CH2/CB2 Magazine: January 2022

CH2 CELEBRATE HILTON HEAD!

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HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE DR. THOMAS P. LENNS CONCIERGE CHOICE: THE RETURN OF GOOD OLD-FASHIONED MEDICINE

JANUARY 2022

REBIRTH IS THE MASTERPLAN BEHIND HIS RETURN

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BONE BROTH JANUARY 2022

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22 MARC ORLANDO Rebirth is the Master Plan Behind His Return WHAT’S INSIDE

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DR. THOMAS P. LENNS: THE RETURN OF GOOD OLDFASHIONED MEDICINE

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TINA SIMMONS’ STORY: PUTTING THE SELF HELP IN BLUFFTON SELF HELP

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BEYOND THE BIG BOX: BLUFFTON PHARMACY HAS JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED.

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GETTING BACK IN TOUCH: THE RETURN OF THE HUG

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BEAUFORT MEMORIAL NOW OFFERING STATE-OF-THE-ART ROBOTIC HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY

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TREATMENT TIPS FROM A FRIENDLY PHARMACIST FOR COMMON COLDS IN ADULTS

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INTERESTING INTERIORS: ON TIME AND ON TREND

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A PERFECT CIRCLE: MAKING THE PERFECT BAGEL ISN’T EASY.

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MUSICIANS IN BATHROOMS FEATURING BRAD SWANSON

O N O U R C OV E R S CB2 CELEBRATE I BLUFFTON AND BEYOND!

CH2 CELEBRATE HILTON HEAD!

BEYOND THE BIG BOX BLUFFTON PHARMACY HAS JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED

HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE CONCIERGE CHOICE: THE RETURN OF GOOD OLD FASHIONED MEDICINE

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BONE BROTH

GETTING BACK IN TOUCH THE RETURN OF THE HUG

JANUARY 2022

JANUARY 2022

REBIRTH IS THE MASTERPLAN BEHIND HIS RETURN

TREATMENT TIPS FROM A FRIENDLY PHARMACIST FOR COMMON COLDS IN ADULTS

HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE

DR. THOMAS P. LENNS

TINA SIMMONS’ STORY

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PUTTING THE SELF HELP IN BLUFFTON SELF HELP

JANUARY 2022 JANUARY 2022

ON THE CH2 COVER Hilton Head Island Town Manager, Marc Orlando

ON THE CB2 COVER Tom Alaimo and Tina Simmons at Bluffton Self Help

Photography by M. KAT

Photography by M.KAT.

50 LAVA 24 FITNESS: MAKING FITNESS FUN Locally owned gym offers a complete array of fitness solutions in a friendly environment sure to keep you coming back for more.

64 WHEN CREATIVITY AND CONSISTENCY MEET Local artist Monica Tovar preserves magic, holds beauty, expresses truth.

68 MADE FROM SCRATCH Marek Belka built The French Bakery from a fan-favorite spot in the old Pineland Station into an iconic island eatery. And he’s just getting started.

GENIUSES AT WORK Vibe Manager Maggie Marie Washo

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Head of Quietly Judging Carolyn Hunter Kostylo Master of Coin Marion Elizabeth Bowser Rainmaker Kim Conrad Crouch Master Handshaker “Just Kandace” Wightman Lead Door Knocker Morgan O'Banion Director of Attracting Talent Kaila Jeffcoat 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 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

Editor's Note

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JANUARY 2022

was walking a few of my clients around Harbour Town earlier this week and had a random thought that spiraled. Just to clarify, my clients in this case were two adorable pooches. One of them is older, well-adjusted and pretty calm. The other is younger, just as adorable, but a little bit of a spaz with some funny quirks. As such, he requires slightly more attention – but I really love this little dog.

It got me thinking about why we like and are drawn to people who are a little bit of a hot mess. Is it because of the entertainment factor?

Or our desire to help and “fix,” although I use that word with caution. How boring this world would be without all our little personality flaws and quirks. It’s what makes people endearing— and yet also possibly aggravating and requiring more work on our part.

This thought led to another about how people who are responsible and do everything right and as expected sometimes get less attention from us than the ones who don’t.

It’s like if you have that one awesome kid or employee who is always 100 percent on-time, responsible and AMAZING, you might forget to tell them how great they are, because you assume they know it and will always be there for you.

Anyway, it’s kind of deep for the beginning of the year, but that’s where my head is this morning, so … you’re welcome. I guess the moral of this story is, everyone’s imperfections make

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them lovable, but don’t forget to tell those mostly perfect people you appreciate them too. ;-) And speaking of perfection, our January issue is all about how to better yourselves, just like every January issue since magazines began: “New Year, New You” and all that jazz. We have features on local personal trainers and gyms, because almost everyone’s New Year’s resolution is to lose weight or get in better shape.

Becca Edwards shares Charlotte Hardwick’s (nourish and flow) bone broth recipe, which is thought to have many healing properties and benefits. We also tell the story of Tina Simmons and how, with the help of Tom Alaimo and Bluffton Self Help, she is getting ahead instead of just getting by. There is a shift happening in the way Bluffton Self Help is meeting the needs of our community, and you can read the story on page 32.

Last month, we also spent an afternoon with the new town manager, Marc Orlando, hitting a lot of his favorite places on Hilton Head Island and getting to know him. Other than almost stepping on a water moccasin in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, it was a delightful afternoon spent with someone who is excited to “come back home” to the town of Hilton Head Island. Read that story on page 22.

Here’s to another imperfect year! Make it a good one.

MAGGIE WASHO Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

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

Article By Tim Wood | Photography By M.Kat

Marc Orlando: RE B IRT H I S T H E MAS T E R P L AN B E H I ND RE T URN

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any of his peers saw the move as inevitable, but for a guy who has made a career out of high-level planning and thinking five steps ahead, Marc Orlando truly didn’t see 2021 coming.

Life in Bluffton was exciting. Big economic boosters like the Burnt Church Distillery project were nearing completion. He had built a talented staff with strong morale and a family atmosphere.

In the midst of an unprecedented pandemic, he focused on keeping friends, family and residents safe.

Marc Orlando, Hilton Head Island’s Town Manager, stands near the J. Wilton Graves Bridge connecting the island to the mainland. Orlando’s contract with the town was recently extended through February 2025.

“For years, that was my past,” said Hilton Head Island’s new town manager of beginning his career working for the town. “I’m always looking forward. This move was like a lightbulb lit up. One day, it just made sense to have a conversation. The more we talked, the more it was clear. It was time to come home.”

Orlando came to Hilton Head Island in 1997, a Canadian import from the University of Windsor who saw law school and the big city in his future. But an internship with the town turned into a whole new life direction.

“I fell in love with the culture, the way of life here. And not just the beach. It’s the history here that truly captured me,” Orlando said. “The Gullah Geechee, the Civil War, the trailblazers. The roots here—there was so much history to build upon.”

Orlando has spent the past 23 years helping to build the Lowcountry, including 14 years leading the evolution of Bluffton from a one-square-mile, pass-through hamlet into a booming centerpiece of growth.

He was hired by legendary island leader Steve Riley, whom he saw first as a visionary and a mentor, then a colleague and friend. When talk of the seemingly indefatigable Riley retiring became a reality, Orlando didn’t see himself as one to follow footsteps. But the idea of a new challenge in a place so central to his personal growth was alluring.

Annexation and population growth was a key part of his

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Bluffton story. On the island, it’s all about a growth and renewal of existing spaces and assets.

“Steve taught me so much, but his mandate from Town Council was unique to him. Town Council made it clear from the first conversation that my skill set would fit their plans for the future,” he said. “We have amazing opportunities to reimagine some key spaces and resources here. It’s about maximizing what we have, and this island already has so much. The more I’m here, the more I realize that this is my calling at this time in my life.”

It’s 6:30 a.m. Windsor, Ontario, circa 1994. Orlando is prepping for a day of work at the gym. He’d worked retail, selling high-end suits to local businessmen, made enough to help pay for college. Personal training was the latest means to an end.

While a few early risers were busy on treadmills, Orlando got caught in his manager’s office playing Sim City on the computer.

“I loved Sim City, it was just brilliant, but the gym owner didn’t quite see it as a great use of time,” Orlando said.

Orlando’s mom raised him and his older brother on her own, working for the city’s Medical Officer of Health. While the Orlando boys were begging to watch Canadiens hockey, she hogged the lone TV, watching city meetings.

“I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE CULTURE, THE WAY OF LIFE HERE. AND NOT JUST THE BEACH. IT’S THE HISTORY HERE THAT TRULY CAPTURED ME.” - MARC ORLANDO

Marc took the CH2 crew on a tour of some of his favorite places on Hilton Head Island for the shoot. This shot was taken in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve.

“She taught me to appreciate how cities get built, how decisions are made and how cities evolve from that work, and that stuck,” he said. “She showed me the importance of getting involved.”

Orlando realized shortly after arriving on Hilton Head Island that he could have an impact in making Sim City real.

“I love architecture, I love real estate, I am infatuated with the details, with the idea of one building, one idea, taking root and impacting an entire community,” Orlando said. He saw folks like Thomas Barnwell, Charles Fraser and Riley have that impact time and again in evolving the island.

When he moved across the bridge to Bluffton in 2006, Orlando earned a fast reputation for being a doer—the guy who could hear a plan, improve it with a few tweaks and empower those around him to get the job done.

“A town, a city, it’s a business. Marcus Lemonis, The Profit, can go into any business and understand the foundation of success, no matter the industry,” Orlando said. “I love that show because it highlights that a core belief in fundamentals leads to success anywhere.”

For Orlando, the basis of success in evolving a town’s culture begins with a place-based approach to growth. From the Old C2 MAGAZINE

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“STEVE [RILEY] TAUGHT ME SO MUCH, BUT HIS MANDATE FROM TOWN COUNCIL WAS UNIQUE TO HIM. COUNCIL MADE IT CLEAR FROM THE FIRST CONVERSATION THAT MY SKILL SET WOULD FIT THEIR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE,” ORLANDO SAID. “THE MORE I’M HERE, THE MORE I REALIZE THAT THIS IS MY CALLING AT THIS TIME IN MY LIFE.”

Town Historic District to the Don Ryan Center for Innovation to Buckwalter Place to Palmetto Bluff, Orlando believed that the land and what it represents to growth was always the star. “We knew if we put the right energy in core locations, that would show others the larger vision of what we could be,” he said.

While he was all-in on building Bluffton into a 54-squaremile epicenter of regional growth, his family was still largely centered across the bridge. He met his wife Jaclyn on Hilton Head, where her family founded eateries like Pino Gelato and La Famiglia.

“The kids went to school at St. Francis on the island; my mom lives on the island; so, I spent a lot of my day going back and forth over that bridge,” Jaclyn said. “To see what Marc was achieving in Bluffton, the family we had with the staff, the back and forth was just part of the life we were building.”

It was all worthwhile as Jaclyn saw others gravitate to the same qualities that drew her to Orlando during their courtship.

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“He’s a visionary, he’s always thinking, always evolving, always dreaming,” she said. “He’ll take me on drives, tours just to see landscaping, a cool street, an innovative neighborhood design.

It’s what excites him, and to be in his orbit, it’s impossible not to be excited by his passion. To see a plan like Bluffton’s Streetscapes project, the parks and the evolution of Old Town come to fruition, it brought me to tears because he was so proud to be part of evolving what was already great.”

Some might say Bluffton was more of a blank canvas than what he’s inheriting on Hilton Head. “Hogwash,” Orlando said.

“I’m thrilled to be working with a town council that wants to evolve, that knows we want to respect our culture and history but that we need to plan for the future differently than we did 30 years ago. Growth doesn’t mean tall buildings or 10,000 more residents. We can grow simply by rethinking how we use the spaces and the resources we already have here. That’s the kind of growth I’ve always specialized in.”

The tragic death of town engineer Scott Liggett and the retirements of assistant town managers Charles Cousins and Greg DeLoach left Orlando with more than a century of experience to replace. So, his first-90-days plan was all about finding the right senior staff, learning and listening, and forging a plan to hit the ground running.

