CB2 Magazine: April 2023

WHAT’S INSIDE

28 A SPRING SOIRÉE WITH CHEF LYNN MICHELLE AND CASSANDRA'S KITCHEN

42 CQ’S CELEBRATES 50 YEARS: A TRADITION SINCE 1973, ICONIC RESTAURANT HAS GROWN UP WITH US

52 SISTER STYLE: GIGI’S BOUTIQUE SETS THE STANDARD FOR LOWCOUNTRY STYLE AND GRACE

61 THE CAMPBELL FAMILY’S SHARED HERITAGE: THROUGH THEIR DEDICATION TO THEIR CULTURE AND TO EACH OTHER, THE CAMPBELL FAMILY IS HELPING TELL THE GULLAH STORY, ONE BUSLOAD AT A TIME.

64 THE ULTIMATE FLOOR SHOW: KPM FLOORING DAZZLES IN NEW MIDISLAND SPACE

88 THE FAMILY THAT PROTECTS TOGETHER: AT SEACOAST INSURANCE, DEDICATED PROFESSIONALISM IS A FAMILY AFFAIR.

96 LIGHTS, CAMERA, CURATED: NEW LOWCOUNTRY LINE OF FASHION AND HOMEWARE IS BORN

ON OUR COVERS

IT’S TIME FOR THE RBC HERITAGE PRESENTED BY BOEING!

Here’s your guide to the prettiest frocks to strut as you take in some golf at the biggest party on Hilton Head Island.

36 81

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Special feature spotlighting familyowned businesses on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton

92

BINYA

Artisanal shop and cultural learning center celebrates first year

102

NEIGHBORHOOD STROLL: MORELAND VILLAGE AT PALMETTO BLUFF

Touring the Lowcountry's premier neighborhoods.

GENIUSES AT WORK

The Referee

Maggie Marie Washo

Miss Livin' My Best Life

Carolyn Hunter Kostylo

Master of Coin

Marion Elizabeth Bowser

Rainmaker

Kim Conrad Crouch

Master Handshaker

“Just Kandace” Cunningham

Lead Door Knocker

Morgan Ambler

Talent Delivery Specialist

Kaila Jeffcoat

Mascot in Training

Buoy Conrad Crouch Pritchard

The Gatekeepers

Greta Von Bowser

Vincent Von Bowser

The Cut & Paste Crew

Catherine Davies

Aspiring Novelists

Amy Bartlett

Jesse Blanco

Becca Edwards

Linda S. Hopkins

Barry Kaufman

Paula Magrini

Liz Mayhew

Alan Perry

Cheryl Ricer

Lisa Sulka

Sheila Tucker

Lighting Experts

Kelli Boyd Photography

Key Moments Productions

Krisztian Lonyai

Photography by Anne

John Brackett

Two Lights One Stand Photography

Find Us Here PO Box 22949

Hilton Head Island, SC 29925

843.816.6247

maggie@ch2cb2magazine.com

EDITOR'S NOTE

APRIL 2023

50 YEARS

Two businesses featured in this issue are celebrating 50 years: The Greenery and CQ’s Restaurant in Harbour Town. Do you know what it takes to have a successful business for 50 years? I don’t because this little magazine has only been around for 16.

I found myself thinking about big companies that have been staples for that long and the generations of people that have contributed to their longevity—companies like Disney, Dixon Ticonderoga (yes, we still use pencils!) Coca-Cola, Boeing, and more. It’s impressive, especially when a brand goes on long after the founder has passed away. It speaks to a dedication and mission statement that all employees can get behind and are proud to carry on.

We will delve into this topic a little later in the year with our “Staying Power” feature, but for now, take a trip down Hilton Head Island’s memory lane on pages 42 (CQ’s) and 57 (The Greenery).

If we’re talking about memory lane, we have to talk about the return of the bigger and always better RBC Heritage presented by Boeing. This star of the PGA tourney celebrated 50 years five years ago, and she’s still going strong. Swing on over to page 36 to check out some cute spring ensembles from local boutiques to strut on the course April 10-16. The CH2 crew will be heading down for some merriment on Wednesday, April 12, so if you see us, please say hello!

Spring is full of reasons to celebrate; graduations, Easter and Mother’s Day are just a few events that gather us together

with family and friends. We brought our favorite culinary duo back to share some of their favorite recipes for these parties. Check out “A Spring Soirée with Chef Lynn Michelle and Cassandra Shultz” on page 28. I’m not usually a lamb person, but I could not stop eating the lamb lollipops Chef Lynn Michelle served with her Mint Emulsion Sauce. Chef’s kiss! In closing, I will beg of you once more to please subscribe (for free!) to this magazine if you enjoy getting it in your mailbox every month (or online only; there is an option for that as well!). We are applying for our periodical status with the post office to save money on postage so we can send this magazine to even more people free of charge. Our goal is to have the subscribers we need by October 6. Even if you have gotten this magazine every year for the last 16, we need you to scan the code and do the thing if you want to keep receiving it. The Lowcountry is growing, and we want to expand our reach even further. Have a wonderful April. I hope to see you at the RBC Heritage or some other spring event.

Cheers!

M.Washo

A Spring Soirée

There are as many social occasions and parties in the spring as there are flowers blooming in the South. Easter, the RBC Heritage, school graduations and Mother’s Day are just a few reasons we gather to celebrate. The weather is generally stunning, and every day is perfect for an outdoor soirée. Chef Lynn Michelle and Cassandra Shultz pulled some of their favorite seasonal dishes to inspire your next gathering. Most of the dishware featured can be found at Cassandra’s Kitchen in the Bluffton Promenade.

VEGETARIAN POTATO SALAD EGG BOATS

By Chef Lynn Michelle

8 Russet Potatoes, peeled and cut into large, bitesize pieces

¾ cup mayonnaise

1½ cups celery, finely chopped

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

1½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons sugar (optional)

1/3 cup green pepper, finely chopped

1/3 cup sweet onion, finely chopped

¾ cup carrots, shredded

2 scallions, finely sliced

12 boiled eggs, peeled and cut in half (remove yolks for salad and reserve whites for egg boats)

Photography by 2Lights, 1Stand Special thanks to Charlotte Hardwick for hosting us.

invite you to try some of their favorite springtime recipes for your next occasion.

Cassandra Shultz and Chef Lynn Michelle

SPRING

VEGETARIAN POTATO SALAD EGG BOATS

KALE SALAD WITH TANGY VINAIGRETTE

A Spring Soirée

Place cut potatoes into a large pot of water and cook until al dente; drain and let cool.

In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and sugar together; add green peppers, carrots, cooked egg yolk, sweet onion; blend well.

Fold cooled potatoes into the mayonnaise mixture.

Place in the refrigerator for several hours.

Place egg boat halves on a plate and fill with the vegetarian potato salad; top with the finely sliced scallions and a few shredded carrots.

SPRING KALE SALAD WITH TANGY VINAIGRETTE

By Chef Lynn Michelle

1 bag chopped kale, rinsed and drained

1 container strawberries, rinsed and cut into bitesize pieces

1 large cucumber, rinsed and sliced

8 small colored peppers, rinsed and sliced

¾ cup carrots, shredded

¼ cup sweet onion, chopped

2 cups red cabbage, chopped

¼ cup red onion, finely sliced

1 package small tomatoes, rinsed and sliced or whole

Place the kale into a large bowl and mix in half of the tangy vinaigrette*. Blend. Top with all toppings and sprinkle the remaining salad dressing on top.

Optional: top with nuts and cheese.

TANGY VINAIGRETTE*

½ cup olive oil

¼ cup red wine vinegar

Juice of 1 tangerine, seeds removed

Juice of ½ lemon, seeds removed

Juice of ½ lime, seeds removed

½ teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

A few dashes sugar

Blend together in a food blender or processor.

(VEGETARIAN POTATO SALAD EGG BOATS CONTINUED)

GRILLED

A Spring Soirée

GRILLED

LOLLIPOP

LAMB CHOPS

By Chef Lynn Michelle

2 racks of lamb, fat trimmed away from the bone

¼ cup olive oil

Fresh juice of 2 limes

1teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Mix all marinade ingredients together in a Ziplock bag. Add lamb, marinate in refrigerator 2 hours minimum or up to 6 hours. Remove lamb from marinade and discard marinade.

Grill, without grill lid (300 to 350 degrees F) 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until a thermometer inserted in thickest portion register 130 degrees for medium-rare.

Let stand 10 minutes before cutting. Cut into individual, one-bone “lollipops.”

Top with Mint Emulsion Sauce* or serve on the side.

LOLLIPOP LAMB CHOPS

MINT EMULSION SAUCE*

2 small containers fresh mint, stems removed

1 small container fresh rosemary, stems removed

1 clove garlic, peeled

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Dash or 2 of sugar

Blend all ingredients in a food blender or processor. Season to taste.

By Chef Lynn Michelle

1 pound mini potatoes

1 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

1 whole sweet onion, sliced

6 small colored peppers, sliced

½ cup variety of olives, whole and sliced

¼ cup capers

1 cup carrots, shredded

1 large cucumber, sliced

1 cup banana peppers (whole and sliced)

VEGAN POTATO SALAD

VEGAN POTATO SALAD

A Spring Soirée

Preheat oven to 425F. Rinse small potatoes with water and drain. Place drained potatoes into an edged baking pan; add sliced sweet onion, ½ cup olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Place in oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until potatoes are just done. Do not overbake. Place in a large bowl.

Blend in peppers, olives, capers, carrots, cucumbers, banana peppers and ½ cup olive oil. Season to taste. Serve hot or cold.

Optional: Sprinkle with nuts and/or vegan or regular cheese.

Recipe courtesy of Ina Garten

¼ cup granulated sugar

½ cup kosher salt

Wedges of grapefruit

1 cup freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice

1 cup white tequila, preferably Casamigos

¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

*1 tablespoon sugar syrup

PALOMAS

PALOMAS

Combine ¼ cup sugar and ½ cup salt on a small plate. Run a wedge of grapefruit around the rim of 4 glasses to moisten the rims. Lightly dip the rims in the sugar mixture and set aside to dry.

Combine the grapefruit juice, tequila, lime juice, sugar syrup, and a pinch of salt together in a pitcher.

Fill a cocktail shaker ½ full of ice and pour in the drink mixture. Shake the cocktail shaker for 30 seconds to chill and dilute the drink. Pour into the 4 prepared glasses; add a few ice cubes, and a wedge of grapefruit and serve ice cold.

*To make sugar syrup, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until the mixture is clear. Cool and refrigerate indefinitely.

LEMON ANGEL FOOD CAKE

Recipe courtesy of Ina Garten

2 cups sifted superfine sugar, divided

1-1/3 cups sifted cake flour (not self-rising)

1½ cups egg whites, at room temperature (10 to 12 eggs)

¾ teaspoon kosher salt

1½ teaspoons cream of tartar

¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1½ teaspoons grated lemon zest (2 lemons)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine ½ cup of sugar with the flour and sift together 4 times. Set aside.

Place the egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and beat on high speed until the eggs make medium-firm peaks, about 1 minute. With the mixer on medium speed, add the remaining 1½ cups of sugar by sprinkling it over the beaten egg whites. Whisk for a few minutes until thick and shiny. Whisk in the vanilla and lemon zest and continue to whisk until very thick, about 1 more minute. Sift about ¼ of the flour mixture over the egg whites and fold it into the batter with a rubber spatula. Continue adding the flour by fourths by sifting and folding until it’s all incorporated.

Pour the batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan, smooth the top, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until it springs back to the touch. Remove the cake from the oven and invert the pan on a cooling rack until cool.

LEMON ANGEL FOOD CAKE

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Available at Coastal Bliss

Taylor Tillman Dress

$158, Philippe Model

Sneakers $375, Mignonne Gavigan

Earrings $350

Available at Birdie James

l.a. Eyeworks

Frames $425

Available at Eyeland Optique

Lagos - White Caviar CollectionSterling silver and white ceramic 25 mm hoop earrings with one diamond station, D = 0.11 ctw., $950

Lagos - Signature Caviar Collection - Sterling silver and diamond 6 mm pave band ring, D = 0.28 ctw., $950

Lagos - White Caviar CollectionSterling silver and white ceramic taper ring with one silver diamond station, D = 0.09 ctw., $750

Lagos - Luna CollectionSterling silver and cultured freshwater pearl link necklace, 20”, $750

Lagos - Luna CollectionSterling silver bracelet with three freshwater cultured pearl stations, $375

Lagos - White Caviar CollectionSterling silver and white ceramic 23 mm bracelet featuring 5 smooth silver stations with an 18K yellow gold logo in the clasp, $1,400

Lagos - White Caviar CollectionSterling silver, 9 mm bracelet with eight white caviar and one diamond station with an 18K yellow gold logo on the clasp, D = 0.01 ctw., $900

Available at Forsythe Jewelry

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Available at Monkees

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Lanthrophy Dress $292, Katee

Amore Bag- $158, Pearl

Earrings $310, l.a. Eyeworks

Sunglasses $535 (available at Eyeland Optique)

Available at Collage

Marie Oliver Dress $342

*Prices change and human error occurs. Please see boutique listed for final pricing on all items.

Isosceles Dress in Red Plaid $195

Available at Kelly Caron Curated T

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Mink Pink Dress $149, Able Hand Clutch $95, Saylor Betty Earrings $24

Available at Haskins and Co.

*Prices change and human error occurs. Please see boutique listed for final pricing on all items.

ARTICLE BY LINDA S. HOPKINS

CQ’s

CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

A TRADITION SINCE 1973, ICONIC RESTAURANT HAS GROWN UP WITH US

When a restaurant is still creating exceptional dining experiences and wonderful guest memories 50 years after first opening its doors, you know they are doing something right.

“Nothing lasts 50 years without a lot of support from many folks,” said Bonnie Lowrey, who has owned CQ’s restaurant in Harbour Town for the past 30 of its 50 years. She attributes the continued success to the people: “our loyal residents and faithful visitors and the stewardship and talent of the many culinary and service teams over the years. Each person has contributed so much.”

MEMORY LANE

Delving into the history of CQ’s, you discover how small our world is, as the web of connectedness is undeniable. The list of sources who “remember when” reads like a Who’s Who on Hilton Head Island and extends through the branches of multiple family trees.

Back in the day (early 1970s), when Hilton Head Island’s permanent population hovered just over 6,000, it’s true that everybody knew everybody; and pretty much everybody has a CQ’s story to tell. If the walls could talk, they would whisper tidbits of juicy gossip, boast of celebrity sightings, tell ghost stories, and spin tales of the people and events that made us who we are.

“It was like the Wild West back then,” said Jeannie Fonseca Meenach, 46-year island resident and former CQ’s server, who recently met with a group of old timers including local attorney Chuck Scarminach, former bartender/ restauranteur John “Jumpy” Griffin, and Bonnie Lowrey to reminisce.

There was the time when a salad dripping with blue cheese dressing rained down on a patron’s head from the staircase. (He went home to change clothes and came back.) There was the social event when a husband clocked another man, knocking him out, for “talking to his wife too long.” There were evenings when young lovers saw the

Artist rendering of CQ’s Restaurant in Habour Town by Robin Ross.

eerie glow of the Blue Lady (the famous ghost of Harbour Town) from the house nearby, and nights when Heritage golf officials and television crews drank till near dawn. From raucous parties to fancy soirées, CQ’s has been along for the ride.

BEGINNINGS

CQ’s was founded in 1973 by Sieg Weinhandle, who named the establishment after his son, Courtenay Quentin. Lunch, dinner, and drinks were served in a pub-like atmosphere that became popular with locals as well as visitors to Charles Fraser’s developing Harbour Town.

“It was one of the first restaurants where people would gather with friends. It was the evening place to hang out—the Friday and Saturday place to go,” said Simon Fraser, local attorney and son of the late Joe Fraser, Jr. who, alongside his brother Charles, was a guiding force in the development and evolution of Hilton Head Island.

Simon frequently met with friends at CQ’s, but two special events stand out in his memory: New Year’s Eve in ’73 when he was home from college;

and a going away party held for his older brother, Joe Fraser III, when he moved away for a job. The partygoers, “friends, family, businesspeople and old Sea Pines people” came dressed in their best “island” shirts for the farewell fanfare, he recalled, stopping short of revealing details of the evening’s shenanigans. “We were young,” he said.

When personal circumstances compelled Weinhandle to move from the area, he sold the restaurant to Dick Worth, a former attorney who enticed Orrie Scarminach, football star turned entrepreneur, to join him in his venture. Scarminach became part owner and manager, and under his leadership, CQ’s further endeared itself to a loyal clan of young businessmen and women as well as elite golfers, tennis professionals, and many distinguished island visitors.

