The Hilton Head Sun • November 2, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

Thousands of Beaufort and Jasper County residents slated to lose their Medicare Advantage Plans

BY CHRIS DEWEY Contributor

Thousands of folks on Medicare Ad vantage were notified last week their plan is terminating on January 1, 2025. Five Humana advantage plans and two Aetna plans are leaving our service area.

Don’t panic because sometimes the worst thing that can happen turns into the best thing. Why? Because if your plan is exiting our area for 2025, Medicare offers you a Guaranteed Issue right. This right allows you to avoid medical underwriting and purchase a Medicare Supplement with no health questions asked.

Why change to a supplement rather than an advantage plan? Supplements allow you to go to any provider in the country including the Mayo Clinic. Providers like the Mayo Clinic or MD Anderson will not take your advantage plan. You will not deal with prior authorizations, routine denials, or a restrictive doctor network that’s constantly changing. You pay a monthly premium with no out-of-pocket costs other than a small annual $240 deductible. Many of my clients had the Humana Choice PPO advantage plan with a $3450 max out of pocket.

In 2025, the Humana advantage plan that includes drug coverage in our area has a max-out-pocket of $9,350 per year. Consider changing back to Original Medicare and get a supplement with no underwriting.

For a 69-year-old married couple the husband would pay $100 per month with no out of pocket costs other than monthly premium and a $240 deductible so regardless of your health, you’ll pay $1440 per year with no other out of pocket costs ever, and you’ll have the luxury of seeing the doctors you want without the hassle of a managed care plan denying care or requesting prior authorizations for routine procedures. The 69-year-old wife will pay $92 dollars per month for a Plan G Supplement.

If you were 65 or over on January 1st of 2020, you’ll enroll in the Plan F, which pays all bills Medicare does not pay, but if you were under 65 on 1/1/2020, you’ll enroll in the Plan G supplement. Advantage Plans are great for folks under 65 on disability with Medicare, folks with both Medicare and Medicaid, and those who receive extra help for paying their prescription drugs.

Lower income seniors on Medicare who can’t afford a medigap plan should find an agent that can look up drugs and doctors as well as help you with appeals when your managed care plan denies claims or requests a prior authorization. Medicare Advantage is NOT Original Medicare. My advice: take back your original Medicare rights you worked your entire life for. With Original Medicare you’re in the driver’s seat. You control who you see and what you get done; with advantage plans, a private insurance company manages your care and decides what and where you get procedures done. Chronically ill folks losing their advantage plans have a golden ticket they should cash in by enrolling in original Medicare with a stand-alone drug plan.

Consider a Medicare supplement with no more copays, coinsurance, restrictive networks, or prior authorizations.

Chris Dewey is the founder of May River Medicare Insurance in Bluffton.

At Beaufort Memorial, our advanced orthopedics and spine care team is committed to helping you be your best and enjoy life without pain.

Whether neck or back pain is slowing you down or your activities are limited due to hip or knee pain, our board-certified specialists will personalize your care using sophisticated diagnostic and treatment options. Our advanced techniques and technologies, including Mako SmartRoboticsTM and VELYSTM robotic-assisted joint replacement, will improve function and relieve pain quickly. Many surgical patients even go home the same day.

Visit BeaufortMemorial.org/Ortho for help addressing your pain.

At Beaufort Memorial you’ll also find:

• Joint preservation therapies

• Numerous non-surgical treatment options

• A personalized approach to restoring mobility and joint function

• Pre-operative education classes that engage patients and caregivers in the healing process

• An Optimization Program that follows you through the process to ensure the best outcomes

• Outpatient and in-home rehab services to get you back to doing what you love faster

BY LEE WILWERDING Contributor

No matter your party affiliation or candidate preferences there is one thing we can all agree on. Many of our roads and bridges are not capable of safely handling the volume of traffic on our roads. It is not just frustrating – it is downright dangerous. Our accident ratio compared to most other regions in the country is frightening. And the bumper-to-bumper traffic brought on by inadequate roads and bridges costs us all precious time and money. But worst of all, what will happen when we need to evacuate? Our transportation infrastructure cannot effectively support our residents and visitors getting to safety. The images of Hurricane Helene’s devastation were chilling.

How to tackle traffic now

This year we can tackle our transportation issues by approving the Beaufort County 1% Transportation Sales Tax Referendum on the November 5th ballot. Our county sales tax will remain 7% because this new sales tax will begin in 2025 after the current 1% Greenspace sales tax expires. As you know, sales taxes will be paid in part by non-residents allowing fair sharing between residents and visitors.

This Referendum contains $90 million in funding essential for the US 278 Corridor Project. Funds to widen SC 170. Improvements to the Argent Blvd, SC 170, and US 278 triangle, critical to relieving current workforce commuting problems, will be developed in collaboration with Jasper County. Municipality-directed road projects needed for Hilton Head Island and Bluffton will also be funded.

The Referendum addresses critical evacuation routes and strengthens the County’s transportation network against flooding and storm impacts. $80 million is allocated to mass transportation, and $100

million earmarked for safety projects to address the unacceptably high number of fatalities from vehicle accidents. Funding is added for Greenspace and Green Belt initiatives to protect our natural resources.

There will be a Citizen Oversight Committee to ensure transparency, accountability, and citizen input regarding the use of the tax revenue for the designated projects.

In addition to being a concerned citizen eager to cast my YES vote, I am also Board Chair of the Greater Island Council (GIC). Our all-volunteer membership is dedicated to GIC’s mission to preserve

and improve the quality of life for citizens of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. The GIC Regional Committee analyzed the 1% Transportation Sales Tax Referendum, and our members unanimously support it.

The Referendum will appear at the end your ballot in the form of two ballot questions. The first asks us to vote on a 1% sales tax to begin on May 1, 2025, and to continue for 10 years or until $950 million is collected, whichever occurs first. The second asks permission for Beaufort County to issue bonds in anticipation of Sales Tax collections so that work may begin immediately.

The growth is already here. Let’s deal with the impact and vote YES for our roads, our bridges and our lives.

More details at: https://greaterislandcouncil.com/information/tax_referendum_2024/.

Lee Wilwerding is the Board Chair of the Greater Island Council of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton.

Lee Wilwerding

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Contributors

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Mayor Alan Perry

Justin Jarrett

Cinda Seamon

Rep. Jeff Bradley

Rosemary Staples

Chip Collins

Thomas Dowling

Dan Prud’homme

Lisa Hostetler Brown

Dr. Mikell

Dr. Horup

Rob Pearson

Channing Heiss

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

EDITORIAL

Embracing a transformative moment; how Hilton Head is moving forward

BY MAYOR ALAN PERRY Contributor

To say that the town is moving forward in unprecedented, strategic ways might be the understatement of 2024; we’ve reaffirmed our commitment to preserving the things we love about our island, conserving what we can so it’s here for future generations, and are becoming more thoughtful and collaborative in our collective decision-making.

Funded by our beach preservation fee, we are once again renourishing the beaches of Hilton Head Island. Town staff will work directly with neighborhoods, property management firms, the Chamber of Commerce and more to help everyone understand the impact and timing of this necessary measure to protect our beloved coastline. If you haven’t already, please sign up for town-related notifications via https://hiltonheadislandsc.gov/.

I’m also really excited about upcoming renovations and re-development of some of our most visited public parks:

o Islanders Beach Park: Improved parking and pathways, boardwalk replacement and a new playground.

o Crossings Park: Renovation of the hockey rink and basketball courts, a new skate park and BMX pump track, and18 new pickleball courts.

o Patterson and Taylor Parks: Built in historic neighborhoods, these parks will celebrate culture and history, provide respite, and offer meaningful gathering places.

o Shelter Cove Community Park: Phase 2 will include a new playground designed for all children and their varying physical and developmental abilities.

Capital improvements across the island are a huge priority for us, and we are moving as quickly as possible to execute these important quality of life initiatives.

Our dedication to preserving the island’s past and conserving the rich tapestry of our local culture was demonstrated recently through our collaboration with the Beaufort County Greenspace Program. We closed on the purchase of 26 acres to help protect Mitchelville and the surrounding area on Oct. 3.

Town Council’s recent approval of the public-private partnership agreement for the development of Northpoint helps address our urgent workforce housing needs. Our partner, OneStreet Residential, will construct 160 apartments with quality and modern neighborhood convenience at their core. What’s innovative here is that these homes are exclusively for our island’s workforce. And this is just the beginning – we are working hard to identify and attract more partners willing to think outside the box with us on attractive and sensible solutions.

We’re also looking for ways to develop and expand new businesses. One example is a recently launched health care provider request for proposals for the old Modern Classic Motors site.

So, all that said, what about the year ahead? In my humble opinion, it will be defined by three things:

o Improving our communication within

the community – this means everything from how we reach people to engaging in real-time feedback at community events and town council workshops before decisions have been made, or in some instances, solutions have even been proposed.

o Thoughtful repurposing of antiquated commercial buildings and properties and significant improvement of our transportation corridors. There’s a saying that “harm averted is benefit unseen.” In taking this approach, we acquired 28 acres of island property this past year to protect it from unsuitable development, and we’ve invested in land for workforce housing development and new parking areas.

o Finally, enhanced collaboration with our neighboring municipalities. By working together, I think there’s a significant opportunity to better understand the collective mix of residential, commercial and tourism-related influences that affect our communities.

We’re embracing this transformative moment, keeping in mind that we will continue to honor our past as we work to preserve the health and prosperity of our community for decades to come.

Alan Perry is the mayor of the Town of Hilton Head Island. AlanP@hiltonheadislandsc.gov

Alan Perry

Ian Kelly shines as Hilton Head Christian Academy’s star kicker

BY JUSTIN JARRETT Contributor

Ian Kelly was a freshman in high school when he began grappling with the unthinkable notion of losing his father, a reality he had to face just over a year later in November 2022, when the clock ran out on Scott Kelly’s battle with glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain tumor that ended his life at age 54.

It was a difficult enough time for Ian — in perhaps the most emotionally complicated time in history to be a teenage boy — as he watched the man who had been his superhero and his biggest fan reduced to a shell of himself, eventually becoming bed-ridden and non-verbal as the cancer consumed him.

“Our mom was his full-time caretaker that entire time, and it was very hard on everybody,” says Ian’s brother, Shane Kelly. “Ian had to go through

all of that mentally while also dealing with being a teenager. Ian became very stoic. He never really let anyone in. Only answered what was asked, and you never really knew how he was feeling. And that’s what he wants. He’s super funny and outgoing, so you would have no clue he’s even bothered by it.”

In the midst of the most challenging period of life, Ian found an outlet through sports, which had provided a strong fabric for the family throughout his childhood. His brothers, Shane and Brenden played high school soccer, and Brenden went on to play at Limestone and was recently inducted into the Bluffton High School Athletics Hall of Fame, while Shane pursued a career in acting.

“But Ian is just the best of all of us,” Shane says. “Amazing athlete and

LIVE YOUR DREAM

amazing student. I don’t think there’s a sport we’ve found that Ian doesn’t instantly excel at.

“It’s very annoying,” he adds with a laugh.

It’s not so annoying to Hilton Head Christian Academy football coach Ron Peduzzi, who has learned in recent years the benefits of having a college-caliber kicker on the roster.

“The defense has to start on the 20-yard line every time,” Peduzzi says, noting Kelly’s 27 touchbacks on 36 kickoffs this season. “He’s come short a couple times, but not many. And the other thing is, he can make tackles. He’s athletic enough to throw the ball, catch the ball, run the ball, and make tackles, and that is a great weapon to have.”

Peduzzi and the Eagles have become spoiled by such luxuries after enjoying two seasons of punting specialist Tucker

Tevepaugh, who is now a backup punter for the Miami Hurricanes as a true freshman. Knowing Tevepaugh’s time at HHCA was short, Peduzzi began searching for his next big leg and found it on the soccer pitch.

“Coach saw me out on the soccer field one day hitting goal kicks, and he was like, ‘Dang, you got a leg,’” Kelly recalls. “It was kind of a thing where I decided to try it out, and I’ve been sticking with it ever since.”

Tevepaugh took Kelly under his wing last season and helped him make the transition from kicking a round soccer ball to sending an oblong football through the uprights, seeing him through adjustments to his plant foot placement and follow-through.

The work paid off, as Kelly found immediate success in his new environment, making 45 of 47 extra points and 6 of 8

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Ian Kelly

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But did you change the batteries in your smoke alarm?

KICKER

FROM PAGE 8A

field goals as a junior, including a 44-yard boot. He has continued to excel in his senior season, making all 26 of his PATs and going 7-for-11 on field goals with a long of 47.

“When my name’s called, I know I’ve got to do a job, and I’ve got one job to do,” Kelly said. “When I go out there for a kickoff, I’ve got to put it in the back of the end zone, and I’ve gotta get that thing https://d1rjyex4ui0ya6.cloudfront.net/ obituaries/photos/8740/1499371/636409f943ce9.jpg https://d1rjyex4ui0ya6.cloudfront.net/ obituaries/photos/8740/1499371/636409f943ce9.jpg https://d1rjyex4ui0ya6.cloudfront.net/ obituaries/photos/8740/1499371/636409f943ce9.jpg through the sticks when I get called out there to hit a field goal.”

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And Peduzzi has seen him consistently send it through the uprights from even longer distances. That range allows for a wealth of possibilities when drives bog down or at the end of the half or the game.

“I’m literally thinking if we get past the 50-yard line we have a chance,” Peduzzi said. “I have no problem letting him try a 57-to-60-yard field goal attempt if the wind is right, and he’s definitely solid between 40 and 50.”

