CH2 Magazine: January 2023

HARDWICK

RENOVATION CAPTURES LIGHT, BRINGS THE OUTDOORS IN, AND OFFERS A WARM WELCOME

GENIUSES AT WORK

The Referee

Maggie Marie Washo

Carolyn Hunter Kostylo

Master of Coin

Marion Elizabeth Bowser

Rainmaker

Kim Conrad Crouch

Master Handshaker “Just Kandace” Cunningham

Lead Door Knocker Morgan Ambler

Talent Delivery Specialist Kaila Jeffcoat

Mascot in Training

Buoy Conrad Crouch Pritchard

The Gatekeepers

Greta Von Bowser Vincent Von Bowser

Catherine Davies

Aspiring Novelists

Jesse Blanco

Becca Edwards

Linda S. Hopkins

Barry Kaufman

Courtney McDermott

Cheryl Ricer

Lisa Sulka Sheila Tucker

Krisztian Lonyai

A LITTLE SPARK

Last New Year’s Eve, I headed down to Palm Harbor to spend the holiday with my friend Lindsey and her family. She has three kiddos under age seven, Henley, Presley, and Gigi.

Her oldest, Henley, is quite the talented little artist. They had recently finished renovating their home, and as Lindsey gave me the grand tour, I was blown away by all his original artwork she had framed and displayed in his room.

Over the course of the few days I spent there, I found myself playing board games, getting my hair “done” at Presley’s Haus of Hair, watching Encanto on repeat, and drawing and coloring at the kitchen counter with the kids. I told them I was going to sketch drawings of each of them before I left, which is hysterical, because I had never really spent any time doing such a thing.

Sketch them I did, and with such ridiculous results, Lindsey told me not to tell Presley that it was her because it would most likely traumatize her if she thought that’s how she really looked. I’m still laughing at their reactions to their “portraits.” They were so bad. But I didn’t care. We had the best time drawing together.

Fast forward to March, when we all got together again for spring break in a cabin in Gatlinburg, Tenn. with a few more of our friends and family. Henley and I resumed our kitchen-counter artwork parties, and this time my friend and coworker Morgan joined in. I’d like to think I got slightly better after this trip, but who can really say?

In July, it was back to Palm Harbor for another visit and more sketch sessions. I found myself really looking forward to this time with Lindsey’s kids—not having a phone in my hand or thinking about anything other than how hard it is to draw noses … and make eyes proportionate.

Last month, I went down to visit again for Thanksgiving, and after a year of “practice,” Lindsey tasked Henley and me

with recreating our versions of Yakir Zendo’s Queue 101D. I’m holding mine in the photo above, with an evil-looking Prince I also plagiarized. I figure once I get the basics down of copying great work, maybe I can start on my own.

All of this is to say, how are you spending your Dry January? Last year it was piano lessons; this year, I think it’s going to be becoming Picasso 2.0 for me. Tee-Hee.

And since y’all brought up Dry January, be sure to check out Linda Hopkins’ article on going alcohol-free to kick off the new year (page 48). You might like the results so much you continue the trend even further into 2023.

This issue is chockful of healthy things, like recipes. For an interview with one of the most incredible people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, check out page 34 and the article on Charlotte Hardwick, where she shares some of her favorite go-to recipes. Be sure to follow us on social media, too, because we’ll be showing you the recipe steps in video form throughout the month.

We also feature local people in the business of living a healthier life, like Nate Dixon at Lava 24 and Rob Vaughn at Bluffton Pharmacy. One of my favorite articles this month is on page 26: an interview with nine local nurses. I was literally in tears reading some of their answers about what called them to this self-sacrificing career.

This issue also has your mental health covered. I asked my good friend and local therapist Sheila Tucker to write about a mental health topic. For an eyeopening look at “Gaslighting,” Merriam- Webster’s word of 2022, head over to page 41. Boy did this article illuminate some things for me. Do not sleep on this one, folks.

Wishing you all the very happiest and healthiest new year. I’m so excited to see what this year will bring for me, you, and this awesome place where we live.

Cheers!

Alan and Kathy Perry are photographed at the Rowing & Sailing Center at Squire Pope Park with their Labradoodle Finn.

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY 2LIGHTS, 1STAND

“We Fell in Love Here for a Reason”

ALAN AND KATHY PERRY HAVE BEEN A PART OF OUR COMMUNITY’S FABRIC FOR DECADES. AS ALAN IS SWORN IN AS MAYOR, WE INTRODUCE YOU TO A COUPLE THAT YOU MOST LIKELY ALREADY KNOW.

Since its incorporation as a town in 1983, there’s one thing that Hilton Head Island hasn’t had—namely, a mayor who knows what it’s like to grow up here. There have been mayors here with strong local ties, to be sure. Tom Peeples was raised in Ridgeland and spent a good chunk of his youth here before moving to the island full time. His youth, however, came before the bridges. Before Charles Fraser. No one has seen the growth like Alan Perry has.

“All the things Charles Fraser talked about is what I grew up with,” Perry said. “We’d see them (the Frasers) every day, and they would remind us why we’re here. It was always about enjoying this beautiful place.”

Perry recalls what it was like back in the days when stars littered the sky at night—before enough holes had been poked in the lighting ordinance to outshine them. “When you look at the developmental history of Hilton Head Island, I feel like we’ve lost a little bit of that character,” he said.

He speaks with authority. His father, Charles Perry, was perhaps most visible for his role at the RBC Heritage as hole announcer. But

beyond that, he left an indelible mark on the island as a champion for parks and a driving force behind the Island Rec Center.

But the Perrys weren’t the only movers and shakers on the island back then. “Both of our families instilled in us a desire to make the community a better place,” said Perry’s wife Kathy. “My father was the first paid firefighter in Sea Pines, and I grew up volunteering for all sorts of things.”

If you were around in those days, you know that in the island’s earliest days, everyone knew everyone. Despite going to different schools and running in different social circles, Alan and Kathy weren’t the exception.

“We’ve known each other since the 1970s, because our dads were both involved in a lot of community volunteering together,” Perry said. Even so, it couldn’t exactly be called love at first sight.

“He was younger than me, and I thought he was cute, kind and sweet, but I didn’t really think of him that way,” Kathy said. She left the island for a time, moving to Atlanta until a chance meeting brought them back together. “We reconnected by a fluke. I was visiting high

“WHEN I WAS WORKING ON THE REC CENTER, I REALIZED THAT BUREAUCRACY TENDS TO GET IN THE WAY OF MOVING THINGS FORWARD. WHEN IT WAS APPROVED TO MOVE FORWARD, THAT WAS GREAT, BUT I SAW THAT THE ISLAND NEEDS DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP.”

school friends, and we just happened to meet at Skull Creek Boathouse.”

The pair hit it off as if a single day hadn’t passed and were more or less inseparable from then on. They tied the knot in 2017.

“We’ve been volunteering together for the last few years, so [when he announced he was running for mayor], I was excited that Alan was interested in taking his role in the community to the next level,” Kathy said.

If anything, the election merely codified Perry’s role as a leader in our community. Beyond his long-time role as a senior lender with Movement Mortgage (formerly Mortgage Network), he has served as vice chair for the planning commission, chair for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and RBC Heritage, fundraising chair for People for Parks and board member for alumni of Hilton Head Prep (where, ironically, he was voted “Most Likely to Be Mayor” by his senior class).

“I’ve been in plenty of leadership roles, and it’s about bringing something to the table. You give back to the community. You give back, period,” Perry said. “When I was working on the Rec Center, I realized that bureaucracy tends to get in the way of moving things forward. When it was approved to move forward, that was great, but I saw that the island needs different leadership.”

So, what exactly will this different kind of leadership look like?

“If council buys in, we’ll create more transparency so the public can see what we’re doing,” Perry said. “We just did a team-building event with council. Since we have four existing members and three new members, we have to feel out how we’re going to work together. We’re all pretty closely aligned in our thought processes. Getting to our goals is going to be a challenge, but that’s where communication comes in.”

That transparency is just one of the issues facing the island, outlined in Perry’s mayoral platform. He aims to create a voting dashboard on the town website so citizens can see which way every member of council and the mayor vote on important issues. His work with the town’s PPI committee underscored our susceptibility to flooding, something he will look to address through an update to the town’s LMO. He’ll continue work on a community development corporation for the island. And of course, he’ll carry on his father’s legacy as a champion of island recreation.

“We’ve been very reactive in some of our policies, and we need to be more proactive,” he said. “And one of the most important things to tackle is the housing issue.”

As many will tell you, the opportunity to be proactive on housing passed years ago. Even though as a town we’re playing from behind, Perry is confident the needle is moving in the right direction. “There is a lot of power behind that right now and a lot of desire to fix it,” he said. “We have to continue to push forward.”

It’s going to take a lot of work. But really, it simply continues what Alan and Kathy Perry have been doing for years: working hard to make the community a better place to live and returning it to some of that fragile beauty they both remember from their youth.

Said Kathy, “We fell in love here for a reason.” 

Hello, Nurse!

Quick! Name a quote from the great Maya Angelou. Like most people, you probably went right for her No. 1 all-time hit, that quote about how people will forget your name, but not how you made them feel. You did, didn’t you?

And that’s fine, it’s her most popular for a reason.

But if you hear the entirety of that famous quote, you’ll realize she never intended for it to be a one-size-fits-all declaration of how anyone make a difference. She reserved that honor for those whose passion lies in one of the most noble pursuits possible: nursing.

To provide the full quote: “As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul and body of our patients, their families and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

She may have been on to something. Over the past few years, we’ve all come to realize how selflessly nurses give to their profession. We’ve found out the emotional and physical toll it takes, and we’ve been rightly awed at how these magnificent human beings handle that stress.

Like Maya Angelou, we would like to salute nurses everywhere by introducing you to some of our area’s finest.

Specialty: Geriatric Years in the Field: 6 Medical Facility: Pruitt Home Health

What inspired you to become a nurse? My kids were one and four, and I was really unhappy in my career. I decided I needed to make a change, and I wanted to do something that gave me a sense of purpose and helped others.

Tell us about a touching moment when you knew this was truly your calling. There have been so many! Every time I am with a dying patient, either alone or with their family, I do everything I can to give them peace and comfort. Sometimes people need permission to die, and helping the patient and families get through that process is very rewarding to me.

Give our readers a health tip that you believe in wholeheartedly. Everything in moderation!

You have an emotionally stressful occupation. How do you decompress after a long day? Talk about it. I have an amazing network of nurse friends. My family is amazing, but you really have to be in the medical field to truly understand some of the craziness we experience.

Favorite thing to do when you’re not working: Spend time with my family. We are currently doing a staycation at a resort on Hilton Head for our youngest daughter’s birthday.

What is your favorite medical TV series (drama or comedy), and is it anything like real life? Call the Midwife. It is amazing, and I think it is pretty accurate for the times.

ON THE FRONT LINES OF MEDICINE, YOU’LL FIND SOME OF THE BRAVEST PEOPLE ON EARTH.

Connie Pratt

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

What inspired you to become a nurse?

That is kind of a loaded question. Part of me wants to just say it was my “calling.” But there is more to it than that. I have always loved, even as a child, helping people. It’s just how I was built. Most of my early career days were in food and beverage, taking care of people in that light. I had the opportunity to build a wonderful camaraderie with many people during those years. As I entertained broadening my career horizons, the only path that continued to shine for me was to be a nurse. I knew this path would lead me to have more opportunities to take care of people on a whole other level. It was true. I worked hard to complete the schooling it took to get this degree; working hard is an understatement, as it should have been.

The hard work did pay off. And to this day, even with the good and not always good memories, all of them have made me who I am today.

Tell us about a touching moment when you knew this was truly your calling. I knew nursing was my calling when I had to go through a personal time with my dad. A tragic circumstance occurred when I was younger that kept him in the hospital for two months. During that time, I had the opportunity to connect with many nurses. The nurses’ tender care for my dad exuded empathy and compassion, with a gentle bedside manner. Our family needed support during a hopeless time, and they brought me and my family hope. Then I knew that I, too, wanted to bring hope, compassion and empathy to others in their time of need.

Give our readers a health tip that you believe in wholeheartedly. Find “balance.”

This applies to work and family, with diet and exercise, and simply life itself. This is a process that is always going to be a learning curve for me. But I believe having “balance” in life will benefit everyone’s health in the long term.

You have an emotionally stressful occupation. How do you decompress after a long day? That all depends on how stressful the day was. If time allows, exercise is the best release. This may sound funny but cooking dinner for my kids and listening to their day always helps take the stress of the day away.

Favorite thing to do when you’re not working: Doing something fun with my son Nolan and daughter Sydney. Relaxing at home. And sometimes finding me time. What is your favorite medical TV series (drama or comedy), and is it anything like real life? Grey’s Anatomy was always my favorite. I still like to watch it every so often. No, it’s definitely not like real life.

January Snow

Specialty: Multiple Years in the Field: 11 Medical Facility: Outpatient Surgery Center of Hilton Head Island

(Post Anesthesia

Unit),

What inspired you to become a nurse? Wanting to help others. I remember pretending to be my grandmother’s nurse as a child, and I always wanted to work in the healthcare field. The beauty of this profession is the options you have within the field. I have been fortunate to pick areas that interest me and work best with my family life.

Tell us about a touching moment when you knew this was truly your calling. This is tough to narrow down. I have been lucky

enough to experience bringing new life into the world, which is one of the most amazing moments you can share with your patients. I have also held a hand as families have lost their loved ones. I wouldn’t trade any experience I have had; they have all helped mold me. But if I have to choose one moment, it would be the joy of taking care of a child, reassuring them and then receiving their unconditional love. I worked in pediatrics for 17 years and have watched my first round of babies I delivered now graduate from high school. I started as a school nurse in 2014, and now my kindergarten babies are 13 and 14 years old and about to enter high school. Taking care of their boo-boos, whether big or small, hearing them say Nurse Ann, and seeing the smiles on their faces brings me pure joy. Give our readers a health tip that you believe in wholeheartedly. Don’t Google it. You cannot get a medical degree from the University of Google! Trust your healthcare provider and their knowledge which comes from many years of schooling and experience.

You have an emotionally stressful occupation. How do you decompress after a long day? Walks on the beach or walking my dog Coby. Recently, I am loving walking in the evening amidst all the holiday lights; it just calms me and brings a smile to my face.

Favorite thing to do when you’re not working: Being out on the boat or anywhere near the water. It’s especially fun since most of our friends have boats too, and we can meet at the sandbar with our dogs and just chill on our own little island oasis. I grew up on the island, and you can’t take the saltwater life out of my blood!

What is your favorite medical TV series (drama or comedy), and is it anything like real life? Grey’s Anatomy—especially in the days of McDreamy and McSteamy. It’s nothing like real life, but it’s fun to watch the drama. Nurses always laugh when they attempt to shock a patient who has flat lined (the correct action is to start CPR; you can’t shock someone with no heart rhythm.)

and working full-time wondering if this was the right thing, but my gut said yes. Caroline had open heart surgery at 11 months old, and we spent a month at the Medical University of South Carolina and were at her side the entire time. At that point, I put all doubt behind me and pressed hard toward finishing. I graduated in 1997 at age 31 and have never looked back. It is the most rewarding career I could imagine anybody having. I use the days when I decided to go back to school as the motivating factor in dealing with patients and their families. I will never forget how we were treated as a family following Caroline’s diagnosis, and I carry that in the forefront of my mind, knowing that it makes a difference in someone else’s life.

Tell us about a touching moment when you knew this was truly your calling. Getting families through tough times and having the privilege of taking care of someone new every day are two experiences that affirm that I am living out my calling. Give our readers a health tip that you believe in wholeheartedly. Take your medicine as prescribed.

You have an emotionally stressful occupation. How do you decompress after a long day? I have a 30-minute ride home, and I use that time to decompress. I also laugh at myself a lot. Favorite thing to do when you’re not working: Landscaping the yard.

What is your favorite medical TV series (drama or comedy), and is it anything like real life? Believe it or not, I have never watched a medical TV show.

