The Hilton Head Sun • April 3, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

Bluffton, HHI Explore Options to Resolve Workforce Housing Shortfalls

for a one-bedroom apartment over $2,000 a month, workers of moderate to lower-moderate incomes have essentially been priced out of the market, creating a crisis for affordable housing

HUD defines affordable housing as that in which an occupant pays no more than 30% of their gross income for housing-including utilities. Wages and salaries can’t keep pace with the housing market here leaving the island’s essential workers in education, healthcare, hospitality, and emergency response either housing cost burdened, facing long commutes, or relocating out of the area as affordable workforce housing moves farther away.

All these factors present an imminent threat to the quality of life on the island and its ability to maintain a sustainable workforce. Local businesses are understaffed, and residents and visitors alike face longer wait times and inconveniences. The hospitality and leisure industry, the island’s lifeblood, has been especially

“The future sustainability of business on Hilton Head Island depends on the availability of a diverse workforce and long-term affordable housing is the critical component to support that workforce,” said Alan Wolf, President of SERG Restaurant Group.

BY SHANNON COPCUTT AND TERESA FITZGIBBONS

On Hilton Head Island, the period between 2020-2023 saw the median single family home price double on the island to over a million dollars, according to Missy Luick, director of planning for the Town of Hilton Head Island. And with an average rent

Hilton Head faces some unique challenges when addressing workforce housing. An estimated 7,000 of the town’s 34,000 housing units are short-term rentals, a number that is likely to increase as more and more investors convert existing housing units into short-term rentals or higher end housing. The size of the area’s second home market, seasonal populations flows, the limited amount of land for new development, and daily traffic delays on the bridge, combined with low inventory and economic shutdowns and supply chain issues following COVID continue to drive prices upward.

“There’s a shortfall in the range of pricing,” said Luick. “We

More Orthopedi c Care

BEAUFORT MEMORIAL EXPANDS ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALISTS OKATIE OFFICE

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To better serve the growing demand for orthopedic care in southern Beaufort County, Beaufort Memorial is doubling the number of providers seeing patients in the Okatie Orthopaedic Specialists office.

EDWARD R. BLOCKER, MD

Board-certified in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Blocker has been a member of the Beaufort Memorial medical staff since 1998 and currently serves as chief of the hospital’s orthopedic department. Dr. Blocker specializes in total replacement of the hip and knee. He is proficient in the use of state-of-the-art surgical techniques and technology, including the MAKO robotic joint replacement system, which aids precision fitting of joint implants and implant longevity.

Close to Home

Dr. Edward Blocker and physician assistants

Sarah Blau and Paul Schaefer are now seeing patients at the Okatie Medical Pavilion.

SARAH BLAU, PA-C

An experienced board-certified physician assistant and part of the Beaufort Memorial medical staff since 2020, Sarah Blau treats disorders of and injuries to bones and joints. She worked at the Beaufort Memorial Express Care & Occupational Health clinics prior to joining the orthopedic practice in early 2022. She holds a Master of Science in physician assistant studies and a Bachelor of Science in biology from Marietta College in Ohio.

PAUL SCHAEFER, PA-C

A graduate of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, boardcertified physician assistant Paul Schaefer treats knee and hip osteoarthritis, as well as hand/wrist pain and other concerns affecting bones and joints. Before joining Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists in 2016, he had been a physician assistant in primary care. The South Carolina native earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences at Clemson University.

Dr. Edward Blocker and physician assistants Sarah Blau and Paul Schaefer join Drs. Vandit Sardana and Kevin Jones, and nurse practitioner William Schreffler in the Okatie office.

We Belong to a Community of Givers

BY SHANNON COPCUTT Editor

I have realized in my time here, that the invisible backbone of this community is all of the “givers.” The many non-profit organizations and those who run them are a large part of what supports the town’s essential needs (many together with the town). And even those who aren’t on the board of a non-profit or foundation give their time, effort, and money in some way whenever possible.

These nonprofit groups, ranging from food banks and homeless shelters to educational programs and environmental conservation initiatives, work tirelessly to fill the gaps that governmental and private sectors cannot address alone. They draw their lifeblood from an array of revenue sources, each essential to sustaining their missions. At the forefront are donations from individuals who, moved by their caus-

es, contribute what they can to support their efforts. These personal donations, big and small, reflect our commitment to the community’s wellbeing and future.

Grants from foundations and government entities are an other crucial lifeline. Just in this issue alone, we have stories about the var ious ways in which this community gives– the His toric Preservation Grant, the Heritage Classic Foundation, Palmetto Animal League, Commu nity Foundation, the Foundation for Educational Excellence and more.

These funds, often awarded after an arduous application process, support specific projects, family needs and students’ futures, often changing the lives of locals.

Corporate sponsorships also play a significant role, as businesses seek to give back to their communities and align them-

selves with positive social values. These partnerships can provide nonprofits with financial support, in-kind donations, or expertise, all while helping companies fulfill their corporate social responsibility goals.

Fundraising events, from charity galas to community runs, not only raise money but also increase awareness of the nonprofits’ work. Of late we have seen several special occasions that have recognized these individuals and companies including the Golden Oyster Awards by the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber Ball by the Hilton Head/Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. And coming up, of course is the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament, which raises a formidable sum of money through various charities that is doled out locally, benefitting our area. All these events

strengthen community bonds and encourage ongoing support.

This multifaceted approach to funding ensures that nonprofits can continue to serve as our community’s safety net, innovators, and advocates. Their importance cannot be overstated; they not only address immediate needs but also work towards long-term solutions for societal challenges. We are lucky to live in a community where giving is a part of our story. I have lived in several towns that said they were on board with helping those in need, but never followed through with such gusto and commitment as this community.

Through their efforts, nonprofits remind us that progress is possible when a community comes together to support its most vulnerable members. Their story is a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring spirit of giving. Their story is one of resilience, innovation, and profound impact.

Current

Celebrating Tradition and Impact: RBC Heritage Week on Hilton Head Island

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Contributors

Abby Bird

Rep. Jeff Bradley

Amy Coyne Bredeson

Chip Collins

Lisa Hostetler Brown

Collins Doughtie

Dr. Mathew T. Epps

Dr. Ronald Finger

Luke Gawronski

Dr. Jean Harris

Channing Heiss

Kenneth Horup

Dr. Oswald Mikell

Alan Perry

Lindsay Perry

Dan Prud’homme

Anita Stephens

Mark Winn

BY ALAN PERRY Contributor

April 15 marks the kickoff of an exciting 7-day period on Hilton Head Island: the start of RBC Heritage Week. Now in its 56th year, this annual golf tournament (presented by Boeing) has grown in stature thanks to the PGA TOUR designating it as a “signature event.” It’s one of only eight events on the tour schedule and the sole one held in South Carolina.

This prestigious designation brings several enhancements: a smaller, higher-caliber field

(between 70 and 80 golfers on tour are guaranteed a spot) and a prize purse totaling $20 million. Spectators can expect to see top golfers who would typically skip the Harbour Town course compete on the course’s tight fairways and fast greens.

This monetary windfall extends beyond the players. Golf enthusiasts, fans, and other visitors from around the nation descend on Hilton Head Island for a week of great food, entertainment, and golf. The tournament’s legacy and the Island’s beauty have made it a must-see event that boosts the state’s economy by $102 million.

However, the greatest beneficiaries are local charities and students, courtesy of the Heritage Classic Foundation. Through the tournament’s pro-

ceeds, the foundation has donated $51.74 million to charities in South Carolina and Georgia and $5.4 million to aid 386 high school seniors. A few weeks ago, the foundation awarded scholarships to the newest recipients. I am so proud of them and thrilled that a foundation based in our community continues that legacy of giving back and uplifting students.

In addition, many of the vendors you see on the course selling food and beverages represent local schools and charities. They take time away from their jobs and other commitments to support the tournament. They, too, benefit from the tournament as they earn thousands of dollars to support their programs and people in need right here in Beaufort County.

While the world is watching (the RBC Heritage is broadcast in 27 languages to more than 200 countries), it’s the difference that the tournament is making here at home that makes it a “can’t miss” event for folks around our area, even if you care more about the hospitality tent than the leaderboard. So, amidst the temporary inconveniences like increased traffic and crowded restaurants during RBC Heritage Week, it’s important to remember the legacy and substantial financial benefits that endure long after the tournament concludes.

Happy Heritage, everyone!

Alan Perry, Mayor of Town of Hilton Head Island

Melissa McCullough PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-9507, 843-757-9506 (fax)

Dear Editor,

As a fairly new resident of Bluffton, I have quickly come to hold dear our hometown newspaper.

In an age dominated by fast-paced digital news, the Bluffton Sun/Hilton Head has become, for me, a steadfast symbol of authenticity and genuine storytelling. Your commitment to capturing the uniqueness of Bluff-

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

ton life is evident in every page, creating a collage of shared experiences that binds us together as a community.

What I personally look forward to each week, and find so uniquely special about the Bluffton Sun, is its commitment to celebrating the local heroes in our midst. Whether it’s profiling local businesses, highlighting community in-

teractions, or showcasing the achievements of our local residents, The Bluffton Sun truly reflects the heartbeat of the area and its people. I believe that this newspaper serves as a unifying force, reminding us that, despite our differences, we are all integral threads in the vibrant tapestry of Bluffton. It gives its residents a sense of community, belonging and hope.

The newspaper gives our town a reliable source of not just information, but inspiration, connecting us in ways that go beyond headlines.

Thank you for being the storytellers of our community, sharing narratives that resonate in our hearts long after we read them.

Sincerely,

Jennifer McKuhen

Alan Perry

New SC Budget Package Includes Tax Credits and Caution

BY JEFF BRADLEY Contributor

Much of the final weeks of March in the SC House was devoted to assessing and voting on various aspects of the new budget for South Carolina. My colleagues in the House approved by a 104-15 bipartisan vote a $13.2 billion spending plan that includes $500 million in property tax relief, $100 million to continue long-term income tax credits, and another $200 million towards bridges and infrastructure.

These popular budget recommendations now move over to the Senate where I expect they will receive heavy scrutiny into April.

Our House budget proposes more than

$1.4 billion in direct tax relief. That onetime $500 million property tax credit provides an average credit of $359 per home. Additionally, individual income taxes would be reduced by $100 million more. This along with the income tax cuts from the past two years will total over $800 million in tax reductions for South Carolina residents.

Our ability to provide these tax relief initiatives is largely because South Carolina has been booming over the past five years. We have become one of the fastest-growing states in the nation. Just look at our own county. People are moving here, new businesses are starting here, and tourists are flocking to our area. And we are not alone. Other South Carolina areas like Greater Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Greenville/Spartanburg, Aiken/ North Augusta, and even Columbia are seeing unprecedented growth.

Beyond the good climate and natural

resources of South Carolina, our more recent business environment along with taxpayer-friendly policies have been making South Carolina a great place to live and do business.

As a result, our economy has thrived. And when the economy thrives the state budget grows. It is a sign that we are doing something right.

However, we must be wary of another side of this growth. Although our booming economy has experienced large budget surpluses these past few years, which has allowed us to take care of many priorities and put much more money into education like teacher salaries and initiatives at all levels, some things have been starting to cool. And it should be a cautionary sign.

For example, the South Carolina Lottery is down $48 million from 2022, and our general fund total in this year’s budget is less than a year ago. That makes me

realize that the post-COVID boom is waning, and we should begin resetting expectations to more normal levels.

I have a colleague in the Statehouse who often speaks to elementary school children in his district. He typically asks them if they have ever heard their parents say: “It’s free, the government will pay for it? He says most of the kids agree. And they are shocked when he then says the government has NO MONEY! – pointing out that the government only has your parents’ money, which they pay through taxes.

It’s a truism not everyone grasps. Taxpayers pay and the government spends. But we must be vigilant. Tables can be turned.

Jeff Bradley is the representative for District 123 in the State House of Representatives.

Jeff Bradley

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Local Young Astronauts Club Visits NASA

BY AMY COYNE BREDESON Contributor

A group of young astronauts from River Ridge Academy just returned from a mission to Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, FL.

This was River Ridge STEM teacher Marlayna Tracy’s 19th field trip with the Young Astronauts Club to NASA’s main launch site. This year, she took 130 students, teachers, and chaperones to the center, where they spent two days learning all about space and NASA.

The group got to tour the facility, experience space simulators, work on several STEM-based projects, meet an astronaut and sleep under the Saturn V rocket.

“One of the coolest things is that the kids don’t even realize just how impactful it is or what they’ve done, what they’re seeing until later on,” Tracy said.

Years later, Tracy’s students come back to visit and talk about how cool the NASA trip was. She said her former students have gone on to become engineers, pilots, and STEM teachers.

Tracy teaches Lego Lab STEM to students in kindergarten through fourth grade at River Ridge and runs the school’s Young Astronauts Club.

The club is open to fifth-grade students who maintain As and Bs and have no referrals or violations. The club starts meeting during the second quarter of each school year and culminates with a trip to the space center at the end of February or beginning of March.

The students meet before school once a week and learn a different principle of flight each week. They learn about the solar system, the history of aeronautics, the history of NASA and space exploration, and why astronauts are needed.

Club members complete various science and engineering projects and participate in fun events like the annual Egg Drop and a Water Bottle Rocket Launch.

When Tracy first began teaching, a Young Astronauts Club at the school

where she worked in Charleston piqued her interest and inspired her to eventually start the club at other schools.

Tracy started the program at Okatie Elementary School, where she taught for 10 years before moving over to River Ridge. Now in her eighth year of teaching at River Ridge, the Young Astronauts Club is still going strong at both schools, and Tracy’s involvement has had a ripple effect on local schools.

Teachers who Tracy worked with in the past have started clubs at their current schools. Now students at Bridges Preparatory School, Cross Schools and Hilton Head Christian Academy get the chance to learn about space and take a field trip to the space center.

Tracy hopes her students will always take the time to look around and see what’s going on around them. She encourages them to go outside at night to watch launches from Cape Canaveral, which can be seen from Bluffton on a clear night. She lets them know when they can see the international space station, or when there will be an eclipse or something else interesting to see in the sky.

“The biggest thing that I love is that I get to introduce children to something that they probably would not have known anything about before,” Tracy said. “And for many of them, I sparked their interest to just even explore, to think about something bigger and greater.”

SUBMITTED BY TRACY MARLAYNA

A group of 130 students, teachers and chaperones recently visited the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.

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100

HERITAGE

Everything You Need to Know About the Upcoming RBC Heritage

BY DR. JEAN HARRIS Contributor

The RBC Heritage Golf Tournament is the most highly anticipated week on Hilton Head Island, and has been for the last 56 years, when professional golfers play the Harbour Town Golf Links in The Sea Pines Resort. This year’s event is being held April 15 – 21, and thousands of people are expected to descend upon our area to watch the popular sporting competition unfold. Last year, the event was attended by 116,00 people.

The RBC Heritage is one of only eight Signature Events happening this year. In the past the field had 132 players with a cut after 36 holes so, you may not have seen your favorite player on the weekend. The field is approximately 76 of the top players

with no cut after 36 holes. You will see the best players at this event including, Rory, Scottie, Jordan, Ricky and more. Matt Fitzpatrick is the defending champion. The total purse is $20 million with the winner taking home $3.6 million.

However, the limited field also limits sponsor exemptions. Therefore, several of the RBC ambassadors and past champions

may not be in the field.

Angela McSwain, director of marketing and communications of the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament told me everything you need to know about going to the tournament. This year’s event is sold out of Friday and Saturday tickets. I asked her how you decide how many tickets you can sell?

