Celebrate Hilton Head Magazine - May 2020

MAY 2020

SPECIAL COLLECTOR’S EDITION: COPING WITH COVID-19

FINDING THE POSITIVE AREA RESTAURANTS STEP UP WITH STRATEGIES TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF COVID-19

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?

COVID-19 SURVIVOR DAVID JACKSON CELEBRATES ANOTHER DAY OF LIVING

BUILDING A VIRTUAL WORLD ADVENTURES IN HOMESCHOOLING QUARANTINE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

A FASHION FEATURE SHOT WITH A ZOOM LENS FROM SIX FEET AWAY

C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

3

4

MAY 2020

C2 MAGAZINE

C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

5

C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

6

C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

7

C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

8

C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

9

22 QUARANTINE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 Just like everything in our collective “world” right now, fashion looks a little different this month. With businesses shut down and social distancing the hot new buzz word of the month, we decided to do something a little different for our May fashion spread.

WHAT’S INSIDE 14

A NOTE A FROM OUR MAYORS

33

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES? COVID-19 SURVIVOR DAVID JACKSON CELEBRATES ANOTHER DAY OF LIVING

37

BUILDING A VIRTUAL WORLD: STAY CALM AND CARRY ON, ONLINE

45

THE HEROES AND THE HELPERS: COVID-19 BRINGS OUT THE LOWCOUNTRY’S BEST

48

ADVENTURES IN HOMESCHOOLING

65

KID-FRIENDLY IMMUNE BOOSTERS: KEEPING THEM (AND YOURSELF!) STRONG IN THE FACE OF HEALTH THREATS

76

AT YOUR SERVICE: SUPERIOR SERVICES EXPANDS FROM HEATING AND AIR TO SERVE AS A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR YOUR HOME

40

“SHELTER” AT HOME How local animal care organizations have weathered COVID-19 and what they need from us now

Magnolia at Palmetto Animal League.

56 FINDING THE POSITIVE Area restaurants step up with strategies to meet the challenges of COVID-19

O N O U R C OV E R S MAY 2020

CB2 CELEBRATE BLUFFTON AND BEYOND!

CH2 CELEBRATE HILTON HEAD!

SPECIAL COLLECTOR’S EDITION: COPING WITH COVID-19

SUPERIOR EXPANDS SERVICES (AND OWNER DAVE MILLER INTRODUCES A STIMULUS PLAN TO HELP LOCAL RESTAURANTS)

FINDING THE POSITIVE AREA RESTAURANTS STEP UP WITH STRATEGIES TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF COVID-19

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?

Special COVID-19 Issue Photo credit:

by Mindi Jo Photography

MAY 2020

MAY 2020

A FASHION FEATURE SHOT WITH A ZOOM LENS FROM SIX FEET AWAY

ADVENTURES IN HOMESCHOOLING “SHELTER” AT HOME: HOW LOCAL ANIMAL CARE ORGANIZATIONS HAVE WEATHERED ‘RONA

QUARANTINE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 A FASHION FEATURE SHOT WITH A ZOOM LENS FROM SIX FEET AWAY

COVID-19 SURVIVOR DAVID JACKSON CELEBRATES ANOTHER DAY OF LIVING

COVID-19 SURVIVOR DAVID JACKSON CELEBRATES ANOTHER DAY OF LIVING

BUILDING A VIRTUAL WORLD ADVENTURES IN HOMESCHOOLING QUARANTINE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

PLUS

BUILDING A VIRTUAL WORLD

SPECIAL COLLECTOR’S EDITION: COPING WITH

COVID-19

MAY 2020

Dave Miller of Superior Services Photography by M.KAT See page 76

68

SKYSCAPE REBORN Witness the glorious transformation of this historic Sea Pines home

GENIUSES AT WORK

play

Architect of Ideas Maggie Marie Washo Technology Mastermind Carolyn Hunter Kostylo Financial Warden Marion Elizabeth Bowser Influencer-In-Residence Kim Conrad Crouch Culture Maven “Just Kandace” Wightman In-house Jeweler on Retainer Kaila Jeffcoat Intimacy Mentor Lucille Rosita Gonzalez Washo The Gatekeepers Greta Von Bowser Vincent Von Bowser The Real Yard Cats Grey and Dae May The Cut & Paste Crew Jeff Cline Fran Sherman Robin Ross Monica “Mika” St. John Writing Specialists Amy Bartlett Becca Edwards Linda S. Hopkins Barry Kaufman Mandy Matney John McCann Brooke Mingledorff Heather Quinn Michele Roldán-Shaw Lisa Sulka Kent Thune Lighting Experts M. Kat Photography Krisztian Lonyai Mindi Jo Photography Find Us Here PO Box 22949 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 843.689.2658 m.washo@celebratehiltonhead.com

E D I T O R ’ S

I

saw fireflies blinking for the first time from my back deck a few days ago. It made me wonder if they had always been there. Was I too busy to notice?

Or was the lack of cars on the road at night contributing to less light pollution? This is noteworthy to me because that’s one thing I have really missed seeing since we moved to South Carolina 30 years ago. I used to see them all the time in Upstate New York.

My mom and I have spent several sunset happy hours at her place over the last month—just sitting, sipping, and talking about when we think Disney World might re-open. We had a trip scheduled for the last week of April. These evenings have become so precious to me. We are going to drive to Aiken on Saturday—just for a scenic country ride on a sunny day.

My aunt and uncle welcomed a new baby into the world. My grandfather passed after a long, wonderful life of 92 years, 70 of which were spent with my grandmother, who is still with us. The cycle of life continues, virus be damned.

I’ve spent the last month connecting with clients who are usually too busy to chat beyond the usual “Hi! So busy! Me too! Bye!” We’ve shared our thoughts on the pandemic and what we think the future might look like, guessed at re-opening dates for our state, and taken solace in the fact that everyone else in the world is feeling exactly the same way.

This issue has almost none of the content we originally planned. It all seemed

N O T E

M AY

2020

so pointless and irrelevant sitting there on that editorial calendar we came up with a year ago.

You know what though? I think what’s in this issue is better than what it would have been. As much as I struggled with primarily dedicating an issue to COVID-19, this magazine has always been a little time capsule of what is currently happening—locally and nationally. I looked back at old issues with articles on the swine flu, Myspace, and explaining Obamacare and thought that this once-in-a-lifetime moment needed to be recorded.

Remember the time the government of the United States paid American people billions of dollars just to stay home? Remember that time when you could only get take-out from restaurants, and bars were closed? Remember the time school was canceled for months and you couldn’t go to the beach or for a walk in the park? Remember the time when toilet paper was more valuable than oil? Remember the time so many Lowcountry residents stepped up to care for their neighbors and friends by helping in any way they could?

I hope we all remember this time and somehow are forever changed by it. For the better.

MAGGIE WASHO Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

M A Y O R

Hilton Head Island Mayor

A Note from John McCann

Photography by M.Kat

RETHINKING OUR LIVES POST CORONAVIRUS

T

he coronavirus pandemic has given me multiple reasons to pause and think about how we live and work, how we conduct business, and how we govern. Over the last two months, our lives have changed dramatically, and I wonder what our new normal will look like once we get through this crisis and return to our prior existence.

As we continue adapting, what best practices will we use to guide our response, reactions and behaviors during crisis situations, including hurricane preparedness and possible evacuations? What lessons have we learned as leaders, business owners, neighbors, workers, parents and first responders?

Town council found itself conducting meetings electronically. We gathered individually in our homes and connected through a virtual meeting platform on our iPads. We had to rethink how to gather public comments and how to present the meetings so the public could see us in action. As we move forward, will this method of meeting become one we occasionally employ when necessary?

Our town hall was closed to the public, and a large majority of our employees found themselves in a work-from-home situation. With this experience, our leadership is rethinking how a lot of business processes are handled, from collecting business licenses fees and approving building permits to answering telephone calls and conducting committee and staff meetings electronically.

Most businesses voluntarily closed in March, while others were under the governor’s orders to shutter. Those that remained open took steps to protect their employees and other individuals who entered their offices or establishment.

People were advised to stand six feet apart in line, wear masks, pick up take-out orders at the door of most restaurants, and wash hands repeatedly. The question is, will they need to maintain these steps and continue making adjustments to their new normal for everyone’s safety?

The PGA canceled the annual RBC Heritage that was scheduled for April.

As a result, the island took a huge economic hit. The PGA has since announced it will reschedule the event for June but with no public physically present. As we prepare for this event, just what will our local involvement be? Should we begin looking at how the public interacts at all of the other popular events and fundraisers that take place on the island?

With homeschooling now under their belts, many parents probably have a greater appreciation for their children’s teachers. But the question we have to

< Bluffton Mayor

A Note from Lisa Sulka

E

Photography by Krisztian Lonyai

THE HUB AT BUCKWALTER CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: THE NEW HOME OF THE DON RYAN CENTER FOR INNOVATION (DRCI) NEARING COMPLETION

14

MAY 2020

C2 MAGAZINE

ask ourselves is how will learning and school be different in the future? On behalf of the town, I extend congratulations to graduates at every level of schooling. But I’m sure schools will have to look at how they host events to honor graduates.

Front-line first responders, from doctors and nurses to fire and rescue personnel, are always on alert and trained on using personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as PPE. During this pandemic, they have shown bravery and dedication to caring for patients.

How will their roles and training change, and how will their treatment protocols change?

As people begin to recover from being out of work, what can we do to continue supporting them and assure them that, in time, they will be okay?

There are a lot of questions to be answered. As we think about best practices and about the way we conduct business, we welcome positive thoughts and ideas. You can share them with me at johnm@hiltonheadislandsc.gov and with your individual town council representative.

As always in our new normal lives, wash your hands and practice social distancing.

M AY O R

ven in the midst of uncertain times, The Don Ryan Center for Innovation is excited to receive reports that The HUB, our much-anticipated brand-new facility, is nearly finished. Not only is this exciting for the staff and members of the Don Ryan Center, but this beautiful facility will serve as the home of Innovation and Economic Development for the Bluffton area.

Located at Buckwalter Place, next to Kroger and behind St Joseph/Candler, this is going to be an exciting and innovative location that will be the point for all business activities in the Lowcountry. Construction on the exterior has been fashioned with all the finishing touches, including eye-catching signage that welcomes future members into the space. The interior is being completed with gorgeous interior design, state of the art technology, and a remarkable view of the new Town Veteran’s Memorial Park.

The Hub at Buckwalter allows the Don Ryan Center to expand its networking events and programs for members. With the launch of the new space comes new and improved programs, such as Pre-Start, Startup, and Growth.

DRCI’s Pre-Start class subject matter experts and mentors join each week to ensure entrepreneurs are surrounded by support as they plan their venture. The Acceleration Launch 10-week program covers a wide range of topics and aids in charting your course through entrepreneurial waters. The Startup program covers many different facets of getting a new business off the ground, and the Growth program is a deeper dive for mature businesses that are already executing a business plan and have established revenues.

This is a very important part of our town, especially during these times, as this is the economic development and business start-up arm of the town. This board and staff members are working diligently on ways to help our small businesses during the current pandemic, and you will soon see some of the ideas and programs released to the public. Please follow this on Facebook, Instagram and on our town website.

If you are interested in membership at the Don Ryan Center, please call (843) 540-0405 or visit our website at donryancenter.com.

To end this, as I have said many times over the past month: Stay Strong, Stay Home.

This & That

C2 Magazine • May 2020 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.

T H E C O OPER A T I V E S PI R I T

Palmetto Electric Cooperative reaches out to help Hampton County tornado victims

Neighbors helping neighbors is what the cooperative spirit is all about. Over the last several years, the communities served by Palmetto Electric Cooperative have faced their fair share of challenges including hurricanes, ice storms, the coronavirus pandemic and most recently, the devastating tornado that tore through Hampton County.

