CB2 Magazine: March 2021

CB2 CELEBRATE I BLUFFTON AND BEYOND!

MARCH 2021

MARCH 2021

THE HOME + GARDEN ISSUE FEATURING:

Q&A with 7 Architects  Short-term Showstoppers: Making the most of your luxury rental The Best on the Block: Take a peek inside the mega mansions that rest at the top of the Lowcountry's luxe list.

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30 THE BEST LAID PLANS Meet the visionaries behind the freestanding artwork that is the lowcountry's architecture.

WHAT’S INSIDE

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CHARLES SCHWAB BLUFFTON: LOCAL KNOWLEDGE WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT

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A TALE OF TWO HUES: PANTONE NAMES A DUO AS COLORS OF THE YEAR FOR 2021

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10 TIPS FOR REMODELING YOUR BATH

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FLOORS TO GO BY HIGH TIDE: LOCAL SERVICE, UNRIVALED VALUE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

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FROM MANHATTAN TO MODERN FARMHOUSE ON SPRING ISLAND

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LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR… KEVIN SEVIER IS AN OLDSCHOOL INSURANCE AGENT WITH A FEW NEW-SCHOOL IDEAS FOR BRINGING INSURANCE TO THE PEOPLE.

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MUSICIANS IN BATHROOMS FEATURING STEE AND THE EAR CANDY BAND

46 SHORT-TERM SHOWSTOPPERS Making the most of your luxury rental.

88 THE BEST ON THE BLOCK Take a peek inside the mega mansions that rest at the top of Hilton Head Island real estate’s luxe list.

O N O U R C OV E R S

94 CHIP MICHALOVE ON THE CH2 COVER A bowling alley in a home currently for sale in Wexford Plantation.

See story on page 89

ON THE CB2 COVER Bathroom in a home currently for sale in Gascoigne Bluff.

See story on page 93

The Great White Shark Whisperer

GENIUSES AT WORK Architect of Ideas Maggie Marie Washo

play

Technology Mastermind Carolyn Hunter Kostylo Financial Warden Marion Elizabeth Bowser Influencer-In-Residence Kim Conrad Crouch Culture Maven “Just Kandace” Wightman The Boomerang Morgan O'Banion In-house Jeweler on Retainer Kaila Jeffcoat Intimacy Mentor Lucille Rosita Gonzalez Washo Mr. Toasty Buns Jevon Daly The Gatekeepers Greta Von Bowser Vincent Von Bowser The Cut & Paste Crew Jeff Cline Catherine Colby Writing Specialists Cheryl Alexander Amy Bartlett Jesse Blanco Linda S. Hopkins Barry Kaufman Paula Magrini Mandy Matney David Moses John McCann Lisa Sulka Tim Wood Lighting Experts Kelli Boyd John Brackett M. Kat Photography Krisztian Lonyai John McManus Find Us Here PO Box 22949 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 843.689.2658 m.washo@celebratehiltonhead.com

THIS WEXFORD HOME IS LISTED WITH MARK LYNCH AND DUNES REAL ESTATE FOR 9.9 MILLION.

Editors Note

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n our bi-yearly Home + Garden issues, we get to take a peek inside some of the most beautiful homes in the Lowcountry. To kick things off, we profile the consultants right at the start of the homebuilding process: the architects, if you will. And yes, I mean the actual architects. They’ve worked on projects for Disney (Michael Kronimus), designed one of the coolest buildings in Bluffton, opening to the public this month (Pearce Scott), and produced countless homes in Palmetto Bluff (William Court and James Atkins). But we know our readers don’t really care about that, so we asked them the real important stuff … like what their guilty pleasure is and what they like to do when they are not working (which these days is hardly ever).

In Short-Term Showstoppers (page 46), Cheryl Alexander interviews local builder Jake Gartner and vacation specialist Greg Ellison about the amenities vacationers are looking for when they rent a luxury home on Hilton Head Island. If done the right way, investing in vacation

real estate could be a very profitable venture and a good way to round out your portfolio.

Remodeling a bathroom can breathe new life into your home. Plus, since many people are spending much more time at home, having a functional, beautiful bathroom is on the top of the priority list for homeowners. On page 59, we give you 10 tips for refreshing the most used room in the house.

In The Best on the Block, Barry Kaufman takes us on a tour of the most expensive homes currently on the market in our area. Need a movie theatre in your next home? No problem. How about a bowling alley? Check. Fifteen bathrooms and three pools? But of course. Turn to page 88 to see what 10 million can buy you in the Lowcountry. Be sure to follow us on social media, too, because the C2 crew got a private tour of the biggest house in Wexford (over 18,000 square feet), and you don’t want to miss this video. Think MTV Cribs, done C2 style.

Well, I think that about wraps it up.

See you next month!

MAGGIE WASHO Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

Be sure to follow us on Social Media

Instagram - @ch2hhimag Facebook - facebook.com/ch2magazine TikTok - @ch2mag YouTube - youtube.com/celebratehiltonhead

THE Best LAID PLANS MEET THE VISIONARIES BEHIND THE FREE-STANDING ARTWORK THAT IS THE LOWCOUNTRY’S ARCHITECTURE.

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rt is art, no matter the form. It can be the colorful stroke of oil on canvas, guided by the painter’s steady hand. It can be the flawless form of a statue, revealed flake by flake under the sculptor’s chisel.

And art can be a place. It can be the dramatic sightlines of an oceanfront’s home, subconsciously directing your gaze to the sea. It can be the stately façade of a commercial building, impressing with its stature even as it welcomes you within.

Architecture is art, pure and simple. And on the following pages, you’ll meet some of the area’s most talented architects and learn what inspires them to create their four-walled masterpieces.

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y M . KAT

scenes, a place you idolized as a child, and now being able to help design projects in the theme parks and hotels was truly amazing.

Millions of people a year are now enjoying some of the projects we worked on here as a team from around the world. The creativity aspect, the level of detail and craftsmanship is unlike any other client or company.

How do you prefer to spend a day off?

Days off are hard to come by now, but when I do finally get time to relax, I like to spend it with family and friends on a boat or sandbar just kicking back.

Favorite room in a house?

Actually, my favorite room is not in the home, but outside the home.

I love when clients give me the opportunity to design their outdoor living space, which would include bar and entertainment areas.

Enjoying the spaces outside in this wonderful climate is amazing.

MICHAEL Kronimus AIA, NCARB I Executive Principal KRA architecture + design Do you specialize in commercial or residential projects?

We have been in the Lowcountry over 30 years now and specialize equally in both residential and commercial projects.

What drew you to this line of work?

It was always interesting to me to see something that I designed or created

on paper actually turn into reality.

Hopefully, when I leave this earth, some of my projects will be around for future generations.

Tell us about your favorite project and why it was unforgettable.

This has to be one of the many projects we have completed over the years for Disney. Being able to go behind the

What room in a house do you typically spend the most time talking about with your clients?

Kitchen, hands down. Everybody gravitates to the kitchen in all the homes designed. This is the “wow” factor of every home and has to be both functional and beautiful.

If you could choose another career today, what would it be and why?

Travel agent (if these still exist).

Whenever I get free time, I love to travel the world to enjoy other cultures, cuisine and history.

Planning these trips for my family or others for some reason gives me enjoyment.

Favorite guilty pleasure?

Pizza! The most amazing creation on this earth that is probably the worst for you!

went to architecture school to pursue my love of reimagining everyday structures.

Tell us about your favorite project and why it was unforgettable.

We won a competition for the architectural design of the Charleston Day Schools’ science and technology building on their historic site one block south of King street on Archdale. This project had everything an architect dreams of: an impossible building site, an unrealistic building program, and an unprecedented build schedule that had to happen over two years without closing the school one day. We moved and renovated an 1860s Charleston single house, creating four art studios; renovated a 1902 single house into their administration and reception building; and created a new three-story 15,000-squarefoot building with a rooftop conference room, including floor to ceiling glass providing views across a roof top plaza of the entire Charleston city scape. The contractor was required to stop the entire job whenever a tour carriage came by and talked about the two historic churches across from the build site.

How do you prefer to spend a day off?

On a day off, I usually have a long list of home renovation or “fix it” projects that come with living in classic 1965 Pete McGinty designed Sea Pines Home. But if I can get away with it, I love sailing, riding, or going to the beach with friends.

TOM

Parker, Jr.

AIA, NCARB, LEEDpa I Principle Architect

PDG|Architects Do you specialize in commercial or residential projects?

PDG is a multiple discipline architectural firm specializing in personal one-of-a-kind architectural design for our residential and commercial clients. Our portfolio is made up of generational family homes, churches, restaurants, private schools, golf facilities, and community parks.

What drew you to this line of work?

Growing up on a horse farm, I always loved planning out and building all kinds of structures ranging from a one-of-a-kind tack room to a log cabin (clubhouse for me and my friends) complete with a loft and a zip line that went down to the creek in the valley below. I spent the first 18 years of my life trying to qualify for the U.S. Olympic three-day equestrian team, and when that didn’t work out, I quit riding cold turkey, packed my car up and

Favorite room in a house?

The unique personal space that is generated by the client’s specific “lifestyle” interests.

Usually, a space they always dreamed of having and usually becomes the memorable element in the home.

What room in a house do you typically spend the most time talking about with your clients?

In the old days it was the kitchen, but lately it the outdoor entrainment spaces. These spaces take as much time and effort as any space as they have covered, semi open, and full sun areas with kitchens, bars, fire features, pools and water features that all need to work together and with the adjacent interior spaces.

If you could choose another career today, what would it be and why?

If philanthropy was a career, I would want to do that for obvious reasons. But if I had to pick, it would be a teacher/coach. I received great satisfaction from giving riding lessons as a teenager, coaching my daughters in all their sports, and mentoring architectural interns over the years.

Favorite guilty pleasure?

One word: rom-coms.

AMANDA Lamb & Gray Architects

Lamb

Do you specialize in commercial or residential projects?

Residential What drew you to this line of work?

My two older brothers gave me a book of house plans and taught me how to draft when I was in the second grade. I was hooked and knew then that I was going to be an architect when I grew up.

Tell us about your favorite project and why it was unforgettable.

I have been blessed to be a part of so many great projects. I could never narrow it down to one or two because what makes them so special to me is the team behind the work. Our clients share so much of their lives with us and a bond is formed—it’s my favorite part of the job. Collaborating with them and all the talented builders, interior designers, landscape architects and specialists to create a home designed custom for them and how they live their lives creates a unique story for each and every one of our designs.

How do you prefer to spend a day off?

Definitely on the water with my family.

Favorite room in a house?

It’s a tie between the foyer and the owner’s entry. Both spaces are the first areas of a home to greet you and your guests. The foyer sets the tone for the rest of the house and usually offers the first reveal to the outdoors beyond. The owner’s entry needs to be welcoming yet functional—it’s an important aspect to the flow of the home.

What room in a house do you typically spend the most time talking about with your clients?

The kitchen—from appliances, sink locations, and views to the number of barstools desired, there is a lot to cover in this room.

If you could choose another career today, what would it be and why?

I can’t imagine a career in anything other than architecture. I truly love what I do!

Favorite guilty pleasure?

Napping.

COURT ATKINS

Group

WILLIAM COURT

Do you specialize in commercial or residential projects?

Our group specializes in both, as well as interior design, but I tend to stay focused on residential projects.

What drew you to this line of work?

I’ve always loved the creative process. It doesn’t matter whether it’s architecture, theater, music, cooking, or events.

I just like the energy it brings.

Tell us about your favorite project and why it was unforgettable.

It’s hard to pick a favorite child. At least that’s what I tell my kids. In reality, one of my recent favorite projects is an unbuilt modern Palmetto Bluff home. But since they are all my kids, I’ll keep the identity a secret.

How do you prefer to spend a day off?

Most everyone knows I am terrible at unplugging and taking time off (full disclosure, I am writing this on vacation). When I do, I need to be far away, with no internet and several books.

Favorite room in a house?

The kitchen, by far.

What room in a house do you typically spend the most time talking about with your clients?

The third guest room (I’m kidding, it’s the kitchen, even if they don’t cook).

If you could choose another career today, what would it be and why?

A chef or a food critic.

Favorite guilty pleasure?

Wine collecting and watching college football with my son.

JAMES ATKINS

Do you specialize in commercial or residential projects?

Both, as well as interior design. My current focus is primarily commercial design.

What drew you to this line of work?

Creative business that also requires a technical knowledge appeals to me. I enjoy crafting spaces that people enjoy and relate to, and the ability to shape community is fulfilling.

Tell us about your favorite project and why it was unforgettable.

Too many to list, but one of my favorites is Bluffton Township Fire District Station #30 as it was the initial prototype for the fire district. The structure was specifically designed to blend into the timeless neighborhood of old town Bluffton, provide an educational opportunity for students across the street at MC Riley, and provide a functional, beautiful building to serve the district for many years to come.

How do you prefer to spend a day off?

I enjoy traveling with family or sharing a bourbon with good friends.

Favorite room in a house?

The family room.

What room in a house do you typically spend the most time talking about with your clients?

The kitchen.

If you could choose another career today, what would it be and why?

A master distiller, because what could be more fun than crafting and blending spirits every day.

Favorite guilty pleasure?

Collecting dusty/vintage bourbon.

windows. The entry element was inspired by classic Irish pub fronts and really seemed to integrate with the larger brick building behind it.

The actual distillery has a classic factory feel from the Industrial Revolution and is visible through a huge glass wall behind one of the bars. The Pizza Co. building was inspired by a 1930s gas station that was converted later in its life. The three buildings form a U around an outdoor courtyard space designed for regular events and gatherings. The rack house in the rear has an older feel but also a contemporary edge.

Overall, it was really fun to conceive of each of the different elements and how they came together to create something that feels antique but is decidedly of today. It is a really unique collection of structures that took an incredible team to fulfill the vision.

How do you prefer to spend a day off?

On a boat, hanging with my family.

Favorite room in a house?

I like gathering spaces, keeping rooms, dens, great rooms. Probably the keeping room if you really pushed. I like the casual and intimate feel but also the connectivity the kitchen, which is the heart of the modern home.

PEARCE Scott Pearce Scott Architects

Do you specialize in commercial or residential projects?

We are primarily residential, but we do some boutique commercial including the new Burnt Church Distillery.

What drew you to this line of work?

I was always the class artist growing up, I loved to build things and I

was really good at math (geometry especially). Architecture seemed to engage all those interests and talents.

Tell us about your favorite project, and why it was unforgettable.

Burnt Church Distillery is my current favorite. First, it’s just such a great project for the community. The building complex was conceived as an adaptive reuse. Even though the lot was vacant, the resulting structures feel like they could have been there for a century. The main tasting room feels like an old train depot with brick walls, exposed structure, large industrial

What room in a house do you typically spend the most time talking about with your clients?

The kitchen and back kitchen or pantry. They all flow together and support each other, so the conversations involve them together.

If you could choose another career today, what would it be and why?

I can’t think of anything I would rather be doing.

Favorite guilty pleasure?

Cheeseburger and fries from Squat ’N’ Gobble.

NEIL Gordon

Neil Gordon, Architect, P.A Do you specialize in commercial or residential projects?

We specialize in residential design. It is the most rewarding design work—designing a home for a family to enjoy for many years.

What drew you to this line of work?

I always enjoyed architecture from a kid with Legos. I grew up in England and Scotland. I lived in a seventeenth century castle mill house. The stone walls were over two feet thick.

I enjoyed sitting in the two feet deep windowsills of the house. Most of my designs have bay windows with window seats. My uncle had a sixteenth century Cotswold stone house. He was always hitting his head on the doorways, which were less than six feet tall. It had a stone spiral stairway to the second floor, which was not more than 18 inches wide. No furniture could go up that stair. It all had to be hoisted up and in through the windows.

Tell us about your favorite project, and why it was unforgettable.

I enjoy variety of design, therefore, no one project, but several stand out: The King’s Nantucket style home on Gull Island in Sea Pines with its bell-domed widow’s watch crowning the design; John Mellencamp’s home on Daufuskie with a simple symmetry of design in a fairly unique style, which I coined Lowcountry gothic because of the gothic arch predominant in the design; the Sydow’s residence on

a 90-foot wide almost 300-foot-deep piece of property. It has a wonderful two-story stone walled entry gallery over 80 feet long, with two glass rail bridges crossing above with light wells, bringing in the light and a grand stair set for a quartet to play on the landing.

