CB2 MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2025

OLD LOVE

Zach Stevens Band’s new single presents distinctive voices with vintage vibe

Come visit eligible bachelors and bachelorettes of Hilton Head Huamne Association

Local author follows a curious cat seeking magic

Zach Stevens Band’s new single presents distinctive voices with vintage vibe

Ruthie Ramseur and Patrick Carey star in the music video for “Old Love, ” a newlyreleased single by the Zach Stevens Band.

GENIUSES AT WORK

Ambassador of Buzz

Maggie Marie Washo

Master of Coin

Marion Elizabeth Bowser

Chief Chatter

Kim Conrad Crouch

Sales Rockstar “Just Kandace” Cunningham

Head of Schmoozing

Morgan Ambler

Talent Delivery Specialist

Kaila Jeffcoat

Wizard of Light Bulb Moments

Jevon Daly

Mascot in Training

Buoy Conrad Crouch Pritchard

The Gatekeepers

Greta Von Bowser

Vincent Von Bowser

Comic Sans Annihilator

Catherine Davies

Digital Sorceress

Hunter Kostylo

Error Eradicator

Lynne Cope Hummell

Curator of Tiny Talent

Holder of Things

Taylor Kent

Aspiring Novelists

Jesse Blanco

Courtney Hampson

Lynne Cope Hummell

Barry Kaufman

Alan Perry

Heather Quinn

Cheryl Ricer

Laney Sewell

Larry Toomer

Sheila Tucker

Lighting Experts

Photography by M.Kat

Photography by Tristyn Sheaffer

Photography by Trey Middleton

Find Us Here

PO Box 22949

Hilton Head Island, SC 29925

843.816.6247

maggie@ch2cb2magazine.com

EDITOR'S

Before we get into what is arguably one of my favorite issues (‘cause dogs) can we just take a moment to reflect on the week of snow that graced the Lowcountry’s doorstep a few weeks ago? I’m from New York originally, so it’s not like it was a new sight for me, but I don’t remember the snowfall of January 2018 sticking around for so long. What a lovely moment to just stay in and enjoy Mother Nature. The very first morning I took my camera and hiked around Sea Pines for three hours capturing all the beauty. I maybe saw 10 people, everyone eager to chat about how rare and stunning it was. Ok – moving on.

This month’s issue has become one of the most anticipated over the last decade or so – because if there’s one thing most of us can agree on- it’s how much we love our pets – and everyone else’s pets! Several years back we just started printing photos of your furry friends en masse – through a call on CH2’s Facebook page. You can find the majority of those submitted photos starting on page 34.

We also popped in to see a few of our favorite people over at Hilton Head Humane, and to photograph some adoptable “bachelors & bachelorettes.” If you’re looking to add a four-legged friend to the family soon, cruise on over to page 28 to read Barry Kaufman’s article.

Our 2025 pet issue features, ironically enough, two stories about women who wrote books about their pets – and are for sale locally. On page 48, you’ll meet Jennifer Rulli and Martina, the Great

Are we getting paid for this?

Pyrenees who has made quite a name for herself bringing joy to the residents of local nursing homes, hospitals and regulars at the Sea Pines Beach Club. (IYKYK). In Cheryl Ricer’s story on page 40 (Where is Magic), you’ll get to know Sharon Baker, a children’s book author who wrote about a cat’s exploration of the world.

There are two gorgeous homes featured in this issue – one in Palmetto Dunes, and one in Sea Pines. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next remodel, check out Brian Quinn’s transformation of a home that was beautifully refreshed on page 104 in Barry Kaufman’s story, “Keep What Works.” The before and after photos really tell the tale of the remarkable transformation. Finally, just in time for Valentine’s Day, we paired up with Zach Stevens and Trevor Harden to create a beautiful music video to Steven’s new single, “Old Love,” which he performed onstage at the Town of Hilton Head Island’s official Christmas concert and Tree Lighting. The story follows a couple from grade school to their golden years and is a tune that I can’t get out of my head. Check out the story on page 72 and stay tuned to CH2’s social media channels for the premiere on February 12 at 8 p.m.

That’s all for now – LOVE YOU ALL!

MAGGIE WASHO Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

Abba

Joey

Rexx

Cardinal

Happy Feet

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN . PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

Meet Single Pets in Your Area

COME VISIT ELIGIBLE BACHELORS AND BACHELORETTES OF HILTON

HEAD HUMANE ASSOCIATION

It’s February, and with Valentine’s Day upon us, love is in the air.

And while the type of love that makes us want to buy chocolates and candies for that special someone is the star of the show, there is more to love than just presents. The ancient Greeks recognized eight different kinds in fact, ranging from philia (affectionate love) to mania (obsessive love).

With all due respect to the ancient Greeks, there really should have been a ninth kind for pets – because the love we have for our pets is completely different from the love we have for anything else. And it’s one of the few kinds of love that’s completely reciprocal.

When we fluff their little faces and “boop” their little snoots, they love it just as much as we love it when they cuddle up with us. It’s a mutual need for unconditional affection that few other bonds can match.

If you’re seeking a love connection this February, Hilton Head Humane Association might just have the dog or cat you’re looking for.

Among the adorable candidates here you’ll find dogs and cats of every kind – some who have been waiting years for a forever home, and some who have just arrived.

“It’s really nice to have a community like ours that understands the importance of adoption,” said Franny Gerthoffer, executive director for Hilton Head Humane. “We just had the nicest couple in the world come in who wanted a younger cat but fell in love with one of our older ones. It had a little bit of a health problem, but they took it to Dr. Colorado and he’s all better now. It’s nice to have people who work with you on saving these animals.”

And there’s the rub. Looking at these photos, it’s clear that each of these creatures is adorable and in need of love. While they’re not playing hard to get, they are going to be discerning about their future human companion. Read on to see if you have that special something these animals are looking for.

ABBA

Like the band she’s named for, Abba loves dressing up in costumes. She’s also extremely

Franny GerThoffer, Director of Hilton Head Humane

loving and energetic, so she’s looking for a human who’s as eager to get moving as they are to play dress up. If you’re looking to make your dog an Instagram star, Abba is your dancing queen.

CARDINAL

With his big floppy ears, you can already tell that Cardinal was built for snuggling up on the couch. But what you might not know is that when he’s done snoozing, he’s up and moving like a dynamo. If you’re going to be the one to take him home, you’d better match that energy.

FRANKIE

How affectionate is Frankie? This photo was the first time she met Gerthoffer, and they hit it off immediately. She has also been through the association’s overnight program, so she’s proven that she can be in a home with other dogs. You haven’t met Frankie yet, but already she loves you.

GROBER

The nametag says “Grober,” but everyone at the shelter calls him “Goober.” That’s because Grober might just be the most silly and affectionate dog in the house, playing with every toy he can find and showering every face with a deluge of kisses. If you’re going to take Grober home, be ready to laugh.

HAPPY FEET

One of the older residents of the cat shelter, Happy Feet is the consummate gentleman. Charming, intelligent, and loving, his biggest claim to fame is his luxurious mane. This

The nametag says “Grober,” but everyone at the shelter calls him “Goober.” That’s because Grober might just be the most silly and affectionate dog in the house...

is a cat who has never had a bad hair day in his life, and he’s ready to march those happy feet into your heart.

HYACINTH

One of the longest-running residents at the shelter, Hyacinth has been holding out for just the right person because that’s just the kind of lady she is. If you’re going to take her home, you’d better be ready to fulfill her zest for adventure, with plenty of walks, car rides, and boat trips.

JOEY

Coming in as a stray with his sister Kate, Joey was a bit of a late bloomer. Showing off a bit of a shy streak when he first arrived, he has since been coaxed out of his shell and is now one of the most sociable cats in the yard. He’s looking for a human who knows good things come to those who wait.

PARKER

You might call Parker’s fur pattern tortoise shell. She just calls it fabulous. As colorful and vibrant as the fur she lives in, Parker is the shelter’s Miss Congeniality, as playful

Grober

As colorful and vibrant as the fur she lives in, Parker is the shelter’s Miss Congeniality, as playful and outgoing as she is beautiful.

Parker

wesley Meet Single Pets in Your Area

Meet Single Pets in Your Area

At just three and a half months old, Tempest already melts hearts with her adorably big eyes and silky soft kitten fur.

Everyone needs a partner in crime, and Ski is exactly the co-conspirator you’ve been looking for.

and outgoing as she is beautiful. She grew up outside of a Parker’s Market, hence the name, and she loves to eat. If you’re going to be her human, you’d better bring your A game to the food bowl.

PERRY

They say love is blind. Perry isn’t quite blind, but his vision impairment can make him a little awkward socially. He’ll need a human who’s compassionate about his disability, not to mention physically strong enough to handle him on the leash. He’s a big fella, and he doesn’t care who knows it.

REXX

Are you the life of the party? Do you spend your days at the beach and your nights out and about? Well Rexx might just be your perfect wingman. Great on the leash, a natural with crowds and able to make friends everywhere he goes, Rexx is a party animal on the prowl.

SKI

Everyone needs a partner in crime, and Ski is exactly the co-conspirator you’ve been looking for. Sure, she makes her own bed and minds her manners, but every once in a while her rebellious streak kicks in and Ski shows everyone what a lovable rogue she can be. And she’ll get away with it, because she’s that cute.

TEMPEST

At just three and a half months old, Tempest already melts hearts with her adorably big eyes and silky soft kitten fur. Then you see her in motion, wobbling slightly due to cerebellar hypoplasia, and the “aww” factor kicks up to 11. She needs a human who will help steady her in exchange for a lifetime of love.

WESLEY

The elder statesman of the Hilton Head Humane Association shelter, Wesley has seen it all. In his eight-and-a-half years, he’s been to festivals and events, and has met all the right people. He’s not looking for a human who wants to run and play, he wants a human who can match his dignity and level-headedness. 

Perry + Sassa

CH2's Most AdorAble Pet subMissions

Thanks to everyone who took the time to send in your pet’s photo this year. Here are a few that we could squeeze into this issue… Check out CH2’s Facebook page for the complete album of submitted furbabies!

A boy and his dog

Amos

Bacon Bandit

Bennington

Bernie

Bernie

Blue

Bonnie Blue Boomer

Buddy

Caesar

Charli Chalupa

Coach Loxley

Copper

Daisy & Poppy

Daisy

Darcy

Dottie

Duke

Dunes

Fern Dakota

Figaro Finn Frankie Gertie

Graci Gunner

Gunner Hank + CornBredHank Miller

Greta

Henrie

Henry

Jovie Dogs of Hilton Head Photography

Hunny

IvyMae

Jack

Luna, Echo, and Leo

Jackson

Jules Kitty

Layla

Libby

Lilly and Lady Silver

Loki Luna

Luna

Luna Mabel Pepper

Mick

Millie Faye Milo

Motor

Mr. Man Murphy Nova Oakley

Otis

Penny

Pinky Pepper

Penny Rebel

Princess JackieO Remi

Puma Thurman

Ralphie

Rufus D. Ferguson

Shannie

Sasi

Simba

Stohon Roam Cummings

Suess on the Loose

Sweet Sunny

Tabby

Taylor

Tigger

Tillie

Tucker

Tucker

Vinnie

Willow and Loki

Winnie, Eli, and Abbie

Ye Silver

Zoe NY

Zoie

Morgan

Lulu Marco

Sharon Baker is photographed at the Kneady Cat in Bluffton, where you can find her beautifully illustrated book, “Where is the Magic?”

ARTICLE BY CHERYL RICER . PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

‘WHERE IS THE MAGIC?’

LOCAL AUTHOR FOLLOWS A CURIOUS CAT SEEKING MAGIC

Sharon Baker never aspired to write a children’s book, although she always dreamed of being a writer.

Her first aspiration as a young girl growing up in Washington, D.C., was to become a travel writer.

Between her first career goal and most recent accomplishment, Baker has fleshed out quite a resume, and with the encouragement and influence of many mentors, she has also explored a variety of extraordinary places and produced a lot of equally extraordinary work.

“Growing up in D.C., the Smithsonian was my favorite place. What I experienced there opened my mind and heart to the enticing and inspiring world of travel and ignited a spark within me to be a travel writer,” she said. “My high school guidance counselor mentored me, and

I received a scholarship to study journalism and theatre at Northwestern University in Chicago.”

Baker was mentored at university by a professor who helped her land a job in television as a documentary producer. For the next five years, she worked for the NBC affiliate in Cleveland, Ohio, as a member of their documentary team.

“They had an incredible documentary unit, and I was able to work with so many creative, talented people there, which only pushed me to refine my own creative energies and further define my career goals,” Baker said.

One of the favorite projects she produced for NBC was a documentary called “Montage,” about Maria Tallchief, America’s first Native American prima ballerina, who had

a ballet company in Chicago. Baker spent weeks with Tallchief at her studio, interviewing her, her students, and her dancers, amassing details to compose a documentary on her life.

“The Tallchief project has always been one of my proudest productions because it is an example of incredible talent and creativity,” said Baker. “She rose to the top, overcoming huge obstacles to open the doors for so many to follow.”

Baker’s next influential mentor was Sylvia McNair, a legendary travel writer, who helped get Baker’s resume to international airline magazines and newspapers like The Denver Post and the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinal, which then launched Baker’s 20-year career as a travel writer.

“I’ve been really blessed to see so many amazing places,” she said. “Definitely Canada is one of my favorite countries. I’ve spent a lot of time in the Canadian Rockies, hiking the Athabasca Glacier, horseback riding in the mountains, and canoeing serene lakes.”

In her work as a travel writer, organically, Baker took up photography as another creative outlet. Inspired by Paul Nicklin, a photographer famous for his shots of wildlife, Baker developed an eye for capturing animals in their native habitat.

“I love going to Churchill, Canada, where I hang out of a helicopter and photograph polar bears walking along the Hudson Bay. And I got some great shots of orca killer whales from a kayak off Vancouver Island where we were only about 30 feet away from the pod,” Baker said. “Experiences like these are why I’m absolutely in love with Canada, as well as Antarctica, where I’ve gotten up close and personal with penguins and majestic glaciers.”

