CH2/CB2 Magazine: February 2022

CH2 CELEBRATE HILTON HEAD!

FEBRUARY 2022

THE LOVE ISSUE BACHELORS AND BACHELORETTES Where are they now?

FEBRUARY 2022

BRING BACK THAT LOVING FEELING

A guide to building intimacy

Everyone’s Favorite Island Grinder Gets His Moment

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18 BACHELORS & BACHELORETTES Where are they now?

We catch up with a few former contestants who have tied the knot.

WHAT’S INSIDE

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BRING BACK THAT LOVING FEELING: A GUIDE TO BUILDING INTIMACY

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C2 13TH ANNUAL LOWCOUNTRY PETS FACBOOK SUBMISSIONS

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BIG SHOES TO FILL: WOODY THE CLYDESDALE HAS TROTTED INTO THE ROLE OF LAWTON STABLES AMBASSADOR WITH EASE.

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WALTER CZURA: HILTON HEAD ISLAND BUSINESSMAN STEPS INTO MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY

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C2 SPECIAL SECTION: MEET THE DENTISTS

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DYED IN THE WOOL: THE EXACTING SCIENCE AND TIMELESS ART OF LOWCOUNTRY CLEAN CARE

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THE BAY POINT ISLAND FOUNDATION: DEDICATED TO PRESERVATION, CONSERVATION, AND EDUCATION OF THE NATURAL PRESERVE

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WHY JIU-JITSU IS FOR YOU (AND YOUR DAUGHTER)

O N O U R C OV E R S

32 MATT STOCK Everyone’s Favorite Island Grinder Gets His Moment .

62 HEAR WELL AGAIN Rose Hearing Healthcare Centers offers two pathways to better hearing.

70 BENCHMARK SETS THE BAR Lowcountry physical therapy clinics remain the standard for rehabilitation

ON THE CH2 COVER Islander Matt Stock phtographed at the Coligny Theatre Photography by M. KAT

ON THE CB2 COVER Seacoast Insurance mascot Reese.

Photography by M.KAT.

GENIUSES AT WORK Vibe Manager Maggie Marie Washo

play

Head of Quietly Judging Carolyn Hunter Kostylo Master of Coin Marion Elizabeth Bowser Rainmaker Kim Conrad Crouch

Lead Door Knocker Morgan Ambler

EDITOR'S NOTE

Director of Attracting Talent Kaila Jeffcoat

NO PHONE ZONE

Master Handshaker “Just Kandace” Cunningham

Mascot in Training Buoy Conrad Crouch Pritchard Giant Karen Jevon Daly The Gatekeepers Greta Von Bowser Vincent Von Bowser The Cut & Paste Crew Jeff Cline Catherine Davies Aspiring Novelists Cheryl Alexander Amy Bartlett Jesse Blanco Sandra Harley Counts, PharmD Becca Edwards Linda S. Hopkins Barry Kaufman John McCann Lisa Sulka Edward Thomas Tim Wood Lighting Experts M. Kat Photography Krisztian Lonyai Find Us Here PO Box 22949 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 843.689.2658 m.washo@celebratehiltonhead.com

FEBRUARY 2022

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was chatting with a client last weekend about productivity, and he said, “If I owned a company, my employees would not be allowed to be on their phones while at work. Do you know how much work would get done if people didn’t waste half their woke day on Snapchat, Facebook Messenger and Instagram?” I laughed and said, “Well you probably wouldn’t have any employees then.”

But then I started thinking seriously about what he said. I think about all the times we aren’t paying attention to the person in front of us because we are on our phones. How we are not present in the moment because our Apple Watch “dings” that we have a message, and we interrupt what we are doing to read and respond. That constant distraction is taking a toll on society and our relationships with others.

I’ve had several conversations with clients and friends about why people don’t pick up the phone and call people anymore. What I’ve surmised is, it is because they don’t want to put in the effort of actually listening to the other person. Texting is a one-way press release, whereas a phone call requires engagement and social skills.

Saturday, I was playing pickleball with my dad when this very thing happened to me. I caught myself looking at text messages in the middle of a game. I assure you I am not good enough to be doing such a thing. My 70-year-old dad beats me every time, so I don’t need to be handicapping myself further. So, I put my watch on Do Not Disturb and enjoyed the game and conversation with my dad. Still lost four times in a row, but that’s not the point.

As I was proofing the magazine yesterday, I noticed that multiple brides cited “communication” as the key to a successful marriage. A few pages later,

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writer Linda Hopkins shared how she and her husband lost touch through “lack of communication” and a default position of electronic scrolling.

How many of you are sabotaging your relationships doing the same thing—scrolling instead of paying attention to the person across the table/on the couch/in the bed next to you? Be honest.

Hunter and I are often frustrated with lack of communication—and how it will impede the success of any organization—or at least end up in failed expectations and sometimes wasted time and money. Remarkably, we have these phones that we are constantly on, and yet there is a very real failure to communicate.

Lush, a British cosmetics company, made national news last week when they announced they were leaving some social media platforms.

“Social media was not designed to look after people’s health, but our products are,” explained Lush chief digital officer Jack Constantine. “It is counter-intuitive for us to use platforms that keep you hyper-tense, engaged and anxious.”

No wonder everyone is suddenly unfocused.

I’ve decided to enact a NO PHONE ZONE rule at CH2’s offices and while we are out on photoshoots with our clients. No more checking messages and social media or answering phone calls while there are people in front of us.

The person in front of you is always more important than the one on your phone. And if they aren’t, maybe you shouldn’t be there with them. Spend your alone time cruising your phone; don’t waste valuable moments with real people who will not always be there.

I hope you enjoyed these deep thoughts.

Have a great February!

MAGGIE WASHO Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

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

As we hear up to bring back CH2’s Bachelor of the Year contest and party in 2022, our thoughts wandered to our past candidates. So, for this February month of LOVE, we figured we would check in on some of our former Bachelor & Bachelorettes, to see how they found “their lobster,” (this is a Friends reference for the pop-culture deficient) when they knew she was “the one,” and what they think they key to a happy marriage is.

Bachelor Name: Mark Teed Bachelorette Name: Meghan Klunk (They were BOTH contestants)

How did you meet?

It was a semi-blind date at the Black Marlin through our friends Brittany and Jay. Semi meaning it was unbeknownst to Mark, but privy to Meghan. Mark was fresh on the market, so the timing was a bit off.

Where did you go/what did you do on your first date?

We had dinner and drinks at Southern Barrel and then went to see Knives Out. Once we got to the movie, front-row seats were our only option because we showed up after the movie started. We enjoyed the conversation and drinks too much to be on time.

How long did you date before he proposed?

A year and two months.

How many years have you been married?

It will be a year in June.

Tell us one thing you learned about your spouse in the first month/year of marriage that surprised you.

Mark was surprised by the number of opportunities he gets to poke fun at the cups of warm coffee gone cold sitting around the house.

Meghan was surprised by how many random places she finds notes from Mark.

Tell us the moment you knew she was the one.

I knew it after our first Christmas together when she came and joined my family having never met them before and fit in like one of us.

Secret to a happy marriage.

Be up front and honest with yourself and each other.

Photography by Ian Santiago

Bachelor/Bachelorette Name: Myranda McAfee-Kroha Spouse Name: David Kroha

Photography by Kit Carper

How did you meet?

Myranda: Mutual friends brought him into LAVA 24 Fitness. I call it “LAVA love.” Fun fact: he had shown his parents my photo in the CH2 bachelorette magazine article and said I was going to be his next girlfriend. We went on our first date two days later.

David: I was going to LAVA and seeing her there. I thought she was cute, but I didn’t have the courage until I saw her in this magazine. Oh, the irony...

Where did you go/what did you do on your first date?

The Bluffton Room, still to this day my favorite date.

How long did you date before he proposed?

Exactly two years, and he proposed on his birthday!

How many years have you been married?

We just got married November 12, 2021. But another fun fact is we are expecting our first baby in August 2022!

Tell us one thing you learned about your spouse in the first month/year of marriage that surprised you.

Myranda: He shares everything.

David: Well, I just learned she is pregnant.

Tell us the moment you knew she was the one.

When I first saw her height. She’s nearly six feet; I am six-foot-four. Our kid has a good chance to make it to the league (go Celtics)!

Secret to a happy marriage.

Myranda: Communication.

David: Always have chocolate.

Bachelor Name: Taylor Whitehead Bachelorette Name: Melissa Whitehead (They were BOTH contestants)

How did you meet?

Melissa’s former boss introduced us here on Hilton Head.

Where did you go/what did you do on your first date?

We had a picnic on the beach, looking for shark teeth and sea glass with Ryder pup!

How long did you date before he proposed?

Two months! When you know, you know!

How many years have you been married?

One year and four months.

Tell us one thing you learned about your spouse in the first month/year of marriage that surprised you.

Taylor: How selfless, hardworking and dedicated she is to us and our growing family.

Melissa: What an amazing man my husband truly is; watching him be a father to Carter Ann has been the greatest thing yet!

Secret to a happy marriage.

Taylor: Happy wife, happy life! Kidding, but just go with the flow, have fun and support each other always.

Melissa: We have God at the center of our marriage and simply strive to live our best life together.

Photography by Lisa Staff

Bachelor/Bachelorette Name: Erik Olson Spouse Name: Rachael Olson

How did you meet?

We met through a close friend of mine whose father is close friends with Rachael’s father. Rachael’s family would come from Atlanta to visit their family at their home on the Beaufort River for the annual Water Festival each summer when she was young. Rachael played tennis for Oklahoma in college. She had her first summer free (ever) in her final year of eligibility and decided to come spend that summer on Hilton Head Island in 2009. My buddy mentioned he had a childhood friend coming to town for the summer that might need some help finding a place to live or work. He sent me her name and number, and I looked her up on the ol’ “BookFace” and thought she was a super attractive.

Where did you go/what did you do on your first date?

Well … Rachael didn’t really need help finding a place to live or work and didn’t need help meeting people either.

However, I was determined to meet her and called and texted about doing so persistently after she got into town.

She was dismissive, but I finally caught up with her at One Hot Mama’s after she’d mentioned she’d be there one evening a couple weeks after she’d arrived on the island.

She was fairly indifferent that evening, but we spent about 30 minutes together, so I’ve always claimed that evening as our first date and a dazzling success that kicked off the “Summer of Love!”

How long did you date before he proposed?

Eleven months.

Tell us one thing you learned about your spouse in the first month/year of marriage that surprised you.

Erik: Rachael had to leave and go back to Oklahoma after the “Summer of Love,” so it was a huge leap of faith for her to move here prior to engagement. I suppose it comes with time (and the slightest hints of maturity on my end), but her commitment to her move here to build a home and a life that included both of us surprised me then and continues to be one of the things that I find amazing about her.

Rachael: First year, yikes. Three kiddos later, I can’t recall what happened yesterday at times, ha! In all seriousness, I’d say what I learned about him after a year of marriage is how caring and thoughtful he is. He is such a planner when it comes to experiences and gifts, never just a sporadic or thoughtless decision. At times, he can drive me nuts with his thinking process compared to my lightning speed approach, but boy do I appreciate it and love his thoughtful heart! I also realized after a year that I married a fine wine because, sheesh, gets better with age!

Tell us the moment you knew she was the one.

I was working weekends at Wilson Landing at Palmetto Bluff the summer we met. On a Saturday, at the last minute, I was asked to run a large group on a large center console out to the Calibogue Sound at night for the Fourth of July. It might sound fun, but it was work. I wasn’t super comfortable with the task, and I was frustrated because it certainly wasn’t what I had in mind for Fourth of July. I remember Rachael understood all of this and came with me and sat behind me and put her arms around me while I was running the group out. It was perfectly imperfect, and I knew then.

Secret to a happy marriage.

Erik: Always remember that love is a choice, and always accept each other for who you are at the time.

Rachael: Remember to have fun, laugh, and make each other a priority. Don’t forget date nights!

Photography byKartina Wheeler

How many years have you been married?

Eleven years this June!

Bachelor/Bachelorette Name: Chris Wells Spouse Name: Katherine Veldran-Wells

How did you meet?

Well, we all know it’s a small island. We met over a decade ago through mutual friends and forged a great friendship then. Stayed friends for a long time, and eventually that friendship turned into a love we are forever grateful for.

Where did you go/what did you do on your first date?

Our first date as a couple was to St. Kitts where we spent the entire week falling for each other. Not a bad spot to fall in love!

How long did you date before he proposed?

About a year later, he proposed—one of the best days of our lives.

