CB2 CELEBRATE
JUNE 2022
BLUFFTON AND BEYOND
LIFE LESSONS FROM DAD
JUNE 2022
C2 FEATURES A FEW GOOD DADS THIS MONTH – ADVICE FROM THE TRENCHES OF FATHERHOOD. CB2 SPECIAL SECTION: LOWCOUNTRY ATTORNEYS
DADS, DUDS, AND DEALERSHIPS MY UNEXPECTED EPIPHANY ON THE NATURE OF FATHERHOOD AND BREAKING THE CYCLE OF BUYING CRAPPY FIRST CARS
DADDY. DAUGHTER. DATE. plus THAT IS A BIG DEAL
A MURDAUGH MURDERS PODCAST UPDATE
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We take care of you the same way you take care of your guests.
It only takes one ride around property to notice something very telling everyone’s happy. At Montage Palmetto Bluff, we believe in a better way to serve our guests. And it starts with treating our associates the exact same way.
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38 DADDY. DAUGHTER. DATE. Special thanks to Chris, Ketina and Inés Gomez, and Scott and Palmer Pritchard.
WHAT’S INSIDE
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LIFE LESSONS FROM DAD
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DADS, DUDS, AND DEALERSHIPS: MY UNEXPECTED EPIPHANY ON THE NATURE OF FATHERHOOD AND BREAKING THE CYCLE OF BUYING CRAPPY FIRST CARS
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C2 SPECIAL SECTION: LOWCOUNTRY ATTORNEYS
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR NECK OF THE WOODS: THE TODAY SHOW COMES TO THE LOWCOUNTRY
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A PLAN TO EXPAND: A STEP-BYSTEP STRATEGY TO ADD EXTRA SPACE AT HOME
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CONTEMPLATING INSULATING? UPGRADING YOUR HOME’S INSULATION AND ATTIC EFFICIENCY
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GIVING “PAWS” FOR FURRY FRIENDSHIPS: HILTON HEAD HUMANE ASSOCIATION PRAISES VOLUNTEERS, RECRUITS MORE
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DRIVING INTO SUMMER: FIRST TEE – THE LOWCOUNTRY
46 THE DAD LIFE Jevon Daly’s “You Kiss My Daughter” gets a re-release, with a video that’s every bit as goofy as you’re expecting.
68 THAT IS A BIG DEAL How a little podcast about some notorious Lowcountry residents became one of the biggest things streaming.
O N O U R C OV E R S
90 THE FAMILY BUSINESS(ES)
ON THE CH2 COVER Palmer and Scott Pritchard
ON THE CB2 COVER Gracie and Jacob Hunt
Photography by M.KAT.
Photography by M.KAT.
The ties that bind have woven one of the island’s most cherished institutions in Rockfish Seafood & Steaks and The Art Café.
GENIUSES AT WORK
play
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 Famous Local Musician Jevon Daly The Gatekeepers Greta Von Bowser Vincent Von Bowser The Cut & Paste Crew Catherine Davies Aspiring Novelists Cheryl Alexander Jesse Blanco Linda S. Hopkins Barry Kaufman Amber Kuehn John McCann Lisa Sulka Lighting Experts Krisztian Lonyai Lauren Hartzog Photogrpahy Two Lights One Stand Photography Find Us Here PO Box 22949 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 843.816.6247 m.washo@celebratehiltonhead.com
Employee of the Month, Barry Kaufman
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A Very Barry Issue
ast month, I received a letter (it was an email, but I’m old-fashioned so I’m going to call it a letter) from a fan in Bluffton. She’s a fan of CH2/CB2 magazine and more specifically, Barry Kaufman. Her “letter” went on to say how much she enjoyed the two articles written by him in that issue: “Bloodsuckers Beware,” about Mosquito Nix, and “Fighting the Good Fight,” about attorney Patrick Carr. Any regular reader of C2 magazine knows that Barry Kaufman is one of the most entertaining writers in our area. I’ve always said he could make an article about watching paint dry somehow funny and interesting. After getting this letter from Joanna, I decided to assign him every single article in this issue that is, for the most part, dedicated to dads. I jest, I jest. But Barry did write a lot of amusing articles this month, so let’s go through them in this, our salute, to the most prolific writer in the Lowcountry. In an Instagram post last month, Mandy Matney, journalist and host of the Murdaugh Murders Podcast, wrote about working with a production company at UPC on a drama series based on her podcast with fiancé David Moses. Barry tagged me in that post with “follow-up story?” In June of 2021 we featured the podcast, and as it was hitting mailboxes, news was breaking around the Lowcountry that Maggie and Paul Murdaugh had just been shot. I said yes to that follow-up story, and that’s the first article by Barry in this issue, on page 68. Mr. Kaufman also writes his ode to Myrtle Beach on page 99. Listen, we know what you’re going to say … but don’t knock it until you try it at least once. Just because something is different doesn’t make it bad or good. As a woman who prefers running around Walt Disney World chasing thrill rides on vacation, I can attest there is space for beaches and wacky roadside attractions. Just be sure to stay at the Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort if you go.
Be sure to follow us on Social Media
In the first of two articles Kaufman wrote about the experience of being a dad, he gets behind the scenes with famous local musician and creative Jevon Daly to chat about the re-release of his song and new video “You Kiss My daughter, I’m Gonna Kiss You,” which comes out later this month on CH2’s Facebook page. The song is perfect for Father’s Day, an anthem for every dad who dreads the day his little girl starts dating. On page 51, Barry shares the story of buying his own daughter her first car and, in what is arguably the funniest article in this issue, expounds upon reasons why sometimes you shouldn’t listen to your own dad’s advice. But wait. There’s more! There’s also a lovely story about the family behind The Art Café and RockFish Seafood and Steaks, and Kaufman also writes about his first-hand experience witnessing the TODAY show film on Hilton Head Island’s beautiful beaches. Be sure to check out our special section on Lowcountry attorneys and a very special Father’s Day Q&A with local dads that you nominated through our Facebook page and emails. And now I release you to enjoy this, the Very Barry Issue of CH2 and CB2.
MAGGIE WASHO Publisher / Editor-in-Chief
Instagram - @ch2hhimag Facebook - facebook.com/ch2magazine TikTok - @ch2mag YouTube - youtube.com/celebratehiltonhead
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D from A D EVERYONE LIKES TO PICK ON DAD FOR HIS JOKES, FUNNY TASTE IN SNEAKERS, AND HIS OBSESSIVE CONTROL OVER THE FAMILY THERMOSTAT. BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, DAD IS THE ROCK OF THE FAMILY UNIT—THE HARD-WORKER WHO PROVIDES AND HARDLY EVER COMPLAINS. IN MOST CASES, WHEN A MAN DECIDES TO HAVE A FAMILY, IT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE WORLD TO HIM. THIS MONTH, WE FEATURE A FEW GOOD DADS. THEY SHARE ADVICE ON RAISING CHILDREN, TALK ABOUT SELF-SACRIFICE, AND IMPART A FEW WORDS OF WISDOM THEY GOT FROM THEIR OWN PAPAS. READ ON … AND DON’T FORGET TO CELEBRATE YOUR FATHER ON JUNE 19—AND EVERY DAY!
SPECIAL TO CH2/CB2 MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHY BY 2LIGHTS, 1STAND
Shane Harpham Children: Calista Christine Harpham, age 7; Caleb Allan Harpham, age 6 At what age did you know you wanted to be a dad? I don’t know if there was a specific age, but I grew up with a large family and was always excited to have the opportunity to be a father. What is your favorite activity to enjoy with your kids? I really enjoy watching them accomplish their goals. Whether it’s their first bike ride, first time ice skating or surfing a wave, it’s just so much fun to be a part of it with them. If your children could learn one thing from you that carries them throughout adulthood, what would it be? To have faith in the Lord and to trust in Him. What is the hardest part about being a good father? Probably having to discipline them. As much as my wife and I love our children, it is also our responsibility to establish quality character traits at a young age. Life lesson you learned from your dad: To treat people with respect and to work hard for what you have. What do you personally sacrifice as a father? Probably sleep! But honestly, I do not really feel like I am sacrificing anything that’s more important than time with my kids. Advice to new dads: Love every moment and let them know you love them. “Let’s not forget these early days.”
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from D A D What is the hardest part about being a good father? So far, I’d say the hardest part about being a good father is balancing professional responsibilities with household and family responsibilities. Working full time while also having some other professional/ civic responsibilities doesn’t leave a lot of time in the day, but at the same time I want to be present for my daughter and wife as much as possible. I’m not always as consistent as I’d like to be with that balance, but I’m learning to be better at it. Life lesson you learned from your dad: Family always comes first, no matter what.
Jacob Hunt Children: Gracie Mae Hunt, 14 months old At what age did you know you wanted to be a dad? I’ve always thought I wanted kids one day, but I never thought too seriously about wanting to be a dad until I was in my late 20s. What is your favorite activity to enjoy with your kids? My wife and I love to take Gracie to the pool, 24
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the beach, or out on a boat. Gracie loves the water. We have a great time playing with her and watching her entertain herself playing in her pool floaties, in the sand, picking up seashells, or splashing in the tide pools. If your children could learn one thing from you that carries them throughout adulthood, what would it be? Be kind to everyone you meet. You never know what someone else may be going through.
What do you personally sacrifice as a father? I’d say I sacrifice some time with friends and family and doing my hobbies. It can be hard to make time to do things with friends and family when you have young children because you really have to plan around the kids’ schedules. Having young kids makes travel a little more difficult, which also makes a great reason why friends and family should come visit us. Advice to new dads: When baby sleeps, you need to sleep. This sounds so simple, yet it can be hard to force yourself to do.
Daniel Moskowitz Children: Amara Poppy Moskowitz, age 7; Eloise Clara Moskowitz, age 4 At what age did you know you wanted to be a dad? “Know you wanted” implies prior to being a dad and with conviction, so at no age is my technical answer. I never knew prior but was generally excited about the idea. Now that I am a dad, I would not have it any other way. What is your favorite activity to enjoy with your kids? Any activity where I am introducing them to a new life experience that builds their confidence and comfort in something where they were initially intimidated. Experiences might include ziplining at their grandparents’ home in the mountains, tackling the ropes course at Adventure Hilton Head, getting up on snow skis, or learning how to swim. There is nothing like seeing them overcome their fears and finding great joy in an experience after achieving confidence.
If your children could learn one thing from you that carries them throughout adulthood, what would it be? No matter how bad that moment, experience, or circumstance might seem, you possess the power to change it. What is the hardest part about being a good father? The hardest thing is being present in the moment. Living in the age of connectivity and being immersed in the real estate industry delivers many moments where the work/home balance is pressured because you want to be there for your work family as well. Life lesson you learned from your dad: “The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.” He drops that quote multiple times a visit. What do you personally sacrifice as a father? I laughed when I read this as I thought maybe I should consult with Jevon Daly on a response. I choose to focus on what I gain. Advice to new dads: Committing to the time is easier than finding the time. The years with your children fly by, and you will never get the time or the reward back.
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Jevon Daly
What is the hardest part about being a good father? Not flipping is important to being a good dad. I haven’t mastered it yet. Also, I’m learning to not worry so much about money. I know—silly 😜😜
Children: Bri, age 15; Kass, age 13; Pierce, age 20 At what age did you know you wanted to be a dad? I never really knew I wanted to be a dad, but I hope to one day be a cool grandfather. I like the idea of family. Get togethers will be fun in the future. What is your favorite activity to enjoy with your kids? Sushi, car rides, and when they are ready to talk, I listen. If your children could learn one thing from you that carries them throughout adulthood, what would it be? I hope they learn to wear their seat belts and the importance of appreciating life.
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Life lesson you learned from your dad: My dad taught me to stay busy. I’m also building a little Jerry Garcia museum in my spare room. Call it whatever u want. What do you personally sacrifice as a father? I sacrifice my patience to the gods! Advice to new dads: My advice to new dads is just be yourself, and don’t let your kids sleep in your bed (impossible). Watch our guide to flowers!
Robert Moul Children: Robbie Lucas Moul, age 3 on August 1 At what age did you know you wanted to be a dad? I always thought about what it would be like to be a father. But the moment I truly knew I wanted to be a dad was when I met my wife Sandra. I couldn’t wait to see little Sandras running around our house. What is your favorite activity to enjoy with your kids? Every morning I get up early to start my day and get my son out of bed while my wife gets to sleep in an extra hour. It’s my time to be one-on-one with him, and I always love our morning routine together. It’s our daily bonding time! If your children could learn one thing from you that carries them throughout adulthood, what would it be? Take the different road and break free. Do not follow; find your own path. It’s your life. Why not take control? What is the hardest part about being a good father? When you realize this little guy looks up to you for everything, it changes how you think. You have an opportunity to shape him into someone who cares, who is thoughtful but also strong willed. It’s hard to figure out how to teach him these life skills. Life lesson you learned from your dad: My father was always a hard worker—shirtand-tie kind of guy. I always remember his suits and dressing for success. I think he taught me about the importance of your image and that it must match your hard work and dedication. I am probably one of the only real estate agents who wears a suit and tie consistently. That’s my image. What do you personally sacrifice as a father? I think you sacrifice time and your relationship with your first love—your wife—when you have a child. Life as you know it changes completely. It’s magical but sometimes stressful and full of emotions. You have to consciously focus on reconnecting and continuing to build that relationship through the stages of life with a child. You can’t forget your partner because someday when your child leaves the nest, you will only have each other. Advice to new dads: One day you’ll pick your child up for the last time. You’ll never know when that day is coming but for the first few years of their life, you need to be there. You will never get that time back. To experience all of those “firsts.” I am truly grateful that my career allows me to step away and spend that time with my family. It’s been an absolutely incredible experience.
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Troy Rice Children: Oliver, age 7; Brooke, age 11 At what age did you know you wanted to be a dad? Mid-twenties. What is your favorite activity to enjoy with your kids? Outdoor sports. If your children could learn one thing from you that carries them throughout adulthood, what would it be? To always do the right thing. What is the hardest part about being a good father? Never feeling like you give enough to your kids. Life lesson you learned from your dad: To always work hard for the things you want. What do you personally sacrifice as a father? Some of my own hobbies in order to push the kids towards their own. Advice to new dads: Don’t take the time with your kids for granted.
