CH2 Magazine: June 2021

CH2 CELEBRATE HILTON HEAD!

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MEET THE TURTLE TRACKERS HAVE FOOD, WILL TRAVEL LOWCOUNTRY FOOD TRUCKS

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CH2 SPECIAL SECTION

LOWCOUNTRY DADPRENEURS

IN FLIGHT FASHION LOOKS TO LEAVE THE HOUSE IN

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22 MEET THE TURTLE TRACKERS WHAT’S INSIDE

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FATHERHOOD: THE JOURNEY I COULD NEVER HAVE SCRIPTED

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MAN CAVE MANIA: 10 TIPS FOR CREATING A GUY’S GETAWAY AT HOME

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A PAIR BORN IN THE AIR: GEORGIA DOCTOR AND BLUFFTON SALESMAN FORGE FRIENDSHIP OVER LOVE OF FLIGHT

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GOT $100 AND AN HOUR TO SPARE?

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FAMILY RETREAT ON THE GREEN: QUINTESSENTIAL LOWCOUNTRY ELEGANCE DEFINES THIS SEA PINES STUNNER.

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SOUTHERN MANNERS: A REFRESHER COURSE FOR THE UNINFORMED

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OVER YONDER AND BACK AGAIN: MY LIFE IN SOUTHERN CITIES

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MUSICIANS IN BATHROOMS FEATURING HEAVY HONEY

O N O U R C OV E R S

Meet the men and women who keep the beach safe for our turtle friends.

39 C2 SPECIAL SECTION: LOWCOUNTRY DADPRENEURS Meet some local dads who are running sucessful businesses while making time for their most important things.

70 IN-FLIGHT FASHION Looks to leave the house in. A trip to Statesboro, GA. to check out some vintage planes.

CH2 CELEBRATE HILTON HEAD!

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MEET THE TURTLE TRACKERS HAVE FOOD, WILL TRAVEL LOWCOUNTRY FOOD TRUCKS

SOUTHERN MANNERS

IN FLIGHT FASHION

JUNE 2021

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LOOKS TO LEAVE THE HOUSE IN

CH2 SPECIAL SECTION

LOWCOUNTRY DADPENEURS

ON THE CH2 COVER Ensemble by Coastal Bliss in Shelter Cove Towne Centre.

Photography by M.KAT.

ON THE CB2 COVER Ensemble by Haskins & Co. in Coligny Plaza.

Photography by M.KAT.

HAVE FOOD, WILL TRAVEL Lowcountry foodies reveling in the explosion of food truck options

GENIUSES AT WORK Vibe Manager Maggie Marie Washo

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Head of Quietly Judging Carolyn Hunter Kostylo Master of Coin Marion Elizabeth Bowser Rainmaker Kim Conrad Crouch Master Handshaker “Just Kandace” Wightman Lead Door Knocker Morgan O'Banion Director of Attracting Talent Kaila Jeffcoat Intimacy Mentor Lucille Rosita Gonzalez Washo Thunder Thief Jevon Daly The Gatekeepers Greta Von Bowser Vincent Von Bowser The Cut & Paste Crew Jeff Cline Catherine Colby Aspiring Novelists Cheryl Alexander Jesse Blanco Becca Edwards Fred Gaskin Linda S. Hopkins Denise K. James Barry Kaufman John McCann Lisa Sulka Tim Wood Lighting Experts M. Kat Photography Krisztian Lonyai Sassy Sparrow Photography Find Us Here PO Box 22949 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 843.689.2658 m.washo@celebratehiltonhead.com

The CH2 Team with Maximilian Lowrey, Caroline Molloy, Lawson Lowrey, Dr. Harrington.

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y dad called me last week to remind me that when I was little, I had a pet rock. His name was Carlos, and I adopted him on one of the many camping trips my family would take with an abundance of friends in upstate New York. As I recall, Carlos lived in our small white camper with red detailing. That memory triggered another one of actually seeing bears on one of our adventures in the woods and my grandmother singing “Teddy Bears’ Picnic” to me. My mom said she was so terrified on that trip, she made us all sleep in the car that night. My mom hated camping.

Still does.

It’s funny to me how one thought can landslide into another and then BOOM, I’m five again, feeling all of those emotions and reliving some of the things that made my childhood so splendid. Those camping trips are why I love the forest so much … why I prefer a trip to the mountains over a trip to the Caribbean any day of the week. It’s in my DNA. Like pasta and meatballs and music.

The June issue had me thinking about such things as we spent time photographing fathers and their “littles” and observing family dynamics on the photoshoots. I often found myself thinking about how all the things these families loved to do together would still be present as the children grow and adopt their own traditions.

This month also had us back on the road again to shoot some fashion in vintage WWII planes. What an incredible day we had in Statesboro, Ga. with Dr. Rusty Harrington and Lawson and Maximilian Lowrey. Check out the fashion spread on page 70 and read all about how a love of flying brought these friends together on page 58. And of course, for all the behind-the-scenes action,

Be sure to follow us on Social Media

Maggie and her dad after a round of golf. be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

The C2 crew got to go up in one of those planes with Dr. Harrington and get a bird’s eye view of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. Did you know that Statesboro is only 20 minutes away as the crow flies? Or in a plane going 184 miles per hour. ;-) Until next month!

MAGGIE WASHO Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

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

—MEET

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Turtle Trackers

DESIGN BY JEFF CLINE

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

t was during the 2015 nesting season and, like any other day on sea turtle patrol, I was answering the same basic questions about our activities on the beach. Inquiring bystanders want to see the eggs if we are moving them and understand how they got there.

“Is that the track of the mother turtle?” “How long will the eggs take to hatch?” “What will you do to keep them

safe?” All of these questions and more were asked by one such observer, a new resident to the island, Karen Kindermann.

We were close to the end of our route; Sea Pines beach is located on the south end of Hilton Head Island. We started our patrol at 5 a.m. and were just about done.

I must have gotten some sleep the night before, because I was answering Karen’s questions without hesitation.

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She was taken by my passion, and I was encouraged by her enthusiasm.

She asked if she could volunteer or help in any way. I explained that the Sea Turtle Patrol HHI volunteer staff are permitted by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Opportunity is limited, and training is unlimited. She said she would like to meet with me to see if we could come up with another volunteer initiative. That’s when I told her what I really needed.

“I need help preparing the beach for the nesting females and emerging hatchlings. This involves filling large holes, picking up trash, flattening the beach, and talking to visitors who have no idea that they impact the turtles by leaving the beach a mess.”

I thought that would be the end of it. The offer to volunteer usually stops at hard work without the lure of handling sea turtle hatchlings. She called, and we met in person with seven other Sea Pines residents she had collected in the interim. A team of nine Turtle Trackers was officially born in April 2016, and I cannot imagine my situation without their help. They have supported me with everything from beach cleanup to local legislation. We’ve come a long way since our first goal: a public turtle talk hosted by Sea Pines Beach Club.

The entire 14 miles of Hilton Head Island beach has the potential of becoming a nest site for about 300 loggerheads and the occasional green, leatherback, or Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. Turtle Trackers strive to make a clear path for the giant nesting females that drag themselves, with flippers instead of feet, up to the dry sand to lay their eggs. This volunteer effort is even more vital to the success of our emerging hatchlings, July through October.

Today, there are approximately 350 members within six chapters: Sea Pines, Forest Beach, Palmetto Dunes/Singleton, North End Sea Turtle Trackers (N.E.S.T.), and Port Royal. We work in tandem; chapter leaders meet monthly to coordinate efforts with each other and Sea Turtle Patrol HHI. Turtle Trackers is a group of friends of mine who have the same passion and mission to “Save the Sea Turtles.” I’d like for you to meet them.

Amber KUEHN

SCDNR permit holder for HHI, Director of Sea Turtle Patrol HHI 501(c) (3)

Elaine TURRISI

AREA/STRETCH OF HILTON HEAD BEACH YOUR TEAM TRACKS: Port Royal Plantation Port Royal patrols Beach markers 113-134

MONTHS/YEARS AS A TURTLE TRACKER: Since 2016 Describe the most memorable experience you’ve had as a beach ambassador.

Oh, there are so many, it is difficult to select just one. I sort of chuckle as visitors thank me for picking up trash as I walk the beach. Many visitors see you with your T-shirt and shovel; they run to catch up with you and ask many questions. Their excitement makes me smile because I have the same passion. Many times, I have made new friends who visit the beach every year.

How long have you lived in the Lowcountry, and what is your favorite part about living here?

I have lived here permanently seven-plus years. My favorite part is the beautiful beaches. I never tire of seeing the sun rise, learning the rich history, and enjoying all of the natural wildlife (birds, dolphins, and, of course, the sea turtles).

Favorite local restaurants? Stellini and Gusto.

How many volunteers are in your specific chapter, and what are their duties/schedules?

Sixty-four volunteers in Port Royal Plantation. The volunteers assist with picking up trash, flattening the sand at the end of the day, and educating others.

How has your community/neighborhood stepped up to support the sea turtle mission?

The community has purchased and posted the turtle signs.

They also post educational information in our emails and newsletters. Some individuals have purchasing items for learning kiosks.

Deborah U R AT O

AREA/STRETCH OF HILTON HEAD BEACH YOUR TEAM TRACKS: Forest Beach, markers 48-70

MONTHS/YEARS AS A TURTLE TRACKER: Since 2017 Describe the most memorable experience you’ve had as a beach ambassador.

I have two memorable moments: (1) Early one morning a couple of years ago, I came upon a hatchling that was trapped in a hole someone left the night before. I was surprised that it had survived the night and used my shovel to dig it out and guide it in the right direction, since it didn’t have the stars or moon for help. It seemed to have a lot of energy and made it to the water. I smiled myself to sleep that night. (2) One very early morning, a tourist followed me for a bit and then asked me if I cared as much for people as I did for turtles. He wanted to talk about abortion rights.

How long have you lived in the Lowcountry, and what is your favorite part about living here?

I was married where the grass met the beach at the Hilton Head Inn on South Forest Beach Drive (now the Marriott Grande Ocean) in 1974 and have lived here since then.

I grew up in Savannah and visited Hilton Head Island throughout the ’50s and ’60s. What I love about living here is the island’s beauty. I relish the efforts of neighbors to guard the preservation of our natural surroundings. Charles Fraser was, indeed, a visionary. Kudos to our present-day leaders who continue his like-minded thinking.

Favorite local restaurant?

All of my favorite restaurants are locally owned and operated; there are many great ones. My favorite former restaurant, of course, was Fratello’s Italian Restaurant and Café.

How many volunteers are in your specific chapter, and what are their duties/schedules?

Our Forest Beach chapter has 30 members. We could certainly use more. Our ocean community has single family residences, condos and timeshares, hotels, Coligny Plaza, and no gates. The Forest Beach Owners Association has placed sea turtle signs in all the association-owned beach accesses. Most of the island’s tourists traverse the beach access at Coligny Circle. Coincidently, or not, this is not a favorite turtle nesting spot. Our chapter members participate in several cleanup days each nesting season, just for the Coligny area. We are full-time residents, part-time residents, and visitors from other parts of the island and from Bluffton. We have beach marker assignments rather than a daily or weekly schedule. In addition to filling in holes, flattening sand structures and removing litter, we lobby Town Council for updated turtle protection laws. We act as docents for public turtle talks. Amber Kuehn, our mentor

I relish the efforts of neighbors to guard the preservation of our natural surroundings. and fearless leader (she’s head of the HH Sea Turtle Patrol) will conduct turtle talks at the Lowcountry Celebration Park on Monday evenings at 8 o’clock every week from June through August. Our artist in residence, Mira Scott, has painted two Myrtle sculptures (yes, she is a real turtle visitor) and is working on a third. One sculpture resides at the Hilton Head Island Airport and the other at The Sandbox Children’s Museum.

Would you like to give a shout-out to any local business that’s been particularly helpful?

The Piggly Wiggly, our neighborhood grocery store, has always been a neighborhood partner. David Martin sells food produced locally and supports almost every local organization that I know. He is also a Forest Beach resident and part of our neighborhood

Chris RUSH

AREA/STRETCH OF HILTON HEAD BEACH YOUR TEAM TRACKS: Marker 97.5 (The Folly) to marker 113 (just past the Westin)

MONTHS/YEARS AS A TURTLE TRACKER: We formed the North End Sea Turtle (N.E.S.T.) Trackers in June of 2018

Describe the most memorable experience you’ve had as a beach ambassador.

I love being on the beach with a rake and someone asks me what I am doing. Then I get to tell them more than they probably wanted to know about the turtles.

How long have you lived in the Lowcountry, and what is your favorite part about living here?

We have been here for six years, and love being near the beach.

Favorite local restaurant?

That depends on the type of food, but I love Italian, so I will go with Pomodori Italian Eatery.

How many volunteers are in your specific chapter, and what are their duties/schedules?

We have over 175 current members. We mainly put the beach to bed at night to make it safe for the momma turtle to nest and for her babies to make it to the ocean when they hatch. We pick up litter, fill in holes, flatten sand structures and educate the people we meet on the beach. There is a Retail committee and a Rental committee that helps get educational material into stores and rental units.

We also help with some of the “Turtle Talks” put on by the Sea Turtle Patrol.

How has your community/neighborhood stepped up to support the sea turtle mission?

Although it was a bit of a struggle, getting the revisions to the town ordinances regarding lighting, shovels, holes and trash on the beach passed was a great step in helping to protect the turtles. More education about the turtles and enforcement of the ordinances will be the next step.

Would you like to give a shout-out to any local business that’s been particularly helpful?

The Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort has been a big supporter of our group. They let us use their facilities for our meetings and provide educational material to their guests. They have been wonderful to us!

long; watching them navigate their way over the terrain in search of the surf, purely on instinct, was just amazing. Everyone walked home that night with the biggest smiles and greatest joy. All the work we put in to help these amazing creatures made sense in that one experience.

How long have you lived in the Lowcountry, and what is your favorite part about living here?

We have been coming here regularly since our daughter moved to Hilton Head about 12 years ago. We bought a place in 2016, then moved here full-time in 2018. Being born and raised in St. Louis, this was a big change.

I have to say my favorite part is that we are able to spend so much time with our two granddaughters who live here. But at ages four and two, they don’t realize just how lucky they are to grow up here—from being minutes to the beach, or seeing the most amazing sunrises and sunsets, or the marine and marsh wildlife that we share in this environment. Dolphins, manatees, alligators, marsh birds and, of course, the turtles! The Lowcountry is just the most fascinating place to live.

Favorite local restaurant?

Kathy SANDERS

AREA/STRETCH OF HILTON HEAD BEACH YOUR TEAM TRACKS: Mile markers 74-97, which encompasses Leamington, Palmetto Dunes and Singleton Beaches

MONTHS/YEARS AS A TURTLE TRACKER: Since 2018 Describe the most memorable experience you’ve had as a beach ambassador.

While tracking one evening last summer, I had noticed hatchling tracks that went every way but to the ocean—a disoriented nest hatch. I followed the tracks and found 10 dead hatchlings. This just broke my heart. I took a few pictures to include the location and sent them to the Sea Turtle Patrol. They advised me to bury them in the sand, without touching them, which I did with my rake.

As I was heading back down the beach, I ran into three trackers and told them what had happened. They wanted to see what a disorientation looked like, as they had never seen hatchling tracks. When we returned, we saw a few hatchlings pop-up from a different nearby nest. Then, there were suddenly many. This eruption is called a boil. We were beyond excited as it is pure luck to happen upon one. They typically happen pretty fast, as all the hatchlings run to the ocean as fast as they can.

This nest hatched in stages. First, there were about 30 hatchlings, then a pause of about 10 minutes before another wave of 30, and again and again. An average nest has 120 eggs, so this went on until after dark.

We made sure other beach goers didn’t step on them and watched so that they all went in the right direction. Hatchlings are only three inches

It would depend on the occasion, mood, and weather. The Sage Room, Skull Creek Boathouse or Santa Fe are our go-tos for special occasions or when we have visitors. However, our son-in-law is a great cook, so anytime we are invited for dinner, we are there.

How many volunteers are in your specific chapter, and what are their duties/schedules?

First and foremost, I have to recognize my co-lead and right hand, Dale Mathe. She is the strength to my weaknesses in helping to coordinate the 89 turtle trackers currently on our chapter’s roster.

Not all live here full-time. Everyone does what they can, when they can. From May till the last nest hatching in October, we are beach ambassadors.

We hit the beach each evening from mile marker 74 through 97, picking up trash, filling in holes, leveling sand structures and educating visitors on sea turtle nesting and how they can help by leaving the beach clean, flat and dark. We use a schedule that breaks our 2.3 miles of beach into seven zones.

Beach Ambassadors choose the nights and zones they will cover. We docent Turtle Talks that are presented by members of the Sea Turtle Patrol, offered May through August. We hope to again have our education kiosk at HarbourFest in Shelter Cove on Tuesday nights; fingers crossed they bring the fireworks back this summer. During the off-season, October-May, the Rental Committee reached out to all short-term rental companies on the island to collaborate in helping us educate visitors about sea turtles and how they can help when visiting. Most visitors aren’t even aware we are a sea turtle nesting beach. The Retail Committee reached out to area businesses to place our ‘Help Save the Sea Turtles’ cling in their door windows.

