Celebrate Bluffton & Beyond- June 2020 by CH2/ CB2 : Celebrate Hilton Head / Celebrate Bluffton

THE FACES OF LOWCOUNTRY HOSPITALITY LOCALS READY TO WELCOME YOU TO THE SOUTH

JUNE 2020

28 LANDMARKS Unmistakable signs you have arrived on Hilton Head Island for your summer vacation

WHAT’S INSIDE 16

A NOTE A FROM OUR MAYORS

LINE IN THE SAND: TOO SOON?

5 DRINKS WITH SIR WILLIAM “WILLIE” INNES

IT'S TIME FOR SUMMER CAMP!

LOWCOUNTRY HOSPITALITY

BETTER BONDING: SUPER SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR MOMS AND KIDS IN THE LOWCOUNTRY

21 locals ready to welcome you to the South!

GET FIT FOR SUMMER, STAY FIT FOR LIFE WITH PURE BARRE BLUFFTON

POSITIVE OUTCOMES OF THE COVID-19 CRISIS

100

CREATING A BUZZ: HILTON HEAD HOME GROUP OF RE/ MAX ISLAND REALTY TAKES MODERN APPROACH TO MARKETING

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MUSICIANS IN BATHROOMS FEATURING SARA BURNS

42 THE FACES OF

THE ART OF THE HOME Collaboration between celebrated designer and inspired artist creates masterpiece in Palmetto Bluff

O N O U R C OV E R S

CB2 CELEBRATE BLUFFTON AND BEYOND!

CH2 CELEBRATE HILTON HEAD!

JUNE 2020

the faces of lowcountry Hospitality LOCALS READY TO WELCOME YOU TO THE SOUTH

UNMISTAKABLE SIGNS YOU’VE ARRIVED ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND

JUNE 2020

LAND marks

THE FACES OF LOWCOUNTRY HOSPITALITY LOCALS READY TO WELCOME YOU TO THE SOUTH

JUNE 2020

Gregg Russell under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town Photography by M.KAT

Chris Shoemaker of May River Excursions Photography by M.KAT

LOWCOUNTRY FARMERS MARKETS Skip the produce aisle and support a local farmer at one of these outdoor marketplaces.

D I T O R ' S

N O T E

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GENIUSES AT WORK

play

Architect of Ideas Maggie Marie Washo Technology Mastermind Carolyn Hunter Kostylo Financial Warden Marion Elizabeth Bowser Influencer-In-Residence Kim Conrad Crouch Culture Maven “Just Kandace” Wightman In-house Jeweler on Retainer Kaila Jeffcoat Intimacy Mentor Lucille Rosita Gonzalez Washo The Gatekeepers Greta Von Bowser Vincent Von Bowser The Real Yard Cats Grey and Dae May The Cut & Paste Crew Jeff Cline Fran Sherman Robin Ross Monica “Mika” St. John Writing Specialists Cheryl Alexander Linda S. Hopkins Denise K. James Justin Jarrett Barry Kaufman John McCann Brooke Mingledorff Heather Quinn Michele Roldán-Shaw Lisa Sulka Kent Thune Lighting Experts John Brackett M. Kat Photography Krisztian Lonyai Photography by Anne Find Us Here PO Box 22949 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 843.689.2658 m.washo@celebratehiltonhead.com

t’s never made me happier to see our beaches packed, restaurants full and roadways clogged. They say you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone, and boy has that been true for me. It’s a favorite pastime of (some) locals to grumble a tiny bit when the hordes invade for the spring and summer months. It definitely makes life a little more complicated for a few months (no more grocery trips on Saturdays unless you are a masochist; you have to get up real early to park at the beach; and you just might get run over while walking the dog by someone who hasn’t ridden a bike in 10 years), but boy do the benefits outweigh the obstacles. This issue is a love letter to our visitors; we are so excited to welcome you back to the Lowcountry! In these pages, we celebrate 21 local residents on the front lines taking care of our island guests: bartenders, front desk supervisors, restaurateurs, real estate agents, musicians, fishing guides, and shop owners who welcome our visitors to the South and make their trip more memorable. We had so much fun meeting everyone, we’ll probably make this an annual feature. Everyone probably recognizes the gentleman in the above photo. Who hasn’t had a Lava

Special Online Content Alert!

www.youtube.com/celebratehiltonhead

Flow at the famous Pool Bar Jim’s? Our fashion feature, “Landmarks,” also celebrates tourism, the backdrops being places visitors to Hilton Head Island should visit while they are here. Harbour Town, Shelter Cove Marina, Coligny Plaza and South Beach Marina are just a few of the popular sites we hit on our trip around the island. This month’s featured home is a beauty in the exclusive Palmetto Bluff, built by C.S. Thomas, with the interiors brought to life by Kelly Caron. Turn to page 82 for some home inspiration, or just to daydream about what it might be like to live in paradise. Enjoy your time with us this summer. We’ve missed you! XOXO M.Washo, Publisher

MAGGIE WASHO Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

M A Y O R

Hilton Head Island Mayor

A Note from John McCann

Photography by M.Kat

TELECOMMUNICATIONS PLAYED VITAL ROLE DURING COVID-19

n the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, we all found ourselves in need of internet service, particularly those who didn’t have it: laptops, tablets or iPads, electronic conferencing services and any other tools that would connect us. A new Pew Research Center survey conducted in early April found that roughly half of U.S. adults (53 percent) say the internet has been essential for them personally during the pandemic and another 34 percent describe it as “important, but not essential.” I don’t find these percentages alarming, but it does highlight the importance of broadband internet. On Hilton Head Island, our ability to connect swiftly and adequately can be attributed to the expansive broadband infrastructure our local telecommunication providers have installed. This infrastructure is equally as important as quality water, sewer access, good roads, and a secure power grid. I firmly believe that broadband connectivity is necessary to support technological needs for existing businesses and residents, sustain a robust hospitality industry, and grow real estate values. During this COVID-19 pandemic, both Hargray Communications and Spectrum stepped forward and offered connectivity services for those who didn’t have any. I was especially impressed with the 60 days of free broadband internet they offered to families with the K-12 and college students and to professional educators who lacked such service. This was a tremendous help to students who needed internet service to access and complete their school lessons. Both companies joined the Keep Americans Connected pledge, a campaign the Federal Communications Commission launched. With their pledge commitment, they agreed to not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and to waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incurred because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic. What an awesome step to take to keep our community residents and businesses connected.

< Bluffton Mayor

A Note from Lisa Sulka

Photography by Krisztian Lonyai

WELCOME TO THE LOWCOUNTRY 16

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At town hall, we also had to think of ways to connect with our community. In the last month, our IT and communications team set up video conferencing for our Town Council meetings. With that technology, we have livestreamed videos of our meetings on Facebook and on our website. Through our Open Town Hall portal, we have allowed the public to provide written comments on agenda items. Through electronic means, we have seen more public engagement than ever before. Staff has been working with other town committees to prepare members to conduct meetings electronically. With the direction we are moving in, the demand for reliable internet service will be ever increasing—not just for town hall meetings, but for our entire community. The coronavirus crisis has made us realize how valuable broadband infrastructure is and what we need to adapt to have widespread connectivity for our work and personal lives.

M AY O R

hat a fun issue this is! What would we say to visitors who are just visiting our area or to those who have been so enamored by our Southern hospitality that they are making a repeat trip this way? I can’t imagine anything better than showing off our faces of Lowcountry hospitality. These are the faces who are the most welcoming—the people who set the tone for our visitors’ experience in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. I usually spend my Thursdays in our historic district of Bluffton. This is the day we have our award-winning farmers market on Calhoun Street, and after walking through and visiting all of our farmers and vendors, it never fails that I run across a visitor to our town. I love the questions, and I love explaining the quirkiness and uniqueness of our town. Whether it is explaining where the river is, or the historical significance of our town, or even where to get the perfect cup of coffee—it is so exciting to share what makes Bluffton so special. So, why should our visitors find comfort in spending the day in our town? Well, we are ranked no. 2 in the 2020 Safest Cities within South Carolina; we are the home to one of the last oyster shucking facilities on the East Coast; the history of our town will keep you here for weeks, enjoying all of the tours that the Heyward House has to offer; we have two churches on the National Historic Register. If that isn’t enough, you could eat somewhere different every day for over a month and not be able to pick your favorite among our toprated restaurants. Our business culture is one that everyone wants to emulate; views of the May River at the end of Calhoun Street are spectacular; the shopping is unique and amazing; art galleries are on every corner; pathways allow you to bike for miles and miles; and finally the welcoming and loving spirit of our residents will make you feel right at home. Can you feel my enthusiasm? I sure hope so, as this is a place that you will have to pull me from, dragging and screaming. This is home and a place I want my children to move back to and start their families. Take a minute and Google Bluffton S.C. videos and you will quickly see why I love to call this town my home. #loveblufftonsc #heartofthelowcountry.

Ê LINE IN THE SAND One Topic Ê Two Opinions S)

ETIME

(SOM

(WELL

, THEY

to open up the country or to not ... that is the question.

Opinion 1: Ken Robinson

ocial distancing, essential, non-essential, flattening the curve; these are just a few of the words that have now become part of our daily vocabulary, but why? America woke up one morning and the country was being shut down. If your business or job was deemed non-essential by the government, then you likely stopped getting paid. Approximately 78 percent of Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck, so having your livelihood shut down has drastic effects not seen since the Great Depression. Throw in that almost 50 percent of Americans are employed by the types of small businesses that have been deemed non-essential, and you have a crisis never seen before by almost all Americans. In full disclosure, I am an essential employee based on the guidelines put out by the government and, other than not traveling as much as I did before COVID-19, very little in my life has changed. Back to the original point. Why did we shut down for what now is going on almost two months? The answer to that question varies from state to state and county to county. You obviously apply different guidelines based on the set of facts that are pertinent to your situation; a one-size-fits-all approach to anything will never be your best plan. Whenever a crisis happens, whether it is car accident, a house fire or a pandemic, the first thing you always do is gather information and then implement a plan that you feel is best to solve the crisis.

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TRY.)

hen I was little, my exasperated mother was perpetually warning me, “Patience is a virtue.” But I was an ornery, impatient cuss of a kid, and I consistently ignored her advice, rushing recklessly into situations which inevitably got me into trouble. As an adult, I am still pretty ornery and impatient. But, as I watch 47 states begin their re-openings, based not on data or guidelines but rather on our unwillingness or inability to slow our pace, I am pondering the wisdom of her words. I can hear the naysayers shouting, even as I write this, “Patience? I have a mortgage to pay, a family to feed, a business that is teetering on failure! How can you preach patience?” But what if I suggested this to you? Public health and economic health are not mutually exclusive. Instead, they are totally interdependent; you cannot have one without the other. My first question is this: Has there been a big change in the public health situation since lockdowns began in March? If there hasn’t been, why are we opening right now? Are we safe and will opening protect our economic rebound? Sadly, the answer is no. While in some states the outbreak has either plateaued or peaked, there is still an awful lot of infection out there. This is a virus that is very contagious and extremely sneaky, easily spread from asymptomatic people who are out and about and unaware they are carriers. The best estimates are that 10-20 million people in the U.S. have been infected

Opinion 2: Arlene Spiegel so far. There are 328 million people in our country, so the majority of the population still has no immunity. We are re-opening with the possibility of many people becoming ill. People who are not feeling well, even if they are not sick enough to require hospitalization, are not going to be visiting shops, eating at restaurants, and working out at their local gyms. Secondly, psychology is at play here. While some people dismiss the fear factor, it is all too real. The newest projections say that with increased mobility, by August, the death toll may far surpass 136,000. Besides the human suffering that number represents, the economic suffering will be irreparable. As more people become ill, and the nightly news headlines the increasing deaths, people will retreat to their homes, afraid to venture back out. Businesses that have just opened, re-hired employees, and ordered expensive supplies will find themselves without

When COVID-19 hit, I do think a shutdown/stay-at-home order was the best idea. The problem is, after that, no one in government started to research plans or come up with ideas in order to get people back to work. The government just shut everything down and then sat around waiting until some arbitrary numbers reached some level deemed acceptable. What if the government started looking at plans to keep things open instead of ideas to keep them closed? Other than a few industries, the state of South Carolina spent the entire month of April shut down—not just businesses, but beaches, parks and basically anything public. There was another way to do this, though. After 7-14 days we had a pretty good idea who the at-risk were, what safety measures would protect people the best and how we could create a safe environment in most businesses. With a few safety guidelines, we could have allowed outdoor dining as well as

Arlene customers, furloughing workers once again, and shuttering, this time, perhaps forever. Finally, here’s the biggest reason to slow down and take a breath. We really have no plan in place to stop the spread. That, to me, is the scariest thought of all. The whole purpose of the lockdown was to take the time to plan, but we did not use that time wisely. When the outbreak began, we had no immediate tools to stop the virus; it happened too quickly, it was too widespread, our hospitals were overrun, and we had no testing and tracing capacity. Now, here we are in May, talking about re-opening concert halls, theaters, gyms, restaurants, and barber shops with too few tests and little to no contact tracing capacity. Testing is what we need to safely open, and more important, to keep us open. We can identify hot spots, focus on finding new cases, isolate those who are ill and figure out who they might have had contact with during that time. But right now, that ability doesn’t exist. So, what does that mean? It means when we re-open, we are in the midst of an experiment, basically flying blind and hoping for the best. Yes, there is a chance it might work out; businesses may boom, and we may be back to a new, improved normal. But, experts far smarter than I am are skeptical. They say that without a hard and fast plan, the chances of that happening are slim. And what could be more devastating to an already demoralized economy than to have to stop, lockdown again, and lose any gains that we might have made? So, while I hate to admit it, my mother was right. Patience is a virtue, and in this case, it may the only thing that saves the lives of our citizens as well as our struggling economy.

Ken

25 percent-capacity indoor dining in restaurants. Nail salons, hair salons and gyms could have followed similar protocols in order to stay open. While I don’t frequent nail salons, they wore masks and gloves even before COVID-19. Shutting down Hilton Head Island had an even larger impact, because March is the start of the tourist season that essentially keeps local businesses in the black. Rental properties sat vacant because people were afraid to travel or were told they couldn’t come to the island. From much of what I read, many residents didn’t want people to come here. That thought process is fine, I guess, but there is a fine line between safety and telling a property owner what they can and can’t do with the property they own. Furthermore, if you research what rental properties pay in property taxes and what that funds, it is likely you would have a very different opinion, well … unless you want to pay more in property taxes on your primary residence. Overall, in my opinion, shutting down for almost two months was a lazy solution to a serious issue, and I expect more from my government. Had we suspended pay of all government workers, I have a feeling there may have been a few solutions a little sooner. As of May 12, there were 346 deaths in South Carolina, or .000067 of our state population. The 12 deaths in Beaufort county represent .000062 of our county population, and the number of cases statewide is .0015 of our population. One argument I have heard on these numbers is, “Well, we did all these things, so that is why our state/county was so low.” I can’t disprove that, but it can’t be proven either. Should certain demographics follow different protocols? Yes. We know that because of the data we gathered at the beginning of this. Should we have forced an entire nation to shelter in place? Absolutely not. C2 MAGAZINE

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5 DRINKS WITH: 5

Sir William

“willie” O

innes HE’S DRINKING: HUGER STREET IPA I’M DRINKING: LIGHTHOUSE BLONDE

n an intellectual level, we’re all aware that Sir William “Willie” Innes—having been born in the late eighteenth century—is more than likely long passed. It’s certainly something that was in the back of my head as I sat down to interview the shockingly-stillalive Sir Willie, living embodiment of the spirit of the RBC Heritage. In that spirit, one of the first questions I asked him when we met up at Links, an American Grill inside Harbour Town Clubhouse for a few drinks was, “Are you allowed to speak out of character?” His response? “What character?” That alone told me that, as usual, my intellect had failed me. Sir Willie simply is. The face and accent may have gone through a few adjustments over the years, but the dapper plaid-clad fellow casually strolling along during the tournament and presenting the giant checks to charities across the Lowcountry is exactly what he says he is: Sir Willie, the living embodiment of the spirit of the RBC Heritage. Barry Kaufman: Before we can talk about who you are, we need to talk about what you are. Willy Innes: I am the spirit and essence of the RBC Heritage. That’s what I am. I’m the spokesperson, I’m the face of it, I’m the energy … I’m the love of what golf is here on Hilton Head Island.

Article by Barry Kaufman Photography by John Brackett

BK: What is it that excites you most about the Heritage? WI: First off, the fans. The energy here, especially coming off the Masters. You know the Masters is an amazing tournament; it’s fantastic. But it’s a tournament where there’s so much tension when you go there. There’s a lot at stake—a lot of tradition. We have tradition, but we’re fun. We’re tradition, but there’s always a drink in your hand.

