MARCH 2013
Lowcountry Attorneys
The HHI St. Patty’s Day Parade
turns
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C2 Special Section: Interior Design
FEATURES
CONTENTS
March 2013
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>> Features
P42
Win $2,000 worth of gift cards!
CH2 presents the second Annual Village at Wexford Best of Everything Contest
P46 Fashion Forward - featuring the back door
P100
P34
Estate Planning in 2013
Our Town
Coastal Cool by Kelley Designs
P102
P36
P60
Golf: The Musical at the Arts Center
Golf
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Castello di Casole by J Banks Design
P64
P105 The Four Freshmen
Color inspiration
P107
P70
Bye, Bye Birdie at the Main Street Youth Theatre
A Little Window Shopping
P84 Dr. Sheila Stephens
P89 Nearly Inevitable
P94 When Parents Don’t Agree
P96
Workers’ Compensation
P98 litigation in the adversary system
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It’s Five O’clock Somewhere
P108 Behind the Gates at Hilton Head Lakes
P114
P76 Greener Grass
P40
And now, a word from our Mayors
>> Everything else
P18
>>> ON OUR COVER
Editor’s Note
P20 A Series of Fortunate Events
P22 Celebrate March
P24
A Line in the Sand
P28 Bee Social
All fashion courtesy of the Back door Photography by Krisztian lonyai MArch 2013
From the Editor
03.2013
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: kitty bartell Sam Bauer Pam Blackshire Frank Dunne Jr. Rebecca Edwards Anne Feldman Courtney Hampson Drew Laughlin Elizabeth Mayo Sunny Nolde MICHAEL PASKEVICH Pete Popovich Catherine Scarminach Cinda Seamon Lisa Sulka Sammy Svalina Contributing Photographers / Artist: Photography by anne John Brackett Photography Krisztian lonyai photography Mark staff photography kaufman photography Contributing Art Direction: Tom Staebler
Did you know? Did you know that when an older person or Southern woman says, “Well bless your heart,” what she really mean is, “You are an idiot, but I like you and care about you so I don’t want to hurt your feelings”? My copy editor disagreed. She is a true Southern Belle (from Atlanta, Ga.) and swears that when she says, “Bless your heart,” she is really sympathizing or empathizing with you. As a native New Yorker, I generally dispense with the pleasantries and call you an idiot if I think you are one. We Northerners are honest if nothing else. This conversation had me Googling “Bless your heart” to prove my point, which led to other terms that may be deemed offensive by some people, unbeknownst to the person using the word or phrase. This was an enlightening search, and I present to you some things I learned while getting lost in the matrix. Lost in the matrix (verb) Spending an inordinate amount of time on one’s computer, going from one website to the next in search of something you don’t even remember when you look up six hours later. (I made this one up. I don’t think it’s really offensive to anyone. But I could be wrong…so don’t repeat it, just in case.)
Kelly must have been holding down the fort while Catherine, Ashton and I celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at Reilley’s.
What’s up? (question) When used as a phone greeting it implies you are busy and need the person who phoned you to get right to the point with the quickness. Can be off-putting to the person who took time out of their day to call you. I mean, if you’re too busy to answer, let it go to voicemail. Right? Hold down the fort (directive) Generally, this is the last thing I say to our art director, Kelly Stroud, before I leave for a long weekend. What I mean is “Don’t burn the office down, and please handle any complaints while I’m gone.” However, “hold down the fort” originally meant to watch and protect against the vicious Native American intruders. Hell! With a last name of Washo, I just offended myself. To be honest with you (dumb thing some people say) This statement is generally blurted out before someone says something they know you don’t want to hear. Which begs the question, do they usually just lie and tell you what you want to hear? This is just a tiny sampling of everything I found. To be honest with you, after getting lost in the matrix, I decided to let Kelly hold down the fort because pretty much anything you say is offensive to someone, somewhere. What’s up?
P.O.Box 22949 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 843.689.2658 m.washo@celebratehiltonhead.com
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M. Washo Publisher / Editor-in-Chief
MArch 2013
C2
A SERIES OF FORTUNATE EVENTS
A Family Business
Welcome!
Catherine A. Scarminach has joined the law firm of Novit & Scarminach, P.A. with a practice focus in Real Estate, Estate Planning and Probate Law.
Corenza Vaughn has joined the Sun City Hilton Head Community Association as the Safety and Standards Director.
A Big Achievement
Way to Go Ken!
Ramona Fantini, owner of Pino Gelato, is honored to be a winner of the Enterprising Women of the Year 2013 Award, which is widely considered one of the most prestigious recognition programs for women business owners.
Ken Oliver has earned the distinction of #1 Salesmen of the Year, #1 Listing Agent of the Year and Overall Top Producer of the Year for Dunes Marketing Group for 2012. A realtor with the company for 34 years, Oliver has earned this award 17 of the last 22 years. Ken is also ranked as one of the top three realtors on Hilton Head Island, SC.
Welcome to the team David Collins and Shirley Irving have joined The Alliance Group Realty located in the Fresh Market Shoppes on Hilton Head Island.
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March 2013
March 2013
A New Location Import Service of the Lowcountry, specializing in BMW and Mercedes repair since 2003, is excited to announce their new location in the Riverwalk Business Park.
A New Baby Kinsley Lyle Henderson was born November 1, 2012 at 9:33 am. Congratulations to the happy parents!
Chris Wray
Ken Hiatt
Tiphany Jackson
Trina Grecco
Welcome to the Team Gateway Realty is pleased to announce the additions of real estate professionals Chris Wray and Ken Hiatt, Tiphany Jackson as Marketing and Media Director, and Trina Grecco as Executive Assistant to Gateway’s Lowcountry Team. March 2013
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march
2013 Sunday
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Friday
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unspoken dialoGue, black and wHite pHotoGrapHy by donna varner and Jean-marie cote all Month long WaltEr grEEr gallEry at thE artS cEntEr oF coaStal carolIna
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cooks and books Westin hilton head resort & Spa admission: $15 advanced, $20 at door 843-815-6616
10 palmetto bluff Half maratHon March 10 & 11 8:00aM-11:00aM admission: $65 More info call: 843-815-1718
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HH int’l younG artist piano competition First Presbyterian church call for times More Info visit: www.hhso.org
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special olympics national tennis invitational March 11-13 Van Der Meer racquet club 843-785-8388
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30tH annual st. patrick’s day parade Starts at 3:00PM Pope avenue to coligny rain or sHine
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12 taste of tHe Harbour sHelter cove March 12-16 March 12th kickoff 5:30-8:30
6 “bye bye birdie” MaIn StrEEt youth thEatrE March 6-16, 2013 6-9, 13-16 @ 7PM 10th 2PM Matinee tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for students For tickets visit: www.msyt.org
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7 ladies niGHt out Salon artistry 6:30PM More Info: 843-842-4247
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Hilton Head cHristian academy presents HiGH scHool musical 2 on staGe! March 14-16; 7PM Visual and Performing arts center $12.00 adults / $8.00 Students & Seniors
681-2878
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tHird annual a-town Get down music & arts festival 12PM - Midnight charles h. Morris center www.a-towngetdown. com
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Grand tastinG & silent auction 5:30-7:30PM Sea Pines country club admission: $90 More Info call: 686-4944
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poolside movie 7:30PM harbour town Pool Jump into spring by floating on a tube at the harbour town Pool admission Details: $12/child $15/adult (843) 842-1979
www.hiltonheadwineand food.com
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pre-winG fest party Shelter cove Park 5:00-8:00PM live music & Kid Zone $5 admission - 12 & under Free islandreccenter.org
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28tH annual wine and food fest 12:00- 3:00PM honey horn admission: $50 More Info visit:
annual kid’s Hilton Head sHamrock Hunt sHamrock 5k Salty Dog cafe Starts at 8aM 10:00aM-12:00PM Pope avenue Find four leaf a percentage of clovers redeemable proceeds will go to benefit a local for free Salty Dog charity. t-Shirts, prizes & More info visit: treats. www.saltydog.com bearfootsports.com
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Golf tHe musical arts center of coastal carolina Happy March 25-30 easter! admissions: $39 More Info visit: artshhi.com
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SaTurday
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winGfest 18 presented by HarGray Shelter cove Park 11:00aM-6:00PM Price: $5; 10 and under FrEE! islandreccenter.org
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easter story Hilton Head the Storybook HeritaGe 5k Shoppe 5K run on Easter calhoun Street 10aM for 3-year olds Saturday to benefit heritage classic & 11aM for 4-years Foundation. olds 8:00-9:30aM More Info call: More Info: 843-757-2600 843-338-1481
March 2013
A Line in the Sand
Photography By Anne
One subject. Two opinions.
Women in
combat Courtney Hampson
Frank Dunne Jr.
I
know what you’re thinking. When that Dunne guy heard of the military’s plans to put women in front-line combat he was probably jumping for joy shouting, “Let’s send Courtney! Let’s send Courtney!” But you would be wrong. This is a really bad idea, and don’t throw some poll that says
most Americans favor it in my face. Most Americans don’t want Obamacare, but we got that rammed down our throats anyway didn’t we? Most Americans never served and have no clue how this will hurt military strength and effectiveness.
We should be more concerned with a poll that says 17 percent of male Marines would leave the service if this happens. See? The guys who know what they’re talking about want no part of this. We’ve been fighting wars for thousands of years, and for thousands of years men have done the fighting. There’s a good reason for that. Men are generally bigger, stronger, more aggressive, and more predisposed to violence and brutality than women. That’s what the military needs, because its mission to defend the nation’s safety and security boils down to killing people and blowing stuff up, and its effectiveness at doing so will be reduced with (continued on next page)
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his past weekend, I was getting a pedicure. From my comfy chair and across the bubbles I spotted the rack of nail polish on the far wall. Wait a minute I thought, is that green nail polish? Green! Really? How sassy. I can remember a time when wearing red nail polish was as bold as one dare go. Times change. People change. The world changes. Case in point, on January 24, U.S. military leaders lifted the ban on women serving in combat positions. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said, “Women have become an ‘integral part’ of the military and have already demonstrated their willingness to fight during the wars of the last decade. It’s clear to all of us that women are contributing in unprecedented ways to the military’s mission of defending the nation.” The change will open hundreds of thousands of front
line positions and potentially elite commando jobs (that typically require front line experience) to women. My gosh! The nerve of women. First they want the right to vote. Then they want to work. Then they want the right to choose. Next they ask for equal pay. And now, they want to further serve their country? How dare they? Imagine the gall of these women suggesting that there be equality on all fronts? Right? Wrong. According to Panetta, “Women, who already make up 15 percent of the force, have increasingly found themselves in the ‘reality of combat’ during Iraq and Afghanistan.” He said not everyone can meet the qualifications to be a combat soldier but that everyone is entitled the opportunity. Bravo Leon. I mean, Sir, Mr. Panetta. “They’re serving
Frank Dunne Jr
women on the front lines. Physical standards to serve in combat that measure things like how much a soldier can lift and carry and for how long are presently set at a level that servicewomen don’t meet. Those standards would have to be lowered if we are to allow women into combat roles. What if a male soldier weighing 200 pounds plus the weight of his body armor, helmet and other gear goes down wounded and the only one there to drag him out of danger is a 110-pound female who can’t get it done? The odds of two dead vs. one wounded just went up. Extrapolate those odds across the whole company, regiment, division and so on, and you’ve got a weaker, less effective military force. What do you think that will do to recruiting? Once everybody knows that the odds of becoming a casualty are so high, who’s going to volunteer? The next step is to reinstate the draft, which would be a disaster. A conscripted soldier is far less effective than a volunteer who chose to be there, who answered a call and is willing to take the risk. With which one would you rather share a foxhole? In our pregame discussion, Courtney offered that there are women in her gym class who could whoop her brother’s butt, and he served in the army. That may or may not be true, but it doesn’t matter. It’s anecdotal, and physical fitness as most of us regular folks know it doesn’t prepare one for combat. I might like to meet Courtney’s friend though… She also argued that if a woman is willing to take the risk, she has the right to do so. She does not. We need to get this idea out of 26
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our heads that just because we want to do something it’s automatically a civil right. Putting the lives of fellow soldiers, as well as the nation’s safety and security, at risk just to satisfy a handful of women’s desires is bad policy. Cleveland Plain Dealer’s deputy editorial page editor Kevin Obrien asked, “Would we have wanted American women shivering at Bastogne? Would we have wanted them fighting from house to house in Fallujah or dragged through the streets of Mogadishu?” Doesn’t sound like such a good idea anymore, does it? Why is it that we don’t let women play Why is it that we don’t let women play pro football, and men and women compete separately in everything from track & field to archery in the Olympics, but suddenly we don’t recognize the differences between men and women when it comes to combat?