In the early morning hours of Monday, April 13, an unprecedented E-F3 tornado tore through the rural communities of Hampton County, bringing destruction unlike anything this area had seen before.

The tornado was part of a statewide outbreak of severe weather and the largest storm on record, with winds up to 165 mph, to ever hit Hampton County.

The tragic storm claimed the lives of five victims and destroyed or damaged more than 200 homes and personal property. For Palmetto Electric Cooperative, the storm wreaked havoc on

their system and caused more than 6,500 outages throughout southern Beaufort, Hampton and Jasper counties.

As soon as weather conditions were safe, Palmetto Electric’s crews were onsite Monday morning, ready to assess the damage. It was soon discovered that the storm caused problems at three substations, as well as downed transmission lines, distribution lines and more than 115 broken poles.

Palmetto Electric called in assistance from other crews, including their sister cooperatives, Fairfield Electric Cooperative and Black River Electric Cooperative, in order to speed up the recovery process.

Crews worked from early morning until late at night for the next four days to get power back to all members.

“We just want to thank our members for their patience and the community for its overwhelming support as our crews and office personnel worked around the clock to restore power,” said Tray Hunter, Palmetto Electric’s vice president of marketing and public relations.

As a member-owned cooperative, Palmetto Electric strives to be community focused in everything they do. Although restoring power was the top priority, the cooperative knew they wanted to do more to help. On Tuesday, April 14, Palmetto Electric delivered 32 insulated coolers, along with 100 pounds of ice, donated by Publix at New River Crossing, to the Hampton

County Recreation Center to be used to transport food and drink deliveries for victims and first responders.

“We heard of an immediate need for coolers, and we knew we could help,” said Missy Santorum, public relations manager for the cooperative.

Upon talking to volunteers at the Recreation Center and surveying the destruction, it was evident that even more needed to be done.

On Friday, April 17, Berl Davis, Palmetto Electric’s president and CEO, visited the Hampton County Recreation Center to present United Ministries of Hampton and Hampton County Recreation Center with a total of $10,000 to aid in storm assistance.

A check for $5,000 was presented to James Porter with United Ministries of Hampton with funds from Operation Round Up. Another $5,000 was given to Tammy Thaxton, Hampton County Recreation Department Director, from Palmetto Electric Cooperative. This money will be used to purchase tarps, food and basic needs items for those impacted by the storm.

“The victims of the April 13 tornado are not only members of the communities we serve, but they are our neighbors, our friends, and our family,” Davis said. “Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those affected by the devastating storm, and we are humbled and honored to help in any way we can.”

For more information and to find out how you can help the victims of the April 13 storms, please contact Hampton County Emergency Operations Center at (803) 914-2168.

C2 MAGAZINE

APRIL 2020

17

This & That

C2 Magazine • May 2020 Edition KBRS, manufacturer of custom waterproof tile shower bases, slopes, seats, niches and accessories, has announced that Joe Haddad of Savannah, Ga. has joined the company as logistics manager.

Haddad will oversee all local market activity for the growing company, which is based in Hardeeville, South Carolina and sells its leak-free custom shower systems for both residential and commercial applications throughout the United States.

The Judie Aronson Social Justice Initiative committee is pleased to announce its award selections for the 20192020 school year. This year’s recipients are: Jaala Grant, Hilton Head Island High School; Joy Elizabeth Schleicher, May River High School; and Grayson Short, Bluffton High School.

These young people represent what Aronson stood for with regard to social justice. The Initiative is grateful for the support of the Aronson family and for having increased the award this year’s award to $2,000 for each recipient.

DISCOVERY, INC. ANNOUNCES WINNER OF HGTV DREAM HOME 2020

HGTV, a member of the Discovery, Inc. family of brands, announced that the winner of the HGTV® Dream Home 2020 on Hilton Head Island, S.C., is Susan O’Gorman of Perry, Ga. O’Gorman is the recipient of the prize package valued at over $2 million, which includes the 3,500-square-foot, threebedroom and three-and-a-half-bathroom fully furnished home, a brand-new Honda Passport Elite, and $250,000 from Rocket Mortgage® by Quicken Loans®. The home was designed by local architect Court Atkins Group and constructed by local builder Shoreline Construction, with on-trend interior design by Brian Patrick Flynn.

O’Gorman was randomly selected from over 144 million entries to the HGTV Dream Home Sweepstakes, which lasted from December 30, 2019 through February 19, 2020. The HGTV Dream Home 2020 is located in Windmill Harbour, a private community adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway and home of the South Carolina Yacht Club.

18

APRIL 2020

C2 MAGAZINE

This & That

C2 Magazine • May 2020 Edition

HOSPITALITY WORKERS IMPACTED BY COVID-19 JOIN SECOND HELPINGS’ TEAMS TO RESCUE FOOD Hospitality workers across Beaufort County are joining Second Helpings’ food rescue program. This partnership is being funded through the Lowcountry Community COVID-19 Response Fund, a fund of Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. In just 10 days, the fund raised $100,000, an amount matched by Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. The Wexford Charitable Fund grant committee also found merit in this program and donated to support the hospitality workers.

On April 15, six SERG Restaurant Group employees who were either out of work or working reduced hours due to the pandemic, met the Second Helpings trucks on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton—their daily assignment to follow in their own vehicles and load rescued food on Second Helpings’ refrigerated trucks while practicing social distancing. They also assisted in distributing the food to local food pantries. The workers were trained by Second Helpings’ volunteers and paid through the grants, on average, 25 hours a week per worker. This program will be expanded in Beaufort and will assist food rescue efforts on Hilton Head Island, in the Greater Bluffton area, Jasper County, Beaufort, and in Hampton County.

Horizon Home Inspectors is pleased to introduce the fifth member of their inspection team, Michael Kennedy of Kennedy Home Inspections. Kennedy is a licensed home inspector with the SC Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation, Residential Builders Commission; a certified professional inspector (CPI) through the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI); a participating member of the SC Safe Home Program through the SC Department of Insurance; and a certified COVID-19 Safe inspector through NACHI.

C2 MAGAZINE

APRIL 2020

19

This & That

C2 Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ May 2020 Edition

The Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton is celebrating one of its members who was awarded the 2020 South Carolina Youth of the Year title

by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Amonnie Polite received the honor during an April 17 virtual event, along with a $2,500 scholarship.

The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle.

Polite, 17, is a junior at May River High School and has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton for nearly a decade. Polite was first selected as the Bluffton Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Youth of the Year, and then the Lowcountry Youth of the Year in March.

Eyeland Optique is pleased to announce that they remain open to dispense eyewear, provide simple adjustments, make minor repairs and address emergency needs of new eyeglasses or sunglasses.

Contact lens direct-ship orders and tele-medicine consultations with the doctor are also available.

20

APRIL 2020

C2 MAGAZINE

This & That

C2 Magazine • May 2020 Edition

SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE

It’s been almost a year since a fire took down one of our favorite BBQ spots on Palmetto Bay Road. So, in the midst of all the depressing news about COVID-19, we were thrilled to see that work had finally begun on The Smokehouse—10 months to the day of the fire. It was even more encouraging to see the fireplace still standing, as CH2’s mascot Lucy loved hanging out on that deck watching football in the fall. Our crew will be the first ones in line when it re-opens in 2021! Check out the architectural drawing by PDG Architects for the new and improved Smokehouse.

C2 MAGAZINE

APRIL 2020

21

DENNIS JAWORSKI SHOP THE LOOK AT PALMETTOES

What have you been bingewatching since COVID-19 started? The news is the only thing that’s getting bingewatched around here. But Wheel of Fortune is always a good binge-watch too.

What restaurants have you been trying to support with take-out since this whole thing started? We’ve mainly been cooking at home just because we have so much time on our hands. It gives us time to get creative with recipes. Just about the only business we’ve been really loyal customers of through all this is Rollers Wine & Spirits. SHOUT OUT! What have you done to stay sane? Drink.

What item you usually purchase at the grocery store will you never take for granted again? Toilet paper.

Do you have a message for essential workers who are keeping the world moving right now? Thank you very much. Above all and beyond everything else, think about yourselves right now. I think too often we are so concerned with taking care of other people that we forget to be mindful of our own mortality.

QUARANTINE CHUCK HALL

IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

Just like everything in our collective “world” right now, fashion looks a little different this month. With businesses shut down and social distancing the hot new buzz word of the month, we decided to do something a little different for our May fashion spread.

Keeping a respectful distance, we took a peek inside our local boutique owners’ homes and back porches to see how they were coping with COVID-19. All clothing is modeled by the owners of their respective boutiques and is available for purchase by calling or by shopping via their Instagram pages or websites. Just for fun, we had them share with us what they had been binge-watching since going into quarantine and which items they would never again take for granted in a grocery store.

B THIS IS NOT SOCIAL DISTANCING! Remember 6 feet apart is the recommended distance. Check out Chuck and Dennis for an example.

MICHELLE TAYLOR SHOP THE LOOK AT BIRDIE JAMES IN SHELTER COVE TOWNE CENTRE

What have you been bingewatching since COVID-19 started? I’ve started rewatching Grey’s Anatomy.

As a budding new tutor, what has been your favorite subject to teach? Physical education, because we get outside and jump around and use some energy.

What restaurants have you been trying to support with take-out since this whole thing started?

I love the gluten-free pizza from Pizza Co., so I’ve had that, and we’ve also done takeout from The Greek Table in Bluffton.

What have you done to stay sane? This! It has been refreshing to get to do something creative and to go into the store and bring a little bit of the store into our home.

What item you usually purchase at the grocery store will you never take for granted again? Coffee creamer Do you have a message for essential workers who are keeping the world moving right now? Yes! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

KIM MISCHIK SHOP THE LOOK AT FRESH PRODUCE IN COLIGNY PLAZA

What have you been bingewatching since COVID-19 started? We’ve been bingewatching The Lorax, Peter Rabbit, and Frozen 2.

As a budding new tutor, what has been your favorite subject to teach? I guess my least favorite is pre-algebra, seventh grade math. Math is different these days.

What restaurants have you been trying to support with take-out since this whole thing started? When I head over to the island for office work, I go to The Sandbar in Coligny. In Bluffton, we’ve been frequenting Okatie Ale House and Pour Richards.

QUARANTINE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

What have you done to stay sane? I’ll go for a for a bike ride … and I feel like I’ve been gardening more.

What item you usually purchase at the grocery store will you never take for granted again? Toilet paper and Lysol spray!

Do you have a message for essential workers who are keeping the world moving right now? You are doing a great job, and we are so appreciative of you putting yourself in danger so we can all get through this together!

BLAKE SCHMID SHOP THE LOOK AT COASTAL BLISS IN SHELTER COVE TOWNE CENTRE

ONE PER CUSTOMER!

What have you been binge-watching since COVID-19 started? I’ve been processing online orders and taking care of our new baby, so I haven’t had any time to bingewatch yet … but we are going to start season three of Ozark soon.

What restaurants have you been trying to support with take-out since this whole thing started? We’ve supported Santa Fe Cafe, Frosty Frog and Hudson’s.

As a budding new tutor, what has been your favorite subject to teach? My son JP loves singing, so music class has been our favorite.

What have you done to stay sane?

A nice glass of wine once the kids have quieted down for the night has definitely helped.

What item you usually purchase at the grocery store will you never take for granted again? I think everyone agrees toilet paper.

Won’t ever take that for granted again!.

Do you have a message for essential workers who are keeping the world moving right now?

A BIG thank you to everyone; we appreciate you now more than ever! Hopefully we all get through this and back to normal soon.

JILLIAN ATKINSON SHOP THE CHILDREN’S LOOKS AT MOONLIT LULLABY IN OLD TOWN BLUFFTON

What have you been bingewatching since COVID-19 started? Do kids’ shows count? Because that’s what we’ve been watching a lot of lately. My husband and I have watched The Originals, and when he’s working, I’ll watch Jane the Virgin.