BK: Do other sporting events have their own embodiments? Is there a curling world series embodiment, for example? WI: They do, but they’re not really living. There are mascots, but they have the big furry heads. They’re not real, you know what I mean? You don’t know what faces they’re making underneath those bobble heads. You know what face I’m making. It’s an important job to have that spirit of the love of what you’re working with. It’s very important. You can tell when people really love it and when they’re just collecting a paycheck. And I do really love it. I enjoy the fans; most of all, I enjoy the kids. The kids who take part in the RBC Heritage, particularly the Coca Cola Youth Day that we partner up with you every year, or the Plaid About Reading Program where we show the importance of picking up a book and reading it. It’s an art form that’s dying out, and we’re trying to bring it back to life here. There’s something special about having a book in your hands. BK: What do you do for the other 51 weeks out of the year? WI: I work out. Gym time, prep … I work on my voice to make sure it doesn’t get tired. I go back to Scotland for a while and play some golf. Basically, get ready. This isn’t just during Heritage week. This is a year-round commitment. I mean, I bleed plaid. It’s a love for the game; it’s a love for the charity. What they give back to the community is absolutely amazing. And that’s a big part of why the Heritage is here. It’s not just the largest professional sporting event in the state of South Carolina, it’s one of the largest sporting events that gives back to the Lowcountry and the community where we live. It’s an amazing thing, and when I’m not doing this, I look forward to doing this. BK: Given that you walk around with a C2 MAGAZINE

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5 golf club, it’s surprising to hear that the charity is actually your favorite part of the tournament. WI: What we give back to the community—to date we’re up to $44.6 million that we’ve given back to South Carolina and the Lowcountry. Just last year was $3.2 million, and I believe right now our total since we created the Heritage Foundation is $102 million that we’ve put into charities, which is an amazing thing. We’re not only the biggest sporting event in the state, we’re one of the largest contributors back to the community, which is very important to me. Every year I get to visit these charities and see what’s involved and what they give back to. It’s all different ranges of struggles we have here. (At this point, Sir Willie notices me casually devouring a peanut butter cookie.) Pockets Full of Sunshine is one of those organizations. They’re

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DRINKS WITH: sir willie innes

fantastic. They always do these amazing peanut butter cookies that you’ll see around the tournament. They’re another big notfor-profit here in the Lowcountry that is worthwhile along with a lot of the others, like the vendors for the food here at the Heritage. This year, we’re really expanding that to a larger group of folks who come in. So, you’re not only here for great golf and great cocktails, you’re going to get a broader range of food and desserts from different vendors. It’s not just about golf anymore. It’s about the experience of the Heritage. BK: As a fellow Scot, what are some other tenants of Scottish heritage you’d like to see take off in this country? Can we make Rabbie Burns day happen here? WI: That would be fantastic, wouldn’t it? People wouldn’t know what they would do with that, but meat pies maybe. Meat pies haven’t come along very well in the States. Meat pie just isn’t a thing where when people hear it they say, ‘Oh, can’t wait for a meat pie.’ But in Scotland, we’re like, ‘Meat pie! Yes!’ I think Johnny Depp gave it a bad name with that barber movie he did. Bad press for meat pies. But Scottish food in general hasn’t had the best press. It’s not the kind of food we eat to get into a twopiece during the summertime, I’ll tell you that. It’s a hearty food, it’s delicious. Lots of potatoes. We’re potato connoisseurs.

BK: The real question: Haggis. Aye or nae? WI: This is an internal struggle, mostly with my stomach. Once I found out how it’s prepared… I should not have looked up the ingredients. I got served haggis a lot and then looked up what it was. I was horrified. I couldn’t look haggis in the eyes and say, ‘I’m going to eat you.’ BK: Well the eyes are the only part they don’t use, I think. So, getting back to Scottish sports, how’s your caber toss? WI: Horrible. Twice and I’m done. It’s not something you learn in everyday life. It will never take off here. I’m sorry. BK: Now, I’m curious. History shows Sir William Innes has been involved with the game of golf since the 1700s. What is your secret for staying young? WI: I sleep in a Zip-Love bag. Yellow and green makes blue. That’s my youth. And then also, all different kinds of beer. It’s like a little formaldehyde in your system. You stay youthful.

“It’s not just the largest professional sporting event in the state of South Carolina, it’s one of the largest sporting events that gives back to the Lowcountry and the community.” BK: Good to know. What’s your all-time favorite Heritage moment? WI: My favorite, and it may not be some other people’s favorite, was a couple years back when the Heritage was on Easter Sunday. I got to run around with the kids, but the bunny is really what it was. The bunny … this wasn’t just any bunny that year. It was … I don’t know, the creepy bunny. I think kids might have been scared that year. I was scared. But I got to ride around with the bunny, talk to the bunny, and then the bunny took its head off and I was horrified. It was a crazy looking bunny. You can look at that bunny and know that bunny has been through some stuff. That bunny didn’t just hide eggs, let’s just say that. BK: I’m starting to see the origins of your anti-mascot-head stance. WI: I was traumatized a little bit. BK: You keep it a little simpler, but it has to get a bit warm in that outfit. I know tradition is tradition, but have you ever thought about swapping that out for something that wicks? WI: Oh, no. Think of it like the military. You think they’d be able to say, ‘I think I’m going to wear some shorts or some overalls?’ This is my uniform. This is how people know who I am. I’m identifiable and it’s actually pretty darn comfortable, especially here on Hilton Head Island. It’s pretty gnat proof—fewer areas for them to bite. And then when it’s hot outside, there’s only so much a man can sweat. And I’ve proven that point, I’ll tell you that.  C2 MAGAZINE

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This & That

C2 Magazine • June 2020 Edition A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items. You know…this and that! If you would like to submit something for this special section, please email hunter@celebratehiltonhead.com. If we have room and it’s appropriate for public consumption, we’ll be happy to oblige.

COURT ATKINS GROUP RELOCATES In the same space where renowned Lowcountry chefs once crafted signature entrées, Court Atkins Group is now creating award-winning architectural and interior design. The architectural firm recently moved into renovated offices at 32 Bruin Road, formerly Red Fish Restaurant. The primary goal of the relocation was to get the firm’s entire team under one roof, according to James Atkins. Prior to purchasing the Red Fish building, Atkins and partner William Court had their eyes on its unique features, which allow an ideal interface for their business needs and team of 30+. “We were looking for a large, open design studio to encourage collaboration and an ongoing team dialogue,” Court explained. “We’ve converted the primary Red Fish dining area into that space, and fortunately, it features large roll-up garage doors that allow natural light and quick access to outdoor meeting areas.” The garage doors open to a partially covered deck and open-air fireplace. Nearby, the partners have placed a grand 17-foot mahogany gathering table, previously the Red Fish bar. “We’ll meet or entertain clients and colleagues around that table often while preserving a familiar remnant of the building, once a well-loved Bluffton dining spot,” Atkins added. Other repurposed space in the 6,200-square-foot building includes the former kitchen, now the interior design resource center; previous back bar area, now the interior design display gallery; past foyer and dining rooms, now a generous conference space; and the original restaurant entry, which has been transformed to welcome CAG guests with dramatic color scheme and modern light fixtures. The floorplan also includes a full-service kitchen/break room and various smaller conference spaces. Design director Deb Van Plew steered selections for new office interiors at 32 Bruin Road. She describes the general vibe as Lowcountry contemporary. “It includes clean lines of a soft contemporary aesthetic, composed with authentic materials and textures we embrace in our region—nickel gap, brick, oak—with a little twist,” Van Plew said. She and team hope to keep the design understated yet professionally elegant and engaging. “We wanted to create spaces that are fresh, inspiring, comfortable, approachable—nothing pretentious or intimidating,” she said. The full office renovation entailed the support of many of CAG’s industry partners and community vendors including the following: Shoreline Construction, contractor; Grayco, interior mahogany doors and transoms; JayCo, painting; Bluffton Millworks, cabinetry and furnishings; Burchette and Burchette, wood floors; Distinctive Marble, countertops; Billy Wood Appliances, appliances; Phillips Electric, electrical; Progressive Technologies, IT infrastructure; Gilman Flooring, carpet and LVT; Cregger Company, plumbing; Savannah Hardscapes, Tile and Bird Hardware, door and cabinet hardware. Originally built in 1990, CAG’s new offices first opened as the Bluffton post office. When the post office moved to Bluffton Village, the space became Myrtle’s restaurant and was later purchased and renovated by the owners of Red Fish. The popular restaurant remained open until 2018.

The Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island Youth Community Service Award Program has been the organization’s most visible community effort since its inception. The Award began in 1980 as a way to recognize and encourage local students. This year, WAHHI has recognized five area high school students for their community service by awarding $1,000 to each of them. The 2020 Youth Community Service recipients are: Logan Bedenbaugh, Hilton Head Island High School; Kierstin Clark, Hilton Head Preparatory School; Anna Sulek, Hilton Head Preparatory School; Laura Huggins, Hilton Head Island High School; and Madison Frank, Hilton Head Preparatory High School.

Marcos Felipe, employment specialist; Devin Levin, owner; and Mary Eller, recruiting specialist

Express Employment Professionals is a new staffing agency located in Bluffton. They are holding a job fair and grand opening June 11. A virtual ribbon cutting is scheduled for 4 p.m. from Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.

Wexford donates $100,000 in emergency funding to local charities Recognizing that many of our local nonprofit agencies have seen a steep decline in their income as the COVID-19 crisis has stretched their resources to the limit, Stephen Carter, chair of the Wexford Foundation, appealed to Wexford members for emergency funding to help those charities most in need. The response was overwhelming; in just two weeks Wexford raised over $100,000, which was quickly distributed to 14 local non-profit organizations with immediate needs. Much of this funding has been directed to charities dealing with hunger and housing, but Wexford has also contributed to education, software and the funding of PPE for agencies urgently in need of special equipment to allow them to work remotely or more safely in the field. The Wexford Foundation donated $235,000 to 32 local charities earlier this year in annual sustaining grants and is proud to have donated over $1.4 million since its inception in 2012. For more information on the Wexford Foundation, please visit their web site wexfordfoundation.com

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This & That

Photos by Bob Cragin

Sun City Hilton Head residents used their creative talents to proudly show their support for the essential workers who remain at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19, decorating the entrance signs to their individual neighborhoods to honor and thank the healthcare professionals, first responders, grocery store and pharmacy employees, and postal service and delivery drivers who continue to risk their lives throughout the ongoing global pandemic. Nearly all of Sun City’s 57 neighborhoods have used their entrance sign to pay tribute to the COVID-19 heroes.

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Responding to the food shortage at a local food bank in the Lowcountry due to the COVID-19 pandemic, StoneWorks began collecting food donations for The Deep Well Project in March. There is a collection bin outside the StoneWorks’ showroom door, located at 28 Hunter Road on Hilton Head Island, and the company encourages people to bring supplies and safely drop them in the bin to be delivered to The Deep Well Project. Hilton Head Public Service District (PSD) has once again been honored with the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control’s (DHEC) Facility Excellence Award for the PSD’s Recycled Water Plant on Oak Park Drive. This is the PSD’s fourth straight year earning the award, which recognizes the plant for environmental protection and regulatory compliance. Scott Moffatt, Hilton Head Public Service District (PSD) Water Quality Supervisor, has been named the Lab Analyst of the Year by the Water Environment Association of South Carolina. Moffatt has served as Hilton Head PSD’s water quality supervisor since 2015. Moffatt has led the PSD’s certification in the Partnership for Safe Water, an industry-leading utility optimization program of the American Water Works Association and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Hilton Head PSD in February 2020 earned the prestigious Directors Award from the Partnership for Safe Water for its efforts toward optimization of its drinking water distribution system.

This & That

Housekeeping Services Donates Over 7,000 Pounds of Laundry Service to Hilton Head Island Fire & Rescue Department During Pandemic It all started with a simple phone conversation between owner and CEO of Housekeeping Services of Hilton Head, David Myers, and the general manager of Marriott Vacation Club SurfWatch, Case Spencer, on what the fire department needed to maintain a sterile and healthy work environment at the fire stations after the first-responders made emergency calls within our community.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic COVID-19, the fire department’s frontline responders routine cleaning protocols have drastically changed with an increased emphasis on the need to disinfect the firehouse, trucks, vehicles, equipment, uniforms— even the towels and linens used at the stations after emergency calls—in an effort to prevent cross contamination of their station “safehouses.” Crews were asked to bring their own clean linens from home daily to prevent any contamination or spread of COVID-19, which was hard to execute during this time. In an effort to reduce the possibility of carrying the virus from home into their workplace and vice versa, Housekeeping Services of Hilton Head Island has been providing clean sheets and pillowcases to the Hilton Head Island Fire & Rescue Department so that employees don’t have to bring their own personal linens from home. Marriott Vacation Club donated towels and blankets for the department’s use. “We truly appreciate the efforts of Housekeeping Services, Marriott Vacation Club, and the community stepping up to support our mission so that we can better serve our area residents and visitors with a safe environment and ensuring the health of others,” Hilton Head Island Fire & Rescue deputy fire marshal Russel Rogers said. “Some of the donations to the department included handmade masks, N95 masks, hand sanitizer and PPE. We’re unable to shut down our department, so we needed to make adjustments as to how we operate to ensure that our crew was safe and healthy and not spreading the virus to the community.”

C2 MAGAZINE

JUNE 2020

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LAND marks UNMISTAKABLE SIGNS YOU HAVE ARRIVED ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND FOR YOUR SUMMER VACATION

PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

STYLING BY KAILA JEFFCOAT HAIR & MAKEUP BY HUNTER KOSTYLO PRETTIEST FACE BY CATHERINE COLBY

Everyone knows those familiar landmarks that signal you have arrived somewhere specific. A mountain view, a roadside attraction or seafood shack on the beach. No place are those sights more welcome than when you arrive at your favorite vacation spot. CROSS ISLAND We’re taking a different perspective on it, but do you recognize our first Hilton Head Island landmark? Since its opening in 1998, the Cross Island Parkway bridge has given travelers stunning views of Broad Creek, but the scenery is just as beautiful at ground level. Here, sheltered from the sounds of traffic, the marsh grass still grows through tidal waters as it did when William Hilton first arrived on our shores. With the shopping, dining and resurgent marina just down the shore, this bucolic hideaway represents the quieter, more tranquil side of one of the island’s most famed landmarks.

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HARBOUR TOWN LIGHTHOUSE What would Hilton Head Island be without its famed lighthouse? For visitors the world over, the iconic red and white stripes of this majestic (if strictly ornamental) lighthouse have served as visual shorthand for a vacation destination par excellence. For locals, it’s a point of pride to see our lighthouse broadcast to the world during the RBC Heritage every year. Built as the first tournament was underway, the lighthouse was called “Fraser’s Folly,” due to the fact that, well, it was a lighthouse that didn’t actually function as a lighthouse. Time eventually made fools of all the naysayers, and the Harbour Town Lighthouse became an indelible symbol of the island.

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SHELTER COVE MARINA There are few greater pleasures on the island than strolling along the gangplanks and walkways of Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. Here, tucked along waters that glisten and change with the tides, where the eye takes in kayakers and native wildlife splashing and soaring among the chop, majestic natural views are just part of the attraction. Wind your way along the waterfront and add a few gorgeous watercraft to your wish list, then spend the day among the shopping, dining and excitement of Shelter Cove. In fact, you might need more than one day.

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SOUTH BEACH MARINA If Harbour Town was Charles Fraser’s take on an Italian port town, then South Beach is his open-air love letter to the fishing villages of New England. Nestled along the shores of Braddock Cove, South Beach Marina offer a waterfront experience that has drawn visitors for generations. Maybe it’s the salt air. Maybe it’s the live entertainment drifting down from the Salty Dog, or the exotic birds that greet you out front. Maybe it’s the wealth of shopping. There’s no sense trying to figure out the appeal when you could simply dive in and enjoy it.

**Prices change and human error occurs. Confirm all pricing with boutique listed.

**Prices change and human error occurs. Confirm all pricing with boutique listed

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COLIGNY Do you recognize this piece of public art? Consider it a landmark within a landmark. Located within Coligny Plaza, this mural graces the side of Piggly Wiggly Coligny, one of the many attractions found within Hilton Head Island’s downtown. Since Norris and Lois opened the island’s first supermarket here, Coligny Plaza has served as the true heart of the island. The Richardson family still oversees all the shopping, dining and excitement to be found just steps from the beach, among a sprawling complex filled with unique finds and hidden treasures (like this mural) seemingly around every corner.

The famous King Neptune statue doubles as a largerthan-life sundial in Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina.

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PALMETTO BAY MARINA Avast, ye scurvy dogs! If it be adventure on the high seas ye be craving, then get pressganged into service aboard the Black Sparrow, flagship of the Pirates HHI fleet. One of the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most eyecatching attractions, the Black Sparrow is anchored at Palmetto Bay Marina, an attraction all its own. One of the earliest landmarks on Hilton Head Island, this dockside mix of great restaurants and unique shops has recently emerged from a few transformative years with renewed beauty and energy. Visitors, if you want to know where all the locals go, this landmark is it.

When Pan missed the cut at the Valero Texas Open the week before the Masters, it was his third missed cut in five starts, and the pressure to earn a paycheck was mounting. Pan’s wife, Michelle, knew Harbour Town suited her husband’s game and insisted he play that week. She would handle the AJGA event. Luckily for Pan, he had the good sense to listen to his wife and left Sea Pines as a PGA Tour champion. The 28-year-old native of Chinese Taipei returned to the island for the first time since his big win for RBC Heritage Media Day, and he made time to chat with us at C2 magazine. C2: You came to the U.S. alone as a 15-year-old, unable to speak English. Did you ever in your wildest dreams think when you took that step that you would be standing here today as a PGA Tour champion? It’s a long way from where you started to where you are now. CTP.: It’s a long way. I’m 28. I came here when I was 15, so 13 years ago. If you asked me if I will one day become a PGA Tour winner, I would be ... I couldn’t even speak English! It’s been quite a journey. It’s been a wild ride, but my dad and I definitely made the right decision to come to the States, and it turned out nicely.

C.T. PAN A C2 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

.T. Pan wasn’t planning to come to Hilton Head Island last April. He was putting on his inaugural junior golf event at home in Houston, and the game plan was to play well enough in the first three months of the year to take the week off when the PGA Tour headed to Harbour Town Golf Links for the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. But you know what they say about best-laid plans.

