The Bluffton Sun • March 18, 2025

The Bluffton Sun

Hilton Head implements new beach parking fees, sparking concerns among Bluffton residents

BY SASHA SWEENEY Editor

A new beach parking policy took effect March 1st, 2025, introduces higher parking fees at Hilton Head Island’s public beach parks, a move that has sparked strong reactions from Bluffton residents who frequently visit the island’s beaches.

Under the revised ordinance approved by the Hilton Head Island Town Council in October 2024, island residents with a valid parking permit will continue to park for free at Town-managed beach parks. However, visitors — including Bluffton residents — will be required to pay for parking at all locations except Coligny Beach Park.

New parking fees and enforcement details

The new fee structure is as follows:

• Monday – Friday: $3 per hour, with a maximum daily charge of $15 per vehicle

• Saturday & Sunday: Flat daily rate of $20 per vehicle

Parking fees will be enforced daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the peak beach season, March 1 through September 7. Visitors will be required to pay online using a digital parking app, as cash payments will no longer be accepted.

Parking fees will be enforced at the following Town-managed beach parks:

• Alder Lane Beach Park (2 Woodward Avenue)

• Driessen Beach Park (64 Bradley Beach Road)

• Fish Haul Beach Park (124 Mitchelville Road)

• Folly Field Beach Park (55 Starfish Drive)

• Islanders Beach Park (94 Folly Field Road)

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PARKING FEES FROM

Youth recreational sports parking at Chaplin Community Park will remain free, with beach parking fees enforced there only after the end of the youth sports season on May 19.

Fines and penalties for violations

Failure to pay for parking, park in designated areas, or comply with regulations could result in the following fines and penalties:

• First violation: Warning and/or $50 fine

• Second violation: $100 fine and possible towing or booting

• Third violation: $250 fine and mandatory towing or booting

• Fourth and subsequent violations: $500 fine and mandatory towing or booting

• A $25 late fee will apply to fines unpaid after 30 days.

PAGE 1A

Town officials reasoning for new policy

Hilton Head Island officials say the new parking fees are intended to better manage parking resources and help maintain and enhance public beaches.

“This decision reflects our commitment to providing a positive and well-managed environment at our public beach parks,” said Mayor Alan Perry. “We explored parking regulations across South Carolina and found a solution that balances community needs while sustaining our parks.”

Town Manager Marc Orlando emphasized that the revenue generated from parking fees would go toward beach maintenance and improvements.

Backlash from Bluffton residents

The new fees have sparked significant backlash from Bluffton residents, who have long enjoyed convenient and

affordable access to Hilton Head’s beaches. Many argue that the drastic increase from the previous $0.50–$1 per hour fee, coupled with the expansion of paid parking to more beach parks, makes a visit to the beach too expensive—especially for families, casual beachgoers, and dog owners who typically stay for just an hour or two.

A Hilton Head Town Facebook post announcing the changes received over 300 comments, most expressing frustration with the new policy. Many suggested implementing a season pass option to ease the financial burden on Bluffton residents who frequent the island’s beaches.

“This is going to make going to the beach nearly impossible for families with small children,” wrote one commenter. “If you just want to walk the beach or take your dog for a quick visit, it’s not worth the cost.”

Others criticized the flat weekend rate, arguing that paying $20 for just an hour or two is unreasonable.

Free parking permits for Hilton Head Island residents

While visitors will have to pay, Hilton Head Island residents who live within town boundaries can obtain free parking permits for up to two vehicles per household. These permits allow them to park for free in non-handicapped spaces at Town-managed beach parks.

To apply for a permit, residents can visit the Hilton Head Island website at hiltonheadislandsc.gov.

Looking ahead

As peak beach season approaches, Hilton Head leaders will likely face continued pushback from Bluffton residents and other visitors impacted by the fees. Whether adjustments—such as a season pass option—will be considered remains to be seen.

For now, visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly, use the MyHHI app for parking information, and ensure compliance with the new regulations to avoid fines.

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Ryan Chowansky

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Collins Doughtie

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Kevin Fitzpatrick

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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 Merchants Society.

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EDITORIAL

Promoting business-friendly policies

BY WESTON NEWTON Contributor

Early this year I reported on the House Republican Caucus Pillars for this legislative session, specifically including “Promoting Business-Friendly Policies.”

Over the past few weeks we have taken major steps to deliver on the promises we made to reduce burdensome regulations, providing relief to small business, cracking down on crime, and ensuring that property owners have the rights they deserve. From tackling government overreach stifling job growth with voluminous regulations, from skyrocketing liquor liability insurance costs to addressing illegal occupation of property (squatting), we are taking bold action to get results.

Government red tape and overreach hurts small business, limits job creation, and generally slows down our economy. This month the House passed the Regulatory Freedom Act, a bill which puts citizens and business back in charge instead of unelected bureaucrats. The legislation ends outdated and unnecessary regulations unless reapproved by the Legislature. It stops government agencies from creating new rules without legislative oversight and requires a regulatory budget, ensuring that for every new regulation, two outdated regulations are repealed. Finally, it strengthens transparency and accountability to protect small businesses.

I am extremely proud that the House unanimously passed the liquor liability insurance and tort reform bill (H3497 that I explained in this space last month) to address the skyrocketing insurance premiums and at the same time protect the public with alcohol server training and increased penalties for DUIs. As the lead sponsor of the bill, the unanimous approval in the House was both gratify-

ing and reassuring -that public service is about providing real relief to South Carolinians with real problems and can transcend party (or inter-party) politics.

The legislation was a direct response to what we’ve heard from business owners across South Carolina that something must be done. The bill provides for a step down in coverage requirements based on hours of operation, greater percentages of food vs alcohol sales, and required alcohol server training. These measures along with eliminating the “joint and several” liability for bars, restaurants and VFW posts which opens the door to disproportionate legal responsibility, and which has been identified as the single largest factor for the skyrocketing insurance premiums should expand insurance options to increase competition and lower costs. The bill is narrowly structured to provide immediate relief while maintaining accountability and responsibility in alcohol service and promote public safety. While we do not have a “squatter” problem in South Carolina, property owners should never have to jump through legal hoops or face legal obstacles just to have someone who is illegally

occupying their home. To make sure we prevent this type of activity from becoming prevalent in South Carolina, my Judiciary Committee passed out a bill this week which creates a clear and fair process to remove squatters, giving homeowners the ability to take quick action instead of being forced into lengthy legal battles.

Finally, the smash and grab organized retail crime bill which passed out of the Judiciary Committee and the House last month, was recently passed by the Senate and is headed to the Governor’s desk to finally crack down on these largescale shoplifting rings.

Over the next few weeks, we will begin debating the 2025-2026 State Budget and I am committed to fighting for a balanced budget that reflects our conservative values funding law enforcement, safer schools, better roads and includes tax relief for hardworking South Carolina families. It is an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of South Carolina District 120 in the House. If I may be of assistance, please do not hesitate to call me. Weston Newton is the representative for District 120 in the State House of Representatives. WestonNewton@schouse.gov

Weston Newton

Beaufort County moves forward with Alljoy sidewalk project amid resident concerns

BY CHANNING HEISS Contributor

Beaufort County’s plan to construct a sidewalk along Alljoy Road in the Alljoy neighborhood is moving forward, despite continued concerns from local residents.

County officials provided details on the $1.18 million grant awarded by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) for the project. The funding, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), supports small-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian pathways. The grant will supplement revenue from the 2018 Transportation Sales Tax to cover the estimated $2 million project cost, pending the final engineering estimate.

“The tax will fund the project. The grant supplements the program to ensure we leverage the taxpayer dollars already collected through the tax,” said Brittanee Bishop, program and finance manager at Beaufort County Engineering. Bishop said the sidewalk will be constructed to SCDOT standards using concrete and will be located within SCDOT’s

right of way with grassed areas meeting department specifications. However, the use of concrete has raised concerns among Alljoy residents, who worry the sidewalk will increase flooding risks for nearby properties. Residents

argue the infrastructure of the sidewalk, catch boxes and pipes could cause contaminated stormwater to flow into the May River during heavy rainfall.

“We presented a petition with over 1,000 names and even proposed alternative surfacing proposals based on our research,” said Laura Wilson of the advocacy group Preserve and Protect Alljoy.

Standard concrete is impervious and contributes to runoff, which can carry pollutants into nearby waterways. Alljoy advocates want the county to consider pervious materials, which allow water to filter into the ground rather than running off into the May River and surrounding environment.

While disagreements remain, a recent Beaufort County update indicated construction is expected to begin this spring.

Channing Heiss is a freelance writer and a member of the Beaufort County disAbilities Coalition.

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Declan’s Delights approaches five-year anniversary

BY KAT RICE Contributor

Local treasure, Declan’s Delights, is approaching its five-year anniversary of serving the Bluffton area. Owner Brit Boggan spent years in the hospitality industry before accidentally starting the business.

Brit graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in 2009 and immediately began working in restaurants and on cruise ships, eventually becoming executive chef for a restaurant in Orlando, FL. But it wasn’t until she started working at a golf course with a standout dessert menu that she found her true passion— baking.

Around that time, just as they were expecting their first baby, her husband, Matt, was relocated to Bluffton for work. They quickly settled into the Lowcountry with their 6-month-old, Declan.

While Brit loved being a stay-at-home mom, she missed having something that felt like hers alone

“To be honest,” she says, “I thought I’d never bake again.”

But, when Declan was a year and a half old, Brit decided it was time to share her love of baking with her son. She started by teaching him how to make cookies. What she didn’t expect was that, after posting about their kitchen experiments, people wanted to order. Thus began Declan’s Delights.

The business started under cottage bakery laws with social media sales and local farmers markets. If you’ve been with them since the beginning, you might remember Brit standing behind a table of cookies with Declan sitting in a playpen next to her.

Things took off when they got their wholesale license and secured partnerships with Burnt Church Distillery, The Bank and Hilton Head Island Roasters. Demand grew, and the only way they could imagine keeping up was for Matt to go part-time at work to help in the kitchen.

Their proudest moment came last year when they built a mobile bakery and demand for their homemade bagel sandwiches, chicken salad, gooey brownies and oversized cookies has only increased. Matt believes the trailer, which Brit calls her “baby,” showed the community they were truly established.

The couple is currently figuring out the balance between family life and managing multiple revenue streams. They work long hours and rarely take a day off, but they’re happier than ever. For Matt, the joy comes from working for the family instead of someone else’s pocket. For Brit, it’s about knowing how far they’ve come.

“It started as just this little hobby,” Brit said. “Now we have a store and a food truck. Seeing people waiting for us and excited to see us is so rewarding.” Their goal is to open a full bakery and retail space, hoping to build a business they can pass on to Declan.

Declan, now six, takes pride in the family business. “When I’m older, I’m going to take over, and Mom won’t have to work, but Dad will still be cooking,” he says.

You can find Declan’s Delights at their wholesale locations, the Bluffton Market with their full breakfast and lunch menu, or at their retail location in Oldfield General Store. They also offer private catering and special orders. Follow them on social media at @DeclansDelightsCo.

THE FLAB REPORT

Don’t Miss the Hottest Pickleball Tournament of the Year!

Join us for our 3rd annual Pickleball for Charity event Sat., April 5 from 1 - 4 PM at the Wexford Tennis & Pickleball Center! All proceeds benefit the incredible local nonprofit, Memory Matters. Compete for glory or support as a spectator! We can’t wait to see you there!

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ADVANCING SINCE 2000 WELLNESS

BY DANIE CONNOLLY Contributor

After two months of desperately seeking my thinner self, I’m beginning to understand that there truly is a fine line between stretching and ripping.

I’ve always lived by Mark Twain’s quote: “If you have ignorance and confidence then success is assured…”

Looks like I’m all set!

As I think back to my historic battles of flab, I fondly remember ‘medium.’ I am of the opinion I’d rather have scales then get weighed on them.

Husband, BBB, likes to say as I dismount graciously “She came, she saw, she almost killed herself!” I admit my earlobes are quite svelte as I type this-something must be working.

I need to revisit the clean-plate club theory that my mother used to bribe me with. Her guilt convinced me that I alone, simply by gobbling down the last morsel on my plate, could single handedly stop starvation. I never even got a membership card.

I wish there were such a thing as the Food Police. Imagine them pulling up to my front door, blue lights flashing and

the bull horn blaring “Put the chocolate cake down and step away from the refrigerator!”

Actually, the only part of my body that should be thin are my fingers! They’ve spent hours scrolling down on my phone searching for one of those “you can lose weight” messages. I’ve scoured those ads that say everything I need to drop 80 pounds is in my kitchen cupboards! I spy the baking soda next to the apple cider vinegar and then they instruct me to listen to a video that will solve all my problems-for 2 long hours. Which explains why I haven’t cracked that code! Is it oregano? Could the garlic powder be the big secret? Either my friends don’t have an extra couple of hours to scope out the ingredients or they’ve made a deal with the devil and have to go to their grave with the recipe. I just read that ICE is the new diet count down. I can be the Queen of Cubes! I grabbed a tall glass and hit the crushed ice button on the fridge - a little oj and vodka could set that right. I rushed up to the bathroom scale and leapt on it. Nope- not quite yet…

I’m going to give this weight loss thing a little more thought. A nice slice of coffee cake and a gooey jelly donut ought to set me on the right path to Slimville!

Danie.connolly@yahoo.com is a writer, playwright, illustrator, and tv producer.

