The Bluffton Sun • May 21, 2024

The Bluffton Sun

Leaders Address Local Education and Workforce Challenges

BY ANITA STEPHENS Contributor

Educational professionals and local council members gathered for an informative panel discussion addressing the ongo-

ing challenges related to workforce shortages in Beaufort County entitled, “Education and the Workforce: Panel Discussion” which was held on May 7 at the Culinary Institute of the South in Buckwalter Plaza. The aim was to keep the conversa-

tion going on how to better educate, empower, and employ local students with the skills they will need for the workforce in years to come.

LEADERS CONT. ON PAGE 16A

HILTON HEAD ISLAND-BLUFFTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

From left: Bill Miles, President & CEO of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Frank Rodriguez, superintendent of Beaufort County schools, Dr. Richard Gough, President of TCL, Dr. Al Panu, Chancellor of USCB, Mary Lee Carns, VP of Advancement – Technical College of the Lowcountry, and Vice Chair of the Chamber’s Bluffton Regional Business Council.

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VIEWPOINT

Celebrating Milestones and Memories This Time of Year

BY SHANNON COPCUTT Editor

As the school year draws to a close and Memorial Day approaches, our communities come alive with the spirit of celebration and remembrance. This unique convergence of events offers an opportunity for reflection and joy, marking not just the achievements of our students but also honoring the sacrifices made for our freedoms.

The end of the school year is a significant milestone for students and educators alike, filled with excitement and a sense of accomplishment. It’s a time for graduation ceremonies, final projects, and transitions—whether moving from middle school to high school, or from high school to the adventures that await in college or the workforce. These moments are not just ceremonial; they are rites of pas-

sage that deserve to be celebrated with enthusiasm and recognition of the hard work that brought our students to this point.

Parallel to these academic celebrations, Memorial Day offers a deeper, more reflective opportunity to gather as communities. It is a time to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Memorial Day isn’t just about barbecues and the unofficial start of summer; it’s about honoring those who fought and died for the liberties and freedoms that we enjoy today. It’s a day for visiting memorials, laying flowers, and participating in parades that remind us of the cost of peace.

The synchrony of these events enhances their meaning. As our young people step forward into new phases of life, they carry forward not only the knowledge and experiences gained from their studies but also the legacy of freedom and opportunity that has been preserved at such great cost. Celebrating these occasions together reminds us of the continuum of past, present, and future, and the role each

of us plays in our shared history and society. For me and my family, this is an especially busy time of year, with end of year celebrations like classroom parties and field day, as well as sports banquets and awards, and teacher appreciation gifts and goodbyes to name a few. Graduations and parties, moving up ceremonies and other transitions also abound.

It is important that in this season of transition, we take the time to appreciate the achievements of our students and the sacrifices of our veterans. Let’s make these celebrations a meaningful part of our journey, recognizing that while school years may end and Memorial Day may pass, the impacts of both endure far beyond their observance.

As we look forward to the festivities and memorials, let us also look inward and commit to the betterment of ourselves and our communities. In doing so, we honor not only those who have gone before us but also those who will follow, ensuring a future that upholds the values we cherish and celebrate during this poignant time of year.

Shannon Copcutt

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Contributors

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Collins Doughtie

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Anne Feldman

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Mark Winn

Wrapping Up SC General Assembly

BY WESTON NEWTON Contributor

Thank you to all who participated in the Annual May River Cleanup. This year’s event may have been the biggest yet with a couple of hundred volunteers.

the House and Senate, including working out differences between the House and Senate budgets, and filling a vacancy on the State Supreme Court, the 125th twoyear Legislative Session is essentially over and absent some emergency, the legislature will not reconvene in regular session until the second Tuesday in January.

ry, reduce potential conflicts of interest and eliminate the opportunity for cronyism.

Contact us

Melissa McCullough PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-9507

Physical address: 181 Bluffton Rd., Ste F103-2 Bluffton, SC 29910 BlufftonSun.com

All contents are copyrighted by Beaufort Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. All submissions must include name, address and phone number. The Editor reserves the right to edit or reject any material, including advertisements. The Bluffton Sun does not verify for licenses, endorse nor warrant any advertised businesses or services. The opinions and views expressed in the editorials are not necessarily those of the Editor and Publisher. Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Old Town Bluffton Merchants Society.

THE BLUFFTON SUN Issue 10, May 21, 2024, is published twice monthly by Beaufort Media Group, LLC, 181 Bluffton Rd Suite F103-2 Bluffton, SC 29910. Periodicals Postage paid at Bluffton, SC and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE BLUFFTON SUN, PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910-2056.

For me it was my first as an empty nester. It was especially heartwarming to see so many grade and middle schoolers engaged in cleaning up the river, her shores, nearby streets, and parks of Bluffton’s historic district. Learning the importance of place and the need to be vigilant custodians of our natural environment, to protect and preserve the same for future generations simply cannot be overstated. Over the last 20 years more than 60,000 pounds of trash has been picked up at this event and I am proud to have been a small part of those efforts and to have raised my children to understand its importance. Many thanks again to the Town of Bluffton, its employees and all the community members and partners for helping to keep the river clean.

At 5:00 p.m. on the second Thursday in May the South Carolina General Assembly adjourns sine die. This means that other than conference committees and a handful of specific items agreed upon by

As we approach the final week, negotiations between the House and Senate are continuous and on occasion furious. There are essentially three possibilities regarding legislation, a bill must have been passed by both legislative bodies to be sent to the Governor for his approval, assigned to conference committees to negotiate differences or the bill dies, and the process would have to start again in January. As the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, I am proud of the hard work of my 25 committee members throughout the session including through the final full committee meeting as the clock was winding down. While it is disappointing the Senate did not take up a number of the measures we shepherded through our committee and the House, including Parental Consent for minor’s social media accounts, on-line porn age verification, and the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Act that sought to help restaurants, VFW Posts and others who serve alcohol from skyrocketing insurance premiums, I am hopeful that the Judicial Election Reform will pass to bolster public confidence in the state judicia-

Whether perceived or real, there are issues with the manner in which we select Judges in South Carolina including allowing Magistrate Judges to serve in a holdover capacity (essentially making these Judges “at will” employees of the Senators who nominate them). While I was supportive of a broader package of reform, the three most significant steps we can take in addition to eliminating holdover magistrates, are to impose terms limits on members of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission such that members will not be serving when a judicial candidate comes back for re-election; lifting or raising the cap on the Commission only advancing three judicial candidates (such that the Commission’s proper role would be to determine qualifications not to make initial selections) and expanding the Commission to include appointments by the Executive Branch (Governor) as part of the balance of power of the co-equal branches of government and to promote an independent judiciary.

While we may not be in Session in Columbia any longer this year, constituent service is always at the forefront of what we do as legislators. It is an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Beaufort and Jasper Counties in the SC House of Representatives. Please call on me if I may be of assistance.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor, I would like to compliment your publication on enhancing its arts and entertainment coverage. I have always lived in a major metropolitan area and had access to an unlimited variety of both. Relocating to Beaufort County was a significant change. Finding venues where I could enjoy my passions was very difficult.

The Bluffton Sun has upped its game highlighting venues and events that I otherwise would not know existed or were taking place. I encourage you to do the same with dining. Please keep up the good work.

Jim Fitzpatrick

Newton Weston

BJWSA To Discuss Water, Wastewater Expansion Services for Stoney Creek/May River Areas

BY SHANNON COPCUTT Editor

Beaufort Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA) is holding public information sessions to discuss plans to protect the Stoney Creek /May River watershed by expanding utility service in the area. The project will add water and sewer service for residents in the vicinity of Stoney Creek and May River Road.

Public information meetings are scheduled for June 10, 6 p.m., and Aug. 12, 6 p.m. All three meetings will be held at Buckwalter Recreation Center, 905 Buckwalter Pkwy, Bluffton.

According to Jeff La Rue Chief Communications Officer, BJWSA, topics to be dis-

cussed include announcing the project, which centers around the expansion of water and wastewater services, general planned project alignment, details of the incentive to signing up by Aug 26, and a Q&A.

“We will have a contractor do the work and the area will be connected to our wastewater system near the intersection of New Riverside and Myrtle Ford Road. The water will be connected to our distribution system at three different locations but primarily flow will come from a connection near Stoney Crest Campground,” La Rue said.

The areas that will be get-

BJWSA CONT. ON PAGE 18A

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2024 Memorial Day Commemorations in Bluffton

BY ANITA STEPHENS Contributor

The 2024 Memorial Day observance is planned with an annual commemorative ceremony at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 27 at the Veteran’s Memorial located in Buckwalter Place. The program is sponsored by American Legion Post #205. Bluffton Mayor Larry Toomer will speak, local members of the fire patrol in color guard formation will present the flag and the traditional wreath laying ceremony accompanied by a bugler is scheduled in observance.

Seating space is limited at the memorial so the public is urged to bring their own chairs. Water will be free and available on site.

The roots of Memorial Day commemorations and the tradition of honoring fallen military personnel go back to the years following the Civil War, during which time it was called Decoration Day. It became an official federal holiday in 1971. But as the years began to pass, the gravity and respect for Memorial Day grew to be eclipsed. In 1996, a group of children who were touring Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C. were asked

what Memorial Day meant to them. They innocently answered, “it’s the day that pools are opened.” That answer sparked a further Gallup poll of U.S. citizens quizzing their knowledge about the true reason for honoring Memorial Day. The poll showed only 28% of individuals knew why Memorial Day was set aside as a national holiday for honoring fallen veterans. Most participating in the poll wrongly believed it was simply a “3-day work holiday.”

Alarmed by the statistics and in response, Congress voted to create “The National Moment of Remembrance,” an annual event that asks Americans, wherever they are at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, to pause for a duration of one minute to remember those men and women who have died in military service to the United States. As laid out in Public Law 106-579, the National Moment of Remembrance is to be practiced by all Americans throughout the nation. Annually, major league baseball games are halted, Amtrak train whistles sound

2024 Memorial Day Commemorations will be held in Bluffton on May 27.

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Head Island High School Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for Extensive Referendum Project

BY SHANNON COPCUTT Editor

Excited to be breaking ground on a huge high school campus transformation, school officials, students, Board of Education members, and community supporters celebrated the beginning of construction May 8 of Hilton Head Island High School’s expansion project. It is one of the district’s most extensive construction endeavors to be funded through the bond referendum approved by county voters in November 2023.

The comprehensive construction plan is one of the most ambitious that Beaufort County School district has taken on. It is expected to take approximately four and a half years to complete and will replace the majority of Hilton Head Island High School’s older classroom facilities originally built in 1983 with a new three-story classroom wing, alongside an extensive campus-wide renovation.

Speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony included Board of Education Chair Christina Gwozdz, Superintendent Frank Rodriguez, Hilton Head Island High School Principal Steve Schidrich, and students.

“This significant project is made possible from the referendum approved by voters in November of 2023,” said Superintendent Frank Rodriguez. He expressed gratitude for having significant commu-

nity input and support. “This new stateof-the-art campus will support the community’s vision and students’ academic needs for years to come.”   Board of Education Chair Christina Gwozdz also expressed her enthusiasm for the longevity and significance of this project. “This is an exciting time to stand here together on the threshold of a new era for Hilton Head Island High School— one filled with promise, potential, and endless opportunities,” said Gwozdz. “I look forward to watching the metamorphosis of this campus as the new facility evolves.”

“We’re really excited about this rebuild/remodel because this building was built in 1983 and we’re restricted with the space that we have with what we can offer to students, so everyone is excited to be able to have more classrooms to expand our programs, provide more opportunities for students to learn different skills,” explained Steve Schidrich, principal of Hilton Head Island High. Columbia, S.C. based M.B. Kahn is the contractor for the renovations and the designer of record is Little Diversified Architectural Company based in Charleston, S.C.

All referendum projects and expenditures are being independently monitored by the Citizen-Led Oversight Committee.

Hilton Head Island High School’s construction project will add a three-story classroom wing. The above architectural rendering provided by Little Diversified Architectural Company.

May River Softball Team Shows Grit In Playoff Run

BY JUSTIN JARRETT Contributor

After opening the Class 4A playoffs with a 5-3 home loss to North Myrtle Beach, it seemed as though the May River softball team’s success during the regular season might have been fool’s gold.

The Sharks racked up 12 hits but couldn’t deliver in the clutch, and the defense faltered late in the game, sending May River into the elimination bracket with an impossibly long road back to the Lower State finals.

What happened next changed the narrative and, perhaps, the trajectory of the program.

The Sharks showed their mettle by rattling off four straight wins, including a 9-1 victory at Lugoff-Elgin, to fight their way back to the Lower State semifinals for a shot at powerhouse West Florence.

consecutive win.

West Florence stopped May River’s surge with a 7-0 shutout, but the experience gained will pay dividends next season for coach Lisa Hess’s squad.

