The Hilton Head Sun • February 7, 2024 by The Bluffton Sun

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Hilton Head Sun

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Feb. 7, 2024 • Volume 27, Issue 2 • Complimentary • HiltonHeadSun.com

2024 Hilton Head Gullah Celebration Illuminates Culture And History BY CHANNING HEISS Contributor The Hilton Head Gullah Celebration, which was founded in 1996 to foster knowledge and understanding of a key part of American history, is marking its 28th year with more than a month of events which started Jan. 28 and will continue through March 1 during the 2024 celebration, “A Captivating Journey Through History.” It is hosted by the Native Islander Business and Community Affairs Association and features events focusing on aspects of Gullah culture and its influence on America, from food, art and faith, to philosophy and poetry. The main event of the celebration is the

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Traditional Gullah dress, art and cuisine will be enjoyed at the 2024 Gullah Celebration.

Gullah Festival to be held this year on Feb. 17, from 11a.m. to 4p.m. at Honey Horn on Hilton Head. It will feature the music of artist Stee and his band Ear Candy. Stee is a local artist raised in South Carolina who was recently featured on the television show “The Voice.” The artwork of Gullah painter Alvin B. Glen will also be on display. Glen, who incorpo-

rates history and social commentary in his work, grew up in Dorchester, taught art in the Orangeburg school system for over 40 years, and continues to promote art in Dorchester. His work “Last Cast” is the official art piece of the 2024 Gullah Celebration. Authentic food will be provided by local expert chefs for attendees to enjoy. Gullah cuisine was born of several cultural influences including Africa, the West Indies, and the American South. The culinary adventure begins with Taste of

‘Night To Shine’ Gullah at the Arts Center, Celebrates where attendees can experience a variety of Gullah dishes People With during the celebration includSpecial Needs 42A ing gumbo, fried fish, shrimp, and ribs as well as the cultural education of dance and traditional crafts. There will even be an opportunity to learn traditional craft methods and to create one-of-a kind keepsakes to remember the experience. Many events surround the celebration’s main festival on February 17. The celebration

GULLAH CONT. ON PAGE 14A

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20A

The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

John P. Krcmarik, M.D. Beaufort Memorial Pulmonary Specialists

John Krcmarik, M.D., FCCP, a board-certified, fellowship-trained

pulmonologist has joined Beaufort Memorial Pulmonary Specialists in Okatie.

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Board-Certified – Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care Medicine, Sleep Medicine, Internal Medicine

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The Chicago native came to the Lowcountry from Munson Medical Center in Traverse

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City, Mich., where since 2003 he had practiced pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine and served in several leadership positions, including as medical director of both Respiratory Care Services and the Munson Sleep Disorders Center. Born into a family of doctors, he says he “always loved medicine” and chose his specialty for the complex physiology it involves and a desire to care for sicker patients.

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February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

VIEWPOINT

Spread Love, Its Contagious BY SHANNON COPCUTT Editor Someone once said the best way to fight for peace is to spread love. While it may sound a bit simple, perhaps that is exactly what we need a bit more of in our livessimplicity and love. In a world that often feels dominated by discord and division, our small town is like a bubble that needs protection from this despair. Love and kindness can help act as a shield to diminish the negativity around us. Why should we do this? Because here, we don’t just know each other’s names; we know each other’s stories. We celebrate each other’s successes and provide comfort during hardships. This closeness is our strength, and it’s something to be cherished. During the month of February when we celebrate love with our closest family and friends, why not also practice it with our colleagues, neighbors and acquain-

tances? Love is a profound force. It can comfort, heal, delight, educate, bond. Love is appreciation and acceptance. You do not always have to agree on things to love someone. I see examples of spreading love in our town in many ways: youth mentoring programs, the fundraisers for families facing medical crises, and the quiet, work of our local charities. It’s also in our schools, where teachers go the extra mile to en-

sure every child feels valued and supported. But it is the littlest things that can also show that we love one another. Holding the door for someone, acknowledging a difference of opinion with respect, sharing a smile with someone new. Now more than ever, I feel it is important to teach our children these things and the value of love and kindness. They are surrounded by so many examples of hate, are there enough examples of love? We

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must provide those examples as an investment in the future of our town. Schools, community centers, and families all play a vital role in nurturing these values. Children raised in a loving community learn to extend that love beyond the boundaries of our town, carrying the spirit of our community wherever they go. In this issue you will read about one woman who, to underscore that our small town is a wonderful place to live and to help “train” us to think with love, trademarked the word “Bloveton” and has begun a marketing campaign to help spread the word. Love your town, love your neighbor. Just spread love. I encourage each of you to continue to spread love in your own unique way. Do your part in this battle for peace: fight by spreading love. Let us move forward with the knowledge that in our town, love is not just a feeling, but a way of life.

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The Hilton Head Sun

EDITORIAL

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Editor

Shannon Copcutt editor@blufftonsun.com

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Melissa McCullough melissa@blufftonsun.com

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Taking A Closer Look At Hilton Head Island’s Trailblazer Henry Driessen Jr. BY ALAN PERRY Contributor

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Contributors Abby Bird Rep. Jeff Bradley Amy Coyne Bredeson Amy Campanini Chip Collins Rev. Jon Black Collins Doughtie Dr. Mathew T. Epps Dr. Ronald Finger Jada Gaines Luke Gawronski Glenda Harris

February 7, 2024

Dr. Jean Harris Channing Heiss Kenneth Horup LaDonna Kleinhans Dr. Oswald Mikell Libby O’Regan Alan Perry Dan Prud’homme Joe Savona Anita Stephens Mark Winn

Contact us Melissa McCullough PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-9507, 843-757-9506 (fax) Physical address: 181 Bluffton Rd., Ste F103-2 Bluffton, SC 29910 blufftonSun.com All contents copyright protected 2023. All submissions must include name, address and phone number. The Editor reserves the right to edit or reject any material, including advertisements. The Hilton Head 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. Member, Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.

Circulation verification for each issue provided with USPS Form 3541 and/or USPS Form 8125. These forms are available for review during normal business hours at the offices of The Bluffton Sun, 181 Bluffton Rd.,Ste F103-2, Bluffton, SC 29910.

In February, Hilton Head Island illuminates its Gullah Geechee communities and native isAlan Perry landers with the annual monthlong Gullah Celebration. The celebration coincides with Black History Month, which allows me to spotlight one of the Island’s African American trailblazers, Mr. Henry Driessen, Jr. Amidst the loss of many community giants and trailblazers in the past year, Mr. Driessen, at the age of 96, stands as a living testament to a rich history, and I wish to take this moment to honor his significant contributions. Like others of his generation, Mr. Driessen was a prominent businessman, church and community leader, family man, and philanthropist who supported many causes on the Island. Upon my family’s arrival on the Island decades ago, we stopped at Driessen’s BP Gas Station in the Chaplin community, steps away from Bradley Beach Road. It was a

notable landmark—one of the few places to refuel your car and chat with visitors and regulars. The gas station, owned by Mr. Driessen, had been passed down to him from his grandfather, Henry Driessen, Sr., who started the business in 1926. With the support of wife Pheobe, a dedicated teacher and trailblazer in her own right, and their children, he carried on the legacy his grandfather established. Mr. Driessen expanded the enterprise to include Driessen’s Bottle Shop, offering wine and other alcoholic beverages. Subsequently, as the Island transitioned into a municipality, Mr. Driessen successfully ran for a seat on the inaugural Town Council. Serving as the sole African American member on the council, he dedicated over a decade to working alongside an esteemed group of elected officials. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Driessen skillfully navigated through various challenges the new Town presented, including its formative years. Among them were hiring a town manager, enacting new laws, addressing traffic concerns, voting on the Cross Island Parkway, deciding which trees to sustain, and controlling drinking on the beach. Enduring interactions with residents ranging from pleasant exchanges to discon-

tent over decisions, Mr. Driessen played a pivotal role in shaping the Island’s governance under the banner of limited services government. Mr. Driessen’s contributions extend beyond his involvement in the Town government. His service on the Hilton Head Island Public Service District and Palmetto Electric Cooperative boards showcases his dedication to community development and needs that occurred as the Island continued through a modern era of population and economic growth. Mr. Driessen was also a man of faith who grew up in and remains connected to the Historic First African Baptist Church on Beach City Road. There, he rose to the position of church chairman. Before concluding his government service, Mr. Driessen’s legacy was permanently imprinted on the Town. In July 1992, he sold 11.77 acres of land inherited from his grandfather to the Town. It was situated between his gas station and the Atlantic Ocean. Along with other parcels it acquired, the Town transformed the property into Driessen Beach Park. Before thousands of visitors enjoyed this enhanced beach park, the Bradley Beach area – like several others on the Island – primarily catered to African

Americans from Savannah and other places around the region. It’s a regular stop on the Gullah Geechee Heritage Trail Tour, during which you can learn the rich history of this stretch of beach, including it being a locale where renowned entertainment duo Ike and Tina Turner once performed. Driessen Beach Park opened in 1994. In keeping with our promise to enhance our beach parks, we launched a work project last November at Driessen’s. It involves replacing the existing boardwalk that connects the beach park to the beach. Contractors are using high-end marine grade lumber with a 40- to 50-year life cycle before it requires another upgrade from the wear and tear beachgoers will have placed upon it. We anticipate completing this work and reopening the beach park in March. Beyond the boardwalk upgrade, Driessen’s Beach Park is a distinguished tribute to Mr. Driessen and his family. This honorable space immortalizes Mr. Driessen’s dedication to preserving his ancestor’s legacy, representing the native slander community, and serving the public. Alan Perry is the Mayor of the Town of Hilton Head.

February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

SC Statehouse Is Off To An Aggressive Start BY JEFF BRADLEY Contributor I’m looking forward to what is going to be happening in the second session of the 125th South Carolina Legislature which got off to a great start in January. My eagerness is not only because we have Jeff Bradley unfinished business following the adjournment of the first session last summer, but also because House Speaker Murrell Smith recently appointed me to lead a new standing committee to study and oversee artificial intelligence in South Carolina as it applies to our state’s business, cybercrime and cyber security. This is an exciting undertaking that will be in addition to my responsibilities as Chairman of the Regulations and Administrative Procedures Committee and Vice

Chairman of the Education and Public Works Committee with specific oversight of K-12 school programs. Each of these three House committees will help stimulate the economic health of South Carolina by attracting new business to various regions of our state and thereby enhance even more our growing economic prosperity. South Carolina’s recent successes are now being recognized nationally for our business-friendly climate and robust job market. Our aggressive Statehouse agenda for 2024, as demonstrated in January, is building off the successes of unprecedented conservative victories in the first session which included: (1) Repealing the Certificate of Need Law, expanding healthcare options and access with less cost to patients. (2) Strengthening penalties for fentanyl trafficking. (3) Passing the Fetal Heartbeat Bill. (4) Banning Critical Race Theory in our education curriculum.

(5) Expanding School Choice with the pilot program for an Education Scholarship Trust Fund and Open Enrollment. In the education arena, I’m strongly supportive of expanding “school choice” even further across South Carolina. Last summer, while working under the strategic direction of our Education Committee chairman Shannon Ericksen, I served as floor leader to secure passage of the bill to finally create “school choice” as a pilot program across our State. That pilot program starts this fall. It establishes an Education Scholarship Trust Fund to finance Education Scholarship Accounts (ESAs). Parents who qualify can use the ESA program to pay for various educational options for their children that best fit their specific family needs. These options include such things as private tutoring, private school tuition, online courses, computers, specialized education materials, and even exam fees for college applications. Similar ESAs have already been assist-

ing thousands of students across several other states including North Carolina, Florida, New Hampshire, Utah, and Arizona. Thankfully, most of my colleagues agree that quality education shouldn’t be determined by who lives in the best neighborhoods or highest-income zip codes and who doesn’t. This year’s program begins with 5,000 openings. It’s targeted at families that earn up to $60,000 (Medicaid eligible). Within three years the eligibility is planned to be capped at 15,000 students — or about 2% of South Carolina’s schoolage population for families making approximately $120,000 or less. I believe our new choice system will ultimately be very beneficial to our public education because it promotes market-like competition among schools and challenges every school to work harder to improve. Jeff Bradley is the representative for District 123 in the State House of Representatives.

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February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

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The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

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BY SHANNON COPCUTT Editor In an inspiring act of community spirit and solidarity, children from the local Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island raised money with the aim of helping the Maui Boys & Girls club to reopen its doors, which were forced to close due to the fires there in August. According to the BGC, when Maui suffered the devastating fires back in August of 2023, Jim Clark sent out an email asking Boys & Girls Clubs from all around to come together to help. When the request was shared with the kids of Hilton Head BGC they wondered what they could do to help. The Torch Club quickly came back with not only a unique idea, but also a specific goal. They wanted to conduct several fundraisers throughout the fall to raise $1,000 to help reopen the doors of the Maui Club. “Our kids saw another island club facing an extreme situation and sprung into action. Although Hurricane Matthew was

nowhere near as devastating, the kids still made the correlation and wanted to help. Their entrepreneurial spirit mixed with their love of working with Ms. Pat really combined in an amazing way, “ said Courtney Dowell, director of teen programming. Over the course of the fall, the Torch Club members made homemade goodies in the club teaching kitchen and held bake sales setting all the proceeds aside for Maui. In the STEM lab, the kids were studying chemical reactions by making soaps, candles and lip balm. They decided to create a Spa Boutique in the Club where they could create and sell these special, handcrafted items for Maui. By the end of December, they reached their goal. “It feels pretty good helping other people. I like that we helped out another community, “ said Luis who attends Hilton Head BGC.

FUNDS CONT. ON PAGE 10A

February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

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40 FOLLY FIELD ROAD #A136 MLS #439679 $291,000

40 FOLLY FIELD ROAD #B122 MLS #438700 $327,000

40 FOLLY FIELD ROAD #C120 MLS #435573 $300,000

40 FOLLY FIELD ROAD #124 MLS #430923 $499,900

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Nice and clean with a peek- What a great location! Five close proximity to both the great 2-bedroom 2 bath unit with Wonderful villa with BEAUTIFUL Pretty luxury vinyl plank floors Lovely updated one bedroom a-boo of the ocean. This unit back from front and right next pool & the ocean yet having the convenience of the 1st floor. OCEAN VIEWS & soft ocean in Bedrooms & Living area, Ocean Villa. Extra storage, is close to the beach and the to steps. Quick easy steps the peaceful serenity of nature Just steps away from the best breezes on your balcony! tile in baths. Newer coastal tiled balcony and lovely luxury pool...close to the front, yet to pool and beach. Mounted at the back porch. Gorgeous beach on the island. This is the The kitchen has newer white furnishings, updated baths, vinyl flooring, just to name a you will appreciate the balcony tv’s. ceiling fans in LR, BR and new flooring throughout, perfect beach retreat in a gated cabinets, full stove, white walk in shower in primary, tile few upgrades. Pictures coming being on the quiet side of the balcony. Has great rentals. tastefully decorated and Ocean front resort. HVAC 2021. subway tile backsplash, very surround and newer tub in Friday. Great rentals. “A” building. With tile flooring ready for your next guest to Lovely tile floor in living area and clever drawer space under the guest bath, new sofa & chair throughout. check in. kitchen. sink, tile floors in all areas. in living area.