If you asked me if I will one day become a PGA Tour winner, I would be ... I couldn’t even speak English! It’s been quite a journey. It’s been a wild ride, but my dad and I definitely made the right decision to come to the States, and it turned out nicely. C2: Did you ever have doubts about that? Did you ever question whether that was the right decision along the way? CTP.: No. I mean, now that I think about, it was pretty wild. I was naive to come to the States by myself, not speaking any English, and my parents not with me. That was really tough. But I toughed it through, and I guess that was definitely the turning point of my life. C2: What is it like to come back to Sea Pines and to Harbour Town for the first time as a champion? I imagine there are a lot of memories flooding back. C2 MAGAZINE

JUNE 2020

C.T. PAN It is a great feeling. I can tell you that. It’s really cool to have my wife with me. She wasn’t here last year, so it’s cool for me to bring her here the last couple of days and show her what I did on the seventeenth hole and on 18, and what I did on the range, where the celebration happened. And she saw No. 18, which is a very cool hole to do it. And you know, it’s a special one. My first PGA Tour win happened to be here, and my portrait, my painting, will be up there on the clubhouse forever. A C2 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW CTP.: It is a great feeling. I can tell you that. It’s really cool to have my wife with me. She wasn’t here last year, so it’s cool for me to bring her here the last couple of days and show her what I did on the seventeenth hole and on 18, and what I did on the range, where the celebration happened. And she saw No. 18, which is a very cool hole to do it. And you know, it’s a special one. My first PGA Tour win happened to be here, and my portrait, my painting, will be up there on the clubhouse forever. I just found out

JUNE 2020

C2 MAGAZINE

today, and it definitely makes me want to defend my title even more. C2: How much did you know about this tournament before you won it? Did you have an idea of the history, or did that come after you won? CTP.: It definitely came after. I didn’t know Arnold Palmer won the first one, and I didn’t know Pete Dye did this course as his first course with Nicklaus. So that was really cool to kind of be associated with such big names—legends like Arnold Palmer, Jack

Nicklaus and Pete Dye. And you know Davis Love III won here five times, so the past winners are all legends in golf; it’s really cool to be associated with that. C2: With your wife so busy running the AJGA tournament that weekend, was she able to watch much of the Heritage on TV and follow along? CTP.: It’s funny. I think when I was leading after the fifteenth hole, she was giving a speech at the awards ceremony, and the kids down there, they were all

Oh yeah, I think the fans are great. They know golf. And they know every single player. The fans from Hilton Island Island know this is the biggest event in the region, and they want to support it. Plus, golf is big here, so they know every golfer. They even knew me before I became famous! All I can say is the fans are better. crazy. They were all yelling, “Hey, C.T.’s leading, C.T.’s leading.” And she was like, “No, you’re kidding me.” She was able to watch the last couple of holes. C2: How much has winning the Heritage changed your life? Winning that first PGA Tour event gets you the card for two more years, gets you into the Masters, and things like that. Have you seen a noticeable change in your life in the past year? CTP.: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, this win is the only reason I made it to the President’s Cup. The exposure in the President’s Cup helps me as a professional golfer massively. It also got me into the Masters, and it just helps me in every way. I mean, I cannot ask for a better result than this or any better tournament. C2: How do the crowds and the atmosphere here at Harbour Town compare to some of the other places on the PGA Tour? CTP.: Just better in every way. The fans are better—not too wild (laughing)—but they are here to watch good golf. And the weather, the golf course, the design, everything is better. This is definitely a true golf tournament, because it’s focused on golf. So, I would say for spectators it’s the best tournament to watch. C2: Do you feel like the crowds are more knowledgeable and more engaged than some of the other places on tour? CTP: Oh yeah, I think the fans are great. They know golf. And they know every single player. The fans from Hilton Island Island know this is the biggest event in the region, and they want to support it. Plus, golf is big here, so they know every golfer. They even knew me before I became famous! All I can say is the fans are better. 

C2 MAGAZINE

JUNE 2020

FACES

21 OF

LOWCOUNTRY

Hospitality

ach year, according to the Hilton Head IslandBluffton Chamber of Commerce, more than 2.5 million visitors make their way onto our 12-by-5-mile-long island. This means that, during the course of the year, there are 62.5 visitors to every one local resident. Never before have we been so aware of how much our visitors mean to the economy of Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and the surrounding Lowcountry. Tourists and the taxes they pay keep resident taxes lower, help pay for our roads, schools, parks, arts & music programs, festivals and more. They keep our restaurants full and shops and eco-tourism thriving. How many restaurants do you think this island would be able to support with only 40,000 full-time residents? This month, we celebrate a

few Lowcountry residents who are on the front lines of guest satisfaction and have been for years—the people who help make a trip to the Lowcountry special in some way: a fishing guide who helps a guest hook that elusive cobia; a bartender who serves dad his first beer after a 10-hour drive from Ohio; the real estate agent who spends his entire weekend showing a soonto-retire couple property in our area; a local musician who gets your kids up on stage to dance as the sun sets for that perfect vacation photo; the shop owner who remembers that you come here every April and remembers what beer you buy. If you are visiting us, welcome to the Lowcountry— enjoy your stay! Seek out some of the people featured on the following pages. You’ll be glad you did.

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y M . K AT | D E S I G N B Y J E F F C L I N E

ANDREW CARMINES

GENERAL MANAGER OF HUDSON’S ON THE DOCKS

NEVER BEFORE HAVE WE BEEN SO AWARE OF HOW MUCH OUR VISITORS MEAN TO THE ECONOMY OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND, BLUFFTON AND THE SURROUNDING LOWCOUNTRY.

What question do you get asked most often by our visitors? Is your seafood fresh, and is it local? And the answer is, of course! If you could advise our visitors to do just one thing while they were here, what would it be? Get out on the water; go experience the physical beauty of the area. It’s such a special place. We have so many great local companies that cater to eco-tours. My cousin Christopher (May River Excursions) does shrimping, crabbing and fishing tours with our guests. That’s how I spend my days off, so that’s what I would tell people to do. And go to the beach.

Hudson’s on the Docks has been serving fresh seafood to local visitors since 1912, when the original oyster factory was built as a seafood processing plant. J.B. Hudson Sr. started a thriving family business that became a local landmark and Hilton Head tradition. In 1975, Brian and Gloria Carmines—transplants from Long Island, N.Y., purchased Hudson’s, and a new family tradition began. Brian worked the first six months as a chef while the rest of the family cleared tables, took orders, and served the guests. Hudson’s currently hosts more than 1,000 guests on a typical summer night. Today, Brian and Gloria’s son Andrew is at the helm, in addition to serving as founder/president of the Shell Ring Oyster Company. As a true island native, he’s passionate about sustainable seafood and is involved in local environmental initiatives. You’ll find him chatting with guests six days out of seven at Hudson’s, and there couldn’t be a bigger fan of all this area has to offer.

What would you recommend a firsttime customer of Hudson’s to order? Order your seafood based on whatever season it is—whatever is the freshest. If it’s softshell crab season (usually the entire month of April), order a softshell crab dish; if it’s shrimp season, those boats are coming in every other day with fresh shrimp, so be sure to get that. During the winter, order the oysters, Stone crab claws in the summer. Right now, Melanie’s on her way here to unload a boat, and she’ll have 50 pounds of stone crab claws, so we’ll have those every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. No matter what day of the week you come in, the crabs are only 48 hours out of the water, which is amazing. That’s how I eat. I am a total snob when it comes to seafood. I tell my staff that whatever they see me eating for lunch here, that’s what they should recommend to their customers that day. Favorite annual event or festival? Well, I’m a little bit biased about the best festival on the island because my family and I, along with a great team of people, put on the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival every February. So, I obviously have a soft spot for that one. I’ve also been known to overindulge at the RBC Heritage from time to time. Unofficial poll: Where do most of our visitor’s hail from? Ohio? Ha! Ha! But you do see a lot of people now coming from Georgia. And a lot of our visitors eventually become our residents and regular customers. How long have you lived here and what do you love the most about it? Little known fact about me: I was born on the front seat of my dad’s pickup truck at the base of the Parris Island bridge, because I couldn’t make it to the hospital. My mom insisted that my dad pull over. He delivered me on the front seat of that Dodge pickup truck in 1978. The police arrived and gave us an escort, and they put my mom in an ambulance. When we got to the hospital, my dad was so distraught, they wheeled him and me in via wheelchair and forgot my mom in the ambulance. So, I guess the answer to that question is that I have lived here my whole life.

CHIP MICHALOVE

OUTCAST SPORT FISHING

Hooking great whites is what heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s known for (catching up to seven in one day!)

What was the biggest shark you’ve ever caught and what was the species?

I take my dog Callie (a Bull Terrier) down to the beach and throw the tennis ball 100 times. Then maybe play tennis, a little golf … take a few naps and catch up on all things I miss while I’m out on the water all day.

The biggest shark I ever hooked was a great white shark on New Year’s Eve. It was a little over 16 feet, and this thing was almost as wide as the boat. It was absolutely massive. It was wild—one of the most amazing days of my life. We chased that thing for almost seven miles. My guess is it was about 3,400 pounds.

What is your favorite song to listen to out on the water? When I was five years old, I remember going out fishing, and the guide had on “Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding. I remember him playing it over and over again, and I really don’t think there is a better song than that.

At what age did you want to become a charter captain, and why sharks? I went out with Fuzzy Davis when I was about four years old, and I was scared to death. We caught a huge shark, and I just thought it was the coolest thing in the world. Fuzzy Davis was my Michael

LISA SULKA

Jordan. That’s exactly what I wanted to do from there on out. All through school, I’m telling everyone, “Oh, yeah, I’m going to do this…,” but in the back of my head I’m thinking there’s no way I’m going to be anything else but a charter guide. That’s all I wanted to do. I’ve been obsessed with sharks since I was young, and it’s really become a big part of my business. It’s awesome catching cobia, tarpon and king mackerel, but when you see a 10-foot shark on the side of the boat, you’ve got a customer for life. They want to go again.

BLUFFTON MAYOR

Locally, the name Chip Michalove is synonymous with great white sharks. Until he started hooking them regularly offshore, most locals didn’t know the species was so prevalent in Lowcountry waters. Most days you’ll find Michalove cruising in a 27-foot Glacier Bay Catamaran, giving visitors the thrill of a lifetime when an eight-foot bull shark takes the bait and gets reeled in. Although hooking great whites is what he’s known for (catching up to seven in one day!), Michalove simply loves fishing and is usually booked out weeks in advance for tarpon, cobia, barracuda or redfish or king mackerel angling. Besides the thrill of catching a fish, if you’re lucky enough to book his boat, you’ll get to spend the day with one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.

What do you use as bait? We use a little bit of everything. Anything that’s fresh is the best.

Where can we find you on your day off, and what are you doing?

In the long history of mayors in the USA, there was never a mayor who loved her town more than Lisa Sulka loves Bluffton. Now this might be a slight exaggeration … but even her Instagram handle is @lisalovesbluffton. Sulka is an excellent communicator during hurricane evacuations (and we’ve had four in the last four years), pandemics, and just on your average Monday afternoon; the town of Bluffton is lucky to have her. She’s a real estate agent by day, and in her spare time she enjoys Clemson games and hanging with her grown children. The heart of the Lowcountry couldn’t ask for a better ambassador.

our backyard. Even though we are a growing town, it still has a small-town feel.

beverage, go down to the beach, forget about work and time, and take a nap.

How long have you lived in Bluffton and what do you love most about living in the Lowcountry?

What is the most frequently asked question you get from our visitors?

Favorite annual event or festival? How can you

I visited in the summer of 1981 as a junior at Clemson. I went back, graduated and officially became a Lowcountry resident in May of 1982.

What is the most frequently asked question you get from our visitors? How many people have fallen off the boat or have been dragged overboard? I get asked that every single day. The answer is zero. Never has anyone been pulled off, but there have been a few I wish would’ve fallen overboard. (KIDDING!) We are really careful out here, because we are fighting 200- to 1,000-pound sharks on a daily basis. Safety is a big concern.

If you could advise our visitors to do just one thing while they were here, what would it be? Get your favorite

beat the Heritage? That’s our Kentucky Derby.

Why do you think Bluffton is the best small town in America? I can’t imagine any other place better than this town. I think it’s the people, it’s young vibe, the weather, and the river in

When you aren’t showing property or handling town business, where can we find you and what are you doing? You can usually find me walking in Old Town. Or sometimes I go out to the New River Linear Trail and walk if I have friends in town, or family. I usually have a coffee cup in my hand—always supporting one of our local coffee shops or showing up at the Farmers Market. You might also find me hanging out down one of these little side streets in one of our Cove Parks.

Directions, mostly. I get asked where the river is, where they can find the Heyward House, and what there is to do in Bluffton. I tell them to get out on the river, walk, shop and eat!

Favorite annual event or festival? Bluffton Village Festival … Mayfest. We are fighting over what it is called. Ha! Ha! Second is, hands down, the Bluffton Christmas parade.

AMBER KUEHN

DIRECTOR OF SEA TURTLE PATROL HHI

Amber can be found most mornings at 4 a.m., searching the beach for loggerhead tracks and the nests they leave behind.

What would you like our visitors to know about our loggerhead turtles, and how can they be sure not to impact them negatively while they are here? 1. There is an ordinance on Hilton Head Island that requires beachgoers to fill their holes, which can be no deeper than one foot. We have only three nests (as a press of time) on Hilton Head Island, and we have already had a situation where a nesting loggerhead slipped into a hole and turned back to the ocean without laying her eggs. Hatchlings fall into these holes, and their journey ends there. 2. Please pick up your trash. It may cause entanglement and drowning or be ingested by marine life. And, it is disrespectful.

Amber Kuehn had a life-changing experience while on a dive, 16 miles offshore Hilton Head Island, at the Eagle Nest reef. It was 70 feet below the surface where she encountered her first sea turtle face-to-face. Funny how a moment can turn into a calling. Now, Amber can be found most mornings at 4 a.m., searching the beach for loggerhead tracks and the nests they leave behind. Boasting a graduate degree in marine biology, she is the only one locally with a permit issued by SCDNR to train volunteers to mark, move and keep tabs on the hundreds of nests laid on Hilton Head’s beaches every year from May through October. At some point, you will probably see her and an army of volunteers filling in holes left by visitors or cruising the beach in a bright green truck with a turtle emblazoned on the door. She is an ambassador for the loggerheads and a wealth of information about what you can do to help as many hatchlings make it to adulthood as possible.

3. Please remember that beachfront residences should extinguish exterior lights to prevent hatchlings from diverting their path away from the ocean and toward the light. LIGHTS OUT May through October in accordance with the town ordinance. 4. Red flashlights on your night beach walks to prevent distraction. Sea turtles see red light but generally don’t react to it.

When you aren’t up at 4 a.m. on the beach searching for newly laid turtle eggs, where can we find you and what are you doing for fun? The Sea Turtle Patrol HHI is all volunteer. I dedicate the days that I am not working to patrol. Pre COVID-19, I gave a turtle talk five nights a week in season. This year will be a little different. When there is the odd free day, I spend time on the river in my Boston Whaler—the same boat I have had since I was 12. If it could talk....

What is the number one question our visitors ask you, and what is your answer?

When did you move to Hilton Head Island, and what (or who) brought you here?

How can we volunteer? There is a permit issued by the SCDNR that allows the sea turtle patrol staff to work with the endangered sea turtles. These individuals have years of experience. Five years ago, I, along with a resident of Sea Pines, created a group called Turtle Trackers. This group focuses on community outreach and beach preparation during the nesting season. They fill holes at the end of the day, pick up trash, raise money to distribute educational literature and signage, and act as beach ambassadors to educate the visitors. There are six chapters on the island in every beachfront community.

My great grandparents bought property in Bluffton on the May River in the 1950s. I grew up in their house when it was passed down to my parents.

If you could advise our visitors to do just one thing while they were here, what would it be? Leave the beach as pristine as you found it.

What do you love most about living here? I love teaching others on my boat tour about the dense web of life in the waterways of Beaufort County. I love their amazement of our natural environment. I experienced these things as a child but was able to explain them to others after graduate school. Growing up on the salt marsh estuary shaped my being, my passion.

Favorite annual event or festival? The Mayfest in Bluffton was my favorite as a child and it still is today. It was renamed Bluffton Village Festival in recent years, but locals still call it Mayfest. It’s always the weekend before Mother’s Day.

SALLIE ANN ROBINSON AUTHOR, CHEF, DAUFUSKIE GUIDE DAUFUSKIE ISLAND

TOM REILLEY

THE CRAB GROUP

Sallie Ann Robinson is the kindof person you hug when you first meet her. She has a joy and spark that comes from within, and you can’t help but love her immediately. A Daufuskie Island native, Robinson was the character named Ethel in Pat Conroy’s bookThe Water Is Wide. She was among the students Conroy taught in that one-room schoolhouse during his time on Daufuskie Island. Robinson went on to write her own books: Gullah Home Cooking the Daufuskie Way and Cooking the Gullah Way, Morning, Noon, and Night, which contain a mixture of authentic Gullah recipes, folklore, memoirs, and documentation of the Gullah dialect spoken by island natives. She’s been featured in CH2 magazine several times, as well as in the latest issue of Garden & Gun and an upcoming issue of O Magazine. We highly recommend spending a day on Daufuskie with Sallie while vacationing in our area. Visit tourdaufuskie.com for more information. What do you think makes Daufuskie Island such a special place? It’s peaceful and bridgeless. Dirt roads, huge oak trees draped with Spanish moss, and the people. For me, this is home. What is the most frequently asked question you get from our visitors, and what is your answer? How do you live on this island with no stores and shopping centers? I tell them it’s simple; you don’t need it until you need it! And then we take a trip over to the mainland and stock up. When you aren’t giving our Lowcountry visitors tours of Daufuskie Island, where can we find you and what are you doing? I’ll be cleaning up the yard, cooking, always writing a new book. If you could advise our visitors to do just one thing while they were here, what would it be? Go to the beach. Favorite annual event or festival? Daufuskie Day What is your favorite thing in the whole wide world to cook? Seafood! Shrimp, crab, oysters, fish.