How many years have you been married?

We got married November 20, 2021, in Harbour Town—such a beautiful and special place.

Tell us one thing you learned about your spouse in the first month/year of marriage that surprised you.

Chris: How silly she can be when it’s just the two of us. We have so much fun together, and we make each other laugh every day.

Katherine: We’ve known each other for so long, and he’s my best friend, so I don’t feel like there have been any real surprises for me. Although I am a little surprised by how he continues to do so many thoughtful little things for me. He definitely knows how to make me feel like his princess.

Tell us the moment you knew she was the one.

When I took her to have Thanksgiving with my family in Beaufort. We stopped and walked around at Waterfront Park. It was a beautiful day, and we sat down on one of the swings overlooking the water. Right then I knew.

And that’s where we returned to on the day I proposed to her.

Secret to a happy marriage.

Chris: When I asked her father for his blessing to ask Katherine to marry me, I told him my goal for the rest of time would be to make Katherine feel loved every day.

Katherine: He makes me feel safe and he makes me laugh every day. I am so grateful for our bond.

Photography by Amia Marcell

Bachelor/Bachelorette Name: Lee Holyoak Spouse Name: Emily Jane Halsey

How did you meet?

Emily: It was a Saturday night; Ally and I were working at the busy local bar at Mellow Mushroom (the original one), where outside of the tourists, it felt like Cheers, where everyone knows your name.

Lee came strolling in. I eyed him and told Ally, “I’ll take care of this one.” Lee sat down mid-bar and ordered a Stella Artois in his hunky Australian accent. I named his tab QT (didn’t know his name and thought he was cute). When time came to pay his tab, he noticed the name on the tab. Lee said, “I bet you name all the tabs like that to get a bigger tip....”

Where did you go/what did you do on your first date?

Hilton Head Brew Pub. I sang Lee two karaoke songs: “The Perfect Country and Western Song,” by David Allan Coe and “Deeper Than the Holler,” by

Randy Travis. We sat at the bar and told each other our life stories.

How long did you date before he proposed?

18 months.

How many years have you been married?

12 years. We married in August of 2009.

Tell us one thing you learned about your spouse in the first month/year of marriage that surprised you.

Emily: Lee never wanted me to teach me tennis.

Lee: Lee did not want to answer, so “No comment.”

Tell us the moment you knew she was the one.

When she met my parents and still wanted to stay with me.

Secret to a happy marriage.

Emily: Communication.

Lee: Letting her think she is always right.

Bachelor/Bachelorette Name: Kandace (Wightman) Cunningham Spouse Name: Ross Cunningham

How did you meet?

Through mutual friends.

Where did you go/what did you do on your first date?

Ross came to Bluffton, and we met at Calhoun’s outside bar. We just took the golf cart out and about and enjoyed each other’s company.

How long did you date before he proposed?

A year and a half.

How many years have you been married?

We’re still newlyweds—got married October of 2021.

Tell us one thing you learned about your spouse in the first month/year of marriage that surprised you.

Ross: She inherited my bad luck; we have learned to get through tough life and situational obstacles together.

Kandace: When it comes to a home project, like painting or fixing something small, call someone. He’s not a handyman, but he sure can cook!

Tell us the moment you knew she was the one.

It was easy. We just clicked, and we were on the same page with short- and long-term life goals.

Secret to a happy marriage.

Ross: Never stop dating each other; express your opinions and listen to theirs; don’t give up; always tell the truth; and remember the following phrases: “Yes dear,” “It’s all my fault,” and “I’m sorry.”

Kandace: Celebrate all the small, good moments.

Photography by Peyton Mariah

Article by Linda S. Hopkins

BRING back that loving feeling A guide to building intimacy

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f you have been married or in a committed partnership longer than a minute, you know that coupledom isn’t all kisses and cuddles. Sometimes it is grocery lists, broken water pipes, mortgage payments, and knee replacements. Sharing life means sharing it all—joys, sorrows, challenges, heartaches, temptations, and the mundane.

But for most of us who are in longterm relationships, it’s not enough to simply survive. We want our partnerships to thrive, and to do so requires intimacy.

THE NAME OF THE GAME When we think of intimacy, we generally associate it with physical expressions of closeness—think happy couples embracing, kissing, or slipping away to a candlelit room behind closed doors. But that is only one type of intimacy. Without the accompanying inner connection, outward expressions of physical love can become a matter of going through the motions, like two automatons or animals in heat.

Emotional intimacy, on the other hand, is a feeling of intense closeness. It’s a sense of being seen, known, and understood— loved for who we are, not for random body parts or moments of primal pleasure. It requires vulnerability, trust, and strong communication skills.

Without emotional intimacy, one or both partners may feel a lack of safety, love, or support, which will ultimately have a negative impact on physical intimacy. No matter how good your sexual chemistry, when the emotional connection is weak, the relationship will suffer. The good news is that as we build emotional intimacy, our sex lives tend to become more satisfying.

I got my own wake-up call recently when I looked across the dinner table and realized that after 19 years (two of courtship and 17 of marriage), I had lost connection with the most important person in my life: my husband.

And who doesn’t want that?

So, if you and your significant other find yourself going through life on autopilot and wondering why that loving feeling is not quite what it used to be, this is your wake-up call.

HELLO I got my own wake-up call recently when I looked across the dinner table and realized that after 19 years (two of courtship and 17 of marriage), I had lost connection with the most important person in my life: my husband. Years of the daily grind had taken a toll, most of our spare time eaten up with errands, home improvement projects, and social obligations, not to mention the lure of our electronic devices and online relationships.

From the outside looking in, our marriage was good—not perfect, but whose is? We were getting along most of the time, enjoying weekly date nights, and making time for physical intimacy. But what

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BRING back that loving feeling fell by the wayside was quality conversation.

With exchanges revolving around to-do lists, the weather forecast, and what to have for dinner, a quiet disconnect pervaded—a feeling, on my part, of no longer being seen.

Oh, sure, he might compliment me on my outfit, but I longed for my husband to peer beneath the surface: to inquire about my day and really care to hear the details; to ask my opinion and value it; to listen to my heartbeat and hear music. I craved his undivided attention.

In my mate’s defense, he was busy making a living—running a company, serving on multiple boards, and putting out fires at every turn—traveling five days a week, swooping in on Friday evening, juggling household chores and a mountain of mail on the weekend before boarding another plane on Monday morning. This grueling schedule, while providing a comfortable lifestyle, was slowly eroding the foundation of our marriage and eating away at our happiness.

Of course, it takes two to sink the ship, and I bear my share of the blame for overlooking the iceberg that nearly brought us down. I had fallen into a pattern of complacency myself, often opting to scroll my Facebook feed or exchange texts with friends instead of instigating a meaningful conversation with the person right in front of me.

CAN WE TALK? After the awakening, the first step toward restoring our connection was to talk. Our plan of action began at Christmas when we elected to spend the holiday week alone as a couple. We retreated to our Atlanta condo and went about the business of excavating the love that was buried in a pile of rubble—the fallout of excessive busyness and general inattentiveness. Once we got relaxed, with few distractions and nothing but time on our hands, we found ourselves in deep conversations that lasted late in the night and often continued in the dawning hours of the next day. We shared stories, memories, laughter and tears until something magical happened. Electricity began to flow again, as if the storm ended and the lights suddenly came back on.

With our emotions in tune, our love life has improved exponentially, and today, I’m happy to report that we are the closest we’ve ever been.

INTIMACY INFUSION Are you and your significant other drifting apart? Is communication a struggle? Are you walking on eggshells or feeling like ships passing in the night? To regain love and friendship in your relationship, it is time to reboot and refresh. Here are six tips to help you get started: 1. Silence the electronics. Emotional intimacy depends on quality interaction. While texting and emailing are practical ways to stay in touch, electronic communication can be a barrier to emotional intimacy.

Emails, social media, and entertainment can become habits that draw you away from your partner and interfere with your face-to-face communications. So, do yourself and your partner a favor and dedicate daily device-free time to talk, share, and look each other in the eye.

2. Initiate meaningful conversation. It’s common to get trapped in the same conversation each day: What’s for lunch? Can you pick up the dry cleaning? What time

We all have the same number of hours and minutes in the day, and when it comes down to it, we somehow manage to carve out time for what is important. When you make your partner a priority, you will be surprised where you can find pockets of time to connect even within your existing routines. is your meeting? Did you feed Fido? Please pick up Johnny from school. These are necessary topics, but they are not the ones that lead to strong connection. When the daily tasks are divided and settled, take a few moments to ask an open-ended question that lends itself to deeper discussion: What is your top priority today? Is there something I can do for you to ease your burden or free up your time? What was the most significant thing that happened at work?

What surprised you or made you happy today? What do you need to get off your chest? What would make you feel most loved right now?

3. Spend more time together. We all have the same

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BRING back that loving feeling number of hours and minutes in the day, and when it comes down to it, we somehow manage to carve out time for what is important. When you make your partner a priority, you will be surprised where you can find pockets of time to connect even within your existing routines. Hit the snooze button and snuggle for five minutes; take a quick walk around the neighborhood after dinner—bonus if you hold hands; sit on the sofa together and listen to music you both enjoy; find a cozy spot to watch the sunset or the moon rise. Remember that small moments of just being together can add up to deep emotional intimacy.

4. Express appreciation. It’s easy to take our partners for granted, and sometimes we forget to express how much we honor, respect and cherish them. Saying I love you can become rote and less meaningful without some confirmation of what you love about your special person. Make a habit of giving specific compliments and affirmations to your partner so they know you see them, appreciate them and value them.

5. Sprinkle in some fun. In long-term relationships, it’s not uncommon to settle into a comfort zone where we stop planning special experiences. What you choose to do for fun is immaterial, and it doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. What matters is that you find joy in each other’s company. Set up a game of horseshoes or cornhole

in the backyard; go play a round of mini-golf or attend an outdoor concert; take a spin on your bikes; hunt for shells or build a sandcastle on the beach. It is by enjoying activities together that we create shared memories and strengthen emotional intimacy.

6. Let your guard down. Ultimately, emotional intimacy creates a sense of security and safety within your relationship and the freedom to be wholly yourself. To achieve this requires a degree of vulnerability. This might translate to sharing an embarrassing mistake you made, expressing an emotion that eats at you secretly, revealing a deep-seated fear, discussing a painful topic, or divulging a fact about yourself that you’ve been withholding. When you open your heart, you invite your significant other to do the same. Take the chance and watch your relationship rise to a new level of connection and closeness you never dreamed possible.

This is the greatest gift you can give to your partner and the most powerful love potion in existence. 

What you choose to do for fun is immaterial, and it doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming.

What matters is that you find joy in each other’s company.

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Everyone’s Favorite Island Grinder Gets His Moment Article by Tim Wood Photography

by M.kat makeup by true beauty by joanna marie

T LOOKS LIKE RAIN? Matt Stock is photographed at Lowcountry Celebration Park.

he title of Matt Stock’s upcoming comedy shows at The Roasting Room is as soaked in irony as his undershirt is soaked in sweat after one of his countless, beloved holiday Santa Claus appearances. As much as he doesn’t want to jinx it by stating it aloud, things are pretty alright these days now for Hilton Head Island’s unofficial spirit animal.

For the past dozen years, since punting on a corporate career path for the island life roller coaster that has proved the perfect match for his frenetic energy, Stock has been boosting and promoting others selflessly while intermittently inching his way toward his own spotlight.

THIS IS SUCH A BIG OPPORTUNITY THAT FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION. I’VE BEEN WORKING THIS PLAN FOR A BIT NOW, AND THIS IS A HUGE BOX ON THE CHECKLIST THAT I CAN CHECK OFF. THAT’S EXCITING, NOT PRESSURE The steady build hits a crescendo Feb. 24 in the space where he has enthusiastically watched his musician friends crush it for years. With “I’m Not Alright: An Evening of Positive, Inspirational Comedy,” the jovial Everyman and the South End’s best-kept secret becomes the bankable box office headliner.

No pressure. Literally.

“I’m not nervous, there’s no pressure,” Stock said. “This is such a big opportunity that failure is not an option. I’ve been working this plan for a bit now, and this is a huge box on the checklist that I can check off. That’s exciting, not pressure.”

Stock grew up in East Greenville, Pennsylvania, a town of 3,000 about 45 miles northwest of Philadelphia. “I was

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real quiet. I didn’t come out of my shell until my teens, but I always loved comedy,” Stock said. “Sam Kinison, George Carlin, Eddie Murphy … I just loved it. The 12:35 a.m. Letterman, that was my happy place.”