We also worked to get approval from the Town Council on the revised lighting ordinance. The island lost 4,000 hatchlings last year due to disorientation.

Most of all, we are a committed group of volunteers. Everyone is from somewhere else, so it’s a great way to meet like-minded people and make lasting friendships.

How has your community/neighborhood stepped up to support the sea turtle mission?

We added 30 new members to our chapter this year! We are seeing many couples now signing up to turtle track together. It used to mostly be women, but not anymore. Good thing with the grave-size holes we have been filling the last few seasons.

The Palmetto Dunes POA is a great supporter.

They recently teamed up with us for the Earth Day Beach Sweep; we had 107 people show up for just our beach area, removing 128 pounds of trash. Wow! PDPOA includes Sea Turtle education information in their owner communications during turtle season.

They also require all short-term rental properties to display our sea turtle flyer.

From May till the last nest hatching in October, we are beach ambassadors.

Palmetto Dunes Cares, our community’s charitable organization, has awarded grants to both Turtle Trackers and the Sea Turtle Patrol with funds raised from their weekly Wednesday Turtle Trot 5K and Turtle Talks, both of which are being offered again this summer.

The Town Council has also been supportive by passing ordinances around beachfront lighting, requiring fixtures to be downward facing, shaded or turned off from 10 p.m.-6 a.m., May 1-October 31; removing abandoned beach equipment at night; not allowing digging of holes deeper than 12 inches or shovels larger than 30 inches and to be made of plastic or wood; flattening sand structures and discarding all trash before leaving the beach. These ordinances help to keep the beach clean, flat and dark to help nesting and hatching sea turtles.

Would you like to give a shout-out to any local business that’s been particularly helpful?

It takes a village. We greatly appreciate the shortterm rental companies and beachfront hotels for helping us educate visitors. With a new audience arriving every week, they are their first point of contact. The restaurants that include our information on pizza and take-out boxes and retailers that support us by posting our information and selling turtle-related items in their stores. They are all integral in helping us accomplish our mission of assisting with the preservation efforts for endangered sea turtles nesting on Hilton Head Island, and to educate the public for the protection of our sea turtle hatchlings heading to the ocean.

Barbara FA R AC I

AREA/STRETCH OF HILTON HEAD BEACH YOUR TEAM TRACKS: Sea Pines—Beach Markers 1-47

MONTHS/YEARS AS A TURTLE TRACKER: 4 years Describe the most memorable experience you’ve had as a beach ambassador.

While invited to join a daily 5 a.m. drive with Sea Turtle Patrol director, Amber Kuehn, she stopped upon seeing hatchling tracks heading towards a house, not the sea.

With outdoor lights on overnight, 12 hatchlings ended up in the pool. She scooped them out, stuck two in my hands, explained to me how to hold them and instructed me to put them at the water’s edge for them to crawl in on their own. At that moment, I was hooked for life to educate and help with this endangered species.

How long have you lived in the Lowcountry, and what is your favorite part about living here?

I moved here seven years ago from NJ. Immediately, I was struck by how warm and friendly everyone is. Whether it’s the people you come into contact with every day or the AMAZING friends I’ve acquired, everyone is happy, healthy, active and overwhelmingly supportive and generous with one another.

Favorite local restaurant?

Too many to pick one, so I have to go with a sunset picnic on the beach with my husband Mark.

How many volunteers are in your specific chapter, and what are their duties/schedules?

In Sea Pines, the founding chapter, we have 175 volunteers.

There are four officers and 14 committees that cover Beach Ambassadors & Sweeps, Community Connections, Docents for Turtle Talks, Learning Stations, Membership, Procurement, Rental & Retail Outreach, Social Media, Special Projects and Student Volunteers. We can be seen on the beach in our white Turtle Trackers T-shirts filling in holes and flattening sand structures (which can interfere with mother turtles nesting and hatchlings reaching the sea), picking up litter, handing out red light filters for flashlights, and educating the public about sea turtles. Our volunteers are active year-round but especially May-October.

How has your community/neighborhood stepped up to support the sea turtle mission?

Started in 2016 with just a handful of founders, each year many residents of Sea Pines have expressed interest in helping. There is a great deal of interaction about problems on the beach, the need for volunteers at scheduled events and the willingness of many hands to help. Sea Pines Community Services Associates regularly communicates to

residents and visitors about sea turtles and provide daytime beach patrol to help educate. Sea Pines Resort offers Turtle Talks, holds employee beach sweeps and regularly supports our mission.

Would you like to give a shout-out to any local business that’s been particularly helpful?

The Salty Dog (which allows us space to have a Learning Station), ITS Classics (which makes our uniforms) and Giuseppi’s of Sea Pines (who tapes a Turtle Trackers flyer to the top of every pizza box) are our biggest supporters and regularly donate to the Sea Turtle Preservation Fund at The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

Joanne VOULELIS

AREA/STRETCH OF HILTON HEAD BEACH YOUR TEAM TRACKS: Shipyard, beach markers 69-74

MONTHS/YEARS AS A TURTLE TRACKER: 4+ years

Describe the most memorable experience you’ve had as a beach ambassador.

I wish my most memorable experience was seeing hatchlings scurry to the ocean, but sadly, not as yet. It’s the enthusiasm of the children that is most rewarding as they learn about the sea turtles and how they can help. They will often become ambassadors for those around them on the beach, filling holes and flattening castles. It’s great to see that. The children often are the ones that keep their parents in check!

How long have you lived in the Lowcountry, and what is your favorite part about living here?

After spending two winters here, my husband and I became full-time residents in 2010 and never looked back. Where else can you walk out your front door and be immediately surrounded by nature’s treasures? There is always something new to explore in the Lowcountry, from the fascinating marine life to the unique habitats of the salt marsh or maritime forest. Nature encourages reflection and creates perspective.

Favorite local restaurant?

It’s challenging to name a favorite restaurant as we are fortunate to have so many fabulous ones. I do love Jane’s lunch menu; the chicken salad plate is fabulous! My dinner choice is the pan-seared scallops and ravioli at Catch 22.

How many volunteers are in your specific chapter, and what are their duties/schedules?

Shipyard has approximately 50 turtle trackers, about half of whom are full-time. Our trackers sign up on a monthly calendar as ambassadors to prepare the beach for the nighttime arrival of the mama sea turtles and the departure of the hatchlings to the sea. They also engage with visitors to educate them about sea turtle protection and what they can do to help. In the off-season, we have monthly beach sweeps to clear the beach of litter that can hurt our wildlife. Several of the SY trackers serve on the rental committee, which provides turtle information to hotels, timeshares and management companies. Turtle talks and learning centers begin in June, and some of the SY trackers will be assisting with those as well.

How has your community/neighborhood stepped up to support the sea turtle mission?

The general manager of Shipyard, Sally Warren, and the director of operations, Meredith Elmore, have been extremely supportive of our trackers. They distribute awareness and educational information to all owners as well as to our timeshares and rental companies. They keep turtle information at the welcome center and do electronic e-blasts for the trackers. They are also in the process of installing new turtle-friendly lighting along the beach walkway.

Would you like to give a shout-out to any local business that’s been particularly helpful?

I’d like to give a shout-out to the Sonesta Resort in Shipyard, especially Pearls Market, their gift store, for supporting the SY trackers and sea turtle protection. In the past four years, they have worked with us to provide their guests with educational/awareness materials and keep Pearls stocked with lots of turtle goodies.

The Journey I Could Never Have Scripted A R TI C L E BY TI M WO O D

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didn’t fit in much as a kid. I was as comfortable playing point guard as I was playing Dungeons and Dragons, and thusly, neither the jocks nor the nerds knew what to make of me. So, they both picked on me, and I was an easy mark because I let them see they got to me.

After school, my oasis from that teasing and the constant chaos of my three older sisters was a quiet Lake Winnipesaukee cove at the end of our dead-end street.

I built a rickety fort in the woods and would skip rocks on the water for hours, dreaming of life far beyond my middle-school struggle.

That dream always involved being a dad, first and foremost; I thought I’d have five or six kids at least. I wanted to be a writer since I was eight, when my sister Dede and I started a newsletter on said dead-end street, the Fenton Avenue Times. As a teen, I became even more locked in on honing my craft, pursuing this profession. I was a cliché

overachiever, obsessed with going to New York and being a big-time sportswriter.

And I was well on my way, until a call in 1999 thankfully changed me. My dad, my hero, had a massive heart attack.

I left my wife Debbie in New York and rushed up to Maine to be by his side. He recovered, but nearly losing him brought me back to that dead-end cove.

All the ladder climbing, the thirst for new titles and more kudos in my quest to conquer New York City—that version of me died instead of my dad. In 2001, we left New York and moved back to New Hampshire, intent on starting a family.

I had six nieces and a nephew. I was one of just a few oops boys in the recent family tree. So, when our son was born on March 4, 2003, I made the nurses show me the anatomical proof a couple times before truly believing it.

I never thought I’d have the courage to ask a girl out, let

THE PRIDE I HAVE IN MY OLDEST SON COULD FILL BOUNDLESS VOLUMES. HE HAS FOUGHT RESPIRATORY ISSUES SINCE HE WAS A BABY AND HAS SPENT FAR TOO MUCH TIME INGESTING STEROIDS THROUGH A NEBULIZER. alone convince a Julianna Margulies clone like Debbie to both have sex with me and later believe it to be a savvy life decision to bear my child. So, a son was a miracle.

I have always been a romantic. Even in the middle of our household bedlam with my sisters, I’d spy the tender moments between my mom and dad; I saw the love that kept them together 52 years until Mom passed and how that love, friendship and mutual respect came through in their parenting and the morals they passed on to their kids.

I’m so lucky to have found a soulmate who shared those morals in Deb. We wanted to wait until our careers were further along and we could provide for our kids. I wish we hadn’t waited seven years though. I’m glad we got away from city life and back to a slower pace before TJ came, but life is just not that segmented and isn’t that controllable.

I had to make a difficult decision a year after he was born, a career move that took me to Savannah and away from Deb and TJ for six months until they could move down. It led us to Bluffton, our married hometown, but those 180 days were excruciating.

I made that career move with the best intentions of being a provider, but that separation taught me that being there was the most important thing. I can always make money, but the moments with my kids as kids—that time is finite.

The pride I have in my oldest son could fill boundless volumes.

He has fought respiratory issues since he was a baby and has spent far too much time ingesting steroids through a nebulizer. His back became beet red with every needle prick of every allergy test. He tried playing PALS sports and loved soccer and basketball, and it crushed him when he couldn’t play anymore. He has spent weeks at a time out of school, as the slightest germ would evolve into bronchitis and pneumonia. He had to do online school for two years before high school, has missed so much socializing but has persevered and excelled through all of it.

He’s respectful, compassionate, a deep thinker with an endless thirst for knowledge. Watching him struggle, seeing his tears, has broken me far more than any career setback ever could.

He has given us so many smiles, so much joy—many emotional extremes, all leading us to a graduation this month, a coming adulthood we feared many times he’d never see.

And then there’s Jake, our 12-year-old. TJ’s passions led him away from my comfort zones, a parental challenge and blessing that forced me to grow right alongside him. Jake has been largely healthy. He’s a mini-me, a goofball gamer and budding hoopster who practices relentlessly. He wakes me up each morning with a full report on last night’s NBA action, studies his idol Curry endlessly, and 32

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The Journey I Could Never Have Scripted will debate me for hours on why Giannis is better than Lebron if I indulge him.

Despite the six-year gap, my boys are close. We’ve instilled family above all, and I take my lumps for my dated “Dallas” Ewing brothers references to make my point.

I so wish my mom, their Mimi, was here to see our boys, but I see her in them daily.

I’m more of a dad to my dad these days, helping him maneuver the past nine years without the love of his life. It’s an honor I cherish, this ever-evolving role. He’s my best male friend, my mentor, and my sounding board from 800 miles away. Making him laugh, taking him back, if just for a moment, to a time when his heart was whole makes my day complete.

And I haven’t even mentioned my black lab mutt pup, Holly, and her two pug sisters in Heaven, Pugsley and Sophie. They have cared for me, recharged my battery, given me so much love. Being their dad is mana from the universe.

The first 18 years of fatherhood have been everything to me. It has made me experience the extremes of humanity and find endurance I didn’t think I had inside me. I have plenty of moments when I want to pause time, keep my boys forever boys and my dad forever here with me. The writer and dad in me wants to write every next chapter for them. Mostly though, I revel in witnessing them author what’s next, privileged to be their mentor, friend and sounding board.

What a fabulous circle of life. 

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MAN CAVE MANIA 10 tips for creating a guy’s getaway at home

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very guy deserves a dedicated space at home to be himself, relax, entertain his buddies with billiards or TV, or pursue some other passion. Plus, it seems that when it comes to stress recovery, men benefit from withdrawing a bit more than women do. A recent university study found that men’s cortisol levels dropped significantly when they had more solo leisure time in their own homes. Also, a poll conducted by houzz.com revealed that more than one-third of homes have a dedicated man cave, so it seems to be a sound investment of space and money.

There’s not really one thing that defines a man space. Sometimes it’s the collection of sports or hobby memorabilia; at other times, it may be the noise and mess level. Space-wise, a basement, garage, or even an attic is each well-suited. Any large footprint that may have been used for sporadic storage can be transformed to a masculine, sleek room. Regardless, your man cave should be inviting, modern, comfortable, and well-thought out. Here are some great ideas to help you get started: C2 MAGAZINE

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Whether your game is pool, poker, foosball, or another table-based sport, make it a center attraction in your man cave and perhaps base the rest of your theme/decorations around it.

Check space and electrical requirement In the initial planning stage, be sure to measure your space carefully while planning on furniture, TVs, tables, and other accessories. Know the space before you buy and check the wiring and outlets to establish whether you need an upgrade or addition. This is particularly important in rooms you are finishing (e.g., a basement).

Plan for plumbing If your bathroom or kitchen is nearby, you may not need additional plumbing. But for other areas, plumbing may be necessary. A closet bathroom can prove particularly useful in basements, and if you want a full bar, then a water source will be a useful addition.

Plan for plumbing early on if you need it.

Choose a theme The industrial look is a popular modern theme, defined by heavy-duty hardwoods and metal. These materials look great and are durable and flexible enough to accommodate many needs. Avoid using a lot of glass, which can be too reflective, especially in a small space, and may be too fragile.

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Add games Whether your game is pool, poker, foosball, or another table-based sport, make it a center attraction in your man cave and perhaps base the rest of your theme/decorations around it.

Just make sure there is enough space leftover for seating and displays, and don’t forget good lighting above. An arcade corner is also a fun addition. It may be easier than you think to find your old favorites and set them up. It’s worth a try if you want something truly special. And for a modern upgrade, set aside a VR gaming space instead.

Plan carefully for audio and video When installing your TV, length from the screen is probably your most important consideration. Find the display size you want, but make sure there is enough space between it and the seating to appreciate all those pixels.

And if you are using a projector, you need to consider projector installation, wiring, and distance as well. As for sound, your man cave is an ideal place to install a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system. However, take time to plan out speaker positioning and (if your speakers are wireless) how you will run speaker wires. A little time and consideration here will pay off for years of enjoyment down the road.

Provide comfortable, open seating Seats in the middle of the space can create dead zones, so wherever possible, put seating against the walls instead, or use the space behind your gaming chairs for storage or display tables.

Find the perfect chair, too. Consider upgrading to a massage chair to maximize relaxation. Every guy needs that one spot where he can kick back and root for his team, watch a movie, sip on a glass of scotch or soda, or just take a nap.

Include a built-in bar or refrigeration area If you want an ultimate man cave upgrade, include a bar section with several stools for seating or a refrigeration cabinet/closet for storing your favorite beverages and dips. There are many fun ways to set up these areas, and they’ll save on trips to the kitchen.

Treat yourself with a humidor A humidor will keep your cigars in prime condition for as long possible. If you and your friends don’t prefer cigars, consider a luxury display case or refrigeration unit for your aftersnack activities.

Keep cool Especially in small spaces, electronics and human bodies will create a lot of heat, so install quality air conditioning to keep the room cool. You can easily tie the space in with your house HVAC, but for extra cooling you might want to add another air conditioner unit. Also, any connection to the outdoors, even if it’s just a small window, will be particularly useful (especially if you are using that humidor).

TREAT YOURSELF WITH A HUMIDOR A humidor will keep your cigars in prime condition for as long possible. If you and your friends don’t prefer cigars, consider a luxury display case or refrigeration unit for your after-snack activities.

Light the way There are tons of options for lighting, but we recommend sticking to traditional ceiling and bar-style pendant lights (no fluorescents) for your primary lighting source. Then you can select accent lights using LED strings and bulbs to add some light color variations. While lighting with day-glo LEDs everywhere may seem cool at first, it can quickly get old, so it’s important to have traditional lighting to fall back on.

Once you have the basics in place, tie everything together with some personal touches that appeal to your own sense of style and interests. Just be careful not to get lost in your man cave.