The Sharks will have two huge holes to fill next season with the starting battery for the majority of the playoff run graduating in ace pitcher Ana Caraballo and catcher Olivia Williams, but everyone else comes back, and reinforcements are coming from a junior varsity squad that lost only one game this season.

Caraballo was dominant in the circle as a senior, going 10-3 with a 0.88 ERA, and she also leaves a big hole in the middle of the lineup, as she hit .486 with 12 doubles, three homers, and 31 RBIs.

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May River pounced early in its first elimination game, scoring in the first inning, and tacking on big innings in the third and fifth to set the tone for a 7-0 win over Westside, and the Sharks were relentless in a 3-1 home win over Irmo two days later, scraping across just enough offense to survive and advance.

That set up a rematch with region rival Lucy Beckham, and after winning both regular-season matchups with the Bengals, the Sharks set the tone early and didn’t let up in a 3-0 win. May River continued the trend by pouncing for six runs in the first two innings at Lugoff-Elgin, pounding 13 hits to coast to a fourth

Freshman Olivia Nagel was solid as Caraballo’s understudy and is ready to shoulder the load in the circle, and the Sharks have plenty of pop returning on offense, including all-state pick McKayla Landry, who hit .507 and swiped 18 bases out of the leadoff spot, and power hitters Allie Belcher and Addison Roppelt.

As a result of the extended postseason run, the Sharks will return a veteran squad that has been through the playoff grind before and will come out stronger on the other side.

With region champion James Island bumping up to Class 5A next year, May River should be the favorite to take the region title, and you can bet the Sharks will have their sights set on an even deeper playoff push a year from now.

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Transportation

Beaufort County School District Requests Community Input for New Visual Identity

Beaufort County School District (BCSD) invites students, families, staff, and the greater community to provide input on the district’s new visual identity and tagline during the month of May.

“Collecting input through the BCSD Connected platform is a key element of BCSD’s efforts to ensure stakeholder involvement in the district’s rebranding process,” said BCSD Communications Officer, Dr. Candace Bruder. “Through a new brand strategy, BCSD will further its position in South Carolina’s public education landscape, collectively expressing the spirit that defines the district and appealing to future generations of students and families.”

Like the strategic planning process,

the community is being asked to contribute to the rebranding process to ensure the outcome reflects the values and aspirations of BCSD’s key stakeholders. The BCSD Connected platform will be open for strategic plan and rebranding input during the month of May.

The public is asked to provide their preferences regarding two visual identity options and two taglines for the district that were developed based on surveys and focus groups this past Fall.

Lend your voice here: www.connectbeaufortschools.org/beaufort-county-school-district-rebrand. The platform link is also being sent to BCSD families via email and is shared on the district’s website and Facebook page.

Town Hosts 9th Annual Historic Preservation Symposium

Law Attorney

Presenter: Jada L Gaines, Associate Attorney

The Town of Bluffton is hosting its 9th Annual Historic Preservation Symposium Thursday, May 23, at 5:30 p.m. in the Henry “Emmett” McCracken Jr. Council Chambers located at Town Hall, 20 Bridge Street. This year’s theme is “The Old Post Office – Rehabilitating an iconic Bluffton landmark.”

Glen Umberger, the Town’s historic preservationist, will give an illustrated talk on the history of the Old Post Office. The owner of the Old Post Office, Debbie Wunder, will also be available for the question-and-answer segment.

The Old Post Office (41 Bridge Street) was rehabilitated, with the assistance of two Town of Bluffton historic preservation grants and is now a private residence. Umberger and Wunder will discuss how the Town’s historic preservation grants can help the Town’s contributing resources endure through time as

structures are reused for a new purpose.

“Bluffton is unique because of its historic resources,” Mayor Larry Toomer said. “This year’s symposium offers a case study of how the Town can partner with private owners to preserve and repurpose these structures. The Old Post Office offers a prime example of how this partnership can assist in preserving the town’s contributing resources which give Bluffton a cherished identity.”  The event will be held at Town Hall and will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a meet and greet reception with representatives of local historic preservation organizations followed by the Speakers’ Presentations from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A reception will be held at The Heyward House, located at 70 Boundary Street, following the symposium. All phases of this event are free and open to the public.

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LEADERS

FROM PAGE 1A

The panel’s speakers included Dr. Frank Rodriguez, superintendent of Beaufort County Schools, Dr. Richard Gough, president of the Technical College of the Lowcountry and Dr. Al Panu, chancellor of USCB. The session was hosted by the Bluffton Regional Council and Business Education Partnership Committees of the Hilton Head-Bluffton Chambers of Commerce. Collaboratively, the committees are made up of business and education leaders, representing various schools, institutions of higher learning, along with representatives from businesses and industries. The aim of the collaboration is to aid in the advancement of the county’s economic future, support its growing community and protect the quality of life in the region.

Beaufort County School Superintendent, Dr. Frank Rodriguez, recently honored with the distinguished “South Carolina’s Superintendent of the Year Award,” opened the discussion identifying a contributing factor as the current large population growth in the state. “South Carolina was identified as the number one state in the U.S. with the most rapid growth increase,” he said. U.S. Census statistics reflect Dr. Rodriguez’s statement as the Census Bureau published its July 2022 to July 2023 results, ranking South Carolina in first place for residential population increase. A record census of 90,600 new people relocated to the state, garnering a 1.7% statistical increase which currently supersedes all states in the union.

Beaufort county schools from pre-K through grade 12, technical and vocational training institutions are fully engaged in addressing the growing needs of a growing community. The county’s top educational professionals are proactively participating in solutions using a collaborative effort to educate, train, empower and employ students, with programs geared to local industries in need of new workforce members. Students are being provided with knowledge of much needed specialization for various career opportunities in short staff.

Superintendent Rodriquez spoke of several programs currently in place within the county’s middle schools that encourage young students to start thinking about their future career plans, utilizing their strengths and interests, and how they might envision themselves in a future workforce scenario. Information is shared in career discussions identifying where opportunity lies and where current future employment resides. “We have a program entitled, ‘Project: Lead the Way.’ Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is an engaging, hands-on environment in which students work together to solve real-world problems. PLTW empowers students to gain skills needed to thrive in college, career, and beyond by creating engaging, hands-on solutions within a classroom setting,” he said. “Computer science, engineering, and biomedical science are some of the current fields of focus,” he explained.

In a collaborative effort, the Beaufort County School District (BCSD) and Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) recently announced “BCSD Tides,” a new dual enrollment partnership that will allow qualified BCSD ris-

Class of 2024

Hilton Head Christian Academy congratulates the outstanding graduates in the Class of 2024.

Eliza Albert | Bradlee Anderson | Isaiah Anderson | Tyler Borack | Cody Bradt

Kenzie Bryant | Steele Burd | Jillian Campanella | Ava Castro | Dylan Clark

Jackson Conrad | Ella Grace Cook | James Crosby | Emma Kate Dalzell

Elijah Deleeuw | Elyse Ellingsworth | Evan Elliott | Erin Engler | Alex Epstein

Reynolds Etheridge | Emma Evans |Millie Gilbreath | Andi Guzman-Ramos

Ava Hahn | Jesse Hall | Ashlyn Hetzel | Margaret Hiers | Will Hobart | AJ Houpt

Mya Hutchinson | DJ Janvier | Chloe Knight | Mary Kovalcik | Keely Langhals

Emmelia Lentz | Toddi Mansell | Jack Mau | Marin Mead | Walker Mikkelson

Elizabeth Minton | Maya Norcross | Kate Oosthuizen | Charlie Peirce | Emily Phillips

Ava Pratt | Bella Pratt | Camden Pratt | Keene Reese | Liam Reeves | Emma Riley

Claire Robbins | Dylan Sampson | Amy Schutz | Morgan Scott | Hannah Smith

Isabelle Smith | Camille Sposato | Dawson Taylor | Trace Taylor | Tucker Tevepaugh

John Cameron Thomas | Ashton Tolerton | Qayden Turner | Jack Ussery

Connor White | Elijah White | Briana Williams | Zane Wilson | Caleb Winget

Devon Yarde | Gage Zatalokin

ing 9th-grade students to enroll in a full-time dual enrollment cohort at TCL’s New River Campus or Beaufort Mather Campus. Like traditional dual enrollment courses, students will earn both high school and college credit for completing TCL classes, taught by TCL instructors. Dual enrollment classes are free to district students. Uniquely, BCSD Tides students will enter the program beginning in 9th grade and can graduate high school with two associate degrees and a technical certificate from TCL. The concept is a combined partnership between BCSC and TCL in providing district students with innovative and unique opportunities to excel while in high school as well as advance their academic and professional future. Impressively, by the time students finish their 10th grade year, they will have already completed an entire associate degree – or two years of college. This enables students to then go on to pursue a chance to earn another associate degree with an emphasis within a specific technical area. Completing the program fully prepares students to apply to college and stay the career path of their choice.

Dr. Richard Gough dovetailed the comments made by Dr. Rodriguez by noting, “Most employers today want job applicants to come to them with established skill sets, licensures and industry certificates.” The Technical College of the Lowcountry is a hallmark educational facility offering an affordable, close to home technical training, with focus on preparation for trade certification and

LEADERS CONT. ON PAGE 43A

Annual May River Cleanup a Success to the Tune of 1.5 Tons of Waste

BY SHANNON COPCUTT Editor

More than 375 volunteers participated in the 22nd Annual May River Cleanup on May 4, helping eliminate approximately 1.5 tons of waste and .15 tons of recycling along the beautiful May River.

According to Nicole Wright, stormwater technician at the Town of Bluffton, over the past 21 years, the event has resulted in the elimination of approximately 26.09 tons of waste and recycled 1.90 tons of waste for a total of 27.99 tons of waste removed.

“The May River is the heart of Bluffton; it gives so much to us, so this was a good opportunity for us to give back to it. It was really amazing to see so many people of all ages, getting involved and helping clean up litter that might end up in the May through stormwater runoff,” said Wright.

The Town hosts two river cleanups annually, the May River Cleanup is held in the spring and the River Sweep is held in September. Both events take place at Oyster Factory Park in the heart of Bluffton’s Historic District.

“The May River has and is still the centerpiece of Bluffton.” Mayor Larry Toomer said. “As a commercial fisherman, I know intimately what the May brings to Bluffton’s culture, industry, and lifestyle – the May River Cleanup is an opportunity for all of us to take care of her.”

BJWSA

FROM PAGE 6A

ting these services are marked on the map provided by BJWSA.

“The area in orange is our primary project area. The area in blue may be included depending on available funds and public interest,” he explained. Everyone in Bluffton will benefit from the project in terms of a cleaner May River Watershed and healthier Lowcountry, he noted.

The project is currently “in the early design phase now and will probably begin installation this winter. We expect the

Toomer said each year, this event grows in the number of participants and organizational partners.

“It is very rewarding to see students, scout groups, civic organizations, businesses, and nearly a dozen official partners join the Town to make a positive impact on the May River, the streets, and areas which surround her,” Toomer said. “This is truly a collective community effort.”

In addition to cleanup, the town emphasizes education and outreach as well, as they play an important role in improving water quality in local watersheds, includ-

ing the May River Watershed. As volunteers returned from cleaning up, educational booths were on hand by Lowcountry Stormwater Partners, The Outside Foundation, Port Royal Sound Foundation, and one by Town of Bluffton staff for them to visit.

Because Beaufort County’s large expanses of salt marsh, tidal rivers, and deep channels provide a high level of biodiversity, allowing wildlife, such as oysters, dolphins, and cobia to flourish, education on pollution is key, as the ecosystem is sensitive to the environmental pollutants found in the stormwater that drains into rivers and streams, carrying pollutants with it.

In 2015, the Town established a partnership with i2 Recycle, which provides the opportunity to process and recycle suit-

able materials collected by event volunteers. This has resulted in a portion of the collected waste being diverted from the local landfill.

Waste Management partnered with the Town again to provide disposal services for all non-recyclable materials.

The next event of this kind, the River Sweep, will be held September 21 at Oyster Factory Park from 9:00 to 11:30 am. For more information, please visit https://www.townofbluffton.sc.gov/438/ Litter-Cleanups

project to be complete in the spring of 2026,” said La Rue.

The need for the project was originally identified by Beaufort County, the Town of Bluffton and BJWSA as part of the 2011 May River Watershed Action Plan. The goal is to decommission septic systems in the area, removing the risk of contamination of the May River from the failure of the aging systems. The existing septic tanks and drain fields will be replaced by a low-pressure sewer system that will

transport wastewater to a BJWSA treatment plant for treatment and ultimate disposal.

Residents in the project area are strongly encouraged to attend one of the public meetings and/or contact BJWSA at Go2Sewer@BJWSA.org for more information. Those who agree to connect prior to August 26 will have connection fees and other costs waived. The project area includes May River Road between Rose Dhu Drive and Palmetto Bluff Road, Stoney

Hill Loop, Stoney Landing Road, Old Miller Road, Toms Way, Kims Way and adjacent properties.

