Sept. 8, 2016 • Volume 5, Issue 9 • Complimentary • www.hiltonheadsun.com
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Island’s beach restoration project nearing its last leg By Sam Posthuma CONTRIBUTOR
In June the Town of Hilton Head Island launched its $20.7 million dollar beach renourishment project as a way to protect one of its most celebrated and vital attractions. The project uses hydraulic dredging pumps to gather more than 2.1 million cubic yards of sand from two offshore shoal locations and discharge it along 8.2 miles of beach. The project, funded by a longstanding 2 percent tax imposed on overnight lodging, will last until midOctober. The project engineer is Olsen Associates Inc. of Jacksonville, Fla., and the construction contractor is Weeks
Marine Inc., of Covington, La. “The town has a three-pronged method for this project,” said Scott Liggett, director of Public Projects and Facilities for the Town. “First, we aim to maintain the recreational amenity for residents and visitors. Second is a storm buffer, the extra sand from the renourishment project acts as a shock absorber. Third is the environmental side, as we aim to reconstruct habitat for sea turtles and other wildlife.” However, though the project was originally scheduled for the fall to avoid interfering with the summer tourist season, concerns over the migratory flight pattern of the endangered piping plover led to a Please see BEACH on page 12A
P H OTO B Y S A M P O S T H U M A
Visitors at Coligny Beach in late August found a temporary sand hill built up over the pipes used to move sand for the $20.7 million dollar beach renourishment project.
MLS of Hilton Head celebrates 40 years of growth By Dean Rowland CONTRIBUTOR
Yvette Acuff of Bluffton is a onewoman think tank. She’s nimble with words, insightful about the origins of her progressive ideas and precise about every technological detail that serves her clients. For the past 40 years, the Charleston
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native has helped transform the local real estate industry. She almost single-handedly catapulted a multiple listing service that was rudimentary in 1976 – printed sheets of paper that were distributed by real estate agents – into a high-tech, stateof-the-art database service now. “We only had 13 real estate firms and 76 agents, and they could not really afford and didn’t want to take the risk at Pedal4Kids Sept. 24 for Boys & Girls Club 14A
that time dealing with anything technology-wise,” said Acuff, chief executive officer of the Multiple Listing Service of Hilton Head Island Inc. (HHIMLS) The company now serves more than 200 brokerages, appraisal offices and affiliates, and 1,600 agents in the greater Hilton Head Island-Bluffton area. In those four decades, Acuff moved at a fast-forward pace, transitioning the
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industry from mimeographing copies, then publishing and distributing MLS books, to providing online computer services, to amassing internet-based services with multiple ancillary products. Among the 40 or so paperless technology solutions and services provided to clients via www.HiltonHeadMLS.com are Please see MLS on page 10A
Get out! Take a new look at Palmetto Bluff 34A
Sunny Side Up 3A • Editorial 4A • Charity 22A • Business 23A • Legal 25A • Health 28A • Wellness 30A • Seniors 35A • Pets 39A • Sports 40A • Bridge 42A • Home 43A • Real Estate 45A
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SUNNY SIDE UP
Screaming at strangers never a good idea in a small town By Lynne Cope Hummell EDITOR
I don’t often gripe about people, but recently on Facebook, I did. It was the first day of my vacation, a lovely Saturday morning. I had errands to run before some chores at home and a friend’s wedding in the afternoon. I was in a great mood, especially after dropping off some unwanted items at a thrift store – part of our household clutter reduction project. My second stop was at the adorable Reminisce shop in the Promenade. Owner Jerry Glenn was there and I showed him some items I thought he might be interested in. Sure enough, he was. We had a delightful chat and I left with a smile on my face. I walked over to my car, which was parked in a great shady spot just across the parking lot from the store, got in and
cranked up the AC. It was hot! Suddenly, I noticed a man in a chef hat, standing on the sidewalk and peering into my passenger-side window. He didn’t look familiar, but I thought perhaps he thought he knew me. He motioned to me so I rolled down the window. “Hi,” I chirped. Then he proceeded to lambaste me for parking in that particular spot. “You are parked in front of my business and you need to leave,” he said vociferously in his foreign accent. “There are many other spaces around the other stores, so you don’t need to park in front of mine.” I was quite surprised by his tirade. “Move your car, do you know what I mean? This is my business and I don’t want you to park here. Don’t you understand? Even a first grader would understand what I am saying! You need to leave!” He got louder as he continued. I was incredulous! Not that it matters – as parking is public in the whole
Promenade – but I was already leaving, and he still shouted at me. Though the four-letter words in my head were on the verge of spewing forth, when I opened my mouth, my mother’s calm voice came out: “Why are you being so ugly to me?” He just got louder and angrier in his ranting. “I want you to leave now. Don’t park here. You can’t park in front of my business!” When I asked his name, he said, “You don’t need to know that! All you need to know is this is my business and I don’t ever want to see your car here again,” followed by “I call police now!” as he walked toward the entrance of his business, muttering and using a word that rhymes with “witch.” I calmly said, “Okay, call them.” I thought I might like to chat with our local officers as well. A customer who was sitting outside
witnessed the whole thing; he grinned and said, “I’m sorry. But he’s really a great guy.” I don’t think “really great” people treat others like that. He was rude and belligerent. And, based on feedback from my Facebook post, it seems this behavior was not a one-time, having-a-bad-day outburst. My intention in telling this story is to point out that – especially in our small community – it’s a good idea to always be mindful that you never know who that stranger is that you are smiling at or yelling at. It’s best to always be nice. How different this story would be if the chef had invited me to come check out his shop while I was right there, maybe point out a specialty or offer a small sample of his baked goods. Instead of potentially gaining a new customer through a chance meeting, he alienated someone with a big mouth – and a lot of her friends.
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EDITORIAL Current Circulation Via USPS is 23,750 Winner of the 2013 IFPA-SAPA award for Business Coverage
PUBLISHER B.J. Frazier bjf.citysun@hargray.com
EDITOR Lynne Hummell editor@hargray.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kim Perry Bowen
OFFICE MANAGER Susan Tarbona
CONTRIBUTORS Joe Agee Abby Bird Abby Boyleston Rachel Carson Chip Collins Tom Davis Douglas Delaney Karen Doughtie E. Ronald Finger Dee Gramoy Glenda Harris Jean Harris Jacqueline Huntly
Maria Malcolm Lou Marino Andrea McGilton Oswald L. Mikell Debbie Morris Sam Posthuma Dean Rowland Carl Schroeder J Lanning Smith Denise K. Spencer Brian Treacy Kathie Walsh Mark F. Winn
COPY EDITOR Pam Gallagher
ADVERTISING • B.J. Frazier 843-422-2321 • Tim Anderson 843-540-0882 • Stan Wade 843-338-1900 • Bill Griffin 843-705-9453 • Larry Stoller, real estate ad consultant 843-290-5101
CONTACT For information about The Hilton Head Sun, contact: B.J. Frazier PO Box 7613, Hilton Head, SC 29938 843-757-9507, 843-757-9506 (fax) bjf.citysun@hargray.com P.O. Box 7613 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 All submissions must include name, address and phone number. The Editor reserves the right to edit or reject any material, including advertisements. The Hilton Head Sun does not verify for licenses, endorse nor warrant any advertised businesses or services. The opinions and views expressed in the editorials are not necessarily those of the Editor and Publisher. Member Southeastern Advertising Publishers Association; Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.
Flyover one piece of infrastructure puzzle By Tom Davis CONTRIBUTOR
Last month, I stood onsite with many others to celebrate the opening of the Bluffton Parkway flyover. This flyover will reduce traffic using Hwy. 278 near the Hilton Head Island bridges by about 25 percent and is a key Tom Davis part of a longer-range plan to provide island residents an alternate evacuation route (which, of course, is still dependent upon extending the Bluffton Parkway from Hwy. 170 to Interstate 95). And thereby hangs a tale: the flyover, though important, is just one piece of a larger Hilton Head Island infrastructure puzzle. The good news, though, is that plans are already under way to ensure the remaining pieces fall into place. And officials at Beaufort County – notably, Gary Kubic (administrator), Robert McFee (engineering and infrastructure director) and Colin Kinton (traffic engineer) – are to be commended for this foresight. Next up for this area, with construction anticipated to begin in 2021, are
widening Hwy. 278 on Jenkins Island, addressing the ingress-egress situation at Windmill Harbor and improving access to amenities on Jenkins Island; widening Hwy. 278 from Jenkins Island to Squire Pope Road; replacing the eastbound twolane span of the Mackay Creek (aka Karl S. Bowers) Bridge with a new three-lane span; and providing safe access to Pinckney Island. Following that, with a projected start date of 2026, are widening from two lanes to three the westbound span of the Mackay Creek Bridge and widening the Skull Creek (aka J. Wilton Graves) Bridge from two lanes in each direction to three. (Note: While the plans currently are to widen, rather than replace, these three bridge spans, such could change depending on the outcome of further engineering studies.) Rather than handling these interrelated projects piecemeal, county officials and the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) are wisely treating them as a whole; they intend to seek a single Environmental Assessment encompassing all of the improvements. This approach will save millions of dollars and accelerate the completion timetable. The replacement of the eastbound
span of the Mackay Creek Bridge ranks second on the SCDOT bridge replacement list and, in terms of public safety, is the highest priority. Constructed in 1956 and having a design-life of 50 years, this is the oldest of four Hilton Head Island bridge spans. The other three bridge spans were built in the 1980s and, as noted above, may be expanded rather than replaced. Timely addressing these four bridge spans is critical. The average number of vehicles crossing these bridges has jumped from 47,600 in 2009 to 54,700 in 2015, and will doubtless continue to increase as Hilton Head Island maintains and improves its reputation as a premiere resort destination. As the island’s state senator, I consider this a top priority. Each of these transportation projects, of course, carries a substantial price tag. The estimated cost of replacing the eastbound span of the Mackay Creek Bridge is $44 million, and a 2002 study commissioned by the county pegs the cost of expanding the remaining three bridge spans at between $80 million to $160 million (though county officials now advise the actual cost may approach $200 million). Please see DAVIS on page 6A
Letters to the Editor To the Editor: I’m shocked that Dr. Jeffery Moss, who always says he does everything singularly focused on the education of the school district’s children, would now think that the attorney fees associated with his highly unethical behavior should be paid by the school district. Dr. Moss chose to plead guilty to two charges and thereby avoid a State Ethics Committee hearing on all three charges, for which he very likely would have been found guilty. Any funds coming out of the school district budget to pay for his attorney fees must necessarily come from
those which would-could be far better used to fully support student educational needs. No one would believe that his attorney fees for unethical behavior are a higher priority than student needs. And with the salary he’s paid there should be no question that he should be able to afford these attorney fees. The cost of any time spent by the school district’s attorney along the way to assist Dr. Moss in his unethical behavior or to try to defend it, again to which he chose to plead guilty, should also be reimbursed by Dr. Moss to the school
district. Since the Beaufort County School District board has apparently let him “off the hook” for his highly unethical behavior, Dr. Moss and the board shouldn’t make the students sacrifice by having their educational funds reduced and used to pay for Dr. Moss’s errors in judgment. Michael F. Vezeau Bluffton To the Editor: Both Trump and Clinton became their Please see LETTERS on page 6A
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DAVIS from page 4A In the last legislative session, $200 million was set aside on a recurring basis to amortize approximately $3 billion in bonds to be used for resurfacing interstates and fixing structurally deficient bridges. Members of the Beaufort County Legislative Delegation are working with SCDOT officials to ensure an equitable portion of this goes to repairing and-or replacing Hilton Head Island’s bridges, and I am confident we will be successful. State revenues alone, however, will not be sufficient; such will need to be supplemented with federal and local dollars, and those go hand in hand. Fair or not, the reality is state and federal agencies are more likely to help localities that
help themselves. At some point in the future, I think a local-option sales tax referendum that is narrowly targeted to transportation infrastructure should be put to the people for a vote. Finally, as with anything of this scope and magnitude, it is important that residents be both informed and involved, especially in the design process. The transportation issues now being planned will directly impact their safety and quality of life for decades to come, and I look forward to ensuring they are part of the debate. Tom Davis is the State Senator for South Carolina District 46, which covers portions of Beaufort and Jasper counties.
LETTERS from page 4A party’s nominee by hostile takeover. Hopefully, the wisdom of the electorate will not allow that to happen to our presidency. Every four years, voters “hire” the person who will be the president. It is a job too important to be decided by popularity contest or dueling. In this peculiar election year, common sense leads us to a third party choice for president. Political divisiveness is threatening the equilibrium of the federal government; we need a competent, committed patriot as president. Gov. Gary Johnson, an experienced neutral-party chief executive, has the know-how to work cooperatively with Congress to end gridlock and restore sanity and integrity to D.C. Voters have a serious obligation to vote for the individual best suited. The job description for Chief Executive is found in the Constitution (Article II, Sections 1-3.). The founders envisioned the president as a problem-solver who will work to keep all three branches of the government operating in a coordinated pattern to provide effective government service to The People. The balance of power in the federal government is designed to work for us, not the other way around. No doubt the founders relied on our
judgement to choose a president who reverences the Constitutional limitations of the office, yet has the wisdom, experience and maturity to steer the ship of state successfully through turbulent political waters. Abraham Lincoln is said to have been the most recent successful third-party presidential candidate. Perhaps these troubling times require another one. Jane Kenny Bluffton To the Editor: The bike path on New River Parkway is a gem. Ten miles round trip and much of it is in the shade, which makes it great in the summer heat. However, where it crosses the three developments are large curbs, which mean you have to stop and get off or risk blowing a tire. Even the three wooden bridges have lips that jolt your bike. Meanwhile, the new bike path along 170 is a smooth delight no matter what it crosses. Surely all Bluffton’s bike paths should offer the same – especially now that the new high school is open along New River Parkway. Alison Shenkus Bluffton
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Local swim teams foster spirit of sport well beyond Olympics
P H O T O B Y M A R Y B E T H LY O N S
16-year-old Kaitlyn Pangilinan is one of the only original Bluffton Fins swimmers still on the team. Pangilinan started with the team in its first year, 2006. Now, as a high school junior, she specializes in distance freestyle events.