“The Harbour Town Golf Links is one of

the smallest golf courses played on the PGA TOUR. We want everyone to be able to get up close to the ropes to see their favorite golfers. We don’t want them to have to wait in long lines for buses, concessions, or restrooms. We want our sponsors and spectators to have a great time,” she explained. Complementary parking is available at Honey Horn and free shuttles are also available from Coligny Beach Parking lot. There is no spectator parking inside Sea Pines. Special assistance golf carts are available from Harbour Town to locations across the golf course. Bicycle parking is available inside Sea Pines at the tennis courts. Ride share and taxies have a drop-off location at the shops at Sea Pines Center.

RBC HERITAGE CONT. ON PAGE 16A

The RBC Heritage Golf Tournament is one of the most highly anticipated weeks of the year in our area. This year it will be held April 15-21 at Harbour Town Golf Links in The Sea Pines Resort.

RBC Heritage Brings Deluge of Charitable Donations To Area

BY ANITA STEPHENS Contributor

While many love the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament for its sport, pomp and plaid, there is one more very important reason to love the tournament. It is perhaps the most overlooked and best part of The RBC Heritage for the local area. It is in fact the astounding amount of charitable donations the Heritage Classic Foundation, the tournament’s host, so generously returns to those in need within the Lowcountry community.

These donations make the event a champion in its own right. Last year’s tournament proceeds enabled $2.914 million to be distributed to organizations, medical institutions and school scholarships. Since 1987, nearly $52.9 million has been distributed throughout South Carolina and Georgia to various causes, according to the RBC Heritage.

One of the outstanding contributions the HCF makes to our area is its high

school and college scholarships, which it directly funds, to graduating seniors throughout Beaufort County. The scholarships were recently awarded to 11 outstanding Beaufort and Jasper County seniors, who were named Heritage Classic Foundation scholars for the 2023-2024 school year. The students come from five different high schools (including for the first time a student from a Jasper County Public School).

sures and aids many charitable causes,” said Angela McSwain, RBC Heritage marketing and communications director. “Other golf tournaments may choose to focus on a single charitable recipient. The RBC Heritage Tournament’s depth of giving outpaces any other event on the roster.”

made by the Tartan Club. Created by the Heritage Classic Foundation, the Tartan Club is a group made up of individuals throughout the community who share a desire to help others through the awarding of scholar grants for area students.

The Kirby Scholarship, a one-year $4,000 scholar award, was created in memoriam of past Scholar Committee chairman Ward Kirby and will be granted every year moving forward.

“Our signature, Tartan Plaid, continues to be a sustaining fabric that has been woven into the lives of so many people in our community. The Foundation’s outreach cloaks the Lowcountry in a wide range of philanthropic mea-

Six of the newly named scholars will receive a $16,000 scholarship over the next four years. Four additional awards carry a $20,000 opportunity. Two of the latter scholarships honor Scholar Committee chairmen who have passed, John Zimmerman and Mike Malanick. One honors the late Scholar Committee member Charlie Brown, and the Tartan Club Award recognizes the donations

Experience

Next fall, a total of 43 Beaufort and Jasper County collegians will be attending school and will have received Foundation grants at an expenditure of $200,000. A total of $5.4M will have been awarded to 386 students after the 2024 distribution.

In addition to 11 scholarships, the Foundation is funding four $2,500 annual scholarships to the University of South

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RBC Heritage Winner Clad in No Ordinary Plaid

Much like the winner of the Master’s Golf Tournament who is ceremoniously cloaked with the coveted green jacket upon victory, the RBC Heritage Golf Classic rewards its winner with a custom tartan plaid jacket. The winning jacket is as iconic as the red and white Harbour Town lighthouse which has also been seen to be draped in plaid during tournament days to celebrate the event. The unique thing about the plaid used in creating the RBC Tournament winner’s jacket is that it is a registered, customized and one-of-a-kind design. This is no ordinary plaid.

More than 7,000 Scottish plaids are registered and on official record in The National Archives of Scotland. Within those archives, resides a registry of plaid patterns known as “tartan” along with their associated clans or groups held by The Scottish Register of Tar-

tans. The registry serves to preserve history as well as to register new designs.

Each tartan plaid contains characteristics and a special weave which separates it from others. Every design has an association and is representative of a group of individuals, whether ancient or current. The RBC Heritage Tournament’s plaid is officially registered as “Tartan of the Heritage.” Each year the fabric used to make the champion and trustee jackets is imported from Kinlich, Scotland.

Although the official plaid fabric is not available for purchase by the general public because of its exclusivity, spectators are encouraged to celebrate the event by wearing red plaid while attending the tournament. The tournament’s website, www.rbcheritage. com also offers plenty of official “plaid swag” to outfit the Plaid Nation of revelers.

CHARITABLE FROM PAGE 12A

Carolina Beaufort and two $1,500 annual scholarships to the Technical College of the Lowcountry. THE FOLLOWING GRADUATING SENIORS WERE SELECTED:

Battery Creek: Zoe Way

Bluffton High School: Aiden Harvey

Beaufort High School: Noah Henry, Annabelle Nelson, Nathan Tran, James Guerin Willis

Hilton Head Island High School: Jhasly Berra, Anthony Bynum, Susana Mogil, Evelyn Prokes

Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence: Lamika Walker

At the heart of the Heritage

Classic Foundation is a history of philanthropic giving that goes far beyond golf. Millions in donations have been distributed to educational and charitable initiatives that lift lives in South Carolina. For more information, call 843-671-2448, visit heritageclassicfoundation.com, or find us on Facebook (Heritage Classic Foundation) and Twitter (@HCFGolf).

The Heritage Classic Foundation accepts registration from verified 503 (c) organizations who apply to its charity roster. An approved organization receives an additional 20% added to donated funds from contributions initiated through the Foundation.

All tickets are digital, and it is recommended that spectators save their tickets in their mobile phone’s wallet. You will show your phone at the gate, and they will scan your phone and give you a paper ticket to wear at all times on the course. Safety and well-being are a priority, and all individuals are subject to security screening. A list of prohibited items is on rbcheritage.com.

Please note that your phone must be always on silent so as not to disturb the game. You can use your phone for video and photos. Texting is permitted and phone calls are allowed only in designated areas.

Autographs of your favorite golfers can be obtained in designated areas, not during play on the golf course. Most players will give autographs after they finish their rounds.

A merchandise pavilion is located be-

tween the 1st tee and 9th fairway. There are concessions available in eight areas on the course. The Heritage Lawn, located just past the 16th green and along the 18th fairway is a great place to be. There are merchandise tents, restaurants, sponsors booths, games for the kids and more.

For great entertainment and awesome golf, the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament is the place to be. If you can’t get a ticket, the tournament is available to watch on TV on The Golf Channel and CBS and across 200+ countries and territories in 27 languages.

For more information, you can go to the RBC Heritage Tournament website at www.rbcheritage.com.

Dr. Jean Harris, LPGA Master Professional, Teaches at Pinecrest Golf Course Jean.golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com

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WORKFORCE

FROM PAGE 1A

need housing to be available at all price points to accommodate our workforce. We have a resort-based economy, and we rely on the service sector to provide for our 3.1 million visitors a year.”

In 2022, the Town of Hilton Head Island adopted its Workforce Housing Framework, a comprehensive approach aimed at equipping municipal leaders with effective strategies and tactics to meet the growing demand for workforce housing. Since then, the Town has established a Workforce Housing Action Committee, hired Quincy White as its first Chief Housing Officer, created a Displacement Mitigation Support Program, and has partnered with a private developer to build workforce housing units on town owned land with half of the units reserved for those making less than 80% of the area’s median income. The Town also recently approved MOUs (Motions of Understanding) with two local non-profits –Habitat for Humanity and the Coastal

Community Development Corporation (CCDC), paving the way for potential funding and access to town staff. If funding is made available, it will be derived from the state’s accommodations tax levied on overnight visitors.

“Home ownership brings stability to communities,” said Brenda Dooley, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry. “Habitat has traditionally served lower income families, but we are now seeing lower-middle and even middle-income families facing the same housing challenges.” The organization completed 34 homes on land donated by the Town in 2022 and is seeking $500,000 in funding.

The CCDC seeks to preserve local workforce housing by purchasing existing homes in the region and renting them to local workers with rental rates determined by household income. They focus on workers across the spectrum earning between 50%-150% of the area’s median income. Deed restrictions protect the property as affordable for 99 years and renters who are vested for three years may have the opportunity to purchase

these units.

“This is a possible antidote to the problem of investors flipping workforce housing into short-term rentals or high-end homes,” said Alan Wolf, Board Chairman of the CCDC.

Bluffton Faces Similar Challenges

As Bluffton’s growth explodes, the prices of single-family homes here have also skyrocketed. And this does not bode well for the area’s workforce, who have not experienced increases in wages to coincide with the higher costs of living in our area. In fact, as this wave of gentrification continues to spread, it has forced some long-time residents and low-income families to seek residence elsewhere, creating an even worse strain on our workforce.

According to the HHMLS, there were approximately 2,204 single-family homes that were sold in the Town of Bluffton in 2019, at a median sale price of $316,583, with an average of 78 days on the market. However, in 2023, there were 1,820 homes sold in the Town of Bluffton, at a median sale price of $540,000, with an average of just 50 days on the market.

And the area continues to get more cost

prohibitive every day. According to Chip Collins, owner of Collins Group Realty, there are currently 398 homes for sale in the Town of Bluffton. That said, excluding homes listed for sale over $500,000, and excluding homes that are in age-restricted communities such as Sun City, “there are just 85 homes currently available for sale in Bluffton,” he explained.

In response to the increasing number of residents and businesses, the town is exploring ways to attract and keep workers in the area and has its eye on providing quality affordable housing.

In 2022 the Town of Bluffton entered a public-private partnership with Workforce State of Mind, LLC to use the parcel at 1095 May River Road as the site of future workforce housing. This project, which will be comprised of up to a dozen homes, currently in the development planning stage, with plans to move on soon to the next phase.

“We are getting through our final checklist items now,” noted Kevin Icard,

Since

mind by keeping them comfortable in their own homes.

years, we’ve remained as locally minded as ever—through good times and not-so-good times.

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director of growth management for the Town of Bluffton regarding the 1095 project. “We have gotten our town permits and are now waiting on an encroachment permit for road access,” he said.

Thursday, May 2

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Friday, May 3

7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Saturday, May 4 noon– 4 p.m.

On Saturday, May 4, we will livestream the business portion of our Annual Meeting, beginning at 5 p.m. Members will be able to watch the business meeting, online ONLY, at palmetto.coop or Palmetto Electric's Facebook page.

As far as efforts in the Bluffton area, Icard explained that the 1095 project is just one part of a multi-pronged approach the town is taking, which also includes educating groups to help with problem in the private sector, education on state tax credits to assist where possible and a Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) for income qualified individuals to help keep people in their housing by offering assistance on minor home repairs.

NAP, created in 2016, initially aimed to help generational residents in the Simmonsville/Buckhead Island area, but has since helped many low-income residents from all over the Town of Bluffton stay in their homes.

Anyone within the town who meets income qualifications can apply for NAP,

which has its own budget. The budget for the fiscal year 2024 was approved at $250,000, which was submitted by town staff and approved by the town council as part of the Town’s budget. A few adjustments were made and so the fiscal year the budget ended up being $304,000, said Smalls. So far, this fiscal year (since June 2023) the town has assisted 39 residents with various home projects aimed at keeping them in their homes long term. Projects include but are not limited to things such as hazard cleanup, tree removal, septic cleanout and more.

“We are happy to be able to assist income qualifying families within the town of Bluffton,” said Victoria Smalls, workforce and affordable housing manager for Town of Bluffton. Currently, the NAP has a balance of $16,461 to continue to help residents until the end of the fiscal year, when a new budget will be approved.

Both Bluffton and Hilton Head Island continue to explore new ways to keep lower income families here to help with the workforce problem currently facing our area.

Land Use Meeting To Discuss Future Planning On Island

Councilman Alex Brown invites residents to attend the Land Use and Future Planning meeting, which has been rescheduled to Friday, April 5 at the Rowing and Sailing Center on Squire Pope. Intelligent planning for the community’s future supports a strong quality of life for all Island citizens, he explained. Guest speakers for this Community Conversation will be Shawn Colin, Assistant Town Manager, Community Development; Missy Luick, Director of Planning and Quincy White, Chief Housing Officer. They will be talking about two important planning initiatives that the Town of Hilton Head Island is pursuing:

Land Use/Development

Several Districts of the Island will benefit greatly from planning to guide future land uses and development. The first ex-

ample is the Mid-Island District Plan and the second is the Marshes District. To see what’s happening with these plans, visit the Town website at: https://www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov/midisland/ and https://hiltonheadislandsc.gov/masterplan/districts/plans/DraftMarshesDistrictPlan.pdf.

Land Management Ordinance

Land Management Ordinance (LMO) addresses standards for development, design, natural resources, and the approval process. It’s important that those standards match up with our vision for the community’s future, so the Town is reviewing the LMO now. To keep up to date with this process, visit the Town website at: https://www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov/ lmo/

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HEALTH

Use Skin Sense: It Protects Your Body, Determines Your Appearance

BY OSWALD LIGHTSEY MIKELL Contributor

The skin is the largest organ of the body and plays a very important role in protecting your body as it interfaces with the environment. Skin also determines your appearance. Taking proper care of your skin can keep it radiant for years to come and help defend against skin cancer and other conditions. Just as everyone has a family doctor, similarly, everyone should have their own dermatologist. And quite frankly, who knows your skin better than a dermatologist? From skin checks to product recommendation, dermatologists are in the forefront of technology, providing total skin care.

Q: What is a dermatologist?

A: A dermatologist is a qualified medical specialist who, through additional training, has obtained postgraduate qualifications to specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of skin disease (Hair, skin, and nails) and skin cancers. Dermatologists treat patients of all ages, from babies and children to adolescents and adults.

Q: What do dermatologists specialize in?

A: Dermatologists treat all disorders of the skin, hair, and nails. These include problems such as skin cancer, acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, dry/oily skin, dandruff, warts, dermatitis, moles, rashes, sun damage, wrinkles, pigmentation problems, hair loss, skin infections, and several other conditions.

Q: When should I visit a dermatologist?

A: If you are having any type of skin, hair, or nail problem, you should consult a dermatologist. Dermatologists are specially trained

to treat these conditions.

Q: Does insurance cover treatment I may receive at a dermatologist’s office?

A: Insurance coverage varies with each treatment or medication you may receive from your dermatologist, but most insurance groups cover general dermatological procedures and medications.

Q: How do I know if my child needs to see a dermatologist?

A: A physician should examine any rash that accompanies an illness. Furthermore, any rash that steadily worsens or spreads should also receive medical attention.

Q: What should I know about my teen’s acne?

A: Acne affects most teens, but it is not a life-threatening condition though the lesions associated with the condition are upsetting and can be disfiguring. It is important to seek treatment for your teen as there are many options available to reduce the embarrassment and scarring associated with acne.

Q: What causes warts, and can a dermatologist treat them?

A: Warts are a viral condition, usually skin-colored and feel rough to the touch. Warts can grow anywhere on the skin, but most often occur on the hands. Treatment may include freezing or removing the wart, topical medications, or injection.

Almost everyone’s skin can be improved –dermatologists are experts at treating pigmentation, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, blocked pores, and most importantly pre-cancerous lesions.

Call Dermatology Associates of the Lowcountry today and schedule a consult today (843) 689-5259 or 843-705-0840

Dr. Oswald Mikell, MD certified by the American Board of Dermatology and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, is the owner of Dermatology Associates of the Lowcountry.

