The Bluffton Sun

May River Wrestling Rises: Sharks Rally to Historic State Championship

BY JUSTIN JARRETT Contributor

It was early September, and Beau Gwynn was anchoring a dominant offensive line that was leading a resurgence for May River High School’s football team when he appeared on the LowcoSports Lowdown to report on the Sharks’ other fall sports teams and field a few questions from the show’s hosts.

When the topic turned to the upcoming wrestling season, Gwynn made a prediction.

“Don’t be surprised if you see 14 dudes with rings on their fingers come February,” he said, vowing to trim himself down to 285 pounds so he could fill his spot in the lineup at heavyweight.

A little over five months later, Gwynn was preparing to take the mat Saturday at Dreher High School when another pin — Laurens’ fourth of the day — put the Sharks in a 24point hole with just five weight classes remaining and a maximum of 30 points outstanding. The margin for error was nonexistent. May River had to win all five matches, and they needed bonus points.

Gwynn turned the tide with a technical fall, and the Sharks’ shed full of hammers in the lower weights took care of the rest, as Stephano Calderon (106), Ryan Seman (113), and Marcus Foulk (120) all backed up their lofty spots in the state rankings with dominant wins to pull May River within 35-33 with one bout remaining.

And it all fell on 126-pounder Liam Engblom, an unsung junior relative to some of his peers who has had to battle for a spot in the lineup.

“I couldn’t imagine being in that position,” Gwynn said. “My stomach would be curdling. I couldn’t do it.”

But Gwynn knew exactly what his teammate needed to hear before the biggest match of his life.

“I said, ‘Hey, you just go out and wrestle your match,’” Gwynn recalled. “We had been pointing out all week to Liam that the kid gets tired fast, so you just wrestle your match, you stay in it. … And that’s what he does, and he goes out and gets a win for us to win the state finals. That’s what it’s all about. It’s about my teammates who might not get all the shine, but when it comes down to the biggest moments they produce, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Engblom aced the final, controlling the match from the outset and easily securing an 8-1 decision to lift the Sharks to a 36-35 win and claim the program’s first state title — and the first for a team from Beaufort County since Battery Creek won back-to-back Class 2A titles in 2014 and 2015.

“It went from pretty quiet to pretty loud starting around heavyweight,” Powell said. “Wrestling is a special sport, and this was a perfect example of it.”

It represents a breakthrough for a May River program that has been knocking on the door in recent years. Coach Ashley Powell’s teams lost to the Eastside dynasty in the Class 4A finals in 2021 and 2022 before being bumped from the bracket by Lugoff-Elgin the past two seasons.

This time, the Sharks made it to the moun-

taintop, and with only three seniors in the lineup — Gwynn, Darion White, and top-ranked 175-pounder Josh Echeverria — and an army of understudies, it feels like another dynasty is being born in the Lowco.

“Beaustradamus” thinks so.

“I’m one-for-one, and I’m going to call this again,” Gwynn said. “Don’t be surprised if come next February the Sharks are state champs again.”

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

WELCOMES

Jessica Elkins, PA-C

to Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group Specialty Care

To expand access to digestive health services in the region, Beaufort Memorial has added Jessica Elkins, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant, to the gastroenterology team at Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group Specialty Care.

A Beaufort native, Elkins is a graduate of the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio, with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, summa cum laude, from Lander University in Greenwood, S.C.

At the practice, she offers general and specialized gastroenterological care to patients alongside the Lowcountry Medical Group board-certified physicians in Okatie and Beaufort.

Memory Matters introduces SAVVY Caregiver Course –a unique resource for South Carolina caregivers

BY ZOË PERPALL Contributor

She said it was gastroenterology’s role in connecting the human body’s immune and nervous systems which sparked her initial interest in the field. Her clinical interests include the treatment and management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and liver and gallbladder disease, as well as the prevention of gastrointestinal cancers.

Memory Matters is proud to announce that it is the only organization in South Carolina offering the SAVVY Caregiver Course, a comprehensive program designed to empower family caregivers of individuals with dementia. This engaging course provides essential knowledge and skills to help caregivers navigate the complexities of caring for someone with cognitive challenges.

family members with the knowledge and support they need to feel confident in their caregiving role. I invite all caregivers to join this course and invest in their own well-being while learning valuable skills to support their loved ones.”

Registration for the SAVVY Caregiver Course is now open on the Memory Matters website. Interested participants can also call Memory Matters to secure their spot in this important program.

Elkins joins board-certified gastroenterology specialist

Dr. Michael Sciarra, physician assistants Kristen Johnson, Kimberly Thorpe, Marie Wilkinson and board-certified gastroenterology specialists

Drs. John Crisologo and Richard Stewart, at the practice.

The SAVVY Caregiver Course covers many important topics, including understanding dementia, effective communication strategies, managing challenging behaviors, and self-care for caregivers. Participants will gain valuable insights and practical tools that will enhance their caregiving experience and improve the quality of life for both them and their loved ones.

Zoë Perpall, Dementia Care Specialist and Certified Savvy Instructor, for the course, encourages caregivers to take advantage of this unique opportunity: “Caring for someone with dementia can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming at times. The SAVVY Caregiver course is designed to equip

This course is more than just an educational experience; it’s a chance for caregivers to connect with others facing similar challenges, share experiences, and build a support network. Memory Matters is dedicated to supporting families navigating the dementia journey, and the SAVVY Caregiver Course is a vital resource in that mission.

For more information and to register for the SAVVY Caregiver Course, visit www.mymemorymatters.org or call 843842-6688.

As the only organization in South Carolina offering the SAVVY Caregiver Course, Memory Matters continues to be a beacon of support and education for families affected by dementia, fostering resilience and empowerment in caregivers across the region.

Zoë Perpall is a Dementia Care Specialist, CMDCP Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional, and Certified SAVVY Caregiver Group Leader, SAVVY EXPRESS Group Leader.

Zoë Perpall

LEADERSHIP

BY RYAN CHOWANSKY Contributor

“You can’t be great without the greatness of others.” – Nick Sirianni, Head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, Super Bowl LIX Champions

The world needs more leaders. Not bosses, but real leaders.

People who actually listen. People who make decisions based on what’s best for the mission, not just themselves. People who see problems, solve them, and move forward with-

out waiting for someone to tell them what to do next.

You know the phrase “too many cooks in the kitchen”? The truth is, you actually want to build a team of cooks. That’s how a kitchen operates! The only people who complain about too many cooks are the ones who don’t have command and control of their team. A great chef leads their kitchen with structure, discipline, and trust. Every cook knows their station, their responsibilities, and the standard of excellence they’re expected to meet. (Guess who had their first job in a high-end restaurant kitchen? This guy.)

A winning team works the same way.

You don’t need to know it all. You don’t need to do it all.

You need to know what you want and what’s necessary to win. You need to acquire people who are great at their thing.

Give them a clear job description so they aren’t left guessing. Provide Standard Operating Procedures so they know what and how to perform. Put guardrails on their lane so they know their area to focus and deliver results. Set targets because Key Performance Indicators measure success.

Train them, invest in their skills, and help them fulfill their dreams. Stay one step ahead so they can keep growing and want to stay with your leadership. Zig Ziglar said, “You can have everything you want in life if you just help people get what they want.” Be the leader you wish you had.

A team full of excuses doesn’t make it to the Super Bowl or create an AllStar team.

A winning team is cohesive. They know their roles. They have the right leaders in the right places. They know their role, their products, their

trade, their vendors, and their subcontractors.

They are given the tools and supported needed to be successful so they can execute at a high level, every time. They don’t need to be micromanaged. They don’t need their hand held. They show up, they deliver, and they win.

That’s the kind of team you need to build.

Because at the end of the day, success isn’t about you.

It’s about what you can build, who you can lead, and how far you can take them. That’s how you build something great.

That’s how you win.

That’s how you become Built with Integrity. Go Birds!

Ryan Chowansky is the owner of Bluffton Builders, LLC, www.bluffton. builders.

Ryan Chowansky

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Contributors

Justin Jarrett

Zoe Perpall

Ryan Chowansky

Rep. Weston Newton

Lisa Hostetler Brown

Tracy Winslow

Collins Doughtie

Nick Martin

Mark Winn

Rob Pearson

Wendy Kushel

Kat Rice

Leslie Rohland

Luke Frazier

David Hackett

Dr. Horup

Abby Bird

Chad Cannon

Dr. Jean Harris

Zach Deloach

Rabbi Ken Kanter

Rev. Dr. van Rensburg

Rev. Dr. Jon Black

Annelore Harrell

Dr. O’Neill

Paul Tollefson

Tamela Maxim

SC Energy Security Act advances as lawmakers tackle DUI, insurance, and judicial reforms

BY REP. WESTON NEWTON Contributor

As expected, Chairman Herbkersman’s Labor Commerce and Industry Committee, following multiple public hearings over the last month, gave a favorable report to H3309, the South Carolina Energy Security Act, which is intended to keep our power supply affordable, reliable, and independent. This legislation reforms the Public Service Commission to provide stronger oversight of utility companies; encourages investment in nuclear and renewable energy to keep costs low and ensure longterm reliability; and expands energy transmission and storage capacity to support South Carolina’s growing communities.

Melissa McCullough PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-9507

Physical address: 181 Bluffton Rd., Ste F103-2, Bluffton, SC 29910 BlufftonSun.com All contents are copyrighted by Beaufort Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. All submissions must include name, address and phone number. The Editor reserves the right to edit or reject any material, including advertisements. The Bluffton 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. Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Old Town Bluffton

THE BLUFFTON SUN Issue 4, February 19, 2025, is published twice monthly by Beaufort Media Group, LLC, 181 Bluffton Rd Suite F103-2 Bluffton, SC 29910. Periodicals Postage paid at Bluffton, SC and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE BLUFFTON SUN, PO Box 2056, Bluffton, SC 29910-2056.

I am a co-sponsor of this bill and look forward to the debate on the House floor this month. As I mentioned in this space last month, I have been busy working with House Republicans to find common-sense solutions to address the challenges of South Carolina being number 3 in the country in DUI fatalities, rising DUI rates, and skyrocketing liquor liability insurance costs that are hurting responsible business.

This past week we continued discussions in subcommittee on H3497, which would require alcohol server training to improve safety standards, strengthen SC’s DUI laws to prevent reckless behavior, provide insurance premium relief by providing incentives for businesses who carry this type of insurance to mitigate the risk associated with on-premises consumption of alcohol and require insurance companies to offer premium discounts.

By way of background, Act 45 of 2017 mandated any establishment selling alcohol for on-premises consumption have a liquor liability policy with at least one million dollars of coverage. A report from the Department of Insurance reflects that insurance companies in the state spend almost three dollars on claims and expenses for every one dollar collected on premiums. Accordingly, insurance rates for customers have increased exponentially, some insurance companies have opted to leave the market, and many small businesses reportedly have closed as they cannot afford the increase in premiums.

Last year the House overwhelmingly approved and sent to the Senate similar legislation which died in the Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance. Three of the bills advanced by the Judiciary Committee early in this session relate to an Article V Convention of the States. An Article V Convention is one of two methods whereby amendments to the US Constitution may be proposed. Two-thirds of the state legislatures (34 of the 50) may call a convention to propose amendments,

This legislation allows SC to make an Article V application for a convention restricted to consideration of an amendment to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government through a balanced budget amendment. Further, a concurrent resolution (H3008) relating to an Article V Convention restricted to proposing an amendment establishing congressional terms limits as well as a bill seeking to set procedures for the selection, removal and responsibilities of commissioners to represent SC at an Article V convention both received a favorable report and will be advanced to the House Floor for debate. Finally, based on case and population statistics, the Chief Justice of the SC Supreme Court testified in support of a bill I sponsored which the Judiciary Committee has now passed, adding one additional family court judge in 3 of 16 judicial circuits in SC including the 14th Circuit which includes Beaufort and Jasper counties. As the session continues, my intention is to report on the progress of legislation in both the Judiciary Committee and the full House of Representatives. It is an honor and privilege to serve the citizens

If I may be of assistance, please do

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Join Us

Spring Cooking Classes

Sign up now for an immersive and entertaining personal enrichment experience. Learn hands-on skills from multi-talented instructors. Invite your friends and family and register today.

Where:

Culinary Institute of the South 1 Venture Drive, Buckwalter Place Bluffton, SC 29910

Sinfully Divine:

Baked French Desserts

10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Sat., Feb. 22

TCL’s guest pastry chef shares tips for baking French desserts. Includes samples and pastries to take home.

Meat-Free Magic: Vegetarian Dinner Party

10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Fri., Mar. 21

Chef Chris Litts teaches you how to create a four-course plant-based, vegetarian dinner, beyond tofu.

Spring Has Sprung: Asparagus & Strawberries

10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Fri., Mar. 28

Chef Opie Crooks highlights seasonal ingredients through hands-on preparation of a main course, side dishes and dessert.

Vegan Recipes: Because Broccoli has Feelings Too

10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Sat., Apr. 12

Chef Kim Stone shows you how to create vegan recipes perfect for spring holidays, graduations and picnics.

