CB2 Magazine: March 2023

Page 1

THE HOME ISSUE featuring...

SPRING STYLE WATCH WITH BIRDIE JAMES

Tie dye continues to steal the show, along with patterns that borrow from nature.

PROPERTY ENVY

We’re hosting an open house of the five most fabulous Lowcountry homes on the market today.

Everything from cabinets and flooring to insurance and real estate

EXCEPTIONAL, SOPHISTICATED, SMART Idea Home in Palmetto Bluff’s Wilson Village has it all

MARCH 2023
THE HOME EXPERTS

WHAT’S INSIDE

SWEETGRASS OUTDOOR KITCHENS & GRILLS IS COOKING UP YOUR NEW BACKYARD PARADISE.

120 A BIRD LOVER’S BONANZA: WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED HILTON HEAD FUELS BACKYARD BIRDS AND YOUR PASSION FOR THEM

125 FOR BETTER OR WORSE: THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT OF DIVORCE 129

SHARPEN THE FOCUS, EXPAND THE IMPACT: PALMETTO DUNES CARES ZEROS IN ON ENVIRONMENT AND YOUTH

ON OUR COVERS

SPRING STYLE WATCH WITH BIRDIE JAMES

Tie dye continues to steal the show, along with patterns that borrow from nature.

EXCEPTIONAL, SOPHISTICATED, SMART

Idea Home in Palmetto Bluff’s Wilson Village has it all

80

NEIGHBORHOOD STROLL: MOSS CREEK

Touring the Lowcountry's premier neighborhoods

MEET THE HOME EXPERTS

Your one-stop-shop for everything from cabinets to flooring and insurance to real estate.

101 30 74
40
THE MARKET TODAY.
REAL
NEW WAY TO MAKE YOUR HOME BEAUTIFUL.
PROPERTY ENVY: WE’RE HOSTING AN OPEN HOUSE OF THE FIVE MOST FABULOUS LOWCOUNTRY HOMES ON
68
TREATMENT: CAROLINA WINDOW DESIGNS INTRODUCES A
73 TWO-SIDED COIN: WHY A STANDARD HOMEOWNERS POLICY MAY NOT BE ENOUGH FOR LUXURY HOMES 112 MEET THE NEW DISRUPTORS: COAST BROKERED BY EXP REALTY 116 TAKING THE PARTY OUTSIDE:
ON THE CH2 COVER Ensemble by
1Stand ON THE CB2 COVER
Collage Glasses by Eyeland Optique Modeled by Gioia DiBartolomeo Photography by 2Lights,
Birdie James Fashion Modeled by Caroline Molloy Photography by 2Lights, 1Stand

GENIUSES AT WORK

The Referee

Maggie Marie Washo

Miss Livin' My Best Life

Carolyn Hunter Kostylo

Master of Coin

Marion Elizabeth Bowser

Rainmaker

Kim Conrad Crouch

Master Handshaker

“Just Kandace” Cunningham

Lead Door Knocker

Morgan Ambler

Talent Delivery Specialist

Kaila Jeffcoat

Mascot in Training

Buoy Conrad Crouch Pritchard

The Gatekeepers

Greta Von Bowser

Vincent Von Bowser

The Cut & Paste Crew

Catherine Davies

Aspiring Novelists

Amy Bartlett

Jesse Blanco

Emily Campbell

Linda S. Hopkins

Barry Kaufman

Robert B Kerdasha

Alan Perry

Cheryl Ricer

Lisa Sulka

Sheila Tucker

Lighting Experts

Kelli Boyd Photography

Krisztian Lonyai

Photography by Anne

John Brackett

Two Lights One Stand Photography

Find Us Here

PO Box 22949

Hilton Head Island, SC 29925

843.816.6247

maggie@ch2cb2magazine.com

EDITOR'S NOTE

MARCH 2023

As the hard-charging oldest of five children, I was raised to have everything under control from the time my second sibling arrived on the scene two years later. That is perhaps an exaggeration, but as the size of our family increased, so did my responsibilities at a young age. Everyone looked to me for assistance, not the other way around.

Think about what happens, though, when someone asks you for help. In my experience, people are generally good and want to help others. It gives a sense of purpose, a feeling of altruism and contentment to know we came to someone’s rescue. An image of an intuitive and kind young man offering his seat to an elderly woman on the bus comes to mind.

For the first time in 16 years, I am coming to you, my friends, to ask for help. We have decided to apply for periodical status with the United States Post Office. Essentially, what that means is a first-class stamp for CH2 and CB2 magazines. You’ll get the magazine in your mailbox sooner, and we’ll get a more reasonable rate when sending it.

I spend a lot of time on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton, chatting with our Lowcountry neighbors. I make new friends at local festivals, in line at the grocery store, and walking dogs through every neighborhood in

the area. If you approach me to say hello, you’ll likely be stuck talking to me for at least 30 minutes.

In all this chatting I do, it has occurred to me just how many newbies we have in the area since COVID. And every time the subject of the magazine comes up, I hear how much people love it, especially articles highlighting local businesses and events. It prompted me to make Neighborhood Stroll, where we highlight different communities, a regular feature starting in August of 2022. (See Cheryl Ricer’s piece on Moss Creek on page 80.)

As both Bluffton and Hilton Head Island grow, we want to continue mailing 30,000 magazines every month to local residents—free of charge. We’d love to mail even more, quite frankly. For every person that fills out a form on our website saying “YES – I’d love to receive CH2/CB2 in the mail,” we’ll get a discount on postage. (It’s a bit more complicated than that, but that’s the gist.)

So, here I am, asking for help. Even if you’re already getting the magazine every month, please just take a minute to tell us you want to continue by scanning the QR code to the right or going to www.ch2cb2magazine.com and clicking on SUBSCRIBE at the top. We would really appreciate it.

Much love!

Be sure to follow us on Social Media MAGGIE WASHO Publisher / Editor-in-Chief play Instagram - @ch2hhimag Facebook - facebook.com/ch2magazine TikTok - @ch2mag YouTube - youtube.com/celebratehiltonhead Be sure to follow us on Social Media
IT’S NEVER BEEN AN EASY THING FOR ME TO ASK FOR HELP.

Photography by M.Kat

Styled by Michelle Taylor & Kaila Jeffcoat

All styles can be found at Birdie James in Shelter Cove Towne Centre

Modeled by Caroline Molloy Hair and Makeup by Peyton Smith

Special thanks to Catherine Donaldson for hosting our shoot at this gorgeous oceanfront home, currently listed for sale in Port Royal.

SPRING STYLE WATCH WITH

birdie james

Tie dye continues to steal the show, along with patterns that borrow from nature. Big shoulders, creative cut-outs and floral opulence mark the return of the Spring season with Birdie James.

Young, Fabulous & Broke dress $158, Beaded

Bracelets $38-$58 (sold individually), Selina King

Dramatic Ophelia Bangle $295; Thin Liv Bangle $335, Selina King earrings $370

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

Luna Blouse $258 Jade Pant $288 Mignonne Gavigan
earrings
$165
*Prices change and human error occurs. Please see boutique for final pricing on all items.

Young, Fabulous & Broke dress $188, Bittersweet Design necklaces Large pearl choker $498, Pearl drop choker necklace $228, Gold coin mid length necklace $498, Large pearl long necklace $498, Soft pink beaded chain with gold top pearl necklace $498, Long full pearl chain necklace $498

*Prices change and human error occurs. Please see boutique for final pricing on all items.
Young, Fabulous & Broke dress $258, Selina King Single Georgia Cuff $375; Thick Ophelia Bangle $435; Thin Ophelia Bangle: $340, Selina King earrings, Olivia, Small $375, Selina King ring, Georgia, Small $195

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

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 35
Olivia James dress $288, Julie Vos earrings $175

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

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 37
Oliva James skirt $198, Sweater $88, Julie Vos bangles $85-$245 (sold individually), Julie Vos earrings $165

HOME CONTENT

SPECIAL FEATURES

PROPERTY ENVY

We’re hosting an open house of the five most fabulous Lowcountry homes on the market today.

STONEWORKS OF THE LOWCOUNTRY

Award-winning local business making a name nationwide

DON’T REMODEL … JUST N-HANCE

Local cabinet restoration and refinishing offers 5-5-5 guarantee

VACATION VIBES

Spring fashion set in a stylish Sea

Pines home

EXCEPTIONAL, SOPHISTICATED, SMART

Idea Home in Palmetto Bluff’s Wilson Village has it all

NEIGHBORHOOD STROLL: MOSS CREEK

Touring the Lowcountry’s premier neighborhoods.

FROM THE GROUND UP

What makes an Artisan Custom Homes - Hilton Head Home different? Well, that’s entirely up to you.

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 39
74 40 50
96 56
40 47 50 56 74 80
75
91 Headwaters 38 Ensis
Dune Lane
28 Seven Oaks 364 Waterfowl

PROPERTY ENVY

If there’s one positive takeaway from the last few years, it’s that people are really starting to understand the value of a breathtaking home. Maybe it’s the fact that we’re spending more time there than ever, or maybe it’s the proliferation of shows like Property Brothers, Love it or List it, Million Dollar Listing, etc., etc. The point being, a lot of us are looking around our own homes, as nice as they may be, and realizing it could do more for us.

It could speak to us. It could wrap us in sublime views, surround us with elegant spaces for entertaining, and dazzle us with the sort of detailed craftsmanship that evokes a real sense of construction artistry.

But it doesn’t because we can’t afford it. So, we throw up a few cabinets, slap on a coat of paint, and sit down to watching Selling New York.

But for those who can afford it, these houses do exist. Thankfully, a few of them are on the market right now so we can at least poke our heads in before the new owners show up. And with the real estate market as hot as it’s been lately, they’re bound to show up sooner rather than later. Before these majestic manors go under contract, we’re giving you a chance to see how sweet a dream home can be.

364 Waterfowl Road: $7,500,000

An entire acre of Palmetto Bluff’s mesmerizing bucolic splendor encircles this 4-bed, 7-bath home, boasting 6,176 square feet of living space. In keeping with the celebrated community it calls home, this property is a study in elegant contrast. Outside, its location right on the freshwater trail creates an atmosphere of a secluded wilderness retreat. Inside, crisp lines and incomparable craftsmanship cut a profile of a stylishly modern Lowcountry design.

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 41
We’re hosting an open house of the five most fabulous Lowcountry homes on the market today. Grab a complimentary cookie and join us for a tour.

“It’s a piece of art,” said listing agent Michael Haire with Charter One. “As good and thoughtful a design as I’ve ever seen, and every detail is just so well-executed.”

Those details deliver, from the soaring ceilings of the great room to the modern minimalism of the fireplace. Here, even something as simple as a staircase can turn heads. Tying those details together is inspired architectural brilliance that sets this home apart.

Listing agent: Michael Haire, Charter One Realty. (843) 247-1345

91 Headwaters Road: $8,700,000

At the edge of the world, separated from reality by a splendid causeway and a stately wrought-iron gate, 91 Headwaters Road presents far more than just a home, an experience so grand the word “property” doesn’t do it justice. This is a world unto itself, one defined by old-world charm and surrounded by the most breathtaking scenery on earth.

“Driving down that causeway, it’s almost like its own little settlement,” said listing agent Thomas Maybank with The Ussery Group. “The homesite alone is the nicest one you’ll find in Palmetto Bluff.”

Encompassing 15 acres which include a private freshwater pond and 1,600 feet of May River frontage, this sprawling compound incorporates several structures

42 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
364 Waterfowl 91 Headwaters

ringed by ancient maritime forests. Dotting this land are elements such as a grand guest house and elevated lakefront dock that let you enjoy the elements in peace. And at the heart of it, the main house cuts a stately profile of Southern grandeur, with rustic refinement that takes your breath away and details throughout that reflect the craftsmanship of its construction.

Listing agent: Thomas Maybank, Charter One Realty. (843) 441-5829.

28 Seven Oaks Drive: $13,500,000

The single most expensive property on the market today, this majestic compound offers a wealth of reasons that not only justify its price tag but set it apart from nearly anywhere else in the world.

Start with the sheer size of it: 9.75 acres with 400 feet of Colleton River frontage, set within the prestigious golf community of Colleton River. As a resident, the new owner will have access to the finest amenities on earth, but as

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 43
28 Seven Oaks

owner of 28 Seven Oaks Drive, there are just as many reasons to stay home.

“It’s like you’re in your own little enclave,” said listing agent Linda Rudd with Turner & Rudd. “You can feel like there’s not another soul for miles, but you can still enjoy everything Colleton River has to offer. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Encompassing a 1.5-acre private lake (with amazing fishing), the true jewels of this magnificent property can be found throughout its main home. Here, old-world construction techniques evoke the sense of a historic chalet, while inspired updates have created a sense of generational change. Whether it’s the panels in the billiards room, originally installed in the Hungarian embassy in Paris, or the glass dome in the solarium saved from the wrecking

ball of a grand Chicago hotel, there’s a magnificent story in every room.

“The house was built to last a lifetime, with stone and marble brought over from all over Europe,” Rudd said. “There’s not another home like it.”

Listing agent: Linda Rudd, Turner & Rudd. (843) 816-5522

75 Dune Lane: $5,995,000

No neighborhood encapsulates the white-sand beauty of Hilton Head Island quite like North Forest Beach. It was along this stretch that Hilton Head Island’s resort era truly began, its roads laid down to connect lots that stretch right up to the water.

With all that history comes no small amount of shuffling, with lots being subdivided and sold off until the notion of a double lot faded into history. Until, that is, 75 Dune Lane went on the market. Offering the last available double lot in the entire area, this property represents not just blissful oceanfront living but possibly the opportunity of a lifetime.

“There is a lot of upside in what you can do with this property,” said listing agent Dan Prudhomme.

The existing home on the property charms with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and 3,022 square feet, with renovations updating its vintage 1954 design. But the possibilities afforded by the massive lot are the real treasure, offering a chance to create the next exciting newbuild in the heart of one of the island’s most treasured neighborhoods.

Listing agent: Dan Prudhomme, The Prudhomme Team. (843) 384-3169

38 Ensis Road: $6,250,000

It takes a lot to make a statement out of an oceanfront home on Hilton Head Island. But with its soaring double

44 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
75 Dune Lane

verandas, gazing out across the massive pool deck to the tranquil dunes beyond, the property at 38 Ensis Road presents a true profile in first-row magnificence. And with 5 bedrooms, 6 baths and 4,988 square feet of immaculate updates and masterful construction, the home’s many splendors go far beyond just the view.

“The home was built in the ’90s by an incredibly reputable builder, so the quality of construction is very evident. And the remodel that occurred in 2020 brought it forward in an amazing way,” said listing agent Catherine Donaldson with Celia Dunn Sotheby’s. With

updated finishes from stem to stern, the house exults in spaciousness and natural light, thanks to a forwardthinking design that emphasized the view.

Yet perhaps the greatest amenity lies in this home’s seclusion, with a private footpath to the beach and a community that enjoys shelter from the often-hectic short-term rental market. That leaves you, as the owner of this resplendent oceanfront estate, free to enjoy the benefits of life on the water.

Listing agent: Catherine Donaldson, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s. (843) 338-2069 

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 45
38 Ensis

StoneWorkS of the Lowcountry

Award-winning local business making a name nationwide

everyone wants that one room in their home that makes a statement to their guests—that one element that people still remember long after their visit. Yet, we also want the room to be a functional and inviting place where family members gather and memories are made every day. Creating a welcoming yet awe-inspiring space is what the team at StoneWorks strives for in every project. Whether it’s the kitchen, dining area or outdoor living space, StoneWorks aims to help customers walk through a new home project or renovation by building a long-term relationship that leads to an outstanding result and complete satisfaction.

For more than three decades, StoneWorks has been known as the region’s leading source for porcelain, quartz, granite, marble, and tile, serving homeowners, builders and designers in the Lowcountry and beyond. The company’s reputation and quality are unmatched locally, and now their craftmanship has been recognized nationally.

In January, StoneWorks received a prestigious national award from the National Stone Institute (NSI). Competing against natural stone professionals all over the world, the company earned a 2022 Pinnacle Award from NSI for a project they completed at a Palmetto Bluff home in the Kitchen/Bath category.

“This highly coveted award is given to projects whose beauty, creativity, ingenuity, and craftsmanship exemplify professional mastery in the use of natural stone in commercial and residential applications,” according to the NSI website.