How do you prefer to spend a day off?

Sundays are my days off: church early in the day, afternoons on a sailboat or any boat, or a nice walk on the beach when not so hot.

Favorite room in a house?

An open design kitchen. It must have good natural light, views outside, views to dining areas and living areas.

What room in a house do you typically spend the most time talking about with your clients?

The kitchen areas and the client’s vision of what they would like to see. The kitchen today is the social hub of the home.

Butler’s pantry and back pantries are where some of the kitchen’s necessary clutter can hide.

If you could choose another career today, what would it be and why?

I love what I do. I have my dream job. I would probably be a pen-and-ink illustrator. I still enjoy doing rendering drawings of my designs.

Favorite guilty pleasure?

Sneaking off on a trip to Scotland, hiking through a glen or along a loch; or to Saint Barth, hiking one of the goat trails, all with incredible views to take in.

h Bud Scully and Fred Gaskin at the Charles Schwab Bluffton office.

ARTICLE BY TIM WOOD P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y M . K AT

Charles Schwab Bluffton LOCAL KNOWLEDGE WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT FRED GASKIN AND HIS TEAM ARE READY TO HELP YOU POTENTIALLY MAXIMIZE YOUR INVESTMENT DOLLARS.

red Gaskin grew up naturally curious and got hooked on finances in his teens, fascinated by what made markets go up and down and how investors found their edge. That’s led him to a 35-year career as a financial professional with established investment firms including U.S. Trust, BlackRock, and JP Morgan. After commuting from the local area to New York for over five years, Gaskin opened a Charles Schwab Independent Branch in Bluffton’s Belfair Towne Village.

“Education is power, especially when it comes to money management. I love educating people on investing because we know we’re helping clients improve their lives,” Gaskin said of his almost four decades in the industry.

The Bluffton office is one of 77 independent Schwab branches across the country, a setup

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that gives Gaskin and his colleague, Bud Scully, the ability to serve a smaller market like the Lowcountry with all the technology and array of services the industry powerhouse provides.

Combined, Gaskin and Scully have close to 80 years of experience in the investment industry. Though the pair didn’t know each other until a mutual colleague connected them in 2019, they’ve developed a strong friendship built on common values of integrity, striving to put clients first, and focusing on the long term.

Their combined experience provides a unique perspective from which to serve clients.

Gaskin’s background has largely been managing portfolios and working with both institutional and individual clients globally on their portfolios. Scully has worked with firms such as Franklin Templeton, Oppenheimer Funds, and more recently TD Ameritrade

TD Ameritrade, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, is a subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation. TD Ameritrade is a trademark jointly owned by TD Ameritrade IP Company, Inc. and The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

(0321-1P8V)

to deliver industry-leading investment solutions for both institutional and retail clients. Though both admit to being quite competitive, when it comes to serving clients, all their efforts are geared to providing custom oriented solutions that work for individual clients. Those characteristics, along with a tremendous amount of community support, have translated into a very strong start for the Bluffton branch.

“We look no different than any corporate office and have access to the same resources you’d find in New York City or Atlanta. We just have a view of palm trees outside the office as we personalize all of our programs to each client,” Gaskin said.

He said that a lot of his work matches the demographics of the region, as he works with many retirees. “There’s the newer retirees, recently moved here, gone from full-time work to parttime or no work who need help structuring their investments to support their needs,” he said. “Then you have more established retirees, the ones who have been here seven, 10, 15 years. They’re comfortable on the money-in, money-out aspects of retirement, and they have the income to support their lifestyle, but they come in wanting to optimize their existing portfolios. I love that challenge just as much as the newer retiree.”

Additionally, Gaskin said his office is adept at handling any level of investor. Capitalizing on Schwab’s enormous resources, they can partner with colleagues from across the organization to bring high caliber solutions to all their clients. “We are wellpositioned to offer high-quality solutions for the folks just starting out, all the way to the most sophisticated clients with diverse portfolios, business interests and financial needs.”

Gaskin said that no matter the level of investment knowledge a client may have, the goal is to empower his clients. “Our contemporary, full-service approach allows investors to build and manage their investments and provides investment-related products, services and financial planning that combines the best of what people and technology have to offer. Our belief in the power of investing is a perspective that’s influenced our company from the beginning and creates a powerful bond between us and investors. As a result, it empowers clients to make decisions for themselves.”

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Charles Schwab Bluffton The end goals are also a key part of early discussions. Whether it’s saving for a house, education, for retirement, for those who like boats or RVs, the goal is to give clients the skills and confidence to not be intimidated by money management in route to their goals.

“Life’s about being outside, taking vacations, maximizing happiness,” Gaskin said. “When you give people the knowledge to manage their money smarter, it gives them more time to maximize that happiness. That’s incredibly rewarding—never gets old for us.”

So how do you get started? Call Fred Gaskin at (843) 4733620 to set up an appointment. From there, Gaskin can provide any level of involvement needed, including in-office at 67 Towne Drive, during the pandemic with social distancing and proper health and safety protocols.

“I can work with clients across the spectrum. Some are DIYers; they do the research, do their trades on their own, and we are there for support,” Gaskin said. “The other end is the folks who don’t want to be burdened with the routine of managing their investments and want support, guidance, or advice on their investments.

Most of his clients fall somewhere in between, he said. “In a certain sense, we’re coaches. I absolutely love coaching people up. I give them as much time and guidance as they need, but ultimately, we give them the tools, the confidence with the support when they need it, so they assume responsibility themselves.”

Schwab is in the process of merging operations with TD Ameritrade after completing the acquisition in October 2020. “It’s very exciting to see it come together. It will just give us an even greater leg up in serving our clients,” Gaskin said.

Gaskin welcomes the opportunity to serve any level of investor.

“When you get someone who has never saved in a structured

manner or may be scared to test the market, it’s amazing to see their excitement develop as they learn,” he said. “Whether just starting out or nearing or living in retirement, we work with investors on their terms to help take charge of their financial future and plan for success.”

Part of the assessment is figuring out a clients’ risk profile, Gaskin explained. “Are you aggressive, conservative, middle of the road? A lot of times, folks believe that they’re aggressive but are conservative and vice versa. We can help develop a plan to meet their true current lifestyle and where they want to be,” he said. “We call it right-risking. We find that sweet spot of risk management and involvement. We want to help clients identify their risk profile, properly diversify their portfolios, and select investments that make sense for the long term.

The single biggest piece of advice he gives all clients: don’t be afraid to get started and don’t ever get stagnant. “It’s never too soon to start. The more we can get younger generations to prioritize 401(k)s and savings, the more their hard work in their careers will provide for them in the long run,” Gaskin said. “I have folks in their 60s say, ‘I can stop investing now.’ But why? Make your money always work for you. Folks are living regularly into their 90s now. Let your growth keep up with your age.”

Gaskin is proud that most of their clients have not panicked during the pandemic, that they have, if anything, shifted investment strategies. “Bud and I have that breadth of experience and can bring history into our conversations, because we’ve lived almost four decades of market history,” he said. “As a business owner, I like my chances of always helping people try to do better.”

Despite having been part of the investment industry for so long, both Gaskin and Scully say they’re more excited than ever to help clients understand the investing markets and take control of their futures.  For more information or to get started with a Schwab Portfolio Builder evaluation, call Fred or Bud at (843) 473-3620.

C2 MAGAZINE

MARCH 2021

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A Tale of Two Hues Pantone names a duo as Colors of the Year for 2021

ILLUMINATING 13-0647

ARTICLE BY CHERYL ALEXANDER

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antone, the global color authority and provider of professional color language standards and digital solutions for the design community, has named “Ultimate Gray” and the lemony yellow “Illuminating” as the duo Colors of the Year for 2021. In a year when most of us are seeking ways to fortify our energy, gain greater clarity, and maintain shreds of hope amid continued uncertainty about the future, these two hues combine deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimism of a sunshiny day.

The bright and cheerful Illuminating sparkles with vivacity and a warmth suggesting the power of the sun, while Ultimate Gray embodies solid, foundational, and dependable shades we find in natural elements, highlighting an ability to stand the test of time. Ultimate Gray silently assures, encouraging composure, stability, and resilience.

“The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives

us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit.”

Together, the colors say, “Let’s start fresh,” and according to Pantone, they do not have to be used in equal proportions.

Either color can take precedence. In home décor, Ultimate Gray and Illuminating make a great combination to set the mood in any room, adding a dose of sunshine and positivity. Here are a few ideas to consider when updating your interiors: • Add color with small updates.

Since color trends are … well, trendy, a great way to incorporate them is with accessories that you can easily and

Brighten up the front door: A bright, happy yellow front door will set a welcoming tone on any street. The color will contrast beautifully against exteriors with gray siding or roofing materials. Consider outlining the door with white trim to emphasize the contrast.

inexpensively swap out. Think area rugs, pillows, throws, and art when you want to try out the Colors of the Year without going all out on furniture purchases or painting walls. Just begin with a few small updates to see how you are going to vibe with the colors in your space. If you still love it after a while, then consider a larger dose of one or both colors.

• Take it outside. Use Pantone’s 2021 colors outside to create an inviting patio, porch, or deck. Select neutral foundational gray patio furniture, then accessorize with bright accents, such as yellow pillows and even in the landscape with yellow flowers.

Another idea is to find some cool, shiny yellow garden stools that can either be used for extra seating or for side tables. Get a nice gray outdoor area rug to ground your outdoor area and upgrade any arrangement.

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Keep it in the kitchen: Ultimate Gray is a classic, timeless neutral that would make a great color choice for kitchen cabinets or a center island. Such a versatile color can be used with many other hues, so switching things up when your tastes change is easy.

• Keep it in the kitchen. Ultimate Gray is a classic, timeless neutral that would make a great color choice for kitchen cabinets or a center island. Such a versatile color can be used with many other hues, so switching things up when your tastes change is easy. Incorporate Illuminating into your color scheme with sunny chairs or barstools or roll out a runner with a bright yellow pattern.

• Modernize the bathroom. Update and modernize your bathroom with these Pantone colors of the year. Ultimate Gray makes a gorgeous bathroom wall color or consider using it on the backsplash or floor tile. Then add in pops of yellow in hand towels, rugs, and counter accessories.

• Layer fabrics. Gray and yellow textiles will add a whole other layer of comfort to any room. Both tones create an inviting feeling that’s especially cozy in bedrooms and living spaces.

A Tale of Two Hues For example, drape a quilted throw at the end of your bed, pile your sofa with plush pillows, or hang gray and yellow curtains to dress windows. These versatile hues work well with most neutral color schemes as well as colors like blue and green.

• Brighten up the front door. A bright, happy yellow front door will set a welcoming tone on any street. The color will contrast beautifully against exteriors with gray siding or roofing materials.

Consider outlining the door with white trim to emphasize the contrast.

• Create a calm bedroom. Gray makes a relaxing addition to bedrooms as it is such a soothing color. Think about applying the soft neutral on large surface areas, such as walls or bedding, as a calming backdrop.

Then mix in a yellow patterned area rug or throw blanket for a pop of energy that will help you wake up happy each morning.

Metallic or mirrored accents are also cool ways to incorporate a variation on the gray that will bring some shine and dimension to any bedroom.

• Accessorize anywhere. Use Illuminating with Ultimate Gray side by side in table linens, sheeting and home accessories, including pillows and tabletop, to infuse your spaces with vitality and balance. Display yellow dishware on open shelves, a bowl of lemons on the counter, or a touch of yellow on a patterned Roman shade. In the office—whether in the home or in a commercial space—allow Ultimate Gray to provide the firm foundation for Illuminating, a vibrant color that heightens awareness and enhances intuition. Hang yellow drapes in a sunroom. Accent a wood table with yellow chairs and gray tiles in the background. Paint the back of a china hutch yellow. Put yellow and gray wallpaper in a laundry room by painting the underbelly of the sink yellow and the trim gray to brighten the laundry chore.

“The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that color can hope to answer,” said Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute. “As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication, and a way to symbolize thoughts and ideas, many designers and brands are embracing the language of color to engage and connect.”

The ideas are endless. Whatever you decide, just get in on the fun. These contrasting colors represent the thoughtfulness and resiliency we’ve found within ourselves this past year, as well as a renewed sense of optimism and enthusiasm for what lies ahead in the coming year. They’re sure to become one of the biggest color trends of 2021.  C2 MAGAZINE

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RO I rivate accommodation rentals are being heralded by those in the know—including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times—as the post-pandemic comeback kid. And no destination is more ready and willing to cash in on those predictions than Hilton Head Island. Whether you are starting from scratch building a new home, remodeling an existing home, or simply looking for ways to make over an outdated style, we’ve got the details to help you become a short-term host with the most and ensure that your luxury rental is a showstopper.

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Making the most of your luxury rental

When possible, include splurges that pay for themselves.

Many of Gartner’s homes include solar panels and geo-thermal HVAC systems that are currently energyefficient and eventually provide free energy.

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ARTICLE BY CHERYL ALEXANDER | DESIGN BY JEFF CLINE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY HAMMERHEAD BUILDERS

P lace, space, and polish ake Gartner, CEO and owner of Hammerhead Custom Builders, shared some prerequisites for success when it comes to what a home must offer. “Great locations, ample square footage, and upscale finishes are must-haves,” Gartner said. “Oceanfront properties—or oceanoriented properties (safe walk to the beach)— with lots of square footage, both indoors and out, are going to give you more than your return on investment (ROI) in Hilton Head.”

The weekly rental rate can be determined by a local rental company who specializes in the type of home that you own and is closely tied to the rental market. Factors that determine rates

may include the location, condition and capacity of a home, as well as current market conditions.

Newer oceanfront homes will generate the most rental income, and while the rates may go down for smaller homes, older homes or homes further from the beach, the ROI can still be substantial, whether you are building or renovating.

Gartner advises utilizing an open concept design so common areas feel spacious and uncrowded. Many families who will vacation in a luxury rental are travelling with extended family or friends. By designing spaces to accommodate larger gatherings of people, everyone will be more comfortable.

But simply having a super home isn’t enough.

A newer oceanfront property with six bedrooms could rent for about $24,000/month during the peak season and about $12,000/month during off-season.

The annual gross rental can be up to $500,000.

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Double dishwashers

Updated, spacious kitchen with abundant seating

Professional grade gas range

Deep farmhouse sink

Premium laundry and extra refrigerator

P lace, space, and polish

Terri Puma, of Terri Puma Design, LLC, designs many of the interiors for Gartner bringing an expertise to the upscale luxury market. “Luxury home vacationers have keen eyes,” she said. “They don’t like outdated décor, technology, or even kitchenware. No one wants to go on vacation and stay in their own home; they want and expect exceptional quality in a luxury vacation rental. Attending to the details makes a world of difference when attracting guests.”

Puma also advises maximizing the home’s sleep number without going over-capacity. “Wherever possible, and within the limitations of the neighborhood policies, make rooms into bedrooms,” she said.

It’s the easiest way to boost income—some platforms say by 20 to 30 percent per night. Furnish a home office or den with bedroom furniture and build a closet or add an armoire so that people can sleep there.

Bunk rooms are popular, sometimes accommodating up to 12. Also include comfortable sleeper sofas or sleeper chairs. Gartner’s homes convert dead spaces in bedrooms to built-in day beds or dead space under stairs into bunks.

“Overdo the appliances,” Gartner said. “Include multiple fridges with icemakers and make space in the kitchen and budget for multiple dishwashers—maybe even multiple washers and dryers.”

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Stylish and sturdy dining furnishings

Furniture:

VACATION VS. REAL LIFE

Keep in mind that the furniture should look fabulous, but not be too expensive to replace if damaged. In one of Gartner’s recent new builds, Puma used an inexpensive demilune table as the sink mount in the powder bathroom.

“The demilune table cost about $100,” Puma said, “and we put a small slab granite countertop and backsplash and a cool sink on top. Now it feels like a luxury powder bathroom.”