Ryan Larson Children: Piper Emma Larson, age 3; Laney Hillier Larson, age 1 At what age did you know you wanted to be a dad? Probably in my mid-20s, however, I knew I wasn’t ready then. What is your favorite activity to enjoy with your kids? I love taking them on trips, especially to the mountains but also love taking them out on the boat. If your children could learn one thing from you that carries them throughout adulthood, what would it be? Everybody is their own person, and they should respect that no matter how they feel about the person’s thoughts, decisions, or likes. What is the hardest part about being a good father? Knowing when to say no. Life lesson you learned from your dad: Treat everyone you come across with respect and understanding despite differences. What do you personally sacrifice as a father? Sleep. Advice to new dads: Enjoy every moment and don’t take them for granted. Be patient and learn to love what they do. C2 MAGAZINE
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Patrick Boulware Children: Patrick Jr., age 6; Charlie, age 3 At what age did you know you wanted to be a dad? As long as I can remember, I wanted to be one. What is your favorite activity to enjoy with your kids? We love going out on the boat and playing at the sandbar. If your children could learn one thing from you that carries them throughout adulthood, what would it be? Hard work, without a doubt. If they want to be successful in this world, they are going to have to work for it. Nothing is ever free or easy, and the ones who want it most are going to work the hardest. What is the hardest part about being a good father? The hardest part for me is making sure my boys know they are never forgotten. Being a high school wrestling
coach and coaching kids on the national level, there are many times I have to leave. I never want them to think I am forgetting them. Life lesson you learned from your dad: To believe in myself. My dad is my best friend and the person I look up to the most. No better role model to have, and without his guidance, I wouldn’t be the dad I am today. What do you personally sacrifice as a father? When I found out I was going to be a father, I was pursuing the dream of playing professional baseball. I was drafted six months prior, bouncing around from team to team before I got the news. After a major injury, I knew that lifestyle wasn’t the best when bringing a child into this world and felt I needed to leave that dream and focus on my family. It was very difficult, but I wouldn’t change being a dad for the world. Advice to new dads: Enjoy all the busy moments that happen when you become a dad. This is a journey you can never prepare for. Also, dad jokes are the best. “Want to hear a pizza joke? Never mind, it’s too cheesy.” C2 MAGAZINE
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Marcos Farr Children: Marleigh-2, Caroline-3 At what age did you know you wanted to be a dad? I am not sure of my exact age but, when I was in my early 20s, I had the honor to watch my goddaughter grow from an infant to toddler to a little girl, and every time I saw her or spent time with her, my heart grew. It was at that point I knew I wanted to be a dad.
What is the hardest part about being a good father? Patience. Every day I have to work on patience. Being patient with them and being patient with myself. Life lesson you learned from your dad: Work ethic. From as far back as I can remember, my dad has been a hard worker. He rose through the ranks in the US Marine Corps, and after his retirement of 27 years, he taught high school student for several years and now he is a SC State Trooper. This man has always worked hard for his family, and more importantly, has always spent quality time with us.
What is your favorite activity to enjoy with your kids? Driving in the car, belting out the Frozen soundtrack with them.
What do you personally sacrifice as a father? Nothing! There is not sacrifice being a father. There are only rewards. My daughters have taught me how to be a better person and the best version of me.
If your children could learn one thing from you that carries them throughout adulthood, what would it be? Have an open heart that is warm and willing to help anyone in need.
Advice to new dads: Be patient! Children are the best gift that you could ever receive.
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Thomas Reilley Children: Juliette, age 7; Vera, age 4 At what age did you know you wanted to be a dad? Ten years old when I found out where babies came from. At that moment, I knew I was either going to be a dad or die trying. Plus, at that time, I was only told about Catholic rules—no goaltending. What is your favorite activity to enjoy with your kids? Playing a game I made up called “Keep it or Can it.” • I fill a box with improperly stowed or neglected items, while Juliette and Vera take their seats at the judging table. • Items inside the box are presented one at a time. • Judges use handmade signs to indicate whether they want to “keep it” or “can it.” • If they don’t agree, they plead their cases to the “ME”diator. Best argument wins. • Judges are incentivized to reach a predetermined “canning” percentage. • It is a lesson in hoarder avoidance that they continue to embrace. They get a chance to influence the outcome, but more important, accept the ones they do not control. They also are reminded to value the things they have and learn to say goodbye to things that no longer have value. (Lesson Level: Mature Adult)
If your children could learn one thing from you that carries them throughout adulthood, what would it be? I hope they honor the present moment, staying consciously involved in life as it unfolds. I hope they seek uncomfortable experiences, run towards their fears, and embrace the complexity of those they encounter along the way. (That counts as one.) What is the hardest part about being a good father? Letting them... Sometimes I wish I could give them my notes, but letting them struggle at times is difficult for any good parent. Life lesson you learned from your dad: “Take a deep breath.” I am sure he will never get the credit he deserves as a pioneer in breathwork, but this is timeless advice that I frequently use to calm my children and myself. What do you personally sacrifice as a father? I was stubborn in the “diaper days,” but I can say now without hesitation that everything that gave my life value before has been willingly reduced for my kids. The rest of my family, my friends, my career, my time, my golf, my social life, my sleep, and my space; all were (and still are) very valuable to me. My kids, however, occupy the overwhelming majority of my focus. Advice to new dads: There are 7.9 billion people on the planet. How many of
them look up to you?
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Brad Marra Children: Emma, age 11; Peyton, age 10 At what age did you know you wanted to be a dad? Essentially, I have always wanted to be a dad and always envisioned starting in my early 30s. What is your favorite activity to enjoy with your kids? Bike rides to the beach. If your children could learn one thing from you that carries them throughout adulthood, what would it be? Treat others how you would like to be treated.
What is the hardest part about being a good father? Balancing time spent with your children and taking away from TV and electronics that are raising them. Life lesson you learned from your dad: My dad was always a great protector of his family. I try to mimic this trait. What do you personally sacrifice as a father? Nothing. I love being a dad. Advice to new dads: Cherish every moment. You always hear how fast it goes by, but the reality of it is astonishing. C2 MAGAZINE
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Daddy. Daughter. Date. All fashions can be found in local boutiques on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton. Prices change and human error occurs – Please confirm all pricing with boutiques listed. Don’t forget to shop for Dad – Father’s Day is June 19!
Styled by Kaila Jeffcoat Photography by 2Lights, 1Stand Special thanks to Chris, Ketina and Inés Gomez, and Scott and Palmer Pritchard.
“A daughter needs a dad to be the standard against which she will judge all men.”
Chris Michael’s Top $115 34 Heritage Pant $175 Available at Palmettoes Ketina Endless Blu top $38, Nature Denim shorts $38, CCOCCI shoes $40, Like Dreams bag $38, Thiery Lasry, Eyeland Optique sunglasses $410 Available at Egan + Ella Inés Poppet Fox dress $115, Lilies and Roses headband $22 Available at Moonlit Lullaby
“To her the name of father was another name for love.”
Daddy. Daughter. Date. Scott Tommy Bahama pant $115, Faherty top $148, Hari Mari sandal $55 Available at Knickers Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses, $375 Availabe at Eyeland Optique Palmer Antionette dress $136, Bow $14 Available at Island Child
“Behind every great daughter is a truly amazing dad.”
Scott Fish Hippie shirt $75, Kuhl pants $120, OluKai shoes $125 Available at 32 North Palmer Mayoral jumpsuit $48, Joules flip flops $21, Rylee + Cru bucket hat $36 Available at Maggie & Me
“Every father decides what man his daughter marries: not by ordering, but by showing an example.”
Daddy. Daughter. Date. Chris Southern Tide shirt $42, Southern Tide shorts $69.50 Ketina Current Air top $80, Current Air skirt $90, Dolce Vita sneaker $129, Hammitt bag $235, San Diego Hat Company hat $48 Available at Radiance Inés Cotton Kids dress $68, Bow $9.50 Available at Moonlit Lullaby and Island Child
“Fathering is not something perfect men do, but something that perfects the man.”
Scott Hagen top $178, Peter Millar shorts $98, TB Phelps shoes $200, Peter Millar belt $125 Available at John Bayley Palmer Z Supply dress $64 Available at Haskins & Co.
“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person. He believed in me.” Scott Free Fly shirt $75, Kuhl shorts $70, Hey Dude shoes $70 Available at 32 North Palmer Rylee + Cru shirt $56, Rylee + Cru shorts $48, Rylee + Cru headband $18, Rylee + Cru backpack $54 Available at Maggie & Me
JEVON DALY’S “YOU KISS MY DAUGHTER” GETS A RERELEASE, WITH A VIDEO THAT’S EVERY BIT AS GOOFY AS YOU’RE EXPECTING.
here are certain expectations that come with fatherhood. There are the mundane ones: when a drain needs snaked, you’re going to be the one to do it; when the grass gets too long, you’re going to mow it; when an argument between kids needs to be settled, you’ll be the one to tell the kids to ask their mother. But then there are the privileges. As a father, you get to control the remote control. You get to drive the car. You get to escape the craziness of it all for extended bathroom breaks.
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Special thanks to Mike Gump & Amy Ross for always being such gracious hosts, Phil Sirmans for the use of his vintage El Camino, Lucie Mann at Park Plaza Cinemas for always letting us film at her hip theater and Erin Lentz for being a great talent agent. Shout-out to Ellie Lentz, Dallas Ackerman, and Palmer Pritchard for starring in this video.
ARTICLE
Dallas Ackerman (perched on car) stars in Jevon Daly’s new video as the “degenerate boyfriend” no dad wants his daughter to date. Ellie Lentz (pictured left) appears as the older version of Jevon’s daughter. Palmer Pritchard stars as the younger daughter in flashbacks.
Somewhere in between expectation and privilege is the delightful paternal obligation to threaten boyfriends. Sure, it’s partly about keeping your little girl safe. But it’s also about putting the fear of God in some little snot-nose punk. To those dads nodding your head in agreement, Jevon Daly has your anthem. It’s called “You Kiss My Daughter,” and it’s having a bit of a moment right now as it is both being re-recorded and immortalized in a music video.
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The vibe in Kyle Wareham’s studio was decidedly country as Jevon Daly recorded his vocals for “You Kiss My Daughter, I’m Gonna Kiss You.” Jevon’s jean jacket by Susan Rafetto, Peace by Piece
Kyle Wareham and Jevon Daly listen to the hilarious outtakes of Jevon threatening his daughter’s boyfriend on the newly recorded track.
“It was an easy one to write,” Daly said. “I like a lot of the simple subjects that are kind of obvious. Someone once said there are only seven jokes, but there are a billion ways to tell them.” For Daly, it’s a chance to shock an audience with a joke that treads the line between silly and subversive. “It’s just
Daly, Ackerman and Lentz shoot a movie theatre scene at Park Plaza cinemas.
one of those songs that I know people are going to laugh at and then look at their daughters if they have daughters.” Of course, the silly side of it comes when you hear the nature of his threat. “You kiss my daughter,” the song goes, “I’m gonna kiss you.” “It’s sort of poking fun at some of these machoman kind of things that I think are silly,” Daly said. “I mean, I’m as toxic as it gets sometimes. I do the stupid yelling and puffing my chest out thing; we all do it.” Breathing new life into this song for the new video meant a completely new recording. And while the original release featured Daly harmonizing with himself over a stripped-down acoustic track, the new version is a boot-scootin’ electric country free-for-all helmed by producer Kyle Wareham. “I love working with Jevon,” Wareham said. “He hit me up because he wanted this to have more of a modern country rock kind of feel. It was almost a slow, pretty ballad, which did make sense for the material. It had to have some kind of a fun, not-too-serious vibe to it.” And to go along with that fun, not-so-serious vibe comes a fun, not-at-all-serious music video. “In a perfect world, I’d do a video for every one of my songs,” Daly said. “Every time we do something as this Maggie/Jevon/Hunter team, we think we kill it, then six months later we say we’re so much better at that.” To round out the usual cast of C2 characters, the team enlisted a few special guest stars to play both the daughter and the degenerate boyfriend. Ellie Lentz got the gig as the music video’s titular daughter, oddly enough, after falling asleep at one of Daly’s shows at Captain Woody’s. “She came into Woody’s with her mom and fell asleep at the table. It was just riveting. I said to myself, ‘This girl has got it.’ She actually believed she was asleep, I think.” It’s a classic Jevon Daly story; one you nod in agreement with before thinking to yourself, wait, what? C2 MAGAZINE
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Palmer Pritchard listens intently to Daly as he explains her motivation for the next scene.
Ackerman and Lentz shoot a funny scene in Old Town Bluffton.
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On a backroad somewhere near Hampton, SC The creative team behind CH2/CB2 magazine; Maggie Washo, Jevon Daly and Hunter Kostylo, shoot a dancing scene in matching outfits to round out the production. Obviously.
And for the boyfriend, it was a simple matter of finding someone who looked the part and could have fun with it. Groove Town Assault drummer Dallas Ackerman checked those boxes. “It’s because I look like a degenerate,” Ackerman said. “He wanted someone to not look like the kid you want dating your daughter. I just said, ‘Makes sense to me.’” This being Ackerman’s first foray into acting, it begs the question if he’ll continue as a thespian. “It was nice to be asked, but no.” One standout star of the music video is the precocious Palmer Crouch, who plays the younger version of the daughter in flashback scenes that show her giggling, dancing, and playing with her on-screen dad. As an actress, she’s already learned the most important lesson: negotiate your pay up front. For her work in the video, she was paid one golden delicious chicken nugget, declaring it “yummy.”