What inspired you to become a nurse? In 1992, our first born came to us on December 6. Caroline was born with Down syndrome, and we found out her diagnosis at birth. The OB staff and Dr. John Fontana were so incredible to my wife after we were released to go home and continually checked on her and Caroline. I was so moved by what I saw in their profession that I enrolled in school at age 27 for the first time, and I took my first prerequisites one month later. At the time, I was somewhat unsure of myself

Ann Jacoby

Specialty: Currently PACU

Care

previously Pediatrics Years in the Field: 20 years in variety of nursing roles including cardiac care, labor & delivery, newborn nursery, pediatrics, and school nursing

Kenny Campbell Specialty: RN – Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Years in the Field: 25 Hospital: Coastal Carolina Hospital

Note: Kenny Campbell was the 2022 Daisy Award winner at Coastal Carolina Hospital. The Daisy Award is one of the highest honors, recognizing nurses for over 22 years in over 5,400 healthcare facilities. The nurse recognition program is based on what is most meaningful: stories of patient and family gratitude for their extraordinary compassionate care.

What inspired you to become a nurse? I always knew I wanted a job that involved people. I also loved science—it was the subject that came most naturally to me in school— and medicine. I grew up working at my dad’s optometry practice, and I loved spending time with patients and being with them as they dealt with health issues. Tell us about a touching moment when you knew this was truly your calling. I’ll never forget the first patient I had in my nursing school clinicals. She was the kindest woman, so full of gratitude for all the help she was receiving. Even though at the time I was only allowed to do the bare minimum for her, I had a feeling that I was in the right place. Throughout nursing school, I jumped at any opportunity to help, even if it was with the smallest thing. I find so much joy in having the privilege to serve and build relationships with my patients. Give our readers a health tip that you believe in wholeheartedly. Working with surgical oncologist Dr. Tara Grahovac at Beaufort Memorial Breast Care & Surgery, I’ve seen the importance of yearly screening mammograms, and I encourage all women to keep up with theirs. I wholeheartedly believe that if there are screenings your provider recommends, you have them!

Prioritize your health! As someone who doesn’t have the best family medical history, I strive to take the best care of myself that I can. You are your own best advocate. You have an emotionally stressful occupation. How do you decompress after a long day? My family and friends mean so much to me, and my faith really makes a difference. Being a nurse can take a heavy emotional toll at times, so taking time to refill my “cup” and spend time with the people I love helps a lot. I also enjoy journaling. Putting my thoughts on a page enables me to process my emotions and be ready to tackle a new day.

Favorite thing to do when you’re not working: I really like taking our dog for walks and spending time outside. I’m also an avid reader and have my nose in a novel any chance I get.

What is your favorite medical TV series (drama or comedy), and is it anything like real life? I don’t normally watch medical dramas, because I can’t help but point out the errors and the unrealistic storylines. My husband and I enjoy watching crime shows like Law & Order: SVU and Criminal Minds, although I’m sure those must seem unrealistic to anyone who works in law enforcement.

Rebekah Crowe, RN, OCN

Specialty: Part of the Beaufort Memorial Breast Care & Surgery team Years in the Field: 3 years (1 in this specialty)

What inspired you to become a nurse? When I was five years old, my mother gave injections to the people in the rural area where I grew up. They brought chickens and vegetables to pay her. Then, I saw my Aunt Julie in a white uniform, and that sealed it. Tell us about a touching moment when you knew this was truly your calling. I was in my first year in the ICU when I witnessed a fifty-year-old patient pass away. At the time, there was nothing we could have done differently to save her, and

Note: Luchie Bevan was one of two 2022 Daisy Award winners at Hilton Head Hospital. The Daisy Award is one of the highest honors, recognizing nurses for over 22 years in over 5,400 healthcare facilities. The nurse recognition program is based on what is most meaningful: stories of patient and family gratitude for their extraordinary compassionate care.

I carried guilt from this event for many years. Twenty years later, I realized her death could have been prevented using today’s technology. I have always been inspired by the progression of the practice of nursing and medical science, but I also know that individuals and a personal touch will always remain at the center of healing.

Give our readers a health tip that you believe in wholeheartedly. Start with being happy and content; choose your soul mate carefully; and live in moderation. Carefully watch what you eat (and eat organic whenever possible) and have a spiritual connection to the world and others around you. You have an emotionally stressful occupation. How do you decompress after a long day? There are times when you can’t help but cry. Talk to your peers before you go home; they understand more than anyone else. When you take a break, do breathing exercises to relieve tension. After the drive home, you’re ready for family. Learn to separate work from personal life. Favorite thing to do when you’re not working: Tending to my flowerpots. You see new growth and the promise of new beginnings. Visiting with friends at each other’s homes or going out for lunch or dinner.

What is your favorite medical TV series (drama or comedy), and is it anything like real life? I love Chicago Med or The Good Doctor. Somewhat realistic but, unfortunately, you know it’s staged.

care of came up to me and said, “You probably see so many people and don’t recognize me, but you took care of me when I had my baby a few months ago.” She gave me a hug, thanked me and told me how well cared for she and her baby were. She told me she could really tell I enjoyed what I do. It made me feel so good, and I felt like I was making a difference. My absolute favorite is when I have a family for the second or third time around.

Give our readers a health tip that you believe in wholeheartedly. I would have to say make sure to take time for yourself. Life is so busy. Between work, school, family, and all the extracurriculars, there’s not much time for yourself. It’s definitely important to take time for self-care, even if it’s just some quiet time to yourself.

You have an emotionally stressful occupation. How do you decompress after a long day? This is embarrassing, but social media, games on my iPad (puzzles, crosswords), Netflix. My workdays are long, so coming home and catching my kids before they go to bed and then sitting and doing something mindless is just what I need after a long, crazy day.

Favorite thing to do when you’re not working: I have two boys who are really into sports. I love watching them play and develop. We’ve grown close with some of the parents on my eldest’s travel baseball team, and I really enjoy our tournament weekends. Also, weekend get togethers at friends’ or family’s houses for cookouts etc.

What inspired you to become a nurse? Going back to school and nursing was always in the back of my mind. It wasn’t until I had my first son that I knew exactly what I wanted to do. All my nurses were great, but one in particular made an impression, and eight months later I was enrolled in school.

Tell us about a touching moment when you knew this was truly your calling. I was in the grocery store, and a patient I had taken

What is your favorite medical TV series (drama or comedy), and is it anything like real life? My favorite is Call the Midwife I like how it’s an entertaining and historical show at the same time. I enjoy the drama and watching how prenatal and postnatal care advances moving through the 1950s and 1960s. It’s obviously not comparable to “real life” now, but I have read about midwives who worked in London in the early 1950s, and they say it is historically accurate.

Luchie Bevan

Specialty: RN –Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Critical Care Unit (CCU), Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) Years in the Field: 45 Hospital: Hilton Head Hospital

Aubrey Pinckney

What inspired you to become a nurse? Nursing is an admirable profession. I have always been impressed by nurses’ ability to address their patients’ physical and emotional needs with skill and compassion in a stressful and challenging work environment. In

particular, I’ve been fascinated by women’s health care. Working in in this specialty has enabled me to find so much meaning and purpose in my professional life.

Tell us about a touching moment when you knew this was truly your calling. Every time a patient or a provider thanks or praises me for doing a great job, I fall in love with my profession all over again! I have been a part of thousands, literally thousands, of special moments in the lives of my patients and their families. I see the “fruits of my labor” every day, and that feels wonderful.

Give our readers a health tip that you believe in wholeheartedly. Love what you do and do what you love. You’ll put a lot of hours into your work, and it should definitely not be only about the money.

You have an emotionally stressful occupation. How do you decompress after a long day? Spending quality time with my family is my biggest stress reliever. Watching a movie at home or catching a Clemson football game with my husband and children is the greatest. I also enjoy supporting my kids in their sporting activities. I try hard to have balance between my work and family, and scheduling time to do things that make me happy helps me to be a better mother, wife, and leader for my staff.

Favorite thing to do when you’re not working: In addition to spending time with my family, I really enjoy exercising outside, reading, and binge-watching a good series on Hulu or Netflix. What is your favorite medical TV series (drama or comedy), and is it anything like real life? I like to watch old episodes of House. The cases are unusual and require critical thinking skills to piece together the medical puzzles. They help me to think outside the box when providing care myself. I also really enjoy New Amsterdam. Often it is not like what we experience in real life, but it’s entertaining and makes me appreciate how great it is to work in a small community hospital like Beaufort Memorial.

Tell us about a touching moment when you knew this was truly your calling. My first experience in pediatrics solidified my passion for nursing. During my nursing school NICU preceptorship, I spent a cumulative 90 hours caring for a neonate experiencing withdrawal. This particular baby had no caregiver apart from the men and women in the hospital unit. The tiny infant would sob in a way that shattered every heart within earshot. I would snuggle the baby while charting, and eventually the baby would calm to the sound of my voice. This unwanted baby taught me a life lesson about human struggle and the importance of offering oneself through simple care and kindness. Our ability as nurses to advocate for those unable to speak for themselves is a tremendous privilege. We have the unique opportunity to educate, empower and therapeutically touch the lives of every patient we encounter. Give our readers a health tip that you believe in wholeheartedly. Small, consistent steps towards a healthy lifestyle can lead to big improvements in health. Moderation and a positive outlook go a long way toward achieving goals and improving overall physical, mental and emotional well-being. You have an emotionally stressful occupation. How do you decompress after a long day? I like to sing (very badly, I might add) in a hot shower, as it helps me to decompress and lighten up. I enjoy a good cup of coffee while taking long walks along the marsh. I am always awed by the diverse wildlife and spectacular sunsets. I also like planning my next interior design or home improvement project.

What inspired you to become a nurse? Like so many called to health care, I felt completely helpless and vulnerable without basic medical knowledge when a beloved family member became severely ill. It was during this difficult time that I was greatly inspired by the dedication, empathy and understanding of the team that took care of my loved one. To this day, I strive to emulate the compassion of those truly remarkable health care professionals.

Favorite thing to do when you’re not working: I love to spend quality time with my family and friends while exploring the beauty of the Lowcountry.

What is your favorite medical TV series (drama or comedy), and is it anything like real life? My favorite series in recent years has been Outlander. I love the feistiness of the show’s heroine, Claire, a wartime nurse who is always ready to jump in and care for those in need.

Tiffany Washington, BSN, RN

Specialty: Labor and Delivery/Obstetrics/ Newborn Care; OB Director of the Beaufort Memorial Collins Birthing Center Years in the Field: 20

Kaela Thompson, RN Specialty: Medical-Surgical Acute Care, Adult and Pediatric, at Beaufort Memorial Years in the Field: 3 Hospital: Beaufort Memorial

Makes 24

Ingredients

16 ounces brown rice syrup

16 ounces crunchy peanut butter

1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup oats

3 cups rice cereal

1 cup chocolate chips

Directions

Stir brown rice syrup and crunchy peanut butter over low heat until creamy. Add in the next four ingredients. Allow to cool for a few minutes before adding in chocolate chips. Stir and press into a wax paper lined cookie sheet. Cut into squares.

I started making these when my son Charlie was a baby and had terrible eczema. There were very few gluten-free snacks 16 years ago, so these became a favorite. You can play with the ingredients and add as many different nuts and seeds as you like. You can also leave out the chocolate chips and add raisins or dried cranberries/cherries.

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

CHarlotte Hardwick

LEADING THE WAY TO WELLNESS + EASY, DELICIOUS RECIPES THAT PACK A NUTRITIONAL PUNCH

Some people’s career path is like a superhighway. They know where they’re going and barrel full speed ahead toward their dream job. Others follow a winding road, exploring along the way, while the life work that is meant for them reveals itself and evolves.

Wellness practitioner Charlotte Hardwick was never directionless or lost, but she allowed her career to unfold organically as she learned more about herself and discovered her personal passions. The former preschool teacher turned health advocate describes her journey as “layered,” as she has accumulated knowledge and skills over the years to create a unique practice—for herself first—that she is now called to share with others. Today, she is a yoga instructor and holistic health counselor who helps women discover a way of life that works for them— one that encourages them to catch their breath and find their balance.

Her program is two-fold, incorporating yoga and nutrition/cooking. “The heart of my work is inspiring people to slow down and give their bodies what they need,” Hardwick said. “Our bodies appreciate beautiful food cooked with love and a yoga practice that nourishes the nervous system. This combination creates balance in every aspect of our lives.”

It’s safe to say Hardwick knows her stuff. In addition to her advanced yoga training and certification, her studies around the world include MA degrees in nutrition and early childhood education as well as training in over 100 dietary theories with leading health experts such as Dr. Andrew Weil, director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine; Dr. Deepak Chopra, leader in the field of mind-body medicine; Dr. David Katz, director of Yale University’s Prevention Research Center; Dr. Walter Willett, chair of Nutrition at Harvard University; and many other innovative researchers and doctors at the Integrative Institute of Nutrition in New York.

Hardwick now boasts over 20 years’ experience developing wellness and life balance programming and workshops for individuals, families, and organizations across the country. Current offerings include health counseling, yoga instruction, meal planning, and cooking classes—in person and/or via Zoom.

She also leads multiple restorative retreats for women throughout the year, with upcoming opportunities in the Lowcountry at Montage Palmetto Bluff, January 13 – 16 as a part of their Well Living series. She will also have retreats at Blackberry Farm in the Great Smokey Mountains of Tennessee in January, and in the lush tropical paradise of Costa Rica in February (learn more at flowandnourish.com). The route to improved health

We all know that unhealthy habits die hard, and most of us don’t even consider changing them until we feel bad … or bad enough. Even

CHAR CHAR BARS

Charlotte Hardwick sits in her garden and chats with us about her lemon tree.

sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped or 1 small butternut squash, peeled and chopped

ounces dried rinsed red lentils

can chickpeas (you can use more if you want more of a stew)

13.5-ounce cans full fat coconut milk 1 28-ounce can diced fire roasted tomatoes (plain diced tomatoes are fine too) 28 ounces of water or broth (I fill empty can of tomatoes and pour in) A big handful of baby spinach or chopped collards/kale.

Directions

Sauté cubed carrots, onions, sweet potatoes and/or butternut squash in the coconut oil with salt, pepper, and curry powder until caramelized. Add rinsed lentils and coat. Pour in tomatoes, coconut milk, and water or broth. Add chickpeas and simmer for 45 minutes until everything is cooked. Add more water, broth or coconut milk if needed. Add the greens at the end so you don’t overcook. They will stay bright green. It is delicious just as it is, or you can serve over couscous, quinoa or rice. I love it sprinkled with lots of fresh cilantro.

then, we may find it impractical to follow restrictive diets and hardcore workout schedules pushed by mainstream media. Besides, it’s a well-known fact that extreme measures and quick-fix plans are unsustainable and inevitably fail or backfire.

Hardwick understands this. Instead of forcing a set of hard, fast rules, she holds space for her students to learn, grow, and make changes at their own pace, helping them design a plan that is reasonable in the context of their busy lives. By listening (never judging) and meeting people where they are, she expands their options rather than restricting them—a technique she refers to as “crowding out” unhealthy habits.

One client, for example, who was in the habit of stopping each morning at the Starbucks drive-thru for a latte and a sugar-laden muffin, was introduced to a delicious smoothie and homemade, make-ahead breakfast/snack bar (Char

FISH IN PARCHMENT

Directions

Place fish on parchment paper.

I usually use a 16 x 12 piece of parchment.

If cooking a white fish like grouper, cod or halibut, drizzle with olive oil, splash of white wine or lemon. Sprinkle with salt and your favorite herbs. You can also top with diced vegetables, leeks or scallions. This is delicious with zucchini, chopped tomatoes, and olives.

If cooking salmon, drizzle the fish with coconut aminos or tamari, sesame seeds, and grated ginger; top with asparagus or broccoli.

Seal the parchment and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees F.

You can be as creative as you like with vegetables and flavors.

SUNSHINE SMOOTHIE

Ingredients

1 frozen banana

Juice of 1 lemon

A big handful of spinach

1/4 cup frozen pineapple

1/4 avocado

1 cup milk (I like cashew)

Pinch of turmeric

Fresh grated ginger

Directions

I love how the ingredients in this smoothie work together. Greens are the least consumed food in our diets and the most essential for our health. Greens build a healthy gut microbiome to encourage the growth of good bacteria and contain digestive enzymes. The chlorophyll in the greens will elevate your mood and give you lots of energy. Spinach is loaded with iron and helps build strong red blood cells. It helps with cell renewal, cleanses the blood and is high in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Pineapple is full of bromelain—a digestive enzyme to help you absorb everything in the smoothie. Lemon alkalizes the blood, is high in vitamin C and helps the body absorb folate and iron in the spinach. It is a powerful antioxidant. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory, plus it encourages circulation. Avocado makes the smoothie creamy and is loaded with essential fatty acids to boost the immune system. Banana is full of magnesium to relax the nervous system and boost the mood.

