Is Bluffton Going Green?

Anyone familiar with Bluffton, South Carolina, is well aware that February’s somewhat temperamental weather is but a precursor to the glorious splendor of a spring season that is marked more than anything by the greening of just about everything – from yards to parks, from highway dividers to gardens, and more.

While landscape companies become abuzz with frenetic activity trying to keep up with the season, and while workers marvel at the sudden onset of plenty, albeit hard, work, Bluffton will not merely experience the greening of the landscape. Just as the nation as a whole takes steps toward a greener, more sustainable, ethic in order to ensure long-term durability of the world around us, Bluffton and the surrounding area are taking their own measures to do the same.

While some builders proudly publicize their green building capabilities, while businesses let the community know of their environmentally friendly policies, and while individuals make their own efforts to keep up with the greening of America, one local organization has formed with the intention of helping Bluffton and the surrounding area get started, stay on top of, and/or improve in the area of the greening of Bluffton and beyond.

Experience Green has a very clear mission. According to its website, www.experiencegreen.org, Experience Green’s mission is “to build sustainable communities that benefit the planet, its people and prosperity.”

How exactly does the relatively new local organization plan to do this? The website reveals that the group aims to provide “experiential education to promote engagement in sustainable business and living practices, serve as a connector between governments, institutions, businesses and individuals, and further community development through implementation of sustainable strategies.”

What about the group’s vision? The group “focuses on the three aspects of comprehensive sustainability—environmental stewardship, social accountability, and economic prosperity.” Furthermore, Experience Green pictures a “society educated about and prospering through practices based on sustainable guidelines, and promoting community systems for the greater good of a sustainable economy and existence.”

A self-tour of the group’s website makes it abundantly clear that Experience Green is dedicated to being proactive when it comes to the greening of Bluffton and beyond. Events to educate the public, networking to bring businesses and individuals together with the right resources, an Earth Day celebration, reading materials, and more are all part of the initiative of Experience Green to ensure that the area’s greening is far more than the greening of the beautiful landscape enjoyed by Low Country residents and visitors alike.

The “Profit Green & S12050 Roundtable”, to be held at Palmetto Electric on Hilton Head on February 28, is just one of the offerings provided by Experience Green in its drive to fulfill its mission. To learn more about the event and to register, interested parties can visit www.experiencegreen.org.

Is Bluffton and beyond going green? Those keeping a watchful eye on the greening practices of the nation as a whole, or of particular parts of the country, might be best able to determine how Bluffton fares in comparison. But comparisons aside, with Experience Green chasing after its goal to help the area with long-term sustainability, it is highly possible Bluffton and surrounding areas will continue the move forward with learning how to make sustainability yet another benefit to living in Bluffton and beyond.

The Yard Sale of All Yard Sales Returns to Hilton Head

There are garage sales, and there are garage sales. There are yard sales, and there are yard sales. Then, there is the yard sale of all yard sales. The Island Packet newspaper does not call its annual yard sale the “World’s Largest Yard Sale” just to lure extra vendors and buyers. It doesn’t need to lure anyone extra at all. The well renowned yard sale attracts an unbelievable number of vendors and people – every single year.

Nor does the newspaper need to make use of every nook and cranny of the Hilton Head High School parking lot just to make its yard sale look bigger than it is. The newspaper’s yearly yard sale truly is one of the largest, and most populated, yard sales in Hilton Head, Bluffton, and beyond each year. The yard sale is so jam packed with vendors, stuff for sale, and visitors that the newspaper literally runs out of space and has to turn away potential vendors.

This year’s “World’s Largest Yard Sale” is just around the corner, and will take place at its usual location in the Hilton Head High School parking lot from 9am to 1pm on March 31. Booth space is $55, and applications are available at www.islandpacket.com/yardsale. According to the newspaper, proceeds from vendor fees will benefit the high school. Additional details are available by calling 843-689-4811.

What will the enormous yard sale boast in wares this year? More than likely, vendors will set up shop early with an endless array and display of their items. Books, clothes, gifts, furniture, baby items, shoes, and just about everything else typically found at a yard sale will likely be available for purchase. But unlike the typically sized yard sales that can only offer so much, this yard sale has a humongous volume of just about everything.

