CH2 Magazine: February 2023

THE PET ISSUE

FEATURING

75+ PHOTOS OF CUTE AND CUDDLY PETS!

SOME FINE CANINES (AND ONE FINE FELINE)

Meet the shop dogs (and cat) that make the Lowcountry a great place to sit and stay

5 WAYS PETS MAKE US BETTER HUMANS

MARTINA THE THERAPY DOG

Bringing hope, joy, and smiles to seniors and special needs adults

MOJO’S ISLAN D RECORDS

Putting the Wax Back in Our Ears

WHAT’S INSIDE

SOME FINE CANINES (AND ONE FINE FELINE)

Meet the shop dogs (and cat) that make the Lowcountry a great place to sit and stay.

MARTINA

THE THERAPY DOG

Bringing hope, joy, and smiles to seniors and special needs adults

PUTTING THE WAX BACK IN OUR EARS

A Tennessee record collector and his wife bring the vinyl wave to the shores of Hilton Head Island

ORDAINED BY POD

The Lowcountry’s resident ace reporter and her trusty producer took a moment away from their ultra-popular podcast to tie the knot.

GENIUSES AT WORK

The Referee

Maggie Marie Washo

Miss Livin' My Best Life

Carolyn Hunter Kostylo

Master of Coin

Marion Elizabeth Bowser

Rainmaker

Kim Conrad Crouch

Master Handshaker

“Just Kandace” Cunningham

Lead Door Knocker

Morgan Ambler

Talent Delivery Specialist

Kaila Jeffcoat

Mascot in Training

Buoy Conrad Crouch Pritchard

The Gatekeepers

Greta Von Bowser

Vincent Von Bowser

The Cut & Paste Crew

Catherine Davies

Aspiring Novelists

Amy Bartlett

Jesse Blanco

Becca Edwards

Linda S. Hopkins

Barry Kaufman

Cheryl Ricer

Lisa Sulka

Matt Stock

Sheila Tucker

Lighting Experts

Leslie Lynn Photography

Krisztian Lonyai

Focal Point Photography

Two Lights One Stand Photography

Find Us Here PO Box 22949

Hilton Head Island, SC 29925

843.816.6247

maggie@ch2cb2magazine.com

Editor's Note

FEBRUARY 2023

HOW TO NOT DIE ALONE … BUT ALSO DOGS!

Ever since I made the conscious decision to choose knowledge (reading books) over murder (podcasts like Dateline), I’ve been cruising through a plethora of suggestions from Amazon and my friends. Last month, while photographing January Snow for our special section on nurses, we had a chat about some favorite reads. I was telling her about Dave Asprey’s The Game Changers, and she suggested The Mountain is You (which I highly recommended to multiple people who have now also benefited).

This month, in honor of the artificial month of love that florists and greeting card companies conspired to invent (also known as Singles Awareness Day), I figured I should read about relationships. I’ve been blissfully single for over a decade, so this is not in my wheelhouse. I promptly pulled up Google and typed “books on relationships.”

The first thing that caught my eye was Logan Ury’s How to not Die Alone. The cover art depicting simple bold type with a cartoon graphic of two toothbrushes facing each other in primary colors got my attention. Is it the best book on relationships? After reading it, I assure you it is not. But as someone in the business of graphics and words, I’m here to tell you that stuff matters; she got my money.

Ury studied psychology at Harvard, and was the director of relationship science at Hinge, so she’s pretty much a nerd. She’s also only 30 years old, so take that as you will. Her take on finding a mate is scientific. Don’t date the guy you’d take to the prom; choose the one who will carry your purse in the cancer clinic and be a team member when you’re caring for aging parents. Choose the responsible guy who isn’t going to forget to pick up your kids at school.

As a relationship coach, she sees three types of people who can’t seem to find love: the Romanticizer (in love with love, you grew up on Disney movies, and you are looking for Prince Charming); the Hesitator (you want to be the very best version of yourself before you open your life up to a significant other); and the Maximizer (you’re sure the perfect person is out there, you just haven’t met them yet).The book includes

a quiz you can take to determine which dating style is holding you back.

My takeaway from this book was, maybe you should lower your standards. I’m laughing as I write this … and I’ve had a chuckle with several friends as I tried to recap this book. There were, however, some interesting facts and real studies about relationships—like 69 percent of relationship problems will be recurring. An example of this is you like to wake up at 6 a.m. but your partner is a night owl. This will cause problems—and your patience and problem-solving abilities will be helpful in navigating a relationship like this. Another example is he hates your mother but she’s your best friend; or she loves Slipknot but he prefers Anne Murray.

If you’re afraid of dying alone and that is the main thing you are considering when it comes to marrying or not, then by all means, run out and buy this book. I’m sure you’ll find it helpful. I’d rather just get a dog or two.

And speaking of dogs, this is my favorite issue! These pages are chock-full of pet articles and your adorable four-legged friends. We tried to get as many of your pet photos in as possible, so please forgive us if your pooch didn’t make it. We receive hundreds of submissions every year, and the pages are filled in the order we receive them.

If you are happily married and looking for a way to celebrate this month of love with your spouse, Linda Hopkins shares some fun date ideas on page 77. Everyone’s favorite local podcasters, Mandy and David, recently tied the knot. We get a peek into their special day on page 82.

Other highlights in this issue include a feature on Full Spectrum art studio (page 108), Becca Edwards’ article with Seven Tips to start your day off better, and our continuing series, Neighborhood Stroll which highlights Ribaut Island.

We hope you enjoy our February issue … and here’s to not dying alone. 

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY 2LIGHTS, 1STAND

SOMe FiNe CaNinEs

FineandoneFeline

MEET THE SHOP DOGS (AND CAT) THAT MAKE THE LOWCOUNTRY A GREAT PLACE TO SIT AND STAY

Why do we love pets so much? It’s something we almost take for granted, that among the billions and billions of species on this earth, none of them seem to have been put here specifically for humans the way that dogs and cats were. Of course, we played some small part in that, luring wild wolves and panthers into our caves with promises of belly rubs and the stone age equivalent of kibble and then promptly domesticating them.

But there’s a school of thought that this might have been a two-way street, that even as we were domesticating dogs and cats, they were domesticating us. Dogs showed us the value of hunting in a pack, kickstarting our advancement from nomadic tribes to communities that work together for a common goal. Cats, on the other hand, taught us that we need to provide a comfortable home for them, spurring us to move out of the caves and into condos.

And how do we thank them for taking us from spears and rocks to iPhones and memory foam? By giving them all they ever ask for—namely our unconditional love. On the following pages we’re giving some of our island’s favorite dogs the answer to that eternal question: “Who’s a good boy/girl?”

They are, and we couldn’t be happier that they’re here.

BEAN

If you happened to notice an air of sheer jubilation around Shelter Cove Towne Centre a while back, it was just a celebration of the triumphant return of Birdie James’ resident greeter, Bean.

“Bean is a staple at Birdie James,” owner Michelle Taylor said. “It makes his day to come in and greet people.”

Visitors returned his enthusiasm wholesale, sometimes making trips into the shop just to see him, and occasionally bringing their own fur babies in for a sniff. So, when this precocious 4-year-old Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and miniature poodle) had to take a sabbatical, people noticed.

“It was different in here for sure,” Taylor said. Bean’s four-week absence was due to emergency surgery for damaged disks that had left his back legs paralyzed. Taylor was by his side the whole time, nursing him back to health and keeping fans posted on Instagram. And when he was ready to resume his duties as shop dog, those fans were as thrilled as he was.

“He didn’t skip a beat when he came back,” Taylor said. “It’s what he knows.”

“Bean is a staple at Birdie James. It makes his day to come in and greet people.”

- Michelle Taylor

RIVER

Some shop dogs are there to give a store a sense of comfort and welcome. Some are there to serve as mascots. At Adventure Pediatric Dentistry, when River is in, she is all business.

“She’s probably helped more kids than I have, to be honest,” owner Dr. James Mason said. That’s because this three-and-a-half-year-old mini goldendoodle is more than just a wide smile and a cheery disposition. She has been specially trained for working in a dental office, with concentrations in helping anxiety and connecting with those on the autism spectrum.

“She’ll walk the office making her rounds and if someone is giving off that vibe that they’re nervous, she’ll just come and sit next to them,” Mason said. Dental anxiety is no joke, but having a furry face and floppy ears nearby works wonders.

“At work, she knows she has to have a calm demeanor,” Mason said. “But at home, she acts just like a normal puppy.”

“She’s probably helped more kids than I have, to be honest.”

- Dr. James Mason

ALBE

English Cocker Spaniels are renowned as show dogs, wowing judges with their keen intellect, caring dispositions and big, floppy ears. Albe is a different kind of English Cocker Spaniel. Field bred, he is an offshoot of the breed designed for hunting.

As the shop dog of the local Charles Schwab office of Fred Gaskin, Albe is always on the hunt for one thing: attention.

“He really is kind of a people person of a dog. He wants to be around people, and he loves coming to work,” Gaskin said. Named for Albemarle, North Carolina, where Gaskin’s dad grew up, Albe is able to rein in his rambunctious spirit and present a professional profile during his day job, thanks to extensive daily walks.

“He gets a five-mile walk every morning,” Gaskin said. “And as much as he’s off leash, he probably does double or triple that.”

At the end of a long day as Charles Schwab’s office dog, Albe has someone special to come home to: a stuffed animal named Horsey. “He knows the name Horsey by heart,” Gaskin said. “You say, ‘Go find Horsey,’ and he’ll search the entire house until he finds it.”

It’s been said that we choose dogs, but cats choose us. For the staff of San Miguel’s, Nuts is definitely one of those cats who chose them.

“We probably got him in 2018. He just showed up and decided he was going to live here,” said Marianne Laskowitz, owner of San Miguel’s. He was allowed to stay for two reasons. The first being that he’s a cat and therefore not amenable to discussion. The second is that he’s just such a treat for guests of the restaurant.

“He is incredibly handsome, and he’s the friendliest cat,” Laskowitz said. “If someone thinks they’re not a cat person, they’ll start rubbing his belly and change their mind pretty quickly.”

He’s so beloved, in fact, that when he required a tooth extraction, patrons of San Miguel’s covered the expenses, a few bills in the tip jar at a time. And when Nuts so much as glances at his favorite regulars, he’s sure to get a few scraps.

“Although I don’t know how anyone could look at him and think he’s hungry,” Laskowitz said, noting that he gets fed cat food regularly on top of his treats. “He’s close to 15 pounds, but he still has the moves.”

CHARLIE

If Chuck Hall lived on a ranch, he would have 10 or 15 Charlies. As it stands, the owner of Palmettoes has space enough in his life for one Charlie, but that’s plenty.

“He loves to sit on the console of the car and tell me how to drive,” Hall said with a laugh. That’s just because Charlie is excited to get to work at Palmettoes where he serves as the mascot for the “destination shopping” hotspot. Out front or in his playpen toward the back, this Giant Yorkshire Terrier has proved to be a hit with customers, many of whom make the trip just to see him.

And while Charlie loves greeting two-legged customers, he goes wild about the four-legged ones. “He loves other dogs. We socialized him very heavily as a puppy,” Hall said.

When he’s not at Palmettoes, you can usually find Charlie walking Harbour Town with Hall as part of their 3.5-mile daily power walk.

JEAN LUC

Some dogs are office dogs, some are helpers. French bulldog Jean Luc is a star. Just ask his legion of loyal followers who watch his “Jeanlucountry” Instagram account looking for the latest fashionable updates.

“He loves turtleneck sweaters, long walks on the beach and a chilled rosé,” deadpanned Meredith Bannon, Jean Luc’s owner along with husband Jim. Partners in marriage and dog ownership, the couple are also partners in Bannon Law Group, where Jean Luc spends some of his time (when he’s not #winning as a global influencer).

“He loves people and, obviously, he loves attention,” Meredith said. “He’ll come up and just snuggle his little head up against you.”

A powerful one-two punch of brains and beauty, Jean Luc is perhaps at his happiest when he is developing his intellect on his tummy time playmat. “I think he’ll be the smartest puppy at daycare,” Meredith said.

If nothing else, he’ll certainly be the most famous.

Perhaps no symbol of Hilton Head Island is as enduring as the iconic profile of Jake the Salty Dog. Decked out in his signature rain hat, Jake’s face on The Salty Dog Café logo has found its way onto T-shirts, hats, bumper stickers and keychains around the world. So, imagine the intimidation factor of stepping into such an iconic role at just six months old. So far, this flat-coat retriever is handling it with flying colors.

“He’s in training now,” said Brittany Jackett, marketing director for The Salty Dog, Inc. “You’ll see him down there roaming around South Beach Marina saying hi to everyone. Once he’s ready, he’ll be a little more paws-on.”

The sixth in a line of Jakes that stretches back to the beginning, this Jake lives with COO Tim Stearns where he’s being groomed to carry on the Salty Dog legacy. “He’s spunky enough, but he’s also great about chilling out on the dock and getting petted during photo shoots,” Jackett said. “The other day, we had him down there putting on a show.”

It sounds like the show is just beginning for this young pup.

JAKE

“You’ll see him down there roaming around South Beach Marina saying hi to everyone. Once he’s ready, he’ll be a little more paws-on”

- Brittany Jackett

PENNY

It takes a lot of personality to stand out in a place like ArtWare, where eye-catching curious and side-splitting gags line the shelves in a kaleidoscope of artistic inspiration. Fortunately, Penny is more than up to the task.

“She was found as a stray on the streets of San Antonio, Texas. I found her through Pet Finder when searching for an Airedale mix,” owner Jennifer Megliore said. “My goal is to spoil her so much that she can never remember a time she wasn’t loved.”

She has help, as visitors to the store love taking a break from shopping to pet Penny and take selfies with the famous shop dog. “She’s a friend to everyone,” Megliore said. “Except squirrels. Those, she wants to eat.”

And while she didn’t get any squirrels, she did receive love and well-wishes from her loyal followers during her recent “Gotcha Day,” celebrating her third year as the official shop dog of ArtWare.

“My goal is to spoil her so much that she can never remember a time she wasn’t loved.”

- Penny Megliore

Owner and handler Jennifer Rulli, at home with Martina.

Article By Cheryl Ricer . Photography by 2lights, 1stand

the therapy dog

These days, it’s not uncommon to see all kinds of pets in all kinds of places. Recently, someone posted a picture of a couple of sunbathers on the beach lounging beside their pet duck who seemed to feel right at home. More and more hotels and restaurants are becoming pet friendly, and many eating establishments will happily prepare a chicken tender or offer up a bowl of ice cream for your pampered pup.

While our pets have long been considered family members, now pets are even eligible for qualification as therapy animals for patients in hospice and assisted living facilities. Pet therapy has been shown to improve patient satisfaction, energy levels, self-esteem, and mood, as well as decrease depression. Additional benefits include increased motor skills and movement, improved social skills and verbal communication, decreased boredom, and a more positive outlook.

Jennifer Rulli, dog owner/handler and volunteer with Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, does dog therapy work with Martina (“Marti”), her Great Pyrenees. The two of them have also worked at three assisted living homes and with Pockets Full of Sunshine, an organization that provides opportunities and connections for adults with special needs.

Rulli first began pet therapy with Marti at the suggestion of her sister who recognized the dog’s exceptional temperament. “My sister recommended that I bring Marti to Pockets Full of Sunshine, and when my family saw how great

she was with the ‘Rays’ at Pockets, my dad recommended that I reach out to The Preston Health Center at Cypress where my grandmother was a resident,” Rulli said. “Eventually, we branched out to The Pines and to Seabrook as well.”

Once Rulli experienced the success that Marti was having with the assisted living residents, she made the decision to have her certified as a hospice therapy dog, a certification which requires training and the ability to pass certain tests of character. Therapy dogs must have attained adulthood, with many organizations not allowing puppies under a year old. Additionally, hospice therapy dogs are required to pass the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test for obedience, which includes 10 specific tasks. These elements are extremely important when any therapy dog is in public; 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: This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.

• Sitting politely for petting: This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler.

• Appearance and grooming: This test demonstrates that the 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

Bringing hope, joy, and smiles to seniors and special needs adults

care, concern, and sense of responsibility.

• Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead): This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog when the dog is walking on a leash.

• Walking through a crowd: This test demonstrates that the 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: This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler’s cues to “sit” and “down” and will remain in place (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers).

• Coming when called: This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler.

• Reaction to another dog: This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs.

• Reaction to distraction: This test demonstrates that the dog is always confident when faced with common distracting situations.

• Supervised separation: This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners.