The project was made possible by a $5,925,000 South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program (SCIIP) grant and local matching funds from Beaufort County, the Town of Bluffton, and BJWSA. Completion is expected in 2026.

BJWSA will keep area residents updated on its website at www.go2sewer.org.

Arts & Entertainment Calendar

MAY 21

“Spring into Summer” with Hilton Head Big Band & Fred Astaire Dancers - An evening of live big band music and dancing at Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort’s Grand Ballroom.  Fred Astaire professionals will be on-hand to give complementary lessons from 6:15 p.m.to 6:45 p.m. and will perform throughout the evening. Free beer, wine and soft drink are included with the price of admission. For more information: www.fredastaire.com/hilton-head/events/local-studio-events/evening-with-hilton-head-big-band/

MAY 20 – MAY 31

“The Trees: A Collaboration between Art League of Hilton Head and Clemson Extension,” exhibit highlights the Lowcountry’s native trees and their benefits for our landscapes on display at the Art League of Hilton Head Academy, 106 Cordillo Parkway on Hilton Head Island. Free

and open to the public daily Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Artists Reception will take place Thursday, May 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For info: www.artleaguehhi.org/trees/

MAY 26

The Hilton Head Choral Society ends its concert calendar with the annual “America Sings!” concert on Sunday, May 26 at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. Tickets are available online at www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org. For more information or for assistance placing your ticket order, call 843-341-3818 or email tickets@ hiltonheadchoralsociety.org.

THROUGH MAY 26

Beautiful: The Carole King MusicalThe Arts Center of Coastal Carolina presents the Tony and Grammy Award-winning production that takes audiences

through the life and career of one of America’s most beloved and prolific songwriters. The story follows Carole from her humble beginnings to her ultimate fame, establishing her place in popular music history and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. For info: www.artshhi.com

MAY 25 – MAY 26

Hilton Head Island Art Festival at Shelter Cove Marina. Hosted by the Nash Gallery and The Shelter Cove Merchants Association this year’s Hilton Head Island Art Festival, in its 15th year, will feature a wide selection of fine art, pottery, glass, wood, jewelry, photography and crafts - all made in the USA. Approximatley 53 artisans will be displaying their creative work at the festival, which will take place along the beautiful surrounds of the harbor at Shelter Cove. Festival hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Sunday’s hours are 10:00 until 4:00 p.m.

THROUGH JUNE 2

“Lowcountry Backyard” an exhibit of landscape paintings by artist John Meckley is currently being held at the SOBA Gallery, 6 Church Street, Bluffton. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily and 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sundays.

JUNE 4

“Why Juneteenth?” the final presentation of the Gullah Cultural Series at SoundWaves in celebration of Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States with speakers, dinner and music by the Lavon Stevens Band. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at SoundWaves, 7 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island. For more information and tickets, go to: www.hhso. org.

SOBA Presents ‘Bring the Light’ Art Exhibit With Kamenskikh

JUNE 26 – AUGUST 18

The Society of Bluffton Artists is thrilled to announce the upcoming art exhibit featuring the captivating works of Julia Kamenskikh. Her exhibition invites art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the beauty of Lowcountry landscapes through a unique artistic lens.

“Bring the Light” will run from June 3 to June 30 at The SOBA Art Gallery in Old Town Bluffton. The opening reception for Kamenskikh’s exhibit will take place from 5-7 p.m. June 8 at The SOBA art gallery. These events are free and open to the public.

lously crafted artwork.

Kamenskikh’s artistic journey has been one of passion and perseverance. Despite pursuing an engineering degree initially, her innate artistic talent continued to beckon, leading her to embrace her true calling as a full-time artist after the birth of her twins.

PURE RAZZLE-DAZZLE

Chicago is the one musical with everything that makes theatre shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after another and iconic dance numbers. Set in the roaring 20s, aspiring chorus girl Roxie Hart and fading vaudeville star Velma Kelly each face trial for murder. Both as cynical as they are sexy, the two women compete for the services of shady lawyer Billy Flynn, who promises to make them media celebrities and win them acquittals.

Kamenskikh has a profound connection with nature through her works of Lowcountry landscapes. With each stroke of her brush, Kamenskikh delves into the essence of local nature, expressing her deep appreciation for the enchanting salted marshes, expansive ocean vistas, and ever-changing skies.

“Light is my main subject and in each painting I am exploring how we see the world around us,” Kamenskikh said.

Drawing inspiration from plein air painting and local travels, Kamenskikh infuses her pieces with authenticity and heartfelt emotion, ensuring that every scene she captures resonates authentically with the viewer. Her commitment to perfection and adherence to the timeless traditions of old European Masters shine through in every meticu-

Today, Kamenskikh’s art graces private collections around the world, earning her recognition and accolades for her skill and dedication.  In addition to her artistic pursuits, Julia is an active member of the plein air painting community, participating in Paint Out Events and sharing her expertise through classes and workshops. Her commitment to both her craft and her community underscores her dedication to enriching lives through art.

SOBA is the heart of the flourishing art hub in Old Town Bluffton’s historic district at the corner of Church and Calhoun streets. As a non-profit art organization, SOBA offers regular art classes, featured artist shows, exhibitions, scholarships, outreach programs and more. The gallery is located at 6 Church Street and is open from 10 a.m.5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays. Please visit www.sobagallery.com for a complete calendar of events and other information or call 843-757-6586.

MAKE A SPLASH THIS SUMMER!

Summertime fun is ahead for ages 6 and up with the Arts Center’s creative, action-packed summer camps. Our camps foster creativity all summer long through meaningful skill-building projects!

MAKE YOUR MARK • LEARNING TO COOK MIXED-UP

JUN 17 – JUL 26

Julia Kamenskikh

HERITAGE LIBRARY SPRING TOURS

ZION CEMETERY & BAYNARD MAUSOLEUM COSTUMED CEMETERY TOUR

TUESDAYS AT 10:30AM

Visit the gravesites of four Revolutionary War heroes and find out about the bloody skirmish that was fought just steps away. Site on the SC Liberty Trail.

Corner of Hwy. 278 & Mathews Dr.

$10/LIBRARY MEMBERS • $12/NON-MEMBERS • CHILDREN 12 & UNDER FREE Registration required. HeritageLib.org/Tours

HISTORIC FORT MITCHEL TOUR

THURSDAYS AT 10:30AM

Fort Mitchel contains the remains of a coastal defense battery erected in 1862 to protect the Port Royal Sound by way of Skull Creek from incursions by Confederate gunboats.

65 Skull Creek Dr., Hilton Head Plantation

$10/LIBRARY MEMBERS • $12/NON-MEMBERS • CHILDREN 12 & UNDER FREE Registration required. HeritageLib.org/Tours

Local Muralist Paints

All Over Bluffton

BY KAT RICE Contributor

Walking the streets of Savannah, Lindsey Spears experienced the joy of a town rich in art culture. For years, she had been working as a part time artist, but seeing the large-scale murals across the city made her crave a canvas that large. As a Bluffton local, she knew she wanted to bring a little bit of that joy here, so she reached out to Joe’s Ice Cream and Beverage in Old Town Bluffton, and they agreed to have her paint the vibrant ocean scene you can find across their fence.

Lindsey’s goal was simple– she wanted to put art in places that could give

people the same joy she experienced walking through downtown Savannah. And, between word of mouth and a strong social media presence, one person after another started reaching out for a taste of her work. Before she knew it, all the places she frequented seemed to have one of her murals– her kids’ school, the gym she worked out at, and even her friends’ homes. She says she knew it was time to make it a career when she realized every job made her excited to go to work: “I was like, ‘this is how it should be.’”

Lindsey Spears is painting the town, literally, with murals around Bluffton. Spears in front of her mural at Eggs Up.

Mobile Coffee Cart Celebrates One Year in Bluffton

BY KAT RICE Contributor

I remember afternoons in my early twenties, sitting in a cafe with my friends, telling them I would own my own coffee shop someday. I didn’t mean a word of it. I never wanted to be an entrepreneur or make a name for myself or be in charge of anything. I just loved the joy of a warm latte and an old leather sofa worn in by friends.

So, it was a shock to me last Memorial Day when I walked into a small bookstore/coffee shop in Lake Tahoe and walked out with a palpable desire to do this thing myself. At the time, I was working remotely for Google, and I didn’t have much of a reason to blow up my life. But, two weeks later, here I was with an official LLC for Becoming Coffee.

I got licensed in all the local towns, learned how to plumb, and power a mobile espresso machine, and watched a lot of YouTube to figure out how exactly to be a barista. I visited coffee roasters all over South Carolina, landing on a Colombian couple in Greenville who source their beans directly from farmers they know back home. My first event was in August, and I called a friend panicking the night before because my generator wouldn’t start.

“Kat,” he said as patiently as he could, “you have to turn your power panel on.”

Being a business owner hasn’t necessarily come naturally to me. It was always about connecting with people. Over the holidays, I set up for a local Christmas tree lighting and the city paid for everyone’s drinks. My husband and I poured drink after drink, barely getting a moment in between to say hi to the masses grabbing a cup from the table. That day the business made the most profit since we opened, but I walked away knowing I would never do that event again. It wasn’t worth it if I couldn’t create an experience.

By the grace of God, I’m now a fulltime barista and I get to travel the Lowcountry to be there for people in their special moments. At a birthday party over the weekend, a 10-year-old girl watched intently as I made her iced latte. When I pushed the shot glass down on the pitcher rinser, she said, “wow, how did you get water in there?” I had her come around and showed her how the pump pulls water from the tank and the accumulator pushes it to the sink, all powered by the generator being turned on.

For Memorial Day, I’m meeting those old friends from the coffee shop up in the Blue Ridge mountains and I can’t wait to make lattes for them in celebration of the year you’ve given me. Thank you, Bluffton. Come find me around town and mention this story to get a latte on me.

After an “aha” moment, Becoming Coffee was born, and has been serving Bluffton coffee for one year.

A Musical Tribute Concert for Memorial Day

BY ANITA STEPHENS Contributor

The Hilton Head Choral Society ends its concert calendar with the annual “America Sings!” concert on Sunday, May 26 at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway. “America Sings!” is one of the Lowcountry’s signature musical events commemorating the ultimate sacrifice given by U.S. armed forces personnel while in military service.

Along with the 72 collaborative voices of the Choral Society in patriotic salute, the evening’s performance will include military keynote speaker, Colonel Oren

D. Leff, USAF, accompaniment from the Category V brass quintet based out of Columbia, South Carolina and presentation of colors by Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue.

An evening of patriotic tunes and moving musical tributes including the “Armed Forces Salute,” “The Road Not Taken” and “A Just and Lasting Peace” will focus on paying homage to fallen military throughout the history of our country.

Concert goers are urged to wear red, white and blue to the casual, family-friendly concert honoring heroes and celebrating our country’s freedom. Tickets are available online at www. hiltonheadchoralsociety.org. For more information or for assistance placing your ticket order, call 843-341-3818 or email tickets@hiltonheadchoralsociety. org.

Colonel Oren D. Leff

KAMENSKIKH

MURALIST

FROM PAGE 22A

Most recently, Lindsey completed a mural at the soon-to-open Eggs Up Grill, which was commissioned by the owners as a Bluffton-centered piece. The mural includes personal touches like the shrimp boat that the owner used to work on as well as Bluffton staples like Palmetto Bluff and the Church of the Cross. The artwork has been so popular with locals, the restaurant plans to print and sell the image on shirts.

Lindsey says the most rewarding part of the job is seeing the public’s reaction. “I’ve seen people taking pictures of my work or having their kids stand in front of the murals. I love when kids at the school ask about my process or when I get to work with organizations like Pockets Full of Sunshine. It feels like a chance to enhance this area.”

Although she’s been busy, her schedule isn’t easing up any time soon. She’s currently planning her

work for the seasonal window scape at the Bluffton Library, which has a new summer reading theme each year. And her next project is her biggest yet. She’s in the beginning stages of designing a mural for the car wash across from the Ghost Pirate’s facility in Port Wentworth.

Lindsey says she never totally gets used to people wanting her art on their walls. “It’s so funny because, even though I’ve done so many at this point, it’s still exciting and nerve wracking. I know that in a few days the art is going to be what I imagine, but in the meantime, it can look like a big wall covered in blobs. I always tell people to trust the process and I tell myself the same thing.”

With her murals spreading across Bluffton, locals have lots of opportunities to soak in a little bit of Lindsey’s creative joy. You can find her work on Instagram at PaintingsNStuffLLC.