The project earning the 2022 Pinnacle Award, coordinated by StoneWorks designer Rhonda Schwartz, was for a spectacular Palmetto Bluff home adjacent to the worldrenowned Montage Palmetto Bluff Inn. The stunning home, built by Resort Custom Homes, features natural stone throughout its interior. Prioritizing a beautiful aesthetic, the Mont Blanc Quartzite stone was selected for the kitchen,

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 47
CAMPBELL
ARTICLE BY EMILY

wet bar, pantry, and one of the bathrooms. The result of the project is truly breathtaking. Interior designer Leighann Markalunas helped make the detailed choices that brought this project to life.

The Pinnacle Award presentation was held in Las Vegas in conjunction with StonExpo, a large natural stone industry trade show. Schwarz and sales manager Shannon Baltzegar were honored to be in attendance to personally accept the award.

None of this would have been possible without the extreme dedication of every member of the StoneWorks team that is demonstrated in each job they complete. “From conceptual design and product recommendations to skilled fabrication and installation, each step of the process involves a seamless team of experts at StoneWorks,” Schwarz said.

What makes StoneWorks standout in the competitive marble, tile and stone industry? It is their dedicated team

48 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

of more than 30 experts in fabrication, sales, and design, many of whom have been with the company for over a decade, upholding the standard of excellence for which the company is known.

Jonathan Whitehead just celebrated 15 years in the fabrication department, and Melidza Cruz, in accounting, has been with the company over 16 years. Jose Domingo will celebrate 20 years at StoneWorks this year. And Barbara Williams, aka the “Tile Queen,” has been a part of the design team for over 23 years. It’s these employees and a team of many more who help make StoneWorks customers become customers for life.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without our people,” said John Baltzegar, III, owner and CEO of StoneWorks. “Our team is our most valuable asset, and each one exemplifies the standard of excellence we pride ourselves in.”

The company has that “family” feeling among all their employees—perhaps because it is a family-run business. Shannon Baltzegar, John’s daughter, is sales manager. John’s son Brian is general manager, and his son John IV is the company’s vice president.

“Coming to work each day and working with your family helps us treat each client with deep respect,” Shannon said. “It’s a constant reminder that this is one reason we do our job—to ultimately bring families together in a beautiful space for a long time.”

In addition to the top-notch customer service StoneWorks provides, the team is always improving by learning the latest in fabrication techniques to deliver the absolute best finished product to their customers. Many people don’t realize that StoneWorks’ customers have the unique ability to connect with one of the leading fabrication facilities on the East Coast as well as one of the leading sources for made-in-America quartz products.

An enduring Lowcountry business, nationally recognized, veteran owned, family-run, with dedicated customer service: If you are looking to make your countertop dreams come true for your home, then look no further than StoneWorks of the Lowcountry. 

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 49
StoneWorks’ Sales Consultant on the winning project, Rhonda Schwarz, along with Buddy Ontra, the 2022 President of the Board of Directors for the Natural Stone Institute at the Pinnacle Awards presentation in Las Vegas.

Don’t remodel ...just N-HaNCE

If it’s time for your kitchen to get a little facelift, you may be in for some sticker shock when you get an estimate for new cabinets. Not only that, but the time you may have to wait to get on the contractor’s schedule might be months, and the time it will take from start to finish may also be a disappointing reality.

What if you could breathe new life into your kitchen without breaking the bank? What if you could have the project finished in one week? With N-Hance, you can!

N-Hance of the Lowcountry, locally owned by Andrew Ambler since 2011, wins over customers with Ambler’s rule of 5-5-5. He arrives five minutes early, finishes in five days or sooner, and each job comes with a five-year warranty. When you call on N-Hance for your kitchen and bath refinishes, refaces, or re-doors, you get all three promises fulfilled and more.

LOCAL CABINET RESTORATION AND REFINISHING OFFERS 5-5-5 GUARANTEE IOwner, Andrew Ambler is photographed at N-Hance’s workshop.

“We offer people a way to lighten and brighten their kitchen and bathroom cabinets with our painted refinishes,” Ambler said. “With custom cabinet painting from N-Hance, you can get a dramatic transformation in approximately five days. Not only is our process a quick and quality solution, but it’s also budget friendly.”

A full demolition and remodel of your existing cabinetry can seem to take forever, and when it’s done, you’re left with an enormous bill. The N-Hance approach to cabinet painting costs less than a complete remodel, so you’ll have more room left over in your budget to spend in other areas, whether it’s adding a backsplash,

refinishing your wood floors, or painting your walls a new color.

The stunning finishes are superior to a typical painting process, leaving no drips, no brush strokes, and a rock-hard finish that won’t peel or chip like regular paint. Ambler’s team uses proprietary products and processes to ensure the best finish for their customers. Because they can complete the job in a matter of days, there’s not a lot of downtime to deal with or disruption to your busy life. N-Hance offers a color palette with the most popular, on-trend colors from which to choose; or, if you have a specific color in mind, they can bring your

52 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
BEFORE AFTER

vision to life no matter what color you desire.

Some of the advantages of choosing N-Hance include the following distinctions:

• Before painting, the N-Hance professional carefully cleans your cabinets with a special proprietary solution that thoroughly eliminates any dirt, oil, grime, and build-up that has accumulated on your cabinets. This often-overlooked step is essential for quality. Contaminants create peeling and flaws in the final product. N-Hance ensures the best base for your color change through exceptional preparation.

• N-Hance primer is specifically manufactured for cabinets and designed to block bleed-through from the old color and other possible imperfections. The primer helps your new color better adhere to the surface of your cabinets for a more durable, longer-lasting solution.

• N-Hance products are made exclusively from waterbased acrylic, polyurethane blends designed for cabinets.

-

Most painters use latex paint designed for walls. N-Hance’s product results in stronger adhesion that resists chips or peeling with a smoother finish.

“We also do cabinet refacing,” Ambler said. “Because a lot of homes in the area are getting older, the cabinets may need more than just paint. With a reface, we can completely change the color and give you all new doors and drawer faces. While your cabinet boxes remain in place, we replace the doors and drawer fronts to a new style, so your kitchen looks and feels like new at just a fraction of the cost of a remodel. We have about 15 different styles to choose from. Each comes in

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 53
“WITH CUSTOM CABINET PAINTING FROM N-HANCE, YOU CAN GET A DRAMATIC TRANSFORMATION IN APPROXIMATELY FIVE DAYS. NOT ONLY IS OUR PROCESS A QUICK AND QUALITY SOLUTION, BUT IT’S ALSO BUDGET FRIENDLY.”
ANDREW AMBLER

BEFORE

a painted finish, and this process only takes three days.”

In new kitchen cabinets, the doors cover up most of the cabinet framework (full overlay), while in older cabinets, there are gaps between every door (partial overlay). One big advantage to refacing is that the new doors will go to a full overlay rather than a partial overlay, which updates the look of your kitchen with fresh color, updated door style and covers the gaps in cabinetry. N-Hance can also add new cabinets onto existing cabinets if you want to expand, and they can modify your space when you get a bigger refrigerator or add a pantry cabinet.

The third service N-Hance offers is a cabinet re-door. This is a simple, convenient one day job.

“If you have white cabinets and want you want to keep them white but just change the door style, we will come in, take off the old doors, and put on new doors and drawer faces,” Ambler said. “These are also full overlays, so you get that updated door style in a one-day job at an affordable cost.”

N-Hance is a specialized company that only does cabinets. Since Ambler opened the Lowcountry franchise, they have completed more than 2,000 kitchens in the area. They know the ins and outs of the business, and each job is backed by a five-year warranty.

“Unlike many painters, we are able to offer our customers a warranty because all our products are specific paint and clear coat kitchen and bath products,” Ambler said. “Our products will hold up under the daily uses of the kitchen and bathroom.”

With N-Hance, you get reliable, on-time service. They

54 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

Don’t remodel ...just N-HaNCE

do exactly what they say they will do at the designated time. Unlike other contractors who may be juggling and managing multiple jobs and only committing to your project for a few hours a day, N-Hance is steadfast to their schedule and respectful of yours.

“We hold to starting and finishing on time,” Ambler said. “If we say we will be there May 10 and finish May 14, you can count on that, and we’ll even get there five minutes early. We will put in extra hours in the shop at night to get our work done, so we aren’t inconveniencing customers. We start the job and stay on the job until it is finished, and when it is all complete, the end goal of a restoration is to give the cabinets the look of a factory finish, as if you’d bought them that way.” 

If you are ready to N-Hance your kitchen and bathroom, visit nhance.com/lowcountry and request an estimate online or call (843) 715-8420.

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 55
AFTER

On Julia: Lace jacquard maxi dress $490 earrings: Tamarin tripple earring $495

On Gioia: Lace jacquard bell sleeve mini dress $320 earrings: Zoe $295

Both available at: Kelly Caron Curated

Photography by M.Kat

Styled by Kaila Jeffcoat

Modeled by Julia Rockett & Gioia DiBartolomeo

Special Thanks to The Prud’homme Team and Pacaso for hosting our shoot in this stylish Sea Pines home.

BALD EAGLE IS A SIX BEDROOM PROPERTY LOCATED STEPS FROM THE BEACH IN SEA PINES RESORT, CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR CO-OWNERSHIP THROUGH PACASO (PACASO.COM). BUYERS CAN OWN 1/8 OF THE PROPERTY FOR $734,000 WHICH GETS THEM AT LEAST SIX WEEKS IN THE PROPERTY ANNUALLY, BOOKED IN STAYS RANGING FROM 2-14 NIGHTS IN LENGTH; AND FINANCING OPTIONS DO EXIST. WITH A THIRD-ROW BEACHWALK LOCATION, THIS NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME IS ALL ABOUT APPROACHABLE ELEGANCE, STARTING WITH THE CUSTOM CURVED STAIRCASE AND CLASSIC COLUMNS, AND EXTENDED THROUGHOUT WITH THE SHIPLAP DETAILING AND A PROFESSIONALLY DECORATED INTERIOR. BALD EAGLE IS ONE OF FIVE PACASO PROPERTIES LOCATED ON THE ISLAND.

Available

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 57
On Julia: Marie Oliver Top Marie Oliver Skirt at Monkee’s On Gioia: Allison New York Dress P448 Sneakers Available at Monkee’s *Prices change and human error occurs. Please see boutique listed for final pricing on all items.

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

On Gioia: Lilla | P Dress $275, Hobo Bag $158, Chocolat Blu Shoes

$185

On Julia: Marie Oliver Dress $315, Hobo Bag $278, Donald Pliner Shoes $215 Available at Palmettoes

On Julia: Elan Dress $94, Elan Top $98, Olukai Sneakers $105, Available at Maggie and Me

On Julia: Southern Tide Top $68, Southern Tide Shorts $75 On Gioia: Southern Tide Dress $148 Both available at Southern Tide On Gioia: Driftwood Top $98, Driftwood Pant $98, SK by Skemo Sandals $154 Available at Maggie and Me *Prices change and human error occurs. Please see boutique listed for final pricing on all items.

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

On Gioia: Roberto Coin 18K Yellow

Gold Double Medallion

Necklace $5,950, Roberto Coin Princess Flower 18K Yellow Gold

Earrings $1,600, Marco

Bicego 18K Yellow Gold

Wide Ring $9,050 (Pointer Finger), Marco Bicego

18K Yellow Gold Ring

$1,750 (Middle Finger), (Right Wrist) Roberto Coin

18K Yellow Gold Bangle

$7,150, Roberto Coin

18K White Satin Gold

Bangle $7,150, (Left Wrist)

Roberto Coin 18K Yellow

And White Gold Bracelet

$2,970

On Julia: Marco Bicego Paradise

18K Yellow Gold Necklace

$2,990, Marco Bicego

Paradise 18K Yellow Gold

Earrings $1,770, Marco

Bicego Jaipur Color

18K Yellow Gold $1,620 (Pointer Finger), Marco

Bicego Jaipur Link 18K

Yellow Gold Ring $1,360 (Middle Finger)

Both available at Forsythe Jewelers

60 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

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

On Julia:

Dear John Skirt $80, Lisa Todd

Sweater $194, Brianna Cannon

Handband $55, Silver Rolo

Necklance $110

On Gioia:

Show Me Your Mumu

Dress $168, Mykonos

Gold Necklance $98, Hat $46

Both available at Coastal Bliss

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 61
On Julia: Tulip Top $82, Tulip Bloomers $98, Just Kenzie Wild Cat Necklace $198, Available at Eggs ’n’ Tricities

On Julia: Omika Dress $398, Migonne Gavigan Earrings $175

On Gioia: Omika Dress $458, Mignonne Gavigan Earrings $350

Both available at Birdie James

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

On Julia: Las Surenas Dress $260, Tiger Necklace $200

Available at Collage

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 63

On Gioia: Tolani Top $152, Elliott Lauren Pant $122, Hobo Clutch $128, Eyewear by Available at Eggs ’n’ Tricities

Thierry Lasry Sunglasses $605 Available at Eyeland Optique:

On Julia: Saltwater Luxe Dress $198, Saylor Betty Earrings $22 Available at Haskins & Co

On Gioia: Zakar Top $239, Zakar Skirt $291, Available at Collage

Tom Ford Eyewear $435

Available at Eyeland Optique

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 65
*Prices change and human error occurs. Please see boutique listed for final pricing on all items.
On Gioia: Mink Pink Skirt $79, Goldie Top $185, Saylor Betty Earrings $22 Available at Haskins & Co *Prices change and human error occurs. Please see boutique listed for final pricing on all items.
Teresa Knoll, Interior Design Consultant with Carolina Window Designs

Real Treatment

CAROLINA WINDOW DESIGNS INTRODUCES A NEW WAY TO MAKE YOUR HOME BEAUTIFUL.

There is an old proverb that says when a door closes, a window opens. It is one uniquely suited as an introduction to Teresa Knoll, interior design consultant with Carolina Window Designs.

When her husband Dennis retired, Knoll realized that while she was ready to pick up stakes in blustery Chicago and head south to sunnier climes, she was in no way ready for retirement.

“I had my own drapery workroom in Chicago, and had my own business doing sales, design and installation of window treatments for more than 20 years,” she said. “I love what I do.”

And what she does borders on the magic. Working with a client, she interprets their concept of their home, divining the details of what colors, fabrics and materials can come together to create a fabulous window treatment.

“If they have a vision, I will make it happen,” she said. “And if they do not know what they want, I give them options. The clients are the ones who will ultimately have to look at it every day, so they need to love their selections.”

After making her way to Hilton Head Island, her selfdescribed “happy place” for 12 years of vacations, Knoll was excited to see how her decades designing artistic window treatments would translate to the South.

“Chicago is very cold and can be gloomy, I was typically doing heavier window treatments. Here you want to see the

Real Treatment

beauty, but you also must protect your furnishings and floors from the sun,” she said. “People here tend to go more simple, neutral and lightweight to keep the view.”

All she needed was a venue for following this new reinvigoration of her craft. She found it at Carolina Window Designs.

“This opportunity almost fell into my lap. It has worked great,” she said. “They are growing so much—they have added me, an assistant designer, a new person at the front desk and another installer.”

Adding Knoll not only brought her vast experience to a firm that has achieved massive fame locally for their stunning designs, but it also provided Carolina Window Designs with an entirely new offering. Since its inception, they have worked with some of the most celebrated architects, builders and designers in the area, creating window treatments, bedding and more that tied entire motifs together and added a brilliant finishing touch to homes. With Teresa coming on board, they are now working directly with homeowners.

“They had never done retail work directly with homeowners until they hired me, so I’m helping them branch out and grow the business,” she said. “It was a real win-win.”

Joining Carolina Window Designs, Teresa Knoll has hit the ground running—literally. Her work has taken her inside gorgeous

70 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

homes from Sea Pines to Wexford to Palmetto Bluff and beyond. “I’m all over the place, and I enjoy all of it,” she said.

You could not find a better situation. Not only does Carolina Window Designs get a chance to begin working directly with homeowners in addition to their celebrated work with professionals, but Knoll gets to fall in love with her calling all over again.

“I’m doing the same thing I’ve always done, I don’t fabricate anymore, so now I get to just focus on the fun part: meeting clients and seeing their beautiful homes,” she said, adding with a laugh, “And I don’t have to work in a basement and brave the cold every time I go out.”

This newest chapter has Teresa excited about each new client and all the styles and trends she now explores as she shifts from Midwestern gloom to coastal sunshine. From working panels on decorative hardware and roman shades that block harmful UV rays to plantation shutters and a vast array of shades, it is a new take on a career she has built for 30 years.

“Everything fell into place when we planned our move to Hilton Head. Dennis and I could not be happier here,” Knoll said.

