CH2 Magazine: September 2021

CH2 CELEBRATE HILTON HEAD!

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CH2’S ANNUAL

loVe aFFaIr WITH FOOD ISSUE

BRUNCH SPOTS YOU MAY NEVER THINK ABOUT… BUT YOU SHOULD

SEPTEMBER 2021

48 HOURS

WITH JESSE BLANCO SIX CHEFS, SIX JOURNEYS TO LIVING A DREAM

SEPTEMBER 2021

TO PLAN FOR RETIREMENT, YOU NEED TO PLAN FOR INCOME

THREE WAYS TO SIMPLIFY RETIREMENT INCOME PLANNING

CRASH OR BOOM?

LOW INVENTORY, BIDDING WARS, SKYROCKETING PRICES, CASH SALES HAVE ISLAND REAL ESTATE SIZZLING … BUT WILL IT LAST?

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20 READY TO SERVE Every table is a new adventure for the island’s most elite waiters and waitresses.

WHAT’S INSIDE

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48 HOURS WITH JESSE BLANCO

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BRUNCH SPOTS YOU MAY NEVER THINK ABOUT… BUT YOU SHOULD

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TAILGATE COCKTAILS

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HILTON HEAD WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL: CELEBRATE ISLAND STYLE

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LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE HILTON HEAD CELEBRATES 55-AND-BETTER ACTIVE ADULT LIVING WITH AN ISLANDINSPIRED TWIST.

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THREE WAYS TO SIMPLIFY RETIREMENT INCOME PLANNING

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CRASH OR BOOM? LOW INVENTORY, BIDDING WARS, SKYROCKETING PRICES, CASH SALES HAVE ISLAND REAL ESTATE SIZZLING … BUT WILL IT LAST?

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THE WEALTH EDIT: A COMMUNITY WHERE TALKING ABOUT FINANCES IS NO LONGER TABOO

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STREAMING THE TRUTH: MURDAUGH MURDERS PODCAST

50 SIX CHEFS, SIX JOURNEYS TO LIVING A DREAM

72 C2 FASHION: TRANSITIONAL STYLE AT WEXFORD ON THE GREEN

O N O U R C OV E R S

120 ON THE CH2 COVER A signature dish at Chez Georges See page 26

ON THE CB2 COVER A Quatro-Rita (with a kick) See page 41

Photography by M.KAT.

Photography by M.KAT.

MUSICIANS IN BATHROOMS Featuring Greg and Robin Ross

GENIUSES AT WORK Vibe Manager Maggie Marie Washo

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Head of Quietly Judging Carolyn Hunter Kostylo Master of Coin Marion Elizabeth Bowser Rainmaker Kim Conrad Crouch Master Handshaker “Just Kandace” Wightman Lead Door Knocker Morgan O'Banion Director of Attracting Talent Kaila Jeffcoat Mascot in Training Buoy Conrad Crouch Pritchard Mr.Back in the Office Jevon Daly The Gatekeepers Greta Von Bowser Vincent Von Bowser The Cut & Paste Crew Jeff Cline Catherine Davies Aspiring Novelists Cheryl Alexander Jesse Blanco Fred Gaskin Courtney Hampson Linda S. Hopkins Denise K. James Barry Kaufman John McCann Lisa Sulka Tim Wood Lighting Experts M. Kat Photography Krisztian Lonyai Find Us Here PO Box 22949 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 843.689.2658 m.washo@celebratehiltonhead.com

EDITOR'S NOTE I 9.2021

M

y first occupation was at a restaurant called the Hook, Line & Sinker in Utica, N.Y. I was 15 years old, and my job included keeping the salad bar items stocked and preparing desserts. The extent of “preparing desserts” meant pulling the pie out of the cooler and putting whipped cream and a strawberry slice on top. My uniform was black pants, a white tuxedo shirt, and a black bowtie. A boy named Corey trained me and was my partner in crime every night. We flirted a lot, as I recall.

My next job was at the Hilton Resort in Palmetto Dunes, now the Omni. I waited tables in the breakfast restaurant (the Palmetto Café) for years, before moving over to Mostly Seafood, which was the fine-dining restaurant in the resort at the time. In 1998, the management team surprised me with the Employee of the Year award, which I thought was quite the accomplishment out of over 300 employees. So, I promptly left, knowing I had conquered that place.