“I’ve said, ‘I won’t tell you how I did it there if you don’t tell me how you did it here.’ This is all about the future, about identifying current challenges and forging a long-term vision of what we want Hilton Head to be,” Orlando said. “I am so grateful to be working side-by-side with this talented town council to make that vision a reality.”

Town Council identified key starting points: improving the beach experience, leading the town response to the state’s U.S. 278 bridge and William Hilton Parkway road widening plan, and using the recently completed Lowcountry Celebration Park as the blueprint for future planning and growth. Orlando heard what’s

important from Town Council members and spent six months creating a strategic plan to set policy and project directives. The plan was adopted by council in December.

“It was, ‘We love this, this is the bar we set, show us what you can do next.’ There’s some real thinking to do here, and that’s what attracted me,” Orlando said. “We need to think bigger, not just one park or zoning district at a time. We have lost our sense of place in residential neighborhoods. We have to find the right balance of serving the residents and the tourists.”

Orlando has developed a capital improvement plan he believes will lay the groundwork for the years ahead, and he has made adjustments at Town Hall. That begins with customer service.

“I wanted to know immediately how we’re reacting to permit requests. We’re trying to make information more accessible and to listen,” he said. “You can evolve while still respecting what got us here. I stand in Mitchelville, read the sign that says, ‘Where Freedom Was Born.’

To understand that the slaves’ emancipation began here, that’s immense. How do we honor this history and set the conditions for growth at the same time?”

Orlando is working with Town Council on an Island Capacity Study and also working to establish an island-wide master plan that will provide the framework for future policy and project initiatives. He respects his predecessors while making it clear he’s all about what’s next.

“We’re solving today’s problems, anticipating tomorrow’s needs. That’s the job; that’s what drives me,” he said. “We have real place-based opportunities with the mid-island park, with Port Royal Plaza, with Northridge Plaza, and the surrounding area.

To know you can help evolve a place you love, that’s a dream.”

To do it all while located in a place more central to his personal universe, all the better.

“We’re a mile and a half from the school, right down the road from my mom, the town has embraced us, and we can really focus on immersing ourselves in the community,” Jaclyn said. “And the town doesn’t have night council meetings, so he’s home more for dinner now.”

His kids, 11-year-old Emmy and 8-yearold Ben, have set a high bar for his new bosses—Town Council and the people of Hilton Head Island.

“They wanted to show me their new rollerblade moves, and I was on my laptop answering emails. They took the laptop and said, ‘You’re fired from work’,” he said.

Place-based management, after all, begins at home.

“I’ve got lessons to learn everywhere I go,” Orlando said. “I love being their dad. But I also like being part of team evolving what this island can be over the next couple of decades. If I dive into the details, no matter what hat I’m wearing, I like my chances for achieving great things.” C2 MAGAZINE

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Dr. Lenns has been practicing on Hilton Head Island since 1989.

ARTICLE BY LINDA S. HOPKINS . PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

Dr. Thomas P. Lenns CONCIERGE CHOICE: THE RETURN OF GOOD OLD-FASHIONED MEDICINE

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he best healthcare begins with a relationship, and relationships don’t develop in 10 minutes – but that is all the time most physicians can allot in their busy schedules. It’s not your doctor’s fault you can’t get an appointment when you’re sick or that they only have a few minutes to make a diagnosis before sending you on your way.

Blame it on a shortage of primary care physicians and endless insurance and government paperwork requirements. Dr. Thomas P. Lenns has found a better way to serve his patients.

As a concierge physician, instead of trying to take care of hundreds upon hundreds of patients as he did in his previous practice, he now limits the total number of patients he sees to no more than one-third of his previous patient base.

What does that mean to patients? It means greater appointment availability, shorter wait times in reception, enough time in appointments to address all their healthcare concerns, and the physician they trust is always available, even after the office has closed.

Before switching to concierge care, Lenns said his schedule would be full for the entire week. Sick patients would often wind up going to urgent care simply because appointments were not available. Now, his practice holds open four time slots each day to accommodate patients who need immediate care.

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GETTING TO KNOW HIS PATIENTS ON A MORE PERSONAL LEVEL IS OFTEN THE KEY TO MORE ACCURATE MEDICAL EVALUATIONS AND MORE THOUGHTFUL SOLUTIONS.

From left to right: Deanna Marshall, Dr. Thomas Lenns, Monika Belka and Cheryl Thomas

“You cannot manage a serious healthcare condition in 10 minutes,” Lenns said. “The main benefit of concierge medicine is the time to be thorough.” In the concierge model, Lenns schedules 30 minutes for regular appointments and an hour for physical exams.

And if a patient is sick after hours or over the weekend? No problem.

Patients of Dr. Lenns have his private cell phone number as well as his personal email address to conveniently correspond for non-urgent matters.

“Patients may call me whenever they need me,” Lenns said, stressing

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that patients who are sick should not wait because a minor issue on Friday can become a full-blown problem by Monday morning.

Lenns went on to say that it is not unusual for a patient to come in with one complaint and then mention another, “In the old model, you either dealt with the secondary issue and ran behind, or were forced to reschedule the patient for a second visit. Neither is ideal. But in the concierge model we can manage the day better and thus, also service our patients better.”

Dr. Thomas P. Lenns Getting to know his patients on a more personal level is often the key to more accurate medical evaluations and more thoughtful solutions. “In medical school, our professors emphasized that for every 3040 percent of patients, the root cause of their issue was psychological,” Lenns said.

“When you have a chance to sit down with your patients and hear about what’s going on in their lives, you can find out the source of the ailment”.

One harsh reality many Americans face is the absence of preventive care, which is due largely in part, Lenns said, to time constraints and lacking financial incentives. The healthcare industry simply isn’t built to support preventive medicine, he said. Lenns, however, is adamant about preventive care and will take the necessary time to educate his patients about best health practices and lifestyle changes to avoid the three main killers: heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Shifting the focus from strictly diagnostic care and making preventive care a priority can be life-saving, Lenns said.

There is an out-of-pocket annual fee to be a patient in Dr. Lenns’ practice, which includes the annual comprehensive physical exam.

With Dr. Lenns, patients are not treated like a number on a medical record, but with personalized attention and care. Simply put, there is no substitute for a doctor who knows you.

Dr. Lenns’ office is located at 89 Main Street on Hilton Head Island. For more information, visit drlenns. com or call (843) 681-5305.

Dr. Thomas Lenns is an internist on Hilton Head Island. He received his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia and completed his Internal Medicine residencies at Temple University and St. Luke’s Hospital in PA. Shortly after completing his residency training, Dr. Lenns became Board Certified in Internal Medicine and has been in practice on Hilton Head Island since 1989. Awards include American Registry’s Patient Choice Award: multiple years; American Registry’s Most Compassionate Doctor: multiple years; Consumers Research Council of America— Top Physician: multiple years.

Tina Simmons and her mentor, Tom Alaimo chat on a garden bench outside of Bluffton Self Help.

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Article by Barry Kaufman Photography by M.Kat

Tina Simmon's Story: Putting the Self Help in Bluffton Self Help

THE MISSION OF BLUFFTON’S STORIED CHARITY ORGANIZATION, LIKE BLUFFTON ITSELF, HAS EVOLVED. ou’ve heard Tina Simmons’ story before.

Perhaps not specifically hers, but you’ve heard some variation of it. The particulars may change, but the story is sadly familiar.

A single mom, doing the best she can to raise a young daughter. Struggling to make ends meet, juggling the demands of a job with the demands of a child. Wondering how she’s going to get through the next month.

“My story is like a lot of people’s I know,” she said. “I’d been a CNA (certified nurse’s assistant) for eight years, but I’d had a baby, and finding good affordable childcare was difficult.”

Fortunately, unlike so many variations on this story, Simmons’ has a happy ending. It began with a visit to St. Gregory the Great, where she sought out assistance with rent. Instead, parishioner Tom Alaimo saw an opportunity to do more.

“He wanted to know more about me and my plans, and how I was keeping up with bills,” Simmons said. “I was working, but I was trying to get back into school to get a better job. He could see I had goals.”

Alaimo recommended that Simmons stop by Bluffton Self Help, where a pilot program was quietly changing the scope of the organization’s mission.

For years, it was about giving clients what they needed to get by. Now, it is about giving them what they need to get ahead.

Through this program, Simmons found mentorship, financial education and a support system designed to empower her to pursue her goals. It represents the next step in what Bluffton Self Help can deliver, and already, for Simmons, it has changed everything.

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Tutor Dr. James Hoffman teaches ESL students at the Hardeeville Learning & Literacy Center.

Bluffton Self Help student gaining language skills at summer Bootcamp.

“I gave it a shot,” she said. “Sometimes you just have to do things to see where they lead.”

If there’s a sentiment that might have defined the early years of Bluffton Self Help, it’s that. Mrs. Ida Martin, gathering items in her garage to give to her neighbors back in 1987, was just giving it a shot. She knew there were neighbors, people she loved and cared about, going hungry. So, she thought she’d try to help and see where it led.

If you’ve been living in Bluffton for any amount of time, you know where it led. It led to Bluffton Self Help, the nonprofit organization she founded, becoming the gold standard of human service agencies in Beaufort County. It led to countless families enjoying a warm meal, a little extra security and the occasional present under the Christmas tree.

It even led to the White House, where in 2011, Mrs Ida

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Martin was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal for the shining example she set and the lives she transformed along the way.

Mrs. Ida left this world in 2013, but that example has become a legacy which continues with every full stomach and every life transformed by Bluffton Self Help. And that sentiment of trying something new to see where it leads? It’s still around.

It’s just that these days it’s a little more intentional.

“There’s no doubt Bluffton is growing and evolving, and as the leading human service agency in the area, we feel like we also need to grow, evolve, be innovative and shift the way we deliver our services,” said Kimberly Hall, executive director of Bluffton Self Help.

That shift sees Bluffton Self Help going beyond simply providing for that night’s meal or that month’s rent check.

Class being held at Bluffton Learning & Literacy Center, taught by Program Manager, Rose Benitez.

Today, they are focusing more on their clients’ future, giving them a support system, mentorship and a solid foundation upon which they can build.

“At our core, we’re not changing. Our core values will always be the same to the root of what Ida started 35 years ago,” Hall said. “We’re more focused on education and training and workforce readiness. Basic needs, that stabilization, will not go away. But what we’re really doing is giving our mission, our programs, everything we do, a more holistic approach.”

And far from seeing where it leads, these new programs were crafted following exhaustive, data-driven research into how Bluffton Self Help can do more. Working with the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities, they embarked on a strategic planning partnership with a broad focus on expanding the mission and serving people the best they can. The results of this partnership saw Self Help expanding its focus to more of a regional service, leading to satellite locations in Hardeeville and beyond, as well as partnerships with other non-profits in the area.

But for Simmons, the most important thing to come out of this planning partnership was the notion that Bluffton Self Help can do more by giving their neighbors the tools they need to succeed.

“To be most effective, we must move beyond a singular focus. We meet the client where they are and then work with them every step of the way to achieve success—at home, at work, in the community,” Hall said. “This is our path forward.

Our clients’ path forward. Our community’s path forward.

And we’ll be there with our neighbors every step of the way.”

Today, thanks to the guidance and mentorship she was given, Simmons is working towards the life she’d long dreamed of. Enrolled in TCL (Technical College of the Lowcountry), she’s pursuing a business and accounting degree.

“They helped me get a better-paying job that I love,” Simmons said. “Not only did they help me earn more money, but they’ve made it so I’m not depending as much on looking for resources to pay bills.”

That change will ripple out through Tina Simmons’ life and through her family’s life for generations.

“I want to be able to give my daughter a better start than I ever had,” she said. “And I’m going into accounting so I can pass that knowledge down to my child, my nieces and nephews… I just want to help my community so we can grow together.”

That goes for Simmons and for the organization that helped her set herself on a better path.  C2 MAGAZINE

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Rob Vaughn, owner of Bluffton Pharmacy at their Bluffton location.

AR T I C LE BY B ARRY KAU FMAN P H OTO G RAPH Y BY M.KAT

beyond the

Big Box Ready for something a little less soul-crushing than a trip to the mega chain pharmacy? Bluffton Pharmacy has just what the doctor ordered.