According to Chuck Scarminach, Orrie’s brother, whose memories of CQ’s are vivid and vast, “It was kind of like an East Side [New York] pub—a very popular watering hole at that time and a favorite hangout for the Heritage officials. It was a different era,” he said, with a twinkle in his eye.

In 1982, when Orrie was killed in a tragic automobile accident, Worth sold the restaurant, and that era ended. “It was hard to go back after Orrie died,” said Griffin, who was tending bar there at the time and who also met his wife Susan at CQ’s. Griffin went on to work at other local dining establishments including Reilly’s Bar & Grill before he and the late Phil Henry opened Jump and Phil’s in 1994, a landmark itself for 25 years.

The mid-’80s were not the best times for the developers of Hilton Head Island or CQ’s, but the island evolved, and the restaurant survived. In the words of the late Margaret Greer, author, historian, and wife of prominent artist Walter Greer, “It will be the people who have chosen to live here that will make the difference.” [Sands of Time, 1989]. And surely that has proved true.

In 1993, Pierce and Bonnie Lowrey purchased CQ’s with the goals of restoring its reputation as a place to be, elevating the dishes and presentations, and creating raving fans by providing impeccable service. With an eye on history and tradition, and with the help of longtime island resident/ interior designer Ruthie Edwards, many pictures of earlier times were hung, reinforcing the Lowrey’s commitment to Hilton Head Island’s culture and its

Jump Griffin’s car outside CQ’s entrance circa

Pierce Lowrey, sitting outside CQ’s in 2006

For Steve Wilmot, tournament director at the Heritage Classic Foundation and 38-year Hilton Head Island resident, CQ’s has long been a personal favorite as well as an important resource during the PGA TOUR event. “It’s right in the middle of Harbour Town and the campus of the tournament,” he said, reeling off a list of professional golfers, tournament executives, and media personalities who have traditionally made CQ’s a part of their annual Heritage experience. “We certainly are very fortunate to have a wonderful spot such as CQ’s nearby. It’s a part of the success of the event.”

And that success continues. In a recent correspondence among RBC officials from Canada, Wilmot shared an email he received: “Hey Steve – thanks for sending the PDF in the other email. Waiting on a response from [name withheld] if he would like to attend or if he’d like to spend the night at his favourite restaurant in the world, CQ’s. LOL.”

TIME TRAVEL

people. The stage was set, and soon CQ’s was high on the list of local favorites again.

The Lowreys also made a point to treat employees well and connect personally with guests. Most evenings, Pierce could be found on the porch greeting everyone with “Hello, young man” or “Hello young lady,” always with a smile and a twinkle in his eye.

“Pierce made every person who entered CQ’s feel important,” said CH2’s Maggie Washo. “He truly wanted to know how your day was going and would genuinely engage with the patrons. What a legacy he left.”

To step inside CQ’s today is to revisit a time and place that hearkens back to a Lowcountry way of life most of us have only read about in history books. Set beneath ancient Live Oaks adorned with tendrils of native Spanish moss, the building that houses CQ’s was a derivative of rice barns of the Lowcountry that were prevalent in the mid-1800s.

The first building to grace Harbour Town’s landscape, it was designed and completed in 1970 by the late Ralph Ballantine for his personal art studio. Ballantine, who moved to Hilton Head Island in 1967, was an architect, sculptor, and Chicago ad agency illustrator, noted as the model for the Jolly Green Giant and the genius behind Tony the Tiger, Charlie the Tuna, the Schlitz Malt Liquor bull, and the “good hands” of Allstate Insurance, to name a

Photography by John Brackett

few. He also sculpted the bronze bust of Sea Pines’ founding father Charles Fraser that is displayed at his gravesite next to the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town.

Authentic materials that are still in place today include the original 80-year-old heart pine Ballantine acquired from a church in Jasper County, rafters from a Savannah warehouse, and staircase spindles rumored to have come from a house of questionable repute.

Remnants of “the good old days” grace the walls in the form of photographs, murals, tools, artwork, baskets, and a display of autographed dinner plates. And therein lies the magic. Like a fine wine, a rare gem, or a stately queen, CQ’s proudly wears her age and flaunts a nostalgic charm.

In the words of a former manager, “There is immense value placed on tradition at CQ’s. Because we are older, we cherish and respect our age.”

“We’re not dated; we’re timeless,” Lowrey added. “Everything in the building has a story. Very little has changed since the beginning, and that is intentional. There is a nostalgic air of a quieter time on Hilton Head Island.”

THE CULINARY JOURNEY

When the Lowreys took over CQ’s, one of their goals was to further refine the cuisine and ensure a first-class guest experience. They got what they were looking for when they hired Eric Sayers in 1998. A classically trained chef and honor graduate from the Culinary Institute of America, Sayers built on what they already had that was working but also brought a decidedly French/European flair to the table.

Describing the culinary development as “an evergrowing process,” Sayers was quick to praise his predecessors, his mentors and, most important, his team. “Your team is what makes you,” he said, crediting everyone from the dishwashers and line crew to the servers and hostesses.

Sayers, a celebrated, award-winning chef who is currently teaching young culinary students at the Academy for Career Excellence Beaufort/Jasper (ACE), believes in passing along his knowledge and passion for cooking. He tells the story of a young man, Joel Rivera, (now one of his best friends), who started in pantry at CQ’s in ’98. “He knew very little English,” Sayers said. “By the time I left, he was my sous chef.”

Sayers also helped educate the entire CQ’s staff, periodically hosting “Cooking with Eric,” an hour of training where he taught basic culinary terms and more. “We were a family,” Sayers said, “and I was kind of the coach. Everyone took pride in what we did.”

Many CQ’s patrons remember Chef Sayers’ famous sugar village—a labor of love that began no later than October 31 to be ready for display the second week of December. Created from over 200 pounds of sugar, the elaborate sculpture featured working trains, figure skaters, skiers, tiny houses, lights,

August 1982 - Jump Griffin and his wife Susan at a party in the bar area of CQ’s

and more. The team built it in the loft, Sayers said, and it would take a minimum of four people to carry it into the bar where the finishing touches were added. A highly anticipated feature of the annual Victorian Christmas celebration, the intricate display lives on in the minds of those who were awed by it year after year.

And then there was Heritage week. “Heritage was always an exciting time. It was quite the week, to put it mildly,” Sayers said. “I would work all seven days, arriving at 9:30 or 10 a.m. and getting out at two in the morning. It was controlled chaos.”

But out of the chaos came pride and excellence. “We would try to stay out of the weeds. Everything had to flow and sync,” Sayers said, with high praise for everyone from the hostess down. Remembering the night they served 376 people, setting the record for the 96-seat restaurant, he said, “It was fun to be able to accomplish that.”

Of many special events, one of Sayers’ favorites was the Julia Child

A vintage CQ’s ad in Islander Magazine

Bonnie and Lawson Lowrey in Harbour Town, circa 1972.

Downstairs dining area on Halloween night in 1974

wine dinner held in 2009, when Sayers and his team created a menu using Child’s recipes as a tribute to the famous cooking teacher/author/ television personality whom he met once during his culinary training. He even did a demo on how to make the perfect French omelette—a Child specialty.

“All my memories are fond,” Sayers said of his 13-year tenure at CQ’s. “It was my baby.”

Good food, great service, and a place that feels like home are some reasons restaurants endure decade after decade. CQ’s continues to stand on tradition, serving the community while adapting to the times and always taking care of her people.

“We are blessed to have been a small part of Hilton Head’s growing up,” Lowrey said. “And grow up she did.” 

As CQ’s celebrates 50 years of memorable dining experiences, the restaurant will be hosting a series of special events throughout the year. Stay tuned!

SPRING BLING!

Article By Cheryl Ricer

Since 1981, Forsythe Jewelers, owned by Andrea and Ray Bragg, has been bringing the world’s best designer jewelry and gifts to Hilton Head Island. Carrying the most popular designer brands, this family-owned business provides a leisurely, small-town shopping experience to everyone who enters the store, whether you’re looking to buy something or simply window shopping. Over the past four decades, Forsythe Jewelers has established itself as an island landmark, and its name is synonymous with fine shopping on Hilton Head.

This spring, Forsythe Jewelers is hosting three must-attend events that are designed to dazzle even the most discerning jewelry lover and bring a little bling to your spring.

To kick things off, April 13-16, during RBC Heritage Week, be sure to visit the Forsythe Jewelers Roberto Coin Pop-Up Shop at the 1 & 9 Village, located between the first and ninth hole on the Harbour Town Golf Links.

“At this annual event, we will be showcasing some of Roberto Coin’s new collections along with some classics,” Andrea Bragg said. “We invite everyone who attends the golf tournament to stop by, say hello, and take home the very best souvenir you can get from Heritage.”

The Roberto Coin brand was born in 1996 and is named for its founder. Inspired by his innate love for the world of art and fashion, Roberto Coin’s

designs have become recognized in the jewelry world as true works of art. In 1996, Roberto Coin started signing his jewels by setting a small ruby hidden on the inside of each piece, allowing the distinguished gem to kiss the skin. Since then, this tradition has become his exclusive signature.

On May 12, from 2:30-4:30 p.m., Forsythe Jewelers is hosting another don’t-miss event: a Marco Bicego trunk show, where the designer will make a personal appearance.

“Forsythe Jewelers has the prestigious honor of being selected as one of four stores where Marco Bicego will be making a personal appearance and hosting a trunk show during his visit to the States in May,” Andrea said. “We invite everyone to come and meet the designer, shop from a beautiful trunk full of his designs, and enjoy some bubbles and light bites. It will be a very celebratory atmosphere, especially if you already own one of his pieces. Then, too, if you buy one of his pieces at the trunk show, Marco will sign it by engraving his initials on the piece.”

Marco Bicego Collections are only made in 18K gold that is melted, cast, and coiled into final pieces all under one roof—the Bicego Factory, founded in 1958 by Bicego’s father. In January 2000, after working by his father, Marco launched his own brand. The brand’s finish is what sets Marco Bicego apart and truly makes each piece unique and recognizable.

On June 22 and 23 at Forsythe Jewelers, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., look forward to a unique BYOB event featuring the designs of Sethi Couture. Not your typical BYOB, Sethi Couture’s BYOB is about bringing your own bands to create your own stack story.

“For this event, we invite you to bring in your personal collection of rings and bands, and the Sethi Couture designers will mix, match, and help you style your very own stack,” Andrea said. “It will be lots of fun and light-hearted because Sethi Couture is all about celebrating and elevating the everyday with jewelry that is meant to be collected and enjoyed— not tucked away and only worn occasionally.”

While Forsythe Jewelers has always been a family business, the Braggs purchased the business from the original family in 2015. Andrea started working at the store in 2001 in sales, and Ray, who enjoyed a 30-year career on the island as a golf pro, recently joined the Forsythe team.

“I’m learning every aspect of the business, from shipping to sales to management,” Ray said, “but my favorite part is that like my golf career, I enjoy customer service and building relationships. It’s very fulfilling because everyone who comes in is happy and typically celebrating something special.”

Andrea shared that the one thing she can assuredly say about everyone who works at Forsythe Jewelers is, “We strive to provide five-star customer service for every client by helping them find the perfect item or gift to cherish for years to come.”

To learn more, visit forsythehhi.com.

FORSYTHE JEWELERS HOSTS THREE EVENTS THAT ARE SURE TO ADD SOME SPARKLE TO THE SEASON

Be sure to visit the Forsythe Jewelers Roberto Coin Pop-Up Shop at the 1 & 9 Village, located between the first and ninth hole on the Harbour Town Golf Links.

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN

TEEING UP FOR THE COMMUNITY

First Tee – The Lowcountry honors community members who reflect their core values.

Anyone who has ever seen instructors from First Tee –The Lowcountry know that there’s far more to each lesson than just teaching the game of golf. Yes, students and adults across the region benefit from the shared expertise of these skilled volunteers, improving their short game and adding a few yards onto their drive.

But it’s what First Tee –The Lowcountry does to teach life skills and values that sets them apart. These educational programs, both at their Hilton Head Island facility and at courses all across the Lowcountry, build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

The basis for this enriching instruction lies in the organizations nine core values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment. This April, First Tee –The Lowcountry is giving back by recognizing members of the community who reflect those core values. From local business leaders to residents, who have worked to improve the community, they represent a cross-section of locals who all share a love of giving back.

“We are honored to recognize these outstanding members of our community,” said Grace Chu, President of the Board of First Tee–The Lowcountry. “Their commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of people in our community is truly inspiring. They are certainly excellent role models for our young participants to emulate.”

Honorees will include the following recipients for each core value: Linda Piekut, Honesty; Dr. Emory Campbell, Integrity; Coach Joe Walters, Sportsmanship; Matt Goodwin, Respect; Sandy Benson, Confidence; Billy Watterson, Responsibility; Rob Jordan, Perseverance; Dr. Debi Lynes, Courtesy; Mike Overton, Leadership; and Jean Beck, Judgment. In addition, Trudy Backus will receive the Mike Davis Award, RJ Aruaz will receive the Paul Caruso Award and the Rotary Club of Hilton Head IslandVanLandingham will be honored with the Legacy Award.

Awards will be presented during a special Community Leadership Awards Banquet on Tuesday, April 11th, 2023, at 5pm at Sea Pines Country Club. The event will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, and awards ceremony to support First Tee of the Lowcountry’s programs and initiatives. The event is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased through the First Tee of the Lowcountry website.

“We invite everyone in the community to join us for this special evening,” said Pat Zuk, Executive Director. “It’s a chance to celebrate the amazing people and organizations that make the Lowcountry such a wonderful place to live and work, and of course, play golf!”

To learn more about First Tee – The Lowcountry’s extensive programs for young people of all backgrounds and abilities, or to purchase tickets for the Community Leadership Awards Banquet, visit firstteelowcountry.org/ events.

First Tee – Lowcountry announced the honorees of the 2022 Community Leadership Awards for their commitment to our nine core values. The honorees are Denise Spence, Respect; Taylor Ladd, Courtesy; Calay Swift, Responsibility; Jim Gant, Honesty; Ben Green, Sportsmanship; Anna Ponder, Confidence; Frank Babel, Perseverance; Jim MacLeod, Integrity; Warner Peacock, Judgment; Rich Rollins, Mike Davis Volunteer Award; Mike Davis, Leadership Award; The Ferguson Family, Legacy Award; and Tag Graziano, Paul Caruso Student Award

ARTICLE BY CHERYL RICER PHOTOGRAPHY BY 2LIGHTS, 1STAND

Sister Style

GIGI’S BOUTIQUE SETS THE STANDARD FOR LOWCOUNTRY STYLE AND GRACE

During the Great Recession, which occurred from late 2007 into 2009, most people were concerned about their investments, their mortgages, and whether they could trust their banks with their money. What most people were not doing was opening a new business. However, most people don’t have the faith, family values, and work ethic of sisters Emily Vaux Burden and Anna Pepper Vaux Hewett, owners and partners of Gigi’s Boutique in Old Town Bluffton.

Both are natives of Bluffton, and both graduated from Hilton Head Island High School and from College of Charleston, where Emily studied business economics and Anna Pepper studied communications.

In 2007, Emily was married, working in the mortgage industry, and living in Colorado, while Anna Pepper had just graduated from college and was back in Bluffton. The sisters felt there was a need in their once small town, so they decided to open a boutique that would cater to women in the Lowcountry.

In 2007, within a few months after Anna Pepper graduated, the sisters took their business plan to the bank, secured a loan, signed a lease, went to market, and bought all the inventory they would need to open the store. Then the recession hit hard.

“Even though it was literally the worst time ever to open a women’s boutique, we had to go through with it at that point,” Anna Pepper said. “We had already signed

Sisters Emily and Anna Pepper are photographed at Gigi’s Boutique, a store named for their grandmother.

Sister Style

the lease and spent the money, so we did what we were taught to do—like we always did; we leaned into our faith in God to see us through.”

Emily and Anna Pepper fully believe that they are doing what God has called them to do. “We survived a recession and thrived,” Emily said. “Then we survived a pandemic and are still thriving. Because we are following His will for our lives, God has anointed and blessed our store.”

The sisters also relied on each other’s strengths. Emily, still in Colorado when the boutique opened, was pregnant with her first child and gave birth in August of 2008, the same month they opened Gigi’s. With her background in finance, she took on the role of managing the money. Anna Pepper, with her background in communications, and because she was local, took the role of managing and marketing the store’s day to day operations.