Cost: $150 per class. Aprons are provided. Questions? Contact Carrie Hirsch at chirsch@tcl.edu or 843-684-0923.

Get Your Jam on with Jambalya

10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Fri., Apr. 25

Chef Leslie Rohland demonstrates jambalaya, a savory Louisiana rice dish fusing African, French and Spanish influences.

Around the World: How Ingredients Influence Different Cultures

10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Fri., May 16

Chef Lynn Michelle shares her globally inspired culinary expertise with recipes featuring poultry and spices such as cinnamon and turmeric.

A Spanish Banquete: Roast Suckling Pig Holiday Feast

10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Sat., May 31

Chef Richard Canestrari shows you how to cook Cochinillo Asado, a roast suckling pig. Also includes sides and a Spanish dessert.

Tweens Can Cook! (Ages 8–12)

10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Sat., June. 7

Carrie Hirsch teaches tweens to prepare snacks, a main course and dessert. Includes a tasting with a parent.

Sitework kicks off for Beaufort Memorial Bluffton Community Medical Campus, groundbreaking later this spring

Dirt is finally moving on a $100 million Beaufort Memorial expansion project that has been seven years in the making.

The Beaufort Memorial Bluffton Community Medical Campus (BCMC for short) is in its earliest development stage, with sitework starting at the future facility’s location at the corner of Bluffton and Buckwalter Parkways in Bluffton.

Site clearing began at the beginning of February, led by construction firm M.B. Kahn, which is also tasked with the construction of the approximately 91,000-square-foot facility itself. The project will be completed in 2027, and Beaufort Memorial will hold a groundbreaking event at the Bluffton site in May.

“This project has been a long time coming, and it’s exciting to see dirt moving in Bluffton,” said Russell Baxley, Beaufort Memorial president and CEO. “The Lowcountry is a rapidly-growing region, and Bluffton residents deserve improved accessibility to high-quality, innovative, patient-first care. This is a huge step for Beaufort Memorial in delivering that care to them.”

Beaufort Memorial will provide emer-

gency services and outpatient surgical procedures at the BCMC, as well as related services that support emergency medical care (imaging, lab, pathology, trauma). The multi-level facility will have four operating rooms, two endoscopy rooms, a cath lab, two emergency triage rooms, five fast track and 13 other emergency treatment rooms and a trauma room. A large area on the third floor is available for future expansion, with plans currently being reviewed by the S.C. Department of Health for an inpatient unit with 28 beds.

Beaufort Memorial submitted a certificate of need (CON) in 2018 for a “micro-hospital” on this site in Bluffton and battled legal opposition until pivoting last September to instead move forward on a facility that initially won’t have inpatient beds.

Within the next few months, sitework will also begin on LiveWell Terrace by BMH, a collaborative effort between Beaufort Memorial, Beaufort County and the Town of Bluffton to develop workforce housing less than a mile from the BCMC site. That project will include approximately 5,000 square feet of medical office space, as well as 125 to 150 affordable housing units of varying sizes.

BY LISA HOSTETLER BROWN Contributor

Expert Answer: As the population ages, the number of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia continues to rise. In turn, families increasingly find themselves providing unpaid care to loved ones with cognitive impairments.

This caregiving role, though essential, comes with hidden personal, financial, and societal costs that can be substantial. In fact, a new study reveals that family caregivers of loved ones with dementia, if they were paid for their services, would be making six figures.

Unpaid family caregivers often provide a

wide range of support for their loved ones with dementia. This may include assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating, as well as managing medications and medical appointments. They also may offer emotional support, companionship, and help with household tasks, ensuring their loved ones maintain a sense of dignity and comfort in their daily lives.

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be particularly stressful. Caregivers often experience emotional strain from witnessing their loved one’s decline, leading to feelings of sadness and helplessness. The physical demands of caregiving can result in exhaustion, while the constant need for vigilance can create anxiety. Balancing caregiving responsibilities with their personal life can further contribute to feelings of isolation and burnout.

Unpaid caregivers often face financial

challenges as they balance caregiving responsibilities with their own employment and personal financial stability. Unpaid caregiving for older adults with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is a deeply meaningful yet challenging responsibility.

Family caregivers of individuals with dementia can access a variety of resources designed to provide support, education, and respite. Here are some key resources available to help them navigate this challenging journey:

• Support Groups

• Educational Programs

• Respite Care Service

• Online Resources

• Financial Assistance Programs

• Home Health Care Services

• Legal and Financial Planning Resources

By utilizing these resources, family care-

givers can find the support they need to manage their responsibilities more effectively, ensuring both their well-being and that of their loved ones. Caregivers need to remember that they are not alone, and that help is available. A great place to start is with a life care planning law firm with elder care coordinators who can narrow down choices and resources based on your needs. Bottomline, if you find yourself in a caregiving role, reach out to professionals who will guide you through the options available to meet your unique needs and can help you plan for the future so that you avoid the burnout that is so common with caregivers.

For educational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Lisa Hostetler Brown is a Certified Elder Law Attorney certified by the National Elder Law Foundation. 10 Pinckney Colony Rd, Ste 400, Bluffton, SC 29909 | 843-757-5294 | HiltonHeadElderLaw.com

Lisa Hostetler Brown

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Celebrating 105 years of love, family, and kindness: Helena Dinaso’s remarkable journey

BY TRACY WINSLOW Contributor

A bevy of peach roses surrounding her match her beautiful, smooth complexion. She held a balloon, so everyone knew where to find her to wish her another healthy year. More guests and flowers arrived as a camera crew moved in to partake in Helena Dinaso’s milestone; her 105th birthday.

Helena was celebrated by her friends, family, and caregivers on Monday, February 10th, at the Addison House of Bluffton. She has called this assisted living facility home since 2021. Helena is one of four daughters born to Biagio and Angelina Dinelli, immigrants from the Tuscany region of Italy. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1920, Helena lived the majority of her life there raising a family of three children, G. Thomas McKane, Patricia Hagen, and Kathleen Driscoll, with her husband Gordon T McKane. Helena and Gordon were married for 35 years until his passing. Helena married Joseph Dinaso, and they enjoyed almost 40 years together. Helena resided for over 30 years in Florida, next moving to Bluffton where her son,

Helen and her son, Thomas McKane

Thomas, also resides with his wife, Mary. Helena has six grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. She has

outlived both of her husbands, and all of her siblings. Helena is an avid gardener and began playing golf in her late 60s - even getting a coveted hole-in-one in her mid-70s. According to her family and friends, Helena has lived a life full of love, kindness, and hard work. Helaine Brown, Helena’s caregiver/CNA with Senior Helpers, says she has a loving and caring personality. “Helena is always concerned about the other residents, and, in the spirit of her Italian upbringing, is always making sure everyone has eaten.” When asked what her secret to longevity is, Helena said she is always surrounded by family and friends, and she ends each day saying, “Lord help us.” Best wishes, Helena, for your 106th glorious trip around the sun.

Tracy Winslow is the owner of Bluffton’s PREMIER yarn store - Low Country Shrimp and Knits. Take a class to learn how to knit or crochet, come squish the hundreds of different yarns available, and choose the materials to cast on your next obsession. All the information about Low Country Shrimp and Knits can be found at www. shrimpandknits.com. And we ship!

Bishop Eye Center is excited to offer patients the Light Adjustable Lens for cataracts. Unlike traditional fixed lenses, the Light Adjustable Lens allows us to customize and optimize your vision experience.

Studies have shown that Light Adjustable Lens recipients are almost twice as likely to achieve 20/20 vision or better without glasses post-cataract surgery compared to standard implant patients, which means that your best cataract surgery outcome is now even better!

Let’s talk about your eyes.

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Volunteers: the backbone of an organization

BY LANELLE FABIAN Contributor

If money is the lifeblood of an organization, then volunteers are the backbone. Volunteering is something anyone can do to help a community no matter their age, educational background, or other demographic characteristic and with more than 800 non-profit organizations in Beaufort County, it’s easy to get involved. It’s also easy to get overwhelmed with asks for monetary donations.

When an organization’s mission pulls at your heartstrings and you don’t have extra money to donate, remember the old saying ‘time is money’. According to Independent Sector, a coalition of nonprofits, foundations and corporate giving programs, the national value of a volunteer hour is $33.49. That’s more than $1700 a year for one hour per week of volunteering. We can also look at volunteers as invaluable. Helping our neighbors and serving our communities is truly priceless and even though we do not expect anything in return for our time there are positive benefits from volunteering. Volunteering is a way to meet friends, develop skills for future employment, and improves our quality of life. You can volunteer your skills from a current or previous job or use the opportunity to do something completely different from your everyday life.

Friends of Caroline has opportunities for all ages and skill sets. Medicare Hos-

pice Conditions of Participation require 5% of a patient’s care to come from volunteers. Our Patient & Family Support volunteers visit patients in their place of residence and provide support through companionship. These visits also provide respite for the patient’s family and caregivers.

Administrative Volunteers provide support to our main office, departments, and programs. Some assist in our office providing administrative duties while some greet guests to Caroline’s Cottage.

If you are looking for an opportunity that is more short term, our Fundraisers/Special Events Volunteers donate their time planning events to help plan, organize and implement one of our fundraisers: Release & Remember (April 26, 2025) or our Clay Shoot (October 3, 2025).

Most volunteer positions at Friends of Caroline require application and screening requirements that may include personal references, criminal background check, driving record check, and two-step TB test. Training for required positions is provided. Whether we see you releasing a butterfly in April or see you weekly in the office or in one of our patient’s homes, we thank you for your commitment to our community.

If interested in volunteering at FRIENDS of Caroline, please contact LaNelle Fabian, Director of Community Engagement at lanelle@fochospice.org or 843-525-6257.

Nature’s Way The cold is nothing to laugh about

BY COLLINS DOUGHTIE Contributor

As I sit here looking out the window at the thermometer hanging on my shed, it says its 34º. Maybe for you folks that hail from up north 34º is nothing but for a skinny little guy like me that is cold, really cold. O.K. so I am a ninny-baby. I’ll accept that title with pride but in my defense, it’s hard to come up with fishing stories when the water temperature is 50º. Other than sheepshead, sleepy redfish and a few lethargic trout, there really isn’t a lot going on.

Every afternoon I walk my beagle Butterbean down to river and yesterday was no exception. I was layered up something fierce and it wasn’t until I reached the river that I stopped, listened and realized that once again I was falling deeper into my annual winter slump. It was the listening part that did it. It was quiet, too quiet. No boat engines on the river, no splashes of fish jumping or porpoises rounding up schools of bait. Nothing was moving. Not squirrels, birds…nothing. If that wasn’t enough, after putting the Bean back in the house, I ran to the grocery store and walked by an old acquaintance of mine and she didn’t even recognize me. I’m not talking someone I kind of knew, but someone I did business with for years and years. I try not to think about getting old because deep down I have the mentality of an 18-year-old (or so I have been told many, many times) but age defi-

nitely changes one’s appearance. Yeah, I lost most of my hair back in my early thirties but the older I get, the more my appearance changes and not necessarily for the better. This revelation took me further toward the rabbit hole that winter always dangles me over.

So, with that said, I thought that this time around it might make me feel better if I thought back to a few memorable instances that occurred during my younger

years. Just thinking about some of them had me chuckling and maybe even a smile or two on this old, weathered face. I hope I am not bringing you down with my dread of winter so I am going to try to lighten things up with a game of sorts called “what if I told you…”

What if I told you that my first real experience with alcohol happened when I was 15. Without naming names (except maybe that one person was related to Charles Fraser), three of us teens were walking by the back door to the kitchen at the original Plantation Club in Sea Pines and there sitting in plain sight, was a case of Colt 45 malt liquor. Nobody was around; we were young and curious so guess what we did? Most of the roads were dirt back then and fearful of getting caught, we buried the loot way back in the woods in burlap bags. A month or two later, my folks went out of town and had me stay at one of my fellow criminal’s house.

The time had come. Knowing where a spare key to my house was hidden, we contacted a handful of friends and it was time to sample a taste of life. I don’t remember much but I do remember that I woke up in my shower with cold water running on me and the only person around was a kid with his head in the toilet to my left. I was there for a long time, forgotten and freezing to death. The next thing I remember is people carrying me by my hands and feet and dropping my

head on the beautiful Savannah red brick floor my parents had put downstairs. My next image was a heavy hand waking me saying “Get up! It’s time to go fishing!” Not sure where I was, it dawned on me I was at my friend’s house and that was his father ranting in my ear. OMG, I felt absolutely horrible but I couldn’t chance getting us all caught so on the boat I went. The ocean was like glass, not a ripple as we trolled for Spanish mackerel. It didn’t take long before I got violently ill over the side and my “friend” was saying one thing over and over again…” Big fisherman YOU ARE!” To make matters worse, after we finished fishing I went to check out my house and waiting for me was our maid Geneva. Is it possible for a black woman to turn red from anger? Without a doubt I can say yes to this question. Not only was the house trashed but also someone had put an entire box of laundry soap in the washer and bubbles covered the entire bottom floor of the house. To this day I cannot smell malt liquor without a gag reflex taking over. The only bright spot was that sweet Geneva never told my parents. I don’t know about you but I feel better about winter now. Maybe next week I’ll tell you about driving the length of Hilton Head without headlights. Just maybe…

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

Hidden benefits of 529 plans

BY NICK MARTIN Contributor

Beyond education savings, these plans can work for you –not just your kids.