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ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN
DaDs, DuDs, anD Dealerships MY UNEXPECTED EPIPHANY ON THE NATURE OF FATHERHOOD AND BREAKING THE CYCLE OF BUYING CRAPPY FIRST CARS
I
wasn’t expecting to have an epiphany about the nature of fatherhood while pushing a 2005 Volkswagen Beetle out of a stranger’s driveway in rural North Charleston, but when does one expect epiphanies, anyway? My particular paternal epiphany came about as I was test driving said Beetle to determine whether it
was safe enough for my baby girl. It was a cool car, no doubt. Powder blue, her favorite color. Jet black convertible top. Little vase by the steering wheel for a flower. The whole Bug experience. She loved it at first sight. Me, I wasn’t so sure. And that’s where I had my epiphany. C2 MAGAZINE
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My dad was a very smart guy; I want to lead with that. Ivy Leagueeducated, successful in business, handy around the house, etc. etc. But he had a remarkable blind spot when it came to buying cars for his kids. For some reason, he wanted us all to have cool cars, no matter how many red flags he encountered along the way. It could have blood stains in the trunk and raccoons living in the engine block, but if it had a T-top, it was at least worth kicking the tires. My brother Rob’s first car was an MG Midget, an incredibly cool convertible that was designed to leak oil and sound like a lawn mower while running, in keeping with British tradition. My brother Bryan’s first car was a Ford Mustang, manufactured during a very depressing time in Detroit history when hatchbacks and cheese-grater hubcaps were all the rage. I’ll just say that when it finally caught fire, we all considered it a mercy killing. Despite two different cool cars turning out to be shiny automotive turds, my dad was still determined to put me in a cool car for my first ride. And
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so I became the owner of a Ford Thunderbird for several years, or at least a collection of parts that vaguely resembled a Ford Thunderbird. Sure, the windows fell out a few times and it was prone to stalling. And yeah, the A/C didn’t really work that well after the alternator disintegrated. But it was a cool car. He could have put us all in safe, dependable boring cars like a Toyota Ambien or a Honda Lunesta. They would have run as expected, kept most of their fluids where they are supposed to be, and not spontaneously exploded at times. But they wouldn’t have been cool cars. My dad was a smart guy, but it was a lesson he just refused to learn. Pushing that Beetle up that driveway, I realized that sometimes a dad’s job is to not learn some lessons. A dad’s job is to keep trying no matter how many times you fail. If you really want to do something special for your kid, it’s worth looking like a fool a few times until you get it right. Even if it’s something as oddly specific as making sure they have a cool car. I realized it was time to learn the lessons my father didn’t. It was heartbreaking, but I had to tell my baby girl that her dream car was a nightmare waiting to happen. Fortunately, my daughter is smarter than my dad and me put together, and she had already reached that realization—especially when the door fell apart as she was trying to let me back in the car. We managed to get that Beetle back to the dealership. And wouldn’t you know it, just up the road we found another Beetle. It wasn’t her favorite color. It wasn’t a convertible. But somehow, despite being in the price range of a freelance writer for regional lifestyle publications, it only had 15,000 miles. And it handled the test drive like a champ.
Despite two Different cool cars turning out to be shiny automotive turDs, my DaD was still DetermineD to put me in a cool car for my first riDe. anD so I became the owner of a forD thunDerbirD for several years, or at least a collection of parts that vaguely resembleD a forD thunDerbirD.
It wasn’t her dream car, but it’s a pretty cool car. My dad would have found a reason to get her into that first car, despite its faults. Because it was the car she wanted. It was her dream car. I love my dad for wanting these things for us. And I want these things for my kids. But sometimes a dad just has to realize that what worked best for their dad doesn’t work best for them. Sometimes you have to be your own dad. Thanks for helping me learn that, Dad.
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L A Lowcountry
A TT O R N E Y S THE BANNON LAW GROUP, BRITTANY HOLMES, MIKKELSON LAW FIRM, REGINA M. BANIS, DALE AKINS, BUTLER & COLLEGE, ROBERT DILLS, HUNTER MONTGOMERY, JOHNSON & DAVIS, CARR LEGAL GROUP, LLC, VAUX, MARSCHER & BERGLIND, PRINCE LAW FIRM, AND BOSHAW LAW FIRM
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JIM AND MEREDITH BANNON Bannon Law Group, LLC I 10 Westbury Park Way, Ste. A Bluffton, SC 29910 I (843) 815-4505 I bannonlawgroup.com What is your area of practice? Jim handles criminal defense and Meredith handles residential real estate closings.
We aim to demystify the legal process and make them feel comfortable be it purchasing a home or facing criminal charges.
What is your most memorable case? Pre-BLG, we were prosecutors here locally. When Meredith was 8 months pregnant, we were able to try a murder case together. There were a lot of pregnant pauses.
What’s something your clients would never guess about you? Jim was a professional actor prior to being a lawyer, which helps in the courtroom. Meredith was most definitely not a professional actor.
How do you avoid bringing the job home? By embracing the fact that boundaries do not exist and that our daughter will have a colorful childhood. What inspired you to become a lawyer? We learn something new every day and each day pushes us to be better and stronger. Being a lawyer allows you to dabble in everything.
What’s the most important tool you use? Compassion and common sense are our most used skills. We ask if it makes sense for our clients and the overall goal. What’s the last great book you read for pleasure? We both agree that living in the Lowcountry, The Prince of Tides is a prerequisite to understanding where we live.
What is the most valuable thing you do for your clients?
clients, and because of that, almost all of my cases are memorable. How do you avoid bringing the job home? In all honesty, I don’t. There are many nights where I work late into the night finalizing details for my clients, but their appreciation makes it worth it. Most days, my two-year-old can be found working with me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Although he doesn’t quite understand it all right now, I love that he gets to see how hard I work to provide him with a life that looks completely different from what I had (not that I had a bad one). What inspired you to become a lawyer? Becoming a lawyer was an idea that kind of fell into my lap during my final year of college at the University of South Carolina. I remember taking a media law course as an elective just to fill up my schedule and falling in love with the idea of working with businesses and people as an advisor. After speaking with my academic advisor, we decided that it wouldn’t hurt to give law school a shot. Well, here I am. Being a lawyer allows me to create a positive impact in the lives of my clients. I never knew how many people were searching for lawyers just like me, but I am glad I found the courage to take this leap. Hopefully the work that I do inspires others to do the same. I’m now living a dream that I had no idea even resided in my head before now.
BRITTANY HOLMES
Brittany Holmes Law, LLC. I 10 Pinckney Colony Road, Building 300 Bluffton, SC 29910 I (843) 593-8183 I brittanyholmeslaw.com What is your area of practice? Family Law and Estate/Life Planning. What is your most memorable case? Due to the way that I run my firm, it is hard to point out one case as the most memorable. However, when I need reminders of the good that I do for others, I remember how I’m able to provide all my clients with a sense of relief
that I know they won’t find at “just any other law firm.” My mission is to provide an overall experience that is unmatched, whether that means getting a great result that we had not considered to be possible or just being a “legal sidekick” when they need it the most. The law is complicated, and with both family law and estate planning, my clients deal with heavy stuff. I aim to develop unique relationships with all my
What is the most valuable thing you do for your clients? I bring back civility in a society where common courtesy is often lost. I educate my clients in ways they understand and appreciate. I truly get my clients and that makes them feel heard. During divorce and custody disputes, I encourage my clients to leave the drama “at the door”. High conflict does nothing more than cause stress, damages children and empties their pockets. That’s not why I became a lawyer. When developing estate plans, I help my clients think through options that they may have never considered. One of my favorites, as it is especially dear to me, is helping parents set up their estates in ways that protect their children, both financially and physically, in the unfortunate event that the parents become unable to care for them. That might be the most valuable thing I do. I focus on saving families. If I had a magic wand, everyone would co-parent without drama and have multiple layers of protection for their children at every stage of their life. Luckily the clients who choose me share that same desire and that’s why I’m able to love what I do while making a rather large impact.
MIKKELSON LAW FIRM, LLC What is your area of practice? Real Estate Transactions, Life & Business Planning, and Family Law. What is your most memorable case? Our mission at Mikkelson Law Firm is to know our community and clients as we help to navigate life’s trials. While there is not a single most memorable case, we particularly love establishing relationships with our clients and are so happy that many clients continue to return to our firm time and time again. We are honored to be able to assist our clients and help them navigate through their legal needs. How do you avoid bringing the job home? As partners in business and partners in marriage, it’s nearly impossible to separate us. You will often find our children at the office in the afternoons as we juggle the demands of the business and the kids’ schedules. We are proud to have our children learn what it takes to operate a business and hopefully instill a strong work ethic in each of them as well. Our family enjoys lots of time together outside of the office on weekends at the kids’ sporting and dance events. What inspired you to become a lawyer? After Ryan decided he could not follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a medical degree due to his rather “weak” stomach, he landed on
law school instead; Tiffany found law school after watching Legally Blonde and wanting to be like Elle Woods. Despite the paths that led us to a legal career, we both knew that service to our community was a priority. Our vision for Mikkelson Law Firm was actually mirrored by Ryan’s father’s medical practice, which has served the local Bluffton community for 30 years. Being an attorney in a small town where we can make a lasting impact on the community and build a family of staff members for years to come was our dream. What is the most valuable thing you do for your clients? We desire to practice law in a very personal way and truly try to meet the needs of our clients. We do not want clients to feel overwhelmed when they go through life’s events that require legal services. We have created a warm and friendly office environment for clients to feel welcome to discuss their legal needs. One important legal matter that we encourage clients to consider is Life & Business Planning, which is essential for all adults, especially those with children and those who are business owners. We tailor our approach to ensure that each plan is unique to our clients. It’s probably the most important thing you can do for your family and business, and it’s never too early to start planning!
214 Bluffton Road Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 757-9330 blufftonlawfirm.com
What’s something your clients would never guess about you? We have six kids! What’s the most important tool you use? Client communication is definitely the most important “tool” we use in our law firm. Keeping the clients informed and always being accessible to talk to clients is one of our firm’s core values. We have implemented various client and case management systems and processes to keep our office and cases organized, especially with real estate closings. We want our clients to always feel comfortable to call us with any questions or ways we can assist them with future legal needs. What’s the last book you read for pleasure? We probably should not admit this, but neither of us has probably read a physical book for pleasure since law school. We often joke that the amount of reading we did in law school was enough to last a lifetime. With our busy schedules, reading often looks like a children’s bedtime story (Ryan’s favorite is “Once Upon a Potty”) or listening to a podcast while traveling.
REGINA M. BANIS
Regina M. Banis, LLC I Magnolia Village Business Park 181 Bluffton Rd., F-202 I (843) 757-5500 I reginabanis.com
R
egina M. Banis is proud to be a family-based attorney who genuinely values her relationship with each client. She has been practicing law for 28 years and has been a sole practitioner since 2007. Going to see an attorney can be intimidating and stressful, from the issues that bring clients to the office to the dreaded legalese. People are always surprised when they see Regina coming down the hall barefoot with her teacup Yorkie, Ella, peeking through the doggie gate behind her. Regina’s down-to-earth nature combined with her expertise as an attorney turns legalese into legal ease. Whether clients are making estate planning decisions, navigating probate, buying or selling a house, starting a business, or going through a divorce, Regina puts them right at ease, which is why she was voted Best Attorney in Best of Bluffton 2008 and 2010; Best Attorney in Sun City Select 2014 and 2017; and Favorite Family
Law & Estate Planning Lawyer in Hilton Head Monthly’s Reader Choice Awards 2020 Bluffton. With a personal approach to estate planning, Regina spends time getting to know her clients’ goals in order to create a plan that will best serve their vision and bring them peace of mind. When it comes to commercial and residential real estate, Regina has nearly three decades of knowledge and experience to look out for her clients’ best interests throughout the process of buying, selling, or refinancing. As a successful business owner herself, Regina helps entrepreneurs become their own bosses, setting up LLCs and preparing operating agreements. From prenup to “had enough,” Regina safeguards her clients while they focus on a new beginning. Call to schedule a consultation.
DALE AKINS
Akins Law Firm, LLC I 6 Johnston Way, Unit A Bluffton, SC 29910 I (843) 757-7574 I dakins@hargray.com
D
ale Akins is a trial lawyer and is licensed in all state and federal courts in South Carolina and Georgia. He is rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell and has earned a reputation for excellence and integrity. He is also on the LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell list of Top Lawyers in South Carolina. He has been selected as a South Carolina Super Lawyer in the Plaintiff’s counsel category and has lectured on several occasions as part of continuing legal education programs. He is a South Carolina certified mediator and an Associate of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Mr. Akins graduated from Furman University in 1988 and earned his law degree from Mercer University in 1991. He has practiced in Beaufort County since that time. He and his wife, Sally, who is also an attorney practicing in Savannah, Georgia, have lived in Rose Hill since 1994.
Mr. Akins has provided aggressive legal representation for over 30 years, mainly in the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire, and currently maintains a dynamic practice in the heart of Old Town Bluffton, focusing on serious personal injury, wrongful death, and bad faith insurance cases. He offers his clients rigorous representation and personalized focus and attention. He believes it is of paramount importance in any case to keep the client’s best interest at the forefront through innovative and ethical means, and he persistently advocates for his clients to ensure they receive maximum recovery and the compensation they deserve. He has handled hundreds of cases and has a great deal of experience and skill, both in and out of the courtroom. If you find yourself in times of trial, consider the Akins Law Firm.