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HHI’s Sea Turtle Nesting Season About To Begin

BY CHANNING HEISS Contributor

Members of the Hilton Head Sea Turtle Patrol, along with many marine wildlife enthusiasts, are counting the days until the popular amphibians arrive at their second home for the 2024 sea turtle nesting season which runs from May to October. They will host a kickoff celebration on May 11 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Celebration Park on Hilton Head to usher in the season and to celebrate Mother’s Day. The theme for this year is “The Next Generation.”

Hilton Head Sea Turtle Patrol was founded to protect the sea turtles and educate the public about the species. The first-ever conservation effort was initiated on the island in 1981 by Nancy Polk Weckhorst. The Hilton Head Sea Turtle Patrol is the only permitted turtle conservation organization on the island and is not affiliated with Turtle Trackers, another area organization focused on the sea turtles.

According to Amber Kuehn, lead manager of the nonprofit organization and its

stewardship effort, they are expecting a season of about 300 nests with the hope of up to 400.

“We’re expecting (hatching success) around 70 percent,” Kuehn said. “It’s gotten better after we saw a low year in 2021.”

The collection of eggs laid by a sea turtle is called a clutch and they can lay many clutches in a season. They take a break of a couple of years between their nesting seasons.

Kuehn, her colleagues, and many volunteers have spent season after season checking and protecting nests, counting nests and eggs, and occasionally even helping the turtles in the nesting process. Beach etiquette rules championed by Kuehn are designed to maximize the safety of the already risky natural process of turtles finding their way to the beach past marine predators such as sharks, moving up the beach to nest amid land predators hunting for the eggs, and their hatchlings

Sea turtle hatchlings race towards the sea.

SEA

William Raveis Celebrates Milestone 50 Years in Business

William Raveis celebrates 50 years of luxury service and William Raveis Day at its 50th annual convention. William Raveis leadership team, l-r: Chris Raveis, President of Residential Sales, Bill Raveis Founder & Chairman, and Ryan Raveis, President of William Raveis Mortgage.

William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage, and Insurance commemorated its 50th anniversary at the company’s annual convention last week. Three generations of the Raveis family, distinguished guests, and more than a thousand William Raveis’ sales associates, managers, and

employees from Maine to Florida joined the 50th awards celebration.

The journey to success started in 1974, when 27-year-old William “Bill” Raveis, Jr. opened the first real estate office above a grocery store in his hometown of Fairfield, CT. William Raveis is now the number one privately-held real estate company in the Northeast, Florida, and South Carolina. CT Governor Ned Lamont recently honored the company founded in Connecticut, for their contributions to the communities they serve proclaiming, “I, Ned Lamont, Governor of the State of Connecticut – in tribute to the impact of William Raveis, our nation, and in celebration of the many opportunities this company has given to the Connecticut residents and our greater communities – on this day of Wednesday, March 27, 2024, I proclaim it to be William Raveis Day in the State of Connecticut.”

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Regarding the statement Bill Raveis said, “The Governor’s Proclamation is a testament to all the dedicated sales associates, managers, and employees at William Raveis. It is extremely rewarding to have helped millions of homeowners for 50 years.” He added, “Giving back to our communities and contributing to the economy is the right thing to do.” William Raveis is well known for supporting local and national non-profit organizations like Damon Runyon and Dana-Farber and through the William Raveis Charitable Fund, they have raised over $4 million for cancer research.

William Raveis, with Bill as the Chairman, and sons, Chris, and Ryan Raveis as co-Presidents, has grown and expanded even when others have pulled back. The trio shares a commitment to growth, innovation, and expansion for the future. Additionally, each member of the William

Raveis leadership team is a nationally certified Strategic Growth Coach and Mentor; thereby helping agents achieve the highest levels of career success. The groundbreaking business model serves as the foundation of their family-oriented company.

The company has experienced global recognition, including winning Top Brokerage 2023 by Inman; Top 100 in the World by Luxury Lifestyle Awards; Overall Winner 2022 HGTVs Ultimate House Hunt, and voted #1 Broker in the World by Luxury Portfolio International®. For a half century, William Raveis has steadily grown to over 4,500 agents, and 140 offices in nine states (CT-FL-MA-ME-NH-NY-RISC-VT). William Raveis is a family-owned company offering clients comprehensive real estate, mortgages, and insurance under one roof.

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HEALTH Dental Implants Offer Ideal Solution for Missing Teeth

BY MATTHEW MASTROROCCO, DMD Contributor

I placed my first dental implant 17 years ago and have always found it to be an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth because of injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. Implants are stronger than actual teeth, can last a lifetime, and appear incredibly natural.

Consisting of a metal post that acts as artificial tooth roots, an implant is surgically positioned into the jaw. It bonds with the natural bone and, when it has had time to heal, it creates a strong base for artificial teeth, called crowns, to be attached to the post. It doesn’t require full sedation and is a very common in-office procedure. Most people experience very minimal discomfort.

An implant is such an efficient alter-

native to a bridge when a tooth cannot be saved because they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support. While they cost a bit more, implants last longer and offer a single tooth solution to a single tooth problem, rather than having to drill down into adjacent teeth to make a bridge. Bridges break down over time due to the stress on adjacent teeth.

Dental implants are also the only dental restoration that preserves natural bone and stimulates bone growth to prevent future bone damage.

People who are healthy enough to undergo other dental procedures like tooth extraction and have healthy gums and adequate bone to support dental implants are good candidates. You must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly as these are critical to their long-term success. Treatment typically takes three-toeight months, and the result can last a lifetime if sourced from high quality materials.

Matthew Mastrorocco, DMD is the owner and founder of ROC Dental Group.

Matthew Mastrorocco, DMD

A dental implant offers a lifetime solution for missing teeth.

Seek Skill, Experience When Considering Hair Loss Replacement

BY DR. RONALD FINGER Contributor

1. What causes hair loss? The most common cause is genetics. Other causes are hormonal, such as thyroid imbalances, stress, or excess testosterone causing an increase in DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Many men taking steroids have increases in DHT which can cause permanent hair loss. In men genetic hair loss is called Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) and in women Female Pattern Baldness (FPB). Common causes in women are braids or tight hair pulled back causing Traction Alopecia or harsh chemical treatments.

2. Non-surgical treatments are minoxidil 5% (Rogaine) foam or solution, and in men Finasteride, a prescription medication that prevents increases in DHT. Often both are used together to reduce hair loss. Another excellent product is Spectral-DNC spray, which reduces DHT topically.

We are now using Exosome scalp injections which contain many more growth factors than PRP. With PRP, blood must be drawn from the patient and processed to isolate the platelets which contain growth factors and then injected into the scalp. Injections are generally done annually. Often Exosome or PRP injections are used with hair transplants to prevent further hair-loss in the balding areas.

3. For women, hormones should be checked. If normal, they can try minoxidil 5% and/or Spectral sprays. For men and

women hair transplants are often the best choice.

4. Hair transplants: Hair grafts are removed from the back of the scalp where they are not destined to fall out and micro-grafted to the balding areas. These grafts usually grow hair for many decades.

5. What are the current hair transplant techniques? FUE (follicular unit extraction) involves removing 1-millimeter micro-grafts containing from 1 to 4 hair follicles (thus hairs) with a “punch.” FUE grafts require no sutures and leave no visible scars in the back of the scalp. FUT (follicular unit transplant) removes the grafts by removing a hair-bearing strip of scalp, closing the defect with sutures, and dividing the strip into the same 1mm grafts as with the FUE. FUT is faster and only a strip of scalp needs to be shaved, but it does leave a minimal scar hidden by

hair. With the “strip” more grafts can be taken and all from the densest area of the scalp. Hair is not cut in the recipient site.

6. What is NeoGraft? Automated FUE technique allowing a greater number of grafts than manual FUE.

The most important factors? The skill and experience of those performing the grafts. The hairline must be designed naturally, placed in the proper direction, and the grafts must be single hair follicle grafts for a totally natural hairline. Behind the hairline, grafts with two to four follicles are used for more density.

Expectations? Grafted hair starts growing at three months. Full density is 1 1/2 years. Generally, it is permanent.

E. Ronald Finger, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon with offices in Savannah and Bluffton. fingerandassociates.com, www.

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BY CHANNING HEISS Contributor

Bluffton Self-Help has equipped locals for years to become self-sufficient and successful. The Zonta Club of Hilton Head continues to champion and spotlight strong women. The Boys and Girls Club and the Children’s Center are building the community of the future. Osprey Village is working toward maximizing the ability and inclusion of adults with developmental disabilities. Volunteers in Medicine continues to strengthen the community through wellness. For years, nonprofits have been helping other nonprofits here through grants and other collaborative efforts. Today, there are over 1,300 nonprofit organizations in and around Hilton Head and Bluffton.

This collaboration and grassroots advocacy put our area at the leading edge of what nonprofit experts see as among the key trends for 2024, as expressed recently by members of the Forbes Nonprofit Council, a group of industry leaders. The group came up with over a dozen predictions for the future of nonprofits. Our local nonprofits are already doing some of them. These predictions ranged from the high-tech in-

troduction of AI into fundraising, to the increased importance of soft skills and empowering narratives in the non-virtual world.

Together SC, the only organization in South Carolina focused exclusively on the nonprofit sector, cited several eye-opening pieces of data from a study on the impact of nonprofits in our state. Over 170,000 South Carolinians are employed by the nonprofit sector. Nonprofits make up the fifth largest industry sector in South Carolina, paying $6.5 billion in wages here. Together SC also reports unfilled staff positions are a concerning reality for many nonprofits in the state. While a lack of affordable and conveniently located workforce housing is a frequently cited factor in this, data also indicates that a lack of funds in many of these organizations makes it difficult to pay competitive salaries and can cause the nonprofit to lose workers to for-profit businesses. In February, Together SC hosted the annual Nonprofit Summit in Charleston featuring speakers and small group sessions addressing various aspects of the nonprofit field. The

Emily

Enjoyment on the Green Into the

BY DR. KEN HORUP Contributor

Golf is a timeless sport that offers physical, mental, and social benefits. For many players, the dream is not to play in their prime and retire, but to keep swinging those clubs well into their golden years. In my practice, I see 10+ golfers daily who want to keep their bodies going so they don’t lose that piece of their life. Let’s explore some strategies that can help you keep playing golf as long as your heart desires. One of the most crucial aspects of sustaining golf abilities is taking care of your body, specifically through injury prevention. With age comes a greater risk of muscle and joint

injuries. It is essential to incorporate regular stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine. Concentrate on your hips, shoulders, back, and knees. These areas are particularly important because the twist in a smooth golf swing requires flexibility and range of motion in these parts of the body. Just as running water does not freeze, keeping your joints “running” as best they can support longevity and decrease the risk of injuries. Whether you do this by yourself, consult with a physical therapist or a personal trainer, it is important to listen to your body’s weaknesses and develop a tailored fitness plan.

Secondly, if those injuries arise, it is important to listen to your body. It is easy to focus on your golf game and ignore signals that your body is trying to send you. The most common golf injuries I see are knee pain, lumbar pain, and balance issues. The

problem I find with nearly everyone is that people wait until the pain is too severe to tolerate to seek help. When someone pushes through pain, ignores the warning signs, and then decides to seek my help when the pain is too much to bear, it takes more time and effort to heal and correct. Respecting the body and its limits is crucial in prolonging golf activity. By consulting with a doctor as soon as there is a warning sign of pain, fixing your swing alignment, and maintaining fitness plans, you will shorten your recovery time and keep yourself in the game longer. Pain is not a yellow light, it’s a red light. If you experience pain or discomfort while playing, please don’t ignore it. As I like to say in my practice, “if it hurts, don’t do it!”

Lastly, golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. You may find your physical abilities declining with age, but your mental strength can continue to grow. Resilience, pa-

tience, and a positive attitude on the course will carry you far, even if you occasionally need to physically take a step back to let your body heal. I encourage you to work on accepting that not every shot will be perfect, but you can bounce back from both bogeys and injuries, with the right mental perspective. Low scores are great, but the true satisfaction should be just being out on the green.

With Heritage season right around the corner, the spirit of golf is all over the community. Golf is one of the most social aspects of the Hilton Head/Bluffton area, and we want to keep you a part of it. So, take preventative actions, listen to your body, consult with a doctor when you experience pain, and keep a positive attitude to savor every moment you have of your lifelong golf journey.

Dr. Ken Horup, DC, is a Chiropractic Physician at Discover Specific Chiropractic.

Dr. Ken Horup

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HEALTH

Medical Grade Retinol Creams Enhance Results

BY DR. MATHEW T. EPPS Contributor

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a popular ingredient in skin care products due to its ability to stimulate collagen production, repair photoaging, alleviate acne, and unclog pores. Medical grade retinol skin creams have been shown to be highly effective in improving the appearance of the skin.

One of the key benefits of medical grade retinol creams is that they contain a higher concentration of active ingredients than over-the-counter products. For example, while an over-the-counter retinol cream may contain 0.6% retinol, medical grade products such as SkinCeuticals and ZO Skin Health offer options with 1% retinol. This higher concentration allows for more dramatic results in a shorter period of time.

Another advantage of medical grade retinol creams is that they are backed by clinical research studies. In order to be classified as medical grade, a skin care product must have FDA oversight and be supported by clinical research studies demonstrating its efficacy. This ensures that medical grade retinol creams are not only effective, but also safe for use.

While there’s no specific age to start using retinol, it’s generally introduced into skincare routines around the age of 30 for its anti-aging benefits. However, retinol can be beneficial for younger individuals, especially for acne treatment. The decision to use retinol should be based on individual skin concerns rather than age alone. Those with sensitive skin may experience irritation, redness, or peeling when using retinol products. It is recommended to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase usage as tolerated. Additionally, retinol should not be used by women who are pregnant

or breastfeeding.

When comparing retinol to tretinoin, it is important to note that tretinoin is a prescription-strength retinoid that is typically used to treat acne and fine lines. Tretinoin is stronger than retinol and may be more effective in treating these conditions, but it can also be more irritating to the skin. Retinol, on the other hand, is available over the counter and is generally better tolerated by the skin.

Medical grade retinol creams offer several benefits for those looking to improve the appearance of their skin. With higher concentrations of active ingredients and clinical research backing their efficacy, medical grade retinol creams can be highly effective in stimulating collagen production, repairing photoaging, alleviating acne, and unclogging pores.

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

Dr. Mathew T. Epps

Using retinol can help repair photoaging, alleviate acne and unclog pores. It also helps stimulate collagen production.

Tap Into Expertise to Understand Your Money Mindset and Reach Financial Goals

BY LUKE GAWRONSKI Contributor

April is Financial Literacy Month and having a good money mindset to reach goals is probably more important than ever. The most important, yet most overlooked, component of financial literacy is learning to understand your underlying beliefs, or your mindset, around money. Becoming educated in any subject is not a final destination but a continuous journey. Your finances and how you handle them are very personal, and the subject matter is subjective. Mindset can shape how successful you are in making

the right financial decisions for yourself and your family.

Develop a positive money mindset.

Beliefs are your thoughts, usually stemming from a feeling. When you think about money, how do you feel? Excited about opportunities to earn and save more, or tense and anxious because decisions are so difficult, and you will never be comfortable financially.

Everyone has a relationship with money, no matter if you acknowledge the relationship or not. You either nurture the relationship or you neglect it. Pay close attention to your mindset around matters concerning your money. If negative thoughts and feelings arise when it is time to talk or take some financial action, it is time to make a change. Consider where the fixed beliefs are coming from,

acknowledge that they are limitations, and work to change them into something more positive and growth- focused.

Educate Yourself

Now that you are in a growth mindset about money, you need to seek as much information as possible to make the right decisions for you, your family, and/or your business.

