MAY 2013
FEATURES
CONTENTS
may 2013
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>> Features
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Seven Ways to Get Out on the Water Now is a great time for islanders to enjoy the great outdoors—beat the heat and the influx of summer visitors!
P57 Softshell Crabs are Back! Hudson’s, with the help of Carolina crabber, Rob Rowe, has built a flowthrough system at the restaurant. Shedding boxes have been built in the packinghouse with a water recirculating system to facilitate and manage the molting process.
P58
CH2 Goes Fishing And guess what? We actually caught something other than a buzz.
P64 The Food & Beverage Fishing Tournament Party with a purpose at Palmetto Bay Marina.
P68 Fun Times Doubled at Electric Piano Owners Adam and Kelly Nemetz are upping the ante with dueling pianos, a double-your-fun format featuring a pair of keyboardists entertaining crowds in a ragtime-era tradition that dates back to New Orleans circa 1930. 14
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C2’s “Just Dress Me” Contest Winner Meet Emily, the lucky winner of over $2,000 in prizes.
Tavern on 46 Like Cheers, but with 15 HD televisions
P92 War of the Worlds Helping veterans recover, re-integrate
P112 HVAC It’s summer. It’s hot. Your airconditioning system might break. Here’s who you should call.
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Doctors Care Hilton Head Island Urgent care and a modern day incarnation
P100
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa Renovation to renewal
>> Business profiles >>> ON OUR COVER
P72 EAC Heating and Air Reputation built on relationships, reliability
MAY 2013
CELEBRATE BLUFFTON & BEYOND
P46
P76 Summer Kids Camps Goodbye alarm clocks. Farewell carpool lines. Hasta luego homework. In the words of Alice Cooper, “School’s out for summer.”
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The May River Theatre presents The Music Man “Seventy-six trombones” lead the May River Theatre into its 50th production in Old Town Bluffton.
P87 Nash gallery With a wide selection of wares—from fashion accessories such as jewelry, belts and purses, to home décor items such as lamps, mirrors, clocks and vases, to fun finds such as colorful goblets, animated-looking money banks and magnetic flower holders—anyone can connect with a piece.
TAVERN ON
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THE MAY RIVER THEATER PRESENTS
THE MUSIC MAN BLUFFTON VILLAGE FESTIVAL CELEBRATES
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YEARS BEHIND THE GATES AT OLDFIELD
The may river theatre presents the music man
photography by Anne
May 2013
05.2013
From the Editor
2 Publisher / Editor-in-Chief: maggie washo Art Director: Kelly stroud Art & Production Catherine Davies Advertising Sales: Ashton Kelley kim crouch Kandace wightman Executive Assistant Hunter Kostylo Contributing Writers: kitty bartell PAUL DEVERE Frank Dunne Jr. Rebecca Edwards Courtney Hampson
Vacation Station
Drew Laughlin MICHAEL PASKEVICH Pete Popovich Lisa Sulka Alice Ruxberry Beth Woods Contributing Photographers / Artist: Photography by anne John Brackett Photography Andrew Branning Contributing Art Direction: Tom Staebler P.O.Box 22949
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his month, I was a tourist in my own town. Over the course of a few weeks, I went to the RBC Heritage, spent the day fishing and took a day trip to Savannah to take photos for our upcoming travel column (Coming in June!). Sometimes I forget that people actually wait all year long to come here on vacation for a week. Shame on me for not taking the time to enjoy this area more often! My month started with a CH2 fishing t r i p , h o s t e d by B o a t h o u s e g e n e ra l manager Grant Kaple and local fisherman extraordinaire Collins Doughtie. We actually caught a few fish, although I’m not sure we’ll be entering any big contests anytime soon. You can read about our adventures on page 58.
The RBC Heritage was fun, as usual, in spite of a torrential downpour early Friday evening, which did not dampen anyone’s spirits. After a windy day of play on Sunday, Graeme McDowell defeated fellow U.S. Open champ Webb Simpson in an exciting sudden death playoff. We look forward to interviewing him for next year’s issue. The month ended with a trip to Savannah to photograph “The Most Beautiful City in the USA.” True story. The sign says so. Check us out next month to read that story. You can “get away” for the weekend in just 45-minutes. Now is the time to get out and explore— before the heat hits us square in the face next month. Send me an e-mail with a photo of how you “vacation” on Hilton Head Island, and we’ll print the submissions in our June issue. Until next month…
Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 843.689.2658 m.washo@celebratehiltonhead.com
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M. Washo Publisher / Editor-in-Chief
May 2013
C2
A SERIES OF FORTUNATE EVENTS
Welcome! Mortgage Network Inc., an industry leading independent mortgage lender, has announced that Mark Kombrink has joined the team.
Here’s Looking at you Kid The International Spa Institute, located near historic downtown Bluffton, is pleased to announce that Jessica Shefsick has been promoted to Director of Esthetic’s Education.
Lost Your Hairdresser?
A New Team Member
Dawn Butler, formerly of Sassy Shears, is now at Lush Salon 200.
Stephen “Bēv” Brodie, 3-time winner of Best Mechanic in Bluffton, has joined the staff of H & H Auto Service, Inc.
It’s A Major Award! Congratulations to Grille 46 for winning the “Best of the Taste of Bluffton.” Susan Eison with the Greater Bluffton Chamber, Chef Jason Galizia; Owner Kristen Brown, Owner Jason Natale and Shellie West Hodges with the Greater Bluffton Chamber at the Taste of Bluffton, April 13, 2013.
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May 2013
Mini Green Thumbs Lil’ Sprouts Christian Childcare Center welcomes spring with a gardening project.
Congratulations! The Hilton Head Shore Notes won a First Place medal in the Small Chorus Division at their Regional Competition in Daytona, Florida, on April 20. Six of their members also competed with Jacksonville Harmony, which placed first in the Midsize Chorus category.
Open for Business Congratulations to the Dirty Martini on their new establishment, located at 1050 Fording Island Road Suite 406.
Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton’s Explorers Learning for Life Cadets took a field trip to Belfair Riverside (living community for senior citizens) to get the first phase of their huge community service project underway.
MAY 2013
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M A Y or
Drew Laughlin Hi lton Head Is lan d Photography By Anne
Infomania “Transparency” in government is all the rage now, but providing timely information to the public and the media is nothing new to us. The Town of Hilton Head Island employs numerous and various means to inform our residents about our goings on. In my mind, we have been transparent for a long time, but we are now employing new means to deliver public information. Transparency as it applies to the town kind of reminds me of the “green” and “sustainability” movement. As these recently became buzz words, some would have you believe that was the time the town first embraced “green and sustainability” polices and adopted laws to protect our natural resources. Nothing could be farther from the truth. We were green and sustainable before it was cool, and the same can be said for pipelining information to the public. We have a strong track record of being open and available to the media. Additionally, our current Public Information Program and potential use of social media can be found by visiting our web page at hiltonheadislandsc.gov/government/ publicinfomemo.pdf. Please look at it, and I am confident you will be impressed with the amount of information we offer to residents and others. In an effort to enhance our existing Public Information Program, town council has asked the town manager to focus on social media strategies. We have added a financial dashboard page to our website and will be posting quarterly financial information in the coming months. Televising town council meetings has been discussed by council the last six months on a couple of occasions, and we are awaiting a recommendation from the town manager and his staff on broadcast options. Preliminarily, we have a few options. There are cheap ways to video stream meetings on a web page, but the production quality would not be first class. We could create our own broadcast service as Beaufort County has done; however, the cost is probably not justified by the benefit. We could contract with Beaufort County and pay them to televise our council meetings. Beaufort County has created a very capable and robust county channel program, and they have indicated a willingness to work with the town to our mutual benefit. We’ll soon see what town council recommends. One of the wonderful things about being a mayor or council member anywhere is that we have the opportunity to accomplish great things. On Hilton Head Island, thanks to your support, this mayor and town council are doing just that. And we are proud that we have been and will be conveying to you the value of what we as a community accomplish together. 20
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M A Y or
Lisa Sulka B LU F FTON
Photography By Anne
social media One area that council wants to focus on this coming year is our use of social media to get information out to our citizens. We currently use Facebook and blogs, and we hope to begin developing a town app in the near future, so keep a look out for this news. Currently we are very proud of our town website. This site has gone through some fascinating transformations and all of the credit goes to our IT department. If you haven’t been there recently, please take a few minutes to visit townofbluffton.sc.gov. The Town of Bluffton website is a great source of information for residents, visitors, businesses and anyone with an interest in Bluffton. Please check our site frequently for the most current information on what is happening in our town. We strive to make our site as user-friendly as possible by putting the most searched for information right on the homepage. We have posted a new calendar that features meetings as well as community events. If you would like your community event listed, please use the Contact Us page to submit your information. A few examples of things you can find on our homepage: • Upcoming Meetings • Community Events • Media Releases • Budget Information • Join our Mailing List • Purchasing RBC Heritage Golf Tickets (available at Town Hall) • Take a Video Tour of Bluffton • “Like” Us on Facebook • View a collective calendar featuring upcoming meetings, community events, etc. • Contact Us (we will reply) • The Bluffton Explorer, a user-friendly online public information mapping system, is also getting some new features, including 2013 Pictometry imagery and a business analysis widget. In addition, users will soon be able to: • Add data to the Bluffton Explorer, either Excel spreadsheets or shapefiles • Print much faster with many more options • E-mail a location to others • Save bookmarks for faster navigation I encourage you to visit our website and the Bluffton Explorer to view these features and so much more that is available. If you have ideas or suggestions for additional information or features you would like to see, please submit them on our Contact Us page. We look forward to hearing from you. MAY 2013
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may
2013 Sunday
Monday
TueSday
WedneSday
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Monty Python sPaMalot may 1-26, 2013 arts Center 8Pm Tues-Sat 2Pm matinee 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th more Info: artshhi.com
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yacht hoP of hilton head island
5:30-9:00Pm Sea Pines Resort Price: $100 RSVP : (843) 706-2296
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hilton head syMPhony orchestra
Season Finale 8-10Pm First Presbyterian Church (843) 842-2055
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12 12 Mother’s day chaMPagne brunch at the shorehouse Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort 11:00-2:00Pm Reservations 843.341.8004
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coastaldiscovery.org
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university of Michigan Mens glee club 7:30Pm VPaC at HHIHS $15 advanced/ $20 at Door more Info : (843) 363-6477
cast net throwing Coastal Discovery museum 2:00Pm more Info:
3rd annual “Party at the harbour” 5-8Pm Harbour Town yatch Club $75/person more Info: 843-771-SaFE
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2 Music on the harbour may 2-31st, 2013 6-9Pm Shelter Cove Enjoy live music performed by TaRGET the Band
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Friday
SaTurday
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little woMen main Street youth Theatre may 1-5, 2013 7Pm may 1-5 2Pm matinee 5th more info: msyt.org
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lowcountry roots, rock & reggae run 5:00Pm - 8:30Pm Hilton Head Lakes admission Details: $30 pre-reg more Info: (843) 757-8520
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shelter cove farMers Market may 1st- Oct. 30th, 2013 Every Wednesday from 9am-1Pm
hhi boat show in windMill harbour may 17-19th 10am-5Pm Windmill Harbour more Info: (843) 681-5600
PizzaPalooza 5-9Pm Bluffton Oyster Factory Park admission:$5 more Info: (843) 757-8520
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coMe see rising young stars
27 haPPy MeMorial day!
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birding at Pickney island
7:30am-9:30am Fee: $12/Person more Info: (843) 689-6767 ext 223
4 5 hh huMane association dog walk on the beach
8:30-11am Coligny Boardwalk (843) 681-8686
10 11 35th annual bluffton Mayfest
Old Town Bluffton 10:00am - 4:00Pm
more info: (843) 815-2277
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salty dog sPring birthday bash & lowcountry boil
4:00Pm more Info: saltydog.com rib burnoff-17th annual 12:00-4:00 Pm Honey Horn more Info: (843) 686-6008
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3:30Pm Van Der meer Tennis Center more Info: (843)-785-8388
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blue crab discovery Coastal Discovery museum Every Tuesday 9:30am more Info: (843) 689-6767 ext. 223
ThurSday
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5th annual hhi art festival may 25th & 26th 10am-5Pm Shelter Cove Harbour more Info: (561) 746-6615
farMers Market in old town bluffton
may 2- Dec. 19 2:00-7:00Pm Calhoun Street
may 2013
Charity Corner
Operaton R&R O p e r at o n R & R ’ s F i r s t “ G o l d S ta r W i f e ” Paul de Vere
^ Nicole DiCenzo and Grant Evans, founder of Opertaion R&R
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irst there was Doug and Nic. Then there was Doug and Nic and Dak. Then there was just Nic and Dak. In less time that it takes you to say “IED” (improvised explosive device), Doug, husband of Nic, father of 16-month-old Dak, became one of this country’s fallen heroes. On May 25, 2006, Captain and Company Commander (and Plymouth [NH] High School 1995 class president, captain of the football and wrestling teams, 1999 graduate of West Point) Douglas DiCenzo, was killed in Bagdad, Iraq when a roadside bomb was detonated near his Humvee. DiCenzo was 30. DiCenzo’s wife, Nicole, son Dakin, and Nicole’s mother, Sherry, were recently guests of Operation R&R on Hilton Head Island. Operation R&R is a non-profit organization that arranges complimentary vacations on the island for service men and women, and their families, returning from overseas deployments. In an effort to expand these
vacations to a broader base, Operation R&R is now including spouses of soldiers, “Gold Star Wives,” who were killed in action. Nicole DiCenzo is one of the first Gold Star wives. Nicole DiCenzo is author of Revelations: A survivor’s story of faith, hope, and the coming kingdom, the story of her quest for answers about heaven based on, among other things, her personal study of the Book of Revelation. She also has a blog at nicrevelations.com. Celebrate Hilton Head recently had the opportunity to interview Nicole DiCenzo at the Owners’ Club, where she and family were vacationing. Celebrate Hilton Head: What were your first impressions of Hilton Head Island? Nicole DiCenzo: It’s so well laid out. It’s very much, well, in the trees. No big signs. Now I’ve tried hard to find stuff (laughs), but the guy
who planned this did a really good job. CH2: What has your vacation been like? ND: Well, the first day we did an Easter egg hunt right here. It was probably the highlight of Dak’s vacation, because they gave him a water gun. Then we went on the dolphin cruise. The next day we went on a tour of Daufuskie Island. I loved that. Dak loved that, of course, because he could sit on my lap while we drove around in a golf cart. That was awesome. If I could live anywhere like that, I’d do it in a heartbeat. I was impressed. We visited Baynard ruins in Sea Pines and walked through Sea Pines Forest Preserve. I love hiking, so that was really fun. Then we took Dak swimming at the Rec Center. CH2: How did you meet Doug? ND: It was 1999. I had just graduated from University of Memphis. Doug had just graduated from West Point. He was stationed in Columbus, Georgia. His sponsor (at West Point) had just moved to Huntsville, Alabama, and Doug
wanted to visit his sponsor that weekend. I wanted to see my dad (he was in the Army), who was also in Huntsville) for the weekend, and both of them were invited to a Christmas party. Doug and I met at the party and spent four hours together. Even though he was supposed to be going to Alaska the next month, I gave him my phone number. I’m like, “Okay, it’s over.” But he called me when we both got back home. It was a Sunday, and he called me that night. Lots of guys don’t do that. We started talking on the phone, and then we met for New Year’s Eve. We dated every other weekend after that. We were dating for four months when he proposed. We eloped to Alaska. It was the first snow of the year. CH2: Based on your book and website, religion takes up much of your life now since Doug’s death. Did you grow up in a religious household? ND: Yeah, my mom and I went to church every Sunday. We were very active in the church. I kind of got out of it in college. I think most kids do. I always wanted to go back, but I’m very shy, so I went to church by myself. When I met Doug, he was kind of the same way. He grew up in the Catholic Church but didn’t really get a connection there. He said he still could get a better feeling by climbing to the top of a mountain. We talked about going back to church together, but that never really hit us until September 11. When I saw all that happening, I said, “Whoa, I need to get back to God.” That was the catalyst. I went back to reading scripture at that point. (continued on next page)
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CH2: You have really focused on the Book of Revelation, the most difficult book in the New Testament. What drew you to that? ND: After Doug was killed, my two questions to God were, “What is heaven and when are You coming back. He started to give me answers. The church I grew up in said there is no marriage in heaven; it’s over when you die. We’re like angels floating around up there, but that’s not true. I want to say God puts little things in your heart way back. When I read the Bible when I was 12, my teacher said if you’re a good person, you should read it. So, of course, I did. When I got to Revelation, I said, “This is crazy stuff. There’s a dragon in there.” I was always fascinated by it. So when everything hit, I asked, “When are You coming back?” What I had in my head didn’t give me much hope. But when the answers started pouring in, I felt everybody needs to know. CH2: What is your advice to those who have lost a loved one? ND: You meet a lot of people who are trying to help you deal with it, cope with it. You need to arrive at a point that no one can understand except God, and you need to turn to him. Only with that relationship will you be able to pull through. Because there are a lot of other people out there trying to be good, but at the same time they just don’t get it. I don’t care if I have a spouse sitting next to me, I can’t understand your pain because I am not you. Your husband was not my husband; your situation is different from my situation. While I can understand more than most, I can’t understand completely. I think a survivor needs to know that people understand that they can’t understand. The greatest help someone can give is just putting their arms around the person and saying, “I am so sorry. Tell me what I can do to help you.” Those are the people you kind of cling to, because they understand that. It’s so big, there’s no understanding; it’s such a personal thing. I can talk to God at any point in time, and I know that He gets me and understands what I am going through. That and only that has helped me, from my personal experience, helped me pull through.