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t’s flu season. And what’s more, it’s flu season in the middle of the pandemic that just won’t end.

For most people, that means one thing. It means driving out to the monolithic mega pharmacy, the one on the corner of soulless and labyrinthine. It means navigating aisles of seasonal candy, potato chips, toys no child would ever enjoy and greeting cards just to get to the medicine you need. And it means that, once you finally do find the drug store portion of this megamall, you’re dealing with a pharmacist who doesn’t know you from Adam.

That’s endurable for most people, but here in Bluffton we do things a little differently. We don’t just want to get the medicine we need; we want to get it from someone who knows us. Someone who asks after our family and remembers our birthday.

This is a hometown, and we demand a pharmacy that follows suit. Which is why most people can have their behemoth corporate drug stores. We’ll take Bluffton Pharmacy any day.

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beyond the

Big Box “We know everyone by name. You’re meeting with a pharmacist who knows you,” Bluffton Pharmacy owner Rob Vaughn said. “When you call, you’re not waiting on hold. It’s one of us who answers the phone. We build those relationships all day long.”

And it’s not just the personal service that sets Bluffton Pharmacy apart from the giant chains. There’s a flexibility that comes with being independent. “With big box retail, it’s sort of formulaic in that they can only purchase medications from specific manufacturers,” Vaughn said. “We can tailor medication to exactly what the patient wants.”

Also, being independent gives Bluffton Pharmacy much greater leeway in not only filling prescriptions but compounding medications to suit your specific needs.

“Big box stores can’t do compounding,” Vaughn said. “If you have certain medications, like a hormone replacement cream for example, you just can’t get it there.”

You might think that kind of personalized medication, flexibility and capability would come at a premium price tag. We can happily let you know that you are wrong.

“Most people don’t realize oftentimes it’s cheaper to go independent because we can control our pricing,” Vaughn said. Not only does the lack of corporate and retail overlords give them greater ability to price medications fairly, but it also gives them the flexibility to work with customers. “At times,

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Charlotte’s Web CBD Gummies are formulated to support immunity, calm, sleep and exercise recovery. we’ll fill a prescription for a cash price that’s cheaper than the insurance co-pay. And there are a lot of medications where we can compound it into a topical ointment, for example, that will bring down the price.”

And for what it’s worth, you’ll be doing your doctor a favor.

“Most prescribers don’t like sitting on hold with a CVS or a Walgreens,” Vaughan said.

And most patients don’t need to navigate aisles upon aisles of pool noodles, eyeliner and Jiffy Pop just to pick up their medications from someone who is going to treat them like a number. Vaughn, to his credit, has nothing but sympathy for his fellow pharmacists who are latched to the corporate chain.

“They have retail breathing down their neck and all kinds of corporate rules. It inhibits their ability to treat each person the way they need to be treated,” he said. “It really makes them miserable.”

Given the mass walkout one of the big chains experienced this past summer, it’s clear that the environment isn’t great for their pharmacists. It’s little different for their customers. “I feel like it’s a shame that so many people have been convinced by the big box retailer that they only have one option,” Vaughn said.

But then, most people aren’t as fortunate as we are to live in a place like Bluffton, a place that has its very own hometown pharmacy with a history stretching back more than 30 years and ties to the community that run deep. It’s something that defines Bluffton, and it’s something that the thousands of new residents we’ve welcomed over the last year are discovering.

“So many people moving down here don’t realize there are independent pharmacies,” Vaughn said. “But it’s such a better environment. I’ve had so many people who have moved to the area come in and tell me, ‘If I’d have known what you can do, I would have left the big box chain long ago.”

If you are one of those new residents trying to immerse yourself in the community, or if you just have a prescription you need filled by someone who knows exactly what you want and need, you know where to go.  Bluffton Pharmacy is located at 167 Bluffton Road, Suite B. Give them a call at (843) 757-4999 or visit blufftonpharmacy.com.

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From left to right: Phil Mullins, Sofia Maley, Eddie Avila, Sherri Smith, Jay Stever (owner),Stacey Saritell, AJ White, Santi Gill, and Sean Hickey

BREAKTHROUGH FITNESS P H O T O G R A P H Y

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE FITNESS INDUSTRY? In February 2022, Breakthrough Fitness will be celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary. I took the gym over back in January 2012. I was the original owner’s landlord, so I was first choice when they wanted to sell. What can I say other than it’s been a fun almost 10 years!

—Jay Stever (owner) TELL US ONE THING A PERSON TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT MIGHT BE SURPRISED BY? When it comes to weight loss, most people focus on extreme cardio and super low calorie diets. You do not have to starve yourself or do endless hours of cardio to lose weight. Try

WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE GET HYPE SONG? I can’t pick one, so my top three that will always get the job done are “52 Bars,” Lil Durk; “Da Rockwilder,” Method Man; “Millions,” Pusha T. —Sean Hickey (desk staff) WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL FITNESS INSTRUCTOR? Pilates instructor Katie Girardi.

Katie has been certified since 2005 and loves to teach and help people with their bodies. She runs her own studio on Hilton Head Island and is also a faculty member and teacher trainer for Pure Body Health since 2019.

She really loves teaching clients and other instructors “the art” of proper body movement and how to feel good in their own bodies.

—Sherri Smith (Pilates instructor/ personal trainer) THERE HAVE BEEN MANY FITNESS TRENDS OVER THE YEARS; WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE? High intensity interval training (HIIT). HIIT workouts involve short bursts of activity with periods of rest. The benefit of HIIT training is that you can get in an intense workout in a relatively short period of time. The good thing about HIIT is that you don’t need any special equipment as you can use bodyweight exercises, and you can modify HIIT workouts to fit different ability levels.

—AJ White (personal trainer)

muscle/strength building and healthy diets that teach and help you adopt healthier eating habits long term. Strength training can build a good base of muscle, allowing you to increase your metabolism, which makes it easier to not only drop weight but to keep it off! Healthier and better eating shouldn’t be short term for weight loss; balance is key.

—Sofia Maley (personal trainer) WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU DO WITH A CLIENT INSIDE THE GYM THAT THEY

COULD TAKE OUTSIDE THE GYM? Functional body weight exercise utilizing bands and the environment around you. That makes it fun and is a great way to get and keep fit.

—Santi Gill (personal trainer) WHAT IS THE PRIMARY REASON YOU WORK OUT? Working out is the best way to stay healthy, look better, and feel even better; it also helps to avoid visits to the doctor.

—Eddie Avila (desk staff)

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE WAY TO BURN CALORIES AND SWEAT A LITTLE? As much as I love being in the gym, I have to say it’s outdoor running! There is nothing better than putting on your sneakers, putting in your headphones, going outside and getting lost in your own world. The feeling after a good run is one of the best, both physically and mentally.

—Stacey Saritelli (personal trainer/ fitness instructor) GIVE OUR READERS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO REACH THEIR FITNESS GOALS IN 2022.

Consistency takes precedence over motivation. Disconnect with the emotions involving taking the action and commit to the rituals and practices to create momentum.

—Phil Mullins (personal trainer) C2 MAGAZINE

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ARTICLE BY LINDA S. HOPKINS

GettinG Back in touch T H E

o

R E T U R N

O F

T H E

H U G

n the Friday after Thanksgiving 2018 (pre-pandemic) my mother-in-law celebrated her ninety-seventh birthday. So, while most everyone else was out searching for Black Friday deals, our family gathered at a nursing home in Lyons, Georgia to honor her and show her some love.

Children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren circled as we prepared to serve cake in one of the common areas of the home, when out of the corner of my eye, I saw a lady in a wheeled recliner, parked in front of a television, staring at the floor, crying.

You see a lot of sad things in a nursing home, and while it might have been easier to look the other way, I moved closer. As I did, the source of her distress became apparent: Her sock had fallen off. What wasn’t immediately clear was if she wanted the sock back on or if she wanted the other one off. So, I asked, “Do you want me to put your sock back on?”

Not Quite Ready foR RaNdom Hugs?

If you’re still feeling squeamish about random hugs, start by asking for them from friends and family members closest to you. Alternatively, here are a few other suggestions for receiving the touch your body craves: Book a massage or spa treatment.* Massage therapy has been shown to ease depression, increase attentiveness and enhance immune function. If massage therapy is not your thing, choose another type of spa treatment that involves touch, e.g., facials, manicures or pedicures.

Visit a hair salon.* If you don’t need coloring services or a cut, make an appointment for a shampoo and blow-dry for relaxation.

“Yes,” she said in a tiny quivering voice, while big alligator tears spilled from her faded blue eyes. I picked up the sock, and she grasped for my arm as I slid it back on her icy foot.

She continued to cry and reach for me, so I leaned in and hugged her. She latched on and sobbed like a baby, and I wondered how long it had been since anyone hugged this lady.

With the party clearly visible to her in the next room, I asked, “Would you like some cake?”

“Yes!” she cried.

I got permission from the nurse in case she was on a special diet and, with approval, went to get her a slice. It was obvious that the woman did not have the motor skills to handle the plate and fork, so I cut a small bite and fed it to her. She devoured it like a child, almost eating the plastic fork in the process. Some icing got stuck on my finger, and she licked it off so aggressively I thought she might take a chunk out of my hand. “Don’t bite me,” I said, as I cut her another sliver.

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Cuddle a pet. Just being close to a pet has been shown to lower stress, reduce heart rate, and lower blood pressure.

Hunker down with a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets aren’t human, but according to Psychology Today, (“The Vital Importance of Human Touch”), they’ve been found to calm the nervous system in the same manner as touch. Some benefits include relief from the perception of pain, reduced symptoms of anxiety, improved sleep quality, and relief from symptoms of depression.

Explore virtual options. FaceTime and Zoom meetings, yoga and other fitness classes, singing, and dancing are other activities that can increase the release of oxytocin in the brain. *Ask in advance about virus protocols and safety measures.

Choose to receive services in facilities where the precautions in place match your personal level of comfort as you ease back into the realm of human touch.

GettinG Back in touch Have you ever been in a situation where the apparent crisis of the moment wasn’t the real problem at all? At any given time, it’s easy to judge what you think is happening, but when you draw closer, you may find that the situation is not as it appears. It’s my guess that the lady in the nursing home was not all that upset about her sock. She was more distraught over the fact that no one noticed her or cared to find out what she needed.

She wasn’t starved for food, but maybe she was starved for affection—or for the attention of someone willing to hug her and hand-feed her, not because it was their job, but because they saw her and wanted to share a moment in time.

My mother-in-law passed away the following January, just two months after that birthday celebration. I like to believe that our presence that day made a difference to her in her final days. And I also like to believe that the lady who had her sock put back on by a stranger received just what she needed. The interaction certainly blessed me.

I tell you this story not for my personal glory, but to remind you of the importance and power of human touch.

As we gradually dip our toes back into the waters of social interaction, it may be time to ditch the fist bumps in exchange for some good old-fashioned hugs.

I’m not suggesting that you jeopardize your health or take undue risks, but there is some evidence to support the notion that touch deprivation is as detrimental to our health as any potential germ we might encounter.

Being touch starved, also known as skin hunger, occurs when a person receives little to no touch from other living beings. “Touch starvation increases stress, depression and anxiety, triggering a cascade of negative physiological effects. The body releases the hormone cortisol as a response to stress, activating the body’s ‘flight-or-fight’ response. This can increase heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and muscle tension, and can suppress the digestive system and immune system, increasing the risk of infection” (Texas Medical Center, “Touch starvation is a consequence of COVID-19’s physical distancing”).

Interesting that the antidote could be as simple as a hug. “Hugging promotes emotional closeness between two people through the exchange of energy,” integrative neurologist, Ilene Ruhoy, M.D., Ph.D. said. “The act of hugging releases oxytocin stored in the pituitary gland, which is often affectionately referred to as the ‘love hormone’ because it helps us bond. That feeling of love, familiarity, and fellowship is why we have the instinct to hug our children, our parents, and our friends” (mbgrelationships.com., “7 Common Types Of Hugs & The Meaning Behind Each”).

