CH2 Magazine: November 2020

FORE THE LOVE OF THE GAME A CONVERSATION WITH EIGHT HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONALS FROM SEA PINES TO PALMETTO BLUFF

BRYSON NIMMER BLUFFTON’S OWN IS SCORING WINS EN ROUTE TO PGA STARDOM

ROCKIN’ REALTORS DREAM SELLERS BY DAY, MELODY MAKERS BY NIGHT

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FARM TO TABLE HOLIDAY

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18 FORE THE LOVE OF THE GAME If you really want to learn about anything, you should take notes from those at the top of their game.

WHAT’S INSIDE

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ON COURSE TO LIVE THE DREAM: AFTER A DECORATED JUNIOR AND COLLEGIATE CAREER, BLUFFTON’S BRYSON NIMMER IS SCORING WINS EN ROUTE TO PGA STARDOM.

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DAVE LAVERY: THE LENS MAN BEHIND AN ONLINE GOLF REVOLUTION

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CHANGING THE GAME

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C2 SPECIAL SECTION: REALTORS OF THE LOWCOUNTRY

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GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM

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A FARM TO TABLE HOLIDAY

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A SOUTHERN THANKSGIVING: TRADITIONS AND RECIPES

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FINDING CONTENTMENT: A PERSONAL JOURNEY TO JOY

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A NOTE FROM OUR MAYORS

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MUSICIANS IN BATHROOMS FEATURING SILICONE SISTER

O N O U R C OV E R S CH2 CELEBRATE HILTON HEAD!

CB2 CELEBRATE BLUFFTON AND BEYOND!

FORE THE LOVE OF THE GAME

NOVEMBER 2020

BLUFFTON’S OWN IS SCORING WINS EN ROUTE TO PGA STARDOM

BRYSON NIMMER

Bluffton’s own is scoring wins en route to PGA stardom

John Farrell Director of Golf, The Sea Pines Resort Photography by M.KAT

A Conversation with EIGHT Head Golf Professionals from Sea Pines to Palmetto Bluff

NOVEMBER 2020

DREAM SELLERS BY DAY, MELODY MAKERS BY NIGHT

FORE THE LOVE OF THE GAME

NOVEMEBR 2020

NOVEMBER 2020

ROCKIN’ REALTORS

A MATTER OF TRUST Light, open and airy, this Hampton Hall home exemplifies Lowcountry coastal chic. But the story it tells goes far beyond bricks and beams.

46 THE ROCKIN’ REALTORS Dream sellers by day, melody makers by night: meet this quartet who achieve peak bliss at the intersection of music and real estate.

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DON'T FEAR THE BOOM

A CONVERSATION WITH EIGHT HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONALS FROM SEA PINES TO PALMETTO BLUFF

BRYSON NIMMER

FARM TO TABLE HOLIDAY

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THE ROCKIN’ REALTORS

Dream sellers by day, melody makers by night

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FARM TO TABLE HOLIDAY

Bryson Nimmer Special Thanks to Berkeley Hall Golf Club Photography by M.KAT

2020 has been a nightmare. Just don't tell that to our local real estate market, where we are waking up to unprecedented success.

GENIUSES AT WORK Architect of Ideas Maggie Marie Washo

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Technology Mastermind Carolyn Hunter Kostylo Financial Warden Marion Elizabeth Bowser

Baby Lucy

Influencer-In-Residence Kim Conrad Crouch Culture Maven “Just Kandace” Wightman The Boomerang Morgan O'Banion In-house Jeweler on Retainer Kaila Jeffcoat Intimacy Mentor Lucille Rosita Gonzalez Washo Orchid Lord Jevon Daly The Gatekeepers Greta Von Bowser Vincent Von Bowser The Cut & Paste Crew Jeff Cline Catherine Colby Writing Specialists Cheryl Alexander Heather Artushin Amy Bartlett Jesse Blanco Linda S. Hopkins Barry Kaufman John McCann Lisa Sulka Tim Wood Lighting Experts M. Kat Photography Krisztian Lonyai Find Us Here PO Box 22949 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 843.689.2658 m.washo@celebratehiltonhead.com

WHY ARE Y OU HERE? EDITOR'S NOTE - NOVEMBER 2020

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his is a question I ask myself a lot about people in my life. I think the universe/God/the spaghetti monster (shout-out Kelly Stroud)/whomever or whatever you believe in, puts people in our life for a reason. Some are meant to bring joy; others are meant to teach us patience or kindness or to strengthen some muscle we need to work on.

I think sometimes the same types of people are put into our life repeatedly until we learn some lesson about boundaries and what behavior we will and will not tolerate. Some people are meant to be the pathway to other people that may have a huge impact on our lives. As I go down the rabbit hole in my mind, hindsight being 20/20, I can always connect the dots: that had to happen so this could happen. It’s fun to think about.

Transversely, we are placed where someone may need us the most. I have a magnet on my refrigerator that my mom gave to me eons ago. It says, “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” You never know the impact you have on a person’s life. Because they may not tell you—or they may not even know until decades later. I think about this, especially with kids. They are watching every move you make. Their interactions with you are shaping who they become as adults, and the good or bad will spread.

That’s pretty deep when you think about it and speaks to the responsibility we all have to younger generations, whether we are parents or not.

All of this rumination about people is leading somewhere.

I may not always know why certain people are placed in my life until years later, but I do know why animals are in our lives: to show us what unconditional love is; to remind us that even when you don’t feel good and you’ve had a rough day, you should always look happy to see the special people in your life.

They are here to remind us to make time to play—to stop and enjoy the little things, like just taking a walk and sniffing the

air; to remind us that we should stop and talk to people on that walk because they might just be our next best friend.

As I write this, my sweet Lucy is not doing well. She’s been such a big part of my life, and CH2 for so long, I wanted to share that with y’all. Just a gentle reminder to love your people and love your animals while you can.

2020 really is the worst. But it has been great for a few things … like real estate and golf, which we highlight in this issue.

Love & Pixie Dust, Maggie Washo

MAGGIE WASHO Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

Be sure to follow us on Social Media

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

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IF YOU REALLY WANT TO LEARN ABOUT ANYTHING, YOU SHOULD TAKE NOTES FROM THOSE AT THE TOP OF THEIR GAME. That’s exactly what we did this month as we interviewed eight local golf professionals who represent some of the best clubs in the Lowcountry. In addition to the CH2 girls getting a lesson from each (see the video on our Facebook page), we chatted with the pros about where they like to play golf, which club they like using the best and what tournament is the most fun to watch.

Bob PATTON

YEARS IN THE GOLF INDUSTRY: 39 including the last 33 as head golf professional at Long Cove Club.

HOME COURSE: Long Cove Club WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF CLUB? Probably my 58-degree wedge. It’s a versatile club for a variety of shots and is helpful for getting me out of trouble, which I seem to need too frequently.

HARDEST COURSE YOU HAVE EVER PLAYED, AND WHAT DID YOU SHOOT? Not taking weather into account and just looking at course design, probably Oakmont CC in Pittsburgh. It is a great golf course but probably the most difficult set of greens in golf. I’ve played there several times, and I’m sorry to admit that my score usually starts with an 8.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE PEOPLE ACROSS THE BOARD WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING BETTER AT GOLF. RELAX! Tension in the grip and arms makes it difficult to develop rhythm and pace to the swing and inhibits freedom of motion. Find the proper grip pressure, relax the arms, and swing freely!

WHICH PRO GOLFER DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY? I’m going to expand on what I think you’re asking and say I have tremendous admiration for former PGA Tour and Senior Tour winner Jim Ferree. Not only because he won on both tours and is well known as one of the great ball strikers of all time, but also because of how popular he was and is with his fellow players and all who have had the pleasure to know him and play with him. He is also one of my mentors and has meant a lot to me personally.

FAVORITE LOCAL COURSE TO PLAY OTHER THAN THE ONE WHERE YOU WORK? That is really a tough question and one I’m frequently asked. We are very fortunate to have so many exceptional courses in this area, so it’s hard to pick a single favorite. I have great admiration for Pete Dye and love his designs, so if you’re forcing me to pick one other than Long Cove, I would have to say Harbour Town.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT | DESIGN BY JEFF CLINE

Krista DUNTON

YEARS IN THE GOLF INDUSTRY: Turned professional after graduating from University of Michigan in 1988. Played mini tours for four years, then started teaching at a private club in N.J. in 1993, so 27 years in the industry.

HOME COURSE: Berkeley Hall

WHICH PRO GOLFER DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHY? Rory. I like how he stays true to his country of Ireland. Winning is important to him, but it’s not everything. Keeps a great attitude and perspective with family and friends.

HARDEST COURSE YOU HAVE EVER PLAYED, AND WHAT DID YOU SHOOT? Olympic Club, Pine Valley or The Ocean Course at Kiawah. If the course is that hard and I’m not playing my A game, I tend to stop keeping score and just enjoy the course and the challenge!

IF YOU HAVE A DAY OFF, DO YOU PLAY GOLF OR DO SOMETHING ELSE ENTIRELY? I tend to spend my day off running on the beach with my dogs, going for a bike ride, watching my kids play baseball and soccer, and maybe squeezing in nine holes.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE PEOPLE ACROSS THE BOARD WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING BETTER AT GOLF? Check your grip pressure! Do all your thinking away from the ball; take a deep breath and stay relaxed and stay focused over your shot. Spend more time looking at the target than the ball!

WHICH GOLF TOURNAMENT TO YOU FIND MOST EXCITING TO WATCH? The Masters.

FAVORITE LOCAL COURSE TO PLAY OTHER THAN THE ONE WHERE YOU WORK? My favorite local course is, of course, Berkeley Hall! After that, I’d have to say Old Tabby Links on Spring Island. Such a wonderful walking course. The front and back are very different— great golf holes and Lowcountry beauty. It’s laid out perfectly for walking. I also enjoy May River.

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John FARRELL

YEARS IN THE GOLF INDUSTRY: 36 HOME COURSE: Harbour Town Golf Links WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CLUB? Harbour Town Golf Links The golf course was my favorite before I came to work here in 1988. It’s the most thought-provoking, mentally challenging and fun courses I’ve ever seen (my unbiased opinion).

HARDEST COURSE YOU HAVE EVER PLAYED, AND WHAT DID YOU SHOOT? Carnoustie in Scotland. Lowest score on it was 74; played it several times.

WHICH GOLF TOURNAMENT DO YOU FIND THE MOST EXCITING TO WATCH? I love the British Open Championship.

I do watch the RBC Heritage on tape the week after it’s played.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE PEOPLE ACROSS THE BOARD WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING BETTER AT GOLF? Positivity; smiling is underrated.

WHICH PRO GOLFER DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY? Always loved watching Tom Watson because of his brisk pace, fearlessness and his enormous respect for the game.

IF YOU HAVE A DAY OFF, DO YOU PLAY GOLF OR DO SOMETHING ELSE ENTIRELY? I love everything about the game, so I do play on days off. But I also look forward to doing just about anything I can with my wife and three children.

FAVORITE LOCAL COURSE TO PLAY OTHER THAN THE ONE WHERE YOU WORK? Belfair West. Tremendous variety, shot values and memorability.

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Mark REILLY

YEARS IN THE GOLF INDUSTRY: 20 HOME COURSE: Colleton River Golf Club WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CLUB? I’ve always been a great driver of the ball, but I would have to say my favorite club is my putter. I currently use a Scotty Cameron Newport. More times than not, my score is dependent on how well I putted. I’m a big believer that putting success comes from confidence; even if I’m not putting well, I tell myself, “It’s okay. This is my favorite club. I will make the next one!”

GOLF COURSE GRASS TYPES:

Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine, Bentgrass, Bahia, Fescue, Rye, Kentucky Blue Grass

HARDEST COURSE YOU HAVE EVER PLAYED, AND WHAT DID YOU SHOOT? I have had the opportunity to play golf all over the world. Being from New York, Bethpage Black has always been very difficult. Playing host to the State Open each year, it was always very challenging. Long yardages to elevated greens, with narrow fairways and deep Kentucky Bluegrass rough made for very high scores! My best round in competition there was 74, I would rather not mention my worst!

WHICH GOLF TOURNAMENT DO YOU FIND THE MOST EXCITING TO WATCH? I look forward to watching the Masters every year.

I don’t think it gets more exciting than watching the Sunday back nine at Augusta. The course design provides a fantastic finish where players can climb the leaderboard or tumble quickly. It’s rare the event isn’t decided in the final nine holes.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE PEOPLE ACROSS THE BOARD WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING BETTER AT GOLF? It is important to practice with intent. Be sure to work on things that you can control on the golf course. Posture, grip, and alignment are practicable and controllable; become an expert at them! Golf can be like triage: control what you can and limit the damage. If you play to your strengths and recognize tendencies, you can continually improve.

WHICH PRO GOLFER DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY? If I limit this question to modern golfers, I would have to thank Tiger Woods for all that he has done to grow the game. But I most admire Rory McIlroy for how he embodies it. Rory has enormous skill on the golf course that can be unmatched when he plays his best.

More notably, I admire how he carries himself off the course—especially his willingness to go above and beyond with his fans.

FAVORITE LOCAL COURSE TO PLAY OTHER THAN THE ONE WHERE YOU WORK? We are spoiled in the Lowcountry with a plethora of choices and designs to choose from. My favorite course in the area aside from Colleton would have to be Secession Golf Club. The staff, caddies, and golf course always provide a great golf experience. The design can play completely different based on the tide and winds but always provides a fun environment to players of all ability levels.

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Scott HUNTER

YEARS IN THE GOLF INDUSTRY: 17 HOME COURSE: Wexford WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CLUB? Lob wedge. I use it around the greens and bunker for all the shots.

HARDEST COURSE YOU HAVE EVER PLAYED, AND WHAT DID YOU SHOOT? Oakmont Golf Club in Pennsylvania. It’s the greatest course I have ever played, but the course won, hands down.

WHICH GOLF TOURNAMENT DO YOU FIND THE MOST EXCITING TO WATCH? The Masters. With so many exciting holes, no other tournament provides so many memorable moments.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE PEOPLE ACROSS THE BOARD WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING BETTER AT GOLF? Balance playing with practicing. You play for fun, but also note where you lost strokes during the round so that you can practice to improve.

WHICH PRO GOLFER DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY? Jack Nicklaus. He was the best player of all time!

IF YOU HAVE A DAY OFF, DO YOU PLAY GOLF OR DO SOMETHING ELSE ENTIRELY? If it’s not golf, then I am spending time with my family, which is usually at a baseball tournament.

FAVORITE LOCAL COURSE TO PLAY OTHER THAN THE ONE WHERE YOU WORK? Harbour Town.

James SWIFT

YEARS IN THE GOLF INDUSTRY: 26 HOME COURSE: Belfair WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CLUB? Definitely my putter, an Odyssey Stroke Lab. HARDEST COURSE YOU HAVE EVER PLAYED, AND WHAT DID YOU SHOOT? Royal County Down in Ireland was probably the most technically difficult course I have ever played…shot a less than stellar 82 there in the wind and want to go back for a second try to redeem myself!

WHICH GOLF TOURNAMENT DO YOU FIND THE MOST EXCITING TO WATCH? My favorite is Open Championship because it celebrates the birthplace of golf and gives me an appreciation of how good the players are on the European and PGA Tours, knowing first-hand how difficult the courses they play really are. It’s amazing to me that they actually shoot so far under par during this major championship.

Courses are brutal!

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE PEOPLE ACROSS THE BOARD WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING BETTER AT GOLF? Golf is a sport that rewards those who have patience and put the time and effort into getting better. How do you get better at golf? Practice!

If you put the time in, you will see the reward.

WHICH PRO GOLFER DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY? All the greats: Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan … it’s hard to say who my favorite one of all is. But all have played the game at the highest level and all have made a major impact on the game of golf that may never be seen again.

IF YOU HAVE A DAY OFF, DO YOU PLAY GOLF OR DO SOMETHING ELSE ENTIRELY? Anything that allows me time to spend with the family! Fishing however is a very close second!

FAVORITE LOCAL COURSE TO PLAY OTHER THAN THE ONE WHERE YOU WORK? Secession Golf Club…just a special place that exemplifies what golf is all about!

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Doug WEAVER

YEARS IN THE GOLF INDUSTRY: 40 HOME COURSE: Robert Trent Jones WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CLUB? 4 hybrid—makes my 200- 220-yard shots easier.

HARDEST COURSE YOU HAVE EVER PLAYED, AND WHAT DID YOU SHOOT? U.S. Open course, Baltusrol Golf Club in Summit, New Jersey. Made the cut.

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WHICH PRO GOLFER DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY? Arnold Palmer, “The King.” He was generous to me by inviting me to a one-on-one mentoring meeting in his Bay Hill office. He gave me a sponsor’s exemption to his PGA Tour event. He included my wife Trish and me in several meals of eight people or less. He was very encouraging to me and many others in our pursuit of excellence in golf.

WHICH GOLF TOURNAMENT DO YOU FIND THE MOST EXCITING TO WATCH? The RBC Heritage Classic.

I know the course and history so well.

IF YOU HAVE A DAY OFF, DO YOU PLAY GOLF OR DO SOMETHING ELSE ENTIRELY? I love to play golf because of friends, fresh air, fun and competition. I also love to explore our waterways.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE PEOPLE ACROSS THE BOARD WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING BETTER AT GOLF? Learn from a busy teaching professional.

FAVORITE LOCAL COURSE TO PLAY OTHER THAN THE ONE WHERE YOU WORK? Harbour Town.

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Greg WROBEL

YEARS IN THE GOLF INDUSTRY: 25 HOME COURSE: May River Golf Course at Palmetto Bluff WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF CLUB? My favorite golf club in my bag is my lob wedge.

We all miss greens during a round of golf, and having the ability to hit a high, soft shot or a low spinning shot, depending on the circumstance, is fun to do and rewarding.

calories and, at the same time, catch up on my latest podcasts for a couple of hours each week.

FAVORITE LOCAL COURSE TO PLAY OTHER THAN THE ONE WHERE YOU WORK? Our local community is so fortunate to have so many great courses, it’s difficult to select only one. I do enjoy playing Harbour Town prior to or just after the tournament.

It is as good as it gets with the holes along the water and the picturesque par 3s.

HARDEST COURSE YOU HAVE EVER PLAYED, AND WHAT DID YOU SHOOT? This is an easy one for me.

When I was a professional at the Pinehurst Resort, I was able to play Pinehurst #2 the day after the 1999 U.S. Open with the same hole locations and setup as the final round the day prior. Our group walked with caddies, and I remember having to make a par 4 on the final hole to shoot 78, which was impressive for a golf course over 7,200 yards with lightning fast greens and challenging hole locations. That was a great memory for sure.

WHICH GOLF TOURNAMENT DO YOU FIND THE MOST EXCITING TO WATCH? Year after year, The Masters tournament is my favorite to watch. It’s even better when I’m able to visit in person! Having watched the tournament for over 35 years, it never fails to provide exciting drama and great champions. And those pimento cheese sandwiches!

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE PEOPLE ACROSS THE BOARD WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING BETTER AT GOLF? Persistence, persistence, persistence! I could write a 100-page essay on this question, but to summarize in a couple of sentences, I would say to take some golf lessons from a trained golf professional and work on all aspects of golf, from full-swing to putting. Learn how to hit golf shots with a square club face, and then learn how to turn your body back and through in balance (and don’t keep your head down!). Sounds easy, right?

WHICH PRO GOLFER DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY? Currently, I admire the game and personality of Rickie Fowler. Rickie is a stylish golfer and has a tremendous following from kids of all ages, making him a great role model on and off the course.

Growing up, I admired the game and record of Tiger Woods. He brought millions and millions of golfers from around the world into the game and helped grow the game of golf into what it is today.