Perhaps even more impressive and interesting than Marti’s intelligence and compassion, though, is her back story—how she was found and rescued. Rulli was formerly the vice president of a dog rescue in Indiana. In

Martina comforting Dogwood (Preston health Center, Cypress) memory care resident , Sara Browner, who was having a sad day.

The staff at Forsythe Jewelers in Sea Pines Center always welcome Marti to their shop.

January 2019, the rescue president, Rulli’s best friend, was out in a snowstorm in farm country when she happened to spot a pair of black eyes and black nose peeping out from a blanket of snow, barely visible.

“Marti was less than a year old at the time and had become tangled in barbed wire,” Rulli said. “My friend cut Marti out of the wire, put her in the vehicle, and took her back to the rescue. We looked for the owners on Lost Pets, but because she was underweight, with long nails and long, matted, dirty hair, we doubted anyone would claim her.”

The rescuers decided that even if someone claimed Marti, they would not release her due to the neglect. It was clear that Marti had wandered off, most likely because she thought she didn’t have a flock to guard, or her family didn’t give her enough attention. She was looking for her herd—her pack. Since no one claimed her, Marti stayed at the rescue where Rulli was working.

“She was happy as a clam there with the other dogs,” Rulli said. “I’d be cleaning kennels, and suddenly I’d feel this weight on my shoulders and see two big white paws on my back. ‘Oh, hi Martina!’”

Occasionally Rulli would bring Marti home with her for sleepovers with her other two Great Pyrenees mixes and Shih tzu. The pack got to know Marti and bonded with her as part of the family. However, back at the kennel, while Rulli and her husband were on one of their trips to Hilton Head, Marti’s kennel mate had been adopted and Marti became depressed. Rulli’s friend and kennel

president asked if Rulli and her husband would be willing to foster Marti until a suitable home could be found. So, in May of 2020, a couple of the Indiana rescue volunteers brought Marti to Hilton Head to foster with the Rullis.

Soon, however, the foster became a permanent home, and Marti gained a rewarding career and became a blessing to lots of Hilton Head seniors. Now Rulli and Marti visit nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice families four days a week.

“Every visit from Martina is like a calming spirit that brings such peace and comfort to everyone,” said Celia Furr, CDP, Memory Care at Preston Health Center.

Marti gets folks to do things they have never been able to do. At the Preston, there are two patients with whom Marti does physical therapy. As stroke victims,

The folks gathered at The Pines of Hilton Head enjoying their Thursday visit with Martina Nick, one of the Rays with Pockets Full Of Sunshine, giving Marti some love.

they don’t have control of one side of their body, so part of their therapy is to reach out and touch Marti. Rulli explains that sometimes it takes 15 minutes or more for them to raise their arm, but they do it, and usually there are tears all around.

“Her kind eyes do so much to me,” said Beverly, Preston Health Center resident. “I can’t stop petting her.”

“Martina communicates on a level that we humans cannot reach,” said Lori Decicio, RN, Preston Health Center. “It’s a completely and deeply emotional level.”

Visits with Marti provide patients and residents with the opportunity to have physical contact with another living creature, which is crucial since many elders lack physical stimulation and warmth in long-term facilities. Since touch is a basic need that never leaves us, these animals can fill that void without judgement or expectations of reciprocity.

At the nursing homes, the staff will typically assemble the residents in a circle, then Marti will go from person to person and back around again greeting people and allowing them to pet her. “Marti is wonderful with people,”

Bringing hope, joy, and smiles to seniors and special needs adults

said Jackie Mistler, RN, at Seabrook. “Residents light up when Martina enters the room.”

Dogs are a great antidote for depression; they stimulate positive feelings and may evoke memories and warm thoughts of past pets. Marti’s visits make people feel alive and important rather than alone and forgotten. She can also help those who have pets at home to try to rehab quicker so they can return to their pets.

Recently, Rulli was referred to Christina Colella, The Pines Hilton Head activities director, by a Pines resident who had gone to the Preston for physical rehabilitation where she met Marti. “Fran loved Martina so much that she wanted to see her when she returned home to the Pines,” Colella said. “Martina has brought our residents so much joy and sparked so many memories. They will sit and talk about their memories and how much they love Martina even after she leaves. Having these positive long-term memories helps many residents pull out of their states of withdrawal, isolation, and paranoia. What a blessing Martina is to our residents.”

At Pockets Full of Sunshine, two of the special needs adults were deathly afraid of dogs, and it took four or five visits for them to come up and love on Marti. “Marti opens up the people who are afraid of dogs or who can’t

respond to outside stimuli,” Rulli said. “The light in their eyes when they see her and reach for her is priceless. Marti brings joy, hope, and smiles to patients that don’t respond to anything else. At Pockets Full of Sunshine, Marti works with folks who can hardly remember anything, but they know Marti’s name.”

Dayna Dehlinger from Pockets Full of Sunshine claims that Marti is often the highlight of the week. “The special adults are drawn to her, and her calming and loving presence brightens all their days,” she said. “She has become part of our Sunshine family.”

While Marti is clearly a favorite wherever she visits, Rulli says that, from Marti’s perspective, it doesn’t really make a bit of difference where they work. As social beings suited to therapy work, therapy animals respond to the love that people bring to the table no matter where they are.

“Marti is truly an asset to the places we visit,” Rulli said. “She provides a natural way to connect, and often provides a transition to deeper conversation. Our work is so richly valuable, and it brings me joy to see her give people comfort when they are at their most vulnerable. Animals, especially dogs, attune readily to human emotions. She is as much my teacher as I am her handler in this journey we share.” 

To meet up with Marti or for more information, reach out to Jennifer Rulli at jayru42@hotmail.com.

Beverly Farley (Preston Health Center, Cypress) is all smiles when Martina comes to visit.

ARTICLE BY BECCA EDWARDS

Ways pets Make Us Better Humans

Whether they are furry, feathery, scaly or hairless, pets groom us to be better humans.

“Animals are fascinating, engaging and entertaining. But as companions, they connect with us on a deeper emotional level,” said Dr. Victor Erenberg of Island Holistic Vet Center. “They often provide us with affection, love and even protection. The relationships we have with our pets is often symbiotic. Pets make us happy and often healthier, as they are known to lower our blood pressure and help with anxiety among other things. Humans are always better off with animals.”

Erenberg was drawn to animals since a very young age. “The most rewarding aspect of being a veterinarian is reuniting a recently sick or injured pet back to their owner after the pet has been healed,” he said. Similarly, Laura Tipton, adoption facilitator at Hilton Head Humane, enjoys enabling the bond between a

pet and pet owner. “All of us that work at Hilton Head Humane would probably agree on one thing: We love animals. We believe in their worth and the fact that every animal deserves a loving home of its own.”

Like Erenberg and Tipton, our family has cared for a variety of animals, thus our home has been nicknamed the Edwards Urban Ark. We have fostered, adopted, and/or rehabbed cats, dogs, birds, frogs, turtles, lizards, hairless guinea pigs, ducks, chickens, goats, ferrets and bunnies, as well as squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, and one baby deer. Though each animal and its time with us was different, each enriched our lives. Here are five ways a pet will enhance your life too.

MOOD

“The happiness a pet offers can be measured in the joy and stability they bring to your life,” Tipton said. To the point, think back to a bad or stressful day you had.

had. Maybe it was work related or unsettling news about a friend or family member. The thoughts and emotions that emerged are real, and you need to process them. Pets can be a great part of that process. The wag of a dog’s tail, the shenanigans of a ferret, the curl up and cuddle time with a cat… remind us there is goodness in this world, and our moods are elevated.

EXERCISE

“Pet owners know that come rain or shine, their pet needs to be exercised. How many times have you been walking your dog in a driving rainstorm, begging them to do their business? That’s some exercise right there,”

Tipton joked. But it is true. Pets make us move. Even when Netflix and our couch are calling us like some siren song, our pets motivate us to lace up instead of veg out.

LOVE

“People can learn about unconditional love from a pet; that makes this world a happier place to reside,” Tipton said. You’ve probably experienced this. Except if their food bowl is empty, it is a judgement-free zone with our pets. They love us even when we are having a hard time loving ourselves. The love they bring to the home truly does elevate our environment.

DEATH

“There are so many feel-good stories about animals, but as one example on Hilton Head, many of my clients are retirees or elderly, and many are widowed,” Erenberg said. “Often, the pets that were previously owned together with their lost loved ones are now the only connection they have to that person. These companions are a spiritual bridge to the other side. They are incredibly important emotionally.”

Pets have taught our family about life and death in a good way. When we lose a pet, we are reminded of the impermanence of life and the importance of making memories and enjoying our time here.

RESPONSIBILITY

Even if you have a pet lizard who essentially needs to be under a heat lamp, pets force us to be responsible. From budgeting for their care and arranging pet sitters or lodging when we travel to committing to their daily routine, pets make us get our Shih Tzu together. 

Pets make us move. Even when Netflix and our couch are calling us like some siren song, our pets motivate us to lace up instead of veg out.

Pet Quiz

EXERCISE

a) Are you looking for a pet that doesn’t need to be walked regularly?

b) Are you looking for a pet that has a moderate amount of energy?

c) Are you cool with a high energy companion that needs to exercise or at least be walked daily?

SPACE

a) Do you live in a condo or apartment without much of a yard or neighborhood to walk in?

b) Do you live in mid-sized space or have a nearby walkable loop?

c) Do you live in a space that includes a spacious backyard or extensive walkable pathways?

SCHEDULE

a) Are you gone most of the day, or do you travel a lot?

b) Are you a “nine-to-fiver” and home on the weekends?

c) Do you work from home or have flexibility in your schedule?

BUDGET

a) Do you need to stay within a certain budget like no more than $20 to $30 a month?

b) Are you mindful of your spending but willing to invest in things like high quality pet food?

c) Are you all in and good with investing in higher priced options like a dog trainer or food sourcing a company like Farmer’s Dog?

CLEAN FACTOR

a) Are you okay with cleaning a habitat regularly?

b) Are you more of a “once a week I’ll scoop out the litterbox” kind of person?

c) Would you prefer a pet that “does its mess” outside?

If you answered mostly option a), consider getting a smaller, more manageable, more affordable pet like a parakeet or diamond dove (birds like conures are expensive and do need more care), a reptile like a chameleon, or a guinea pig. If you answered mostly option b), think about getting a ferret, bunny, an adult cat, or even a mature dog. And if you answered mostly option c), an energetic pet like a puppy or kitten is pawing at your future.

Dr. Matt Tenwolde of Carolina Veterinary Critical Care and Chance the doggie.

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

A Second Chance

No one knows exactly how Chance wound up on that stretch of road in Jasper County. An outgoing, friendly lab mix with a gorgeous white and brown dappled coat, Chance had stumbled onto something he shouldn’t have, suffering severe injuries that left one of his legs crippled.

“He had obvious wounds, and the lower portion of his leg was dragging because of nerve injuries,” said Dr. Matt Tenwolde of Carolina Veterinary Critical Care. “Because he was dragging that leg, he had abraded the entire top of his paw by the time some people found him.”

These nameless heroes were able to bring Chance into CVCC, knowing that the Bluffton-based practice offered compassionate care specifically for troubled cases like his. “We took him, because obviously we couldn’t leave him as he was,” Tenwolde said.

The doctor’s first course of action was to address the abrasions, hoping that the nerve injury might clear up on its own if Chance could stay off his bad leg. Sadly, after weeks of helping Chance manage the pain, the decision was made to amputate.

Amputation is not only heartbreaking, but it can also be bank-breaking. Fortunately, CVCC is prepared for that sort of thing.

“We have an account we’ve dubbed the donation fund,” Tenwolde said. This fund was usually just replenished by the rounded-up change donated by patients, funds the clinic matches. “We will just write off smaller stuff or x-rays, but then you have animals like Chance who have a good long-term prognosis but need upfront funds, sometimes in the thousands. It would be tough for the clinic to shoulder those costs.”

Fortunately, they have help.

A community that cares

Even by the standards of a great Dane puppy, Miller was precocious. And like many of the canine family members at Engel & Völkers May River Group, he was a regular office dog.

“Miller was becoming one of the office mascots,”

A Second Chance

said the firm’s principal, Tanner Sutphin. Miller’s owner, marketing coordinator Annie Ryan, made sure that Miller always had a place in the pack at the real estate firm. And we mean pack. “It’s rare that you walk into Engel & Völkers and you don’t meet a friendly dog.”

Being a dog-friendly office, they were all in shock

Tanner Sutphin, Trenton, Dr. Tenwolde, Chance, Gunther, Greyson and Kearstyn.

when little Miller was diagnosed with Canine Parvovirus. “I knew nothing about parvo, just that it had a 91 percent fatality rate,” Sutphin said. “So, you had this adorable puppy that had less than a 10 percent chance of living.”

Fortunately, Ryan was able to find her way to Dr. Tenwolde’s office, where Miller joined the elite ranks of the “nine percenters,” dogs who had beaten parvo. The treatment, however, did come with no small amount of sticker shock.

“Annie and her husband were in a position to afford it … but imagine if they didn’t have the money to get Miller the care that was necessary,” Sutphin said. “We saw what Matt and his team were doing, so we decided we wanted to be a part of it.”

Going to the dogs

Seeing how close Miller had come and knowing that other dogs might not be as lucky, Sutphin and his staff leaped into action, donating a portion of each sale to CVCC’s donation fund.

“The whole office, as you can tell by us constantly having dogs around, is dog friendly. I own three, and I get to see the joy that a dog can bring every day,” Sutphin said. “It’s very rewarding to see your money go to work when you are making these donations. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

By creating regular significant donations, Engel & Völkers May River Group is able to keep the donation fund flush and ready to help dogs in need no matter what the emergency.

For Tenwolde’s part, this generosity on Sutphin’s part goes far beyond dollars and cents. “We didn’t have any formal agreements prior to this,” Tenwolde said. “When donations come in from the community, it builds great bonds, and it helps us to do great things.”

One of those great things is to help dogs like Chance. These days, Chance has left his roadside days behind him and has found happiness in a new home, with a new friend.

“We ended up finding him a home with a wonderful woman named Kearstyn who has a soft spot for dogs with three legs. She had another dog, Gunther, with an amputation—a great Dane, like Miller,” Tenwolde said. “Now, she and her kids have two tripods.”

And dogs like Chance have a fresh set of angels watching over them, thanks to the vets at Carolina Veterinary Critical Care and the selfless professionals at Engel & Völkers May River Group. 

One of those great things is to help dogs like Chance. These days, Chance has left his roadside days behind him and has found happiness in a new home, with a new friend.

A SPAW ExPEriEncE Like None Other

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN

Think of all things that make Hilton Head Island such an amazing place for a vacation: sunshine, relaxation, a playful sense of fun and the way each day seems to leave you wonderfully tired yet refreshed and revitalized. That’s the kind of experience your dogs have at Red Rover.

“It’s basically a vacation for your dog,” manager Danielle “Dani” Peterson said. Walking past the expansive suites of Red Rover’s sprawling footprint, she points to the trappings of each room, noting that most enjoy a window, offering a bright space even with the lights off. Spacious suites with off-the-ground beds give each pampered pooch in residence plenty of space to lounge and relax.

“Dens,” a small collection of 3-5 private rooms, boast names like Turks &

Caicos, Virgin Islands, Fiji, Tahiti. Constantly deep-cleaned and sanitized, these dens are part of an elevated experience that includes filtered water, an air-cleaning system and even aromatherapy to help dogs settle in.

Accommodations are only half the experience. Doggie PlayCare at Red Rover is a full day of Lowcountry sunshine, playing to their hearts’ content in the runs out back, shaded by a network of canopies. Some areas offer a relaxed place where a more calm-tempered dog can simply bask in the sunlight. In others, dogs race back and forth with gleeful abandon, chasing streams of water, bubbles and often one another. And when it’s rainy or too hot, the upstairs at Red Rover is completely dedicated to dry, air-conditioned play.

“They play out there to their hearts’ content,” Peterson said, looking out on the play area where dozens of tails wagged behind furry blurs of activity. Supervising this whirlwind is the expert staff. “We separate the dogs by size, energy level and age, since you often have little dogs with big personalities and big dogs with little personalities and youngsters who need no drama. We have two daily objectives: keep all dogs and people safe and ensure all have a positive experience,” Peterson explained.

Whether here for a nail clip and Dremel, a haircut, a bath, or for PlayCare, all are VIDs (Very Important Dogs) and treated accordingly. For both two-legged and four-legged clients, the service at Red Rover is renowned for being friendly, thorough and thoughtful.