In 2013, Baker moved to Bluffton from Mount Pleasant, where she was the travel journalist for The Moultrie News. In 2014, she married golfer Kenny Baker and has been in love with Bluffton (and Kenny!) ever since. They live happily at Colleton River, where she continues to work as a travel journalist and a photographer – and where she took up yet another artistic endeavor.

“I began doing mixed media artwork with two local teachers, Missy Gentile and Mary Ann Browning Ford. Their classes have given me insight into the power of creativity,” Baker said. “I love living in Bluffton because it’s such a beautiful place with so many creative people.”

It was here, too, where she became acquainted with Palmetto Animal League, a nonprofit rescue organization, which would eventually propel her into a new genre of writing and perhaps a whole new career.

“At Palmetto Animal League, I just fell in love with the inhabitants,” Baker said. “I realized there is a family for every dog and a family for every cat. So, I began to think that maybe if I wrote a cat book, it would encourage people to become cat parents. And that’s where the idea was born for my children’s book, Where is the Magic?”

Where is the Magic? features Sage, a very curious white cat. Sage’s story begins with him at home feeling lonely and

bored. He decides he needs some magic in his life, so he gets on his motorcycle and embarks upon a journey around the world.

Along the way, he meets a variety of interesting animals in lots of exciting places, some of whom are not very encouraging and attempt to convince Sage that the world no longer holds magic. Eventually, though, a wise elephant he encounters in Africa informs Sage that he’ll find the magic in his favorite place. Still questioning, Sage returns home, where in the front hall is a pool of sunshine.

When Sage sees it, he says, “Yes, I’ll just settle down for a little nap in this wonderful pool of sunshine.” Then magically, all the friends that Sage met around the world become stuffed animals who are now taking a nap with him.

“You can see there’s a little bit of me in that story,” Baker said. “But it really is Sage the Cat’s story. I hope kids will enjoy it and that it might give them a little push to go out and be adventurous … even if it’s just in the backyard.”

Baker credits two more mentors with making her children’s book possible.

Lauren Elise Reeves, the illustrator of the book, is an award-winning children’s book illustrator from Beaufort.

“Lauren transformed my story,” Baker said. “Her illustrations are so glorious and so colorful and so endearing. She brought the book to life.”

The other person is Carla Onofrio, owner of The Kneady Cat Bookstore and Gifts in Bluffton.

“Carla is carrying my book in The Kneady Cat – which was just named Bluffton’s Best book store,” Baker said. “A portion of the store’s profits benefit places that support animals in need, like the Palmetto Animal League and the Jasper Animal Rescue Mission.”

The book is also available on Amazon.

Baker says there is definitely another children’s book in her future. And she has a new kitty that she just adopted from the Palmetto Animal League, of course.

“She’s right here in front of me taking a bath,” Baker said during the interview. “Her name is Mittens and she’s very frisky. She is her own girl, and she has her own agenda. I’m waiting for Mittens to tell me her story for the next book.” 

Ashley Douglas, owner of Paws On Learning, is photographed with her two dogs Cricket and Tuck, at Jarvis Creek Park.

Article by Barry Kaufman Photography by M.Kat

Paws On Learning

not only trains dogs, but makes them part of the family

It’s a time-honored cliché that it takes a village to raise a child. Those of us who have raised both children and dogs know that the dogs might need something similar. It’s hard to blame our four-legged friends for their transgressions – getting into garbage, digging holes, ruining shoes, marking their territory – all the things they do because some part of them is still a wild animal that someone decided was a good idea to keep indoors.

It takes a close-knit family to raise a dog. And that’s exactly the approach that Ashley Douglas has taken at Paws On Learning.

“We have a lot of return clients, and our goal is to have them be able to help each other out,” she said. “When I send an email to a new client, it welcomes them to the family.”

That approach stems from her time in the classroom. “In teaching, the big thing is building a community in your classroom. If you’re all stuck there learning the same thing, you might as well like each other,” Douglas said. “A big part of dog training is working with humans. Owning a dog is an emotional experience, and the owners want help. They want resources. They want to know other people have the same problems as they do. They want community.”

Helping the owners to help one another is a huge part of the Paws On Learning philosophy. Once they buy in, Douglas’ clients find themselves at the center of a big web of support that includes not just Paws On Learning staff, it also involves one another.

Sammy Parlegreco, who began taking her border collie, Finn, to classes with Paws On Learning to address some anxiety issues, has found that out firsthand.

“Our experience has been wonderful. Finn has become confident again and our dog-human relationship is incredible,” she said. “Being in the POL family is so special because it is made up of people who love their dogs and want to improve their lives. A well-behaved dog is the result of a well-educated dog owner, and I believe POL is a group that welcomes everyone who loves their dogs. We only get

Dan Shike, a client

Hannah the goldendoodle practices "lay down" while Ashley Douglas and Hannah's owner, Susan Vick, looks on.

so much time with our best friends, and Ashley and her team show us how to make the most of it.”

That mentality of working together has been a huge part of the appeal for Dan Shike, whose shelter dog, Princess Kitty, is a star client. “The ongoing support from socialization from POL Saturday park group meet ups and large field socialization events give great additional learning

A group class at Jarvis Creek Park with (from left to right) PK and Dan Shike, Hannah and Susan Vick and Sammy Parlagreco and her dog, Finn.

of Paws On Learning, works with his dog PK, which is short for Princess Kitty.

opportunities for dogs and their people,” he said. “We’ve had trainers in other places before we moved to the island. They didn’t make much progress. The Paws On crew have a recipe for dogs that worked for us where others didn’t. Their patience and ‘we’ll get this’ attitude are a great combination.”

Susan Vick concurs. Her goldendoodle, Hannah, not only received training and instruction from Paws On Learning but also met her boyfriend, Moose, there.

“When I got Hannah as a puppy, I realized I needed help. I was looking for a place that would help me train Hannah to be well-behaved and obedient,” Vick said. “When I went to Paws On Learning over two years ago and met Ashley, I knew immediately it was the place for both Hannah and me. You can tell that all the employees love dogs, are happy to work there, and also take pride in their work.”

Just as Hannah found true love with Moose, her owner has found a support system as the work to create a more well-behaved dog continues. At the Saturday classes in Jarvis Creek Park or at separate playdates, these clients – or family members, more accurately – have formed a tightknit community that’s about so much more than just good doggy behavior.

“I want to be more than just a dog training facility. I want to use our work for good out in the community,” Douglas said. To that end, Paws On Learning staff and clients have become a force for good. This past winter, their fundraising campaign for Hilton Head Humane Association saw clients fulfilling a wish list of items from their Giving Tree, donating all manner of gifts from blankets and dog food to toys.

“There must have been $5,000 worth of stuff we ended up bringing over to them when it was all said and done,” Douglas said. “It was two carloads. … There wasn’t a single thing on their list that one of our clients didn’t get for them.”

That effort is just one of the many ways that Paws On Learning has given back. Last month, Douglas began to showcase a few adoptable pooches from Hilton Head Humane at Saturday’s classes.

“I’m happy to bring some of their dogs out there, because it gets them out and about. Plus, if we throw an ‘Adopt Me’ vest on them, who knows? Maybe one of our clients might adopt them or know someone who would,” Douglas said. “It’s really about getting these dogs out in the public eye.”

Creating a community, giving back, and helping dogs enjoy better relationships with their owners is all part of what sets Paws On Learning apart. To learn more, visit pawsonlearning.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. 

Jennifer Rulli is photographed at her home with Martina after a day of visiting local retirement homes, bringing joy and big dog hugs to the residents.

Article by Cheryl Ricer . Photography by M.Kat

GREAT PYRENEES TELLS HER AMAZING RESCUE STORY AND JOURNEY TO THERAPY DOG IN NEW BOOK

In 2023, CH2 readers met Martina, a 120-pound Great Pyrenees who had acquired quite a following. Her friends and followers know her fondly as “Marti, the therapy dog.” She and her owner/handler/mom Jennifer Rulli visit places like Pockets Full of Sunshine, Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, local hospitals, and several assisted living facilities in Beaufort County where Marti’s exceptional temperament, her intuitive communication skills, and her ability to make people smile has made her a very popular guest.

Now, with the help her mom, Martina has published her first book.

Rulli and Marti have been providing therapy for more than four years. During that time, Rulli has handed out Marti’s therapy dog cards to lots of people. On the back of the card recipients learn a little bit of Marti’s unique back story.

“People have always been fascinated with that tiny little paragraph of how Martina was found,” Rulli said.

“That gave me the idea that Martina should tell her story in a book.”

Rulli began to write down everything that happened to Marti, from the day when Rulli’s friend found 10-month-old Marti in the Indiana snow, to her time at the shelter, how she got to Hilton Head Island, and her amazing passage from shelter dog to therapy dog. Once it was on paper, Rulli went online and found an illustrator and publisher who wanted to work with her. Eight months later, Martina’s Purpose was in print.

In the book, readers learn that when she was still a young dog, Marti was found tangled up and trapped in a barbed wire fence during a snowstorm. Miraculously, a friend of Rulli’s, who was the president of a dog shelter in Indiana, drove past the fence where Marti was trapped and saw her – even though the white of her fur made her almost invisible in the snowbank.

“Marti was exhausted from her struggles to get free, hungry, very cold, and visibly had been neglected

Martina works the room, moving from resident to resident, standing patiently while they give her love and attention.

Martina’s Purpose is available at MiraSol Health and Pockets Full of Sunshine. Contact information is listed at the end of the article.

Offering love and affection to her friends with special needs is what Marti does, sometimes up to six days a week.

wherever she came from,” Rulli said. “I met her on the third day and instantly fell in love because I already had two half-Great Pyrenees sisters who were born in the rescue.” Rulli had been a volunteer for the rescue for 10 years after adopting the first dog.

“I took Marti home for sleepovers multiple times on the weekends,” Rulli said. “I took her to get groomed. I was going to the shelter every day to help clean kennels, so I spent a lot of time with her.”

When COVID hit, because things were so much worse in Indiana, Rulli’s husband insisted the family go to Hilton Head. Meanwhile, Rulli couldn’t stop thinking of Marti. She learned that Marti’s best friend and roommate at the rescue had been adopted and that Marti had become very depressed and withdrawn.

In April 2020, the rescue president reached out to Rulli to see if she would be willing to foster Marti until she could get back to normal. “Is there any way you can get Martina down to Hilton Head? She’s not eating, she’s not playing, she’s miserable.”

Martina arrived in Hilton Head on May 19, 2020. Her stay was intended to be a foster situation, according to what Rulli’s husband was told.

“My husband was furious when he found out I’d agreed to foster Marti because I didn’t tell him about it until she was enroute,” Rulli said. “She arrived on his birthday! I promised to find her a home down here in Hilton Head. Then, when my birthday rolled around in August, he told me we could adopt her. It was the best birthday present!”

Rulli began pet therapy with Marti at the suggestion of her sister, who recognized the dog’s exceptional temperament. Her sister recommended that she bring Marti to Pockets Full of Sunshine, and when her family saw how great she was with the Rays (the clients) at Pockets, Rulli’s dad recommended that she reach out to The

Preston Health Center at The Cypress of Hilton Head, where her grandmother was a resident 40 years prior. Eventually, they branched out to The Pines and to The Seabrook as well. From there they were invited to join Hospice Care of the Lowcountry (now Mirasol Health). .

“Marti had to get her Canine Good Citizen certification for hospice work, which was no problem because we’d already been honing those skills for two years,” Rulli said. “Then, after COVID, the hospital opened up their therapy dog program, and we were invited there.”

Marti next had to obtain her Alliance of Therapy Dogs certification, which was also easy because she was already accustomed to hospital equipment, walkers, and other equipment from working in the nursing homes. The only real test was ensuring that Marti could maintain her composure and calm demeanor at the variety of venues where she was involved.

To qualify as a therapy dog, the dog must be at least one year old and demonstrate mastery of 10 specific tasks, which are extremely important when any therapy dog is in public. For example, a dog who can’t “leave it” on cue or interact with children in a friendly manner will not succeed. Marti passed all 10 tasks with flying colors.

The tasks are:

• Accepting a friendly stranger: Dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.

• Sitting politely for petting: Dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler.

• Appearance and grooming: Dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer, or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner’s care, concern, and sense of responsibility.

• Going out for a walk (walking on a loose lead): Handler is in control of the dog when the dog is walking on a leash.

A resident at Indigo Pines gives Martina a big hug and both enjoy the interaction.

• Walking through a crowd: Dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control when on a leash in public.

• “Sit” and “down” on cue and stay in place: Dog has training, will respond to the handler’s cues and will remain in place (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers).

• Coming when called: Dog will come when called by the handler.

• Reaction to another dog: Dog can behave politely around other dogs.

• Reaction to distraction: Dog is always confident when faced with common distracting situations.

• Supervised separation: Dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners.

“I noticed when I initially met Marti, as traumatized as she was, that she was very calm, even with all that she’d been through,” Rulli said. “A calm demeanor is the primary trait you want to see in a therapy dog.”

Offering love and affection to her friends with special needs is what Marti does to this day, sometimes up to six days a week. Rulli and Marti also have a few private clients whom they visit at home and give them special one-on-one time.

“People ask, ‘Does she ever get excited? Does she ever play and run and have fun like a dog?’ And she does,” Rulli said. “She has several doggy friends that she meets up with on the beach to run and romp and play. She’s not constantly on duty.”

But she is always on the lookout for someone who may need a new friend. Once when they were out walking on the beach, Rulli and Marti encountered a group of people sitting in their beach chairs enjoying the sand and sunshine. One of them was in a beach wheelchair.

“Of course, out of the 10 people sitting there, Marti approached the person in the wheelchair,” Rulli said. “She definitely has the knack and know-how to lift spirits and make people feel special and loved.”

In Martina’s Purpose, Marti shares with readers that even as a young dog tangled in a “mean old fence” and hidden by the snow, she never gave up. She knew she had a bigger purpose in life.

“My story is about how I was able to turn my life around from trauma with the help of several ‘hoo-mans’, who are the best,” Marti shares in her book. “They showed me love and warmth, which is something we all long for. Now I can pay forward the kindness that was shown to me on that cold winter day.”

To get a copy of Martina’s Purpose, visit MiraSol Health via web at https://loom.ly/c6NpjUI or visit Pockets Full of Sunshine at pocketsfullofsun.org. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to the organizations where the book is purchased. 