By Sam Posthuma CONTRIBUTOR
Every four years, the Olympics brings together the world’s greatest athletes in a demonstration of skill, spirit and sportsmanship. This year, all eyes were set on swimming as Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, brought home his 28th Olympic medal. But when the Olympic flame snuffs out and all the athletes go home, the spirit of swimming doesn’t stop. It flourishes locally under the careful cultivation of the Bluffton Fins and Hilton Head Aquatics (H2A) swimming teams. Both teams are club members of USA Swimming and registered non-profit organizations dedicated to bringing their unique brands of swimmer development and character building to their communities. The Bluffton Fins was founded in 2006 by head coach Eric Kemeny with the goal of streamlining their comprehensive swimming programs to help better prepare their members for the future. Whether or not members are focused on competitive-level swimming, the Fins’ programs help build solid exercise foundations to keep them happy, healthy and active.
“It’s one thing to learn how to swim laps fast,” said Kemeny. “But to stay healthy, well, that’s priceless.” Hilton Head’s H2A was founded in 1985, making it one of the oldest nonprofit organizations in Beaufort County. Head coach Mike Lane works under a three-part philosophy where parents, swimmers and coaches all have a specific role in making the team successful. The teams work with members of all ages and have multiple skill levels to ensure everyone with an interest in the sport has a place to be. “If you’re totally new, we have a place for you. Once you start growing, we have a place for you,” said Lane. This year, both teams have plenty to be proud of. The Bluffton Fins celebrate former members Andrew Faciszewski and Greg Reed, who both competed in the Olympic trials in July. H2A came in fourth in this year’s state meet, sizing up their 30-odd members against some teams with upwards of 300. H2A members Lilla Felix and Chloe Corbitt each reached the national qualifier this year. Felix is set on a course to attend Yale University to continue her swimming career. Please see SWIM on page 12A
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MLS from page 1A virtual home tours, social media interfacing, complete villa regime data, state tax rolls, statistics and an app. The privately owned company facilitates $3 billion annually in real estate transactions through its listing platform. Here’s the back story. Eight years after she moved to the island in 1968, and having earned her real estate broker’s license, Acuff was hired to work at the independent HHIMLS a few months after it was chartered as a corporation in May 1976. “They knew I had an executive background and asked me if I would take a little part-time job,” said Acuff, who has a business degree. Before her first year ended, she compiled all of the local listings data, and the company published an MLS book, a charter publication for the industry. Unfortunately, it was outdated by the time it reached clients’ hands. “The multiple listings service started out as loose-leaf notebooks where we got our pages each week and we had to take out the (homes) that sold and expired
and had to put in the new listings,” said Carl Schroeder, now an agent with Foundation Realty and who was with Bill Jones Realty when it became the first real estate firm to join the Yvette Acuff HHIMLS. “The book was sacred,” said Charles Sampson, who has been a partner/agent in the north office of Charter One Realty for many years. The more Acuff learned about the real estate business, the more she knew there was a need for a better way for agents and agencies to share information. “I saw a need,” she said. “We needed a more sophisticated system to communicate and furnish clientele with the tools and technology they needed to move forward in the real estate industry.” In the late ’70s, Acuff formed her own spin-off company to fill that need as a vendor to the HHIMLS by providing it
with hardware and software services for its clients. She secured a small business loan from the government, purchased a computer, and installed two telephone lines. Her new clients paid a membership fee to join and a monthly fee to input and access data. Sampson, who was the business manager at Hargray at the time, recalls well the circumstances at that time. “I remember when she came in and got her first phone service and got all the lines for the data,” Sampson said. “She had a pretty good sized bill. Like any new business in the beginning, it was tough going. But she kept it together.” “I formed the company for the sole purpose of furnishing a turn-key technology service to the MLS industry,” Acuff said. The board gave her a five-year contract to serve as its vendor and provide services to the company to expand their mission. It also retained her as executive director.
“MLS had no financial responsibility,” she said. “I bore the burden of the equipment and everything. It was a high risk for me, because I had to borrow about $75,000 from the bank.” Determination and hard work helped her to dream big. “I never could have dreamt to the extent that it is now,” she said. “I’ve always been forward thinking though, and so I was always looking for the next tool that would help our industry here move forward and not lag behind.” “Without the working together of all the real estate companies where they share all their information and listings into a central location, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” Sampson said. Now, 40 years later, Acuff is hesitant to take credit for all the success in building the company. “I’ve always kept myself very busy,” she said. “It’s always been about our membership and our industry, not about what I did.” Dean Rowland is a veteran senior editor and freelance writer.
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BEACH from page 1A mid-summer to early fall project timeline. The change caused concerns among some residents and resort officials. “Of course, there have been calls, but we are working very heavily with the resorts and communities,” said Liggett. Work in Port Royal Plantation, one of the residential communities affected by the delay, has been completed. Loggerhead sea turtles also have been affected by the rescheduling of the project. Nesting and hatching season takes place between May 1 and Oct. 31, and this year marks a Hilton Head record with 410 nests lining its beaches. Nests found within the path of construction had to be moved to ensure the safety of the nests and hatching sea turtles. Though the timing directly interferes with the nesting habits of the sea turtles, the project benefits them in other ways. “One of the good parts of the project is that we have lost a lot of dunes, and (renourishment) will help rebuild them,” said Amber Kuehn, Sea Turtle Project
manager at the Coastal Discovery Museum. “When hatchlings get out of their nest, they need a dune to see a dark background so they don’t get distracted by extra light or an open landscape. These dunes will help rebuild their habitat and provide darkness and structure.” Kuehn said the Town has worked well with her organization throughout the complex project. “It’s unfortunate that we had to have it during the season, because of the extra attention and care necessary,” said Kuehn. “Still, we’ve had great support from the town, and anything we need we’ve gotten it. They are in full support of us, and they’ve been taking the heat for everybody.” To learn more,, visit www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov for timelines, maps, FAQs and more. Sam Posthuma of Bluffton is a freelance writer and production assistant for The Hilton Head Sun.
SWIM from page 8A With both teams working so closely together, H2A and the Bluffton Fins hold their relationship close to heart as an important building tool to strengthen their goals of making swimming better in the community. “We’ve been pretty supportive of P H O T O B Y M A R Y B E T H LY O N S one another,” said Kemeny. “We share H2A swimmer Chloe Corbitt swims the 200 meter butterfly at a meet advice and informa- this past summer. Corbitt was ranked in the top 20 in the nation for her age group this past year for this event. tion and get along For more information on the teams, really well. It’s nice to have another protheir programs and registration, visit the gram so close to us.” Bluffton Fins at www.finsswim.com and The proximity of the teams also H2A at www.h2aswim.com. allows for smaller scale meets to better prepare members for the more distant Sam Posthuma of Bluffton is a freelance trips to Columbia and Charleston. writer and production assistant for The “It helps build our community. It’s Hilton Head Sun. great to have their support,” said Lane.
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Island’s Pedal4Kids Community Bike Ride set for Sept. 24 By Laura Jacobi CONTRIBUTOR
Many would agree cycling is the ideal way to enjoy Hilton Head Island’s natural landscape, breathtaking beaches and scenic views. Riders of all ages and activity levels can soak up the beauty while supporting the island’s youth during the 10th annual Pedal4Kids Community Bike Ride to be held Sept. 24 at Hilton Head Island High School. Pedal4Kids is a non-competitive, multi-distance bike tour suitable for all ages. Individuals and groups can choose from the 62-mile ride, 40-mile ride, 20/25-mile ride, 10-mile ride or the Family Fun Ride. This fun community event benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island. Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island unit director Kim Likins said this event is a great way to take in the island’s beauty using one of the area’s most popular pastimes. The island is known for its
ronment for more than two decades now. Anyone may register as an individual or gather a team of riders by signing up at www.pedal4kids.org. Registration fee to ride is $35 per adult, and children under 12 are free with a participating adult. Registration includes the ride, route maps, rider goodie bag, refreshments, lunch and T-shirt for the first 400 riders. Participants are encouraged to seek pledges and sponsorships to raise funds for Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island. P H OTO B Y A R N O D I M M L I N G Ride depart times are between 7:30 Cyclists wait at the starting line at last year’s Pedal4Kids to benefit Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head. and 10:30 a.m. Sept. 24, depending on together to support those who need us miles of beautiful pathways designed for the ride distance, with all riders expected most … our youth.” riders of all ages and levels. Hilton Head to finish before noon. Island is rated as a Gold Level Bicycle The Hilton Head Club is celebrating To learn more about the Boys & Girls Friendly Community by the American its 25th anniversary this year. The club, Club of Hilton Head Island and the which currently serves more than 850 League of Bicyclists. youth it serves, visit www.bgclowyouth annually, has offered Hilton Head Pedal4Kids planning chairman country.org or call 843-689-3646. Charles Gobrecht said he’s excited to be a Island youth hope and opportunity, character-building experiences and the part of the 10th Anniversary of this Bike Laura Jacobi is a freelance writer living chance to learn and grow in a safe enviRide because “it brings the community in Bluffton.
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Noteworthy • David Premo has been awarded the Advanced Communicator Gold (ACG) designation by Toastmasters International, and Maureen Korzik added the title Advanced Communicator Bronze to her credentials. Both are members of the FastTrackers Club in Hilton Head. Advanced Communicator Gold is the highest level of achievement as a speaker in Toastmasters. FastTrackers Toastmasters meets every Friday from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. in the Community Room (rear entrance) of Palmetto Electric, 111 Matthews Dr. on Hilton Head Island. Visitors are always welcome. For more information, visit www.toastmastershhi.org. • The Hilton Head Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society is sponsoring a Holiday Chorus to spread the joy of the Christmas season throughout the area. The chorus will be singing Christmas
music and performing at various senior facilities and care homes. The chorus is open to any male singer desiring to spread the joy. No commitment beyond the season is necessary. The Hilton Head Barbershop Chorus meets at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the Cypress Clubhouse in Hilton Head Plantation. Music and learning media will be provided. For more information, call Bill “Duke” Andrus at 843-705-6632 or 843 2266262. • The Beaufort Sport Fishing and Diving Club will meet Sept. 8 at the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club located on Lady’s Island, off Meridian Road. The social begins at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Well-known local Capt. Geordie Madlinger will discuss shoreline and beach fishing, including setups, rods and reels and baits of choice. Guests are welcome, with no reserva-
tions necessary. For more information, contact Capt. Frank Gibson at 843-5222122 or fgibson@islc.net. • Sept. 11 will mark the 30th anniversary of the first service of Providence Presbyterian Church. Founding pastor Rev. Dr. Gerald S. Mills will return to keynote a Saturday evening family dinner on “The Miracle of Providence Presbyterian Church,” and preach at a 10 a.m. Sunday combined worship service. Providence Presbyterian Church is at 171 Cordillo Pkwy. on Hilton Head Island. Childcare is available on request. For more information, call 843-8425673. • The Athletic Club of the Lowcountry will meet for a social time at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 351 Buckwalter Pkwy. in Bluffton. The program will begin at 7 p.m.
Guest speaker will be Dan Driessen, a native and current resident of Hilton Head Island who was an infielder for the Cincinnati Reds “Big Red Machine” in the mid-1970s. The meeting is open to members and guests, who must register by calling Judy Barry at 843-705-5223 and pay a $5 guest fee. • The Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island will host athletic director Joan Cronan as guest speaker at its Sept. 13 luncheon at the Sonesta Resort on Hilton Head. The event begins with interest group sign up at 10 a.m., with social hour at 11 a.m. and lunch at noon. Reservation deadline is Sept. 9. Cost is $30 for members, $38 for guests. Mail a check to Susan Beck, 24 Sheldon Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. For more information, email lunch.wahhi@ gmail.com or call 843-342-5881.
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Noteworthy • Liberal Men of the Lowcountry will meet at noon Sept. 14 for lunch at the Golf Club at Indigo Run, 101 Berwick Dr. on Hilton Head. Speaker Christale Spain, executive director of the Democratic Party of South Carolina, will speak about the coming election and other issues facing the state. Cost is $20. For more information, call Richard Hammes at 847-921-8188. • The Palmetto Quilt Guild will hold its monthly meeting at 1 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort, 40 Folly Field Rd., Hilton Head. The program will be presented by Cheryl Sieboda, a fiber artist who will speak on “Working Weekly, Staying Inspired,” and how small quilts helped her find her artistic voice. Guests are welcome for a $5 guest fee. For more information, call 843-6891922 or visit www.palmettoquiltguild.com.
tournament have provided funding for nine completed houses. The next house will be built at The Glen, Habitat’s community on Hilton Head Island. For more information, call Brenda Dooley at 843-757-5864. To register online, visit www.habitathhi.org. • The Lowcountry Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 21 at Hampton Hall Clubhouse. Guest speaker will be Brenda McGraw of Boiling Springs, whose topic will be “Discover Joy Beyond the Clutter of Life.” The feature will be a fashion show of SteinMart’s latest fashions and accessories. Cost for lunch is $25, with prepaid reservations due by Sept. 14. Make checks payable to CWC Bluffton and mail to Irene Cusato, c/o CWC Bluffton, 7 Nesting Lane, Bluffton, SC 29909. For more information, call Carol at 843-705-7604.
• The Big Ten on Hilton Head will hold its 2016 annual conference picnic from 4 to 6:30 p.m. p.m. Sept. 18 at Honey Horn.The event is open to all Big Ten alumni, supporters, fans and friends; all are invited to wear their school colors. The meal, catered by Jimmy Fitts Barbecue, is $20 per person, children 12 and under are free. Sally Mason, Ph.D., president of the University of Iowa from 2007 to 2015 and president of the Big 10 Council of Presidents and Chancellors, 2012-2015, will give a special presentation titled “Inside the Big 10.” Registration deadline is Sept. 12. For more information and registration form, email BIG10onHH@gmail.com.