Which brought me to Tavern on the Creek, a short-lived restaurant in Hilton Head Plantation, where I had a few super fun years with a wild food and beverage crew. When Pierce and Bonnie Lowrey purchased Tavern on the Creek as a venue for their new catering company, it was off to CQ’s restaurant for me, one of the longest-running eateries on Hilton Head Island.

None of this has anything to do with this issue. I just thought you should know.

I jest! Our Love Affair with Food Issue celebrates a few local servers and brings back memories of all my days waiting tables.

I cherish my years in F&B; every night was different, I made a

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ton of money, and it was awesome connecting with so many different people. Things have been a little difficult in the service industry lately, with increased food costs, a labor shortage, heavier cleaning and disinfecting regiments due to COVID-19, and a seemingly never-ending season of visitors putting stress on local restaurant owners.

I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times in the last 18 months: be sure to put on your patience hat when dining out.

We also chatted with a few of the faces in the ‘back of the house” (restaurant lingo for the kitchen) this month (see Tim Wood’s article, Six Chefs, Six Journeys to Living the Dream). You can always tell when someone is passionate about what they do, because it shines in their product, personality, and general enthusiasm. You’ll find those qualities in the six chefs featured on page 50.

This issue also spotlights local Realtors and financial advisors, along with a new local podcast that everyone is addicted to and the return of the Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival. So, without more blah, blah, blah, I’ll leave you to it.

Just one more thing…

Our very own Kim Crouch has a new family member—one who will be a frequent visitor to the CH2/CB2 intergalactic headquarters. Meet Buoy, the cutest puppy you ever did see. He’s got some big shoes to fill, but from what I’ve seen so far, he’ll be up to the task. He’s got some big paws already.

MAGGIE WASHO Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

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

READY TO SERVE

Every table is a new adventure for the island’s most elite waiters and waitresses.

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hen you have a place like the Lowcountry, a place where hospitality is the driving force behind everything, your servers are everything. They will form a visitor’s first impression, setting the tone for an entire vacation and playing a key role in the decision to return. They were our frontline workers long before anyone had heard of COVID, and as we emerged into this uncertain new normal, they have become an even more vital part of our community.

Which is why we, as a society, have started making sure we tip just a little bit more than we would have pre-pandemic (and if you’re not, you absolutely should). It’s also why we have chosen to celebrate some of the Lowcountry’s best and brightest servers here.

Stephanie M I XO N

Truffles Years in F&B: 12 Most frequently asked question you get from your guests?

Why do you always ask about food allergies?

What is your answer?

Truffles takes pride in accommodating food allergies for our guests, such as offering gluten-free options and cooking items separately for a guest.

Favorite dish on the menu where you work?

Southwest Chicken Salad What is your favorite local restaurant/bar?

Chow Daddy’s From what state in the USA do the nicest guests hail?

(Come on … you gotta pick one.) New Jersey What is your all-time favorite food or drink smell?

French onion soup and Pearadise Martini from Truffles.

Phones out at the table—yes or no? No. If you could be a fly on the wall, who would you want to listen in on? Jesus Christ

aufman K y r r a

by B at Article aphy by M.K r Photog y Jeff Cline b Design

Evan BERKNER

Skillets Years in F&B: 7 Most frequently asked question you get from your guests?

Where’s your mom? Where’s your mom? Where’s your mom?

Where’s your mom? Where’s your mom?

What is your answer?

I don’t know.

Favorite dish on the menu where you work?

Coligny Skillet.

From what state in the USA do the nicest guests hail? (Come on … you gotta pick one.)

Tennessee.

What is your all-time favorite food/drink smell?

Anything sweet, fresh out of the oven.

Phones out at the table—yes or no? Phones can be out until food is on the table. Once food is served, no phones until everyone is finished.

Emily ROBERT

Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café Years in F&B: 14 Most frequently asked question you get from your guests?

How many eggs do you go through in a day?

What is your answer? A million.

Favorite dish on the menu where you work?

Our omelets! They are the best and so filling!

What is your favorite local restaurant/bar?

I love Italian food! My favorite Italian restaurants are Stellini and Michael Anthony’s!

From what state in the USA do the nicest guests hail? (Come on … you gotta pick one.)