Ian Kody works on steering Chunky through the blocks while Janice Casey and Jennifer Long look on for safety.

Article by Barry Kaufman . Photography by M.Kat

GETTING BACK ON THE HORSE

Equine program helps riders with disabilities experience joy of horses

You never forget your first time riding a horse. The intimidation as you approached the animal, staggered by its unbelievable size. The slow-eyed look it gave you in return, watching you and determining what kind of rider you’d be. Your slow ascent onto its back, pulling yourself up by the stirrup as you swung a leg over the saddle. The feel of the reins in your hand.

And then finally, the freedom. The wind on your face as animal and human move as one, your movements synchronized as the exhilaration of your mount’s incredible speed takes over.

It’s a moment that can change lives.

Few people know just how significant that change can be, but Jennifer Long and Tom Richardson know. As program director for Moss Creek Stables Equine Assisted Program, Long combines extensive experience as a Special Olympics coach with a deep respect for those with disabilities.

“I have some people show up who have autism, some who are blind, some who are confined to wheelchairs … but when they get out of the car, they’re so excited to be a part of this program,” Long said.

The genesis of the equine program came about when Long moved back to the area and was trying to get back into working with horses, something she’d done since she was a kid.

“I was just calling around because I wanted to start riding. I have

Pete Boise begins tacking Wish as he gets ready for a fun morning of riding at Moss Creek Equestrian Center.

Owner of Moss Creek Equestrian Center Tom Richardson and daughter Hayley attend to the barn’s seven-month-old filly.

Ian Kody gives Chunky some affection after the warm-up.

Jacob Boise bridling his horse, Maggie, with the nose latch.

Jacob and Maggie get ready for the next exercise while Alex Mallard looks on.

two kids, so sometimes I just need a little ‘me’ time,” she said with a laugh. “Tom was the only person who called me back. He made me feel like I was part of the family.”

Long was in the ideal spot to help Richardson launch a program that helps 20 riders of various abilities experience the healing touch of a horse.

“We started out small, with eight riders at first, and did a lot of ground work,” Richardson said. “Those same riders are still with us, and they have progressed so much, from ‘I can’t do this’ to ‘I did this.’”

The goal for the coming year is to expand that core group of riders to 30, although Long imagines they could as many as 50 with the right resources. Helping them find those resources is the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, which lists the Moss Creek Stables Equine Assisted Program among its many deserving programs.

“Therapy is expensive,” Long said. “I want to grow this

program, but only as long as people don’t have to pay for it.”

While they accept children into the program, Long has seen how many programs for youth already exist in the area and tries to reserve her spots for adults.

“There is a huge population of people with special needs locally. But once they get out of school and turn 18, a lot of the programs dry up,” Richardson said. “We love the children, but this is the need we’re trying to fill.”

It’s an effort that makes a world of difference to their riders. Through the equine program, these students are discovering a wider world beyond their own disabilities and perspectives.

“Horses can hear a heartbeat from three to four feet away. That’s why they always say that a horse can tell if you’re nervous or edgy,” Long said. “Once (our riders) get on the horse, it just makes them so happy. It’s cliché to say it’s a gift, but they give you the tightest hugs after they’re done riding. They show up knowing that their day is going to turn around and they’re going to have fun.”

To give a gift to your neighbors and help create those moments of happiness, consider donating to the Moss Creek Stables Equine Assisted Program. Visit cf-lowcountry.org and click “donate now.” 

CH2 / CB2

valentine’s day gift guide

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

1. “DIVE INTO DEEPER HYDRATION” with Skinmedica HA” Hydra COLLAGEN $184; available at Hilton Head Med Spa; 2. Vuarnet red sunglasses $325; available at Eyeland Optique; 3. Childrens handbag with pearl handles $42; available at Island Child; 4. Julie Voss Necklace $325; available at Birdie James; 5. Valentine’s hair clip $22 and Sequin Heart earrings $38; available at Coastal Bliss; 6. nodpod weighted sleeping mask $34; available at Gigi’s Boutique; 7. e newton bracelets, varied pricing based on style; available at Gifted

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

“TO LOVE AND TO BE LOVED IS TO FEEL THE SUN FROM BOTH SIDES.” - DAVID VISCOTT

1. 2023 Lifted 4-passenger Onward in Rally Red starting at $13,995; available at Club Car; 2. Juvederm Ultra for a subtle + natural enhancement to your lips. $75 off while supplies last; available at Beautique Medical Aesthetics; 3. Hearts will always be a staple for Valentine’s Day. 14kt yellow gold with .20 carat total weight in diamonds $975.00; available at Heritage Fine Jewelry; 4. Yeti $45; available at Southern Tide; 5. “Love is All Around” hat; prices vary $55-350; available at Brims on the Bluff; 6. Ladies fleece jackets, varied colors $150; available at Outside Hilton Head; 7. Gabriel & Co. Bujukan Collection 14K yellow gold and ruby huggie hoop earrings $995; available at Forsythe Jewelers; 8. Pink Palmetto Dunes vest $335; available at Palmetto Dunes

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

1. Julie Voss earrings $125, Julie Voss bracelet $285; available at Birdie James; 2. Heart slippers $32; available at Coastal Bliss; 3. White shirt $54, White sweater $380 Pearl necklace $145, Gold chain layering necklace $58; available at The Haven; 4. Epicutis lipid serum $250; available at Savage Skin; 5. Maui Jim sunglasses, tortoise $349; available at Outside Hilton Head; 6. e newton heart earrings $42; available at Gifted; 7. Pickleball Top $38, Pickleball Skirt $60; available at Maggie and Me; 8. Whisper Creek Spa baskets, pricing varies on customized contents!; available at Whisper Creek Spa

“YOU KNOW YOU’RE IN LOVE WHEN YOU CAN’T FALL ASLEEP BECAUSE REALITY IS FINALLY BETTER THAN YOUR DREAMS.” - DR. SEUSS

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

“BEING DEEPLY LOVED BY SOMEONE GIVES YOU STRENGTH, WHILE LOVING SOMEONE DEEPLY GIVES YOU COURAGE.” - LAO TZU

1. Stone heart and beaded necklace, price ranges from $215-300; available at Collage; 2. Lilly Pulitzer- bright pink heart sweater $158; available at Lily Pulitzer Signature Shop in the Village at Wexford; 3. Small Perfume $20; available at Southern Tide; 4. Obagi Nu-Cil Eyelash Enhancing Serum $120; available at The Bluffs Medical Spa and Massage; 5. Gabriel & Co. Bujukan Collection 14K yellow gold ruby and diamond bracelet $1,775; available at Forsythe Jewelers; 6. Olukai sneakers $140; available at Maggie and Me; 7. Teen charm bracelets; bracelets $6-10; charms $6 each; available at Maggie and Me

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

1. Childrens Car Puzzle $20, Frog Stuffed Animal $32; available at Island Child; 2. PJ Salvage light blue and pink heart pajamas $108; available at Coastal Bliss; 3. Red Robert Trent Jones t-shirt $38; available at Palmetto Dunes; 4. Men’s Signature Palmettoes Cologne $65; available at Palmettoes; 5. Red wrap sweater $88, White blouse top $88, Broach $24; available at Evelyn & Arthur; 6. Heart Topped Cowboy Hat, prices vary $55-350; available at Brims on the Bluff; 7. White top with pink, purple and orange $95, White skort with pink, purple and orange $106; available at Palmetto Dunes; 8. Selena King earrings $340; available at Palmettoes

“LOVE IS THAT CONDITION IN WHICH THE HAPPINESS OF ANOTHER PERSON IS ESSENTIAL TO YOUR OWN.” - ROBERT A. HEINLEIN

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

“WHERE THERE IS LOVE THERE IS LIFE” - MAHATMA GANDHI

of all spa services.

See details in the Moor Spa

1. Large kids fire truck $26, Small kids ambulance van $16; available at Lennie and Remi; 2. Blue heart and red heart kids pajama set $58; available at Lennie and Remi; 3. CZ diamond necklace $195, Gold chain heart necklace $118; available at Kelly Caron Curated; 4. Childrens pink and red bow dress $88 paired with Children’s heart cardigan $98; available at Lennie and Remi; 5. Tom Ford glasses $530; available at Eyeland Boutique; 6. Love Shack Fancy Pink sweatshirt $195; available at Kelly Caron Curated; 7. Childrens white sweater with floral print $58, Matching hat $28; available at Maggie and Me; 8. Join Moor Spa on Galentine’s Day (February 13 ONLY) for 50% off

ad on page 71.

ARTICLE BY LANEY SEWELL

Hallmark Holidays and Winter Blues

BUT LOVE ACTUALLY IS ALL AROUND US

Happy Valentine’s Day! And Happy February 15th Candy Sale to all who celebrate!

To be clear, whether single, married, divorced, and whatever political affiliation you’re rocking, the February 15th Candy Sale brings people together. It could even make Northerners smile and talk to each other in public (I can’t believe people don’t do that everywhere).

We are a month into the New Year and things just keep getting weirder, plus I’m cold and the cold is a lot less beautiful and magical without Christmas decor everywhere.

The constant rain also isn’t doing much for my outfit choices: boots, fur jackets, and wet hair don’t mix in any universe. Don’t get it twisted, though. I’ll be right here complaining about how June-September temperatures are hell on earth before we know it, even though late spring and summer here make these disgusting winters (if you can even call this “winter”) worth it.

You see, I haven’t always been a fan of Valentine’s Day. It’s great when you’re 8 years old and fill a poorly decorated shoebox with sweet cards and treats from everyone in your

class, great in college when it’s partnered with an excuse to buy a sparkly pink cocktail dress for a function (has to be new, Mom and Dad, because people will remember if I wear the same one from last year! That’s illegal. Also, Revolve has a new Valentine’s edit out!) and cheap wine, and even better after that when surrounded by the right person.

I also am privy to a Galentine’s moment, with crispy Pinot Grigio, good charcuterie, and espresso martini nightcaps.

Honorable mention goes to my parents who made every holiday magical, even when I had a horrifying, less-thanmagical teenager attitude (which I still do sometimes, but that’s not the point). I love the flowers, chocolates, romantic gestures, and I really love those brownie batter donuts from Dunkin, but I will always acknowledge the fact that it’s just plain hard for a lot of people in a lot of different ways.

See, we have all been 16 and heartbroken by someone that the thought of now is either hilarious or bone-chilling, and we have rolled our eyes at Valentine’s Day, referring to it as another “stupid holiday that Hallmark capitalizes on.”

(Note to self: First of all, the word “capitalize”? You’ve taken one half-semester economics class from a guy who was just there to coach lacrosse and now you’re throwing that word around? You do nothing to stimulate the economy other than treating yourself at any minor inconvenience.)

I have never deprived myself of anything. Ever. But it’s so valid to want to crawl in a hole and read romantic novels on your Kindle or cry at a Nicholas Sparks movie adaptation.

Real talk: This season is hard. Just like the holidays are, but for completely different reasons. We as humans are such fragile and complicated beings that it’s almost impossible

Love Actually

Note from Designer: Do yourself a favor and rewatch this flick! It never gets old.

to grasp how togetherness is difficult for some, and time alone is difficult for others.

In my personal relationships, I’ve watched the people I love face unimaginable things recently, and it makes me all the more thankful for my village and has thrown a wrench in my perspective. So, let’s take a minute here and talk about love, with your favorite unqualified, chronically online 22-yearold therapist! According to the Oxford dictionary, love is defined as “an intense feeling of deep affection.” “Intense.” That’s the word.

If you’ve ever ridden in one of my Cyclebar classes and lived to tell the tale, I often say that “Nothing worth having is ever easy to get” and “Everything in life is hard; pick your hard.” Truly, everything about love is hard, and you have to pick your hard in that area as well.

It’s so easy to say that you want to find love and be in love, but you will never get there until you learn to love yourself. Last month I briefly mentioned this when talking about New Year’s resolutions. Sure, you can lose weight and

IF YOU KNOW ME, YOU KNOW THERE ISN’T A PHONE CALL I HANG UP, A ROOM I LEAVE, OR A DAY THAT I DON’T TELL MY COWORKERS OR RIDERS AT CYCLEBAR THAT I LOVE THEM. “THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE,

AND IF NO ONE HAS TOLD YOU YET TODAY I LOVE YOU AND I’M PROUD OF YOU” – EVERY SINGLE

TIME I GET ON THAT MICROPHONE FOR 45 MINUTES OF CARDIO.

change your life, but it won’t matter or make you feel any different if you don’t believe in yourself during that process. Not to get crazy here, but “Love Actually” is a Christmas movie, and a phenomenal one at that, and the famous quote still rings true all these years later: “If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.”

The key to getting through tricky times like Valentine’s Day is the pressure that your love for someone or something can only be expressed one day a year. That, my friends, could not be further than the truth.

If you know me, you know there isn’t a phone call I hang up, a room I leave, or a day that I don’t tell my coworkers or riders at Cyclebar that I love them. “Thank you for being here, and if no one has told you yet today I love you and I’m proud of you” – every single time I get on that microphone for 45 minutes of cardio. I understand that “I love you” is a loaded phrase, and I get the magnitude of it, but life is so much more vibrant when you love your people and love them hard.

So, my friends, get out there and spread the love! Sometimes it takes someone forcing you to get out of bed and get some fresh air to realize that we are all literally glorified houseplants. We’ve got to get some sun and escape our caves every once in a while. It truly makes all the difference.

I understand how hard things are right now, and I encourage you all to talk to someone when you need it, and understand that my ears are always open, even if you think it’s weird to have parasocial relationships. We listen and we do not judge.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Candy Sale Day and all the things! I love you all! 

BY BARRY KAUFMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

M.KAT

ZACH STEVENS BAND’S NEW SINGLE PRESENTS DISTINCTIVE VOICES WITH VINTAGE VIBE

ARTICLE

On an island where cover bands and one-man acoustic acts blanket every restaurant with sound, it can be hard to stand out. But just ask anyone who has seen him play during his Thursday night residency at Red Fish or his weekend shows at Coligny, and they’ll tell you that Zach Stevens occupies a spot all his own.