“We would meet intermittently at the Las Vegas market or the Atlanta market to restock inventory, and we would have frequent phone calls,” Anna Pepper said. “I called Emily ‘Charlie,’ like in ‘Charlie’s Angels,’ because I never actually saw her. She was just this voice checking in on the phone.”

After Emily’s second child was born in March of 2010, she and her husband moved back to Bluffton. Anna Pepper, who had just married, was still functioning as the hands-on partner/manager who was at the store daily, running things. In the fall of 2011, Anna Pepper got pregnant with twins and was put on bedrest, so Emily stepped up to be at the boutique more. Then she got pregnant again, too. The girls laughed when recalling the futon they installed at Gigi’s so they could take turns resting between customers.

Soon, the recession died down and business in Old Town Bluffton picked up. The boutique became so busy, the sisters’ staff grew from just the two of them and one salesgirl to where they are now: nine employees, with four or five sales staff in the store at any given time.

“We have amazing girls who work with us, and most of them have been with us for a long time,” Anna Pepper said. “We try to treat them the way we would like to be treated, which I feel is a big reason for their longevity at Gigi’s. We respect them and are so thankful for them.

Having a solid group of employees definitely contributes to the store’s success, and we couldn’t do it without them.”

At Gigi’s, Emily and Anna Pepper operate with the mission to inspire every woman, no matter her age, to look and feel her best, by offering personalized service and attention to detail. “When we first opened, we wanted to be a store where we could shop with our mom,” Emily said. “At the time, we were in our 20s and our mom was in her 50s. We still use that formula today. Our customers’ ages range from 13-85 and everything in between.”

Currently, Emily and Anna Pepper still shop for themselves and their mom at Gigi’s, but now their daughters also shop (and work) there—three generations of women, and it is the same with their customers. Every woman in your family can find something at Gigi’s. You can also schedule private shopping events for yourself and your friends for personal styling with your favorite salesgirls.

Gigi’s fashion includes all price ranges. You can get a top for $35 or a dress for $495, with the average price point being around $120. No matter what you’re looking for, you can find it—even pretty underwear. And the best-selling, best-fitting jeans line at Gigi’s is priced under $100.

“We grew up going shopping together with our siblings and our mom, and it’s fun to see other families come in to shop together—moms and daughters, grandparents with granddaughters,” Anna Pepper said. “Family is so important to us, and I think people feel that when they shop at Gigi’s. The atmosphere is warm and comfortable, like being with family.”

In fact, the boutique is named for Emily and Anna Pepper’s grandmother, Gigi, who was known for the standard she set in fashion and who even owned a boutique in Beaufort. The sisters learned a lot about fashion from Gigi, who was her own person with her own individual Lowcountry style—the very theme of their store.

The sisters have achieved a work-life balance together and understand the advantages of working with family. “Anna Pepper and I really do complement each other,” Emily said. “We treat each other with respect, kindness, and love. Her strengths are my weakness and vice versa. We live two miles apart; we each have four children; and we come from a family of four children. We function as a family and extended family.”

Anna Pepper added, “We are both hard workers and will jump in for each other whenever it is needed. If one of my children is sick, Emily will drop what she is doing and step in for me, and I do the same for her. And even when we have disagreements, most times we must look within ourselves, put aside pride, and take a step back. Again, this is where faith comes in and is what enables us to treat each other so well.”

Because their families come first, their store is closed on Sundays so that they and their employees can enjoy a day of rest with their families. For that same reason, Gigi’s closes at 5 p.m. each afternoon so that everyone can be home for dinner and evenings with their loved ones.

The Gigi’s equation of faith, family, and a strong work ethic is a successful formula. Keeping their priorities in order is the cornerstone of every decision Emily and Anna Pepper make for themselves and the boutique. 

To experience the excellence for yourself, visit the sisters at Gigi’s, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 40 Calhoun St. in Old Town Bluffton, or shop online at gigisbluffton.com.

Ruthie and Berry Edwards in the front row with their “family” –members of management, administration and retail at The Greenery, Inc. for a recent 50th anniversary celebration.

ARTICLE BY BECCA EDWARDS

A LEGACY OF GROWING OPPORTUNITY

THE GREENERY CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

Anyone at The Greenery will tell you that the company stands oak-solid on their motto: “A growing tradition.” As the landscape company celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, it is evident that The Greenery has maintained a long tradition of growing plants, trees, and grass. Also evident is the growth of the business since 1973 when Berry and Ruthie Edwards opened a small nursery with six employees, a couple of pickup trucks and the desire to do something different.

Today, The Greenery has over 750 employees, a fleet of vehicles, and is ranked the thirtieth largest landscape company in the industry, proving it can and will outgrow even big conglomerates. But more important to the ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) company, they are also growing the careers of their employee owners.

“If you had told me 12 years ago that I would be in

this position with this type of company, I would have looked at you like you were crazy,” said Melissa Brock, director of business development. “I do not even have live plants in my house. When I came to The Greenery as an office administrator in construction, I had no clue about landscape.”

Jerry Ashmore, director of work force development and safety has also risen among the ranks. “I graduated from Clemson and met a Beaufort girl while working for a small landscape business in the upstate. I started coming here on the weekends, and then a friend told me to talk to The Greenery,” he said. “I ended up having lunch with Tom Van Hise, Billy Gray, and Clay Kinard at Fiesta Fresh, and they offered me a job as an account manager. That was 22 years ago, and I still go there for lunch and think, ‘This is where I started.’”

Jim van Dijk, who is now the regional manager of Hilton Head and Greenville also found an early opportunity with The Greenery, starting as a summer intern. “In 1995, Clay Kinard came to Clemson University to talk to our horticulture class,” he said. “He told the story of The Greenery, and I spoke to him afterward. He said, ‘Since you are interested in the story and the company, I’ll give you an opportunity over the summer. It was a small crew with guys that had been there 10 to 15 years, like Alfred and Leon. Clay Kinard was the supervisor. We had great camaraderie and a great work ethic. They remind me of my Greenville branch now.”

“We share a lot in common—Jerry, Jim and I,” Brock said. “We all want to grow our business. We all want to grow as people. And we all want our people to grow. The only difference between Jerry, Jim and me is that I’m not a Clemson fan,” she joked.

As all three continued telling their stories, more similarities surfaced including two character strengths: resilience and innovation. “When I started, I knew how to talk to people. I knew people in the construction industry,” Brock said. “And, after about a year, I decided to pave my way and grow The Greenery’s construction division. Opportunities did not fall in my lap. I worked my way up.”

Noting that both landscape and construction are maledominated industries, Brock continued, “I do not hunt or fish. I had to find creative ways—ways The Greenery had not done in the past—to develop relationships. I had to earn people’s trust.”

To do so, Brock leaned on the support of The Greenery community and executive officers, who very much believe in motivating, not micromanaging, their employees. “I

decided to focus on the property managers,” Brock said. “They are mostly women. They like manicures, pedicures and lunch. I also focused on getting to know people and personal information like how many kids they had, where they were from, and what they liked to do. I like to build a friendship. People trust you if you get to know them.”

Ashmore has built his career by wearing many hats. “Back when I started, you did whatever was needed to be done, spray yards, plant flowers,” he said. “I knew I wanted to grow in my career and create my own opportunity. I worked hard, and as the company has grown, so have my responsibilities.”

“When I started, I was focused on enhancements,” van Dijik said. “I did not want us to do the bare minimum. I thought, ‘What if I got more material? What about concrete work? What about a small garden install in this small space?’ and The Greenery was like, ‘Okay, let’s do it.’”

In 2002, van Dijik told the company he could make enhancements and maintenance successful on Daufuskie, and he did. He also admits to facing some professional challenges. “In life and in business, not everything is rosy. The Greenery believes in promoting from within, and when mistakes, mishaps or challenges arise, it is not about demeaning or removing someone but rather to coach, lead to improve, and get ready for the next challenge.”

Brock, Ashmore and van Dijk then touched on the Greenery’s emphasis on legacy—preserving it, honoring it, and communicating it to create a culture of excellence.

“My favorite memory at the Greenery was an annual meeting we had at Hampton Hall,” Brock said. “The meeting was really inspiring because it was then that I really got a sense of The Greenery’s story.” Linking the

THE GREENERY TIMELINE

1973: February 1, Berry and Ruthie Edwards buy a small nursery with six employees, a couple of old pickup trucks and the desire to do something different.

1974: Ruthie, Berry and Lee (age 6) purchase a circa 1873 church and move it by barge from Ridgeland to Hilton Head to begin what is now the Antiques & Collectibles Shop.

1981: The Greenery expands and opens a maintenance shop on Arrow Road.

1992: The Greenery expands to serve Bluffton and the surrounding area.

1999: Lee Edwards opens a branch in Charleston.

2003: Berry Edwards creates an ESOP. The Hardeeville office opens to serve Bluffton, Beaufort, Sun City and Savannah.

2007: Lee Edwards becomes president of The Greenery.

2011: The Greenery opens the Beaufort branch.

2012: The Greenery receives a national award for landscape work in Palmetto Bluff.

2013: The Greenery opens the Savannah branch.

2019: The Greenery launches the Daytona branch.

2020: The Greenery launches the Greenville branch.

2021: The Greenery acquires Martex Landscape serving Amelia Island and Jacksonville.

2023: The Greenery celebrates its 20-year ESOP anniversary and 50-year business anniversary and now has over 750 employees.

pride she felt for the company’s past to the present, she added, “I will see one of our properties and the sun is shining on it and it is so beautiful, and I think to myself, ‘We did that.’”

According to Ashmore, to create a culture, you need to pass down tradition. “Here, the older employees pass it down to the new ones. We may have grown, but we still have that small company feel. Our values are on display every day,” he said.

Van Dijk agreed. “Part of what I’m focusing on now in emerging markets is to tell the stories from the past as well as to know that every time we bring a new person in, they are bringing a new element into our culture. Their visions continue to evolve us,” he said.

All three also agreed that the current company culture began when the Edwards set out to do something different for Hilton Head. And it is this culture that enables The Greenery to accomplish its purpose statement, “Enhancing people’s lives through beautiful landscaping.”

Ultimately, this culture creates a legacy of growing opportunities: opportunities for individuals and their families, opportunities for business expansion and economic growth, and opportunities for our communities to be better both aesthetically and intrinsically.

“Growth is part of our culture. We want our employees to exceed their goals,” van Dijk said.

“Our people are our greatest asset,” Ashmore added. “And I tell people all the time, if you want to be fulfilled, this is the place to do it.” 

The Campbell Family’s Shared Heritage

Through their dedication to their culture and to each other, the Campbell family is helping tell the Gullah story, one busload at a time.

It’s a Sunday, and the Gullah Heritage Trails Tours bus is loading up at Honey Horn. Shuffling on board are visitors from across the globe—literally. The usual midwestern mix of Minnesotans, Ohioans and Wisconsinites are joined by a family from Italy, not to mention a handful of locals.

And lording over the entire bus is the man who will serve as part historian, part master of ceremonies, and part standup comedian: Irvin Campbell.

“I’m a rice-eating Geechee,” he tells the gathered crowd to a round of laughs. “We’d have rice and seafood, rice and vegetables, rice and rice … lotta rice. When I was younger, we couldn’t wait to get away from Hilton Head to the big cities to buy hamburgers and hot dogs.”

Another Campbell, John, drives the bus. Inside, a Campbell cousin takes tickets. They are just a few members

of the massive family that has made the Gullah Heritage Trails Tours bus a ubiquitous fixture on the island. Since founding the business in 1996, the family has not only been able to use these tours to educate binyahs and cumyahs alike on an oft-forgotten chapter in our island’s history, but they’ve been able to secure a family legacy for the ages.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

The tour itself is a marvel, even for those of us who consider ourselves locals. Winding its way through the north end and mid-island communities that Gullah have called home for centuries, it gives you a chance to immerse yourself in these neighborhoods, seeing them up close. But it’s the narration by Irvin (or whichever Campbell is on duty that day) that creates magic.

Driving through these neighborhoods, the bus becomes part time machine through stories that take you back before

Article by Barry Kaufman . Photography by 2Lights, 1Stand

The Campbell Family (from left to right) Morris, David, Barbara, Irvin, Carol, Melvin, Ida and Emory Campbell

the bridge. Irvin tells of long days spent helping family, picking vegetables, and mending nets. Of seeing Tina Turner play at the old bandstand. Of counting cars when the bridge first opened. Of getting together for barbecues and sharing stories. Of a history, and a people, and a culture.

For the visitors from afar, it represents a singular opportunity to experience a side of the island that was withheld from the tourism brochures for decades. They’ll hear all about the first steps Africans took toward freedom at Mitchelville, and they’ll be able to see replicas of the old praise houses. They’ll see the boundaries that marked off places like Stoney, Chaplin and Squire Pope and gain a better understanding of the vital communities these names once represented.

“Farming, fishing and hunting were our way of life,” Irvin said. “But everything was done as a family. You’d know who you were.”

It’s an eye-opener for first timers, but even locals will tell you that, at some point, you need to take this tour. If nothing else, it will color in the lines of what you think you already know. You may have heard all about the legendary Charlie Simmons Sr., but did you know that the island’s original ferryman had a notorious sweet tooth for chocolate? You may have seen the signs marking these neighborhoods, but you don’t know which one was known for its fishermen, for its farmers, and for its handymen. Even something as simple as hearing about how immensely popular baseball was among Gullah youth helps you see the island’s first people as less an abstract and more a vital living culture.

When you see how well these families thrived before a bridge, you get a glimpse of a different world, now relegated to stories and plaques set beside busy highways.

You also see, through the Campbell family, how keeping these stories alive is giving a family purpose. “We’re trying to teach our nieces and nephews this culture. My children are all grown, and they used to tell me, ‘Daddy, you’re making this up.’ They didn’t think we used to live like this,” Irvin said as he wrapped up his tour. “They grew up in a different world.”

BEYOND THE BUS

Some stories need to be heard on a bus. Some, however, must be told via Zoom. With Campbells scattered from Florida to North Carolina, sometimes it’s the only way to get all of them in the same room. At least in between holidays or Sunday get togethers, which are massive affairs.

“We’re all really close. We keep up with each other, and we pray for each other,” said Stephanie Campbell, an island native but Charlotte resident. “Those are the things we were taught by the older generation. After moving to Charlotte, I realized the value of my family and that not everyone has family like I do.”

Stephanie’s first job was taking tickets for the tour buses her family operates under parent company C&W Connection. During high school, she completed an internship, gaining business skills that have served her well. “It taught us a lot about being entrepreneurs,” she said.

Her brother John, who was driving the bus on that particular Sunday, is a great example of this entrepreneurial spirit that runs through the Campbell family—one that has fueled each member of the family as well as the business. His work as a Realtor gives him the flexibility to fill in as a driver when needed.

Cousin Quincy has been working for the tour for 20 years, first as a driver when they had a small van, then selling tickets, dispatching, and keeping the books.

And calling in from Florida, Uncle Luther Mitchell uses his business acumen as a vice president at C&W Connection. And while some familyowned businesses might bestow a title like vice president on a whim, it’s clear that Mitchell views the family business as very much a business.

“I did a lot of leadership training in the Air Force and brought that back to the business,” he said, “things like examining our core values, defining our mission statement.”

The corporate structure behind Gullah Heritage Trails Tours is surprisingly formal, with set minutes for each meeting and motions set by the group to carry forward items of business. “We follow Robert’s Rules of Order,” Mitchell said. “Sometimes it gets heated, but at the end of the day, you go back to family.”

Keeping the business running has not only allowed the massive Campbell family to work toward a common goal and strengthen family bonds across distance, but it helps advance a legacy of a family whose name has graced this island for centuries. It’s a legacy of reverence for the culture and the history, but it’s also one that keeps one eye on the future, by teaching new generations what it takes to live Gullah.

“That drive is what sustained Gullah culture,” Mitchell said. “Everyone back then was an independent contractor. Everyone worked for themselves.”

Instilling that drive has helped the Campbell family to endure and thrive as the island around them changed. And those drives, winding their way across Hilton Head nearly every day, help remind us cumyahs that the island’s story began long before us. Thanks to the Campbells, that story will continue long after we’re gone. 

Kathleen Mayers stands in the showroom of her new space located in Plantation Center outisde of Palmetto Dunes

ARTICLE BY LIZ MAYHEW . PHOTOGRAPHY BY 2LIGHTS, 1STAND

The Ultimate Floor Show

Nestled in a quiet, unassuming plaza just outside the hustle and bustle of Palmetto Dunes, longtime island staple, KPM Flooring, has found its new home. The long-awaited reveal of the modern showroom is fast approaching, and the lucky few who have received sneak peeks can’t help but marvel at its decisive, strikingly executed design. Even the entry, with its stylish chandelier, tall ceilings, and custom, still-in-progress front desk seem to have more in common with the lobby of a boutique hotel than most flooring stores. And yet, less than a year ago, the building was little more than a gutted shell.