To that end, owner Paige Grisette has created in Red Rover a complete full-service experience for dogs. The “Double-Bubble Spaw Experience”—a warm bath, nail trim, ear cleaning, anal glands expressed, and a thorough brush out—anchors services that include de-shedding, flea dip and haircuts from professional groomers.

There is even DIY dog washing in huge tubs with temperature-controlled water, specialty shampoos and all the tools anyone could think of, including aprons for mom and dad!

“Saturdays are especially busy for DIY,” Peterson said. “But we welcome our DIY customers every day of the week.”

“Aside from being the only DIY bath available on Hilton Head, one of the key differentiating factors at Red Rover has got to be our people,” Grisette said. “We have a very thorough training program, from dog language to group supervision to bathing. I get comments every day about how great the Red Rover team is. Music to my ears … I’m like a proud mama.”

Every detail, even the way the phones are answered with a cheery “Red Rover … Speak!” has been thought through. Red Rover is truly the best thing to happen to Hilton Head Island since the bridge!

To find out more, visit theredrover.info or better yet, come on over! 

A "culture board" - prominently displayed in the breakroom/kitchen - sums up the values and vibe at Red Rover.

Red Rover is an uber-clean facility staffed with well-trained professionals who oversee daily PlayCare, overnight boarding, bathing, grooming and an array of a la cart “spaw” services.

ARTICLE BY LINDA S. HOPKINS . PHOTOGRAPHY BY 2LIGHTS, 1STAND

Imagine for a moment that you are the family dog. One day, the people you love load you up in the car and drop you off in an unfamiliar place where you are put in a cage and surrounded by people and other animals you don’t know. You wait for your favorite humans to come back, but they never do, leaving you with a single question: Why?

Maybe you misbehaved or had a potty accident in the house. Perhaps your parents are moving to a new house where you’re not allowed; your best friend is going off to college, joining the military or traveling; there is a new human in the family; your person is busy with his job and simply doesn’t have time for you, or their

new boyfriend/girlfriend is allergic to you. Or … maybe you’re just too old.

You don’t understand. You are heartbroken, homesick, and left to grieve for a life you once knew. Your only hope is that someone else will come along and love you again. But what if they don’t? This is the sad dilemma for more than 60,000 dogs and cats who are either abandoned or turned in to county animal shelters in South Carolina each year.

Franny Gerthoffer, executive director at Hilton Head Humane Association, is already reporting an increasing number of surrenders this year, most specifically, older dogs. “I’m not quite sure all the reasons why people are doing

PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME!

GEORGE

REX

Bonded Pair

this, but if they would allow us to have a longer conversation with them, we might be able to assist them with their aging pets,” she said. “Unfortunately, the animals have become so disposable that they don’t give you an opportunity to have a conversation.”

Some people surrender pets because they don’t feel that they have time for them. “What they may not understand is that animals in a crowded kennel situation may not be getting as much attention as they are getting at home,” Gerthoffer pointed out. “Not that we don’t do our best. I think sometimes the mindset is that people think they are not giving them quality of life. But if you compare it to something that is so unknown to them … it doesn’t make sense for them to live out the remainder of their life in a place where they don’t know anyone or anything or where they are.”

Fred Wallace, local entrepreneur and owner of Camp Green Dog, is also disheartened by the number of animals he sees being relinquished. “It’s not fair that you adopt a dog for six or seven years, giving it this treasured life, and then you just rip it all away because they became a burden. We see it.

LOOKING FOR LOVE? GOOD REASONS TO ADOPT AN OLDER PET

While their younger counterparts may be adorable, older pets are just as loving and just as eager to become part of your family. While there are many advantages to adopting an older animal, here are four undeniable perks of opening your home to a senior pet:

1. Fewer surprises. Senior pets in the shelter often come from another home. People surrendering their pets may provide insight about the pet’s personality, health, grooming, and other needs. With this information in mind, adoption counselors can work with you to determine if your lifestyle and family are a good fit for the animal.

2. Advance training. It’s a good chance that an older pet already has some training that will make bringing him or her into your home easier. Senior dogs and cats are typically already house trained, which can make life less messy. They often know basic commands, and they’ve learned good manners, too, like not to chew on your shoes or scratch on the furniture.

3. Instant companionship. Since many senior pets have already lived in a home, they are socialized and ready to bond with you. Socialized pets often do better with children, too.

4. The trickle-down effect. When you adopt a senior pet, you are giving a deserving pet a second chance at a happy life. Not only will you be saving a senior pet in need, but you’ll be freeing up space in the shelter for another animal looking for love.

And whenever we have a sluggish economy, we see even more of it. My business is boarding, grooming, and daycare. But I get people all the time coming to me saying, ‘I need to find a home for [my pet].’

“Animals love you unconditionally. That’s the only thing they can do for you. And they rely on you to take them all the way to the end of their life,” Wallace continued. “Because they peed on the carpet or they’ve become inconvenient, it doesn’t mean you put them up for adoption when they’re 12 years old.”

Gerthoffer understands that there are circumstances where it becomes financially impossible for a pet owner to continue the care of an older animal, but she has a solution for that. “We can offer financial aid so that the animal can remain for the rest of its life at home—the home that it knows,” she explained. “Sometimes they are giving them up but also putting the burden of expensive medical issues on overcrowded shelters. We have the means to

DELILAH

PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME!

take care of them, and that’s exactly what we’ll do. But we also have the means to help you take care of them.”

Many people don’t understand that shelters do more than just take in homeless or unwanted animals. For example, animal rescue organizations and community shelters such as Hilton Head Humane often partner with other agencies and providers to offer dog training, vaccinations, pet supplies, and general wellness care.

“When it’s an older animal, most of what they do all day is sleep. We can provide big crates they can stay in while you’re gone, and we can provide them with comforts like beds,” Gerthoffer said.

Whatever challenge you are facing, surrendering the pet should be a last resort. “We try to give people options and information to help solve whatever problem is causing them to feel like they need to get rid of their pet. You have to get over your guilt or embarrassment so that maybe something can be worked out. Surely you want to keep your animal, so let us help you do that,” Gerthoffer implored.

BE THE CHANGE, MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE

When you rescue or adopt an animal, you accept responsibility for the health and welfare of another living being. You’re making a promise to care for your pet for his/ her entire life. Avoiding a future surrender situation starts with choosing the right pet, and that begins with some thoughtful consideration about where you are in life in relation to the expected lifespan of the animal.

“People are not paying attention to the different stages and challenges in their own life or the different stages in an animal’s life,” Gerthoffer said. “I think everyone should have an animal if they want one, regardless of how old they are, but should be realistic in their decision.”

By the same token, if you are 16, you might need to think about the changes you may encounter over the

10 YEARS LATER, WAFFLES THE DONKEY STILL KICKIN’

About 10 years ago, Fred Wallace (Camp Green Dog owner) got an unusual call. Apparently, some young boys thought it might be fun to tie the family donkey to a fourwheeler and drag it down the road. As you might imagine, the animal’s injuries were horrific, with skin ripped off down to his bones.

Animal Control confiscated the donkey, but they had nowhere for him to go. That’s when Tallulah Trice, director of Beaufort County Animal Services and Control thought of Wallace, a well-known animal advocate who could possibly accommodate the donkey on his land. Wallace, who at that time had nine dogs, three cats and a couple of quarter horses, was out of town but agreed without hesitation to take him.

“He was just terrified,” Wallace said. “They managed to get him off the trailer and tie him to a post until I could get home. It took me two and a half hours to get him 50 feet out into the pasture.

Next came the long road to recovery. According to Wallace, it took about nine months to stabilize his legs and get the wounds closed and a long time to gain his trust and get him back to good health. “If you meet him, he’s the sweetest little boy. You wonder, how could anybody do that?”

Today, the donkey known as Waffles, named after Eddie Murphy’s Shrek character, Donkey (“In the morning, I’m making waffles”), lives the life of a celebrity. “All the kids and neighbors love him,” Wallace said.

Donkeys live a long time—35-40 years. Waffles was estimated to be 12 when he was rescued, making him 22 now. Wallace is in for the long haul. “The biggest thing is the commitment,” he said. “Whether it’s a dog, a cat or a donkey, it’s a lifetime commitment.”

SNICKERS

next 10 years, e.g., college, apartment living, career moves, courtship, marriage, children, etc. What will happen to your pet along the way? Choose wisely or ask the experts to help you find a good match for what may lie ahead.

Another important consideration is financial. When you take on a pet, you commit to taking care of them financially for life. And, of course, the longer a pet lives, the larger the investment. Costs to consider include initial adoption fees and health services, food, housing/shelter, bedding, toys, accessories such as leashes or litter boxes and carriers, routine veterinary care, training, grooming, pet sitting/boarding, etc. Make sure you can afford the animal you choose and budget accordingly.

“I’ve seen the mistakes people make,” Wallace said. “I see people who adopt dogs for the wrong reasons. I see people get the wrong size dog or the wrong type of

dog, or the timing’s wrong. Animals are defenseless. They completely rely on us to make their lives better. It’s great to rescue, but the biggest thing is knowing what you’re signing up for and what you’ve committed to.” 

Hilton Head Humane Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded entirely by private donations, bequests, membership dues, and fundraising. To adopt an animal, donate, or volunteer, visit hhhumane. org. Pet owners in need of daycare, boarding, or grooming can learn more about Camp Green Dog at campgreendog.com.

*AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF PETS

The animal’s care, breed, diet, and lifestyle make all the difference. Small

(ball python—40+ years in captivity.)

Ferret 5-9 years

Turtle/Tortoise 40-50 years

(oldest tortoise on record lived 225 years)

Horse or Pony

25-33 years

(oldest horse ever recorded was 62 years old)

*Source: pethelpful.com

ARTICLE BY AMY BARTLETT

Who’s Saving Whom?

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PALMETTO ANIMAL LEAGUE, MAY RIVER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS HELP BUILD NO-KILL COMMUNITY THROUGH ADVOCACY, FUNDRAISING, VOLUNTEERISM, AND EDUCATION

They say the best way to make a difference is to find something you love and put that to work to help others. Here in this tight-knit nook of “Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Beyond,” we’re fortunate enough to live in an area where that helping-hand spirit is the very heart of everything we do. Add heartstring-tugging ingredients like kids and pets, and you have a formula that delivers more than your daily dose of “awww” when the two come together: students helping animals, area animal-saving organizations, and all of this circling back to grow the heart of the student.

Cheryl Curry - Founder of MRHS Animal Welfare Club and Parent Advisor; Elizabeth Patterson, Teacher Advisor MRHS AWC Science Dept. Chairperson; Melissa McBeatch, MRHS Animal Welfare Club President

Sally Dawkins, Intake and Adoption Coordinator at PAL; Elizabeth Patterson; Cheryl Curry; Stephanie Bashaw - PAL Development Coordinator Hardy aka Houndini!

It started with a parent who decided to get involved. Cheryl Curry had two children in May River High School—one a freshman and one about to graduate—when the idea and opportunity arose to create what is now the MRHS Animal Welfare Club, established nearly six years ago with the help of co-advisor Elizabeth (Liz) Patterson (MRHS teacher and science department chairperson). “It was something I had wanted to do for years as I had always had a passion for animals,” Curry said.

From the start, Curry and Patterson saw an opportunity to work several interests together for good with a common passion. “The club was set up to unite like-minded students, staff, faculty, family, and friends who love and care about animals,” Curry said. “The hope is to instill a greater appreciation for animals and offer accessible opportunities to

be active within the community through volunteerism and fundraising.” This is accomplished on several fronts through the club’s thriving partnership with the Palmetto Animal League (PAL), a wellknown Bluffton-centered organization.

Still growing strong in its sixth year, the MRHS AWC has established its purpose and identity as a student-driven service club in partnership with the Palmetto Animal League (PAL), dedicated to the humane treatment of animals, and working with other animal related rescues in our community. The goal of the club is for students to come together and discuss and share their passion for saving animal’s lives through humane education. This, in turn, will develop a greater love and appreciation along with compassion for animals while helping a local animal shelter

Cheryl Curry and a furry friend from Palmetto Animal League at our Kitten Social this past fall.

The MRHS Animal Welfare Club Members at this year’s Annual Bluffton Christmas Parade

build a no-kill community where every homeless, abused, abandoned, and neglected animal has a second chance at life.

Leaning into this mission of finding a common interest and leveraging shared passion, the club develops students’ ability to see a need in their community outside of themselves and develop the skills and desire to serve that need. The AWC is a place for kids who care about animals to help develop a compassionate approach to animal rescue and enhance a greater love and appreciation for the wellbeing of all living things. Participation helps kids, young adults, and parent/ teacher volunteers learn ways to deal with situations of inhumane treatment of animals and seek out alternative solutions, teaching them to be active and engaged citizens within their community.

With both a heart skill and a business mindset, the club offers an environment that ranges beyond just the feelgood rewards of playing with pets and digs into the tenets of fundraising and volunteerism, creating community opportunities, running events, and the pillars of the notfor-profit business sector. Among myriad takeaways, the AWC is one of several initiatives at MRHS where students feel appreciated for a contribution that they can make individually and collectively when they see the results of a group of interested and involved individuals stepping up to fill a void and make a notable difference. The heart is clear, and the how is even clearer and gaining steam with each new year as the AWC continues to serve a “felt need” in its own backyard. Curry runs down a list of hands-on and often studentled activities that include weekly meetings, fundraising, volunteering, educational topics/projects/activities, social media management, publicity/PR, guest speakers, and more. This includes an active Facebook page (mrhs.animalwelfareclub) with adorable social posts (“Bark out the old, bark in the new”) where you can find information and ways you can participate and help support both the efforts of the AWC and PAL.

One of their more successful recent outings was a fundraising event at Legendary Golf on the island just before the holidays that’s in its third annual year. The “Putt Putt for PAL” Mini Golf Fundraiser raised nearly $7,000 for their partnership organization, with Legendary Golf donating 100 percent of the proceeds to PAL.

MRHS AWC has also designed and built the PAL parade float every year for the Bluffton Annual Christmas Parade and has won “Best Float” two out of their six-year existence.

In addition to annual endeavors, ongoing donation collection is always in swing with concerted efforts during certain times of year. “We have donation drives throughout the year for food, toys, and blankets, which is our latest project this February,” Curry said. You can check out their Facebook page for more information on where to bring blankets and other items the animals always need.

When asked about the heart of the program, Curry points in all directions, from the leadership and commitment of the folks at PAL to her co-advisor to the kids themselves—and a nod to the animals bringing everyone together. “When I met Liz six years ago, we hit it off, and the club took off. I couldn’t have done it without her; we are a team!” Curry said. “I hope our love for animals and kids comes across in our enthusiasm for the club. When I see a kid smile while holding a kitten, puppy, or a bunny, I know I’m doing what I have always wanted to do. We’ve created a club for individual students, staff, faculty, family, and friends who love animals.”

And they’ve connected their efforts to the roots of an animal-loving community who share their passion as newer generations are learning to care together. 

ARTICLE BY BECCA EDWARDS

Petatet: An International Pet Rescue

When I first contacted Alex Shabelsky of Petatet, an animal rescue organization that has helped over 1100 animals find a forever home, he was riding a camel in Morocco. You should know this because it is very telling. Not only does Shabelsky value animals, but he values diverse countries and cultures. And he values living life to the fullest and being a steward for change, especially when it comes to animal rescue. In a virtual Q&A, Shabelsky shared what he and his wife have now dedicated their life to.

Becca Edwards: How did Petatet begin?

Alex Shabelsky: It all started five years ago, when we tried to adopt a dog. We went through numerous rescues and did not get any results for various reasons, but mostly lack of response and bureaucracy. But then we found a small shelter in Puerto Rico, from which we pulled out our first two rescues, Duke and Dasha. The homeless animal problem there is incredibly bad. We started assisting that shelter, looking for placement for those dogs in their care, trying to be different from other rescues we have encountered on our search. A year later, our involvement became quite big, and we registered our non-profit Petatet rescue. As for the name, it is from the French term tête-à-tête, so interpret it as one-on-one with a pet if you wish. At least this is how we played with those words.

BE: How many animals have you saved to date? This year?

AS: We are talking many hundreds. Last year alone, we found 140 forever homes for cats and dogs both from local shelters and from overseas.

BE: Who do you work with?