Pictured left to right: Heather Miller, Kathy O’Leary, Tom McNutt, Ashley Adams Brown, Mackenzie Antonucci, and Jamie Jeschke
BUTLER & COLLEGE, LLC
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t Butler & College, LLC, we focus our practice on helping businesses, individuals, and families with their real estate and estate planning needs in a manner that is honest, affordable, and customer-oriented. We are committed to establishing long-term relationships with all our clients. Our firm has deep community ties and seven convenient locations along the coast of the Carolinas—stretching from Calabash, N.C. to Bluffton, S.C. Who is Butler & College, LLC? In 2019, Ryan Butler & Andrew College hired Ashley Brown to open and manage the Bluffton office to service the greater Bluffton, Hilton Head Island and Savannah areas. When it comes to real estate, it is important to understand the role of an attorney in buying, selling, or refinancing a home. Ashley and her team are with you from contract to closing. Though many of our clients never see us except for the day they sign their closings documents, it is important to understand how much your real estate closing attorney and support team are working for you behind the scenes. From researching the history of your title to making sure the right documents have been executed correctly, Ashley and her team have your best interests at heart to make sure things go smoothly on closing day. Ashley is also passionate about estate
planning based and brought on Tom McNutt in January of 2022 as a dedicated Estate Planning Attorney for the Bluffton Location. Both Attorneys now offer Estate Planning products because we know that no matter where you are in your life’s journey, you have undoubtedly worked hard to build your personal and financial legacies. They are aware that you want to protect these legacies and that you worry about what would happen to your family if you were to become disabled or pass away. When you create an estate plan with Ashley and Tom, you can worry less. Butler & College offers free estate planning consultations so that you will know what your options are and how much it will cost before you commit. What was your most memorable case? The practice of law can be both challenging and rewarding no matter how simple the transaction or case. Tom distinctly remembers one closing at a client’s home where he had to speak over a talking parrot for the hour-long closing to be sure the client understood the closing documents. Sadly, South Carolina law would not allow the parrot to serve as a witness. In contrast, Ashley’s most memorable transaction in recent years was a closing for a woman in Sun City. This woman mentioned at closing that she had recently been diagnosed with cancer, but a few months later Ashley
(843) 284-8676 bandclawfirm.com
received a call from the woman who was now on her death bed unexpectedly. Ashley and two other members of the team went to her Sun City home on Christmas Eve to execute estate planning documents pro bono as a holiday gift to her client. The client’s family was very appreciative and kept in touch throughout the next several months as they dealt with the newly acquired Sun City home. It is moments like those that make us truly appreciate the purpose of our jobs and the joy that helping our neighbors in their times of need can bring our team. How do you avoid bringing the job home? We know that how you treat people will propel or hinder your career. Work product can speak for itself, but kindness makes all the difference in a transaction and creates clients for life. This includes being kind to yourself. As professionals, we tend to be hyper focused on perfection at work which can carry over into our personal lives as well. Remember, that our personal relationships are our why and work is our how—setting thorough processes for our team members and good expectations for clients during the workday allows us to honor our own time and invest in ourselves.
ROBERT DILLS
Dills Law Firm I 4 State of Mind Street, Second Floor Bluffton, SC 29910 I (843) 868-8210 I DillsLawFirm.com What is your area of practice? We are a full-service law firm in the Bluffton Promenade with a focus on real estate, estate planning, and business needs—serving Hilton Head, Bluffton and the greater Lowcountry area with flat fee and subscription services. The beauty of our expertise areas is that we get to be a resource and partner during your larger life events: when you are buying or selling a house, planning for the future of your family, or starting a new business. These are big moments. Helping our clients navigate the legal side of these events is why we love doing what we do. What inspired you to become a lawyer? I genuinely wanted to become a resource for those in my community. And I have always been drawn to analytics and strategy. Law allows me to combine those traits so that I can help clients achieve their goals and put the proper plans in place for peace of mind. What is the most valuable thing you do for your clients? Provide support and guidance as their dedicated legal resource. I view myself as my client’s partner. It’s more than just a transaction when they come into the office. I am there to help them make
the best decisions to reach their goals and to direct them with actionable advice when needed. Whether looking at a home contract or setting up an estate plan, the flat fee structure allows us to spend the time needed to really understand needs and wants and plan accordingly. I am always just a quick phone call away. What’s something your clients would never guess about you? I can’t wait until the day I can go shark diving. It has been number one on my bucket list for years. If I can convince my wife that it is safe enough, I am there! What’s the most important tool you use? Our law firm technology. It allows our clients to provide information with ease from phones, smart tablets or computers through secure portals. It allows us to securely store past information that can be accessed when needed (like a 1099 during tax season) and streamline sometimes outdated and slow processes in the legal field.
HUNTER MONTGOMERY, ESQ. Montgomery Law Firm, LLC I 10 Pinckney Colony Rd., Suite 402 Bluffton, SC 29909 I (843) 815-8580 I MontgomeryEstatePlanning.com What is your area of practice? Estate planning and estate administration. What is your most memorable case? A very dear but quite stubborn prospective client had a large estate with 25-year-old incorrect estate planning documents. Despite my advice to immediately update her documents to protect her wishes and her beneficiaries, she died after saying, many times, “I'll get around to it.” She died never having gotten around to updating her plan, which has caused significant delays in distributing her assets, court appearances, incorrect beneficiaries receiving her property, and unnecessary legal expenses. An estate which should have taken four to five months and about $5,000 dollars to administer is now costing her estate years of delay—a true textbook case of why proper planning is needed. How do you avoid bringing the job home? By working hard on client matters during the day, I’m able to have a work-free home life. Also, the 10-minute drive home listening to classic rock and blues music is a great way to unwind from the day. Plus, having chosen the estate planning area of law, I enjoy a mostly positive experience in a client’s life, and therefore, there is very little negative to worry about bringing home.
What inspired you to become a lawyer? Having seen my own family struggle through my grandfather’s incapacitating stroke, I became aware that there was a specific type of lawyer who addresses these issues: an estate planning attorney. Loving order, despising chaos, and protecting family were (and are) my primary motivations for becoming an estate lawyer. Having personally seen how poorly things can go upon incapacity and death without a proper estate plan, I was motivated to become the person who prevents this heartache for others. What is the most valuable thing you do for your clients? The most valuable thing I do for my clients is provide a smooth and safe road map for life’s troubles and inevitable scenarios. Also, of equal value, is helping my clients understand their options and why they need to plan in the first place. What’s something your clients would never guess about you? I can’t imagine that any of my clients are aware that I have *perfected* the best mustard-based barbeque sauce. One of these days, you may see my sauce on market shelves near you: MontyQue!
JOHNSON & DAVIS, PA
J
ohnson & Davis, PA is a local law firm whose attorneys have over 100 years of combined legal experience in the Lowcountry. This experience has resulted in an extraordinarily deep understanding of the area, its history, and its people. Our firm has effectively and prudently represented clients in a variety of civil matters such as home/property owners association matters, land development/zoning, business and transactional matters, professional liability defense, medical law, regulatory agency representation, construction law, and complex civil litigation. Our attorneys and staff are well experienced in construction and other complex civil litigation matters. This translates into a more knowledgeable and efficient understanding of less complex legal matters in real estate, contracts, and probate. The Firm is headed by Barry L. Johnson and Hutson S. “Buster” Davis, Jr. Johnson holds an
undergraduate degree from Harvard University and a J.D. degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law and focuses primarily on land development matters, POA/ HOA matters, and complex civil litigation. He was involved in the early development of Hilton Head Island and other Lowcountry areas. Davis holds an undergraduate degree and J.D. degree from the University of South Carolina, and served as a United States Air Force Captain in the JAG Corps. He originally practiced general defense litigation, but his practice has since evolved almost exclusively into medical malpractice defense, professional regulatory matters, and other medical legal issues. The firm has an associate attorney, W. Lamar Johnson, II, who holds an undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina and earned his J.D. degree from Charleston School of Law. Johnson is a great addition to the firm and assists in handling complex legal and
10 Pinckney Colony Road Victoria Building, Suite 200 Bluffton, South Carolina 29909 Call (843) 815-7121 or visit jd-pa.com
litigation needs of all the firm’s clients, with particular focus on POA/HOA matters and development matters. At Johnson & Davis, we believe in practicing law with honesty, integrity, passion, and decorum. We are always striving to do things in an appropriate and ethical manner. We understand that hiring your attorney is a very important decision, and we and our very experienced and capable staff make it our mission to protect and advance our clients’ interests, legally and otherwise. Contact us today for a FREE consultation at jd-pa.com or (843) 815-7121. Additional Contact Information: Barry L. Johnson, Esq., 10 Pinckney Colony Road, Victoria Building, Suite #200, Bluffton, South Carolina 29909
PRINCE LAW FIRM, P.C. On her solo family law practice: “I don’t just represent ‘clients.’ I represent people.” My approach to the practice of family law is an integration of serious trial experience with compassionate understanding. Family law clients need strong, solid legal advice, but they also want to be heard. To ensure I can effectively tell each client’s “story” to the court, I dedicate myself to learning the specific details that make each person’s case different.
which is why we often use expert witnesses to assist us. We also often use experts to assist in presenting complex financial issues to the court. For example, many local individuals are selfemployed, which poses a special set of financial issues, such as income verification and business valuations. Experience in handling complex issues and utilizing financial experts can be a crucial factor in achieving a favorable financial result in your case.
Emerging issues in family law practice: It is not enough to be knowledgeable about just the law. Modern family law practitioners must stay well-versed on increasingly common issues affecting their cases, such as mental illness, personality disorders, addiction, and abuse. How we present these issues in court may profoundly impact the outcome, particularly regarding child custody,
On experience: My legal career has afforded me trial experience from both sides of the bench: I started as an Assistant Solicitor and Special Gun Prosecutor for the 14th Judicial Circuit. Following that, I was in private practice as a civil and family trial attorney. Eventually, I was appointed as a Magistrate Court Judge, where I was responsible for the jury trial docket. After I finally returned to private practice, I quickly
200 Central Ave. Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 681-9000 bethprincelawfirm.com
narrowed my focus exclusively to family law because that was where I felt I was making the greatest difference in my clients’ lives. On family and home: Hilton Head has grown tremendously since the days when I could ride my moped from my father’s house in Sea Pines to the (old two-lane) bridge without the burden of the traffic we all expect today. I remember well the car dealership that used to occupy the property where my office is currently located. I love the Lowcountry, and I love practicing law in our community. My husband and I are proud to be raising our daughter here along with our three dogs: Duke, Jax, and Ozzy.
VAUX MARSCHER BERGLIND, P.A.
V
aux Marscher Berglind, P.A. is deeply rooted in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. The law firm was established in 1973 by Roberts Vaux. Over the years, the firm has provided legal services to thousands of individuals and businesses in Beaufort County, Jasper County and the surrounding areas. Rick Marscher was born and raised in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. He focuses his practice on real estate. Tabor Vaux, son of Roberts Vaux, was also born and raised in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. He focuses his practice on personal injury. Mark Berglind joined the law firm in 2008 and focuses his practice on workers’ compensation and personal injury. Vaux Marscher Berglind, P.A. is excited to announce that
Stephen Meyer has joined the firm as a partner this year. Meyer was born and raised in the rural Finger Lakes region of New York. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from American University in Washington, D.C., and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Meyer began practicing with Vaux Marscher Berglind, P.A. in 2015. His practice focuses primarily on family and matrimonial law, criminal defense, and general civil litigation. Meyer also serves as a Certified Family Court Mediator. He is involved in the community, serving in numerous leadership roles with local civic organizations. He is a past president of the Beaufort County Bar Association and teaches Constitutional Law for the OLLI program at the University of South Carolina Beaufort.
1251 May River Road Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 757-2888 vaux-marscher.com
The attorneys and staff members institute a team approach to understanding and resolving their clients’ needs. Collectively, the team works to offer insightful legal counsel and diligent representation to each and every client. The lawyers at Vaux Marscher Berglind, P.A., have more than 100 years of combined experience and use that experience to assist their clients with their legal needs. Whether it is a client injured in a motor vehicle accident or a client buying their first home, experience allows the lawyers at Vaux Marscher Berglind, P.A. to confidently and efficiently handle the clients’ needs and goals. Their clients always come first.
How do you avoid bringing the job home? I enjoy being with my family, practicing yoga, and reading “beach read” books. What inspired you to become a lawyer? My father is a lawyer. He encouraged me to pursue this career, and it has been a great fit. What is the most valuable thing you do for your clients? I listen carefully to them to determine the best solution for their individual needs. What’s something your clients would never guess about you? I saw the movie Jaws in 1975 in a drive-in theater and have been scared of sharks ever since.
DEBORAH H. BOSHAW Boshaw Law Firm, LLC I 10 Pinckney Colony Road, Suite 501 Bluffton, SC 29909 I (843)837-9050 I BoshawLawFirm.com
What is your area of practice? Estate planning, probate, family law, and business law. What is your most memorable case? Each case is memorable. I feel most
rewarded when, after a matter has been completed, a client lets me know how my work helped them— whether it was proper estate planning or obtaining custody of their children.
What’s the most important tool you use? My paralegals, Christine and Brenda. They make sure the office runs smoothly and that our clients are taken care of. What’s the last great book you read for pleasure? The Paradise book series, by Elin Hilderbrand.
CARR LEGAL GROUP, LLC What is your area of practice? Civil litigation with a focus on serious personal injury and wrongful death matters. What is your most memorable case? Too many to list. I recall several cases involving serious injuries resulting from drunk driving crashes and defamation cases involving false allegations of misconduct leveled against my clients. How do you avoid bringing the job home? Impossible. I am constantly thinking of my clients and how to better serve them.
What inspired you to become a lawyer? Working in the South Carolina House of Representatives in college and working as a courier for a law firm in Columbia. What is the most valuable thing you do for your clients? Helping them in a time of uncertainty and genuine need. Giving them some peace of mind and sound professional advice when they encounter the legal system against their wishes due to the bad conduct of others. What’s something your clients would never guess about you? I am passionate about cancer
1917 Lovejoy Street Beaufort, SC 29902 (843) 738-2277 (833) 728-2277 – Toll Free
awareness and research. I love golf but rarely get to play due to professional obligations. What is the most important tool you use? Critical thinking skills. What’s the last great book you read for pleasure? I can’t recall. Most of my reading involves continuing education materials and books designed to make me a better lawyer.
THAT BIG DEAL is a
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t’s hard to believe it’s been just under a year, but so it was that on June 7, 2021, Paul and Maggie Murdaugh were found dead. The layers of intrigue, scandal and deception that have been peeled away from this story since it broke have done so on a national stage, casting a spotlight on a side of the Lowcountry we generally keep out of the tourism brochures. And while the cameras of the world trained their focus on the most salacious details, raking the muck for the choicest clickbait, one journalist stood tall among them. Not only had she already spent years immersed in the sometimesnefarious dealings of the notorious family, she brought an old-school journalistic pragmatism to her work. Where the networks wanted soundbites and scandal, she wanted justice and accountability.