Remember watching sports for nine hours straight or hosting a marathon Xbox tournament on occasion is great for those cortisol levels. But a man cave is only special if it’s an escape, not a destination. Enjoy yourselves, guys, but don’t forget to get up and stretch occasionally. 

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dad p r e n e u r s pg 40:

Chris Donelson Jamie Guscio

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Dr. Michael Campbell

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thomas m. dowling alex haynes

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Shane Harpham, D.D.S.

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rob vaughn joey varin

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edward taylor

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mark billion steve stauffer

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gary and coley davis jeffrey hedden

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josh matthews jesse blanco

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kevin m. sevier

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gregory dissel jack Crouch

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david h. abney

pg 52: Rob kerdasha Matthew C. Tenwolde, DVM

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You’re gonna mess up, but it’s okay! Keep going on with new goals; it’s all good!

When you first became a father, what was the one thing you were totally unprepared for?

Divorce.

How many children would you have if finances/your wife were no object?

My three from my marriages was/is the perfect number of kiddos for me. In those years raising others’ kids has been a blessing, and I know it’s God’s doing, not mine, when it came to those choices.

Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to the name of assisting others?

Being a good listener instead of talker. I need to work on that! As a dad, looking back, I want my kids to be able to talk to me about anything and not feel judged.

Chris Donelson A I R

D U C T

How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

By keeping to my scheduled biz hours/family hours. When you own your business, instead of it owning you (life by design instead of default), it’s easier!

What is your favorite dad/son date?

Church, beach or boating time would be my

S O U T H E A S T favorite. Kids would probably say when I’m cooking! Lol What is one of the most important things that you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

Have written goals that you look at every day. Plan, do, and review! This too shall pass, but it’s okay to be ready for change.

Ask your children what you are the best at or what their favorite activity is with Dad. Mark: “Getting things done is what he’s best at, and my favorite activity is going on road trips, singing and jamming out with music together in the truck.”

Luke: “In my opinion, my dad is the best at cooking food on the grill. My favorite thing to do with him is going on the boat and him trying to flip me off the tube.”

Lily: “You are the best at making me laugh. My favorite activity with you is driving in the car with you listening to rock music. LOL I Luvu.”

2635 Okatie Hwy, Ridgeland, SC (843) 645-3828 airductse.com

Jamie Guscio K I N G F I S H E R C O N S T R U C T I O N C O M PA N Y How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

My family always comes first. If my girls have events during the week, I will make sure that time on jobsites is covered for the time I need to be there for them.

What is your favorite daddy/ child date?

A day spent on the river, fishing and exploring.

What is one of the most important things you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

You are going to make mistakes.

Fix them, learn from them, and move ahead.

When you first became a father, what was the one thing you were totally unprepared for?

How much you could love another human being.

How many children would you have if finances/your wife were no object?

Enough for a soccer team.

Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to in the name of assisting others?

Being in need of more patience.

Patience is your friend.

Ask your children what their favorite activity is with Daddy.

“I love it when Daddy plays soccer with me or when we go to clean up his jobsites. I get paid.”—Lily, age 8 “My favorite times with Daddy are days on the boat. He teaches me how to throw a cast net and drive the boat.

He knows the names of all the islands and where the sandbars are.”—Patterson, age 10.

56 Calhoun Street, Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 368-3905 kingfishercc.com

dad p r e n e u r s

When you first became a father, what was the one thing you were totally unprepared for?

Being a first-time father, I was not prepared for the new sleep schedule that I had to develop during the early years.

How many children would you have if finances/your wife were no object?

I love children, so four to six was the number that I thought would satisfy my “parenting-desire.”

Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to in the name of assisting others?

Even though I coached and attended the many functions of my children as they grew up, I always felt like I never got enough time with them. But then again, I wouldn’t be able to work as much then, but that may have been a good thing, now that I think about it.

Dr. Michael Campbell O P T I C A L How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

Time management gets easier as your children get older because their schedules are more predictable. I think you have to instill certain values into your children like faith, love, trust, respect, and dedication to help them develop into well-adjusted community leaders. Fixed time for family breakfast and dinners worked for our family growing up.

S O L U T I O N S What is your favorite daddy/child date?

Our favorite dad/childhood moments involve time on a boat or watching college football games together.

What is one of the most important things you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

Treat others—employees, vendors, customers, other professional business acquaintances, and friends—the way you want to be treated.

Ask your children what you do best or what their favorite activity is with Daddy.

My children say that I am a good listener and not quick to jump to conclusions about their questions or actions. Patience and analyzing situations before I react are two qualities that the children have learned from me. When the kids were little, they loved playing sports, games and just relaxing with us. Even now, as grown adults, my children enjoy hanging out with my wife and me, and we love that.

10 Hospital Center Commons, Suite 100 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 681-6682 campbelleye@gmail.com

Thomas M. Dowling, CFA, CFP®, CIMA® A E G I S C A P I TA L C O R P. How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

It’s tough, but you need to work well with your spouse.

As with many other things, communication with each other is the key to making it work.

What is your favorite daddy/ child date?

“Bro-day”—when all the boys are together for the day.

What is one of the most important things you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

You need to have the following qualities: intelligence, integrity and initiative in everything you do, especially in business.

When you first became a father, what was the one thing you were totally unprepared for?

How much you can get done in so little time.

no object and your wife agreed?

Same as we have now: two.

Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to in the name of assisting others?

Losing my patience. I have worked hard over the years on being patient, but with two boys, sometimes it’s tough. I don’t lose my patience often, but when I do, I often look back and realize the situation could have been handled a lot more effectively with a little patience.

Ask your children what you do best or what their favorite activity is with you and print their response here: Working out.

1000 William Hilton Pkwy., Unit C5 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 715-2239 www.aegisplanning.com

How many children would you have if finances were

Al e x

Haynes

G E N E S I S C O N S T R U C T I O N C O M P A N Y, L L C How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

We have an excellent staff of talented team members. We communicate daily and everyone shares in the work load. I’m able to get home a little sooner and send a little more time with the family.

What is your favorite daddy/ child date?

Finding new and exciting experiences. Watching the kids engage at a museum or aquarium and learning something new.

What is one of the most important things you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

We have long lasting relationships with our clients and vendors. Our relationships are built on honesty, integrity, and trust.

When you first became a father, what was the one thing you were totally unprepared for?

The love for your children. The

love for you children is more intense than any other love I have ever experienced.

How many children would you have if finances/your wife were no object?

Alison and I have always agreed to have two and if finances would allow, then we would adopt as many as we could afford.

Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to in the name of assisting others?

Over-parenting. Sometimes you just have to let them make their own choices and mistakes.

Ask your children what their favorite activity is with Daddy.

Boat trips to the sandbar.

33 Boundary Street Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 757-8220 www.genesis-construction.com

dad p r e n e u r s

What is one of the most important things you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

If you are an honest person and truly believe in what you do, then you can be successful. Also, for me, it takes a team to be successful, so it is important to treat your staff with respect and to encourage them not only to be better at their job but also in life.

When you first became a father, what was the one thing you were totally unprepared for?

Probably changing diapers! Of course, I knew that it was going to happen, but I had never really personally experienced it until we had children. Many thanks to my wife for all of her help and for being patient with me!

How many children would you have if finances/your wife were no object?

Currently, we have two children, Calista (6 years) and Caleb (5 years). Having them so close in age made the time go by very quickly. But I think three would be our magic number!

Shane Harpham, D.D.S. (“Dr. Shane”)

S E A

S M I L E S

P E D I A T R I C

How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

I try to leave my work at the office, and sometimes that means working through lunch or managing my time more efficiently throughout the day.

Recently, I brought an associate dentist into the practice, and that has given me the ability to spend more time with my family.

D E N T I S T R Y

What is your favorite daddy/child date?

Every other Sunday, I take my daughter to church with me, and we get IHOP sprinkled pancakes to-go.

As I play guitar with the worship team, she has breakfast and then we go shopping at Coligny. We call it “Daddy/Daughter Day!” Any time on the boat with my boy is always a special time.

What is one of the most memorable moments with your kids?

Watching their reaction when they snorkeled in the Caribbean for the first time! Their reaction to all of the fish in the water was unforgettable!

Ask your children what you are the best at.

Taking us on fun adventures, playing with us and being a dentist.

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

Rob Vaughn B L U F F T O N

How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

It certainly is a struggle, but it helps when you love what you do and incorporate family into the business as well. The kids love decorating the pharmacy for the holidays.

What is your favorite daddy/child date?

They’re all good! I love taking the kids to the pool, the movies, the beach etc. They make everything fun.

What is one of the most important things you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

Always treat everyone with respect.

It’s not really the business your customers love, it’s your effort to get to know them and treat them like one of your family.

When you first became a father, what was the one thing that you were totally unprepared for?

Late night zombie-like walks into the kitchen to get a fresh bottle for the baby. Lots of sleepless nights!

How many children would you have if finances/your wife were no object?

I think I have the perfect number for me: three children. My wife Jenna

Joey Varin L E E

B U I L T

How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

I try to be intentional in separating the two. Sometimes the girls get to work with me, but when time is dedicated to one or the other, it is important to me to keep them separate.

What is your favorite daddy/ child date?

A bike ride for ice cream.

What is one of the most important things you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

Do what you say you’re going to do and be fair and honest.

When you first became a father, what was the one thing you were totally unprepared for?

Daughters! I wouldn’t trade them for the world, but sometimes it’s like I am an alien in my house.

H O M E S

How many children would you have if finances/your wife were no object?

Two. Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to in the name of assisting others?

Talking more than I listen.

Sometimes I get a little longwinded in my passing of wisdom.

Ask your children what their favorite activity is with Daddy.

Mallory likes to go for bike rides while I go for a run alongside her. Cecelia likes to have play time at a playground or park.

Both usually involve some candy or ice cream.

13 Bow Circle Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 296-2209 leebuilthomes.com

P H A R M A C Y

and I both came from families with three children.

Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to in the name of assisting others?

There are many, for sure! The one I make most often is sending the kids to school in the wrong clothes. But once I pulled the wrong child out of school for a doctor’s appointment and didn’t realize it until we were at the doctor’s office.

Ask your children what you are best at and what their favorite activity is with Daddy.

“Dad is best at pharmacy stuff. My favorite activity is going swimming with Dad because I like when he throws me in the air.” — Olivia, age 10 “Dad is best at taking care of us. My favorite activity is going to the park with Dad.” — Nora, age 6 “Dad is best at cooking cheeseburgers. My favorite activity is playing trains, trucks, basketball and golf with my dad.” — William, age 4 167 Bluffton Rd (843) 757-4999 blufftonpharmacy.com

Edward Taylor V E R I T Y

I N V E S T M E N T

How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

I try my best to be fully committed and engaged while at work or home. I like the saying, “Wherever you are, be all there.” By focusing my attention where I am, I can be more successful not only in the moment, but overall.

We also just opened an office in Bluffton, so I feel grateful to have less of a commute and more quality time with my family when not working.

What is your favorite daddy/child date?

We love being out on the water!

Taking the boys on a boat ride to the Bluffton sandbar is one of our favorite activities together.

PA R T N E R S

What is one of the most important things you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

Honor your word! In my role with Verity Investment Partners, meaning what I say and doing what I say is vital for building and maintaining strong relationships with my clients.

I hope my boys will also develop this important character trait.

When you first became a father, what was the one thing that you were totally unprepared for?

The incredibly powerful feeling of love. This feeling is impossible to understand until you become a father.

How many children would you have if finances/your wife were no object?

We are incredibly blessed with our two boys and are enjoying life as a family of four. The jury is out if we will add more children!

Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to in the name of assisting others?

I learned early on that it is a mistake to question a mother’s intuition!

Ask your children what their favorite activity is with Daddy.

Playing construction in the backyard and driving Daddy’s truck! verityvip.com edward@verityvip.com (843) 379-6661

Mark Billion F O U N D E R , B I L L I O N L AW

Steve Stauffer MCGRIFF INSURANCE SERVICES

How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

It can be very difficult sometimes.

I always mark off time on my calendar for it and never let anyone interfere with it. I make it a priority that my family knows they will always come first over work.

What is your favorite daddy/child date?

A lot of times, it is my son helping me grill in my backyard while we swim in our pool. We also like to go to the beach, and we like to play putt-putt.

What is one of the most important things you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

Like the saying goes, “Nothing is as good as it seems, and nothing is as bad as it seems.” You have to take things as they happen and keep a level head. I also tell them to always respect the people you work with and the people you work for.

When you first became a father, what was the one thing you were totally unprepared for?

Patience. I have a 22-year-old and a 19-year-old and did not have much of it back then. With Dylan, I am much more patient and have learned to take things as they come and enjoy the ride.

How many children would you have if finances/your wife were no object?

No more; I am happy with three.

Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to in the name of assisting others?

There is a fine line between giving your children things and what they need to be happy vs. overspoiling them. All parents need to learn to walk that line within reason for their kids.

Ask your children what their favorite activity is with Daddy or what you are best at.

“I like playing superhero action figures with my Daddy; I like being the bad guy. My daddy also makes the best steak.”—Dylan 7 Arley Way, Suite 300 Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 815-0522 mcgriff.com

How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

This is a tough question. I’d say excellent colleagues and staff really help me achieve that important balance between work and family.

I couldn’t do a lot of what we do without them, and their support is what I rely on for balance. Really, though, I’m still working on this one.

It certainly helps that Bluffton is the most family-friendly place I’ve ever seen, and I consider myself lucky to be here.

When you first became a father, what was the one thing you were totally unprepared for?

I really had no idea how much they would challenge me to be a better man. In looking back now, I think I was probably unprepared for most (all?) of parenthood, with the exception of car seat installation. My wife is amazing, though, and that made all of the difference.

What is your favorite daddy/child date?

It’s not a routine thing, but there was that time I threw a birthday party for Seal, my son’s stuffed seal, at Ben & Jerry’s....

Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to in the name of assisting others?

Most recently, my hot chocolate was voted the worst ever by a panel of five (my two and three sleepover guests).

Use milk, not water, is the moral.

What is one of the most important things you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

That the boss sets the pace. My dad taught me that, and I’m passing that on to my kids. I also really think Billion Law’s success has a lot to do with me putting what I think is important at the forefront. It’s far easier to say than to do, but I’ve learned a few things, which I share with my kids whenever I can.

Ask your children what you are the best at or what their favorite activity is with Daddy.

“You’re fun at Frisbee.” — Moraya “Playing soccer is my favorite thing with you.” — MJ

How many children would you have if finances/your wife were no object?

Two is the perfect number for us.

25 Thurmond Way, Box 2595 Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 949-9069 billionlawgroup.com

Gary and Coley Davis H I LTO N

H E A D

How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

Family always comes first! I am very blessed to have a great wife and two children, and even though both boys are grown and living on their own, we still take family vacations and spend lots of quality time together.

What is your favorite daddy/child date?

Both of my sons love to hunt and fish, so anytime we have free, we head to the river or the woods.

What is one of the most important things you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

There are so many important factors, but the most important to me is to always run your business with integrity and character and to always do what is best for the client.

If you work hard and treat people fairly, your clients will become your largest source for future business.

When you first became a father, what was the one thing you were totally unprepared for?

That was 30 years, ago but the time commitment and change in responsibilities was a shock. Pam

Jeffrey Hedden H ILTO N HE A D I N S U R A N C E & B R O K E R AG E How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

I try to arrive at work as early in the day as possible so that late afternoons and evenings are open for family time and, more important, family dinners.

What is your favorite daddy/child date?

A nine-hole round of golf one-onone or a late afternoon boat ride with no distractions.

What is one of the most important things you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

It is not always easy and requires a lot of dedication, but if you put your mind to building quality relationships and always trusting God, you can achieve success at anything you want to do.

When you first became a father, what was the one thing you were totally unprepared for?

Having to discipline your kids while loving them at the same time.

Teenage years!

How many children would you have if finances/your wife were no object?

Well, I have been a parent for 35 years now with five children total— three in their 30s, all grown adults, and currently one teen and one tween.

Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to in the name of assisting others?

Lack of consistent, firm discipline when they were young. It only gets harder the older they get.

Children’s favorite activity?

Tripp: My favorite activity to do with Dad is playing golf Harper: My favorite activity to do with Dad is going to Disney World.

13 The Village at Wexford Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 252-0840 Hiltonheadinsuranceandbrokerage.com

I N S U R A N C E and I made sure that we attended every event, from school plays to sporting events, and spent as much time as we possibly could with both of our sons.

Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to in the name of assisting others?

One of my first jobs out of college was working for Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceutical. I climbed the ladder very quickly and became one of the youngest regional managers in the company.

Unfortunately, it required me to travel over 200 nights a year, which caused me to miss valuable time with my family. Over the years, I have come to the realization that time is the most valuable gift you can give to your children.

Ask your children what their favorite activity is with Daddy.

I am very fortunate that both of my sons have my same outdoor passions and both of them said they enjoy fishing, golfing, and hunting with me.

29 Plantation Park Suite 107 Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 252-0840 hiltonheadinsuranceandbrokerage.com

Josh Matthews J . M AT T H E W S C O N S T R U C T I O N How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

Keep family first. There are times when business takes precedence and is unavoidable, but if at all possible, keep family first.