Operation R&R Operation R&R, founded by islander Grant Evans, has brought approximately 240 families this season (September 2012 to May 2013). Approximately 1,000 families have taken part since the organization began its operation in January, 2008. Thirteen short-term management companies and about 400 property owners have donated at least one or more vacation weeks. Sixty restaurants and 35 service-related businesses are “Participating Partners.” The Westin Resort and Spa is the exclusive “Hotel Host.” The organization has opened an affiliate location in Charleston, S.C. This past season, it has brought in 100 families, primarily from Ft Bragg Army Base and the Joint Base Charleston Air Base. For more information, visit operationrestandrelax.org. MAY 2013
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A Line in the Sand
Photography By Anne
One subject. Two opinions.
Frank Dunne Jr.
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should apologize in advance. If you read this column with any regularity, you know that Courtney and I sometimes spar over some fairly weighty issues. Other times…not so
Appetizer vs. Dessert? much. Arguing over which is better, the hamburger or the hot dog, or what is the funniest word in the English language come to mind. Unfortunately, this month’s topic
Courtney Hampson
I Give me something right now while you’re cooking my dinner so I don’t starve to death before it arrives at the table. falls into that “not so much” bucket. Frankly, I think it soars to new heights of ridiculousness. I’ll take the fall, because Miss C did propose an immediately relevant subject of the sociopolitical variety that most certainly would have pushed a lot of buttons, but I opted out. I just wasn’t in the mood to pick fights with (continued on next page)
n 1992, when Vanessa Williams topped the Billboard charts with “Save the Best for Last,” she was clearly singing about dessert. With lyrics like, “Sometimes the snow comes down in June …” she was certainly giving a shout out to all things shaved coconut. Right? Vanessa isn’t the only singer in recent history to croon about the grand finale of any meal. Granted, in some cases the sugary sweet lyrics suggest a double entendre. But hey, what happens after dinner could all be considered dessert, right? (Cue cymbal.) Warrant had “Cherry Pie”; Echo and the Bunnymen sang “Lips Like Sugar”; and the Rolling Stones took “Brown Sugar” all the way to the bank. Not to mention “Lollipop,” sung by the Chordettes (subsequently by Lil’ Wayne), “Candy Girl,” belted out by The Four Seasons and “Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies. We love our sweet treats. I mean even
Hasbro rolled out “Candy Land” eons ago. There is no “Chips and Dips” board game, Frank. Just saying. Dessert wins hands down. In fact, why don’t we start every meal with dessert? Why do we gorge ourselves on appetizers, salads, and a main course and then try to save room for the dessert? Let’s lead with dessert and save salad for last. Then, if we don’t have room, who cares? Who’s with me? My love affair with sweets is nothing new. But, as my palate sophisticates—i.e. I no longer consider a row of Fig Newtons dessert—so does my drive to test some of these babies in the kitchen. Just last week I took my first stab at scratch-made cheesecake. I was actually a tad shocked when I jotted down my grocery list to tackle the task. Two cups sugar, seven eggs, five eight-ounce packages of cream cheese, two
Frank Dunne Jr
some of my more misguided friends who might read the column. Also, our allotted space is inadequate to give some of these issues their due attention. In those cases, more often than not, I end up more frustrated than satisfied with the end result, because I can’t put everything on the table. That will not be a problem with this month’s “issue,” a discussion of which is the better component of a fine meal, appetizer or dessert, which explains this rambling preamble— pre-ramble, if you will. 600 words about appetizers? I’ll be lucky to come up with 100. Here we go anyway. Come on, this is a nobrainer. The appetizer is obviously the meal’s more critical component. When I take my seat at the table, I haven’t eaten yet. I’m hungry! Give me something right now while you’re cooking my dinner so I don’t starve to death before it arrives at the table. Dessert? What for? I just had dinner. I’m full. I don’t need any more food. Bring me the check so we can get out of here. See what I mean? That’s it. What else do you need? Oh, here’s something. Appetizers are better for your health. They’re made out of things like vegetables and meat, the stuff that you need. What’s in dessert? Empty calories that make you fat. Sure some desserts contain fruit, but it’s usually prepared in a way or smothered in something that effectively nullifies the fruit’s nutritional value. I’m not saying that I never eat dessert. The thing is, I’m just not a big 30
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consumer of sweets in general, and those that I do like fall into a very narrow range. That would be the chocolate range. Never mind the cheesecake, never mind the key lime pie, never mind the crème brûlée (okay, I can make an exception for the ice sculpture at Trattoria Divina), but other than that, on the rare occasions when I do eat dessert, I usually follow this rule of thumb: it’s chocolate or it’s a waste of time. Frankly, I’d prefer a shot of espresso or, better yet, a good single malt. Oh, here’s something. Appetizers are better for your health. They’re made out of things like vegetables and meat, the stuff that you need. What’s in dessert? Empty calories that make you fat.
That said, I do recognize that I harbor this attitude toward dessert at my own peril. Case in point, one evening while on a date with a fine lady our waiter presented the dessert menu. “What are you having?” asked my lovely guest. “I’ll pass on dessert, but get whatever you’d like,” said I. With that, she also ultimately declined. Later, as we sat on the beach gazing at the stars and talking about life and whatnot, I received a slightly-morethan-half-joking elbow to the ribs, “Geez, a girl doesn’t even get a chance to order dessert?” Needless to say, there wasn’t a whole lot of whatnot after that. No third date either. Ouch. Next time, bring on the chocolate. MAY 2013
Courtney Hampson
cups of ginger snap cookies. I actually chuckled out loud thinking, “Even if I screw this up, it will still taste great. With those ingredients, how can this not taste great?” I was surprised once again when I realized that cheesecake bakes in a warm bath (it sits in water!) in the oven. The agonizing two-and-a-half-hour process ended successfully. And damn, I nailed it. (I’m less impressed with Paula Deen now, in case anyone is wondering.) For my mother’s birthday last fall, I tackled chocolate hazelnut crunch cake: twentysix ingredients, three hours, two extra trips to the grocery store, four-stage process—and worth all 820 calories per slice. In November, Palmetto Bluff (shameless plug for my day job) hosts the Music to Your Mouth Festival, and last year we unveiled our masterpiece: The Bacon Forest. Oh yes, your pork dreams have just come true. You, too, can make bacon into dessert with the dust of a little brown sugar. We strung it, and hung it… from tree limbs (iron live oak sculptures), nested nicely next to delicate cups of bourbon bacon mousse. Top that! Okay. I’ll try. 1. Tiramisu. Four syllables of pure pleasure. Ladyfingers soaked in espresso, layered with mascarpone cheese. Even an Irish chick knows this can’t be ignored. Michael Anthony’s on Hilton Head Island does it right. 2. Red Velvet Cake. Up until a few years ago, the only red velvet this Jersey girl had seen was in the movies (think Miss Weezer). But today, top it with cream cheese icing and I’m all in. I do, however, MAY 2013
remain slightly agitated by the conspiracy for layman bakers who have to buy the four pack of food coloring to make one batch of red velvet cake and now have seven bottles of yellow, blue, and green in their pantry. 3. Ally’s Fresh Desserts—anything that Ally at Pour Richards puts on the menu. 4. Brownie batter. Yup, despite the surgeon general’s warnings, I actually prefer the batter over the finished product. (And rarely do I wait until after dinner to indulge. And, I rarely even do it. Anymore. Really.) 5. Macaroons. Like Vanessa said, sometimes the snow comes down in June… 6. Reese’s Pieces. Are these considered dessert? If not, stick them on a cupcake and we’ll call it even. 7. Pistachio gelato. (No explanation needed.) 8. Soft serve Kohrs vanilla and chocolate swirl ice cream from the Point Pleasant, N.J. boardwalk. 9. Apple crack. Dubbed as such by my brother-in-law and based on its addicting quality. Apple crack is a medley of peanuts, cream cheese and brown sugar, mixed velvety smooth and slathered on apple chunks (almost healthy, definitely heavenly). 10. Apple pie. From a box. Courtesy of Mrs. Smith. That’s just how we roll on Thanksgiving at the Hampson house. Before I sign off, let me assure you that I haven’t had a cavity in 20 years, and I do exercise every day, making all of the above possible. Sorry Frank, but beat that, sweet cheeks. www.celebratehiltonhead.com 31
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Hilton Head Island Art Festival An eclectic mix of art will be on display
SPAMALOT IS ON A QUEST FOR LAUGHS AT THE ARTS CENTER Monty Python fans throughout the Lowcountry are quoting lines and speaking in British accents (sort of) in eager anticipation of Spamalot’s arrival at the Arts Center May 1. But thou needst not be a Monty Python cult follower to get a kick out of this Arthurian musical spoof, taken from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The Tony Award-winning Monty Python’s Spamalot brings knights in tights to Arts Center stage from May 1- 26! This musical sensation takes the audience on a wild romp as King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table embark on a quest for the Holy Grail. But this is no ordinary quest. Along the journey, we meet leggy, Amazonian kicking-and-tapping showgirls and bumbling, goofy knights, not to mention flying cows, killer rabbits and taunting French people. With book, lyrics, and music by Monty Python member Eric Idle along with John Du Prez, Spamalot shines under the direction of knighted favorite Casey Colgan, returning to the island from New York City, and boasting an extravagant set and lighting design by Terry Cermak, decadent costuming by Diana Griffin, and high-stepping choreography -- not to mention a bevy of wigs -- by Broadway sensation, Nic Thompson, most recently in Broadway’s Mary Poppins. Starring as Lady of the Lake is hometown-girl- gone-to-Broadway Meredith Inglesby, who made her professional debut at the Arts Center in 1998 as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. She has since been featured in Broadway’s Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid, along with having performed in national tours of Little House on the Prairie, The Musical and Disney’s On the Record. This time, Meredith is accompanied by her husband, Steve Blanchard, a Broadway celeb as well, having
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and for sale during the 5th Annual Hilton Head Island Art Festival at Shelter Cove Harbour Memorial DayWeekend. This year, a separate arts & crafts market will feature the finest crafters in the country. The event appeals to locals and tourists alike for the wide array of original artwork priced to suit all budgets. The artists and crafters are hand selected from hundreds of applicants to ensure an extensive variety of artistic media that will appeal to a broad number of art enthusiasts, collectors and those looking for unique gifts. Admission is free and open to the public. “This event is a wonderful celebration of the arts,” says festival promoter Howard Alan. “It is very much like an outdoor art gallery, perfect for art enthusiasts and collectors interested in new quality investments by emerging artists as well as the casual shopper.”
Shelter Cove Harbour May 25 - 26, Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
starred as Beast in Broadway’s Beauty and the Beast, now in a leading role in Spamalot playing the dashing King Arthur. With an incredible cast, lively score and non-stop laughs, Spamalot at the Arts Center promises to be a highly energetic and entertaining evening of theatre. Need we say more? Ni!
Tickets are $56 for adults and $39 for children, (preview prices are $46/adult and $33 for children) and may be purchased by calling the box office at (843) 842-ARTS or by visiting online at www.artshhi.com. the box office.
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social
t Mayfes turns 35!
Bluffton Village Festival Celebrates 35 Years Mark your calendar for the biggest party in Bluffton: The Bluffton Village Festival. The festival, coordinated by The Rotary Club of Bluffton, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11 in Old Town Bluffton. The street fair, commonly known as Mayfest, is truly “a celebration of Bluffton life,” filled with all things quirky, eclectic and family-friendly. This is a day to enjoy art, music, food, kids’ activities and celebrate all the charm Bluffton has to offer. Admission is free. “To me, the festival captures the essence of what makes Bluffton so special,” said Patrick Wright, the Rotary Club of Bluffton’s president-elect and this year’s BVF chairman. The Rotary Club of Bluffton assumed responsibility of this hometown favorite five years ago. The club, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, provides the necessary manpower to run and manage the Old Town Bluffton street party. Guests can find the perfect gift for Mom, right in time for Mother’s Day or treat their taste buds to the famous shrimp salad sandwiches from The Church of the Cross along with barbecue, seafood, smoothies and lemonade offered by other vendors. As Wright says, “It’s the single best time to experience what Bluffton is all about.” Don’t miss some of the quirky extras that make this hometown event so popular such as the new Pie Eating Contest or the 25th annual Ugly Dog Contest. General Tips for Festival-goers: • A good pair of walking shoes, bug spray, sunglasses and sunscreen will keep you comfortable. • Friendly dogs on a leash are welcome at the festival. • Free parking will be available at Red Cedar Elementary School with free shuttle services to Calhoun Street from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 34
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Get ready for a Party Latin Style. Food, Music, Dancing & Dance Competitions! La Isla Magazine is proud to announce the first annual New River Auto Mall “Fiesta de May 2013” at Shelter Cove Community Park on Sunday, May 19th from 12pm to 7pm. Join them as they extend the celebration of Cinco de Mayo well beyond the 5th of May! The feature of this event is a Latin Dance competition currently being held on La Isla’s Facebook page. Finalists chosen via popular vote will compete the day of the Fiesta to be Crowned the 2013 La Isla Dance Champions. Additional entertainment will feature Latin Bands, dance groups, dance lessons, DJ’s, Latin food vendor’s kid zone and more than 60 vendors. A portion of each entry will benefit The Children’s Center of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. Volunteers welcome. More info: laislamagazine.com
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“An Evening of Dance” Bluffton School of Dance Company’s 2nd Annual Gala Event This event includes a Silent Auction Fundraiser and Live Entertainment from Patterson Colt and the Peacemakers. Light fare and beverages will be served. The Event raises money for the Dance Boosters of Bluffton, the booster organization supporting the BSOD Company. The monies raised will be used to bring nationally renowned dance instructors from dance meccas like NYC and LA to Bluffton School of Dance to work with these Bluffton and Hilton Head dancers. All ticket purchases, donations, and sponsorships are tax-deductible. This event is sponsored by Hargray and the Alliance Group Realty. May 4, 2013 6pm-8pm Bluffton Rotary Community Center Tickets $5; Children under 10 years FREE Call 843-815-2619 for tickets
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O’clock
5 It’s
Kingfisher- Joseph the Magician (Every Sunday)
CharBar Co- Happy Hour and Live Music Daily (4-7PM)
San MiguelsDavis Marshall (5:30-9:30PM)
Truffles Café- Happy Hour & Late Night $5 at the Bar! (4-7PM & 9PM- close)
Truffles Café- Happy Hour & Late Night $5 at the Bar (4-7PM & 9PM- close)
The BoardroomWhitley deputy (Every Tuesday)
Old Fort Pub- Happy Hour (5-7PM)
Happy Hour & Late Night! $5 at the Bar! (4-7PM & 9PMclose)
The BoardroomJo Vicars (Every Monday Night)
The BoardroomSin Night (Every Sunday)
Kingfisher- Joseph the Magician (Every Monday)
San MiguelsKirk O’Leary (5:30-9:30PM)
San MiguelsChris Jones (5:30-9:30PM)
Old Fort Pub- Happy Hour (5- 7PM)
The Salty Dog- Live Entertainment (5-9PM)
The BoardroomCranford and Sons (Every Wednesday Electric Piano$4 Cruzan Flavor Rum Drinks
Black Marlin Hurricane Bar Happy Hour (4 - 7PM) Old Fort Pub- Happy Hour (5-7PM)
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Wednesday
Truffles Cafe-
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Tuesday
Sunday
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Monday
somewhere!