On several evenings a week, you’ll find Tom Reilley seated at the bar, chatting with his guests at Reilley’s South near the Sea Pines Circle. Credited with starting the Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Parade and kicking off the local hospitality empire that has become the CRAB Group (Coastal Restaurants and Bars), there are few men more beloved by islanders and visitors alike.

When did you move to Hilton Head Island, and who or what brought you here?

After my son Brendan went to the Culinary Institute of Americaand got into the business, he opened Fish Camp, and we were off and running.

If you could advise our visitors to do one thing, what would it be? Enjoy what we have here. Don’t bring anything with you that’s going to keep you from having a good time. This is a fun place to be!

I moved here February 1, 1977. My sister lived here, and I was fed up with the northeast and the weather, so we came down. That’s the Cliff’s Notes version. The next time you see me at Reilley’s, ask me the real story about how I kidnapped my wife and drove her here after telling her we were going to a movie. Literally kidnapped.

When you aren’t at Reilley’s greeting your guests, what are you doing?

What do you love about living here?

The St. Patrick’s Day parade is huge; Hilton Head Wine and Food Festival is huge; Wingfest is huge … but nothing beats the RBC Heritage. That tournament is such an asset to our island, and I think we are an asset to the tournament as well.

Just look outside: the weather, the people. It’s just a very calming place to be.

When did you start building the empire that has become the CRAB Group? Oh, I think I get a little too much credit for that. Reilley’s opened in 1982 after I borrowed money from two of my customers. Shortly thereafter, we formed a partnership and started The Crazy Crab. So, we had two Reilley’s, two Crazy Crabs, and they were all operated separately.

I have a very limited life outside of this restaurant. I love being here, and my office is right around the corner. When I’m not here, however, I do enjoy being on the golf course.

Favorite annual island event or festival?

What is your go-to on the Reilley’s menu? My go-to is the Rub Ribeye, but it’s tough to pick out just one thing. I’m very proud to say that whatever you order here, you are going to get a good meal.

JEVON DALY

ENTERTAINER/MUSICIAN

original songs like “Don’t Feed Your Dog People Food,” “Sharks are our Homies,” and “Mama Loggerhead”—a song with a message to visitors to look out for those sea turtles while they are here.

Unofficial Poll: Where do most of our visitors hail from? Hmmmm. I know a song about that.

What is your most requested song at shows? Oh jeez. It’s funny. There are so many songs. So, so many good Jevon songs that people have never heard before. Generally speaking, though, “Born in the Lowcountry” is the most requested song I’ve ever written.

What is your favorite song to sing? They all serve different purposes. Some songs are for getting the kids up and dancing. “You kiss my daughter, I’m gonna kiss you” is a pretty fun one though.

What is the most frequently asked question by our visitors, and what is your answer? Do you think you’re a good singer? Do you think you’re funny? And my answer is always, “Look. I’m the one up here doing this, not you, so sit down.” And that’s usually like a five-year-old, a six-year-old. Maybe an eight-year-old.

How long have you lived here and what do you love most about it? I’ve lived here since 1983, and I love that all the Yankees and Southerners pretend to hate each other, but secretly love each other.

How long have you been entertaining guests and residents, and where can they find you?

What is the most frequently asked question by our visitors, and what is your answer?

When your parents are local rock stars, chances are, you are going into music. Jevon Daly knew at a young age he wanted to entertain people, and he’s been doing it for almost all of his 48 years. Forever the class clown, Daly started playing the saxophone at age 11. By age 13, he had joined his parents’ band and had taught himself guitar. If you’ve seen live music at a local bar or restaurant, you’ve probably seen Daly perform. Through the years, he’s been an integral part of Lowcountry Boil, JoJo Squirrel and the Home Pickles, Unicorn Meat, and Silicone Sister. Currently though, this dad’s favorite show to play is in Coligny Plaza, where he entertains children (and parents) with

I’ve been performing on Hilton Head Island since 1986. They can find me Mondays and Fridays at the Dunes House, Sundays and Wednesdays for the kids’ show at Coligny Plaza, and Saturdays at the Tiki Hut—the world-famous Tiki Hut, which they are going to change the name of.

What is your favorite event or festival? I don’t know because I’m never asked to play any of them. And that’s me just being a guy whose tryin’ to … never get invited to play at any of them. In all seriousness though, Lowcountry VegFest is my favorite festival. It usually happens in the fall.

If you could advise our visitors to do one thing while they are here, what would it be? Throw the sand dollars back. And throw some dollars at me.

CHRIS SHOEMAKER

MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS

Chris Shoemaker grew up on a boat, the son of a commercial shrimper in the Lowcountry. When it was time to choose his own path, he noticed a lot of the local charter captains were literally not from around here. Figuring he might have a little bit of a competitive advantage as a Bluffton native, he started May River Excursions 10 years ago and now has nine boats available for trips to Daufuskie Island, fishing on the May River or just relaxing on a sunset cruise. Those familiar with the show Southern Charm may remember Shoemaker as “Chelsea’s friend” from the episode where the Charleston Charmers headed South to the island for a long weekend.

How long have you lived in Bluffton and what do you love most about living in the Lowcountry? I have lived here my whole life, 35 years. I love the saltwater and all of the outdoor activities.

What fish do you catch the most in these waters? Probably redfish more than anything else. It’s also known as red drum.

What question do you get asked by our visitors more than anything else? Are there gators out here? And the answer is no, because this is saltwater. The next question is always, “Are there dolphins and sharks?” And yeah, there are sharks.

If you could advise our visitors to do just one thing while they were here, what would it be? Go watch the sunset at Hudson’s Seafood on the Docks.

Favorite annual event or festival? That would be a tie between the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival and the Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival.

You’ve been here a long time Dave; what business do you miss most from the past?

DAVE MARTIN

OWNER OF PIGGLY WIGGLY COLIGNY PLAZA

Dave Martin began working at his dad’s grocery store when he was nine years old. It’s been an over 50-year run of taking care of the grocery needs of residents and visitors in the heart of Hilton Head Island’s tourist district, Coligny Plaza. Islanders know that Dave Martin will be the last one to close before a hurricane evacuation and the first one to open again. His charitable spirit is unmatched, and during the recent pandemic, regulars can attest to the fact that Dave’s was probably the only store in town that consistently had bleach, toilet paper and paper towels. We love you Dave Martin!

What question are you most frequently asked by our visitors, and what is your answer? Where is the bread? It’s on aisle 10.

If you could advise our visitors to do just one thing while they were here, what would it be? Go watch the sunrise on the beach and think about what a beautiful place this would be to live.

What do you sell more than any other item? Shrimp! Fresh local shrimp.

How long have you lived in the Lowcountry, and what do you love most about living here? I’ve been here 51 years, and what I love most about Hilton Head is that it is a small town. Love a small town.

Favorite annual event or festival? My favorite event is July Fourth fireworks. We’re in the middle of the summer, halfway through the season, and we’re just having a great time!

Unofficial Poll: Where do most of our visitor’s hail from? OHIO!

You’ve been here a long time Dave; what business do you miss most from the past? The Golden Rose! That place was A LOT of fun.

KEEGAN SCHLAGER

LIFEGUARD SHORE BEACH SERVICES

When a kid from Nebraska wants to be a lifeguard, he’s got to move to where the water is. So, that’s exactly what Keegan Schlager did in 2014. After spending the majority of his college years swimming, lifeguarding seemed like a natural fit. An older beach supervisor he worked with in Nebraska encouraged him to apply to Shore Beach Services, and seven years later, he’s still here, keeping an eye on you while you enjoy the beaches of Hilton Head Island.

10 What do you love about being a lifeguard?

I really like meeting all of the people that come to the beach. You meet people from everywhere—and also Ohio—all different professions and interests. Usually our interactions with island visitors are pretty positive. It’s nice to meet them and liven up our day a little bit.

What is the most frequently asked question by visitors, and what is your answer? Are there sharks in the water? The answer is yes, there are sharks in the water. You typically don’t see them because the water is murky. Generally, sharks have no interest in humans. If we spot them, we’ll pull everyone out of the water. We don’t have too many incidents with sharks.

If you could advise our visitors to do just one thing while they were here, what would it be? We have a new ordinance on the beach in regard to holes, so we would encourage everyone to not dig holes on the beach deeper than one foot. And if you do, please fill them in before you leave. Holes trap loggerhead turtles trying to lay eggs or new hatchlings as they make their way to the water.

If someone loses their child on the beach, what should they do? Come find a lifeguard. We can put in a missing person alert with a description to our whole team up and down the beach and quickly find who is missing.

Are cannonball jellyfish harmless or poisonous to humans?

If someone loses their child on the beach, what should they do?

I’ve touched quite a few of them. They are pretty slimy and gross, but they won’t hurt you.

Unofficial poll: Where do most of our visitor’s hail from? Ahhh … Ohio? Definitely Ohio.

11 What do you love most about living here?

On the day we visited Frank Gaston for this shoot, on the corner where the General Store, Alexander’s Restaurant and Pickleball meet in Palmetto Dunes, it was busier than Grand Central Station in December. “It’s so nice to see people,” Gaston said. “It’s been a long January.” Originally from Columbia, S.C., Gaston moved to Hilton Head Island almost 40 years ago. He and his wife purchased the Palmetto Dunes General store in 1991, and he has been playing host to hordes of island visitors ever since. When he’s not serving up the best fried chicken on Hilton Head Island (seriously … have you tried the fried chicken here?!) or chatting up his customers, you can find Frank doing all the things our visitors come here to do: boating, biking, walking or just relaxing by the fire pit and watching the sunset.

What do you love most about living here? I love being outdoors. You just can’t beat the beach.

What is the most frequently asked question you get from our visitors, and what is your answer? Most of them ask where a good seafood restaurant is, and one of our favorites is right across the street here at Alexander’s. I’ve never had a bad meal over there, and Chef Sean always puts on a good show.

Favorite annual event or festival? The Heritage Golf Tournament. We love it down there. It’s a great time of year— everyone is happy, and the weather is good. The course is always perfect … definitely the RBC Heritage Golf tournament.

Unofficial Poll: Where do most of our visitor’s hail from? I’m gonna have to say Ohio.

FRANK GASTON

PALMETTO DUNES GENERAL STORE

DEMETRIA THOMAS

GUEST SERVICES MANAGER PALMETTO DUNES OCEANFRONT RESORT

For a stress-free way to navigate the island and its summer traffic, hop on the Palmetto Breeze Trolley, Hilton Head Island’s version of public transportation. This nostalgic turn-of-thecentury looking streetcar will connect you to some of the most popular destinations on America’s favorite island: shopping and groceries, worldclass restaurants, the beach, movie theatres, arts and culture stops, and a host of island activities and adventures. Once aboard, you may run into Dave Kennemur, who will be your guide for this trip.

That would be Coligny Plaza and Shelter Cove Harbour. I would say those are the main two attractions.

How long have you lived in the Lowcountry and what brought you here? I’ve lived here for about three years but have been visiting for a lot longer than that. There’s something about this island that lures you in and makes you want to stay.

What is the most frequently asked question by our visitors, and what is your answer? Where should we eat? I love the fish tacos we have at the resort, so I recommend the Dunes

What is your favorite annual event or festival? Harbourfest in Shelter Cove Marina. It’s very family-oriented, and the kids love Cappy the Clown. The atmosphere on the marina can’t be beat, and everyone is always excited.

If you could advise our visitors to do just one thing while they are here, what would it be? Take a bike ride and explore. There are so many bike paths to enjoy, so bring a bike or rent a bike and get out there!

DAVE KENNEMUR

The people. Southern hospitality and charm. Everyone’s accents.

House or Big Jim’s to get those. I also send folks to Ruby Lee’s, which is a great spot for live music and good food.

TROLLEY DRIVER, PALMETTO BREEZE TROLLEY

What do you love about living in the Lowcountry?

The people and the beaches. Best beaches in the world.

What is the most frequently asked question by our visitors, and what is your answer?

What is the most popular stop on the trolley route?

Demetria Thomas has lived in the Lowcountry her entire life and is one of the first people you may encounter when checking into your rental property in Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. Her smile is infectious, and she has the wealth of knowledge about our area only a local would know. When she isn’t helping our visitors make the best of their vacations, you can find her on the beach or shopping with a cup of joe in hand—Demetria is a true coffee connoisseur.

What do you love most about living here?

Where should we eat? I have a lot of answers for them. Three I mention frequently are ELA’s, One Hot Mama’s and Captain Woody’s.

What is your favorite annual event or festival?

The fireworks at Shelter Cove Harbour, and there’s always some sort of food festival going on.

If you could advise our visitors to do just one thing while they are here, what would it be? Go to the beach—and if you like sites and attractions, Harbour Town is very beautiful as well. Get to know the island’s history; there’s a lot to it. Enjoy the wildlife as well. How many people have alligators in their backyard?

KATHY WININGS

INFORMATION SPECIALIST HILTON HEAD ISLAND-BLUFFTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

If you haven’t noticed a theme in the answers so far, let us refresh your memory: get out on the water! One of the best ways to do that is with a real Hilton Head Island native, Byron Sewell. An adventure with Byron includes searching for shark’s teeth, surfing, crabbing and a boat ride. Listen as Byron regales you with tales of what it was like to grow up on Hilton Head Island in a cottage on North Forest Beach.

Since we pretty much live where everyone else vacations, my guests want to know where I go to vacation. I vacation wherever the people aren’t.

decide. H&V: I refer them to our vacation rental companies.) 2. Can we ride bicycles there? Yes, of course! I tell them about our 60 miles of public pathways.

What do you love about living in the Lowcountry? The well-manicured natural beauty of the island and the mild change of seasons.

What are the top 3 questions our visitors ask, and what are your answers? 1. Where should we stay on the ocean? (I clarify hotels or homes & villas. Hotels: I tell them the differences between the hotel properties and let them

What is your favorite annual event or festival? We have so many, there’s something for everyone. I’m partial to the Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival.

When not at the Chamber, where can we find you and what are you doing? In my backyard feeding the beautiful birds.

If you could advise our visitors to do just one thing while they are here, what would it be? Go for a sunset sailboat cruise. We’re an island; visitors need to get out on the water!

How long have you lived in the Lowcountry, and what brought you here? I was born here in 1973. The thing I love most about living here is my island family.

BYRON SEWELL

Eighteen years. I’m the information specialist at the front desk, welcoming visitors and answering their questions.

One of the craziest questions I’ve ever had was actually this week. A woman wanted to know if we have an abundance of cobras here.

to mind is Ohio.

NATIVE SON ADVENTURES

3. Besides the beach, what is there for kids to do on HHI? (Clarify age of kids.)They’re often surprised by how much there is to do: biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, crabbing, fishing, horseback riding/ petting zoo, Coastal Discovery Museum, Aerial Adventures/ Zipline, The Sandbox, Harbour Town Lighthouse & Museum, playgrounds at public parks, miniature golf, and more.

How long have you worked at the Chamber of Commerce and what is your role there?

The St. Patrick’s Day parade is the coolest. It’s all locals, and I don’t see any other festival where there are just kids everywhere. It’s really special.

What is the most frequently asked question by our visitors, and what is your answer?

Unofficial poll: Where do most of our visitor’s hail from? First thing that comes Kathy Winings has been in the hospitality industry for over 35 years. An island transplant from Indiana by way of Kentucky, Winings moved here with her husband to work at the Hyatt (now the Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa) in Palmetto Dunes. She’s worked in group sales and advertising with the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce before becoming an information specialist last year. The best part of her job is helping visitors discover Hilton Head Island. The day we visited Kathy at the Chamber, she singlehandedly took over 50 phone calls, fielding questions from future guests about our island.

What is your favorite annual event or festival?

If you could advise our visitors to do just one thing while they are here, what would it be? Start at the north end of the island and bike down around the whole beach. Just make sure you are going with the wind. The other thing I suggest is to just sit and relax in a tidal pool.

Out of all the activities you offer, what is your favorite—the trip that gives a visitor a real taste of what living here is like? Our Day with a Native package is the best one we offer. The day starts down on the beach with surfing, yoga and water safety. Then we go get on the boat and fish when they are biting. Next comes shark’s tooth hunting and searching for shells. We finish the day on Daufuskie Island for some fresh seafood. We call that our “Fried Combo Platter.” Ha! Ha!

CEDRIC GRAY

REAL ESTATE AGENT MAGNOLIA CAPITAL REAL ESTATE

Tell us something the average person doesn’t know about purchasing real estate in South Carolina.

Known by some locals as the unofficial mayor of Bluffton, Cedric Gray is easy to spot with his tall frame and big smile. He can often be found in Old Town, convincing visitors they should become permanent residents. Local Realtors are on the front lines of greeting our island visitors, and Cedric is a pro at making people feel like they instantly have a new friend in the South.

the Marine Recruit graduations. That is one of the most impressive ceremonies I have ever been a part of or seen.

What’s unique about our area is the abundance of gated communities. You won’t see for sale signs in yards, and you can’t really look around at what is available without the assistance of a local Realtor.

What do you love most about living here?

What question are you most frequently asked by our visitors?

I’ve been in the Lowcountry for 11 years. I moved here from Japan where I was stationed with the Marines. After my tour, I decided to relocate to South Carolina.

The first question is about hurricanes and floods. Although we’ve had a lot of near misses in the last several years, Hilton Head Island has not sustained a direct hit by a major hurricane in a long time. The next question is about property taxes. The majority of people moving here are coming from up north, so they are pleasantly surprised at how low our taxes are.

If you could advise our visitors to do just one thing while they were here, what would it be? Visit Parris Island in Beaufort on a Friday to watch one of

It feels like you are on vacation every day.

How long have you lived in the Lowcountry, and what brought you here?