IF YOU HAVE A DAY OFF, DO YOU PLAY GOLF OR DO SOMETHING ELSE ENTIRELY? That is a funny question! People always believe that golf professionals play lots of golf. Since having two young children, I can count on one hand the number of rounds I’ve played on a day off over recent years! I do enjoy long distance running because I can burn some

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BRYSON NIMMER AT BERKELEY HALL GOLF CLUB

On Course to Live the Dream AFTER A DECORATED JUNIOR AND COLLEGIATE CAREER, BLUFFTON’S BRYSON NIMMER IS SCORING WINS EN ROUTE TO PGA STARDOM. ARTICLE BY TIM WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

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ven when you’re a first-team All-American and ACC Player of the Year and have a family name synonymous with success like Bryson Nimmer, there is no magical fast pass to PGA Tour fame.

To earn stardom among thousands of wannabe legends, the 23-year-old Bluffton native knows he must first surrender to the process—one to two years on development tours (the PGA’s minor leagues), constant travel, and Monday PGA Tour qualifier pressure cookers, fighting for a big-league tee time in tourney fields full of teen phenoms and 50-year-old former stars.

Each swing is crucial in a grueling gauntlet of mental torture traps to prove you belong before the money, sponsor support and opportunities dry up. “Time is everything. There is a very small window to show you’re worthy to play among the elite,” Nimmer said in an Oct. 12 interview after playing in one of his first Monday PGA qualifier opportunities since the COVID pandemic began.

Nimmer was fully committed to the grind, went straight from NCAA competition and Clemson graduation in mid-2019 to the PGA affiliate Mackenzie Tour in Canada, made eight of 11 cuts, and earned $20,000 in prize money in a six-month span. He was working the 2020 game plan he and his coach, Sea Pines golf pro Tim Cooke, had constructed. The goal: to qualify for the Korn Ferry Tour— one step away from the PGA Tour. Then came COVID. The world’s top players returned to competition in June, but developmental tours were crippled, as travel and funding concerns threatened to wipe out the 2020 season.

“So much of this game and what it takes to stand out is mental. A lot of dreams are on hold in the world in general, and certainly in our golf world,” Cooke said.

On Course to Live the Dream “Some players won’t recover from this setback, but to know Bryson, his passion for the game and his focus and drive to excel, I know he’ll come out better on the other side of this.”

That passion for golf runs in the family, but Nimmer initially had other bigleague dreams. His dad, Tony, was an all-ACC golfer at Clemson, and while he encouraged his three kids (sons Bryson and Ty and daughter Jordan) to play sports, he let them find their own passions growing up in Bluffton.

“Baseball was my thing. My best friend, Luke Higgs, we played on teams together and I loved practicing with him. We were going to be stars,” Nimmer said. “My dad was amazing; he coached me in everything, but he never forced golf on me. I looked up to him, but I never felt pressure to be him.”

Nimmer especially admired his father’s work ethic, marveled at the endless hours his dad and his brother devoted to building the family business, Nimmer Turf.

Nimmer savored playing golf with Tony and his family at Berkeley Hall, but it wasn’t until he became a teenager that he first thought of focusing on golf alone.

“I wouldn’t say I’m a loner, but I liked the solitude with golf. With baseball, you have to depend on others to practice,” he said. “With golf, I could get better on my own, and I loved that freedom—that there was no time limit to a practice, no limit to how good I could get. I really fell in love with the practice and seeing the results of that work.”

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Nimmer started playing South Carolina Junior Golf Association tournaments but didn’t light up leaderboards at first. “I got beat up bad at first, but you had guys like Dustin Johnson, Lucas Glover and Ben Martin making their names out there,” he said. “I was not on that level, but I knew I liked that competition. I always believed I could hang with guys at that level if I just worked at it.”

Tony coached his son until his junior year, when he brought Nimmer to meet Cooke for the first time.

“Tony called me and said, ‘I’ve taken him as far as I can, but I think it’s time for you to take over,’” Cooke said. “I think he came to the first couple of sessions, but from there, he really let us forge a partnership.”

Cooke has a history of molding elite juniors into PGA-ready players and saw special qualities in Nimmer from the start. “He has a passion and thirst for knowledge and for putting in the work that is truly extraordinary,” Cooke said. “He was a strong player before I ever started with him. But what stands out is he’s a strong communicator; he can tell you what he was feeling or thinking during a shot, and as a coach, that makes it so much easier to break down a swing and evolve his game. He has the mental makeup to take the teaching, take the little tweaks, and turn it into a big step forward.”

Nimmer said Cooke’s adaptability is what makes him such a perfect personal fit. “He’s a masterful technical teacher, but he melds his approach to each player. I’m much more of a feel player, and he sees that and connects right on my level,” Nimmer said.

Working with Cooke, Nimmer began to rise in the junior ranks. A win in the prestigious Jimmy Self tourney in 2013 put him on the elite collegiate radar.

As a senior at Hilton Head Christian Academy, Nimmer

started attracting attention from smaller Division I schools, including from legendary Wofford coach Vic Lipscomb. “My dad was close friends with him, and I really connected with Vic,” he said. “But when Clemson was able to match some of my other offers, I knew that was where I wanted to be.”

And not just because Tony and his mom, Patsy, were alums. “I knew if I wanted to go pro, Clemson was the right path,” Nimmer said.

Nimmer set 27 different school records with the Tigers, taking ACC Freshman of the Year honors and three all-ACC firstteam awards. “I thrived in that atmosphere, the competition, the camaraderie. It was an honor to compete for Clemson,” he said.

Nimmer enjoyed his time in the classroom just as much, especially his sociology classes. “I enjoy studying people and what makes them tick,” he said. “I love reading about elite athletes and their makeup. Work ethic and drive, it’s the common thread among guys like Jordan, Ali and Tiger.”

Cooke said he sees that same tenacity in Nimmer. “His junior year at Clemson, he was the best in collegiate golf. I remember being on the range with him one day, and I asked him what he thought was different to get him to this level,” Cooke said. “His answer was brilliant. ‘I just don’t care what other people think.’

When you can lock out all the outside pressures and have the game he has, you have the chance to be exceptional.” Cooke said that focus is what has allowed Nimmer to move his game forward even in the midst of a worldwide crisis.

Nimmer returned home to Bluffton in March and focused on healing nagging lat and hip injuries and improving his game during three months of career uncertainty. “He just stayed positive, happy, focused on winning the day, zoned in on the wins he could control, like improving his short game,” Cooke said.

“I was grateful to be around familiar faces, grateful we were all healthy,” Nimmer said. “There were plenty of positives to focus my energy on.”

Equipped with a new putter and short-game plan, Bryson returned to action in late July, scoring his first pro win at the GPro Tour’s Greenville Open. He went on to score two wins and a second-place finish in the LocalIQ Series, a return-to-action cobbled by the PGA Tour, combining players from the Mackenzie Tour, PGA China Series and PGA Tour Latinoamérica.

Nimmer credits his time home with centering him and reigniting his passion to excel and put in the work.

“The Lowcountry, it’s just so special. I love the travel on tour, seeing new places, but knowing what I have here to come home to, I think it makes me enjoy the adventure more. Time out on the boat, at The Sandbar, it’s made me savor life and enjoy the ride,” he said. “I think of times like skim boarding with Luke at Coligny or going out to Daufuskie, just the beauty. Meeting my girlfriend, Paige Simms, at the Berkeley Hall gym during Clemson sophomore holiday break, being too shy to ask her out at first, getting a yes when I got the nerve up weeks later. So many of my best memories, what shape me, they’re here. The calm here, it’s given me a patience that’s so strong.”

Both Cooke and Nimmer say that patience is the secret sauce to maneuvering the road ahead. “He’ll likely take the LocalIQ points title, and that will give him a spot in one PGA Tour event in 2021.

But even as he gets back to competing and excelling, there will be no Korn Ferry qualifying this fall. Even in a best-case scenario, his timeline is going to be pushed back,” Cooke said. “Patience in trusting the process is essential, and I know he can do it. He’s able to take the setbacks and all this uncertainty in stride and just have unwavering belief that his time is coming.”

Even when others seemingly get their moment ahead of him.

“One of the biggest challenges is not comparing yourself to others, not second guessing the what ifs on the course and why I’m not as far along on my path as some of my friends,” Nimmer said. His college teammate and close friend, Doc Redman, turned a Monday PGA event qualifier win into a second-place finish at the 2019 Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit, a moment that jump started his PGA Tour career.

Nimmer almost had that moment on Oct. 12, just barely missing out to qualify for the PGA’s Bermuda Championship. “I have the patience to know my moment is coming,” he said. “And in the meantime, I’m putting in the work to seize the moment when it comes.”  C2 MAGAZINE

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THE LENS MAN BEHIND AN ONLINE GOLF REVOLUTION Odds are if you’ve watched a golf instruction video online, Dave Lavery crafted it.

thousands of guys who can hit record on a camera, but genius talent like Dave possesses is rare.”

Soon after that meeting, Lavery and Tupper began traveling the world, shooting tips-and-tricks videos with the game’s elite pros. Their work infused life and personality into the historically bland instruction genre en route to amassing thousands of clips and attracting a diehard following of two million subscribers.

“I thank my lucky stars that preparation met opportunity like this for me. It’s been an amazing ride for me and my team with Justin,” Lavery said.

“I’m a 50-year-old kid, a lefty golfer who barely breaks 100, who’s living a dream. There’s never been a moment of this that felt like work.”

The path to that life-altering 2007 meeting began when the Pennsylvania native decided to head to the Lowcountry with his newlywed bride, Missy, in 1996. “I sent Tri-Comm a demo reel every

Article By TIM WOOD | Design By JEFF CLINE | Photograaphy By M.KAT

D

ave Lavery was a known commodity in the Lowcountry creative community long before he had the best five-minute meeting of his life. He’s had news footage on every national network, won a litany of awards for his commercials and short films, and impressed national brands and worldwide celebrities with his videography.

“Dave Lave,” as his friends call him, had already shot hundreds of hours of golf-related projects in his career before meeting Beaufort native Justin Tupper in 2007, but those five minutes paved the way to Lavery’s current behind-the-scenes rock star status in the international golf world.

“There’s no doubt that Dave’s videos have been viewed by more people than any producer in the history of golf instruction,” said Tupper, the founder of the digital golf platform Revolution Golf.

“He’s been our secret weapon for 13 years. There are

Lavery supervising a video shoot with golfing legend Gary Player

“THERE’S NO DOUBT THAT DAVE’S VIDEOS HAVE BEEN VIEWED

BY MORE PEOPLE THAN ANY PRODUCER IN THE HISTORY OF GOLF INSTRUCTION, He’s been our

secret weapon for 13 years. There are thousands of guys who can hit record on a camera, but genius talent like Dave possesses is RARE.” -JUSTIN TUPPER

month for a year and a half,” Lavery said. (He got that gig after an initial stint with Savannah TV station WSAV.) “I knew a lot of places looked at production as a loss leader, a necessary time investment where quality wasn’t a priority. I wanted to show them you could maybe spend even less time, make it look really good, and make a lot more money off that effort.”

Lavery developed a pattern for quickly rising the ranks, especially in a return to WSAV as head of production. Clients loved his signature style, and his bosses loved the rise in advertising revenues.

Loyal fans like Gulfstream followed the Bluffton resident when he branched out on his own in 2001 and started Timeline Productions. He and long-time partner Glenn Brodie became known for the variety of projects they took on. Lavery’s eclectic résumé included everything from local and national commercials and campaigns, sizzle reels for four Harry Potter movies and a segment producer credit on a Larry the Cable Guy CD. Lavery had also done projects with Lowcountry golf writing icon Paul DeVere, who was friends with Tupper and knew of the

Lavery with instructor Martin Hall

online golf project he was building. Sensing a perfect match of skills and ambitions, DeVere set up the fateful meeting.

“What I realized immediately was that Justin had an encyclopedic knowledge and passion for golf and that he knew how to attract Internet eyeballs,” Lavery said. Tupper said he’d seen a unique approach in Lavery’s work and was only more impressed talking with him.

“Dave wants everyone he shoots to sound and look spectacular. He’s relentless in that pursuit of making people happy,” Tupper said. “Anyone can shoot an instructor saying, ‘Grip it like this.’ But how do you get into the soul of the instructor, show what makes them tick, add character and personality, and make golf fans feel like they’re getting a product and insight they can’t get anywhere else? Up to that point, golf instruction videos were mundane. We were going to show you their life on and off the course, make them entertaining, and Dave sold me quickly that he could deliver that.”

The idea behind Revolution Golf was gutsy in a time when Internet video was in its infancy: deliver daily free content via email to subscribers, give them a product that feels personal and exclusive and offer them more of that addictive content for a fee.

Lavery assembled a core production team that traveled endlessly, shooting golf pros and first looks at golf manufacturers’ new product, often with Tupper as part of the on-air presence.

“We wanted to be a disruptive force, create this insiders club that golfers couldn’t live without, were giddy when it hit their inbox,” said Tupper, who began the company producing DVD videos and selling them out of his garage.

Rev Golf quickly made an online splash, as Lavery was able to unlock the essence of name-brand instructors like Martin Hall, Jim McLean, Sean Foley, Cameron McCormick, Michael Bannon (Rory McIlroy’s coach) and Chris Como and golfing legends like Gary Player.

“He runs a precise set, his team are true pros, they get the shots quick and never waste the talent’s time. But above all, he has a way of disarming these guys that is one of a kind. He’s funny and relatable. He’ll take a stiff and nervous instructor and makes them forget that the camera is pointed at them,” Tupper said. “He makes it clear quickly that his purpose in life is to make them look good. By hour three of a shoot, the instructor is killing

THE LENS MAN BEHIND AN ONLINE GOLF REVOLUTION

Lavery between takes of a video shoot with 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell

it. The next shoot, the pro is giving Dave a hug and will only shoot if Dave is there. I’ve seen it time and again.”

One of the first examples was with elite instructor Martin Chuck.

“Some of the stuff Dave drew out of Martin, I watched in awe, couldn’t stop smiling. The personality he pulled out of Martin, it made

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it so clear that we could deliver a different kind of product to golf fans,” Tupper said. “The teaching is important, but the connection these pros create with our subscribers, that’s the secret sauce.”

Meanwhile, Tupper assembled a tech team that mastered internet marketing. The results were nearly instant, Lavery said.

“I’d post this video of a pro talking about how to cock your wrist.

I’d go make a pork chop for dinner, come back and we’d have 50,000 views. We delivered views and repeat customers; when we talked about a new driver, it got 40 times more clicks to buy their product than the manufacturers had ever seen.”

As the views and subscribers grew, every instructor wanted to work with the Rev Golf guys.

“We were building a cult fan following, but it had become this elite coup for instructors to get a daily tips video with us,” Lavery said. “Agents sought us out, wanted their players working with us, too.” Rev Golf revenue grew from $2.5 million in 2009 to $11 million in 2010.

Westin Harbor Savannah golf pro Andrew Rice became one of the Rev Golf stars and said he owes so much of that to Lavery. “He showed me how to sound good, be real and get the message across without talking over golfers’ heads,” Rice said.

He remembers a shoot at the annual PGA trade show that was quintessential Dave Lave.

“I had to do a walking shot to a product booth, I was so uptight,” Rice said. “Dave comes in, does this practice run that cracks me up and makes me forget all about the cameras. And we nailed it. He’s one of my favorite people, 100 percent unique and genuine.”

Tupper said Lavery’s work ethic is as formidable as his production skills. He has every shot he’s ever recorded and is known for his video vulture mastery, finding every possible segment to get out of a shoot. “He never misses a deadline. I can call him at 2 a.m. and he is on it. He makes you feel like he lives to deliver for you,” Tupper said.

Lavery said he saw firsthand that all the hard work was gaining traction during a 2010 vacation escape to the Poconos. “I’m at a blackjack table and all these guys are talking golf. They’re all wearing Rev Golf logo shirts, every one of them a diehard Rev Golfer,” Lavery said. “I called Justin and said, ‘Boy, we’re on to something.’”

Over the next few years, Rev Golf became the largest e-commerce website in the industry, even bigger than the biggest three letters in the sport. “We could sense the PGA saw us as a threat, knew that we had a different way of selling the game,” Lavery said.

OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, REV GOLF BECAME THE LARGEST E-COMMERCE WEBSITE IN THE INDUSTRY, EVEN BIGGER THAN THE BIGGEST THREE LETTERS IN THE SPORT.

Lavery at the Golf Channel studios after the network acquired Revolution Golf in 2017

So much so that the Golf Channel acquired the company in 2017 to fold into their GolfPass subscription service. Tupper became the network’s director of online content and Lavery became their go-to videographer.

“Justin wouldn’t do the deal unless I was part of it, and that meant the world,” Lavery said.

Today, Lavery has 30 different projects going in any one week. He spends 16 hours straight at times in his Hampton Lake home office, crafting segments on his high-powered Macs, only coming up for air to play a game of Galaga, ride his Peloton or hit his punching bag while the final edits render. The finished products air on GolfPass online and the channel’s many studio shows.

Lavery continues to do work for longtime clients like Gulfstream but is proud of the space he’s carved out in the golf world. “I’m happier off of everyone’s radar, a happy barnacle on the golf boat,” he said. “The golf world is full of amazing people, and I love telling their stories.”

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CHANGING THE GAME TEEING OFF FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME THIS NOVEMBER, THE ELITE INVITATIONAL AIMS TO WELCOME THE NEXT GENERATION OF GOLFERS TO THE PROS.

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN

M

“I’M NOT A SYSTEM PLAYER. BUT MY SUCCESS AND MY STUDENTS’ SUCCESS HAVE SPOKEN FOR THEMSELVES.” - MASON CARMEL

ason Carmel is not your typical golf instructor. That’s not to say in any way that he isn’t an effective golf instructor. Far from it. It’s just that there’s a maverick streak in him that urges him to zig when others zag.

Entering the 2014-2015 school year as the No. 1-ranked player in the mid-Atlantic region, he eschewed his junior year at Virginia’s Longwood University to turn pro. Following a pair of shoulder surgeries, he realized he had more to give to the game.

He pivoted to teaching, developing his own system for leading the next generation.

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CHANGING THE GAME ANNA CLAIRE BRIDGE CLASS OF 2021 COLLIERVILLE, TN, BLAKE PARKMAN, CLASS OF 2021 COMMITED TO UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA.

DYLAN ALLEN CLASS OF 2021 GRASSE, FRANCE COMMITED TO JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY.

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“That’s something I’ve had to overcome … people telling me, ‘you don’t teach a certain way,’” he said. “I’m not a system player. But my success and my students’ success have spoken for themselves.”

That independent and headstrong outlook has made him one of the most exciting instructors on Hilton Head Island, a place known to house the cream of the crop. Carmel is an independent pro at Palmetto Hall and he’s helped place 17 kids in Division 1 schools.

And he’s done it all his way. But that’s just how Carmel does things. So, when he says he’s going to launch a youth golf tournament that will change the game, you pay attention. “From the beginning, people said we wouldn’t get any players in,” he said. “And now we have a waitlist of over 600, with somewhere around 11,000 applications.”

The Elite Invitational, when it tees off Nov. 13-15 at Palmetto Dunes’ Arthur Hills Course, will represent the realization of a vision Carmel had two years ago. With some of the world’s finest junior golfers representing 27 states and three countries, this incredibly strong field of high school-age players will not just compete across 54 holes for the top spot; they’ll get their first taste of an actual professional tournament.

“These kids are all nationally ranked, so the big thing I wanted to do with this tournament is to give them a platform

MASON GIVES INSTRUCTION TO A STUDENT. LORALIE COWART, CLASS OF 2021 COMMITTED TO UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA ELLE FOX, CLASS OF 2021 COMMITTED TO MISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

“These kids are all nationally ranked, so the big thing I wanted to do with this tournament is to give them a platform similar to what they’d see on the PGA or LPGA tour,” Camel said. Much like the real thing, The Elite Invitational will fete its players with first-class amenities and will offer the same thrill of competition through live scoring and streaming of the event worldwide through Junior Golf Live.