What have you done to stay sane? I guess, for me, it’s been working and spending time with my family. My work/life balance is a little crazy right now. I feel like I’ve been working more than ever through all of this, but I think it’s helped to keep me centered.

As a budding new tutor, what has been your favorite subject to teach? Lily is four, so she’s in preschool right now. We’ve been doing a lot of arts & crafts and trying to learn our numbers.

What item you usually purchase at the grocery store will you never take for granted again?

Milk! And avocados.

What restaurants have you been trying to support with take-out since this whole thing started?

We’ve done The Cottage, Alljoy Donuts and Twisted Bakery. Can you tell we love sweets?

Do you have a message for essential workers who are keeping the world moving right now? Just that we have been praying for you every day. I have people who are in the middle of all that. We are thinking about you, praying for you, and we love you!

SANDRA OSSIE SHOP THE LOOK AT SO SANDRA ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND

What have you been bingewatching since COVID-19 started? Probably the Hallmark Channel!

What restaurants have you been trying to support with take-out since this whole thing started? Plantation Station right here in Sea Pines, because they have delicious home-cooked food. Also, SERG Group and Healthy Habit.

What have you done to stay sane? I’ve cleaned out my closet. (Hmmm … to make room for more clothing maybe?

What item you usually purchase at the grocery store will you never take for granted again? That’s a hard question for me because I don’t do the grocery shopping.

Do you have a message for essential workers who are keeping the world moving right now? I don’t know how they are doing it. I thank them every day for that.

WASH YOUR HANDS! To be truly effective here are some guidelines: Use warm, running water and a mild soap.

Start with wet hands, add soap and work up a lather, all the way up to your wrists, scrubbing for at least 15-20 seconds.

QUARANTINE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

AFTON RYAN SHOP THE LOOK AT EGAN + ELLA IN BLUFFTON What have you been binge-watching since COVID-19 started? Obviously Tiger King. Actually, I’ve also really gotten into Wicked Tuna. I don’t know why—it’s so random! It’s the perfect “have on in the background show,” and I just love it.

As a budding new tutor, what has been your favorite subject to teach? Playdoh and chalk, so art class? My children are young—ages two and three.

What restaurants have you been trying to support with take-out since this whole thing started? Choo-Choo BBQ. It’s my new obsession.

What have you done to stay sane? Organizing!

The garage, the closets, pantries, the attic— anything I can tidy up.

What item you usually purchase at the grocery store will you never take for granted again?

Toilet paper … but also eggs! I like my omelets in the morning, and the dwindling supply of eggs has me concerned.

QUARANTINE

Do you have a message for essential workers who are keeping the world moving right now?

Yes! A special shout-out to my mom, Tia, who is a nurse on the front lines right now. I just want to let her know that the kids and I are super proud of her right now, and we’re very thankful for her and all the other nurses.

IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

What have you been binge-watching since COVID-19 started? A Million Little Things What restaurants have you been trying to support with take-out since this whole thing started? Ted Huffman’s Bluffton BBQ, Mi Tierra, and the Corner Perk for coffee. SHOUT OUT!

TRACY MOSS SHOP THE LOOK AT THE HAVEN IN OLD TOWN BLUFFTON

What have you done to stay sane? I’m not sane at all. But I have been doing a lot of yardwork.

What item you usually purchase at the grocery store will you never take for granted again? Toilet paper. And also, coffee creamer.

Do you have a message for essential workers who are keeping the world moving right now? Thank you so much for all of your hard work!

STAY SAFE. STAY INSIDE.

b REBECCA AND DAVID JACKSON OUTSIDE OF THEIR HOME IN BEAUFORT.

seeking care and treatment for respiratory symptoms at Beaufort Memorial Hospital, following 13 days in ICU (11 on a ventilator), Jackson, a COVID-19 survivor, was released to go home. On Wednesday morning, April 15, registered nurse Lori Thompson wheeled him down the hall to the tune of “Already Gone,” by the Eagles. “My departing song was not like something very soppy. Basically, that is me talking to the coronavirus,” he said.

TWENTY-NINE DAYS AFTER SEEKING CARE AND TREATMENT FOR RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS AT BEAUFORT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, FOLLOWING 13 DAYS IN ICU (11 ON A VENTILATOR), JACKSON, A COVID-19 SURVIVOR, WAS RELEASED TO GO HOME.

A R T I C L E BY L I N DA S . H O P K I N S P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y M . K AT

Do You Believe in

Miracles?

C O V I D - 1 9 S U R V I V O R D AV I D J A C K S O N C E L E B R A T E S A N O T H E R D AY O F L I V I N G

S

ome people believe that there is an appointed time for every man to die.

Apparently, David Jackson’s time has not come.

On March 11, 2020, the 59-year-old Beaufort resident awoke with a violent chill that wracked his body unlike anything he had experienced in 40 years. “I hadn’t had a chill like that since I had malaria, which I almost died from in 1980,” he said.

“That was my first brush with death.”

After contracting malaria while serving in the Navy in the Philippines, he remembers being transferred to a large ship in the middle of the Indian Ocean, where he was read his last rites. Next he was taken to a utility room, dunked in ice water and given a combination of medicines that included quinine and hydroxychloroquine. He lived to tell the story.

Today, Jackson and his wife Rebecca have a new story to tell. Twenty-nine days after

THE ONSET After his night of chills, over the next few days, Jackson developed flu-like symptoms.

He was in contact with his physician at Naval Hospital Beaufort who told him to stay home. He did not have the classic COVID-19 symptoms at that time: no coughing or shortness of breath. But he was running a high temperature—around 104. On March 17, he started coughing, and on March 18, the Jacksons called ahead and went to the ER at Beaufort Memorial Hospital.

Upon arrival, medical personnel came to the car, got Jackson into a wheelchair, and escorted him around to the side of the hospital where they had a tent set up. He was immediately admitted.

“At first, I wasn’t sure that he had coronavirus,” Rebecca said. “I knew he was very sick, and I felt relieved that he was finally in good hands—that he would be taken care of and get well.” It wasn’t until much later that night when Rebecca was informed that her husband had been tested for the virus.

The results were not yet back, but he was presumed to be positive.

“That was a big jolt,” Rebecca admitted.

“Everything became suddenly much more serious. He was just whisked away so quickly, and that was the last time I saw him for over a month.”

THE TREATMENT After his admission to the hospital and transfer to the ICU, Jackson called his wife

C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

33

c

REBECCA JACKSON WAITS OUTSIDE BEAUFORT MEMORIAL TO TAKE HER HUSBAND HOME AFTER 29 DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL. WAITING WITH HER ARE SOME OF THE ICU NURSES WHO CARED FOR HIM DURING HIS STAY: RENEE PRITCHARD, CANDY CHAPPELL AND BRITTANY JOHNSON.

the next morning to tell her they were going to intubate him.

After frantically exchanging critical information Rebecca might need, he said, “I’m really scared.”

“I sent a couple more text messages after that, trying to encourage him and telling him everything was going to be okay, but he never responded,” Rebecca said. “I knew that he was (had?) gone under.”

Jackson was intubated at 10:37 that morning, and that evening, the doctor called. “He told me they would do everything they could to try to save him, but that he was gravely ill. I just didn’t know what to do other than start praying,” Rebecca said.

“At this point, David was unaware. I had hope and I had support from family and friends all over the country. I put the word out in group text messages, and everyone reminded me what a fighter this man is. He cheated death many times. Even on 9/11, he was supposed to be at a meeting at the Pentagon that got canceled.

God seems to have a reason to keep my husband alive.”

In spite of her faith, day after day, it became clear to Rebecca that her husband wasn’t getting better. “His lungs were being completely destroyed. It was just a waiting game,” she said. Drugs that were used in his treatment included hydroxychloroquine and Zithromax (Z-Pak), according to Rebecca. “I don’t know how they determined to go ahead and give him this. I thank God they did, because it seemed to turn things around.”

On day-nine came a glimmer of hope. The doctor was able to turn down the pressure on the oxygen, and Jackson’s temperature was finally starting to drop. “[The doctor] felt encouraged but couldn’t promise anything,” Rebecca said.

That was the same day, an angel appeared via Facetime.

Registered nurse Candy Chappell took it upon herself to put her iPhone in a Ziplock bag and make the call to Rebecca from Jackson’s room. “He was out; he didn’t know I was there,” Rebecca said. “But I could see him, and I could see that he was alive. [Chappell] took me on a tour of the room and showed me all the machines and everything that was helping him stay alive and the numbers on the monitors.

“They are all wonderful there, but she went above and beyond for me. She knew how important that would be for me since I could not be there. I felt so reassured by her doing that. I think that’s the moment I really felt like it was going to be okay.”

Meanwhile, Rebecca took walks in the evening and continued to pray. “I would scream to the heavens, ‘Send my husband home.’ It was so horrible; I thought it just couldn’t possibly end this way for us.”

THE “CO-VICTORY” Miraculously, Jackson came off the ventilator on Monday, March 30. And thanks to Chappell, Rebecca got to be there virtually. “I didn’t try to stand up. I was just so shocked,” Rebecca said. “They had just taken out the tube. [Chappell] called his name, and he turned his head toward the phone, and his eyes opened wide. I said, ‘Hi, Baby.’ And he said it right back.”

“That was my first recollection,” Jackson said. “I remember looking at her face, and she was smiling. I said, ‘Hi, Baby. I love you.’”

34

MAY 2020

C2 MAGAZINE

Jackson said Rebecca was his hero. “My wife went through hell and back. She was my protector and my advocate while I was out in la-la land. I just woke up, and my fight began.”

Once free of the ventilator and stabilized, Jackson was transferred from ICU to the fifth-floor isolation unit, which was a step down in terms of critical care and the first step towards home.

“My first physical therapist came in—nice guy, wonderful man. He put the belt around me and sat me up in bed. I couldn’t sit. I kept falling over,” Jackson said. “When I was able, he stood me up and helped me up in front of a walker. I put my hands on the walker. He dropped the belt two inches, and I went right down. He had ahold of me. He sat me back down on the bed, and I fell over. So, I started doing in-bed exercises. He had to move everything for me because I couldn’t move it.”

But Jackson was determined to regain his strength and was later transferred to the acute inpatient rehabilitation unit—again in isolation. “By the time they moved me to the rehab floor, I was able to get myself out of bed, use the walker, and do exercises. By the time I left, I was completing all of the tasks that they would give me,” he said. “I had excellent physical and occupational therapy.

These were young ladies, and they wouldn’t let you get off easy. If you needed to rest, you could rest, and they would check the pulse to see where you were. But, they never gave up on me.”

The hospital calls Jackson’s survival a “Co-Victory” because it truly took teamwork. “This is really important to me,” Jackson said, stating that the only reason he agreed to any press coverage was to call attention to the positive. “You turn on the TV. All you hear about is how many died, how many new cases. They never talk about those of us who lived. Those people in the ICU and the second-floor rehab saved my life. All the doctors, all the nurses— they call me a miracle. But I keep saying, ‘No, you’re the miracle.

Without you, there’s no me.’”

“We both feel that way,” Rebecca said. “The nurses and doctors—especially the ICU experience … they were more than willing to hold my hand over the phone during the night. It was

hard to sleep. Here I was at home at 3 o’clock in the morning, and I just wanted to find out how he was doing. They didn’t mind at all.

We’re quite fortunate to have this acute care available.”

“ALREADY GONE” With an initial projected release date of Friday, April 17, Jackson had a loftier goal. “I wanted out. They kept talking about Friday, but I wanted to go home sooner. So, I really, really busted my tail in physical therapy and occupational therapy. They had a meeting and decided that I could go home on Wednesday.”

Jackson aced his final PT performance evaluation. “There was no way I was going to fail that! On the day that I left, my wife called and said, ‘That man has got to be out of the hospital at 11 o’clock.’

I looked up, and it was dead on 11 o’clock, and I could hear my wife out in the hallway.”