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Skull Creek BoathouseLuke Mitchell (Every Tuesday from 5-8PM)
The Wreck at The Salty Dog- Beach Lobster Night Live Maine Lobster for $18.99 (Every Wednesday 4-9PM)
Old Fort Pub- Happy Hour (5-7PM) San Miguels- Mike KorBar (5:309:30PM) The Wreck at the Salty Dog- Nightly Happy Hour (4-6PM)
Send your event/entertainment listing to c.davies@celebratehiltonhead.com
Kingfisher- Light Rock with David Wingo (Every Wednesday)
CALL A CAB 686-6666
KingfisherEarl Williams, Jazz & Blues
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Saturday
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Friday
thursday
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Ela’s Blu Water Grille - LIVE Music (Starting at 8PM)
The Electric Piano$3 and $4 Shot Specials all Night AND Dueling Pianos! San Miguels- Davis Marshall (5:30-9:30PM)
Shelter Cove HarbourMay 2: Target the Band May 9: Patwa May 16: The Headliners May 23: Jazz Corner Quintet (6:00-9:00PM)
The BoardroomMay 3, 17, & 31st- Rowdy Cloud May 10 and 24th- Storks
Mellow Mushroom (Hilton Head)Karaoke Night (9:30PM) The Electric PianoMay 4- Jalapeno Brothers May 11- Simpson Brothers May 18- Quick Trixie May 25- Sterlin & Shuvette
Ela’s Blu Water Grille - LIVE Music (Starting at 8PM) The Electric Piano- Pinnacle Vodka Ladies Night! AND Classic Rock Beach Music & Motown with the Simpson Brothers. KingfisherPete Carroll, Acoustic Favorites (Every Thursday) The BoardroomMay 2,16, & 30- Storks May 9, 23 - Rowdy Cloud
The BoardroomMay 4th and 11th- Chris Jones May 18th- Voodoo Soup May 25th- Matt Eckstine
RipTidesMay 4-Michelle Murray May 10 & 24Sea Daddies May 17- Bad Justice Tickets : $12 (Doors Open at 7PM)
Truffles Café- Happy Hour & Late Night $5 at the Bar (4-7PM & 9PM- close) CharBar Co- Happy Hour and Live Music Daily (4-7PM)
Golf Tips From a Pro
Pete Popovich, 2012 HHIPGA Player of the Year
Putter Fitting Photography by Anne
I
f you look at the modern game of golf, you will see that golf courses are longer, equipment (balls and clubs) allows us to hit the ball farther, yet the scores of both touring professionals and amateurs are not coming down. With the latest in technology—lighter shafts, bigger heads, etc.—how can golfers hit the ball better yet not score any better? The answer is simple: putting. You can hit longer drives and closer irons, but if you can’t make the putt, your scores will never come down. Golfers spend countless hours getting fitted for clubs from driver to wedge, and most of the time it helps their ball striking. So why not take the time to get fitted for arguably the most important club in the bag, the putter? The simple answer is because you don’t know you need to be fit for a putter. Almost all putters for sale today are 35-inches long, have a lie angle of 71 degrees and a loft of 4 degrees. However, telling every golfer that he or she has to use the same putter is ridiculous. Everyone is built differently, and in order to play to your potential, you should be playing with a putter that fits you instead of adapting to a putter fit for the masses. But what constitutes a custom putter fitting, and how do you know if you are really getting custom fit or simply told you are getting custom fit? Let’s look at the real factors to consider when getting fit for your putter. Factor #1—eyes & head If your eyes and head are not positioned correctly, where you perceive the hole to be and where it actually is might not be the same. The eyes are the cameras to the brain, and it is imperative they are positioned correctly. Five eye positions are vital to great putting; when these positions are met, the body will automatically make the
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necessary adjustments for distance from ball, waist bend, correct upper body angle and front-to-back ball position. (We have discussed eye positions at length in past articles; for further review please visit the CH2 archive.) Factor #2—putter length It is imperative that measuring for length should be done without the use of a putter. Using a putter will only cause you to fit yourself to the putter instead of having the putter fit to you. Once the head and eyes are positioned correctly, the body will move toward where it is comfortable. This includes moving closer to or further from the ball, bending over or standing more erect, tucking or lifting the chin, etc. Allowing this to happen while keeping the proper head/eye position is the body’s way of finding the position that allows it to move with the least amount of stress. Once the fitter discovers this position and the arms are positioned naturally to each individual, measurements can be taken for length. Due to the physical uniqueness of each golfer, there is no single way to state how to measure for length as each person’s measurements will vary. However, an experienced putter fitter can determine this in a short time. Factor #3—lie angle This is also done without the use of a putter. Again, the golfer must be shown how to set up in a way that fits him or her individually while keeping the eyes/head in the proper positions. Since most putters today have a 71 degree lie angle, most golfers are playing with a putter that is too flat for them, which makes it nearly impossible for the eyes, arms and ball positions to allow a consistently accurate stroke. Our research has found that many golfers
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It is imperative that measuring for length should be done without the use of a putter. Using a putter will only cause you to fit yourself to the putter instead of having the putter fit to you. are better suited when their putters are more upright. How much more upright depends on the golfers physical build: arms, torso, and leg length. Factor #4—loft angle Almost every putter today is sold with 4 degrees of loft, the normal logic being that the putter head has to lift the ball out of its small depression on the green so it can get rolling ASAP. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, it has been proven that 0-2 degrees of loft reduces the amount of a putted ball’s skid by up to 7 percent. This means that with less loft, the ball starts rolling sooner, which allows the putt to stay on its intended line better. If a putter has more than 2 degrees of loft, the probability of the ball bouncing or skidding before rolling increases, while the chance of the ball staying on line decreases. Once a golfer’s measurements are taken without a putter, calculations can be made for the fit of the putter to the individual. Then and only then should a test putter of chosen length, lie and loft be given to the golfer to try. If the test putter does not produce the desired results or feel right to the golfer, a final putter based upon slight modifications to the above factors can be made until theory and reality become one.
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A proper custom putter fitting encompasses matching a golfer’s neurology and physiology with the club’s total geometry. It sounds complicated, but it is very simple to someone who knows how to apply and combine each aspect into a total fitting. If a putter fitting process does not include all of these factors, (or only uses electronic measuring devices), you might want to re-think the value of the fitting. We do not recommend electronic measuring devices because 1) these devices do not tell you how to fit someone; they only tell you what is happening in the stroke, and 2) they do not take into account all three of the sciences mentioned above; they only work with geometry. Our fitting process takes into account all of the aspects mentioned above and how they apply to each individual. We work with the physical differences of each golfer so that he or she can start making more putts and enjoying the game to a greater degree.
If you would like to get custom fit for your putter or if you have a question about custom putter fitting, contact the GPAHHI at (843) 338-6737, pete@golfacademyhiltonhead.com, or on Facebook at Golf Proformance Academy-Hilton Head.
MAY 2013
THE MUSIC MAN May River Theatre Celebrates 50th Show with The Music Man
Article By Beth Woods // Photography By Anne
munity true com This is a n with roductio theatre p ging a r bers n cast mem 70. to n e om sev in age fr ay River ort, a M Daniel C e his will reviv veteran l. arold Hil role as H
If you go:
“S
eventy-Six Trombones” are leading the May River Theatre into its 50th show, The Music Man. After 12 seasons at the Ulmer Auditorium, this community theatre has become a part of the “Bluffton State of Mind” and its history. The family-friendly musical is set in the town of River City, where a con man named Harold Hill tries to scam the town folk into buying musical instruments to create a boys marching band. Hill loses his focus when he falls for Marian, the town librarian, and the story begins to unfold. Humor and musical production numbers propel the action as cast members sing and dance through small town Iowa in the early 20th century. May River Theatre originally staged The Music Man in 2004 and is pleased to have some of the original cast members return to the new production. This is a true community theatre production with cast members ranging in age from seven to 70. Daniel Cort, a May River veteran will revive his role as Harold Hill. “Being a part of this show has been special on so many levels. It’s just a great show with an amazing cast, and we are ecstatic to present this musical experience to our community
Show dates are May 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Admission is $25. Season tickets are available for the 12th season, which includes The Music Man, Johnny Mercer Review, Company, and The Dixie Swim Club. For tickets, please call the box office, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (843) 815-5581 or visit mayrivertheatre. com for more information.
THE MUSIC MAN
Mayor Shinn (Pat Morgan) and Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn (Barbara Clark), River City “Royalty”
River City’s Librarian, Marian Paroo (Megan Lamont) builds the confidence in her misfit brother Winthrop Paroo (John Rosenblum)
for a second time,” Cort said. “This production is a family affair. Watching brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, husbands and wives perform together is truly magical. The audience will be able to identify with the love we have for one another, which adds further dimension and depth to any show.”
Haigler Woods plays Zaneeta, and at age 16, this is her first performance with The May River Theatre. “I came to see Mr. Daniel and my mom perform in the first show at this theatre when I was only three, and now, 13 years later, I am so excited to be a part of such a great community production,” Woods said.
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The large cast is supported by the amazing direction of Debbie Cort and dynamic musical direction of Bill and Betsy Peterson. Barbara Clark, another theatre veteran, plays Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn. Clark said, “The theatre family is a strong unit with almost a company feel. Anyone who auditions and is cast soon becomes part of the family and is welcomed with open arms.” The stage at the Ulmer Auditorium was recently dedicated to Jodie Dupuis, the late director, choreographer and co-founder of the May River Theatre. The Town of Bluffton commemorated Dupuis’ creative contributions by placing a plaque in her honor directly on the stage used by the community theatre she loved. Without the tireless work of Dupuis and her husband Ed, the May River Theatre would never have reached this milestone of 50 shows. Michael Weaver, who plays Charlie Cowell, puts this 50th production in perspective. “We want to keep the momentum going after an outstanding Annie,” he said. “These are our first shows from scratch after losing our dear Jodie. We want to carry on in style. May River Theatre is a huge piece of the stage scene here. We see visitors, residents, and regulars every time the house lights go up, so we know May River Theatre means as much to the community as is does to us.” Ron Ruckle has been a part of the ensemble as well as the technical crew. “I came to The May River Theatre only a couple years ago, but my experiences will always be with me and my family,” he said. “Jodie Dupuis opened the door for a nut like me with open arms and an MAY 2013
Alma Hix (Donna Capps), Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn (Barbara Clark) and Ethel Toffelmier (Brittany Horlbeck), just a few of the Pick-a-Little Ladies
Con Man Harold Hill (Daniel Cort) welcomes the assistance of loyal sidekick, Marcellus Washburn (Tim Moore)
open heart. She nurtured the creative spirit in people. Her legacy lives on in the commitment, dedication, and talent of the people she left to care for this awesome theatre.” Erin Laytham Lentz and her five children are all in the cast of The Music
of the actors who have shared the stage and those who have shown support. (Ticket sales and donations keep the theatre in operation.) Make plans now to go to the Ulmer Auditorium and the Jodie Dupuis Stage and help commemorate this milestone 50th show, The Music Man.
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Man. “This is my second production with The May River Theatre and it has been such an enriching experience for myself and my children to experience the arts, share the stage with a talented ensemble, and bring some Broadway to Bluffton,” she said. This little theatre is big in the hearts
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Ways to get
On the water M
ay is a great time to get out and enjoy what island life has to offer. For locals, it is that brief reprieve between the craziness of April (Heritage and Easter) and the influx of summer guests coming between June and August. If you happen to be a visitor reading this, then congratulations; you picked a good time to come. The temperatures haven’t topped out in the high 90s yet, and you beat the crowds. Which means it is an excellent time to go paddle boarding in South Beach, kayaking in Broad Creek, or floating in a tube down the May River. We present seven ways to get in (or around) the water.
Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding Nature-based kayaking and, more recently, stand-up paddle boarding, both combine a workout with peaceful exploration of the island’s nooks and crannies. Several outdoor outfitters on the island offer guided kayak tours and introductions to paddle boarding, or you can rent a kayak or paddleboard and go it alone. The best way to learn—especially paddle boarding— is to take a lesson, which is why you’ll see a lot of beginner paddle boarders navigating the waters on their knees at first and then graduating to the upright position where the core exercise really happens. In addition to Outside Hilton Head and H2O, kayak rentals are available at Kayak Hilton Head, Waterdog Outfitters, Live Oac, Palmetto Dunes Outfitters, and Marshgrass Adventures in
Bluffton. This truly is the most eco-friendly way to see local flora and fauna.
Parasailing Maybe you would like to enjoy the water from a short distance. If you aren’t afraid of heights and would like a bird’s eye view of the island, this could be the ticket for you. Parasailing is being pulled behind a powerboat at a high rate of speed with a parachute keeping you aloft. And you have choices. You can go high (about 800 feet) or low (about 400 feet); you can go alone or in tandem with a friend/family member or frenemy. The views are stunning, and you’ll have plenty of chances to take in miles of shoreline, the surrounding landscape and the Harbour Town Lighthouse, of course. Sky Pirate Parasailing, located at Broad Creek Marina, offers comfortable seating for 12 on their boat, and should you want to be even more adventurous after seeing the water from the air, they also offer waterskiing and tubing.
Envirotours Guided tours of the area’s beauty, especially behind the scenes in secluded spots like Page Island or Bull Island near Daufuskie, have become very popular, particularly when dolphins are involved. But the key is an informed and experienced guide/narrator, who can anticipate what you’ll be seeing and point you in the right direction. It’s best to book a trip that allows enough time to settle into the pace of island time—two or three hours at least. Some excursions include photo tours, with a knowledgeable photographer in the lead. These experienced professionals know where to look for bald eagles (more common than you might think) and alligators, where a telephoto lens is strongly recommended. Mike Overton and Outside Hilton Head have been setting the standard for outdoor adventures in the Lowcountry for over 30 years, and you can’t go wrong with a trip booked through this well-respected company. Harbour Town Adventures is another long-standing local company offering tours to get you up close and personal with wildlife.