It’s not just the musical talent he puts on display with every show – although that certainly bears mentioning, his capabilities as a guitarist putting a distinct spin on songs from Grateful Dead classics to newer tunes from artists like Leon Bridges. Instead,

Zach Stevens and Trevor Harden review the footage before the next take on the set of Stevens’ new music video, “Old Love,” which follows a couple from grade school through their golden years.

The video follows a couple throughout their friendship and romance as the years pass. The young kids are portrayed by Ruthie Ramseur and Patrick Carey, the middle-aged couple by Julia Rockett and Emmett Hartman, and Art and Connie Tonklinson play the couple in their golden years.

Zach Stevens performs “Old Love” at the Jazz Corner for the video.

what truly sets him apart is his distinctive singing. Cut from the same cloth as the soulful crooners of an era long gone, he fills a room with a voice that feels like you’ve been hearing it all your life.

With his first single, “Old Love,” he leans into that distinctive voice with a song that feels equally timeless.

“It is an oldies-sounding song. We were going for that Sam Cooke sound with it,” Stevens said. Perched on a seat at The Jazz Corner on Hilton Head Island, decked out in a camera-ready black-on-black jacket and T-shirt ensemble, Stevens chatted while waiting for his drummer, Matt Robbins, to show up. The rest of his band for the

*Special thanks to Coastal Bliss for Julia Rockett’s ensemble.

video shoot, with personnel including Davis Lentz on saxophone, Will Snyder on bass, and Charlie Simpson on piano, was already preparing as filmmaker Trevor Harden set up the lights.

“It’s a pretty in-your-face love song,” Stevens continued. “I think this song has a very commercial element, but not in a bad way. I don’t ever write anything trying to be weird. … I actually maybe care a little bit too much about what people think. But this song has been funny because of the people who gravitated to it. My family really liked it, which I was nervous about.”

The song also represents a departure for Stevens in

Julia Rockett and Emmett Hartman cruise through Bluffton in a ‘66 Mustang

Art and Connie Tonklinson stroll through Veteran’s Park .

the Footage

that he doesn’t generally record music. In addition to the residencies mentioned, he is an in-demand player who usually keeps a full calendar throughout the summer months.

That doesn’t leave a lot of time for recording music, but it’s something that Stevens has seen a growing need for.

“All year long, people are asking me if I have a QR code they can scan to listen to my music. But I never had any music,” he said. “That will no longer be the bane of my existence.”

Stevens first sought out his friend Luke Mitchell, the Hilton Head Island native who got his start as one of The Gnomes in high school before moving on to bigger projects like Rowdy Cloud and The High Divers and producing his own solo work.

“I originally went to Asheville to record with Luke, but I kind of went overboard with it and recorded a lot. This song was actually kind of an afterthought,” he said. “It was the sixth song we recorded in three days, and I quickly realized this was the pop song.”

Coming home with a demo in hand, Stevens turned to Will Snyder to add some extra sauce in post-production.

At that, Robbins walked in the door and the band was

Reviewing

Trevor Harden, of Harden Creative, shows Stevens a few takes of the shoot at the Jazz Corner.

The Zach Stevens Band at The Jazz Corner (from left to right) Charlie Simpson, Zach Stevens, Will Snyder, Matt Robbins and Davis Lentz

“Old Love” will premiere on CH2’s social Media channels at 8 P.M. on Wednesday, February 12. Follow Celebrate Hilton head on Facebook and @CH2HHIMAG on instagram.

Matt Robbins, drummer and guitarist with the Zach Stevens Band (with the real job) waits for his cue at the Jazz Corner.

ready to perform. Playing over a backing track, it’s evident what kind of sauce Snyder brought to “Old Love.” It’s a track that wouldn’t feel out of place on a Percy Sledge greatest hits album, layered with horns and harmonies.

“It’s a great song,” said Harden, filming the band. “Zach has an amazing voice and the songwriting is great. It’s perfect to package with a video.”

The concept for the video, playing off the idea of old love, will intersperse shots of the band against a narrative look at a couple’s story from childhood into older age. In addition to commercial videos that he creates through his company, Harden Creative, Trevor is old hat at making music videos, having crafted spots for Pretty Darn and Jevon Daly, among others.

“Maggie and CH2 reached out to do a collaboration,” Harden said. “We threw around a couple of different ideas. Originally it was going to be a compilation of older couples as B roll, then we wanted to do something slightly more narrative.”

The result is a video that feels as timeless as the song it represents. Had it been written 50 years ago, “Old Love” would be a wedding and anniversary staple by now. Instead, it’s a refreshingly contemporary take on the classic love song that’s destined for timelessness. 

Article by Barry Kaufman

SAVAGE SKIN: TREATMENTS BRING OUT THE BEAUTY THAT IS SKIN DEEP

Not only is your skin the largest organ of your body, it’s also the one whose appearance we worry about. After all, no one ever worried that their kidneys were too oily or that their spleen had a dry patch.

Your skin, on the other hand, is front and center when you walk into a room. It’s the public face of all your best features, and it’s also tasked with one of the hardest jobs: staying beautiful while remaining exposed to the UV rays, pollution, and hazards of the world beyond your body.

At Savage Skin, Dr. Wayne Johnson of Hilton Head Health and Wellness and licensed aesthetician Maggie Silver are pooling their considerable expertise for an experience that treats your skin like the fiercely beautiful and inspiringly durable miracle that it is. From ADVATx treatments that address damaged skin to AgeJET Skin resurfacing, Savage Skin boasts a highly curated collection of bespoke treatments that blend boutique care with scientifically grounded experience.

“I don’t offer a thousand different treatments. I offer the products and treatments that I’m passionate about and that have demonstrated proven results,” Silver said. “In this industry, there are tons of medical spas and skin specialists, so it’s important to go with someone who is experienced and you can build a relationship with, based on trust. Dr. Johnson is so good at building that relationship.”

The pair of them decided to bring their talents together to form Savage Skin with exactly that type of relationship. As a patient of Dr. Johnson’s for 15 years, Silver had long known the type of individualized care and patient-focused approach that have been the doctor’s hallmarks. As an award-winning aesthetician, having won Best of Bluffton’s best aesthetician for three years in a row in her 10 years at a large medical spa in the Lowcountry, she had been looking for opportunities to branch out.

“I came from a big medical group where it could sometimes be difficult to deliver the kind of personalized care I wanted. It’s so important to me to keep it very intimate and make everyone feel like they’re important and valued,” Silver said. “Wayne had always been saying we should work together, and it was just the right time in my life. So we took the plunge.”

They opened their doors in November 2023, offering a selective range of treatments like The Savage Express (30-minute HydraFacial including cleansing, exfoliation, light peel, extractions, and antioxidants with available dermaplane) or the Savage Ultimate (60-minute treatment including lymphatic drainage, LED light therapy, and dermaplane).

Before and after shots of Savage Skin clients. Patient one had Age Jet Non-Ablative Laser treatment; Patient two after three ADVATx laser facials

“It’s very rewarding and challenging at times, but it’s definitely my vision. It’s important to me that I can be my own person and offer the treatments I feel passionate about,” Silver said. “I really enjoy customizing treatments and recommending things without pressuring patients. People have come to trust and respect me, and working in plastics and dermatology for so long has given me a lot of insight.”

When she’s not serving her clients at Savage Skin, you can usually find Silver spending time with her 11-year old mini schnauzers Lily and Lady and their annoying little brother, a 3-yearold English bulldog named Ye.

Find out more at savageskinsc.com. 

Maggie Silver, owner of Savage Skin

ARTICLE BY HEATHER QUINN

Knitted Knockers

OFFER COMFORT TO WOMEN AFTER BREAST CANCER SURGERY

Boobs, hooters, jugs, titties – and don’t forget knockers!

The scientific name for “boobs” is “breasts,” but let’s be honest: it’s just not that fun to say. However, though this list of sophomoric slang terms for the female anatomy is used flippantly, the subject matter surrounding breasts is serious.

According to the American Cancer Society, in 2024, an estimated 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancers were diagnosed among women in the U.S., 16% of whom are women younger than 50 years of age. The numbers are sobering and the true images of the subject matter can be hard to watch. Marketing campaigns often focus on pleasant nicknames and soothing colors like pink to evoke feelings of comfort. While this approach helps with promoting breast cancer awareness, the truth is a far cry from what breast cancer actually is – horrific. Beyond the pink, there is a powerful community of women working and volunteering in the breast cancer awareness space. They are a mighty and positive force of women supporting women.

Rosa McGeehin, a retired R.N. operating room nurse, who has assisted with breast reconstruction surgeries, knows the hard truths associated with breast cancer and is keenly aware of the power of the community surrounding it. She has dedicated her life to bringing dignity to those who have lost their sense of self after going through a mastectomy.

As McGeehin arrives at a coffee shop for an interview, she is carrying a tote bag overflowing with samples, knitting supplies, and binders. It is clear that this petite woman with a kind smile is fiercely determined. McGeehin takes a seat and immediately gets down to business, passionately explaining her cause to the extent that she completely overlooks the coffee she just ordered at the counter.

The business she emphatically describes is Knitted Knockers, a national nonprofit organization that provides knitted or crocheted prosthetics to women who have undergone mastectomies, lumpectomies, and radiation. The alliteration of the name fits in line with many breast cancer organizations across the country – a catchy name with a serious motive behind it.

Knitted Knockers Volunteers (from left to right)

Front Row: Donna Brownell, Rosa McGeehin,Kim Young, Rumi Prince, Marilyn Moore.

Back row: Carol Malazita, Cheryl Stern, Dede Kruse, Nancy Fell, Diane Hoyt

McGeehin reaches into her bag and begins to pull out round, boobshaped balls, placing the sample “knockers” on the table. They are soft but firm, colorful, and meticulously crafted. They are shaped to look like breast prosthetic inserts, but instead of silicone, they are handcrafted with yarn and packed with a light, fluffy filling.

McGeehin, who lives in Bluffton, is a Knitted Knockers provider for South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Her chapter is called KK Hummingbirds, and she works directly with doctors’ offices to provide starter sets.

“The Knitted Knockers are designed to be used immediately after surgery, in that period of time after the mastectomy and before a woman decides if she will

While mastectomy bras with prosthetics have been available for years, Knitted Knockers offers an alternative solution that is fully customizable, lightweight, and made with breathable filling and yarns.

undergo reconstruction,” she said. “This is usually a six- to eight-week period.”

During that time, having a prosthesis is essential for many women, as it enables them to wear their clothing comfortably while enhancing their self-esteem. McGeehin acknowledged the pain women experience around their lymph nodes during this time.

While mastectomy bras with prosthetics have been available for years, Knitted Knockers offers an alternative solution that is fully customizable, lightweight, and made with breathable filling and yarns. Some women may initially choose to wear Knitted Knockers for a short time and then opt for reconstructive surgery, while others may choose to forgo another surgery and use Knitted Knockers as a permanent bra prosthesis.

Knitted Knockers are handcrafted by volunteers who knit and crochet. McGeehin said each pair requires about five hours of meticulous craftsmanship, each one created from a standard pattern. Volunteers from Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Okatie create the Knockers, which are then distributed to local healthcare providers and shipped to other states in need.

This service is provided free of charge. McGeehin explained that the process is carefully managed to ensure that women receiving the Knockers do

A volunteer stuffs a pair of knitted knockers at a monthly meeting the group holds at the Bluffton Library.

not have to go through trial and error to use them. Each pair of Knitted Knockers is beautifully packaged in a pink organza bag tied with a bow, complete with detailed instructions, and labeled with the appropriate breast size, measured according to strict guidelines for a perfect fit.

McGeehin hosts monthly workshops for her team of knitters and crocheters, but these gatherings are not the average stitch and chat session – there is important work to be done. McGeehin insists on high standards, measuring completed projects against a universal Knitted Knocker pattern available on the website. “If the stitches are even slightly off, I make them re-knit,” she said. “It needs to be perfect!”

McGeehin emphasizes the importance of quality. “The yarn must be soft and of high caliber to ensure uniformity,” she said. “We even create ‘swimming knockers’ using an acrylic blend and various types of fill.”

This demand for excellence is not a matter of personal pride; rather, it comes from McGeehin’s years of experience as a nurse in the esteemed Emory University Hospital cancer unit and her passion for giving women who have undergone a mastectomy the dignity they deserve.

As a nonprofit organization, Knitted Knockers operates solely on generous donations. Knitted Knockers is committed to using only high-quality yarns sourced from a select group of trusted vendors.

McGeehin manages her KK Hummingbirds chapter with exceptional organization, just as one would run a for-profit business, even though this is a full-time volunteer position for her. Looking ahead, McGeehin is energized and excited to increase the number of Knockers they are able to ship out and deliver. Last year, KK Hummingbirds delivered 90 pairs locally and shipped out 149 pairs to neighboring states. As a result, the most immediate needs are monetary donations and sponsorships for yarn and shipping supplies.

One might wonder why McGeehin has embraced such a significant undertaking and invested so much time and effort into the cause. Her response is straightforward: “I have two sisters who have battled breast cancer. I do this for them.”

Want to get involved? To attend a Knitted Knockers workshop contact McGeehin at knittedknockerhhi@gmail.com.

To learn more about the national organization and to donate, visit knittedknockers.org. Donations may be specified to the local KK Hummingbirds chapter. 

Matthew Mastrorocco, DMD

ROC Dental Group

What is your field of expertise?

The majority of my training has been in full-mouth restoration and all areas of cosmetic dentistry.

Where did you study dentistry?

University of Pittsburgh. Hail to Pitt!

Why did you choose dentistry as a career?

My uncle and a cousin were dentists. They would talk about the combination of science and art and it always interested me. And I knew I wanted to own my own business, so it seemed like a good fit.

Who or what influenced you to start your own business?

My dad owned a supermarket in our small town in Pennsylvania, one that my Italian greatgrandfather started as a meat market at the turn of the century. He was always respected and admired. He talked to me about how he cared for his employees and the community through his business.

What do you enjoy most about being a dentist?

I love the relationships I have developed with my patients over the years. I love the ability to change someone’s life from simply getting them out of pain to rehabilitating their mouth to function better and smile more confidently, which affects their overall health.

What innovations have helped to ease the concerns of those who fear the dentist?