• The Camera Club of Hilton Head Island will meet at 7 p.m. Sept. 26 at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, 2 Mathews Ct., Hilton Head Island. Guest speaker is Sandy Dimke, a retired architectural photographer from Connecticut who now lives in Beaufort. Her topic is “The Reality of a Photo Project: Why all photographers should do a photo project.” Dimke is a member of the Carolina Nature Photographers and a founder of the Photography Club of Beaufort. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.cchhi.net.
• Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity will host its 19th annual golf tournament Sept. 19 at Oldfield Club. Registration for golfers begins at 8 a.m. with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. For those who don’t golf, tickets can be purchased separately for the buffet and the live and silent auctions to follow play. Over the years, proceeds from the
SUBMIT YOUR EVENT NEWS The Hilton Head Sun welcomes news of community, club, church, school and organization events. If the event is open to the public, email info, in Word format or in the body of an email, to editor@ hargray.com.
Sept. 8, 2016
The Hilton Head Sun
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PUBLIC ART
P H OTO A N D T E X T B Y M A RY G R AC E B A R R E T T
John Clement is a New York artist with sculptures displayed in counties around the world, including Australia and Switzerland. His work “Carocol” won the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry’s 2013 public art competition at the Coastal Discover Museum at Honey Horn, where it remained for 2 ½ years before its final installation in Shelter Cove Community Park in 2015. In August 2015, just before its scheduled public Shelter Cove dedication, it gained public attention again. A 7-year-old boy playing on the structure became wedged between its steel spirals and the Hilton Head Fire and Rescue team helped free him. “Carocol” is now on display in Shelter Cove Community Park, with a sign beside it that reads “Please do not climb.”
Sept. 8, 2016
Club hosts Italian Festival Back for a seventh year, the Italian Heritage Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 17 outdoors at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. The festival is presented by the ItalianAmerican Club of Hilton Head (IACHH). Modeled after the Feast of San Gennaro, the event celebrates the rich, colorful, Italian culture. Organizers expect a crowd of about 4,000. Food booths will line the Honey Horn pathways, with local restaurants serving up portions of their signature dishes. The festival will also feature cooking demonstrations, as well as volunteers preparing traditional Italian dessert favorites and crowd-pleasers like cannoli and zeppoli. Because all good Italians know that there is more to Italy then just their fabulous food, the festival will offer educational booths, an ancestry expert, a kids’ zone with an inflatable water slide,
Italian arts and crafts, art tents, and other Italian merchandise. Entertainment for the day will include music and good sport. A bocce court will be set up and there will be a dunk tank as well as a pizza wheel where patrons can win gift certificates to local pizzerias. Competitions will include grape stomping and pizza eating. A silent auction will feature an array of items including rounds of golf, jewelry, gift baskets, and trips. Musical entertainment will come from vocalists Larry and Claudette Tannelli of Myrtle Beach. Tickets are $6 at the gate and in advance and parking is free; handicapped parking is available. For more information about the event, contact Paul Caimano at paccomkt@aol.com or 412-897-1148. For more information about the Italian-American Club visit www.iachh.org.
Sept. 8, 2016
The Hilton Head Sun
For the Kids
P H OTO S U B M I T T E D
The Lowcountry Chapter of Kappa Delta Alumnae recently presented a KIDS grant check to Charmian Hedrick of the nonprofit Child Abuse Prevention Association. The funds will be used to purchase bedding at CAPA’s Open Arms Children’s Home in Beaufort. CAPA houses children from birth to age 21 who have been removed from an abusive or neglectful situation. The grant was funded by the Kappa Delta Foundation. Pictured from left are, first row: Kate Yachini and Charmian Hedrick; second row: Jeannette Davis, Patsy Boyle, Mimi Carman, Rebecca Gardner, Kristine Beliles, Tammy Blank, Fran Veldran and Maryann Way; back row: Katie Peterson, Maggie Denison, Jan Davis, Jessica Irwin, Jo’Anna Bradley and Jennifer Kaple.
Speaker series offered at First Presbyterian First Presbyterian Church Hilton Head Island will present a speakers’ series titled “Beaufort County Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 14 through Nov. 16. The topics will focus on the county’s history, resources and environment, with a roster of outstanding speakers from the University of South Carolina Beaufort. The programs are free and open to the public. The kickoff program Sept. 14 will feature Dr. Marlena Smalls, worldrenowned founder of the Hallelujah Singers, who will sing and tell stories based on the Gullah culture and heritage. Additional speakers and their topics include: Sept. 21: Dr. Brent Morris, The Abolitionist Transformation of Lowcountry Planter William Henry Brisbane Sept. 28: Dr. Steve Borgianini, No
Where Else on Earth: The Ecology of the Sea Islands Oct. 5: Dr. Eric Montie, The May River Soundscape Oct. 12: Dr. Larry Rowland, Sea Islands History: 1514-1861 Oct. 19: Dr. Steve Wise, Port Royal during the Civil War Oct. 26: Dr. Larry Rowland, Sea Islands History: 20th Century Nov. 2: Dr. Alan Warren, USCB Tackles Environmental Health Issues of Local Relevance Nov. 9: Dr. Andy Beall, Santa Elena: America’s Untold Story Nov. 16: Dr. Lisa Ciresi, Prepare ye the way of the Lord: The Advent and Nativity of Christ in Art The programs will be held in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Pkwy. For more information, call 843-681-3696 or visit www.fpchhi.org.
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Sept. 8, 2016
CHARITY
Endowments for area nonprofits: for good, forever By Denise K. Spencer CONTRIBUTOR
How do you know if a nonprofit organization is making a serious attempt to have stable funding for the long term? One way is to look at the list of organizations below. These nonprofit organizations have established endowment funds at Community Foundation of the Lowcountry to support their mission or a specific piece of their mission. What is an endowment fund? It is a fund designed to exist in perpetuity, and spending from the fund is controlled by a spending policy. Our current spending policy is that 4.5 percent of the market value of the fund, based on a five-year rolling average, becomes spendable each year. That amount, if unused, remains spendable into the future. Endowment funds are designed to be
permanent sources of revenue for the organization. The fund is invested for growth and designed to receive additional gifts over time. If one of your favorite organizations has had the foresight to establish an endowment fund, its board has made a conscious decision to create a permanent financial anchor. You can reward this wisdom by helping them grow this fund. Your gift to the fund remains invested and continues to support the good work of the organization to meet needs and enrich the community forever. Because these endowments are at Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, we are able to help these nonprofits with many things. Gifts that can be accepted on behalf of the fund include cash, stock, credit cards, real estate, charitable gift annuities, bequests and other planned gifts. Donate
through the Community Foundation’s website, or call 843-681-9100 for assistance. If your favorite organization is not listed here and has not yet established an endowment, we’d be happy to help. With your encouragement and support it could be one of the most important things they accomplish this year. • Arts Center of Coastal Carolina • Child Abuse Prevention Association • The Children's Center • Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse • Colcock-Teel House (Bluffton Historical Preservation Society) • Deep Well-Charlotte Heinrich Memorial Building • Don Ryan Center for Innovation • Friends of the Hilton Head Island Library • Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra • Hospice Care of the Lowcountry • Island School Council for the Arts
• The Literacy Center • Palmetto Animal League • Port Royal Sound Foundation • Programs for Exceptional People • Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island • Sea Pines Montessori Academy • Second Helpings • United Way of the Lowcountry • Volunteers in Medicine • The Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship Fund Of course, we practice what we preach. You can also make a gift to the Administrative Endowment at Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, which supports a portion of our own operations. One way to live generously is to support the efforts of nonprofits to support themselves — for good, forever. Denise K. Spencer is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. www.cf-lowcountry.org
Sept. 8, 2016
The Hilton Head Sun
Business Briefs • Century 21 A Low Country Realty is celebrating its 30th anniversary of serving the Hilton Head, Bluffton and Sun City Areas. Bill and Susan Asnip started the franchise in the spring of 1986 and have been at the same office location – at the Hilton Head Beach & Tennis Resort – since the beginning. The Asnips have built a tradition of trust and service throughout the real estate community. They and their Century 21 agents have helped thousands of sellers, buyers and investors with their real estate needs. In January 2014, they passed the ownership baton to Dee Gramoy, one of their long-time agents and an active real estate broker. Gramoy continues to provide the same work ethic and customer service that was and continues to be the focus of this real estate brokerage’s success and commitment to their clients and the community. For more information, call 843-3841525, email dkgramoy@aol.com or visit www.c21Lowcountry.com. • Bryan McIlwee has been named the Town of Bluffton’s new director of engineering. McIlwee directs and manages the engineering department, which includes the divisions of public works and watershed Bryan McIlwee management. McIlwee is also responsible for supervising the Town’s capital improvement program. McIlwee formerly worked for the Town of Hilton Head Island for eight years as the assistant town engineer and stormwater manager. Among his tasks, McIlwee managed the design and construction of numerous road and pathway projects for the island as well as supervising the design of the Rowing and Sailing Center at Squire Pope Community Park.
McIlwee earned a bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech in 2001. McIlwee is a registered Professional Engineer and a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He has lived in the Lowcountry for eight years. For more information, visit www.TownofBluffton.com. • Effective Sept. 15, Classic Travel will be relocating to 110 Traders Cross in Okatie. Joan Flynn is the manager. The office is located behind the Goodyear Tire and Enmark Station on Hwy. 170. The new phone number will be 843-705-8080. • Shelly Fulton of Bluffton has joined Community Foundation of the Lowcountry as a donor services associate. In this role, Fulton will process gifts and grants, manage donor services for donors and Shelly Fulton fund representatives, and serve as a donor liaison. Fulton brings extensive administrative experience, primarily in the healthcare field, to the position. Her background includes client services, from administrative and financial operations to direct client care services and coordination. Most recently she worked at Palmetto Anesthesia & Pain. Prior to that, Fulton held positions at Darling Eye Center, The Eye Site of Bluffton and Palmetto Eye Specialists. Fulton has completed continuing education classes in numerous office administration functions at University of South Carolina Beaufort, as well as prerequisite courses toward an RN degree at Technical College of the Lowcountry. She has also completed the SC NNAAP (National Nurse Aide Assessment Program). For more information, call 843-6819100 or visit www.cf-lowcountry.org.
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Sept. 8, 2016
Business Briefs • Jim McGuffey of Bluffton is a scheduled speaker at the ASIS International 62nd Annual Seminar and Exhibits in Orlando, Fla., on Sept. 13. His topic will be “Security Strategies for Hardening Soft Jim McGuffey Targets” with a global focus on houses of worship. McGuffey will also be speaking Nov. 13 at the International Arts & Antiquities Security Forum (IAASF), which is a leading conference and exhibition covering current topics in the international protection of arts and antiquities. His focus will be on current threats on houses of worship and security strategies to mitigate risk. McGuffey has conducted several security risk assessments for local churches and recently spoke on two occasions in a joint community program with the
Bluffton Police Department and ASIS International Savannah Low Country Chapter, training approximately 80 worship leaders on the security risk analysis process. • Enid Anderson has joined Charter One Realty as an agent and Ann Lilly has joined the company as a broker associate. Anderson will be working out of the south office of the company, at 11 Park Enid Anderson Lane on Hilton Head Island. Lilly will be based at 81 Main St., also on Hilton Head. Having been in the real estate industry since 2002, Anderson brings years of valuable real estate experience to Charter One, as well as a strong knowledge of the Lowcountry real estate market.
Prior to her real estate career, Anderson served in the banking industry, where she gained skills in the areas of technology, product development and project management. Throughout her real estate career, Ann Lilly Anderson has received awards and recognitions for her industry leadership, and has played an active role in the communities in which she has lived. She has participated in various local and national organizations including the Military Officers Association of America, where she served as the Auxiliary President for the Hilton Head chapter, Habitat for Humanity, and Volunteers in Medicine. She has frequently served as family host for Operation R & R and Hilton Head Heroes.
Anderson is an active member of her church and is currently on the Board of Deacons. She can be reached at 843-368-5353 or EnidAnderson@gmail.com. A part of the Lowcountry real estate industry since 2004, Lilly is an established leader in residential sales. She is skilled in providing in-depth community and market-knowledge, and has effective negotiation skills and the ability to coordinate the details of sophisticated transactions. Lilly is an active member of the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors, and was named Realtor of the Year for 2011. She has received the Realtor Service Award every year since 2006, has chaired committees and served on the board of directors from 2010 to 2015. She was board vice president in 2014 and board treasurer in 2015. Lilly can be reached at 843-816-8298 or aelilly1@gmail.com.
Sept. 8, 2016
The Hilton Head Sun
LEGAL
Estate planning is not a do-it-yourself project By Mark F. Winn CONTRIBUTOR
With the pervasiveness in our society of do-it-yourself everything and the promise of fast, cheap and easy legal documents created at the click of a mouse, the public needs to beware. Just as WebMD Mark F. Winn .com is no replacement for a doctor, do-it-yourself estate planning is no replacement for an attorney. When it comes to legal matters, the question is not “Is it legal?” The question is “What are the legal consequences?” For example, let’s assume a client comes into the office with an internetdriven will. He thinks it accomplishes his objectives. On the surface it appeared to, but as we begin to talk, I learn that one of his chief objectives is to ensure that there will be peace and harmony among his children after he and his wife pass. Since he has a will alone, most of his and his wife’s assets will eventually go through probate. Thus, a hefty fee to the Treasurer is likely. As we talked, I was perusing the will, and I explained to him that “reasonable fees” in South Carolina to the executor could mean 5 percent of the probate estate. He did not want his children to fight. This provision could frustrate his objectives of peace and harmony. Why? Well, let’s ask the proper question. So, in the above case, what are the legal consequences of providing an executor who is entitled to reasonable fees? 1. Additional fees to the Treasurer because of will alone planning.