Danie Connolly

Ask AboutOur

The importance of mobility and flexibility training for adults over 40

BY CHAD CANNON Contributor

As we age, our bodies naturally go through changes that can limit movement, decrease range of motion and increase the risk of injury. For adults over 40, maintaining both mobility and flexibility is necessary for overall health, injury prevention and long-term independence, which is something I certainly want. Both mobility and flexibility play a crucial role in supporting an active lifestyle.

Mobility vs. Flexibility: What’s the difference?

that put excessive stress on certain areas, such as the lower back and knees. Regular mobility and flexibility training helps maintain proper movement mechanics, reducing the possibility of injuries.

2. Improved Posture and Joint Health

Many adults over 40 develop postural imbalances due to prolonged sitting, repetitive movements or old injuries. Limited mobility can lead to poor posture, which increases pressure on the spine and joints. Adding mobility exercises can restore or improve proper movement patterns, improving posture and reducing joint degeneration over time.

3. Elevating Performance in Daily Activities

Flexibility refers to the ability of muscles to lengthen. It determines how far a muscle can stretch without resistance. For example, being able to touch your toes is a sign of good flexibility in your hamstrings and lower back. Mobility, on the other hand, is the ability to move a joint through its full range of motion with control. It involves flexibility but also includes strength, coordination and motor control. A person may have flexible hamstrings but still lack mobility in their hips, which can limit movement.

Why

are mobility and flexibility important for those over 40?

1. Injury Prevention

As we age, our muscles and joints become stiffer, increasing the risk of strains, sprains and joint pain. Poor mobility and flexibility can cause us to compensate with movement patterns

Whether it’s bending down to tie your shoes, reaching overhead to grab something from a shelf or playing golf or pickleball, mobility and flexibility make these movements easier and more efficient. Without enough mobility, even simple daily tasks can become challenging and lead to pain.

4. Minimizing Pain and Stiffness

Many adults experience pain, mainly chronic pain, especially in the lower back, hips and shoulders. Often, this pain is caused by restricted movement and muscular imbalances. Consistent mobility training can alleviate stiffness, improve circulation and reduce pain by regaining the body’s natural movement patterns.

5. Better Balance and Fall Prevention

No one wants to fall. Mobility and flexibility improve balance and coordination, which are essential in preventing falls—a major concern for older adults. When joints move freely and muscles respond effectively, the risk of losing balance and falling decreases significantly.

Chad Cannon

FLEXIBILITY

FROM PAGE 12A

How to improve mobility and flexibility

Dynamic Stretching – Unlike static stretching, dynamic stretching involves controlled movements that improve flexibility and prepare the body for activity. Examples include arm circles, leg swings and hip openers. It’s like warming up the muscles and joints.

Joint Mobility Exercises – These exercises focus on moving joints through their full range of motion, such as hip circles, ankle rolls and spinal twists.

Strength Training with Full Range of Motion – Strength training, especially exercises like squats, lunges, back rows, chest presses and shoulder presses, helps maintain mobility when focusing on a full range of motion.

Foam Rolling and Self-Myofascial Release – Using a foam roller or massage ball can help release tight muscles and improve circulation, enhancing both mobility and flexibility. Even bodywork such as deep tissue massage helps release tight muscles.

Yoga and Pilates – Both practices emphasize flexibility, mobility and core strength, making them excellent options for improving movement and reducing stiffness.

Consistency is Key – Performing mobility and flexibility exercises regularly (at least three to five times a week) is essential for maintaining long-term benefits.

For adults over 40, maintaining mobility and flexibility is essential for overall health, injury prevention and quality of life. While flexibility allows muscles to stretch, mobility ensures that joints can move freely with control and strength. A well-rounded fitness routine that includes mobility training, flexibility work and strength exercises will help keep the body functional, pain-free and capable of handling daily activities with ease. Investing in mobility and flexibility today ensures a healthier, more active future.

Chad Cannon is a health & fitness coach, life coach, and owner of CannonFit Transformation Center, located in Sheridan Park. Learn more by visiting them at www.Cannonfit.com

BY ZACH DELOACH

Contributor

We seem to be on the verge of warmer weather. We’ve had several days in the 70s and 80s this month while still enjoying 40to 50-degree nights. Just as it’s difficult for us to decide what to wear in this changing weather, our grass is also struggling to figure out what to do.

Since soil temperature is the primary driver of plant activity, and we are looking for that 65-degree mark. With recent rainfall and warmer daytime temperatures, some grasses have begun peeking out of dormancy.

This process needs to be monitored to avoid premature fertilizer applications. As temperatures fluctuate, watch for bright discoloration and circular patches, which can indicate fungus.

To minimize the risk, we recommend keeping excess water off the lawn and reducing pet or foot traffic. Avoiding heavy post-emergent weed control and nitrogen applications at this time is also advised.

March Gardening

What should we be doing?

• Pre-emergent weed control – There’s still time to apply it to reduce summer weeds.

• Keep the lawn free of debris – Clear space in the canopy for sunlight to reach all parts of the lawn.

• Minor lawn renovations – Fill low areas with sand to minimize puddling and add sod pieces or plugs to larger turf gaps.

• Potassium applications – These can boost root activity and plant health for a smoother transition.

Shrub and garden care

Some local shrubs are responding to the warmer weather. Azaleas and loropetalums are starting to bloom. It’s best to wait until blooms drop before doing seasonal pruning on these plants. We can also begin tending to

warm-weather plants by pruning dead branches and feeding them for summer growth. Applying three inches of mulch to garden beds will help prevent weeds. However, avoid placing mulch directly

against the plant—leave a few inches of space to allow oxygen to reach the root system.

Zach Deloach is the owner of Lawn Doctor of Beaufort County.

Planning makes sense

BY MARK WINN Contributor

Trust law enables us to create legal structures that guarantee our assets stay in our family bloodline, protected for generations. How?

Let’s assume Jebidiah and Jane have three children: Derek, Lucas and Mary. Derek is married to Betty, and they have one child, Jack. Lucas is a single, successful surgeon with substantial exposure to malpractice claims. Mary is single and receiving government benefits due to a disability. Jebidiah also has a child from a prior marriage, Max.

Key questions:

• Can Jebidiah and Jane ensure Betty will not receive any of what they leave to Derek?

• Can they provide for Mary while protecting her benefits?

• Can they protect Lucas’s inheritance from medical malpractice claims?

• Can they ensure that if something happens to Derek, his share benefits Jack?

• Can Jebidiah make sure that when he and Jane are gone, Max receives 20% of the assets?

The answer to all five questions is yes. With basic planning, careful asset titling and proper designations, Jebidiah and Jane can achieve these goals.

With some variations based on individual circumstances, Jebidiah and Jane should:

• Leave half their assets to each other, protected in trust.

• Direct the remainder to their children in trusts to ensure the assets stay within the family.

Each should also have updated South Carolina powers of attorney for health and finances. This avoids costly guardianship and conservatorship proceedings if either becomes incapacitated.

How the trust works

Each should create a trust where they serve as the initial trustees and beneficiaries. With legal counsel, they should re-title assets into their trusts, ensuring proper distribution. The lawyer will advise which trust should hold specific assets and why.

When structured properly, their plan can:

• Protect family assets through a family asset protection trust.

• Establish separate trusts for each child, shielding assets from divorce, lawsuits and financial mismanagement.

• Keep their affairs private, avoiding unnecessary probate costs and legal fees.

• Protect half the estate from lawsuits after one spouse passes.

• Ensure assets remain with their direct descendants, not in-laws like Betty.

Why this matters

With proper planning, Jebidiah and Jane can preserve their legacy, protect their assets and provide security for their family’s future.

Now, that’s good planning—and good plans make good sense.

Mark F. Winn, J.D., Master of Laws, LL.M. in Estate Planning, is a local tax, asset protection and estate planning attorney.

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

Mark Winn

Begin with the end in mind: build the life you actually want

BY RYAN CHOWANSKY Contributor

Most people drift through life winging it hoping things will just “work out.” But hope isn’t a strategy, and it definitely isn’t a plan. If you don’t know where you’re going, how do you expect to get there?

Thinking with the end in mind means you create a clear vision of what you want before you ever take the first step. It means you decide the outcome before you start playing the game. It’s the difference between people who build something great and people who wake up one day wondering why their life isn’t what they wanted. If you don’t have a target, you’re aimless. That’s not an opinion, it’s a

Ryan Chowansky

FROM PAGE 16A

fact. Without a goal, a direction or a vision, every move you make is random. Worse, those random moves are mostly made for you. You can be busy, you can be working hard, you can be exhausted, but you still may be getting nowhere and gaining no traction. You feel like something’s missing. You just can’t put your finger on it, but you are agitated and don’t know why.

It’s like shooting arrows into the dark and hoping you hit something good. That’s what most people do. They jump from one thing to the next with no clear path then wonder why they feel stuck. If you don’t know what you want, you’ll never get it. If you don’t have a target, don’t expect to hit anything worthwhile.

Woe is you, always wondering why you can’t get “lucky.” The woe-is-me mentality does not work if you introduce clear targets and goals. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. To be prepared means you know what opportunity you want. To be prepared means you have a potential opportunity in your sight and you are locked on to doing everything you can to get to that target. You can’t get mad at anyone but yourself if you can’t hit any targets because you aren’t aiming at one. Nor can you be upset when your arrow hits a target you really weren’t shooting for.

When you don’t think with the end in mind, you live in reaction mode. You spend your time putting out fires instead of building something meaningful. You wait for things to happen instead of making them happen. When you’re reactive, you fall behind.

But, when you’re proactive, you control the game. You solve problems before they start and game-plan what could go wrong. You know how you will respond. You pave the way for opportunity and get those opportunities faster because you are pushing toward them rather than waiting for them to come to you.

When is the last time you played darts and the board came to your dart? Move with purpose instead of drifting. Being proactive makes life easier, business smoother and success inevitable.

Thinking with the end in mind is simple. You start with the outcome. You ask yourself what success looks like. You picture the final result, the finished project, the business at its peak, the life you actually want to live. Then you reverse-engineer it.

You work backward from the goal and identify every step it takes to get there. You figure out what actions need to happen today, tomorrow, next month and next year to make it real.

Then you execute. You don’t wait, you don’t hesitate, you just move.

In such a focused committed manner people start thinking there’s something wrong with you. “You changed.” “You’re different.” Boo-hoo, you’re damn right.

The bigger the goal, the further ahead you have to think.

The bigger the goal, the more it will scare others around you because it’s outside their comfort zone.

If you only think about today, you’ll always be stuck in today. If you think about where you want to be in five years, you’ll start making the moves now that get you there.

When’s the best time to plant a tree?

Ten years ago, or today.

Your future is being built right now whether you realize it or not. Every decision you make is either pushing you toward the life you want or pulling you further away from it.

Winners in life don’t leave that to chance. They think ahead, they plan, they act with purpose.

They don’t let life happen to them, they happen to life.

If you want to be successful in anything, you have to think with the end in mind and move with intention every single day. That is how you build a family, a spiritual center, a business, a career, a future and a life that truly matters.

A life worth living isn’t built by accident. It’s built with intention, with discipline and with integrity. Every choice you make today is shaping the life you will live tomorrow. Make those choices count, move with purpose and stay built with integrity.

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

Neuropathy warning signs: how to spot the symptoms early

BY DR. KENNETH HORUP Contributor

Multiple times a week, I hear, “Dr. Ken, I wish I could have known I had this sooner, but I had no idea.” When it comes to peripheral neuropathy, it is difficult to catch early. Most people assume their symptoms are just a part of aging. However, the earlier peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed, the higher the chance of potential recovery. Let’s discuss some common warning signs so you and your loved ones can be more aware. As I like to say, when it comes to peripheral neuropathy, ignorance is not bliss. Breaking down the word neuropathy, “neuro” means nerve and “pathy” means condition or disease. Simply put, periph-

eral neuropathy is a nerve disease. It specifically affects nerves outside the main spinal cord. As the disease progresses, symptoms typically start in the feet but may also occur in the hands. One of the earliest warning signs is occasional tingling.

In the early stages, symptoms are sporadic, occurring maybe once a week or a couple of times a month. Common symptoms include numbness and tingling in the toes, sharp pains, electric shocks in the feet or a burning sensation on the bottoms of the feet. When patients visit my office wondering if they have peripheral neuropathy, these are the symptoms they most often describe.

Lesser-known symptoms involve unusual sensations beneath the feet while walking. Patients describe the sensation in different ways. Some say it feels like they are walking on a marshmallow, balloon, sponge, crumpled socks or a cloud.

There is no right or wrong description— only that it no longer feels normal. In later stages, balance becomes affected. When nerve damage reaches a certain point, the body can no longer properly regulate where the floor is, leading to

poor balance. Some patients do not feel pain with peripheral neuropathy and instead experience gradual numbness until their balance is significantly impaired. Poor balance is a serious sign of advanced neuropathy and increases the risk of falls, making it critical to seek medical attention.

Just as every person is different, so is the way peripheral neuropathy affects them. Please be aware of the symptoms and warning signs so you or your loved ones can detect it early. If you believe you may be developing neuropathy, seek medical attention from a doctor you trust. Every physician has their own approach to treatment, but we all share the common goal of improving your health. The best way to help yourself is through early diagnosis and proactive management Dr. Kenneth Horup, DC is a Chiropractic Physician at Discover Specific Chiropractic, Board Certified in Neuropathy.