Our tools, instruments, anesthetics, and sedation have all improved to be more effective. From our high-speed drills to topical anesthetics, nitrous oxide, and even dentists’ compassion, there are so many things that keep you comfortable at the dentist.

The Plaza at Belfair, Bluffton and Main Street, Hilton Head (843) 682-4601

https://rocdentalgroup.com

Dr. Daniel Lawless

Hilton Head Dental

What made you decide on calling Hilton Head home?

Back in 2006 I was finishing my four-year army commitment and my return from a 13-month deployment in Iraq when I was told of a practice opportunity here. I came to visit and quickly jumped at the opportunity. I fell in love with the community and the weather. Being in the army and traveling abroad. you generally become very grateful for our American way of life. Hilton Head exemplifies lots of those great traits. Not sitting in traffic for hours on end, quick access to the beach, tons of options for outdoor activities, and the small community made this a no-brainer for me. It is easy to appreciate life and what it has to offer in a place like this. This island has afforded me great opportunities and success and it led me to raising a family.

Elizabeth Abell, DMD

Harbor Point Dentistry

Dr. Elizabeth Abell’s passion for restoring smiles is built on a foundation of experience and personalized compassionate care. Her career is the result of a lifelong pursuit in education that began with bachelor and master of science degrees in biology to the Medical College of Georgia where she received her Doctorate in Dental Medicine. However, her education did not end there as she evolved her skill level to include modern technology such as digital dentistry and clear alignment therapy. She holds additional certifications allowing her to collaborate with medical physicians to assist those with CPAP intolerabilities and sleep apnea. Her advanced extensive knowledge base reflects her passion for dentistry and her dedication to always provide compassionate and state of

the art dental care. She states, “I have welcomed patients with dental anxiety based on their childhood experiences. I make it my personal goal to not only provide the highest quality of dentistry, but to always ensure that my patients will no longer dread their dental appointments.”

From her attention to detail with comprehensive care to her famed esthetic outcomes, every treatment puts an emphasis on patient comfort and helps to soothe those who have struggled with dental fear. Her bedside manner accompanied by cutting edge techniques, top tier materials, and years of expertise will give you the smile you’ve always dreamed that you could have and in an environment that you are sure to love.

40 Okatie Center Blvd., South, Suite 302 Bluffton, SC 29909 (843)706.9662 harborpointdentistry.com

What do you like most about being a dentist?

Meeting new people and learning how they ended up here always fascinates me. There are people from everywhere, even though we joke about everyone being from Ohio.

If you had to do something over in your life, what would it be?

Nothing. I don’t have any regrets, as I am extremely grateful to be able to live here. I guess if you press me, I would have wished I had bought land in Bluffton in 2006 when I got here. I never knew it would have become so popular.

Hilton Head Island Office

222 Pembroke Drive, Suite 102

Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 681-6200

Sun City Bluffton Office

16 Wm. Pope Drive, Suite 104

Bluffton, SC 29909 (843) 705-7675

https://hhdental.com

Article by Cheryl Ricer

Photography by Tristyn Sheaffer, Imagery Unlimited

Architecture by Dave Robertson, Robertson Design

Construction by Michael Gump, Bull Creek Management

Interiors and Property Management by Beverly Serral, Beverly Serral Properties

Listing by Tristan O’Grady, COAST

Brokered by eXp Realty

Excellent Location, Exceptional Team, Exquisite Construction

One-of-a-kind, new Sea Pines beachfront property listed for sale

With more than 5,000 acres, including five miles of pristine beaches, Sea Pines is the premier community for oceanfront homes on the island. Recently, the luxurious and lavish set of beachfront addresses recently welcomed a new and enviable member: 15 Bald Eagle. The abode is astounding for many reasons, including the location, the quality of the construction and finishes, and the amazing team that put it all together.

Beyond the fact that the home claims a beachfront lot of more than half an acre in Sea Pines, also extraordinary is its proximity

The Jewel of Sea Pines

A rare blend of elegance, craftsmanship, and unparalleled beachfront living.

An Architectural Triumph by the Carolina Shore Where breathtaking views and innovative design come together to create a timeless masterpiece.

A stunning beachfront retreat crafted with exceptional design, state-of-the-art construction, and breathtaking ocean views.

to a walkway, with the beach path adjacent to the property, adding additional value to the location.

“Lots on the walkway are desirable because they are deeper at the end of the street on the ocean,” said Tristan O’Grady, listing agent and Realtor at COAST. “That allows for a larger house, more parking, or even a bigger backyard, depending on the architectural design.”

Because the location is just off South Beach Lane –one of the most coveted streets in Sea Pines – it is relatively unaffected by the traffic on Sea Pines Drive. It is also within a small hidden community only minutes from both South Beach and Harbour Town where there are opportunities for dining, shopping, boating, fishing, and more.

“This home is so unique and exceptional because it’s a combination of an oceanfront property in the desirable Sea Pines community; it’s a brand-new construction, which is a rare thing; it boasts extraordinary design and construction; and the interiors are impeccable,” O’Grady said.

Dream Team

A property of this caliber obviously doesn’t build itself and it doesn’t happen overnight. In 2020, the owners reached out to Dave Robertson of Robertson Design. Back then, an older house (built in the 1960s and about 4,000 square feet) sat on the lot. The owners were interested in buying it as an investment, updating it, and flipping it.

“After walking through the older home, I told them we should knock it down and build a new one,” Robertson said. “As it was, the bedrooms were very small, the views weren’t great, and the pool was also small. The location, though, was amazing, and I thought that we could really take advantage of it and utilize all the newest building technologies to build something brand new that would enable the owners to do very well when they sold it.”

Initially, the owners wanted to stick with a remodel. Robertson ended up designing a new house to sit on the existing foundation, while upgrading and expanding the foundation. His goal was to give them something that would maximize the number of bedrooms and the ocean views. His design was an “upside down” approach, situating the kitchen, the main common areas, and a couple of bedrooms upstairs for the best view, with more bedrooms and secondary common areas downstairs.

Outdoors, Robertson envisioned a special space where year-round entertaining is seamless from inside to outside with plenty of room to swim, lounge, cook, and dine.

Drawing the design is one thing, and fleshing it out is another. Robertson is quick to give credit where it is due. “This house sits on one of the biggest lots on the ocean,” he said. “It’s not very often that anyone gets to do something to this level. This kind of success is rarely the result of one person doing something spectacular, yet it is a collaborative effort and everybody who participated is really good at what they do.”

To accomplish the construction of Robertson’s design, the owners called in Michael Gump, general contractor at Bull Creek Management. With more than two decades in the industry as his foundation, Gump is poised to handle virtually every aspect of luxury home building along with the business of homeownership beyond the buildout, including one-time home inspections and maintenance, up to weekly, monthly, or quarterly inspections that will assist absentee owners as well as full-time residents.

“The fact that 15 Bald Eagle is oceanfront is the best feature any home on Hilton Head could possess, so we wanted to ensure that every possible feature of the build out would reflect and highlight the view and the level of quality of

amazing project,” Gump said. “It is the result of the team coming together to deliver the best ideas and give this home the ‘wow’ factor.”

The exquisite interior presentation is definitely a part of that “wow” factor. Beverly Serral of BestNest Vacation Properties and Beverly Serral Design, along with her co-designer Courtney May, delivered stunning finishing touches, including furniture and art.

“When Tristan asked if we would be interested in doing a proposal for the rental as well as the furnishing, outfitting, and equipping of the property, I didn’t

hesitate, because that’s exactly what we do best,” Serral said. “We love taking a property like this and highlighting its best features. In the case of 15 Bald Eagle, the quality construction was there, the quality of the features, the finishes, the electronics – all of these attributes were either planned or were already in place, so we took the inspiration from what was right in front of us and used that to make it into a BestNest/Luxe property, which is our design and rental concept for our stellar homes."

Serral and May used many different textures within the same color family, so there are a lot of basic neutrals against some of the more pronounced finishes. Then, they made color statements through the house in small ways through accessories or pillows or artwork, while the large pieces are neutral. The result allows the view to remain the star of the show.

“Our design concept of the space is to complement, not detract from, the view … where you look over the porch, past the outdoor space into the beautiful green landscape, and then on to the ocean,” Serral said. “That’s what is truly special about this part of the beach on Hilton Head. There is the maritime forest that you peer through to see the water, and it’s just magical.”

Defining Features

While the view is indeed magical, the home possesses some captivating features that elevate it to a whole other level of luxury, including 6,500 square feet, six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a flex room, and a direct oceanfront office.

The upper level living area is the show place and heart of the home. Wide open and with encompassing views, its design masterpiece is the cathedral ceiling and huge timber beams that are up lit and spectacular. Sliding doors open to a big deck where at least 20 people can comfortably mingle on the upper covered deck.

The kitchen features beautiful stone appointments and commercial grade appliances. The center island is a fantastic design and a gathering spot.

“We carefully chose the Lucite counter stools so they would slide under and kind of disappear,” Serral said. “Even though the dining room is closed on three sides, it is open to the rest of the gathering area, so it’s accessible and cozy all at once. We were also very fortunate to find an incredible dining table that seats 12.”

Every bathroom features stunning tile work and superior finishes, yet the master shower is exceptional.

“One of the more challenging and interesting places is the master shower, which is definitely above and beyond the traditional,” Gump said. “It consists of essentially a half-dome radius system, complicated not only to frame but to tile and light. We overcame the challenges through collaboration with my carpenters, electricians, tile guys, lighting designers, and the interior designer. We put our heads together to compile our own areas of expertise and the result is a beautiful work of art.”

Another work of art is also found in the primary suite – the closet.

“The master closet is truly one of the highlights of the home, and it came with a $100,000 price tag,” O’Grady said. “There is a beautiful center island, with soft touch drawers that are suede-finished, and the lighting is incredible. It’s a dream closet.”

The office space also dazzles. The design of that room and the placement is superb. The walls are drenched in color and the lighting is perfection. Serral and May finished it off with some functional yet interesting furnishings and accessories. A zebra rug on the floor is quite fun and unexpected in a coastal ocean front house. There is only one piece of artwork in the room – big and bold, but not

in the room – big and bold, but not colorful. Rather, it is white, against richly hued blue walls. On top of all that is the ocean view, which can’t be beat.

The outdoor oasis is livable year-round. There is a spacious and fully equipped, luxury outdoor kitchen and ample space for dining and lounging, both in the shade and surrounding the pool. The fire pit is sunken and surrounded by a collection pool, where the infinity edge pool spills over, providing a nice contrast between the elements of fire and water.

“I got the idea for the firepit from the ancient Romans who, of course, didn’t have air conditioning,” Robertson said. “They built moat-like pools surrounding their gathering

Excellent Location, Exceptional Team, Exquisite Construction

Every Detail Tells a Story

From the $100,000 master closet to the Roman-inspired pool, this brand-new home is the epitome of thoughtful and sophisticated oceanfront living.

spaces so that the breeze would pick up the water vapor to cool things off. I thought that would be an interesting addition and it really works. The pool has, without a doubt, been the most commented on element of the house. It’s a half-million-dollar pool and I think it shows every bit of that price tag.”

The stars were perfectly aligned for the final product: visionary architecture, state-of-the-art construction, inspired design, stellar location, impressive lot size, and extraordinary representation.

“When you add it all up, there has never been a brandnew house of this caliber in this market,” O’Grady said. “It is truly one of a kind.” 

Article by Sheila Tucker

Photography by M.Kat

Be Kind to Your Mind: The Practice of SelfCompassion

You cringe and sigh, concerned about the comment you made. “Did that make me sound like I have no idea what I’m talking about? Ugh. They must think I’m dumb.”

Or, “You should be so much further along in life. Why can’t you just get it together?”

That belittling voice in your head that tells you you’re not enough. You have absolutely no idea what you’re doing. And everybody else has it all figured out. Or the voice that tells you in no uncertain terms that you should’ve known better.

You spiral into a moment of self-reprimanding, finger-wagging, and punishing yourself. What is this voice? Where did it come from? Seriously, does it have any kindhearted commentary to pass along?

I do it, too. I’ve been known to chastise myself a time or two when I think I’ve made a mistake or a misstep. It’s an inner voice of shaming and “should”ing. It’s a voice that trails back to my younger years when I associated love with getting things “right” – whatever “right” means in the greater scheme of things.

Dr. Neff determined that self-compassion is made up of three components that create a framework for nurturing yourself, especially in moments of difficulty. They are:

- self-kindness versus judgment

- Common Humanity versus isolation

- mindfulness versus over-identification

What’s intriguing is the double standard at play. You see, I don’t treat myself with the same kindness and compassion that I’d give you if you’d done (or not done) the exact same thing. If it were you, I’d notice how hard you tried. I’d want to provide you with support. I’d give you grace.

See how drastically different those two scenarios are – the way I approach you and the way I approach myself?

Something tells me you might experience the same phenomenon. If your child or best friend comes to you upset about a recent interaction, you kick into compassion mode.

You’re curious about the other person’s experience. You’re quick to listen without judgment, helping them stop their self-punishing spiral and grab hold of kindness.

However, leaning into selfcompassion, well – that can be a little bit tricky.

The Challenge of Self-Compassion

Self-compassion seems to be one of those terms where you nod, thinking, “Yep, I know what that word means.” However, you might have more of a deer-in-theheadlights look when you’re asked to do it.

Suddenly, it becomes a nebulous concept, void of a tangible description.

Let me shed some light.

Psychologist Kristin Neff, a leading expert on self-compassion, describes it as “the process of turning compassion inward.”

“We’re kind and understanding rather than harshly self-critical when we fail, make mistakes, or feel inadequate,” she says. “We give ourselves support and encouragement rather than being

Psychologist

Dr. Kristin Neff

cold or judgmental when challenges and difficulties arise in our lives.”

At the heart of it, Dr. Neff determined that self-compassion is made up of three components that create a framework for nurturing yourself, especially in moments of difficulty.

They are:

Self-Kindness versus Judgment involves being gentle when facing difficulties, failing, or noticing something you don’t like about yourself. Instead of criticizing yourself harshly, you respond with warmth and care.

Common Humanity versus Isolation is the recognition that suffering and imperfection are universal. Everyone struggles; everyone fails. Understanding this can help reduce feelings of isolation when things go wrong.