Jackson lost 40 pounds during his hospital stay. “Since I got home, my wife has helped me gain back five pounds with good homecooked meals. I don’t want to go back up 40 pounds, but I need to get stronger,” he said.

To that end, Jackson walks with the walker when Rebecca isn’t around. But with her at his side, he takes a few trips down the hall each day without the walker, he said. “It’s helping to make me stronger. It’s getting my balance back.”

In addition to the exceptional medical care he received, Jackson believes his faith in God and the many prayers sent out on his behalf contributed to his healing. “A good friend of mine got a prayer group going—people I’ve known for many years and people I never even heard of. My wife was praying; they were praying—her family, my family—people from Japan all the way to Beaufort and places north and south,” he said.

“Miracles do happen. Also, while I was on the ventilator, I became a grandfather for the first time,” Jackson added.

When he is back up to full strength, Jackson has been asked to return to the hospital for testing and research. Of course, he agreed.

“There’s something between [God] and me. He keeps me around,” Jackson said. “I’m here for a reason. Whatever it is, I’ll do it.” 

C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

35

Building a

virtual world Article by linda s. hopkins

A

Stay calm and carry on, online

s the COVID-19 crisis has upended our lives throughout the month of April, we continue to work together to find some sense of normalcy, while doing our best to flatten the curve. One of the great challenges beyond the extra precaution required to avoid the deadly virus is how to stay physically, mentally, and emotionally well. With our gyms closed, entertainment venues shut down, sports canceled, and social activities restricted, we have been forced to

seek alternative ways to feel good, have fun, and connect. As our lives came to an abrupt stop, many of us have found ourselves building a virtual world to fill in the blanks. Even the most tech-challenged among us are embracing Zoom fitness classes, Skype book clubs, Facetime visits, livestream concerts, watch parties, virtual church services, and more.

Keeping fit online Consistent exercise is one of the best ways to care for your body under any

circumstances, but it is particularly important during this time of added tension. Research suggests that when we exercise, our brains release chemicals that help us better manage stress and anxiety, improving both our physical well-being and mental outlook.

While at-home exercise videos are nothing new, what is new is the way area fitness facilities have rallied to move their programs online. Thanks to Facebook Live and videoconferencing apps like Zoom,

Building a

virtual world gym goers have been able to see their favorite local instructors and workout with friends from the safety of home.

According to Myranda McAfee, general manager at LAVA 24 Fitness, the gym allowed members to check out equipment for use at home.

In addition, they have been offering a variety of virtual classes via Zoom as well as pre-written workouts for members. Instructors are adapting their routines to include workouts that can be performed without special equipment, and the Zoom platform allows for full interaction so that instructors can help with form or modifications. Participants have the option to turn off their cameras if they don’t want to be seen, but McAfee said most members are enjoying the opportunity to connect. “It has been amazing. Some members who haven’t been our highest attending members are becoming more regular because it’s something for them to do,” she said.

When the gym reopens, virtual classes will continue for those who remain uncomfortable with the gym environment, McAfee said, and a new cleaning plan is in place to ensure the highest level of safety possible for members who choose to return to the gym.

Pure Barre Hilton Head Island and Pure Barre Bluffton have been teaming up to host two Facebook Live workouts each morning. In addition to their clientele, they invited non-members to join in as a gesture of good will and as a way to help others stay

38

MAY 2020

C2 MAGAZINE

active from home. “The feedback has been really positive, and we’ve had incredible participation,” Pure Barre Hilton Head Island owner Jenna Irvin said. “It’s been a saving grace for me because it’s helping me still feel connected during this time when there is not a whole lot of connection happening. I just wish I knew when it was going to be over.”

Peak Performance Fitness Center has continued offering small group classes via Zoom as well as one-on-one personal training using whatever platform works for the client (Zoom, Facetime, Skype, etc.). Participants whose schedules don’t fit the class times also have the option of getting a recorded version of group classes.

Owner Christina Lindstedt admits that the change of format has presented a unique challenge for her both professionally and personally (“a juggling job,” she said.) But she is confident that live classes and in-person training will be back on track soon.

“The people who are doing the virtual classes seem to really like them. There’s a good turnout,” she said, pointing out that staying connected in this way will make it easier for clients to get back into their routines when the fitness center reopens.

Other health and fitness related businesses are doing the same: reinventing their services and/or delivering them online.

Cycle Bar has rented out their bicycles to members for their use at home; Pure Salt Studios has been offering livestream meditation and movement classes; and The Art of Massage and Yoga Therapy has been offering a full schedule of “Om from Home” virtual classes.

These efforts have provided a way for health and fitness businesses to stay afloat and continue serving their clients, while even attracting a few newbies by giving them the opportunity to try out a new workout routine in a comfortable home environment.

As the situation continues to evolve, please contact the individual fitness providers for information on how to access their online offerings, and please do support them by buying punch

In an effort to provide relief for the entertainment-hungry public as well as his fellow musicians, John Cranford of Cranford Hollow and Swampfire Records, along with Matt Stock, general manager at Coligny Theatre and co-owner/editor of The Southender magazine, organized the Musicians Assistance Live Stream Concert Series, sharing local artists’ performances online from Coligny Theatre. cards and paying upfront for memberships or services you can use when normal operations resume.

Staying sane and entertained While staying physically active is important, we mustn’t overlook the basic human need for leisure and entertainment. Minus the ability to gather for meals, concerts, festivals and the like, we still need shared experiences and diversions to take our minds off the fear and uncertainty of the day.

It’s no secret that music has great power to unite and to heal. Many of us have been missing the usual outdoor festivals and local music events that normally take place in spring. And much like our furloughed hospitality workers, area musicians are taking a big financial hit.

In an effort to provide relief for the entertainment-hungry public as well as his fellow musicians, John Cranford of Cranford Hollow and Swampfire Records, along with Matt Stock, general manager at Coligny Theatre and co-owner/editor of The Southender magazine, organized the Musicians Assistance Live Stream Concert Series, sharing local artists’ performances online from Coligny Theatre. (Visit the Coligny Theatre Facebook page to watch the replays.)

In a talk show style format with Stock playing host, the shows were presented free of charge on the faith that listeners would be moved to make donations. “Obviously, everybody doesn’t donate, but you figure if there’s 1,000 people a night watching and everybody can throw whoever’s playing a dollar … that was kind of our mentality for raising the funds,” Cranford explained. (They did 12 shows in a row and raised about $13,000.) “What we really enjoyed about it was that the money raised went directly to the artists.”

Unfortunately, the nightly shows were stopped in April per Governor McMasters’ order closing all theatres. Cranford has since been livestreaming performances with a variety of artists on his Facebook page, from the Tiki Hut, without a live audience, of course, but with the familiarity of the oceanfront venue and the beautiful blue-sky backdrop. The concerts were and are free to watch, but tips are greatly appreciated and can be given through Venmo or PayPal. When Coligny Theatre can reopen, Cranford and Stock plan to continue offering online concerts. Ultimately, when social distancing is no longer necessary, they will resume hosting performances for live audiences as well.

“We want to keep Coligny Theatre in the public eye. It has tremendous potential as a center for the arts on Hilton Head and still for film appreciation as well,” Stock said. “We have the lighting and the sound equipment to put on a well-produced, entertaining show, and this has been a great dry run to work out the kinks.”

The interest and participation in the livestream concerts is “shining a light not only on what we are capable of, but also how much people really love music,” Stock continued. “I’m always impressed by the ways people here in the Lowcountry circle the wagon when times get tough. You can’t keep a good town down!”

If there is a silver lining in all of this, perhaps it is that we are learning to use technology in a new way—as a helpful resource and a platform for support. With less impetus to compare and compete, the global pandemic has begun to even the social media playing field and is affording us the opportunity to create a virtual world that encourages us to come together in a spirit of cooperation.  C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

39

QA new litter of seven puppies at HHHA.

Q Tux, a three-yearold owner surrender cat cuddles with Sally at Palmetto Animal League. He can be adopted out on the condition that he goes with his brother Felix, who he is strongly bonded to.

Duke Clark gives some love to Zeek, a rescue who has been at the Palmetto Animal League since Christmas Eve 2019.

Three two-week old kittens slumber under the watchful eye of their mother at PAL. This feline family was discovered in Hampton after the tornadoes hit the area.

T

T

R JR poses for the camera at Hilton Head Humane Association. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a seven year old sweetheart who needs medicine three times a day, so he needs just the right owner whose got the time and extra love to give.

R Curious kittens at Hilton Head Humane Association.

Sally Dawkins gives Magnolia a head scratch at PAL.

Q

ARTICLE BY AMY BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

“Shelter” at Home HOW LOCAL ANIMAL CARE ORGANIZATIONS HAVE WEATHERED COVID-19 AND WHAT THEY NEED FROM US NOW

R

olling into May 2020 like we all just fell out of the back of a pickup, there are mixed feelings about what we’ve been through and how to approach the “staged re-entry.” Wondering about the new normal, we’re behaving a bit munchkin-esque, emerging on tip-toe to assess the damage and see if we’re in the clear or if other wicked witches might be popping in to ask, “Who killed my sister?”

During this storm, there were some faithful community staples who never stopped taking care of Toto.

Two prominent forces of good and animal welfare, the Palmetto Animal League and Hilton Head Humane Association, shared their experiences, their hustle, and what they’re expecting next (and need from us) as the sun begins to shine on re-opened beaches and dog parks.

The Hilton Head Humane Association, under the leadership of executive director Franny Gerthoffer, operates a shelter location on the island, and recently added the “New Animal Campus” in Okatie.

Incorporated in 1976, HHHA has this year

alone helped 3,000 abandoned, injured, abused animals.

Neighboring Palmetto Animal League, headed by Amy Campanini is, this year, “celebrating 10 years of saving lives.” Also rescuing in the thousands through the years, PAL’s adoption center in Okatie’s Riverwalk Business Park right now serves as a temporary residence for nearly 200 dogs and cats in search of a “furever” home.

You know all the memes and tributes to those who can’t stay home? Less obvious participants in that intrepid category are those responsible for the shelter, rescue, and adoption of our (most often) four-legged friends. Pups still need walks and cats still need head scratches, and that’s the edited version of saying they need emergency surgeries, food supply increases (as local PUPS STILL NEED WALKS AND CATS STILL NEED HEAD SCRATCHES, AND THAT’S THE EDITED VERSION OF SAYING THEY NEED EMERGENCY SURGERIES, FOOD SUPPLY INCREASES AND ADDITIONAL STAFF AND ADMIN SUPPORT AS EMERGENCY POPULATIONS GROW.

“WE’VE USED THIS TIME TO FIND BETTER WAYS TO WORK WITH OTHERS. IT HASN’T BEEN TIME OFF; IT’S BEEN TIME DIGGING IN, FIGURING OUT HOW WE CAN HOLD ON TO WHAT WORKS AND BUILD IT BETTER, WITH EVEN SAFER AND MORE SUCCINCT PROTOCOLS.”

S A bin of donated pet food sits at the ready in HHHA’s lobby, available for those needing assistance in caring for their pets during this unprecedented time.

families face unparalleled financial setbacks as part of COVID-19’s dominoimpact on the economy), and additional staff and admin support as emergency populations grow.

The definition of grit in crisis, Gerthoffer simplified the hurdles. “Growing up playing basketball, I had a coach who used to say, ‘don’t be afraid of the ball,’ and that’s how we’re approaching this challenge,” she said. “We’re not running away from it or waiting to see what others are doing. We have families who need help, animals who need regular care—that doesn’t change—and veterinary care. We just watch for where the ball is showing up, go to where the need is.”

This perspective explains why HHHA’s longstanding community presence is built on great relationships. Gerthoffer extolled the graciousness of local business owners who showed up with creative support, delivering hard-to-find paper goods, and one individual proprietor going out of their way to amass an impressive collection of cat carriers when there was a spike in need. With a dedication that can’t be deterred, she said, “I don’t know why we get blessed by such selfless people, but we do—and they

42

MAY 2020

C2 MAGAZINE

are.” “Crazy fabulous,” she calls it, repeating the words, incredulous that so many go so far out of their way, often without even being asked.

