CH2: Celebrate Hilton Head - December 2012

DECEMBER 2012 1

www.celebratehiltonhead.com

December 2012

FEATURES

CONTENTS

DECEMBER 2012

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>> Features

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Bachelorette of 2013: Meet the Top 10 These ladies made it to the December issue and helped raise over $14,000 for the Island Rec Center. Now it’s your turn to tell us who deserves to be on the January cover. Vote today at celebratehiltonhead.com.

Gift Guide for HER Cool stuff for your lady friends.

Arts Center of Coastal Carolina For director Casey Colgan, anything goes in Anything Goes

C2’s Holiday Hoopla Fun facts, recipes and more!

Putting on the Glitz Add a little sparkle to your holiday party.

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Gifts from the Gallery This holiday season, get the person who has everything the unique gift of artwork.

P106 Are You Paying too much for Property Insurance?

Lowcountry hurricane risk/property insurance discrepancy exposed.

>>> ON OUR COVER

>>> special to c2 Magazine

While shooting our Top 10 Bachelorettes we were joined by local artist, Candace Lovely.

CH2 CELEBRATE HILTON HEAD!

CH2 Bachelorette Paint Marker Drawings on Paper by Candace Lovely

www.celebratehiltonhead.com

( BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE )

12 RESTAURANTS OFFERING WINTER DEALS - SEE PAGE 19

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C2'S HOLIDAY HOOPLA

Photography

By Anne GOWNS BY LUCIANA

MAKE-UP BY SKINZIN JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT THE ELECTION WAS OVER, THEY WANT YOUR VOTE

DECEMBER 2012

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BOGO

HAIR BY SALON ARTISTRY

She helped us document the entire day with several drawings of each Bachelorrette.

Here’s a sample of some of the images. Can you guess who is who?!?

DECEMBER 2012

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See page 38 December 2012

EVERYTHING ELSE

CONTENTS

DECEMBER 2012

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P32 The Teague’s Man Taking on the world in style

P66 Eat! & Nosh Writer Matthew Bodie noshes with Robert Irvine at his two local restaurants.

P70 John’s Music It’s a place for musicians, the venerable hub for everybody involved in the Hilton Head Island (and beyond) music scene for decades.

P82 Trattoria Divina A scene from an Italian restaurant

Top Dollar Pawn All manner of reliable used tools, musical instruments, sporting goods and jewelry stock the shelves at Top Dollar Pawn & Sales, minus the fancy packaging and bright signage found in retail stores.

P24 Editor’s Note Four quick things

P26 Celebrate December Happy Holidays to All!

P28 Island Character Hello My Name is…Santa Claus!

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And now, a word from our mayors Drew Laughlin & Lisa Sulka keep us updated on town happenings on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton.

P122 Discounts!

Why in the world would you NOT show your CH2 card to get these fabulous discounts? If your issue doesn’t have one, e-mail us your mailing address and we’ll send you one! Card requests to m.washo@celebratehiltonhead.com.

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It’s Five O’clock Somewhere Happenings at local watering holes

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What you need to know…about tax planning.

>>> ON OUR COVER CB2 CELEBRATE BLUFFTON & BEYOND

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>> Everything Else

2 DECEMBER 2012

>> Business Profiles

CELEBRATE BLUFFTON & BEYOND

BOGO ( BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE )

Photography

By Anne

12 RESTAURANTS OFFERING WINTER DEALS - SEE PAGE 19

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C2'S HOLIDAY HOOPLA

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT THE ELECTION WAS OVER, THEY WANT YOUR VOTE

DECEMBER 2012

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www.celebratehiltonhead.com

See page 38 December 2012

12.2012

From the Editor

2 Publisher / Editor-in-Chief: maggie washo Art Director: Kelly stroud Art & Production Catherine Davies Advertising Sales: Ashton Kelley kim crouch Candy Eazor Executive Assistant Hunter Kostylo Contributing Writers: MATTHEW BODIE paul devere Frank Dunne Jr. Drew Laughlin MICHAEL PASKEVICH Lisa Sulka Courtney Hampson Santa Claus LEW WESSEL Contributing Photographers / Artist: Photography by anne Mark staff Photography John Brackett Photography Krisztian Lonyai Photography ROB KAUFMAN CHRISTOPHER ZYDEK Contributing Art Direction: Tom Staebler P.O.Box 22949 Hilton Head Island,

Happy Holidays!

T

his is a very busy time of year for everyone (and by “busy” I mean, busy playing hooky from work, going to holiday parties and shopping). So, I am going to keep it brief this month. I have four quick things to say: • Thank you to all of our Bachelorette nominees and to everyone who came out for the party on October 25. Together, we raised $14, 331 for the Island Rec Center. Woohoo! Best year ever. If you would like to see photos from the event, they are posted on CH2 magazine’s Facebook page.

• Don’t forget to vote for your favorite bachelorette at celebratehiltonhead.com. You have from December 1-12 to register your vote.

Every vote counts because, fortunately, we have no electoral college at the magazine.

• Check out page 19 for Buy One, Get One Free offers from local restaurants. If your issue didn’t have one, give us a call and we’ll send one to you in the mail!

• Happy Holidays from all of us at CH2— safe travels this season!

Until next year,

SC 29925 843.689.2658 m.washo@celebratehiltonhead.com

M. Washo Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

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www.celebratehiltonhead.com

December 2012

DECEMBER

2012 SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY BREAKFAST WITH SANTA 8:00AM- 11:00AM The Westin Hiliton Head Resort Admission: $10/ Adults FREE for children 3 & under

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CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH THE H.H SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

8PM First Presbyterian Church

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Ticket Prices $20/$35/$45

HH CHORAL SOCIETY 28TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES A festive Annual Christmas Tour of Homes in the scenic and secluded Hampton Hall neighborhood in Bluffton More info: 341-3818

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16 23 GREGG RUSSELL CHRISTMAS CONCERT 7:30-9:30PM Sea Pines Resort Relish the spirit of the holidays with an evening in Harbour Town. Listen as Gregg Russell plays his guitar and sings songs of the season for children & adults of all ages; then, enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus!

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12TH ANNUAL POLAR BEAR SWIM ALL DAY EVENT!

Show your adventurous side with the other “polar bears” by taking an invigorating dip in the Harbour Town Pool on a chilly winter day.

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4TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY LUNCHEON December 5, 2012 11:00AM-2:30PM Hampton Hall Club More Info visit www. opsreyvillage.org

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SAVE THE DATE: 13TH ANNUAL SAVANNAH LOWCOUNTRY HOME & GARDEN SHOW

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“ANYTHING GOES”

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SATURDAY

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4TH ANNUAL BLUFFTON CHARITY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION OF PARADE TREES 41st Annual Bluffton Dec 1-17th Christmas Parade The Westin Resort will start at Town Hall and will make it’s way & Spa through Old Town ALL DAY EVENT! Bluffton to Oscar More Info: 681-4000 Frazier Park

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December 5- 30 Tuesdays-Saturdays at 8PM Sunday matinees at 2PM More info: artshhi.com

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BLUFFTON FARMER’S MARKET

Every Thursday, 2-7PM through Dec 20.

Calhoun Street, Carson Cottages and Old Town Bluffton

4 - 8PM Shelter Cove Community Park $10 Ages 2-18 Admission includes all activities

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FREE PICTURES WITH SANTA! 3-7PM Friday & Saturday’s Nov 23- Dec 22 Lobby at South Beach Inn More info: 671-CAFE

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WINTER WONDERLAND FESTIVAL

ICE SKATING IN HILTON HEAD HARBOUR TOWN JINGLE JINGLE December 22-31 5K RUN & HEALTH 11AM-9PM WALK HABOUR TOWN Starts at 9:00AM What a great way Hilton Head to spend time Hospital Campus & with the family & Main Street friends during the More Info: (843) Holidays!

757-8520 $12/adult $8/child

Jan 18-20, 2013 18th: 2-7PM 19th: 10-7PM 20th: 11-5PM Savannah International Trade & ConventionCenter

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FRIDAY

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NEW YEARS EVE!

www.celebratehiltonhead.com

DECEMBER 2012

Photography By Mark Staff

s u a l C a Sant )

(St. Nick

Ho, Ho, Ho! My name is St.

Nicholas, but my friends call me Santa Claus. You may have seen me at the Mall or flying over your house with my reindeer.

I grew up in the boring/exciting town of

The North Pole.

When

Rudolph,

I

was

(circle one)

five,

my

hero

was

but now the person I most

admire is Buddy

the Elf.

too many years to count since I first flew over Hilton Head Island and Bluffton in my sleigh, and to me, the biggest change is there are so many more children to deliver toys to now.

It’s been

If

someone

were

to

ask

me

for

making toys, I would tell them ask the elves – they are the professionals! My line of work is delivering toys on Christmas Eve and I chose this profession because I love seeing children smile. advice about

If I were mayor of HHI/Bluffton, my first (circle one)

order of business would be

snow more often.

to make it

My favorite time of the year in HHI/Bluffton, is

Christmas Eve because I get to see y’all again! (circle one)

In closing, when you turn the page, I hope

you remember always be nice, but definitely

to be naughty – because I’m watching ALL YEAR LONG! not

5 It’s

O’clock

somewhere!

W

Wednesday

T

Tuesday

M

Monday

Sunday

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Kingfisher Happy Hour (5-8PM) Early Bird (5-7PM) Old Fort Pub- Happy Hour (5 - 7PM)

Los Jalapenos - Happy Hour (4-7PM)

San Miguels - Live Music (5:30-9:30PM) The Jazz CornerDeas Guys(8PM) Wise Guys- ALL Month Long Early Dining from 5-5:45PM- 25% off ENTIRE CHECK Happy Hour from 5-7PM in WG Lounge25% off ALL small plates, pizzettas, cocktails, glasses & bottles of wine Late Night from 10-Midnight in WG Lounge - 25% ALL small plates, pizzetas, cocktails, glasses & bottles of wIne

Giuseppi’s Pizza and Pasta (Hilton Head)

Old Fort Pub- Happy Pizza & Pitcher Night Hour (5-7PM)

Order any large pizza, get a pitcher of soda for $1 OR get a pitcher of domestic beer for $7!

Old Fort Pub- Happy Hour (5-7PM) Big Bamboo- Happy Hour (4-7PM) Margarita Madness DJ Craig @ 10:30PM Lodge- Craft Beer and Burger Bar (Every Monday) Begins at 5PM- All Night $1 Pasta Night & MORE!

San Miguels - Live Music (5:30-9:30PM) The Jazz CornerSwing & Big Band w/ Bobby Ryder Quartet Mellow MushroomTrivia Night (9PM) 9 Promenade- Buy One Tapas, Get One 1/2 OFF and 15% off wine Wise Guys-Every Wednesday: Bubbles Bubbles Ladies’ Night (Beginning at 5pm – All night long)

Los Jalapenos Happy Hour (4:30- 7PM)

The Jazz CornerMartni Lesch band ft.

Whitley Deputy(8PM)



Skull Creek Boathouse Reggae Party with Patwa (7-10PM) $3 Red Stripes, $4 Rum Specials

Black Marlin Hurricane Bar Happy Hour (4 - 7PM)

San Miguels Live Music (5:30-9:30PM)

CharBar Co.Happy Hour Daily Half-Pice Liquors Half-Price Wines New Small Plates & More!

