The Sun City Sun • May 21, 2024

The Perfect Pairing

REAL ESTATE Home Sellers Call the Shots when Selling their Homes

BY LARRY STOLLER Contributor

I recently sold a home in Sun City Hilton Head wherein the Home Seller was very proactive in the entire selling process.

Before being hired to sell the home, I offered some reasons why the home did not sell previously, and I then explained the marketing plan that I would implement to get the home from JUST LISTED to JUST SOLD.

The seller agreed with most of the methods in my marketing plan and offered a few other ideas that he felt would make the marketing more powerful. They were outstanding ideas and were incorporated in the overall marketing plan.

The reason that his ideas were outstanding was simple. I mean, who knew more about his home than he did? What were the reasons that made him buy that home? And what upgrades and updates did he do to make that home so special and unique?

Basically, the seller called a lot of the shots as we collectively marketed his home. For example, I suggested that we needed to show the true value of his home to all prospective buyers. He pro-

vided a list of all the upgrades, updates, and special features (with respective dollar costs) of his home and we incorporated that document in his listing.

I also mentioned that we were competing with a lot of “new construction” homes and needed to show why his home was better than new.

He developed a spreadsheet of all the reasons why his home was better than a new home, and that was also made available to all prospective home buyers.

Since his home was very special and had so many incomparable improvements, the seller felt that it would be a good idea let prospective buyers know why he was selling. He prepared a personable letter in which he explained how much he enjoyed living in his home and why he was selling.

How would all these documents and marketing shots be made available to all prospective buyers (and this was a question that the seller asked me)?

The answer was, “We would include them in the actual listing, mention them in our property descriptions, showcase them in our photos, talk about them in our videos, and display them in our property flyers as well.”

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

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Salute to the Nurses Honor Guard of SC

BY ANDREA HOERNER

Contributor

What does the word NURSE stand for?

Nurture, Uplift, Respect, Service, Empathy.

Who better to carry out these attributes than the Nurses Honor Guard?

These nurses volunteer their time to attend the funerals of other nurses, performing the Nightingale Tribute and Last Call to Duty, a ceremony that acknowledges a nurse’s service.

Started in Kentucky and now with chapters in 38 states, the Nurses Honor Guard pays tribute to nurses at the time of their death with a service similar to a military tribute that officially releases the nurse from nursing duties.

Members dress in the traditional white uniform complete with cap and cape. The ceremony is brief and consists of reciting the Nightingale Tribute and laying of a white rose on the casket or next to the urn, symbolizing the nurse’s dedica-

tion to the profession. During the Final Call to Duty, the Nightingale Lamp is lit in the nurse’s honor, and the nurse’s name is called out as a request to report to duty.  After the third and final call, and with no response, the nurse is announced as retired, and the lamp’s flame is extinguished, and condolences are given to the family.  In addition to this service, a Living Tribute is available for the nurse who is toward the end-of-life but still alert.

“This is a such a fitting tribute to nurses, who have dedicated their lives to helping others.” says Susan Lazarcheck, a Sun City resident and member of the group.

Known as the “Lady with the Lamp,” Florence Nightingale (1820 – 1910) was an English social reformer, statistician, and the founder of modern nursing. Nightingale came to prominence while serving as a trainer of nurses during the Crimean War, in which she organized care for wounded soldiers. Death rates were sig-

nificantly reduced by improving hygiene and living standards. In 1860, Nightingale laid the foundation of professional nursing with the establishment of her nursing school at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. It was the first secular nursing school in the world. International Nurses Day is celebrated on her birthday, May 12.

The South Carolina group was founded in June 2019 and has grown from five to 300 members since then. The Beaufort County chapter was started in 2021 by Lisa Terwilliger, an active nurse at Beaufort Memorial Hospital where she is Nurse Manager of the Orthopedic Unit.

Sun City members include Phyllis Sippel, Susan Lazarcheck, Suzie Hillborn and Judith Harlow-Huben.

“We invite nurses, whether still working or retired, to join us, it is so rewarding,” commented Phyllis Sippel.

Other activities that the Beaufort County Nurses Honor Guard participate

in include Wreaths across America, Beaufort’s Veterans’ Day parade, the butterfly release at Caroline’s Hospice, and the pinning ceremony for graduating nurses at Technical College of the Lowcountry.

This ceremonial tribute is offered free of charge for anyone who was an RN, LPN, CRNA or APRN active or retired, who holds a nursing license in good standing with the Board of Nursing from their home state or the state of South Carolina.

Donations are welcome and are used to purchase the items used in the service, while members purchase their uniforms, provide their own transportation, and volunteer their time. As a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization, donations are tax-deductible.

For further information on how you can be involved or to request a service for a loved one, please Contact Phyllis Sippel psipp7777@gmail.com or Susan Lazarcheck, sml1977@yahoo.com.