AS: We are very involved with overseas rescue, but when COVID hit, we found ourselves kind of useless but full of energy. We had just moved to Hilton Head

Island, and the first thing we did was establish connections with local shelters. By that time, our network of families and Petatet followers through our own platform was quite big, which gave us good advantage in finding placements. We offered our help in finding families. We managed to find homes for unadoptable, by local standards, for dogs that were handicapped, sick, and old. At least once a month, sometimes twice, we drive a van full of cats and dogs up north to New England to reunite our animals with their new families. At this point, shelters contact us looking for assistance. This is how we got to know Kitty Cottage, a cat shelter in Alabama, where those ladies are just overwhelmed with numbers of abandoned kittens. Now Dothan, Alabama is on our “rescue route.”

BE: Can you talk more about the different countries you are working with?

Petatet: An International Pet Rescue

AS: I was born in Ukraine, and my wife Lisa is from Russia. This is why it is only a natural progression that we started pulling animals from those countries. Russia is notoriously brutal toward animals, and the number of homeless dogs is staggering there. After the CDC ban on dogs moving from 100 countries, which included Russia and Ukraine, by lucky coincidence, we were contacted by a small volunteer group from Serbia. Last year alone, we personally flew to Belgrade seven times and pulled 29 dogs from there. We have saved animals from Estonia (flew there twice last year and pulled 12 dogs) and Montenegro, and we actively helped an organization in South Korea getting their dogs in good homes.

BE: What does a rescue look like?

AS: The process is simple and complicated at the same time. Our volunteers contact us after they spot an animal on the street. They then send Lisa a picture and ask if we can take the animal in. The answer is almost always yes. As soon as we say yes, the pet becomes our responsibility, financially and emotionally. On average, we have 10 to 15 animals under our supervision at a time. Then volunteers take the animal to the vet, and we diagnose it for medical conditions. We establish a treatment plan and place the animal in a temporary paid shelter where it lives until fully recovered. Meanwhile, here in the U.S., we are beginning our search for families. As soon as all the stars are aligned, we fly to the country and personally deliver the animals to their new homes.

BE: Can you share a story that particularly moved you regarding one of your rescues?

AS: There are plenty of stories. It is hard to choose one, but I will share Prima’s story. Several years ago, we found a Yorkshire terrier named Prima in Russia. She spent all her short life in a crate being used for breeding. One day, Prima was bitten by a bigger dog who broke her spine. She could not walk and could not go to the bathroom without human help. She was slowly dying. We brought her here to U.S., bought her a set of handicap wheels, and trained her to walk on those wheels. We found a family in New Hampshire willing to adopt her. Their young son was handicapped and bound

to wheelchair himself. Uniting with little Prima gave the boy a new meaning in life, making his journey easier.

BE: Why should people care about animals? Do you agree animals can teach us about compassion, empathy and responsibility?

AS: My brain cannot operate otherwise. Lisa, my wife, is extremely passionate about animal welfare. When we travel abroad, she always has a bag of dog food with her to feed the street animals. The more we do, the more we realize that even the smallest effort is absolutely needed. We hear way too often, “Why are you doing all this? You cannot save all the animals.” Maybe we cannot save all of them, but the ones we can help will live happy lives with people who give them unconditional love.

BE: How do you see Petatet growing/expanding? What plans do you have for the future?

AS: At this point, Petatet is just myself and my wife with a network of volunteers across the world. At the end of last year, we made a huge step toward changing our effort and putting it in a new direction. We just bought a piece of land in the mountains of Montenegro and have already begun construction of our first Petatet shelter, which will serve as a transition and rehabilitation center in Europe. Why Montenegro? you may ask. Montenegro has a big homeless animal problem, and we still can afford to build and run a shelter there. It is just that simple, as well as the absolutely beautiful nature and surroundings.

BE: How can people best support you?

AS: Obviously, any financial help is very appreciated, but more than anything we are always looking for people willing to foster our dogs and cats while we work with families.

BE: Have you always been an animal lover? What about your wife? Is this a family operation?

AS: We always had animals living with us. At this time, we have 10 dogs in our household. They are all rescues of course. I know it sounds borderline insane, but this how we operate. 

Mojo’s Island Records

Putting the Wax Back in Our Ears

Article by Matt Stock

Photography by 2Lights, 1Stand

A TENNESSEE RECORD COLLECTOR AND HIS WIFE BRING THE VINYL WAVE TO THE SHORES OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Josh Duvall really wants you to listen to J Roddy Walston and The Business.

I’m sitting with Duvall at his just-opened vinyl shop, Mojo’s Island Records, and what was planned as a 20-minute interview has turned into a two-hour feverish, enthusiastic discussion of a shared love of rock and roll and the fellowship of individuals for whom music is a driving force, a source of joy, or inspiration, or comfort—a port in the storm.

“I’ve always liked the bands that almost made it,” Duvall said, perched at the desk of his record store, holding court with a thousand classic albums to his left and a stack of vintage audio equipment behind him, 16-20 legendary records on the wall above it. We’re listening to “One Step Beyond” by Madness, an ’80s British ska band that kinda made it, but you might not expect to hear when you enter a shop. It’s fantastic.

A Tennessee native, Duvall has a story like many of our island transplants. A lifelong visitor with strong ties to Hilton Head, he and his wife Monica recently decided to pull up stakes and make North Forest Beach their permanent home, after years of owning and operating a successful veterinary hospital, a seriously impressive collection of vinyl records in tow. While he still practices his lifelong passion part-time, he now has an opportunity to pursue another.

As a fledging small business, make no mistake; Duvall wants to sell records. But Mojo’s is not your childhood shopping mall record store, a giant Sam Goody or Tower Records with aloof teens moping behind a counter waiting to ring up your carefully chosen cassettes or compact discs. The shop is clearly designed to be an immersive experience, a hangout. A lounge area with comfy chairs is featured, as well as a listening booth lined with black, cheetah-laden wallpaper and a personal turntable and headphones for guests who wish to test the merchandise or maybe just spend a little time with an old favorite.

While you’re welcome to hang solo or with friends, the genial and knowledgeable host is more than happy to field questions, give recommendations, comb the archives, or even just talk music. Our interview would have been an hour shorter had we not realized a mutual lifelong love of the Rolling Stones that set us off on a hugely satisfying tangent.

Of course, this is all very cool, but there is an essential question remaining: How are the records? Whether you’re a novice, a collector, a picker, or, like me, a last-minute gift shopper desperately seeking a copy of Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here to impress a girl, chances are you’re going to walk out of Mojo’s happy (there were three copies of the Floyd record). Duvall keeps a front-of-house stock of around five thousand records on display, and while the focus is on rock and roll, carefully curated and alphabetically sorted bins of all genres fill the store. If you’ve got a jones for some classic

Monica and Josh DuVall hang out at Mojo’s Island Records with Hattie B, the shop’s stylish mascot.

soul or R&B, turn right when you walk in the door and start browsing the bin in front of you; you won’t be disappointed.

“I want somebody to come in here and see that we have a lot, where some record stores don’t,” Duvall said. “I choose the records that I would want to see when I used to go into record stores.”

It’s clear that he’s been to quite a few record stores, as evidenced by the additional 10,000 records filling one of the store’s back rooms. It has the look and feel of a collection that goes back to a collector’s formative years. But Duvall is quick to admit that while he is most definitely a collector, it

started with a different and not uncommon media.

“As an only child, I was very into collecting comic books,” he said. “My mom was very much into music, though, and I did listen to her LPs and 45s. I was into the Grease soundtrack quite heavily,” he laughed. (And we’ve all been there, right?)

The love for comics continued into college, but Duvall’s undergraduate years as a veterinary student at Murray State University coincided with a sea of change in popular music. Nirvana exploded onto the scene, and in their wake, a wave

Local musician Taylor Kent flips through the selection at Mojo’s looking for a Billy Strings vinyl.

Perry and Josh chat about their favorite bands from the past.

of indie alternative rock followed. A new passion was born, first in the form of attending shows and, eventually, acquiring the music he loved on vinyl.

“I’ve always liked the ownership aspect of things; I’m a collector.... It was [The Rolling Stones’] Sticky Fingers with the zipper; it was when I found out how valuable the first pressing of Bob Marley’s Catch a Fire was worth.” For the collecting reader, if those titles just caused goosebumps, palpitations, or nerd sweats, the former, with a fully functional zipper, and the latter, in original Zippo lighter encasement, are both available at Mojo’s, in good condition and at very reasonable prices.

After what has largely been an aggressive word-of-mouth campaign launched by the wildly enthusiastic Monica (“That is definitely her thing,” Duvall laughed), the hype machine is in full swing, with collectors and music lovers from all over our community making their maiden Mojo voyage.

One such visitor is local raconteur/Bulrush Gin Baron/certified vinyl nerd Tony Bagnulo, who recently texted me a photo of his first score, a copy of Guns N’ Roses masterpiece Appetite for Destruction, with the original cover art, a menacing Robert Williams painting bearing the same title. I saw it on a prior visit and knew I should have grabbed it….

“Yup! Hard to find stateside,” Bagnulo said. “With the resurgence and popularity of collectible vinyl, it’s great to see Hilton Head have its own record store. Not only does Josh have an amazing selection from many genres but he’s created a cool space for people to hang out, listen, and discuss their favorite albums. Your boy is going to need to pick up some shifts to cover my new addiction. This place is dope.”

Another satisfied customer, and he’s spot on. This place is dope, I think to myself as I’m thumbing through the stacks postinterview. As I’m picking, it pops out at me in resplendent, radiant gold and yellow, the triumphant score to the cult classic 1980 film Flash Gordon, written and performed by Queen. Twenty bucks, sold. I make my way to the desk to pay for my newfound treasure and leave, but Duvall has produced a copy of Destroyers of the Soft Life, the final album from the previously mentioned doomed rockers, J Roddy Walston and the Business.

“You wanna hear this?” Duvall asked.

“Hell yeah,” I replied. We have a real record shop in Hilton Head for the first time in decades. I plan to enjoy it. 

Mojo’s Island Records is located at 24 Palmetto Bay Road. Call 843.533.0725 or email mojosislandrecordshhi@gmail.com

A listening corner is decked out in cheetah wallpaper.

Cover Model, Miss Hattie B.

ARTICLE BY LINDA S. HOPKINS

FROM FIZZLE TO SIZZLE

REV UP THE ROMANCE WITH REGULAR DATES

Close your eyes and remember what it was like when you first fell in love. You were constantly plotting ways to spend time with your person. It hardly mattered where you were or what you were doing. You just wanted to be together—holding hands, sharing a meal, kissing, carrying on a conversation— like two magnets drawn together by an unseen force. What happened to that? If you’ve been married or in a committed relationship for more than a minute, you may have experienced a gradual fizzle in the romance department. And to some degree, this is normal. Life isn’t always chocolates and rose petals or making out on the couch. Sometimes it’s work obligations, children’s needs, health challenges, family crises, and mundane chores. No couple can expect a perpetual honeymoon, but couples who wish to survive and thrive must find ways to infuse their love with the oxygen it needs to at least keep the pilot light lit. That means adding in some fun, some spontaneity, and some intentional communication beyond what’s for supper, what’s on Netflix, or who’s picking up the dry cleaning.

The best way to ensure that our partnerships stay strong is to invest some one-on-one time—to communicate, connect, and remind ourselves why we are together in the first place. If you haven’t been doing this and you feel yourselves drifting apart, a weekly date night is a powerful first step towards restoring the energy and intimacy you once knew.

Why date night matters

According to “The Date Night Opportunity,” a report from the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia, couples who manage to devote time specifically to one another at least once a week are markedly more likely to enjoy high-quality relationships and lower divorce rates, compared to couples who do not devote as much couple time to one another. Couples who spend more time together also report higher levels of communication, sexual satisfaction and commitment, the report finds.

DESIGN YOUR PERFECT DATE NIGHT

Following are a few of my personal suggestions for local date nights. Remember, the most important ingredients are quality couple time, discovery (learning something about or with each other), and connection. As long as those are present, it doesn’t really matter what you do.

For best results, keep the conversation friendly and supportive. It doesn’t have to be small talk, but it’s best to avoid topics of potential conflict. Save the problems and serious stuff for another time. Whatever you do, put the cell phones down. Turn them off if you can. This is your time to focus exclusively on one another, let loose, have some fun, and fall in love all over again.

Dinner out

While it may be the standby and most cliché date night suggestion, there is a reason why dinner out is a standard go-to. Sharing a meal can be both relaxing and engaging. It’s a chance to dress nice, get out of the house for a couple of hours and converse with one another—catch up and reset—without distraction or interruption. For me, restaurants that have television-free dining rooms are ideal. Couples shouldn’t be competing with sports or the news for each other’s attention. I personally enjoy a place with low lighting (no glaring overheads), candles, white tablecloths, and relaxing background music.

Sea Grass Grille, in Plantation Center on Hilton Head Island is a lovely example and has been our Friday night date place for 18 years. (It helps that the restaurant is less than five minutes from our home.) It’s cozy and quaint with no bustling bar scene or blaring television. The service is friendly without being obtrusive. The food, while not fancy, is consistently fresh and delicious. I almost always go for

one of the fresh fish offerings with a sauce of choice, but they also do a delicious filet topped with gorgonzola butter. I’m a big fan of dessert and recommend the Baked Alaska when they have it, mostly because it’s delicious and because you don’t see it often.

Sea Grass Grille is currently under new ownership (we miss you, Kathy and Chad), so some things are changing. But for now, it still feels like home away from home. Find me flirting with my hubby in booth B6 on Friday nights.

The Market Café at Michael Anthony’s is another favorite. The atmosphere is casual, but the food is tasty (think personal pizzas, small-plate pastas, and a to-die-for dessert sampler plate). The culture of the restaurant is one of quality, caring, and kindness as evidenced by the friendly service as well as the overall ambiance and collective attitude. The chef almost always comes out to speak to patrons, which I think is a nice touch.

Other favorites are Sage Room for the quality of the food and exquisite preparation, and OMBRA Cucina Italiana for a more formal, gourmet Italian experience with gracious service and lovely ambiance.

Of course, you can’t beat The Jazz Corner for dinner with live music. Acclaimed one of the “Top 100 Great Jazz Rooms” by Downbeat Magazine, the intimate, elegant atmosphere is the perfect place for a romantic date. Food is delicious and service attentive.

Our newest find on Hilton Head Island that is destined for our date night list is Bowdie’s Chophouse, located on the south end near Publix. What I love about it is the quality of the food and the fact that everything is shareable, including the steaks. My husband and I recently split a 10-oz. filet, which was one of the most tender and tasty cuts of meat I’ve had in a while and cooked to perfection. We shared a salad and a side of fresh creamed corn with jalapeño (so good!) and a dessert. We took half the dessert home as we were plenty full. The service was friendly and efficient, the bill not too outrageous, and the atmosphere pleasant.

We rarely venture to Bluffton, because, well … it’s just too far, LOL! If I were to get an itch to cross the bridge, I would choose The Bluffton Room for my “state of mind” experience.

We do occasionally make the trek to Savannah and sometimes stay overnight. Our all-time favorite there is Elizabeth’s on 37th, a fine dining experience wrapped in Southern hospitality. I adore the setting—an old Southern house with a lovely “step-back-in-time” feel. The food (Southern with a gourmet spin) is absolutely divine (complimentary cheese biscuits and orange marmalade for starters). I frequently order Ginger-Crusted Salmon, which is on the regular menu, always perfectly prepared and artfully presented. But the seasonal and nightly specials are also noteworthy and delicious. My husband, a Savannah native, craves the Spicy Savannah Red Rice and Georgia Shrimp and is also fond of the Double Cut Berkshire Pork Chop. House-made Pecan Almond Tart (with vanilla ice cream and bourbon caramel) tops off the meal for me and makes the drive worthwhile.

Beyond dinner

Live theatre and concerts. Seeing a show or concert together can give you a chance to connect through shared thoughts and emotions. Laugh, sing, dance, make memories. As a bonus, when the show is over, you have a new topic of conversation as you discuss the highlights and takeaways. Check out offerings at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Main Street Youth Theatre, May River Theatre, and Main Stage Community Theatre. Concerts by the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and the Hilton Head Choral Society are top-notch. Seasonal outdoor concerts are great for dates, and many area restaurants also engage local musicians to entertain throughout the year.

Comedy/magic. Humor is a wonderful escape for anyone, but especially for couples who need to lighten up and get back in touch with their fun side. Laughter increases the endorphins released in your brain, relaxing muscles and relieving stress. The Hilton Head Comedy Magic Cabaret offers a variety of shows including stage shows and close-up magic. Their tagline is “Funny, not Filthy.” It’s not a kiddie show, but you won’t risk your ears being offended. They serve appetizers, light snacks, desserts, and an array of cocktails—perfect for a casual night out with your main squeeze.