“We’ve used this time to find better ways to work with others. It hasn’t been time off; it’s been time digging in, figuring out how we can hold on to what works and build it better, with even safer and more succinct protocols.”

This work not only never stopped, it leveled up and is predicted to increase again as we phase back in.

Addressing the issue of overflow Campanini said, “To make room for rescuing the most at-risk animals during the crisis, we quickly expanded our foster program, and many volunteers signed up to help us in this area.

Unfortunately, when this is over and area shelters reopen, we anticipate there will be a surge of surrendered and abandoned animals.”

One step in fighting this capacity overload is PAL’s Pet Food Bank. “When we arrived last week to deliver pet food to four local pantries, pet owners were already in the parking lot, waiting for us to arrive, Campanini said.

“As the financial burden continues, PAL is working to increase the number of deliveries we make and provide pet food at more locations. With many people suffering and worrying about how to feed their families, having pet food available at local pantries may be the factor that keeps an animal in his home.”

S The team at the Litter Box has taken this opportunity to clean and organize the space, as well as make some improvements.

Q

Sammy Sosa, a longtime resident at PAL.

PAL’s Pet Food Bank Project is accepting donations in the bins out front for distribution to those who need them: bags of cat, dog, puppy and kitten dry food, canned dog and cat food, broken or open bags of dog and cat food (will be examined for freshness and repackaged), and one-gallon Ziplock bags and paper shopping bags.

Another increase was in the area of adoptions, as many are seeking companionship and connection under current conditions and have greater ability to invest time and attention in getting a new “loved one” adopted and adapted.

Both organizations have remained continuously available throughout the shutdown, encouraging, “Don’t self-isolate— adopt!” and “Adoption is the Best Option” via one-at-a-time adoption appointments, open-air adoptions, even a fully virtual adoption experience at PAL, from the video meet and greet with a cat or dog, to completing your adoption application via phone, and pet pickups in the parking lot.

Though located in the Hilton Head Island/Bluffton area(s), the impact of these organizations reaches beyond the Lowcountry by a country mile. “Thanks to steadfast support from donors, no place is too far to travel for a rescue mission.

We operate an active rescue network (including a transport program) that extends across state lines, rescuing from dire situations and delivering into the arms of adopters hundreds of miles away,” Campanini explained. “Homeless pets are given a lifetime (no-kill) commitment. We care for them until they find a home. There is no limit to their stay at PAL.” As of this writing, the all-clear date is unclear for resuming on-site volunteering or reopening organization-owned thrift stores: HHHA’s The Litter Box, “Goods for People, Great for Animals,” and the PAL Thrift Store in Sheridan Park, “Where Great Buys Save Lives.” (Clearly the marketing game is strong among the animal lovers.) Even more felt is the temporary postponement of planned annual fundraisers. So, in light of the loss and the noticeable need, how can we help? At the heart of organizations like these is the basic premise for any animal lover, philanthropist, or servant-hearted volunteer, and now more than ever, they need us to respond: 1. Adopt and foster 2. Care for your pet affordably (in-house veterinary services) 3. Support and serve (volunteer, donate, and shop associated thrift stores when they open).

For all quarantine 2020 tried to steal, it was (and is) also a time to realize the amount of help available around you, including for your pets, and to learn how we can do better: Give, love, serve, save, and bring new “family” home.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: PalmettoAnimalLeague.org | (843) 645-1725 HHHumane.org | HHI: (843) 681-8686, Okatie: (843) 645-8400  C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

43

THE

H roes helpers THE

AND

COVID-19 BRINGS OUT THE LOWCOUNTRY’S BEST

A

global pandemic doesn’t play favorites.

Regardless of age, wealth or status, we’ve all been thrust into survival mode—every man for himself, fighting to stay alive. While some of us have resources to sustain us through this time of crisis, others do not. In addition to the challenge of protecting their health, many Lowcountry residents find themselves suddenly unable to meet their most basic needs, like keeping a roof over their head and putting food on the table.

Enter the heroes and the helpers.

While times of crisis and great need can bring out the worst in some people (those selfish toilet paper hoarders and inconsiderate beach congregators), more often than not, hard times bring out the best of humanity. Here in the Lowcountry, where we are known to rise to the occasion, there is no shortage of heroes and helpers. Some are performing essential jobs and bravely going that extra mile. Others are driven by a personal passion and a desire to give back to the community they call home, often working behind the scenes for no personal gain other than the satisfaction of making a difference.

Some of our most obvious heroes are our healthcare workers, first responders, civil service employees, farmers, grocery store employees,

pharmacists, factory workers, delivery and public transportation drivers, journalists, and more. Yet others are going above and beyond to help people in need, many times with money out of their own pockets and at the expense of their personal safety. From businesses writing checks to charity even as they are forced to close their doors and restaurants offering free community dinners while adjusting their business models to individuals dropping off gift cards, groceries and other necessities at their neighbor’s front door, the outpouring of love here has been nothing short of amazing.

LOWCOUNTRY ACTION FIGURES On a Thursday afternoon in early April, Dave Peck, Hilton Head Island native and owner of A Lowcountry Backyard and Bad Biscuit restaurants on Hilton Head Island, was out shopping on behalf of a Bluffton family in need.

He spoke matter-of-factly about his personal contributions and recent community outreach.

Calm on the surface but kicking to adjust the daily operations of his businesses, Peck looked beyond the obstacles and found opportunities to help others. Responding to an immediate need, he started by providing breakfast and lunch to elementary and high school students who were receiving free or reduced-price lunches prior

ARTICLE BY LINDA S. HOPKINS C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020 45

THE

H roes helpers THE

AND

Dave and Raina Peck, along with Westin Miller, Katerine Wilson and Jessica Miller, serve a complimentary pasta dinner to anyone in need of a meal at Lowcountry Backyard on April 5.

Julie Pye helps prepare meals for the Hungry Heart initiative at Downtown Deli in Bluffton.

to the school closings. He received many donations and was then able to extend the help to more families. At the restaurants, he decided to offer $5 lunches to laid-off food and beverage employees. Next, he hosted a free spaghetti supper, open to the public (for takeout only, of course).

“I believe in giving back to the community,” Peck said.

“We’ve always made it a point to try to help people. When we hear about someone in need and find out that they are really in need, we just go for it.”

Somedays he’s tired and somedays he’s scared, Peck said, but when he lays his head on his pillow, he knows he has done something good for people. He’s not actively soliciting donations at this time, but he urges everyone to pitch in. “I would encourage people to donate what they can, whether it be food to a local food bank, money to a charity, or a gift card to someone you know has a need. Just help your neighbor as best you can.”

Leah and Ryan McCarthy, owners of Downtown Deli and Downtown Catering in Bluffton were also quick to spring into action. While scrambling to meet their own unique business and personal challenges, the couple started the Hungry Heart initiative—a fund to help supply meals to hospitality employees who are currently out of work. “If I go down in this, I’m going down helping people,” Leah said.

The McCarthys reached out to Lowcountry Strong, an organization founded when Hurricane Matthew struck in 2016, to help manage the funding. As of early April, they had partnered with 20 area restaurants between Hilton Head and Bluffton and six in Beaufort to participate on a rotating schedule. Lowcountry Strong receives the funds on behalf of Hungry Heart and distributes them to the restaurants that are providing meals to hospitality workers who are in need of a meal, Leah explained. “We don’t want anyone to have to choose between medicine for their kids or paying rent and dinner on the table.”

Every donation, no matter how small, can help. “For as little as $12, we can provide a meal,” Leah said. “That’s been a little more palatable for people who feel like they want to give something but don’t have the ability to write a big check. We’ve had some people and businesses give larger checks, but we have gotten a lot of little donations that have added up, which has been amazing.”

For Jean Heyduck, Community Foundation of 46

MAY 2020

C2 MAGAZINE

the Lowcountry’s vice president of marketing and communications, helping people in need is not new. What is new is the intensity of the need at this time and the surge in organizations seeking support.

The Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works closely with local donors to address critical issues facing our region. In addition to continuing most of their normal work, which includes establishing funds, making grants, and awarding scholarships, the Community Foundation is meeting the current crisis head-on.

“We have a Disaster Relief and Recovery fund that we’ve had for a while, but it’s really geared more towards natural disasters like hurricanes. So, when this popped up, we knew we needed to do something, and we created the Lowcountry Community COVID-19 Response Fund,” Heyduck explained.

The fund allows the foundation to rapidly deploy resources to community-based nonprofit organizations addressing the pandemic in Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties.

In mid-March, the foundation issued a challenge to the community to donate $100,000 to the COVID-19 Response Fund, which the foundation promised to match. That goal was accomplished in 10 days. In early April, an additional $50,000 challenge was announced, with 100 percent of gifts going directly to support the fund’s mission.

According to Heyduck, this is only the beginning, and the foundation is working in phases. “This first phase is to address what is happening right now—food insecurity, housing insecurity, that sort of thing,” she said. “Three months from now, if there is still money in the fund and people are still in need, maybe it’s a different kind of need.

We don’t know yet because we don’t know what’s going to happen, but our plan is to make sure that this is sustainable over the course of time.”

The Community Foundation serves as a linchpin to help organizations set up funds, Heyduck explained. “They can do the fundraising, and the money comes into a fund at the Community Foundation, then they can use that money based on their fund agreement. We take away all the administration for them, and they don’t have to have a 501(c)(3) IRS designation.”

Following is a list of funds launched by local organizations to address COVID-19. Each has a unique approach and mission and is working through the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry: Camelot Limousine COVID-19 Relief Fund: A crowdfunding campaign that will be applied to the Lowcountry Community COVID-19 Response Fund. They will pick up prescriptions, groceries, take-out orders, etc., and, in lieu of payment, request that a donation to Lowcountry Community COVID-19 Relief Fund be made.

Community Strong - Club Outside: Donors can purchase a $250 membership that provides various benefits.

Of the $250 fee, $100 goes directly to an Outside Employee relief fund to support Outside team members; $50 of each purchase will be donated to the Lowcountry Community

Leah McCarthy and Benton Kudlow with a stack of vouchers good for one free meal.

Billy Watterson and Bill Miles hand out cards good for a $50 meal for a family of four, valid at many participating Lowcountry restaurants, at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.

Maren Rogers hands out meals at Downtown Deli for the Hungry Heart Restaurant Worker Relief program.

Covid-19 Response Fund to assist local workers in need of financial support.

Hampton Hall Charitable Fund COVID-19 Support Drive: A crowdfunding campaign for residents and others to make donations that will be applied to the Lowcountry Community COVID-19 Response Fund.

Help 4 Hope: This fund will provide economic support to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their mission is to feed families affected by COVID-19, support local restaurants by generating new business, and save jobs in the food industry. Their goal is to raise $5,000,000.

Lowcountry Strong Foundation - Hungry Heart Restaurant Workers Relief Fund: Lowcountry Strong Foundation has partnered with Downtown Catering Company to serve free lunch and dinner, from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for hospitality workers who are currently out of work. One hundred percent of each donation goes directly to Hungry Heart.

USCB Education Foundation - Student Emergency Fund:

This fund will provide support for students who are housing/ food insecure and may not have internet accessibility or transportation, have academic or basic household needs during times of an unforeseen crisis or unexpected hardship.

This is but a glimpse of the kind of action being taken by individuals, businesses, and organizations who are providing relief to area residents. If you are not named here, don’t think for a minute your work is unappreciated. We wish to thank each and every one of our heroes and helpers for your contributions and care as well as all of our citizens for your generosity during this trying time.

The world as we knew it no longer exists. But what remains is an indomitable spirit that belies our love for one another and our strength as a community. Together, we can start a new pandemic—one of kindness, compassion and gratitude. May we emerge stronger than ever and with a greater appreciation of our freedoms and our many blessings.

