Eye on Hilton Head

Volunteers turned out in Bluffton and Hilton Head last week to provide orientation for after-school tutoring programs, but more are needed, according to organizers.

The Neighborhood Outreach Connection is a five-year-old local nonprofit whose vision is, “to establish a level playing field for all members of our community, so all may enjoy a better quality of life." Its primary emphasis is on education, health care and work-force development.

Hilton Head Island Mayor Drew Laughlin says plans to establish a presence for the University of South Carolina Beaufort's hospitality programs in the Coligny district, "has potential to enrich the quality of life on our island and produce a real return on our investment."

Emmy Award-winning television actor Brian Baumgartner, best known for his role as “Kevin” on NBC’s hit comedy series “The Office,” spoke with The Island Packet Friday about the show’s ending next May, after nine season.

According to a posting on seapinesliving.com this morning, the South Island Dredging Association told Community Services Associates, Inc. it will submit applications this week to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Charleston to dredge waterways within Sea Pines.

The applications were not submitted last week as earlier reported to the Association of Sea Pines Plantation Property Owners' board of directors, according to the posting from CSA, which maintains common property within Sea Pines and represents commercial and residential owners within the gated community.

After a $5 million renovation, Hilton Head Island’s Holiday Inn Resort — now The Beach House, 1 South Forest Beach Drive — will once again be the site of a free community Christmas dinner.

Dinner organizers said Tuesday they’re grateful to have the venue back for the 10th annual buffet dinner, which will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 25.

“No one should be alone on Christmas,” said co-organizer and Bluffton resident Lois Willig. “This is for the homeless to people who can afford a meal but wish to have a traditional, family Christmas dinner.”

Native islander, attorney to run for Hilton Head ward 1 seat

Native islander Charles Houston hopes to bridge a divide in island politics between Hilton Head Island's gated communities and less-affluent black voters.

Houston, 71, a Hilton Head attorney and son of the late Rev. Charles Houston -- an island pastor and civic leader -- filed Tuesday to run in the Nov. 6 general election representing Ward 1 on Town Council.