The Sun City Sun • April 16, 2024

Earth Day Event Coming

To Pinckney Hall

Bob And Julie Donelson at their Solar Power display. 2SCS

Protecting Our Little Corner of the Earth

BY ANDREA HOERNER Contributor

“It’s a phrase I grew up with: you throw rubbish and trash ‘away’ and take what you don’t need to ‘the dump.” You can’t throw anything away. There is no away. It matters where what we’ve used ends up. It doesn’t go away – it goes somewhere, and eventually, that somewhere will catch up with us.” Tomas Pueyo, Sketchplanations

This year’s Sun City Earth Day promises to be bigger and better in many ways. This event is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Participants include Sun City clubs, vendors, and a Palmetto Electric exhibit touting energy saving ideas for your home. It will be held in the Pinckney Hall ballroom, with some vendors in the adjacent parking lot. Food trucks will be there to fend off hunger pangs.

Earth Day is sponsored by Lowcountry Environmental Action (LEA), a Sun City Registered Community Group. The group’s 130+ members are organized in

teams to address various environmental issues.

The Four Rs team, led by Ilene Schwartz, encourages residents to Reduce, Replace, Reuse and Recycle. Our throw-away lifestyles can be modified easily by being thoughtful about purchases and recycling wherever possible. Examples might be a permanent water container instead of purchasing bottled water or using reusable bags when shopping. Recycling is good, but reducing and reusing are better steps to take.

When asked about her involvement with the group, Ilene said “I really enjoy being part of a group of people who not only understand the impacts of climate change and other environmental issues, but who are also dedicated to helping people learn about these impacts and what they can do to help.”

Land & Water focuses on encouraging the use of native plants and conservancy issues. Paula Smith, the group’s first president said, “I have always been a lover of nature, but became motivated to do

more after viewing a film called ‘The Messenger,’ about the loss of North American songbirds. My interest eventually led to working to establish a Sun City environmental group. My hope is that people will

JOIN US AT THE

.begin to see that we are all connected to Earth and its inhabitants. What happens to birds… happens to all of us.”

Participants gather information at 2023 Earth Day.

Each in per H $2 and a H Ic ( L i m i t a n d i

REGISTRATION

Thursday, May 2 7 a.m.– 7 p.m.

Friday, May 3 7 a.m.– 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 4 noon– 4 p.m.

Members will be able to tune in to the business meeting, online ONLY, a t palmetto.coop or Palmetto Electric's Facebook pa ge. Regi Gifts

On Saturday, May 4, we will livestream the business portion of our Annual Meeting, beginning at 5 p.m.

A Hive of Creativity at Sun City

BY JOSEPH TURINO Contributor

A beehive of creativity might just be the most fitting description for the scene inside the Sun City Glasscrafters Club Studio, where its members engage in the delicate craft of creating stained glass. These artworks are not just pieces of colored glass; they are expressions of love and boundless imagination.

The club’s 250 members have Nancy Roast as their president, who recently extended an invitation to those who had entries in the Sun City Creative Vision Event and Competition to express their passion for the art of creating stained glass pieces. This unique event, a collaborative fusion of Sun City’s Photography, Art, and Glasscrafters Clubs held recently, offered five Glasscrafters Club members the chance to “create” a glass masterpiece inspired by a photograph.

Mary LiVecchi, who clinched first place

in the Favorite Glass category with her piece titled “The Great Escape,” drew inspiration from a photograph captured by Doug Scott, a Photography Club member. His work, “Nevada Northern #8,” earned him first place for photography. LiVecchi shared, “I took a picture of the photo and then broke it down into slices of glass,” utilizing an online program to create a template for transforming the image into “pieces of glass,” akin to assembling a jigsaw puzzle. This method marks the commencement of genuine creativity and craftsmanship.

The photograph provided by Scott, whom LiVecchi praises as an “extraordinarily talented photographer,” conjured memories of a cherished childhood cartoon, “The Roadrunner.” The narrative of this show, centered on the endless rivalry between the

Glasscrafter Debbi Boccanfuso diligently crafts her large stained-glass piece, 48 by 20 inches, that she describes as ‘a legacy piece for a friend incorporating snapshots of her life.’