And let us never again take for granted the privilege of living another day.

C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

47

PARENTS / ‘80s KIDS: THIS REFERENCE IS FOR YOU! REMEMBER GOOD TIMES, YOU’RE ALL DOING AN AWESOME JOB!

B

Heather Quinn moves “Cool School” closer to the snacks with daughters Rosie and Ella Grace.

W

IN 2019 ONLY

I

D

E

S

C

OF SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN WERE HOMESCHOOL IN THE US.

R

E

E

N

I.R.L.

B Heather Zoltan at home with her four children Catalina, Theo, Oliver and Luciana.

BEFORE MENTIONED DOODLES

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE HOMESCHOOLING OUR CHILDREN, WORRIED ABOUT OUR JOBS, FAMILIES AND THE WORLD. BUT AT THE SAME TIME, WE ARE CHERISHING PRECIOUS MOMENTS, REALIZING THAT HOMESCHOOLING IS TOUGH BUT REVELING IN THE FACT THAT WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER. 50

MAY 2020

C2 MAGAZINE

B WHAT IS YOUR TEACHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NAME? MRS. QUINN AND WHAT IS THE NAME OF YOUR NEW SCHOOL? COOL SCHOOL

BBB B B

Ella Grace helps Rosie get dressed for school. Uniforms look a little different these days.

B

52

MAY 2020

C2 MAGAZINE

Lauren Reilley and her crew (Ansley, Addison, Jackson and Landon) get outside for a bit of exercise around the neighborhood.

“HOMESCHOOLING FOUR CHILDREN LOOKS A TAD BIT LIKE A CIRCUS.” — LAUREN REILLEY SAID

C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

53

B

B

Katie Varin and her girls, Mallory and Cecelia, take Poppy out for a walk mid-day.

Amber Bagnulo with her three boys Aldo, CJ and Anthony.

54

MAY 2020

C2 MAGAZINE

C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

55

Finding the Positive

Area restau r a step up with nts strategies to m the challeng eet of COVID es -19 A sign outside in Captain Woodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ston Old Town Bluff advertises to-go hours.

Munjid Yousif stan with a tods go order at Olive & Fig near Mos s Creek. h. wl from Slapfis bo ke o p a n tu A

April is a big onth in the Lowcountry for soft-shell crm abs and thanks to Carmines and H Andrew enjoy them to-go.udson’s, locals could still a soft-shell crab p Andrew is pictured with o-boy and shrimp salad.

A r t i c l e By M a n dy M at n e y | D e s i g n By J e f f C l i n e | p h ot o g r a p h y by m . k at

T

hrough hurricanes, evacuation orders, a workforce shortage and fluctuating tourist seasons, Hilton Head Island and Bluffton hospitality leaders have learned to be versatile, strategic, and positive through challenging circumstances. When Governor Henry McMaster ordered all South Carolina restaurants to close dinein services, local restaurant owners immediately sought other streams of revenue to navigate these unfamiliar waters. From offering gift cards to creating family meal deals, Hilton Head Island restaurant owners have been experimenting with new concepts to stay afloat amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

Changing hours, menus, and prices can be expected, but some innovators have altered their core essence to keep customers happy, workers employed, and money coming in. Time will tell if these strategies will hold them over until the day they can return to normal operations.

“Right now we’re spending equal time creating or marketing these other streams of income that were so minor before, but now we really need to make them a larger part,” Tio’s Latin American Grill owner Sally Zuniga said.

For Lowcountry restaurant owners, this couldn’t have come at a worse time. March is the beginning of tourism season—the time so many depend on after months of slow business in the offseason.

Compounding the impact, is the absence of the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Easter weekend, and spring break crowds. Moreover, a cloud of uncertainty veils the summer season and potentially beyond. Thankfully, resilient restaurant owners aren’t focused on those considerations.

“You can’t let yourself go there,” Hudson’s Seafood on the Docks owner Andrew Carmines said. “The biggest lesson in all of this is that you just have to say positive and keep swinging.”

Other influential islanders told us that ‘attitude is everything’ in this crisis. “You really have to expect the unexpected and don’t get overwhelmed with what you can’t control,” Santa Fe Cafe and Pizza Co. owner Marshall Sampson said. “We’ve just tried to work with what’s available to us and serve what we can the best in the best possible way—that’s what we’re focused on.”

r at Ruben Stencil, a regulaa large Island Bagel, picks up om order for his familyo.fr Mericia Guerrer

Andrew Carmineser meets a custom with a curbside to-go order.

A cheeseburger to-go from Big Jim’s BBQ in Palmetto Dunes.

Getting creative

Lowcountry restaurant owners are doing whatever it takes to survive in the COVID-19 pandemic. For Andrew Carmines, this means tossing every idea in the air and seeing if any stick. “I’m constantly strategizing every single day, and the difficult thing about this coronavirus is that the information and everything changes every six hours, and then the strategy changes every six hours,” Carmines said. “So, it’s really about being flexible and viable in an environment that is constantly changing.”

Carmines said in a lot of ways, hurricanes have prepared him for this. “You’re constantly getting thrown off and you constantly have to adjust.”

To survive and thrive, businesses of any kind must get creative, finding any stream of revenue to make up for recent catastrophic losses. At Nick’s Seafood Restaurant, owners Josh Protch and Katie Hopkins offered buyone-get-one (BOGO) deals. “Deals like this always work well,” Nick’s owners said. “It was our best plan to help the community as well as bring money in for our staff.”

At Hudson’s, Carmines recently implemented a revolutionary adaptation to existing policy that resulted from a long-time customer’s suggestion. Consequently, and for a limited time, Hudson’s offered special gift cards that would guarantee a highly-coveted and previously unavailable “reservation” in the busy season. Located on top of Skull Creek, Hudson’s boasts some of the best views of the Lowcountry. In the summer months, they can have more than a two-hour wait. Carmines said they went for the idea and soon sold out of the special reservation-guaranteeing gift cards.

“It will be really cool when we get up and running again to really thank those people who helped us out during such a tough time,” Carmines said. “We will be sure to thank them in person and really roll out the red carpet for those customers.”

Owners at Tio’s, Slapfish, Pearl, Santa Fe Cafe and Hudson’s said gift cards have been a helpful way to make up for lost revenue.

Josh and Nick’s SteKaatie, owners of immediately k and Seafood, customers rewarded to-go deal for ta with a BOGO Pictured heke-out orders. re with son JJ. their

Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café regulars Dan Bowker, Dennis Puckey and Hunter Kostylo wait for to-go orde rs apart. Making the best of a bad situatio while standing six feet and Emily Robert dressed in pajamas onn, owner Leslie Stewart April and encouraged locals to come pick a Saturday morning in up in theirs as well.

Pete Bernstein helps a regular customer at Fat Baby’s on Hilton Head Island.

Starting fresh

Zack Lamasney and family were in a unique predicament from the beginning (they were open less than two weeks before McMaster shuttered dine-in services). In the making for two years, their fast-casual concept, appropriately titled Slapfish, focused on local seafoods and Lowcountry hospitality.

Before COVID-19 entered the popular lexicon, Slapfish owners designed a walk-up, bike-up window on the side of the restaurant.

“We didn’t know if it was going to work, but it’s been a great way to get customers their orders without having to come inside the store,”

mascot sits The Fat Baby’psaper pyramid. on a toilet ceived a free Customers re with every roll of TP ring the purchase du demic.

COVID-19 pan

Linda Pro an order tosser walks a waiting customer in the parking her husbanlot. Linda and Prosser, bod, Chef Heath just a few ught Alfred’s the pandewmeeks before ic began.

Joe P customistolesi gre et ers at Streets to-go Meet.

Heath Prosser and his sous chef “plate” dinners in to-go boxes at Alfred’s. jo runs Luis Arauout to a an ordeerr at Chow custom Hilton Head.

Daddy’s A Kale & Q from Chowuinoa salad Daddy’s.

Managing Partners Patsy Delello and Chris Kingston at Mixx on Main.

Thomas, Nonna abella, Gabrielle Klinect, ,NIs oe poodle), Cavapoocho lle (blk Cosmo, Buttercup n&puppies, Chai C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

59

Lamasney said. “It’s been really successful.”

Slapfish has also experimented with delivery in these troubled times. “If you order from Slapfish, an owner will be delivering your meal,” Lamansey said, explaining that one of his family members delivers every delicious meal.

Changing up everything

For fine dining restaurants like Pearl, the transition to take-out is a lot more difficult.

“We’ve had to change everything up,” owner Alex Nightingale said. Changing everything up means reducing the number of items on menus, reducing prices on some items, creating plates with more value and offering deals that will help attract new clientele. But as much as they’ve had to adapt and change, Pearl understands that they also have to keep some things the same to appeal to their usual customer base.

Nightingale noted, “We know there’s a lot of clientele out there who like fresh fish and local products and things like that. And we’re keeping some of those things on the menu because there’s a certain expectation there.”

60

MAY 2020

C2 MAGAZINE

A sign outside of Tio’s, in Shelter Cove Towne Center, advertises curbside pick-up and delivery.

gs a Hope briann order customer lthy Habit. from Hea

A customer orders at FARM’s Burger Pop-Up at Southe Marsh Nursery onrn May River Road in Bluffton.

ael Chef Micths a Hill mee e of car outsidrl for The Pea ervice. curbside s

Taking advantage of available technology, Pearl’s Alex Nightingale said they recently launched an online ordering platform that has helped boost take-out sales. “I was surprised by the amount of people who I guess don’t want to call and would rather just enter their order online.”

Tuna and GCarpaccio yo takeouza in contai t from H ners inoki

Michael runs a order from Nunzicuo’rbside s out to a waiting custom er.

It’s not all gloom and doom

Restaurants can now sell beer or wine from a sealed container in South Carolina.

At Pearl, they’re using that to get more customers in the door by offering 20 percent off all bottles of wine and free bottles of wine for any order over $150. “It’s been good to see how many people will order a few more items to get to that $150 mark,” Nightingale said.

“It’s another way to appease our audience.”

And at Pearl, the customers are giving back, too. “Gift certificates have been another great way for customers to help their favorite restaurants out,” Nightingale said. “We’ve had a few loyal customers who have come in and bought several hundreds of dollars worth of gift certificates.”

A lot of restaurants, including Pearl and Tio’s,added family-style dinners to their

C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

61

menus as another way to get customers ordering.

“Catering in larger quantities and family meals, that’s something we have to focus on,” Zuniga said. “We’re making it easy to feed families as opposed to just doing takeout because so many people are in the same exact predicament.”

Work it

Without dine-in services, restaurants that care about their employees have found other activities for their team members. At Pearl, they’ve done renovation projects inside the restaurant. Tio’s employees are helping deliver food. And perhaps most impressive, Hudson’s employees are helping catch soft shell crabs. Hudson’s is then selling those crabs to-go with tips on how to prepare.

“You know we really went back and forth on if we should do it or not, but it’s been really successful,” Carmines said. “Soft shell crabs and shrimp are one of our best cost items because we produce them ourselves.

Also, because we are producing them ourselves, it creates work hours for employees that otherwise wouldn’t be working.”

Fighting stigma

Zuniga said she’s seen a lot of people on local Facebook groups say they are hesitant about ordering from local restaurants for sanitary reasons. “I’ve seen people saying

62 MAY MAY2020 2020 C2 C2MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 62

ed the Pizza Co. crew fe s hi d an on y. 46 ps Hw am S on truck Marshall od fo w ne r ei th community witfrhom the Bluffton post office. across

owner of Bill Ricee, & Bake on TJ’s TakStreet, runs Main r out to a an ordee customer. curbsid

they feel more comfortable getting food from a grocery store and preparing it themselves. But I personally believe that getting your food from a restaurant would be safer than shopping in the grocery store. And the reason being is because the majority of the restaurants have such extremely limited staff right now.”