Use the Internet.

Find a few credible websites or contributors to help you understand the components of money that you are unclear about. Follow the writing of those who resonate with you and track them on social media. You can learn a ton from Instagram stories, or from a simple Twitter post.

Take classes.

Virtually or in person, the amount of fi-

nancial education that is available is plentiful, and it is usually free. These classes should be taught by a licensed financial advisor or qualified academic. Learning from an advisor also gives you access to a professional who understands the technical aspects of money and investing, but who can also share real-world experience from working with clients.

Work with an advisor.

Working with a financial advisor is like working with a trainer at the gym, or a tutor in school or a consultant for your business. The professional advisor acts as a resource to help you get to where you want to go.

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LEGAL

Will or Trust: Important Facts to Know if You’re Considering These Legal Documents

BY LISA HOSTETLER BROWN Contributor

Concern: I already have a will, but my friends have told me I should have a trust.

How do I know what is best for me?

Advice: First, you need to understand what a will is and what a trust is to decide whether you need a trust to accomplish your goals.

A will is a legal document that is filed with the probate court when you die. This document tells the court who you would like to have manage and distribute your assets when you die (your “personal representative”), and it tells the court

who should get all your things (your “beneficiaries”). The court will mandate the publication of notice of your death in the newspaper calling for anyone who may have a claim against you to file it. All the paperwork that your Personal Representative files with the Probate Court will become part of the public record and can be researched by anyone who is interested in learning about your family, your assets, what your will said, and how distributions are made from your estate. Anything that passes through a will, does not avoid the probate process.

A trust is a legal document which creates a legal entity that can own things and provides the trustee of the trust with a series of rules to guide what should happen with the things the trust owns. Using the example of a revocable trust, this kind of trust is created by you, and you would be

the initial trustee as well as initial beneficiary. You will still have control over the assets you put into your trust, and, when you die, your successor trustee will simply step in as trustee and immediately distribute the trust assets to your beneficiaries. If you become sick or incapacitated, your Successor Trustee can step in and easily manage your affairs and pay for things you need. The trust does not need to be filed anywhere, and a trust is a private document.

Anything owned by a trust at the time of your death will avoid the probate process. If you want the process of your beneficiaries receiving their inheritance from you to be as easy as possible, then using a trust is an excellent option to accomplish those goals. But one thing is true for everyone, having a plan (and a trust) in place before you need it can make a world

of difference.

Lisa Hostetler Brown is the managing attorney for Elder Law and Estate Planning Center- A Division of LawyerLisa, LLC in Bluffton. Hiltonheadelderlaw.com

Lisa Hostetler Brown

Eligible Children Can Now Register for Full Day 4K

Potentially 21,000 eligible children in SC are not participating in the Child Early Reading and Development Education Program (CERDEP) funded through the state of South Carolina, based on a recent study published by the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee (EOC).

CERDEP is the umbrella term for state-funded, full day 4K in South Carolina. It includes First Steps 4K – held in private, non-public school centers, and CERDEP 4K – held in public schools.

CERDEP is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year for eligible students who must meet the following criteria: be four years old on or before Sept. 1, 2024, a South Carolina resident, eligible for Medicaid, free/reduced lunch or a SNAP/TANF recipient; homeless or transient, or in foster

care. Children who show delays in developmental readiness are also eligible.

“State-funded 4K is beneficial for kindergarten readiness for pupils in poverty, which is the target population of students identified as at-risk pursuant to Section 59-156-110 of the SC Code of Laws” the EOC’s annual CERDEP evaluation and report states.

Pupils in poverty who participate in CERDEP are more likely to demonstrate readiness on the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) than those pupils in poverty who did not participate, according to the report.

South Carolina’s investment in state-funded, full-day 4K continues to grow. $106,698,962 was spent on 4K for the 2022-23 Fiscal Year, which was the largest investment to date.

First Tee to Host 10th Anniversary Event

In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, the local chapter of First Tee-The Lowcountry is hosting a Community Leadership Awards Banquet to honor individuals who’ve significantly contributed to its development. Executive Director Pat Zuk emphasizes the importance of recognizing community support, particularly those who’ve made a lasting impact on the chapter’s growth.

be acknowledged for Responsibility.

The banquet will also celebrate Beaufort County Schools Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez with the Judgment award for integrating First Tee programs in 24 schools, and the Devlin Foundation, led by Bruce Devlin, for Courtesy, highlighting their exceptional support and opportunities provided to students.

Kim Likins, a pivotal figure in the chapter’s inception, will receive the Perseverance award for her efforts in securing government approvals, obtaining 501(c)3 status, and facilitating the construction of the Gumtree Rd. facility. Paul Caruso, celebrated for instilling confidence through solid programming as the first program director, will be honored for Confidence.

Herb Wehner, the Volunteer of the Year, is recognized for his honesty and dedication to the First Tee Community Program at Red Cedar Elementary, also earning him the Mike Davis Award. Clyde Johnston, renowned golf course designer and responsible for the chapter’s beautiful course, will

Colleton River Club and Long Cove Club will be recognized for Integrity and Respect, respectively, for their instrumental support and volunteer contributions. Ken and Joan Campbell will receive the Legacy Award for their foundational fundraising efforts and advisory roles.

Additionally, the Paul Caruso Award and Sportsmanship Participant of the Year will go to young Paul Morrell, lauded for his maturity and mentorship among peers.

The awards banquet, set for April 16 at Sea Pines Country Club, aims to honor these remarkable contributions, and celebrate a decade of success. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit firstteelowcountry.org/events or call 843-686-2680.

REAL ESTATE

Say Goodbye to $30 Billion in Real Estate Commissions for Sellers

BY LARRY STOLLER Contributor

On March 6, 2024, an article appeared in Fortune that was titled, “Roughly $30 billion could be slashed from real estate commissions; Fed economists pose solution to the ‘anomaly’ in the American housing market.”

Here are some key takeaways from that article:

• Americans pay about $100 billion in real estate commissions annually.

• The U.S. model for real estate commissions is puzzling compared to other systems abroad.

• On average, home sellers abroad pay less than 2% compared to 5.5% in the U.S.

• In many countries, home buyers purchase properties without representation.

• In the U.S. 87% of home buyers use an agent when purchasing a property.

• The above is a huge percentage when many buyers find their new homes online on their own.

• The current compensation model in the U.S. contributes to elevated home prices.

• Some economists believe that an “a la carte” model would reduce commissions by $30 billion.

• An a la carte model would require home buyers to pay their agents separately.

• Home buyers would pay for each task (or task package) that their buyer agent provides for them.

• Tasks include searching for homes, preparing offers, negotiating assistance, showing homes, etc.

• Under such a system, sellers would not have to pay commissions to buyer agents as they do now.

• Currently when a seller pays a 6% commission, it is usually split between listing and buyer agent.

The Fortune article also stated that “the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and several national brokerage firms are facing multiple lawsuits alleging collusion to inflate real estate commissions.”

The article further stated that “a jury in Kansas City sided against NAR last fall in a similar case, leaving the organization with $1.8 billion judgment (which it plans to appeal).”

As relates to the real estate industry,

these lawsuits and revelations could (and probably will) revolutionize the way buyer agent commissions and compensation will be paid in the future.

What’s my take on the above?

Commissions are negotiable, always have been, always will be, and sellers should decide how much they want to pay to sell their homes.

If you would like to read the entire article, search the title, and check it out online. If you have any questions or want to chat about any of the above, please feel free to contact me.

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.

11

Visit www.13SorrelwoodLane.com for many photos and full details

Updates, Upgrades & Special Features Galore! Lovely wrap-around lagoon, wooded and serene setting. Fantastic location and beautiful home with a great open concept layout, desirable bedroom separation, large family room, formal dining, and four-season lanai with its own air-conditioning and heating overlooking the tranquil fountain and lagoon. Updated and spacious kitchen features granite, center island, stainless steel appliances, large pantry and dining area. Beautiful LVP flooring with lifetime guarantee. Large master bedroom suite and gorgeous remodeled master bath. Oversized two car garage with plenty of room for a golf cart. Absolute move in condition inside and out.

Custom and quality built in 2014 by Award Winning H2 Builders, this 3BR 2BA home features 3,078 finished square feet of superb living space and premium construction upgrades not found in many other homes. Enjoy a dip or a swim in the 25’ by 15’ salt water pool that was built in 2022, featuring massage jets, heating and under water lighting, and sits under a large enclosed and screened lanai offering maximum comfort and convenience every season all year round. Great location that is very parklike and extremely private. So many quality Updates, Upgrades & Special Features that must be seen to be appreciated. In absolute mint move-in condition inside and out.

Larry Stoller

The Seahawk Times

A Hilton Head Island High School Student Newspaper

HHIHS School Counselor, Mrs. Dopson, Named District Counselor of the Year By: Celia Walter

Hilton Head Island High school is proud to announce that Mrs. Dopson was named Beaufort County School District Counselor of the Year for 2024.

When asked how she reacted, Dopson said “It's an honor, to be honest with you, I was shocked… Beaufort County has a lot of school counselors.”

Mrs. Dopson has been working as a school counselor for twenty two years and she has been at Hilton Head Island High School for five years.

Mrs. Dopson's motto, which was inspired by her mentor, is “No matter what I am going through I have to be here for the students.” She describes counseling as a thankless job sometimes, but it is worth it for the benefit of the students. She has dedicated her work to supporting the students she comes in contact with and helping them succeed in taking the next steps with their education.

Hilton Head Island High School is proud and lucky to have Mrs. Dopson as one of their own Seahawks.

Seahawk Senior Named Boys and Girls Club Student of the Year By: Zahara Sellers

HHIHS Senior Julianna Vega, was awarded the title of Boys and Girls Club student of the year. HHIHS is deeply proud of Julianna’s accomplishments.

The process to become the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year involved writing three essays, obtaining two recommendation letters, crafting a resume, conducting a speech, and submitting transcripts along with other paperwork. The competition begins at the local Boys and Girls Club and ends at the Lowcountry Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year level. The competition is designed to spread awareness on important issues and promote personal growth.

The competition also includes a 15minute interview where judges ask questions about key topics mentioned in the speech. The winner is chosen based on how well they answer the interview questions and how well they deliver their speech. The process is recommended for those who want to improve their public speaking skills and learn new tactics to become better at something.

HHIHS is proud of Julianna’s accomplishments and wishes her well in her future endeavors.

HHIHS Principal, Mr. Schidrich; HHIHS School Counselor, Mrs. Dopson; and BCSD Superintendent, Dr. Rodriguez presenting Mrs. Dopson the School Counselor of the Year award.

Mrs. Dopson, Julianna, and Mr. Schidrich when Julianna found out she was named Boys and Girls Club Student of the Year.

Photo By: Ms. Andis

HHIHS Celebrated Coming Home 2024 By: The Spring Journalism Class of 2024

Another Coming Home celebration has come and gone at HHIHS. This week-long event is important to the morale of the school, especially in the build up to the concluding basketball game. This year it was against our rivals at May River. The week is marked by themed spirit days, a big pep rally, and the crowning of the school’s Coming Home King and Queen, along with the rest of the Court.

Here at the Nest, HHIHS started on Wednesday with Coming Home spirit days. These days allow students to show off their school spirit and love for their fellow classmates. One student, Audrey Rinehart, says, “I feel like it's a way to bring together the school community!” Spirits were lifted during the week going into the final basketball game. On Wednesday, the spirit day was “Barbie Pink-Out

Students were allowed to wear as much pink as possible to resemble Barbie! Thursday, the day was designated as “Student-Teacher Swap Day.” Here, many of the teachers were “out of dress code” and had air-pods in to resemble students. On the other hand, students dressed more business-like to show their interpretation of teachers. Finally, on Friday, students participated in the “Morgan’s Message Day,” honoring a community built to raise mental health awareness. The colors of the organization are blue and orange; the final basketball game’s theme was shaped around the organization as well. Another student, Isabella Terramoccia, says, “Morgan's message sends a very important message to students and staff, shining light on mental health, how it has and will continue to affect people.” Most students felt this way as well, showing their love for the school as they support the cause.

On Friday, the school week concluded with a Pep Rally. Ms. Lee, the SGA leader, handles the pep rallies. Student Government traditionally managed the pep rallies, but Ms. Lee became more involved when she started coaching cheer. She expressed gratitude for Ms. Eastham and her Event Management class, who contributed to the organization of this year's pep rally. Ms. Lee, who has been involved in organizing pep rallies since 2011, shared her passion for school spirit and creating a memorable experience for students in several interviews.

When asked what her favorite thing about the pep rallies is, Ms. Lee said, “My favorite part of the pep rally is just getting the whole school together. We have such a diverse school with so many different students and it’s really great to see everyone get along and have spirit and enjoy being in school.” Ms. Lee emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive and inclusive atmosphere while ensuring the pep rally is entertaining for all students. To ensure the pep rally reflects the diverse interests and talents of the student body, Ms. Lee aimed to involve as many students as possible and recognized achievements in all sports. Ms. Lee values feedback from Student Government and others involved, considering several suggestions to strike a balance between fun and safety for everyone.

The focus remains on creating enjoyable and inclusive events. “I would like to do an outdoor pep rally like we did years ago. We did a big outdoor pep rally with the middle school and the high school, and I would like to do that again,” one SGA student member said on the topic of new and interesting pep rallies.

Around the middle of October, there is a Homecoming pep rally. In comparison to Homecoming, Ms. Lee says, “This pep rally is just a little different. It’s smaller. We’re celebrating the basketball team, that's why we try to promote the basketball team that is playing….We have Ella Christie, [she] has the Morgan's Message, and she was going to do something at the basketball game the night of Coming Home, so we sort of just incorporated that into the theme. So it was just a little different.”

At HHIHS, both students and teachers work very hard to make pep rallies fun for students. The dedication and collaborative efforts of Ms. Lee and the entire organizing team promise an exciting and memorable experience for the school community.

Students were also encouraged to vote for the Coming Home Court members in their respective grade levels. There were several students nominated this year for the 2024 Coming Home Court. There were two students for the freshman court– one girl and one boy– four students for the sophomore class, six for the junior class, and eight for the senior class. The underclassmen and junior courts were finalized with the first round of voting, but there was a race for Coming Home King and Queen among the senior nominees.

Four boys were in the running for Coming Home King: D’vontre Simmons, Luke Danzell, Blaine Gregory, and Jackson Bibee. When asked about how he felt being nominated, D’vontre Simmons said, “Pretty happy, another year, another me, on the court once again.” This was D’vontre’s fourth year being on either Homecoming or Coming Home Court for his class. With the girls, the senior class was represented by Julianna Vega, Emilie Fister, Ella Christie, and Lynda Young.

The winners were announced during halftime at the Coming Home basketball game on January 26th, and D’vontre and Ella were crowned King and Queen. In an interview, D’vontre disclosed that he was “very surprised,” about his win. He also described the experience of winning and the shock it gave him. “He called my name, walked up to me, put that crown on my head, put the sash on. Yeah, it felt great.” With this being his 4th year on a court, all of the seniors were very excited to see D’vontre finally win. Congrats to all of those on the court and the winners of King and Queen!

Photo By: Mrs. Schoelkopf

Photo By: Mrs. Schoelkopf

Coming Home King D’vontre Simmons and Coming Home Queen Ella Christie

Sophomore Class during Spirit Stick Chant. The Sophomore class won the Spirit Stick.

Day.”

Seahawk DECA and Seahawk Debate are Heading To Nationals

With the National Championship looming on the horizon, the debate team at Hilton Head Island High School (HHIHS) is gearing up for their momentous journey to compete on the national stage. In an exclusive interview with Garrett Simons, team captain and seasoned debater, we delve into the team's preparation, their aspirations, and the essence of their collective spirit as they aim to make their mark at the highest level of competition.