(4-7PM)

The SmokehouseHappy Hour (3-6PM) Monday- Saturday

Frankie Bones- $10 Off Any Bottle of Wine

One Hot Mama’s - Taco Tuesday $2 Tacos & $2.50 Coronas Begins at 5PM CharBar Co- Happy Hour and Live Music Daily (4-7PM)

Send your event/entertainment listing to c.davies@celebratehiltonhead.com

Wild Wing Café (Hilton Head) Karaoke with Big B!



S

Saturday

F

Friday

thursday

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Black Marlin Hurricane Bar - Drink Specials (12 - 7PM) CharBar Co.- Saturday & Sunday Football Specials!

Black Marlin Hurricane Bar - Happy Hour (4 - 7PM)

The Jazz CornerLavon & Louise (8PM) Black Marlin Hurricane Bar Happy Hour (4 - 7PM)

Kingfisher- Comedy Club Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving (7-9PM) Happy Hour in Lounge (5-8PM) Early Bird (5-7PM) San Miguels- Live Music (5:30-7:30PM)

Ela’s Blu Water Grille - LIVE Music (Starting at 8PM) Kingfisher- Comedy Club Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving (7-9PM) Happy Hour in Lounge (5-8PM) Early Bird(5-7PM)

Ela’s Blu Water Grille LIVE Music (Starting at 8PM)

The Big BambooDec 29: The Mundahs (10PM) Dec 22- Zach Deputy (10PM)

Kingfisher- Happy Hour in Lounge (5-8PM) Early Bird (5-7PM)

Montana’s- Dec 1: Groupos Son Del Conqui (8:30PM)

Old Fort Pub - Happy Hour (5-7PM) San Miguels- Live Music (5:30-9:30PM)

The Big BambooDec 21 & 22: Zach Deputy (10PM)

9 Promenade- $5 Off Pizza and $2 OFF speciality Martinis

The Smokehouse- Live Entertainment

Thirsty Thursday Wild Wing Café (Hilton Head) $2 House Vodkas and $13 Miller Light Buckets One Hot Mama’s- Kids’ Eat Free- $2 Kid’s Meal with each Adult Entree purchase

Skull Creek BoathouseDec 21: Winter Wonderland Party Toys for Tots event sponsored by Coca Cola (Begins at 5PM w/ a visit from Santa(5-7PM), live music, ugly sweater contest, and toy drive.

Dec 28: Full Moon Party Live music, beer pong tourney, and best dressed team contest

The Jazz Corner- Mose Allison (8PM)

Wise Guys- Dec 8: Little Sparkly Dress Party Every “Little Sparkly Dress” receives a complimentary glass of champagne.

Begins at 5PM, 5-5:45PM- Receives 25% off Entire Check Music by DJ Wee at 9PM

ALL CLOTHING

BY TEAGUES IN THE VILLAGE AT WEXFORD MODELED BY KRISZTIAN LONYAI

SILVER GREY CASHMERE FULL-ZIP CARDIGAN NAVY PLAID CASHMEREFEEL SPORT SHIRT STRETCH COMFORT JEAN SOCKS BY JHANES BARNES BISON BLACK DRIVER SHOES ROYALL RUGBY EAU DE TOILETTE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNE

T

T

NAVY AND RED PLAID SPORT SHIRT UNDER SLEEVELESS RED MERINO WOOL SWEATER

T

BILL’S KHAKIS POLAR FLEECE VEST BILL’S KHAKIS COTTON FLANNEL SPORT SHIRT

Maggie Mueller Occupation: Veterinarian Technician/ Adoptions Hometown: PittsburghSteeler Country!

Clothing provided by Palmettoes in Sea Pines Center

If entrance music played every time you entered a room, what song would it be? The Cuban Shuffle!

Tell us your idea of a perfect date.

I would just like to have one! If you had to change one thing about yourself, what would It be? Someone once said, try to be a better version of yourself everyday- that stuck with me. Give us three words your friends might use to describe you.

Free spirited, active & upbeat. There is a mandatory evacuation for the Lowcountry- what do you not leave home without? Gibbs- my dog!

Meet CH2’s Top Ten

achelorettes These ten ladies charmed our judges with their questionnaires and helped raise $14,331 for the Island Rec Center this year at our Bachelorette Party at Reilley’s Plaza on October 25. Now, it’s your turn to decide who wins the coveted title of Bachelorette of 2013 – with a $5000 payout and her face on the cover of our January issue. Voting starts December 1, and runs through midnight on December 12. Log onto www.celebratehiltonhead.com to cast your vote. One vote per person. Every vote counts (We have no electoral college at CH2).

Extra special thanks to Klaus and Brigitte Gueldenpfennig who generously hosted our photo shoot on their 66’ Vicem Custom Sport Yacht, The Jackalope, handcrafted by Vicem Yachts in Tuzula, Turkey.

We cannot thank-you enough for the beautiful location in Windmill Harbor. This exquisite yacht is currently for sale. All inquiries should go to Craig Coyne at Harbourside Marine Group in Shelter Cove Harbour. **Read complete profiles of all ladies and watch behind the scenes footage of the photo-shoot at www.celebratehiltonhead.com.

Photography by Anne • Hair by Tracee and Holly at Salon Artistry • Make-up by Jessica Shefsick at SKINZIN • Special thanks to Craig Copas and Jennifer of Harbourside Marine Group, Inc.

Kathy Bolton Occupation: Realtor/ Associate Broker Hometown: Centerville, OH Clothing provided by Belk in Shelter Cove Mall

What is your favorite part of living on Hilton Head or in Bluffton? The wonderful people and friends I have met over the past 15 years. The sandbar, the beach, and Freeport marina on Daufuskie Island. If you had to change one thing about yourself, what would It

Clothing provided by Belk in Shelter Cove Mall

be? I would have more patience. Give us three words your friends might use to describe you. Life of the party, outgoing and passionate. There Is a mandatory evacuation for the Lowcountry- what do you not leave home without? My daughter, Abby and our 3 cats.

Heather Carlsberg Occupation: Golf Pro Hometown: Prescott, Arizona If entrance music played every time you entered a room, what song would it be? “My first, My Last, My Everything” by Barry White. Tells us your idea of a perfect date. Playing a round of golf together, go boating together in the sunset, to enjoy a delicious dinner. If you had to change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I wish at times I wasn’t so sensitive and tender hearted. Big wedding or small destination wedding? Big wedding for sure! I’d love to invite everyone I care about and who are important in our lives! Then I’d love to invite 50 of our closest friends and family on a private yacht and sail off celebrating to the tropics.

Jill Lutz Occupation: Teacher Hometown: Alexandria, VA Clothing provided by Belk in Shelter Cove Mall

If entrance music played everything you entered a room, what song would it be? “Keeps Getting Better” by Christina Aguilera Tell us your idea of a perfect date. I love live music, so dinner, and drinks and dancing, preferably outdoors, with someone who can make me laugh would be awesome. Give us three words your friends might use to describe you. Strong, independent, and faith-filled.What feature do you notice when meeting a new guy? Eyes, specifically eye contact, and smile. Both show confidence

Ruthi Collins Occupation: Independent Sales Rep Hometown: Hilton Head, SC for 28 years Clothing provided by Palmettoes in Sea Pines Center

What is your favorite part of living on Hilton head or in Bluffton? That is like a “small town” but all the amenities of a “big city.” Plus the beach doesn’t hurt.

Tell us your idea of a perfect date. A steak dinnereither at home or out! Then dancing. If you had to change one thing about yourself, what would It be?

The need to try and make everyone happy! Give us three words your friends might use to describe you.

Loyal, hilarious and a hard-worker.

Rona Livingston Bartolomucci Occupation: Writer Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA If entrance music played every time you entered a room, what song would it be?“Something to Talk About” by Bonnie Raitt. Tell us your idea of a perfect date. A perfect date for me, is being anywhere with the right man! Give us three words your friends might use to describe you. I asked my last boyfriend.

Intriguing, vivacious, and alluring LOL! There is a mandatory evacuation for the Lowcountry- what do you not leave home without? My dog…. And anyone who needs a ride

Brittany Shane Occupation: Television Reporter Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA Clothing provided by Belk in Shelter Cove Mall

If entrance music played every time you entered a room, what song would it be? “Don’t Stop Believing”

by Journey, because I am an eternal optimist. Tell us your idea of a perfect date. I like interactive dates where we can get to know one another. So my idea of a good date would be to go to a sporting event, or maybe ride jet skis, or zip line. If you have to change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I am extremely competitive, and while I am a good sport if I lose, I definitely have that “eye of a tiger” mind set in everything from Go Fish to Bingo. Give us three words your friends might use to describe you. Honest, intense and caring.

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December 2012

Katie Boone Occupation: Kindergarten Teacher Hometown: Lancaster, Ohio If entrance music played every time you entered a room, what song would it be? “Wagon Wheel” by O.C.M.S. Tell us your idea of a perfect date. Going to a Kentucky Basketball game where I can cheer on my CATS followed by celebratory drinks for two at the Big Blue Martini and a night out in Lexington! Big wedding or small destination wedding? Big wedding, only because my parents eloped and I think my mom plans to live vicariously through her only daughter’s wedding. What feature do you notice when meeting a new guy? Smile and a good sense of humor.

Shannon M. Krieger Occupation: Human Resources and ABA Therapist Hometown: Beaufort If entrance music played every time you entered a room, what song would it be? “Call Me Maybe”….

Predictable? Yes. Trendy? Yes. Totally Awesome?

Absolutely! Tell us your idea of a perfect date. I love trying new food, so a perfect date for me would be trying a fun, new restaurant or concocting a new recipe together in the kitchen followed by a Netflix or movie out. However, I am also a pretty fierce miniature golf competitor!!! Give us three words your friends might use to describe you. Sassy, funny, and genuine.There is a mandatory evacuation for the Lowcountry- what do you not leave home without? My dog O’Malley and my laptop so I can alert Facebook to my evacuation destination…Very Important!

Jordan Nimmer Occupation: Student at USCB Hometown: Bluffton, SC What is your favorite part of living on Hilton head or in Bluffton?

Proximity to the beach and the outstanding nightlife! As well as gracious southern hospitality. Tell us your idea of a perfect date. Dining at a romantic restaurant, home in front of a warm fire with a great bottle of wine, incredible conversation and a chick-flick (If football’s not on). Give us three words your friends might use to describe you. Charismatic, diplomatic and creative There is a mandatory evacuation for the Lowcountry- what do you not leave home without? Mascara, lip-gloss, and my favorite pair of heels!

Voting starts December 1, and runs through midnight on December 12. Log onto www.celebratehiltonhead.com to cast your vote.

Hot Tennessee Toddy Ingredients: 1.5 oz. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey Spoonful of honey Cinnamon stick A good squeeze of fresh lemon juice Boiling water

By Courtney Hampson

I’m driving to work today and listening to Christmas carols and it hits me, what in the heck is a pum? The reason I ask is that, well, it’s mentioned 61 times in the 181 word song “Little Drummer Boy.” A full one third of the song is dedicated to the pum. Dictionary. com returns no definition for the “pum” search, and now I have even more questions.

One, why aren’t I a song writer? And two, how the heck did songwriters Katherine K. Davis,

Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone get away with this highway robbery?

With the word rum also making 21 appearances (a little more palatable—pun intended— as alcohol consumption must increase during the holiday season), I realize that this stellar (ahem!) trio penned merely 33 words apiece and they’ve been cashing in on Christmas carol royalties since 1958 for this sham. I demand a recount!

While we’re talking about the spirit (one more round please) of the season, let me get this straight.

Black Friday was on a Thursday this year? The retailers couldn’t even wait until I tugged at the turkey’s dehydrated desire bone before starting the Christmas fanfare?