At restaurants like Tio’s, there is a very limited amount of people coming in contact with your food, and those workers are trained in food safety and food handling, Zuniga said. “You know, when you think about it, restaurant workers have trained for COVID since the beginning of time. We go through a box of gloves a night, and sometimes on a busy night, we use 200 sets of gloves in the kitchen.”

Food truck success

Food trucks—the ultimate social distancing cuisine— are seeing success amidst the impact of COVID-19 here in the Lowcountry. Sampson said his Pizza Co. food truck has been in a good position this last month. “The food truck is busier than it’s ever been.”

Sampson went on to say the COVID-19 crisis has forced them to get creative—and that meant moving their food trucks to spots they hadn’t thought of before.

“When this whole thing started, my wife and I went to different neighborhood boards and asked if we could set up shop sometime. It’s gotten a great response.”

The Pizza Co. food truck is booked out for the next few weeks. “Going into the neighborhoods with the food truck has really opened a whole new world for us versus finding public locations,” Sampson said.

He said customers and employees have been very careful to maintain social distance. “Our crew wears masks, and customers have been really good about maintaining a good distance from the window. Some neighborhoods were worried about crowds, but we haven’t seen that at all.”

Giving back

A new organization has been set up to help Hilton Head and Bluffton restaurant workers survive the COVID-19 crisis. The Watterson Family Foundation teamed up the Hilton Head Island- Bluffton Chamber of Commerce to create the Help 4 Hope Fund. This fund is raising money with a goal of $5 million to help local restaurants and hospitality workers get through the worst of the crisis.

“It’s helping in two tiers,” Sampson said. “It’s helping people get food, but it’s also helping the restaurants kind of stay afloat. The restaurants then turn those cards back to the foundation to receive $50 for each card they bring in. It’s really helping a lot of people with a really good idea. Participants on all sides of this program have seen a lot of great support so far.”

The upside

Even with mounting pressure and seemingly insurmountable challenges ahead, the most resilient in our community remain stalwart. Like Andrew Carmines said, “Every time you’re in a situation where it’s all negative, you have to try to find the positive.”

C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

63

N yum!

Kid-Friendly Immune Boosters KEEPING THEM (AND YOURSELF!) STRONG IN THE FACE OF HEALTH THREATS

A R T I C L E BY M I C H E L E R O L D Á N - S H AW

M

ommies, this is a call-to-arms. You are your family’s first line of defense—and by extension, our nation’s—in the fight against disease! For many people, the scariest part of outbreaks is feeling like doctors do not have a cure. But in the case of viruses, our own immune system is an incredible defense! Never underestimate the ability it has to rid the body of pathogens.

Supporting immunity is a great way to feel empowered rather than fearful and helpless against the threat of contagion.

These all-natural, kid-friendly, DIY tactics will help keep your children strong in the face of constant exposure at school and daycare. Plus, they are equally effective for adults, so make sure that when you administer love and support to your family, you’re giving it to yourself as well: • Serve smoothies and juices. Fruit smoothies are one of the best ways to sneak in healthy ingredients your kids might otherwise refuse, such as leafy greens and health powders.

(Spirulina and barley grass juice powders are recommended

for their power-packed nutrients and ability to cleanse the body of toxins.) Buying big bags of frozen fruit is a convenient, affordable way to stay stocked up for smoothies, while adding ripe bananas (fresh or frozen) makes them instantly sweet and creamy. If you have a juicer and your kids are the adventurous types, you can hit them with blasts of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that bypass the digestive system and go straight into the bloodstream. Carrots, apples, pears, celery, beets, cucumber, ginger, turmeric, lemon, detoxifying herbs such as parsley and cilantro, and leafy greens like kale, collards and spinach are all fair game in juices.

• Replace sugar with fruit. All children have a sweet tooth.

Swapping in fruit for junky packaged treats not only helps curb refined sugar cravings, it doses kids up with abundant vitamins, minerals, nutrients, antioxidants and healing powers of fruit.

Don’t be alarmed by the claims that sugar in fruit is bad for you—nothing could be further from the truth! Instant glucose delivered by fruit is the basic fuel for the human brain and body.

C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

65

Kid-Friendly Immune Boosters Moreover, if you were to try to eat the fruit equivalent of the average American’s processed sugar intake, it would mean devouring more bananas than a troop of elephants. So, don’t hold back on giving your kids (and yourself) the sweet joys of grapes, apples, bananas, dates, berries, figs, oranges and so many more delights from the garden of life.

• Add a spoonful of elderberry syrup. The antibacterial, antiviral properties of elderberry make it very effective against colds and flus, both preventatively and as a treatment to shorten any bug that’s already started. But what makes it so wonderful for children is that it is naturally a sweet syrup! Give them a spoonful a day—or three for active recovery. Just make sure you choose one that is formulated without alcohol, such as Gaia Herbs, or our local offering from The Herb Room Organic Apothecary on Hilton Head Island, which has a spicy taste reminiscent of the holidays.

• Offer healthy frozen treats. What kid doesn’t love a popsicle? But when it’s the same color as radiator coolant, that’s a bad sign. Try brewing lemon balm tea (a gentle, stress-reducing,

66

MAY 2020

C2 MAGAZINE

antiviral herb) then mixing it with honey (not appropriate for infants under 12 months) and fruit juice before freezing into molds. Make sure you buy pure juice without any harmful additives, preferably cold-pressed organic. For a delicious, healthy “ice cream,” slice soft ripe bananas into rounds, freeze solid, then blend until creamy in a food processor. It’s perfect just like that, or you can experiment with adding secondary flavors like cinnamon, coconut and frozen mango chunks. Not only do all these foods have healing properties of their own, they stop kids from eating the sugar, preservatives and hormone-laced dairy in conventional ice cream.

• Make your own lemonade and orange juice. Have fun juicing a bag of lemons and/or limes with your kids. Then, instead of sweetening it with sugar, dissolve some raw honey in a little bit of hot water (not boiling, as it will kill the healing powers) and top off with cold water. A big pitcher of this in the fridge will invite kids to quench their thirst with something that’s actually good for them. You can even add a pinch of pink sea salt, which is loaded with trace minerals, to create a homemade sports drink.

Honey is an incredibly healing substance, so antimicrobial that a jar of it from Jesus’s time would still be good today. But make sure you invest in raw, unfiltered honey, not a cooked industrial product that won’t have the same benefits. If you don’t want to use honey, pure maple syrup can be substituted. Oranges are loaded with Vitamin C, but if you lack the time or resources to juice entire bags of them, try this handy trick: add the juice of one orange to a cup of store-bought orange juice. You will be amazed how the whole glass tastes fresh-squeezed.

• Brew some ginger honey lemon tea. Much like the lemonade recipe above, only fortified with germ-fighting ginger, this is an incredible all-around health tonic that can be enjoyed hot or cold. Ginger is anti-inflammatory, soothing to

NOTHING WILL DULL A CHILD—AND THEIR IMMUNE SYSTEM—LIKE SITTING INDOORS STARING AT A SCREEN ALL THE TIME. the digestive tract, and simultaneously calming and energizing.

Wash the fresh root well (and peel if it’s not organic) then slice it up and boil as many times as you like. Dissolve honey in while still hot, then add fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice. If you want an extra kick, add a dash of cayenne powder.

• Add fresh air, sunshine and exercise. This is one of those basics you can’t afford to get away from. Nothing will dull a child—and their immune system—like sitting indoors staring at a screen all the time. They need to get out and move! Take them to the park, or into wild habitats that have a soothing, grounding effect on the nervous system while stimulating children’s minds and sense of wonder. A little garden at home does double duty by getting everyone outdoors and providing fresh organic vegetables that are so beneficial to health. Even just five minutes of sunshine in the backyard is a great source of vitamin D and plain old happiness!

• Consider foundational supplements. Protecting your child’s health boils down to two things: boosting immunity and correcting deficiency. Unfortunately, the modern diet has become so nutritionally poor that most of us suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies we aren’t even aware of. When not corrected in childhood, they become the health problems of later life. Feeding your kids mineral-rich fruits and veggies— especially potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, carrots and celery—is a great place to start. But supplementing is still a

good idea. One of the most foundational, yet often overlooked, is zinc. Adding a few drops of liquid zinc sulfate to your child’s juice—and a dropperful to your own cup—is a super immune booster and will help prevent zinc deficiencies that wreak havoc on overall health. Vitamin C is another essential for immune function that can be taken in tandem with natural vitamin C, such as found in an orange, to create a synergistic supercharge.

Always make sure you pick the highest quality supplements free from toxic additives like chemical dyes and “natural flavors,” a corrupt term that often hides MSG. A very pure multivitamin for children is made by MaryRuth Organics, which also offers a nighttime multimineral.

• Switch to green household products. While the connection between household chemicals and getting sick with a virus may not seem obvious, the idea here is to not overburden the immune system. The less your body has to handle in terms of toxic load, the more it can protect you from pathogens.

Switching from conventional household products to “green” ones can be overwhelming, especially in terms of budget, but just start one at a time. Buy a new shampoo today and better laundry detergent next month, gradually moving to more health-conscious choices on all your cleaners, dish soaps, and even glass instead of plastic food containers. Every little change is a positive step that empowers you to do more!

Health threats will never completely go away despite the best efforts of doctors and science, so it’s up to all of us to keep ourselves as strong as possible. Let us leave the fear realm and move toward the confidence of knowing we’re doing all we can to support the long-term wellbeing of ourselves and our loved ones.

This information is intended as inspiration and a jumping-off point for your own research, not as a substitute for medical advice.

Be sure to consult your health care provider about any concerns.

C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

67

A custom fabricated book-matched porcelain slab fireplace is the centerpiece of the main living area; an exterior shot of Skyscape shows off the impressive architectural skills of the Parker Design Group; the front entrance was rebuilt to add windows and steel framed glass entry doors

SKYSCAPE REBORN

Witness the glorious transformation of this historic Sea Pines home ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN DESIGN BY JEFF CLINE

“WE WANTED TO RESPECT THE HOUSE’S ORIGINAL DESIGN, BUT WE WANTED A CONTEMPORARY INTERIOR, SO WE SAID, ‘LET’S DO A RETRO CONTEMPORARY MODERN INTERIOR.’”

J

ohn Rulli first spotted his home from the water. A long-time property owner in Sea Pines, he’d pass by the stretch of trees that make up Gull Point as he was pulling his boat into South Beach Marina and think to himself that one day he’d love to

own it.

“I started looking online, just out of curiosity, and came up on the Gull Point property,” he said. It had been on the market for 600 days and had its price dropped south of $3 million. “I thought, that can’t be

An engineered flying steel and glass staircase is the focal point as you step into the front entryway.

right. It’s a nice house on a big peninsula.”

He flew down from Indiana on a Friday morning not long after to meet with Tom Parker of Parker Design Group Architects and Marc Bergman of Island Improvements to tour the property. He bought it the next day. He told his wife somewhere around two weeks later.

“What was I going to tell her? ‘By the way, we bought another house on Hilton Head.’”

Fortunately, she was thrilled. But then, it’s nearly impossible not to be captivated by the property known

“EVERYTHING WE DID WAS VERY CUSTOM AND VERY DESIGNED. JUST ADDING SQUARE FOOTAGE DOESN’T TELL THE STORY.”

The family room features a limestone hearth with American walnut fireplace chase and a coffered ceiling with LED cove lighting.

as Skyscape.

Originally occupied by famed Hilton Head Island DeLoach family, Skyscape was one of the early homes in Sea Pines.

As Parker and Bergman got to work reimagining this storied property, it became immediately clear that the history of the home should be treated with due reverence.

“It all seemed to make sense, retaining the original house, because it has such a history on the island,” Parker said.