Sailing Wind power is a peaceful power that puts you in touch with the very essence of Hilton Head Island, and the best way to relax is to put the captaining responsibility in the hands of a seasoned veteran. If
you’ve been missing the boat up to now, head down to Palmetto Bay Marina and catch a gentle breeze via the Pau Hana or the Flying Circus, the Lowcountry’s most popular catamarans. Whether it’s daytime cruising, dolphin watching, sailing lessons, taking in a fabulous sunset or checking out the Tuesday night fireworks, your ticket awaits. Join the crowd on the 53-ft. long, 26-ft. wide Pau Hana, USCG certified for up to 49 passengers, or opt for a private cruise on the Flying Circus, which accommodates a maximum of six. Captain John, sailing area waters for over 25 years, and first mate Jeanne, Pau Hana host for 15 years, add personality and buzz to your tranquil trip. Catamarans are especially family-friendly, because they’re much more “beamy.” They’re an elegant way to discover Hilton Head Island waters.
Fishing May is a favorite month for local fishermen who eagerly await “cobia season” in the Lowcountry. A coastal species, cobia can be found year-round at offshore reefs. Starting in April and early May, the fish migrate up the coast and into estuaries, particularly in the Port Royal sound. Cobia are sold commercially and command a high price for their firm texture and excellent flavor. Redfish is also a sought 48
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after catch in the area, and these fish can generally be found closer to shore and in ponds throughout the island. The Internet is a great resource for booking the fishing trip that is right for you. By navigating through local websites and reviews of captains, you can hand pick the boat and time frame that suits you and your family.
Beach it! The most relaxing, easily accomplished sport on the island requires very little equipment. Beach bathing takes no skill, requires very little space and can be accomplished in minutes or hours, depending on available quantities of
sunscreen. Beach amenities include restaurants nearby, a famous Tiki Hut, fountains and sprays, bicycle pathways leading to the beach and bicycle parking when you get there, comfortable and clean restrooms and, in some instances, changing facilities. The beach experience on Hilton Head Island is not your usual craziness. It’s somehow more refined, but not exclusive by any stretch—just relaxing, rejuvenating and refreshing. MAY 2013
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W On the Water
Local Watersports Companies & Activities Offered For a detailed list of all activities, please visit the websites below.
Harbourtown Adventures harbourtownadventures. com 843.363.BOAT (2628)
Outside Hilton Head outsidehiltonhead.com 843.686.6996 With locations from Shelter Cove to Palmetto Bluff, there really isn’t much Outside Hilton Head doesn’t offer. If you can do it outside, you can do it with Outside Hilton Head. Some of their offerings include; guided kayak tours and kayak rentals, Stand Up Paddle boarding instruction and rentals, boating trips with customizable options like beachcombing, fishing, tubing and eco tours. They also offer many options for Kids Camps should you and you spouse choose to pursue your own adventure for the day, like their popular four-hour tour of neighboring Daufuskie Island.
Sky Pirate skypirateparasail.com 843.842.2566 Don’t let the name fool you. Even though they specialize in parasailing trips over Broad Creek, that’s not all they do. In addition to parasailing packages, tubing and water skiing and cruises, they also offer boat rentals. Plan a fun-filled day of activities with Sky Pirate Parasail and give your family something to remember and talk about for years to come.
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Whether you want to explore, relax or go fast, you can do it at Harbourtown Adventures. Zip around the lighthouse on a Yamaha wave runner, sit back and relax on a guided Dolphin Tour or explore Daufuskie Island for the day.
Kayak & Bike Tours WaterDog Outfitters waterdogoutfitter.com 843.686.3554 This adventure company specializes in nature tours by bike or by kayak. Depart from and explore Broad Creek, Pinckney Island, the May River and New River. If you are looking for something a little slower, WaterDog also offers a guided tour of Pinkney Island, lead by an interpretive naturalist who will point out and discuss many of the finer points of this pristine island.
Pau Hana & Flying Circus hiltonheadisland.com/sailing 843-686-2582 Let Captain John and First Mate Jeanne take you on a sailing adventure in the waters of Broad Creek Marina while you enjoy cocktails & snacks and keep an eye out for friendly dolphins. With two catamarans suited for small or large parties, this is a sailing adventure you will remember for years to come.
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Restaurants on the Water
Salty Dog Cafe
THE SALTY DOG CAFE South Beach Marina (843) 671-CAFE saltydog.com Hilton Head Island’s favorite waterfront café overlooks beautiful Braddock Cove. Live music and children’s entertainment echo the sounds of family fun nightly during the season, while fresh seafood is served daily. A schedule of seasonal events can be found at saltydog. com. Be sure to check out The Salty Dog T-shirt Factory to get your world famous Salty Dog T-Shirt.
Cohen. Featuring an interior designed by Rowe & Harlow of Chicago, spectacular views of Shelter Cove Harbour provide the perfect setting for a dining ambiance that is casual yet intimate. A second floor dining room with wrap around water views is a perfect setting for special events, private parties, or rehearsal dinners. Small plates available in the lounge; dinner served daily from 4-10 p.m.
Several dozen Hilton Head Island restaurants fit the “food with a water view” description, and many incorporate outdoor dining into their specific appeal. Again, we’re on an island, and it’s all about water.
beach bum will feel right at home at Jamaica Joe’z Beach Bar. Menu items include peel-and-eat shrimp, pulled pork, burgers, and a full bar, including frozen cocktails. The kids will love Jamaica Mon’z for ice cream and other frozen treats. For a more refined dining experience, choose Carolina Seafood House and enjoy water views from indoors. Menu items include stuffed flounder, shrimp and grits, crab legs, and much more. No matter your mood, HHIB&T has what you crave.
pizza is featured daily for your enjoyment. As chefs create local favorites in this comfortable atmosphere, you can also enjoy a selection of fine wines by the glass or bottle as well as a number of exotic coffees.
ELA’S BLU WATER GRILLE
Shelter Cove Marina (843) 785-3030 elasgrille.com Ela’s Blu Water Grille has fresh catch seafood and prime cut steaks of the highest quality, prepared by Chef Chris
Jamaica Joe’z Beach Bar & Carolina Seafood House 40 Folly Field Road (800) 475-2631 hhibeachandtennis.com Hilton Head Island Beach and Tennis Resort (HHIB&T) has exactly what you expect for casual oceanside dining. With incredible views, soothing breezes, and seasonal live entertainment, your inner
BUFFALOS Village at Palmetto Bluff (843) 706-6630 palmettobluffresort.com Serving lunch in a warm country setting, Buffalo’s, located in the center of the village, offers patrons picturesque views of the May River as well as the chapel. Buffalo’s signature is the brick oven, where freshlymade pizzas are highlighted on the menu and a chef
KINGFISHER Shelter Cove (843) 785.4442 kingfisherseafood.com Who says you can’t have award-winning food at affordable prices with a fantastic water view and live entertainment? Kingfisher offers seafood, steaks and more with panoramic views
Restaurants on the Water KINGFISHER - continued of Shelter Cove Harbour. With 15 meals under $15 and kid’s meals under $5, you can treat your family without breaking the bank. Kingfisher is kid-friendly and casual—and pet-friendly on the outside decks. Local musicians and bands perform indoors Wednesday-Friday; tableside magic will dazzle the kids and adults alike Monday and Tuesday; and fireworks light the sky most Tuesdays. Hilton Head Comedy Club Comedians perform at the “Top of the Kingfisher” Wednesday-Sunday.
OLD FORT PUB Hilton Head Plantation (843) 681-2386 oldfortpub.com With breathtaking sunset views over the Intracoastal Waterway and Pinckney Island, right next to historic Fort Mitchell, Chef Keith Josefiak’s summer menu is full of fresh-fromthe-garden produce, local seafood, and tasty steaks to delight your taste buds. Relax on the romantic breezebrushed deck under moss-draped oaks or gather family and friends inside the window wrapped dining room. The island’s waterfront destination steeped in Lowcountry history. 54
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Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks 1 Hudson Rd. (843) 681-2772 hudsonsonthedocks.com All tables feature extraordinary views of Port Royal Sound for a truly unique Lowcountry dining experience. Hudson’s employs the largest and one of only two remaining fishing fleets on the island which brings fresh local seafood straight from our docks to your table. Share the excitement as our crews unload thousands of oysters, shrimp and soft shell crabs from the day’s catch. Bring your family and friends for a special Lowcountry treat that has been a tradition for islandgoers for many years.
terrace—you’ll find nowhere else better to partake in Hilton Head Island’s sunsets and the freshest seafood or American cuisine favorites with a twist. The open air Buoy Bar serves up original drinks and a 360-degree view of the outdoors. From weekly Reggae Nights during the warmer months, to monthly Full Moon Parties, seasonal Lobsterfests, and daily Happy Hours, there’s always something fun for the entire family. One bite and you’re hooked!
THE BLACK MARLIN 86 Helmsman Way (Palmetto Bay Marina) (843) 785-4950 blackmarlinhhi.com SKULL CREEK BOATHOUSE 363 Squire Pope Road (843) 681-3663 skullcreekboathouse.com Situated on the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway, Skull Creek Boathouse offers the perfect Lowcountry setting, with spectacular water and marina views. Whether you choose to dine indoors, at our Dive Bar—a raw bar featuring fresh sushi, oysters and more, or outdoors on our expansive MAY 2013
Black Marlin offers the island’s largest selection of freshcaught seafood, delicious hand-cut steaks, and premium frozen drinks, all in a relaxing Key West atmosphere. Located dockside at Palmetto Bay Marina, you can dine indoors or outdoors on the expansive patio. Take in the water views from your seat at The World Famous Black Marlin Hurricane Bar while enjoying menu selections such as the award-winning Sushi Nachos. www.celebratehiltonhead.com 55
Article By Alice Ruxberry // Photography By Andrew Branning
On the Water
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Most of Hudson’s soft shell crabs will be served in the restaurant, but some small amount may be available for retail and wholesale purchase.
Soft shells are back! G
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of molting crabs. The peelers are collected and transferred to Hudson’s where they will continue their molting process in a series of floats. Rowe designed 10 of these floats, with the ability to hold 200 crabs each, with pool pumps to pump in salt water from Skull Creek. The molting process is the most difficult and stressful time in a crab’s life. When the crabs’ shells begin to crack, Rowe will section off the tank in two parts, separating the crabs with cracked shells. Since the crabs are so vulnerable, it is essential that Rowe gives them the highest level of care to ensure a successful shedding process. “I’ve been doing this for over 15 years, and it is always exciting to see the final stage when they back out of their shells,” Rowe said. “Right when the female backs out, she pushes her shell away as if wanting nothing more to do with it.” Once the crab backs out of the shell, a new shell immediately begins to harden. Rowe will be tending to the crabs all night for 45 days, as the crabs tend to back out of the shell in the evening. Chef Patrick Ward of Hudson’s is enthusiastic about working with the soft shells and is determined not to overpower the crabs in his dishes. “We are going to create crisp, locally driven dishes to enhance the flavor of these unbelievably fresh crabs,” Ward said. “With a variety of products straight from the farm, we will be constantly creating new land and sea collaborations.” Some of the dishes Ward will be serving include pan sautéed soft shell crab with summer sweet corn succotash and heirloom tomato jam; a lightly fried soft shell crab sandwich with chilled ice box cucumbers; and Panko breaded soft shell crab with chorizo stuffed squash blossoms and pickled ramps. Come in and enjoy!
et ready Hilton Head Island. Spring means soft shell crab season again. Hilton Head Island icon, Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks is taking matters into their own hands to provide locals and visitors with the freshest, softest crabs in the area. Every spring, when the water temperature rises to 59 degrees and stays that way over the course of a few weeks, our local blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) go through a molting process. The crabs shed their entire hard shell in order to grow larger, leaving behind a soft body. Soft shell crabs are popular because without the hard shell, you can enjoy the entire tender crab without the tedious job of picking the meat from the shell. For Hudson’s customers, it means instant culinary gratification, but for the crew at Hudson’s, well, it isn’t quite so simple. This year, Hudson’s, with the help of Carolina crabber, comedian, and engineer Rob Rowe, has built a flow-through system at the restaurant. Shedding boxes have been built in the packinghouse with a water recirculating system to facilitate and manage the molting process. “We are always finding ways to serve the best and freshest seafood available, and this seems like an exciting step in that direction,” said Andrew Carmines, general manager of Hudson’s. “We should be able to shed out about 6,000 crabs in a 45-day period.” Most of Hudson’s soft shell crabs will be served in the restaurant, but some small amount may be available for retail and wholesale purchase. To begin the process, Rowe baits pots with male crabs that release a pheromone to attract virgin female crabs ready to molt. He uses traditional pots with bait, as well, to attract the male crabs. Once the baiting pots are full of crabs, Rowe will look at their back fins and abdomen for telltale markings
Chef Patrick Ward of Hudson’s is enthusiastic about working with the soft shells and is determined not to overpower the crabs in his dishes. “We are going to create crisp, locally driven dishes to enhance the flavor of these unbelievably fresh crabs,” Ward said.
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Û Catherine’s first catch of the day, a beautiful rock with coral. We won’t be eating that for dinner. Ü Hunter catches the first fish of the day on Joey’s boat, the Bonnie Ray. It’s a whiting, the first of many caught that day in Port Royal Sound.
Ý Kelly and Joey pose with a sheepshead.
Ü Let’s Go Fishing! Hudson’s and the shrimp boats faded from view as we started our adventure. Ý The Bonnie Ray had six rods in the water at all times. More rods = more chances of actually “catching” something.
W Ü Look at the teeth on that sheepshead!
Kandace, Kim, Maggie and Ashton smile for the camera. Þ
Û Grant catches a small rockfish. Collins laughs hysterically.
Ü Kandace & Collins show off their sheepshead.
Ü Our bait. Poor little china back fiddler crab. Maggie actually threw this one back in the water when no one was looking.
Ý A stop in Harbourtown to pick up some necessities; Four Grey Goose Pear & sodas at the Quarterdeck. Fishing is more fun with cocktails.
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Ăœ A rockfish, toadfish and a pelican pose for the camera. All in all, we caught two sheepshead, two rock bass, 30 whitings, a large crab, oyster shells and a giant rock. Not bad for a day at sea.
Ă› Kelly, Kandace, Kim, Hunter, Ashton, Catherine and Maggie enjoy the sunset at The Skull Creek Boathouse after pulling into dock. A great big THANK-YOU to Grant, Collins and Joey for taking these landlubbers fishing for the day!
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On the Water
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Sure there’s going to be a big party and prizes when a flotilla of folks taking part in the F&B Fishing Tournament returns to port at Palmetto Bay Marina (May 29) after a day of tossing lines to land the largest cobia and kingfish. But the easygoing public competition that still bears initials linking it to the local food and beverage scene is more than an annual excuse for a good time with friends and a few libations.