‘Chicago’ Sizzles at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

Recapturing the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920’s jazz age, the multiple award-winning, sizzling production of “Chicago” returns to the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on June 26 through August 18. Unforgettable songs and dazzling dance numbers have kept the show on stages and audiences on their feet with applause since 1975. Music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and book by Ebb and Bob Fosse combine to form the satirical story of corruption in the administration of criminal justice and the creation of the “celebrity criminal.” At the center of the musical play’s cascade of events is Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer, who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he

threatens to walk out on her. Jailed and desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring the city of Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her crime into a barrage of sensational headlines. Honored with six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy Award, “Chicago” cleverly intertwines murder, greed, corruption, adultery, treachery and exploitation amongst its characters to build the plot and keep the audience captivated and still wanting more of all that “jazz.” For more information and ticket purchase go to: www.arthhi.com/theater-series/chicago or call (843)-842-2787.

Great Beach Read for the Summer

BY GLENDA HARRIS Contributor

The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews is a fun beach read, crime novel, romance, and family warmth all in one book!

The Newcomer is the latest from Mary Kay Andrews, best-selling author of over 20 novels. Consistently turning out beach reads and page turners, readers can always count on a great story by this author, as they are fun to read.

The Newcomer fits the criteria for a beach read but includes some tension and drama. As a romance, it is slow to evolve, but still adorable. It’s a story of family relationships and finding new friends when you least expect to and truly need them… the kind who become family.

You will love the character of Ava, the owner of The Murmuring Surf Motel

who takes in Letty and her 4-year-old niece who have fled The Big Apple. They pull into a motel in a tiny town on the gulf coast of Florida... and not by chance. Mysteriously, there is a rippedout magazine ad for this motel with her sister’s belongings back in New York. More mystery follows. A supporting cast of retirees who spend their winters at the motel includes a variety of personalities and there is always drama, a party or bingo going on.

Nicely paced with heartwarming friendships and plenty of humor, the hook comes early in this one. The “feel” is old Florida beach town vibe. Add in some bad guys and a hot law enforcement officer who helps Letty clear her name and solve the mystery and you have another fun and engaging read from Mary Kay Andrews.

TRIPLE FELLOWSHIP TRAINED PLASTIC SURGEON SPECIALIZING IN EYELID SURGERY FACELIFT BREAST ENHANCEMENT

across the country and Moments of Remembrance are observed at NASCAR races and other major events to name just a few.

However, as Covid-19 engulfed the world back in 2020 interrupting life as we knew it, all public memorials came to an abrupt halt. In response to the imposed isolation, the Taps Across America tribute debuted on national television in 2020 when CBS news “On the Road” correspondent Steve Hartman teamed up with retired Air Force bugler, Jari Villanueva, founder of Taps for Veterans. The two men invited buglers and musicians to sound Taps from their front porches all at the same time as a part of the Taps Across America tribute. The massive, simultaneous event replaced picnics, parades, and other celebrations cancelled due to the pandemic.  The response was overwhelming: More than 10,000 musicians joined in a nationwide salute to remember fallen service members.

Gratefully, the restrictions that

Covid-19 created have since been removed, but the core idea of playing Taps Across America from the front porches of American homes remains intact. Do you have a smart phone? A musical rendition of Taps is easy to find by using your internet search program or by going to YouTube and entering the word “Taps” into the search bar. You will be able to click on a short video of a bugler playing Taps. Set the timer on the phone as a reminder and at 3 p.m. gather outside on the porch, patio, balcony, driveway or wherever you happen to be. Take the moment to stand silent and reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Teach your children and grandchildren what Memorial Day is really all about. If you are unable to attend our community commemorations this Memorial Day, make it a personal tribute this year. Join the 5th annual Taps Across America. To read more about Taps Across America go to: https:// www.tapsacrossamerica.org/

Mathew Epps MD, MS, DABS Jane Epps RN, BSN

What Technique are the Pros Using on the Putting Green?

BY DR. JEAN HARRIS Contributor

If you have watched golf on TV the last few years you have seen a number of players straddling their putting line and then holding up a number of fingers. They are employing aim/point express putting.

Aim point express is a green reading technique created by Mark Sweeney. Sweeney recommends taking two reads one halfway between the ball and the hole and then turn around to face your ball to confirm the first reading. If you get two different reads you will take the larger of the two. You then go behind your ball and close one eye and then lift your fingers in front of your face. You want your pointer finger to be just outside the edge of the cup. For example, if you think there is a two-percent slope to the left, you put up two fingers with your pointer finger just outside the hole. In this example, your middle finger will be the aim point. A great way to practice this method is to get a digital level at the hardware store to confirm your reads. It is also helpful to know the “stimp reading” of the course you are playing. The stimp reading provides golfers with an idea of how fast the greens are at the course. Green speeds can also vary due to weather conditions and types of grass.

Max Homa uses the Aim Point technique for putting.

According to their website (https://aimpointgolf.com) the benefits of Aim Point Putting are:

• Improved accuracy

• Increased confidence

• Saves time

• Applicable for all skill levels

Carol Preisinger, LPGA Master teaching professional,

from Savannah teaches Aim/Point Express and is a level three instructor. Preisinger believes that “Aim Point is simple to learn and quick to perform if you learn from a Certified Aim Point Coach.” Preisinger noted “If you haven’t gone through it, you don’t know how to do it.” Go to the Aim Point website to find instructors near you.

If you watched the Masters on television, you saw Max Homa use aim/point on every putt. Through his training of aim/point he was feeling the difference between one to four percent slope with his feet. Homa faced the hole about halfway between his ball and the hole and did a slight squat. He then turned around and faced his ball and squatted again. Once he got to his ball, he was feeling the difference between one to four percent slope with his fingers. Homa stated that “your eyes can lie to you a lot, but your feet, typically, will never lie”. Over 100 touring professionals use the aimpoint method to read greens.

Like anything else in golf, you need knowledge, practice and patience.

Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional at Pinecrest Golf Club. Jean.golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com

Hurricane Season Begins June 1, Here’s How to Prepare

BY CINDA SEAMON Contributors

Are you ready for a storm? Hurricane season in the Atlantic Basin, which includes the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, officially runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. This period is when conditions are most favorable for hurricanes to form due to warmer ocean temperatures and moist air, factors that fuel the storms.

The peak of the season typically occurs from mid-August to late October, during which the likelihood of hurricanes increases significantly. These powerful storms can cause extensive damage due to high winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges, impacting coastal and inland areas.

But it is never too early to get ready. Here are some basic steps you can take to prepare yourself or your business.

PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS

• Do not delay, start to put together your emergency and evacuation plan.

• Do not make planning complicated, start your planning like you were going on vacation.

• Use the Town Preparedness Guide to help you develop your plan. The guide can be found at any Town building or https://hiltonheadislandsc.gov/ready/ guide.cfm.

• Gather and store valuable documents such as mortgage notes, deeds, licenses, house plans, property tax receipts, insurance documents, etc.

• Take photos or a video of your home, boat, automobiles, and belongings and take a copy with you when you evacuate (this is very important for insurance).

• Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans or anything else that is not tied down.

• Consider moving valuable items to a higher elevation inside your home.

• Turn off utilities and close interior doors.

• Keep all trees and shrubs welltrimmed so they are more wind resistant.

• Gather nonperishable food items such

as drinking water (one gallon per day per person), flashlights, first aid kits, battery powered radio, toilet paper, camera and film, disposable wash cloths, and cash.

• A minimum of two weeks’ worth of prescription medicine.

• Pack items (games and toys) to keep the children entertained.

• Plan where you will go in case of evacuation. Know your route and have an alternate plan. Leave early!

• Make a list of important telephone numbers to take with you such as your insurance company, family, doctors, veterinarian, etc.

• Pack pet supplies and medications.

• For Hilton Head Island sign up for emergency alerts and download the Citizens Guide to Emergency Preparedness at www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov

• Follow us on Twitter @HHIEmergency

• For Bluffton go to www.townofbluffton.sc.gov/462/Emergency-Management

• For additional preparedness information go to www.ready.gov or https:// scemd.org/stay-informed/quick-links/

BUSINESS PREPAREDNESS

• Carefully assess how your company functions, both internally and externally, to determine which staff, materials, procedures, and equipment are necessary to keep the business operating.

• Identify operations critical to survival and the recovery of your business.

• Plan what you will do if your building or store is not accessible - can you run your business from another location?

• Develop a business continuity plan. https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/continuity

• Document, photograph or video tape possessions for insurance purposes.

• Are your employees prepared? Use the list above to help them be prepared.

• Have a communications plan to maintain contact with your employees.

• For additional business preparedness information go to http://www.ready.gov/ business

Cinda Seamon, Fire & Life Safety Educator, Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue

LASIK: Enjoy the Lowcountry Lifestyle

At Bishop Eye Center, we’re helping set the world standard with the best surgeons, the best technologies, the best patient care, and the best value in the Lowcountry. Bishop Eye Center is proud to offer superior LASIK services performed by preeminent surgeon Dr. Paul Bell, MD.

We look forward to serving you.

Elder Law Insights: Seek the Right Professional Help

BY LISA HOSTETLER BROWN Contributor

Concern: My mom has a will and a financial power of attorney, but she got them from a friend who is an attorney, but not an elder law attorney. Does it really matter?

Expert Advice:

YES! It matters! As the population ages and our elders encounter difficult financial, legal, and healthcare situations, the need for comprehensive planning has become evident. In this context, the role of professionals focused on these issues with a specific focus on elders becomes paramount. Certified elder law attorneys (CELAs) are equipped with the expertise to navigate the unique challenges that seniors may face.

Elder law is a branch of legal practice that focuses on the specific needs of older individuals. CELAs are well-versed in a variety of legal areas that directly impact seniors.

Estate planning is an essential part of being prepared for the future, going beyond simply creating a will. CELAs can assist in crafting a comprehensive estate plan that considers the unique issues facing the aging population such as problems with mental capacity and paying for long term care. This may involve establishing trusts, assigning powers of attorney, and developing strategies to minimize tax implications.

As healthcare continues to advance, more of us will live longer and require long term care. CELAs help families navigate the complex landscape of long-term care options, including nursing homes, assisted living, and in-home care. They also provide guidance on qualifying for Medic-

aid benefits, VA benefits, and protecting assets to ensure that the cost of long-term care does not deplete a lifetime of savings.

In many cases, seniors will face health problems that compromise their ability to make sound decisions. CELAs prepare powers of attorney that can be relied upon to have the powers your agents will need to engage in asset protection and public benefits planning if you become incapacitated. If someone who has become incapacitated does not have a power of attorney, a CELA can assist in the court proceedings, where a person asks the probate court to appoint them as a guardian or conservator for someone else who does not have legal capacity to protect the interests of the incapacitated.

Medicaid is a vital resource for many seniors, providing financial assistance for long-term care medical expenses. However, navigating the complex eligibility requirements is challenging. CELAs under-

stand the intricacies of Medicaid planning and help individuals and families structure their assets in a way that preserves eligibility and safeguards the financial well-being of the sick person and the sick person’s family.

Engaging a CELA offers more than just legal expertise—it provides peace of mind for both seniors and their families. Investing time and resources in proactive future planning with the guidance of these experts can make a significant difference in quality of life during the later stages of your journey.

For educational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Lisa Hostetler Brown is a Certified Elder Law Attorney certified by the National Elder Law Foundation. 10 Pinckney Colony Rd, Ste 400, Bluffton, SC 29909 | 843-757-5294 | HiltonHeadElderLaw.com

Lisa Hostetler Brown

Beaufort County School District’s Dr. Frank Rodriguez Named 2025 State Superintendent of the Year

BY ANNE FELDMAN Contributor

When it comes to education and purpose, you could say Beaufort County School District Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez’s path is the best example of his philosophy.  All led to his most recent honor, named as 2025 State Superintendent of the Year by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators. (SCASA)

His inner force comes from deep conviction. “I am driven by the notion that a great education is the key to a person’s future, and I dedicate myself to ensuring that each and every child receives one,” shares Superintendent Rodriguez. “I believe strongly that education is a profession that makes all other professions possible. And, if every child receives a great education they are better positioned to reach their highest potential. To that end, here at BCSD we work hard to recruit high quality educators for our school system.”  Adding, “One such example is the progress made in teacher compensation. In 2022, the starting salary for a first-year teacher in our district was $37,928 (similar to what I was making as a first- year

teacher in South Florida nearly 30 years ago).”

In a strategic decision to attract and maintain superior educators and support staff, and further increase student outcomes, the district and Board of Education put forth a FY2023 budget that was unanimously approved by the Beaufort County Council. This raised the starting teacher salary to $50,066, moving our district’s teacher compensation rating in the state from 53rd (out of 77 districts) to #1.”

Rodriguez remains committed to students throughout the district along with business education partnerships that help Beaufort County flourish, including increased college and career pathway options for students.

“Our Career and Technical Education programming aligns with regional labor market demands to include critical workforce needs within the healthcare and trades fields. Students have an opportunity to participate in extended learning beyond the classroom through internships with local businesses and career awareness activities,” said Rodriguez.