Michigan, because that’s where I’m from.

What is your all-time favorite food/drink smell?

My favorite food smell would be fettuccine Alfredo; favorite drink smell, coffee brewing.

Phones out at the table— yes or no?

I don’t mind the phones as long as you’re not on it while I’m trying to take your order.

If you could be a fly on the wall, who would you want to listen in on? I would want to be a fly on the wall of the Jersey Shore show.

READY TO SERVE

Mary BABB

A Lowcountry Backyard Years in F&B: 35 Most frequently asked question you get from your guests?

Other than where’s the bathroom?

What’s it like to live here?

What is your answer?

Hilton Head is the land of extremes.

Extremely busy; extremely slow.

Extremely hot; extremely cold. Too much to do; too little to do. But the beach is my happy place.

Favorite dish on the menu where you work?

The Seafood Purloo. It is the epitome of Lowcountry cuisine.

What is your favorite local restaurant/bar?

Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte. I love the bar area, and Jeff Mix is a fantastic bartender.

From what state in the USA do the nicest guests hail? (Come on … you gotta pick one.)

That’s a tough question. We really do have so many nice people. I always enjoy waiting on people from Chicago. but The DeFords are the nicest family I have ever met, and they are from Indiana.

What is your all-time favorite food/ drink smell?

Dave Peck’s chicken pot pie.

Phones out at the table—yes or no?

Nope. Never.

If you could be a fly on the wall, who would you want to listen in on?

Karen and Kathy whenever I’m not at Backyard to wait on them. It took me a year to get their order right.

Carmen A LVA R E Z

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Hudson’s Years in F&B: 3 Most frequently asked question you get from your guests? “Is it going to rain?!”

What is your answer? Working on the docks, we’re constantly battling the elements, especially during the late summer. From our view at Hudson’s, we can watch thunderstorms forming and moving over Pinckney Island, Bluffton, and Beaufort, usually without a drop of rain!

We love to joke about how the storms blow right by us, and I always say, ‘It never rains at the Hud!” Favorite dish on the menu where you work? A no-brainer for me: our Broiled Stuffed Shrimp, especially when my buddy, George, is working the grill. He has mastered this dish, and guests are guaranteed to clean their plate every time.

What is your favorite local restaurant/bar?

If I’m not at Hudson’s (even on my days off), you will find me down at Pool Bar Jim’s.

Big shoutout to the boys behind the bar for the view, snacks, awesome service, and best frozen cocktails on the island.

From what state in the USA do the nicest guests hail? (Come on … you gotta pick one.) Keeping it local here.

South Carolina, baby!

What is your all-time favorite food/drink smell? That fresh, lightly battered, fried shrimp on the docks.

Phones out at the table—yes or no?

Sure! “Phone eats first,” as my dad always jokes when I’m snapping pictures of every dish on the table. I don’t mind phones at all, but always leave time to take in surroundings and dine with friends and family.

If you could be a fly on the wall, who would you want to listen in on?

Andrew Carmines’ rounds through the kitchen on a Sunday morning as a line wraps around the restaurant. From the fryer to the shucker, through the salad station and then out to the deck, he preps every single one of us for a busy and successful Sunday brunch. His contagious smile, love for our guests and game time pep-talks would be it.

Jesse INGERSOLL

The French Bakery Years in F&B: 4 Most frequently asked question you get from your guests?

What’s the most popular item on the menu?

What’s the most popular item on the menu?

Nouveau Eggs Benedict.

Favorite dish on the menu where you work?

Mixed Berry Crepes.

What is your favorite local restaurant/bar?

Truffles Cafe.

From what state in the USA do the nicest guests hail? (Come on … you gotta pick one.)

New York.

What is your all-time favorite food/drink smell? Coffee.

Phones out at the table— yes or no? No. If you could be a fly on the wall, who would you want to listen in on?

My customers to make sure I’m giving them the best service as possible.

Jesse Blanco enjoys a bowl from Java Burrito Co. in the Village at Wexford.

They are known for their yummy burritos, bowls, margaritas and, you guessed it, coffee.

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ith a destination as popular has Hilton Head Island is, inevitably you get people visiting it in a variety of ways. Most common are families, who load up their minivans somewhere significantly north of here and make their way down for a Saturday check in. Any number of restaurant owners can set their calendars by their arrivals. Oh, June 22? The Callahan family from Santa Claus, Indiana will be here for dinner. Party of five. Dad will have the prime rib. Count on it.