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HH PLANTATION

SEA PINES

132 HIGH BLUFF ROAD 3 BD – 4 BA $785,000

2 BEAVER LANE 2 BD- 3 BA $739,000

40 FOLLY FIELD #E6 1 BD – 2 BA $389,000

21 PARKWOOD DRIVE 3 BD – 3 BA $839,000

HHBT TENNIS VILLAS

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LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE

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207 LANDING 2 BD – 2 BA $389,000

91 SALTY FIN DRIVE 2BR-2BA $360,345

40 FOLLY FIELD ROAD #B339 40 FOLLY FIELD ROAD #B306 1 BD – 1 BA $310,000 1 BR – 1 BA $359,999

HERITAGE LAKES

48 HERITAGE LAKES DRIVE 3 BR – 2 BA $525,000

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40 FOLLY FIELD ROAD #A316 1 BR-1BA

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31 HEARTHWOOD DRIVE 5 BR-6 BA

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Family Medicine Specialist Joins Beaufort Memorial May River Primary Care Bruce Vincent, M.D., a board-certified family medicine specialist with over three decades of experience, has joined the clinical team at Beaufort Memorial May River Primary Care. Dr. Vincent most recently was with Mountain Region Family Medicine (MRFM) in Kingsport, TN, where he had practiced since 1996 and spent six years as president of the medical group’s board. At the time of his relocation, he was associate medical director of State of Franklin Healthcare Associates, MRFM’s parent organization, and a member of its clinical excellence committee advocating for quality improvement. A Florida native, Dr. Vincent earned a Doctor of Medicine from University of Florida College of Medicine (now USF Health Morsani College of Medicine) in Tampa and completed a residency in fam-

ily medicine at Bayfront Medical Center (now Bayfront Health). He holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of Florida in Gainesville. “We are delighted to add a physician of Dr. Vincent’s caliber to our team,” said Russell Baxley, Beaufort Memorial president and CEO. “Addressing the significant existing shortage of primary care for residents south of the Broad River and beyond remains a core goal for Beaufort Memorial, and Dr. Vincent will help us achieve it.” Beaufort Memorial May River Primary Care is located in the Beaufort Memorial Okatie Medical Pavilion, 122 Okatie Center Blvd. North. Dr. Vincent will work alongside board-certified family medicine specialists Brad Kelly, D.O., and Christopher Opella, M.D., at the practice. To make an appointment, call (843) 706-2287.

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FUNDS FROM PAGE 8A “I joined Torch Club because I like doing crafts and helping others and it inspires me to do more in the future. Plus, I loved doing other projects to learn to be more crafty. I learned that I can help a lot of people. I was giving tours and was able to sell them the stuff that we made while talking to them. It inspired me to want to make more,” said Kaileigh who attends Hilton Head BCG. Many of the kids here can relate in part to what the Maui kids and their families have to deal with, as they have had to evacuate their homes due to the threat of hurricanes, and many remember the devastation that our Island suffered when hurricane Matthew hit in 2016. “I did this because I like combining my baking skills and helping others. I really liked helping (one) club to (another) club,” said Fidel who attends Hilton Head BCG.

The Hilton Head Island club presented a check for $1,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Maui from its Torch Club members, said Kim Likins, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island. “Our hope is that this gift will not only help reopen their Club doors, but that it will remind them that kids all the way across the country on another small Island are cheering them on!” Named “Organization of the Year” in 2019 by the Hilton Head Island/Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving over 300 local youth with a wide variety of educational, recreational, cultural and enrichment activities as after-school programs during the school year and full day programs during the summer. Learn more at https://www.bgchiltonhead.org

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The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

Valentine’s Day Fun To Be Had At Events On Both Sides Of Bridge BY CHANNING HEISS Contributor Whether you’re looking for food, live entertainment, or both, a traditional date night or something a bit out of the ordinary, and whether you’re an adult or a kid, choices abound in Hilton Head and Bluffton for your perfect Valentine’s celebration. If you just can’t wait for the big day or you wish it could last longer, you’re also in luck because our area offers plenty of activities for days leading up to Valentine’s Day. For a romantic gourmet Valentine’s dinner amid moss draped live oaks, try the Chef’s Table at Hewitt Oaks in Bluffton. Chef Chris Hewitt prepares dishes for your Valentine’s Day evening that have met with rave reviews, some of which you can read on their website. For a different take on the holiday, Hewitt Oaks also presents their Galentine Soiree for two nights, February 8 and 9. It’s a celebration of women and friends against a festive backdrop of neon

and every imaginable shade of pink. Another gourmet dinner option comes with live entertainment at Okan Bluffton, where right in Old Town you can have a prix-fixe four-course dinner for two while enjoying the music of singer Brooke Ashley. Similarly, the Heritage Room at Harbourtown Clubhouse on Hilton Head Island will offer a Valentine’s Day Jazz Night, where you can enjoy a several course meal prepared by the Sea Pines Resort chefs, paired with Robert Mondavi wines. If you’re planning to have a romantic Valentine’s dinner by candlelight, then it would be a good idea to check out the KO Candle Company candle making class being held at Nectar Farm Kitchen Old Town on February 13 from 6- 8p.m. Food and drink can also be enjoyed during the evening. For those who melt at the idea of a Valentine with a shiny coat and a wet nose, the Valentine’s Day Pet Adoption at Red Cedar

Elementary School on February 14 might be just the thing to make your day, as well as a new forever friend. The event is sponsored by Root and Bloom Market and goes from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Some other kid-friendly events include the Valentine’s Heart Hunt hosted by the Salty Dog Café at South Beach on Hilton Head on Saturday, February 10 from 8-11 a.m. If you are 12 or under, join with your

Hewitt Oaks will host Valentine’s dinner and Galentines. family on a scavenger hunt for hearts that you can redeem for prizes. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter activity, then Saturday story time at the Bluffton Library from 10-11:30 might be just for you. Whatever you choose, here’s to finding the perfect way to celebrate the most important people in your life on Valentine’s Day.

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Live Smart. Save More.

February 7, 2024

GULLAH FROM PAGE 1A has already included “We Still Rise,” a Freedom Day Gullah breakfast on February 3, featuring traditional Gullah fare. There was also the January opening of the Greer Gallery art exhibits “Stance in Circumstance” and “Arts Ub We People.” The exhibits will remain through the end of the festivities. While most events of the Gullah Celebration have an element of entertainment, there is always an educational goal as well. The desire to inform is the basis for the inclusion of poetry evenings on February 8 and 15 at Red Stripes Caribbean Cuisine and Lounge where artists will share their talents in word craft and share insights on a culture brought to America through captivity but which thrives today in freedom. Their poetry, which has earned many accolades, pri-

marily provides commentary on the human condition as it relates to their experiences as members of the Gullah culture. Featured poets will include Brittany Porcher, Susan River Madison, Lola Campbell, Felton Eaddy, Asiah Mae, and Willie Lee Kinard. A complete schedule for the month of celebration is on the event website gullahcelebration.org. Some events require the purchase of tickets while others are free and several of the events require reservations. In addition to providing more information about the events and featured participants, the website has a link to purchase tickets. You may also call the Native Islander Business and Community Affairs Association at 843-255-7303 for more information.

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February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

HEAL LIKE YOU WERE BORN TO

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The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

Live ‘Raptor CAM’ Shares Details Of Impending Arrival Of Great Horned Owl Hatchlings BY ANITA STEPHENS Contributor Oh baby, baby. The excitement builds as the Hilton Head Island Land Trust’s livestream raptor CAM, located on Hilton Head Island, is poised to capture/ broadcast the impending hatch of two owl eggs. A pair of Great Horned Owls is nesting in an abandoned eagle nest, high above the ground within the branches of a pine tree. The camera’s mount and surveillance does not interfere with the birds’ behaviors and the location of the nest is kept undisclosed to the public to avoid disturbance. The raptor CAM is a 24-hour live stream event that can be accessed by going to www.hhilandtrust.org/raptorcam. The site boasts 1.3 million views since its inception in the fall of 2021. “We have viewers tuning in from all over the world, from so many countries, we have lost count,” says trust board member, Robin Storey. “People are delighted to be able to access a

Two great horned owls have adopted an abandoned eagle’s nest and laid two eggs that will hatch imminently.

bird’s eye view of these magnificent creatures, get a look into their daily lives and see what it takes for their survival.” The owl couple had been observed eye-

ing the uninhabited real estate during the fall and decided to put down stakes in the nest and two eggs followed. The first egg arrived on Jan. 2, followed by the second,

four days later on Jan. 6. If all goes as planned, the owlets should emerge from their shells into the world between 28 to 35 days later. To add even more excitement to the event, “We are having a contest to engage the public and have fun,” said Storey. Viewers can enter a “Hatch” date contest by filling out an entry form on the website to guess the date and time of the owlets hatching. “We have school teachers who have their classes viewing the livestream and are using it as a unique teaching tool for their students to learn about an owl’s life. They are having fun competing with other classes in the Hatch contest with their guesses.” Families with children are enjoying the experience from home as well. “I have two boys who wake up, get out of bed in the morning and head straight to the comput-

HATCHLINGS CONT. ON PAGE 18A

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HATCHLINGS FROM PAGE 16A er to see what’s happening in the owl nest,” said Helene Barrett who views the site from her home in Charleston. “We keep the site open and running all day long and peek in whenever we can.” Viewers are also encouraged to visit the Hilton Head Island Land Trust’s Facebook page to see snippets of “best of” and fascinating video moments most recently captured and recorded by the CAM. The page is also posting interesting owlet facts to educate its viewers. The non-profit Land Trust extends gratitude to its sponsors who have made viewing the webcam possible: Russell P. Patterson, P.A., Hargray and Monster Tree Service. Financial donations are accepted via the trust’s website in support of continuous costs for video streaming and maintenance of the equipment. Hilton Head Island Land Trust’s mission statement is to preserve and protect critical natural habitat and significant histor-

ical parcels of land on Hilton Head Island for the enjoyment of future generations. “Our organization is happy to work with landowners who would like to preserve a parcel of land, by creating a conservation easement to avoid future development,” said board member Storey. “We welcome questions and can provide information regarding tax breaks and guidelines for the path to achieve such status.”

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The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

Going To An Oyster Roast: Here’s What You Need To Know BY ANITA STEPHENS Contributor Cooler temperatures during the winter months in the Lowcountry are a joyous opportunity to savor some of our areas most popular and delicious local seafood delicacies. Local oyster roasts abound and restaurants serving the briny, succulent bi-valves provide wonderful dining experiences for seasoned locals, new residents and to those curious and willing to explore and expand their palette. Author Jonathan Swift has been quoted as writing, “He was a bold man that first ate an oyster.” An interesting statement and fodder for those faint-of-heart, oyster eating wannabes who might be hesitant to partake. But, it’s worth a good reminder to all that any new experience requires a certain amount of bravery and commitment. Oysters, because of their appearance and texture, sometimes do spark trepidation. But curiosity is innately human–

which probably accounts for the thousands of years that humans have been eating (and enjoying) oysters. So, the next time you are lucky enough to engage, standing shoulder to shoulder, shucking away or are just considering giving oysters a go, here are some answers to questions no current or potential oyster lover in the Lowcountry should be without. Eating etiquette - should an oyster be chewed or just swallowed? Oyster flesh has a wondrous texture and, like any piece of meat, should be chewed 2 to 3 times. This also releases the full flavor, and the juice from the shell completes the experience. (Some insist on swallowing oysters in one gulp; to each their own.) Do all oysters taste alike? Oysters taste like the region from which they come from. Everything in their envi-

Oyster roasts are a Lowcountry tradition to be enjoyed by all.

ronment impacts their flavor and texture. Eastern (or American) Oysters can be found up and down the coast from Canada to Argentina and their taste varies by location. South Carolina oysters are bursting with brininess and are considered by

many to be the darlings of “Oysterdom.” What do oysters eat? Oysters are voracious vegetarians and

OYSTER ROAST CONT. ON PAGE 34A

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February 7, 2024

FINANCIAL

Maximizing Your Bonus: Understanding How Bonuses Are Taxed BY LUKE GAWRONSKI Contributor

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Have you received a bonus from your employer? Bonuses can affect your tax burden in various ways. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand how they are taxed to plan accordingly. Bonuses Taxed High? Why? When it comes to bonuses, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Luke Gawronski regards them as supplemental wages. This means that bonuses are subject to higher withholding rates than regular wages. The Bonus Tax Rate The IRS allows employers to use different withholding rates depending on the bonus earned during a calendar year. If you receive more than $1 million in supplemental wages annually, the withholding rate increases to 37%. Any amount below $1 million is subject to the 22% flat withholding rate. To ensure that you do not owe taxes on your bonus, adjust your W-4 form accordingly. How Tax Withholding Works Tax withholding is the amount of money that employers deduct from employee wages. This money is sent to the relevant tax authority, such as the IRS, for taxes due on income received during a given period. In most cases, employers use payroll deductions to pay various federal and state taxes throughout the year. When you receive a bonus, the employer may withhold extra money from the bonus payment. This means that you will get less than the full amount of your bonus because of taxes due on it. Paying Taxes Avoidable?