Favorite local annual event or festival? My favorite is the RBC Heritage.

When you aren’t showing property, where can we find you, and what are you doing for fun? I’m probably out on the water. There are so many activities to enjoy here: kayaking, wakeboarding, jet skiing or just chilling on the local beaches.

GREGG RUSSELL

MUSICIAN/ENTERTAINER SEA PINES RESORT

Gregg Russell has been entertaining visitors to Sea Pines Resort underneath the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town for 44 years. You’ve probably heard him belt out “Booger in the Sugar” to a throng of squealing children at least once if you are a regular vacationer on Hilton Head Island, and if you haven’t, you’re missing out. In addition to being a nationally known singer who has shared the stage with Steve Martin and the Beach Boys, Russell also starred in Come Away Home, a film about a girl named Annie who is forced to stay with her grandparents on Hilton Head Island one summer. When not singing under the Liberty Oak, Russell and his wife Lindy are busy operating Hilton Head Heroes, a charitable organization that gifts vacations to terminally ill children and their families.

The most requested song (if you’re four years old) is the “Booger in the Sugar” song. Adults like the song I wrote about Hilton Head Island, called “Come Away Home.” Those are the two most requested.

What question are you most frequently asked by our visitors? Believe it or not, the question I get asked the most is, “Where is the lighthouse?” It’s that big red and white thing sticking up directly behind me.

What is the most requested song at your show?

If you could advise our visitors to do just one thing while they were here, what would it be? I would get a lawn chair and go sit at the Sea Pines Circle, have a beverage and just watch the fun.

What is your favorite song to sing? “I love this Harbour.” I open with it every single night, and it speaks to my relationship with Harbour Town.

How long have you lived on Hilton Head Island, and what do you love most about it? I’ve lived here ever since I finished grad school, so it’s been a long, long time. It just feels like home to me—first day I arrived here it felt like home. I’ve never moved away and never will. This is it.

Favorite annual event or festival? Well, I love the RBC Heritage; having our friends from CBS come in and all the players. Living right here in Harbour Town it’s such a great time—a great event. I’m so glad it’s coming back in June.

Unofficial poll: Where do most of our visitor’s hail from? Most of our visitors—are you kidding me?! I could run for the governor of Ohio.

IRVIN & EMORY CAMPBELL

GULLAH TOURS

Tell us something the average person vacationing on Hilton Head Island doesn’t know.

communities when the island’s landscape was only farmlands, trees, dirt roads, wildlife and natural waterways throughout and around the island. The distinctive Gullah language, traditional foods and recipes, music, religion, social structure and folktales are woven into an interactive educational and entertaining experience hosted by Emory, Irvin, or one of their expert guides. They’ll even share which restaurants you should visit to experience authentic Gullah cuisine.

How long have you lived here and what do you love most about living here? If there are two people keeping Hilton Head Island’s heritage and Gullah-Geechee culture alive through stories for future generations, it’s Irvin and Emory Campbell. Born and raised on a Hilton Head Island that’s barely recognizable to them now, these brothers have seen some changes over their 70-plus years. A guided tour aboard the Gullah Heritage Trails Tour Bus takes you through Gullah

Emory Campbell: I’ve lived here my whole life, 78 years. I like it because it’s home. This island is just extraordinarily beautiful.

Favorite annual event or festival? Irvin Campbell: Gullah Celebration is my favorite. It celebrates the culture, the customs and the arts—all of our traditions and cultural aspects of Gullah.

What is the most frequently asked question you get from our visitors? Irvin: Where do we get some Gullah food? We send them to Hudson’s, Ruby Lee’s, Skull Creek Boathouse and Old Oyster Factory. Sometimes, if they are up for a drive, we’ll send them all the way to Gullah Grub on St. Helena.

If you could advise our visitors to do just one thing while they were here, what would it be? Irvin: Take the Gullah Heritage Trail Tours. Emory: That’s a wonderful answer.

Tell us something the average person vacationing on Hilton Head Island doesn’t know. Emory: I think the average visitor to Hilton Head Island doesn’t know that once upon a time there was no bridge, and we were all pretty isolated. The bridge was built in 1956.

CLARK SINCLAIR

DIRECTOR OF GOLF/GEORGE FAZIO COURSE IN PALMETTO DUNES

Tell us something the average person vacationing on Hilton Head Island doesn’t know.

Unofficial Poll: Where do most of our island visitors hail from? Probably towards Ohio? Pennsylvania? We get a lot of visitors from drive-to markets.

What is the most frequently asked question by our visitors, and what is your answer? It’s a tie between “What’s your favorite restaurant and what is your favorite golf course?” My favorite restaurant is Alexander’s and my favorite golf course is the Arthur Hills Course in Palmetto Dunes.

What is your favorite annual event or festival? Music & Taste on the Harbour in Shelter Cove Marina is great. Probably a secret one that happens for just a few weeks in December is when the boats in the marina light up for the holidays. It’s pretty awesome. If you’ve spent any time on the golf course in Palmetto Dunes, chances are you’ve run into Clark Sinclair. He’s the director of golf at Palmetto Dunes at the George Fazio course and has been a constant face there for over 30 years. A Lowcountry resident for over 36 years, Sinclair loves golf, being so close to the water and the people he gets to meet every day as an island ambassador.

If you could advise our visitors to do just one thing while they are here, what would it be? Sit back and relax! Get out on the water— maybe hunt for some shark’s teeth with Byron Sewell. We’re on an island, you’ve gotta do some water stuff. And come play golf at Palmetto Dunes! 

ALLIANCE DANCE ACADEMY Summer Princess Camps Every day is filled with activities based on the princess of the day. Celebrate with crafts, books, movies and dances. Ages 3 and up. Princess Camp I July 6-10 Monday-Friday, 11a.m.-4p.m. Price: $200 Princess Camp II August 3-7 Monday-Friday, 11a.m.-4pm Price: $200 Summer Dance Camp July 6-10, 11 a.m.-4pm

Each day is filled with activities based on all styles of dance! Celebrate with crafts, movies, music and dance! Includes ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and lyrical. Ages 8 and up. Price: $200 Sizzling Summer Session July 14-23, Tuesday & Thursday Both sessions can be taken in the studio or online. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Price: $60 Twinkling Stars Creative movement, ballet, tap and tumble. Ages 3-5.

Shining Stars Ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop and tumble. Ages 5-8. Hip Hop Workshop July 27-30 Bring a water bottle and enjoy an entire month of dance in just four days. Classes can be taken in the studio or online. Ages 6-9 5-5:45 p.m. Ages 10-12 5-6:45 p.m. Ages 13 and older 7-8 p.m. Price: $60

C2all MAGAZINE *Pricing changes and human error occurs. Please see camp listed for final pricing on activities. JUNE 2020 63

ARTS CENTER OF COASTAL CAROLINA *Virtual Summer Camps June 15-August 7 STEAM Tinker Camp An exciting hands-on learning opportunity for youth, with a special emphasis on the STEAM curriculum areas (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics). During this fun-filled week, campers will learn about concepts such as geometry, engineering, circuits, forces of motion, and simple machines, all while creating projects using concepts such as “Copper Chemistry” and “Steampunk Engineering” that will have them eager to learn more! (Session 1 and 2 will complete different projects.) Ages 7-12 Theatre Camp Make a cast of new friends during this fun-filled week! Campers will experience a mini-production and will not only be the cast but will also be the production crew. Campers will learn how to understand and develop characters, create sets and props, and design costumes, then will perform for family and friends on Friday afternoon. Ages 6-8 & 9-13

JUNE 2020

C2 MAGAZINE

Take the Stage Join us as we explore music, dance and drama in this one-week camp. Students will work with professional artists and will be exposed to a variety of performing art forms in our Black Box Theatre and will create a mini showcase performance on Friday! Sessions 1 and 2 have different projects! Mixed-Up Masterpieces In this one-week camp, students will study folk and fine art from all around the world that will inspire both traditional and unusual 2D and 3D masterpieces. A final exhibit and reception will be held on Friday. Sessions 1 and 2 have different projects! Ages 9-14; Tuition $210 Kids ’N’ Clay Camp Students will learn a variety of ceramic hand building techniques including pinch, slab, coil, surface decoration, glazing, and more! No Class on Friday, July 3 as we will be firing the clay pieces in the kiln and returning the following Friday to glaze the work. At that time, pieces will be fired a second time and available for pick-up in approximately one week Ages 7-12

Dynamic Designs During this camp, students will create a small portfolio of work inspired by the flora and fauna of the Lowcountry. Focus will be placed on how to combine a variety of media to create layered imagery with design and depth. Techniques such as gelli art, collagraph and relief printmaking, collage, and painting will be explored. Ages 9-16 Summer Actor Intensive The heat gets turned up this summer as students polish their acting techniques during the Arts Center Academy’s new Summer Actor Intensive Workshop. Toronto-based actor and director, Cecily Smith, will lead participants in two weeks of training and technique study while rehearsing for a final scripted production. Actors will be exposed to professional training each morning and full rehearsals in the afternoon with a final performance in the Black Box Studio at the Arts Center for family and friends. *Due to restrictions on group activities related to COVID-19, The Arts Center’s summer camps will take place online only this year. No classes will be held at the Arts

Center. While we work to bring our camps to a digital space, the Arts Center is adjusting pricing and camp duration. Full and partial refunds will be available once we re-open registration for our virtual offerings. Contact: Alana Adams (843) 686-3945, ext. 205 or visit artshhi.com. COASTAL GYMNASTICS CENTER Gymnastics Camp June-July Full day: $195 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) 4-week package: $625 Full summer (10 weeks): $1,560 *10% sibling discount Half day: $85 (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) 4-week package: $270 Full summer (10 weeks): $680 *10% sibling discount 50% non-refundable deposit due at registration. Switching weeks is allowed if there is room. Drop-in allowed, if there is room. Half day: $20 Full day: $45 Team Pricing: 4 practice days: $90/week 3 practice days: $120/week 2 practice days: $140/week We require at least three students to hold each camp. Full-day campers are required to bring their own lunch. Optional pizza Fridays: if ordering pizza, each student must bring $5

and will get two slices and a juice box. ISLAND REC CENTER Athletic Camps and Clinics For Youth Ages 5-18 Whether you are looking for a summer-long or a weeklong activity, we have your family covered! Island Rec offers a wide variety of athletics on land and in the water. Visit islandreccenter.org for complete details and pricing. All-Day Summer Camp May 26-August. 16 Mon-Fri, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Summer camp is a drop-in program with swimming, games, arts & crafts, and more every day. Field trips are taken weekly based on the theme of the week. Due to COVID-19, we are following CDC guidelines and need to limit our number of campers. Parents must reserve weeks your child will be coming to camp. KIDS COLLEGE We are quarenteaching! Children ages 5-10 years old may attend our summer camp on a part-time or full-time basis. If you are an essential employee, click on the essential employees tab for more information on free childcare available through Aug. 30. Non-essential employee children attend for a cost of $150/week/child, which includes breakfast, lunch and snacks and all activities. Although fieldtrips are limited to Island Playground and outdoor venues, we will be keeping the children busy with activities,

games and more. Call (843) 757-9150 today for more information. Space is filling up fast! THE SANDBOX June 8-August 14, 2020 The Sandbox Children’s Museum offers a summer camp program for children ages 4-12 years (4-10 years at Hilton Head & 6-12 years at Tanger 2). Through the guise of play and exploration, this 10-week program provides children enrolled an opportunity to explore a variety of themes that integrate hands-on learning with S.T.E.A.M. activities as well as daily staff supervised play with the exhibits. Pre-registration is required. Children will be supervised according to a 1:5 ratio of staff to children. Additional cleaning and health procedures based on local, state, and national guidelines will be conducted. Only campers will be allowed in the museum during camp sessions. Weekly: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (half day) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (full day)—Tanger 2 only Member Half Day $175, Full Day $300 Member Sibling Half Day $140, Full Day $240 Non-Member Half Day $225, Full Day $390 Non-Member Sibling Half Day $180, Full Day $312 Please call (843) 842-7645 to reserve your spot 

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JUNE 2020

Better Bonding SUPER SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR MOMS AND KIDS IN THE LOWCOUNTRY

ummer is here, y’all, and everybody knows that it’s typically Mom who schedules all the summer activities. The struggle is real to turn on the fun factor while also incorporating activities that stimulate minds and bodies, as well as provide opportunities to bond emotionally with the littles, the ’tweens and the teens. To help you out, we’ve compiled some of the most engaging and enchanting activities the Lowcounty has to offer. With these happenings on your schedule, both your summer days and your hearts will be filled with magical memories. LAWTON STABLES This is a place the entire family can enjoy, and they have something for kids of all ages. Lawton Stables offers horseback riding and more on Hilton Head Island. The onehour guided Western-style trail rides takes riders into the

600+ acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve where they will get a true feel of the untouched Lowcountry on horseback, under a canopy of Palmettos and moss-covered oaks. Guides will keep an eye on the sweet, gentle horses as they give insight into island culture and wildlife. The pace of the ride is kept at a walk so that riders of all abilities can comfortably take in the beautiful, tranquil surroundings. Reservations are necessary. Pony rides are available to children age seven and under; the animal farm provides a wonderful collection of small animals to feed and enjoy and is open to everyone. Trail rides are priced at $75 per person from Memorial Day through Labor Day; pony rides are $15; the animal farm is free. For more information, visit lawtonstables.com. GOLF HEALTH 101 This unique activity, which launches in June 2020, offers mobile fitness throughout the Lowcountry. Moms and kids

ARTICLE BY CHERYL ALEXANDER C2 MAGAZINE

JUNE 2020

can sign up for lessons together in any sport of their choice, including golf, baseball, basketball, tennis, flexibility/stretching, strength training, and more. Golf Health 101 has partner venues but can also meet you at your home, your gym or your golf course. Sessions are available to individual moms/kids, as well as larger groups, which are limited to 16. Participants also have the option to pair their lesson with nutrition classes, which would center around anything Mom wants the kids to learn about food. Some popular topics are selecting healthy after-school snacks or opting for a healthy breakfast parfait. Rates are dependent on how many people participate together and how many sessions are scheduled. All nutrition services are provided by a registered nutritionist. Get more information at golfhealth101.com. WINE AND DESIGN BLUFFTON Wine and Design Bluffton prides itself on giving parents a place to unwind and their children’s creativity time to shine. And the best part is, they clean up the mess. The main studio space can comfortably accommodate a class of 30, so this is a great activity that several moms and kids can enjoy together. Every canvas is pre-traced for the participants; the painting is taught step-by-step, and each class touches on the basics of painting techniques and color theory. Art Buzz Kids, the kid’s initiative at Wine and Design, is offered every Saturday afternoon for children age five and up for $27. Classes typically last two hours, and private parties require a minimum of 10 participants. Additionally, they bring the pARTy to you as part of their On Wheels division, which requires a minimum of 15 but can accommodate as many people as your space allows. Call (843) 683-9101 or email bluffton@wineanddesign.com for more information. ART OF MASSAGE AND YOGA For new moms, yoga is a great way to lose the baby weight and stay fit. At the Art of Massage and Yoga on Hilton Head Island, the Mommy and Me class is one of the most popular. Many poses focus on and strengthening the core, which is important after childbirth. Since exercising regularly can be a challenge once you’re a full-time mom, this class offers moms a good workout while they are bonding with their baby, plus it’s a chance to meet other mothers. Moms and their newborns up to three years old are welcome. For kids over three years, this location offers kids’ yoga classes scheduled at the same time as adult classes. Find more information at artofmassagehiltonhead.com. COOKING CLASSES WITH CHEF LYNN MICHELLE Chef Lynn Michelle, the East Coast Chef, believes that food brings people together, and she is passionate about sharing her craft with moms and kids in cooking classes. Her experiences living all over the world and her formal training in culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University exposed her to a variety of culinary styles and flavors and enabled her to refine her culinary skills in a way that makes her a natural with kids of all ages. Chef Lynn Michelle will come to your home or villa to work one-on-one with you and your kids or with groups of up to 10. “If your child can hold a wooden spoon, they can take part in a cooking class, but most kids become interested in ‘helping’ or cooking around 5 or 6 years old,” she said. Some popular dishes include mac and cheese, fudgy brownies, cupcakes, kid-style charcuterie trays, fruit salad, pizza, chocolate chip cookies and more, and any class can be modified to accommodate special needs or requests, such as gluten-free or vegetarian. In addition, she includes information about a balanced diet and provides nutritional information as it pertains to being healthy. Chef Lynn Michelle does all the shopping for you, and everyone goes home with recipes and full bellies. Chef Lynn Michele also offers mentorships to young, budding chefs in packages of four, eight or 12 classes. These 68

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typically meet twice a month with homework in-between and are a great activity for school breaks. For pricing and more information, call (843) 422-5480 or visit cheflynnmichelle.com. COASTAL DISCOVERY MUSEUM/HONEY HORN The Coastal Discovery Museum is one of the most memorable destinations on Hilton Head Island and is a superb option if you are a mom with older kids. Visitors can explore natural history and cultural heritage on the 68-acre Honey Horn property. The trails, gardens, live oaks, butterfly enclosure, and horses are just a few of the fun experiences you will encounter during your visit. A few of the most exciting adventures include kayak tours, dolphin and nature cruises, Daufuskie Island Artisans and History tour, Birding at Pinckney Island, Beach Discovery tours, and more. Get the summer schedule and prices for each at coastaldiscovery.org.

Chef Lynn Michelle will come to your home or villa to work one-onone with you and your kids or with groups of up to 10.