Mindfulness versus Over-Identification requires observing your emotions and thoughts without judgment. It’s about acknowledging your pain without getting swept away by it or suppressing it.

Putting Self-Compassion into Practice

If you’re thinking, “Thanks, but how do I actually do it?” I have four ideas. Reframe. Start by changing the way you speak to yourself. When you catch yourself not being nice to yourself, pause and reframe your thoughts.

Be Kind to Your Mind: The Practice of Self-Compassion

Here’s one of my favorite ways to practice selfcompassion. It takes just a few moments:

- Situate yourself so that you’re comfortable.

- Place your hands on your heart.

- Breathe in and out.

- Repeat to yourself or out loud: “Whatever I do, wherever I am, I am enough.”

You might silently ask, “What would I say to a friend in this situation?” Then, offer those exact words to yourself. Remind yourself that you’re not alone in your struggles. Everyone experiences setbacks. Sharing your feelings with a trusted friend or therapist can help reinforce this perspective.

Notice. Take time to notice your emotions without judgment. Okay, there will likely be judgment. The key here is to notice it when it comes up. Practices like journaling, meditation, or pausing throughout your day to check in are helpful.

Prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This nurtures your well-being and reinforces the habit of selfcompassion.

Here’s one of my favorite ways to practice selfcompassion. It takes just a few moments:

• Situate yourself so that you’re comfortable.

• Place your hands on your heart.

• Breathe in and out.

• Repeat to yourself or out loud: “Whatever I do, wherever I am, I am enough.”

Self-compassion can create a ripple effect that extends to your community. When you practice kindness and understanding, you inspire those around you to treat themselves and others with more compassion. It’s a winwin experience.

Self-compassion also helps to create a more peaceful, balanced, and fulfilling life. So, the next time you face a challenging moment, take a deep breath, place a hand on your heart, and remind yourself that you are worthy of kindness, especially from yourself. 

Photography by Trey Middleton

The SpongeBob Musical splashes onto local stage

Dive into an unforgettable underwater adventure as talented performing arts students of Hilton Head Preparatory School bring The SpongeBob Musical to life February 5-9 at Prep’s Main Street Theatre.

This all-singing, all-dancing, high-energy production is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its dazzling performances, captivating story, and chart-topping musical numbers.

When the citizens of Bikini Bottom learn that a volcano is about to erupt, threatening to destroy their undersea home, SpongeBob and his quirky friends must band together to save their world. With hope hanging by a thread, an unexpected hero rises, proving that optimism and teamwork can overcome even the greatest challenges.

Based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg, The SpongeBob Musical features a book by Kyle Jarrow and an array of original songs by some of the biggest names in music. Audiences will enjoy tracks by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! at the Disco and more, including contributions from legends such as David Bowie. Conceived by Tina Landau, with additional lyrics by Jonathan Coulton and music by Tom Kitt, the musical is a masterpiece that promises fun and inspiration.

Directed by Patti Maurer, the school’s director of performing arts, this production promises to be a deep-sea pearl of a show.

“This production is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the power of community,” Maurer said. “Our students have poured their hearts into bringing this story to life, and we are thrilled to share their talent and passion with the community.”

Tickets are now on sale at hhprep.org. Don’t miss the chance to experience this vibrant, magical, and unforgettable musical event.

For more information, call (843) 671-2286. 

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN

Swinging for the Future

FIRST TEE – THE LOWCOUNTRY SCHOLARSHIPS HELP STUDENTS REACH FOR THE SKY

From its beginnings, the First Tee has been an organization dedicated to creating brighter futures. In schools and through programs across the country, this network of 150 chapters has helped countless students gain valuable life skills that propel them toward their goals.

Our local chapter, First Tee – The Lowcountry, has long been one of the broader organization’s most dynamic members. Through classes at their stunning Gumtree Road facility and in classrooms across Beaufort and Jasper counties, they have elevated our community’s youth and helped guide them to becoming exactly the kind of citizens we need.

This past year, they took that even further, granting one deserving student the inaugural First Tee – The Lowcountry Secondary Education Scholarship. Joshua Smith, last year’s winner, is using the funds he received to finance his education at the United States Air Force Academy.

“One thing most people don’t realize about the service academies is that students still have to come up with a fair amount of tuition money on their own,” said Pat Zuk, executive director for First Tee – The Lowcountry. “Joshua is a really good kid. He actually just came back to update on the board on how he’s doing. He’s getting into engineering. He is not only going to be great for the community at large, he’s also exactly who you want in the armed forces.”

Smith’s scholarship, presented this past April during the First Tee Gala, was spearheaded by national First Tee trustee and Palmetto Bluff resident John Bankhead. Awarding the scholarship in honor of his parents, he told C2 at the time, “That’s one of the things that drew me to (First Tee) – working with youth and setting up scholarships.”

This year’s scholarship will be granted to a deserving student from two stalwart benefactors of First Tee – The Lowcountry, Ken and Joan Campbell. Among the earliest donors to the then-fledgling program when it launched 11 years ago, the Campbells were only too happy to keep this invaluable scholarship going.

“When we explained it to Ken and Joan, they doubled the amount they were giving,” Zuk said.

The Campbells’ generosity will help another student this year as the beneficiary of the 2025 First Tee – The Lowcountry Post-Secondary Education Scholarship. Eligible students must be a current or former First Tee – The Lowcountry participant in their senior year of high school or currently enrolled in a post-secondary two- or four-year program with a minimum 2.0 GPA. They must also exemplify First Tee’s dedication to community, embodying the nine core values, participating in Life Skills classes and engaged in community service.

“For our donors like the Campbells and John Bankhead to make this kind of financial commitment is a real gift to us,” Zuk said. “Thanks to them, these young people can pursue whatever they want beyond high school, whether it’s a twoor four-year program or trade school.”

Interested students can apply through the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry or at firstteelowcountry.org.

Joshua Smith with Dr. Frank Rodriguez, superintendent of Beaufort County School District and students from First Tee – The Lowcountry.

Joshua with the Bankheads and Van Benschotens, First Tee trustees and donors

The open concept floorplan of the Cottrills' Palmetto Dunes home ensures everyone has a place to gather and connect while spending time at the beach on Hilton Head Island.

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

The thing with renovations is that they can sometimes get away from you. Sure, you just want to redo the porch, but then you realize the foyer now needs to be updated to match, then suddenly you have an entirely new house. Don’t misunderstand –we’re not saying that’s a bad thing. Because sometimes, as with this Palmetto Dunes home, letting that renovation snowball might just create something truly special.

“The Cottrills had owned the house for quite some time and spent several years defining how they wanted to use the home before embarking on such a large project,” said Brian Quinn of The Twelve Oaks Group. “They were

Keep What Works, Reimagine the Rest

PALMETTO DUNES HOME FINDS NEW LIFE WHILE HONORING ITS HISTORY

The dining area is accented with elegant coastal-inspired chandeliers.

BEFORE PHOTOS:

MASTER BEDROOM

KITCHEN

DINING AREA

LIVING ROOM

KITCHEN ISLAND + STOVE BAR AREA

committed to maintaining the original character of the house, but the design was outdated and did not work for how they used the home.”

Scott and Viv Cottrill, who split their time between Dublin, Ohio, and Hilton Head Island, have owned the home since 2013, putting it on the rental market while using it as a family gathering place until two years ago.

"For our family, this place has always been more than just a destination – it's been our ‘Happy Place.' It’s where memories have been made since we were kids, and now, it's where our children are creating their own. That is why we wanted to invest in our home – we wanted to create something beautiful for the next generation of our family to enjoy. Our hope is that this home will always be a place where our family gathers, celebrates and builds lifelong memories for years to come," reflected the Cottrills.

The changes to the home were sweeping, but meticulously considered in order to retain memories of the happy place that the family had known for so long, which has become particularly important as the Cottrills' children begin forming families of their own. With grandkids on the way, it was of utmost importance that each of the home’s six bedrooms be functional.

It was also a good opportunity to expand the kitchen, allowing for a greater flow in the main living spaces and

One of the most heartwarming uses of the home's original materials is the repurposed tile, bearing a paw print similar to that of the family’s first dog, Havana.

The entryway to the home is bright and welcoming.

A rope chandelier statement piece draws your eyes upward and welcomes you to the third floor.

letting in more natural light.

“It started as an outdoor space renovation, then it morphed into replacing the Mexican Saltillo tile that ran throughout the house. That got us looking at wood floors, and, before long it morphed into a whole-house renovation starting with the kitchen, dining room, and great room,” said Michelle Bichy of Indigo Design. “And then it grew into the upstairs area as well.”

Throughout the home, Michelle Bichy layered in colors and textures that softened the home’s previously darker tone, collaborating with Viv on a beachy motif.

“I wanted it to be welcoming but elegant. Livable, if you will. I relied a lot on Michelle because I couldn’t handle this project from Ohio. She implemented and executed everything, it was so simple and elegant,” Viv said. “I wanted it to look like the beach, with a lot of whites and blues. And I wanted everything washable, especially with grandkids and kids' dogs.”

“Viv has a keen sense of fabric and feel. It wasn’t just the look, it was the texture,” Bichy said.

That keen sense of texture is evident in the accents of metal and rope that wind throughout the home’s new look, manifesting in small details like the custom-made headboard and footboard in the master bedroom and in the stunning light fixtures and wooden beams in the main foyer.

The master bedroom, located on the third floor, is situated off of the veranda and has expansive ocean views.

“The beams in the foyer started with us trying to match the stain on the floor, but they worked excellently to divide the space since that entrance was so long and narrow,” Bichy said. “And the two pendant lights set in rattan convey that Lowcountry look while still being neutral.”

The transformation of the house, gradually making its way inside and upstairs, added much more than light and texture. A reshuffling of the rooms created a home that’s more open, welcoming, and better suited for the family.

“By reusing the existing footprint of the home and strategically rearranging the layouts and locations, the design greatly improved the flow and functionality, perfectly aligning with how the owners use the space,” Quinn said. “Redirecting spaces and relocating kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms within the same footprint is always a challenging task. It requires temporarily supporting the house, moving walls, rebuilding, and then re-supporting the structure on the new walls. At times, it can feel like solving a complicated puzzle.”

The kitchen, which had previously been at the center of the house, didn’t offer much space and was oriented away from the views. Moving it to the back of the home as part of a greater push to unify the great room, dining room, and kitchen not only created more room, but let it breathe in the scenery from the rear windows. A large wine closet and a bar were replaced with a smaller wine closet and a

The outdoor space on the third level has ocean views and several seating areas for enjoying dinner or evening cocktails alfresco.

The first floor bedroom has a large ensuite and is outfitted in cool coastal hues.

The bunkroom is perfectly outfitted for the imminent grandchildren and has its own ensuite bathroom, like every bedroom in the home.

pair of hutches on either side of the breezeway between kitchen and great room.

“That whole space was such a transformation from what it was originally. It was one of my favorite projects to work on just because of that change,” Bichy said.

And even with changes big and small, every decision was made with a mind to maintain the character of the home.

“The old Spanish tile flooring had a few marked pieces that were saved prior to the renovation and intentionally reused in spots throughout the house,” said Quinn. “Some of the original lighting and millwork details were also reworked and repurposed. The goal was to bring new life to the home while honoring its past, rather than discarding everything old.”

One of the most heartwarming uses of that tile flooring comes in the drinking station set up for the dogs. It bears a paw print similar to that of the family’s first dog, Havana. It’s a small detail, but one that speaks volumes about the dedication that went into creating something new while honoring what’s come before.

"We can’t speak highly enough about Brian Quinn and the Twelve Oaks team , as well as Michelle and the Indigo Design family," said Scott and Viv. "From the very beginning they listened to our vision, provided expert guidance, and delivered results that exceeded our expectations." 

Article by Heather Quinn

by Arno Dimmling

PURPOSEFUL INCLUSION YIELDS POWERFUL BENEFITS FOR ENTIRE COMMUNITY

Iam convinced that allowing yourself to connect with people and experiences that challenge and inspire your soul will continually introduce you to others who do the same. You begin to seek out those qualities in people you meet.

When I was invited to write about my dear friend Carol Bartholomew and her amazing nonprofit, Pockets Full of Sunshine, I knew I needed to reflect on the journey that led me to truly understand and value the power of community and Carol’s mission of inclusion for those with disabilities.

That journey started with a little boy. His name was Billy.

It was the summer of 1998, in Atlanta, Georgia, and I was 17 years old. Meeting Billy marked a pivotal moment in my life. At the time, I was

Photography

dating a high-school boy – a snobbish type who drove around in a flashy car.

Billy was a 10-year-old boy with Down syndrome, a person completely opposite of the “cool” high school life I was attempting to lead.

Billy was on my summer swim team and I had the honor of being his coach. Initially, I felt uncomfortable around Billy. I had never spent time with anyone with Down syndrome – or any developmental disability for that matter.

Billy was boisterous and full of life, yet he had exceptionalities that were different from other children I knew. He was one of five children whose busy mother had no choice but to include him in every activity his siblings participated in, regardless of his challenges. Billy was treated just like all the other kids – he was included in swim meets and summer pool shenanigans like intense games of Sharks and Minnows. Billy was right there, in the fray with everyone else.

What I was witnessing, but didn’t realize at the time, was the power of inclusion and the importance of community for all people, regardless of their exceptionalities. Inclusion is a mutually beneficial relationship.

For example, while I coached Billy on backstroke, he taught me to get over my concerns about what others thought about me. I was obsessed with outside appearances (as most teenage girls are), and Billy taught me the art of not caring what others think. He didn’t care what car my boyfriend drove or how cool I was or wasn’t – he just wanted my time.

Billy was authentically himself. During swim meets, he would stop mid-race and chant to the crowd, “I’m No. 1” while emphatically pumping his fist in the air, completely

unaware that he was going to come in dead last.

I didn’t fully absorb these lessons at the time but I did register the feelings of fulfillment and being more comfortable in my skin after being with Billy and his family. There was a completely opposite response when I was riding around with the high school boy in a fast car, pretending to be something I was not.

Summer eventually ended and I went on to my senior year, the high school boy left the picture (a welcomed departure, according to my parents), and Billy moved on, too. But I took with me the important lessons learned from that summer: Don’t date boys just because they have a fancy car and, more importantly, stepping outside my comfort zone and working with people like Billy left me feeling fulfilled.

