44
When Will and Dottie Rizzo turn their dreams into realities, we all wake up to magic.
The inn emerged as a worldrenowned luxury resort whose mythos continues to hold a place in Summerville’s storied past.
Three cast iron cobblers that are sure to warm the belly & the heart
Dear Readers,
Welcome to our 15-Year Anniversary issue. For a decade and a half, we’ve had the honor of capturing and sharing the spirit, beauty and heart of the Lowcountry, my home, Summerville. This milestone is truly special, and the most exciting part? We’re only just beginning.
Our mission from the beginning - to celebrate the character, beauty and pace of the SC Lowcountry is our tradition and our inspiration. Our commitment to telling the stories of our little slice of the South has elevated the voices of our community - past and present.
Thinking about this anniversary issue I knew one thing for sure—I wanted to share the story of our founders and my friends, Will and Dottie Rizzo. Not only is the feature a nod to our founders, it is a recognition of their continuing contributions (Dream Team, pg. 44).
This special issue also felt like the perfect opportunity to kick off our Azalea History Series, starting with a notable piece of Summerville history, The Pine Forest Inn (pg. 50). If you love the romance of the golden age of travel as much as I do, you will love the story of our one of Summerville’s most notable gems.
We also bring you conversations with inspiring local voices. I had the pleasure of speaking with Margie Sutton, a longtime entrepreneur and master stylist, about her new venture, Retro FLY Vintage. I left with inspiration—and a fabulous vintage ‘60s little black dress (pg. 19) before following the aroma of fresh bread down to Talucci’s authentic Italian bakery. Talucci’s has quickly become a cornerstone of Central Ave but the fabulous baked goods are only part of a story that is rich with family, community service, and love (pg. 23).
And that giant Sweet Tea sculpture downtown? Learn more about the talented artist and fabricator, Elizabeth McCeever, whose story and considerable accolades surpass even the “World’s Largest Sweet Tea” (pg. 27).
What’s a town full of stories without a storyteller? Our resident professional storyteller, Tim Lowry, shares his picks for the 15 books that have earned a spot on every Southerner’s bookshelf (pg. 12).
With every voice and every story, we build each issue of AZALEA, as Anne Lamott would say, “bird by bird.” Here’s to 15 years of sharing the stories that inspire us and many, many more to come.
Warmly, Jenna
SUSAN
Susan Frampton began her second act as a writer over a decade ago. The fascinating people and places she has gotten to know along the way make her appear far more interesting and a much better party guest. She is currently living the dream with husband Lewis, who is mortified by the (true) stories she tells of his adventures, but grateful that she takes first aid supplies everywhere.
Tara Bailey is married with three (mostly) grown daughters. When she is not teaching English, she can be found somewhere outside. She loves exploring the local landscape, nurturing native plants and wildlife, riding her bike, and playing ball with her dog. She has even gotten her husband in the habit of counting bird species in their yard.
A Lowcountry Native, Eliza grew up in Summerville and Mt. Pleasant. She currently resides in Summerville with her husband, two children, three dogs and two cats. An Elementary School Media Specialist in N.Charleston, Eliza has a BS in Political Science from the College of Charleston, and a Master's in Library and Information Science from the University of SC.
Will and Diana Thompson met while in college at Clemson University and married in 2003. They are parents to three children (Wyatt, Ruthie, and Seth). They have years of experience serving and encouraging others. In their spare time, you can find them supporting their kids at the dance studio, the ball field, or going for a run in Summerville.
Storyteller Tim Lowry mixes personal narratives, folk tales, tall tales, and American history with a distinctively Southern flavor. His signature style has earned an Oracle Award from the National Storytelling Network and Artist of the Year from Azalea Magazine. He has produced several award-winning recordings and received top honors from Storytelling World for his book, Haunted by Dickens. Tim is continually on the road performing at festivals, schools, libraries, and corporate events across the country and is promoting his latest book, Southern Fried Circus.
IN HONOR OF OUR 15TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE, WE ASKED STORYTELLER TIM LOWRY TO GIVES US FIFTEEN OF HIS ESSENTIAL SOUTHERN READS (In no particular order) by Tim Lowery
Southerners are great storytellers. That’s because we take every opportunity to practice the art form. We linger in the grocery store line to inquire about the check out girl’s mother. We stop our pickup trucks smack in the middle of a two lane road to say howdy to a neighbor. We loiter at the beauty or barbershop to chat with the next costumer in the chair. We always take time to talk. What do we talk about? Well, we tend to begin with an anecdote starting with the phrase, “You ain’t gonna believe what I saw up to the Wal-Mart yesterday!” Of course, the proper response to such a tale is, “Well, I never! Back in my day . . .” After recent history is rehearsed, someone utters the traditional “Kids these days!” Which prompts a round of stories and jokes that just don’t play well on TikTok. You know, like the monkey story. What? You never heard the monkey story? Sit down. And we are off and rolling with stories that can’t possibly have happened but are nonetheless told as true. After a particularly audacious stretcher, someone in the conversation group feels morally obligated to pull things back in a more serious direction which leads to legendary tales of great heroes and heroines, epics that sometimes veer into mythology. The Civil War must be fought again and again and again. We keep trying to find a happier ending. Eventually, we realize that such stories, outside of Divine intervention, may never have a perfect conclusion. So we wrap up our gab sessions by recognizing our flaws as we say “It’s been good talking with you. I’ll see you in church.”
Inevitably, the best stories get written down. Here are fifteen titles from my own bookshelf that would give you plenty of material to hold your own as a Southern raconteur.
Fifteen Books (besides the Bible) from a Southerner’s Bookshelf
“You ain’t gonna believe what I saw up to the Wal-Mart yesterday!”
A little scandal goes a long way toward grabbing your listener’s attention. These authors can show you how it’s done.
Carryin’ On, and Other Strange Things Southerners Do (R. Scott Brunner)
Baptized in Sweet Tea (Ken Burger)
Being Dead Is No Excuse: The Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral (Gayden Metcalfe and Charlotte Hays)
The List Continued
“Back in my day . . .”
Don’t be put off by the fact that two of these works are holiday memoirs. These are excellent Southern storytellers, not script writers for Hallmark.
A Christmas Memory (Truman Capote)
Cold Sassy Tree (Olive Ann Burns)
Carolina Christmas: Archibald
Rutledge's Enduring Holiday Stories (Jim Casada, editor)
“You don’t know the monkey story?!”