Outdoor dates. What could be more romantic than an evening under the stars on the beach or at one of our area parks? Glorious sunsets and dramatic moonrises provide a backdrop that is most conducive to intimacy. My husband and I like to take a spin on our golf cart, park at our neighborhood beach house for a picnic, and take a leisurely stroll afterward.

Play dates. Who says date night has to be at night? Maybe a play date is in order! Playing together increases bonding, communication, conflict resolution, and relationship satisfaction. Play can also promote spontaneity when life seems routine, serve as a reminder of positive relationship history, and promote intimacy (Baxter, 1992; Lauer & Lauer, 2002, Forms and functions of intimate play in personal relationships. Human Communications Research. 18,336-363).

The Lowcountry offers many options for fun adventures a couple can share during the day and/or at night. Examples include golf, tennis, pickleball, mini-golf, go-karts, bowling, archery, ziplining, fishing, boating, dancing lessons, and much more. (I’m waiting on my husband to retire so we can play.) All you need is time, an open mind, and sense of adventure to create your perfect date.

Photographer Leslie Lynn captures a “candid” moment at the magnificent Holly Oaks on the marsh

Article By Barry Kaufman . Leslie Lynn Photography LLC

ORDAINED BY POD

Mandy Matney and David Moses have never tended to follow tradition. The most obvious example would be the way they parlayed Matney’s extensive reporting into the Murdaugh family into a smash hit podcast (and forthcoming Netflix show), pulling the story out of the dreary confines of the newspaper world and into the national spotlight.

In fact, if there’s anything that has defined this couple, it’s a staunch opposition to, or at the very least a willing eschewing of, tradition. Tradition is what put the Murdaughs in a position to shelter their reputation behind the good old boy network, hiding their less altruistic deeds behind a

hedge maze of institutionalized silence. When it was finally pierced, it was Moses and Matney holding the pruning shears, hacking away at the traditions that kept out the sunlight of justice. So, it stands to reason that when this power couple finally said their “I dos,” it wouldn’t exactly be by the book.

“David never wanted a traditional wedding. He didn’t even want to do a big wedding,” Matney said. “We basically made it a giant food festival/wedding. We made it as fun as possible. All the traditional parts of our wedding, we got rid of.”

At this wedding, there was no exchange of rings (Matney likes her engagement ring just the way it is); there was no

The Lowcountry’s resident ace reporter and her trusty producer took a moment away from their ultra-popular podcast to tie the knot.

garter toss (they’ve both seen too many that got way too weird with it); and the bride and groom walked down the aisle hand in hand.

“I get really nervous when the attention is on me, and I didn’t want that,” Matney said. “It was a beautiful moment.”

The bride wore cowboy boots under her white dress. The groom wore blue jeans. And beautiful moments were everywhere.

UP, UP AND AWAY

Even before guests arrived on the picturesque grounds of HollyOaks on the Marsh, the rehearsal dinner set the tone for the festivities with the presence of a full-size hot air balloon. Over the course of the evening, guests could take a trip skyward, giving them a Wizard of Oz’s-eye view

of the dinner. The whole thing stemmed from Moses’ vision or arriving to the ceremony itself by balloon, with the iconic strains of John Williams’ “Raiders March” playing.

“The bride always gets center stage, and I’m fine with that,” Moses said. “But I wondered, ‘What if the groom had some fun way to enter? Kelli Corn was fantastic about helping us workshop the idea.”

It was one of a legion of gonzo ideas the couple hatched for their wedding—ideas that wedding planner Kelli Corn was tasked with wrangling, fine-tuning and utilizing to make magic.

“Kelli really took our ideas and brought them to life with flawless execution,” Moses said.

“She was super creative and awesome about filling in

Matney (left) and Moses (right) families beam warm vibes across the Lowcountry marsh views

A Flowers by Sue bouquet surrounds the sparkly glint of a perfectly selected stone from International Diamond Center

David and Mandy walk down the isle together in a unique celebration of their bond

the details,” Matney added. “I just wanted it to be nice, but I couldn’t really get into the details because I didn’t have space to.”

Despite the heavy mental toll of tracking the Lowcountry’s story of the century, creating content and producing podcasts, the couple was able to give Corn a punch list of their musthaves and let her run wild. If you want to talk about eschewing tradition, it doesn’t get much more non-traditional than a living champagne wall.

“I love when you’re at a party and there’s some interactive element, so we figured if we’re throwing a big party, let’s incorporate some of that,” Matney said. The massive sheet of faux greenery concealed a crew of Savannah’s famed Stardust Pixxies, ready to hand-deliver a glass of bubbly through the wall. It served as a delightfully modern contrast to the stately elegance of the grounds.

Set along a bend in the Little Ogeechee River, HollyOaks

HOLLYOAKS ON THE MARSH

A total of 17 ladies and gentlemen flanked the bride and groom, including CH2’s very own Hunter Kostylo!

The Michel Jon’s Band belted Motown standard like Sam Cook’s “You Send Me” before the crowd took to the floor

on the Marsh has a rich history going back to its heyday in Savannah’s social scene in the 1950s and 1960s. Its history stretches even further back, but its modern era has seen the storied grounds converted into a gorgeous wedding venue. The suggestion to hold the wedding at HollyOaks had come via Facebook from a fan of the podcast. From their first visit, the couple was entranced.

“It’s a private residence, and they only open it for weddings something like 10 times a year,” Moses said. “When we saw the

property, it wasn’t a question of wanting to hold the wedding there. It was a question of whether or not they wanted us in their home. The venue and Kelli worked together perfectly.”

And with a canopy of gorgeous live oaks as a backdrop, the Lowcountry’s premiere podcasting couple made their vows to love, honor and cherish one another. But, of course, there was one star of the podcast that had to sit and stay. Luna, their faithful dog and namesake of their production company, was canina non grata.

“She’s an escape artist. She loves to run off and be the center of attention,” Matney said. “As much as I wanted her to be a part of it, she stayed home.”

Also conspicuous in her absence—at least in the bridal party—was Matney’s partner in true crime, Liz Farrell. “She basically said to me, ‘Do not ask me to be a bridesmaid.’ I’ve been a bridesmaid many times, and I get it,” Matney said with a laugh.

Instead, Farrell was with the crowd of friends and family to witness Moses and Matney exchanging vows (hers starting with “I don’t know…” as a subtle nod to her podcast’s famous intro). Afterward, they were all moved to tears by Matney’s father.

“My dad’s a very quiet guy who doesn’t speak much in public, so I said I wasn’t going to force him to make a speech and assumed he wasn’t going to,” Matney said. “Instead, he gave a full seven minutes of pure tear jerking. It was very emotional.”

Duly wed, the couple raced off on their honeymoon to Napa—just in time for more breaking news on the Murdaugh front.

“They say you shouldn’t be working on your honeymoon, but we like what we do,” Moses said. “We might as well do it someplace pretty.” 

With guests aglow, Mandy and David took one last leap together to close the evening.

ARTICLE BY BECCA EDWARDS

RE-FLECT, RE-NOURISH, AND RE-NEW at the Arts Re-Center Retreat

In harmony with their mission “to enrich and benefit the community through the arts,” the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina invites you to join a special four-day event, March 23-26, 2023. During this time, you will have the opportunity to “Re-flect, Re-nourish, and Re-new” at the Arts Re-Center Retreat.

Combining their numerous years of experience and extensive knowledge of the visual, writing and performing arts, instructors Becca Edwards (of FemaleIQ), Debi West (of WESTpectations Educational Consulting), and Peggy White (of Lean Ensemble) will guide you through a series of interactive and compelling lectures, creative, multi-media workshops, and thought-provoking breakout sessions.

“Expressing your inner voice using the visual arts has many benefits and can be used by virtually anyone. Our art is an extension of ourselves, and when we use the visual arts as an expressive tool, it can be one of the most unique and limitless forms of healing,” West said. “It has the potential to help express ideas, feelings, and thoughts that would otherwise be very difficult to reveal. Pablo Picasso once said, ‘Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.’”

As an add-on to this life-enriching experience, on Friday, March 24, you will have the option to attend Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami. And on Saturday, March 25, you can also participate in Rise and Shine Yoga in the morning with Becca Edwards at Jiva Yoga Center, and “Painting from Within: Exploring Our Emotions” at the Arts Center with abstract artist Brucie Holler in the evening.

“In order to find one’s voice, being able to discern our varying emotions is an important step,” Holler said. “Using watercolor and other media, you will explore sometimes subtle differences between emotions as we all have our unique relationship to each. For this class, no painting or drawing experience is necessary—just curiosity.”

“After completing the retreat, you will have a deeper knowledge of yourself and the visual, writing, and performing arts as well as gain a sense of accomplishment with your final writing and visual arts projects,” said Alana Adams, senior director of education outreach for the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.

As space is limited, Adams recommends booking your spot now. You can do this by visiting artshhi.com/artseducation/workshops. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, March 23

Welcome reception in the Art League gallery

5-7 p.m.

Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

Friday, March 24

Lectures, workshops and breakout sessions

9 a.m.-4:15 p.m.

Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

Optional: Dimensions Dance Theatre (pre-registration required as there is limited availability)

7:30-9:30 p.m.

Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

Saturday, March 25

Optional: Rise and Shine Yoga with Becca Edwards (pre-registration required as availability is limited)

7:30-8:30 a.m.

Jiva Yoga Center

Lectures, workshops and breakout sessions

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

Optional: “Painting from Within: Exploring Our Emotions” with Brucie Holler (pre-registration required as availability is limited)

5:30-7 p.m.

Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

Sunday, March 26

Time: 9-11 a.m.

Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

ARTICLE BY CHERYL RICER

RIBAUT ISLAND

Magnificence, Seclusion, and Million-Dollar Views

At the most northern tip of Hilton Head Island, residents of Ribaut Island enjoy a truly unique community, comprised of 63 single-family homesites located on 52 magnificent acres—a place that each resident is proud to call home and a place that many people (including locals) have never visited and may not even know exists.

Ribaut Island is linked to the northern end of Hilton Head Plantation by its bridge, which spans 400 feet of saltwater tidal marsh. Lots on Ribaut Island are oversized compared to many communities, ranging from half-acre to two-acre sites, so inhabitants enjoy not only the luxury of seclusion but also space. Half of the homes are waterfront (the other half have access close by), with panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge, or Pine Island. Another 24 homesites front the golden tidal marsh, and some include private docks. Also exclusive is the physical setting. Framing the amazing residences is a dense woodland of native palms, gnarly oaks, and lofty pine trees

One of those lucky enough to call Ribaut home is Billie Trotter, who has lived here with her husband almost 32 years. “Ribaut Island is a special place,” she said. “The Intracoastal

An aerial view of Ribaut Island, in Hilton Head Plantation. Photo courtesy of Focal Point Photography

Waterway on Skull Creek towards Pinckney Island provides spectacular views, especially sunsets. This time of year, the sunsets across the water are a brilliant red and orange—just beautiful. We must stop and just stare. Here, too, there is an abundance of wildlife. The birds are fascinating, and we even have an eagle’s nest that we monitor within our community. It’s truly like living in a wildlife preserve.”

Ribaut Island is named historically for Captain Jean Ribaut, a sixteenth century French Huguenot explorer who discovered the island enroute to establishing Fort Charlesfort, on Port Royal Island, in 1562. Interestingly, the flags of six sovereign nations have flown on Ribaut Island. History and intrigue abound with tales of forts and fights commonplace in the more than 400 years of its recorded history. Prior to that time, Indians roamed the island and its vicinities, following the seasons and the bountiful harvests of Port Royal Sound (the deepest natural harbor of the Southern Atlantic Coast) and the surrounding islands. Evidence of the former inhabitants includes oyster shell and earthenware pottery fragments identified and traced back to 2000 B.C. when Indians of the Late Archaic Period of prehistory inhabited the island. Indians of the Woodland Period of prehistory (500 B.C.) left remnants of their time on the island in the form of stained pottery fragments and flint flakes. From 1100-1300, the Indians of the Mississippian Period of prehistory left artifacts including oyster shell, deer bones, and pottery fragments. During the 1800s, amid the Seabrook Plantation Era—a time when sea island cotton was grown—inhabitants of the island constructed tabby structures, including a tabby block formation now at the base of the Ribaut Dr./Charlesfort Place sign. Ruins of cotton workers’ homes were found on Ribaut Island during its initial development, and from 1861-1865 (during the Civil War), Ribaut Island was a probable lookout post for Union and/ or Confederate troops.

Along with its extraordinary setting and abundant history, Ribaut Island features special amenities in the tradition of Hilton Head’s style of living. The private island community includes a private recreation center with a pavilion and a large swimming pool, a tennis court, a pickleball court, and a parking area. There is a community dock for access to the Intracoastal Waterway and daytime docking. Ribaut Island residents have their own property owner’s association which hosts several social events during the year, celebrating holidays and other milestones. Additionally, residents enjoy the recreational and entertainment privileges of Hilton Head Plantation, including picnic areas, golf courses, playgrounds, and dog parks.

Tino Villani, owner of Mosquito Hunters, and his wife moved to Ribaut Island from Connecticut eight years ago. Anticipating a move south, they had looked all over, including the west coast of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Determining that they like the weather and the natural resources north of Savannah, including the change of seasons and the abundance of trees, they almost bought a home in Charleston.

This island community includes a private recreation center with a pavilion and a large swimming pool, a tennis court, a pickleball court, and a parking area.

“When a friend of ours suggested we look at Hilton Head, we quickly changed our minds,” Villani said. “We found Hilton Head equivalent to Charleston in many ways but more convenient to the things we enjoy doing—like golf and fishing. We toured everywhere on the island from Long Cove north and couldn’t find a community that wasn’t overly managed or overly engineered with homes so close together and in limited space. Ribaut Island is perfect for us with everything we need: good neighbors, beautiful homes on big lots, and very close to nature. It offers everything we want from the Lowcountry.”

Architecturally, Ribaut Island’s homes are masterpieces, sited to maximize the privacy and panoramic views, and they feature a variety of residential designs. Floor plans within the community typically offer between four to six bedrooms and three to five bathrooms. Many also feature guest suites, casitas, lavish outdoor spaces, and multiple fireplaces. Homes for sale within the Ribaut Island neighborhood are typically priced between $1 and $6 million.

Recently, the face of the homeowners is changing. Many new younger families are now moving in and are welcome neighbors.

“We bought our home right at the tail end of the first set of homeowners,” Villani said. “At the time, many of the homeowners were older. The last five years have shown a turnover where the median age has dropped by about

50 percent. One of our neighbors has a newborn and a two- and a five-year-old. Another has three daughters under 10. There are a range of ages here. While some families are new, others are couples who have made Ribaut Island a final destination after living in other Hilton Head communities. Though some of the faces look younger, the character of our neighborhood is the same. It’s quiet, serene, and beautiful.”

“The way of life on Ribaut Island has remained pretty constant, and we are a relatively close-knit community,” Trotter said. “We feel thankful that we have been able to raise our family here, and now, even in retirement, would not want to live anywhere else.”

Clearly, Ribaut Island is a special place, perfectly positioned to enjoy million-dollar views, just enough seclusion, and magnificent homes amid the natural beauty and wildlife of the Lowcountry. 

ARTICLE BY CHERYL RICER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDY PETERSON, FOCAL POINT PHOTOGRAPHY

ARCHITECTURE

BY

KERMIT HUGGINS (MARK BREMMER, DRAFTSMAN)

CONSTRUCTION BY RICK DELONG,

ADVANTAGE BUILDERS

INTERIORS

BY

MARY JANE BUCCI, MJ DESIGN

STATELY, SPECTACULAR, AND SERENE

RIBAUT ISLAND HOME STUNS FROM EVERY ANGLE

At the northern most tip of Hilton Head Plantation and across a 400foot bridge, Ribaut Island floats between the picturesque Port Royal Sound and the magnificent marshland. It’s home to an exclusive, private, and pristine community where the amazing views and equally amazing architecture are factors that distinguish this place from others. And while each of the homeowners who’ve made Ribaut Island their home likely have an interesting history, Susan and Ed Forbes’ journey may very well be the most extraordinary.

In 1981, Ed and some friends, who were then living in South Africa, built a sailboat and set off for Europe. “I guess we were not very good sailors because we ended up in Ft. Lauderdale,” Ed said. “I started a business, which I eventually moved to Columbia, South Carolina. I began vacationing on Hilton Head and, like everyone else who comes here, I loved it. So, I soon made the island my permanent residence.”