Most clients understand family commitments.

What is your favorite daddy/ child date?

Anything outdoors: sports, hunting, fishing and boating.

What is one of the most important things you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

Teach them early the value of earning their own money.

Hopefully, they will learn that hard work pays off.

When you first became a father, what was the one thing you were totally unprepared for?

How many times a day you hear “daddy.”

jesse blanco E AT

I T

A N D

L I K E

I T

How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

There is no such thing as “too busy.”

Only priorities. Would I love to play golf on occasion? I don’t. Would I love to go out to nice dinners more frequently? Oh wait....Truthfully, the nature of the gig (spending time eating) makes it a little easier to balance. I’m very lucky.

When you first became a father, what was the one thing you were totally unprepared for?

I was north of 30 when I became a dad. I was ready.

What is your favorite daddy/child date?

In 2011, when Alexandra was nine years old, I took her to New York City on a “Daddy-Daughter Weekend.” She loved it so much, we then visited the city every year until 2020 when she moved there to attend college.

Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to the name of assisting others?

Making a habit of cleaning their room once a week. A habit that may not be entirely necessary today, but one day they will be glad they own it.

What is one of the most important things you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

If it is a passion, it is not work.

People say that all the time. The second half of that, though, is that you need to love your business.

Every day. Even when you hate it, you need to love it. All of that … and patience.

How many children would you have if finances/your wife were no object?

Just one more. But we were more than happy with our decision.

Ask your children what you do best.

“My dad is the best at cooking.

Nearly every food he makes is amazing, even if it’s his first time making it; and if it’s not amazing on the first try, he keeps working on it until he perfects it.”

1305 Barnard Street Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 232 3306 eatitandlikeit.com

How many children would you have if finances/your wife were no object?

I’m happy with what we have now!

Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to in the name of assisting others?

Taking work calls in the truck using hands-free may not be the best move. Work language isn’t sometime suitable for their ears.

Ask your children what their favorite activity is with Daddy.

Anderson: Golf cart rides Tanner: Fishing Camden: Drive the golf cart (supervised steering) 211 Goethe Road, Unit C Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 301-5882 Jmatthewsconstruction.com

Kevin M. Sevier K E V I N S E V I E R – S TAT E FA R M AG E N T How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

You have to be deliberate. I’m not the best at it all the time, but you have to plan out your day, week, month, and year to be sure that you make time for family, personal growth, and your business.

If you don’t have a plan, business will unintentionally take priority.

What is your favorite daddy/child date?

Outdoors, either fishing, hunting or shooting sporting clays.

What is one of the most important things you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

Surround yourself with people who are good at doing the things you are not good at doing. It is not necessary to reinvent the wheel; just find the

right people to work alongside you to complement your strengths while covering the gaps created by your weaknesses.

When you first became a father, what was the one thing you were totally unprepared for?

How strong of a woman my wife is … crying baby, dirty diapers, sleep deprivation … and she did it all with an overwhelming amount of grace and love.

I was certainly not prepared to work all day and take on what she does each day as a mother (and still does).

How many children would you have if finances/your wife were no object?

We are blessed to have two sons, and I wouldn’t change what God has in his plan for us.

Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to in the name of assisting others?

My friend Ford Allen has a sign on his desk that says, “Save some for home.” I am reminded of that frequently, although I am not always the best at saving energy for home. That continues to be a work in progress.

Ask your children what their favorite activity is with Daddy.

Quail and dove hunting is at the top of Troy’s list, with fishing for reds following close behind. Lance would tell you shooting sporting clays, especially now that he outshoots me on a regular basis.

301 Buckwalter Place Blvd.

Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 837-2886 kevinsevier.com

clients the way you’d want to be treated in return. And don’t be afraid of change. What works today may not work tomorrow, so you have to be willing to revise your business plan.

When you first became a father, what was the one thing you were totally unprepared for?

Everything! It’s impossible to prepare for parenthood because no two experiences are the same. I found that much like life in general, parenting is learned on the fly!

How many children would you have if finances/your wife were not object?

We always envisioned ourselves as a three-child family, but two ended up being perfect!

Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to in the name of assisting others?

Taking my eyes off my five-year-old long enough for her to create her own “ice skating rink” in our pantry with dish soap and vegetable oil. It took my wife and me three hours to clean it up. Advice: Lock your pantry and keep a very close eye on mischievous five-year-olds!

Gregory Dissel B R I G H T WAY

How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

It’s a tough balance! I’m the first one up in the morning and the last one to bed at night. I try to knock out as much work as possible during school hours and while my girls are sleeping so I can spend as much of their free time with them as possible.

I N S U R A N C E

What is your favorite daddy/child date?

We spend our warm days by the pool and our cold ones watching movies.

What is one of the most important things you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

Prepare for mistakes and learn from them; true success comes from trial and error. Always be honest and treat your

jack crouch R E E L

E A S Y

How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

There is a time for work and a time for family. Owning my own business gives me the freedom to create my own schedule and keep openings where needed for family time.

C H A R T E R S How many children would you have if finances/your wife were no object?

I always thought I would have more than one child, and I am blessed to be gaining two bonus children by marriage in November.

What is your favorite daddy/child date?

Either a boat ride, playing golf or going to dinner. I don’t take any time with them for granted; I know how quickly time flies.

Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to in the name of assisting others?

Early on, I wanted to do everything for my son. But now I realize it is important for children to learn to succeed on their own. If they fail, they can try again and learn.

What is one of the most important things you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

Work hard and always be honest.

Make sure to have fun, and always give 100 percent. If that doesn’t work, give 110 percent.

Ask your children what you are best at doing or what their favorite activity is with Daddy.

“My dad is the best at being close friends with me. He’s not just my dad, but he is my best friend, too.

He’s also great at waterskiing, and I love to do that with him.”

When you first became a father, what was the one thing you were totally unprepared for?

How an 8.5-pound, 19-inch human could call all the shots and change my life forever.

(843) 290-2932 reeleasyhiltonhead.com

Ask your children what you do best.

Autumn says: Daddy is the best at helping me with my history presentations.

Addison says: Daddy is best at throwing me so high in the pool.

48 Burnt Church Road, Suite 200-C Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 480-9933 brightwaydissel.com

dad p r e n e u r s

shot at success. But you can’t give up during hard times, nor can you sit back and relax in times of great success.

When you first became a father, what was the one thing you were totally unprepared for?

I was naïve in thinking that life wouldn’t drastically change. Once I became a parent, I discovered an unconditional love that I didn’t know existed otherwise. Life changes, and their well-being and quality of life becomes a driving factor for both work and life.

How many children would you have if finances/your wife were no object?

My wife and I have two beautiful, healthy, and incredibly smart daughters, age 11 and six. We wouldn’t change a single thing.

Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to in the name of assisting others?

Not spending enough time with them. Somehow, time seems to pass by quicker as you get older, and you will never get back the time you have lost. Make the most out of every day you are blessed to be around them.

David H. Abney D H

A B N E Y

C O M P A N Y,

How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

You have to make time for your family and for yourself. It’s easy to become consumed by your work and forgo essential, quality family time. Dedicate at least one day a week to your family aside from your evenings and nights after work.

I N C .

What is your favorite daddy/child date?

Boating on our beautiful inshore waterways and exploring our coast.

What is one of the most important things you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

If you put hard work, determination and client relationship as the driving force behind your work, you will have a great

Ask your children what their favorite activity with Daddy is.

My oldest daughter loves to hunt, and my youngest simply loves doing anything as long as we are together.

P.O. Box 452 Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 683-7873 DHAbney.com

What is one of the most important things that you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

Keep on showing up for the ball, the golf cart ride, and ultimately the treatos!

When you first became a father, what was the one thing you were totally unprepared for?

Potty training! Honestly, my wife has potty trained all of our puppies.

How many children would you have if finances/your wife were no object?

Well, most packs start at three and can easily go up to seven; dogs are giving me the side eye right now. Four is pawfect!

Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to the name of assisting others?

Trying to get a wee pup to listen when on the scent of anything, really.

Rob Kerdasha A S S U R E D Children: Winter, Tana, Couloir, & Babe How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

Hmm. I think I will let the fur kids answer that one: “We think Daddy iz

P A R T N E R S the bestest. He takes us on golf cart ridez, throws ball, and gives tummy rubs and treatos!”

Ask your children what their favorite activity is with Daddy.

Winter: golf cart rides!

Tana: golf cart rides!

Couloir: Treatos!

Babe: Belly rubs!

1323 May River Rd Suite 101, Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 706-2438 www.assuredpartners.com

What is your favorite daddy/child date?

Well, I have to agree the golf cart rides in the evening are a lot of fun.

Matthew C. Tenwolde, DVM CAROLINA VETERINARY CRITICAL CARE How do you balance a successful business and still make time for your family?

It’s very difficult! I try to keep work out of my family life as much as possible, being present in the moment whenever I am with my family. My wife knows my stress with my professional obligations, and she is amazingly understanding and supportive, though I try to make sure my kids never see my stress.

What is your favorite daddy/child date?

A golf cart ride to Crabby Corner for ice cream and time at Shrimp Boat Park!

What is one of the most important things you can teach your children in respect to sustaining a business?

Treat people how you would treat your own family. If you take care of people and meet their needs with everything you have in you, the community will see that and take care of you right back.

When you first became a father, what was the one thing you were totally unprepared for?

The sudden realization of a world far beyond self. Holding my son for the first time, I found an immense feeling of pride—so much love. Only a parent can fully understand how life opens up a whole new set of priorities that had nothing to do with my own interests.

How many children would you have if finances/your wife were no object?

My wife and I both agree, two; we are good.

Biggest parenting mistake you’ll fess up to the name of assisting others?

Introducing screen time so early in their lives. It takes so much from them.

While it’s important to keep them technologically savvy, there are far more drawbacks.

Ask your children what you are the best at or what their favorite activity is with Daddy.

My daughter thinks I am best at being her brother’s dad; my son thinks I’m best at getting him treats and candy.

The thing they love to do best with Daddy is to snuggle in the morning.

21 Buck Island Rd. Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 706-9200 carolinavcc.com

PASSING ALONG FINANCIAL LITERACY COULD BE YOUR MOST VALUABLE LEGACY A R TI C L E

BY

F R ED

G ASKI N

I

’ve had the pleasure of working with a number of young investors, and it’s been exciting to see them learn the investing basics, and importantly, become successful savers and investors. Beyond investing, long-term financial success also depends on developing good financial instincts and exercising consistent positive financial habits. Ultimately, it’s up to each of us to make sure we give our kids the knowledge of personal finance they need. Fortunately, there are a plenty of common-sense ways to pass along good financial habits.

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Here are seven tips that can help you teach your kids about money, starting with the steps to take with younger children and progressing through lessons relevant as they move toward adulthood.

1. Give your child an allowance.

Earning an allowance can introduce kids to the value of money and making choices for themselves. Start when your child is little and consider tying at least part of the allowance to chores to help instill a work ethic.

2. Emphasize savings. Kids are likely to eventually want something that

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costs more than what they have in their piggy bank or savings account. That’s your chance to teach them how save and to reinforce the concept of delayed gratification.

3. Encourage a summer job. A Schwab survey on kids and money shows that when young people have jobs, they are likely to be better savers later in life.

You can reinforce the emphasis on savings by making sure your child is saving a bit from every paycheck.

4. Introduce them to investing. As kids get older and hopefully have some money accumulated, you may decide to open a custodial brokerage account and let them choose some stocks. It’s generally best to work with an advisor to do this, as there may be unique tax considerations.

5. Teach them about credit.

Consider making your child an authorized user on one of your credit cards. There are practical reasons, such as having the card to use in an emergency. But this is also about teaching them how to borrow and spend responsibly. Require them to pay back every dollar they charge, and make sure they understand the basics such as the difference between a credit and a debit card.

6. Help your child set a budget.

When your child is living on their own, during college or after they graduate, talking them through the process of setting

a budget will help them better understand how they are spending their money.

7. Encourage good investing habits. As your child gets older and perhaps has retirement benefits through their job, help them understand their options. When they start putting money into a retirement account, that’s a good time to talk about basic investing principles such as diversification, risk tolerance and staying invested over the long run.

As parents, we’re always trying to find ways to support our children, and few of our efforts can compare to providing them a solid foundation of how good financial behavior can support their future goals.

Fred Gaskin is branch leader at the Charles Schwab Independent Branch in Bluffton. He has over 35 years of experience helping clients achieve their financial goals. Some content provided here has been compiled from previously published articles authored by various parties at Schwab. For more information, visit schwab.com/bluffton or call (843) 473-3620.

Lawson Lowrey with his 1948 Navion A on the runway in Statesboro, GA.

ARTICLE BY TIM WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

A Pair Born in the Air GEORGIA DOCTOR AND BLUFFTON SALESMAN FORGE FRIENDSHIP OVER LOVE OF FLIGHT

awson Lowrey can’t remember a time when he didn’t want to fly a plane. His family gave him flight lessons when he was 15, and that’s when Lowrey first realized the immense responsibility of piloting an aircraft.

“I took lessons, and being a pilot was a dream, but I was just too unfocused to follow through at that point in life,” said the now 49-year-old Lowrey. “Now, I get it. Learning the mechanics of an aircraft is hundreds of hours of work; that alone is not for everybody. But beyond that, it’s about embracing that you’re responsible for other lives above all else, to make sure the aircraft is safe and your flying is

L

Dr. Rusty Harrington

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A Pair Born in the Air technically flawless. You have to be ready to earn the right to live that dream.”

After a brief flirtation with the family business, Lowrey went into selling medical device equipment—first stents and balloons, now pacemakers. Fifteen years ago, he became friends with a medical practice manager in Georgia, who heard of his passion for flight and had the perfect mentor for him: her husband.

Dr. Rusty Harrington, known to his buddies as “Doc,” has been flying planes for 50 years. His father took him to the airport to watch planes, and when Dad was learning to fly in a 1946 fixed wing single engine Piper, an itty bitty Rusty was behind the pilot seat in the baggage compartment.

“You just couldn’t keep me out of planes. It’s always been a passion,” said the now 63-year-old Harrington, who first flew a plane at age 13. “I was lucky that the learning felt natural.

The responsibility behind flying was an earned honor. My dad ingrained that in me.”

His father soon after bought a third-share interest in a Navion, the Cadillac of fixed-wing aircraft built by North American Aviation, the same company that produced the P-51 Mustang during World War II. “He later was given the plane by a friend who owed him money, and that started a lifelong love affair with this plane,” Harrington said. “It’s been fun to pass that love on to guys like Lawson.”

When the two connected four years ago, Lowrey was once again committed to getting his pilot’s license. Just like Doc’s father had done for him, Lowrey was sharing his love of flying with

“THESE PLANES, THIS HOBBY, IT’S NOT THE ELITIST THING THAT IS THE STEREOTYPE. YOU CAN BUY A PLANE FOR LESS THAN YOU PAY FOR A RANGE ROVER, A BOAT OR AN RV. THESE CLASSIC PLANES, YOU CAN GET ONE FOR LESS THAN YOU PAY FOR A SILVERADO. THEY ARE MASTERFULLY BUILT, WILL LAST YOU A CENTURY IF YOU TAKE CARE OF THEM.”

his teenage son, Maximilian. He was determined to get his license and buy a plane to share with Maximilian.

“I work 24/7 in this job, and this dream was my outlet,” Lowrey said. “These planes, this hobby, it’s not the elitist thing that is the stereotype. You can buy a plane for less than you pay for a Range Rover, a boat or an RV. These classic planes, you can get one for less than you pay for a Silverado. They are masterfully built, will last you a century if you take care of them. I’ve been driving boats since I was 12. But the mechanics of flying and flight safety, it’s thousands of hours of learning.”

Doc told Lowrey to get back to flight school, get hundreds of hours in as pilot, get his solo flying license, and buy a Cessna— the Honda Civic of airplanes—a popular starter plane in wide production with good resale value.

Lowrey at first decided to buy a slicker, sexier plane, but later ended up buying the Cessna, where he went to work showing Doc just how committed he was to earn his new friend’s tutelage.

That’s when Harrington introduced him to a friend, Bud Brown, a Skyhawk pilot in Vietnam, who is now the president of

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A Pair Born in the Air the Southeastern Navion Group, enthusiasts of the plane that went out of production more than 50 years ago after producing just 2,500 total planes.

Now 80, Brown was ready to part ways with his aerial beauty. Harrington convinced Brown that Lowrey was worthy of purchasing his 1948 Navion A. “Doc told me I’ll never need another plane, and he was right.

This plane is a gorgeous machine. It’s an honor to carry on the legacy that Bud established with this plane,” Lowrey said of the four-seater Navion.

While not flown in combat, the plane is adorned with the VA23 emblem of the Black Knights, Brown’s Navy attack squadron.

The plane’s 311 insignia matches the plane he flew in combat.

“His wingman in the Black Knights has a 312 plane. He passed away,” Lowrey said. “I’ve been asked to fly with that plane, but I was not in the military. I would never dishonor the service these men gave to our country.”

Lowrey often makes the 12-minute flight from Hilton Head to Statesboro, Ga. to meet Harrington at his airport hangar that houses the E.R. doctor’s budding collection of planes.