REAL ESTATE Real Estate Fun Facts from Bluffton and Beyond

BY LARRY STOLLER

Contributor

As Bluffton home sales continue to heat up, let’s cool off and enjoy some fun facts about what’s happening with real estate in Bluffton and beyond. Here we go (answers at the end):

1. Where is the most expensive single-family residence for sale in the Bluffton-Hilton Head area?

Colleton River Sea Pines Palmetto Bluff

2. What’s the listing price of that most expensive home?

$15,874,000 $17,995,000 $19,499,000

3. What’s the listing price of the most expensive home currently for sale in the United States?

$185 million $295 million $340 million

4. Where is that most expensive home located?

California Florida New York

5. How many $5 million PLUS homes are currently for sale in Bluffton?

Five Eight Thirteen

6. Where in Bluffton are 88% of those $5 million PLUS homes located?

Belfair Colleton River Palmetto Bluff

7. In Bluffton, what are the most bedrooms and full baths, of all the homes that are currently for sale?

6 BRs – 6 BAs 7BRs – 8BAs 8BRs –9BAs

8. How much did Warren Buffet (he is currently worth 138.6 billion) pay for the house that he purchased in 1958 and still lives in?

$31,500 $47,700 51,900

9. What is considered to be one of the soundest long-term investments? mutual fund real estate stocks

10. In Scotland, when do homeowners paint the front door of their house red?

when they have their first child when they pay off their mortgage when they retire

Here are three more bonus questions?

11. In what year did Charles Darrow obtain a patent for the game of Monopoly?

1930 1935 1940

12. Which board game sold more copies worldwide?

Monopoly Trivia Pursuit

13. How many more copies did that game sell?

50 million 100 million 150 million

Do you have any real estate questions that you would like answered? Contact you favorite Bluffton real estate agent or email me at: larry@realestatefive.com

Larry Stoller is a local Broker and Realtor with Real Estate FIVE of the Low Country. He sells homes throughout the Bluffton and Hilton Head area. Larry@RealEstateFive.com, www.RealEstateFive.com.

Larry Stoller

Women’s Tennis Group Hosts Trivia Night to Boosts Funds for Charity

BY JOE TURINO Contributor

A recent Trivia Night hosted by The Women’s Tennis Organization (WTO) of Sun City, held at the Pavilion on April 5, was hailed as a “very successful night” by Angela Bossu Wolfe, the chair of the organization.

The event drew a lively crowd, with teams of four to six participants each huddled around tables, eager to outdo one another with their quick wit and trivia prowess. The event succeeded in raising over $5,500 for local charities and featured a Silent Auction that showcased an array of more than 40 donated baskets brimming with specialty items and gift certificates.

Wolfe expressed her thanks to “the Trivia Night Committee and their volunteers for all their work and to all those participating in the event for their contributions.” A special thanks went to Bob and Eileen Waite, who served as trivia DJ’s.

The WTO, established in 2006 and an affiliate of the Sun City Tennis Association, operates under a mission statement that commits to “sponsoring tennis by promoting fellowship of women across all player levels and experience.” The group

is dedicated to supporting local charities and enhancing community projects through engaging events like Trivia Night.

A key initiative of the WTO Charities is the Memorial Scholarship program. This vital program supports high school tennis players by providing essential equipment, training opportunities, tournament exposure, and additional tennis-related activities. Scholarship eligibility is extended to varsity players recommended by their tennis coach in grades 7 through 11 who maintain a B average or higher, with awards up to $500 per recipient. There are 10 current recipients including five students at Bluffton High School, three to John Paul II High School, and two at May River High School.

Public Tennis Inc., another beneficiary of the WTO, is a nonprofit organization that champions tennis accessibility for players of all ages and skill levels throughout Beaufort County. The organization also lends its support to Bluffton Self-Help and the Pledge the Pink Foundation. With more fundraising events on the horizon for this year, the Women’s Tennis Organization continues to serve as a beacon of community spirit and philanthropy in Sun City.