pro football, and men and women compete separately in everything from track & field to archery in the Olympics, but suddenly we don’t recognize the differences between men and women when it comes to combat? I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Remember where this is coming from, the idiotin-chief and his merry band of nitwits in the White House. This is the same guy who said he wouldn’t let his son (if he had one) play football because it’s too dangerous, but he’s apparently quite all right with sending your daughters to their deaths in combat. Hey, don’t blame me. I didn’t vote for the S.O.B. March 2013
Courtney Hampson
in a growing number of critical roles on and off the battlefield,” Panetta said of women. “They have become an integral part of our ability to perform our mission.” Wake up people. It’s 2013; women are a vital part of every mission. I don’t know who goes to battle in your household, but I’m the badass in my family. (I recently went head-to-head with our insurance agent.) Now, I am hardly an expert on warfare or the military. But, what I do consider myself an expert at is seeking out idiocy and closed minds. And, it is perhaps the closed minds that have me most upset. I watched a discussion unfold on a social media site, and my blood began to boil. First because of the ignorance of the man posting about “women’s roles,” and second because his wife agreed with him. I’m shocked she had the time to get on the computer what, with all of the cooking and housework she must have been handling. And barefoot nonetheless. Focus, Courtney. Focus. The ban that blocked women from the front lines was first made a formal policy, based on the unwillingness to have women soldiers “exposed to direct fire from the enemy, direct engagement with enemy troops, or the risk of capture.” The difference between now and then is that concept of “front lines” is diminished. A post on the Constitution Center blog, a daily analysis on current events viewed through the lens of the United States Constitution, (I’ve heard a lot of hubbub lately about the second amendment, so I imagine the Constitution is still considered fair and balanced, right?) the day of the announcement notes March 2013
that, “Anywhere in a country where there are hostile insurgent forces, using roadside bombs, for example, there is no longer what military experts call ‘the linear battlefield’ made up of ‘forward’ and ‘rear’ positions. And, of course, the realty in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has been that women are quite often among the casualties, despite the formal ban on their serving in combat units. More than 800 women have been wounded in those two conflicts, and 144 have been killed.” In an interview with the Huffington Post, Jon Soltz, who served two Army tours in Iraq and is the chairman of the veterans group VoteVets.org, acknowledged that a combat job may not be one every woman is interested in pursuing, but, “some of them are, and when you’re looking for the best of the best, you cast a wide net. There are women who can meet these standards, and they have a right to compete.” Bottom line: if a woman can meet the physical and emotional standards necessary to serve in a combat position and wants to put her life on the line to protect her country and fellow citizens, why in the hell would we stop her? There are plenty of badass women out there who could kick the crap out of a man. (Come to a Saturday class at Cross Fit 843 and you’ll see what I’m talking about.) Heck, I am pretty sure I could kick the crap out of at least one man. Frank, interested in volunteering? Maybe that is that the real issue—the fear of a man being outshined by a woman. Again. www.celebratehiltonhead.com 27
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Wingfest
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Wingfest returns for 18th Season The Island Recreation Association and Hargray are proud to present the 18th annual Wingfest, where over 6,000 pounds of chicken wings will be served. Fifteen to 20 local restaurants will cook their best wings from 11 a.m.6 p.m. on Saturday, March 23 in a funfilled, family-friendly festive atmosphere at the Shelter Cove Community Park. In addition to food, activities include a kid’s zone, rock climbing wall and bungee jump. Custom Audio Video will provide a big screen television for watching March Madness basketball, and live music from 107.1’s Brad Wells Band, Deas Guyz and the Good Times Band will play while Adventure Radio broadcasts all the excitement. Potential participating restaurants are Aunt Chilada’s, Casey’s Bar & Grill, Central Church, the Frosty Frog, Hilton Head Brewing Co., Kickin’ Chicken, Montana’s, One Hot Mama’s, Parrot Cove Seafood Grill and Bar, Pizza Dal Mare, Reilley’s, Smokehouse, Street Meet, The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa, 28
Dance with the Stars Brian Fortuna to teach in Bluffton By Cinda Seamon
Custom Audio Video will provide a big screen television for watching March Madness basketball, and live music from 107.1’s Brad Wells Band, Deas Guyz and the Good Times Band will play while Adventure Radio broadcasts all the excitement.
and Wild Wing Cafe. Back again is The People’s Choice Award! Vote for your favorite by 4 p.m. Professional judging for the best wing starts at noon. Admission is $5; children 10 & under get in free. Food sold separately. All event proceeds benefit
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the Hilton Head Island Recreation Association’s Children’s Scholarship Fund, “where no child is denied recreation opportunities.” For more information, visit islandreccenter. org, call (843)6817273 or e-mail info@ islandreccenter.org.
Brian Fortuna of Dancing with the Stars fame is coming to Bluffton, and his private coaching sessions along with a dance boot camp will be open to the public! Fortuna is a multi-talented entertainer. He has starred in the hits of both stage and television, including Dancing with The Stars, Strictly Come Dancing and Burn the Floor. In addition, his film credits include Love + 1 and The Aviator. Fortuna offered to come here to teach when Sandro Virag and Armando Aseneta, owners of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Bluffton, saw him at a recent dance competition. Even though Virag and Aseneta have 40-plus combined years of ballroom dance teaching experience, they are honored to have Fortuna bring his talent to their studio. “This is an opportunity of a lifetime to learn dancing from one of the best,” Virag said. Sessions with Fortuna are open to all ages and all levels of dancing. He will be available at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio inside Seaquins Ballroom in Bluffton, April 3-6. For pricing and appointments, call the studio at (843) 837-6161. Learn more about Fortuna at brianfortuna.com.
PreWingfest Party A Pre-Wingfest Party will take place on Friday March 22 from 5-8 p.m. at Shelter Cove Community Park. Four or five restaurants will be cooking up several different flavors of chicken wings while Street Meet prepares food for the non-wing eaters. Treble Jay, John Cranford’s other band,
will be on stage rocking the night away, and the kid’s zone will be open for the little ones. New this year, the amateur wing competition also takes place on Friday night. So if you can’t make it on Saturday or you want to get a head start, the Pre-Wingfest Party is the place to be! March 2013
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2013od o Seaf Fest
2013 Hilton Head Island Seafood Fest The sixth annual Hilton Head Island Seafood Fest, sponsored by the David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation, takes place Friday, April 5, 2013, 5-8 p.m., and Saturday, April 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at Shelter Cove Community Park. The familyfriendly event serves as the foundation’s annual fundraiser with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society, the M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center and the Island Recreation Scholarship Fund. The Friday night component of this year’s event will be a more intimate gathering than the main event on Saturday and will feature live entertainment from Cranford & Sons as well as delicious food from Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, The Old Oyster Factory, Skull Creek Boathouse and Street Meet. Seafood Fest will continue on Saturday and feature more than a dozen area restaurants dishing up local and regional seafood specialties, and other tasty dishes, as well as an “Iron Chef”-style competition, local artists showcasing their talents, live entertainment by The Headliners and a silent auction with incredible items. Additional activities include a “Kids Zone” with inflatable bounce houses, games, and crab races. Participating restaurants include: Alexander’s, American Culinary Federation, Black Marlin, Bluffton Oyster Co., The Chart House, The Crazy Crab, Gillan’s Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar, Hana Sushi, Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, The Old Oyster Factory, Red Fish, Skull Creek Boathouse, Steamers Seafood, and Street Meet, among others. The Better Show, a syndicated lifestyle television show, will be filming a segment called “License to Spill,” featuring Hilton Head Island, the event, local food and participating chefs. Admission is $5 for adults and FREE for kids under 12. For more information please visit davidmcarmines.org, or call 843.681.2772 x137.
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Chamber Honors Community Leaders at Annual Ball Special to CH2
One of Hilton Head Island’s wellknown community leaders, J. Dudley King, Jr., was honored with the coveted Alice Glenn Doughtie Good Citizenship Award during the Hilton Head IslandBluffton Chamber of Commerce’s annual ball held Saturday evening, February 2. The award was presented to King during the Oscar-themed event at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. King, owner of Plantation Interiors, was recognized for embodying the award’s standard of “selfless community service leadership.” Known for his role in the development of two cornerstone organizations, The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina and The Children’s Center, he has left his mark on the arts, enhanced the lives of families and children of our community as well as a great number of other charities and organizations that have felt his positive impact. “This is not an individual that’s content to simply write a check,” said Tom Upshaw, chamber board president. “He dives into whatever he’s working on. Whether it’s moving furniture, working with architects or managing finances, March 2013
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Chamber Honors: continued
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he is committed and involved from beginning to end.” The Alice Glenn Doughtie Good Citizenship Award was first presented in 1971 and is dedicated by her family to the memory of Doughtie, who died at 22 after a short life in service to others. Other Honors Organization of the Year Award: University of South Carolina Beaufort and Hilton Head Island Celebrity Golf Foundation Two separate organizations were recognized with the Organization of the Year Award at the black-tie gala. Serving the community and enriching the quality of life for area residents, the University of South Carolina Beaufort and the
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Hilton Head Island Celebrity Golf Foundation were lauded for their important contributions throughout the Lowcountry. While honoring its commitment to providing a liberal arts education, USCB continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of higher education. The college’s enrollment has more than doubled since it began offering four-year degrees a decade ago, serving nearly 2,000 students at its two campuses and providing an economic impact of $74 million in the region. “USCB is our beacon for the future,” said Paula Harper Bethea, executive director, S.C. Education Lottery. “This organization unites us as a people and brings us together as a region.” Serving the community since 1979, the Hilton
Head Island Celebrity Golf Foundation has spent the past 33 years with one goal in mind, raising money for the children of the Lowcountry. Since its inception, the celebrity golf tournament has raised more than $3.9M for area children’s charities. “They have been serving the community for a very long time, and their contributions have impacted so many,” said Sissy Jarrell, director, First Presbyterian Day School. “Without this event, the children of the community and their parents would have a big void; it’s so important to what we do and who we serve.” The Sue West Educator of the Year: John Abbott For John Abbot, it’s more than just numbers; he brings math to life for his upper grade students at
Hilton Head Christian Academy. Far beyond lessons learned in algebra, geometry and statistics, he teaches his students to be leaders that can impact the world. “John always has students in his room seeking him out for extra help,” according to Larry Green, Hilton Head Christian Academy principal. “He is sought out because of his love for students, his desire to see them be successful and his personal determination to make HHCA a better place and his
March 2013
students better people.” Bluffton Regional Business Council Member of the Year: The Bluffton Oyster Company The Bluffton Oyster Company is one of Bluffton’s longstanding family businesses. Owners Tina and Larry Toomer’s family history is entwined with the shores of the May River, a legacy of fishing the local waters that goes back well over 100 years. The Bluffton Oyster Company has occupied its site longer than any other oyster-shucking house in the state and serves as the last standing shucking house in South Carolina. Their restaurant, Bluffton Oyster Co.’s Family Seafood House, specializes in the area’s fresh, local seafood. Working closely with regulatory agencies on water quality, they return thousands of oyster shells to the river each year for seeding for future harvesting. “The Toomers are a very thick thread in the fabric of our community,” said Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka. “They are givers who give back to our community in every way.”
Zonta Woman of the Year: Cindy Taulbee Cindy Taulbee, vice president of finance with The Island Packet/Beaufort Gazette, is a compassionate champion of community causes. Over the past 28 years, she has served as past president of Zonta on Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, a board member of the Island Recreation Center, a founding member of The Sandbox Children’s Museum and current board member of Bluffton Self Help. “Cindy definitely embodies that woman who takes her skills and talents and not only uses them professionally, but gives them as gifts to the members of the community who need it most,” said Jennifer Stupica, president, Zonta Club of Bluffton. March 2013
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OU R T o w n
Hilton Head Go Bragh: The 30th Annual Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade Frank Dunne, Jr.
Tom Reilley
Details
“We had about 50 participants, plus a trolley and a little fire truck. The route started on Dunnagan’s Alley, went up Arrow Road and made a right turn on 278 to the Sea Pines Circle and ended at the bar’s (Reilley’s) original location in the Gallery of Shops on Greenwood Drive,”—basically a loop around the block. A few years ago Tom Reilley shared that little memory of 1983’s inaugural Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day parade. A rather informal affair it was when compared to what has since become of the event. From those humble beginnings, not even Reilley would have imagined we’d be here in 2013 celebrating the 30th Annual Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade Presented by iSelectMD. But it’s true and thanks to…call it the Luck of the Irish…it comes with a few extra nuggets of gold. This year the parade celebrates its special anniversary on St. Patrick’s Day (Sunday, March 17, 2013), which sounds like a no-
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brainer, except for the fact that it customarily occurs on Sunday prior to the holiday to avoid conflict with Savannah, Georgia’s famous parade. That little quirk in scheduling also made it possible for the Budweiser Clydesdales, “always a favorite of spectators of all ages,” said parade director Kim Capin, to make a
triumphant return to the island for the first time in years. They’ll be joined on the Pope Avenue parade route by nine marching bands (including the Marine Corps Band and three pipe & drum bands),floats, and marchers from Lowcountry businesses and nonprofit organizations, and an impressive list of dignitaries. Yes, the Shriners will be there too, lending their…ah…unique brand of entertainment, as always. Brian Carmines, known locally as owner of the legendary Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks and for his benevolent work with the David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation, will lead the way as Grand Marshal. “I was surprised and very flattered to be asked,” Carmines said. “It’s a great time of year for us, and there’s a lot to look forward too.” Michael Iaquinta, presenting sponsor iSelectMD’s owner added, “We are very excited to be part of this parade and this community. We have had a lot of success since our launch in 2010, and this is such a great way to give back to our community.” The march begins at 3 p.m. and will follow the usual
For parade entry information, visit StPatricksDayHHI.com and click “Parade Entry Form.” To volunteer, contact Gabrielle Van De Velde at (843) 422-7720 (Gabrielle@ StudioGabrielle.com,) or Frank Dunne, Jr. at (843) 684-5100 (Frank@ FrankFreelanceWriter. com).