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eneath the surface, Hilton Head Island’s largest and longestrunning tourney is also part of a state-sanctioned effort to analyze and protect species from unnecessary federal fishing bans. “We haven’t been able to fish for red snapper around here for five years and we’ve got piles of them out there,” said veteran event organizer Stephan Patrick. “When Florida got overfished [the feds] shut things down, but the Southeast region also includes us. People always thought that fish migrated north as the water warms, but studies are proving that they really move inshore and
offshore. The tournament is all about having fun, but there’s also a serious side.” As such, participants must agree to have their catches autopsied by biologists from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as part of an ongoing research effort to enhance local fishing prospects. And yes, the postmortem creatures are still good for eating. Patrick, owner of the Beach Break Grill and part-time captain of a 66-foot private yacht, recalls less studious beginnings for the event that’s now into its 28th consecutive year without interruption from rough weather. “It started out
in the ’80s as a way to promote sport fishing at a time when everyone was coming here just for golf,” Patrick said, citing local charter captains Randy Osterstock and Jimmy Reeves for the original concept. “They decided to start taking food and beverage employees out
so that they would go back and talk to their guests about what a great time they had fishing.” This led to the first F&B Tournament, a decidedly loose-knit affair that built camaraderie and generated its fair share of hangovers as representatives from local
“It started out in the ’80s as a way to promote sport fishing at a time when everyone was coming here just for golf,” Patrick said, citing local charter captains Randy Osterstock and Jimmy Reeves for the original concept. 64
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“There’s great cooperation here between fishermen and the DNR. South Carolina is far ahead of other states as far as what we know about our local waters. No one else is even close, and we’re learning more all the time.” - Dave Harter
bars and restaurants vied for a trophy to display in their establishments for the upcoming year. The same bragging rights remain at stake although the event is now open to the public and no longer requires a restaurant sponsor. Patrick expects some 60 boats ferrying a few hundred people to turn out this year. They’ll hit the water after 7 a.m. and head in any direction they choose, the only rule being that boats must be back in sight of Palmetto Bay Marina by 5 p.m. Catches will be displayed then weighed with DNR-loaned electronic scales, with the heftiest combo of one cobia and one kingfish from a single boat winning the grand prize trophy and $1,000 cash. There will be plenty of other prizes as well, and Patrick notes that the entire $200 entry fee per vessel goes toward T-shirts, nautical pennants and other swag for participants. Dave Harter, a sponsoring businessman and principal in the Hilton Head Sport Fishing Club, will again serve as weigh-in master (with Jimmy Muething), then look on as DNR biologists from the Waddell Mariculture Center in Bluffton conduct tissue and DNA research on the catch to prove local origin and thus combat potential fishing bans in the future. “There’s great cooperation here between fishermen and the DNR,” Harter said, “and South Carolina is far ahead of other states as far as what we know about our local waters. No one else is even close, and we’re learning more all the time.” A post-event public party with live music will be held at Patrick’s cozy Beach Break Grill on Palmetto Bay Road where an informal meeting of skippers is set for the Tuesday night before the May 29 event. “We still run things during the middle of the week, because it’s always been easier for an F&B person to get a weekday off than a Friday or Saturday,” Patrick said. A state-record 92-pound cobia was landed a few years back at the tourney, and a friendly air of competition lingers for the status of having winning details engraved MAY 2013
on the grand trophy. “We don’t take things too seriously of course,” Patrick said, “and the only stipulation is that the trophy has to stay somewhere public. We’ve had the same one for 28 years, and I don’t want to hear: ‘Oh, he moved away’ or ‘his wife threw it out with the trash.’
If the winner doesn’t have an affiliation with a restaurant or just a favorite place to hang out, they’re welcome to display it here for the year.” For entry information, call (843) 816-4121.
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Dallas Reese (Left) Sterlin Colvin (Right)
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he Electric Piano bar already sports a well-earned reputation as a Hilton Head hideaway where a blend of evening libations and live music often leads to spirited audience sing-along celebrations. However, owners Adam and Kelly Nemetz are upping the ante with dueling pianos, a double-your-fun format featuring a pair of keyboardists entertaining crowds in a ragtime-era tradition that dates back to New Orleans circa 1930. “It’s a more formalized concept, and we’ve been trying to do these shows since we opened (in 2007), but we just weren’t able to find the right talent for something this specific,” said Kelly Nemetz. “It requires a special sort of performer—not just a good piano player, but someone who is engaging and gives people a great entertainment value. It’s all about getting everyone involved, and these guys really want to get you singing along and maybe even up on stage dancing.” Sterlin Colvin, well-known locally for his shows with his spouse Shuvette at the EP Lounge and elsewhere, is joined by fellow singer-pianists Dallas Reese and Charlie Dennison in rotating two-man duels from 9:30 p.m. every Friday night at the cozy night spot tucked away in Park Plaza shopping center at 33 Office Park Road. (Saturday shows will soon be added as island visitor counts increase; a $5 cover charge is waived for loyal locals with identification). “The EP is small and intimate (1,000 square-feet) which is great, and it give us the chance to connect up-close with everybody,” said Colvin, who brings a classic Motown and rhythm and blues background to his roster of selections. “They want to have a good time, and it’s up to us to make sure they’re involved and always having fun.” The “dueling” term is a misnomer these days, unlike those bygone nights in New Orleans dives where competitions would sometimes grow heated and fists would fly. The genre has matured in more amiable fashion as pianists now play off each other in an effort to maximize audience excitement by trading familiar tunes and impromptu banter to foster a festive mood. “It’s not about going out there and trying to top each other,” said Reese, a Charlotte-based performer and country DJ who, like fellow dueler Dennison, offers a musical counter to Colvin’s funkier vibe. “Sterlin will play some Earth Wind & Fire, while I’m at my best singing Billy Joel, Elton John and classic rockers,” Reese added. “We cover a lot of ground, from drinking songs to some modern dance music like Maroon 5 and Lady Gaga…and sometimes we just make things up as we go along.”
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EP audiences anticipate familiar tunes from the likes of Jimmy Buffett, Van Morrison and Elton John—what dueling pianos session would be complete without a sing-along to “Bennie and the Jets”?—and tunes at the dimly lighted venue are geared at rekindling fond memories among an older audience that’s surely heard most of them before. “We’re one of the few bars on Hilton Head that doesn’t market itself to a crowd that’s in their 20s,” said Kelly Nemetz. “We cater to a group that’s 35- to 60-years-old and up, and they don’t want to hear originals or stuff that’s way out there. In a lot of cases, especially during the summer when there are more tourists here with children, our customers have to hire a babysitter, and this is their one ‘date night’ out alone. So they expect a certain level of entertainment.” Patron requests are obviously encouraged—there’s a tip jar for added incentive—and the interaction between artists and participants is what makes things special and indeed everchanging on a given evening. “We encourage people to request anything they can think of,” Reese said, “so we never know what we’re going to get. We play things by ear and try to keep them in the groove.” The “dueling” piano players started working out their sets in February, performing for gatherings of dedicated EP locals in preparation for the busy summer season. “They did
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a great job, and we’re excited about the summer,” noted Adam Nemetz, who married spouse Kelly in 2009 after the pair of food and beverage specialists settled firmly into their roles as hands-on business owners. The personable couple has enlisted added servers and doormen to prepare for the upcoming rush of visitors. Dueling pianos sessions on Fridays and Saturdays will be offset by ongoing appearances by the Simpson Brothers and other cover-oriented ensembles at the night spot, which caters to a friendly mix of tourists and locals every Wednesday through Saturday. “Our year-round customers are crucial, because they’re the ones who keep us going and tell visitors about us,” said Kelly Nemetz. “That’s really our best form of advertisement.” So cue the lights and sound system and prepare for a pair of pianists to rock the house at a venue where letting loose is the order of the evening. “I think it’s going to be a great summer,” Reese said. “This is a great place to play, and if people aren’t singing along, we aren’t doing our job.” The Electric Piano bar is located at 33 Office Park Road, Hilton Head Island and is open Wednesday-Saturday from 8 p.m. with music starting at 9:30 p.m. For more information, call (843) 785-5397 or visit electricpianohhi.com.
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E.A.C. Heating & Air
Reputation built on relationships, reliability
Article By Kitty Bartell
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ooking over the edge of the Grand Canyon may make you a bit nervous; riding one of those loop-the-loop, flip-you-upside-down roller coasters may fill your tummy with butterflies; but it is a full-blown panic attack when you realize your heating and cooling system isn’t doing its job. Who should I call? Who can I trust? How much is this going to cost me? Knowing that your heating and cooling system is being serviced by a company and by people who have been local for long time and who have a reputation backed by decades of positive reviews goes a long way toward calming the initial panic. Patrick Epperson, Sr., Patrick Epperson, Jr., and Martin Jones began working together in the 1980s and have been together ever since. The original company, founded by Pat, Sr. in 1981, was sold in 1998, and the team went to work for the new owner, Epperson Service Experts. In 2005, they decided to go out on their own again, forming E.A.C. Heating & Air. With the original Epperson/Jones team at the helm, operating out of their original location on Beach City Road, they could again do business their way, “where people are more important than numbers,” Epperson, Sr. said. “We wanted to get back to just taking care of customers,” Jones added. It seems E.A.C. Heating & Air is doing just that, and winning awards in
the process. The service industry’s most impartial referral and review company, Angie’s List, has awarded them the Super Service Award twice and continues to be a growing source for new business. “People find you and then they rate you when the service is completed. So far, I think we have all A’s,” Epperson, Jr. said. With strong name recognition and a squeakyclean reputation, Angie’s List has become a valuable source for service businesses to reach beyond their immediate borders. A recent client reviewed the E.A.C. team on Angie’s List and summed up the experience: “We have established an ongoing maintenance agreement with E.A.C. and would not hesitate to call upon them or recommend them based on experience with this fine company and its people.” In addition to their well-earned local reputation, E.A.C. Heating & Air has seen an increase in the number of part-time island homeowners and second home owners calling for service. They attribute this growth in part to their Angie’s List presence, but also to advances in WiFi thermostat technology. Monitoring a home or business from afar via computer or smart phone has become an easy proposition with this type of thermostat control. “An out-of-town person can check the temperature in their house. They can see that there’s something wrong with the
unit and then they know they can call us,” Epperson, Sr. said. Having a trusted local service company provides peace of mind when something goes wrong. “There are a lot of applications for this technology,” Epperson, Jr. explained. “Outof-towners, rental management companies, even churches.” His local church recently installed a Wi-Fi___33 thermostat so they could keep tabs on their electric bills. “They know when to turn it on before a service or event, and they don’t have to get there early,” he said. Staying on top of advances in the industry is a priority at E.A.C. Heating & Air. Long-time service manager and comfort advisor Duane Pierce has weekly meetings with his team of all NATE (North American Technician Excellence)-certified technicians to keep up with the latest advances. NATE certification is the highest possible certification for heating and air technicians. Additionally, as the area’s only factory authorized Carrier dealer, additional training is required to earn that designation, and ongoing training to maintain it. “There are a lot of Carrier dealers, but we have to commit to a lot more to be factory authorized,” Epperson, Sr. said. The resource-conscious green movement is another area of advancement for the industry. According to Martin, Carrier Greenspeed™ Intelligence is setting the pace in technology. “It’s a superefficient heat pump system where both the indoor and outdoor units operate at variable speeds,” he said. “It will basically ramp up to what the load is on the house.” Imagine pressing on the accelerator in your car. Going 15 miles per hour requires
Photography By Anne
From left to right; Martin Jones, Patrick Epperson Sr., Patrick Epperson Jr.
E.A.C. Heating & Air
a lot less pressure and engine power than reaching 85 miles per hour. Greenspeed Intelligence is the same technology. When your home is cooler on a mid-summer morning, the systems only give what is needed to maintain the temperature. When the temperatures accelerate in the afternoon, so does the system. Keeping systems running efficiently and running longer is number one on E.A.C.’s to-do list, along with building long-term relationships. “Your reputation is everything around here. Our goal is to do things the right way and treat people in the right way. If you keep doing that, hopefully it becomes reciprocal and they keep using you,” Epperson, Jr. said. Having extensive Lowcountry experience means E.A.C. Heating & Air understands humidity control, critical to controlling mold and mildew. Surprisingly, over-sized units are the common culprit of
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Staying on top of advances in the industry is a priority at E.A.C. Heating & Air. Long-time service manager and comfort advisor Duane Pierce has weekly meetings with his team of all NATE (North American Technician Excellence)-certified technicians to keep up with the latest advances. NATE certification is the highest possible certification for heating and air technicians.
this problem. “If a unit is oversized for the home, it will bring the temperature down real quick, but it needs to run longer to get the humidity out,” Epperson, Sr. explained. “If you just bring the temperature down, then you’re still stuck with the humidity.” Whether your relationship with E.A.C. Heating & Air is from another state or just down William Hilton Parkway, the team believes that a maintenance contract is the most important thing you can do to maintain your system, and save money at the same time. “Ninety-four percent of all emergency breakdowns occur on nonmaintained systems,” Epperson, Jr. said. “We come out twice a year and inspect everything. We check the refrigerant levels and make sure it’s operating at peak conditions. If the refrigerant level isn’t right, you’re wasting money.” Preventing bigger problems is the
goal of a maintenance contract. “We check the filters, all the AMP draws, and clean out the drains. If those lines are plugged and you don’t have protective devices like ceiling saver switches, it will overflow onto your ceilings. All of our new systems have two or three protective devices to make sure that doesn’t happen. It’s worth it.” The best advice is to save your adrenalin rushes for black diamond ski runs and five-alarm chili eating contests. Building relationships and taking care of heating and cooling needs is why E.A.C. Heating & Air is able to banish the butterflies and make you and your home a whole lot more comfortable. E.A.C. Heating & Air is located at 76 Beach City Road, Suite A, Hilton Head Island. For more information, call (888) 707-4071 or visit online at eacair.com.
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Article by Rebecca Edwards
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ou blinked and now it’s almost summer. Goodbye alarm clocks. Farewell carpool lines. Hasta luego homework. In the words of Alice Cooper, “School’s out for summer.” But rather than letting school be “blown to pieces,” there’s a way you can complement your child’s current academic curriculum and facilitate his or her transition to the next grade level. There’s a way you can encourage independence, athleticism and creativity. And there’s a way you can promote developmental, social and spiritual growth. The way is summer camp. “I am a big advocate of summer programs for children,” said Katy Hudak, department chair for upper school English at Hilton Head Prep. “From the time they are five or six years old, children can use summer programs to explore new interests or pursue in a more focused way the ones they might not have time to fit in during the school year. The many week- to two-week programs available in the Hilton Head area are ideal for learning without a huge time or financial commitment.” Hudak laughed explaining, “My own children have experimented with everything from soccer and animal care to ceramics and piano during summer courses.” She believes these brief experiences enable kids to gain a better sense of their own talents and passions as they mature. Many educators also say summer camps foster improved confidence and instill a sense of accomplishment in youths. “Any parent wants to find opportunities to build toward independence in a safe, motivating environment,” said Hudak, who believes parents should start early when it comes to sending their children to camps. “Short day camps can lead to longer day camps, which, in turn, as in my case, lead to sleep-away camp— the holy grail of camp!” According to youth counselor Dr. Debi Lynes, LPC CEDS IECA, another important aspect of summer camp is that it can be a lifesaver for children with physical, mental and or social disabilities. “For many children who have not been successful in a traditional academic environment, summer camp offers the opportunity for what is perceived as fun, experiential learning time without the perceived constraints of achieving grades or participating or competing with kids of other levels,” she said. Lynes applauds the Island Rec Center for providing excellent programs for children with “special needs,” which she defines
as youths with mild to moderate learning disabilities, within the autism spectrum, being treated for ADD and ADHD, diagnosed with mental retardation, or who are simply socially awkward. “The qualitative and anecdotal data is out there,” Lynes said. “More parents are finding success by gifting their children the opportunity to attend summer camp. I send the kids I counsel to several local programs.” The success of the Island Rec Center camps, as well as other summer programs, is reflective of the thoughtful work put into creating them. “We have many returning campers every summer and want all our children to have a unique and rewarding experience,” said Leah Arnold, summer camp director. “The staff plans for six months on different weekly themes and field trips. We are also vigilant about integrating both the summer camp and challenge camp for special needs children.” Many of the camps this summer are also responding to new trends. After several students expressed an interest, the lower school at Hilton Head Prep added fashion design and robotics to its afterschool program. Because both clubs have been so successful, the school has decided to add each to its summer camp schedule. “We are thrilled about our Teen Design Studio, and two different robotics camps, LEGO Robotics and Water Robotics,” said Matt Dakolios, director of summer programs for Prep. Melinda Cotter of Sea Pines Montessori Academy also points out that many of these programs are staffed with certified educators, trained in safety courses. She uses her school as an example. “Summers at SPMA provide campers with a safe, nurturing environment that ties the Montessori philosophy of exploration, creativity, independence with traditional summer camp fun. All summer camp sessions are led by certified teachers who are SAFE checked and CPR/First Aid trained,” she explained. This summer, Hilton Head Island offers a diverse spectrum of camp options. Learning camps include Bible studies, math, robotics, science, and writing. Sports camps include baseball, basketball, cheerleading, dance, football, horseback riding, golf, paddleboarding, running, sailing, soccer, swimming, tennis and volleyball. Creative camps include performing and visual arts and imaginative games and activities. When deciding which camp is best for your child, consider the following questions: • What does my child enjoy doing? Keep in mind that your child can try several different types of camps over the summer. This means you can choose camps within a certain category such as arts education and introduce your child to the breadth of this category, or you can diversify and go for a more wellrounded summer.