Trivia Night’s winning team pictured from left to right include: Tyler Tollstrop, Brian Fogg, Jacki Scott, Catherine Tollstrop, and Sandy Holz. The sixth member of the winning team, not pictured, is Stan Holz, the photographer who took the photo.

Sun City Chorus and Orchestra Celebrate 25 Years

BY RHONDA HARRIS Contributor

The Sun City Chorus and Orchestra invites you to its spring concert, “Forever Gold,” celebrating 25 years of entertainment. Performances are May 9, 10, 11 at 7 pm, and May 12, at 2:30 p.m. at Sun City Hilton Head’s Magnolia Hall. The public is welcome. Tickets, $27, are available at suncitytixgmail.com, 843-941-9729, or at Magnolia Hall box office, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9-11:00 am.

Art Hansen, Music Director, and Lorraine Hansen, Assistant Director, have put together an uplifting program with a variety of pop, Broadway, film, and other favorites.

Opening with a lively arrangement of Pete Seeger’s “If I Had a Hammer,” the 60 plus mixed voice chorus and 20 some-piece orchestra continue with a medley from the Hollywood music of MGM, favorites from Paul Simon, Carole King, and the ever-popular, Jersey Boys. Act Two keeps up the pace with selections from Carly Simon, Motown, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Mamma Mia, and Rog-

ers and Hammerstein. The orchestra will be spotlighted with the music of Gershwin and John Williams. In between numbers, Art’s informal chats with the audience will enhance listening pleasure.

No one is more excited about this anniversary celebration than Chorus member Judy Barry, who helped start the club. She, and Janet Van Name, another early member, recall the challenges of the early days when the singers had to borrow bleachers from the soft ball field, had makeshift costumes, volunteer directors and only piano accompanists. But enthusiasm, camaraderie and creativity sustained the fledging group. When asked why she still participates after 25 years, Judy said, “It’s my passion! As long as I can do this, I will. I just love it.” She attributes the club’s success to its active Board of Directors and committees. “Donors and its many Lowcountry advertisers are extremely important as well,” Judy said. “You need people that are willing to do a little bit collectively.”

It was about 2001 when Art and Lorraine

came on board, and the instrumentalists were added. Art explained, “I tried to build the orchestra from the inside out, and in the beginning, it was a struggle. And then I just had to say to the club, we need to pay for some people to come in and play, and immediately the shine was on the apple. I think the orchestra players we have now are good and I’m happy.” He shared that his biggest challenge “is to find material that is doable and singable by the group that I have on hand, and the size of the orchestra. That is a continuous changing equation that I deal with, and I hope to keep pulling the right numbers out of the sky and getting them to fit.”

When asked what is most gratifying to

him, Art said, “The most rewarding thing is the growth of the group. It took a while to change the overall culture on how people view the activity when they walk in the door which was sort of you know, on the side or something you do for fun.” He added, “I think the culture has changed enough to say the singers understand that the fun is in the doing it well, not just doing it. And that really raises the level of performance over all every year.” He noted Lorraine’s important role as well. “I just feel that without her, I couldn’t make the shape fit. She’s an essential of the production puzzle for me, and of course, her talents are obvious at the keyboard. I’m fortunate that we work as well together as we do.”

Where Are All of the Casserole Queens?

BY CHRIS ROOSA Contributor

The year was 2005. My husband and I fled from the humid inferno of the Houston summers to begin a new active life in Sun City. According to our realtor, there were numerous clubs we could join with activities galore. It sounded like a dream come true. I was so prepared to have a funfilled retirement.

The fourth day into this new venture I was on the ladder, in our new kitchen, putting the last rooster above the cabinets when I fell. I found out the ambulance can make it to my house within five minutes. Off to the local Coastal Carolina Hospital we went. Pins were placed in my hip, and I was returned home to the loving care of my husband. We didn’t know a soul in South Carolina at that point. My husband had never cooked a meal in his life. Macaroni and cheese with an assortment of trimmings on hot dogs were the selection, day after day. The pain

dragged on for eight solid months followed by more healing time. The hip never healed properly thereby requiring a hip replacement. More recovery time. The menu never changed so it was more mac and cheese with franks. There’s only so many wieners a recovering body can consume.