Bluffton Mayor Larry Toomer shares, “Whether

it’s as a judge for the 2023 Bluff ton Christmas parade or pro viding a template for schools nationwide, Dr. Rodriguez leads with a calming leader ship demeanor, supported by methodical, objective methods which result in outcomes that make the community proud. “On behalf of Bluffton’s Town Coun cil, I am grateful to have him as part of our region’s leader ship – it isn’t every day that “60 Min utes” comes to town and shines a spot light on Beaufort County, leaving the town and the region proud and feeling good

RODRIGUEZ CONT. ON PAGE 35A

COMMUNITY Herman Fuqua Memorial Scholarship 2024 Recipients

The Herman Fuqua Memorial scholarship committee is pleased to announce that a total of 12 students and $21,000 in scholarships have been awarded for fall of 2024. Ten deserving students at May River High School and Bluffton High School have been awarded $1,500 each on April 26th, 2024. The top students at May River (Noah Wasserman – Lipscomb University) and Bluffton High School (Ava Gerschutz –Purdue University) received $3,000 each. Bluffton High recipients included (Kaylin Cunningham - Winthrop University, Kristina Cunningham – Savannah College of Art and Design, Riley Giglio –Clemson University, Tacoya Heyward –Claflin University, Thaddeaus Rios –Wesleyan University). May River High School recipients included (Kristen

RODRIGUEZ

Claffy – University of South Carolina, Natalia Freund – Clemson University, Evelyn Schmidt – University of South Carolina, Joseph Schroeder – Erskine University, Tannon Mankowski – Truett McConnell University).

This brings a total of 36 students impacted and over $56,000 awarded in scholarship money since established 2020. Thank you to the scholarship committee and community for continuing to support Herman’s legacy.

The Scholarship Committee consists of the following individuals.

Jim & Becky Bell, Karen Mraz, Joe & Lexanne Mattocks, Jeff & Danielle Dekruif, Mike & Sandra Frazier, John & Micki Lankes, Nick & Dori Jenkins, Linda & Rockisha Fuqua.

FROM PAGE 34A

about our community. Bravo, Dr. Rodriguez,” said Toomer.

“I cannot think of a more deserving superintendent of this honorand I’ve worked with a great many over the years. Dr. Rodriguez leads with authority, but also with understanding and compassion,” said Dr. Kathy Corley, Principal at Red Cedar Elementary School. “He truly does whatever it takes to provide the best possible education for all the students in the district; not just for the here and now. He plays the long game, and it shows.  This honor is very well deserved.”

On a separate note, the Superintendent scheduled community meetings about the 5-year Strategic Plan.

Community members are urged to take part and share thoughts with educators, community stakeholders and fellow families on Beaufort County School District’s new fiveyear strategic plan.  Community meetings were scheduled throughout this month for easy access and to foster participation.

The remainder of the meetings are as follows and begin at 6pm:

·  May 20 - Battery Creek High School media center.

·  May 23 – Bluffton High School cafeteria.

Those not able to attend may provide input online through May via www.connectbeaufortschools. org/strategic-plan-input.

BY JOY ROSS Contributor

I thought it might be time to explain how and why your hair gets a “halo of fuzz” or better known as frizzy. Many of you have never seen a magnified strand of hair. Why would you? Some advertisements show an illustration every now and then. For those of you who haven’t, contrary to most beliefs, it’s not a smooth solid strand. Rather it’s layers that overlap from the root to the end. They are called cuticle layers. When the hair is healthy, the layers stay tightly sealed down giving the illusion of a solid surface. This is what reflects the light making the hair shine. When the hair is processed, the layers lift to allow the chemical lightener or color into the hair. If the layers stay lifted, there is a dullness that the light won’t reflect off somewhat like a lake on a windy day the sun won’t shine brightly off the surface. This is one of the reasons I preach about good shampoo and condi-

tioner. If the shampoo has an acidic base, the cuticle will not close, and the color will fade away rapidly or go down the drain. Your hair won’t be shiny, and you will see that fuzzy/frizzy surface. The salty, humid air here is another great culprit for making the cuticle swell and open. Again, more frizz. The most effective solution is to use good shampoo and conditioner, be sure your hair is completely dry when styling it and using a bristle brush will keep the cuticle in place. Regular trims help the get rid of split ends, which is the cuticle that has been roughly brushed, shampooed, lifted by chemicals or even the sun.

A good styling cream or light oil on dry hair will help seal it down and put a barrier around the hair preventing the salty air from penetrating and getting frizzy it will make it look shiny and healthy. Isn’t that the perfect solution?? Joy Ross is owner of style it salon., Styleitsalon.com

LEGAL

A Good Estate Plan Will Avoid the ‘Last-Minute

BY MARK WINN Contributor

If you want to structure your legal affairs so as to (1) keep your assets in your family, (2) leave assets to loved ones protected from lawsuits, (3) have your loved ones be able to take steps to qualify you for government benefits such as Medicaid, (4) avoid the acceleration of income taxes on retirement accounts, (5) avoid estate taxes, and (6) keep your affairs private and out of the view of the general public, then you need a good estate plan. A good estate plan for you and your family will also avoid the “last minute switcheroo.”

Without careful guidance and represen-

tation from a qualified attorney, then you will not achieve the above benefits.  After having represented more than 2,000 people over the course of more than one decade, I have seen many cases where the survivor altered the ultimate distribution of assets, sometimes disinheriting people that the first spouse did not want disinherited.  This is “the last-minute switcheroo” most want to avoid.  The solution to this is to leave assets “in trust” with vested remainder interests and to use an agreement not to alter the plan.

Let’s say, for example, Emmanuel and Alexandra (the clients) have two children: Hobbs and Fritz.  The clients are in their late 60’s and they want to make sure Hobbs and Fritz will inherit what is left over in equal shares.  They also want to make sure that it will not be subject to loss in divorce if either of their children get divorced. They also want to make sure

their kids can try and qualify them for Medicaid should they become disabled.  Okay, so what should they do?

They should each make sure their papers direct their assets (upon survivor’s passing) go to their children in two separate trusts. Each child can be the trustee of their own trust. Each child will therefore have total control of the trust which is for their benefit. It will be protected from loss if they get sued (exceptions: IRS and child support). But, in all other cases, the creditors will be out of luck. This is like a built-in prenuptial agreement for your assets. Emmanuel and Alexandra can also make sure when their kids pass that the remaining funds will go to grandchildren and not in-laws.

If Emmanuel and Alexandra do not sign an agreement not to alter the plan, then if Alexandra survives, there is nothing preventing her from being taken ad-

vantage of by someone else in the future or from her getting remarried and her changing the disposition of her property. Under South Carolina law, an agreement not to alter the plan gives the children rights that are enforceable in court. So, if Alexandra survives and then redirects her property to a new love interest, or if she is unduly influenced to change her papers, the children (Hobbs and Fritz) will be able to assert their rights in court and have Alexandra’s new will or amendment to her trust set aside.  This preserves their inheritance and avoids the last-minute switcheroo.

Contributed by: Mark F. Winn, Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Estate Planning, a local asset protection, estate planning and elder law attorney. www.mwinnesq.com

Mark Winn

Town Council Approves First Reading of Fiscal Year 2025 Consolidated Budget

Bluffton Town Council approved the Town’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 consolidated budget ($90,476,863) on first reading during its May 14 meeting. With this proposed consolidated budget, Bluffton property taxes have remained steady since 2014. Town Council reduced the millage rate in 2019 and 2023.

On June 11, a Town Council meeting will include a public hearing and the second and final reading of the budget. State law requires all municipalities to adopt a balanced budget ordinance before July 1. The new fiscal year begins July 1.

The proposed consolidated budget is comprised of six different funds which include:

• General Fund

• Hospitality Tax Fund

• Local Accommodations Tax Fund

• Stormwater Utility Fund

• Capital Improvements Program Fund

• Debt Service Fund.

The proposed FY 2025 consolidated budget totals $90,476,863 and is structured to move the Town for ward through program en hancements to include delivery of services and its capital projects schedule.

The Town will host a public workshop May 30 to discuss budget details. The meeting will be held at 5 p.m. at Town Hall (20 Bridge Street) and the public is encouraged and welcome to attend.  To watch virtually, please locate this meeting live or archived on the Town’s

website. The videos are available via: https://www.townofbluffton.sc. gov/719/Town-of-Bluffton-Meeting-Videos.  You can also view the budget meeting at Beaufort County TV, via https://www. beaufortcountysc. gov/bctv or Channels 9 & 417 (Hargray) or Channel 1304 (Spectrum).

Compared to the FY 2024 revised budget of $92,426,414, the FY 2025 budget reflects a 2.1% decrease.

Town Manager Stephen Steese said these projects collectively work to maintain Bluffton’s identity

as a highly attractive coastal town for residents, businesses, and visitors.

“The town’s budget is the foundation for next year’s workplan,” Steese said. “This fiscal year, the town will open and operate its own Welcome Center, the Bluffton Police Department will replace aging equipment, public projects such as sewer, drainage and streetscapes will be constructed, economic development projects will be implemented, and the Town will further invest in projects which support affordable housing initiatives.”

The proposed budget keeps the property tax millage the same at 36.0. For a house appraised at approximately $390,500, the Town tax bill is approximately $2,585. This bill includes taxes levied by Beaufort County, Beaufort County School

BUDGET CONT. ON PAGE 54A

NATURE’S WAY

Something About Getting Hitched in the Desert

BY COLLINS DOUGHTIE Contributor

Every so often I veer off the fishing path and this is one of those times. If you read my columns then you probably know that I have two children, my daughter Camden, and my son Logan. Camden gets most of the press simply because she and her husband Andrew and their two kids Alice 10 and Ben 8 moved down here a couple of years ago from Charlottesville, VA fulfilling every grandparent’s dream to be closer. In my case, the word “closer” doesn’t even touch my situation when they bought the house next door to my hacienda. No phone calls are necessary, all I have to do is open my back door and yell. Two paper cups and string can’t touch the ease when we want to communicate.

Then there is my son Logan. It would take all the string from largest ball of twine ever made to conceivably make the cup phone work since right after college he moved to Los Angeles with his girlfriend Kali. That was 15 years ago and finally after all that time he popped the big question and thankfully he got an agreeable answer. Growing up Logan was a true marsh monkey, avid fisherman, clam digger and my best buddy on hundreds of watery excursions. But California? That decision drastically cut our time together because that is a long, long way for dear ol’ dad to go.

Sitting on an airplane for an entire day, especially these days when space is virtually non-existent, really put a whammy in

my desire to go see my boy. Thankfully he picked the perfect partner with Kali. Logan works in the non-profit sector while Kali creates movie trailers. The one thing they both hold dear is a sense of adventure. Almost every weekend they head off on some new adventure. One week it’s out in the desert when its once annual desert flowers are in full bloom, the next trip is a 30 mile hike up in the Sierra Mountain range, then camping on the Channel Islands and so on. Some of the pictures he sends to me of these adventures just blow my mind with their incredible beauty.

On one visit to see him I got hoodwinked into one short hike and within the first 15 minutes I thought I was going to die. It was doubly embarrassing because he was easily a half mile ahead of me before I sat down on a rock and gave up. I figured that sooner or later he would come looking for dear old dad which he eventually did. The worst part of that day was he had all the water and that wait for

him was brutal.

Now that you have a feel for these two it came as no surprise when they announced where their nuptials would be held. The saying that an apple doesn’t fall far from the tree definitely applies to Logan’s genetic connection to me, and the spot picked was out in the middle of California’s Joshua Tree National Park. Opting for a small wedding (smart) with mostly close family members and a few of their friends I had no idea what to expect. I knew that Joshua Tree was mostly desert, but I had no idea what the appeal might be. Oh, my G*d- Joshua Tree isn’t a cactus here and there but instead some of the most spectacular landscape I have ever seen. The bloom had started but it was the combination of Joshua Trees and massive rock formations that literally took my breath away. It was as if the Greek Gods played marbles with massive rocks where no two formations were the same. Time had smoothed the edges of nearly ever rock giving it a somewhat sur-

real appearance. Wow, what a landscape and it was just perfect for these two wonderful human beings to officially tie the knot of life.

As for the reception, it was also unique as heck. Nothing as mundane as a banquet hall would do, not with these two. Instead, it was held in an honest to goodness cowboy bar in the middle of this desert oasis! I am never known for getting dressed up, so I went out and actually bought a suit that doesn’t fit my personality at all. I hate buying clothes but, on this occasion, the first store I walked into was Banana Republic and saw “the” outfit on the only dressed up manakin in the store. “I’ll take that,” I blurted and that was that. Instead of a tie I bought a western bolo and to complete the outfit a genuine cowboy hat. Surprise Logan and Kali! Having never met Kali’s folks I didn’t want to spook them into raising their hands at the moment during the ceremony when the question is thrown out there “should anyone here know of any reason this couple should not be joined speak now or forever hold your peace.” Thank goodness it all went smooth as silk and Kali’s dad and I got along great. His name is Darold Knowles and if that name sounds familiar to baseball fans, a pitcher, he has a number of World Series rings to his credit. Having been to a passel of weddings (that’s western for “a lot”) this was surely the coolest ever! Lastly, did I cry at the ceremony? I didn’t but I did catch my boy wiping tears away. Definitely the best week I have had in a very long time.