Healthline.com reports, “Touch can calm your heart rate and blood pressure. It does so by stimulating pressure receptors that transport signals to the vagus nerve, the nerve that connects the brain to the rest of the body. It uses the signals to slow the pace of the nervous system.”

While precautions are still in order, evidence is strong that it is time to reach out and touch again. As we enter a new year, I encourage you to acknowledge your fellow humans.

See them for who they are and look for the deeper need. If you feel so inclined (with their consent, of course), open your arms. Because who doesn’t need a hug? Cake optional.  C2 MAGAZINE

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ARTICLE BY BECCA EDWARDS

ne of the hottest trends in wellness today actually dates back 2500 years.

“Bone broth may be trendy, but it is absolutely not new,” said Charlotte Hardwick, a holistic nutritionist, wellness retreat leader, yoga instructor, and owner of flow and nourish. “Broths are a nourishing, healing blend of bones and vegetables that are not only rich in vitamins, minerals and collagen but are also very bio-available for our body.”

Hardwick discovered the power of bone broth about 15 years ago after completing her in-person holistic nutrition degree from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition with such leading wellness experts as Andrew Weil, director of the Arizona Center for Integrative

Medicine, Dr. Deepak Chopra, a leader in the field of mind-body medicine, Dr. David Katz, the director of Yale University’s Prevention Research Center, and Dr. Walter Willett, chair of Nutrition at Harvard University. Hardwick then worked with Monica Corrado, a teaching chef, certified nutrition consultant and certified GAPS practitioner “who is passionate about illuminating the connection between food and well-being.”

It was also about this time that Hardwick’s son Charlie began experiencing lung and skin issues. “Charlie was healthy as a baby, but at age one began to suffer from bronchitis and eczema. The pediatrician wanted to put him on steroids. I am not against medicine, but I

do think food can be medicine. I started putting bone broth in his bottle, and his eczema cleared up almost immediately, as well as his bronchitis.”

Since then, the Hardwick family has continued making bone broth. “I tell my clients to pick a day like Sunday. You do not need to be a good cook you just need a little bit of time.

You can do chores while the soup simmers, and I promise you it is a game changer for people, especially women because of the calcium and glucosamine,” Hardwick said.

“We now have science that supports the benefits of homemade bone broth because of the cartilage, gelatin and collagen,” she continued. She then went on to list the main health benefits of bone broth.

BENEFITS OF BONE BROTH • Helps support arthritis • Fights auto-immune diseases like eczema • Builds strong bones • Repairs the gut lining • Enriches the blood • Boosts the immune system • Supports the kidneys • Helps make cartilage, which we have throughout our body (not just in our bones and joints) but in our eyes and lining of the intestinal tract ADDITIONAL PROS TO MAKING BONE BROTH • It is economical.

• It takes zero culinary experience or ability to cook.

• It is versatile — meaning the broth can be consumed as is or to cook other food items such as rice, pasta or marinades.  Becca Edwards is a wellness professional, freelance writer, and owner of Female IQ (femaleIQ.com).

INGREDIENTS - 8 quarts cold filtered water - 6 pounds organic chicken bones, preferably grass-fed (Note: chicken feet and necks will boost collagen content) - 2 onions cut in half - 4 carrots - 4 celery stalks - 4 - 6 cloves garlic - Fresh thyme sprigs and/or bay leaves - A splash of apple cider vinegar to help leech minerals and collagen from the bones Optional: Peppercorns or ginger, as well as sweet vegetables like sweet potato and parsnips to sweeten the taste of the broth.

INSTRUCTIONS In a 12-quart or larger stockpot, combine all ingredients. Add the water and heat over mediumhigh heat until it begins to boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and skim off the scum. Continue simmering for 2 to 3 hours. Add more water if too much has evaporated. Strain the stock into a clean pot. Bring to room temperature and then put in the refrigerator in jars or any containers. The next day, spoon off and throw away any fat on the surface.

You can refrigerate or freeze.

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INGREDIENTS - 8 quarts filtered water - 3 pounds bones organic beef, preferably grass-fed - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 6 -12 carrots - 2 - 4 onions - 2 - 6 leeks - 4 - 6 celery stalks - 4 - 6 cloves garlic - Fresh thyme sprigs and/or bay leaves - Peppercorns Optional: sweet potatoes or parsnips INSTRUCTIONS Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place bones on a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan and roast for 30 minutes until brown. Put bones and vegetables in a pot of water. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.

Remove the lid, decrease the heat to low, then scoop the foam off the top.

Simmer gently for 8 to 24 hours. Remove and discard bones, then strain the broth. Let cool to room temperature and then refrigerate overnight. Skim off as much fat as you can from the top of the broth, then portion into airtight containers.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

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The Lava 24 Team (from left to right) From the Top: Keith Smith, Lluvia Arcos, Jake Wittmer, Megan Tomasetti, Sammi Burns, Myranda McAfee-Kroha, Arleight Thorp and owner, Nate Dixon.

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ARTICLE BY LINDA S. HOPKINS . PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

Making Fitness Fun - Locally owned gym offers a complete array of fitness solutions in a friendly environment sure to keep you coming back for more ot post-holiday zipper challenges? Looking for some extra pep in your step or better quality zzzs? Has your doctor recommended dietary changes to keep your blood flowing and your ticker ticking?

For many of us, the beginning of a new year is a time of self-reflection and an opportunity to set new goals and make a few lifestyle changes. But change can be hard, and most of us need a little extra nudge in the area of health and fitness. If that’s you, then it’s time to head over to LAVA 24 Fitness, located at 811 William Hilton Parkway on Hilton Head Island, locally owned and operated by Nate Dixon.

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LAVA Cycle ffers a new form of entertainment with the virtual screen including a variety of different routes along with energetic music and friendly class competitions to keep you motivated and challenged.

Dixon, Doctor of Physical Therapy, started LAVA 24 Fitness 15 years ago as the area’s first and only 24-hour access gym. He has since infused the local fitness facility with his own passion for health and fitness, recruiting and hiring the industry’s best and most highly trained professionals, while growing the program to include personalized health evaluations, comprehensive exercise platforms, expert nutritional

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counseling, and much more. Whether you are looking to gain strength, lose weight, or simply feel better and move more comfortably in your everyday life, LAVA has the fitness solutions to help you meet your goals.

“Our personal training and group fitness programs along with our nutrition programs differentiate us from other area gyms,” said Myranda McAfee-Kroha, general manager and trainer, who holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and multiple certifications. “LAVA offers more than just a workout or a weight-loss plan. We’re creating a lifestyle!”

Here are seven compelling reasons to join LAVA 24 Fitness today: 1. Personal Training. Let’s face it: gyms can be intimidating. For many of us, the fitness journey includes wandering around a room full of machines, often feeling awkward, out of place, and unsure what to do. At LAVA, the option to work one on one with a personal trainer can help members develop confidence and get much faster results.

“We’re doing more than just teaching people how to use equipment,” said McAfee-Kroha, who plays a pivotal role in gym operations and member support. “Almost all our staff members are certified personal trainers or are working toward certification. They know their stuff and can work with clients individually or create programs for them.”

Whether you are interested in weight loss, improved strength or just the motivation to stay active, you will be paired with a professional instructor who will work to understand your unique goals and create a custom path to help you achieve them. Personal training is appropriate for all ages and experience levels, from first-timers to accomplished athletes.

2. Group Fitness. Put an end to your stale workout routine by enrolling in a variety of classes led by LAVA’s team of experienced fitness professionals and enjoy the camaraderie along with safe and effective workout routines. From heart-racing beach bootcamp classes to body sculpting barre routines, cross-training fitness programs (LAVA Fusion), Pilates, speed and sports performance, indoor cycling, and much more, LAVA has something to get every member moving and having fun.

3. LAVA Cycle. If you haven’t seen the newly renovated indoor cycling studio at LAVA, get ready for the ride of your life. The new bikes feature a coach-by-color system, a power-based coaching program that fosters

Assitant Manager, Jake Wittmer in the “Garage” at LAVA 24 Ftiness. connections, enhances instructor communication, and improves the community vibe while maximizing results. The program also offers a new form of entertainment with the virtual screen including a variety of different routes along with energetic music and friendly class competitions to keep you motivated and challenged.

4. Online Fitness. Can’t make it to the gym? Traveling, or prefer to workout at home? LAVA has you covered with a library of thousands of prerecorded workouts as well as livestreaming. Want to learn more?

On Saturdays at 10 a.m., the LAVA team conducts a prerecorded class in person at the gym as an introduction to the complete online fitness program.

5. Nutritional Counseling/Powerplant Coaching. This past year, LAVA added a customized link giving members access to meal plans and nutrition challenges. When you sign up, you get a nutrition plan tailored to your individual needs, based on dietary changes you are willing to make. Maybe it starts with adding more fruits and vegetables or eliminating or cutting back on soda or sugary snacks. The coaches at LAVA help you break down your goals into manageable steps so you can gradually make better nutritional choices without breaking the bank or being handcuffed to foods you hate.

This year, Lava 24 Fitness also introduces Powerplant Coaching.

“It’s a course and a membership revolving around plant-based nutrition and fitness on-demand,” marketing director Megan Tomasetti explained.

“The goal is to help people prevent and reverse disease through plant-based nutrition.”

The program includes weekly meal planning services and a complimentary counseling session to pinpoint what foods you’ll need to achieve your goals. This is a comprehensive program, with monthly accountability meetings and 100 percent personalized nutritional advice. Learn more at lava24.com/2022.

6. Sports Performance Training. Ready to up your game? Want to gain the edge in your sport? LAVA is committed to helping athletes of all ages improve their strength and apply it directly to the field, court, track, or wherever you compete. The program gives you access to 60-minute sessions where you can work with a trained professional on your unique skill set.

You’ll take on every aspect of improved performance including nutrition coaching, injury prevention, athleticism and efficiency, lateral speed and mobility, plus mental strength and focus.

7. LAVA Lounge. LAVA’s new smoothie bar area now includes coffee, juices, smoothies, and more for a pre-or post-workout nutrition boost as well as recipes to take home to support your health goals.

Investing in a gym membership is an investment in your health and happiness—a perfect way to start the new year. At LAVA 24 Fitness, a variety of membership plans and drop-in options are available for locals and visitors. If you are looking for a fun, friendly community that will push you to your limits so that you can be the very best version of yourself, what are you waiting for?

Join the LAVA 24 Fitness family and experience the difference.  Visit lava24.com/2022 or call (843) 842-3225 for more information.

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BMH orthopedic surgeons trained in the the leading-edge MAKO technology for knee and hip replacement: Drs. Vandit Sardana, Leland Stoddard, Kevin Jones and Edward Blocker.

Beaufort Memorial Now Offering State-ofthe-Art Robotic Hip Replacement Surgery

F

ollowing almost two years of highly successful knee replacements with the Mako Robotic Arm-Assisted Surgery System, Beaufort Memorial Hospital (BMH) is now offering the leading-edge technology for hip replacements, one of the most common elective orthopedic procedures in the U.S. “The Mako robot has been a game changer for knee replacements,” said BMH board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kevin Jones, who has used the robotic technology to perform more than 200 total knee replacements. “The results have been amazing.

Patients are recovering faster. We are now seeing a similar effect with hip replacements.”

With the advanced robotic system, orthopedic surgeons will now be able to implant the prosthetic hip components with greater precision resulting in a better functioning joint. “The Mako system has exceeded expectations,” said BMH orthopedic department chairman Dr. Edward Blocker, who performed the hospital’s first robotic knee replacement surgery in January 2020. “I’m very excited the technology has been perfected for hip replacement and we can now offer it to our patients.”

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After successfully using the MAKO Robotic Arm-Assisted Surgical System for the past two years for knee replacements, Beaufort Memorial is now using the technology for hip replacements.

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i Dr. Kevin Jones performed the first robot-assisted hip surgery at Beaufort Memorial last fall.

Clinical studies have shown the robotic surgery system improves outcomes by allowing the surgeon to customize the placement and alignment of hip implant components to the patient’s unique anatomy, providing more natural movement of the joint and reducing the risk of hip dislocation following surgery.