She was encouraged to try it for a week. At no time was she told that she could never again have her favorite caffeine and sugar hit. She was simply led to a healthier alternative that became an easy choice.

Demystifying the kitchen

With our modern lives and demanding schedules, cooking often feels like another overwhelming and exhausting task. According to Hardwick, it doesn’t have to be that way. She is not interested in teaching you how to use a knife. She’s far more passionate about helping you get organized in the kitchen, making food preparation less complicated and meals more nutritionally sound.

“You don’t have to love cooking or cook three meals a day,” she said. “My goal is to make it attainable—to show you how it can work in your life and where you can start.”

The recipes that follow are what she calls templates. “Most show the way to do something, but it’s about making it work for you,” Hardwick said. Nothing has to be exact, and if there is an ingredient you don’t like, leave it out or substitute something you do like, she suggests.

Practical, doable, sustainable: Your new healthy habits await! 

To connect with Hardwick and learn more about her programs, please visit flowandnourish.com, call (415) 722-2654, or email charlotte.hardwick@gmail.com.

Char Bars—a recipe Hardwick developed for and named after her son Charlie).

Mr. Jude, Hardwick’s King Charles Cavalier waits for something to drop during our recipe photoshoot.

UNDERSTANDING GASLIGHTING

f you haven’t already heard, Merriam-Webster named gaslighting 2022’s word of the year, and with good reason. The term gaslighting has made its way into pop culture, sparking a 1740% increase in lookups last year. I’ll admit, I find humor in the irony that facts dictate who wins the coveted title, while the act of gaslighting has nothing to do with truth.

According to Merriam-Webster, gaslighting is “the act or practice of grossly misleading someone, especially for one’s own advantage.” It’s a slow and methodical process. The person being gaslit begins to doubt their perceptions, experiences, truth, memories, or understanding of events and feels like they’re going crazy. So that there’s no confusion, gaslighting is a form of abuse.

The term “catching fleas” is often used to describe how gaslighters learn their abusive behaviors within their families (You know, “if you lie down with dogs, you get fleas”). Gaslighting also frequently occurs in people with diagnosable personality disorders, like narcissistic or borderline personality disorder.

Historically, gaslighting has an interesting origin. In 1938, the play Gas Light, by Patrick Hamilton debuted. It takes place circa 1880 in London and revolves around the lead characters, Jack and his wife Bella.

Jack purposely causes the gas lights in the house to dim and brighten. When Bella calls attention to the phenomenon, Jack denies it happened. Dimming and brightening of the lights, odd noises, missing objects, and other happenings continue to occur. Each time Bella notices, Jack denies it ever happened.

A gaslighter’s use of denial is key to their manipulation. A gaslighter’s stance is, “It isn’t me. It’s you.” There’s a lot of intentional lying and twisting of the truth. And if you catch them, they’re not backing down. Instead, a gaslighter will either double down on the lie or make it seem like you’re the one lying, it never happened, or you’re making things up. The gaslighter then claims to be the victim of your offenses, and you usually end up apologizing for something you haven’t done. All this turning, twisting, and rewriting of the facts can happen in seconds.

Or it was all a big misunderstanding. “I was just joking. Can’t you take a joke?” Either way, your experience is

invalidated. And over time, you’ll begin to doubt yourself and your reality.

Gaslighters are not above using compassion to hook you into a relationship. In the beginning, they will immediately express their unrelenting fondness or even love for you. You’ll hear you’re the best person they’ve ever dated, their favorite child, co-worker, or employee. A lot of intensity right away (referred to as love bombing).

Gaslighters also want to learn a lot about you. They’ll often divulge vulnerable information about themselves, maybe even overshare, hoping you’ll do the same. On the surface, this may sound amazing. Finally, you’ve met that special someone who shares their feelings and wants to know you on a deeper level. But you haven’t. The unfortunate truth is that gaslighters don’t really care. They’re looking for information they can use against you later. The manipulation of your vulnerability can show up through triangulation. The gaslighter will speak through other people rather than directly to you or by driving a wedge between you and loved ones (called splitting). Because you have no one else to turn to and can’t trust yourself, slowly, you begin to rely solely on the gaslighter to make all the decisions.

As your relationship progresses, the gaslighter will continue to undermine your perception of reality. You will second-guess everything: yourself, memories, recent events, perceptions, and other people. You’ll often feel like there’s something wrong with you, that you’re losing your mind, or at minimum, dazed and confused. You’ll feel like you’re to blame or too sensitive, making too big of a deal out of nothing.

Your subjective experience is continually ignored or belittled while your feelings are minimized. “Why are you so sensitive? You know that’s not what I meant. Stop overreacting; it was nothing? Geesh.” Or, my personal favorites, “Why are you making a big deal out of nothing,” “Stop being so emotional,” and “Well, I’m just a bad parent.”

Validation and acknowledgment are out the window. You lose a piece of yourself. And you don’t want to tell others because there’s shame and guilt when you’re blaming yourself.

As with any cycle of abuse, the gaslighter will also drop breadcrumbs of niceties (albeit conditional) to ensure you

don’t leave. They’ll also begin to “hoover” (yes, as in the vacuum cleaner) when they feel like you’re withdrawing. Hoovering is finding ways to lure you back or suck you into their lives. There are a variety of tactics: giving compliments, gift-giving, making promises to change their behavior, or trying to smear your reputation.

It’s understandable to think, “Oh, there’s no way I would fall for that.” Or “There’s no way I would stay in that situation.” But gaslighting is a slow and insidious burn with just enough kernels of love to keep you on the hook. The slow and sneaky progression is why it can be challenging to spot and easy to become a victim.

Removing yourself from a gaslighter is challenging, especially when your self-esteem is shattered, and you believe the gaslighter is the only one who gets you or resolves your problems. It’s even more challenging if it’s a parent or a boss.

So, what do you do if you can’t leave? Try one or more of the following:

The “grey rock” method. To do this, be as uninteresting and unrewarding as possible when interacting with the gaslighter. For example, give short, straightforward answers without a hint of emotional or facial reaction. Often your lack of attention causes the gaslighter to become bored and voluntarily move on or leave—at least temporarily.

Keep notes & take photos. Get to know your truth through fact-finding. Begin to keep notes and take photos. These acts

will give you a better idea of what you’re experiencing. For example, if you have a picture of where you left your keys, you’ll have a point of reference if they’re suddenly missing.

Talk to a trusted friend or therapist to help you keep your perspective. Also, you can consult a domestic violence facility to help craft a plan to leave an abusive relationship.

Set boundaries. To protect your mental and emotional health, set boundaries with the gaslighter. Side note: You’ll need to be ready to enforce your boundaries constantly and consistently.

Leave. If you’re able, cut all ties with the gaslighter and do not look back. Leaving is also when gaslighters attempt master-level hoovering and send forth the “flying

You’re overreacting

It’s You’re fault

You have always been crazy

That never happened everyone agrees with me

monkeys.” Like in The Wizard of Oz, these monkeys (aka people) will report back to the witch (aka gaslighter) with your comments, whereabouts, etc. Whatever they need to gain the upper hand and lure you back into the relationship.

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT GASLIGHTING

Now that you know a little about gaslighting, how to spot it, and how to start helping yourself, let me introduce you to three common misconceptions:

1. Lying and gaslighting are the same thing. Gaslighting involves lying, but the two are not necessarily the same. Lying can be a one-time, isolated case, like telling your boss your assignment is almost complete when you haven’t started. And lying may not always be harmful, like when you

say you like something because you want to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.

2. Women are victims. Men are gaslighters. Gaslighting is equal opportunity. However, women indeed report being the victim of gaslighting more frequently. This statement alone is its own topic. Anyone can be a victim of gaslighting; it doesn’t matter your gender, race, age, socioeconomic status, mental health status, religion, or any other label or identifying information.

3. Everyone gaslights. No, misunderstandings and poorly designed jokes happen. You’ll know it’s innocent if it’s a rare occurrence or the person both takes responsibility and apologizes for the misunderstanding. For reference, “I’m sorry, you made me blah blah blah.” is not an apology. The qualifier for gaslighting is repetition with the intent to mislead someone.

Gaslighting isn’t a new phenomenon. However, with its place now firmly seated in pop culture, it’s beginning to receive the attention it deserves. If you or someone you know fear you’re the victim of gaslighting, reach out to a therapist or a domestic abuse center for help. 

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

It’s understandable to think, “Oh, there’s no way I would fall for that.” Or “There’s no way I would stay in that situation.” But gaslighting is a slow and insidious burn with just enough kernels of love to keep you on the hook. The slow and sneaky progression is why it can be challenging to spot and easy to become a victim.

ARTICLE BY CHERYL RICER

Hilton Head Orthopedics is Top Choice for Joint Care

When it comes to maintaining an active Lowcountry lifestyle, you can’t trust just anyone. Your orthopedic health is too vital. At Hilton Head Orthopedics (formerly Orthopedic Associates of the Lowcountry), patients get comprehensive, patientcentered treatments that help ensure the best possible outcome for their orthopedic care. Their board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons provide both non-surgical and surgical management of orthopedic conditions that cause pain and impact strength and mobility. Treatments offered include injections, physical therapy, and various surgical techniques such as arthroscopy, joint reconstruction and replacement, adult and pediatric fracture care, and sports medicine procedures, to name a few.

“Our orthopedic surgeons can diagnose and treat many types of bone and joint problems using minimallyinvasive techniques,” said Kurt Malloy, practice manager at Hilton Head Orthopedics. “Making the choice to have a knee, hip, shoulder, or elbow joint replacement is a major

decision. Many people ask, ‘Is this an appropriate time for me to do it? Will surgery improve my life? Will I need to curtail any activities after surgery, or can I resume all my normal activities?’ Our doctors work with each individual to review your symptoms and make sure you understand how a joint replacement will change your life.”

With more than 80 years of combined experience in orthopedic care and sports medicine, Hilton Head Orthopedics should be your choice when it comes to joint replacement. The level of care and service standards are among the highest in the Lowcountry and the entire nation.

“We operate out of Hilton Head Hospital, which among many other accolades, was named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery by Healthgrades in 2020 (one of only three hospitals in South Carolina to receive the distinction that year),” Malloy said.

The communication between patients and staff is above industry standard. Hilton Head Orthopedics stays connected 24/7, including nights and weekends, to provide

Tom D. Thomas, PA-C; Philip J. Mulieri, MD, PHD; Kirk H. Johnson, MD; Jason P. Norcross, MD; Courtney Coons, PA-C; Dalan Garcia, PA-C

top-notch care. Additionally, the advanced surgical techniques provided by some of the country’s best and most highly trained doctors elevate this practice. These techniques include robotics, advanced implants, uncemented knee and robotic-assisted total knee replacements, and patient-designed shoulder replacements.

“We believe our orthopedic team is the best anywhere around,” Malloy said. “Dr. Kirk H. Johnson, Dr. Philip Mulieri, and Dr. Jason Norcross, along with three physician’s assistants (PA) and other office staff, establish innovative techniques and options tailored around the patient’s individual needs. When you come into Hilton Head Orthopedics, you’ll find a friendly, compassionate team who are excited to take part in your care and see your procedure through as an end-to-end solution from home to operating room to the office.”

Each doctor at Hilton Head Orthopedics brings a different area of expertise to patient care. Dr. Kirk H. Johnson, in his eleventh year at Hilton Head Orthopedics, is the senior member of the practice. He is a fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopedic surgeon, specializing in total joint replacement surgery. Previously, Dr. Johnson served as an associate professor at the University of Massachusetts, where he taught hip and knee replacement to residents in that program. He works with a philosophy that a doctor must make himself available to every patient without that patient having to go through a PA or a nurse.

“While some doctors simply do the surgery and let other staff tend to the after care, I believe that the patient needs to know that the doctor will be there for them and not leave them behind,” Dr. Johnson said.

Dr. Jason Norcross is a fellowship-trained adult reconstruction surgeon, specializing in hip and knee replacement surgery. He has become one of the nation’s top experts in the field of robotic-assisted

MOBILITY ENHANCEMENT EXPERTS

Philip J. Mulieri, MD,PHD; Kirk H. Johnson, MD; Jason P. Norcross, MD

surgery and provides training to other orthopedic surgeons learning this technology.

“I’m pleased to have introduced outpatient total hip and knee replacement to our region,” Dr. Norcross said. “Because of the advances we’ve made in anesthesia protocols, pain management, and rehabilitation techniques, many patients can be discharged the same day and potentially accelerate their recovery after joint replacement.”

Dr. Norcross also performs revision surgery for painful or failed hip and knee replacements. If you’ve had a total knee or hip replacement that was unsuccessful, or is continuing to cause pain, instability, and other problems, revision surgery can potentially improve the results.

Dr. Philip Mulieri is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery. He received his fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery and brings a distinctive skill set including minimally invasive, arthroscopic techniques, complex reconstruction, and shoulder replacement to provide comprehensive treatment of all shoulder and elbow disorders.

“I use patient specific computer-generated models to perform shoulder replacements,” Dr. Mulieri said. “We are able to match the position of the implants to the patient’s specific anatomy to improve overall range of motion and increase the longevity of the implants.”

Dr. Mulieri additionally performs reverse shoulder replacements, a special type of replacement developed for people with rotator cuff arthritis. His method is remarkably

successful at decreasing pain and increasing range of motion.

“It is a great cross-section of care, and we are each very focused on educating patients on how to care for themselves without needing us for surgery,” Dr. Johnson said.

The doctors offer patients non-surgical therapy and counseling to help them avoid surgery. These include injection therapy, physical therapy, and patient education, which focuses on what the patient can do on their own, such as weight loss, regular exercise, and appropriate medication.

“Foremost, I am interested in non-surgical management of hip and knee arthritis,” Dr. Norcross said. “Specifically, we use steroid and hyaluronic acid injections to treat joint pain and get people back to an active lifestyle without surgery.”

Dr. Mulieri agrees. “As a team, we have a good understanding of what indications to look for when advising patients on whether or not surgery is the best option for them,” he said.

Hilton Head Orthopedics accepts most all major payers, and they would be happy to ensure they are in network with yours.

The practice also enjoys a strong and consistently positive alliance with home healthcare providers in the area. “They do a great job of caring for our patients in their homes after surgery,” Dr. Johnson said. “For our surgical patients, these alliances are a strong component of our quality care.”

When you choose Hilton Head Orthopedics, you will work with a practice that believes in patient-centered care with two-way communication between healthcare providers and their patients. The practice is accepting new patients. To commence on your journey to regain your strength and mobility, schedule a consultation by calling (843) 547-0183. 

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

GOOD BYE HANG OVER, HELLO DRY JANU-

Raise your hand if you woke up with a hangover on January 1. Surprise! You are not alone. According to a Twitter analysis via Brandwatch, New Year’s Day is the most hungover day of the year, and by an astonishing margin. What better than a pounding headache to inspire a behavior change?

PARTY OVER?

Thanks to a little experiment I stumbled across three years ago via a Facebook group, I did not have to raise my hand this year. In January of 2020, after 18 years of wine drinking and just before the pandemic tore through our lives, I had not been feeling my best, so I decided to break up with alcohol—for five days. It wasn’t a New Year’s resolution, and I had never heard the term “Dry January.” It was simply a five-day commitment to give my body and mind a rest.

What happens when you ditch the booze for 31 days...

But five days turned into 31, which turned into 365, which turned into forever because I liked the way it felt to sleep soundly and wake up clearheaded and energized. I liked the way five pounds slipped off my body (and stayed off) without a shred of extra effort. I liked the way my eyes sparkled and my skin glowed and the way food tasted. I also reveled in the reduction of anxiety, the lifting of depression, extra time and money, and enhanced communications at home. I had no inkling that consuming a measly two glasses of wine every night had so much power over my sleep patterns, energy, appearance, mood, and relationships until I stopped doing it.

Today, people ask me if I ever have a drink. The answer is yes, occasionally. After a full year of complete abstinence, I can count on one hand the number of times I have had a cocktail since. Did I enjoy it? Yes and no. In fact, the few times I have had a drink, it was to experience a creative flavor profile, not out of habit or to drown my sorrows, soothe my nerves, entertain myself, or fit in socially. Drinking is now a “take it or leave it” thing, and I can say with all assurance that I am having more fun than I ever imagined when my mind was clouded by a steady infusion of alcohol. For me, the party is not over. Life is the party, and the celebration has just begun.