Fast forward to 2013. Susan was living at Palmetto Bay and would sometimes walk over to the Black Marlin to meet up with friends. On this occasion, she saw Ed sitting alone with his two dogs.

“It started raining, and he was at the only table that didn’t have an umbrella, so we invited him and his dogs to join our table,” Susan said. “We’ve been together since.”

At the time, Ed had homes in Florida and Columbia, South Carolina, and Susan had a home in Milledgeville, Georgia. Eventually they decided to marry.

“Our first home together was at the Hilton Head Motor Coach Resort,” Susan said. “Then we bought a

villa at Palmetto Bay; after that, an ocean-front home in the Folly Field neighborhood; then we moved to Spanish Wells to a home on Broad Creek, each time remodeling and updating the homes before we sold them. Finally, we found the home on Ribaut Island.”

The home itself is a 9,000-square-foot Kermit Huggins masterpiece—a creation of art that houses life—exhibiting the decidedly unique elements of Modern design,

emphasizing crisp lines, smooth curves, and balance, with a mid-century European sensibility and an eye toward minimalism.

“Having lived in the Hilton Head area, we had become familiar with Kermit Huggins’ unique architecture, Ed said. “His signature use of standing seam hip roofs atop a free-flowing contemporary design always fuses naturally with the surrounding landscape. Each of his homes is an original creation designed to complement the natural features of the property.”

One of the main reasons that the Forbes bought this property was for the purpose of entertaining. The couple are avid supporters of Special Olympics Athletic Retreat (SOAR), and they frequently host fundraisers at their home where upwards of 125 people attend. This home, with its vast and open concept common areas along with the seamless connection to the outdoor deck and pool areas, made perfect sense. Additionally, the couple desired a place for their five grandchildren, their furry children (two rescue labs), and their parents (who currently live in Sun

City) to enjoy their own spaces and feel perfectly at home.

However, as is often the case, the previous owners’ aesthetic style was different than the Forbes’, so some changes were necessary. To assist with the renovation, the couple called in trusted professionals with whom they had already collaborated on other homes: Rick Delong and MJ Bucci.

“MJ is so easy to work with because she’s done so many of our homes,” Susan said. “She finds your individual style, your interests, and your vision, and then just brings it to light. She’s got remarkable taste and is an artist. She’s been on the island for 40 years, and we trust her.”

Rick DeLong has also done all the couple’s renovations.

“Our first Realtor recommended Rick,” Ed said. “He is fantastic, and his team is top-notch. We can call him for anything, and even if we don’t have a current project, he’ll take care of whatever we need. He’s very easy to work with and completely reliable.”

The Forbes’ Charlesfort Place home presented the couple a totally different look than their other homes. The

prior owners had a distinctively modern art-inspired aesthetic and had left a collection of artifacts that didn’t fit their style. They began by removing everything that was too ultra-modern and started with a clean slate. Most of the walls were white, so once stripped of the former owner’s footprint, they used the serenity of the setting for inspiration. With 16-foot ceilings and huge windows, almost every vantage point offers a view of the water. Drawing the outdoors inside and incorporating the clean, circular shapes of the architecture became the vision of the design project.

Colors from the landscape—beiges, soft whites, and shades of blue—became the tones and textures used to soften the modern vibe, and the natural light coming in from different angles at different times of the day helped determine the function and furniture placement throughout the living areas. The Carolina room, with its retractable doors, is the couple’s favorite and their morning spot for coffee. The living room is the evening place where they enjoy cocktails at sunset.

“Sunsets here are amazing,” Susan said. “Honestly,

though, we can sit in just about any room and enjoy a sunset view. We also love to go out on the dock, which is about the length of a football field, and watch the marine life and the boats cruising by on the Port Royal Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway. We see manatees, dolphin, and fish and birds of all kinds.”

Borrowing from its exterior, however, the furnishings create a warmth and comfort that isn’t an easy marriage between European minimalism on the one hand, and Southern coastal comfort on the other. This is where MJ worked her magic. For example, because of the retractable glass walls, the Carolina room is completely open to the pool deck much of the time, so large outdoor furniture with a contemporary flair was installed there. In the living room, however, due to its proximity to the circular floating staircase with its crystal treads and the curvy double-sided fireplace, the aesthetic called for more modern furnishings. A round coffee table and a wavy sofa in the foreground and undulating chaise lounge chairs in the background skillfully fuse the spaces.

The kitchen is a chef’s dream. In fact, for the SOAR

STATELY, SPECTACULAR, AND SERENE

fundraisers, the Forbes bring in the chefs from Redfish and give them free reign. “They love working in our kitchen,” Susan said. “Not only does it have amazing appliances and ample space for the chef and his sous, but it is a beautiful place to work.”

There are two refrigerators and a wine refrigerator, three sinks, plenty of prep space, and all the coolest built-ins, like coffee and espresso machines and steamers, all hidden masterfully behind gleaming handmade Italian cabinetry.

The master suite is “a block long” Ed joked. “Even the dogs have their own beds.”

Part of the suite is a sitting room with lounge chairs that offer a water view. Her closet is massive “as big as the bedroom” with a center island and a whole wall of shoe storage and dressing area that even boasts a sink, a vanity window, and a drop-down darkening shade. Keep walking and find her bathroom with a tub and shower.

“That tub is oversized,” Susan said. “I swear three of my grandchildren can swim in there.”

Around the corner is Ed’s bathroom and closet, and beyond, down a few stairs is the exercise room.

Each of the ensuite guest rooms was designed to offer the inhabitants peaceful, private space. And in addition, there is a guest apartment separate from the main house (two bedroom/two bathrooms) with a view of the water, a washer/dryer and kitchenette. One of the guest rooms was converted into a playroom for the grands with a Murphy bed. For a special touch, the guest room floors, like the master suite, are heated to add a bit of comfort to the stunning marble tile.

“Our grandchildren love the freedom they enjoy here,” Susan said. “They can’t get enough of the outdoors; between the pool, the swing set, and the dock, they are always ready for bedtime. And there is nothing we enjoy more

than sharing our home with our family and friends.”

The couple are very happy on Ribaut Island—it’s placement within the Hilton Head Plantation is not only gorgeous, but very quiet and very safe. They have lots of friends nearby, so it’s easy to meet up for bike rides, dinner, and other social events.

“Magnificent and serene is how we describe this home,” Susan said. “It is the most beautiful home we’ve ever owned and with the most beautiful view.”

Article by Barry Kaufman Leslie Lynn Photography LLC

BAD SPOT!

What do you do when Spot makes a spot on your rug? CALL LOWCOUNTRY CLEAN CARE.

We’re not sure where we read this, but it seems like common wisdom that you can have either clean rugs or pets. But you can only pick one. However, that’s not always realistic. Just as we need the love and companionship that pets bring us, we also know that few things can add a wealth of beauty, comfort and sophistication to a home like a stylish area rug. With that in mind, do we really have to choose between giving our home some flair and letting our fur babies potentially mess things up?

Of course not. You just need to know a few things. And if there’s anyone who can teach those things to you, it’s Gerald Brant. As owner of Lowcountry Clean Care, he has extensive experience cleaning up after all manner of household mess makers, both two- and four-legged.

Getting his start in disaster mitigation, he encountered nearly everything that can damage a rug.

But it was when he opened Lowcountry Clean Care, his state-of-the-art Hampton facility, that he took that expertise and focused it squarely on problem rugs. “And there are a lot of problem rugs out there,” he said. They don’t make ’em like they used to

The first step toward maintaining a home with both loving pets and a beautiful rug is making sure that the rug is as functional as it is beautiful. “What’s happening out there in the market is that people are making rugs, which used to be hand-woven, that are instead hand tufted. A tufted rug has fibers punched through a backing, kind of like a wall-to-wall carpet, which creates these layers,” he said. And those layers can give your pets’ contributions to the décor entirely too many places to soak into a rug.

Gerald Brant, Owner wrapping side cord

New rug rinsing press for more delicate rugs

Resident Supervisor, Hammie (AKA Hambone)

John Moseley our best craftsman, fixing the body edge and then final wrap.

“These rugs are not conducive to the same type of washing treatment,” he said. “With a hand-made rug, all you have is a front and a back. But with all the different layers of a hand-tufted rug, you have all these places where odors can hide.”

Another issue with those layers is that any layers that the factory puts together will come apart in time. “I’ve never seen a glue that didn’t break down eventually,” Brant cautioned.

Hand-tufting isn’t the only technological breakthrough in the rug world that represents one step forward and two steps back. The other would be the introduction of the dreaded rayon, a term that covers a whole host of synthetic fabrics. What made for flashy shirts in the disco era has created a nightmare for homeowners trying to keep their rugs clean.

“It’s unstable. If you have a cotton rug that browns from moisture, that’s from the cellulose in the fibers,” Brant said. “Rayon has that as well, but that

Needle point rug with one large hole and a smaller hole.

Filling in Cotton Foundation before adding different color wool yarns.

Excellent Finish product by John Moseley

BAD SPOT!

cellulosic browning is much more difficult to remove from rayon. It’s just a problem child.” Modern problems require modern solutions

And while Gerald Brant has taken a hard stance against all these advancements in the rug world, don’t think of him as some kind of luddite. If anything, he has responded to the problems these advancements create with a high-tech solution.

Recent renovations at Lowcountry Clean Care have freed up floor space necessary for a technological marvel that packs an unprecedented amount of cleaning power. Currently en route from Spain, the Catinet Rinsing Press will leave unruly pet stains, sun damage and wear and tear with nowhere to hide.

“It’s basically us building a better mouse trap,” Brant said. “This press is a big deal. It will allow us to do some things we couldn’t do before.”

The rinsing press boasts an ingenious design that rolls each rug through a series of sprayers and nozzles that create a clean that is both thorough and gentle, reaching even the deepest soils and coaxing them out of the fibers. It then uses a pair of compression rollers that squeeze every drop of liquid out of the rug before automatically rolling it up.

And while the machine creates a level of cleanliness unseen anywhere else, Brant’s high standards require that each rug be unrolled, inspected, and cleaned again if need be.

“At the end of the day, I’m just trying to give our customers the best they can get,” he said. “This is not a new technology; it’s been around, but it’s been cost-prohibitive.”

But modern problems require modern solutions. And Lowcountry Clean Care tackles them with solutions as modern as a rinsing press and as time-tested as good-old fashioned knowhow and teamwork.

“Being a member of ARCS (the Association of Rug Care Specialists) has given me the opportunity to reach out to other members and share in that knowledge base,” Brant said. He also has plenty of help right inside his own shop.

“John Moseley, I couldn’t do it without him,” he added. “He does the more difficult and the more delicate repairs, and he’s done so many repairs that are just remarkable to me.”

Brant also points to Dalton Koon and Nicole Baker as invaluable members of the team at Lowcountry Clean Care.

It’s a team approach they’ve paired with the latest hightech solutions to ensure that your rug gets cleaner than you thought possible, every time. Even if you did go for the cheaper, hand-tufted rug just because the colors matched your sofa. Even if you have one pet or a whole menagerie just waiting to leave their mark on your décor. No matter the condition of your rug when it comes to Lowcountry Clean Care, when it leaves it will look better than you imagined.

“We’ve really been able to elevate the quality of our work,” Brant said. “We feel like we do a really good job, and this is going to allow us to step up our game that much more.” 

To learn more, visit lowcountrycleancare.com.

CALL LOWCOUNTRY CLEAN CARE.

2LIGHTS,

ARTICLE BY CHERYL RICER . PHOTOGRAPHY BY 2LIGHTS, 1STAND

FULL SPECTRUM STUDIO PROVIDES SAFE, SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR SPECIAL ARTISTS TO DEVELOP, CREATE, AND SELL THEIR ART

The mention of the word “artist” typically conjures up ideas associated with a person’s skill, creativity, and vision. Many famous artists are often labeled as “genius,” a layer of exception that separates them from everyday people. And while many famous artists had great skill, they also had disabilities to work around.

Consider Michelangelo, the famous painter and sculptor. Due to gout and/or osteoarthritis, he had significant trouble using his hands and experienced both pain and limited function and mobility in his hands and feet. Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, who suffered from polio as a child, nearly died in a bus accident as a teenager. She incurred multiple fractures of her spine, collarbone, ribs, a shattered pelvis, a broken foot, and a dislocated shoulder, requiring 30 operations. She began to focus heavily on painting while recovering in a body cast. Vincent Van Gogh was born with a brain lesion and suffered from temporal lobe epilepsy as well as bipolar disorder.

While these artists’ bodies of work and impact speak for themselves, each of their amazing careers began with the fact that someone, somewhere recognized their talent as their own unique voice and self-expression. Now, the Lowcountry has a place that offers studio space to artists with disabilities, a place to find their extraordinary voices and more.

“At Full Spectrum, we envision a world where individuals with disabilities are afforded the supported environment and resources to become professional

artists, said Andrea Hattler Bramson, co-founder (with Judy Russell). “We are inspired by our artists and want them to have a place where they are supported and respected as artists. With the Full Spectrum Studio, our artists build portfolios, create a variety of art types, and market their work in a professional gallery space.”

THE ARTISTS

Currently, there are four artists at Full Spectrum: Victoria, Cat, Sean, and Allison.

Victoria has been creating ever since she could hold a crayon, and her inspirations focus primarily on friends and family. She has an intuitive ability to combine and collate colors, whether with crayons or markers, and now with glazes. She creates from the heart and is sometimes open to suggestions, but more often prefers to work on her own. Her signature smiling sunshine and flowers bring a quick smile to anyone who sees them, and her large colorful platters brighten any table. Multimedia applications are becoming Victoria’s norm, and her skills and abilities grow and evolve daily. She has worked with colleagues from BoArt, the community of artists at the Hilton Head Farmers Market, and Sea Pines’ First Thursdays Art Market.

Cat’s work is delightful, and the pride she feels in the results is unmistakable (“I’m good at it!” she often exclaims with glee). Her delicate use of lines and colors creates whimsical two-dimensional characters. She has shown a true instinct for the application of color in a subtle, yet bold manner, and she uses underglazes to great success. Cat primarily

Michelle Good works on the loom recently donated to Full Spectrum Art Studio.

Sean Costello works on a New York Cityscape made out of wood.

From Left to Right: Judy Russell, Michelle Good, Allison Good, Sean Costello, Cat McDermott, Andrea Bramson, Kara Artman, Victoria Bramson, Doug Loneman and Smoke the Standard Poodle.

Cat McDermott, Victoria Bramson and Allison Good spend the afternoon painting.

uses one eye to see, which naturally impacts her ability to perceive and interpret depths. She is conscientious and deliberate—both attributes that fuel her developing skills. She welcomes exploring new mediums and enjoys applying new techniques. Cat is decisive in her choices and is committed to seeing her pieces finished as she envisions. Cat has also been active in painting much smaller pieces, many of which comprise the Full Spectrum “Wind Chime” series.

Sean comes to the Full Spectrum Studio (FSS) thanks to the keen eye of his sister-in-law Kate. While visiting FSS, Kate saw the potential for Sean. On his first visit, Sean— who lives on his own—was unsure if the studio would be a good fit for him. He said he had no experience with art and was sure the neuropathy in his hands would impair his ability to create. But he was willing to try and expressed an interest in stained glass and lighthouses. Now, Sean has not only learned how to manipulate pottery, but he has also made prototype pieces in stained glass, pottery, and fused glass. Sean’s rich life experience has not included much support for creative self-expression, but at Full Spectrum, he is encouraged to use his impressive mechanical problem-solving skills to find creative solutions to his artistic questions. On seeing an image of his first fused glass lighthouse light catcher, Sean reacted with, “WOW, I love it!”

Allison joined Full Spectrum a few months ago after moving to the area from Greenville, Pennsylvania. She is recovering from a stroke that left the right side of her body paralyzed. She is vivacious, witty, creative, and opinionated—which makes her a great fit for the studio. She has already produced several pieces, all of which have sold, and she is branching out to fused glass and weaving.

Allison has some experience with pottery and has been a photographer, a skill that will be re-energized as she rediscovers and builds on her previously evolved talents. Allison wears a “Celebrate Recovery” bracelet to remind herself and everyone who sees her to celebrate all that has to do with being better every day.

Full Spectrum Studio founders, Judy and Andrea, are also mom to Cat and Victoria, respectively. Prior to opening Full Spectrum, the daughters were members at Programs for Exceptional People (PEP) in Bluffton.