Although paying taxes on your bonus may seem unavoidable, there are a few ways to reduce the amount you pay. One way is to use the bonus to reduce your annual taxable income. This can be done by making charitable donations or retirement contributions. Another way to manage taxes due on bonuses is to adjust your withholding rate. This can be done by completing a new W-4 form with your employer and having them withhold taxes at a lower rate. Negotiating for other perks instead of a monetary bonus is also a way to reduce your tax burden. These perks may include vacation time or additional healthcare and tuition reimbursement benefits. Your Tax Burden Bonuses can significantly increase your tax burden if you’re unprepared for them. To reduce the amount of taxes you pay on bonuses, consider taking advantage of any tax deductions available. Making the right decisions when it comes to bonuses can help you keep your finances in check and save money in the long run. As always, consult with a professional tax advisor if you have any questions or need assistance. Representatives do not provide tax and/ or legal advice. Any discussion of taxes is for general informational purposes only, does not purport to be complete or cover every situation, and should not be construed as legal, tax or accounting advice. Clients should confer with their qualified legal, tax and accounting advisors as appropriate. Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investor Services, LLC. Member SIPC. www.SIPC.org 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484. Tel: 203513-6000. CRN202701-5808030

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February 7, 2024

Create An Estate Plan Bouquet For Loved Ones BY JADA L. GAINES Contributor February is normally viewed as the month of love – a time for lovers to express their affection for one another and also a time for individuals to focus and reflect on our own self-care and self-love for ourselves. The stores do not hesitate to remind us about this month of love, as they are fully stocked with floating heart balloons, stuffed animals, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, beautiful jewelry, and beautiful floral bouquets of all kinds. As lovely as these items are to look at, receive, or purchase for ourselves, they’re merely traditional gifts. Before you fall into the traditional trap of another standard “cupid day” set of gifts, I suggest that you break tradition and give a gift that truly shows your affection, and that provides peace of mind in a way that can be lasting and carried on even after you have passed away. What is this gift you ask? An estate plan! Creating an estate plan has meaning, it’s

not something that is just tossed together with a pretty bow. However, you can wrap it up in a nice bouquet which provides detailed instructions for your loved ones, friends, or those who are left behind to manage your Jada L. Gaines care and estate during your time of incapacity and death. When creating an estate plan you are also placing the needs of your loved ones into consideration. Getting your own financial and estate planning affairs in order is a big and heartfelt step that you can take to show that you care. Keep in mind that estate planning is more than about planning for your death and who will inherit from you upon your passing. Some of your goals for your estate plan should consist of: • Planning for your own incapacity; • Expressing your end of life wishes; • Naming a guardian of your minor chil-

dren; • Saving your family time, expenses and stress; • Avoiding (or minimizing) family disputes; • Legacy planning for future generations; • Providing financial support for your families; • Pet care management; and • Charitable donations The goals outlined above can be met by creating the following detailed and comprehensive documents which can form your estate plan bouquet: 1) Durable financial power of attorney - A document that authorizes someone (an agent) to be able to manage your business and financial matters on your behalf during your time of unavailability or incapacity. 2) Health care power of attorney - A document that authorizes someone to be able to make medical decisions on your behalf. 3) Revocable living trust - A RLT is an estate planning tool where

your estate assets can avoid the probate process. Your RLT is the “central location” of your estate plan and outlines how the estate assets are managed during your lifetime and who your beneficiaries are and how/ when they inherit upon your death. 4) Last will and testament - Appointing a personal representative of your estate and naming beneficiary(ies). Please note that a will doesn’t avoid the probate process. 5) Disposition of remains - Providing instructions for your wishes about the handling of your remains upon your passing (i.e. cremation, memorial service, funeral, etc.) Giving a gift that truly matters and provides for security in the future is the ultimate gift that will last for years to come and be cherished by both you and your loved ones forever. Give that ultimate gift of love and speak with an estate planning attorney today to create or update your estate plan. Jada L. Gaines is an associate attorney with Elder Law & Estate Planning Center in Bluffton. hiltonheadelderlaw.com

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February 7, 2024

HEALTH

Weight Management With GLP-1, GIP Hormones BY JOE SAVONA Contributor Beginning a journey towards better overall health and weight loss involves understanding the mechanisms within your body. In this regard, two essential hormones, GLP-1 (glucagon-Like Peptide 1) and GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic) that are naturally produced in our bodies emerge as key players for both metabolic health and weight management. Let’s break down the roles and benefits of these two hormones. Semaglutide, GLP-1: The Guardian of Blood Sugar GLP-1, primarily produced in the intestines, plays a central role in blood sugar regulation. Beyond its role in glycemic control, GLP-1 offers remarkable benefits for weight management. One of its standout features is its ability to induce a feeling of satiety, commonly known as fullness. When you consume food, GLP-1 signals to your brain that you’ve had enough, reducing the desire to eat further. This appetite sup-

pressing effect can be a game-changer for those looking to manage their weight by curbing overeating or emotional eating. Additionally, GLP-1 slows down the emptying of the stomach, ofJoe Savona fering a prolonged feeling of fullness. This not only aids in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake but also supports the establishment of healthier eating habits. FDA approved semaglutide medications are currently available to mimic the actions of GLP-1. These medications show promise in glycemic control but also in weight loss for obese individuals. Tirzepatide, GIP: The Glucose-Dependent Support System Complimenting GLP-1, GIP is another hormone for metabolic balance. Produced in the small intestine, GIP responds to nu-

trient intake, stimulating the release of insulin. GIP’s influence extends beyond glucose metabolism, contributing to weight management through its role in preserving pancreatic beta-cell function which plays a vital role in insulin production. Moreover, GIP enhances nutrient storage and utilization, promoting efficient energy balance. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals striving to achieve and maintain a healthy weight by optimizing the body’s ability to use and store nutrients effectively. Understanding the roles of GLP-1 and GIP hormones opens the door to innovative approaches for health and weight management. Here are a few questions commonly asked. Q.: What weight loss should someone expect when taking these medications? A: EveryBODY is different and reacts to the medications in their own way. Clinical trials overseen by the FDA reported patients on these new class of drugs lost an average of 15% of their body weight within

the trial period, with longer term results yielding a weight loss beyond 25%. Q: Are there benefits beyond weight loss attributed to these medications? A: Beyond weight loss, long term benefits include: lower blood pressure, lower triglycerides, lower cholesterol, and improved overall hormone balance. Q: Once off the medication, will the weight loss return? A: The FDA approved these medications as a long term treatment. However, weight regain is directly related to the new eating habits established while a patient is on the medication. Due to the long term health benefits, it is generally recommended that a patient considers a lower maintenance dose once their weight loss goals are achieved. Joe Savona is the owner of Live Oak Weight Loss, with an office location on Hilton Head Island. www.liveoakweightloss.com

Are You Behind On Your Financial Goals? Luke Gawronski, CFP®, CEPA Wealth Management Advisor 7 Arley Way Suite 102-B Bluffton SC 29910

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February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

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The Hilton Head Sun

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February 7, 2024

HEALTH The Impact Of Food And Drink On Your Dental Health BY LADONNA KLEINHANS Contributor As a Registered Dental Hygienist, I strive to guide patients to comprehend the connection between their nutrition and oral health. Outside of my dental practice, I work as a Certified Personal LaDonna Kleinhans Trainer, which offers me even greater insights into the broader impacts of diet on the entire body. Here, I outline several ways in which your food and drink choices can influence your dental health, along with recommendations to ensure they have a positive impact. 1. Acidic Foods and Erosion. Acidic foods and drinks, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and sodas, can contribute to enamel erosion, when the outer, protective layer of your teeth deteriorates. While foods like citrus fruits have essential vitamins and minerals, be mindful of their consumption to minimize the risk of dental enamel erosion. Rinse with water afterwards to neutralize the PH in your mouth and then brush your teeth after consumption so that the acidic content doesn’t rest on your teeth. 2. Calcium-Rich Foods for Strong Teeth. A diet rich in calcium is important for maintaining strong, healthy teeth. Leafy greens; dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt; and fortified plantbased alternatives are excellent sources of calcium, helping to strengthen the enamel and promote oral health. Incorporating these foods into your diet, along with proper brushing and flossing, can contribute to the prevention of tooth decay. 3. Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables Reduce Plaque. Apples, carrots, peppers,

and celery act as natural toothbrushes. Their fibrous texture helps stimulate saliva production, which neutralizes acids and washes away food particles. Chewing on these foods can also help reduce plaque buildup and promote gum health. 4. Hydration. Staying hydrated is essential because water helps rinse away bacteria and food particles, preventing the formation of plaque and reducing the risk of cavities. Water is a better choice than sugary or acidic beverages, which negatively affect tooth enamel. If you choose the latter, make sure you avoid slow consumption over time because this long-term exposure can cause tooth decay. 5. Sugar and Tooth Decay. Sugar is one of the most well-known contributors to dental issues. Sugary foods and drinks create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to the formation of acids that erode tooth enamel. Over time, this can result in cavities and tooth decay. Further, the harmful bacteria can travel through the body and cause inflammation in the heart and other organs, leading to heart disease. 6. Tea and Gum Disease Risk. Green and black tea have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit your oral health. These compounds have been associated with a lower risk of gum disease and cavities. But make sure to consume tea without added sugars to maximize dental health benefits. Making informed decisions about your diet, such as incorporating calcium-rich foods, reducing sugary foods and beverages, and staying hydrated can go a long way in preserving your radiant smile. A balanced diet not only nourishes the body but serves as the foundation for a lifetime of excellent dental health. LaDonna Kleinhans, Dental Hygienist, ROC Dental Group

February 7, 2024

LEGAL

HOW OLD YOU ARE The Hilton Head Sun IS YOUR BUSINESS. HOW YOUYOU ARE HOWOLD YOUNG ISLOOK YOUR ISBUSINESS. OUR

Avoiding Legal Problems Is The Name Of The Game BY MARK WINN Contributor The tools available to an estate planning attorney are: Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Advance Directives, Contracts, and Deeds. Things we address are: present and future beneficial interests, covering Mark Winn contingencies, managing tax uncertainty. All of these tools mentioned are designed to make it so legal problems, costs, family conflicts, and headaches are minimized, if not avoided altogether. In the arena of estate planning, we are trying to avoid problems. Over the past two decades of performing these kinds of planning services for local clientele, I now know the people who follow advice are the ones who are successful. People that try and configure their own solution based on something they read on the internet or what a friend told them are the ones that fail, and their families often experience unintended negative consequences (costs, delays, headaches). For instance, let’s say mom survives dad and inherits everything from dad free of trust. That transfer was not too involved because the assets may have all been owned jointly with survivorship rights, or designated to go to the survivor. So, mom may think that she should just put one child (let’s call him Kevin) on the house and the accounts and that child will “do the right thing” and make sure

his siblings get their share. This is an accident waiting to happen. If Kevin is sued while Mom is alive, can Mom’s house and assets that she owns with Kevin be in jeopardy? Yes. If Mom passes, and then Kevin gets divorced, can his wife get half ? Yes. If Mom passes and Kevin’s siblings plead with Kevin for their share, are they legally entitled to it? No. Mom can do much better. Mom hires a lawyer and creates a Trust. She makes it so she and Kevin are co-trustees and that Kevin can act alone while Mom is alive. Mom wants Kevin to handle the bills, so she makes him a co-trustee with the full authority to act, and with a duty to report to his siblings. Mom’s trust directs that when she passes, Kevin is to distribute the property to his siblings and him in equal shares and she leaves it to them “in trust” so they can use the money, but it will be protected, in most cases, if they get sued, it will stay in the family, not subject to federal estate tax. Under this better way…. If Kevin is sued while Mom is alive, can Mom’s house and assets that she owns with Kevin be in jeopardy? No. If Mom passes, and then Kevin gets divorced, can his wife get half ? No. If Mom passes and Kevin’s siblings plead with Kevin for their share, are they legally entitled to it? Yes. What is the moral of the story? A little bit of planning can make a big difference. Contributed by: Mark F. Winn, Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Estate Planning, a local asset protection, estate planning and elder law attorney.

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The Hilton Head Sun

Memories SPEAKER Do Matter SERIES presented by Dave & Patty Ekedahl $25 per session or $75 for all four SESSION 1

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NAVIGATING DEMENTIA: Panel discussion including dementia and driving, planning for a senior living community, financial planning, & dementia care navigation. Location - Grace Community Church, HHI NEUROPSYCHOLOGY & BRAIN HEALTH: Andrea Sartori, PhD. Neuropsychologist at MUSC discussing neuro psych assessment and how that differs from other assessments. Location - Rotary Community Center, Bluffton. PREVENTION AND REHAB: Panel discussion of cognitive rehab, occupational therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, and social day program. Location - St. Gregory the Great Parish Life Center, Bluffton.

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February 7, 2024

HEALTH

Aging Features That Make Us Look Older BY DR. RONALD FINGER Contributor For most people around our mid-thirties, we look in the mirror and see someone “older” while chronologically we don’t “feel” older, the mirror starts to reflect our true age, providing we have not taken Dr. Ronald Finger measures to maintain a more youthful appearance. What exactly is happening to make us look older? First, our skin starts losing the look of youth. Age spots and fine lines begin to appear, the glow is lost, and the actual shape of the lower face begins to change. A youthful face is full and more oval with no shadows under the eyes, the tear trough, Marionettes lines, hollow cheeks, etc. Faces change from a U-shape to a square as volume is lost from diminishing fat and even bone. Our facial skeleton shrinks. As a result of this volume loss, there often becomes hollowness under the eyes and excess skin. The same for the brow, especially the outer brow, and mid-face, causing shadows and depressions. As our faces de-volumize, jowls start to appear, and the neck and face become looser and saggier. The lips, that were once full start to thin and the distance between the nose and the upper lip lengthens due to sagging from volume loss as well. The corners of the lips may start to turn down giving one a sad appearance, even when they are happy—all treatable. Men and women can have loss of hair from actual balding to thinning. Women have female-pattern baldness as opposed

to male-pattern baldness, both treatable with NeoGraft hair restoration and reduced with certain products, shampoos, and injections of PRP (platelet rich plasma) or exosomes with many more growth factors. The good news is that these tell-tale aging issues can be diminished or even reversed. For example, there are many excellent cosmeceutical skin care products and regimens to prevent and even reverse the aging appearance of the skin, e.g. age spots, fine wrinkles, large pores, and clarity. In addition, non-surgical procedures such as lasers with minimal recovery, microneedling with radiofrequency, and facials with active ingredients. The chest, arms and hands can return to a more youthful appearance. Another excellent alternative is adding fat with grafting or Renuva to the face, breasts, or buttocks, minimally invasive procedures, but can last for many years. More women and men are utilizing Botox and Dysport to temporarily diminish frown and laugh lines, plus fillers such as Sculptra, Juvederm, Restylane, Renuva products can provide “liquid facelifts” lasting from 1 to 5 years. V-Soft PDO lifting threads are barbed threads that can be inserted in a few minutes that lift, stimulate collagen and elastin, and last 1-2 years. Surgical eyelid lifts, brow lifts, and facelifts yield the longest lasting results. But for many, non-surgical procedures have less downtime, are more affordable alternatives for reversing the clock, and most importantly, they can work if done in the right hands and in the right combinations. E. Ronald Finger, MD, FACS is a board certified plastic surgeon with offices in Savannah and Bluffton. fingerandassociates. com