Most commonly, 529s are known as a tool to save for college expenses taxfree, but even if you can cover college costs in other ways, don’t overlook how using these plans can benefit you. These investment vehicles can be used as a tax-efficient way to transfer wealth to future generations, reduce your estate taxes, and more.

Consider the goals you want to pursue with your estate and education planning. Do you want to minimize your taxable estate, provide for your loved ones’ education, or have flexibility to move the money? Once you know your goals, you can look deeper into your options.

529 PLAN BASICS

Costing almost nothing to set up, 529 plans offer several benefits, including tax-advantaged growth, flexibility, and high contribution limits.

Contributions to the plan are made with after-tax dollars, but earnings grow tax free, and withdrawals do, too, if used for qualified education expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and college room and board.

You can use the funds to pay for the education of any eligible family member, and you can change your beneficiary multiple times – so you can move money across generations without incurring taxes (as long as you don’t reach gift tax exclusions).

Scholarships can be used in conjunction with a 529 plan, and funds can be used toward graduate school or qualified apprenticeship programs to help students learn a trade and start their careers.

THE HIDDEN BENEFITS

Much more than a college savings vehicle, 529 plans empower you with additional strategies that can work to your advantage – and help you make the most of your money now and in the future.

• Reduce your taxable estate. Contributions to 529 plans are considered gifts for federal estate tax and state estate tax purposes, meaning you can remove money from your taxable estate by contributing to a 529 plan.

• Roll a 529 plan over into a Roth IRA. Starting 2024, the SECURE 2.0 Act makes it possible to roll over unused 529 plan funds to a Roth IRA when owned by the beneficiary, turning education savings into retirement savings. The 529 plan must be active for more than 15 years, the funds must be in the account for at least five years, and up to $35,000 can be rolled over to the Roth IRA over the account beneficiary’s lifetime (annual contribution limits for IRAs still apply).

After moving unused 529 plan funds to a Roth IRA, you designate yourself as the beneficiary. After this, you can contribute money to the plan and invest it in a variety of investment options. When you retire, you can withdraw the money from the plan tax-free and use it to pay for qualified retirement expenses, such as living expenses, healthcare costs and travel.

• Take control over how your assets are distributed. You can change the beneficiary at any time, giving you control over how your assets are distributed after your death.

There’s no federal limit on the amount of money that can be contributed to a 529 plan, and many states offer additional tax benefits for contributions made to their own state’s plan. There’s also plenty of flexibility in how the money can be invested.

• Pay tuition in cash – to the 529 plan. Instead of writing a check to the institution, fund a 529 plan, which could allow you to take a deduction on that

Nick Martin

BENEFITS

FROM PAGE 14A

amount. Then pay the tuition straight from the plan. You can also fund tuition out of a Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) transaction or trust account.

• Save for college expenses for multiple children or grandchildren. Open a single 529 plan and change the beneficiary as needed – making it easier for you to plan your annual contributions and distributions.

• Gift the money to a beneficiary. You can gift up to $18,000 per year per beneficiary (or $36,000 if you’re married) to a 529 plan without incurring gift taxes. This is a good way to help the beneficiary save for college without having to pay taxes on the gift.

• Gift money to family members or friends. A 529 empowers you to gift up to five years’ worth of annual gift tax exclusions in a single year without incurring gift taxes, so you could gift up to $90,000 per year per beneficiary or $180,000 per year per beneficiary if you’re married.

• Gift money to a donor advised fund without incurring gift taxes. A donor advised fund is a type of charitable giving account that allows you to

make donations to charity and then recommend how the money is used over time.

With these tax-saving options, even if you can afford to pay cash for college doing so may not be in your best interest. Explore your options and consult with your financial advisor or estate planning attorney to uncover which strategy can help you make the most of this tax-advantaged investment vehicle.

NEXT STEPS

• Consider what goals you want to pursue with your estate and education planning and if any of these strategies could benefit you and your family.

• Evaluate and compare 529 plans to determine the one that aligns best with your end goals.

• Talk to your financial advisor for perspectives on choosing a 529 plan.

Nick Martin is a financial planner and the founder of Bluffton Financial Planning. Bluffton Financial Planning is not a registered broker/dealer, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

"My husband told me that he has never, in 41 years, seen me truly smile like I do now!"

-Judy, actual patient

Stop waiting. Start smiling!

We see it every day. Healthy, beautiful smiles improve our patients' self-esteem and overall health. Make 2025 the year you attain the smile you always wanted. Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our amazing dentists so we can achieve your smile goals!

Scan to see JUDy’s smile transformation

Mathew Epps MD, MS, DABS

Jane Epps RN, BSN

A Revocable Living Trust (RLT) is great for privacy

BY MARK WINN Contributor

The best estate planning tool for those who guard their privacy is the revocable living trust (“RLT”). What is it? Why is it so good? How does a RLT differ from a will?

First, a RLT is a written agreement between you and you whereby you are the initial legal owner (trustee) and the initial beneficial owner (beneficiary), and you control your trust property for your own benefit, and you can make changes. Effectively, it is an alter ego of you. Your SS number attaches to any account titled in the RLT. Your named successor trustee steps in for you if you are disabled (as you define that) or when you pass. They then have the fiduciary responsibility to follow your written instructions. The Court has jurisdiction over your trustee. If they fail to act appropriately, the Court can become involved if a beneficiary files a claim.

Second, real estate, bank accounts, brokerage accounts, CD’s, personal property titled in a RLT are not probate assets. As such they do not need to be listed on an Inventory and Appraisement which is available for the world to see. Assets titled in your RLT, do not go through probate, and are kept private. Title to trust assets vest immediately in your named successor trustee by operation of law. If you have only a will, then all assets (including tangible personal property) in your name alone that are not designated by beneficiary or owned jointly with right of survivorship will have to be listed on the Inventory and Appraisement.

Third, a trust is just like a will in that it directs who will be responsible and it directs what they shall do-who gets

what and how? However, unlike a will, a trust can be administered free from the active supervision of any court. For instance, assume there is a client with $200,000 in total assets, and another client with $5,000,000 in total assets. If they both plan with a RLT (as opposed to a will alone) and their RLT is properly funded, then both of their Inventory and Appraisements will reflect no assets. If you value your privacy, this is great. The estate of the $5,000,000 person will appear the same in the public record as the estate of the $200,000 person.

Don’t be fooled. If you use a will alone, then the legal fees will be more, the court costs will be more, and if you own real estate in another state, a probate proceeding will need to occur in the other state along with all the concomitant legal fees, court costs and lack of privacy. In Beaufort County, if your probate assets are about $1,000,000, then the court costs alone (not the legal fee) will be nearly $2,000. Based on experience, when we have clients that need to go through probate in other states due to real estate they owned in that state, the costs can easily approach $5,000 or more. All of this cost and lack of privacy can be easily avoided with the proper use and funding of an RLT.

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

Mark Winn

PROFESSIONAL REFINISHING February: YOUR Heart Month

BY ROB PEARSON Contributor

Valentine’s Day has come and gone, and we are still in the midst of National Heart Month. There are so many ways we can improve our heart health, some of which involve managing mental stress and others require more physical activities. All these improvements have something in common: making better lifestyle choices.

You may already know the number one cause of death in the US is heart disease with one American dying from it every 33 seconds, equating to well over 700,000 cardiovascular related deaths each year. So, if you are ready to maybe add years to your life, let’s take a quick look how your daily choices can get you there. If you are not interested, no need to read any further.

Quit Smoking – accomplishing this is no easy task, but others have done it before and if you are truly determined to quit, this time, find a method that works for you and go for it!

Manage Stress – with events and headlines continuously streaming on an infinite number of media platforms, we often go down the proverbial rabbit hole and don’t know when to safely back out. Maybe you have concerns focusing on events happening throughout the country or on family or friend relationships, or financial situations that seem to have no easy solutions. Maybe you are constantly striving for perfection when that may not always be attainable. These can

all result in stressful situations that may necessitate conversations with a true friend, family member or a mental health professional. Finding ways to relax such as prayer, meditation, yoga can also help manage your high stress level.

Engage in Regular Physical Activitythis doesn’t have to mean spending hours at the fitness center or on the court. Getting out for a 30-minute brisk walk or workout three times a week may be just what your old ticker needs to stay in shape.

Eat a Healthy Diet – consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains while reducing excessive fried and high fat content foods may be the ticket you need to punch.

Maintain a Healthy Weight – as we age it gets tougher to lose those extra pounds. Find a diet and exercise routine that reduces excess weight.

Making the better (or best) choices of the above actions and activities can add years to your life. Can you name one valid reason why you don’t start doing these today? Good luck!

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

Thanks for the mammaries

BY TRACY WINSLOW Contributor

I hate to cook. And the fact I have to complete this Sisyphean task every day until I die is downright rude. I wish I enjoyed it so my children would have memories of wonderful family Sunday dinners. However, no one likes the same thing and everyone complains constantly. I hear things like: “I hate red meat.” or “Why do we always eat chicken?” and more flatteringly “Why are we eating horse food?” Feeding people teetered over into a nightly primal scream until I finally gave up trying. And, between school, sports, work, theatre - no one is ever around anyway. Someone constantly comes home hangry and then yells about the fact that there is not an all-you-can-eat buffet awaiting their arrival. Which is a really great way to end any day - I highly recommend it.

I didn’t always hate cooking. When asked to bring something to an event, I would plan for weeks to prepare the most delicious of desserts, or an appetizer that made people ask, “Who brought this dish?” To which a modest “Oh, that, it was nothing” lie was replied. That is, until this one celebration.

My boyfriend informed me that we had been invited to his family’s Christmas eve party. I was nervous because this was the first time I would meet his entire family. I wanted to make sure I left an impression on them. It was time to go Full Tracy-Mode. Buckle your seatbelts, people.

I asked him what we should bring. His reply was “chips”. Chips?!? Was their party at a prison? A big fat no to

the chips. Boy-to-Tracy translationtime to create a fabulous appetizer. I had this killer recipe for a layered hummus dip that everyone always raved about. It was freshly made hummus layered with a variety of delicious ingredients, kind of like a savory birthday cake. It was so good that Matthew McConaughey might want to jump out of one during one of his late-night drug-infused bongo sessions. And, because I was aiming to impress, I purchased two small flower cake molds to create the dip... I would adorn the flowers with different scrumptious toppings and surround them with fresh basil leaves.

The day before the event I prepped all the ingredients, selecting only the most perfect ingredients like fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and Kalamata olives. Grape tomatoes were sliced in half to make smaller flowers, and I whipped up some fresh pesto. OMG, Chef’s kiss! All that remained was to set up before we left for the party.

Now to choose an outfit.

Needless to say, all seventy-four of the outfits I tried on were completely wrong. A last-minute shopping excursion was required, which meant I was behind schedule. Thank goodness I had everything ready for the food.

I grabbed the hummus flowers to arrange on a white platter; the perfect canvas for my hors d’oeuvre artwork. I carefully turned one over and gently tugged the mold to release the beauty and…nothing. Hmmm, that’s weird. A slightly rougher attempt to get it released from its metal prison, and… failure.

Oh my.

It was then I realized I neglected to line the stupid, dumb, God-forsaken flower with Saran Wrap so I could easily remove it. GAH! Breathe, Tracy. Maybe the second one will be easier?

Nope.

OH, MY GOODNESS WHAT AM I

And that was the last time my go-to appetizer made an appearance. But who knows?

Perhaps it will resurface the next time I hope to leave a shocking first impression. Or at the very least, a “mammorable” one.

GOING TO DO IT’S CHRISTMAS EVE AND EVERYTHING IS CLOSED AND WE SAID WE ARE BRINGING AN APPETIZER AND YOUR FAMILY IS GOING TO THINK I MAKE PROMISES I CAN’T KEEP AND HATE ME!

My boyfriend told me not to worry, assuring me he could get them out. I was trying not to panic but now we risked being late, so I agreed to let him handle it. How bad could it be, really? I headed to the car and moments later, the passenger door swung open, and the tray was placed upon my lap. Two hummus boobs, complete with a small tomato in each of the centers, were staring back at me.

HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL.

I was heading to the party with complete strangers, and I was bringing boobs as my appetizer. I wanted to make an impression, but this was not even close to what I envisioned.

What should I do? Nothing was open at 7:00 on Christmas eve. Why didn’t I listen to the chips thing? Why did I have to try to be extra? Was it too late to jump out of the moving car? He told me to relax; that no one would even notice. He even offered to carry it in and “put all that fancy crap” around it so no one would know we brought it. I was so desperate that I foolishly believed him.