As my grandpa would say, “A lie is a sin, but this story ain’t no lie.”
The Jack Tales (Richard Chase)
Gullah Animal Tales from Daufuskie Island, South Carolina (Albert H. Stoddard)
The Doctor to the Dead: Grotesque Legends and Folk Tales of Old Charleston (John Bennett)
Fighting the Civil War, again!
Two of these books are by men from “off.” However, their perspective helped me see Southern culture more clearly.
Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell) Confederates in the Attic: Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War (Tony Horwitz)
Bloody Crimes: The Chase for Jefferson Davis and The Death Pageant for Lincoln’s Corpse (James Swanson)
“I’ll see you in church.”
Of course, Southerners read the Bible, but these titles really get to the heart of what we are praying for, how to become the best version of ourselves.
To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain)
Yearning to Breathe Free: Robert Smalls of South Carolina and His Families (Andrew Billingsly)
FUNERAL HOME
Full funeral and cremation services. Serving the Lowcountry since 1963.
303 South Main St. Summerville, SC (843) 873-4040 / jamesadyal.com
Mausoleum • Cremation Gardens • Urn Niches Beautifully landscaped and perpetual care.
11000 Dorchester Rd. Summerville, SC (843) 871-8080 dorchestermemorygardens.com
Offering a wide variety of marble, stone, and bronze memorials accepted in all area cemeteries. We can also provide many statuary options for private garden or cemetery display.
11000 Dorchester Rd. Summerville, SC (843) 871-2016 lowcountrymonuments.com
ELIZABETH CURETON OF THE AZALEA BAR HAS CREATED A COCKTAIL THAT CELEBRATES SUMMERVILLE'S UNIQUE TEA HISTORY, AND IS A WHOLE LOT OF FUN TO DRINK
Elizabeth Cureton of The Azalea Bar has established herself as one of the top mixologists in the Lowcoutry. "It's all about balance and creativity'" she says of creating cocktails. Her "Five Flowers" cocktail is this years Offical Sweet Tea Cocktail—her second consecutive win. "I wanted to create something delicious, while using ingredients that are a little suprising and outside of what might be expected." AM
(Yields 1)
Ingredients
1.5 oz Four Roses Bourbon .75oz Peach Liqueur 1 oz Lemon Juice !oz Peach Hibiscus Tea
Preparation
Combine ingredients and ice into a cocktail shaker. Shake for 15 seconds. Strain into coupe glass. Enjoy!
What i s your favorite thing about living in the Lowcountry?
There is so much to love about living herethe culture, the landscapes, the people. What I love most is being surrounded by such rich history. My Dad’s family, the Witherspoons, were early settlers in South Carolina and are a part of that history. From the architecture to the historic sites, I feel truly fortunate to live in the heart of it all.
Is ther a motto you live by?
Yes, it’s a scripture: “Faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains.”Mathew 17:20. I have it on a plaque in my office.
What or who are you a fan of?
The little things. Good books, long walks, great conversations. Who? Right now I’m in a Martha Stewart vibe. I admire her tenacity and ability to reinvent herself. It’s a good thing.
Coffee or Tea?
Both!
What is your dream vacation?
A luxury train ride on Belmond’s Orient Express - Paris to Venice. I’m obsessed with the golden age of travel.
What is your favorite hobby?
I don’t have traditional hobbies. My personal focus is on my family and the people I love. Spending time with them reminds me of what is most important and enduring. AM
Lachenman
In an age where fast fashion dominates there is a growing movement around clothes that tell a story. Vintage pieces that have stood the test of time beautifully and carry with them the character and nostalgia of decades past are not only sought after, there’s a special thrill in discovering clip-on earrings reminiscent of your grandmother’s collection or slipping into a dress that feels like it belongs on a classic movie set.
In the heart of downtown Summerville, Retro FLY sits above its sister store, FLY Modern Apparel, offering a shopping experience that celebrates the lasting charm of vintage fashion. This isn’t your typical thrift or consignment store; it’s a thoughtfully curated journey through decades of fashion, featuring everything from 1950s swing dresses to 1970s maxi dresses and the shiny fabrics of the 1990s. Each piece holds a whisper of its past life - a silk tea dress that might have once danced in a '60s jazz club or a leather clutch that accompanied the best parties in town.
The unique charm of Retro FLY comes from its owner, Margie Sutton, who has been inspiring Summerville’s fashion scene since opening her salon, MOD, in the early 2000s. Her passion for style began long before then.
“As a child, I loved any TV scene featuring a makeover or transformation. It always moved me,” Sutton recalls. “I started as a model at 19 and soon found myself styling trend boards in malls. I eventually earned my cosmetology license to do hair and makeup. I loved the creativity of styling even more than being in the spotlight myself as a model.”
Sutton handpicks every item for Retro FLY, sourcing from vintage markets and estate sales, and even including some of her own vintage wardrobe, showcasing her deeply
rooted love for fashion.
One of the best things about this new shopping experience is the combination of FLY and Retro FLY which gives shoppers the opportunity to blend old and new styles, creating looks that are uniquely their own.
“Yes, that’s very intentional,” Sutton shares. “Vintage has always been a part of my life and a true passion. I love blending modern and vintage pieces.”
Bringing Retro FLY into the mix fulfilled Sutton’s long-held
vision of merging hair, styling, and clothing into one cohesive offering.
“I’ve had this vision for years. When the upstairs of FLY became available I knew I wanted to secure it but it wasn’t clear at that time exactly what I would do with it. But God had a plan and one day it just came to me, it just clicked and I looked at my husband and said - "We're going to open a vintage clothing shop.”
Beyond the curation, what sets Retro FLY and FLY apart from big retail stores is the sense of community it fosters.
“I want this to be a place where mothers and daughters can shop together, finding pieces they love at affordable prices.”
“We have customers who have been with us for years and feel like friends and family,” Sutton shares. “I want this to be a place where mothers and daughters can shop together, finding pieces they love at affordable prices.”
Sutton’s love for community as well as fashion, combined with her instinctive business sense, and dedication to service has created a fashion hub of timeless and unique styles. Whether hunting that perfect piece or just browsing for inspiration, fashion lovers of all generations will find something that inspires them.