Macy’s has been running holiday adverts since midOctober. Target had to move their Halloween costume aisle before anyone even had the chance to trick

or treat just to make room for the Christmas decorations.

Home Depot’s pop-up parking lot Christmas tree “farm” was populated before Thanksgiving week.

What’s the rush? I think our chances of it really being the “hap, happiest season of all” would increase if we would let it arrive at its own pace. In December, like it used to, for crying out loud.

I thought there were only twelve days of Christmas?

If that maid has

To Assemble: Pour Jack Daniels into a heavy mug.

Add a spoonful of honey, cinnamon stick and lemon juice. Top with boiling water and stir. Enjoy!

to start milking double-time, she may not make it to December 25th. And think about the poor lord a leaping; his hamstrings will be burning like a yule log.

As the holidays draw near, our internal evaluations of the year past start playing in our psyche. As we flip through the

happenings of our life, it is almost as it we are creating a veritable naughty and nice list in our mind. I mean, if we rush Christmas, we miss the opportunity to slap ourselves on the wrist for eleven months of stupid crap we did. We might also be missing the opportunity to really consider the (continued on next page)

In 2010, approximately 37.2% of Americans began holiday shopping by Halloween. http://facts.randomhistory.com/holiday-shopping-facts.html

Pino Gelato Gourmet Cafe has opened its doors in Bluffton at the Bridge Center, off Hwy 278 East across from Moss Creek. It’s the area’s first European Style Coffeehouse, offering everything you’d wish to treat yourself with. Its relaxing, cozy atmosphere is ideal for a shopping break, meeting with friends or just to spend a relaxed hour away from the world with your book or laptop. Everything they offer comes from American manufacturers who don’t use preservatives and work with the finest ingredients. The coffee is freshly roasted locally near Charleston and the delicious cakes are personally transported by the owners from Charlotte NC. The sandwiches, crepes, flatbreads and pizza cones are made on the spot, and of course they are already known for delicious Italian gelato. It is a one-of-a kind place! They are open daily from 11:30 AM to 10 PM, and from 8 AM to 10 PM on weekends.

Show this article from the December issue of CH2 and receive a 10% discount.

Each year there are approximately 20,000 “rent-a-Santas” across the United States. “Rent-a-Santas” usually undergo seasonal training on how to maintain a jolly attitude under pressure from the public. They also receive practical advice, such as not accepting money from parents while children are looking and avoiding garlic, onions, or beans for lunch. http://facts.randomhistory.com/christmas-facts.html

The average holiday shopper will spend $107.50 on themselves. http://facts.randomhistory.com/holiday-shopping-facts.html

Out-Of-The-Office Replies for the Holidays With the Holidays approaching, you and your co-workers will be leaving for much-dreaded family visits to Wisconsin or highly anticipated Christmas trips to the Caribbean.

Don’t forget to set up your out-ofoffice replies before you leave. Feel free to be creative without getting yourself fired.

For the soon-to-be-unemployed I apologize for missing your email. I am at the doctor’s office having my brain removed so I can be promoted to our Management Team.

For the wise -a** in your office You are receiving this automatic notification because I am out of the office. If I was in, chances are you wouldn’t have received anything at all.

For the Religious

(continued)

important things in life. And by things, I mean the people.

In the past year, two of my friends have lost their young wives to cancer.

These two amazing women left behind not only their husbands, but young children, whose Christmas memories will no longer include their mom’s physical presence.

For them, I almost want to stop time so they can cherish

their memories and slowly start making new ones.

Just a month or so ago, I watched my hometown of Brick, New Jersey get decimated by “super storm” Sandy. Watching from South Carolina—and via Facebook where much of the story was unfolding for me—it was as if time stopped.

I watched high school friends rally together to get through the

horror. I flipped through picture after picture of destruction, almost obsessed, and in disbelief that the landscape of all of my childhood memories has forever changed.

As this season is shoved down our throats so furiously, we don’t get to enjoy the holidays at our own pace. I don’t want to “hurry down the chimney tonight.” I want to slowly make my way to “Jingle Bell Square” and

7.6 million Christmas trees are sold each year.

Brother, I’d like you to “follow me in merry measure.”

Let’s take the time this month to step back, if only for a second, to make a quick list of what is truly important this holiday season. And, remember, with Facebook and Twitter, Santa (and everyone else) really does know when you are awake, and if you’ve been bad or good.

So be good for goodness sake. 

http://www.funfactz.com/christmas-facts/2/

I am sorry I missed your email. I am celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

God Bless.

For anyone with a Smartphone I will be out of the office and returning next week. I have incredibly easy access to a phone and email, but I assure you, it will not be used for work purposes.

For Men: I am currently out of the office on maternity leave.

And our Personal Favorite, which can be used at anytime – not just during the Holidays: I’m not really out of the office. I’m just ignoring you.

Contrary to popular belief, suicide rates during the Christmas holiday are low. The highest rates are during the spring.

Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone. - Charles Schulz

The song “Jingle Bells” was first written for Thanksgiving but became popular around Christmas time.

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Christmas purchases account for 1/6 of all retail sales in the U.S

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90% of consumers who shop online said that free shipping offers entice them to spend more.

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The USPS will see nearly a 40% increase in cards mailed on 12/20.

http://blog.chdist.com/did-you-know-shipping-during-holidays-facts/

December 2012

We suggest a few of the following items for under the tree this year‌

Gift Guide

for Her Photography By Anne

Polymer Belts by Arden Bardol Smith Galleries $165-$175

G. Ribbon Gold Jeweled Clutch The Porcupine $98

Buy Her Tickets for Two to the 2013 Wine & Food Festival March 9, 2013

Customized Golf Cart Quality Golf Cars Call for Pricing

Hiltonheadwineandfood.com

$50 each

Frye Boots in Cognac Outside Hilton Head $348 Shiraleah Fedora in Navy Radiance $30

Nike Tennis Skirt, Hat & Tank Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center $55, $20, $58 Leather Purse & Wallet by Buxton Palmettoes $195, $90

We suggest a few of the following items for under the tree this year…

Foyer Half Table, “Norma” Al Harry Furniture $750 David Yurman Thoroughbred Cable Hoops in Sterling Silver Forsythe $325 Sparkly TOMS, Miss Me Jeans & Ya Los Angeles Grey Hoodie Sweater Island Girl $44, $99 and $54 Gamecock Tara Collection, Dress & Striped Leggings Island Girl $76 Bejeweled Black Cocktail Dress by Jovani Luciana $640

Gift Guide

for Her V4 Graphite Four Hybrid Five-Iron Ladies long sleeve top

by Tail, Faux Fur Vest by EP, Striped Capri Golf Headquarters $200 ,$68, $99, $72

Short Mau Dress in nude & gold by Jovani Luciana $590 Gold Clutch by Santi, Gold Belt, Orange & Brown Belt

The Back Door $245, $125 and $178 Green Pea Coat, Leopard Blouse, Neckart Scarf, Designer Copy Necklace Patricia’s $227, $142, $54, $62, Karlie Printed Shift Dress, Very Volatile Tan Cowboy Boots Radiance $98, $85 FootJoy Ladies Black and White flower print golf shoes Golf Headquarters $88 Deep Steep Deodorizing Foot Mist, Foot Cream, Foot Polish, OPI Animalistic Nail Polish The European Spa $14, $9.50, $12, $9

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Wicked Playbill Purse Smith Galleries $78 SAnta dog Long Sleeve t-shirt and Logo Christmas ball The Salty Dog Cafe $20, $8

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Gift Guide

for Her

Fuschia Suede Heels by Kelsi Dagger The Porcupine $110 Bosom Buddy Bag with White Ribbon & Shell Embellishment The Blue Parrot $198

December 2012

We suggest a few of the following items for under the tree this year‌

Gift Guide

for Her ibis table lamp in ancient gold finish Interior Motives call for pricing

Sunglasses and Grey Studded Bag Funkey Monkey $22, $72

Red Leather Jacket by Mythology, Black & Grey TurtleNeck by Evolution Suede Moccasins by Marc Joseph Palmettoes $375, $95, 165

Wooden & Metal Wine Rack Interior Motives $150

Ez Go Golf carts LowCountry Golf Cars Call for Pricing Red Purple Berry Ginger Oil Candle Gifted $90

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Gift Guide

for Her

Clarisonic PRO Sonic Skin Cleanser Skin Medica TNS Essential Serum Weniger Plastic Surgery $225, $260 Tokyo Bay Watch The Blue Parrot $147

December 2012

NOSH PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB KAUFMAN

A two-day interview with celebrity chef Robert Irvine Article and interview by Matthew Bodie, R. Mission Inc.

EAT! PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTOPHE ZYDEK

Day 1: eat!

I had been waiting at Robert Irvine’s eat! for some time— waiting for its celebrity owner to arrive for our scheduled interview. From the back of the house, a silent alarm must have signaled that the famous chef had arrived. The already sharp and attentive staff picked up the pace during this hectic Tapas Tuesday, eat!’s weekly special where their entire tapas menu is half price, checking every last detail to ensure nothing had been missed. Irvine walked in with his face buried in his phone, most likely replying to a tweet or an e-mail from a fan.

He sat down next to me, seemingly unaware of my presence until he had finished the last thread of his communication. He then turned his attention squarely on me and blurted, “Did you eat?” I

had hardly gotten the “n” pronounced in my response before he hopped up and dashed to the kitchen to order some food.

He returned in flash. “You have some questions for me?”

“Um, yes,” I said, grabbing my notes. “Your hit show Restaurant: Impossible is entering its fifth season...”

“Hey!” he turned his attention a customer, obviously a regular, who approached him in the middle of my question. I waited while he discussed family and caught up. That person was immediately followed by a group of fans taking the opportunity for a quick hello and photo.

Luckily for me, my first round of tapas, selected by Irvine, had arrived to keep me company. While he was pulled from the table

by autograph requests and glad-handing, I enjoyed the delectable smoked chicken pizzetta with apple cream cheese, sundried tomatoes, blue cheese, and corn relish followed by the shrimp corn dog with honey sriracha aioli. I could have stopped with just that, but my server advised me that more was on the way.

Irvine returned to find me awaiting my next course. “How was it?” he asked.

“Amazing” I replied, “so, Restaurant: Impossible is about to start its fifth….” My question was cut short again by the arrival of my entrée: a beautiful trio of seared scallops on a bed of lobster fennel risotto, and sous vide peaches. But before I could even grab my fork, Irvine snatched the plate away with a grunt and darted back into the kitchen. Not wanting to miss any more of my time with him, I followed. I found him discussing the dish with his chefs and how he wanted it refined. The conversation ended with a calamitous, “Alright, are we all on board?”

After a unanimous, “Yes, Chef!” The chefs then busied themselves re-creating the dish to Irvine’s meticulous specifications. A server arrived to alert Irvine to another issue, and I was left to enjoy my scallops.

Stuffed from my meal, exhausted from watching Irvine’s activities, and not having even asked my first question, I was close to calling it quits when Irvine apologized and invited me to come to his other restaurant, nosh, the next day, before it opened, to finish the interview.