Two More HHCA Students Sign to Further Athletic Careers

To give unselfishly, to help where help is needed, and to understand both the suffering and the weaknesses of your fellow-men, means to receive, because it is the simple and true way to the Highest!

Abd-ru-shin

www.grailmessage.com 1.800.427.9217

Two more athletes from Head Christian Academy (HHCA) signed to further their athletic careers at the collegiate level in a signing ceremony on Wednesday, May 8.  Walker Mikkelson and Ashlyn Hetzel were joined by their coaches, trainers, mentors, incoming Athletic Director J.W. Wilkerson, families, and friends at the ceremony. Before “putting pen to paper” each spoke briefly about the journey that brought them to this moment.

Walker Mikkelson, who signed to play baseball for Anderson University where he will study engineering, shared his gratitude for the sacrifices his parents and family have made over the years and thanked his pitching coach of eight years, Steve Ratzer. He has been a varsity pitcher at HHCA for four years. Academically, Mikkelson will graduate at the top of his class. He has served in numerous leadership roles and was instrumental in creating “The Cage” an HHCA student-led organization that encourages a culture of school spirit and encouragement for all.

Ashlyn Hetzel became the fifth HHCA Class of 2024 athlete who will advance to compete at the Division One level when she signed to join College of Charleston Cheerleading. Throughout her 14-year competitive cheerleading career, Hetzel has participated on some of the most prestigious and awarded teams in the country. She is a six-time Cheerleading World’s Athlete and has won numerous national cheerleading competitions as an Allstar

Cheerleader.  She served as captain of the HHCA Varsity cheerleading team her junior and senior years and worked hard academically to maintain a GPA higher than 4.0. Representing the College of Charleston, Ashlyn will compete at the College Cheerleading Nationals in Daytona, Florida next April.

Incoming Athletic Director J. W. Wilkerson led the ceremony during which the athletes were cheered on and prayed over by their friends and families. “This is such a special moment for these athletes, and they have worked incredibly hard to get here. We are proud of the dedication they have given to their sport as well as the academic achievements they have accomplished and the strong leaders they have become.”

Following the ceremony, the athletes celebrated with fellow teammates and their families and posed for photos and interviews.

As it stands currently, nine HHCA class of 2024 athletes are now set to compete in college sports, five of them at D1 schools. Hilton Head Christian Academy is an independent Christian school for students in kindergarten through 12th grade offering comprehensive academics, athletics, and fine arts programs. Founded in 1979 on Hilton Head Island, HHCA is now located in Bluffton, S.C. and has remained steadfast in its vision To Know Christ and Make Him Known. Learn more about HHCA athletics at hhca.org/athletics.

Walker Mikkelson signed to play baseball for Anderson University.

Ashlyn Hetzel signed on to cheer at College of Charleston.

Love Transcends Differences as a Powerful Force for Change

BY SHANNON BULLION Contributor

“Love is the Most Powerful Force for change in the World,” a quote from Becca Stevens, an Episcopal Priest in Nashville, TN. She runs a home for formerly sex-trafficked, prostituted, and/or drug-addicted women. From her quote, love is what changes us when the world has placed us in despair so deep that most would deem us hopeless or beyond repair.

I think of this quote often when I think of people that we have deemed to be too far removed from hope and what we deem to be “upstanding” – whatever that is. History records a long list of people

deemed unworthy of God’s love. The prostituted, have often been referred to as bearing “the oldest sin” when in fact, lots of them are forced into the “profession” due to a breakdown of societal depravation. In this way, the terms sex-trafficked and prostituted, are nearly interchangeable.

The language of sin does change over time though we may be remiss to admit it. I can recall as a child when it was considered a sin to date outside your race. It was even forbidden through the campus policy of a South Carolina University until 2000. Fortunately, today, most would disagree that interracial dating is a sin, although we still have a way to go with racism at large. Add to that agism, sexism, and homophobia, and we might be getting somewhere.

For all people, the only absence of hope comes from a lack of love. The ethic of love is the overarching theme of Jesus. If

you boil scripture down to its least common denominator love remains, not because it is least – because it is greatest. Love is the fulfillment of all law because, scripture aptly says, “love is the fulfillment of the law” so this bears repeating. Legalism has nothing on love. As it is written, the greatest of these is love! Not judgement. Not my version of God that judge’s others with an eye of punition. Not even sin. Not even pet sins. Though some will say, “isn’t that just being soft on sin?” Or, they may say, “love the sinner and hate the sin.” But when did Jesus ever say, “be hard on sin” or “judge your brothers and sisters with harshness?” When did Jesus ever say, “love the sinner hate the sin?” The truth is he never said anything of the like. Though he did speak to the contrary when he stated, “you who are without sin may cast the first stone.” Except, none are without sin. Everyone grappling to

judge had to leave. And the one who could cast the stone, did not. That one is Jesus. With Jesus, love is cast. With Jesus, stones are put down. With Jesus, the lowly are lifted. With Jesus, all the hopeless have hope.

If we must be wrong about something with regard to how we treat one another why not aim to be wrong about loving each other too much? Why not truly believe that “love is beyond all knowledge” (like scripture says) of labels, duality, and the preconceptions of our mind. After all, Jesus says repeatedly, “love one another.” He never challenged anyone for loving another too much, but he did challenge them to the contrary - especially about Pharisaic legalism. And, if “the most powerful force for change is indeed love” then why not love even more boldly?

Shannon Bullion is the pastor of Church of the Palms United Methodist Church in Okatie.

Shannon Bullion

Shannon Bullion

Celebrating a ‘Brighter Future’ at Palmetto Electric’s Annual Meeting

A total of 4,933 members registered and voted at Palmetto Electric Cooperative’s 2024 Annual Meeting. The event was a drive-thru with registration and voting held May 2, 3, and 4 at the co-op’s Ridgeland office. Members were able to drive-thru, register and cast a vote for the Board of Directors election. Palmetto Electric employees were on hand to distribute registration gifts and assist members with any questions.

“I want to sincerely thank the 4,933 members who took part in the business of their cooperative and made the 2024 Annual Meeting a success,” said Berl Davis, Palmetto Electric president and CEO.

“Energizing our students for a brighter future” was the resounding theme of this year’s meeting and celebrated the success of students and teachers who participated in the cooperative’s educational initiatives including Bright Ideas,

EnLIGHTenSC Book Challenge, Cooperative Youth Summit, Washington Youth Tour, Touchstone Energy Bowl, and Safety Days. The business meeting, livestreamed online on Saturday afternoon, highlighted some of the ways Palmetto Electric Cooperative supported education in our community this past year.

• Palmetto Electric sponsored a total of six high school students to attend the Cooperative Youth Summit and Washington Youth Tour. Three students participated in the Cooperative Youth Summit, including Alex Rosier of Hampton County High School, who won a $5,000 scholarship for her team’s original podcast. Three other high school students attended the Washington Youth Tour, including Garrett Simons of Hilton Head Island High School who won the $5,000 R.D. Bennett Community Service Scholarship for his project,

“Making Birthdays Bright.” Simons partnered with Pockets Full of Sunshine to build and deliver 233 birthday boxes to 11 local food banks throughout our service area.

• In the fall of 2023, we celebrated a significant milestone in $10 million raised since 1989 through Operation Round Up. When our members round up their electric bill to the next dollar each month, we can provide funding for food, shelter, clothing, health and educational needs for individuals and organizations throughout our service area.

Operation Round Up funds the Bright Ideas program which gives grants to local teachers for innovative classroom projects. In 2023, we were able to give 46 teachers a total of $39,360 in grants.

• Elementary students from Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts, Sawyer Blakley Costello, and Kaia Bishop, were named top winners

in the state’s enLIGHTenSC Book Challenge. They wrote and illustrated an original story called The Electric Trail that was printed and delivered to elementary schools throughout the state. To further inspire and educate our youngest members, we hosted electrical safety demonstrations throughout the summer and school year and continued our popular Virtual Safety Days program online.

• For the 10th year in a row, Palmetto Electric was able to provide the opportunity for three local high school athletes to participate in the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl. One of the students – Zion Dobson of Hampton County High School – was also named a finalist for the prestigious South Carolina Mr. Football award. A $1,000 scholarship from WIRE (Women

MEETING CONT. ON PAGE 43A

LEADERS FROM PAGE 16A

transfer to further degree education and attainment. Its student body is diverse - encompassing recent high school grads, young adults and older students wishing to re-enter the workforce or renew certifications. Study programs can be attended either in-person or online culminating in transfer to a four-year university or entry into a high-skilled, in-demand career. “TCL’s ability to offer certain courses of study via on-line study is vital to many of our adult students who are balancing work and family obligations,” said Gough. For those seeking a four-year degree in pursuit of job opportunity, USCB, celebrating its 20th anniversary year, also continues to expand its educational offerings. Dr. Al Panu praised the college’s ongoing commitment to experiential learning. “The ability to connect ceremoniously, or in other word, ‘hands-on’ learning and how it will apply to real life work is paramount.” USCB continues to offer high impact practices such as internships and study abroad, fostering experiential learning opportunities. “We live in a global economy today. Our future depends on the ability of our workforce to rise to the challenges,” he said. “Historically the term ‘workforce’ was equated to ‘labor.’ Today’s definition of workforce differs significantly,” according to Dr. Lau.

“We are ‘ALL’ identified as the workforce.”

USCB’s nursing program was recently awarded “The Best in South Carolina” by www.nurse.org. Statistics reveal, South Carolina is in the throes of a nursing shortage. Considering the ratio of age in relation to the influx of Lowountry residents, the medical sector, nursing, doctors and elder care areas of study enter wide-open opportunities. “Our program expansion is responding in the accelerated rate that coincides with the changes taking place within the Lowcountry,” said Dr. Panu. “Our course structures reflect the rising need of teachers, communication specialists, hospitality, and marine biology. Marine biology is especially significant given that our area is surrounded and sustained by natural waters. Our education system and workforce output go hand in hand.”

Education pre-planning, innovative programs instituted by our local educational experts, and immersive support by the local community are all critical components and building blocks geared toward solution. One-step answers do not exist. But, thankfully, problem identification, forethought, insightful thinking and dedicated grassroots efforts are currently in place contributing to a future that will be of benefit to all.

MEETING

Involved in Rural Electrification) was also awarded to Aiden Wallace of May River High School.

• Palmetto Electric continued to show its commitment to its members by returning more than $3 million in Capital Credits. The cooperative scored a 90 on the American Customer Satisfaction Index Survey (ACSI), which marks the eighth year in a row that the cooperative has scored 89 or higher and puts Palmetto in the 95th percentile. Palmetto Electric also gave utility tax credit grants of almost $430,000 to Hampton County and $200,000 to the Town of Bluffton to further economic development in our service territory.

• Board of Directors incumbents William J. Nimmer (Beaufort County, Position 1), Alicia Holland (Beaufort County, Position 4), and Nicholas T. Gohagan (Hampton County, Position 1) all ran unopposed and were re-elected. Incumbent, Thomas G. Stanley Jr., defeated Albertha “Dee-Dee” Johnson-Mikell to fill the Jasper County, Position 1, seat. Board officers elected included Jeremiah E. Vaigneur, chairman; D. Terrell Smith, vice-chairman; and Carolyn Grant, secretary-treasurer. This year’s grand prize winner was Jordan Mole of Early Branch. He won the 2024 Toyota Tacoma.

HEALTH

The Transformative Power of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Facial Rejuvenation

BY MATHEW T. EPPS MD Contributor

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment, revolutionizing facial rejuvenation techniques.

Known for its natural approach, PRP harnesses the body’s own healing mechanisms to enhance skin quality and vitality.

PRP is prepared by drawing a sample of the patient’s blood and processing it through centrifugation. This process separates the blood into layers: red blood cells, white blood cells, and a concentrat-

ed platelet layer. The concentrated platelets are then collected, typically resulting in a plasma that contains a higher concentration of platelets than normal blood. Growth factors within PRP are released upon activation of the platelets.

Once released, these growth factors bind to specific receptors on the surface of target cells, initiating signaling pathways that lead to the desired cellular responses, such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation. This cascade of biological events accelerates the healing process, enhances tissue regeneration, and reduces recovery times.