Garrett Simons, a senior at HHIHS, reflects on his inaugural year with Incubate Debate, highlighting his journey from being a novice to becoming a formidable competitor. With notable successes at regional competitions, including clinching a spot at Nationals, Garrett's leadership shines through as he shares his vision for guiding the team to excel on the national platform.

Motivating and inspiring team members is paramount for Garrett. He emphasizes accountability and the joy of debate, while also highlighting the potential for college scholarships and awards. With unwavering support for his teammates, including Lizzie Markowitz and Mallika Krishna, Garrett fosters a culture of encouragement and shared determination.

The team's synergy is palpable, with Garrett noting minimal disagreements, particularly within their close-knit group. During competitions, they prioritize positivity and mutual support, exemplifying resilience and unity under pressure. Garrett recounts a pivotal moment where he had to adapt his debate strategy on the fly during a roundtable discussion, showcasing his ability to think critically and adjust tactics. Despite initial setbacks, Garrett's resilience propelled him to success, reinforcing the importance of flexibility in debate. With a clear focus on mastering key debate elements such as strong argumentation and effective questioning, Garrett envisions a strong performance for the team at Nationals. Through rigorous research and collaborative preparation, they aim to secure top placements and garner recognition for their collective achievements.

By: Madison Reilley and Connor Walker

DECA is a business club that prepares potential future leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges all over the world. If you think you want to join DECA, keep in mind that you need to come to an interest meeting, and you should have some interest and curiosity in things required in running a business. Other than the dues, there are no real requirements, and you will be officially part of DECA.

According to one of the teachers that went to the DECA States event, “States were amazing. Students were excited to compete in the role they played and to network with other students in the state.” The first thing students did at the DECA event was take a 100-question test, before going to their event and roleplaying in front of a judge; during this roleplay, they have to solve a problem in their chosen category, similar to an interview.

Teachers and chaperones had to help students by roleplaying with them, encouraging them, and hearing their reactions after their events. They also had to make sure they were at their event on time and that they follow the rules and curfews set for the event. Carmine Genovese is going to Nationals for Business Services Marketing, and Emeli Perez is going to Nationals for Personal Finance. Nationals are in Anaheim, California from April 27-30, 2024. While winning is definitely the goal and would obviously be amazing for both of these students, regardless of their place in the National Convention for DECA, these two students will gain an unreplicatable experience from competing nationally against other very bright business-minded students.

Recognizing the importance of supporting less experienced team members, Garrett emphasizes peer feedback and constructive criticism as integral components of their preparation process. Their shared journey of growth and learning exemplifies the team's ethos of inclusivity and mentorship.

Before and after Nationals, the team plans to celebrate their achievements by acknowledging individual and collective successes. Through school-wide recognition and social media updates, they aim to inspire future debaters and bask in the camaraderie forged through their shared triumphs.

As the debate team from HHIHS embarks on their quest for glory at Nationals in Florida on April 5-6, 2024, Garrett Simons' steadfast leadership and the team's collective determination serve as beacons of inspiration. With a potent blend of preparation, perseverance, and passion for debate, they stand poised to leave an indelible mark on the national stage, epitomizing the spirit of excellence and camaraderie that defines their journey.

HHIHS students who qualified for Incubate Debate Nationals.

Seahawk DECA team 2024

Photo By: Ms. Spisz

HHIHS Celebrates Black History Month By: KB Bolchoz and Izzy Terramoccia

Throughout Black History Month, there were several displays of art and literature, most notably in the front lobby and the school’s Media Center. The display in the lobby, set up by Mrs. Robinson, resembled a still life painting in its organization, and was skillfully put together with photography, artwork, sculpture, and more, all from Black American artists such as Joe Pinckney and Jonathan Green. A collector herself, most of the art came from Mrs. Robinson’s home. It was chosen specifically for the display because of her enjoyment of color and love of the artists displayed. There were also several framed photos by Dr. Hunter, a school administrator, who also happens to be a good photographer. The display itself took a few hours to put together at first, but was gradually added to throughout the month of February. Mrs. Robinson chose this form of exhibition because she believed it was a good way to put Black culture out there, welcoming students and adults alike to the school’s cultural environment.

In the Media Center, meanwhile, two tables were set with tablecloths and decorated with grass baskets, intricate rugs, and dolls resembling Black historical figures such as Ida B. Wells, a known journalist. The main subjects of the display, however, were the books. At least twenty different books, both fiction and nonfiction, were set up on both tables, written by Black authors about Black main characters and their conflicts. Even a few picture books were set out, free for students to read. Culture is portrayed through many different mediums, but perhaps the most common, the most arbitrary, and yet the most interesting way, is through a book.

To put a spectacular end to this year’s Black History Month, Hilton Head Island High School put together a display of art, music, and community values to highlight the importance of Black and Gullah culture not only on the island, but in the whole of America. The presentation was on February 27 and was MC’d by Coach Perry, a P.E. teacher at the school.

Coach Perry started the presentation by introducing herself and explaining the history of how and why Black History Month came to be. The microphone was then handed off to junior Jake Ferguson, who read short biographies on three contemporary Black artists: Kehinde Wiley, Mark Bradford, and Jonathan Green respectively. Each biography was followed by a short video about the artists’ works. Coach Perry then introduced the Seahawk Choir, led by Ms. Morrisoe. The choir then sang an impressive rendition of “Oh Happy Day,” a song by the Edwin Hawkins Singers originally, which was met with great applause. Two junior students, L.J. Morgan and Nate Apy, then read Dr. Maya Angelou’s poem “Caged Bird.” After the reading, seven students from Mr. Pribanic’s guitar class played and sang the popular song “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers. The school’s dance classes then performed a contemporary choreography to “Rome” by Dermot Kennedy.

The climax of the presentation was a video from Beaufort County School District highlighting the hard work and dedication of senior student Anthony Bynum, which prefaced Anthony giving a speech about the importance of his project for not only Hilton Head High, but Creative Arts and the IB Elementary School as well. Anthony’s goal was to start a tutoring program at both schools led by several students in his grade, in order to give many other young students of color the same opportunity to succeed as he was given. He was inspired by his mother, who pushed him and his siblings to put their education first and grow up with more opportunities in life because of it. Because of Anthony, more students can grow up, take good classes, go to college, and strengthen their education.

The presentation then went to the recorded interviews of teachers Mrs. Dobson and Ms. Atkins and student Noah Allen. Each person was asked what excited them the most about Black History Month, what growing up in the South was like, what their paths to HHIHS were, and other questions. The aforementioned Mrs. Dobson was then given flowers and commended by Coach Perry and Mr. Schidrich for the accomplishment of being Beaufort County’s School Counselor of the Year. To complete the presentation, several students were called up to stage to dance the Cupid Shuffle, a fun and lively end to an important display of contemporary Black American culture.

For the month of February, the Seahawk News Network aired daily trivia questions in honor of Black History Month. Black History Month lasts for the entire month of February and was created to bring attention to the contributions that African-Americans have made. BHM has been celebrated since February of 1976, and it was created by a scholar named Carter G. Woodsen, whose dedication to the contributions of African-Americans led to the creation of the celebrated month.

The aforementioned trivia questions were made by Mr. Williams, a math teacher at HHIHS. The videos were designed by a new class at HHIHS, Film and Animation, which is taught by Mrs. Smith. The videos were aired within the school’s morning announcement news show each day.

The school news show (SNN) was excited to work with staff and students from different departments to make Black History Month exciting and engaging, while also showcasing the talents of students. In honor of Black History Month, HHIHS is doing many things to bring light to the celebration. Along with trivia, the school is holding several spirit days. The days included “Dress as a 90s Rapper” day, a Jersey day, and Afro-centric Day. HHIHS is also showing BHM documentaries and hosting visits from HBCUs. An HBCU is a Historically Black College and University that was established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and created with the intention of hosting primarily African-American students to attend the University. All of these events are able to bring BHM the recognition that it deserves.

HHIHS Choir performing at the BHM presentation.

Photo By: Kaitlyn Sobocinski

NATURE’S WAY It’s Not All About Catching, but Rather the Moments In Between

BY COLLINS DOUGHTIE Contributor

Tired of reading about fishing only? If so, I think this time around I’m going to switch gears a bit because when fishing, many of my best memories have nothing to do at all about catching, but rather things I have seen while fishing that made that day way more memorable than how many fish I caught or didn’t catch. I hope this makes you understand why my love for the ocean and nature in general runs so deep in my veins.

Cheddar Is Better

Thankfully I have never struggled with sea sickness other than on my first offshore trip when I was six years old. Having fished on so many different boats with people I barely knew, I have seen my share of first timers hit with the sea sickness bug and Lord knows I feel for each one of them. On this particular outing I was fishing with an old friend that never ever got seasick but like a common cold it can strike anyone. It was blowing hard; the seas were by no means calm but for the most part all was well. His favorite snack on every trip were those six-pack bright orange cheese crackers and this trip was no different. With the brisk wind in his face, I watched him wolf down an entire pack of his cheese crackers when it happened. No sooner had that last crack-

er gone down the hatch when all six crackers came up. Due to the wind, he was covered from head to toe in bright orange goo. It was sad but inside I was dying laughing, the visual was worthy of any photo contest. So, what did I do? In the blink of an eye, I grabbed the wash down hose and gave him a high-pressure wash down. All I can say is he took it like a champ!

Tangled Up In Blue

Anchored up and fishing in Bull Creek in my skiff the Marsh Monkey, I really didn’t care if I caught a fish or not. It was one of those bluebird days, little wind at all and I was just grooving on nature. Laying back in my seat I heard this extremely loud screeching and ruckus above me. Sitting up I looked up and right over my head were two majestic bald eagles going at each other. I have seen bald eagles chasing ospreys numerous times trying to steal fish from the osprey, but this was different. Talk about an aerial

ballet, these two were twisting and turning with impossible moves and this went on for a good five minutes or so. Mesmerized at this battle royale, the two were way up there when they latched onto each other in a tight ball and began tumbling toward the ground. It was incredible to see these huge birds throwing caution to the wind and it wasn’t until they touched the marsh grass that they broke apart. Catching that was better than catching the biggest fish that swims!

What a Splash

Fishing the Gulf Stream aboard my fishing buddy’s 45’ sportfishing boat we were trolling for wahoo, mahi or any other pelagic that fancied any one of our eight lines we had out. The coolest part of fishing this giant warm water river in the sea is if you keep your eyes peeled the things you might encounter will blow your mind. Huge leatherback turtles weighing a ton, sunfish or mola-mola basking on the surface and one of my favorites, giant manta rays. I have seen hundreds of mantas over the years but on this day, I saw the largest I have ever seen. I think one of our lures must have skipped over his back and not 15 feet behind the boat went completely airborne. With its wings straight out, it had to have been 30 feet across or more and came down doing a massive belly flop. I was standing on the back deck, and it hit the

water so hard it lifted me off the deck a foot or so and the entire boat shuddered as if it had hit something. Now there’s a sight that will stick with me forever!

Boo

Turkey hunting in a swampy bottom with nothing but cypress trees dotting the landscape, it began to rain. I had traveled an hour to get there and instead of leaving I decided to wait it out. Sitting at the base of a cypress my glasses were all fogged up and I was miserable. Just as I decided enough was enough, I see movement at the far end of the bottom and though I could barely see I thought it might be a big gobbler. It wasn’t. Walking slowly towards me was a big buck and because the wind was in my face I guess he didn’t wind me but from his posture he knew something wasn’t quite right. He would stop, snort but for some reason kept walking right at me. Wanting to see just how close he would come it took a good 10 minutes before he stopped not four feet from me. Wanting to laugh instead I yelled, “Boo!” and that buck gave a loud snort, went straight up in the air with terror in his eyes and thank God, he didn’t gore me on the way down. Hopefully these snippets will encourage you to get out and maybe you too will experience hook, line, and sinker the very best nature has to offer.

SEA TURTLES FROM PAGE 24A

emerging and making their way out to sea. Propelled by the leadership of these conservationists, the Town of Hilton Head has developed rules governing lighting and other issues in sea turtle nesting areas. These regulations were further strengthened in 2019 and 2021. Sea Turtle Patrol has now become a town-affiliated organization. In addition to her sea turtle conservation work, Kuehn also works for the Town on beach cleanliness and upkeep. She explained that the rules instituted are essential because once the natural routine of the nesting sea turtles is disrupted, it can lead to the loss of a nesting opportunity for every sea turtle who is physically blocked in its journey or becomes disoriented.

“Often, they don’t try again. They turn back and can end up laying their eggs in the ocean.”

She added, however, that the public is learning and compliance with the rules has been getting better over time. Beach residents are learning to be careful about using their lights during nesting season, picking up trash and other potential obstacles, filling holes in the sand and knocking down sand sculptures before leaving the beach. Kuehn and her fellow marine biologists also study the effect of ocean temperatures and even dune structure on sea turtles. She is looking forward to seeing the benefits of future beach renourishment and explains the importance of monitoring ocean temperatures as they can

influence reproduction and even the gender of sea turtle offspring.

Risk mitigation, education, and community engagement work are all efforts taken on by Hilton Head Sea Turtle Patrol. Sea Turtle Patrol hosts activities to educate the public on the sea turtle etiquette rules that spawn appreciation and passion for wildlife. They have also invested in education by purchasing two “travel trunks” from Inwater Research Group in Florida. The kits, purchased with money obtained through local grants, contain a variety of hands-on marine biology education materials. To engage the public, the group provides opportunities to dedicate a nest to someone. The group also publishes on their website a list of hotels that have been certified “sea turtle friendly.” Kuehn continues to educate through her business, Spartina Marine Education Charters, based in her native Bluffton on the May River where her passion for marine life was born. When asked if she recalls a particularly transformative moment during her teachings to others, she replied “it happens every time.”

One of her biggest goals related to the sea turtle conservation effort is to open a research center and museum dedicated to studying these unique creatures, equipped with an internal navigational system. Kuehn noted, “They have this ancient way about them. It’s ingrained.” When people wonder how this journey happens, she is quick to point out that the sea turtle voyagers have 80 million years of experience and adaptation behind them.

For more information on the sea turtle preservation effort and the May 11 celebration, visit the Hilton Head Sea Turtle Patrol website at seaturtlepatrolhhi.org

Is A Community Dog Park Right

BY ABBY BIRD AKA ALPHADOG Contributor

If you have a social dog and are looking for a way to socialize your dog there are choices. However, there are differences to consider depending on the temperament of your specific dog and if you have multiple dogs. Other things to consider are your access to parks and how they are designed and the cost and rules for doggie daycare.

When considering dog parks rather than daycare their design and rules may determine whether it is right for you. All dog parks should be off leash. Dog parks that have separate areas for different size dogs are best. While play style is more critical than size, an owner cannot determine this in someone else’s dogs. Therefore, dividing by size can help to deter physical accidents due to size. If you have multiple size dogs separating them but

being in a central area to watch them is important.

A major factor in dog parks is owner supervision. Are the owners socializing with each other or watching their dogs? Being aware of potential unsafe dog behaviors is the first step in averting them. Mostly dogs get along well at a park if you follow rules.

What are the things to know to promote a successful social experience for your dog? Firstly, is your dog generally sociable and not particular about who they play with. Do they like both male and female dogs? Are they in play mode there or dominant? Do they know how to back off when a dog signals they don’t want to play? If they are a humping dog and cant be corrected quickly then a dog park is not appropriate. If your dog is timid, are they fearful when the pack gets in their DOG PARK CONT. ON PAGE 53A

BY LINDSAY PERRY Contributor

Spring is a time for new beginnings and, more than anything, that’s what we want for a dog named Harley. She has lived at the Palmetto Animal League Adoption Center for over four years, and while our staff and volunteers give her all the love and care she needs, Harley knows that a shelter is not a real home.