I was swept into the fun chaos of the party, introductions, wine, and a white elephant exchange. I had almost forgotten about the highly inappropriate appetizer. I was in the middle of telling a hilarious story that was guaranteed to win people over, when suddenly someone yells out “Hey! Who brought the boobs to the party?”

Mr. No One Will Notice loudly responds “Tracy did! Aren’t they hilarious?”

Everyone turned and stared at me. In my panic I pointed to my face and said, “My eyes are up here, everyone.” and then tried to hide behind the White Elephant pile of Taco Bell sauce packets, ugly socks, and a halfchewed pack of Big League Chew. Of course everyone had comments about it. Even my future father-in-law said it was “Very mammorable.”

And that was the last time my go-to appetizer made an appearance. But who knows? Perhaps it will resurface the next time I hope to leave a shocking first impression. Or at the very least, a “mammorable” one.

Tracy Winslow is the owner of Low Country Shrimp and Knits - the PREMIER yarn store in the Low Country! When she is not running a small business, teaching college courses, or writing for the Bluffton Sun, she will not be found cooking, that’s for sure. If you would like to send her restaurant gift cards or support her small business so she can order in, she can be reached at www.shrimpandknits.com.

Tracy Winslow

BY WENDY KUSHEL Contributor

In today’s fast-paced world, creating a sense of urgency—even when there isn’t an imminent deadline—can transform the mundane into something more vibrant. Imagine heading into the post office, eager to pick up your mail, only to be slowed down by someone shuffling at a snail’s pace. While you may have been striding with a pep in your step, you suddenly find yourself trailing behind a human slug. This everyday scenario is a reminder: why let sluggishness drag you down when you could be moving with purpose?

There’s an underlying message here for our daily lives. Even if there’s no fire alarm or ticking clock, injecting urgency

into your routine can propel you forward. Let’s not advocate for a constant state of panic or stress-induced adrenaline rushes; rather, it’s about a mindful acceleration of your actions. After all, we have just one lifetime to make the most of, so why not hustle a little? By establishing a rhythm that values promptness, you not only get more done but also infuse your day with energy and accomplishment.

Consider the benefits: moving with purpose often translates into physical and mental well-being. Research shows that even simple activities, like brisk walking, can boost leg strength—a factor linked to longevity. Instead of creeping through your day like you’re wading through molasses, why not pick up the pace? Whether you’re running errands or heading to work, a sense of urgency can act as a catalyst, turning routine tasks into opportunities for efficiency and improved health. Of course, this doesn’t mean abandoning relaxation altogether. There’s plenty

of time to kick back on your La-Z-Boy, binge a Netflix series, or dive into a good book. But during those moments when you have a task at hand, challenge yourself to accelerate. If you find yourself idle at home, create something to do: write a

new recipe, experiment with cooking, or reorganize your closet. Even something as simple as alphabetizing your shoes can be a fun way to add a spark to your day. In essence, life is too short for lethargy. By cultivating a deliberate sense of urgency, you empower yourself to seize every moment. So next time you’re in a line at the post office or tackling your daily to-do list, remember: a little haste can lead to a whole lot of achievement. Let’s put a pep in our step, keep moving forward, and make every second count.

Wendy Kushel is the owner of Wendala’s LowCountry Sugar Scrub, LLC based in Bluffton, SC. Drawn to the Beauty & Personal Care Industry Wendy founded her company in 2020. Her background includes stand-up comedy, film, TV and a lot of sales and marketing. For more information about Wendala’s® LowCountry Sugar Scrub visit www.lowcountrysugarscrub. com or call/text 843-949-8933.

Wendy Kushel

Arts & Entertainment Calendar

FEBRUARY 20

Tio’s Latin American Kitchen – Music Bingo Meets Ladies Night Out - We have decided to keep this party going and continue everyone’s favorite, Girls Night Out while Black Tie Events will be hosting Music Bingo Every Thursday at Tio’s exclusively at our Bluffton location! MUSIC BINGO kicks off at 6:30PM. Upon arrival you’ll be greeted with a glass of complimentary champagne to kick off a night of celebrating the ones who run the world.... GIRLS! Gather your girlfriends up and stop in for Buy One Get One FREE apps and chips & dips and great drink specials including $5 House Made Margs on Draft ALL NIGHT LONG. This event has become so popular we do urge you to make your reservations ahead of time! 7 Venture Dr. #106, Bluffton.

FEBRUARY 20

UnCorked Wine, Bar, Food & Music –Domino Theory - Get ready for some cool renditions of great jazz classics done in the unique style of Domino Theory. Nice night to sit back with just great instrumentals as the background to a nice dinner with family and friends. No music fee. Don’t forget it’s taco Thursday; chose from shrimp, steak or chicken for $3 each and First Responders Appreciation Day (10% off). Thursday, February 20 from 6PM-9PM. 1533 Fording Island Rd., Suite

296,

FEBRUARY 21

Coastal Discovery Museum – Pig Pickin’ & Oyster Roast - Get ready to indulge in mouthwatering local shrimp, whole hogs, whole chickens, chopped BBQ, and all the trimmings prepared by our talented Island chefs, celebrity guest chefs, and Pitmasters.

But that’s not all! We’ve got live music with Shellring String Band, signature cocktails, and a fantastic selection of brews and wines to quench your thirst. WHAT YOUR TICKET INCLUDES: - Access to Pig Pickin’ & Oyster Roast - Commemorative 2025 Festival Glass - Includes ALL food and drinks. This is an all-inclusive ticket. - Must be 21 and older to attend this event. - Each ticket Benefits the David M. Carmines Memorial Fund benefiting local charities in our community. Friday, February 21 at 6:30PM.

FEBRUARY 27

Lot 9 Brewing Co – Get ready to rewind time at Lot 9 Brewing Co.’s New Wave Flashback Trivia Night! From Depeche Mode to The Cure to Duran Duran, show off your music smarts while enjoying delicious brews. Thursday, February 27 at 7PM. 258 Red Cedar St. #14, Bluffton.

FEBRUARY 28 AND MARCH 1

USCB Center for the Arts – Step aboard the Orca and into THE SHARK IS BROKEN, a “profound dive behind the scenes of the making of Jaws” (The Daily Telegraph, ★★★★). This Olivier Award nominated new play is hilariously brilliant and pure genius. Inspired by Robert Shaw’s experience playing Quint on the notorious shoot, THE SHARK IS BROKEN by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon celebrates movie history and peeks at the choppy waters behind Hollywood’s first blockbuster. Presented by Pure Theatre. February 28 at 7:30pm and March 1 at 2:00pm. Buy tickets at https://centerfortheartstickets.universitytickets. com/w/event.aspx?SeriesID=34

MARCH 6

The Sun City Lions Club will host, Bluffton’s Hometown, All-Star, Evolution Big Band Performance of: ALL “DAT” JAZZ AND MORE. Accompanying the Band is local favorite vocalists, Penney Lynn Smith and the Sweetgrass Angels. Musical arrangements and vocals are from memorable Broadway Musicals, Jazz Sounds, and Modern Favorites from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. The show will be held at Sun City Magnolia Hall, 118 Magnolia Lane, Bluffton, S.C. Doors open at 6:30 and performance begins at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $30 each and avail-

able by calling 214-470-8328. All proceeds benefit local Lions Charities We are a non-profit 501(C) (4).

MARCH 14 THROUGH MARCH 16

3rd Annual “The League Gives Back” Charity Tournament on March 14th16th at Burton Wells Pickleball Park. The Charity we selected to sponsor is Second Helpings. Registration: https://forms. gle/g4EZuKzV87D6LZf17

MARCH 15

30th Annual Hilton Head Island Shamrock Run - Join us Saturday, March 15th, at 8:00 AM! The festive 5K Run & Health Walk will kick off in front of New York City Pizza at Heritage Plaza and conclude at Coligny Plaza. Participants will enjoy a flat and fast course that takes them down Pope Avenue, North Forest Beach Drive, and back on Lagoon Road. In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, we invite everyone to “Get Your Irish On” by wearing green! The Hilton Head Shamrock 5K has become a beloved St. Patrick’s Day weekend tradition focused on fun and fitness. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Sunset Rotary Club of Hilton Head. Join us for a day of celebration, fitness, and community! For additional information please visit www. bearfootsports.com or contact Bear Foot Sports at 843-757-8520.

Hilton Head (Moss Creek).

Specialty coffee comes to Hilton Head

BY KAT RICE Contributor

If you’ve ever been to Origin Coffee Bar in Savannah, you know about the delicious coffee that has Islanders traveling an hour each way to get a fix. But those long drives will be behind us soon. Origin is set to open its second location this spring right here in Hilton Head.

Over the past year, the team at Origin was approached several times about opportunities for new branches, but the owners Matt and Elise Higgins never felt the fit was quite right. When they were presented with the idea to move into the J. Banks building on 35 N. Main, they saw the potential. When the met with the team, they learned that some of the staff had been driving from Hilton Head to Savannah during their lunch break just to get coffee. The space and community feels like the opportunity the cafe has been holding out for.

Higgins says their needs were met with build out, timeline, and budget, but most importantly, the smaller location allows them to balance work with raising their 10-month-old, Selah. Origin plans to adapt the new location so it’s “authentically Hilton Head and authentically Origin.” Luckily, Matt and Elise know something about adapting.

In 2020, they received job offers in California and, while they were visiting the area, Elise realized it wasn’t where they belonged. She instead proposed that they move to Savannah, where the two graduated from SCAD, and start a mobile coffee business.

Higgins says, “in 2020, the world shut down, but it opened an opportunity for us.”

The couple sold everything, moved to Savannah, and, by July, started delivering coffee to doorsteps. Within three months, they secured a pop-up location where they stayed for 1.5 years. Then, in 2023, with the community helping to raise $30k in 30 days, they opened their first cafe on MLK Blvd.

“It’s an exciting journey,’ Higgins

says. ‘From the beginning we’ve wanted to do this for others, to create a community. We want to provide a light in the darkness.”

The brand is determined to craft the highest quality of coffee and food, perfecting their brioche and sourdough and homing in their roasting technique. But the owners believe people keep coming back because of the experience.

Higgins explains, “not only are we trying to deliver a product excellent in quality but also in intention. We’re crafting an experience.”

Origin remains dedicated to growth and community as they plan out their new location. They’re currently working on expanding their roastery and wholesale offerings and offer barista classes at their Savannah location. The brand also continues to advance the ways they give back through shelters and local kitchens.

Follow their journey on Instagram and Facebook at origincoffee.bar.

off a successful Broadway run in 2023 starring Laura

The

and

is a brand-new, side-splitting

Written by Sandy Rustin (Clue), this ridiculously funny romantic comedy calls into question fate and faith, identity and infidelity, and love and marriage as a surprising and riotous web of secrets unravels. The Cottage is hilarious from start to finish, with a few scandalous – and even murderous - plot twists!

MAR 22 RSVP MAR 13

THREE BROADWAY STARSONE SPECTACULAR NIGHT S CAN TO RESERVE TICKETS

Fresh

Bell Bundy

Eric McCormack,

Cottage

romp!

The Arts Center’s upcoming spring benefit features amazing food and

special performance by a trio of Broadway’s most dazzling leading ladiesKerry Butler, Laura Bell Bundy, and Marissa Jaret Winokur

Summer Camp 2025

9am-noon

5-6 year old June 9-13 7-10 year old June 16-20 5-6 year old July 7-11 7-10 year old July 14-18

Space is limited. $325 each session

To register please email/call Alicia Powell apowell@thesandbox.org or call 843-8427645 80 Nassau Street - Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Calling all Lowcountry artists: showcase your talent at SOBA’s 31st Annual Judged Show

BY MELISSA MCCULLOUGH

If you’re an artist in the Lowcountry, it’s time to bring your best work forward! The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) is gearing up for its 31st Annual Judged Show, an event that celebrates local creativity while giving artists the chance to compete for top honors. This highly anticipated competition will feature cash prizes for first, second, and third place in a variety of categories, including:

• Oil

• Acrylic

watercolorists, including Judy Betts, John Salminen, and Mary Whyte. Her illustrious career spans over 500 exhibitions at the local, national, and international levels, and she holds Signature Memberships in multiple watercolor societies. In 2023, she achieved a personal milestone—exhibiting her work in all 50 U.S. states.

• Watercolor

• Drawing (Pencil, Colored Pencil, Pastel, Pen/Ink)

• Photography & Digital Art

• Mixed Media & Collage

• 3-D Art (Ceramic, Clay, Wood, Resin, Wire, Papier-Mâché, Stained Glass)

For those interested in participating, registration is required and can be completed online at https://sobagallery.com/product/31st-annual-judged-show-2025/. The contest is open to all artists, with an entry fee of $25 for SOBA members and $75 for non-members. The deadline to register is February 23, and all artwork must be dropped off at the SOBA Art School (8 Church St., Bluffton, SC) on March 3 from 9-11 a.m. No entries will be accepted after the deadline.