Rows, rows, and more rows of vendors fill up their spaces with one item after another. Early birds get a sneak peek at the wide selection, while those who stroll in later in the day often have the opportunity to purchase things at much lower cost – and sometimes free.

At the end of the day, non-profit organizations send their trucks to pick up donations for their thrift shops of leftover goods that vendors would prefer to let go rather than pack back into their homes and garages.

For those who might not be in the market for purchasing anything, the yard sale is truly as much of a community event as it is an opportunity to spend money and accumulate more belongings. Given the numbers of people that pour into the yard sale and walk up and down the rows of vendors, the yard sale is the perfect opportunity to run into friends, meet new people, and simply enjoy a Saturday doing something fun.

For those who prefer much smaller garage and yard sales, the Bluffton and Hilton Head area are well known for playing host to numerous sales just about every weekend of the year. If you have never visited the Island Packet’s “World’s Largest Yard Sale”, this is certainly an experience not to be missed.

Part-Time Work Abounds in Bluffton & Beyond

‘Tis the season for lots and lots of extra jobs in the Bluffton area, thanks in large part to what locals refer to as “the season”. The season? Absolutely. The spring and summer seasons are just around the corner, and with the annual deluge of visitors come a host of part-time opportunities for those seeking work.

While some people are seeking work simply to pay bills and help make a living, still others enjoy taking on part-time work to keep busy, to stay connected to the community, and for pure enjoyment. So what opportunities abound now that the season is just around the corner?

Hotel jobs. Restaurant jobs. Retail jobs. Boating jobs. Pool jobs. Landscape jobs. And this is just the beginning. As people flock to the area in coming weeks and months to enjoy their vacations, part-time residency, or to consider making a move to the area, local businesses face a big need to bolster up their staff to be prepared for the increased population.

While some of these part-time jobs require previous experience, training, and education, many of them simply require a positive attitude, a good work ethic, and a strong sense of responsibility and commitment. The requirements depend on the job and the employer, and some of these part-time jobs are the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill and trade, and to gain experience before delving into a search for full-time work.

So what exactly is the best way to peruse the job possibilities? Long gone are the days when the daily community newspaper was the number one way to find local employment. Certainly word of mouth can help, and undoubtedly “knocking on doors” at some businesses to inquire about employment and fill out an application can reap rewards.

But perhaps the best way to get a good look at the wide variety of part-time jobs available for the upcoming season is to visit www.craigslist.com and www.indeed.com. Craigslist is a well-known website that allows online visitors to search for jobs based on location and type of job. Indeed is a website that pulls together jobs listed in a very wide variety of print and online publications, so it is a wonderful resource for those who do not have the time or ability to spend researching jobs in numerous places.

For those not familiar with Craigslist, it is highly advised to use wisdom and discernment when scanning through job listings. Some jobs are scams, and not all people posting jobs are honest. Some people who use Craigslist are confident in being able to discern a real job from a scam, but not all have this confidence. It is extremely important to exercise caution when looking at job possibilities listed there. If the business listing a job is a legitimate and known business in the area, such as a local hotel or restaurant, then there is a higher likelihood the job is legitimate. Craigslist itself offers recommendations on how to use its website.

As for Indeed, this website simply compiles jobs from numerous locations. So, it is recommended that someone scanning Indeed for jobs consider the source.

For those who do not have Internet access or prefer not to use websites, Goodwill in Bluffton has a portion of its enormous store dedicated to helping people find work. Local churches also periodically offer help in job searching, including supporting the job seeker in the process of finding a job.

Additionally, schools and universities often have counselors or career centers that help with the job search process.

Regardless of what method a job seeker prefers to use, one thing is clear. Bluffton and the surrounding Low Country area are not only gearing up for the spring and summer seasons. The area is also looking for staff, thereby providing a huge increase in jobs available for those needing or desiring work.

Living the Abundant Life in Bluffton and Beyond

Bluffton living isn’t all about basking in the sunny southern climate, casting a fishing rod into the waters to enjoy a lazy day with a couple of buddies, or reading the local Island Packet newspaper on the back screened in porch while the birds congregate at the feeder. Certainly residents and visitors to Bluffton enjoy the so-called “Slow Country” living that is marked by an often slower, leisurely, relaxed pace when compared with many other parts of the country, but those who prefer to take full advantage of a faster pace filled with an endless array of opportunities to enjoy life to its fullest can easily do so in Bluffton and beyond.

