Hilton Head People

BLUFFTON’S UNOFFICIAL HISTORIANWILL MAKE YOU SMILE

What qualities make life fun? For Annelore Harrell, the ability to laugh at fate’s twists and turns — and at herself — are high on the list. Taking the long view also helps, which is fairly easy for her because she’s 87. A sought-after columnist, humorous speaker and storyteller, Harrell’s unique perspective on Bluffton’s history began in the 1940s, when her family bought an overgrown lot on Myrtle Island as a summer retreat. She, her parents and brother came every weekend from Savannah to clear the underbrush and build a simple cottage, where Harrell’s love for Bluffton flourished. 

HHSO’S MARY BRIGGS TO RETIRE 

Mary Briggs will retire as president and CEO of The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra at the end of the year. The orchestra’s board of directors has announced Alan Jordan as her successor. Jordan is currently the executive director of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra. Briggs led the orchestra for 12 remarkable years. 

LOWCOUNTRY MEDIUMS USE PSYCHIC ABILITIES TO HELP OTHERS

National and local interest in the paranormal spiked recently after the release of video footage showing U.S. Navy pilots reacting to fast-moving, oblong objects — allegedly UFOs — hurtling through the air. The Navy acknowledged that the footage is real, and have admitted that they don’t know what, exactly, the objects are. 

But for mediums in the Lowcountry, UFO sightings, spirits and communication that can’t be explained by traditional science are part of everyday life. They say that their access to the supernatural world allows many opportunities to help others. 

BROTHERS’ OYSTER FARM MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO MAY RIVER

Every day, starting at first light, brothers Andrew and Austin Harter head out from the Alljoy public dock in their SeaArk, aiming for a little slice of the May River where their 200 oyster cages float.

It’s their first trip of the day, but usually not their last. They’ll go out two or three more times to check on their oysters and haul in the ones that are ready for market.

PAPER LANTERNS TO LIGHT UP LOWCOUNTRY SKIES IN CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY

Twilight is a beautiful time in the Lowcountry: The setting sun sinks below the horizon, turning the sky shades of pink, purple and blue as its rays reflect off the sparkling water.

Add hundreds of twinkling lights — glowing paper lanterns of all shapes and sizes — and you’ve got paradise on earth.

BISHOP EYE CENTER ADDS OPHTHALMOLOGIST AND RETINA SPECIALIST

Dr. Carl W. Baker has joined the team at Bishop Eye Center’s New River location as an ophthalmologist and retina specialist. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and attended the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Previously, Baker served as chief resident in ophthalmology at the Medical University of South Carolina. He is engaged in clinical research for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and retinal vein occlusions. 

SECOND HELPINGS HELPS CONNECT GROCERY SURPLUSES WITH THOSE IN NEED

Outfitted in white polos and tennis shoes — the signature look of Second Helpings volunteers — a group of volunteers gathered in a parking lot on the north end of Hilton Head Island. Aside from a few minutes of light chatting, little time was wasted as they all climbed into their assigned trucks and took off on a mission to provide food to those in need all around the Lowcountry.

Founded in 1992, Second Helpings is a nonprofit organization working to alleviate hunger in the Lowcountry by distributing food from donors like grocery stores and restaurants to local food banks and other organizations helping to feed the hungry.

LOCAL WOMAN MAKES HISTORY COME ALIVE IN CHARACTER 

Bluffton resident Margaret “Peggy” Pickett has done a little bit of everything over the years.

For a while, she was a trainer for IBM, teaching customers how to use their new equipment. She also taught pre-school, and was a language therapist working with at-risk students.

TIDEWATCH EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT NOW OPEN

Coastal Carolina Hospital will now include the Tidewatch Emergency Department. The 10,000 square foot facility has 12 treatment areas, 24/7 physician coverage and represents a $15 million investment in the community. The types of acute illnesses and injuries treated at a traditional ER can now be treated at Tidewatch Emergency Department. These include allergic reactions, bone fractures, chest pain, head injuries, seizures, stroke and other urgent medical conditions.