But that obviously isn’t the only way our island is ‘consumed.’ A fair number of business travelers will work their way through for a few days, then pop in on either their favorite restaurant or a particularly new hot spot that has blasted on to the food scene.

There have been a few the last two years.

Article by Jessie Blanco Photography by M.Kat

Then there are the couples who may fly in from a big city up north and spend a quick weekend here. Flights are short enough to be here midafternoon if you work a half day in say, Washington D.C., so the itineraries are popular.

That got me to thinking. If I hopped a jet in Philadelphia for a weekend on Hilton Head Island and I wanted to eat my way around as a first timer, where would I send a couple? Loaded question, isn’t it? If you asked 10 people to develop their own weekend eating agenda for a couple, you’d undoubtedly get 10 different paths. That’s a good thing. Options are always a plus.

But this is my column, so I get the honors of drawing the map around the island, sending some first timers here, there, and everywhere to get a taste of what Hilton Head has to offer. My 48 hours for first timers might look something like this: ARRIVAL FRIDAY AFTERNOON: Java Burrito Company The common thought here is to race somewhere beachfront, stick your feet in the sand, and enjoy a fruity drink. I certainly have no problem with that, and Pool Bar Jim’s is as good a choice as any.

But if you want to avoid the sand and the heat and the crowds for a hot minute, then Java Burrito Company in the Village at Wexford is a good choice.

JBC is without question one of the most popular lunch spots on the island. The line out the door every day during the lunch rush will tell you that. I like it for the variety. Sure, you can get a burrito. Sure, you can get some tacos. But I like their champagne offerings and the coffee bar. Sometimes all you need is a caramel macchiato. But then maybe one of the two of you want to nosh on something. Java Burrito Company checks a series of boxes. It’s a solid choice for a hit-and-run before you check into your room.

Other options: Tiki Hut, Hudson’s, or Delisheeyo if vegan is your thing.

Sunday Snack

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Hilton Head Social Bakery is maybe the best bakery in the state, certainly one of the best in the region.

Owner Phillippe Ferret is a once-upon-a-time New York City Chef who decided to slow down a bit and set up shop on the island.

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DINNER FRIDAY NIGHT: The Sage Room I don’t typically dabble in favorites. Where I end up is largely dependent on what I am in the mood for. But if I had to name two or three favorites on the island, this would be one of them. Matt Jording and his wife Carol have had this high-energy restaurant on lock down since practically day one. The kitchen sits in the middle of the room—all dishes prepared for the world to see. It’s no wonder the most popular seats in the place line the bar that faces the kitchen. All of it is good, but the scallops are legendary on the island. Two weeks ago, I texted a local chef asking him who has the best steak on the island, and I got a one-word response: “Sage” Reservations highly recommended.

Other options: Jazz Corner, Alexanders, Sea Pines Beach Club SATURDAY MORNING BRUNCH Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café Old school? Yes. Consistently fabulous? That too. Paul and Leslie Stewart opened Sunrise back in 2002 after working in F&B on the island for seemingly forever. They started slow but have built a solid reputation with locals looking for a strong cup of coffee in a diner-style mug and a beautiful benedict. All dishes are made to order and done well every single time. On the weekends, depending on what time you roll in there, you are going to wait for a table. It is very popular. What to order? It’s eggs. It’s all great and a perfect way to start your day, depending on how much Molly Dooker you enjoyed last night at The Sage Room.

What to order? It’s eggs. It’s all great and a perfect way to start your day, depending on how much Molly Dooker you enjoyed last night at The Sage Room.

Hunter Kostylo, Maggie Washo and Jesse Blanco enjoy a brunch/ lunch at The French Bakery to discuss this very article.

Get the Eggs Nouveau with a cold brew. Maybe a Peach Bellini too.

SATURDAY LUNCH The French Bakery If brunch isn’t your thing and you want to sleep in and roll up on lunch, The French Bakery, mid-island at Shelter Cove Towne Center, is a great choice. They’ve got it all here including eggs, omelets, and French toast, but they also offer crepes, sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, burgers and, of course, salads. Their ‘signature’ chicken salad sandwich on homemade cranberry apricot bread was as good as advertised. The Monte Cristo is also everything it should be on a sandwich you don’t see much on menus anymore. Full bar too. Go for it; it’s the weekend.

