Lynne Hummell

While an estimated 2.5 to 4 million gallons of oil per day continues to gush into the Gulf of Mexico from BP's damaged rig there, along the coast of the Lowcountry of South Carolina, at least one oysterman remains optimistic that the spill will not affect Bluffton's beloved May River.

Larry Toomer, owner of Bluffton Oyster Factory, the last hand-shucking oyster operation on the Eastern Seaboard, said the May is likely not in any danger from the

Okatie Elementary School recently added a classroom to its campus, but it wasn't built of bricks of mortar, and it was not inside the building.

Thanks to Tyler Frey, a former Okatie student and an aspiring Eagle Scout, the new learning space was constructed by volunteers in a clearing behind the school. Frey built an outdoor classroom as part of a requirement to earn the title of Eagle Scout.

In her 11 years as a massage therapist, Tiffany Anisette treated many women who suffered from upper back, shoulder and neck pain. She knew from experience the effects of carrying the weight of a handbag, and sometimes the world, on one's shoulders.

She set out to create a multi-purpose bag that would ease the pain but still be fashionable and help accomplish all the tasks that many women must complete in a day.

When dreams and plans and ideas all come to fruition at one time, the state of the economy just does not make much difference in the greater scheme of things.

For Krista Solley, the recession was an incidental occurence at about the time she got serious about opening her own art studio and store. Her mind was made up, she said, and she continued on her chosen path.

Bill Masterton, new chief executive officer of Coastal Carolina Hospital, wants his new neighbors and staff to know two things: he intends to work hard to continue to deliver high-quality healthcare with compassion, respect and dignity; and he likes Bluffton oysters.

Back in the mid-1980s, part of the driving force between businesses was the Hilton Head Advertising Club. Anyone in the area who was - or had been - remotely involved with advertising was invited to be a part of Ad Club, which might have totaled upwards of 150 members in its heyday.

Target the Band has released a Christmas CD that features some very special - make that exceptional - performers.

When Jeff Ginn and Janice Elenbass moved to Bluffton in 2003 from Toronta, Canada, the husband and wife team expected to build a business by building houses. They started a construction company, Hestia Homes, shortly after arriving.

The company was named for the Greek goddess of health and home.

In a recent meeting at Town Hall with  student council members of M.C. Riley Elementary School, Mayor Lisa Sulka told her audience that the best part of her job is talking to students. “You are our future,” she said. “We want you to go to school, then go to college, and come back home.”

In the meantime, she said she can use their help now.