Homeowners of the Lowcountry, who now have a valuable new resource for making their home beautiful, would agree. Which makes this less of a “win-win” and more of a “win-win-win.” 

To learn more, visit carolinawindowdesigns.com.

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 71
“I’M DOING THE SAME THING I’VE ALWAYS DONE, I DON’T FABRICATE ANYMORE, SO NOW I GET TO JUST FOCUS ON THE FUN PART: MEETING CLIENTS AND SEEING THEIR BEAUTIFUL HOMES!”

Two-Sided Coin

Obtaining the right insurance coverage for a high-value home is like a two-sided coin. On one side is an individual with an attention to detail that has proved a cut above. The evidence of that personal attribute, coupled with hard work, is visible even to an outsider: your house(s), your car(s), your jewelry, your art; and so on.

Unfortunately, insurance coverage that doesn’t match that level of commitment to success is all too often on the reverse side of that coin. This disparity has led to much heartache among highnet-worth individuals, who—either out of a lack of knowledge or appropriate concern, or grandfathered-in insurance relationships that began as far back as college days—have failed to protect their most valuable assets from ill-fitting levels of coverage.

It’s an easily avoidable situation with the right insurance broker on your side—someone with a matched attention to detail and the resources to fully insure your assets.

For owners of luxury homes who have a high net worth, standard homeowners insurance is likely not sufficient. High-value home insurance is designed specifically for these property owners, offering better dwelling insurance (including extended replacement cost coverage); better contents coverage (insuring all risks, not just the standard 16 named perils); and more generous liability coverage (including legal defense costs beyond the liability limit and more).

Some specific advantages of a high-value home policy over a standard policy include:

• Cash settlement options on a total loss

• Waiver of AOP deductible for losses over 50K – excluding

named storm/hurricane and earthquake

No limit on law and ordinance coverage

• No limit for debris and demolition coverage

• Assignment of carrier adjuster the same day of the loss vs. contact from the reporting center

• Scheduled property coverage (jewelry, fine arts, wine, silverware, musical instruments, etc.) available w/o appraisals unless valued over $50K

• Unlimited water backup vs. $5,000 max limit for water backup damage

• Scheduled property insured at agreed value vs. settlement options through vendor/merchant for the lowest replacement cost.

If your home is valued at $1 million or more, it requires additional coverage that massmarket coverage simply can’t provide. High-value home insurance expands to ensure every unique detail of your home and your life within it is protected: no worries, no guesswork.

So, as you consider purchasing your dream home or second home, ask yourself this important question: Is the level of attention that realized your purchase worth extending into the policies that guarantee its security? 

Robert Kerdasha earned the designation of Certified Advisor of Personal Insurance (CAPI) in 2015 from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. He is managing director of Assured Partners’ Bluffton office, specializing in high net worth personal lines of insurance. At AssuredPartners, clients have access to high net worth insurance carriers including Chub ,Cincinnati, Berkley One, AIG, and Pure, along with many others. Rob can be reached at (843) 405-8270 or Robert.Kerdasha@ assuredpartners.com.

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 73
WHY
A STANDARD HOMEOWNERS POLICY MAY NOT BE ENOUGH FOR LUXURY HOMES

EXCEPTIONAL, SOPHISTICATED, SMART

IDEA HOME IN PALMETTO BLUFF’S WILSON VILLAGE HAS IT ALL

People familiar with the natural beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry have at least heard about the “Bluff,” a beautiful place abundant with the riches of nature’s finest landscape. The woodlands, marshes, and river are rich with wildlife, and the lucky human inhabitants enjoy living, working, and playing amid the diversity.

Within Palmetto Bluff, this premier and famous development, is a neighborhood within Wilson Village known as The Point. Residents at The Point have a spectacular lifestyle that includes not only a highly desirable neighborhood, but a quaint main village within walking distance where there are one-of-a-kind shops, great restaurants, a full-service marina, the Wilson Lawn and Racquet Club, and the renowned May River Golf Club. The Point homeowners also have access to their own private dock on the May River.

While astounding architecture within The Point is the norm, at 3 Bells Park South, you’ll find the 2022 H2 Builders Idea Home, a home that is something a bit more exceptional, sophisticated, and smart.

“Every couple of years, we design and build an Idea Home in Palmetto Bluff to showcase the latest in design and technology,” said Gus Hetzel, Executive Vice President of Sales at H2 Builders. “This allows us to share the incredible work of our team and trade partners with potential clients who are interested in building in Palmetto Bluff or other communities in our area. We partnered

While astounding architecture within The Point is the norm, at 3 Bells Park South, you’ll find the 2022 H2 Builders Idea Home, a home that is something a bit more exceptional, sophisticated, and smart.

76 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

with Wayne Windham Architect for the design and with KS McRorie Interior Design for all the finishes inside and out, both of whom we’ve successfully worked with before. Once again, I think we knocked it out of the park.”

With a blend of traditional and contemporary elements, the exterior architecture, quality of materials, interior finishes (from hard selections used to all the furnishings and accessories) are meticulously thoughtful, and no expense was spared to achieve the final product. Additionally, the home is fully integrated with smart home technology.

When discussing the design of the home with H2, both the architect and the designer felt that the home should have a strong sense of place, so the Southern vernacular that Palmetto Bluff is famous for played a large role in the design decisions they made for both the furnishings and finishes in the design.

“While there is a strong nod to traditionalism in the home’s design, we were also careful to incorporate more contemporary elements for a fresh spin on the classic feel,” said Kelley McRorie, interior designer. “The use of heritage quality materials throughout the home enhances the architecture and the furnishings. It takes a special builder and client to understand the impact of these materials and the value they add to the overall design and final product. There are definitely some ‘drama’ moments in the house.”

A couple of those dramatic elements include a new version of H2’s popular custom elevator feature. The

previous Idea Home had this feature, and because people loved it so much, they wanted to make sure to include it in this home—but with a twist. It is a beautiful, stunning space.

Another impressive feature is the four seasons room just off the kitchen and carriage house suite. It utilizes a Marvin accordion style door system so that when weather permits, the doors can be folded back on three sides, then retractable screens can be remotely activated to create a screened porch when desired.

There are beautiful high-end design elements and appointments in every space that incorporate natural materials such as marble countertops and backsplashes and woven grass wallcoverings. Mixed with the more modern finishes like the solid brass hardware, mosaic floors in the master bath and mirrored fronts on the custom kitchen cabinets, the home has a richly layered look and feel.

“You really can’t fake the kind of patina or warmth that they add to the feel of the home,” McRorie said. “We incorporated things like Savannah Gray brick walls in the four seasons room and stacked oyster shell in the elevator to add even more texture and to further the use of traditional Lowcountry building elements into the design.”

“When H2 came to us wanting to design a second idea home, they had a big program to fit on a small lot,” said Courtney Windham, project architect. “It was a challenge, but we enjoy a challenge. We’re good at working in tight parameters.”

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 77
When discussing the design of the home with H2, both the architect and the designer felt that the home should have a strong sense of place, so the Southern vernacular that Palmetto Bluff is famous for played a large role in the design decisions they made for both the furnishings and finishes in the design.

The home’s exterior design is rooted in traditional Lowcountry architecture (tabby stucco on the foundation, brick accents, a metal roof, board and batten in some areas) with some contemporary gestures. For example, the lap siding has mitered corners, deep overhangs include brackets, and there is a distinct lack of ornate detailing— all elements which create a cleaner, contemporary look. The home’s interiors have steel transom windows between rooms, but without muntin details in the windows, so the effect alludes to a traditional element but with cleaner

lines. To keep things more minimal, the main living space utilizes shiplap wall coverings and minimal reclaimed wooden beams on the ceiling.

With ample sleeping quarters and a guest suite over the garage, the home boasts four bedrooms and a bunk room, five-and-a-half baths, and a year-round, multipurpose room that can be opened to the exterior courtyard or protected by recessed motorized insect screens.

“Traditional Southern homes usually have a wraparound porch or deep porch, but because this was a

78 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

smaller lot, we did a quarter porch,” Wayne Windham said. “It’s not so space consuming, which enabled us to include all the bedrooms and other features.”

Hetzel agreed. “This corner homesite made it a little tough to get everything we wanted on the lot, but Wayne and his team did a great job. The home lives a lot larger than its 3,573 square feet,” he said.

Also, to make the interior common spaces feel more expansive, McRorie cleverly addressed the open concept flow from the living room through the bar/dining area and into the kitchen by designing the custom steel transom that help to visually separate the areas.

The kitchen showcases a completely custom black steel hood that matches the transom windows, and all the appliances are Sub-Zero and Wolf. The Sub-Zero units have antiqued mirror panels that make the space feel larger. The island was built as a true piece of furniture with legs and includes lots of drawer storage. Having a sink in front of windows is always a great look when the layout allows for it, and this home certainly took advantage of that.

While all the bedrooms are spacious and have great bathrooms and good-sized closets, the master suite boasts an abundance of natural light and privacy from the common areas. The master bath includes a solid stone freestanding tub and an oversized shower with multiple heads. As in the kitchen, the bathroom cabinetry was designed to look like high-end custom furniture, adding to the high-end feel of this important space.

Outdoors and just off the four seasons room, there is an intimate fire pit for additional entertaining space. The space is enhanced by pierced brick courtyard walls.

H2’s attention to detail and care in the building of the home and allowing the architect and designer to work with upscale, high-end materials is extraordinary and is reflected in the quality workmanship in every detail of the home. This home will be listed for sale this spring through the Palmetto Bluff real estate team.

To video tour the home, visit h2builders.com/home/3bells-park-s/. 

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 79
With ample sleeping quarters and a guest suite over the garage, the home boasts four bedrooms and a bunk room, five-and-a-half baths, and a year-round, multi-purpose room that can be opened to the exterior courtyard or protected by recessed motorized insect screens.

NEIGHBORHOOD STROLL: MOSS

CREEK

Moss Creek is the first off-island community, just minutes from the Hilton Head Island bridge. Featuring over 1,000 acres of private, gated residential neighborhood, Moss Creek borders Mackay Creek on one side and more than 1,200 acres of nature preserve on the other, allowing for a variety of home views including water, woods, marshes, and the marina.

Because of its prime location, Moss Creek residents don’t have to go far to experience life outside the comfort of home. Turn left at the entrance gate and the beautiful beaches of Hilton Head Island await. Turn right and there’s burgeoning Bluffton. A short drive to 1-95 opens the possibilities even wider with access to Savannah and Charleston.

The Moss Creek Marina is the launching point for a day of water fun and exploration into the intracoastal waterway, and beyond.

When you purchase property in Moss Creek, you become a member of the community and have accesss to all amenities. Members at Moss Creek live to reward a life of hard work with all that membership has to offer: community, connection, contentment, and access to a private club and home community lifestyle unlike any other in the Lowcountry. Shaded by live oaks draped with Spanish moss, the environment is unique, and residents take pride in celebrating and protecting it. In 2022, Moss Creek was recognized and certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a Community Wildlife Habitat.

“The natural beauty of the creeks, marshes, and waterways is exceptional,” Realtor Lawrence Taylor, with Charter One Realty, said. “You’re never far from long marsh or a

water view. You know you’re in the Lowcountry when you’re in Moss Creek. Plus, the financial stability is important. Moss Creek is an excellent example of a private club community doing its best to maximize current member satisfaction while taking steps to remain relevant in the marketplace for years to come. Beyond that, the people—not only members, but employees, too—are a big part of what makes Moss Creek an extraordinary place to call home.”

Jennie Johnson and Bobby Peaks agree that the people really do make Moss Creek feel like home. “We moved from Greenville to the Hilton Head area six years ago because our kids and grandkids live here,” Johnson said. “Our introduction to our neighbors happened the first week. Our dogs escaped their fenced yard and were strolling down our street. Our neighbors picked them up, called us from the info on the doggy ID tags, brought them home, and put them back inside the fence. That kindness and concern exemplifies how Moss Creekers take care of each other. We can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

Members also love the amenities available at Moss Creek. The Clubhouse, currently under complete renovation by Kelly Caron Designs and anticipated to re-open in early summer 2023, is a big draw. While weddings, banquets, birthday parties and other events are hosted at the Clubhouse, it’s not just for special occasions. Members meet, eat, and play there—sometimes dressed casually for lunch and dinner in the Grill after a round of golf or a game of tennis, or for cocktails and cards outside on the Verandah.

Golf, tennis, and boating are also available, with two championship Fazio courses—Devil’s Elbow South and Devil’s Elbow North. Along with the strategically placed sand traps, you’ll also be challenged by magnificent oak trees, tall pines, water tributaries, and salt marshes. You may also encounter a gallery populated with wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, or an egret. Since 2012, the Tom Fazio North Course and George Fazio South Course have achieved the status of Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

For those who prefer racquet sports, Moss Creek has a very active tennis and pickleball community. The Moss Creek Racquet Center has seven Har-Tru courts (five lighted), a practice wall

Members enjoy miles of leisure trails.

and ball machine. For pickleball, four lighted courts are available. There is plenty of seating to invite your friends to watch, and you can get the latest sports instruction at the community’s pro shop. The Bostwick Point Park Complex features a dog park, Bocce Ball Courts, horseshoe courts, and an event pavaillion. The indoor fitness center offers water views, a wide range of equipment, a variety of tailored classes, and personal fitness instruction.

“Bobby is an avid golfer,” Johnson said, “and most days, he can be found on one of the two Moss Creek golf courses perfecting his game and enjoying his golfing friends. I play tennis which is the way I began making friends here. With over 20 amenities and 60+ clubs in Moss Creek, we get to enjoy a wide variety of activities.”

Steve and Karen Thomson moved to Moss Creek from Oregon

Members of all ages and interests brought together by a mutual desire to live a nature-inspired lifestyle.

in June of 2022. “We really enjoy our wonderful neighbors and the beautiful walking trails that are just outside our door,” Karen said. “Steve golfs, while I’m more into tennis, but I’m learning to golf. We also enjoy biking around the neighborhood, and the weather here is enviable. Oregon is very rainy, so we are enjoying the sunshine.”

With one of the few private mainland marinas in the area, life on the water takes on a whole new meaning at Moss Creek, offering members unprecedented access to this prime corner lot of coastlines. With boat slips and storage, private

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 83

and community kayak racks, the Moss Creek private marina is the launching point for a day of water fun, fishing, and exploration in and around our 11 sea islands, out into the Intracoastal, and beyond. The community also has its very own Boat Owners Association, which can provide you with local knowledge, assistance, and classes on boat handling.

The Moss Creek Equestrian Center serves as the majestic entrance to Moss Creek. Trainers work with passionate young women and men, and for those who prefer to go along for the ride, what better way to see what nature has to offer than on horseback? The equestrian center is the perfect place for those who love horses to ride, offering jumps, dressage, boarding, and lessons.

You can also take things a bit slower at Moss Creek at one of the three community pools, including a beach-entry pool, kiddie pool, and lap pool, covered pavilion or community library. Get to know your neighbors and keep your social calendar booked with the variety of clubs and other events when

you become a member of Moss Creek.

If walking close to nature is where you derive inspiration, the gently winding roads within the community follow the natural curves of the coastline. Wooded paths and marsh boardwalks round natural bends, providing hikers and bikers stunning vistas of the pristine and private Fording Island Nature Preserve and Blue Heron Sanctuary.

“The natural beauty of Moss Creek is stunning,” Bobby said. “We live on the border of one of the two large nature preserves within the community, and our view is of the trees and lagoon with a rookery for several species of shore birds, including herons, egrets, and ibis.”

For nearly 50 years, Moss Creek has been a place where families have come together to enjoy the best life has to offer in the awe-inspiring natural environment of one of the most stunning pieces of real estate in the Lowcountry.

“Residents at Moss Creek enjoy the water with family and friends,” said Brenda Ciapanna, marketing communications manager at Moss Creek. “They explore nature and unique surroundings; they ride horses and play golf, tennis, and pickleball; and they have fun with friends during the many events offered throughout the year. They enjoy a healthy lifestyle, and our state-of-the-art fitness center and lap pool are a big part of their routines; and they are anticipating celebrating family milestones in our newly renovated beautiful Clubhouse in the coming months. It’s a lifestyle like none other.”

The natural beauty, the amenities, and most of all the people, define the amazing lifestyle at Moss Creek. To learn more, visit mosscreek-hiltonhead.com, call (843) 836-6107, or email mosscreek@ mosscreek-hiltonhead.com 

84 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
#7 North Fairway of Tom Fazio Devil’s Elbow The Moss Creek Equestrian Center offers members lessons, boarding, and special member events year-round.