> Michael Iaquinta, Brian Carmines and Tom Reilley
route, working its way north up Pope Avenue, turning left on Office Park Road at the reviewing stand, and ending up in front of Park Plaza. Applications for commercial, civic, school, club and nonprofit parade entries will be accepted until March 5. So hurry up and make sure to get your best green on, because the Parade Committee expects over 25,000 spectators to be watching, and will present “Best Float” awards in a number of categories. Hilton Head Go Bragh!
March 2013
Golf Tips From a Pro
Pete Popovich, 2012 HHIPGA Player of the Year
Dietary Supplements to Improve Your Golf Game Photography by Anne
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he world of supplements has become a billion dollar a year business. As with other businesses of such size and in today’s information age, the question becomes, “With so much information, how do I know what is best for me?” The supplements discussed here work to 1) improve your ability to play to your potential and 2) have a positive effect on your health that their mainstream competitors do not. All of the supplements mentioned below work to help you in different ways, but all in ways that improve health and allow you to enjoy the game to a greater degree. • CuraMed. One of the best things you can take for inflammation is turmeric, which is a component of Indian ayurvedic medicine. The main agent responsible for most of the biological activity of turmeric is curcumin, which is the main ingredient in CuraMed. You could take turmeric on a daily basis; yet to get the same effect from turmeric, as you would from CuraMed, you would have to eat it all day every day. CuraMed has up to a 10 times better absorption rate than curcurmin alone, and with significant levels in the bloodstream, has an 8- 10-hour retention time in your system. This provides your body with unbelievable support for a healthy inflammation response
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without the negative side effects (damage to your gut) of traditional anti-inflammatories. In addition, it supports your immune and cardiovascular systems as well as resistance to free radical activity. If you keep a bottle of traditional anti-inflammatories in your bag and eat them like M&Ms before, during and after your round, then this is definitely one supplement you want to consider. • Ultima Replenisher. Hydration and electrolyte balance is key to a golfer’s ability to maintain focus and attention during the 4-5 hours it takes to play a round of golf. Whether playing in the heat of summer or the cooler months, it is important to stay hydrated and electrolyte balanced. (You lose almost as much water in the cooler months as you do during the summer, only in the cooler months it happens by the colder weather drying out your skin and the body’s countering attempts to keep it hydrated.) Most of today’s mainstream electrolyte drinks are full of sugars, glutens and GMOs (genetically modified organisms). Ultima Replenisher has none of these. What it does have is all of the minerals and vitamins (double that of most of today’s mainstream drinks with half the calories) you need to maintain focus and play your best. It comes in various flavors: grape, lemon, orange and raspberry, and a toddler version is available.
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• Ultra Mag (Magnesium). Did you know that athletes have a greater need for magnesium than most people and, contrary to popular opinion, golfers are considered athletes? New literature shows that up to 75 percent of the Western world is magnesium deficient. As the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, involved in over 300 biochemical reactions, it is no wonder that magnesium is important for improved performance on the course. Research from MIT has shown that magnesium is responsible for regulating parts of the brain responsible for memory and learning, and adequate levels of magnesium are needed within the cerebral spinal fluid to maintain
Supplementation is not just for elite athletes at the professional level. It is also for those looking to improve their games by staying healthy and taking the necessary supplements to do so. All of the above are 100 percent natural and have been proven, by various studies, to be better for you than their mainstream alternatives. plasticity in your synapses. Without enough magnesium, your brain is at a disadvantage, and learning—be it a new swing motion, different way to putt, or how to manage yourself around the course—becomes much more difficult due to the brain’s inability to develop. The list of benefits from taking magnesium is virtually limitless: better sleep, improved brain function, muscle development, cardiovascular health, osteoporosis prevention and more. Many foods contain magnesium, including almonds, spinach, yogurt, rice, bananas, etc., but eating these more than likely will not give an active golfer enough. Supplementing with 400-500 mg. of magnesium, and making sure it contains four types: citrate, taurinate, glycinate and succinate (having four different types will ensure better absorption by your body) will ensure you have enough. Supplementation is not just for elite athletes at the professional level. It is also for those looking to improve their games by staying healthy and taking the necessary supplements to do so. All of the above are 100 percent natural and have been proven, by various studies, to be better for you than their mainstream alternatives. This is but a short list of supplements that can help improve your performance on the golf course and allow you to get more enjoyment out of your game. NOTE: Before taking any supplement, please consult your physician. Information here was obtained from various sources, including the C.H.E.K. Institute, Poliquin Strength Institute, Office of Dietary Supplements: National Institute of Health, as well as personal trial testing with the help of Justin Price, CSCS of Aspire Fitness & Wellness. For more information on these supplements and others that will help you reach your golfing potential, contact the Golf Performance Academy-HH at (843) 338-6737, pete@ golfacademyhiltonhead.com, or on Facebook at Golf Performance Academy-Hilton Head. Getting the proper supplements might just prove to be one of the key ingredients missing in your game. March 2013
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O’clock
5 It’s
Kingfisher- Happy Hour (5-8PM) Early Bird (5-7PM) The BoardroomSIN night (Every Sunday)
One Hot Mama’s & The Lodge St. Patty’s Parade After Party (Live music starts at 5:30PM) AND Irishfest at Wild Wing Cafe(HHI) Live Music ALL DAY
Mellow Mushroom (Hilton Head) - Trivia Night (9PM)
Mellow Mushroom (Bluffton)- Trivia Night (9PM)
Wise Guys-Every Wednesday: Bubbles Bubbles Ladies’ Night (Beginning at 5pm – All night long)
Corks Wine Co. (Bluffton)-
The BoardroomJo Vicars (Every Monday Night) The LodgeEvery Monday Reggae Nights (Begins at 5PM- All Night) $1 Pasta Night & MORE!
The Boardroom(Every Wednesday) Cranford and Sons Electric PianoCruzan Rum Night!
Daily Happy Hour Mon- Sat (5-7PM) Monday- Happy Hour (5-10PM)
Old Fort Pub- Happy Hour (5-7PM)
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day
CharBar Co- Happy Hour and Live Music Daily (4-7PM)
Truffles Café- Happy Hour & Late Night (47PM & 9PM- close)
Black Marlin Hurricane Bar Happy Hour (4 - 7PM)
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Wednesday
Old Fort Pub- Happy Hour (5 - 7PM)
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Tuesday
Sunday
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somewhere!
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The LodgeBourbon Night $3 Old Crow $4 Jim Beam, Jim Beam Red Stag & MORE!
March MadnessBeginning March 19th- showing at ALL SERG Restaurants The BoardroomMarch 6- Whitley Deptuty Old Fort Pub- Happy Hour (5-7PM) One Hot Mama’sTaco Tuesday (5PM)
Send your event/entertainment listing to c.davies@celebratehiltonhead.com
Truffles CaféHappy Hour & Late Night (4-7PM & 9PMClose)
CALL A CAB 686-6666
KingfisherHappy Hour in Lounge (5-8PM) Early Bird (5-7PM)
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Ela’s Blu Water Grille - LIVE Music (Starting at 8PM) Corks(Bluffton)- March 9 Zack Stiltner Band (8-11PM)
The SmokehouseMarch 1st: Souls Harbour 22nd: Stereo Reform 29th: La Bodega (Starts at 10PM)
The Electric Piano Pinnacle Vodka Ladies Night AND Classic Rock Beach Music & Motown with The Simpson Brothers!
The Jazz Corner1st: The Graham Dechter Quartet 8th: The Rat Pack is Back! Tribute to Frank Sinatra & MORE!
RipTides$2 All Can Beer $3.50 Vodkas $4 Jager, Fireball, Rumpys
Black Marlin Hurricane Bar Happy Hour (4 - 7PM) Ela’s Blu Water Grille LIVE Music (Starting at 8PM) Kingfisher- Happy Hour in Lounge (5-8PM) Early Bird (5-7PM) Old Fort Pub - Happy Hour (5-7PM) Thirsty Thursday Wild Wing Café (Hilton Head) $2 House Vodkas and Live Music! CharBar Co.- Happy Hour and Live Music Daily (4-7PM)
The BoardroomMarch 1st: Btown Project 8th: Rowdy Cloud 15th: Eric Johnson 29th: Matt Eckstine (Starts at 10PM)
Captain Woody’s(HH)NEW LOCATION!! March 9: Oyster Roast Oyster, Burgers, Hot Dogs, Happy Hour Specials & LIVE music! (Starts at 4PM) The BoardroomMarch 9- Chris Jones March 16- Voodoo Soup March 23- B Town Project The SmokehouseMarch 23: After Wing Fest Party w/ Treble Jay (9PM)
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m a g a z i n e
p r e s e n t s
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village at wexford
best of
a n n u a l
C2 contes t
everything contest
! Log onto w w w . celebratehil tonh com to ente ead. r this random dra wing for over $2,000 in gift cards.
The Merchants at the Village at Wexford have teamed up again to bring you a chance to win over $2000 in Gift Cards to over 20 different shops, restaurants and specialty stores. Just go to www.celebratehiltonhead.com to tell us what you do best for a chance to win. The winner will be drawn at random from all entries on March 15th. Too shy to tell us what you do best? No worries – tell us what your husband, friend, sister or co-worker does best. If they win, you can split all of these fabulous gift cards. Don’t wait – ENTER TODAY!
Needlepoint Junction thier staff is the best at what they do - needlepoint (painting/stitch guides), knitting, crocheting and classes. $50 Gift Certificate
Faces Dayspa is the best at pampering you with world-class services. Just ask their clients who have voted them “Best Day Spa” year after year. $200 Gift Certificate
The Hair-Designers is the best at helping people create their personal style, utilizing the latest technology and current concepts.
Pino Gelato is the best at scooping happiness. $60 Gift Certificate
Robert Irvine’s EAT! is the best at delivering the absolute, ultimate dining experience, combining creative cuisine with classic fundamentals! $100 Gift Certificate
The Oilerie Hilton Head Island is the best store for extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars. And, it’s fun! $100 Gift Certificate
$200 Gift Certificate
ISLAND CHILD
Blue Parrot
Subway
is the best at clothing, shoes, toys and accessories for children. Voted Best Children’s Store four years running in the Island Packet’s Reader’s Choice Awards. $50 gift card
is the best at helping you find a unique gift for that special person on your list. $200 gift card
is the best at making fresh, healthy sandwiches. Five $10 gift cards
Teagues is the Best at offering the most stylish men’s clothing. Voted “Best Men’s Shop” by The Island Packet and Hilton Head Monthly. $75 gift card
Karis Art & Design Gallery is the best at representing contemporary artists like Max, Seymour, Ellis, Karis, Taupin and many more! $100 gift certificate
Paul’s Optical
Eyesight going to the dogs? Vision getting “ruff”? Come to Paul’s Optical, the best place to have your prescriptions filled by a licensed optician, with frames to fit EVERYONE.
Le Cookery is the best at helping you cook & serve like the pros. Find everything you need to outfit your kitchen at Le Cookery. $50 Gift Certificate
$175 Gift Certificate
British Open Pub is the best at being one of the local’s favorite restaurants since 1998. Come let our family take care of yours! $25 gift certificate
What do you do best?
SMITH GALLERIES is the best at American fine craft, art, jewelry, framing and toys. $100 Gift Certificate
enter to win at www.celebratehiltonhead.com
TAILWAGGERS is the best shop for everything dog, from baked goods to toys, collars to beds. Come visit. $50 gift card
one lucky winnner will win all of the prizes listed below each venue
The Jazz Corner is the best at celebrating LIVE JAZZ nightly! $75 gift certificate
Gifted Hilton Head
Patricia’s
The Porcupine
Kelley Chiropractic
Voted Best Gift Shop 2012 by Island Residents.
is the best at dressing you to look your finest for any event.
is best at serviceencouraging your personal style with personal assistance.
is a certified Activator chiropractor. Activator adjusting restores joint alignment and function using the safest, most comfortable chiropractic technique. one week of chiropractic care including exam with up to 3 adjustments $180.
$75 gift certificate
$50 Gift Certificate
$100 Gift Certificate
DRESS BY LUNDSTROM SHOES BY J.RENEE
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DRESS BY RONEN CHEN SHOES BY J.RENEE
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NECKLACE BY ZENZII SHIRT BY CARTISE JACKET BY CARTISE PANTS BY EILEEN FISHER
JACKET BY LUNDSTROM PANTS BY EILEEN FISHER SHOES BY VANELI BAG BY ECHO
Ph oto grahy by C lay to n Girard HOM E by C A ME RON & C A ME RON INTERIOR DESIGN by KELLEY DESIGNS, INC . C A BINETRY by PA LMETTO C A BINET STUDIO Archi t ect Jame s Og d e n n , AIA
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Coral-hued accents define the sofas and chairs gathered near the fireplace in the great room. Soft shades of blue highlight the custom paneling and complement the warm hickory floors. A separate seating area seems almost nestled under a large oak with the intracoastal waterway just beyond its branches.