SANDBOX CHILDREN’S MUSEUM In its fifteenth year on Hilton Head Island and its first year at the Bluffton location, the Sandbox Children’s Museum is the only interactive, hands-on museum in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Each location offers 11 interactive exhibits, weekly programming and special events where children and their caregivers can play and learn together. Each activity is thoughtfully planned around child development and the South Carolina Early Learning Standards. The Hilton Head Island location is for children age eight and under; the Bluffton location is for children age 12 and under. Some popular reoccurring programs include Imagination Hour—a story time and related art/craft project uniquely designed for parents and caregivers to enjoy one-on-one time with their children; Leap into Learning—hands-on activities that cover a variety of learning concepts for a variety of ages and abilities, such as sorting shapes and making patterns to prepare your child for algebraic thinking; Weaving Wednesday—a self-guided weaving activity allowing kids to work with a variety of mediums, such as using sticks to create their own loom and a natural fiber such as sheep’s wool or even shoe laces to weave a fabric; and Science Story Time—a story time with a science activity, such as a story about wintertime and an activity around ice, water and snow. Additionally, there are summer camps for children age four and up, as well as special summer events like Pops goes the 4th (Fourth of July) and other summer parties at the beginning and end of summer where kids can enjoy bounce houses, face painting, and more. The Sandbox will open a new location on Hilton Head Island in fall 2020. All activities are free with museum admission, which is $8 per person over 12 months. Frequent visitors can opt for a membership. Visit thesandbox.org for more information. Editor’s Note: Please visit the websites listed to confirm activities are still happening as scheduled. Information may have changed in the wake of COVID-19.

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A R T I C L E BY L I N DA S . H O P K I N S

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y M . K AT

summer GET FIT FOR

P URE B A R R E B LU F F TO N I N V IT E S YO U TO ST E P O U T O F YO U R CO MFO RT ZO N E AND I NTO YO U R ST RO NG E ST, MOST B E AU T IFU L B O DY

pril here in the Lowcountry is a bit like January in that many of us are having a sudden awakening regarding our bodies. When the beach calls and asks us to come out and play, peeling off the winter layers and putting on a swimsuit for the first time can shock us into taking action. But what if summer didn’t have to begin with that sense of dread? What if you could be confident in your body all year-round? Annie Gould, owner of Pure Barre Bluffton can show you the way. According to Gould, getting and staying in shape starts with kindness. Like most of her clients, she is quick to recognize her “problem” area— her thighs. “Something I say to my clients, and it’s an echo to myself, is just be kind to your body,” she said. “It’s so easy to focus on the critical. But these legs get me through every

single day. My body is here to work for me to achieve my goals. Just remembering that helps.” WHAT PURE BARRE IS AND ISN’T Chances are you’ve heard about Pure Barre, and there is a good chance you have some misconceptions. Let’s start with what Pure Barre isn’t. It is not a gym in the general sense— nary a treadmill or weight machine in sight. Instead, you’ll see a clean, spacious, mirrored room equipped with ballet barres and a few tools such as small rubber balls, bands, and light hand weights. If you peek in the window while class is in session, you might think the workout looks easy. It’s not. It’s also not a dance class. No special coordination, prior experience, or skills are required. Pure Barre is a low-impact, fullbody workout based on small, isometric movements (think one inch) that put

zero pressure on the joints. It’s all about lifting, toning and strengthening by using your own body or light weights (one to three pounds). There’s no running or jumping involved, so if you have joint issues or other limitations, this workout is a good option. What makes the workout so effective is the core engagement, Gould explained. “Whether you are a triathlete, a long-distance runner, or a mom running around after your kids, everything you do starts with your core, and at Pure Barre, your core is engaged throughout class.” Pure Barre can be your one-stop shop or it can be a complement to your everyday life, Gould continued, outlining the different kinds of workouts offered: Classic, Empower, and Reform. An additional class format, Foundations, is available for beginners to break down the basic techniques

life

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Annie Gould, owner of Pure Barre Bluffton.

L IF T. TON E. B U R N .

Morgan, one of Pure Barre Blufftonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s instructors.

SS Jillian gets into position on a move that works the inner and outer thighs, as well as chest muscles.

The Pure Barre Bluffton Team (from left to right): Morgan, Hennie, Maria Annie G.,Annie, Jillian, Kara , and Lindy.

and prepare you for the Classic workout, which is the heart of the program. “Think of it as a tree. Classic is the root or the base of your tree, and there are two separate branches. Branch one, Empower, is our cardio class. It’s still low-impact, highintensity, but the movements are bigger. Instead of working an inch, you work three to five. It’s

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still controlled. Branch two, Reform, is more like Pilates. We use resistance bands and sliders. It’s all open resistance, which is our most intense core workout,” Gould explained. TAKING THE FIRST STEP Pure Barre will help you get in shape, but the first (and often hardest) step is walking in the door. According to Gould, many people initially

feel intimidated by the workout, but what they quickly discover is a warm and welcoming community, which is what sets Pure Barre apart, she said. “Working out is a celebration of the ability of your body—and you get to do it with friends.” Nevertheless, enrolling in your first Pure Barre class can be a little scary because you’re not quite sure what to expect. “What is the worst thing that could happen?” Gould asks. Looking for a way to shake up her own fitness routine, she remembers asking herself that question four years ago when she began. Glancing

summer GET FIT FOR

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life

R Instructor Annie doing leg work that focuses on glutes, as well as inner and outer thighs.

LIFT. TONE. BURN. around the room, she felt like she wouldn’t fit in, but she couldn’t have been more wrong. “I fell in love with the workout, but the thing that kept me there was the friends I made,” she said. “At that point in my life, everything good that happened to me was because I got out of my comfort zone,” Gould continued. She has since trained as an instructor and is now the Bluffton franchise owner, a career move she describes as a “hard-left” from her degree in architecture and previous career in graphic design. She has also taken up body building, using Pure Barre as her base. “I started body building because I wanted to do something that would really scare me. And being judged in a swimsuit is, quite honestly, the biggest fear. But again, every time I’ve pushed myself out of my comfort zone, it’s taken me to something really incredible.” NO-JUDGMENT ZONE It does take courage to walk into a new workout, especially one like Pure Barre. “We have a stigma that everybody’s hair is in place,

but it truly isn’t like that,” Gould said. “Anyone can walk in here at any fitness level, and you are welcome. You are wanted and you are special. We’re proud of you for making the decision to try it.” She reminds newbies that everyone struggled in the beginning. “The first day is going to be hard. You’re going to feel like you don’t know what you’re doing,” she said. “But when you meet all the participants, everyone is so kind and supportive.” No need to feel self-conscious, she explained. “Everybody is too busy to pay attention to your struggle. They are struggling too.” Gould sees her job as an opportunity to change someone’s day or perhaps change their life. “It’s a big responsibility, and my staff and I take that seriously. If you have honored us with an hour of your day, we are going to make you feel empowered, feel stronger and feel like it counted.” All you need for your first visit is a pair of leggings (or pants that cover your knees), a towel, a water bottle, and a pair of socks. Sticky socks are preferred as they prevent sliding, but firsttimers can get by with regular socks. Socks are also available for purchase in the studio. But the most important thing you can bring is a positive mindset. “Give yourself permission to be a beginner and allow your body to do what it can do for that day,” Gould said. “Grant yourself a little bit of grace and just be kind to yourself.” Are you willing to step outside your comfort zone and try something new?  Pure Barre Bluffton is located in Belfair Towne Village, 109 Towne Dr., Bluffton. For class schedules and more information, visit https://www.purebarre.com/location/bluffton-sc or call (843) 815-6015.

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LOWCOUNTRY INSURANCE

Professionals

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S THE TIME OF YEAR THAT EVERY PROPERTY OWNER DREADS, HURRICANE SEASON. PERHAPS A REVIEW OF YOUR COVERAGE WOULD BE IN ORDER.

PG. 76

BRIGHTWAY INSURANCE SEACOAST INSURANCE

PG. 77

KEVIN SEVIER OF STATE FARM INSURANCE

BRIGHTWAY INSURANCE G reg Dissel arrived in the Lowcountry three years ago with a simple mission: to change the way you look at insurance. An agent with Brightway Insurance in Florida for five years, he was sure the company’s unique approach would bring value to South Carolinians. “In the past, if you owned an Independent Agency, everything went through your office,” he said. “With Brightway, we’re not just one local office. We’re a network of offices across 22 states, supporting one another and providing greater access to everything from the most choice of insurance brands to world-class customer service. And, with Brightway’s support, I’m able to focus on each customer and provide a level of expert counsel you won’t find elsewhere.” For customers, that means having the robust services of a larger firm with the serviceoriented philosophy of an independent agency. Dissel’s customers saw this in action during Hurricane Dorian, when they received an email before

the storm with their policy details and claims-reporting information. “Getting ahead of customer concerns is something an independent agency may not be able to do,” Dissel added. “Our attention to detail and ability to keep customers informed separates us from other agencies.” Hailing from Florida, Dissel took an unusual path to the insurance industry, starting his career with a history degree and an intent to teach social studies. His career path may have shifted, but his passion remains the same. “My desire to educate has definitely played a role in what I do now in helping customers understand their policies,” he said. “My goal is to make sure if someone calls me for insurance, they are moving forward with the best options, whether it’s with me or someone else. At the end of the day, I want to ensure they’re covered.”

To learn more, call (843) 480-9933 or visit BrightwayDissel.com.

SEACOAST INSURANCE

eacoast Insurance is a locally owned business, insuring the families and businesses of Hilton Head, Bluffton and the Lowcountry since 1981. We are proud to call this area home and to participate in making it a special place to live. We believe strongly in giving back to this community, financially and by volunteering. Our staff are members of a number of service organizations including the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center and Zonta. We represent highly rated insurance companies for all of your personal and commercial needs: homeowners, auto, flood, condo/renters, and business insurance to name a few. Seacoast Insurance is here to help you! 88A Main St. Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 681-4340 seacoastinsurance.com

KEVIN SEVIER- STATE FARM INSURANCE

evin Sevier has been a trusted State Farm® insurance advisor and resident of the Lowcountry since 2008, proudly serving Beaufort and Jasper counties from his location at Buckwalter Place Shopping Center in Bluffton. In establishing long-term relationships with his clients in the community, his mission has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and focus on what is important to each family. Offering the highest levels of customer care, Kevin and his team make themselves available. They ask the important and necessary questions to ensure that you don’t have gaps in your coverage. They offer premier policies in auto, home, renters, flood, umbrella and small business insurance to protect your property and liability, working with products such as life, health and disability

insurance as well as banking products to help you secure your family’s financial future. During these uncertain and historic times, monitoring and reviewing clients’ needs is an essential part of their daily responsibilities. Welcoming one customer at a time, Kevin and his team look forward to the opportunity to establish new relationships by ensuring the highest level of customer care. State Farm 301 Buckwalter Place Blvd. Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 837-2886

Maury and Anne Fitzgerald, owners of A&M Provisions in Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina

ARTICLE BY LINDA S. HOPKINS

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y M . K AT

A&M P

SPECIALTY

aybe you’ve never thought about serving all-natural, chefgrade pineapple or banana vinegar over ice cream … or drizzling goat’s milk caramel over fruit or your favorite cheese. Perhaps your snack stash doesn’t include pork clouds or truffle chips. And it’s a good chance your weekly menu rotation doesn’t feature wild game or fresh ramen, because where are you going to find those ingredients? Whether you’re searching for a gift or are on the hunt for unique or hard-to-find ingredients for eating,

FOODS

cooking or entertaining, waste no time getting to A&M Provisions, an upscale specialty food market located at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. While the store looks deceivingly small from the window, behind the door awaits a world of gourmet temptations for everyone from the serious cook to the curious eater. “For some people, it’s like Disney World. It looks like a small store, but I’ve had people walk around for an hour,” owner Maury Fitzgerald said. “We carry international products from Spain, Italy, Greece, France, Japan and

TICKLE YOUR TASTE BUDS AT S H E L T E R C O V E H A R B O U R & M A R I N A’ S NEW GOURMET SPECIALT Y FOODS STORE

A&M

A&M Provisions is located on the left side of Shelter Cove Marina (as you face the water), closest to San Miguel’s.

many of the top U.S. makers as well. Some of what we carry can be found at your local grocery store, which tells us there is an appetite for specialty foods here. However, much of what we carry is small-batch made products that larger grocery chains can’t carry because the products are not mass produced.” If you’re on a mission for something specific or just want to explore, Fitzgerald is happy to help. Taking his cues from the customer, he is prepared to offer a full-blown guided tour or leave you alone to browse the impressive collection of imported, domestic, conventional and organic products. Think award-winning small-batch products from around the country and the world: charcuterie, tinned seafood, specialty meats (including Wagyu beef, bison, rabbit, and other wild game), cheeses, organic grains, fresh ramen, heirloom beans, imported and domestic olive oils, chutneys, jams, pickles, crackers, sauces, honeys, maple syrups, bean-to-bar craft chocolates, Italian cherries, cocktail mixers, seasonings, salts, and so much more. They are adding a unique selection of wines and craft beers next month. In every nook and cranny, find an array of surprising confections and pantry items to savor now or keep on hand. There truly is something to tickle every taste bud, elevate any menu, and delight your foodie friends and favorite hosts. Ask a question or engage Fitzgerald in conversation, and his eyes dance at the opportunity to introduce the stories behind the newest and best food products he has so conscientiously curated. He can tell you where the product is from, who is producing it and how it’s produced if you care to learn, because that’s how he rolls— taking pride in the depth of his research, aiming for the highest quality and most unique food products available. 80

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While knowledgeable and up-to-date on all the latest hoity-toity gourmet goodness you can imagine, Fitzgerald is decidedly a down-to-earth regular kind of guy who enjoys getting to know his customers and introducing them to new and/or unfamiliar foods. “A lot of it’s different, and it might seem intimidating, but it’s really fun,” he said. “There’s such diversity, there is something for everyone.” The former golf pro-turned-entrepreneur, and his wife Anne (high school sweethearts, married 30 years) came to Hilton Head Island from Orlando, where they operated a similar store, starting out as a fresh produce market and later morphing into a well-respected specialty foods source. Having vacationed on Hilton Head Island for over 20 years, ironically, it was on the beach here that Fitzgerald came up with the idea for the seasonal produce business in Florida, originally named Fresh 24 Produce. As he began shifting the focus to specialty foods, he rebranded two years ago as A&M Provisions, which stands for Anne and Maury. Yes, Anne plays a vital role, crunching numbers, keeping the books, and occasionally working at the store. (She also holds a fulltime accounting position with another company.) Ready for a change of scenery and a slightly different pace of life, it’s only fitting that the Fitzgeralds have now settled on

Hilton Head Island. The couple recently closed their Florida operations to make their home here, bringing with them a wealth of experience and a product lineup unlike any other in the area. Drawn to the beach and the dog-friendliness of the community, they are feeling right at home here with their two adopted shelter mutts. Opening the new store in February, in spite of the disruption caused by the pandemic and subsequent restrictions that slowed their launch, Fitzgerald said they are glad they moved here and are confident that their store will be a hit with locals and area visitors alike once word gets around and normal events and activities resume. “We feel like we are a good fit for the island, and we’re happy we’re here,” he said. The store is now open with new stock arriving regularly and locally sourced specialty items being added. Drop in Monday-Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and keep your eyes peeled for news of tastings and other special events to come.  A&M Provisions is located at 9 Harbourside Lane, Suite F at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina on Hilton Head Island. For more information, visit amprovisions.com or call (843) 671-2424. Be sure to follow on Facebook for new inventory, special offers and events.

AofRTthe HOME

THE

ost of the time, beautiful is enough. Most of the time, taking the essentials that combine to create that contemporary Lowcountry look is enough to create a captivating home. Start with a great view, add some distressed flooring in a delicate neutral shade, pair with custom millwork, shiplap and quartz counters, maybe throw in the odd accent wall of reclaimed barn wood here or there, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re good to go. This is not an indictment of that contemporary Lowcountry look. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a beautiful design aesthetic that our region can claim as its own, one that is oft-imitated but never duplicated beyond the bounds of the Lowcountry.

Oversized windows allow the view to be an immediate focial point.

Collaboration between celebrated designer and inspired artist creates masterpiece in Palmetto Bluff ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNE D E S I G N B Y K E L LY C A R O N D E S I G N S , A S I D

An airy layout with light furnishings keeps the home comfortable and casual.

The cozy mix of soft materials and neutral colors with blue accents create a calm living space.

Mix and match “I didn’t want it to look like every other house,” said Susan Boehme, who shares this dazzling Palmetto Bluff home with her husband Randy. An accomplished artist in her own right, Boehme worked hand-in-hand with legendary Lowcountry designer Kelly Caron on her home after collaborating with her on a previous renovation in Wilson Village. “She was very hands-on,” Caron said. “We talked and texted all the time. I love these clients; they’re so open to design.” Through the collaboration of these two talents, a unique design aesthetic emerged— one that took the familiar tropes of Lowcountry design and made them a little more … dare we say, fun? Eschewing anything the pair thought might be, “matchy-matchy,” they pulled in eclectic elements that nonetheless gel for an overall gorgeous effect. Throughout the kitchen and baths, polished nickel and bronze co-exist peacefully, while colorful pops of natural grain wood add rugged accents to the contemporary décor. In fact, one of the most visible examples of this dedication to creating something different can be found in the flooring. Whereas the traditional Lowcountry home will have something lighter, like a white oak or an ash that will blend into the background, the random-width, random-species flooring found throughout the main living spaces demands attention. “It’s great that Susan was open to multiple finishes,” Caron said. “To me, that gave it depth.” Sometimes it was about being open to new things. Sometimes it was about demanding them, as with the buckboard accent wall in the office. Left unpainted, its natural grain adds an eye-catching pop of texture to the space, informing its rustic yet refined vibe. “Everyone tried to talk me out of it,” Susan said. “That’s probably one of my favorite things about the house is how we left that natural.” Guiding Susan’s vision every step of the way was Caron’s seasoned eye as a designer. “I’m good with color, and I’ve built several houses in the past. I love the process, but sometimes you need another creative person to be a sounding board,” Susan said. “She does so much leg work. She’s easy to work with.” “Kelly has a real knack for it, and she and Susan were very comfortable with one another,” builder Scott Thomas of CS Construction said. “Our job was basically just to follow their directions and execute.” And here Thomas is being modest. For this celebrated homebuilder, there was a little more to it than that.