February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

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Hilton Head Real Estate: A Market Of Resilience And Opportunities BY DAN PRUD’HOMME Contributor On the charming island of Hilton Head, South Carolina, the real estate market continues to demonstrate its resilience amidst fluctuating economic landscapes. As we venture into February Dan Prud’homme 2024, the local market maintains its status as predominantly a seller’s market, underpinned by a robust demand that has long characterized this coastal haven. Despite a backdrop of historically low inventory, the demand for property in Hilton Head remains notably high. The market’s pulse has been somewhat irregular, with loan originations ebbing and flowing in response to media-reported news and

the Federal Reserve, be it positive or negative. However, the overall economic steadiness and low unemployment rates continue to inject confidence into the market. A glimpse at the 2023 statistics unveils a narrative of cautious optimism and evolving dynamics. New listings, marking a 6.1% decrease from 952 in 2022 to 894 in 2023, have set a record low for the third consecutive year. Closed sales have dipped by 13.8%, yet the median sales price has impressively surged by 13.3% from $980,000 to $1,110,000, underscoring the premium value placed on Hilton Head properties. Notably, the overall inventory has seen an almost 30% increase over the year, hinting at a market that’s slowly growing. Looking at the macros, the market is seeing just over seven new listings hitting the market daily, a significant uptick from the 5 and 1/2 listings a day this time last year. This shift has been noticeable and

marks a palpable change in pace. It seems that sellers, previously tethered to their homes by ultra-low interest rates, are now ready to explore the market, driven by a blend of pent-up demand and a pullback in interest rates. It’s imperative to acknowledge the context of the general election year, which traditionally casts a shadow of uncertainty over the real estate landscape. However, the resilient spirit of Hilton Head’s market, coupled with its enduring appeal, suggests that this election cycle may have a less pronounced impact on real estate dynamics. In summary, the allure of the Hilton Head Island real estate market continues to grow alongside the rising interest in the Lowcountry. With solid founJob its #: 60271-6 Color(s): 4C 9.96" x 4.8" Bleed?: N dation,Size: the market Center: 108 Misc:

steadfastly withstands the fluctuations of the broader national economy. As a local and meticulous observer of this market, I eagerly and confidently observe the ongoing growth and evolution of Hilton Head’s real estate landscape, one property at a time. Dan Prud’homme of The Prud’homme Team at William Raveis Real Estate dan@danprudhomme.com theprudhommeteam.com

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The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

HEALTH

Non-Surgical Tech Can Combat Signs Of Aging

BY M. EPPS MD Contributor

The effects of aging and environmental damage to the skin contribute to a loss of collagen, and elastin resulting in loose skin, wrinkles and dyspigmentation. Non-surgical technologies offer various treatments to combat signs of aging in the skin. These include radiofrequency (RF) microneedling and erbium laser skin resurfacing. The Rohrer PiXel8-RF, awarded Cosmopolitan’s Holy Grail Beauty Award for Best Skin Smoothing Treatment, combines bi-polar radio frequency (RF) energy with microneedles to heat skin layers, boosting collagen for firmer, rejuvenated skin. It addresses various skin concerns, is customizable, and has minimal downtime. Unlike traditional microneedling, PiXel8-RF uses RF energy for enhanced collagen stimulation, offering significant results, fewer sessions, and is safe for

deeper skin layers, wrinkles, and scars. Erbium laser skin resurfacing technology treats fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage by removing skin layers at varying depths with mild to aggressive treatment. Mathew T. Epps Delivering heat to the dermis stimulates collagen production, resulting in smoother, rejuvenated skin with minimal downtime. These technologies may be combined together in one treatment for a comprehensive synergistic tightening and resurfacing procedure. Combining RF microneedling and erbium laser for skin tightening and resurfacing offers several benefits: Enhanced Skin Rejuvenation: The combination of these two treatments provides

a powerful synergistic effect, resulting in better skin rejuvenation compared to using either treatment alone Improved Skin Texture and Tone: Erbium laser resurfacing focuses on collagen building, plumping, and smoothing the skin, while RF microneedling targets surface-level areas like sun damage, large pores, and acne scarring Skin Tightening: Both RF microneedling and erbium laser resurfacing stimulate collagen production, which leads to tighter and smoother skin Reduced Downtime: The combination of RF microneedling and erbium laser allows for more gentle treatments, reducing downtime while maintaining impressive results Customizable Treatments: The settings for both treatments can be completely customized for your skin type and condition, with varying needle depths that can target surface-level texture to deep scar-

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ring. Combining RF microneedling and erbium laser for skin tightening and resurfacing provides a more effective and efficient treatment, addressing various skin concerns and offering noticeable improvements in skin texture, tone, and tightness. RF microneedling may cause temporary redness, swelling, and mild discomfort. Rare side effects include bruising, infection, or changes in skin pigmentation. Modern skin tightening and skin resurfacing machine are powerful devices and as such you should always consult aesthetic surgeons or physicians prior to treatments for safety, and personalized advice and care. Mathew T. Epps MD, MS, DABS is Triple Fellowship Trained Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon Specializing in Facial, Eyelid, and Breast Surgery. Visit Matheweppsmd.com or email at info@dreppsmd.com

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February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

Epic House Party Event To Raise Funds For Boys & Girls Club Of Bluffton

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BY LIBBY O’REGAN The Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton is proving that you don’t have to wear a tux or a fancy dress at a traditional style gala to raise money. Their unique fundraising event is called “Epic House Party” and is set for February 23, when dozens of Bluffton and Hilton Head homes will all host a dinner party with their friends – on the same night! The concept of Epic House Party was born during COVID when there was a need to hold a fundraiser without having a large group gathering. What the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton Board of Director’s discovered was that people really enjoyed the intimate setting of a dinner party. The Bluffton gala committee was exhausted from a traditional style event. The Club was also able to eliminate the costs of a large-scale venue, event rentals, florals, linens, signage, and other expenses that really eat into the profits of a fundraiser. Instead, people attend a party with 8-10 other guests, usually your friends or friends-of-friends, at a volunteer host home. For hosts, there is little work to do. Appetizers, dinner, and dessert is catered by Southern Graces Hewitt Oaks and the menu includes crab cakes, mini-beef wellingtons, caprese sticks, chocolate desserts, and much more. Beer and wine are included by generous donors and sponsors. Best of all? The entire kit of food & drink is delivered to the host home on the day of the event. Complete with reheating and serving instructions, this is one fool-proof way to host a dinner party. Similar to a traditional gala, guests will follow an evening program that includes an exciting informational video online. Guests will learn the needs of the Club and be able to shop from an online marketplace (that will be open year-round) to support areas of donor’s interest. “I can’t wait to show the Club kids off to these dinner party guests,” said Executive Director of Bluffton’s Club, Molly Hornbeak, of 26 years. “They are excited to show off the Club to donors in a profes-

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sionally done video and describe our needs.” Hosting an Epic House Party will cost you $1,000 for 8 people, or $125 per ticket. Some hosts choose to fund the party for their guests, while other hosts collect the ticket price from their guests. If you aren’t interested in hosting a party or attending one, you can also buy individual tickets (sold in sets of 2) with the caveat of picking up your own food from Southern Graces Hewitt Oaks- some may call this the introverts dream fundraiser! In 2021, Epic House Party raised $68,000 and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Epic House Party and The Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton are seeking to raise $85,000 in 2024 with this similar format. “This doesn’t require a ton of effort on anyone’s part,” said Epic House Party Chair and former Board President, Mollie Sandman. “During COVID, we really had to think outside the box. We learned so much and one of the things we learned is that people can be generous in all kinds of ways. People like being with their own friends and in the comfort of home. We learned that we could conduct a successful fundraiser all over Bluffton – not just at one site!” Host tickets and sponsorships are on sale now at www.epichouseparty.com for the Feb. 23, 2024 event. A limited number of larger sponsorships for businesses are available ranging from $1,500 to $7,500. To inquire, contact Libby O’Regan at loregan@libbyomarketing.com. Visit bgcbluffton.org for more information.

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The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

OYSTER ROAST FROM PAGE 20A eat phytoplankton or small bits of algae suspended in the water. They are filter feeders, which means that they obtain their food by filtering water in and over their gills. Oysters are superstar filterers and outmatch a Brita filter. Every day, one oyster filters 50 gallons of water. What’s the secret to shucking an oyster without stabbing yourself ? Professionals wriggle a short, strong knife into the shell, either from the frill or the hinge taking care not to spill the juice A pro tip is to use the oyster knife more as a lever. Instead of trying to jam the knife all the way in, think of the oyster as a lock and the knife as the key. It’s easier to turn the knife blade and pop the oyster open.

THROUGH PERSONAL LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT OF LIFE SKILLS

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GRADES 9-11 A 10 WEEK COURSE

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THE SOUTH CAROLINA YOUTH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL is offering a 10 week course on developing LIFE SKILLS through personal leadership. Students will learn time management, critical thinking, decision-making, teamwork, and how to build self-confidence along with numerous other elements of leadership. Classes held each Saturday February 24th – April 27th Heritage Academy, 11 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head Island. For Info Contact: Dave Fuka at (203) 253-5612 or Bill Moss at (843) 422-1728 Cost: $650 per student includes all materials and the Wiley & Sons DiSC® program

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Should I just throw the shells in the trash? No! Oyster shells are very recyclable, and play a crucial role in environmental restoration efforts. Old shells are taken back out to existing oyster beds and added back in again as they are the building blocks of new oyster beds. The shells act as natural breakwaters and provide vital habitats for other marine life. Local oyster farmer, Austin Harter along with his brother Andrew, co-owners of May River Oysters, prides himself and his company for the replenishment they achieve each year. “We put back over 100,000 oyster shells into Lowcountry waters. We don’t take away from natural resource. Our farm contributes to the health of the river.” Harter says, “we are proud that our use of sustainable practices raises thousands of new oysters. We are helping to generate a filtering capacity that results in a flourishing environment for many marine species.” For local residents or organizations who host oyster roasts, oyster shell drop-off bins are located at the Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head, Trask Boat Landing in Bluffton and the Lemon Island – Edgar Glen Boat Landing in Okatie. Is it ok to eat oysters in “months without the letter R?”

Yes, this is an old saying that is no longer applicable with the advent of modern harvesting, food handling and refrigeration. In the days before reliable refrigeration, people were wise to consider the risks of eating and transporting raw seafood during the hottest months of the year. Now oysters can be found on restaurant menus all year long. By law, fresh oysters must be labeled with the time and place of harvest. Lowcountry oysters are not harvested during warmer months as this is the time of their spawning and growing. Are oysters really aphrodisiacs? The short answer to the question is: probably not. We can blame the early Romans, famed Venetian author and adventurer, Casanova (who claimed to eat 50 oysters for breakfast every day and swore they were the reason for his world-famous libido,) King Henry the IV, and clever modern-day oyster marketing for starting and promoting this myth. The amorous notion that oyster eating spurs one’s romantic intentions isn’t backed by sound scientific evidence, however, if eating oysters puts one in the mood…go for it, science is sometimes overrated. Next time you are invited to an oyster roast in the Lowcountry, you will be fully equipped to enjoy it to the fullest!

The Hilton Head Sun

HEALTH Diving Into Signs, Treatment Of Eczema And Psoriasis BY OSWALD LIGHTSEY MIKELL, MD Contributor Q: What is Eczema? A: Eczema, or Atopic dermatitis is an inflamed and irritated skin condition that makes your skin red and itchy. It’s common in children but can occur at any age. AtopOswald Mikell ic dermatitis is long lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically and then subside. Patients with Atopic Dermatitis may also have asthma or hay fever. Q: What are the symptoms? A: The symptoms that range from redness, swelling, itching, dryness, blistering, and oozing. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Itching is the most common symptom. Q. Are there any at-home treatments? A. Yes there are several things you can do at home to help provide relief. • When bathing, use cool or lukewarm water without soap. If a cleanser is necessary, use a soap substitute or mild, moisturizing soap, as hot water and soaps tend to dry the skin. • Apply a moisturizer at least once a day. • Apply moisturizer before drying within 3 minutes after bathing. • Wear smooth, cool clothes and avoid wool. Q. Are there different kinds of Eczema? A: There are at least 11 different types of skin conditions that produce eczema. In order to develop a rational treatment plan, it is important to distinguish them. All types of eczema cause itching and redness and some will blister, weep or peel. It typically affects the insides of the elbows, backs of the knees, and the face, but some eczema types can cover most of the body.

Q. What is Psoriasis? A: Psoriasis is a common skin condition that changes the life cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The extra skin cells form thick, silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful. Q: Is Psoriasis curable? A: Psoriasis is a lifelong condition that currently has no cure. That being said, the condition can be managed through proper treatment. Q. Is Psoriasis the result of poor hygiene? A. There is no link between the disease and hygiene. Again, psoriasis is an immune-system disease; it can be triggered by various factors, including weather, stress, infections, skin trauma, and certain medications. Q: Is Psoriasis easy to diagnose? A: Unfortunately, it can be difficult to diagnose psoriasis, and the disease is often mistaken for skin conditions such as eczema. Q: Is Psoriasis difficult to cope with? A: Psoriasis can have a profound psychological impact on sufferers. In severe cases, the effects can be debilitating, especially when the symptoms are easily visible. People with psoriasis may experience a range of emotions, from frustration and embarrassment to anger and depression. Q. How do I know if I have Eczema or Psoriasis and what treatments are available? A. You should have a professional opinion for diagnosis and treatment. Call Dermatology Associates of the Lowcountry and schedule a consult (843) 689-5259 on Hilton Head or 843-705-0840 in Bluffton/ Okatie. Oswald Lightsey Mikell, MD • Dermatology Associates of the Lowcountry, American Board of Dermatology | American Board of Cosmetic Surgery

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The Hilton Head Sun

DON’T LET SNORING OR CPAP STRUGGLES KEEP YOU UP AT NIGHT

HEALTH

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When a check engine light comes on our dashboard, we call the mechanic. When our gas runs low, we get it filled. We go for oil changes regularly, and Ken Horup tire rotations routinely, yet many of us will delay or deny this level of upkeep on our own bodies. Why do we prioritize our time and money on our car, instead of our health? In this new year let’s try to treat ourselves with the same kind love to reach the health we deserve. Let’s explore a few lifestyle modifications that can improve your quality of life. I encourage you to challenge yourself and incorporate two of these into your weekly routines. 1: Good Posture. In my 25 years practicing chiropractic, I have seen thousands of patients with limited mobility due to poor posture. I cannot stress enough how much good posture changes the quality of our lives, especially as we age. A great way to test your posture is to have someone hold a straight pole, behind your back as you sit. Your spine should touch the whole pole, all the way to the back of your head. Practice straightening daily until it becomes natural for you. 2: Eat a balanced diet. The food we eat affects every aspect of our body’s health, both mental and physical. It is important to fuel yourself with the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your body needs to live a longer and healthier life. I encourage you to spend a couple of days tracking the food that you’re putting in your body. What are your most

common food groups? Are you surprised by how many processed sugars and carbohydrates you’re putting in your body? Then consult with a doctor or nutritionist for diet recommendations. 3: Get regular doctor check-ups. It is important to have routine checkups for any condition you have or are prone to developing. Schedule regular checkups with your healthcare provider to monitor the progress of your symptoms and/ or help with preventative care. This could be with any physician you trust. 4: Create an ergometric workspace: Especially with the rise in working from home, it is important to have the proper office set up. Start by finding a good chair that supports your spine and has an adjustable height. Your chair height should be set so that your feet rest flat on the floor while your knees are level with your hips. If you do not have that option, a footrest would be recommended. Then, find a desk that is elbow height when you sit. With that, make sure your monitor is positioned an arm’s length away, at an eyelevel height. This positioning will help promote better posture. 5: Regular Exercise: Exercising regularly can improve your circulation, minimize muscle atrophy, and promote physical longevity. These are just a few examples of why regular exercise is important for the patients I see in the chiropractic and neuropathy fields, but there are many more benefits to exercise. We all strive to live a longer AND healthier life. I encourage you to practice self-love this Valentine’s season and invest in yourself. Dr. Ken Horup DC. Discover Specific Chiropractic -4101 Main Street, Suite A, Hilton Head