Daily, I lay in bed with my little Maltese never leaving my side. Meals were brought to my bedside. My dutiful canine would sniff the incoming delicacy and quietly crawl away from the tray to the furthest corner of the bed. It’s bad when even the dog can’t be tempted with table food. After several months of these “gourmet meals” I finally told my husband to take off his wedding ring, hustle over, as quickly as he could, to the local dog park. I encouraged him to look starved and forlorn. I instructed him to wait for a “Casserole Queen” to approach. It was my understanding that these “Casserole Queens” flocked to the unwed men or widowers of

Sun City. They would cook them delicious casseroles and even deliver the meal to the house. Yes, yes! Food. This is what I wanted. Nourishment, delicious nourishment.

I’m not too proud to send my husband out there to solicit a decent meal for his starving bride. I was famished! However,

he never came home with anything to titillate my taste buds. Either he was his usual quiet, shy self, or he didn’t look pathetic enough.

Why had I not thought to marry a man that knew how to cook? Why had I not trained him to be out going, even flirty, if necessary, with the “Casserole Queens?” The days slipped into weeks which turned into months. I was beginning to look like a wienie and Mac topped with relish and onions.

As much as I HATE to cook, it was almost a delight to get back in front of that stove and whip up a wonderful, nutritional meal at last. It was the only time in my life that I welcomed my time in that terrible room known as the kitchen!

Just a pleading message to you “Casserole Queens” - should I need you again, please pay attention to a sad looking geezer with two ugly old little Shih Tzu’s. Bring him a delicious meal to bring home to the wife, please!

EARTH FROM PAGE 2SCS

A local issue that involved LEA was use of an 84-acre parcel located on Hwy 170 across from Sun City between NHC and the Sea Grass Plantation. This land had been bought by the county with money from the Rural and Critical Lands program, but two entities eyed the parcel for their projects. Upon appeal, County Council rejected the proposed plans, and the area will remain natural, as intended.

The Energy Transition Team’s focus is on electric vehicles and solar power among other issues, one environmental area that can save consumers money. Growing up on a farm in Tennessee, Bob Donelson, LEA president, has had a lifelong interest in the environment. He joined LEA after he retired from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and moved to Sun City.

Changing over to a heat pump when your HVAC system is up for replacement is something to investigate. Replacing the lighting in your home with LED lighting reduces consumption of electricity. Installing solar panels can recoup costs in seven years and see an immediate 4 % increase in home value. Sun City recently has relaxed its rules on solar panels, thus encouraging residents to install them.

Formed shortly after the first Sun City Earth Day in 2020, LEA’s mission is to research, educate and promote actions that individuals and our community can take to create a more sustainable environment. For more information visit their website: lcenvironment.org.

BOOK REVIEW

Lost Souls in Other Birds

BY GLENDA HARRIS Contributor

“Other Birds is the latest novel by Sarah Addison Allen, who also wrote “Lost Lake”, “Garden Spells” and “The Girl Who Chased the Moon”, to name a few. Described by the publisher, as “…an enchanting tale of lost souls, lonely strangers, secrets that shape us, and how the right flock can guide you home”, I couldn’t agree more. This book stands out when compared to the others by this author, and in a most enchanting way.

Zoey Hennessey arrives on Mallow Island in the Lowcountry of South Carolina to move into her recently deceased mother’s apartment. Upon meeting the residents of this 5-unit apartment building called Dellawisp, (named after the small turquoise birds who make the island their home), Zoey is fascinated with the disparate group of young and old.

She is welcomed to Dellawisp graciously, though she quickly learns they are each struggling with personal issues and the need to find answers.

As Zoey gets to know her new neighbors, they begin

to confide in her. She finds herself swept up in an atmosphere that ultimately feels magical…and, strangely enough, it feels like home.

This is truly a “feel good” story, perfectly executed. Call it a “cozy-up-in-a-comfy-chair” kind of read. The reviews are very good and “Other Birds” has found a large audience, having already sold millions, translated into more than 30 languages.