There’s “Triple 6,” a 1955 Navion named for the plane’s N91666 tail number, a five-seater that Lowrey calls “Rusty’s hoss.” The plane is actually Harrington’s son’s, acquired in 2012.

“That thing is not a slow plane; it is simply magnificent. It’s a five-seater that will fly you anywhere,” Lowrey said, admiring his friend’s plane.

There’s the “Millennium Falcon,” a fellow 1948 Navion A that Doc bought in 2002 and has rebuilt the engine since to make it one of the fastest planes among his SNAG group. Harrington also has a Rangemaster, an early-1960s revised version of the Navion, and another Navion he’s fixing up to sell.

Then there’s the family prize, the 1946 Piper he and his doctor brother, Bob, learned to fly on. The family sold the plane after their father passed away, but Bob reacquired the plane 30 years ago, and the brothers have spent the time ever since restoring it to its past glory.

“It’s something special to keep this in the family—so many memories, and it’s still such a gorgeous flight to this day,” Harrington said of the family heirloom.

Doc has countless airplane parts in the hangar. The vice president of the American Navion Society is also a master mechanic known in the Navion community for his skills in rebuilding and fabricating long-out-of-circulation Navion parts.

“I have always had this mechanical aptitude, blessed with it. I took an engineering test in high school and did so well, Georgia Tech wanted me to finish school with them,” he said. “I just hated school, so I threw the letter away. But I went back after getting married and starting a family, passed my mechanic’s test, got my college degree 62

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“WHEN I’M IN THE AIR, IT JUST TAKES MY BREATH AWAY EVERY TIME. I’M PROUD TO HAVE EARNED THIS CONVENIENCE—TO BE ABLE TO FLY TO ATLANTA IN AN HOUR, TO FLORIDA IN 90 MINUTES, TO DREAM UP A TRIP AND JUST GET IN AND FLY.

and my medical degree. And I’ve been acquiring knowledge all along.

There are always things to learn with these planes.”

Lowrey said flying has become an integral part of his life and that he treasures the mentoring and friendship he has built with Harrington. “God had his hand in my friendship with Rusty. He doesn’t tell me what I should do up there. He tells me mistakes he’s made that he’s learned from and that’s just invaluable,” Lowrey said. “You have to be willing to listen to be a pilot. He’s told me many times, ‘There are old pilots, and there are bold pilots. But there are no old, bold pilots.’”

There’s a fine line between confident and cocky, and pilots are masters at never crossing that line. “Cockiness kills, period,” Lowrey said. “When I’m in the air, it just takes my breath away every time. I’m proud to have earned this convenience—to be able to fly to Atlanta in an hour, to Florida in 90 minutes, to dream up a trip and just get in and fly. It’s easily my greatest life accomplishment.”

He said seeing his son achieve his aerial dream is equally rewarding. Maximilian, a student at The Citadel training to become a Marine pilot, was ready as a teen for the full gamut of accountability that comes with flying. He said the feeling you get on takeoffs and the responsibility of piloting the plane is unparalleled.

“It is super addictive. I want to be in the air all the time,” Maximilian said. “To share this with my dad and Doc is a gift I take very seriously. I am always learning, always striving to master skills.”

While the Lowreys have hundreds of hours of flight time under their belts, Doc has flown 4,600 flight hours and close to 4,700 total flights—most of them done over the past 20 years, many commuting between his Statesboro, Ga. home and his medical practice in La Grange, Ala. “I’ve flown as far as California. We visit our four kids and 10 grandkids. We’ve flown over Yellowstone, past Mount Rushmore, to Canada, the Gulf of Mexico, over two oceans. We’re going to spearfish in South Dakota next month. My wife and I fly to Florida or Atlanta or Charleston for dinner,” Harrington said. “I fly every chance I get.

I’ve seen parts of the country few will get to see, thanks to these planes. It’s just an amazing life.”  C2 MAGAZINE

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ARTICLE BY LINDA S. HOPKINS PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

$100 do you have

AND AN HOUR TO SPARE?

JOIN 100 MEN WHO CARE AND DISCOVER A SIMPLE BUT POWERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE RIGHT HERE AT HOME

W

hat can you buy for $100? The answer might depend on where you shop. But for many of us, $100 slips through our fingers fairly quickly, and we often have little to show for it.

What would that same $100 do for a local charity? What would $10,000 do for that same organization?

This past winter, Sea Pines resident Mike Bruce, his brother Beau, and friend Terry Millard, along with their wives, were gathered around the firepit at Spanish Wells Club when this very topic came up. It didn’t take advanced math skills to conclude that if they pooled their money, it would go much further.

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S

Front row from Left to Right; John Faucher, Billy Glover, Terry Millard, Mike Bruce, Kevin Kowal, Ted Athanas, Joe Short

Standing from L to R; Kip Horton, Ed Ladd, Greg Goldberg, Jim Giuliani, Don Linscott, Stan Smith, Joe O’Brien, Jon Topper, Denis Thomas, Todd Hawk, Phil Py, Terry Brubaker, Aaron Fisher, Sonny Compher, Nick Castricone, Alex Elmes

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“We can give $100 to an organization, and they are thankful.

But for us to turn around and give $10,000 is much more impactful. To me, that’s the key,” Bruce said. So, he and his cohorts decided to do just that by forming a chapter of the 100 Who Care Alliance (100whocarealliance.org). Born under the starry sky was 100 Men Who Care Hilton Head Island, starting with three enthusiastic founders.

Truth be told, it was the ladies who sparked the idea, and Bruce is quick to give them credit. His wife Brenda, who is chairman of the Hunger Coalition, whose signature program is Backpack Buddies of Hilton Head, was preparing a video for a presentation to be made to the 100+ Women Who Care Hilton Head Island and needed some help processing it. Bruce stepped in to assist with the technical details and, a few days later, learned that Backpack Buddies was awarded the funds (over $15,000) from the local women’s group.

After hearing about the process, Bruce said, “I was quite impressed that a group of people could come together and have that kind of impact in an hour meeting as opposed to endless committee meetings and fundraisers, etc. I thought, we [the men] can do this.”

“I ORIGINALLY THOUGHT IF WE GOT FIVE OR 10 GUYS AND ALL PUT IN $100, IT WOULD BE A GOOD THING AND WE COULD SEND IT TO A LOCAL GROUP. IN THE FIRST 30 DAYS, WE HAD 20-25 PEOPLE INTERESTED, MEANING WE COULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.”

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Bruce did some research and then went on to send a note to a few trusted friends including local ophthalmologist Ken Gleitsmann and Realtor Rob Reichel. “I explained to them how it works, and the immediate response was, ‘Yes, let’s do it.’”

Founded on a concept from the 100 Who Care Alliance, according to Bruce, they already have the mechanism and the process. “We don’t have to form another organization and a board of directors or pay a filing fee with the state in order to collect the funds and distribute them,” he said.

This seemed to resonate with the men, many of whom are still working and were equally happy to learn that there would be no silent auctions, wrapping paper sales, or dinner dances to organize and attend.

The next week, Bruce and Gleitsmann played in a tennis round robin at Spanish Wells, and the pro there introduced the concept to the group. Eighty percent of the guys participating said yes, they wanted to join in.

“It’s the easiest selling job I’ve ever had,” Bruce joked. “I originally thought if we got five or 10 guys and all put in $100, it would be a good thing and we could send it to a local group. In the first 30 days, we had 20-25 people interested, meaning we could have a significant impact on local organizations.”

News has continued to spread, and enthusiasm continues to build.

100 Men Who Care Hilton Head Island met officially for the first time in April with a whopping 70 participants. The hybrid event, with the option to attend live or virtually, took place at the Spanish Wells Club, thanks to their generous donation of space for the quarterly meetings to come.

HOW IT WORKS Prior to the meeting, members nominate charities of interest out of which three are randomly chosen to be considered for the donation.

$100 do you have

AND AN HOUR TO SPARE?

JOIN THE GIVING CIRCLE If you are interested in joining this dynamic group, check out their website at 100menwhocarehhi.com and consider attending their next meeting: DATE: Thursday, July 8 TIME: 5 p.m.

PLACE: Spanish Wells Club MORE INFORMATION: Mike Bruce (404) 660-3121 or mike@100menwhocarehhi.com.

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left to right: David Jarret, Sonny Compher, Gary Bezilla, Mike Bruce, Ken S From Gleitsmann, Ginger Moran (VIM), Nick Castricone, Rob Lindsey.

Each of the three non-profits is pitched by a member in a brief, time-limited presentation, after which the membership votes to award the money to one organization.

The charter is clear that an individual who is a member must present the charity for consideration, as opposed to a representative from the organization, Bruce explained. “We can get the sales pitch any day of the week. We want the men to talk about what they think is important in the community and why. I think it’s a lot more meaningful.”

No checks are exchanged at the meeting. Members register/pledge online by providing banking or credit card information. A week before the meeting, they get

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charged and the money goes into the giving pool. “We don’t even see their information. I only see their name, email and phone number,” Bruce said. The funds are processed by Grapevine, a free platform that facilitates donations through a 501(c)3 DAF (Donor-Advised Fund), making the quarterly transaction simple and secure. “Using a DAF maximizes the money going to the local organizations and minimizes the work to collect the funds,” Bruce explained.

Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) was the recipient of the funds collected at the inaugural meeting of 100 Men Who Care Hilton Head Island. A check for $7,000 was proudly presented to the non-profit clinic that currently serves 10,000 active patients who would not otherwise have access to medical care. A representative will be invited to the next meeting to share how the money will be used.

“Sometimes it seems like a cold, hard world,” Bruce’s brother Beau said. “But we have a lot of giving, caring people on Hilton Head and many deserving charities.”

The men emphasized the educational value of the process. “It’s an education for me to learn where a need is on the island. It’s not just another list,” Gleitsmann said.

“It makes you feel more a part of your community when you are aware. So many people think of charities as large organizations like the American Cancer Society. But there are so many grassroots charities.

Those are the ones that impact small communities like this,” Brenda Bruce said.

$100 do you have

AND AN HOUR TO SPARE?

“We’re trying to be as broad as we can and get exposure to a wide range of charities,” Millard added. “[Collective giving] enables us to help charities and startup organizations with a significant amount of money so that they can deliver services to the community.”

100 Men Who Care Hilton Head Island also provides a chance to network with like-minded men with a variety of business backgrounds and social interests—perhaps meet your next golf or tennis buddy, form a new alliance, or simply make a friend. (The venue will open 30 minutes in advance of the meeting for members and potential members to mix and mingle.) The meeting itself is structured to be completed within an hour.

“That’s the whole point of it. You can come, get it done and move on. And if you want to stay and visit for a bit, that’s okay, too,” Bruce said. Meetings take place four times a year, and members are asked to commit to a year of giving.

Where else would you get this much bang for 100 bucks and an hour of your time? 

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LOOKS TO LEAVE YOUR HOUSE IN SPECIAL THANKS TO

Dr. Rusty Harrington, Lawson and Maximilian Lowrey for hosting us.

HAIR & MAKE-UP BY

True Beauty by Joanna Marie CLOTHING MODELED BY

Caroline Molloy & Maximillian Lowrey STYLED BY Kaila Jeffcoat PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.Kat DESIGN BY Jeff Cline

*Prices change and human error occurs. Please confirm all pricing with boutiques listed.



SOUTHERN TIDE

Black gameday dress | $128

LOOKS TO LEAVE YOUR HOUSE IN 

EGAN + ELLA

Skirt: Crescent | $38 Sweater: miss love | $30 Shoe: Soda | $40 Hat: $34 Necklace: $26



FRESH PRODUCE

Dress: Bella Dahl | $140 Clutch: Myra Bag | $48 Necklaces Tassel long beaded: Spartina | $98 Gold chain, short: Spartina | $62 Earrings: Spartina | $88

LOOKS TO LEAVE YOUR HOUSE IN



PALMETTOES

Dress: Marie Oliver | $395 Shoes: Donald Pliner | $235

*Prices change and human error occurs. Please confirm all pricing with boutiques listed.



EGGS ’N’ TRICITIES

Dress: Ivy Jane | $120 Pearl necklace: Yochi NY | $180 Earrings: Jade + Jasper | $16

LOOKS TO LEAVE YOUR HOUSE IN 

COPPER PENNY

Dress: Marie Oliver | $298 Necklace: Holst Lee | $196



BIRDIE JAMES

Dress: Glam | $78 Earrings: Julie Voss | $128 Shoes: Soludos | $128 Sunglasses: Eyeland Optique



EYELAND OPTIQUE

*Prices change and human error occurs. Please confirm all pricing with boutiques listed.

Lindberg glasses | $700

LOOKS TO LEAVE YOUR HOUSE IN.



MAGGIE AND ME

Dress: Rylee + Cru $110 Earrings: Jewelry by Jan Ziter $26



HASKINS & CO

Jumpsuit: &merci | $60 Shoulder Bag: Abl | $185 Necklace: $39 Bracelet: Yochi NY | $ Earrings: Saylor Betty | $24

LOOKS TO LEAVE YOUR HOUSE IN *Prices change and human error occurs. Please confirm all pricing with boutiques listed.



COASTAL BLISS

Dress: Cleobella | $198 Bracelets: Stack | $32 Hat: Wyeth | $84

WORKING FROM HOME What happens when you give an Interior Designer a chance to create her own home from the ground up? You get this

Oldfield MASTERPIECE!

A

 A perfectly southern entrance welcomes guests with a gas lantern.

s one of the principals of Blue Palm Interiors, Holly Blocker is no stranger to making a good home look great. Having moved down from Kentucky three years ago, she has quickly become an expert in the peccadillos of the traditional Lowcountry style: the subdued color palette, the natural textures, the clean lines.

When it came time to work on her own space, it would seem like a chance to simply open up the vision board and pick the greatest hits, right?

“It is nerve wracking to do your own home,” she said. “Everything is accessible, so it becomes hard to make a decision. I had to have my business partner help me with some of the selections.”

Between the two of them, they were able to create a Lowcountry look in her Oldfield house that reads like a look book for Southern charm. The judicious use of ship lap siding in the master bath and in the great room, the  This porch bedswing creates an ideal spot for the daily unwind

Savannah brick around the hearth, the trestle-style railings on the staircase, the herringbone brickwork in the owners’ entrance … it isn’t just a matter of Blocker showing off her greatest hits; it was a matter of creating new ones. “The key is that we wanted to make it feel like an old home,” she said.

“It feels like it has those old touches, but it’s obviously new.”

Part of creating that old yet new flavor fell to the technical wizardry of Pearce Scott Architects. “It does have a mix of different materials as if added to over time, generationally,” Scott said. “It’s like a classic Lowcountry cottage on steroids.

It’s hardly a cottage, but it has that sense of scale.”

Project Manager Amanda Denmark ran point on this particular project, working with Front Light Building Company to make sure that sense of scale remained constant throughout. This required steady communication to ensure each of the details lined up. “The vaulted ceilings in the great room, for example, take a turn as they go into the kitchen, which was a bit of a technical balancing act,” she said.

“Working with Front Light was easy because they do a lot of client interaction.”

 Holly Blocker and Brittany Kennedy were able to create a lowcountry look in this Oldfield house that reads like a look book for Southern charm.

 The staircase incorporates a cable railing for a unique coastal feel.

 Savannah brick accents the hearth.

Article by Barry Kaufman | Photography by Lynette Perkins, Sassy Sparrow | Design by Jeff Cline

 This

dining room was designed specifically to fit the families farmhouse table for gathering.

ld e i f d l O TE MAS

 A

back kitchen or scullery creates an extension of the main kitchen that allows for a private space for prep and storage.

Perhaps the biggest technical hurdle was one that can be easy to miss, by design. As the main living space is set several feet above the grade of the garage, connecting the two spaces proved to be one of the biggest, yet most rewarding, challenges of the build.

“Most houses where it’s connected in this way, you can tell. The transition details stick out like sore thumbs,” said Matt Green, principal with Front Light Building Company.

“When you look at this house head on, you have a hard time seeing those variations.”

Creating that seamless transition between garage and house meant meticulous planning of everything from ductwork to dormers. Windows on the garage carriage house were raised to make them level with the main house’s second-story windows. Rooflines were wrestled into place to cover the transition. Even the garage itself sits forward a few feet to conceal the space from the street. Every little detail

RPI

ECE

!

was covered, but then that is kind of the point.

“It’s like football. The hardest thing is punching it into the end zone because you have to hit all those details,” Green said. “We try to take extra care of what we do to get into the end zone.”

It’s ironic that so much effort went into concealing a transition, given that the greatest treasure of this home is what it showcases so well. Built on a serene lake in the woods of Oldfield, the entire house puts the scenery at center stage.

“Since we built on a lake, we definitely wanted to bring that water view into focus and pull the outdoors in,” Blocker said.

The home’s architecture frames that view perfectly, starting with the recessed front entry and then building until it’s staring you in the face from behind 10-foot sliders. Step through, and you’re in an outdoor oasis that might seem strangely familiar.

“My husband loves his firepit,” Blocker said. “We saw

 A serene Master retreat with lake views is the ultimate setting

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Vanity flair...