2. Potential tension and conflict among his children with regard to the fees. 3. Would these fees be subject to income tax? Yes, it would be earned income to the executor. Would they be subject to income tax if the attorney were paid to do all the work? No, they would create an income tax deduction for the estate. 4. Is it fair for the executor to be paid a fee other than reimbursement? Not if the executor hires an attorney to do the work and gets paid anyway. 5. Is this what the client would have wanted? Probably not. 6. Will this cause conflict among the children? Maybe. 7. Is this what the client wanted? No. Okay, let’s assume it is $1 million going through probate on second death. The result is a fee of nearly $2,000 to the probate court, $50,000 to the child executor for pay. Oh, and this $50,000 is subject to income tax. Also, perhaps, this causes a conflict among the children. If all this happens, the original objective (peace among the children) was not accomplished. Remember, when it comes to legal documents, the real question should be “What are the legal consequences?” – something do-it-yourself estate planning is unlikely to address. Mark F. Winn, J.D., Master of Laws (LL.M.) in estate planning, is a local asset protection, estate planning and elder law attorney. www.mwinnesq.com
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Sept. 8, 2016
LEGAL
Mortgage protection planning prepares for the unexpected By Douglas S. Delaney CONTRIBUTOR
According to the Congressional Budget Office, of the roughly $2.7 trillion in 2011 national health expenditures, private insurance covered less than onethird. Federal spending through Medicare and Douglas S. Delaney Medicaid on health expenditures was just under one-third. The balance of the out-of-pocket healthcare costs, or about $1 trillion, in 2012 was left to the American public. In 2012, the average cost for health care for a family of four exceeded $22,000. In 2013, the U.S. census indicated that average household income was $51,017. Health care expenditures are
volatile, especially with costs incurred in emergency room care. It should come as no surprise that, according to a 2009 national study, medical expenses contributed to more than 62 percent of individual bankruptcy filings. While these statistics and the impact of the Affordable Care Act vary with each family, it drives home the need for families to properly plan for medical contingencies. This is especially true when considering how much to set aside for the purchase of a residence and its “nesting” costs. It is not just the mortgage, taxes and insurance, but the cost to purchase a new piece of furniture, crown molding in the living room or new high-dollar TV.
Families, old and young, must set aside monthly amounts for health contingencies or death. Don’t be sad, though; these payments can be structured to be returned to you if you stay healthy. With mortgage payments often exceeding 25 percent of monthly takehome pay, the minimum you can do to
protect your family is to allocate the daily cost of drive-through lunch to a plan that can cover these costs. How will you explain to your children that, for the cost of that new iPhone, you lost your house due to an unforeseen illness or death? Foreclosure proceedings are impersonal and simply relentless. A properly structured asset or estate plan, including mortgage and critical period protection, can alleviate the struggles should the most valuable family asset (the ability to earn a living) suffer a loss due to illness. With each mortgage payment, the family should allocate the “first-next payment” to wealth protection. This is how you preserve household equity and prevent a foreclosure due to unforeseen medical costs or death of a breadwinner. Douglas S. Delaney, J.D., LL.M is a local tax and estate planning attorney in Bluffton. www.delaneylawfirmplansahead.com
Sept. 8, 2016
The Hilton Head Sun
LEGAL
iPug Trust helpful tool for asset protection By Brian Treacy CONTRIBUTOR
A valuable tool in the elder law attorney’s toolbox is the asset protection trust. In different states they are given various names; ours is called the iPug Trust. Not to get too technical, but “iPug” stands for Brian Treacy “Irrevocable Pure Grantor Trust.” It is a legally acceptable, Medicaidcompliant trust that can be used to hold assets and allow eligibility for the Medicaid or veteran’s benefits available to help pay for assisted living costs or longterm care (aka nursing home) costs. The iPug uses some components of the traditional revocable living trust and traditional irrevocable trust. Traditional irrevocable trusts have been typically used for federal estate tax planning purposes when federal estate taxes were imposed on much smaller estates then they are imposed today. Irrevocable trusts are incredibly onerous and complicated, and force the asset owner to surrender control over those assets placed in the trust. These traditional irrevocable trusts are no longer popular because now federal estate taxes only apply to less than 1 percent of all estates. A traditional revocable living trust allows you to retain full control over the assets placed in trust and achieves the
primary goal of avoiding probate. The iPug is designed to protect your assets from the costs of a nursing home and other creditors. It does not have the restrictions and lack of control that the irrevocable trust has. In contrast to traditional irrevocable trusts, with the iPug you still maintain the ability to: • be the trustee and manage the assets and make all investment decisions; • receive all income generated from the trust assets; • choose and change the asset-investment mix; • continue to live in the home and retain homestead property status; • direct the sale of your home and the purchase of another within the trust; • avoid probate upon death; • determine (and change at any time) your death beneficiaries; • distribute assets to family members during your lifetime (e.g. help with education costs). As you can see the iPug has great flexibility and can meet a wide range of estate planning goals. Using the iPug in your estate plan means you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor while protecting them from the costs of nursing home care and the loss to potential creditors (e.g. lawsuits). To learn more about asset protection in general, and how the iPug trust works, plan to attend an upcoming free workshop presented by our office. Brian T. Treacy is an elder law and estate planning attorney with an office in Bluffton.
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The Hilton Head Sun
Sept. 8, 2016
HEALTH
Being positive helps improve brain health at any age By Karen Doughtie CONTRIBUTOR
“You can’t change who you are, but you can change what you have in your head, you can refresh what you’re thinking about, and you can put some fresh air in your brain.” – Ernesto Bertarelli I know I have written many articles about Brain Boosters. As I was reviewing my past articles, I happened to find the very first article I wrote about this class, and it made me smile. When we first began this program close to eight years ago, we were just learning about how important classes such as Brain Boosters are for people concerned about their memory. And now, we have perfected teaching these methods for our students. Hours and hours have gone into designing a program that is not only
effective but fun. Our staff has researched similar classes, and Brain Boosters is by far ahead of the game. So why should you make the commitment to attend the session that starts Sept. 15? This is a sampling of what you will learn: • Can your memory be enhanced? • The Limbic System and the Emotional Connection • Getting rid of Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTS) • Nutrition and your Brain • Sharpening our Senses • Memory Methods • Suggestions for Keeping your Brain Boosted There is so much information available about how to maintain a healthy brain: books, the internet, not to mention hundreds of magazine articles. Sometimes too much information can be confusing.
In Brain Boosters we present information in a way that is easy to understand and that you can start applying to everyday life. One of the most important things I learned about brain health is to try to be happy. I really, really try to think happy thoughts. I try not to worry. I have a favorite mantra or prayer that I recite many times a day, the Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” As soon as I finish writing this, I will be on my way home after a long day. My grandchildren (ages 4 months and 3 years) will be there when I get home with their beautiful mom. They have been stuck in the Washington airport for more than six hours. Both of my 15-year-old beagles are having stomach issues that my husband
has been dealing with most of the day. But guess what? I have the courage to change this situation into a fun family night. For more information about this class and all the services Memory Matters provides call 843-842-6688 or visit our website at www.memory-matters.org. We care about brain health. Karen Doughtie is assistant director of Memory Matters, serving Bluffton and Hilton Head. karen@memory-matters.org The 10-week Brain Boosters class will be held from 3:15 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday, beginning Sept. 15, at Memory Matters, 117 William Hilton Pkwy. A free memory screening is offered for participants. For more information and to register, call 843-842-6688 or email cathee@memory-matters.org. Space is limited.
Sept. 8, 2016
The Hilton Head Sun
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HEALTH
What are age spots and how can you get rid of them? By Oswald Lightsey Mikell CONTRIBUTOR
Age spots – also called liver spots and solar lentigines – are flat gray, brown or black spots. They vary in size and usually appear on the face, hands, shoulders and arms – those areas most exposed to the sun. Q: What are the symptoms of age spots? A: Age spots are: • Flat, oval areas of increased pigmentation • Usually brown, black or gray • Occur on parts of the skin that has had the most sun exposure over the years • Can range from freckle-size to more than a half inch (1 centimeter) across and can group together Q: What causes age spots?
A: Age spots are caused primarily by years of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. Tanning beds can also contribute to the development of age spots. The pigment in the upper layer of skin (epidermis) that gives your skin its normal color is called “melanin.” UV light accelerates the production of melanin, creating a tan that helps protect deeper layers of skin from UV rays. On areas of the skin that have years of frequent and prolonged sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes “clumped” or is produced in particularly high concentrations. In addition to sun exposure, simply becoming older can cause the extra production of melanin. Q: What treatments are available? A: Treatments include: • Medications: prescription bleaching creams (hydroquinone) used alone or
with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid • Laser therapy: destroys melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) without damaging the skin's surface • Freezing (cryotherapy): This procedure involves applying liquid nitrogen or another freezing agent to the age spots to destroy the extra pigment. As the area heals, the skin appears lighter. • Dermabrasion. This procedure consists of sanding down (planing) the surface layer of your skin with a rapidly rotating brush, removing the skin surface. A new layer of skin grows in its place. • Chemical peel. A chemical peel involves applying an acid, which burns the outer layer of your skin, to the age spots. As your skin peels, new skin forms
to take its place. True age spots are harmless and don't require treatment, but if you have spots that are dark or have changed in appearance you should consult a dermatologist, because these changes can be signs of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Dr. Oswald Lightsey Mikell, certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, is the owner of Dermatology Associates of the Lowcountry.
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The Hilton Head Sun
Sept. 8, 2016
WELLNESS
Learning the science behind benefits of a plant-based diet By J Lanning Smith CONTRIBUTOR
This past summer, Dr. Michael Greger was in town to speak on the subject of nutrition and health. In a two-day whirlwind tour, he spoke in Hilton Head, Sun City and Savannah. In addition, he met local leaders in the whole foods, plant-based movement for lunch at Pure Natural Market on the island and for a potluck dinner at the home of one of Sun City’s Eat Smart, Live Longer club’s board members. If you didn’t have the chance to hear him (more than 200 people were turned away in Sun City alone due to seating capacity of its 550-seat theater being completely filled), you can go to YouTube and search on “Dr. Michael Greger in Sun City Hilton Head” for a link to his talk there. For those who aren’t familiar with Dr.
Greger, he is the author of the New York Times bestseller, “How Not to Die.” I’ve said many times that I believe this is the best book on the market about the whole foods, plant-based way of eating. I like this book because it is scientifically based, with 150 pages of footnotes to P H OTO B Y J L A N N I N G S M I T H scientific studies and other references. At the Dr. Michael Greger enjoys a vegan meal at Pure Natural Market on Hilton Head Island in July. same time, it is also a lot. Below are just a few quotes from his entertaining and easy to read. In my mind, the book is both a compelling read talks: “The vast majority of premature and a perfect reference book on how to eat and what the consequences can be of deaths can be prevented through simple changes in diet and lifestyle. The simple eating the wrong foods. During Dr. Greger’s time here, those of truth is that most doctors are good at us who had a chance to hear him learned treating acute illnesses but bad at pre-
venting chronic disease.” “A single serving of four Brazil nuts has been shown to almost immediately improve cholesterol levels. In a study, the LDL bad cholesterol levels were a staggering 20 points lower just nine hours after eating the Brazil nuts. Even drugs don’t work nearly that fast.” “For optimum health, you should try to eat both colorful and flavorful foods.” All in all, Dr. Greger’s visit to our area was both entertaining and informative. For those who missed it, I strongly recommend watching his presentation on YouTube. It might just be lifesaving. As Dr. Kim Williams, president of the American College of Cardiology, answered when asked why he ate plantbased, “I don’t mind dying. I just don’t want it to be my fault.” J Lanning Smith is a local freelance writer focused on the whole foods, plantbased lifestyle.
Sept. 8, 2016
The Hilton Head Sun
WELLNESS
Mindfulness helps manage stress of work, life By Jacqueline Huntly CONTRIBUTOR
We live in a fast-paced, technologically driven, everchanging world. But the stress from such a harried pace takes its toll on our minds, bodies and emotions. A very effective strategy for managing the stress is mindfulJacqueline Huntly ness. Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally bringing our attention into the present moment in a caring, nonjudgmental way. It helps us focus and see things more clearly, instead of fretting over the past or worrying about the future. It gives us the opportunity to turn off automatic pilot and choose how we will face day-to-day challenges. The concept of mindfulness has gained significant attention in recent years as a way to reduce stress, build positive emotions and bring compassion into our lives. Mindfulness teaches us to take a deep breath, slow down and feel more balanced, in control and in the moment. There are many ways to practice mindfulness. You can formally set aside a period of time, on a regular basis, to practice breath awareness, sitting meditation, walking meditation and mindful body awareness. Practices such as yoga, tai chi and
qigong can enhance mindfulness and bring greater awareness. Also, we can practice mindfulness as we listen to others and give them our full attention. Even those with very busy schedules can find ways to introduce minimoments of mindfulness throughout the day. This helps us feel grounded and centered before we continue with our regular routines and activities. The practice of mindfulness enables us to be more attentive and effective in accomplishing daily tasks. At the same time, the negative effects of stress are reduced, and we are better able to manage our emotions and improve our health. One of the greatest payoffs from practicing mindfulness is more productive communication with family, friends and colleagues. It makes us more compassionate and resilient in a world that is often at odds with those traits. If the daily demands of work and home leave you feeling stressed, frazzled and exhausted, consider a mindful approach to life. While it is not always possible to immediately change all of our stressors, mindfulness helps us find ways to better meet these challenges. The result is more balance, control and well-being in our lives. Jacqueline Huntly, M.D., MPH, is board certified in preventive medicine and a fellow of the Arizona Center for Integrated Medicine. This article is provided in collaboration with Memorial Health University Hospital in Savannah.
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The Hilton Head Sun
Sept. 8, 2016
WELLNESS
Hanging on to that summer feeling all year long By Maria Malcolm CONTRIBUTOR
“August is like the Sunday of summer.” – Unknown The kids are back in school. For many of us, the beginning of the school year marks the official end of summer. Time to put away the swimsuits and sunscreen and get back to reality. Sigh… There is nothing in the world like summer vacation. Many of us spend the whole preceding year planning, researching and crafting our perfect getaway. Others, particularly lucky residents of the Lowcountry, are able to relax and recharge during a summer staycation. What is so magical about the long summer days, and how can we keep just a little of that magic around for the rest of the year?