Next time you’re looking to enhance your wardrobe, visit Retro FLY, where history and style come together to create something timeless. AM
The rich traditions of Italian baking and fine specialty coffee have found a home in the heart of downtown Summerville, where Talucci’s Bakery inspires the community through their passion for family, food, and service.
by Jenna Lachenman
It's 6:45 a.m. on a Thursday in downtown Summerville. The streets are still dark, with most of the town not yet awake but there is a light shining from the back of a family bakery on the corner of Central Avenue. Inside, esteemed executive pastry chef Charles Talucci has been crafting baking magic since 2 a.m. Though the bakery doesn’t officially open until 7, a man in jogging shorts peers through the front window, no doubt drawn away from his morning run by the irresistible aroma of fresh artisan bread now filling the
shop window. Charles notices him and quickly strides out to greet him. “We’re not open yet but you are welcome to come inside and wait.” The warmth of his invitation feels more like a friend welcoming a guest into his home - offering a seat, sharing a meal, creating a special moment of connection through food and hospitality. It’s the Italian way but something you might not expect from an executive pastry chef with Talucci’s impressive pedigree.
Charles’s culinary journey began with his father, the celebrated Olympic chef Tony Talucci, before he continued his studies at the prestigious Baltimore International Culinary College. He further honed his craft under Certified Master Pastry Chef Yan Bandula and trained pastry chef Joseph Poupon from Western France. Now, with over two decades of expertise, Charles brings his passion and skill to Summerville’s newest culinary gem. Yet, when asked what drives him, he speaks more of family, community, and giving back than of accolades: “My love language is helping others, giving to others. I grew up in a family and tradition that expresses love through food.”
This commitment to family and community is equally shared
by his wife, Jacklyn, a savvy businesswoman and the force behind Talucci’s marketing and operations. Talucci’s is truly a family affair and you can often find Jacklyn greeting customers and working alongside the Talucci team consisting of their blended family of eight children and close family friends. “Family, community, giving back - that’s our ‘why’ behind Talucci’s,” she explains. Jacklyn also attributes part of their inspiration to Charles’s mother, Ida, who encouraged the couple. “She pushed me to push Charles,” Jacklyn laughs. “She always told him, ‘If you ever open a bakery, you’ll sell out every day.’” In just a few short weeks, Ida’s prediction has already proven true.
“The community support has been simply amazing,” Jacklyn shares. “That’s what matters to us. We want to be a bakery for the community, a place where we get to know our customers, remember their names, know their orders and, hopefully, become a tradition for future generations.” And with their commitment to authentic, quality food and great customer service, it seems likely that the Talluci’s will get their wish.
Talucci’s offers a tempting selection of European and Italian-inspired pastries, accompanied by authentic Italian espresso, cappuccinos, and coffee.
Talucci’s offers a tempting selection of European and Italian-inspired pastries, accompanied by authentic Italian espresso, cappuccinos, and coffee. Every day, they bake preservative-free artisan breads like ciabatta, focaccia, and rustic loaves, which line the shelves alongside bagels, sweet treats such as cannoli and sfogliatella, and rich desserts like tiramisu and indulgent cakes. These delicacies pair perfectly with their coffee, sourced from Ditta Artigianale, Italy’s first specialty coffee company, founded by renowned barista Francesco Sanapo.
Sourcing the finest ingredients is as essential to the Taluccis as the baking itself. Flour is imported from Italy, and the bakery offers a range of premium imported and locally crafted goods. Offering that level of quality is not the easy route but reflects the Talucci’s deep commitment and passion for what they do. “Supply chain is crucial,” Jacklyn notes. “We wouldn’t be here without the partnership and support of Kevin at Cheney Brothers, who helps support our family business.”
Bringing a blend of cultural sophistication, heartfelt hospitality, and nostalgia, Talucci’s has quickly become a cherished part of downtown Summerville. “It’s touching to
see how emotional some people become when they discover a pastry or cookie that reminds them of their grandmother’s baking,” Jacklyn shares. “My husband isn’t just baking; he’s helping people revisit their childhoods and create new memories around the food they love.” AM
For mor information on Talucci’s Bakery, and the best of Italian baking and coffee culture, visit TaluccisBakery@TaluccisBakery.com
EXPLORE THE BIRTHPLACE OF SWEET TEA! Congratulations, Elizabeth Cureton at e Azalea Bar & Garden!
2024 SUMMERVILLE SWEET TEA COCKTAIL CONTEST WINNER OF THE CRITIC’S CHOICE AWARD
Five Flowers
e 2025 O cial Summerville Sweet Tea Cocktail
- Four Roses Bourbon
- Peach Liqueur
- Peach Hibiscus Sweet Tea
- Lemon Juice
- Candied Hibiscus Flower Ice Cube
Congratulations, Chelsea Cronk at Sweetwater One Twenty ree!
by Eliza Chapman Bailey
The more time you spend with someone, the more you learn about their journey. The most unassuming person surprises you with a casual remark about a notable achievement they have accomplished. Elizabeth McKeever, an artist and fabricator, is one of these people. Moderated and tempered, she would be the last to say that she holds the Guinness Book of World Records certificate for "World's Largest Sweet Tea" Creation/Fabrication, which she made for the Town of Summerville, or that she also graduated Summa Cum Laude from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) with a master’s in fine art.
After college, she moved to Charleston to accept the Gibbes Museum of Art instructor position. It did not take long for her to establish credibility; her work received local and international acclaim through Piccolo Spoleto, and she was
chosen as Sotheby’s/Artlink International Young Artist semifinalist. Her works are in the collections of her alma mater. In 2002, she was Rachel McAdams's art instructor while filming "The Notebook" with New Line Cinema. She was honored as the Lowcountry Artist of the Year as the Griffith/Reyburn grant recipient. Her faux painting work was on the cover of Sherwin-Williams ProFinisher 2020, April/June.
Of Elizabeth’s many accomplishments, the creation of “Mason” is one of her favorites. She visits the installation regularly and enjoys watching the interaction of families, children, and individuals enjoying her larger-than-life art.