Ingredients

2 oz. Amethyst Blueberry Ginger Mint

Muddle blueberries (5) and a couple leaves of mint

.25 oz. blueberry simple syrup

.25 oz. lavender simple syrup

Directions

Shake and strain into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and blueberry skewer.

JOIN THE CROWD

Could this look any more delicious?!?!

Laying down the booze at the start of a new year is not a new idea, but the concept has been trending higher, partly due to a movement termed “Dry January.” The initiative, which kicked off in 2013 by the British charity Alcohol Change UK, aims to help adults improve their health and reset their relationship with drinking by challenging them to abstain from alcohol throughout the entire month of January.

In 2015, Alcohol Change UK partnered with Public Health England, and Dry January became all the rage. Now recognized worldwide, millions of people take part in the annual challenge, with one in five Americans reportedly participating last year.

Dry January is your invitation to join the crowd and sample sobriety without the overwhelming thought of giving up alcohol forever. Popular social media hashtags associated with the movement are #dryjanuary, #partysober, #drinkresponsibly, #sobernation, #nonalcoholic, #soberlifestyle, #sobertribe, #drinkwell, #hangoverfree, #alcoholfree, #alcoholfreelife, and #soberissexy.

THE REAL CHALLENGE

While the trendy social challenge might be sufficient incentive to jump on the bandwagon, the real challenge is the private, inward soul search, which means asking yourself the tough questions: Can I go a month (or even a week) without any alcohol? If not, why not? What is driving my need for alcohol?

People participate in Dry January for different reasons, including to lose weight or re-examine their relationship with alcohol. Maybe you are simply ready to hit the pause button after a season of overindulgence. Perhaps your alcohol habit got out of hand during the Covid lockdown; maybe you have awakened with that headache one too many times recently, or you’ve been looking forward a little too much to your end-of-the-day cocktails. Whatever your reason for drinking or your motivation to step back, if your inner voice is asking for a break, it’s time to listen.

Find and Follow on Instagram:

Tips for a successful Dry January

If you are accustomed to drinking regularly, a month may seem like a long time to abstain or stick to your alcohol reduction plan. Here are five tips for staying on track:

1. Find a substitute nonalcoholic drink. For social situations or when you crave a cocktail after a long day, reach for alcohol-free beverages like sparkling water, soda, or nonalcoholic versions of alcoholic drinks (see accompanying “mocktail” recipes.) Non-alcoholic beer and wine are also options but be aware that some brands still contain up to 0.5% alcohol by volume. Read the label.

2. Avoid temptation. Get the alcohol out of your house or, at the very least, out of sight. When you are invited to someone else’s home, bring your non-alcoholic drinks with you.

3. Create a support group. Let friends and family know your intentions and encourage them to keep you accountable. Better yet, enlist someone to do the challenge with you or join a group online.

4. Track your progress. Whether you use an old-fashioned calendar, a spreadsheet, or a modern app to mark your progress, self-monitoring and feedback can help. Partner up with your smart phone by downloading the free app, Try Dry®, the official app of Dry January. Other effective drinking reduction apps are Drink Control, Drinker’s Helper, Drink Coach, and Less.

5. Don’t give up. If you slip up, don’t feel guilty. Just begin again the next day.

@DryJanuary

Citrus Sipper

BETWEEN ALL AND NOTHING

Still, the cold turkey approach isn’t for everyone. Much like a crash diet, strict deprivation has the potential to backfire. Nir Eyal, author of Indistractable and former Stanford University lecturer in behavioral design, said. “The problem is, if it’s about abstinence, and restriction, and sacrifice—like oh it’s gonna be so hard to ‘give up drinking,’ like I’m denying myself—you’re gonna bounce back like a rubber band.”

Besides, abstaining from alcohol for a month and then resuming your usual drinking habits isn’t going to do much for your long-term health nor erase the damage years of heavy drinking can do. You’ll reap the most benefits from Dry January if you approach it as an opportunity to evaluate the role alcohol plays in your life and possibly make a more

Oh Sweet Paloma

Ingredients

2 oz. Amethyst Lemon Cucumber Serrano

.50 oz. Lime Juice

Fresh Mint (a few leaves)

2 oz. Grapefruit Juice

Top with club soda Sugar rimmed Collins glass

Directions

Muddle mint in lime juice, then add Lemon Cucumber Serrano, grapefruit juice and shake. Pour over ice in a Collins glass and garnish with lime circle or wedge.

Citrus Sipper

Ingredients

3 oz Amethyst Lemon Cucumber Serrano

.25 oz Rhoot Man Cucumber Shrub

.25 oz Elderflower Syrup

.25 oz Lemon Juice

Directions

Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon spiral or an edible flower.

Oh Sweet Paloma

lasting adjustment as opposed to using it as a license to drink as much as you want the rest of the year.

As an alternative to complete abstinence, Eyal recommends a more gradual approach to behavior change. That theory is reflected in the recent trend of “Dry-ish January,” in which people pledge to reduce their alcohol intake, not abstain.

THE FINISH LINE

Regardless of your goal, whether to stop drinking or cut back, when you cross the finish line, before you pop a cork or pour a cocktail on February 1, take time to reflect on your Dry or Dry-ish January experience. Here are some questions you might ask yourself: Do I feel better? Healthier? More

productive? Not as different as I thought I might? Have my sleep, mood, or exercise patterns changed? Have I saved money? Lost weight?

Maybe you’ve found that you’re more energized or less anxious with less or no alcohol. Or maybe you don’t feel much different, and you miss having a drink after work or a glass of wine with dinner. These are all valid takeaways to consider. Only you can decide what happens next and what feels right for you.

Could a month-long sobriety challenge be the kickstart you’re looking for in the new year or the catalyst for lasting change? You may find, like me, that taking a break from happy hour can transform all 24 hours of your day … and maybe even the rest of your life. 

!! An ImportAnt Word of CAution !!

If you have been drinking heavily, you should consult your doctor before abruptly stopping. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, whenever you go cold turkey after drinking regularly, it’s possible to experience mild to moderate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal such as anxiety, irritability, nausea, fatigue, headache, and shakiness. And if you’re someone with a higher risk of seizures, please touch base with your doctor and be especially cautious.

People with a history of heavy drinking over a prolonged period may be at risk of a severe form of alcohol withdrawal—a potentially life-threatening process that can occur when an alcohol-dependent person suddenly stops drinking. Doctors can prescribe medications to address these symptoms and make the process safer and less distressing. If you have a severe alcohol use disorder (AUD), you should not quit alcohol without the help of a professional.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines heavy drinking as follows: for men, consuming more than four drinks on any day or more than fourteen drinks per week; for women, consuming more than three drinks on any day or more than seven drinks per week. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services defines heavy alcohol use as binge drinking on five or more days in the past month.

If you are concerned about your alcohol use and would like to explore whether you might have AUD, please visit rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov.

Dr. Elizabeth Abell

What is your specialty?

General Dentistry & Diplomate of American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

Why did you become a dentist?

I view dentistry as a profession that is defined by the applications of science, the highest standards of professionalism, and the goal to promote proper oral healthcare and improve the lives of others. I also work with our community of medical colleagues to improve patients’ overall health with airway management of sleep related breathing disorders.

What inspires you in your practice?

I am continuously inspired by the relationships I have formed with my patients. My patients become dear friends, and I look forward to their visit with us. I am fulfilled each day when a patient compliments my wonderful team and enjoys their experience.

What is one aspect of the job you find rewarding?

I have a strong desire to instill confidence with the power of a healthy smile for my patients. The mouth is the gateway to our body. Patients feel better overall with a healthy smile, but there are many conservative ways to achieve an esthetically pleasing smile too! I also address sleep related breathing disorders such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea for the

CPAP-intolerant patient. Proper airway management has allowed my patients to gain restorative sleep for a healthier, happier, and longer life.

What is exciting about your field right now?

You can say goodbye to messy impressions with an accurate digital scanning technique.

What advice would you give someone who just started their career?

I would share one of my favorite quotes by Zig Ziglar: “Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation.”

What are your hobbies and interests outside of medicine?

I enjoy traveling, reading, and spending time with my friends and family.

What skill or craft would you like to master?

My office schedule seems to revolve around my patients’ tee times. I would like to learn to play the game of golf too.

Favorite local restaurant: You can find me at Mama G’s with a slice of pizza in my hand.

Harbor Point Dentistry & Dental Sleep Medicine of the Lowcountry

40 Okatie Center Blvd., South, Suite 302 Okatie, SC 29909 (843) 706-9662 harborpointdentistry.com

The current and most exciting effort occurring in medicine today regarding the myriad of degenerative, arthritic joint changes experienced, especially in the aging Baby Boomer population, is the field of Regenerative Medicine. As a result, Dr. William Durrett MD, a board-certified anesthesiologist, and Dr. Grant Evans DC, a licensed chiropractic physician, have combined their talents and experience to establish the Southeastern Regenerative Institute.

Dr. Durrett completed his undergraduate studies at Valdosta State and the University of Georgia and earned his medical degree from The Georgia School of Medicine. He has been in private practice for 32 years and involved in the regenerative medicine/stem cell field for over seven years with a 92% success rate.

Dr. Evans completed his undergraduate work at the University of Pittsburgh and attended chiropractic school for five years in Chicago, Illinois. He started his private practice in Columbus, Ohio, where he practiced for 30 years before moving to Hilton Head Island with his wife several years ago.

Regenerative Medicine has proven to be a viable and successful alternative to the previous medical treatments of degenerative and arthritic joint changes (lifestyle modifications, supportive bracing, the use and overuse of steroidal injections, and finally the aggressive and often failed attempts of surgery and joint replacements), so common with the normal aging process. Human Umbilical Cord Matrix injections have proven to be a safe and very effective alternative.

The Southeastern Regenerative Institute offices are located at The Sport and Spine Institute at 15 Moss Creek Village, serving Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and all of Beaufort County.

Feel free to contact us with any questions or schedule a no-charge consultation to determine if you would be a candidate for this new, exciting, and pain-free alternative. Our office numbers are (843) 836-5800 and (843) 949-7790.

15 Moss Creek Village Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 836-5800 or (843) 949-7790

Dr. William Durrett MD & Dr. Grant Evans

SOUTHEASTERN REGENERATIVE INSTITUTE

Optical Solutions

Family vision: When it comes to high quality care for your eyes, the Campbell clan has you covered. Dr. Michael Campbell Sr., founder of Optical Solutions, has been established in the Lowcountry for 35 years. Starting with one location in 1987, he has nurtured the growth of his business over the years and currently has three state-of-the-art facilities to serve all your eye care needs.

Optical Solutions’ first location was in the Plaza at Shelter Cove, back in the day when there was no TJ Maxx or Whole Foods, only small, local businesses. Dr. Haley Bowles, (graduate of Southern College of Optometry) is the Optometrist at this location along with three experienced assistants. Dr. Bowles has been with Optical Solutions for eight years and practices a full scope of optometry, which includes medical eye exams, contact evaluations, treatment and management of ocular disease, and prescription glasses.

As the island grew, Dr. Campbell Sr. saw the need to expand. In 1989, he opened a second location, adding a full-service lab, which would give him the ability to make glasses on site, the same day. It is now located at 10 Hospital Center Commons, with 13 employees and three optometrists, Dr. Michael Campbell Sr (graduate of Indiana School of Optometry), Dr. Michael Campbell Jr (graduate of Indiana School of Optometry), and Dr. Kevin Campbell (graduate of the Kentucky College of Optometry). Dr. Michael Campbell Jr. joined the practice in 2020, while Dr. Kevin Campbell joined the practice in May of this year. All three Campbells work together, serving the mid-island location with an extensive array of expertise and technology on comprehensive eye care.

With Bluffton’s ensuing growth, a third location was contemplated. After moving his office three times, Dr. Michael Campbell Sr. built a state-of-the-art facility in 2016, located at 27 Dr. Mellichamp Drive in Old Town Bluffton. Dr. Jessica Sirak (graduate of Pennsylvania College of Optometry) has been practicing in the Lowcountry for over seven years and serves that office along with Dr. Michael Campbell Jr. and Dr. Kevin Campbell. All three doctors bring the same advanced

eye care that is found in the Hilton Head offices out to Bluffton, including full scope medical optometric services and difficult contact lens evaluations.

Optical Solutions has grown into one of the most advanced optometry practices in the area and is known in the community for giving the highest standard of care. The Campbells are keeping a clear vision of the dynasty they are creating and staying at the forefront of optometry by frequently adding new techniques and technologies for future generations.

Hospital Center Commons

10 Hospital Center Commons, Ste 100 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 681-6682

Shelter Cove

50 Shelter Cove Ln., Ste. G Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 785-8008

Bluffton

27 Dr. Mellichamp Dr. Ste 100 Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 706-0607

drmichaelcampbell.com

What is your specialty?

I am a doula. I work with women who are pregnant, wanting to be pregnant, were recently pregnant, those who have lost a pregnancy, and those who are not able to become pregnant. I am a full-spectrum doula.

Why did you become a physician?

I became a doula because of the amazing support I recieved during my births. I wanted to support women before during and after birth by providing them with informative, emotional and physical support. I desired to educate families on all things birth and help families achieve their birth goals by making their own informed decisions.

What inspires you in your practice?

So many things inspire me to continue to do this amazing work. My biggest inspiration is my children and my own personal birth experiences. Also, all the many families I’ve worked with. (I have a deep connection with each one of them, from families I worked with seven years ago to families I am working with presently.) The difference I am making. And, my personal knowledge. I thrive on the agenda to become the best I can be in this moment, through continuous education and learning.

What is one aspect of the job that you find rewarding?

All of it, no matter what the circumstance. Regardless of the outcome, I am rewarded by being part of the family’s birth journey, and that is the most amazing gift.

What is exciting about your field right now?

So much! Doulas are becoming more talked about. People are becoming more aware of the importance of hiring a doula. Healthcare workers are becoming more understanding

of our role as a support person, and that doulas are not present to undermine or work against medical professionals.

What advice would you give someone who just started their career?

Understand this career choice could be a 24 hour job at times. When you are on call, there is not much downtime and you are always available for your families. With that being said, be sure you schedule time off and be adamant what that looks like. Selfcare is so super important. Making sure you take time to reflect, rest and rejuvenate.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of medicine?

I love the beach. I love all types of music and dancing. I love yoga and being in touch with self. I love red wine and iced chai lattes. I enjoy watching Holiday movies, Disney movies, and any movie with my husband and family. I love reading or listening to inspirational books regarding birth, love and personal growth. I enjoy walking through local stores & shops, being present & part of an amazing community. I am a strong advocate for community volunteering and have just recently become part of a global organization that helps raise awareness for maternal health. Above all, I love being a wife, a mama and a grammie. I AM IN LOVE WITH talking to my grandbabies and hope to live closer to them someday so they can be my everyday.

When you have 30 minutes free, how do you pass the time?

Oooo that’s tough. Depends on time of day. Anything from the above list! Also, checking emails lol Because we all know they build up... and I hate a full inbox!

What skill or craft would you like to master?

There are the obvious: cooking, baking, gardening ... I do them but would love to master them. Aside from the many things I’m working on as a doula (lactation, placenta encapsulation), I would love to be an event planner or an interior decorator. I would be good at both, and I think one of those will be my next job.

Favorite local restaurant:

This depends on what we are searching for: Best dirty martini, Wise Guys; best Pizza, Cheap Seats Tavern or NY Pizza on the island; best all-around, Okatie Ale House; best seafood, Dockside or Surfwatch; best Italian, Michael Anthony’s, Ombra or Nunzio; best in Bluffton, The Bluffton Room or Farm; best top notch, Alfred’s.

Wave of Life Birth Services

waveoflifebirthservices@gmail.com (607) 742-8608

waveoflifebirthservices.com

John W. Perry, MD

Dr. John Perry joined Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Associates on Hilton Head Island, S.C. in December 2022 and practices at Hilton Head Hospital. He is excited to bring 20+ years of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery experience and contemporary cardiac surgery techniques to the Lowcountry.

Describe your practice, clinical interests, ideal patient

My goal, although not always achievable, is to be perfect. I treat each patient as if he or she is one of my family members—father, mother, brother, or sister. My ultimate goal is a perfect outcome for every patient. Although I’ve done this for 22 years, this is often their first encounter of cardiac surgery, so I always remember and approach every case as if it is my first.