Here are some thoughts about infusing your day-to-day life with a bit of that summer feeling. Obviously, a primary reason we enjoy vacation is our relative freedom from work or academic responsibilities. Unfortunately for most, those realities are there waiting for us at summer’s end, unavoidable and indispensable.
However, we can look at some parts of “vacation life” and try to incorporate them into “real life.” Consider the following: Spend time outdoors: Most vacations involve time outside such as going to the beach or pool, hiking, snorkeling, touring on foot or birdwatching, to name a few. It is known that time spent outside, exposed to natural light and the natural world, is a reliable mood booster. Share meals with family and friends: On vacation we take the time to sit down, enjoy our meals and talk to our loved ones. We know that this practice cultivates a sense of connection and community. Even if it isn’t possible to do this every
night during “real time,” whenever we are able to sit down together for a meal we can enjoy a small taste of that vacation feeling. Seek novel experience: Often, on vacation we travel to new places, try new activities or foods or view artistic creations in the world’s museums. You don’t have to go to the Louvre or hike the Grand Canyon to feel you’ve tried something new. Visit a different farmers market, take an art class, or visit a new beach. Experiencing new things and the learning associated with the experience can foster a sense of vitality and mental vigor. Here’s to finding your own little bit of endless summer. Maria Malcolm, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and associate with Psychological & Counseling Associates of the Lowcountry, LLC in Bluffton.
Sept. 8, 2016
The Hilton Head Sun
WELLNESS
Lesser known cosmetic procedures can be helpful By E. Ronald Finger CONTRIBUTOR
Everyone knows about facelifts, eyelid lifts, nose jobs, mommy makeovers and various breast procedures. There are also some less well-known surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures that can make a E. Ronald Finger big difference. Have you ever heard, “You can always tell a person’s age by looking at their hands?” There are multiple solutions for this depending on the individual: the atrophic skin revealing the veins, bones and tendons can be treated quickly with injections of fat or various fillers, such as Restylane or Juvederm products, and the difference is immediate and dramatic. For age spots the Fraxel laser or LaserGenesis can be effectively used. For saggy brows, fillers can be used in the forehead and under the brow itself. Many brows sag because of loss of the youthful mound under the brow and into the forehead. This takes just a few minutes, is relatively painless, and the result is immediate. The Fraxel laser, the ThermiSmooth and Laser Genesis are additional procedures that further raise the brow and augment the youthful appearance of the forehead. Large earlobes seem to occur with age, and this is partly from heavy earrings constantly weighing the earlobes resulting in thin, droopy appendages. If too thin, a filler can suffice with Restylane or Juvederm. If they are too large, a minor surgical procedure will reduce them. Often a combination might be necessary for optimum results.
Over-plucked eyebrows might result from the fad for pencil-thin eyebrows years ago. The treatment is a hair transplant from the back or side of the scalp. The brow hair will look very natural and is permanent. Anesthesia is local and down time is minimal. As we get older, we lose size in our maxillary bone (the bone our upper teeth are attached to). This can result in a droopy nose. A long term filler, such as Voluma, can be injected over the maxilla just under the center of the nose, and the nose will turn up beautifully. Crooked noses can often be treated effectively with fillers injected into depressions to create symmetry. As one ages, upper lips get thinner and longer. This increase in length can be reduced with a “buck-horn” lip lift, an excision of about 0.5 to 0.6 millimeters of skin just under the nose to achieve the ideal length of 14 to 15 millimeters. The name refers to the shape of the excision and is done under local anesthesia in a few minutes. Fillers and-or Fraxel lasers can be used for peri-oral wrinkles. Non-surgical reduction of fat and skin tightening can be achieved with radio frequency, as in the ThermiSmooth, ThermiTight, or ThermiVA (for vaginal restoration and stress incontinence). The fat reduction appears to be permanent, and the skin tightening lasts a year or longer. Treatments are typically to the neck, arms, eyelid wrinkles, abdomen, thighs and “love-handles.” It would be effective for mild to moderate “man boobs” (gynecomastia) as well. Either general or local anesthesia is needed with minimal recovery time. E. Ronald Finger, MD, FACS is a board certified plastic surgeon with offices in Savannah and Bluffton. www.fingerand associates.com
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The Hilton Head Sun
Sept. 8, 2016
GET OUT!
Palmetto Bluff blends history, nature, leisure, luxury By Glenda Harris CONTRIBUTOR
You probably already know about Palmetto Bluff but for those who do not, we have a hidden gem here in Bluffton – a special place to “get out” and appreciate our natural world. Located off Highway 46 midway between Old Town and Highway 170, this 20,000-plus acre preserve is open to all. Tell the guard at the entry gate you are visiting Wilson Village. You will be given a visitor placard and sent on your way down the shady, tree-lined 4-mile drive that takes you into the heart of Palmetto Bluff. Named for Richard T. Wilson Jr., a wealthy New York banker who purchased the property in 1902, Wilson Village is located high on the bluff of the May River. Wilson built his four-story mansion home around 1910, and for
many years, the Wilsons entertained guests from up north. Sadly, in 1926, the home was completely destroyed by fire. Wilson never attempted to rebuild, moved back to New York and died three years later. Walk across the street from the mansion’s ruins and browse the boutique shops. Have lunch at Buffalo’s with a view of the river and Waterside Chapel, a coveted venue for Lowcountry weddings. Take a few minutes to relax on the swings in the shade or play a game of bocce. One of several docks P H OTO B Y G L E N D A H A R R I S beckons you to come closer and take The Waterside Chapel at Palmetto Bluff in the calm waters, where bottlenosed dolphins are frequently seen. With many miles of paved trails and Not too much farther, at the marina all the classic Southern-style homes to store, kayaks and paddleboards are avail- admire, you might want to stop at R.T.’s able to rent. Bicycles can also be rented Market and pick up lunch to take with for $15 for four hours. you on your biking tour of Palmetto
Bluff. R.T.’s also offers locally made crafts and unique gifts. Last, but certainly not least, magnificently perched on the bluff is the five-star resort, Montage Palmetto Bluff, where you can book rooms, suites or a cottage. Stop in at the River House for cocktails and a front-row seat to the ever-changing colors of the sky and river at sunset. Once home to 21 plantations in the antebellum era, this sweeping upscale development has been thoughtfully created to protect the unique and precious natural resources and wildlife, while providing recreational opportunities for all. Palmetto Bluff is a unique Lowcountry paradise right here in our backyard, and fall is the perfect season to explore. But don’t take my word for it; get out there soon and see it for yourself. Glenda Harris of Bluffton is a freelance writer and editor, nature lover and aspiring novelist.
Sept. 8, 2016
The Hilton Head Sun
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SENIORS
Take a proactive approach to senior retirement By Joe Agee CONTRIBUTOR
When working with seniors, one often hears the phrase, “I do not want to burden my children with anything.” A very noble and unselfish position to take, no doubt; but, if one has a loving relationship with his or Joe Agee her children, the help they can provide as one ages can enhance everyday quality of life. Ironically, the “burdens” most seniors shackle their children with is fear, stress and guilt. Of course, this is not on purpose or done maliciously, but loving children will worry about the “what if’s” such as a potential injury due to falling, loneliness of isolation and overall health needs.
If you don’t live close, you can’t check on how your parents are doing, which can exacerbate the worry. Based on my personal and professional experiences, if you don’t want to “burden your kids” during your senior years, you might consider implementing the following: 1. Be proactive by having a “senior living plan.” Are you going to stay in your home and age in place? Live in a retirement community? What can you afford? What type of lifestyle would make you happiest? You need to research options available and set a timeline for moving forward. If serious health issues exist, you might want to expedite your decision. 2. Downsize based on your financial resources and overall needs. Finances will determine most of what you can or cannot do. It’s recommended you have a
budget to work from. Most seniors agree they can downsize to a smaller residence and be just as happy. Social Security provides ongoing income along with pensions, stock dividends and CDs; and typically your home is your greatest asset, especially if there is no mortgage. Remember, as you age, the cost of
health care will most likely be higher, and Medicare will not be paying most of the bills. 3. It’s important for seniors to continue to exercise and eat smart so they will stay healthier longer. There is no substitute for physical activity and having your brain challenged with new thoughts and possibilities. Walking everyday and introducing your mind to new experiences can be some of the best “medicine” you can take. So don’t be “stubborn as a mule” and actually burden your kids with a lot of unknowns that can be addressed and determined in the early stages of senior retirement. The key is to be proactive and practical. Plus, your children will love you for it. Joe Agee is the marketing and sales director for The Seabrook of Hilton Head. www.TheSeabrook.com
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The Hilton Head Sun
Sept. 8, 2016
SENIORS
Exercise among best ways to minimize risk of falls By Rachel Carson CONTRIBUTOR
If you are a senior or are caring for an aging adult, you know the fear a potential fall brings. Fear of falling is not unwarranted. Falls can sideline seniors like no other risk. Each year, millions of adults aged 65 and Rachel Carson older fall and might sustain severe injury or even death. It is thought that less than half of seniors who fall actually report it to their doctor. The two leading causes of hospitalization for seniors are falls and not taking medications correctly. The good news about aging is that keeping your mind, body and social life
active can prevent or even reverse frailty. There are a number of things you can do to fight off frailty and stay strong. There is a secret weapon that can help improve the strength, flexibility and balance needed to prevent mishaps and injury. It’s called exercise. Exercise is essential to retain or regain joint mobility, increase strength and increase balance even in folks with “normal aging” or illnesses such as arthritis, fibromyalgia or neurological disorders to name a few. It also benefits brain health. Exercise doesn’t have to be difficult. It can be great fun, especially if done with a companion. Consider swimming, walking, dancing, biking, kayaking, yoga, Zumba, tai chi or chair exercises. To guard against injuries caused by falling, you should: • Use weights and do weight-bearing
exercises to strengthen both bones and muscles • Practice exercises designed to help improve balance • Choose low-impact exercises to avoid stress on your joints • Stretch daily to improve flexibility and mobility Falls can be prevented with some diligence and planning. Seniors really can stay independent longer and remain at home where they really want to be. Planning includes: 1. Asking their pharmacist to review medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, to identify side effects that may cause dizziness, confirm how to take them and indicate why they are being prescribed; 2. Have annual vision checks to identify eye health, if glasses need to be changed or cataracts removed; and 3. Do a home safety check to reduce
hazards and identify adaptations that might need to be made. For more information, visit www.MakingHomeSaferforSeniors.com. A good resource on how to increase strength and balance and learn simple exercises is the video series at www.caregiverstress.com. Click on “caregiver resources,” then “senior safety.” Scroll to bottom of page to “Prevent Senior Falls: Assessment and Balance Exercises.” The videos demonstrate simple, easy to follow exercises. So to stave off frailty and remain independent, get off that sofa and get moving. Ask a friend to join you. It’s great for your body, mind and sense of wellbeing. Besides that, it’s fun! Rachel Carson, a retired Registered Physical Therapist and Certified Senior Advisor, is the owner of Home Instead Senior Care serving The Lowcountry since 1997.
Sept. 8, 2016
The Hilton Head Sun
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SENIORS
For hurricanes or home health care, planning is essential By Debbie Morris CONTRIBUTOR
Here they come again, the same old hurricane preparedness tips. This year, sure as fire, the Atlantic hurricane season began its typical heat-up in August. It was Aug. 24 when The Weather Debbie Morris Channel meteorologists latched onto a prospective tropical storm, an embryo not yet worthy of a human namesake. The experts called it Invest 97. And along with the tentative forecast of where it might head or when it might turn into a tropical storm or hurricane, came the first to-do list. Sure, you’ve heard it before. But you
likely didn’t mind hearing it again and took a mental note. The baby storm came with this baby to-do list: Being “hurricane ready” means having enough water, which is one gallon for each person each day. It means having a supply of non-perishable foods ready for evacuation. It means having a seven-day supply of medications. And it means reviewing your evacuation route. It’s okay to rehash the tips because they’re important reminders and advice. The same applies to caregiving and making decisions when seniors need assistance with daily living and health care. Until you or a loved one come face to face with situations calling for outside help, or at least advice, to deal with the infirmities of aging or illness, you might not focus on such particulars.
But when the warnings approach, like thunder before a storm, you’ll want to hear from experts in the caregiving and health-care fields. I say this as I re-establish my monthly column in The Bluffton Sun and The Hilton Head Sun with a focus on elder care and home health care. It’s a wonderful way to reach out to our community and share knowledge gained through more than 10 years as co-owner and administrator of a local home-care company, along with insights
gained with our expansion into the companion field of home health care. I’ll be writing on such topics as signals that home care or health services might be needed, preventing caregiver burnout, dementia warning signs, Alzheimer’s and the holidays – or tips for seniors to prepare for a hurricane evacuation. If you have a topic you’d like to know more about, or questions about home care or health care that a column could address, please feel free to contact me by email at debbie@homehelperslowcountry.com. Until next month, take good care of yourself and your loved ones. That includes planning and precaution steps. Debbie Morris, MA, EDs, is CEO of Home Helpers Home Care and Home Health and certified by the National Academy of Certified Care Managers. help@homehelperslowcountry.com; www.inhomecarelowcountry.com
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The Hilton Head Sun
Sept. 8, 2016
SENIORS
It’s never too late to learn and practice ‘neurobics’ By Abby Boyleston CONTRIBUTOR
Have you ever experienced one of those annoying “senior moments” when you find yourself standing in a room looking around for a revelation that would remind you why you walked into the room in the first place? Do you find yourself giving your phone a concentrated death stare because you can’t remember whom you were going to call, hoping if you stare really hard at your phone the mystery name will magically appear? Practicing good health habits like staying physically active and eating well helps with the aging process, but what about help with those senior moments, when you say to yourself “I’m really starting to lose it”? Now that schools are back in session, let’s learn techniques and tactics that will
hold off and possibly stop those senior moments. Lesson No. 1: New scientific research has proven that keeping an aging mind active is essential to staying cognitively alert and staving off dementia diseases such as Alzheimer’s. It was believed that an aging brain was not capable of reprogramming old brain cells or regenerating new brain cells. Now it is understood that, just as your body responds to a physically active fitness routine, your brain also benefits from a fitness program. Lesson No. 2: Ever heard the term neurobics? Neurobics is aerobics for your brain in the form of mental exercises
such as crossword puzzles and brain teasers. Neurobics can stimulate growth in brain cells and create new neural pathways. Cognitive decline can be seriously halted with daily neurobics exercise. Lesson No. 3: Starting a brain fitness program is easy. Unlike physical fitness routines, which might require special clothing or equipment and travel time, accomplishing a brain fitness routine only requires sitting in your comfy chair with the daily newspaper. Working on the crossword puzzle, Jumble or Sudoku is a great way to stimulate your brain cells. If you have internet access, you can find many free brain game websites that offer different levels of difficulty. Check out www.stayingsharp.aarp.org for science-based activities and challenges and www.merriam-webster.com/word-games for word games, quizzes and a weekly challenge.