The architecture is timeless, connects seamlessly with its environment, and reflects the life of those living within it.

Lowcountry Dream Home in Moss Creek

Design Team creates family-friendly, cozy, welcome home

Just across the Hilton Head bridge and overlooking the marsh in the beautiful Moss Creek community lives an abode whose primary function is to keep a family of five cozy and close. On top of that, the home welcomes every visitor and encompasses all that comes with Lowcountry life on the water. But before it was all of this, it was just a residential lot—a kind of difficult triangular-shaped lot, subject to the county’s marsh front setbacks and beset with groves of palms and overgrown oaks.

When the family found the lot, they didn’t see those challenges; instead, they saw their future. Previously from a suburb outside Washington D.C., they initially bought a place in Sea Pines because they knew that even if they didn’t decide to make the area their permanent home, they could keep their Sea Pines home as a beach home and use it as a rental. Once they decided to stay, they began looking for a larger space closer to all their kids’ activities. When the lot came available in Moss Creek, they jumped on it. They loved the location as it is ideally placed between both Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, and the lot was on the marsh.

“We immediately loved all that Moss Creek had to offer,” the family said. “Once we saw the natural beauty of the neighborhood and all the amenities that include a marina, pools, biking trails, golf, tennis, pickleball, equestrian center and dining, we were sold.”

Once they purchased the lot, the couple hired William Court of the Court Atkins Group as their architect. Court Atkins offers trusted guidance for discerning homeowners, and they believe that “there’s no place quite like home.” Their architecture is timeless, connects seamlessly with its environment, and reflects the life of those living within it. Each Court Atkins residential project reflects each client’s unique point of view, life experiences, and individual style, along with their favorite things.

“To bring these visions to life, we strive to blend each site’s unique characteristics with the client’s individual needs and design aesthetic,” Court said. Our hope is that this process will lead to results that exceed expectations and feel custom-made for our clients.”

In this case, because both families knew each other and have kids the same age at the same school, connecting those details was a bit easier. While many folks moving to the area may be retiring empty nesters, this was an active family choosing to relocate, and it helped that the architect already had a good idea of how the family would utilize the space.

As their builder, the family chose Ron Boshaw of Boshaw Residential. Boshaw is known for his unique approach to residential construction. He understands

CH2CB2MAGAZIN.COM MARCH 2023 89
While many folks moving to the area may be retiring empty nesters, this was an active family choosing to relocate, and it helped that the architect already had a good idea of how the family would utilize the space.

the value of fine craftsmanship and how to select quality contractors. He brings a designer’s eye to the process, creatively using space and building unexpected signature features into every home.

“In this project, like our others, the homebuilding process entails efficiency, timeliness, quality and steady communication with our clients, along with the dedication of my experienced, innovative, and personable team,” Boshaw said.

For this family, Court designed a rather informal house that can live really well on one floor. “And it will continue to live that way when the kids are grown,” he said. “Everything is there—casual gathering and dining spaces, the kitchens, the master suite—and they all flow out to decks and terraces that wrap around house. The day-to-day operations work well on the first floor, then the second floor creates a retreat for the kids.”

The home’s exterior blends the Lowcountry shinglestyle with a cottage aesthetic, using cedar shingles, overscale windows, unique trimmings with gable details, and a wrap-around porch that hugs the entire structure.

For the interior design, the couple hired Sara Boyles from Kelly Caron Designs, a boutique design studio creating a new standard in Lowcountry luxury. At Kelly Caron, through precisely tailored designs and meticulous attention to detail, home environments are imbued with

CH2CB2MAGAZIN.COM MARCH 2023 91
The color palette is light and airy, with pure white and driftwoodstained cabinetry. Quartz countertops lend durability and a super-clean look in these spaces.

Inspiration for the colors came from the natural beauty of the marsh: the trees and moss, the spartina grass, the tidal moods, the water, and the birds.

92 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

the sophistication, beauty, and relaxed charm that have made the Lowcountry famous. In the process, they have created award-winning residential and commercial spaces that truly resonate. For this home and this family, Boyles agreed with Court regarding the vision. “At this Moss Creek home, the main goals were to have a home that was functional and beautiful for the full-time family that lives there,” she said.

Since this family had never previously lived in the Lowcountry, they relied heavily on Boyles’ eye and professionalism to understand what the aesthetic looks and feels like. Inspiration for the colors came from the natural beauty of the marsh: the trees and moss, the spartina grass, the tidal moods, the water, and the birds. Their musthaves were more bathrooms, a teenage hangout space, an ample pantry, family-friendly furniture, and a space where everyone could dump their bookbags, laptops, iPad, phones, shoes, coats, etc., so when they walk into the house, they could be hands-free, relax, and enjoy family life and the home’s views.

“Next to the mudroom, we installed the ‘command center,’” Boyles said. “It’s a custom drop zone with lots of storage, a place to charge devices, and sisal pin board for calendars and notes to keep up with their busy family.”

As far as making friends and family feel welcome, the home offers fantastic entertaining spaces from front to back, with the kitchen as its heart. “Everyone in our family cooks,” the wife said. “Working with William was great because he truly understood how important it was to create a flow for five people to use the kitchen simultaneously.”

A beautiful back kitchen just off the main kitchen opens to the grill porch, giving opportunity for multiple chefs. The color palette is light and airy, with pure white and driftwood-stained cabinetry. Quartz countertops lend durability and a super-clean look in these spaces.

CH2CB2MAGAZIN.COM MARCH 2023 93

The Carolina room, which was originally designed as a screened porch, is another important element as the family spends a great deal of time in that space gathering together. They wanted a cozy place that felt as if it were part of the outdoors. With the windows, scenery, and water views on three sides, the space easily accomplishes that goal.

“Everyone loves that room best,” the wife said. “My

husband, my kids, we all do. Even at parties, the Carolina Room is where everyone wants to congregate. Because we decided to glass it in, now we can use it year-round.”

The master wing is off to one side, so it feels private and separate from the common areas of the home, yet a nearby staircase connects the parents to the kids on the second floor. Soft blues and greens were used in combination with Monte Blanc stone and tile materials

94 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

The home’s exterior blends the Lowcountry shingle-style with a cottage aesthetic, using cedar shingles, overscale windows, unique trimmings with gable details, and a wrap-around porch that hugs the entire structure.

Outdoors, along with the phenomenal view, the landscape, by Witmer, Jones, and Keefer, is a perfect complement to the home and the existing natural elements.

that create a calm, spa-like space. The view is spectacular, and the couple loves waking up to the morning light over the water. The couple’s children were able to help pick materials that reflect their personalities and individual design aesthetics. “We used fun tiles in the bathrooms to reflect the kids’ choices,” Boyles said, “but their selections also align with the home’s overall color palette and look.”

Outdoors, along with the phenomenal view, the landscape, by Witmer, Jones, and Keefer, is a perfect complement to the home and the existing natural elements. The family enjoys a pool, hot tub, and a grassy side yard where they installed a firepit and croquet court.

“This couple had a strong vision about how their home should flow, from their kitchen to their office to the ‘command center,’” Court said. “There is a place for everything and everything is in its place. Sara brought a soft, coastal quality to everything, and the outdoor spaces feel like part of the home and incorporate the views.”

This family-friendly, cozy, and welcoming dwelling is exactly what this family needed to make the Lowcountry their home. When asked if this was their dream home, the couple replied, “Yes, we love the house, the neighborhood, access to the water, and being able to watch the seasons change over the marsh.”

CH2CB2MAGAZIN.COM MARCH 2023 95
Artisan Custom Homes creates free-standing works of art. Whether a stunning neo-colonial golf home or a towering beach getaway, each home reinterprets luxury in its own way.

From the Ground Up

What makes an Artisan Custom Homes – Hilton Head home different? Well, that’s entirely up to you.

In his nearly 40 years in the homebuilding business, Michael Saba has amassed an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the craft. He can talk you through the finer points of every aspect of construction, from lighting and wiring to plumbing and materials. Like a fount of wisdom, this knowledge flows from him, underscoring exactly what sets him and his business, Artisan Custom Homes – Hilton Head, apart.

But there is one word in the entire lexicon that he simply hasn’t quite mastered yet.

“One of the reasons our clients love us is that we don’t say no,” he said. Sitting in his lofty office, surrounded by stacks of floorplans and blueprints, framed photos of his many amazing homes, and the shelves full of awards those homes have won, you can see the power of not saying no.

Instead, by saying yes, the team at Artisan Custom Homes –Hilton Head have created free-standing works of art. Whether a stunning neo-colonial golf home or a towering modernist beach getaway, each home reinterprets luxury in its own way.

“The homes that we build are all completely custom,” Saba said. “They may start with an existing plan that we’ve built and then get modified to the needs of that individual client. Others start with a blank sheet of paper. And yet others will have worked with an architect and developed a set of plans, and then they’ll come to us, and we’ll build their plan.”

The photos surrounding this story will do most of the talking there. Each home, as a truly customized build, is an elegant representation of the owner’s dream home. And while

some owners will come to Artisan with plans, it is when the entire team gets involved that the real magic happens.

CHANGING LIVES, FOUR AT A TIME

Having spent 35 years of his career in large, massive homebuilding firms, rising to a division president for one of the nation’s largest, Michael Saba has seen how quality and quantity can sometimes go hand in hand. While he never sacrificed quality while living the corporate life, he saw in custom homebuilding a chance to do more.

“I’m only building four homes at a time. Never more than that,” he said. “And that’s important to me so that my project manager, Joel

Lewis, can really keep a close eye on everything, and I can get in every house every day. We can give the client the focus and the attention they like through the process.”

Indeed, that tight focus allows for every step to be carefully monitored by the entire team. Saba’s wife of 32 years and co-founder, Jill Saba gets the ball rolling using her expertise in real estate, helping select the perfect lot if it hasn’t already been found. “She is an integral part of the company,” said Michael,

98 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

adding that beyond her real estate role, Jill also runs sales, marketing, accounting and the company’s in-house software. “She basically keeps the wheels turning.”

That approach allows for deeper dedication to every aspect of the job. “We put a lot of thought into everything, starting with when we first clear the lot,” Saba said. Painstaking care is taken to preserve specimen trees on property, using their natural geometry to complement the design of the home. And that’s before the first hammer is swung. From there, designer Michelle Bichy steps in to help bring the owner’s vision to life.

“She’s involved as we’re drawing up the plans, looking at the flow of the house and anticipating certain design elements that we can incorporate into the structure of the home,” Saba said. “In many cases, she’ll go beyond what it takes to build the finished home, continuing into window treatments, rugs and art.”

And while they may not do any of the actual work, two key players on the Artisan Custom Homes – Hilton Head team should be recognizable for clients: the Sabas’ two English cream golden retrievers, Jockamo and Pebbles. After all, working with Artisan is about much more than just building a home.

“It’s more gratifying to get to know each client personally and deeply,” Saba said. “And pretty much everybody we build for ends up becoming a friend.”

FOLLOWING THE DREAM

While Artisan Custom Homes – Hilton Head was founded just a few years ago—just in time for the pandemic to begin a land rush of new residents to the area—its roots go back to a promise Michael Saba made to himself shortly after graduating from Texas’ Southern Methodist University. He had his degree, he had the love of his life, and he had his whole future ahead of him.

“I took a job with a national home builder but with a dream to one day build custom homes by the beach,” he said. That job led him to a tremendous career, moving up from project manager to land development director to sales manager and eventually VP of construction before it brought him to Hilton Head Island in 2007. And it was here that he saw a path to fulfilling that dream. “Having built a very successful career, I said, ‘Wait a minute, I’m not getting younger. And I’m already at the beach.’”

He achieved that dream in 2018, having already served a term as president of the Hilton Head Island Homebuilders Association and receiving their Keystone Award in 2017. While he was serving his second term, Artisan hit the ground running, earning Builder of the Year accolades in 2018, being named Southern Living’s exclusive custom builder partner for the area, and pulling in the first of many Lighthouse Awards.

“In the short period that we’ve been out, we’ve been able to really develop a brand quickly,” Saba said.

And that brand, ultimately, is quality. It’s a dogged determination to create nothing less than the most beautiful custom homes in the Lowcountry, fueled by decades of experience and informed by one simple rule: Never say no.  Learn more at artisanhomebuilder.com/communities/ hilton-head-island.

Artisan earned Builder of the Year accolades in 2018 and has received numerous Lighthouse Awards over the years. Mike Saba, owner of Artisan Custom Homes.
EVERYTHING FROM CABINETS AND FLOORING TO INSURANCE AND REAL ESTATE! EXPERTS PG. 102 TISHA CHAFER, COAST PROFESSIONALS CRYSTAL MCDONOUGH & JOHN ALLEN, THE ULTIMATE FLOOR CARE SERVICES PG. 103 LENA SELLS, KELLER WILLAMS PG. 104 NIKKI PETITT, SEAGLASS WINDOWSCAPES RODDY LANE & DOUG HOOVER, STONE RESTORE PG. 105 JEFF HUNT, DUNES REAL ESTATE PG. 106 HILTON HEAD FLOORCOVERINGS, INC HILTON HEAD FENCE PG. 107 CHRIS WELLS & RYAN MOORE, HIGH TIDE RESTORATION & CLEANING PG. 108 ALEX HAYNES, GENESIS CONSTRUCTION DAVE MILLER, SUPERIOR SERVICES PG. 109 SCOTT ODOM, SIR GROUT OF THE LOWCOUNTRY PG. 110 LARY SETOLA JR. & TEAM , HILTON HEAD FURNITURE CO.

TISHA CHAFER

COAST Professionals

81 Pope Ave.

Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Tishachafer@gmail.com

Tishachafer.exphiltonhead.com

Tisha Chafer with COAST Professionals Brokered by eXp is celebrating 20 years in the local real estate business this year. When her husband Andrew received a job offer to help build Old Carolina Golf Club in 1996, they packed up, left Cleveland, Ohio, bought a condo on Hilton Head Island, and have never looked back.

“We loved raising our family here. I especially relate to buyers who have children and want to work with a Realtor with firsthand knowledge of local schools, travel sports programs, school zoning, daycare programs, and mom groups to plug into,” Chafer said. “Now that our two kids are ‘grown and flown,’ helping buyers navigate the world of empty

(843) 384-1645 The

nesters has become my specialty. Making that down-size move is something I can personally relate to. Having recently made the downsize move ourselves, I understand the emotions and mental processes that go along with that exciting but transitional time.”

Whether you are a buyer seeking expert hyper-local knowledge or a seller looking for a professional that provides a seamless experience from start to finish with a detailed marketing plan, clear expectations from the start, and an action plan to get your home in tip-top shape, you are in the right place with the right agent.

“I am by your side every step of the way and consider it a true team effort,” Chafer said. When you are ready to make your next move and “When Experience Counts,” call Tisha Chafer at COAST Professionals Brokered by eXp.

CRYSTAL MCDONOUGH & JOHN ALLEN

2023 and are the proud parents of their daughter Delayna.

ultimatefloorcareservices.com

TheUFCServices@gmail.com

(843) 341-9036

Meet the faces behind The Ultimate Floor Care Services, Crystal McDonough and John Allen. The firm started in 2001 and remains a family-run company.

Crystal started working fulltime in 2009 with her late father Mac who taught her the business, but she has been involved in carpet cleaning since an early age.

John joined the UFC family in 2015 and, through the years, has been growing and prospering with the firm. The pair have been carrying the UFC torch since July of 2022.

Dedication to quality work and top-notch customer service is what keeps customers returning and drives their reputation. The two are set to be married in October of

UFC Services staff members are well-trained carpet, upholstery, stone and ceramic tile cleaning, restoration, and maintenance technicians. They are skilled in Mexican/Saltillo tile stripping and resealing in addition to travertine, marble, and granite polishing and sealing and wood floor cleaning. They clean outdoor pool/patio mildew and grime and offer pickup, cleaning, and delivery of area rugs. You can also drop off your area rugs to be cleaned and sanitized in their warehouse.

The UFC office is open

Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. You can call after hours and leave a message and they will promptly return your call the next business day. Appointments are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Call, email, or message UFC so they can serve you!

102 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
Ultimate Floor Care Services
360 Spanish Wells Rd., Suite B Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

REAL ESTATE

Not only do I use traditional means of marketing like my peers, but you also see me on WHHI, locally, on WSAV in the mornings, and often in the local magazine publications as well. Your homes also get marketed through our investor network at Strategic Passive Investments, which consists of a database of over 80,000 investors looking to buy their second, third, or even fourth homes.