“Harley has lived at PAL for a long time, but we make her a priority,” said PAL President Amy Campanini.

“She has a crew of committed caretakers who make sure she gets one-on-one attention, daily walks, and playtime with her favorite toys. Her life at the adoption center is comfortable even though it might not be entirely fulfilling.”

PAL rescued Harley from a shelter that euthanizes for space. After more than 1,250 days at our adoption center, she has

watched as many other dogs have come and gone. And as she comes up on her seventh birthday, Harley longs to find her perfect place in this world.

“Harley’s perfect home will make her a priority, and her people will be happy to have only one pet in their life,” explained Campanini.

Harley poses for a spring photo shoot at PAL.

Think Twice Before Disinheriting a Loved One

BY MARK WINN Contributor

It’s a mistake to disinherit a child just because (1) you cannot stand their spouse (your in-law), (2) they are having financial difficulty, (3) they are incapable of managing finances, or (4) they are being supported by a governmental program. Think twice before disinheriting a loved one.

For instance, let us assume hypothetically, Francine (a widow) has five children: Sue, Marsha, Terry, Greg, and Max. Sue is married to Jack who Francine has never liked. Should Francine disinherit Sue because she does not like Jack?

She could. She could also leave Sue’s share in a trust to be used for her benefit. If that trust were drawn properly, Francine could make sure that Jack will not directly benefit, and that Sue would not easily squander the money. Francine could also make sure that if Jack and Sue got divorced, Jack would not get any of Francine’s money. In addition, Francine could direct that when Sue passes, what funds remain in Sue’s trust shall be given to her son, in trust, for his education.

Marsha is about to file for bankruptcy, and she owes $250,000 to creditors. Should Francine disinherit Marsha because she has creditors? She could. She could also leave Marsha’s share in a trust for Marsha’s benefit. Could Marsha’s creditors take the money? Not if the trust were drawn properly.

Terry can’t handle money. She is a

spendthrift. Should Francine disinherit Terry because she spends unwisely? She could. She could also direct her share to be held in a trust for Terry’s benefit. Francine could create incentives so if Terry was gainfully employed, Francine could direct funds be disbursed to match her income. Or, better yet, Francine could direct that if Terry was gainfully employed and was maximizing her retirement contributions, then the trust would disburse funds equal to Terry’s pay. The possibilities are endless.

Greg and Max have disabilities and are currently benefitting from government programs. Should Francine disinherit Greg and Max to make sure they will not lose their government benefits? She could. She could also leave their share in a supplemental needs trust. If the trust were drawn properly, it could provide

funds for Greg and Max to supplement the benefits they are receiving. In other words, if assets are left “in trust” (a special needs trust or supplemental needs trust) this can prevent your loved one from becoming ineligible for the benefits they get from the government. At the same time, you do not need to disinherit them.

It is difficult enough to think about these things, but we all know they are important. In all events, you should seek professional guidance in matters relative to your family property. Using trusts to shape beneficial interests and control use of funds and remainder interests can provide tremendous benefits for your family.

Mark F. Winn, J.D., Master of Laws, LL.M. in Estate Planning, is a local tax, asset protection and estate planning attorney.

Mark Winn

SPORTS

Local Resident Heads to Pickleball Championships

BY JUSTIN JARRETT Contributor

By now, you probably know that pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, and if you live in the Lowcountry, you’ve probably gotten swept up in the craze.

But when most people play the fast-paced game with the funny name, they’re in it for a bit of exercise, along with some friendly competition and camaraderie.

There will be a lot more at stake when Hilton Head Island’s Sarah Mitten competes in the 2024 Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships powered by Margaritaville. Mitten will be among the more than 3,000 players from all 50 states and nearly 30 different countries, to descend on Naples, Florida, from April 13-20 to compete for a $150,000 pro prize purse.

Mitten will compete for the national senior professional title in mixed doubles, women’s singles and doubles, and the pro split age division, in which one doubles

player must be under 50 and their partner 50 or older. And she will do it in an electric atmosphere fueled by an estimated 40,000 spectators at East Naples Community Park — the largest permanent pickleball facility in the world.

“The stadium court is fun,” said Mitten, who has competed in the event tabbed the Biggest Pickleball Party in the World since 2017 and won gold in singles and women’s doubles and silver in mixed doubles at the 4.5 level before turning pro. “I’m very introverted, but I enjoy playing in front of crowds,” she noted.

While the pros are volleying for big bucks, amateurs from all over the world will pack the park to compete in divisions based on age and skill rating ranging from 19-and-under to 85-and-over and from novices to professionals.

kinds of people.”

The pickleball craze doesn’t seem to be fading. In fact, a study conducted by YouGov for the Association of Pickleball Professionals annual participation report indicated more than 36.5 million Americans played pickleball at least once from August 2021 to August 2022 with nearly a quarter of them playing eight times or more.

Like many avid pickleball players, Mitten came to the sport through tennis, having played collegiately at Mississippi State and

spending years as a coach before transitioning. After coaching at a private club in the area, Mitten recently took on a role as head of pickleball coordination and programming at the Hilton Head Island Rec Center, where she oversees the continued spread of the sport to all age groups and demographics due to its accessible nature, affordable equipment, and fast-paced action.

“It’s almost like the NASCAR of tennis,” Mitten said. “Anything goes. It accepts all

For many in the Lowcountry, especially active retirees, it is more of a daily habit, sometimes bordering on fanaticism. But Mitten said the fervor comes from a healthy place.

“It just gives a lot of people a venue to still be athletic and gives them an environment to go compete,” Mitten said. “I think for a lot of people who might have been lonely or dealt with a loss in their life, they’ve found a place where they can call home and a place that accepts them.”

Justin Jarrett, LowcoSports.com

The East Naples Community Park, the largest permanent pickleball facility in the world, will host the 2024 Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships.

REAL ESTATE Answers on Where It’s Best to Invest in Your Home

BY CHIP COLLINS Contributor

At our recent Downsizing Workshop, I fielded many questions homeowners had regarding how and where they should invest money in their home when it comes to future resalability. What follows are the questions we heard and what we advised:

Q: How important is curb appeal when buyers look at a home for sale?

A: Honestly, it’s important! HGTV sets the (unrealistic) bar about how a home could or should look, and we’ve all been impressed by the before and after images they show. When it comes to curb appeal, it’s not all about flowers, however. Take a good hard look at the exterior of your

home... Is the roof stained? Is the paint faded? Does the driveway need power washing? Are the landscape beds defined and mulched? Are the shrubs maintained in a healthy and attractive manner? Giving a good once-over to your curb appeal can and will go a long way to make the house compelling. And you might even enjoy it more when you come and go each day!

Q: I’m going to renovate my kitchen, but the rest of the house is dated. Is that okay?

A: Be careful here! While it’s widely understood that buyers get excited about new kitchens, the moment you make the kitchen look all “2024,” you stand the risk of making the rest of the house now stand out as just that much more outdated. Buyers may wonder why you stopped spending renovation dollars with the kitchen. So, consider an alternate plan of “spreading the love” throughout other key areas

of the house, such as bathrooms, fixtures, and flooring. If the goal is to make the house feel more updated, see if there’s a smart way to take the budget and apply it more broadly across the house. If cabinets can be professionally painted instead of replaced, where can those saved dollars be applied to also make the primary and guest baths more current?

Q: I want to change out my concrete driveway for new pavers. My neighbors have pavers and I’d like to as well... Is that a good investment?

A: If the current driveway is attractive and serviceable, this might not be the #1 place to get the highest return on your investment (ROI)... but, if you can well afford it, if it’s going to make you happy as you enjoy the home, and it’s in keeping with other similar upgrades in the neighborhood, then it sounds like a great investment to me!

Q: I never take a bath in the tub

anymore, and it seems like everyone is putting in large showers lately. Should I renovate my bath to remove the tub and enlarge the shower?

A: Don’t spend that money if the bathroom itself is modern and current, even if it still has a tub. That would be a lot of money to spend only to find out later that maybe your home buyer actually wants a tub after all. But if it’s time to update the primary bathroom fully or strategically, and there’s a way to create a larger and inviting shower (even at the cost of removing the tub), then based on what I’m seeing with buyer demand lately, I’d say that’s a fair gameplan that should pay off nicely.

Q: You mentioned Buyer Horribilization, and it’s got me thinking about whether I need to get my home inspected before I sell it?

Q&A CONT. ON PAGE 53A

Chip Collins

Chabad Greater Hilton Head Welcomes All to Passover Holiday Celebration

Chabad Greater Hilton Head plans to distribute hundreds of packages of handmade Shmurah Matzah and Passover Haggadahs this year to assist the Lowcountry Jews to participate in the upcoming Passover holiday. The Matzahs will be distributed, and they can be requested at www.jewishhiltonhead.org/matzah

Passover, celebrated this year from Monday evening, April 22 until after nightfall on Tuesday, April 30, commemorates the exodus of the Jews from Egypt in 1313 B.C. Directed by God to leave Egypt hastily, the people of Israel could not wait for their dough to rise, and thus ate unleavened crackers called “Matzah.” Round, kneaded and shaped by hand, present day “Shmurah” Matzahs (literally watched Matzahs) are like those eaten by the Jews when leaving Egypt over 3,000

years ago. From the moment the wheat is harvested, the ingredients are carefully watched to ensure that they do not become leavened, which would be prohibited on Passover.

Few Jewish holidays evoke the same warm sentiments as Passover. Memories of family and friends gathered as the four cups of wine are poured, the four questions asked, and the Matzah served, all contribute to Passover’s popularity in the Jewish community. Bringing the warmth and tradition of this festival to the Lowcountry community, Chabad Greater Hilton Head is inviting all Jewish residents to participate in community seders to be held on Monday night, April 22, and again on Tuesday night, April 23.

It’s a fraught time for the Jewish people, with war in Israel, and with Ameri-

can Jews facing antisemitism. While in the past, many Jews’ response to frightening developments of antisemitism may have been to hide their Jewishness, Jews are now choosing instead to celebrate their identity this Passover with more confidence and resolve.

The Seders take participants through the wondrous liberation of Jewish ancestors from Egyptian bondage, while sharing the relevance and beauty of the ageold festival in our modern lives. Included in the Seder will be a delicious Passover dinner, and a meaningful experience.

“Passover is not simply a celebration of the historic liberation of an ancient people,” said Rabbi Mendel, of Chabad Greater Hilton Head “Passover is about our own personal liberation – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Passover inspires

us to break free from the shackles restraining us from reaching new heightsin our lives, relationships, and connection with God.”

Chabad’s community seder is part of a global Passover campaign that began in 1954, when the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, considered the most influential rabbi in modern history, launched the Shmurah Matzah initiative as part of an effort to create awareness and promote observance of the holiday. An estimated four million hand-baked Shmurah Matzahs will be distributed by the Chabad-Lubavitch movement this year.

All Jews are welcome to join the community seder, regardless of Jewish affiliation or background. Reservations can be made online at www.jewishhiltonhead. org/seder

Follow God’s Plan to Be

REV. DR. NANNETTE PIERSON Contributor

In the Book of Jonah, God commands the prophet, “Go at once to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come before me.” Not unlike today, sin runs rampant in our world, with wars, child abuse, terrorism, and ruthless dictatorships, the world seems to be filled and overflowing with violence, hatred, and corruption. One might wonder if these perpetrators are beyond redemption.

But what if God told you to go to the place you hate and cry out! Jonah didn’t listen at first and booked a cruise to Tarshish, as far west as he could, to escape the presence of God. So, all knowing God sets the ship right smack in the middle of a fierce storm. The pagan sailors did everything in their power to keep their ship afloat, cried out to their idols, threw tackle overboard yet the storm raged on while Jonah slept. The desperate captain begs Jonah to call upon his God. Someone is

causing the storm, so someone must go. They draw straws and it’s Jonah. He confesses he was running from God’s will and tells them to pick him up and throw him overboard if they want the sea to quiet down.

Jonah’s words moved me deeply. Most might think Jonah would have said, “Sorry guys for the trouble I’ve put you through. I’ve brought on this mess and it’s up to me to fix it. I’ll jump and may God have mercy on us all.” But Jonah doesn’t say that. He says, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you.” Jonah knew what they didn’t. An act of faith in God was required for their salvation.

Now they’re most likely thinking, how can we throw overboard a man who God cared enough about to send a storm to make right his course. Simply unacceptable, yet desperate to save themselves and their vessel, they cried out to the God of Jonah, “Please, O Lord, we pray, do not let

Assured

us perish on account of this man’s life. Do not make us guilty of innocent blood; for you O Lord, have done as it pleased you.”

In their distress they acknowledge God’s power, hoping for mercy, throwing Jonah overboard in faith and obedience. The sea calms.

Had Jonah jumped into the sea it might have become calm, but I am certain the results would have been very different. The sailors might have glorified his bravery, but we read, “Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the Lord and took vows.” These men were convinced that God was responsible for the storm and therefore able to cause it to cease. Jonah set forth conditions that required faith. God used Jonah to bring salvation to lost souls.

Are we willing to say or do anything and everything to make a non-believer a believer! Some ministers believe that Jonah should’ve just jumped, taken responsibility, but I love that Jonah didn’t jump. He

of Grace

knew the way of salvation and urged others to agree to God’s conditions of faith. Just as Christians throughout the world have witnessed the faith that Jesus Christ is Risen, as we celebrated on Easter Sunday, we must continue to do anything and everything in our power, wherever we might be, to allow God to use us to bring salvation to the lost souls of this world.

Jonah’s experience was used by Jesus himself as an illustration of his death and resurrection. “For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so for three days and three nights the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth.” Matt.12:40. The lost need the steps of blind faith from a God they cannot see yet seek. Don’t ever do for another what God asks them to do for themselves. And then they too can be assured of His saving grace and eternal life.

Rev. Dr. Nannette Pierson is Itinerant Elder at Ministry Team Campbell Chapel AME.

BY DAN PRUD’HOMME Contributor

Happy Heritage, Hilton Head Friends!

As our Island basks in the warmth of early April, its real estate market is as hot as ever. With robust fundamentals including low inventory and soaring demand, the stage is set for continued growth and prosperity in the island’s real estate sector. Driven by strong buyer activity, the Hilton Head Island real estate market continues to impress. Unlike the frenzied days of the pandemic, where multiple offers were commonplace, today’s market presents a more balanced scenario. While instances of multiple offers still occur, they are now the exception rather than the rule. Days on the market are gradually increasing, indicating a market where prop-

erties typically sell for just over 96% of their asking price.

Despite a steady stream of new listings entering the market, overall available inventory has only experienced a slight increase. Buyer activity has expanded in parallel, absorbing the majority of properties coming onto the market. Listings that linger for 90 days or more often signal pricing misalignments, underscoring

the market’s heightened price sensitivity compared to previous years.

Closed sales have surged by an impressive 66% compared to the same period last year, maintaining inventory at healthy, if not low levels, albeit with a slight uptick in recent months. Hilton Head Island’s median home sale price has experienced a notable 12.5% increase over the past year, reflecting sustained demand and market strength.

In a notable shift from the previous year, interest rates seem to have become less of a concern for buyers in 2024. Unlike 2023, where interest rates posed our number one hurdle, their impact appears diminished this year.

As the nation navigates an election year, typically characterized by cautious

market sentiment, Hilton Head’s real estate activity defies convention. Despite looming political uncertainties, current activity suggests a steadfast trajectory, with the market remaining vigilant as the election draws near. Additionally, a recent settlement in a lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors may introduce changes to industry practices, signaling an era of adaptation and evolution in the local real estate landscape.