Lesson No. 4: Harvard Medical School suggests that positive brain benefits can be accomplished by changing everyday tasks such as brushing your teeth or wiping down countertops with your non-dominant hand or trying small (safe) tasks like buttoning your shirt with your eyes closed. Staying curious and committed to lifelong learning will not only assist your aging brain but will keep you energized and engaged. Attend plays and lectures. Register for free classes offered at your local library or university. Keep yourself organized by using planners, calendars and address books. Begin your neurobics training today to stimulate your brain cells and reverse cognitive decline. Abby Boylston is the community liaison for ComForCare Home Care. aboylston@comforcare.com
Sept. 8, 2016
The Hilton Head Sun
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PETS
Puppy training basics help dogs and owners to bond By Abby Bird CONTRIBUTOR
Your child might now be going back to school. If you have a new puppy, it is also time for the dog to begin the learning process. There are certain things that every puppy needs to know. Sometimes those things do not coincide with what its owner thinks is important. Training a pup is based upon building a foundation of skills that are age appropriate. For example, although an owner might want the puppy to learn “Stay,” this is not possible for the pup to do under the age of 5 months. This needs to be put aside until the pup is capable developmentally. It’s like teaching a child; a 5-year-old is not capable of learning what a 9-year-old can learn, but children can get to a
higher level of learning by building a foundation of other skills over time. Obedience and behavior skills that are best learned under 5 months include: Potty training: First, decisions need to be made based upon lifestyle, size of dog and daily schedule. If you write down each day when your puppy actually pees and poops in relation to its food, water intake, walking, and active play with other people or dogs and napping, you will understand the effects on the dog’s schedule. If your schedule is not routinized it is more difficult, but you might have options other than traditional crate training. They include having someone come in during the day to take the dog out or using potty patch, potty pads, putting towels down, etc., so the dog has permission to potty in the house. This means using a confined space
other than a crate. You can’t potty train a dog that has access to the house. Nipping and biting: Biting at hands, arms, feet and clothing has to be addressed when very young or the behavior imprints. It is natural for them to want to play with people just like they play with dogs, using their mouth and paws, but it is not appropriate with sharp teeth. Trading your flesh for an appropriate chew toy, using bad-tasting deterrents along with exhausting the pup are keys to successful eradication. It sometimes involves training kids, too. Sit: A basic foundation that can be taught at 8 weeks, this skill helps with jumping, greeting, feeding and more. Don’t overdo it or the dog will be difficult to train to walk on a leash. Leash walking: Walking on a standard 6-foot leash, not a retractable, your dog learns to walk by your side in public
and be acceptable in the community. It is critical if your pup is going to be large and strong so the dog doesn’t pull you. Ditto for small dogs, as they are not immune from pulling and need to learn to behave. Come: This skill is important for safety. Having your dog learn that coming to you is rewarding and fun and involves no punishment is all about your attitude, voice and body language. A treat, toy or play reward is helpful. Dogs should only be off leash in a safe area such as a dog park or places where there is no traffic. Only well-trained adult dogs should be allowed off leash. If you use positive methods that involve rewards of exercise, training time, touch, play and treats, the bond you develop now will last a lifetime. Abby Bird is owner of Alpha Dog Obedience Training. ajbird@hargray.com
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The Hilton Head Sun
Sept. 8, 2016
SPORTS
Kids involved in tennis can have advantage in classroom By Lou Marino CONTRIBUTOR
Now that school is back in session I thought it would be a good idea to mention how well kids who play tennis (and most sports, for that matter) are doing in school and life in general. One of tennis’ greatest assets is that of gaining self-confidence. Whether kids are in the classroom or on the court, self-confidence helps them excel, and learning how to play tennis helps youths build self-confidence. Additionally, parents want to instill the values of pride, respect and responsibility in their children, and for grades K-3, learning how to play tennis will do just that. Here are some values that children pick up when learning to play tennis: • Practice and get better. They learn the fundamentals, practice, get better and
increase self-esteem. • Serious fun. They develop techniques and skills to keep the ball in play and have fun doing something that they are good at. • Value of hard work. On and off the court, children come to realize the importance of hard work, responsibility and success as well as failure in things they do and how to learn from their mistakes. • Preparing to succeed. By preparing and practicing they excel at hitting the ball, crunching the numbers and expressing themselves verbally and in writing.
good instructor can inspire most any child. I still remember today the instructors from my school days that caused me to be inspired to learn, and looked forward to being in their classes. Unlike many other sports, tennis has some tangible takeaways. Physically, students gain endurance and coordination. Mentally, they learn about self-discipline and how to succeed on the court and in the classroom as well. Now that school is underway, it’s a good time to help your child get excited about learning a new sport after school and mastering the challenges of academics during school. It’s important that the child’s tennis instructor takes tennis seriously. It’s more important that the instructor works with the children to develop their values both on the court and in the classroom. A
Lou Marino is a USPTA Cardio and Youth Tennis Coach who lives and teaches and provides racquet service in the greater Bluffton/Hilton Head Island area. lwmarino@hotmail.com
Sept. 8, 2016
The Hilton Head Sun
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SPORTS
For feedback on your swing, the answer is in the grass By Jean Harris CONTRIBUTOR
The lower divot is in front of the line. This is what you want. The upper divot starts behind the ball. This is a “fat” divot. Try to avoid hitting the ball behind the line.
When using short irons, 6 irons to wedges, you need a descending angle of approach. Therefore, you should position these clubs farther back in your stance toward the center. If you hit these irons correctly, the club head will strike the ball and then the turf, taking a divot in front of the ball. Divots made with wedges will be more pronounced and larger than those made with a 6 iron. Taking a divot prior to the ball causes a “fat” shot that won’t go the required distance. Unhinging your wrist too early on the forward swing with an outside-in swing path usually causes this. Your goal should be divots the size of a dollar bill and no more than one inch deep.
There are three factors of a divot that can give you feedback on your golf swing: Direction – where the divots point will show you the path of your swing Depth – how deep or shallow your divots are shows your angle of approach, whether it is shallow or steep Starting point – tells you if you are descending too early or too late Listed below are two drills that I use with my students to help them read their divots: Powder drill: Take some baby powder and draw a straight line on the grass perpendicular to you and hit all your irons off the powder line. Work on changing your ball position until the divots are in front of the line. Also look at the direction of the divots and whether they are pointing left or right of your target line.
If they point to the left, you are using an outside-in path that causes a pull or slice. If the divots are pointing to the right your swing is too inside out, and this causes pushes and hooks. Slanted tee drill: If you top all your irons and don’t take a divot, you need to start focusing on the front of the ball. Put a short tee about one inch in front of the ball on a slant with the head of the tee facing the ball. Concentrate on hitting the slanted tee instead of the ball with your shaft leaning forward at impact. Work on these drills and you will start hitting more solid iron shots and your scores will be lower. Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at Brown Golf Management courses. jean.golfdoctor.harris @gmail.com; www.golfdoctorjean.com
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The Hilton Head Sun
Sept. 8, 2016
BRIDGE
Learn how to be a discerning declarer By Kathie Walsh CONTRIBUTOR
The first thing one learns when taking bridge lessons is how to bid. Once you learn the rudiments of the bidding, you find that playing the cards requires certain skills, especially playing in a suit contract. When you play Kathie Walsh with a trump suit, you have a different kind of stopper than can be used when you run out of cards in a suit. What is it? Trump! If you can trump, you don’t have to lose more cards than you have in the suit. That fact can make counting losers the easiest way to plan your play when you are declaring in a trump contract. The declarer must count the losers
from his hand as soon as the dummy comes down. The focus is on declarer’s hand because it is usually the hand with the most trump. However, declarer is allowed to use dummy’s high cards to help decide how many losers he has. Let’s see how counting losers works. The first step is to look at the declarer’s hand and dummy’s help to count the number of losers in each suit. For example, if the declarer has K43 in spades and the dummy had A52, you can see that there is one spade loser. If the declarer has A52 in spades and the dummy has 743, you can see there are two spade losers. If the declarer has A5 in spades and the dummy has 743, he has only one
loser because he can trump the dummy’s 7 in his hand. If the declarer has the A of spades and the dummy has 743, he has no losers because he can trump the dummy’s 7 and 4 in his hand. In short, when you end up in a trump contract, the declarer must count losers and then make a plan. You can use the acronym RACE to
help plan your play: Review the bidding, Analyze the lead, Count your losers (winners in NT), then Explore for tricks. Playing the hands is actually more difficult than bidding the hands. Exploring for more tricks is tricky: dummy points and trumping in the dummy, establishing declarer’s and dummy’s side suits, discarding losers, crossruffing, the ruffing finesse, and the strip and end play. All of these topics lead to winning declarer play in a suit contract. If this sounds intriguing or foreign to you, it might help to join the Play of Hand clinics held Tuesdays, Sept. 13 through Nov. 1, at Hilton Head Bridge Club in Port Royal Plaza. Email me for more details. Kathie Walsh is a certified ABTA bridge teacher and teaches intermediate and beginner plus clinics at the Hilton Head Island Bridge Club at Port Royal Plaza. kbwalsh@roadrunner.com
Sept. 8, 2016
The Hilton Head Sun
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HOME
New technology creates more variety in stone finishes By Andrea Antunes McGilton CONTRIBUTOR
In the past, pretty much all granite countertops had a polished shine. Today, due to new technology, that is no longer the case. Along with a huge selection of stone materials, patterns and colors, a variety of finish options are available to create dramatically different looks on the same stone. Here are a few: Polished stone has a glossy, mirror-like surface that draws attention by reflecting light. Showcasing the flecks of the specific stone, polished granite has long been the most popular choice for kitchen designs. It still is. Polished granite is also used effectively as flooring, lending a high gloss in more formal rooms. A honed finish presents a buffed or matte appearance. While the surface is
smooth, it often lacks the high degree of reflection of a polished finish. Matte finishes create a softer feel without disturbing the colors and patterns of the stone. Honed surfaces are used effectively for counters and backsplashes where a more muted surface is preferred. Honed granite is just as smooth as polished. Bathroom applications Using a variety of stone finishes can be subtle and visually dramatic. soften the look when Leathered finishes are used effectively combined with other metallic or highly in kitchens and bathrooms to lend a reflective surfaces. rustic patina. Rough finishes, such as leathered or Leathering has become particularly brushed, bring out the natural characterpopular in the Lowcountry since a major istics of the stone. Different levels of stone fabricator acquired state-of-the-art sheen and relief appear depending on equipment from Italy. This finish is each unique slab.
achieved through a technique that brushes the stone to bring out the natural texture. The intensity of the color is preserved and enhanced. For granite or marble that has interesting veining, a leather finish enables you to actually feel the movement in the stone as well as see it. With all of these finishing choices, homeowners are now using the same granite or stone in a kitchen or bath and applying different finishes. For example, polished stone can be placed on the perimeter counters and leathered stone used on the island where it creates a unique visual and textural surface. Now, along with color, pattern and texture, finishes allow you to customize your stone even more. Andrea Antunes McGilton is project manager at Distinctive Granite and Marble, with showrooms in Okatie; Lady’s Island; Pooler, Ga., and on Hilton Head Island.
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The Hilton Head Sun
Sept. 8, 2016
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Sept. 8, 2016
The Hilton Head Sun
REAL ESTATE
Top real estate companies never rest on their laurels By Dee Gramoy CONTRIBUTOR
While there have been a lot of changes in the real estate industry over the past 30 years, there are a number of significant reasons why a real estate company becomes successful and stays successful. They all have to do Dee Gramoy with providing outstanding customer service and robust real estate resources to all of their seller and buyer clients. Here are the top five reasons for a real estate brokerage’s success, longevity, and why their success is your success: 1. Tradition of trust – With so many properties, options and terms to choose from, it’s possible for clients to feel that maybe they did not get the best real estate deal. However, a number of companies and agents have achieved a reputation and have a track record for always doing right by their clients. 2. Real estate brokerage gets many buyer leads – National and worldwide real estate franchises utilize extensive advertising to attract home buyers who want to live or invest in the Hilton Head Island area. Their robust referral network does a great job of matching potential buyers to current properties for sale. 3. Physical office location that gets a lot of traffic – When selling a home,
location, location, location is almost everything. It’s no different with the location of a real estate brokerage, especially here in the Hilton Head area. Our area gets lots of visitors, many of whom would love to buy a home and live here. 4. Local market experts who get results – Whether working with buyers or sellers, experienced real estate agents know: 1) the local real estate market, 2) how to optimally price a property, 3) how to effectively market all types of homes, 4) how to generate buyer leads, 5) and how to ensure a smooth and problem-free transaction. 5. Outstanding online presence and promotion and print media advertising – To successfully get from “For Sale” to “Just Sold,” top-producing real estate professionals use an effective combination of internet marketing, local newspaper and magazine advertising. The properties that they list enjoy extensive exposure and ongoing 24/7 promotion. Successful real estate companies and agents do not rest on their laurels – to be successful every day and throughout the years, they continually exceed to succeed. Dee Gramoy is the Broker-in-Charge & Owner of Century 21 – A Low Country Realty, which has been serving the Hilton Head Area for the past 30 years. dkgramoy@aol.com
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The Hilton Head Sun
Sept. 8, 2016
REAL ESTATE
Real estate investing on island makes a lot of sense By Carl Schroeder CONTRIBUTOR
Buying a rental property on Hilton Head Island is a smart investment. For starters, the return on investment is better. Why settle for 1 percent from your bank, when you can get more from a good rental property? Carl Schroeder Additionally, low interest rates, good property values and high rental demand (both long-term and short-term) enhance the HHI investment appeal. There are many affordable real estate investment opportunities on the island. These days, when managing your money, it is important to invest in income streams that give you a positive cash flow,
leverage your debt, control your financial assets, and prepare to deal with inflation. Even though we might not be in an intense inflationary market right now, the cost of goods and services are still going up. We are paying more for food, utilities and insurance – just to name a few. So earning more money makes sense, and I believe that it’s a good idea to add properties that produce income to your investment portfolio. Here are five reasons why buying Hilton Head real estate is a smart investment: • Continual cash flow – A positive income stream, this is higher than bank earnings, pays for the property and might be used for other expenses as well. • Appreciating asset value – Smart
real estate investing allows you to buy more assets with less money, multiply asset value, and increase equity as loans are paid down. • Hedge against inflation – With property values rising over the past three years, real estate investing is once again a good bet in beating inflation. • Favorable tax advantages – Tax
benefits for real estate owners include: mortgage interest deduction, accelerated depreciation on certain items and deduction of expenses related to managing the investment property(s). • Real financial assets – Income-producing real estate is an asset that has meaningful value. Both land and building have value, and the income that is produced has value to current and future investors. Important note: When investing in real estate, I strongly suggest that you obtain additional advice from your attorney, accountant and-or financial advisor on the specifics and how it will help your portfolio. And, keep your investment eyes on Bluffton as well. Carl Schroeder, 2014 Hilton Head Realtor of the Year, is a Realtor and associate broker with Foundation Realty. He has been serving the Hilton Head area since 1976. Carl@hargray.com.