 A home office that reflects creativity and functionality- reclaimed Wood from a Kentucky barn used as a desk

Each fixture was hand selected to make a statement throughout

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 Our Guest suite was a great way of

mixing family heirlooms and modern decor.

Oldfield MASTERPIECE!

this firepit setup at the HGTV Smart Home in Palmetto Bluff, and we basically replicated it here. When you have a fire going and that water view, it just makes you sit and relax.”

And in that relaxation, Blocker finds inspiration for a home that exemplifies her inspired take on Lowcountry décor. “Everyone involved, from Front Light to Pearce Scott, nailed it on the head,” she said. “It’s going to be hard to pull me out of this house.”  An outdoor firepit for relaxing on chilly evenings.

 The mudroom with cubbies for hiding "stuff"

 The laundry room

 Screened back porch for socializing

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The Team: Owners, Greg and Donna Kessler; Mike Maggie, Summer Wick, and Justin Gariepy.

A Slice of the Pie Follow your craving to the little pizza shop that could, Super Baked pizza.

I

Article by Barry Kaufman

n the right hands, pizza can be a work of art. There’s the subtle science of dough, balancing the leavening fluffiness of yeast against the gently yielding bite of high-protein flour and coaxing it to a delicate crisp under high temperatures. Then you have the culinary wizardry that comes with pairing flavors and textures—a sweetly acidic sauce against a savory blend of cheeses serving as a backdrop to an array of toppings.

That’s what can happen in the right hands. But for too long, pizza was relegated to fast food status. As corporate giants rose, expanding their continentspanning empires on the strength of their “meh at best” pizza, the little guys fell (ironically enough) like dominos.

And while the corporate giants make pizza to please their shareholders, it’s the little guys who make pizza to please the true VIPs—their customers. And make no mistake, Super Baked Pizza is one of those little guys standing up for truly great pizza.

“We’re definitely the little shop that could,” said Greg Kessler, owner of Super Baked Pizza Hilton Head along with his wife Donna. The act of proving that started the day the couple bought the franchise, with the Kesslers bringing on F&B veteran Mike Maffeo to run the kitchen and start creating edible art.

“From day one, we reworked pretty much everything we do,” Greg said.

That meant establishing consistency, something Maffeo took point on. “Mike basically came up with rules about how we do everything down to exact precise measurements.”

Hand-in-hand with a rededication to consistency, the team got to work ensuring that every stage in the process involved providing the absolute best.

“We really pride ourselves on fresh, making our own dough and sourcing produce from the farmers markets here on Hilton Head and out in Bluffton. That’s where we get all of our stuff.”

That extra effort is part of what makes a Super Baked Pizza so deliciously fresh; as Maffeo points out, the only freezer in the entire restaurant can be found

up front filled with ice cream. And while that dedication to freshness results in a pizza that elevates everyone’s favorite party food to neargourmet status, it does require a little extra effort.

“We have a mixer in the back, and everyone who works here is putting flour in there, rolling dough and making sure it proofs for the right amount of time,” Donna said.

What goes into the dough is only half of it. At Super Baked, you have the option of hand-tossed, New York style, thin crust and even cauliflower crust. And atop these mouthwatering pies, you’ll find a dizzying array of creative toppings from Philly Steak to Tex-Mex. Essentially, the only limit is your imagination. As Maffeo says, “It’s not about how we like it, it’s about how you like it.”

And even if you’re not a fan of pizza (it’s hard for us to imagine, but we suppose it’s possible), there are always the scrumptious variety of calzones, sandwiches and salads that round out the menu. And then, of course, there are the wings.

“Both of these guys love to cook, so between the two of them, they’ve come up with ways to do things differently with the dough or change up how we’re doing things, like smoking the wings,” Donna said.

Those smoked wings, one of the few places on the island where you can sample their fall-off-the-bone tenderness, have quickly proven their popularity. “It’s probably our No. 1 seller,” Greg said.

Wherever your tastes run, odds are good there’s a pizza for it. And odds are even better you’ll find it at the place where pizza is an art once again: Super Baked Pizza. Super Baked Pizza has multiple locations including Hilton Head Island and Bluffton as well as Savannah and Pooler. For more information or to place an order, visit superbakedpizza.com.

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PLEASE THANK YOU

Southern

M A N N E R S

S

hortly after moving to Hilton Head, when I was 12 years old, my mother (who was raised with “sho nuff” Southern manners) asked me to go to our neighbor’s house (who 13 years later would become my in-laws), call our house phone and leave a message on our answering machine. Her reasoning: When she had asked me if I had written a thank you note to my grandmother, I replied, “Naw, but I’ll do it after I ride bikes with my friends.” To which she replied, “Becca, have you lost your manners? Go over to the Edwards’ right now, call me and repeat what you just said so you can hear yourself.”

It was such a Southern mom moment. And although during those a pre-teen years I felt like Southern manners “didn’t amount to a hill of beans,” by the time I was “drivin’ age” I began to see the benefits of social etiquette.

A R T I C L E

B Y

Fast forward now that I’m a mom. I’ve decided to raise my three daughters, Ransom, Ruth Love and Camellia, just as my mother raised me: with manners.

That’s not to say that I believe and therefore teach that a woman should be demure or submissive. That’s not what having manners is about, despite the misconception.

Having manners, well, I’ll let Ransom (13 years old) tell you: “People want to feel respected and appreciated.

Having manners makes people feel more comfortable, acknowledged and listened to. It makes people kinder.

Manners do not need to be formal, per se, and by design make people happier and improve how people speak to each other.”

When Ransom encounters someone who does not have manner she says, “I always take into account where they are from and give them the benefit of the doubt. I

B E C C A

E D W A R D S

think maybe they are not from the South. Although, “thank you” is not a Southern thing. It is something everyone should say.”

Ransom continued, “Manners is not just what you say, either. It can be body language or the way you say things. When someone says bad words or is fussy or seems angry, it sets a bad tone. I think to myself, ‘That person is probably not going to get what he or she wants.’”

I then asked all three of my daughters what manners are most important to them, and I was pleasantly surprised by how many occurred to them without me baiting them and also the order in which each manner occurred to them. Here are their responses: Please or may I. “When you say please or may I, people are more apt to assist in whatever you want or require. You will not be dismissed as rude or needy. And chances are you’ll get what you want, unless it’s a pony.”

Thank you. “There is so much to be grateful for, and appreciating other people for what they’ve done with two little words is easy. You don’t need to only be thankful for the big things. Be thankful for the little things, too. Little things include opening a door for someone or letting someone have the last Fig Newton.”

“Yes, ma’am/sir” or “No, ma’am/sir.” “It’s always good to show respect to someone older than you, and most people are older than us. But you also have to read the situation with yes ma’am and no sir. If feels weird to say it to teachers who are in their twenties, even though we say it anyway. Also, sometimes people who are not from the South get offended if we say it. Maybe it makes them feel old?”

Eye contact and speaking to adults. “Adults don’t bite. Look them in the eye. It makes a good impression. And it might get you a job one day!”

Introduce yourself. “As the saying goes, you never have a second chance to make a first impression. Introducing yourself breaks the ice. And, if you are someone who is friendly and easy to speak to, introducing yourself conveys that.”

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Proper table setting. “Besides the fact that it looks pretty, it makes you feel more organized, and it signifies that you are going to have a nice meal.”

Opening the door. “Our dad told us to never date someone who didn’t open the door for us. It’s a way to weed out the riffraff.”

Swear words. “There’s no need to use swear words like the f-bomb in a public setting, but it is sometimes okay to use other bad words like the s-bomb with your friends or at home. Although, using swear words is not a good habit to fall into; it makes people think you are uneducated or not smart, or they think you are crude.

Some words, such as racists words, should never be said because they hurt people. And swear words should never be used when you are angry at a person.”

No phones at mealtime. “It’s just plain rude to be on your phone at mealtime. If someone gets their phone out at the table, it makes other people feel unimportant. Mealtime is meant to be a special time to spend with your family. Talking to your family is important. You get to hear about everyone’s day, and you are enjoying the food, not just eating it.

NO PHONES AT MEALTIME “IT’S JUST PLAIN RUDE TO BE ON YOUR PHONE AT MEALTIME. IF SOMEONE GETS THEIR PHONE OUT AT THE TABLE, IT MAKES OTHER PEOPLE FEEL UNIMPORTANT. MEALTIME IS MEANT TO BE A SPECIAL TIME TO SPEND WITH YOUR FAMILY. TALKING TO YOUR FAMILY IS IMPORTANT. YOU GET TO HEAR ABOUT EVERYONE’S DAY, AND YOU ARE ENJOYING THE FOOD, NOT JUST EATING IT.

Taking your time to eat. “Being a slow eater allows you to better savor your food and appreciate it, and to think about the people you are eating it with. Plus, it keeps you from overeating.”

Thank-you notes. “Siri can butcher things, and texts often have abbreviations that minimize what you are saying. Plus, who doesn’t like getting a letter?”

Greeting and saying goodbye to guests. “It’s important to make people feel welcomed. It makes them want to come back.”

When I asked my daughters their favorite thing about practicing good manners, Ruth Love (12 years old) said, “We know it makes you proud.” Ransom and Camellia nodded in agreement, and I replied, “Gimme some sugar, girls. I’m so very proud of y’all.” 

THANK-YOU NOTES SIRI CAN BUTCHER THINGS AND TEXTS OFTEN HAVE ABBREVIATIONS THAT MINIMIZE WHAT YOU ARE SAYING. PLUS, WHO DOESN’T LIKE GETTING A LETTER?

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Article by Denise K. James

Over Yonder and Back Again My life in Southern cities

Charleston, South Carolina

G

rowing up, my immediate family did not seem overwhelmingly Southern.

We were Catholic, after all, and we never cooked traditional Southern food at home, preferring Lebanese, our ethnic cuisine. We also did not plant window boxes full of flowers or sit on the porch at twilight, drinking sweet tea with lemon slices. Being young and unaware for the most part about what “Southern” even meant, I had to rely on the stereotypes I gleaned from pop culture— that is, until the day I left South Carolina and lived in a few other cities in the South.

CHARLESTON By the time I left my home state in my late 30s, I’d lived in a few of its towns and cities, and I’d visited pretty much all of them on various road trips. Charleston was where I lived longest, with the Lowcountry’s fun-loving lifestyle drawing me in for years after graduate school ended. My writing and editing career was doing okay there, and Charleston was close to other points of interest, including other cool towns like Beaufort and Hilton Head, plus Pawleys Island, the location of our family beach house.

Did Charleston qualify as Southern?

Sources said yes, but it still didn’t fit into those Southern stereotypes, not exactly.

Locals cussed up a storm, skipped church to drink champagne all morning, and, even if they had that ubiquitous Lowcountrystyle home facing a body of water, it was more often than not built by someone from Pennsylvania. Charleston, with its global appeal and gimmicky shrimp-and-grits charm, was not the South I carried in my head like a form from Plato’s cave—though it had its moments. During day trips to Awendaw

or Johns Island, I could feel myself standing on the Southern corner of a map. And certain people did fit the mold, though many more did not. I loved Charleston for its blend of culture, but I eventually found myself filled with a bit of wanderlust. Not enough for me to move to Oregon, but, well, maybe another city in the South would suit me.

BIRMINGHAM In early 2018, I decided to relocate to Birmingham, Alabama— on a whim after a breakup. I was already itching to leave Charleston, and the breakup was just the catalyst I needed to pack up my stuff and make it official. Birmingham was only seven hours away by car, but it felt exotic upon arrival. Turns out, Alabama is pretty different from South Carolina. At my first job in town, which I kept only a few weeks, I felt sheepish not knowing the different “cultural variations of cornbread”; people seemed intent on inviting me to church; and the media scene was far harder to break into than Charleston’s, since I was not part of a “good ol’ girl” network.

Furthermore, everywhere I went were symbols of a much deeper South than what Charleston offered. My new best friend Anna literally threw up in the bar bathroom when her football team—University of Alabama, naturally—lost a championship game. I fell for a guy from Mississippi who went to the hunting club practically every weekend and quoted Faulkner just for fun.

People didn’t use the F word as freely; people didn’t drink during daylight as freely; people talked about God and recipes and their grandmothers.

In other words, Birmingham, though it was lauded for an excellent food scene, small business opportunities and other perks of city life, was different from what I expected, and I wasn’t sure I fit in at all. Suddenly, my lack of experience baking a pound cake from scratch, saving the grease leftover from bacon or creating the perfectly fluffy biscuit was embarrassing, whereas in Charleston, it had not been. I did my best to rise to the occasion, trying my hand at cakes and biscuits with decent success. Still, the guy I was smitten with openly poked fun at my horror over the number of giant mosquitos biting my legs during a trip to Mississippi. In fact, he told his dad about it, and his dad reportedly shook his head, saying something like, “It’s not her fault. She’s from South Carolina.” I was flabbergasted. Was South Carolina not the South?

JACKSONVILLE After a splendid year of keeping my bacon grease perched on the countertop in Birmingham and storing actual grits in my freezer for the first time in my life (not the instant kind, either), I was offered a job in Jacksonville, Florida. Again, I had no idea what to expect. I’d spent time in the “vacation” parts of Florida, like Key West and St. Pete Beach, but Jacksonville would be new to me. People talked about the city being “practically Georgia” and how it still “had some winter,” so I was curious about its Southern quotient.

In some ways, Florida was similar to Charleston: the farther you got away from the “hub,” the more the Southern seeped in. And sure, there were scraps of Southern here and there in downtown Jacksonville—an art museum and accompanying garden, named after a benefactor; a park by the river with sweeping trees; stately homes; ringing church bells. Downtown was decidedly more Southern than the beaches, but overall, Jacksonville was not Birmingham. That said, I felt much more familiar with my surroundings; having a cocktail during lunch while looking at the ocean was practically second nature to me. I met a few ladies who readily became my friends, and I’d gotten a few writing assignments too—more proof that Jax was welcoming to transient types, not side-eyeing me and wondering where the hell I came from (with the exception of Anna).

Interestingly, this familiarity applied to both sides. Friends and family back home in South Carolina somehow seemed more comfortable with my living in Jacksonville than in Birmingham, not even counting the closer driving distance. Most of them had driven through Jax on the way home from Disney at least once, and, if they hadn’t been there, they at least knew it was a beach town— something they understood on a cultural level. Overall, while they’d mostly wrinkled their brows at the idea of Birmingham (and Alabama 96

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Birmingham, Alabama

in general), they were happy to hear that I was once again living near Mother Ocean.

But despite the fact that I liked Jacksonville and that life was pleasantly simple there, I missed the challenge and unfamiliarity of Birmingham.

Deep down, I knew I wanted to leave Florida — after all, I had a beach at home. More than one beach, in fact.

ATLANTA As I write this essay, I’m living in Atlanta, Georgia, my third new Southern city (and state!) in the three years since I left Charleston.

I departed Jacksonville around the year-and-ahalf mark in January 2021, COVID-19 be damned, determined to inject my life with something other than seaside culture. So, here I am, in the big city. How does it rate on the Southern meter?

I would say that Atlanta, like Jacksonville and Birmingham, has its Southern and non-Southern qualities. You can get any kind of international food you want here, of course, but the history, architecture and flora are unmistakably Southern.

Right now, at the two-month mark, I’ve put together a modest social life, consisting of the neighbor and a few pals I’ve met randomly in the city. It’s friendlier than Birmingham, but somehow still more private than a beach. And I feel … welcomed but also challenged, a good combination, considering the experiences that brought me here.

Here is what I’ve learned by transitioning between four Southern cities in such a short amount of time: The South is not the idea I had in my head. Stereotypes of the South and of Southern life are best left to people who live elsewhere, or, I suppose, who haven’t tried daily living in more than one Southern city. Now that I have experiences working and socializing in Charleston, Birmingham, Jacksonville and Atlanta, I love them all for different reasons. They are all Southern, but in their own special way—just like the Southerners who live there.  C2 MAGAZINE

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Have Food LOWCOUNTRY FOODIES REVELING IN THE EXPLOSION OF FOOD TRUCK OPTIONS

W

hen we first discussed food trucks in these pages three years ago, there were just a handful of pioneers forging this new foodie frontier in the Lowcountry. After all, the food truck boom was mainly an urban creation, starting with L.A.’s Kogi Korean BBQ truck in 2008.

The concept spread quickly north to Portland and Seattle and east to Denver, Dallas, Austin, Chicago and New York.

In just 30 months, the concept has become a full-on local rage, with the number of registered trucks exploding fivefold along U.S. 278 and S.C. 170. The food truck sensation has been a boon for both quick-eats and culinary masterpiece fans alike, as everything from chicken fingers to Asian fusion and premium cupcakes have been served by the ever-growing legion of mobile chefs.

ARTICLE BY TIM WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

will Travel

The movement at first caused indigestion for both local officials and restaurant owners, who feared that letting the trucks park anywhere near their brick-and-mortar locales would kill their profits. And if they joined the scene with their own truck, would that cannibalize their bottom line or expand their brand?