February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

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Hunky Cat Turns Heads At Local Shelter

BY AMY CAMPANINI Contributor

Last year, Patrick Dempsey was crowned People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive, and now in 2024, we’d like to introduce… the Patrick Dempsey of Palmetto Animal League! Lobos is a stunningly handsome rebel with paws kind of guy. “His dapper good looks and striking half tail are what you will notice first,” explains PAL Volunteer Lori Higgins. “But as you get to know him, you will learn that he is also very friendly and enjoys attention.” Often providing comical relief to staff, volunteers, and visitors at PAL, 2-year-old Lobos has been crowned as one of PAL’s “house cats,” which means he has full run of the Adoption Center. “He’s not only a house cat,” says PAL Development and Events Coordinator Sally McCoy. “He is also our certified cat tree tester! Anytime a cat tree is donated, Lobos has to be the first one to try it out. One may ask, how did a cat with such good looks and charisma end up at a shel-

ter? Unfortunately, Lobos came to PAL in May of last year after his owner moved away and abandoned him. As the latest PAL heartthrob, celebrated for his good looks, Lobos knows how much the ladies love his fantastic hair and exactly how handsome he is! “He is a sweet boy, but all the love is on his terms,” explains McCoy. Like most guys with that alluring bad boy charm, Lobos loves hard and plays even harder. While he does appreciate the company of other cats, his feline counterparts must be willing to participate in regular WWE level wrestling matches. “He’d love to be the king of your castle and not have to share his humans with other fur beings,” says Higgins. “Or at the very least, he’d love the position of “top cat.” If you’d like to meet Lobos in all his fluffy, bad boy splendor, call PAL at 843645-1725 or visit our adoption center located at 56 Riverwalk Blvd in Okatie Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Can’t adopt? You can still help rescue

PAL heartthrob Lobos waits to find true love.

animals like Lobos. Share the love with homeless pets by sending a Valentine to the animal lovers in your life. Visit PalmettoAnimalLeague.org and click on “Send a Valentine.” Make a heartfelt donation of any size, choose your recipient,

and we’ll send them a card instantly by email. Your card will make someone’s day and help save pets in need of rescue. Amy Campanini is Palmetto Animal League President

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The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

PETS

New Dogs Need Routines To Thrive BY ABBY BIRD AKA ALPHADOG Contributor Each year I write about how in January and February many families who have purchased or adopted dogs have a difficult time. It is a difficult time because these dogs (or puppies) were welcomed to a family during the holiday break, when they have plenty of time to spend time with the dog, but the routine during this season is not the normal one and the return to a routine can be difficult. As a private dog trainer and behavioral consultant, this is often my busiest time. If you have a new puppy the most important things to do within their first months are potty training, eliminating nipping and biting, redirecting chewing to positive items, good manners including not jumping, introduction to their world, proper greetings with children, adults, and socialization with dogs. A pup trains easily with treats, toys and

play, praise, and touch rewards. Leadership skills demonstrated by the owner are critical, so they learn to respect as well as love you. Knowing what to do and NOT do, so that mixed signals are not sent to your dog, might make the difference between a healthy relationship and one that is fraught with difficulties. Most owners have had dogs before, but somehow memories of puppyhood are very short, and we don’t remember doing all this work. Basic obedience should begin early and include sit, stay, come (the most important safety command), down, leave it, leash walking and more. These and solving behavioral issues need to be incorporated into your earliest training plan with puppies and older dogs. Adopted dogs whether adolescent or older might need dedicated attention since you might not know their history. Making a plan on how to introduce the dog to his new life will help not only the dog adjust but your family as

Having patience with a new dog’s behavior and training is key to a healthy relationship.

well. Don’t be surprised if your new dog, if older, is not quite what you expected. Be patient!

Lifestyle and family type play an important role. Are you home during the day? Do you have young children? How much time can you devote to the dog? How long will the dog be alone? Are you home too much? Do you have other pets? Are you expecting a baby? Will your dog be exposed to men, women and children? If rescued, are you aware of any history? Are you prepared to be patient with any behavioral issues? Personally, I look forward to January and February. Meeting new people and dogs that will become part of my life, as I become part of theirs is extremely rewarding as well as challenging. Giving a family confidence that their new dog will indeed become the dog they want, with work and patience, is the best reward. Abby Bird is owner of Alphadog Training Academy alphadogtrainingacademy@ gmail.com

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The Hilton Head Sun

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FAITH

Serve Your Neighbor With Love, Compassion BY REV. DR. JON R. BLACK Contributor This year, the United States will hold a presidential election. While this is not news, it presents a moral challenge for committed believers. As a called-out people, we are commanded to live in the world but not be of the world. Our values and mores are counter-cultural, and basic tenets of our faith like truth-telling are challenged by both major political parties. It is difficult to claim to be people of faith and vote in an election that has pitted one group of Americans against another in such an offensive manner. The vitriol of political talk show hosts demonizes many of our neighbors. Despite these challenges, I believe that authentic believers can participate in public life while remaining true to their faith and values. In Matthew chapter 22, Jesus addressed a problematic political matter. The taxes that were collected from the community

were used to oppress the community. Jesus’ solution was to take a coin in his hand and ask the congregation whose image was on the coin. Jesus then proclaims, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” This statement highlights the importance of being a responsible citizen while also remaining true to one’s faith. Voting is an act of rending to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar. How can our vote be so important? We are an exceptional nation because our government is built upon the concept of one person, one vote. If I am true to history, I must admit that when our country was formed women and minorities were not given the vote. Enslavers were allowed an additional 3/5 vote for each person they enslaved. Even in the face of this ugly history, the founding creeds offered our nation a pathway to greatness. The Preamble of the Constitution was a seed

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that would lead to the 13th and 14th Amendments and the Voter’s Rights Act of 1964. Our voting demonstrates our belief that God is guiding the growth and development of our nation. We are truly becoming a more perfect union. However, it is important to recognize that government has its limitations. While it can provide essential services and infrastructure, it cannot mend relationships or create community. These are tasks that require the active participation of individuals and specifically, people of faith.

These acts conform to the notion of rendering to God the things that belong to God. We must work together to build strong, resilient communities that are capable of addressing the challenges we face. The good news is that each of us has the power to make a difference. Our advocacy can have a profound positive impact on others in our area and on our community. By serving our neighbors with love and compassion, we can transform our world and create a brighter future for all. Voting is a crucial aspect of good citizenship, but it is only the beginning. By serving our neighbors with love and compassion, we can create a better world for ourselves and future generations. The Rev. Dr. Jon R. Black is senior pastor at Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church in Bluffton.

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The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

REAL ESTATE

Analyzing 2024 Real Estate Steering Factors BY CHIP COLLINS Contributor As we navigate the intricate nuances of the real estate market in 2024, a myriad of factors loom on the horizon. We believe each of these areas will shape the landscape of the real estate market in the new Chip Collins year. Interest Rates… They climbed throughout most of 2023, peaking in October at over 8%, and then began to settle closer to 7% in January 2024. While 7-8% is compelling historically speaking, it doesn’t hold a candle to the 3-4% rates that so many people purchased or refinanced to a couple of years ago. This gap presents two distinct challenges in the market, including affordability for buyers, as well as an anchoring effect for

sellers. Inventory… The holiday season can be surprisingly busy, and that pretty much proved out in 2023, demonstrating that our local market is more “year-round” than ever before. As such, we don’t expect Sellers to “wait for Spring” as much as they typically have in prior years, and we are already seeing New Listings pick up in January, which has led to a flurry of sales activity. Buyers are poised to jump on the right opportunity when they see it, and Sellers who are getting ahead of that curve are seeing the benefits. We expect that more Sellers will enter the market in 2024 than they did in 2023, especially if interest rates cycle down closer to 5.5-6%, which should probably be attractive enough for some Sellers to give up their current 3-4% rate in exchange for getting into the next property they want or need. Insurance… There’s truly nothing gentle or soft about a “hard insurance market,” and anyone who experienced a pre-

mium renewal in 2023 can attest to that! The cost of insurance is at a record high, and this heightened expense of ownership is on everyone’s mind. Rentals and Cash Flow… The rental market goes hand-in-hand with the local real estate market, whether an owner is seeking a long-term rental or seasonal vacation rentals. Both rental arenas spiked sharply during the pandemic market, yet 2023 showed some signs of shifting, making it a little challenging to fully pin down what to expect in 2024. Amid rising insurance expenses (and property taxes due to the reassessment in 2023), more and more owners (and Buyers) are paying closer attention to cash-flow scenarios as they look into the new year. National and international travel trends are as much at play for short-term rentals as interest rates are for long-term rentals. Buyer Demand… Always a critical steering factor to any market, we can confidently say that this one is “in the bag.”

The reality is that the Lowcountry of South Carolina is wildly popular and highly desired. The pandemic opened people’s eyes as to what’s important in life, and it turns out that location and lifestyle sit right up toward the top of that list, lending the beauty, climate, and culture of our area to appeal to a whole new audience of Buyers. The key now is to keep up with that demand, which has developers and planners laying out an impressive array of future developments, resources, and attractions (especially on the mainland) amid a promising future for this bustling corner of the country. The reality is that we live, work, and play in a very dynamic and sophisticated marketplace that is subject to a myriad of Steering Factors. As we work our way into 2024, here are a few additional topics that we are expecting to shape how the market year progresses.

FACTORS CONT. ON PAGE 46A

February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

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SPORTS

Pinecrest: This Course Has A Picturesque Finish

BY DR. JEAN HARRIS Contributor

Pinecrest Golf Club opened in 2004 and was a private course for several years, operated by Cannongate Management. The architect was Rocky Rocquemore who designed a great layout with tall pines and water coming into play on 12 of the holes. In 2001 the course was managed by Brown Management. In 2022, Great Life Golf, the largest golf management group in the U.S., with over 55 golf courses, took over the reins. The course is undergoing a number of improvements: golf cart path repairs of over 35,000 sq. feet, upgrading the drainage of teeing areas and fairways, on-going green renovations, the bunkers will receive over 60 tons of new sand to name a few. Brand new Taylor Made rental sets are now available for visitors that include two sleeves of Taylor Made golf balls. The driving range is one of the best facilities in the Lowcountry. A double-sided range uses Taylor Made range balls. The short

game area has two large putting greens for all length putts with various undulation. This is a great place for chipping practice. There is an additional elevated green for work on your pitch shots and bunkers. For convenience, tokens can be purchased for range balls at the pro shop during working hours, and can be used anytime the course is open. This is great for those golfers who work during the day and can’t get there until late. You can use a credit or debit card for the outdoor range ball machine. The Golf Range Association of America has named Pinecrest’s practice facility among the top 50 in the United States. One of the best things about Pinecrest are the people. The bag drop attendants are friendly and helpful, the pro shop staff are welcoming and knowledgeable, under the direction of Jeffrey Heintschel, general manager. Heintschel has raised the bar for an exciting and enjoyable experience all around. Unique apparel and accessories can be found in the pro shop with and the highest level of

Pinecrest’s picturesque finishing holes on both holes (9 & 18) are two of the best in the area.

customer service. Local rates have recently been reduced by 15%, making this golfing adventure affordable. For the lowest rates and specials, go to www.pinecrestsc.com. Another unique experience is B’s kitchen, run by Ebony. She has a great menu with a varied selection of lunch favorites as well as awesome items featuring Gullah Cuisine. A full bar makes your 19th hole experience fun. Friday nights have become a local tradition. You can enjoy live music, trivia, and more. The pub is a fun gathering place for players, visitors, and residents. The view from the

deck is breath taking. The picturesque finishing holes on both holes (9 & 18) are two of the best in the area, both holes are dog-legs, with a scenic lake that follows the fairways toward the green. A forced carry over the water to the green can be challenging, but rewarding if you make it. Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at local golf courses. jean. golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean. com

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The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

COMMUNITY

LowCountry Community Church To Host Prom For People With Special Needs

BY ANDREW MELOCHE Contributor

LowCountry Community Church (LCC) announced today that they will serve as a host of Night to Shine 2024, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. The unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, celebrating people with special needs will be held by host churches around the world simultaneously on Friday, February 9, 2024. LCC is excited to be a part of this worldwide movement that God is using as a catalyst to change how cultures embrace people with disabilities and to rally the church worldwide to honor their local community of people with special needs, ensuring they know they are valued and loved. Every guest of Night to Shine enters

this complimentary event on a red carpet complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi. Once inside, the Honored Guests receive the royal treatment, including hair and makeup stations, shoe shining areas, limousine rides, corsages and boutonnieres, a catered dinner, karaoke, prom favors, a dance floor... all leading up to the moment when each guest is crowned king or queen of the prom. “When we first attended Night to Shine in 2022, it was a drive-through prom experience because of COVID,” said Michelle Hudson, whose son Elijah was an Honored Guest at the event. “It felt like a sense of coming home. The 2023 Night to Shine was back in-person, and it was a totally different experience. Elijah was ex-

tremely excited to be there again, and I was excited to be involved, too, and experience the love of Jesus.” “We believe everyone is made in the image of God, should be treated with dignity, and celebrated, which is why we’re hosting Night to Shine again.” said Will Hopson, LCC’s Outreach Pastor. “We are

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excited to roll out the red carpet, both literally and figuratively, for our friends with special needs. And it’s incredible to see people from our church and community come together to make this night happen.” Over the years, Night to Shine, through hundreds of churches from 56 different countries, has provided over half a million guest experiences, and 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of Night to Shine. To register for and find additional information on the Night to Shine hosted by LowCountry Community Church in Bluffton, visit lowcountrycc.org/nighttoshine For more information on the worldwide movement of Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, visit: www. timtebowfoundation.org/night-to-shine

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February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