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Bringing cabinets to the finished ceiling height of the room elevates the overall look to a more grand feel.

The Butler’s Pantry “back kitchen” has become a Lowcountry staple in many new construction homes.

Tranquil and cozy mix of materials and colors for sleeping spaces through the home blend with the expectations of the client’s lifestyle.

From the ground up For the Boehmes, it all started with the scenery. As an artist, Susan looked out on the pond, golf and river views and saw inspiration. As an environmentalist, Randy saw all the Lowcountry beauty he’s worked so hard to preserve. “The way our house sits … we made sure we had good views and nothing was obstructed,” Susan said. Working with architect Allison Ramsey, they drew up plans for a home that would encompass that scenery and draw it in. A rear wall of tall windows was meticulously planned so that not a single piece of trim would obstruct the view. And for the utmost in lush natural lighting, the whole home was designed around a soaring cupola. “My husband knew that was something we wanted,” Susan said. “It brings in a ton of light.” Soaring nearly 40 feet above the main living space, the cupola adds a dramatic vertical element to the home, with custom millwork and lighting adding to the visual flair. Plus, for a couple who lives for the Lowcountry scenery, it brings in lush natural light. “Randy loves the outdoors,” Thomas said. “It really suits who they are … and the way we designed it, trimmed it and lit it, it’s something to be proud of.” It’s not alone in that regard.

What’s cooking?

Sherwin Williams, Gibraltar SW6257 rich grey offsets the honed marble in the master bath suite. Every bathroom has a special design touch,

The true heart of the home, and the one thing that must draw attention for a home to be considered truly special, is the kitchen. Between Ramsey’s design, Caron’s and Susan’s artistic vision and Thomas’ expertise, the kitchen in this Palmetto Bluff home shines. Here, once again, you’ll find the traditional Lowcountry trappings of shiplap accents and a wide center island given to flights of flair. The eye is drawn almost immediately to the built-in sidebar, whose African gray cabinets and countertop contrast against crisp white millwork elsewhere. “The kitchen is beautiful; that’s really a highlight of the house,” Thomas said. “They put the money in it, and it shows.” “I wanted a very large island so people could gather around,” Susan said, adding that the sidebar countertop, carrying the same wood grain as the floor, is one of her favorite parts. These elements inform a blissfully open kitchen that carries a theme prevalent in every corner of the house: openness and airiness. Not only does it open to the rest of the open living space, it enjoys plentiful windows to maximize the majestic scenery

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surround the home. And of course, there’s one part of the kitchen that no Palmetto Bluff house should be without. “The back kitchen is one of my favorite spaces,” Caron said. Leaning into the eclectic pairing of modern Lowcountry against rustic accents, the back kitchen may be built for utility, but its simple charms are disarming, pairing floating shelves of mixed-species wood against white shiplap, a farmhouse sink against dark stone counters and exquisite custom millwork.

In and out Above all else, this home is a testament to how an artistic eye can transform a space. Caron has been one of the main arbiters of style when it comes to Lowcountry homes. Paired with Susan Boehme’s artistic vision, they have created something special. For her part, Susan’s vision was fueled by the tranquil Lowcountry environment that encircles the home. “The first painting I did here was of the pond,” Susan said. Having been inspired by the natural beauty, the home was designed to celebrate it.

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Personal spaces are so important to a home. The client’s artist studio is a creative sanctuary.

Gracious open door spaces connect and mix with nature in Palmetto Bluff.

The laundry room has its own personality with the farmhouse sink and patterned cement tile flooring.

It’s more than simply the soaring cupola that drenches the living space in natural light. It’s more than the wall of windows designed to soak in the scenery. It’s in the way Susan’s in-home studio was designed to capture these views, fueling her inspiration. It’s in the way the grand front entrance encircles a dramatic flagpole, handcrafted by Adirondack Flagpoles of Keeseville, N.Y. (“With about 10 coats of varnish so it can withstand South Carolina weather,” Susan added.) It’s in the way the home encircles a spacious covered outdoor space, perfect for lazing away the afternoon before a stunning vista of water, greenery and sky. “Just looking out on the thirteenth hole, with the pond literally next door … there’s a lot of wildlife, but it’s still very private,” Susan said. Thus, we see the circle of inspiration. The views feed the art, the art feeds the home and the home embraces the views. Sometimes, beautiful is enough. But every once in a while, beautiful is used as a jumping off point toward true art. And in this Palmetto Bluff home, art and inspiration have created something truly special. 

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Positive Outcomes of the Covid-19 Crisis Article by Kent Thune

ver the past five months, there has certainly been no shortage of bad news about the novel coronavirus, Covid-19. But if you look in the right places, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find plenty of good news that can warm the heart and remind us all that the world is not nearly as bad as the news reports. In fact, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ample evidence that the vast majority of human beings on the planet are as altruistic, empathetic, creative and generous as ever. Sometimes, it takes an extreme challenge to bring out the best of what people have to offer the world. But it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take a heroic effort to find examples of these people or to become one of them yourself if you choose. Here are only a handful of many positive outcomes of the Covid-19 crisis: Global unity. Citizens of the world have realized that we are all equal with regard to the force of nature. Covid-19 has impacted every nation,

every race, religion and ethnicity, and every station of humanity, no matter how rich or poor, great or small. Such an impact of widespread proportions has broken down the barriers between us and, in many ways, we see ourselves less as separate nations and more as a global community. We are starting to understand more and more how much we depend on each other. Wonderful examples of human spirit. Just a few examples include doctors, nurses and other essential workers sacrificing their time and wellbeing to save lives; children and adults making face masks and signs to thank them; Italians stepping out onto apartment balconies to sing songs of hope to their neighbors; and entrepreneurs finding ways to distribute farm produce to people in need before it spoils. Improved personal hygiene. If we didn’t fully appreciate the power of hand washing and staying at home to prevent the spread of a virus, we certainly do now! Whether it’s the flu or future mutations of coronavirus, we know that the best cure is prevention: keep hands clean, avoid touching the face, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when possible, especially if we contract a virus. Drop in pollution. With fewer people traveling and a decline in emissions from manufacturing plants, NASA satellite data has seen a 30 percent drop in air pollution in the U.S., while New York researchers found a 50 percent drop in carbon monoxide levels. Outside of the U.S., Venice’s canals are clearer than they’ve been in decades, and as a result of two months of pollution reduction in China, an estimated 77,000 lives have been saved.

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Positive Outcomes of the Covid-19 Crisis Decrease in traffic accidents. Stay at home orders naturally decreased traffic on the roads and highways across America. Not only did this help to decrease air pollution, but it also saved lives and money. According to the LA Times, traffic accidents and fatalities are down by as much as 50 percent in California, and the estimated cost savings for taxpayers is $1 billion. Affordable gas prices. For most Americans, the cost of a gallon of gas is below $2 now. According to AAA, the average price for gas in South Carolina fell to $1.55 per gallon, just before social distancing guidelines were loosening in early May. Lowest mortgage rates in history. By early May, the national average interest rate for a 30-year conventional home loan was 3.2 percent, with rates potentially falling to 3.0 percent or lower through the end of 2020 and into early 2021. Businesses offering free or alternative products and services. Musicians performed live online and streamed past concerts; gyms posted workout routines on their websites and social media pages; restaurants provided curbside service and outdoor dining; other service-related industries offered virtual services on video conferencing applications. More family time. Yes, we see reports of parents struggling to entertain and home school their small children, but having kids home from school has brought together the family unit. Eating meals together, watching movies, listening to music, and pulling out the old board games has reunited many people in ways that may have seemed almost impossible before. Happy animals. Dogs, cats, and other domestic animals are happy that their parent/owners are home. Animals at the zoo are being viewed virtually, which helps

Happy animals. Dogs, cats, and other domestic animals are happy that their parent/owners are home. Animals at the zoo are being viewed virtually, which helps to entertain humans while providing peace to the animals. Wild animals have more space to roam without disruption from human activity.

to entertain humans while providing peace to the animals. Wild animals have more space to roam without disruption from human activity. The rise of true leadership. In the most challenging of times, the greatest of leaders emerge. The Covid-19 crisis has reminded Americans and people all around the globe that the politicians, celebrities and athletes are not the true leaders or heroes of our time, and perhaps they never really were to begin with. The doctors, the nurses, the teachers, the police officers, the firemen, the emergency personnel, the volunteers, the entrepreneurs, the dreamers, and the everyday citizens are the true leaders; they are the past, present and future formers of our country and of our world. A greater sense of perspective. When life seems difficult, you have the power to choose your perspectives. As the twentieth century psychotherapist Viktor Frankl observed in his concentration camp experiences during the Holocaust, “A

human being is a deciding being.” Frankl’s most famous observation is perhaps this one from his epic book, Man’s Search for Meaning: “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” While it’s easy to complain about hardships that arise from the tragedies and natural disasters that we experience, these challenges have occurred throughout human history. More important, human beings, time and again, have risen to the challenges and have come out of them stronger than ever. The evidence of this timeless truth is there if you look for it beyond the noise of politics and mainstream media. If you are seeing or feeling more bad news and negativity than good news and positivity, it’s likely that your sources of information need to be changed, removed, or better balanced.  Kent Thune is a Certified Financial Planner® and is the owner of a Hilton Head Island investment advisory firm, Atlantic Capital Investments. He is also a personal financial counselor to Marines and other service members on Parris Island. As a freelance writer, Thune’s work has been published at The Motley Fool, Yahoo Finance, Kiplinger.com, MarketWatch.com, Nasdaq.com, InvestorPlace.com, and his own blog at TheFinancialPhilosopher.com.

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d, fondly re

JOE KING: F A

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t the age of five, Joe King begged to be taken to work in the peanut fields. Soon he started picking cotton alongside his daddy, with his own little sack stuffed full. By the time he was a teenager, he was getting enough profits from sharecropping to buy the fastest car in town. King loved farming—13hour days in 100-degree heat were nothing to him, seven days a week. After graduating from high school, he could have gone to college or entered the military, but instead he chose to stay in his hometown of Portal, Georgia, in the same fields he’s worked for over a half-century. It’s a decision he’s never regretted. “As far back as I can recall, all my family members were sharecroppers and farmers,” said King, who has lived on the same red dirt road for all but four years of his life. “I’m proud that what I got came down through the veins of my ancestors, and it makes me happy when I look back at all that was accomplished. I’ve come to the conclusion that there’s nothing else in the world I’d rather be than a farmer.”

This joyful spirit is evident to everyone who visits his tent at the farmers market, either on Thursday afternoons in Old Town Bluffton, or Saturday mornings at Forsythe Park in Savannah. People love Farmer Joe—his straw hat, warm smile, booming jolly baritone, highfives and G-rated jokes. It’s been 30 years since he got his start, selling directly to the public in a little produce stand on the side of Highway 80, mainly to travelers passing through since most everybody in Portal, Ga. had their own garden. Later he set up shop in Statesboro, Ga., and when the farmers markets opened in Bluffton and Savannah, he was a natural fit, making friends with other vendors and winning loyal customers who return week after week. Farmer Joe’s iconic personality is the perfect complement to his pink-eyed peas, speckled butterbeans, turnips, okra, mustard greens and especially his trademark crop of pecans. King is famous for his pecans, which he gathers by hand and triple-cleans with a meticulousness that takes many hours over the kitchen table. Those that aren’t sold raw get lovingly roasted or candied by his wife, Rosaland, and the same goes for the peanuts. Whatever you get from the King family is blessed with a lot of care. “The stuff I put on the table comes from hard work and dedication,” King said. “It’s something that I’m satisfied with because it’s clean and handled properly. They’re getting my heart, my soul, my everything when they buy my produce. And if they say, ‘I don’t really want to buy anything today; I just came by to see your face, hear your voice and say hello,’ that’s when I really know I’m doing something right.” As a devoted scholar of the Bible, King likes to go back to the original farmer: God. He planted the garden to create humankind’s very first occupation. “We depend on the fruit that comes from the ground,” King said. “But it’s getting so high-tech these days and ...what’s the word I want to say? Counterfeit. We need to go back to the natural way, which is plant a seed, then go out there with a hoe and chop the weeds out instead of putting all these poisonous chemicals on it. That’s just my personal opinion, but many of my customers would agree that they can taste the difference with that old-fashioned hard-work-and-sweat produce.” Although none of King’s immediate descendants have taken up farming, the legacy is still important to him. “My hat goes off to all the teachers and parents who are showing kids how to plant a seed and watch it grow,” he said, fondly recalling school groups he’s taken on hay rides through strawberry fields, letting them pick their own fruit before giving them strawberry ice cream. “It they don’t stick with it, that’s okay; at least the parents did their part in letting the kids know where all the yummy stuff they eat actually comes from. I hope farmers markets live forever and that when my generation is gone, a new one will already be in place to take it even further with more determination and desire to get some good produce right straight from the ground and put it on the customer’s table.”  C2 MAGAZINE

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Local

lways a nice alternative to the grocery store, farmers markets and produce stands are abundant in the South during the summer months. Skip the produce aisle and support a local farmer at one of these outdoor marketplaces. Check websites for dates and times, as everything seems to be fluid this year.

Coastal Discovery Museum Farmers Market The Hilton Head Farmers Market at the Coastal Discovery Museum happens every Tuesday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for fresh produce from a variety of local farmers, pasture-raised chicken and duck eggs from Whippoorwill farms, imported cheeses, locally grown micro greens packed with nutrients, and fresh coffee beans from Bluffton’s The Grind Roasters. Food trucks offer lunch options (the day we visited there was a Thai Food truck and a tent with paella) for those looking to grab a bite while they peruse. Parking is free. Village at Wexford Outdoor Farmers Market Wednesdays at Wexford is your opportunity to shop for the freshest local homegrown fruits and vegetables, fresh baked goods, meats, soups, delicacies, and locally made crafts at a beautiful outdoor farmers market in the heart of the Village at Wexford. There’s always something to do there. Stop by and see for yourself. Come to shop the freshest produce, tasty treats, handcrafted goods and other locally inspired items, mingle with neighbors, and enjoy the Village at Wexford. NOTE: At press time the schedule for this market was unclear, but we did not want to omit them. Please visit https:// www.villageatwexford.com/market/ to confirm schedule for 2020. The Farmers Market at the Shops at Sea Pines Center Shop the Farmers Market at the Shops at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Rd., from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Tuesday (in season)! More than just vegetables, their select vendors have kettle popcorn, gourmet cheeses, homemade cookies and breads, crafts, artists, book signings, pulled pork sandwiches and more! www.theshopsatseapinescenter.com. Farmers Market of Bluffton Thursdays, 12-3 p.m. Shop with farmers and vendors along Calhoun Street in Old Town Bluffton. The Farmers Market of Bluffton returns, adding a new, temporary location. Vendors are located from 38 Calhoun-81 Calhoun Street (corner of Calhoun and Bridge Streets, across from May River Montessori). Jasper County Farmers Market Opening late May. Call for dates and time. Local and SC Certified fruits and vegetables with a small flea market. EBT is honored. 9935 Jacob Smart Blvd. S. (Hwy. 17), Ridgeland. (843) 726-8126 or jaspercountychamber.com.

The Hilton Head Farmers Market at Honey Horn Plantation Port Royal Farmers Market Saturdays. Port Royal Farmers Market is open year-round from 9 a.m. to noon. Located in Heritage Park on Ribaut Road, the farmers market features the best in South Carolina produce, seafood, beef, cheese, honey, flowers, and live music. Forsyth Farmers Market Forsyth Farmers Market in Savannah, Ga. is open Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., year-round, under the old oak trees in downtown Savannah’s Forsyth Park. Savannah’s foodonly, producer-only market where 30 vendors on any given Saturday offer fresh produce, pastured meats, local honey, artisan dairy and cheeses, craft breads and baked goods and a wide variety of prepared foods. All vendors come from within a 200-mile radius of Savannah. The Saturday market will continue to operate each week with safety precautions in place due to COVID-19. Follow on Twitter: @ForsythFarmMkt and Instagram: @forsythfarmersmarket.

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AR T I C L E B Y DENIS E K. JAME S

Photography by M.Kat

despite the digital age, and the proof is rarely as apparent as at a roadside stand at the height of summer. Our suggestion? Take a day—or a weekend—visit them all and enjoy your Lowcountry staycation. King’s Farm Market 2559 Highway SC-174 Edisto Island, SC 29438 A favorite for Edisto visitors, King’s Farm Market has been a tradition for decades, according to Bonnie King, who said her husband’s family has farmed around the island for seven generations. Though the farm started with soybeans, corn, cabbage and potatoes, King and her husband started planting tomatoes when they got married 46 years ago. In 2002, they put up a tent and started selling fresh produce—an immediate hit. Today, King’s Farm sells a variety of favorites: squash, asparagus, cucumbers, lettuce, snap beans, melons, sweet corn and more. Locals love the sweet corn in the summer (unloaded daily from the wagon) as well as the zinnias and sunflowers grown in the fields, perfect for a vacation centerpiece. “People like coming to a family-run farm,” King said. “We know what kind of seed we used and when it was planted.” Besides fresh produce, the family offers other yummy wares such as casseroles, salads, cakes, pies, dips and sandwiches, all made in their on-site commercial kitchen. As King pointed out, you can “stop on the way to the beach and pick up a casserole and a dessert for supper.” The King family values working with others in the region who offer local products. King is confident that the market will continue to expand and be a platform for these products and said that she, her husband and her son are always seeking out new partners. “We have a whole section in the market made up of specialty items from South Carolina,” she said.