What makes you most proud professionally?

Success in my surgical outcomes makes me most proud. It is very gratifying to get my patients back to their families, to their jobs and

their daily routines of life. I feel most successful when my patients have an optimal outcome and can return to their routines and usual activities of daily living with as few repercussions as possible. My goal is that they never have to return to me again.

What would you like patients to know about your personality/hobbies?

I value family first and foremost. I am widowed, and my children and family are so important. Related to hobbies, I absolutely love the outdoors, soccer, tennis, writing and art. I love nature and most enjoy living near water and the natural peace and serenity it provides.

Is there anything else you believe is relevant for patients to know about you related to patient care?

I am very dedicated, and I feel that my patients are the center of the care circle. Patients are most vulnerable in the hospital and they are relying on everyone involved in their care to make them their ultimate priority. From nursing and surgery staff to administration and housekeeping, everyone involved in a patient’s care is critical in making the patient’s experience the best it can be and least traumatic as possible. I respect everyone that surrounds the patient as we all play equal roles and are an equally important part of their care – Our focus and priority is always the patient.

What is exciting in your field right now? The most exciting advancement in the field of

Education:

Fellowship (Thoracic Surgery)

• The Cleveland Clinic; Cleveland, OH

• State University of New York; Buffalo, NY Residency (General Surgery)

• State University of New York; Buffalo, NY

• Buffalo Veterans Administration Hospital; Buffalo, NY Medical School

•State University of New York; Buffalo, NY

Special Interests:

• da Vinci Robotic Surgery

• Complex aortic reconstruction

• Aortic and mitral valve surgery

• Treatment for venous disease

• Minimally invasive surgery

cardiovascular & thoracic surgery is the growth in minimally/less invasive techniques. It is helping us achieve the same goals as the more traditional surgeries but with faster recovery and less emotional and physical trauma to the patient. We want to leave our patients with as little as possible change in their physical state while fixing the problem.

What inspires you in your practice?

What inspires me most is striving for perfect outcomes. What makes me want to come to work? The happiness of the patients, families, and colleagues. Everyone can be proud that they played a role in the success of a patient’s outcome—that they contributed to the wellbeing of the patient.

Why did you become a cardiovascular & thoracic surgeon?

During my general surgery rotation, I crossed paths with cardiac surgeons and found the science of cardiac surgery to be fascinating. I loved all aspects of the study of the heart and lungs. Cardiovascular & thoracic physicians must be very meticulous, decisive, aggressive, and brave. These attributes and the science behind cardiac surgery matched well with my personality and engineering background. Becoming a surgeon in this field came naturally for me.

Do you have any other work aspirations?

When I left my residency in New York, I went to the Cleveland Clinic. I was drawn there to get involved with research related to mechanical support devices for the heart. I always wanted to do clinical research but didn’t get an opportunity early in my career. It is still a dream of mine to do clinical and lab research on mechanical assist devices for the heart. My over 20 years of clinical experience could lend itself well to research, and I could perhaps make an impact on future advancements in cardiac surgery.

What skill or craft would you like to master?

I would like to master auto and aircraft mechanics. I admire those fields. Right now, I am lucky if I can change my own tire, but I could see myself enjoying time in a garage in the future.

Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Associates

25 Hospital Center Blvd, Suite 306

Hilton Head, SC 29926 (843) 732-1949

HHCardiovascular.com

AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE AND THE AHC MEDSPA PRIMARY CARE AND AESTHETICS

After years working in institutional and private medicine, I saw a need for a different kind of care: care that combined both compassion and affordability. In 2008, I turned that vision into reality when I started Affordable Health Care. For the past 13 years, I have continued to expand the original practice mission by adding components of aesthetics—all with the intention of assisting patients in their efforts to be healthy and beautiful from the inside out.

This unique approach to primary medicine, one that offers patients the option to have access to total self‐care in one location, is innovative and progressive. We have taken the aesthetics portion of the practice to the next level with the recent purchase of a broad band light laser for skin rejuvenation, redness reduction, hair removal and more! This new technology reduces the amount of time needed for both treatment

Kamal Patel, MD

What is your specialty?

Concierge family medicine

Why did you become a physician?

I’ve always found it rewarding to help improve the lives of others. My father was an engineer, so understanding how things work and finding solutions runs in my blood.

What inspires you in your practice?

My patients are my inspiration. They provide the motivation to provide superior care.

What is one aspect of the job you find rewarding?

The concierge model allows time to deliver quality and customize the care plan on a person-to-person basis.

What is exciting about your field right now?

The healthcare landscape is changing so much. People are being more proactive about their health and not just seeing a provider when there’s a problem. This expands the ways we can help improve the lives of those we care for.

and recovery. In addition, it is a less painful alternative to many skin renewal procedures offered today. With this exciting technology, the AHC MedSpa staff and I are moving into the future with renewed purpose: to expand the options we offer for patients to experience total self‐care in one location.

When I am not working, I love to walk on the beach or sit by the pool. If I am not working or enjoying the outdoors, you can find me at the beautiful bar at The Bluffton Room, enjoying their delicious salmon and kale salad or sipping a yummy specialty margarita at Farm!

Affordable Health Care and the AHC MedSpa Primary Care and Aesthetics 150 State St. Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 757-5559 affordablehealthcarebluffton.com

What advice would you give someone who just started their career?

Stay focused and driven. Don’t allow the challenges of healthcare to deter your drive to care for others.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of medicine?

I love anything to do with water. It’s one of the reasons I love where I live. Biking, traveling, listening to music, and spending time with my family are some ways I pass time when I’m not working.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time?

Between work, two kids, and two dogs, I’m not sure I have free time, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What skill or craft would you like to master?

I would love to sharpen my skills at cooking. Our diet is so important to our overall health, but it’s often challenging to know what’s best for our bodies.

Favorite local restaurants: Pour Richards and Sage Room.

Michael S. Porrazzo, M.D.

What is your specialty?

I am a radiation oncologist. Together with surgery and medical oncology, radiation oncology plays an important role in the management of many types of tumors. I evaluate patients who have been diagnosed with cancer to determine whether they could benefit from radiation treatment. If appropriate, I prescribe and help design a treatment plan, individualized to each patient’s needs. Along with the radiation team, I support the patient throughout their treatment course.

Why

did you choose to specialize in radiation

consultation. You know you have done your job well when the patient completes treatment and is sad that they have finished.

What is exciting about your field right now?

I feel very fortunate to be part of the New River Cancer Center in Okatie, one of only a few cancer centers in the country to have the Halcyon™ Radiation Therapy System. This state-of-the-art technology delivers precision radiation treatment in a manner that is both safe and comfortable for the patient.

What advice would you give someone who just started their career in medicine?

Compassion, compassion, compassion.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of medicine?

oncology?

Radiation oncology allows me to experience several aspects of medical care. There is a surgical—or procedural—aspect of care, as well as general medical management. And the technology is always advancing and improving, so there’s never a dull moment.

What inspires you in your practice?

Radiation oncology is a constantly evolving field, as we strive to deliver treatment that is precise, safe, effective, and convenient. We meet these goals through improvements in our treatment equipment and through research studies that test different treatment strategies to provide the most effective and safest outcomes for our patients.

What is one aspect of the job that you find rewarding?

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of being a radiation oncologist is meeting the patient at their time of need, providing emotional support, and winning their trust. Often patients are apprehensive or nervous when they first come in for

I have an extensive model car collection. These are die-cast models manufactured in Great Britain in the 1960s. While some are in original condition, others have been reconditioned to their original glory.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time?

When I have the time, I like to go on long nature walks with my two rescue dogs.

What skill or craft would you like to master?

I’d like to become a chef who specializes in gluten-free cooking.

Beaufort Memorial New River Cancer Center

Okatie Medical Pavilion, Suite 130 122 Okatie Center Blvd. North, Okatie, SC 29909 (843) 273-7980

BEAUFORT MEMORIAL NEW RIVER CANCER CENTER

Dr. Frederick Weniger

What is your specialty? Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Why did you become a physician?

When I finally had to choose between investment banking, aviation, and medicine, I was encouraged to think about how I could help people the most. It was clear to me that my aptitude in science was a gift that would more uniquely help people in medicine than in any other profession.

What inspires you in your practice?

I am driven by the challenges of asking, “How can we do that better?” or “How can we do that well more consistently?” In contrast, I get frustrated by excuses because they stand in the way of improvement.

What is one aspect of the job that you find rewarding?

I get to be Santa every day, but on the occasions that someone is so happy with their result that they hug me or are even in tears, I can affirm that I made the right choice and that I am doing the right thing with my talents.

What is exciting about your field right now?

Over the next few decades, advances in biomaterials, tissue engineering, and even 3-D printing are going to make reconstructive surgeries more predictable and easier for patients.

What advice would you give someone who just started their career?

Begin with the end in mind. Think about what you want your practice to look like and then what you need to do now to get it there. Then there’s the hard part: patience.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of medicine?

I love fishing—particularly fly fishing. I also love traveling, so you can’t beat “destination fly fishing” such as in the Bahamas or Montana!

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time?

Lately, I use short bits of free time to practice Spanish on my Duolingo app. I also like to do a little (nonfiction) reading to learn about different interests, such as comparative religions, psychology topics, or business management.

What skill or craft would you like to master? Just one? I would like to be better at flying, fly fishing, and cooking.

Favorite local restaurant: Chez Georges is always special.

Teri N. Moak, MD, MS

What is your specialty? Aesthetic/Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Why did you become a physician?

Growing up, I always had a passion for the arts and science. I am a musician (I play piano and guitar), and I also love to draw and paint. In school, mathematics and science fascinated me. I loved how one discipline was used to explain the other, and it always seemed like there was more to learn (I am a lifelong nerd)! I also loved working with my hands; I was constantly helping my dad with household projects, building cabinets, laying tile, etc. When I was in college, deciding my future career path, I knew I wanted my life’s work to be meaningful, impacting other people in a positive way. I wanted to inspire others to be the healthiest, happiest versions of themselves, facing the world with

confidence. I also wanted to incorporate my passions for the arts and science into my career. I had always wanted to be a surgeon, but, initially, I chose the career of physical therapy, which was a very rewarding job. I worked with amazing people experiencing incredible challenges. However, ultimately, I could not ignore my continued desire to work with my hands in surgery. I ultimately chose plastic surgery, as it incorporated all my passions from early childhood and also gave me an opportunity to help others feel more confident.

What inspires you in your practice?

My desire to help others see their innate beauty is what drives me. Though my actual practice centers around addressing physical concerns or specific areas that affect someone’s self-confidence, my hope is that, through these interactions, I can remind every patient I see that they are beautiful as they are. Ultimately, helping someone else feel more confident is the thing that makes me the happiest.

What is one aspect of the job that you find rewarding?

The main aspect of my job that I find rewarding is simply getting to know my patients and forming meaningful relationships with them as I help them through their health care journey.

What is exciting about your field right now?

Plastic surgery is an ever-evolving field. It is founded on the principles of creativity and “thinking outside the box.” Physicians in this field are constantly finding new ways to help restore a patient’s form and function—whether it be related to reconstructive or aesthetic work. I suppose I find my field to always be exciting and innovative!

What advice would you give someone who just started their career?

Follow your dreams. My early career journey was heavily influenced by those who encouraged me to choose a different career path. Though I explored other career options, I ultimately came full circle to my initial dreams of being a surgeon. It took a great deal of hard work, resilience, and perseverance, but it has led me to an incredible position in life, where I have the opportunity to fulfill my own passions and make a difference in the lives of others. I believe that career happiness lies in doing just that: pursuing your passion or dream in a way that has a positive impact outside of you.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of medicine?

I love to exercise—walking/jogging, yoga, weightlifting. I paint and draw. I play piano and (sometimes) guitar. Mostly, I love a great meal and glass of wine, spending quality time with friends and family.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time?

I’m not sure I have 30 minutes of free time! Ha ha! If I have a minute of downtime, I pick up the phone to call my family or friends I don’t get to see often.

What skill or craft would you like to master?

I’d like to learn the cello! Otherwise, I just want to be the best surgeon I can possibly be, which is a process that never stops!

Favorite local restaurants: The Pearl and The Bluffton Room are places I frequent.

Weniger and Associates Plastic Surgery

350 Fording Island Road, Suite 200 Bluffton, SC 29910

(837) 757-0213

Thomas P. Lenns, M.D.

THOMAS P. LENNS, LLC ~ THE CONCIERGE CHOICE

What is your specialty and where did you study medicine?

Internal medicine. I am board certified in this specialty, seeing adults starting at age 18. I attended medical school at Drexel Medical University in Philadelphia. After medical school

I completed my Internal Medicine Residency at Temple University and also served as the Chief of Internal Medicine at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Why did you choose a membership model for your practice?

I chose membership model for my practice in 2017. I had practiced

standard internal medicine primary care on Hilton Head from 1989 to 2017. By then, I had too many patients and not enough time to spend with them to be completely thorough. As a “detective” of the human body, I need time to think, ponder, and discuss the patient with specialists to discover what it is that ails the patient. In the membership model, or concierge medicine, the doctor has far fewer patients, thus adequate time to arrive at a diagnosis and treatment plan.

How does the patient benefit from a membership model practice? The patient benefits from a

membership model for all the reasons I just described regarding why it’s a good model for the doctor. The patient appointments are long enough to allow the patient to have their issues addressed. The availability of urgent appointments, such as same day or the next day is the norm, so patients no longer have to wait a week or more to see their doctor.

How has the medical field evolved throughout your career?

I believe the two most significant strides in my career have been in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and cancer. Thirty years ago, people died from heart problems or cancer in their fifties and sixties. Now, people with those same conditions are being cured and living to a ripe old age.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of medicine?

I’ve been a lifetime golfer. My father was quite a good player, so I started young. I got hooked when I got my first hole-in-one- at age 14. And, I must say, I’ve had five more since. Now, my newest hobby with my wife Carol is spending time with our grandchildren.

If you were not a physician, what would you be?

I would be a play-by-play sports broadcaster or a DJ on a smooth jazz radio station. All my fans tell me I have the voice!

What was the last movie you saw?

Elvis. The acting was fantastic, but I left the theater saddened. Such a fabulous God-given talent, taken down by addiction. Yet no one in his circle stopped him from the death spiral. Lesson learned. If we have a loved one or a close friend suffering from addiction, we must not remain silent; we must do whatever it takes to save a life.

Dr. Thomas P. Lenns, LLC

89 Main Street

Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

(843) 681-5205 www.drlenns.com

DR.

Nationally Recognized

We all want access to Grade A healthcare. We know that achieving an “A” means a commitment to pursuing and achieving the best, which is especially important when you’re looking for medical services and care. And the best news: It’s right in our backyard.

Beaufort Memorial Hospital was recently named a Top General Hospital nationally by The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization that is widely acknowledged as one of the toughest standard-setters for health care safety and quality. BMH is one of only three hospitals in South Carolina to earn the distinction.

The Leapfrog Top Hospital award is widely acknowledged as one of the most competitive awards American hospitals can receive. Granted to a select group of hospitals who have earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade, only 5% of the nation’s hospitals were recognized as “Top” this year.

“To be recognized among the nation’s top five percent of hospitals for high quality and safe care is an honor, and our entire staff deserves the thanks and congratulations,” said Beaufort Memorial president and CEO, Russell Baxley. “This type of recognition can only be achieved with a hospital-wide commitment to safety, involving everyone from our housekeeping and food services staffs to the nurses, doctors, and technicians on our medical team. Their hard work and vigilance to keep patients, visitors and each other safe is central to the values we hold as an organization. I am proud to work alongside this amazing team.”

Photo by Paul Nurnberg

Maternity and orthopedic care were among the top patient care areas for which Beaufort Memorial received recognition.

“The Birthing Center team’s consistent focus on and great pride in providing the best care to every mother and newborn is in part why Beaufort Memorial is being recognized,” said Dr. Gregory A. Miller, a board-certified OBGYN who delivers hundreds of babies at Beaufort Memorial each year. “We’re minimizing the need for cesarean deliveries and all the risks they pose to mother and child. Potential health concerns for new mothers are actively addressed. And our highly skilled team of nurses and pediatricians in the Level 2 nursery screen and treat babies for conditions before they result in harm, ensuring both mother and baby are delivered home safely.”

The quality of patient care across many areas of hospital performance is considered in establishing the qualifications for the award, including infection rates, practices for safer surgery, maternity care, and the hospital’s capacity to prevent medication errors.