Data Drives Results:

Aside from traditional sales, my husband and I have done nearly $100,000,000 in real estate transactions over the last eight years. To achieve that level of success, you have to follow the market data rather than the news media or hearsay of so-called professionals. Ask 10 random real estate professionals where the market stands today and get 10 completely different answers. The data never lies.

LENA SELLS

Over 100% List to Sale Ratio on nearly every deal:

In a market some consider is “cooling,” I just placed a home under contract for 114% over list price.

Second Highest Number of Listings by An Individual Agent:

Lena Sells as YOUR Realtor: $24,000,000 in closed sales over the past two years. In a market like Hilton Head, where home prices average $1.2 million, that may not seem like a great number. But I did these numbers in Savannah—not with a team, but on my own. Home prices in the Savannah market average $350,000, and many of my listings were less than that.

Keller Williams is the largest broker in the Savannah market and surrounding area, with over 350 agents. I listed more homes than 349 of them. I also took second place for listings by dollar volume and ninth place for Most Homes Sold in the Marketplace as an Individual.

Non-Traditional Marketing Techniques:

I am not just a Realtor; like many of you, along with my husband, Charles Sells, I am also an investor.

Based on the data, homes are still selling near, at, or above list price. Considering rate hikes and average prices of homes on the island and in Bluffton, this clearly does not indicate any sort of cooldown. What our market has done is shifted back to the “pre-covid market boom.” Gone are the spoils of listing a property on Tuesday, doing a FaceTime walkthrough on Wednesday and getting a contract on Thursday for 25% over list price with an appraisal gap of $50,000 included.

This is clearly a long, selfpromotional marketing campaign to answer two questions: (1) Is now a good time to sell and (2) Am I the right person for the job? The answer to both is YES! My intent is to perform as well for my clients in the Lowcountry as I do in the Coastal Empire.

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 103
Keller Williams Realty, Coastal Area Partners lenasellshomes.com lenasellshomes@kw.com (843) 415-5977

RODDY LANE & DOUG HOOVER

You’ve made a large investment in natural stone floors, so when they need a little love, you’ll want to hire the most trusted stone restoration experts in town. In the Lowcountry, that means Stone Restore by Doug Hoover and Roddy Lane, whose promise is to make your floors look better than brand-new.

NIKKI PETITT

Seaglass Windowscapes

70 Pennington Dr. Suite 4

Bluffton, SC 29910

(843) 949-8444

www.seaglasswindowscapes.com

Seaglass Windowscapes is your premier luxury window covering experience. We believe each project is like a piece of sea glass—unique and different from each other. We treat every project with the mindset of delivering results that fit each customer’s needs and desires. We offer a great selection of interior window treatments, awnings, retractable exterior screens and storm protection. From start to finish, our team of experts will show you options, measure your windows, and provide top-notch white-glove service.

We invite you to discuss your projects with us at home, or for a full experience of what we have to offer, visit our designer showroom located in Sheridan Park. Our team is ready to assist you with designing your perfect windowscapes today.

Hoover, a retired Marine and founder/ owner of Stone Restore, has been in the flooring business since 2000, restoring stone full time in the Lowcountry since 2004. His business partner and now co-owner, Roddy Lane, also a former Marine, has been with him since 2008. With over 30 years’ combined experience in stone care, their reputation reverberates among area stone distributors as well as elated customers on Hilton Head Island, in Bluffton and beyond.

It starts with a customercentric approach and high level of commitment, which includes being on time, delivering on promises, and exceeding expectations. They don’t have a crew. Hoover and Lane are doing the work themselves, making personalized service and quality control a given.

Stone Restore guarantees a no-stress, no mess experience. They offer a complimentary consultation and estimate, and they are happy to explain their process. But all you really need to know is who to trust. Give them a call at (843) 422-6799.

Stone Restore by Hoover and Lane

20 Towne Dr, Suite 180

Bluffton SC 29910

(843) 422-6799

STONE RESTORE

104 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

JEFF HUNT

leading voice in the local market. It’s a mantle that comes naturally to Hunt, having owned and operated several successful multimillion-dollar businesses over the course of his career.

That business acumen allows him to truly serve as an advisor to his clients, helping them navigate the income potential of a rental or walking them through tax strategies as they prepare to buy or sell property. And that, ultimately, is what it’s all in service to: being 100 percent customer centered.

For Hunt, his role goes far beyond simply serving as an agent for buyer or seller. “For me, that philosophy of being 100 percent customer-centered means walking people through the process, helping them to create value and solving problems,” he said.

For some, the allure of Hilton Head Island lies in its white sandy beaches and its laidback lifestyle. But for many, the true draw of Hilton Head Island is the potential it represents

for creating a better life. Each property represents opportunity, whether it’s to invest now in a place to eventually call home or to create new revenue streams from the always-lucrative rental market.

Jeff Hunt is a Realtor who understands all of those perspectives and has made it his mission to help customers discover their true potential on Hilton Head Island, no matter what form that potential takes.

For more than 30 years, Jeff Hunt and Dunes Real Estate have been at the forefront of Hilton Head Island real estate. He has established himself as not only an industry leader, but as a

That dedication to service extends even beyond his own clients to reach the entire community. Every year in December, you’ll find Jeff Hunt purchasing bicycles for his annual donation to the Deep Well Project, as well as soliciting donations from his fellow real estate professionals to purchase helmets to help area children experience the joy and freedom of owning a bike. This annual event has become so successful, with 150 bikes donated last year, he’s extended his bike donations to include the Hilton Head Island Boys & Girls Club in years past.

The difference with Jeff Hunt is dedication. Dedication to his fellow real estate professionals, dedication to his community and dedication to his clients, helping them discover their own real estate potential on an island he has called home for 18 years.

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 105
Jeff Hunt & Associates, Dunes Real Estate Jeffh.dunesrealestate.com (843) 422-1111 (843) 422-5933
REAL ESTATE

HILTON HEAD FLOORCOVERINGS, INC.

85 Arrow Road Hilton Head, SC 29928 (843) 682-2272

hilton-head-floor-covering.com

Established in 1989, Hilton Head Floorcoverings, Inc. has been serving the Lowcountry for over 30 years. Whether you need carpet, hardwood, tile, or laminate, they have

the largest selection of top-quality products with exceptional prices and a knowledgeable staff. And if you need it installed, no problem. Their trained and experienced installers will add the finishing touches.

Originally from the carpet capital of the world, Dalton, Ga., owners Mike and Jessica Camp moved to the Lowcountry in 2008, taking ownership of HHFC in 2018 and moving the showroom to a larger, more central

HILTON HEAD FENCE

843-368-4799 -Office

843-368-3838-Cell

dan@hiltonheadfence.com

hiltonheadfence.com

Dan Evans, who has over 35 years experience in the fencing industry, and his family have been providing quality fencing to homeowners in the lowcountry for many many years. In fact, the majority of their clients come from referrals or repeat customers. The key to their success has been the value they place on every customer and inquiry.

Hilton Head Fence is prompt in their communication to customers, from the initial phone call to the completion of the install. They strive to provide an excellent customer experience with an exceptional fence product. Working with several suppliers allows them to stock large quantities of typical residential fencing in their Bluffton warehouse so they have no lead time on materials.

Sometimes, HOAs and POAs in the area have specific requirements. Hilton Head Fence is familiar with their policies

location at 85 Arrow Rd. just two years ago. They are currently expanding their warehouse operation to house the extensive in-stock inventory. They have built their reputation on quality and have longstanding, happy customers who have been with them for years—and for good reason. They care about their work for you.

Join the family of customers and get the quality flooring that works perfectly for you. Call today for a free home consultation.

and regulations and, at no extra cost, will assist in obtaining approval, when needed.

Fencing plays an important role in the look and security of your property. Not only does the correct fence provide protection for your family, but it reflects personal style by accenting outdoor features and blending seamlessly with the existing landscape. And while looks are important, perhaps the most important aspect of fencing is the quality and durability of the job.

When you need a fence, call the experts. You will find that this family-owned business takes pride in every project. They are extremely professional, punctual, and polite, and when they say they are going to do something, they do it.

106 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

CHRIS WELLS & RYAN MOORE

High Tide Restoration & Cleaning

322 Spanish Wells Road

Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

(843) 682-2000

hightiderestoration.com

Anyone who’s ever experienced a disaster in their home—be it a fire, a broken pipe that caused flooding, black mold that took over before it was detected, or even a hurricane knows that the initial disaster is just part of the headache. The true nightmare of a disaster in your home comes when you have to get it cleaned up. There are numerous calls to the insurance company, then you have to find contractors—not only to clean up any mess, but then to repair any damage, seeking out the invisible damage within the walls that only a licensed professional can find. That can mean plumbers, electricians, carpenters and more.

And then there are usually more calls to those contractors, then additional calls to the insurance company, and round and round we go.

Or, here’s a thought. The next time disaster strikes, you make it easy for yourself and just make one call. If that call is to High Tide Restoration & Cleaning, that will be just about all you have to do.

“We are a full-service cleaning and restoration company offering 24/7 emergency services, fire, mold, smoke, and water restoration along with a multitude of cleaning services including carpet, tile and upholstery,” said owner Ryan Moore. “We pride

ourselves on customer service and make sure each client is treated with respect.”

In business for over 20 years, first as a cleaning service but expanding as time passed into a turnkey emergency remediation service, High Tide Restoration & Cleaning has succeeded by taking the headache out of a disaster. When you make that call, you’ll find yourself in the capable hands of Moore or newest team member Chris Wells.

As a long-time islander and respected member of the community (if he didn’t coach your kid in baseball, you know someone whose kid he did coach), Wells has added a tremendous dynamic to a company that has made a huge impact on the island.

“Our team is the backbone of our company,” Moore said. “I take a lot of pride in hearing compliments from homeowners about our team members and the professional jobs they do every day. In an economy where everyone has a hard time finding staff, we are fortunate to have team members that have been with us for more than a decade.”

No matter which team member answers the call, once they arrive, your work is done. High Tide will work with your insurance company, they will seek out the subcontractors that can help get your house back in order, and they will see every aspect of the job through until your home is exactly the way it was before disaster struck. It’s a no-excuses, make-it-happen methodology that has helped homeowners rebuild after everything from mold infestations to the ravages of Hurricane Matthew.

“Hurricane Matthew hit our community hard, and we were one of the first companies allowed on the island to begin cleaning up,” Moore said. “We worked tirelessly around the clock for over six months helping our customers get their homes and businesses back to normal. We are always open for our customers, 24/7, 365 days a year.”

So next time disaster strikes, you just worry about getting your life back on track. High Tide Restoration & Cleaning will handle everything else. Call (843) 682-2000 or visit hightiderestoration.com.

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 107

ALEX HAYNES

Genesis Construction

33 Boundary Street

Bluffton, SC 29910

(843) 757-8220

genesis-construction.com

Genesis Construction has been building trust and relationships—as well as homes—since 1981. Genesis is known as an artistic, creative builder who thoroughly understands the desires of clients and works harmoniously with architects and designers. It is a small, family-owned, high-end custom home builder also known for the personal attention to principles on every job; outstanding craftsmanship from the very best carpenters and artisans; and unmatched financial integrity. Genesis has been recognized nationally in several publications with several award-winning homes.

When Bill Mischler founded Genesis Construction over 42 years ago. It was his vision to create a home building company that stood out from the rest. It is his philosophy

that we are building homes that we want our grandchildren to be proud of, only sourcing the finest building materials for a Genesis home.

Starting out on Hilton Head Island, building in several plantations, Genesis settled in Bluffton following the start of Palmetto Bluff. Genesis was the first builder to pull permits for the very first home in Palmetto Bluff. Since then, Genesis has built over 100 homes and several commercial amenity buildings between Palmetto Bluff and Oldfield.

In 2016, Mischler decided it was time to pick a new leader to carry the torch for another 36 years. He chose Alex Haynes as his successor. Mischler enthusiastically continues his leadership as a mentor, passing on his wealth of knowledge and experience. Haynes sees his role as continuing the heritage and tradition of Genesis.

“We are nationally recognized for finely crafted custom homes and financial integrity,” Haynes said. “It’s important to continue those relationships, past and present.”

DAVE MILLER

Superior Services

36 Persimmon St #202, Bluffton, SC 29910

(843) 773-4157

gotosuperior.com

Superior Services brings together all the elements that bring a structure to life, for both residential and commercial properties and clients: heating

and air conditioning, indoor air quality and duct design, electrical, plumbing, carpet and upholstery, computer and IT, and water and fire damage restoration.

With their duct cleaning and filtration processes, they handle the air that moves throughout your house—the air your family breathes. They clean the carpets in your home which act like a filter capturing all dirt, debris, allergens, and dust. They handle plumbing filtration and purifying the water you drink.

Superior’s unique, holistic, wholehome approach has become the company’s

philosophy and their clients’ advantage, affecting their family’s health and wellbeing. “A whole, healthy home is a Superior home,” owner Dave Miller said. “When you have us as your full-service provider, we manage the very environment in which you and your family live.”

Even if you’re not dealing with a breakdown, issue, or “emergency call,” you can (and should) set up proactive care. It saves you time, money, and protects you from additional costs and repairs when preemptive service can catch something that might cause more damage when it breaks down.

The collective talent of Superior Services delivers a Superior promise—not only with the obvious application of simply “better” service and streamlined processes, but with their mission to “bring certainty to the customer” in all they do.

Whether you’re renovating, repairing, flipping, upgrading, or just being prepared, “Make the Superior Choice.” Let a singlesource expert team handle the hassle for you as your go-to concierge and get back to living in your whole and healthy Superior home.

108 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

Iwas born and raised on the Gulf Coast in Mobile, Alabama. At age 20, I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina where I began my (first) career with a large Hewlett-Packard dealer. I spent approximately 15 years in that

industry and dreaded getting out of bed.

I was successful in that industry but wasn’t happy. I knew that was a big problem, although a huge positive about my time in that business was that I met my wife Kathy. We have been married 24 years now and have two beautiful daughters, Meredith 21 and Brooke 18.

When I decided enough was enough, I began researching business opportunities in the home services space. While real estate was my passion since I was as young as 12 (no kidding), I just didn’t see that as my path. Real estate is still my passion, however, competing with the

likes of Chris Sanders (Collins Group Realty) and Brandon Greenplate (Brandon Greenplate Real Estate) doesn’t seem like a good career move.

My research led me to the travertine/marble polishing business. I jumped right in by starting a business and have not looked back. Beginning with two people and one van, the business has grown to seven technicians with six vans, covering Charleston down to Hilton Head Island. I also have five employees in the Scottsdale/Phoenix Arizona area because that obviously makes perfect geographical sense.

We are very proud of the fact that out of nearly 50 franchise locations, we are ranked No. 2 in terms of revenue. We accomplish this because we have an awesome general manager (Jonathan Russell) and great senior technicians in the field (Andrew Russell, Micah Russell, Jonathan Davis, Carter Collins, Ari Biggus and Andrew Barr).

When not working in my business, Kathy and I are likely on our boat. And if it’s Saturday morning, you’re likely to find me golfing at Chechessee Creek Club with Brian Greenplate, Evan Greenplate, and Dave Brinkman. No Saturday morning would be complete if I wasn’t paying a couple of these guys after yet another loss!

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 109
Sir Grout of the Lowcountry sirgroutlowcountry.com (843) 640-5544
SCOTT ODOM
GROUT, TILE, STONE & WOOD RESTORATION SPECIALIST

LARRY SETOLA JR. & TEAM

Hilton Head Furniture Co.

45 New Orleans Rd.

Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

hhifurniture.com

Not all furniture is created equal, and Hilton Head Furniture Co is not your typical furniture store. Larry Setola Jr. is a third-generation entrepreneur with vast experience in upholstery and design. Setola grew up in the industry, so it wasn’t far-fetched when he decided to open his own business with the intention of providing the highest quality crafted furniture while tailoring it to the customer’s style, size, and space. The approach is to educate their clients on what makes true quality furniture while instilling that what is on the inside matters just as much as what is on the outside. If there is one thing the Setola family knows, it’es furniture!

It all started when the first generation Setola, John, attended an upholstery trade school after serving in World War II. His son, Larry Sr. eventually became involved in the family business when he was just 18 years old. Later, Larry Sr. would end up moving to Hilton Head Island in 1994 with his wife (Christine) and young son (Larry Jr.) to open his own upholstery shop, which he named Just Cushions & Upholstery, that still serves the Lowcountry and its residents to this day.