Oyster shells dangle from the custom chandelier that casts an inviting glow in the dining room.
Grand, yet inviting, the coffered ceiling in the foyer seems to float above the wrought iron railing. A whimsical nautilus shell helps to capture a fun and casual look to help welcome guests.
Perimeter cabinets in tones of ivory frame the light mocha finish of the kitchen island. A travertine backsplash and floor keep the look light and relaxed.
Muted colors are used in this guest suite and mingle with the rattan and pine furnishings to create a cool, coastal ambience.
The broad barrel-vault ceiling of the master bedroom is painted a rich blue and partners nicely with sandy tones of the walls and silk striped drapery. With a touch of a button, remote-control black-out shades descend from behind the roman valances to ensure a good night’s sleep.
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Generous windows enable everyone to enjoy views of the pool, dock and boats from the comfort of a cushy sofa, swivel chairs and mammoth ottoman.
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Connecting the dining room with the breakfast nook and kitchen, a curved, paneled ceiling makes this much more than a butler’s pantry!
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Marble-chip mosaics are used to depict an underwater theme mural on the outside wall of the master bathroom shower.
As a nod to a porthole found on a ship, the mirror above the chest in the elevator vestibule conveys the coastal theme of the interiors.
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or well over eight years, Hilton Head Island’s award winning interior design firm, J Banks Design has been crossing the Atlantic regularly to meander through the world of Italian design, culture and business while working on their massive project, Castello di Casole—A Timbers Resorts Hotel & Residences. Castello di Casole is a 4,200-acre historic estate located in the rolling hills of Toscana, not far from the cities of Florence and Siena. The property is dotted with over 16 farmhouse villas as well as numerous private residential estates. The central jewel of the property is Hotel Castello di Casole, once a castle in ruins that has now been restored into a luxurious 41-suite boutique hotel, housing elegant public amenity spaces including reception, lounge, bar, pizzeria, fine dining restaurant, spa and fitness center, as well as numerous private residential villas. J Banks Design was hired by Carbondale, Colorado-based Timbers Resorts to work alongside their team on all aspects of design for the complete restoration of the entire property. When they first toured the property, many of the structures were nothing but ruins that had graced the estate dating back to the 10th century. Besides the obvious challenges— cultural differences, language barriers, building codes and European vacation and “lunch” schedules—the firm faced the design challenge of transforming the ruins into spaces that seamlessly fused old world Tuscan charm with modern day luxury.
Both Vanderslice and Warner scoured Europe to source fabrics, fixtures and furnishings from the most acclaimed artisans.
To master their charge, the development team and designers Joni Vanderslice and Adrienne Warner, specified authentic materials found on the estate and throughout the region. Woodbeamed ceilings, exposed stone walls, original brick arches, reclaimed wood flooring, terracotta tile, marble, travertine, and hand-plastered finishes were used to capture traditional European construction. 62
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While working on the interior appointments, Vanderslice custom designed all painted murals and interior millwork with rich details and design motifs. Each door, cabinet and mantle was crafted by a specialty artisan to add to the authentic Tuscan experience. Both Vanderslice and Warner scoured Europe to source fabrics, fixtures and furnishings from the most acclaimed artisans. Antiques and accessories were purchased at local fairs and markets throughout all of Italy, and the designers worked with their vendors to custom create many of the pieces found in each residential casale (or farmhouse), hotel amenity spaces as well as the hotel suites. To modernize their designs, and to highlight the cutting edge, contemporary design that Italians are also known for, the design team incorporated Bisazza glass mosaic tiles and sleek Italian fixtures into each bathroom, creating an alluring blend of old and new. The hotel component of the resort opened this past July and continues to receive worldwide acclamation; and the firm continues to work on numerous residential casale on the property. Regarding the honor by Boutique Design magazine March 2013
The hotel component of the resort opened this past July and continues to receive worldwide acclamation; and the firm continues to work on numerous residential casale on the property.
for best renovation project of 2012, Vanderslice, J Banks’ president and owner said, “I was humbled. This project has proven to be the most challenging, yet rewarding project I have ever experienced during J Banks Design’s 26 years of business. Castello di Casole is much more than a project to me. It has changed my way of life and my outlook on design for forever. I’m grateful to our client, Timbers Resorts for the opportunity to work on the project, and I am grateful for the experiences and the relationships that have been forged during the journey.”
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inspiration Article by Sunny Nolde, Plantation Interiors
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ll abloom in a fresh crop of fabrics, rugs, furnishings, wall coverings and paint samples, this season’s interior designs are inspired by the rich colors of an enchanted English garden. Just imagine white lacquered Chinese Chippendale chairs with emerald green upholstery, a mahogany dining table and a sparkling chandelier. Add a glistening water view and some wonderful friends. Whether you are seeking a serene sanctuary or a blast of pizazz, your palette of colors may set the overall mood. Perhaps one of the significant elements for establishing a color palette is a piece of art. It can be an exquisite Venetian glass sculpture by Carlo Scarpa or a dazzling American impressionist painting. In the Guggenheim museum, for example, one is often captivated by the sculptural staircase and the surrounding exhibits. “The color and power of these paintings just sweeps you off your feet,” said Karen Meyerhoff, the museum’s managing director for business development. Interestingly, the museum has collaborated on a unique line of paint collections with a Vermont-based company that imports premium paints from the Netherlands. “I wanted to give people that same emotional response in their home,” Meyerhoff said. “You want to enhance the pieces, not compete with them.”
When choosing a color palette for your home, you can find inspiration almost anywhere. Maybe it is a favorite painting, scarf, rug or even a photograph from an excotic locale.
An area rug or an antique piece of furniture may also be a grand beginning. “Forget what you’ve heard,” said interior designer Bunny Williams. “Children and antiques do mix. Furniture with a little patina can be very child-friendly. That antique has been around 200 years. Kids aren’t going to hurt it.”
Just imagine white lacquered Chinese Chippendale chairs with emerald green upholstery, a mahogany dining table and a sparkling chandelier. Add a glistening water view and some wonderful friends. Then try to envision how you will live in each room. What is going to take place in this room? Consider its purpose. Be sure to give your space some “breathing room,” Williams continued. And by all means, you may wish to do a little editing to make sure the room is not too cluttered. Look for the rapidly changing furniture functions and features as they are improved through the advances in modern technology. It is both convenient and efficient to plug that new tablet or cell phone right into the cleverly located electronic outlet or opening on your nightstand.
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Within the context of purpose, use color to create a modern or traditional accent around your room’s inspirational element. Pantone, the global authority on color and provider of color standards for the design industry has selected a color direction for the spring season. It’s a mixture of dynamic brights with novel neutrals to create a harmonious balance. These colors can be paired together, grouped or used boldly alone.
Within the context of purpose, use color to create a modern or traditional accent around your room’s inspirational element.
Prestigious and prolific furniture manufacturer Century is featuring color combinations of coral, navy and ivory, as well as the soft palette of French blues and washed greens. Citron yellow accents the charcoal greys and textured metallic finishes that can provide marvelous character to a piece. Emerald green is also woven into all seasons this year. It’s a little touch of Hollywood glamour, as well as a sophisticated color from nature’s aura. The color trends are brilliant and welcomingly refreshing this season. Talk with a designer or decorator; perhaps they will share their wisdom on how to create a beautiful, hospitable and comfortable interior with this palette. Plantation Interiors is located at 10 Target Rd. on Hilton Head Island. For more information or help with your design project, call (843) 785-5261 or visit plantationinteriors.com. 68
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Photography by anne
Windows help set the mood in many famous stories, from Holly Golightly enjoying her breakfast at Tiffany’s, to Dorothy’s twister-unhinged farmhouse window that took her to the Land of Oz with one bump on the head. ’Twas the Night Before Christmas would not be the same without the shade on that simple bedroom window, shuttered against the winter cold, being torn open and Santa’s sleigh being revealed. article By Kitty Bartell
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indows are the snow globes of our lives. They contain displays of warm bakery sweets enticing us in for a bite, or worshipers bathed in the rainbow of a church’s stained glass. We go “window shopping” to pass the time, and are told that our eyes are the windows to our soul. The importance of the windows in our lives is not taken for granted at Window Fashions Of Hilton Head Island, where owners LaVonne and Steve Keister work hard to continue the 24-plus year tradition of success that the business has enjoyed. It was not a direct path that brought the Keisters to purchase Window Fashions in October of 2010 from its founders, Rhonda and Ed Dooner, but in many ways it was meant to be. The Dooners launched the business in 1989, operating for 22 years as Window Fashions by Rhonda. At just about the same time that the Dooners were considering selling the business and retiring, LaVonne was getting the urge to take her 10 years of short-term property management experience, do something new, and have more control over her schedule to spend time with their two-year-old son Beckett. LaVonne had worked closely with the Dooners during her property management career. “I scheduled repair and maintenance for my owners; so whenever there was a problem with blinds, I called Ed and Rhonda,” she said. “I heard through the grapevine that they were thinking of
selling the business.” LaVonne laughs as she recalls inquiring about their plans while stopping by to pick up some parts for a client. “Rhonda immediately said, ‘Yes.’ She was ready to retire. Ed said, ‘No, I’m not ready to sell.’” The Keisters invited the Dooners out for dinner, and it wasn’t long before both Rhonda and Ed warmed to the idea of selling the business. “They had another interested buyer, but I think Ed and Rhonda were more comfortable handing it off to us,” LaVonne said. Their similar paths may have sealed the deal; the Keisters were in the same stage of life, with one young child, as the Dooners were when they started the business. The Keisters have taken their time making the business their own. The clients are the priority, and being certain every job is the right fit for the client’s needs is LaVonne’s fulltime job. While she is the day-to-day face at Window Fashions, selling, measuring, and installing most projects, Steve is her talented collaborator, taking on projects for the business in conjunction with owning and operating his own landscape business. Appreciating the value of beautiful, functional window coverings, Window Fashions has dressed windows in homes, restaurants, office buildings, and schools around the Lowcountry. On every project, hands-on customer service and guaranteed quality and installation are standard. Window Fashions also has the advantage of being able to offer the client a wide range of manufacturers and options, where the competition is often limited by what their particular franchise requires. “You’re getting us on the project and you’re getting us on the phone,” LaVonne said. “When a client calls and says there’s something wrong, they aren’t given an 800 number to call. With the products that I sell, I know before I sell them to my client that I can service them myself. If there’s something wrong,
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Photography by Anne
Continuing to make the business their own, the Keisters have completed a fresh renovation to modernize the Window Fashions showroom, creating a beautiful canvas on which to display their extensive window treatment options.
I know I can fix it.” LaVonne keeps up with the latest training through online instruction and seminars, but still says her best training came from Ed and Rhonda. “If I have a question even today, I pick up the phone and call them.” Continuing to make the business their own, the Keisters have completed a fresh renovation to modernize the Window Fashions showroom, creating a beautiful canvas on which to display their extensive window treatment options. With a backdrop of rich green walls, both manufacturer and custombuilt displays give clients the ability to creatively visualize the look of their project. A similar renovation is underway in the warehouse, where the more industrial work of building custom blinds and completing repairs is done. Every job begins with an on-site consultation with LaVonne. Knowing every product available and how they operate is her
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specialty, which translates into every client having the ability to select the very best option for their windows. After the style and materials are selected, LaVonne takes the measurements and even creates custom templates when the angles and arches require something entirely unique. Window covering choices at Window Fashions run the gamut from classic blinds, shades, shutters, and draperies, to more modern cellular, woven, and solar screens. Choices are dictated by function and fashion. Privacy and energy efficiency are good starting points when making selections. How much light needs to be blocked and what mechanisms best suit the client’s needs are important questions to answer as well. LaVonne’s expertise at matching these functional needs with the client’s design aesthetic, while being on top of the latest trends in materials, design, and even child safety regulations, is her winning hand. One of the newer trends in window coverings is woven wood blinds. “They’re really versatile and have such a nice look,” LaVonne said. The design options are virtually endless with over 100 wood stains and paint choices, giving them the ability to work well in any room. The woven wood materials can be used in folding panels, side panels to treat doors, Roman shades, and top treatments. “It used to be the only thing you could do on top of a window was fabric,” LaVonne said. Now woven wood top treatments are an exciting new option. Another particularly great product for the Lowcountry is solar screen roller shades. “These shades block some light and glare, but don’t entirely block the view, and you cannot see in
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the Keisters son, four year old beckett.
from the outside,” LaVonne explained. “The manufacturer offers different degrees of openness to the materials that changes how much you can see through. You still have your view, but can vary the amount of light you block,”—the perfect window covering for clients with spectacular views, whether water, golf, or marsh. Just like Beckett, who is now four years old, Window Fashions is growing by leaps and bounds. As windows are dressed, new stories are being written for each home and business. Whether watching a Calibogue Sound sunset through a perfectly framed picture window, catching a warm breeze through slightly drawn plantation shutters, or filtering out the hot summer sun, Window Fashions brings out the very best in each window. Window Fashions is located at 30 Hunter Road, Suite D, Hilton Head Island. For more information, call (843) 689-3990 or visit windowfashionsofhiltonhead.com.