• Would my child do well going to camp half day or full day? In deciding this, you might also consider starting out going half day and transitioning to full day. This way you can work with your child on goal setting and the importance of building confidence and independence. • Should I coordinate with other parents so that my child is around familiar peers, educators and surroundings, or should we branch out and encourage meeting new people in new places? Again, your child can attend several programs, so you may want to incorporate a little of both. This will help your child strengthen existing relationships and broaden his or her friend base. • What skills should my child develop prior to camp? Many of these camps welcome multiple ages and stages, but some have minor requirements. For example, if your child wants to go to the South Carolina Yacht Club’s sailing camp or Outside Hilton Head’s kayak camp, he or she will need to be a proficient swimmer. To help you along, CH2 has listed a few of the local camps available this summer.
Sea Pines Montessori Summers at SPMA provide campers with a safe, nurturing environment that ties the Montessori philosophy (exploration, creativity, independence) in with traditional summer camp fun. This summer’s offerings include six weekly adventures for children ages 18 months to grade 6. Popular themes include: “World Games”, where the children have the opportunity to explore games from around the world and participate in our own Olympics style fun; “Engineering”, where campers discover the science behind stability and structure; and “Budding Artists”, a week full of the elements of art and deign, portfolios, and galleries! The possibilities for fun are
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session for advanced players is from 2-4pm. For more information please visit www.hiltonheadislandtennis.net.
Bluffton School of Dance Combo truly endless! Comprehensive Summer Camp Brochures available online now at http://spma. com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/SPMASummer-Camp1.pdf
Swing into Tennis and Discover Fun!
Ages: 5-7 Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays - July 15-25 Cost: $50 for two-week program Contact: (843) 815-2619 or blufftonschoolofdance.com
Tennis Club of the Low Country presents the 2013 Junior Tennis Camps. Registration is available online at www.TLCRoseHill.com, by calling 843-271-6401 or at the facility located at 9 Clubhouse Drive in Rose Hill. The first weeklong camp begins on June 10th. TLC Junior Tennis camps offer kids the opportunity to have fun, gain confidence and meet new friends, all while enhancing their social and physical development. There are five camp levels available developed with age and skills in mind; Little Shots 1 & Little Shots 2, Hot Shots, Big Shots and Junior Excellence.
Bluffton School of Dance Experienced Dancers Dance Classes
Providence Presbyterian Church introduces “His Kid’s” Summer Camp by the Sea
The Salty Dog Café at South Beach Marina
Children will learn, grow and have fun on Hilton Head Island. *Arts, Crafts, Games, Recreation, and Worship* on Providence Campus Session 1: July 21-26 Session 2: July 28-Aug. 2 Time: 9am- 5pm Monday- Friday Cost: $75 per child per session Ages: completed K-5th grade Register online: CauseGodJoy.com or call 843-842-5673 for more information
Ages: 8+ Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dates: July 15-25 Tuesday: Ballet and Jazz Wednesday: Ballet and Tap Thursday: Ballet and Hip Hop Cost: $60 for one class / $100 for 2 classes / $130 for 3 classes Contact: (843) 815-2619 or www. blufftonschoolofdance.com
Various children’s activities are offered from May 24- August 31st. Below is a sampling of their activities. For a more detailed listing, visit www. saltydog.com. (also see next line)
MONDAY, TUESDAY and FRIDAY in the Courtyard at The Salty Dog All day: Chalk Art 11:00 am – 4:00 pm: Tie-Dyeing fun located behind The Wreck of the Salty Dog restaurant 12:00 pm: “Storybook Time” with an appearance from Jake the Salty Dog 12:15 pm: Jake’s Hula Hoop Contest 5:30-8:30: Face Painting Show Times 7:00 and 8:00 pm: “Children’s Music with Anneliza” 7:00 pm: Special appearance from Jake the Salty Dog
SUNDAY in the Courtyard All day: Chalk Art 5:30-8:30: Face Painting Show Times 7:00 and 8:00 pm: “Magic with Gary Maurer” 7:00 pm: Special appearance from Jake the Salty Dog
Outside Hilton Head Discovery Days Kayak Camp Ages: 7-10 Time: Tuesday Wednesday 8:30-11:30 a.m. Dates: Starts June 11 Cost: $95 Contact: 843.686.6996 or www. outsidehiltonhead.com To see a complete listing of *Summer Camps visit our website at www.celebratehiltonhead.com
Moss Creek Equestrian Center Horsin’ Around Days of 2013 June 10th- August 9th Monday, Wednesday and Friday Time: 8:30AM-1:00PM Ages: 5-12 Weekly program featuring fun horse-related activities 843-816-7830 Mosscreekequestrianctr.com
Hilton Head Christian Academy A variety of summer camp options available to the community. Visit www.hhca.org for more information, or call 681-2878.
Hilton Head Island Tennis Led by long time Islanders and USPTA Professionals, Eric Wammock and Edward Wood, the Resort’s Tennis Program was chosen a Top 5 Tennis Resort (Carolinas) by Tennis Magazine in 2012. The plethora of programming for all ages includes summer camps for ages 5-18 from June 7 through August 23. One- hour weekday sessions are available for ages 5-10, while ages 7-18 attend from 9-noon. An optional, additional training MAY 2013
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C2 Contest
Photography by Anne
Just Dress Me
Meet Emily.
She won the contest by submitting this photo of her messy closet. Looks like she could use some help. In addition to Jen & Dana’s services, she also won a $300 gift certificate to Palmettoes, a $300 gift certificate to Radiance and a $300 gift certificate to Gigi’s Boutique. All just for submitting a picture. Now that’s a good day!
All clean and organzied Closet Makeover
Meet Jen Kronimus and Dana Spires.
These fashionable ladies own Just Dress Me. Their goal is to make you look fashionable and feel great. Last month they came to CH2 and offered their services to one lucky reader, who received eight hours of personal attention from these ladies. The goal? Clean out the winner’s closet and organize it so outfits could be found and put together easily. That was the first part. Part two of the contest involved personal shopping and styling with purchases from Palmettoes, Radiance & Gigi’s.
Jen and Dana descend upon Emily’s closet on a Saturday morning. First, they take everything out of it, which was no small task, as you can see. Second, they start organizing based on what Emily is keeping in her wardobe and what is getting donated to charity. Next all the “keepers” are put back into the closet, neatly organized in groups of skirts, dresses, shirts, pants, etc.
Donate or Keep?
Fact #1: The average American throws away approximately 68 pounds of clothing and textiles each year. Fact #2: Textile and clothing thrown in the garbage accounts for about 4.5% of landfill space. http://www.donationtown.org/news/donating-is-recycling.html
> Keep
> Donate
First stop, Radiance in Harbourtown, where the owner, Linda Richards, greets the girls with a smile. Oh Yes, and Charley!
Let’s Go Shopping! Now that Emily’s closet has been reorganized, Jen & Dana have a better idea of the sorts of pieces she needs to complete her look.
Next stop, Palmettoes in Sea Pines Center. Hi Dennis, Chuck & Mary Rose. Thanks for the awesome outfit!
Third and final stop was Gigi’s in Old Town Bluffton, where Emily tried on (and bought) this cute dress & scarf.
Just Dress Me
Hair, Make-up, Say Cheese! After Emily’s shopping spree its time to show off her new look in the May issue of CH2 magazine! Hair & make-up was done by the professionals at All About Me.
From Palmettoes in Sea Pines Center SALAAM SKIRT SALAAM V-Neck fitted top FROM EMILY’S CLOSET- TURQOIUSE JEWELRY, SHOES Comments from Jen & Dana: “We loved how this ensemble made Emily look – so bright and cheerful. The skirt has a bohemian vibe (which is trendy right now) and was chosen for comfort. We love these colors for spring and summer.”
EMILY’S CLOSET Boot leg denim Coral and beige stripe top Wood necklace Wedges Leather bracelet from Radiance Cross body bag- olive/beige Comments from Jen & Dana: “We chose to put Emily in this outfit to get her out of her comfort zone. She never would have paired this necklace with a striped shirt but we convinced her it was a great way to accessorize. Emily has a little boy, so we paired the outfit with this hands-free bag so she can hold him comfortably.”
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Just Dress Me
From Gigi’s Boutique in old town Bluffton From RADIANCE in Harbourtown PRANA dress (one of the most popular items in the store!) Splendid White Cardigan Princess and Butch leather Bracelet From Emily’s closet- Tree of life necklace and flip flopsDana’s wallet Comments from Jen & Dana: “This dress was chosen because it most suited Emily. It’s “green” and that’s important to her as a vegetarian. The cardigan was chosen as a staple piece that everyone should have in her closet – it goes with almost everything. Plus, it’s lightweight so you can throw it in your bag for that quick run to the grocery store where it’s always freezing in the summer! The bracelet came from a very popular line that’s made in the USA, so of course we love that.”
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AG DENIM- STILT SKINNY LEG MICHAEL STARS TANK YA LOS ANGELES AZTEC VEST FROM EMILY’S CLOSET: WOOD NECKLACE, WEDGES, AND WOOD BANGLES Comments from Jen & Dana: “This is an updated look for Emily- not her usual! It makes her look taller and the Aztec print, while trendy, is still within her comfort zone. Lots of the looks were chosen because they suited Emily’s personality and comfort level, which is what we try to accomplish when working with a customer. We did push some of her limits by adding accessories-whether her own or ones purchased on our shopping extravaganza. Some were even borrowed from a friend’s closet- because, wellisn’t that what girlfriends are for? Accessories help you step outside your comfort zone little by little.”
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Nash Gallery
Article by Rebecca Edwards
Supporting North American Artists
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or Lynn Alexander of Nash Gallery in Shelter Cove, art encompasses much more than an aesthetic experience. For her, art can make impactful changes for individuals and society as a whole. And for her, it is a life calling to be a steward of the craft arts. “We don’t like people working in assembly lines. We like keeping Americans busy and working,” Alexander said. Nash Gallery “strives to support the efforts of American craftspeople that design and create quality work” reads the gallery’s literature. The majority of craft represented is made “in small studios that employ five people or fewer, giving customers the chance to own craft which is beautiful, durable and unique.” Alexander values continuums, like legacy. “The premise behind Nash began with my parents’ gallery in Indiana in 1978. They had two rules: The gallery had to sell only American and Canadian artists and it had to be so anyone could walk in and buy something,” Alexander said. Nash Gallery upholds both rules. “We are proud to only sell North American artists; and our crafts range in price from $17 to $5,400,” Alexander explained. With a wide selection of wares—from fashion accessories such as jewelry, belts and purses, to home décor items such as lamps, mirrors, clocks and vases, to fun finds such as colorful goblets, animated-
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Nash Gallery strives to support the efforts of American craftspeople that design and create quality work.
looking money banks and magnetic flower holders—anyone can connect with a piece. As part of the living legacy, Alexander’s son Scott manages the store, and the two routinely go on buying trips. She smiles about these trips as she points to a wall adorned with expressive copper suns. “We were so, so tired from buying and then all of the sudden this artist caught our eye and we both started
laughing. We knew we needed to include his work in our store,” Alexander recalled. Another continuum for Alexander is the importance of the artist’s story. She not only believes the artist transfers his or her soul into the work, but that quite often the artist’s story is relevant to appreciating the work and is perhaps something we can relate to. “Look here,” Alexander began, pointing to some interesting rock and metal work. “This artist is a welder and in ’08, he was laid off. He went to his field and started gathering rocks.” Alexander paused and we both thought about the gravity of the situation. This artist was soul searching during a crisis—a crisis so many Americans have experienced recently. “After amassing all these rocks he thought, ‘I’ve got rocks and I’m a welder and I need to figure out a way to make money combining the two.’ Now his whole family is involved.” Alexander knows the story behind every artist she represents, and many of her artists have been working with her for over 30 years. Alexander truly enjoys facilitating a relationship between the artists and the viewers. She believes the two can gain so much from each other. “Our goal is to put handcrafted art in everyone’s hands,” she said.
Nash Gallery is located at Shelter Cove Harbour, 13 Harbourside Lane, 2H, Hilton Head Island. For more information, visit nashgallery.com or call (843) 785-6424.
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Tavern article by Rebecca Edwards
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o you remember the characters Sam Malone (Ted Danson), Norm Peterson (George Wendt), and Woody Boyd (Woody Harrleson)? Do you remember their happy hangout, Cheers? And their thematic song, “Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got. Taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot…You wanna be where you can see, our troubles are all the same… You wanna go where everybody knows your name.” Well according to Marceilla Veltri of Tavern 46, “We’re like Cheers with 15 HD televisions. We like to tell people, ‘This is your home when you’re away from home.’” Located at 16 Kittie’s Landing Road in Bluffton, Tavern 46 replaces what was Montana’s. “The owners are still the same, but they decided to bring it home,” Veltri explained. “They decided to make the restaurant more of a sports bar and really give Hilton Head and Bluffton a great hang out spot.” The bar comprises 70 percent of the restaurant, and its wood detail is a visual feast. Warm hues give Tavern 46 an intimate feel; yet subtle soft lights brighten the space creating a modern pub feel. Veltri laughs, explaining that though many things have changed since reopening, “we just had to keep signature elements like our waterfall wall and Grizzly Bears out front.” Another big difference is the menu. Tavern 46 makes every effort to pour and plate friendly fare that puts the “u”
in pub. Of the 34 draft beers they serve, 27 are handcrafted and many are from South Carolina. Tavern 46 also brought in Chef Thiago Cunha. According to Veltri, “Chef Thiago’s Brazilian heritage brings an exciting flare to his food.” Thiago studied at Johnson and Wales in Rhode Island and has worked under such culinary talents as Chef Barbara Lynch, owner of B&G Oysters and the James Beard Award-winning restaurateur who is regarded as one of Boston’s and the country’s best, and the late Brazilian Chef Sergio Abramof, who had a successful 30-year career at Sergio’s in Cleveland. When it comes to food Veltri said, “We are redifining Lowcountry cuisine. It is not necessarily fried food and big portions. The ingredients are what’s important. And
It is the commitment to tasty, thoughtful food that makes choosing your meal so difficult—you just want everything on the menu.
more to the point, local ingredients are what’s important. We make a big effort to be as local as possible with fresh produce and seafood; that’s why our menu changes seasonally.” It is the commitment to tasty, thoughtful food that makes choosing your meal so difficult—you just want everything on the menu. Let’s begin with the starters. You can’t pass up Thiago’s tuna two ways with seared ahi tuna sliced thin and tuna tartare with lime, cilantro, onions and green pepper marinated with a soy infusion. There’s also the baked brie, which is wrapped in pastry dough, drizzled with balsamic reduction and served with green apple slices. And if you want to make friends at the bar, get the pulled pork nachos with tender shredded BBQ on top of crispy tortilla chips with cheese sauce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños and fresh salsa. The soups and salads are also crowd pleasers. You can choose from French onion with provolone and toasted crostini, lobster bisque with chunks of lobster and lobster foam, or the soup of the day. Pair your soup with a fresh salad like the pecorino cucumber salad with arugula, red onion, tomato and lemon vinaigrette or the buffalo mozzarella with sliced tomatoes, red onions, fresh basil and a EVOO and balsamic drizzle. The sandwiches and burgers are twohanders and piled high with goodness. The steak and cheese comes with shaved steak, sautéed onions, mushrooms and
The bar compris es 70 percen t of the restaur ant, and its wood detail is a visual feast. Warm hu es give Ta vern on 46 an intimate feel; yet subtl e soft li ghts brighten the spac e creating a moder n pub feel .