“They have lots of activities at PEP, and the girls loved it, but they wanted more art,” Judy said. “So, Andrea and I decided to provide this space for our daughters and other artists with disabilities to give them a chance to identify, develop and refine their skills and talents. All the Full Spectrum participants are artists, and we encourage them to think of themselves that way. We allow them to explore options for problem solving, participate in inventory control, and help purchase materials appropriate for the things they do. Our program centers on a more comprehensive inclusion of the artists in everything we do, so they realize art is a business. It is their responsibility to produce, sell and respond to their customers.”

The Full Spectrum artists are kept busy. They participate in the Hilton Head Farmers Market at Honey Horn on Tuesdays; every First Thursdays Art Market at Sea Pines Center; and at Hilton Head Community Market at Shelter Cove every Saturday. In addition, each month, Spectrum hosts the Friday Rays from Pockets Full of Sunshine. They are currently working on a second project with them—the first of which was a collaboration on ornaments for a Christmas tree that was donated to the Hilton Head Prep Festival of Trees auction.

This rigorous schedule teaches the artists discipline and infuses them into the entirety of the local art community. They learn that what they are doing is not just a hobby, but a business.

“It’s a big deal,” Andrea said, “and it’s good for our artists, our community, and other artists with disabilities to see them participating so actively. For example, Cat, Sean and Victoria are all members of the Art League of Hilton Head and show art at the Coastal Art Center. And they have already sold pieces there.”

In early January 2023, Full Spectrum Studio began working with Beaufort County Public School and Hilton Head High School’s special education program to help young artists still in high school explore art as a potential field of study and work.

“Art is not usually a choice provided to the people in the special education community, yet a choice is what we want to make available,” Andrea said. “We intend to identify future artists. In the special ed community, a student can graduate from high school in their early 20s. When they do graduate—even though the schools work to place them— there are dozens, if not hundreds, who sit at home waiting for something to happen. By working with the school, we hope to identify students with an affinity and interest in art before they graduate. This way, they know art is an option upon graduation and can consider our studio as a possible venue to continue developing their creative voice from a professional standpoint.”

And while everyone may not be an artist, studies indicate that cognition and creativity are not codependent.

While every Einstein is not an artist, an artist may not have cognition for other things. Full Spectrum embraces those whose cognition may not be average, but their creativity surpasses the imagination.

“When a person looks at a work of art that has been created by one of our artists, it reveals their heart,” Andrea said. “One of the most gratifying things is the positive reception we’ve received from the art community. The acceptance and support offered by both our customers and patrons has been nothing short of tremendous, and we are very grateful.” 

To learn more about Full Spectrum, to meet the artists, or to purchase their art, visit fullspectrumstudio.org, email info@fullspectrumstudio.org, or call (786) 371-5494.

Andrea Bramson and Doug Loneman discuss a project with Sean Costello (off-camera).

Coming to ColignY

You can feel the excitement in the air, and it’s only going to build all month long. February on Hilton Head Island typically serves as sort of a preamble, a prelude if you will, to the rising temperatures and endless fun that spring brings to this subtropical paradise. For most of us, it’s a 28-day waiting period before the fun really begins.

For Coligny, though, February is going to be a season of celebration unto itself. In addition to all the shopping, dining and entertainment that have made Coligny Hilton Head’s downtown for decades, they’re kicking off the festival season early with a slew of great events that you won’t want to miss.

Spring? Spring can wait. February at Coligny might just end up being the most fun you have all year long.

February 10: Mountainfilm on Tour at Coligny Theatre

Screening inspiring films curated from the Telluride Film Festival, the Mountainfilm tour rolls onto Hilton Head at Coligny Theatre for a night of pure cinematic joy. This year, the festival kicks off with a 4:30 matinee showing family-friendly films, before rolling out the red carpet for the 7 p.m. soiree with hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction.

Benefiting The Island Academy of Hilton Head Island, Mountainfilm makes it their mission to use the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world.

February 11: SouperBowl of Caring

What’s better than enjoying a mouth-watering chowder, hearty chili or veggie soup from one of Coligny’s celebrated restaurants? Enjoying it with a few hundred friends, some great live music and the knowledge that you’re helping feed the hungry.

Hosted by the illustrious Monty Jett with band Chilly Willy playing, this event lets you fill your ladle with the heartiest, most delicious

soups on Hilton Head Island. Your $25 ticket fee not only gets you in to slurp your fill, but it helps benefit Second Helpings, an organization doing tremendous work to feed the hungry around the Lowcountry. The event runs from 1-4 p.m.

February 18: Oyster Roast to benefit Hilton Head Island High School Booster Club

Are there any words in the English language that pair more beautifully than “buckets of local Oysters?” If you agree, then get to FISH Casual Coastal Seafood on February 18th from 4-8pm. Benefiting the Hilton Head Island High School All Sports Booster Club, this isn’t just about the oysters. You can get your fill at the BBQ bar, enjoy some chili with all the fixings, indulge in a decadent dessert, or enjoy a cold one from the cash bar. There will be themed gift baskets too for auction – hint, put a bid on the Coligny one or the lottery one! They are TOP NOTCH!

Tickets are $55.

February 17, 18, 19, 24-26: The Odd Couple

Neil Simon’s uproarious classic comes to life on the stage at Coligny Theater when Main Stage Community Theater presents its take on The Odd Couple Boasting a wealth of local talent, including Mark Erickson as Felix and Kyle Price as Oscar, this production will have you in stitches. Directed by Ron Ruckle, The Odd Couple will raise the curtain at 7:30 p.m. on show day, with 2 p.m. matinees February 19 and 26.

Tickets for The Odd Couple are $15. Enjoy dinner at a Coligny restaurant before or after the show! 

Visit ColignyPlaza.com/Events to purchase tickets or to find out more about each of these fabulous February events!

FOUR REASONS TO HEAD TO HILTON HEAD’S DOWNTOWN THIS FEBRUARY

Chilly Willy Band plays SouperBowl, Feb 11th

MountainFilm at Coligny Feb 10th

ARTICLE BY BECCA EDWARDS

MORNING GLOW TIME:

Seven Tips for Starting Your Day Off Better

Obligatory. Mundane. Caffeinated. These are words you may use to describe how you think about or approach your day. But here is a gentle wake-up call: Your morning modus operandi is important. How you begin your day can greatly affect how your day goes. And this has a domino effect. Good mornings make good weeks. Good weeks make good months. Good months make good years. Good years make, you guessed it: longevity. When we study people who live in “blue zones” or who statistically live longer lives, we find that their morning routine plays a big role in their overall health. According to the

Buddha, “Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.”

So, how can you channel your inner Buddha and transform morning go time into morning glow time? Great question. Like Rome, it might not be built in a day but taking little steps enables you to take great leaps. Here are seven ways to make the most out of your mornings and establish an overall healthier lifestyle:

1. Savor your morning ritual. Go all “Choose Your Own Adventure” and figure out what you most need in the morning to make your daily story a good one. The minutia matters, too. From self-inducing coffee breath with the perfect cup of morning brew to the flavor of your toothpaste to eliminate your coffee breath, what makes you happy in the morning? It may be the wag of your dog’s tale signaling to go outside. It may be the way your flooring feels on your feet when get out of bed. Know these things and make a conscious effort to notice and incorporate them into your morning routine. They make the other less fun things like making your bed a little better.

2. Practice gratitude. Gratitude equals a good attitude. Even during the toughest periods of our lives, there is always at least one or more things to be grateful for. This can be something as seemingly simple as being grateful for beach walks or your favorite goofy-named OPI nail polish. Or you can look inward and find a trait about yourself that you are grateful for, like maybe you are known as someone who is trustworthy. Or you can explore your relationships. Maybe

there is a friend or family member that truly enriches your life. Or it could be something that happened the day before or will happen today, like a fun, romantic date. Note: For myself, as well as my wellness clients, I developed a concept I call HI5=GAINS. If you high five each day with gratitude, affirmation, intention, networking (as in texting someone you enjoy) and spreading kindness, you will make gains in life.

3. Give yourself plenty of time. Starting your day in a rush can create anxiety, and who needs more anxiety in their life? If you are someone who hits the snooze button a lot or leaves things to chance, chances are you feel harried dashing through your morning hygiene routine, breakfast, or taking the kids to school. Take a hard look at making your life easier by factoring your antemeridian “must-dos” and “would-like-tos” and budget your time so that you can plan accordingly.

4. Utilize natural light. Did you know that taking in some unfiltered sunlight in the morning can help your

Gratitude equals a good attitude. Even during the toughest periods of our lives, there is always at least one or more things to be grateful for. This can be something as seemingly simple as being grateful for beach walks or your favorite goofy-named OPI nail polish.

MORNING GLOW TIME

body wake up and establish better, more consistent sleepwake cycles? Yep. You may want to rethink your blackout curtains or not totally shut your curtains and let the sun be your natural alarm clock. Waking up gradually as the sun rises can help with mood and sleep disorders and can be less jarring on your body.

5. Play music. Music lights up your entire brain, often serving as a natural energy boost and stimulating creativity, positivity and productivity. Fun fact: The cerebellum is highly activated by your favorite songs, triggering increased blood flow to the legs. This means that tried and true tune can get you moving more efficiently. Another fun fact: Your go-to jam equal joy. Listening to your favorite song produces an “anticipatory effect” similar to a Pavlovian response of excitement. Singing and dancing even ups the feel good ante. Try this: For one week, ditch the morning news and instead have a DJ party in the morning. In the great concert hall of your home (which is also known as

the kitchen), enlist Alexa or your laptop or tablet, and let each family member pick a song. Note: We have found on Mondays it is fun to play all songs relating to Monday like “Manic Monday” by the Bangles or “Monday, Monday” by The Mamas and the Papas.

6. Exercise your body and your brain. Starting your day with even some light stretching or yoga and then reading the paper or doing a crossword puzzle gets every one of your cylinders firing so you can be a well-oiled machine. You might be thinking, “Who has time for all that?” Well, you do. You just have to make time. And here’s why: Both generating movement in your body and your mind will keep you young by decreasing your chances of memory loss disorders like dementia. In addition, both decrease mood disorders like SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and depression and will increase your ability to focus throughout your day.

7. Pre-plan the night before. After dinner, when you’re winding down, take a few minutes to look at your tomorrow. Maybe you have a big meeting. Maybe you have plans to play tennis with a friend. Whatever it is, get your head around how the following day looks, and then set out clothes for that meeting or match. You will also want to pack any food or drinks, bags, or additional clothing you may need. Get that coffeemaker locked and loaded. If it is predicted to rain, have an umbrella by the front door. These little things are time savers. 

Becca Edwards is a wellness professional, freelance writer, and owner of Female IQ (femaleIQ.com).

ARTICLE BY SHEILA TUCKER

STRESS COPING WITH

WHEN YOU CAN’T CHANGE THE SITUATION

The more you try to control everything around you, the more anxious you’ll be.” Sage words from the therapist I saw in college, and I wasn’t having any of it. It was a cold-water-to-the-face moment. Was he suggesting that I give up? If I don’t try to control my situation, then what am I supposed to do? Worry. Stress. Overthinking. They’re all born from a desire to control your situation or environment. Only the more you try to control, the more worried, stressed, or anxious you become. A pattern begins to emerge that looks a little like a non-ideal (or horrible) situation, attempt to control, fail, worry (overthink, become stressed out). Wash. Rinse. Repeat. This is no way to live. Think square peg, round hole. Which will eventually fit if you continue to jam the peg in the hole repeatedly, thereby shaving down the sides….

It’s easy for me (and my college therapist) to say that worrying or stressing about everything you can’t

control will suck the life out of you, leaving you depleted and lacking mental fortitude. Yet, simply stopping is nearly impossible.

And when you inevitably add in a heavy dose of selfshaming, guilt, or micromanaging others (or yourself), you fall into the resignation that this is just who you are. Or, as U2 would say, “You’re stuck in a moment you can’t get out of.” Meanwhile, your situation hasn’t changed.

Like so many of you, I have firsthand knowledge of being “stuck in a moment” with no exit signs lighting my way out. It can be utterly debilitating and easy to fall into the control spiral where helplessness or hopelessness find refuge.

If only you could snap your fingers and get a new job, divorce your spouse (or change them), spontaneously recover from a chronic illness, buy a new home, or afford live-in help for a dependent adult or aging parents. The reality is that this kind of

significant life change probably requires resources that just aren’t available.

I don’t have a magical solution to your problems or mine. However, there is a glimmer of light in all of this. There are skills you can apply when you catch yourself in that wave of mind-spiraling, heart-pounding, shallowbreathing ocean of stress that leaves you feeling frustrated and anxious.

I’d love to sit passively and wait for the waves of life to calm, but I’m a take-action type of a gal. When my therapist told me my need to control was getting in the way of my peace, I knew I needed to find a loophole where action, worry, and my unchanging situation could coexist. Below is a snapshot of what I learned and suggestions I often pose to my clients.

Ask yourself, what can I control? Knowing the difference between what you can and can’t control will free up your mental space. This isn’t a new concept. Take, for example, the Serenity Prayer, “...grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change...” and Kenny Rogers’ song “The Gambler”: “You gotta know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, know when to run.”

Case in point, you can control your response to your boss, co-worker, spouse, or neighbor by setting boundaries or understandings around how you want them to treat you. But you can’t control their actions or inactions. You can control doing your own research, taking breaks to rest or play, or living a healthier lifestyle. You can’t control that you or someone you love has a chronic illness or the needs of someone aging.

The goal is to strike a flexible balance with your perspective about the situation since the external is

unchanging. It’s not going to be perfect. And yet, knowing what you can change and accepting what you cannot reduces your square-peg-round-hole moments and helps keep your head above water.

Intentionally worry and stress. I know it sounds counterintuitive. I’ll point out that you’re stressing anyway, so I’m suggesting you do it on purpose. Here’s what you’ll need: a calendar or reminder prompt, a quiet space to yourself (the car, bathroom, or closet will work), 10-15 minutes, and an unchangeable situation that has you ridden with worry and stress. Got it? Good.

Now, schedule a daily 10- or 15-minute block of worry time into your calendar. Consistency is key here, so plan for the same time every day if possible. Pro tip: Right before bedtime isn’t a good idea.

When you worry throughout your day, make a mental note or jot it down. Then remind yourself you’ll worry about it at the scheduled time. When worry time arrives, you’re on. Worry about every single thing. Go down every rabbit hole, get caught in every spider web, and go through every worst-case scenario for 10-15 minutes.

When the time’s up, so are you. Get up and go back to living, knowing that you’ll be able to revisit your worries tomorrow at the same time. Research shows that consistently repeating this process will ultimately help you to delay your stress-induced thinking. Instead of the mindtwisting and gut-wrenching doom and gloom spiral,

there’s more (ahem) control over where your mind travels.

I want to be abundantly clear that these suggestions do not magically solve or resolve your ultimate problem. Instead, they allow a perspective or mindset shift, granting you breathing room from your experience and a calmer nervous system. This creates space around you and the stress, so you’re better positioned to make well-thoughtout and intentional decisions or actions.

Allow me to illustrate what it looks like with an activity. Take your hands and put them in front of your face so that your palms touch your nose. What do you see? I see my hands, slivers of light between my fingers, and partial objects. Your hands represent your worry and stress. When you don’t have coping skills, connecting to others, yourself, or even seeing the full scope of things is challenging.

Now, lower your hands to your lap. What do you see? Probably a great deal more. This act represents what it’s like with coping skills during an experience when you can’t change the situation. The problem isn’t gone. It’s right there resting on your lap. But it’s not in your face, which allows for more peace.

Coping also isn’t a one-and-done situation. It’s an action word. For the most significant impact, it needs to be repeated, like an annoying commercial or that song you can’t stop singing to yourself.

Here are a few more bonus suggestions for variety: Breathe. Research shows that intentionally slowing your breathing where your exhale is longer than your inhale will calm your nervous system and anxiety response. To practice, breathe in for a count of four and breathe out for a count of six.

Check-in with the story you’re telling yourself. What are you telling yourself about your current situation? Would you say that to a friend? Probably not. Self-talk and the stories we tell ourselves about our situation are usually based more on distress and despair than hope. How can you reframe your story and self-talk? Or, even better, what would you tell a good friend?

Plan something you can look forward to. This doesn’t need to cost money. Catch up with a friend, go for a walk, read, spend five minutes alone with absolutely no responsibilities, or do whatever brings you joy.

Ask for support. If you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to be working, it’s time to ask a therapist for help. Additionally, if your situation is life-threatening, for example, if you’re in an abusive relationship, start here. You don’t have to go through your experience alone. There are qualified therapists and facilities that can help.