I would go on to continue volunteering with children and adults with disabilities throughout college and in my early career in marketing. I earned my master’s degree in special education upon relocating to Hilton Head Island. All these steps would eventually lead me to Pockets Full of Sunshine.

More than a decade later, in 2013, Carol Bartholomew gracefully stepped into my life – quite literally, as she walked into the store I owned at the time. I was captivated by her deep love for her family. Like any devoted mother, she exuded great pride as she spoke of her three children, but her tone shifted as she shared concerns about her daughter, Sally, who had sustained traumatic brain injury as an infant.

Carol expressed her worries about the challenges ahead, as Sally was nearing the age when she would no longer receive special education services that had been crucial for their family. “At 21, individuals with disabilities lose access to school-based services, and the available programs are

limited,” Carol said. “It’s like they fall off a cliff, along with their families.”

As Carol wandered around the shop, she was inspired by a line of candles I carried, handmade by a group of adults with developmental disabilities in another state. I don’t recall the specifics of our early conversations, but I will always remember the way she looked at that candle!

Carol shared her desire to create a similar program for Sally and her peers – an on-going activity for them that would provide life skills and socialization, something they could be a part of. Even with my background in special education, I hadn’t truly considered this reality before.

Over the years, our paths would cross occasionally and we would become friends. I was extremely lucky to witness Carol’s hopes transform into reality when Pockets of Full of Sunshine (PFS) was established in 2015. Its mission is to offer “inclusive opportunities to connect with one another and the wider community, bringing a little more sunshine to the lives of adults with disabilities.”

PFS has become a thriving nonprofit that is deeply integrated into the greater Lowcountry community. Its remarkable growth and popularity are no surprise, thanks in large part to the creativity and dedication of co-founders Carol and her husband, RJ Bartholomew, Laurin Rivers, and Dayna Dehlinger, as well as the undeniable charm of the Rays, a term of endearment for the program participants.

PFS imposes no boundaries for the Rays. “I believe they are capable of anything with the right support. We strive to create high-quality experiences,” Rivers said. “We refuse to settle for the bare minimum! Our community is often offered hand-me-downs, but our participants deserve brand new, exciting opportunities that honor their dignity and respect.”

Rivers noted that all activities are free for the participating Rays.

Much like my initial swim lessons with Billy, my discussions with Carol about her steadfast commitment to supporting her daughter and her vision for fostering inclusion and community were inspiring.

For me, their mission is especially meaningful. I want my three daughters to experience the joy of collaborating with others outside their usual circles, just as I did with Billy. Our support for PFS has truly become a family affair; my husband participates in the Annual Clay Shoot, and we cherish every moment spent with the Rays.

The joy and laughter shared with them are unforgettable. We’ve belted out “Country Roads” alongside Gary during a karaoke night, picked pumpkins with Carter and Sophia at a Halloween event, and the girls still chuckle about a crafting session with Greg, who chatted them up for over an hour.

And let’s not forget the unforgettable dance party with Sally and the Bartholomew family, where my husband and I learned firsthand that RJ’s homemade margaritas are the best on the island, and Sally is in serious competition with the Quinn girls for best dance moves – though I must admit, Sally takes the crown (but don’t tell my daughters!).

This year is an exciting and important time for the PFS organization, as they prepare to move into their very own building – a dream that has long been in the making.

“This year is crucial for us, as we are currently renovating our new space and actively fundraising to complete it,” Rivers said. “Our organization is growing rapidly, and there is a high demand for our services.”

As PFS does not receive government funding, the primary challenge lies in raising enough money to finish the warehouse space and sustain the organization’s outstanding programs.

One of the key events driving their fundraising efforts is the PFS annual Clay Shoot, set for March 7 at the renowned Forest City Gun Club. This all-day event will kick off with a coffee truck, followed by a silent auction, five-stand warmup, safety clinic, exhibition, and more.

“Rain or shine, this event unites many generous individuals with a shared purpose,” Carol said. “On this special day, everyone – from the shooters and volunteers to the sponsors and the team at Forest City Gun Club –comes together to support the mission of PFS.”

Participants are encouraged to join the PFS Clay Shoot as team members or sponsors, and donations can also be made through the website, pocketsfullofsun.org. “It’s not about what you get; it’s about what you give that truly counts,” RJ said.

PURPOSEFUL INCLUSION YIELDS POWERFUL BENEFITS FOR ENTIRE COMMUNITY

PFS CLAY SHOOT

Date: March 7

Location: Forest City Gun Club

PFS is now accepting Team registrations at pocketsfullofsun.org.

Don’t wait until the last minute! This event sells out every year.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact

RJ Bartholomew at (843) 298-2201 or rjbartholomewjr@gmail.com.

For volunteer opportunities or general information, visit pocketsfullofsun.org.

What sets the PFS Clay Shoot apart is the involvement of the Rays, who play a crucial role in making the day memorable. Their presence adds a unique flare and sweetness to the event, as they assist throughout the day.

While the Bartholomews are humble about their work, I can personally vouch for and brag about the significant impact PFS has on the lives of the Rays and the strength it brings to the Hilton Head Island community. Just as Billy encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone,

What sets the PFS Clay Shoot apart is the involvement of the Rays, who play a crucial role in making the day memorable. Their presence adds a unique flare and sweetness to the event, as they assist throughout the day.

the transformative power of the Rays is undeniable and can uplift anyone.

In a world fixated on images of perfection, wealth, and success, if you find yourself feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed, volunteer with the Rays. I promise you’ll leave feeling lighter and brighter. I wholeheartedly encourage you to bring your family and attend the PFS Annual Clay Shoot, where you can meet the Rays. You won’t regret it! 

Article by Lynne Cope Hummell

Photography by M.Kat

NEXT TO NORMAL

For its first production of the 2025 season, Sea Glass Stage Company presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning Next to Normal, a musical that explores themes of mental health, trauma, loss, and the meaning of family.

The show will run Fridays through Sundays February 21-March 9 at Coligny Theatre, home of the nonprofit community theatre company.

While the themes might seem unusual for a musical, director Bryce Cofield sees it as a lovely work of art.

“It is truly a rare piece of theatre – it’s beautiful, heartbreaking, and utterly human,” Cofield said. “What drew me most was how it navigates themes of mental health, grief, and love with such unflinching honesty. It doesn’t shy away from the messy, complicated parts of life, and yet it offers so much hope.”

Next to Normal opened on Broadway in 2009, with music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. The musical won the Pulitzer in 2010, following 11 Tony nominations in 2009, winning Best Original Score, Best Actress, and Best Orchestration.

PULITZER-WINNING NEXT TO NORMAL OPENS SEA GLASS STAGE SEASON

The musical tells the story of Diana Goodman (portrayed by Jessica Walck), a mother who has been diagnosed with

The cast of Next to Normal rehearses a scene on the unfinished set at Sea Glass Stage Company's Coligny Theatre

bipolar disorder. She struggles daily, impacting her family in their “normal” suburban life. Her husband, Dan (Mark Erickson), suffers from depression and yearns to have a “perfect” family.

The cast also includes the Goodman children, Gabe (Elijah Taylor) and Natalie (Lily Beck), who has a boyfriend, Henry (Gavin West). Diana’s two psychiatrists, Dr. Madden and Dr. Fine, are played by Dan Franke.

“I couldn’t ask for a more talented, dedicated cast. They’ve poured their hearts into these roles, and it’s been incredible to watch them bring this story to life,” Cofield said. “Each actor brings so much authenticity and vulnerability – it’s truly moving.”

While the mother is the one recently diagnosed, the entire family is affected by her mental illness. It’s a story that resonates with multitudes of families,

NEXT TO NORMAL

“We chose this musical because we believe stories like this must be told. The musical is more than just beautifully written – it carries an important message about mental health and we believe it will spark conversations that need to be had."

as mental illness affects everyone from different perspectives – those suffering from it, those whose relatives suffer, and those who fear they might someday suffer from it.

“We chose this musical because we believe stories like this must be told. The musical is more than just beautifully written – it carries an important message about mental health and we believe it will spark conversations that need to be had,” said Alex Clark, founding member of Sea Glass Stage Company. “This is an aspect of the show that the Sea Glass team really valued and we’re excited to be bringing theatre like this to our stage!"

Clark also is stage manager for this production. Kathleen Morrisroe, chorus teacher at Hilton Head Island High School, is the music director.

Cofield has wanted to direct this show for more than a decade, he said. He even had a conversation about it with Erickson, now president of Sea Glass Stage, many years ago when they both were working on The Addams Family with Main Stage Community Theatre.

“Jump 10 years into the future, he and I reconnected … and we started talking about the possibility of me coming back to tell a story with Sea Glass Stage Company, and this was the first one that popped into my mind,” Cofield said. “He and the rest of the team at Sea Glass discussed it and agreed that this

Diana (Jessica Walck) reaches for her son Gabe (Elijah Taylor) as her husband Dan (Mark Erickson) and her psychiatrist (Dan Franke) consider her behavior.

was a story worth telling. When he called me back with the offer to direct it, I knew it was something I couldn’t pass up. This show is such a powerful, raw exploration of humanity, and as someone who has always been drawn to storytelling, that resonates on a deeply emotional level. It felt like the perfect fit.”

Though some themes might seem a bit dramatic, Cofield said “there are plenty of moments with light, humor, and healing. … These themes are universal. We’ve all

NEXT TO NORMAL

Weekends, February 21-March 9

Sea Glass Stage Company at Coligny Theatre

1 N. Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island sgstage.org

Henry (Gavin West) and Natalie (Elly Beck) share a moment in Next to Normal.

For this production, Sea Glass Stage Company is collaborating with NAMI LOWCOUNTRY, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. At each performance, NAMI volunteers will provide an information table in the lobby.

experienced loss, love, and the struggle to find balance in our lives. Next to Normal holds up a mirror to those experiences and shows us that we are not alone. It will make you feel – whether that’s joy, empathy, or catharsis. It’s theatre at its most honest, and I think everyone can find a piece of themselves in this story.”

For this production, Sea Glass Stage Company is collaborating with NAMI Lowcountry, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. At each performance, NAMI volunteers will provide an information table in the lobby. For more information about the organization, visit namilowcountry.org.

Following Sunday matinee performances, a talk back will be held with the director and cast members, as well as a NAMI representative.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. Coligny Theatre is located at 1 N. Forest Beach Drive on Hilton Head Island.

Tickets are $35 and are available at sgstage.org. 

A Celebration of Conservation: The 7th Annual Page Island Oyster Roast

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of Lowcountry charm, camaraderie, and conservation at the seventh annual Page Island Oyster Roast on Sunday, February 23. Hosted by The Outside Foundation, this cherished event offers a unique blend of natural splendor, coastal traditions, and a heartfelt mission: to get kids outside and protect and preserve local environments.

Page Island, a pristine gem tucked amid the waters of the Lowcountry, sets the stage for an experience like no other. From the moment you step onto the dock, surrounded by salt marshes, maritime forests, and the breathtaking tranquility of the intracoastal waterway, you’ll feel the profound connection between people and place. This is more than just an event; it’s an invitation to be part of something bigger, a chance to safeguard the beauty of our natural world while uplifting the next generation.

The Page Island Oyster Roast isn’t your typical fundraiser. It’s a celebration of community, nature, and tradition wrapped into one. Guests are welcomed to indulge in an all-inclusive day of Lowcountry splendor, complete with a classic oyster roast and Lowcountry boil, live music, and the opportunity to explore Page Island’s hidden treasures.

Adding to the festivities are a live and silent auction featuring an eclectic array of local art, handmade goods, exclusive experiences, and products that reflect the spirit of the Lowcountry. Every ticket sold and every auction

item purchased supports The Outside Foundation’s mission to educate and inspire stewardship among our community’s youth.

The event is designed for all ages, with kids’ meals, dietary-specific options, and activities ensuring every member of your family feels welcome. Whether you’re sipping a craft beer while listening to the soulful tunes of Cranford & Friends, wandering the island’s scenic trails, or connecting with fellow attendees, this day promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Arrive in Style: Choose Your Journey to Page Island

Part of what makes the Page Island Oyster Roast so special is the journey to get there. Guests have several options to suit their preferences, each offering a unique perspective on the beauty of the Lowcountry’s waterways.

• Catered Cruise from Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island: Begin your adventure aboard the iconic Spirit of Harbour Town, operated by Vagabond Cruises. This luxury vessel departs from the historic Harbour Town Marina in Sea Pines, where the journey starts with mimosas and panoramic views of Calibogue Sound. With space for up to 140 guests, this option promises both lively conversation and serene moments as you approach the island.

• Departure from Palmetto Bluff: For those coming from Bluffton, enjoy a relaxing voyage aboard Outside Hilton Head’s vessels, including the luxurious catamaran Ohana. With beverages and snacks served dockside before

Captions listed left to right, top to bottom: The Outside Foundation's former board president, Denise Spencer, with Jean Fruh and Mike Overton; John Cranford, Matt Robbins, and Eric Reid entertain the crowd at last year's event; Lynne Walker and Jessie Madden volunteer for the auctioning off of paintings by Amiri Farris; guests enjoy the steamed oysters; Jack Barnwell dumps out a basket of freshly steamed oysters for attendees of last year's Page Island Oyster Roast.

departure, this option ensures a seamless and scenic ride. The journey, like the event itself, reflects the heart of the Lowcountry lifestyle.

• Bring Your Own Boat: For the independent spirits, arriving by your own vessel allows you to tailor the experience to your own schedule. Dockhands will be ready to greet and shuttle you to the island, making your arrival just as effortless as it is breathtaking.

A Mission That Matters

The Page Island Oyster Roast is more than an event; it’s a beacon of hope for the environment and the children of Beaufort County. Every ticket sold directly supports The Outside Foundation’s initiatives, which include providing eco-education programs, promoting access to outdoor experiences, and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship among local youth.

At its core, The Outside Foundation believes in “Getting Kids Outside” – a simple yet transformative idea. For many children, access to nature can feel out of reach due to financial or logistical barriers. By attending this event, you’re not just enjoying an incredible day on Page Island – you’re helping ensure that every child in our community has the chance to kayak through the marshes, paddle along the waterways, and experience the magic of the natural world firsthand.