The cataract experts at Bishop Eye continue to lead the way in eye care in the Lowcountry with the Light Adjustable Lens. This unique lens technology allows your Bishop Eye surgeon to non-invasively adjust your lens power after surgery to achieve the highest performance level based on your personal preference. Our goal at Bishop Eye is to offer our cataract patients an exceptional cataract surgery experience and best-in-class results.

We look forward to serving you.

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BY LISA HOSTETLER BROWN Contributor

How do I ask for help now that my role has changed to an upaid caregiver?

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

• Le gal and Financial Planning Resources

By utilizing these resources, family

caregivers 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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Mitigating surtaxes faced by high-income earners

BY NICK MARTIN Contributor

Thoughtful proactive planning can help high-earning taxpayers reduce their net investment income tax and additional Medicare tax bills.

Every investor should have a thoughtful tax strategy, and for those who exceed certain income thresholds, proactive planning is even more important.

Individual taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $200,000 face a 3.8% net investment income tax on the lesser of their net investment income amount or the amount by which their MAGI exceeds that $200,000 threshold. For couples filing jointly, the threshold is $250,000. These taxpayers are also subject to a 0.9% additional Medicare tax on wages and self-employment income over the same amount.

Talk to your financial advisor along with your accountant or tax advisor to identify and implement the strategies that are most advantageous for your situation.

Here are some options to consider.

Improve your portfolio’s tax efficiency

To get a sense of your annual tax liability, review your portfolio’s turnover ratio (the percentage of your holdings replaced in a given year) and historical distributions. Then, work with your advisor to evaluate your investments, review your after-tax returns and consider opportunities to improve efficiencies.

Steps that may help reduce taxes include tax-loss harvesting – selling securities at a loss to offset capital gains taxes – and rebalancing your portfolio to include more tax-advantaged investments such as municipal bonds in higher-taxed locations.

Capitalize on employer benefits

If your employer offers a salary deferral plan like a 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, 403(b) or 457 plan, maximize your contributions to reduce your adjusted gross income and taxes over the long term. Similarly, if you’re eligible, maximize contributions to an employer Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan (SERP) to reduce your taxable income now and defer the compensation into later years when your tax rate may be lower.

Another often-overlooked benefit is an employer health savings plan or flexible spending account. Contributions use pretax dollars, reducing your taxable income.

Charitable giving

Charitable giving can reduce your tax burden while benefitting your favorite causes. Consider:

• Giving appreciated securities to avoid capital gains which increase your net investment income

• Bunching several years’ worth of donations into one year to exceed the standard deduction, making itemizing advantageous and taking the standard deduction in the years that follow

• Establishing a donor-advised fund to make future donations and claim the current income tax deduction

• Contributing highly appreciated assets to a charitable remainder trust (CRT) to defer recognition of income over time

While these tax planning strategies may help reduce your overall tax bill, don’t lose sight of your risk tolerance and long-term financial goals.

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.

Nick Martin

Beaufort Memorial now accepting applications for Rising Star Youth Volunteer program

For its fourth summer, Beaufort Memorial will host a select group of area high school students as Rising Stars, offering them insight into career opportunities in health care and the pride that comes with serving the community in a meaningful way.

Beaufort Memorial is accepting applications until April 4 for students interested in participating in one of two Summer 2025 Rising Star Youth Volunteer Program sessions.

The two sessions will be held June 9th20th and July 7th-18th. High school students will complete 60 volunteer hours over the two-week sessions, earn Basic Life Support and Stop the Bleed certifications, and gain first-hand experience working in various health care settings such as hospital units, physician offices, physical therapy, cancer services, operating rooms and cardiac rehabilitation.

Rising Star Youth Volunteers will also learn about career opportunities in Beaufort Memorial’s five career clusters: Hospitality, Business, Support Services, Diagnostics/Therapeutics and Direct Patient Care. Upon completing the program, volunteers will receive a certificate of participation and a letter confirming their volunteer hours for college applications.

To participate, volunteers must be currently enrolled sophomores, juniors or seniors in high school, at least 15 years old by June 9th, 2025, and fully vaccinated against hepatitis B; measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); varicella; tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap).

Additional eligibility requirements, program guidelines, a full list of important dates and application information can be found at BeaufortMemorial.org/ RisingStar.

New Riverside Park playground opens with grand

Families and community members gathered on February 22th, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of the New Riverside Park Playground with a lively Park Party hosted by the Town of Bluffton.

The festivities kicked off at 11:00 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting officially followed by complimentary snacks provided by the Town and featured an interactive children’s show by Jevon Daly. The celebration marked a significant milestone for the New Riverside area as this 37-acre park, located at the intersection of Highways 46 and 170, is the first of its kind in the community.

The playground is part of the first phase of a larger multi-phase development. The next phase, which includes The Barn venue, is set to open in late 2025. Located at 44 Red Barn Drive, the park will serve as a gathering space for Bluffton residents to enjoy outdoor recreation for years to come.

Arts & Entertainment Calendar

Beauty and the Beast

Bluffton Youth Theatre presents Beauty and the Beast on March 22nd, 2025, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. at The Bridge Event Venue. This magical performance is perfect for audiences of all ages. 1541 Fording Island Road, Hilton Head Island. blufftonyouththeatre.org.

Wingfest 2025

Wingfest 2025 takes place on Saturday, March 22th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lowcountry Celebration Park. Featuring 20 to 25 local restaurants serving over 8,000 pounds of wings, attendees can sample and vote for their favorite, with the Wingfest Champion crowned at 4:30 p.m. Additional attractions include a kid’s zone, rock climbing wall, bungee jump, and contests like the Kid’s Wing Bobbing Contest and Adult Wing Eating Contest. Admission is $10 (children under 11 enter free). Wings will be sold via punch cards, available at the event or online. No cash accepted; credit card and Apple Pay only. More details at hiltonheadwingfest.com.

Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival

The Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival returns March 23rd-29th, 2025, celebrating 40 years of fine wine, culinary excellence, and community support. The event features world-class wines, top Lowcountry chefs, live music, and exclusive tastings across the island.

Signature Events:

• The Public Tasting & Outdoor Gourmet Challenge takes place on March 29th, 2025, from 12 to 3 p.m. at Celebration Park, 94 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island. Guests can sample over 250 wines, enjoy a craft

beer garden, and watch chefs compete in the Sysco Outdoor Gourmet Challenge. A silent auction will feature award-winning wines, with proceeds benefiting the John F. & Valerie Currie Educational Scholarship Fund.

• The Wine Walk at the Shops at Sea Pines occurs on March 26th, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island. Attendees can enjoy all-inclusive wine tastings, a pop-up art market, and live music from CMA Fest artist Kaylee Rose. Presented by Easy Hemp Co, the event blends wine, shopping, and entertainment.

Tickets for festival events are expected to sell out. More details and ticket purchases at hiltonheadwineandfood.com.

May River Theatre Presents Sheila’s Island

On Bonfire Night 2019, Sheila, Denise, Julie, and Fay are Team C in Pennine Mineral Water Ltd.’s annual outward-bound team-building weekend. Somehow, Sheila has been nominated team leader and, using her cryptic crossword-solving skills, has unwittingly stranded her team on an island in the Lake District. The group manufactures weapons from cable ties and spatulas and creates a rescue flag with plastic plates and a toasting fork. Questions are asked, truths are told, and dirty laundry is aired. March 28th-30th, April 4th-6th. Tickets $25-$30. 20 Bridge Street, Bluffton. mayrivertheatre.com.

2025 Blue & BBQ Benefit

The Blue & BBQ Annual Benefit takes place on Saturday, March 29th, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. This Western-meets-Lowcountry event features live bluegrass music, danc-

ing, and barbecue from Da Shack, along with beer and wine. Additional attractions include a blacksmith demonstration, an archaeology dig tour, ghosted structures with food stations, and an appearance by The Carolina Cowboys and their horses. Tickets are $125 per person, including food, drinks, and entertainment. Sponsorships and tables available. Contact jwright@exploremitchelville.org for more information.

Symphony Under The Stars Free Outdoor Pops Concert

Classical crossover singer Jay Dref joins conductor John Morris Russell and the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra for an evening of opera, American Songbook classics, and Broadway hits. The program includes works by Andrew Lloyd Webber, themes from Cinema Paradiso and The Godfather, and songs from Les Misérables, Chess, and Camelot, along with swing tunes by Gershwin. A masquerade-themed costume and table decorating contest will take place. April 1st, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at Lowcountry Celebration Park at Coligny. Limited table seating available for purchase; free lawn seating. Bring a blanket or chair and a picnic. Details at hhso.org.

Pickleball for a Cause

ROC Dental Group hosts the 3rd Annual Pickleball for Charity Fundraiser on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Wexford Tennis and Pickleball Center, 111 Wexford Club Drive, Hilton Head Island. This round-robin, double-elimination tournament raises funds for Memory Matters. Each team is guaranteed two matches, with a winner and runner-up crowned at the end. Par-

ticipants enjoy competitive play, prizes, food, drinks, swag bags, and door prizes. Proceeds benefit Memory Matters, supporting families facing Alzheimer’s and dementia-related challenges. For details and to register mymemorymatters.org or rocdentalgroup.com.

The Mary Green Chorale

The Mary Green Chorale presents Brahms’ Requiem (in English) on April 11th, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at Lowcountry Presbyterian Church. Directed by Mary Woodmansee Green, this beloved choral masterpiece features soloists Laura Sutton Floyd and Matthew Walley, accompanied by organist Karen Ball and a string quartet. Brahms’ A German Requiem, written in memory of his mother and mentor, is a moving addition to Holy Week and Good Friday observances. Tickets are $30 (open seating) and available at marygreenchorale.org and select local vendors.

Bluffton’s Bunny Bonanza

Families are invited to celebrate spring at the Bluffton Bunny Bonanza on Saturday, April 12th, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the New Riverside Park Playground, 44 Red Barn Drive, Bluffton. This free event features an appearance by the Easter Bunny and an outdoor screening of the movie Hop. Complimentary popcorn will be available, with drinks for purchase.

SOBA to feature

Janet Stevens in “Lowcountry Serenity” exhibit

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) will showcase the work of Janet C. Stevens in a featured exhibit, “Lowcountry Serenity: Celebrating Coastal Beauty,” from April 6 to May 3, 2025, at the SOBA Gallery in Old Town Bluffton. An open house reception will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on April 11, offering visitors a chance to meet the artist and explore her collection.

Stevens’ work captures the natural beauty of landscapes and local wildlife, blending figurative expressionism with a deep appreciation for the environment. Using oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel and pencil, she creates serene compositions that celebrate the harmony and balance of nature.

“My art reflects my connection to the environment, capturing quiet moments of wonder,” Stevens said. “I enjoy creating compositions that honor the natural world.”

A graduate of Framingham State University with a BA in Studio Art, Stevens has an artistic background that spans painting, photography, ceramics and

AS IRRESISTIBLE AS A HOME BAKED PIE

DIRECTED BY TARA JEANNE VALLEE

printmaking. Her exhibit at SOBA will feature pieces that transform ordinary moments into compelling visual narratives.

The SOBA Gallery, located in Old Town Bluffton, provides a space for both emerging and established artists to share their work. All artwork in the exhibit will be available for purchase. For more information, visit sobagallery.com.

Event Details:

• Exhibit Dates: April 6 - May 3, 2025

• Location: SOBA Gallery, Old Town Bluffton

• Open House Reception: April 11, 4 to 6 p.m.

About SOBA:

The Society of Bluffton Artists is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the visual arts. Through exhibitions, workshops and community engagement, SOBA provides opportunities for artists and art enthusiasts to connect and inspire creativity.

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“Comfort food for the musical theater soul!”

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Fuel your day

BY LESLIE ROHLAND Contributor

Looking for a healthy, delicious way to kickstart your morning or recharge midday? Leslie Rohland, owner of the Juice Hive in Bluffton, has shared her recipe for a creamy, nutrient-packed acai bowl that’s as beautiful as it is good for you. This recipe isn’t just tasty—it’s loaded with ingredients that each bring unique health benefits to the table.

The star of the show, acai berries, are rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in the body, reducing inflammation and promoting healthy skin. They’re also high in fiber, aiding digestion, and contain healthy fats that support brain and heart health.

The banana, frozen for a creamy texture, is packed with potassium, which helps maintain proper muscle function and hydration. It also provides natural sweetness and quick energy from its easily digestible carbohydrates.

Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that’s low in calories but rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports healthy skin and eyes. Combined with Greek yogurt, which is high in protein and probiotics, it promotes gut health and keeps you feeling full longer.

Almond butter adds a boost of protein, healthy monounsaturated fats, and magnesium, which supports energy production and muscle recovery.

Toppings like fresh berries contribute additional antioxidants, vitamins, and a burst of natural sweetness, while granola provides satisfying crunch and fiber to keep you energized. Finally, a drizzle of local honey adds a natural sweetener with antibacterial properties and helps soothe

sore throats or seasonal allergies. Leslie’s acai bowl is more than a treat for your taste buds—it’s a complete package of nourishment, energy, and vitality. Try this recipe at home or stop by the Juice Hive in Bluffton to explore fresher, health-forward options. Your body will thank you!

Ingredients

• packet unsweetened frozen acai berry blend

• 1 banana, frozen

• 1/4 almond milk

• 2 T. Greek yogurt

• 2 T. almond butter

• Fresh berries of your choice

• Granola of your choice

• Local honey Instructions

1. In a high-powered blender, combine the acai berry packet, frozen banana, almond milk, yogurt and almond butter.

2. Blend on low until mixture is completely smooth. You may need to add more dairy-free milk until your smoothie blends smoothly. Try not to add more than necessary, or your bowl won’t be as thick and creamy.