“We used to eyeball the placement of the prosthetic cup that goes in the hip socket,” said Jones, who performed the first robotic hip procedure at Beaufort Memorial last fall. “Now we can place it more accurately, which ensures optimal function and a more natural feel.”

Total hip replacement is typically recommended for patients suffering from advanced osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease that occurs when the cartilage cushioning the ball-and-socket joint wears away causing the rounded end of the thighbone to rub on the pelvis. The surgery involves removing the arthritic bone and damaged cartilage and replacing them with prosthetic implants designed to move like a healthy hip. Approximately 498,000 hip replacement procedures

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were performed in 2020 in the U.S. That number is expected to nearly triple by 2040.

Prior to surgery, a CT scan is taken of the hip joint to create a 3-D virtual model of the patient’s anatomy. The surgeon uses the model to evaluate bone structure, disease severity, joint alignment and the surrounding bone and tissue to determine the optimal size, placement and alignment of the implant components.

“Hip replacement has always been more art than science,” Blocker said. “With the robot, we can now map out the placement of the implant for the individual patient and see how it will function in all planes of motion.”

During the operation, the surgeon follows the preoperative plan, guiding the robotic instrument arm to remove only the diseased bone. A virtual boundary established by the robot prevents the surgeon from crossing the bone field into surrounding tissue, preserving the healthy bone and ligaments around it.

“I had great outcomes with the Mako hip replacement surgeries I performed during my fellowship,” said BMH board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Vandit Sardana, who completed his training in joint replacement in 2018 at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. “Using the robot helps you position the joint components in the right position. With well-positioned hip components, there’s less likelihood of hip dislocation after the surgery.”

As with all robotic surgeries, the doctor is in control of the robot at all times during the surgery. “It’s important to understand that the Mako Robotic-Arm does not perform the actual surgery, make decisions on its own or move without the surgeon guiding it,” said BMH board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Leland Stoddard. “I tell my patients that it’s still joint replacement surgery, and I’ll still be your surgeon. But the Mako provides the perfect combination of robotic precision and human knowledge, experience and touch.”

Beaufort Memorial physicians also are using minimally invasive “musclesparing” techniques, like the Direct Superior Approach, to improve hip replacement outcomes. With this technique, the surgeon avoids having to cut and then reattach the key muscle group that enables you to walk and bend. Less trauma to the hip’s surrounding muscle and ligaments can result in less pain following surgery and a faster recovery.

“Right now, about 60 percent of my hip replacement patients go home the same day,” Sardana said. “I hope to bump it up to 90 percent using the Mako surgery system.”

For more information on the procedure, visit BeaufortMemorial.org/ MAKO or call (843) 522-7435.

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arTicle by s andra harley counTs, pharmd

TreaTmenT Tips from a friendly pharmacisT for common colds in adulTs

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’ve just retired to Hilton Head Island after 38 years of teaching drug therapy to family medicine doctors in training. I miss sharing information, so CH2 magazine has agreed to let me try my hand at a health column!

Here’s my first one.

As the weather gets colder, people gather indoors and spread germs more easily. In addition to the COVID virus and its mutations, there are over 200 viruses that can cause a cold. Since no one has yet found a cure for

the common cold, the best we can do is target and treat the symptoms.

There’s a whole aisle of products available at the drugstore and choosing can be overwhelming. Many people choose a ‘multi-symptom’ product with an array of ingredients such as an antihistamine+ decongestant+ cough suppressant+ analgesic combo. But this is not the best tactic. It’s best to treat only your one to two main or most bothersome symptoms with a product that matches C2 MAGAZINE C2 MAGAZINE

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Many people Make the Mistake of buying non-drowsy allergy products such as claritin, Zyrtec, allegra, or XyZal, but these won’t work for runny noses that often accoMpany the coMMon cold! your needs vs. a smattering of ingredients. You can do this by buying separate ingredients and combining them as needed.

For example, if you are stuffy/congested, choose a plain decongestant. There are several single-ingredient choices, but the most effective oral product is pseudoephedrine/Sudafed. Don’t choose phenylephrine … it’s less effective. Since pseudoephedrine is a stimulant, you may experience jitteriness/anxiousness or trouble sleeping. You may also want to avoid it because it can potentially increase blood pressure in patients who have uncontrolled high blood pressure. (It’s okay if you are on meds for BP and your numbers are good i.e., < 140/90.

Also, if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, you should also avoid oral decongestants. The better option for these situations is a nasal decongestant spray such as oxymetazoline/Afrin.

Plain Sudafed tabs are non-prescription but are kept behind the pharmacy counter and aren’t available in stores without a pharmacist. There are two types of plain Sudafed, long- and short-acting. The short acting

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is preferred because it enters the bloodstream faster and wears off before it’s time to fall asleep. If you are super stuffed up, it’s okay to combine Sudafed tabs with Afrin nasal spray. Don’t use the spray more than two to three days in a row since it can cause rebound stuffiness.

Choose generics to save money.

If sneezing/watery eyes, and runny nose are your main symptoms, choose an old-fashioned antihistamine, such as chlorpheniramine. Benadryl will also work but causes twice the drowsiness as chlorpheniramine. Many people make the mistake of buying non-drowsy allergy products such as Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, or Xyzal, but these won’t work for runny noses that often accompany the common cold! These products are specifically for runny noses caused by allergies, not those caused by the viruses that cause colds.

So, what about coughs? If a cough is productive, it’s best to leave it untreated during the day so your body can rid itself of phlegm (always hated that word!). It’s okay to take a bedtime dose if the cough is bothersome and you can’t sleep. Cough suppressants such as

Sandra Harley CountS, PHarmd

dextromethorphan (DM) are counterproductive to this natural process.

If a cough is non-productive (i.e., a dry, irritating cough) then it’s okay to treat it. Amazingly, one of the most effective and safest cough meds is honey! Any kind of honey can be used.

It’s also a safe and effective choice for kids, but due to the risk of botulism, should never be use in kids under one year of age. Give up to a tablespoonful in adults, 2 teaspoonfuls in kids. Take it either straight or mixed in a hot beverage.

Treat headaches or other body aches associated with the common cold with your analgesic of choice: Tylenol/acetaminophen, Motrin/ ibuprofen, or Aleve (naproxen). One study even shows naproxen can decrease cough frequency.

To recap, choose single generic ingredients to stock your medicine cabinet, and combine them as needed for your most bothersome symptoms: • Decongestants (fast acting/30 mg Sudafed and Afrin spray) for stuffiness • Antihistamines (fast acting 4 mg chlorpheniramine) for sneezing, watery eyes, or drippiness (may be hard to locate on pharmacy shelves, so ask for help if needed) • Cough suppressants: Honey (throughout the day if cough is not productive), or just at bedtime if it is • Pain: Tylenol, Motrin, or Aleve • Other: wash hands frequently and cover your sneeze. Avoid shaking hands in public.

Happy winter! C2 MAGAZINE

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Here for You: Your CBD Store With two Locations—Hilton Head & Beaufort ARTICLE BY AMY BARTLET T

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he heart behind Your CBD Store (and the local website www.cbdrx4u.com) is “you,” the most important ingredient, according to owner Jessica Rollins.

“There’s something for every member of the family, furry friends, too!” she said.

More than “good business meets good medicine,” for Rollins, it’s where personal pain relief meets professional calling. Opening her Hilton Head Island location in 2018 and Bay Street location in Beaufort the following year, Rollins is here to help others because she knows how they feel.

“I was dealing with a lot of pain from scoliosis, inflammation. I tried all the doctors, different muscle relaxers,”

Organic

Rollins explained, underplaying her pain with the phrase, “I had a bad back.”

When she discovered CBD worked for her, it was years before she landed on the perfect match. “I found brands that made a difference in one way or another but couldn’t find one that helped completely. No one product dealt with 100 percent of what I was trying to address.” Until she found SunMed. Life-changed, she contacted store owners who were inspired by her story and cleared a path for her to share it.

Rollins took a job at her local retailer, moving into management and ultimately franchising. “I decided to bring my first store to Hilton Head Island because of the unique clientele who can benefit most,” Rollins said of a community known as both a coveted retirement location and incredibly active. “It was the perfect place to tell the Your CBD Store story and bring the answer to those who hadn’t found it yet—different products to help in different ways, from pain relief to sleeping at night—all the different ailments we face daily.”

New year, new you Both locations thriving, Rollins celebrates another success: “Our newest product, Trim, an all-natural weight loss supplement, launched two months ago and has been a hit! We did a threemonth clinical study at the Mayo Clinic

where people lost up to 18 pounds and six inches in waist circumference and experienced an eight-point drop in BMI. Every single person in the trial who was taking Trim lost weight.”

Rollins personally attests to the effectiveness saying, “I’ve taken it for five months and have lost seven inches on my waist and 16 pounds without changing my diet or exercise. The only thing I did differently was take Trim once a day (there’s a capsule or oil tincture) and that’s it.”

The all-natural factor reverberates through Your CBD Store’s inventory and reputation as “the largest hemp retailer in the United States and the exclusive home of award-winning, hemp-derived SunMed and Sunflora Hemp Oil products with more than 500 stores in 41 states.”

“We want to reach everyone to let them know they can come to our shop and ask any questions they have.

There are no bad questions! Our welltrained staff can point you in the right direction and tell you what might work best for your specific situation,” Rollins said, reminding after all, it is “Your CBD Store.”

Your CBD Store is open MondaySaturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at two locations: 1012 William Hilton Parkway (843) 802-4422; 903 Bay Street (843) 379-4545.

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Monica Tovar is photographed in CH2’s studio with two of her subjects, Matthew Spruill and Cohner McCurry.

Creativity Consistency Monica Tovar

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ocal artist Monica Tovar doesn’t know how she became interested in art because it happened so early in her life. “As long as I remember, my family always told me I am an artist,” Tovar said. “I believed them, so I have always been an artist.

When Tovar, native Venezuelan, was just five years old, she began establishing her identity by accomplishing several milestones. She entered a drawing competition at school where she won a scholarship to study art at the Sofía Ímber Museum of Contemporary Art in Caracas. Then, while studying at Sofia Ímber, she participated in

a competition called “This is How The Children of The World Paint,” hosted in Japan in 1999. It was the very first time she worked with paint. That same year, she completed her first collection: a series of tropical landscapes.

At age 12, Tovar began earning money for commissioned work; her first was a mural. And all the while she was working, she was studying and learning. “At the Sofia Ímber, I learned some painting,” she said, “but our teacher wasn’t actually a teacher; she was an art critic. I took different classes for different styles. I went to the Martini Academy of Art and Journalism for three years

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In a series of portraits Monica has been working on, she sketched local musicians in graphite.

Pictured above: Top Row – Ben Hughey, Derrick Ludaway, Cohner McCurry, Billy Martini Bottom Row – Frank Weber, Chip Larkby, and Jevon & Mike Daly

while attending high school, where I learned anatomy and ink mostly.”

Tovar taught herself how to paint with oil, and later she went to architecture school. “Even though it’s a different field, it improved my art skills in many ways,” she explained. “It helped me see perspective in a deeper way.”

Interestingly, Tovar’s favorite teacher is an architect, Alberto Sotillo. From him she learned to be herself and not to be afraid of the social implications of being an artist. From her own self-study trial and error, she taught herself to be unafraid of making mistakes, rather to learn from them. She believes that in art, as in life, perfection is not the goal—that consistency and hard work are the goals.

“A work of art must possess honesty and truth at its heart,” Tovar said.

She went on to explain that in her perspective, design is there to sell and to be comfortable for the consumer; architecture is there to be comfortable and habitable; but the purpose of art is to express truth with no filters.

“While in our daily life we engage ourselves with acceptable social interactions and practice political small talk with strangers and with family,” she said, “in art

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we see ourselves the way that we truly are and the way that we think when we are alone.”

In fact, Tovar defines a great work of art as a creation that has meaning and reflects hard work married with technique. “Laziness never made anything great,” she said.

Unlike many artists, Tovar doesn’t rely solely on inspiration for motivation. She says that though inspiration is nice, it doesn’t provide enough substance for a working artist.