The Pitt grad worked in print media and publishing for 11 years in Philadelphia before deciding to make a move up I-95 to New York City. He sublet an apartment for six months, starting the week the stock market crashed in 2009.

“I could not even get a job interview there,” he said. “My parents lived in Hilton Head by then, so I decided to come bartend for a summer and lick my wounds.” He worked the door at The Lodge and quickly got entrenched in the island food and beverage scene.

“I am a music nerd and junkie, so being around live music, that was kid-in-a-candy-store stuff for me,” said the selfdescribed “emotionally-stunted man-child.”

Stock was one of the first four employees at CharBar, where he first got a chance to book music acts and showed a true knack for spotting young talent while at the same time befriending the upper echelon of the island’s performers. But his time as GM of CharBar eventually morphed him into a jaded soul few of his newer fans would recognize today.

“I was burned out on the restaurant industry. I was one profoundly unhappy cat and not proud of it,” he said. “I was an angry person, drinking too much, self-medicating, kind of an island burnout cliché.”

Then came the moment that changed his life trajectory, courtesy of island icon John Cranford. Stock had been in Cranford’s creative orbit for years, a rocker he saw as the entertainment gold standard. Little did he know the admiration was mutual, that is, until Cranford approached him at a wedding in 2017 and asked him to help revive Southender Magazine.

“John had started it as a zine a decade back, but he wanted to do a full-blown magazine, and we did 12 full monthly issues,” Stock said. “Man, he saw something in me I didn’t even see there. And it got me out of my rut, exposed me to all corners of this crazy island, let me soak in and show off every facet of why I love this place. I was out there every day meeting people, and it was just incredible.”

The duo decided to switch to a digital version two years ago, which gave Stock the opportunity to show off his personality on-camera. “I’m doing all these interviews, talking to cool people. What’s not to love?” he said of the pivot. The videos gained traction as Stock rode his trademark scooter around the island, interviewing interesting islanders.

His signature voice—equal parts cheery and raspy, a tone well informed by 30 years of puffing Camel Lights at a pack-a-day pace—and his genuine warts-and-all presentation won him a cult following. And they caught the attention of Lee Lucier, who, after years of admiring his F&B grind and boundless creativity, asked Stock to be general manager of the Coligny Theatre in March 2020.

Stock had a different vision for the famed edifice first opened in 1972, whose latest incarnation had been as an arthouse theater for upscale audiences. He wanted to make it a place that screamed fun and entertainment for all ages.

“There are so many classic films from the ’80s that a lot of folks know but never saw on a big screen,” Stock said. “I wanted to be a nostalgia merchant with the movies but also use the stage for music, fashion shows, comedy—just try anything and everything to entertain folks and put a smile on their faces.

“It’s so much like the theater three blocks from me growing up. I remember Ferris Bueller, Alien, holding a girl’s hand for the first time. Pop culture and entertainment was part of so many life memories for me, and I get to give that to others here. How cool is that?”

With the keys to Coligny, Stock went all-in on creating viral and memorable ways to promote the venue (his mohawk and mutton chop appearance on WHHI-TV in December 2020 is my favorite).

Even in the midst of COVID, Coligny quickly became a brick-and-mortar extension of Stock’s social media persona.

One word comes to mind reading his Facebook feed: passion.

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#FreeBritney brigade), Stock’s raw and endearing appreciation of people and moments is instantly evident.

“It’s easy to overthink things sometimes; we all do it. I’m still figuring sh*% out myself, but if I can give you any advice it’s this,” he said in a June 2021 post. “Surround yourself with people you love that work hard and are the best at what they do. The rest falls into place.”

His missives are poignant at times, but snarf-your-coffee funny constantly. And yet, Stock never considered himself worthy of being a comedian. “I think I have a sense of humor; I like to make people laugh, but the idea of doing it on stage always felt out of reach,” he said.

That changed two and a half years ago when Brian Eason suggested a fundraiser for St. Jude’s at Coligny called Laughs Against Cancer, putting the funniest folks he knew—including Stock—on stage for 5 to 10 minutes each.

“He said, ‘Hey, if we all bomb, at least we tried.’ I thought I had put together a tight five minutes, and I got up there and just fell in love. It was everything I dreamed of and more. And I got a steady flow of true laughs, not pity giggles.”

A roast of Cranford at the Swampfire Records tenth anniversary party drew him more laughs and more folks encouraging him to get on stage. He kept booking comedy showcases, working on his set, slowly compiling 10, 20, 30 good minutes.

That led to the next cliff dive, booking himself as the headliner in a show in May, “Man of the People,” which sold out quickly. Turns out karma loves to laugh: all the folks that he’d promoted through the years bought tickets and none of them left the 200-seat theater disappointed.

The Roasting Room was always going to be the next test.

Stock is a regular at the Old Town Bluffton venue, watching local legends and friends like Jevon Daly own the stage.

“It is the top of the top around here—everything from the silky sound to the posters to the promotion, Jordan Ross just absolutely owns it,” said Stock, who approached Ross about trying out a comedy show in the intimate venue. “I love being in that atmosphere. I want to surround myself with the best of the best to constantly push myself.”

The test balloon became the fastest sell-out in the venue’s history, beating even Daly and Cranford for the honor. Ross (who calls Stock a “mythical creature” in the show’s website tease) added a second night, which sold out just as fast. Stock found himself constantly hitting refresh on the browser, giddy with disbelief as he watched the ticket sales in real time.

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THE UPS AND DOWNS, I’VE LIVED, MAN. IT’S BEEN A JAM-PACKED CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE BOOK. I’M JUST GOING TO BE HONEST ABOUT EVERYTHING, FIND THE FUNNY IN MY JOURNEY AND DO MY THING. “It was just surreal. Jevon owns the most sellout trophies there with six, but I’m going to chase him,” Stock said.

“To be performing in the place where I watch idols of mine slay it weekend after weekend, it’s crazy to me. I never thought I had the talent of a Martin Lesch or a Kyle Wareham, but I’m starting to believe I just might have the chops for this comedy grind.”

The rise will be televised. Buddy and star videographer Trevor Harden will film the performance with plans for an “I’m Not Alright” documentary.

The years of promoting others was never quid pro quo. It’s why he has legions of fans believing the Lowcountry’s nicest guy will finish first.

“I haven’t bombed yet on stage, but it will happen. I’ll have to play open mic nights, play more hostile and neutral rooms in Savannah, Jacksonville, Charleston and beyond,” said the now 47-year-old Stock.

“I’ll fight to get five minutes on stage anywhere that will have me. I’ve never wanted anything more professionally. If anything, I wish I’d started sooner, but believing in yourself, that’s time consuming.”

And for those worried he’ll leave his island crew behind, don’t. Stock said Coligny, his friends and gigs like his Friday nights holding court behind the bar at Cool Cats Lounge will always be the foundation that fuels his creativity and drive.

Is he the next big thing? Audiences will be the judge, but there are definites in the coming unknown based on Stock’s time on the island. No one will work harder and have more fun riding the inbound wave than the man who one day hopes to be hosting a variety show on your TV. “Hey, you got to dream,” he said. “I’ve never tried to resonate. People see right through fake. The ups and downs, I’ve lived, man. It’s been a jam-packed Choose Your Own Adventure book. I’m just going to be honest about everything, find the funny in my journey and do my thing.”  C2 MAGAZINE

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13th annual AnnuAl Most Adorable Lowcountry Pets

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO FOLLOWS US ON FACEBOOK AND SUBMITTED A PHOTO WITH THEIR FURBABIES FOR PUBLICATION IN OUR ANNUAL PET ISSUE. madeline and billy jean

brianna and coach

austin & roe brittany and lulu

dylan and winston

mandy, david and luna sam and squatchdog

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sophie and kendall

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indigo and bowie duFF

Fender and addeline

jason, bambino and benedict

tyler, rocco, and ollie

steve and rex brook and jax

rebecca and pax

nick and jojo

brad and lady

jacki and chloe tatianna and mouse

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john and Folly FEBRUARY 2022

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talia and mr. fig

susan and ridley

ansley and cooper dan and kiki ross and dakota

karla and koby

star and bernie

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emma and bella

melissa and chip

patty,daisy andJoey

mizraim and angus

lindsay and haley

ashely and penny melissa and ryder

lisa and beans

mark, meghan and neiko

marleigh andluka with ethan and kodiak

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Joey and Mia

brody and brian dave and burt reynolds

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edward and bella

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PaM, trey and sister

Cadee Cat and Margaret anne

Meg and Mieka

mimi, steve, and samPson

tucker and Boogie

Lindsay and HoLLy

keitH and mackay

LiLLy and Lady siLver

jessica and max

donny and daisy

eLLen difazio and miss Potter

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From lower left to right to upper left: Jalessa Martin, Brisa Chambella Videla, Makayla Broome, Danielle Peterson, Maia Goyochea, Donna Underwood, Lynn Kulas, Dee Merritt, Heaven Morrison (not pictured but very much a part of our team - KD Edwards).

Red Rover, Red Rover … S E N D YO U R D O G R I G H T OV E R Article By Amy Bartlett

W

hen it comes to pet services in a vacation destination like Hilton Head Island, you have options. Red Rover is “Where you want to bring your top dog(s) on Hilton Head, for grooming, PlayCare, boarding, dog washing, and the best dog food on the planet.”

In the words of owner and proprietor Paige Grisette, “The team at Red Rover unfailingly goes above and beyond to exceed expectations of both our fourlegged and two-legged customers.” That’s not just yip service. It’s evidenced by their employee training, operating policies, and the nonstop stream of online client testimonies.

TRAINING AND EXPERTISE “Initial and ongoing training is a very high priority,” Grisette said of her stepabove staff and their innate abilities to deal with dogs of all types. “All our employees are experts at interpreting dog language.

Between ears, eyes, mouths, tails, and stance, dogs are communicating how they feel and, to some extent, what they might do next. Recognizing these cues and taking appropriate action goes a long way to achieve our two daily objectives: safety (for dogs and people) and having a positive experience. Further, employees

are trained in group supervision. This is dog language on steroids, with a lot of communication going on in multiple directions and knowing how to take appropriate action if needed.”

This means someone is listening to your dog closely, and that’s the second best thing to you being there. Besides, dogs can always use a staycation, a little fur-to-fur socialization, and a “spaw” day.

Yes, spaw.

SPAW SERVICES Red Rover’s adorably named Spaw Services refers to a full range of packages and products from highly trained handson care to DIY options and dog food delivery, the details of which are listed on their website and Facebook page, offering a first-person sense of quality control and variety. At-a-glance, select services rise to the surface as top-dog-ops: • Boarding: Red Rover Sleep Over in spacious, uber-clean, private rooms • PlayCare: All-day or half-day play in outdoor runs with artificial turf. When it rains or is too hot, there are three indoor, air-conditioned playrooms where all play groups are always managed by professional supervisors.

• Grooming: Two professional groomers are available with a combined

Red Rover offers all-day and half-day playcare with artificial turf.

30-plus years of experience with all breeds and coat styles.

• Full-Service Bathing: Nails trimmed and dremeled, ears cleaned, anals expressed, double-bubble bath, 100 percent dry and thoroughly brushed/ combed out.

• Do-It-Yourself Bathing. Access to huge tubs, all-natural shampoos, and variety of accouterments.

• Super Premium Dog Food: Dry, canned, or raw, if Red Rover doesn’t have it, they’ll order it for you—even deliver if needed!

FOUR PAWS UP Those best-of basics are before you get into details like filtered water (better on the kidneys), aromatherapy (is this eucalyptus or chicken and cheese?), and off-ground orthopedic beds (dogs only, this isn’t VRBO).

The elevator speech hails Red Rover as “fantastic, friendly, can-do service; uberclean facility; well-trained professional team.” But the words of the satisfied petparents say it best. With some locals saying they’d “never recommend any other place for boarding” and visitors committed to “definitely return,” other client endorsements celebrate a facility that’s “so clean you’d think they just opened the doors yesterday,” a DIY bath setup perfect for “humans with bad backs,” and an overall experience so reassuring that “even timid dogs get excited walking in.”

Now in their thirteenth year, Red Rover’s presence at the south end of Hilton Head Island is more than a hot spot for Spot. It’s a reliable, relational staple in one of the most dog-friendly beachfront communities in the coastal southeast. Red Rover is located at 25 Bow Circle on Hilton Head Island. For more information, visit theredrover.info, call (843) 671-9274, or email paige@ theredrover.info.