Performance fabrics, like Crypton®, are essential on sofas, chairs, and even bed linens. With fabric textures like velvet, linen, chenille, and boucle, complemented by rich, lively colors, Crypton is one of the best out there. You can even spill spaghetti sauce on it and just wipe it off.

“Remember, it’s a beach house,” Puma said, “and there will likely be kids running around, people eating messy food, and lots of vacation beverages.”

Don’t overspend on rugs. Instead of a Persian carpet, select something sturdier that can be easily replaced in three to five years.

“People will want to eat together and not have to take shifts for meals,” Puma said. So be sure to include an oversized dining table, a large eat-around island, and a smaller dining table. “When people vacation together, they want to spend time together, so ample furniture in group spaces is important.”

Performance fabrics, like Crypton, are essential on sofas, chairs, and even bed linens.

Elegant bedrooms that take advantage of ocean views

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Simplicity and durability are key Gartner encourages homeowners to select simple and durable building materials and styles. “Keeping things simple wherever possible is a smart design and budget choice,” he said. For example, use simple light switches with a sliding dimmer (as opposed to wall-mounted smart screen lighting and AV products), and forego embellishments on baseboards or crown molding. Select durable solid door hardware, solid doors, and poplar (hardwood) wall finishes (as opposed to medium-density fiberboard or pine). For

both interior and exterior railings, consider powder-coated aluminum or stainless-steel cable.

Use quartz rather than granite or marble on countertops. In bathrooms, use marble or glass tile for accents, but put porcelain on the floors and in the showers.

For other floors, opt for hardwood and avoid carpets.

And for cabinets, select a semi-custom cabinet, such as Touchstone Cabinetry, which is less expensive than custom, but creates a luxury custom look.

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Super convenient elevator

When possible, include splurges that pay for themselves.

Many of Gartner’s homes include solar panels and geo-thermal HVAC systems that are currently energy-efficient and eventually provide free energy.

Provide multiple principal suites in the home. “We’ve found that the upstairs masters are more popular than downstairs due to views afforded,” Gartner said.

Another great splurge, especially at the beach where most livable space is above ground level, is an elevator. “This is a great option when it comes to loading and unloading suitcases, groceries and other big carry items that need to go up at least one flight of stairs,” Gartner said.

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Safety smart curbless shower

Curbless showers are a nice idea for elderly or handicapped guests or anyone for that matter because of their ease of use and the clean aesthetic they provide.

A drive-through garage that doubles as a covered outdoor play area for kids when weather isn’t beach-worthy is a great idea. And speaking of garages, make sure you have ample parking for the number of people and vehicles that may occupy the property at once.

Every luxury rental should have an owner’s closet. This can be a locked room or closet where owners store their valuables and anything else they don’t want renters to have access to and is a routine investment of extra space for a little extra money.

Decorate Kid bunks with basketball hoop side table Athletic locker themed kids bathroom

WITH PURPOSE

Keep accessories at a minimum and decorate thoughtfully with function in mind.

Outfit bedrooms with bedside lamps, solar shades with blackout drapes and an ottoman, chair, or bench, so guests have a place for their bag or suitcase. Dress the beds as they would be in a hotel.

Include play areas and games for kids as well as adults. Puma recently purchased a game table from an arcade company that already has 1,200 games installed that she used in a kid’s play area. “It cost under $2,000, and it will provide hours of fun for kids and adults alike on rainy days or evenings,” she said. As well, one bathroom should be outfitted just for children.

Reading nooks with books about the beach or about Hilton Head and the Lowcountry are great additions and can be installed in small spaces for very little investment.

Include play areas and games for kids as well as adults. Puma recently purchase a game table from an arcade company that already has 1,200 games installed that she used in a kids’ play area.

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The outdoor area is a big draw. Make sure guests have a clear path to beach and access to an outdoor shower/ footbath. Place the swimming pool complementary to the living space and offer guests multiple seating options.

Include a dining area near the outdoor kitchen (with a wellsituated bar), an outdoor living area with a TV, an outdoor fireplace/firepit, and even a grassy area where outdoor games can be played on level ground.

Don't forget

MARKETING

In order to market effectively and ensure quality care of your home in your absence, entrust the home to a local rental company with a team of dedicated, passionate members. “Rental companies should be held to high standards crucial to marketing a home, booking qualified reservations, ensuring proper housekeeping and inspection processes, and offering 24-hour customer service, as well as re-evaluating your home each year with fresh eyes— all services that we offer, said Greg Ellison, acquisitions manager at Destination Vacation. “The Hilton Head rental market is competitive. The cleanest, most updated homes in the best condition are the showstoppers year after year and have the largest following of repeat guests.”

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v Top (left to right): Larry Sr., Andy, Larry Jr. Bottom (left to right): Judy, Christine, Gulianna (Pawlie), Sally

Unbroken Thread THROUGHOUT THE STORY OF JUST CUSHIONS, YOU’LL FIND A FAMILY HISTORY THAT GOES BACK FOUR GENERATIONS. Article By Barry Kaufman .

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armine Setola carries a title you don’t see very often these days – he is a master upholsterer.

When he first learned the art, it was through an upholstery trade school, offered by the VA after his service in WWII. His mother, a skilled seamstress, instilled in him the kind of dedication to craftsmanship that was once commonplace but has become a rarity in the world, guiding him in his mastery within the industry.

When he opened his own shop, she gifted him her sewing machine and the mantle was passed. Carmine would pass both the sewing machine and the depth of his knowledge to his son, Larry (Sr.). Armed with the cultivated wisdom of his father and grandmother, Larry Sr. would go on to open Just Cushions in 1994 on Hilton Head Island.

As the name implies, the store opened with a focus on cushions, whether that meant repairs or fabrication, as well as upholstery.

At the time, there was a tremendous need for such a business on the island. While craftsmanship had become somewhat of a dying art, it was a time when heirloom furniture still held a place of prominence in the family home, and a skilled sewer was just the person to keep these pieces looking their best. The Setola family legacy lived on in a thriving business with a loyal customer base.

In time, Larry would bring in his son, Larry Jr. While the younger Setola may not have his father’s gift with a sewing machine, it was his unique mind for innovation that

Photography by John Brackett

helped bring the company into the future.

“There’s still very much this need for the kind of old-school craftsmanship my dad brought to this island when he opened up shop in 1994, which is why you’ll still find him keeping busy on the machines in the back.

But what I saw was so much potential to do more,” Larry Jr. said. “It’s really a matter of staying relevant. Think of all the businesses that have gone under because they didn’t innovate. I couldn’t let the business my dad built go down that same path because of the changing times.”

These innovations started with a small corner of the front showroom being given over to a line of window treatments. While those first offerings weren’t extensive, they were carefully chosen to represent quality by a family who knows a thing or two about

fabrics. That same generational knowledge informed a growing collection of home furnishings, from coffee tables to lamps as the home furnishings section grew.

Ultimately, Larry Jr. realized that the greatest potential lies in furniture. It was a natural extension of the company.

“We’ve seen some of the highest quality furniture stripped down to the frame while reupholstering it, so we know what sets it apart,” Larry Jr. said. “We literally know what makes a great piece of furniture inside and out, and that really helped guide our selections and manufacturers.”

The expansion saw the front showroom at Just Cushions radically transformed, with a section of the old rear workshop gutted and reframed around a gorgeous showroom of carefully curated pieces. Billing this new venture “Hilton Head Furniture Co.,” Larry Jr. innovated by drawing on the wisdom of four generations. The lines they offer represent the pinnacle of the art with the craftsmanship that made Just Cushions famous allowing for a wild array of personalization.

“There are millions of different options for making each of these pieces your own,” Larry Jr. said. “Along with the countless fabrics and colors and cushion inserts, we’re able to change everything from the finish of the wood, style of the arms and seat depth to the style of the legs so you can truly make a piece your own.”

It’s a new-school approach that lets customers embrace the old-school craftsmanship of heirloom furniture that can be passed down through the generations.

And at the center of this stylishly modern showroom, perhaps the most essential heirloom enjoys a place of honor. It’s the sewing machine, passed down by Carmine’s mother, that lies at the heart of everything Just Cushions and Hilton Head Furniture Co. does. It represents an unbroken thread of four generations and a family business that defines quality.

To learn more, visit justcushionshhi.com & hhifurniture.com.

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Article By Cheryl Alexander photography by rachel loewen © 2019 houzz

10 Tips for Remodeling Your Bath

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emodeling your bathroom can breathe new life into your home. Plus, since many people are spending so much more time at home, having a functional, beautiful bathroom is now on the top of the priority list for homeowners. Renovations might be as simple as installing new cabinets and countertops or upgrading your shower and/ or tub. You might, however, want to remove everything down to the studs and start from scratch. Before you begin, consider the following suggestions to help refine your goals:

10 Tips for Remodeling Your Bath 1. Add square footage. If you have the budget and deem it a priority, add square footage to your bathroom. Studies show that one quarter of homeowners opt to increase the size of master bathrooms to make the space more spa-like and relaxing. Many of those who are keeping the bathroom size as is find it too small for their needs (30 percent). Millennial homeowners are more likely to increase their master bathrooms than are other homeowners.

Larger square footage in the bathroom is a great way to raise the resale value of your home.

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2. Splurge on the shower. A new, updated shower is the top feature to splurge on during a master bathroom renovation.

Of those making master shower updates, more than two-thirds increase its size. To save space, consider a walk-in (curbless) shower, which will inherently make your bathroom feel bigger. A frameless door or even a simple curtain will open sight lines and allow decorative tile to stand out.

3. Skylights. Adding a skylight will provide natural light and a tranquil ambience, both during the day and at night; it will provide

privacy, whereas a regular window might not; and it will visibly expand and brighten the room, especially if the bathroom is not situated on a wall adjacent to the outdoors. Vented skylights add an extra advantage by discouraging mold and mildew.

4. Safety features. The bathroom is probably the number one space in the home where people prepare the home for aging.

Incorporating universal design principles will make the bathroom safer for both young and old. Consider adding details such as grab bars, walk-in tubs and showers, rubber flooring, slip resistant tile and comfort height toilets. Also think about visual cues in the bathroom, which is important for the safety of everyone, but even more important for those with vision problems. The lighting at the base of the tub skirt, the detail on the front of the cabinetry and the contrasting colors between cabinetry, countertop and floor all help an individual detect edges and perimeters, allowing for greater confidence in navigating the bathroom space.

5. Plumbing technology. The demand for high-tech bathroom features has grown significantly, with upgraded toilets and upgraded showers coming in at the top. High-tech toilets will save water, keep your seat warm, move the lid with a motion sensor, stop the need for paper with automatic water spritzing, and clean themselves. Interestingly, nearly one in five toilet upgrades includes a seat with a bidet. Overflow protection is also a popular upgrade. Faucets, too, are getting more high-tech. Aside from the infrared sensor (which is practical, energy efficient and cleaner), now you can set a faucet timer for tasks like brushing your teeth.

6. Floating vanities and toilets. Add a floating vanity or floating toilet to enlarge the feel of your bathroom space. Not only do they create an uninterrupted flow, but they are also much easier to clean. For an even cooler effect, add under-vanity lights. Nearly three-quarters of homeowners remodeling their master bathrooms upgrade their vanity, with the floating style rising in popularity.

Shaker continues its reign as the most frequently selected vanity door style, followed by flat-panel and raised-panel.

7. Upgraded hardware. Upgraded faucets are available in a wide range of styles, from timeless and traditional to sleek and modern, and are more water-efficient than previous models. They also come with highly functional features, such as integrated ceramic disks within the fixture that help grind away buildup that causes leaks. New sink and showerhead options are endless, too.

Customizing is easy and will get you a good return.

8. Freestanding tub. There is no limit to the variability of freestanding tubs. They aren’t limited by the need to fit between walls or into tile, so their designers are able to be more creative with shapes. Freestanding tubs have an air of luxury, but they are becoming more obtainable as manufacturers offer more options.

With those options come many things to consider such as shape, material, size, even plumbing. The look makes a unique statement, and the style will allow you to use your space more creatively as no walls are required. Also, compared to a built-in tub, a freestanding tub is painless to install. Instead of a decorator and a contractor, you’ll likely just need a plumber.

9. Maximize floor space. Take out the linen closet. Instead, increase storage by installing ceiling height cabinets or open shelving or utilize unused corners to make the best use of space.

Come up with creative and beautiful ways to have storage where it needs to be. Plan ahead and place the correct storage unit in close proximity to the space where you’ll need it most. That wall behind the tub is a prime location. Spare the art and take a practical approach in one of the most functional rooms in your house.

10. Accent wall. If your bathroom is small, create an accent wall by using a light or bright paint that will enlarge the feel. Use bold tile or wallpaper behind the vanity or frame the bathtub or shower to make a statement accent wall. More than a third of renovating homeowners add an accent wall in their shower area.

Surface material is the top choice for making the accent wall distinct, such as tile or stone, that’s different from the room’s other walls. Other strategies include using color, pattern, and texture.

While white is the all-around winner for bathroom color, more renovators than last year are diversifying with a blue accent wall or multicolored accent wall.  *Statistics in this article provided by HOUZZ. C2 MAGAZINE

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S Steve and Bonnie Fisher in the showroom of the Matthews Drive Floors-To-Go location.

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Aricle by Tim Wood Photography by M.Kat.

FLOORS TO GO

by High Tide:

Local service, unrivaled value and craftsmanship Steve Fisher and his staff have built a legacy of quality work and decades-long customer relationships.

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teve Fisher has enjoyed being a tradesman as long as he can remember. That joy in seeing a job done right from start to finish began as a stone mason in Rochester, N.Y. He quickly learned that upstate New York winters were not a stone mason’s friend.

“Epic snowstorms, weeks of below freezing temps. It was so cold, and we couldn’t work, so I started finding other things to do,” said the owner of Floors To Go By High Tide.

“That led me to flooring, and it’s been my thing ever since.”

He started a small installing operation in Rochester before a 1984 vacation to Hilton Head Island abruptly changed his plans. “I mean, the beaches, the beer and the beautiful women.

What more could a single guy just off a bad breakup want?”

Fisher said. “I went home, loaded up my tools and my dog into my truck and came here for good.”

The islander newbie hit up the area’s biggest flooring company, Louis Sterling, and was hired instantly. The more he learned about the business, the more Fisher was determined to start his own venture. And so, Floors To Go was born.

Fisher’s entrepreneurial spirit was built around simple tenets and the morals and work ethics instilled in him by

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his parents. “Honesty and quality work are always going to win out. I believe in my crews; I pay them well and they deliver for our customers and work hand-in-hand with any builder,” he said. “We all sell the same thing, but I know no one will beat us in customer service and craftsmanship. Pricing is always key, and I know we’re competitive, even with the big box stores.”

Floors To Go offers the highest-quality hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile and stone, carpet and area rug brands, all on display in the company’s showroom on Mathews Drive. The operation has grown significantly through the years, with about 70 percent of the installs residential and 30 percent commercial. The growth has led Fisher to open three warehouses and two more showrooms—a building focused on vinyl and laminate next door to the main showroom and another dedicated to tile and stone across the street.

“We began in a 20-by-20 office, and we have grown our operation year-in, year-out. It’s been 30-plus years of growth, even through the recessions and the worst of times,” he said.

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Fisher attributes the success to the intangibles beyond the quality products he offers. “There’s something to be said for the local guy who’s there every day,” he said. “We have customers now where I’ve done work for their children and their grandchildren. We want those relationships; they matter.”

Fisher also wants his potential customers to shop around. “I want them to Google, want them to see what other customers say,” said Fisher, who is proud of the company’s five-star rating on the industry review site Customer Lobby.

He laughs when thinking of how the industry trends have shifted just in his 40 years in the business. “It was a lot of hardwood at first, smaller planks, three-inch Bruce flooring. Now, you see eight-, nine- and 10-inch planks that are seven feet long,” he said.

Carpet is still the most affordable option and great for bonus rooms and guest rooms, where soft and quiet landings are key. As simple as it can be to install, the product provided Fisher with one of his greatest-ever challenges.