Page Island, accessible only by boat, is a true Lowcountry treasure. Its unspoiled landscapes, winding boardwalks, and secluded beaches make it the perfect venue for this intimate event. Whether you’re exploring its trails, soaking in the views from its docks, or savoring a plate of perfectly steamed oysters, you’ll feel the connection between the island’s natural beauty and the foundation’s mission.

Live music is an essential part of the Lowcountry experience, and this year’s entertainment will not disappoint. Cranford & Friends, a local favorite known for their soulful blend of rock, folk, and coastal charm, will set the tone for a lively and heartfelt afternoon. Their melodies will echo across the island, adding a soundtrack of joy to a day of celebration and purpose.

The Page Island Oyster Roast is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the soul of the Lowcountry while making a tangible difference. You’ll enjoy delicious food, breathtaking scenery, and the company of like-minded individuals who share your passion for conservation and community.

But beyond the oysters and live music, there’s a deeper meaning. By attending, you’re investing in a future where every child in Beaufort County has the chance to learn about, appreciate, and protect the natural world. You’re supporting a legacy of stewardship that will benefit our environment and our community for generations to come.

To reserve your spot or learn more, visit outsidefoundation. org/benefit. 

A LINE IN THE SAND

Note to the reader: We ran out of time to take new photos of Barry and Courtney before deadline, so this is a photo of two random kids from our stock photo site. Enjoy!

COURTNEY’S OPINION:

I think we’re destined to become our parents in some sense.

Shortly after we buried my father’s ashes in New Jersey, the media began reporting a series of nightly lights illuminating the North Jersey skies. Sure, it could have been the glow of the Budweiser factory bouncing off the Newark Airport tower. I am not saying it was my dad, but I am not saying it wasn’t. If you believe in signs, you might agree.

The morning of my father-in-law’s funeral, four years prior, I went for a run to clear my head. As I stepped outside, a cardinal appeared and continued to show up during my three-mile route. Most mornings since, a cardinal has greeted me as I open the garage door.

My father’s backyard was a bird sanctuary full of bird feeders and a birdbath. His garage was piled high with Amazon boxes of birdseed. We brought the birdbath to our backyard and set it beneath our 40-foot magnolia.

The tree was leveled, by a pine twice its size, during

Hurricane Helene. Somehow the birdbath survived unscathed. One week after Helene, when we arrived home from my father’s funeral, two cardinals were sitting together in the birdbath. We like to believe that my dad, Don, and my father-in-law, Arthur, are hanging out together in our backyard. We now have bird feeders in the backyard and a stockpile of birdseed in the garage. I have become my father.

Growing up, Florence and Jim were the “old people” across the street. They were probably no older than I am now, but they weren’t cool and hip like me and would yell if our soccer ball landed in their yard. I still have dreams about playing in the street and having to go into their yard. The nightmare usually ends with me falling into the lagoon that neighbored their lot. More fodder for my therapist I am sure, but I suspect Florence and Jim’s kids are yelling at their neighbors’ kids as I type.

I think we’re destined to become our parents in some sense.

I am mostly looking forward to that point when I no longer need to keep my edit button in check – when I can say whatever I want, with no repercussions, because I am

A LINE IN THE SAND

old. All of the “not at the dinner table” topics that were once taboo will be fully in play. My mother is good for at least one round of politics at all family gatherings and a smattering of POA smack. I can feel it coming.

Last night, my husband and I went to The Jazz Corner for dinner. When we arrived, there was a party of eight crowding the sidewalk outside the entryway. Before sliding past them, I leaned in and asked, “Have you checked in already?” to which the matriarch of the group replied, “Why is she asking me, like I am the expert here?” I made knowing eye contact with her daughter, who appeared to be about my age, and said, “No. I am asking you because you are blocking the entire entrance.” That is exactly what my mom would have said. I am her. She is me.

Just this morning I was working out, trying to calculate my reps, and forgot my multiplication tables. For the life of me I couldn’t remember what the sum of nine times six was. I panicked and thought, I am turning into my mother – because certainly she doesn’t recall that she tells the same POA story at every family dinner – and forgetting things is my fate.

Last year, I traveled with my niece, Erin. Our flight was grounded by an ice storm in St. Louis and we subsequently spent eight hours together in the Delta lounge in Atlanta. When we finally got home, she told her mother it was one of her favorite trips, because “Me and Aunt Courtney are basically the same person.” I’m sorry, Erin, but yes, soon, you too will become us. 

OBARRY’S OPINION: When and How Do We Become Our Parents?

ne of the challenges of writing this column –which you’ll recall was once a debate format – is that Courtney and I actually agree on quite a bit. For example, we had originally talked about framing this column around the bizarre lights that have been showing up in the night sky lately. I thought that might be something Courtney could get into since, like those lights, she comes from New Jersey by way of Jupiter.

Turns out we’re both convinced that the aliens have arrived and it’s time to take up arms (at least I think she said that. I wasn’t really paying attention when she responded). But then, Courtney posed a question whose very conceit was so bafflingly alien to me that I’m now convinced the real UFO was the cowriters we met along the way.

“At what age do we become our parents?” she asked. Until she asked that, I was unaware that this was an option. I share some traits with my parents, sure, but “becoming” them?

Bill and Linda Kaufman were responsible, respectable people at my age. As they mellowed into their 40s, they did things like saving for retirement and understanding how taxes work. I drive a bright yellow moped I bought on impulse and write stuff like this for a living. I’m sure I’ve paid taxes at some point, but God only knows to

whom.

Sure, there have been a few moments in the past few years when the icy hand of maturity has tightened its grip on me. I recently read not just one but three novels about World War II. I can no longer hear the buzz that electronics make when left on, but I can damn sure tell when a light has been left on in the house.

Just this past week, I watched PBS. And I ENJOYED IT. It’s not always a guarantee that you’ll become your parents. After all, you don’t live in the world they did. My junior year of college, two planes took out the World Trade Center and ever since, my entire adulthood has been one crisis after another. The dot com bubble. The great recession. Endless wars overseas. The housing bubble. COVID. Social media misinformation.

When they were in their 40s, my parents were dealing with … (checks notes) … the looming threat of more Rocky sequels. OK, so we were all dancing on the brink of nuclear annihilation, but when aren’t we? The point is, my parents and I are not experiencing the same world, and it has molded us into very different kinds of adults.

I imagine it will be the same for my kids. Maybe they won’t be jumping from crisis to crisis as they enter their 40s but I’m not exactly holding out hope. All I can do is hope that I’ve done the one thing I do feel like I share with my parents: the willingness to prepare their children for anything. In good times, it means keeping a tidy house, a healthy stock portfolio, and a positive outlook. In times like these, it means hopping on the moped and getting ready for the alien invasion.

Good luck, kids! 

SHARING OUR LOVE FOR HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Love. Writers, poets, philosophers, religious leaders, and even scientists have sought to define and explain it. Some would call it “a many splendored thing,” others doubt it from time to time, and many would say you just know it when you feel it.

This month, you have a chance to show our community some love through event attendance and a fun social media challenge. Here’s a quick summary:

• Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration: A month-long series of events designed to share the rich heritage and history of the Gullah people on Hilton Head Island. To learn more about this chance to immerse yourself in our local Gullah culture, check out gullahcelebration.org.

• On Saturdays throughout the month (and the rest of the year), head over to Shelter Cove Community Park for the Hilton Head Community Market to support local artists, makers, and other small businesses. Visit hhicommunitymarket.com to learn more.

• After Valentine’s Day, stretch your legs in the Hilton Head 5K on February 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lowcountry Celebration Park and various island pathways, or in the Hilton Head Marathon and Half Marathon on February 16 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jarvis Creek Park and various island pathways. Registration and more details are available at hhmarathon.com.

• Don’t forget about the week-long series of events culminating in the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival at Honey Horn on February 21 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and February 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. To learn more about this almost-20-year island tradition, visit hiltonheadseafoodfestival.com for a full schedule.

• On Facebook, Instagram, and X (formally known as Twitter), throughout this month, the Town of Hilton Head

MAYOR

WELCOME TO BLUFFTON’S NEWEST AND LARGEST

PARK

It is with great pleasure that I welcome residents and the Greater Bluffton community to the opening of the New Riverside Barn Park. This is the town’s newest and largest park, and the first to be located in the New Riverside section, the town’s fastest growing area.

Situated at the intersection of Highway 170 and Highway 46, this 37acre park is an example of Bluffton’s commitment to projects that create an “outdoor living room” and open space for relaxation and recreation. Top priorities of Town Council are land preservation and enhancing the quality of life for residents – this project accomplishes both objectives.

The journey to bring this park to life began in December 2018 with the acquisition of the property. Since then, town leaders and staff have worked tirelessly to create a space that reflects the beauty of our town. Public input has been at the heart of this process.

In October and November 2019, Town staff hosted input sessions and conducted surveys to gather feedback on desired park features. Reviewing more than 370 responses helped shape the park’s vision. The top requests included multipurpose trails, restrooms, a nature-blending playground, picnic shelters, and a repurposed barn for events. The park has all those features.

A Note from Hilton Head Island Mayor, Alan Perry

A Note from Bluffton Mayor, Larry Toomer

Don’t forget about the week-long series of events culminating in the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival at Honey Horn on February 21 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and February 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. To learn more about this almost-20-year island tradition, visit hiltonheadseafoodfestival.com for a full schedule.

Island is asking those who love our island oasis to define that love through a fun social media campaign called “MyHHILove.”

It’s simple: Take a photo, share a video, write a post, pick a favorite quote, or find another creative way to share your love for Hilton Head Island. Then post it on social media as #MyHHILove, and challenge three friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers to do the same.

Our Town communications team will keep track of the challenge through the hashtag and will select winning contributions to the campaign that demonstrate one or more of these community core values: environmental sustainability, parks and recreation, inclusive community, right-sized infrastructure, and modernized economy. We will celebrate the winners via follow-up posts in early March.

How will you define your love for our community? Ready, set, share the love! 

Guided by community suggestions, Town Council approved the park’s master plan in June 2020. The park’s development has been strategically divided into phases. Phase 1, completed in December 2023, included essential infrastructure such as grading, drainage, roads, trails, parking, and utilities. Phase 2, currently underway, features a multimillion-dollar investment to bring life to key amenities, including the 2,700-square-foot-iconic barn renovation, destination playground, picnic shelters, restrooms, and improved signage and lighting. The playground, restrooms, and trails opened at the end of January.

Looking ahead, the final phase of development is set to include nature trails through the wooded portion of the site, an event pavilion, and a Public Services maintenance facility.

The barn venue is scheduled to be available by the end of 2025. The barn and portions of the park will be available for private and public events. We anticipate the barn to be Bluffton’s most sought-after wedding venue. The town’s event team members are also planning new town events to be held there, such as a holiday market, concerts, and movies in the park.

The New Riverside Barn Park is a place where families will gather, friends will connect, and memories will be made. From hosting oyster roasts to enjoying a peaceful walk along nature trails, this park will serve as a hub for community.

The town is honored to have this venue added to Bluffton’s park portfolio. On behalf of town leaders and staff, we look forward to all the event opportunities this venue offers our community. 

A Note from Larry Toomer continued

Article by Jesse Blanco

Snow days behind us mean festivals ahead

The irony behind the fact that I sit here writing this piece looking out a window onto a winter wonderland is not lost on me. Winter Storm Enzo just rolled through our region. leaving behind – in most cases – a beautiful blanket of snow to see and enjoy for a day or so.

Most of us made our way outside for a rare winter frolic or slide down a slope. Meanwhile, those of you who thought you had left this behind just had to deal for a couple of days. The good news is, this only happens twice or so per decade, not per month.

Two days of treacherous travel conditions is enough to make a Southern belle cry “Uncle” and beg for a spring thaw. I don’t think they are alone. A couple of days are not only enough, but a decent reminder of some of the reasons why we live here in the first place.

The good news is, we are unlikely to see anything like Winter Storm Enzo again this year. Lord, I hope not, anyway. We can get on with what it is that we do around here in February, and that’s start making our way back outside to enjoy the beautiful weather.

That’s where this discourse intersects with the Hilton Head Seafood Festival, my favorite event of the year on the island, to be held February 17-23. Correct me if I am wrong, but it is also one of the most popular.

Once again, the stage is being set to not only offer attendees some of the best culinary experiences this island offers, but also, importantly, to raise a significant amount of money for area charities. Raising money for the David Carmines Memorial Foundation is the whole reason this event was put together once upon a time in the parking lot at Hudson’s Seafood. The old timers remember.

Saturday’s main event at Honey Horn is one of the island’s finest celebrations of the year, with live music, great food and drink, and a beautiful afternoon. Equally as important, and I stress it every year, is the Friday night Pig Pickin’ and Oyster Roast. Most years it is the first to sell out – as the locals know. Most of the tickets for that get snapped up in the fall as soon as they are made available. It is one of the most beautiful events of the year, with the Friday night event at Concours d’Elegance giving this one a run for its money. It’s well worth looking into.

Thursday night’s Zero Forks Given in the courtyard at the Omni Beachfront Resort is another favorite. At press time, tickets remain available for that one.

A new event this year is Asado by the Sea, a beachside grill fest being held at the Beach House Resort at Coligny Circle. If we can steal a beautiful evening back from Mother Nature, this will be the most under-the-radar event of the week. It is being held on Wednesday night, February 19.

Beyond that, there are master classes to teach knife skills, and there are small, intimate tasting events, and the annual Sunday morning “Kegs and Eggs” at Lincoln and South Brewery. Very obviously, there is something for everyone that week, in all kinds of price ranges.

If you can’t tell, I look forward to this week every single year. It not only gives me an opportunity to spend the better part of a week on the island, but it has also begun to serve as my “green flag” on the spring season. I cannot wait.

Now if you will excuse me, I’m going back to my window to watch the neighbor trying to shovel snow off of their front steps with a plastic dustpan.

Thanks, Enzo. Be a stranger, why don’t ya. 

The Hilton Head Seafood Festival returns February 17-23 with a mutitude of culinary events.

A guest at the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival enjoys raw oysters and a glass of wine.

FEBRUARY 2025 EVENTS