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i. My name is Courtney, and I was married to an alcoholic. We first met over a keg of beer. We courted at happy hour. I was in my 20s, he in his early 30s. This is what people did. We went to work and then we went out for drinks. We were young. We were having fun. Actually, I almost didn’t marry him. We eloped to Jamaica, and the day before the wedding, we participated in a “mixology class” at the resort. I quickly realized that “mixology class” was code for drinking shots of as many types of rum as you could. I managed to swallow back one before I started just tossing the shots over my shoulder. Joe got into the competitive spirit and downed every shot. And then he went down. Literally.
Stepped back from the bar, stumbled, slid down a column while desperately trying to remain vertical. Needless to say, that wasn’t a great night for us. The next morning was even worse as we walked to breakfast and our fellow vacationers shouted out, “Hey, dude, how you feeling?” He wasn’t the only idiot; lots of guys and gals overindulged. I can still remember one couple on the beach digging holes in the sand to throw up in. But, for Joe, I had this sinking feeling that this wasn’t all in good fun. I didn’t really care about how anyone else acted. I was only focused on his behavior, and I was angry. But could I really let this “one incident” dictate my entire future?
We were married just before sunset on the beach. The puking-in-holes couple served as our witnesses. True story. I haven’t had rum since. Certain points stand out as eye-openers to his problem. Like the time he was designated driver and insisted he was okay to drive home from his company Christmas party; we got pulled over and a police escort home. Or, the time he started an anti-war political discussion, with an Iraq veteran—I literally dragged him from that room. Or when softball “practice” became an excuse to have a party on any day that ended in a “y.” I’m a smart chick, with a social work degree and countless credit hours on addiction, but it was easier to cover the behavior
than deal with it. I became my own case study, but the plight for all co-dependents is the same. Alcoholics and addicts don’t believe they have a problem. It doesn’t matter how many times you stand in their face yelling at them that they do. Until they are ready to admit it to their inner-most selves, they won’t act. The Alcoholics Anonymous “Big Book” says that “frothy emotional appeal seldom suffices.” Joe had to realize the problem on his own. He didn’t until a couple years after we separated. I am not alone. Joe is not alone. The statistics are staggering. A Harvard School of Public Health study reveals that almost twothirds of Americans have friends or family members who have struggled with addiction. But, even more eye-opening is that
CO-FOUNDERS OF GREENER GRASS, JOE NAUGHTON AND JAISON HROBAR
addiction is a community problem. “Addiction left untreated costs Americans more than 100,000 lives and $400 billion each year.” (H. Harwood 2000) A study by the Justice Policy Institute found that “every dollar spent on drug treatment in the community is estimated to return $18.52 in benefits to society in terms of reduced incarceration rates and associated crime costs to taxpayers.” Where else can we reap an 18 to one return? And, if that is the case, why don’t we talk about it? Look around. Two of the three people sitting near you right now have some experience with addiction. Is anyone talking about it? No. It’s a topic we don’t tackle. The stigma associated with the disease is negative. Joe and I separated in November of 2008. We remained in touch, and I watched him spiral. Today, I’m happy report that Joe has been sober for two years, three months, and eight days. I am proud of him—for realizing the problem, for doing something about it, despite how very difficult that journey must have been, and for coming out on the other side a better person. Since getting sober, Joe and his friend Jaison, a recovered alcoholic/addict, have been working to find a way to help others facing the same situation they were in not long ago. Thousands of people in the Lowcountry are struggling and need help. Money, however, is often a barrier to treatment. Both Joe and Jaison admit that if they didn’t have someone pay for their treatment, they would have died waiting. Joe drank for 30 years before he went to rehab at age 43. “I believed that I didn’t have a problem. No matter how bad the situation or consequence, I never believed I was as bad as my father,” he said, choking up a bit at the memory of his father who passed away in April 2009. He drank himself to death. “I believed that society caused the issues I had. And I never felt like I fit in that ‘society,’ so I was naturally more relaxed, calm, and funny if I was drinking.” Jaison started drinking and using at 14, “drinking other kids’ parents’ alcohol at house parties on Hilton Head,” he said. Addiction is hereditary. For Jaison, it was his grandparents and two uncles who carried the gene. It was Jaison who carried the casket at his uncles’ funerals. “I carried the casket for two uncles who overdosed and then I partied,” Jaison admitted. Jaison’s view of what an alcoholic or addict looked like was based on experience. His grandfather was a violent alcoholic. “As long as I wasn’t violent, I didn’t have a problem.” Even living in his car under the Hilton Head bridge wasn’t a wake-up call for Jaison. So, what was the wake-up call? For Joe, it was a slow realization. He went to detox and started a 12-step program in February of 2010 but admits that he kept drinking for another nine months. “In November of 2010, I knew I just didn’t want to live this way anymore. I knew that in order to get better, I had to be physically removed from alcohol. I asked for help and a bed was made available to me at Bridges of Hope,” Joe said. At Bridges of Hope (a residential treatment facility) there were 49 guys and six dogs, on a farm, in the middle of Georgia. Life had changed. “There were rules, and I had finally begun to learn some responsibility. Learning is different with no alcohol. It wasn’t as if I was learning new concepts—responsibility, acceptance—but they finally clicked. I knew I just needed to—wanted to—do the right thing.” “When your drug dealer tells you that you have a problem, you know it’s serious,” Jaison said. “But I still didn’t listen. His wife had kicked him out of the house when 78
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INDIVIDUALS WITH ALCOHOL OR DRUG ADDICTIONS CAN BE FOUND IN THE BIGGEST CITIES OR THE SMALL RURAL COMMUNITIES. SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ADDICTION CAN STRIKE ANYONE OF ANY SOCIO-ECONOMIC BACKGROUND. ADDICTION DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE.
his “run out for milk” lasted two hours. Jaison said he was relieved. “I was dying, and my greatest fear was that one of my kids (he has four) would find me dead on the couch,” he said. His mom finally said she was done too. “She is a phenomenal mother, so I know that was hard for her. I finally talked to the associate pastor at my church, and he helped me get into rehab.” Once at rehab, Jaison had his doubts, but it was the director of the program who had faith, telling him, “If you don’t believe, believe that I believe.” “Eventually, the desire to drink just left me,” Jaison said. “I did the work. I followed the rules.” For Jaison, the idea to help others came while he was in rehab. “I left my wife and four kids to fend for themselves while I was gone. I couldn’t afford to help my family or myself,” he said. “People ask for help all the time. They are destitute and at death’s door. They would go to rehab if there was a way.” Together, Joe and Jaison have been working to make it happen for anyone who asks for help. They’ve developed an extensive network of contacts across the region to ensure that when someone is ready to make the commitment, they are able to get them there. The duo has logged thousands of miles, bringing alcoholics and addicts to rehab, oftentimes leaving after work, driving all night, and then returning just in time to start their workday again.
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It was one of those all-night drives that changed the course of both of their lives, and likely that of many others. On a 10-hour journey, the two began talking about how to parlay their lessons learned and the generosity bestowed on them to others. And the idea of “Greener Grass” was born. “We may have been delirious from the ride, and we may have seen a jack-a-lope, but we definitely knew we had a great idea.” Joe said it may have been the greatest night of his life. As his ex-wife, that stings a little, but I did agree to tell the story, so... On the heels of their long drive, they created a non-profit organization, Greener Grass, with a mission to ensure that no alcoholic or addict desperate and willing enough to seek help from a treatment facility is denied this lifesaving opportunity due to inability to pay either out of pocket or via insurance. Further, through Greener Grass, they want to work to lessen the burden of the family that has suffered alongside the afflicted by providing, where needed and when possible, financial assistance for such things as food and basic necessities. With a vision to change lives, they have their work cut out for them. They want to impact not only the lives of those afflicted with the deadly disease of addiction, not only the lives of the families and friends who have suffered alongside the afflicted but the lives of the people in the communities where they reside. Through education, outreach and the changed lives of the men and women they aim to assist, they are driven to change the stigma of alcoholics and addicts from “hopeless bane on society” to “contributing member of the community.” Bravo!
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You mean let’s take the anonymous out of the scenario? Of course we should. People are highly emotional and make connections with people. Could it be that the stigma associated with addiction is because there are no people (with last names) shouting from the rooftops? Joe Naughton and Jaison Hrobar are putting a face and a name to addiction. Having completed the necessary state and nonprofit filing paperwork, Greener Grass is working in 2013 to raise the funds necessary to assist a minimum of five people in receiving the help they seek. Using facilities with which they currently have relationships, this means raising $4,200 to $7,200 per individual, depending on their particular needs. By ensuring that no man or woman seeking treatment from alcohol or drug addiction is denied due to lack of finances, they believe that by providing means for these men and women to get the help they desire, their families can also start on a path which leads to healing and rebuilding. Joe and Jaison’s long-term goals are a tad loftier. They hope to acquire the land and resources to build a Greener Grass residential recovery and rescue facility in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Here, sick and suffering alcoholics and addicts will be given the opportunity to rebuild their lives through the 12 Steps of AA/NA, through discipline, through love and through the responsibility of caring for rescue animals. The therapeutic value of mutual, unconditional love and companionship between man and animals has been proven to help both, and we believe that by placing society’s “unwanted” in an environment that promotes love and growth, something miraculous will happen, they explained. Today though, they remain grounded in their mission with an eye on who they can help this year. When asked, is the grass really greener on the other side? Jaison said, “It can be.” Indeed it can. How You Can Help Donate your time, talent, or treasure. Greener Grass needs: • Graphic and web design assistance • Volunteers • Board members with legal and/or accounting background • Money! So they can fulfill their mission to help those seeking long-term treatment for addiction. Monetary donations can be mailed to 25 Thurmond Way, Box 1307, Bluffton, SC 29910. Want to help? Send Joe and Jaison an e-mail at GreenerGrassSC@gmail.com.
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Dr.
Sheila
Stephens:
A Comprehensive Healthcare Advocate Article
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etsy Sauter’s rescue cat Bo needed lifesaving medication for his arrhythmia but could not take pills. Christine Mauro’s daughter needed a specific medication that had to be compounded. Both were directed by physicians to see Dr. Sheila Stephens at Stephens Compounding Pharmacy. Neither Sauter nor Mauro knew anything about compounding, much less who Stephens was, and now they both say they could not live without her and her health-efficacy services. “I know a lot of great pharmacists, but I’ve never seen the same level of interest. Sheila is passionate. She is cutting edge. She is a comprehensive healthcare advocate,” Mauro said. Stephens says her mission is simple. “I want to help you feel fabulous,” which for her encompasses the mind, the body and the spirit. For many people, this is refreshing. If you have ever had a health journey—whether it was a chronic illness or pain, or weight loss aspiration—you know that it is easy to feel frustrated, directionless or alone. You might have felt like a ping pong ball, bouncing back
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Ph o t o g ra p h y
By
John
B rac k e t t
and forth from one doctor’s office to another, or one medication to another. With Stephens, the hurting stops and the healing begins. “She’s not like your typical pharmacist. She has a keen interest in you, your family, and your pet. We lose so much of that nowadays. Other pharmacists seem overworked and overstressed,” Sauter said. Mauro could not agree more. “She pulls so many resources together. She has created an excellent network of physicians. Plus, I feel like I have a personal relationship with her. She’s not just my pharmacist. She’s my friend. When I need something she is there for me.” Stephens earned her doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Florida. During her extensive career, she has served as the director of pharmacy at Hilton Head Regional Medical Center and Beaufort Memorial Hospital, as a clinical pharmacist at the University of Alabama Women’s and Infants Center and Summit Cancer Care in Savannah, and as an oncology pharmacist.
Stephens Services: • Medical grade nutritional supplements for people and pets • Hormone optimization for men and women •Weight loss consultation • One-on-one assessments regarding drug interactions, diet, and supplements • Customized blends • Private label products • Transdermal creams that can be applied to the skin and go into blood stream to relieve pain without toxins, liver issues, or drowsiness
Dr. Sheila
Stephens: Passionate that better medical care begins with educating tomorrow’s healthcare providers, Stephens has also held an academic position as the assistant professor for South University in Savannah, and she is a preceptor for advanced practice Pharm.D. students for South Carolina College of Pharmacy. Stephens’ areas of expertise include specialized training in bio-identical hormone replacement, pain management and endocrine disorders, and she strives to “help people be well before the disease stage.” She believes “no one size fits all” and that compounding meets so many more needs than off-theshelf prescription medications. To this end, she views optimal wellness as a harmonious blend of integrative and traditional medicine, and she never stops expanding her services. “She is constantly looking at her products and seeing how to perfect them,” said Mauro, who credits her entire family’s wellness to Stephens. Mauro estimates that she, her husband and her daughter collectively lost over 100 inches of fat with Stephens’ HGC program. “It was the most successful program I’ve ever done, and I’ve used them all!” To better facilitate feeling fabulous, Stephens recently renovated her pharmacy to include a private consultation room where you can sit down, one-on-one with her and discuss all
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your medications, supplements and or health concerns or goals. Her aim is to gain a complete picture of your healthcare needs, prevent dangerous drug interactions, and optimize your wellness efforts. “This atmosphere is meant to help you feel like you can breathe again and get back into balance,” said Stephens of the cozy room that is complete with a flat screen TV for lectures. In addition, Stephens is gearing up for a sterile lab in hopes to begin making injectable forms of medications that are in short supply (like pain medications and anesthesia) and has started offering massage therapy, educational events, and free shipping to the Beaufort area. She also continues to stock her shelves with handpicked items such as liquid stevia (a healthy all-natural sweetener), her own formulated probiotic, anti-aging creams, and essential oils—just to name a few. Each product is what Stephens calls, “Sheila tested and approved. I only sell my favorites.” During a time when most small, “mom-and-pop” businesses are struggling, Stephens Compounding Pharmacy is achieving steady success. Dr. Stephens credits much of this to her relationship with her physician base.