“It would be like only loving your partner the days that they make you feel in love,” she explained, “and on the other days, you forget about them. If you love your art, the muse should find you working. I drew a broken bottle with a sea inside years ago when I was 15. I loved that drawing because it had meaning to me, but also because I worked hard with it.

Talent happens when creativity and consistency meet.”

Tovar considers herself a surrealist, mostly painting about her life experiences and what

she sees in the world. Many of her paintings are also dreambased. When she paints about her life, she attempts to relate her work to others by imagining that they have experienced similar situations of similar things. This exercise, she believes, allows her to feel more connected to others and not alone in the world.

“The way you look at the stars, and you know many others have looked at the stars and are looking at them now or will in the future, it’s a warm and rewarding feeling,” she said.

Along with surrealism, she also enjoys painting or drawing portraits. She looks deeply into her subjects’ expressions to discern their way of being before painting them. She attempts to trap their personality in a picture because she believes that is a way of “preserving their magic.”

Recently, Tovar produced a collection of local musicians’ portraits that she really enjoyed. She also produced a collection of coloring books entitled Local Cats, which, to her surprise, was very well-received.

“It started as a fun project,” Tovar said. “I don’t see myself as a cartoon artist, but every now and then I try to come out of my comfort zone and try something new. I never dreamed they would be so appreciated.”

Just as Tovar has no recollection of herself before art, she knows that she will always paint and draw (“not painting for me would be as difficult as not speaking”), yet her mission has expanded most likely because of the impact of her initial exposure to the training and education she received as that five-year-old little girl.

Winning a place at the Sofia Imberg opened her eyes to a world where she felt she belonged. She confesses that she never saw so much beauty and culture in a single place before that place and was moved at a very young age.

“It wasn’t only that I, myself, was there,” she said, “but more so that very talented people wanted me to be there. I will forever be grateful for my mom who took me there every Saturday, even though it was a two-hour drive from home.”

Now, along with creating art, Tovar is committed and compelled to share the experience. She teaches children to paint and is currently developing an art camp for children of low-income families in Caracas, scheduled for summer 2022.

“With teaching, which I love with all my heart, my mission is to help kids find themselves and hold on to beauty,” Tovar said. “I think that a child who knows and appreciates the beauty in the world will grow to make the world a more beautiful place.”  Learn more about Monica Tovar on Instagram @tovart25 and on her website tovart25.com.

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Marek Belka, proprietor of The French Bakery, sits amongst the newest entrees about to hit the menu in 2022.

Article by Barry Kaufman Photography by M.Kat

Marek Belka built The French Bakery from a fan-favorite spot in the old Pineland Station into an iconic island eatery.

And he’s just getting started.

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o one ever romanticizes a buffet. No one ever daydreams about their next trip to get wings.

But a Parisian bakery, now that’s the stuff of fanciful idylls that send the soul soaring. We envision ourselves sipping on a coffee, a warm buttery croissant on our plate still steaming from the oven. And we imagine the conversations we’ll have, enlightened tête-à-têtes about philosophy, history and poetry.

It’s a daydream you can lose yourself in. Just ask The French Bakery owner Marek Belka.

“Reality is boring,” he said with a laugh.

The difference being, in Belka’s case, he chose to substitute his own reality. When he took over as the owner of The French Bakery, it was a very well-known and

Crab cake Benedict with arugula and Hollandaise Pastries and a cappuccino await the CH2 crew

The menu is, like the restaurant, always evolving as Belka continues to shape reality into something better.

well-loved but tucked-away spot among the creeping blight of Pineland Station’s decline. What he has transformed it into is an institution in the truest sense of the word.

Making the inspired decision to move to Shelter Cove, where his restaurant enjoys a panoramic view of a waterfront park and an outdoor space ideal for a French bistro experience, was only part of it. There was also the decision to move the entire menu forward. He still uses the same recipes that made the original location beloved, but he has constantly added to them.

The range of baked goods, for example, expanded to include a few items that should probably come with some kind of warning. “The almond croissant is highly addictive,” he said with a laugh. “You know how some places mark spiciness on a scale of jalapenos? I may need to add an almond scale. It’s that addictive.”

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We can personally attest that the cappuccino muffins are at least a four on the addictive almond scale. But we digress. The point is, the menu is, like the restaurant, always evolving as Belka continues to shape reality into something better. When he began to evolve the bakery into a French-style coffee hangout, he added topof-the-line Modbar equipment to brew locally roasted beans. And of course, the menu just continued to expand. The latest addition, as the mouth-watering photos surrounding these words reveal, is a focus on seafood.

“I wanted to have a more complete menu,” Belka said. “When you come to the island or you live by the seashore, you should have something from the sea. I love fish, and I love seafood, and people were always asking for it.”

And that, dear readers, is where you have a chance to shape this reality along with Belka.

Stop by The French Bakery enough (as if you can ever stop by The French Bakery enough), and you’ll begin to notice quite a few familiar faces. That’s because while some places have regulars, The French Bakery has devotees.

And those devotees play a big part in defining what their favorite eatery is.

“As an owner, I might have one view, but I’m always listening to people because I’m here for them,” Belka said. “We have always felt such huge support from locals. You look at the last few years, they weren’t easy. And we survived, thanks to their support.”

On an island where brunch is sacred, The French Bakery shakes things up with an everrotating array of specials and new offerings every Sunday.

The menu just continued to expand. The latest addition, as the mouth-watering photos surrounding these words reveal, is a focus on seafood.

Whether we have Belka or his loyal legion of regulars to thank for such additions as the Sunday brunch, suffice it to say they have our gratitude. On an island where brunch is sacred, The French Bakery shakes things up with an everrotating array of specials and new offerings every Sunday.

“Sunday brunch doesn’t have to be the same every Sunday, and we wanted to make the best brunch on the island,” Belka said. “I like to be creative, and so does my staff, so we decided to make Sunday special.”

It’s a constant evolution that has brought The French Bakery to this point. Where it goes from here is something Belka has envisioned, but he’s playing it close to the chest.

There are expansion plans afoot, there are new menu items that the epicurean muses have planted in his head, and there are a million ways The French Bakery will continue to grow.

Only Belka knows what this new reality will look like.

He’ll always look to his regulars to see what they want and give back to the community that he helped him create that vision. Whether it’s free crepes for Grace Community Church or the mountains of pastries and mouthwatering baked goods he’s donated to local schools and first responders, Belka always looks for ways to give back.

And the community has responded, helping The French Bakery grow and expand from its humble beginnings into the island’s go-to for continental appeal. Boring? At The French Bakery, reality has never been so sweet.  The French Bakery is located at 28 Shelter Cove Ln. in Shelter Cove Towne Centre on Hilton Head Island. For more information, visit m.facebook.com\thefrenchbakeryhhi.

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From left to right: Owen, Mark, Meredith and Aaron Manuel

FROM THE GROUND UP STRENGTHEN THE LOOK AND VALUE OF YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS WITH FORTRESS FLOORS Article by Amy Bartlett

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ike music underscores a film and changes it completely, Fortress Floors transforms your concrete surfaces from “drab to beautiful” to “expand and beautify your living space.” This is their invitation, and according to their satisfied customers, it’s their promise.

Fortress Floors is a leader in the region, family owned and operated, with a proven reputation from sales to installation. Owner Aaron Manuel has been leading and training crews for over a decade and brings a wealth of knowledge through his experience as an aviation mechanic, able to deliver the same quality to residential and commercial customers as can be found on aircraft hangar floors. In customer service, former classroom teacher Meredith Manuel brings that same level of care and attention, easily making the kind of connections that ensure each customer gets exactly what they want, or rather, more than they’d expect from any company.

One-day transformations To start on the right foot, Fortress Floors shares common mistakes to avoid and the quality they provide as your better option. “Trying to coat your concrete floor yourself can lead to a wasted weekend and lackluster results. You might end up with an expensive mess or concrete damage, requiring a professional to fix your problems,” Meredith said. “If you want to update your home’s concrete flooring but worry about how it will disrupt your daily life, we offer a coating solution with minimal impact on your living space and valuable time. Our residential flooring services use a timely and efficient application process, so you don’t need to worry about our team taking up your space for multiple days. Instead, we deliver one-day floor transformations that last for years with impressive durability and an attractive appearance.”

Fortress Floors cautions that concrete that is not properly prepared with highquality diamond tooling will not last, reminding property owners to avoid “fly-by-night installers using epoxy or chemicals that are ordered from the internet. Too many of

our customers have been taken advantage of by these companies,” Meredith said, adding, “Our customers are pleased with our responsiveness and comment on the professional installation, beauty, and durability of the final product.”

Fortress Floors protects your concrete for up to 15 years with premium polyurea and polyaspartic coatings, available in your choice of color, six times stronger than epoxy, protecting from pitting, stains, and bacteria and mold growth, expanding square footage, and preserving your concrete for years to come.

Lastly, Fortress encourages requesting warranty and safety data (Fortress offers 15 years and a safety guarantee sheet) as well as bidding costs. “We want our system to be accessible to every homeowner, as we maintain the most competitive prices in the region and remain flexible by running multiple crews and adjusting closing dates to accommodate today’s real estate market.”

Reclaim your uninviting patio or porch with an attractive look and protective surface. Upgrade and expand your pool decks and lanais. Reinforce and polish staircases, pathways, kennels, and garages. Refresh your new year with a dream laundry room (it’s a thing). Fortify your home or business from the ground up with Fortress Floors.  For more information, visit fortressfloorsga.com or call (912) 509-0741.

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Interesting Interiors O N

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t’s 2022, and we’re hoping that this year allows for more family gatherings, traveling, and cocktail parties than before. But regardless of what the future holds—and much in part to what we experienced in ’20 and ’21, appreciation for our homes as our sanctuaries is here to stay. Whether that means enlarging your work from home corner into an actual space or preparing your common areas for future parties, we’ve got the top trends for you to consider when you begin your new year spruce ups and projects.

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• Sustainable materials. Eco-friendly materials and sustainable design will be more popular than ever. Folks are now aware of the advantages of incorporating energy-efficient products into their homes to reduce heating and lighting needs. And too, more people are focused on investing in sustainable furniture, products, and lighting, and in how these designs fit into different spaces.

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Eco-friendly materials (reclaimed, recycled, and ethically sourced) are garnering lots of attention, especially as the younger generation comes of age to buy and renovate their own homes.

• Neutral and natural. Neutral and natural never goes out of style, and these shades are gaining popularity.

People want longer lifespans for their living spaces, so they are integrating elements that provide for more timeless design.

Think gray, beige, white, and brown with warm or rich undertones on walls. For furniture and decorative elements, lean on nature-inspired colors and textures such as blues, greens, rich/deep reds and pinks, and earth tones, along with organic, natural shapes that add interest.

Access to daylight and views will remain key in 2022, so large windows and high ceilings are vital as they enhance views, provide abundant daylight, and relieve stress.

• Luxurious, textured, and colored textiles.

Beautiful textiles will be a staple for color, texture, and depth in your home by simply layering different fabrics (on a bed, for example), or using different materials as accents.

One way to include this trend is with natural elements like linen in earth tones, or with colored fabric patterns on a neutral background. Don’t be surprised to see some

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of your grandma’s favorites prints and fabrics coming back, such as velvets, Sherpa, and boucle. Fringe will also come front and center on furniture again, especially sofas and ottomans.

• Vintage. Your grandparents’ fabrics aren’t the only item coming back in 2022: vintage furniture is “in.”

Vintage furniture has made a comeback, and vintage designs are popping up all over due to supply chain shortages and focus on sustainability. You can find these unique statement pieces at thrift stores, flea markets, repurposed furniture stores (online or in-store), or at local resale sites like Goodwill, Craigslist, or even Facebook Marketplace.

Beyond efficiency and sustainability, vintage shopping encourages personality. Since our homes should reflect our own unique styles, the retro vibe allows for personal creativity like nothing else. And none of your friends will have the same things.