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The Peach Margarita at the SandBar in Coligny Plaza.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON BREAK The SandBar Beach Eats A margarita straw poll on the island will probably get you a handful of answers.

There are a few good ones here, there, and everywhere. My favorite is The Sand Bar. The SandBar is an interesting spot. It’s got all the vibes of a beach front restaurant, but it’s several hundred yards at a minimum from the first grain of sand. The good news is you can walk around Coligny Circle and be on that sand in about six minutes. The

drinks are all the usual suspects— the fruity stuff, the strong stuff, the beachy stuff. I’ve had them all, but I always drift back to their margarita.

Owner Erika Waronsky tells me they try to make as much as they can at The Sand Bar from scratch—especially the margaritas. In the summer, they go through boxes and boxes of limes, squeezed every morning—no premade mixes here. They taste fresh.

They taste great. They are my go-to when I need to cool off and I’m down near the beach.

Other options: Holy Tequila’s margaritas are solid; Monica Collins at Lucky Rooster is an island mainstay behind the bar.

SATURDAY DINNER Chez Georges Bistro George Casalicchio had the bright idea to open a classic French bistro on the island. Fair enough.

What he didn’t count on was having to during the heart of a global pandemic. But he did. Chez Georges opened summer 2020 to magnificent reviews from practically day one. On an island that relies largely on wordof-mouth advertising with locals, the word got out pretty quickly that Chez Georges was legit. Now, a year later, George and his staff remain a model of consistency in a beautiful atmosphere. The talent behind the bar is arguably the best on the island, and the wine list is large enough to satisfy as well. The food? Everything I’ve had there I’ve loved. In fact, the last time I was there, we ordered more than half the menu just to graze and sample. We did, and we ate it and liked it. You’ve got to start with Mussels Pistou. After that? Steak frites, seared duck breast, veal chop, you name it. Chez Georges is a great spot for dinner on the island.

Other options: OMBRA Cucina Italiana, Pomodori, Red Fish, or leave the island and drive up to Bluffton to FARM—one of the best restaurants in the region.

Sunday snack before you go The possibilities are endless here.

If you wanted to try another brunch, I might suggest Nectar. Right next door is one of my favorite burgers on the island at Marley’s Shrimp and Burger Shack. You know, one of those smash burgers with all the gooey goodness running down your wrist?

Yeah. That’s Marley’s, and I love them.

If you wanted to go lighter and just

You’ve got to start with Mussels Pistou. After that? Steak frites, seared duck breast, veal chop, you name it. Chez Georges is a great spot for dinner on the island. want to snack on something before you make your way to the airport, then I have saved my best for last.

Hilton Head Social Bakery is maybe the best bakery in the state—certainly one of the best in the region. Owner Philippe Ferret is a once-upon-a-time New York City chef who decided to slow down a little bit and set up shop on the island. He’s been a hit since day one. The pastry case will transport you directly to 6th arrondissement in Paris. Colorful, rich, and decadent, the desserts here are as stunning as are the fresh breads and, of course, coffee. A perfect pitstop before you go, and you can even take some of it with you. 

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A variety of egg dishes at Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café in Palmetto Bay Marina.

From left to right: Avocado toast with sunny side up egg, the Hamptons Brunch and the Sun Rise Benedict

ARTICLE BY CHERYL ALEXANDER

BrunCh SpotS PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

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sk almost anybody about brunch and they’ll rave about the Stuffed French Toast at Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café, the Signature Quiche and espresso at the French Bakery, and the Benedicts or Crepes at Skillets Café & Grill. Oh, and if pancakes are your jam, then Stacks is your goto, while others in the brunch game can’t resist the True Country Breakfast at Plantation Café and Deli.

Some locals and tourists prefer a morning drive over to Old Town Bluffton for the coffee and baked goods at The Corner Perk or the Hangover Cure or omelets at the Squat ’n’ Gobble.

We aren’t trying to tell you something you already know. Here, we’re going to showcase some showstopping brunch spots that you might not have thought about … but you should.