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Woody the Clydsdale grazing at Lawton Stables in Sea Pines.

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

Big ShoeS To Fill WOODY THE CLYDESDALE HAS TROTTED INTO THE ROLE OF LAWTON STABLES AMBASSADOR WITH EASE.

T

he long stretch of fence running up to the pig, goat and alpaca pens at Lawton Stables serves as sort of a greeting line. Before you can make your way over to the feed dispenser and make a few new four-legged friends, your first stop must be at the front range, where cows, horses and ponies eagerly await head scratches and the odd treat.

For years, the master of ceremonies for this receiving line was a princely Clydesdale by the name of “Otter Creek Master Harlequin.” But everyone just called him Harley.

A celebrity in his own right, Harley greeted guests and posed for selfies, earning love from locals and visitors alike until his passing on March 15 of last year. A devastated Lawton Stables grieved for their late mascot.

“I remember looking out on the field, and it just looked empty out there without him,” said General Manager Haley Zimmerman. “We kind of needed to fill

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Alpacas head over to the fences to greet little visitors to Lawton Stables.

A donkey resident enjoys breakfast on the farm.

that void for all the visitors. We wanted to make sure Harley wasn’t forgotten and his legacy was carried on.”

Any Clydesdale looking to carry on that legacy would have some big shoes to fill, both physically and metaphorically. And as serendipitous as it sounds, just a few hundred miles down the coast in Florida, a precocious young Clydesdale by the name of “Big Shoe Depot” was waiting for his chance to shine.

“He was being used as a driving horse, just going through the training process in terms of pulling a carriage in a setting where there’s a lot of commotion,” Zimmerman said. “He’s more from a show line … so he didn’t have that high stepping action they look for. But he had a really good demeanor and is very quiet for as young as he is.”

Young Big Shoe Depot wasn’t a great fit for the carriage trade, but his colorful personality made him the perfect candidate for Lawton Stables’

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new official greeter. But just as Otter Creek Master Harlequin found a new identity as Harley when he came to Sea Pines, Big Shoe Depot needed a name of his own.

“He was purchased for us by Anne Pierce, the owner of Woody’s Sunglass Shop in Shelter Cove,” Zimmerman said. “He was named Woody in honor of the shop’s former owner’s husband, Woody Ludwig … it fits him quite well.”

N ow n a m e d Wo o d y, t h e yo u n g Clydesdale started his new job as Lawton Station’s resident Clydesdale greeter over the busy Fourth of July weekend. He was a natural, which is easy to see when you step up to the receiving line at Lawton Stables.

During one such trip recently, a visitor from Ohio found herself giving Woody’s whole head a big bear hug. On another, a couple of local children launched into a giggle fit when Woody presented his posterior for scratching.

“Yeah, he likes getting scratched on the butt,” laughed a farmhand, before demonstrating the spot on Woody’s belly

Big ShoeS to fill where a good scratch will have the horse stretching his neck skyward in ecstasy.

“He’s kind of goofy,” Zimmerman said with a smile. “He’s young, but he’s really fit in well with the herd. He learned really quickly that humans are kind here and that they usually mean treats.”

He’s helpful, too, as demonstrated when he volunteered to hold a farmhand’s rake in his mouth for a moment while she shifted some gear around in her Gator. “When they’re young, they will get right in your space just to be curious. He’ll come up, sniff, grab a pitchfork; he wants to engage with humans.

It’s almost like a teenager, so he’s starting to test boundaries.”

As with any teenager, a little structure will help channel some of that youthful energy. Zimmerman said Woody has taken well to training, with Lawton Stables staff getting him in shape to eventually lead trail rides.

“We’re going to be posting videos online so people can see the training process, but the long-term goal is to get him into parades or something like that,” she said.

In the meantime, Woody is soaking up the attention of the countless locals and visitors who stop by Lawton Stables, carrying on Harley’s legacy and making it his own.

“Sometimes I look out there and do a double take,” Zimmerman said. “He’s had no issues settling in and assuming the role.”

If you stop by and see Woody, be prepared for a massive horse with a larger-than-life personality. And don’t forget to give him a few butt scratches to welcome him to his new home. 

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PET HEALTH AND MEDICATIONS Article By Sandra Harley Counts, PharmD

D

id you know that half of all pet poisonings involve human medicines? Many commonly used meds, both OTC and prescription, can be harmful or even fatal to your fur babies. A vital thing to do is call the vet or helpline ASAP when you suspect your pet has ingested something. Problems often can be dealt with more easily and less expensively early on.

The top 10 unsafe classes of meds involved in serious poisonings are likely in our homes or brought in by household guests. The top two offenders are pain meds ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). Next is acetaminophen/Tylenol.

This includes combo products, such as Lortab/Vicodin or Sinus Advil. One or two Advil can cause stomach ulcers or kidney issues in dogs and cats, and even one tablet of Tylenol can dangerously affect oxygen-carrying ability of red

blood cells in cats and could be fatal. This happens because pets can have a very different metabolism than humans, with substantial differences in absorption, metabolism, and excretion.

TOP 10 MOST DANGEROUS PET INGESTIONS

• NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, naproxen) • Tylenol (alone or in combo products for colds or pain) • Antidepressants (Venlafaxine/Effexor, duloxetine/Cymbalta, escitalopram/Lexapro, sertraline/Zoloft, fluoxetine/Prozac, and others) • Stimulants such as ADHD meds Methylphenidate/Ritalin, Concerta), Vyvanse, many others, and the decongestant pseudoephedrine/ Sudafed • Anxiety/sleep meds (alprazolam/Xanax, clonazepam/Clonopin, zolpidem/Ambien, etc.)

• Estrogens (birth control pills, menopause relief such as Estrace or Premarin, pills or patches).

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• Blood pressure/heart failure pill class called ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, etc.)

• Beta blockers, also for blood pressure and heart failure, (metoprolol, carvedilol, others) • Thyroid pills (levothyroxine/Synthroid, and others) • Cholesterol lowering statins (atorvastatin/ Lipitor, rosuvastatin/Crestor, simvastatin/Zocor, others) Note: Some of the above meds may be safely prescribed by vets, so it’s only a problem if your pet eats too many!

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR PET SAFETY

• Store all OTC and RX containers where dogs and cats can’t access them. Consider a simple box or container they can’t open.

• Remember herbal products, people foods such as chocolate, and items like cigarettes, vapes, alcohol, illicit drugs which may also be especially toxic. Store them safely, and don’t share these products with them for fun.

• Don’t leave plastic pill organizers where pets can easily access them. Store in a drawer or other inaccessible space.

• Don’t keep meds in plastic baggies—too easy to tear open.

• Don’t leave your daily handful of pills on the counter while doing something else. Some could roll off or pets might eat them while you are not watching.

• If you drop a dose on the floor, find it ASAP and put it safely back in the container.

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SANDRA HARLEY COUNTS, PHARMD • Caution and check behind houseguests, especially the elderly, who may visit with meds in unsafe containers or on a bedside table.

• Hang backpacks and handbags up high if they contain anything that shouldn’t be eaten or chewed.

• Keep the pet poison 24/7 helpline number in your cell phone and on your refrigerator. The National Poison Hotline (800) 222-1222 handles human and pet emergencies at no charge. There are two other excellent pet-specific emergency numbers, but they usually charge an upfront fee of about $60. The Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 and the ASCPA (Am. Soc. for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) (888) 4264435.

• Check out this amazing website: Petpoisonhelpline.com. You can search for any topic of ingestion from pesticides to crayons. They provide

detailed information on meds, plants (some flower bulbs are highly toxic), human foods (chocolate is bad for dogs), and even how to assemble a pet emergency toolkit.

• Keep a fresh bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide (the kind in pharmacies) on hand in case the cure for your dog’s ingestion is to induce vomiting. Depending on the size of the dog, you give up to two ounces and may need to repeat, so keep at least 4 oz. on hand and in date. Be aware that not all ingestions should be treated by induced vomiting, as it may do the same damage to the throat and mouth coming back up. Also note that peroxide is NOT the treatment for cats. You’ll need professional advice for your feline friends.

• Keep dogs away from chocolate. In general, the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more poisonous it is. The chemicals in chocolate, methylxanthines, are like caffeine and more heavily concentrated in the darker varieties. In fact, a 50-pound dog can be sickened by ingesting only one ounce of Baker’s chocolate!

Take away points: Store meds and other products safely away from your pet’s reach. Keep the help hotline numbers and website handy and consider assembling a pet emergency first aid kit. Our sweet, loyal pets are worth it!

Disclaimer: I’m a pharmacist, not a veterinarian. Please consult a veterinarian for the bottom line on any pet health questions. This review topic only relates to dogs and cats.

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ARTICLE BY EDWARD THOMAS

Wa lter CZU RA HILTON HEAD ISLAND BUSINESSMAN STEPS INTO MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY

H

ilton Head Island businessman Walter Czura has stepped into the movie industry with his first feature length, independent film, Sherman’s March to the Sea, a historical drama which premiered recently at the Poison Peach Film Festival 2022 in Augusta, Ga. A Georgia born history buff, Czura is excited about his new venture because of his love of both movies and Civil War history. As a result, he is already planning his next film endeavor – a Lowcountry adventure drama.

“I’ve dreamt about making a movie for quite some time,” said Czura, who founded Marlin Outdoor Advertising more than 40 years ago. He is considered one of the most successful billboard entrepreneurs in the Southeast with more than 1,000 locations along interstates and highways in both South Carolina and Georgia.

For the 92-minute movie project, estimated at $1.25 million, Czura is both executive producer and co-scriptwriter. The movie is directed by veteran filmmaker Christopher Forbes who has developed over 30 commercial films that have been distributed as direct sale DVDs through chain store outlets or, more recently, via streaming platforms.

Sherman’s March to the Sea is a historical drama, not a documentary. Its plot follows the gut-wrenching, month-long military campaign that was conceived

by General Sherman to terrify the region’s civilian population into abandoning the Confederate cause.

Instead, it embittered Southerners for generations that followed.

A brigade of Union soldiers leave Atlanta on their march to Savannah in November 1864

Confederate troops led by General Joseph Wheeler (center) are encamped to plan ambush attack against General Sherman’s troops in Effingham County, Ga.

Union soldiers repulse Confederate attack near present day Rincon, Ga. and Ebenezer Creek.

Forbes credits Czura for doing most of the script research and plot development, which they then completed together. “I spent several months late at night pouring over historic documents and old books to come up with true-life anecdotes during Sherman’s March that would be compelling for the script,” Czura said. “Our goal was to create a series of vignettes that would carry forward the storyline, presenting the intense emotion of the campaign from a balanced perspective between four separate groups: the two opposing armies, plus the civilians living along the path of the march, and the slaves who were freed along the way.”

“There were more than 60,000 federal troops and nearly 10,000 freed slaves fanned out over 50 miles wide and moving toward the sea at a pace of six to 10 miles per day,” Czura said. “Sherman’s army

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covered more than 280 miles in five weeks, but unfortunately there were also roving gangs called ‘bummers’ who shadowed the march and took advantage of the chaos by raiding and pillaging individual farmhouses and even small towns.”

Czura points out that slaves who were freed along the way by Union soldiers as the Army pushed forward from Atlanta toward the Atlantic Ocean “ended up becoming America’s first freedom march.”

Forbes used more than 500 re-enactors to stage the marching and combat scenes. He explains that the goal of the movie is more than to just entertain,

Walte r C Z U RA

Executive producer Walter Czura (2nd from right) poses with three of the movie’s actors at January’s premier in Augusta, Ga at the historic Imperial Theatre.

but also to help audiences better understand the human trauma that impacted entire communities during this period.

The vignettes effectively carried the storyline to its conclusion on the outskirts of Savannah, where General Sherman wired a telegram on December 23,1864 to President Abraham Lincoln: “I beg to present to you as a Christmas gift the City of Savannah.”

Sherman’s March to the Sea doesn’t shy away from showing the tragedies of war.

There is a compelling incident at Ebenezer Creek near present-day Rincon, Ga., where federal troops, fearing for their own safety, pulled up a pontoon bridge, leaving behind nearly 100 newly freed slaves to drown.

Czura’s film is currently undergoing final revisions for the movie distributor purchasing it. Czura, with his newly formed company, Fortress Films, is already looking forward to his next motion picture with a larger budget to include some better known actors. “I’m expecting it will be an action drama set here in the Lowcountry,” he said..  C2 MAGAZINE

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Randy Rose and Steve Krehbiel are photographed at the Rose Hearing Healthcare Centers Bluffton location

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Hear Well Again

ROSE HEARING HEALTHCARE CENTERS OFFERS TWO PATHWAYS TO BETTER HEARING.