“They’re playing a tournament structured like a high-level PGA tournament would be,” Carmel said. “Mark Mazzo, a PGA TOUR caddy, is coming down to hand-sketch the course and do yardage books…. It’s as good as it gets in terms of details.”

In terms of venue, you won’t find one better suited for Carmel’s vision than the Arthur Hills Course in Palmetto Dunes.

“I picked that because of its history,” he said. “In addition to the 1990 women’s NCAA Championship, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and John Daly all played this course. These kids will be playing in the footsteps of legends of the game.”

And in giving young players the chance to follow in their heroes’ footsteps, Carmel hopes the Elite Invitational will serve as a springboard toward them forging their own path. “A lot of them will have an opportunity and platform to give back and use this tournament as a way to influence the next generation and the communities they live in,” he said.

Leading by example, Carmel isn’t just using this new tournament as a way to give young players a glimpse of life on the PGA TOUR. He’s using it as an opportunity to give back.

“What’s unique is that these kids will be playing for more than just a trophy,” he said. Along with partners ranging from First Tee to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Carmel says that players will have the chance to choose a charity they will represent, playing to raise funds. “All money will be donated on behalf of our players,” he said. “The golf industry is very systematic. Things run for collecting a paycheck. We’re not taking one dollar out of this.”

It’s a bold move, but then that seems to be Carmel’s stock in trade. It’s not always the safe shot, but it’s the shot he takes to elevate young golfers. And so far, the results have spoken for themselves.

“Bettering these kids’ lives is what I’m all about,” Camel said.  The Elite Invitational runs Nov. 13-15 with a special Pro/Am Tournament scheduled for Nov. 11. For more information, visit theeliteinvitational.com.

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First Tee – The Lowcountry

BEYOND THE GREEN: BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE, ONE DUFFER AT A TIME

O

Article By Barry Kaufman

n paper, First Tee exists to teach young people the game of golf. But then again, on paper, the game of golf is just putting a ball into a tiny hole. Like so many things, it’s not about the goal, but how you get there.

“Yes, we are here to play golf. And kids do learn golf,” said Nick Dunham, program director for First Tee – The Lowcountry.

“But more importantly, we’re here to make sure these kids know golf is not the focal point of life. We want to make sure you can be a community leader. You can be whatever you want to be with the skills we give you.”

Launched in 1997 as a partnership between the LPGA, The Masters Tournament, the PGA of America, the PGA TOUR, and the USGA, First Tee’s national bedrock lies in the nine core values it instills in young golfers. Alongside the fundamentals of the game, youth learn the value of honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment.

“It has to be more than just the sport itself,” Dunham said.

“We’re here to develop relationship and act as mentors while playing golf. We’re here to be that resource and help a child grow.”

Our local branch of this national organization, First Tee – The Lowcountry, has been a driving force for change, whether in the classroom or in its beautiful facility, completed in 2016. “The school program is growing rapidly,” Dunham said. “We’re up to 33 schools, which covers around 13,000 kids.”

Obviously, school looks a little different this year than it has in previous years. Thankfully, one of First Tee’s nine core values is perseverance. First Tee was able to adapt many of its programs into virtual resources, delivered over the internet and adding one more club to the teachers’ bag. “It’s humorous to see a whole classroom where 10 of them have headphones and two of them are doing jumping jacks,” Dunham said. “We’ve helped physical education teachers doing virtual stuff, and we’ve provided online resources if they want to change things up and offer something

“WE’RE HERE TO DEVELOP RELATIONSHIP AND ACT AS MENTORS WHILE PLAYING GOLF. WE’RE HERE TO BE THAT RESOURCE AND HELP A CHILD GROW.” new. We’re still here to support in any way we can.”

While the pandemic has kept them out of the schools, their facility remains an open-air classroom for instilling the importance of both a good approach shot and a commitment to a community.

“We hired a superintendent in the spring, and I have to say it’s looking better than some golf courses,” Dunham said.

If you’re looking to instill the next generation with leadership skills while teaching them the finer points of the game, First Tee – The Lowcountry is always looking for volunteers, with coaches being the biggest need, according to Dunham. “The commitment would be one day a week for a few hours, and you don’t need to be a 10-handicapper,” he said. “I don’t necessarily need the scratch golfer. I just need coaches who enjoy teaching kids, love the game, and want to give back.”  The First Tee campus is open to everyone, 7 days a week. To learn more, visit https://www.firstteelowcountry.org/openplayhours.

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A Matter of

T R U S T

Light, open and airy, this Hampton Hall home exemplifies Lowcountry coastal chic.

But the story it tells goes far beyond bricks and beams.

I

magine yourself moving down here for the first time. Let’s even imagine that you’re moving down here all the way from Ohio (and statistically, you probably did). Now imagine trying to coordinate the building of a home—not just any home, but your dream home—over the phone. Through Facetime. Through text messages. Now try to imagine doing all that in the middle of a global pandemic.

Connie and Jerry Beltempo don’t have to imagine it.

They lived it. Fortunately, they had a team on the ground down here that specializes in personal one-on-one service. Lisa and Kevin Lapinski of Built Right Homes stay

grounded in a philosophy of treating each job with the utmost attention, making them the perfect partners for an impossible situation like this.

“The original flooring we selected was unavailable, and that’s about the time COVID hit, so we couldn’t look for flooring,” Connie said. “We had to rely on them to do the shopping for us down here. So, it was a lot of Facetime and pictures and texting back and forth. Being away in Ohio made it more difficult, but they were very helpful.”

That flooring represents just a handful of the amazing stories that came out of this build. Being ever mindful of the Beltempo’s budget, Built Right had been

Article by BARRY KAUFMAN | Photography by BY M.KAT | Design by JEFF CLINE

“Everyone who walks in comments on the white Oak floors.�

Decorative light fixture adds warmth to the dining room which will be filled with many special memories to come.

The perfect pop of color featured with the oversized island and gold accents adds a coastal touch to this Southern home.

All the hallmarks of a Southern home are there, mixed and matched in inventive ways.

Beautiful brick fireplace encased by shiplap and built-in shelving.

Light, open and airy

Wake up to a beautiful water view and lots of natural light.

able to score a huge deal on the original flooring, only to find out that the company producing it had gone out of business. “We spent two hoursin the flooring store with the original selection trying to find something as close as possible to an identical floor,” Lisa said. “Even at the walkthrough, Jerry was a little unsure of it, but after it went down everybody absolutely loved it. Everyone who walks in comments on the white Oak floors.”

And that was just one of countless decisions hashed out, debated and ultimately approved across more than 700 miles. The first came in choosing the lot, with the Lapinskis scouting out around 10 different lots before finding that perfect water view the Beltempos desired. Once

Spacious and warm bedrooms provide a cozy spot for all guests

that perfect water view was found, putting it to good use became crucial.

“Figuring out where to put their house to maximize their view was key,” Lisa said. “Their guest room has it, their main living room has it, the master has it…. One of the first things Jerry said was, ‘When I walk into my house, I want to go wow.’ I think we definitely established that.”

Naturally, that view takes center stage on the massive back porch, ingeniously designed with an open gable feature and vaulted ceilings to not only expand the space,

Traditional subway tile accented with a beautiful concrete tile niche and wainscoting accent walls bring southern charm to this guest bathroom.

Large walk in shower with 36” wide tile in a stacked pattern compliments shiplap walls surrounding soaker tub and elegant chandelier

but to accentuate the rear elevation and make the entire house seem bigger.

“I think we both like that Southern, coastal-looking home,” Connie said. “We wanted something with a water view and something that was light, open, airy and bright.”

With the lot selected, it was time to begin making decisions starting with the overall theme. “I watched a lot of HGTV,” Connie said with a laugh.

“Connie told me, ‘I want to build a Southern home,’” Lisa said. “I told her I’m from Atlanta, and you’ve come to the

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right place….What we do is more timeless. We worked with them to come up with a design that met their style and let us get a little Southern Lowcountry in there where she could decorate around it in 5-10 years to easily update it.”

All the hallmarks of a Southern home are there, mixed and matched in inventive ways. Accent walls of shiplap frame the foyer’s majestic water view, and matching accents are found in surprising places from the great room’s built-in shelving to the master bath where it surrounds the soaker tub. An open floor plan provides not only sightlines but breezy access to all points of the main living spaces. And metallic accents run the gamut from wrought iron to brushed nickel, creating a different mood in each space, while contributing to a more cohesive beauty.

But even those metals could throw a monkey wrench into a build being conducted remotely. “The pendants in the kitchen are a soft brushed gold,” Lisa said. “When I first put them up, I snapped a picture and the whole day went sideways. They thought they were too gold! When they finally came in, they loved them.”

From that and a thousand other shared images, a solid structure of trust was built side-by-side with the home.

“They ended up putting a lot of trust in us and we appreciate that,” Kevin said. And from that trust grew a friendship.

“I think we developed a relationship beyond just builder and client,” Connie said.

The mud room features a workable desk area.

Beautiful laundry room features eyecatching concrete deco tile, beautiful cabinetry, and a shiplap accent wall

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“I can’t wait to take Jerry out golfing,” Kevin added.

The best relationships are the ones built on humor. That flooring that caused such a stir near the beginning of the build? Connie was out reading the paper on her gorgeous new sun deck one morning recently when she spotted a very familiar living room staring back at her from a May River Flooring advertisement. She handed the ad to Jerry who snapped a picture and sent it to his new friends at Built Right with the message, “When do I get my royalty checks?”

The backyard of this home not only features a fantastic waterfront view, but also a gorgeous outdoor living space and yard. The rear of the home features a hardscapes firepit with seating area and an open gable screen porch for an eye catching view.

With a water view, the screened in living space provides the perfect spot to enjoy the scenery, sporting a coastal pop of color on the ceiling to really draw in the southern home.

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THE ELDER STATESMAN OF REALTY ROCK DAVID CARROLL WITH HIS DAUGHTER EMMA AND JULIA CLARK.

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ARTICLE BY TIM WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

, Rockin Realtors THE

DREAM SELLERS BY DAY, MELODY MAKERS BY NIGHT: MEET THIS QUARTET WHO ACHIEVE PEAK BLISS AT THE INTERSECTION OF MUSIC AND REAL ESTATE.

T

hey are two professions at the core of the growth and soul of Hilton Head Island. Yet, while there are more than 3,000 registered real estate agents in the Lowcountry, only a handful of those realtors are getting paid doing the musical side hustle.

Both worlds are all about performance. Both require elite skills, rarified self-belief, and years of relentless commitment to honing the craft. Few are able to truly excel in each pursuit, let alone thrive in both spheres.

We caught up with four examples of this rare breed that pull off this dual occupational state to find out how they make the performing home/peddler lifestyle work.

THE ELDER STATESMAN OF REALTY ROCK He’s sold more than $1 billion over 30 years of real estate and has $20 million in home sales this year alone, including a $6.5 million sale in Palmetto Dunes.

With that kind of résumé, you might expect David Carroll to be a cutthroat “Wolf of Wall Street”-level personality. You’d be mighty wrong.

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,

Rockin Realtors Truth is, the Pittsburgh native is far more at home singing and playing guitar for tips, as where we met him one recent Saturday night at Southern Barrel. As for his proven sales strategy, Carroll said it’s far less bravado and much more hard work and empathy.

“I call it real estate with heart,” said the Charter One Realty fixture who migrated to Hilton Head Island in 1986. “My heart is five times too big, gets me in trouble a lot, but I’m not going to do it any other way.

And my clients count on it.”

The self-taught, long-time Chilly Willy Band drummer played six nights a week in his college days and had offers in his 20s to hit the road professionally, but he opted to focus on philanthropy, planting roots and equally feeding his music passion and his entrepreneurial fire through real estate.

Through the years, he’s found a way to balance the pressures of million-dollar sales with his mission to spread peace, love and positivity in an ever-angrier world.

“It’s a tricky mix, but it’s all I know to be,” he said of his mission.

“People are buying houses sight unseen here since COVID. They need to be here, and I feel like they need this music. I’m doing this to change the world, make it better. We have to fight this hatred.”

Carroll still occasionally plays in four different bands but is more focused on family life, songwriting and playing with his youngest of three daughters, 18-year-old singer-songwriter Emma.

He is hard at work on his fourth album, Peace, Love and Music, which will include cameos by members of Pocket Full of Sunshine, a group of special needs teens that has become a personal and musical inspiration for him and his family.

“These kids, they’re amazing. I love working with them,” he said.

“Real estate can be a backstabbing, greedy world. They remind me that music, it’s a privilege, it completes me, it makes me better at real estate, makes me whole and more passionate to deliver for my clients.”

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THE DEAN OF ROCKIN’ OPEN HOUSES RICK SABA PERFORMS WITH HIS ROLLING STONES BAND, WHITE LIQUOR.

, Rockin Realtors THE

THE CLARK KENT OF THE LOWCOUNTRY CREATIVE SCENE CHIP LARKBY PERFORMS IN SERVERAL WELL-KNOWN BANDS LIKE SILICONE SISTER, JOJO SQUIRRELL AND THE HOME PICKLES, AND CORNBRED.

THE DEAN OF ROCKIN’ OPEN HOUSES In an island world known more for T-shirts and shorts, Rick Saba has thrived during the day with a more formal attire. The 150-sales-per-year realtor and frontman for the legendary island Rolling Stones cover band White Liquor said that the secret to pulling off his double-agent life is knowing that he’ll get to lose the suit and tie, pucker his lips and shake his hips like Jagger and fill the stage with frenetic energy.

“I don’t think it’s two hats, really,” said Saba, who has been with Carolina Realty Group since 2004. “I’ve always got this energy; I just get to express it different ways.”

The gigs aren’t quite as plentiful as 20 years ago, as he and his bandmates are all married with kids. And at 50, Saba’s body

takes a few days longer to recover from all the on-stage gyrating.

But the outlet the music provides is as vital as ever.

“The market, it’s wild. Busier the past few months than any of us have ever seen it here. Those gigs, that’s three hours of ‘me time’ where it’s mostly 24/7 for my clients,” he said. “I get out all the tension I absorb in the real estate world by just having ballsto-the-wall fun with my friends.”

Saba said that while the schedules may conflict, the worlds work well off each other in so many ways.

“Fans turn into clients. Clients love to hear my stories and end up at the shows,” he said. “I bring such a love and a passion to both gigs. Clients and audience members, they can see it; they can feel that passion.”

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Rockin, Realtors THE BROKERING PIANO MAN BECOMES FAMILY MAN DAVID ROSS PERFORMS IN A DUELING PIANO SHOW WITH STERLIN COLVIN EVERY THURSDAY AT POSEIDON.

When not channeling one of the most iconic bands ever, Saba and his bandmates can collectively handle every facet of a real estate transaction. “We have a Realtor, a banker, two lenders and an attorney, so for sure, we work together a lot off the stage as well,” Saba said. “It’s convenient to hear about a commitment letter on a loan between sets.”

He marvels that he’s been around long enough to see his 14-year-old son Brady taking up guitar and planting seeds for a new generation of Saba rocker.

“What a ride, man. My high school sweetheart, Jada, Brady, my 10-year-old girl, Breanna, they’re my heart,” he said. “I give my soul to clients and to the music, but they are my heart.”

THE CLARK KENT OF THE LOWCO CREATIVE SCENE He proudly owns the everyman look, complete with the dad gut, the glasses and, at first glance, a store-brand vanilla vibe. But Chip Larkby’s journey to the peak of the rockin’ Realtor game is anything but pedestrian. The Midwest native got into the family real estate business at age nine and later became a stud of the Chicago corporate world and rising star of the international pro motorcycle racing circuit before ever setting sights on island life.

“I don’t do vacations or idle time. Learning is my vice. I’m at peace when my mind is on the move,” Larkby said of his unique personal history.

He inherited the habitual workaholic genes from his mom and dad, Sherry and Sheldon, a trait that served him well in his urban property management chapter. But unlike his parents, he has a creative side that “must be constantly fed and satisfied,” he said.

“Turns out I fed that need by racing bikes. It’s where I found myself. Hundreds of races in the late ’90s, plenty of broken bones and probably the thing I was best at in my life,” Larkby said.

Competition is the common thread in his uncommon story.

Whether learning to paint or discovering music when he first came to the Lowcountry full-time in 2000, Larkby is addicted to excelling.

“I bought a set of drums and a guitar and was taught by Jevon Daly at John’s Music. Jevon told me I sucked at guitar. That killed me.

I don’t do ‘you suck’ well,” Larkby said. “But I focused on mastering the drums, dedicated every available minute to the craft.”

He quickly realized music wasn’t going to be just a hobby, and his skills garnered band invites within months. Flash forward to 2019, when Larkby played 300 paid shows as part of nine different bands, including Silicone Sister, Lowcountry Boil and Jojo Squirrel with his teacher-turned-bandmate Daly.

All that while being a dad of three and a top producer with Bluffton-based Brokers Real Estate alongside his parents, where, in line with his M.O., he refuses to settle for just one niche.

“Some realtors dominate just by selling in one neighborhood, but I know everyone can’t buy into Wexford,” he said. “We do residential, commercial, every price point up and down 278 all the way to Charleston.”

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Larkby has played music half as long as he’s posted MLS listings but says while he may semi-retire from the realty world, he’ll keep jamming full-out as long as there’s a welcoming stage. “Jeff Franklin, Chris Russell, Greg Critchley, they are technical beasts—gods around here on drums. I just know no one will outwork me in learning, in always wanting to improve,” he said.

“When I’m playing, I’m just a fan. I love watching singers own the crowd, guitarists shredding. As the drummer, I’m sitting in the best VIP seat.”

THE BROKERING PIANO MAN BECOMES FAMILY MAN Unlike the other members of this club, real estate has been more of the B side to David Ross’ existence, the supporting character in his musical main stage life. The upstate New York native has been on the road for most of the last 30 years, tickling ivories from New Orleans to Hawaii, Beijing to the Caribbean and every venue in between that offered a piano and an audience.

Now, at age 48, the dueling piano man is tackling a new lead role: family man. “I found love and fatherhood later in life, and it has just been a blessing,” he said of his wife of five years, Dhapne, and his sevenmonth-old daughter Ysabella.

Ross took up drums as a kid in a musical family, but he said he always felt more destined to be less John Bonham and more Billy Joel. “The dream was to own the room like Billy, to be that brilliant at making people feel entertained and feel the music,” he said.

Ross migrated with many of his relatives to the Lowcountry but spent much of his 30s and early 40s playing dueling piano shows in New Orleans, Las Vegas and on Carnival cruise ships before returning to live on the island in 2017.

Along the way, he discovered real estate to be a fitting ingredient in his recipe for inner joy, practicing most during his time in Vegas. “I love being part of giving them that first house or seeing a dream realized,” Ross said. “Music and real estate, what makes them so compatible for me is you’re getting paid for selling happiness.”

He’s paused home showings to focus on daddydom and morphed from 300 shows a year in his 30s to two to three shows a week now, mostly island-based dueling piano shows with cohort Sterlin Colvin.

After meeting Dhapne at a gig in Hong Kong, Ross said music and real estate now hold a different place in his life. “The people part of both are what I love, but my people are what drives me now,” he said of his newfound family, joking, “I need the diaper money” before turning serious.

“It’s a difficult time; people need music now more than ever. I’ve always been 100 percent energy on stage, but where I’m at in life, where fans’ lives are at, the shows have more energy the last few months,” Ross said.

“It’s just an amazing reward when you know you’re creating a party. I appreciate music more now that I have Dhapne and Ysabella.