This year’s judge is none other than renowned watercolor artist Jan Ross. With formal training from the Chicago Academy of Art, Ross has studied under some of the country’s leading

The Judged Show exhibition will run from March 3-30 at the SOBA Gallery, with an awards ceremony on March 5 from 4-6 p.m. This celebration is free and open to the public, offering art lovers the perfect opportunity to admire the talent within our community. For participating artists, unsold artwork can be picked up on March 31 from 9-11 a.m. at the SOBA Art School.

For more details, including a full list of rules, visit https://sobagallery. com/2025-judged-show/. Whether you’re an artist looking to showcase your work or an admirer of local art, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

About The Society of Bluffton Artists: SOBA is the heart of the flourishing art hub in Old Town Bluffton’s historic district at the corner of Church and Calhoun streets. As a non-profit art organization, SOBA offers regular art classes, featured artist shows, exhibitions, scholarships, outreach programs and more. The gallery is located at 6 Church Street and is open from 10 a.m.5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays. Please visit www.sobagallery.com for a complete calendar of events and other information or call 843-757-6586.

A taste of tradition: the history and charm of Italian sesame cookies

BY LESLIE ROHLAND Contributor

The Italian sesame cookie, known as biscotti regina or “queen’s cookies,” is a little bite of history wrapped in golden sesame seeds. Believed to have originated in Sicily, these cookies are a testament to the island’s rich and layered culinary influences. During the Arab rule of Sicily in the 9th and 10th centuries, sesame seeds were introduced to the region, quickly finding their way into both sweet and savory dishes. The cookies themselves represent the Italian talent for transforming humble, everyday ingredients into something

timeless and special.

In Italy, sesame cookies have long been a symbol of celebration and hospitality. They’re staples at weddings, holidays, and family gatherings, their nutty aroma filling kitchens as a sign that something wonderful is about to happen. The sesame seeds, toasted to perfection as they bake, bring a warm and earthy flavor to the lightly sweet cookie, making them the perfect companion to a cup of strong espresso or tea.

As Italian immigrants made their way to America, they carried these beloved cookies with them, weaving them into the fabric of Italian-American cuisine. For many, biting into a sesame cookie brings a flood of memories—of bustling kitchens, family stories, and a connection to generations past.

Today, the sesame cookie continues to charm bakers and eaters alike with its

Grab and Go! Delicious offerings made daily

Specialty cheeses, olives, peppers, meats & more for the finest charcuterie

Homemade pasta and sauces

Speciality Italian foods not found anywhere else

Huge selection of Italian wines.

simplicity and elegance. Whether you’re preserving a family tradition or just discovering this classic treat, the act of baking and sharing sesame cookies feels like passing on a piece of history.

Leslie Rohland, owner of Bluffton Pasta Shoppe, brings her own touch to this timeless classic with the following recipe. Whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering or an everyday indulgence, these cookies are sure to add a dash of Italian flair to your table.

Italian Sesame Cookies by Leslie Rohland

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

Leslie Rohland

COOKIES CONT. ON PAGE 27A

COOKIES

FROM PAGE 26A

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 cup sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk, until a soft, pliable dough forms.

4. Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into 1-inch logs. Lightly moisten each log with milk, then roll it

in sesame seeds until fully coated.

5. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Tip: These cookies store beautifully in an airtight container, making them a wonderful gift or a delightful snack to have on hand.

Every batch of sesame cookies tells a story—one of tradition, resilience, and the joy of simple, delicious flavors. So, gather your ingredients, warm up your oven, and let this classic recipe bring a little bit of Italy into your home.

Leslie Rohland is the owner of The Cottage Café and Bakery, The Juice Hive and the Bluffton Pasta Shoppe. Leslie was named one of the South Carolina Chef Ambassadors for 2024.

BRINGING THE PAST TO LIFE

BUILD YOUR FAMILY TREE WITH US

Unlock your family history with the help of our volunteer genealogists! Whether you’re just getting started or facing a research roadblock, we’re here to guide you. Call 843.686.6560 to schedule your appointment today!

LEARN ABOUT LOCAL HISTORY

We preserve and share the rich history of Hilton Head Island, stewarding two historic sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Throughout the year, we offer engaging classes, tours, and events, with sessions available in the spring and fall. For full details and registration, visit HeritageLib.org.

EDUCATE & CELEBRATE –

250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Join us as we celebrate 250 years of American independence and honor the fight for freedom! Discover Hilton Head Island’s vital role in shaping our nation’s history at HeritageLib.org – your local resource for all things related to the American Revolution

The Heritage Library is the heart of Hilton Head Island’s history and genealogy. Visit us soon!

Coastal Collaboration

BY LUKE FRAZIER Contributor

Collaboration is one of those buzz words that gets defined in so many ways it loses meaning. To me, it’s more like one of those you know it when you see it ideas. To that point, a recent “Community Collage Project” event at Hilton Head’s Coastal Discovery Museum (CDM) qualified as a prime collaboration, with aspirations to extend from its 20-person beginning to encompass hundreds of museum visitors and community members over the next couple of months.

Explained as an extension of the exhibition This is Not: Aldwyth in Retrospect (through March 23rd), the instructions are simple: put stuff on the large piece of Okawara paper hanging in the room adjacent to the exhibition by “channeling the whimsy and intrigue of Aldwyth.” Given the genius on display in that show, it’s

kind of a daunting directive. Elizabeth Greenberg, CDM’s Director of Exhibitions, explains further.

“What we’re trying to do is to really help people understand Aldwyth’s work a little bit better. What she does is an immense amount of thinking and planning, along with the actual work of cutting and placing. We hope to give people the sense of both how hard it is and how much fun it can be.”

Greenberg gives credit to Tori Lusik, Aldwyth’s assistant and a CDM employee, for the idea of doing this kind of community event and admits they have no idea how it is going to go. If the opening night is any indication, it’s going to be a great few weeks of collaborative art-making. Participants on this night were focused and busy picking through Aldwyth’s stash

COASTAL CONT. ON PAGE 29A

COASTAL

FROM PAGE 28A

of sorted cuttings that were provided or were cutting their own materials out of books and magazines provided. There were also buckets, boxes, and bags of all kinds of fabric, ribbons, beads, shells, flowers, plastic figures, and assorted flotsam and jetsam provided by the organizers.

One participant, Grace Elliott, had a kind of head start on the whole endeavor. She recently graduated with an art degree after studying photography at the University of Dayton and has been making small collages on a daily basis for over two years. She now lives in metro Detroit, but her mom lives in Hilton Head and let her know about the event and the two attended together. Elliott immediately launched into action with a smile on her face.

“The collaborative-ness of it I think is really interesting and awesome. We’re taking stuff that people already made and then we’re remaking it as a community, which is very beautiful.”

Greenberg joked that despite appearances, Elliott was not a ringer arranged

for the evening. Greenberg herself displayed a smile as she watched art in action among strangers in the room.

“Everybody here is diligently working… there’s just something about getting people to participate in art that I think is just special.”

The breaking down of the separation between artist/art maker and audience/ viewer is also part of the goal of this kind of event. Greenberg says that the mission of the CDM is to inspire people to care for the Lowcountry, and that includes the arts ecosystem as well. She points out that Hilton Head Island has a rich arts history, with a wave of artists moving here decades ago and places like the Red Piano Gallery becoming hubs for roundtables and celebrations of art, which directly leads to the current Aldwyth exhibit.

“Aldwyth represents that unique, very excellent group of artists that moved here in the 60’s and 70’s. She deserves to be recognized in her hometown, and she definitely deserves to be recognized regionally, nationally, even internationally. This is next-level, really remarkable work.”

Participant Pat Kilroy, a retired nurse,

agreed that the CDM is performing a great service to the community with its exhibits and programs.

“I think we need to pay more attention to the caliber of art here, coming from New York that was one of the things that I feared—that I wouldn’t be able to go to museums or see art, but to have places like this to go and gather with like-minded people, it’s wonderful.”

Somewhat unexpectedly joining the event was the artist herself. Aldwyth walked in a few minutes after it started with her son and greeted the assembled in a low-key fashion. I don’t think I was the only one starstruck (is genius-struck a thing??). I’ve met and interviewed prominent politicians, business leaders, and creative types over the years, but there was something surreal about seeing this unassuming, friendly, and radiant individual who was responsible for such incredible artistic expression just standing there in the flesh. It threw me off for a moment, but I gathered myself and went in for the chat.

After introducing myself and gushing about her creative brilliance, I was treated

to a big smile, humble acknowledgement, and, after some additional conversation, a hilarious mention of teenage hormonal activity. Aldwyth informed me, after learning how much I loved the beach out at Hunting Island, that that was her favorite “make out spot” as a teenager. It was a perfect layering of effect, a collage in the moment that brought in personal history, passion, and a shared laugh.

Besides the opportunity to add to the collage going on over the next several weeks, the museum is hosting a screening of the film “Aldwyth: Fully Assembled” on February 11 at 5 pm. This 2022 PBS documentary was made by award-winning filmmaker Olympia Stone. Rumor has it that the artist may make an appearance there as well.

Luke Frazier is a writer and award-winning media producer who recently transplanted to the Lowcountry. He runs NOW Communications, which focuses on the needs of mission-driven organizations (nowandfuturecomms@gmail.com / (216) 633-6970).

Refinishing, reglazing, resurfacing

BY DAVID HACKETT Contributor

What is the difference between “bathtub refinishing” and “bathtub reglazing” or resurfacing”?

To be fair, most people (especially those with allot of expendable income) have never heard of any of these terms! Plain and simple, they all mean practically the same thing: The art, and science of refurbishing a wear torn, dingy, outdated color, dented, or even cracked, bathtub, shower, sink, vanity top or kitchen counter top to bring it back to looking like new and extending its life to at least another 5-10 years, depending on the severity of the damage and the quality of the products used to complete the transformation. One thing is for sure, refinishing, reglazing, or resurfacing are ALL completed in less than half the time of replacing, AND for less than half the cost!

1) Refinishing: Refers to the entire process of cleaning, prepping, patching, and applying the final topcoat of professional grade product to bring the bathtub, shower or countertop to look, feel and perform like it is new again! 2) Reglazing: Refers to the last and

final step of the bathtub, shower or countertop restoration process: The Professional coating. This coating can be applied by brush and roller, poured, or sprayed with a professional spray gun, usually a HVLP gun (High Volume Low Pressure) typically used to Professionally paint cars, boats and aircraft.

3) Resurfacing: Refers to the actual repairs done to an old beat-up bathtub, shower or countertop before the final coating is applied. So, you can see how closely related these three terms are, and all are commonly used in describing the art and science of Bathtub, Shower, Vanity and Countertop repair and “Face-lift”!

In closing, in the last ten years, we at Castle Coatings have been refinishing, reglazing, resurfacing and refurbishing bathtubs, showers, vanities, and kitchen counter tops totaling thousands of units and we would love to come out and give you a free estimate anytime to help you transform your own personal home or your income properties. Give us a call today and mention this article for a 10-15% discount! You can reach us at (760) 688-6309 and ask for David Hackett/Owner.

WELCOMES

Beaufort Memorial has added Lindsay Gamble, FNP-BC, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, to the medical oncology team at Beaufort Memorial Oncology Specialists.

Gamble will bring her diverse background in palliative and critical care, as well as infusion therapy, to the hospital’s cancer treatment team at the New River Cancer Center in Okatie. Her commitment to patientfirst, personalized cancer care developed over her years of nursing experience in Tennessee, California, Virginia and Louisiana, with her most recent experience in both emergency medicine and infusion therapy here in Beaufort County.

She graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration at the University of Memphis. Her passion for the medical oncology field grew in intensity after supporting multiple family members, including her father, through their cancer treatment journey.

“I believe in listening, empathy and support, recognizing the profound impact of a cancer diagnosis on patients and their families,” she said. “My mission is to provide not just care, but hope, dignity and resilience.”

Shockwave Therapy: An emerging alternative for plantar fasciitis treatment

BY DR. KENNETH HORUP Contributor

Many of you have probably heard of plantar fasciitis; heel pain affecting millions worldwide. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue going along the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed. This may happen for various reasons such as overuse, poor footwear, and structural issues. The pain is well known because it is persistent and significantly impacts daily activities. There are many treatments such as stretching, orthotics, injections, and anti-inflammatory medications that have had success with many people. However, there is a new therapy that has promising results: shockwave. So, let’s dive into what shockwave is and how it may help.

Though the name sounds intimidating, shockwave itself is not. In fact, it’s quite intriguing and fascinating to most of my patients. Shockwave therapy is a treatment that uses sound waves to promote healing in an area. It was initially used to break up kidney stones, but the technology has been adapted for musculoskeletal conditions, just like plantar fasciitis. The machine is handheld and needs to be targeted at the specific problem area. This area changes from one patient to another depending on the cause of the condition. It then delivers high-energy waves to that specific area allowing for a deep tissue penetration. These waves stimulate blood flow, break up scar tissue, and promote the body to begin its natural healing re-

sponse. The result is amazing: pain reduction and less inflammation. The benefits of shockwave therapy are numerous, but I am going to focus specifically on plantar fasciitis patients. Some patients experience relief after just a few sessions. I have seen many patients start feeling better in just one visit! It can stimulate formation of new blood vessels, which is important for healing damaged tissue, as the tissue needs nutrients that the blood supplies. It may assist in collagen production and helping to repair the damaged fascia. It is non-invasive so there is no requirement for incision or anesthesia and the side effects are minimal, sometimes mild discomfort or redness. The long-term relief is well worth it!