In conclusion, Hilton Head Island’s real estate market continues to thrive, offering a compelling opportunity for sellers and buyers alike. With strong fundamentals and unwavering demand, the island remains a sought-after destination for those seeking to invest in coastal living.

Dan Prud’homme is the Visionary & Success Coach of The Prud’homme Team at William Raveis Real Estate. dan@ danprudhomme.com

Dan Prud’homme

HARLEY FROM PAGE 46A

Harley is smart, confident, and athletic, and she knows it! She is also the most loyal and sensitive dog you’ll ever meet. She will make an excellent walking or hiking buddy. She is a wonderful leash walker! You will enjoy every minute of your outdoor time with her.

“You can take Harley on all sorts of adventures,” said Campanini. “She has a wonderful personality, and she absolutely loves her humans. Harley is just looking for someone to make her their one and only.”

While she’s been known to tear up a plush toy or two, once you win her heart, Harley is a real softy. Once she learns she can trust you, Harley will be the most loyal, loving friend you’ve ever had. She isn’t the right dog for everyone, but she’s the perfect dog for someone.

If you can’t adopt, you can still make a difference for pets like Harley. PAL is a private, non-profit, no kill animal rescue organization that receives no government funding. We rely fully on donations and the kindness of our supporters. Please consider making a heartfelt gift online at PalmettoAnimalLeague.org. Your support helps each precious dog and cat find their perfect place in this world.

Still thinking about Harley? Call PAL at 843-645-1725 to schedule a meet and greet at our comfortable, upbeat adoption center located in Okatie’s Riverwalk Business Park. Harley will be the happy girl with strikingly gorgeous eyes waiting to walk, play, and share time with you.

Lindsay Perry is the Palmetto Animal League Marketing Coordinator.

DOG PARK

FROM PAGE 45A

face? They may be overwhelmed there. If your dog is toy possessive, then a park may not be appropriate if they are allowed. Some parks do not allow toys and that is good. Short visits are better and a good walk to tire a dog out prior to the park can help to reduce excitement and

Miss Lowcountry’s Teen Seeks Partnerships To Advance In Competition

Ely Carroll, a high school student in Summerville, SC earned the title of Miss Lowcountry’s Teen in September of 2023. The Miss Lowcountry title is part of the Miss South Carolina Teen scholarship opportunity, under the umbrella of the Miss America Organization. Since winning, Ely has been busy advocating for and spreading awareness about her community service initiative: What’s Your Jam?

What’s Your Jam? encourages children, youth and beyond to find their creative outlet so that they can express their feelings in a healthy way, connect with others with similar interests and serve their community.

Q&A FROM PAGE 49A

A: In some instances, a pre-sale inspection can be the best money you can invest in your home. Especially if your home features possibly concerning aspects such as polybutylene plumbing, artificial/EIFS stucco, etc. Knowledge is power, and power can lead to a better selling experience, so it’s worth talking about. But, if you have been a particularly attentive homeowner, maintaining and keeping your house in excellent condition through the years, you might be better off spending that money on some of those

stress. You cannot always know whether others’ dogs are properly vaccinated and might pose a health risk. Overstimulated dogs do not do well at a park. And a major biggie, if your dog is protective of you around other dogs then dog parks are not for you. If you bring multiple dogs and

Ely feels so strongly about the arts and their benefits on mental health & community, that she has visited over 60 classrooms, speaking to more than 1,000 students.

As she prepares for the Miss South Carolina Scholarship competition in June, she has been seeking partnerships with local businesses where in exchange for advertising opportunities they can contribute financially to her efforts. Every contribution helps strengthen her presence at the state pageant and furthers her community service initiative. For more information, visit her website at bit.ly/misslowcountrysteen

fresh flowers I mentioned above.

Being educated with insights about how the market is really doing in your community and the broader area can give you the ability to make smart decisions with your money in real estate now and into the future, and I hope these recent Q&A’s prove helpful.

Chip Collins is the Broker-Owner of Collins Group Realty founded in 2002 Chip@CollinsGroupRealty.com

they pack up then they should not go together or should be separated when there. If others have dogs that don’t behave well, rather than being confrontational, just leave. If you do see aggressive behavior that needs to be reported as it makes parks unsafe for all.

Advantages to a dog park are pretty clear. They are free, you can go at many

different hours on weekdays and weekends and even holidays. You can even arrange to meet your dogs friends there! They learn social skills from multiple dogs. You can watch your dog and learn even more about what they need to have fun. Take advantage of your community dog park IF it is right for you and your dog.

NONPROFIT

summit was attended by representatives of several Beaufort County nonprofits. Jeb Bush, development director of Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry, attended last year and said it was helpful.

“There were specific topics that were related to development. They had seminars on fundraising and marketing, and they also talked about affordable housing,” he said. “That’s a huge topic right now.”

Challenging economic conditions add to the already high priority of fundraising for nonprofits and to the importance of these businesses keeping up with emerging practices and trends. Predictions such as those presented by the Forbes council give nonprofit managers an idea as to where to put the emphasis in their future fundraising endeavors.

Bush does not feel a sense of competition with the other local nonprofits and says there are enough resources for everyone to get what they need. He also respects what the others do.

“I understand that PEP and Bluffton

Self-Help are vital parts of the community,” said Bush. He added that he is happy with the level of donations, though he said they obviously can always use more.

Two Habitat offices just merged into Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry and Bush is optimistic about it. He explained that the new cooperation gives them more flexibility and he looks forward to the teamwork that will be a result. He added that they do need more volunteers for jobs such as home repairs and community events.

Bush said they plan to keep building

as long as there is land and as long as there is a need. With every aspect of the job, he exudes hope.

“This is a generous community,” he explained.

There seems to be a consensus among nonprofit stakeholders that respect, collaboration, and empathy are good places to start when it comes to making the most of the nonprofit sector.

If the number of fundraisers scheduled for the spring is any indication, the nonprofit sector in Beaufort County is as determined as ever.

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‘Rice, Ghana, Charleston, the World’

Exibit

by Alvin B. Glen at the Art League of Hilton Head

Arts & Entertainment Calendar

APR. 2

Symphony Under The Stars: DeasGuyz Go Symphonic!

“The Great American Soul Book – An Evening of Motown.’ Free outdoor pops concert Deas-Guyz; John Morris Russell, conductor; Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. Free lawn seating – bring a blanket or chair, a picnic, and enjoy the concert al fresco. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Celebration Park at Coligny Plaza, Hilton Head.

APR. 4

“Symphony Under the Stars: Free Outdoor Pops Concert. Morris Russell, Conductor, Michelle Meece and Matthew Meece, vocalists. Before the season ends, enjoy the HHSO outdoors one more time at Lowcountry Celebration Park at Coligny—an evening of Broadway’s greatest hits featuring selections from Die Fledermaus, Annie Get Your Gun,

The New Moon, Oklahoma, Girl Crazy, The Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, Les Misérables, Jersey Boys, and Mamma Mia. Free lawn seating— bring a blanket or chair, a picnic and enjoy the HHSO al fresco. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

APR. 5

Flow Gallery at Palmetto Bluff presents “Spring into the Arts!” The Artists of the Bluff - a group of professional painters, photographers, potters, and jewelers - will be putting their works on display for the biannual art show.

Opening reception 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. The public is welcomed.

APR. 7 & 8

Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, with John Morris conducter, featuring Grammy nominated American violinist, Tessa Lark, performing Piazzolla’s Four

Season’s of Buenos Aires. Concerts are Sunday, April 7 at 4:00 p.m. and Monday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Hilton Head Presbyterian Church. Ticket info: www. hhso.org

APR. 9

Bluegrass & Barbeque – Grammy nominated classical violinist, Tess Lark, crosses genres and brings a foot stompin’ Kentucky fiddler performance of Appalachian and Bluegrass music to concert at SoundWaves dinner theater, 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. located at 7 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island. Ticket info: www.hhso.org

APR. 12

HHI Choral Society Concert “Inspired by Art” at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Hilton Head Island. Spring concert to highlight emotions and art in music. For ticket info: www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org.

APR. 12

Silent Movie accompanied by Ken Double, organist at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA. Free to the public. Starts at 5:00 p.m., St. Gregory the Great Church, Bluffton.

APR. 13

American Guild of Organists initiative to introduce children in grades 4-12 to the “King of Instruments. Highlights of the day include the STEAM organ building project “Oregelkids.” The event is free from 9:00 a.m. until 12 p.m. but registration is required by contacting Dr. Kane at pkane@sg.g.cc at St. Gregory the Great Church, Bluffton.

APR. 15-21

The RBC Heritage Golf Tournament will be held April 15-21 at Harbour Town Golf Links in The Sea Pines Resort.

Dive Into the Swing & Groove at Coligny During the RBC Heritage

Get ready to tee off the fun at Coligny during the RBC Heritage golf tournament.

Hilton Head Island isn’t just hosting a golf tournament; it’s throwing the party of the season, and you’re invited.

Kicking off on April 18th, jump on the tournament shuttle from Coligny and let the good times roll straight to the greensyou can catch a FREE ride to the tournament from the Coligny Beach Parking Lot.

But hey, the fun doesn’t stop with the last putt of the day. At 6 p.m. on Thursday the 18th, “Cranford and Friends” are hitting the stage at FISH, ready to serenade you with tunes that’ll have your feet tapping and your soul singing.

But we’re just getting warmed up! Fast forward to April 20, Saturday night, when

the air at FISH will thicken with anticipation for national recording artist, “Algorhythm” at 6 p.m. Picture this: a superband featuring legends from SOJA, Stick Figure, and Three Legged Fox, with the fantastic Kyle Wareham thrown into the mix. This is not your typical concert – it’s a reggae revolution, a gathering of giants, and it promises beats from the national scene, right in the heart of Hilton Head’s downtown.

So, whether you’re here for the birdies or the beats (or both!), the RBC Heritage is about to serve up a spectacle you won’t forget. Grab your friends, pack your dancing shoes along with your golf claps, and get ready for an experience that rocks as much as it rolls - right at Coligny.

April 9–May 10

Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 12-4pm and 90 minutes before every Arts Center performance

He's the grandson of Conway Twitty; she's the granddaughter of Loretta Lynn. Back by popular demand, this talented duo honors their grandparents in an intimate evening of incredible music and heartwarming storytelling.

Opening Reception: Wed, April 10 • 5-7pm

Enjoy refreshments and meet the artist • Free and open to the public

Presented by Art League of Hilton Head

Inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

14 Shelter Cove Lane, HHI

www.ArtLeagueHHI.org 843.681.5060

Gallery Walk: Thursday, April 11 11am-12pm

A HIT-FILLED RIDE THROUGH THE LIFE OF THE LEGENDARY SONGWRITER CAROLE KING

Join the artist on a walk through his work

Also on exhibit: Our award-winning Academy students and their instructors

Before she was uber-successful Carole King — she was Carole Klein, a spunky, young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. From the chart-topping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing, trailblazing success with Tapestry, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical takes you back to where it all began — and takes you on the ride of a lifetime.

join us for exceptional coastal cuisine with a new orleans influence, featuring an excellent wine selection, full bar, outdoor seating and entertainment open daily at 5pm sunday brunch 11-2 call for reservations 843-802-4744

Pastel Artwork Depicts Slave Labor at Art League Gallery

Beginning April 10, Art League of Hilton Head will host “Rice, Ghana, Charleston, the World,” an exhibit of soft pastels by Lowcountry artist Alvin B. Glen. The collection, depictions of men, women, and children farming and processing rice, highlights the hard labor of slaves that made Charleston one of the richest cities in the world. “Their cultivation of Carolina Gold rice forever changed the Lowcountry and added significant cultural influences felt nationwide,” said Glen.

Glen, a retired art teacher from Dorchester, SC, began creating historically based works full of social commentary when he taught high school art classes in the late 80s and early 90s. “The students had difficulty seeing a positive image of themselves in history and society. I began creating drawings based on the concerns raised by my students.”

Glen has exhibited widely throughout South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. He was awarded Best in Show at

Charleston’s Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibit and was the featured artist at the Moja Arts Festival in Charleston and Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration.

The show runs April 9 through May 10. An opening reception will be held Wednesday, April 10, 5-7 p.m. Glen will also host a Gallery Walk on Friday, April 11, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., discussing his work, influences, and process. The exhibit, reception, and gallery walk are free to attend and open to the public.

Art League Gallery is open every day: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 12-4 p.m. and 90 minutes before every Arts Center performance.

Art League Gallery is located mid-island inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, 843.681.5060.

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.

Explore Gardens, Get Inspired At All Saints Annual Garden Tour

The 35th Annual All Saints Garden Tour is set to take place on Saturday, May 18, offering plant and garden lovers an exclusive look at some amazingly curated gardens.

A self-guided tour, the program runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and includes six distinctive gardens, all of which are new to the tour this year. Five are private homes and the sixth is a local retirement community. All are located on Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. Tickets are $45 each and include the tour and the Artisans Market. Luncheon at The Seabrook is an added option.

The tour has a diverse assortment of gardens - some at small cottages and others are large properties. In one garden, stroll along boardwalks and enjoy an array of ferns, Magnolias, and a butterfly garden. Two gardens are owned by artists who have incorporated their art into their gardens. A tabby cottage with birds nesting and fox squirrels evokes a tranquil setting. Another garden incorporates flowers into their stunning vegetable gardens and with structures to deter the deer.

Plein Air Artists will be in some gardens. And a master gardener answering garden related questions will be located in one of the gardens as well.

All net proceeds are given to smaller, local 501©3 charities in Beaufort and Jasper Counties that focus on hunger, homelessness, literacy and/or aging.

Over the years, more than $500,000 has been given to local charities from this annual event bringing validation to our logo “Through the Beauty of a Garden …... A Gift to the Community”. For tickets and updated information please visit our website www.allsaintsgardentour.com or call (843)681-8333. The event is popular-- in 2019 and 2022 the tickets sold out, so get yours early.

The Artisans Market will being going on at All Saints Church, 3001 Main Street, so tour guests can vistit before or after their adventure and enjoy their varied works of art. Almost 30 Lowcountry artists from HHI, Beaufort, and Bluffton will show off their creative talents including paintings in various media, handmade jewelry, metal, wood, shells, pottery, wreaths, home decor from pillows to centerpieces, books from Pat Conroy Literary Center, holistic gift items, botanically dyed scarves, and of course, the annual bake sale goodies. You do not need to buy tickets to the garden tour in order to attend the market.

For those interested in a lunch break, tickets for lunch at The Seabrook between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. are avail-

TRY SOMETHING NEW BRIDGE

Lessons will be on Tuesday mornings from 10:00am - 12:00pm.

One of the most popular Bridge bidding systems in North America, the 2 over 1 system can help you elevate your game to the next level. Based on the American Standard system of bidding, 2 over 1 will help you find game contracts that may otherwise be difficult to bid.

April 16th: Two Over One Concept Major Suit Fit

April 23rd: Two Over One Concept Major Suit Without Fit

April 30th: Two Over One Concept Minor Suit Opener

May 7th: One No Trump Forcing May 14th: Recap

Taught by Beth Dresher. Each lesson is $15.

CONTINUE BEGINNER BRIDGE LESSONS

Join us this Spring for a series of 7 classes. Starting April 10th, these classes are designed to help beginning bridge players advance their game. Each class is held Wednesday morning at The Hilton Head Island Bridge Club from 10:00am- 12:00pm.