Those who saw the original iteration of KPM Flooring at its former location on North Main—a showroom bursting with samples showcasing beautiful and innovative designs— have already discovered that owner Kathleen Mayers’ vision for flooring is vastly different from the norm. For well over three decades, she’s traveled the country attending every flooring trade show available, slowing down only temporarily during the COVID years. That sort of dedication ensures KPM is consistently representing the most up-to-date products in both quality and aesthetic.

Ever the innovator, Mayers has never been content to stake her showroom’s reputation on mainstream products. For years, she has mused about ways to improve the consumer experience, reimagining product displays and sample organization to streamline and simplify the buying process. Several of her concepts were implemented in the former showroom, but she lacked the space to fully execute her vision; that’s why, when the opportunity to buy a building in Plantation Center arose at the end of 2021, she acted decisively.

“For a number of years, I had a vision of what I wanted

KPM FLOORING DAZZLES IN NEW MID-ISLAND SPACE

my ideal showroom to be, but was limited,” she said. “Then finally, the timing was right. My lease was ending, and this building went on the market. It just felt like the stars aligned.”

After the closing, she immediately went to work on plans with architect Tim Probst of Parker Design Group, though between permitting and revisions, the demolition and rebuild couldn’t start until June of last year.

To most, the task would have been daunting. The nearly 10,000-square-foot property was in desperate need of a complete remodel, but Mayers tackled the project with her usual gusto, and the new face of KPM slowly began to emerge.

Still, life—and construction—rarely move forward in a straight line. Between supply chain breakdowns and

labor shortages, the project was hit with multiple setbacks along the way. Instead of celebrating a triumphant grand opening when KPM officially changed locations last fall, what ensued was a mild panic regarding the uncompleted space, followed by a fervent push by dedicated contractor Billy Perigo, owner of WP Construction, to finish a portion of the showroom so the KPM team could continue business as usual.

For months, clients would pull up to a building partially clad in plywood—commercial doors and windows, like so many other things, on painfully long backorders. With hammers ringing and saws buzzing in the background, they would walk—sometimes trepidatiously—to a side door reminiscent of a clandestine speakeasy portal instead of the planned grand entrance to the somewhat newly completed showroom.

Once inside, however, it was easy to admire the resilience and adaptability, not only of Mayers and her staff, but of the building itself. The interior was welcoming, functional, and miraculously holding the lion’s share of KPM’s samples, even if they weren’t yet in their permanent homes. The items that didn’t fit in the space were stored in Pods located in the parking lot, and the knowledgeable staff never hesitated to open one in search of the perfect sample when needed. While the KPM team continued forward, what was

The KPM Flooring Team (fronm left to right): Kathleen Mayers, Jon Muehleman, Lillie Mosco, and Thom Biondo

Samples are organized by color to streamline the selection process for clients.

happening in the rest of the design became very hushhush. If ever asked what was behind the literal curtain separating the functional showroom from the construction site, Mayers and her staff often responded with smirks or shrugs, their knowing smiles piquing curiosity of what was to come. And although it’s still somewhat shrouded, the new space is sure to spark excitement.

Arriving in the parking lot, it’s impossible to not be struck by the dramatic transformation of the exterior. Huge glass windows give peak-a-boo glimpses of the treasures inside, while a gracious paver walkway, which will soon be surrounded by lush, planned landscaping, sets the tone for a shopping experience that can only be described as sleek and serene.

Once inside the main entrance, your eye is immediately drawn to the right, where row upon row of wood samples, organized by color and all equally sized, are as elegantly displayed as crudites on a platter. The custom racks were designed by Kathleen, her keen attention to detail creating a space that minimizes visual pollution, meaning patrons can fully absorb the vast selection of materials without feeling overwhelmed.

The larger of the two showrooms houses two customdesigned workstations, each well-lit by a pair of modern, silverleaf pendants so designers and customers have ample space to curate their samples. Even when the stations are not in use, the pendants add to the beauty of the room. A row of clerestory windows runs the full length of the showroom, allowing an abundance of natural light to pour in. Meanwhile, the parking lot side of the building boasts multiple large windows plus a glass garage door that, along with the exposed beam ceiling, lends an industrial-cool sensibility to the space.

Even with an abundance of space, displaying numerous tile boards presented a challenge. To overcome this, Mayers is turning the back wall into a design feature that can only be described as an art gallery for tile, complete with a library ladder for access. The rest of the samples will find their home in a smaller, open-concept room just below the clerestory windows where vertical partitions are used to hang over a thousand tile samples in a neat, organized fashion.

One of the things the new KPM showroom does exceedingly well is create zones within the building to showcase different types of products. Though the larger showroom featuring wood flooring and all types of tiles is impressive, the slightly smaller secondary showroom devoted to soft goods packs an equal punch, with an entire section devoted to one of the most impressive displays of area rugs on the island.

For years, Mayers, a regular at rug market, has been diligently curating a selection of rugs that includes everything from affordable, indoor-outdoor synthetic blends to high-end, hand-knotted wool rugs. The walls are lined with custom ladders displaying rug samples in a wide variety of colors and brands, while the nearly ceiling-height racks, holding rugs up to 10x14 feet, draw your eye to the open-air loft above where the carpet selections are found.

The new KPM Flooring showroom may still be a work in progress, but a stunning end is in sight. As the exciting future of the new KPM unfolds, one thing remains the same: Mayers’ passion for her over 15-year business is unwavering, and the unique experience she’s about to unveil will certainly continue to be a leading source for beautiful, quality flooring for many more years to come. 

Learn more at kpmflooring.com.

Article by Amy Bartlett . Photography by 2Lights, 1Stand

Family-owned destination upping its game once again

Ithink we should start a family business,” said a young Taylor Whitehead, son of Rocky and Ginny Whitehead, owner/operators of Rockfish Seafood & Steaks at Bomboras on Hilton Head Island.

It might seem an unusual statement for a kid, but not so for this family. “We’ve always been entrepreneurs at heart— all of us,” said mom, Ginny, of the inimitable crew behind a few different family endeavors, not the least of which is a south island hotspot that’s upping its game once again.

Already a family built on building businesses (the Whiteheads still maintain additional businesses as family partners like Excel Rx), they were pulled to Hilton Head Island by golf (what else?) when their kids became involved in the sport nearly 20 years ago. Opening Bomboras Grille in 2011 (thank you, Taylor!) and changing the name to Rockfish in 2017, their colors have run true from day one (orange and black, to be clear).

Known equally as a “chill bar” on Coligny beach, “Hilton Head’s seafood destination for friends, family, and fun,” and “Cincinnati South,” for which owner Rocky Whitehead has been named makeshift mayor, Rockfish is gaining another 10

Breckin Romoser, Stacey Whitehead, Mike Scheriff, Storm Scheriff, Brittany Scheriff, Rocky Whitehead, Halle Jo Scheriff, Ginny Whitehead, Taylor Whitehead, Carter Ann Whitehead, & Melissa Whitehead

yards as it fine tunes one of its many identities, growing from straight-up Bengals Bar to one-stop, top-shelf sports bar for a wider range of Ohio teams—still geared toward family but with more eclectic sports gear walking through the door. Bring on the Bearcats, Ohio State games, golf tourney events (watch this space during Heritage), March Madness, and more.

As any Bengals fan likely knows, Rockfish is already standing room only every Bengals game. But it’s not the

game itself that packs the bench; it’s the camaraderie. “We’ve heard people say over and over how they’d rather sit next to a friend in Hilton Head than next to a stranger in the stadium,” Rocky said, and that’s what they’ve grown over the years. People have come for the games and built rapport with the locals.

That fact goes beyond the Bengals and played a bit of a role in the ever-burgeoning feel of the foodie-favorite locale. “We were getting a lot of PGA pros in when they were in town for a tournament. Ernie Els would be in with his wife and caddie and would become a dear friend. We noticed we were becoming a Bengals Bar and a golf place,” Rocky said. So, they figured why not set out the shingle for whatever your sport to pull up a chair and be a part of this unique local fare.

Speaking of fare, that’s another feather in the cap that makes Rockfish stand out in the crowd: the oh-so-Ohio brands on the bar menu. Skyline Chili features shoulder to shoulder with Cheese Coneys (Skyline Chili being more than just “Cincinnati-style” chili, but a Cincinnati-based restaurant chain and its product line of Cincy food faves).

Not in the mood for local seafood? Get your back-home fix and say “Who Dey” to a rack of ribs from the world-famous Montgomery Inn of Cincinnati. Not just inventory, this is a partnership with ribs shipped straight to Rockfish from the inn and marketed by Montgomery back home, telling locals to find their ribs at Rockfish when they’re visiting Hilton Head Island. (We all know what Ohio marketing has done to build the local economy.)

Top off your bag of Queen City favorites with some Graeter’s ice cream, but also keep an eye on new incoming dishes as they perfect and broaden their image as Coligny’s upscale sports bar.

As their events and focuses grow, so does the caliber of menu with which they’re raising the bar. Not to be pigeonholed, remember, with all of that, we’ve only scratched the scorecard and high-fives side of the joint. The Rockfish at Bomboras restaurant-proper side is best described as “high-end beach” and has a menu for which the term “to die for” features heavily on Tripadvisor reviews. Popular dishes include locally famous house-made crab cakes, spicy calamari, Steak de Rocky (named after the one and only) which is an eight-ounce blackened filet mignon served with bleu cheese mashed potatoes (and other sides), finished with a veal demi-glace.

There’s still one more hidden gem that is exclusive to the Rockfish family of attributes, and it’s just up a single flight of stairs: The Art Café paint-your-own-pottery studio is not only the brainchild of “Mrs. Rocky” Ginny Whitehead, but it’s part of an integral relationship with the restaurant downstairs that features date-night partnerships. (You can send the kids upstairs to play and paint and make merry while the grownups dine downstairs.) It’s not just a kids-aside babysitter; it’s a rich and unique opportunity for kids to have a great outing of their own, occupied not just with painting, dinner, and games, but meeting other kids of different backgrounds from all around the country and the world.

The Whiteheads have kept their family-owned business family-friendly in every corner of their Lagoon Road location, where even the locals feel like they are on vacation. Your options are endless as you can partake of the high-end cuisine, enjoy the upscale bar menu, and/or join in the paint-your-own party that is the stacked deck of experiences at Rockfish Seafood and Steaks at Bomboras. 

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN . PHOTOGRAPHY BY 2LIGHTS, 1STAND

BUILDING ON A HERITAGE

The first shoppers are starting to mill about the elegant treelined walkways of Shelter Cove Town Centre. At the waterfront park, those birds who were late for the early worm are flitting about seeing what has been left behind. In the shops, signs are being flipped from CLOSED to OPEN.

And inside Heritage Fine Jewelry, it’s Groundhog Day. Or at least that’s what the three siblings who run the place call it. Each morning, the three of them go about their choreographed routine, setting out dazzling displays of sparkling jewelry, warming up the cash register, seeing to any last-minute cleanup needs.

These days, it’s Jennifer Lance, Doug Safe and Patrick Safe setting up the shop as brothers and sisters, as they’ve done together for 20 years. But the routine they follow, the wordless handingoff of duties as the store readies for business, was devised by their mother, Patti Catalano. Since her passing three years ago, it’s been their way to keep her heritage going.

“I call it the house that Patti built. We just live here,” Doug said, carefully arranging a felt-lined case full of diamond rings. “It’s stuff that we’ve been doing our whole lives, and not having her around has been weird.”

Not that you’d know it to watch the three of them go about their day. Each has their area of expertise and sets about their task with brilliant precision— Jennifer and Doug in the front of the house, Patrick in the back making repairs and crafting jewelry.

“I had the pleasure of working with Patti before she passed,” said Elaine, a five-year employee of the business. “There wasn’t even a hiccup. They just did it. I was impressed, and I knew Patti would be too.”

She’d be impressed, but it’s clear she wouldn’t be surprised. After all, from the time Catalano started in the jewelry business more than 40 years ago to the day she passed, her children had always been a part of it. From her original shop in Florida to Heritage Fine Jewelry’s Pineland Station debut in 1990 to the new Shelter Cove location today, Patti

The Heritage Family Jewelry Team (From left to right) Elaine Kohler, Doug Safe, Jennifer Lance, Patrick Safe and Ella Brackett

Catalano was not just building a business. She was building a legacy.

“Mom used to tell me, ‘I’m not doing this for me, I’m doing this for you guys,’” Jennifer said. As for bringing her kids in, “she always left the opportunity there, but it wasn’t really spoken.”

And the siblings, for their part, gravitated toward the business with an equally unspoken, and equally strong, passion.

“In my teenage years, you’d find me back there just fiddling around with stuff,” said Patrick, who now makes that his full-time job as the lead on all the repairs and restoration work Heritage does. “I wasn’t in the business at first. I was just messing around.”

Likewise, Doug and Jennifer recall helping customers in their mom’s store as young as 10 years old. “Customers would say, ‘I think I should speak to your mom,’” Jennifer said. “And I’d just say, ‘Try me.’”

During the years that Catalano was building the business, each of the siblings found a calling outside of jewelry. Doug, for example, worked building and developing timeshare units. “But if something came up here, that became secondary,” he said. During the Christmas rush, he would work his day job from 5 a.m.-1 p.m., coming into the store in the afternoons to help. “My employers were nice enough to let me do that because they knew this came first.”

“When the school bus drops you off at a jewelry store every day as a kid, you soak it up,” Jennifer added. “Did we all think we’d come back and do this? No, but we realized she had a really successful business, so little by little we all trickled back.”

And now with all three siblings under one roof at Heritage Fine Jewelry, they carry on what Catalano started, albeit with a few “adoptees” who have joined the company.

“They definitely make you feel like family,” Elaine said. “The good and the bad. You’re going to get teased, but that’s okay.”

“You had to be thick-skinned with mom, too,” Doug added with a laugh. In fact, most things at Heritage Fine Jewelry are said with a laugh, a testament to the ease with which this family has fallen into

BUILDING ON A HERITAGE

the day-to-day patterns without the person who made it all possible. Fighting like siblings? Hardly.

“There’s always going to be some bickering and disagreement, but we’re too busy. What are we going to do, discuss it for five days? If you want to make a big deal out of something, there are three of us. Two of us will out-vote you,” Jennifer said. “But usually, we’re all on the same page.”

Together, these three are moving Catalano’s heritage for outstanding jewelry forward to a new generation. And they’re keeping her spirit alive in other ways.

“The Humane Association was always huge with her,” Patrick said. “We’ve always had pets in here, and we do fundraisers all the time. Mom always said, ‘Give back, and it will come back.’”

Patti Catalano built a business. She built a legacy of giving back. But more important, she built family ties that stayed strong long after she passed.

“We used to wonder if there was a point where she’d stop working, but her whole family was in here,” Doug said. “She loved being in here.” 

Article by Sheila Tucker Photography by 2Lights, 1 Stand

SETTING HEALTHY BOUNDARIES WITH FAMILY

I’m so happy you’re here. When are you leaving?

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” Charles Dickens nailed my sentiment after a recent extended visit with my nephews.

Families are funny that way. They have a way of bringing out the most profound love and the most heart-wrenching sorrows. The best in us and the worst. In a word, families are complex.

I had known about our nephews coming for some time. Their visit was twofold: to vacation and to help with a renovation. Admittedly, I’m a bit of a planner, which led to a repeated question with a not-so-definite answer. “How long will they be staying?”

Shoulder shrug.

Deep breath. “Well, do you think you can find out?” Silence.

Another deep breath. “Will you please find out?”

Finally, I hear a faint, “Sure.”

More deep breathing.

We were so excited for them to arrive and met them with warm hugs and an open house. Once they settled in, I casually asked, “So, what are your plans? How long will you be in the area?”

A shoulder shrug was the resounding answer. Deep breath. Followed by, “We haven’t given it much thought.” Even deeper breath.

In the days that followed, I was greeted every single morning by two 30-something-year-old men sitting at my dining table finishing a pot of coffee without leaving me even one sip. I struggled to tamp down my grumpy morning persona. It was not easy, considering there was no time for me to orient to being awake, no caffeine to aid the process, and a whole lot of talking that was difficult for my tired brain to comprehend. The jolt of it all felt like being pushed into an ice-cold shower.

The evening routine looked eerily similar. I arrived home wanting nothing more than quiet time—the ability to steal a few moments of silence with no one needing anything from me.