If you are considering trying shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis, here is what to expect during your treatment. It is important to note that there are many kinds of shockwave machines. The one I use may be different from another provider, so the process may vary. However, in my personal experience with shockwave, it is performed in a doctor’s office or therapy clinic and starts with gel being applied to the skin. The device is placed over the gel in the targeted area to deliver the pulses of shockwaves. As I previously mentioned, the targeted area may change by patient, but often it is on the heel and plantar fascia. The session may last from 2 minutes to 6 minutes, depending on the severity and level of the machine. Patients may feel discomfort or tingling sensation during the treatment, but it is generally well tolerated, and it can always be lowered in strength.

Dr. Ken Horup

TREATMENT

FROM PAGE 32A

Post treatment, there is no need to rest, you may go about your daily activities straight from the session.

Shockwave therapy offers a promising solution for people struggling with plantar fasciitis pains. It is a therapy that I am passionate about as I have seen it helps so many people with chronic pains. It is non-invasive, effective, and low-risk treatment that can get you relief. If you are suffering with plantar fasciitis, please begin by consulting a doctor you trust, to see what they recommend for you. There are many ways to successfully treat plantar fasciitis, and I am sure many more will be discovered. So, consult with a healthcare professional to determine if shockwave is right for you.

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

ABBY BIRD AKA ALPHADOG Contributor

Life changes and your dog

Even the best behaved and obedient dog can exhibit behavioral changes that reflect changes in your life. What can affect your dog? Moving; a family member leaving permanently or temporarily; an addition to the family such as a boyfriend, girlfriend, baby; another dog or cat added or having passed away; going back to work or staying home; a traumatic experience such as getting injured; aging or illness.

The best advice is to establish a routine that your dog is comfortable with. If your schedule has changed dramatically introduce a new routine that is consistent and that your dog enjoys. Play or exercise should be a factor in the new schedule. This will help them to not just adjust but to look forward to the new daily rituals. An extra walk, visit to a dog park or a dog buddy and a play session such as ball, Frisbee, tug, chase or Find It Games both before and after a changed routine.

If new people in the house are involved, they should participate in walking as well as play. This helps the dog to trust and bond more quickly rather than being wary. Have them feed and give treats and teach them basic commands your dog knows so they assume a leadership role from the start. Little kids should be supervised and not annoying. It generally takes time and trust before dogs adjust to toddlers. There are steps you can take to introduce them and DO NOT FORCE THIS, BE PATIENT!

Going back to basics is essential. This means doing an obedience training routine several times a day for just a few minutes. This routine, called a Drill, keeps the dog’s brain sharp and them wanting to get your attention. A Drill contains commands such as Walk or Heel, Focus, Side Sit, Lie Down, Stay, Wait, Come and Sit for Petting, all done in rapid succession a few times in a row. Let them earn a wonderful rub or scratch on a favorite body part and ONE fabulously special treat!

This works well with household changes or even moving. Take them to places they like and keep to the same routine every day. Repetition of their old routine gives them a sense of security during a very insecure time. It is helpful if you are mov ing to remove the dog during the confu sion. If you can, let them go to daycare or even board them while there are boxes and strangers disrupting their routine.

Working through a traumatic experi ence rather than babying them helps to get past the experience, possibly even changing an old routine that now bothers them by introducing a new one. If illness is an issue, let them still do things that bring them pleasure (with your Vet’s ad vice) rather than letting them merely en dure daily existence.

If your dog has lost a beloved dog or cat companion and is depressed, let them choose a new buddy. Find one that they like first not just one that you’ve selected. They need to be part of this choice since they spend more time together and have a

unique animal relationship. Recognizing what your dog needs will assure a happier existence for all. Abby Bird is the owner of Alphadog Training Academy. AlphadogTrainingAcademy@gmail.com

Physical fitness = better mental health

BY CHAD CANNON Contributor

It’s well-known that the connection between physical fitness and mental health is extremely beneficial. It’s also well known that regular exercise can reduce anxiety and depression, enhance mood, and improve overall mental well-being.

Exercise can impact the brain so much and is such a powerful tool for mental health. And exercise helps with anxiety and depression.

Let me explain how, and what exercises are best for mental health.

HOW EXERCISE HELPS WITH ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

Exercise boosts mood-enhancing chemi-

cals, meaning exercise increases the production of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. It also boosts dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which regulate mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. In fact, many antidepressant medications target serotonin and dopamine levels, exercise does this naturally.

Exercise also reduces stress hormones. Physical activity lowers cortisol and adrenaline, the primary stress hormones. And high levels of these hormones contribute to anxiety, tension, and poor sleep. When we exercise, this acts as a natural “rest” for the nervous system, reducing the fight-orflight response.

Exercise can Increase brain plasticity and growth. What does that mean, you ask? Exercise, even a simple activity promotes neurogenesis (the creation of new brain cells) and strengthens connections between neurons. This is especially important in the hippocampus part of the brain, the area of

the brain that regulates emotions and memory, which is often smaller in people with depression. Regular body movement,

Chad Cannon

FITNESS

or simple activity, can literally reshape the brain for the better. All that is a bit confusing, I know. The fact is, the more activity we do, the better the brain is stimulated. What about sleep? Yes, exercise improves sleep quality. Anxiety and depression often lead to insomnia or restless sleep. But when we exercise this regulates the body’s circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. And we all know that better sleep improves mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being. We all want that.

Lastly, exercise encourages mindfulness and mental clarity. Activities like yoga, walking, and swimming require focus on the present moment, reducing overthinking and worry. It creates a meditative effect, giving the brain a break from stressors, especially when done outdoors in nature.

WHAT TYPES OF EXERCISE ARE BEST FOR MENTAL HEALTH?

Aerobic exercise (Cardio) such as running, cycling, swimming, brisk walking, or

dancing are all fantastic to increase the heart rate, which boosts endorphins, and enhances circulation, which helps clear stress hormones. This is where most people gravitate to when they think of exercise.

Strength training is also very important, especially as we get older. Lifting weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises all help in building confidence, enhancing self-discipline, and releasing tension stored in muscles. (Not to mention that it also helps with fat burning).

Yoga and Tai Chi are both gentle, controlled movements combined with breath work. This helps lowers cortisol, improves flexibility, and increases body awareness and mindfulness. This can really help keep us calm.

Outdoor exercise (green therapy), such as walking or jogging in nature, hiking, or outdoor sports. This is probably one of my favorite things to do.

outs, basketball, or fitness classes all help combining social interaction with exercise, which enhances motivation and reduces feelings of loneliness. Being around like-minded people all working for the same thing is exhilarating.

So why is exercise so effective for anxiety relief? It redirects focus. Instead of dwelling on worries, the brain is engaged in movement. It regulates breathing, and controlled breathing during exercise mirrors the effects of meditation. It also breaks the cycle of overthinking. Physical movement helps clear negative thought patterns, and boosts self-esteem. Seeing progress in fitness creates a sense of accomplishment and confidence.

fore I start my workday. And honestly, it’s the best part of my day.

Creating a sustainable routine is what it’s all about… Routine! Start small. Even 5-10 minutes a day can be beneficial. First you should find what exercises you enjoy. It should feel good, not like a chore. Being consistent is the key to everything. Regularity is more important than intensity. Mix it up by trying different activities to keep it interesting. And use it as a coping tool. When feeling stressed or anxious, do a quick workout, walk, or stretch.

Exercise is not a cure for anxiety or depression, but it is certainly a powerful tool to help manage symptoms. When combined with proper nutrition, sleep, social support, and mindfulness, fitness becomes an essential part of mental well-being, especially for adults over 40 who may experience higher stress levels due to career, family, and health concerns.

The natural sunlight boosts vitamin D, which is linked to improved mood and lower depression rates. Being in Earth’s elements; rain, sunlight, snow, all helps us feel better mindfulness.

Group fitness or sports, like group work-

A big question is how much exercise do you need for mental health benefits? There are many studies out there on this topic, but personally I believe 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (30 minutes, 5 days a week), or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise is what we should all aim for. Even 10-minute walks can make a difference in reducing stress and anxiety! I personally start each day with a 15-minute walk at 5:30am to simply clear my mind be-

Chad Cannon is a life coach, health & fitness coach, and the owner of CannonFit Transformation Center in Bluffton. For more information visit www.cannonfit.com

BY DR. JEAN HARRIS Contributor

Darius Rucker Tournament

Long Cove Golf Club is partnering again with Darius Rucker and the University of South Carolina to host the 13th Annual Darius Rucker Intercollegiate Golf Tournament.

The tournament is held this week, March 3-5 at the Long Cove Golf Course in Hilton Head. Darius Rucker stated that “Long Cove is one of the best courses, if not the best, on Hilton Head Island…they do an amazing job with our tournament, and we are blessed to be able to host at this course”. Long Cove, a Pete Dye design, is ranked #17 in Golfweek’s Top 200 residential courses in the US.

The Darius Rucker Tournament is the only regular season Women’s College tournament televised live on the Golf Channel all three days. Tee times will be posted on the Long Cove website each afternoon for the next day.

The night before the golf tournament there is a private Darius Rucker Concert for the players, coaches, sponsors and Long Cove residents.

The college golf season recently started, and most schools have only played in six to ten tournaments. The Darius Rucker field consists of the following teams. The

schools with rankings as of February 5th, this writing, will be noted: University of South Carolina (4), Alabama, Arizona State, Arkansas (2), Auburn, Baylor, Duke (20), Georgia, Kentucky, LSU (15), Mississippi State (11), Northwestern (10), Ohio State, UCLA, Texas (6), Vander-

bilt and Wake Forest (12).

Arizona State is back to defend its 2024 Championship. The individual championship last year ended in a fourway tie. Lopez Ramirez, Arkansas, shot a 7-under 64 last year to set the tournament record. Hannah Darling, South Carolina, also tied for first last year.

South Carolina has two local girls on their roster, Camila Burnett, redshirt sophomore and her sister Sophia Burnett (graduate student).

Marie Jose Marin (Arkansas) is the number one ranked woman in college golf and should be one of the favorites.

There is no charge to come to the tournament and parking is free at the Central Church across the street (975 William Hilton Parkway). Complimentary shuttles are provided from the parking lot to the tournament entrance. There are on site refreshments for purchase and credit cards are preferred.

If you have any questions about the tournament, you can visit the tournament website at www.LongCoveDRI. com or call (843)686-1076.

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

Arizona State 2024 Winners

BY ANNELORE HARRELL Contributor

I’m a Savannahian, born and raised. True, when school let out in the Spring, our family headed across the river into South Carolina and Bluffton and our heart’s delight, the Maye River.

But come September, tanned and towheaded, we headed back to town and all of the challenges it offered.

Savannah is a seaport.

And like cities whose back doors face authoritarian state capitals, Savannah never accepted controls from Atlanta, from Georgian rules and regulations. She faced the sea, the mighty Atlantic Ocean, and reached out to and connected with the world beyond.

At a pinch, Savannahians would admit to being from Georgia just as Charlestonians, her neighbors to the north, expected you to understand they were a different, more superior folk than those South Carolinians up country.

During World War II, and even before in the 1930s, Savannah was known for her nightclubs and restaurants, her hospitality, her free, and easy way of life. Slot machines, and horse racing machines and punch cards were everywhere.

While the rest of Georgia subjected to liquor license laws, Savannah ignored any such requirement. If you were old enough

I’m a Savannahian

to drive a car, you were considered old enough to be responsible for your actions.

Not that anyone ever asked to see your driver’s license. Bars opened and closed at the convenience of the owner; customers restricted only by their own personal moral code. Ginger ale or club soda and lime, straight shot of bourbon, or a vodka martini. Your decision.

That’s not to say there were no unwritten social etiquettes.

There were.

A shopping trip downtown meant hat, gloves and when no nylon stockings were available during WWII, you smeared on Max Factor leg makeup and used an eyebrow pencil to draw a seam line up the back.

Men walked on the curb side of the street, a remembrance of days when the sword hand must remain free to protect fair damsel and doffed their hat as a welcoming gesture and never ever wore a hat indoors. On a bus or train or wherever no man or boy sat while a woman stood.

And we partied at home with teas and receptions and wienie roasts, at skating

rinks and swimming pools celebrating a friend’s birthday. We went to the movies, cowboy movies at the Odeon, burlesque with showgirls in sparkly nearly nude costumes and mile-high headdresses, comedians and a victim being cut in two, all on stage before the news and movie were shown at the Bijou Theater on Broughton Street. In 1940, Mama and I took a lunch with us to see the lengthy Gone With The Wind at the Lucas.

With our dates, we swatted mosquitos at the Victory Drive-In movie in the summertime and steamed the windows in winter.