You Say Tomato, I Say ... Pull Over! - - - R OA D S I D E S TA N D S I N T H E L OW C O U N T R Y - - -

n a world where we’ve had to tweak a few of our summer plans, maybe wait a while for that island cruise or that flight to an exotic locale, it’s comforting to know that the warmer months still offer us plenty of things to look forward to—namely an abundance of local fruits and vegetables to brighten our kitchen tables. We’re fortunate to have plenty of produce grown right down the road, as well as friendly faces willing to set up a spot where we can fill our beach bags and baskets. Families and close-knit community members are still working together

Foreman Hill Roadside Stand 113 Foreman Hill Road Bluffton, SC 29910 Foreman Hill Road wasn’t always the paved and bustling corridor it is today, according to Laura Sterling. Now it offers Bluffton locals and visitors a way to venture to her roadside stand and animal rescue, Laura’s Little Critter Barn. It all started when Sterling, a passionate animal activist, decided her five-acre property would be ideal for a rescue site. In 2018, she also realized a roadside produce stand could fund the animal sanctuary as well as help out area farmers. A native of Allendale County, Sterling grew up knowing about “a lot of little farms” in the center of the state. Though the

FOREMAN HILL ROADSIDE STAND At the stand, she sells everything from tomatoes and corn to okra and blackberries— whatever is in season. She’s excited about growing the project to be a yearround stand and including more than fruits and veggies. Foreman Hill Roadside Stand took a hiatus in 2019, Sterling is now ready to reopen in time for summer 2020. At the stand, she sells everything from tomatoes and corn to okra and blackberries— whatever is in season. She’s excited about growing the project to be a year-round stand and including more than fruits and veggies. For example, the stand’s early visitors raved about the pickled okra, and Sterling wants to continue offering similar local treats. She credits networking with her neighbors for past and future success. “I found her [the person who made the pickled okra] through good old-fashioned word of mouth, and that’s how I’ll find others,” Sterling said. “That’s the best thing for keeping it local and finding the best customers and vendors.” Sterling urges all of us to consider outdoor markets a healthy alternative in more ways than one; not only is local produce better for us, but we also can benefit from sunlight and fresh air. “An outdoor market is a fabulous thing,” she noted. “Outside is where you want to be right now. UV rays kill viruses, and the outdoors doesn’t have recirculated air.”

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You Say Tomato, I Say ... Pull Over! Dempsey Farms 1576 Sea Island Parkway St. Helena Island, SC 29920 Growing up, Davey Dempsey watched his father, Davis L. Dempsey, as he carried on with the truck farming his grandfather started in 1936. In 1978, Davey joined the family business to help his dad with 75 acres of cucumbers and more than 100 acres of tomatoes. A roadside produce market was added in the early 1980s and became the cornerstone of the business; commercial shipping for Dempsey tomatoes was soon discontinued. Naturally, locals and visitors to Hunting Island and Fripp Island have benefited from this, and, today, abundant fruits and vegetables are grown on site by Davey Dempsey, his son Warren and, occasionally, his daughter Mary Kathryn. Even Davey’s father, now “a young 84,” continues to help out. Visitors to the Dempsey Market will find scores of their bestsellers, including U-pick strawberries, tomatoes and peppers. Squash, corn, melons, cucumbers and other

DEMPSEY FARMS Visitors to the Dempsey Market will find scores of their bestsellers, including U-pick strawberries, tomatoes and peppers. Squash, corn, melons, cucumbers and other vegetables are also available.

vegetables are also available. According to Davey, as many as 15 to 20 farmers markets would frequently buy fruits and vegetables from Dempsey Farms years ago, but these days, it’s just a few markets and an assortment of individuals eager to pick their own summer produce. Nevertheless, the Dempsey family cherishes their family farm as well as the roadside produce stand. “Since more farmers markets opened up, there are not as many roadside vendors,” Davey noted. “And local laws make it tougher to compete. But there is still a place for roadside stands.”

George and Pink’s Produce 7971 Edingsville Beach Road Edisto Island, SC 29438 George and Pink’s is another family farm and roadside stand, started by George Brown back in 1972 and serving Edisto Island fresh fruits and vegetables along with a bevy of other homemade goodies ever since. These days, daughter Pink Brown works the produce stand, while her two younger brothers, James and Robert, work in the fields. Just four and a half miles from Edisto Beach, George and Pink’s gets plenty of traffic from both tourists and locals, though the stand is not visible from the highway. Instead, a sign beckons passersby to venture a half mile down Edingsville Beach Road, where they find themselves richly rewarded. The road is draped with beautiful Southern oaks “like a tunnel,” in the words of Pink, and the produce stand is worth the short detour. In addition to all the favorites, from berries and corn to squash and tomatoes, George and Pink’s offers jams, jellies, relishes, local honey, homemade pies and more. Oh, and boiled peanuts. “I don’t make all of these products, but they are all local to this area,” Pink said. “We have people who live nearby and want to contribute.” Pink said she and her family are grateful for the longevity of the business and for the word-of-mouth that keeps patrons returning year after year, especially families. “We get a lot of family—the children of our older customers,” she said. “Word gets around because we’ve been here a while. We’re always adding new things. But, right now, this works.” 

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The Hilton Head Home Group (from left to right): Stephanie Cauller, Melanie Smith, Kate Oliva and Jancie Ross.

ARTICLE BY LINDA S. HOPKINS PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

g n i t a e r c a zz HILTON HEAD HOME GROUP OF RE/MAX ISLAND REALTY TAKES MODERN APPROACH TO MARKETING

uzz is something that everyone who has something to sell wants to generate. In real estate, creating buzz around a property means getting it talked about, whether that is through word of mouth, viral marketing or other techniques. The agents at Hilton Head Home Group of RE/MAX Island Realty understand this and are using cutting-edge digital marketing skills along with their personal connections and real estate savvy to provide clients with the most efficient, effective and enjoyable real estate transactions possible.

MEET THE TEAM In a sea of nearly 1800 area Realtors, Hilton Head Home Group stands out, much of their success attributable to the fusion of skill sets they each bring to the table and their ability to keep properties moving. Janice Ross, a Pittsburgh native and former school teacher, moved to the Lowcountry from Los Angeles, California. A full-time Hilton Head Island resident since 2015, she brings 30 years of real estate experience along with The Ultimate Life ToolÂŽ, a multidimensional human assessment instrument that recognizes and regards individuality. As a Level IV certified life coach, she has deep insight into helping people reach their maximum potential and find the perfect home and neighborhood to fulfill their every desire. She also offers clear perspective on the many benefits of island life to out-of-town buyers, retirees, or anyone looking for a more peaceful existence. Stephanie Cauller, also a former educator, relocated to Hilton Head Island from Malvern, Pennsylvania. She brings years of real estate marketing and digital strategy to the team as well as national television experience. She spent seven years as an on-air guest on QVC and currently

creating a buzz works as a show host on local television station, WHHI-TV. She recently was invited to interview the builder, designer and architect of the HGTV Dream Home in Windmill Harbour. Cauller provides Hilton Head Home Group with their own “in-house” marketing company, which benefits their selling clients by decreasing time on the market and benefits buyers by exposing them to the properties that most closely match their needs. Katie Oliva, a true local from Beaufort, S.C., brings both passion and personal knowledge of the area to the team along with an unmatched dedication to customer service, gleaned from experience working in her family’s restaurants. Growing up on St. Helena Island, Oliva attended The University of South Carolina in Columbia where she got her first real taste of life beyond the Lowcountry. After graduation, she returned to the area and later moved to Hilton Head Island. “This place just pulls you back in,” she said.” Oliva was a property manager for a long-term rental company before taking the position as director of marketing at RE/MAX Island Realty. Two years later, she joined Hilton Head Home Group as a licensed sales associate. She prides herself on being able to offer firsthand neighborhood information and insider knowledge of the area not easily found on the internet. Melanie Smith, born and raised in West Palm Beach, Fla., headed north to experience a change of seasons in the Carolinas. After 102

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more than 25 years in Charlotte, N.C., she relocated to Hilton Head Island, thrilled to be oceanside once more. Smith has been a licensed broker in North Carolina for over 15 years, working in all facets of the real estate business, from new and custom home sales to designing, decorating, and staging model homes and resale homes for maximum potential value. “Staging and professional photography can make all the difference in maximizing the sale,” she said. Smith’s staging abilities, attention to detail, follow-through, and dedication are qualities that set her apart in a crowded real estate market. GETTING THE JOB DONE Advancements in technology have changed how we do just about everything, and that includes buying and selling real estate. According to Cauller, Hilton Head Home Group is embracing the digital marketing world to a far greater extent than the average real estate team. “Most Realtors are using social media today,” she said. “But how deep and how skilled are they at what they are doing with the new trends in marketing?” Cauller started a marketing company in 2003, transitioning to digital marketing in 2008. “We are a marketing team with real estate skills,” she said, pointing out the substantial edge this gives them. “It’s not 1997. Relying on MLS and postcards in the mailbox is not going to get it done in today’s world.” According to Cauller, 90 percent of agents are not using digital media to its fullest capacity. The Hilton Head Home Group team understands how to optimize ads, build targeted audiences for future ads, and re-market to people who have already taken some kind of action on their website, thus pumping up the focus and the visibility of properties they represent. Buzz-generating tactics include effective use of social media, instant texts, and driving traffic to their website via their exposure on HGTV. (Hilton Head Home Group has made two appearances on HGTV’s Island Life, Season16/Episode 14 and Season 17 Episode 3). But it’s not enough to be on top of today’s trends. “The digital marketing game is constantly changing, and we are staying current

with algorithms,” Oliva said, citing digital marketing seminars, webinars, trade shows and workshops as their lifeline to all things new in the world of high-tech communications and marketing. “If you aren’t green and growing in this business, you can fall behind quickly in terms of best serving your clients’ needs,” she said. “It’s a whole industry in itself to have to master in addition to understanding the real estate end of it,” Cauller added. But don’t worry if technology is not your thing. Hilton Head Home Group meets you where you are, tailoring their communication to your preference, whether it’s email, instant message, video conferencing, text, tweet or an old-fashioned phone call. “Some of us didn’t grow up in this digital age. We can meet the needs of buyers and sellers at every stage of life and connect in a way that works for them.” Ross said. With their years of real estate experience, area roots, attention to detail, and up-to-the-minute marketing strategies, Hilton Head Home Group, along with the support of RE/MAX (No. 1 in global real estate sales), has an expansive network and all the tools they need to reach potential customers in the U.S. and abroad. “Give us a shot, and we’ll show you what we do differently,” Cauller said.  Hilton Head Home Group of RE/MAX Island Realty has offices on Hilton Head Island, in Bluffton and in Sun City. For more information, visit www.hiltonheadhomegroup.com or call (843) 415-7738.

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I S CIANS MU in bathrooms MUSICIAN: SARA BURNS What’s your sign? My sun sign is Taurus My moon sign is Leo And my rising/ascendant sign is Cancer I happen to know a thing or two about astrology ... we can save that for another conversation. Most underrated song that, in your opinion, should be a classic: “Frozen Love,” from the Buckingham Nicks album that Stevie and Lindsey recorded before they joined Fleetwood Mac. Biggest compliment you’ve ever gotten from a fan? People have said that I remind them of the daughter Stevie Nicks never had. I’ve always resonated with that. What is your favorite piece to perform? “Landslide,” by Fleetwood Mac. I remember this moment when I lived in Nashville for a bit and I did a singer-songwriter showcase with this girl who was just really badass at playing acoustic guitar ... and I thought, okay, it’s time for me to up my game. Time for me to grow and get better at what I’ve already grown comfortable with, as far as guitar playing goes. And at that moment, the song I challenged myself to learn and master was “Landslide,” and I love playing it at my shows.

the night sky. When I need to escape, I like to find a long dock and sit above the ocean so I can look up at the sky without any houses or trees or noises or bright lights obscuring my view. When you sit out there for a long time, you can literally see how the Earth, Moon, Sun, and the constellations are connected. It’s much cooler than reading about it in a textbook. I have learned a lot about both astronomy and astrology and how it plays an essential role in so many different ancient cultures around the world. I think it’s a such beautiful thing to observe the natural world outside. It reminds me to be mindful and grounded in every moment and spiritually connected to God and all of creation. Do you tweet, gram or book? What’s your handle? I’m not very social media savvy, but Facebook is what I generally use for updates. My Facebook page is @SaraBurnsMusic (facebook.com/SaraBurnsMusic). I don’t tend to update my Twitter on a regular basis, but my handle is @SaraBurns_.My Instagram is where I post most of my personal life pics. It’s the same as my Twitter handle, @SaraBurns_.

What do you sing in the shower? Weird thing about me, I never really sing in the shower. Ha-ha!

Finish this verse as if it were the hook of a song: “Sally went down to the bayou… Ha-ha, umm ... I’ll give it shot. “Sally went down to the Bayou, And she cried when she ran out of Blue Moon (the beer) ...” Ha-ha, idk. Bayou and beer seem to go well together ... and maybe some crawfish too. Yeehaw!

Favorite cereal? Apple Cinnamon Cheerios

Who would star as you in the epic retelling of your life on film? Maybe Jennifer Lawrence? I like her as an actress.

At what venue do you most like to perform? Last year I started playing at the Crazy Crab on the north end after they rebuilt their outside deck, and I just love playing there! I’ll be performing there every Friday night this season!

First instrument you ever learned to play? Piano, but I didn’t stick with it. I was young and just didn’t appreciate it at the time. Now I wish I would have taken the time to learn. But I’m just glad I ended up picking up the guitar.

Most requested song at shows? Currently, that “Baby Shark Dance” song ... let’s not go there. Lol. I usually give the kiddos the mic and ask them to sing it for me instead. It’s adorable.

Song you were thrilled to finally master? “Landslide,” by Fleetwood Mac.

First concert you attended? The first concert I went to was the band Heart, at the House of Blues in Orlando! It was an awesome experience! Favorite artist? I know everyone says this, but it really is hard to answer this question. I love all forms of art, but here are my favorites that come to mind. Musically, my favorite female singers and songwriters are Bonnie Raitt, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, Alanis Morissette, Carole King, Shania Twain, and Patty Griffin. My favorite male singers and songwriters are Jim Croce, John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls), John Mayer, Calum Scott, John Denver, Led Zeppelin (the entire band), Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20), and Tom Petty. Also, I love poetry, and my favorite is Robert Frost! Place you go to get away from it all? During the day, I love going outside in my backyard to look at my garden and see how much my plants have grown since the day before. It’s fascinating to me. But I also find myself especially drawn to the moon, the stars, the planets and constellations in

What do you wish you knew more about? I wish I knew how to have better discernment. That might not be an answer you were expecting. It’s not that I consider myself naive, but I think it can be difficult for a lot of people to know who and what to believe is genuine and true. It’s hard to trust others’ motives and agendas. Lying is easy. I try to see the best in everyone, but sometimes that makes you the fool for wanting to believe that all people have pure intentions. But then again, the truth can be hard to swallow, and maybe it’s safer to let some things be hidden. What animal do you most identify with? Owl. I’m definitely a night owl, but I think that owls also represent spiritual wisdom, and I am very drawn to that aspect. If you got super-famous and had to change your name, what would your new name be? I don’t think I’d change my name, but I’d like a name like Luna or something that references the moon or the name of a star or constellation. What famous musician would you love to sing a duet with? Stevie Nicks 

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JUNE 2020 1 TO DO #1 START YOUR WORK WEEK BY TREATING YOURSELF TO AN ICED COFFEE !

7 HEALTHCARE HEROES AND FIRST RESPONDERS DAY Pure Salt Studios in Bluffton Open All Day!

OUTDOOR YOGA

Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina 9:30am Tuesday and Thursday mornings

3 “LIFE IS LIKE RIDING A BICYCLE, TO KEEP YOUR BALANCE, YOU MUST KEEP MOVING.” ALBERT EINSTEIN

EVERY TUESDAY! SEA PINES FARMERS MARKET

FARMERS MARKET AT HONEY HORN

Sea Pines Shopping Center 10am-2pm

Coastal Discovery 9am-1pm

BLUFFTON FARMERS MARKET Calhoun Street in Old Town 12-5pm

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY! Island Recreation Center 3pm-7pm islandrec.org

TO DO #2

CELEBRATE NATIONAL ROSÉ DAY!

GABRIEL & CO. TRUNK SHOW Forsythe Jewelers Wednesday, June 17, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Enjoy a complimentary gift with your purchase. Light bites + bubbles served. RSVP to attend, 843.671.7070

Rosé all day!

17 & 18

“EVERY EXPERIENCE IS A SUCCESS.” LOUISE HAY

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DINE AL FRESCO AT SHELTER COVE HARBOUR & MARINA!

THURSDAYS

TO DO #3 CELEBRATE MAKING IT THORUGH ANOTHER WEEK! YOU DID IT!

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NATIONAL TO DO #4 TAKE TAKE A YOUR DAY OFF DOG TO FROM BEING WORK AWESOME! DAY! YOU DESERVE IT!

“THE BEST THING ABOUT THE FUTURE IS THAT IT COMES ONE DAY AT A TIME.” – ABRAHAM LINCOLN

CH2 MAGAZINE MASCOT, LUCY

SUNDAY FUNDAY!

CELEBRATE WORLD SOCIAL MEDIA DAY BY TAGGING US IN YOUR BEST TIKTOK VIDEO! FOLLOW US @CH2MAG

GRAB A DRINK OR TWO AT POOL BAR JIM’S!

EVENTS AND MORE COVID-19 INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS

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