Going home, that’s where my true party is now, and that’s a blessing.  C2 MAGAZINE

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Gotcha Covered Make sure your homeowners policy is right for you ARTICLE BY CHERYL ALEXANDER

O

wning a home costs a lot of money. The mortgage itself eats up a big chunk of your housing budget, but property taxes, furnishings, and insurance bump up your monthly financial commitment even more. Homeowners insurance protects your home, which may very well be your largest investment, and gives you a sense of security. A standard homeowners policy will provide the following: • Covers the structure. A homeowners insurance policy will cover the cost to rebuild the structure of the home if the damage falls under the scope of the policy. The amount of coverage on the policy determines how much the insurance company will pay toward rebuilding the house, so every homeowner should make sure the amount is accurate. Your insurance company will calculate the amount of necessary coverage for you.

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Gotcha Covered • Pays to replace belongings. A standard home policy also covers your belongings in the event of serious damage.

Even if you feel like a minimalist, replacing all your belongings would add up quickly. Taking a video inventory and keeping a list will help you estimate how much coverage you need and will come in handy if you must file a claim. High-value items, such as artwork, jewelry, antiques, and furs often need a rider (extra insurance) to ensure coverage.

• Provides liability coverage. Sometimes accidents happen on your property that involve other people. For instance, someone might slip down on your driveway and break a bone, or your dog might bite the mail carrier. The obvious hope is that this never happens, however erring on the side of caution and protecting yourself with liability coverage afforded by homeowners insurance is a smart move and will cover injuries others sustain on your property.

• Fulfills mortgage contract. Most homeowners carry a mortgage on their homes that requires a homeowners insurance policy because the lender has a financial stake in your home.

Most companies will place an insurance policy on your home if you do not have your own policy, so skipping out is not an option. A policy you find yourself is generally more affordable than what the mortgage company will find for you.

Ray Farmer is the director of the South Carolina Department

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of Insurance (SCDOI), a consumer protection state agency.

“Each state regulates its own insurance industry and has its own insurance director that licenses every insurance company that does business in state,” he explained. “In South Carolina, our office has about 90 people who each have a specialty, such as financial examiners, analysts, etc. As an agency, we look at the financials of every insurance company to assure solvency, license agents, and take administrative action with issues of violation. If a consumer has questions or concerns, we are here to help.”

Beyond the standard policy which does protect the property from different perils such as fire and hail, what is not included is flood insurance. It is an extra coverage that Farmer urges South Carolinians to strongly consider.

“One of our biggest priorities is to inform citizens that flood insurance is a completely different coverage,” Farmer said.

“Normally only homeowners who live on the coast or close to a river carry flood insurance, but I always tell people, ‘If it rains at your house, it could flood at your house.’”

If you have a mortgage and live in a high-hazard flood zone, flood insurance is required. If you do not live in highhazard zone, even if you do not think you need it, you should at least consider it. For those in low-hazard areas, it is a relatively inexpensive policy.

“Pause and talk to your agent,” Farmer said. “Go through the process and consider if you would benefit from it. All it takes is one inch of water in your house to cause up to $20,000 worth of damage, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is limited in what they can offer a homeowner.”

Generally, people buy flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is managed by FEMA and delivered to the public by a network of approximately 60 insurance companies and the NFIP Direct. However, according to Farmer, new legislation provides more flexibility for coverage within the private market.

Farmer also urges South Carolinians to consider wind insurance offered through the South Carolina Wind and Hail Association.

“Any company will come in and write the homeowners piece of a policy,” Farmer said, “but since our state is at risk for hurricanes, some companies won’t write wind coverage near the beach. The Wind and Hail Association is the market of last resort for wind coverage. If your company will not write you a policy for wind coverage, this wind pool will, though it is more expensive.”

Recently, to increase competition, the SCDOI recruited 90 additional companies to compete for property insurance. The Wind and Hail Association has lost about 67 percent of their business, which is good news because it means the market has gotten more competitive.

Farmer also encourages homeowners to study their premium notices and not to hesitate to look around for better prices. “Don’t feel you must be loyal,” he said. “Shop your coverage. Call other companies or local agents.”

The SCDOI offers a market assistance plan for consumers.

If you want help shopping your coverage, this agency will help. They offer an insurance locator service that will put you in contact with agents in your area who will look at policy information and tell you if you’ve got appropriate coverages at a reasonable price, if you should go with another company, and even how much money you can save if you switch.

Farmer also stressed the importance of knowing what coverage you have. “The absolute worst thing that can happen is when a homeowner is not covered for something and they thought they were,” he said. “Insurance is the best way to protect your assets, but unfortunately most people don’t think about it until they need it. Once a year, sit down with your policy and go through it. Talk to your agent or company to get assistance or call the SCDOI Office of Consumer Services to ask any questions about provisions. Make sure you have flood insurance, check your deductible, and set up a catastrophe savings account for when you need to pay a deductible.”

Many homeowners are not aware that they can hire an advocate in the event of a major claim. When you suffer a loss, your insurance company will assign an adjustor who is an employee of the insurance company or who is a person contracted by your insurance company. Their job is to adjust your claim (determine how much the repair will cost). To protect yourself and your home, while you may not need an attorney, you may want a public adjustor who is licensed by the SCDOI. Generally public adjustors are useful for big losses, such as if your home has been hit by hurricane and suffered substantial loss. You may not be comfortable with what the liabilities are with your insurance company, so you might seek assistance from a public adjustor. Farmer urges South Carolinians to look for someone who is local, not just someone coming into town for a big catastrophic event.

“My main admonition is to shop for your coverage and understand what is in your policy,” Farmer said. “The last thing you need after a catastrophe is a surprise for which you aren’t prepared.”

Keep in mind, too, that after a major event where you have suffered a fire or hurricane, and you need to tell the insurance company what was lost, there is little likelihood that you will remember everything. The best thing to do is sit down and do a home inventory now, when no major threat exists. Install an app from your insurance company or from the SCDOI website and take pics of everything that you will want replaced in the event of a catastrophe. For more information, visit doi. sc.gov.

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WeAthering the Storm

Anderson InsurAnce AssociAtes ARTICLE BY AMY BARTLETT

A

fter successfully and innovatively writing insurance on the coast since 1981, what better move for Anderson Insurance Associates than to expand into one of the greatest coastal locations: Hilton Head Island?

Adding Beaufort County to their five existing regions in the state, AIA introduces local representatives, Kelly Greene Tonsing, Donna Sherril Daly, and Krista Juarez. Knowing your agents by name is illustrative of AIA’s reputation as a highly relational insurance provider. Chief Operating Officer Ryan Moniz said, “We do well by our clients, and we’re only able to do that by engaging personally and being available.

You’re going to be speaking to same person after the storm that you were [speaking to] before.”

Before, during, or after, Moniz describes an impressive level of commitment. “When we’re most needed, we’re here; half the office is answering the phone at 11 p.m. It’s our Super Bowl—our time to shine. It’s a privilege to be in insurance; we deal with people at the best and worst moments of their lives. Whether it’s your kid getting their driver’s license and assuring that good-grade discount or needing someone in your corner when you’re nervous or calculating loss, we step up to deliver what we’ve worked the rest of the time to promise.”

Anderson Insurance Associates does more than simply deliver in the traditional sense. Agency leadership has been part of the driving force of policy and industry development in South Carolina for decades. According to their website, they’ve been recognized as a Best Practices Agency for more than a decade, and they represent some of the largest insurance companies in the U.S.

“When We’re moSt needed, We’re here; hAlf the office iS AnSWering the phone At 11 p.m.

It’S our Super BoWl—our time to Shine. It’S A privilege to Be in inSurAnce; We deAl With people At the BeSt And WorSt momentS of their liveS.”

Managing Member Jules Anderson, who has built the agency since its inception and has a list of accolades including national board member of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA), has been influential in changes to the insurance landscape in S.C., especially motivated by the aftermath of Hugo in 1989. In search of greater solutions and provisions for clients, Anderson was pivotal in initiating a type of insurance that is more accurately customizable to the individual insurer’s property and needs (as opposed to being locked into zone specifications).

“We work with clients who know their responsibility to be appropriately insured, while detailing that AIA provides diversity of options,” Moniz explained. In layman’s terms, houses and properties with less exposure are able to save money, where they were previously locked into higher rates for high-exposure zones. Properties with higher exposure may be paying a higher rate but at least have the option of insurance where it wouldn’t have been available before.

“Companies and clients are excited we’ve moved into the area and to work with us locally because they know we do things the right way for our clients,” Moniz said. “We’ve been there through the big storms. We’ve got the background. We’ve stayed open 24/7 with no closures, providing service through local agents. If we sell a policy, we know it has the coverage you’re going to need and that we will be elbow-to-elbow with you when it counts most. We’re going to help make sure you are whole again.”

One season on or off the island and any property owner knows that promise is not only valuable and reassuring, but the odds that you’ll need a return on this promise are about as high as water levels at spring tide. Thankfully, AIA has officially hung its shingle on Hilton Head Island, new in town but with a longstanding reputation for meeting the unique insurance needs of island life. For appointments, contact Kelly Greene Tonsing at (843) 7254915 or kelly@aiasc.com. Visit online at aiasc.com for more information.

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REALTORS

of the lowcountry

DUE TO COVID-19, THE REAL ESTATE MARKET HAS NEVER BEEN MORE ACTIVE. WITH NORTHERNERS EXITING THE CITY IN DROVES AND LOOKING FOR A MORE SLOW-PACED WAY OF LIFE, PROPERTIES IN THE LOWCOUNTRY HAVE BECOME A HOT COMMODITY.

TRACY DAYTON  KACI HOLLINGSWORTH



ANDY TWISDALE  MICHELLE ELLIOT

TONI LAROSE-GERKEN  THE MELTON GROUP-TEAM  TIM SUTHELRAND HEATHER A. BAKER

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JEFF HUNT



HILTON HEAD HOME GROUP

SHERI NIXON  DENNIS PUCKEY  CHARLIE SCHROEDER



KRISTY GONZALEZ

REALTY ONE GROUP  LISA SULKA & BONNIE BOGART



DAVE THORNTON

TRACY DAYTON

T

racy Dayton of Charter One Realty gives her clients exemplary real estate service from start to finish. Respect, communication, and professionalism are part of her work ethic as a full-time agent dedicated to client satisfaction.

Dayton is originally from Queens, New York. Her first job in real estate was when she was 15 years old as a receptionist in a brokerage in New York. After college, she secured a job with a land developer/new-home construction and started her real estate career in the 1980s. She found her piece of paradise and moved to the island in 2005. She has been assisting buyers and sellers in the Lowcountry for the past 15 years.

In addition to her real estate career, Dayton is a certified Hilton Head Island Ambassador and enjoys sharing the Lowcountry’s rich history with her clients. “I love my job! I am blessed to meet new people and help make their real estate dreams come true,” she

said. “I work hard to provide my clients with the most positive real estate experience possible. The Hilton Head area is paradise for those looking to escape to a place of natural beauty, friendly people and incredible weather.”

Dayton says her clients entrust her with one of their biggest decisions, and she is honored and privileged to work with them. “My biggest reward is being able to get results for my clients. I consider it a privilege to assist people with their real estate needs,” she said. “My family and friends will tell you I am tenacious when it comes to achieving my life goals. Allow my passion and 30+ years of real estate experience to work for you.”

Charter One Realty (843) 686-4000 tracydayton@charteronerealty.com

KACI HOLLINGSWORTH

K

aci Hollingsworth is an energetic and committed Realtor® serving the Lowcountry. She is your trusted advisor, your practiced negotiator, your skilled house hunter, and your neighborhood expert. She will work diligently for you every step of your journey home!

In addition to Hollingsworth’s drive for assisting clients, she is very active in the community, serving on the board of directors for the Hilton Head Island/Bluffton Chamber of Commerce’s Junior Leadership program, board of directors for Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors, and as director of operations for her brokerage’s Bluffton office.

Hollingsworth works hard to be involved in her Lowcountry community and the local real estate community. She will work just as hard to help you buy or sell in the area. Call her today if you’re looking for an energetic, enthusiastic agent who will stop at nothing to help make your real estate dreams come true!

Weichert, Realtors® - Coastal Properties 1250 May River Road Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 422-3552 WeichertCP.com

ANDY TWISDALE

A

nyone who knows Andy Twisdale will confidently say he is professional, dependable, honest and trustworthy. He arrived on Hilton Head Island by “accident” in 1971 and can easily share stories of the island and its surrounds that keep you laughing, wanting to know more, and understanding why Hilton Head is so special.

Twisdale’s first career on the island was in the hospitality industry, where he began as a bartender. He then opened and managed Old Fort Pub in 1973 and began managing the popular Hudson’s Seafood Restaurant in 1978. It was there that he met his wife and married in 1988.

Because their careers gave the couple just one day a week together,

Twisdale set out to find a new career, which turned out to be not unlike what he had always done: finding what customers wanted and getting it for them! He became the best of the best.

Yes, selling real estate, selling his island and its surrounds, has become a natural extension of who Andy Twisdale is. “We’re not selling houses anymore; we’re selling a lifestyle,” he said. “And I know the lifestyle. We are a destination resort with a lifestyle that is comparable to most cosmopolitan areas.”

Twisdale also has the strength of Charter One Realty at his back, and he knows no better company to work for you.

In addition to his many real estate achievements, Twisdale has always been intricately involved in the community, receiving a multitude of awards for his community service and advocacy both locally and statewide. In 2017, he was asked to join the Associated Realty of The Americas, a nationwide real estate advocacy network.

But living and working on Hilton Head Island is not all Twisdale is about. He has always believed in giving back. “I’ve seen this island grow from 3,000 people. It is my community. I enjoy giving back, enjoy helping people,” he said. “If you grew up in a small community, everybody chipped in. I feel very close to that.”

Beyond his professional involvement, Twisdale currently serves on many boards and committees right here at home, sharing his expertise and knowledge with the community that has given so much to him.

Andy Twisdale and Charter One Realty is the team you want working for you! Give him a call today, and you’ll be amazed at what he can do to meet your real estate needs and make your dreams come true.

Charter One Realty – North 81 Main St., Suite 202 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 384-7771 sellhiltonhead.com

MICHELLE ELLIOTT What is your favorite room in a house?

Living Room

What is your favorite HGTV show?

Definitely Flip or Flop.

How long did it take you to sell your first listing?

14 days.

In what neighborhood do you sell the most?

Shipyard.

Favorite local restaurant?

Is there another local realtor you look up to, and Chez George what good advice have you gotten?

Yes, people buy people, so Weichert, Realtors ® always be yourself.

Coastal Properties #1 top request from clients The top request from clients is to find a home near the beach.

1038 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29928 (704) 737-3128

What is your most used app?

Supra eKey for showings

TONI LAROSE-GERKEN

W

hen choosing a Realtor, the name of the game is trust, and no one works harder to earn it than Toni LaRose-Gerken. A Hilton Head area resident since the late-1990s, affectionately nicknamed “Above and Beyond” by her coworkers and customers, she has gained the reputation as a tireless worker who always goes the extra mile to exceed her clients’ expectations, offering candid advice and consistent communication.

With a Master’s Degree in Education and 35 years of experience as an executive sales rep for a legal publishing company in Ohio, LaRose-Gerken has taken all of her previous education and sales experience and brought that over to her real estate career, thus making her a consistent top producer.

She has been a top listing and selling agent in Sun City and Riverbend since 2004 and has been listed as one of the top 1 percent of sales leaders nationwide. In over two decades helping clients buy and sell property, her best year produced 22 million in sales and placed her sixth in the nation with her previous company. She was recently voted Best of Bluffton Realtors in Sun City/Riverbend.

As a resident of Riverbend, LaRose-Gerken enjoys the beauty and serenity of Lowcountry living and freely shares her passion for this paradise.

Specializing in Riverbend and Sun City, she sells property in all price ranges and works to make every buying or selling transaction run smoothly.

LaRose-Gerken believes in giving back to

the community she loves and frequently volunteers for Hilton Head Area Realtors Association’s charitable events.

In addition, she has recently been nominated to serve on the Board for First Steps, Beaufort County, an organization that prepares children for success in school.

LaRose-Gerken recognizes and values the trust her clients place in her. She

invites you to discover the difference as she goes above and beyond to make your real estate dream come true. She is thrilled to be a member of RE/MAX Island Realty in their three local offices.

Riverbend Hilton Head Real Estate RE/MAX Island Realty (843) 384-3574 tonilarose@riverbendhiltonhead.com

Toni on the deep water Riverbend Dock.

THE MELTON GROUP-TEAM

Alison Melton, Sabeth Biangone, Courtney Heidik & Julie Shisler

T

he Melton Group is a client-centered team, providing buyers and sellers with a sense of ease and certainty, powered by the leading brokerage in the Lowcountry: Charter One Realty. This all-female team has doubled in size this year to serve more clients in all aspects of the real estate business and has quickly become one of the top producing teams in the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton area—all while

having fun! The Melton Group specializes in the beautiful private golf and waterfront communities as well as equestrian properties in the area. They bring a fresh and youthful approach to every transaction, and they absolutely love what they do!

The Melton Group is led by Alison Melton, who relocated to the Lowcountry in 2014 after a 15-year career in Latin American investment banking in New York

and Miami. The lure of the warmer weather, live oaks and Southern hospitality as well as memories of childhood vacations on Hilton Head Island brought Melton and her family to the area she likes to refer to as “Utopia.” Melton is a certified luxury home marketing specialist (CLHMS) and has also received the prestigious CNE designation (certified negotiation expert), which places her among the top agents in the country in negotiation skills. She is also an RPAC major investor and recipient of the 2018 and 2019 HHAR Realtor Service Award for her outstanding participation in community service and Realtor activities. In addition, Melton is proud to serve as the chairperson of the inaugural Polo at the Bluff, an arena polo event at Palmetto Bluff to support the Make-AWish Foundation. She remains active with her alma mater in Buffalo, NY, Nardin Academy, where she serves on the Alumni Advisory Board. In her spare time, she can be found at the barn with her equine partner in crime, Trendy.

Sabeth Biangone teamed up with Melton in early 2018 as a rock star buyer’s agent and holds the prestigious ABR designation (accredited buyer’s representative).

Courtney Heidik joined the team in 2020 after a distinguished real estate career with one of the top producing groups in the area. She also holds the ABR designation.

Julie Shisler joined the team this year as a client services concierge and showing specialist after a long career as an interior design consultant with Pulte/Del-Webb in Bluffton.

Together, this group of exceptional women utilize their unique backgrounds to deliver innovative marketing approaches to sellers while helping buyers navigate the process of purchasing a home in the Lowcountry. They genuinely enjoy working for you, and it shows!

Charter One Realty luxelowcountry.com

TIM SUTHERLAND

A

s a leading local real estate professional, Tim Sutherland has proven to be a comfortable fit for people throughout this area looking to make the most of their real estate opportunities.

From raw land to vacation homes to permanent residences throughout the Lowcountry, he will find the perfect fit for your ultimate lifestyle.

For Sutherland, life in the Lowcountry is a comfortable fit. “I love this lifestyle and the opportunity to share it with others through my real estate career,” he said.

When it comes to experience, Sutherland has seen our area real estate market from every angle.

For more than 21 years at Charter One, he has listed and sold properties of every size throughout the Lowcountry,

playing a fundamental role in the development of some of our area’s most treasured communities.

Tim Sutherland will strive to make you feel comfortable throughout every step of the real estate purchase or sales process. He puts a lot of care, energy and enthusiasm into client service from the first moment you meet with him, and he has the knowledge and experience to ensure you get the best possible results—a perfect fit.

Charter One Realty 11 Park Lane Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 422-1528 tim@thesutherlandteam.com

HEATHER A. BAKER “SUGARBAKER”

A

s I embarked on my new position as 2020 president of the Hilton Head Area Realtors, I wanted to empower our Realtor community with a mantra—something simple but impactful. “Kindness Matters” came to fruition at the end of 2019.