Day 2: nosh

Opened this past January in the Tanger 2 Outlets in Bluffton, Robert Opened this past Irvine’s nosh, features a much more January in the laid-back menu than its gourmet Tanger 2 Outlets predecessor, eat! Its comfort-driven in Bluffton, dishes fit perfectly with the inviting Robert Irvine’s setting that has been created with reclaimed wood and local art. “Tom nosh, features Bury, the construction manager a much more from Restaurant: Impossible, did the laid-back menu redesign,” Irvine said of nosh’s décor. than its gourmet “Well that leads perfectly into predecessor, eat! my first question,” I started, seeing what could be my only opportunity, Its comfort-driven “However I don’t even think I need dishes fit perfectly to ask anymore.” I intended to ask with the inviting if the chef’s brash, intense, and setting that has sometimes-harsh persona on his been created with show Restaurant: Impossible is anything like how he is in real life. reclaimed wood He chuckled at my less than subtle and local art. reference to last night’s madness.

“My intensity comes from so often being placed in situations that would cause most anyone else to crumble,” Irvine said. “With two days and a limited budget to fix a restaurant, I am not afforded the luxury of time and patience. I have to get to the point, identify the problem, and find the solution that works—even if this occasionally means injuring egos, raising my voice and, yes, even taking a sledgehammer to a wall.”

I could see the parallel between what he was describing on the show and his behavior at eat! the previous night. With his schedule keeping him away so much, he has to make every moment count with his customers and staff.

Nosh features a weekly burger and craft beer special every week alongside its regular menu of casual fare “done right.” As Irvine regaled me with stories of his past, I “noshed” on that

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week’s special, the German Brat Burger, an 8-oz. pork and beef bratwurst patty with black forest ham and caramelized onion cheese sauce on a toasted brioche bun. He told stories of joining the British Royal Navy at age 15 and eventually working his way up to serving aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia where the royal family regularly dined. He went on to describe how he was picked to be a part of a US Navy guest chef program and how that led to opportunities to work in the White House kitchens, feeding various American heads-of-state and even a few presidents.

All of his 25 years in the kitchen led to landing the shows Dinner: Impossible, Worst Cooks in America, The Next Iron Chef, and Restaurant: Impossible. About to begin its fifth season, Restaurant: Impossible continues its successful run as one of the Food Network’s most popular shows. What, besides possessing the energy of a man half his age, has led to all of his success?

“You will often see the mantra repeated throughout all of my shows, ‘Nothing is Impossible.’ This is so much more than just a catchphrase. This is my heartfelt philosophy which has driven me through all of my years,” Irvine said.

With that, I decided it was best to end the interview. Word was leaked on Facebook and Twitter that Irvine had been spotted at nosh, and I assumed that my one-on-one time was drawing quickly to a close.

One last note: with the holidays approaching, you can buy gift cards for your friends and family members both online and at the restaurants. You can also purchase official Robert Irvine merchandise from chefirvine.com/store.  Robert Irvine’s nosh is located at 1414 Fording Island Rd., Unit B-160 in the Tanger 2 Outlet Center. For more information or reservations, call (843) 837-5765 or visit robertirvinesnosh.com.

Nosh features a weekday happy hour from 4-7 p.m. with buy-1-get-1 free appetizers, $3 house liquor, and $2 Yuengling alongside their amazing seasonal craft beer selection. On Sundays, you can enjoy $6 burgers and $6 buckets of Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Robert Irvine’s eat! is located at 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Suite B-6 in the Village at Wexford. For more information or reservations, call (843) 785-4850 or visit eathhi.com. Eat! hosts a monthly cooking class/luncheon featuring three to four courses, wine, and a take-home recipe book.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK STAFF

“Geez, what a nice vibe,” is the kind of thing heard out of the mouths of the innumerable musicians—locals whose names you know and others from far away—who visit John’s Music every day.

They’re there to buy a new guitar or some new strings. They’re there to take a lesson, picking up an instrument for the first time or taking their skills to another level. They’re also there just to be there, because it’s a place for musicians, the venerable hub for everybody involved in the Hilton Head Island (and beyond) music scene for decades.

“There’s comfort in consistency,” said John Sturm, the store’s namesake, in revealing the secret formula behind its endurance, which is really no secret at all. Sure, we’ve all heard marketing consultants and others of their ilk waxing on about the complexities of strategically managing customer relationships.

We’ve all seen ads and brochures for countless companies in seemingly every segment bragging, “We’re in the people business!”

Well, maybe that’s all necessary in some businesses, but it’s a lot simpler for guys like Sturm and store owner Scott Evans, because in the music business, there’s a natural bond with your customers: music. “I’m kind of carrying on John’s legacy here.

He’d run the store for over 10 years before I decided that I wanted to do music full time,” Evans said of his decision to purchase John’s Music.

“Scott bought the store from me two years ago and asked me to stay on,” Sturm continued. “I’ve always had a pretty good relationship with the working musicians, and we just try to keep them and take care of them. You know, go the extra mile.”

Keeping Sturm on board was a move to maintain the consistency that local musicians and had come to expect over the years. With John’s Music, they could always count on people who know their stuff, understand their needs, work as hard on service after the sale as they work on the sale, and who don’t mind if once in a while you just want to come on in, hang out and be a part of the vibe.

It’s a method that works. For years, on any given night that you’re out on the town around Hilton Head Island, if there’s a band or a solo artist playing wherever you happen to be, chances are that the performance has some connection to John’s Music, e.g., the guitar strings came from John’s. “They’re our main customers, main repeating customers I should say,” Evans said.

“They’ll call us on off hours and we’ll meet them at the store or we’ll deliver stuff out to them. So the service angle in addition to the sale is important.”

John’s Music is a bit of an anachronism, as the music retail business has followed much the same path as all other retail segments. That is, mass merchandisers have replaced most of

the small, local shops. In this case, anachronistic is a good thing, and Evans keeps a letter from an out-of-town customer pinned to his office wall as a constant reminder: “After walking through the door, I discovered that it was a ‘real’ music store and not just another huge showroom dealership that was all flash and no substance. The store reminded me of all the great stores…where service and customer care were more important than just making a sale. So on a recent visit to the island, one of the top things on my to-do list was to visit your store again just to be reminded what it was like when guitar dealers actually cared about the products they sold…Thank you so very much for conducting business the way it should be.”

“We want to help people get what they need, and give them an alternative to the music superstores,” Evans said. “Here, everything’s been tested and prepped, not just thrown on a wall. And we will service instruments that have been purchased elsewhere.”

That dedication to customer service has earned John’s Music the loyalty of regular customers from all over the Lowcountry, out of state, and even as far away as Canada in addition to local area musicians and aspiring musicians.

“We have four teachers,” Sturm said. “We offer lessons, and that’s how we’re bringing new people into music.” If you’re a fan of local music, you probably know some of these names. Jevon Daly teaches stringed instruments and some saxophone and keyboards. Daly also plays in a handful of local bands. David Kimbell has been teaching stringed instruments on the island for 20 years or so. Rich Vuillemot, a member of a popular local band, teaches guitar. Retired New York schoolteacher Nick Primiano teaches guitar and ukulele.

“We’ve got people who came in here at about eight years old and start learning. Next thing you know, they’re 14-15 years old and they’re playing in bands, and we’ve been a part of their music lives all along,” Sturm said.

“We try to maintain that relationship as long as they’re here,” Evans added.

And they plan to be here for the long haul. Earlier this year John’s Music underwent an expansion that doubled its footprint. The expansion allowed Evans and Sturm to increase from two to four lesson studios and provides a more open, less cluttered environment, while making room for lots more guitars, and basses, and…well…drop in and see for yourself.

t John’s Music is located at 23 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head Island. For more information, call (843) 842-5225 or visit JohnsMusicHHI.com.

SCOTT EVANS

JOHN STURM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISZTIAN LONYAI

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DRESS BY Jovani FROM LUCIANA

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DRESS BY FRANK LYMAN, BAG BY FRANK LYMAN MINK STOLE BY EUROPA, EARRINGS

BY AZARA, ALL FROM THE BACK DOOR

TOP BY ADRIANNA PAPELL, PANTS BY ECRU, BOTH FROM PALMETTOES SHOES BY VANELI

BY THE BACK DOOR

DIGITAL ARTIST: TARA BUONO / HAIR AND MAKE-UP BY DANIELLE KEASLING OF SALON KARMA STYLING BY ZOLTAN M. PUSKI / MODEL: ALI PARKER, EVOLUTION MODEL MANAGEMENT SPECIAL THANKS TO THE MOON RIVER BREWING COMPANY, SAVANNAH FOR THE LOCATION.

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DRESS BY RENUAR NECKLACE BY PATRICIA'S COLLECTIONS BOTH FROM PATRICIA'S SHOES BY VANELI

BY THE BACK DOOR

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DRESS BY TADASHI EARRINGS BY DIMITRIADIS, BOTH FROM THE PORCUPINE

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DRESS BY MM COUTURE FROM ISLAND GIRL

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DRESS BY DONNA RICCO, CUT-OFF JACKET BY SISTERS OUTERWEAR, BOTH FROM PATRICIA'S

T r a t t o r i a Divina Article by Frank Dunne, Jr // Photography By John Brackett

A scene from an Italian restaurant…

“Let’s take that one.” An out of the way, but not too out of the way, corner table in the wine room to the immediate right as you enter Trattoria Divina. It’s well-suited for our needs, giving enough privacy to converse without being overheard, but still able to take in the ambience that fills the rest of the space. Dominic greets us with complimentary sparkling Riondo Prosseco, “Just a little way to say Salute! An Italian tradition.”

“Thank you, Dominic. I’m Frank and this is my friend Kimberly.” Handshakes and salutations.

Though not a huge fan of bubblies, I’ll give you that Prosseco is a tasty, refreshing beginning.

Turning to my dining companion, “Thank you for joining me…Salute!”

“Thanks for inviting me…Salute!”

Clink!

A brief respite to enjoy the drinks and share some small talk, we can talk business later, then a welcome interruption, “Would you care for a cocktail before dinner?” inquires Dominic. We decline and move right to the wine selection.

You’ll understand why shortly. Dominic presents a Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva 2008. “Chef has selected this for you this evening. Tell me what you think.”

Chef has selected. This is good news. Mind you, probably due to my mostly Italian heritage, I rarely meet a Chianti Classico Riserva that I don’t like, so there’s little concern that Dominic would uncork the wrong bottle. Nevertheless I recall a little story to assure Kimberly that our wine selection is in good hands.

A few days earlier I’d had the opportunity to sit down with some of the folks who make this place go to get a little bit of backstory: Chef Hugo Lee, Karen Britton, and Harry Morales.

Interestingly, Morales’ (a self-described “cork dork”) decision to join this team was born out of his experience as a customer. “I felt that this was a significant breath of fresh air for Hilton Head,” he said. A huge connoisseur of wine and food, the former Philadelphian is no stranger to Italian dining, so it’s worth a listen when Morales tells you why Lee and Trattoria Divina are the real deal.

“We dine out a lot and we’ve been to every premier restaurant on the island numerous times.

I would do something that I call ‘challenge the chef’ in several of these restaurants.” That is, put the menu aside, have the chef taste a selected wine and challenge him to create something new to pair with it. “In his [Lee’s] case…the creativity just went off the charts! I think the culinary excellence, matched with a sincere humility for

Wining and dining done right

Chef Hugo Lee, Karen Britton

what he does…well, one thing led to another and they asked me to get involved.”

Dominic describes the fresh fig salads that will soon arrive after pouring the Nozzole: organic California figs sliced around baby arugula tossed in aged balsamic vinegar and finished with Humboldt Fog goat cheese. Finishing the salads, we’re talking about the stuff we planned to talk about, but I think we’re both more interested in thinking about food. I recalled my earlier conversation again.

“What is Trattoria Divina?” I challenged.

“It’s his baby,” said Britton nodding toward Lee. “He should tell you more.”