By now you know her name. And judging by the 3 million downloads a month, you’ve heard her podcast. Somehow, inexplicably, Mandy Matney has dragged journalism kicking and screaming to a new level— one where honest, meticulous reporting can also engage. “It’s something a lot of old-school journalists have ignored,” Matney said. “Journalism has to be a business at the end of the day. You have to develop audience … and find a way to reach them.” With 100,000 people on average listening every day to the 43 (at press time) episodes, it’s safe to say she’s found her audience. And with this stunning growth have come enormous new opportunities for the podcast and more avenues for holding the powerful accountable. “The podcast has allowed us to elevate the notoriety of this story and effected a greater impact than what was possible,” said Matney’s producer and fiancé David Moses. “Mandy’s reporting has always been second to none, although I’m a bit biased, and with the podcast we’re able to reach a wider swath of the news consuming audience.” Beyond producing the show, Moses has also famously provided the voices for several of the male characters in the reports, reading off official memos and documents in a cadence that perfectly mimics the molasses-drenched accents of some involved. “It started as a voiceover because I needed someone to break up hunks of texts,” he added. “I try not to be insensitive to the horrific nature of this stuff, and I’m certainly not trying to make fun of anyone’s accent.” These are serious matters, but in the face of such abhorrent circumstances, a little gallows humor helps to ease the tonic now and
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again. And few can trade that line between dignified and delightfully witty like Matney’s new co-star and executive producer Liz Farrell. An award-winning journalist and humor columnist, Farrell brings a refreshing subtle levity to the proceedings, underpinned by her own passion for accurate and fair reporting. “Having her has been essential to the podcast,” Matney said. “She not only adds so
much, it’s a huge weight off knowing there’s another journalist I trust looking into this stuff. I feel stronger with her.” The extra help has not only helped with Matney’s struggles with the mental toll the work takes on her—struggles that she is admirably open about both in the show and across her social media platforms—it has helped expand the podcast’s mission. Even if that wasn’t originally the plan. “I was adamant I wouldn’t take on any other cases; I want to be able to see these through and do my job thoroughly,” Matney said. “The worst thing I can do is to promise a victim I will do something and not follow through on it.” But then along came the Bowen Turner case. A young man very much in the mold of Paul Murdaugh, when the particulars of his case came to light, Matney knew she had no choice. “I couldn’t say no. It was so egregious and such an example of all the problems that we have been exposing, exemplified in the worst way,” Matney said. “It was the same thing, where the press was not paying attention as they should be. We felt like we owed it to [the victims].” As with the Murdaugh family’s alleged web of deceit, the nebulous power of the good old boys’ system seemed to have propped up Turner in his own alleged misdeeds. It was a story that dovetailed perfectly with the Murdaugh Murders Podcast. “Nothing grinds my gears more than when a public official does the wrong thing because they knew no one would care,” Matney said. “I want our public officials in South Carolina to be held accountable.” So the question becomes, at what point does the Murdaugh Murders Podcast outgrow its own name? At what point does it simply become a weekly roundup of the despicable actions of the powers that be, shining a light where others fear to tread? “We’re literally taking this thing week by week,” Matney said. “The most overwhelming part is that this feels like it’s never-ending. It feels like we’ve dug ourselves into a rabbit hole and we can’t see the way out.” “There are not a lot of neat little bows with these cases,” Moses added. “But we’ve seen some co-conspirators arrested.” There are signs that what the team is doing is pushing the needle in the right direction for transparency in South Carolina. Not only has their reporting on Bowen Turner once again brought the national spotlight to the misdeeds of the powerful in the Palmetto State, but it has also drawn the interest of Hollywood. Now represented by United Talent Agency, Matney has begun collaborating with Emmy-nominated filmmaker Erin Lee Carr and writer and producer Michael D. Fuller on turning the Murdaugh Murders Podcast into a pilot. With a story like this, you can expect it’s only a matter of time before we start seeing the melodramatic “inspired by true events” movies and streaming real crime shockfests. But what Matney is looking for is to create something different, something that honors the victims and brings even greater visibility to the state’s darkest corners. “I wanted to work with good people, and Erin Lee Carr is a journalist at the end of the day. She’s so empathetic with her storytelling, and I knew working with her it would be something the victims would be proud of,” Matney said. “This [story] is going to be made into movies and shows, all sorts of garbage. I wanted to work with the right people and wanted the thing attached to my name to be the best and be successful.” Details on the pilot will come soon, but in the meantime you can catch a new episode of Murdaugh Murders Podcast every Wednesday. C2 MAGAZINE
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR NECK OF THE WOODS THE EYES OF THE WORLD FELL ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND WHEN TODAY SHOW CAME TO TOWN. NOT TO BE IMMODEST, BUT WE LOOKED PRETTY GOOD.
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or many of us, it’s a morning tradition. You get your cup of coffee, you lay out your newspaper (or, since it’s 2022, fire up your iPad), and you flip on the TODAY show. Just as it has for 70 years, this engaging blend of human interest, news, and pop culture serves as a soothing backdrop for the start of your day. For one day this past month, however, the Today show was a little something more than just a morning ritual. It was an hour-long love letter to the place we call home, Hilton Head Island. “I came here when I was really, really young, so I have not been here old enough to appreciate everything that exists here,” said TODAY 3rd Hour co-host Dylan Dreyer. “The things we did yesterday, I can’t wait to bring my family here. It’s such a special place.”
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR NECK OF THE WOODS
“I’ve done a lot of cool trips on the TODAY show, but this was a special one,” added her co-host Sheinelle Jones. Their praise was music to the ears of their co-host Craig Melvin, who, as a native South Carolinian, has spent years bragging on Hilton Head Island to everyone in Rockefeller Center. “Can you believe they pay us to do this? It gets no better than this,” Melvin said. “We come here every summer.” As excited as they were to be here, they weren’t half as excited as the dozens of folks who crowded around the nylon rope penning in the Today show’s remote setup on a Sea Pines beach. Inside, a small army of pages, runners, crew, and camera operators were doing their level best to keep the show running smoothly despite trading in New York City sidewalks for swirling South Carolina sands. Outside, the gathering mob held signs and cheered when directed to by show’s producers, and often when they weren’t. “I’m probably one of the TODAY
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show’s biggest fans,” said Delene Miller, who had traveled from Beaufort to see the show. Holding a glitter-gilded sign welcoming the cast and crew to the Lowcountry, she was all smiles. “Hopefully I’ll be able to show my poster on TV, but we’ll see.” For her, it was the culmination of years of fandom. For Ron Nestor it was a happy coincidence. He and his crew had come from Columbia on vacation and happened to find out the TODAY show was taping here. Furthering the coincidence, several of the group had children who attended Wofford with Craig Melvin, and one worked with his mom. So, with these connections, what were they doing outside the ropes? “We’re trying,” Nestor said with a laugh. As much fun as everyone was having, the greater impact of the show’s presence came in the spotlight it put on the island. In a pre-taped segment, Dreyer went out on turtle tracking patrol with Amber Kuehn, brilliantly showcasing the fragile beauty of these creatures.
“It’s just terrific, getting the awareness that we have,” said Steve Kavanaugh, attending the live remote in his Turtle Trackers shirt. In another, the whole crew, including Al Roker, toasted Melvin’s birthday with a glass of Johnny Fever from Burnt Church Distillery. “It’s a big deal,” said Distillery Manager Chris Crowe, who was also on location, decked out in his Burnt Church gear. The culminating segment of the live remote saw the hosts sampling some of the Lowcountry’s great culinary treasures: pulled pork, deviled crab and red rice from chefs Orchid Paulmeier, Andrew Carmines and B.J. Dennis. “It’s been totally amazing, and I had no idea production-wise what goes into this,” Carmines said. “I’ll never look at this show the same way again.” And even though she’s spent her own time in front of the camera, Paulmeier couldn’t help but be star-struck. “This is Al Roker tasting my food,” she said, knowing full well that says it all. She also couldn’t help but feel a hint of nervousness when the blade bone hesitated a little in coming out of the meat. On live TV, beaming around the country, it’s a harrowing moment for any chef. “There’s no retake. There’s no editing. But they were so great.” Dennis not only got a chance to show off some red rice, but to highlight the Gullah culture that created it. “I’m just trying to represent, man. I just want people to come here and see the culture,” he said. “It’s beautiful; I don’t really have the words to describe it, but I’m very grateful.” The TODAY 3rd Hour crew packed a lot into their brief trip to the island, but it sounds like it might not be the last we see of them. “My dad is an avid golfer,” Jones said. “I’ve been sending him pictures, and now it’s unanimous we’re coming back.” C2 MAGAZINE
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article By Cheryl Alexander
A Plan to Expand A step-by-step strategy to add extra space at home
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re you and your spouse tired of sharing the bathroom in shifts? Has your family gained a new member? Do the kids need their own rooms? Does your kitchen feel tiny and cramped? Is it finally time for the master suite or home office you have been talking about since you moved in? The list of reasons could go on, but one thing is sure. You are ready for more space, and the time is now. Here is a list that will help get the ball rolling in the right direction: First, decide on your budget and be realistic. Homeowners who are unrealistic about their budgets are one of the biggest roadblocks to successful renovations. The truth of the matter
Carefully considering why you want or need more space is imperative when deciding how to expand. You might be surprised that what you thought you wanted isn’t the best answer to your problem.
is that unless money is no object, you will likely end up making some cuts to your ideal concept, so enter this process with that in mind. An average cost for an addition is between $40,000 and $50,000. This aggregate national number does not account for size, scope, slope of land, or geography. An extensive project could cost more than double this figure; if your addition is small and relatively simple, it may be much less. Next, in the current financial climate, it’s crucial to secure financing right away, even if your credit is stellar. Many people who, in the past, would have been approved for home equity loans without hesitation are now being turned away. Once you have determined how much money you will need or can spend, then you’ll need to determine your exact property lines to develop a plot plan, including your home, landscaping and the location of the utilities. Then check local codes regarding restrictions about how close you can build to your neighbor.
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Next, take a close look at your existing structure and floor plan. At this point, you’ll likely need help from a residential designer or architect to come up with a plan that will give you not only an economical addition, but also one that is attractive, useful, and that will fit with your current home style. As well as interior design, think about how the expansion will architecturally affect the exterior of your home. Carefully considering why you want or need more space is imperative when deciding how to expand. You might be surprised that what you thought you wanted isn’t the best answer to your problem. For example, you may be thinking to add square footage for a kids’ playroom, when a better solution to your space problem would be adding a master bedroom suite and converting the old master into the playroom. Why? Because the return on investment (ROI) of master suites is better than playrooms. And even if you plan on staying in your home for many years, it’s always wise to consider how appealing your expansion will be to buyers. Adding bathrooms and expanding kitchens are the big winners when it comes to ROI. You can’t really go wrong with second-story additions and master bedroom suites, as well, and those also pay off at selling time. Do consider not just the “average” ROI but also what’s right for your area and neighborhood. Don’t do too much, or you may diminish your return. Consulting with a real estate professional on your addition can be worthwhile. Realtors are very useful because they can analyze the sold comps (comparable listings) in your area, which can show how additional bedrooms or bathrooms may add to the value of your home, based on your local area. Your main objective is not to overspend for your neighborhood. Don’t build a mansion where one-stories are the norm. You don’t want to have the most expensive house on the block. Before work begins, make a list detailing the materials and the scope of the work to be done. Regarding materials (such as flooring, hardware, lighting, etc.),
A Plan to Expand include first, second, and third options. Your first choice may turn out to put you over budget. Having a backup plan from the onset will ensure that you do not lose time once your build-out begins. Determine at this crucial stage what you can and cannot live without, where you can compromise, and where you can go dirt cheap. Finally, hire the professionals. The number and type of people you will need will depend on the scale and scope of your project. Even if you plan a rather small addition, you will need a designer or draftsperson to prepare one or more working drawings to apply for a building permit; freehand sketches or rough diagrams will not suffice. For large projects, you will likely need an architect who can design an efficient layout and merge the addition’s design with your existing home. And do not forget to budget the cost of the architect. After your blueprints are complete, then you will get bids from contractors. If you have plans for your home addition contractors to bid from, you will get a better sense of their talents and cost because they will all be bidding from the same information. Another route is to hire a design-build firm. It provides a complete package of services, including design consultation, construction drawings, and project management. Though the idea of expanding your home can be daunting, when broken down into a few steps like these, an addition can be a relatively simple and extremely rewarding way to improve your home and lifestyle.
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ARTICLE BY CHERYL ALEXANDER
CONTEMPLATING INSULATING? UPGRADING YOUR HOME’S INSULATION AND ATTIC EFFICIENCY
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very smart homeowner is looking for ways to reduce housing costs wherever possible. Unless your home is on the newer side and specially constructed to conserve energy, then you should think about adding more insulation. Upgrading insulation and attic efficiency will result in reduced energy bills, plus it’s a project that will pay for itself within a few years. PROFESSIONAL ENERGY ASSESSMENT To determine whether you should add insulation, first establish how much insulation you already have in your home and where it’s located. A qualified home energy assessor will include an insulation check as a routine part of a whole-house energy assessment. An assessment helps determine how much energy your home uses, where your home is inefficient, and which problem areas and fixes you should prioritize to save energy and heighten comfort. A home energy assessment should be your first step. A professional assessment will provide a detailed analysis of your home’s energy use. In addition to a room-by-room examination, a home energy professional might utilize equipment such as blower doors, infrared cameras, gas leak and carbon monoxide detectors, moisture meters, and
ATTIC
START IN THE ATTIC BECAUSE ADDING INSULATION THERE IS QUICK, COST-EFFECTIVE, AND EASY. TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH YOU SHOULD ADD, RESEARCH THE RECOMMENDED AMOUNT FOR YOUR AREA, THEN SUBTRACT THE VALUE OF YOUR EXISTING INSULATION.
non-toxic smoke pens to identify areas of your home that need air sealing. Air sealing, which should be done prior to adding insulation, is a cost-effective method to cut heating and cooling costs, improve durability, increase comfort, and create a healthier indoor environment. Two common techniques that offer quick returns on investments (one year or less in most cases) are caulking and weatherstripping. WHERE AND WHAT KIND OF INSULATION After sealing leaks, you must determine whether you should add insulation and where, what type of insulation you have, and the R-value and thickness of the insulation. Keep in mind that thickness should be the sole factor to determine the R-value of loose-fill insulation, particularly for attic insulation.