The F&B conundrum was working itself at a “Slowcountry” pace, as the endless array of area festivals became the first safe haven for the trucks. And then came COVID. “Even that smallest window of closing and all the festivals canceled during the pandemic caused us all to really look at food trucks in a different way,” said Nate Jones, general manager at Broad Creek Marina. “These beasts went from the problem to the solution very quickly.”

A LEAP ON TO THE BAND WAGON As has often been the case with Lowcountry tourist service trends, Palmetto Dunes Resort has been one of the area’s pacesetting innovators on food trucks. When the opportunity came to purchase and repurpose an existing truck from one of their upstate properties last year, Palmetto Dunes Chief Operating Officer Brad Marra said his team’s eyes lit up at the opportunity. “Between our marketing and culinary teams, there was a consensus that the possibilities were endless here,” Marra said.

The team came up with a nostalgic twist, blending bright beachinspired colors with the look of a classic station wagon to create the Woodie Wagon. “It’s hard to articulate how huge this has been for us.

The theme has been so well received and it has so many uses for us around the resort and beyond. It’s been a huge win.” Marra said.

The truck can serve as a pop-up eatery at different locales around the resort. When the Dunes House is hosting a wedding, the wagon can be parked out front and both help feed the guests inside and the resort guests still looking for food when the Dunes House is closed. Much of the Dunes House kitchen is outside, so it often has to shut down when it rains. Enter the Woodie Wagon to save the day.

The homeowners association has included it in their Food Truck Fridays. Individual homeowners have even begun requesting the Woodie Wagon for private parties, and wedding planners now have the option of using the wagon for catering. The Woodie Wagon has also been parked near the new TopTracer driving range to provide 100

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Have Food will Travel

food and drink options for both the growing walk-up fanbase of the entertainment center and for group outings like bachelorette parties.

Director of Food and Beverage Justin Rowland said the truck’s menu has purposely been a week-to-week evolution. “We have some staple for the kids like grilled cheese and PB&J, but from there, anything we serve at Alexander’s, the Dunes House or Big Jim’s BBQ is fair game,” Rowland said. He and executive chef Richard Pejeau have experimented with everything from BBQ ribs to blackened mahi tacos to shrimp sliders.

“This gives us tremendous flexibility. If we’re near the water and folks want something quick and less messy, we have a full fast-andeasy slate,” Pejeau said. “If you’re on land and have more napkins at the ready, we’ll get a little messier with ribs or turkey legs or an Oklahoma smash burger with pimento cheese. We have all the menus at our disposal; it’s all about testing out what our guests like. We just launched an ahi poke bowl that’s already a best seller.”

The duo said the Woodie Wagon menu will continue to be fluid (check woodiewagonfoodtruck.com for the most up-to-date offerings). Rowland said that as much as they’ll use all of their eateries’ dishes in the truck, they will also use the Woodie Wagon as an incubator for new restaurant dishes.

“We can try new things here, and if it hits big, we have instant feedback. If the dish is a miss, we know that too,” Rowland said. “It’s exciting to have a laboratory like this to experiment with new tastes.”

You can see the Woodie Wagon regularly in front of Alexander’s.

Rowland and Pejeau said they are working to have the truck regularly at Shelter Cove Marina and plan to go outside the gates to various festivals in the months ahead.

Marra sees the same future for resort food trucks as he does with the TopTracer range. “We’ve had dozens of resorts say they’re installing the TopTracer next, and I think you’ll see every resort have their own truck like ours and LowCo Taco in Sea Pines. It just makes too much sense not to,” he said.

UP THE CREEK … AND NOW, PADDLES Nate Jones wholeheartedly agrees with that assessment. Foot traffic is increasing daily at Broad Creek Marina off Marshland Road on the island between boat rentals and charters and the zipline and aerial adventure seekers.

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had the go-ahead to build their soon-to-open go-kart track, Jones knew they would need more grab-and-go food options beyond the Up the Creek Pub and Grill.

“We’re still coming off of COVID; a lot of folks still don’t want to sit and eat at a restaurant. Plus, after a boat trip or zipline tour, folks want to grab something quick,” he said.

The solution was conceived during the marina’s winter renovation. Paddles food truck recently opened waterside at the marina, offering everything from breakfast burritos and conch fritters to wraps, tacos and a full slate of sliders and hot dogs.

“This is perfect to help serve the overflow from Up the Creek and the new round of adventure seekers we’re anticipating,”

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Jones said. “It has this hidden hideaway marina atmosphere without having the environmental impact that opening another brick-and-mortar spot may have. It’s similar to Up the Creek but with a fun, funky twist on grab-and-go portions.”

Jones said the menu will evolve seasonally and that loyal foodies will have their say in what comes and goes. “That’s the magic of the food truck; it’s an instant focus group,” Jones said.

“We got really lucky in finding a couple of chefs who have a passion for food truck cooking, and they’re eager to please.”

You can also expect to see Paddles making the festival circuit. “It’s the perfect way to expose newbies to Up the Creek and all we have to offer at the marina,” Jones said. “They remember the brand when we make their bellies smile.”

HERE A TRUCK, THERE A TRUCK, EVERYWHERE A TRUCK TRUCK Towns like Hilton Head Island have slowly started to ease their restrictions, opening up the possibilities for where food trucks can park. At the same time, spots are popping up across the Lowcountry from the Port Royal Community Beer Garden to Bluffton’s Backyard State of Mind and the island’s Barnacle Bill’s parking lot, where multiple trucks have a built-in home.

In Bluffton, plaza developer David Meeder converted unused land behind his Bluffton Road location to create Backyard State of Mind. The new spot is regularly hosting two to three trucks daily, Wednesday through Sunday.

“We love food trucks and looked at spots like Starland Yard in Savannah for inspiration and said, ‘Why not here?’” Meeder said. “There are over 50 food trucks in the Lowcountry alone, not even counting the Savannah trucks that might travel here. It gives folks an outside eating option. The Old Town eateries are still full, but instead of waiting for a table, you have an open-air spot with multiple trucks to serve varying tastes.”

Food truck owners like Joe DePatty of Big Dog Tacos said that while he’ll still book plenty of gated community dates, having a permanent, affordable parking spot with built-in foot traffic is a winner for him. Facebook pages like May River Food Truck Finder both get the word out where he’ll be and give him leads on who needs a truck next, so he’s always moving.

“You know, I’ve cooked all over the world, from New York to France, cooked every cuisine alongside the world’s best chefs. This was my next chapter, and this spot is a no-brainer,” DePatty said.

“I think this is the food world’s next chapter, too. It gives us such flexibility in bringing our tastes and talents straight to the people.”

Folks like Jones expect the food truck population to continue multiplying across the region. “This is a trend that’s here to stay.

Restaurants are finding that it’s high tide raises all ships; there are plenty of foodies to go around,” Jones said. “And as the population continues to expand, that demand for easy eating like food trucks is only going to grow.” 

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ARTICLE BY LINDA WARNOCK

Two-Wheelin’ Fun RIDE YOUR BICYCLE ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND WITHOUT TAKING AN UNSCHEDULED TOUR OF THE ER

S

ummer has arrived! Grab the sunscreen, hit the beach, light up the BBQ grill, fill the cooler, or hop on your bike—all things we do to celebrate the days of summer without even thinking. Actually, though, we do need to put some thought into biking safely, sharing the space and showing courtesy to others on our leisure paths and roads.

Many visitors and residents utilize our 65 miles of multi-use public pathways, especially during the summer months. Take a bike ride to lunch, to the beach, to a park, to the library,

or to a shopping center. Along the way, you will encounter bicyclists, pedestrians, joggers, dog walkers, and the occasional squirrel on the pathways. Whether you ride your bike for fitness, transportation, or just for fun, the following tips can help contribute to an enjoyable and safe experience here on Hilton Head Island: • Wear a helmet. Always. Who needs a helmet? You do. Then, put one on children in bike seats and kids in trailers. Put one on your spouse, your friends, your kids, your parents. If you have a head, you need to wear a helmet. Period.

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MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH THE DRIVER OF MOTOR VEHICLES THAT ARE STOPPED AT INTERSECTIONS AND DRIVEWAYS BEFORE PROCEEDING TO PASS IN FRONT OF THEM. Always communicate with the driver, not the passenger. Don’t assume they see you, and if you can’t see them, stay put until they move on.

• Make sure your bike is adjusted properly and ready to ride. Set the seat to a comfortable height. Do the ABC Quick Check before you hop on each day. Take a look at your Air, Brakes, Chain, Quick releases, then do a check ride in the driveway or parking lot before you take off for your ride to make sure you are good to go.

• Start your ride with your bike pointed in the direction you want to travel, both feet down on the ground with your bike between your legs.

Stop your bike the same way, putting both feet down before making a move to get off. This might sound ridiculously basic, but many unexpected injuries from crashes happen to even experienced cyclists when starting and stopping their bikes.

• Make eye contact with the driver of motor vehicles that are stopped at intersections and driveways before proceeding to pass in front of them.

Always communicate with the driver, not the passenger. Don’t assume they see you, and if you can’t see them, stay put until they move on.

• Take it easy. When the pathways are busy, adjust your speed and yield to slower pathway users, including pedestrians and other bicyclists. Watch for those approaching from the opposite direction, too. Curves in the pathways

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Two-Wheelin’ Fun and greenery can conceal what is approaching, so slow your pace if you are unable to see clearly ahead.

• Pass others on their left and announce yourself before passing them by saying, “on your left!” Use your outside voice, as Mom would say, and give folks time to react. Even better, add a bell to your bike and ring it a few times, too. The sound of a bell travels far and can better penetrate conversation, ear buds and headphones.

• Speaking of ear buds and headphones, leave them home for another time. Your safety depends on knowing what is happening around you. For that, you need to be able to hear the sounds of the cars, activity, and people that surround you. Enjoy the sounds of nature on your ride, then enjoy your music later.

• Obey all traffic signs and signals along the way.

Cross roadways only at traffic lights and designated crosswalks. Look left, right, then left again before crossing.

• Ride alert. Don’t get mesmerized by your front wheel on the pathway or by the back of the person in front of you. Keep your eyes up and your head on a swivel, scanning the activity and road or pathway conditions ahead so you are prepared to adjust quickly.

Knowing what is happening to the side and behind you helps. Imagine that you are driving your bike as you would your car.

• Ride predictably. Traveling in a straight line, at a steady pace and on the right side of a pathway or roadway allows others to anticipate your actions. Make your intentions known if you are turning, slowing or

TIP FOR MOTORISTS. When making turns, look left, right, left and right again before pulling into traffic, just like we learned in drivers’ education. Be on the lookout for pedestrians and bicyclist crossing in front of you or in the path of your turns. Make eye contact before proceeding into traffic. They should be looking for you, too, but everyone needs to be alert.

stopping by using hand signals or your voice. Your movements will be logical and predictable so others can share the space with you safely.

• Be visible. Wear bright clothes during the day and reflective gear at night so others can see you. Use bright white lights and red reflectors at night.

• Behave like a pedestrian when on pathways. Vehicles have the right of way on South Carolina roadways, so wait until your path is clear to safely cross before entering a crosswalk.

• Be prepared. Bring water, a snack, a bike lock, and some cash for impromptu stops. Wear shoes and comfortable clothing.

• Behave like a motorist if you bike on the street. Bicycles on roadways are motor vehicles under South Carolina law, so bicyclists have the same rights and the same responsibilities as a motor vehicle operator. Ride with traffic using the rightmost lane in your direction.

• Bonus: Bike the beach! Hilton Head Island’s hard-packed sand at low tide makes for a unique biking experience. Be mindful of the tides so you enjoy the low tides and watch the wind direction. A steady

sea breeze at your back is a blast, but only one way. Remember that you will have to ride back against it or work your way off the beach and onto a pathway to home. Avoid encounters with sandcastles, holes, soft sand, beach toys and joy-filled children running to the water (see “Take it easy” above).

• Tip for motorists. When making turns, look left, right, left and right again before pulling into traffic, just like we learned in drivers’ education. Be on the lookout for pedestrians and bicyclist crossing in front of you or in the path of your turns. Make eye contact before proceeding into traffic. They should be looking for you, too, but everyone needs to be alert.

As we roll into summer, have fun and remember the bicyclists’ mantra: Be Courteous, Share the Road, Share the Pathway, Ride Safe.  Linda Warnock serves as the education and safety director for Kickin’ Asphalt Bicycle Club. For additional HHI pathway information and maps, visit hiltonheadislandsc.gov/ourisland/ pathways.cfm For a local pathway safety video, visit youtu.be/ AV80fnXbg4k.

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This & That

C2 Magazine • June 2021 Edition A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items.

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

AIN’T NOTHING BUT SOME AMAZING CHICKEN WINGS ARTICLE BY JESSE BLANCO

LIGHTS UP: SSTI RETURNS WITH SPLASHY HELLO, DOLLY The Southeastern Summer Theatre Institute leaps back into the spotlight this summer with the Tony-winning classic Hello, Dolly! SSTI, a Lowcountry tradition for 14 years, brings top talents from the stages of Broadway and pairs them with elite performers cast from the nation’s top high schools and universities.

The resulting product is a theatrical experience that leaves audiences coming back year after year. Hello, Dolly, always an audience favorite, will be directed by world-renowned Broadway performer and director Jacob Brent. As an actor and director, Brent is known for his many collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber, appearing in not only the 1998 Cats filmed production as Mr. Mistoffelees, but also in the production’s record-breaking performances in both London’s West End and on Broadway.

Hello, Dolly takes the stage on June 25 & 26 and July 2 & 3 at 7:30 p.m., and June 27 & July 4 at 1 p.m. All performances are at the Seahawk Cultural Center at 26 School Road, Hilton Head Island. Tickets are available at HHISummerMusicals.com or by calling (866) 749-2228.

L

ike you, I get on kicks. As much as I try to diversify my indulgences, and for the most part I do, I many times find myself eating a particular item for a couple of months in a row. For example, if the mood is right, I will do nothing but order fried shrimp at any restaurant that has it on their menu—for two months straight. Then I will get tired of them and move on. Temporarily of course.

A few months ago, I got on a chicken wing kick. Tried a bunch. Loved a few. Hated some others. That’s one thing I’ve learned about wings, BBQ and burgers. One person’s trash is another one’s treasure. It is very largely the reason why I don’t bother telling you about the ones I didn’t like. If you do? Good on ya! I’ll see you at the bar for a cold one.

So here you go … four spots for great Lowcountry chicken wings—three on Hilton Head Island, one in Bluffton. This is not a ranking. Meltdowns are not allowed.

• The Drydock Seafood and Spirits. This is one I may get in trouble for telling you about. Back in football season, I popped in on Dry Dock because it is the official Miami Dolphins game-watch headquarters. Acting on a tip from someone who was seated a couple or three seats down from me, I ordered the wings. They were absolutely outstanding. So much so, when my dining partner left a couple of hours later, I ordered another dozen for myself, ate ’em and ran. Straight up Buffalo. So, so good.

• Hinchey’s Chicago Bar and Grill. On the heels of my love fest with Dry Dock, I mentioned to my friend Melissa that I loved the wings there.

She said, “If you haven’t had Hinchey’s, then you cannot say best on the island yet.” Fair enough. I did. They were exceptional. But not the best in my book. They lacked a little crispiness to keep them from the crown. These can come in up to a dozen different flavors. They were very, very good. I’d absolutely recommend them.

• One Hot Mama’s. They say you never forget your first love, right?

The wings at OHM’s were the first wings I ever tried on Hilton Head, and I absolutely loved them. Smoked then finished on the grill or fried, they are crazy good. They’ve been consistently amazing for years. Love them.

• R Bar – Bluffton. I’m amused when people refer to R Bar as a “dive bar.” Hardly. I call it more sports bar than anything and considering (as I mentioned above) that I am die hard Miami Dolphins fan, how good must these wings be if they are prepared by a Buffalo Bills watch party bar?

We don’t typically function that way. But great wings are great wings, and these are great wings. Go for the Buffalo. Wings, not that football club.

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This & That

Weichert, Realtors® – Coastal Properties is proud to announce the addition of Joe Delvecchio to their real estate team. Delvechhio will be working out of the Sun City office.

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C2 Magazine • June 2021 Edition A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items.

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

More than 80 people, including dozens of the Lowcountry’s heroes, gathered at Veterans Park in Bluffton on Thursday, May 20 to officially kick off the Don Ryan Center for Innovation’s new HEROES Initiative and learn how this program can help the region’s heroes become active entrepreneurs. The event featured Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka declaring the day as the first-ever “Bluffton Heroes Day,” issuing a proclamation to mark the day in honor of the launch of this unique program. For more information, visit donryancenter.com/heroes.

The Hilton Head Regional Healthcare team honored and celebrated area first responders during the 47th Annual National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week (May 16-22). This year, in particular, as our nation continues to maneuver through the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of our first responders and the care they provide cannot be overstated.

This & That

C2 Magazine • June 2021 Edition A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items.

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

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa is excited to announce the Marya Moore as the resort’s director of food & beverage. With over 23 years’ experience working in hospitality and management, Moore brings a dedicated and entrepreneurial spirit to the island resort where she oversees operations and staff for its five on-site restaurants, catering, and one-ofa-kind events.