“We try to make it a friendly, family style place like a concept we used to have in California,” Lee said, referring to his 17 years of experience at La Jolla’s Trattoria Acqua. “It was very successful and we decided to bring it to this island.”

Probing into Lee’s time spent in California, I learned that he had also trained under Thomas Keller at the French Laundry and attended the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, both in Napa Valley. Good credentials for food and wine, but he’s being too humble, which I suppose tells you something about the young man, but…

“We make everything from scratch, and I buy as much as possible from local farmers markets, not from the big suppliers,” Lee said. “We love special requests and events,” Britton added. “The other night, we closed everything but one table in the wine room and filled it with balloons and flowers for a birthday dinner.”

Yes, that’s all very nice, but they’re not bragging enough, I thought.

“Accommodating,” proclaimed Lee. “We don’t mind split dishes and don’t charge for substitutions and things like that.”

“Do you like to be challenged the way Harry likes to challenge chefs?”

“Yes. Think of the menu as a guideline, not a rule.”

“He’s made stuff that I didn’t even know we had the ingredients for!” Britton said.

I remind my guest of this little exchange before the time came to order. “Stick to the menu or just order whatever’s on your mind.” She’s thinking veal.

“Would you like to order something from the antipasti menu?” Dominic inquired. We leave it to Chef to surprise us.

“Perfect.”

Three distinct items on the plate: a succulent broiled jumbo prawn pressed with fresh herb and garlic butter and bread crumbs, served over a lobster risotto; a tempura lobster claw sitting atop a strawberry and avocado timbale; and a caramelized jumbo diver scallop served over beluga lentils.

We were both quite impressed. Prawns, scallops and lobster claws; who hasn’t eaten plenty of them in their lifetime? But how many would ever think to order them prepared this way?

Mind you, there are eight other items on the antipasti menu, 84

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all very tempting, but trust me, it’s more fun this way…and Kimberly highly endorses the timbale.

Ordering dinner will be a tough decision, but then again, maybe not. Thinking back about something else Morales had said in describing Lee’s skill in the kitchen: “When you have true Italian dining, you sort of have what you want, right?

Yeah, we have a menu, but when you have a yearning for something…We had someone from Chicago who said, ‘you know in Chicago they made it this way,’ and, lo and behold, out it comes. He might have come from Mexico, but he’s as close to Italian as you can possibly get.”

So on the one hand, I’m very tempted to order something Italian, but I’ve had steak on the brain since my meeting with Lee, Britton and Morales. Amid all the talk of Italian food, he’d also spent time talking about Lee’s versatility. “Having him come around was a huge uptick for Hilton Head—somebody who’s classically trained in Italian, Mediterranean, French. And people have told us that his steaks are as good as you get at a steakhouse.”

Steaks. I haven’t had a great steak in a while, so despite the temptations to disregard the menu or order Italian, I’m going with the 12-ounce New York strip steak with forest mushrooms, pancetta, cipollini onions and whipped potatoes, served over a Gorgonzola cheese fondute. Kimberly stayed more on topic with an Italian dish and the veal that had been occupying her mind. Veal Involtini, cut like scallopini, pounded thin, rolled in fresh herb bread crumbs and stuffed with fresh buffalo mozzarella and asparagus, served with green peppercorn and brandy sauce and a side of fresh sautéed spinach.

“So, what do you think?”

“Mmmmm. You’ve gotta try this veal! Here, take some!”

“Try a bite of this steak, and make sure you get some of the fondute.”

“Thanks. Ohh, that’s so good!”

You get the picture. This is the part where we’re enjoying the meal immensely. Dominic and the rest of the staff balance attentiveness and our privacy very well throughout. We dine at our own pace and have some time to talk a little business before Dominic offers coffee and dessert. Kimberly inquires about her favorite, crème brûlée. “I have a hard time finding a good crème brûlée around here.” Sounds like we have a critic.

Dominic assures her that she will be pleased, and she is.

“We have an ice sculpture prepared for you,” says Dominic. We look at each other. “Ice sculpture?”

It would best be described as three scoops of sorbet on a bed of mango chunks contained in a globe of ice about half the size of a volleyball. I’m not much of a dessert eater, so I don’t know if this is a common item in the dessert universe, but we’re both sure enjoying it…and it’s kind of fun poking the spoon through a hole in the ice to get at the good stuff.

Walking back to our cars, we offer our final assessments.

“We should come back here,” said she.

“We will.”

THE END…but not really.

“With great food, one should have great wine,” Morales said. And the folks at Trattoria Divina think that applies to everyone, not just cork dorks, so they’re building their collection to suit all levels and tastes. “We have some very reasonable wines and some good moderate wines as well as very limited collectors’ bottles.” Try some of them. Trattoria Divina takes 30 percent off featured wines every Tuesday, or call the restaurant at (843) 686-4442 to inquire about special wine dinner events.  Trattoria Divina is located in Park Plaza at 33 Office Park Road, Suite 224 (Formerly The Brick Oven), Hilton Head Island.

Call (843) 686-4442 or visit online at TrattoriaDivina.com December 2012

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When trying to decide what to buy  for the person who has everything, why not peruse local art galleries for inspiration? We present a peek at featured artists and the talent that lies within.

has also been the subject of feature articles in Forbes, Fortune, Readers Digest, and The American Art Collector among others.

Morris and Whiteside Galleries is pleased to present a selection of recent oils from the studio of Kobayashi to be offered on a first-come basis.

Milt Kobayashi Morris & Whiteside The Yellow Dress, Oil, 18 x 18

Bernard L. D’Andrea Morris & Whiteside Beach Light, Oil, 24 x 36

Bernard L. D’Andrea enjoyed national acclaim for illustrations in Good Housekeeping, National Geographic and The Saturday Evening Post for almost 50 years from his New York studio. By the late 1950s, he was studying at the Brooklyn Museum School under Reuben Tam, who introduced him to the abstract expressionism of Willem deKooning, Jackson Pollock and Arshile Gorky.

Responding to the social and political tumult of the 1960s, D’Andrea began to explore the redemptive, spiritual qualities of nature, producing large abstract paintings fraught with

personal meaning and emotion. In the 1970s, he visited fellow illustrators Joe Bowler and Coby Whitmore on Hilton Head Island.

In 1980, Bowler convinced D’Andrea to exhibit his work at the Red Piano Art Gallery, and in 1993 D’Andrea relocated his home and studio to Hilton Head Island and became immersed in the coastal Lowcountry for inspiration that produced animated, stylistic landscapes. Recently, he has created a series of twelve, 24 x 24-inch panels that he describes as an allegory of the coastal islands around Beaufort, Hilton Head Island and Savannah.

Morris & Whiteside 220 Cordillo Parkway Hilton Head Island 843.842.4433 morriswhiteside.com

The fresh, bold and confident brushwork of Milt Kobayashi’s distinctive figures not only sets his paintings apart from other artists in style and technique, but also provides a unique expression of mood and mystery that has attracted collectors throughout the world. A third generation JapaneseAmerican, Kobayashi was born in New York City but spent his childhood on Oahu, Hawaii and completed his B.A. at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Upon returning to NYC to work as an illustrator in 1977, the young artist began frequenting the city’s numerous galleries where the works of Whistler, Chase, Sargent, and others had a profound influence on his use of color, patterns, negative space and highly sophisticated yet simplified compositions. The result has been a body of work that has achieved international acclaim. Kobayashi’s work

Morris & Whiteside 220 Cordillo Parkway Hilton Head Island 843.842.4433 morriswhiteside.com

Louanne LaRoche Camelia Art Old Grey Mare

Louanne LaRoche is a colorist with a style that combines the freedom of expression with the strength of representation. Her paintings reflect a significant sense of community and her response to these connections, as they are being lost, displaced or diminished.

“There is a communion of spirit between an intimate glance towards a gesture, event or place and the process of documenting this relationship on paper or canvas,” LaRoche said.

LaRoche lives in Bluffton and paints from her home (continued on page 90)

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studio close to the May River. Her paintings portray intimate portraits of Heritage Day events from the St. Helena cultural celebration to scenes from Belize to Summerville’s national coon hunt. Through impressions, her paintings capture and convey the culture of the Lowcountry. LaRoche’s work is found in private, corporate and museum collections.

Camellia Art One Office Way Hilton Head Island 843.785.3535 camelliaart.com

Ashley Hahn Maye River Gallery Morning on the May

Ashley Hahn is primarily a selftrained artist who has been drawing and painting since childhood. She received her B.S. degree in design from Clemson University in 1997. As her love for painting and drawing grew stronger through her work in the architecture field, she realized she had more passion for art than architecture.

Her technique produces a complicated, yet detailed scene, which reveals an understanding of depth and realism.

She enjoys painting a variety of subjects, most of which are inspired by the beauty of her Lowcountry surroundings. Her paintings are displayed at Maye River Gallery in Bluffton.

Ashley Hahn 65 Lawrence St. Bluffton 843.384.9225 ashleyrhahn.com

Brett R. Lance Daddy’s Girls

Brett Lance is a local digital photographer, originally from Bowling Green, Ohio, with 20 years of experience. What started as a hobby became a side business with the encouragement of Lance’s friends and family. By trade, Lance is a full-time realtor with Dunes Marketing Group and has been a Hilton Head Island resident since 1999. Anyone wishing to “buy local” and support small business can purchase his work on either of his two self-hosted websites. Lance offers large format and custom prints, canvas and rights-managed license usage.

Brett Lance Photography 843.415.6427 brettlancephotography.com

Jeremy McLin Burr Jeremy McLin Burr, was born and reared on Hilton Head Island, where his appreciation for the Coastal Empire’s natural wonders and authentic way of living began. As an adult, that appreciation for the Lowcountry’s natural beauty heavily influenced him in assisting with, creating and developing sustainable artwork that would remain harmonious with our natural environment.

An artist and father of two, Burr is using his abilities to create artwork that will serve to highlight the beauty of our environment and history, draw attention to its ecological plights and ultimately effect a positive change in how we coexist with our natural world.

Jeremy McLin Burr 843.816.5777 Coastalecoart.com

Pierce Giltner Potato, Acrylic on Tin

Born and reared in Chester S.C., Pierce Giltner brought his family to Bluffton in 2007. One of the South’s most unique folk artists, his paintings are made on rare salvaged wood and tin from derelict tenant houses across the Southeast. His artwork is bold and powerful, portraying the lives of bluesmen and oystermen; his recent work focuses on anything and everything based on the May River as experienced by boat. When the sun is shining, and he’s not building, you can find him painting at his open-air studio and gallery, “The Gallery Without Walls,” located on Calhoun Street in Bluffton.

Pierce Giltner Gallery Without Walls 843.338.7267 dpiercegiltner.com

Ben Ham The awe-inspiring work of Ben Ham has a magical quality that draws the viewer into the image. Capturing his images using a wooden large-format camera and film provides a depth and scope rarely seen. Each piece is then meticulously crafted, using only acidfree materials, museum glass and olive wood frames made in Italy. The end result is stunning.

Primarily known for his iconic images of the Lowcountry, Ham’s work has become highly sought after and is now collected worldwide. His collection encompasses not only the Lowcountry,

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but also the Rockies, the Southwest and the Pacific Coast; he is currently starting a new collection of Italy. Ham’s art has been exhibited in numerous one-man shows on Hilton Head Island, in Charleston, Vail and Napa Valley. Hilton Head Island has been his home base for 20 years. See more of his work at his local gallery/ production studio.