“When compared to the rest of the nation, our team has a level of proficiency with all the aspects of patient care that are essential to a successful surgery,” said Dr. Edward Blocker, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and chair of orthopedics at Beaufort Memorial. “What that means for joint replacement patients is better outcomes and a shorter length of stay. It also means we see fewer complications and readmissions after surgery.”

For the last 10 years, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade has assigned letter grades to hospitals throughout the United States, based on a hospital’s ability to prevent medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent, and freely available to the public. Hospital Safety Grade results are based on more than 30 national performance measures and are updated each fall and spring. The most recent Hospital Safety Grades can be found at hospitalsafetygrade.org.

“We are honored to recognize Beaufort Memorial as a Top Hospital this year,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “Beaufort Memorial Hospital has demonstrated that they truly put patients first. We congratulate the board, staff, and clinicians whose efforts made this honor possible.”

Beaufort Memorial has been advancing hospital-wide patient safety efforts for many years, the results of which have garnered the organization state and national recognition. Currently, Beaufort Memorial is one of only three South Carolina hospitals with advanced certification for hip and knee replacement from The Joint Commission, the accrediting body for all hospitals in the nation.

This focus on safety continues to be especially important as the hospital embarks on a multi-million-dollar renovation and expansion of its Surgical Pavilion in Beaufort. The project will include the addition of two state-of-the-art surgical suites to accommodate the growing demand for advanced procedures, enlarge existing suites to optimize the surgical process, and attract top physicians.

“The caliber of staff at Beaufort Memorial Hospital is why we’ve been ranked in the top 5% across the nation for quality and safety,” Baxley said. “Everyone understands how important it is to provide safe, quality care to every one of our patients, and we allow safety to inform every intervention that occurs in our hospital.”

To learn more about Beaufort Memorial services and safety efforts, visit BeaufortMemorial.org.

Beaufort Memorial President & CEO Russell Baxley (left) joined Corporate Director of Quality/ Patient Safety Officer Ashley Hildreth; Patient Safety & Quality Specialist Allison Hmurciak; Vice President of Quality, Risk & Patient Safety Shawna Doran; Chief Nursing Officer Karen Carroll; and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kurt Gambla at last month's Top Hospital awards ceremony. Only 5% of the hospitals in the nation were recognized as Top Hospitals for quality and safety for 2022.

TO YOUR HEALTH

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN

in one of SunMed’s CBD-infused bath bombs or bath soaks, stress doesn’t stand a chance.

“We also offer tinctures and other products that help people with ADD or ADHD; help people sleep at night; and help with energy and focus during the day,” she said.

CBD isn’t just for the mind. It also helps with the aches and pains that might start creeping into your body with another year of age. Just ask the Association of Pickleball Professionals, who have officially endorsed SunMed’s lineup. “Our pain cream is great. We’ve won a few different awards for that,” Rollins said. Again, she knows from experience. Her chronic back pain was what led her to discover CBD in the first place, years ago.

It’s amazing what a difference just a few years can make. When Jessica Rollins opened Your CBD Store on Hilton Head Island five years ago, the plethora of health benefits that can be derived from this natural ingredient had just begun exploding into the mainstream. Long considered an esoteric branch of healthcare, more and more people have discovered how CBD can help with everything from inflammation and anxiety to skin conditions.

Now, five years later, CBD is just as mainstream as any other kind of medication. You can even find it in gas stations, although it’s important to note that there is a world of difference between what they offer and what you’ll find at Your CBD Store.

“Most of what you’ll find in gas stations is a synthetic CBD product,” Rollins said. “Everything we sell is natural and has been rigorously tested. We know everything about every product we can sell.”

That depth of knowledge is important. When you’re choosing the right CBD product for your particular

health needs, you want to know that what you’re buying is of the highest quality and that you’re getting expert advice. With the new year bringing with it fresh challenges to your health, there’s never been a better time to discover how CBD can help you.

One thing on everyone’s mind as the calendar rolls over is fighting off the expanded waistline that comes after the many feasts of the holiday season. Rollins not only proudly offers Trim by SunMed, with its appetite-busting hemp ingredients, but she can tell you firsthand that it simply works.

“I’ve lost almost 25 pounds and about 9 inches off my waist using Trim,” she said. “It has CBD as well as THC-V, which is a natural appetite suppressant, and turmeric to help with inflammation.”

Something else we’re all facing as we enter the new year is the traditional post-holiday anxiety. Your CBD Store has you covered there as well. “A lot of people will get anxious and stressed this time of year,” Rollins said. Few things relieve stress like a nice long break in the tub, and when you’re indulging

“CBD was the only thing I found that helped my back without a lot of side effects,” she said. A few years later, she would open her first location on Hilton Head Island and her second in Beaufort. And now, with a new year dawning, it’s the perfect place to start 2023 off right. 

To learn more, visit getsunmed. com or visit Your CBD Store at 1012 William Hilton Pkwy., #8 on Hilton Head Island.

Bluffton Pharmacy owner Rob Vaughn.

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY 2LIGHTS, 1STAND

WAYS YOU’RE GETTING HEALTHY

THIS YEAR

READY TO COMMIT TO YOUR HEALTH

THIS YEAR? BLUFFTON PHARMACY’S ROB VAUGHN HAS JUST WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR.

Okay. For real. This is the year. Last year you said you were going to start taking care of yourself, eating right, moving more and giving serious thought to your health. And if you’re like most of us, you made it until about March before those unhealthy habits started kicking back in.

The problem is, it’s hard to find everything you need to keep that healthy lifestyle going in one place. You get your supplements from one place, your medications from another and the knowledge to use them correctly from somewhere else (probably the internet, which as we all know is just chockful of misinformation).

If there is such a thing as a one-stop shop for your health needs, it has to be Bluffton Pharmacy. Since opening its doors 35 years ago, this hometown pharmacy has stayed on the leading edge of health, broadening its offerings from prescriptions to compounds to preventatives.

Today, under the leadership of Rob Vaughn, Bluffton Pharmacy is so much more than just a drugstore. It’s the essential first step in

your road to better health this year. We asked Vaughn to give us his top five ways to improve your health this year:

Discover the merits of CBD. “CBD has come a long way! Aside from what you’d normally expect from a CBD product and its natural painrelieving qualities, there are many products that help in a variety of ways,” Vaughn said. On the shelves at Bluffton Pharmacy, you’ll find an array of CBD offerings that run the gamut—ones infused with melatonin to help get your sleep pattern back on track; with turmeric to help joints recover after that round of golf, tennis or pickleball; or with menthol to soothe deep-muscle pain. We also have a very educated staff that can provide answers to all of your questions about CBD.”

New in town? We have just the thing for those allergies.

In case you haven’t heard, the Lowcountry has picked up quite a few neighbors in the past few years. With people flocking to our area from the snowy climes of the Northeast and Midwest, our new arrivals may be having a difficult time adjusting to that pollen-dusted air. Fortunately, that pollen brings bees. And those bees produce powerful honey.

“One of the best and most natural ways to help get your body acclimated to a new environment is with local honey,” Vaughn said, pointing to the array of local goods on the shelf. “Just a teaspoonful every day can go a long way to help build up your immune system to regional allergens.”

Take your vitamins. Proper nutrition needs to be the cornerstone of any New Year’s resolution to better your health. Not only is Bluffton Pharmacy stocked with an extraordinary selection of vitamins and supplements, but they have ensured that only the best reach their customers.

“Good vitamins and supplements are key to making sure you’re giving your body everything

“One of the best and most natural ways to help get your body acclimated to a new environment is with local honey.”

Good vitamins and supplements are key to making sure you’re giving your body everything it needs to function at its best.

it needs to function at its best. You truly get what you pay for when it comes to vitamins and supplements, so it’s important to know you’re getting a good product,” Vaughn said. “At Bluffton Pharmacy, we highlight Nature’s Truth because they are one of the few companies that make their own products and don’t farm them out to the lowest bidders.”

Truly customized medicine. Even in the pharmaceutical world, where there is seemingly a pill or medication for every ailment, there is no one-size-fits-all. The medication that works wonders for one person might accomplish little more than a sugar pill for others, or worse, carry serious side effects. So, ensuring your medications are truly customized to your needs is paramount.

“At Bluffton Pharmacy, we have the capability to create custom compounded prescription medication that is tailored to the individual based on data received from the prescribing physician,” Vaughn said. “Customizing prescriptions to the individual ensures that they are getting exactly what they need, specifically for them. This ability allows us to help you recover more quickly, perform better, and feel better faster.”

Educate yourself. Before you can take care of the body, you must make sure the mind knows what it’s doing.

“If you want to stay healthy in the new year, understanding your health and medication is important. We at Bluffton Pharmacy make it a point to be available to discuss concerns or questions surrounding your health and medicine. Yes, even if you don’t fill your prescriptions with us, we encourage you to call if you have a concern or question. We have a knowledgeable staff and have the ability to give you the attention you need.”

And this is something that, above all else, sets Bluffton Pharmacy apart. The big chain pharmacies simply don’t have the time to answer your vital questions, much less the kind of deep knowledge that Bluffton Pharmacy’s staff has amassed over the years. If you’re serious about making this year the year that you finally put your health first, they should be your first stop. Put simply, Vaughn said, “We’re here to help.” 

Stop by Bluffton Pharmacy at 167 Bluffton Rd B, call (843) 757-4999 or visit blufftonpharmacy.com and start your healthy new year off right.

The LAVA 24 Team (Bottom left to right): Nate Dixon with Duke, Sammi Burns with Harper, AJ Staley, Julie Jilly with Billie (Back row left to right): Jolie Blohm, Jake Wittmer, Lluvia Arcos, Olivia Terrazas Stephenie Oates, Amy Huggins, and Carla Yesika

LAVA

HEATS UP FOR 2023

THE ISLAND’S FAVORITE FITNESS EXPERIENCE IS RAMPING UP FOR A FULL-FLEDGED ASSAULT ON YOUR SPARE TIRE IN THE NEW YEAR.

You want to know why your New Year’s resolution failed last year? We mean, why it really failed? It wasn’t because you didn’t want to get healthier; you certainly did. And it wasn’t because you didn’t have enough focus, ambition or determination. You, firecracker that you are, had plenty of all three. It’s because you got bored. It’s because the rote repetition of doing a few miles on the treadmill wears thin after a while. What you need is a little variety in your workout. You need to be able to walk into one place, one gym, and discover something entirely new to occupy your mind while you work on your body. What you need is a place like LAVA 24 Fitness. With the roll out of a slew of new programs, this long-time favorite local gym is transforming itself into a multi-faceted fat-burning experience.

“LAVA is one of the best gyms I’ve ever been a member at! Everyone knows my name, the instructors, nutritionists and staff are just awesome and very knowledgeable! The classes are top notch and I love the InBody machine check-in. Everyone is always smiling, but also pushing you to your limit so that you can reach your goals!! I just moved back home to HHI from NYC, and LAVA stands up with some of the best I’ve experienced in NYC, for sure!”

“We’re really trying to do everything under one roof,” said owner Nate Dixon. “We’ve been here for more than 20 years, and I’m excited to be going into a new field, helping people live a healthier life with the addition of PowerPlant Lifestyle education within our gym and online.”

Of course, if you’re already a member, you know that LAVA provides the kind of gym that never gets boring—16,000 square feet of top-of-the-line machines that work every muscle from head to toe, 24-hour access, and professionals on hand to guide your journey. But now, there’s even more to keep you coming back and on the right track toward your fitness goals.

Start with their new Cycle Aloha program, a stadium-design with three rows of premium Life Fitness cycles—virtually connected—offering a team-building experience! “We renovated during the pandemic so we could improve our spinning program; Cycle Aloha is an awesome experience, and our members are loving it!” Dixon said. Spin class that dares to be fun. “It has all the travel, adventure and games in our virtual class, plus classes with live instructors combined with virtual experiences.”

“An amazing gym with an amazing staff! So energetic and always willing to answer any questions members may have! They make sure you are comfortable and feel welcomed and pumped to workout!! Would recommend this gym to anyone who is looking for an awesome place to workout!!”

Also new in January is the expansion of the gym (in the same building) in a freshly renovated space dedicated to comfort and serenity: LAVA Yoga. Regular classes throughout the day will run the gamut from warm to hot yoga, as well as barre classes and a few dance aerobics classes, including Zumba! And don’t worry if you can’t make it to your favorite class. “In between live classes, we’ll have virtual classes,” Dixon said. “We have hundreds of classes from some of the best instructors across the country, plus we will also be providing virtual classes from LAVA through a live platform on our very own PowerPlant Coaching App!”

Rounding out the new and exciting offerings at LAVA 24 is a brand-new indoor practice field

space, perfect for high intensity interval training (HIIT). Offering a team training atmosphere alongside serious equipment from Skill Mills to inclined rowers to assisted dips and pullups, plus the whole range of kettle bells, weights and heavy ropes, this is the safe space for those who are looking to not just burn fat but enhance performance. “We’ve developed a setup that is really awesome, with state-of-the-art equipment, dedicated instructors and stations for the whole HIIT experience,” Dixon said.

A serial entrepreneur, Dixon has been growing his business at LAVA 24 Fitness since the beginning, always looking for the next great offering for members. And with his next step, he’s creating a business that will not only augment the offerings at LAVA 24 but will bring the gym’s trademark high-energy motivation to the entire world.

Called Power Plant Coaching, this online platform will offer a virtual fitness experience that will build on the gym’s already robust offering of streaming classes with new classes and courses in lifestyle medicine. “It’s an online company with a dual focus. One is the fitness division that will offer live classes as well as a database of on-demand classes. The second is nutrition education on transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle, which is great for reversing illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and autoimmune diseases,” Dixon said.

Earlier this year, Dr. Nate Dixon sold his physical therapy company so that he could pursue his passion to help people reverse diseases through fitness and nutrition education. He recently passed the board exam to become a certified Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

“I loved being a physical therapist, but helping people truly become healthy through both fitness and nutrition education has really become my new passion behind adding this whole new company.” Lifestyle Medicine has six pillars: whole-food, plant-based eating, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress

management, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connections. The PowerPlant Coaching App will be focused on the first two pillars—launching online in January.

Whether you opt to visit the gym or stay home and let the gym come to you, LAVA 24 Fitness is coming into this new year with an entirely new way to get healthy and stay healthy. As you begin your journey toward slimming down, shaping up, and eating better in 2023, don’t make this just another year where you give up on yourself out of boredom.

Make this the year you do fitness right. Stop by LAVA 24 Fitness at 811 William Hilton Parkway, call (843) 842-3225, or visit Lava24.com or PowerPlant.coach.

The Clay of the Land

Morning, afternoon, and night classes provide an opportunity for everyone to get involved. For experienced potters, studio memberships are available. The monthly family nights offer parents a great way to bond over art, and summer camps are ideal for young potters looking to experience a variety of clay projects.

“We have a nice family atmosphere in here,” Ginny said. “We try to keep it casual, so people don’t feel intimidated. We’ve worked hard to be inviting and make sure people have a fun time in the studio.”

There’s a certain timeless joy that comes with creation, with using your own two hands to render raw materials into a stunning work of art. It’s an impulse that has driven the artistic for millennia, stretching back to the dawn of mankind.

Today, that art form feels even more urgent. In a digital meta world, there’s something immensely satisfying about getting your hands dirty and molding a lump of clay until you’ve unleashed something amazing into the world.

“It’s a medium that a lot of people are intrigued by,” said Ginny Taylor, owner of Hilton Head Pottery with her husband Mark. Ginny first hung her shingle 10 years ago as Idea Studio, with classes on everything from acrylics and watercolor to stained glass. As the years went on, it became clear that their various classes revolving around pottery were far and away the most popular. Thus, Hilton Head Pottery was born. “It’s a nice niche for us,” Ginny said. “There’s not another local pottery studio that offers the variety of classes we do.”

From absolute beginners coming to try their hand at pottery for the first time, to seasoned potters who have found a studio to engage in their craft and enjoy the company of fellow artists, there is always something going on here. Classes run the gamut from intro to clay, to hand-building, glazing, and, of course, the potter’s wheel.

And after a few classes, who knows? You might find that you have the skills to join the haven of potters that call the studio home. “It creates a great community within the studio because everybody has a place to come and socialize but also encourage each other to share creativity. It’s a wellrounded atmosphere which is a lot of fun,” Ginny said.