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

BY M.KAT

I

t was supposed to be just another day at the office for Steve Krehbiel.

A 35-year veteran of the hearing aid industry, he had spent the last 15 or so in the Lowcountry. Before that, he’d amassed a reputation within the business, based on the strength of a 20-year stint in Roanoke, Virginia, building one practice into nine offices.

Seeking a warmer climate, he’d made his way south to Bluffton and began working as a dealer for one brand of hearing aids. And then a client came into his office and changed everything.

“This guy walked in and asked if I knew who he was. I said, ‘Yes of course.

You are Randy Rose of Rose Hearing Healthcare Centers.” Rose asked if Krehbiel had a moment, and they discussed the hearing industry. Krehbiel said Rose convinced him that a multi-line non-franchise hearing aid center would be a better way to go, and with his talent and expertise, Rose Hearing would be a great fit.

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From left to Right: Randy Rose, Bitsy Pfeiffer, Caryn Rose, Rebekah Campbell and Steve Krehbiel

“I didn’t feel like I was helping people here in Bluffton the right way,” Krehbiel said. “I was selling one type of hearing aid and was quite successful, but I was limited in who I could see because of price concerns…. When I looked at what Randy was doing, I was shocked at the fair pricing and the variety of products they offered.”

And while fair pricing has long been a hallmark of Rose Hearing Healthcare Centers, it’s not just about dollars and cents. At both the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton locations, the focus is on your hearing needs, finding the solution that works best for you. Whether you’re suffering from tinnitus, starting to lose conversations in noisy restaurants, noticing speech difficulties from hearing or simply want to get a little more clarity to your hearing, they have the equipment and expertise to make it happen for you.

“We have so many different varieties, from the highest tech lithium-ion models to simple battery-operated devices,” Krehbiel said. “It’s highly unlikely someone is going to walk away from here without finding what they want. We have literally everything available.”

This variety demands a little extra floorspace, which anyone can see who drives by the massive Bluffton location at Berkeley Place, “where the movies are.”

“It’s a huge office—one of the biggest I’ve ever worked in,” Krehbiel said. “I joke sometimes that we need to get a Segway in here just to get around.”

WE HAVE SO MANY DIFFERENT VARIETIES, FROM THE HIGHEST TECH LITHIUM-ION MODELS TO SIMPLE BATTERY-OPERATED DEVICES. IT’S HIGHLY UNLIKELY SOMEONE IS GOING TO WALK AWAY FROM HERE WITHOUT FINDING WHAT THEY WANT. WE HAVE LITERALLY EVERYTHING AVAILABLE. And with that variety comes the trust that you are putting your hearing in the care of an institution built on fair pricing, extraordinary selection and hands-on service from the most capable professionals in the area.

“Having done this for 35 years now, the last three with Randy, I just wish we would have gotten together sooner,” Krehbiel said.  Rose Hearing Healthcare Centers are located in Main Street Village on Hilton Head Island and at Berkeley Place in Bluffton. Visit rosehearinghealthcarecenters. com to learn more.

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T H E

Meet

D E N T I S T S

SPECIAL ADVEROTRIAL SECTION

Featuring:

Joseph G. Miller of Belfair Dental Care, Dr. Jim Maginnis of Maginnis Orthodontics Dr. Bradley Hughes of Hughes Dental Group, Shane Harpham of Sea Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. James Canham of Southern Smiles

him. I’m excited to continue what he began with Belfair Dental Care and serve the Bluffton community for many years to come.

What is your dental philosophy?

Every patient is unique, and therefore, their oral healthcare should be as well. I enjoy working with my patients to find dental solutions in line with their needs.

What are the best ways to practice good oral hygiene at home?

An electric toothbrush with soft bristles and floss are the best tools to keep a clean, healthy mouth. Adjunct tools like the Waterpik are useful but are not replacements for flossing and a full two-minute brush with your electric toothbrush.

Joseph G. Miller, D.M.D. w Belfair

Dental Care

What is your expertise?

As a general dentist, I enjoy practicing all aspects of dentistry. However, cosmetic dentistry and digital dentistry are my true passions.

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What led you to become a dentist?

My father was one of the first Dentists in the area, opening Belfair Dental Care in 2000. I grew up around dentistry getting to work for him and learn from

What is your favorite local restaurant?

FARM is my family’s favorite because they make dishes you wouldn’t think to make at home. But every one is delicious.

14 Oak Forrest Rd, Ste F Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 368-7214 belfairdentalcare.com

Dr. Jim Maginnis w Maginnis Orthodontics x

What is your field of expertise?

Orthodontics What innovations have helped ease the concerns of those who fear the dentist/ orthodontist?

Invisible aligners—an esthetic solution to orthodontic treatment. It’s more comfortable and does not require frequent orthodontic visits—good for working professionals and those with busy schedules; light force wires reduce reliance on heavy, stiff wires that can cause old-school soreness.

What is one piece of advice you give to patients on keeping a healthy mouth at home on a daily basis?

Floss! The old saying goes, “Floss only the teeth you want to keep.” It’s so true.

It’s cheap and easy and comes with so many dental benefits.

What are your feelings about the use of technology in dentistry and the benefits it provides to patients?

I love the innovations happening today. Better tech with appropriate applications can give patients better treatment, a better experience, and potentially more convenience.

What is one of the most important dental habits you often see patients failing to do?

Flossing.

At what age should a child visit the dentist?

When the teeth start to erupt. Mothers need the appropriate education on how to prevent dental problems in their children.

What do you enjoy most about being an orthodontist?

The smiles, of course! I enjoy seeing the smile transformations we give our patients each day. The boost in self-confidence and personality transformation is awesome.

As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?

A Navy pilot What is the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week?

The show Home on Apple+. The episode is about a Naturhus in Sweden. It’s basically a self-substaining house inside a greenhouse- fascinating! Also The Book of Boba Fett and football.

What song can you not get out of your head right now?

“Fergalicious” by Fergie. It’s an oldie but so catchy!

11 Hospital Center Common, Suite 201 (843) 757-9760 maginnisorthodontics.com

Photo by Carrie Friesen Photography

literature comes out linking oral health with total body health. It continues to be proven time and time again that those patients with poor oral health or periodontal disease are at much greater risk for systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and stroke.

What is the one thing you would change about the dental industry if you could?

I don’t think the dental industry does a very good job of educating the public about how cavities form and how best to prevent them. The narrative of brushing two times daily for two mins hasn’t changed in decades, and that just isn’t enough topical fluoride for most people. Dental caries is one of the top chronic diseases in children and adults in the country, yet most people still think brushing two times a day is getting the job done, it’s not.

Who is an example of someone who inspired you in the dental industry and why?

My dad. I am a proud third generation dentist. I grew up with a great dental role model who showed me that relationships matter above all and showed me how important being part of and giving back to your community is.

What are the best ways to practice good oral hygiene at home?

Brushing three times daily should be the minimum. And yes, floss daily too! You should really be brushing after every meal.

Enamel demineralizes at a pH of 5.5 and below, basically every meal you have will get below that number—go brush! Oh, and don’t rinse right after brushing; that’s a big no-no.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

The Pearl in Bluffton.

Dr. Bradley Hughes w Hughes

Dental Group

What is your expertise?

I have 15 years of private practice experience. My expertise is fillings, crowns, root canals, restoring implants, large cosmetic cases, Invisalign, and treating TMJ disorders and craniofacial pain. Our entire team is highly skilled and phenomenal at what they do as well.

What led you to become a dentist?

I grew up around the dental industry as both my dad and grandfather were dentists. I saw the relationships they were able to build with their patients and with their communities. I wanted to be part of that. Most people think dentistry is about

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the procedures we do, but it’s truly more about the relationships than anything else.

What is your dental philosophy?

Prevention. Take care of your dental treatment in a timely manner when it needs to be done! It will help prevent you from spending more money and more time in the dental chair. That cavity or cracked tooth will not magically get better on their own!

What are your beliefs about the relationship between oral health and total body health?

Every year, more and more scientific

What weird food combinations do you really enjoy?

It’s not a combination, but I eat Chipotle probably three times a week. Weird, I know!

What songs hit you with a wave of nostalgia every time you hear it?

Still the most nostalgic song for me is the Indiana University fight song. Growing up in Indiana, and attending IU for both undergrad and dental school, hearing that song during a game always brings back memories of watching games since I was a little kid in the ’80s watching Bobby Knight lead IU. 10 William Pope Dr. Okatie, SC 29909 (843) 705-7066 Hughesdentalonline.com

There is substantial evidence-based research that supports a direct correlation between oral health and total body health. By teaching good oral hygiene habits, coupled with a healthy diet, the two can be synergistic for general body health.

What is the one thing you would change about the dental industry if you could?

The landscape in pediatric dentistry is shifting from conventional restorative techniques (fillings) to minimally invasive, non-restorative techniques. I believe that, at times, we can manage cavities without traditional fillings and have great success with less invasive options.

Who is an example of someone who inspired you in the dental industry and why?

Our chief attending, Dr. James Stenger at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, showed me how to provide optimal pediatric dental care.

His involvement with the cleft lip/palate team, among others, demonstrated his attention to detail and patience. By observing him, I have tried to continually improve my skills at the office and throughout my life.

What are the best ways to practice good oral hygiene at home?

It is important to keep it fun and to make it part of your routine. Brushing and flossing twice per day is extremely beneficial. Also, vitamin and melatonin gummies tend to be popular in the pediatric community. If taking these, it is important to follow up with good brushing and flossing habits.

Shane Harpham, D.D.S.

w Sea

Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

What is your expertise?

I am a board-certified pediatric dentist and president of the South Carolina Pediatric Dental Association. Our office specializes in dental treatment for infants, children, teens, and patients with special health care needs.

What led you to become a dentist?

In college, I was involved in a serious accident to my face while on the baseball field. Through that experience, I spent many hours at an oral surgeon’s office,

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and it was there that I understood how the dental field can affect lives.

What is your dental philosophy?

To focus on the oral and general health of children in our communities. By educating the parents of young children, we emphasize the importance of preventative dentistry and minimizing the potential for cavities in their future.

What are your beliefs about the relationship between oral health and total body health?

What is your favorite local restaurant?

I enjoy venues with live music such as the Big Bamboo, Tiki Hut, Sandbar, Tio’s and the Jazz Corner.

What weird food combinations do you enjoy?

Occasionally, I will have ketchup on my tacos.

What smartphone feature would you be excited for a company to implement?

A feature that selects the best photo in a sequence and creates automatic photo albums. I take too many pictures!

What songs hit you with a wave of nostalgia every time you hear them?

Any song by Dave Matthews, John Mayer or Jack Johnson always brings back memories.

164 Bluffton Road Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 815-5437 (KIDS) seakidssmile.com

of the importance of dental health—not only for physical wellbeing, but the psychological impact of having a beautiful smile.

Who is an example of someone who inspired you in the dental industry and why?

A dentist out of Wichita, Kansas taught me oral surgery and implant surgery 15 years ago. He used 3D CT scans and laser to help with diagnosis and treatment. I was an early adopter of these modalities.

What are the best ways to practice good oral hygiene at home?

I am a believer in using technology to get better outcomes. So, I believe in ultrasonic toothbrushes, oral irrigators and mouth rinses.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Hudson’s. Fresh-caught shrimp — can’t beat it.

Dr. James Canham w

Southern Smiles

What is your expertise?

I have a broad breadth of knowledge in nearly all aspects of dentistry; I can offer treatment options that other dentists cannot

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myself on the most current and effective treatments.

What led you to become a dentist?

My childhood orthodontist inspired me to pursue dentistry. He was a great person of incredible intellect, yet it was a fun place to be.

What are your beliefs about the relationship between oral health and total body health?

They are completely connected in so many ways, from growth and development of children to impacts on breathing, sleep, nutrition, and cardiovascular system.

What is your dental philosophy?

Do the best dentistry for every patient and think about long-term prognosis. I also continue to educate

What is the one thing you would change about the dental industry if you could?

I wish there was a better awareness

What weird food combinations do you enjoy?

Chinese food with applesauce.

I can’t explain.

What songs hit you with a wave of nostalgia every time you hear them?

“Don’t Stop Believing” and “Live Like You Were Dying.”

15 Lafayette Place, Ste E Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 686-5526 southernsmiles.net

Leah Woods, PT, DPT, ATC, OCS photographed at Benchmark’s May River location.