Ben Ham 90 Capital Drive, Suite 104 Hilton Head Island 843.842.4163 benhamimages.com

December 2012

Maria Slough Pottery

Maria Slough’s gallery, Fishbone, features over 30 local artists. She enjoys sharing art with the world, and that passion is reflected in her gallery.

Slough has been creating pottery and painting for more than 40 years. She owned a large pottery studio in Ohio for 20 years before relocating to the Lowcountry over 28

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years ago. She continues to create functional and decorative pottery in her studio and gallery in Old Town Bluffton.

Slough’s goal, above all else, is to bring joy to others with her self-taught pottery work, and she is thankful for her God-given talent to create whimsical pieces that help bring a smile to others.

Fishbone Gallery & Gifts 45 Calhoun St. Bluffton 843.757.5020 oldtownbluffton.com

The Art League of Hilton Head The Art League of Hilton Head presents Craft Hilton Head 2012, the second annual juried exhibition featuring works of fine 3D art from artists across the United States.

Local award-winning artist, Donna Ireton, will perform pine needle basketry demonstrations in the gallery from 1-4 p.m. on December 13, 17 and 27. Pine needle basketry is very similar to sweet grass basketry, with

coils of pine needles being stitched together to form baskets.

The exhibition is free and open to the public through December 30 at the Art League of Hilton Head’s Walter Greer Gallery, open MondaySaturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Art League of Hilton Head Island Walter Greer Gallery in the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Hilton Head Island 843.681.2399 hhal.org 

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Article by Michael Paskevich

ll manner of reliable used tools, musical instruments, sporting goods and jewelry stock the shelves at Top Dollar Pawn & Sales stores on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton, minus the fancy packaging and bright signage found in retail stores. And that’s exactly the way owner Ray Clark and his growing and dedicated clientele want it, not forgetting lower prices and a singular business strategy that often allows customers to walk out with more money than they came in with.

It’s all part of the sometimes misunderstood nature of the pawn trade that continues to evolve from once-dubious backstreet status to current TV prominence as increasingly informed folks seek bargains or much-needed quick financial fixes because of economic uncertainties.

“It’s not like Wal-Mart where you just walk in, ring up what you’ve got and then say ‘goodbye’,” said Clark, who opened the Hilton Head branch of Top Dollar in 1986 with his mother Rosemary Jorgensen and a publicity assist from “Sheena,” a now departed mountain lion that once joined him at work every day and helped generate no shortage of curious customers, some of whom Clark now counts as longtime friends and regular golf buddies.

Photography by John Brackett

“This is the kind of business that requires a personal touch,” Clark added, “and a lot of people are not happy to be here to borrow money. They feel the need to explain ‘why’ and give you their stories. You can’t help but become close to them and feel their pain, although this is a business and you can’t run it with just your heart. That’s one of the tougher aspects of the business, especially in an economy like the one we have now.”

Here’s how it works: People experiencing financial straits, be it for medication, power bills, rent or simply because of overdue paychecks, can take out loans, i.e. pawn their property for cash and, in turn, receive 90 days to repay the loans and retrieve their items, ending their transactions by paying modest fees strictly regulated by the South Carolina State Department of Commerce.

“A lot of people still don’t realize they can do this,” Clark said, “and it’s great feeling when you see their eyes light up… ‘You mean I can come and get this back?’” Then there are customers who, minus overwhelming sentimental attachment to their possessions, can simply sell them to Top Dollar and walk out with welcome influxes of needed cash.

Still others are simply mindful shoppers seeking bargains on

Pictured on opposite page, clockwise from top left: Ray Clark, proprietor of Top Dollar Pawn. Guitars line the wall in the at the Bluffton store. Diamond & Gold rings for sale. Musical instruments available for purchase.

the same goods they’d find in retail outlets, often saving up to 50 percent in the process.

Jewelry, scrap gold and guns are among today’s top sellers at Top Dollar, and its Clark’s task to stay abreast of ever-changing consumer trends and ongoing advances in technology that can turn certain items obsolete seemingly overnight. “If I give out a loan on a television or a computer, I have to hold it in the back room for three months,” he said, “and that can be an eternity with electronics these days. For example,” he continued, “digital cameras used to be popular, but today every cell phone has a digital camera that’s built right in. Things are always changing, and one of my jobs is to stay on top of things and figure out what I can sell something for in a reasonable time.”

Among the ongoing misnomers about pawn shops is that they’re havens for stolen goods. Clark and staff keep a wary

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and learned eye out for thieves and maintain a close working relationship with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department.

“We don’t want to sell anything that’s stolen both for the victim’s or the customer’s sake,” he said. “We gladly give it back to authorities and end up losing money over it, and that’s how it should be.” (Top Dollar can go after criminals for selling goods under false pretenses, although the chances of recompense are generally slim.)

A personable family man who is raising three children with his wife Debbie in Bluffton, Clark opened a second Top Dollar branch in Bluffton in 2006. Both stores have experienced an upswing in customers due to a lingering national recession.

The business has also drawn an assist from the proliferation of popular cable television shows highlighting life behind the counters of pawn shops.

“They’re not exactly realistic—they are TV shows after all—but they have helped put the business in a different light where it doesn’t seem so bad to go a pawn shop. Before, going to a pawn shop was compared to having your dog run over or something,” Clark said with a laugh, “and we still have people who tell us how they’ve been reluctant to come in. That’s been our biggest obstacle—educating people about what we do. And once they come in and deal with us, they almost always leave happy.”  Top Dollar Pawn & Sales operates stores on Hilton Head Island at 11 Mathews Drive, (843) 681-3400) and in Bluffton at 10F Kitties Landing, (843) 836-5626), open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., with additional 10 a.m.-4 p.m. hours Saturday in Bluffton. More information is available at topdollarpawn.us.

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For Director Casey Colgan,

Anything Goes in Anything Goes!

D

A r t i c l e b y P a u l de V ere P h o t o grap h y B y A n n e

irector Casey Colgan said that Cole Porter’s mother called him a “naughty boy.” In staging one of Cole Porter’s most popular and enduring musicals (opened on Broadway in 1934), Anything Goes, at the Arts Center of Costal Carolina this December, the exceptionally popular Colgan has taken Mrs. Porter’s description of her son to heart.

“I saw the Broadway show, which turned into the National Tour, about a month ago (October) on closing night.

I’ve done the show before, and I’m picking and choosing

and using the best moments of all of them,” Colgan said of his interpretation of the musical that includes Porter favorites like “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” “It’s De-Lovely” and, of course “Anything Goes.” Of the Broadway and National Tour version, Colgan said it was a little “too tame.”

While the Arts Center’s performance will definitely be tame enough for family audiences, Colgan wants the production to be in the spirit of what “naughty boy” Porter originally intended back in the 1930s. He’s combined his experience with the play and included an historical perspective. “If Cole Porter were alive today and knew what he could get away with, that’s where we’re going,” Colgan said. “Without going overboard,” he added, laughing at what he claimed was an unintended pun.

If you don’t know the play or the story line, Colgan said, “Think of the movie Titanic, only it’s funny.” That is, the boat, with sort of the same types of characters in both movie and musical (poor guy falls for rich gal who is engaged to a rich snob), doesn’t sink. However, in 1934, that wasn’t the case. A luxury liner, the SS Morro Castle, on its way from Havana to New York, caught fire and resulted in 138 deaths. This happened a few weeks before the play was to open.

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While the Arts Center’s performance will definitely be tame enough for family audiences, Colgan wants the production to be in the spirit of what “naughty boy” Porter originally intended back in the 1930s. He’s combined his experience with the play and included an historical perspective.

Since the original play was based on a shipwreck, one story has it that producer Vinton Freedly, who happened to be on a boat traveling to the Caribbean to avoid his creditors (it was, after all, the Great Depression), thought the script (one of the original co-authors was P.G. Woodhouse— best known for his characters Bertie

December 2012

Wooster and his valet Jeeves), would be in poor taste and demanded a rewrite.

The other story is that the script was a “hopeless mess” and needed massive help. Cynics choose this version.

In a scramble to remove it from the Morro Castle tragedy story (or repair the almost irreparable), Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse (who would later team up for Life With Father, The Sound of Music and Arsenic and Old Lace among others) were called in to save the piece. In the hubbub of all the changes, another legend grew. During final rehearsals, someone in the cast yelled out, “What are we supposed to do now?” when it came to the closing number in the first act. One of the members of the production team at the rehearsal yelled back, “At this point, anything goes!” The name stuck and

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The musical is filled with unforgettable characters.

Reno Sweeney, evangelist turned night club singer is played by another Arts Center favorite, Shannon Lee Jones. “Today we’d call her a ‘cougar.’ But this is the 1930s, so we call her a ‘red hot mama.’ She’s always falling in love with younger guys,” Colgan said. that first act finale typically brings the audience to their feet roaring.

Like most directors, Colgan wanted to make Anything Goes his own, something of a challenge for the musical that claimed the 2011 Tony Award for best revival of a musical (along with five other Tony’s). But the ever creative Colgan has come up with a real clincher.

“Cole Porter’s ‘Night and Day’ has never been in Anything Goes, but it’s probably his best song he ever wrote,” Colgan said. “So while Billy is singing ‘Night and Day,’ she (Hope) is singing ‘All Through the Night,’ then they go into a round. It’s a pretty fabulous mix,” Colgan said. Billy is a young Wall Street broker (remember, it is The Depression) and Hope is the debutante and object of Billy’s undying affection.

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The musical is filled with unforgettable characters.

Reno Sweeney, evangelist turned night club singer is played by another Arts Center favorite, Shannon Lee Jones. “Today we’d call her a ‘cougar.’ But this is the 1930s, so we call her a ‘red hot mama.’ She’s always falling in love with younger guys,” Colgan said. Then there is Moonface Martin, “Public Enemy #13,” who really wants to be a big time gangster, but fails. Colgan has also added a dream sequence that features six “Rockette-like gangster girls” while Moonface is in the brig.

Anything Goes features a big cast, Cole Porter tunes with some of his finest (if, as his mother would say, “naughty”) lyrics, a wonderful love story, truly zany characters and the Colgan touch, which brings Cole Porter into the 21st Century.

That should be truly enjoyable and a great holiday gift.  Anything Goes runs December 5-30. Tickets are available at artshhi.com or by calling the box office, (843) 842-ARTS or toll free at (888) 860-2787.

December 2012

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Article By Frank Dunne, Jr.

Are You Paying Too Much for Property Insurance?

Lowcountry hurricane risk/property insurance discrepancy exposed

S

hhh! You’re not supposed to talk about it. Bad juju and is a high-pressure center along the coast that tends to push all that. the storms seaward. It gets even better in the fall, the busy What are you talking about? You mean that thing season for Atlantic hurricanes, when the jet stream moves where we’re not supposed to mention how Beaufort County south, strengthening both the high-pressure front and westskates harmlessly through hurricane season year after year? to-east winds. There’s more meteorological mumbo jumbo to Oh! Now you’ve done it! explain how these phenomena affect Have I? Fine. If you’re highly the storms than I have room to cover, First, fear of a hurricane strike superstitious, don’t read the rest of but the bottom line is the National may drive people’s decision this. But if you have an inquisitive Hurricane Center (NHC) rates our level against moving and retiring mind and would like some factual of risk as “relatively low” and projects here. Second, we may be missing affirmation that, compared to the Gulf that if a major hurricane (Category states and the rest of the southeast 3-5) is to strike us, we should expect out on a sizeable fall tourism Atlantic coast, you’re sitting in the it in about 79 years. That’s the good market. Third, and this is what best place to be when hurricanes and news. we’re going to focus on, tropical storms are churning their way Now the bad news. In his paper, homeowner’s insurance premiums Mr. Ferguson raises concern that the across the Atlantic, read on. in the Lowcountry are set at A few months ago I ran into mere perception that Beaufort County prominent Hilton Head real estate is in the middle of “Hurricane Alley” rates reflecting much higher professional, Andy Twisdale, in a coffee may be hurting us economically. First, hurricane risk factors. shop where I do much of my profound fear of a hurricane strike may drive and brilliant thinking, and he handed people’s decision against moving and me a copy of a 15-page whitepaper written by a concerned retiring here. Second, we may be missing out on a sizeable fall citizen. The author, Daryl Ferguson of Beaufort, driven by tourism market. Third, and this is what we’re going to focus his own curiosity, embarked on a three-year investigation to on, homeowner’s insurance premiums in the Lowcountry are find out the truth about the risk of a hurricane strike in the set at rates reflecting much higher hurricane risk factors.