When my college therapist suggested I try something other than worrying, I thought I was doomed (and needed a new therapist). His words still ring true. When you’re in the middle of a stress-filled, unchangeable situation with no perceivable way out, you will feel stressed, worried, anxious, or a combination of everything. And there’s also a way to find a little island of peace during life’s waves. 

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

BLUEPRINT BLUFFTON

With another year ahead of us, we will be completing many of our capital projects and more. One item that is important to any town is an update of the comprehensive plan. Many residents are not sure how towns in South Carolina operate, and this plan is a major tool.

Starting in late 2020, Bluffton began a process to develop its next comprehensive plan, appropriately named Blueprint Bluffton, which we adopted last month. A blueprint represents a vision. It assumes a plan of action that, taken together and in the right sequence, leads to a desired outcome. Similarly, effective community planning requires coordinated action or investment. These steps are incremental, but collectively drive the town in the direction desired by the community.

Blueprint Bluffton is intended to guide decision making for the next 10 years. The plan presents broad direction for where and how the town should invest over this horizon. The goals, strategies, and recommendations are the product of a community-wide conversation, culminating in 2022.

The State of South Carolina requires comprehensive plans to include nine topical sections and a tenth focused on implementation and priority investments. Blueprint Bluffton assigns a broad goal to each section and a series of targeted objective statements to focus the plan’s recommendations.

Public engagement is an essential component of the comprehensive planning process and the long-term success of the plan. Several methods of community outreach and engagement were utilized in this process to reach as many residents and stakeholders as possible.

Bluffton’s planning processes have helped shaped our town every step of the way. This process was important because it gave everyone an opportunity to voice their opinions and ideas. This updated comprehensive plan helps us view our town’s future from 50,000 feet to ensure we have analyzed all the town’s components and how they interrelate as we aspire to thoughtfully grow so that Bluffton preserves its spirit, essence and quality of life.

Bluffton has nearly twice as many residents as it did in 2010, and population growth has a domino effect on numerous parts of the community. Blueprint Bluffton will address these areas, including transportation, housing, land use, parks and recreation, as well as preservation of the natural and cultural resources that characterize the town.

The adopted version of Blueprint Bluffton is located on the town’s website townofbluffton.sc.gov/203/Planning.

DO YOUR PART TO HELP STOP CRIME

It is sad that people don’t respect other people’s property. We all need to be vigilant in helping watch out for our neighbors, and if you see anything out of the ordinary, it is also important to make a call to our police to register this information. You never know what investigation may be going on, and information that may seem unimportant could be the lead our men and women in blue need. Please read below and learn how you can play a part in keeping crime down in our town.

Recently, the Town of Bluffton has experienced a spike in catalytic converter thefts. The Bluffton Police Department is working diligently to catch the thieves responsible for these incidents, but in the meantime we would like to remind everyone to remain vigilant. We would also like pass along some ideas for deterring thieves and keeping vehicles secure.

Catalytic converter thefts:

• If possible, keep all vehicles in a physically secure enclosed location (garage, shed, enclosed carport, etc.).

If it is not possible to keep vehicles in a physically secure enclosed location, security cameras are encouraged. Most cameras are

inexpensive and offer good quality video with options to send alerts to your phone.

If secured locations and cameras are not feasible, ensure that the area where vehicles are kept is well lit. Always report any suspicious activity to the police.

Vehicle break-ins:

• Never leave valuables in your vehicle overnight. This includes cash, firearms, portable electronics, prescription medication, credit cards, jewelry, and any identification documents.

• Always lock your doors and make sure all windows are rolled up. Never leave your keys inside the vehicle overnight—even if it’s parked in the garage.

• Always report any suspicious activity to the police.

Report items stolen:

Many times, when people notice that something in their vehicle has been stolen, it is not reported to the police because it may seem minor or more of a hassle to wait and file a report. We encourage anyone who notices something that was taken from their vehicle to contact the Bluffton Police Department. This will help officers potentially track down and locate the suspect and retrieve your belongings.

• Contact our non-emergency line at (843) 524-2777. Please keep this number and share it with neighbors.

• Try to obtain serial numbers or other identifiable markings on stolen items. If a wallet is stolen, be sure to cancel any credit cards as quickly as possible.

• Finally, if you see something, say something.

Photography by Krisztian Lonyai

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HILTON HEAD ISLAND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

ARTICLE BY JESSE BLANCO

Practically any festival that has existed on Hilton Head Island for any decent length of time can trace its roots back to a small gathering of some well-intentioned locals hoping to raise some money for a charity of choice. If you’ve been on the island long enough, you can name more than a few.

One of those, in a very short decade and a half, has become one of the area’s largest. It’s the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival, and if what we have seen the last few months is any indication, the 2023 edition is looking like it could be their best effort yet. How do we know? As you read this, most of the events have already sold out.

The festival has grown beautifully into a nearly weeklong affair, featuring a Tour of Homes at Callawassie Island (sold out), a Pig Pickin’ and Oyster Roast (sold out) and, of course, the main event, the sixteenth annual Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival being held this year from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 25 at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. (This is the festival’s second year being held at Shelter Cove.)

“We knew something was clicking,” is how Kelly Smith, one of the festival organizers put it. “Two of the retailers that day had higher gross sales during that 3.5-hour period of time than they did the entire week of Fourth of July,” she said. Of course, that makes everyone happy considering the event is a full takeover of the waterfront.

The footprint at Shelter Cove Harbour & Mariana will be larger than it was last year, with plenty of room for everyone to enjoy a few hours of sampling both food and drink. The ticket to the Saturday event includes all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage tastings, plus a $10 credit to purchase food from any of over a dozen food vendors including Charleston’s The Darling Oyster Bar, and local favorite Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar.

Other tickets remaining include a variety of dinners and “pop-ups” islandwide. 2022 James Beard Award Winner Fernando Olea will participate in a dinner alongside Tim Nelson at Holy Tequila. Chef Fernando’s New Mexican Mole is said to be legendary, and he will undoubtedly be serving some of that classic Mexican dish. The next day, he will offer a master class at the South Carolina Yacht Club on how to prepare it yourself.

Thursday night features a Lowcountry Homegrown Supper at Alexander’s. Chefs Charles Pejeau, Jon Buck, and

Kevin Yeung will reunite to create a dinner inspired by their personal memories of Hilton Head Island. The dinner with be paired with wines from Elyse Winery.

The week will end once again with the very popular brunch on the dock at Hudson’s.

There is much more, of course; those are some of the highlights. What started as a traditional oyster roast in the parking lot at Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks on the island has evolved into one of the better culinary events in the region. The locals all know this, which is why most of the events are sold out. A couple of them sold out in the fall. Yes, they are that good.

What is a little bit lost in all of this is the fact that this six-day event is a major tourism driver for the island during February. We are told that just over half the tickets for this year’s event were purchased by folks who never bought a ticket before. That’s a rock solid sign of growth and a fantastic creator of revenue for the David Carmines Foundation, allowing them to donate tens of thousands of dollars every year to local non-profits.

For more information on remaining events and tickets, please visit hiltonheadseafoodfestival.com.

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Kyle Train has been named general manager of Hilton Head National RV Resort, with responsibility for daily operations of the 97-acre RV resort that opened in 2022.

A native of Toronto, Canada, Train comes to his new position following a year with United Company of Bristol, Virginia, the parent company of Scratch Golf, Inc. which oversees both the RV resort and the adjacent Hilton Head National Golf Club located along Bluffton Parkway near the Hilton Head Island bridge. Complementing the RV resort’s 97 aces is an array of special amenities. These include a lazy-river pool complex, children’s playground, a two-acre, fully enclosed dog park, two miles of walking trails, clubhouse and chef-staffed restaurant and tiki bar. There is also a secluded adults-only area that has a separate pool, hot tub and clubhouse bar. The resort is open to Class A, B and C motorhomes as well as fifth wheels and other towables. It is the only RV Resort in the immediate Hilton Head area that welcomes towables.

Hospice Care of the Lowcountry (HCL) recently announced the appointment of James Dismond as executive director/chief executive officer, effective February 1. He succeeds Jenny Brasington, the executive director of the organization of 13 years.

Dismond has served with HCL for more than two years as the senior director of business development and has over nine years of nonprofit and senior leadership experience.

In his former role, Dismond oversaw the fundraising aspects of the organization: From unique fundraising experiences like Yacht Hop on Hilton Head Island, to the founding of the first community-based at-home palliative care program in Beaufort County, to communityfirst outreach initiatives, Dismond’s belief and commitment to the mission of HCL is evident. Dismond previously worked as the area director of resources development at the Boys & Girls Club of America.

Shrek the Musical, a Hilton Head Prep Production, will be presented February 22-26 at the Hilton Head Preparatory School Main Street Theatre. Perfect for guests of all ages, this musical is sure to please.

Set in a mythical “once upon a time” sort of land, Shrek the Musical is the story of a hulking green ogre who, after being mocked and feared his entire life by anything that crosses his path, retreats to an ugly green swamp to exist in happy isolation. Suddenly, a gang of homeless fairytale characters (Pinocchio, Cinderella, the Three Pigs, you name it) raid his sanctuary, saying they have been evicted by the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad. So, Shrek strikes a deal: “I’ll get your homes back, if you give me my home back!”

But when Shrek and Farquaad meet, the Lord strikes a deal of his own: He’ll give the fairy-tale characters their homes back if Shrek rescues Princess Fiona. Shrek obliges yet finds something appealing—something strange and different—about this pretty princess. He likes her. A lot. But why does she always run off when the sun sets?

Under the direction of Hilton Head Prep’s performing arts director, Patti Maurer, and Hilton Head Prep alumna, Meredith Ingelsby, ’93, this production features Prep seniors Trey Middleton and Hayes Wilkinson as Shrek and Fiona in this energetic, hilarious show that is perfect for the entire family.

Prep’s award winning performing arts department has acquired professional production elements for the students to experience, and the Lowcountry will surely enjoy the imaginative costumes from the Las Vegas production.

Performances will be held at 7 p.m. February 22-25 and 2 p.m. February 25&26 at the Hilton Head Preparatory School Main Street Theatre. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students Tickets can be purchased online at hhprep.org or at the door.

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Mountainfilm on Tour brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and incredibly inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado. The tour will visit Hilton Head Island at the Coligny Theatre on February 10, with films that explore themes connected to Mountainfilm’s mission of using the power of film, art, and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world.

While hosting an inspiring collection of films, the show is also an opportunity to raise funds to allow more children learning opportunities they may not otherwise have. Proceeds go in part to an endowed scholarship fund for children grades K-12.

Mountainfilm on Tour in Hilton Head is hosted by The Island Academy of Hilton Head in partnership with several generous sponsors. The show kicks off on February 10 at 4:30 p.m. with a family-friendly matinee and continues with an evening event including hors d’oeuvres, a silent art auction, and an entirely new set of films. Tickets for Mountainfilm on Tour are on sale now and can be purchased online at hhiacademy.com/events. The cost for the matinee is $15 per ticket and $55 for the evening. See the complete playlist at mountainfilm.org/tour/ schedule.

Joel Klock, former Division 1 athlete turned coach, has obtained his master’s degree in sport and performance psychology from the University of Western States and is working toward becoming a certified mental performance consultant through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. He is currently working with athletes and teams to build mental skills that maximize performance.

This & That

Christmas Eve 2022 on Hilton Head Island marked the end of an era for the island’s landmark eatery, Signe’s Heaven Bound Bakery Café with the retirement of its founder and owner, Signe Gardo.

It was a remarkable 50-year run for the slim, 88-pound blonde with a whimsical smile, twinkling blue eyes, and a level of energy that belies her 81 years. No one has matched her longevity in the often difficult and harshly competitive island restaurant scene.

Originally opened in the summer of 1972 as Signe’s World in a quaint lighthouse keeper’s cottage in Sea Pines’ Harbour Town, Gardo moved to Arrow Road in 1984 and developed a deeply loyal following of patrons—both residents and vacationers who return annually to the island.

She also gained significant national attention with her unconventional menu of baked goods and breakfast dishes along with the establishment’s fanciful, low-key décor. Over its half-century span, the bakery-café has been featured in numerous national publications as well as on The Food Network with Rachel Ray.

Across the decades, Gardo has made more than 4,000 wedding cakes, and during her final week, dozens of former brides streamed into the café to pay their respects. “I have always considered this more than a business. It’s a calling,” Gardo said. “I am enormously blessed to be a blessing to others.”

Eddie Euseda, who has been in the nail business for over 20 years on Hilton Head Island, has recently moved to Lovable Nails at 6 Bow Circle, behind Grayco. Treat yourself to a pedicure for Valentine’s Day!

BELOVED HILTON HEAD BAKERY CAFÉ OWNER RETIRES AFTER 50 YEARS

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The Hilton Head Cotillion Debutante Ball was held Friday, December 30 at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort. Guests were received by Mr. and Mrs. Gaston Lucius Moore, president; Mr. and Mrs. Warner Lawson Lowrey, president-elect; and Mrs. John Eric Woods, chairman of the Debutante Ball Committee.

The daughters making their formal bow to society, presented by their fathers, included Miss Ali Ward DeSpain, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Butler DeSpain, escorted by Michael Dargan Cherry; Miss Katherine Mary Drozd, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Timothy Drozd, escorted by John Gallagher Sprenger, Jr.; Miss Caroline Elizabeth Keber, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Keber III, escorted by Sterling Dakota Luciano; Miss Jacqueline Crispin Lowrey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Warner Lawson Lowrey, escorted by Maxwell Joseph Green; Miss Emma Payne Moore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lucius Gaston Fishburne Moore, escorted by Gunner Thompson Askeland; Miss Reedy Buyck Newton, daughter of The Honorable and Mrs. William Weston Jones Newton, escorted by Maximilian James Lowrey; Miss Laney Caroline Sewell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Hampton Sewell, escorted Hampton Bradley Sewell; and Miss Mary Margaret Yanker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Randall Stuart Yanker, escorted by Henry McCaw Suskind.

The sons attending their first Hilton Head Cotillion Ball were Mr. Conrad Milam Alford, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Milam Alford; Mr. Luke Delaney

Holland, son of Mr. and Mrs. Derek Michael Holland; Mr. Daniel Robert Keber, son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Keber III; Mr. Peter Keber IV, son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Keber III; Mr. Maximilian James Lowrey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Warner Lawson Lowrey; Mr. James Carlton Marler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Reif Carlton Marler; Mr. Benjamin Hanks Marler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Reif Carlton Marler; Mr. William Weston Jones Newton, Jr, son of The Honorable and Mrs. William Weston Jones Newton; Mr. John Douglas Patterson, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Taylor Patterson; and Mr. Jeremy Luke Wilkes, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robin Scott Wilkes. The Street Talk Band provided music for the grand march, debutante figure, and dancing. Mr. Christopher Corkern announced the debutantes, and Mrs. Joseph Franklin Green coordinated the grand march and debutante figure.

Miss Ali Ward Despain

Miss Emma Payne Moore Miss Jacqueline Crispin Lowrey

Miss Mary Margaret Yanker

Miss Caroline Elizabeth Keber

Miss Laney Caroline Sewell

Miss Katherine Mary Drozd

Miss Reedy Buyck Newton

FEBRUARY

MOUNTAINFILM

SUPER

19

THE ODD COUPLE

February 17, 18, 19, 24-26 Coligny Theater 7:30pm & 2pm matinees February 19 and 26. Tickets for The Odd Couple are $15 and can be purchased at mainstagecommunitytheatre.org.

DARIUS RUCKER INTERCOLLEGIATE GOLF TOURNAMENT Long Cove Club

February 27 - March 1st

Spectators welcome at no charge!

The Sea Pines Community Center (next to fitness center) from 5-7pm

10TH 20-26 27 HH HUMANE VALENTINE’S EVENT Shelter Cove Community Park 10am-12pm Pet Adpotions, Silent Auction, Games & More! 16TH ANNUAL HILTON HEAD ISLAND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL Multiple Events www.hiltonheadsea foodfestival.com/

DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE: SOCK HOP Rooftop at Poseidon

1: 4:30-6 pm. Dance 2: 6:30-8

SOUPERBOWL OF CARING Coligny Plaza 1-4pm $25/ Person Benefit Second Helpings Visit colignyplaza. com to buy tickets.

ALL YOU CAN EAT ANNUAL OYSTER ROAST FISH Casual Coastal Seafood 4-8pm

Tickets are $55 colignyplaza.com

12TH ANNUAL RED CEDAR FOXES TROT 5K RACE Red Cedar Elementary School $10.00 for nonstudents