We launched the concept in January 2020 to our Realtor community, and who knew these would become such words to live by, especially during a pandemic. Kindness is a type of behavior marked by acts of generosity, consideration, or concern for others, without having an expectation of praise or reward—and it does matter!

What is your favorite room in the house?

The kitchen. To me, it is the heart of the home. It is a room that everyone uses; it’s a place for food, family, friends and fun! Food nurtures the mind, body and soul. A kitchen provides a central space for you to communicate with others! Let’s face it; when you are entertaining guests, where does everyone end up? The kitchen!

How long did it take you to sell your first home?

I entered the Realtor community in 2004, so it didn’t take me long because the market was booming. I sold my first home on Christmas Eve in 2004. I guess Santa knew I had been a good girl that year!

In what neighborhood do you sell the most?

Well, after 16 years of selling real estate in the Lowcountry, I really don’t have a specific community.

I usually tell clients that I sell real estate in Beaufort and Jasper Counties, two of the most beautiful counties in the state of South Carolina!

ERA Evergreen Real Estate Company 14 Church Street, Suite 102 Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 441-2787 Sugarbaker09@gmail.com

JEFF HUNT F or some, the allure of Hilton Head Island lies in its white sandy beaches and its laidback lifestyle. But for many, the true draw of Hilton Head Island is the potential it represents for creating a better life. Each property represents opportunity, whether it’s to invest now in a place to eventually call home or

to create new revenue streams from the always-lucrative rental market.

Jeff Hunt is a Realtor who understands all of those perspectives and has made it his mission to help customers discover their true potential on Hilton Head Island, no matter what form that potential takes.

For more than 30 years, Jeff Hunt

and Dunes Real Estate have been at the forefront of Hilton Head Island real estate. He has established himself as not only an industry leader, but as a leading voice in the local market. It’s a mantle that comes naturally to Hunt, having owned and operated several successful multi-million-dollar businesses over the course of his career.

That business acumen allows him to truly serve as an advisor to his clients, helping them navigate the income potential of a rental or walking them through tax strategies as they prepare to buy or sell property. And that, ultimately, is what it’s all in service to: being 100 percent customer centered.

For Hunt, his role goes far beyond simply serving as an agent for buyer or seller. “For me, that philosophy of being 100 percent customer-centered means walking people through the process, helping them to create value and solving problems,” he said.

That dedication to service extends even beyond his own clients to reach the entire community. Every year in December, you’ll find Jeff Hunt purchasing bicycles for his annual donation to the Deep Well Project, as well as soliciting donations from his fellow real estate professionals to purchase helmets to help area children experience the joy and freedom of owning a bike. This annual event has become so successful, with 150 bikes donated last year, he’s extended his bike donations to include the Hilton Head Island Boys & Girls Club in years past.

The difference with Jeff Hunt is dedication. Dedication to his fellow real estate professionals, dedication to his community and dedication to his clients, helping them discover their own real estate potential on an island he has called home for 15 years.

Jeff Hunt & Associates – Dunes Real Estate 6 Queens Folly Road, Hilton Head Island (843) 422-5933 or (843) 842-0896 jeffh.dunesrealestate.com.

HILTON HEAD HOME GROUP OF RE/MAX ISLAND REALTY

Janice Ross, Stephanie Cauller, Katie Oliva What is your favorite room in the house?

The kitchen is our favorite room; it is the heartbeat of the home, where all the living gets done!

A great kitchen is about the people, the family, and the food.

Counter tops and cabinets can be changed.

What is your most used app?

We couldn’t function without our video editing apps. We love Quik

by Go Pro and iMovie; we do a good amount of video marketing.

What is your favorite HGTV show?

Island Life, of course! Steph has appeared in two episodes of Island Life filmed on Hilton Head Island. You can check her out in Season 16 Episode 14, and Season 171 episode 1.

from Sea Pines to Sun City, depending on the needs of our client.

Favorite local restaurant?

There are so many places we love, it’s hard to name just one. Some of our favorites are Hinoki, A Lowcountry Backyard, and Fiesta Fresh.

RE/MAX ISLAND REALTY 24 New Orleans Rd Hilton Head Island, SC Office: (843) 415-7738 Janice: (818) 235-4500 Stephanie: (215) 806-6871 Katie: (843) 986-7176 Hiltonheadhomegroup.com

In what neighborhood do you sell the most?

A lot of our clients are from out of state, so we sell everywhere,

SHERI NIXON TEAM You have a luxury designation; do you sell luxury homes only?

I sell many high-end luxury homes, yet I also have clients who are buying starter homes and many who purchase low-end investment properties and vacant lots.

What are the advantages of having a team?

A team is important in today’s market, with homes selling so quickly. While I am working on getting my listings marketed and sold, Shannon Sheehan, my buyer’s agent, is able to be there for our buyers. We also have Lacy working on transaction-to-close, while Toni is keeping eyes on the MLS so we don’t miss new homes when they pop up on the market.

What is the most important technology that you are using in your business today?

Since buyers are now putting in offers without stepping foot in the homes, Matterport Photography is hugely important for my sellers because buyers can virtually walk through the home and feel as if

they are actually in the house.

Also, FaceTime and Dotloop are essential for our buyers. Shannon can be on the phone showing them the home while I am writing the offer and getting their digital signature. Now more than ever, it helps to be the first offer presented.

How do you want your clients to describe you?

As an honest, hard-working Realtor, who is a tenacious negotiator that is not afraid to take a stance for her clients’ best interest yet is still able to make the process enjoyable.

Keller Williams Realty 8 Lafayette Pl., #303 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 301.2688 sherinixonteam.com

want you to represent their best interests.

Buyers and sellers alike trust and rely on my expertise to advise them and guide them on the journey to owning a home. My clients find enormous value in the services that I offer.

Is there another local realtor you look up to and what good advice have you gotten?

Rick Turner at Charter One Realty. Rick trained me back in the early ’90s. He was very knowledgeable about the industry and the area and how to best serve your clients.

Rick always told me, “Don’t be afraid to ask for a lead; you have to know someone who is in need of a Realtor.”

What is your favorite app?

If you were to search my phone, you would find that the majority of my time is spent on GoMLS, the Hilton Head MLS app. As a Realtor, I’m always on the go and seem to do a lot of my work on my phone.

Having the ability to pull up real estate at a moment’s notice is valuable.

What is your favorite HGTV show?

I loved watching Fixer Upper with Chip and Joanna Gaines. Today, it’s a toss-up between Windy City Rehab and Flea Market Flip. Not only are they entertaining, but you can pick up a few ideas for your clients who are drawn to purchase their own fixerupper.

In what neighborhood do you sell most?

It’s tough to name one! I have lived and worked on Hilton Head Island for over 35 years. In that time, I’ve listed and sold homes in every community, representing clients from South Beach to Sun City.

But, If I had to pick one, I would say Sea Pines. As one of the first communities on Hilton Head, Sea Pines has something for everyone, and it has the most beachfront.

DENNIS PUCKEY What is your favorite room in the house?

The kitchen—the source of all things delicious and good! I enjoy entertaining, and I love to cook. No matter the size, everyone seems to gravitate to the kitchen.

How long did it take to sell your first listing?

As with many listings in our area, my very first listing on Hilton Head Island sold quickly—within a couple of weeks.

The sellers were from my hometown, and I connected with them through a mailing that I sent to Beaufort County homeowners from that area. Since that first sale, I have represented them four more times in the past 30 years. They are wonderful clients and friends.

Top request from clients?

The number one quality clients seek in an agent is trust. Yes, they want you to find the deal, but most importantly, they

What is your favorite restaurant?

Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte is my go-to. The food, the wine, the atmosphere—it’s all outstanding. Their focus is on fresh local seafood with a French, Lowcountry flare.

What more can you ask for? Margaret and Palmer have done a fantastic job carrying on their father’s dedication to great food and customer service.

Charter One Realty (843) 683-6779 DennisPuckey@aol.com CharterOneRealty.com

CHARLIE SCHROEDER Quick information and feedback on showings.

What is your favorite room in a house?

The kitchen. That’s where all the fun happens.

Favorite local restaurant?

I have a few: Charlie’s L’etoile Verte, Chez Georges, Pomodori, and Sage Room.

How long did it take you to sell your first listing?

One month. I sold it myself—a great home in Long Cove.

Is there another local realtor you look up to, and what good advice have you gotten?

My dad, Carl Schroeder.

We work together and get to spend quality time together. He’s been in real estate on HHI for over 45 years and is a mentor to many.

Charlie Schroeder is also the Beaufort County Clemson Club president and loves to help raise scholarship money for Clemson Students.

Alliance Group Realty 890 William Hilton Pkwy., Suite 33 (843) 384-0807 Lowcountrycharlie.com

Top request from clients?

KRISTY GONZALEZ, BIC

S

ome people wonder how I manage my career, my family and me time; to be honest, it’s my passion for all three that make it seamless.

When I’m not assisting my clients or mentoring agents, I can usually be found on the May River with my husband Michael and our two sons, Braeden and Jack. And there are times when Scooby and J.R. (pups) are along for the outing. If I just need to take some time for me, I love spin class, followed by a few M&M’s to add that extra punch.

I take great pride in my career as a Broker/Realtor®, helping people find their perfect home or sell one to move on to a new adventure. Here’s what some of my clients have said: “Kristy is quite the professional for sure. But more importantly she is a wonderful person who combines her knowledge, patience, insight, diligence and pleasant demeanor to create a very positive real estate experience. She made my family’s dream of a second home in Hilton Head come true!”

“Kristy had a great marketing plan which proved successful

during the pandemic. Kristy made the selling process very easy and stress free.”

“Kristy did a great job. She was always available to answer any questions, open to feedback to adjust the marketing of our home and was of great assistance to us as we closed remotely. I would highly recommend Kristy Gonzalez as your agent.”

I love client reviews and referrals; they create my business drive. Whatever comes my way, I take great strides toward making client dreams come true. I look forward to many more years in the Lowcountry to “Live, Love and Succeed.”

ERA Evergreen Real Estate Company 2019 ERA Top 5 Selling Broker 2019 Leader’s Circle ERA Real Estate (843) 298-3808 Kristy@ERAEvergreen.com www.KristyGonzalez.com

REALTY ONE GROUP LOWCOUNTRY UNtraditional. UNbrokerage

L

IT’S TIME FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT. BETTER.

volatile market and soft economy,” said Kuba Jewgieniew, CEO and founder of Realty ONE Group. “It’s awesome to see how excited entrepreneurs are to join the coolest real estate brand in the nation at a faster pace than ever before, and we welcome our new office in the Hilton Head and Bluffton area.”

ed by broker, Glenn Davis, Realty ONE Group-Lowcountry has ONE Purpose quickly grown to nearly 20 agents in just five months. When Opening Doors across the globe asked about Realty ONE Group’s ideals, Davis said, “As a ONE home, ONE dream, ONE life at a time. forward-thinking company that places great value on agentcentered systems, state-of-the-art technology, and our ‘coolture,’ we ONE Manifesto are confidently recommended as the trusted Realtor® by every client You have ONE life to live. ONE chance to make it we serve, enabling us to sustain monumental and continual growth. meaningful,and ONE opportunity to live with no regrets.

We are proud to be in our new location in Old Town Bluffton, 21 Take risks, be bold, seize the day.

Promenade St., and to be part of the local community.”

Respect others and the world around you.

Realty ONE Group-Lowcountry offers full service to buyers, Your circumstances will change. sellers and investors. Catering to the needs of first-time, second People will change. You will change. home and luxury property buyers, they offer the same high-level Be open to it, embrace it, live it. service to each transaction. New home construction is also included Every ONE matters and every ONE has a voice. in their portfolio.

“It’s an exciting time!” Davis said. “With our continued growth and the energy in our new office, we are ready to continue our (843) 290-0911 success and serve our broker family and our clients in our beautiful www.RealtyONEGroup.com hometown location. We are also excited to introduce the forward www.ROGLowcountry.com thinking 100% COMMISSION model to the local real estate glenn@ROGLowcountry.com agents. We feel they earn and therefore deserve 100% OF THEIR COMMISSION! “Our timeless business model, ‘coolture,’ and 100 percent agent commission model with raving fans continues to grow despite a

LISA SULKA & BONNIE BOGART

W

hat is our secret to success? Integrity, character, excellent service, great communication skills, and serving others—which seems to be in our DNA. We always look for ways to pay it forward and give back to our community. Volunteering, whether for our local churches or soup kitchen or serving on boards of non-profit organizations, gives us great pleasure.

We have decades of experience in the real estate industry and know the Bluffton and Hilton Head Island area markets. We love our community and work very hard to build value for homes we list. We provide expert advice and research for our buyers.

“We’ve Got It Covered” is our tagline.

Ask any of our clients, and they will

tell you that we are hard-working and professional.

Bonnie is originally from Kentucky and Lisa from South Carolina, but both call Bluffton home.

We decided to form a team over 15 years ago, and this successful partnership continues to flourish. We are full-time Realtors, and one of us is always available for our clients. Our firm consistently ranks in the top 10 among all companies in this region.

When looking for a primary or second home, buyers need to have confidence in their Realtor. They need a Realtor who works full-time at this profession and stays educated and updated on market trends.

On the flip side, anyone interested in selling a home or homesite needs the same confidence

in their agent. We have a strong marketing plan and a great reputation in the Realtor community. We update our sellers on a frequent basis and keep a check on the market conditions to ensure the property is valued correctly.

Give us a call! You’ll be glad you did.

Carson Realty Lisa: (843) 384-8462 Bonnie: (843) 338-7710 SulkaBogart.com.

DAVE THORNTON

I

t’s rare to find a Thornton decided to Realtor on Hilton bring his passion for Head Island with this beautiful island to a near-lifelong the real estate industry dedication to and Carolina Realty Lowcountry living, but Group. In just a few that’s exactly what short, yet successful you’ll find in Dave years, he has been Thornton. Born in able to apply his local Versailles, Kentucky market knowledge, and raised on Hilton love of customer and Head Island, Thornton client interactions, and graduated from immense pride in all Clemson University and that he does to helping then promptly made his clients from all over find way back home to the a place to call “home” island. He took his love on Hilton Head Island. for the ocean breezes and the people of Hilton Head and applied Carolina Realty Group that to a career working 3 Executive Park Road on the water and in (843) 384-1606 the service industry— eventually managing multiple successful restaurants.

After several prosperous years in the service industry,

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DON’T FEAR THE

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN 2020 HAS BEEN A BIT OF A NIGHTMARE. JUST DON’T TELL THAT TO OUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE MARKET, WHERE WE’RE WAKING UP TO UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS.

I

n the real estate world, there’s a certain hesitance to use the word “boom.” A decade since the housing bubble burst, lingering memories remain of the downward spiral that followed the dizzying heights of the early 2000s. For every boom, it stands to reason, there must be a bust.

But looking around, it’s hard not to use the word boom.

“In my 43 years in real estate, I’ve never seen anything like this,” Phil Schembra, owner of Schembra Real Estate Group said. “We’re seeing an unprecedented amount of interest.”

Specializing only in Palmetto Dunes, Shelter Cove and Leamington, where average home prices are the highest they’ve been in a decade, Schembra has personally sold more than $90 million in real estate this year.

And that’s just in three neighborhoods. Expand the focus and you see that, from the farthest points of Bluffton to the toe heel of Sea Pines, real estate is officially, to chance fate, booming.

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“Since May 1, the market is better than I’ve seen it since 2005,” Charter One Realty co-founder James Wedgeworth said. “We’ve been undervalued for a long time. I think buyers are figuring out we’re an excellent value because we had not rebounded from the ’08 crash.”

While Hilton Head Island may have lagged behind other resort areas in bringing average prices back up to pre-recession pricing, that is quickly changing. The Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors’ September 2020 overview, based on data from Hilton Head MLS, paints an astounding picture. The number of closings in September 2020 is nearly 65 percent higher than September 2019. Looking at that same time period, we see that the average price jumped 31 percent.

“These numbers are just astronomical,” Jean Beck, HHAAOR president said.

And while many factors are behind this incredible growth, given the timing of it all, one must point out the elephant in the room.

“Obviously this was driven by COVID,” Wedgeworth said.

“The whole world feels safe on Hilton Head Island. No subway, no mass transit, no elevators … just a lot of open space.”

Spurred on by an urgent desire to escape the cramped confines of the northeast, buyers are fleeing to the social distancing that comes naturally here. It’s a phenomenon that has been building for years but one that kicked into high gear as the pandemic turned density into danger.

“Migration out of cities is nothing new. It’s been a trend that’s been going on for some time,” Tom Reed, broker-in-charge at The Reed Team said. “But what’s happened is, the shutdown due to coronavirus and the social

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DON’T FEAR THE unrest have caused an acceleration of that migration. And that is contributing.”

It’s massive contributing factor, but it’s not the only thing driving this massive growth. Another is the low cost of living that has long been a hallmark of South Carolina, which has become increasingly attractive for buyers now accustomed to working remotely.

“Buyers are making a mass exodus out of expensive cities and states that are draining them of their earnings and incomes,” Heather Nix with Alliance Group Realty said.

“Why pay the high costs of living and contend with harsh weather conditions when you can work from home on your laptop under a shady oak tree draped with Spanish moss? It’s a no brainer.”

Like the migration from cities that was already well underway before COVID, the rise of the work-from-home professional had already been a driver in Lowcountry real estate. It simply accelerated as the entire country realized they could work from home.

“A lot of professionals have come here looking to experience a better quality of life and more family enjoyment while still growing in their careers,” Schembra added. “And when you factor in the convenience of two airports nearby for business travel, it

“A LOT OF PROFESSIONALS HAVE COME HERE LOOKING TO EXPERIENCE A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE AND MORE FAMILY ENJOYMENT WHILE STILL GROWING IN THEIR CAREERS,” SCHEMBRA ADDED.

becomes that much more attractive.”

The mobile workforce has even strengthened the market for second homes, long a staple of the local market. “People are buying these second homes because they realize they can take a month or 6-8 weeks and work from home while their kids are out of school,” Beck said. “They’re able to use it more and spend more time enjoying it.”

It may trigger memories of 2008, but it’s hard not call it a boom. As for the bust, it’s important to realize that this boom is not the boom of 20 years ago. It’s not spurred on by artificial manipulation on the part of banks. There’s no mortgage crisis waiting in the wings to tank the market.

“The difference is that the fundamentals in the economy are different,” Reed said.

“Also, keep in mind that our area attracts wealthier clients. [Hilton Head’s] client base is less susceptible to swings in the economy.

Looking at the numbers at the moment, there’s no sign of any slowing down.”

“I couldn’t even begin to speculate what’s going to happen with the housing market in the months/year to come,” Nix said. “But for now, it’s incredibly exciting to be in this business.”

If there is a problem that could come from such unprecedented success, it’s that we’re running out of homes, lots and condos to sell. The HHAAOR September report shows a current total inventory of 1,464 properties to sell, a nearly 34 percent drop since September of 2019.

“I’m running out of inventory,” Schembra said. Looking at his numbers shows that last year in Palmetto Dunes, Shelter Cove and Leamington, there were 173 properties between homes, villas and homesites. As of this writing, he had 63. “It’s great because it gives sellers leverage to raise prices, so it’s a good problem to have.”

While the lack of inventory might be a cloud on the horizon, it’s more or less the only one. The deeper you look, the less this looks like 2008. The factors behind this boom had already been in play before the pandemic.

The Lowcountry’s quality of life, low cost of living and natural beauty was already driving steady growth. This pandemic just put the pedal down a little harder.

Knowing all of that, we can breathe easily as we call this what it is: a boom. 