“We will do whatever custom work folks desire. I remember one job, when I was still installing, when Windmill Harbor Yacht Club first opened. It was wall-to-wall carpet but with extensive borders and patterns—so intricate, but it turned out beautiful,” he said. “We don’t see those kinds of carpet requests these days, but it was definitely a huge trend in the ’90s.”

Tile and stone have always been a go-to look for islanders and was 50 percent of the

business early in the 2010s. “Porcelain tile looks like real stone and is so much easier to take care of,” Fisher said. “The grouts are even getting better. It’s 30 percent harder than ceramic. It’s truly a lifetime floor. Tile is just so classic, and we’ve had some amazing supplier relationships through the years that give our customers the best in beauty and quality.”

Luxury vinyl has been all the rage the past five years, as the quality of the product has made it hard to tell it apart from hardwood. It’s so popular, it’s become equally requested alongside tile and hardwood. “It has truly come a long way.

I remember doing oceanfront homes back in the day in Palmetto Dunes and thinking, ‘The customer really wants vinyl?’ But I’ll tell you, the look, the length of the planks, it has been a game changer for customers the past few years.”

Especially those who value durability as much as style. “I had a friend in Hilton Head Plantation; he had two huge dogs, and they just destroyed these antique pine floors,” Fisher said. “We put this luxury vinyl in; he couldn’t tell the difference from the pine, and the dogs couldn’t scratch them up, no matter how much they ran around.”

Fisher and his crew will adapt to any client’s budget or tastes. “That luxury vinyl, it’s cheaper than the highest-end hardwood, but we have some beautiful wood that won’t break the bank either—a high-end look for about the same price as that luxury vinyl,” Fisher said. “We’re here to consult, but we can match any customer’s dream vision.”

He can make that promise in large part because of the staff that’s become family.

Fisher said folks like his office managers, Pam and Katrina, and inside sales specialist Tawana Best have been the backbone of the operation, as vital to the company’s success as his loyal and highly skilled installers. “It’s a big family atmosphere in here, and I think that personal touch means the world to our customers,” he said.

Fisher has not always been a fan of the internet, especially when it leads to folks getting stuck with inferior product from less-reputable sellers. But just as he has adapted to industry trends, he’s seen how a user-friendly and detailed web presence can complement the in-person experience, especially during the pandemic.

“We have a room visualizer tool on the site that gives folks a realistic view of what our products will look like in their space before they come to the showroom, and it’s been invaluable,” Fisher said. “You can learn about the company, find out about financing and get a great introduction to our business. My biggest concern was always looking out for the customer, and we’ve made the Web work for both us and the customer.”

Floors To Go guarantees every install and product they sell, with both a 60day satisfaction guarantee on carpet and hard surface work and an exclusive carpet lifetime warranty on stain, soil and wear. “There’s no hours-long maze of phone robots. We’re right here on Mathews Drive, and we want every customer to be fully in love with our efforts,” Fisher said.

Countertops are a newer offering for the company, a natural evolution driven by customer demand. “Our installers get so many questions about matching the floor and countertop looks, so we saw an opportunity to service our clientele better,” Fisher said. “Quartz is the trend right now, and we have some stunning options to choose from.”

Fisher is still as in love with the Lowcountry as when he planted roots in 1984. He met his wife Bonnie here and married in 1989 (she’s the company’s head bookkeeper; they have one daughter, Emily). He’s ridden the trends waves, serviced the population explosion in Bluffton, and is proud of the reputation his company has built.

“The work is always interesting, and the relationships are our bond,” he said. “I love our repeat customers, and I’m just as excited to greet the new customers as I was the first day we opened our doors.”  Come see Steve and his staff at Floors To Go By High Tide at 123 Mathews Drive, call them at (843) 681-4925, or visit them online at hiltonheadisland.floorstogo.com.

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ImprOving IndOOr Air Quality IDENTIFY AND ELIMINATE THE HIDDEN THREATS TO YOUR HOME’S SAFETY AND HEALTH article By cheryl alexander

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ur homes are our havens where we go to recharge and find safety from the outside world. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that many times indoor air quality can be two to five times worse than outdoor air quality, and it’s not unusual to see higher percentages.

Knowing how to monitor your indoor air quality and what specific pollutants to look for can keep you and your family from experiencing acute and bothersome allergy symptoms and

long-term health consequences. Some common intruders are dust, lint, mold and mildew, animal droppings hidden in the nooks and crannies of your home, smoke (from cooking, candles, or tobacco), pollen, pesticides, vehicle exhaust, pet dander, volatile organic compounds (such as hair spray or printer ink), radon (from the ground), asbestos, and even your own dead skin cells.

Taking a few steps to clean up your indoor air quality is simple, and in most cases, affordable:

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KNOWING HOW TO MONITOR YOUR INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND WHAT SPECIFIC POLLUTANTS TO LOOK FOR CAN KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FROM EXPERIENCING ACUTE AND BOTHERSOME ALLERGY SYMPTOMS AND LONG-TERM HEALTH CONSEQUENCES. Consider upgrading to HEPA quality bags to cut down on dust and particulate distribution. And change any portable air filters and other similar devices regularly.

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Install a whole-house air purifier. A whole-home air purifier can reduce dust, pollen, and animal dander; kill bacteria, mold, and viruses; and reduce odors and chemical emissions. They are not as expensive as you might think and can provide real benefits in improving air quality.

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Clean filters regularly. Your HVAC system has a builtin filter, but you must change it regularly. Investing in higher quality filters can also make a big difference.

Don’t forget to change the vacuum cleaner bag.

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•

Control indoor humidity. Summer in the South means high humidity outdoors—and indoors, too—creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew, both respiratory irritants. An inexpensive solution is to install portable dehumidifiers. These can be noisy and require you to regularly empty their catch basins. If it’s in your budget, consider installing a whole-home dehumidifier in your HVAC system that will constantly keep the humidity level in your home under control and require no attention.

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Clean ducts. The HVAC ducts in your house are a major source of dirt, dust, animal dander, rodent droppings, mold, and more, especially if you live in an older home.

Have your home’s HVAC ducts professionally inspected and cleaned regularly. Not only will this reduce

pollutants in your home, but clean ducts will distribute air more efficiently, reduce the load on your system, and save you money.

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Improve kitchen ventilation. Your kitchen is another major source of indoor pollution, especially if you cook with a gas stove. Even an electric range produces hazardous smoke. Use your range hood before you even start cooking and run it for a few minutes after you finish; open a window for a little more ventilation or even run a fan in the window to suck air out of the kitchen; and use a quality HEPA-rated air filter to remove up to 99 percent of particulates from the air.

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Clean bathroom exhaust fans. Use the exhaust fans in your bathroom to remove moisture and inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. Then, several times a year, remove the cover of the fan and vacuum out dust and debris to keep it clear. Even consider replacing the existing exhaust fan with a higher performance model.

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Establish a housecleaning routine. Allergens like pet dander, dust, chemical residue, and dead skin will settle on your home’s floors, in your carpets, and upon upholstery and other surfaces. The solution to this is simply good old-fashioned cleaning.

Your home is your refuge. Establishing regular cleaning habits and making a few upgrades to your HVAC system will keep your home and family healthy and happy.

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The Fifth Annual Savannah Antiques and Architecture Weekend!

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or the fifth consecutive year The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the state of Georgia is orchestrating another defining Savannah event.

The annual Savannah Antiques and Architecture Weekend is a two-day series of presentations, tours, and events dedicated to the promotion of Savannah’s robust historic preservation efforts and its best-in-class examples of American architecture and design. The Society is a registered 501c3 organization and all proceeds from the events benefit two of the city’s nineteenth-century treasures, The Andrew Low House Museum and The Green-Meldrim House.

This year will be different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but events will go on safely with some being held in-person and others online. The theme, Preservation is Fun, focuses on preserving traditions in decorating, entertaining, and architecture.

The weekend begins Friday March 12 with a virtual tour of the 1880s home of John O. Morisano and Carol Sawdye,

lovingly restored and redesigned with the masterful expertise of designer Chuck Chewning. Chewning is renowned for his work restoring the Gritti Palace in Venice and Savannah’s ArmstrongKessler Mansion.

On Saturday March 13, Mr. Color, Carleton Varney, returns to Savannah for two presentations on Preservation is Fun! in the garden of the AndrewLow House. A to-go gourmet lunch is included with tickets to Carleton’s talk.

The keynote speaker, Carleton Varney, is president and owner of Dorothy Draper & Co, Inc., and known for his work as designer for the Greenbrier, the Grand Hotel, the Colony Hotel and countless private residences worldwide.

He was decorator to President Jimmy Carter and currently serves on the White House Council for Historic Preservation and is the author of numerous books on interior design that he will be signing during his featured events.

For all event details and tickets, visit savantiquesweekend.com.

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Jimmy and Lyndsey Varnes with their three sons, Caleb, Jadon and Levi. (Hannah Rose Varnes will be joining the family in June of this year!)

‘PROUDLY OWNED AND OPERATED BY JIMMY VARNES’ CHS PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOW CLEANING A R T I C L E

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ore than a tagline or promotional copy, there’s a story behind the headline of a kid who learned organization from military parents and grew up on his dad’s job sites, seeing firsthand how a good business is run and how to get the job done. Varnes’ dad (re-)started out with an entry level retail position after the military, opened a landscaping business “on the side” that expanded enough to sell. He went on to build a land-clearing business that prospered and sold and now builds and sells homes.

Jimmy Varnes is following in those footsteps, having acquired Coastal Cleaning Services at just 18 years old and turning it into what is now CHS Clean — a division of Coastal Homes and Sunrooms, LLC. “It was my first job,” Varnes said. He was 14 years old, and it was a summer gig. After investing and excelling for four years, he was offered the cleaning side of the business and became a young entrepreneur with a well-developed client list and solid business reputation. Today, the business is a prosperous full-service exterior cleaning company, operating in the Lowcountry for more than 15 years.

The full range of services and products featured in detail on their website includes commercial and residential pressure washing, concrete surface, window and roof cleaning,

and mold and algae removal. That last one sends shivers down coastal spines, so if you’ve just relocated from the north or the dry, dry west, pro tip: you’re going to want to call Jimmy Varnes. With standard power washing ranging once a year here versus every three years in other areas, Varnes said, “We love making our surrounding community clean and beautiful.”

The secret to this clean and beautiful success can be traced back, in part, to his childhood-ingrained work ethic and to his growing family. “I’m really doing this for my kids,” he said, whether that means putting a roof over their heads or leaving them a legacy of businesses to take over if they so desire. A rooted regional family with three sons and a girl on the way, Varnes quipped, “We’re currently receiving shipments of bows.”

Above and beyond that is the knowledge that, “unless the Lord builds… [we] labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1) Varnes’ personal commitment to faith and purpose feeds every element of business from drive and integrity to relational care of customers. “I don’t find satisfaction in money but in glorifying God,” he said. “To God alone be the glory.”

On top of purpose and legacy, Varnes is also building more than one business.

He’s got other undertakings in the works like a full-time retail nursery set to open in June 2021 (LowCo Gardeners in Beaufort).

Like his dad, he’s expanding his umbrella of local businesses in the hopes of serving people and changing the very “landscape” of the local community.

All that while still maintaining a fivestar rating. Dad would be proud, and the Lowcountry is better (and cleaner) for it.

For more information, visit CHSclean. com or call (843) 522-3331.

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A FROM MANHATTAN TO

MODERN FARMHOUSE ON SPRING ISLAND

The dramatic curved entry feature is enhanced by a unique exterior palette.

A Spring Island Couple Finds Their Lifestyle Reimagined in the Lowcountry.

A RT I C L E BY PAU L A M AG R I N I | P H O T O G R A P H Y BY K E L L I B OY D A N D J O H N M C M A N US | D E S I G N BY J E F F C L I N E

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legendary Lowcountry enclave, Spring Island was never on the radar for Jill and Andy Pedersen.

In fact, they knew nothing about the destination until Andy overheard some colleagues discussing their flight plans in the coat room following a business meeting in New York. “They were concerned about returning in time to take care of their horses on Spring Island, South Carolina, and I couldn’t help asking about the intriguing spot,” he said.

Enamored by research, Andy and Jill decided to visit the lush barrier island. Then fast forward, they found themselves purchasing an island home site within the year.

Both high-powered publishing executives, the Pedersens met while commuting to and from Manhattan, another somewhat random encounter or maybe more of their signature serendipity. Andy most recently worked with The New York Times and New Republic while Jill has held various roles at publications including Rolling Stone, GQ, Atlantic Monthly and The Week. The pandemic has eased their respective paces and allowed more time on the Carolina coast, where they’ve now made pastimes like horseback riding and entertaining bigger priorities.

“We had a second home in Palm Beach but were in search of a new community that

“The island nature is so beautiful and calming. It’s such a magical departure from the urban rush.

You can’t help feeling more relaxed and focused.” — Andy Pedersen

had lots of activity—arts, equestrian facilities, golf course, trails for dogs.” Jill explained.

Unquestionably a serendipitous alignment, the Spring Island backdrop and amenities seem ideal for the Pedersens for numerous reasons, beginning with their six children.

Jill and Andy each had three children from previous marriages when they wed in Rumson, New Jersey, so they kid about their “Brady Bunch,” which consists of four girls and two boys, Grace, Rachel, Sarah, Allie, Will and Nick. Scattered across the country, in their mid-twenties and early thirties, the siblings make regular stops for reunions at their parents’ new South Carolina address and have evolved into an eclectically talented and tight-knit group.

Floor to ceiling windows allow a seamless interface with the stunning island habitat.

MODERN FARMHOUSE

An open concept design inspires the casual flow throughout the great room, kitchen and dining areas.

Note the images of the Pedersens’ horses, Daisy and Winnie, by the dining room table.

Add to the family gatherings one poodle, Hadley, and two rescue pups, Bert and Marco, plus his and hers horses, Winnie and Daisy, and the coastal compound is complete.

Though the horses board in stables, Jill rides Winnie daily now on Spring Island trails. The home’s front entrance actually features a traditional hitching post and watering trough. Meandering gardens, lemon, lime and orange trees and naturalized landscaping surround the island abode and blend with the pristine neighboring wildlife.

“By all means this is a retreat designed for family, a more unique take on the modern farmhouse concept with an open floor plan and casual vibe,” architect William Court said. He 76

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added that the island habitat provided inspiration too. “The design featured techniques like xeriscaping to embrace the more agrarian and natural aesthetic of Spring Island.”

One of the most unique elements of the home is the guest wing. It’s strategically connected to the house by way of the screened porch, allowing plenty of privacy for guests.

This arrangement still permits common outdoor gathering to happen on the living porch. The back-to-back fireplace creates an extended great room experience. Living, dining, cooking and outdoor activities all blend together seamlessly.

Another less conventional touch, the master suite is the only bedroom in the main house, a truly hidden oasis,

MODERN FARMHOUSE

Master suite savvy entails layered fabrics and finishes within a refreshingly bright palette.

flanked by the rear porch and ensconced in dramatic nature views. “We like the intimacy of a smaller footprint and the convenience of single-story living,” Jill shared. “It’s carefree and comfortable.” She added that she and Andy enjoyed choosing the interior color palette, finishes and fixtures with their interior designer Nancy Mignon of Prim Designs and builder Mike Rollins with PR Homes. “I stayed very involved in selections even though I was in New Jersey. We had a great team including design architect Jen Foster to help execute our plans and add value,” she said. “Our priorities were lowmaintenance living, bringing the outside in … basically a feeling of minimalism.”

Among the home’s signature highlights are vertical board and batten siding, sweeping curved roof forms, surface mounted exterior doors, full-height floor-to-ceiling fixed glass throughout the first level and generous vaulted spaces.

Foster noted the home’s spectacular entry. “The significant front gable statement begs your entry into the foyer and great room,” she said, adding that the exterior palette enhances the impact of the dramatic entrance and provides unexpected, eye-catching contrasts throughout the home’s elevations.