March 2013
“Ninety-nine percent of the local physicians, I can call and discuss the best possible options for our clients,” Stephens said. “I want to be an integral part of your health care plan. I want to be another person on your team. When I speak to your doctor, he or she is not speaking with some stranger.” To foster her medical relationships and promote healthcare advocacy, Stephens often invites and sponsors local physicians to seminars and conventions. “My hope is that they will learn more about holistic approaches,” she said. Both Sauter and Mauro have been dedicated clients of Stephens from the moment they set foot in her pharmacy. Sauter’s cat Bo is doing well, and Mauro’s daughter is a healthy, happy student at the College of Charleston. “I don’t think people really understand how much Sheila can do for them,” Mauro said. “I know. I used to be one of those people, and now I’m so thankful my physician referred her to my family.” Stephens Pharmacy is located at 302B Pineland Station. Visit stephenscompoundingpharmacy.com or call (843) 6863040 for more information.
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Inevitable
Navigating the South Carolina Judicial System Article By Kitty Bartell
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hances are that at some point in your residency in the Palmetto State, you will need to utilize the services of the State of South Carolina Judicial Department or that you will become a servant of that system. As an upstanding resident of your state, this may come as an unwelcome surprise. However, Beaufort County Associate Chief Magistrate, Lawrence P. McElynn explains, “They could either be here for a traffic offense, criminal matter or a civil matter, where either they’ve been wronged or they’ve wronged someone, or they’re being called for a jury.” In other words, you’re being sued, you’re suing someone, or your number has come up and it’s time to do your civic (jury) duty. Commonly known as the people’s court, the court of first appearance, or formerly small claims court, Magistrate’s
Court is where the majority of cases are heard annually. Imagine South Carolina’s judicial system as a four-level pyramid: Magistrate’s Court forms a significant portion of the base of the entire structure, with the largest number of sitting judges hearing approximately a million cases statewide in 2012 alone. “If they’re coming to court, the likelihood is, this is where they’re going to be,” McElynn said. The State’s Judicial Department is a branch of government generally taken for granted (or quite possibly ignored) by the average citizen. However, because of the likelihood of every registered voter in the State interacting at some point with this department, a working knowledge of the various courts, the types of cases they hear, and how the courts operate may come in handy.
Level One: The Supreme Court Starting at the peak of the pyramid, the Supreme Court is the state’s highest court. Consisting of a chief justice and four associate justices, each may serve an unlimited number of 10-year terms as long as they are re-elected by the General Assembly. Hearing the fewest cases annually and only those it selects from appeals made in the Court of Appeals, as well as cases heard directly from the Circuit Court such as those involving the death penalty and the constitutionality of a state statute, few citizens ever actually interact with this court. The State Supreme Court also provides opinions to the Federal Supreme Court in cases involving South Carolina laws and oversees the admission to practice law and discipline of lawyers.
Level Two: Court Of Appeals Just below the Supreme Court on the pyramid, the Court of Appeals is exactly what its name implies. Decisions made in Family Court, Circuit Court, and by Master-in-Equity, may be appealed to a panel of three judges drawn from this court’s eight associate judges and its chief justice. An appeal to this court is made in the form of a written brief. The judges read the brief, review transcripts of earlier hearings, and review the evidence. The judges then send their opinion to the parties with their reasoning. Often, parties involved in the appeal appear before this court for oral argument. Cases may be affirmed, reversed or remanded to the trial court in partial or in full.
Level Three: Family Court, Circuit Court and Masters-In-Equity Family Court, Circuit Court, and Masters-in-Equity carry a great deal of the state’s judicial workload, address a greater number of cases, and employ more judges to complete the work than the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals combined. Family Court is the only court charged with hearing cases involving domestic issues: marriage, divorce, legal separation, custody, visitation rights, termination of parental rights, adoption, support, alimony, division of marital assets, and name changes. Thirty-two judges are charged with ruling on cases in the state’s 16 circuits and are empowered to hold emergency hearings when cases of neglect resulting in injuries or abuse are involved. Most criminal cases involving juveniles under the age of 17 are heard by Family Court, unless the case has been transferred to Circuit Court and the individual will be tried as an adult.
Under the jurisdiction of 46 judges, assigned by the chief justice to the state’s 16 judicial circuits, the Circuit Court has the broadest powers of all the South Carolina courts. The Circuit Court consists of two trial courts: a civil court, the Court of Common Pleas, and a criminal court, the Court of General Sessions, where all cases not assigned to other courts are heard. Under the jurisdiction of 46 judges, assigned by the chief justice to the state’s 16 judicial circuits, the Circuit Court has the broadest powers of all the South Carolina courts. The Circuit Court consists of two trial courts: a civil court, the Court of Common Pleas, and a criminal court, the Court of General Sessions, where all cases not assigned to other courts are heard. Given the extensive agenda of cases heard in Circuit Court, it may be easier to review examples of reasons why a case may not be heard in Circuit Court: cases that may be assigned to a different court due to the amount of the claim, or a specific jurisdiction may change the case assignment, such as Family Court and Probate Court. This court is also tasked with hearing appeals from Probate Court, Magistrate’s Court, Municipal Court, the Workers’ Compensation Commission, and the Administrative Law Division. The final division on this third level is the Master-in-Equity. Foreclosures, partitions, and real estate contracts are examples of issues presided over by this court, along with any other case referred to them by the Circuit Court. Currently numbering 21, these judges are appointed by the Governor in counties with 100,000 or more residents. Master-in-Equity has the same power and authority as the Circuit Court, and sits without a jury. In fact, the Master-in-Equity is a special Circuit Court Judge. 90
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Level Four: Probate Court, Municipal Court and Magistrate’s Court The foundation for the South Carolina Judicial Department consists of some real work horses. This is where the most cases are heard and where the most judges are seated, giving the base of South Carolina’s judicial pyramid the strength and structure required to meet the needs of a growing population. With or without a will, the property of a deceased person will be addressed in Probate Court. Elected by voters to fouryear terms, probate judges are the only South Carolina judiciary holding office at the will of the people. Broadly, probate judges make sure that the distribution of assets and the paying of creditors is executed properly. Should disputes occur,
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With an understanding of the South Carolina Judicial system, most would agree that the hope is to limit interaction with the justice system to fulfilling a summons to jury duty. According to McElynn, seating juries has become challenging, “We summons 100 people to get six.” such as contested wills or issues of mental competence, Probate Court is where they are settled. Most cases are heard by and decided by the judge only; however, occasionally a jury trial may be called for, but only on a limited basis. Probate Court also issues marriage licenses and approves wrongful death and survival action settlements. Municipal Court and Magistrate’s Court are separate courts in some counties. When there is a Municipal Court, it has jurisdiction over all state offenses
and municipal ordinances subject to fines up to $500 or up to 30 days in prison. As Beaufort County residents, it is Magistrate’s Court where the greatest number of disputes and offenses are addressed. With jurisdictional limits on civil claims of up to $7,500, and criminal cases for offenses subject to fines of $500 or less, or imprisonment of 30 days or less, Magistrate’s Court is commissioned with moving cases quickly through the judicial process. “The Chief Justice makes us go through a 60-, 90-, or 120-day cycle, maximum,” McElynn explained. “If you have something pending here, the likelihood is that we’re going to get to it within three months.” Beaufort County Magistrates are responsible for setting bond for the majority of people who are arrested in the county, conducting preliminary hearings, and issuing arrest and search warrants. “We don’t get felonies in this court. We only get misdemeanors,” McElynn said. Some examples of those include possession of marijuana, being cited for having an open container of alcohol, or driving under the influence. Civil cases in Magistrate’s Court are also presided over with the goal of reaching an agreement that ends the action quickly. Sometimes, even before a hearing or trial proceeds, McElynn says a compromise may be reached. “As soon as someone files a lawsuit, everyone involved stops talking, so then no one ever reaches an agreement. Oftentimes, if you give them an opportunity to, they’ll reach an agreement and you can just dismiss the matter, and essentially, everybody’s happy. A lot of times, in a civil matter, if they have a chance to discuss it prior to undertaking a trial, it may be the first time they’ve talked about it in months. It saves everybody a lot of time.” Magistrate’s Court operates at a fast pace, but is still a place where a civility is expected, McElynn said. Juggling various March 2013
roles from legal mind, to father-figure, to counselor, running a courtroom requires a firm hand with a soft touch. “People aren’t used to having a civil discourse any more. They automatically want to argue, or they want to overpower the person who is saying something they don’t agree with,” McElynn said. “You can’t run a courtroom like that. You can make it very clear what you expect. Sometimes all it takes is a look. If they don’t stop, then you have to impose a sanction on them. It can be a fine or at the end of the hearing take them to jail. I’ve never had to send someone to jail, but I’ve had to fine them.” Magistrate’s Court is a part of the larger judicial system in South Carolina, and according to McElynn, “If you’re going to have a court experience in your lifetime, it’s likely going to be in Magistrate’s Court. [If] they’re going to
March 2013
pay a ticket, someone’s going to sue them or they’re going to try and get some help on a small claims matter. If their dog is running loose and they get at ticket, they’ll be right here. If their llama breaks loose and eats someone’s shrubbery; right here. If there is littering going on, they’ll be here. Driving a car with an open container, they’re going to be right here. Driving under suspension, right here. DUI, right here. Driving under the influence of drugs, right here. Public disorderly conduct, right here.” With an understanding of the South Carolina Judicial system, most would agree that the hope is to limit interaction with the justice system to fulfilling a summons to jury duty. According to McElynn, seating juries has become challenging, “We summons 100 people to get six.” Being called to jury duty in
Magistrate’s Court has some appeal and serves an important need, “Give it a try. It’s interesting. You’re not coming here for a two week trial. You’ll be here for two hours. It may be one morning out of your life. We need you to do this, because if you don’t come, we can’t have a trial.” Chances are you’re going to get your turn. The South Carolina Judicial Department’s website is an easy-tofollow resource for how to navigate the labyrinth of the various state courts. In addition to forms and frequently asked questions, valuable links are provided to assist citizens whether they are representing themselves in court, are being represented by an attorney, or have questions regarding their responsibilities as a potential juror. Visit sccourts.org.
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Article by Pam Blackshire, Clark & Stevens, P.A.
When Parents Can’t Agree…
Child custody determination in the Family Court
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ivorce can be the most emotionally exhausting experience many couples will go through. For parents, the uncertainty of how the divorce will impact their relationship with their children often compounds the stress of the process. Although each family’s situation is unique, the following is general information as to how the Family Court will decide custody if parents are unable to agree. Ultimately, the court’s determination about custody is governed by what a judge concludes is in the “best interest of the child.” Various factors are considered in making this decision, and seldom is any one factor determinative of the outcome. The judge must consider the character, attitude, and stability of each parent as they impact the child. In determining the best custodial arrangement, the court will examine the psychological, environmental and recreational aspects of the child’s life. In sum, the court looks at the totality of circumstances unique to each particular case. Often the court will appoint a guardian ad litem, whose role is to assist the court in protecting the best interests of a child. The guardian will investigate all aspects of the child’s environment, which often includes interviews with parents, family members, teachers, counselors
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and others who have insight into what the child needs to thrive. In private custody disputes, the guardian typically is an attorney (although occasionally non-attorney guardians may be used). The guardian’s task is to present the necessary and unbiased information that a judge would want in order to make a just decision on custody and visitation disputes. While a guardian cannot make explicit custody recommendations unless requested to do so by the court, his or her investigation typically is taken under serious consideration by the Family Court judge. The court can award sole or joint custody of a child, and it may make distinctions as to physical (actual physical care and residence of the child) and legal (authority to make important decisions in the child’s life) custody. Until recently, South Carolina’s Family Courts frowned upon joint custody, finding it was “typically harmful to the children and not in their best interests.” This view has been changed by recent amendments to South Carolina’s Children’s Code, which allows the court to award either joint or sole custody as it sees fit but does not express a preference between either. Again, the ultimate decision as to the specific custodial arrangement will hinge upon what is determined to be in the child’s best interest.
Another result of the recent amendments to South Carolina’s Children’s Code involves a new requirement for the submission of “parenting plans.” The goal of the law is to ensure that parents are forced to spend time thinking through the practical details of their proposed custody arrangement prior to any hearings. A parenting plan outlines preferences as to the allocation of time to be spent with each parent and who should make major decisions, including the child’s education, medical care, extracurricular activities and religious training. The Family Court will consider these plans before issuing a temporary or final custody order. A child’s preference can be an important, but not necessarily prevailing, factor in determining custody. The judge must consider the child’s reasonable preference for custody, placing weight upon the preference based upon the child’s age, experience, maturity, judgment and ability to express a preference. Although there are many myths concerning when a child is old enough to decide where he or she can live, there is no magic age in South Carolina until the child turns 18. When it comes to issues with children, nothing is carved into stone. The Family Court has continuing jurisdiction in all matters relating to children, which means that the Family Court can (and will) continue to decide matters of custody even years after the parents have divorced. If a parent can show that circumstances affecting a child have substantially changed and a modification is in the child’s best interest, custody and visitation can be modified at any time until the child becomes an adult. Custody is often one of the most complex issues in the Family Court arena. Each case is unique, and seeking guidance from an experienced attorney is often a helpful step in determining the best approach for your family.
