On the Town: South American hero has ties to Bluffton

What might Simon Bolivar and Bluffton have in common?

Well quite a lot actually. We can boast of having some of our Blufftonians we all love intertwined with the old bird.

Actually I should not be so trite. The Simon Bolivar we all know from history books was born in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1783. Our connection was born in Savannah. I can't tell you what year - it ain't nice to tell a lady's age.

Bluffton's connection to Senor Bolivar was born to a family that had admired the man for many years. Simone Griffeth’s great-grandparents started the trend of naming children after the Venezuelan military hero many years ago. The country of Bolivia was named after Bolivar. Simone's great- grandparents were smitten with him from reading childhood history books. Simone, a femine version of Simon, is the fourth generation of her family to carry on the name, and her nephew Simon Griffeth is the fifth to carry the banner.

I was thrilled to be invited to The Cottage to share Simone Griffeth's recent birthday with many of her friends. It was a lovely spring day and the birds were enjoying themselves, too, chirping heartily throughout lunch. Simone and her daughter Savannah were wearing beautiful chapeaux that thrilled all of the guests having lunch in the restaurant. I have known Simone for many years and never has she looked more beautiful.

Happy birthday buddies enjoying the gathering were Rona Bartolomucci, who gave a wonderful blessing for the lunch, Savannah Foster, Nancy Epps, Annelore Harrell, Heidi Griffeth, Candace Lovely wearing a fantastic headband, Faye Tillet and Tamela Maxim.

Couple says ‘hello Havana’

Have you ever thought about going to Cuba on a whim?

I have. I would love to see everything before it gets "fixed" up. Our neighbors Cindy and Fred Mix hopped on their boat and took off aiming for that island. Lo and behold they got there and found out the Rolling Stones were giving a concert near the marina where they were docked. Cindy and Fred got to see two historic things in one fell swoop . I am so jealous. Can't wait to hear all about it!

Looking for love in Kabul

Afghan men haven’t got many opportunities to approach women to speak to them or even see them. Women are not allowed out of their houses without a male escort and the poor things must have their whole bodies covered when they do. The women have their mouths obscured by what looks like a screen. Bzarre to say the least.

The funny thing men are doing now just to speak to a woman is to call Kabul's police and emergency number and tell a woman if she answers they love her. The men give long detailed calls about fires and other emergencies just to speak to the opposite sex. Some centers get as many as 500 calls in 24 hours. Facebook has come to the rescue for some but not all. There are still many calls daily to the local 119 number looking for love.

Don’t forget Pal auction

Don't miss the Bid For Pal Auction which will be held online at www.palauction.org beginning at 8 a.m. April 22.

There will be many swell items up for you to select from.

My friend Cheryl Raugh, a tireless supporter of animal rights, has just been selected as the newest PAL Volunteer Board member and I know if she has anything to do with this auction, it will be memorable. Don't forget.

Call 843-645-1725 for more information.

Cast about for new knowledge

The Coastal Discovery Museum has some really nifty events lined up.

You can learn how to throw a cast net and catch your supper. Lessons are every Tuesday in April and on May 8.

An adult oriented waterway excursion exploring the waterways around Pinckney Island Forest Preserve will teach participants about salt marshes, maritime forests, barrier islands and the history of Pinckney Island.

Cost is $35 and you must have reservations. Dates are April 23, May 7 and 21.

Call 843-689-6767..ext. 223.

This story was originally published April 6, 2016 at 5:57 AM with the headline "On the Town: South American hero has ties to Bluffton."