The Sun City Hilton Head

The Sun City Hilton Head

In Sun City Hilton Head, the inventory of available homes is on a steady rise, hitting a notable milestone of 136 listings fo r sale. This marks a substantial 116% increase compared to last year, boasting the largest inventory since 2020. However, closed sale s are experiencing a dip, down by 27%. Additionally, the median sale price for the year has seen a modest decline of 3% compare d to the previous year. These trends collectively suggest a gradual cooling of the market from its fervent pace of recent years .

In Sun City Hilton Head, the inventory of available homes is on a steady rise, hitting a notable milestone of 136 listings fo r sale. This marks a substantial 116% increase compared to last year, boasting the largest inventory since 2020. However, closed sale s are experiencing a dip, down by 27%. Additionally, the median sale price for the year has seen a modest decline of 3% compare d to the previous year. These trends collectively suggest a gradual cooling of the market from its fervent pace of recent years .

This market presents an opportunity for buyers to have a wider selection of homes to choose from and negotiate with sellers m ore favorably compared to a year ago. For sellers, it offers a chance to capitalize on their properties while prices remain near historic highs.

How Can I Assist You?:

For homeowners considering selling their properties in the near future, I invite you to reach out for a comprehensive Market Analysis and an in-depth market review. By understanding the current market dynamics, we can tailor a strategy that ensures your home stands out and fetches the best possible value in this evolving landscape.

This market presents an opportunity for buyers to have a wider selection of homes to choose from and negotiate with sellers m ore favorably compared to a year ago. For sellers, it offers a chance to capitalize on their properties while prices remain near historic highs. Ho comprehensive Market Analysis and an in strategy that ensures your home stands out and fetches the best possible value in this evolving landscape.

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“““Gary is agent I used when I bought my villa in 2017. He is very knowledgeable about Sun City and very pleasant to work with. He determines YOUR needs and desires and works to fill them. I have referred a number of people to Gary over the years. There is no one else I would have thought of using when it came time to sell in 2024. He's the best. RK

Gary is agent I used when I bought my villa in 2017. He is very knowledgeable about Sun City and very pleasant to work with. He determines YOUR needs and desires and works to fill them. I have referred a number of people to Gary over the years. There is no one else I would have 2024. He's the best. RK

In my 45 years of working with realtors, Gary stands out as the best I've ever encountered. We have used Gary 3 times and will again if we need a realtor. Gary has helped us in 2012, 2015 and 2016.

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A Time to Remember: Memorial Day

Its time to remember those who have sacraficed for our freedoms. A Memorial Day event is being held in Magnolia Hall at 10 am. on May 27 to do just that, with a wreath laying at the Veterans Memorial outside the hall in Volunteers Park.

Usually on Memorial Day the featured speaker talks about the ultimate sacrifice. This year’s speaker is General Lloyd W. “Fig” Newton, who has accomblished so much and will share it. He was designated a command pilot, with over 4,000 flying hours in various aircraft including the T-37, T-38, F-4, F-15, F-16, C-12, and the F-117 stealth fighter. His distinguished service includes flying 269 combat missions in Vietnam in 1968 and becoming the first African American pilot to join the U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron, “The Thunderbirds,” in November 1974. From 1978 to 1982, he served as an Air Force congressional liaison officer with the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. Born in Ridgeland, South Carolina, he graduated from Jasper High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree in aviation education from Tennessee State University in Nashville in 1966. In 1985, he obtained a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. General Newton has commanded three wings, an air division, and held numerous senior staff positions, including Director of Operations, J-3, United States Special Op-

erations Command, and Assistant Vice Chief of Staff Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. General Newton’s Air Force career culminated as the Commander of the Air Education and Training Command, where he oversaw recruiting, training, and education for all Air Force personnel. His command included 13 bases, 43,000 active-duty personnel, and 14,000 civilians.

After nearly 35 years in the Air Force, General Newton became an Executive VP of Pratt & Whitney Military Engines in East Hartford, Ct., where he oversaw all customer requirements, support, and services. At P&W, he guided business development, aftermarket services, integrated logistics support, fleet management, and global customer satisfaction which led to an annual revenue of $1.3 billion.

In recognition of his achievements, he was inducted into the South Carolina Aviation Hall of Fame in 1998 and appointed by President Bush to serve as a commissioner on the Defense 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission (The BRAC) in April 2005.

President Barack Obama appointed him as a commissioner for the White House Fellows Program in June 2009.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors of The National Business Aviation Association, Polaris Tech Charter School, the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, and the University of South Carolina Beaufort.

General Newton is married to the former Elouise Marine, and they reside in Bluffton, SC.

General Lloyd W. “Fig” Newton

BY JOE TURINO Contributor

Creative Spirits Unite at Sun City’s All About Art Club

In the vibrant community of Sun City, the All About Art Club stands as a beacon for creative spirits. With over 350 active members, it epitomizes the diversity and inclusivity of art.

Club President Patti Rozonkiewiecz is proud of the array of artistic mediums utilized by its members. “The mediums utilized by our members and on display here in the studio are pastel, acrylic, oil, watercolor, and colored pencils,” Rozonkiewiecz explained, signaling only the beginning of the club’s offerings. “We also have our newest, digital media, which would be any of those combined and we also deal with abstract and realism. So, we cover anything to do with art,” she added. This expansive approach ensures that every member, re-

gardless of their preferred style or medium, finds their niche within the club.