Sept. 8, 2016
The Hilton Head Sun
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REAL ESTATE
How can home sellers avoid buyer ‘horribilization’? By Chip Collins CONTRIBUTOR
Maybe “horribilization” isn’t a real word, but it definitely is a real thing. Prospective homebuyers have a tendency to “horribilize” the cost of house projects – and perhaps rightfully so. After all, it’s better to budget Chip Collins high and come in under budget than to under-budget and come up short on cash – or just superfrustrated that something ended up costing more than you had wanted or planned. So, how can home sellers avoid buyer horribilization? The first step is to take a walk through your property with a set of buyer’s eyes.
This means looking up, down and all around at every surface, wall, ceiling, floor and corner – inside and outside the home. If you were looking to buy the house, what do you see now (as opposed to all the things you’ve come to accept or not even notice any more)? Is the roof stained? Are the floors worn? Is there mildew? How about cracked tiles or missing grout in the shower or tub? Unless the home is relatively new, the likelihood is that there are some items that could use some attention. And, here’s why you need to consider taking action before putting your property on the market: There is a high proba-
bility that the actual cost of addressing and correcting those items will be substantially lower than what a buyer might think they will cost. Said differently, a buyer is almost always going to overestimate the potential cost of a house project (i.e., “horribilize”), which can have a direct impact on
the amount of money he or she is willing to offer or pay for your house. Take, for instance, a stained roof. A seller thinks: It’s fine, doesn’t leak, and works great. A buyer thinks: This house needs a new roof (and they estimate it at $15,000 to $20,000). Reality says for $500 the roof stains can be cleaned away, making the goodcondition roof look great (and, by the way, the real cost of a new roof is only $8,000 to $10,000). So, it’s a good idea to avoid real estate “horribilization” by taking a proactive step to address and correct areas of concern BEFORE you put your house on the market. It will save you time, money, and stress in the long run – making the nearterm investment well worth it. Chip Collins is the Broker/Owner of Collins Group Realty chip@collinsgroup realty.com or www.collinsgrouprealty.com
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The Hilton Head Sun
Sept. 8, 2016
PHOTO BY JEAN-MARIE COTE
ut n llo tio Pu ec S
Sept. 8, 2016 • SECTION B Volume 5, Issue 9
Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra New season begins See page 3B
Hilton Head Choral offers Summer Pops - 6B
Trumpeter-photographer show at Art League - 8B
Artist Amos Hummell has his own brand of fun - 10B
An Evening of the Arts Sept. 17 - 12B
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PERFORMING ARTS Sept. 8-9 3rd annual Bob Masteller’s Jazz for All Ages, jazz festival to benefit the Junior Jazz Foundation. 7 p.m. at Sonesta Resort. Features rising jazz stars plus vocalist Rene Marie, vocalist Maria Howell, pianist Noel Friedline and trumpeter Joe Gransden with their septet. Tickets $25 each. www.jazzforallages.com or 843-842-8620 Sept. 9-11, 16-18 “9 to 5 The Musical,” Beaufort Theatre Company, at USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret St., Beaufort. Curtain 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9, 16, 17; 3 p.m. Sept. 11, 18. Adults $40, seniors and military $25, students $15. www.uscbcenterforthearts.com or 843-521-4145 Sept. 9-11 “Steel Magnolias,” by Coastal Stage Productions at The Shed, 809 Paris Ave., Port Royal. “Shelby’s Reception” dinner theatre, 6 p.m. Sept. 9-10. tickets $48 in advance, include dinner. Performance only 8 p.m. Sept. 9-10; 2 p.m. Sept. 11, tickets $18 advance, $20 door. www.brown papertickets.com or 912-656-1598 Sept. 9 “This Land I Love,” summer pops concert, Hilton Head Choral Society, 8 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Pkwy. Directed by Tim Reynolds. Tickets $10-$40, available at www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org or 843-341-3818. Sept. 10 Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus season opener, 7:30 pm. Lucas Theatre for the Arts. Featuring Rossini, Sortomme and Beethoven. Tickets $16 to $100, season tickets available. www.savannahboxoffice.com or 912-525-5050 Sept. 12-14 Karina Smirnoff of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” group workshop and private coaching sessions, Fred Astaire Dance Studio. 843-8376161 Sept. 15-18 “Follies 2016 – It’s Show Biz,” annual show, 7:30 Sept. 1517, 2:30 Sept. 18, Magnolia Hall at Sun City Hilton Head. Tickets $23 non-members, $20 Sun City Community Theatre members. www.suncitytheatre .org or 843-645-2700
Sept. 8, 2016 Sept. 17 “Steel Magnolias,” by Coastal Stage Productions, 7 p.m. at Ehrhardt Auditorium, 420 Madison St., Ehrhardt. Tickets $18 advance, $20 the door. www.brownpapertickets.com or 912-656-1598 Monthlong At the Jazz Corner: Sept. 9-10, Kevin Bales Trio, featuring Adiran Cunningham; Sept. 16-17, The Randy Napoleon Trio; Sept. 23-24, Lynn Roberts with Bob Alberti’s Trio, featuring Bill Prince; Sept. 30Oct. 1, The Bria Skonberg Quartet. Music nightly at 8 p.m. C-1 Village at Wexford, Hilton Head. 843-842-8620 or www.thejazz corner.com
VISUAL ARTS Sept. 6-Oct. 2 “Past Presidents Show,” Society of Bluffton Artists, featuring work by each of nine past artist presidents. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. Sept. 9. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-3 pm. Sunday. Corner of Church and Calhoun streets, Old Town Bluffton. 843-757-6586 or www.soba gallery.com Sept. 10, 17 34th An Evening of the Arts, preview 6-8 p.m. Sept. 10 at Karis Gallery, Village at Wexford; gala 6:30-10:30 p.m. at the Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa. Preview art by contributing artists to be auctioned, pre-bids accepted. Preview is free; gala is $135, tickets available at www.isca-online.org. Sept. 13-Oct. 29 “Fabulous Fiber,” exhibit by Art Quilters of the Lowcountry, Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Dr., Hilton Head. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. Sept. 13. Gallery talks 10 a.m. Sept. 26, Oct. 11, Oct. 25. Gallery hours 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 843-6896767 or www.coastaldiscovery.org Through Sept. 23 Paintings by Bluffton self-taught artist Kristy Noel Gillinder on display at Bluffton Library., 120 Palmetto Way in Bluffton Village. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 am.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday. FunkyTownMayor@gmail.com Through Sept. 24 “Backstage: Fotos & Filters,” iPhone photography exhibit by professional trumpet player Billy Howe, Art League of Hilton Head, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. Sept. 8.
www.artleaguehhi.org or 843681-5060 Through Sept. 30 “Anonymous Ancestors,” art installation by Susan Lenz, at the Sea Islands Center Gallery on the USCB Historic Beaufort campus, 1106 Carteret St. Artist lecture 4:30 p.m. Sept. 30, followed by artist’s reception at 5:30 p.m. 843-521-4126 or kkeats@uscb.edu
MISCELLANEOUS Sept. 18 West Side Block party and Dramatic Reading by Deep Center, 3-7 p.m., Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, Savannah. Celebrating stories, history and culture of Savannah’s West Side and work of young writers. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Block party on Wayne Street follows readings, with music, food trucks, public art. www.deepkids.com Sept. 19 Auditions for “White Christmas,” noon-8 p.m., Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head. All roles available, including female age 9 to 12. Directed by Mark Martino, performances run Dec. 7-31. Auditions by appointment only; call Gail Ragland at 843-686-3945, ext. 202 or email GRagland@artshhi .com. Character descriptions, more at www.artshhi.com/auditions. Sept. 19 Shore Notes Open House and Membership Drive, 7 p.m. Island Lutheran Church, 4400 Main St., Hilton Head. Seeking new members for women’s a cappella harmony group, no experience necessary. 843-705-6852 or www.hiltonheadshorenotes.com Sept. 25 “Kitchens of Note” tour to benefit Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. Noon to 4 p.m., featuring six chefs in six homes in Berkeley Hall. $40, www.hhso.org or 843-842-2199. Proceeds benefit HHSO and its youth programs.
COMING UP Oct. 1 “Got Art?” fundraising art show, 4 p.m. Art League of Hilton Head, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head. Each $100 ticket guaranteed a piece of art from ALHH members. Each ticket admits two to event. Free preview Sept. 27-30, 10 am.-4 p.m. and Oct. 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 843-681-5060 or www.artleaguehhi.org
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HHSO League presents Kitchens of Note tour
P H OTO B Y J E A N - M A R I E C OT E
The League of the Symphony Orchestra is hosting its fourth annual tour of homes, featuring six notable kitchens and six local chefs in beautiful architect-designed homes, from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 25 at Berkeley Hall Club. Proceeds from the tour benefits the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and its Youth Programs. The fourth annual tour is a selfdriving tour through the Berkeley Hall community. Each of the six kitchens will host a chef from a local restaurant, and each will offer a sample of their best recipes. Participating are: Chef Jeff Cong, The Bluffton Room, Bluffton; Chef Clayton Rollison, Lucky Rooster Kitchen & Bar, Hilton Head; Chef Keith Josefiak, Old Fort Pub Waterfront Restaurant, Hilton Head; Chef Michael Cirafesi, Ombra Cucina Rustica, Hilton Head;
Chef Matt Valentino, The Pearl Kitchen & Bar, Bluffton; and Chef Tom Boland, R & D Wine Boutique, Bluffton. Guests will enjoy a great afternoon visiting beautiful kitchens and enjoying delicious food, all in the atmosphere of one of Bluffton’s most prestigious communities. Tickets are $40 per person and are available at Burke’s Pharmacy on Main Street and Le Cookery in the Village at Wexford on Hilton Head, and at Markel’s Card and Gift Shop in Bluffton. Last year’s tour sold out quickly, so early ticket purchase is suggested. Tickets may also be purchased by calling Julie Williams at 843-342-2199. Or, make checks payable to the HHSO and mail to the League of the HHSO, P. O. Box 6095, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938.
Orchestra’s 35th season opens with special gala evening The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra will open its 35th season – Music of Grandeur and Majesty – with a gala event featuring Garrick Ohlsson, one of the world’s most eminent pianists, at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Pkwy. Maestro John Morris Russell will conduct this special event. Tickets are now available at www.hhso.org or by calling 843-842-2055.
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Sept. 8, 2016
New season at Arts Center chock full of fun
Following a hugely successful 201516 – and also a 20th anniversary celebration – the new theater series at the Arts Center looks to be better than ever. Get ready, Jane Austen fans, because the season is launched with her most beloved of works: “Pride & Prejudice” (Oct. 4-23). The plot revolves around the lovely, quick-witted Elizabeth and her three sisters finding a husband, though that’s not Elizabeth’s priority – until Mr. Darcy arrives, that is! This witty, romantic play brings this classic to life. Based on the 1954 film, Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” (Dec. 7-31) is a heartwarming holiday musical the whole family will love. Featuring a beloved
score, this is the story of two buddies who put on a show in a Vermont inn and find their perfect mates in the bargain. Revived on Broadway in 2009, “White Christmas” was nominated with several Tony Awards and Drama Desk Awards. The winter slot (Feb. 7-26, 2017) is a riotous comedy of misidentity with “Leading Ladies.” The play focuses on two English actors who find their careers in a rut. They are currently performing in Amish country when they hear an old lady in York, Pa., is about to die and leave her fortune to two long-lost nephews. They resolve to pass themselves off as her beloved relatives and get the cash.
Hilarity ensues when it turns out the relatives are actually nieces. The actors, however, are not above passing themselves off as two women to cash in. This crazy comedy is completely off the chain. Spring brings a heavenly good time with “Sister Act” (April 26-May 21, 2017), the amazing musical comedy smash that the New York Post calls “ridiculously fun!” “Sister Act” tells the hilarious story of a wannabe Las Vegas diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in a convent. Nominated for five Tony awards, “Sister Act” is a tribute to the power of friendship, filled with amazing music,
outrageous dancing and a moving story. Summertime sizzles with “Mamma Mia” (June 14-Aug. 6, 2017). Writer Catherine Johnson’s sunny tale unfolds on a Greek Island paradise. On the verge of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover her father’s identity brings three very different men from her mother’s past back to the island they visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship. For more information or subscriptions to the entire season, call 843-842-2787 or visit www.artshhi.com. Single tickets for “Pride & Prejudice” and “White Christmas” are already on sale.