March 2013
Article By Sammy Svalina
Workers’ Compensation You have rights if injured on the job
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hile most people in South Carolina have likely heard the term “workers’ comp” and may even have a general understanding of what it means, very few people are familiar with the intricacies of this specialized field of law unless they have dealt with it firsthand. Svalina Law Firm, P.A., has specialized in handling workers’ compensation matters throughout South Carolina for a number of years. The concept behind workers’ compensation law is easy enough. If an employee suffers injury by accident arising out of and in the course of employment, then that individual is entitled to medical treatment (including mileage reimbursements to appointments), temporary total compensation, and disability benefits if permanently impaired (this may include future medical treatment). However, due to amendments to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act in 2007, this simple concept has been complicated by new standards which require strict compliance in order for an injured worker to receive benefits under the Act. When an employee is injured on the job, he or she should immediately report the accident to the supervisor, listing all injured body parts. Failure to report to the employer within 90 days of the accident may forfeit an employee’s right to benefits under the Act. After reporting the injury, an employee must immediately go to a doctor, report all injured body parts, and obtain an out-of-work excuse if unable to go back to work. If an employer denies benefits upon notice of the injury, an employee has two years from the date of the accident to file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Commission. If an employee is injured and unable to work for more than seven days, the
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employee is eligible to receive temporary total disability benefits, calculated at the rate of 66 2/3 percent of the employee’s average weekly wage. This is commonly referred to as an employee’s “compensation rate.” When an employee has suffered permanent impairment to a body part causing disability, there are three types of benefits which the employee can receive: scheduled member disability, permanent partial disability, or permanent total disability. Scheduled member disability benefits apply when an employee has suffered permanent impairment to a single body part or “scheduled member.” S.C. Code 42-9-30 provides a schedule of body parts with a value assigned to each body part in terms of the number of weeks of compensation an employee is entitled to receive for sustaining an injury to that
body part. For example, if an employee permanently injures his arm, the statute provides that he is entitled to 220 weeks of benefits, depending on the percentage of impairment and disability the injury causes the employee. Permanent partial disability benefits apply when an injured employee is able to go back to work but is unable to earn money at the same level that he was making before the injury. Permanent total disability benefits apply when an employee has injured two or more body parts which prevent the employee from obtaining any type of gainful employment. In most cases resulting in permanent impairment, a vocational rehabilitation expert is needed, as well as expert testimony from the treating physician explaining “to a reasonable degree of medical certainty most probably” the limitations to the body part caused by the permanent injury. The treating physician must also testify to the future medical treatment needed for the injured body part. Finally, and most importantly, an employee injured on the job should immediately seek the advice of an attorney to protect his/her rights under the Workers’ Compensation Act as amendments in 2007 have made it more difficult for injured employees to protect themselves.
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Article By sam Bauer Photography by Mark Staff
Litigation in the
American Adversary System
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ot all lawyers are trial lawyers— those whose practice of law exists largely within the courtroom. In fact, some of the best lawyers never set foot in a courtroom. Hilton Head’s own Herb Novit, recognized as one of the best and brightest lawyers in the State of South Carolina, isn’t a trial lawyer. But everyone who has ever encountered him knows they’ve met a true genius. So, it isn’t genius or legal acumen that separates trial lawyers from the rest of the bar. But trial lawyers clearly are separate. Litigation is not a “specialization” recognized by the South Carolina Supreme Court. It is, instead, a type of practice focused on by the lawyer. The American system of justice depends of an adversary system, backed by skilled trial lawyers. Some other countries, notably France, have adopted an inquisitorial system of justice, wherein the judge takes a very active role in determining the parameters of the conflict, narrowing the issues and determining the evidence available to each side. The inquisitorial system, though not without some merit, despite centuries of experimentation, has proven to be too expensive, too slow, and too easily manipulated by those in power. The adversary system is, at its worst, antagonistic and combative, but it has existed and become better refined during the thousands of years of its existence. Cicero gained his celebrity in Rome by virtue of his skill as a trial lawyer. It is entertaining to note that even during the dark ages the adversary system was used to settle disputes. In the absence of trained lawyers, the litigants endured trial by combat. The adversaries fought to the death, with the assurance that God would protect the party in the right. At its best, the adversary system operates much in the same way the free market governs economics. The stronger legal position and greater weight of
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The stronger legal position and greater weight of evidence are trusted to be the winner in the free market of independent jury deliberations. evidence are trusted to be the winner in the free market of independent jury deliberations. Adversary litigants are in a better position to understand which issues are important to them and what evidence they have available to support their claim than would an inquisitorial government agent. The adversary system has proven to be nimble, relatively inexpensive for litigants, and adaptable to changes in economics and regional-cultural differences. The only real repeated criticism of the adversary system is that the outcome of a contest is so dependent on the skill of the lawyers involved. American Poet Laureate Robert Frost wrote, “A jury consists of twelve persons chosen to decide who has the better lawyer.”
It must be conceded, that no one should trust their cause to an unskilled litigator, and the best litigators have been acclaimed for their terrific victories. Lawyers like Clarence Darrow, Alexander Hamilton, and Barry Scheck have earned their laurels. But, I for one, place great faith in the wisdom of juries. Despite, Norm Crosby’s quip, “When you go into court, you are putting your faith in to the hands of twelve people who weren’t smart enough to get out of jury duty,” we have seen amazing wisdom and insight exhibited by the citizens of Beaufort County on our juries. These average citizens, called to serve the common good, have listened patiently to days and weeks of testimony and sometimes endured sequestration from all outside contact. They have faithfully done their best to divine the truth behind the testimony and arguments. The justice system itself puts great weight in the value of a jury’s insight and truthful verdict. An appeal can be taken because of a mistake made by the judge, but there is no right to appeal a jury decision. Verdict itself comes from the Latin phrase veredicto, meaning “to speak the truth.” March 2013
Article By Elizabeth B. Mayo & Catherine A. Scarminach
Estate Planning in 2013
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y now, you have no doubt heard—probably with some relief—that as a result of last minute negotiations, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 made permanent the $5.250 million gift, estate and generation skipping transfer tax exemptions of 2012; adjusted each exemption for inflation; increased the gift and estate tax rate for estates and gifts in excess of $5.250M from 35 percent to 40 percent; increased the annual gift tax exemption to $14,000 per donee for 2013; and clarified “portability” of the gift and estate tax exemptions (but not the GSTT exemption) between spouses. All that is mostly good news. And, while, at first blush, it may now seem unnecessary to plan your estate for tax savings anymore, the Act actually opened up a myriad of planning possibilities and may require some scrutiny of prior planning. For example, many pre-Act revocable trusts taking advantage of previously lower estate tax exemptions do not include the surviving spouse in the “B” or “Family Trust” to which the exemption amount is allocated or include the surviving spouse and children as current beneficiaries. This is especially true in a second marriage situation. Given the large exemption under the Act, you may want or need to reconsider the dispositive terms of your “Family Trust.” Portability of unused exemption amounts after the death of the first spouse may eliminate the tax need for trusts in planning for couples with less than $5.250M in total assets. However, preservation of the exemption may still be important. In addition, there still remain many non-tax reasons to continue or establish trusts, including planning for your own, your spouse’s or your children’s disability or incompetence. The Act makes gifts less tax-expensive. And, gift tax discounts are still available for use with the increased gift tax exemption to reduce gift tax costs and to reduce future estate tax liability. Trusts continue to be effective asset management tools to avoid probate administration and will contests and to provide for the distribution and management of your assets during your lifetime and at death. Whether your current plan needs to be updated or reviewed to fit your current life situation or you want to consider the effects of the new Act on your estate, the “new” year is an excellent time to do it. For further discussion or more information, please contact the Law offices of Novit & Scarminach. 100
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Fun for the whole foursome (and everyone else)
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erfectly timed to ready Lowcountry residents and visitors alike to the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament in April, the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina is presenting the hilarious Golf: The Musical, on stage March 25-30. This is a Saturday Night Live-style musical revue that pokes fun at everything from plaid pants to those who take forever to situate a swing. With a fabulous foursome of actors, this razor-edged musical celebrates the fun, frustration and elation of this obsessive sport, while taking a good humored, mischievous thwack at the game. Playing to international acclaim since its Off-Broadway premiere in 2003, New York producer Eric Krebs concedes that many people have shaken their heads over the idea of a show called Golf: The Musical, but he thinks it is the most logical thing in the world. “In an odd sort of way, golf and theater are a natural,” he said. “I have always been obsessed by theater, as many are with golf. You just get into it, and you want to know all about it; you want to beat it. And
This is a Saturday Night Livestyle musical revue that pokes fun at everything from plaid pants to those who take forever to situate a swing.
you can never perfect it, like golf. You can never explain it; never solve it, even though you think you can. The similarities are there.” It was Krebs, who has been producing theater for nearly 40 years without ever having a breakout,
commercial hit, who first had the idea for the show. Over time, he noticed that a couple of revues—Forbidden Broadway and The Capitol Steps—have remained popular and profitable, year after year. And he realized they had similar formulas. “I thought to myself, ‘Hmm, four people and a piano. Four. Foursome. Golf!’” So he took the idea of Golf: The Musical and took a swing at it, with the help of composer-lyricist Michael Roberts, who was once accompanist for The Capitol Steps. It turned out that kidding the mystique of golf, with all its foibles and fanaticism, was very popular with avid golfers, once you could convince them to leave the links and enjoy a show.
Of course, no golf show would be complete without mentioning its most controversial icon. Tiger Woods’ eponymous song is at once hilarious and charming….and sprinkled with a little innuendo! “Some of what we’ve been dealing with is people who have golfers in their families,” Krebs said. “People who say, ‘Uncle Lou would love that when he comes to New York,’ or ‘I got my husband to go to the theater finally because it’s golf.’” But everyone will connect with Golf: The Musical. You do not need to be a golfer to enjoy the show. The show whips along with a breathless energy, digging into a repertoire reminiscent of the Hope-Crosby road movies, with songs such as “My Husband is Playing Around,” “Life’s Unanswerable Questions,” and “Big Bertha.” Of course, no golf show would be complete without mentioning its most controversial icon. Tiger Woods’ eponymous song is at once hilarious and charming….and sprinkled with a little innuendo! The final number, “I’m Going Golfing Tomorrow,” is a comical tribute to the addicting lure of golf among its loyal devotees who would forsake everything (i.e., their safety, their health, even their spouses) just to take a swing with that revered golf club.The versatility of these four exceedingly talented actors is cleverly showcased, and the result is a highly engaging and irreverently funny show. M.G. Orender, PGA of America past president said, “I fell in love with the Golf: The Musical the first time I saw it in New York.” Golf: The Musical runs March 25-30. Tickets are only $39 and can be ordered by visiting artshhi.com or by calling (843) 842-ARTS or toll free at (888) 860-2787. 104
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March 2013
Special to CH2
The Four Freshmen Bring Harmonies,
B i g B a n d S o u n d to t h e A r t s C e n t e r
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he Four Freshmen have made a timeless mark in the music world with jazz and pop harmonies that blend to create their synchronized trademark sound. This forever-young group is coming to the Arts Center for a onenight, two-show engagement on Saturday, March 16 at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Joining forces in 1948, The Four Freshmen were discovered by the great progressive jazz bandleader-pianistcomposer Stan Kenton, during a performance in 1950. Kenton was responsible for bringing the Freshmen to Capitol Records where they recorded 23 albums, taking them into the national spotlight. During their tenure, the Four Freshmen have recorded over 75 albums, an overwhelming 70 top-selling singles, and six impressive Grammy nominations. They have been inspiration to the likes of The Beach Boys, Kenny Rogers, The Mamas & The Papas, Frankie Valli, Manhattan Transfer, and countless others. In 2000, The Four Freshmen were voted Vocal Group of the Year by Downbeat magazine readers, underscoring that their sound has endured, staying current with a continuous infusion of creativity, due, in part, to the changing talents that have composed to inspire their music. Although the faces have changed through the years, the integrity of the sound created by the original members has been meticulously maintained by its current lineup: Bob Ferreira, Brian Eichenberger, Curtis Calderon, and Vince Johnson. While continuing the time-honored heritage of the group by performing songs such as “It’s a Blue World Without You,” and “How Can I Tell Her,” they have introduced new arrangements of some of their personal favorites such as “Stardust,” “Something’s Gotta Give,” “Graduation Day,” and “Route 66,” among many others. Fans can trust that the current line-up comes as close as any edition in its history, and many a critic has raved that today’s group, who have performed together for 12 years, is more precise in vocal unity and instrumental flare than ever. “We are so excited to bring the Four Freshmen to the Arts Center as a bonus offering to our regularly scheduled season,” said Kathleen P. Bateson, Arts Center CEO and president. “Several patrons of ours requested this group, and we’re pleased to bring them here for this special one-night only, two-show presentation. The Four Freshmen recently released Love Songs, ten brand new arrangements of their favorite classic love songs. This recording brings together the beauty of their vocal harmony with songs from iconic songwriters and is rounded out by lush strings and a top-notch rhythm section. Tickets for the benefit concert on March 16 are $50, which includes champagne. For reservations, call (843) 842-ARTS or purchase online at artshhi.com. Group tickets are available for parties of 10 of more, at a rate of $46/ticket, plus two complimentary tickets (available by calling the box office).