At the same time he was watching his father slip away, Ian was dealing with his own physical ailment, recovering from a torn hamstring only to suffer a torn quadricep in his fourth practice upon returning. The back-to-back injuries left him frustrated and wondering whether he wanted to continue pursuing a college soccer career.

will have additional motivation that night. Like he does before every game, he will re-read the texts from his dad that he has saved, reminding him to give his all and give glory to God throughout the process, and he will call his dad’s phone number and leave a voicemail letting Scott know who the Eagles are playing and how Ian plans to impact the game.

“Not a moment goes by where I’m not thinking about making him proud,” Ian said. “I’ll be playing to leave it all out on the field for him that night. He always pushed me to win and give my all, so every game I’m doing all that I can to help my team get the win.” The Eagles are headed to the playoffs, so Kelly’s whirlwind football journey won’t end there. And if Peduzzi can help it, it won’t end in high school.

“After a lot of prayers and consideration, I decided that I wanted to pursue kicking and step away from soccer,” Ian said. “After my dad had passed, I wanted to do everything I could to make him proud and represent him and what he taught me through all that I do.”

Kelly’s final home game at HHCA — and his Senior Night — falls on Nov. 1, the two-year anniversary of his father’s death. It was his dad who always encouraged him to try kicking a football and assured him he would be great at whatever he chose to dedicate himself to, so Kelly

“I am frustrated and disappointed, because he deserves a Division I scholarship,” Peduzzi said. “I know it’s gotten tougher as things have changed constantly in the college football recruiting scholarship realm, but he will be somewhere next year. If not, there’s a lot of stupid college football coaches.”

Justin Jarrett is the sports editor of The Island News and is the founder of Lowco Sports. He has a passion for sports and community journalism and a questionable sense of humor.

Scott Moore Kelly

BY CINDA SEAMON Contributor

INSIDE COOKING - IN THE KITCHEN:

With all the people and activity going on at Thanksgiving, it’s important to keep the kitchen safe. Did you know that, according to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment? It’s a good time to make sure your smoke alarms are working.

When you are using the stovetop, stay in the kitchen to keep an eye on things. As far as the oven goes, start with a clean oven and make sure you stay in the house and check on it from time to time. Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stove – potholders, wooden utensils, food wrappers or paper towels.

Make sure your sleeves are out of the way when cooking. Wear tighter fitting clothing with shorter sleeves.

Thanksgiving safety

Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over toys, bags or other items.

Make sure things like knives, electric cords from appliances, matches and lighters are out of a child’s reach.

Remember that steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee can cause serious burns. Keep those pot handles turned in!

Have activities that keep kids out of the kitchen during this busy time. Games,

puzzles or books can keep them busy. Let kids get involved in Thanksgiving with recipes that can be done outside the kitchen or without cooking.

OUTSIDE COOKING - TURKEY FRYERS:

Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors, a safe distance (10 ft.) from buildings or anything else that can burn. Never use on a wooden deck or in garages.

Keeping fryers on a flat surface will help prevent accidental tipping.

Never leave a fryer unattended. Some units do not have thermostat controls, and the oil could end up heating until it catches fire.

Never let children or pets come near the fryer when it is in use. Even hours after use, the oil can remain dangerously hot. Use well insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles or the side of the cooking pot.

Be careful with marinades. Oil and water don’t mix, and water can cause oil to spill over, which can cause a fire or even an explosion hazard. That’s also why your turkey should be completely thawed before it goes into the fryer.

Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby, and never use water to extinguish a grease fire.

Cinda Seamon is the Fire and Life Safety Educator for Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue.

Streamlining South Carolina regulations is my goal

BY REP. JEFF BRADLEY Contributor

Welcome Dr. Lunsford!

We are thrilled to welcome Tristan Lunsford, DMD, to our Bluffton office! A Detroit native, Dr. Lunsford practiced dentistry in Chicago before moving to the Lowcountry to join our incredible team. He is kind, patient, and talented at surgical dentistry, including implants and smile restoration. His arrival enables us to better serve our patients and contribute more to our local community.

Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Lunsford.

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As our next South Carolina legislative session approaches in January, the Republican Caucus has outlined its vision for economic development as being a top priority. With a focus on job creation, infrastructure improvements and building a competitive business environment, this agenda is especially important for coastal communities like Hilton Head Island and the balance of Beaufort County. This is because we rely not only on tourism but also on light manufacturing, technology and small professional business growth.

Our Caucus understands that to remain competitive, South Carolina must continue to attract new kinds of businesses while supporting those already operating in our state. This is particularly true for small businesses which, next to tourism and hospitality, have been a backbone of our Lowcountry economy.

Being the Chairman of the House Regulations and Administrative Procedures Committee, my mandate in the upcoming session will be to ease the regulatory burden for the entire state and thereby offer the overall business community flexibility to innovate and expand.

We hope to achieve this with some new Artificial Intelligence (AI) products from Google that will review and streamline regulatory requirements that affect all business in South Carolina.

With our committee’s efforts to simplify regulations, we believe we can help create a more business-friendly environment. It’s our hope this should encourage more entrepreneurship and investment in both existing and new businesses.

For coastal municipalities like ours,

which face unique challenges due to tourism seasonality and environmental regulations, these reforms could prove a blessing.

We all know that business thrives when regulations are clear, fair and manageable. A top priority for me is ensuring that South Carolina remains an attractive place to start and grow a business.

Too many of us have likely experienced the frustration of navigating complicated regulatory processes, whether it’s for permits, compliance or licensing.

One of the first steps I’ll be taking in the new session is to lead efforts to review and streamline existing regulations that might be stifling growth.

By simplifying these processes, we can remove unnecessary obstacles and thereby allow businesses to focus more on innovation and expansion rather than red tape.

For our coastal region, it’s true that tourism and hospitality dominate, but there’s growing interest in diversifying industries like tech, healthcare and advanced manufacturing. By achieving regulatory relief, we will begin opening new opportunities.

But don’t get me wrong, economic development isn’t just about removing barriers; it’s also about building up the foundations that support growth.

Providing better infrastructure is critical to our long-term success. Roads, bridges, broadband access and storm water management are not just conveniences, they are essential for the functioning of businesses and the safety of our residents.

My focus will also be on fostering partnerships between educational institutions, businesses and government to create job training programs that meet the specific needs of companies arriving and starting up in South Carolina.

Our coastal community, with its diverse economic drivers, is in a prime position to benefit from these new initiatives.

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

Jeff Bradley

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We install brand new Amish-crafted solid wood doors and drawer fronts –cabinets look and perform JUST LIKE NEW AGAIN!

Huge selection of styles, colors, and wood finishes in eight different domestic woods. Beautiful new stone countertops. Modify and customize cabinets: change function, extend, reduce or add new cabinets. Roll-outs† and drawer banks for accessibility and convenience.

The Church of the Cross Food Bank will be offering its guests a Thanksgiving Grocery bag for their holiday dinner. Volunteers hope to help at least 400

In addition to the list, the Food Bank

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Everyone loves birds

BY ROSEMARY STAPLES Contributor

Famed naturalist, Sir David Attenborough, once mused, “Everyone loves birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?”

Almost as accessi-

ble as Lowcountry birds are the many Audubon volunteers — naturalists, scientists, photographers and writers — willing to share their avian knowledge. This November, Hilton Head Audubon (HHA) offers four trips hosted by these accomplished birders. Read their brief bios and tour descriptions here.

HHI library November 2.

One foggy morning in Ashford, Conn., Jim Asmuth, a lifelong birder, thought he heard the back-and-forth call of two Hermit Thrushes. Turns out, he was listening to a single bird harmonizing with itself, performing its very own solo-duet. Jim was amazed by the thrush’s talent, abled by a two-sided voice box unique only to birds. “I was hooked and have been fascinated ever since by bird vocal virtuosity.” He began recording birds on his walks, learned their vocal variations and developed a system to help remember sounds, songs and calls. Now a Bluffton resident, Jim is interested in helping birders tune in to Lowcountry birds. His presentation, Birding by Ear, is scheduled for November 5, followed by a Jarvis Creek Park field trip on November 9. Who knows — a Hermit Thrush might fly by and perform a solo duet.

Join this “Birds and Battlefield” tour November 9, in Ridgeland, S.C. where eight colonies of endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers were recently discovered. Two of the colonies are holed up in longleaf pines on Honey Hill Battlefield,

Have you ever noticed that living in the Lowcountry brings out the “inner birder” of its residents? Thirty years ago, Patty Kappmeyer had no idea that her greatest joy would one day be photographing Hilton Head’s graceful shorety’s tales and stun ning photo graphs will deepen your appreciation of Lowcountry birds. Join this event at the

country, and she is a regular guide at the Audubon Nature Preserve on Hilton

ture Lady,”

Rosemary Staples

BIRDS

Head.

Savannah native Diana Churchill is an acclaimed birder, writer, speaker and photographer. For almost two decades, the “Bird Lady” featured a twice-monthly bird column in the Savannah Morning News. She is the author of two books, Birder’s Eye View 1 and 11 that combine her articles, photographs and resources into convenient reference guides. Diana explains in a 2019 article, “You may wonder how I find something to write about every two weeks after more than 18 years. It is simple. I listen to the birds.”

Nature lovers will have the opportunity to listen to Diana talk on November 23 at Sterling Hill Park in Richmond Hill, Ga. Once a sewage treatment area, the park of forests, wetlands, ponds and grassland habitats were “left to the birds.” Expect Diana to point out migrating sparrows, warblers, four wren species and even a snipe on this gentle, three-mile walk.

To learn more about these tours, please register at hiltonheadaudubon.org, because, as Sir Attenborough said, “Every-

one loves birds!”

Rosemary Staples is a board member of Hilton Head Audubon, long time Lowcountry resident, writer, speaker, storyteller and Master Naturalist.

At

PHOTOGRAPHER, MARY ALICE TARTLER

Red-cockaded Woodpeckers at Donnelly WMA

Event at Whisper Creek Spa!

Navigating a buyer’s market versus a seller’s market

BY CHIP COLLINS Contributor

~ Holiday Parties ~

~ Bridal Showers & Parties ~

~ Getting Ready Bridal Beauty Party ~

~ Employee or Client Appreciation ~ ~ Corporate Events & Retreats ~

~ After Golf Gatherings ~

~ Any Reason at All for Spa Day with Friends ~

Stop by for a tour, call our concierge team at 843-960-0100 or email us at info@whispercreekspa.com for a special events brochure.

In real estate, market conditions can be classified as a buyer’s market, a seller’s market or a balanced market, each defined by supply and demand. These distinctions impact not only the mood of the market but also the strategies employed by buyers and sellers. Understanding these differences is crucial for making informed decisions, whether you are purchasing a home, selling one or simply observing market trends as a property owner.

A buyer’s market occurs when there is an excess of inventory relative to the number of active buyers. Typically, this scenario arises when the monthly housing supply exceeds six months. In such a market, sellers face more competition, as buyers have a plethora of options. This gives buyers significant leverage in negotiations, allowing them to make lower offers, ask for more concessions and request property repairs and terms favorable to them before finalizing a deal.

ing deferred maintenance and potentially making aesthetic updates prior to going on the market to stand out against the competition. Sellers may also have to be flexible with their asking price and terms of sale.

In contrast, a seller’s market occurs when the housing supply is less than three months, meaning there are fewer homes available than the number of buyers actively searching. In a seller’s market, homes tend to sell quickly, often at or above asking price. Buyers, anxious not to miss out, may enter into bidding wars, further driving up the final sales price.

Buyers in a seller’s market have less leverage. They may need to move swiftly to place an offer, often with fewer contingencies, to be competitive. In this scenario, buyers are less likely to request extensive repairs or adjustments and are often willing to pay over the asking price to secure the property.

Unlike what we saw in the COVID market, a softer market offers buyers a range of choices and enables more time for decision-making. It’s common to see price reductions and sellers willing to entertain offers below asking price, especially if their property has been on the market for an extended period. Buyers might even request home-to-sell contingencies, which are usually not palatable in a more competitive market.

From the seller’s perspective, however, a buyer’s market can be more challenging. Sellers need to be more strategic with their pricing and property presentation. This means ensuring the property is in prime condition, address-

Sellers in this type of market are in an advantageous position. They can be more selective with offers and may not need to make as many concessions. Additionally, the pressure to invest in extensive home improvements is reduced because buyers are eager to secure properties regardless. However, sellers should still ensure their pricing is competitive and fair/justified, as overpriced homes, even in a seller’s market, can linger unsold.

A balanced market occurs when the monthly housing supply is between three and six months, meaning the number of homes available matches the demand from buyers. In this type of market, neither buyers nor sellers hold a clear advantage. Homes sell at a steady pace, and prices tend to remain stable, with minor fluctuations based on location and property condition.

For buyers, a balanced market offers the opportunity to negotiate but not

Chip Collins

FROM PAGE 22A

with the same level of aggression as in a buyer’s market. Buyers can expect fair pricing and reasonable terms, though they may still face competition for wellpriced, attractive properties. It is also easier to include contingencies like inspections and appraisals in the offer, as sellers are more likely to agree in this neutral environment.

Sellers in a balanced market need to be aware of pricing trends and ensure their home is presented well. While they won’t face the aggressive competition of a buyer’s market, they also won’t have the luxury of a quick sale unless their property is particularly desirable. Proper pricing, home presentation, and flexibility in negotiations are key to securing a timely and profitable sale.