When asked how an accomplished realist and abstract painter was hired to turn a large plastic vat into a Mason Jar of Sweet Tea, she casually explained that she worked in manufacturing
as a lead artist and sample manager for a cell concealment company. She reflected, "I went to a women's college, Wesleyan. It was the early 1990s, and technology was new. The school's revolutionary technology program gave all students a Mac Classic. During my undergraduate years, I worked in a computer lab and gained an understanding of the business sector, which is a nontraditional path for many artists.”
Elizabeth’s mastery of perspective and color theory depicts various styles and subjects in oil and acrylic. Her keen eye for detail captures nuances in light and shadow. The subtleties of her subjects evoke emotion and tell stories. Her composition captures the human experience, conveying depth in seemingly simple scenes that invite viewers to connect and reflect on the world. When asked about motivations, she states, "Painting allows me to contemplate and express joy that transcends temporal boundaries.”
Thanks to the collaboration between Public Works and Coastal Coffee Roaster, she will have an exhibit on the Art Wall at Coastal Coffee throughout December. 5% of all sales or commissions generated through this exhibit will be donated to Public Works to support Summerville’s local arts community. AM
For more information, visit expressionbeth.com
When asked about motivations, she states, "Painting allows me to contemplate and express joy that transcends temporal boundaries.”
II'm
eternally grateful for those who have given me the opportunity to be here on this page, to the faithful readers who have turned the pages, and to the unexpected muse on my collarbone.
by Susan Frampton
remember the first time I picked up an issue of Azalea Magazine and wondered when a big-city publisher had come to town. It was that good. I did not know that it was the first issue and not an established publication, and I read it cover to cover. Though at the time, I'd lived here for over thirty years, I found it to beautifully present people, places, and subjects that I knew nothing of. It made me proud to call Summerville home, and I wanted to know more. I never dreamed that, although I was not a writer, Will and Dottie Rizzo would invite me to plumb my town's incredible depths and put words to the treasures I discovered.
Incredibly, they also invited me to this space, offering free rein to give my thoughts a place on their pages. It was terrifying and exhilarating, and to this day, I wonder how they saw something I didn't know I had or whether they were absolutely nuts. We took the plunge together, and I could not be more grateful. But how would I know what to write? Where would I find the words to justify their faith? People often ask where I come up with what I write, thinking that I must have a great imagination. It turns out that it requires very little imagination. As you can read from the words of Bridges and Bible Verses, my very first column in the Winter Issue of 2012, I simply look to my muse.
It is six in the evening, and Lewis Frampton is in a hurry. Though there is plenty of daylight yet, he knows by the time he drops me off and gets to his own stand, the light will be fading fast. He roars up on the four-wheeler to find me dawdling around, examining ferns and mentally relocating native species to our backyard. The normally gentle man glares with menace, so I quickly gather my backpack, shoulder my rifle, and jump onto the seat behind him.
These are the opening words to the first column I ever wrote in this space. The column's title was inspired by innumerable afternoons hunting with my husband, an endeavor requiring me to shut my eyes while hurtling hell-for-leather over narrow bridges spanning tea-stained blackwater creeks. The harrowing ride questions why I keep coming back. Replicated dozens of times over two decades, such adventures were colorful threads woven through the tapestry of both our and our daughter's lives. The column recalls what I see on his face every time the three of us part ways for the hunt.
It is a look I see each time he leaves one of us in the woods. It conveys emotions more complex than the obvious – he is proud of us, confident in our abilities, and loves having us beside him.
Sara grew up in the forests and swamps of this place, and I had watched the lessons learned at her father's side shape her confidence, her appreciation of nature, and the values she learned for our place in it. The story's conclusion recounts Sara's successful hunt that night.
I know that in a few moments, Lewis will shake her hand, congratulate her, and make her tell the story again and again. She will beam and pose for the camera, and we will add this memory to the many that have shaped our lives as a family. And now, with our wheels back on the other side, I remember exactly what keeps us coming back.
Moments like this always make me reflect on life with Lewis, and the past twelve years that I have had the honor of sharing my thoughts with Azalea Magazine readers, they have often provided the inspiration for the stories I write. I thought about this when I climbed off the fourwheeler earlier this week. Bible verses and blind faith got me over those bridges a dozen years ago, but not today, thank you. All the Bible verses in the book couldn't get me on that bridge. "I think your mother has lost her spirit of adventure," he tells Sara. My response is that age begets wisdom.
Lewis is proof that there are exceptions to that adage. Only days later, I laugh out loud as I watch my husband careening down the street on the John Deere with our fearless 18-month-old grandson's hands next to his on the wheel. Over the drone of the engine, Gillie shrieks with joy, throwing back his head, clapping his hands, and shouting his new mantra, "Ride, Papa! Ride!" Uh-oh. I see bridges in that boy's future. Mentally scrolling through the familiar verses, my hands reach for the keyboard.
And just like that, my husband once again hijacks the column I had planned for this issue. I like to think that I'm relatively creative on my own, but facts are facts. He's crazy, hilarious, dangerously fearless, and frequently drives me up the wall. That being said, more often than not, Lewis Frampton is my muse. "I'm not in control of my muse," wrote Fahrenheit 451 author Ray Bradbury. "My muse does all the work." I feel you, Ray. Mine inevitably provides moments that make me laugh, cry, scare the daylights out of me, and/or roll my eyes.
Search for images of muses, and you'll often find drawings of tiny goddesses in diaphanous gowns perched on the shoulders of writers staring dreamily into space. Mine squirms uncomfortably on my collarbone, wears holey jeans and mismatched socks, and my stare into space usually indicates I'm reviewing my bandage and antiseptic inventory. But he's an incredibly good sport, stoically accepting that people he's never met are regularly privy to the endless adventure of our life together. He allows me to poke fun at him, to describe the bigger picture behind the often hair-raising and occasionally bloody escapades that are par for the course for an octogenarian Evil Knevil. Tchaikovsky writes, "The muse doesn't come without being called." I have mine on speed dial.
I know how lucky I am to have my words on this magazine’s pages. I am eternally grateful to all who let me be here, for the time and talents of those who make each issue possible, and for the readers who allow us to share our stories. Congratulations to Azalea Magazine on 15 years successful years in print, and to Summerville for providing the most charming and interesting place to make it happen. AM *Loan
KIDS THESE DAYS
by Tara Bailey
Fifteen years is a long time. It’s also hardly any time. The relativity of time is breathtaking in its application to a human life. For instance, when I teach seventh graders about Anne Frank, I use well-known people to illustrate that her lifetime wasn’t all that long ago. I point out that Queen Elizabeth II, who died just two years ago, was older than Anne. So was local legend Coach John McKissick. Former President Jimmy Carter. Mel Brooks. Betty White. Clint Eastwood is only eleven months younger than Anne Frank, while she and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were born the same year. Giving young people a tangible, (mostly) living timeline of monumental events allows them perspective that also surprises them - and me. I never fail to be awed by time.