Tavern
mozzarella stuffed into baguette bread. The featured burgers include the breakfast burger with provolone, mushroom, bacon and an over-easy egg; the free range turkey burger comes with baby Swiss, arugula, grilled tomato and onion; and the Tavern burger is a half-pound beef brisket patty smothered in homemade BBQ sauce, apple wood bacon and cheddar cheese. Yum. Last but not least are the pizzas and entrées. The tequila white pizza comes with tequila marinated tomatoes, garlic, oregano, mozzarella, parmesan and cream
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cheese drizzled with EVOO; the seafood lovers comes with homemade tomato sauce, marinated shrimp, crab, mozzarella and parmesan drizzled with a balsamic reduction. Thiago’s culinary culmination is his paella with saffron rice, corn and peas served with clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, chicken and chorizo sausage. Double yum.
Every night is a good night at Tavern 46 because of the restaurant’s fun nightly specials. Monday is Pint and Wing Night. Tuesday is Taco Night and we’re talking “nacho” ordinary taco—remember Thiago is from Brazil so his pico de gallo is picodelish-o. Wednesday is Wine Night— complete with wine sipping music by Mark Bonds or Zach Stilner. Thursday night features prime rib and entertainment by Deas Guyz. Friday night is Ladies Night with lobster and martini specials and live music. Saturday is Pizza All Day, and chilling in front of the tube is not only an option, but encouraged. And Sunday is a nod to the hard-working servers, bartenders and cooks out there with F&B Night and a crab leg special.
To learn more about “taking a break from all your worries” and a place “where everybody knows your name,” visit tavern46.com or call (843) 815-2327.
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War
of the Worlds Helping veterans r e c o v e r , r e - i n t e g r at e
Photography by Anne // Article by Courtney Hampson
Don’t get drunk. Don’t seek fights. Don’t buy a gun. Don’t rape your wife.
T
hese statements are part of the reintegration narrative used to brief soldiers who are returning “from country” (war) to the United States. Those 14 words spoke volumes to me as I realized that the government is fully aware of the horrors of the war, but equally as aware of the potential damage those horrors will wreak on the mind of a veteran. According to an October 2012 report by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (the VA), 30 percent of the 834,000 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have been treated in a VA hospital for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I emphasize, “have been treated.” In addition to the veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, over 23 million veterans live in the U.S., 14 million who have served during wars dating back to World War II. The VA estimates that a veteran commits suicide every 80 minutes. That is 18 deaths a day, 126 each week, 6,552 each year. Jake Walsh is a veteran. He’s 28 years old, with a sweet smile, a buzz cut, and a flicker of sadness behind his eyes. “My grandpa was in the Army, my uncle the Marines, my sister Navy. The Army seemed like an opportunity to me,” he said. “I did a couple random semesters of college and was sick of my job, where I listened to a guy twice
War
my age complain about the job he’d been doing for 10 years.” So, he went to a recruiter’s office. “I made the recruiter sell me,” Walsh said. “But ultimately, it was my decision.” Walsh was a kid when he left, barely in the second decade of life. But he did a lot of growing up. And fast. An Army medic he was deployed and spent time in Mosul, Baghdad, and Baqubah. Of Baqubah, he said, “We took all of our losses there. There was too much… too much going on…” The light in his eyes returns as he talks about the “beyond ideal human beings” with whom he served. The “guardians” he called them. And he speaks to an unparalleled bond with his fellow soldiers. Walsh made the decision to leave the Army as his four years was coming to an end, and his unit was being dismantled. “The machine just didn’t work anymore. I felt like I was being forced from the brotherhood.” So, Walsh returned home to Ohio with no job and he limped along financially. Once home, he said it took him a full two and half years to fully process that he had been deployed. “I talked about it like it was a TV show I watched. It was like Narnia.” He describes the return from a war zone as a ride in a race car. “The car slows down just enough to kick you out and all the while you’re thinking, wait, I thought we were just doing laps? Now I’m tumbling. What the hell happened to me?” He was going to school and therapy (including prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD) but was overwhelmed by debt and financial concerns. It was during one of his therapy sessions that he finally revealed to his therapist that he needed help. She stopped him mid-sentence, made a phone call, and by the time his session was over, he met a gentleman from The Ghost Rider Foundation who had him fill out a grant application. Within 24 hours, Walsh received a check for the full amount he requested. No strings attached. “Just an enormous sense of relief, and ability… it was overwhelming. My stress was gone immediately, and I was struck by the fact that people [cared] and they wanted to help. They did help.” For Walsh, hearing that someone wanted to help him was somewhat of a shock. When asked if he ever asked his family for help, he replied, “I guess I could have asked, but I don’t remember ever asking.” Pride is a powerful thing. Reflecting, Walsh tries to describe where his head was. “I thought, whatever circumstance, I’ll rise to it,” he said. “But I was in a realm of loneliness and despair. It was sudden and dark and quick, and I couldn’t figure out why I was there by myself.” But now, suddenly, there were people in his path who helped him see the light at the end of the tunnel, and that was a turning point. He immediately recognized that he needed to be that for someone else. “Otherwise why am I here on this earth?” Walsh never specifically mentioned the horrors of war, nor did he speak to the immense losses his unit suffered or the horrific sights that he surely witnessed as he worked to treat and 94
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Giving Back recover wounded soldiers while his unit fired thousands of rounds a minute to keep him covered. But there is a palpable sense of guilt. Guilt that he survived and so many others didn’t. His motivation to help others is part therapy.
Honor Our Heroes Foundation Fast forward a few years, and like any good Ohioan, Walsh moved to Hilton Head Island, following his brother. Here, he began to surround himself with a new group of friends, courtesy of CrossFit Hilton Head, where he works as a CrossFit coach. There, he quietly observed the people as relationships began to form. “As a coach, I watch movement, work ethic, ambition— you see how people respond to stress both mental and physical.” CrossFit is all about varied movement. Well, Walsh made a big move. He told fellow CrossFitter Joe Mezera about his idea to create a local organization to help provide life assistance to service members, veterans, and their families through direct support and referral services. Honor Our Heroes Foundation was born. “It was natural to ask Joe for help,” Walsh said. “I’d witnessed his selflessness in his interactions with others, and I’d witnessed it often.” For Mezera, a Hilton Head resident since 1988 (with a brief hiatus) the answer was obvious. “Why wouldn’t I do this? I have no reason to say no. This is an opportunity to create something.” He was in. Over the course of the next 12 months, other community members (including CrossFit Hilton Head owner Craig Hysell) were recruited to the board and an organization began to take shape. Today, Honor Our Heroes is committed to alleviating veterans’ stress and honoring their sacrifices. Their programs provide small business grants, short-term financial assistance, educational assistance, and mental health and wellness referrals to local veterans. “We want to be the connector, the hub of the wheel,” Mezera said. “And, we want to offer what we have to offer in a way that is comfortable to veterans.” That might be their biggest challenge. Walsh believes that veterans his age—like him—spend some time putting off the real world. “We got to college because it was paid for…,” he said. But they don’t necessarily succeed because they are still seeking the brotherhood, the familiarity of someone who has been through the same experiences. “The familiarity is re-assuring,” Walsh said. “It’s why the VFW exists.” For Walsh to be able to give back this way, to make these connections with other veterans and if, for only a moment, to feel the brotherhood MAY 2013
From left: Palmetto Bluff Executive Chef Brandon Carter, Jared Mayhew, Jake Walsh, Joe Mezera.
Last month, Honor Our Heroes Foundation presented Hilton Head native and Army Infantryman Jared Mayhew with a $1,000 small business grant to support his company, The J&W Oyster Co. J&W specializes in local select oysters. They handpick only the best oysters, clean, and deliver them to your door and the doors of many local restaurants. Walsh and Mayhew worked in near silence as they set up a fun shot for photographing with crab traps and such, and after the moment was captured, they got to talking. To hear them drop words like medic, infantry, Kabul, Baghdad was almost as if they didn’t realize that the rest of us were standing there. Two brothers—who’d never before traveled this path together—quickly in cadence with each other—swapping stories until they snapped back to reality and remembered where they were.
again, is a good thing. “It’s nice to give and walk away—maybe stay in touch; but it’s a gift. There is no stress in giving.” The mantra of combat medics is: “Before they cry out for their mothers, before they cry out for God, they call out to me. I will always come for them.” There are thousands of local veterans. We can’t leave them behind.
If you know a veteran who could use some help, contact Honor Our Heroes. Donate via the website honorourheroesfoundation. org or mail your donation to 2 Victory Square Crossing, Hilton Head, SC 29926.
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Hilton Head Island’s Doctors Care is celebrating one year on the island and continues on its mission to treat visitors and residents with a level of care that feels very personal, while meeting both urgent care needs as well as comprehensive healthcare needs.
article by Kitty Bartell // Photography By John Brackett
Doctors
Hilton Head Island Skinned knees and new babies, belly aches and broken arms; family doctors used to treat them all. It was a comfort to know you could go to your family doctor no matter your age, your illness, the time of day, or your ability to pay. For better or worse, the doctor knew you, your parents, your brothers and sisters, and your grandparents. He knew your family secrets, brought many of you into the world, and eased an equal number out of it.
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edical treatment has improved by leaps and bounds since this simpler time, however, something intangible was lost. Hilton Head Island’s Doctors Care has found a way to bring some of it back. Understand, they are not exchanging fresh baked peach pies for bandages and antibiotics; however, they are practicing a kind of community medicine that marries modern practices and insurance requirements with a more personal family approach. The first Doctors Care was opened in 1981 as a minor emergency medical center in Columbia, South Carolina by a group of emergency room physicians. This urgent and family care provider now has 52 offices with 1,100 health care professionals practicing family care, urgent care, occupational medicine, and employee wellness medicine. Hilton Head Island’s Doctors Care is celebrating one year on the island and continues on its mission to treat visitors and residents with a level of care that feels very personal, while meeting both urgent care needs as well as comprehensive healthcare needs. “Right now, our client base is mostly out-of-towners. We want to get the word out to the locals, because we offer so much more than the average urgent care,” said Mandy Goodrich, office manager, x-ray technician, and medical assistant. In addition to treating more traditional urgent care illnesses and injuries, Doctors Care welcomes patients who require a family doctor to provide physicals, help manage chronic conditions, order and process lab work, take digital
x-rays, and perform school sport and camp physicals. School sports physicals come with an added bonus: in the past, Doctors Care has donated $5 to the athlete’s school— helps pay for another soccer ball or basketball net. Staff physician Dr. Sal Assorgi, D.O. explained, “We are truly old-fashioned, family, walk-in medicine.” Assorgi and staff physician Dr. Jess Wagner, M.D. embody the spirit of the family doctors of old, while working within the parameters of modern medicine. “It still works. It’s what people want. We’ve lost contact with what we’re really supposed to do, which is taking care of people,” Assorgi said. After 27 years of private family practice in Pennsylvania, Assorgi came to the Lowcountry to do urgent care work, starting at the Naval Hospital. Joining Doctors Care in May of 2012, this urgent care/family care mix seems to suite him well. He says that even in a profession where bigger numbers are everything and wasting time is discouraged, “I can’t not talk to people; I have to talk to people.” Wagner continued, “We really focus on the patient and we encourage conversation with the patient. We don’t rush people through. We are happy to talk to them and educate them. We take pride in that. That’s what makes us different.” Board certified in 1979, Wagner practiced family medicine in Northern California for 20 years, followed by nine years in Myrtle Beach with the Veterans Administration. Taking up practice on Hilton Head Island brings him closer to his daughter and her family who live in Beaufort.
Doctors
Hilton Head Island
An appointment is never required, whether visiting Doctors Care for a onetime injury or illness, or more routine care; and with extended hours, treatment is available until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
This passionate, hard-working staff takes on medical challenges of all shapes and sizes, from colds and flu to jellyfish and stingray stings. “We see fish hooks stuck in random places, lots and lots of colds, big cuts and wounds, and have even helped get a couple of people to the emergency room with heart attacks,” Goodrich said. “I love it here.” The care continues with a follow-up call to every patient after a visit. “We call you two days after your appointment to make sure you’re okay,” she explained. Those with conditions requiring more emergency-related care are stabilized and given necessary short-term treatment at Doctors Care while an ambulance is called to transport the patient. Having to visit Doctors Care during a vacation can put a damper on the fun. “We know that a lot of people come to the area for special reasons and spend a lot of money and time. We are anxious to get them back to the fun as fast as possible and get them the treatment and referrals they might need as quickly as we can,” Wagner said. The personal care extends to understanding the importance of getting back to life, whether it’s back to the family reunion or back to work. “Patient satisfaction is very important to us.” An appointment is never required, whether visiting Doctors Care for a one-time injury or illness, or more routine care; and with
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extended hours, treatment is available until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Serving the local business community, Doctors Care also provides employer health services, including treating Workers’ Compensation cases, pre-employment physicals, and drug screenings. The Hilton Head Island Doctors Care team is the modern day incarnation of the traditional family doctor. Providing comfort and treatment to visitors and residents in a compassionate, skilled, and timely manner, the patient’s needs are met with the latest treatments and technologies, and their questions are patiently answered. A visit to the doctor has taken on a whole new, and maybe a little old, meaning.
Doctors Care is located at 845 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. For more information, call (843) 341-2416 or visit doctorscare.com.
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R e n o vat i n g t o r e n e wa l Art i c l e b y K i tt y B a rt e l l
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ou can renew your passport, renew a library book, or renew a magazine subscription. However, it is Merriam-Webster who best describes renewal as “an expenditure that betters existing assets.” The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa has executed a $30 million renovation of its already renowned assets, while most certainly bettering, and breathing renewal into this Hilton Head Island gem. The Westin’s goal for its guests is that they leave feeling better than when they arrived, and the resort’s new general manager Tim Freisen knows a thing or two about renovating to renewal. It isn’t only guests who get the Westin treatment under his leadership. Freisen came to his Hilton Head Island post having recently led the historic Westin Book Cadillac in Detroit through a $200 million renewal. Originally built in 1924, difficult times caused the hotel to close in the 1970s for 25 years, reopening in 2008. Freisen certainly has the touch, leaving the property significantly better than he found it, with the hotel earning a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. According to US News and World Report, the hotel “is back to its distinguished glory.” Whether visiting The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa for a week of vacation or for an evening of delicious food and oceanfront fun, The Westin’s own “Elements of Well Being” are six areas of focus that guests are encouraged to explore. According to Freisen, when the renovations are complete, the Hilton Head Island resort will be the only Starwood property in the Southeast at this time to have incorporated all of the elements. Each element has been given attention in the resort’s renewal: feel well, eat well, sleep well, move well, work well, and play well. A sense of tranquility has been achieved in the busiest part of the hotel. The lobby and reception areas have been designed for a more private experience, with the Westin Haven concept creating intimate seating zones throughout the space. Literally breathing fresh air into the lobby, a two-story vertical garden is the first eyepleasing thing you are going to see, according to Freisen. “It’s a living wall—a botanical conservatory,” he said. “The new reception area has a feature wall with checkin pods, allowing more personal guest interaction by our associates.” The feature wall will be lit from behind and cast a peaceful feeling throughout the space.