Instead, I was greeted with questions, loud talking, and the occasional whir of a power tool. I was beginning to feel a little like Snow White, minus the cheery disposition and cute little woodland creatures to help me clean.

Three weeks. That’s how long they were here. It’s also how long I sat in my car, blankly staring out the window or reading a book for some alone time. There was a point at about week two when we were done.

But it wasn’t their fault. We never set any guidelines, house rules, or boundaries for them to follow. We magically hoped they would read our minds and everyone’s needs would be met. It turns out we are not a family of mind readers.

For better or for worse, our families are the first to teach us about love and acceptance. They’re the first ones to teach us how to communicate with one another and where we learn to make meaning out of our experiences. Families teach us how to relate to others and ourselves.

It doesn’t matter who you are. Being with family for any amount of time creates the opportunity for you to get pulled back into your family dynamics, stories, and beliefs. Like a moth to the flame, I was right back in the middle of the family dynamics from which I had worked so hard to free myself.

The time with my nephews was filled with love, connection, and many unforgettable memories. It also included a heavy helping of self-imposed resentment, frustration, and exhaustion.

Week two brought with it the realization that we needed boundaries and a definitive “you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here date” if we were all to come out of this okay. I know. I’m a therapist. I discuss this stuff with clients almost daily in my practice. And yet here I am, wondering how I ended up in this exhausting and frustrating boundaryless place.

IT WASN’T EASY CALLING A FAMILY MEETING. WE DIDN’T WANT OUR NEPHEWS TO FEEL UNWANTED, BUT WE NEEDED OUR SPACE BEFORE WE CAME UNDONE. FIGHTING THROUGH GUILT, WE SPELLED OUT THE HOUSE RULES AND LET THEM KNOW WHEN THEY NEEDED TO MOVE ON.

I will be the first to admit that setting boundaries is challenging, especially with family members. A special kind of guilt comes with asking for your wants and needs to be met when your family is involved. There’s an obligation to make yourself available at all costs. Boundaries often feel mean and offensive; you fear that you will make your family angry, which is usually enough to toss your needs out the window. You can handle your own discomfort. Theirs, well, it may be just a tad too much to bear.

Undoubtedly, the words will get hung up in your throat. But giving your wants and needs a voice (setting that boundary and sticking to it) is much better than the resentment and negative energy exchange that will happen otherwise.

It wasn’t easy calling a family meeting. We didn’t want our nephews to feel unwanted, but we needed our space before we came undone. Fighting through guilt, we spelled out the house rules and let them know when they needed to move on. Thankfully, they were incredibly understanding.

In the end, I re-learned a few things about boundaries. You need them. Yes, even you. They help your family (and others) learn how to treat you—what’s acceptable and what’s not.

Not all family members will understand or be respectful of your boundaries. When you come face-to-face with a boundary buster, it’s time to add consequences to the mix and follow through.

For example, a friend’s in-laws habitually brought their friends to her home for dinner. My friend set a boundary that her in-laws could no longer bring their friends to dinner uninvited. She wanted this time to be for family only. She expressed how connecting with so many people in the room was difficult. Further, she let her in-laws know that if they wanted to continue to invite their friends, they could also host dinners.

Her in-laws didn’t like the new rule. And, when they brought their friends to the next dinner, my friend, with the support of her partner, let them know that in the future, she was no longer hosting family dinners.

There was huffing and puffing, but in the end, my friend stuck to her boundary. Eventually, she felt less resentful and more empowered.

You will feel guilty when enforcing a boundary. I know I did with my nephews, and so did my friend. It’s not uncommon to worry that someone thinks you’re mean or too much for asking for your needs to be met. Boundaries work best if you know what you want and need.

Families are complex and boundaries are hard. It’s truly an art form of balance, understanding, speaking up for what you want and need, and doing it even when you feel that heavy weight of guilt.

As with most things, setting and enforcing boundaries is a muscle you can build over time and with practice. If the thought of speaking up for yourself makes you uneasy, it may be time to speak with a therapist. A therapist can help you home in on what you want and need from a relationship and help you prepare for that difficult conversation and the feelings that will follow. 

Sheila Tucker is a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Heart Mind & Soul Counseling. She specializes in working with couples and individuals to better their relationships so they can connect more deeply to themselves and each other. When not in the office, you’ll find her walking her pups or planning her next mountain getaway with her husband.

FAMILY ALL in the

A SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES IN THE LOWCOUNTRY

Darrel & Nancy Quinn

The Ferguson Family

Randy & Caryn Rose

Ben & Annie Andrews

The Baima Family

Bob & Rochelle Clarkson

The Richardson Family

The Campbell Family

Darrel & Nancy Quinn

QUINN’S DIAMOND JEWELERS

You could say that Darrel and Nancy Quinn are in the diamond business; after all, each carries a slew of certifications from diamond distributors across the world, festooned across the walls of their Village at Wexford shop. You could also say they’re in the jewelry business, as evidenced by the glittering displays of Alamea, Kordansky, Lafonn, Rare and Forever Diamonds, Shula, and Bellarri pieces, sideby-side with their customcrafted rings, necklaces and bracelets. But it would be far more accurate to say that these two are in the love business.

“We love what we do,” Darrel said.

That love is as clear as a D-Colored diamond. You can see it in the happy couples who tie the knot with one of their pieces. You can see it in the joy they bring to

every person who walks in their door. And you can see that love echoing through generations of Quinns.

Darrel’s family ties to the industry run deep, with brother, uncles and a sister all in jewelry. And when Nancy joined the family, matching Darrel’s expertise with her own, they pushed a family tradition forward, with both sons being GIA-certified at 16 years old, and one son running one of their stores for 15 years.

“It’s a family business, and we love seeing that continue through our children and hopefully one day our grandchildren,” Nancy said.

Learn more at diamondland.com.

The Ferguson Family

MAY RIVER HOME SERVICES

Some families who go into business together do well when they can draw a line at quitting time. From 9-5, they are co-workers, but once that whistle blows, the family dynamics fall back into place.

The Ferguson family, Dana and Tim Ferguson with Tim’s son T.J. Ferguson, has to play it a little differently, being in the HVAC business. “You can’t just walk away from it,” Dana said. “That’s the nature of heating and air.”

Dana and Tim launched May River Home Services in 2017, aiming to eventually transition to a full-service home service company spanning plumbing, electrical and more. They started with a focus on heating and

air, thanks to both Tim and T.J.’s lifelong experience in the industry.

“They both started right out of high school,” Dana said. “T.J. will take over the business eventually. He’s very passionate about it.”

That passion and experience shines through in every job, carefully watched over by Dana as the dispatcher. “Yes, being the dispatcher, I do get to tell them what to do, but we all work together really well,” she said. “It can be difficult working with family, but it’s also wonderful.”

Be a part of the family by visiting mayriverhomeservices.com.

Randy & Caryn Rose

ROSE HEARING HEALTHCARE CENTERS

It’s a rare thing for a couple to work well together. You and your spouse may get along just fine when you’re enjoying a night out together, but we’ve all seen how quickly things can go sour when there’s a job to do. Who among us can say they’ve never had a DIY project around the home lead to raised voices and a night on the couch?

Which is just one thing that makes Rose Hearing Healthcare Centers so remarkable. It’s not just

their vast selection of hearing aids, from no-frills models to top-of-theline leading edge technology. It’s not just their expertise, fueled by a staff boasting decades of experience.

It’s the couple that lies at the heart of this operation: Randy and Caryn Rose. Not only do they share the name on the sign, but they have raised this business together, working in tandem since 1995.

“Caryn is very special in the way she sees things that I don’t see,” Randy said.

“And I just think you’re special,” Caryn added. “He has a real passion for what he does. He loves to help people, and I love to support him.”

At work, each plays a vital role in keeping the operation running smoothly. Randy is the one working with patients, helping steer each one to the ideal hearing aid for their needs. Caryn, meanwhile, handles all the paperwork, bookkeeping, advertising and whatever else comes up. So how do they manage to accomplish so much without falling into the common marital trap of the stress-induced dust-up?

“I think the first thing is we like each other and respect each other’s area of expertise. And while we’ll talk about work, we try not to bring it home,” Randy said. “When I turn the key at work, I leave it there.”

Drawing that line at closing time helps the couple to not only leave it all on the field at the office, but also focus on the important things such as family, kids, grandkids and lately, a move to their new home.

“Date nights really have been about planning this house,” Caryn said.

Their mutual love and respect is just one of the ways this couple has managed to create something special at Rose Hearing Healthcare Centers. “We have a really good team at work,” Randy said. “I think that helps, building a really strong group of people who have a good work ethic.”

1505 Main St, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 547-5832

108 Buckwalter Pkwy, Ste. 2G Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 594-1787

rosehearinghealthcarecenters.com.

The Baima Family

SKILLETS CAFÉ & MINGLES ON HHI

When Amie Baima first launched Skillets, she knew she wouldn’t be alone. The culinary side of things she had under control, as any visit there will show. But for the business side of things, she knew she could count

Ben & Annie Andrews

CLUB CAR OF HILTON HEAD

Ask anyone and they’ll tell you that there are challenges to working with family—knowing when to “turn it off” and leave work at work, managing relationships with coworkers knowing you’ll be sharing breakfast with them tomorrow. But ask Ben and Annie Andrews, owners of Club Car of Hilton Head, and they’ll tell you that there is no shortage of rewards to working with family.

“Finding a balance can be tricky, but it’s rewarding to be able to take on the really hard stuff as a family,” Annie said.

As an added bonus, the couple owns the local Club Car dealership along with Ben’s parents, giving their children

Cooper and Carter plenty of opportunities to spend time with their grandparents. And when there’s something to celebrate, they do it as a family.

“We just got back from a dealer meeting where were received one of two Milestone Awards for every dealership in the country, and we received Black and Gold Elite Status representing the top dealerships in the country,” Annie said. “Being able to work toward a goal and accomplish it as a family is pretty cool.”

Learn more at clubcarhhi.com.

had a hard time with it,” Baima said. Still, she respected his expertise and guidance, as much now as then, with John doing bookkeeping for both Baima and her sister Sandy Toomer.

Toomer, owner of Mingle’s and Billy’s Beach Club, got similar support in the beginning, saying, “Both of our parents helped us get started and showed us the way. I really relied on them because even though I went to college for retail, I didn’t know everything. There are a lot of details they don’t teach you in school.”

And now, it seems Amie Baima might be getting a taste of her own medicine. “With my son now coming into the business, and seeing his opinions compared to mine, I now know what I put my father through,” she said with a laugh. With son Evan Berkner now on board, his opinions are meeting the same respect as his grandfather’s, helping carry Skillets forward into the future.

“It’s very interesting to be in the middle now and see both sides of it,” Baima said. “I’m incredibly blessed to have such role models as my parents.”

on advice from her father, John—even if she didn’t always follow it to the letter.

“When I first started, I would ask his opinion on how the business should be run; sometimes his opinion and mine differed greatly, and I

Bob & Rochelle Clarkson

ALLIANCE GROUP REALTY/ ALLIANCE DANCE ACADEMY

Sometimes you see successful businesses that forces you to ask, “What’s the story behind that?” Like a pet shop that also sells bait, or a beauty parlor that offers chainsaw repair (both real examples, by the way). Similarly, it seems like an award-winning dance studio and a successful real estate brokerage would be an odd business partnership on paper.

But there’s one word that unites these two very different businesses: family. Let’s start with the literal

family that runs both, the Clarksons. Husband-and-wife duo Bob and Rochelle Clarkson approach their respective businesses with passion and professionalism, and both have created something uniquely successful. But even without that connective tissue, there’s an undercurrent of family that defines both businesses.

At Alliance Dance Academy, Rochelle has created a family environment through years of serving Bluffton. The children she’s taught

have joined the family, sometimes coming back as teachers but always representing ADA in everything they do. When it comes time for performances, you’ll always find Bob on hand helping to run the computer, greet families, and hand out a few refreshments for the parents. And those parents form a tight-knit group with every class/rehearsal, because they are as much a part of the experience as their children.

“If I’m working with a child, I want to know what parent goes with that child,” Rochelle said. “I went at it kind of old school, which obviously the teachers, parents and kids appreciate, as it makes us more of a family!”

Bob’s side of the coin, Alliance Group Realty, has followed a similar trajectory. Just ask any of the over 85 Realtors who work there and they will tell you, it is one big family. Not only has he consistently grown Alliance Group Realty, but he’s also purchased and renovated two landmark locations—Old Town Bluffton and Shelter Cove on the island.

“While we continue to grow and thrive, we still operate like a family business,” Bob said. He attributes this growth to the support on which Alliance Group Realty prides itself. “We’re focused on the Realtor, and the Realtor is then focused on the client. If we really support our Realtors, they can do a better job supporting buyers and sellers.”

The support Bob and Rochelle have shown one another has translated into support for their clients, their students, and their extended families at Alliance Dance Academy and Alliance Group Realty.

The Alliance Group Realty 23D Shelter Cove Lane Hilton Head Island SC 29928 (843) 785-5200

www.thealliancegrouprealty.com

The Alliance Group Realty 39 Persimmon St Suite 404 Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 757-8277

alliancedanceacademy.com

The Richardson Family

THE RICHARDSON GROUP

It’s hard to imagine a Hilton Head Island without the Richardson family.

When Norris and Lois Richardson moved their family to Hilton Head Island, before the bridge in 1955, they probably didn’t know the history being made or how their family would elevate the then sleepy island community. Their children, Mary Katherine (15), James (JR) (11), and Collins (5) arrived on the island ready to help in the family grocery store, the Forest Beach Supermarket and other businesses located in what is now Coligny.

Norris and Lois couldn’t possibly have known how that move would also elevate their son, JR Richardson, to make his mark as a development visionary, creating gorgeous communities such as Windmill Harbor and Westbury Park and be at the forefront of necessary attainable housing projects for our island. That’s the funny thing about a legacy. You usually don’t know you’re creating it until it’s done.

Norris and Lois Richardson might not have known what they started, but their grandson Collins certainly does. And

what’s more, he has his own vision for moving the island forward.

“Hilton Head Island has always been my home, and I knew I wanted to move back here eventually,” Collins said. “Seeing what my grandfather and my father built here, being part of that legacy, is deeply rooted in me.” Collins and his wife Morgan, who were married at Historic Honey Horn in 2022, knew there was nowhere else they wanted to live and build a family.

Collins (who is named for his late uncle, JR’s brother) has become a valuable part of The Richardson Group, which owns Coligny Plaza, Richardson Group Real Estate & Development, South Carolina Yacht Club, Local Pie, and FISH Casual Coastal Seafood. But don’t be deceived by the family pedigree. Collins followed his own path to an economics degree at Sewanee and a spot in the highly competitive Clemson master’s in real estate development program. Building on the generational knowledge of smart development with a talent for finance, he founded his corporate career for the last five years with Charleston’s

family-owned Beach Company. His business savvy helped the masterplanned community, Kiawah River, thrive, affording Collins a legacy of his own.

And now, he brings that experience back to his island home. “My father saw my passion for the financial side of development and wanted modernization within The Richardson Group companies. It’s exciting to step into his 50 years of successful development and use my skill set,” Collins said.

The excitement is felt across the generations. “It’s been tremendously rewarding as a father to see Collins establish his own successful career in development, and we’re thrilled to have him back in the fold,” JR said.

The Richardson family has already proven to be a vital force in Hilton Head Island’s history. And with a new generation stepping up, The Richardson Group is poised to be a vital force for our island’s future.

From left to right: Collins and Morgan Richardson with Leslie and JR Richardson

The Campbell Family

OPTICAL SOLUTIONS

When Dr. Michael Campbell moved to Hilton Head Island in 1987 with his wife Maureen, the couple had merely set their sights on giving Hilton Head Island the best optometry practice it had ever seen. It didn’t take long for them to achieve that goal, with Dr. Campbell continuously expanding both his skillset and his practice to remain on the forefront of the art and science of eyes.

With that accomplished, the next goal on the horizon became building on that legacy. Accomplishing that goal didn’t originally dovetail with the building of a family business. It just happened.

“When they were young, my sons

had no ideas about following their father’s footsteps,” Maureen said. “Both Kevin and Michael Jr. went to Clemson with their minds open, and with both of them, it just clicked during their junior year.”

Michael Jr. was the first to return to Optical Solutions, elevating the business with his youthful energy, experience and lessons that had been ingrained in him since a young age. Michael Jr. attended the Indiana University School of Optometry, like his father, after graduating from Clemson University. Kevin attended the University of Kentucky School of Optometry and graduated in 2022. Joining this past year, Kevin has already made his mark on the family business.