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MODERN FARMHOUSE

“One of the greatest caveats of our new home and life on Spring Island is the amazing neighbors who have become dear friends.” — Jill Pedersen

Pedersen’s great room, Andy and Jill dwelled on the intangible highlights of their new life on Spring Island. “Since I’ve been working remotely the past year (as an adjunct professor), I’ve had more free time to get outside. I’ll take the dogs on long walks, sometimes a couple miles,” Andy said. “The island nature is so beautiful and calming.

It’s such a magical departure from the urban rush. You can’t help feeling more relaxed and focused.”

Jill agrees and has grown accustomed to her daily rides on Winnie, yoga sessions, regular golf games, bridge, and painting. “One of the greatest caveats of our new home and life on Spring Island is the amazing neighbors who have become dear friends. We’ve shared many wonderful times together, whether on the golf course or around our dining room table,” she said, “and no doubt there will be more to come.”

For the Pedersens, that may be the best kind of serendipity.

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Q KEVIN SEVIER IN HIS BLUFFTON OFFICE.

Article by Barry Kaufman Photograpy by M.Kat

Like a Good Neighbor...

KEVIN SEVIER IS AN OLD-SCHOOL INSURANCE AGENT WITH A FEW NEW-SCHOOL IDEAS FOR BRINGING INSURANCE TO THE PEOPLE.

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s a professional insurance agent with State Farm for more than 13 years and 24 years in total with the company, Kevin Sevier understands what insurance means to you.

And for most of us, insurance is what we see on TV: talking reptiles, Dr. Rick showing us how not to be our parents, and yes, even Jake giving out the Aaron Rodgers discount.

Our first impression is a non-stop parade of insurance commercials, and Sevier gets that. But more importantly, he understands that those commercials are just a way to get someone in the door. The rest is up to the agent.

“I’ve always been big on meeting clients face to face. If I’m doing business with a customer, I want that interaction,” he said. “If I can look you in eyes and you can look in mine, it builds that trust and that relationship.”

Like a Good Neighbor...

THE KEVIN SEVIER STATE FARM TEAM Christine Cook, Jennifer Smith, Maria Olvera, Sandy Graves, Rodney Mack, Kevin Sevier, Spencer Grimes. Not Pictured: Shannon Crim

YOUR NEEDS COME FIRST That face-to-face time isn’t just about building trust, however. One key difference between what Sevier does and what you’ll generally find from the more impersonal insurance firms (the ones with those wacky commercials) is that Sevier is decidedly not just there to sell you insurance. He’s there to sell you the right insurance.

“I want to advise my customers. If you call up some company you saw in a commercial and ask for the cheapest coverage, that’s what they’re going to give you,” he said. “But are they going to ask you what your needs are? No. And they really should do that.”

The consequences can be deadly. Let’s just say, as an example, that you spring for the cheapest insurance for your car just to meet the bare state minimums. And then let’s say you get into an accident. God forbid, let’s even say for the sake of argument there is a fatality involved. It’s a worst-case scenario, but then what is insurance if not planning for a worst-case scenario?

“In the state of South Carolina, in a situation like that, you could be sued for everything except for your pension, disability income and in some cases social security income,” Sevier

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said. Everything else would be fair game: the equity from your house, the money in your retirement account, even future earnings from your job, social security and tax returns.

In short, it could mean financial ruin. And all because the funny commercial folks sold you the bare minimum.

“I want that relationship so we can have that conversation about what your needs might actually be,” Sevier said. “My job is easy if I’m the cheapest price. And a lot of times we are. But I hope it was a sale based on your needs and not just us being the cheapest price.”

OLD SCHOOL That personable approach is one Sevier has honed over a long and distinguished career with State Farm. As he puts it, he graduated from the Citadel on a Saturday and started with State Farm on Monday.

Starting off as a claims adjuster, he was given a unique opportunity to see the entire process from a different perspective.

“I think that maybe sets me apart because I handled it from other side. And on the rare occasion their premiums wouldn’t cover what they needed, I would have to sit down and work with them to explain why,” he said.

He followed his tenure as a claims adjuster working for State Farm agent Troy Herndon in Charleston. Besides being Sevier’s father-in-law, Herndon had an outsized impact on the way he did business.

“What I noticed about him early on— we could go anywhere in the U.S., whether some small town or New York City, and someone would walk up and say, ‘Hey, Troy.’ We bumped into someone he knew anywhere and everywhere we went,” Sevier said. “I tried to develop based on watching him. He was the guy who shook a man’s hand. That’s how he did business and still does business that way today.”

That personalized approach informs Sevier’s hands-on style when it comes to serving his customers. And his next venture within State Farm, interning at Summervillebased agent Tony Pope’s office, set the stage for what was to come. Pope owns two successful agencies, which is a rarity in the world of State Farm, but he accomplished it by maintaining the mindset of a CEO. “I never thought of being CEO of a business. I’m not a CEO. I’m an insurance agent,” Sevier said. “But I see these guys thinking bigger picture above what their office can do. That’s changed my view of what an insurance agent can do.”

These two mentors instilled in Sevier an old-school approach and a thirst to try something new. These two philosophies inform a leap forward that Sevier’s State Farm office is preparing to take.

NEW SCHOOL On the second floor of Kevin Sevier’s Buckwalter Place office, you’ll find a large room framed by raw timbers and insulation, electrical, phone and ethernet cables snaking down from the ceiling. It may not look like much now, but it holds the key to the office’s future.

Someday soon, this room will hold a call center, bringing Sevier’s old-school approach in a decidedly new-school direction. “I think it’s something we learned from COVID,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how big your office is; it doesn’t matter where your office is if people are restricted from going anywhere.

We had to move toward doing business in the virtual world.” When it’s up and running, the call center will provide immediate support for Sevier’s clients and customers, letting them handle minor insurance needs with ease.

“I learned that I needed to do better on the technology side. What my competitor has that I don’t is that virtual capability,” Sevier said. “I needed to have that next step to develop in the direction that other insurance companies are moving in: selling in a virtual atmosphere. I think we’ve been leaving customers out because we weren’t doing business the way they wanted.”

It’s a new-school approach that gives Sevier’s office equal footing with any insurance company in the country. And of course, when you need something beyond what a call center can give you, like a good neighbor, Kevin Sevier is there.  Kevin Sevier’s office is located at 301 Buckwalter Place Blvd., Bluffton. For more information, visit kevinsevier.com or call (843) 837-2886 for an appointment.

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GreG Westfall and Marco casarin

a passion for trash How two island entrepreneurs are disrupting the waste disposal business (in a good way).

article by Barry Kaufman

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reg Westfall and Marco Casarin might just be the two unlikeliest garbage men in Lowcountry history. That’s not to speak ill of our hardworking sanitation engineers in any way, it’s just that one generally doesn’t transition into the job following multiple decades working for multinational corporations and traveling the globe. “It’s a much-needed business and one we can grow and expand on, plus we get to sleep in our own beds at night,” Westfall said.

The two entrepreneurs are the principals behind the island’s local VaVia franchise.

Taking its name from the Italian for “it goes away,” the company is a rapidly growing force in the waste disposal business with a business model that aims to disrupt trash the way Uber did taxis.

The elevator pitch is deceptively simple: When a homeowner or contractor rents a traditional dumpster, it typically arrives via a huge CDL big rig. These massively bulky trucks, many carrying old and rusty containers, not only serve as an eyesore, but in addition are notorious for annihilating landscaping.

VaVia is different. While they offer a variety of sizing options, their dumpsters are delivered by a modified pickup truck. This not only spares your landscaping and driveways, it allows them access to homes, condos and villas on smaller lots that the traditional mammoth dumpster couldn’t get near. This makes VaVia the perfect solution for a home remodel/renovation or the long-needed home or yard cleanout.

But it’s not just the nimbler solution that makes VaVia such a breath of fresh air in the garbage industry. Like any disruptor, they rely on a technological edge. “We use a specialized app that will text a customer to remind them when service is planned so they can prepare the area for us to place the dumpster,” Casarin said. “Once that’s activated, they’ll also receive a text that the driver is on the way, and they can see where the driver is and his ETA.” For anyone who has ever rented a dumpster, just to spend the better part of a day wondering when (or if) it might arrive, this simple technological solution is a real game changer. Backing up that solution is a dedication to getting it right. “We provide customer service at an incredibly high level,” Casarin said. “When they ask, ‘Can we have it by 7 tomorrow morning?’ It’s there at 7 tomorrow morning. That same day, next

morning service is something many of our competitors cannot offer. It’s a big differentiating factor for us.”

That customer service is nothing new to Casarin. In his previous corporate life, he spent 32 years in the medical industry, traveling the world with stints in his native South Africa, Germany, Japan, Korea and Thailand.

With his move to the U.S., he oversaw a customer service team of 1,200 people.

Westfall has a similar corporate background, having spent 30 years in the steel industry, moving from place to place as a major player in a Japanese firm. “They moved us around to so many different places. But when COVID-19 hit and I could work from home, after a few months I didn’t want to go back. I wanted to make a full-time home in the Lowcountry, as it’s an amazing place to live.”

The two met while walking their dogs on the beach and, finding themselves at similar crossroads in their careers, decided to join forces on their next adventure. “We went from corporate careers to being garbage men,” Westfall said.

They started out in October of last year with 20 dumpsters and a truck and haven’t looked back, now operating with three trucks and 70 dumpsters.

“This area is booming right now, with a lot of new construction, renovations/ remodels, and home cleanouts,” Westfall said. “So far, things are looking good. Each day and each month we are making new relationships and expanding our network.”

For more information, visit govavia.com/dumpster-rental/hiltonhead-island or follow on Facebook at vavialowcountry.

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SCAN ME!

Selling THE

LOWCOUNTRY: Jason Frobase, Realtor | ERA Evergreen Real Estate

“Let’s find your perfect home in the Lowcountry together!”

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hen you talk with Jason Frobase, he doesn’t do himself justice in selling his services as well as he sells real estate. Instead, Frobase’s success is best reflected in the quotes and ringing endorsements from satisfied customers, giving would-be buyers a glimpse into their experiences and the confidence they held in their ERA agent: “Buying our new home in Bluffton and still living in Kentucky during these times was challenging. Jason provided us with feedback and follow-up throughout the whole process.

Great working with someone you felt from day one you could trust to look out for what was best for his clients.” — Bruce Dickison, homebuyer Originally from (three guesses) Ohio, Frobase’s roots put him even more in touch with the average area customer looking to homestead near Hilton Head (“and Beyond”), but no doubt he’s become a connoisseur of coastal South Carolina and knows how to find the homes to match each client. “I’m now a true Lowcountry lifestyle resident and have been for 10+ years now,” Frobase said. As a regional small business owner who has run a contracting business for more than two decades (more than half of that in Bluffton), he has long since established a firm sense of the local real estate market.

That local market is perhaps his favorite part of what he does: selling the Lowcountry. “This area has such a great feel and such a variety of things to do, great places to eat, entertainment, and no matter where you are, you’re close to the water.” Anyone south of “the Upstate” knows what he’s describing and all that it entails, and his goal is to find you a home in the midst of it to enjoy all there is to offer. “There is nothing like owning a home in the Lowcountry,” Frobase said, and we all quite agree.

Since originally establishing a presence in this community, Frobase has grown to serve 14 local areas throughout Hilton Head, Bluffton, Daufuskie, and Callawassie, extending up the coast to Beaufort and including Dataw, Fripp, Lady’s Island, and St. Helena. Previously a commercial and residential rental property owner himself, it was a natural transition into real estate sales; he’s licensed as a South Carolina Realtor, a member of the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors and registered with Hilton Head Island MLS (Multiple Listing Service). Frobase also holds a Code of Ethics Certification which is evidenced by his approach to business and customer service. Beyond just the art of the deal for this agent, it’s all about the people involved. “I love helping people. It’s exciting when a deal comes together for them. Their satisfaction is my satisfaction,” he said.

To accomplish this, the extra mile is a non-negotiable part of his equation. “Whether you’re buying or selling, I will take the time needed to meet your needs and help you find your perfect next home,” Frobase said. “I’m available any time and will work very hard pursuing your real estate interests.”

Jason Frobase always makes sure to extend an invitation, knowing that first step, the first call or inquiry into the homebuying or hunting process can be a big one. “Be sure to reach out to me when you are ready to make a change, buy an investment, or purchase for the first time,” he said. “I know the market and the area. I look forward to working with you.”

For more information, visit HiltonHeadIslandHomes.com or call (843) 422-7162.

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THE BEST ON THE BLOCK TAKE A PEEK INSIDE THE MEGA MANSIONS THAT REST AT THE TOP OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND REAL ESTATE’S LUXE LIST.

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN

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hile the Lowcountry may be more famed for its subdued approach to opulence, by no means are we strangers to excess. This is, after all, the playground of millionaires and billionaires, playboys and political dynasties. Excess is bound to happen.

Fortunes may not be made here, but they are certainly spent here. And the following homes represent some of the most eye-catching investments to be had.

Each is a free-standing work of art in its own right, with a host of luxury amenities that more than justify the price tag.

If you’re in the market for your next multimillion-dollar palace, or you simply want a peek at how the other half lives, join us for a tour of the biggest highdollar properties currently for sale in the Lowcountry.

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14 WHISTLING SWAN ROAD $9.9 MILLION 6 BD. 9 BA. 5,814 SQ. FT.

Built in 2018, this magnificent oceanfront home revels in its seaside ambience and outdoor living.

The eye-catching second-floor rotunda capitalizes on ocean scenery with a full panoramic view gazing out on the waves, but it hardly has a monopoly on the ocean, thanks to inspired architecture that captures vistas from every room.

Within, it’s a testament to quality construction, between its fully custom design and its energyefficient geothermal heating. Built from the ground up to exacting specifications, even the furniture was selected to complement every room’s layout and lighting. Magnificent indoors and out, this home exemplifies oceanfront living par excellence.

AMONG ITS MANY WINGS, YOU’LL FIND EVERY OVER-THE-TOP AMENITY YOU CAN IMAGINE, FROM THE GRAND LIBRARY TO THE 250-GALLON AQUARIUM, IN-HOME MOVIE THEATER, DINER WINE CELLAR, AND PRIVATE BOWLING ALLEY.

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80 BRIDGETOWN $9.9 MILLION 8 BD. 15 BA. 18,056 SQ. FT.

The word palatial hardly begins to describe the grandeur that awaits within this Wexford compound, consisting of a main residence and a guest home on two waterfront lots. Epic in scale yet meticulously crafted to imbue luxury and old-world elegance into every detail, this regal manor home nearly defies description.

Among its many wings, you’ll find every overthe-top amenity you can imagine, from the grand library to the 250-gallon aquarium, in-home movie theater, diner wine cellar, and private bowling alley.

Outside, you’ll find lush gardens that would put Versailles to shame, with spacious outdoor oases that gaze out toward the tranquility of the waters beyond.

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36 EAST BEACH LAGOON $8.5 MILLION 5 BD. 7 BA. 4,404 SQ. FT.

Unapologetically contemporary, this magnificent oceanfront home is a free-standing masterpiece of architectural inspiration. Seen from the sky, it embraces a circular footprint that not only creates dramatic sightlines within the home, but ushers in ocean views in nearly every room of the home.

The interior speaks for itself, with the brilliant floorplan creating elegantly spacious opportunities for gathering together as well as quieter hideaways for soaking in the scenery.

Highlights include the “crows nest” and the “ships watch,” which embrace oceanfront views. At the heart of the property, the outdoor space provides the ultimate al fresco experience, carrying its opulence right to the dunes’ edge.

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23 BELTED KINGFISHER $7.999 MILLION 5 BD. 8 BA. 7,212 SQ. FT.

There are homes that are built to impress and homes that are built for living.

This luxurious oceanfront home is both. A balance of intricate old-world grandeur and stylish contemporary living defines the indoor spaces, created not just for the way they capture ocean views but for the way they bring generations together. That emphasis on livability goes far beyond the decadent comfort it provides. This home was built to stand the test of time, with a private generator and natural gas reserves for standing up to the worst nature can throw at it.

For the family looking to secure a lush private hideaway they can enjoy for generations, this property represents the ultimate opportunity. Elegant and stately within and enjoying some of the finest oceanfront scenery on the island without, this place truly has it all.

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23 BLACK SKIMMER ROAD $7.9 MILLION 6 BD. 8 BA. 7,300 SQ. FT.