“We wanted to preserve it. Tom’s a hell of an architect, and he loves to preserve where he can,” Bergman echoed. “Having said that, getting into it, there was a shell left. We rewired everything; all the mechanicals were new … I think it was significant to Accents of blue dominate the recreation room, outfitted with custom cabinetry, a hammered stainless steel bar sink and quartz countertops

keep the spirit of the house given the lore of it, and I think we accomplished that.”

While the bones of the house were in excellent condition and had been built to make modernizing fairly easy, one aspect of the house that puzzled Parker and Bergman at the beginning was its orientation. Despite the lush views of Calibogue Sound as it enters Baynard

Creek all along one edge of the property, the house was built to view the forested peninsula to its north.

“It turns out that when the DeLoaches built the house, the pine trees were little twigs,” Parker said. “He wanted the house to look at the Harbour Town Lighthouse. Now there are 80-foot pine trees in front of it.”

Keeping the house’s structure while pivoting the

The open concept kitchen is perfect for entertaining, and offers expansive views of the water from the second level of the home. The room is outfitted with Vetrastone countertops, custom cabinetry and a wine bar.

SKYSCAPE REBORN view toward the water was accomplished through an inspired set of expansions that meander off from the original house. One wing skews west, turning from the main house at an angle so its walls of glass face out toward the sparkling waters of the sound. Another springs from a corner of the home nearly 45 degrees, forming a wraparound in the rear of the property that encircles the outdoor living spaces. A third runs perpendicular to the home out front, creating a welcoming courtyard.

“It meanders all over the place. I kept adding to it,” Rulli said. There were changes that seemed insignificant at the time but had cascading effects on the design of the house, like the addition of a beach entry to the pool that changed the whole geometry of the home’s rear.

The master bathroom features a soaker tub, large format porcelain tile and a shower with thermostatic shower valves and body sprays.

Beach towel cubbies keep things colorful and neat.

A unique feature of the pool bathroom is the custom-made glass fish mosaic tile border in the shower.

A nickel joint wood wall finish and a Calcutta marble-top on a free-standing vanity round out the look.

Then there were the big changes. As construction commenced, the Rulli’s daughter pointed out that both of her brothers had great rooms, necessitating construction of another wing for her and her newborn baby.

“Next thing, Tom drew a whole addition,” Bergman said. Despite the growth of the project as it was underway, Parker and Bergman approached each new challenge the same. “Everything we did was very custom and very designed. Just adding square footage doesn’t tell the story.”

Working with interior designer Stacie Bear of Carolina Windows, the team crafted a house that pays homage to Skyscape’s history, while writing an exciting new chapter. “We wanted to respect the house’s original design, but we wanted a contemporary interior, so we said, ‘Let’s do a retro contemporary modern interior,’” Parkers said. “We wanted to make them so they could speak to each other and cohabitate.”

That meant small things like updating the stucco finish on the original fireplace with a dramatic book-matched pattern (ingeniously printed on custom-cut porcelain slabs to mimic marble). It also meant big things like changing the scale of the ceilings from their original low-slung profile to open up to the more modern heights of the additions.

There are some areas of the home, quieter spaces, where just putting in the standards of Lowcountry design would have been sufficient. But sufficient, as you may have guessed, was never the goal. “Whenever there was an opportunity for

KEEPING THE HOUSE’S STRUCTURE WHILE PIVOTING THE VIEW TOWARD THE WATER WAS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH AN INSPIRED SET OF EXPANSIONS THAT MEANDER OFF FROM THE ORIGINAL HOUSE. something interesting, we would present it to John for a yea or a nay,” Parker said.

“It was mostly yea.” Hence, cool details like the crescent-shaped sink set among blazing blue counters in the downstairs den or the suspended real wall behind the toilet in the second powder room.

Most of the time, approval wasn’t even necessary. “One of the things John told us at the onset was, ‘Tom, Marc, make this your

The swimming pool features a spa, waterfall and a round cantilevered IPE sun deck

SKYSCAPE REBORN

An Italian porcelain wall frames the latrine in the powder room.

Site built dog crates for the owner’s three dogs with a quartz countertop make the space even more functional. vision … I’m going to come down some day, and there’s going to be something I don’t like. I’m okay to pay to change that; I’d rather it be your vision,” Bergman said. We really felt like we had a lot of freedom.”

And ultimately, that freedom resulted in a jaw-dropping Lowcountry home that carries on the story of the DeLoach family and what they built in Skyscape. 

Dave Miller, owner of Superior Services

AT { { Your service ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

BY M.KAT

SUPERIOR SERVICES EXPANDS FROM HEATING AND AIR TO SERVE AS A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR YOUR HOME

I

n its natural state, air expands to fill a space. That’s just science.

They say that nature abhors a vacuum, but air loves it; if air finds a spot where it’s needed, it will rush right in to fill it.

About a year ago, Superior Heating & Air saw a vacuum.

“Once we develop that relationship with a customer and earn their trust, it was a shame for us not be able to handle anything else that they need,” owner David Miller said. “Really it was about trying to do more for our customers.” Which allowed them to evolve into Superior Services.

For 21 years, Superior built its reputation for fast honest service, fair pricing and outright wizardry when it came to A/C repair. Superior Heating and Air expanded and rechristened itself Superior Services to better reflect their wider array of offerings.

To begin with, they still offer their full range of heating and air services including repairs, installation and 24/7 service. To that you can add … well, almost everything you might need.

There’s water and fire damage remediation, helping clean up after a disaster so you can get your life back on track. There’s mold remediation and duct cleaning, built on the company’s deep understanding of the South’s contentious relationship with moisture in the air. There’s carpet cleaning, utilizing advanced HEPA filtration technology. There are even electrical and plumbing

services as the need arrives, all backed by a Superior “117% satisfaction guarantee.”

“We are now a complete turnkey service provider, by focusing on the systems that bring a home or business to life” Miller said.

And in times like these, when we’re more cognizant than ever of whom we allow into our homes, it’s nice to know you can have it all handled with one call. “It allows you to coordinate and streamline multiple services at once and cuts off those nagging questions like ‘is this company going to show up,’ or ‘is this other company going to be late and delay this work getting done.’ This way, we’re a one-stop shop, and you know they’re going to be accountable.”

Keeping the number of people in your house to a minimum is crucial during the era of COVID-19, and Superior has responded to the crisis by offering wholehome or business sanitization for the virus.

Utilizing the same equipment they use for mold remediation, Miller says it’s actually easier to rid a house of COVID-19 using their process than it is ridding it of mold.

“Mold likes to hide,” he said.

That’s on top of the whole range of services they now offer as Superior Services that can help you feel like your home is a healthy place to live. It’s rather like having one physician you trust rather than a dozen specialists you might not. “The whole house is like a system. And you want a healthy system. Cleaning duct work, sanitizing the air, cleaning the carpets … hit all those things and you have a healthy home.”

And once we’re through the worst of this crisis, Superior Services will still offer everything your home needs to not only offer a healthy place to live, but one that runs smoothly with minimal effort on your part. “We’re currently working on wholehome memberships, so once or twice a year we come out, check the plumbing, the electrical, the A/C, the appliances—the whole healthy home solution.”

Superior’s mantra is “Make the Superior Choice.” For 21 years, Superior Services has built relationships all over the Lowcountry, and on the strength of those

AT Your service relationships, they’ve built a reputation for their dedication to getting it done right, for a fair price and in a way that leaves customers knowing they made the “Superior Choice.” It’s that dedication that they’ve brought to a whole host of new services, expanding far beyond their original specialization in heating and air.

After all, that’s what air does. It expands.  For more information, visit superiorairinc.com.

Superior Stimulus During these trying times, some of the hardest-hit businesses have been our local restaurants. Superior Services is committed to the local community by offering new and existing customers $25 restaurant gifts cards for every $500 spent on new replacements and repairs.

Good through June 30, these gift cards aren’t just a great perk for new customers; they are a way to help out partner restaurants on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton.

Just mention the deal at the time of service, and then fill up knowing you’re helping out businesses in need!

C2 MAGAZINE

APR. 2019

79

Comfortable in Your Own Skin BLUFFTON PHARMACY LAUNCHES NEW SKINCARE LINE EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN

P

erhaps the most fascinating thing about your skin is that there’s no other skin like it in the world. Maybe you run oily; maybe you run dry. Maybe you have a high pH; maybe it’s low. The unique balance of these and dozens of other factors come together to create a profile of your skin that shows its true uniqueness. It’s your skin and yours alone. So why are you using skincare products designed for someone else’s skin?

Through 30 years as a trusted local source for compounded medications, Bluffton Pharmacy has learned so much about your skin— not just the many ways it varies, but the multitude of treatments that apply to each individual’s need. This is why Epione was created: to serve as a personalized solution to meet all skincare needs and types. Epione will revolutionize the way you see cosmetic skin care.

The process is just as important as what’s in the bottle, with each individual’s formula being produced to meet his or her distinct needs.

Epione starts with a formulation sheet that is filled out by the patient. The staff will then formulate a custom Epione code that will fit that patient’s needs. Your special formula will deliver active cosmetic enhancers and a unique texture, perfectly adapted to your skin’s needs. In traditional skincare lines,

results. Their highly concentrated formulas are proven to deliver superior results and can help prevent and delay the signs of aging, stimulate production of collagen, and target and help with firmness of wrinkles and expression lines, redness, dryness and any other skin issues you may have.

THE PROCESS IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS WHAT’S IN THE BOTTLE, WITH EACH INDIVIDUAL’S FORMULA BEING PRODUCED TO MEET HIS OR HER DISTINCT NEEDS. each concern is usually addressed separately by a mass-produced corresponding product. But now, with Epione, all concerns are treated with one simple solution.

Epione packs powerful antioxidants, natural ingredients, anti-aging peptides and patented technologies into each bottle. It’s also gluten free, paraben free, fragrance free, cruelty free and is tested by dermatologists to deliver

For your unique skin, it represents a completely customized solution. It’s your skin and yours alone, and with Epione, it can look its best. Bluffton Pharmacy is proud to introduce its exclusive Epione product and to offer each patient his or her own formulated skincare cream to address each skin concern in just one bottle.

To learn more, call (843) 7574999.

C2 MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

81

M AY “"We're

almost there"“

2020 1 YOU ARE BRAVER THAN YOU BELIEVE, AND STRONGER THAN YOU SEEM, AND SMARTER THAN YOU THINK.” CHRISTOPHER ROBIN

DAY

5,692

E

RANTIN OF QUA

3

6

CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO BY ORDERING FROM YOUR LOCAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT!

TOUGH TIMES NEVER LAST, TOUGH PEOPLE DO!

CELEBRATE NATIONAL NURSES DAY!

TO DO #2

“SOMETIMES THE RIGHT PATH IS NOT ALWAYS THE EASIEST.” – POCAHONTAS

LOOK AT PICTURES OF PUPPIES AND KITTIES! SEE PAGE 40

14

TO DO #4 GO FOR A WALK ON THE BEACH!

“THINK HAPPY THOUGHTS!”

20 22

24

26

31

21

TO DO #5 TIP YOUR FAVORITE SERVICE INDUSTRY WORKER OR MUSICIAN VIA VENMO!

– PETER PAN

27

MAY 2020

C2 MAGAZINE

23 “REMEMBER, HOPE IS A GOOD THING, MAYBE THE BEST OF THINGS, AND NO GOOD THING EVER DIES.” - STEPHEN KING

29

TO DO #6

TO DO #7

CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET AND DONATE!

JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON AND FINALLY WATCH “TIGER KING” ON NETFLIX!

More thoughts, ideas and general advice in the time of C0VID-19

82

15 CONGRATS! YOU MADE IT THROUGH ANOTHER WEEK!

BAKE A DIFFERENT BANANA BREAD RECIPE!

19

IF IT WON’T BOTHER YOUR NEIGHBORS: DUST OFF THAT OLD INSTRUMENT AND PRACTICE

9

TO DO #3

18 23

TO DO #1

7

13

17

2

EVENTS