One of the most popular applications of PRP is in conjunction with micro needling, a procedure known as collagen induction therapy. Micro needling involves creating micro-injuries on the skin’s sur-

face using fine needles. These injuries trigger the body’s wound healing processes, resulting in increased collagen and elastin production. When combined with PRP, the treatment’s effectiveness is significantly enhanced, as the growth factors in PRP boost the natural healing process, leading to improved skin texture and firmness.

Radiofrequency (RF) micro needling is another advanced technique that benefits from the integration of PRP. This method combines the traditional micro needling process with radiofrequency energy, which heats the deeper layers of the skin to tighten and rejuvenate. The addition of PRP to RF micro needling further amplifies the benefits, providing a more pronounced reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

The versatility of PRP extends beyond these procedures. It is also effectively used to treat acne scars, enlarge pores, and improve overall skin tone and texture. The treatment is safe for all skin types and offers a minimally invasive solution to those seeking effective anti-aging therapies without the risks associated with more invasive procedure. As this is a modern approach requiring stringent techniques, patients considering PRP treatments should thoroughly discuss this procedure with a qualified plastic surgeon or dermatologist.

Mathew T. Epps MD, MS, DABS is Triple Fellowship Trained Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon Specializing in Facial, Eyelid, and Breast Surgery. Visit Matheweppsmd.com, call (843) 707-7060 or email info@dreppsmd.com

Dr. Mathew T. Epps

Memories Under the Moon Gala a Success

The Memories Under the Moon Gala is now just a memory, but what a wonderful memory it is thanks to all our thoughtful and generous guests who came out to support Memory Matters and the families we serve in our community affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias.

Under live oaks overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Pam White’s artistic demonstration, a fun-filled Heads and Tails game, a diversity of items donated by community businesses, board members, and friends, combined to set the stage for a successful evening.

Cathee Stegall’s 18 years of service to Memory Matters was celebrated, and a deeply moving story from Stephen Salvas about his father, Andy, was shared. The auction was a success and included two Paella Parties, two Italian Feasts, and two Private Lobster Feasts.

Memory Matters thanked its dedicated auction committee, board members, staff, and volunteers whose tireless commitment and hard work brought the evening together. In addition, sponsors and inkind donors were recognized for their part to make the event successful.

Coralejo Plantation

Teachers Celebrated for Hard Work

Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated across the country to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and commitment of teachers to their students and communities. It is held annually on the first week in May. It is a time to give back to our teachers for their extraordinary efforts to positively impact the lives of our Beaufort County students.

This year the League of Women Voters of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Area and the Beaufort SC Area have joined together to recognize our Beaufort County school teachers by installing specialTeacher Appreciation Week signs in front of the public and private schools in Beaufort County on May 6th, the first day of Teacher Appreciation Week. The signs were installed by League members and volunteers who support, respect, and appreciate our teachers today and every day. The signs remained in front of the Beaufort County schools until Friday, May 10, the last day of Teacher Appreciation Week.

The goal of this special project is to publicly honor our Beaufort County teachers and let them know how much our Beaufort County area League of Women Voters understand the importance of everything that our teachers do for our Beaufort County students as well as their impactful positive effects on the futures of our students and communities. This project was developed by the Co-

JoAnne Gatti-Petito.

If you are interested in learning more about our local League of Women Voters organizations, you can contact the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Area League of Women Voters at LWVHHI/BA.org and the Beaufort Area League of Women Voters at LWVBeaufort.org

Chairs of the Education Committee of the Hilton Head Island -Bluffton Area, Linda Gustafson and JoAnne Gatti-Petito in coordination with Catherine Forester, POC Mission/General Circle of the Beaufort SC Area League of Women Voters as well as Cristin Casper, the Coordinator of Community Engagement for the Beaufort County School District. The Teacher Appreciation Week signs were designed by

Maximize Your Lawn, Boost Growing Potential

BY ZACH DELOACH Contributor

Happy May! It seems the April Showers have come to a halt, and we are currently off to a warm dry month. Due to the change of temperature and lack of rainfall we suggest adjusting your irrigation to accommodate the dry months. At this time, we are recommending running your irrigation 1-2 times per week at a heavy rate.

Many may be inclined to water daily at this time, but we want to avoid this practice. Separating your watering days allows for a stronger deeper root system, whereas daily irrigation keeps the roots close to the surface and more susceptible to pest. We recommend keeping a rain gauge out and avoid watering when we receive over an inch of rainfall.

The warmer weather has also brought along growth in many of our lawns. To keep this growth fueled throughout the season we would recommend applying nutrients at

this time. Taking a soil sample is the best way to determine what specific nutrients are needed. However, you would still be safe applying a standard blend such as 15-0-15, 10-10-10, or 16-4-8 across the lawn. If you really want to maximize your growing potential, having a core aeration preformed during the summertime will open room in the soil for root growth, airflow, and nutrient penetration.

Some lawns still find themselves thinning out or struggling to grow, even with the proper nutrients. If this is the case additional steps may be needed. Environmental factors, such as sunlight and drainage, can play a huge roll in the success of your lawn. You should always check to make sure that you’re getting enough sun in these areas and trim back branches to allow maximum light. You also want to make sure that the area in question is not holding water after a heavy rainfall or watering. If light and moisture is not an issue, then it may be time

to target the soil.

In every lawn there is an ecosystem of microbials that feed on plant debris and nutrients. These microorganisms break down thatch, lawn clippings, and fertilizer to speed up the process of converting it to food for the lawn. Over time these microbial counts can decrease if organic matter is not being added back to the soil at an efficient rate. To increase your microbial activity and overall lawn ecosystem it is encouraged to top dress your lawn. Top dressing is the act of spreading organic matter (usually plant compost, soil, and manure) to the lawn. This practice helps increase your lawns density, health, and longevity.

Don’t forget about your trees and shrubs. Now is a good time to fertilize your plants. An 8-10-10 or 10-10-10 blend is typically good for most plants. When picking a good tree and shrub fertilizer you should look for one containing a strong blend of micronutrients. Our Azaleas, camelias, and gardenias

tend to thrive in acidic soils, soil samples may be necessary for any struggling plants. Palms typically have a higher threshold when it comes to nutrient needs. They respond well to Magnesium Sulfate which is commonly found in Epsom Salt. Epsom salt is recommended to be applied to all palms, especially Sago Palms, and it can be purchased at most retail stores.

As a quick recap, we want to make sure that the lawn is receiving the proper amount of sunlight, water, airflow, and nutrients in order to maximize your lawns growing potential this season. If the lawn is still struggling after these four boxes are checked, consider pulling a soil sample or adding organic compost to the area. Adding nutrients to your plants will keep them vibrant and healthy this season and help protect them from cooler weather the following winter.

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

Beaufort Memorial Urology Specialists Add

Urologist, Physician

The addition of two new providers to Beaufort Memorial Urology Specialists will expand the range of services available to residents of the Lowcountry and beyond.

A board-certified and broadly experienced urologist, Louis Remynse, M.D., brings nearly four decades of clinical and surgical experience to Urology Specialists, where he will diagnose and treat a wide range of chronic and acute urological disorders, among them benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), kidney stones and urinary incontinence. A member of the Society of Urologic Oncology, Dr. Remynse specializes in robot-assisted surgical treatments for bladder, kidney and prostate cancers. In total, he has performed more than 1,250 da Vinci robotic surgeries.

Remynse comes to the practice from Cedarwood Medical Center in St. Joseph,

Mich., and earlier practiced at urology groups and medical centers in Pennsylvania, Maine and Illinois.

The Michigan native received a Doctor of Medicine from University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor and completed a residency in urology at Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, serving as chief medical resident while there.

Matthew “Matt” Baker, PA-C, PharmD, is skilled as a certified physician assistant and as a pharmacist. At the urology practice Baker works with its clinical team to assess and manage treatment for acute and chronic urological disorders that most frequently can be addressed with

medication rather than surgery.

A Yemassee native and self-described “Lowcountry boy,” Baker completed several clinical rotations at Beaufort Memorial during his PA training. He came to Urology Specialists after seven years as a physician assistant at a urology practice in Bluffton, where he gained expertise in cystoscope procedures and active monitoring of patients with an elevated PSA level and those at the conclusion of their prostate cancer treatment. For the first nine years of his medical career, he was employed as a pharmacist before determining that his heart lay in direct patient care.

Baker holds a Master of Physician As-

sistant Studies from South University in Savannah and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

Beaufort Memorial Urology Specialists, formerly known as Coastal Carolina Urology Group, was acquired by Beaufort Memorial in late 2023, and offers women and men expertise and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary system diseases and conditions, including those affecting the kidneys, bladder, adrenal glands, ureters, urethra and male reproductive organs. Remynse and Baker join board-certified urologist Louis Plzak, M.D., and certified physician assistants Kristin Callaghan and Nancy Thomas at the practice, located at 1055 Ribaut Road, Suite 10, in Beaufort.

To make an appointment with Remynse, Baker or any of the practice providers, call (843) 524-7607.

Louis Remynse

Matthew Baker

Ways to Optimize Recovery After Sport Play

BY JENNIFER WOLFE Contributor

Playing sports like golf, tennis, and pickleball can be immensely enjoyable, but they also demand physical exertion and skill, often leading to fatigue and muscle soreness. To maintain peak performance and prevent injuries, proper recovery techniques are essential.

Hydration and nutrition are crucial for all athletes. Even mild dehydration can impair performance and hinder recovery. Golf, tennis, and pickleball players should aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during and after matches or practice sessions. Replenishing electrolytes through sports drinks or natural sources like coconut water can also aid in maintaining optimal hydration levels.

In addition to hydration, fueling your body with the right nutrients is vital for

recovery. Consuming a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and a variety of vitamins and minerals supports muscle repair and replenishes energy stores.

Active recovery is helpful. Engaging in light physical activities such as walking, cycling, or gentle stretching on rest days can enhance blood flow to muscles, promote flexibility, and alleviate soreness. Active recovery sessions help prevent stiffness and improve overall mobility, contributing to better performance during subsequent training or matches.

Proper warm-up and cool-down are key. Before engaging in intense gameplay or practice sessions, dedicate time to a thorough warm-up routine. Dynamic stretches, light cardio exercises, and sport-specific drills prepare your muscles, joints, and cardiovascular system for optimal performance while reducing the risk of injuries. Similarly, incorporating a cool-down

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phase post-activity helps gradually lower heart rate, relax muscles, and prevent the buildup of lactic acid. Static stretching, foam rolling, or gentle yoga poses can aid in muscle recovery and enhance flexibility.

Massage therapy can help. Among the various recovery techniques available, massage therapy stands out as a valuable tool for athletes in golf, tennis, and pickleball. Professional massage sessions or self-massage techniques using foam rollers or massage balls offer numerous benefits: massage helps release tension and knots in muscles, promoting relaxation and reducing soreness.

Improved circulation occurs via enhanced blood flow to targeted areas, which aids in delivering oxygen and nutrients to muscles while removing metabolic waste products.

Regular massages can also identify potential areas of tightness or imbalance, al-

lowing players to address issues before they escalate into injuries.

Beyond physical benefits, massage therapy can alleviate stress, improve mood, and enhance mental focus, crucial for maintaining peak performance.

Players should consider incorporating massage sessions into their regular wellness routines, especially during periods of intense training or competition. Consider hot and cold therapy massages as an additional source of pain relief. Consult with a qualified massage therapist to customize treatments based on individual needs and areas of concern.

Jennifer Wolfe is the Owner and Creative Director of Whisper Creek Luxury Day Spa in Bluffton. She ran an intellectual property law firm for more than 20 years in Cincinnati, Ohio, before relocating permanently to Hilton Head.

Tamitha Moore

Tiffany Daley

Former Marine Finds Passion and Purpose as a Nurse

Bluffton resident Adam Flores spent 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, stationed around the country –and around the world –before ending up at Parris Island in 2015.

Once they discovered life in the Lowcountry, Adam and his wife Bailey decided it would be a great place to stay after retirement and raise their four children. “So, we built a house in Bluffton and settled in and we absolutely love it,” he said.

And, as his time in the military was drawing to a close, Adam began the process of determining what would come next career wise.

“[Radio host/career coach] Ken Coleman talks about a life where passion meets purpose,” he said. “That’s what I found serving in the Marine Corps. I found passion in serving the Marines, and a broader purpose in taking care of our country.”

Knowing he had a passion for service, Adam wanted to find a post-military career that would allow him to do that.

But back in 2018, while he was struggling with coming up with a plan for himself, his family found themselves facing an even tougher struggle as his twin daughters, Phoebe and Piper, were both diagnosed with hip dysplasia. He and Bailey spent much of the next three years focused on the girls’ medical treatment at MUSC Children’s Hospital in Charleston.

“Every time we went to MUSC, we would interact with the nurses there, who were not only taking care of our daughters, but also taking care of Bailey and me,” said Adam.

“And the love and attention that they gave to all of us during that process was just remarkable.”