Thanks to a variety of local print and online publications, so-called Blufftonians and those living in the surrounding Lowcountry area have plenty of opportunities to keep up to date with the latest endless assortment of events, activities, and more. Whether someone is interested in a one-time event, joining a club, attending a recovery group, enjoying a local sports team, pursuing a degree through a nearby university, trying a new hobby, learning a new trade, taking a lifelong learning class, meeting fellow singles, finding a new church, traveling, and more, local publications provide the perfect way to keep on top of the endless possibilities.

The Island Packet, Bluffton Today, the Savannah Morning News, and The Beaufort Gazette are the area’s larger print publications that also offer online content on their websites, but numerous smaller publications join the ranks in letting locals and visitors alike know what is happening in the area. These larger newspapers offer events listings, calendars, reviews, news, and feature stories concerning local happenings, but then so do some of the smaller publications.

Bluffton and the surrounding area are rather small in population when compared with big cities nationwide, yet the number of publications available is rather surprising considering the population. Driving around the Bluffton area, as well as surrounding towns and cities, will undoubtedly turn up rows of newspaper boxes packed with both the larger and smaller publications.

Lowcountry Weekly; Bluffton Sun; Tidbits; Pink Magazine, C2 Celebrate Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Beyond magazine; Hilton Head Monthly; and Connect Savannah are just some of the numerous publications typically offering events calendars and more.

While many of the businesses, organizations, and individuals offering events and activities provide promotion of these opportunities through their own means such as fliers, brochures, websites, mailings, business newsletters, church bulletin boards, and more, one of the best ways to keep apprised of the wide variety of possibilities is to browse through the local publications on a regular basis. An individual business or organization will likely only list what is happening in its own circle, but the local publications offer the most variety for the individual or family wanting to look at all options.

Living the abundant life in Bluffton and beyond when it comes to staying active is easily facilitated for those who take full advantage of the numerous publications that publicize all the endless opportunities the area offers.

Corner Perk Gives a Perk-Me-Up

If you need a pick-me-up, or perhaps a perk-me-up, the Corner Perk in Bluffton may just be the answer. The Corner Perk, cozily located at 142 Burnt Church Road on the corner, offers a creative mix of a variety of coffees, yummy food, other drinks, fellowship, friendship, conversation, and more.

From coffee to conversation, from tasty goodies to good friends, from Bible studies to music events, the Corner Perk offers a host of drinkables, edibles, and lots more.

As publicized on the Corner Perk website (www.cornerperk.com), the little corner café with a big offering is proud to offer some very special coffee. Every coffee shop has something special about its coffee, right? But how many coffee shops get to brag about a nearby supplier? The Corner Perk’s coffee is roasted by Savannah, Georgia’s, PERC COFFEE – specifically by so-called “Master Roaster Phillip Brown.”

Coffee aside, and even delicious delectable aside, the young, friendly, and outgoing owners enjoy connecting with the community and providing opportunities for the community to come together – whether it be for a young people’s Christian youth group, a musical event, a joint study time for students who need a meeting place outside of school, and more.

More? Yes, there is always more at the Corner Perk. More coffee. More conversation. More food. More friendship. More activities. People might be drawn into the Corner Perk’s inviting atmosphere for a Perk-Me-Up, but will undoubtedly find a Pick-Me-Up that inevitably comes with a very special local coffee shop – and more.

A Hidden, Healthy Treasure in Savannah

Brighter Day, right off Forsyth Park in Savannah, has a long-standing, rich tradition of offering countless healthy treasures on its jam-packed shelves. But this is not all. The cozy, family-style atmosphere, the friendly and exceedingly knowledgeable staff, the mini cafe in the rear, the nutritional knowledge based offered in the store, the owners’ extreme knowledge of health food and nutrition, and the constant flow of eclectic clientele combine together to offer something very special.

For those used to small style health food stores with limited offerings, or for those more familiar with super-sized health food stores with a bit more sterile supermarket style atmosphere, Brighter Day truly is a one of a kind treasure. It has an abundance of product especially considering its smaller size, but it also offers the personal care and attention of a smaller store.