A R T I CL E BY C H E RY L A L E XA N DE R P H OTO G R A P H Y BY M. KAT

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LOWCOU NTRY PHYSICA L THE R A PY C LINIC S R EMA IN THE STA N DA R D FO R RE HA BIL ITATIO N

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hances are that if you’ve been diagnosed with an accidentrelated injury or a disability or disease affecting your body’s ability to move or function properly, then you’ve visited a physical therapist (PT); and likely your visit was to BenchMark Physical Therapy, one of the area’s most prominent and recognized providers. Founded on providing exceptional patient care, empowering clinicians with the best possible education, and giving back to the communities they serve, BenchMark therapists know that connecting with patients on a personal level builds trust that is crucial for ensuring positive outcomes in any physical therapy experience.

BenchMark Physical Therapy has more than 1,100 clinics nationwide and is part of the highly regarded Upstream Rehabilitation family of clinical care. Since 2015, the health center has serviced the coastal market (Georgia and South Carolina) with the mission to serve and treat patients promptly with integrity, honesty, and compassion. With Beaufort County offices conveniently located in Sea Pines, Sun City, Bluffton, May River, Okatie, and Beaufort, their reputation for best-in-class patient care and unparalleled customer service, combined with local and regional density, makes BenchMark the provider of choice for patients and referral sources in the area.

Leah Woods, PT, DPT, ATC, OCS, is the regional vice president for BenchMark Physical Therapy’s coastal market, and she currently oversees 36 established clinics. Woods, born and raised in Gwinnett Country, Ga. (northeast of Atlanta), earned her doctorate in PT from Armstrong Atlantic State University, then later completed a residency program and became licensed as an orthopedic certified specialist.

She is also a certified athletic trainer, graduated from the University of Georgia. Woods moved to the coastal market four years ago to assist with continued growth and the clinic’s mission of providing exceptional

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Leah and Blake Woods with their daughter Norah Grace, and son Crew.

Benchmark Physical Therapy’s May River spot is located at 2600 May River Crossing, Suite 200 in Bluffton.

care throughout the Lowcountry where her clinics stretch from Charleston, South Carolina, down to St Mary’s, Georgia.

In her role as RVP, Woods has been instrumental in furthering the growth and development of the coastal market by researching community needs and patient convenience to determine where new clinics should be located. Additionally, Woods serves as a leader and mentor for clinic directors and new graduates.

“Mentorship and investment in both our clinical teams and our community is an area of emphasis to which I devote a lot of my time,” Woods said. “I have made an intentional investment to developing the BenchMark teams and providing continuing education opportunities for our staff by delivering a PT health care model that provides

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access, evidence-based outcomes, and strives to provide a remarkable experience for the patient.”

Apart from the patient experience, Woods strives to set an example of leadership in her community. Woods and her husband Blake reside in Bluffton. Together 14 years and married for nine, the couple have two children, daughter Norah Grace (five years) and son Crew, (two years).

“We are very involved at Lowcountry Community Church, where Blake works as the visual arts director,” Woods said.

“Our kids are regulars for swimming lessons, and we love to be outside at the beach and the parks with other kids and families. We strongly believe and seek to model that our civic involvement and outreach aligns with our servant leadership and that what we do in our communities—as in our business—is important to our success. We want our patients to recognize the BenchMark family as a part of the neighborhood no matter which location they visit.”

BenchMark employees strongly support many non-profit

programs and organizations. In fact, each full-time employee receives a paid charity day in which they can give back to their local community.

Pillars with Purpose, the philanthropic arm of Upstream’s family of care, is comprised of six specific funds—one general charitable giving fund, and an employee hardship fund.

Pillars with Purpose aims to create lasting, positive change in Upstream communities.

In 2021, The Sole Purpose Challenge was completed with non-profits “Modest Needs” and “Eco Sneakers” through Pillars with Purpose. Through these partnerships, team members can follow the giving and watch their reach expand across the company’s footprint. These philanthropic efforts support individuals in the community who may need at-home physical therapy equipment, their lights kept on, food on their table, or a roof over their head, as well as provide shoes for those who have none.

“Service outside of our walls is a part of our mission statement and values supported by Pillars with a Purpose,” Woods said.

“We believe that by investing in our community, we are investing in our patients.”

These purposeful details are what have propelled BenchMark to the forefront of the industry, and as the population continues to grow and the need for more physical therapy clinics expands, the team is committed to staying ahead of the curve. BenchMark clinics offer programs and treatments that patients may not find elsewhere, such as trigger point dry needling for acute and chronic pain. It involves inserting a filament needle into a muscle spasm to disrupt the pain message being sent to the brain.

Likewise, instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization is a hands-on treatment to relieve pain from soft-tissue injuries. Physical therapists use special tools to improve blood flow and scar tissue mobility, decrease muscle spasms and improve healing.

More information on the exceptional therapies is available on the new-and-improved BenchMark website (benchmark. urpt.com) where new and established patients can easily navigate to learn about the different conditions, treatments, and programs available at the various Lowcountry locations.

“Everyone is welcome at BenchMark,” Woods said. “We strive to meet each individual patient where they are, whether they are recovering from a sports injury, surgery, deconditioning following COVID19, cancer, or changes in their health status.

We are here to meet you where you are in life and recovery as well as your goals and ambitions.”

Through exceptional care and remarkable experiences, BenchMark strives to be the outpatient provider, employer, and partner of choice. 

About BenchMark Beaufort County clinics: Sea Pines, Sun City, Bluffton, May River, Okatie, and Beaufort.

Clinic services: Orthopedic physical therapy, including manual therapy, injury prevention, return to performance, total joint replacement, concussion management, and vestibular rehabilitation programs.

Regional vice president: Leah Woods, who lives in Bluffton, with her husband and two children.

More information: benchmarkpt.com

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Gerlad Brant, owner of Lowcountry Clean Care works on an oriental rug at his warehouse.

A RTI C L E BY B A R RY KAU F MA N P H OTO G R A P H Y BY M. KAT

Dyed in the Wool T H E E XAC TI N G S C I E N C E A N D TI ME L E SS A RT O F LOWCO U N TRY C L E A N C A R E

he closer you look at anything, the more you learn about it. In fact, it’s the only way you truly can learn about something. And it’s a knowledge that can be applied to anything. Take, for example, your rugs. That fine Persian passed down from generation to generation. The stylishly modern statement piece tying your great room together. They all hide surprises depending on how closely you look.

For example, those fibers which weave in and out of each piece, forming dazzling eye-catching patterns when viewed from afar, are scaly when viewed up close. Those scales actually help protect the wool from damage and can easily be damaged if not treated properly.

Say, if you were to use a high alkaline cleaning detergent, as most places do. One rinse with that and those scales are gone. “It’s all downhill from there,” said Gerald Brant, owner of Lowcountry Clean Care. “It’s going to look clean, but your rug is not going to last as long because they have degraded your rug.”

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Dyed in the Wool

John Moseley and Gerald Brant, owner of Lowcountry Clean Care

This one surprise, concealed to all save for those willing to look close enough, is just one example of the vast knowledge Brant has amassed in his long career. Starting out working mostly in recovery (smoke and fire damage, water damage, etc.), he found himself immersed more and more in the cleaning and care of rugs as Lowcountry Clean Care expanded. Today, he can look at a rug and not only know exactly how to clean it, but exactly how not to clean it.

When it comes to rugs, he’s forgotten more than most people will know. Back in 2011, he became certified as a Master Rug Cleaner through the Association of Rug Care Specialists (ARCS). Now, he can tell you about

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Lowcountry Clean Care owner Gerald Brant explains the rug washing process at the company’s headquarters.

natural dyes, hand-spun wool, cotton blends, the different techniques used to make rugs and the history behind each type. But perhaps more important, he can tell you how to care for them and how to avoid ruining them.

“Something that sets me apart is that if I get a rug that has been cleaned by someone else and the rug has bled, I know what to do with that,” he said. “I may not

Lowcountry Clean Care comes to you for delivery and pickup, or you can drop your rugs at one of several locations between Hilton Head Island and Beaufort.

John Moseley repairs a rug for a regular customer.

be able to get it all out, but a lot of times I can get it to where it’s very usable.”

It’s all accomplished at his state-of-the-art facility in Hampton, where he receives rugs in all states of dirt and disrepair. Dropped off by customers at either the Clothes Press location on Hilton Head Island; at Door 2 Door Dry Cleaning Service or Gilman Floors in Bluffton; or at FWDG in Beaufort or personally picked up by Brant or one of his staff, rugs are first treated in a bath of pure rainwater.

“Rainwater is softer than tap water and gentler on the rugs,” Brant said. Providing this water is a sophisticated collection system around his facility. “During a good hard rain, we can get 1,000 gallons per inch of rain.”

After soaking in 1,200 gallons of perfectly Ph-balanced rainwater, each rug is painstakingly vacuumed with a specialized air compressor that removes even the finest sand while protecting the rug from further damage. It is then washed again, this time with giant baffles to gently agitate the rugs as they slosh in a specialized solution before being hung to dry.

If need be, Brant and his team, including key staff member John Moseley, can then repair any bare patches, threadbare spots or tears with exacting craftsmanship. “We don’t even own a sewing machine,” Brant said. “We do all of our repair work by hand. It takes time.”

It’s a painstaking process—the vacuuming alone can take up to two hours per rug—but it’s worth it to not only deliver a deep clean no matter how closely you look but to also extend the lifespan of your rug.

According to Brant, a quality Oriental rug is, “just getting broken in at 50 years. They can easily last a couple of hundred years if they’re taken care of.”

And making sure your rugs are taken care of is what Lowcountry Clean Care is all about.  To learn more, visit lowcountrycleancare.com.

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TULIPS THRIFT STORE Meet the local shop that’s building a dream, from secondhand to a second chance at life.

ARTICLE BY AMY BARTLETT

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s you page through listings or directories of local thrift, consignment, and secondhand shops, like the southeast region’s “Treasure Guide,” you’ll find exactly that: a guide to treasures tucked in our favorite browsable nooks and crannies sprinkled clear from Wilmington to Jacksonville. On one of those pages, you find a little bit more. It’s a touching story of two friends, Patricia Lopez and Lorena Hernández, who came together not just to help your loved items find a second chance in a new home, but to help hurting women find the same second chance and more—a second chance at life.

“We started this dream a year ago,” Lopez said. “The only motive of this store is to be able to obtain a house for abused women. It hasn’t been easy, but to be able to see and receive how the community has responded to this dream … we are thankful. We appreciate the support from our customers!”

The most common questions they get at Tulips is the same song at any thrift or consignment: Where can donations be dropped off?

(At the shop’s front door, off Sheridan Park Circle.) Do you pick up? (It depends; contact the shop for more info.) What kind of donations do you take? (A variety of clothing and household goods including but not limited to furniture, jewelry, art, luggage, and children’s items.)

But as word spreads about the mission behind the shop, their second most common question is to tell their story of purpose.

Lopez explained that she and co-founder Hernandez are dedicated members of Fe y Gloria Church located in Hardeeville where Lopez is also the pastor. They came together with the hope of establishing a safe-home—a battered women’s shelter for women and children escaping abuse and seeking a fresh start and an opportunity to heal from the inside out. “The dream came true for both of us when this store began, and hopefully it continues when we have the home for abused women. We want to see women not only have a place to live but to be restored and healed internally with God’s help,” she said.

This project has three phases, starting with the launch and success of the store and now working toward establishing the affiliated home for women, and finally becoming an active, occupied home with a history of restored hearts and changed lives. “We have finally finished the first phase,” Lopez said, “and we are ready for the second. We are asking help from the community to be a part of this project, either lending, donating, or renting a low-cost home.”

It’s not just the big-picture participation that makes a difference;

Patricia Lopez and Lorena Hernandez

Tulips Thrift Store is located at 57 Sheridan Park Cricle in Bluffton.

the day-to-day patronage is what’s building the dream, brick-by-brick, through shoppers and donations. “We love our customers because they support our mission too!” Lopez said, telling the story of repeat-customers, some of whom donate specifically because of how the shop is handled. Lopez mentioned one customer who came back and donated her wedding dress “because she felt our place will handle it with care as it deserves.”

At every turn she emphasizes how thankful they are to those who have donated.

Those who love to thrift, LOVE to thrift.