3. Feel free to frequently to scrape down the sides and push potential unblended ingredients down, to blend more efficiently.

4. Pour into a bowl and top with granola and honey drizzle.

5. Enjoy immediately!

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.

Leslie Rohland

SCAD delivers nourishment

BY LUKE FRAZIER Contributor

It took me longer than I wanted, but I finally made it to the SCAD Museum of Art in Savannah after relocating to the South Carolina Lowcountry six months ago. It’s an hour from my home, which is no big deal—unless you act like a baby and whine about having lived just 20 minutes from one of the best art museums in the world in Cleveland or, more recently, even closer to the surprisingly good Knoxville Museum of Art. My wife had heard it enough, so off we went on a recent rainy Saturday.

After an excellent lunch at Veratina (best broccolini and shrimp scampi I’ve ever had), I considered the day a success regardless of what art awaited. Instead, my high hopes were realized by the breadth and depth of exhibitions tucked into SCAD’s cozy galleries.

If you agree with Italian writer Cesare Pavese that “Art is a defense against life’s offenses,” you’ll do yourself a favor by getting over there to build up some counterweight to the madness of the world.

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Among the standout exhibits, three adjacent interior galleries demand attention: the spirited humor of Christina Quarles, the graceful beauty of Ken Gun Min, and the intense sound installation by Jónsi. Together, they created a rich, rewarding experience, leaving my cultural taste buds more than satisfied.

Christina Quarles: “Far From Near” (Through July 6th)

The exhibit featuring Los Angeles-based painter Christina Quarles, “Far From Near,” includes a massive wall of dozens of framed ink-on-paper drawings depicting various body shapes, parts, and figures—both real and imagined. She adds text to many of them, some taken from overheard conversations. The majority appear female, with a political subtext of body acceptance and identity. Her figures demand close navigation, enticing viewers with phrases about history, time, and emotional reckoning. They are not traditionally beautiful, but their distortions express authenticity and presence. Also included are larger, color-

Nassau Street - Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 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

FROM PAGE 27A

ful acrylics, offering a more flowing, abstract sense of body affirmation.

Ken Gun Min: “The Vastness Is Bearable Only Through Love” (Through June 22nd)

The large-scale mixed-media paintings of Ken Gun Min line both sides of a narrow gallery, creating the feeling of journeying through a magical, slightly off-kilter world. Bright colors, lush growth, naked men standing in water, and lions with stomachs filled with gems fill the canvases.

Min, born in Korea and now based in Los Angeles, explores his identity as a gay Korean immigrant and his connection to the larger queer community. His 80-by-60-inch canvases mix Western oils, Korean pigments, and hand-embroidered beads, subtly revealing deeper themes. Upon reading the accompanying commentary, connections to homophobia and real-life violence become clear.

Despite this underlying brutality, Min’s talent shines through. His work balances beauty and vulnerability, creating a tone of unapologetic splendor.

Jónsi: “Vox” (Through June 22nd)

For me, the heart of this SCAD experience was Vox, the eight-channel sound installation by Icelandic artist and musician Jónsi. I’m a sucker for immersive art, and this one went beyond sight and sound—custom fragrance and fog were pumped into the gallery.

Jónsi’s family runs the perfumery Fischersund, so upon entering, visitors are greeted by a pleasantly earthy, organic scent that pairs with his mystical fal-

setto voice booming through hidden speakers. This voice track is converted into light frequencies, triggering LED panels on all four walls.

The 25-minute installation offers a full range of sounds and flashing lights, some more pleasant than others. If you stick with it, the piece transforms the space into a swirling, otherworldly experience.

Why This Matters

Part of the point and value of installation art is its ability to remove you from daily interactions and place you inside a fully realized artistic environment. It offers a chance for a new experience—challenging and rewarding at the same time.

For me, Vox reset my emotional concerns and broadened my perspective, as powerful art can do. The experience reminded me of a James Wade passage describing a dying character caught in a “swirling rotation of the never before and always has been.”

I let go in that little room and stepped into a larger surrounding context of life on art’s terms.

Final Thoughts

In the end, light and sound will fade before darkness and silence overtake us. But until then, one thing we can do is feast on art like the current exhibits at the SCAD Museum.

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).

Breaking the fast

BY KEVIN FITZPATRICK Contributor

There are so many variations of where the word “breakfast” comes from that it would take multiple pieces to even categorize the different philosophies of a morning meal going all the way back to Ancient Egypt and Greece. What I do know is that it is my favorite meal of the day and one that I find the most difficult to properly prepare at home. Truth be told, Sue makes a fabulous eggs Benedict and we will occasionally indulge on a Sunday morning along with mimosas or bloodys, but even then, the clean-up is kind of annoying.

I have always been an early risermost of my teaching years classes began at 7:30 and I usually lived about 30 or so miles from where I taught. I also liked to do most of my prep work the “morning of” to keep it fresh. Additionally, I found that “extra help” sessions were far more effective in the morning - after a lesson had been digested overnight and appropriate practice attempted. And, despite the current push for later and later start times, both kids and parents agreed. They would make it a point to have them arrive before the start time and not have it impact on sports, drama, jobs, or home obligations in the afternoon after they had been through 5 or 6 other courses during the day.

For most of those years, it meant a 5 am wake up, and breakfast consisted of simply fuel. Black coffee and a bagel, or if I felt indulgent, the classic bacon/egg/ cheese on a hard roll (salt, pepper, ketchup please). On the many delayed openings due to weather, I would still leave at the same time (it was always better to be on the road ahead of the masses, especially when the roads were horrible.) I would revel in the extra time and almost always enjoy a fabulous chili-cheese omelet with freshly made home fries, that the cafeteria folks at Greenwich High

crafted so well. They never had a “delay,” as they were always expected to be there at the same time to get their prep work done and were amazingly kind about making breakfast for me.

Arriving in Bluffton, as we did in 2021, toward the end of the covid lockdowns back in CT, we had become used to staying in for breakfast. Having the luxury of being retired and not on a clock (and again, with Sue doing restaurant worthy eggs benny). Now that Abbey the dog has crossed the bridge, we have added a new “tradition” to our dining out rota. We have decided that since we no longer have to keep Abbey occupied while the house is being cleaned bi weekly, we will take that time to go out to breakfast on the regular.

That led us to talk about a few places where we have been that we loved. Full disclosure: this is not intended to be a full list. There are, as we have discovered, as many places to have breakfast as there are to have dinner and we realize we have not even scratched the surface (though scratching that particular itch has begun.) Also, this is not in any rating order, just sharing some thoughts for reference.

Even before we moved down, while vacationing, we first tried Cahills and we have continued to go there over the years. Classic southern fare, atmosphere, service and portions large enough to take leftovers for days. We both have tried a variety of their breakfast items over the years and each one is better than the other, it just depends upon the mood you are in for that day. Not to be missed are their mimosas either simply outstanding and packing a punch.

Living in the New Riverside area, we were very excited when Eggs Up opened in the burgeoning New Riverside Village complex. We have also been there multiple times and each time have had great food, great friendly service and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. While sometimes it seems that the food may arrive a little

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BREAKING

FROM PAGE 29A

more slowly than other places, we are not in a hurry and regardless of our party

size, each and every dish has arrived piping hot (not easy to do with different breakfast orders in a usually

an excellent bloody which makes a fine accompaniment if you are willing and able to sip slowly.

We will occasionally do a quick overnight or two at Disney’s resort on the island (as members of the DVC since ‘96 it was how we first came to visit and fall in love with the area) and when we do, we always look forward to breakfast at The French Bakery. While many of the titles of their offerings have the usual names, there is nothing usual about the dishes or the presentations. Their breads are among the best, if not the best, in the entire area adding to the flavors, the presentation equally stunning. We would go there far more often if we were closer, but always make it a stop when staying overnight on the island. The last time I did an

overnight was to play in a card game and not wanting to drive home I did a quick solo overnight and while driving home the next morning stopped in a Harold’s Diner that I had heard a lot about. It was all I had read and more. It brought me directly back to my youth going out to the occasional breakfast with my dad, a NYC bus driver, at one of the many diners and sitting at the counter. I had to try their signature “Big H Breakfast” and after realizing that my eyes were way ahead of my stomach, enjoyed about half of it before taking it along for the ride and enjoying it again the next day. I am looking forward to taking Sue there on our next island adventure.

As I said at the outset, this is just a small look at where we’ve been, what we’ve enjoyed and a precursor to looking at more places to enjoy my favorite meal of the day. How incredibly lucky we are to have so many great options. Bon Appetit y’all.

Kevin Fitzpatrick is a retired teacher who, along with his wife Sue (also a retired teacher) is enjoying exploring life in the Lowcountry and all it has to offer.

Denise Liotta DeMarzo to debut “Tablescapes” exhibit at Maye River Gallery

BY JUDY MCELYNN Contributor

Art lovers in Old Town Bluffton can look forward to a special exhibition as Denise DiMarzo makes her guest artist debut at Maye River Gallery with “Tablescapes: A Feast for the Eyes,” opening Tuesday, April 1.

A classically trained artist who paints from life, DiMarzo has built a strong local following through exhibits at Hilton Head, Bluffton and Artists of Sea Pines Galleries. Since moving to the Lowcountry, she has gained attention for her striking Spirits collection, which features bold compositions set against dark backgrounds. Her latest works continue that dramatic style, incorporating larger, narrative-driven pieces that blend organic and functional elements in imaginative arrangements.

A reception will be held April 12th from 3 to 6 p.m., where visitors can hear DiMarzo discuss her creative process, which she calls “painting in the dark.”

For more information, visit Maye River Gallery in Old Town Bluffton.

Judy McElynn is a Managing Member of the Maye River Gallery TABLESCAPES: A

BY GLENDA HARRIS Contributor

Sunday morning run goes wrong

Daniel is a 25-yearold military service member and regular runner. Married with a young son, he left on a Sunday morning for his usual 30-minute jog near their home in Florida, promising his wife he’d be back in time for church services.

Leaving the house at 7:15 a.m., he took a different route on a dirt road across the street from his neighborhood, that he had often wondered about where it led. It was circular, maybe leading back to the start. It did not.

At about the 6-mile mark, he stopped for a breather and noted a busy highway just a half mile or so down an easement. He recognized the road and thought it

would be a short run to his neighborhood entrance. It was not.

He began running again, noticing power lines supported by five-foot-tall concrete pylons. After a while, the ground began to be mushy and thick. He was in a swamp. Wearing new shoes, he began walking slowly, picking his spots. Thinking dry land was just ahead, he continued. It was not.

Plodding ahead, the water was now halfway to his knees. It was then, while fixated on the water checking for snakes, that Daniel heard what sounded like a heavy splash.

Looking ahead, he watched a long tail slide into the water and knew instantly it was an alligator. Adrenaline began pumping hard. He thought “Okay, if it swims away, that means I scared it off. But if he heads toward me…” not finishing that thought as a trail of bubbles made a beeline to his location.

Turning back in the direction from

which he came, he sprinted as best he could until he saw the concrete pylon up ahead. After slamming into it, he climbed it, while tightly hugging the pole.

Looking around, he saw the 5-6 footlong gator just 30 feet away, closing fast. The reptile got close and then stilled, only his beady eyes above water…watching, waiting. Daniel thought about yelling for help but quickly realized he was too far into the swamp to be heard.

Thirty minutes went by before the gator finally began to retreat, never looking back. Daniel waited another full 30 minutes, hoping he was long gone. With his heart pounding, he descended and began stepping carefully through the water. Thinking, the heck with this, he tossed the stick he was carrying and took off at full speed, just wanting to get out of there!

Once on dry ground, exhausted, sweaty and parched, he sat down, reflecting for a moment. Though his legs were covered

with blood from scratches, he felt no pain. What he did feel was total exhaustion. He had been gone from home for over 5 hours…and he had 6 more miles to get back.

Finally reaching his neighborhood entrance, the gate guard motioned to him, saying everyone was looking for him. They gave him water and called his wife. Daniel’s wife and son arrived looking very concerned.

After telling her he was stalked by an alligator, she seemed surprised, as she saw his legs, likely thinking he had been attacked. He explained to her what had happened.

Arriving at their house, Daniel consumed more water. They agreed in the future, he would run in the neighborhood and always carry his phone. He then slept…for a very long time.

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

Glenda Harris

Community invited to “Pack the Stands” at Special Olympics spring games

BY SASHA SWEENEY Editor

The spirit of perseverance and inclusion will take center stage at the Special Olympics Area 8 Track & Field Spring Games on March 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at May River High School. Hosted by SOAR Special Recreation, the event will bring together athletes from Beaufort and Jasper County schools for a day of competition, camaraderie and celebration.

A call to pack the stands

SOAR Special Recreation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing inclusive athletic programs for individuals with disabilities, is asking the community to “Pack the Stands” to support the athletes. The entire community is encouraged to attend and cheer on competitors as they showcase their abilities in a variety of track and field events.

More than a competition

The Special Olympics Spring Games highlight the role of sports in building confidence, teamwork and personal growth. Special Olympics athletes train for a minimum of eight weeks before competing, developing both skills and self-assurance.

For many participants, the event is more than a competition—it is a chance to demonstrate their hard work and determination in front of their families, peers and community. The atmosphere will be filled with excitement as athletes take their marks, hear the cheers of the crowd and experience.

Promoting inclusion through athletics

SOAR’s mission is to ensure that individuals of all abilities have access to sports and recreation, providing opportunities for social engagement, skill-building and lifelong fitness. Events like the

Special Olympics Spring Games reinforce the belief that athletics are for everyone, regardless of ability.