First up is Kenny B’s, where you’d typically go for gumbo and other Cajun specialties. We’re here to tell you, though, that a Cajun brunch is sometimes just the spice you need. Both the Cajun Creole Quiche (made with crawfish, andouille, and boudin) or the Lafayette Hash (blackened crawfish, andouille, and Cajun C2 MAGAZINE

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The Eggs Nouveau at the French Bakery in Shelter Cove Town Centre. Order with a side of roasted veggies to make it even more delectable.

...A FEW PLACES WHERE WE LOVE TO BRUNCH...

BAD BISCUIT www.bad-biscuit.com BRITISH OPEN PUB www.britishopenpubhhi.com CAROLINA COFFEE & CRUMBS www.carolinacoffeehhi.com ELA’S ON THE WATER www.elasgrille.com HEALTHY HABIT www.healthyhabithhi.com HUDSON’S SEAFOOD HOUSE ON THE DOCKS www.hudsonsonthedocks.com KENNY B’S www.eatatkennybs.com NECTAR FARM KITCHEN www.nectarfarmkitchen.com PALMETTO BAY SUNRISE CAFE www.palmettobaysunrisecafe.com PLANTATION CAFE & DELI plantationcafeanddeli.com SKILLETS CAFE www.skilletscafe.com SUNSET GRILLE www.sunsetgrillehhi.com THE FRENCH BAKERY frenchbakeryhhi.com 34

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The Harbour Town Bakery in Sea Pines is a great spot to grab breakfast, especially in the fall when the summer crowds die down a bit.

The Tips & Grits, (cheddar cheese grits, beef tenderloin, eggs, and hollandaise) at Carolina Coffee and Crumbs in Coligny Plaza. potatoes, topped with poached eggs and hollandaise) will make you holler “Ayyyeeee!” And you can’t live without some fresh, hot, homemade beignets and a steamy cuppa café au lait to finish you off right! eatatkennybs.com Next is Holy Tequila, an island favorite Mexican joint, but one that might just become your new brunch spot. We love the Churro pancakes, which are exactly what you think: crispy cinnamon pancakes, sugar churros, strawberries, and syrup. For a more classic south-of-the-border style brunch, however, we love the chilaquiles, which are breakfast nachos made with scrambled eggs, tortillas, guacamole, queso fresco, pico de gallo, and fresh

crema. To keep it auténtico, order a classic Margarita for only $4 on Saturday or Sunday. Bueno! holytequila.com Watusi is one of our island gems for a great brunch experience.

They have three menus: breakfast (served all day), lunch, and coffee.

You can’t go wrong with any of their hash offerings, which include blackened shrimp (baby spinach, bell peppers, topped with eggs, hollandaise, and served over hash browns), corned beef (red onion, fennel, napa cabbage-topped eggs over hash browns), or red chorizo (medley of sweet potato, bell peppers, red onion, and Brussels sprouts, garnished with cilantro and topped with eggs). Good luck deciding on just one. And their certified organic, fair trade, bird-

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An assortment of breakfast dishes at Lowcountry Produce in Sea Pines Center.

We LOVED the bacon egg and cheese biscuit and the Traveler’s Breakfast.

BrunCh SpotS

Pancakes are served up piping hot with a side of syrup at Skillets Café & Grill in Coligny Plaza. friendly, shade-grown coffees are a great complement to any menu item or can even stand alone. With names like “Pecan Pie,” “Honey Bun,” and “S’more,” you might need a second cup. watusicafe.com When we are craving some good ol’ Southern-style country biscuits and gravy, we head over to Bad Biscuit. But you don’t have to stop at that. Their biscuit sandwiches are AHHH-mazing! Our faves are the Big Bad BLT, made with a stack (that’s right) of bacon, or the Hot Shot Chicken, made with a boneless breast, pimento cheese, and spicy local honey. And don’t even get us started about the Cinnamon Roll biscuits. OOOO-weee! badbiscuit.com Put Carolina Coffee & Crumbs on your list. We thoroughly enjoy 36

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BrunCh SpotS

their Tips & Grits, (cheddar cheese grits, beef tenderloin, eggs, and hollandaise) and their Brie, LT (open-faced toast with brie, bacon, lettuce, and tomato, topped with red onion and a balsamic drizzle).