Lowcountry. Yes, as you suspected, our good fortune is partly This takes millions of dollars out of consumers’ pockets that due to the coastline’s westward curvature, which keeps us could otherwise be spent in the local economy and makes it out of Atlantic hurricanes’ typical northerly tracks, and there prohibitively expensive for some people to purchase a home

in the area.

Mr. Ferguson was kind enough to participate in a very enlightening Q & A about his research: Frank Dunne: Can you start us off with some background info? Who is Daryl Ferguson? Where do you live? Where are you from? What’s your professional background?

Daryl Ferguson: I’d be glad to.

I’m originally from South Dakota and I’ve lived in Beaufort since 2000. I retired from Citizens Utilities, which is the country’s largest multi-utility, in 2000 as president of the parent company and immediately went to work at Europe’s Hungarian Telephone Company, which serves the eastern Europe telecommunications, as the chairman of the board. It was bought out in 2005.

I currently do consulting on turnaround companies and developing product lines…and trying to get the state to be more alert to its opportunities. I’ve also got a doctorate in business from George Washington University. That’s how I know research.

FD: It sure looks like you do. Your paper is a great read. Did you intend to

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have it published when you wrote it?

DF: No. I wrote it for myself. Basically I was curious about the real risk of hurricanes along the coastline here. Every fall I hear people say things like, “Are we gonna get hit tomorrow?” or “We haven’t been hit yet!”

FD: You also referred in your paper to the head of South Carolina’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism’s forecast for 2012, which was: “Good, as long as the hurricanes stay away.” It seems that we’re projecting the negative.

DF: And I simultaneously saw that in Beaufort County our tourism dropped off 65 percent from summer to the fall, but it didn’t drop off at all in Jacksonville, Florida right down the road. And so I dug into it for three years. I spent a couple of thousand hours on it. Half my time in the last three years I spent digging into it, talking to hundreds of people.

FD: We’ve only got a couple of pages. Can you narrow it down to a few?

DF: The NHC has hurricane specialists, but they won’t talk to you unless you know the hurricane jargon and understand the meteorology. So I went and schooled myself on that until I finally got to four hurricane

specialists who gave me data that basically said our risk is relatively low here.

Then I checked insurance. I’m right on the Whale Branch River, and I compared a $400,000 house on this lot with what it would be in the middle of Katrina (Gulf Port, Mississippi). My insurance company, USAA, couldn’t give me a comparison that included wind because they don’t offer it in Mississippi. So they gave a comparison with everything but wind, which is fine because I just wanted a comparison of how they see the risk. The NHC said the risk in the Gulf down there in Mississippi is three times what it is here. Well, USAA said my rates would be twice as high here as in Gulf Port. It would cost $1,400 here and $488 there. It made no sense!

FD: So now you became curious about how insurance companies assess the risk and set their rates, and how the South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI) goes about approving or rejecting those rates?

DF: Before I went to SCDOI, I did some studying on how insurance companies get their risk analyses. They no longer get it from the NHC, which gives them only 100 years of data. They get it from catastrophic modeling companies. (These companies

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use computer models to project risk based on 100,000 years of data.)

There are 11 of them. The problem is they’re paid for by the insurance companies, so the average guy has no access to them; but I placed a call to a senior research officer…he’s one of the gurus in the industry from one of the largest companies.

FD: Would this be the “Deep Throat” you referred to in your paper?

DF: (Laughs) Deep Throat! And he answered my call. I called him at his house on a weekend. After about four or five conversations, you know, we’ve got some chemistry, so I said look, give me some details that give me some comfort on why my state has insurance this high.

So he gave me the internal data that they only share with the insurance companies.

And it showed that, for example, along our coastline our cost of insurance in Beaufort County is only $1.50 or $2.00 per $1,000 valuation. Say you had a $500,000 house, that’d be $1,000. And they would say to an insurance company like USAA, Daryl’s cost for projected hurricane damage is $1,000 a year. Let’s say they added $1,000

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to it (operating costs and profit). My cost shouldn’t be over $2,000, but any way you look at it, it’s higher.

Florida and say what do you think of this model? So, my God! It’s basically an open door for an insurance company.

FD: This is where you started to connect the dots to SCDOI? DF: There’s a huge mismatch. I also found out that to evaluate a rate increase for an insurance company that uses catastrophic models, you have to have a team of experts come in periodically and evaluate them.

FD: To set premium rates with no oversight. But there’s more to the story, isn’t there?

DF: I called Elliott Elam, the state’s consumer advocate. He said, “Daryl, you’ve only found half the problem.” The other half is the state has an unknown law that passed in 2004 that allows any insurance company to come in (with an automatically approved rate increase) as long as it’s under seven percent (on average). What they’re coming in on is 6.9 with most of their increases. And I’ll tell you one thing; they’re weighting most of the increase on the coast.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

As president at one of the biggest utility companies in the United States, I know how you get your money. You get it from states that have a weak door on the regulation side. So I knew what was going on, a very weak open door for any company that wanted to have a rate increase.

I found an expert by the name of Martin Simons. He used to head up the

FD: Right. You need checks and balances—somebody who understands how to interpret the models.

DF: Yeah. A normal staff can’t evaluate at all.

FD: What did you learn?

DF: I spoke to Leslie Jones (SCDOI’s deputy director of property insurance) and some of the actuaries. They have no idea what the risk is along the coast. None.

Zero. Some of them said the risk is higher in the south than it is in the north. I mean there’s just no knowledge.

Most important, they do not bring a team in. They may call another state like

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property side of SCDOI then went off on his own and became an expert on witnessing cases and knowing how to test catastrophic modeling companies. He said, “I know exactly what you want to find out. You want to know why the state doesn’t regulate homeowner’s insurance.”

I said you’ve hit it right on the head. So he confirmed to me… his same analysis is that the state is not regulating homeowner’s insurance.

FD: What did you do next?

DF: I tried very hard to go up the line at SCDOI and talk to the actual commissioner. And I tried to get the acting commissioner. No access. So I said to hell with it. I’m going to talk to the Post & Courier and they jumped on it. They went to a catastrophic modeling company to test my findings and they confirmed what I said. Basically what it shows is a $2 billion opportunity in the next two to three years.

FD: What opportunity is that?

DF: Total property insurance premiums (in South Carolina) are about $1.4 billion on the residential side and another $200300 million on the business side. So you’re at $1.6 billion. Deep Throat told me that he believes we could decrease our premium by 30-50 percent. That’s what Florida did when they got into trouble in the early 2000s.

FD: At 30 percent, that’s over $400 million back in consumers’ and businesses’ pockets.

DF: On just reducing the cost. So I started asking around the county to find some good senior businesspeople who could possibly be interested in making a case and getting some action.

FD: Who’s on your team so far?

DF: Andy Twisdale (you know Andy), and David Ames, one of the plantation developers; Stu Rodman on the county council, and Terry Ennis, a former VP at DuPont are involved, and some others have helped, including Larry Roland, the historian, and Tom Davis, the senator.

FD: What’s the plan?

DF: One, you’ve got to have a stronger commissioner. The state’s typically been hiring people that are either from the legislature or (insurance) agency people. I talked to one of the former commissioners of the Department of Insurance and said, “Look, you knew that the risk was higher in Myrtle Beach than down here. Why did you approve 10 companies having the same rates in the northern counties as in the southern counties?” He said, “Well, if I did that I’d upset some legislators.” Can you imagine that?

FD: So they’re hiring the wrong people for the wrong reasons?

DF: They’re politically tuned in, but they don’t have the right experience. You’ve got to have people that have been in an operating position in a middle sized to large company. And you’ve got all kinds of early-retired people in this state that could fill that bill. You know, they’re not intimidated or, they don’t owe the legislature anything.

Our team also strongly believes that we’ve got to eliminate that 2004 law—the one where insurance companies can come in and get an automatic annual increase.

FD: Those sound like steps in the right direction.

DF: And we’ve found out, Frank, some really interesting stuff that could really help the real estate market.

FD: Such as?

DF: We found out from Deep Throat, the catastrophic 112

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modeler, insurance companies can now set rates by the house. Your rate can be different than your neighbors’ because they have that degree of detail. That information would be a real plus for a real estate agent.

FD: Not to mention the homeowner.

DF: You can sell your home better knowing that it’s on a little bit higher ground, or the winds don’t blow quite as strongly as a few houses over.

I challenged USAA on this and they agreed that they can set rates by the house. Within six months, they said they’d go from a few rates to 517 different rates.

We also found out, for example, that we know the different risk along the coastline. North Carolina is…

FD: Much higher risk.

DF: Much higher risk. Yet, they pay a third less in average premiums. Why is that? Again it’s because we have an open door to insurance companies. We don’t regulate them. So that’s just our little committee working unofficially.

FD: Unofficially?

DF: We’re proposing in our team that we work with the insurance industry to help us lower rates. I’ve contacted one company that said, “That’s a novel approach, and we believe that we could work with you on that.” So… FD: Is this company currently writing in this state?

DF: Yes. It’s a big company, and they’re a major player in this state. But we’re an unofficial group of businesspeople, so they said, “Guys, you’ve got to get authorized by somebody to negotiate with us.” That, again, is why you need a commissioner who’s got a very strong background.

FD: You’re trying to get a meeting with Governor Haley about this. How’s that going?

DF: We sent her a letter on May 25 or so. One of her assistants is trying to line up a meeting.

FD: You also wrote in your paper that you were able to reduce your own homeowner’s premium by about $2,000.

Any advice to others who might want to take a crack at it?

DF: Sure. First shop the rates. The first two people that I mentioned this to got the same savings. They shopped around and they saved a couple of thousand dollars. Call around. Compare rates. Call local reps, but call the national reps too. I got one rate from an insurance company, the local guy, and another rate by calling their national office. It helps if you have a good credit rating too.

FD: What about challenging them on the hurricane risk issue? You know, do a little homework and show them that you know something about the real hurricane risk factor for this area and that you can set rates by the house?

DF: Yes. I think it helps you. I would certainly let them know that you know that in our area we have a relatively low risk for hurricanes in the fall.

FD: And the insurance people will cooperate?

DF: Yeah, and again, I think that’s why I’d go for a national number when calling.

FD: Sounds like it’s worth a try. Thanks for sharing this with us, Daryl.

DF: You’re welcome. It’s been my pleasure.  114

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What you need to

know about

What you need to know about tax planning Ar ticle by Lew Wessel

//

Photography by Anne

T

he Presidential election is over. Thank God! Now it’s time to stop whining and start planning. In the words of Winston Churchill, “Keep calm and carry on.” With that in mind, here is what you need to know about year-end tax planning.