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Live ‘mUUsic’ series in Bluffton begins third year The third annual “mUUsic series” of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry will open Sept. 23 with the popular Velvet Caravan of Savannah. This performace was postponed from Sept. 2 due to inclement weather. The band is an eclectic, high-energy, acoustic-based quintet of guitar, violin, standup bass, percussion and keyboards, and is very popular in the Savannah area. Performances for the upcoming series include: Claude Bourbon (Oct. 21); Megan Jean and the KFB (Nov. 18); Uncommon Collective (Dec. 9); Porto Seguro Band (Jan. 20, 2017); Kyle Shiver (Feb. 17, 2017); Angela Easterling (March 24, 2017); Little Country Giants (April 28, 2017); and Neptune’s Car (May 19, 2017). The mUUsic series is an affordable, intimate, family-friendly, and smoke-free environment to enjoy excellent music.
Velvet Caravan opens the mUUsic 2016 series.
Performances are held at the UU Congregation of the Lowcountry, 110 Malphrus Rd. in Bluffton. Tickets are available at the door. Cost is $15 for adults and $10 for students and children 12 and under, unless otherwise noted. Seating is general admission. All performances take place on Friday evenings. Doors open at 6 p.m. Performances begin at 7 p.m. Wine, beer, and water are available for purchase prior to show and during intermission.
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Sept. 8, 2016
Patriotic Pops Concert opens Choral Society season The Hilton Head Choral Society extends a call to everyone who loves America to attend their season opener Pops Concert, “This Land I Love” at 8 p.m. Sept. 9 at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Pkwy., Hilton Head Island. The concert will celebrate America with songs that remind us of all that we hold so dear. “It will be a musical tribute about what our country stands for and the beautiful land we call home,” said Glenn Neff, co-president of the Choral Society. “It will be a fun concert. In fact, we are going to be singing about every state in the union and even take you out to the ballgame!” The evening will include performances of “American Anthem” from Ken Burns’ documentary “The War” and Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land.” In its 41st season, the longest running performing arts group on the Island
promises a night of memorable entertainment suitable for family and friends. The 100-voice ensemble will also perform songs that resonate with all Americans – classics such as “What a Wonderful World” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
Tim Reynolds, in his 17th season as the artistic director of the chorus, feels that this emotional and inspirational catalogue of Americana is exactly what audiences crave to hear these days. “It’s very important to remind ourselves of the greatness of our country and
her people,” said Reynolds. “The music is reminiscent of our past and born from our common struggles and triumphs. From folk songs to standard pops classics – these songs remind us of the strengths created by diverse cultures and traditions, which help make America the greatest nation.” All seating is reserved. Tickets are $10 to $40 and are available at www.hilton headchoralsociety.org or by phone at 843-341-3818. The Hilton Head Choral Society was founded in 1975, to perform Handel’s “Messiah.” The repertoire and membership have been expanded to include major classical and contemporary works and seasonal favorites, performed with professional musicians and soloists. The Choral Society is a non-profit organization. The primary source of financial support comes from concert ticket sales, donors, program advertisers, concert sponsors, and grants.
Sept. 8, 2016
Past SOBA presidents come together for show The Society of Bluffton Artists welcomes its past living presidents as the featured artists in September at the SOBA Gallery. These nine talented people will have a wonderful and varied collection of their recent work to share from Sept. 6 to Oct. 2. The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) began in 1994 with a handful of artists meeting monthly and displaying their artwork at “Somewhere on HIlton Head Circa 1858” by Chris Clayton Bluffton’s Town Hall once a year. Terry Brennan, Dave Dickson, Chris ClayLynda Potter was the first president. ton, Sandra Wenig and Marian Sanders. The Society gained nonprofit status in Enjoy their work as well as that of the 2002.There are now 185 SOBA memother member artists at the opening wine bers, with more than 100 of them reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9. exhibiting art at the gallery regularly. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nine presidents whose work will Monday through Saturday and 11:30 be on exhibit are: Lynda Potter, Dee a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more inforJohnson, Helen Evans, Emily Wilson, mation, call 843-757-6586.
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Sept. 8, 2016
Art by trumpeter Billy Howe now playing at Art League
“Cheerleader” by Billy Howe
“Backstage: Fotos & Filters” by Billy Howe opens at the Art League of Hilton Head gallery Aug. 30 and runs through Sept. 24. An artist’s reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 8. The event is free and open to the public. As a professional trumpet player since 1980, Howe is best known locally as a long-time member of the popular group “The Headliners.” The majority of Howe’s photographs are taken backstage before or after the band performs. Howe describes “Backstage” as “a collection of images taken on my iPhone while performing here locally and throughout the southeast. After capturing my ideas, they’re transformed with many different software filters and infused with color.” Howe, a graduate of Morehead State University, credits his photography professor, Gene Pyle, for kick-starting this lifelong hobby. Howe’s photography inspirations include Henri Cartier Bresson, Julius Shulman and Annie Leibovitz. Combining his love for music and
photography is a natural fit for Howe’s exhibition. Those who view his works might decide to pick up their own phones and start capturing their everyday surroundings. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 90 minutes before all Arts Center performances. The Art League gallery is located inside the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane on Hilton Head Island. For more information, call 843-681-5060 or visit www.artleague hhi.org.
“Help” by Billy Howe
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Get art at ‘Got Art?’ Got Art?, the Art League of Hilton Head’s annual fundraising benefit, will be held at 4 p.m. Oct. 1 in the Art League gallery at 14 Shelter Cove Lane, inside the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. The event promises to make collectors out of art enthusiasts. Each $100 ticket admits two guests into the event and participation in a live drawing that guarantees the ticket holder one original piece of art. Only 100 tickets will be sold. This fun and popular event is typically a sell out. What makes the event special is that every ticket holder goes home with an original piece of local art created and donated by Art League member artists. Artwork might include paintings, drawings, photography, collage, jewelry, ceramics and sculpture. Each piece is valued at $200 or more. Not knowing when your name will be called adds a certain element of fun and suspense. You never know which pieces
will still be available when it’s your turn to choose. It always proves to be a lively night. Member artist Amos Hummell will again serve as emcee for the evening and the drawing. The evening preview and reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres is followed by the main event drawing. When each ticket is drawn, the holder gets to choose an original piece of art. Every ticket is a winner. More than 100 works of art for the show will be on view from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 27-30 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 1 in the gallery. Those buying tickets are encouraged to preview the show and make note of their preferences. To purchase a $100 ticket, call 843681-5060 or visit www.artleaguehhi.org. Tickets are also available at the gallery and the Art League Academy, 106 Cordillo Pkwy.
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Sept. 8, 2016
With crazy subjects and colors, Hummell is right at home By Lynne Cope Hummell Amos Hummell has always had a hard time defining his art styles – plural. Over the past 25 years, he has created three-dimensional sculptures out of junk, colorful beads out of polymer, metal signs bearing his young sons’ clever remarks, and “normal” paintings on canvas. Still, his heart is in cartooning – even though as a student, his cartoons of teachers got him into detention. Long-time Bluffton residents might remember when Hummell brought his art to life on the stage at his former Calhoun Street studio from May 2005 to September 2007. The third Friday of each month, his Living Colors art performances told a new story of Art Boy, his Art Goddess, the wealthy patron (The Baron) and the Art Angel, all trying to save the world through art. “We were going to turn Old Town Bluffton into an art Mecca,” he said recently.
The last of the series now hangs in Studio B Marketplace in Bluffton, awaiting permanent homes. Recently, he finished a piece on deadline for an art show. But he didn’t like it. When he showed it to his most P H OTO B Y C H A N D L E R H U M M E L L honest critics, they Amos Hummell at work in his home studio on HIlton Head Island. didn’t like it either. While more art eventually came to “Then I mapped out a second one in Bluffton, Hummell retreated in late 2007, the vein of the first one,” he said. But when art became a victim of the economy. there was no excitement for him. “It But the self-taught artist never stopped wasn’t fun.’” creating. Over the past few years, So he sat down and did some Hummell has taken his art into a more “random experiments” and came up with classic format – paint on canvas. His fish “some interesting things. It was crazy. series, “Missing Poissons,” featured And it was much better.” hidden fish in textured layers of color. Now, Hummell said, he is embarking
on a new adventure with his paintings. As always, it is difficult for him to name, but he can describe it: “Basically, what I do is crazy stuff that makes people laugh – or at least smile,” he said. The new work might be a bit different from the expected. “I am embracing the abstract,” he said. “I’ve always aspired to be a cartoonist, so this is a coming together of the Living Colors experience, theatre and forays into painting, coming together with the heart of the cartoonist.” But the fish are still present. Fish give an artist a lot of latitude, he said. And fish can be crazy, he said. And colorful. “I think people like crazy. I like crazy,” he said. “I think people are fascinated by crazy. I’m fascinated by crazy.” Hummell’s work can be seen at Studio B Marketplace in Bluffton, and The Karis Gallery and Art League of Hilton Head on the island. For more information, visit www. hummellstudios.com or find Studio B on Facebook.
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‘Anonymous Ancestors’ at USCB
“Anonymous Ancestors,” an art installation by Columbia artist Susan Lenz, wll be on exhibit through Sept. 30 at the USCB Sea Islands Center Gallery in Beaufort. A public lecture will be given by Lenz at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 30, followed by an artist’s reception at 5:30 p.m. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. For this installation, thousands of
anonymous, vintage photographs have been altered to create a nostalgic interior that allows viewers to become immersed in the myriad of family stories handed down through generations. The exhibit suggests the narratives of distant aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents, siblings and in-laws. “Anonymous Ancestors” is society’s family tree, a collective wall of ancestors. For more information, email Kim Keats at kkeats@uscb.edu.
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Sept. 8, 2016
Island’s original art auction and gala set for Sept. 17
“Proud Flower” by Peter Karis
The Island School Council for the Arts (ISCA) celebrates its 34th An Evening of the Arts to be held at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. A preview reception of artwork to be included in the live auction will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 10 at Karis Art Gallery in the Village at Wexford. Contributing artists will be in attendance to meet and greet guests. The work will be available for pre-bidding and will remain on display through Sept. 16. The island’s original art auction and fundraising gala features a live juried art auction, including significant works of art, delicious food and entertainment by bright new stars from the Carolinas to Broadway.
Spectacular original pieces of artwork donated by acclaimed professional artists, jewelry, literary works of art, and arts packages designed to promote the Lowcountry’s diverse talent will be offered in the live and silent auctions. The proceeds of this event represent the majority of the funds that support ISCA’s arts programs: Artist-inEducation Residency Program, Teacher Grants Program, Promising Picassos Student Art Exhibitions, ISCA Student Scholarships and the Rising Stars talent competition and scholarship program. Since 1971, the Island School Council for the Arts has funded more than $2 million in these programs supporting the visual, performing, and literary arts, supporting academic achievement and scholarship through arts education in all southern Beaufort County schools, both public and private. “ISCA is so excited to bring the bright new stars of Broadway to the island to work with the students in our schools and to entertain our lucky guests at this year’s An Evening of the Arts, said ISCA President, Veronica Tigges. “We look forward to presenting a star-filled night of exquisite and fabulous entertainment.” Tickets are $135 per person. For more information, visit www.isca-online.org.
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Find Salvation in a sandwich at Alvin Ord’s of Bluffton By Pam Gallagher Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, or so goes the old saw, and the menu and method of making sandwiches at the Lunde family’s new Alvin Ord’s sandwich shop pay strict homage to Tom Lewis, who has owned and operated the Port Royal shop by the same name for more than 30 years. “He’s perfected it,” said Eric Lunde of Lewis, who agreed to show partners Lunde, his son Chris and Chris’s girlfriend Corri McKenzie his assembly-line method of making sandwiches. It starts with homemade bread and melted cheese running through a heated conveyor belt before meats are added and the process is repeated. Next come the fresh accompaniments: lettuce, tomato, onion, peppers, and condiments of your choice: garlic butter, mayonnaise, spicy mustard, sauerkraut. The finished product is wrapped in white butcher paper and tucked into a brown Alvin Ord’s lunch bag. The fresh-baked daily bread, French or whole wheat, is the canvas, if you will, for the shop’s signature sandwiches: The Salvation, The Cheese Salvation and Ham Salvation. On its run through the conveyor, it toasts just enough for extra-large helpings of cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan to melt into the bun, and once the ham, salami, or for other variations roast beef, turkey, bacon, steak or tuna are added, the flavors blend into a warm, hearty meal more filling than most sandwiches. All are priced at $6.95 for a small, $9.10 for medium, $16.25 for large. Friends and business associates Lunde and Lewis, both Army veterans and classic car collectors, have a licensing agreement. The Bluffton shop uses the same products and purveyors as its Port Royal namesake and offers a similar menu, but it’s not a franchise. “Tom is the
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Alvin Ord’s Salvation and Turkey Club
kind of guy who’s very fair,” said Lunde. “He doesn’t like franchises, and told me ‘You should be working for yourself.’” The Bluffton shop, on May River Road in Old Town in the space that formerly housed The Sippin Cow, is more than twice the size of the Port Royal location. With a big, pet-friendly screened porch and beer and wine available, the remodeled space is comfortable and casual. Alexis Summer Wonser’s colorful artwork painted on distressed wood lines the walls, and a Lowcountry-themed mural painted by Lunde’s grandson’s girlfriend, Shelbie Middlebrook, depicts local scenery. Since its mid-summer opening, Lunde said the reception has been fantastic, with folks lined up at the counter at lunchtime and a steady trickle through midafternoon on weekdays. Open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Alvin Ord’s caters and makes local deliveries of 10 sandwiches or more. Call 843-757-1300. Freelance writer Pam Gallagher was a copy editor at USA Today and a staff writer and fashion editor for the Asbury Park Press.
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