Although Setola Jr.’s business may have a different name, Hilton Head Furniture Co. holds true to the same core principles that their upholstery business has upheld for generations: Deliver the customer with the best possible product by providing top-quality work, education, and unprecedented customer service. The third generation Setola and his wife Julie spent years visiting furniture markets and researching all throughout the country, looking for the perfect manufacturer that would check all their boxes. After years of disappointing trips and countless hours, they found just what they were looking for, and with that, Hilton Head Furniture Co. was born. Each piece is handcrafted just for you, from start to finish, in Hickory, North Carolina, using American hardwoods, eight-way hand-tied springs, lux foams, and premiere materials.

Some may buy furniture with the hope that it will last a few years. Hilton Head Furniture Co. provides their clients with an experience and furniture that will last generations. Talk can be cheap, but every upholstery item purchased comes backed with a lifetime guarantee on the frame, springs, and construction.

Hilton Head Furniture Co. is a cut above as they know furniture inside and out. From a trusted local source, your furniture will be tailored to fit you, your style, and lifestyle. If you are planning to furnish or refresh your space, be sure to visit their showroom and design center to take advantage of the vast array of options and complimentary design team, who are focused on creating the perfect layout for your home while delivering top-tier customer service and extensive knowledge.

110 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
Realtors of COAST EXP Brokered by Exp Realty

Meet the New Disruptors

TO THE PARADIGM SHIFTING LIKES OF BLOCKCHAIN, AMAZON AND UBER YOU CAN ADD THE DISRUPTIVE CREW AT COAST BROKERED BY EXP REALTY.

Physically, Donna Gilmore and Caroline Rankin are seated amid the brand-new surroundings of COAST brokered by eXp office on Hilton Head Island’s south end. Outside their office, Realtors hum with conversation and excitement, sharing strategies and congratulating each other on new sales in the sprawling hang-out space that is the front lobby. But inside their office, there are important happenings in The World.

The World, capitalized, is a different animal than the world, lowercase. In The World, Gilmore is popping in for a quick chat at the South Carolina hub for brokers that eXp has placed at the heart of its virtual campus. Rankin has her virtual avatar in the lecture hall where a webinar is just starting, helmed by another Realtor hundreds of miles away. With a click, they are enjoying the view of the digital “docks” at the periphery of The World, a place where eXp offers a spot for quiet contemplation.

The resources available, and the endless opportunity for networking, are all contained in The World. And The World is all on the cloud, a virtual hub created by eXp that rivals any big tech disruptor’s California campus.

“People may think of us as just another real estate company, but it’s so different,” said Tristan O’Grady, co-founder of COAST brokered by eXp. “They provide agents with so much more than traditional brokerages can with their superior efficient no-brick-

and-mortar high-tech model. In just a few years, eXp has become the fastest growing real estate brokerage on the planet.

“This is what it’s all about,” added Rick Saba. “If we’re successful, they’re successful, so we all succeed. They’ve just bought the largest relocation company in the world to offer to agents, and they’ve just partnered with realty.com to give exclusive enhancements to our agents and our clients.” The founders focus a tremendous amount of effort on moving the needle forward and always improving their agent-centric company.

The difference with eXp is a laser-like focus on giving agents the tools they need. “Just yesterday, we had a question about a lead generation program,

and Tristan knew just the person to talk to at eXp,” Saba said. Immediately we were in a conference with someone in the eXp world. That instant support just doesn’t happen anywhere else.”

And that instant support is the point. For the company and for the agents who are discovering the difference by being a part of it at COAST brokered by eXp, the digital experience of The World, the instant connection with brokers and agents around the world, aren’t just there for bells and whistles. They’re put in place to give agents the tools they need when they need it, and in the fast-paced world of real estate, they usually need it now.

The cost savings of placing brokers in a virtual room where they’re available at a moment’s notice rather than putting brokers in every office is just part of it. In addition, the structure of eXp skews away from the traditional top-down approach.

“Inside eXp is a culture that has been developed where everything’s about the agent,” O’Grady said. “There are no massive CEO bonuses at the top;

114 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

much of the company’s revenue is generously shared with the agents based on production.”

For O’Grady and Saba, two agents who built storied careers in the traditional structure of Hilton Head Island real estate, the eXp model has given them a second lease.

“The atmosphere in here is just incredible,” Saba said. “I’ll come in here on the weekends every once in a while, and there will be agents just hanging out in here because they’re excited about what they do and love doing it.”

Of course, you need only stop by their office on the south end of Hilton Head Island to understand why agents might want to spend their weekends there. When the two partners launched COAST, they did so not only on their strengths in the real estate business, but on their legendary capacity to create a good time. Saba, frontman of White Liquor in his spare time, and O’Grady, restaurateur behind legendary island hotspots Moneypenny’s and Big Bamboo, know a thing or two about helping people enjoy themselves.

Translating that to the real estate world meant taking over a beautiful location at the heart of the Coligny district and putting their stamp on it. The wide lobby exults in natural light, with intimate conversation areas set up for inspiring brainstorming sessions. To one end, a door gives way to a sun-drenched bank of workstations where agents can pop in, seal a deal, and keep moving without missing a beat.

“The old Bicycle Billy’s building had caught my eye sitting vacant for almost two years,” O’Grady said. “And when we got inside, Rick and I had a vision of how we could create something completely different from the norm—all the cool things we could do in this space right by the beach. In fact, we think we have one of the most beautiful conference rooms and lobbies on the island. O’Grady’s wife Stacey and neighbor Lissy, two super sharp gals who know exactly what they’re doing, put their skills to work resulting in a stateof-the-art coastal workspace like no other for real estate professionals.

And that atmosphere, combined with the massive resources eXp offers, has helped COAST grow rapidly since opening its doors just a few months ago at 81 Pope Ave. Over the last nine months, their ranks have swelled to 26 agents, and many more are on their way. Each of those agents has an entire world—or should we say World—at his or her disposal to help clients achieve their real estate goals. 

To learn more, visit coasthiltonheadisland.com.

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 115
From Left to Right: Rick Saba, Tristan O’Grady, and Chris Gomez. (Gomez was the first realtor to join COAST) Photo by M.KAT Photography

TAKING THE

PARTY OUTSIDE

SWEETGRASS OUTDOOR KITCHENS & GRILLS IS COOKING UP YOUR NEW BACKYARD PARADISE

Agood landscaping business can make your outdoor spaces. A great landscaping business can create an outdoor oasis beyond your wildest imaginings, but their work generally stops at the soil. Up until a few years ago, Matt Longwell was a landscaper, full stop. His firm, Sweetgrass Landscaping was celebrated for its work making backyard dreamscapes and grand commercial entries.

But as anyone will tell you, the business of landscaping is all about growing. “We’ve been in the landscaping business for 20 years, and every so often someone would ask about an outdoor kitchen. We’d build it, but it wasn’t something we were really going after,” Longwell said. And then came 2019. And I think we all know what happened then. “I don’t know if it’s because of COVID making everyone stay at home, but more and more people started asking for them.”

Seeing the opportunity to develop Sweetgrass into something more, Longwell put his company’s expertise in making beautiful outdoor kitchens to good use. Launching Sweetgrass Outdoor Kitchens & Grills, he’s showing that the possibilities are truly endless.

“We went to three different manufacturers to become dealerships, so we were able to cut out the middleman,” he said.

Working with Blaze Outdoor Products, Coyote Outdoor Living, and Bull Outdoor Products, Sweetgrass began putting a focus on outdoor kitchens, creating jaw-dropping designs that elevate this trendy new lifestyle space. More than simply a patio BBQ, their products carry the same beauty and quality finishes as high-end kitchens found in custom homes, with grills, pizza ovens, full bars, broilers and shaded conversation spots to create an elegant garden party.

“The traditional place to hang out during a party was always the kitchen, so we give them a little better scenery,” Longwell said.

And that scenery doesn’t just include the gorgeous landscaping (which they still provide). It includes a range of finishes from stacked stone to tabby, a wealth of options to suit any style. “We’ve done everything from hardy siding to oyster shell and brick. You’re only limited by your imagination.”

118 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
Matt Longwell, owner of Sweetgrass Outdoor Kitchens

PARTY OUTSIDE

And when you find your imagination wanting, Sweetgrass can help get your juices flowing with the mind-boggling array of add-ons and options available. Beyond the chef-caliber gas and infrared grills, you can kit out your outdoor kitchen with flat-topped griddles, ice makers, refrigerators, wine coolers and even drop-in coolers.

“I was working on one the other day where the customer asked for a spice rack, so we added one,” Longwell said. “Anything you can have in your kitchen, we can add.”

That includes dazzling cabinets, crafted with the same stylish sense as any custom pieces you’ll find in a high-end home. Built around aluminum framing so they’ll stand up to the elements, these cabinets are made from ¾-inch-thick high-density polyvinyl to mimic the look of wood but with far more durability.

“It basically looks like the kitchen cabinets you’ll find in the house, and we can offer them in 15 different colors and a ton of different styles,” Longwell said.

The result is a kitchen that transcends the typical stone counter and built-in grill. A Sweetgrass Outdoor Kitchen is truly customized, giving you the same ability to create your dream space outside just as well as you could inside. You’re just going to have a little more fun in it when you’re finished.

And since Sweetgrass still does landscaping—along with outdoor lighting, irrigation, hardscape patios and more—it’s essentially one-stopshopping for the chance to let your imagination run wild.

“We can design and build an outdoor entertainment area just about anywhere,” Longwell said.  To find out more, visit sweetgrasscustomoutdoorkitchens.com.

CH2CB2MAGAZIN.COM MARCH 2023 119
TAKING THE
Sean Ryan, owner of the local Wild Birds Unlimited store on Hilton Head Island.

A BIRD LOVER’S BONANZA

WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED HILTON HEAD FUELS BACKYARD BIRDS AND YOUR PASSION FOR THEM

Head Island and the entire Lowcountry is a mecca for birding enthusiasts. The diversity of bird life, which includes spring and fall migrants as well as local birds, is fascinating both for experienced birders and those just beginning to cultivate bird watching as a hobby. We have colonial-nesting waterbirds who birdwatchers enjoy at any of the plentiful rookeries and preserves to the thousands of nearthreatened Red Knots who migrate through our beaches and fuel up on horseshoe crabs. If you want to celebrate birds, you live in the right place.

But you don’t have to visit a rookery or even go to the beach to enjoy birdwatching. With the right setup and food, you can attract birds to your own backyard. That’s where Sean Ryan and the Wild Birds Unlimited store on Hilton Head Island can help.

“Wild Birds Unlimited is a hobby store,” Ryan said. “We help people with backyard bird feeding and bird watching. We sell food, feeders, houses, and hardware for birds, along with a few

Decorative bird baubles to spice up your backyard.

Nesting bird houses provide a safe place for birds to raise a family.

An abundance of bird seed options are available, including some that deter squirrels and other critters without wings.

specialty items for the humans who look out for the birds. Our mission is to help you put out the feeders and quality food to make sure the birds you want to see show up at your yard.”

Part of cultivating a hobby includes access to the experts in the field. At Wild Birds Unlimited, customers have opportunities to get advice from the master birders on staff. While every employee who works with Ryan has been through base level training, others are certified above and beyond the base level. These experts can guide you to the right products to ensure that you are attracting the birds you want to attract and repelling the wildlife you

don’t want around.

“If birding is your hobby, then we want to help you enjoy it more,” said Ryan, who also owns Wild Bird Unlimited stores in North Carolina and Tennessee. “If you are having problems with pests, we help you fix those problems. If you’ve got squirrels, we’ve got decoys to deter them; if you have crows, we have ways to scare them humanely without harming them. Our practices are not simply to benefit birds. We do what we do to better the world and have positive impact, so even our approach dealing with pests is for the best interest of the human, the birds, and that particular animal.”

122 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

At Wild Birds Unlimited, even the bird feed leaves a positive impact. One of the best-selling seeds is a no-mess seed, comprised of pure seed and no shells. Typical bird seed includes the shells, which the birds (and people, too, for that matter) will spit out. This creates lots of debris and weeds under the feeder.

The Wild Birds Unlimited No-Mess Blends are great near flower beds, patios and decks. Each one features seeds that have had their shells removed so only the meat of the seed is left. No hulls on the seeds makes for tidier feeding, since there’s no debris on the ground to clean up. Pound for pound, the No-Mess Blend bird seed offers the best value because you do not pay for uneaten seed waste. The birds eat everything.

And for when those pesky squirrels and other critters that put a damper on things by stealing your bird feed, try the hot pepper bird foods, including Fiery Feast™ and SunFire™ Chips, available exclusively at Wild Birds Unlimited. They’re both a mix of hot pepper and shell-less seeds so it’s also a no-mess way to feed the birds. Birds are unable to sense the heat of capsaicin (the ingredient that makes peppers taste hot), but mammals like squirrels, raccoons, and deer sure can. These, too, are shelled sunflower seeds and perfect for backyard favorites like chickadees, titmice, cardinals, and more.

Sustainability is a priority at Wild Birds Unlimited. Everything in the store is 100 percent organic and sustainable to ensure that while you are enjoying the natural world, you are also improving your interactions with it.

“A lot of our feeders and houses are made from recycled milk jugs,” Ryan said. “We use, reuse, and recycle. The bird food and supplies we sell are the very best on the market and impact nature in the best way possible.”

At Wild Birds Unlimited, you can even stock up on some unique people products, too, like a delicious and organic syrup that is sustainably harvested. In most cases, when syrup is harvested, the farmers will clear the brush from around the trees, eliminating places for birds to nest. The Wild Birds Unlimited syrup is bird friendly as the birds’ habitats are undisturbed.

“We also sell a small-batch coffee made in North Carolina whose company supports the sea turtles,” Ryan said. “The syrup and the coffee are two examples of people products we sell that are having a positive impact on birds and other creatures. They are good for you, they taste good, and when you buy these products, the environment benefits.”

Ryan and his team have introduced professional services that include “feederscaping.” With this service, they will visit your backyard to help you figure out where to set your feeders and/or bird houses, so that you get optimal pleasure from your bird watching. They are also offering a cleaning service. This service helps ensure the birds don’t contract viruses (like we’ve seen with the chickens recently) by keeping their feeders and bird baths clean.

“With the coming of spring, we can help you certify your backyard as ‘wildlife friendly,’ a program from the National Wildlife Foundation,” Ryan said. “We visit your backyard to make sure that you have food and water available, among other things. Spring is great time to reset your yard and get your feeders, nesting boxes, and bird baths up so that you can enjoy the coming season with your feathered friends.” 

Wild Birds Unlimited is located at 45 Pembroke Drive, Suite 130 on Hilton Head Island. To fuel your passion for wild birds or simply learn more, visit hiltonhead.wbu.com, email wildbirdshiltonhead@gmail.com, or call (843) 802-2010.

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 123

THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT OF DIVORCE

’m going to go out on a limb here and insist that no one enters into marriage expecting to get a divorce. Case in point: At the time of your wedding, you were so in love.

Just look at those beautiful photos from your special day. The joy and anticipation of the future you would build together is undeniable. This was the person you were going to spend forever with. And now, well, it’s over.

Groucho Marx once said, “Marriage is the chief cause of divorce.” Correct. Divorce is common today, with about 50 percent of all marriages ending in divorce. The percentage soars to 60 percent if it’s your second marriage and jumps to a whopping 73 percent if it’s your third.

We could spend countless hours going round and round about why it didn’t work out. But, at the end of the day, that part doesn’t matter as much. We could talk about all the moving parts that make up a divorce—the financial implications, navigating co-parenting, and sorting out housing.

Whatever the reason for your divorce, regardless of whose decision it was, there’s a deeper, often less talked about part of the divorce process to consider: the emotional impact.

Most of us don’t want to go anywhere near emotions that make us uncomfortable. Makes sense. However, if you don’t address the emotional part of your divorce, it will interfere with how you relate to your ex and your children and how you manage your life ahead of you.

The unfortunate truth is the end of a marriage unleashes a flood of emotions including anger, grief, sadness, anxiety, guilt, and fear. It can lead to a sense of failure, feelings of rejection, a loss of identity, and decreased self-esteem.

Don’t expect these feelings to arise casually, prompted by your personal timing. These feelings are known to surface when you least expect them, have a habit of catching you off guard, and can feel like a gut punch.

There will be times when you’ll feel lost, alone, frustrated, and desperate to feel normal again. And functioning at your

maximum capacity or feeling productive may not be possible. The good news is that there are ways you can navigate the waves of your emotions without the need for Dramamine.