Beyond the competition, the games foster friendships, promote self-confidence and encourage active lifestyles. They also help change perceptions about individuals with disabilities by showcasing their strengths and talents.

Join the celebration

Whether you are a family member, student, educator or community member looking to support a great cause, your presence at the Special Olympics Spring Games can make a difference. Bring your enthusiasm, signs and loudest cheers to May River High School on March 20th to celebrate the athletes of Beaufort and Jasper counties.

For more information about SOAR Special Recreation and its programs, visit soarspecialrecreation.org.

Empowering each other: women 50+ building mental health resilience together

BY ALEX BARRY Contributor

As women enter their 50s and beyond, life transitions often begin to bring new challenges, including career shifts, caregiving responsibilities, health changes or adjusting to an empty-nest or aging parents.

Amid these changes, mental health resilience—our ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity—becomes an invaluable trait.

By supporting one another, women in this age group can create a powerful network that fosters resilience and well-being.

Build a Supportive Community

One of the most effective ways women can help each other is by cultivating a sense of community. Whether through book clubs, wellness groups, or social gatherings, these spaces allow women to connect, share experiences, and combat feelings of isolation. Simply having someone who listens and understands can make a world of difference in navigating tough times.

Open Up About Mental Health Stigmas

Stigmas surrounding mental health, whatever their origin, can discourage people from seeking help. By sharing their own stories, women can normalize discussions about emotional well-being. Open conversations about therapy, meditation, or managing stress help

others feel less alone and encourage them to prioritize their mental health.

Celebrate Each Other’s Strengths

Acknowledging and celebrating achievements and milestones—big or small—helps build confidence and positivity. Women can boost each other’s self-esteem by offering words of encouragement, recognizing personal growth, or simply reminding each other of their incredible resilience.

Practice Self-Care Together

Self-care is essential for mental health, yet it’s often overlooked. Activities like yoga, walking groups, or creative workshops not only promotes wellness but also strengthens bonds. Sharing these moments can motivate individuals to stay committed to their mental health practices.

Advocate for Learning and Growth

Fostering resilience also means embracing lifelong learning. Women can share books, podcasts, or workshops that inspire personal development. Encouraging each other to try new hobbies or skills ignites curiosity and brings joy, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Be Present and Patient

Offering presence and patience to one another can be a profound act of support. Whether through a kind word, a phone call, or just showing up, these gestures remind us that we’re not alone in our situation or in our journey. By leaning on one another and building a culture of mutual support, women aged 50+ can strengthen their mental health.

Alex Barry

BY JOY ROSS Contributor

Beware of thinning shears

I know this may seem obvious to some, but I doubt it, because people still ask me to thin out their hair. For years, both clients and stylists believed that using thinning shears on thick or bulky areas would help. Unfortunately, it’s only a short-term fix that eventually leads to a styling nightmare.

The Problem with Thinning Shears

Thinning shears are sometimes used to remove tiny sections of hair at the root or close to the scalp. At first, this makes the hair feel less bulky and thinner. However, as those shorter hairs begin to grow, they push the longer strands upward, making the hair appear even fuller and thicker than before.

By the next haircut, the cycle continues. Since the previously thinned hairs

aren’t being cut again, the stylist removes other strands instead. Over time, this leads to multiple layers of regrowth:

• Short, newly cut strands at the root

• Slightly longer hair from the last thinning session

• Longer lengths that still need a trim

As the shorter strands grow out, they create an undercoat of uneven, short hair beneath the longer layers. This is where the nightmare begins. There’s no way to keep thinning the hair without making it more difficult to control and style.

Thinning Shears or Blending Shears?

I honestly don’t know why they were ever called thinning shears. The only thing they should be called is blending shears, and they should only be used on the ends of the hair to smooth out ridges or uneven areas. When used correctly, they can work for anyone, including chil-

dren.

However, if you see your stylist using them at the root, stop them immediately. Otherwise, you’ll end up with bigger, more unruly hair—especially if it’s curly or wavy.

Better Alternatives for Thick Hair

If your hair is too thick, there are bet-

ter ways to reduce bulk:

• A straight razor, when used correctly

• Undercutting to remove weight from underneath

• Specif ic techniques for curly hair that shape and define rather than thin

Thinning shears are not the answer. Trust me—you’ll thank me later. Joy Ross is the owner of Style It Salon. styleitsalon.com, 843-338-1530.

BY COLLINS DOUGHTIE Contributor

Littered with fond memories

I often think just how lucky I have been that my father, once a big time copy writer for an ad agency on Madison Avenue, made the mind-boggling decision in 1961 to gather up his five young kids and move to a little-known island off the South Carolina coast. Of course, that island was Hilton Head. The swing bridge had just been installed, most of the roads were barely twolane with the majority being dirt roads. As for traffic, it was a madhouse. Talk about keeping your head on a swivel it wasn’t cars that would get you but rather deer, wild pigs, turkeys and such.

From the moment we made it over the bridge I can still remember that, even at six years old, this had to be paradise. Maybe it was the palmettos and massive live oaks that had so much Spanish moss on them that, for a tike like myself, I was getting my first glimpse of heaven. Pristine doesn’t even come close to describing the beauty that surrounded me no matter which direction I looked.

Arriving at our newly constructed home beachside in Sea Pines Plantation (yes, it was called a plantation back then), I can still remember walking down a narrow walkway to the beach, and there in front of me was the sparkling, grandiose Atlantic Ocean and miles of a pearl white beach without a soul in sight. My young mind became convinced that I was now living a part of my very own chapter of Swiss Family Robinson, a book

that I cherished at that time in my life - and still do to this very day.

Re-reading what I have written thus far “first impressions” seems to best describe this column’s theme. First impressions can make or break so many aspects of your life. For instance, it can make the difference in whether you decide to try a new restaurant when you walk through its doors, It plays a huge part when you decide whether or not to hire a person, or for that matter, meeting someone for the first time. With that said, this is where curiosity has gotten the best of me, wondering what your very first impres-

sion was when you first arrived here in the Lowcountry - be in Bluffton or on Hilton Head. Was it anything like what I felt decades ago?

I would love to hear your reply to that question, but since that is impossible, let me ask you if there is anything you saw that might have soiled that first impression? If you think I am setting you up for something then regrettably I am. Having been blessed to watch this area blossom to the degree it has since my early homecoming one change in particular is tainting my love for this remarkable section of the country. Litter!

Every single day it gets worse. Is cultural change to blame? Maybe to a degree, but my opinion leans more toward a profound disrespect for the God-given beauty that brought 99.9% of you to decide to make this place your home. Blame it on uncovered construction vehicles, late-night beer drinkers but face it, we have become one of the world’s leading throw away cultures. Just think how much litter comes from a simple Happy Meal or most any other fast food joint. Our roadways are an embarrassment and instead of taking two seconds to pick up a piece of litter, it sits there until a lawn mower chops it up hundreds of new pieces of litter. Where has our pride gone? Sadly, it is just about as bad out on the water. I tied three empty water bottles together and set them adrift next to a boat landing and 26 boats passed within an arm’s reach of them before one guy in a kayak picked them up. The picture above of bags of litter came from wife Karen. All that was picked up in less than three hundred yards. Amazingly, she gets just as much each and every week or so along that very same stretch of highway. I am wracking my brain to organize a massive anti-litter campaign so until I have the plan consider joining the “Adopt a Highway” program. To adopt contact Jesus Rodriguez. His number is (843) 255-2817 and his e-mail address is jesus.rodriguez@bcgov.net.

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

COLLINS DOUGHTIE

Business briefs: New openings and milestones in Bluffton and Hilton Head

Bluffton welcomes The Guest Cottage

Owned by Leslie Rohland, who also owns The Cottage Café, Bakery & Tea Room, and located in historic Old Town Bluffton, this charming new venue is perfect for intimate dinners, afternoon teas, and other small group events.

Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 38 Calhoun St, Bluffton • thecottagebluffton.com

Grand Opening of the new Bluffton Welcome Center at the Squire Pope Carriage House.

The last phase of development of Wright Family Park, which has been available to the public since December 2020, has included the new Welcome Center, which was completed in its entirety. According to town documents The Squire Pope Carriage House was built circa 1850 and is among the few structures in the

Bluffton Historic District to survive the 1863 ‘Burning of Bluffton’ by the Union Army during the Civil War. Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and closed on Sundays.

111 Calhoun St, Bluffton

Grand opening of Grand Living Homes and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Paracle at the Bluffton Promenade.

Grand Living Homes builds luxury custom homes, while Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Paracle is a full service real estate company for buyers and sellers in the Lowcountry.

Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

9 Promenade St, Bluffton • paraclerealty.com • grandlivinghomes.com

Foodseum Ribbon Cutting.

The Technical College of the Lowcountry held their grand opening of the Food-

seum March 7th at the Culinary Institute of the South. This interactive exhibit showcases the rich history of Southern food and Lowcountry cuisine. Admission is free, open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at 1 Venture Dr, Bluffton.

Lowcountry Legal Volunteers celebrates 25 years

Lowcountry Legal Volunteers, a non-profit that provides free legal services to low income people in Beaufort, Hampton and Jasper counties, is celebrating 25 years of service. Since its inception, the organization has delivered nearly $3 million in legal services to those in need.

Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

108 Traders Cross, Okatie • lowcountrylegalvolunteers.org

MiraSol Health has just expanded its services with a new rebranding.

Hospice Care of the Lowcountry has changed its name to MiraSol Health and has also expanded its services in a recent ribbon cutting.

MiraSol provides:

• Hospice Care of the Lowcountry

• Lowcountry Palliative Care

• Rays of Hope Behavioral Health

• The Maggie Clark Volunteer Program

The expansion of MiraSol Health is an expansion of its role to address the whole person, and their needs, throughout their illness, at the end of life, and during the grieving process.

Available 24 hours a day

7 Plantation Park Dr, Bluffton mirasolhealth.org

Once Upon A Child Opens.

Bluffton families now have a new, yet affordable, place to shop with the arrival of Once Upon A Child. The national resale retailer buys and sells gently used children’s clothes, toys and accessories. The store’s owner, Leah Baker, was able to make her dream a reality of running

the business she once planned to establish with her late sister. In contrast to other consignment stores, Once Upon A Child purchases items from customers and pays cash for the items accepted. The March 6 grand opening was hosted with giveaways, special promotions, and family-friendly entertainment such as Princess Elsa and Darth Vader, face painting, and balloon artist.

Sunday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

1202-A Fording Island Rd, Bluffton • onceuponachild.com/locations/bluffton-sc

Pickleball fans have a new place to play with the opening of Dill Dinkers on Hilton Head Island.

This indoor pickleball facility, which opened its doors on Mathews Drive, has several courts, lessons from professionals, and open play for all skill levels. The opening of Dill Dinkers also continues to grow the sport in the Lowcountry, giving players a place to play year-round in a climate-controlled facility.

Open Monday – Saturday: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

93 Mathews Dr Suite 150, Hilton Head Island • locations.dilldinkers.com/us/sc/ hilton-head/mathews-drive

Hilton Head’s Local Legend Brewery began operation on February 18.

For beer aficionados, there is something to celebrate with the launch of Local Legend Brewery on February 18. This new brewery at 1014 William Hilton Parkway has transformed the former Grayco Hardware Store into a lively venue with craft beers, live music, and games. The space is a welcoming environment for both locals and visitors to Hilton Head’s growing craft beer culture.

Open Sunday – Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Thursday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – Midnight.

1014 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island • locallegendbrewing.com

Rollers Wine & Spirits has been sold.

After 25 years in business, Rollers Wine & Spirits has been sold to longtime em-

ployee Jimmy Schmid. Hilton Head’s long-time well established wine, craft beer and spirit store still stands as one of the region’s premier beverage shops. Monday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM 9 Palmetto Bay Road, Hilton Head Island • rollershhi.com

Nectar Farm Kitchen Reopens Nectar Farm Kitchen reopens in new location

A much-loved farm-to-table restaurant known for using locally grown produce has a new location. They are now located at 841 William Hilton Parkway (the former location of the Lucky Rooster Restaurant.) Nectar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on seasonal tastes. It’s a welcome return for one of the area’s most popular dining outlets. Monday – Sunday: 8am – 10pm. 841 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island • nectarfarmkitchen.com

If you have business news to submit, please submit to editor@blufftonsun.com for consideration.

Free Beaufort Memorial seminar covers joint pain causes, treatments

Understanding hip and knee pain is the first step to finding relief, and a free joint pain seminar in Bluffton aims to answer any questions you might have about this common and often frustrating condition.

To learn about available solutions, join Dana Aiken, RN, total joint and spine coordinator with Beaufort Memorial, for a free joint pain seminar during the first week of April.

The class, “Solving Hip and Knee Pain,” will be held Thursday, April 3, from 1 to 2 p.m. in the multipurpose room at the Bluffton Branch Library (120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton)

“Many different conditions, especially those related to our joints and bones, develop over time and can eventually keep us from doing the things we love,” Aiken said. “When it comes to hip and knee pain, there are at-home treatments that can help as well as innovative surgical

techniques that can increase precision and decrease recovery time.”

Aiken will discuss treatments and services that can help restore mobility as well as highlight symptoms of joint-related problems and personalized plans for resolving pain, including at-home stretches and exercises, medical management and physical therapy.

She will also provide information about surgical options, including robot-assisted joint replacement and outpatient surgery, as well as what patients can expect during recovery.