And speaking of fun, the open-wheel nights, held every Thursday and Friday at Hilton Head Pottery, have proven to be one of the island’s hottest new nights out. For a one-time fee, you and/or your friends can come out and spend an evening throwing clay and enjoying the camaraderie of exploring your creative self. And of course, you’ll want to bring along a bottle of wine that pairs well with a good time.

“Open Wheel is more of a fun night out than a structured class,” Mark said. “We’ll have one of our potters on hand to guide you and answer questions, but more than anything, it’s a chance to come in, have some fun, and maybe create something you can keep.”



Hilton Head Pottery is located at 21 Mathews Drive, Suite 2 in Sutlers Square. Call them at (843) 342-5439 or visit hiltonheadpottery.com.

Article by Barry Kaufman

Horsehair Pottery by Mark A. Taylor

The French Bakery is a place where savoring every bite is encouraged.

Article By Barry Kaufman Photography by 2Lights, 1Stand

letting

it RISE

MUCH LIKE A MOUTHWATERING PASTRY AT THE FRENCH BAKERY, THE KEY INGREDIENT IN EVERYTHING IS TIME.

You probably don’t even realize how much of your day is spent in a rush. Scheduled down to the minute, with appointments stacked on appointments, you aren’t even aware that somewhere in the back of your mind is a ticking clock. Hurry up, it tells you. Don’t dawdle, or you’ll be late for the next thing.

Even in a place as renowned for its unhurried atmosphere, people in the “Slowcountry” don’t take their foot off the gas. But they should. And fortunately, there’s one place that demands to be enjoyed at its own pace.

Step into The French Bakery, and you can almost feel the wristwatch sliding off your arm. This is not a place for wolfing down a meal like some kind of animal; this is a place for savoring every bite. This is your opportunity to bask in the interplay of sweet and savory flavors as they dance on your tongue. Here, conversations last as long as they need to. Why would you ever want to rush through an experience like this?

Crab cake Benedict with arugula and Hollandaise

A delectable seafood crepe with scallops.

Start your day with a cappuccino and an array of delicious danishes.

“That was our whole mission, from the day we first opened. We want this to be the place you turn all of that off and relax,” said owner Marek Belka. He really is committed to it; at one point he toyed with the notion of collecting cellphones as soon you walked in the door. “It’s very European to just shut down everything else except for that experience of enjoying a meal with someone.”

If it were only about quieting that little voice telling you to hurry up, the experience at The French Bakery would be worth it. But that’s a small part of the appeal. Anyone who has ever breathed deeply the aroma of a freshly baked cappuccino muffin, felt the delicate crumble of a pastry as they bite in, or delighted their senses with the exquisitely fluffy quiche can tell you that the food is nothing short of divine. It’s the kind of food that begs you to slow down and savor it. A meal here is enjoyed just as much in the tasting as

it is later when it lingers in the memory of your tastebuds.

“It’s quality. People come back for that,” said Michelle Meissen, Belka’s fiancée, who has joined him in running the restaurant. “Before I met Marek, before I started here, I didn’t know that everything was fresh. Everything is made in house—the quiche, the bread, everything.”

That quality is what Meissen attributes The French Bakery’s extraordinary staying power to. One of the founding storefronts at Shelter Cove Towne Centre, the bakery

The French Bakery’s own “Carb Fairy”

The French Bakery’s dedication to freshness is legendary. Every morning, while the rest of us are still in bed, owner Marek Belka and his staff are up and in the kitchen, creating the day’s assortment of pastries, muffins, breads and cakes.

But fresh isn’t forever. When The French Bakery closes for the day, its unsold product is still delectably tasty but doesn’t live up to Belka’s exacting standards. So, what’s to be done with these leftover culinary artworks?

“I started a program where we can donate it back to the community,” Michelle Meissen said. Inside the bakery, she’s helping run the place. But once she’s out in the community giving away delicious baked goods to worthy organizations, you can just call her the “Carb Fairy.”

“I tell people, ‘You’ve been sweetened,’” she said with a laugh. “I’ve been going out every day, giving back, whether it’s to the schools, or to volunteers at places like The Boys & Girls Club or Hilton Head Humane. It’s been very rewarding.”

Isn’t that sweet?

Owner Marek Belka

Michelle Meissen

Thomas Belka

Letting it RISE

will celebrate 10 years in its current location this year. And that’s not the only thing they’re celebrating. What started out as simply trying to separate the takeout and dining areas has evolved into plans for a VIP lounge at the top of The French Bakery.

“It’s not going to be big, but that’s part of the appeal. Just a few small seating areas, maybe a firepit; we’re still working out the details, but it’s going to be a very chill spot,” Meissen said. “And, of course, it’s going to take advantage of the scenic views we have.”

Located as it is on the water’s edge at Shelter Cove Towne Centre, The French Bakery commands some of the most stunning scenery on the island. From here, you can take in the whole of Broad Creek in a stunning panorama of water and sky. And that’s just from ground level. Atop the building in a VIP lounge, the view will take your breath away.

“The sunsets here are just gorgeous, so this will really give us a chance to capture that,” Belka said. “And I don’t think there’s going to be a better spot on the island to watch the Shelter Cove fireworks in the summer.”

Belka is currently working with Pearce Scott Architects on the upstairs VIP lounge, so stay tuned for details. True, you may get a little impatient waiting for updates, but we have just the remedy for that. Grab a seat at The French Bakery, take that first sip of velvety black espresso, and enjoy a meal that puts a premium on taste over haste. 

The French Bakery is located at 28 Shelter Cove Ln. Call (843) 342-5420 or follow them on Facebook.

ARTICLE BY CHERYL RICER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY J.BAGANZ

FOREST BEACH

Forest Beach is one of Hilton Head Island’s most established and most unique residential neighborhoods, comprised of two main areas: North Forest Beach and South Forest Beach. Many locals refer to Forest Beach as “Downtown Hilton Head,” because of the dozens of specialty shops (more than 100), restaurants, boutiques, and bars, many of which have been in business for years and years. Forest Beach acts as a hub for tourists and residents alike. There’s always something fun and exciting to do in this ocean community which also includes Coligny Beach and Coligny Plaza.

South Forest Beach includes the area between Coligny and Sea Pines Resort’s Ocean Gate, while North Forest Beach includes the area between Coligny and Shipyard’s Sonesta Resort. Homes located in both the North and South Forest Beach areas are within 600 yards of the Atlantic Ocean. Public beach access at the Coligny Beach traffic circle draws thousands of people to the miles of sandy shoreline annually. Unlike many of the island’s communities, Forest Beach is open to the public.

“The Forest Beach area is all about experience to me,” said Leslie Richardson, who along with her husband JR, owns Coligny Plaza. “Forest Beach takes care of its own. They support their neighbors, and they hold their community dear. Forest Beach is home to several churches; it is easy to find a church family in our neighborhood. I also love that the Coligny Circle is the destination from when you cross the bridge from the mainland to the island. It is the pot of gold at the base of a rainbow. The Coligny Circle moves you around giant oak trees and pine trees and then opens to the beach.”

Though Forest Beach has many homes built in the 1950s, many have been extensively renovated or torn down and rebuilt over the years, making for a wide variety of abodes and accommodations. From multi-million-dollar beachfront residences to ranch-style one-story single-family homes, to hotels, timeshares and condominiums, there is something for everyone in Forest Beach. The Forest Beach Property Owners Association provides an optional membership for its property owners.

“Forest Beach has a hassle-free feel. I’m a laid-back beach person who loves to wind surf and kite board. I grew my business from Forest Beach. It has a distinct culture that still feels like Hilton Head did 45 years ago.”

Mike Overton, owner of Outside Hilton Head, moved to the island in 1979 while he was still in college and started his company. That summer, he stayed with friends in a place on North Forest Beach and essentially never left the neighborhood. After visiting a few more summers, upon graduation, he moved here full time. In 1991, he bought an oceanfront home on South Forest Beach, renovated it, and has lived there ever since.

“I love that there is such a relaxed atmosphere in Forest Beach, unlike many gated communities that have more rules and regulations than they do people,” Overton said. “Forest Beach has a hassle-free feel. I’m a laid-back beach person who loves to wind surf and kite board. I grew my business from Forest Beach. It has a distinct culture that still feels like Hilton Head did 45 years ago. And my neighbors are great.”

A breathtaking aerial view of South Forest Beach.

A delightfully kitschy home available for rent on North Forest Beach.

Coligny Beach

People come from near and far to cool off at the island’s award-winning Coligny Beach, the island’s most popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. Coligny Beach features showers, bathrooms, changing room facilities, as well as a water fountain area for kids. The beach is in the heart of Hilton Head Island and directly across the street from Coligny Plaza, where free and ample parking adds to the area’s appeal.

“South Forest Beach is one of the few spots on the island where the sand consistently grows,” Overton said. “Because of the geology and the movement of the elements, our beach constantly grows more dunes every year unless there is a major storm. Without exception, we enjoy less erosion and more dunes than other parts of the island.”

Coligny Plaza

Forest Beach’s convenience to everything is an understatement. All paths lead to Coligny. The first shopping center on the island, Coligny Plaza shopping center offers a cinema, clothing stores, souvenir shops, restaurants, taverns, the Piggly Wiggly grocery store, and seasonal outdoor live entertainment for both children and adults.

Sandy and Bill Toomer have lived in Forest Beach for 40 years and own two businesses in Coligny Plaza: Mingles, a specialty gift shop, and Billy’s Beach Club, a place where you can find anything and everything for the beach, including bikes, surf boards, and paddle boards.

“We feel so blessed to live and work in an area where there are permanent residents and renters,” Sandy said. “We get the best of both worlds. There is no other place like Forest Beach

Locals enjoy a cocktail at the world-famous Tiki Hut.

The “Love You” photo op wall at Coligny’s Piggly Wiggly.

and Coligny. The walkability to anything and everything is enviable. You can’t get this anywhere else on the island.”

When you enter Coligny Plaza, the heart of the Forest Beach Neighborhood, the vibe changes. “Shopkeepers stop what they are doing when you walk in their shop and smile at you,” Leslie said. “They might ask you a question or two about you personally or the day you are having. Conversations and community are abundant in Coligny. It is a feeling that wraps you up like a warm welcome. Many of the shopkeepers live in the Forest Beach area. It is a nice lifestyle to walk to work and visit with your neighbors over a cup of coffee on the way.”

If want to enjoy the experience, take an afternoon, a morning, or lunchtime visit to Coligny and simply walk through all the shops. “I think people would be surprised at the variety of goods that are available,”

Leslie said. “In a way, Forest Beach is old fashioned—a place where the pace is slow. You can actually walk in a store and have a visit while you purchase something you need. And it’s a place where repeat customers become like family.”

Lowcountry Celebration Park

Along with the beach and shopping fun, the newest addition to Forest Beach and the island’s park system is Lowcountry Celebration Park. Situated on a 10-acre site off Pope Avenue, this free, fabulous, family-friendly park provides all kinds of recreational activities, amenities,

Lowcountry Celebration Park is the newest hub for island festivals, an afternoon on the Adventure Playground or a live concert in the pavilion.

The Forest Beach neighborhood is eclectic – with everything from quaint cottages built in the 70s to oceanfront mansions built last week.

NEIGHBORHOOD

FOREST BEACH

and scenic views for families and individuals, organizations, and community groups. Celebration Park is situated across the street from both Coligny Beach and Coligny Plaza. While Coligny provides direct access to the beach, the new Lowcountry Celebration features attractions designed to help park visitors engage in play, discover the island’s environment and be part of cultural festivities.

Lowcountry Celebration Park includes The Adventure Playground, named after the ship Captain William Hilton was on when he discovered Hilton Head Island. It features a reimagined design of the ship, playground, wading pool and more. There is an open pavilion and lawn for events, such as the Hilton Head Wine and Food Festival, Wingfest, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Outdoor Pops Concerts, the Party in the Park weekly concert, and more. Also popular with residents and tourists alike are the perimeter walk, subtly lit for evening strolls around the park; the Setting Sun sculpture; two fitness stations; and a playground for children.

Equally enticing for the kids is The Sandbox Children’s Museum at Lowcountry Celebration Park. This museum allows kids to play freely while discovering their surroundings and is an ideal place to let your little one lead the way. The primary goal at the Sandbox is to positively impact the lives of young children through age-appropriate play and inspire memorable moments for children and families in the process. The childfriendly environment is as safe as it is fun—a place where messes are considered evidence of creativity, where new friends await, and where exploring new things is super fun.

Zach Patterson, local Realtor, asserts that the addition of the Lowcountry Celebration Park provided the missing piece to Forest Beach.

“Forest Beach is a beautiful area offering so many walkable amenities,” Patterson said. “What draws me is the community feel and the park. Now we have a place for free concerts and seasonal events and festivals. Our community clubhouse is Celebration Park. Plus, Forest Beach is like its own little town. I get up in the morning, take a jog around the park and down to the beach. I can watch the sun rise before work or set afterwards. I can walk to Skillet’s for breakfast. Then I can go to the park and have my lunch. I can meet friends at Pool Bar Jim’s or the Frosty Frog for drinks after work. Then I can have dinner at Fish and ice cream at any number of shops. After dinner or on weekends, I can enjoy live music at a variety of spots, including the Tiki Hut or Big Bamboo. Nowhere else on the island gives you this kind of lifestyle. It’s truly downtown living but on the beach.”

While Forest Beach offers a laid-back, beachy, throwback vibe, it also equally offers a place for enthusiastic fun in or out of the sun. Eclectic, friendly, distinctive, and interesting, you’d be hard-pressed to find another place like it on Hilton Head Island. 

The Sandbox Children’s Museum inspires fun and creativity in the younger set.

STROLL:

The rear exterior of this luxurious seaside home in South Forest Beach serves as a vacation home to the owners, as well as a rental home for island visitors to enjoy. Find availability for Fourteen Juniper online at vacationcompany.com.

Article by Cheryl Ricer

Photography by 2Lights, 1Stand Renovation by Barbara Weir Martin, Hilton Head Island Renovations, LLC Interiors by Virginie Brochard, Brochard Designs

MODERN SEASIDE LUXURY IN FOREST BEACH

RENOVATION CAPTURES LIGHT, BRINGS THE OUTDOORS IN, AND OFFERS A WARM WELCOME

When this couple decided to buy a beachfront home, they were specific about what they wanted. Though their current residence is in Los Angeles, California, at the time they lived in Atlanta, Georgia. Married four years, each had visited Hilton Head Island separately but never together. They thought it would be wonderful to have a seaside property that would be a great place for their three children to enjoy growing up—a place that could double as an investment property when not being used personally, and for each other—a place to enjoy in retirement.

A lush garden atmosphere presides over the exterior of Fourteen Juniper and is accented by a beautiful pool oasis and ocean views.

The great room on the second level offers a serene gathering space, which opens to the spacious balcony with 30-foot multi-glide sliding glass doors.

The home sits at the end of a culde-sac, ensuring minimal traffic.

The lower level opens to the pool through floor to ceiling sliding doors, bringing the outdoors in.

They looked at a few places online and selected Hilton Head over other coastal communities due to the island’s beauty and the intent to preserve the natural environment over commercialization. Also attractive was the island’s vibrant area for retail, restaurants, the vast beaches, the views of the Atlantic, and the outdoor activities available. On top of that, they noted the industry and infrastructure surrounding short-term rentals, whereas other places they researched had more hotels and lacked the support that Hilton Head offers.

They contacted their Atlanta Realtor and disclosed their intent and requirements; that Realtor connected them

with Kim McElman, a local Realtor with Weichert Realtors Coastal Properties.

“We called Kim and told her we wanted a $2 million house on the water,” the couple said. “She didn’t tell us it was impossible. She simply sent us $4 million homes to consider and let us figure it out.” From there Kim started their education of real estate on Hilton Head Island.

They decided to look at a few homes over a weekend visit. After visiting seven or eight homes, they walked into a private listing offered by Realtor, Kelly Ruhlin,a property that instantly they knew was very special. Though it was clear to the couple that the 5,000 square foot, six bedroom,

for the quality of the homes they saw, the amenities, and all the people they met.

“What we found that differentiated Berkeley Hall is that things here are a little more exceptional and elevated,” Chris said, “and it offered us something completely different than what we had experienced before. We found some of the other communities to be awesome, but for us, Berkeley Hall was exactly right.”