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A label you’ll find on the insulation will disclose the R-value per inch (a measure of resistance to heat transfer). A higher the number means a more effective insulation. In tight spaces, like wall cavities, you’ll need a high R-value per inch. In roomier spots, like the attic or under a floor, you can increase the value simply by using a thicker layer. As well, realize that the more insulation you add, the more you’ll save. Consult the Department of Energy’s website for zip-code specific recommendations for the right amount of insulation for the Texas climate. ATTIC Start in the attic because adding insulation there is quick, cost-effective, and easy. To determine how much you should add, research the recommended amount for your area, then subtract the value of your existing insulation. In unfinished space, simply add layers to what is already there. However, if finishing the attic is on
CONTEMPLATING INSULATING? your future radar, you should insulate against the roof, which is a better method for humid climates. For DIY jobs, blanket-type material is easiest. Be aware that if compressed, it loses effectiveness. If you’re hiring a contractor, use loose-fill cellulose or fiberglass to better fill crevices. For a pro to blow in material, it will cost you about $1 a square foot; DIY batts will cost about half that. For roof insulation, sprayed foam polyurethane works best because it molds to rafters, blocks water vapor, and has a high R-rating per inch. This method is about double the cost of loose-fill insulation. Pro Tip: Federal tax credits of up to $500 are available to defray the cost of materials. WALLS If your attic has enough insulation and proper air sealing, and your home still feels drafty and cold in the winter or too warm in the summer, chances are you need to add insulation to the exterior walls. This is more expensive and usually requires a contractor, but it may be worth the cost— especially if your winter climate leaves you feeling extra cold. If replacing the exterior siding on your home is in your near future, consider adding insulation at the same time. Adding insulation in stud bays is easy. A contractor can blow in material through small holes inside or outside walls. This will cost about $1.25 per square foot for loose-fill fiberglass, cellulose, or rock wool or $4.40 for polyurethane foam, which insulates twice as good. BASEMENTS AND CRAWL SPACES Besides the top and sides of your house, the bottom should also be insulated. You can add insulation beneath the bottom floor and consider the crawl space or basement as outdoor space, or you can insulate the walls and consider it as indoor space. If you decide to consider it as indoor space, then shut off all exterior vents except those required for combustion air or exhaust. While floor insulation is more conventional, wall insulation has advantages, including cost, as only about a third of the material is required for wall insulation versus the subfloor above. FLOORS ABOVE UNHEATED GARAGES When insulating floors above unconditioned garages, first seal all possible sources of air leakage. This will minimize the danger of contaminants that may be stored in your garage (like car exhaust, paint, solvents, gardening supplies, etc.) seeping into the conditioned space. Also install an air barrier to prevent cold air in the garage from “short circuiting” the insulation underneath the subfloor. Even if you live in an older home, there’s no reason to freeze the winter or roast in the summer. If your house lacks proper insulation—which is common in homes built before 1980 when energy awareness began to raise—then raising it to current standards will provide your family more comfort year-round. As an added benefit, you’ll save anywhere from 10 to 50 percent on heating and cooling bills. C2 MAGAZINE
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Amanda and Freesia won the dancing contest at HHH’s Dog Walk event – our dog volunteers take adoptable dogs to training class and work with them daily to reinforce those skills. They also take adoptable dogs to events, like the Dog Walk.
Poppy the cat enjoys play time with a student volunteer. Cat volunteers spend a lot of time playing, cuddling, and socializing the resident shelter cats
ARTICLE BY CHERYL ALEXANDER
GIVING
“Paws”
FOR FURRY FRIENDSHIPS HILTON HEAD HUMANE ASSOCIATION PRAISES VOLUNTEERS, RECRUITS MORE
HHH’s dog volunteers take a group photo at HHH’s Dog Walk event with the adoptable dogs that they take to obedience class.
Gina took puppy Dobby to HHH’s Dog Walk event – it was his first time to the beach and he loved it!
“I
t’s all about the animals!” said Iris, pet adopter turned volunteer and now a full-fledged employee at Hilton Head Humane Association (HHH). “Puppy dog kisses and kitty cat purrs are big rewards for even a small time well-spent building trust with a shell-shocked animal who has gone from a home to the shelter or a shy stray who isn’t quite used to humans just yet.” Iris’s story isn’t all that uncommon, according to Franny Gerthoffer, executive director of HHH. While volunteering at an animal shelter isn’t for everyone, what Gerthoffer finds is that for those who do decide to stay and donate their time and energy to the shelter, something profound occurs inside of them. “Volunteering here ignites a passion inside of our volunteers,” Gerthoffer said. “They want to be a part of the success story of the animals. Though I can’t adequately explain it, I’d like to bottle it up and sprinkle it on everyone so that others might come to share the attitudes our volunteers have.” Like other industries, however, there is a vast shortage of workforce at HHH, so the organization is now relying heavily on their volunteers to assist with daily operations. Because of this, the shelter staff seeks to streamline their volunteer process so that they can better schedule folks for the prospective tasks available. Some of these great opportunities include dog walking, dog play groups, dog training classes, kennel cleaning, cat care, cat cleaning, bottle-feeding kittens, and animal transporters. Pagan, a kitten bottle feeder shared, “Bottle-feeding kittens is a job that really counts because it’s necessary to ensure the wellbeing of the kittens.”
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Cindy, a volunteer animal transport driver said, “Though the mornings are early, and the ride can be noisy, helping these babies safely arrive at their new ‘fur’ever homes makes it all worthwhile.” To attract volunteers, HHH is hosting an open house at the Okatie campus on Thursday, June 9, at noon. At this event, potential volunteers will enjoy tours of the facility, demonstrations of different jobs, and descriptions of the shelter’s current needs. “Our hope is that volunteers will sign up to be scheduled and help improve the lives of our animals,” Gerthoffer said. Gerthoffer stressed that their current volunteers have made a big difference in lightening the daily load at the shelter. “It’s totally a win-win situation,” she said. “The beauty of a volunteer is they can make their own schedule. Volunteering just one day makes a tremendous difference. Often that one day leads to much more because their passion to help continues to grow with every experience. Each day they learn they can do more to help and make an impact. Like Iris, some of our volunteers become fulltime employees.” HHH volunteers come from all backgrounds, but they share a common thread, which is they believe that spending their spare time assisting homeless animals is mutually beneficial. Every day that a volunteer spends time with the animals, the animals grow more adoptable. The volunteers, as well, become more invested in the welfare and outcome of the animals. “Marcia, one of our dog walking volunteers, says that her favorite part is watching each animal’s freedom
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GIVING
“Paws”
FOR FURRY FRIENDSHIPS ride down the street,” Gerthoffer said. “Patti, another dog volunteer loves the impact she is making on each dog’s future. In many cases these dogs come to us in terrible shape, often fearful, under-socialized with little, or no, obedience training. Our volunteers boost their confidence and make them feel like pets again.” She adds that the cat volunteers help in every way imaginable, from the bottle-feeders who take motherless baby kittens and get them off to a healthy start to the socializers who help senior cats feel appreciated and loved. Then there are the cat kennel volunteers who get to do all the “fun” stuff, like cleaning litter pans, doing laundry and keeping everything tidy. Gerthoffer also wants to be transparent. She admits that for every volunteer who loves being here and doing any job, there are those who can’t handle some of the cleanup, but it comes with the territory. HHH seeks to give their animals clean, dry, and comfortable places to live while they are awaiting adoption, and volunteers are a big part of that equation.
“Animals do some unpleasant things, and our volunteers must be happy to fix it. HHH volunteers don’t want a dog to be in a dirty kennel; they want cats to have clean litter pans. They aren’t turned off by unpleasant jobs, rather they are motivated by them. Everyone should volunteer here for at least one month,” she said. “It’s life changing, life enhancing.” Another benefit of volunteering at HHH is the social connection it provides. People who volunteer here become friends outside the shelter. If you are looking for a place to fit in; if you are looking for a quality retirement activity; if you want to meet new people; if you want to challenge yourself, then this is the place. “You never know where this volunteer opportunity will lead,” Gerthoffer said. “Sometimes people volunteer then simply end up adopting an animal, and that works, too, because a precious animal gets a home. I encourage everyone to explore what volunteering can do for them and discover what they find out about themselves in the process.” The mission of the HHH is to improve the lives of homeless dogs and cats while also working to substantially lower the numbers of animals reproduced or relinquished. Over the past year, the organization has cared for more than 10,000 abandoned, injured, abused animals and feral cats. They spay/neuter and release feral cats and provide food, shelter, medical, and loving care for the domesticated cats and dogs until the animals are adopted into loving homes. They are funded entirely by membership dues, private donations, and generous bequests, and they are empowered by the love and generosity of their volunteers. For more information, or to see pets who need adoption, visit hhhumane.org.
Cheers to Volunteers “My favorite part is watching our babies’ ride to freedom!”—Marcia “I absolutely love volunteering at HHH. The dogs and the cats look forward to our visits and getting love. In return, my heart is full every time I leave; it’s the best!”—Kathy “Volunteering makes me so happy! Caring for and loving on the precious animals while they await their loving homes is an amazing privilege.”—Wendy “Having a small part in our animals’ future success is my greatest reward.”—Patti “Puppy dog kisses and kitty cat purrs are the best rewards.”—Iris “Bottle-feeding kittens is a job that really counts because it’s necessary to ensure their well-being.”—Pagan “Though the mornings are early, and the ride can be noisy, helping these babies safely arrive at their new ‘fur’-ever homes makes it all worthwhile.”—Cindy
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ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN
DRIVING INTO SUMMER GET YOUR YOUNG DUFFERS OUT TO ENJOY SOME FRESH AIR AND FRIENDSHIP WITH FIRST TEE - THE LOWCOUNTRY THIS SUMMER.
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t’s been on the calendar for months, circled in ominous red pen, and yet you ignored it until it was too late. And now it’s here. The end of the school year. And the beginning of summer. Suddenly, the kids are in the house. Not just in the morning, not just on weekends, but all the time. It’s COVID all over again, but this time there are no Zoom classes to keep their minds focused. For parents, it can be a nightmare scenario. But there is hope. There is a way to not only get them out of the house, but to help them keep their minds engaged while teaching them valuable life skills. And it’s a program that they’ve probably already had some experience with in school, one that they probably raved about when they got home. The First Tee of the Lowcountry is helping keep our area kids engaged all summer long with a series of golf and life skills summer camps starting the week of June 6 and running four days a week through July 18. You might just think these camps are all about putting,
driving and working on your short game, but there’s a little more to it than that. “These camps are pretty three-dimensional,” said Aaron Immel, program director for First Tee – the Lowcountry. “Obviously we teach them golf, because when kids are new to the game it helps to learn chipping, putting, full swing, etc. But the second part we focus on is like skills. We talk about things like growing with grit and persevering through challenges.” That is, of course, what the First Tee is all about. Their regular programs throughout the year not only teach young players the fundamentals of the game, they impart lessons and values. Nine of them, to be exact. Their nine core values — honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment — inform every lesson. But learning golf and learning life skills, those are only two dimensions. We were promised three, were we not? “The third part is more fun-oriented,” said Immel. “These really are camps, and we want them to have the feeling of camp. So we have things like water balloon fights, or we play golf baseball, which is played with tennis balls or a kickball. It’s golf, and it’s also a lot of fun.” Of course, as with any summer camp experience, in the end it’s really about the friends you make along the way. “Our summer camps are a great way to keep kids active as well as interactive with new friends and peers,” said Immel. “It’s great to see these kids start out as almost strangers on the first day and fast friends by the end of it.” And if that’s not enough, they get to spend their summer at the massive First Tee – the Lowcountry campus. Since it opened, the 325-yard driving range, 6-hole par-3 course and 9-hole disc range have made this outdoor wonderland a huge destination for locals. You might be tempted to get in a few rounds while the kids are off learning the game and making friends. “All we ask is a suggested $10 donation and you get free range,” said Immel. “It’s a lot of fun and a great place to learn.” You can visit firstteelowcountry.org for more information on signing your kids up. You can also sign up for the $60 a month plan which gives you unlimited access to the campus’ amenities. You might need it – it’s going to be a long summer. C2 MAGAZINE
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The Family: Brittany Scheriff , Storm Scheriff, Mike Scheriff, Stacey Romoser, Breckin Romoser, Rocky Whitehead, Ginny Whitehead, Halle Jo Scheriff, Taylor Whitehead, Melissa Whitehead, Carter Ann Whitehead
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The Family
BUSINESS(ES) THE TIES THAT BIND HAVE WOVEN ONE OF THE ISLAND’S MOST CHERISHED INSTITUTIONS IN ROCKFISH AND THE ART CAFÉ.
A RTICLE BY B A R RY KAU FMA N PHOTOGR A PHY BY 2LIGHTS, 1 STA N D
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hink for a moment about the word family and what it means to you. Maybe to you family means the group of people you can sit down for a meal with and feel like wherever you are, that’s your home. Maybe your vision of family is a group that you have more in common with than anyone else, letting you freely express your personal creativity with love and support. And hey, maybe your family is just a group of people you love dearly, but who occasionally instill in you a deep desire for a cold drink. Whatever your idea of family is, you’re going to find it at Rockfish and The Art Café. Downstairs, your family can gather ’round and enjoy a celebrated menu of fresh-from-the-sea seafood favorites and delicately marbled steaks prepared to perfection. Upstairs, your family can create something magical together at The Art Café, flexing your creative muscles and encouraging one another in your art. And if you just need a cold drink, you can’t do any better than the Rockfish bar, which has proudly staked its claim as Hilton Head Island’s happy hour headquarters. Invite the family out and bond over a few bottoms-up beers or mouthwatering cocktails.