Divorce is usually synonymous with uncertainty and change, of which most of us are not fans. It’s a lot like being seasick, where you have to focus on whatever unchanging fixed point you can. During this time, it’s helpful to keep your routine as regular as possible. This will help you establish a sense of normalcy and certainty when everything else is wildly shifting.

Let’s face it. You’re going to want to push your uncomfortable and unwanted emotions overboard. Don’t. Emotions will keep you hooked and hang around longer the more you struggle, push, pull, ignore, or fight them. On the other hand, they’ll move through you more quickly if you allow them to exist. In a way,

emotions are like a Chinese finger trap. As you pull and struggle to get out, the trap tightens. It’s only when you stop struggling and lean into the trap that you are free.

Go ahead and cry, get angry, and feel all your emotions. Acknowledge them by writing down everything you’re feeling. Once you’re done, release your words by burning, shredding, or tearing them into pieces. Side note: Crying doesn’t make you weak and being angry doesn’t make you a bad person.

Acknowledging your emotions is best paired with a side of selfcompassion. Take time to move your body, relax, and eat well. Most important, breathe. During times of stress and distress, there’s a tendency to tense up and hold your breath. Try this breathing technique called box breathing to help regulate your nervous system. Repeat the following exercise as often as you like, adjusting the breathing count to your comfort level:

• In your mind (or on a piece of paper), draw a line up as you inhale for a count of four.

• Hold your breath for four counts while drawing a line across.

• Breathe out for four counts as you draw a line down.

• And finally, hold again for a count of four as you draw a line across to complete the box.

A word of caution, taking the time to breathe and be still usually signals your mind to become active. Don’t believe everything you think. Even though your thoughts are real, they’re not always true.

To reconnect with your truth, start to explore and reconnect with your interests. What do you like? What don’t you like? What beliefs or stories are you telling yourself about your divorce, experience and even yourself? Simply notice what’s coming up for you.

Remind yourself that you cannot control the actions and emotions of others. Yes, it would be much easier if you could. But alas, this is not the case. For example, your ex will not suddenly stop doing the things that annoy you. And instead of annoying you less, they are likely to irritate you even more. This is the perfect time to remind yourself that you can only be responsible for your reactions.

Remember that recovery from divorce takes time. Letting it go or getting over it is more of a myth than truth. Instead, it’s about weaving these experiences

into the fabric of your life. Think of it as moving forward with the lessons learned, informing you but not defining who you are.

You don’t have to do this alone. There’s a lot of noise out there when it comes to divorce. Many people will offer unsolicited (and unhelpful) opinions. Seek advice from those people you value. Don’t isolate. Instead, seek out your friends and allow them to support you. Also, give yourself something to look forward to, like lunch or a call with a friend.

DIVORCING WITH CHILDREN

When children are involved, divorce gets a little trickier. Divorce’s effect on children is compounded by a few different variables. Their personality, character, and age play a role in determining their response as well as your response to situations and the response of your ex. Not only do children pay attention to our words, but they clue in even more intently on our actions and unspoken communications.

Children tend to experience worry, sadness, and anger, usually occurring in what seems to be one jumbled mess that can appear as withdrawing or acting out. Their most common concerns are hurting a parent’s feelings and juggling time between homes. They also become sad and angry about the unknowns and uncertainty.

Helping your children navigate their emotional responses can be a little slippery when you’re neck deep in your emotions. Rest assured, there are ways you can help here.

126 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

Listen, reassure, acknowledge, and validate your child’s emotions. You’ll need a mixture of directness and compassion to help ease his or her worry and soothe the sadness or anger.

Just like with your routine, try to keep your child’s routine as familiar and typical as possible. During times of change, a little certainty will go a long way to calm their nervous system (and yours too).

Consistency is key, not only in making and keeping realistic promises but also in co-parenting. Co-parenting can be difficult even on the best of days. Agreeing to follow the same structure for bedtime and punishments and having a plan for everyday decisions will reduce stress for everyone. Plus, it reduces the chance of being on the receiving end of a deregulated child once he or she returns to your home.

Undoubtedly there will be questions. By answering your child’s questions with age-appropriate responses, they’ll better understand what’s going on, alleviating some of their worries.

It probably goes without saying, but I’ll do it anyway. Arguing with or speaking negatively about your ex will increase your child’s emotional response, not decrease it.

GETTING HELP

Divorce isn’t easy. If you notice your emotions are overwhelming, you’re beginning to isolate, or maybe even overworking or overscheduling, it may be time to seek support from a therapist to help you address your underlying emotions. Eventually, your feelings will come to the surface. And when they do, more than likely, it will not be the way you expected or wanted.

Working with a therapist will provide you with the support to work through and make sense of your emotions. As a bonus, you’ll better understand what you want and need in a future relationship.

The same is true for your children. If you notice they’re acting out, shutting down, or just not themselves, you may consider consulting with a child therapist. 

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

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 127

PALMETTO DUNES CARES

ZEROS IN ON ENVIRONMENT AND YOUTH

SHARPEN THE FOCUS, EXPAND THE IMPACT

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself what you really care about? Outside of yourself, your family, and your loved ones, what matters to you?

Chances are you care about many world issues and social challenges, but there’s only so much you can do. What if you could make a significant difference right here in our community by joining forces with people who care about some of the same things that matter to you? Supporters of Palmetto Dunes Cares are on a mission to ensure a better future for Hilton Head Island by focusing on two important causes that are near to our hearts: the natural environment and our youth.

PATHWAY TO A PURPOSE

In 2020, when retired Bank of America Merrill Lynch executive Bill Caywood accepted the position as chairman of Palmetto Dunes Cares, he began to do what he does

naturally: look for ways to “build a better mousetrap.” While the organization, founded in 2018, was already firmly established and growing, one question loomed.

“We went back and looked at our name, Palmetto Dunes Cares, and one of our council members said, ‘Palmetto Dunes Cares about what?’ You can care about everything, but you’re not going to have a lot of impact,” Caywood said. So, he and his associates set to work defining more clearly what they wanted to be.

“In a nutshell, we decided it would be good to increase our impact by sharpening our focus. We were making an impact, but we were giving a little bit here and a little bit there to a lot of different causes,” Caywood said.

Since its inception, Palmetto Dunes Cares has distributed $155,000 in grants. In 2022, $63,000 was awarded to 16 different organizations. While the funds were

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 129

certainly helpful and the recipients grateful, the money was spread thin among many. And that’s what’s changing this year, thanks to some diligent honing.

“We looked at the giving we had done up to that point, and as we spoke to people in the community, two big themes came out. Number one was, pretty much everybody who lives on Hilton Head Island has some affinity for the natural environment. They love the beach, they love the woods, they love how the island has been developed over the years with the integration of commerce and nature. But also, children and youth came up. Most everybody has kids and grandkids, and if you look at our visitors, it’s families who come here. So, we chose those two areas, the environment and youth, as our focus.”

As Palmetto Dunes Cares approaches its 2023 grant making cycle, it will be a substantially shorter list and substantially larger numbers, according to Caywood. “If you work in our focus areas and have a great project, we want to give you more money and make a bigger impact,” he said.

Palmetto Dunes Cares is managed by an advisory council made up of volunteers, Caywood explained. “We use the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry as our 501(c)(3). It’s like a donor-advised fund: we raise the money, it goes to CFL, and the advisory council tells CFL how we would like to distribute that money.

“That works very well for our grants, but we also wanted to make our impact more personal and more direct. So, we came up with the idea of establishing a scholarship fund.”

The scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior from Hilton Head Island—public, private, or home school—who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident of Beaufort County, S.C. Applicants must show financial need, a reasonable level of academic achievement, and be planning to attend a South Carolina public college or technical school. “What we really want to do is help someone get to college who might not otherwise have the opportunity,” Caywood said.

This year’s scholarship will be $5,000 with the intention of growing the endowment and increasing the amount and/or number of scholarships available in the future. Students can learn more and apply for the scholarship at cf-lowcountry.

130 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

org. (The deadline for applications this year is March 13.)

“We’ve really defined what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to make a personal impact on some young people who can get to college because we’re helping, and we’re trying to make a direct impact on our environment because we care about it, we live in it, and want to preserve it for future generations. I think that level of thoughtfulness behind our organization will help engage people more,” Caywood said. “If I go out and ask someone to give us money, I’ve got a story to tell. And in a few months, I’ll have a picture of a person who is going to college because somebody gave us money.”

PALMETTO DUNES CARES WANTS YOU!

Palmetto Dunes Cares is always looking for volunteers to help achieve their philanthropic goals, and the good news is, you don’t have to be a resident of PD to participate. Residents of Leamington, Shelter Cove, Palmetto Dunes, Port Royal and other communities are already involved. You may want to help work an event or serve on a committee or the advisory council. This is a good opportunity to meet your neighbors, give back to the greater Hilton Head community, and share your talents. Contact info@palmettodunes cares.org if you’re interested.

If you would like to contribute directly, send a donation through the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry earmarked for Palmetto Dunes Cares or the Palmetto Dunes Cares Scholarship Fund. You can contribute online at cf-lowcountry.org, or mail your check to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, P.O. Box 23019, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925. 

Learn more about Palmetto Dunes Cares at https:// pdpoa.org/community/pd-cares.

JOIN THE FUN, SUPPORT THE CAUSE

Palmetto Dunes Cares is funded by donations, local events, and eco-tourism events. Whether you are a resident or visitor, here are some fun ways you can participate and support their work:

Turtle Trot: The Palmetto Dunes Turtle Trot 5K is a 5 kilometer run/walk taking place June through August and on Thanksgiving Day, on the beach in Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. Proceeds benefit Palmetto Dunes Cares. Visit PDPOA.run for more information and to register.

Turtle Talks: During the season (June through August), Palmetto Dunes POA hosts a weekly Turtle Talk led by a member of the Sea Turtle Patrol of Hilton Head. The program, designed for both visitors and residents, is fun, educational, and appropriate for all ages. The Turtle Talks are held on the beach at the Dunes House from 8-9 p.m. Online registration is required, and this event sells out every week! Event proceeds benefit the Palmetto Dunes Cares Fund. Find out more at palmettodunes.com/calendar/ palmetto-dunes-turtle-talks.

Lagoon Tours: Coming soon! Be on the lookout for additional program offerings, including a twohour lagoon tour via electric boat, for the 2023 season.

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 131

THE REAL MARCH MADNESS IS AT COLIGNY

We can get out and mingle with friends and neighbors, listen to some great live music, toast a night out with a delicious meal and maybe get in a little retail therapy. And, as every year, we launch into this annual celebration in the heart of Hilton Head Island’s downtown, Coligny. And this hub of springtime fun is delivering this year, with a full calendar of amazing activities that has us banishing the cold weather gear to the closet and pulling out our dancing shoes.

March 10: Jevon Daly at Coligny Theater

With this annual show, Hilton Head Island’s resident off-the-wall musical trickster is showing off the versatility and talent that inform both his lively kids shows and his consistently sold-out one-man performances.

Starting at 4 p.m., Daly will put on one of his famous kids shows for an hour-long set that includes family-friendly classics like “Sharks are our Homies,” “I’ve Got Sand in My Pants” and “What Is Your Superpower?”. But then, at 8 p.m., it’s adult swim as Daly launches into his more mature tunes such as “Drunk on Daufuskie,” “Mancrush” and “Cowpie.”

And in between, he’ll entertain with his signature repartee.

“I don’t know what’s going to come out of my mouth at that show,” he said. “That’s the beauty of that kind of format, it’s supposed to be like that.”

Tickets are $5 for the kids show, $20 for the evening show. Visit ColignyPlaza. com/Events for tickets.

March 19: Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade

There is no bigger party on Hilton Head Island than the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and no better spot to soak in all the festivities like Coligny. Set right in the heart of the parade route, the vendors, restaurants and bars go all out to create the best party atmosphere this side of Dublin.

Show up early for the noon kickoff of the parking lot party in front of Frosty Frog Café, pregaming to the sounds of Cranford & Friends at noon and Groove Town Assault at 1:30pm. But that’s just one stage in a multisensory festival atmosphere that will take over Coligny.

Across the plaza at FISH, you can jam to the sounds of Shakey Bones starting at noon, then swing back after the parade when Cornbred sets up at 5 p.m. Over at The Sandbar, you can soak in the sun to the sounds of Pretty Darn starting at noon, with Zach Stevens Band taking over at 5.

In between you can join in the revelry when the parade steps off right across the street at 3 p.m., taking a few breaks to design your next masterpiece with Skillets’ Bloody Mary bar running all day.

Tune in for more specials and band lineups at ColignyPlaza.com/ Events

All Month Long: March Madness

We all have our favorites at Coligny. There’s the stores you always find yourself in, the restaurants that draw you back time and time again… it’s fun the visit them all, but it’s OK if you have a handful that stand out to you. They’re just as happy to have you back as a regular as you are to visit them.

So why not return the favor by voting for them in the annual celebration of all things Coligny, March Madness. Pick your bracket online, then follow along as the voting reveals the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, Final Four, and eventually the champion. Will last year’s winner, Piggly Wiggly, retain the title? Will previously undefeated Frosty Frog Café reclaim its spot at the top? Or will a newcomer pull out the win this year?

That’s up to you. Just head to ColignySweet16.com and pick your favorites in each category and follow along. One lucky contestant will win a $250 gift card good anywhere at Coligny. 

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 133
IT’S THE FIRST MONTH OF SPRING, AND THE PARTY IS HEATING UP IN HILTON HEAD’S DOWNTOWN.

It Takes One. It Takes You.

Local pickleball tourney saving lives by getting people talking about life, loss, love, and surviving addiction

Every year on Hilton Head Island, among all the pickleball pandemonium, one tournament in Palmetto Dunes aims to quietly, surely save a life.

In 2011, island resident Bob Chillemi lost his son TC, a student at Arizona State University at the time, in a story that would shatter any father’s and family’s heart. And it did. In the aftermath, he realized that left him with more pieces to share with others. And he did.

Chillemi launched the TCASU Fund behind several annual events on opposite ends of the country, one of those happening here on Hilton Head Island, and bringing healing in its wings through sport—a common ground that brings people together, breaks down barriers, and gives people a reason to talk. And they do.

WHAT WOULD TC DO

What’s so important about a pickleball tournament? Asked that question, Chillemi answers, “Telling people what happened, and making it possible for them to talk about it too. Drugs and recovery. Years of addiction. People keep things to themselves and lose their lives because of it— lack of information, resources, knowledge. But when we do these tournaments, people come up to me, even friends who have never said anything before, and they’ll share that they’ve had issues and that they appreciate talking about this so straightforwardly and not being scared to say it.”

The seeds of wanting to “do something” were there almost from the beginning. Chillemi says, “There’s no book on how to react after your son dies; it’s up to you, how you feel, what God gives you. God gave me the ability to talk. I’m

C2 MAGAZINE APR. 2019 135

not shy. I had a particularly bad day after he died and threw out all his Arizona State things. I woke up the next morning and thought, ‘What am I doing?’ More importantly, I thought, ‘What would T.C. do?’ I went back and took the things out of the garbage and thought no, I’m going to do something with this. That’s what TC would do. That’s what I’ve been trying to do since then.”

In anything Chillemi and the organization does, the singular motivation is this: reaching one person. “If I get one person to not go through what we went through—my wife, daughter, or my son—then we did a good job.”

WHO IS THIS?

The power of TC’s story as shared by his father keeps reaching “one by one.” A plaque at ASU appeals to students and families faced with substance abuse in hopes that their efforts will “help mitigate future tragedies,” and Chillemi connects the dots between what happens there and the impact on Hilton Head Island. “When I go there, I cry every time, because his picture is there, and his picture does the same thing the tournament does. It stops you, makes you pay attention, and tells you a story—a story of how to survive when something like this happens to your family, God forbid.

“Counselors have told me the story of people who stop when they see his picture and they see he’s them. It’s you, your kid, your friend. He’s the one who never walked into the counselor’s office. But they did, and they still have a chance. Seeing him might get them there. He wasn’t able to do it for himself, but now he’s doing it for them.”

Chillemi details with chilling urgency, “Others who walk into that office can hear and know—be afraid enough, wake up, and avoid that one choice. Maybe they don’t even know the risks or think it can’t happen with just one use. But it can, and one person avoiding one choice turns to a million different colors of lives saved and lived to fruition.”