One of the details that draw people to Berkeley Hall from all over the country is the low density of homes. “We are an intentionally smaller community,” said Adam Kushner, general manager and COO, Berkeley Hall. “This mindful planning provides a framework for people from all over the world to come together in a close-knit community that feels like family.”

This low density allows you to enjoy the scenic Lowcountry

location, while a myriad of private club activities keep the whole family engaged. While the landscape is plentiful, the homes and homesites are in limited supply. In fact, Berkeley Hall is the lowest density private golf community in the Southeast, with an average of 5.3 homesites per hole. With the ability to design your dream home, the community’s momentum and new home builds have welcomed a good number of new members ready to find their special place in the Lowcountry.

“Berkeley Hall has the core golf experience, meaning all homes are on the periphery of each course,” Reed said. “It contributes to a great golf experience because as soon as you step onto the first tee of either Tom Fazio-designed course, you never cross a road until you come off the eighteenth green. Playing here is more of a walk through a park instead of a ride through a neighborhood. It also benefits the homeowners’

One of many spacious bedrooms.

The décor in the home is simple and thoughtful, evoking calm.

The master bathroom has a spacious walk-in closet, large shower and soaking tub.

The kitchen offers all of the conveniences you would expect from a luxurious rental home, along with ocean views while you prepare dinner.

The South Carolina heart pine flooring creates movement, so the couple invited balance by utilizing neutrals and calming fabrics.

The mezzanine on the lower level adds interest and is a perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail or get lost in a book while having a view of the ocean.

Part of the designer’s mission was to ensure that every room offer special seating with a view of either the garden or ocean

“Instantly we were hit with spectacular natural light and a feel of space that was not present prior,” Martin said. “The upper floor was calling for a featured ceiling, so we chose tongue and groove in white with natural solid pine beams to not only match the new, natural heart pine flooring, but also to give this oceanfront home a feeling of coastal chic.”

Additionally, the couple updated all the lighting and hardware; replaced most of the furniture, including all the outdoor furniture; installed a completely new kitchen and bar, including all new gas appliances and a huge refrigerator to accommodate large families; installed an extra washer and dryer in the laundry room; installed a bunk room; upgraded new handicap accessible bathrooms and showers with no thresholds; and even completely moved the old staircase to open the view. Both the exterior and interior were painted.

The master suite has its own private deck and view, with new sliding glass doors that make the space bigger and wider. The master bathroom was completely gutted and now has a new tub, shower, vanity, and mirrors that offer a spa-like escape.

“We were not without obstacles as is the norm with renovating a home on the coast of Hilton Head Island,” Martin said, “yet these challenges are why renovating is so exciting and satisfying.”

Part of the challenge was installing all new mechanical elements and correcting the home’s infrastructure. Newly refurbished, the renovation should last 100 years.

To assist with the new interior design, the couple enlisted a trusted friend with whom they had previously worked. Virginie Brochard, of Brochard Designs, understood that the couple’s vision was to create a peaceful, Zen, feng shui and see to it that every room offered special seating with a view

to wake up to.

of either the garden or the ocean. In fact, more seating was added all over the home so that large gatherings and families would feel comfortable, while simultaneously providing a phenomenal outdoor view from every vantage point. Also, anyone working in the kitchen has a fantastic sight line to the ocean. The white color palette throughout the home creates a modern coastal aesthetic.

“Because the owners didn’t want the house to be ‘noisy,’ we painted the walls and the molding in every room the same color of white but used a different finish on each to draw the attention to the outdoors,” Brochard explained. “The couple used personal pieces of art as pops of ‘jewelry’ on the walls, each offering a special scene—mainly seascapes and skies— of how it feels to be on the island.”

The hardwood floor is patterned, creating movement, so the couple invited balance by utilizing neutrals and calming fabrics, including pillows, linens, and rugs. They also stripped away all the former home’s embellishments to minimize and create a cleaner, lighter feeling. The wood ceiling in the living area made the home warmer, balanced the proportions, and made each adjacent space make more sense.

The outdoor space at this home is one of its most unique elements, offering two separate spaces: the outdoor pool deck and a sanctuary conservancy in the woods with its own private walkway.

“We are at the end of the cul-de-sac, so no one else shares our beach walk,” the couple said. “All our spaces are completely private. We have a nice area before we get to the beach, where we can sit and enjoy the view and then another space with rocking chairs. So, if we’re here a few days, we have multiple options to relax. Then, when we get to our beach, it’s one of the biggest widest spots on the island. It never gets too crowded. If we want to eat out, Coast is less than a mile’s walk. Also, we can walk on the beach or ride bikes on the path to Coligny or go in the opposite direction to Sea Pines. We feel so safe here. Our location is ideal.”

Phase two of the renovation will feature an outdoor fireplace, living, and kitchen area. The couple loves their new beach home and their neighborhood on Forest Beach. They are anxious to share their home with their guests and hope they will love it, too. Fourteen Juniper is the kind of luxurious seaside abode you will want to visit year after year and continue to make memories. 

For more information or to book your next vacation rental, visit vacationcompany.com or call (843) 686-6100.

This bedroom suite offers wonderful rays of light with sweeping ocean views

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN

Sleep local

By now we’ve all heard the numerous reasons why it’s important to shop local. You’ve seen the signs about how patronizing your neighbors’ businesses helps a young girl attend ballet classes rather than helping some CEO obtain a third vacation home. But one part of that story that often gets lost is the way shopping local helps foster the American dream.

Born and raised in the Hilton Head area, Charles Taylor was like a lot of young college graduates, holding his business and entrepreneurship degree from USC in his hands and wondering what would come next. A job at one of the big chain mattress stores gave him his first hints of what his future might hold.

“I ended up running that location for the franchise owner and really enjoyed it,” he said “I did a lot on the management side of the business and really enjoyed that aspect of it. It’s always been something I’ve wanted to put my full weight into.”

The dream to open his own mattress store was there, but not the wherewithal or the experience. After spending a few years at that firm and then at a chain furniture store, he gained ample amounts of both. And they fueled his dream of being a part of the Lowcountry’s small business community.

“I feel like we have a lot of franchises and national chains, to the point where people ended up having to buy at a place where they couldn’t get the best pricing or the best service,” Taylor said. “I didn’t want to be beholden to someone else’s interests that might not coincide with our community.”

That dream would come true when Taylor opened May River Mattress Company, but like most dreams it was only fulfilled through hard

work. “It is incredibly difficult opening an independent store, particularly in the mattress industry,” he said, “I had a lot of contacts with manufacturers, and they were all very helpful, but it was definitely a different experience doing it on my own.”

But that hard work has paid off, as Taylor was able to create something in May River Mattress Company that defies the bigbox world of corporate mattress stores. It’s the same names you know—Beautyrest, Stearns & Foster, Serta, Sealy, Tempur-Pedic— along with some smaller manufacturers that offer a wider range of price points.

“I wanted to make sure I covered the gamut of brands and offered a one-stop shop, but I also wanted to be able to offer pricing from a modest budget all the way to top-of-the-line,” Taylor said.

His success in bringing together all these brands while keeping his small business bona fides is a testament to the indefatigable spirit of local business. When you shop here, you encourage more daring entrepreneurs like Taylor to follow their dreams. Not to mention getting an amazing mattress at a great price. That should give you all the reason you need to sleep easily, knowing you’ve helped a new local business.

May River Mattress Company is located at 1060 Fording Island Rd., Ste. B, Bluffton, between Starbucks and Honey Baked Ham. Call (843) 836-2337 or visit mayrivermattress.com.

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“I wanted to make sure I covered the gamut of Brands and offered a one-stop shop, But I also wanted to Be aBle to offer pricing from a modest Budget all the way to top-of-the-line.” - charles taylor

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

The Tide Rolls Back In

With the stormy seas of the pandemic’s uncertainty behind it, Palmetto Ocean Conservancy sets course for the future.

The thing about the sea, as any sailor will tell you, is that it’s fickle. One minute, it can be a calm pane of glass stretching away to the horizon. The next, it can be boiling over with gale winds, pushed to whitecaps by the storm’s fury.

You don’t need to tell Michelle Meissen that. Even before she founded Palmetto Ocean Conservancy, the non-profit group dedicated to clearing debris from waterways and educating children on the importance of our oceans, the sea was her happy place. An experienced diver, she knows only too well how a sudden change in weather can change everything.

But there are some storms that even the most experienced sailor can’t see coming. You may recall reading about the ambitious bottle cap mural project that POC was leading a few years back. Essentially, Meissen had come up with an idea to bring attention to the sheer glut of plastic we dump in our waterways by putting it on display for all to see.

“Most people don’t realize that, even when you recycle a plastic bottle, the cap doesn’t get recycled,” she said at the time. “And where do you think those end up? In landfills. In our waterways. Everywhere.”

To shed light on the wastefulness these single-use, non-biodegradable caps represent and the sheer volume of them we throw away, she began collecting them. She worked with schools, local businesses, and organizations like the Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association to gather them by the millions, working with Beaufort County to secure a place where they could be stored and sanitized.

“Most people don’t realize that, even when you recycle a plastic bottle, the cap doesn’t get recycled,” she said at the time. “And where do you think those end up? In landfills. In our waterways. Everywhere.”

Michelle Meissen, the Founder of Palmetto Ocean Conservancy, the non-profit group dedicated to clearing debris from waterways and educating children on the importance of our oceans.

The Tide Rolls Back In

Ultimately, Meissen hopes that by exposing students to the beauty of our area waterways, she can give them the same abiding respect for the ocean that drives her. “The beauty that brings people here is that view out to the water,” she said. “If you don’t protect it, what are you going to see?”

Along with educating people about pollution in our waterways, Meissen is passionate about diving.

When it was all said and done, Meissen had collected barrels upon barrels of caps. They were going to be on hand at the HHAHBA Lowcountry Home & Garden Show, where groups would be taking turns scrubbing each cap and preparing them for the next step. The next step was to turn them into public art, arranging the caps into an Amos Hummell-designed work that would draw attention to this wastefulness.

“And then COVID happened,” Meissen said. “For two years, everything had to stop.”

The general slowdown that every non-profit experienced during the pandemic was exacerbated by the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus at first. “People at the time thought you could get COVID through plastic, so nobody wanted to touch a bunch of bottle caps,” Meissen said. Even when we gained a greater understanding of the virus, enough time had passed that the project was ultimately shelved for a while.

Until now. The funds raised are all still in place, and Beaufort County is still generously storing the millions of bottle caps. According to Meissen, the bottle cap mural project is back in full swing. “I still have that money. And I was going to utilize that to be able to work with Beaufort County and execute on this,” she said. “We just need a builder.”

The builder is needed for the structural side of the project, a stable wooden frame to hold the artwork that will stand up to the rigors of the Lowcountry’s often unpredictable weather. “I already have the design; I just need someone to actually build it. And I need a school that would like to earn $3,000,” Meissen said.

That money would go to the school whose students are willing to take on the task of helping to clean, sort and assemble the bottle cap mural itself. Any students reading are encouraged to bug their principal into letting them have what sounds like an awful lot of fun while raising money for their school.

Schools have been a huge part of Palmetto Ocean Conservancy’s mission since the beginning. “That’s my passion. That’s why I did all of this—to be able to educate the kids,” Meissen said. “I want to inspire them and let them reach their full potential.”

Ultimately, Meissen hopes that by exposing students to the beauty of our area waterways, she can give them the same abiding respect for the ocean that drives her. “The beauty that brings people here is that view out to the water,” she said. “If you don’t protect it, what are you going to see?”

For now, what we see is calmer seas ahead and a horizon bursting with the colors of a very special public art project. 

please be sure to like and follow out facebook and instagram pages! These are great avenues to teach others about ocean life, showcase our fundraisers, as well as let people know what we are doing and why!

CHRISTMAS IN BLUFFTON: A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY

The fifty-first Bluffton Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade was a celebration of all that is good about Bluffton. An article from Only in Your State, hit the internet the day of the tree lighting and said Bluffton was “much like Hallmark Christmas movies,” and scenes from Bluffton were “Rockwellesque.” Town leaders and staff are super proud of our first weekend in December each year when we convert a few of our parks into a winter wonderland.

I just wanted to take a moment and thank all the residents for coming out and making this weekend a celebration of community. You are the reason why this town is so special. I also wanted to spotlight some folks who really made this year’s celebration meaningful.

The Parade’s Grand Marshal was Ruth Joiner Brown. She is the “person who you didn’t know you already knew.” She can be seen from May River Road, nurturing her garden or sweeping

her sidewalk. She lives in the house her mother owned and has lived many chapters of her life in Bluffton as she witnessed the many chapters Bluffton has also experienced.

A lifelong educator, Ruth Brown taught and counseled at-risk students in New York before returning to Bluffton and helping her family maintain “Cordray’s Concoction,” an ice cream and sweets shop by day and a venue for social gatherings at night.

This year’s judges were Sharon Brown, Carol Pringle, and Dan Ciuffreda. Sharon Brown, known as “Community Sister,” is the organizer of an annual “Back to School Fun Day,” on which more than 500 backpacks, full of supplies, are donated to students. This event, in its thirteenth year, also showcases children’s organizations and services that families can involve themselves in during the school year. Carol Pringle is a lifelong Blufftonian, small business owner, teacher for three decades and a community contributor with a focus on historic preservation. Dan Ciuffreda is the president of the Rotary Club of Bluffton and is involved in several park projects and festivals in that role.

Together, they chose the parade winners. Battery Creek High School Marching Band won “Best Performance” for its third time. The American Legion Post 205 won “Best Float,” and Hidden Treasures, a Bluffton golf cart tour company, won the “State of Mind” award.

Thank you to all our partners, staff and everyone who contributes to these events that make our town such a wonderful community.

Happy New Year! 

A Note from Bluffton’s Mayor, Lisa Sulka

I JUST WANTED TO TAKE A MOMENT AND THANK ALL THE RESIDENTS FOR COMING OUT AND MAKING THIS WEEKEND A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY. YOU ARE THE REASON WHY THIS TOWN IS SO SPECIAL. I ALSO WANTED TO SPOTLIGHT SOME FOLKS WHO REALLY MADE THIS YEAR’S CELEBRATION MEANINGFUL.

Dollenberg Properties of KW

Luxury Hilton Head is pleased to announce the addition of two new team members: Matt and Whitney Wortman. The duo share a passion for real estate, and both have extensive background in customer service, making them an ideal fit to join Dollenberg Properties’ Team.

GET WELL AND LIVE WELL WITH A RETURN TO HEALTH “CARE” THROUGH THE FRAUM CENTER’S GLOBAL HEALTHCARE ADVOCACY PROGRAM

Especially in a fast growing area like Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and beyond, access to quality healthcare is growing more and more limited and less focused on personal “care.” The Fraum Center for Restorative Health is moving with a paradigm shift, doubling down on priorities like physician access, individualized attention, and highly customized plans for preventative and restorative care that can transform your life.

“To be treated well, it’s imperative to be known and to be given time and access that assures you’re treating the right medical needs in a restorative fashion, not overmedicating, missing, or masking what will, over time, only do more damage and steal days of your valuable life,” said Fraum’s Global Healthcare Advocate, Dr. Heather Hinshelwood, or “Dr. H.”

Get back to the origin of the definition of health “care”—what it was meant to be—with the Fraum Center’s approach to your overall wellbeing and to being fully well.

University of South Carolina Beaufort English major, Gullah poet and novelist Edra Stephens has been selected as a manuscript fellow for prestigious writers’ workshop The Watering Hole. She is the first USCB student to be chosen for this honor. The Watering Hole hosts the only Southern writing retreat for poets of color and draws 50-60 poets each year. She was invited to the tenth annual winter retreat, held in McCormick, S.C., and will attend two more weeklong retreats with the group in 2023.

Weichert, Realtors® – Coastal Properties is proud to announce the addition of Debbie Burd to their real estate firm. Burd will be working out of the Hilton Head office.

On December 1, 2022, Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana sponsored a four-course charity wine dinner, “An Evening in the Veneto,” benefiting Safe Harbour, a local non-profit service organization. Michael Anthony’s was pleased to present Safe Harbour with the proceeds from the dinner in the amount of $3,500.

Safe Harbour is a non-profit service organization founded by and for Hilton Head Islanders who wish to stay in their own homes as they age, with the confidence of knowing that assistance is only a phone call away. Safe Harbour provides support, services, and resources that help seniors live healthy and meaningful lives in their own homes in a neighborhood they know and love. Learn more at hhisafeharbour.org.