As for product, the choices abound. From rows of all natural vitamins and nutritional supplements, to organic and local farm produce, to hefty and scrumptious sandwiches and snacks to eat onsite, to delicious frozen treats, to a wide variety of just about everything healthy, Brighter Day truly offers its regular customers and new visitors alike a plethora of healthy fare.

For those who need a break from their shopping, outdoor tables offer the perfect opportunity to break open a healthy snack or meal, grab a friend, tie a dog’s leash under the table, and enjoy watching the constant traffic of a big mix of local art students, typical bigger city passerby, families, and more.

Brighter Day, situated next door to the super popular Sentient Bean coffee shop and café, is truly a bright spot in a big city, a treasure trove of healthy choices, and the perfect stopping off point for people crossing the bridge from the Bluffton area who may well want to make a day of seeing the sites and enjoying Savannah’s culture and events.

Brighter Day, located on the corner of Park Avenue and Bull Streets in downtown Savannah, can be found at 1102 Bull Street, Savannah GA or online at www.brighterdayfoods.com.

Has Bluffton Gone to the Dogs?

Bluffton, South Carolina, unlike so much of the South that is nationally renowned for its dire need for help with an epidemic of abused, neglected, and abandoned dogs, is a well-known hot spot when it comes to helping homeless dogs.

Bluffton and the surrounding area are in no way immune from pet overpopulation and bursting-to-the-seams animal shelters and rescue groups, but the Bluffton area offers the perfect antidote. Bluffton, Hilton Head, Okatie, and Ridgeland boast an enormous number of animal rescue groups and shelters. And, this is not all when it comes to the Low Country’s efforts to help homeless dogs – and cats, for that matter.

The big number of animal welfare organizations in the area is coupled with countless animal welfare workers – most of whom are volunteers who work tirelessly, and endlessly, for the simple reward of being blessed by giving. Given the size of the area, which is relatively small compared with other metropolitan areas in the South, some may be surprised by just how many groups exist to help animals in need.

Palmetto Animal League. Maranatha Farm. Brooke’s Haven. Hilton Head Humane Association. The Malachi Foundation. Jasper Animal Rescue Mission Camp Green Dog. Walk by Faith Ministry. Rainbow’s Edge Animal Refuge. Noah’s Arks Rescue. Probably more. Some are better known, some are lesser known. Are there really that many dogs – and cats – in need in the area? Yes, and no.

Certainly, numerous dogs in the area need help. Homeless, neglected, abandoned, abused, surrendered due to foreclosures and personal challenges. But still, is there really a need for this many organizations? Given the huge hearts of animal rescue workers in the area, the Bluffton area has been known over and again to help animals that don’t even necessarily originate in the area.

Brooke’s Haven and Maranatha Farm just took in a big number of dogs from a neglect case in Savannah, GA, in which a man had 71 dogs living in his home. The dogs were turned over to the shelter, which of course could not handle such an enormous number. Quickly, Maranatha Farm and Brooke from Brooke’s Haven stepped up to the plate.

Noah’s Arks Rescue, nationally renowned for rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing some of the nation’s worst cruelty and neglect cases, takes in dogs from nationwide. The rescue group has been featured in USA Today, and is well known among rescue workers nationally as they seek special help for some of the dogs in the most dire need.

SNAC: Spay Neuter Alliance and Clinic in Ridgeland is a high-volume, low-cost spay neuter clinic offering affordable surgeries, free transport to multiple areas, and what is known to be the number one way to end pet overpopulation, shelter overcrowding, and the resulting euthanizations in shelters.

Walk by Faith Ministry, a Christian ministry that shares the Gospel as it ministers the Lord’s love to people and homeless dogs, also specializes in some of the most extreme cases of special needs.

Maranatha Farm, with a special focus on sick and injured dogs, is one of the largest and most well-known groups in the area.

The list goes on. But why? The Bluffton and Hilton Head area are renowned for being dog-friendly. Whether people were born and raised in the area, or moved to the area at some point in their lives, there tends to be a big predisposition to loving animals.

However, unlike parts of the country where people tend to simply enjoy their own pets, Bluffton and beyond are different. The Low Country’s population goes far beyond enjoying its own pets. Countless people go to extreme lengths – and beyond – to help animals from this location and beyond.