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Farm mTable Article by Heather Artushin | Design by Jeff Cline

W

ones around the holidays. “My family is pretty disappointed if they don’t get traditionally prepared greens,” she said. “[Use] smoked ham bone or smoked turkey wings cooked down with plenty of lightly-browned onions to make a rich broth (water added for liquid). Season with salt and pepper—some cooks Shan add a little brown sugar. Add the e Lov washed greens with stems removed ely and cook until just tender. Nice, fresh greens don’t take long. Mustard and collards are preferred, but kale is okay.”

“Pan fried greens make an excellent side dish to any holiday meal, especially a ham,” Melissa Lovely added. “My grandma always made a whole bone-in ham at Christmas.” Bourbon-glazed carrots, slowcooked pork roast with potatoes, carrots, onions and cabbage and slow-simmered cabbage with thin-sliced onions, potatoes and ham steak are other ideas for ways to incorporate locally grown produce as you feed family and friends this time of year.

“We’ll also be harvesting sweet potatoes,” Connor said. Sweet potatoes make an excellent side dish at a holiday gathering because “grown-ups and kids like them!” Connor suggests roasting them “French-fry style” to please even the pickiest of eaters at your table. And let’s be honest, “sometimes husbands are the pickiest!”

Another way to showcase local sweet potatoes on your family table is by serving a traditionally Southern sweet potato pie for dessert (instead of a pumpkin pie). “Just substitute mashed sweet potatoes for pumpkin,” Connor said. “If you roast the sweet potatoes, they will be sweeter. Don’t peel them if roasting or steaming. Peel the skin off after they are cooked and cooled,” she suggested.

Collards and casseroles, pies and fries—local produce is like paint on an artist’s brush when it comes to creatively expressing the many tastes of the Lowcountry. Whether you are getting inspired with fresh herbs in preparing that family-favorite dressing recipe, crafting a delicate salad filled with local greens to balance out the heavy indulgences of holiday eating or simply replacing your casserole’s store-bought veggies with farmers market fresh produce to elevate a time-honored tradition, eating local can quickly become the heart of your holiday table.

Coll a

rds

e live in an ideal place for growing delicious produce: rich soil, plenty of rain and sunshine, and temperate winters make the Lowcountry a farmer’s paradise.

From watermelon to peaches, sweet potatoes to peanuts, The Palmetto State produces countless agricultural crops year-round. This time of year, sweet potatoes, greens like kale and collards, carrots and herbs are all being harvested by local farmers right here in our community. What better way to enjoy the holidays than by building a feast around locally grown foods sure to impress your guests, delight your tastebuds and nourish your body well, all while supporting your neighbors who love cultivating this land we call home.

Sure, you can buy your holiday produce from the big-box grocery store, but it is undeniable that there is something special about the experience of eating locally grown food. “What we love most about local farming is there’s just something about eating freshly harvested produce that was grown in local soils!” exclaimed Melissa Lovely, owner of Lovely Farms LLC in Hardeeville, along with her husband Shane. “There’s just no other taste like it. There were certain vegetables that my husband never cared to eat until we started growing them ourselves.”

Melissa and Shane began growing produce on their one-acre property back in 2015, forming Lovely Farms LLC in February of 2019 after discovering that their compact gardens produced a high yield of herbs, spices and vegetables.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down their plans to sell to local restaurants and at farmers markets, now that things are opening up again, the couple is eager to share their bounty with the local community. “We hope to be at the Town of Ridgeland Farmers Market, which is open Fridays 11:30 a.m.5 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., located at 7753 W. Main Street in Ridgeland,” Melissa said.

The Lovelys expect their harvest from late October through December. “Some of the produce will include collards, cabbage, broccoli, lettuce, and carrots as well as fresh herbs including sage, oregano, basil, parsley, chives, rosemary,” Melissa said.

Mary Connor, one of the three sisters who own the historical Three Sisters Farm situated in the Pinckney Colony of Bluffton, with produce available for pick-up at the weekly Port Royal Farmers Market, agrees that locals should think about greens, like kale and collards, when making a locally inspired holiday meal plan. A few of Connor’s favorite family recipes include casseroles featuring greens that travel well for visits with loved

Lovely Farms in Hardeeville, SC

Farm mTable

LOWC OU N T RY R EC I P E S

The recipe works well with most any green leafy vegetable including collards, cabbage, kale, and spinach. Depending on which green you use, the cooking times will vary.

FOR SPINACH AND KALE 1 large bunch greens 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced Salt and pepper to taste Rinse greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or sand. They can be soaked in water as well to remove any debris between the leaves.

Pat dry. Chop or tear the kale into pieces. Spinach can be left whole.

Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Add minced garlic to hot oil, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Add the kale or spinach to the pan. For kale, cook about 2 minutes until wilted but slightly crisp, continuing to stir while cooking. Add salt and pepper to taste. For spinach, cook for 45 seconds to a minute until wilted, constantly stirring. Add salt and pepper to taste.

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FOR CABBAGE AND COLLARDS 1 head of green cabbage or 1 large bunch of collards 1/2 lb. bacon, cut in squares 1 cup chicken stock 4 cloves garlic, minced Salt and pepper to taste Cut the cabbage head into chunk size pieces and rinse thoroughly with water. For the collards, rinse well with water and cut the leaves on either side to remove the stems and chop into pieces. SautĂŠ bacon in a pan over medium heat until about 3/4 of the way cooked. Add minced garlic to bacon pieces. Stir until the garlic is softened, about 1 minute. Add the greens and the cup of chicken stock. (Apple juice or apple cider vinegar can also be used.) Cover the pan and continue cooking on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 30-45 minutes until tender. Collards usually take a little longer than cabbage. More stock can be added if the greens become too dry before they are finished cooking. Add salt and pepper to taste. Note: I rarely add any salt to the collards because they seem to have a salty flavor naturally. Test them before adding too much. Also, a low sodium stock can be used.

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter 2 pounds Danvers carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces 3/4 cup bourbon, any kind or your favorite 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed Salt and pepper to taste Melt half of the stick of butter in a large skillet over high heat. Add half the carrots to the pan, stirring them frequently until they are brown, about 1 minute. Remove them from pan and repeat the same process with the remaining carrots. Pour the bourbon in the pan, being careful if using an open flame. Cook for about 4 minutes, allowing it to bubble and reduce slightly. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the other half stick of butter, stirring until melted. Stir in the brown sugar. Add the carrots, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove the lid and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until carrots are tender. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer carrots to a serving platter and enjoy!

Melissa Lovely

Any of the leafy greens or combination of greens from Three Sisters Farm will work for this recipe. The stems should be removed before blanching. The stems can be sent to the compost pile, but better to chop and sauté and added to the dip.

If you have children or “picky” eaters, eating this, you may want to leave out the peppers or use sweet peppers.

1 cup half and half 8 oz. block cream cheese, softened 1 12-oz. bunch of greens, stems removed, blanched, squeezed to remove water, chopped. (up to one pound can be used, depending on your “greens” meter) Jalapeño pepper, diced fine 2 cloves garlic, minced or squeezed through press Finely diced onions, sautéed in olive oil to make 3 tablespoons 2 green onions, chopped 1 cup Parmesan cheese or asiago cheese, shredded or grated 1 small can water chestnuts, drained and chopped (about 1/4 cup) or use radishes as a substitute 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s preferred, of course!)

Sisters M ar Priscilla C y Connor, oleman an d Beth Le

e

Black pepper to taste Salt to taste (The cheese is salty, so probably no salt is needed, but check for taste and adjust.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and transfer to shallow baking dish or glass pie plate. (Remember that you will probably be serving in the baking dish, so choose appropriately for presentation.)

Bake about 30 minutes or until slightly browned and bubbling. Cool to a warm temperature. Serve with toast points, pita chips, or any hefty crackers like ritz or tortilla chips. This dip is also good served cold but may need to be thinned with a little cream if doing so.

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A LOWCOUNTRY THANKSGIVING: Traditions and Recipes A RT I CLE BY HEAT HER A RT U S HI N

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ere in the Lowcountry, we find no shortage of things for which to be thankful: beautiful surroundings, good-hearted neighbors, and delicious food abound. Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude, tell the stories of our history, honor long-standing traditions and share an indulgent meal with the people we love most.

Thanksgiving often means a rare and precious time of togetherness, and traditions surrounding the holiday are as unique as the families who enjoy them.

“It’s a special day to fulfill the scriptural command to ‘give thanks always for all things’ (Ephesians 5:20), and to celebrate and remember the very first Thanksgiving as the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people celebrated the first harvest,” said Jeff Cranston, lead pastor of Bluffton’s own Lowcountry Community Church.

Cranston’s family gives thanks by, “going around the table during the meal and sharing what we are individually thankful for.” Laughter fills the atmosphere with joy and memories made, and of course, we can’t forget the important ritual of watching the big game, bellies and hearts full.

Local librarian, Jo Gaillard, who serves at the Hilton Head Island Library, remembers her grandfather at Thanksgiving and cherishes the opportunity to spend time with those who matter most.

“In recent years, Thanksgiving has taken on a special meaning,” Gaillard said.

“My grandfather passed away during this time in 2018. It was bittersweet; because of the holiday, we were able to spend more time together as we prepared for his passing and immediately afterward. The day before he died, we gathered at my grandmother’s house, spread out the food everyone had prepared, and just spent the time together.”

From watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on television together, to perusing Black Friday sales ads and enjoying a round of leftovers before parting ways, Gaillard’s family makes the most of Thanksgiving by embracing it as an “all-day affair.”

Bluffton Mayor, Lisa Sulka, describes Thanksgiving as a favorite holiday in which family gathers together and everyone has the opportunity to choose their favorite side dish. (Hers? Crockpot Mac and Cheese!) The menu is mouthwatering.

“We start every Thanksgiving morning with an oyster roast with our neighbors,” Sulka said. “In between the oyster roast and dinner, we fry and smoke two turkeys and begin making all of the sides: two types of sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, rice, mac and cheese, beans (string, lima, and sweet peas), two types of stuffing, two types of cranberry sauce, two types of gravy, rolls and biscuits.... If the weather is right, we set up a long table outside, have a fire in the fire pit (just for ambiance) and always have the TV on for any football game that may be played.”

Mayor Sulka has a “sweet” tradition with dear friends that has stood the test of time. “I bake more pies than we need, and take a few

to my closest friends, Michael and Corinne Reeves, and in return they make me a sweet potato casserole. This has been a tradition for over 20 years,” she said. Finishing off the day with a trip to Pinckney Island for the family’s annual Christmas card photo, another long-standing tradition, rounds out a holiday filled with food, friends, family and football.

For many of us, Thanksgiving Day is all about the food. From mac and cheese to cornbread dressing, there is something special about the holiday meal. Diane Reilley, a partner of The Crazy Crab, the Old Oyster Factory, and Reilley’s Grill & Bar, among other beloved local restaurants in the Coastal Restaurants and Bars (CRAB) family, recognizes that the food we love at Thanksgiving goes deeper than taste and tradition; it often embodies our most precious holiday memories, keeping them alive in our hearts, year after year.

“Traditions are so wonderful,” Reilley said. “Even though my children somehow never cared for the food traditions I carried over from my family, I still cook them for myself. I never make a Thanksgiving dinner without mashed rutabagas and stuffing with ground sausage and toasted white Arnold’s C2 MAGAZINE

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bread. It just wouldn’t be the same. I encourage whoever comes for dinner to bring whatever means Thanksgiving to them. So even though the mac and cheese is not a culinary creation, I assume it will grace the tables of my children’s Thanksgiving long after I am gone.”

May your Thanksgiving be inspired by the richness of our Lowcountry local culture, your sweet memories of holidays past and new memories that will soon become cherished traditions that will live on for generations.

“FAMOUS” LOCAL RECIPES

JE FF CRANS T O N’S MAMA B E T T Y’S T U RK E Y DRE S S ING CORNBREAD 32-oz. bag of cornmeal 3 eggs 2 cups buttermilk 1 teaspoon sugar 2 sticks butter, melted Beat eggs. Add buttermilk and sugar with cornmeal. Add melted butter and pour into greased and floured pan. Bake at 400 degrees until brown.

DRESSING 2 medium onions, minced 1 cup finely chopped celery 1 cup water Margarine 1 loaf Colonial white bread, torn 4 whole eggs 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted Chicken broth Simmer onions and celery with 1 cup of water and margarine until tender.

Do not trim bread crust. In large, tall pan or container for mixing, beat 4 eggs and pour over loaf bread that has been torn into small pieces; then add other mixture—onions, celery, and butter, simmered. While the mixture is still hot, crumble cornbread into pan.

Use enough liquid (1 cup of chicken broth and fill glass measurer to the top with water) to moisten to pouring consistency. Pour into greased pan or largest Pyrex dish and bake at 350 degree until brown. Remove from oven and pour about 1 cup of chicken broth over dressing and return to oven for a few minutes. Once cooled, freeze or refrigerate.

B LU FFT O N MAYO R LIS A S U LK A ’ S CRO CK PO T MAC AND CH E E S E 8-oz. pkg. macaroni, cooked Large can evaporated milk 1-1/2 cups milk 2 or 3 eggs, beaten and mixed with milk 1 stick butter, melted 1 tsp. salt or more to taste 3-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or more!)

Black pepper for seasoning Grease crockpot; mix all ingredients and cook 3.25 hours on low or 2 hours on high.

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J O G AI L L A R D’S MO M’S C O RN B R E A D DR E S S I NG (Serves 12-15 people) *For best results, prepare cornbread the day before CORNBREAD 3 cups cornmeal mix 1/2 cup Duke’s mayonnaise 1-2/3 cup whole milk Nonstick cooking spray Preheat oven to 375. Mix ingredients together in a large bowl.

Spray 9x9x2 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 30-40 minutes. Allow to cool completely or make a day ahead.

DRESSING Cornbread (as prepared with above recipe), broken into chunks 1 large onion, diced and softened 4 hard boiled eggs, chopped 1 sleeve saltine crackers, crumbled 1/3 cup melted butter 6 cups chicken broth (sodium free)* 2 teaspoons rubbed sage (more or less to taste) 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper Salt to taste Nonstick cooking spray Aluminum foil *It’s important to use sodium free broth, because the saltine crackers are going to add a good bit of saltiness.

Preheat oven to 375 Put diced onion and about a teaspoon of water in a microwavesafe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute to soften onion. Mix ingredients together for a batter-like consistency, adding spices last.

Taste for seasoning—more sage or other spices may be needed.

Spray 9x13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour dressing into casserole dish. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake, covered, at 375, for 45 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for 15 minutes Allow to rest about 15 minutes before serving “It is a tradition in our family to eat a small cup of ‘raw’ dressing while the main dish is being baked. It should be noted that nothing is truly raw at this point, so it is safe to do so.”

REI L L E Y F A MI L Y F AV O R I T E MAC AND CHEESE 16-ounce box of elbow macaroni 16-ounce box of Velveeta cheese 1/4 cup margarine 1/4 cup flour 2 tsp. mustard powder 5 cups milk Salt and pepper to taste Buttered breadcrumbs Cook macaroni al dente. Melt margarine in small pan and add flour. Whisk until blended and allow to simmer for a minute or two.

Add salt, pepper and mustard powder. Gradually add milk stirring until it just starts to thicken. Add about 12 ounces of cheese, a few ounces at a time, until it all melts and is a creamy consistency.

Put macaroni in a baking pan or large casserole and cover with cheese sauce. Melt a few tablespoons of butter and mix with breadcrumbs, either plain or seasoned. Cut up the remaining cheese and place on top of macaroni mixture; cover with buttered breadcrumbs.

Bake in a 350-degree oven about 45 minutes or until bubbly.

Consistency of sauce can be adjusted by either adding more milk or more cheese.

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FORSYTHE JEWELERS Presents Marco Bicego Jewelry TRUNK SHOW, NOV. 19-21

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ARTICLE BY CHERYL ALEXANDER

ince 1981, Forsythe Jewelers has been bringing the world’s best designer jewelry and gifts to Hilton Head Island. Carrying the most popular designer brands, this family-owned business delivers an unhurried, small-town shopping experience to every customer who enters the store. Over the past three decades, Forsythe Jewelers has established itself as an island landmark, where customers are able to slow down and shop at a pace that only a vacation can provide.

For the past five years, Andrea Bragg has been the store owner. However, Bragg has worked at Forsythe Jewelers since 2001 in some capacity, so her expertise runs the gamut, and she gladly shares her knowledge with everyone who enters, whether browsing or buying.

“We are a unique island store in that we carry the top jewelry brands that are typically only found in big cities or big stores,” Bragg said. “People are very surprised to see the selection.”

Forsythe really does have something for everyone, whether your style is golf, tennis, dinner in or out, or simple cocktails. “We work hard as team to assess what each client is looking for, and then we find it for them,” Bragg said. “The experience here is warm, happy, and inviting. We meet new friends daily and some even become like family.”

Events are a big part of how Forsythe Jewelers gets to know both visitors and fulltime residents, and there’s one November 19-21 that you’re not going to want to miss: a Marco Bicego Trunk Show.

“Marco Bicego is sending a collection of pieces that will only be available at this event,” Bragg said. “This will be an opportunity to see special pieces otherwise not

available, and we’ll have some one-of-a-kind pieces at this show.”

Since the launch of his eponymous jewelry line in 2000, Marco Bicego has redefined the phrase “everyday luxury” with sensuous, extraordinarily beautiful jewelry, which blends Old World Italian hand craftsmanship with tradition, passion, and imagination. His uniquely crafted pieces are exceptional; each makes a statement, yet each is also personal enough to wear every day.

“The inspiration behind the creation of my jewels is rooted in my origins and the natural settings surrounding my territory,” Bicego said. “I have always believed in quality and in the secrets of Italian jewelry.

The distinct uniqueness of my timeless jewels can be described through artisanal craftsmanship and imperfect shapes, always made in 18 karat gold.”

Bicego began his training as a gold artisan at his father’s 50-year-old atelier in the Veneto region of Italy. His instincts were refined at the workbench and led him to create unique, multi-textured items both beautiful and unexpected. He became known for his designs that blend urban-inspired lines with natural forms that transform gold into spirals and hand-engraved beads.

“All my creations must be manipulated by hand in order for them to preserve a unique and luxurious experience,” Bicego said.

Bicego’s success showcases his contemporary flair with his respect for tradition in collections that remain fresh due to his zeal and creativity. He will, without a doubt, continue to lead the fine jewelry industry with his unique positioning between precious jewelry and today’s everyday luxury.

Shop the exquisite fall collection of the renowned Italian jewelry designer Marco Bicego, hand-crafted in Italy, Thursday and Friday, November 19 and 20, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, November 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Enjoy a complimentary gift with your Marco Bicego purchase. RSVP to (843) 671-7070 or Andrea@ForsytheJewelers.biz.

Forsythe Jewelers also offer customers opportunities to shop via facetime, email and text. Curbside pickup and free local delivery available. Please wear masks to the store.  Forsythe Jewelers is located at 71 Lighthouse Rd., Suite 311, in The Shops at Sea Pines Center on Hilton Head Island. For more information, visit forsythejewelers.biz.

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The Hometown Spirit In creating a wonderland of potent potables at its Palmetto Bay Road location, Roller’s Wine and Spirits has built on its foundation as the island’s go-to source for spirits.

ARTI CLE BY BARRY KAUFMA N

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or many of us, our Hilton Head Island story starts with one drink.

Be it a post-golf cocktail, glass of wine paired with a mesmerizing sunset, or a cold beer staving off the heat of summer festival season, that one drink served as the crucial ingredient in the elixir of our love for this magnificent island.

And odds are good that you have Roller’s Wine and Spirits to thank for that drink. Since 1960, they’ve been slaking islanders’ thirst for the strong stuff, whether their particular favorite spirit is distilled, fermented or brewed. It’s essentially a rite of passage for many islanders—on an island defined by hospitality, can you even call yourself a local if you haven’t made a Roller’s run to stock the bar before a party?