The seminar will feature a question-and-answer session for attendees.

The event is free, but registration is required and space is limited. To learn more or reserve a spot at the April 3 seminar, visit BeaufortMemorial.org/SolvingJointPain.

Dana Aiken, RN

BY TRACY WINSLOW Contributor

MY INNER CHILD IS BEING BULLIED

I forgot that I suck at playing games with kids. I had buried this fact in the deep recesses of my brain, as my girls are now teenagers. These days they only interact to ask for money and food, or to inform me how little I know about pretty much everything.

However, this memory quickly resurfaced when I visited my best friend’s young granddaughters.

Once the initial excitement wore off about “Twacy’s” visit (or maybe it was the bribe of donuts?) I sat down to play Barbies with the three-year-old. After a few minutes of what I believed was witty banter, I was benched, and my bestie was called in. “You hold the baby, Twace, ok?”

I lack the requisite imagination to interact in the Barbie doll world. I never know what the Barbie that works at the pizza place should say to the customer wearing no pants. Even when I think I’m following the dialogue that the child has written in her mind, I’m admonished for not following along correctly. Informing pants-less Ken that “we are just not that kind of pizza place” was too much of a deviation from the script. My humor is wasted among the 5-and-under crowd. The director thought I’d be a better fit with the three-month-old, because when she goes off script they just give her a pacifier and she stops screwing up the dialogue. I was never good at the whole “Barbie thing” - even as a child. I was highly entertained dressing them in some pink sequined atrocity, adding facial adornment, and chopping off their hair. “Of course she looks better with an eye patch, Mom! It matches her mohawk.” The Barbie brigade always ended up at a late night rave where they were stomped to death in a mosh pit by unicorns. For some reason my mom stopped buying me Barbies. Which is hard to imagine, amiright?

When the Barbies head off to take a nap in their private jet - it was on to Candyland. I am back in the game! But that glory didn’t last because, apparently, I am also bad at board games. The little in charge doesn’t like the lame rules established by Parker Brothers, so she starts making up her own. I have no short-term memory any longer and I can’t recall the last minute audibles. I don’t understand what I should be doing and keep ending up in jail, or dead.

In the latest iteration of “Candy-yand” I am only allowed to land on the primary colors. However, tiny dictator gets to jump on the secondary colors until she lands on some magical square that turns her into a Pegasus and heads to victory. Mid-flight to the winners circle, she stops off at some secret Candyland rest stop that causes me to die in a torrent of lava. Or get squished to death by an anaconda. Or trampled by a herd of wayward turtles. No matter what version of the game we are playing, my demise is imminent and always macabre – even when we are play-

marmosets or I could have saved you!” I believe she must stay up nights and dream up elaborate and violent methods of obliteration.

As soon as I became a parent, certain topics became off limits with me. I could no longer watch shows about children being hurt in any way, or kids losing their parents. I don’t need to obsess any more than I already do about something tragic happening to my daughters. Clearly the littles are in tune with my parental kryptonite and torture is their love language, because we are moving on play “orphan”.

The girls are raising themselves because I perish after a tragic accident involving quicksand and glitter. They are spending their day drinking “tea” and coloring while the “serving person” (me) takes care of their every desire. I am catering to their bizarre gastronomy whims which includes bringing snacks of questionable food combinations - like hot dogs in celery “buns” for “yunch”.

After a day of having my self-worth destroyed, I accidentally stumble upon the

face. It includes hand and leg massages, and “yemonade” with a special ingredient! What is that special ingredient? Visine? Draino? I gratefully discover it is Gatorade. I somehow even manage to survive this game.

I will put my self-esteem aside and play games again the next time I visit these littles. However, they have time to dream up my annihilation so I’m sure it will not end well for me. “Oops, you were so relaxed that you fell asleep in the hot tub and drowned! We wanted to save you but the ambulance was full of orphan baby wombats that needed us. Now please make us toast with frosting and sprinkles, Twace.”

Tracy Winslow is the owner of the PREMIER yarn store in the Low Country: Low Country Shrimp and Knits. She taught her littles how to knit and crochet because she first learned she sucked at playing games with them. The oldest daughter loves to crochet and teaches at the shop. The youngest created a tapeworm and decided to walk away from all fiber arts because she wanted to go out on a high note. Check out the

Tracy Winslow

BY DR. JEAN HARRIS Contributor

The latest evolution in golf is TGL, or Tomorrow’s Golf League, a competition blending live action with cutting-edge technology. Founded by Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Mike McCarley in partnership with the PGA Tour, the league aims to make golf more accessible and attract younger generations. Launched in January 2025, TGL’s technology-driven format has drawn significant interest, particularly among younger audiences.

How TGL Works

TGL matches are played at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens and broadcast on ESPN and ESPN+. Matches take place on Monday or Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. and are designed to fit into a twohour time slot.

The game is played on a simulator measuring 64 feet by 53 feet, 24 times the size of a standard golf simulator. The simula-

What is TGL?

tor is used for tee shots and approach shots, while a short-game complex includes three virtual greens, 3,800 square feet of putting space and bunkers. The green rotates on a turntable to change approach angles and slope. The simulator features 15 specifically designed holes.

Match Format

Each week, two of the six teams compete in a 15-hole match, split into two sessions:

• Nine holes of Triples – Teams play three-on-three alternate shots

• Six holes of Singles – Players rotate in head-to-head matchups

If teams are tied after 15 holes, an overtime closest-to-the-pin competition determines the winner.

A unique feature in TGL is the Hammer. Each team can use three Hammers (flags) per match, betting that their opponent will miss a shot and increasing the hole’s value. All players wear microphones, allowing for plenty of trash talk,

and a 40-second shot clock keeps play moving. Each team also has four timeouts per match.

Teams and Standings

TGL features six teams, each consisting of four PGA Tour players. Three players per team compete in each match.

• Atlanta Drive

• Boston Common

• Jupiter Lakes

• Los Angeles Golf Club

• New York Golf Club

• Bay Golf Club

The season follows a round-robin format, with each team playing every other team once.

Playoff Matchups

The TGL playoffs will feature Los Angeles vs. New York and Bay Golf Club vs. Atlanta. Notably, Tiger Woods’ team, Jupiter Lakes, and Rory McIlroy’s team, Boston Common, did not qualify.

Semifinals

• Monday, March 17 – 7 p.m. Los Angeles (4-0-1) vs. New York (2-2-1)

• Tuesday, March 18 – 7 p.m. Bay Golf Club (4-1-0) vs. Atlanta (4-1-0) Finals

• March 24 – Round 1 – 7 p.m.

• March 25 – Rounds 2 and 3 – 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Big Money on the Line

The winning team will take home $9 million, split four ways at $2.25 million per player. The league’s total purse is $21 million, ensuring that all participants receive substantial compensation.

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

USCB Men’s basketball makes a run at Peach Belt Conference Tournament

BY JUSTIN JARRETT Contributor

On a Saturday afternoon in July 2022, I received an email from an assistant basketball coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania named Ron Fudala, who was upfront — and correct — about the fact that I didn’t know who he was, and made clear that he knew who I was — and what I had done.

The tone was positive, kind and casual, and his praise of my efforts to preserve local sports coverage in an underserved media market came off as genuine. He gave some background about himself and then cut to the chase: He knew I spent six years at USCB and wanted to know if it was the place where he could build the program he envisioned.

CONT. ON PAGE 44A

ESTILL: Thursday & Friday 10 AM -6 PM, Saturday 10 AM -4 PM

RIDGELAND: Tuesday – Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM

PHOTO BY MALLORY PARRISH / USCB ATHLETICS

USCB men’s basketball coach Ron Fudala speaks to his team during a timeout in the midst of the Sand Sharks’ 62-57 home win over Lander in the first round of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament. Fudala’s Sand Sharks finished 21-10 and reached the PBC Tournament championship game in just the program’s second season.

TOURNAMENT

The conversation we had over the phone later that afternoon left my head spinning. Fudala was everything USCB could dream for in a coach and more. I told a few close friends that they had a slam-dunk candidate, and if he was the floor, there was no ceiling.

Unsurprisingly, Fudala aced the interview process and was announced as the Sand Sharks’ first men’s basketball coach a week shy of three months later. He arrived in the Lowcountry full-time that November and hit the ground running, selling his vision to young men around the country who seemed up to the task of building a program from scratch and enduring the hardships that come with being a pioneer.

“Excited to build something special here and rally the community around a terrific product,” Fudala said in a text on Oct. 14th, 2022, the day his hire was officially announced.

His first team did that to a large extent, turning plenty of heads by scoring 357

points in its first three games, albeit against subpar competition, and giving a glimpse of what Fudala’s vision might look like when fully realized.

Then the Peach Belt gauntlet ground them up. Fudala’s freshman-laden squad faltered down the stretch, losing its last nine games after a 10-7 start, and star center Marcus Overstreet and sharpshooting guard Larry Bulluck hit the transfer portal almost as soon as the season ended.

Fudala didn’t flinch.

He and assistant coach Luke Dyer got back on the recruiting trail and built around the returning players who were bought-in. They landed a leader of men in Florida Atlantic transfer Alejandro Ralat, who played in a Final Four for the Owls, and found another freshman phenom in Dominic Eason, among others, and got back in the gym.

When the Sand Sharks knocked off North Georgia in The Cove on Jan. 18th for their first win over a top-25 opponent — a feat that is unheard of for a sec-

ond-year program — it was only the beginning. USCB finished fourth in the Peach Belt, clinching a first-round home game in the conference tournament with a thrilling 87-83 win over Augusta in the regular-season finale at home, and then the Sand Sharks held off Lander 62-57 to advance to the semifinals.

Fudala was fired up, and one point pausing our postgame interview on the Sand Shark Gameday Network to let out a primal scream with a collection of raucous USCB baseball players who had done a tour of duty in the student section.

“That’s what I’m talking about!,” Fudala screamed as he pounded his fists on the table in a fit of joyous rage.

The Sand Sharks had one more win in them, and it was the biggest one in program history — so far. USCB shot an incredible 18-of-36 from 3-point range on Saturday to stun top-seeded Columbus State 91-87, taking down the sixth-ranked Cougars on their home court and snapping their 10-game winning streak. The run finally ended Sunday with a 92-76 loss to USC Aiken in the championship game, but that just gives Fudala more fuel for

the offseason.

“Wild ride, my man,” Fudala texted me after he came up for air Monday morning. “Want to keep making our community proud and keep getting better.”

Fudala’s lust for competition is rivaled only by his intellect, and to watch them woven together into the ultimate form of team basketball is pure art. Always dressed sharply in a suit and tie, Fudala assumes various stances throughout the game — sometimes kneeling with his hand to his chin like The Thinker, others jumping and spreading his limbs as though he were a sixth defender. His players are compelled to match his energy, in part because there are a bunch of guys sitting on the bench waiting their turn, but mostly because they believe fully in their leader.

And I get it. I got it the moment I heard him speak about his vision. Ron Fudala is a winner, and we’re lucky he’s building his vision here.

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

Patient Results:

“I can feel the gas pedal again!”

“My pain is totally gone”

“I felt the difference after the first treatment”

Memory Matters to host neurologist Dr. Pramod Chopade

BY STACY FLOYD Contributor

Memory Matters will feature Dr. Pramod Chopade, MD, a leading neurologist specializing in cognitive health and dementia care at Novant Health, as part of its 2025 Speaker Series. The event will take place on March 18th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Rotary Community Center at Oscar Frazier Park, 11 Recreation Court, Bluffton.

Dr. Chopade brings extensive expertise in neurology, with a focus on conditions such as transient global amnesia, stroke, thoracic outlet syndrome and transient ischemic attack (TIA). He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed his neurology residency at the University of Louisville. With over a decade of experience serving the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton communities, he has worked in prominent healthcare settings including Hilton Head Medical Center,

Coastal Carolina Hospital and McLeod Regional Medical Center-Pee Dee. Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Chopade is actively involved in community education and dementia awareness programs, striving to provide practical strategies for patient care. During the Speaker Series, attendees will gain insights into the latest findings in dementia research and the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with Dr. Chopade.

Registration for this free event is now open and early sign-ups are encouraged due to expected demand. Attendees can register online at www.mymemorymatters.org or by calling 843-842-6688. Memory Matters remains committed to educating and supporting families and individuals affected by dementia. This event offers a unique opportunity to learn from a leading expert in cognitive health and deepen the community’s understanding of effective dementia care.

Libraries For Kids International

BY TAMELA MAXIM Contributor

According to a recent EPA report, 690,000 tons of books were deposited in landfills in 2018. UNESCO estimates that 320 million books are sent to landfills or recycling sites each year.

Heartbreaking.

That’s a lot of books.

2018 was a big year for Blufftonian Roy Austin. He spent five weeks on safari in East Africa. While there, he visited a local primary school and discovered a sad truth—it didn’t have a library.

Books are taken for granted in America, where even the most disadvantaged children can borrow them from schools and public libraries.

After returning home to Bluffton, SC, Roy couldn’t stop thinking about those children in schools without library books and little or no internet or electricity. Turns out, 20,000 schools in rural Kenya lacked libraries. Roy and his wife Sharron decided to do something about it.

Libraries for Kids International started with just a few board members but shared giant dreams.

Before accepting the invitation to join the board, I received an email that began, “Hi Tamela, imagine your life with no internet access and no books. If you want a school, you build it yourself. The government supplies a teacher and some textbooks and little else. But your children are eager to learn.”