“They complement each other, and they want to grow,” Michael Sr. said of his sons. “And they already have a good head start.”

Seeing how Michael Sr. communicated with patients and ran his business had an indelible impact on both sons. “They have been raised in the industry and learned from Mike and me as they’ve grown,” Maureen said. But rest assured, as much as the two sons have proven themselves the equal to their father’s skills as a doctor and business leader, Michael Sr. is learning just as much from them.

Seeing their two sons take up the mantle of the Campbell family business at Optical Solutions, it’s clear that they’re keeping mom and dad happy. And beyond that, they’re helping create a legacy built on the Campbell name.

“We’re family,” Maureen said. “It’s our business and our future, and we always have each other’s backs.”

Learn more at drmichaelcampbell.com.

Hospital Center Commons

10 Hospital Center Commons, Ste 100 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 681-6682

Shelter Cove

50 Shelter Cove Ln., Ste. G Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 785-8008

Bluffton

27 Dr. Mellichamp Dr., Ste 100 Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 706-0607

Article by Barry Kaufman Photography by 2Lights, 1Stand

The Family that Protects Together

AT SEACOAST INSURANCE, DEDICATED PROFESSIONALISM IS A FAMILY AFFAIR.

If you want to see the fun side of insurance, you have two options. Option one is to turn on the nearest television and leave it on for at least five minutes. During that time, you will probably see at least three “wacky” insurance commercials, featuring apron-clad goofballs, talking animals, and a few NFL stars. This is the easier, but far less entertaining, option.

To really experience how fun insurance can be, option two will take you to Seacoast Insurance’s Main Street offices on a Wednesday. Here you’ll be greeted by not only one of the employee’s dogs, but also by the family of Ray Craver, Kate Boardman, Bailey Noonan, and newest member of the family, Bailey’s ninemonth-old.

“It’s like doggie daycare and childcare rolled into one,” Bailey said with a laugh.

The kids and the dogs are all part of what sets Seacoast apart. Here, it is quite literally a family atmosphere. Kate is, after all, Craver’s stepdaughter, and he considers Bailey a “stepstep daughter” with her baby already fielding employment offers to come work alongside the family.

Ray Craver, Bailey Noonan and Kate Boardman are photographed at Jarvis Creek Park.

“We always prepare for the future here,” Craver said. “We just need to sign the contract.”

In any conversation with the three of them, you’re going to find something to smile about. Which, let’s be real, isn’t always the case when it comes to insurance.

“There’s a lot of laughter, but there is a serious side of it,” Craver said. “Any time you’re trying to protect people from serious financial loss, you take that seriously.”

The fun, then, serves as a palate cleanser to the serious business of protecting your assets. For more than 40 years, Seacoast has been providing the island with in-depth expertise in selecting the best personal and commercial insurance for home, auto, boats and businesses from their expansive roster of carriers (you know, the folks from the wacky commercials).

It’s serious business, particularly these days.

“We’re a personalized insurance agency, and the thing that’s challenging for the industry, not just locally but on a national level, is the availability of markets. It’s gotten more difficult to write business on the East Coast,”

Craver said. Fewer companies writing policies, paired with soaring premiums, have made it extra important to seek help when choosing insurance, like the help you’ll get at Seacoast. “We try to find our clients the best coverage with the most competitive premiums. We all pay insurance; we’ve all seen our rates go up. It’s something that weighs on our minds.”

And so, with Ray and Kate continuing the company’s decades-long tradition of finding those perfect rates, and Bailey expanding on the commercial side, you can trust that the serious side of the business is humming along as strongly as ever.

“The family dynamics go way back, but I feel like as an office we got a lot closer after COVID. We all came back, and everyone was excited to be together,” Craver said.

Mixing that family dynamic with a business can lead to mixed results, but at Seacoast those family bonds have only served to tighten an operation that already ran like a well-oiled machine.

“We have a pretty easygoing relationship,” Boardman said. “I have friends who tell me they could never work with family, but it comes easy to us. One second we’ll be discussing a policy and the next we’ll be figuring out how to get a dog dropped off. It’s never just business when we’re here.”

The family dynamic that defines Seacoast Insurance comes naturally. It’s what they’ve done with it, applying it to business in a way that lets everyone focus on the client with a full sense of support, that has set them apart.

“There are times when there’s a rush to get things done,” Craver said. “And then there are times when we’ve said that someone needs to be in here filming.”

Until the reality TV cameras find out what they’ve been missing at this Hilton Head Island office, you’ll just have to go there yourself and visit. And if you leave with your home, auto or business a little better protected, well, that just means you’re part of the family now, too. 

Learn more at seacoastinsurance.com.

MIXING THAT FAMILY DYNAMIC WITH A BUSINESS CAN LEAD TO MIXED RESULTS, BUT AT SEACOAST THOSE FAMILY BONDS HAVE ONLY SERVED TO TIGHTEN AN OPERATION THAT ALREADY RAN LIKE A WELL-OILED MACHINE.

ARTICLE BY AMY BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHY BY 2LIGHTS, 1 STAND

Binya

ARTISANAL SHOP AND CULTURAL LEARNING CENTER CELEBRATES FIRST YEAR

Lawyer, mom, author, and brand maker, Omolola “Lola” Campbell is, at the heart of it, Gullah. The beauty of her storefront Binya HHI is that Campbell and her family have “binya” (been here) all along and have an incredible story to share.

Campbell was born and raised on Hilton Head Island to one of the longest-standing native families in Spanish Wells. Being raised with a deep respect and admiration for her lineage and their “maker” legacies, Campbell has long carried a fire to tell the stories of her elders and “spread the respect” for this rich and vibrant heritage.

That dream has come true, but it’s clear this fast-sprouting seed is just getting started and, over time, could grow into a mighty oak of Gullah legacy.

A graduate of the University of Georgia and Howard University School of Law, Campbell continues her “day job” as senior capital markets counsel with Wells Fargo, based in Charlotte, N.C. In 2020, with COVID upon us, like so many others, she asked if she could work remotely, which served as the turning point to coming home to Hilton Head Island.

During this season of worldwide soul searching, Campbell faced what she calls “a series of epiphanies and perspective shifts.” That was also the year she lost her father, which lit an urgency, she said, realizing, “I’d better start doing the things I’ve always been feeling.”

That led her to launch the Gone Gullah lifestyle brand. “It was something that my dad and I had talked about going on 12 years,” Campbell said. In the summer of 2020 when she went back to the idea, her dad enthusiastically supported her. “Oh yes, you’ve got to do it,” he

Lola Campbell is photographed in her store, Binya. The shop is located on the corner of Marshland and Spanish Wells Road.

told her. When he passed mere months later, Campbell felt it was his final stamp of approval, and it was now or never.

That birthed the storefront. Campbell’s mom and family members run a produce stand situated at Spanish Wells Rd. and Marshland, a local staple that everyone knows if you’ve … well, binya. Prior to his passing, her dad offered to renovate the spot next to the stand so his daughter could put in a law office. But Campbell wanted to create something that could be more of a legacy, and what better place to do it?

DESTINATION-SHOPPING FOR CHOICE ISLAND GOODS

The scatter-shot approach to Gullah goods and artisan creations in our area (available at many locations, but without a localized space to serve as “home” for cultural creators and creations) moved Campbell to ask herself how artisans could get their brands into a store or giftshop without losing too much to profit-sharing. “I wanted to create a space to

feature Gullah authors—a place where you will find treasures that celebrate Gullah culture and everything we love about the Lowcountry,” she said.

She knew this struggle personally, being a published author, and wanting to help support and bring others along. She has succeeded as, today, Binya HHI is 90 percent stocked from local artisans, creators, and makers.

A quick tour of what you’ll find if you head to the shop:

• Art: Choose from prints, posters, paintings, and pastels of coastal-inspired themes and Gullah homages.

• Books: Page through a library of titles that celebrate Gullah and Lowcountry culture, filled with inspiring imagery and artwork and telling valuable stories, whether you’re buying for collection, education, gifts and souvenirs, or décor and display.

• Baskets: The shop carries a selection of sweetgrass baskets, a Gullah tradition dating back to 1680. Born out of necessity to carry crops, these baskets have evolved

Scented candles on display are named for original Gullah neighborhoods.

Binya HHI is almost entirely stocked from local artisans, creators and makers. You’ll find books by Gullah authors and gift items like beautiful puzzles featuring the artwork of Jonathan Green.

into a true artform that is passed down from generation to generation.

• Clothing: Campbell’s own line of clothing and lifestyle accessories is featured in the store along with other designer’s brands celebrating the Lowcountry, including woven and straw bags that trend from the New York runways to Hilton Head beaches.

• Accessories: Campbell cultivates goods from brands throughout the coastal southeast, like candles from Charleston to HHI in various scents and visual styles.

NOT JUST A SHOP, A CULTURAL LEARNING LEGACY

The real magic of Binya is not what you find on the shelves, and that’s by design. “I wanted people to come to Binya and have a great experience and learn something,” Campbell said. “People come in, and we always get into conversations about something from the culture, which is the best because I feel like my vision is coming true.”

Campbell invites locals and tourists alike to come in and see what the culture has to offer and to really learn what Gullah is. “It’s a safe space for people to ask questions and discover. Here’s where you can engage more one-on-one rather than sitting in a large group at a lecture or event. I want the store to encourage conversation,” she said.

“That’s one of the reasons I love the location,” Campbell continued. “Although it’s off the beaten path, I love that it’s on my family’s land so that when we’re standing in the store, I can point to the right and say, ‘Across the street is where my father was born. And my grandfather and grandmother lived in the house that was built by my great grandfather—and the house is still standing there.’”

Campbell dreams of expanding in the future to offer Native Islander Experiences for fostering connections and

learning. “We’ve done a few events at the store—book signings, sweetgrass basket demonstrations and wreath making classes with local maker Lizzy Lancaster (of Woodsman’s Wife & Co.). I’m looking to do more events bi-weekly or monthly during spring and summer, like Lowcountry boils and talks with a variety of voices, for instance, having an architect share how Gullah structures were built for the sensibilities of the past and how we can relate this to the present,” she explained.

Binya HHI was just the beginning. After a year on the island, it’s stirring a legacy more resonant than just the memorable, moving craftsmanship carried on shelves. In its brand, Binya brings the promise of an unfolding story, one that Campbell herself can measure as far back as six generations.

You can feel it when she speaks, when she dreams of unraveling yarns for visitor after visitor in a victorious vision, and when she points “across the street, to the right” to tell of her family and all the Gullah lives and legacies—those who have come, those who have gone, and those who have always “binya.”

ARTICLE BY PAULA MAGRINI PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLI BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY & KEY MOMENTS PRODUCTIONS

LIGHTS, CAMERA, CURATED

NEW LOWCOUNTRY LINE OF FASHION AND HOMEWARE IS BORN

II’ve always had an eye for fashion,” said Kelly Caron, owner and founder of Kelly Caron Designs, ASID.

“That started when I was a young girl and inspired my interest in signature fabrics, patterns and all kinds of styles and trends.” Caron eventually studied interior design in college, so her career as a southeastern interior design maven was the natural next step.

“But I always knew when the time was right, I’d develop my own brand of resort wear,” she said.

Seven years after launching her premiere interior design studio and one pandemic later, Caron was ready to explore her fascination with fashion. She personally invested in dresses by designers she admired, and during design photo shoots, she wore the dresses and accessories. It was a novel approach to

Kelly Caron celebrates the opening of her new boutique on Promenade Street in Old Town Bluffton

professionally showcasing her interior design results, and it quickly won the hearts of her fans and followers. In one photo, Caron posed in a signature KCD kitchen wearing a Sheridan French dress, and the image went viral on social media. Soon after, the dress creator named the dress after Kelly.

It was the “Kelly Dress” that launched a thousand ships, or the rapidly increasing interest in Caron’s style choices that inspired her to take her chances and open an online retail shop. Keeping her thoughtfully discerning and selective approach to interior design in mind, she named the shop Kelly Caron “Curated.” She began traveling to fashion markets all over the country and building her inventory. Jewelry, bags and shoes were added to the lineup, and the Curated Shopify website went live.

Kelly Caron Curated bloomed amid countless other virtual boutiques, all promoting a bright, carefree vibe with a return to ruffles, flounces, lace and what were once traditional feminine details. “This is what our country craved after being trapped in our homes for almost two years, in sweatsuits and on Zoom calls, away from the joys of meeting and celebrating special occasions with family and friends,” Caron pointed out.

While sales were brisk and Caron’s Curated staff supported her efforts by uploading new products, shipping items from the home office and frequently modeling Curated selections, there was still more to come for her blossoming retail brand. Last fall, she added the Homeware Collection to the mix and partnered with online giants like Amazon to grow her visibility.

When the perfect Bluffton real estate opportunity presented itself, Caron imagined a Curated storefront and helped broker the deal from a speaking engagement at the Cloister on Sea Island. “It was too good to pass up,” Caron said. “We had the chance to renovate an already appealing boutique space while positioning ourselves at the heart of the vibrant Promenade retail center in Old Town. It’s exactly how I dreamed it might happen.”

Caron waved her savvy sparkling wand, and in less than three months’ time, 6 Promenade Street was transformed into an elegant showcase of coastal couture, Lowcountry resort wear, and accessories. The reimagined space, designed by Caron and produced by Element Construction Partners, also features a stunning collection of homeware, tucked along the walls in jewel tones that twinkle under the chandelier lighting.

“It’s all come together, my passion for making homes and business environments beautiful, and now I’m elevating style for women, too!” Caron said, beaming with pride and her naturally contagious glow. There’s a look in her eye that suggests she’s just getting started. 

Learn more at kellycaroncurated.com.

The boutique exterior is as charming as the fashion featured within.

Allie Santorum models the Capri High Low Dress in blue stripe.

A selection of jewelry on display at the shop.

NEIGHBORHOOD STROLL:

MORELAND VILLAGE

ARTICLE BY CHERYL RICER AT PALMETTO BLUFF

Moreland Village in the heart of Palmetto Bluff is centrally located for residents to easily access both the amenities in Wilson Village as well as future offerings in Anson Village. The 7.5-mile inland waterway, extensive trails, and creeks meander through the community and provide stunning, natural Lowcountry views.

At the very heart of the Lowcountry, life at Palmetto Bluff offers residents a daily renewal of the spirit. It is a community that is defined by the passions of its residents who are buoyed by deep social connections, waterway adventures, wellness practices, and love of the land. Located within the incredible natural setting where the forest, marsh, and waterways meet to create a distinctive environment is Moreland Village, an exciting area that serves as the residential center of gravity for the entire development of Palmetto Bluff.

“We launched Moreland Village five years ago as a result of the growth we’ve experienced at Palmetto Bluff,” said W. Bryan Byrne, broker-in-charge of Palmetto Bluff Real

Estate Company. “In 2003, we opened with Wilson Village, and when the time came for a second village, we knew we had a unique opportunity to include more of what we needed and didn’t yet have.”

One Moreland Village distinction, according to Byrne, is that this area is a higher-density gathering place. Members enjoy closer connectivity of trails and walkability to amenities (most of which are member-only) in one central location, as well as expansive access to the outdoors and natural environment. Moreland Village’s placement within Palmetto Bluff is such that it unfolds along the shores of the Inland Waterway and Cauley’s Creek, and from the Moreland Landing boat ramp, members have easy access to waterway

adventures, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing in the river. They can also take a Duffy boat ride along the 7.5-mile-long Inland Waterway, launching from the village ferry dock. Once the Inland Waterway is further expanded, residents of Moreland Village will be able to travel between Moreland, River Road, Wilson Village, and all the way down to the future Anson Village, all without stepping foot in a car.

The perk of not having to use a car is one of the very reasons that William and Sherrie Ferguson and their kids love their home in Moreland Village. The family had been vacationing in Palmetto Bluff from their primary residence in Charleston since 2009 when

their family business, Scout Boats, began selling boats to Wilson Landing Marina and enjoyed a weekend in a cottage. The Fergusons were immediately hooked and began visiting on anniversaries and other special occasions. In 2018, they bought their home in Moreland Village.

“We love that our home is close to Cole’s, the bowling alley, the pools, the boat landing, and that one of the trails to Wilson Village is right behind our house,” Sherrie said. “It is less than a two-minute walk to any of the Moreland Village amenities, and if we

From tree climbing to kayaking, there are plenty of outdoor pursuits to be found in Moreland Village. Club members make a splash in Moreland’s two private pools. And for more scholarly pursuits, the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy Classroom offers educational seminars on the region’s natural riches and important archaeological finds.