When I had been out of college for fifteen years, my classmates and I couldn’t believe it had been a decade and a half since we last heard the bagpipes play on the campus green. Now it’s been more than twice that long, something my brain has a hard time convincing my heart is true. Fifteen years seems like a long time when I think of my car, which has been serving us well for sixteen. But when a storm ushered water through the ceiling above our garage, I bemoaned that the new part of the house shouldn’t be leaking already. My husband reminded me that the “new” part of the house was more than twenty years old.
Though I’m no longer young, I’m not that old, and it’s never too soon for a life review. I would give the past fifteen years a B-plus, which is lower than I had planned for thirty years ago and probably graded on a curve, if I’m honest. But a B’s not too
shabby, and I’ve done a lot of the things I had hoped to do when I was young: raise a family, continue learning, take on mental and physical challenges, and travel a little. To get an A, I probably should have stayed in the same job for longer, been better about nurturing old friendships, saved more money, and focused more on others. At least that gives me a goal for the next fifteen years, should I be so lucky to have them.
I try not to pine over regrets; they can be powerful learning tools. Nostalgia for the time when my kids were little and my face was smooth clouds the reality that during those years I longed for their self-sufficiency and scoffed at sunscreen. The children were young, but so was I. I feared they would stay young forever, while at the same time assuming that I would, too. Today we are all adults, though not peers. It’s a balancing act, figuring out the boundaries between parents and grown children. I use my relationship with my own mother as a guide and then remember that I haven’t always been the most gracious daughter. However, I can give our relationship over the past fifteen years an A-plus. These days my relationships are strong—as is my patience—and I wear sunscreen everyday.
My youngest child is nineteen, and it stuns me to think that fifteen years ago she wasn’t even in kindergarten. Today she’s a sophomore in college. When I see pictures of the funny fouryear-old from fifteen years ago, I can’t believe she’s the same person; I’m so used to her young adult poise instead of her gaptoothed grin. But when I thumb through my favorite children’s books and we prattle on about lemonade stands and catching
turtles, you can't tell me more than a year or two have passed since I was tucking that kid in at night.
One of my favorite books is the children’s novel, Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt. Spoiler alert: it’s about a family who unwittingly drinks from a spring that gives them immortality. The family members are paused at the the ages they are when they drink the eternal water. The family—two young adult sons and parents stuck in their fifties— grieves the many losses the stopping of time brings: the inability to progress through life, look forward to the future, and share moments with friends and family who age along with them.
We panic when we think of time getting away from us, but the fictional Tucks are panicked knowing nothing in their lives will ever change. The family patriarch dwells in a state of melancholy, preferring to sleep throughout the day so he can dream that he eventually gets to heaven. It’s his wife, Mae, who provides a major theme of the book: “Life’s got to be lived, no matter how long or short.” The older son, Miles, also share his wisdom with the young protagonist of the story, noting that as long as he’s here, he needs to be of use. That’s the part of the book that gets me every time: as long as we’re in this world, we need be useful.
In fifteen years I’m going to look at photos from now and wonder how I could possibly have thought I was getting old at a spry 53. I pray that in fifteen years the people I love will still be here, but I know how reality works. Life offers no promises, so we have to be the ones to keep our promises to ourselves. I promise myself to try to be of better use, no matter how long or short my years may extend. Fortunately, I have good models for a useful life, including my 99-year-old grandmother—born four years and two months before Anne Frank. AM
It is valuable to look back at the past, to remember
by Diana Thompson
e can remember using stories from our past. I was a middle school history teacher here in town for a few years right after graduating from college (at the same middle school where I attended!). I made sure that every single unit of history that I taught had clear connections to our present. History isn’t always pretty but it ALWAYS comes with lessons we can learn from – sometimes that lesson shows us what success looks like and how to celebrate it and sometimes that lesson shows us what not to do, so we (hopefully!) will never repeat those actions again.
We can remember in physical places. My husband and I both graduated from Clemson. We both attended there for more than 4 years. We met there and dated and got engaged and married there. We take our kids to a few home football games a year and I think by this point our 13 year old daughter can show you each dorm we lived in (well – the ones that are still standing…), where we made plans to go on our first
date, where our dog loved to chase squirrels, where we worked all night long on the float for homecoming week, and so much more. Each of these locations represents memories that are meaningful to us and while we don’t need the spaces to still exist to recall the memories, their presence makes the memories that much more vivid and easier to recall.
We can remember with tradition, such as holiday celebrations and annual, monthly, or weekly events. Some traditions stand for decades or even centuries while some are just for a short season. Ending the tradition or creating a new one in its place does not diminish the value of what that tradition stands for. Life ebbs and flows and traditions can too. It’s what the tradition represents that is so much more important than the physical actions themselves.
Remembering in our faith is probably the most important remem-
Tinsel Trot
NOV. 23 | 5:30-8 P.M.
Holiday Lights Driving Tour
NOV. 29 - DEC. 30 | 6-9 P.M. Closed Dec. 24 & 25
$10 per vehicle
$20 per bus
Holiday In The Park
Old Santee Canal Park DEC. 13–14, 20–21
6–9 P.M. Santa | Food Arts & Crafts Marshmallow Pits And more! 2 WEEKENDS ONLY!
Event entry included with paid admission to Holiday Lights Driving Tour
BERKELEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE Presenting Sponsor
bering we can do. The Bible is not a mere collection of teachings and stories meant to inspire and entertain. It is FILLED with stories of a God who parted seas, tore down walls with the sound of trumpets, made a shepherd boy a king, and literally brought the dead back to life. These stories are also landmarks—memorials erected so that when we are facing our own seas and walls and inadequacies, we can remember that the God in us has already overcome every one of those situations and is perfectly capable of doing it again. So many times, in the Bible God instructs his people to build an altar or monument to remember what took place in that location. It is not the altar God wants us to worship; it’s that the physical monument should remind us of what he did in that place, which leads us to worship Him.