43A

NATURE’S WAY

BY COLLINS DOUGHTIE Contributor

Sheepshead Are Tricky But Fun

Hey, it’s another one of my “how do it do it” columns. If you don’t know what I mean, then I’ll use a thermos jug as an example. It keeps hot things hot and cold things cold, but how does it know? Got it? O.K. so now that the platform has been set, my “how do it do it” has to do with the way fish eat. After fishing for all these years, I can pretty much tell what kind is out there just by the way it bites. A redfish is a no brainer. It takes the bait with authority and runs off like an express train. On the other hand, a sea trout has a gentler approach when eating. If I had to compare the two, a redfish eats like he is at an all-you-can-eat buffet, while a trout eats as if it were dining with the Queen of England, complete with the little finger extended as it sips tea while eating crumpets Even offshore in the Gulf Stream I have a pretty good idea what kind of fish has taken the bait. You can tell a tuna by simply watching the line where it enters the water. If you see the line making large lazy loops then odds are its Charlie the Tuna. You can tell a wahoo by the way they scream the line off the reel

and then furiously shake their head that transmits onto the rod. Grouper suck it in and move off slowly while snapper hit the bait with hard thumps. So, as you can see, just about every fish has a different approach to eating except one and that fish is the subject of today’s column. I’m talking sheepshead. I guess the best way to lead into these strange fish and their uncanny abilities is by telling you about a fishing trip I took a while back. As you may know, a few times a year I put on my “How to fish the Lowcountry” seminars. One gentleman that attended would often e-mail me with questions about this and that as he tried to figure out how to get a grip on successfully fishing our waters. A transplant from New Jersey, he told me that things like the extreme tides here were really throwing him a curve ball. We talked back and forth and finally I suggested he go with me some day. That day came recently when I felt the need to get out of the house, cold or not, so I invited him to go fishing for sheepshead, by far the most difficult fish to catch of all our local species. Armed with a bucket of fiddler crabs, oysters for chum and a handful of clams we set out. As we rode along, I explained that if

he could catch sheepshead he could catch any other fish that swims. This is where the “how do they do it” part comes in. Sheepshead are broad fish, mostly silver with broad, vertical black stripes that extend from their tail to their head. But the most notable characteristic of a sheepie is their mouth. They have teeth that look very much like ours, a bit more on the bucktooth side, but very human indeed. Also, their mouths are not all that large so small hooks are about the only way to catch these fish and even then, there are no guarantees. As we reached our first drop, I explained to my friend that once he hooked a fiddler and sent it down, he would need to be both attentive and aggressive because these fish can munch a fiddler crab before you can blink an eye. Not only do they have the ability to snatch that bait off the hook in a heartbeat, they often can do it without you feeling a thing. Over and over I told him, “Watch your rod tip, if you see it move at all, jerk up as hard as you can!” He nodded but several fiddlers later I could sense frustration was setting in as he marveled at their ability to eat everything but the shell without him feeling anything. I set my rod down and watched him fish. Immediately I

Sheepshead have a unique bite, which makes them harder to catch.

knew that he wasn’t jerking hard enough to set the hook so I blurted out, “Rip his face off ! Get Mean! Hook that sucker right before he bites!” Finally, I see him jerk hard and the rod stops dead in its tracks. I knew at that moment it was fish on! Pound for pound sheepshead amaze me. While trout and reds are lethargic this time of year, sheepshead are full of vim and vigor. Conservatively, I would say that between the two of us

we caught around 15 fish that trip and on a few occasions, we hooked fish that we simply couldn’t turn— they were that big. Releasing all but four stud sheepshead, we went back to my house where I cleaned his fish. I thought my friend from up north was on the road to becoming a Lowcountry boy until he asked me one final question: “Do they taste like cod?” My only reply was “I don’t know buddy, I just don’t know.”

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The Hilton Head Sun

TCL’s Nursing Program Director Earns National Certification TCL’s Nursing Program Director Vandy Amason recently received the CastleBranch Educator Scholarship for Professional Development given by the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing. Amason used the scholarship to become a Certified Nurse Educator through the National League for Nursing. “This is a rigorous certification exam and a huge accomplishment,” said Dean of Health Sciences Dr. Joey Swearingen. “We are very proud of Vandy.” While the certification is not required by S.C.’s board of nursing, it is looked upon favorably by their accrediting body, Swearingen said. “In addition, being deemed an expert by the National League for Nursing lends credence to the role of program director and adds to the overall esteem of our nursing program,” Swearingen said. “All of this further demonstrates TCL’s excellence in nursing education. I can’t say enough how prestigious this is and how proud we are of Vandy.” Between 2020-2023, TCL graduated 179 individuals from its Associate Degree Nursing program

and 17 from its Practical Nursing Diploma program, despite the Covid pandemic. Amason, who has worked for TCL for 10 years and been a nurse for 35 years, said she was honored to have received the scholarship and excited to be able to go on to earn the national certification. “I hope this will serve as a lesson to our students that in nursing, learning is a lifelong pursuit,” she said. “Nurses do not stop learning after they’ve become licensed. We continue to learn to stay on top of the latest in medicine and nursing procedures but also because we are dedicated to a career of caring for others.” The Technical College of the Lowcountry is the region’s primary provider of higher education and workforce training. The public, twoyear, multi-campus community college serves approximately 5,000 students annually. TCL has campuses in Beaufort, Bluffton and Hampton and serves Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. For more information visit www. tcl.edu.

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with Homeless Pets

Make a heartfelt donation at PalmettoAnimalLeague.org and send an adorable Valentine’s eCard.

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February 7, 2024

Coastal Community Foundation Welcomes Five New Board Members Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina (CCF) has five new members on its Board of Directors. These community leaders will play a key role in governing the strategic direction and decision-making of the Foundation. “The new members join the board with diverse backgrounds, as well as fierce passion for philanthropy and dedication to serve the community,” said Board Chair Ronda Dean. “Many have served on CCF committees and their experience will bring fresh insight to our governance as we enter our 50th year.” Stacy Davis is a CPA-VP and Assistant Controller at Blackbaud. Dr. Cokeitha Gaddist is the founder and CEO of LifeStyle and Career Consults, the founder

and CEO of HealthCare Consultants, and the Director of Operations, Health, Wellness, and Performance ICCE at the Medical University of South Carolina. Vanessa Gongora is the Territory Director for Norsan Media’s South Carolina and Florida media assets. Mason Holland is an entrepreneur, and the former Chairman and Co-Founder of Benefitfocus. Christie Wootton is CFA, Managing Director, and Portfolio Manager at Greystar. Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit that works to create communities rich in equity, opportunity and well-being by uniting people and investing resources so that all community members have a pathway to achieve their goals.

February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

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Keep An Eye On Contingencies When You Buy Or Sell Real Estate

BY LARRY STOLLER Contributor

Larry Stoller

Most if not all real estate contracts have contingencies that will allow the buyer (or sometimes the seller) to terminate the agreement if investigation reveals that the property is not worth the price or if the property has defects that the buyer wants the seller

to repair. These contingencies are conditions that must be met to close the real estate deal. Contingencies can be approved, rejected or waived. In many cases, the price can be renegotiated and the repairs can be agreed upon. But if sellers and buyers cannot reach agreement, contingencies will result in a voidable contract.

The most common types of contingencies include: • Property sales contingency – where the purchaser must sell his or her current home before closing the transaction on the home they are buying.

• Mortgage contingency – which allows the buyer to a refund of the earnest money deposit if the lender does not commit to the mortgage (this can happen if the buyer is not fully approved). • Inspection contingency – which allows the buyer to inspect the property to ensure that there are no major defects, items that require repair, or systems that need to be certified in good working condition. Inspection contingencies are sometimes more difficult to negotiate, as they can be both objective and subjective. For example, if the air-conditioning system is 10 years old but still working, the buyer may want the system to be inspected by a licensed HVAC specialist. Based upon that inspection, the buyer may request that repairs be made or that a new system be installed. Other types of contingencies for the buyer include: • Approval of property lines and lot size

according to a survey • Property appraisal comes in less than the contract price • Review and acceptance of restrictive covenants or deed restrictions • Review of any leases between the current owner and tenants • Buyer has to sell another property to complete the purchase • Verification that there are no environmental or mold problems If a buyer has too many contingencies, the seller may demand an escape clause, allowing the seller to continue marketing the property, and accept another offer if the contingencies have not been resolved or removed. Larry Stoller is a local Broker and Realtor with Real Estate FIVE of the Low Country. He sells homes throughout the Bluffton and Hilton Head area. Larry@ RealEstateFive.com, www.RealEstateFive. com.

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FACTORS FROM PAGE 40A Presidential election years usually introduce a factor of uncertainty and anxiety into the market, though the last election year demonstrated that business as usual was still possible amid the hype of the elections. Global events capture our collective attention and concern, and yet it’s anyone’s guess at this time just how far those will impact Buyer and Seller behavior. Generation shifts are afoot as we watch the “Silver Tsunami” of baby boomers preparing to downsize while Millennials make decisions on where to live, where to work, rightsizing their homes, etc. The stock market performance in 2023 bolstered an overall sense of wealth, begging the question of just how much of that equity and wealth will be shifted into real estate investments in 2024. Starting right away in the first few weeks of January, we have been encouraged by the high level of real estate activity that kicked off the new year, which, through time, has often served as a bellwether for what we can expect in the year ahead. Buyers and Sellers alike are steadily entering the market with confidence, and we feel optimistic about how 2024 will unfold. For a comprehensive look at the 2023 market recap and videos with industry professionals about these steering factors, visit CollinsGroupRealty.com/2024marketreport

The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

New Session To Discuss Closing Insurance Gap In SC An informative presentation titled, “Improving Access to Health Care in SC: What Every Voter Should Know,” will be held Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Bluffton Public Library. The subject of the event is the non-implementation of Medicaid expansion in South Carolina. Without this being done, the result is a lack of access to health insurance coverage for many working-age adults in our state. The speaker at the event, which is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Hilton Head Island/Bluffton area, a non-partisan organization, will be Lynne Eickholt, a former South Carolina resident and former Chief Strategy Officer for Mass General Brigham, now retired and back in the Palmetto State. South Carolina is one of 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid coverage causing significant financial strain for many residents. It is interesting to note that federal funds would cover 90% of the cost of expansion but still this has not been accomplished. This inaction means South Carolina is ranked very low on many health metrics and leads the list for the

number of families financially burdened by excessive medical debt. With the Medicaid expansion implemented, approximately 312,000 adults would become eligible for the program. They would gain access to health care and as a result, see improved financial security as well as better medical outcomes of illnesses and serious health conditions. Benefits also include a reduction in evictions, medical debt and a lowering of the mortality rate. An efficient “fix” could be to implement the ACA’s Medicaid expansion, as Missouri and Oklahoma did in 2021. To help with this endeavor, an organization called CoverSC Coalition was created. This group works to find solutions and improve health care in South Carolina. More information about CoverSC will be given at the event. It is the hope of many that with greater awareness throughout the state about this deficiency in our health care system, this issue will become a priority with action taken.

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February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

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SPORTS CARDS WANTED: Vesci Sports Cards specializing in pre-1972 baseball, football, and basketball cards. Looking for personal collections. Cash paid for cards. Hilton Head resident Jim Vesci 215-266-2975 jdvescisr@gmail.com

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48A

The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

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Real Estate Team

By Units Sold Since 2021

#1 Large Team in South Carolina by volume reported by RealTrends America’s Best Real Estate Professional. View rankings report at realtrends.com/americas-best. #1 Team by Units based on data provided by the HHI Multiple Listing Service January 2021 through December 2023.

... for OUR COMMUNITY VEHICLES

T E K TIC O N E SUE 3 T I M D IS A LUME 27,

24 • VO FEB. 7, 20

Summer Breeze And Other Art By Ellen DiFazio at Art League Of Hilton Head See Page 6B

ut n llo tio Pu c Se

e h t s ' t a th

The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

February At Coligny!

SHOP DINE LOCAL Over 60 Locally-Owned Shops, Restaurants, Entertainment, And More HILTON HEAD’S DOWNTOWN 1 N Forest Beach Drive At Coligny Beach COLIGNYPLAZA.COM

February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

You can always ﬁnd “IT” at Hilton Head’s Downtown

$25 Admission

Tickets available at: ColignyPlaza.com/events To Beneﬁt

Scan for Tix

Learn more about all of our community events at ColignyPlaza.com/Events

Text COLIGNY to 843.604.0446 For special oﬀers and upcoming events!

The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

Arts & Entertainment Calendar

THROUGH MAR. 1 Gullah Celebrations will be held throughout February at various locations on Hilton Head Island, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah people and their history. The programming includes a variety of art, food, music, poetry, worship, and special sunset cruise. A complete schedule of 2024 events and ticket information can be found at www.gullahcelebration.org.

FEB. 7 American Red Cross Community Blood Drive will take place from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Rotary Community Center located at Oscar Fazier Park, 11 Recreation Court, Bluffton.

FEB. 8 At “I Speak Chocolate” at the Bluffton Library chocolatier, Mary Kull, from Bluffton Village’s Craft Kitchen will talk chocolate from 10 to 11 a.m. Enjoy sam-

ples of dark, milk, and white Belgian chocolate and learn how arrange your own chocolate charcuterie board just in time for Valentine’s Day. Registration required. To register and for more information, call 843-255-6503.

can-taste fundraiser to benefit Second Helpings. Local restaurants will be serving their favorite soups for participants to taste and enjoy. Radio personality Monty Jett will host with live music by Chilly Willy Band. Tickets $25, 1-4 p.m. in Coligny Plaza on Hilton Head Island.

with like-minded history enthusiasts. Historian speakers are on the roster from 4 p.m.- 9 p.m. at Bluffton Oyster Factory Park, 63 Wharf Street. General admission tickets are $25 at www. eventbrite.com.

FEB. 9

FEB. 11

A Night to Shine 2024 will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Lowcountry Church in Bluffton. This event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, is an “unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs ages 14 and older.

SOBA Student Art Show Opening reception 3-5 p.m. at the SOBA Gallery, 16 Church Street. High school students involved in their school’s arts programs from Bluffton High School, May River High School and Cross School will display their submitted art in the gallery’s setting. Young talents will be showcased across multiple mediums including media arts, photography, acrylic and clay.

The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival takes place at the Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head Island and celebrates the South’s food culture. Enjoy a weeklong festival filled with fresh seafood, oysters, and fishing experiences. From delicious meals to charming events, this festival showcases the best of the region including the popular Pig Pickin’ and Oyster Roast to be held on on Feb. 23. Experience celebrity chef dinners, pit-masters, wildlife, cooking demos, wine tastings, mixologists, and more. For tickets and more information go to: www.hiltonheadseafoodfestival. com.

FEB. 9 Winter Art Walk in Old Town Bluffton from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Art galleries and shops open late with refreshments and music for shoppers.

FEB. 10 The Souper Bowl of Caring, an all-you-

FEB. 17 Third Annual State of Mind Shindig to explore Bluffton history and network

FEB. 16 – 25

February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

Inaugural Beer And Cigar Festival Comes To HHI The inaugural Bold Beer and Cigar Festival is coming to Hilton Head on Saturday, March 2nd. The festival was a hit with beer enthusiasts last November in Bluffton and now the Island gets their chance to indulge. The event will feature 25 high gravity, seasonal, craft, and international beers curated by the local event management company, Bear Foot Sports. Bear Foot Sports has been putting on beer festivals for over 30 years, but for this occasion, they’re focusing on providing a selective beer list and a high quality experience. The exclusive menu is curated with high rated sours, bitters, and “beer with flavor,” as president and founder, Mark Weisner puts it. In the name of luxury and relaxation, the festival will also feature a cigar vendor so guests can further indulge, as well as an option to include two premium ci-

gars alongside the beer tasting experience. Live music will be provided by the father/son duo, the Joey & Mike Show, and food vendors will have delicious options to pair with the drinks. The festival will be set at Shelter Cove Community Park with its local shops and scenic views of the marsh. Weisner explained, “we just want to create an experience for people who really like good beer. We want people to come out, relax, and enjoy– even those with a discriminating palate.” Bring your lounge chairs and come unwind for the afternoon. The festival is from 3 to 6 p.m. and you can choose from two packages– one for a premium beer flight and the other for a flight plus premium cigars. For tickets, visit bearfootsports.com. This is a 21+, cash only event.