Understanding the type of market you are entering is crucial for success in real estate transactions. By closely monitoring market indicators such as the monthly housing supply, both buyers and sellers can make strategic decisions that align

with their goals. Whether navigating a buyer’s market, a seller’s market or a balanced market, being informed about the current market conditions is always the key to maximizing success. Chip Collins is the Broker-Owner of Col-

lins Group Realty founded in 2002. Find Chip at chip@collinsgrouprealty.com or collinsgrouprealty.com

Epperson Bluffton Sun/Hilton Head

The importance of a good estate plan… your peace of mind

BY MARK WINN Contributor

What will a good estate plan do for you and your family? It will give you peace of mind. Why? Because it will protect you and defend against: (1) unnecessary probate court costs and fees, (2) acceleration or avoidance of income taxes – in the form of maximum deferral of taxes on retirement assets or in maximizing the step up in basis at death, (3) loss of assets to federal estate taxes, (4) loss of assets from lawsuits (legal claims and divorces) (5) loss of assets from wasteful spending. Also, it will or can guarantee your assets will stay in your blood family. Perhaps the greatest

benefit of a good estate plan is the peace of mind you will have knowing that you have put these affairs in order. If you want the protection a good estate plan will do for you, it must be done before you need it. If you have moved from another state, your legal documents should be reviewed and probably updated. At our office, we usually meet with clients three to four times during a representation. The first meeting is complimentary. The second meeting is to review a draft of the papers. Then, the third meeting is usually via telephone conference or zoom call to answer any questions or make any changes. Then, the final meeting is to get the papers signed.

Let’s say Bryan and Clarabelle have a son named David who is married to Sue. David and Sue have a daughter named Tasha who gets government benefit due to her disability. Bryan and Clarabelle want

to make sure Sue will not get their assets. The solution is to leave their assets into a trust for David’s benefit with the remainder to Tasha. Doing this will guarantee that (1) Bryan and Clarabelle’s assets will not get lost in a divorce if David divorces Sue, (2) when David passes, the assets he inherited from Bryan and Clarabelle will go to Tasha and not Sue. Bryan and Clarabelle can make sure that when Tasha inherits what is left over, she inherits in a special needs trust so she will not lose her government benefits. If not planned for in advance, David could inherit the assets and lose them to Sue in a divorce or other lawsuit. On David’s death, Sue could get half, if not all, of those assets. In addition, whatever Tasha inherits could jeopardize her government benefits. The bottom line is that if you want to keep your assets in your family, and you want the peace of mind that comes from it, you must plan in

advance. You will get peace of mind, and your family will thank you for it.

Remember, a little bit of planning can make a big difference.

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

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Feeling philanthropic? A charitable planning primer

BY THOMAS M. DOWLING Contributor

Do you want to make a significant impact on a charity or cause that means a great deal to you, while also benefiting financially? If so, you’re not alone. Charitable giving is a top financial issue for many individuals and families, offering both personal fulfillment and financial rewards.

Some ways to accomplish charitable giving are:

1. Will bequest. You leave a charitable gift that does not go to the charity until the will is probated. Bequests are convenient because the assets are still available to you during your lifetime. Your estate can also take an estate tax deduction for the value of the charitable bequest.

2. Private foundation. This private, nonprofit organization receives most of its contributions from a single wealthy individual or family. With a private foundation, a minimum amount of the foundation’s assets must be distributed annually.

3. Donor-advised fund (DAF). What you donate to the DAF earns a federal tax deduction for the entire gift. You can then, at your own pace, pinpoint certain charities and decide how much to give to each one.

4. Charitable gift of life insurance. This approach to planned giving uses an innovative, traditional financial tool— life insurance. As the donor, you designate a charity as the owner of your life insurance policy. Generally, you can take a tax deduction for the premiums and create a significant charitable gift.

5. Charitable trust. As part of the gift, the trust provides income for you for your lifetime or a set number of

years. Once the trust is terminated, one or more charities you chose will receive the assets held. With another type of trust, a charitable lead trust, you transfer assets to the trust for life (or a specific number of years), and the trust’s income is paid to your charity of choice. When the trust expires, the assets are either returned to you (or your estate) or passed on to the heirs you designate.

CHARITY FIRST

While charitable gifts can substantially benefit donors, it is essential to remember that charity comes first in the equation. If tax mitigation is your only concern or primary concern, other wealth management strategies may give you better results.

Charitable planning is often facilitated by various professionals working within philanthropic organizations. This is mainly due to practicality: Coordination of a giving effort can have many multiple parties involved—donors and charitable organizations—and the multiple goals that may be pursued (charitable impact, tax mitigation, estate tax reduction, family legacy development, and so on).

Thomas M. Dowling, CFA, CFP®, CIMA® is the Head of Wealth Management at Alliance Global Partners of the Lowcountry on Hilton Head. He can be reached at infohh@allianceg.com or (843) 420-1993.

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Hilton Head Island Real Estate Market UpdateNovember 2024

BY DAN PRUD’HOMME Contributor

The Hilton Head Island real estate market continues to shift as we move deeper into fall, bringing some notable changes since last month. With Thanksgiving around the corner, buyers and sellers alike are assessing the current conditions to plan their next moves. Let’s dive into the numbers for a clearer picture.

Days on the market (DOM) have been gradually increasing, now sitting at 70 days compared to 68 last month and 56 this time last year. While this uptick might cause some concern, it’s important to keep perspective. Back in 2019 and 2020, the average cumulative days on market (CDOM) were 162 and 156 days, respectively. Today’s figures still reflect a relatively fast-moving market.

Sales prices are holding steady, though there’s been a slight shift in negotiation margins. Properties are currently selling for an average of 95.4% of their original asking price, down from 96.8% last year. However, when compared to 2019’s 94% average, this demonstrates the underlying strength and resilience in the market despite rising DOM.

Inventory levels are starting to loosen up a bit, with available properties up 6% year over year. There are 734 listings on the market now, compared to 663 this time last year. Although this is an increase, it’s a far cry from the 1,330 listings we saw five years ago. This is especially notable since fall usually brings a seasonal influx of inventory as sellers list their properties after a summer rental season.

Closed sales for the month totaled 120, marking a 12.4% decline from the same

period last year. This translates to just over a six-month supply of homes, which signals a neutral market and favors neither buyers nor sellers. After a year of slowly rising inventory, this leveling out indicates a potential shift in market dynamics.

The median year-to-date sale price on Hilton Head Island sits at $1,100,000, down slightly by 0.07% from last year’s $1,107,500. This decrease is not necessarily indicative of falling home values but rather a softening in the ultra-luxury segment. With the upcoming general election, large discretionary purchases like second homes tend to slow, especially in the luxury sector.

Looking ahead, as inventory rises and interest rates potentially soften, the market will likely become more competitive. Buyers should take advantage of the current market conditions before lower rates spur more buyer activity, which could lead to multiple-offer situations.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and we’ll be back with another update next month!

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

Dan Prud’homme

The Seahawk Times

A Hilton Head Island High School Student Newspaper

The Mystery of the Missing Anchor By: KB Bolchoz

You’re probably wondering, “Why does the school have an anchor?” I wasn’t so sure myself. As long as I can remember, close by the old front entrance of the school, sat with a sign or inscription of some sort in front of it. Mrs. Dobbelaere took pride in having her classes paint it over for every major and minor celebratory occasion: a candy cane for Christmas, taped-on white foam ears for Easter. It seemed that every week it was a different color; I’m sure a cross-section would reveal at least six inches of paint.

And now it was gone.

Someone had to find where it had gone, and, well, I took the idea and ran with it.

Mr. Schidrich, the principal at HHIHS, was the person with the answers as to where the anchor had gone.

I started out simple, of course. Get the information I already know a little bit about: Where did the anchor go?

“It’s in storage right now,” he said. “So when we build the new school and the new building opens, we’ll bring it back out.”

That was a relief. At least we were not getting rid of the thing for good.

He even elaborated on where the anchor was being stored: “storage containers by the field houses,” he told me.

“Every school has a flagpole,” he continued, “so when we closed off the front entrance, that’s where our flagpole was– the anchor was right next to it. So, we bought a new flagpole outside the temporary entrance.” I nodded politely. “We thought about putting it there, but it made no sense to then take it back out again, because there was a little damage to the base.”

Now I understood why it seemed to make much more sense to store the anchor instead of relocate it: rather than the damage being the issue, the constant movement of construction would mean we’d have to move it every so often until the new school was well and done.

“There was damage to the base– not the anchor, the base, when we took it out of the ground.” Here, I commented on the size of the monument, and he proceeded to explain the purpose of an anchor. The anchor was donated by the Navy, from a huge World War II ship that had been scrapped around the time, in the mid-2000s or so. It was donated to the NJROTC department, acknowledging that HHIHS is a Navy school specifically.

Mr. Schidrich continued on. “Obviously when we reinstall, we have to (do something to) the base, and maybe get a new base for it, so the more you move something and take it out…well, it’ll likely to cause more damage. So it’s in storage, but it’ll come back when the new building opens.”

There’s the correlation, and there’s a mystery solved. This anchor was here for two decades, and it disappeared almost as suddenly as it had gotten here. However, it is promised that the anchor will return!

The anchor that used to sit in front of the old entrance at HHIHS. The anchor is now in storage and will return once the new building opens.

Photo from HHIHS Facebook

Photo from HHIHS Facebook

Photo from HHIHS Facebook

Seahawks Introduce New Programming Club By: Ethan Collins

Programmers are ecstatic about the new Programming Club that was introduced at Hilton Head Island High School this school year. This new club explores the vast depth of game design and development as you compete against other teams in a competition that takes place later this year.

The club was founded by Jesus Garcia, and Caden Moore. The goal of the club is to teach and grow knowledge of coding, grow team building skills, and work through the troubles of designing and coding a game. These skills can help students throughout life in so many different ways and will help them in any future job or situation they may find themselves in.

The club is designing two games that will follow themes dictated by Games for Change. They present each team with three themes that they can choose from and make a game that tells and follows the theme chosen. This year the themes are managing food and preserving it, connection with nature, natural disaster and survival. The team will design the game and send it to Games for Change to have the chance to win a $10,000 scholarship to college.

The club meets every Monday after school at 3:30pm. The teacher, Mr. Best, leads this club. He is the teacher for the computer science and cyber security classes. He is also the head of the Robotics club which shares many members with the Programming club.

This club is truly built for anyone who wants to work on team building skills and challenge themselves with the hardships of developing and making a game to push the boundaries of their minds, or to build something truly amazing with their peers.

“We are the programming club,” River Kelly, a member of this club, states.

“We are learning are make a game to compete in a competition. We are learning game code in c-sharp and ui design in html and c++. We plan to continue this club for as long as we can and hopefully, one day, win the competition.”

The Seahawks hope to compete, learn new skills, and hopefully win some awards.

Connecting Hearts: The Memory Project By: Payton Kaufer

The Memory Project was started by Ben Schumaker and is a youth arts organization that promotes cultural understanding and kindness among children worldwide. Schumaker started this project in 2004 because he was passionate about connecting younger kids around the world through art to help build an intercultural understanding and kindness. Art teachers and students bring their passion for art to the project for collaborative efforts. Ms. Dobbelaere, an art teacher at HHIHS said, “I began participating with my classes in 2004. In 2015, I contacted other art teachers and asked if they would like to collaborate. Since then, 20 local art teachers have participated in the Memory Project.”

The portraits made by the students are given to orphaned and disadvantaged children around the world who have faced significant challenges like violence, war, extreme poverty, and neglect. Students contribute to the memory project by creating portraits for the kids. Ms. Dobbelaere stated, “The students create artwork based on photos sent to us.” This makes the children feel valued and important because the portraits show someone cares about their wellbeing.

These portraits are made with various materials such as pencils, paints, and pastels. The materials do depend on who is making the portraits and what their creative vision is.

Ms. Dobbelaere says, “We have created over 2,000 artworks for 20 countries. This year we are creating portraits for children in Honduras, Malawi, and India.” Not only can students and art teachers make an impact but anyone can outside of art classes. The organization encourages anyone with an interest in art to get involved.

Culinary Arts: A Popular Class at HHIHS By: Daisy Lopez Jimenez

Having taken Culinary Arts the second semester of her sophomore year, Gaby Villeda shares the experience she had in Chef Hill’s Culinary Arts class.

“In culinary class, the most important thing I learned, is definitely about having patience.” Gaby says while in class, whether it was making dishes or doing bookwork, having patience was something she had to practice when in class.

“When you’re cooking something or writing notes, some people can be slower than others and slower than yourself too.” She learned to work around others and be patient.

Since students do not cook every day, there is bookwork that is completed on those days they do not cook. Gaby had the opportunity to learn about things she had never even heard of such as cross contamination, how to handle knife work, and even how restaurants take care of their kitchens through the bookwork that she completed during the course.

One unique quality of culinary class is that it is collaborative, you’re assigned to different groups in which you will be working with all throughout the year. The groups usually consist of 3-4 people and they all work together to create the dish assigned. Gaby also enjoyed working together in groups as she got to know a lot more about her peers. “I made a really good friend that I met during the course of taking Culinary my second semester of sophomore year.”

“Helping in just a single part of the dish made me want to have helped with the whole thing!” As students try new things over the course of high school, doing everything yourself and learning at your own pace is probably the best thing ever!

Gaby shares her favorite part of the class in which she said “My favorite part of the class was definitely the teacher;” speaking about Chef Hill, she says she loved him because he was very helpful. “He always helped us even if we didn’t ask him, which I think is something very helpful and important to us as students.”

Something else that she loved about the class was the fact that she got to eat what she cooked. “But my all time favorite thing of the class was definitely being able to eat what you made that day.”

She had Culinary Arts 4th block where she remembers coming to class hungry. “Being able to eat after a long school day is so rewarding and that would just motivate me to come to school”

She continues to share how she would take some food home and give her family the opportunity to taste the dish she had made in class. “I never thought of taking culinary just because so many people want to take that class.” She describes herself as “lucky” just because she had the opportunity to take culinary in just her second year of high school. Many students tend to sign up for Culinary during their four years of high school and some of them don’t even get to take the class. “There are students who have the privilege of taking the class twice which amazes me” Being part of a culinary class is very special and was a very “special” part of Gaby’s sophomore experience.

By: Maydeth G.S.

Navy NJROTC at HHIHS By: Gary Greenberg

NJROTC or Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps is a amazing program that also counts as a PE elective credit. NJROTC teaches students the values of the Navy which are honor, courage, and commitment.

There is a NJROTC routine. On Monday cadets do academics where they learn about military/unit knowledge which will be asked about in inspection. On Wednesdays, the students have a uniform check. The upperclassmen and the leaders will check the underclassman and make sure that they are wearing the uniform correctly. After the uniform check they will go into the aux gym and do drills and marches, which teaches the students discipline. Tuesday and Thursday is physical training. Fridays is a critical thinking activities where cadets play strategy games. However, there are multiple ways to be involved in the NJROTC program outside of the classroom.

One of the teams in ROTC is academic team where cadets practice every week with knowledge questions. Marksmanship team practices sharpshooting targets in the classroom after school and they go to competitions against other schools/ teams, but in order to join, cadets must pass a safety test in ROTC with a 100. Drill team practices drill and marching in the aux gym in the mornings and they go to competitions against other schools/teams as well. The next team is Color Guard and these cadets go out during football games and other special events to carry the state flag, national flag, and two drill rifles on each side. They practice guidon movements and marching. Each of these teams gives cadets a ribbon that can be worn on their uniform. NJROTC is a great program that provides a lot of opportunities so students should join.

Photo

Bust A Move With The Dance Team By:

Hilton Head Island High School is once again anticipating the upcoming dance team season. Known for its showcase of stunning performances the dancers are gearing up for performances like no other. Ms. Montgomery, the team’s coach, gave some insight.

“This year is going to be amazing,” Ms. Montgomery shares. “After months of preparation, we’re finally ready to show everyone what we can do. Each dancer has been pushing themselves to improve, and it’s inspiring to see our growth as a team.”

Discussing the upcoming competitions, Ms. Montgomery emphasizes the importance of these events. “Doing showcases at the school allows us to highlight our talent and hard work on a larger stage. It’s a chance for us to challenge ourselves, which is invaluable for our development as dancers.”Ms. Montgomery also highlights the bond among team members as a crucial part of their success. “We’ve built a strong sense of community. Making us not just teammates, but friends.”

An additional coach joined the team this year. Ms. Frauhiger is helping the team with hip-hop and modern dance skills. Ms. Montgomery focuses on traditional dance skills.

Nicholas Korneluk

When asked about the requirements for joining the team, Ms. Montgomery explains, “We hold auditions at the beginning of the season, and we look for passion, dedication, and a willingness to learn. Once on the team, everyone must commit to regular practices and maintain a positive attitude.”

She expresses gratitude for the support from the Hilton Head community. “We’ve received incredible support from the entire school staff. Their encouragement not only helps us with resources, but also boosts our confidence as we prepare to represent our island.”

Looking ahead, she shares her hopes for the season. “I want us to leave each performance feeling proud of what we’ve accomplished together. My goal is for every dancer to feel confident in their skills and to grow as performer. I also hope that we continue to inspire younger dancers in the community.”

Ms. Montgomery concludes, “I’m so proud of this team. Their hard work, enthusiasm, and creativity make everything we do worthwhile. I can’t wait to see how we’ll grow together this year and how we’ll shine on stage!” Some of the performances can be found on the Seahawk News Network YouTube Channel.

Big Construction, Little Delays By: KB Bolchoz

HHIHS is now an active construction zone. Since the referendum passed last year, the school has undergone the early stages of construction. However, according to our principal, we might not be as on schedule as expected.

According to Mr. Schidrich, we may be a week or two behind. However, he adds, this delay is to be expected– the construction company, MB Khan, has this accounted for in their contingency plan.

HHIHS is currently in the first phase of construction, which is constructing the new academic wing of the campus. When that building is finished, all of the classes will be moved into that area while the old school is demolished. The intended completion date of Phase 1 should be around the opening of school in 2026, about two years from now.

The delay lies in the actual material. MB Khan purchases the building materials– steel, concrete, et cetera– but has nowhere to store them. Therefore, they need to purchase the material the day it is needed, rather than saving it for later. When there is a delay in the movement of these materials from point A to point B, the construction is halted.

Because this delay is so common, the construction company accounts for this break in their timeline. After the material arrives, they plan to pour the foundation for the building and start the actual walls. In fact, there are some bricks laid down already.

Photo by: Kelly Bolchoz

Plate by Murray Sease

Ask the expert: what is my role as the trustee of a trust?

BY LISA HOSTETLER BROWN Contributor

Expert Answer: Whether it feels like an honor or a burden or both, you may have been appointed to serve as the trustee of a trust. In this article, I will share a list of 10 responsibilities you face in this role and an important action to avoid.

10 DO’S

1. Do read the trust document: It sets out the rules under which you will operate, so you need to understand it completely, including your specific responsibilities and limitations.

2. Do create a checking account for the trust: All income and expenses should go through this account.

3. Do act in the best interests of the beneficiaries: You must avoid any conflicts of interest. You have what’s called a “fiduciary” duty to them, which is an extremely high standard.

4. Do keep your personal financial dealings entirely separate from the trust: For instance, you cannot borrow money from the trust or lend the trust money to anyone.

5. Do communicate with the trust beneficiaries to understand their needs: This may include updating them on the trust’s performance or any changes that may affect their interests.

6. Do invest the trust funds prudently and productively: You cannot simply leave the trust funds in a savings account, and you can’t put them all into a promising new company. You need to diversify the trust portfolio among stocks and fixed income securities.

7. Do keep meticulous records of all transactions and decisions you make on behalf of the trust to ensure accountability.

8. Do be aware of any public benefits the beneficiaries may be receiving and make sure you do not jeopardize their access to these benefits.

9. Do file annual income tax returns for the trust.

10. Do stay informed: Consider enhancing your knowledge and skills as a trustee by attending workshops or seminars on trust management.

1 DON’T

1. Don’t fly solo: Get professional advice to make sure you are correctly fulfilling your role.

An estate planning attorney can serve as a strong source of support for a trustee of a trust. They can provide invaluable guidance by clarifying your legal responsibilities as a trustee. They can help in ensuring compliance with trust laws and helping navigate complex tax issues. They can also assist in drafting necessary estate planning documents and offering strategies to protect the trust’s assets, ultimately ensuring smooth administration.

Collaborating with professionals can provide you with peace of mind. You will know that you are handling the trust to the best of your ability with expertise and care. It also can provide reassurance to beneficiaries that their interests are in fact top of mind.

For educational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Lisa Hostetler Brown is a Certified Elder Law Attorney certified by the National Elder Law Foundation. 2 Hampton Hall, Bluffton, SC 29910 | 843757-5294 | HiltonHeadElderLaw.com

Lisa Hostetler Brown

What are age spots?

BY DR. OSWALD MIKELL Contributor

Age spots, also called brown spots, liver spots and solar lentigines, are flat gray, brown or black spots. They vary in size and usually appear on the face, hands, shoulders and arms, the areas most exposed to the sun.

Q: What are the symptoms of age spots?

A: Although age spots typically develop in people with a fair complexion, they can also be seen in those with darker skin.

Age spots are:

• Flat, oval areas of increased pigmentation

• Usually brown, black or gray

• Occur on parts of the skin that has had the most sun exposure over the years, such as the backs of hands, tops of feet, face, shoulders and upper back

• Can range from freckle-size to more than a half inch (1 centimeter) across and can group together, making them more prominent

Q: What causes age spots?

A: Age spots are caused primarily by years of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. Tanning beds can also contribute to the development of age spots. The pigment in the upper layer of skin (epidermis) that gives your skin its normal color is called melanin. UV light accelerates the production of melanin, creating a tan that helps protect deeper layers of skin from UV rays. On areas of the skin that has years of frequent and prolonged sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes “clumped” or is produced in particularly high concentrations. In addition to sun exposure, simply becoming older can cause the extra production of melanin.

Q: What treatments are available?

A: If you’re unhappy with the appearance of age spots, treatments are available to lighten or remove them.

• Medications. Prescription bleaching creams (hydroquinone) used alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid

• Laser therapy. Laser therapy destroys melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) without damaging the skin’s surface.

Treatments with a laser typically require several sessions.

• Freezing (cryotherapy). This procedure involves applying liquid nitrogen or another freezing agent to the age spots to destroy the extra pigment. As the area heals, the skin appears lighter. Freezing is typically used on a single age spot or a small grouping of age spots.

• Dermabrasion. This procedure consists of sanding down (planing) the surface layer of your skin with a rapidly rotating brush, removing the skin surface. A new layer of skin grows in its place.

• Chemical peel. A chemical peel involves applying an acid, which burns the outer layer of your skin, to the age spots. As your skin peels, new skin forms to take its place.

True age spots are harmless and don’t require treatment, but if you have spots that are dark or have changed in appearance, you should consult a dermatologist because these changes can be signs of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.

Call Dermatology Associates of the Lowcountry (843) 689-5259 on Hilton Head Island or 843-705-0840 in Bluffton and Okatie. Our experienced staff will be able to provide proper treatment.

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

Oswald Mikell

Safe not sorry; practical ways to stay safe with neuropathy

BY DR. KENNETH HORUP Contributor

I like to say that when it comes to neuropathy “ignorance is not bliss.” This is because there are many dangerous side effects that arise from lack of feeling in your extremities. Whether your symptoms are numbness, tingling, cramping or lack of balance, there are easy ways to increase your safety while struggling with neuropathy. It is a mission of mine to help people help themselves. For those of you who do suffer with neuropathy, or if you know someone that does, I encourage you to read this article as I will break down a few practical ways to stay safe.

Tip #1: Monitor Temperature Sensitivity. When I perform neuropathy examinations, I

often find that patients are unable to feel temperature, such as cold and hot, with accurate measure. The nerves are unable to sense temperature correctly. So, my first recommendation is to test water with an area of your body not affected by neuropathy before stepping into a shower, bath, hot tub, etc. Also, be careful with heating pads. If you are using a heating pad on an area affected by neuropathy, please test the temperature first, and time how long it is applied to the area. This will help reduce your risk of burning.

Tip #2: Increase Foot Care. At least once a week a patient comes into my office with a cut they don’t know about; they are unable to feel it due to nerve damage. Please do daily inspections of your feet and ensure there are no open wounds. Avoid walking barefoot, even at home, to avoid nicks on the feet. The risk becomes high when you have an unknown wound as it can easily become infected, leading to further serious conditions. Also, keep your feet clean and moisturized

with daily care and cleaning in the shower/ bath.

Tip #3: Walk Safely. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths. Though it may be a difficult adjustment, using a cane, walking sticks or a walker when you are moving will significantly help prevent falls. Without proper feeling, walking becomes difficult and unstable. I encourage you to take precautions with walking assistance, even if you do not want to.

Tip #4: Drive Responsibly. Unfortunately, with neuropathy comes a loss of independence. However, it is more important that you are safe. If you find your feet are numb and you are unable to feel the gas/brake pedal accurately, I encourage you to have someone else drive you. Car accidents due to neuropathy are more common than you think. When it is difficult to feel how hard you press the pedals, or which pedals you are pressing, car accident risk skyrockets. It is very important to be safe when you are driv-

ing.

Tip #5: Medical Check-Ups: The benefits of routine medical check ups are plentiful. A healthcare provider will be able to recommend specific treatments for your personal case. Whether it is to seek a physical therapist, apply new creams, get a referral to neuropathy specialists, or to simply check that your system is functioning properly, a healthcare worker can help guide you in the right direction.

Living with neuropathy requires proactive measures to stay safe and manage your health. My wish is that this article will encourage you to act on your health and safety as you navigate your condition. Though some of these tips may seem simple, they can change someone’s life when put into action; you may minimize the impact of neuropathy and improve your quality of life.

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

Dr. Ken Horup

Enjoy stress-free holidays

BY ROB PEARSON Contributor

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), almost half of all women and a third of all men report increased stress around the holidays. There are so many simple ways to reduce stress this time of year, especially here in the Lowcountry. It’s all up to you.

Prioritize you. Take a walk on your favorite beach or the wharf and sidewalks of Old Town Bluffton. When’s the last time you visited Coligny Beach and its multitude of nearby shops and eateries? Stay active. If you drink alcohol, don’t over-do it. Eat healthy foods. Get enough sleep. Reduce your time on social media. Hosting a get together for Family or Friends? Keep meals simple. Plan in advance. You don’t have to do everything. Have others bring something they enjoy preparing.

Responsible for buying gifts? Try simplifying. Visit some of our phenomenal local shops and restaurants to buy gift cards or certificates. Take a dear friend out for a meal and surprise them by picking up the tab, if that doesn’t evoke stress for you. To help ease financial stress, put a holiday budget together and stick to it.

Do you worry too much? Limit it by allowing yourself a set amount of time each day to worry for a short time. Write down (i.e. ‘Notes’ on your iPhone) any concerns that pop into your head during the day and save them for Worry Time. Choose something that relaxes you and make time in the day, every day, for it, even if it’s only for 15 minutes. Enjoy some time reading, a sip of chamomile tea, meditation, yoga, or listening to some tunes and step away from your electronic devices (except if one is playing relaxing music).

Planning ahead will relieve stress and give you more time to prepare for your activity. Begin early enough so you won’t have to worry about last minute shopping, meal prep or what to wear at social events. Find out if someone you know will be at the event which may help reduce your social anxiety.

You can handle the natural stress of the holidays. You may need to modify your routine somewhat, but it could help bring a higher level of enjoyment throughout the upcoming holiday season and beyond. Start planning early (like now) and have fun!

Rob Pearson, M.S. is Executive Director of Mental Health America of the Lowcountry, providing daily adult group mental health counseling programs in Bluffton and Beaufort for clients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD and more. Contact: robp@mhalowcountry.org , 843-415-9110

Bluffton High earns top rating in SC education report

BY CHANNING HEISS Contributor

The SC Department of Education and the SC Education Oversight Committee released the annual statewide school report cards in early October, and Bluffton High School maintained its overall rating of “Excellent” for the fourth straight year while also earning other recognition for school quality.

The school ranks fourteenth in the state and first in Beaufort County overall. The state rates schools on a range of criteria including test scores, teacher qualifications, parent involvement and school climate.

Principal Matthew Hall, who was selected last summer to succeed Denise Donica, is proud to be a part of Bluffton High and optimistic about the future of the school.

“Denise Donica and the staff have earned all of these accolades. This is all because of our dedicated staff and students,” Hall said.

In addition to its top-tier overall quality rating, Bluffton High School earned its first “Excellent” ranking in school climate, on which Hall says they have been placing a great deal of focus.

“We’ve been working hard on this. We celebrate everyone’s success and work to make Bluffton High a place everyone enjoys coming to.” The school climate rating is calculated based on surveys focused on the primary areas of safety, environment and engagement.

Hall cites many elements of Bluffton High School that have contributed to its success. He notes the school’s offering the AP Capstone program, a two-year course of study offered by a small percentage of US high schools, and focusing on areas such as analytical skills and problem solving. Bluffton High most recently had over 30 students qualify for

BHS Principal Matthew Hall

the Capstone diploma. Principal Hall also points out the students’ excellent record of achievement in Biology, Algebra and History, where test scores have been at or near the top in the school district.

“It’s a testament to the great work our teachers do,” Hall said. “In academic achievement, our teachers and students always perform towards the top...I want to celebrate and highlight that and to let everyone know how wonderful Bluffton High School is.”

Channing Heiss is a freelance writer and a member of the Beaufort County disAbilities Coalition.

Rob Pearson

BLUFFTON HIGH SCHOOL

BY MATHEW T. EPPS, MD Contributor

Approaching facelift surgery

Achieving a successful facelift involves a multi-faceted approach, starting with choosing a qualified and competent cosmetic surgeon. When seeking complex surgery such as a facelift, it is important for the general public to be informed as to what constitutes a cosmetic plastic surgeon.

During the facelift consult, ask smart questions regarding experience, training, preferred techniques, and most importantly, the percentage of cases the surgeon performs that are cosmetic versus reconstructive. The goals of reconstructive surgery are to attempt to restore normal appearing tissue, whereas the goal of cosmetic surgery is to confidently take normal and make it look better – two markedly contrasting skillsets.

Dr. Rod Rohrich, an international renowned plastic surgeon in Dallas, Tex., famously wrote some surgeons specialize in particular procedures, and your procedure type should be in [their] top three.

Once you have found a good fit with a plastic surgeon, the next step in facelift planning is optimization of skin

quality and texture. Cosmetic plastic surgeons emphasize the importance of enhancing skin elastin and collagen content, recognizing that the foundation for an aesthetically pleasing outcome begins with the skin itself.

Cosmetic plastic surgeons also understand the nuances of pre-operative facelift incision design, ensuring that the scars remain discreet and inconspicuous, allowing patients to enjoy the rejuvenated appearance without the telltale signs of surgery.

Traditionally, an intricate retro-tragal incision is preferred for women, with curves and angles that is strategically placed behind the tragus, the raised structure in front of the ear canal. This technique requires a high level of skill to perform effectively.

Conversely, for men, a pre-tragal incision is classically preferred to avoid pulling the sideburn hair-bearing skin onto the tragus.

There is a growing trend among a subset of facial plastic surgeons to use a pre-tragal incision on women due in part to simplicity and convenience. Rushed or imprecise pre-tragal incisions, especially on women when under excess tension, can and often do result in a visible widened permanent scarring that is difficult to correct — a result that runs counter to the desired outcome.

A successful facelift involves a combination of attention to skin quality and precise incision techniques. Pa-

Designed Speci cally For Restful Sleep!

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with a chronic condition, or simply looking for a comfortable and convenient chair,

tients should be discerning in choosing surgeons who prioritize these elements to achieve optimal and natural-looking results.

Mathew T. Epps, MD, MS, DABS is a plastic surgeon, triple- fellowship trained in facial, eyelid, and breast surgery. matheweppsmd.com or info@dreppsmd.com.

Dr. Mathew T. Epps

NATURE’S WAY

Time is short so make time with your kids!

BY COLLINS DOUGHTIE Contributor

This time around I think I want to switch things up by telling you about a bucket list destination I just returned from with my son Logan. As many of you with children can relate to, my daughter Camden and my grandchildren bought the house next door to me, but Logan and his wife Kali’s career paths took them to Los Angeles, so my time with them is far and between. With the clock ticking, I set up a father-son fishing trip to one of the most spectacular places I have ever seen. That place was La Paz, Mexico, on the Baja Peninsula which fronts up to the Sea of Cortez, often referred as being the aquarium of the world.

An avid angler and nature lover, Logan doesn’t have access to waters like ours that team with life, so when I told him about one solid week of fishing together each and every day, he was jacked to the max. Having researched the area, I found an outfit called Baja Rancheros with awesome reviews. Our package included a center console boat, captain, hotel accommodations and all transportation at an extremely affordable rate compared to any such trips in the U.S. Meeting up in Mexico City, we flew into La Paz, and from 30,000 feet, the scenery was spectacular with rolling hills, limestone cliffs that water and wind carved into works of art while the water was a mixture of deep cobalt blue water and vibrant blue green shallows along its rocky coastline. One

more notch on my bucket list was finally coming true.

With temperatures in the low to mid 90s it was rather toasty, but once we left the dock that first day, a steady sea breeze made the heat tolerable. The cliffs along the shoreline were carved into intricate patterns no matter where you looked. Having my boy with me kept a smile on my face the entire time. Logan is extremely smart, but paired with that is compassion that has no boundaries. We talked about our individual lives as well as razzing our captain Jesus that immediately bonded the three of us. I had told him that I too was a captain with years of experience, but knowing that he had heard that from many other groups he guided, I sensed he was thinking “here we go again, another know-it-all.”

The cool part about the Sea of Cortez is species available switch with the time of

year. In cooler water more yellowtail, grouper and large pargo, a member of the snapper family, are present. With the water warmer, mahi-mahi, striped and blue marlin and bottom fish like yellow snapper and triggerfish are more the target species. Our bait was live sardines that we would buy off bait boats early in the morning, and from there, we would go sight fishing. Slowly cruising on calm water in 200’-400’, we would look for the telltale “V” wake made by mahi and marlin cruising along the surface. Once sighted, we would try and get in front of the cruising fish, and using spinning tackle, pitch a live sardine where the fish might see it. It was an absolute hoot except for one snag. We have needle fish here that are at most a foot long, but down there the needlefish are 4’-5’ long, voracious and fast as greased lightning. With hundreds of needle-sharp teeth, it was challenging to keep the sardine away from them so the bright green and yellow mahi could have first shot at the bait. Other bandits included hundreds of skipjack tuna and bizarre looking trumpet fish with a snout easily three feet long.

Fishing every day, all day long was

probably not my best call. We would have some of our catch cooked for dinner, and then off to bed we went before getting up at 5:45 a.m. the next day for another eight or so hours on the water. I will say this, Jesus realized pretty quickly that we did actually know what we were doing, and on three out of four days, we were the high boat in their fleet. Catching mahi on light tackle in such clear water was so darn visual. Mahi have the ability to completely change colors when excited, and in water that clear a cruising vibrant blue mahi would instantly change to bright green, electric yellow and pectoral fins a neon blue once they caught sight of one of our struggling sardines. What a sight! Once hooked, they turn on the afterburners and more often than not do aerial acrobatics until they are literally spent. We never got greedy, releasing many fish, but the best part of this trip was spending time with my son. We are definitely cut from the same cloth, and as we departed La Paz, we both agreed to make one of these trips and annual affair. Life can change in a blink of an eye so make time for those kids that live far away. If this trip piqued your interest, check out Baja Rancheros in La Paz, Mexico. You can call them directly at +52 612 157 8977 and ask for Pedro. La Paz is safe, beautiful and the people there are warm and inviting.

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

Collins and his son Logan

Cliffs along the Sea of Cortez

Get a grip: what is trigger finger and how is it treated?

BY DR. EDWARD R. BLOCKER Contributor

When it comes to conditions that can affect your hand, trigger finger is one that many people experience throughout their lives.

The name “trigger finger” is a descriptive term of what the finger feels and even looks like when the symptoms of the condition occur. After making a fist or closing your hand around an object, the trigger finger (or thumb) will catch or “trigger” as you try to straighten it.

These triggering episodes can be mild or can cause quite a bit of pain. There is often a painful nodule that can be felt in the palm at the base of the triggering fin-

ger.

Although it may feel like the problem is in your knuckle, it’s caused by an issue with the tendon that controls your finger. Think of our tendons like puppet strings. Muscles pull the tendons, which then move your fingers. The tendons that flex your finger down pass through a sheath as they slide back and forth to move your fingers. The tendon can get caught as it passes through this sheath, causing the finger to “trigger.”

Trigger finger is generally a simple problem to treat, and those dealing with the condition have a few different options for treatment.

It might resolve on its own. We call this treatment “tincture of time” or “benign neglect.”

An anti-inflammatory such as Advil or Motrin can quiet down the inflammation around the tendon. Not everyone can take anti-inflammatory medication, so if in

doubt, check with your medical provider. A cortisone injection near the tendon can sometimes cure the problem. Cortisone is a strong steroidal anti-inflammatory that is applied right at the source of the problem to soothe the inflammation and allow the tendon to glide back and forth.

Finally, a simple outpatient procedure can be done to open the area of the tendon sheath where the triggering occurs. This will also allow the tendon to glide back and forth more easily.

In my practice, if someone comes in with a trigger finger, they’ve usually already put up with it for a while – often using anti-inflammatory medications – so, the next step I usually recommend is an injection.

Sometimes a patient will say they don’t want an injection because it’s “just temporary.” However, an injection can sometimes cure the problem and is therefore

usually worth a try before resorting to surgery.

Of course, sometimes an injection is temporary or doesn’t work at all. For the patients that have persistent, bothersome triggering not relieved by the other options, surgery is an option and has a very high likelihood of success.

Trigger finger is common, and while it isn’t debilitating, it can certainly be annoying. Talk to your medical provider about which treatment option will work best for you.

Board-certified in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Edward Blocker has been a member of the Beaufort Memorial medical staff since 1998 and currently serves as chief of the hospital’s orthopedic department. He sees patients at Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists in Okatie, Beaufort and Varnville.

Dr. Edward Blocker

BY DR. RONALD FINGER Contributor

InstaLift is a registered name for a modified thread lift of the face. The positive results of an InstaLift are:

1. Lifting of the face and neck.

2. Stimulating production of more volume in the face, which is needed with aging.

The uniquely designed InstaLift threads are what makes the procedure work. They differ from standard or barbed threads in that they are absorbed over one and a half to two years, and more importantly, they actually stimulate the production of collagen and thus volume. The InstaLift threads have small uni-directional cones integrated into the threads going in opposite directions from the center of the thread, which both anchor and pull the

cheeks back up into the desired location. Who would benefit most from an InstaLift?

InstaLifts work best for patients who are just beginning to see some sagging of the cheeks, jowls and neck and those who have loss of volume in the cheek area. It also works well for those who have had face lifts and are beginning to see recurrence of sagging. In addition, it is often used for those people who do not want a

face lift for their individual reasons (time restrains, financial issues, medical problems, etc.).

Would fillers work for these issues?

Yes, to an extent, certain fillers such as Juvéderm, Voluma, Restylane products, Sculptra and others could help correct these aging problems. Often times, it might be a recommendation to have both the InstaLift along with fillers if more volume is needed. In some cases, fillers alone

are effective. Each patient has unique needs depending on amount of volume loss, as well as one’s facial and bone structure.

What the InstaLift does best is to tighten and lift the skin with the addition of stimulating the production of collagen and thus volume.

How is the procedure performed?

The procedure is done under mild or no sedation and takes approximately 45 minutes to perform. There will be small needle marks on both cheeks where the threads are inserted. Bruising and swelling are minimal and usually gone in five days. Because the InstaLift threads stimulate collagen growth, the final result will not be seen for several months, but the patient’s appearance will be improved within a week. At that time, if the patient feels they would like more volume, fillers can then be utilized.

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

Dr. Ronald Finger

Thread lift pre and 3-month post procedure.

Driving the ball – what is

BY DR. JEAN HARRIS Contributor

There is an old saying in golf that “You drive for show and putt for dough.” I think that depends a lot on your misses. Getting longer is important if your lack of accuracy isn’t causing penalty strokes. For professionals, distance gained gets them hitting a shorter club to the green, even if it is in the rough. For amateurs, however, you need to keep track of strokes taken after your drive: from the rough, bunkers, unplayable lies and out of bounds, and see if it is worth hitting it further.

I interviewed Gina Gallagher, women’s club champion from Sun City. She just got fitted for a new driver. “I wasn’t looking for more distance. I needed more accuracy. I had too much spin and the ball curved to the left. I went to a Taylor Made Fitting and hit their Qi10 driver. I hit it straight every time. I didn’t need an adjustment period and took it straight to the course.”

Choosing a new driver can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for. I suggest getting a driver fitting. Below are some of the things the fitter will cover:

Loft – depends on your ability and clubhead speed.

Shaft Flex – a shaft too stiff can cause lower launch with little spin; too weak a shaft can cause the ball to fly to high and spin too much.

Length, lie, swing weight, and grip size.

Head size and club face material.

Adjustable weighting – weights can change your shot shape and loft.

Below are some tips to become a better driver of the ball:

Good course management starts with a good pre-shot routine.

Know your specific target in the distance and then bring it back to you using an intermediate target.

Have a consistent tee height. There are pre-marked tees you can purchase.

Gina Gallagher

Have some movement prior to swinging: a waggle, movement of feet, thumbs, etc. (No freeze time).

The Swing itself:

Ball position – closer to the target instep; weight 60% on rear side

Shallow one-piece takeaway - “Think

long and wide: (extension on the backswing).

Load the back side – make sure you don’t shift to outside of back leg (sway). Keep back knee flexed.

Shoulders must turn more than hips.

Rhythm is critical – think consistent acceleration; don’t speed up at the top of the backswing as you start your transitional move.

On the forward swing, feel a “shallow” angle of approach. Contact needs to be on the “upswing.” You should never break a tee on your drive.

Think of your swing as a “merry-goround” instead of up and down like a “ferris wheel.”

Finish your golf swing with the clubhead and shaft behind you and the back shoulder, back knee and back shoelaces facing the target in balance.

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

843.420.1993

843.420.1993

infohh@allianceg.com agplowcountry.com

infohh@allianceg.com agplowcountry.com

Daniel Guerrini, CFP® Wealth Manager

Thomas M. Dowling, CFA, CFP®, CIMA® Head of Wealth Management Amy Allen,

Daniel Guerrini, CFP® Wealth Manager

Thomas M. Dowling, CFA, CFP®, CIMA® Head of Wealth Management Amy Allen,

BY TRACY WINSLOW Contributor

I can feel my pulse beating in the soles of my exhausted and sore feet. The pain is radiating up and settling into my lower back. I want to take my sassy heels off, but we are at a bar. I don’t want my French-manicured toes mingling with things I’d rather not think about con-

Tracy Winslow KEYS CONT. ON PAGE 42A

gealed on the floor. I am one of the few sober people remaining in the place. We had a wonderful day catching up with loved ones that we had moved away from in our search for warmer climates. However, it’s late, I am about five hours past overtired, and I am no longer enjoying the drunken shenanigans occurring around me.

I signal to my husband that I wish to head to the hotel. He yawns his agreement. I ask him for the keys to the rental car, as I am the designated driver. He informs me that I have the keys, which I do not.

Key Master: “Tracy, you had the keys when we arrived.”

Me: “No I didn’t. You locked the car and then we walked in, remember?”

Key Master: “You locked the car.”

Key-less Me: “No, you drove the rental car and had the keys.”

Belligerent Key Master: “I DON’T HAVE THEM, TRACY.”

Trying to Stay Calm Me: “Ok, maybe

they’re outside near the car?”

We walk out back and begin to comb the parking lot and the inside of the car for the missing keys. It is chilly out, and I am wishing I had my coat. But I didn’t bring it. I shiver and keep searching for the impediment that is cruelly hindering my sleep. The keys are nowhere to be found. We head back inside to continue looking.

Obstreperous Key Jerk: “You clearly have them. I unlocked the car and then put them in the pocket of your grey coat.”

Innocent Until Proven Guilty Me: “I’m not wearing a grey coat. I don’t even own a grey coat.”

Gave the Keys to a Stranger Him: “Well, that’s just freakin’ awesome, Tracy. Now we don’t have the keys. Now we are going to have to pay $7,000,000 to replace the keys to Hertz. I can’t believe you lost the keys. I put them in your grey coat on the bar.”

Super Angry Shouty Me: “I DON’T HAVE THE KEYS!! I AM WEARING A BLACK SWEATER WITH NO POCK-

YOUR GUIDE TO THRIFT AND CONSIGNMENT SHOPPING

ETS!! I DON’T HAVE A GREY COAT!!!!!”

Our friends are not-so-successfully stifling laughs and offer to drive us the few blocks to the hotel. I leave my number with the bartender in case the absconded with set of keys makes a reappearance.

Frustrated, tired and now wanting to stab my husband with the missing keys, we head to the hotel. During the entire 10-minute ride back to the hotel, Key Loser keeps blaming me for misplacing the keys and complaining how much money we are going to owe to the rental car agency. I try to refrain from pushing him out of the moving vehicle.

We get to the room, and I sequester myself in the bathroom to perform my nightly pre-sleep ritual and try to calm my anger so I can fall asleep sometime before dawn. I hear my husband collapse onto the bed, rolling my eyes at him behind the concealment of the bathroom door. The sink is running, and I hear something garbled coming from the other room. Begrudgingly, I

turn off the faucet so I can hear.

Overtired Me: “Sigh...I couldn’t hear you with the sink running. What did you say?”

Should Be Sleeping on the Couch: “I found the keys!”

Wrongfully Accused Me: “Excuse me?”

Too Narcissistic to be Contrite: “I found the keys! I put them in this little pocket in my jeans so I wouldn’t lose them. I told you we would find them!”

I Freakin’ Told You I Didn’t Have Them Me: “Is divorce court open at this hour?”

Tracy Winslow is a college professor and owner of Bluffton’s premier yarn store - Low Country Shrimp and Knits. In the 37 seconds a day she is not running around like a lunatic, Tracy can be found knitting furiously, Ouija-boarding her deceased metabolism, and attempting to write humorously about life’s antics and anecdotes in her humor column, Chaos on Fire.

BY REV. THERESE DONLAN LEE Contributor

The great wisdom traditions of the world teach us that life is precious. In Unity we believe that what is happening today is part of our inimitable Divine plan unfolding for each of us. We have all heard the expression, “Carpe diem,” which prompts each of us to embrace, live and stay present to the wonder in this now moment.

Unity is a positive path for spiritual living. We honor the many religious and spiritual paths to the one God. As each of us lives from our truth, as spiritual beings having a human experience on this earth, we each are invited to engage in an intentional practice of beginning each day with thanksgiving. Daily thanksgiving is the

Daily Thanksgiving

most undeniable ingredient accessible to each of us for bringing about ideal conditions in our individual lives.

We know our individual lives impacts the lives around us. A grateful, open and receptive, loving heart makes possible the way of it. Unity believes Jesus lived, not to save us, but rather Jesus lived to direct our attention back to the reality of who each of us is as divine, unique, unrepeatable expressions of God. Unity students follow how Jesus lived His life because, He practiced giving thanks daily and His life demonstrated all that He taught. You might ask, “Can it be this simple?” Starting each day with gratitude so that we live a life of thanksgiving? I say, from my own experience, “Yes and, it may not always be easy.” Every day offers us, you and me, the opportunity to make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of others. We get to measure and give daily thanks for all of our goodness by what we embrace, what we create, and who it is we in-

8:30am Outdoor Worship

10:30am Traditional Worship in Sanctuary Both Services live-streamed at ProvidenceHHI.org

clude.

A Native American proverb reminds us, “Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way.” You and I cannot

possibly know of all the infinite blessings on their way to us, so let us each have eyes wide open as we give thanks in advance. This daily thanksgiving allows our

many blessings to make manifest in, through and as our lives. I’m compelled to say, “Amen.” And I ask, “Are you willing?” Are you willing to nurture within you the gratefulness for the small everyday moments we call life? Are you willing to embrace the natural unfolding of life, regardless?

Living gratefully transforms us and how we live our lives. Wanting what we have is a noble place to start. Practicing generosity opens the way for continued abundance to flow to you and through you. Sharing yourself in sacred service is a blessing to the world. How will you practice daily thanksgiving?

Please start with yourself. All that you are, all that you have, all that you give and all that you receive. Grateful blessings for each of you. Namaste.

Rev. Therese Donlan Lee is the senior minister of Unity Spiritual Center on Hilton Head Island. revthereseunityhiltonhead@gmail.com

Therese Donlan Lee

Celebrities’ most popular dental procedures

BY ANNETTE CALLEJO, DDS Contributor

Annette Callejo, DDS

Every Hollywood celebrity appears to have a perfect smile. While a handful are born with genetically flawless teeth at birth, it is not common. Those smiles don’t just happen; they are the result of cosmetic dentistry.

The good news is that, if you want a 1000-watt smile of your own, you don’t have to bring in top dollars at the box office. The same dental procedures the stars undergo are available to everyone, and they’re a lot more affordable and less invasive than you might think.

These are the six most common dental procedures that celebrities get, and everything you

need to know about their

TEETH WHITENING

All sorts of substances cause teeth staining. Coffee is one of the most common — and one of the hardest to give up — along with acidic foods, red wine, tobacco, and simple aging and genetics. Nobody can keep their teeth perfectly white forever without a little help.

Teeth whitening is, by far, the most common cosmetic dentistry procedure. It is a quick, simple, and affordable way to improve your smile and one of the least invasive dental treatments. For most patients, it takes just one session lasting less than an hour. Concentrated, safe bleaching agents, often activated with LED lights, achieve fast and noticeable results. Despite the growing popularity of at-home teeth whitening

DENTAL

kits, in-office teeth whitening is much faster, more effective and safer because you are under a dental professional’s care.

DENTAL VENEERS

Veneers are easily one of the most popular celebrity dental procedures. They can instantly and completely transform a smile, hiding imperfections such as stained, chipped, cracked, misaligned, worn-down or crooked teeth.

Typically made of ceramic, porcelain, or a composite material, dental veneers are essentially a thin, tooth-colored shell that covers your teeth. They attach to your natural teeth using a bonding material. In most cases, your dentist will remove a small amount of tooth enamel first to make the bond stronger. Veneers can last 15 years or more and are made in all shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose a smile that looks like a better, brighter version of your natural teeth. Hollywood is also full of bad veneers that look fake! So be sure to consult an experienced, talented and trusted dental team.

TEETH BONDING

This is a non-invasive form of cosmetic dentistry considered an alternative to veneers. While veneers typically cover an entire row of teeth, bonding is more often chosen when only one or two teeth require attention.

A tooth-colored resin material is used to fix chipped teeth or reshape teeth that are misaligned. Your dentist will mold the composite material into a shape that matches your natural teeth, restoring your smile quickly and in a single visit.

INVISALIGN

Clear teeth aligners like Invisalign™ have become incredibly popular because they straighten teeth gradually and discreetly and without requiring any kind of dental procedure or surgery. Unlike traditional braces, they are virtually invisible. Invisalign corrects overcrowded teeth or those with large gaps and can straighten a severely crooked smile. It can also be used to treat an underbite, open bite or crossbite. An impression of your teeth is used to create custom-made aligners that gradually shift your teeth into position. Made of clear, comfortable BPA-free plastic, the aligners are

replaced each week with a new set and worn 24/7 to be most effective.

PORCELAIN CROWNS & BRIDGES

Dental crowns are similar to veneers but with a crucial difference. While veneers act something like a shield that covers only the front of a tooth, crowns cover the entire tooth like a cap. They are sometimes used to enlarge small teeth, fix teeth worn-down teeth or as an alternative to veneers if natural teeth aren’t strong enough to support them.

Bridges are essentially crowns that cover a series of multiple teeth side by side. Dental labs often design a custom bridge made of multiple crowns fused together to fit your teeth. Both are usually made of porcelain, but ceramic or a tooth-like composite material may also be used. An impression of the tooth or teeth will be used to create a crown or bridge that is the perfect size, shape and color.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Celebrities may lose teeth due to accidents and aging just like the rest of us, and when that happens, they often rely on dental im-

plants to fill the gap. Dental implants are also a go-to replacement option when a tooth must be extracted due to decay or damage. Although the process is more involved than most other cosmetic procedures, modern dental technology and techniques make it minimally invasive and significantly reduce discomfort.

A post is implanted into your jawbone where the new tooth will go. Once the post heals, it will serve as the root of your new dental implant. The whole procedure requires more than one visit, especially if you are replacing multiple teeth, but the result is a long-lasting smile that looks both natural and dazzling.

To learn more about attaining your own Hollywood smile, reach out to your dentist to discuss your options. There’s no reason to be self-conscious about your teeth. These days, cosmetic dental treatments are more affordable and accessible than ever, which means celebrities aren’t the only ones who can have a glamorous smile.

Annette Callejo, DDS is a dentist at ROC Dental Group in Hilton Head. Learn more at ROCDentalGroup.com.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

WEEK 8 (OCT. 17-18)

SCHSL

Hilton Head 23, May River 10

Bishop England 31, Beaufort 14

Bluffton 34, Colleton Co. 3

Oceanside Collegiate 49, Battery Creek 0 Whale Branch 14, Lake Marion 12 Barnwell 27, Hampton Co. 14

Bamberg-Ehrhardt 36, Ridgeland 0

SCISA

St. John’s Christian 35, Hilton Head Prep 27

Thomas Heyward 42, John Paul II 7 Colleton Prep 38, Lee Academy 14

WEEK 9 (OCT. 25)

SCHSL

Hilton Head at Beaufort, 7:30 p.m.

Bluffton at May River, 7:30 p.m.

Bishop England at Colleton Co., 7:30 p.m.

Battery Creek at Hanahan, 7:30 p.m.

Whale Branch at Barnwell, 7:30 p.m.

Allendale-Fairfax at Hardeeville, 7:30 p.m.

SCISA

Pinewood Prep at John Paul II, 7 p.m.

Hilton Head Prep at HHCA, 7:30 p.m.

Thomas Heyward at Beaufort Academy, 7:30 p.m.

Andrew Jackson Academy at Patrick Henry, 7:30 p.m.

Faith Christian at Colleton Prep, 7:30 p.m.

Cross Schools at Conway Christian, 7:30 p.m.