Taught by Kristi Menees. Each class is $15. Contact Kristi with questions at: kristimenees@mac.com. 551-795-6329

ADVANCED BEGINNER BIDDING AND PLAY ANALYSIS CLASSES

These six spring classes build on the competitive bidding topics covered in the winter session for advanced beginners. Classes will be held on six Saturday mornings from 10:00am - 12:00pm at the Hilton Head Island Bridge Center.

Taught by Joe and Bev Meyers. Each lesson is $15. Register at: jmeyers247@aol.com. 917-836-3459.

APRIL IS

Come to the Cabaret At May River Theatre

BY ANITA STEPHENS Contributor

“What good is sitting alone in your room?” Bluffton’s May River Theatre has the answer to the rhetorical question. With its uber-talented cast under the direction of David McLaughlin and in its final stages of preparation, Cabaret is set to be staged for the enjoyment of Lowcountry audiences. The May River Theatre, located in the Ulmer Auditorium on 20 Church Street in Old Town Bluffton, was brimming with excitement and preparation during a recent rehearsal. The Tony Award winning musical written by John Kander and Fred Ebb, is the legendary story of romance between British nightclub singer, Sally Bowles, and American writer Cliff Bradshaw. The story takes place within the bodacious Kit Kat Club, a paradigm of jazz night club culture prewar, 1929 Berlin, Germany. The play first debuted on Broadway in 1966. May River Theatre’s 90-minute presentation, filled with Cabaret’s original melodies, will transport audiences back to the twilight of the Jazz Era.

During rehearsal, Elizabeth Schlieger, President of the May River Theatre’s Board of Directors, was fielding questions and scurrying to lend a hand to actors who were trying on their costumes,

recently delivered to set.

“This production is really going to be unique as the play will use the entire 182 seat Ulmer Theatre as the set,” she said. Cast members will be fully costumed and in character while mingling with the audience 30 minutes before curtain time in the theater’s lobby. As show time nears and guests enter the theater, the entire auditorium will transform into “the Kit Kat Club.” Café tables and chairs will be set up on stage and in the apron along the front of the stage with a working bar on the main floor.

“Audience members will be made to feel as though they are a paying patron, in the club, having come to see the show. It will be very different from our usual productions,” explained Elizabeth.

David McLauglin is directing the musical and is brimming with enthusiasm and accolades for the cast. “Our show is a compilation of multiple versions of past stage and movie productions. Our goal is to achieve a totally immersive experience for those who attend, using the entire theater space to create the scenario and produce the mood. We are going to make it sexy, sassy and classy,” he said. “There will be interactions with

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Life of Carol King Celebrated in ‘Beautiful’ Musical

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical , will be presented at The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina April 24- May 26. The musical is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning production that takes audiences on a deliciously musical ride through the life and career of one of America’s most beloved and prolific songwriters.

The story follows Carole from her humble beginnings trying to make it as a songwriter in Brooklyn, all the way to Los Angeles, where she navigates her newfound fame and cements herself as an icon in popular music history in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. From the string of pop classics Carole King wrote for the biggest

acts in music, to her own life-changing, chart-busting success with “Tapestry,” Beautifultakes you back to where it all began—and on the journey of a lifetime. Featuring over two dozen pop classics, including “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “Up on the Roof,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” and “Natural Woman,” this crowd-pleasing international phenomenon is filled with the songs you remembrer—and a story you will never forget.

For more information or to get tickets visit www.artshhi.com.

CABARET

FROM PAGE 8B

the audience throughout the performance as our actors will be free to roam the venue. Some of our musical numbers will give a nod to the iconic actors who have previously played leading roles on Broadway and film versions, such as Liza Minelli and Joel Grey, but we will also bring a fresh and contemporary element to infuse the show with today’s sounds.”

Although the show promises to enlighten with its youthful, updated interpretation, McLaughlin is determined to clearly emphasize the underlying societal statement integral to the original script from nearly 60 years ago. “This story is applicable in terms of politicization and current events that fill our

headlines and influence our modern, daily lives. It is a part of why this show has such long standing appeal.”

Classic tunes, laughter, music, entertainment, dancing, introspection, and a revisit to a classic musical production that has endured though the decades… what more could one ask for? “Come to the Cabaret.”

“What good is sitting alone in your room?

Come hear the music play.

Life is a Cabaret, old chum, Come to the Cabaret.”

The show runs April 19 through April 28. Tickets are available online. Go to: www.mayrivertheatre.com

HERITAGE LIBRARY SPRING TOURS

TUESDAYS AT 10:30AM

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

Corner of Hwy. 278 & Mathews Dr. $10/LIBRARY MEMBERS • $12/NON-MEMBERS • CHILDREN 12 & UNDER FREE Registration required. HeritageLib.org/Tours

THURSDAYS AT 10:30AM

Fort Mitchel contains the remains of a coastal defense battery erected in 1862 to protect the Port Royal Sound by way of Skull Creek from incursions by Confederate gunboats. 65 Skull Creek Dr., Hilton Head Plantation

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

The

Scan here to register for tours at HeritageLib.org/Tours

Bldg,

100 | 2 Corpus Christi | Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 843.686.6560 | HeritageLib.org

BLUE & BBQ Benefit Set for April 6

The 2024 Blue & BBQ benefit for Historic Mitchelville is raring to go, with plans including delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live music for an allaround great afternoon event on April 6 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Historic Mitchelville’s Freedom Park on Hilton Head Island. Award winning barbecue prepared by chef Chris Williams promises to be a culinary adventure with an array of mouth-watering BBQ dishes. A selection of refreshing drinks has been chosen to complement the rich and savory BBQ offerings and is included in the ticket price. Live blues music will fill the air with good vibrations for all. This

year’s event organizers invite attendees to wear their favorite cowboy boots and hats in celebration of culture, music, fellowship and fashion. Event Parking is designated to be at the Cherry Hill School (intersection of Dillon and Beach City Roads) where BBQ patrons will be transported via shuttle to the park. Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, located at 40 Harriet Tubman Way, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of African Americans who paved the way for freedom and equality. Ticket price per person is $125 and can be purchased by going to: www.exploremithcelville.org.

Hey, Louisiana Woman and Mississippi Man – Welcome Back

Tre Twitty and Tayla Lynn, the stars of “Twitty and Lynn,” a tribute to the music of Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn are about to arrive for a two-show appearance, April 15 and 16, at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head Island. Back by popular demand, the two performers are said to have an inexplainable onstage magnetism that entrances audiences with their harmony and duet performances. Some of their charisma may be explained by the fact that they are direct descendants, the grandchildren, of the country music superstars. But genetics cannot account for all of the power and pull Tre and Tayla create while together

onstage, as each artist has respectively earned accolades on their own accord in their musical careers before teaming up together to create the show.

The show promises to bring many well-known songs recorded by Conrad and Loretta such as “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man,” “After the Fire is Gone,” and “Feelin.” Together the country icons charted 12 duet singles in the top ten of the Billboard Country Singles chart, including five number one hits. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. both days. For ticket information go www.artshhi.com or by calling the box office (843)-842-2787.

Mary Green Chorale Performs

The Mary Green Chorale presents Music of the Theatre on Friday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. at Lowcountry Presbyterian Church, 10 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton.

The Chorale, under the direction of conductor and artistic director Mary Woodmansee Green, will present music from opera, operetta and Broadway. The Chorale will sing selections for mixed, men’s and women’s chorus with soloists and small ensembles along with engaging commentary throughout the evening. The Chorale will be accompanied by pianist Jerry Anderson and joined by guest artists violinist David Katz and David Kimbell playing cello and bass.

The first half of the program opens

with operatic classics from Bizet’s Carmen, Verdi’s La Traviata and Wagner’s Lohengrin, followed by the party scene from Johann Stauss Junior’s Die Fledermaus. The second half will feature hits from the Broadway musicals: Sound of Music, Phantom of the Opera, Jekyll and Hyde, On the Town and Showboat.

Tickets for the Music of the Theatre concert are $25 (open seating), and are available in Hilton Head at Burke’s Main Street Pharmacy, at Gifted in Wexford Village, and in Bluffton at Markel’s Card & Gift Shop. Tickets may also be purchased at the door by cash or check to “MGC”. More information can be found at Marygreenchorale.org

63 Wharf St, Bluffton, SC 29910

Surreal, Dreamlike Art From John Crum At Pluff Mudd Gallery

The Pluff Mudd Gallery in Bluffton is celebrating the art of John Crum as their April Artist of the Month. Crum’s art can be best described as “gently surreal,” offering a dreamlike quality that invites viewers to explore and interpret each piece in their own unique way. It’s art that makes you smile.

With a background in whimsical illustration, Crum’s work is infused with curiosity and fantasy, creating narrative landscapes that spark imagination and evoke emotion. Through layers of vibrant color and imaginative scenes, John’s paintings aim to break from reality and ignite thought, memories, and ideas.

Each painting is a journey, filled with happy accidents and unexpected discoveries, leaving viewers with a sense of wonder and a smile. John’s technique of starting with loose sketches and building up layers of color creates a depth that draws viewers in and encourages them to delve deeper into the hidden images, messages and meanings within each piece.

Ultimately, Crum’s goal is to create art that resonates with the viewer, offering a break from the ordinary and a glimpse into a world where imagination is limitless.

His art will be on display at Pluff Mudd Gallery at 27 Calhoun Street in beautiful and historic old town Bluffton. The gallery is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Friday April 26, we will be joining the other shops and galleries in the village for Spring Fling, staying open until 7 p.m. with refreshments. Crum will be on hand that evening to show you his work and answer questions. Enter a drawing to win his hand-embellished, one-of-a-kind giclee print, “A Tree of Life.”

For more information, please visit our website at www.pluffmuddart.com or call the gallery at 843-757-5590, www.JohnCrumArt.com, #johncrumart, www.pluffmuddart.com , https://www.facebook. com/pluffmuddart, www.shopoldtownbluffton.com

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John Crum works on his gently surreal, dreamlike paintings, which will be on display this month at Pluff Mudd Gallery.

New Joelle Restaurant Promises Elevated Italian Cuisine

BY SHANNON COPCUTT Editor

Looking for some elevated Italian cuisine for a date night? Husband-and-wife team, Robert and Breana DeLeo, are hoping your new favorite place will be the Italian restaurant and bar, Joelle, located at 132 Bluffton Road, Suite 100, which is launching next week.

Inspired by the couple’s Italian American background, Joelle plans to deliver top-notch hospitality, Italian fare featuring locally sourced food and extensive wine options, as well as charming design for a fresh dining experience in Old Town Bluffton.

The family-owned and operated restaurant is the love child of the duo, who moved from New York with a strong back-

ground in food and beverage as well as hospitality.

“I’ve always had the ambition of owning my own restaurant,” said Robert. “After serving as the food and beverage director for a boutique hotel in Charleston, I knew I could do it,” he explained.

Joelle, named after the couple’s daughter, reflects the DeLeos’ experiences in the industry. Robert grew up in New York, surrounded by a collection of delis owned by his father that paved the way for his entry into the hospitality industry. From serving and managing in South Florida, to being responsible for food & beverage operations at some of the most beloved properties in Charleston, S.C., Robert brings a

The new Joelle Restaurant in Bluffton features a beautifully designed bar area for drinks with friends or a date.

Creating Community Through the Arts, at Palmetto Bluff

BY MORGAN STEWART Contributor

The arts are central to Palmetto Bluff, and the Lowcountry community has long been a magnet for creatives. Launched in 2022, The Arts Initiative at Palmetto Bluff is a sweeping program conceived to inspire and enrich lives through art, in all its forms. Showcasing a diverse curation of artists, craftsmen, musicians, and makers, this vibrant collaboration, and Artist in Residence (AIR) program fosters creativity, while striving to forge a broader Lowcountry coalition united by extraordinary artistry and the exchange of ideas. Through hands-on educational experiences for residents and guests of Palmetto Bluff – and neighbors from Bluffton, Hilton Head, Savannah, and the surrounding environs – the year-round programming engages and challenges diverse audiences through shared dialogues and the beauty of the Bluff itself.

The Arts Initiative’s anticipated third season welcomes an exciting mix of Southern masters of their craft who will address varied themes that tie to the values of the community as they immerse themselves in the local culture and lead workshops. The 2024 calendar started off to an incredible start with a completely sold-out appearance by custom cake illusionist Julie McAllister, who has also joined the Season 3 cast of Netflix’s Is It

Cake? which premiered March 29th. April will feature the community’s home talent with the Artists of the Bluff Spring Art Show and ink and acrylic painter, Kurtis Schumm, will lead guests in capturing integral parts of the Lowcountry ecosystem. Oil painter Chris Groves will hold landscape and still life workshops in May that draw inspiration from Palmetto Bluff’s stunning natural surroundings. The third annual FLOW FEST – the community’s beloved music and arts festival – will return to Wilson Village Green on Sunday, May 19, 2024. The Arts Initiative’s first Artist in Residence phase will finish in June with Katie White, who will invite guests on an artistic escape via her meditative watercolor classes. Summer 2024 will host the inaugural “Artist in Residence Summer Sweetgrass Series,” consisting of acclaimed basket artisans Michael Smalls and Dino Badger in July and Jery Taylor in August, modern day practitioners of the venerated Gullah-Geechee tradition. Tickets for March through August Artist in Residence are now available, PBArtsInitiative.com.

The second half of the 2024 schedule will include more vibrant and exciting artists and events. Southern expressionist

FLOW Gallery + Workshop located in Palmetto Bluff’s Wilson Village.

ARTS FROM PAGE 18B

painter Anna Vaughn will be September’s AIR, and Clay Ross of celebrated Gullah folk band Ranky Tanky will be October’s featured Singer-Songwriter. November will host another showcase of Palmetto Bluff’s resident creatives in the Artists of the Bluff Fall Art Show, and hand-crafted cast iron kitchen and barware company, Blanc Creatives, will be the month’s AIR. December will fea-

JOELLE FROM PAGE 17B

wealth of knowledge to Joelle. Robert and Breana met while both working at The Restoration Hotel in Charleston and always dreamt of owning their own restaurant and bringing excellent, modern Italian to the Lowcountry.

“We wanted something that was ‘new age Italian’ and that also focused more on wine and pairing the two,” said Robert. “We love wine, and hope that people who visit our restaurant will feel that and fall in love with it.”

Joelle will feature creations by Executive Chef Brandon Torre, who will curate a seasonally rotating list of familiar Italian fare including fresh, house made pasta, wood-fired pizza, and coastal modern favorites. Before joining the Joelle team, Chef Torre held positions at renowned hospitality establishments including The Ritz-Carlton, The Omni Hotel, The Westin Hotel and most recently, Colleton River Club in Bluffton.

ture Karin Olah, the Charleston-based artist who combines handdyed fabric and paint to create her signature multi-layered paintings.

Wilson Village’s, FLOW Gallery + Workshop, features a rotating series of exhibitions, workshops, and events. It showcases work from the visiting Artists in Residence and a curated collection of prominent and emerging Southern artists, while welcoming members and guests to foster immersive, hands-on interactions.

“We will definitely be mindful about bringing our guests the freshest ingredients, being local and having seasonal items on the menu,” noted Robert.

A modern, relaxing vibe was created by Breana, who designed Joelle in earthy tones, simplistic modern interiors, and a fresh welcoming atmosphere. The indoor-outdoor dining area boasts views of the custom wood-fired pizza oven, along with a 12-seat bar.

“We hope it will feel like a refreshing, comforting place, where people will want to come back to,” said Breana. “We’re so inspired by the burgeoning food scene in the area and look forward to bringing premium ingredients and traditions to the local dining scene.”

So grab a friend, or a special someone and share a meal or some drinks at Joelle. For more information and updates, visit joellebluffton.com or follow @joellebluffton on Instagram.