The club also embraces modern technology in art creation. Rozonkiewiecz clarifies the broad range of techniques encompassed when members mention digital. “Some members use an application, some procreate, but others are using the computer as the media, so they are still creating a blank piece of paper and use a stylus pen or a brush— they’re not artificial intelligence,” she said, emphasizing the human creativity behind each digital piece.

Since moving to Sun City in January 2021 and joining the club, Rozonkiewiecz has discovered a wealth of activities that stimulate the artistic passion of its members. The studio walls are consistently adorned with art, and the club hosts regular classes, competitions, and

art shows. “We have more than 30 classes a month that are free, and a few that have a nominal fee involved,” she explained.

Annual highlights for the club include the “Creative Vision” event in collaboration with the Sun City Photography Club and an All About Art Club Spring Show where members’ artwork is on display and available for sale. These events offer members unique opportunities to display their work and draw inspiration from the world around them.

Rozonkiewiecz is a firm believer in the transformative power of practice and learning in developing artistic skills. “I do not believe anyone is born to be any one thing. If it is something that you enjoy doing, then you take the time and you practice,” she said. For those uncertain about their artistic tal-

ents, she encourages a positive mindset: “I cannot do it yet. It is just that I have to learn the tools and I need to practice.”

The All About Art Club is committed to fostering an inviting and supportive environment that promotes artistic growth among its members. Rozonkiewiecz extends a warm invitation to all Sun City residents: “We love everybody and all we want to do is color and paint together and bring each other up!”

Residents interested in exploring their creative sides are encouraged to visit www.scartclub.com, where it is easy to explore the calendar, activities, classes, and more. The club offers a space where everyone, regardless of their skill level, can paint their passions and discover the artist within.

Sun City Group Fundraiser Breaks New Record with ‘Change 4 Change’ Campaign

BY JOE TURINO Contributor

In a record-breaking achievement, the “Change 4 Change” event organized by one of Sun City’s Community Groups raised over $70,000 this year. These funds will support the ongoing mission of the “Friends of Back Pack Buddies II: The Box Program” to combat hunger among school children in Beaufort and Jasper counties.

Diane Brayden, the communications manager for the program, expressed her enthusiasm about the outcome. “The entire focus of our effort is feeding hungry kids,” Brayden said, emphasizing that the goal is to enable them to focus entirely on learning. The initiative currently supports over 700 school children, with 25-pound boxes of shelf-stable, healthy food to help supplement their family’s food budget.

This new record was made possible through the generous contributions of Sun City residents and the dedication of numerous volunteers who canvassed participating neighborhoods. “Our annual ‘Change 4 Change’ fundraiser, which spans two weeks, is crucial for funding our annual budget,” Brayden explained. The campaign mobilizes over one

hundred volunteers, including seventy-three neighborhood captains, co-captains, and assistants who are active during the spring drive. The effort also includes six members of the group’s Steering Committee and over twenty individuals who assist monthly in collecting, packing, and delivering food boxes throughout the school year.

The logistics of the program involve volunteers who watch for sales to purchase food, meticulously assemble the boxes, and transport them to schools for distribution to parents. In addition to these efforts, during the summer months when school is out, the group provides tokens to families that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at Bluffton’s weekly Farmers Market.

The core of the fundraiser is a coin-collecting cup distributed to residents for gathering spare change, though Brayden notes that many choose to contribute via cash or checks. “All donations are deeply appreciated and go towards this worthy cause,” she stated. Following the two-week campaign, the painstaking task of rolling coins begins, culminating in the exciting tally of this year’s record-breaking $70,000.

The SCIIJ supports the development and production of independent and nonprofit news in S.C. to promote democratic ideals.

Time to Get Ready for the Amateur Radio Field Day

The Sun City Hilton Head Amateur Radio Club (SCHH ARC) is gearing up for an exciting participation in the Amateur Radio Relay League’s (ARRL) annual Field Day on Saturday, June 22nd. This event is open to all Sun City Hilton Head residents and will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. at Lake Somerset.

During the Field Day, the SCHH ARC plans to operate up to six amateur radio stations. Attendees can expect to witness live communication exchanges not just across the United States but also with other countries and continents, demonstrating the vast reach and capabilities of amateur radio.

ARRL Field Day is not only the most popular on-the-air event held annually in North America but also a critical

showcase of how amateur radio can operate during emergencies, especially when traditional power and communication systems are down. This event emphasizes the use of temporary antennas and independent, off-the-grid power sources, illustrating the self-sufficiency of amateur radio.

This event is an exclusive opportunity for Sun City Residents to experience and learn more about the fascinating world of amateur radio. Whether you’re interested in possibly joining the Sun City Hilton Head Amateur Radio Club, a curious observer, or someone interested in emergency communications, the Field Day offers something for everyone.