Hilton Head & Bluffton Lifestyle

The repeated thuds on the mats reverberate throughout the gym. These are the sounds of the newest sport to enthrall America. But they are not in some remote place, hundreds of miles away – they are taking place on Hilton Head Island. And the mats are open to anyone interested.

Donations are always welcome at the many charitable organizations in the area. But the gift of time that volunteers give is invaluable —and often incalculable.

Betsy Doughtie, director of the Deep Well Project, calls volunteers “the life blood of Deep Well. They make it all happen.”

One mother discovers the healing power of expression through art after losing her son

When Suzy  Shealy’s son, Army Sgt. Andrew J. Derrick of the 411th Military Police Company, came under small arms fire and was killed near Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 23, 2005, she wanted to crawl into a corner to grieve the loss of a son who was everything a parent could ask for.

Joseph — as he was called by those who loved him — was a graduate of Marion Military Institute in Marion, Ala., where he starred on the baseball diamond, football feld and basketball court. An Internet search reveals message boards where people from his hometown of Columbia, and places like Torrington, Conn., Carson City, Nev., and Glenwood, Iowa, shared their memories of man who had impressed so many people in his 25 years.

Photos by Lindsay Brown

Southern Beaufort County’s riverbanks and beaches are a treasure trove of constantly changing and amazing wildlife and plants.

There’s so much to see and learn, so much to wonder at, so much to discover for explorers of all ages.

Ark clam shell

For those seeking the thrill of the hunt, now is a grand time to start or rekindle an old pastime. With cooler temperatures and the exodus of tourists also comes the fall hunting season, a perfect time for outdoorsman to track deer, doves and other game. Whether you’re an avid hunter or interesting in becoming one, there’s much to know before packing the truck with ammunition and bows.

Hunting in South Carolina takes place on both public and private lands. Both have their own regulations, seasons and costs, which are determined by the property owners and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).

Deer season, always popular, is in full swing on private lands. It started on Aug. 15 and goes through Jan. 1. Gun and bow hunting is allowed during the entire season.

Long Cove Yacht Club members treat children to a day on the water

As the 46 excited children gathered on the dock at Long Cove Yacht Club for a group photo, there was a little concern when the dock began to lower into the water from the weight it was supporting.

But that was the only moment of concern for the members of the Yacht Club and the children from the Boys & Girls Club who were there to get a very special reward for their good behavior over the summer at the Hilton Head center.

Hilton Head Farmers Market
When/where: 8 a.m.-noon, Thursdays through Aug. 27; The Mall at Shelter Cove, Hilton Head
More information: 843-686-3090

Farmers Market of Bluffton
When/where: 2-6 p.m., Thursdays through Nov. 19; 40 Calhoun St., Bluffton
More information: 843-290-6831 or e-mail blufftonmarket@aol.com

Jasper County Farmers Market
When/where: 1-6 p.m., Fridays throughout the summer; 9935 South Jacob Smart Boulevard, U.S. 17, Ridgeland;
More information: 843-717-3690

Until the middle of the 20th century, people often ate what they grew in their gardens or what was grown or raised on local farms. That changed with scientific innovations, transportation and corporate expectations.

Today, however, many people are getting back to their roots and supporting local businesses and farms, with the added bonus of eating healthier.

Back to the farm

One such place getting local support is Three Sisters Farm in Bluffton, which is operated by sisters Mary Connor, Priscilla Coleman and Beth Lee. The farm has been in their family since 1821, when surveyor James Porcher purchased the tract.