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“WE LOVE SEEING THE LOCALS COME IN AND JOIN US IN WHAT WE’VE BUILT HERE,AND I THINK US BEING A LOCAL, FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS IS WHAT TOURISTS WANT TO SEE WHEN THEY COME HERE … THAT FEELING WHEN YOU WALK IN THAT YOU’RE DEALING WITH FAMILY.”- ROCKY WHITEHEAD
“For me, that’s what Hilton Head is all about: family,” said Rocky Whitehead, the patriarch of the family that birthed this unique dual-concept hotspot. “Not only the local families who have made this the place for their nights out, but to the generations of families who come visit us when they’re here on vacation.” “I see kids growing up, year after year coming to the Art Café,” added wife Ginny, owner and proprietor of the family’s second-level business. “I might just see them once a year, but I know these children and remember what they painted. It’s just amazing to see them year after year.” The way they invite each person who walks in, whether they’re a local or a visitor, and treat them like a member of the family is part of the appeal of this upstairs/downstairs concept. “We love seeing the locals come in and join us in what we’ve built here,” Rocky said. “And I think us being a local, family-owned business is what tourists want to see when they come here … that feeling when you walk in that you’re dealing with family.” And at Rockfish and The Art Café, you’re dealing with family. The whole family. The Whiteheads’ three adult children are all a crucial part of the business, with more of the family joining all the time. “My 9-year-old grandson even comes in to help out on the weekends when he’s off school,” Ginny said. (NOTE to any freelance labor law experts out there, he gets paid in hugs from grandma). Of course, if you’re going to truly court tourists, you’re going to have to learn to speak their language. Fortunately, for the Whiteheads, as native Cincinnatians, Ohio is their native language. “Well, you know all about us and the Bengals,” Rocky said. As the official Bengals bar of Hilton Head Island, Rockfish was the place to be during the team’s Cinderella season which ended in a Super Bowl appearance. “We had two of the three major TV stations in Cincinnati do a piece on us. I had a gentleman visiting Venice, Italy who let me know he saw the piece. He told me, ‘You’re international, now!’” 92
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Rocky and Ginny Whitehead
As much fun as they’ve been having downstairs, Rockfish is just half of the appeal here. Upstairs, The Art Café has become the island’s hottest place for parents looking for a brief rendezvous without the young ones. “We do Kids Night Out, and it has really flourished,” Ginny said. During these special events, parents can drop the kids off upstairs at The Art Café, knowing that they’ll have a blast creating their own one-of-a-kind artwork, then head downstairs to Rockfish and enjoy an intimate (Read: uninterrupted) night of marital bliss. “It’s like a babysitter for the night.” And in the end, it gives the family one more thing to do together. Even if, technically, they’re doing it apart. “We used to take family trips down to Sanibel when the kids were younger, and I know I’d have been excited to get away for one night,” Rocky
said. (You parents of young kids know how vital those stolen moments are and how much they bring the family together.) “We love families. That’s what we’re all about.” So, if you have a family, whether they’re a family that dines together, paints together or raises a glass together, do what families have been doing on Hilton Head Island for years: head to Rockfish and The Art Café. If you’re not family when you walk in, you will be by the time you leave. Rockfish and The Art Café are located at 5 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island. For more information, visit rockfishhhi.com or call (843) 689-2662.
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Kym Castillo shows the cameraman the top of the egg chamber, one foot below the surface
ARTICLE BY AMBER KUEHN
‘Unofficial Mascot of Hilton Head Island’ SEA TURTLES SPOTLIGHTED ON NATIONAL TELEVISION
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got a random email from a producer in New York City on April 19, 2022. It said, “Hello. I’m with NBC’s TODAY show, and I’m looking into doing an upcoming story on the sea turtles of Hilton Head ahead of the nesting season. We’d be interested in speaking with someone from Sea Turtle Patrol about the turtles’ presence on the island, the local regulations and volunteer efforts to help protect them, and potentially shooting some of the best visuals associated with all of this. If there’s anyone I could speak with about a potential shoot in early May, that would be wonderful. Thanks, and hope this is something that could work out!” My interpretation of this email suggested that a national syndicate wanted to do a special on the sea turtles of Hilton Head Island. Finally, our hard work had paid off! My response was a definite YES! I didn’t know that the Today Show had a 3rd Hour and that Hilton Head Island (not just the sea turtle program) was being featured. Those of you who know me also know that I could fill an NBC spot for several hours when speaking on sea turtle biology and conservation. However, those hopes and dreams were dashed when the Chamber of Commerce called to inform me that a production crew planned to visit Hilton Head
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COMPLETELY SOAKED! Turtle Patrol HHI members (left to right) Mary Sheridan, Amber Kuehn, Kym Castillo and Carrell Cranswick pictured with TODAY show anchor Dylan Dreyer (middle).
to highlight the island as a vacation destination. My first thought was, oh well, at least I knew about it first. Ultimately, Sea Turtle Patrol HHI was included in the live broadcast on Friday May 20 for an action-packed three minutes. We were so humbled and very honored to be a part of it. We filmed the Sea Turtle Patrol segment on the morning of Friday, May 13 with anchor Dylan Dreyer, an NBC producer, a sound guy, and two camera men. It was 5 a.m. and raining, but sea turtle patrol monitors the beach rain or shine. We picked the crew up at the Westin, the closest hotel to ground zero— the Sea Turtle Patrol tent situated in the Islander’s Beach Park parking lot. We took three trucks onto the beach. One was just for camera equipment and the rest carried the NBC crew, and four members of Sea Turtle Patrol. We entered the beach on the south side of the Folly to start looking for sea turtle tracks. Although we do this every morning annually, beginning May 1 through October until the last nest hatches, the anticipation was amplified. It was
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the beginning of the nesting season, and nests were trickling in. The crew had limited time, and we could not guarantee that we would see a nest on 14 miles of beach. Me: “Oh thank God! A turtle track.” We identified the track almost immediately. It was nest number five of the season. At first glance, I could tell that the track was a little larger than normal and that the flipper marks were synchronized instead of alternating. Could it be that a green sea turtle had emerged to lay her eggs? What a special visit from this species that rarely nests on Hilton Head Island. We were excited but at the same time intimidated and skeptical. Both Kym (Castillo) and I have been monitoring sea turtle nesting beaches for over 20 years, and we both immediately sensed that the track could be from a green sea turtle. We won’t know for sure until we receive the DNA analysis confirmation at the end of the season. We were skeptical because of the rarity but intimidated because this species is larger than the loggerhead and will deposit her eggs much deeper. It can be difficult to find the egg chamber that is not only deep, but also found within an area that is less than a foot in diameter within a body pit that could be approximately six feet in diameter. Although it was still drizzling, the filming began, and we started searching for the egg chamber on top of the dune; then the bottom dropped out and the camera men called it. They all bolted into the trucks. I was impressed that the sound guy had a raincoat for his sound board that was strapped to his chest. Thousands of dollars of camera equipment was quickly jettisoned into the trucks first, and then the crew hopped into the closest vehicle. Turtle Patrol did the same with fingers crossed that the rain would let up. Normally, we would have kept on going. The rain subsided
Amber Kuehn, Director of Sea Turtle Patrol of Hilton Head Island, being interviewed by Dylan Dreyer about her passion for sea turtles.
after about 10 minutes, and we went to work. Kym found the egg chamber right away and removed one egg from the nest to sample the maternal DNA on the outside of the eggshell. When this egg was brought up from the egg chamber, all the city slickers gasped with awe! Dylan Dreyer: “Oh my gossssh! Oh wowww. This is so special it makes me feel like (pause) proud.” We decided that the nesting sea turtle had picked a good spot, elevated on the dune, so we marked the nest “in situ.” Then the interviews commenced.
The makeup I had awkwardly applied that morning was pointless the moment I stepped out into the drizzling rain to direct the vehicles. It was so easy to speak with Dylan Dreyer. She is sweet and sincerely interested in our mission. We spoke about the importance of sea turtles worldwide, a keystone species, and their amazing ability to instinctually navigate the ocean to find their way back to our coast. It was a privileged experience for all the humans involved. The magnificence of a sea turtle is inspiring. As a significant side note, Craig Melvin called the sea turtle the “unofficial mascot of Hilton Head Island.” I won’t let the Town of Hilton Head Island forget it. It was announced on national television, so it’s true. Amber Kuehn is director of Sea Turtle Patrol HHI, a 501c3 nonprofit.
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ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN
What’s Wrong with Myrtle Beach? TACKLING HILTON HEAD ISLAND’S POLAR OPPOSITE TO FIND OUT JUST WHAT EXACTLY IS WRONG WITH A LITTLE NEON AND KITSCH
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ook, Hilton Head Island, I get it. So keep the angry letters to yourself. I’ve heard it all before. We all have. One of the central tenets of Hilton Head Island’s grand philosophy could pretty much sum up our entire LMO with one sentence: We don’t want to be Myrtle Beach. And I get it, really I do. Hilton Head Island is classy, eschewing the sensory rush that comes with flashing lights that drown out the stars and blaring bar music that covers the hushed cadence of the waves. Hilton Head Island is rustic, at one with nature as it carves out a legacy of conservation and protection of the landscape (at least those parts of the landscape that don’t make for good golfing). Myrtle Beach is none of those things. It’s a souvenir cup shaped like a Tiki statue filled with enough booze to make Charles Bukowski rise from his grave. It’s a Whack-a-Mole machine right on the beach, emitting digital calliope music punctuated by whacks from a mallet. It’s
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gleaming lights in a rainbow of garish colors reflecting on the dark waves of the ocean. And it is, whether we want to admit it or not, a hell of a lot of fun. I was lucky enough to visit recently, staying with my wife at the Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort. Like slowly lowering oneself into the steaming waters of a hot tub, the Westgate Myrtle Beach proved to be the perfect mix of Hilton Head’s refined tranquility and Myrtle Beach’s gregarious bacchanalia. Occupying a wide stretch of prime beachfront property, it offers relaxed seclusion on its private beach. It also offered a vibrant splash pad where kids could run wild, just by the beachfront bar where parents could enjoy a little day-drinking family time. It offered soaring balconies that gazed out toward the boundless ocean where one could reflect in transcendental peace. It also offered an on-site sports bar, Drafts, where I procured the aforementioned Tiki mug. It put a refined spin on Myrtle Beach’s lunacy, which hits you almost as soon as you step off the property and see a roller coaster to one side of you and a waterslide to the other. Over the course of one amazing weekend, my wife and I took in all that Myrtle Beach has to offer. Like some Coney Island of the South, the town serenaded us with caterwauling karaoke belting forth from The Bowery bar, once home to Southern rock legends Alabama. It regaled us with impossible treasures from around the world at the Ripley’s museum. It filled us with a truly heroic amount of alcohol before setting us loose on the neon-drenched boardwalk. When we somehow found ourselves out past midnight and with a severe case of the drunchies, it nurtured us with an all-night diner.
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Fun Plaza right on the boardwalk. Official slogan, “You won’t believe how hard Street Fighter is when you’re hammered.” Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads. Riding the hoverboard at Ripley’s Believe it Or Not. Fun fact. I found out the next morning I’d bought like $90 worth of candy at a place called I LOVE SUGAR.
For someone used to the gentle rhythms of the lower 843, it was like being thrown onto a tilt-a-whirl in the middle of a three-ring circus. And it was glorious. Look, there’s something to be said for letting your hair down a little. There’s something to be had for seeking out a little bit of pure, visceral fun. We can have these things without “being Myrtle Beach.” Not necessarily the neon and the noise (if for no other reason than they might frighten the turtles), but maybe, if nothing else, the spirit. Last time I checked, there was a whole empty Sam’s Club just sitting on the north end. If anyone wants to set up some kind of indoor version of Myrtle Beach, where the sounds and the mayhem can remain safely behind brick and glass, I’ll be the first in line. Until then, you’ll forgive me if I take the occasional break from the peace and quiet, grab a room at the Westgate, and spend a day or two following the circus.
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Hilton Head Island Mayor
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Photography by M.Kat
A Note from John McCann
STORM READY
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une 1 is the official start of the 2022 hurricane season, and I’m knocking on wood that any named storms will graciously pass us by again this year. But we want you to be ready and prepared if, by chance, we find ourselves dealing with storms this hurricane season. Over the year, the town prepares to respond to tropical storms and hurricanes. One way is by building up our reserve funds to handle disasters. After Hurricane Matthew happened upon us in 2016, Town Council assessed a five-year tax mill to generate funds to support our disaster efforts. Property owners contributed to this disaster relief fund through property taxes collected from fiscal year 2018 through fiscal year 2022. The tax collection ends this year after the adoption of our fiscal year 2023 budget. This five-year collection netted us $23.15 million—cash we could access immediately if we needed it for disaster relief efforts. There are two bonuses to this strategy: We have a pot of money we can use to respond to weather-related disaster, and the elimination of the five mills means lower taxes for Hilton Head Island property owners as we head into our next fiscal year, which starts on July 1. The town takes great pride in its storm preparation efforts, from participating in training exercises to making sure supplies are stocked in the event they are needed during an evacuation. These annual exercises and preparation steps, led by our emergency manager Tom Dunn, recently helped us earn renewal of our StormReady® designation from the National Weather Service in Charleston, S.C. This renewal became effective in April and will remain in effect through July 2026. Being recognized as “StormReady” not only means that
< Bluffton Mayor
Hilton Head Island continues to meet or exceed the strict standards that have been established by the National Weather Service, but also continues to be a vital partner in promoting a more weather-ready nation. The StormReady Program is intended to: • Reduce fatalities and injuries and minimize property damage through timely distribution, receipt, and effective communication of hazardous weather and flood warnings between the NWS, emergency managers, and the public.
A Note from Lisa Sulka
M AY O R
WHAT BLUFFTON DOES BEST: HAVE FUN TOGETHER
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fter a nearly two-year hiatus from Bluffton’s events due to the pandemic, the town wants to help bring neighbors together again to make memories. Bluffton has developed a wonderful lineup of children’s and community events to celebrate our parks and each other. The big news: The town will host its inaugural Independence Day Celebration, Saturday, July 2. It will begin at 5 p.m. and continue through the fireworks display. The festivities begin at Martin Family and DuBois Parks, with live music by Lowcountry Boil Bluegrass Band from 5-8 p.m. Jevon Daly, the lead singer, will also do a 45-minute interactive show for children between the two musical sets. Along the perimeter of Martin Family Park, children can play interactive games, offering an opportunity to win patriotic-themed prizes at each game station. Come a little hungry, for hot dogs, pretzels, snow cones, and lemonade will be available. There will be plenty of activities to work off the festive food. Children can play on the rock wall and bungee jump in the parking lot between the two parks. The fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. from Oyster Factory Park. They will be launched from a barge in the May River,
Photography by Krisztian Lonyai
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• Provide detailed and clear recommendations emergency managers can use to establish or improve hazardous weather and flood planning, operations, and public response. • Empower Americans to make better decisions before and during weather and flood hazards through community preparedness. StormReady communities have made a strong commitment to implement the infrastructure and systems needed to save lives and protect property when hazardous weather and flooding strikes. A part of the town’s preparation for hurricanes and other weather disasters is making sure our town and our residents are storm ready. The best way to protect you and your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan and develop an emergency kit. On our website, hiltonheadislandsc.gov, we provide helpful information you can use to prepare yourself for any called evacuations. Early preparation is key since there is only one way on and off the island for those of us reliant on vehicular transportation. Now is the time to get ready.