We lunched at the Pink House and Morrison’s Cafeteria, sipped cherry ice cream sodas at the Theater Soda Shop, and root beer in frosted mugs at the Triple X; ice cream, that was so rich it wasn’t uncommon to find small chunks of butter, at Leopold’s out on Gwinnett Street and sat in metal chairs at small marble-topped tables eating cool cool rainbow sherbet at Cheeseman’s downtown on the Telfair Museum Square.

We dined and danced and delighted in

all Savannah offered.

In the basement of the DeSoto Hotel next to the Turkish Baths was the Sapphire Room, with a band, lead singer and dance floor. Not as ritzy as Remler’s out on Victory Drive with its multiple levels and shaded table lamps and 13-piece orchestras or as cozy as Harris’s with its booths that could be curtained off for privacy or as raunchy as the Rice Mill out in the Conservancy on Highway 17 or as rough as Cleve Ellis’s in Thunderbolt and Bamboo Gardens across from the Union Camp Paper Mill.

But in the 1940s, in those troubled war times, Savannah with its multiple entertainment venues, offered escape to thousands of shipyard workers, military personnel, and local citizenry.

No, I didn’t forget the bars, but at age 16 we were more interested in the music and dancing and like as not we of the female gender ordered a Coca-Cola. No one in our crowd smoked. Well, there was Frances T.

We were the children raised in the depression, tough times. Our parents worked hard and long.

But they played hard, too.

So did we.

Yes.

Savannahians do that.

Annelore Harrell’s journey is a tapestry woven with fascinating experiences and extraordinary accomplishments. Even at 92 in 2025, Annelore’s energy and zest for life continue to inspire. Annelore Harrell’s story is a testament to living with passion, resilience, and an unquenchable thirst for adventure.

Annelore Harrell

Spring tease: warmer weather brings lawn and garden changes—but don’t rush the green!

BY ZACH DELOACH Contributor

It’s time to hang up the winter coat for a few weeks but you might want to keep it nearby. From snow last month to beach weather this month, we hope everyone is off to a great February so far. In the course of a week our local soil temperatures increase more than 10 degrees, to above the 60-degree mark. What does this mean for our plant life? Well, quite a bit actually, let us explain.

The primary driver of all outdoor plant activity is soil temperature. Soil temperatures dictate when certain plants grow or stop growing, when specific weeds germinate, when funguses appear, and when plants bloom; along with many other things. This is very important to consider when applying any products to the lawn. So, what does that mean for us with the

recent temperature change?

With the temperature increase you will begin to see changes in your landscape. You will see positive changes such as growth and color change along with some negatives such as new weed germination and fungal developments. Now is the time you want to make sure to get your pre-emergent weed controls down. This will suppress the germination of weeds that thrive in warmer temperatures. Pre-emergents will not prevent all weeds from occurring but will minimize the amount you see making it easier to stay on top of throughout the season. I may not be a weatherman, but history has told us that we may not have seen our last cool snap for the season. This is important to keep in mind when it comes to watering and feeding the lawn. Pushing the lawn to grow too soon often does more harm than good. Typically, we see our last

waiting until April to automate your sprinklers or do any nitrogen fertilization. It is okay to manually water once every 2-3 weeks as needed if temperatures continue but you do not want to exceed that due to risk of fungus.

Lastly, many of our plants were affected by the cold temperatures last month. Do not panic, the majority of your plant life will show full recovery this spring and summer. We suggest cutting out any dead branches once we are past the cold to allow for new growth. A deep root feeding in the spring will spark new life into your plants.

In summary, DO put out pre-emergent and keep an eye out for fungus. DON’T fertilize with nitrogen yet or turn your sprinklers on for the season. Zach Deloach is the owner of Lawn Doctor of Beaufort County.

cold snap around St. Patrick’s day, therefore, we encourage

The deeper meaning of Valentine’s Day: a celebration of love and faith

BY RABBI KEN KANTER Contributor

Dear Low Country friends,

Do you ever wonder why holidays are scheduled when they are? Obviously American Independence Day is on July 4th because it is an historic day connected to the Declaration of Independence. Presidents’ Day is a compromise date between Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and George Washington’s birthday. Christmas and Chanukah are tied to the winter solstice, as Easter and Passover are related to the Vernal (spring) equinox. And Pentecost and Shavuot always come exactly 50 days after Easter and Passover! So why is Valentine’s Day in February?

Well, you might think that with the doldrums of winter, we need a little something to be happy about. Of course, in sunny and warmer Bluffton, it is not as gray or old or dismal as February is where I live, or where many of you came from, but in fact, it is tied to St. Valentine’s feast day, where two different priests named Valentine were martyred on that day many years apart.

But that is not the full history, because St. Valentine’s Day was created to replace an ancient Roman festival called Lupercalia, a festival of sacrificing animals to increase fertility for young women. By the 15th century, this fertility festival had developed into a time to celebrate love and romance.

Why should a rabbi of Temple Oseh Shalom in Bluffton share this historical background about Valentine’s Day? Because our common faiths focus our beliefs and practices around that deeply precious value of love. Love of country, love of community, love of

family, love of our spouses and partners, love of our children and grandchildren, and one most important love.

It is very meaningful that for both Jews and Christians, one prayer is looked upon as a primary motivation for our religions. In the Hebrew Bible and in every Jewish prayerbook for the Sabbath or High Holidays, a central prayer repeated at every service is entitled the “V’Ahavta”—coming near the beginning of each service. It is about that most important love, the love of God. In the Hebrew Bible, in Deuteronomy chapter 6 verse 5, we read “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your might. You shall teach this to your children and shall speak of this when you sit in your house and when you walk on the way. Take these words which I command you this day that you may remember and do all my commandments and be holy to your God.”

And when, in the New Testament, Matthew 22:37 (and Mark 12:30), Jesus is asked what is the greatest commandment in the Law, Jesus answers “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.”

And it not surprising that the Golden Rule “Love your neighbor as yourself” can be found first in the Hebrew Bible in Leviticus and then repeated in the Gospel of Matthew! Why? Because our faiths share the command to love, love our neighbors regardless of their faiths or ethnicities, as the way we love God. Love is reciprocal to be as caring and compassionate to others as we hope to be treated ourselves.

Let’s make that the lesson of Valentine’s Day and every day!

Rabbi Ken Kanter currently serves the local Jewish congregation at the Temple Oseh Shalom in Bluffton, SC.

Rabbi Kanter

The Joyful Jesus: exploring Christ’s hidden sense of humor

BY REV. DR. LEE VAN RENSBURG Contributor

The Gospels tell us that Jesus was hungry and asked for bread, that he was tired and fell asleep in the back of a boat. Jesus once became angry and overturned the tables of the money changers, that he felt compassion and wept for his friend Lazarus. But no where do we read of Jesus laughing.

There are two main reasons that eclipse Jesus’ sense of humor in the Gospels. First, humor is very dependent on body language, and we cannot see his body language. The written word does not convey his hand gestures, the raising or lowering of his voice, lifting his eyebrows, thumbs up, winking, etc. Unfortunately, we do not have any body language in the written word. Second, any play on words, puns, homonyms, double entendre, innuendo,

etc. are lost in the translations. Jesus spoke in Aramaic, that was then translated into Septuagint Greek, from there into the Latin vulgate and on into the King James Version. Word play, especially puns and double meaning, doesn’t stand a chance.

Two clues that we do have of Jesus sense of humor are, “The common people heard him gladly” for he did not teach as the others - presumably erudite, boring, monologues, usually from a lectern. Jesus’ images in his teaching were easy to listen to. Also, He was frequently invited to weddings, feasts, dinners, once made plenty of wine, was sought after by many “sinners” for his company. People not fun to be with are seldom invited to social events. Jesus had quite a social life. Jesus often used comic exaggeration in his teachings - a man with a log in his eye trying to remove a splinter from someone

else’s eye; a man being forgiven a million dollars insisting a debtor pay up the $10 owed to him; a gnat and a camel in the same cup and the camel not being noticed; Jesus often used comic reversal, another basic tenet of humor. A Pharisee and a tax collector go to the Temple to pray . . . but turns out it is the tax collector’s prayer that counts. A rich man and a poor man both die, but it is the poor man that finds himself in heaven. His images and scenarios are delightful and funny, “the blind leading the blind” (imagine what happens); pouring new wine into old wine skins (certainly an explosion in the middle of the night with wine everywhere); if sued for your outer garment then give him your inner garment as well (and walk around naked); putting a candle under your bed (no way to hide your light).

Jesus seems to have had a wonderful

sense of humor, aware of social incongruities, foibles, people taking themselves too seriously and he, being fully human, would naturally, like the rest of us, have a sense of humor.

Dante in the Divine Comedy after laboriously traveling through the regions of Hell and Purgatory suddenly stops and listens as he hears a sound, he has not heard through all his journey. It is the sound of laughter as he approaches Paradise (heaven). Seems there is no laughter in Hell.

Jesus once said, “Those who know sorrow now, will know laughter in the Kingdom of heaven” Luke 6:21.

Surely Jesus had a fine sense of humor! Rev. Dr. Lee van Rensburg is the interim pastor of Church of the Palms United Methodist Church in Okatie.

23rd

BY REV. DR. JON R. BLACK Contributor

Howard Thurman, a renowned theologian, once remarked that the greatest threat to his spiritual growth was his ministry. For a period, Thurman devoted himself to serving others so intensely that he overlooked his own self-care. This isn’t an uncommon experience. Many of us find that our acts of kindness towards others give us a sense of fulfillment, but they can sometimes mask our neglect of our own well-being. There’s a profound teaching in the Christian scriptures that highlights the balance between self-care and service to others. Mark 12:31 states, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

Reservoir loving

Thurman’s journey through self-neglect led to a valuable lesson. In his book “Meditations of the Heart,” he introduces the concept of reservoir loving. He compares two types of water bodies: a canal and a reservoir. In a canal, the water flows in and immediately flows out, representing a direct correlation between what is received and what is given. For Thurman, the water symbolizes the resources necessary for health and wholeness. In contrast, a reservoir holds water until it is full, releasing water only when it has reached its capacity. Thurman suggests that we should approach self-care with the same seriousness. Before we can adequately serve others, we must ensure that our own needs are met. The good news, according to Thurman, is that once the reservoir is full, there is a harmonious balance between inflow and outflow. Those who receive from a full reservoir benefit from an overflow, which brings a unique joy and

abundance.

However, Thurman acknowledges that reservoir loving is not suitable for all circumstances. There are times when we are called to offer sacrificial service to our neighbors, even when we may feel depleted. Yet, during ordinary times, reservoir loving serves as a valuable guide. Just as flight attendants instruct us to put on our own oxygen masks first before assisting others, we too must address our own spiritual needs before tending to the needs of others.

This concept of reservoir loving is universally relevant, transcending religious boundaries. Whether one identifies as Christian, Jewish, Islamic, or follows another faith tradition—or even none at all—the principle of self-care as a prerequisite for effective service to others remains significant. It encourages us to cultivate a wellspring of love and resources within ourselves, ensuring that when we extend our care to

others, it is from a place of abundance rather than scarcity.

In a world that often celebrates self-sacrifice and constant giving, Thurman’s insight invites us to reconsider our approach. It is a gentle reminder that to be truly effective in our kindness and generosity, we must first ensure that we are whole and replenished. This balance between self-care and service creates a sustainable model for living compassionately, benefiting both ourselves and those we seek to help.

Thurman’s wisdom serves as an invitation to reflect on our own practices of self-care and service. It challenges us to find that delicate balance, ensuring that our reservoirs are full, so that our acts of kindness can flow freely and abundantly to those around us.

The Rev. Dr. Jon R. Black is the Presiding Elder of the Beaufort District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Rev. Dr. Jon R. Black

BY TAMELA MAXIM

Contributor

Fire has been on my mind lately, and not in a “let’s roast some marshmallows” way.

From the devastation in California to the horrible fire on Christmas Eve that destroyed a friend’s home in Bluffton, to the inferno at the Turkish ski resort hotel, which claimed the lives of seventy-six souls, to the distressing memory of friend Mary Fielder’s call from Nashville when she lost everything in an apartment fire…

Fire safety has become my latest obsession.

On December 22nd, seated with husband Nicholas in the rear of our plane waiting to depart Denver, I wasn’t thinking about fire. I thought about how much fun we had skiing in Colorado and of returning home to celebrate Christmas with family and friends, a reprieve from thoughts of catastrophic loss.

Buckled in. Nothing to do but lean back, relax, and maybe even take a nap.

But something was amiss. It was way past time to depart for Charlotte, our stop before final destination of Hilton Head.

Why was that nice-looking young couple standing in the aisle? And why were flight attendants taking turns about every 10 minutes, leaning over the seats, and engaging in a strained conversation with a problematic passenger who sat by the window and two empty seats? The only two empty seats on our plane which clearly belonged to the couple standing up in the back of our plane. Everyone on that crowded holiday flight was focused on the bare-shouldered woman wearing overalls sans shirt and an enormous, furry white hat.

What was her problem?

We discovered later that this most unhappy woman insisted she could not sit next to the couple she had rousted from their seats and demanded they be relocated. Since there were no available open seats, Madam had been politely asked one by one by every crew member to leave the plane. The flight attendants, well-trained to maintain calm were cautious. No raised voices. No calls for assistance from law enforcement. No unnecessary drama. Were we ever going to leave Denver? Wasn’t it time to forget being courteous and patient?

Eventually, the woman stopped arguing and shifted to a quiet, childish “talk to the hand” kind of non-response. Some of us wondered out loud if she was perhaps more than looney tunes – maybe even dangerous. Finally, the woman slowly stood up and made an unemotional, silent exit from the plane.

The ordeal was over, or was it?

All this brouhaha took almost an hour, delaying our departure. The connecting flight in Charlotte would leave without us, and the next plane to Hilton Head would not leave until 2 pm the following day.

Trying not to lose our fragile sense of humor, we booked an airport hotel and made the best of it. How nice it had been to board the plane without our carry-ons, which the airline checked for free. At least I still had a few toiletries

FIRE

in my purse, but neither of us thought to squeeze in a change of clothes. Someone told us to take an Uber to a pharmacy for some of Nicholas’s meds, but I was so tired. He would have to stay alive without them until we returned to SC.

After a not-so-delicious, but oh-so-expensive hotel dinner, we settled in for the night. Exhausted, but still able to laugh about our troubles, we quickly dropped off to sleep. It wasn’t long before I was reminded of my preoccupation with fire safety.

We got a taste of middle-of-the-night mayhem when Nicholas and I were jolted out of a deep sleep by the screeching howl of the hotel’s fire alarm. In a bleary-eyed panic, we dressed and dashed into the hallway, expecting to see guests in full-on “run-for-your-life” mode. Instead, we encountered a young man who nonchalantly informed us that he’d checked with the night clerk – ho hum - false alarm – no need to evacuate. That alarm screamed for a very long 30+ minutes as the staff struggled to turn it off. Go back to sleep. Right. Not.

Later, the staff offered conflicting stories. One said construction dust had set off the kitchen smoke alarm. The manager spilled the beans the following day. Indeed, there had been a kitchen fire, and the danger had been quite real. She was sorry we didn’t get much sleep. The 6,000 hotel points given as compensation sounded generous until we discovered it takes about 20,000 points for one night’s stay.

The hotel plus dinner and breakfast came to about $250 – not reimbursable by American Airlines, which does not have a policy covering unruly passengers. But, after a few calls and squeaky-wheel emails, the airline did give me enough air miles for a one-way ticket – better than nothing. Perseverance pays off.

I know y’all tune out the blah-blah-blah of in-flight safety spiels and fire safety tips might make your eyes glaze over, but I have a burning desire to share, so please, please read to the end.

Here we go:

PREVENTION IS KEY

• Safety Measures:

o Smoke Detectors: One is never enough – they should

be placed inside each bedroom and outside of all sleeping areas; change batteries at least once a year

o Heat Alarms: These special fire alarms activated by extreme heat may not go off early enough for safety reasons. They can still help protect against loss as long as they are never used as a substitute for smoke alarms.

o Fire Extinguishers are handy – in the kitchen, garage, by the fireplace, etc. Know how to use them and regularly check the pressure and expiration date.

PASS = PULL AIM SQUEEZE AND SWEEP PULL the pin

AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire SQUEEZE the handle SWEEP from side to side.

o Kidde.com: to learn more about smoke and heat detectors and fire extinguishers

o Windows: Make sure they aren’t painted shut.

o Fire Escape Plan: Create one and review it regularly. It’s imperative to know where to meet outside. Folks have perished from re-entering a home on fire, not realizing that the “missing” person was safe outside on the other side of the home.

o Fire Hazards: Remove them, including clutter in storage areas (attic, garage, shed, closets).

o The Dryer: Frequently check and clear dryer lint trap and vents.

o Chimneys & Fireplaces: Annual cleaning and inspections are essential! Make sure a glass or a metal fire screen is in front of your fireplace. Load your fireplace from back to front. Don’t burn shiny wrapping paper or anything that might have a combustible coating.

o Space Heaters: Plug directly into an outlet, not an extension cord or power strip, keep at least 3 feet from walls and objects on every side, and unplug when not in use.

o Candles, Stoves & Ovens: Do not use these three typical accidental fire starters to heat your home.

o Fire Blankets: Invest in one or more. fireshieldblanket.com FYI These are only practical if you keep them handy where needed.

o Fire Escape Ladders: They come in various lengths. Amazon has them: 15’ $59.99, 25’ $89.99, and 50’ $159.99.

o Grease Fires: Never throw water on them. Turn off the burner and cover it with something metal. Metal baking sheets work very well. Another option is to cover it with a pot lid, salt, or baking soda. Use common sense. If it’s not a minor, controllable fire, don’t hesitate to evacuate and call 911.

o CLOSE BEFORE YOU DOZE is the phrase to remember. A closed door can slow the spread of a house fire significantly. Close your bedroom door when you sleep. You have less than 3 minutes to escape a fire. Go to www. closeyourdoor.org to learn more.

o Leave it Behind! Gathering valuables before evacuating can cost your life.

• Adaptors, Cords, Power Strips, and Prongs!

o Learn the Differences: Not every power cord or strip is the same. Each has a maximum amperage—don’t exceed it.

o Daisy-Chaining: Running multiple cords together is a short circuit to possible disaster.

o Don’t Run Cords Under the Rug: Over time, the wear and tear of stepping on those under-the-rug cords can expose wires and create a fire risk.

o Respect the Prongs! Mismatched prongs or dodgy adaptors can result in a fire.

o Check Adaptors & Power Cords: Don’t use them if you aren’t 100% certain they are safe.

o Manufacturer’s Instructions: Follow them for storage and disposal. Yes, read that doggone owner’s manual.

• Outdoor safety:

o Grills, Fire Pits, & Firewood: Keep them ten feet or more away from your home and never leave fires unattended until completely extinguished.

o Flammable Liquids & Combustibles: Store them in well-ventilated areas in the original, tightly sealed containers outside your home.

• In a Fire Emergency:

o Chill, Share, Leave, & Call 911: Stay calm, alert others, evacuate immediately, and call 911 when safely outside.

o Just Say No to Hot Doors: Don’t open a door that feels hot.

o Open Doors Slowly: If you see flames or heavy smoke, be ready to close them.

o Close Those Doors: When possible, close doors behind you as you exit.

o Stay Low. Crawl if necessary.

o Don’t Go Back Inside! If you think someone or a pet is still inside, ask a firefighter to rescue them; don’t try to do it yourself. This is one of the most dangerous things you can do in a fire emergency.

o Take the Stairs. Never use an elevator in a fire.

o Stop, Drop, & Roll. If your clothing catches on fire, stop, drop, and roll. Cover your face with your hands. If you are on a rug, roll up in it. If your hair catches fire, smother it with whatever is handy – cloth, shirt, towel, blanket. To help smother a fire on another person, your options are to beat the flames with something convenient like a towel or article of clothing, roll them in a rug, or douse the fire with a fire extinguisher or water.

o Metal Cookie Sheets are effective at putting out small kitchen fires.

o Don’t Hide, Get Outside. Ensure that young children who may have memorized the popular phrase, Stop, Drop, and Roll understand that getting away from a fire is the primary safety rule!

My heart goes out to those who have experienced a fire

catastrophe. For those who haven’t, I pray that you will never need my advice.

So, there you have it – let’s make 2025 the year that Beaufort County firefighters remember as the safest ever!

A fire is hot, And ice is not.

So, don’t forget, That fires, once lit, Are not like ice.

They don’t play nice.

And, if they spread.

You could be …

Tamela Maxim is thrilled to write for the Bluffton Sun and Hilton Head Sun. She was previously the assistant publisher of Realtor Listings magazine, editor of Bluffton Breeze and Premier Lowcountry magazines, and occasional contributor to local newspapers and magazines, including Carolina Morning News, Bluffton Today, Bluffton Eccentric, Premier Lowcountry, and PINK. She plays the role of the assistant art instructor on the YouTube channel Art Posse, a local reality TV show that has just completed its 2nd season. www.artposseproductions.com She recently edited and published two books, Et Cetera Y’all, Volume 1 by Annelore Harrell, and From Jellybeans to a Nobel Prize Nomination by Arthur V. Martin, Ph.D.

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Five steps to a healthy heart

BY DR. FRANCIS O’NEILL Contributor

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the leading causes of death in our country –on average, someone in the United States dies of CVD every 34 seconds, reports the American Heart Association. These diseases include heart attacks, stroke, congestive heart failure, heart rhythm disorders, sudden cardiac death, coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease and vascular diseases.

Beaufort Memorial Heart Specialists cardiologist Francis O’Neill, M.D., board-certified in internal medicine and fellowship-trained in cardiovascular medicine and interventional cardiology, noted that there are five simple ways to dramati-

cally reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases.

KNOW YOUR FAMILY HISTORY

There is an old saying: “you can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your family.”

“A strong family history of CVD, especially at a young age (earlier than age 60 for women and 50 for men), is a major warning sign that you are at high risk for CVD,” Dr. O’Neill said. “Understanding that history can help guide lifestyle changes to reduce your risk.”

KNOW YOUR RISK FACTORS

Beyond family history, it’s important to be aware of risk factors you may have.

“Do you have diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol or obesity? Do you smoke or have a chronic inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or other autoimmune disease?” Dr. O’Neill asked. “If so, you’re at higher risk for

CVD.”

Smoking is a major risk factor, too, he pointed out. You can reduce your risk of CVD by a significant amount in just a year’s time by quitting (plus, think of the money you’ll save by not buying all those cigarettes!).

EXERCISE ON A REGULAR BASIS

The importance of regular exercise can’t be overstated.

“Whether you have risk factors or not, this will dramatically reduce your risk of hypertension, diabetes and CVD,” Dr. O’Neill explained. “Thirty minutes three to four times a week is all it takes.”

EAT A HEALTHY DIET

Obesity is a major epidemic in this country and significantly increases the risk of CVD.

The Mediterranean diet is recommended by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology and includes lots of heart-healthy foods.

“It’s great for people with hypertension, diabetes, CVD and those who want to lose weight and keep the weight off,” Dr. O’Neill said. “Plus, it’s simple and easy to follow.”

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of CVD include chest pain or discomfort, especially with activity, shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, arm pain with exertion, back pain with exertion or jaw pain.

Other symptoms may include dizziness, palpitations and leg pain.

“If you have a family history, other risk factors, or have any of the above symptoms, please see your primary care physician as soon as possible to address these issues,” Dr. O’Neill said.

If you take these five simple steps, you are on your way to a much healthier lifestyle and a dramatic reduction in your risk of developing CVD.

Dr. Francis O’Neill

Spillin’ the Tea... Tales from the Lowcountry

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

The Legend of Harry Cram: Bluffton’s Wildest Southern Gentleman

BY PAUL TOLLEFSON Contributor

If you have not heard of Harry Cram, then you have most likely not been in the Lowcountry long enough. And if you have heard of Harry Cram, then you have heard some stories over the years. When Harry would shoot the telephones when they rang because they annoyed him, the rotary disk in the center making a fine target. Or the time that he rode into the ballroom of the Desoto Hotel in Savannah on horseback going off a bet for a case of champagne. This is just one of the thousands of tales that can still be heard floating around, told on porches and around bonfires to new residents or handed down from generation to generation.

Harry Cram turned himself into a local legend when in 1919 his father gave him Foot Point Plantation, which is the site of the modern-day Colleton River. He built himself a simple farmhouse and transformed into a sportsman, adventurer, raconteur, and all-around life of any party.

The story today is one of many more to come from other long time Bluffton folk, I hope. This quick tale comes to us from Mr. Thomas (Tombo) Heyward.

“As the story goes, my grandfather was with a bunch of his friends playing cards

and the whiskey was flowing like the May River. You have to remember this was a different point in time in Bluffton, folks pretty much did what they wanted,” said Tombo. “A few of the guys left early from the card game but my grandfather stayed a bit longer. When he decided to leave with another buddy of his, they were driving down the street and they came

upon the first group of guys who had left, their car in a ditch.”

“Luckily everyone was all right, so my grandfather tied a rope to his car to try to pull the first set of guys out. Well, that plan backfired and both cars were now in the ditch, unable to get out”.

“Bluffton, at that time, was still a very desolate place, there were not a whole lot

of folks who lived here, so having prayers that another car would come by and find them was all there was to go off of.”

“Well low and behold after too long, here comes a car which sees the men in the predicament they were in and slows to a stop, out walks Harry Cram with a smirk on his face”!

“Harry explained that he didn’t have any help with him, nor a way to pull both cars out, so in typical Harry Cram fashion, he joins them!

“He backs his car up and rolls it down the embankment and into the ditch with the others. He opened up his trunk and an abundance of corn whiskey in which they drank and sang songs at the top of their lungs until dawn when Cram’s foreman came to pull them all out”.

“Mr. Harry was always a fine southern gentleman, a great host to many parties, and I’ll never forget that story,” smiled Mr. Heyward.

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

Paul Tollefson

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