For something lighter, all their salads are great or even a simple bagel and schmear with a great cup of matcha tea will set you straight. carolinacoffeehhi.com There are a couple of Sea Pines spots you need to try, too.

In the Shops at Sea Pines Center, we love Lowcountry Produce.

For your sweet tooth, we highly recommend their made-to-order glazed donuts or their brioche French toast, either with an espresso

or a dirty chai. For something a bit more savory, go all in with the BBQ Cheddar Burger (eight ounces of ground chuck topped with cheddar, crispy bacon, fried onions, LCP sweet pickles and LCP grill sauce) or the Oooey Gooey (grilled pimento cheese, bacon, and LCP garlic pepper jelly on your choice of bread). Then finish up with a quick walk through the gift shop for sundries, canned goods, and even cute kitchen items. lowcountryproduce.com The Harbour Town Bakery and Café is a hidden treasure beneath the big oaks in Harbour Town. You can’t beat a blueberry biscuit and one of their specialty coffees for something quick and yummy. For a heartier option, try the Rueben sandwich (choose from pastrami or turkey) or the Pharos and Kremser fried chicken sandwich (fried chicken breast, pepper jack cheese, chipotle aioli on toasted Kaiser roll). Then simply sit outside in the big shade and enjoy! seapines.com/pdf/HTBakeryMenu.pdf Our favorite “if you blink you might miss it” brunch spot is Harold’s Diner. It’s right on William Hilton Parkway next to the Exxon, but it’s so non-descript that it may go unnoticed—but it shouldn’t. Anything on this diner menu will satisfy you, whether you go for the “as big as your head” Trash Can Omelet, the Steak & Eggs, or the Big “H” Sandwich. You can even create your own sandwich if you don’t see a combo on the menu that suits you. haroldsdinerhiltonhead.com Brunch is a must-have vacation meal, and now you have the inside scoop on all the island’s best brunch spots you may never have thought about. Bon appétit! 

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Article by Courtney Hampson - Photography by M.Kat

DISCLAIMER: Other than being the proud owner of the “@ieatandrun” Instagram handle, I have no formal training in food or beverage, unless you count calories consumed and/ or SEC tailgates attended. The latter, I have learned, does qualify you as a professional eater and drinker.

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live in a household where Saturday in South Carolina doesn’t mean sleeping in or wasting the day away. No, Saturday in South Carolina means up at the crack of dawn and on the road by 6 a.m. for a noon kickoff or getting home well after midnight when the Gamecocks play under the lights at Williams Brice Stadium.

My other half, Captain Tailgate, and his tailgate squad (of 25+ years) have Saturdays down to a science. Saturdays during college football season are the only time I have witnessed Captain Tailgate follow a timeline. (He scoffs at my Thanksgiving timeline annually, but college football is apparently a different story.)

While the men plan the music (they arrive early so they can “own the airwaves”) and the main course, I have taken to perfecting the cocktail concoctions.

Best served with breakfast for 12 p.m. kickoffs The Sweet Nectar is, as its name might imply, sweet; but more importantly, it is the perfect complement to bacon, eggs, and a biscuit. (Oh yes, we fry bacon and eggs at our 8 a.m. tailgates, in a parking lot.)

Ingredients - Fresh South Carolina peaches if you can get them (the season is short); if not, any peaches (even frozen) will do.

- Prosecco - Fresh basil Directions Peel the peaches (to do this quickly, drop in boiling water for less than a minute and the skin will come right off, then cool). Cut chunks away from the pit. Put the chunks in the food processor until smooth. Strain through a very fine strainer to capture any errant chunks. One peach will make approximately 1/4 cup purée.

Pull out your prettiest (plastic) champagne flute. Fill 1/4 with peach puree. Top with the Prosecco of your choice (I am currently on a Ruffino kick. No need to break the bank when mixing your Prosecco.) Garnish with fresh basil if you’re feeling festive.

Best served at tailgates for 4 p.m. kickoffs The Rosemary G&T is light and bright; it won’t weigh you down and make the rest of your day (you’ve only just gotten started) miserable. Because let’s face it; football games are three hours long.

Ingredients - Rosemary simple syrup (you’ll need 1 cup white sugar and fresh rosemary to make the syrup) - Fresh rosemary sprigs - Tonic water (I like Ever Tree) - Lime - