The Hilton Head Sun • December 4, 2024

The Hilton Head Sun

Historical merger between Hilton Head Preparatory and Sea Pines Montessori Academy

BY TRACY WINSLOW Contributor

Hilton Head Preparatory School and Sea Pines Montessori Academy have announced a historical merger between Hilton Head Island’s two oldest schools. The newly unified institution will operate as Hilton Head Preparatory School, with a dedicated Montessori-based division, Sea Pines Montessori Academy at Hilton Head Preparatory School.

Hilton Head Preparatory School is a co-educational day and boarding school on Hilton Head Island. The school was founded in 1965 by Charles Fraser during the development of Sea Pines Resort and was known Sea Pines Academy. In 1985, Sea Pines Academy merged with May River Academy to become Hilton Head Preparatory School. Hilton Head Preparatory employs a traditional style of education that focuses on teaching subjects individually with students working at the same pace in college preparatory programs.

Sea Pines Montessori Academy was built in 1968 by Charles Fraser’s wife, Mary Fraser, as the first Montessori preschool in South Carolina. Montessori education is a method that integrates subjects and uses a self-learning model. Lessons are taught at the students own pace

Tracy Winslow

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through play and hands-on activities in multi-aged classroom environments.

Students entering Hilton Head Preparatory School can opt into one of the two programs. Children aged fifteen months through third grade can enroll in either Sea Pines Montessori Academy at Hilton Head Preparatory School or directly into the Hilton Head Preparatory School. However, all students in fourth grade and beyond will be enrolled in the Hilton Head Preparatory School.

Hilton Head Preparatory School’s Head of School, Paul Horgan, will oversee the unified institution. He says the following

about the merger, “This partnership is the culmination of a long-standing relationship between our schools. By bringing Sea Pines Montessori into the Hilton Head Prep family, we are enhancing our mission to provide a cohesive, world-class education from the toddler years to college preparation. I am honored to lead this initiative and confident that this will strengthen our community for years to come.”

The co-chairs of the Sea Pines Montessori Board, Kelley Stearns and Sydney Hitchcock, are equally enthusiastic about the merger. “The collaboration between

our schools will provide an unparalleled educational pathway, guiding children from their earliest years through high school graduation. By uniting our strengths, we can uphold our cherished Montessori tradition while providing enhanced opportunities for growth, continuity, and innovation in a nurturing environment.”

The unification is part of Hilton Head Preparatory School’s five-year strategic plan. Sources say most parents are excited about the merger. There are a few Montessori parents, however, that are disappointed the program will now end after third grade instead of continuing through the traditional eighth grade Montessori curriculum.

Both institutions hope to make a seamless transition for parents and students opting to begin their child’s education through Sea Pines Montessori Academy as they join the rest of the student body

at the Preparatory School, located next door.

Sam Bauer, the current chair of the Hilton Head Preparatory School’s Board of Trustees feels the merger is cause for celebration. “This partnership is truly historic, bringing together two institutions that have deep roots in Hilton Head Island’s legacy. We are thrilled to come full circle, uniting the Fraser family’s vision under one banner. This will be a game changer for both current and future families in the community.” The merger is effective immediately.

Tracy Winslow is the owner of the Low Country’s premier yarn store - Low Country Shrimp and Knits. Tracy has a degree in journalism, so it’s not completely weird she is writing a serious article. Although her writing is typically humorous about life’s antics and anecdotes in her humor column, Chaos on Fire.

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EDITORIAL

Move over pumpkin spice everything, because the holiday season is here!

BY MAYOR ALAN PERRY Contributor

Justin Jarrett

Dr. Jean Harris

Dr. Epps

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Collins Doughtie

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Can you feel it? A crispness in the air, a drop (albeit slight) in our average daily temperature, and of course, the ratcheting up of seasonal anticipation associated with our beloved winter holidays, Christmas and Hannukah. All over the island, holiday events offer us the chance to enjoy this time together –through our Town website and the MyHHI app, just a couple clicks, and you’ll see that there are lots of ways to build some holiday momentum.

But, if we’re not careful, we might drift away from the true meaning behind celebrating these holidays. We spend a lot of time determining who’s bringing what to family dinners, acquiring the right outfits for school, church and synagogue events, and looking for deals on the ever-growing list of electronics at the top of kids’ wish lists. To some, it may seem trite; however, I believe it never hurts to offer a reminder that engages us more fully with the reason for this season. It’s also important to remember that while it is a joyous, fun and festive time for many, it can also be challenging for

others.

So, while all the activity is wonderful, I want to encourage us all to take a step back and once again tap into the incredible spirit of giving and warmth that makes our island special. Make that phone call or send that text you’ve been holding off on. Give that little bit extra to an organiza-

tion whose mission is to provide food or shelter for those less fortunate than you. Practice spontaneous and random acts of kindness, big and small. Provide comfort and presence in the face of grief and individual struggle. Find peace through forgiveness and fortitude. Face the new year to come with community

and friendship in your heart. As 2025 quickly approaches, Kathy and I wish you all happiness and blessings in the year ahead.

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

Alan Perry

Bridge to nowhere? 278 Corridor debate demands action and fresh solutions!

BY STEVE BAER Contributor

Please watch this video regarding the 278 Corridor Project. Beaufort County Council had an approximately 1-hour discussion on Tuesday November 12th, 2024, regarding the recently failed 2024 Tax Referendum and the 278 Corridor Project. I urge everyone to watch it at: https://beaufortcountysc.new.swagit.com/videos/319811 Agenda item 13.

Basically, the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) wrote to the County asking how they are going to come up with the missing funds, now that the tax referendum has failed. They gave the County 15 days to answer.

There is a lot of material covered, but my quick summary includes: 1 – the County Council is in no mood to raise taxes. They have few options available. They will write that to the SIB.

2 - The current plan would not be complete until 2030. (Some of us believe it is a brute force junk plan that will not work well and is not worth the time and money.)

3 - There is still a very large lack of un-

derstanding by some on County Council. For example, some believe that the only options are build the current plan OR repair the faulty bridge by closing one lane in each direction for years. That is just faulty logic.

Many of us believe that there may be other better, faster, more cost-effective plans that have been suppressed and ignored for years.

Now is the time to find them!! I urge that the residents and the Town form a real task force (not the past stacked committee) of engineers and residents to help explore our options. One major stone to look under is to reduce the size of the planned 11-equivalent lane bridge (currently costing $350-$375 million), and the huge, planned intersections. Then spend some of the saved money on eliminating the congestion caused by the 3 traffic lights and lack of an express connection to the Cross Island Parkway. These ideas have been politically suppressed since 2020.

Steve Baer is a former Beaufort County Councilman and holds a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering.

BY ROSEMARY STAPLES Contributor

Birders, duck!

In the Victorian era, sportsmen celebrated Christmas Day with contests or “side hunts,” to see who could kill the most birds in the shortest amount of time. Thousands were massacred during these hunts, but it was the demand for women’s feathered hats that almost decimated the avian population in the late 1800s. An estimated fifty species were wiped out and five million birds killed annually, in the name of fashion.

In 1900, ornithologist and magazine publisher, Frank Chapman, proposed a new type of holiday hunt — instead of killing birds, let’s count them! Twenty-seven birders across the U.S. and Cana-

da volunteered. Counters recorded 89 species and 18,500 birds in the Audubon Society’s first Christmas Bird Count (CBC), which became an annual event.

Fast forward to Hilton Head Island,1960. Charles Fraser was developing his 5000acre Sea Pines resort, then a remote wilderness where occasional hunting was allowed. According to Charles’ nephew, Joe Fraser, “Charles invited people over to hunt for long weekends,” to help market Sea Pines.

Not all these early islanders were hunters — at least not with guns. That autumn, Caroline “Beanie” Newhall, a feisty Sea Pines birder and nature lover, helped establish the Audubon group, and its members were busy planning Hilton Head’s first CBC.

December 31, 1960, 6am — Beanie and fellow birders met at the forest preserve in Sea Pines. Armed with binoculars and notepads, the counters trudged through

shrubs and rice fields, recording widgeons, woodpeckers — anything in sight. They heard a few duck calls. A flock of mallards flew toward them, then shotgun blasts pierced the morning calm! Ducks dropped like stones. No doubt the birders ducked too.

Shrieks, shouts and a few choice words spewed forth before the shooting stopped. Hunter heads popped up from a nearby field of cattails. No one was injured, and Beanie, “madder than a wet hen,” headed

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straight to Charles’ office to voice her displeasure.

Charles was at his real estate office when Beanie arrived, maybe expecting her visit. No record of the discussion survives, but we know that Beanie wanted a preserve where nature lovers could be safe, and Fraser wanted a safe place for people to live. They came to terms, and in 1965, Charles donated fifty-acres of forested land to Beanie, eventually named the Audubon Newhall Preserve to honor her conservation efforts.

“Beanie could be very convincing with Charles,” said Joe. “Charles still offered hunting trips, but never again did a bird count and a duck hunt take place on the same day!” In 1971, Sea Pines was finally designated a wildlife sanctuary. Hunters left for shooting grounds elsewhere, while the CBC has taken place on Hilton Head every year since 1960.

Bird

see or hear on a scheduled date between December 14 and January 5. Promoting conservation, monitoring bird populations, and developing protective strategies are just a few of the scientific aims for this collective birdwatching event.

In our area, the Sun City-Okatie count is scheduled for Saturday, December 14th, and the Hilton Head count is Monday, December 16.

Final Bird Count November 17, 2024 7:00 PM page 1

Melissa here you go.

Melissa here you go.

Final Bird Count November 17, 2024 7:00 PM page 1

There pictures are by two different photographers.

This holiday season, the National Audubon Society celebrates its 125th CBC. Tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Western Hemisphere

There pictures are by two different photographers.

To get a heads up on the birds we expect to see, you are invited to Hilton Head Audubon’s annual birding review, this year featuring Dr. Andy Jones, Executive Director of the Spring Island Trust and Lowcountry Institute. Dr. Jones is a lifelong naturalist, with a passion for the biodiversity of the southeastern United States. Join HH Audubon, Thursday, December 5th, 7:00 pm in Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church on HHI. For more information, go to https://hiltonheadaudubon.org/ Rosemary Staples is a board member of Hilton Head Audubon, long time Lowcountry resident, writer, speaker, story-

Snowy Egrets were almost hunted to extinction for their delicate feathers. Photographer Patty Kappmeyer

Snowy Egrets were almost hunted to extinction for their delicate feathers. Photographer Patty Kappmeyer

Snowy Egrets were almost hunted to extinction for their delicate feathers.

Plastic surgery for men

BY DR. RONALD FINGER Contributor

The most common problems are:

1. Hair loss--the most common aging problem for men. However, it is a problem for women and people of any ethnicity as well. A hair transplant is under local anesthesia, and the grafted hair should grow for a lifetime. There are no scars to be seen. It’s virtually painless, and the results look completely natural. Downtime is a few days. I’ve had people ask patients if they had facelifts after hair transplants.

2. Fillers (volumizers)--to fill lost volume and the depressions of the face that occur with aging. Typical fillers are Juvederm or Restylane products and others. They are effective in turning back the clock for males and females. Men may prefer a stronger jawline and chin which can be accomplished with fillers. Improvements can be dramatic if performed with skill. Some of the latest fillers last five years.

3. Liposuction: hated are “love handles” and/or the lower abdomen. Local anesthesia can be used, and recovery time is minimal. For loose skin treatment non-surgically, radiofrequency devices such as the Renuvion or VirtueRF Microneedling appear to be the latest technology, and they are effective. If the skin is too excessive, surgery may be necessary.

4. Upper and/or lower Eyelid Surgery--often done under local anesthesia. Great care must be taken to avoid the appearance of feminine eyes. There is some bruising and swelling following surgery. A lower eyelid lift usually involves removing

the “bags” and can be done with the upper lid surgery or alone. Alternatively, non-surgical eyelid bags can be removed and skin tightened with VirtueRF Exact, which has become very popular. These are all office procedures.

5. Gynecomastia— or man breast, hated by most men. Often occurring during puberty, weight gain and in older age or bodybuilders who take testosterone. This is very common and embarrassing. The treatment involves liposuction with Renuvion and/or removing breast tissue through a small incision just below the areola. Local anesthesia is used if desired. Men having had this procedure are elated with the result.

6. “Turkey Gobbler” surgery— excess skin and/or fat in the neck, often treated with liposuction and Renuvion (to tighten the skin). Facelifts usually include the neck, but many men prefer something simpler and more direct, such as a direct excision of skin and fat. This is uniformly successful. There is a faint vertical scar in front of the neck, but the more obvious Turkey-gobbler is gone.

7. The newest alternative to the minimal or non-surgery procedures mentioned above is the Renuvion to tighten skin virtually anywhere, the Helix CO2 laser and the very high tech Microneedling VirtueRF. The latter two are radiofrequency devices which emit heat to stimulate collagen and elastin. They are often used simultaneously with a laser such as the Helix CO2 laser or the Virtue RF. Combination therapy appears to be the future for effective non-surgical age reduction with minimal recovery.

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

Dr. Ronald Finger

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Real estate tips to maximize the final weeks of 2024

BY CHIP COLLINS Contributor

As we enter the final weeks of 2024, the real estate market is providing unique opportunities for buyers and sellers to maximize their advantages in a market influenced by seasonal distractions and economic factors.

If you’re a buyer, now is a prime time to make your move. With the holidays approaching, many potential buyers are turning their attention to travel and family, which means fewer people actively looking at properties. This reduced competition allows those who remain focused to get the property they want with fewer competing offers.

Additionally, some sellers in the market may be motivated to close before the end of the year. Whether they’re eager to avoid the holiday hassle of viewings or have travel plans that make being on the market inconvenient, motivated sellers can be more open to negotiations. This could mean a better price, a flexible closing date or even a leaseback arrangement where the seller rents the property temporarily after closing. A motivated seller could work to your advantage in the last weeks of 2024.

For those looking to invest in rental properties, now is a fantastic time to buy and prepare for the Spring rental season. Buying in the winter months allows you to interview property management companies, make any needed updates and set up your bookings for peak season well ahead of the rush. Spring rentals bring high demand. By jumping on this strategy early, you’ll avoid the Spring scram-

ble and maximize your rental income potential by being ready before the rental season kicks into high gear.

If you’re considering selling, this time of year offers an opportunity to get ahead without committing to a full listing just yet. We call it a “light switch listing.” The idea is to prepare your property with quality photos and listing details now while everything outside still looks great, then “flip the switch” to list officially when you’re ready. This strategy works especially well in South Carolina’s fall, where the colors are vibrant, the grass is still green, and the skies are stunning. With photos taken now, you’ll be ready to enter the market in early 2025 without worrying about less-than-ideal outdoor conditions or holiday decorations distracting from your listing photos.

Along with photos, a pre-sale inspection can be advantageous. This allows you to identify and address any potential issues before a buyer’s inspector finds them, avoiding surprises during negotiations. Whether it’s repairs, staging, or minor updates, a little proactive work now can pay off when it’s time to sell. And with contractors getting busy during the holidays, early prep ensures you’re not caught scrambling.

We know many sellers think of Spring as the ideal time to list, but that’s what everyone else is thinking too. By Spring, the market can be flooded with listings, creating more competition and putting pressure on pricing. Instead, by listing a bit earlier, you’ll stand out to active buyers now, many of whom have time on their hands during the holiday season to browse properties.

Listing ahead of the traditional

Chip Collins

REAL ESTATE

FROM PAGE 14A

Spring rush can help you set the standard on pricing rather than competing with dozens of similar listings. We’re always encouraging clients to lead the market, not follow it, especially when it comes to timing.

As we wrap up 2024, buyers and sellers have distinct advantages in the Lowcountry real estate market. Buyers can find opportunities in a less competitive market with motivated sellers, while sellers who get ahead of the Spring crowd can capture more attention. Utilizing these strategies could give you a valuable edge as we head into 2025.

Chip Collins is the Broker-Owner of Collins Group Realty founded in 2002. Find Chip at chip@ collinsgrouprealty.com or collinsgrouprealty.com

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What is a limited power of attorney and when might I need one?

BY LISA HOSTETLER BROWN Contributor

Expert Answer:

A power of attorney (POA) is a document typically guided by state law that authorizes one or more parties (known as the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) to act on behalf of a person (referred to as the “principal”).

A POA can be tailored to allow the agent to make only certain types of decisions. For example, a power of attorney can be used to allow another person to stand in your shoes and close a real estate transaction on your behalf. Powers of attorney that only allow an agent to do certain things are commonly referred to as a limited power of attorney.

A limited POA (LPOA) is usually limited to a timeframe, event or specific purpose. As a result, it is only appropriate for some situations. For example, it is a bad option where you would like an agent to have a wide range of authority to handle your affairs with little restrictions.

Common examples of where it may be a good option are:

• You are physically unable to handle specific matters — for example, you are out of the country, traveling or ill.

• You need assistance with certain transactions where the agent you choose is a professional with specialized knowledge.

• You temporarily need an agent to be able to act on your behalf.

• You need an agent to act for you only for a specific transaction.

worthy, who ideally knows your wishes and will work in your best interest but can maintain an objective perspective. A capable agent will also be responsible and fair and have strong organizational skills. Note that, for a fee, you can hire a professional to take on this role. You should not rely on a limited power of attorney for your general estate planning needs. All too often, we see powers of attorney that are too restrictive and do not allow the principal to take all the actions necessary to preserve assets when planning for Medicaid. It is extremely important to ensure that you have the right power of attorney in place so that your agent has a full suite of options to engage in asset protection for you, your spouse and your heirs.

Each state’s laws and rules regarding what constitutes a valid POA and what responsibilities are conferred on an agent are unique. In addition, a power of attorney form must generally be executed in a specific manner to be valid. Seek the assistance of an elder law attorney to prepare a valid power of attorney appropriate to your particular needs.

SINCE 2000

When choosing an agent to appoint, it is essential to find someone trust-

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 | LawyerLisa.com/Bluffton

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Lisa Hostetler Brown

BY CINDA SEAMON Contributor

fire tips for the host

Holiday celebrations and parties can put your home at risk for fire. Preparing for guests can be a challenge. While decorations and great food may seem like the most important aspects of holiday entertaining, don’t overlook the safety of your guests. Follow some simple safety tips, and make it a safe party.

If you plan on having smokers at your party, use large, deep, non-tip ashtrays. Empty ashtrays often and wet the contents before disposing of them.

Always have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests, and serve something to eat before serving alcoholic beverages. High protein foods stay in the stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol into the system. Don’t let your guests drink and drive.

Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.

Keep fireplaces clean and never burn trash or paper, especially wrapping paper.

Remember that two of every five home decoration fires

are started by candles, and nearly half of holiday decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source (NFPA.org).

At many parties, outdoor fireplaces and chimineas on the patio are a favorite. They can add ambiance as well as heat to a cool evening. When it comes to starting these fires, there are a few things to keep in mind. Keep the fire small. The bigger the fire, the bigger the chance for disaster.

Your pit or chiminea should be at least 10 feet away from any structure or combustible surface. Before lighting, check the weather forecast. Windy conditions can blow embers. Also be aware of burn bans or ordinances in your town or county.

Clear the area around your pit or chiminea. Leaves or other dry materials can lead to a fire accidentally spreading. Always have a water container nearby and a garden hose before starting the fire.

You can use a crumpled piece of paper or a storebought fire starter in the pit. As the fire begins to burn, you can add sticks or a log or two.

Never use an accelerant like gasoline as it can increase the chances of your clothes catching on fire or the fire spreading rapidly.

When extinguishing the fire, take the ashes, spread them over a large surface area and let them cool for a bit. Then take water and pour it over the ashes, but still monitor it. Remember, the fire can still flare up in the night and even up to three days.

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

Career-building experiences cultivating leadership

BY MARK WINN Contributor

“Trust but verify” is a practical, reality-based point of view on how to deal with foreign powers. Ronald Reagan made the statement well-known when he was describing the United States relationship with the Soviet Union back in the 80s. In essence, he was saying that we trust in the Soviet Union, but we require proof that our trust is not misplaced.

And so, it goes with estate planning. Let’s say you have directed your assets, once you and your spouse are gone, to go to your daughter “in trust.” You have given your daughter the role as trustee and beneficiary. The standard she has to follow in making distributions is for her needs related to health and maintenance

Trust but verify

in reasonable comfort and for her accustomed manner of living. You have also inserted a spendthrift clause which will serve to insulate the trust assets from attack in the event she is sued for anything from a car accident to divorce. Let’s further say that you have dictated that upon her passing, what is left will go to her children. You also direct that if her children are under age 30 when they inherit, that they will have their share held in trust until they attain age 30.

Now, you are confronted with the question: Who will serve as trustee for that grandchild? If you name the biological parent (the in-law) which we probably do in 90% of the cases where the issue applies, then it may be wise to consider naming a “trust protector” who will look over the biological parent’s shoulder, so to speak, or impose the obligation to report to someone else for purposes of accountability and oversight.

So, for example, if Darryl and Althea have one child named Francis. Francis

has one child named George. Francis’s husband is Gerry. Darryl and Althea could state that if Francis passed, her share would go to George in trust for his health and education until he turns age 30. They could also direct that Gerry would be the trustee, but as trustee he would be obligated to report bi-annually to an independent third party of all receipts and disbursements from the trust, or to a sibling (uncle or aunt) if there was one.

Now, that is a situation of trusting

Gerry but also wanting to verify his actions are faithful to the terms of the trust. Here, Darryl and Althea have chosen to trust Gerry in that unlikely circumstance, but they have also built into their plan a check against his authority. This check is oversight. Since Gerry needs to report bi-annually of all receipts to a third party, the odds are increased dramatically that George’s funds will be properly managed for his benefit. That’s good planning. When there is no oversight, then power can become absolute. When power becomes absolute, there can be corruption. When planning your estate, the moral of the story is that you can trust your inlaws and you can trust their judgment, but it is wise to be realistic like Ronald Reagan was with the Soviet Union in the 80s.

Contributed by Mark F. Winn, J.D., LL.M. in Estate Planning, who is a local tax, asset protection and estate planning attorney.

“Estate Planning: A Holly Jolly Guide to Your “Estate Planning: A Holly Jolly Guide to Your Future” Future” - Get in the holiday spirit as we give - Get in the holiday spirit as we give new meaning with an estate planning twist to new meaning with an estate planning twist to your favorite Christmas Carols! your favorite Christmas Carols!

December 4th: December 4th: 2:30-3:30pm 2:30-3:30pm

Friends of Caroline Hospice- 329 Friends Lane, Friends of Caroline Hospice- 329 Friends Lane, Ridgeland, SC Ridgeland, SC

December 5th: December 5th: 1:30-3:30 1:30-3:30 Sun City- Residents Only Sun City- Residents Only

“The Devil is in the Details: Estate Planning 20

“The Devil is in the Details: Estate Planning 20 Questions” Questions” -Topics ranging from timeshares, -Topics ranging from timeshares, prenuptial agreements, and safety deposit prenuptial agreements, and safety deposit boxes to posthumous estate tax responsibilities- boxes to posthumous estate tax responsibilitieswe will pique your interest! we will pique your interest!

December 10th: December 10th: 12:00-1:00pm 12:00-1:00pm

Mark Winn

Arts & Entertainment Calendar

SATURDAYS IN DECEMBER

Christmas at Coligny - Every Saturday in December, as well as special dates on December 22nd, and December 23rd, the plaza transforms into a holiday wonderland, complete with family-friendly activities and chances to win big. One of the highlights is Jevon Daly’s Kid Show, a holiday-themed, kid-centric storytelling adventure at Coligny Center Stage. Running from 11:30 AM to 1 PM, it promises to captivate children with interactive stories and festive fun. Later in the day, from 1 PM to 2 PM, kids can enjoy Pictures with Santa, capturing magical moments with Santa Claus himself. Additionally, Coligny Plaza offers a unique Santa’s Post Office, where children can send letters to the North Pole anytime throughout the season. Adding to the holiday cheer, Coligny Plaza will be adorned with Nightly Lights,

creating a festive ambiance perfect for evening strolls and photos. For those feeling lucky, there’s a chance to win $1,000 by shopping or dining at Coligny throughout December. Simply enter at ColignyPlaza. com/Christmas for a chance to win on Christmas Day.

DECEMBER 12 THROUGH THE 22

Christmas my Way - Presented by Sea Glass Stage Company at Coligny Theatre, the show runs December 12-22, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are now available at sgstage.org/tickets. Join us for a festive evening filled with Frank Sinatra’s swingin’ spin on holiday classics. Enjoy unforgettable hits like “The Christmas Song,” “Silver Bells,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” along with dozens of other Sinatra favor-

ites, including the iconic “My Way.” Don’t miss your chance to have a blast while celebrating the season Sinatra-style.

DECEMBER 14

Palm Trees & Pistons - car show will be held from 9am-11am. December 14th in the parking lot of Lucky Beach Restaurant on Hilton Head. The show will feature vintage, antique, exotic, muscle and unique cars owned by area locals. Come by and see some cool cars. It’s all FREE! Lucky Beach will also have a takeout window open so you can grab a drink and pastry as you check out the cars in the lot. Weather depending.

DECEMBER 22

The Hilton Head Island Jingle Jingle Bridge Run - an Island holiday tradition since 1992, will take place on Sunday, De-

cember 22nd, beginning at 8 a.m. This year’s event features both 5K and 10K races, starting and finishing at Crossing’s Park, and will take participants across the scenic Broad Creek on the Cross Island Expressway. All participants will receive a colorful Long Sleeve Jingle Jingle Bridge Run T-shirt. Following the races, there will be an awards ceremony complete with refreshments, music, and door prizes. Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female finishers, the top male and female masters, as well as the top three runners in each age group. To celebrate the season, we encourage all participants to wear holiday costumes, including elf and Santa outfits! A percentage of proceeds from the event will benefit local charities. For more information or to register visit bearfootsports.com or call Bear Foot Sports at 843/757-8520.

Tunnel to Towers 5k raises thousands for first responders

BY KAT RICE Contributor

On September 11, 2001, firefighter Stephen Gerard Siller was on his way to the golf course when he heard that a plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The Brooklyn Battery Tunnel was blocked off, but Steven was determined to get to the scene, so he strapped 60 pounds of gear to his back, running nearly two miles through the tunnel toward the buildings, where he would eventually give up his life in his pursuit to save others.

Out of Steven’s heroism came the Tunnel to Towers (T2T) Foundation, which has been helping Veterans and families of fallen first responders ever since. The foundation hosted their first 5k in New York in 2002 where runners met at the Battery Tunnel and rep-

licated Stephen’s footsteps toward the towers. The race has now expanded to cities all over the country, including here in Bluffton.

T2T reached out to Bluffton’s Palmetto Running Company (PRC) three years ago to gauge their interest in hosting the race in this area. PRC Founder and owner, Rob Fyfe, jumped at the opportunity. As former New York residents, Rob and his wife experienced the loss of that day firsthand.

Fyfe explains, “this event is important for me because [9/11] affected us and we lost friends that day. Being from New York, it means so much because it affected me closely.”

The Bluffton Tunnel to Towers 5k was held on November 17th at Rose Hill Planta-

FROM PAGE 26A

tion. The event hosted over 1200 participants and raised $100k from sponsorships, donations, and registration.

The race itself is different than most 5ks. The local police donated their services for traffic and Beaufort County flew a helicopter overhead as runners waved small American flags in the air. Participants chose a badge to go with their race bib that had the photo ID of a fallen first responder from the tragic day. Runners/walkers were divided into waves— the first was military and first responders, many of them wearing their uniforms and gear, and the second wave included everyone else following their lead.

The pre-race ceremony was an emotional occasion with two speakers who shared their stories.

One retired firefighter told his poignant story of surviving 9/11 while losing over twenty of his men in the devastation. He encouraged the crowd that, “this foundation inspires all of us to do good every day and that’s just what we’re doing. We are here to take care of those who take care of us.”

The second speaker was Bluffton local Katie Morton and her children. Katie’s husband Mitchell, a United States Marine, lost his battle to a rare and aggressive form of cancer two years ago, leaving her a grieving single mom with a huge mortgage. T2T stepped in and, as of Memorial Day this year, paid off her home.

The T2T foundation has dozens of programs for supporting military, veterans, and first responders. Not only do they pay off and buy homes for heroes, but they also recently started a program to remove veterans from homelessness. The foundation is buying and renovating hotels, including one in Charleston, where they have housed 40,000 displaced vets to date. And all the proceeds from T2T 5ks go directly to programs like this.

Fyfe knows the heart of the T2T 5k is much bigger than a running event. He says, “it’s not who’s the fastest or the best. This day is about bringing the tragedy to life for this area. It’s a moment in US history that shouldn’t be forgotten.”

You can find out more about supporting Tunnel to Towers at T2T.org.

DEC 4 – DEC 29

THE ULTIMATE SHOW-BIZ MUSICAL

Come along and listen to the lullaby of Broadway! 42nd Street celebrates the magic of showbiz. Set in the 1930s, aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer comes to the big city and soon lands her first big job in the ensemble of a glitzy new Broadway show. Can she make it in the big city? Songs like “We’re In the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” and “Shuffle Off to Buffalo” make this show a fan favorite!

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

TICKETS

ON SALE NOW!

FEB 17 | 4 & 7:30 PM

SONGS TO MAKE YOU SWAY

Broadway star David Burnham (Wicked, A Light in the Piazza) returns to celebrate the songbook of 5x Grammy Award-winner Michael Bublé! Burnham, of the Broadway Tenors, captures Bublé’s wit and charm, infusing hits like “Cry Me A River,” “I Haven’t Met You Yet,” “Save The Last Dance For Me,” “Home,” and “Sway” with all of Bublé sincerity and richness.

Happy Holidays

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.

A lowcountry Christmas

BY TERRY HERRON Contributor

The Gullah & Latino Advisory Council (GLAC) has teamed up with the Hilton Head MLK Committee-for-Justice and the Hispanic Busi ness Association of the Lowcountry.

The three local organizations will hold their second annual Christmas Concert, December 15th & 16th in the music hall of Christ Lutheran Church, at 829 Wm. Hilton Parkway on Hilton Head.

Details and tickets are available at www.lowcountrydiversity.org, at a very affordable $30 per person. It’s and a really big show and also an annual fundraiser to support and improve everyday living standards and community services for Gullah, Latino and other underserved, marginalized groups in the lowcountry.

Talking about the Christmas Concert, producer and performer Terry Herron says, “I’m serious when I tell people that this is an incredibly professional, high energy, surprising, fun, funny, emotional and engaging musical event. It’s also inspiring and delivers a very special come-together moment for the audience.”

“I’m also excited about the quality and diversity of this show in terms of the music content and the per formers themselves. It’s a sort of 60’s

kind of concert when you really feel the love and mutual respect in the room. The show has 8 solo perform ers, who will sing many of America’s most popular Christmas songs, plus some Latin singers & musicians, and a few Gullah friends singing Christ mas Gospel classics that truly ‘rocks’!

This combination of music and diversity has never been heard or seen in the Lowcountry. You will laugh, cry, applaud, sway, sing-along … and feel the warmth and love in the room and onstage. You will also be supporting your fellow residents who are anxious to come into the mainstream, and feel welcomed, needed and valued. These two powerhouse minorities represent a significant and critical Economic Engine for our region. “Let’s invite them in – they are our neighbors.”

LUTHERAN CHURCH 829 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head

The three organizations sponsoring this unique concert are each involved in supporting the underserved communities of the Lowcountry, including Beaufort & Jasper Counties Terry Herron is Co-producer of this event and a charter member of The Gullah & Latino Advisory Council, for more information please contact him at terry@herron-group.com, 843271-9919, or www.lowcountrydiversity.

Gospel v Venezuelan Guitarist/Singer vSinatra with a Latin Flare v Motown Christmas v French Carols v American Christmas Classics of

OLD TOWN BLUFFTON

ShopOldTownBluffton.com

MALL-TERNATIVE PJ PARTY

November 29th 11am-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

Winter Wonderland

Imagination Hour

Dec 5th, 12th, 26th

11:00am – 12:00pm

Build Legos with Christ Dec 14th, 21st, 28th

11:00 – 11:30am at

“Elf Dust” by Nancy Merrill Dec 6th • 11:00am

Sandbox Puppet Show Dec 18th 11:00– 11:45am

Sip, shop, and mingle with adoptable pets at PAL Thrift’s holiday

‘Tis the season for holiday shopping! Take care of your Christmas list and more during Palmetto Animal League Thrift’s Holiday Open House Saturday, November 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“It’s a fun and festive event filled with good cheer and great deals” says PAL Development Coordinator Stephanie Bashaw. “So many families enjoy shopping together to kick off the season, and we hope to become a part of those traditions.”

Guests will enjoy holiday refreshments and mingle with adoptable pets as they browse a huge selection of vintage dishware, collectibles, antiques, jewelry, home decor, artwork, pet items, and more!

“Join us at PAL Thrift on November 30, just one day after Black Friday, and you’ll be sure to cross some gift items off your list,” says Bashaw.

Shoppers will receive 15% off their entire purchase when they bring a pet food donation, valued at $10 or more, to help make the holidays brighter for pets at the PAL Adoption Center.

“When you shop at PAL Thrift, you are supporting PAL’s No Kill Adoption Center in Okatie that cares for some 300 homeless pets while they wait to find a loving home,” explains Bashaw.

Meet some of those adorable, adoptable pets this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Palmetto Animal League Thrift Store located at 1 Sherington Drive, Suite B in Bluffton’s Sheridan Center.

Bashaw encourages everyone to think of PAL Thrift for holiday gifts knowing that all purchases and quality donations give abandoned, abused, and neglected animals a second chance at life.

“The ability to have our Mortgage and Insurance companies under the same umbrella is so helpful.”

- Angela Rizzi, Naples, FL

“What we love about the Luxury Properties Division is the additional marketing. It’s a very powerful tool.”

- The Broadhurst Group, Bluffton, SC

The Best Agents in Real Estate

“I really like the beauty of the office and how professional it looks because when you bring a customer into the office it validates you.”

- Neha Ketkar, Sarasota, FL

“I can get support, which is something you don’t find in large corporate entities. Family-owned, privately-held, a very different experience.”

Collin Sullivan, Boston, MA

A whole lot of gratitude

BY KEVIN FITZPATRICK Contributor

There are some days where I get a bit testy about how things are going as age rears its sometimes-ugly head. I used to be able to spend hours in the water: swimming, body surfing, surfing, swimming laps. I loved to run and would easily do 3-5 miles (now understand that my version of “run” was what most would call a jog with a 12 minute per mile pace, at best). Tennis, racquetball and golf (walking and carrying my own bag) were all things that brought me much joy.

Flash forward to 2024 and septuagenarian status: My surfing days are behind me, body surfing is pretty much a one-off event when it does occur, lap swimming is still strong with a mile being the goal each time I push off (somedays a bit less, some days a lot more) but now I have developed “swimmer’s shoulder.” Running has

been curtailed pretty much down to walking due to arthritis in the feet, a recent development, requiring orthotics to keep the discomfort down. Tennis and racquetball are pretty much gone, and golf is now an event where the biggest annoyance is when the course is “cart path only,” so instead of riding right up to your ball, you have to walk an extra few yards from the cart path (never mind the loss of distance as an “old man,” even with the latest advances in equipment). So, I spent a short time wallowing in selfpity recently, and then, during one of the last swims (the community pool closes from Nov. 1 till April 1, and the town pool is under renovation till at least Feb.), it hit me like a brick. Why am I focusing on what I used to do instead of what I am still perfectly able to do and how much of it can be done here in the Lowcountry. While the community pool closure usually means having to drive to the town pool, and that is not available for a few months this time, it’s not a permanent “miss,” it’s simply an annoyance (though I do lament that there seem to be GRATITUDE CONT. ON PAGE 36A

Chicken Francaisse

Walnut Roasted Cauliflower Wedge

w/Cajun Sweet Potatoes

Cheeseburger Pie

Chicken Salad Plate

Flounder Florentine (Spinach)

Sausage, Kale & White Bean Soup

Sun-dried Tomato Quiche

LEARN SOMETHING NEW BRIDGE

HILTON HEAD BRIDGE CLUB, WINTER 2025 LESSONS

Bridge is a game you can enjoy for a lifetime! This Winter the Bridge Center is offering a wide variety of classes for both beginners and those who want to take their game to the next level.

CONTINUED BEGINNER BRIDGE LESSONS - JOIN US AND LEARN

WEDNESDAY MORNINGS FROM 10 - 12 AT THE BRIDGE CENTER

This winter we will be learning about Preemptive Bidding, Overcalls, Takeout Doubles, the Stayman Convention, and Jacoby Transfers. You can attend classes as they fit your schedule.

January 15: Preemptive Opening Bids

January 22: Weak Two Opening Bids

January 29: Overcalls and Advances

February 5: Take Out Doubles

February 12: Practicing Overcalls and Take Out Doubles

February 19: The Stayman Convention

March 5: Jacoby Transfers

March 12: Review of Responses to 1NT Opening Bids

March 19th: Practice Duplicate Game

Taught by Kristi Menees, kristimenees@mac.com. 551-795-6329. We will be using Audrey Grant’s Bridge Basics 2 and 3. Each class will be $20.

SUCCESSFUL SLAM BIDDING - 3 TUESDAY MORNINGS IN FEBRUARY FROM 10 - 12 AT THE BRIDGE CENTER

We will work on 3 fundamental requirements of successful slam bidding: Combined Strength, Trump or Notrump Agreement, and Controls. Come alone or bring a partner!

February 4: Fundamentals of slam bidding, bidding notrump slams, Gerber convention, and when is 4NT not Blackwood February 11: Bidding suit slams, Jacoby 2NT, Blackwood convention February 18: Control showing cue bidding and putting it all together

Each class will begin with a 20-minute presentation of the day’s topic. Hands will be presented and discussed, followed by students bidding and playing 8 practice hands. An analysis of each hand will include the auction, final contract, opening lead and the play of the hand. Students will receive handouts.

Taught by Helen Pawlowski. For more details, contact Helen at: hvpawlowski53@gmail.com. Each class will be $20.

SUPERVISED PLAY - THURSDAY MORNINGS FROM 10-12 AT THE BRIDGE CENTER

Supervised play is a program designed to help you hone your bridge game. It’s a fun, relaxed program that starts with a 15 minute mini-lesson. After the lesson, each table plays at their own pace, asking questions at any time.

Contact Kristi Menees with any questions at kristimenees@mac.com or 551-795-6329. The cost is $15

Check Hilton Head Bridge Club Web site, www.bridge webs.com/hiltonheadisland/ for a complete list of lesson topics for the Beginner and Advanced Beginner classes. HILTON HEAD ISLAND BRIDGE CLUB, ACBL Sanctioned

See our website www.bridgewebs.com/hiltonheadisland for a schedule of our Face to Face duplicate games. Located at : 95 Mathews Dr., Port Royal Shopping Center. For more info: 843-342-7529. Also see us on Facebook: Hilton Head Bridge Club

GRATITUDE FROM PAGE 35A

no health clubs with readily accessible indoor pools for lap swimming unless you live in certain communities, the way there were back in the northeast). In this case for the time being, it’s time to lace up and take advantage of the blessedly mild weather making running an easy Nov.-May activity. What I did due to the two above mentioned “ailments” is to alternate activity - one day in the water, one day on land, as the pool was getting ready to close. With stretching ahead of time, the shoulder issue is pretty much gone (and the months of rest should really take care if it). That allowed me to start long, active walks again to adjust to the orthotic on the right side that was causing the irritation. As I am writing this, I’ve almost hit the 3-mile mark, and it seems to be getting a bit more calloused by day, so I’m hopeful that soon I can add small jogging intervals with the goal being a full 5K and eventually 5-mile jog before the pool reopens. The overwhelming sense of thankfulness and gratitude that at 72, my biggest opponent was my own doubt was a very good place to land.

The ability to be able to do it, daily, without worrying about slipping on ice (not fun when you’re old as dirt), having to wear multiple layers and gloves just to stay comfortable is a real gift that living in this area delivers every day. Having tree lined paths where you are not dodging cars, trucks and buses, where you can actually listen to music and let it take your focus off the stiffness of age is another present that I enjoy opening each time I lace up. Smiling at and being smiled at by others on foot, on bikes, walking dogs, pushing strollers is also uplifting and provides motivation on days where I may not start out really being excited about it.

I am thankful for not only the ability to keep doing it, but the desire to keep doing it. I am grateful for the technology where I can listen to whatever music I’m feeling on bone conduction headphones both while running and swimming laps. It’s a long way from carrying a “Walkman” and having the tape run out before you finished running, and not being able to listen to music at all while swimming (an hour of laps can be very tedious, the

music lifts that veil of tedium and actually allows you to not even think about what is going on). I am also grateful that my Apple Watch times things, measures things, and yes, counts the laps while swimming so I don’t even have to do that (most often I end up doing more than I plan to since I now don’t even look at the watch for an extended period). I am continually thankful for the overabundance of sunny days and mild weather where, even when the pool is chilly in the beginning and end of the season, it’s a simple matter of wearing a rash guard for insulation and getting adjusted.

When I drove away in August of 2021 from the home we lived in for the past 20 years to take a leap of faith and come down where we knew no one, had no family, and as retired folks were not going to meet new work colleagues, I purposely played a song that has been a favorite since the first time I heard it at as the closing song on first night of the Reunion Tour in 1999 at the Brendan Byrne Arena. A piece of it is worth using to close this show as well it speaks volumes about our relocation.

“Grab your ticket and your suitcase Thunder’s rolling down the tracks You don’t know where you’re goin’ But you know you won’t be back Darlin’ if you’re weary

Lay your head upon my chest

We’ll take what we can carry

And we’ll leave the rest

Big Wheels rolling through fields

Where sunlight streams

Meet me in a land of hope and dreams”

“This train

Carries saints and sinners

This train

Carries losers and winners

This Train

Carries lost souls

This Train

Dreams will not be thwarted

This Train

Faith will be rewarded”

Land of Hope and Dreams, Bruce Springsteen

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.

Discover treasures at the Art League Academy sale

BY MELISSA MCCULLOUGH

As the season of giving approaches, the Art League Academy invites you to an extraordinary event designed to delight art lovers, collectors, and creators alike. This special three-day sale, running from Tuesday, December 3, through Thursday, December 5, 2024, offers an array of artistic treasures and essentials at unbeatable prices. Whether you’re seeking the perfect gift for the artist in your life or looking to refresh your own collection, this is the place to be.

A HAVEN FOR ART SUPPLIES

Artists of all levels will find something to inspire their next masterpiece. From vibrant new and gently used paints—including oil, acrylic, and watercolor—to a variety of brushes, canvas, paper, and drawing tools, the selection promises to

meet every creative need. Whether you’re starting out or a seasoned professional, this sale ensures your studio is wellstocked for the projects ahead.

FRAMES THAT ELEVATE YOUR ARTWORK

The perfect frame can transform your artwork, and at this event, you’ll find a wide array of options to suit every style. Choose from modern and classic designs, custom sizes, and materials like wood and metal to make your work shine. A well-chosen frame is a gift that keeps giving, enhancing both your art and the space it adorns.

PRINTS AND POSTERS TO INSPIRE

Looking to add some flair to your home

TREASURES CONT. ON PAGE 38A

February 24 - March 2, 2025

Hilton Head rated #1 island in continental US with easy access through SAV and HHI airports

Intermediate/Newcomer program with expert lectures before the afternoon session I/N games are highlighted in red on the schedule

Four days of Mid-Flight Events - Pairs and Teams

Seven Gold Rush events for 0-750 MP players, including six starting at 10 am

Prizes for section tops and overall winners

Daily Bulletin can be accessed electronically

Game starting times (10, 2:30, and 7:30) allow players to enjoy Hilton Head’s wide array of excellent restaurants

Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa

One Hotel Circle, Rte. 278 • Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Call for reservations (843) 686-8400 Ext. 2

Book your group rate for the 2025 Hilton Head Regional

Online: 2025 Hilton Head Regional

Room rates: $127 resort, $147 ocean view, $157 ocean front

Deadline: Feb 3. One night’s deposit required at booking, forfeited if a cancellation is requested after Feb. 21

Free parking for all. Resort fees are waived at checkout. Call the hotel’s Group Housing Department at (843) 686-8421 for assistance with late reservations. If desired reservation is unavailable, email Ezz Khalifa at hekbridge@gmail.com to be added to the waitlist.

TREASURES

FROM PAGE 37A

or studio? The sale features fine art prints and posters, including high-quality reproductions of famous masterpieces, contemporary designs, and rare limited editions. These pieces make thoughtful gifts for art aficionados or a striking addition to your own walls.

BOOKS FOR THE ART ENTHUSIAST

For those who love to learn and explore, the selection of art books is not to be missed. Dive into artist biographies, discover the rich tapestry of art history, or refine your techniques with instructional guides. These collectible books offer a world of inspiration and knowledge, perfect for gifting or personal enrichment.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

The Art League Academy Sale is a limited-time opportunity you won’t want to miss. Running daily from 10 AM to 2 PM, this event takes place at 106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29928. Whether you’re browsing for gifts, hunting for bargains, or simply soaking in the

creative atmosphere, this sale has something for everyone. Join us and celebrate the spirit of art-

istry and generosity. Let this sale inspire your creativity or help you find the perfect gift for the art lover in your life. See you there!

Rainbow Dance By Veloy Vigil

BY GLENDA HARRIS Contributor

Another successful Sea Turtle season on Hilton Head has come to an end with the nest numbers a bit down from last year. This year, there were 204 nests counted, 22,640 eggs laid, and 14,878 eggs hatched. Loggerheads were the only sea turtle species seen this year on Hilton Head Island. The females return to the beach where they were hatched every 2-3 years to nest and each nest has an average of 100 eggs. This past summer, beachgoers lucky enough to be on the island on June 17 got a very special treat when a momma sea turtle made her way onto the sandy beach during day-time hours to dig her nest. This is a rare occurrence. The momma

Sea turtle season 2024

turtle then slowly made her way back into the surf to begin her ocean journey to the place she calls home.

The island’s turtle nests were also very lucky this summer because when tropical storm Debby blew through, there was little impact, with only one nest lost out of 195. As Amber Kuehn, the Sea Turtle Patrol Director explained, it is the rain from storms that creates the most problems because hatchlings need dry conditions to make their way up and out of the nest and onto the beach.

There is something new for the 2025 sea turtle season. Holiday Nest Dedications will be available to purchase from Nov 1 to Dec 1, 2024. As a volunteer organization, the Sea Turtle Patrol relies on donations and offers like this to continue their great work. Go to www.seaturtlepatrol. org to learn more.

Giving a Nest Dedication is such a thoughtful gift idea for this holiday season. Especially for kids who love going to the beach. Here’s how it works: When a

Nest Dedication is purchased, both the purchaser and the recipient will be updated throughout the season on the status, when the nest is laid and also the general location of the nest. A certificate is included in the packet which has your specific nest number. By knowing when the nest was laid, you can determine approximately when your nest may hatch and be on the lookout. You will also get a limited-edition Sea Turtle Patrol holiday ornament.

Join in the fun, help support the hard work of the Sea Turtle Patrol AND spread interest and knowledge about sea turtles. The more of us invested in the protection and preservation of sea turtles, the more successful the effort will be. We all love seeing these incredibly gentle and determined reptiles and hope to see them for many years to come.

A former Bluffton resident, Glenda finds stories everywhere and writes about nature, travel, healthy living and books.

Glenda Harris

Sea Pines Center Hosts Holiday Market December 5

It’s become an island tradition – the Holiday Art Market at the Shops at Sea Pines Center – where you’ll find everything you need to deck the halls for the holidays and fill those stockings with care, all from local artists, artisans, crafters and merchants.

Scheduled for Thursday, December 5, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., in the outdoor plaza at Sea Pines Center, more than a dozen local artists and artisans will join the Center’s unique collection of shops and restaurants to offer this special holiday shopping experience. From stunning paintings and sculptures to handmade jewelry and ceramics, the talented artists and artisans have created original pieces that you won’t find anywhere else. Wearables, keepsakes, and even future family heirlooms are among the variety of gifts that Holiday Market attendees can peruse for inspiration, or purchase on the spot. “We’ve always thought Christmas shop-

ping should be more of a pleasure and less of a chore,” said Sea Pines Center merchants association chairman Andrea Bragg of Forsythe Jewelry. “The locally-owned shops here, as well as the local artists and artisans who join us annually for this celebration, have cultivated a special sense of Lowcountry style. And our outdoor plaza at sunset is a particularly lovely place for a leisurely stroll.”

But wait, it gets even better! Several local entertainers will enhance the festive atmosphere with holiday music and mem-

ories. The popular Shore Notes, a women’s troupe of barbershop harmonizers, will be among the merry music makers, celebrating the sounds and songs of the season.

“So, mark your calendars and gather your friends for a fun evening,” said Bragg. “Discover the joy of giving with thoughtful, one-of-a-kind presents that will surely bring smiles this holiday season.” For more information, visit TheShopsAtSeaPinesCenter.com.

More than a dozen local artists will showcase their work at the Holiday Art Market in Sea Pines.

Right: The popular Shore Notes A Cappella Chorus will return to the Holiday Art Market, entertaining shoppers with festive Christmas carols.

Styles of ballroom dancing

BY SANDRO VIRAG Contributor

There are so many different styles of ballroom dance. Each has unique characteristics and cultural significance. Every dance style not only showcases physical skills, but also tells a story through movement which reflects the heritage from which they came.

Ballroom dancing dates back to the 16th century in European high society. Initially dances were simple forms of social gatherings where couples would showcase their elegance and poise. Over the centuries, many styles emerged influenced by cultural shifts and musical trends and led to the standard ballroom dance styles of today.

The Waltz is known for its smooth, flowing movements and is often considered the foundation of ballroom dancing.

The Tango originated from Argentina. It is passionate and dramatic marked by sharp movements and a strong connection between partners.

The Foxtrot blends slow and fast steps, making it versatile for many musical tempos. The Foxtrot is known for its smoothness and elegance and is often seen in American ballrooms.

The Quickstep is an upbeat and lively dance combining fast paced footwork with hops and skips. It is energetic and requires good stamina and coordination.

The Cha-cha is a Cuban dance with a lively rhythm, playful spirit and synco-

pated steps. It has a lot of hip movements making it fun.

The Rumba is often referred to as the “dance of love”. It is sensual and romantic focusing on hip movements with controlled steps.

Swing dance is a group of social dances that developed with the swing style of jazz music in the 1920s-1940s. It encompasses several different dance styles including the Charleston, Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag and others. It is often called the Jitterbug.

Samba is a lively, rhythmical Brazilian dance. It is syncopated and has bouncing movements. It is usually set to upbeat, syncopated Brazilian music with strong percussive rhythms. There is much tilting and rocking with this dance.

Salsa originated in the Caribbean. It is very popular and is influenced by Cuban dances. Usually performed with a partner, the technique is in place with forward and back movements and single and double side steps.

As you can see, it is almost overwhelming the number of ballroom styles that exist. Start your ballroom dancing with one that you think you might really enjoy and just keep adding on as you progress. You’ll be surprised how many dance styles you are able to learn over time.

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

Bluffton Relic by Lauren Arsenault

Lauren Arsenault

Mary Burrell

Sue Grilli

Hilton Head Island Real Estate Market UpdateDecember 2024

BY DAN PRUD’HOMME Contributor

The Hilton Head Island real estate market showed some notable shifts this November, presenting both opportunities and challenges for buyers and sellers as we approach the end of 2024. Days on Market (DOM), a key metric, has started to decline after months of increases. Currently, the average DOM sits at 65, down from 70 last month, but still up from 45 at the same time last year. For context, in 2019 and 2020, the average Cumulative Days on Market (CDOM) were 128 and 119 days, respectively, suggesting that while homes are taking longer to sell compared to the recent past, the market remains much more dynamic than pre-pandemic levels.

Another metric reflecting the dynamics of this market is the sale-to-list price ratio, which has slightly decreased. This year, properties have sold for about 95.6% of their original asking price, down from 97.3% last year. However, compared to 2019, when properties were selling for around 94.5% of their asking price, it’s clear that despite a small decline, the market remains strong.

Inventory and new listings have both increased slightly, giving prospective buyers more options. Available inventory is up by 3.1% year-over-year, from 715 properties at this time last year to 737 currently. While this is an increase, it remains much lower than historical averages. In 2019, for instance, inventory was around 1,300 properties. Typically, fall and early winter see a gradual decline in listings, a trend that I expect will continue for the remainder of the year.

this month, a 1.5% increase from 126 last year. With 737 properties available and 128 sales per month, the market has shifted back to just under six months of inventory, a level I describe as a seller’s market. This change marks a shift from earlier in 2024, when months of supply had been gradually rising to over six months.

The median year-to-date sale price has also increased, reaching $1,077,000, up 4% from $1,035,000 last year. This appreciation underscores Hilton Head Island’s enduring appeal and value as a real estate market.

Looking ahead, there are strong indicators of pent-up demand. With the recent federal rate cuts and the election behind us, the market seems primed for increased activity. Buyers waiting on more favorable mortgage rates could soon find the right opportunity, especially as interest rates edge downwards.

As we move into the holiday season and a new year, it’s a great time for opportunistic buyers to take advantage of a transitioning market.

Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season and looking forward to providing you more market updates in 2025.

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

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

Closed sales on the island reached 128

Dan Prud’homme

Region rivals sharpened Seahawks, Sharks

BY JUSTIN JARRETT Contributor

On the cusp of the 2024 high school football season, the collection of sports fanatics that calls ourselves Team Lowco and go online night after night to talk about the teams and athletes to rep the Lowco noted time and again that this year’s Region 6-4A race would be a wild ride marked by unpredictable outcomes every Friday night.

We nailed it … sort of.

It was widely thought that Beaufort High was the slight favorite to win the region in August, with veteran star quarterback Samari Bonds at the helm, but early injuries to Bonds and others left the Eagles looking at their worst season in two decades and a fifth-place finish.

So, we whiffed on that one, but Bryce Lybrand’s team was still a tough matchup week after week, and the Eagles hung in with top-seeded Hartsville well into the second half before fading on the road in a

45-21 loss in the first round of the playoffs.

Having to grind out tough wins against the Eagles and Colleton County didn’t provide too much of a respite from the gauntlet for the contenders, and the margin between eventual region champion Bishop England and the next three finishers was razor-thin. The top four teams finished within one game of one another in the region standings, with head-to-head tiebreakers settling deadlocks for first and third.

As a result, May River was the only region team to knock off Bishop England — and did so in convincing fashion on the road — but the Sharks wound up as the No. 4 seed from the region. Through sheer coincidence, the new SCHSL system that uses RPI ratings to seed the playoff bracket resulted in a rematch of region rivals in round 1, and the narrow margins were once again on display.

After watching the Bluffton Bobcats cel-

ebrate on their field two weeks earlier, the Sharks had their revenge in Friday’s playoff opener. Trailing 24-21 in the final minute at home on Nov. 1, May River mishandled the ball on fourth-and-2, and the Bobcats escaped with the win. After an epic battle in the rematch, it again came down to one play, and this time, the Sharks delivered.

Senior quarterback Tanner Macy ran in the two-point conversion in double overtime to lift May River into a second-round matchup at No. 2 seed North Augusta.

Along with Hilton Head’s 19-17 win over Crestwood and Bishop England’s blowout victory against South Aiken, Region 6-4A sent three teams through to the final eight in the Class 4A Lower State bracket — after fighting for recognition in the statewide rankings all season and consistently knocking each other out of the top 10.

And if Bluffton had drawn literally anyone other than May River, the Bobcats might still be playing too.

All three could very well bow out in round 2, as the Seahawks face a tough test at perennial power South Florence and the Battling Bishops host a scrappy Gilbert team with a history of playoff success, but there’s no question the standard has been raised in the region. Beaufort’s state title in 2022 upped the ante for the area. B.J. Payne’s success sending Seahawk stars to the next level has trickled down. Hayden Gregory has rekindled the fire at Bluffton, and Richard Bonneville has restored a hard-nosed identity at May River.

Iron sharpens iron, and the programs in the Lowco have developed some mettle — together.

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.

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These girls are good

BY DR. JEAN HARRIS Contributor

Last month, the May River Girls Golf Team won their fourth State Championship in program history, as well as backto-back. Robbin Zetrouer was the 2024 individual State Champion, joining Claire Green, who was the 2023 State Champion.

These two high school seniors have been friends since age 10 when they were both in the LPGA Girls Golf Program. Krista Dunton and I were program directors, and we knew these girls were special.

They both started out playing other sports, but realized that to be good in golf, you need to play a lot of junior golf tournaments. Once they got to high school, it was only golf. Claire never

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took a day off. “If you want to get good at something, you must put time and effort into it,” she said. Claire’s instruction included many professionals. “I went through five local professionals and now go to one locally. I also go to specialists in Sea Island, Georgia. I have a putting specialist, chipping specialist and a mental coach.”

Robbin took a different route. “I started out in LPGA Girls Golf and made a lot of friends. I continued taking lessons once a week with LPGA Professional Krista Dunton. Once I got to middle school and high school, I really took golf seriously. Golf is a game of passion, and golf is my passion,” she said.

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Claire and Robbin

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Both girls will be playing golf at the college level. They started contacting schools in their sophomore year. According to Robbin, “The process of getting a golf scholarship was stressful. You have to email coaches, make phone calls and market yourself.” Claire was ranked highly in the state of South Carolina and visited most of the schools in the state that offered golf scholarships. “Late in the recruiting process last November, Clemson came into play. I knew that I would fit in there.” Robbin decided to go out of state. She chose St. Francis University in Pennsylvania. “I choose St. Francis because of my faith, their coach and golf program. They also have a five-year master’s degree program in Occupational Therapy, and that is what I want to do as a career.”

Both girls said that academics was very important in their selection of college programs. Claire stated that “dedication to golf and dedication to academics run hand in hand. When you get to col-

lege, you are a student-athlete.”

These girls are really excited to go off to college. Claire stated that “it is bittersweet. It seems like yesterday when I was in the Girls Golf clinics. However, I am really excited to see the next chapter in my golf career and my new opportunities.”

I asked both girls if they had any advice that they could give younger girls who want to play college golf. Robbin stated, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out to the older girls who are your role models on your high school team.” Claire enjoyed being on a team and sharing her knowledge of golf to the younger players.

It has been my privilege to know these girls and their parents for eight years, and I know they will succeed, not only in golf but in their life’s endeavors.

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

Refreshing the upper face with brow lift surgery

BY MATHEW T. EPPS, MD Contributor

This month’s primer on facial rejuvenation will focus on the upper third of the face – the forehead and brow. These techniques offer a large “bang for the physiological buck.” The risk/benefit ratio is quite low, with a great impact on a refreshened “look” for the recovery time and money invested.

But first, consideration must be given to both anatomy and aesthetics. For example, the usual brow position for women is above the bony ridge above the eyelid. Anatomical position and shape should be tailored with the goal of a natural lift or “look” where the brow is slightly higher with a subtle lateral peak. In men, the youthful brow is a lower, more flattened shape.

Guidance from a plastic surgeon is important in addressing various desired brow positions.

Any surgical consult addressing upper eyelid surgery should also address the brow position. Commonly, patients seek improvement of a chronically tired appearance, including hooding around the eyes with a look of fatigue and anger. Brow descent can be severe enough to obstruct a person’s vision.

“frozen” or “over-lifted” look as with neurotoxins.

There are several variations of brow lift techniques, and these can be performed simultaneously with eyelid surgery when needed. Brow lift can be performed endoscopically with small incisions hidden at or behind the hairline. Short-scar lateral brow lift alone can elevate treated hooding around the eyes.

A more traditional, full brow lift can be performed with a hidden incision just behind the hairline as well. The technique is typically patient and surgeon specific.

On occasion, a patient consults for eyelid surgery yet really needs a brow lift – or both, but simply is not offered it or does not know of the technique’s availability.

For the past decade or so, the population has settled into the use of neurotoxins such as Botox, Dysport and Xeomin to create a temporary “chemical brow lift.” However, brow lift surgery offers a considerably more long-lasting return to a refreshed look without the temporary

A recent study in JAMA Plastic Surgery stated patients undergoing brow lift had a 93% satisfaction rate, with 96% recommending the procedure to others. Further, brow lifts are particularly safe, with thousands being performed every year under local anesthesia with conscious sedation in an outpatient setting. Like upper eyelid surgery, brow lifts in general do not require much downtime. Mild swelling and bruising may occur but do not typically interrupt a speedy recovery and return to work. If you have been thinking about brightening your appearance, seek an evaluation with a plastic surgeon to see if aesthetic surgery of the forehead and brow might be right for you.

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

Stand up straight; long-term effects posture has on your body

BY DR. KENNETH HORUP Contributor

Do you know that feeling where you sit crisscross-apple sauce too long and all the sudden your foot is “asleep”? Or do you sit with your legs crossed and stand up an hour later to find your legs are weak?

Maybe you sleep in an unusual position one night and wake up to your hand or arm tingling. Many people have experienced the “falling asleep” sensation, me included. That sensation is the short-term effect of poor posture and positioning, but I want to dive into what long term effects arise from poor

posture.

When poor posture and positioning are done regularly, it can have a negative impact on our health. Doctors often refer to this sort of injury as a “repetitive motion” injury; these injuries result from repeated stress on a specific muscle, ligament or nerve. So, what actually happens? Well, I will start by saying every person and every case is unique, as we all have different habits, but I will talk about a few common occurrences I see in my office.

As a chiropractor, I see the consequences of poor posture on the vertebrae daily, and you have seen it too. Some individuals are unable to stand straight, some have a tilt in their shoulders, and others develop chronic pain. Although not all these conditions develop purely from posture, many are exacerbated due to poor posture

and collapsing of the spine. I make sure all my patients know correct posture, and I encourage them to always think “chest forward” when sitting, standing, walking, etc. Good posture is necessary for good spinal health. Whether it’s kyphosis, scoliosis or chronic back pain, poor posture can create long-term problems that require a lot of work to reverse.

As a doctor who serves patients with nerve damage, I see that poor posture also may affect the nerves in your body. When I mentioned earlier that your limbs may feel “asleep” or tingle when you first move out of position, that is your nerve telling you something is wrong. Whatever position and posture you had before was pinching the nerve. It’s like you put a

POSTURE CONT. ON PAGE 50A

Dr. Ken Horup

Nature’s Way

Change of seasons means change of species

BY COLLINS DOUGHTIE Contributor

Over the years at about this time, I almost always mention in my columns about the October/November underwater “traffic jam” where fish, shrimp, crabs and just about every other saltwater creature is on the move. Some are heading south, others north, east or west, and collisions between these groups are not only possible but pretty much 100% guaranteed. With that said, this phenomenon is in full swing, and with both the water and air cooling down, it was time for me to get out there to see what was shaking. As hot as it was this summer, I fished less than any year I can remember. I think that first cool streak gave me an itch, and like any itch, I just had to scratch it.

Uncovering my 16’ skiff called the Marsh Monkey, I checked to make sure it would even fire up, which it did, and decided to give sheepshead a go. Calling my long-time friend George Norton, it didn’t take much convincing and he was all in. Luckily, the day before we planned to go it was warm, and at low tide, I went in search of fiddler crabs, a sheepshead’s go-to favorite treat. With mid-calf rubber boots on, I slogged through knee high marsh grass, and there they were by the hundreds. Herding them to more open terrain, it didn’t take long to snatch several dozen large males and females. Now, if only the sheepshead were inshore yet. I told George there were no guarantees. More of a winter species, all we could do was give it our best shot and

hope that pinfish, small black sea bass and other nuisance nibbles didn’t eat all our crabs before a sheepshead even had a chance to crunch one.

Meeting up, we headed to a spot that I have caught some of my largest sheepies over the years and anchored up. Down went our baits and nibble, nibble and nothing. The small bait stealers were still around, but maybe a black striped monster would beat these pests to the punch. After catching several small sea bass, I had my doubts whether our targeted species had made it inshore yet. Just as that thought crossed my mind, I heard the drag on George’s reel screaming, and I mean really screaming. Turning around, his rod was bent double and with all sorts of structure around, that fish was doing its darndest to get to any piece of structure that might chaff through George’s line. This way, that way and everywhere in-between, that fish gave George all he could handle, but after a

lengthy battle, I saw the fish. It was monster sheepshead, easily over 10 or 11 pounds, and when I finally netted it, only the head would fit in the net! In his mid 70’s, George regressed a good 60 years. Using a saying my dad often pulled out in similar situations, George looked like a mule eating briars. We moved spots a couple more times, and in all, caught at least two dozen sheepshead, releasing all but one. That monster he caught had enough meat to feed a family of five two nights in a row.

Thinking that was going to be my only trip that week, my phone rings, and this time it was Wexford Plantation resident Jon Harrigan. He asks me if I would fish with him in a Wexford Bull Redfish Tournament, but the only day he could fish was that Friday since he was scheduled to leave town the following day. It had been easily six or seven years since I had fished for these giant redfish because when bull red-

fish school up in the fall, that is their mating period, and I prefer to let them do their thing without hooks hanging from their jaw. Looking at the forecast, it couldn’t have been any worse. It was a full moon (typically terrible for fishing), the tides were huge at 10 ½ feet and the wind was howling out the north between 15-25mph. If that wasn’t enough, the water looked like chocolate milk. I told Jon we would be lucky to catch anything, but we would give it a try.

The only place that might be out of the wind and waves was the Broad River Bridge. The tide was ripping so fast it was hard to even anchor. Using our largest weights so our bait would hit the bottom, the only bites we got were a couple of small sharks. It just wasn’t going to happen, so we reeled everything in, and I went to a spot further down the sound that I hadn’t fished in eons. Anchored, in went our baits and within seconds, Jon brought in a nice bull red that measured 35”. Pretty much average, we released it, and just about the time we were about to give up, Jon’s rod bent over and this fish was no slouch. Once in the boat, it was long and super fat, way bigger than the first and measured 40” long. I have yet to hear if it was in the running, but between these two trips, I am hot to trot, and best of all, I will never have a drop of sweat.

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

George Norton with stud sheepshead Jon Harrigan with 40” bull redfish

kink in your water hose. The water can’t flow easily. Your nerve couldn’t work properly because your body’s misalignment was putting pressure on it. Repetition of this may cause long-term nerve damage that can result in neuropathy or other nerve conditions. These too are difficult to reverse and require much work to improve.

In my experience, patients typically have some understanding of correct spinal posture and are usually aware of the impact that those postures can have on the quality of their life. To help improve it, I tell them to practice a couple different exercises. First, instead of thinking “shoulders back,” think “chest out.” Pretend there’s a string attached to your chest, and someone is pulling you from it, like superman standing for a power pose. Second, set a reminder on your phone to correct your posture. We may be distracted throughout our day with work, friends, the internet, etc. and don’t realize we are slouching. Sometimes, a simple alert is all you need to create a habit. The saying,

“if you don’t use it, you lose it” is spot on. Make sure you don’t lose it, as posture can make or break your ability to keep walking as we age. Lastly, sit against a wall or a straight surface and feel what it is like to have the whole vertebrae touching the wall and the back of your head. It may even be uncomfortable for you if it is not in your daily practice, but it’s a good reminder of where you should be.

Posture is an often-overlooked necessity for our health. Like braces help your teeth structure stay inline, our posture is the spine’s “brace.” It helps our structure from permanently moving out of place. Proper posture may help you avoid spinal conditions, nerve conditions and other repetitive injury conditions. If you are concerned about your posture, I encourage you to consult a professional for the best recommendations for your specific needs because our mothers were right, you need to “stand up straight!”

Dr. Kenneth Horup, DC is a Chiropractic Physician at Discover Specific Chiropractic, Board Certified in Neuropathy.

Local nonprofit acquires properties for workforce housing

BY CHANNING HEISS Contributor

The Coastal Community Development Corporation (CCDC), a local non-profit working to preserve and develop affordable workforce housing in Beaufort and Jasper counties, has acquired 23 housing units in unincorporated Beaufort County near Bluffton, according to an organization news release. The CCDC says the acquisition of these units, comprised of apartments and townhomes, furthers their

mission to provide affordable housing for local workers. The organization now owns 34 units across the region, including 11 units previously purchased on Hilton Head Island.

Resources facilitating this purchase include a $600,000 grant awarded by Beaufort County in December 2024, administered through the Beaufort Jasper Housing Trust. The grant will support the preservation of these 23 housing units, ensuring affordable local living options for

HOUSING CONT. ON PAGE 51A

HOUSING

workers.

Support for these acquisitions also included a $1 million pledge of altruistic capital from Community Foundation of the Lowcountry and a $1 million donation from Novant Health. The CCDC notes both organizations have made affordable workforce housing a priority, citing the value in sustaining a vibrant and resilient local workforce.

“This incredible partnership with The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, Novant Health and Beaufort County has empowered CCDC to secure long-term affordability for local working families,” said Alan Wolf, Chairman of the CCDC Board of Directors. “These 23 units will remain affordable for households earning between

Since acquiring Hilton Head Medical Center and Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville, non-profit Novant Health has been working on creating solutions to affordable housing in Beaufort and Jasper counties.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has played an important role in convening local nonprofits, organizations, businesses and donors committed to creating more affordable workforce housing. CFL hosted the second Lowcountry Affordable Housing Forum on November 12 at TCL’s Culinary Institute of the South in Bluffton. Wolf, who attended the forum, said people were visibly shocked when a presenter cited statistics on the lack of affordable housing.

“I saw jaws drop,” he recalled. “It’s as dire as you can imagine. “It is imperative that we preserve our housing stock.”

ing costs are rising faster than incomes. In addition to housing insecurity and homelessness, studies have shown that a lack of affordable housing can cause lowered productivity, unemployment and underemployment, poor mental health and stagnating economic growth.

According to Wolf, the idea for this effort to create affordable housing options came together two years ago. The CCDC gathered partners and began to tackle the issue. The organization became a 501c3 in May 2023 and made its first purchase that July.

Workers interested in renting from CCDC can apply for housing at www. ccdc-sc.org, where detailed application criteria and eligibility information is available. CCDC prioritizes local workers seeking to live in the communities where they are employed.

Channing Heiss is a freelance writer

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New vision set for economic growth in South Carolina

BY REP. JEFF BRADLEY Contributor

The House Republicans in the South Carolina legislature not only defended its two-thirds majority in the lower chamber but added to it in November’s general election. As a result, the GOP will have broad leeway to decide the course of South Carolina’s government for the next two years.

Later this past month the Republican Caucus unveiled its legislative agenda for 2025-2026, which is centered around a six-point policy agenda titled “The Pillars of Success.” It is a plan designed to propel the state toward more economic growth while tackling some of South Carolina’s most pressing challenges.

Included on the list are steeper income tax cuts, reductions on property taxes for small businesses, more regulatory cuts, elevated infrastructure and economic-development spending and increased teacher pay.

With regard to taxes. South Carolina is set to continue to cut its top income tax rates from 6.2% to 6.0%. But our House leadership believes it is time to go even further - specifically to try and reduce our tax rate to below that of our neighboring states. For perspective, Georgia’s flat income tax rate is 5.49% and North Carolina is 4.5%.

INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

The focus on infrastructure investment and addressing workforce housing challenges is timely. With South Carolina experiencing unprecedented population and economic growth the challenge of upgrading roads, bridges and transit systems throughout the state is essential.

Currently South Carolina has one of the largest state-owned road systems in the U.S. Plus it is behind the gun because of our rapidly increasing population. More than 25% of our 8,000 bridges are in need of repair according to the National Bridge Inventory Report.

But help is on its way. In the last season which ended in May the legislature passed an additional $200 million bill for bridge repairs and another $300 million for road repairs and improvements.

Another key pillar is the commitment to more business-friendly policies. We will be targeting bureaucratic barriers and escalating insurance costs. Particularly notable will be our emphasis on regulations that hinder industries like hospitality and agriculture which are both critical to South Carolina’s rural and coastal communities alike. I will have a strong hand in this endeavor where I am chairman of the House Regulations Committee.

In the area of education, we will be expanding school choice and vocational opportunities while eliminating DEI programs. The School Choice issue will be addressed quickly in the early weeks of the session that begins in January.

Our agenda also will be prioritizing public safety by targeting pressing issues like fentanyl distribution and illegal immigration as it affects our state. We have plans to strengthen penalties for crime and reform the magistrate selection process. Of course, the effectiveness.

While ambitious, the success of our agenda in the coming session will depend on collaboration, transparence and a careful balancing of priorities. As we strive to move South Carolina forward, our hope is that these new proposals will not only deliver economic growth, but also enhance the quality of life for all residents.

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

Jeff Bradley

Spillin’ the Tea... Tales from the Lowcountry

This story is from a collection of interviews from long time locals who have generously shared their lowcountry memories with me to be saved for historical purposes and future generations

Walter Greer Jr. and growing up on the island

BY PAUL TOLLEFSON Contributor

The year was 1960, and Hilton Head had not quite taken off with the “Boom” from tourism yet. Sea Pines was in its beginning stages of development and Harbour Town was still eight to nine years away from being built.

Walter Greer Jr., along with his brother, sister and parents moved to the island from the rural Greenville area for his father to live out his dream of becoming an artist. Walter Sr. left his family chemical business and purchased a small lot in Sea Pines on Snowy Egret Road and built a small, 1200 squarefoot house to call their new home.

Soon enough, Walter Jr., along with his brother and sister, started school in Bluffton. In those days the older kids of the schools were the bus drivers, and at that time, Walter remembers that his bus driver was Jimmy Richardson, whose father owned the Red and White Supermarket.

“I remember the long drive to Bluffton on that bus in the very early hours of the morning. Most of the streets were still oyster shell, and I remember there were so many winding roads to get from Sea Pines out to Bluffton school.”

“Some days, on the way back home, the bus would stop at Mr. Abe Grants small convenience store around mid-island. The store couldn’t have been much bigger than a small garage, but I loved when we got to stop after school! We’d pull off, and everyone would go inside to buy something, if

you had any money of course. I’d always opt for a moon pie and a cold RC Cola!”

Life was simple for Walter in those days.

The kind of days where when you got out of school for the summer, the shoes came off, and they didn’t go back on till school was back in session. Most days were spent fishing, hunting, playing on the beach or pretty much whatever else they could find to do on a still very unpopulated Hilton Head.

“We used to do a lot of hunting in those days. There was no Palmetto Dunes yet, and that whole area was the North Carolina Hunt Club. We of course weren’t allowed to hunt in there, but we found ways around that,” laughed Walt.

“I remember that me and my buddy Johnny Whitten used to climb to the top of the light house that was there in what is now Leamington. Well, it was pretty much the best deer stand there was! We used to be able to see everything from up there. If

we got a deer, we would just field dress it right there and pack it out and walk the beach back home. “

“Because we were so close to the hunt club, the game wardens in there, or the land managers, didn’t like us to say the least, especially for hunting from the lighthouse. I remember one time they chased us through the William Hilton Inn! Here we are, two teenagers with rifles and full camouflage, running through the lobby of this hotel being chased by these game wardens! Once we hit that beach, we were gone!”

“During that time on Hilton Head, there were all sorts of animals in those woods. Deer, wild pigs, rattlesnakes, you name it, Hilton Head had it. My brother John shot a bobcat right outside the main gate of Sea Pines when he was about 12 or 13.”

“One of my favorite hunting memories beside the lighthouse story had to do with a 400 lb. wild pig. One of our favorite spots to hunt wild pigs was near to where the intersection of Cordillo and Pope Ave. meet. Well, me and my buddies shot this huge pig. The only problem was it was so big that we didn’t know how we were going to get it home. One of my buddy’s family owned the Exxon that was down near the beach. His name was Brother Roller, and he was just getting ready to close shop for the day. Well, we decided that we were

going to drag this 400 lb. pig down Pope Ave. to that station, which we did! We talked Brother Roller into letting us hoist this thing up using the grease rack, and we ended up butchering it in the station that night. Of course, being teenagers, we didn’t clean up our mess all that well, and the next day, Mr. Roller comes into the shop and was pissed at the mess we left!” It was only about three years before Walter’s mother decided that Hilton Head Island was not for her, so she packed up the kids and moved back to the rural Greenville area, while Walter’s father stayed to live out his dream of being an artist, which he did. Walter would come down to visit on the weekends, but those three years gave him memories that 60+ years later, he can still smile and laugh at. Walter did confess to me that if his family would have moved to Bluffton and not Hilton Head, they probably would have stayed. “I’m a country boy, through and through, and Bluffton was more of our kind of people at that time than Hilton Head was. Nonetheless, I had a great time!”

Paul Tollefson is the Director of Tennis at the Hampton Hall Club in Bluffton. He found his love for the Lowcountry in early 2002 after graduating high school and unsure of what career path he was destined towards. After moving from Hilton Head to Bluffton he became enthralled with the history of the town and the people and cultures that called it home for many generations. He has found a passion in writing and enjoys being able to share the stories and pictures of long-time locals. He is the co-creator of the Facebook page “Bluffton Then and Now”.

Paul Tollefson

BY MATTHEW MASTROROCCO, DMD Contributor

Ever wonder if the buzz around electric toothbrushes is warranted? Or question whether your manual toothbrush is outdated? If you’ve found yourself asking, “Are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones?” in the dental hygiene aisle, you’re not alone. Let me help brush away the confusion. I’ll even tell you what my family uses.

THE EVOLUTION OF TOOTHBRUSHES – FROM MANUAL TO ELECTRIC

Are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones?

The manual toothbrush has ancient origins with chewsticks used for dental care dating back to 3,000 BC. The modern version with nylon bristles didn’t appear until 1938. On the other hand, the electric toothbrush made its debut at the American Dental Association’s centennial celebration in 1959. Since then, technological advancements have transformed the electric toothbrush into the smart, versatile tool we know today. Manual toothbrushes have stood the test of time, and electric toothbrushes are a testament to innovation.

ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH VS. MANUAL: WHAT DOES SCIENCE SAY?

Studies show that powered toothbrushes have a moderate edge at cleaning away plaque. Researchers have found that people who use them showed a significant re-

duction in plaque starting at one month of use and increasing after three months or more compared with those who used a manual toothbrush. There is also evidence that electric toothbrushes result in a 6% reduction in gum disease between one to three months and an 11% reduction at three months or longer. Plus, electric toothbrush users have been shown to have healthier gums overall and, in one study, kept 19% more teeth over the study period than those using a manual toothbrush!

Following are some of the benefits of electric toothbrushes.

MORE CONSISTENT TECHNIQUE

Electric brushes automatically move the bristles for you in a steady motion, removing some human error and inconsistency in brushing. This can help ensure

all areas get brushed well.

LONGER BRUSHING TIME

Many electric brushes have built-in timers that encourage brushing for 2+ minutes, the recommended brushing time. This can motivate people to brush longer.

BETTER REACH

The electric heads’ oscillating and rotating motors can help bristles reach areas that are often missed by manual brushing, like the back molars.

GENTLER ON GUMS

High-quality electric brushes tend to be less abrasive on gums than vigorous manual scrubbing. The bristles do most of the work.

TOOTHBRUSHES CONT. ON PAGE 55A

Matthew Mastrorocco, DMD

TOOTHBRUSHES

FROM PAGE 54A

MOTIVATING FEATURES

Features like timers, pressure sensors and Bluetooth connectivity can make brushing more interactive, especially for kids.

HELPFUL FOR THOSE WITH DEXTERITY ISSUES

The automated motions make electric brushes easier to use for those with grip issues or arthritis. Regardless of the toothbrush you choose, learn the right way to use it.

1. Get a brush head with soft bristles.

2. Hold the bristles at a 45-degree angle toward your gum line – where your gums meet your teeth –as this is where plaque tends to be missed.

3. Using light pressure, brush in a circular motion with a manual toothbrush to sweep the plaque away from the gum line. If electric, move the bristles across your teeth using the same approach across the front of the upper teeth, the backside and then the biting surface before moving to the lower teeth. Hold an electric toothbrush steady. There is no need to move it in a circular motion.

4. Do not spend more than two minutes, or about 30 seconds per quadrant, brushing your teeth.

Some electric toothbrushes alert you when to move to the next quadrant and when the full two-minute brush is complete. But if not, be mindful of the time.

5. Be gentle. The gum is very delicate and thin, so if you use too much force repeatedly over time, you can cause the gum to recede. When that happens, the root surface beneath the gum gets exposed, making the tooth hypersensitive to temperature changes and more prone to decay.

So, what does my own family use? We, including my older parents and my kids since their middle school years, use electric. It just takes the guesswork out of areas reached and length of time brushed. My parents’ dexterity isn’t as accurate these days and my kids always found them a little more fun than manual, and now, it is just part of their hygiene routines. The bottom line is that electric toothbrushes have been shown to be slightly more efficient in removing plaque and reducing gingivitis than manual toothbrushes. But if you use the proper brushing technique, any toothbrush is effective!

Matthew Mastrorocco, DMD is a dentist at ROC Dental Group. Learn more at ROCDentalGroup.com.

One true kind heart

BY DANIE CONNOLLY Contributor

I’m about to ask for your help - now. You’ve told yourself you gave enough already - what more could you possibly do? I don’t know - I wish I did. I wish there was one word that we could conjure

HEART

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, Client Relationship Coordinator

Danie Connolly

HEART

FROM PAGE 56A

up that could change life for the better for everyone.

The world is crazy right now. People are angrier and hurting for many reasons and there are a million excuses why you can’t pitch in, why you can’t help, why you can’t be there for someone else.

I’m writing against an already packed deadline but at this time of year, everything is a priority - people need to eat, bills have to be paid. You know what I’m talking about.

There’s never enough time or money or people or help because everyone lives in their own private world. The most frequent fact I hear repeated over and over is that no one realizes that even under this warm, smiling sun with the perfectly fluffy clouds, children go home to empty cupboards. They hope that Monday comes quickly, and they’ll benefit from the free breakfast and lunch programs. These children wear hand me down clothes and shoes either too small or way too big. The holidays are the least of their concerns. They’re all trying to put on a brave face, so everyone believes that all is well in Beaufort County. It’s not.

Out of pride, out of budget cuts, and out of luck. It’s true here and in a lot of American communities - especially Hilton Head.

That’s where Matt Bauman, a baseball coach with a heart of gold, is living his dream.  It started innocent-

ly enough - Matt didn’t want to waste anymore food after his friends gathered for the holidays. Instead of food, he asked his friends to bring an unwrapped toy for a child for Christmas.  As a teacher, he’d heard the stories of when teachers asked their young students what they wished for Christmas.

At the top of the Santa letters were comments that would break their hearts - “Santa forgets about us”. The fear of not having what you need during a crisis is life shattering. Bauman needed to create a project or a program that would quell that angst.

Matt’s team would attempt to make it as enjoyable and as seamless as they could to possibly fulfill that dream list. Over a seven-year span Matt discovered that there a lot of like-minded people in his community that were willing to give and find others that can as well and give again! In a blink of an eye, the charity that he started by asking people to donate unwrapped presents turned into Deep Well Santa Shop in Hilton Head. He asked stores if he could place a collection box in their businesses. He collected the unwrapped presents on a specific date and set up a little mini storefront shopping area at Deep Well. Matt’s efforts for his toy drive go directly to the established Deep well Project that facilitates the Santa Shop. It’s been effectively running for over 10 years.

HEART CONT. ON PAGE 58A

HEART

FROM PAGE 57A

Needy families started coming to the Santa Shop at designated times to pick out the things that would matter to their kids on Christmas morning.

There now are 800 families! The boxes to collect the unwrapped gifts has grown to 76! Thanks to the generosity of so many businesses and individuals, Matt has watched a simple idea grow in his heart and everyone’s’ who volunteered.

Let’s just say that the job task was overwhelming, but fortunately Matt Bauman is not just a coach of baseball but of the human heart.

I don’t know Matt personally, but I know when people communicate with each other they don’t really talk with a voice or sound. They talk with their one true kind heart - he grew up in that kind of family. Something tells me that you do, too.

Everyone needs to move fast to make this year successful. They need all the community support that can be mustered prior to December 6. The boxes that

are filled with whatever donations accumulated get picked up and they have just four short days to turn the Deep Well Santa Shop into the designated Santa Shop.

At the end of the day Matt Bauman can close his eyes and know that you do what you need to do and then you do a little bit more.

Here’s a list of the stores and places that you can bring an unwrapped brandnew gift for someone else that needs far more than you do. Any unchosen gifts after the Shop closes are distributed to other charity establishments for disbursements. Thank you in advance for your help.

BY REV. DR. CHRISTOPHER L. THOMPSON

Contributor

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go,” is the beginning of a Bing Crosby song that is normally played around this time of the year. This song signals the beginning of our gift exchanging, sitting down to another big meal with family and friends. Of the stores being overrun with shoppers, the roads being filled with traffic, and everyone trying to be on their very best behavior as we scramble for those last minute what-nots and what-cha-ma-call-it’s that we didn’t get early in the year. This season also speaks of excess and abundance. This season speaks of capitalistic traditions vs. what this season is really about. For many of us, it is tradition; this way of celebrating is all that we know. However, there is room for improvement, not to say that what we are doing is wrong. What I am saying is that it is time for a new thing. Let’s modify our tradition to

A new thing

match what God did for us way back when and continues to do for us today. Let us think about those who are in need. Those who need a miracle. Those who need to believe that there is still good in this world. There is a group of our neighbors who feel like they are the last, the least, the left out and the lost of our society. This is how we were before God sent Jesus. We were the last, the least, the left out and the lost because of sin. God saw that there was still some good in the

world, so he sent Jesus to come and redeem us before we were completely lost. There are many in our own communities who feel helpless and hopeless but will not say a word because of fear. Fear of being talked about and made to feel worse than they currently feel.

For this reason, I am asking that we begin this season to do a new thing. Let us look to the book of Proverbs, the 22nd chapter and the 6th verse, which states “6Train up a child in the way he should

go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (NKJV)

In the Book of Acts, the 20th chapter and the 35th verse, Luke records these words

“35I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (NKJV)

Within these two texts, we find the direction that we need to take in this season, a new tradition that we need to implement to ensure that we are really capturing the meaning of this season. Training our children to give to those who are in need, the same way that God gave to us through Jesus Christ and continues to bless us with life, health and strength. Season’s Greetings, and may God continue to bless you today, tomorrow and forever.

Rev. Dr. Christopher L. Thompson is pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Okatie.

Five ways homeowners may be putting their wealth at risk

BY THOMAS M. DOWLING Contributor

Primary and secondary residences and their contents can represent a large portion of someone’s assets. Financially protecting these assets starts with incorporating them into a more significant financial strategy to examine whether there are any gaps or issues, such as insufficient insurance coverage. Here are five common mistakes homeowners make that could put their wealth and well-being at risk.

1. INSUFFICIENT LIABILITY INSURANCE

Many homeowners carry umbrella insurance policies, but these may be insufficient if they do not match the homeowner’s net worth. If your net worth exceeds your liability coverage, you could be at significant fi-

nancial risk in the event of a lawsuit. To protect against potential losses, ensure that your umbrella policy covers either the entirety of your attachable assets or your net worth if minimal planning has been done.

2. LACK OF COHESIVE COVERAGE ON MULTIPLE PROPERTIES

Homeowners with multiple properties, such as primary residences and vacation homes in different states, should ideally maintain cohesive coverage under one high net worth insurance provider. This ensures comprehensive protection and can reduce costs. Without coordinated coverage, valuable properties may be excluded from certain policies, creating exposure to significant losses in case of an incident.

3. NOT LISTING TRUSTS OR LLCS ON POLICIES

High net worth individuals often use trusts or LLCs for estate planning, transferring ownership of homes to these entities. However, failure to list these entities as insured parties on homeowner or umbrella policies can lead to gaps in protection. Sup-

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pose a property held in a trust or LLC is not adequately insured. In that case, the owner may face substantial personal liability in case of an accident or lawsuit related to the property.

4. INADEQUATE COVERAGE FOR UNIQUE HOME FEATURES AND BUILDING MATERIALS

Historic or uniquely constructed homes often require specific coverage. Standard homeowner policies might need to account for high-cost materials like marble or rare wood, which can be significantly more expensive to replace. Using a high-value insurer who understands these materials helps ensure proper coverage. Otherwise, a disaster could leave homeowners paying large sums out of pocket to restore their properties.

5. INSUFFICIENT INSURANCE FOR HIGH-VALUE ASSETS

Homeowners with valuable art, wine or jewelry collections frequently assume these items are fully protected under standard policies. However, they often require special-

ized coverage. Personal property coverage on basic homeowner policies may need to be revised, exposing collectors to losses. Scheduling each item individually with accurate appraisals ensures these assets are adequately covered, often with no deductible, and provides compensation for their total value in case of loss.

IN CONCLUSION

Protecting your home and valuable assets requires more than basic homeowner insurance. Assessing potential gaps in your coverage can help you safeguard your wealth and avoid financial setbacks. Regularly evaluate your insurance needs, consult with professionals and ensure comprehensive protection for your residence and prized possessions. Proper planning today can prevent costly oversights in the future.

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.

Thomas M. Dowling

Beaufort Memorial Unveils New MRI Suite in Hilton Head at Island Imaging Center

Beaufort Memorial Island Imaging Center on Hilton Head Island unveiled a new addition to its services at the end of October: a state-of-the-art MRI suite bringing advanced imaging technology to the Island.

The nonprofit hospital hosted a ribbon cutting on Oct. 28 with Mayor Alan Perry and members of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce to celebrate at their Hilton Head Island facility. The addition brings the most advanced imaging technology to the island, offering exceptionally detailed images and faster scan times, while also providing a more comfortable experience for patients.

“When we bought this center a year and a half ago, we promised to expand services to include a brand-new MRI, and that’s what we’ve done,” said Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley. “We are committed to continuing to expand services on Hilton Head Island, and we very much look forward to making more announcements in the coming months about the things Beaufort Memorial is doing on the Island and south of the Broad River.”

Beaufort Memorial acquired Island Imaging on Hilton Head Island last year. The center offers a comprehensive array of imaging services including X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, fluoroscopy, bone densitometry and elastography, as well as breast screening services such as 3D mammography with same-day results.

Beaufort Memorial Island Imaging Center is located at 40 Palmetto Parkway on Hilton Head Island. Call 843-681-1999 to schedule your imaging appointment.

The Bluffton Sun and Hilton Head Sun invite you to like and follow our socials, as we will be more active on our social media channels moving forward to keep an open dialogue with our community members. We will also be posting events, calls to action, and opportunities to get involved in the newspaper. Don’t miss the chance to get involved and/or get published! We look forward to your feedback, ideas, and ongoing communication.

Thank you for supporting our local newspapers!

Tracy’s Big Adventure

BY TRACY WINSLOW Contributor

My husband is always trying to get me to “find a hobby”.  When I tell him that I have several hobbies –knitting, writing, reading, gardening – I am quickly informed that these things are not, in fact, hobbies. These are things that people do right before they die of old age, or more likely, die of boredom from their lame hobbies. People need to fill their soul with things that make them happy and give them purpose. Some golf, some work with charities, some spend their entire summer at the May River sand bar. I have several friends who are triathletes in their free time. I am a runner when I have the chance (which is hardly ever these days). And I would totally be a triathlete – except for all that swimming. Mostly I hate being in the water with all that yucky, nature-y stuff – which kind of gets in the way of my triathlon career. Wait! There’s still biking...

My husband gladly bequeaths to me his old Trek tenspeed bicycle. There are so many trails and bike paths here – we should take advantage of them. I used to love riding my bike when I was a kid. Plus, there has to be a reason for the adage “It’s just like riding a bicycle,” right?

First off, I need a helmet, and I find one that looks like a straw hat. I mean, one must look chic and stylish while gallivanting around the Low Country. I put my hair in a cute side ponytail that falls perfectly below the helmet onto my shoulder, to wave in the breeze as my personal hello to those I pedal past. Pink plaid capris, pink sneakers, and a cute white shirt completes the ensemble. Maybe I’ll even bike to the farmer’s market in Old Town and buy yummy fresh vegetables for dinner! I’ll put them in a basket and sing songs from the Sound of Music while drinking freshly-squeezed lemon-

ade en route home. My cheeks will match my pink outfit from the breeze, and lungs will be exuberant from all the fresh air. I’m so excited to start this fun husband-approved hobby!

I throw one capri’d leg over my new-to-me bike, hop onto the seat, and begin pedaling. And wobbling. And shaking. And panicking that I am going to tip over and crash onto Bluffton Parkway, which is making me wobble even more, which makes me panic even more. My husband zips by at about 1,000 mph, jumps the curb, and yells “Do a pop-a-wheelie!” at me.

Several horrifying minutes later I make it to the end of the road, not even a half mile from our house. My once-cute ponytail is now a tangle of dreadlocks. The helmet is askew on my head. My capris are covered with chain grease from getting on and off the bike seat while trying to avoid plummeting to a certain death off the ginormous ledge on the side of the road (also known as the sidewalk). My hands have molded their death grip permanently on the handlebars because I almost rode right into the pond and became an alligator hors d’oeuvre.

I manage to stop the bike next to my husband, who barely notices because he is busy doing burnouts. I am shaking so hard that I catch a plaid pant leg on something and almost knock us both to the ground. Then, admitting defeat, I slowly turn the bike and walk towards the safety of home. My husband speeds away, waving and yelling about going to get a bell so he can avoid hitting hazards in the road - like me. I’m hoping to hide my bike in the basement of the Alamo, or at least behind something big and heavy in the garage before he gets home. I don’t want him to see it and suggest we try to kill ourselves again, this time on Hilton Head Island.

When my husband returns from his cute little 20-mile

excursion, I decide to ask him what constitutes a hobby in his mind. He looks at me like I have just informed him I have announced my intent to breed alpaca in our garage.

“Motorcycles, dirt bikes, four wheelers. You know, fun stuff?”

If the potential for death during an outing is not present, then it is clearly not a viable hobby in his mind. I’ve tried his hobbies. I really wanted to like being on a motorcycle. I quickly learned that it is super scary and hurts my butt. Dirt bikes and four wheelers are scary and way too dirty. I mean, hello! It’s called a DIRT bike.  I’ve decided that with my considerable lack of grace, endurance and bubble wrap, a more sedentary hobby is really more up my alley. (Speaking of alley - bowling is out too since I once broke my finger while bowling.) Looks like I’m happiest (and safest) while knitting and writing. When I inform my husband of my hobby epiphany, he tells me that I’m “A woman on the edge. The edge of Wuss Cliff.”

Clearly every day of our marriage is like a Hallmark movie where the protagonist somehow falls for the stunt man/secret agent - despite the fact that she usually wants to be left alone and knit sweaters she will never wear.

Tracy Winslow is a Spanish professor and owner of the Low Country’s premier yarn store - Low Country Shrimp and Knits. In the 37 seconds a day she isn’t trying to explain how preterite and imperfect are not the same, ordering yarn from a company whose website isn’t in a language she speaks, or relaxing with her boring hobbies, she can be found writing about her numerous anecdotes in her humor column, Chaos on Fire.

Tracy Winslow

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HOME SELLING, PREP & STAGING WORKSHOP

Whether you’re considering selling your home in 2 months or 2 years join us to learn about how to get the best ROI on your home, from maintenance and renovation, to property prep. Learn about pre-sale home inspections, pricing and timing for going on the market, how listing marketing can attract the right buyers, and more!