...let’s also use the stories from the past to remember to give ourselves grace whenever we fall short.
How do you remember? Let it not be with regret, focusing on things we cannot change and ways we wish we could have done things differently. Let’s remember the past (and appreciate it) while keeping our focus on what lies ahead – the choices we still have to make and opportunities we will encounter. Let’s use the people who’ve come before us and the stories of their lives to make wiser, kinder choices. A good friend once told me to “let others’ ceiling be my floor” —meaning I should start right where the people before me left off. But let’s also use the stories from the past to remember to give ourselves grace whenever we fall short. Because there are plenty of stories in the Bible to remind us that while we will mess up often, God’s grace is always available to us. And that fact remains the same in the past, present, and future. AM
• Estate Planning
• Probate
• Litigation
• Business & Corporate Law
• Personal Injury
When Will and Dottie Rizzo turn their dreams into realities, we all wake up to magic.
The inn emerged as a worldrenowned luxury resort whose mythos continues to hold a place in Summerville’s storied past.
Three cast ironcobblers that are sure to warm the belly & the heart
THEIR WORK HAS CONTRIBUTED TO SOME OF SUMMERVILLE'S MOST RECOGNIZED LOGOS, LANDMARKS, AND LIBATIONS. WHEN WILL AND DOTTIE RIZZO TURN THEIR DREAMS INTO REALITIES, WE ALL WAKE UP TO MAGIC.
SStep into the elegantly eclectic ambiance of The Azalea Bar and Garden, and you'll immediately get a feel for the aesthetics of its proprietors. With the look and feel of a cozy speakeasy, much of the décor came directly off the walls and shelves of Will and Dottie Rizzo's home. Much of it came from thrift stores, antique shops, estate sales, and flea markets. In addition to being brilliantly creative and ridiculously talented, they are the undisputed king and queen of thrift store shopping. In this new and unique cocktail bar, the couple set out to reflect the same signature Summerville style they showcased in the pages of Azalea Magazine, the lifestyle publication they conceived of and launched almost 15 years earlier. A look through the magazine's pages is proof that they nailed it.
You'll find Azalea Magazine on coffee tables all over the Lowcountry. You'll see it on newsstands, in libraries and grocery stores, run across it in doctors' offices, and almost always find someone pouring over its pages in local coffee houses. Since the first day it appeared on the scene, it spoke with a new voice, telling the stories of a unique town. Its goal was and continues to be showcasing the natural beauty of Summerville, celebrating its storied past, and exploring its present-day charm. As it has from that very first day, Azalea Magazine introduces the characters who brought the Town to life, those who make it what it is today, and the innovators who will take it into the future. The quality of the magazine's photographs and graphics, its writing, and the fresh approach of its design gave it all the attributes of a national magazine. Who were these publishers that seemed to have come from out of nowhere?
Dottie Langley was a Summerville girl whose family roots run deep in the community. Will Rizzo had spent part of his youth in the Charleston area but largely called Florida home. They met in college and married soon after graduation. What followed took the pair from a record deal in Nashville to an art school in Florida. It earned them awards and a reputation for excellence within Charleston's graphics and advertising community. It prompted them to become entrepreneurs. And, as if they weren't busy enough, their family grew to include two children during this time. They don't talk much about their singer/songwriting abilities or Will's Nashville recording contract, and good luck getting them to share the subsequent albums. "That was really our first joint venture into creativity. We probably wrote 40 or 50 songs. Everything on the first record was our music, and I would say 80% of the next one." (I've heard it. It's good.) Their decision to leave Music City was Nashville's loss. But their decision to attend art school was a gift that Summerville continues to unwrap all these years later.
"As soon as we were out of (art) school, I started applying for jobs in Charleston," Will remembers. "I think I sent out 30 resumes before Bill Collins, who owned the Journal Scene, hired me. He let me redesign the paper, which he sold several years later. It was an incredible opportunity that I am still proud of." From there came jobs with several high-profile Charleston graphic design and advertising agencies. Ready for more, the two decided to form Bellwether, their own advertising and design firm. "The Town was growing, and no locally-based design company was providing the service. It seemed like the time was right." Bellwether hit the ground running, designing ads and logos for high-profile
businesses and organizations. The Chamber of Commerce, Town of Summerville, DREAM, Coastal Coffee, and Perfectly Franks were among their clients, and much of their design work is still in use today.
The pair was young and blessed with endless energy, talent, and imagination. Both admit to having literal dreams of creating a magazine to honor Dottie's native and Will's newly adopted hometown. Bellwether brought them the opportunity to work with and serve the community, which in turn gained them a deeper appreciation for the Town's history and its human and natural resources. Having grown up in Summerville, there were stories about people and places that Dottie knew pieces and parts of but had never fully explored. Being new to the Town, Will looked at those stories with fresh eyes. "Everything we read about Summerville was told from Charleston's perspective. We wanted to give Summerville's perspective—to hear the Town's voice in its stories." Fueled by endless optimism and hours of prayer, the idea that regularly visited their dreams began to take shape on paper.
Will remembers sitting in a meeting in the DREAM office, thinking, "Let's jump all in and just do it. We talked about it and decided to begin selling potential advertising space. We thought, well, if we can't make it work, we'll give everyone their money back." With no budget and little to no experience in journalism or publishing, the pair set out to launch their new endeavor. They called it Azalea Magazine. It worked, and the first issue hit the racks in Fall 2009.
While Will's creativity is often the catalyst for new ideas, and despite being dyslexic, he wrote 80% of the first issue. Dottie is the virtual triple threat. She is not only creative but also a technical and numbers person. Her photography skills translate their ideas into images worthy of publication on their own, and there is no one you'd rather have research a subject. Again and again, she has risen to the challenge. "We haven't really had mentors to show us how to do something," she says. "From publishing a magazine to opening a bar and restaurant, we've had to teach ourselves and figure it out as we go along."
"I think what makes us work together so well is that we think completely differently," Will muses. Dottie sells herself short, laughing at his description. "My main job is always keeping Will's feet on the ground." The couple's relationship might best be described as having the perfect balance—the yin and yang that make for a good partnership. The Rizzos work hard, but their faith in their ideas and in each other is well-placed. The magazine was well-received by a community that, to this day, clamors for more.