Check this one out and be sure to Google this author for all her other books. Born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina, you can follow Sarah Addison Allen on Facebook/Instagram: @Sarahaddisonallen or her website: www.sarahaddisonallen.com

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CAPTAIN FLINT (DOG)

Flint is an easy-going guy who walks great on a leash. He loves affection and gets along with most dogs. He often gets overlooked at the PAL Adoption Center because he only has one eye. We believe he will adjust to a new home within weeks and provide steadfast companionship. Captain Flint is 7 years old, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped. If you are interested in adopting Flint, call PAL at (843) 645-1725 or email Info@PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.

MIGHTIE (CAT)

Mightie came to Palmetto Animal League with her sister who was recently adopted, and now Mightie seems a little sad. She would love to find a calm, quiet home where she can start life anew. Do you have room in your heart and home for sweet, 7-year-old Mightie? She is up to date on vaccines and microchipped. If you are interested in adopting Mightie, call PAL at (843) 645-1725 or email Info@PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.

GLASSCRAFTING FROM PAGE 4SCS

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Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote, sparked an idea. Notably, the fictitious “ACME CORP” featured on the base of her creation, echoes the cartoon’s primary supplier of Wile E. Coyote’s myriad of explosive devices aimed at capturing the Road Runner. LiVecchi ingeniously cast the coyote as the engineer of her stained-glass train, with the Road Runner in front of the train, dedicating approximately 114 hours to complete this glass art piece. Barbara Jaslow was one of five entries in Creative Vision for her stained-glass piece titled “Two Hummingbirds and an Iris” inspired by Photography Club Member Tom Mills’ photo titled “Iris: Goddess of the Rainbow.” She had no knowledge of stained-glass crafting before coming to Sun City and has been a member

now for two and a half years. She said when she works on a stained-glass creation the hours pass by very quickly and members who share the studio are “friendly and helpful,” and she especially loves the camaraderie.

Rast highlighted the high demand for club membership, noting the 100 individuals on the waiting list and the extended wait time of up to eight months or more for newcomers to commence the first required class. This bottleneck is primarily due to the limited capacity of the studio, which houses only 18 workstations. She elaborated on the training process, comprising three sets of three 3-hour classes totaling 27 hours. In addition to the class instructor, club member monitors are helping during these sessions, offering “hands

on” guidance to novices, emphasizing the comprehensive learning curve that awaits all aspiring glasscrafters.

Pictured are Barbara Jaslow’s stained-glass creation at left that took her 55 hours to complete inspired by the photograph on the right by Photography Club Member Tom Mills, who won a third place ribbon for Favorite Photography in the Creative Vision event.

Heritage. If you’re unfamiliar with it, we can assume 55 is also the number of years you’ve e side: The RBC Heritage is the only annual PGA TOUR event in South Carolina, and the event that essentially put Hilton Head Island on

eegala and Cameron Young. The Heritage has a long

relax somewhat after The Masters. As much as the event is defied by its traditions, there is one that they will be setting aside for this year – the role of chairman typically going to a member of the Heritage Classic Foundation. Ths year, that honor will be going to Davis Love III,

typically going to

the Heritage Classic Foundation. Ths year, that honor will be going to Davis Love III, the golfer who has racked up the most Heritage wins of anyone on earth with five. And there are far more numbers involved when it comes to Davis Love III. Of the record 33 times he’s played the tournament, he’s made the cut 22 times. His fist win came in 1987 when he was just 23, and this year he’ll celebrate his 59th birthday during the II, chairman number

$409,000

Sun City’s most popular model the Hamilton/ Jefferson features 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms and a Den. New Carpet in 2024. LVL flooring in the great room, kitchen, and hallways. Freshly painted in 2024. Kitchen features, Granite counters with tile backsplash, Black appliances, and whitewashed oak cabinets. Bay windows in the breakfast nook, master and 2nd bedrooms. Large Screened in back porch. Just a few minutes golf cart ride to all the amenities. and main gate.