REGION STANDINGS

SCHSL 6-4A REGION OVERALL

Bluffton 2-0 5-2

May River 2-1 6-1

Bishop England 2-1 6-2

Hilton Head 1-1 5-2

Beaufort 1-2 2-6

Colleton Co. 0-3 1-7

SCHSL 6-3A REGION OVERALL

Oceanside Collegiate 3-0 4-3

Orangeburg-Wilkinson 2-0 6-2

Battery Creek 1-1 3-4

Hanahan 0-2 3-5

North Charleston 0-3 4-4

SCHSL 5-2A REGION OVERALL

Barnwell 2-0 7-1

Whale Branch 2-0 4-3

Hampton Co. 2-1 6-2

Edisto 0-2 2-5

Lake Marion 0-3 2-6

SCHSL 4-1A REGION OVERALL

Bamberg-Ehrhardt 2-0 4-2

Ridgeland 3-1 5-4

Denmark-Olar 2-1 3-5

Allendale-Fairfax 0-2 0-7

Hardeeville 0-3 1-7

SCISA 1-3A REGION OVERALL

Pinewood Prep 1-0 5-2

HHCA 1-1 4-3

First Baptist 1-1 2-5

John Paul II 0-1 1-6

SCISA 1-2A REGION OVERALL

Pee Dee Academy 3-0 7-0

Bethesda Academy 3-0 6-2 St. John’s Christian 3-1 4-5

Hilton Head Prep 1-3 2-5 Dillon Christian 1-3 2-5-1

SCISA 2-1A REGION OVERALL

Thomas Heyward 4-0 6-1

Beaufort Academy 3-0 6-3

Colleton Prep 2-2 5-3

Patrick Henry 1-3 3-5

Faith Christian 1-3 1-6

Andrew Jackson Acad. 0-3 1-7

SCISA 8-MAN II REGION OVERALL

Jefferson Davis 7-0 8-1

Holly Hill Academy 6-1 7-1

Cathedral Academy 4-2 7-2 The King’s Academy 4-4 4-4 Cross Schools 1-7 1-7 Conway Christian 0-8 0-8

PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL: Zapped by Diane, Licensed Electrologist for over 20 years. Safe, sterile, permanent hair removal. Sheridan Park in Bluffton; close to Hilton Head, Okatie, Savannah, & Beaufort. Hours are M-F, 10 AM to 5:15 PM. Call 203-241-0553 for an appointment.

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Do you like to write? Do you like to tell stories? Can you take nice photographs? Do you want to contribute to the Bluffton Sun? If so, we want to connect with you! Email editor@blufftonsun.com for details!

Jolene is the good witch of Palmetto Animal League! She loves dog beds and snuggly things. If you give her something to play with, she’ll wave her magic tail and ‘poof’ it’s gone (i.e. buried). She enjoys leisurely walks so she can smell the roses, explore, and sample the fine grasses of the Lowcountry. This beautiful sorceress of the south dreams of a forever home where she can be someone’s one and only. She is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.

YOUR AD HERE CAN REACH 25,000 households and businesses from Moss Creek to Sun City to Callawassie Island. Promote services, sell goods, announce a yard sale, buy a house, sell a house, find a job, find employees, ask for help, offer help! Ads starting at $28 for 40 words. 843-757-9507.

Priya is on the prowl for a home this Halloween! She came to Palmetto Animal League as a young mama with her sister, and they each had five kittens. Together, they raised their clan of 10 kittens! Now that her sister and the kittens have left the nest, it’s Priya’s turn to be adopted by someone who treasures her as much as we do. This darling is well-mannered, calm, good with other cats, and she loves to sunbathe. She is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.

For more info, call PAL at 843-645-1725 or email Info@PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.email  Info@PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.

Mid-Island

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Evening Tide Way

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Bluffton Park 3 BD | Fenced Backyard | 2-Car Garage $459,000 | MLS#447263

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Pines

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Holly Ribbons Circle Sun City - Active Adult Outstanding Views | 2 BD + Office

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Wells Area

Acres of Expansive Marsh Views

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“Colors of the Lowcountry & Beyond”

Arts & Entertainment Calendar

NOW

THROUGH MARCH 23, 2025

Coastal Discovery Museum: New Aldwyth exhibit opens, a signature event for Hilton Head’s annual Crescendo celebration. This is Not: Aldwyth in Retrospect spans nearly 70 years of her work, including early examples of photography, painting, and fiber, as well as her later bricolages and epic-scaled collages that resemble medieval manuscript pages. An exhibition of the rarely seen works of Hilton Headbased artist Aldwyth, from October 16 to March 23, 2025. Gallery hours are Mondays – Saturdays, 9 am – 4:30 pm; Sundays, 11 am – 4:30 pm.

NOVEMBER 1 THROUGH DECEMBER 13

3rd Annual Beaufort County First Responder Food Drive to benefit Help of Beaufort and Bluffton Self HelpThe food drive, which runs November 1, 2024, through December 13, 2024, is geared towards ensuring food bank shelves are restocked ahead of the Christmas holiday. Donations will be

collected and distributed to Help of Beaufort and Bluffton Self Help on December 16, 2024.

NOVEMBER 1 THROUGH THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER

Thibault Gallery is proud to present Tatiana Tatum as the featured artist for the month of November. The exhibition opens on November 1st and will be on display throughout the month. The opening reception is held on First Friday, November 1st 5 to 8 pm, at 815 Bay Street.

NOVEMBER 5

Survivor of Suicide Loss Support Group - beginning Tuesday October 8 there will be an in-person survivor or of suicide loss support group every other Tuesday. For more information email Vrileyhhi@gmail.com.

NOVEMBER 12

Swing Fore the Symphony - Join us for an outstanding day of golf at the Moss Creek Golf Club where we will

be playing in a scramble step a side tournament. Registration starts at 9 AM where coffee and an assortment of breakfast delights will be served. Mulligans, a “Swing with the Pro” and numerous other items will be available for sale. The tournament will start promptly at 11 AM. A “cookout” lunch will be served at the turn. A beverage cart will be on the course during play. The reception will start at 4 PM in the Clubhouse where there will be appetizers and an open bar. There will also be a silent auction with plenty of great items available and a short auction of selected items. Come out for a great day of golf while supporting the efforts of The League of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra! Additional Golf Tournament information can be found at http://runsignup.com/race/sc/hiltonheadisland/swingforethesymphony. org.

NOVEMBER 16

2024 Holiday Craft and Bake Salesponsored by the Hilton Head Planta-

tion Crafters: Saturday, November 16th, 9:00 to 2:00 at Christ Lutheran Church, 829 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. Hundreds of unique handmade items and homebaked goods for sale. Admission is free. Come early for the best selection. All proceeds benefit Hospice Care of the Lowcountry.

NOVEMBER 28

Thanksgiving in the Grand Ocean Terrace – at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. Our annual Thanksgiving Feast in the beautiful Grand Ocean Terrace, with all your holiday favorites plus fresh seafood, artisan charcuterie, carving stations, and more, with scenic views of our Atlantic beachfront.

4 Seatings: 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm, 6:00pm. Tickets can be purchased at: https://westinhiltonhead.idaypass. com/?source=link

Carol Iglesias to showcase “Colors of the Lowcountry & Beyond” at Art League of Hilton Head

BY MELISSA MCCULLOUGH

Renowned oil and pastel plein air impressionist Carol Iglesias will be exhibiting her latest collection, Colors of the Lowcountry & Beyond, at the Art League of Hilton Head this fall. Iglesias, a founding member of the Hilton Head Island Plein Air Painters, has earned accolades for her vibrant, expressive work, winning awards from prestigious art organizations including the Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA), Art League of Hilton Head, the Maryland Pastel Society, and the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association. She has

also gained international recognition, having participated in an artist residency in Dinan, France, where her work was exhibited. Her paintings have been featured in numerous publications such as Carolina Arts and American Art Collector. Known for her energetic compositions and passionate use of color, Iglesias captures the essence of a location in her plein air paintings, focusing on the interplay of light, shadow, and color. “Working outside allows me to study all the con-

SHOWCASE CONT. ON PAGE 6B

November 26–January 3

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

Opening Reception: Wednesday, December 4 • 5-7pm

Enjoy refreshments and meet the artists Free and open to the public

Join us for a celebratory kick-off to the holiday season! Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph are part of the festivities! Lowcountry groups will perform, including the cast of 42nd Street. Get a jump on shopping at our Art Market featuring amazing local vendors. Refreshments include an array of food truck fare and more!

Three female singers with powerhouse voices sing the biggest hits of the greatest divas in music history! Experience hits by Aretha Franklin,

KENNY B’S THANKSGIVING

Package 1: $199.00 serves 7-8

Whole 12-14 lb Turkey, Cajun or Traditional Roast

Package 2: $130.00 serves 3-4

Bone in Turkey Breast, Cajun or Traditional Roast

THE DINNER PACKAGES WILL INCLUDE:

Mash potatoes and gravy, candied yams, jambalaya, green beans, cranberry sauce, cornbread stuffing, cornbread, choice of gumbo or she crab, choice of pumpkin or apple pie.

TURKEY ONLY {no sides}

Whole Turkey $99.00 feeding 7-8

Cajun or Traditional Roast with stuffing

Bone in Turkey Breast $75.00 feeding 3-4

Cajun or Traditional Roast with stuffing

TAKING ORDERS UNTIL SOLD OUT. SO CALL EARLY!

PICK UP TIMES: Thanksgiving Day 9-5

SHOWCASE

FROM PAGE 5B

stantly changing subtleties of colors, shadows, and light,” Iglesias explains. “Once inspired, I try to capture the color, light, and energy as quickly as I can.”

Colors of the Lowcountry & Beyond is a collection of plein air paintings Iglesias has completed over the past year and a half, featuring scenes from the Lowcountry and beyond. The exhibition will be on display from October 22 through November 22, 2024, at the Art League Gallery.

In addition to the exhibit, an opening reception will be held on Wednesday, October 23, from 5 to 7 p.m., where guests can meet the artist and enjoy refreshments. Iglesias will also host a Gallery Talk on Friday, November 1, at 12 p.m., offering insights into her artistic process, inspirations, and techniques. Both events are free and open to the public.

For those interested in learning from Iglesias directly, she will also be leading a workshop, “Capturing Reflections in Plein Air,” on October 30-31, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

EVENT DETAILS:

• Exhibit: Colors of the Lowcoun-

try & Beyond by Carol Iglesias

o Dates: Tuesday, October 22 – Friday, November 22, 2024

o Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. –4 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.; and 90 minutes before every Arts Center performance

o Location: Art League Gallery inside the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island

o Admission: Free

• Opening Reception: Wednesday, October 23, 5 – 7 p.m. (Free and open to the public)

• Gallery Talk: Friday, November 1, 12 p.m. (Free and open to the public)

• Workshop: “Capturing Reflections in Plein Air” with Carol Iglesias

o Dates: Wednesday, October 30 –Thursday, October 31, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

o Contact: Art League Gallery at 843681-5060 for more information

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the vivid and emotionally evocative work of Carol Iglesias, whose passion for painting continues to capture the beauty of the Lowcountry and beyond.

OLD TOWN BLUFFTON

ShopOldTownBluffton.com

HOLIDAY ART WALK

November 15th 3pm-6pm

Its the perfect time to start your Holiday gift shopping!

MALL-TERNATIVE PJ PARTY

November 29th 3pm-6pm

Wear your most comfortable PJs and relax while you find the BEST deals for all your gift giving this Holiday season!

2ND ANNUAL JINGLE STROLL

December 5th 3pm-6pm

Find treats for every age and a few just for yourself!

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

December 6th 5:30pm

Tree Lighting will be at Martin Family Park then visit Santa’s Workshop to watch “Polar Express” Train rides available 6-8pm!

CHRISTMAS PARADE

December 7th 10am

53rd annual parade through Historic Old Town Bluffton

MENORAH LIGHTING CEREMONY

December 29th 5:30-7:30 2nd annual ceremony at Martin Family Park

Ultimate tennis weekend with Stan Smith at the Sea Pines Resort

Learning from a legend is a rare opportunity and one available to tennis aficionados, November 28-30, exclusively at The Sea Pines Resort. Stan Smith — past Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion, a member of seven winning U.S. Davis Cup teams, and former U.S. Olympic men’s tennis coach — and his staff are offering a weekend of tennis instruction at the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy on Hilton Head Island.

well-rounded lifestyle in preparation for success in all areas of life.

The nine-hour program includes three hours of daily instruction (Thursday through Saturday), video analysis of the serve, stroke and strategy instruction, footwork and practice drills. A maximum student-to-pro ratio of 4:1 assures plenty of personal tips. The program is available to tennis players 17 and older with an NTRP rating of 3.0 or higher.

Accommodations are in Harbour Town, just steps from The Sea Pines Resort’s Racquet Club and its 20 outdoor clay courts. The program includes two hours of complimentary court time each day, as well as use of the fitness center. Rates start at $349 per player per night, based on double occupancy and a threenight stay.

Smith has served as The Sea Pines Resort’s touring professional and ambassador for more than 50 years. He has developed a world-class program for players of all ages and skill levels. His Smith Stearns Tennis Academy is considered one of the nation’s top tennis programs where students achieve a

Situated on the southernmost tip of Hilton Head Island, The Sea Pines Resort features five miles of unspoiled beaches, 14 miles of bike and walking trails, horseback riding, Eco-Adventures, water sports, and the 605acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve filled with wildflowers, wetlands, and more than 130 species of birds. As the first eco-planned destination in the U.S., The Sea Pines Resort has become the blueprint for numerous beach developments around the country. Guests can choose from an array of accommodations, including 300 villas, 100 rental homes, and the luxurious 60-room Inn & Club at Harbour Town, a Forbes Four-Star boutique hotel and Preferred Hotel Group member. The resort’s best-in-class collection of golf courses, amenities, meeting facilities, and lodging makes Sea Pines one of the most sought-after leisure and group destinations in America.

www.seapinesresort.com

Hilton Head Island is served by two nearby airports: Hilton Head Island (HHH) Airport—just 8 miles from the resort—and Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV) Airport, located 45 miles away.

Limited Spots Available for November 28-20 Event. For more information about the Ultimate Tennis Weekend, go to https://www.seapines.com/offers-and-packages/stan-smith-super-series-package.