Palmetto Bluff’s expansive trail system provides even more opportunity to explore and discover the enormity of the community’s 20,000 acres, including to and from Moreland Village. Hop on a bike, ride a horse or go by foot on trails that crisscross the property and connect residential neighborhoods to parks, recreational activities, and amenities.

want to go to Wilson Village, we can easily bike.”

“What I love is that we can run our boat from Charleston to Palmetto Bluff for the weekend and don’t need a car at all while we’re here,” William said. “We can walk, bike, or ride in our golf cart to everything.”

The couple, whose boys are ages 12, 10, and 6, also love the options of outdoor activities available, along with the safety they feel when their boys want to play outdoors by themselves. “We feel very comfortable allowing our children to enjoy the outdoor adventures that are here for them, and they absolutely love the freedom of childhood they experience,” Sherrie said.

Moreland Village is home to the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, where members enjoy lectures and “Brown

Bag Lunches” at the Conservancy Classroom.

“The Conservancy is Palmetto Bluff’s undercurrent of lifelong learning that connects everyone whether you are golfer, boater, artist, reader, gardener, or shooter,” Byrne said. “It is the place we gather … our common thread. Members have access to 300 programs above and beyond the Club calendar, such as nature hikes, lectures in the classroom, travel experiences, and internationally recognized wildlife research.”

The Palmetto Bluff Club membership office is located in Moreland Village, as well as a fitness and movement studio for members. Shady trails promise invigorating hikes, and a towering treehouse fuels the exploratory spirit of kids at every age. In addition, a trio of eateries in Moreland Village showcase casual coastal flare, and a game room and bowling alley strike just the right chord for those who like a friendly challenge.

Additionally, Moreland Village will serve as the location for the new nine-hole golf course designed by King Collins. The layout of the course takes a non-traditional approach as the course can be played in reverse, allowing for play from 1,000- to 3,000-yards to ensure that the holes will never tire upon repeat play. The course will eventually have its own clubhouse and a new wellness and recreation center, which will include additional fitness facilities, pickleball courts, sports fields, and places for gathering.

Moreland Crossroads, a free-form lawn area in Moreland Village, plays host to member and community events throughout the year. One upcoming event to anticipate is Songwriters in the Round: A Concert with Jim Lauderdale, Verlon Thompson & Lillie Mae, on Saturday, April 22, 2023. Lowcountry residents are invited to join members for this

one-of-a-kind concert experience where the April Artist in Residence and multiple Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale, along with his friends Verlon Thompson and Lillie Mae, will entertain. The “don’tmiss” show will feature this trio of cosmic Americana and Country superstars picking, harmonizing, and telling stories as you’ve never heard or seen before.

George Strait calls Jim Lauderdale “a consummate entertainer, a sharp dressed man as well, a terrific songwriter, and a great singer,” and Ricky Skaggs says, “Jim Lauderdale could easily be called a renaissance man. He’s a great singer, great guitar player and there’s no way you could miss his work as a songwriter.”

Tickets are $75, and guests are welcome to bring their own food, picnic blankets, and lawn chairs. Beverages will be available for purchase. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. Visit pbartsinitiative.com to purchase tickets.

“The Crossroads creates an energy within the village that is electric,” Byrne said. “At events like this upcoming concert, when everyone is there, there is a kind of body heat that brings the place alive. While you’re in this beautiful natural environment, it has a city-like, contemporary feeling that makes people want to connect and have fun. It’s tangible and engaging.”

Moreland Village residents Donna and Brian Litten love that energy. Brian, a native of Philadelphia, began visiting Palmetto Bluff in 2010, before Moreland was even built, and loved it so much that he always had it in the back of his mind that he wanted to live there. When he met Donna, he brought her to celebrate her birthday, and she, too, fell in love with the place. As the years went by, the couple got more serious about a move to the Lowcountry, and they began exploring different opportunities available within Palmetto Bluff.

“We opted for a place in Moreland Village because, while it’s similar to Wilson Village, whose aesthetic is more manicured and spread out, Moreland is like the rough and tumble younger brother— wild, natural, and yet, refined,” Brian said. “We come from a city, so we appreciate the more contemporary feel—less of the traditional Lowcountry architecture and more rural and informal with exposed rafters, larger expanses of glass, steel windows, doors, and abundant porches.”

Donna agrees. “During the pandemic, we rented a house and spent a month here with family,” she said. “We wanted to kind of figure the lay of land and where within the community we wanted to live. We were coming from Philadelphia where we were active in the arts. We are also foodies and love the outdoors. We were looking for a busy environment where we could

Moreland Village is a hub of community and member activity and social gatherings, from concerts to oyster roasts and holiday celebrations.

From morning coffee and conversation to lunchtime paninis, salads, and snacks, the offerings at The Canteen (shown here) have earned a devoted fan base. And for Palmetto Bluff Club members, Cole’s Lowcountry Tavern pairs fresh, Instagram-worthy dishes with curated wines, local brews, and signature cocktails.

walk to the fitness center, the pools, and restaurants from our front door. Moreland offers us that. We are immersed in an area where there are so many things to do.”

Moreland Village has lots of interesting full-time residents like the Littens, and the vibrancy is felt year-round. There is a permanence to the place; it’s not a transient “busy season” community. There are lights on in people’s homes in January and July. Many of those residents are young families with children whose contribution to any community is contagious.

Moreland Forest, a new neighborhood within Moreland Village, is thoughtfully designed to include homesites that overlook preserved areas in perpetuity. Under the guidance of the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, Moreland Forest was built around existing wildlife corridors.

The neighborhood is actively under development with new homesites, including the first “country” homesites in five years; these larger properties will emphasize privacy and their natural surroundings, including expansive river and marsh views. The first “built-for-sale” neighborhood by Palmetto Bluff Builders will be announced soon and will offer three turnkey home plans in an enclave of 12 homesites.

“I’ve worked at Palmetto Bluff since its inception, and I’ve lived here full-time since 2011,” Byrne said. “What drew me to it was the fact that it is a real place, not a typical project. Most developments begin as a template: here’s the gate, the golf course, etc. At Palmetto Bluff, we started with the thinking that real places are anchored by gathering spots. At Moreland Village, we have taken everything we learned from Wilson and purposefully created opportunities for people to bump into each other in an unscripted, organic way. That’s our secret sauce, and that’s why people feel so at home here.”

To schedule your tour of Moreland Village, visit palmettobluff.com/live/ moreland-village.

AN ICONIC TRIFECTA: WHEN COMMUNITY, ADDRESS, AND DESIGN-BUILD TEAM ALIGN WITH AWARD-WINNING PERFECTION

SHOWCASING A MILESTONE LOWCOUNTRY HOME IN PALMETTO BLUFF’S MORELAND VILLAGE

ARTICLE BY CHERYL RICER

Within the globally recognized Lowcountry community of Palmetto Bluff, and on Davies Road, the iconic address of the original residences that emerged at the conception of the Moreland Village boom, lives an equally iconic home. The home is a collaboration of some of the best the Lowcountry has to offer when it comes to custom residential structures: Court Atkins Group, Kelly Caron Designs, ASID, and Reclamation by Design. Not surprisingly, then, is the fact that recently the home was presented the LightHouse Award for Best Interior Design (Kelly Caron Designs), from the Home Builders Association.

“This was one of the early homes in Moreland,” said architect William Court of the Court Atkins Group, “and because Moreland is earmarked as a village inside Palmetto Bluff, that encourages a slightly more modern aesthetic. We love to explore our creative side there.”

This home has become a “poster child” for what Moreland Village is all about, which is a fusion of coastal Lowcountry with a more refined contemporary sense of detail. It is also an exceptional example of a strong marriage between architectural

Interiors by Kelly Caron Designs, ASID, Kelly Caron Architecture by Court Atkins Group, William Court Construction by Reclamation by Design, Ltd., Ron and Pat Strimpfel Landscape design by Landscape Architecture by Witmer, Jones, Keefer, LTD., Dan Keefer

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNE COMMERCIAL, ANNE CAUFMANN

The kitchen’s reclaimed oak floors reflect warm rustic wood tones countering the context of bold, clean lines.

design, construction detailing, and graceful interior finishes. Each lends its own stunning contribution, and the overall effect is as inspiring as the views of Cauley Creek, which served as the inspiration for every detail of the design.

“Obviously, a water view is always desirable,” said builder Pat Strimpfel of Reclamation by Design. “When you build on water, it evokes an entirely different design because you are trying to capture the water element as soon as you enter the home. In this case, there are multiple glass doors and windows across the front and back of the home.”

Kelly Caron of Kelly Caron Designs, ASID said the view also provided the interior design inspiration. “When you see the views of Cauley Creek from this home, the inspiration comes naturally. The coastal feel and wildlife

Understated elegance abounds in event the most intimate spaces of this Moreland Village retreat.

in abundance were a constant source of creativity.”

In addition to stretching the home’s footprint from side to side to capture as much of the view as possible, the design also takes natural advantage of the site’s orientation to flood light into the home from both the front and the back.

“This is an east-facing home,” Court explained, “so there is already tremendous morning sun at the rear of home where the master suite, the outdoor porches and the entertaining spaces are situated to capture the water views. However, we intentionally placed numerous windows and doors at the front of the home to draw in the afternoon light. This project was really a study on how maximize glass to get equal light quality no matter what time of the day it is or where you are within the home.”

From the interior design perspective, Caron’s desire

Kelly Caron’s interior selections were influenced by the lush lowcountry backdrop along Cauley Creek.

The great room’s brilliant white walls are the perfect canvas for offsetting pops of pastel and dramatic wood features.

An oasis paired with soaring two-story volume ceiling, the master bedroom offers tranquility and treasured water views.

was to create a lifestyle rich with Lowcountry nuance and transitional flair. The palette reflects the homeowners’ preferences, plus bright pops of coastal color, a signature synonymous with Kelly Caron Designs. Caron notes, “We blended natural fabrics, clean finishes and striking wood features on a brilliant white backdrop that allows the drama of the outdoor environment to stand out.”

“While the home is distinctively clean and white, there is also an extraordinary warmth to many of the architectural elements, like the wall of doors and windows at the entrance,” Court said. “The entire front façade glows in the afternoon with a warm mahogany tone.

Everything under the front porch is a series of doors and windows (all custom creations in rich mahogany),

The design build team wasted no opportunities to leverage the home’s constant flow of natural light.

AN ICONIC TRIFECTA: WHEN COMMUNITY, ADDRESS, AND DESIGN-BUILD TEAM ALIGN WITH AWARD-WINNING PERFECTION

which show up both inside and outside distinctly upon arrival. The rear doors and windows balance the composition, each set symmetrically within the canvas of white, under ceilings 12 feet high. The reclaimed oak floors reflect the same warm wood tones and lend lots of rustic character, countering the bold, clean lines.

The home’s layout is unique and well-planned. The main gathering spaces are in the heart of the home and lead out to the rear porches. Distinct architectural gables, each with a unique purpose, anchor all four corners of the property. The office/study is at the front left corner;

the master suite is at the back left; the main screened outdoor living room is at the back right corner; and a great back-of-house second kitchen is at the front right corner. Each of these areas has a unique sense of place with the best possible views and lots of natural light. All the guest spaces are located on the second floor overlooking the water, with one carriage suite above the garage. Not only do guests enjoy their privacy, but the owners are also able to shut down those parts of the home when they are not in use and enjoy the main level for all they need for their day-to-day routine.

Kelly Caron’s signature coastal flair shines in this serene sitting area, flanked by more stunning views.

The master bath is equipped with heated floors, soaking tub and steam shower, in addtion to sumptuous design elements.

“The entire home is customized to ‘nth’ degree,” Strimpfel said. “Nothing is standard, which is why we enjoyed this project so much. Our business is so named because we use lots of reclaimed wood and are master craftsmen. Our goal here (and with each project) is to reclaim the artistry and mastery of a bygone era—old world craftsmanship that is wonderful due to the details in the trim, the coffered ceiling, the doors, and wall treatments.”

There are several remarkable examples of custom craftsmanship throughout this home. One is the vertical application of nickel gap, which is more difficult to install and requires greater skill, but it accentuates the height and creates a different aesthetic than when it is installed horizontally. Plus, the nickel gap is tied seamlessly into the coffered ceiling.

“All of it has to work together,” Strimpfel explained. “It is like putting together a one-thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle. And that’s just the woodwork. Then you have to install the light fixtures in a way so as not to upset the symmetry of the room. Even the range hood is custom, and we took great pains to line the hood up perfectly with the fireplace mantle on the other side of the room. There is a 40-foot expanse between them, yet they perfectly image each other. If it looks seamless and simple, typically it is very difficult to achieve.”

A lot of attention was given to the outdoor living space, including the covered porch and screened porch. Reclaimed beams and a reclaimed mantle define the spaces, and the phantom screens can appear and disappear when the homeowners want to take advantage of the breezes coming off the water or keep the mosquitos at bay.

In the back kitchen, the Reclamation team successfully incorporated the family’s antique hutch as a built-in surrounded by the new cabinetry, giving the space a real “Wow!” effect, an unexpected element in a room that can sometimes be boring and understated.

The master suite is a true oasis, stunning with the view, but also, unexpectedly, it boasts a two-story volume ceiling that is breathtaking and beautiful woodwork on the walls.

A nod to the home’s coastal theme, hints of nautical nuance grace this guest bath.

With the homeowners wishes at top of mind, Kelly Caron and team created an ideal outdoor living setting for entertaining and engaging with nature.

Whereas the rest of the home does have a second floor above, the master does not, allowing the ceilings to soar. The master bath boasts heated floors, a steam shower, and a soaking tub.

Perhaps the most memorable custom contribution is the large cupola atop the main gable at the center of the dwelling.

“It is an iconic element that sort of draws in the coastal feel of the house,” Court said. “It is well-proportioned and executed beautifully by the team.” The teamwork on this home obviously made the dream work for the homeowners.

“Perhaps the most memorable custom contribution is the large cupola atop the main gable at the center of the dwelling,” said William Court.

“What a pleasure to work with a team who allows us to design and plan seamlessly,” Caron said. “Our partners for this home are seasoned professionals with distinctly exceptional skills and long-time relationships in the Lowcountry. Both the architect and builder are listeners. They join us in efforts to bring the clients’ wish list to life.”

This award-winning transitional home design successfully blends traditional Lowcountry elements, modern influences, and old world craftsmanship into the open concept floor plan and bright palette. It’s a great example of understated luxury paired with an amazing view, natural light, and authentic and artful custom features. 

The automated phantom porch screens can appear and disappear allowing homeowners to enjoy full waterfront views and breezes year round.

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN . PHOTOGRAPHY BY 2LIGHTS, 1STAND

PU L L I NG S T R I N G S F E W A

STEP INSIDE THE SURREAL WORLD OF PUPPETEER AND VENTRILOQUIST BOB ABDOU AND MEET A FEW OF HIS BEST DUMMIES.

Mr. Mean is, as his name implies, in a mood.

“What are you looking at?” he barks brusquely, his wild and wooly brow furrowed. It’s the first thing he’s spoken since being picked up by Bob Abdou just moments before.

“Mr. Mean, since you’re a golfer, why should you bring two pairs of pants with you to the course?” Abdou asks, politely deferential to his temperamental co-star.

“Two pairs of pants? Why?”

“In case you get a hole in one,” Abdou says, fully aware that he has just unloaded a groaner of a punchline on his puppet.

Mr. Mean seems less than amused, as he silently turns his head to the audience and somehow manages to furrow his brow even more. He may be a

Rusty Zippers and Bob Abdou crack jokes for the CH2 crew at a shoot in the magazine’s studio.

creature of plastic, fabric and felt, but in Abdou’s hands, he comes to life with subtle irritation in his face and posture. Abdou might be the one telling the jokes, but Mr. Mean is by no means second banana.

“As a ventriloquist, I’m the straight man,” Abdou said. “When the audience expects the obvious and you deliver the ridiculous, that’s how God made us: to laugh.”

He speaks with some authority on the matter as a touring comedian for the past 26 years. Across more than 7,000 shows, Abdou and his collection of 35 ventriloquist puppets and 75 marionettes have honed a variety of acts that have graced the stages of elementary schools and corporate conventions alike.

Divided between a spare bedroom in his funhouse of a Hilton Head Island townhome and a workshop in his garage, these puppets run the gamut. There are the working puppets, stowed in dry cleaning bags or suitcases around the upstairs room: Stinky, the sweet but sarcastic possum who wants to be, of all things, an elephant; Rufus Doofus, a cowboy whose entire act came to Abdou in a 20-minute flurry of joke writing; and Martha, the sheepdog whose antics leave Abdou exasperated and his audience in stitches.