• Black accents. Black accents and hardware will be a popular design trend for 2022. It’s a great way to add some edge and depth to more minimalist spaces: Choose light, neutrals for the main elements of your room, like wall paint and sofas, then incorporate black accents, such as lamps, for contrast and to add interest and depth. Also change out handles on your side tables and TV cabinets with black hardware for a nice update.

• Living room bars. A trend that began during lockdown—living room bars and drink trolleys—will be huge in 2022. As we’ve gotten more comfortable with

staying home, this fun and convenient tendency now continues unabated. Consider adding a built-in bar to an unused alcove to provide purpose to an “adult-only” entertaining space. Or find a vintage drink trolley to roll out at party time. Nothing says fun better!

• Nature-themed décor. Achieve a connection with nature with plant-focused decor, nature-themed walls/aesthetics, or by adding houseplants wherever possible.

Wellness-based design is now a trending topic due to the increase in time at home. Designers are looking to wellness experts for ways to amplify the home as a have.

It follows that because indoor plants have a calming effect and promote clean air, living walls and hanging plants at home are popping up more and more.

• More marble. Bold, heavy marbles (authentic and faux) have been “a thing” in home design for a long time, and now they are really making headlines. Rough,

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rugged, and fresh slabs will be introduced heavily into interior design, and most designers will agree that you can never go wrong with marble.

• Curved furniture. Huh? Curved furniture? Well, according to the experts, it’s the latest 2022 furniture trend. It features pieces with sloped lines, curved silhouettes, and not a harsh angle in sight.

The movement into curved furniture took off in 2021, bringing a timeless mid-century trend from the ’60s and ’70s back to life. And according to the experts, it’s not going away any time soon. More and more people are predicted to invest in curvy pieces such as mirrors, kitchen islands or statement furniture like barrel back chairs.

• Inspired WFH. The makeshift kitchen table “office” no longer cuts it.

With all the hybrid work schedules and remote work opportunities, creating

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in-home workspaces that inspire is a trend that folks are jumping on.

Many designers report that their clients want not just one, but two, functioning office spaces where they can work without interruption from others or to others in the family.

They are converting closets and rooms that are no longer being used.

Consider a “library” aesthetic with plenty of cabinetry, even paneling, and whenever possible a view and access to a porch. Include the right seating and desk, with enough outlets and great lighting, then surround your workspace with things you love, energizing colors, and comforting textures.

• Kitchen glow up. Move over all-white kitchen; your days are numbered. Like it or not, colorladen, vibrant cook/eat spaces are the new thing. Notable details include statement-making stone for dramatic countertops or backsplashes; paint in warm, moody colors on cabinets and walls, and even closing off the kitchen

MANY DESIGNERS REPORT THAT THEIR CLIENTS WANT NOT JUST ONE, BUT TWO, FUNCTIONING OFFICE SPACES WHERE THEY CAN WORK WITHOUT INTERRUPTION FROM OTHERS OR TO OTHERS IN THE FAMILY. THEY ARE CONVERTING CLOSETS AND ROOMS THAT ARE NO LONGER BEING USED. from the living area and giving it some designer touches.

The good news is that if you have a white kitchen and you love it, you should keep it because in truth, all-white is considered classic. But do add mixed metals and lots of color and pattern in your accessories and fabrics for an update and more flair.

• Greater investment in outdoor rooms. Gone are the days when outdoor spaces are last on the list—the pandemic changed our priorities. Nowadays, serious money is being spent on outdoor living, and this trend is not going anywhere any time soon.

Backyards and patios are now as important as indoor spaces.

People are requesting that outdoor rooms be as flexible and functional as traditional indoor spaces and as center points for gatherings of family and friends. Performance fabrics, pizza ovens, full kitchens and more furniture than ever is the new backyard normal.

Incorporating all these trends would be too overwhelming to your senses, time, and budget, so pick a couple that are realistic for you and your family and the way you live in your home. Then enjoy the fun of transforming what may be tired spaces into interesting and on-trend interiors that you’ll love all year long.  C2 MAGAZINE

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It’s 2 A.M. on Hilton Head Island. Most of us are asleep, but at island Bagel, they are just getting started.

Bacon, Egg and Cheese on an Everything Bagel

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Article by Barry Kaufman . Photography by M.Kat

A Perfect Circle MAKING THE PERFECT BAGEL ISN’T EASY. BUT ISLAND BAGEL & DELI OWNER ANA ROJAS PROVES IT’S WORTH IT WITH EVERY SWEET AND SAVORY BITE.

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t’s 2 a.m. on Hilton Head Island. Most of us are asleep, but at Island Bagel, of course, at 2 a.m. they’re just getting started.

“This is a 24-hour operation,” said owner Ana Rojas. That’s not to say that Island Bagel is open 24 hours a day, it’s just that creating the perfect bagel means that the hard-working staff members at Island Bagel think outside the schedule.

“One of our bakers is in here right now getting the dough prepared for the next person, who will come in at 2 a.m.,” Rojas said. “They need to be ready before we open because we have people coming in at 7 a.m. ready for fresh bagels.”

And fresh bagels is exactly what they’ll get—warm, fluffy rings of perfection, elegantly balanced between chewy and light. We all know people who grew up in the northeast, those who will proudly proclaim that the only good bagels can be found among the five boroughs of NYC. Even those transplants will be quick to add Island Bagel as the sole outpost for mouth-watering bagels outside the Big Apple.

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Salmon Bagel with cream cheese, red onion and capers

The team at Island Bagel is ready to serve you in two locations – on Hilton Head in South Island Square and in Bluffton at Sheridan Park.

The only thing warmer and more welcoming than the bagels is the atmosphere. Everything about it feels like that hometown bagel spot where you simply want to wile the morning away over coffee and a bagel.

“I have always loved this place,” Rojas said. “I know a lot of the customers who come in here every day, and they feel like family.”

And the regulars know her well. Even before Rojas took over ownership last year, she had been a familiar face for eight years. She took a brief break to explore other opportunities, including owning her own cleaning business and setting up Jesse’s Island Food Truck with her brother. It was this venture that brought her back to Island Bagel, using their kitchen to prepare the day’s fare for the mobile eatery.

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When the previous owner was looking to sell, Rojas was a natural fit. She was back behind the counter, this time as the boss. It would have been a fairytale ending, were it not for the fact that 2020 wasn’t the best year to go into the restaurant business. The same post-pandemic labor shortage hit our hospitality industry hard, and the island’s favorite bagel shop was no exception.

“It wasn’t easy,” she said with a smile. “I was working here seven days a week for eight months straight. It’s something that I never expected.”

It was unexpected, but Rojas was dauntless as she kept the 24-hour cycle of delicious bagels rolling. “My son had to bring in some friends from high school to run the register and run out food,” she said. “We had people lined up outside the door.”

It’s a testament to just how indescribably good the menu is at Island Bagel. The same care that goes into making each bagel simply perfect goes into every item on the board. The “Our Favorite” sandwich, as an example, features turkey pulled

Cinnamon Raisin bagels pop out of a machine that transforms dough into perfectly shaped circles.

by hand from a fresh turkey, roasted right there in the kitchen. Boar’s Head meats and cheeses are sliced by hand for every mouth-watering sandwich and wrap. Each cream cheese is hand crafted in an array of flavors. And the baked goods, from cookies and Danishes to scones and muffins, are all created from scratch in the back.

The army of regulars show their appreciation for this culinary craftsmanship by playing their own part in the 24-hour cycle at Island Bagel, appearing like clockwork for their daily bagel.

“We have people where, as soon as they walk in, we start on their order,” Rojas said. “We just tell them, ‘We know what you want. It’s already in the toaster.’ It’s nice; I love the support from locals.”

Carrying over her years behind the counter to her new role as owner, Rojas knew that the menu was untouchable and that everything was somebody’s favorite.

But that doesn’t mean she isn’t prepared to make a good thing even better.

“We have a lot of plans,” she said. “And we are truly grateful for our customers and for their support during our first year. We hope everyone has a wonderful new year!”

Fans of Island Bagel can look forward to an expanding menu in the next few years, one that may feature breakfast burritos and smoothies. There’s also talk of renovation, updating the décor somewhat while still maintaining that comfort and hospitality that has made Island Bagel a hangout.

In the meantime, your perfect bagel awaits. You’re just going to have to be patient and wait until 7 a.m. Trust us, the wait is worth it.  Island Bagel & Deli is located at 841 William Hilton Pkwy. on Hilton Head Island and at 17 Sherington Dr #6039 in Bluffton.

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This & That

C2 Magazine • January 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.

SAVANNAH PIZZA GUIDE O ARTICLE BY JESSE BLANCO

ne of my favorite pizza shops when I was a kid in Hialeah, Florida went by the name of Figaro’s. We ate there all the time. I couldn’t really tell you if it was any good or not. I mean, really. I was 10 years old. I do know that they gave me a T-shirt one day. It said, “Us Kids Love Pizza.”

Ain’t that the truth. I wore it until it had holes in it.

That may have been four-plus decades ago, but I think we’d agree the point remains the same. We kids still love pizza. Even better now is the fact that we know good pizza when we eat it.

I get asked about pizza in Savannah all the time. I know there are a ton of connoisseurs of good pies on this side of the river. But it still surprises me knowing how many of you love great pizza but have never heard of the spots I’m about to share with you. They are some of the best pizzas in the state of Georgia, never mind just this area, and if you don’t know about them, you should. Consider this time together a 2022 clip and save: three pizza spots in Savannah you should make a point of visiting sometime soon. All three are very much worth your drive over the bridge.

Pizzeria Vittoria. Led by former fine dining chef Kyle Jacovino, this is Savannah’s best Neapolitan pie. You’ve likely heard me talk about him and his shop before—probably prepandemic. Jacovino spent the better part of a year in Italy once upon a time, learning the nuances of the perfect Neapolitan pizza. His shop is the only brick-and-mortar spot in the Starland Yard food truck park (which features a full bar). Kyle opened two or so years ago to rave reviews. How popular is it? On a weekend night, you will likely wait 45 minutes to an hour for a pizza that takes, what? Three to four minutes to cook? Yeah, it’s that good. And a second pizza oven is on the way.

Big Bon Bodega. Stay with me here because this can get confusing.

Big Bon Bodega is a breakfast and lunch homemade bagel spot on 37th and Bull Streets in Savannah, just South of Forsyth Park. Their bagels are made in a wood-fired oven. Given the fact that their oven goes unused at night, Big Bon teamed up with a pizza guru out of Buffalo, New York. Enter Jay Langfelder. He built a pizza empire in Buffalo that was regularly in the Top 10 pizzas in America. Yes, it is that good. This is more traditional NY style pizza. Their regular pizza, in fact, is called The New York. It immediately took me to Patsy’s original location on 1st Avenue in East Harlem. I absolutely love this pizza. Keep in mind, the pizza operation is only open Wednesdays to Saturdays 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. But it is outstanding.

Graffito Pizza. You’ve likely heard of the still relatively new JW Marriott Plant Riverside District in Savannah. It’s a hotel and entertainment complex along the Savannah River’s West End. There is a lot of food in that place: 13-14 venues to be exact. A lot of their food is touristy, but these pizzas are a standout and have been since day one.

Twin wood-fired ovens dominate the landscape in this very colorful and family-friend pizza spot. If you get lucky and grab a table by the window, you will have an unobstructed view of the Savannah River. It’s a beautiful restaurant, but more importantly, they are doing a ton of pies on any given day, and doing them well.

Three others that deserve mention here and are worthy of your time in the greater Savannah area are: Squirrel’s Pizza, Riverboat Pizza (great pizza and homemade cheesecakes), and Ricciardi’s Pizza and Bar in Richmond Hill. They are doing the area’s best Chicago Deep Dish. Period.

Got some eats I should know about? We are always listening: tips@ eatitandlikeit.com.

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This & That

Coastal Vacation Rentals is proud to announce the addition of Kelly Logan to their vacation rental company as a guest services coordinator. Logan holds a degree in international tourism management and is a proficient multitasker with excellent customer satisfaction and problem resolution skills.

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C2 Magazine • January 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.

Congratulations to Chris and Katherine Wells on their recent nuptials in Sea Pines Resort. Chris Wells was CH2’s second ever Bachelor of the Year, and we’re so glad he finally met his match!

