristin Grifs | Sue Grilli Murray Sease | Lauren Arsenault Terrett Bill Winn & sculpture by Wally Palmer Adjacent to “The Store” 56 Calhoun Street lapetitegallerie.com lpg sun ad dec 22.qxp_Layout 1 11/5/22 7:59 AM Page 1 Mon-Fri 11am-4pm • Sat 10am-4pm (843) 815-4669 1230 May River Road, Bluffton SC 29910 Coastalexchangebluffton@yahoo.com Something for Everyone! Furniture • Art • Lighting • Consignments Holiday hours • Monday-Saturday 10-5 • Closed Sun 6 Bruin Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910 • (843) 707-9083 Úmaggieandmeoldtownbluffton Maggie and Me Women’s, juniors & children’s. Clothing, shoes & accessories.

Artists invited to submit poster art

For the past 15 years, an integral part of the All Saints Garden Tour, which donates all proceeds to local 501(c)(3) charities, has been the Artist Poster Contest. Hundreds of local artists have entered works in this competition, and many have sold their work as a result.

In preparation for the 34th All Saints Garden Tour, scheduled for May 20, 2023, local artists are invited to enter one piece of two-dimensional, garden-related art in the poster competition. Flowers, birds, bees, butterflies, frogs, fountains, floral landscapes and abstracts are acceptable subjects for entries.

Works in oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastels, mixed media, photography, and colored pencil are acceptable. The piece selected for the poster must be vertically oriented, roughly 12x10 in scale.

The submitted art will be hung in the gallery corridor of the Hilton Head Branch Library Feb. 3-28, 2023. Deadline for submission is early January.

The artwork selected for the Garden

Tour Poster will be on hundreds of posters displayed throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties and on the cover of the Garden Tour ticket booklet. In addition, the art may be used in the future for charitable garden tour fundraising.

For more information, visit allsaintsgardentour.com or email gardentourentry@ gmail.com.

Bogguss presents Christmas show

Country singer-songwriter Suzy Bogguss will headline “A Swingin’ Little Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at the USCB Center for the Arts in Beaufort.

The show is is a joyous, festive evening of traditional songs and spontaneity. “The audience is different every night and so is our performance,” Bogguss said. “The folks that come out are always in the spirit and eager to participate. They’re very much a part of the show.”

Bogguss began her career in the 1980s and quickly became one of the key artists that defined the golden days of ’90s country. She had a string of Top 10 singles, a platinum album and three gold albums.

The musicianship in the Christmas show is jaw-dropping and the artist’s rich and fluid voice takes the audience through sentimental songs like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” to her own raucous “Two Step Round The Christmas Tree.”

It’s a fun-filled night of all the Christmas classics sprinkled with some of Suzy’s hits through the years and select songs

from her recent releases, “American Folk Songbook,” “Lucky” and “Aces Redux.” The whole family will enjoy this show. For tickets and more information, visit USCBCenterForTheArts.com or call 843521-4145.

USCB Center for the Arts is located at 801 Carteret St. in Beaufort.

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“Along the Path” by Neil Clark, 2021 winner

USCB Lunch with Author event features two Southern writers

The University of South Carolina Beaufort Lunch with Author 20222023 Series continues this month with the writers of two cookbooks that celebrate Southern cuisine and hospitality.

Mary Martha Greene, author of “The Cheese Biscuit Queen Tells All,” and David S. Shields, co-author of “Taste the State,” will share their stories and recipes at the event that starts at noon Dec. 16 at Belfair Clubhouse in Bluffton.

In “The Cheese Biscuit Queen Tells All,” Greene, a former lobbyist, pairs more than 100 tried-and-true recipes for dishes like country ham scones, Frogmore stew dip, shrimp and corn pie, and lemon pound cake with stories from her corner of the South.

The book opens with the famous cheese biscuit recipe (complete with family secrets), and the pages that follow brim with fabulous characters, antic-filled anecdotes, and recipes so good they might just call for a change in State House rules (true story).

With new ideas for the consummate entertainer, helpful tips for less experienced cooks, and stories to make even the grumpiest legislator laugh, “The Cheese Biscuit Queen Tells All” has a place in every kitchen.

Greene is a South Carolina native and former government relations consultant who perfected her entertaining skills for making friends and engaging clients during her 40-year career.

From the influence of 1920s fashion on asparagus growers to an heirloom watermelon lost and found, “Taste the State” abounds with surprising stories from South Carolina’s singularly rich

food tradition. Authors Kevin Mitchell and David S. Shields present engaging profiles of 82 of the state’s most distinctive ingredients. These portraits, illustrated with original photographs and historical drawings, provide origin stories and tales of kitchen creativity and agricultural innovation.

“Taste the State” presents the cultural histories of native ingredients and showcases the evolution of the dishes and the variety of preparations that have emerged. Here you will find true Carolina cooking in all of its cultural depth, historical vividness, and sump-

tuous splendor – from the plain home cooking of sweet potato pone to Lady Baltimore cake worthy of a Charleston society banquet.

Shields is a Carolina Distinguished Professor of the English Language and Literature Department at the University of South Carolina and the chair of the Carolina Gold Rice Foundation. He is the author of numerous books, including “Southern Provisions: The Creation and Revival of a Cuisine” and “The Culinarians: Lives and Careers from the First Age of American Fine Dining,” and the recipient of the Southern Foodways Alliance’s Ruth Fertel Keeper of the Flame Award.

Tickets for the event are $50. Books will be available for purchase and the authors will be signing books. Belfair Clubhouse is located at 200 Belfair Oaks Blvd. in Bluffton.

For tickets and more information, visit USCBCenterForTheArts.com or call 843-521-4145.

Christmas Eve Packages 11-2 pm Christmas Eve

TWAS THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS ... AND I WAS ON A MISSION

WHAT CAN WE DO TODAY ... TO STAY OUT OF THE KITCHEN ... WITH SO MUCH TO DO ........ AND SO LITTLE TIME ... WE HAVE EXTENDED FAMILY, ALL VISITING FROM ANAHEIM. Kids will want pies... and turkey or ham for Uncle Burt, I have no time to cook .... And I thought of that ad of the bulldog wearing the shirt. Glazed ham, Prime rib or turkey that’s fried, and reading down further, couldn’t believe all the sides There was mashed potatoes and gravy, French bread and green beans, and Granny got excited to see shrimp and grits and collard greens. After opening one gift, and seeing Grandpa Teddy’s ugly tie, it was so nice to relax to a nice slice of pecan pie Christmas eve was less stressful, it seemed like a breeze, We would highly recommend ...

Dec. 6, 2022 Page 11B 2 Different Sizes Available MORE THAN JUST CUPCAKES! PRE ORDER YOUR CHRISTMAS CUPCAKE WREATHS BEFORE DECEMBER 19TH AND SAVE 10% ORDER ONLINE OR IN STORE cupcakes2cakes.com 108 Buckwalter Pkwy Suite 2C Bluffton 843-415-5678
the holiday package from Kenny
Fried Turkey 180.00 Honey Glazed Ham 180.00 Prime Rib of Beef 215.00 ALL PACKAGES FEED 8 PEOPLE Includes mashed potatoes and gravy, collard greens, shrimp and grits, green beans, assorted croissants and French bread, choice of gumbo or she crab, and choice of pecan pie or bananas foster bread pudding
B’s
70 Pope Ave. • Circle Center • (843) 785-3315
KENNY B’s
Page 12B Dec. 6, 2022

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