Were it just a matter of capitalizing on the majestic ocean views that this property affords, 23 Black Skimmer’s sprawling outdoor spaces and rotunda would more than justify every penny of its asking price. But look within, and you’ll see a home that would still dazzle, even without an ocean at its back door.

Architecturally daring, the home greets you with a dazzling open riser circular staircase that beckons you within to a suitably grand open living space. From the temperature-controlled wine cellar, screening room and rec room with full bar inside to the majestic four-season room gazing out across the dunes, every turn is a new adventure.

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THE BEST ON THE BLOCK THE GRAND FRONT ENTRANCE, MIRRORING THAT OF A LUXURIOUS PRIVATE RESORT, GIVES YOUR FIRST HINT OF THE SENSORY EXPERIENCE THAT AWAITS WITHIN.

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71 NORTH CALIBOGUE CAY $7.5 MILLION 5 BD. 6.5 BA. 5,958 SQ. FT.

Magnificently designed to capture the rustic tranquility of its expansive creekside views and the opulence of its Sea Pines surroundings, this Calibogue Cay home revels in exquisite privacy and painstakingly crafted luxury. The grand front entrance, mirroring that of a luxurious private resort, gives your first hint of the sensory experience that awaits within.

Completely redesigned in the last year, the interior reflects the finery of coastal chic décor with upscale elements around every corner. Outside, a sprawling oasis of meandering gardens, quiet shady nooks and a sparkling swimming pool set the stage for creek views that stretch to the horizon. When you’re ready to explore those waters, a private dock puts you right there in moments.

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135 GASCOIGNE BLUFF $6.975 MILLION 9 BD. 11 BA. 11,352 SQ. FT.

Being one of the signature manor homes along the May River carries with it a certain expectation of Southern grandeur, where a breathtaking sense of scale and extravagance are tempered by a devotion to the blissful natural beauty that surrounds it. That philosophy has rarely been expressed as beautifully as it has in this masterpiece of a Southern estate, where centuries-old live oaks beckon you inside an elegantly spacious manor rife with luxurious space.

From the opulently appointed great room and its extended views toward the May River to the extra spacious inhome theater, each room is a masterpiece of opulence. And in true May River style, the land takes center stage with outdoor amenities from a private tennis court to a deep-water dock nestled in a bend in the majestic May.

MULTIPLE LIGHTHOUSE AWARD WINNER: BEST KITCHEN BEST OVERALL EXTERIOR

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90 TIDEWATER MANOR $6.895 MILLION 5 BD. 6.5 BA. 8,025 SQ. FT.

Despite being the newest custom-built deep-water home offered on Hilton Head Island, this magnificent property has already garnered local and national awards, including a Lighthouse Award for best kitchen and best overall exterior.

It’s easy to see how these awards were earned, with every room boasting the utmost in luxury details. The great room, as one example, sees bricks reclaimed from a cotton mill paired with Amish-milled beams in the ceiling to create a sense of rustic refinement. And that is just one of many rooms that have been meticulously crafted to reflect nothing less than the finest materials and design. Pair that with the estate’s expanse serving as a full-fledged family compound right in the heart of Hilton Head Island, and it’s easy to see why this majestic manor is one of the island’s most sought-after addresses.

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Chip M I C H A L O V E THE GREAT WHITE SHARK WHISPERER

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even years ago, one moment forever changed Chip Michalove’s whole world. All alone at sea, aboard his 26-foot fishing boat off the coast of Hilton Head Island, Michalove saw something he had been waiting his whole life for: a great white shark.

“It circled my boat for 15 minutes before it took the bait,” Michalove, charter captain of Outcast Sport Fishing, said. “It scared me really bad. It didn’t want the bait; it wanted the boat. I’ve never seen a shark like that.” Michalove froze.

He didn’t know what to do when the shark took the bait. He had spent so many years hoping and praying for this moment.

ARTICLE BY MANDY MATNEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

“It was a moment I’ll never forget because half my brain was telling me this is too big, I bit off more than I could chew, I needed to cut the anchor line and get the hell out of there,” he said. “And then the other side of my brain was telling me you waited years, you waited your whole life to see a great white, you’re not going anywhere.”

And just like that, his big moment was gone. The great white spit the hook before Michalove could reel in the largest shark he’d ever seen.

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For 12 straight winters, Michalove had tried to catch a great white shark off the coast of Hilton Head Island. Before he came around with his crazy idea, fishermen didn’t even think about attempting to find monstrous sharks off the South Carolina coast.

Michalove was ridiculed by the other local fishermen who said he was on a “great white goose chase” trying to catch a creature they weren’t sure was out there. At that point, there was no evidence of great white sharks lurking in the area. But Michalove had a gut feeling and a goal, and he went after it.

Michalove headed back to his dock at Hilton Head Harbor a changed man. He’d accomplished his life goal of seeing a great white off the coast of his home, Hilton Head. His mind raced with mixed emotions thinking about what he had just seen.

“I felt like I won the lottery, saw a ghost and my dog died at the same time,” he said. “It was the highest of highs I’ve ever felt and the lowest of lows I’ve ever felt. I accomplished a lifelong dream, but I didn’t have any evidence of it.”

He called the local paper, The Island Packet, and told his tall tale of the great white off Hilton Head Island. They didn’t buy it.

The reporter said he didn’t believe him.

Michalove was angry, but he was also motivated. “The best motivation in the world is when somebody says you can’t do it or when somebody says you didn’t do it. So, I knew we had to get proof,” he said.

Michalove got a few deck hands to come with him on his next couple of trips. And soon enough, he caught a shark and posed with a photo of him touching the shark’s nose. The photo went viral. The internet went wild. Soon, Fox News, CNN, The Washington Post, and every major news outlet was calling him for a story. And The Island Packet called, too.

Now, Michalove is known as a Great White Shark Whisperer, and for good reason. He’s caught more than 30 great white sharks and has made headlines around the world for his adventures. He’s one of the only fishermen on the East Coast who can consistently catch great whites with a rod and reel.

PROTECTING THE SPECIES With every shark Michalove catches, he learns more about great white sharks and develops a deeper respect for the apex predator of the Atlantic. “It’s the smartest fish in the ocean; it just doesn’t act like other sharks,” Michalove said. “Everything a great white does is methodical and purposeful.”

Michalove has learned a lot about their behaviors. Every shark he has encountered has shown a different personality. “The larger ones are always calmer,” he said.

“It’s the small ones that are squirrelly and unpredictable.”

Every great white he catches is for scientific purpose. The more great white sharks Michalove catches and tags with a tracking device, the more scientists learn about the sharks’ migration patterns.

A large number of great white sharks spend their summers in the New England area before they head to the southeastern United States between December and March every year. “We’ve learned a lot about their migration routes, and we’re learning much more on water temperatures, preferred water clarity and their preferred food,” Michalove said.

Michalove won’t share his secrets, though. “Every day I get a call from someone from Charleston or Savannah asking me, ‘Where are you finding these great whites? How far out? What kind of depth?’” he said. “I feel like a jerk, but I feel like I have the code to the Holy Grail, and I don’t want to give that out.”

Michalove worries about amateurs hunting for great whites and hurting them in the process. “I feel like humans just ruin everything, and I don’t want to ruin this species,” he said. “It’s such a difficult fish to figure out, and I love that about great whites.”

Instead, he’s doing everything he can to protect the remarkable great white shark species.

SOCIAL MEDIA Ironically, Michalove gets a lot of grief on social media from people who claim to be animal advocates. They accuse him of hurting the shark for sport. “The world has changed so much in 10 years; people have gotten so much more sensitive,” he said.

“Ten years ago, I could post a picture of a dead shark and people would congratulate me. Now, I have to be so careful about the pictures I post.”

He often gets lengthy hate mail from people who don’t read the full story. He tries to reason with his haters who haven’t spent any time with sharks. From all of his research and fishing experience, he’s learned that sharks just don’t feel pain like humans do.

“You cannot compare a human’s nervous system, the weakest most sensitive animal on this planet, to a 10-million-yearold fish that has survived the Ice Age,” Michalove said. “We are different animals, and we interpret pain differently.”

Michalove said he could give a hundred examples of times he looked at sharks and realized they don’t feel pain the same way

we do. “I’ve seen sharks with a stingray barb straight through their snout and they don’t even flinch. They keep eating like nothing happened. Meanwhile, a stingray barb would send humans straight to the emergency room and might kill us without antibiotics.”

Haters who email him or write nasty messages also aren’t paying attention to the fact that he is doing this work for scientific purpose, he said. “It’s amazing to me that the smartest shark scientists in the world are thrilled to be getting this data, yet your average Karen in New Jersey will spend 30 minutes writing an email about what a monster I am, saying that she hopes I wrap my truck around a tree. And she won’t spend five minutes to read the full story about me or the research we’re doing.”

LOCAL LOVE March is typically the last month for great white shark season in South Carolina, but we only know that because of Captain Chip Michalove, whose shark adventures have shown islanders that there is so much more to Hilton Head Island than golf, beaches and timeshares. He’s shown the world just how much magic is off the Lowcountry coast.

A few times, while looking for sharks, he’s stumbled on some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures. A few years ago, he made national headlines after taking a viral video of a manta ray the size of a car. In December, Michalove captured an unbelievable video of a North Atlantic right whale playfully swimming alongside its calf off the Hilton Head coast.

Blown away by all of the local support, Michalove said, “I’m really appreciative of how the island has really embraced it.

When I first started catching great whites, I was a little afraid the locals would be upset with how it could impact tourism. But really, it’s had the opposite effect.”

WHAT’S NEXT Michalove is still in disbelief looking back on this seven-year great white adventure. “If you would have told me 10 years ago that we’d be catching great white sharks off Hilton Head, South Carolina, I would have said, ‘you’re crazy,’” he said.

“I still can’t really believe it when I put my hand on a great white shark.”

Great white shark fishing really doesn’t get easier as time passes. “When it comes to hunting or fishing, you know, you’re supposed to get better every single season,” Michalove said. “But there are so many variables out of your control when you go out there, it’s hard to do it.”

This season hasn’t been his best, but it’s still “a dream come true” every day he catches one, he said. What’s next? A bigger shark, of course.

“I really want to catch one 4,000 pounds or above—that’s my goal,” Michalove said.

“I’d like to catch at least an 18-footer. I know they’re out there; they’ve seen them in Cape Cod years ago. I just haven’t caught one that size yet, but I think it’s inevitable.”  C2 MAGAZINE

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Shamrock Ships Flotilla Provides Unique, Safe Alternative for St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID MOSES

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t is the second largest in the United States; it is certainly the most welcoming; and the Irish community takes its religious implications seriously. For the second year in a row, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah has been canceled as many believe the Hostess City’s downtown crowds should be avoided. While the city is open for business, it is going to be quite different than the revelry we enjoyed just a short time ago.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah traces its roots to 1824, and during the 2019 procession, Savannah proudly welcomed 280 bands, families, societies, soldiers, public servants, and commercial floats to grace the nation’s largest historic district.

Sadly, the challenges and safety concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the cancelation of the one hundred ninety-sixth anniversary parade last year and now the one hundred ninety-seventh in 2021. This year will offer something new that organizers plan to continue for many years to come.

With a deep sensitivity for those affected by the pandemic, while embracing safety precautions, several organizations banded together to offer an alternative experience for this year’s festivities. It’s outdoors, socially distanced, family-friendly, filled with Irish significance, and … it floats!

Working to keep the spirit of St. Patrick Day alive in Savannah, Ga., event organizers are thrilled to announce the inaugural Shamrock Ships Flotilla, with remote viewing on SavannahCams.com and a COVID-conscious Shamrock Soiree at the Savannah Convention Center on March 17.

“This is a great alterative to the street parade, and we are proud to partner with this event,” said Tara Reese, president of the Savannah Irish Festival. “Not only is the Shamrock Ships Flotilla socially distanced, it’s a responsible way to continue the tradition while honoring the history of the Savannah Irish.” (Reese is referring to Savannah’s original Irish community who came to Savannah on famine ships from County Wexford.)

Boat parades are not a new occurrence, and Savannah has seen its share.

Savannah has enjoyed the Christmas Boat Parade of Lights each Saturday after Thanksgiving for the last 20 years. Many boaters from that event are getting together in similar fashion to celebrate safely and share their spirit with the viewing public.

Savannah’s Shamrock Ships Flotilla includes a procession of 40 powerboats, sailboats, yachts, and skiffs, decked out in St. Paddy’s attire, floating area waterways and passing viewers at the Shamrock Soiree. Want to float, but don’t own a boat?

No worries! Interested parties can charter one from the fleet provided by Outside Savannah, which includes a Coast Guardrated captain and area tour. Prizes are awarded to registered captains for best decorations and ship spirit. And a people’s choice award will help raise funds for area charities.

The Savannah Convention Center’s 70,000 square feet of riverfront greenspace will host a limited number of guests, each with a reserved seat, to enjoy the Shamrock Ships as they pass between 12 and 3 p.m. on March 17. Spreading out on the sprawling lawns, the family-friendly atmosphere will feature live music, Irish dancers, festive drinks, traditional Irish foods from premiere food trucks, vendor experiences, and easy parking. This unique event has all the best elements of a Savannah’s St. Patrick’s experience without the large crowds.

Perhaps best of all, proceeds from each seating section are donated to help worthy causes such as the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire, Greenbriar Children’s Center, and others. An online and on-site auction will also help raise funds for organizations in great need of community support.

Organizers are embracing all federal, state, and local ordinances concerning COVID-19 and incorporating health recommendations to provide a safe experience for all. Boaters will also enjoy the comfort in having support vessels from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources along the way.

Above all, the Shamrock Ships Flotilla and associated events are designed to bring live events back to life safely.

The Details WHAT: Dozens of decorated boats, floating Lowcountry waterways, celebrating the spirit of St. Paddy’s Day WHEN/WHERE: March 17.

Shamrock Soiree open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Flotilla will pass the Convention Center 1-3 p.m.

PARKING: Convention Center parking, $5 WHO: Rising Tide Experiences, Savannah Irish Festival, DBC Radio, SavannahCams.com.

DETAILS: ShamrockShips.com

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JULIE

PARSLEY Hairdresser T HE ART O F THE GOOD HA IR DAY

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ood hair days don’t happen by accident. They happen when you have the right color, cut and style for your face, your hair, and your lifestyle. It’s as simple as that, but yet not so simple.

There’s no denying the power of hair and its ability to transform the way you look and feel. Why, then, are so many women walking around with tired color, brassy highlights, or hair that’s misbehaving? Maybe because they haven’t met Julie Parsley.

“You don’t miss what you haven’t had,” Parsley said, describing her brand of hairdressing as an art. “I feel like I have something different to offer.”

What sets her apart, Parsley said, is her willingness to take the time to perfect her styles and exceed clients’ expectations. She draws inspiration from music, from nature, and from the world around her—street looks to editorial looks. And she attributes much of her success (and her clients’ happiness) to her innate artistry along with her fiery passion for her chosen profession. “It’s not a job for me. It’s art,” she said.

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New to the Lowcountry, Parsley comes with 34 years of experience, including 15 years as a platform artist and educator with John Paul Mitchell Systems and 30 years of salon/spa ownership. Over the years, Parsley has stayed abreast of what’s new, traveling, training, and teaching within the U.S. and abroad (freelancing in London, England and Berlin, Germany), continually merging her strong foundational skills and years of experience with the most current styles and styling techniques.

Along the way, her work has been featured in Modern Salon and other national salon magazines. “It’s a career to me. I’m not a production-line hairdresser,” she said.

Your hair, her canvas

Think of yourself as a living, breathing work of art, because that is what Parsley sees when you walk in her door. “I am an artist. Each client comes in with a canvas, and the texture is the fabric,” she said, doe eyes dancing as she describes the thrill she gets when customers walk away from her chair with a sassy new look and fresh air of confidence. “Hair should be an expression of your individuality—where the inner you meets the outer you.

Your color and style should ‘talk’ and make you feel good about yourself.”

Service begins with a thorough consultation, laying the foundation for the professional relationship and inspiring a level of trust. Parsley starts with a facial analysis to determine what potential styles and color(s) will enhance your best features.

She asks pertinent questions: ‘What is your lifestyle? How much work do you want to put into it?’

“I think hair should be easy. Once you have the right cut, the right shape and the right color, it shouldn’t take a great deal of time to style your hair,” she said. She also asks about your specific hair challenges and concerns. This is where Parsley shines: She hears you and makes recommendations accordingly.

She communicates clearly and honestly and makes sure you are comfortable with the plan before she begins.

TESTIMONIALS “I am thrilled with the new look Julie created Ø for me. Her attention to detail resulted in a truly flattering color and cut. And she even sculpted my eyebrows when I was at the wash station.”— Jennifer Pfuhl, President, Blue Sky Processing brightened up my drab color and gave my Ø “Julie long, heavy hair a nice shape. She understands fashion and beauty. She knows color, cut and product. She’s spot on!”—Mary Lou Kayser, Former NYC Model is an artist. With her skill and technique, she Ø “Julie can transform an ordinary hairstyle and color into a personal masterpiece. She sees and brings out the superstar in every client, because she’s that good.”—Allison Reed Davis, Strategic Planning Manager completed my hairstyle with much more Ø “Julie detail than I have ever had, which let me know she had something different to offer. I feel truly blessed to have found her.”—Dr. Courtney Davis, Pediatric Dentist

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JULIE

PARSLEY Hairdresser Parsley specializes in transformation. “I do elevations and angles when the hair is wet. But when it’s dry, that’s when the magic begins,” she said. “I think what sets me apart the most is my dry shaping (or hair carving as they called it 20 years ago). It’s like whittling a piece of wood to make a shape or a sculpture.

That’s all done after it’s been styled, and that’s when the beauty and finessing of the haircut takes place. You can’t teach somebody to do that. You have to have an eye for it. You have to watch through the mirror. I don’t even know how much I have to do. I just keep doing it until it falls into place.”

To tie is all together is the color, she explained. “Color is by far the most important. I can give you the greatest hairstyle on earth, but if you don’t have the right color, it doesn’t show it off.”

Currently performing her magic at Tara of Hilton Head (Fountain Center), Parsley believes fabulous hair is achievable for everyone, no matter your age or

stage of life. She has the skills, tools and products to work with the texture of your hair (or change it) and to make it your own personal work of art.

“Age is insignificant when it comes to having flirty, sexy hair,” she said. “I want you to feel like a movie star. You are my guest, and I’m here to serve you.”

Parsley comes to Hilton Head Island from her hometown of Bridgeport, West Virginia; she’s excited to bring her expertise to our area while building a new life for herself in the sunny South.

Whether you’re looking for a total transformation or a tiny tweak, bring your “canvas” to Julie Parsley and experience a whole new level of hairdressing. Because good hair days don’t happen by accident.

Julie Parsley is a private operator at Tara of Hilton Head in Fountain Center, located at 55 New Orleans Road, Suite 113. Schedule your appointment by calling (304) 677-4968.

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Auto Spa is located at 30 Palmetto Bay Rd on Hilton Head Island.

Sparkling Silver

Anniversary

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN BUSINESS THIS YEAR, AUTO SPA CONTINUES TO SET THE STANDARD FOR AUTOMOTIVE AMAZEMENT. ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN

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here is an art to the automobile. Each swooping line, each chrome accent, each stylish piece of trim, is carefully chosen by a small army of engineers and craftsmen to make the automobile something that doesn’t just move you—it moves you.

But once it leaves the assembly line, that automobile enters a world of danger. Whether it’s road debris looking to damage your exterior surfaces, the sunlight beaming down to fade a finish, or the perpetual onslaught of lovebugs and pollen infiltrating a paint job, your automobile’s beauty faces an assault on all fronts.

For 25 years, Auto Spa has been your automobile’s best defense against the fading, hazing and hazards the world throws at it. “We’re thankful we’ve made it this long, and we’re excited about what’s in store,” Auto Spa owner Ryan Brogan said.

Before we discuss what’s in store, we must look to the services already offered that have made Auto Spa the island’s choice for a quarter of a century. As you’d expect, their bread and butter is detailing—restoring your car to its original showroom beauty with exacting detail and a dedication to excellence. Alongside that, Auto Spa has long offered XPEL window tinting, headlight restoration and paintless dent repair—services that carry the same devotion to a job done right.

But perhaps the one offering that keeps customers coming back is their unwavering commitment to customer service. “We pay attention to our customers and we still believe in old-school customer service,” 104

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Brogan said. “We really do strive to make sure everyone’s happy. We always make it correct. After all, it makes everything a lot easier to have people running around saying good things about you.”

It’s a combination of quality and customer care that has kept Auto Spa at the top of Hilton Head Island’s automotive class. But what’s truly exciting, as Brogan mentioned, is what’s in store.

As the automotive world continuously adapts and improves, so do the technologies that keep automobiles looking showroom-ready no matter what the road throws on them. A couple of more recent additions to the service

“We really do strive to make sure everyone’s happy. We always make it correct. After all, it makes everything a lot easier to have people running around saying good things about you.” - Ryan Brogan offerings at Auto Spa are already showing up on some of the island’s most stylish cars.

The first is XPEL paint protection film. “It’s a virtually invisible film with features including self-healing, stain resistance and superior optical clarity,” Brogan said. An invisible shield against rock chips and bug damage that can ruin a paint job, this film is a transparent wonder.

“More than anything it helps to retain the value of the car. The money you’d spend on that film is nothing compared to the depreciation that just a couple of rock chips will bring to your car’s value. It’s one of our more popular offerings.”

The next product protects your car from some of the most unavoidable damage your car will face: the swirls and scratches that come from cleaning it. With the protective ceramic coatings

by GTECHNIQ and XPEL offered

by Auto Spa, that inevitable deterioration is a thing of the past.

“It offers an extra layer of protection, makes it easier to clean, helps to repel dirt and pollen, lets it shine like you’ve never seen before, and keeps it looking newer longer,” Brogan said.

“It’s very hydrophobic, meaning that your car will bead water like wax on steroids, and ensures that wherever that ceramic is laid, you won’t get swirls from washing it.”

These high-tech additions expand on a variety of services that have helped Auto Spa live up to their motto, “Waxing the competition since 1996,” and are delivered with the same exacting standard of superior customer service.

Auto Spa is located at 30 Palmetto Bay Rd., Hilton Head Island. For more information, visit trustautospa.com.

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M A Y O R

Hilton Head Island Mayor Photography by M.Kat

A Note from John McCann

OUR PLAN HAILED AS EXCELLENT

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was thrilled to hear that our recently adopted comprehensive plan earned the 2020 Outstanding Planning Project, awarded by the South Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association (SCAPA) at its winter conference.

What an amazing achievement!

The award not only reflects the work of our town staff, including former Town Manager Steve Riley, but also the work and energy of hundreds of community volunteers who came together to help write this comprehensive document, titled “Our Plan.” I have written about Our Plan in previous columns, and we are using it to set and guide the direction of Hilton Head Island.

Our Plan was among the topics of discussion at our recent town council workshop. Staff reviewed the ongoing town council priorities and discussed integrating implementation of “Our Plan” and other priorities with ongoing work. We used our time to identify areas of alignment between the goals within each of the core values covered in the comprehensive plan and our strategic outcomes: exceptional quality of life, prosperity and innovation, and best-in-class services and facilities.

One of the core values in Our Plan is relentless pursuit of excellence. The town and the community seek and expect excellence across everything we do. That begins with our comprehensive plan, which indeed is an excellent body of work.

The award we have received is a testament of that core value.

< Bluffton Mayor

THE AWARD NOT ONLY REFLECTS THE WORK OF OUR TOWN STAFF, INCLUDING FORMER TOWN MANAGER STEVE RILEY, BUT ALSO THE WORK AND ENERGY OF HUNDREDS OF COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS WHO CAME TOGETHER.

A Note from Lisa Sulka

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FINANCIAL REPORT CARD

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FY2020 Financial Audit The financial audit for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 was completed by Mauldin & Jenkins, and an unmodified (clean) opinion was rendered. The Town of Bluffton Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) is available on the town website.

The Governmental Funds Financial Statements are a detailed shortterm view that depict financial resources available to finance the town’s programs. Revenues have increased over the prior year in the town’s budgeted funds, with property tax revenue increasing 8.3% and a slight decrease (1.2%) in licenses and permits revenue.

Total expenditures decreased approximately $400,000, with the Capital Improvements Program Fund decreasing from $6.5 million in the prior year to $5.2 million in the current year. Additionally, General Fund expenditures increased $800,000 due to the addition of staff and equipment for Community Safety and Policing.

Photography by Krisztian Lonyai

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elow are a couple of updates from our finance department. We are so lucky to have such a professional group of men and women in this department and are thankful for their dedication to our town.

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SCAPA planning awards recognize outstanding efforts and achievements that advance the art and science of planning in South Carolina. This award recognizes the contributions of volunteers and town officials in the compilation of an engaging official document that represents the multidimensional Hilton Head Island community and provides a clear, aspirational direction for the future that will serve the town for many years.

To review Our Plan, visit hiltonheadislandsc.gov.

A Note from Lisa Sulka continued

The General Fund balance remains strong with an increase of approximately $1.4 million, due to the strong performance of revenues and conservative spending. On June 30, 2020, the Town’s General Fund had an unassigned (unrestricted) fund balance of approximately $12.1 million or 70% of the fiscal year expenditures.

GO Bond for Stormwater Projects The Town of Bluffton Strategic Plans calls for continuously improving the water quality and economic viability of the May River and surrounding rivers and watersheds. The FY2021 budget and capital improvement plan include several sewer projects that align with this plan. These projects were approved with anticipation of the general obligation bond offering, that will be supported with an increase in Stormwater Utility fees.

On December 3, 2020, the Town of Bluffton sold 20-year General Obligation Bonds, Series 2020A with a par value of $5,080,000 and a true interest cost rate of 1.53%, taking advantage of favorable interest rates and the town’s strong financial position.

Current sewer projects include: • Buckwalter Place Multi-County Commerce Park • Buck Island-Simmonsville Sewer • Historic District Sewer Extension • (Phase 1 thru Phase 6) • Bridge Street Streetscape Additional sewer projects planned for future approval and coordination with partnering jurisdictions include: • Historic District Drainage Master Plan • Stoney Crest Campground/Old Palmetto Bluff Road • Old Town Gravity Sewer You can find more information regarding our financial health on our website, at townofbluffton.sc.gov.

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This & That

C2 Magazine • March 2021 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.

CASABLANCA MEDITERRANEAN GRILL ARTICLE BY JESSE BLANCO

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t wasn’t until I walked in for our interview (two hours before the doors opened) that I realized how busy Hicham Elmadi had been. I’d been in for some bites and loved it all, but…

“Can you hang on for a second?” he asked. “I have something going back here and I don’t want it to dry out.”

“Absolutely. Take your time.”

Whatever it was back there was clearly being made from scratch day of.

Noted.

Less than 10 minutes later, Elmadi sat down to share his dream with me for Hilton Head Island’s newest restaurant.

Casablanca Mediterranean Grill is a casual eats spot on 278 between The Village at Wexford and Arrow Road. Your landmark? Panera Bread. Yeah, back there.

It’s a vision and dream many years in the making. Elmadi is thrilled to be serving the island he and his wife have called home for nearly a decade. They opened their doors the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Jesse Blanco: How long has all of this been in the making? Were you supposed to open before the pandemic?

Hicham Elmadi: Yeah. We signed the lease last November. My builder said we’d be able to open in April. Then, with the pandemic, everything got crazy; we stopped. We were paying rent from November.

JB: With no relief?

HE: No. None.

JB: What was here before?

HE: It was a vegan restaurant. But actually, we re-did the whole thing. There was nothing here. One bathroom. We built out

the second bathroom, the kitchen, the hood. Everything is brand new.

JB: Where were you working before you opened this?

HE: I was at Spanish Wells Country Club.

But before that, I was at Fish Camp. I actually opened Fish Camp—created the menu, developed the kitchen from day one. Before that I was at Hilton Head Health in Shipyard. I was executive chef there for a few years. Before that, I was in Atlanta for 11 years.

I came to the island to work for Hilton Head Health. I was trying to get into healthy cooking. I was very successful making dishes for guests looking to lose weight or gain weight or just live a healthier lifestyle. I served people from all over the world: England, India, New Zealand, Spain.

We had actors, a Supreme Court justice. I cooked for some of the top 400 billionaires in the world, a general and governor of New Zealand—a lot of politicians.

JB: Very impressive. Did you always think you’d have your own place?

HE: Yes, I did. Especially when I got here [to Hilton Head Island]. I had always wanted to open my own place since I was young. But when I got here, I knew a lot of people, so I have a lot of friends. I realized going out that there weren’t a lot of options on the island. You can go out for some seafood or some seafood. Or a burger. (laughs) I thought about opening something different—something full of flavors and spices like we do here. We use a lot of turmeric, a lot of ginger. I have a shelf full of … everything. Cloves. But it is not overpowering. I want to have balance.

Cooking is all about balance.

JB: So, in this month that you’ve been open, has the reception been what you hoped it would be?

HE: Oh yeah. It’s been great. The whole month is great.

Our customers love us. We have a lot of people coming from Ridgeland, from Bluffton. Lebanese people, Arabs, Indians, international, plus a lot of Americans. You know when you have a lot of international customers, the food is authentic.

JB: Are you taking pride in what you are offering here to be a little more on the healthy side? Because this food can be healthy, or it can be not so much.

HE: To me, every cuisine has a healthy part and an unhealthy part. This Mediterranean cuisine, a lot of it is healthy. Let’s say kebobs. We use filet meat here. I used to have lamb shish kebobs, but we switched to lollipop lamb chops, which we like much better.

Baklava is made fresh every morning at Casablanca.

Rice has a lot of flavor, but we finish it with a good butter. That’s where it can be unhealthy, but it’s not a lot— just for flavor. Everything else we use is lean and a lot of spices, good for your immune system.

JB: What’s been your most popular item so far?

HE: Well, if it’s not going to be perfect, I’m not going to put it on the menu. As an executive chef, I wanted a balanced menu. Everything on the menu sells. There is not a most popular yet. We sell everything, from the top to the last item.

JB: Are you from Casablanca?

HE: My wife and I are both from Casablanca. I moved away when I was 18, and I finished culinary school. I was working with my dad in his restaurant in Casablanca. Then I moved to Spain for a year, France for two years, Italy and then Atlanta.

JB: How often do you get home to visit?

HE: I try to go every year.

JB: You said you’ve been here seven years, and you wanted to open something different. Do you think there is room for growth on the island in that department?

HE: Absolutely. We definitely need something like Indian— just to have a little bit of balance, you know?

JB: Do you think the island will support that?

HE: Actually, I don’t think so. Not everyone wants to go out to eat Indian, for example, every night. Let’s say you do Moroccan food. People won’t want that every day. But this is something people can have every day.

JB: I understand. That’s why you think this works— because people can come here to eat rather than dine but still have great quality food.

HE: Absolutely.

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This & That

C2 Magazine • March 2021 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.

Bargain Box has awarded a grant to Hopeful Horizons to support services for victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. Bargain Box funds will be used to provide enhanced and expanded services to victim/survivors in southern Beaufort County at Hopeful Horizons’ Bluffton office and at the 14th Judicial Circuit’s Victim Services Center in Okatie. Hopeful Horizons offers a full array of services for survivors, including evidence-based trauma treatment and support groups as well as providing forensic interviews at the request of law enforcement and the Department of Social Services in cases of alleged child abuse and neglect. The organization’s support line operates 24/7 and can be reached at (843) 770-1070.

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Heritage Classic Foundation is proud to announce that Duane Parrish, Director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, has been named the 2021 RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing Tournament Chairman. Parrish has dedicated more than 40 years of his professional career to the hospitality industry, including extensive experience in hotel property management and development throughout South Carolina. He became a member of the Heritage Classic Foundation Board of Directors in 2011.

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort on Hilton Head Island has hired industry veteran Justin Rowland as its new Director of Food & Beverage. Rowland will oversee all elements of dining and catering at Palmetto Dunes, including Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, all three restaurants located at the resort’s trio of golf courses, the oceanfront Dunes House, which is open to resort guests and property owners, and the resort’s new food truck.

This & That

T

C2 Magazine • March 2021 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.

he long-awaited opening of Burnt Church Distillery has finally arrived.

On Friday, March 5, 2021, the 25,000 square-foot whiskey distillery will open its doors to the public. The Grand Opening Celebration will kick off with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m., followed by ticket-required tours and tastings from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In addition to touring the impressive campus, which includes a 7,000-square-foot tasting room, an onsite manufacturing facility, gift shop, humidor, and history room, attendees will be able to sample unique craft whiskeys, gin, vodka, flavored moonshines, and craft cocktails, all inspired by the local area.

Located at 120 Bluffton Road, Burnt Church Distillery has been undergoing construction since May 2019, and is an estimated $13M project. The distillery stands to make a positive impact on the community by creating over 40 fulltime and 20 part-time jobs, as well as drawing significant tourist activity.

A future landmark, Burnt Church Distillery is certain to become an iconic destination in Bluffton, attracting visitors nationwide. In the first year alone, the distillery expects to provide their unique, first-class experience to 150,000 tourists.

Founded by brothers, Billy and Sean Watterson, the mission of the distillery is to craft authentic, Lowcountry spirits

that honor local history, while giving back to the community it serves. A historical book revealing the mystery of how Burnt Church Road was named will also be available for purchase.

“The good news is we solved the Burnt Church Road mystery,” Billy said.

“And it’s like nothing anyone’s heard before.”

Each brand has a unique story to tell, bringing the spirit of the past to the present. “I am thrilled to share with everyone our interesting flavor profiles that we’ve worked so long and diligently on,” Sean said. “I’m hope that everyone will also join us in our ongoing journey of creating new and unique spirits for the future.”

In addition to the seventeen uniquely crafted spirits, the brothers also created a non-alcoholic spirit, Amethyst, for those who choose not to drink.

“When we discovered that 20 percent of visitors would not do a tasting, it ignited a second vision for us: to create a nonalcoholic spirit as a unique alternative, specially crafted for those who have made the choice not to drink,” Billy said.

Because the inspiration for Burnt Church Distillery was so deeply rooted in local history, it seemed only fitting for the brothers to leverage local talent. From the architectural design to site planning, commercial contracting, landscaping, branding and marketing, the end result

is a testament to what local hearts, hands, and minds can accomplish together. Prominently situated in Old Town Bluffton, Burnt Church Distillery reflects everything there is to love about Bluffton.

As a Watterson Brands company, Burnt Church Distillery is passionate about giving back. With this in mind, they created the Lowcountry Legacy Fund at Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, to support programs that build infrastructure, expand education opportunities, and achieve economic equity in the local black community. To accomplish this, $.50 of every purchase will be allocated to this fund. Customers will have the opportunity to participate in these efforts as well by rounding up their purchases.

Burnt Church Distillery also recognizes and applauds the many local non-profit organizations already doing great work in our community. In support of these efforts, the distillery plans to donate five percent of monthly revenue from memberships and public events to pre-selected charities.

Adjacent to the distillery is an outdoor patio where customers can enjoy fast-service pizza, salads, beer, and wine at the new Pizza Co. location.

Patrons can look forward to the distillery hosting a variety of public events as well, including artisan markets and live music. With an exclusive VIP area and five unique spaces, the distillery is also available to rent for private parties and events such as weddings, receptions, and more.

“I am elated to be a part of such an amazing project, opportunity, and team,” said Tiffany Lucca, director of events & memberships. “With over 10 years of design experience, I can envision Burnt Church Distillery coming to life for your special event. I can confidently say, it will surely take your breath away.”

Tickets to the Grand Opening are available to purchase at www. b u r n tc h u rc h d i st i l l e r y.co m /g ra n d opening and will be sold in incremental time slots.

In addition to tastings and tours, Burnt Church Distillery also offers exclusive membership opportunities for those interested in a premium experience.

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This & That

C2 Magazine • March 2021 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.

Metis Wealth Management & Planning is very pleased to announce that Robert Sokolowski and Jennifer Sokolowski have completed all the steps to become Certified Financial Planners™. This marks the culmination of a four-year process for them including 18 months of education, 6,000 hours of experience, a six-hour examination, and ethics requirements.

They are actively helping clients in all aspects of financial planning and portfolio management.

Kick off the spring season on Hilton Head Island at Sip & Savor: A Seaside Weekend, March 19-20. Together with great local partners like Outside Ohana, Burnt Church Distillery, Island Rec Center and Hilton Head Wine and Food Festival, The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa invites you to an intimate, seaside celebration of the area’s finest spirits and beer, world-class wines, Lowcountry fare, and live music from some of the island’s favorite local artists. Tickets are on sale at sipandsavorseaside.com.

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Fifteen-year-old Brandon Leonard, a cellist from Stone Mountain, Ga., won the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra’s 2021 Youth Concerto Competition.

Leonard captured the top prize performing the first movement of Franz Joseph Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 1 in C major. The top prize includes a cash award plus the opportunity to perform with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra during the 2021-2022 season.

Another cellist, Joshua Kováč, age 13, from Johnson City, Tenn., won second prize, while third prize was awarded to 15-year-old violinist Iris Shepherd from Henry, Tenn. A total of ten finalists were chosen from 56 total applicants and performed in a “virtual” final competition, streamed live on Saturday, January 30.

This & That

Join Forsythe Jewelers March 25 27, 10 am - 5 pm during our Lagos Trunk Show to view the new collections of Maya, Blue Ceramic, Caviar and more!

Spring has always been a season synonymous with optimism and renewal; a fresh start and new beginnings. Lagos’ spring collection carries an uplifting message of love and hope, the inspiration behind Lagos’ theme of True Love, True Blue. Enjoy a complimentary gift with purchase.

RSVP to 843-671-7070 or Andrea@ ForsytheJewelers.biz

Local nonprofit, Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, has created a support group called FURever for individuals suffering from pet loss. Starting Wednesday, February 10, this group will meet every other week for six weeks.

“FURever will be a space for people hurting from the loss of their beloved pets to grieve in a safe and confidential way,” said Barbara Scobey, LMSW, one of Hospice Care of the Lowcountry’s grief counselors.

“We hope to provide some light throughout a difficult time in their lives.”

For more information on FURever or to learn more about Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, go to hospicecarelc.org.

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This & That

C2 Magazine • March 2021 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 Coastal Discovery Museum will host its annual Native Plant Sale on March 20 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The museum will have a variety of native plants to cover diverse landscaping needs, from vines to blooming bushes to butterfly-friendly landscaping. You will learn from the experts what the best native plants are for your landscape.

Native plants have the advantage of being adapted to the local environment and therefore require little or no care at all. Native plants are also used by local wildlife in a number of ways and are great to attract local pollinators.

Museum volunteers and master gardeners will be on hand to explain the value of the different species available at the sale; among those offered will be native Lowcountry butterfly host-plants, which are used by native butterflies to lay their eggs and raise their larvae, and without which they cannot survive. This will be a great opportunity to enhance your garden with plants that require little care and provide benefits to the environment. Cash or check only.

We anticipate a big crowd, and we request that you wear a mask. The museum is located at 70 Honey Horn Drive on Hilton Head Island.

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This & That

A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodgepodge 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.

SERG Group is pleased to announce the opening of Nectar Farm Kitchen at 35 Office Park Rd. on Hilton Head Island. The chefs at Nectar Farm Kitchen work with farmers to prepare every dish using ingredients made and grown throughout the Lowcountry and the South. The restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday and serves breakfast, lunch and supper.

Hilton Head Preparatory School Athletic Director, Rich Basirico, plans to retire this summer after guiding students academically and athletically at the school for 42 years. Basirico had the honor of coaching football, baseball and softball during his career and was inducted into Hilton Head Prep’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. Basirico plans to cut back to part time hours after the completion of the basketball season and retire at the end of the school year. Erik Mathisen, Prep’s current director of its baseball academy, teacher and coach will take over this summer.

Middle school students Kyndal Cohen, Sophia Tauscher, Andre Ziskind, and Summer Sewell submitted poems to the State Library Young Minds Dreaming Poetry Contest.

The theme was “What inspires you?” Contest winners will be announced in late spring. For more information, visit statelibrary.sc.gov/poetry

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Kerry Peresta, local suspense novelist and author of The Deadening— available February 23, 2021, by Level Best Books—announces the “Truth and Lies in Mysteries” free virtual author panel series that promises to be informative, fun, and a glimpse into the dark and murky minds of mystery writers. Liz Milliron, C.L. Tolbert, Mally Becker and Peresta, all of whom have books releasing in February, will answer prepared questions in a lively discussion around this topic.

Truth and Lies Virtual Tour with Island Writer’s Network, HHI: March 1, 7 p.m. EST. Truth and Lies Virtual Tour with Fulton County Library System: March 11, 7 p.m. EST. Truth and Lies Virtual Tour with NJ Library Consortium: March 29, 7 p.m. EST. For ZOOM links, please go to kerryperesta.net or facebook.com/ klperesta.

The local Reebok Crossfit gym recently awarded the Operation R&R military family support charity on Hilton Head Island a donation in honor of local Marine Corporal Jacob Novitski. Novitski graduated from Hilton Head High School in 2014 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served four years and was honorably discharged but, sadly, took his own life on Jan. 28, 2020. On Jan.28, 2021, five military service members and coaches of the Reebok Crossfit completed a 22-hour ruck march in honor of Corporal Novitski.

The money raised will go to Operation R&R, a charity that has brought upwards of 1,500 deserving local military families to Hilton Head Island for a virtually free, fourto seven-night stay in donated homes and villas over the last 10 years. Learn more at orrus.org.

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I S C IANS MU in bathrooms BAND: STEE & THE EAR CANDY BAND MUSICIANS: STERLIN COLVIN II (STEE), BROOKE HORNE, GREG CRITCHLEY, T.J. LING, MALCOM HORNE

Special Thanks to the Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort for hosting our shoot.

Photography by M.KAT

What’s your sign?

Stee Colvin: Sagittarius Brooke Horne: Pisces Greg Critchley: Taurus T.J. Ling: Sagittarius Malcom Horne: Aries Most underrated song that, in your opinion, should be a classic?

SC: “Smoking Cigarettes” Tweet BH: “Reflection” by Prince GC: There are too many to name just one.

TJL: “I’m Not Perfect” by JMOSS, featuring Anthony Hamilton MH: “Scandalous” by Prince Biggest compliment you’ve ever gotten from a fan?

SC: “You could do the Super Bowl halftime show.”

BH: “You did that song better than the original artist.”

GC: “You changed the direction of my life.”

TJL: Continuous gigs MH: Some fans have said my music has actually saved their lives.

What do you sing in the shower?

SC: Ideas I’m writing for a potential record BH: “You Give Good Love” Whitney Houston GC: I’m not really a very vocal showerer.

TJL: I don’t sing in the shower; I pray.

MH: Melodies to songs I plan to write Favorite cereal?

SC: Cinnamon Toast Crunch BH: Cinnamon Toast Crunch GC: Oatmeal TJL: Trix MH: Marshmallow Mateys What is your favorite piece to perform?

SC: “Loyal” Chris Brown BH: “Relationship Status” (Original song) GC: “Don’t Cha” TJL: “What’s Going On” Marvin Gaye MH: An original jazz tune called “Angelique”

Continued on next page

A Q&A Series with Local Artists Finish this verse as if it were the hook of a song: “Sally went down to the bayou…”

SC: “To clear her mind and soul.”

BH: “To feel the air blow through her hair.”

GC: “And swam in the swamp to find you.” Then I’d say “ew,” reverse course, and find another word to replace “bayou.”

TJL: “And found me sitting there.”

MH: “She was searching for beignets galore.”

Malcom Horne

Stee Colvin

Brooke Horne

At what venue do you most like to perform?

SC: Anywhere with GREAT sound BH: North Beach Grill (Tybee Island, Ga.) Locally? Redfish and Jazz Corner—attentive audiences! The Roasting Room is fun too, and Tiki … so all of them :) TJL: Poseidon MH: North Beach Grill (Tybee Island, Ga.) Most requested song at shows?

SC: “Purple Rain” BH: “Don’t Cha” GC: The name that shan’t be spoken; Rhymes with “Free Bird”... wait...

TJL: “Purple Rain” MH: “Purple Rain” First concert you attended?

SC: Prince—Musicology Tour BH: Take 6 GC: Max Webster (It’s a Canadian thing.)

TJL: Anthony Hamilton MH: Prince in Jacksonville, Fla. It was legendary.

Favorite artist?

SC: I definitely don’t have a favorite.

BH: There are too many!

GC: Which genre?

TJL: Anthony Hamilton MH: Prince

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Who would star as you in the epic retelling of your life on film?

SC: Everyone tells me, it would be John Boyega.

BH: Octavia Spencer GC: Stee TJL: André 3000 MH: Rick Gonzales!

First instrument you learned to play?

SC: Steel drums BH: Violin GC: Piano TJL: Drums MH: Guitar Song you were thrilled to finally master?

SC: “Wild Thoughts” D.J. Khalid BH: “New York State of Mind” Billy Joel GC: Master? LOLOLOLOLOLOL TJL: “Do I Do” Stevie Wonder MH: “Always with Me, Always with You” by Joe Satriani What do you wish you knew more about?

SC: Space BH: Music theory GC: I’m curious about almost everything.

TJL: My father’s side of the family MH: Music theory What animal do you most identify with?

SC: A lone wolf BH: A cat GC: Dogs TJL: TJ, my dog MH: Dolphin

Place you go to get away from it all?

SC: The gym, for sure.

BH: Gym GC: My boat TJL: My man cave MH: Hunting Island

If you got super-famous and had to change your name, what would your new name be?

SC: My real name, LOL BH: Brooklyn GC: Craig Gretschley TJL: Skee MH: MacGyver

Do you tweet, gram, or book?

SC: Gram BH: Book GC: Tweet and gram rarely; book more often TJL: Book MH: Twitter @musicman1017; Gram @ musicman_1017

What famous musician would you love to sing a duet with?

SC: Anita Baker BH: Lalah Hathaway GC: Stee TJL: Anthony Hamilton MH: Musiq Soulchild

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NATIONAL PEANUT BUTTER LOVER'S DAY

SUNDAYS

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LIVE MUSIC WITH TREVOR HARDEN Salty Dog South Beach Marina 4-8pm

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HAPPY NATIONAL DENTISTS DAY!

Shops at Sea Pines Center 4-6:30pm Meet the Artists of Sea Pines

EVERY TUESDAY! SEA PINES FARMERS MARKET

FARMERS MARKET AT HONEY HORN

Sea Pines Shopping Center 10am-2pm

Coastal Discovery 9am-1pm

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SPRING AHEAD: A SALT, SOUND AND CACAO PRIVATE HEALING EXPERIENCE Pure Salt Studios 9 Harbourside Lane, Unit B 2pm-6:30pm

13 26TH ANNUAL HILTON HEAD SHAMROCK RUN 8am Race will start in front of New York City Pizza at Heritage Plaza and finish inside Coligny Plaza.

www.puresaltstudios.com

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THURSDAYS OLD TOWN BLUFFTON FARMERS MARKET Calhoun Street 12-5pm (843) 415-2447

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SUNDAYS 11 PICKLEBALL AT PALMETTO DUNES Palmetto Dunes Pickleball Center 9am-6pm

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LAGOS TRUNK SHOW

19-20 SIP AND SAVOR: A SEASIDE WEEKEND The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa Enjoy the area’s finest spirits and beer, world-class wines, signature Lowcountry fare, and live performances.

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Forsythe Jewelers March 25 - 27 10am - 5pm RSVP to (843) 671-7070

palmettodunes.com.

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FIRST THURSDAYS ART MARKET

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NATIONAL RESPECT YOUR CAT(S) DAY

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SAVE THE DATE! 2021 RBC Heritage APRIL 12-18, 2021 Harbour Town Golf Links For Tickets visit rbcheritage.com/tickets

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