Diving a bit deeper than publications that hardly scratch the surface of the stories, the subjects Azalea Magazine explores sometimes took on a life of their own. "We did a story about tea's role in Summerville's history and titled it Summerville, The Birthplace of Sweet Tea. The Chamber adopted the phrase as a part of their marketing efforts for the Town and created a whole new direction for promoting Summerville." This year, Summerville attracted 18,000 attendees to The Rizzo's subsequent brainchild, the Sweet Tea Festival. "We may have had the initial idea, but events aren't really in our wheelhouse. Leaders in the community ran with it and transformed an idea into an incredible celebration
Neither like to talk about themselves, so sitting the Rizzos down for an interview isn't easy. However, I have an enviable inside track.
for the community."In addition, the pair were instrumental in the creation, acquisition, and development of the Public Works Art Center, Summerville's free, family-friendly, nonprofit community art center in the heart of Downtown.
Neither like to talk about themselves, so sitting the Rizzos down for an interview isn't easy. However, I have an enviable inside track. A dozen or so years ago, Will and Dottie offered me the opportunity to write for them. Since then, they and their family have become treasured members of our family. The experience has been and remains an adventure. I've been along to watch them work their magic, but our attempts to create a timeline inevitably leave something out. There is a lot to unpack, though the three of us try to fill in the blanks. When Dottie stops, we've already moved beyond Azalea and on to the next project. "Wait a minute, we also did Palmetto Magazine," she says. "Oh, right," says Will of their state-wide publication. "I almost forgot." The magazine that slipped their minds was the unexpected pathway to another. Having picked up an issue of Palmetto at a Visitor's Center, Augusta, GA's Convention and Visitor Bureau came calling to explore the possibility of the pair producing a magazine to promote their city. The result was The New Augustan. The first issue was awarded first place for Augusta's CVB in an industry-wide competition.
Though their endeavors have sometimes taken them far beyond the Town limits, their hearts remain faithful to Summerville. Two and a half years ago, that appreciation of Summerville and its potential prompted them to open The Azalea Bar and Garden in historic Downtown. The sophisticated yet comfortable venue offers something for every taste, including craft cocktails, specialty curated wine, local craft beers, and a menu of Southern favorites. "We wanted to create something the Town didn't already have —something uniquely Summerville, and have it be a sort of sister business incorporating everything that we loved about the magazine," they explain. "We wanted to keep that same feeling." The eclectic location quickly became a preferred gathering place and special occasion venue. It remains a local favorite and a delightful surprise for first-time visitors.
But as it inevitably does, time was flying, and life was changing
for the Rizzos and their family. As creative and talented as their parents, daughter Paris was graduating from Presbyterian College, entering MUSC to study medicine, and soon to be married. Their son Davison was about to leave for Lander University, persuing a degree in music. It was serendipitous when they were approached by entrepreneur Jenna Lachenmen, who was contemplating a new magazine in another town and came to them for recommendations and advice on the subject. Though they had not considered selling Azalea, it felt like perfect timing when she asked if they had considered it. "As hard as it was, we knew it was time to shift our attention in a different direction. Jenna's manner, philosophies, and respect for ‘telling the stories’ fit ours. We knew that Azalea Magazine was in good hands."
These days, they take us around the world. The beer world. Godwin's Beer Hall, their newest venture, welcomes all to a European-style biergarten experience and boasts a curated selection of brews, meads, ciders, and wine. "We had this character in the back of our minds—an eccentric adventurer, explorer. He's the inspiration for it all." The venue's maps, flags, and globes follow the track of the hall's namesake explorer. Like everything the Rizzos touch, Godwin's is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity that are the pair's signature.
Never resting on their laurels, tomorrow they head to Chattanooga, TN, to do the legwork for the second edition of that city's tourism magazine. Uncomfortable in the limelight, the couple remains humble, crediting those who have supported them for their successes. "We don't take our blessings for granted. We have incredible support from family and friends from day one, and we couldn't do what we do without those who give more than 100% every day to help make our dreams a reality. We have incredible employees at Azalea Bar and Godwin's. Their hard work and expertise make it all happen. We are so grateful."
Creativity, talent, vision, and a work ethic that keeps them in constant motion are the things that drive them. Faith, family, and friends are the foundation for everything they do. As long as Will and Dottie Rizzo continue to dream, we will continue to wake up to magic. AM
Set against the backdrop of the golden age of travel and the movement to the pines, Summerville’s Pine Forest Inn emerged as a world-renowned luxury resort whose mythos continues to hold a place in Summerville’s storied past.
The golden age of travel, spanning from the late 19th century to the 1930s, was an era when the journey itself was as glamorous as the destination. Grand steamships and luxury trains like the Orient Express epitomized this period. Boarding a train or an ocean liner meant entering a world of white-gloved porters whisking luggage away with a flourish, dining cars serving multicourse meals on fine china, and passengers dressed in their finest, ready for evenings filled with live music or card games in the lounge. Travel was not merely getting from point a to point b, it was an event and a demonstration of class and refinement.
Modern-day travelers, whether for business or leisure, might agree that contemporary travel has lost a bit of this luster. Where polished leather trunks once marked the status of a seasoned traveler, we now battle with carry-ons stuffed to bursting and mourn the liquids we sacrificed to the TSA gods while snacking on a packet of five pretzels and a drink served in a plastic cup. Even most firstclass experiences, while still leagues above coach, are often a shadow of the vintage luxury that offered the silken robes and private compartments which set the standard for high-end travel. However, modern travel does have its advantages, it is efficient, affordable, and accessible to the masses. Far more people can experience new places today than in the days when only the wealthy could afford such luxuries (a small consolation as one wedges into an economy seat with little hope of restful sleep).
The golden age of travel also had a more somber side: many of the affluent used this rise in leisure travel as an escape from the widespread illnesses, such as tuberculosis (TB), that thrived in the crowded, unsanitary conditions of industrialized cities. These elites sought refuge in places known for their fresh air and healthy climates, such as mountain resorts, coastal towns, and spa destinations. This dual purpose of recreation and health recovery led to a booming tourism industry focused on wellness and convalescence.