The Westin
H i lt o n H e a d I s l a n d R e s o rt & S pa
A sense of tranquility has been achieved in the busiest part of the hotel. The lobby and reception areas have been designed for a more private experience, with the Westin Haven concept creating intimate seating zones throughout the space.
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The renewal continues from the lobby to the main ballroom and throughout the meeting and conference spaces. The main ballroom has an elegant coastal feel with new carpeting, wall coverings, furnishings, and unique chandeliers and wall sconces that simulate ocean waves. Meeting spaces are equipped with the latest technology and designed for clutter-free events with digital signage and directional boards. According to Freisen, the new décor “gives meeting planners a lot more height in the room to work with, which is important when big pharmaceutical groups or big association road shows come in and need all the bells and whistles.” The Westin’s Heavenly Beds® are a most luxurious beginning and ending to a day on the island, and are an oasis of comfort, anchoring each of the resort’s newly renovated 412 guest rooms and suites. Each patented pillow-top bed has a beautifully crafted headboard, incorporating LED lighting and nightstands, including an iPod docking station. Like heaven on Hilton Head, the renewed baths include a Heavenly Rain Forest Showerhead®, new flooring, dual vanities, and some very special tile that has the look of driftwood. “They really add a beachy element upon arrival into the guestroom,” Freisen said. Playing well is a no-brainer with the beautifully renovated pool area where luxurious ocean-view cabanas have been added to the already stunning pool and deck areas. The cabanas are situated on
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individual rugs and include televisions, refrigerators, and ceiling fans. Both luxurious and intimate, the cabanas add a playful option for guests to add to their itinerary. Additional deck seating and fire pits round out the new pool experience. The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa has also partnered with Outside Hilton Head to give guests even more options for play, including dolphin cruises, bike rentals, and kayak tours. Executive Chef Ed Connors is no stranger to renewal himself. Prior to taking the helm of The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa’s kitchens, he spent 18 months helping with the renovation of the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Connors ran the 2,000-member, high-profile, private members club and brings a vision and level of taste that will assure his Hilton Head guests have eaten well. With seven dining venues, Connors says he was “given the directive of creating a whole new fresh perspective on all the food.” His first directive was, “We’re in South Carolina; we’re going to do South Carolina cuisine.” He subsequently blew up what existed and has created dining options hinting of the light, fresh scent of the sea, and having an unmistakable South Carolina drawl. The resort’s restaurant renovations have been extensive and provide exceptional settings for Connors’ new menus. Carolina Café begins the day MAY 2013
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Playing well is a no-brainer with the beautifully renovated pool area where luxurious oceanview cabanas have been added to the already stunning pool and deck areas. The cabanas are situated on individual rugs and include televisions, refrigerators, and ceiling fans. Both luxurious and intimate, the cabanas add a playful option for guests to add to their itinerary.
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with traditional breakfast options with a local twist, such as Pecan French Toast. However, it is the dinner menu that pops with creativity and inspiration. His appetizers alone peak culinary curiosity: Grilled Shrimp on a Sugar Cane with frisee, avocado, and South Carolina-inspired buttermilk herb dip; Roasted Beet Salad with watermelon radish, ricotta salata, pecan granola, and apple cider vinaigrette. “I was very lucky to have a grandfather who was a great chef,” said Connors, who brings 25-plus years of culinary experience and an Italian heritage to his hand-cut pasta dishes like Pappardelle Pasta with plum tomato basil marina, married with butter beans and South Carolina oyster mushrooms. Spilling out to the new ocean-view bar, View 32, Connors’ menu continues food nirvana at this smallplate venue with an unparalleled ocean view and inventive bar food. Freisen said, “I don’t think people are going to want to leave.” The noshing choices to accompany a cocktail, glass of wine, or a beer are amusing and delicious: Palmetto Ale Fondue with freshly baked pretzels, local sausage, and spicy mustard; Mary and Elizabeth’s Pimento Cheese with crispy pork belly and grilled sourdough crostini (Mary and Elizabeth are 20-plus-year veterans of the resort’s kitchen and, according to Connors, make the best pimento cheese he has ever tasted.) Desserts are the same at both Carolina Café and View 32 and include a self-professed favorite of Connors’: Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Mousse in a Chocolate Cookie Crust. Continuing the culinary renewal, the new Oceans Local Seafood and Bar is where casual
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meets fine dining, and where the spectacular ocean view can only be improved when the windows are opened to the breezes. The menu compliments the setting beautifully with seafood taking center stage. A sampling of Connors’ offerings includes a cold seafood platter with lobster, shrimp, and East Coast oysters, clams casino flatbread pizza, steamed snow crab legs, and Atlantic salmon with French lentils and savoy cabbage. The resort’s restaurant renovations come full circle back to the lobby where “ingredients” is located. A grab-and-go style café, ingredients offers a full Starbuck’s Café along with freshly-made selections to be enjoyed nearby, at the beach, on the golf course, on a bike ride, or wherever your Lowcountry adventures take you. Connors has developed extensive choices, from a salad bar where your selections are tossed and boxed to go to freshly squeezed juice concoctions, smoothies, paninis, wraps, cold sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, pastries and more. Taking renewal seriously, The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa is ready to help guests achieve their own state of nirvana during their time at this elegant, intimate resort by the sea. Believing that each visitor will leave feeling better than when they arrived, Freisen said, “We truly think we’re going to accomplish that with our guests.” The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa is located at 2 Grasslawn Avenue, Hilton Head Island. For more information, call (843) 681-4000 or visit westinhiltonheadisland.com
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Behind
Gates the
Oldfield This is a continuation of a several par t series on island living in gated communities.
A r t i cl e B y F r a n k D u n n e , J r .
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bout 13 miles from the bridge to Hilton Head Island on Highway 170, or about 18 miles from Beaufort in the other direction, you’ll come upon a pastoral scene: long white fences, rolling pastures and grazing horses. No, this isn’t Kentucky. You’re in Okatie, South Carolina, and you’ve just arrived at Oldfield. Just beyond the main entry gate, you’ll pass by a little general store with two of those antique gas pumps out front… straight out of an early 20th century postcard. The pumps are only props, but the store itself is anything but. In fact, this is where the Oldfield folks come to pick up their mail. These are your first clues that Oldfield recalls a much different Lowcountry than do the area’s golf-oriented private communities—a time before a ball was ever teed up in coastal South Carolina and before multitudes flocked to Hilton Head Island’s beaches. By design, Oldfield reflects an era when America’s great captains of industry made the Lowcountry their seasonal home, drawn in by the sporting life—hunting, fishing, horses—and, of course, love of the region’s natural beauty. Once considered off the beaten path, Oldfield now stands as a shining example
of the old real estate axiom: Location. Location. Location. “Oldfield really isn’t out of the way anymore, and that’s what people have told me,” said Oldfield real estate agent Jan Ferguson. “People say, ‘I go to Beaufort, I go here, I go there, I’m constantly driving by you.’ That’s why they’re coming in. Oldfield is at the hub if you want to go to Savannah, Beaufort, Charleston, or Hilton Head. Everybody’s about 30 minutes except Charleston, and we’re so close to I-95.” For the past few decades golf has been at the core of private community development models throughout Beaufort County; but times change, tastes change, trends change. Today, golf is a lower priority for Lowcountry homebuyers, and Oldfield is well-positioned to serve them. “Most of our residents bought into Oldfield because they appreciate the lifestyle that Oldfield offers. They’re not only golfers, they’re not only fishermen, they’re not only sportsmen, and they’re not only equestrian. They want all of that, and many of our members want a refined, high-end club experience that doesn’t feel as if you need to wear a jacket everywhere you go,” said Jamie Selby, Oldfield general manager. “So that
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first class club with a very laid back style, that’s what you get when you come through the gate.” Asked to profile the typical Oldfield resident, both Selby and Ferguson lead with the word active, and Selby estimates that the demographic mix between retirees/ empty nesters and younger working families is about 60/40. So, it is very much a family oriented place, a neighborhood where you would want to raise your children. Resident Rick Price, who came to Oldfield from New Jersey with his wife Diane nearly three years ago, spoke of an idyllic image: the yellow school bus. “We like that,” he said. “It speaks to youth and vitality.” “It’s unique when you see such a diverse crowd at a big community event,” Selby added. “You see kids running around; you see all the activities for the kids.” Oldfield’s amenities package is the differentiator between it and other Lowcountry private communities, and it begins with the Outfitter’s Center. Situated between the Okatie River shoreline and Oldfield’s fresh water River Pond, the Outfitter’s Center is home to Oldfield’s— perhaps peerless among Lowcountry private residential communities—fishing, hunting and nature programs. According to Selby, the Outfitter’s Center and the sporting lifestyle that it affords is the feature that draws most of Oldfield’s members into the community. “We’re on the river, we own our own boats, we have kayaks, we have fishing equipment, and we have motorized boats that go on our lakes.” They also have Outfitter’s Center director and staff naturalist Marvin Bouknight running the show to members’ delight. Bouknight is your guide for myriad activities, including inshore, near shore and offshore boating and fishing trips, shrimping and crabbing from one of Oldfield’s three community docks, even clay shooting or quail and duck hunting through an arrangement with Turkey Hill Plantation in nearby Ridgeland. “He also does fun things According to Selby, the Outfitter’s Center and the sporting lifestyle that it affords is the feature that draws most of Oldfield’s members into the community. “We’re on the river, we own our own boats, we have kayaks, we have fishing equipment, and we have motorized boats that go on our lakes.”
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As its rolling pastures and white fences are your first image when entering Oldfield, the Equestrian Center sets the tone for the community’s pastoral personality.
for the whole family,” Selby said, “like owl prowls and bat calls, or identifying areas throughout the community where we do have wildlife that he can record and then take people out to see—fox dens, for example.” “Marvin is the reason we bought here,” Rick Price said. “Whatever Marvin does, we attend.” Bouknight also plays a key role in preserving and protecting Oldfield’s Okatie River shoreline and natural landscape. “To us, the view from the river is as important as the view to the river,” he said. “Everybody says that they respect the land, but Oldfield is the only community that I know of that has a naturalist taking part in planning and architectural review decisions. Nothing is forced here.” So one thing that you won’t see at Oldfield is a row of docks sticking out into the river. Instead, boat-owning members keep their boats at the community’s concierge service marina. The crew there will launch, fuel, bait…do anything necessary to get the boat ready at the members’ request. Oldfield’s Sports Club caters to members’ active lifestyles and penchant for health and wellness. It features a fitness center, bicycle rentals, an indoor lap pool and outdoor resort pool with a waterslide, tennis courts, basketball court, and some 40 classes monthly. All are complimentary to members. Additionally, the Sports Club employs lifestyle directors for children’s activities, allowing parents to drop their kids off for a few hours so they can get in a workout or take care of personal business. “We have tried at every venue, frankly, to do everything within reason to meet the needs of our membership,” Selby said. As its rolling pastures and white fences are your first image when entering Oldfield, the Equestrian Center sets the tone for the community’s pastoral personality. The center is equipped with a 12-stall barn, riding ring, full course of jumps, round pen, grass paddocks and access to miles of riding trails. Boarding is available to horse-owning members. Although golf is not Oldfield’s reason for being, the golfer is by no means forgotten. A Greg Norman-designed track winds through Oldfield, giving members a playable, yet challenging, golf experience while enjoying the beauty of a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Designed to be a small and intimate community (550 homes in all at build-out), Oldfield’s golfing members love that they never have to wait to play. Single-family residences are all you’ll find in Oldfield, and most of the lots offer wooded, golf course, marsh or river views. There is no attached construction nor are there any garden style homes in the community. According to Ferguson, home sites range in price from $50,000 to $575,000; homes for sale start MAY 2013
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in the high $300,000s and go up to $1.5 million. Architecturally, homes adhere to traditional Lowcountry and Charleston styles. “You won’t find any predominantly stucco homes in here or some of the more common and basic construction that you see in other communities,” Selby said. “Our ARB takes a great deal of pride in maintaining the streetscape of Oldfield so that everything looks as it should.” Club membership is required with property ownership, but Oldfield has responded to changing demands by inserting some flexibility into its membership model. Community Membership, which gives full access to all non-golf amenities and limited access to the golf course, is automatic for all property owners. Upgrading to full Golf Membership is totally optional. “Living here, obviously the dues structure is considerably lower than other clubs with a similar amenity package,” said Selby, who sees this as one of two distinct advantages that Oldfield has with homebuyers, the other being a developer who is involved and attentive to the
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members. “Savvy buyers look at the dues structure, and they look at financial reports and statements. They want to know that next year they are not going to get hit with a $20,000 assessment because something needs to be redone. Right now the developer funds that.” “He listens to the members,” Ferguson added. “He’s open to the question, ‘What is Oldfield?’. And that’s important,
because everybody’s very proud of Oldfield. When customers see Oldfield for the first time and they see that pride and the tremendous respect for what Oldfield is, it’s very impactful.” Oldfield is located at 130 Oldfield Way, Okatie, S.C. For more information, call (843) 379-2500, or visit oldfield1732. com.
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HVAC
HVAC 101 Tips for prolonging the life of your system
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s the temperatures in the Lowcountry start creeping up, so do the chances of having an issue with your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning) system. In this semi-tropical environment, your system works overtime MaySeptember to keep you cool. The HVAC system uses more energy and drains more energy dollars than any other system in your home. On average, 44 percent of your utility bill goes toward heating and cooling. With new HVAC installations costing homeowners at least $5,000, it pays to keep yours in good condition to prolong its life. With proper maintenance and care you can get the most out of yours, which should typically last between 10 and 15 years. Give your unit some down time It may be easier said than done in the summer months, but the more timeouts you can give your air conditioning, the longer it will last whether it’s a decade old or brand new. Take advantage of cooler days by opening windows and doors. When the temps heat up, turn on ceiling fans and hang heavy drapes to block out the sun.
Shade is good Keep the unit cool by planting hedges or small trees that will prevent the sun from beating on it. This not only reduces how hard it has to work, but also helps its exterior components last longer. However, you should take care to avoid planting things so close that they could deposit debris on or in the unit. Do it yourself Change the unit’s filters every one to three months, depending on how often you use it. Clean filters allow better cooling and airflow and place less strain on the air conditioner. No brainer alert Don’t block the vents. If you place furniture over them, you will experience poor circulation of cooled air and most likely run your air conditioner more than necessary. Think ahead Insulate gaps and seams in your ductwork. Applying a strip of duct tape to the duct joints keeps cool air from being lost before it gets someplace useful.
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Alternate methods Minimize how much you need to use your air conditioner by employing other cooling methods. Make use of blinds and blackout curtains to keep the sun out. Ceiling fans are also helpful. The Golden Rule Have your air conditioning unit inspected regularly by a professional. They can usually catch problems before they become serious and require replacement. By having a professional perform tune-ups and make small repairs, your unit could well outlive its expected life.
Here are a few local companies who have been doing just that for quite some time:
EAC Heating & Air Owners: Martin Jones, Pat Epperson Sr. and Patrick Epperson Jr. 76 Beach City Rd., Suite A Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 eacair.com (888) 707-4071
Superior Heating & Air Owner: Dave Miller superiorairinc.com (843) 682-COOL (2665)
DYESS HEATING & AIR 365 Red Cedar, Suite # 604 Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 681-4949 (HHI) Or Bluffton (843) 815-4500
COVERT AIRE Owner: Mike Covert 7 Estate Drive Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 706-5090 covertaire.com
Did You Know?
Hahn’s Air Specialist Owner: David Hahn (843) 683-4242 hahnsairspecialists.com MAY 2013
In the movie Juno, Juno’s father is a HVAC technician. http://dennisandchuckhvac. com/funhvacfacts.html
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