OFTEN FUNNY, ALWAYS RIVETING. Though a masterpiece of American theater, every minute of this play entertains — often underscored by music — as a tale of love, betrayal, and redemption unfolds. Don't miss this incredible Tony & Pulitzer award-winning play! DIRECTED BY JAMEEKA HOLLOWAY

VISUAL ART CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Love art. Learn art.

Art League Academy welcomes students of all levels, including true beginners. Taught by professional artists and educators, new classes are added weekly. ALL SKILL LEVELS & AND MEDIA: ACRYLIC, OIL, PASTEL, WATERCOLOR, MIXED MEDIA, DRAWING, SCULPTURE, JEWELRY, AND MORE

Call 843.842.5738 or visit www.artleaguehhi.org to see a complete schedule of classes. Art League Academy 106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Art League Gallery located inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Native island heritage gets the star treatment at this celebration of all things Gullah. Enjoy Lowcountry cuisine, gospel music, storytelling, De Aarts ob We People, hands-on crafts, and more!

FEB 10 12-3PM

Partially Funded by

THE SOUTH CAROLINA ARTS COMMISSION*

*Receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts

In Partnership with NIBCAA & THE GULLAH CELEBRATION

The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

DiFazio Exhibit: Balancing Realism And Abstraction

Gestures in Nature: The Allure of the Landscape, an exhibit of paintings by Ellen DiFazio, will be on view at Art League of Hilton Head March 5-April 5. DiFazio offers a view of nature through a semi-abstract lens, often featuring a muted color palette along with texture built upon and scratched into the canvas.

She utilizes a range of media while focusing on capturing nature’s spirit rather than its form. A native of Long Island, DiFazio is inspired by her surroundings, whether the landscapes of Long Island, New York or the beaches and marshes of Hilton Head Island. DiFazio is a former high school art

teacher and holds a master’s degree in art. She loves sharing her love of the environment through her work and exhibits her work both in New York and on Hilton Head Island. “My move to Hilton Head has further fueled my dedication to creating beauty from our incredible surroundings.” An opening reception will be held Wednesday, March 6, 5-7 p.m. DiFazio will host a gallery walk on Friday, March 8, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., where she will expound on her work, influences, and process. The exhibit, reception, and gallery walk are all free and open to the public. Art League of Hilton Head is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit visual arts organization on Hilton Head Island with a synergistic art gallery and teaching Academy. Art League Academy welcomes artists and students in all media at all skill levels, including true beginners. Taught by professional art educators, students can choose from many art classes and workshops that change monthly.

Celebrating Black History Month Explore the living, lively history of Hilton Head Island and the Gullah culture that thrives today!

Written by Hilton Head Islanders Thomas C. Barnwell, Jr. Carolyn Grant Emory Shaw Campbell Available wherever books are sold. www.blairpub.com

February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

March 4-6, 2024 March 4-6, 2024

Enjoy a day at the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate watching the top women’s collegiate players in the country. No ticket needed, just come and have fun!

March 4-6, 2024 Save the Date Spectators Welcome at No Charge #DRI2024

Host Team: South Carolina

Louisiana State

Alabama

Arizona State

Mississippi State

Arkansas

Northwestern

Auburn

Ohio State

Baylor

Oregon

Duke

Texas

Georgia

Vanderbilt

Kentucky

Wake Forest

Spectator and Tournament Information can be found at www.LongCoveDRI.com.

The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

HHSO 2024 Youth Concerto Competition Winners Announced Jaia Alli, an 18-year-old cellist from Atlanta, won the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra’s 2024 Youth Concerto Competition, one of the most prestigious competitions in the Southeastern U.S. Alli, a student at the Westminster Schools who studies privately with Daniel Laufer (Associate Principal Cello of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra), captured first prize performing the final movement of Edward Elgar’s Concerto in E minor, Op. 85. The top prize includes a cash award plus the opportunity to perform with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra during the 2024-2025 season. Second prize was awarded to violinist Eugenie Lim, age 17 from Kennesaw, GA, while third prize was awarded to 18-yearold double bassist Devin O’Brien from Mount Pleasant, SC. A Special Achievement Award was presented to 11-year-old cellist Yuna Ella Chae from Pooler, Georgia, who received a $750 scholarship to the Philadelphia International Music Festival

(PIMF). (All finalists received PIMF scholarships.) A total of nine competitors were chosen from over 30 total applicants from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina and performed in the finals of the competition on Saturday, January 27, which was livestreamed from SoundWaves at Coligny, the HHSO’s intimate performance venue. The other finalists were violinists Ellie Dixon (Charlotte, NC), Lauren Juntunen (Melbourne, FL), B. Andrew Lee (Johns Creek, GA), and Yining Zhang (Suwanee, GA), and cellist Adam Kremer (Charleston, SC). Finals judges for the 2024 competition were HHSO Concertmaster Micah Gangwer, HHSO Principal Violist Lizhou Liu, and HHSO Principal Cellist Daniel Mumm. Pianist Keru Zhang accompanied six competitors, while Sharon Berenson accompanied three during the finals. Produced annually since 2008 by the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, the Youth Concerto Competition (YCC) is one

of the largest and most prestigious competitions in the Southeastern United States. The competition is restricted to young artists living in nine states—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia—because of limited performance solo opportunities in this region. Past YCC winners and finalists have gone on to earn degrees at the nation’s top music schools, including Juilliard, Curtis, Peabody, New England Conservatory, Oberlin, Eastman, Cleveland Institute of Music, Yale, and Vanderbilt, as well as the Royal Conservatory in Toronto. “Over the years, we have provided solo opportunities for more than 150 young musicians,” stated Hilton Head International Piano Competition and Education and Community Engagement Director, Steve Shaiman. “These talented students gain invaluable experience as a YCC finalist, since most of them aspire to be profes-

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Jaia Alli, an 18-year-old cellist from Atlanta, won the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra’s 2024 Youth Concerto Competition.

sional musicians, and our competition helps prepare them for college auditions and other competitions. Many of our past finalists now enjoy thriving careers, and we are proud to support and nurture these young artists of the future.” Here’s a link to the 2024 Youth Concerto Competition livestream video: https:// www.youtube.com/live/ZOCC4Humox8?si=1ajVzXV_vr1UtVg5&t=1984.

February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

O FFIC E S N OW O PEN O N HILTO N HE A D IS L AND & BLUF F TO N THE #1 INDEPENDENT FAMILY-OWNED REAL ESTATE COMPANY IN SOUTH CAROLINA, FLORIDA & THE NORTHEAST

Number One Luxury Broker #1 Real Estate Company in the U.S. by Inman1 #1 Independent Luxury Broker, in SC, FL & the Northeast2 #1 Luxury Broker by Luxury Portfolio International3 #1 Luxury Real Estate Agency in FL, CT & MA4 #1 Overall Winner of HGTV’s Ultimate House Hunt5 SC

WE WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITY TO REPRESENT YOUR MAGNIFICENT PROPERTIES

HILTON HEAD ISLAND 3 EXECUTIVE PARK ROAD | 843.341.5660 BLUFFTON 10 WESTBURY PARK ROAD | SUITE B | 843.341.5660

140+ OFFICES | 4,500+ SALES ASSOCIATES | 9 STATES

1. Awarded 2023 Top Brokerage in the U.S. by Inman. 2. According to RealTrends based on 2022 sales volume. 3. Awarded 2018 Top Luxury Broker by Luxury Portfolio International. 4. Awarded Best Luxury Real Estate Agency in FL, CT & MA in 2022 & 2023 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards. 5. Awarded in 2022.

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The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

TOP MANAGEMENT We won Top Brokerage in the United States because our management is among the top in the United States. Our managers are certified coaches and mentors that help build our sales associates’ careers and their success.

Top Brokerage The #1 Real Estate Company in the U.S.

Belfair | Bluffton 30 Lady Slipper Island Drive | $2,899,000 The Prud’homme Team Dick Datz | 843.548.1486

Hilton Head Island

2 Beach Lagoon Road #314 | $1,689,999

130 Sandcastle Court | $1,998,000

The Prud’homme Team

Heather Nix | 843.384.4769

Gerry Prud’homme | 843.548.1486

Colleton River | Bluffton

Belfair | Bluffton

Hilton Head Island

42 Magnolia Blossom Drive | $5,000,000

30 Summerton Drive | $1,585,000

36 Timber Marsh Lane | $1,299,900

Booher Yachini Group | 843.341.5600

The Prud’homme Team

Ken & Renee Vilcheck | 843.548.1486

Gerry Prud’homme | 843.548.1486

The #1 Independent Family-Owned Real Estate C

Bluffton 10 Westbury Park Road | 843.341.5660 Hilton Head Island 3 Executive Park Road | 843.341.5660

February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

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Okatie 13 Barksdale Lane | $1,950,000 The Broadhurst Group | 843.837.7773

Belfair | Bluffton

Okatie

286 Bamberg Drive | $1,250,000

6 Waterfall Lane | $5,150,000

Sande Rand | 843.707. 2722

The Broadhurst Group | 843.837.7773

Explore Our World of Luxury Living

Boca Raton, FL

Naples, FL

Greenwich, CT

1120 Spanish River Road | $8,395,000 Boca Raton Office | 561.576.7085

3093 Fort Charles Drive | $33,500,000 Naples Office | 239.307.4612

969 North Street | $7,900,000 Greenwich Office | 203.869.9263

Company in South Carolina, Florida & the Northeast 140+ Offices 4,500+ Sales Associates 9 States - CT, FL, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, SC, VT

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The Hilton Head Sun

TOP MANAGEMENT We won the Top Brokerage in the United States, because our management is among the top in the United States. Our managers are certified coaches and mentors that help build our sales associates’ careers and their success.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND | BLUFFTON 843.341.5660

February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

Coligny Plaza Unveils A Vibrant February Lineup Coligny, the heart of Hilton Head Island, is buzzing with excitement this February as it gears up to host a diverse range of events that celebrate community, culture, and culinary excellence. From the annual Souper Bowl of Caring and MountainFilm Festival, to the arrival of Sea Glass Theater Company, Coligny invites residents and visitors alike to partake in the festivities.

MOUNTAINFILM RETURNS TO COLIGNY THEATRE Coligny Theatre is set to host the acclaimed Mountainfilm on Tour on Friday, Feb. 9. The film festival will offer a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed, and inspiring documentary films. The festivities include a family-friendly matinee at 4:30 p.m., followed by a glamorous evening event with photo ops on the red carpet.

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING RETURNS TO COLIGNY On Saturday, Feb. 10, the parking lot between FISH Casual Coastal Seafood and Skillet’s will transform into a culinary haven for the annual Souper Bowl of Caring. This beloved community event showcases delectable creations from some of the island’s finest eateries. Attendees will not only have the opportunity to indulge in delicious soups but also to catch up with friends and neighbors, all while supporting Second Helpings. Last year’s event raised over $4,661 for the organization’s fight against hunger in Beaufort County.

SEA GLASS THEATER COMPANY TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT

Coligny is proud to welcome Sea Glass Theater Company to the historic Coligny Theater. The theater has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly 70 years, and now, with Sea Glass as its new caretaker, it is set to become a vibrant hub for the arts. JR Richardson, owner of Coligny, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Since my father started Coligny in 1955, our north star has been giving our community a space they can call their own. We call ourselves Hilton Head’s downtown, and that goes beyond shops and restaurants. It’s about creating a space we all call home.” Sea Glass Theater Company kicked off its residency with the Sea Glass Soiree on Feb. 3. This marked the beginning of a new era for the historic Coligny Theater, now under the capable hands of Sea Glass. The cultural celebration continues with Sea Glass Theater Company’s production of Jonathan Larson’s “Tick, Tick… Boom!” The musical, a crowd-pleaser from the creator of “Rent,” will run on select dates from February 16 to March 3. For tickets and detailed information about these events, please visit ColignyPlaza.com/Events. Coligny Plaza invites everyone to celebrate community, arts, and culinary delights throughout February at 1 North Forest Beach, Hilton Head Island. ColignyPlaza.com/Events

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The Hilton Head Sun

PALMETTO QUILT GUILD PRESENTS

February 7, 2024

Pluff Mudd Features Feb Artist Nancy Patrick Carney

2024

QUILT FESTIVAL MARCH 22-24 Hours: 10am - 5pm Friday & Saturday 10am – 1pm Sunday Admission $15

Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort 40 Folly Field Road, Hilton Head Island More than 125 Quilts Displayed Boutique and Vintage Items for Sale, Silent Auction, Vendors and MORE… AQS Certified Quilt Appraiser on March 22 & 23 $65 for a written appraisal. See our website for an appointment or walk-ins available.

Fine art by Nancy Carney will be on display at Pluff Mudd Art Gallery, as she will be celebrated as February Artist of the Month.

Pluff Mudd Art Gallery will be having a reception on February 9 from 3 to 7 p.m. to welcome mixed media artist Nancy Patrick Carney as the February Artist of the Month. Nancy’s imaginative original paintings invite us to see the people, places and animals of the South Carolina Lowcountry in a fun and fanciful light. With a degree in art from Miami University in Ohio, Nancy has worked as a commercial artist, package designer, product and book illustrator and art teacher to both children and adults. As a fine art painter, her work has evolved over the years to the whimsical style she is known for today. A love of art history, a knowledge of the elements and principles of design and composition, and the use of expressive color guide her creative process. Since moving to Bluffton in 2016, Nancy’s acrylic and collage paintings have developed a casual, beachy, playful quality that reflects the “Bluffton State of Mind.” Puffy little beach birds, joyful mermaids, colorful turtles and ladies dancing on the beach are some of her common themes. The artist’s reception on February 9

coincides with Old Town Bluffton’s Winter Art Walk. Many of the galleries and shops in the village will be open from 3 to 7. Come meet Nancy Carney at Pluff Mudd and enter a drawing to win her original 8” x 8” painting of “Island Beach Birds.” Pluff Mudd Art Gallery is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 27 Calhoun Street, Bluffton. For more information, see our website at www.pluffmuddart.com or call 843-757-5590.