Books, especially for children, are

transformative, opening doors to new worlds and opportunities. Libraries for Kids International’s mission is to see libraries in every rural primary school in Africa so that every child has the tools they need for success.

Libraries for Kids has shipped over 1.1 million books to 9,200 schools in Kenya and Tanzania in the past five years.

Every year on World Book Day, Libraries for Kids hosts an exciting fundraiser. This year’s event, “A Night Under the African Stars,” will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on April 26th at the Weezie Educational Pavilion in Okatie.

For tickets, visit www.libraries4kids. org. For more information, call Tamela Maxim at 843-683-4100.

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. 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.

Navigating senior care: Assisted living, memory care communities, and respite care

BY HEATHER G. WIEGAND Contributor

As our loved ones age, finding the right care solutions becomes a crucial part of ensuring their well-being and quality of life. The three common types of senior care are Assisted Living, Memory Care Communities, and Respite Care. Each offers unique benefits tailored to different needs. Let’s explore these options to help you make informed decisions.

Assisted Living: A Balance of Independence and Support

Assisted living communities are designed for seniors who need some help with daily activities but still want to maintain a level of independence. These facilities provide a combination of housing, personal care services, and health care. Residents receive assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Communities often offer a variety of social activities and events to keep residents engaged and active. Facilities are equipped with safety features and staff available 24/7 to ensure residents’ well-being.

Assisted living is ideal for seniors who value their independence but require some support to manage daily tasks.

Memory Care Communities: Specialized Support for Cognitive Impairments

Memory care communities are specialized facilities within assisted living communities or nursing homes that cater to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. These communities provide a safe and structured environment with trained staff to address the unique needs of residents. Memory care communities are designed to minimize confusion and enhance safety, with secure areas to prevent wandering. Activities and therapies are tailored to stimulate cognitive function and improve quality of life. Staff members are trained in dementia care techniques and are equipped to handle the challenges associated with cognitive impairments.

Memory care communities are essential for individuals who require a higher level of supervision and specialized care due to cognitive decline.

Respite Care: A Break for Caregivers

Respite care provides temporary relief for primary caregivers, allowing them to take a break from the demands of caregiving. This type of care can be arranged for a few hours, days, or even weeks, depending on the caregiver’s needs. Respite care can be provided at home, in a healthcare facility, or at an adult day care center. Caregivers can choose from a range of services, including personal care, medical care, and companionship. Respite care offers caregivers the opportunity to rest, travel, or attend to personal matters, reducing stress and preventing burnout.

Respite care is a valuable resource for caregivers who need time to recharge while ensuring their loved ones continue to receive quality care.

Choosing the right type of care for your loved one

Navigating the choices in senior care requires careful consideration of your loved one’s needs and preferences. Whether it’s the supportive environment of assisted living, the specialized attention of memory care communities, or the temporary relief provided by respite care, each option plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for seniors and their families.

By understanding the distinct features and benefits of these care options, you can make informed choices that best suit your loved one’s needs and ensure they receive the compassionate care they deserve.

Heather G. Wiegand, LNHA, CNHA, CDP, CADDT, Executive Director, The Palmetto’s of Bluffton Assisted Living & Memory Care, 3035 Okatie Hwy., Bluffton, SC 29909, 843-707-9400, heather.wiegand@nhccare.com, www.thepalmettosbluffton.com.

BY GENE CECCARELLI Contributor

Have you been to a great restaurant lately? A beautiful place? Seen a deeply inspiring movie? Don’t you just want to share these things with others? Sort of like treasures.

And then when you do share such treasures, you may get a sense that your recommendations might go nowhere. Their interests in the food, places and movies that you enjoy are simply not the same as yours. And that is quite normal. While yet, on the other hand, there may be others who will follow your recommendations and are happy that they did.

No different with a book that I am about to reveal to you. It may very well meet with either one of those two responses above, or perhaps with complete indifference.

But before getting to the book’s title, here is some background information. I discovered it over fifty years ago while at-

Sharing Treasures

tending college. It was not an academic book but was introduced to me by a fellow student. We would often discuss topics on the serious questions of life: The existence of God, of life after death, of Heaven and hell, and so forth.

Bringing the book back to my dorm room, I would read something from it each day. Questions about Life – with no connection to any religion – were answered clearly and logically.

OSEH SHALOM

This book made it easier for me to grasp the writings in the Bible – especially the Laws of Creation.

You might be thinking, “Why do we need to know these Laws of Creation?”

Would this not be the same as asking, “Why do we need to know the rules of the road before driving a car?”

When you know the Creator’s Laws and, more importantly, follow them, they bring joy. Misery and suffering will follow

for those who oppose them in thought, word and deed. (No different than the Biblical writings on sowing and reaping.)

But far be it for me to preach about this. You can easily observe these unchangeable and eternal Laws for yourself in Nature, as an apple seed will always produce an apple – never a banana or some other fruit.

The Laws of Creation are fully explained in a book entitled In the Light of Truth – The Grail Message. (More can be found on the web at www.grailmessage. com or 1-800-427-9217.)

Now that I shared with you what is inside my treasure chest … only you can unlock it.

Gene Ceccarelli is a retired police official who served at major transportation facilities in the NY & NJ metropolitan area. Coordinated his department’s emergency operations following the 9/11 WTC terrorist attack.

1425 Okatie Hwy. (170) Hwy 170 between River’s End & Oldfield 843-379-1888 | www.palmsumc.org

March 23rd

March 30th

Rev. Dr. Lee van Rensburg

Rev. Dr. Lee van Rensburg

SThis 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

pillin’ the Tea... Tales from the Lowcountry Cannonball Run

BY PAUL TOLLEFSON Contributor

The Battle of Honey Hill was the third battle of Sherman’s March to the Sea, fought November 30, 1864, during the American Civil War. It did not involve Major General William T. Sherman’s main force, marching from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia, but was a failed Union Army expedition under Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch that attempted to cut off the Charleston and Savannah Railroad in support of Sherman’s projected arrival in Savannah.

At Honey Hill, a few miles from Grahamville, Gen. Hatch encountered a Confederate force of under Col. Charles J. Colcock, with a battery of seven guns across the road. Determined attacks were launched by U.S. African American Troops (including the 54th Massachusetts), but the position of the Union force was such that only one section of artillery could be used at a time, and the Confederates were too well entrenched to be dislodged. Fighting kept up until dark when Hatch, realizing the impossibility of successfully attacking or turning the flank of the enemy, withdrew to his transports at Boyd’s Neck, having lost 89 men killed, 629 wounded, and 28 missing. The Confederate casualties amounted to 8 killed and 39 wounded.

Fast forward 130 years later where Jay Doty and his co-corker Darrell are working in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head Island.

“Darrell and I used to talk a little about the history of the area, from what each of us knew and what we had learned or had been told. It was just a simple and fun way to pass some time in the sweltering summer heat,” said Jay.

“Well, this one day, just like any other day, we show up to work and Darell tells me that he brought me something. He knew that I liked this kind of stuff and that I would be a good keeper of this. Well, he pulls out this big metal ball and hands it to me. He begins to tell me that it was a cannonball that was from the Battle of Honey Hill, and that it had been in his family for a long time. They were all from out that way, and it was common to find artifacts from the Civil War, especially after heavy rains and all the new construction. He just thought that it would be a cool gift that id appreciate, which of course I did”!

“Well, he also told me that it did not look like it had ever been fired before, as it was still in particularly undamaged shape, fully intact. I had no idea what a cannonball was really supposed to look like or how they actually worked. This was around 1995 when the internet was just starting to come around, but I had not spent any time on it or knew how to research it.”

“So, that cannon ball sat in our little China hutch in the house for many many years. Every once in awhile it was cool to show some folks or an enjoyable conversation starter, but it just stayed in the cabinet.”

“Years later, my family and I moved into Old South apartments, out here in Bluffton. Well, it was always in the back of my mind

what Darell had told me about the cannonball not being fired. I would not say that I was scared, but I thought of the worst-case scenario. What if there was a fire and I had to tell the firefighter that there is a 140-year-old cannonball in my house? I could only imagine what kind of ruckus that would cause, and it really was not fair to anyone that lived around me. I almost had this guilt feeling in my stomach.”

“I started to research a little bit more of how I could either dispose of this or get more information on if it were a threat to own. I called the military base in Beaufort and tried to ask what to do. Surprisingly, this was not their first rodeo in dealing with something like this, it was way more common than I had thought. I will tell you though, it quickly turned from a lighthearted conversation about a cannonball, to talking about being in possession of an explosive device!”

“Unfortunately, because I was a civilian, they could not continue to help me, and that I needed to call the local authorities and the authorities had to call the military. So, I packed up my cannon ball, put it in a five-gallon bucket with water, and headed out to my shop in Hardeeville. I did not want to make a scene at Old South especially if authorities needed to come.”

“When I got to the shop, I called the local Hardeeville authorities and within 15 minutes, a patrol officer was pulling up. I could tell he did not really know what was going on, that the dispatcher had told him something about an explosive device, but he did not even get out of his car. Just rolled down the window enough for me to give him the

number to call the Military. “

“Another 20 minutes goes by and sure enough, here comes the marines in full uniform. I explained where the ball was, and the marine pulled a regular ammo box out of the back of his truck that was filled with sand. I watched him dump half the sand out, slowly push the cannon ball down in there, while pouring a slight bit of water and more sand to cover the whole ball.”

“As the Marines go to pull away, I ask one of them, “Any chance I can have it back after you diffuse it”? He just chuckled, shook his head no, and that was the last time I ever saw my civil war cannonball!

“I found out later that my son and his buddies had played with it growing up and I did not know about it, even going as far as to throwing it off the roof of the house to see how big of a hole it would make in the ground. It was not until much later that I realized the cannonball was designed to explode only when a flame reached the interior charge, contrary to popular Hollywood films.”

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

Paul Tollefson

BY ABBY BIRD AKA ALPHADOG Contributor

Oftentimes, when people get a small breed dog, they neglect sufficient walking in the neighborhood or taking the dog to different places. Many dogs are primarily trained with potty pads or similar indoor potty-training products and lack the opportunity to go outside for walks. While there is nothing wrong with having a small dog trained indoors—especially if you physically can’t go out for exercise, if the weather is poor, or if the dog has medical concerns—all dogs need to get out and walk when possible.

Exploring the world helps reduce a dog’s anxiety. Without exposure to new experiences, their anxiety can become severe. Your companionship alone is not enough. From the dog’s perspective, a home without regular outings can feel like a comfortable but limiting prison with few distractions

Walk your little dog

or stimulation. Anxiety can manifest in different ways, including excessive chewing, food fussiness, destruction of household items, barking, fixation on objects, pacing, and more.

Dogs are social animals and benefit from seeing new places, other dogs, and people. Walking also promotes bone and muscle development. Fear is common in dogs that are unfamiliar with people, places, or objects. Exposing them to different environments builds confidence and leads to a happier, more well-adjusted pet.

Small dogs, especially those kept primarily indoors, need to learn proper leash behavior when taken outside. If they have never walked on a leash before, they may be hesitant at first and reluctant to leave their familiar surroundings. Encouraging them with a treat and a positive attitude can help. A useful trick is to hold a long plastic spoon with a small amount of peanut butter or honey ahead of

them, allowing them to lick it only after taking a few steps. Tossing a favorite toy ahead can also motivate movement. If they have been around other dogs, inviting a confident dog to join the walk can provide reassurance.

Walking any dog, regardless of size, is an important leadership exercise. Dogs learn to focus on their owner while developing safety awareness and social skills. Proper leash handling communicates expectations, including walking by your side, sitting in social situations, and responding appropriately to safety concerns. Dogs want to please their owners and will learn to trust and defer to their guidance.

Raising a well-rounded, confident dog should be every pet owner’s goal. No matter their size, all dogs benefit from regular walks and exposure to the world around them.

Abby Bird is owner of Alphadog Training Academy. AlphadogTrainingAcademy@gmail.com

BY WENDY KUSHEL Contributor

How to stress yourself right out of doing something

Have you ever found out about an opportunity and immediately started listing all the reasons you shouldn’t take it? Maybe a friend invites you to a party, but you tell yourself you won’t know anyone there, it’s too far away, or you just don’t have the right outfit. Or maybe you see a job posting for a position you’d love, but you convince yourself you’re underqualified before you even send in your résumé. Who is that voice in our heads that says, Don’t do it? And why do we listen?

Our brains are wired for survival, which often means avoiding risk. But sometimes, that self-protective instinct goes overboard. Instead of warning us about real danger, it just keeps us in our comfort zones. And let’s be honest—our comfort zones aren’t always comfortable. They’re just familiar.

The Art of Talking Yourself Out of It

Let’s say you own a small business selling handmade greeting cards. You know they’d be a perfect fit for local flower shops, so you set out with the goal of pitching your cards to store owners. You drive past one shop, then another, and another. With each one, you come up with a reason not to stop:

• The owner looks too busy.

• The shop isn’t busy —they probably can’t afford new inventory.

• What if they say no?

• What if they say yes and I can’t keep up with orders?

Before you know it, you’ve spent the whole day driving around, convincing yourself why it wouldn’t have worked out anyway. You head home, frustrated, but at least you avoided the discomfort of putting yourself out there—right?

Imaginary Rejection Is Still Rejection

We do this in so many situations. Maybe there’s an event where you’d love to be a vendor, but you weren’t explicitly invited. Instead of reaching out, you assume they must not want you there.

You imagine all the ways they could reject you, how awkward it would feel, and decide it’s not worth the risk. But what if they were actually planning to

invite you? What if they assumed you weren’t available?