With one local group paving the way to opening up a Bluffton dog park, and with one dog park already in existence on Hilton Head Island, locals have plenty of opportunities to take the pets out for fun. This is not all. The list of opportunities for pet-friendly events, activities, and more goes on. But that is another story.

For those dogs that have nowhere to go, for dogs that have known only cruelty, for those dogs that have never known love, for those that are injured, sick and disabled, they will quickly learn in Bluffton, South Carolina that there is great potential for new lives, for new love, for hope, and for the possibility of knowing what a region can be like when it has gone to the dogs.

If you are interested in learning more about local animal shelters and rescue groups, about fostering or adopting a dog, or volunteering or donating, please visit www.petfinder.com for a list of local shelters.

The dogs featured in photos in this article are available for adoption through www.walkbyfaithministry.com.

AAA Storage City Offers a Whole Lot More

Some storage unit facilities are just what they say they are, and others are a whole lot more – more than storage, that is. Some storage facilities are not all they are cracked up to be, and others humbly do not speak as highly of themselves as they deserve to. Such is the case with AAA Storage in Okatie, South Carolina, where the superbly friendly staff offers abundantly more than storage.

Stumbling upon AAA Storage City, which is conveniently situated not too far from the corner of Highway 170 and Argent Boulevard in Okatie, is just like stumbling upon a treasure box of goodies.

Goodies? At a storage facility? Absolutely. If you are on the move due to a recent home sale or home purchase, if you are merely trying to empty your overcrowded house, if you are considering a move in the future and don’t know where to store your extras in the meantime, or if you have a hobby or business that requires extra space, you will likely find yourself poring through the Yellow Pages to find a local storage facility.

AAA Storage has plenty of space in an assortment of various sized storage units, but this is not all. Like some other storage facilities, it also offers truck rentals. AAA Storage offers rentals through Penske to help you with moving your stuff. So why exactly is AAA Storage different than the typical storage facility? What’s the big deal, right?

Stephanie and David of AAA Storage City in Okatie

Just pull up to the front security gate and find out why – in a matter of minutes. The customer service is not only superior, but the level of friendliness and helpfulness is a bit like stepping into a family home. The staff genuinely cares about its clients, and it is not uncommon for conversations to take place concerning job searches, animal rescue dogs in need of homes, church, Facebook, the next storage unit auction, travel, and more. Staff introduces itself on a first-name basis, and friendships can form quickly.

On a more professional note, the front office offers far more than a typical storage unit. Mailboxes are lined up outside for mail delivery to customers, and bigger packages can be delivered inside for customer pickup. If you need something more than AAA Storage advertises it offers, just ask. If the staff can’t help you through AAA Storage, it may offer you tips and suggestions on where to go for the help you need.

Okay, but all storage facilities have storage rentals, Penske truck rentals, superior customer service, mailboxes, and package delivery, right? Well, no. And, even for those that do, they might not offer what is perhaps one of AAA Storage’s best perks.

Local small business people, hobbyists, artists, and more rent storage units not only to store their work and artwork, but they use them – including the warehouse sized units – to set up shop. AAA Storage is a community in and of itself. The community that sets up shop at AAA Storage comprises people who reach out to one another, have been known to share birthday cake with one another, join together when it’s time for the latest AAA Storage festival (like the Fall Festival), and interact with the gracious staff.

People driving down Argent Boulevard toward the Hardeeville, South Carolina, Wal-Mart, would hardly believe everything AAA Storage offers behind its security gate. But a tour of the place by one of the staff is enough to reveal AAA Storage in Okatie truly does offer a whole lot more than storage.

If you happen to be driving around looking at communities nearby – like Oldfield, Riverbend, River’s End, or Sun City – you may want to stop by AAA Storage and see how you can make use of its many offerings should you have any storage or truck needs – or anything else AAA Storage City in Okatie may have to offer you.

For a virtual tour, visit www.AAAStorage.biz.

Highway to Everywhere

Ever heard of the highway to nowhere? Some highways may truly go nowhere, but others seem to go everywhere. Such is the case with the highway in the Bluffton, South Carolina, area that remains the underdog when it comes to the “Who’s Who” among the area’s highways.