For decades, Roller’s played its part and played it well, supplying the island’s restaurants with a global array of spirits and helping build our community’s reputation for classy cocktails, wine and craft beer.

Upon opening its location on Palmetto Bay Road, however, Roller’s took a giant leap forward. More than simply a place to procure that hard-to-find bottle, this sprawling new space is a free-standing love letter to the way a few drinks brings us all together.

“We love being able to utilize the patio,” store manager Stephanie Skager said. “You can just stop by anytime until 7 p.m. and enjoy a beer or a glass of wine out there with a charcuterie plate or a cheese board.”

Therein lies just part of the magic this new space affords—more than just picking up a bottle to bring home, you can relax and

enjoy it amid lush surroundings of exotic tropical flowers and posh sophistication, and pair it with a tasty tapas-style side.

Beyond simply offering up a massive selection of liquor, wine and beer, this location is an experience unto itself.

While the recent pandemic has put a temporary damper on the culinary calendar, Roller’s has played host to some of the finest chefs on the island during special tasting dinners in the expansive rear kitchen. Here, amid surroundings of marbled white luxury, you can pair an exotic new wine with epicurean creations from the likes of Clayton Rollison, Leslie Rohland, Shawn Ross and more.

“We provide spirits to so many restaurants on the island and in Bluffton, so we really like to dive into those relationships,” Skager said.

Essentially, the new location represents an evolution of Roller’s as a concept. But they still haven’t forgotten what made them such an island institution: keeping the good times rolling. The emphasis may be stronger on ambience and experience, but it’s still your go-to for social lubricant.

“People walk in thinking it’s a highend store and they won’t find anything affordable, but with us all trying the wines, we can really find a great value at the price point you’re looking for,” Skager said. Besides managing the Palmetto Bay location, Skager is one of three sommeliers on-site, along with assistant manager Nicky Geoffroy and general manager Camille Copeland. Between the three of them, that represents a wealth of wine knowledge you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere

else on the island. Essentially, that means you’re going to get a recommendation you can trust—but if you do need to verify their findings, there are tastings every Tuesday.

The same attention to finding interesting and delicious wines has been brought to bear on the beer selection, found toward the back of the store. Even the most devoted craft beer snobs would have to tip their flat cap to the carefully curated collection of brews from around the country.

“I don’t know anyone on the island who carries a selection like ours,” Geoffroy said.

Curated with an eye on smaller domestic craft breweries and South Carolina beers, the shelves at Roller’s contain a lot of, in Geoffroy’s words, “really weird geeky stuff.”

If you speak beer, that’s high praise. “And the cool thing is, you can buy individually and make your own packs to try something before you commit to a six-pack.” (Craft beer geeks, you know where to go before your next bottle share.)

Roller’s has spent the last 60 years as the source for the island’s best stories, and now it’s the place where those stories are told. But through it all, it’s still the same place that has grown alongside our island community, even as it has lifted that community up. You’ll see their logo on sponsorship banners for a whole host of fundraisers and charity events, from golf outings to 5ks. They are the force behind the iconic champagne toast at the Yacht Hop every year, and they have been ardent supporters of organizations from the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra to Volunteers in Medicine.

“As one community here, all those bars and restaurants and local owners, we’re all involved with trying to make this a wonderful place to live,” owner John Kelsey said. “It’s sort of basic. We want to be an intrinsic part of the community.”

We can raise a glass to that. To find out more, call (843) 842-1200 or visit rollerswineandspirits.com.

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Fi

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A PERSONAL JOURNEY TO JOY A RT I C L E BY L I N DA S . H O P K I N S

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f there was an advantage of growing up poor, it was not knowing I was poor. You can’t long for or miss what you don’t know exists.

In the 1960s, at least in my world, shopping was a mission for necessities. Unlike today, when every possible object of desire is available at our fingertips, I wasn’t regularly exposed to retail temptation, and with no Google, Amazon or credit card account, impulse buying was a non-issue. Television ads were for dishwashing soap, cigarettes, and “living” bras, none of which held any interest. Stores were for basic needs like peanut butter and white bread or underwear and socks. The Sears

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catalogue was for dreaming and could double as toilet paper in an emergency.

As a child, I shopped for clothes at Rich’s bargain basement, where my grandmother worked and could get an even deeper discount. I had exactly five seasonal outfits for school that could be mixed and matched to look slightly different each week. I owned two pairs of shoes, purchased once a year at Payless: penny loafers for school and patent leather Mary Janes for church—and a pair of rubber galoshes for rainy days. I don’t remember being unhappy. I had exactly what I needed with no reason to want more. Innocence was a buffer against discontent.

I was in high school when I first began noticing what other people had that I lacked, triggering many painful emotions and lingering insecurities. College brought even more pressure to fit in, sowing seeds of self-doubt that would fester well into my adult years, driving a feverish effort to stack up.

The pursuit of happiness became a relentless race to more with no finish line in sight. Shopping became both entertainment and therapy, an instant rush and a soothing balm, leading to a desire to repeat the experience, much like any addiction.

I became obsessed with clothes and shoes, collecting until deciding what to wear was more of a chore than a pleasure. Recently, I got on a skincare and makeup kick, purchasing so many products I was having a hard time sorting out which miracle cream was for what. At the same time, choosing a lip color became a daily burden, leading me to the conclusion that less really can be more. My earring collection is another matter.

Lest you think my quest is or has been all about appearances, there was also the cookbook/cookware/gadgetry phase and the needlework era, followed by a piano-music binge (I have four file cabinet drawers filled with music books, a few from which I actually play.)

To be fair, I can look back and see that my striving was rooted in a subconscious fear of scarcity, which I glimpsed as a child. And there was the view of the other side: girls who lived in two-story houses with air conditioning

Five Pathways to Contentment Learning to be content comes from a combination of mindset shifts, habit changes, and awareness. Here are four pathways to help you find your way.

1. Count your blessings. Gratitude is the cornerstone of contentment.

Focusing on and expressing gratitude for what you already have is the first step towards a permanent breakup with discontent. Ironically, once you turn your attention to all the things you have to be thankful for, you begin to lose sight of what you lack.

2. Interrupt the buying habit. Material possessions will never lead to contentment. Next time you are tempted to purchase something non-essential, take a moment to examine why you want it. What does acquiring that item represent, and how might you fill the void or meet the deeper need without spending more money? As contentment seeps in, your perspective shifts, and you will no longer be distracted by every shiny object that comes into view.

3. Stop comparing yourself to others. There will always be people who appear to have a better life than yours—operative word, “appear.” Understand that every human in every situation has a set of problems, challenges, heartaches, and hardships alongside whatever cheerful image he or she may be projecting socially. Instead of coveting your neighbor’s greener grass, tend to your own patch of earth. Celebrate your uniqueness and be grateful for the experiences that have made you who and what you are.

4. Appreciate the here and now. We often engage in mental aerobics that involve “when and then” thinking: “When I get this or achieve that, then I will be happy.” To fully appreciate the present and know true contentment, we must stop predicating our happiness on some future acquisition or event. What if “then” never comes? Will you have wasted the opportunity to be happy now? Examine your life and see how wonderful it already is; it doesn’t have to be perfect to be perfectly okay. Stop looking for the secret passageway that might lead to happiness. Contentment is on your doorstep now. Won’t you invite her in?

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AFTER SPENDING A GREAT DEAL OF TIME AT HOME WITH NO PLACE TO GO AND NOTHING TO COMPARE, I CONCLUDED THAT HAPPINESS IS OFTEN CONTINGENT UPON EXTERNAL CIRCUMSTANCES. IT’S A FEELING THAT CAN BE AS FLEETING AS THE THRILL OF A CHRISTMAS TOY, CAST ASIDE BY DAY’S END, OR A NEW OUTFIT WORN ONCE.

and more than one bathroom; friends whose moms picked them up from school in shiny new station wagons or luxury sedans; the college roommate who wore silk blouses, won beauty contests, and vacationed in the Hamptons.

Exposed to a higher standard of living, I yearned for the same status, and when I had the means to do so, I accumulated things I thought would bring me the attention, affection, and respect I craved. That plan backfired, leading to increased anxiety as I was striving for the ever-elusive land of enough.

While I was busy chasing material possessions, I fell into a pattern of comparison, measuring myself against other people’s assets, both material and physical, which we all know is a blueprint for misery. If only I had this person’s hair, that person’s figure, another person’s talents, a fancier house, a newer car, the perfect shoes….

THE AWAKENING I hate to admit it, but it took 63 years and a global pandemic to shake me out of my materialistic, envy-induced coma. As necessities such as toilet paper and common food staples became scarce, I, like a lot of other people, got focused on daily essentials. I found myself directing my attention inward to discover what I value and why, and I began to question what is really required to be happy.

After spending a great deal of time at home with no place to go and nothing to compare, I concluded that happiness is often contingent upon external circumstances.

It’s a feeling that can be as fleeting as the thrill of a Christmas toy, cast aside by day’s end, or a new outfit worn once.

Contentment, on the other hand, comes from an internal optimism and the positive experience of everyday life, despite what’s going on around us. Contentment, I believe, is the foundation for true happiness. It’s not achieved by accumulating material wealth or getting what we think we must have to fit in or feel worthy. Contentment is finding joy in what we already have. It’s being happy without seeking fulfillment in possessions. Contentment is a state of unconditional wholeness that invites us to stop comparing ourselves and to break the cycle of wanting more.

I won’t claim that I no longer want “stuff.” I still love clothes, makeup, and earrings, and I am currently in the midst of some home improvement projects. The difference is, I no longer pursue those things with the feverish expectation that they will increase my happiness or add to my worth. Joy comes from the inside, where contentment has found her way home.  C2 MAGAZINE

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In vest i n g in Pe opl e a nd S e r v i ces

KEY TO TREASURER’S OFFICE SUCCESS ARTICLE BY TIM WOOD . PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

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nvest in resiliency. It sounds like a catchphrase you might hear in a commercial, but for Beaufort County Treasurer Maria Walls, CPA, it became a mantra and a concept to live up to, both in leading her staff and delivering services for residents.

“I heard a journalist discussing it on a podcast, and it just clicked for me,” Walls said. “It’s about investing in people and communities and giving your team the freedom and support to think differently so we can develop smarter systems to serve our residents, even in the midst of disaster or difficulty.”

For Beaufort County officials faced with closing brick-and-mortar offices due to COVID-19, the challenge of providing leadership and services for residents became even greater. But when it came to residents paying their taxes, Walls said she and her staff were ready for the challenge.

“I’m just not the type of leader who waits for there to be a problem to fix something,” Walls said.

“You never know when there will be crises like this pandemic. Embracing this idea of investing in resiliency fell in line with our mission and core values and absolutely empowers us to better serve, regardless of what is going on around us.”

The results of this investment? Success in telework, payment processing, and customer experience—three areas in which many organizations have struggled during the pandemic.

Beaufort County did not have an official telecommuting policy pre-COVID, but Walls had already tested the concept. “Three years ago, I had an amazing team member facing some personal changes that were requiring her to be home full time,” Walls said. “We didn’t want to lose her, so why should we have to? Thankfully, county administration allowed me to test the idea. Not only is she still on our team, but we learned how to lead telecommuting staff and then had a framework for other team members to follow.”

While expanding the idea from one member to her 30-person staff was no small feat, Walls said other team members already had out-of-office work

experience, thanks to another customer service innovation—once-per-month remote office hours at Sun City.

On top of alleviating volume at their Bluffton office, team members were already comfortable with setting up remote technology, giving Walls the ability to transition her entire operation to remote service within a day of the county buildings closing.

With the brick-and-mortar treasurer offices closed, call volume increased three- to fourfold, going from 250-350 weekly calls to well over 1,000 per week. How do you handle that increase from home while caring for children?

“My kids are 2, 4, 6, and 8. Most of our team members are women, many with kids. So, it was all about having each other’s backs,” Walls said. “If one of our team member’s kids was having trouble with math class or finding childcare, another team member stepped up to cover for them. I knew my team was amazing before this, but they have truly blown me away in how they’ve responded to all these changing dynamics.”

“IT’S ABOUT INVESTING IN PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES AND GIVING YOUR TEAM THE FREEDOM AND SUPPORT TO THINK DIFFERENTLY SO WE CAN DEVELOP SMARTER SYSTEMS TO SERVE OUR RESIDENTS, EVEN IN THE MIDST OF DISASTER OR DIFFICULTY.”

BEAUFORT COUNTY TREASURER, MARIA WALLS IN OLD TOWN BLUFFTON

In vesting in Pe opl e a nd S e r v ices

KEY TO TREASURER’S OFFICE SUCCESS Getting ahead of evolving technological needs has also been crucial, both with email billing and the MyBeaufortCounty.com payment system. Back in 2015, Walls was asked by then-County Administrator Gary Kubic to work with Beaufort County’s state delegation as legislators looked to make bill-by-email legal statewide.

After successfully becoming law, Beaufort County was first in the state to offer e-billing to its taxpayers.

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In 2017, Walls and her team launched MyBeaufortCounty.com, giving residents a more user-friendly means to pay property, boat, vehicle and business taxes all in one place—an experience that has grown since the start of the pandemic.

“Our partnership with PayIt has allowed us to expand beyond the treasurer’s office and property tax payments, to equipping any county office with the ability to accept online payments through

“WE FOCUSED ON BUILDING TEAM CULTURE TO MAKE THIS A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO WORK. THAT HAS ALLOWED US TO BE INNOVATIVE AND PROACTIVE SO CUSTOMERS ARE CONSTANTLY HAVING A BETTER AND BETTER EXPERIENCE.” MyBeaufortCounty.com,” Walls said. “And we’re ready to assist in getting each department up and running.”

The Community Development office and Beaufort County’s airports are now live on the app, and Walls said others will be transitioning to the app in the coming months.

The end result of all this customer-focused innovation: fourth quarter 2019 was the first time that residents interacted with the treasurer’s office more online than in person.

“Online usage was up 46 percent before COVID, so we were already trending towards more digital interactions and were as ready as we could be when the offices closed,” Walls said. “Our customers tell us it’s easier than Amazon to use.”

Earlier this year, the office launched an updated installment payment program allowing taxpayers to pay the upcoming year’s taxes in advance—in any amount and as frequently as they like— via mail or through MyBeaufortCounty.com.

Next up: all three treasurer’s office locations—Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Beaufort—will have payment kiosks installed before year’s end. “We’re installing an exterior window touchscreen at the Hilton Head office and interior units at our other locations,” Walls said. It’s based off the unique window Walls saw at the Engel and Volkers real estate office in Old Town Bluffton. “I took my kids for ice cream early in the pandemic, and I was blown away by this onestop information window. We called the vendor, WindowVision, and asked if they could adapt their real estate-focused software for us.”

When Walls was first hired in 2011 by then-Treasurer Doug Henderson to take her first-ever government position, she said overcoming stereotypes was essential. “Government doesn’t get things done; that stereotype is sadly well-earned and that’s how I saw government,” Walls said. “We focused on building team culture to make this a place where people want to work. That has allowed us to be innovative and proactive so customers are constantly having a better and better experience.”

Walls leads the treasurer’s office in a mission to serve with innovation and enthusiasm, creating an ease of service that turns a negative experience, paying taxes, into a positive. The approach is showing significant results. The countywide collection rate is over 98 percent this year, the highest ever, and investment returns are over $5.7 million, another all-time high.

“We’re making the taxpayers’ monies work for them while we have it and constantly looking towards the future,” she said. “We may not know what challenges tomorrow will bring but when you invest in your team and put customers first, it is a recipe for success.”  Learn more about the Beaufort County Treasurer and discover the many resources available to you at beaufortcountytreasurer.com.

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PAUL A. SACONN, M.D.

STEPHEN TILEY, D.O.

CANCER CARE CLOSE TO HOME

BEAUFORT MEMORIAL OPENS OKATIE MEDICAL PAVILION

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ARTICLE BY MARIE JOHANNEMANN

inding high-quality healthcare is about to get easier for residents of southern Beaufort and Jasper counties. This month, Beaufort Memorial Hospital (BMH) will open its long-awaited Okatie Medical Pavilion, offering a wide array of practices and services from basic primary care to complicated cancer treatments.

Located on Okatie Center Blvd. North, the brand-new, three-story facility will allow south-of-the-Broad residents to see specialists in obstetrics and gynecology, orthopaedics, cardiology, gastroenterology, general surgery, vascular surgery, pulmonology and neurology in their own backyard, rather than make the 30- to 45-minute drive to the main hospital campus in Beaufort. They can even make in-person and telemedicine appointments with subspecialists from MUSC Health.

Lab work, X-rays, CT scans and MRIs can also be performed in the sprawling 70,000-square-foot facility located at 122 Okatie Center Boulevard North. Inside the complex is a full-service laboratory and imaging center as well as a breast health center where you can go for your annual mammogram, bone density screenings and diagnostic mammography and ultrasounds.

Add to that a full-service cancer center, offering both medical and radiation oncology.

“This is the next step in an aggressive capital improvement plan to meet the growing need for health care in an area with an exploding population,” said BMH President and CEO Russell Baxley. “By making these services more accessible, we hope to improve the health of the community, meeting our mission as Beaufort County’s only nonprofit hospital.”

Since he took the reins of BMH four years ago, Baxley has focused on expanding access to primary care, recognizing the

critical role it plays in slowing the epidemic of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity in a county with high rates of all three chronic conditions.

Okatie Medical Pavilion will feature a full-time primary care practice as well as the hospital’s third Express Care & Occupational Health, offering same-day appointments seven days a week for minor injuries and illnesses like flu, strep throat, urinary tract infections, diarrhea, lacerations, and sprains and strains. The walk-in clinic will also provide immunizations, lab services, x-rays, and physical assessments for school, sports and camps.

In addition, its providers will treat workplace injuries and perform employee physical exams, drug and alcohol testing and cholesterol and blood pressure screenings for companies enrolled in the Beaufort Memorial Well at Work program.

Among other services offered in the medical pavilion are outpatient and cardiac rehabilitation and a memory center for the care of dementia patients.

BMH broke ground on the new 19-acre center in May 2019, nearly 13 years after launching its first venture in Bluffton. The pavilion will replace the multispecialty offices of Bluffton Medical Services that have been expanded over the years in the Westbury Park office complex near the intersection of US 278 and Buck Island Road.

The Okatie Medical Pavilion is the second facility BMH has opened in southern Beaufort County in just over a year. May River Medical Pavilion opened in September 2019 in a renovated 7,000-square-foot building on Burnt Church Road. The medical plaza features both immediate and primary care.  For more information on the Okatie Medical Pavilion or any of its services, please visit BeaufortMemorial.org/ OkatieMedicalPavilion.

In partnership with MUSC Health and Alliance Oncology, Beaufort Memorial Hospital (BMH) opens its second full-service cancer center this month in the new Okatie Medical Pavilion, bringing cancer care closer to home for patients south of the Broad River.

The New River Cancer Center will provide radiation and medical oncology, chemotherapy and infusion services along with access to clinical trials and consultations with subspecialists experienced in treating rare or complex cancer.

With laboratory and imaging services also located inside the 70,000-square-foot pavilion, patients can receive the entire spectrum of cancer care from diagnosis to treatment.

“That’s the biggest strength of a facility like this,” said boardcertified radiation oncologist Dr. Paul A. Saconn, who recently joined the BMH medical staff to work in the new cancer center.

“Having all of a cancer patient’s physicians under one roof provides cohesiveness of care.”

Previously affiliated with cancer programs in Beaufort County, North Carolina and West Virginia, Dr. Saconn brings a wealth of experience in the field of radiation oncology. Joining him on the team of cancer specialists is board-certified medical oncologist Dr. Stephen Tiley, who comes to the Lowcountry from Vidalia, Georgia, where he served seven years on the staff at Meadows Regional Cancer Center.