The truth is, rejection might happen. But more often than not, the barriers we put up are just stories we tell ourselves. And the only way to know for sure is to do the thing anyway.

Live! Laugh! Scrub!

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.

TS Conductor announces plans to open New manufacturing facility

BY SASHA SWEENEY Editor

Advanced technology company, TS Conductor, specializing in next-generation power transmission solutions, has announced plans to open a new manufacturing facility in Jasper County. The $134 million investment is a huge step for the county, projected to create 462 advanced manufacturing jobs with above-average wages and help to grow South Carolina’s expanding energy technology sector.

TS Conductor’s innovative technology improves electrical transmission performance, permitting utilities to double or even triple grid capacity with reduced costs. With growing national efforts to improve and modernize the power grid, the company’s growth is consistent with the need for stronger energy infrastructure. Construction of the facility has already started, and operations are expected to

begin by the end of 2025. Besides direct employment, the project is predicted to boost Jasper County’s economy in other ways, including engaging local businesses and suppliers. This job creation and the long-term economic impacts have been identified by local and state officials as major advantages of the

project. It will offer many kinds of employment, including manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and administration.

This expansion by TS Conductor in Jasper County showcases South Carolina’s growing reputation as a key market for energy and technology innovative companies. It is set to strengthen the area as a

key player in the country’s shift to more efficient and sustainable energy solutions. Efforts to recruit for the new facility are expected to start in the coming months. Interested applicants can find out more about the positions available at the company’s website: https://tsconductor.com/ careers/.

TS Conductor makes our list of companies helping drive Jasper County’s industrial and economic growth with its significant investment and job creation potential. South Atlantic Logistics Terminal broke ground in November 2024 on an 880acre warehousing site, a $200 million project that is expected to create 500 jobs. That same month, Buc-ee’s revealed plans to build a travel center at I-95’s exit 8 (Highway 278), which will create an additional 200 new jobs in the area. These developments are helping make Jasper County a center of business growth and job creation.

Wendy Kushel

Savannah Book Festival

BY ANNELORE HARRELL

Contributor

Harrell

The Savannah Book Festival 2025 is over— finished, done, and a great success. Did you ever wonder how this absolutely fabulous gift to us admirers of the written word began?

Well.

It started in 2005 when avid reader Matt Prickett got a bee in his baseball cap about inviting famous and infamous authors to Savannah. He had no idea how a modest beginning three years later in Trinity Methodist Church would explode into an internationally known affair.

The location he chose was prime— Mary Telfair’s historic home on one side, a multi-storied city parking lot at the back, and a tree-shaded square in the front where authors’ books could be sold and, best of all, personally autographed. His wife, Jane Griffin, who was then an executive with one of the world’s foremost management consulting firms, was on tap for expert advice.

Perfect.

All he needed was money and volunteers. He got both.

Now, 18 years and 18 festivals later, my daughter Tamela, her husband Nicholas, and I joined the hundreds of volunteers who donned the requisite uniform of black bottoms and white tops and reported for duty at the Savannah Book Festi-

val 2025.

This year’s festival featured seven venues and 40 authors presenting over a period of four days, Feb. 6-9.

At these events, authors gave talks, interacted in panel discussions, answered questions from the audience, and, yes, they personally signed their books for you.

Boggles the mind. Let your Kindle top that.

Last year, we had usher duty at the Ben Tucker Theatre on Montgomery Street. No one is allowed in the theater once the author begins his talk, and my job was to keep latecomers out. I manned that door like a lapsed Swiss Guard and let a few Johnny-come-latelies, all sweaty and red in the face from running across town from their last venue, tiptoe in ever so quietly—and stand in the shadows.

Shh… don’t tell on me.

This year, we were assigned to the Lucas Theatre.

It was Sunday, the last day. Author Ben Mezrich was to give the closing address at 2 p.m. We were to meet our director for instructions at noon.

Heaven-forbid we should be tardy, so we left Bluffton at ten, sailed over the Talmadge Bridge thirty minutes later, and found a parking space within spitting distance of the theater. We were so early no one was there.

The doors were locked. What to do?

No problem. Leopold’s was right around the corner. We’d eat. But they only sold ice cream. Would a double scoop of Tutti Frutti, Rum Raisin, or

Chocolate Chewies & Cream sustain us until supper time?

Instead, we ended up down the street at the Funky Brunch Cafe with takeout orders for grilled cheese sandwiches. So sensible. And the cheapest thing on the menu.

By the time we got back to the theater, the doors were open, and we joined a small group of volunteers standing in the lobby.

Two women, official-looking badges draped around their necks, were efficiently, methodically, and quietly unloading boxes of Mezrich’s books onto display sale tables.

Everything was in place—security at the door, a cleaner busily polishing the already sparkling glass, box office lights on.

We walked inside the darkened theater and took our seats on either side of the aisle.

Orientation time. For all the good it did me, I took notes. There were rules for making rules. Thank goodness abundant information was in the program. We were each given an identification badge that hung on a yellow ribbon lanyard and were assigned to a station. Mine was on the far side of the theater, all the way down front.

An usher’s job was to check tickets and make sure everyone got to their proper seat, and with only a few minor mishaps I decline to relate, I did. It was a grand time. I exchanged hugs with a few friends, met some charming people, and at last, when everyone was seated and the house lights dimmed, I could sit back, relax, and enjoy the wit and humor of Harvard grad, film writer, raconteur, and true Renaissance man, author Ben Mezrich.

Check out his latest books:

• The Social Network

• he Mistress and the Key Long day, fun day, learned a lot. See you next year? Mark your calendars! Savannah Book Festival 2026 February 5-8

Don’t miss it.

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

Beaufort County School District School Choice Applications Open for 2025-26

BCSD is accepting school choice applications for the 2025-26 academic year. Parents must submit applications online by April 11th at 5 p.m. Programs include Advanced Math, Engineering, Science (AMES), International Baccalaureate, Montessori, arts integration, language immersion, Cambridge Academy, Early College, MedTech 7 pathways and expanded Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs.

Families outside attendance zones may apply, but transportation is not provided. A lottery system will be used for schools at full capacity, including Okatie Elementary, Robert Smalls Leadership Academy, Pritchardville Elementary and River Ridge Academy (grades 6-8).

To learn more, visit Beaufort County School Choice.

BCSD & Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) Expand Dual Enrollment

The BCSD Tides program will allow rising ninth graders to complete two associate degrees and a technical certificate by high school graduation. Students can apply from March 1st to April 11th.

Accepted students will choose one of two associate degree pathways as a major for their ninth and tenth grade years, then declare an associate degree minor with a technical program emphasis for their junior and senior years.

Like traditional dual enrollment, students will earn both high school and college credit for completing TCL classes taught by TCL instructors. Courses are free to district students. Unlike typical dual enrollment, Tides students will complete the program as a cohort beginning in ninth grade, graduating with two associate degrees and a technical certificate from TCL. The program is available at TCL’s New River Campus for students at Bluffton, Hilton Head Island and May

Education briefs

River High Schools and at TCL’s Beaufort Mather Campus for students at Whale Branch Early College, Beaufort and Battery Creek High Schools. For more information, visit TCL Tides Program.

May River High Expands Career & Technology Education (CTE)

A 20,000-square-foot CTE addition is under construction at May River High School, funded by the 2023 bond referendum. It will house advanced welding, automotive, robotics and nursing programs, plus new Air Force JROTC classrooms.

The project is being built by Thompson Turner Construction and designed by Quackenbush Architects.

Newly Appointed

John Paul II Welcomes New President David Lima has been appointed president of John Paul II Catholic School. He previously served as assistant superintendent for leadership and accreditation in the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia.

Cross Schools Breaks Ground on New Cafeteria

Cross Schools celebrated the start of its cafeteria and building addition with a wall-smashing ceremony.

BCSD Hosts Public Forums on 2025-26 Budget

The Board of Education will hold public forums for community input on the 2025-26 school budget at:

• Bluffton High School – April 30th at 6 p.m.

• Beaufort High School – May 1st at 6 p.m.

Participants will discuss budget priorities in small groups.

Bluffton High Senior Named National Merit Finalist

Ava Elizabeth Rios was named a National Merit Scholarship finalist, com-

peting among the nation’s top academic students.

Bluffton High Academic WorldQuest Team Wins Districts

Team members Jamie Ni, Joseph Prochazka, Katherine Riddle, Ava Elizabeth Rios and Nick Phillips, along with advisor Mr. Jarvis, will advance to the national competition in Washington, D.C.

DECA Success: Bluffton, May River & John Paul II High Schools

Students from Bluffton, May River and John Paul II Catholic School excelled at the SC DECA Career Development Conference, with multiple students advancing to the International DECA Competition in Orlando in April.

Bluffton High DECA Finalists

Anthony Bautista, Vincent Hackett, Luke Hirota, Camille Johnson, Kensley Kaney and Genesis Hernandez Cabrera

Bluffton High DECA Trophy Winners (Eligible for ICDC)

• Parker Henderson, Hien Ta and Mary Thurlow (3rd place)

• Zeke Chirigliano, Santana Pina and Emma Orkhon (2nd place)

May River High DECA ICDC Qualifiers

• Ariel Rieck & Michelle Le (2nd in Franchise Business Plan)

• Airo Ranera & Avery Rodgers (2nd in International Business Plan)

John Paul II DECA Finalists

• Lily Kate Garrick (10th in Apparel & Accessories Marketing)

• Isabella Perez (4th in Business Finance)

• Ryan Bertagna (4th in Sports & Entertainment Marketing)

John Paul II ICDC Qualifier

• Michael Fitzgibbons (2nd in Apparel & Accessories Marketing)

Bluffton Middle Robotics Team Competes

at State Championship

The Mustang Robotics Team—Kinston All, Gavin Jacob and Teagan Lenahan—competed at the South Carolina VEX IQ State Championship, capping a strong season after winning Teamwork Champion at River Ridge Academy in February.

River Ridge Academy Young Astronauts Visit NASA

Students traveled to NASA and witnessed a Falcon 9 rocket launch, a highlight of their STEM program.

May River Choir Excels

• Six students performed at SCMEA All-State Choir.

• Ten students sang Carmina Burana with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra.

• Aiden Bucklaw will perform with the National Honor Choir in Dallas.

Cross Schools Girls Basketball Wins State Championship

The team won the SCISA 2A State Championship for the second consecutive year.

H.E. McCracken Middle Performs at BCSD Dance Festival

More than 60 students participated in the BCSD Dance Festival at Hilton Head Island High School, attending master classes and performances.

John Paul II Wrestlers Make School History

Brian Orta and Daniel Snyder qualified for the National Preps Wrestling Championship, marking the most national qualifiers in JPII wrestling history.

PETS OF THE WEEK

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FOXIE

When she first arrived at Palmetto Animal League, she was terrified of everything. But that all changed when she went into a foster home. Showered with patience and understand ing, Foxie blossomed into a confident, happy dog who is full of life. Now, she’s more than ready to share her heart with someone who will love her forever. She is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped. For more info, call PAL at 843-645-1725 or email Info@PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.

JETHRO

Jethro is a true gentleman with a heart of gold. This 4-yearold stunner was blessed with fur as soft as silk. His blue eyes, undeniable good looks, and charming personality are sure to make you fall in love. Don’t wait! If you think Jethro might be your soulmate, come meet him at Palmetto Animal League today before someone else snatches him up! He is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped. For more info, call PAL at 843-645-1725 or email Info@PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.

RBC Heritage Golf Tournament arrives April 15th on Hilton Head

BY KYLIE EMMENS Contributor

The 57th Annual RBC Heritage Golf Tournament, a major PGA Event, will again be played this year on April 15 through 20 at the Sea Pines course on Hilton head Island, SC.

The RBC Heritage is held the week after the Masters, and the original purse of $100,000 ($770,000 in today’s dollars) has jumped to $20 million. A popular spot on the PGA for leading golfers, due to Hilton Head Island’s casual and enjoyable amenities for their families, many of the leading pros on the tour participate. More than 100,000 fans from around the nation and the world attended the event in 2024 and it is estimated that the weeklong event brings around $ 134.9 million in additional revenue to the state each year.

Known as South Carolinas premiere PGA Tour event, the RBC Heritage has been played on Hilton Head Island since 1969. Its host, the Heritage Classic Foundation, donates tournament proceeds to charitable organizations in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

$ 56.9 million was distributed to those in need throughout South Carolina and Georgia since 1987. $ 3.39 million was distributed in 2024 to charitable organizations, the arts, medical institutions and for college scholarships.

Hilton Head Island golf courses have a rich history and are known around the world for challenging play and outstanding amenities. But in 1969, Hilton Head island was just a little known Lowcountry treasure.

So when Charles Fraser announced a PGA tour level event would be held

CORRECTION

In our March 3, 2025 edition, we published an article by Paul Tollefson that was a reprint of an earlier article written by Jim Orr and originally published in 1967. We regret the omission of proper attribution and apologize for any confusion.

at the newly created Harbour Town Golf Links people had their doubts. But when both top golfers Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus committed to play the golf community realized it was a serious and important community.

Charles Fraser also drew national attention to his new development and event when Life magazine displayed a dramatic cover photo of Frazier walk-

ing an alligator on a leash.

The event is televised each year on the Golf Channel with the final two weekend rounds broadcast on CBS TV. More complete event and ticket purchase information can be found on rbcheritage.com.

Kylie Emmens is a senior collegiate scholar athlete at Rider University in New Jersey studying communications.

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