February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

Hilton Head Audubon Film Screening: Purple Haze On Saturday, Feb. 10, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Hilton Head Library will offer a screening of Purple Haze, a Conservation Documentary Film, along with a chance to meet Zach Steinhauser, the Director, Producer, and Cinematographer. Purple Haze has captivated birders and nature-lovers around the country. North America’s largest swallow species, the Purple Martin, has managed to become almost completely dependent on man-made nesting structures to nest & rear their young. Captain Zach Steinhauser has taken it upon himself to chase these birds across their range to understand exactly how this species put themselves in this position and discovered a lost culture of bird-loving enthusiasts across the Purple Martin’s range. Steinhauser’s journey takes him across the western hemisphere from the Great Lakes to the Amazon Rainforest all the way to the Sonoran Desert, making unexpected connections at every turn. When Steinhauser isn’t behind a camera lens, he is a captain on South Carolina’s Lake Murray providing guided tours to the lake’s beloved Purple Martin Roost at Bomb Island. He grew up enthralled with the natural world, spending countless hours outside trying to get his hands on anything he could catch. With a degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida, he provides his knowledge as a Naturalist at Wingard’s Market, in Lexington, educating others about what they can do to help local wildlife around their home. You can follow him on Instagram at: @thewildstein. Attendance is free but registration is required. Regis-

The purple martin will be the subject explored in the Hilton Head Audubon Film Screening of Purple Haze.

ter here: https://secure.everyaction. com/Zr_reVrtcUucd175otaMaA2 You can also register on the Hilton Head Audubon website, https://hiltonheadaudubon. org/ Learn more: https://www.purplehazeacfmovie.com/

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— UPCOMING EXHIBIT AT FOUR CORNERS GALLERY —

Counterpoints

An Exhibition featuring Martha Worthy & Linda Warner Constantino — OPENING RECEPTION —

March 7, 2024 at 5pm

25 Y

rs!

F OUR CORNERS FINE ART & FRA MING

A UNIQUELY SOU THER N COLLEC TION

WELCOME TO THE LOW COUNTRY LIFESTYLE.

Come in to see how we can help you warm up your home for the holidays.

1263-B May River Rd

Old Town Bluffton, SC 29910

843.757.8185

www.fourcornersgallerybluff ton.com

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The Hilton Head Sun

HERITAGE LIBRARY WINTER CLASSES Wednesday, February 7, 2024 10:30am-12:00pm

Wednesday, March 6, 2024 4:30-6:30pm

How to Use the Ancestry DNA “Side View Tools”

Hilton Head History & Happy Hour @ Tio’s Latin American Kitchen

Tuesday, February 13, 2024 1:30-2:30pm

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

Family Tree Maker Classes: A Four-Part Series

The Coercive (aka Intolerable) Acts of 1774 Tuesday, February 20, 2024 10:00-11:00am The Underground Railroad and Quest for Freedom

Thursday, March 7, 2024 10:00-11:30am PART 1: Overview and the First Steps Thursday, March 14, 2024 10:00-11:30am

Tuesday, February 20, 2024 1:30-2:30pm

PART 2: Getting Started – People and Media Tabs

The Joys & Pitfalls of Publishing Your Family History Book

Thursday, March 21, 2024 10:00-11:30am PART 3: Introducing the Web Search

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 1:30-2:30pm Tea and Torture in 1774

Thursday, March 28, 2024 10:00-11:30am PART 4: Creating a Final Product – Find and Fix Errors and Get Started with the Publish Tab

Tuesday, March 5, 2024 10:30-11:30am Crossing the Combahee – Settlement of the Southern Parishes and Beaufort District

Tuesday, March 12, 2024 10:30-11:30am Women in the American Revolution

Scan here to view our full Winter class list with descriptions and register at HeritageLib.org The Professional Bldg, Suite 100 | 2 Corpus Christi | Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 843.686.6560 | HeritageLib.org

February 7, 2024

Closer Look: La Petite Gallerie’s Walter Palmer BY MURRAY SEASE Contributor Sculptor Wally Palmer may have the most picturesque workspace in Beaufort County. Spectacular sunrises over the Okatie River jump start each day for this Lowcountry artist. When I visited his ‘Smoking Bird Studio’ on a recent winter afternoon, Palmer had the wood fire stoked in the indoor studio space that is chock full of the tools of his trade – brushes, paints, molds, and hand tools of all kinds. It was toasty warm and cozy, with two of his relief sculptures laid out awaiting the next step in their patina process. But looking out over his worktables, through the wall of windows, over his decks and yard filled with various projects to the incoming tide, the chilly outdoor area was irresistible. Out there on the work deck Palmer demonstrated spraying the chemicals necessary to oxidize the bronze coating onto two more of his pieces, transforming them to a beautiful green patina. Next, he started the burnishing process, using steel wool to rub through the patina to bring out a glimmer from the metal below, looking for the areas to best show perfect reflections and highlights. Then he would come with a coat of wax and buffing which captures that ‘point of perfection’ which is unique to each piece. Probably best known for these bas-relief sculptures of bronze and iron over resin, Palmer’s art graces many Lowcountry homes and outdoor living areas. Before the final patina and buffing, a process of sculpting with clay, building a mold around it and mixing and pouring a resin material into that, makes each piece a multi-step endeavor. The main subject matters that Palmer uses are local wading birds and creatures from the sea – crabs, shrimp, turtles and fish. His line of palmetto trees, some featuring a South Carolina moon, are delightful. They are all substantial pieces of art that have beautiful patinas – some with iron finishes are charmingly rusty, while the bronze finishes have varying de-

grees of a natural green/blue patina that just looks better and better with age. Influenced not only by his incredibly talented family of artists (including his father, famed sculptor, Walter Palmer) Palmer looks to the old masters as well as more modern creators like Georgia O’Keefe and Ernie Barnes for his inspiration. With these influences in mind Palmer designs and builds large scale sculptural pieces and fountains, sometimes including tabby (a traditional Lowcountry building material composed of ground oyster shells, lime, and sand, mixed with salt water) and glass beads. He often incorporates recycled materials such as styrofoam blocks he collects from the waterways that his studio overlooks. He is happiest as he carves out armatures for large sculptures, adding fiberglass – using both reductive and additive process of sculpting – concentrating on what he wants to say as an artist. Palmer also has a thriving sculpture repair business, dedicated to restoring his father’s humorous birds and other sculptures that are so popular here and around the country. Many of them have spent their lives outdoors where the weather has been very hard on them, and the older-style materials used when they were first created have not held up well. Using improved compounds and materials, replacing wooden legs and beaks with bronze, Wally and his crew have brought many of them back to their former glory for their happy owners. Wally Palmer is one of six artist/owners of the cooperative La Petite Gallerie in Old Town Bluffton. When he can tear himself away from his glorious studio Palmer mans the gallery desk – and garden deck – usually on Fridays and festival days. He, long-time girlfriend Denise Pope, and a fluctuating gang of local musicians often entertain visitors with footstomping bluegrass music during Art Walks and other outdoor events – always open to the public. Submitted by Murray Sease, fellow artist at La Petite Gallerie 56 Calhoun Street, Bluffton, SC 29910 lapetitegallerie.com

February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

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Dancing Is Great Training For Kids BY SANDRO VIRAG Contributor I was 5 years old when I took my first dance lesson and am still dancing today at age 47. It is never too early to introduce the arts to kids. So why is dancing so good for kids? Overall kids can gain muscle control and coordination. Their endurance and stamina will improve as well as strength, flexibility and balance. When kids are in a structured class, they engage in learning patterns and sequential learning. This involves planning and helps with memory skills. Kids learn to focus and concentrate better. While in dance classes, kids also learn to work as a team and build camaraderie. The class setting also creates a sense of accomplishment while building confidence and self-esteem. For many kids, dancing becomes an outlet of expression and fosters creativity so they may begin to appreciate the arts

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in all forms. It is never too early for kids to try dancing and learn how to coordinate their bod-

what’s hiding inside a child. For example, our Youth Ballroom Dance Club consists of all ages from 7 to 18. It is amazing

ies to music. Consider giving your child a chance to be exposed to formal dance or dance instruction - you never know

what they have been able to accomplish since they have been coming to us and it is now one of their favorite pastimes!

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843-686-3000 13 Harbourside Lane #2-H Hilton Head Island 843-785-6424 • Nashgallery.com

Each is developing their own level of talent in their own way with their own individual style, and each is becoming their own dancer. Not only are we teaching dance, but also etiquette and social skills. It can help them interact with each other comfortably in close proximity at an early age in an appropriate manner. We hope that going forward they will become ladies and gentlemen and use the skills taught to them in the dance studio, in the real world. So parents, start opening those doors for your kids and allowing them to experience all the different art forms at a very early age. Remember, dancing is not only for girls – boys will find the benefit of being able to dance in the future. When kids are involved in some sort of dance they will look better, feel better and have fun! Sandro Virag, Hilton Head Ballroom Dance Studio

To order online or reservations go to

www.deanoshhi.com

Counter Service Italian Eatery Homemade Sauces, Pasta, Ready to Eat To-Go meals,

Dine in, Take out, Catering

1203B Main Street Hilton Head Island

(843) 342-3059

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The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

Woman Sheds Expectations In ‘The Shortest Way Home’ BY GLENDA HARRIS Contributor “The Shortest Way Home” is the first novel written by publisher and writer Miriam Parker. A light and consistently engaging read, this will appeal to fans of Patti Callahan Henry, Elin Hilderbrand and Mary Kay Andrews, as well as anyone who enjoys contemporary romantic stories in a beautiful setting. Hannah Greene is a young woman who is engaged and has a picture of how her life will unfold. She recently accepted a highly-coveted job in New York City where she lives with her fiancé, Ethan, and where Ethan is soon launching a new business. Han-

nah is not thrilled with the idea of making the noisy, crowded city her permanent home but has pushed that aside for now. The two take a trip to the Sonoma wine country and once there, she begins questioning the well laid out plans. While visiting Bellosguardo, a family-owned winery with a 19th century castle, she becomes friendly with some of the family members. They are enchanted with ideas that she shares with them about using the tasting room as a venue for parties, weddings, concerts and more. So much so, that when it’s time for her to return to New York City, they offer her a marketing job with the winery. The jobs sounds thoroughly entic-

ing, like a dream job but would she be making a terrible mistake? Becoming part of Ethan’s family would give her security and wealth, all the luxuries of life. However, from the moment she walked into the historic tasting room at Bellosguardo, she has fallen in love with everything about the picturesque Sonoma. Hannah’s brain and heart seem to be telling her different things. You will have to read the book to find out exactly how it all goes down. From the publisher, “The Shortest Way Home is a heartwarming story of one woman who sheds expectations in order to claim her own happy ending.”

One of the Most Romantic Restaurants on Hilton Head Waterfront Dining & A Local Favorite Serving Outstanding Seafood & Steak.

Valentine’s Day Special Complimentary Glass of House Wine with Entrée* (special is for 2/14 only, cannot combine with any other offer)

Reservations Strongly Suggested

Free Valentine Gift For The Ladies Reservations Strongly Recommended

17 Harbourside Lane • Hilton Head 843-785-5517 • www.bistro17hiltonhead.com

February 7, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

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Pets Of The Week Hawk, left, is a lovely lady. She is a spry gal who loves to play with the other cats in her cat room, and greet every visitor with one of her many stories. Hawk is certainly an entertaining lady when she gets the zoomies. She will make a great addition to a family household who loves to have fun! Hawk is six months old, spayed, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped. If you are interested in adopting Hawk, call our adoption center at (843) 645-1725 or email us at info@palmettoanimalleague.org to set up an appointment.

Flint, right, is a laid-back guy who wants to snuggle. He recently found his way back to our adoption center and is ready for his next home. Flint has one eye and needs someone who can help him navigate the world to his left. Once he gets to know someone, they are in his pack for life! Flint is 6 years old, neutered, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped. If you are interested in adopting Flint, call our adoption center at (843) 645-1725 or email us at info@palmettoanimalleague.org to set up an appointment.

A Taste of the Old Country is at

A Taste of Europe on Hilton Head Island

You’ve Tried The Rest, Delivery and/or Pick-Up, Now Experience The Best Kept Secret! Order by Friday for Tuesday Delivery

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NY Style Bagels Made Fresh Daily

Assorted Bagels and Spreads Fresh Baked Pastries Everyday • Sandwiches SERVING FRESH BREAKFAST AND LUNCH DAILY, 7AM - 2PM

Order by 2/9 - Deliver by 2/13 Order by 2/16 - Deliver by 2/20 George Washington’s Cherried Pork Chop Three Cheese Baked Ziti Hamburger Steak Valentine’s Day Chicken & Artichoke Hearts ALWAYS Healthy Mediterranean Turkey Stew Cubed Steak w/ Sausage Gravy LOW SALT Shrimp Scampi Low Country Boil LOW Bush Family’ s Mushroom Quiche SUGAR Egg Salad w/ Fresh Greens & Side Tuna Salad w/ Fresh Greens & Side Bacon & Tomato Quiche JFK Clam Chowder Roasted Red Pepper Soup Zucchini Chocolate Chip Bread

Authentic Eastern European Cuisine

A Taste of Europe

Northridge Plaza (Near the Cinema) 435 William Hilton Pkwy Ste O, Hilton Head Island (843) 715-2691 • Tasteofeuropehhi.com

Closed Mon & Sun Lunch and Dinner Tue, Thu & Fri • Dinner Wed, Sat

*$24.00 meals w/sides included, large enough for 2 moderate eaters. $12.00 for QT. Soup and breads or 1/3 Deep Dish Quiche. Always low salt/sugar delivered cold in microwaveable/freezable containers. Let Us Know Your Allergies or Dislikes As We Pick Appropriate Sides

Bagel BLT loaded with Bacon, Lettuce and Summer Tomatoes.

TWO LOCATIONS! Bluffton . Sheridan Park Circle . (843) 815-5300 Hilton Head . 841 Wlliam Hilton Pkwy . (843) 686-3353

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The Hilton Head Sun

February 7, 2024

Studio Scrap Egret by Wally Palmer

•Food! •Gifts •Art! •Dine! •Shop! •Fun! •Galleries and More! THURSDAYS ONLY • 12 - 4PM

Old Town Bluffton • Boundary Street www.farmersmarketbluffton.org

Featuring works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil and mixed media by Lauren Arsenault | Mary Burrell | Sue Grilli Murray Sease | Bill Winn & sculpture by Wally Palmer

Adjacent to “The Store” 56 Calhoun Street lapetitegallerie.com

THE SOCIETY OF BLUFFTON ARTISTS’ ANNUAL

HIGH SCHOOL ART SHOW EXHIBIT: Feb 5March 3

68 Boundary Street, Martin Family Park

RECEPTION: 3-5pm, Feb 11 Bluffton HS, May River HS, Cross School

• FRESH PRODUCE • SPECIALTY FOODS • PREPARED FOODS

FEATURING ART FROM:

A Nonprofit Organization Serving Our Community With Pride

6 CHURCH STREET • OLD TOWN BLUFFTON SOBAGALLERY.COM

ENJOY LIVE MUSIC & SEATING AT THE HEYWARD HOUSE