At Tulips, you can fulfill two passions: the hunt for that elusive treasure to bring home with you today, and the heart-filling hope that your purchase or donation builds for each woman who is helped. Of the two takeaways, it’s easy to measure which is the greater treasure.  Tulips Thrift Store is located at 57 Sheridan Park Cir. in Bluffton. For more information, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages @ tulipthriftstore or call (843) 227-3326 C2 MAGAZINE

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Sunset over Bay Point Island

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Bay Point Island F O U N D A T I O N

DEDICATED TO PRESERVATION, CONSERVATION, AND EDUCATION OF THE NATURAL PRESERVE

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ccessible by boat, Bay Point Island is a privately owned barrier island located northeast of Hilton Head Island at the mouth of the Port Royal Sound. The island encompasses approximately 1,400 acres of marshland, maritime forest, beaches and sand dunes, a square footage larger than Central Park in New York City. A micro community of environmentalists, the island’s owners established the Bay Point Island Foundation in 2019 after decades of beach cleanups, shorebird protection, and working with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources on its sea turtle program The Foundation relies on a growing advisory board of acknowledged experts, conservationists, and scientists, all of whom are celebrated for their achievements in the fields of ecotourism, artistry, community leadership, conservation, sustainable education, and sustainable travel. Effective January 1, 2022, formerly a key

advisory board member, Dr. Jeanette Schnars was installed as the Foundation’s executive director. Dr. Schnars brings a PhD in wildlife and fishery sciences along with an extensive résumé that includes expertise in ecological research, including sea turtles, fisheries, wetlands, and water quality.

Schnars’ expanded agenda now includes the initiation of a diversity of research and monitoring programs on the island involving collaborations of researchers and students.

Schnars will also be developing a series of environmental education lessons and outreach programs highlighting current and ongoing research.

In November 2021, Schnars and her team of scientists visited Bay Point Island to establish biological baseline assessments in the areas of water quality, algal populations, shoreline erosion using drone data, flora diversity using transects, pollinator and insect populations, acoustic recordings of wildlife using song meters, and analysis of sand samples for microplastics and marine debris. These projects are critical to understanding the ecology of the island and ensuring the Foundation’s ability to validate best management practices to preserve the island’s ecosystems.

Preliminary biological assessments and forthcoming results will help support future studies and initiatives, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the island.

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From left to right: Tracy Pitcher, President Foundation Board, and Dr. Jeanette Schnars, Executive Director, discussing vegetation transects.

In 2022, Schnars’ plans include establishing volunteers to assist in the sea turtle nest protection and monitoring program. This endeavor will help people understand the impacts of natural predators on sea turtle nests, temperature influence on hatchling gender, and the importance of turtle imprinting.

“Management and human intervention are essential and will be established solely to protect the sea turtles from natural predators to preserve their population,” Schnars explained.

The future of the island is dependent upon the proper engagement of people visiting and supporting the island. Whether it’s protecting sea turtle nests from predators, understanding the migration of birds, removing marine debris, or maintaining firebreaks, the island requires stewardship for the sustainability of its habitat.

Tracy Pitcher, president of The Bay Point Island Foundation board, said, “I look forward to where Dr. Schnars will take The Foundation in 2022 and beyond. The programs being put into place tie directly back to everything we are trying to accomplish—conservation, preservation, research, education and best practices in eco-tourism, improving how people interact with the island and ensuring its proper care.”

“One important, ongoing project is the removal of marine debris and prevention of its build up,” Pritchard said. “Nature alone will not remove it, and leaving it alone would be the worst thing we could do. Without intervention, birds, sea turtles and hatchlings, and other island life can be trapped or killed by the buildup of debris.”

As well, the Foundation is looking forward to Earth Day weekend, April 22-24, when fellow enthusiasts are invited to assist with marine debris clean up, path clearing, and sea turtle monitoring preparation.

Visit the TheBayPointIslandFoundation. com or follow them on FB or Instagram to learn more about the Foundation’s latest research, projects, and educational opportunities and how you can get involved in the journey.  C2 MAGAZINE

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Article by Becca Edwards

(and your daughter)

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hen you read national statistics about violence and sexual crimes against women, it is like a punch to the gut. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, in a 2018 report, studies found that one in five women in the United States experienced completed or attempted rape during their lifetime; 81 percent of women (43 percent of men) reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime; and one in three female victims of completed or attempted rape experienced it for the first time between the ages of 11 and 17. (Note: Due to COVID and a rise in domestic violence, many of these statistics are expected to increase.) For me, these statistics hit home. I have three daughters all under the age of 14, and one has already experienced a traumatizing form of sexual misconduct.

This doesn’t mean women (and men) cannot fight back—especially with their mind—by learning a martial art that began with Buddhist monks and

derives from the Japanese “Ju” meaning “gentle” and “Jutsu” meaning “art,” to form jiu-jitsu, the “gentle art.”

“If you ever have to use the physical techniques in jiu-jitsu, then probably something went really wrong.

Jiu-jitsu is 90-percent mental,” May River BJJ owner John Kirkland said.

Kirkland then explained that jiu-jitsu is not simply a form of self-defense but a lifestyle. “I do not want to give people a false sense of security

Benefits of Learning Jiu-Jitsu • Enables you to protect yourself • Boosts self-esteem • Positively affects your personality and reduces anxiety • Promotes spatial awareness and the ability to read body language and the situation

• Enhances the mind-body connection, coordination and proprioception • Fosters mindfulness • Improves overall fitness, especially core strength, balance, agility and flexibility

“You don’t have to come into it super fit or have an athletic background. You just have to have a desire to learn and not quit.” and have them think that if they take a few weeks of instruction they are safe from harm,” he said. He believes that with practice (at least two times a week), beginners can progress through the different levels of jiu-jitsu and learn key concepts and a sense of confidence both in themselves and in the movements. “You learn control of yourself and your environment. It doesn’t matter who is bigger or smaller, faster or slower, you learn how to problem solve. And you learn to control your ego versus letting your ego control you.”

In turn, according to Kirkland, you begin to be mindful and compassionate as you start to look objectively at why and how you, as well as other people, react to different situations. “As you progress, you become more and more in control of emotions and impulses in the sport and in real life.” The true lifesaving side effect of learning jiu-jitsu, Kirkland pointed out, is “thoughtfulness and understanding risky behavior.”

“Because of the world we live in, this is especially important for younger women and girls,” said Laura Fromdahl, who began learning jiu-jitsu 10 years ago and trains at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. “They need to be in control of their own body and situation.” Fromdahl’s initial interest in the sport was safety-oriented.

“I like to run by myself, and a few friends I knew had been grabbed but not

attacked.” Now she says she enjoys jiujitsu because it helps with mental acuity.

“It’s like playing chess!”

Fromdahl then discussed some misconceptions about women and jiu-jitsu.

“You don’t have to come into it super fit or have an athletic background. You just have to have a desire to learn and not quit,” she said. “As the saying goes, ‘every black belt is just a white belt that didn’t quit.’ Also, it is about fighting from the ground up and using your opponents’ size and energy against them. It’s about using leverage not strength. It really is an ideal sport for women.”

Both Kirkland and Fromdahl admit that people, especially women, often experience an awkward transition when learning jiujitsu. “First of all, you wear a gi, a thick protective outfit that makes you feel like the Pillsbury Dough Boy,” Fromdahl joked. Also, once you get to the grappling stage of your training (which Fromdahl says could take up to a year), you will need to get accustomed to closely interacting with another person.

“It’s not intimate but it’s tactile. You may need to wrap your leg around someone’s neck.” Fromdahl said she recommends beginners “first watch a few classes, then learn the basic moves and pretty soon you will be kicking ass.”  Becca Edwards is a wellness professional, freelance writer, and owner of Female IQ (femaleIQ.com).

Local Jiu-Jitsu Instruction MAY RIVER BJJ 1 Sherrington Dr., Suite K Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 815-4222 GRACIE JIU-JITSU 13 B Kitties Landing Road Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 263-4600 RIPTIDE MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY 36 Persimmon St Suite 303 Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 422-6641

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Key Jiu-Jitsu Terms Base: A strong base means that you have a low center of gravity with your back straight, head up, and wide knees.

Bridge: This move is most often done to “buck off” an opponent in the mount position. To perform a bridge, lay on your back with your feet planted on the mat as close to your butt as possible. From there, push off the mat with your legs to elevate your hips and spine. When this move is done correctly, only the toes and tops of the shoulder should be left touching the mat.

Guard: “Playing guard” refers to any position where you attempt to control your opponent using your ankles, knees, or hips so they do not advance.

Hooks: Hooks refer to the top player’s legs when they are in back control.

Mount: Mounting an opponent involves sitting on their torso with your knees (or one foot and one knee) on the ground facing the opponent’s head.

Roll: This refers to the act of sparring, or grappling, with another student.

Shrimp/Hip Escape: To successfully complete this move, you must first lie on your side on the mat. In one swift motion, lift your hips off the mat using your foot and shoulder. You can then scoot your hips backward by straightening your legs.

Submission: The goal of each match is to get your opponent to submit.

This is achieved when one opponent forces another to tap out.

Sweep: A sweep is an attack that puts someone in a weak position into a more dominant position.

Tapping Out: Refers to the act of submitting to an opponent.

Turtle: This is a defensive position that involves tucking in your arms, legs, and head to resemble a turtle hiding in its shell.

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Hilton Head Island Mayor

M A Y O R

Photography by M.Kat

A Note from John McCann

INTRODUCING TOWN TALK WITH THE MAYOR

O

ne of the best ways to stay in touch with our community is through constant communication.

At the town, we are constantly thinking of ways to better connect with our residents. In January, we launched Town Talk with the Mayor, a 30-minute television program on the County Channel, operated by Beaufort County. Our goal is to use this platform to provide you with regular updates on town services and projects.

We want the show to be interesting and interactive, so we are giving residents an opportunity to submit questions.

If you want to know about the status of a project or have a question or comment about something, please email it to communications@hiltonheadislandsc.gov. We will use your feedback to develop topics for the show.

Beaufort County Channel programs air on Hargray Channels 9 and 113, and Spectrum Channel 1304. Be sure to catch the next episode of Town Talk with the Mayor at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 22; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday,

< Bluffton Mayor

February 23; 8:30 p.m. Saturday, February 26; and 11:30 a.m., Sunday, February 27. Dates and times for future episodes will be listed on our website at hiltonheadislandsc.gov.

A Note from Lisa Sulka

M AY O R

KEEPING RESIDENTS INFORMED

H

appy 2022! With each new year, brand-new residents come to our town. This means, there is so much knowledge of how Bluffton came to be that needs to be shared. My goal this year is to write about topics of interest that will help new and existing residents alike.

This past week, it came to my attention that many of our residents don’t understand how the town publicizes meetings and agendas.

So, this seems to be a perfect time to write about how to find our agendas and all packet information from committees, commissions and town council.

First, regarding publicizing meetings and agendas. State law is very clear on timing to publicly announce meeting dates and any agenda. You can read the entire ordinance on the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) site: masc.sc/Pages/resources/ meeting_notice.aspx. However, the section that explains the freedom of information requirements is below: SECTION 30-4-80. Notice of meetings of public bodies.

Photography by Krisztian Lonyai

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WE WANT THE SHOW TO BE INTERESTING AND INTERACTIVE, SO WE ARE GIVING RESIDENTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE STATUS OF A PROJECT OR HAVE A QUESTION OR COMMENT ABOUT SOMETHING, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO COMMUNICATIONS @HILTONHEADISLANDSC.GOV. Town Talk with the Mayor is another communication channel that I will use to connect with you. We also communicate with our residents through our website, e-newsletters, news releases and social media channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, Nextdoor and YouTube). I also encourage residents to visit our website to sign up for the Town’s e-subscription service. This free service sends email and, for select topics, text notifications.

You’ll receive news and updates for topics you subscribe to or would like to stay abreast of on a regular basis.

With updates being released through all these avenues, we hope that you are kept well-informed of projects and other town happenings. A Note from Lisa Sulka continued

(A) All public bodies, except as provided in subsections (B) and (C) of this section, must give written public notice of their regular meetings at the beginning of each calendar year. The notice must include the dates, times, and places of such meetings. An agenda for regularly scheduled or special meetings must be posted on a bulletin board in a publicly accessible place at the office or meeting place of the public body and on a public website maintained by the body, if any, at least 24 hours prior to such meetings. All public bodies must post on such bulletin board or website, if any, public notice for any called, special, or rescheduled meetings. Such notice must include the agenda, date, time, and place of the meeting, and must be posted as early as is practicable but not later than 24 hours before the meeting.