Senator Tom Davis with MHA of the Lowcountry Board Co-Chair Dr. Susan Williams at 2nd Annual MHA of the Lowcountry Pickleball Tournament, Palmetto Dunes, Sept. 28-29

Mental Health of America of the Lowcountry’s 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament Promoting Mental Wellness had more than 275 players from all over the southeast competing for medals in perfect weather conditions at Palmetto

Dunes Pickleball Center. The community raised over $27,000 for Mental Health

Awareness through the generosity of its sponsors, players and raffle/silent auction bidders.

Happy Thanksgiving

The Heritage Library has had the privilege to be a part of our community for more than 27 years and our success is a direct result of the support provided by our donors, members and volunteers. We offer our heartfelt thanks for your past support and humbly ask for your continued support. As we close out this year, we ask that you once again support the work that we do and give generously. Thank you and best wishes for a holiday season filled with joy.

Research your family roots this summer on Hilton Head Island.

25th anniversary of Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner to be celebrated in Hilton Head

BY MELISSA MCCULLOUGH

The 25th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner is set to take place on Thursday, November 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, located on Squire Pope Road in Hilton Head. The long-standing event is a collaborative effort between St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church and Hudson’s Seafood House.

“This year’s 25th-anniversary event will celebrate our community by feed-

ing families and individuals from near and far,” said Gloria LaCoe, who, along with her husband Allan, has been at the helm of organizing the event for the past 25 years. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to meet and work with so many wonderful people and partner with Andrew Carmines and Hudson’s all these years.”

Gloria and Allan LaCoe will be step-

COMMUNITY

FROM PAGE 10B

ping down from their leadership roles after this year’s event but plan to attend future Thanksgiving Dinners. The beloved community tradition will continue in 2025 and beyond.

Each year, the event provides a free, family-style Thanksgiving meal to more than 1,500 Lowcountry residents and visitors. The Community Thanksgiving Dinner was founded in 1998 after an article in the newspaper highlighted local residents who had nowhere to spend the holiday. Brian Carmines, co-owner of Hudson’s, Allan LaCoe, and Betsy Doughtie, the former executive director of the Deep Well Project, quickly came together to plan the first community-wide event. St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church took the lead in volunteer coordination, while Hudson’s hosted the inaugural event in 1999, serving 500 meals. The dinner became an annual tradition, only pausing in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, before resuming in 2021.

Volunteers play a vital role in the success of the event, with many coming from outside Hilton Head to help. Half of the volunteers return each year, and the roster is typically full by mid-October, with a waitlist in place. Attendees can look forward to the same tradition

of Southern hospitality, a delicious meal, and entertainment.

“The Hudson’s staff and I are excited for this year’s Community Thanksgiving Dinner,” said Andrew Carmines, co-owner of Hudson’s Seafood House.

“The LaCoes’ thoughtful and purpose-driven leadership over the past 25 years has turned the Community Thanksgiving Dinner into a legacy event for the Lowcountry.”

The event is not just a meal, but a time for the community to come together and give thanks.

Donations benefit local nonprofit organizations– Bluffton Self Help (https:// blufftonselfhelp.org), Deep Well Project (https://www.deepwellproject.org), and Second Helpings (https://www.secondhelpingslc.org), and contributions are gratefully accepted via the Community Thanksgiving website and during the Thanksgiving Day dinner itself. Complete information is available at https://communitythanksgiving.com or on the event’s Facebook page (https:// www.facebook.com/ThanksgivingDinnerHHI). Submit questions via email to info@communitythanksgiving.com or call 843-505-1370 or reach out to Gloria LaCoe at 843-422-0433 or glacoe624@ gmail.com.

Hilton Head Island Oyster Festival returns

BY MELISSA MCCULLOUGH

Mark your calendars for one of Hilton Head Island’s most anticipated events, the Oyster Festival, returning on November 8th and 9th, 2024. This cherished tradition, now celebrating over 30 years, brings together locals and tourists for a weekend of delicious food, live music, and family-friendly fun.

Hosted by Island Rec, the event will showcase the best local oyster clusters and shrimp, alongside a lively atmosphere filled with music, artisan pop-up shops, and children’s activities. Not only a highlight of the fall season, the Oyster Festival is also a vital fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting Island Rec’s Children’s Scholarship Fund. This fund ensures that no child is denied access to childcare or recreational activities due to financial need. In fact, one in three children benefit from the scholarship, and over $300,000 was awarded last year.

EVENT DETAILS:

Friday, November 8 | 5-8 p.m.

• Indulge in all-you-can-eat steamed local oysters, Lowcountry boil, pulled pork, seafood chowder, and chili. Drinks are sold separately.

• Live Music: Rock Candy

• Location: Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Lane

• Admission: $55, children 12 and under $45 (prices increase after October 23).

Limited availability, so act fast!

• Food: Provided by Roy’s Place Catering

• Beverages: Provided by Southern Eagle and Coca-Cola

Day from 10am-2pm Dine

Noon to 4pm

Saturday, November 9 | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m

• Enjoy a day of live music, local artisan pop-up shops, and family activities.

• Bands:

o 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.: CornBred

o 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.: The Chiggers

o 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.: CornBred

o 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.: The Nice Guys

• Location: Lowcountry Celebration Park, Pope Avenue (Near Coligny Circle)

• Admission: $10 for adults, free for children under 11, veterans, active military, police, and firefighters (with ID). Food and beverages are sold separately.

• Food Prices: TBD for oysters and shrimp baskets.

• Digital vouchers are required for food, drinks, and activities, and cash can be exchanged for these vouchers at the entrance.

Discount Packages: Available for parties of 2 and 4, with additional tickets available for purchase on Saturday. Discount packages are available until October 23.

Afterparty: The celebration continues at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel’s Hightide Rooftop Bar, located across the street from Lowcountry Celebration Park. Enjoy happy hour prices and keep the fun going after the festival ends!

This is a rain-or-shine event, and all sales are final. Don’t miss out on this beloved Island tradition that supports a worthy cause—come out for a weekend of great food, fun, and community spirit!

Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade

The 2024 Lantern Parade is on November 23rd. The Parade will begin at the Alder Lane Beach Access and proceed north along the beach. The Parade’s ending point is Lowcountry Celebration Park.

2024 PARADE ROUTE:

If you are planning to march in the parade, please line up beginning at 4:45 PM. The parade’s starting point is near the Alder Lane beach access. The parade steps off at 5:30 PM heading north along the beach to the Coligny Beach Park, continuing along North Forest Beach Drive to Avocet and turning onto Lagoon Road. The parade’s ending point is at Lowcountry Celebration Park.

Lantern Making Workshops:

Full Spectrum Studio – Oct. 16 – 6 PM –Workshop with Debi West Arts Center of Coastal Carolina – Oct. 24 -5:30 PM – Illuminated Parasols; Oct. 29 – 9:30 AM – Globe Lanterns

Coastal Discovery Museum – Nov. 14 –

5:30 PM – Jellyfish Lanterns; Nov. 21 – 5:30 PM – Fish Lanterns

Look for more workshops to be listed soon!

Parade Rules – for Participants:

• All participants need to have a lantern to march in the parade.

• The pace of the parade is set by the marching bands. Please do not travel quicker than the band ahead of you.

• No passing or crowding the bands –please follow the directions of volunteers and marshals.

• All children must be accompanied by an adult.

• Yield space to the large lanterns.

• No bicycles.

• Please leave your pets at home.

• No flaming (these are outlawed in the state) or flying lanterns.

• If you need to stop, please step off to the side.

• HAVE FUN!

Parade Rules – for Spectators:

• Please keep the parade route clear.

• Follow the instructions of all Town of Hilton Head Island staff, Beaufort County Sheriff Office deputies, security officers, and volunteers.

• DO NOT walk through or stand on the sand dunes.

• Check the parade route map to identify viewing areas.

• Activities at Lowcountry Celebration Park:

Join us ahead of the parade at Lowcountry Celebration Park. Food trucks

and beverages will be available starting at 3 PM.

The parade is expected to begin arriving at the park around 6:30 PM. Groove Town Assault will provide live music ahead of the parade’s arrival and at its completion. Plan to be at the finish for the “giant lantern puppet band jam” with the large lanterns and the bands from the parade.

More information can be found at: https://culturehhi.org/portfolio/lantern-parade/

BY SANDRO VIRAG Contributor

Did you know that dancing is good for the brain? There are actually mental health benefits from dancing. It can boost brain power and function since the body is moving in such a way to express feelings or ideas.

We’ve always known that dancing provided various physical benefits, but now research is showing promising results that it can also benefit the mind, which leads to better mental health.

One study looked at dancing as therapy for depression. Because of the emotional expression, it can alleviate symptoms of depression or at least reduce the levels of depression.

Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is the use of body movements to maintain and improve intellectual, motor and emotional abilities of the body. Dance therapy is based on the idea that movement is a language and can be communicative and expressive so it can serve as an assessment tool. Dance movement therapists can look at a person’s movements to assess and intervene so it can contribute to the treatment of mental health problems.

Dancing for your brain

Dance therapy also shows a postive effect on children’s cognitive development. It shows spontaneity and discovery which is a form of art. It can create a good environment for cognitive development.

Synchronizing music and movement (dancing) has two benefits. Music stimulates the brain’s reward centers, while the actual movement in dance activates its sensory and motor circuits.

The combination of exercise and sensory improvement during a dance can improve functional changes to the brain. So dancing can be used as an intervention for things like stroke, Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy.

Dancing also boosts memory which shows it may be linked to a reduced risk of dementia. Now you have even more reasons to start dancing! There is no age limit for starting to dance – it’s never too late. Doing some kind of dance at least once a week can maximize brain function.

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

Trying to reason with hurricane season

BY KEVIN FITZPATRICK

Contributor

The title of a Jimmy Buffet song that begins:

“Squall’s out on the gulf stream Big storm’s comin’ soon…”

One of the things we were aware of when moving to the Lowcountry was that while we were giving up the worry about blizzards and ice, we were taking on the risk of tropical storms for about half of the year. This is not to say that the northeast is free from such worry. In fact, Superstorm Sandy back in 2012 was overwhelming to a region that was not accustomed to such events. It was the impetus for Sue finally agreeing to bite the bullet and put in the whole house generator I was longing for since we bought the home we were living in back in 2002.

While we were fully in sync with the “bread, milk and wine” forecasts that came with the winter snows, Sandy caught everyone by surprise for its duration and feroci-

FIRST

TAKE HOME! (Cookies provided by Hilton Head Social Bakery) Special appearance by Buddy the Elf & his toy makers

250 KIDS GET A GINGERBREAD COOKIE KIT TO

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29

Ln 12:00 noon - 2:30 p.m. Santa arrives at noon aboard a fire truck. Take photos at Neptune’s statue until 2:30 p.m. All day. Holiday sales & dining specials at participating merchants. Stroll around the marina & enjoy the Holiday lights & decorations! 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Holiday music, bounce house & train rides around the marina!

HURRICANE

ty. We were in a home built in 1900 and surrounded by old growth trees. The winds quickly took down two major trees and both fell not only the power lines, but the phone and cable lines as well. We had a semi-circular driveway, and luckily, the trees only blocked one way out, so we were able to get in and out the other way. The power companies were not all that familiar with events like that, and as such, the restoration efforts took a relatively long time.

Schools were closed for over a week; I was set to retire from my 35 years of teaching the first of November, but unceremoniously, Sandy took care of that, and my “retirement” became effective a week earlier, weirdly anti climatic. The lack of being able to say a proper goodbye still nags at me to this day.

All of this is leading up to what we now think about our local storm season. First off, we did have a whole house generator installed almost as soon as we bought our new home and moved in. That does create a lot of peace (at no small cost), but it does not take away from the buildup and anxiety

of things that are so far out of our control.

There does not seem to be the same “bread, milk and wine” forecasts here, though having made a normal trip to the local grocery store while the Helene forecast was building, I did see the same type of panic buying that I was used to during blizzard season.

One of the things that first struck me when we bought our home was that during the final walk through, one of the things that was pointed out was where the hurricane shutters were and how they would go onto the channels put up by the windows and doors if it was necessary. Talk about overwhelming! I am old, short and basically inept, so just trying to move them to another place in the garage was an event. I can’t imagine how I would ever put them up myself if necessary.

There also is the issue of evacuation if necessary. We have no family or even friends anywhere closer than Conn., and we have a 14-year-old aging dog, so our only “plan” should it become necessary is to pack up the car and head somewhere in the

proper direction.

Granted, the generator does give me pause to even think about leaving as our new housing arrangement is in a planned community where we are not surrounded by old growth trees. The power lines are also below ground, so while lines connecting them might come down and cut power, the fear of downed lines and fires are a bit less of a concern.

Tornadoes are something I almost never worried about till we arrived. Now, the warnings are part of the plan (and contributing to the stress as well). Then, of course, there is the worry that with the gas lines feeding the generator, if flooding got to the point where that service was interrupted, then all that planning is out of luck. There is that oft used phrase, “Man plans, God laughs” that seems to always hang around. By this time, you must think that my version of “trying to reason with hurricane season” amounts to 5-6 months of gloom and doom. That’s really not the full picture. It’s just my way of trying to explain what adjustments to thinking we had to make in trading one type of storm sets for another. We have been very lucky in the three years

we’ve been here. While there have been some storms each season, the worst we’ve been through was Helene, and even that was, given what others have gone through, relatively minor. Power was out for us for about two days, but our generator spared us any discomfort, we brought in anything that was in jeopardy, and within four days, life had returned to mostly normal. I don’t know that I’ll ever fully adapt to the laissez-faire attitude many of those long and very long-time residents seem to have along with “prepare of the worst, hope for the best,” and I will keep trying to reason with it, but I do know that Jimmy does say it best:

“And now I must confess I could use some rest I can’t run at this pace very long Yes, it’s quite insane I think it hurts my brain But it cleans me out then I can go on”

Kevin Fitzpatrick is a retired teacher who, along with his wife Sue (also a retired teacher) is enjoying exploring life in the Lowcountry and all it has to offer.