Chris Romick has been named the new executive director of The Seabrook of Hilton Head, bringing more than 24 years’ experience in the senior living industry.

He is a licensed nursing home administrator and has previously held the roles of marketing director, regional director and executive director.

Hilton Head Plantation Crafters hosted its twentysixth crafting and bake sale to benefit Hospice Care of the Lowcountry. This event generated over $16,000 in donations to support the patients of Hospice Care of the Lowcountry and their families.

The crafters began in 1980 when a group of creative women living in Hilton Head Plantation pooled their talents and supplies to raise money for local charities.

In 1995, Hilton Head Plantation Crafters partnered with Hospice Care of the Lowcountry and began holding annual craft and bake sales with all proceeds supporting the nonprofit organization. To date, these combined sales have generated over $260,000 in donations to Hospice Care of the Lowcountry. The group is still going strong with dedicated members who enjoy all types of crafting and needlework endeavors. Their sale items include coastal and home décor, apparel and accessories, children’s toys and clothing, pet items, stationery and cards as well as holiday décor and gifts.

Their unique handcrafted items, in addition to a variety of home-baked goods, are offered for sale twice each year. The spring sale is open to all residents of Hilton Head Plantation, and the fall sale is open to the public.

Hospice Care of the Lowcountry is beyond thankful for the longtime partnership with the Hilton Head Plantation Crafters.

To learn more about Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, visit hospicecarelc.org.

Namaste Spa is pleased to announce a second location, opening in spring of 2022 at Marriott’s Grande Ocean on South Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island. They are currently hiring for all positions and look forward to serving you soon.

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John “Billy” Bagwell, Callawassie Island’s director of agronomy, has been voted in as president of the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendent’s Association. Bagwell has a lifelong Carolina turf pedigree, starting with the baseball fields of Summerville near Charleston, cutting his teeth on Clemson College’s Walker Course, serving as the director of agronomy at the highly awarded Callawassie Island Club in Okatie, and now through his well-earned election as the forty-eighth president of the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association.

The GFWC Woman’s League of the Lowcountry in Bluffton, S.C. opened the fourth Mr. Pig’s Book Nook Lending Library in Piggly Wiggly in Walterboro, S.C. on November 22. Through this year, three other Book Nooks have been established in Piggly Wiggly stores in Ridgeland, Hardeeville, and Port Royal.

GFWC created this project to encourage and provide opportunities for children to read. Members will continue to monitor and replenish these four book nooks.

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This & That

C2 Magazine • January 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.

In a return to her non-profit roots, Courtney Hampson has joined Bluffton Self Help as COO and assistant executive director.

Hampson is a marketing and operations professional with two decades of experience in strategic communications, branding, community building, public relations, programming, and business development in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors.

In her new role, she will support the growth and development of basic needs, learning and literacy program operations.

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Stylists at On Point Salon in Bluffton recently raffled off services to generous clients to benefit Grace Farm Animal Rescue and Sanctuary. The raffle netted $750, and Ashley added $250 to make A $1,000 donation. Ashley also gave Grace Farm owner Robin her first haircut in seven years and sent her back to the farm with a swag bag of products.

Amy Fee, a resident of North Forest Beach on Hilton Head Island, was recently named to the board of directors of Second Helpings. Fee has extensive experience in sales and marketing and holds a Master of Business Administration degree.

In addition to volunteering with Second Helpings, this New York native is involved with the North Forest Beach Association, Turtle Trackers, Beaufort County’s Senior Leadership Program, and is a steward with the Little Free Library.

(L to R) Jordan Ross (Roasting Room), Robyn Zimmerman (moderator), Myla Lerner (Lean Ensemble Theatre), Betty Hambleton (WAHHI president), and Ron Tucker (Beaufort Film Society)

On December 9, 2021, The Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island (WAHHI) held their first indoor luncheon in two years at the Sonesta Hotel to celebrate “resilience in the arts” with a thought-provoking panel discussion that took the members behind the scenes to learn how live performance has survived and now thrives in the new normal.

Panelists included Myla Lerner, Tony Award-winning Broadway producer and president of the board of the Lean Ensemble Theater on Hilton Head Island; Ron Tucker, president and CEO of the Beaufort Film Society; and Jordan Ross, captain of Live Acoustical Taming and Talent Acquisition at the Roasting Room in Bluffton. Robyn Zimmerman, WHHI-TV Host, moderated the panel.

The Sonesta ballroom was decorated with luminescent lanterns made by WAHHI women for the November 13 Lantern Parade. Women also donated over 200 toys for The Children’s Center and Bluffton Self Help.

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M A Y O R

Hilton Head Island Mayor Photography by M.Kat

A Note from John McCann

PALMETTO ELECTRIC CONTRIBUTES TO ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

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nvironmental sustainability is a key priority for the Town of Hilton Head Island. Oftentimes, we may think of this as keeping the air we breathe clean, protecting our sea turtles and waterways, preserving trees, and creating open space for beautification purposes.

All our residents and businesses have a role in interacting with the environment to preserve our air, water, and other natural resources.

I want to share with you a milestone in environmental sustainability that quietly happened in our community a few months ago that deserves attention and thanks to our local power company, Palmetto Electric Cooperative.

As you ride around the island, you may notice that there are no overhead electrical power lines and poles. That’s because Palmetto Electric has been removing and replacing them with underground equipment. Last year, at the end of August, the final overhead pole that was originally installed on Jonesville Road in 1982 was removed, marking the end of a 17-year burial project. There were plans to celebrate

< Bluffton Mayor

this occasion, but they had to be canceled due to COVID-19. Nonetheless, Palmetto Electric’s crew forged ahead and pulled up the pole to cap off this project.

The project began as a partnership between the town and Palmetto Electric in 2004, with a common goal of improving the appearance of the island and the resiliency of Palmetto Electric’s system to storms, strong winds, downed trees and outages. Since then, Palmetto Electric worked diligently to remove 3,574

A Note from Lisa Sulka

M AY O R

YEAR IN REVIEW

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s our community and the world continue to negotiate the pandemic’s fluctuations, the business of the Town of Bluffton continued unabated this year. I want to share some of the town’s highlights and accomplishments.

A top Town Council priority is to provide open spaces and parks to gather. This year, town leaders, staff and the Martin family celebrated the Martin Family Park, adjacent to DuBois Park. The grand opening, held April 8, included several generations of the family from many points across the nation. This park, referred to as an “outdoor living room,” honors decades of public service from Ida and Jacob Martin.

As their family spoke about Ida and Jacob, it is evident service to others is their family’s legacy.

The town also honored Jennie Kitty, another shining light in our community. The Watershed Building, at 1261 May River Road, was renamed in her honor. Kitty, worked at this building when it was the Bluffton Health Clinic. For three decades, she tirelessly advocated for health initiatives throughout Bluffton’s African American community and the Lowcountry. Kitty, a nurse and midwife, was a champion for community health.

It was storming the morning of the ribbon-cutting, and we were on the cusp of canceling. I made the decision to proceed and, as if “Miss

Photography by Krisztian Lonyai

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poles and 1,238 overhead transformers and convert 115 miles of overhead distribution lines to underground.

With a final cost of $34.77 million, the project was funded mostly by franchise fees collected by the town.

There are benefits of having underground lines. We gain beautiful scenic views across the landscape of our island. During major storms, our electrical crews and fire rescue teams can respond to emergencies without worry of downed overhead power lines blocking their way. On behalf of our residents, I thank Palmetto Electric for achieving this milestone in environmental sustainability and for its 71-year history of service to Hilton Head Island.

A Note from Lisa Sulka continued

Jennie” was looking down on us, the sky cleared just in time for the ceremony.

The town’s capital improvement projects continue. Sanitary sewer lines are being installed in neighborhoods which did not have the benefit of pre-planned infrastructure. The town continued this project in the Buck IslandSimmonsville community, while finishing the first phase of sewer installation on Pritchard Street in the historic district.

With safety precautions in place, the town hosted numerous community events. The fifth annual Historic Preservation Symposium was held last spring; neighbors came together for the annual River Cleanup; and we always gather for the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. Bluffton police officers hosted their inaugural Safety Spooktacular and recently held their “Shop with a Cop” event for children from financially challenged families.

Officers also delivered truckloads of toys for the department’s annual Toy Drive.

The town is proud of our community’s generous spirit to help our neighbors.

As I look back on 2021, I am grateful to be a part of serving and celebrating our Bluffton community. I wish you and your family the best for the upcoming year.

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KAT M. BY P H OTO G RA PH Y

I S C IANS MU in bathrooms M U S I C I A N : B R A D S WA N S O N What’s your sign?

Taurus Most underrated song that, in your opinion, should be a classic?

Neil Young’s (Buffalo Springfield’s) “Expecting To Fly” 94

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Special thanks to Burnt Church Distillery for hosting our shoot.

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ICIANS MUSin bathrooms Biggest compliment you’ve ever gotten from a fan?

People have come up to me after a song and said I sound like the artist—always a compliment to hear that!

Favorite piece to perform?

Coldplay’s “Yellow” has a vibe to it that always feels good.

What do you sing in the shower?

Vocal exercises, R&B runs, not songs per se...

Favorite cereal?

Gluten-free granola At what venue do you most like to perform?

I enjoy them all for unique reasons, but Burnt Church Distillery has an open fun vibe (even though a bit cacophonous), and the staff members are super great.

Most requested song at shows?

“Wagon Wheel” (Darius Rucker) and anything Eagles First concert you attended?

The band Grin at the Santa Monica Civic. Van Halen opened for them!

Favorite artist?

Oh, this is a tough one. Beatles, Sam Cooke, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha...so, so many...

Place you go to get away from it all?

We like to walk on Dolphin Head; it’s close to home.

Do you tweet, gram or book? What’s your handle?

Mostly just Facebook as Brad Swanson Who would star as you in the epic retelling of your life on film?

Ha! Daniel Day-Lewis First instrument you learned to play?

Drums Song you were thrilled to finally master?

“Perfect,” by Ed Sheeran What do you wish you knew more about?

Neuroscience What animal do you most identify with?

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

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

Alison Krauss (doesn’t everyone?)

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JANUARY 2022 “DAY OF THE DEAD FOR FOOD & BEV” GRATEFUL DEAD TRIBUTE BAND Coligny Theatre 5-8pm

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2

National Personal Trainer Awareness Day!

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Green Street in Old Town Bluffton Every Thursday 12-5pm

SEA PINES FARMERS MARKET

FARMERS MARKET AT HONEY HORN

Sea Pines Shopping Center 10am-2pm

Coastal Discovery 9am-1pm

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WOOD DUCKS AND NEST BOXES: HISTORY, CURRENT RESEARCH, AND MANAGEMENT TIPS The Coastal Discovery at 2pm The cost for this virtual program is $7 and reservations are required by calling 843-689-6767 ext. 223.

Hours are Monday through Saturday 9-4:30 and Sunday from 11-3.

Come dressed (or undressed) to impress at this annual community plunge!

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FIRST THURSDAYS ART MARKET Shops at Sea Pines Center 4-6:30pm Meet the Artists of Sea Pines

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12 National Pharmacist Day!

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CHARLIFEST, 2022 Coligny Plaza Noon - 4pm A music and community festival honoring the life of Charli Bobinchuck. Purchase tickets online at ColignyPlaza.com/Events

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National Hugging Day! 24

Coligny Beach 11am

T H U R S D AY S BLUFFTON FARMERS MARKET

EVERY TUESDAY!

1 POLAR PLUNGE

22 BLUFFTON FROSTY 5K Bluffton Oyster Factory Park through Historic Old Town Bluffton.

JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 5, 2022 HILTON HEAD ISLAND-BLUFFTON CHAMBER RESTAURANT WEEK The chamber’s 14th annual Restaurant Week is back for you to enjoy prix-fixe menus. With over 70 of Bluffton and Hilton Head Island restaurants participating, there will be something for everyone. Restaurants will offer prix-fixe menus starring new entrees, signature dishes, and fan favorites. View this year’s menus at www.ChamberRestaurantWeek.com.

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