Thank You Letters for Oct. 26

For area planning

Thanks to former Bluffton planner Laura Morgan for working with the Buck Island/Simmonsville Advisory Committee and the community stakeholders in developing a neighborhood plan for our community that will preserve and enhance the quality of life for our residents now and in the future.

Laura and her planning team took charge and listened to the community and the advisory committee throughout numerous meetings as the residents explained how they wanted to protect and preserve the fabric and character of the Buck Island and Simmonsville roads community.

Collaborating with the Town Council, the planning department and numerous organizations, Laura worked diligently toward securing grants for programs that have assisted families in cleaning up their properties and repairing their homes, such as the Neighborhood Assistance program and A Brush with Kindness program.

Laura's decision to leave is a great loss within the planning department and for the town. After a long day at work, a multitude of town issues and other communities' concerns, Laura always brought to our advisory meeting her bright smile, enthusiasm and "let's do it" attitude.

So Laura, wherever you are, thank you for the time you've given to our community. Thank you for the families you've empowered. Thank you for the homes that are being repaired. Thank you for the families' hearts you've touched and lives you've blessed. Thank you for sharing your heart, compassion, kindness and your love for the residents of Bluffton. God bless you.

Sharon Brown

Bluffton

For performance

Hospice Care of the Lowcountry thanks The Outer Planet Players for their presentation, "An Evening of Characters by The Outer Planet Players."

Not only was it a most enjoyable performance, but revenues from ticket sales also were generously donated to Hospice Care of the Lowcountry to help defray the costs we absorb as a grass-roots, nonprofit organization offering services to all residents of Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties, regardless of ability to pay.

Thank you to all members of the theatrical company, your fundraising efforts are greatly appreciated by our patients and our staff.

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made this world better."

This act of generosity by The Outer Planet Players is a brilliant example of this spirit in action. It takes collaboration, creativity and a concentrated effort to ensure that all members of our local community have equal access to not just adequate, but excellent palliative care services.

We at Hospice Care of the Lowcountry are appreciative of your contribution and in admiration of your artistic efforts.

Lynn Brooks

Executive director

Hospice Care of the Lowcountry

Bluffton

For event success

On behalf of Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina, we would like to thank everyone who helped make our event, Death by Chocolate: A Champagne and Chocolate Affair, a wonderful evening.

We couldn't have done it without the support and generosity of the following: 98.7 The River, Taste Magazine, Modern Jewelers, Reilley's Grill and Bar, Wexford Plantation, Jamison's Pharmacy, Don and Terri Brashears, Plantation Interiors, Pink Magazine, Curves for Women, Atlanta Bread Company, Island Party Supplies, Curry Printing, Sunset Motors, The Westin Resort, Michael and Beverly Petrilli, The Hilton Head Zonta Club, Jodie Randisi, Dan Gafgen, James Moore, Dr. and Mrs. Chip Floyd, Refreshment Services of the Lowcountry, Sea Pines Resort, the Heritage Classic Foundation, Sam's Club, Island Essentials, Culver Rug Company, The Country Club of Hilton Head, David Martin with Piggly Wiggly and Bob Cook with Piggly Wiggly.

We also would like to thank our hard-working committee members and volunteers, including Phyllis Neville, Debbie Urato, Pam Wozniak, Deiha Torin, Eileen LaCombe, Anne Bradley, Susan Brooks, Nancy Sulek, Paula Porter, LeAnn O'Donnell and Julie Bell.

Thank you for helping to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

Mary Erskine

Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina

North Charleston

To volunteers

I appreciate the recent column about the Hilton Head Island lady who receives daily lunch from Meals on Wheels. These volunteers do such good, and clearly the lady deserves their visits.

Like her, I too once worked with those who picked tomatoes. I was a bilingual health educator for field workers and took them gift baskets from churches. Never did I dream that I myself would need help one day. After coping with serious health issues, I am delighted to receive my Meals on Wheels, and they even respect my vegetarianism, bringing delicious rice and beans.

I'm especially thankful to those volunteers who take a few minutes to discuss the weather, news or events, feeding my brain as well. Thankfully, they haven't asked me for the $3.50 daily fee because I rarely have three dollars, so I'd have to pass. My hat's off to the lady you featured, and her years of work, and to the angels who brings us our food.

Fran B. Reed

Hilton Head Island