Congrats to long-time islander Kerry Oates, who logged his 250th mile at Lava 24 Fitness Cycle. Oates, a former football and baseball player at Guilford College, knows the value of an active lifestyle. The cycle classes he started in February have helped ignite his weight loss goals.

Hilton Head Regional Healthcare’s Hilton Head Hospital is pleased to announce that its medical staff has donated $10,000 to local non-profit organizations! The Hilton Head Hospital medical staff is made up of more than 300 physicians dedicated to serving the citizens of Hilton Head and surrounding communities. Each of the following organizations have received a portion of the $10,000 monetary gift from the Hilton Head Hospital Medical Staff: Bluffton Self Help; Boys and Girls Club of Hilton Head; Sandalwood Food Pantry; Volunteers in Medicine Hilton Head.

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This & That

C2 Magazine • June 2021 Edition A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items.

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

Peacock Subaru Hilton Head presented $9,994.20 to Greater Bluffton Jasper County Volunteers in Medicine (BJVIM) at the conclusion of its annual Subaru Share the Love campaign. The Share the Love event was held at the end of 2020 when the dealership invited each Subaru buyer to designate a portion of their purchase price to benefit either a national nonprofit organization or Peacock Subaru’s hometown charity.

Long time Hilton Head residents and Hilton Head Island High school graduates, Zach Ballard and Katy Sandoval, announce their engagement and upcoming nuptials in March 2022!

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The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra presented an outdoor pops concert on Wednesday, April 28 at the new Lowcountry Celebration Park at Coligny. More than 400 distanced patrons enjoyed “A Symphony Celebration!”

“This truly was a celebration,” said Alan Jordan, HHSO president and CEO. “Our musicians were once again able to perform to an in-person audience; our audience was able to experience live music with fellow HHSO fans; and we were able to accomplish all this in a safe and responsible way. This was the first major event to take place at Lowcountry Celebration Park, and we hope it is the start of a long-running tradition for the HHSO.” Distanced audience members were seated individually and in couples in 8-foot hula-hoop “pods.” They brought their own chairs and picnic dinners and wore masks when not eating or drinking.

This & That

C2 Magazine • June 2021 Edition A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items. You know…this and that!

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

GoKart Hilton Head, the island’s new outdoor, familyfriendly attraction, located at the rebranded Adventure Hilton Head at Broad Creek Marina, is set to open in July. The double and single carts are equipped with advanced safety features that allow drivers approximately age eight and above. The doubles will allow children age three and above to join the driver for the fast fun (height and weight guidelines apply). Attendants will be on hand at all times, and equipment will be continuously sanitized. GoKart HH prices will be about $15 per ride, with special package rates available.

Adventure Hilton Head (previously Broad Creek Marina Adventures) will reopen its ZipLine and rope challenge courses this month. The guided ecotour of seven ziplines includes the dual cable racing zip finale along with six rope challenge courses, offering four levels of ability and maneuvering through 50 fun obstacles.

In addition to driving and flying at Adventure Hilton Head, the adjacent Broad Creek Marina offers water activities including kayaking, skiff tours, parasailing, jet skis, dolphin tours, and charter boats.

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This & That

C2 Magazine • June 2021 Edition A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items.

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

Mikkelson Law Firm, LLC is pleased to announce the addition of Justin Pierce to the team. Pierce, who receive his Juris Doctor from The University of Denver Sturm College of Law, will serve as an attorney for the firm, focusing on real estate closings.

Dollenberg Properties of Carolina Realty Group is pleased to announce the addition of their new team member, Jenny Wells. A licensed Realtor, previously with Keller Williams, Wells’ sales volume earned her the distinction at Keller Williams of “Top 10 Agents” in 2020.

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HarbourFest is back for the 32nd year! Shannon Tanner will begin his kids show on Wednesday, June 16 through Labor Day Weekend.

Fireworks dates will be: Tuesday, June 22 & 29; Sunday, July 4 (no show on July 6); Tuesday, July 13, 20 & 27; Tuesday, August 3, 10 & 17 (AT DUSK). Enjoy kids activities on fireworks nights including train rides and more, as well as Cappy the Clown back with balloon animals, face painting and more Monday-Friday, starting in July through Labor Day weekend! Parrot Palooza Caribbean Concert with Shannon Tanner & the Oyster Reefers takes place every Thursday evening from June 24-August 19. For more information, please visit ShelterCoveHarbourFest.com.

This & That

C2 Magazine • June 2021 Edition A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items. You know…this and that!

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

The Low Country Kappa Delta Alumnae Chapter is celebrating its most successful charity event ever, raising nearly $1,600 for the Child Abuse Prevention Association of Beaufort (CAPA). Thirty KDs, their friends and families walked together on Hilton Head Island’s Coligny Beach in March. More than 50 individuals, families and teams also walked “virtually” or in their own neighborhoods.

The Beach Walk is the latest in a series of fundraisers the Low Country Kappa Deltas have held to benefit CAPA. In the past 12 years, the Alumnae Chapter has raised thousands of dollars for the non-profit which serves families in the Low Country with residential and outreach programs.

Low Country KD Alumnae Chapter is a diverse group of community-minded women who live on Hilton Head Island, in Bluffton, Okatie, Ridgeland and Beaufort. For more information, email kdjeanette@aol.com or visit lowcountry.kappadelta.org or Facebook at Low Country, SC Kappa Delta Alumnae Chapter.

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Hilton Head Island Mayor

M A Y O R

Photography by M.Kat

A Note from John McCann

PASSIVE PARK PLANNED FOR HISTORICAL SHELL RING SITE

T

ucked away off of Squire Pope Road is a fascinating piece of the Hilton Head Island history: the Ford Shell Ring, also referred to as the Skull Creek Shell Ring. It is an archaeological site, dating to at least 4,000 years ago, and is one of the oldest known sites of human occupations on the island.

Imagine the land thousands of years ago as a place where Native Americans lived. Based on historical research and findings, Native Americans constructed these circular rings using oyster and clam shells and perhaps used them as early villages, meeting points, and ritual centers. The Ford Shell Ring holds the distinction of being the only known shell ring in the United States or Caribbean arranged in a figure eight design.

The clues to the mystical lives of Native Americans as they relate to shell rings lie in the hands of researchers such Dr. Michael Sanger, a Binghamton University anthropologist who led an excavation project at the site two years ago. He stated that this shell ring “has national significance as it is part of a broader pattern in which Native Americans created large, circular heaps of shellfish (primarily oysters and clams) from South Carolina to Mississippi, roughly 3,000-5,000

< Bluffton Mayor

years ago. Archaeologists and historians debate why Native Americans formed these shell rings as they relate to a critical time of social change among Native American communities.”

While researchers take on the work to continue uncovering the history of shell rings, we, along with Beaufort County, are taking on the tasks of protecting and preserving this 6.8-acre site. We purchased the

A Note from Lisa Sulka

M AY O R

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF OUR TOWN BUILDING INSPECTORS

T

he unsung protectors of every homeowner in Bluffton are town building inspectors. They are mostly unheard and unseen employees who work to keep your house or commercial building safe. They inspect every structure, in every phase of its construction, to ensure the contractor or builder is abiding by the International Building Codes. These codes dictate the minimum standards to maintain a safe and secure structure.

Many homeowners, understandably so, are hiring private inspectors to also follow the building process. The town understands homeowners’ desire to gather information to protect themselves. However, the roles of town and private inspectors are similar but different. Add in complex code interpretation, adjustments for hurricane protection, and the difference between safety and cosmetic enhancements, and homeowners can be left confused and on guard.

There are times when town building inspectors will overrule a residential building code for the safety of the structure. Since the South Carolina statehouse approves the same codes for the entire state, some rules are not strident enough to protect Lowcountry homeowners. Case in point: the residential building codes only protect homes which experience a maximum wind speed of 110 mph. The potential of hurricanes in our area raises the safety minimum standard of homes to withstand 136-140 mph wind zones.

Therefore, designing homes in Bluffton involves structural engineer criteria to protect homes against hurricane winds. A private inspector will not have that documentation. Therefore, private inspectors may deliver reports which are confusing to the homeowner.

Photography by Krisztian Lonyai

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property jointly with Beaufort County in 2003 for the purpose of protecting the two shell rings resting there.

In March, our town council approved entering into a joint ownership and operating agreement with the county for operation and maintenance of the site as a passive park. The county will be responsible for all costs related to the planning, construction, and repair of capital improvements on the property. The town will be responsible for general maintenance including mowing and clearing of the trail and the opening and closing of the gate on the property.

Some of the proposed improvements include widening the entrance off Squire Pope Road to accommodate two-way traffic; installing a small, gravel parking area lined with a splitrail fence; and adding a walking trail loop with interpretive and wayfinding signage. A viewing corridor with a bench will be erected next to Skull Creek, which borders the shell ring property. These improvements will allow the community to experience the longstanding history of this site. Once complete, this beautiful park will become part of our natural park assets for both islanders and visitors to enjoy.

A Note from Lisa Sulka continued This is also the case for floor and roof truss design.

Manufacturers’ designs must incorporate calculations which can also withstand high wind. These calculations may require additional bracing and fastening requirements. Every new structure in Bluffton must be individually designed by a structural and truss engineer. Many private home inspectors do not have access to either one of these engineering reports when they conduct their inspections. Town inspectors have experienced private home inspectors recommending a lower standard of safety, following the American Truss Manufacturers guidelines, which don’t incorporate calculations for the higher wind speed.

A town inspector is working to ensure a safe structure.

Aesthetic and cosmetic elements, such as thin paint layer, spots on wall and so forth are not in the scope of town inspectors’ duties.

Recently, residents on local social media platforms have debated some of these issues, possibly adding more confusion and defensiveness to a potential homeowner. We are here to help you understand the process, which can be detailed and nuanced in technical code.

If any homeowner has questions about the building inspector process, please call the town’s Building Codes Division at (843) 706-4500.

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I S C IANS MU in bathrooms

BA N D : H E ZACH A V Y STEVENS HONEY MUSICIAN: MUSICIANS: MA T T H E W S P ZACH R U I L L ,STEVENS G U I TA R I S T/ VO C A L S ; MUSICIAN: C O H N E R M C C U R R Y, B A S S ; C H R I S G L I C K , D R U M M E R ; K E N T WO O D S , G U I TA R / VO C A L S

CG: “Appreciate the Absurd” KW: Our original, “Appreciate the Absurd” What do you sing in the shower?

MS: Whatever song I’m working on at the time.

CM: Black Sabbath CG: Mac Miller KW: “These Eyes,” by The Guess Who

ICIANS MUSin bathrooms What’s your sign?

Matthew Spruill: Capricorn Cohner McCurry: Road Work Ahead Chris Click: Cancer Kent Woods: Gemini Most underrated song that, in your opinion, should be a classic: MS: “Neon”—John Mayer CM: “Through the Roof and Underground”—Gogol Bordello CG: “Runaway”—Mo Lowda & the Humble KW: “Tell Me With Your Eyes”— Rob Galbraith

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Biggest compliment you’ve ever gotten from a fan?

MS: “It was like watching Jimi Hendrix up there!”

CM: “I bet you could play Primus.”

CG: They say I sound like Bonham.

KW: Honestly, most of my friends were all very receptive to my EP “Yes, Anderson,” and that was a huge compliment.

What is your favorite piece to perform?

MS: Our original song “Compass” CM: “Budapest” (Love Song)— One of our originals

Favorite cereal?

MS: Honey Bunches of Oats CM: Honey Bunches of Oats CG: Cinnamon Toast Crunch KW: Kashi Go Lean Mixed Berries At what venue do you most like to perform?

MS: Freeport Marina on Daufuskie Island CM: Boardroom CG: Tiki Hut or Freeport Marina KW: I love playing on Daufuskie Island, but Corks has always been really good to us.

Most requested song at shows?

MS: Any Jimi Hendrix song CM: Pretty sure it would be “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” if it were not for Joey Hodges and Brandon Ashcraft constantly asking for Foxsquirrel (thank you).

CG: “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” KW: It will invariably be “Free Bird” because that joke will never get old, apparently.

First concert you attended?

MS: John Mayer in Charleston, S.C. CM: Slayer CG: Elton John

KW: My dad and I got tickets to see Led Zeppelin on their 2010 Mothership Tour, but it turned out to be a cover band. Still had a great time.

Favorite artist?

MS: John Mayer CM: Modest Mouse CG: Tattoo artists KW: Bibio. It’s hard to narrow it down to just one, but as far as someone who impresses me at every level of artistic creation, he definitely fits.

Place you go to get away from it all?

MS: The mountains in the colder seasons CM: Pisgah National Forest, but just driving does the job.

CG: The beach KW: There’s a beach out on St. Helena in Beaufort that is a pretty well-kept local secret. I love going out there with my dog Gemini and my fiancée Kincaid.

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

MS: Mostly just Facebook for meme sharing CM: Only use Facebook, but anything else, McCurrency69 CG: _glicktrack KW: I do indeed! You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram at @ kentwoodsmusic. I also have a YouTube page where you can watch the music

video I made for our song “Appreciate the Absurd.”

Who would star as you in the epic retelling of your life on film?

MS: Donald Glover CM: Robert Downey Jr. in Tropic Thunder CG: Evan Peters KW: My favorite comedian, Tim Dillon First instrument you ever learned to play?

MS: Violin CM: Diddly Bo CG: Tried guitar first; drums just clicked.

KW: Guitar Song you were thrilled to finally master?

MS: “Black Magic Woman” CM: “Iron Man,” by Black Sabbath CG: “Forty Six & 2,” by Tool KW: “Politicians in My Eyes,” by Death What do you wish you knew more about?

MS: “Up dog” CM: Magnets (how do they work?)

CG: Investment/stocks KW: Astrology and holistic medicine What animal do you most identify with?

MS: The axolotl CM: Axolotl CG: Wolf KW: The fox panda

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

MS: Keith Matthews CM: Kent Woods CG: Rex Colt KW: Carlo Erba-Odescalchi What famous musician would you love to sing a duet with?

MS: John Mayer CM: Tom Waits CG: Post Malone or J. Cole KW: Levon Helm

WHERE TO WATCH HEAVY HONEY: June 4: Peaceful Henry’s, Bluffton 7-10 p.m.

June 12: FISH Casual Coastal Seafood, Coligny Plaza, HHI 7-10 p.m.

June 11 & 18: Local Pie, HHI; Matt solo 7-10 p.m.

June 17: The Boardroom, HHI 9-12 p.m.

June 25: Calhoun’s, Bluffton 7-10 p.m.

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JUNE 2021 1

JUN 23 – AUG 22

DOG PEOPLE’S ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY!

MAMMA MIA! Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Best For Ages:5 and up 7:30pm and 2pm Matinee The Sunniest of All Musicals ...

Just in Time For Summer! artshhi.com

6

2

Dog People HQ 807 William Hilton Parkway, #100 1-7pm

EVERY TUESDAY! SEA PINES FARMERS MARKET

FARMERS MARKET AT HONEY HORN

Sea Pines Shopping Center 10am-2pm

Coastal Discovery 9am-1pm

13

9-10 PIYARO TRUNK SHOW Quinn’s Diamond Jewelers in the Village at Wexford 5-7pm Thursday: 10am-3pm (843) 342-6663

MON-SAT

17 16 22

The Art Cafe 5:45- 7:15pm $38/child reservations required

22

MON,24 WED & FRI TIE DYE FUN Salty Dog Cafe at South Beach Marina from 12pm - 3pm Create a one-of-a-kind Salty Dog t-shirt or other apparel item with the help of our Tie Dye Experts! www.saltydog.com

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DJ CRUSH DANCE PARTY Salty Dog Cafe at South Beach Marina Starts at 6pm www.saltydog.com

12 BLUFFTON ARTISAN MARKET at Martin Family Park 12-5pm Live music by Phillip Cox

OLD TOWN BLUFFTON FARMERS MARKET Green Street at Martin Family Park Old Town Bluffton 12-5pm (843) 415-2447

THURSDAYS

24 PARROT PALOOZA WITH SHANNON TANNER & THE OYSTER REEFERS Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina Thursdays, June 24 August 19 at 7 p.m.

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WED & FRI

THURSDAYS

sheltercovetownecentre.com

Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina Fireworks: Tuesday, June 22 & 29 Shannon Tanner: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday from June 16 - Sept 3 two shows at 6:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Cappy the Clown: Monday - Friday from June 16 - Sept 3 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m www.sheltercoveharbourfest.com

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Shops at Sea Pines Center 4-6:30pm Meet the Artists of Sea Pines

MOVIE NIGHTS SHELTER COVE TOWNE CENTRE 8:30pm June 17: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood June 24: Frozen 2

KIDS NIGHT OUT

HARBOURFEST 2021

3

FIRST THURSDAYS ART MARKET

19 15

BLUFFTON JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Burnt Church Distillery from 3-9pm Gullah vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and fun for the whole family! Shuttles will be provided from Red Cedar Elementary

25 HELLO DOLLY PRESENTED BY SSTI Seahawk Cultural Center June 25-July 4 7:30pm 866-749-2228

EVENTS 122

JUNE 2021

C2 MAGAZINE