Overview Let’s take a moment to discuss the difference between tax planning and tax compliance. Tax compliance involves filling out your tax forms correctly and on time. The question is: Given this set of tax facts, what taxes do I owe? It’s a pretty straightforward exercise. The deadline for compliance on personal returns is April 15 (or October 15, if extended).

The tax planning question is, “Given my financial situation, what options do I have to lower my tax burden?” There are tax planning opportunities to shift taxes from year to year, defer taxes for many years, or even permanently reduce taxes (without reducing income, of course). The deadline for tax planning, with few exceptions, is December 31. After year-end, your tax facts are pretty much set in stone and there isn’t a whole lot you can do about it.

Tax planning is the creative side of tax accounting. I usually wait till the end of my articles to encourage you to use a tax professional, but, in this case, I’m going to do it right now.

Using a tax professional for compliance is often just a matter of convenience on the part of a taxpayer; using a pro for tax planning is an absolute necessity. Enough said.

Observations With Obama continuing in office, I can assure you that ordinary tax rates will not go down in 2013. They may stay the same, but there is no question that, as a matter of general tax planning, you should count on a higher tax burden next year.

Ordinary tax rates for the “wealthy,” couples making $250,000 or more and singles $200,000 or more, may go up, although not by enough to warrant an outright panic (if you make that much money and panic, at least you’ll have the $$$ for psychotherapy or really effective prescription drugs). If you’ll look back at my pre-election article in the October issue of CH2, you’ll note that the marginal tax rates for these two groups will increase from 33% and 35% to 36% and 39.6% respectively if ( and this is a big “IF”) Obama’s tax plans pass a Republicancontrolled House of Representatives.

Capital gains rates will go up for the “wealthy,” probably to

20%, and may go up for everyone if the “fiscal cliff” is not averted.

The tax on qualified dividends may go up substantially, because under both Obama’s plan and the “fiscal cliff” scenario, they will be taxed the same as ordinary income; e.g. a taxpayer in the top bracket will pay 39.6% on dividend income…and more.

ObamaCare is here to stay, and next year two new taxes will kick in. To refresh your memory, there will be a 3.8% tax on investment income (primarily capital gains, dividends and interest) for the “wealthy”; e.g. a taxpayer making $280,000 in taxable income with $20,000 in capital gain will pay an additional tax of $760 ($20,000 x 3.8%).

There will also be a .9% payroll tax on earned income above the “wealthy” threshold amount; e.g. if an individual makes $220,000 in salary, he or she will pay an additional tax of $180 ($20,000 x .9%).

Also in 2013, the threshold for the medical expense deduction increases from 7.5% to 10% of adjusted gross income (AGI) for those taxpayers under age 65.

At this point in time, there has been no “fix” made to the Alternative Minimum Tax for 2012, so the current exemption stands at pre-2001 levels of $45,000 for a married couple (the exemption was at $74,450 for 2011).

Implications One size does not fit all in tax planning. Before you make any decisions, you need to have a clear picture of what your 2012 tax return would look like right now if you were to do nothing proactive for the rest of the year. This requires that you and/or your tax professional load up a tax planning software program with your income and expense/deduction items yearto-date and projected to the end of the year. In other words, you need to prepare a mock tax return for 2012. Once completed, you’ll be able to make some smart decisions with a clear idea of your current tax situation and the effect of certain transactions on your tax bottom line.

Ideas for the “wealthy” As is clear from the tax observations above, a strong case can be made that tax rates will be higher next year and beyond for the “wealthy.” So, all things being equal, if you are currently in that category or you anticipate a transaction, such as a sale of a business, that will put you in that category, you may very well

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want to increase or accelerate taxable income in 2012. Some of the ways to do that include: Roth conversion: This needs to be done prior to year end, although it can be reversed after year-end if you have second thoughts. Any amounts converted will increase your taxable income, so this is a good strategy if your goal is to eat up a prior year NOL or to just max out the amount of income taxed at lower marginal rates.

Capital gains: Long-term capital gains are currently taxed at a maximum of 15% and at 0% if you are in the 10% or 15% marginal income brackets. You can pretty much generate gains at will, although you cannot do the same with capital losses due to “wash-sale” rules. Again, if you think you will make over $250,000 next year and in the future, it may be a very good strategy to recognize capital gains this year before rates go up and ObamaCare surcharges begin.

I’ve encountered a couple of people selling businesses or appreciated property this year on the installment plan, e.g. the buyer will pay the asking price over 10 years in 10 equal installments. The default rule in an installment sale is to recognize income as the payments are received, but you can and perhaps should opt to recognize all of the gain in 2012. This decision can be made after December 31, but you must officially declare your choice on a timely filed return (i.e. you can’t change your mind two years into the deal). Don’t wait till the last minute to consult your tax pro on this one!

The small business owner with a regular C corporation (not a sub-S or electing LLC) may want to pay dividends out of the corporation in 2012 to avoid the potential for these distributions to be taxed at higher rates in 2013 and beyond.

Certain itemized deductions can be timed. These include property tax payments (in South Carolina, at least), charitable deductions, and, to some extent, medical deductions. If you want to increase your taxable income in 2012, you can defer these deductions to 2013. Beware, however, that under the pre-2001 tax law, which would come into effect along with the “fiscal cliff,” deductions and exemptions get phased out for “wealthy” individuals. In that event, they would clearly be more useful in 2012.

Ideas for the 98% For those under the “wealthy” threshold, there are still a few things you should do prior to December 31: • Determine your current marginal tax bracket, and if you are still in the 15% bracket, my feeling is that you should look to maximize your income to the top of that bracket ($70,700 for married couples and $35,350 for individuals). A 15% tax rate, in my opinion, is pretty attractive; as an added plus, capital gains and dividends are currently totally non-taxable up to the 15% bracket limit.

• Increase your charitable deductions by giving clothing, household goods and other items to local charities such as the Bargain Box. Smart tax payers do this every year, without fail.

Better yet, open a Charitable Giving account at Schwab, Fidelity, Vanguard, etc. and donate appreciated stock or mutual fund shares prior to year end. That way you are credited with the charitable deduction at fair market value, but do not have to recognize the capital gain.

• Pay outstanding medical bills in 2012 if you can, particularly if you are close to the 7.5% AGI threshold. As mentioned above, this threshold goes to 10% in 2013 for those 118

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under age 65 and will be that much tougher to reach.

• Write off business assets. If you own a small business, you can write off up to 100% of the cost of a business asset, including a business auto if it meets certain weight restrictions. This is true in 2012 even if that asset is purchased on credit (Code Section 179). Again, consult your tax pro on this one; there are lots of limitations and qualifications that must be met.

• Take advantage of employerprovided tax deferral programs such as retirement plans, HSA accounts and cafeteria plans. These deferrals are almost always smart tax moves. On a more general financial planning note, make sure to take full advantage of any employer match on retirement plan contributions and charitable contributions.

Estate and gift Tax The estate and gift tax exemption

December 2012

is $5,000,000 this year. If the fiscal cliff happens, it will drop back to pre-2001 levels, or approximately $1,000,000.

Despite that, the planning opportunities here are limited, since dying this month is a really bad suggestion, and giving away up to $5,000,000 may not be helpful in the long run, since the gift will probably ultimately be taxed under the estate and tax rules in effect when you die.

Final word So get to it! Be smart and call a tax pro. By sitting down with your tax pro in December when he or she can actually relax, ask questions, ponder, and perhaps come up with some really creative ideas for improving your short- and long-term financial situation. Remember: CPA’s do not ponder once “tax season” begins and the floodgates open.

To comment or for more information, e-mail lewwessel@hargray.com.

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M AY O R

DREW LAUGHLIN HILTON H E A D I S L A N D

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND

A

t town council’s workshop in 2011, we spent a considerable amount of time on beginning to shape a different future for Hilton Head Island. We adopted as a top priority to create an economic development advisory committee (EDAC), composed of residents, to make recommendations back to council on the issue of development and redevelopment. Faced with a formidable national, state, and local economic downturn, town council decided to mount an equally formidable effort at an economic upturn.

Town council chartered the EDAC to provide input on the decision making process regarding economic redevelopment and to specifically answer the following questions: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

What specifically does the committee believe such an entity will accomplish for the economic enrichment of the island?

Why would such an entity be significantly better for the island community’s economic future than what currently exists?

How would such an entity fit with regional efforts?

What capabilities (in the form of knowledge, skills and abilities) would such an entity need?

Could the committee recommend a pilot project to verify the value to the community?

The Mayor’s Task Force, the Comprehensive Plan, and studies by others have identified the Hilton Head Island economy as very dependent on tourism, which is cyclical and impacted by recession and recovery cycles. Structural issues also affect our economy. The island is susceptible to negative effects of an aging infrastructure, impacted by high vacancy rates of commercial office space, and at risk of future decline in property values and quality of life if a level of economic renewal is not achieved.

The EDAC recommended that the town should form a nonprofit corporation with a full-time executive director, governed by a volunteer board of experienced business executives to raise the visibility of our island as a great place to live and work and to work with other regional agencies to recruit targeted small businesses to locate on Hilton Head Island. A concerted effort to encourage private sector redevelopment on our island is preferable and more affordable/ realistic than government-sponsored redevelopment.

THIS NEW ENTITY WILL FOCUS ON FOUR AREAS: 1.

Identifying and attracting new development of previously undeveloped properties in desired segments (sometimes called green field development).

2.

Encouraging redevelopment of existing properties by attracting new businesses in target segments, and expansion of existing businesses.

3.

Identifying and advocating for solutions to infrastructure issues that are inhibiting businesses, for example, wireless broadband vital for attracting new live/work at home residents, or strategic restructure/expansion of our island airport to future meet market needs.

4. Identifying and advocating key growth issues with county and state governments on behalf of the town.

Please support our effort. 

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M AY O R

LISA SULKA B LU F FTON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNE

NEW AND IMPROVED ONLINE EXPERIENCE

W

e are excited to announce that the Town of Bluffton and Bluffton Police Department websites have a new look. The Bluffton Police Department website also has a new address: blufftonpolice.sc.gov. As a reminder, the town address is townofbluffton.sc.gov.

Noticeable changes include the colors and navigational signage. These represent the new wayfinding signs located throughout Bluffton and branding of the Bluffton “State of Mind.”

The homepage highlights important information, meetings & upcoming events while having a less cluttered look. We have strived to provide easier navigation by putting information just a few clicks away with buttons easy to use and understand.

NOTICEABLE CHANGES INCLUDE THE COLORS AND NAVIGATIONAL SIGNAGE. THESE REPRESENT THE NEW WAYFINDING SIGNS LOCATED THROUGHOUT BLUFFTON AND BRANDING OF THE BLUFFTON “STATE OF MIND.” ADDITIONAL FEATURES INCLUDE: • Lowcountry Living tab: featuring area lodging, dining, water activities, town services, parks, etc.

• I Want To tab: providing easy navigation to information on applying for a business license, paying a parking ticket, renting the community center, signing up for trash service, and participating on a board or commission.

• Top navigation bar: including quick links to Town Services, Town Government, Departments, Public Safety, and Bluffton Explorer • New Map Gallery: available under the various categories on the sign post navigation bar.

Additional features coming soon will highlight town projects, economic development, and much more.

Don’t forget to sign up for the Christmas parade, to be held Saturday, Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. Register online or use the QR code below.

The website was designed by a team of 10 town employees from various departments and developed

by Lori McLain from the IT department in cooperation with SC.gov, the official web portal for the State of South Carolina. 

DECEMBER 2012

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