While he didn’t realize it at the time, the experience would help him make up his mind about his own future.

“It always was in the back of my mind, just kind of saying ‘there’s something that you’re supposed to be doing,’” he remembers.

“About two-and-a-half years before I got out of the military, I told my wife that I really thought nursing was what I was supposed to do.”

So, they came up with a plan. “We budgeted and set money aside since we didn’t know what work would look like while I was going to nursing school.”

That picture became a little clearer — and the financial issues a little less stressful — when Adam learned about the PATH program at Beaufort Memorial. The hospital’s innovative career development program offers opportunities for employees to grow their careers, while continuing to work in a job at the hospital. It also provides scholarships and other financial support for those pursuing degrees.

“It’s scary not having a plan for how to provide for your family, so being able to rely on the organization to support our goals and our future was just phenomenal,” he said. Adam was already taking classes toward his nursing degree at USCB when he started a job at Beaufort Memorial as a nurse intern

in 2022. “As a nurse intern, I operated much like a certified nursing assistant, completing basic daily needs for patients,” he said. “I also got to assist nurses as they performed nursing-specific tasks, and gained first-hand knowledge of how a nurse operates on a daily basis.”

Last month Adam became one of the first class of nurses to graduate from the PATH program, earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, and has since accepted a position at Beaufort Memorial as a nurse, in the same medical/surgical ward where he interned.

And the former Marine brought his mantra for service along with him.

“Now that I have graduated, I’m excited to take the knowledge learned through my degree program, along with my experiences as a nurse intern, to better serve my community,” he said.

“It’s about the quality of care I can provide. It’s about making people feel like somebody cares about them and that they’re seen. That’s what I strive to do.”

Adam Flores

Summer Camp Options Aplenty for Local Kiddos

BY ANNE FELDMAN Contributor

Summer’s nearly here and now’s the time to plan your summer campers’ experience! With so many great options here in the Lowcountry, it’s easy to find just the right fit. Mix it up by signing up for more than just one and round out the summer with all kinds of adventures.

First Tee-Lowcountry golf camps are offered in Bluffton and on the island. Bluffton Rec offers sports and arts camps, Van Der Meer tennis camps are geared to youth and junior players, and several performing arts camps can be found in the greater Bluffton area.

Passionate about music?  Jazz Camp, held at the Bluffton campus of Hilton Head Christian Academy, is geared to aspiring intermediate and advanced music students, along with a new Jazz Guitar Institute, and beginner jazz clinics for young musicians.

At the Bluffton School of Dance, you can sign-up for half-day camps for preschoolers, up to intermediate levels. “Our half-day

camps are all dance, art and creativity-based,” said Artistic Director Dawn Miller. Two-week intermediate dance camps are open to those with previous dance experience, and two-day sessions are open to ages two-12 years-old.

“Summertime fun is ahead for ages six and up with the Arts Center’s creative, action-packed summer camps,” said Alana Adams, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Senior Director of Education. “Our camps are unique in that they are meaningful, skill-building projects, not just crafts, fostering creativity all summer long!”

From sports camps to performing arts camps and more, we’ve gathered a round-up, so let’s get ready for summer!

ARTS CENTER OF COASTAL CAROLINA

PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS CAMPS

-Make Your Mark, June 17-21

9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. for 6-9 yrs. | 12:30-3 p.m. for 10-14 yrs.

Campers explore color mixing to create new colors, value and intensity changes and use unconventional materials.

-Learning to Look, June 24-28

9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. for 6-9 yrs. | 12:30-3 p.m. for 10-14 yrs.

Campers learn the basics of one, two and three-point perspectives, as they create interior rooms and exterior views of landscapes and cityscapes in a variety of mediums.

-Take the Stage, July 8-12

9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. for 10-14 yrs.

12:30-3 p.m. for 6-9 yrs.

Work with professional artists for exposure to performing art forms in Black Box Theatre, create a mini-showcase performance.

-Mixed-Up Masterpieces, July 8-12

9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. for 6-9 yrs. | 12:30-3 p.m. for 10-14 yrs.

Study folk and fine art from around the world to inspire both traditional and unusu-

al 2D and 3D masterpieces.

-Art for All, Adaptive Arts, July 15-19 1-3 p.m., all ages.

Specially abled students will dive into the world of art as they create original 2D and 3D art. They will build self-esteem as they explore the elements of art through a variety of mediums and meet new friends!

-Razzle-Dazzle Dance Camp, July 15-19

12:30-3 p.m. for ages 7-12.

Dancing, crafts, snacks & fun, guest-starring cast members from the Arts Center’s musical Chicago! No dance experience necessary.

www.artshhi.com/arts-education/ camps or email Alana Adams: aadams@artshhi.com

BLUFFTON REC SUMMER CAMPS

-Arts Camp and Sports Camp

SUMMER CAMPS CONT. ON PAGE 53A

Tourist Food Rescue Program Returns on June 1 to Help HHI’s Hungry

A new partner is joining Second Helpings as a drop-off location for food donated by vacationers this summer. Coligny Plaza is a new site for donations of unopened, nonperishable food. Post-Vacation Food Donation begins Saturday, June 1, with three sites on the Island.

The goal is to collect food that Second Helpings will deliver to the food pantries and soup kitchens that serve those who are food insecure on Hilton Head Island. The program launched in 2023 with tremendous support from rental agencies, Grayco, and the community.

Starting Saturday June 1, food can be dropped off:

• In Coligny Plaza on Fridays and Saturdays, outside FISH Casual Coastal Seafood Restaurant, next to Piggly Wiggly across from Skillets.

• At the Grayco Hardware and Home Store on Saturday mornings from 7:30 until 10:00 a.m. Second Helpings volunteers will be on hand to collect food donations. The store is just off Palmetto Bay Road. Look for the Second Helpings van.

• At the Palmetto Dunes Pass Office throughout the week.

The program will run until Saturday, August 31.

Marcus Tanner, executive director, said “Coligny Plaza is a great partner to Second Helpings, and we welcome this support for our tourist food donation program. And we are grateful to Palmetto Dunes and Grayco for their continued help in collecting food for our neighbors in need. Many people who help make vacations on HHI so enjoyable will benefit from these donations of unopened, non-

perishable food.”

Second Helpings is a nonprofit food rescue and is a United Way Agency. For more

SUMMER

CAMPS

June 10-21, 6-12yrs., June 24-July 3, July 8-19, July 22-August 2

-Crafty Kids Camp, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Treat your child to a camp session (2 weeks) of fun arts & crafts, games, and indoor/outdoor activities. Each week ends with a culminating activity: Carnival, Art Show, Olympics.

-All-around Athletes Camp, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Currently a waitlist)

Campers learn fundamentals in various sports (2 weeks). Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Baseball/Softball, Flag Football, with final Field Day, Olympics, World Cup, World Series events. www.bcscrec.com/blufftonrec-center-summer-camp

BLUFFTON SCHOOL OF DANCE

Weekly Classes: June 10, 17, 24, July 8,15, 22.

-Pre-School Half Day Camps: dance, art and creativity-based

Half-day co-ed camps feature weekly themes, dance, art and creativity-based for boys and girls.

FROM PAGE 51A

-Full Day Classes – (Currently a waitlist)

Intermediate Dance Camp

2-Week Camps: July 1 and July 29, ages 6-11

Dance camps for those with previous dance experiences. These two-week camps offer a wide range of dance styles and keep kids dancing all week.

-2-Days a Week Camps: for 2 Weeks, June 17 and July 15

Classes are two days a week for two weeks and open to ages 2-12.

blufftonschoolofdance.com/summer/ or email: blufftonschoolofdance@gmail.com

FIRST TEE-LOWCOUNTRY

Bluffton & Hilton Head camps are held for four days, Mon-Thurs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Bluffton camps held for three days, MonWed from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

-Hilton Head Camps: First Tee Campus

Held Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m.-11a.m.

June 10, June 17: Ages 7-11

June 24: Ages 12 and older

July 8: Ages 7-11

July 15: Ages 12 and older

-Bluffton Camps: The Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes

Held Mon-Wed, 9-11:30 a.m.

July 22: – Ages 7 to 11

July 29:  – Ages 12 and older  Participants encouraged to wear appropriate golf attire. You do NOT need clubs to participate but please bring if you have them. Golf equipment provided for class time. May bring water/snacks. Cold water via water cooler at golf course. firstteelowcountry.org/programs-2/

JAZZ CAMP: BLUFFTON-BASED HILTON HEAD JAZZ CAMP

-Advanced & Intermediate, Beginner and Jazz Guitar

July 8-13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m, Hilton Head Christian Academy, Bluffton Campus

-Jazz Camp for Intermediate/Advanced music students Ages 14-20 yrs. Improve your jazz skills with immersive study in improvisation, theory, master classes and evening performances.

-Beginner Jazz Clinic (10-14 yrs.)

-Jazz Guitar Institute 14-18 yrs.)

THE SANDBOX INTERACTIVE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

June 6- Aug. 5 Ages 4-12 at Tanger 2 Half and full-day sessions.  Campers play and explore a variety of themes that integrate hands-on learning with S.T.E.A.M. activities.  Info at: thesandbox.org

VAN DER MEER TENNIS

-Jr. Summer Tennis Camp

May 28- Aug. 9 Ages 12+. Sunday-Friday Van Der Meer junior summer tennis camps offer 25 hours of technical and tactical training from world-class international staff. Learn from former ATP, WTA, Davis Cup, Fed Cup, and top collegiate players.

-Quick Start Tennis Camp: June 10- Aug. 2  Ages 5-12. Covered courts, skill level-based play, water activities and arts & crafts.  A customized tennis and coordination program that enables children to progress quickly, using size-appropriate equipment and courts. vandermeertennis.com/junior-summer-tennis-camps/

BUDGET

FROM PAGE 38A

District, Bluffton Township Fire District, and related fees. The Town portion of the tax bill for a full-time resident is approximately $677.32 or 26% of the total bill and includes Town of Bluffton operations, debt, and stormwater fee.

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

• The revenues for the FY2025 General Fund Budget are comprised of various sources with 31.0% from property taxes and 37.4% from licenses and permits. The additional town growth has resulted in increased revenues.

• The General Fund portion, which pays for salaries, benefits, and operations, makes up 35.7% or $32,324,440 of the Consolidated Budget upcoming year. This reflects an increase of 1.9% in large part due to the increase in the police budget. Bluffton Police Department received approximately $1.35 million in funding from the Department of Justice and the Office of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). The General Fund also covers the operations of the Town of Bluffton

Welcome Center set to open in January 2025 in the Squire Pope Carriage House (located in the Wright Family Park) and supports the fourth year of Bluffton Police Department’s vehicle leasing program. Additionally, this budget includes cost of living, classification and compensation study recommendations, and merit increases in order for the Town of Bluffton, as an employer, to remain regionally competitive.

• The General Fund also supports the Town’s Waste Management contract, reforestation program, police recruitment and retention program, staff mental health and wellness program, historic preservation programs, and the Don Ryan Center for Innovation. This fund also continues the support of the K-9 unit, “Stay Safe, Bluffton!” Program, affordable housing, and beautification programs.

• The FY2025 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) is $32.3 million; with parks projects making up 34.7% and stormwater and sewer projects comprising 22.3% of the budget. This fund supports the Histor-

ic District sewer projects, Pritchard Street Drainage and Bridge Street Streetscape Improvement projects, and the Stoney Crest Campground/Old Palmetto Bluff Road project which is a multi-jurisdictional partnership. The CIP schedule for the upcoming fiscal year also includes the Economic Development project at Buckwalter Place, completion of the Squire Pope Carriage House rehabilitation project, Affordable Housing project, and multiple parks to include the New Riverside Park-Barn site and New River Linear Trail improvements.

• This budget supports the Town’s strategic interagency partnerships for economic development, shared parking agreements, multi-agency legal programs and public outreach.

• The budget also supports the work plans of the Town’s boards, commissions, and committees such as the Affordable Housing Committee and its Housing Assistance Program which assists income-qualified residents with minor home repairs as well as property maintenance, to include abatement of unsafe structures, hazardous tree removal, prop-

erty clean-up and septic repair. The Beautification Committee Work Plan includes funds for tree plantings and an annual Arbor Day event.

Mayor Larry Toomer said the Town begins the new fiscal year in a healthy financial position.

“Town Council’s responsibility is to provide Town staff with the funds, strategy, and action items to move the Town forward each year with more projects which protect our natural resources, foster opportunities for housing, and cultivate a high-quality lifestyle.

“This budget provides for economic development opportunities, continuation of the New Riverside Barn Park, support for watershed management, new projects such as enhancing the New River Trail and continuation of the Town’s award-winning Housing Assistance Program which provide necessary repairs to keep homes safe and dry for our residents. We are proud of how tax dollars are put to work to continually enhance our residents’ experience of living in Bluffton.”

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