Each puppet, like Mr. Mean, transforms into something completely different when Abdou picks it up. And it’s in this blend

The Dancing Mayberry Sisters

Phoebe, Carol & Joann

Stinky the Opossum Miles the Turtle

of chemistry that Abdou can concoct a show that will kill for just about any audience.

“I can do shows for children, for comedy clubs … the only thing I won’t do is funerals,” he said. “Next week, I’m doing a show for Purim.”

The Purim show, for a Jewish organization’s Russianthemed get-together, provides the perfect avenue for Abdou to finally unleash a puppet based on Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof. As you can imagine, this deep roster allows Abdou to put on a number of different shows, but at the end of the day, it’s the children that fuel his creativity.

“I never get in trouble when I do a clean show. When the children laugh, the adults laugh, too,” he said. THIS

IS A TRUE STORY.

Bob Abdou is used to speaking out both sides of his mouth; he’s built his career on it. So, thankfully, when telling the wild story of how he came to be “Mr. Puppet,” he’ll punctuate his tales with one phrase repeatedly: “This is a true story.”

It’s a true story that he met legendary vaudevillian Soupy Sales after taking a chance on calling him for a magazine story when he was younger. It’s a true story that the pair became dear friends, with Sales even attending Abdou’s wedding. And it’s a true story that the first thing Sales ever said to him was, “Agents are like Egyptian curses,” and you know it’s true because Abdou has had it engraved onto a wooden plaque on his wall.

It’s a true story that he picked up puppetry to alleviate the stress of running his own successful printing business, putting in eight-day weeks in his early 30s. It’s a true story that he eventually started volunteering at Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts, honing his act with free kids shows every Saturday for years.

In the late ’90s, finding himself penned in by the business he’d built, he finally went into puppetry full time. “I was still bad, but I had nowhere to go but up,” he said with a laugh. Diving into the artform, he soaked up everything he could learn about ventriloquism, the art of marionette puppetry, and the subtle science of writing a joke. “Over time, I became more polished. I’ve bombed so many times, I’ve learned how not to bomb.”

It’s a true story that the past few decades saw him become a beloved children’s entertainer with a slew of appearances across the country. And it’s also a true story that during his time in Atlanta, he was able to book a guest appearance on the legendary animated talk show Space Ghost: Coast to Coast.

“I got blasted by Space Ghost,” Abdou said with a laugh. “Beat that, Carrot Top!”

It may not be a true story that when he received his first puppet, Woody, as an adult, it was like a divine experience. But it’s a good story.

“I opened the box, and light from heaven just beamed out and I heard angels singing. It was like seeing a newborn baby,” he said. “I picked it up, worked it, and said, ‘I love this.’”

The light from heaven? A slight embellishment. The love of his craft? That is a true story.

“I’m a terrible audience member. I get bored very easily,” he said. “When I’m on stage, I visualize my mentors and myself sitting out there. If I don’t bore myself, I know I have a good act.”

His puppets would agree. Well, maybe not Mr. Mean. 

You can see more of Bob Abdou’s felt and fabric friends at mrpuppet.com.

RBC HERITAGE LEAVES LASTING IMPACT ON THE LOWCOUNTRY

For 55 years, the Heritage Classic Foundation has presented a world-class golf tournament, now known as the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. Since its very beginnings, this tournament has been a jewel for our island, evolving into a well-loved and supported event.

This year’s tournament is April 10-16, and we look forward to being plaid ready. The town is gearing up to welcome professional golfers, spectators, and volunteers, and generate excitement among our residents. We know that with thousands of visitors arriving on the island, navigating traffic will be one of the biggest concerns for those of us who live and work on Hilton Head Island. For that week, the S. C. Department of Transportation will halt work on their resurfacing project on William Hilton Parkway/U.S. 278 to limit interference with traffic coming on and leaving the island during the tournament week.

But we also hope that you will be prepared for the higher volume of traffic by exercising caution and patience as you drive around the island. The RBC Heritage, which has the distinction of being the only annual PGA TOUR event in South Carolina, is an important economic driver for our island.

Golfers, fans, and other visitors from all over the world travel to Hilton Head Island for a gratifying week of golf and hospitality. The tournament’s impact is widely showcased throughout our community and the state. The RBC Heritage pumps $102 million into the state’s economy and is broadcast in 27 languages to more than 200 other countries.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN BLUFFTON THIS SPRING

As the yellow film of pollen dissipates and the stunning purple and pink azaleas and wisteria pop up everywhere in Bluffton, you know spring has arrived and town events are in full swing. Please mark your calendars for the following opportunities and keep posted about all town events through Facebook, Instagram, and Next Door.

• Lutzie 43 Scholarship Application: The proceeds from the town’s annual Lutzie 43 5K race funds four $1,000 scholarships for local high school seniors and college students. Please encourage all eligible students to apply. Information and applications are available on the town’s website: townofbluffton.sc.gov/639/Bluffton-Lutzie-43-Scholarship.

• May River Cleanup: The cleanup is Saturday May 6 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Oyster Factory Park. The town will provide supplies, coffee, drinks, and foods. Just bring your family and friends to Oyster Factory Park and help us keep the May River and its surrounding areas clean. The town hosts two cleanup events annually, one in spring and the other in late September. The town “cleans up” before and after boating season.

• Mayfest: This Rotary Club of Bluffton event is held annually, always the Saturday before Mother’s Day, throughout Calhoun Street and the Historic District. Also referred to as the “Bluffton Village Festival,” the event is Saturday, May 13 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The town will have a booth there, filled with information about the Bluffton community.

A Note from Alan Perry

A Note from Lisa Sulka

Photography by Krisztian Lonyai

Beyond the economic impact, we are grateful for the generosity of the Heritage Classic Foundation, which contributes to the well-being of the greater Hilton Head Island community. It is exciting to see so many charities, organizations and citizens across the region receive benefits for education, healthcare, and other needs. Since 1987, the foundation has donated $50 million to charities in South Carolina and Georgia and $5 million to 375 high school seniors. Last month, 11 outstanding Beaufort County seniors became the newest Heritage Classic Foundation scholars for the 2022-2023 school year. The students come from seven different high schools, and one is home schooled.

On behalf of my fellow Town Council members and town staff, I congratulate the Heritage Classic Foundation on 55 years of sustaining and growing the tournament and giving back to the community. This is an amazing tournament, and I am thrilled that our community can help support it in many ways. Whether you’re a visiting spectator or a resident, you help contribute to its success and make it a tournament our community can be proud of.

Please stop by for promotional items and information.

• Town’s Historic Preservation Symposium: The eighth annual Town Historic Preservation Symposium will be held at Bluffton Town Hall, Thursday, May 18 at 6 p.m. The panelists will discuss the history and cultural contributions of Bluffton’s African American churches.

• Town Children’s Movie Series: The town’s second annual movies series begins April 28 at the newly acquired park at Buckwalter Place. Formerly owned by eviCore, the park is across from the Bluffton Police Department and offers an amphitheater for movies. Stay tuned for more details about the park’s formal debut as a town venue.

These are just a few of the events happening in our town, but you will also see our support of the RBC Heritage of Golf presented by Boeing. We benefit greatly from this golf event, with scholarships going to our students and money going to many nonprofits and more. Our town will celebrate this week by placing banners along our gateway in Historic Bluffton.

A Note from Lisa Sulka continued

This & That

A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items. You know…this and that! If you would like to submit something for this special section, please email hunter@ch2cb2magazine.com. If we have room and it’s appropriate for public consumption, we’ll be happy to oblige.

SO, YOU WANT TO BE AN AUTHOR…

ARTICLE BY JESSE BLANCO

You’ll have to forgive me if the standard issue smile on my face is a little wider these days. I’ve always been a happy guy, eternally thankful for my mama’s disposition. She’s been gone for six years now, and I still have strangers ask me about her and reference the fact that she was always smiling. Yes, she was. As a result, so am I. And like I mentioned, more so since about March 1.

Flashback to April 2022 and an afternoon like any other. I got a call from a cookbook agent friend of mine who told me she had just recommended me to a Connecticut-based book publisher about a project here in Savannah. “I don’t know if they will call you, but I told them you were the best person for this job.”

Of course, I stared at my phone for days waiting for the call to come, but it never did. A little over a week later, on Easter Sunday evening, I got the email. It was from the publisher looking to set up a call that week. Was I over the moon? You better believe it.

Days later, I had a verbal agreement to write my first book. Savannah Food Crawls would be a carefully curated collection of walkabouts through downtown Savannah. Along the way, I’d point out points of interest for eating and drinking with the facts and history sprinkled in. The kind of book that had never been written before in Savannah, much less published by a major publishing house. Globe Pequot is a division of Rowan. They’ve been around for roughly 75 years.

In the big picture, the Savannah book would be pretty easy. I know the food scene here like the back of my hand. I live in downtown Savannah and have walked these streets dozens of times in 20 or so years, if not more.

Still, it was my first book. I carried a small case of nerves around Savannah with me last summer. I don’t lack for confidence, but when you get too cocky, you end up looking stupid. I’ve been there and done that. I have the T-shirt to prove it.

Putting that book together proved to be a lot more fun than I ever thought it could be. It felt like it was equal parts braggadocios about your brother or best friend combined with reacquainting with an old girlfriend. Don’t get it twisted; it was a lot of work. But it was comfortable and enjoyable. Savannah Food Crawls was turned in on time (August 1) and is expected on the street this fall. Fingers crossed.

While my attention was turned to other things, including my training for the 2022 New York City Marathon, another random email popped into my inbox. It was from my editor at Globe Pequot. She wanted to know if I’d be interested in tackling Charleston for a similar project that I had completed for Savannah.

The deadline was roughly 100 days out, with the Christmas season dropped in the middle of it. I really wanted to say no, but how could I? I have worked too hard for over a decade building

the Eat It and Like It brand. I had to accept the assignment, even if I didn’t want to. I signed the deal early November. I went to work on the project early December. Now, was I intimidated by the food scene in that city? It’s only one of the best in America. Absolutely 1000 percent. But what was it I said about not lacking confidence?

I told myself that the best way to eat an elephant was one bite at a time, and I went to work as the journalist I’ve been for roughly half of my life.

I learned so much about that city and its food scene. As you might imagine, I ate all over town. I ate when I wasn’t hungry. I drank when I wasn’t thirsty. I painted the town red on more than one occasion. All in the name of ‘research,’ of course. It was a fine time.

My favorite part? Good food is always the first guess, but it is not accurate. It’s the great people who made me feel comfortable in Charleston. From the executives at Explore Charleston on my first day, to the hotel concierge who’s brain I picked for two hours, to the bartenders who were glad to ‘talk shop’ with the writer from Savannah who was interested in sharing the real story of the food scene in Charleston. Which I believe I did.

The biggest take away was that, for all the world-class cuisine in that city, 70 percent or more of it exists during the dinner hours of 5-10 p.m. The restaurants making most of the headlines are only open for dinner. I had a good time sorting out the best eats during the day. I think it will be a very useful resource for anyone looking to enjoy a few days eating their way through the Holy City.

Charleston Food Crawls was turned in early back in March. I actually had a wrong due date on my calendar. I had an extra week to play with, but getting it done early allowed me to move on to other things. We can expect it on the street some time in 2024.

So, there you have it. I went from no books written to two books in about 10 months. If you had told me 12 months ago that my year ahead would have looked like that, I would have laughed and poured us each another round. That said, I’ll take it.

Cheers.

This & That

A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items.You know…this and that! If you would like to submit something for this special section, please email hunter@ch2cb2magazine.com. If we have room and it’s appropriate for public consumption, we’ll be happy to oblige.

The Hilton Head Island Land Trust announces its annual fundraiser on Saturday, April 22 at the Country Club of Hilton Head Island. Join the Land Trust for an optional nine-hole golf outing followed by a meet and greet, silent auction, dinner and a presentation by speaker Stephen Schabel, director of education with the Avian Conservation Center/The Center for Birds of Prey.

“The Center for Birds of Prey took in our fallen eaglets last year. The center identifies and addresses vital environmental issues by providing medical care to injured birds of prey and shorebirds. We’re looking forward to hearing more about the Avian Conservation Center and hearing all Stephen has to share, especially about the Great Horned Owls currently inhabiting our nest,” said Robin Storey, board member of the Land Trust. Schabel will also be bringing his feathered friends to share how important conservation and the environment is to our local wildlife.

The gala is a fundraiser for the Land Trust whose mission is to preserve and protect critical natural habitat and significant historical parcels of land on Hilton Head Island for the enjoyment of future generations. With conservation easements and land ownership, Hilton Head Island Land Trust has preserved and protected wetlands, green space, and the historic property of Fort Howell for 36 years. Your support helps us continue to monitor and maintain our Trust Properties and promote environmental awareness and local history to our island community, visitors, and tourists. Sponsorships for the gala and golf outing are still available; please contact hhilandtrust@ hhilandtrust.org for more information.

View Hilton Head Island’s only Raptor Cam online at hhilandtrust.org/eagle-cam. Purchase tickets at: hhilandtrustgala.eventbrite.com.

This & That

Coastal Long-Term Rental Company, LLC is excited to announce that this year marks their fifth year of operation in Bluffton and their tenth year on Hilton Head Island. Andria Hudson, their long-standing office manager, will retire as of April 30. Property manager Christie Hunt has been promoted to the position of office manager, and Jacqueline Moeller is stepping up as full-time property manager.

Home furnishings and interior design firm Bespoke Abode is opening its doors to Lowcountry clients at 14 Promenade St. in downtown Bluffton this spring. Founded by Martha’s Vineyard interior design principal and design director Liz Stiving-Nichols, the flagship Bespoke Abode boutique opened in Vineyard Haven, Mass. in 2011.

Stiving-Nichols is known for designing interiors that are visually cohesive with the views beyond. Her award-winning designs strike a balance of a well-curated interior deserving of attention, while also creating an effortless extension of the architecture and natural surroundings.

Bespoke Abode features high-end home décor, accessories, lighting, floor coverings, and custom window treatments inspired by coastal lifestyles.

As designer and operations manager, Ellen Dier has the honor of bringing the finest artisans and products together to reflect the Vineyard aesthetic. Dier hails from St. Andrews, Scotland, has worked for several retailers worldwide, and is a graduate of University of St. Andrews with a Master of Arts in English Literature. In 2019, she began her career with Bespoke Abode as retail manager and design assistant to Stiving-Nichols. Dier was integral to the design team behind the lauded Burnt Church Distillery, before making the Lowcountry her home in fall 2022.

This & That

A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items.You know…this and that! If you would like to submit something for this special section, please email hunter@ch2cb2magazine.com. If we have room and it’s appropriate for public consumption, we’ll be happy to oblige.

The Foundation for Educational Excellence recently awarded grants to 10 first- and second-year teachers across Beaufort County. These funds are intended to help ease needs (beyond regular school supplies) in the classroom for new teachers in the Beaufort County School District (BCSD).

The teachers were invited to fill out an application stating the supplies they would purchase and obtain letters of recommendation from their principal or mentor teacher. The Foundation’s board then selected 10 of the applicants to receive the $500 grants.

The teachers’ proposed supplies included everything from books to white board and puzzles to flashcards and even flexible seating options and musical instruments. All supplies are helping to create more hands-on learning opportunities and improve the learning environment for their students. The students benefiting from these grants include all ages from pre-K through high school. Some of the supplies will also benefit entire schools—like the stress-relief supplies, journaling notebooks and informative books on mental health.

Coastal Property Measuring and Media, a real estate measuring and media service has recently launched in Beaufort County to meet the needs of real estate professionals, property managers, and property owners. They are the first company owned by locally licensed appraisers to bring 360-degree photography, certified property measurements, and 2D floor plans to the Lowcountry.

This & That

The Foundation for Educational Excellence presents “Let’s Rock!”—an evening of classical rock performances by well-known local bands, musicians, and students. The concert will take place Saturday, April 22 from 7-10 p.m at Hilton Head Island High School’s Seahawk Cultural Center, 70 Wilborn Road, Hilton Head Island. The event is a fundraiser for the Foundation, but also a celebration of the fortieth anniversary of Hilton Head Island High School.

All proceeds of the concert will benefit the Foundation for Educational Excellence serving the students and teachers of the Beaufort County school district since 2007.

General admission tickets are $20 and can be purchased online. Tickets for students are $5 with ID at the door, and teachers will be admitted for $10 with ID at the door. To purchase tickets or for more information, follow @ foundationedexcellence on Facebook or visit foundationedexcellence.com.

MONDAYS