Like the Keyserling Cancer Center on the main hospital campus, the New River center is equipped with a state-of-the-art intensity-modulated radiation therapy system. The Halcyon™ Linear Accelerator allows radiation oncologists to target tumors with extraordinary accuracy while providing a quieter, more comfortable treatment process for the patient.

M A Y O R

Hilton Head Island Mayor Photography by M.Kat

A Note from John McCann

OUR ISLAND’S FUTURE: 2020-2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GUIDES THE WAY

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ou may be familiar with Benjamin Franklin’s quote, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” What I know for sure is our town is never planning to fail, and we never fail to plan. Planning is synonymous with all of our actions, and we rely on the planning process to guide our path forward to the future.

During our most recent Town Council meeting, we unanimously passed Our Plan, the 2020 to 2040 comprehensive plan for the Town of Hilton Head Island. Our Plan is foundational for the island’s growth and development. It provides a baseline of existing conditions and outlines goals, strategies, and tactics for the future of the town and island community. This document is crafted as a dynamic and informational guide that reflects integral components of the island community fabric. It also serves as a tool for the town and community leaders to strengthen and preserve the island culture, image, character, and unique sense of place. Finally, it embodies a vision towards the revitalization and modernization of our economy and infrastructure while building an inclusive and diverse community.

You may ask why such a document is needed. South Carolina’s Local Government Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act of 1994 requires that all planning commissions develop a comprehensive plan to guide development and redevelopment of its municipality.

We could not have completed Our Plan without community engagement. Over 100 citizens representing a broad and diverse

< Bluffton Mayor

cross section of our community joined us in the process of developing this comprehensive plan. The outcome of many meetings held over the last 12 months is a very thorough plan that reflects diverse thoughts, historical perspectives, and future guidance on every aspect of our community, from parks and recreation to the economy and regional partnerships. It shows that we all have a stake in how our community is preserved and developed over the next 20 years.

A Note from Lisa Sulka

M AY O R

WELCOME POLICE CHIEF STEPHENIE PRICE!

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luffton’s new police chief was sworn in on Monday, October 12, and on behalf of Town Council, Town Manager Marc Orlando and all the men and women who serve the Bluffton community, we are thrilled she is here. Chief Price was the former assistant chief of police for Savannah, Georgia, and she plans to make Bluffton her new home. Her conviction, compassion and dedicated to best practices made her shine among the more than 100 candidates who applied for this position.

Throughout Price’s career, she has built a strong reputation for responsiveness, accountability, and innovation. She has extensive public safety experience with an emphasis in community-oriented policing and using innovation as a part of process improvements and problemsolving. As assistant chief of police for Savannah, Price supervised the administration and management bureau of the department, which includes the budget, canine unit, collateral duty, emergency management, fleet services, mounted patrol, recruiting, technology, traffic division, and training.

Price has more than 21 years of law enforcement experience, with the majority of her career serving the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.

While in Kansas City, she served as a detective, sergeant and captain in the following divisions: patrol, property crimes, internal affairs, domestic

Photography by Krisztian Lonyai

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With this plan approved, our next step is bringing the strategies and tactics entailed in it to life. This is not a plan that just sits on a shelf. It is a 370-page document filled with the ideas we want to use in making Hilton Head Island a better place when it comes to embracing our culture and our residents, protecting our environment, addressing issues such as workforce housing, and improving our parks, recreation, bridges and other facets of our community. I encourage you to take some time to peruse this comprehensive plan and get a feel for what’s in store for the future of Hilton Head Island.

As I close, I want to thank our town staff who dedicated themselves to completing this plan. They worked side-byside with citizens and facilitated the process to fine tune the ideas, strategies and tactics that emerged through various teams. They were led by a group of citizens who made up the Our Plan Development Team, which was tasked with making sure all the teams worked in a manner to create a cohesive plan and met the goals of the process. On behalf of Town Council, I express my sincere appreciation to our citizens who served on the Development Team and the other work groups as part of this planning process.

To review the 2020-2040 comprehensive plan for the Town of Hilton Head Island, visit hiltonheadislandsc.gov.  A Note from Lisa Sulka continued

violence, narcotics/vice, regional training academy, and fiscal services. Prior to law enforcement, Price also served her community as an emergency medical technician (EMT), paramedic and a licensed practical nurse.

Price earned a Bachelor of Science degree in law enforcement from Park University in Parkville, Missouri and a master’s degree in business administration from Benedictine University in Atchison, Kansas.

Chief Price is looking forward to a long career as Bluffton’s police chief. She said she is very impressed with Bluffton’s high level of community pride, and she is excited to meet residents and listen to their needs and concerns while preparing the department for the future to meet those needs and concerns.

She places a high priority on wellness programs and said they are crucial components of building healthy relationships and partnerships with the community. She is dedicated to creating a culture of caring and compassion within the department and throughout their interactions with the Bluffton community.

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This & That

C2 Magazine • November 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.

Melonie Hackman is pleased to announce the opening of Island Nutrition, a new, locally owned business on Hilton Head Island, serving energizing teas and healthy meal shakes. The business is located at 841 William Hilton Parkway in South Island Square.

Dr. Stephen Fedec has joined Beaufort Memorial Heart Specialists in Bluffton and Beaufort and will have his office in the hospital’s new Okatie Medical Pavilion when it opens.

Fellowship-trained, he brings over three decades of experience, and is board certified in internal medicine, cardiology and interventional cardiology.

Some superheroes wear capes, but these 12 superheroes wore masks.

StoneWorks employees got up early before work to serve the community they love by picking up trash along Hunter Rd. on Hilton Head Island. They helped to make the Lowcountry an even more beautiful place through their efforts, collecting 11 bags since the last quarter.

ONE CRAZY SUMMER S

Article by Jesse Blanco

ome people will tell you that there aren’t enough expletives to describe the year that has been 2020. I was reminded recently that we are down to single-digit weeks left in this can’t-wait-to-forget-it year. It has been tough for so many of us in a variety of different ways, but when you lose your ability to operate your business, things can get sticky. Then there’s Lisa Bernstein.

Bernstein (affectionately known as Bernie) is the owner of Hilton Head Island’s very popular The Purple Cow—a dessert shop with some wine and munchies, formerly near the north end of the island. I say formerly, because that’s been part of the 2020 adventure.

Bernie was making plans to move to a new location when the world shut down early 2020. Yes, she had a plan, and she had a new lease. But just like so many of us during the spring of 2020, she had uncertainty. It doesn’t take much to remember when we were all locked at home with no idea what the next five to six months were going to look like. The Purple Cow was no different.

As time rolled on, Bernie very slowly carved her path forward. There were renovations to finish; there was a pandemic to deal with and all of the regulations that came along with that. Still, she was patiently impatient. She wanted to open ASAP, but it wasn’t going to happen before she was ready.

Bernie finally got her doors open early September. Happily ever after?

Hardly. Within days, she tested positive for COVID-19—asymptomatically, but positive, nonetheless. She not only had to tell everyone she had seen in those first few days at The Purple Cow, but she had to alert her employees and close just as quickly as she had opened. Clearly, she was devastated.

I spoke to Bernie during her two-week quarantine. She was at home, feeling fine and frankly bored. At the same time, she was incredibly grateful that she was handling her infection well because she is very aware that not everyone is so lucky. “I have good friends who have been hospitalized,” she said. “I know people who have died. This is not a joke.”

Not long after she was cleared to return to work, she re-opened and hasn’t looked back. Business has returned, Bernie feels great, and the pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls (!!!) are selling out just about as quickly as she can make them. They look pretty incredible.

Bernie and her Purple Cow story are not outliers. A ton of businesses in this area are fighting their way through what has been one of the most difficult years of our lifetimes. Your support of small local businesses is always appreciated, even more so as we approach what will hopefully be a wonderful holiday season.

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This & That

C2 Magazine • November 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.

On September 26, Lowcountry Presbyterian Church held its annual Walk for Water event with 18 enthusiastic participants who walked three miles around Old Town Bluffton carrying buckets of water to bring awareness to the lack of access to safe water throughout the world. Around one-third of the world’s population, 2.2. billion people, lack access to safe water; millions of women and children walk 3.5 miles to collect water that’s not safe.

The team began and ended at the Oyster Factory Park on the May River.

Thanks to Bluffton United Methodist Church for letting team members fill their buckets from a hose at their church!

This year’s walk was different due to COVID-19. Charleston-based Water Mission—a non-profit Christian engineering organization that provides safe water solutions around the world—asked participating sponsors to organize their own local walks (instead of one walk in Port Royal as in the past). LPC is grateful for the active participation by the walkers and for generous contributions made to www.WaterMission.org.

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The Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island will celebrate the arts at a unique luncheon experience as they Shop Local and Dine About at Shelter Cove Towne Centre on Tuesday, December 8 beginning at 10 a.m. Participants will enjoy pop up shops, live artist demonstrations, seasonal holiday music from the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra musicians, and more.

The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. with inperson or to-go dining at the following restaurants: Poseidon, Wayback Burgers, World of Beer, Tio’s, Jane Bistro, and Kilwins.

All attending the event are asked to bring a wrapped children’s toy labeled with the gender (boy or girl) and the age (6 months to 8 years old) for the organization’s Difference Makers annual holiday toy drive benefitting The Children’s Center and Bluffton Self Help.

All women in the community are welcome to join WAHHI members shopping on this day to support our local retailers and WAHHI’s community philanthropy! Members, and their guests, may register for their luncheon restaurant and menu choice by November 30 through the WAHHI website at wahhi.org or by mail-in registration form.

The event will take place rain or shine.

This & That

C2 Magazine •November 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.

R

ight at home is the perfect spot for this year’s Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade, scheduled to take place November 5-7. This is the second year of the Lantern Parade, a free event celebrating the history, ecology and people of Hilton Head Island. It was launched successfully last year on South Forest Beach and garnered over 1,800 participants, who paraded on the beach with their homemade lanterns reflecting a range of themes from Lowcountry boils and Mitchelville cabins to sea turtles and light houses. More than 1,000 spectators gathered and watched the sea of lantern lights that created a spectacular scene against the backdrop of the ocean and dark skies.

This year, participants are invited to make a lantern and display it to light up the community. Over the course of three nights—November 5, 6 &7—islanders are encouraged to light up their driveways, yards, balconies or doorsteps with their homemade lanterns. An online map is available to register your lantern so neighbors can know where to view them. View the map and sign up at CultureHHI.org/Register-Your-Lantern.

Additionally, lead artist, Chantelle Rytter, who created the Lantern Parade concept, and her Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons, will be out each night at a different location for a drive-thru spectacle of light. The public is invited to drive-thru to view the large glowing puppets in action by the puppeteers. Approximately a dozen glowing lanterns varying in size from five to 14 feet will be on display each night from 7 to 8 p.m. at the following locations: Thursday, November 5 at the Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island; Friday, November 6 at Hilton Head Island Fire Station 3, 534 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island (next to the First Presbyterian Church); Saturday, November 7 at the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, 226 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island.

For more information about the Lantern Parade, contact the Office of Cultural Affairs at (843) 341-4703 or visit culturehhi. org/lanternparade. Also, check out Facebook at @CultureHHI.

Hilton Head Dance Theatre’s thirtyfifth anniversary season production of The Nutcracker will be shown on the big screen at Park Plaza Cinemas December 10, 12, and 13. For more information, visit hiltonheaddance.com.

Catherine Waite is pleased to announce the creation of Cappys Farm Fresh Foods, LLC, partnering with local farms to provide healthy, allergenfriendly meals and snacks to people on the go. Cappys’ foods are free from the most prominent allergens including peanuts, soy, milk, dairy, wheat (gluten), fish and crustacean shellfish. Learn more at cappysfreshfood.com.

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TWO CHANCES TO CATCH SILICONE SISTER IN 2020!

November 28 at Poseidon New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve at The Beach House

I S C IANS MU in bathrooms BAND: SILICONE SISTER MUSICIANS: TAIME DOWNZ, BILLY C, ROB FOXX, JANI ST. JAMES

What’s your sign?

Taime Downz: Aries—into the fire Billy C: EXIT sign—Jersey Turnpike, Exit 13 Rob Foxx: The peace sign, man!

Jani St. James: Libra. Or, whatever sign is most compatible with yours.

Most underrated song that, in your opinion, should be a classic: Taime Downz: “Feel My Heat,” from Boogie Nights Billy C: “Ebb Tide,” Righteous Brothers Rob Foxx: “Things Go Bang in the Night,” by Silicone Sister Jani St. James: “Slide It In” by White Snake. It’s always resonated with me.

Biggest compliment you’ve ever gotten from a fan?

Taime Downz: “Seeing my children being born was beautiful.”

Billy C: Lots of phone numbers Rob Foxx: “You’ve got great eyelashes.”

Jani St. James: Does sex count? If not, then it was probably that one time, at band camp, that one guy told me he thought I played pretty fair for someone blackout drunk who can barely reach the pedals from his drum throne. Usually I just get compliments on my makeup, so when that guy talked about my actual drumming, I was taken aback.

What is your favorite piece to perform?

Taime Downz: I like the bit about french fries.

Billy C: The middle piece of “Cherry Pie” Rob Foxx: Watching Billy C shred “Eruption” Jani St. James: I’m really into performance art.

Mostly body painting and Twister. Oh. Did you mean songs we play?

What do you sing in the shower?

Taime Downz: Singing in the shower is something I do at 5 a.m., so after a show, it’s always the same song, “Home Country.” You have to sing things that let you feel something.

In the shower with my li’l shower beer is a special place, and I just wanna thank you all.

Billy C: Their favorite song, of course. ;) Rob Foxx: Sinatra Jani St. James: I do a lot of growling. The deep, throaty, singer-songwriter/folk artist type stuff.

I’ve always admired “artists” who call that singing.

Favorite cereal?

Taime Downz: Cereal makes you bloated.

Billy C: Whatever, Wilford Brimley eats.

Rob Foxx: Shredded Wheat Jani St. James: Lucky Charms

Billy C: The legend, EVH Rob Foxx: ’70s KISS Jani St. James: There is only one “real” artist.

The rest of us just play covers, like all the other sell-outs.

Place you go to get away from it all?

Taime Downz: Fetal position in the shower (yes I have a shower beer).

Billy C: The woods Rob Foxx: The bathroom. That way, I can get away from it all no matter where I am.

Jani St. James: Bathroom Do you tweet, gram or book?

What’s your handle?

Taime Downz: No social media for this guy.

Billy C: Nah Rob Foxx: Sadly, only book ( I know, lame!). My handle is my real name if you know me.

Jani St. James: Not sure what you’re implying here. I don’t do drugs anymore.

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

Taime Downz: As Taime Downz, probably Cher or Billy Martini Jr. Billy C: Me Rob Foxx: Gisele Bundchen Jani St. James: Someone with a lot of short story telling experience.

First instrument you learned to play?

Taime Downz: The body; I sing the body electric.

Billy C: Drums Rob Foxx: Keyboard Jani St. James: If I could play an instrument, I wouldn’t be the drummer.

Song you were thrilled to finally master?

Taime Downz: I’ve mastered every song in our set like a robot would. I’m basically a sexy robot without dreadlocks.

Billy C: “Little Dreamer” Rob Foxx: Billy C shredding “Eruption” Jani St. James: “Hot for the Teacher” has always been on the list. But, really, any song I can play through without train wrecking it is a thrill.

What do you wish you knew more about?

Taime Downz: Wish I knew more about women and the planet from which they come.

Billy C: Cooking Rob Foxx: Hmm … there are probably more things I wish I knew less about.

Jani St. James: Playing an instrument. Or singing. Or, singing while playing an instrument.

At what venue do you most like to perform?

Taime Downz: Rider’s Lounge, HHI Billy C: Rider’s Lounge Rob Foxx: The next one Jani St. James: Wembley

What animal do you most identify with?

Taime Downz: The animal from Muppets that plays drums Billy C: Wolf Rob Foxx: The double x Foxx, of course.

Jani St. James: Cats

Most requested song at shows?

Taime Downz: That one David Lee Roth song Billy C: “Runaway” by Bon Jovi Rob Foxx: Billy C shredding “Eruption”

by Van Halen Jani St. James: Nobody in their right mind would make a song request at a Silicone show.

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

Taime Downz: I’d probably change my name to a symbol for peace … or piece.

Billy C: Wolfhound Rob Foxx: Uli Rach Jani St. James: If? Jani St. James. Duh.

First concert you attended?

Taime Downz: Johnny Winter, on HHI at the Old Post Office, 1988.

Billy C: ABBA Rob Foxx: James Taylor Jani St. James: Crüe, with Autograph opening

What famous musician would you love to sing/ play a duet with?

Taime Downz: I’d do a duet with Bach. Dude slaps. Just hits different (in my Zach Stevens voice).

Billy C: My mom Rob Foxx: The Beebs Jani St. James: Billy C 

Favorite artist?

Taime Downz: David Choe

NOVEMBER 2020 1

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FIRST THURSDAYS ART MARKET NOVEMBER 5 Shops at Sea Pines Center 4-6:30pm Meet the Artists of Sea Pines

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2020 HILTON HEAD ISLAND LANTERN PARADE Light up their driveways, yards, balconies or doorsteps with their homemade lanterns!

Nov 5: Coastal Discovery Museum Nov 6: Hilton Head Island Fire Station 3 Nov 7: Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park For more information: (843) 341-4703

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EVERY TUESDAY! SEA PINES FARMERS MARKET

FARMERS MARKET AT HONEY HORN

Sea Pines Shopping Center 10am-2pm

Coastal Discovery 9am-1pm

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16 NATIONAL RECYCLING DAY!!

17 GRIEF: KEEPING YOUR LOVED ONES PRESENT WEBINAR 10am To sign up, visit www.hospicecarelc. org/holiday-griefwebinar.

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THE HARLEM QUARTET A CONTEMPORARY TWIST ON CLASSICAL MUSIC Arts Center of Coastal Carolina 4pm & 7:30pm Single Tickets: $49

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HILTON HEAD OYSTER FESTIVAL Honey Horn 5-8pm All you can eat steamed local oysters, Lowcountry boil, pulled pork, seafood chowder & chili. Tickets: $30

22 18 LEANNE MORGAN THE “BIG PANTY TOUR” COMEDY SHOW Arts Center of Coastal Carolina 4pm & 7:30pm Single Tickets: $55.

25 SALTY DOG HOMECOMINGA THANKSGIVING South Beach Marina Seated Lowcountry Boil - $10/person 100% of the proceeds go to Deep Well

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19-21 MARCO BICEGO TRUNK SHOW Forsythe Jewelers 10am-5pm Enjoy a complimentary gift with your Marco Bicego purchase.

RSVP to (843)671-7070

THANKSGIVING EVENT Grand Ocean Terrace @ The Westin HHI Seatings available 12:30 through 5:30pm (843)681-1055

CANDICE GLOVER CONCERT Arts Center of Coastal Carolina 2pm & 4:30pm Featuring the Voices of El Shaddai Single Tickets: $40

14 BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY: TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS TRIBUTE Arts Center of Coastal Carolina 4pm & 7:30pm Single Tickets: $58.

20 SOOTHING WITH SOUND AND SALT: A MONTHLY GUIDED EXPERIENCE Pure Salt Studios in Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina 5-6pm $45/pp. Max 6 people.

For tickets visit puresaltstudios.com/saltandsound

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TURKEY TROT Dockside on Skull Creek

Virtual Turkey Trot Register by Nov. 10 Complete a 5k on or by Thanksgiving Day! $25/entry

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COUNTDOWN TO THE END OF 2020: ONE MORE MORE TO GO!

EVENTS AND MORE COVID-19 INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS

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