A Note from Lisa Sulka continued
so you will also be able to view them from Wright Family Park, Oyster Factory Park, or by boat. The town is also hosting six movie nights from May 20 through December, rotating this event among the town parks. While you are jotting events down on your calendar, don’t miss out on the two children’s events this summer. The first one, “Jump into Summer,” will be held June 11 at Buckwalter Place Park, and “Slide Out of July” will be held July 16 on the large lawn at Oscar Frazier Park. Each event will be from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Jump into Summer will feature bounce houses, video games played on a Jumbotron television, lawn games, a deejay playing music, concession stand and fun prizes for participants. Slide Out of July will feature all those components except bounce houses. Waterslides will be the main activity of this event. Hope to see you, your family, and neighbors at these town events! C2 MAGAZINE
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FOR INQUIRIES ABOUT THIS SPECIAL SECTION
This & That
C2 Magazine • June 2022 Edition 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@celebratehiltonhead.com. If we have room and it’s appropriate for public consumption, we’ll be happy to oblige.
Mama G’s Pizza Bistro and Bar
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y the time you read this, you’ve probably already heard about Bluffton’s hottest new restaurant. No, it’s not one of those fancy places with ingredients you’ve never heard of or cannot pronounce. It’s a pizza joint. A simple, clean, quality pizza joint that in just over a month in business as I write this, has become the talk of the town. Mama G’s Pizza Bistro and Bar sounds a bit on the uppity side. That assessment is fair enough because this is a higher end establishment. Everything about it is. About a week and a half after they opened last month, I spent a couple of hours with the owner, Glen Grace. He and his family have been in the area for a hot minute. He’s spent his time here working in the trucking industry, which is not exactly the kind of profession that allows a clean transition to food and beverage. So, you have to wonder, how did he end up renting a space and putting about a million dollars into a renovation, research and development of what has become the best pizza in the Lowcountry? Because it is. The intentions were 100 percent pure. In more ways than one. Glen shared a story with me about his own childhood. He brought up something that many of us who try to watch what we consume on a daily basis talk about fairly regularly. “I assume we are about the same age,” he said “When we were kids, we didn’t have problems with GMO food or gluten-free products or organic anything. The things they are putting in our food now is terrible. It’s garbage.” Glen’s three children wanted to open a restaurant. He gave it some thought and finally landed on ‘if we are going to do it, we are going to do it my way and we are going to do it right.” So, he went full steam ahead on renting a space in the Moss Creek area that would eventually become home to a good-looking restaurant who’s main offering, that’s right, is pizza. Not just any, though. In those two hours, Glen more than shared his passion. On a tour of his kitchen, he showed me all the high-end ingredients he had just spent 30 minutes telling me about. I could list them here for you, but it doesn’t really matter. What I can tell you is that the flours, oils and anything else you will find in their kitchen is the highest quality you can get delivered in this area. Some of it required a significant commitment on Glen’s part with his distributors because no one else in this area is using it. If they are going to make the commitment to get it to Bluffton, South Carolina for you, you’d better be prepared to buy a lot of it. And he is.
The result of this dedication is very clear when you take a bite of their pizzas at Mama G’s. The pies are wonderful. The quality is more than obvious. “I like to look at people’s eyes when they take their first bite.” Glen said. “The eyes don’t lie.” No, they don’t, and as a result, Mama G’s has been very well received. They’ve gone on hour-plus waits multiple evenings since they first opened. There’s been no ‘easing into it’ here. They’ve been drinking out of a fire hose from just about day two or three, and it’s more than obvious that Glen is loving every minute of it. On the flip side, the price you pay for all this quality, passion and excellent execution is … the price you pay. There is nothing inexpensive about the pizza Mama G’s is offering the community, and Glen makes no apologies for it. If you are looking for a Tuesday night $8 three-meat special, you’d best be served getting on down the road. That ain’t happening here. His least expensive glass of wine on the day I visited was $9. Again, Glen references the fact that he refuses to serve low-end wines that he can burn through at $6 a glass just to make a buck or two. This isn’t about that. It is, and always will be about serving clean, healthy food with the simplest recipes and ingredients you will always know. Even the sodas. There is no Coke or Pepsi in here. It’s organic fountain sodas. The gelato is made by a very small company in Charleston who, Glen says, is very persnickety about who serves their product. “We are her first brick and mortar,” he said. Overall, the experience is fantastic. The space is beautiful, the vibe warm and inviting. I have yet to see it, but I imagine the dinner crowds on the weekend offer an energy that you won’t find at too many places on the mainland. Sure, there are a few, but now there is one more: a pizza joint, where you will Eat It and Like It.
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This & That
C2 Magazine • June 2022 Edition 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@celebratehiltonhead.com. If we have room and it’s appropriate for public consumption, we’ll be happy to oblige.
The fourth annual Hilton Head Chamber Music Institute, an educational program of HHSO, will be held June 8-18 at SoundWaves. The institute is led by artistic directors Carolyn Huebl and Felix Wang from Vanderbilt University and staffed by Shannon Thomas from Florida State University and Caroline Coade from University of Michigan and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Sixteen high school string musicians from 11 different states, selected via an audition process, will participate. For more information, please contact Judy Gimbel at Judy. chambermusic@gmail.com or (843) 363-2718.
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Return to Nature: Gullah Geechee Story and History is an art exhibition that explores the plight of the indigenous Americans and descendants of West Africans who inhabit the Sea Islands of South Carolina. The exhibition begins on May 3 and ends on June 25, at the Coastal Discovery Museum. The event features the original works of Jonathan Green, Amiri Farris, Natalie Daise, Diane Britton Dunham, Arianne KingComer, Hank D. Herring, James Denmark, and Sam Doyle. For more information, visit coastaldiscovery.org. Coastal Discovery Museum is located at 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island and is open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
This & That
C2 Magazine • June 2022 Edition 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@celebratehiltonhead.com. If we have room and it’s appropriate for public consumption, we’ll be happy to oblige.
FISH Casual Coastal Seafood, located in Coligny Plaza and a short distance from Coligny Beach, announced on Earth Day 2022 that they are launching an initiative called “Clean Up Kids,” where children will be rewarded for picking up beach litter with a free kid’s meal at the restaurant. To participate, simply stop by FISH on the way to the beach, pick up one of the blue buckets from the display in front of the restaurant, fill it with beach litter, and return it to FISH to receive a voucher for a free kid’s meal.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Shane Harpham for raising over $16,000 for local children with blood cancers. He was recognized as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2022 Man of the Year runner up, and collectively the 20 candidates raised a record-setting $632,954 to help this charity. Congratulations Dr. Shane!
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This & That
The Swingin’ Medallions, known as “The Party Band of the South” will perform at the Jasper County Farmers Market, Friday, June 10 at 8 p.m. Celebrated for their signature hit song, “Double Shot of My Baby’s Love,” which Bruce Springsteen once called, “The greatest fraternity rock song of all time,” the Swingin’ Medallions are South Carolina bred from Greenwood. Their timeless, high-octane style features an ever-popular horn section. They have been energizing crowds at colleges, festivals, reunions and beach venues almost continuously since 1962. They blend the sounds of yesterday and today, and this is their thirteenth summeropening concert in Ridgeland. Gates at the Jasper County Farmers Market will open at 7 p.m. with the concert starting at 8 p.m. Advance admission is $20. Tickets purchased at the gate on concert night will be $30. Advance tickets may be purchased by calling the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce at (843) 726-8126. Food trucks will be on site from 7-11 p.m. Drinking wristbands will be available for persons age 21 and older for $10 each. Special VIP up-close tables can be purchased in advance for $300. VIP packages include tickets for 10 people (drinking wristbands must be purchased separately). Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs. The event will be held rain or shine. Coolers are not permitted. Jasper County Farmers Market is located at 9935 South Jacob Smart Boulevard, Hwy. 17, on the south side of Ridgeland, which can be accessed from Interstate I-95 at exits 18 or 21. For more information, visit the county’s website: JasperCountyChamber.com.
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This & That
C2 Magazine • June 2022 Edition 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@celebratehiltonhead.com. If we have room and it’s appropriate for public consumption, we’ll be happy to oblige.
Trust the Journey: The Mixed Media of Life by Debi West will be on display at the Art League Academy, 106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island, June 6 through July 29. The Art League Academy is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. An artist’s reception, free and open to the public, will be held on Wednesday, June 15 from 5-7 p.m. West will also be offering five individual three-hour workshops during June and July designed for all levels of students. Art League of Hilton Head is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit visual arts organization on Hilton Head Island with a synergistic art gallery and teaching academy. Art League Academy welcomes artists and students in all media at all skill levels, including true beginners. Taught by professional art educators, students can choose from many art classes and workshops that change monthly. For more information visit artleaguehhi.org.
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This & That
C2 Magazine • June 2022 Edition 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@celebratehiltonhead.com. If we have room and it’s appropriate for public consumption, we’ll be happy to oblige.
Since 1972, Boy Scout Troop 245 has helped thousands of local boys and young men build character, develop leadership and serve their community. Troop 245 accomplished this through fun in the outdoors to include hiking, camping, rock climbing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, boating, fishing, shooting sports and more. These scouts have gone on to be good citizens and leaders in their communities. They bring with You are cordially invited to celebrate 50 years of Scouting on Hilton Head Island with current and them the values of scouting, embodied in the Scout former Scouts & Scouters of Boy Scout Troop 245! Law which states, “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, June 14, 2022 | 5:30-9:00 PM helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, Honey Horn | Mary Ann Peeples Pavilion 70 Honey Horn Drive | Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.” Of the thousands SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: who have enjoyed the scouting experience with 5:30 - 6:00 PM: Guests Arrive Troop 245, over 100 have achieved the rank of 6:00 - 8:00 PM: Celebration & Court of Honor 8:00 - 9:00 PM: Fellowship & Food Eagle Scout—arguably the most significant award Food trucks and/or pizza for purchase a young person can earn. Scan 3 WAYS • https://troop245scouts.com/RSVP50 the QR TO RSVP • email: MichaelFlood87@gmail.com To celebrate this amazing half century of code success, Troop 245 will host a special Fiftieth Please share this with anyone you know that has ever been associated with Troop 245. Anniversary Court of Honor on June 14 from 6-8 p.m. at Honey Horn Plantation—interestingly, the site of their very first scout meeting. If you are a former scout, leader or supporter of Troop 245, please contact them to help complete the history; RSVP by visiting troop245scouts.com/ RSVP50 or email michaelflood87@gmail.com.
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StoneWorks recently welcomed Cathy Shearouse as a new sales designer. At StoneWork’s new showroom location in Bluffton, Shearouse will work with new clients to develop a vision for their home or business including their stone and tile needs.
This & That
Weichert, Realtors® – Coastal Properties is proud to announce the addition of Darius Johnson to their real estate firm. Johnson will be working out of the Beaufort office.
Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame Alumna and Olympic Gold Medalist, visited the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island (the “Club”) on March 4 and spoke to members about her Olympic journey and shared memories of her time at the Boys & Girls Club of East St. Louis. As a Boys & Girls Club alumna, Ms. Joyner-Kersee engaged club members with ease. She inspired them to, “…work hard to make their dreams a reality” despite life’s challenges. She also reminded the kids, “… to be kind and go the extra mile to help someone out.” The Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving local youth with a wide variety of educational, recreational, cultural and enrichment activities as after-school programs during the school year and fullday programs during the summer. Learn more at bgchiltonhead.org. C2 MAGAZINE JUNE 2022
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JUNE 2022 SAVE THE DATE! PRETTY DARN WITH SPECIAL GUEST HOLLIFIELD JULY 16TH District Live in Savannah, GA. Tickets availabe at ticketmaster.com
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JEVON’S KHAOTIC KIDZ SHOW!
Coligny Main Stage Sundays, Wednesdays & Fridays 6:30-8:30pm
THURSDAYS COLOR PALOOZA South Beach 6pm Airbrush tattoos, hulahooping and loads of colorful fun!
ALL SUMMER LONG!
5 JEVON’S KHAOTIC KIDZ SHOW!
HARBOURFEST ENTERTAINMENT & FIREWORKS
Coligny Main Stage Sundays, Wednesdays & Fridays 6:30-8:30pm
Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina Tuesdays; June 7, 14, 21 & 28 (shows start when the sky is dark)
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SUNDAYS 13 MEET THE ISLAND’S TURTLE TRACKERS
EVERY TUESDAY! SEA PINES FARMERS MARKET
South Beach Sunday; 5-7pm Learn about the amazing sea turtles that call Hilton Head home.
Sea Pines Shopping Center 10am-2pm
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Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina Monday-Friday through Labor Day weekend 6-9pm
MONDAYS FREE GOLF DEMONSTRATION Robert Trent Jones Course, Palmetto Dunes Participate in a free golf clinic & demonstration at Palmetto Dunes’ Robert Trent Jones course every Monday from 4:00 - 4:50 p.m. Volunteer for a chance to receive a free lesson or win a prize!
Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday Through September 2 Two shows at 6:30pm & 8:30pm
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FARMERS MARKET AT HONEY HORN Coastal Discovery 9am-1pm
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TIE DYE A ONE OF A KIND SALTY DOG SOUVENIR South Beach Marina 12-3pm
EVERY THURSDAY
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FREE MOVIES IN THE PARK Shelter Cove Towne Centre Starts at 8:30pm Family fun and pets are welcome. June 16 Encanto June 23 Field of Dreams June 30 Sing
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SHANNON TANNER FAMILY SHOWS
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GURHAN TRUNK SHOW Forsythe Jewelers Wednesday & Thursday, June 22 & 23, 10 AM - 5 PM Enjoy a complimentary gift with your Gurhan purchase. 843.671.7070
FRIDAYS
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SUNSET CELEBRATION Shelter Cove Towne Centre 7-10pm June 24 Deas-Guyz
JUNE 29 - AUGUST 14 ROCK OF AGES THE BLOCKBUSTER 80S ROCK PHENOMENON! Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Regular tickets are $56/$51 for single adults/children. 843-842-2787 [ARTS] www.artshhi.com
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BLUFFTON FARMERS MARKET Green Street in Old Town Bluffton Every Thursday 12-5pm