THAT WAS TUESDAY

That one multiplies quickly: a golf tournament in Scottsdale and Hilton Head, a speaking engagement in Arizona, pickleball on Hilton Head Island, (March 25 at noon at the Palmetto Dunes Pickleball Center) an article in a magazine. “Tuesday,” Chillemi jumps in, “a guy came up to me who plays pickleball. He’s new here. He heard the story about the tournament, and he tells me, ‘I’ve been sober for 12 months.’ I didn’t even know who he was, and he had the gall and the strength to say, ‘I’ve heard about what you’re doing, and by the way, it’s my story too.” Chillemi adds with amazement, “and that’s just Tuesday.” A

day in the life as the tournament makes the story stick and the impact ripple with a “double bounce.”

This year is no different unless you count the goal of reaching more people. With 10 to 15 volunteers for 20 to 24 teams, they’re adding a couple of courts to account for growth. Embraced by their locale in Indigo Run—both the members and the community—Chillemi expresses honor at the support they’ve received.

“People care,” he said. “They get involved. Word spreads. People want to help. The volunteers are guys and gals who heard the story, play pickleball, and want to make a difference. We keep it local. We call it ‘the locals’ tournament.’ It’s a great local story of people coming together through sports and a community interest, and even from distances. We play ball, we have pizza, and when we’re done, we talk. We don’t just leave. It’s about discussion and community, knowing each other and talking.”

IT TAKES YOU

“This is a serious conversation,” Chillemi said with a shift in tone. “It matters urgently, and I have to commend Celebrate Hilton Head for making space for conversations like this. If someone comes away thinking and they can talk to their grandkid, friend, spouse, and say, ‘Hey I just read this article, and just letting you know, this can happen,’ that’s the one we’re here for today.”

Without breaking stride, Chillemi refines the message saying, “No, it doesn’t take just one. It takes you.” That’s the heart of the message for Chillemi, the TCASU Fund, the volunteers at this year’s HHI event, and you who may be reading this: As long as we’re here, there’s a reason and there’s still time. “As easily as a life can be lost in single moment, a single word can go a long way to save one. One word or one life,” Bob Chillemi says on his son TC’s behalf, “the difference might be you.” 

For more on how to get involved or to contribute, visit tcasufund.org or email bobchillemi3@gmail.com.

136 APR. 2019 C2 MAGAZINE

ENHANCING TRANSPARENCY FOR TOWN GOVERNMENT

Transparency in government is one of the most important qualities I believe in when it comes to public accountability of elected officials. When I ran for mayor of Hilton Head Island, I advocated for ways to make sure our actions as elected officials were readily accessible to the public. My goal was not to open us up to public scrutiny, but to demonstrate our commitment to serving our community effectively and transparently. Providing clear, concise information on actions we take, including where each of us land on a vote, is essential to maintaining the trust placed in us by our constituents. I am excited to share that Town Council was able to accomplish this goal with the support of the town staff.

Councilmembers discuss many issues at length before we take a vote. It is imperative that we do because our votes provide direction to town staff on strategic actions related to our parks, land acquisition and use, budgets, community planning, workforce housing, zoning, capital improvement projects, pathway improvements, beach management, and many other activities. Our decisions affect your quality of life, so we want you to know immediately where we stand

on matters that are important to you.

Beginning with our January 2023 meetings, summary information for actions taken by the Town Council at its meetings has been added to the Agendas, Minutes, and Video page of the town’s website at hiltonheadislandsc.gov. Within 24 hours of each meeting where the action is taken, an action summary will be created

INAUGURAL BLUFFTON BUZZARD DAY, MARCH 5

Leave it to Babbie Guscio, who so rightly is on the Wall of Honor in the Town of Bluffton, to come up with yet another eccentric event. She is one of the most creative people I know and wakes up every morning thinking of unique events for our town. She started the Bluffton Village Festival, or as I like to call it “Mayfest,” and after our beloved Oscar Frazier passed away, she wanted to spearhead the Bluffton BBQ Festival. So, of course, when she called me recently, I knew her head was spinning on something new to do in the town.

Bluffton Buzzard Day will take place on its inaugural date, March 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Martin Family Park. This will be a fun day, totally focused on our young residents and families. Our very own Jevon Daly, a well-known entertainer, took the challenge of writing a buzzard song, which he will perform along with some young Bluffton buzzards. There will be a pin the feathers on the buzzard game, A Bluffton buzzard strut contest, dress like a buzzard contest and a Bluffton buzzard picnic. If your interest isn’t piqued yet, I would suggest you make your way to Historic Bluffton on this day and take a look.

138 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
A Note from Alan Perry
MAYOR
A Note from Lisa Sulka
M A Y O R
Photography by

and published. The report will provide information about:

• The agenda item language or motion

• Who made the motion to act

• Who seconded the motion

• The outcome of the vote

• How each council member voted

The dates, times, and agendas for our Town Council or committee meetings are posted in advance to our website. The agenda provides an overview of what will be considered for action. The agenda packet provides detailed minutes of previous meetings including our vote. The action summary report will not replace the detailed minutes, which also provides a level of transparency. Instead, the summaries of our actions put information in your hands more readily.

If you tend to follow or would like to follow the actions of your councilmember or Town Council overall on issues that matter to you, I encourage you to check out the action summaries on the Agendas, Minutes, and Video page or on the individual committee and agenda pages at hiltonheadislandsc.gov.

A Note from Lisa Sulka continued

By now you must be wondering why. Here is a little background. In 1985, when George Heyward was mayor of Bluffton, he proclaimed the buzzard as the town bird. He rode in the Christmas parade on top of a garbage truck in a buzzard costume to declare this new honor. The story I have been told regarding the selection of our town bird was that a resident who lived near the Oyster Factory had sued Heyward personally for working with the native business to open and stated that the factory was a nuisance and drew buzzards. To make a point, Heyward then proclaimed the buzzard the town bird and went as far as to get stationery printed to show this.

Mayor Heyward did so much more than be our mayor for eight years, as he was a teacher and has worked with hundreds of young people during his career. He loves Bluffton, and pluff mud is in his veins. So, it is quite appropriate to have residents learn a little about Bluffton’s past before anyone knew much about the town. Google Heyward, and you will find interesting articles on his life and his family—just another reason we live and breathe a state of mind.

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 139

This & That

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

DIARY OF A CHICKEN WING JUDGE

It has become something of an annual rite of spring around here—for me, anyway. There are a lot of people who obviously look forward to warmer temperatures.

Many more look forward to anything green and all the festivities that come along with it in this region. Generally speaking, the menfolk look forward to getting out on the links with some increased regularity. It’s all part of the deal around here. I personally look forward to most of that, although I haven’t played a round of golf in over a decade. But that’s a story for another time.

No, instead, I look forward to eating outdoors more often. At home, I grill more. But I also very much look forward to the Hilton Head Island Wing Fest. 2023 will mark 26 years for this great event, and I’ve had the honor of being one of four or five judges the last several years.

We usually gather in a secret location and are brought a steady flow of wings for roughly an hour. There are no names. The entries are simply numbered so there is no favoritism. I think last year we had 18 entries of the roughly 25-26 restaurants that participated in Wingfest. I’m sure most of you are thinking this is a dream job, and in many ways it is. If someone asked you to sit in a room and eat wings for an hour with some beer nearby, you’d trip all over yourself to get in on that action. But it is not all fun and games.

For starters, eating 18-20 wings in an hour is a lot. It is for me. We aren’t required to eat them all, of course. We are judging, not “eating” if that makes sense. A bite or two and we generally know where we stand with a particular wing.

Of course, there are wings we love more than others, so those get devoured. Some wings barely get a second look because they underwhelmed. Yeah, some of them are quickly filed in the “what the heck were they thinking?” department never to be looked at again. Usually that happens when we are given a flavor profile that is so far out in left field that the execution falls way short of the idea. It may have sounded good in theory, but by the time it gets to judges, we sit around looking at each other wondering why someone would overthink an entry so dramatically.

More than once I have wondered aloud why someone doesn’t strive to make the perfect buffalo wing and call it a day. You’d be surprised how few do. Instead, we are handed wings like Pickle Juice Banana-Raspberry Mocha Frappucino and Peanut Butter wings. I’m being silly, but you get the picture. Sometimes keeping it simple but crushing your execution will go much further to impress the judges.

The same applies to the common doughnut shop. I don’t need doughnuts with candy bars on them to be impressed. Give me the best glazed doughnut or chocolate dipped I’ve ever had, and you will have my loyalty forever.

Now I want to be clear; I don’t want sound like I am trying to squash any creativity when it comes to the wings we get at Wingfest. There are literally dozens of flavors to choose from, and so many of them sound amazing. I saw one last year that looked like it was deep fried like an elephant ear and covered in powdered sugar. Yes, It was a chicken wing.

What I am saying, however, is that what you offer the public should be different than what is offered to judges. The judges are looking for creativity, but more isn’t always better. We look forward to your offerings.

If you love chicken wings, it really is one of the best days of the year on the island. Once again, the venue is Lowcountry Celebration Park on the south end of the island. You pay a nominal entrance fee and then buy tickets that are good for wings. If you buy in advance, you get a discount on the tickets. You can find what they are offering at hiltonheadwingfest.com. There’s a chicken wing eating contest, live music, fun for kids and a whole lot more.

Consider this something of a cheat sheet for anyone you know who may be entering the contest this year. I know it is competitive, and winning matters to so many of our entrants.

I look forward to eating and liking on Saturday, March 18 at Lowcountry Celebration Park.

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 141
C2 Magazine • March 2023 Edition
142 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

This & That

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

Ashley Goodrich, a certified planning professional with a background in transportation planning and zoning, has joined the Town of Hilton Head Island as a principal planner. She is working within the town’s Community Planning Division, where she will perform advanced planning, analysis, and research related to implementation of Our Plan, the town’s comprehensive plan, and community planning initiatives in the town’s Strategic Action Plan.

Heather A. Baker (aka Sugarbaker) has accepted the challenge as a candidate for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Visionary Of The Year 2023. Her goal is to help beat all cancers by leading the #TeamKindnessMatters Campaign. The campaign lasts until April 15. Every Dollar raised will benefit LLS research, patient services, advocacy and education. To learn more or to make a secure, tax-deductible donation online, visit TeamKindnessMatters.com.

Goodrich has spent the last 10 years working as a planner and in other positions in urban areas including Savannah, Georgia; Norfolk, Virginia; LaPlace and New Orleans, Louisiana; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Fayetteville, Arkansas. She brings a range of experience in managing zoning projects, evaluating transit route performance, developing in-depth feasibility studies, and preparing grant applications.

Goodrich is originally from Arkansas and has lived in Thunderbolt, Georgia, for the past three years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture studies from the University of Arkansas and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of New Orleans. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and an allied member of the American Institute of Architects. She holds a lifetime membership in the Choctaw Nation.

At a luncheon on February 7th, the Wexford Foundation awarded $368,000 in grants to 35 local charities that provide humanitarian services to those in need on Hilton Head Island and the surrounding area. Fred Noonan, the chairman of the Foundation, paid tribute to the dedicated service of the award recipients, the generosity of the Wexford donors and also expressed his appreciation to Howell-Chase and Island Environments who graciously sponsored the event.

The Wexford Foundation is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting local health, housing, hunger and educational charities with financial and volunteer services. The Foundation has awarded $2.4 million in sustaining and major impact grants since its inception in 2012.

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 143
C2 Magazine • March 2023 Edition

This & That

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

Chez Georges is pleased to announce they are now open for lunch WednesdayFriday from 11:30-2pm. You’ll discover French staples like pâte and Bouillabaisse on the menu, along with creative salads and a delicious burger. The restaurant is located at 37 New Orleans Rd, Suite J.

Jarvis Creek General Store is pleased to announce its grand opening from 2-6 p.m., March 11. Born out of a vision for creating a gathering place at the gateway to Hilton Head Island, Jarvis Creek General Store is located at the intersection of Hwy. 278 and Spanish Wells Road. It serves as a Hilton Head Island ambassador and sets a charming tone for locals and visitors alike. After parking under a majestic live oak, patrons enter a classic general store that features a blend of Lowcountry essentials and local merchandise. Sit on the porch or by the fire with children or pets and enjoy a cup of coffee or select from curated wines and craft beers. Food trucks will be supported and featured alongside seasonal events featuring local artists. Come enjoy the hospitality of TJ, Marty, and the team! Mark your calendars and stop by on March 11.

144 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
C2 Magazine • March 2023 Edition

This & That

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

Moul, REALTORS® is thrilled to announce the promotion of Yuri Kennedy to sales manager of their Bluffton office at 1132 May River Road. Kennedy joined the brokerage in 2021 and was the No.1 sales agent for the last two years at the brokerage.

BOSS Orthopaedics is pleased to announce the opening of Ortho After Hours, an afterhours orthopaedic urgent care clinic located at the practice’s Bluffton office at 4812 Bluffton Parkway. The clinic operates Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., offering immediate care for a wide range of injuries and issues including joint pain, back pain, fractures, dislocations, torn ligaments, sprains and sports injuries. In addition, X-ray, MRI, and physical therapy are available on site. Walk-ins are accepted at the clinic, which will be staffed by John Dana, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant with extensive experience in orthopaedic urgent care.

The cast and crew of the Seahawk Stage Company’s Little Mermaid, invites you to join them for an adventure “Under the Sea” on Saturday, March 25, from 9 a.m. –noon. Held at the Seahawk Cultural Center, 70 Wilborn Rd., kids will enjoy photos with the cast, donuts with Ariel, crafts, face painting, games, prizes, and more! Tickets are $10 at the door. Parents and Guardians get in FREE! All proceeds benefit the performing arts program at the Seahawk Stage Company.

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 145
C2 Magazine • March 2023 Edition

COOKING DEMO Alexander’s Restaurant 2-3pm Burrata Salad with seasonal spring ingredients

SPRING MUSIC & TASTE ON THE HARBOUR Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina’

Thursday; March 30 – May 18 combining local bands with delicious food and drinks.

146 MARCH 2023 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2023 EVENTS 15 12 24 4 OLD TOWN BLUFFTON FARMERS MARKET Every Thursday 12-5pm Calhoun Street THURSDAYS 8 22-23 18 1 26 27 DIVE INTO COLOR AT THE LAGOS TRUNK SHOW Forsythe Jewelers Wed: 10am-7pm, Thurs: 10am-5pm Enjoy a complimentary gift with your LAGOS purchase (843) 671-7070 FARMERS MARKET AT HONEY HORN Coastal Discovery 9am-1pm TUESDAYS WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS Village at Wexford 5-7:30pm PROGRESSIVE WINE TASTING THROUGH THE VILLAGE “BE EXCITED” LIKE JEVON DALY Coligny Theatre Kidz Show: 4pm Adult Show: 8pm with/ Gary Pratt $5 - Kids $20 Adult Show ROMBAUER WINE DINNER Alexander’s Restaurant 6-8:30m Register early while space is available! 23 COMMUNITY FORUM ON CHILD & ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS Bluffton High School ~ Auditorium 12 H.E. McCracken Circle Registration: 5:30 - 6pm Program: 6-8pm www.lcahealthyyouth.com lcalliance4healthyyouth@gmai.com MONKEES OF BLUFFTON GRAND OPENING! March 10-12 14 Promenade Street, Suite 301
Lowcountry
11am-5pm
Food,
WINGFEST!
Celebration Park
$10/person
Drink, and Family Fun Activities HILTON HEAD ISLAND ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE! Starts on Pope Avenue, 3 p.m
30 25 HERITAGE BOOK CLUB Hilton
Library
A
CLUB Hilton Head Library at 2pm
us for a discussion
Laurence. 7
March 30: Deas Guyz
Head
at 11am
new, nonfiction book club for the history-minded CLASSICS BOOK
Join
of The Stone Angel by Margaret
11
MEATBALL THROWDOWN South Beach Starts at 12pm Enjoy loads of meaty creations crafted by our amazing chefs.
SHAMROCKIN’ HUNT South Beach Marina from 9-11am A crazy little leprechaun has taken over South Beach!
2 LIVE TRIVIA WITH WARREN Hilton Head Branch Library at 5:30pm Exercise your brain muscles in an hour of trivia, music, and plenty of witty banter from your host! 6 10 BLUFFTON BUZZARD DAY Martin Family Park 2-4pm Music by Jevon Daly, Games, Costume Contest & Picnic No dogs are allowed at this event 5 HH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL PUBLIC TASTING Lowcountry Celebration Park 12-3pm 19
OYSTER ROAST & LOWCOUNTRY BOIL TO BENEFIT ANIMAL VICTIMS OF THE WAR IN UKRAINE Hilton Head Brewing Company from 2-7pm Live music with Derrick from GTA and Kyle Wareham from Pretty Darn! For more information: (843) 816-2555
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.