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Main Street Youth Theatre Presents
Bye Bye Birdie
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hen the curtain rises on the Main Street Youth Theatre production of Bye Bye Birdie March 6, it will be cause for celebration for both the cast and the audience. The show marks the return of the community’s only youth-specific theatre company to its first real home, the former Main Street Theatre at 3000 Main St. on Hilton Head Island’s north end. Bye Bye Birdie will run March 6-16 with nine performances. The cast includes 40 children, teens and adults, all local amateurs. Long-time director and choreographer Jodi Layman is again at the helm, leading the cast to its long-awaited homecoming opening. “Everyone is so excited to be back home,” Layman said. “The kids and the adults have worked very hard to make this a memorable show to celebrate being back where we are all so comfortable. This building really is home for us.” Bye Bye Birdie is a classic musical set in 1958, inspired by the Bye Bye Birdie early Elvis Presley years and his skyrocketing popularity among is a classic teenage girls. The star of this show, musical set in however, is Conrad Birdie, whose name is a play on the name Conway 1958, inspired Twitty. Best known as a country by the early music star, Twitty was once a rival of Elvis. Elvis Presley When rock star Conrad Birdie, years and his played by Robert Malo, gets his skyrocketing Army draft notice, his agent and songwriter Albert Peterson, played popularity by Chris Baker, frets about losing among his star. Peterson’s girlfriend, Rosie Alvarez, played by Meghan Lamont, teenage girls. comes up with a publicity stunt to keep Birdie in the public eye. They will have Birdie sing Albert’s new song “One Last Kiss” to a randomly selected member of his fan club on the Ed Sullivan Show—and give her one last kiss before he goes off to service. Mariel Zmarzly plays the lucky girl, Kim MacAfee, from Sweet Apple, Ohio. The townspeople are all abuzz that the famous singer is coming to town. When he and Albert and Rosie arrive, things start to go a little crazy. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for students. Group rates are available for 10 or more. Run dates are March 6-9 and 13-16 with a 7 p.m. curtain, and a 2 p.m. matinee March 10. For more information and tickets call 689-6246 or visit msyt.org.
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Behind
Gates the
Hilton Head Lakes Article By Frank Dunne, Jr.
This is a continuation of a several part series on island living in gated communities.
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his month, Behind the Gates ventures outside the confines of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton for the first time. Our first stop as we cross over into Jasper County is Hardeeville’s Hilton Head Lakes, which is kind of like making two stops, because Hilton Head Lakes is actually two separate and distinct communities operating as one. Traveling approximately 15 miles west on Highway 278 from the bridge to Hilton Head Island, you’ll come upon the familiar towers standing at the entrance to Hilton Head Lakes North on your right, and the serene waterfall entrance to Hilton Head Lakes South on your left. The waterfall drops a subtle hint to the community’s signature feature, a 155acre private, navigable freshwater lake that serves as the heart of Hilton Head Lakes’ amenity offerings. “Lake Living” is what differentiates Hilton Head Lakes from other area private communities according to broker-in-charge Matt Peebles. “It does,” Peebles said. “In 1999, our company started this “boatable” lake concept in Myrtle Beach, and it was really
the first community in the area that wasn’t revolved around golf. That in itself makes our community very different than most of them.” The same is true of Hilton Head Lakes in the Lowcountry. “We think that this is the wave of the future.” Hilton Head Lakes South, or, the lake side, is the original development bearing the name Hilton Head Lakes. It is the site of the community’s namesake body of water, with 90 percent of the homesites enjoying water views. The Lake Club recently opened to serve as a hub for the Hilton Head Lakes social life, providing residents with a clubhouse, fitness center, pools, tennis courts and other amenities. Across the road, Hilton Head Lakes North, or the golf course side, occupies the property formerly known as Tradition Hilton Head. It features an 18-hole Tommy Fazio designed championship track with practice facilities and a 6-hole par 3 course. Hilton Head Lakes North is also notable as the only community in South Carolina with a reclaimed water plant to irrigate the golf course and residents’ homesites. “That’s a big money saver for people,” Peebles said.
Hilton Head Lakes
The Lake Club is situated right on the lake shore, adjacent to a boating ramp, community day dock and beach area, to facilitate and maximize residents’ enjoyment of the water. The pool area, currently under construction, will feature a large resort style pool and infinity pool as well as a splash zone, lazy river and waterslide for the kids. Lighted tennis courts, a basketball court and a playground also occupy the Lake Club’s grounds. The building itself is home to meeting rooms and a ballroom with a catering kitchen, a game room, an expansive second floor porch overlooking the lake and a spacious sun deck. Residents enjoy venturing out from the Lake Club in kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats and other small watercraft, but they can also set off on foot to explore over 12 miles of walking nature trails—with seven of those miles along the lake system—and a 453-acre nature preserve teeming with indigenous flora and fauna. According to Peebles, a community concept deemphasizing golf and bringing other features and amenities to the fore is how Hilton Head Lakes meets the demands of a changing real estate market. “We’ve had a chance to adapt, and the affordability of this community is kind of our shining star after people move in,” he said. “Folks are becoming more and more wary of paying high dues. So the two things that we’ve done to make our community
Residents enjoy venturing out from the Lake Club in kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats and other small watercraft, but they can also set off on foot to explore over 12 miles of walking nature trails—with seven of those miles along the lake system—and a 453-acre nature preserve teeming with indigenous flora and fauna.
different, besides the boatable concept, is the fact that we’re not going to run the golf course as a private country club. It’s going to stand on its own. A lot of our customers play a little bit of golf, some don’t play any golf and some play a lot, so we’re not going to burden them and we’re not going to put a full-blown restaurant on the site. Most country clubs, if not all of them, lose money in the food and beverage and that, in turn, is passed along to the people who live there. We can run our community right now for $100 a month, which is a super low number.” Jim Milo would be one of those who plays a lot of golf, and he’s quite satisfied with the arrangement. Milo
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and his wife, Rose, are currently building a home on the golf course, and for them, the total package of a new, well-managed community, outstanding amenities including world-class golf without the high cost of a private golf club is the perfect fit. “We looked at pretty much everything on the island and off the island, and we liked everything about Hilton Head Lakes,” Milo said. “It fits everything we like in our lifestyle.” Avid a golfer that he is, Milo also cited the Lake Living concept as a considerable attraction. “Sure, I can see myself getting a canoe or something and putting it in the lake one of these days,” he said. The majority of current property owners in Hilton Head Lakes would fall into the baby boomer category; however, as one of the newest communities in the area and years from build-out, it would be incorrect to label it a retirement community. First of all, that’s not the intention. There is no age restriction and its amenity package and location make an attractive option for all ages and family situations. “There are very few pieces of property where you can do a continuous lake system like we’re doing. It’s a neat concept,” Peebles said. “We know that people love water. Most people can’t
afford to go down on the island and get something on the ocean or on one of the rivers, but just about everybody can afford something that we have here.” Beyond the amenities and lifestyle considerations, Hilton Head Lakes strives to make the whole process of finding and
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Hilton Head Lakes
purchasing a home or homesite as simple and seamless as possible. You can buy a lot and hold it for as long as you wish without being pressured to build before you’re ready. When you’re ready to build, a model park featuring the models offered by Hilton Head Lakes’ preferred builder, Citizens Homes, helps you visualize your future home in context, and relationships with five other builders widens the range of options. On the golf course side, homesites start in the high $40,000s and range into the low $100,000s. Sites with homes range from the $200,000s up to the high $300,000s. On the lake side, homesites start around $70,000 and go up to the $150,000s. Homes with homesites range from the $300,000s to the $700,000s. “We take a lot of pride in offering a wide range of products and price points so that we can find a shoe that fits for just about everyone,” Peebles said. In terms of proximity to most of what is considered important and desirable in the Lowcountry, Hilton Head Lakes
March 2013
is difficult to beat. Both main entrances are just minutes from greater Bluffton’s shopping, dining and services as well as the beaches of Hilton Head Island. Downtown Savannah, Georgia and the Savannah Hilton Head International Airport are 20-minute drives, as is historic Beaufort, South Carolina. Future
commercial development planned for nearby tracts promises to make the location even more attractive. Hilton Head Lakes is located at 356 Lakeside Boulevard, Hardeeville, SC. For more information, call (866) 396-3230 or visit online at HiltonHeadLakes.com.
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M A Y or
Drew Laughlin Hi lton Head Is lan d
Photography By Anne
Are You Up For the Challenge? “Engaging in activities devoid of difficulty, lounging in riskfree zones, is life without great meaning.”—Jon M. Huntsman, Sr. For those of you who may fit into this category, I have a possible solution: Come work with the Town of Hilton Head Island as a volunteer on one of our boards and commissions. By doing so, you will realize greater meaning in your life because the issues, challenges, opportunities, and problems you will be working on will make your island a better place to live. Perhaps you are retired or working and want to participate in more meaningful endeavors. As a town board or commission member, you could, for example, be part of making recommendations to Town Council on issues ranging from making new or amended land management laws to suggesting park designs. The work, our much-appreciated board and commission members do, enhance our island’s international reputation. “There is always a gift in any challenge.”—Bronnie Ware For your hard, challenging work as a board or commission member, the “gift” is not monetary, but it should amount to a tangible sense of accomplishment. It does because you may be reviewing significant projects like the changes at the Mall at Shelter Cove, or you may be weighing in on the opportunities to re-create the Coligny Beach area. When these two projects are completed, imagine a few years from now telling a visitor, “I had a role in that event park, or I had a role in a new Coligny Circle.” So the “gift” doesn’t pay the bills, but perhaps there is a deeper meaning to be realized by helping your town enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. Here is a list and brief description of our boards and commissions and available positions (July 2013): 1. Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee. Reviews applications and makes recommendations to Town Council about disbursement of accommodations tax funds (1 vacancy). 2. Board of Zoning Appeals. Hears and reviews Land Management Ordinance (LMO)-related appeals, variances, and special-exception use applications (2 vacancies). 3. Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals. Considers variances from standard building code and hears appeals from the building official (3 vacancies). 4. Design Review Board. Considers aesthetics and design applications along designated corridors (No vacancies). 5. Parks and Recreation Commission. Makes recommendations to Town Council for the establishment of an effective parks & recreational system for the town (1 vacancy). 6. Planning Commission. Prepares and updates Comprehensive Plan; reviews all proposed zoning changes, public projects, and traffic impact applications (2 vacancies). Apply today! Applications are available online at hiltonheadislandsc.gov; at Town Hall; or by calling the town clerk, (843) 341-4604. 114
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M A Y or
Lisa Sulka BLU F FTON
Photography By Anne
Public Voices for Public Projects
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ngaged citizens beget better government, and nowhere is that more true than at the local level. In the Town of Bluffton, elected officials and staff members actively seek input from residents and other people who have a stake in our activities. To solicit feedback, we use a wide range of tools, such as community outreach, face-to-face meetings, visits to special events, public hearings, public comments at town council meetings, “Contact Us” links on the town website, Facebook, and more. Public input is important, not just at the policy level, but also at the operations level. Our Engineering & Public Works Department is charged with the operation & maintenance of town facilities as well as the design and construction of new public projects. This department constructs parks, buildings, sewer, sidewalk, and roads; but the most important thing they build is “community.” Since they are constructing the future of this town, they love to hear from the citizens they serve. There are many examples where individuals and stakeholder groups have helped plan these public projects. A public workshop and citizen feedback provided invaluable input on DuBois Park, and key elements have been (or soon will be) implemented. Features installed or in the planning stage include a pavilion with restrooms, a large open lawn area, parking, and playground equipment. In fact, the recent installation of public Wi-Fi access at the park is an example of a good idea that we are testing as part of a public project. Oyster Factory Park is another example of the power of citizen input, and this multi-phase project has benefited from the various ideas submitted directly by residents, during public workshops, or through stakeholder meetings. The stormwater protection measures, pavilion, oyster roast tables, and other features were all discussed in these sessions. In fact, private citizens, led by the Rotary Club of Bluffton, volunteered to build the oyster tables with materials provided by the town. Of course, not every idea can be implemented, and sometimes people submit competing or conflicting ideas. However, it is so important to hear the different ideas and perspectives so that town officials can make informed decisions regarding the planning, design, and potential funding of these public projects. There are opportunities year-round to make your voice heard regarding these capital projects, and there will be several public meetings in the next couple of months where citizen input can be offered. For example, the Planning Commission will review public projects under the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at its March 27 meeting. At the town council meeting in March, there will be an assessment of community needs, and public input is welcomed. Of course, we have two public comment sessions at every town council meeting, so feel free to make your voice heard. March 2013
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