We have been very careful to follow these guidelines and wherever possible go ahead and add any additional meeting dates on our website under the Agenda Center tab. This is easy to find if you go townofbluffton.sc.gov and scroll to the bottom of the page. There, you will see the link to Agenda Center. Once on this page, you can see all dates and agendas for all our publicly held meetings. One additional item is the ability to subscribe to our notifications. The Subscribe link is at the top right of the Agenda Center page.

If you would like information on another specific topic, please reach out and let me know as I would be happy write about it in the coming months. 

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This & That

C2 Magazine • February 2022 Edition A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items.

You know…this and that! If you would like to submit something for this special section, please email hunter@celebratehiltonhead.com. If we have room and it’s appropriate for public consumption, we’ll be happy to oblige.

CLEAN EATING IN THE LOWCOUNTRY A R T I C L E

B Y

J E S S E

B L A N C O

I

t would be easy to sit here watching the Rose Parade on television and rattle off a few hundred words in support of the whole “New Year, New Me” mantra. You know, the most wonderful time of the year? The calendar gives us permission to break bad habits, start new routines and, overall, begin a more optimistic outlook on our particular journey.

You know the drill. I will spare us the details.

The good news is some of you reading this looking to start anew will be successful. Hard work does work. The more realistic news is that most of you may have the best intentions, but it is only a matter of time before you fall back into old routines. It happens to all of us. Those crowds at the gym we will see this week? Sadly, most of them will be gone

by March first.

That is what has motivated me this winter morning to share some details of my personal journey. The way I see it, if I can reach and motivate a handful of you, then this time will have been well spent.

My New Year’s resolution actually started six months ago—June 14, to be exact. It began with an out-of-the-blue text message from a friend. We’ve been working together on a general fitness plan including weightlifting, cardio and, of course, a healthy diet. The results are an incomplete work in progress. I have miles to go before a sleep, but I will share this.

On September 1, I purchased two pairs of jeans in the same size I wore in high school, and I have (no joke) registered to run the 2022 NYC Marathon. More on that another time.

As you might imagine, the hardest part is the diet— especially when you consider what I do for a living. Eating clean and/or healthy when you spend as much time talking food as I do and, frankly, time driving around both sides of the Savannah River, is challenging. That said, these have become my three go-to restaurants for clean eats when I’m on the go in the Lowcountry.

Healthy Habit, Hilton Head Island A chef friend of mine suggested a lunch meeting here one day a few months back, and I was immediately hooked.

The salads, wraps and smoothies are all fantastic. I love how many add-options they have for those products. I enjoyed an Asian wrap recently and added some ginger teriyaki chicken. Absolutely satisfying but more importantly, light.

After the hour drive back to Savannah, I didn’t feel like I had swallowed a bowling ball. That’s important. They have a case

full of freshly squeezed juices and to-go items plus outdoor seating as well. It has increasingly become a favorite the last five months.

Delisheeyo, Hilton Head Island Delisheeyo bills itself as one of the only places in Beaufort County to serve exclusively vegetarian food. Blake’s variety of offerings is impressive including smoothies, bowls, soups and more. The garden out front is a huge draw. Depending on the time of the year, they have over a dozen different fruits, veggies and herbs growing out there. All of it, like 100 percent, gets used in the restaurant. It is hard to get cleaner than that.

Avocado Bleu, Bluffton Teresa Brandow has created quite a niche for herself on Bluffton Road near 278. She opened a little over three years ago, intending to create Bluffton’s first clean-eats meal prep restaurant. The salads and soups are incredibly popular at lunchtime (chicken salad is fabulous), but its’ the meal preps that are keeping her up at night. She offers meals in tons of variety: gluten free, keto and vegan. The menus generally change week to week, but it’s all great. I do chuckle every time Teresa tells me, “Too many people still think we only do avocados here.” Hardly. If you’ve not popped in on Avocado Bleu, you should. She’s also doing breakfast pastries on the weekend.

These three spots will keep you on course as you work on that summer beach bod. I’ll see you in June at Pool Bar Jim’s.

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This & That

C2 Magazine • February 2022 Edition A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items.

You know…this and that! If you would like to submit something for this special section, please email hunter@celebratehiltonhead.com. If we have room and it’s appropriate for public consumption, we’ll be happy to oblige.

The Sea Pines Resort is excited to announce the complete redevelopment of The Quarterdeck restaurant to include a new rooftop oyster bar offering 270-degree views of the famed Harbour Town Yacht Basin and Calibogue Sound. The new vision, created by internationally recognized design firm Hart Howerton, will feature a two-story restaurant with a bar and dining area on the first floor and a rooftop oyster bar where guests can enjoy views of Harbour Town, the 18th hole of the legendary Harbour Town Golf Links and Calibogue Sound. A casual, walk-up market on the ground level will serve as a place to grab a quick bite to go or to stock up on provisions for the day. The addition of a boardwalk will direct pedestrian flow to the market and pier, creating a gathering spot in this prime waterfront setting.

“This new restaurant will serve as the cornerstone of Harbour Town and is destined to become the most desirable dining venue on Hilton Head Island,” said Steve Birdwell, president of The Sea Pines Resort.

The restaurant is designed to be scalable in the front and back of the house, allowing operations to respond to seasonal demand. Flexible glasswall systems and high ceilings throughout the rooftop oyster bar will allow 270-degree, unimpeded views and provide cover from the summer sun and comfort during inclement weather.

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NOW HIRING! For the next three months, the resort will be hiring managers, servers, bartenders, hosts and hostesses, sous chefs, line cooks, kitchen stewards, and bussers, said Candice Taylor, resort recruiting manager. In addition to receiving applications online, Taylor said the resort will be hosting the following job fairs: • Monday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., Champions Ballroom in the Harbour Town Clubhouse, 11 Lighthouse Lane • Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Champions Ballroom in the Harbour Town Clubhouse, 11 Lighthouse Lane Taylor said selected positions are being filled immediately and the new employees are starting their tenure in the resort’s other venues while simultaneously being trained to work at The Quarterdeck upon its opening.

She added that almost all food-and-beverage positions will include sign-on bonuses.

Applicants should visit careers.seapines.com to review available jobs, plus benefits and privileges. In addition to competitive wages, The Sea Pines Resort offers health, dental, vision, and other insurance options after a 60-day waiting period; free golf on two of the resort’s award-winning golf courses (cart fee applies); free tennis and recreation privileges; employee retail discounts; and a strong 401(k) with company match and profit sharing following one year of service.

To learn more about The Quarterdeck, access the website at quarterdeckhhi.com.

This & That

C2 Magazine • February 2022 Edition A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items.

You know…this and that! If you would like to submit something for this special section, please email hunter@celebratehiltonhead.com. If we have room and it’s appropriate for public consumption, we’ll be happy to oblige.

The Long Cove Fund is now accepting applications for grants that will be made this year to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in Beaufort and Jasper Counties. To be considered, organizations should have plans for a project to improve health, housing, hunger or educational issues. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2022.

The application and all pertinent information can be found at longcoveclub.com under the “People” tab and “Caring Community.” For questions on how to locate the grant application, contact the Long Cove Club Administration Office at (843) 686-1070.

Those who received grants in 2021 should submit your interim report prior to the March 1 deadline to be considered for a grant in 2022.

Gather the whole family for a day of fun at The Westbury Park Winter Festival & Car Show, taking place at Westbury Park (Bluffton) on February 12 from 1-4 p.m. Classic cars, chili contest, food trucks, live music with OCD, and more!

Guests are invited to bring canned goods for donation to Bluffton Self Help. For more information, visit westburyparksc.com.

Maginnis Orthodontics is pleased to announce that Rebekah Anderson, DMD, MSD has joined the practice. Dr. Anderson will be seeing patients at Maginnis Orthodontics’ offices in Beaufort and Bluffton.

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This & That

C2 Magazine • February 2022 Edition A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items.

You know…this and that! If you would like to submit something for this special section, please email hunter@celebratehiltonhead.com. If we have room and it’s appropriate for public consumption, we’ll be happy to oblige.

Hilton Head Preparatory School presents Tuck Everlasting, February 23-27 at the Hilton Head Preparatory School Main Street Theatre. Tuck Everlasting, the musical based on Natalie Babbitt's beloved best-selling novel, will come to life at the Hilton Head Preparatory School Main Street Theatre (3000 Main Street) in February with opening night set for Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 7:00pm.

The show will run February 23-27 with evening performances at 7:00pm and matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00pm.

Natalie Babbitt's best-selling and award-winning novel, Tuck Everlasting, was first published in 1975, and has remained in print ever since. Considered a modern classic, the beloved novel has been translated into 27 languages and has sold over four million copies in the United States since it was first published 40 years ago. Tuck Everlasting was named an American Library Association's Notable Book, and the winner of the Christopher Award, which honors media that "affirm the highest values of the human spirit."

Patti Maurer, Hilton Head Prep’s Performing Arts Director, was one of the Co-Producers of this new musical, when it debuted in a record-breaking engagement at Atlanta's Alliance Theatre, and premiered on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre, receiving a Tony Award® nomination for the costumes. Maurer has secured these spectacular costumes, with special permission, for her cast along with many of the Broadway scenic elements! The talented 3rd- 12th grade students are also receiving a series of Master Classes from the Tuck Creative Team and principal actors from the Broadway Cast.

The first in the series, is a two hour virtual “Conversation with Winnie Foster”, led by the awardwinning actress, Sarah Charles Lewis, who played Winnie on Broadway.

Under the direction of Broadway World award winner, Patti Maurer, Tuck Everlasting features the costume design by Tony Award® winner Gregg Barnes (Something Rotten!, Aladdin, Kinky Boots), musical direction by Lauren Stuligross, lighting design by Broadway World award winner John Dowbiggin, sound design by Mike Prow, choreography by Broadway World award winners Patti Maurer and Trey Middleton, and scenic design

by Sylvia Culpepper, Jeff Mullett, and Shane Thurston.

If you could live forever, would you? When Winnie Foster discovers the magical secret of the Tuck family, she embarks on an extraordinary adventure that will change her life forever. Take a journey you will never forget in this powerful new musical about love, family and living life to the fullest.

Tickets go on sale February 19, 2022 and can be purchased online at www.hhprep.org or at the door. Ticket prices are $25 for adults and $10 for students.

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This & That

C2 Magazine • February 2022 Edition A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items.

You know…this and that! If you would like to submit something for this special section, please email hunter@celebratehiltonhead.com. If we have room and it’s appropriate for public consumption, we’ll be happy to oblige.

Hopeful Horizons is pleased to announce its board of directors for 2022.

Officers: Jim Rumer (pictured), Chairperson; Sally McAlister, Vice Chairperson; Tom Faas, BDO USA, Treasurer; Jenn Moneagle, Secretary Board of Directors: Sandi Atkins; Meredith Bannon, Esq., The Bannon Group; Terri Brashears; Michelle Elliott, Charter One Realty; Renee Harley, Food Lion, Beaufort; Andre Nougaret; Angela Simmons, USC Beaufort; Mark Solow; Pamela Steele, Hilton Head Island Elementary School.

Hopeful Horizons is a children’s advocacy, domestic violence and rape crisis center that works to create safer communities by changing the culture of violence and offering a path to healing. The organization provides safety, hope and healing to survivors through evidence-based practices, outreach, prevention and education. Hopeful Horizons serves Beaufort, Allendale, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties. For more information on the mission and vision of Hopeful Horizons, visit hopefulhorizons.org.

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Bay Street Realty Group is excited to announce the hiring of Justin Keown as Realtor. In this role, he will use his expertise to advise clients, stay on top of market trends and guide buyers and sellers through the real estate process.

Weichert, Realtors® – Coastal Properties is proud to announce the addition of Debra Quinn to their real estate firm. Quinn will be working out of the Bluffton office.

The South Carolina Nurse Retention Scholarship (SCNRS), the recently-launched initiative to attract and retain recent BSN graduate nurses who continue to work in Beaufort County, has announced the first four scholarship winners, pictured left to right: Maria Novoa, Lauren Londono, Erika Thalacker, and Krystal Maldonado.

The scholarship was created to address the growing nursing shortage in Beaufort County, where the need for nurses is critical and is putting the health and wellness of the Lowcountry at risk.

The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry and several individuals provided initial funds to award these first four scholarships. With a goal of funding 10 scholarships per year, the SCNRS is seeking to raise additional funds to award future scholarships, helping to retain nursing talent in our area, and ensuring quality healthcare throughout Beaufort County.

For more information about the SCNRS and ways to donate, visit SCNurseRetention.org.

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