While William Hilton Parkway (aka Fording Island Road), affectionately and sometimes not so affectionately termed “278”, remains the number one talked about highway in the area, there is a lesser discussed highway that will undoubtedly become increasingly well known as the area develops and people discover its incredible value.

People have stuck close to talking about Highway 278 most likely because it traverses so much of the area – from Hilton Head to Bluffton, from Bluffton to Hardeeville, and off it goes to Highway 95. But just because 278 sprawls over so much of the area, island included, does not mean that it is the only highway in the area.

Underdogs may be less talked about, but are often discovered to be priceless treasures once they are discovered. Why exactly would Highway 170, which crosses perpendicular over 278, be such a treasure?

When once attention was focused almost exclusively on Hilton Head and that area’s main highway, attention has been increasingly focused on the Bluffton area. And Highway 170, which forms its cross over 278 at the outskirts of Bluffton, is well immersed in the wonderfully growing area of Bluffton, Okatie, Sun City, and Hardeeville.

But this is not all. For anyone who lives off Highway 170, or crosses over it, or even adventures down it in one way or another, this treasure’s benefits are quickly apparent. Highway 170 has a benefit above all benefits that not all highways can claim. It goes everywhere, at least such is its beauty in the eyes of the beholder.

Take 170 in one direction, and you will discover beautiful waterside Beaufort and all its wonderful small town charm. Beaufort is surrounded by sea islands, and Beaufort is not so very far from charming Charleston.

Don’t feel like driving that way? Take 170 the other way. Take a few turns, and find yourself in historic Savannah along with the growing and family friendly suburbs.

Not interested in all 170 has to offer? Head back to 278, and turn one way to head toward downtown Bluffton or stunningly beautiful Hilton Head Island. Or, go the other direction on 278 and discover Hardeeville’s new growth. Ridgeland lies a bit further beyond.

Or, stay on the highway that seems to go to everywhere. Highway 170 may be the underdog still in people’s minds and speech, but probably not for long. As Bluffton and beyond continue to grow, more and more people will likely search properties along Highway 170.

The communities that abound, from upscale Oldfield, to gated River Bend, to more affordable Mill Creek, to simpler, older homes along the way, are interspersed with nearby shops, restaurants, a miniature post office situated in a cleaner’s of all places, and more.

If you like to route for the underdogs, you might want to start routing for Highway 170. Soon enough, it will be a household name. In the meantime, why not take a drive up or down the highway that goes everywhere? And when you’re finished, head back to 278 and discover why someday soon they will share their glory and help people realize both come with their blessings.

The Three R’s: Relocate. Retire. Rest?

If you’re planning to retire and relocate to Bluffton, South Carolina, or the surrounding Low Country but have no intention of slowing down your life, you will be happy to know opportunities abound to develop and pursue new dreams.

While some people facing retirement would love nothing more than to slow down and make up for years of hard work and exhaustion with plenty of rest and relaxation, others desire to take full advantage of the chance to start or continue activities, hobbies, jobs, travel, and much more than they had time to fully pursue in years past.

Bluffton, along with nearby Hilton Head, Hardeeville, Okatie, Sun City, and Ridgeland, combined with slightly farther away Beaufort, Savannah, and Charleston, offer a healthy menu of endless possibilities.

Part-time jobs abound for those who desire to earn a little income and perhaps try new work; volunteer jobs in Bluffton exist with a wide variety of local non-profit organizations; indoor and outdoor sports are offered in abundance; cultural options are ever on the increase; events are well publicized in numerous local publications; churches boast an enormous assortment of worship services, events, seminars, and classes; and clubs and meetings are offered seven days a week to people of all ages with all sorts of interests.

The Island Packet, Bluffton Today, Savannah Morning News, Beaufort Gazette, Charleston Post Courier, and Connect Savannah are just some of the area’s publications that offer a great resource both in print and online for those moving to the area who plan to retire with the desire to maintain an active, abundant lifestyle.

If you are retiring and relocating to Bluffton but desire to slow down, Low Country life also offers numerous opportunities to unwind, rest, relax, and enjoy a quieter, more peaceful lifestyle.

It’s your retirement. It’s your choice. You are bound to find what you need for the perfect retirement in Bluffton and beyond, regardless of the pace you choose to go in this next stage of your life.