It was during this time that the town of Summerville, SC, still recovering from an earthquake and a downtown fire, received a significant boost when the International Congress of Physicians in Paris declared it one of the world’s top places for treating lung disorders, thanks to the healing properties attributed to the scent of its pine trees. This recognition sparked the construction of inns and hotels to accommodate an influx of visitors. In 1891, Frederick Wagener, a successful German immigrant and businessman, opened the most grandiose of them all: the Pine Forest Inn.
Wagener, part of the wave of “Forty-eighters” who fled Germany after the political unrest of 1848, had established himself in Charleston as a successful grocer known for extending credit during economic downturns. In 1890 Wagener purchased the Sum-
merville Hotel Company which was supported by John Averill, the superintendent of the S.C. Railroad and mayor of Summerville. Opening in 1891, the inn quickly became the jewel of Summerville enterprises, hosting the rich and famous of America and the world, including two U.S. presidents.
The inn flourished during the early 20th century, its reputation cemented as one of the premier winter resorts of the South. It stood on 60 acres and offered lawn tennis, fish ponds, a horse stable, a swimming pool, and one of the few golf courses in the country at that time. Guests could partake in leisurely activities, visit the Pinehurst Tea Farm (now a historic neighborhood), hunt, or relax on the inn’s porches lined with rocking chairs. Inside, the inn featured grand ballrooms, opulent dining rooms with glittering chandeliers, libraries filled with leather-bound books, four floors serviced by elevators, 150 steam-heated rooms, and its own power plant, dairy, and telecommunications - remarkable advancements for its time.
The inn was more than just a hotel; it was a social hub. Visiting guests would attend formal dinners, dances, and lawn parties, forging connections that spanned beyond the borders of the South. Distinguished guests included President Theodore Roosevelt, who reportedly visited during his time in office and appreciated Summerville’s serene, pine-scented atmosphere. President William Howard Taft was also known to have stayed there, enjoying the luxury and tranquility. Business magnates of the time also sought to combine business with pleasure during extended stays in the South. One particularly notable story involves railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, who is said to have stayed at the Pine Forest Inn while planning his expansions along the southern East Coast. Stories abound of lively dinner conversations and secret meetings among influential guests, including a legendary poker game involving high stakes and business deals that shaped regional developments. This kind of exclusive, behind-closed-doors gathering was emblematic of the Pine Forest Inn’s role as a venue where leisure and legacy intertwined.
Despite its prestige, the Pine Forest Inn could not withstand the sweeping changes of the Great Depression and World War II. Economic difficulties made lavish travel unattainable, even for the wealthy. The inn's decline began in the mid-1930s, and it closed its doors. During World War II, it housed officers and defense workers. In 1939, T.W. Salisbury converted it into an adventure school, which, though innovative, was not financially sustainable. Eventually, the inn sat vacant until Salisbury, fearing a fire hazard, had it demolished while salvaging much of the interior for preservation. Today, many Summerville homes feature mantelpieces from the inn.
The original site of the Pine Forest Inn is now President Circle, a residential community. The only remaining visible structure is the entrance gates, though residents occasionally find pieces of china and other artifacts in their yards. Although the inn no longer stands, its impact endures. It was a place where history and hospitality intersected, where the sounds of laughter of guests on warm evenings marked a time when travel was more than reaching a destination and the destination was an experience that left lasting memories etched into the soul of a town. AM
THREE COBBLERS THAT ARE SURE TO WARM THE BELLY & THE HEART
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 29oz cans sweet potatoes in syrup
2 teaspoonsvanilla extract
5 tablespoons butter cubed
1/4 cup pecan pieces
Ingredients (Crust)
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons butter, softened
5 tablespoons water
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400º. For filling, in a large bowl whisk first 5 filling ingredients. Drain the sweet potatotoes, reserving the syrup. Pour sweet potatoes in a greased cast-iron skillet. Measure out 1 1/2 cups of reserved syrup, mix in vanilla extract, and pour on top of sweet potatoes. Sprinkle the sugar and spices mixture over top of the sweet potatoes. Put the 5 tablespoons of butter on top and sprinkle on pecans.
Preparation (Crust)
Mix salt into flour. Cut butter into flour until it resembles course crumbs. Add water and mix. Crumble over top of sweet potatoes in skillet and cook 40-45 minutes until topping browns.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 stick butter cubed
1 egg, beaten
4-5 cups raspberries
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup instant tapioca pearls
Vanilla ice cream (optional)
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350º. In large bowl combine 1 cup sugar, flour, salt, baking powder and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Cut in cubed butter with a pastry blender, then add the beaten egg and mix until egg is evenly distributed. Pour raspberries into cast-iron skillet and cover with remaining sugar and tapioca. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 teaspoon nutmeg over the berries. Crumble the cobbler dough evenly over the berries. Bake for 40 minutes or until the berries bubble and crust gets golden brown. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cocoa powder, divided
2 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1 cup milk
2/3 cup butter, melted
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup light brown sugar
3 cups hot water
Vanilla ice cream
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350º. In bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, 6 tablespoons of the cocoa, and 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Pour into cast-iron skillet. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup sugar, brown sugar, and remaining cocoa. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the hot water over top; do not stir. Bake for 40 minutes or until center is set. Serve with vanilla ice cream, topped with some of the chocolate pudding.
by Ellen E. Hyatt
December bridges our lives from what is gone to what is upcoming. If a piece of music, December could be a prelude and sound like the parts jazz trumpeter Josh Lawrence plays in “Prelude to a Farewell.” The solo trumpet is not uproarious or brassy. Reflective in timbre, it creates for us organized feelings of sad beauty for what’s gone and all that we must say goodbye to.
December could also be a prelude, sounding like the alto sax parts Johnny Hodges plays in “Prelude to a Kiss.” With big-band orchestras, when Hodges performed the ballad, the notes sounded warm and whispered, as though a kiss was just about to happen. No wildly rowdy rendition of kisses— so routine in crowds on New Year’s Eve. But a kiss with balanced blending of surprise and intent to coax curiosity of what’s next.
December is when It began. Hints? Sure. It, like jazz, collaborates to entertain. It spotlights, shines on solely, too. It blends motif with surprise. It counterpoises form and freedom. Its ensembles may improvise while Its riffs keep structure. Any guesses what It is? Well, right now you’re holding It: The magazine, AZALEA, whose title is a flower, meaning “temperance”; whose 60 issues, 15 years, and promises kept are prelude to a future which, of course, invites you.
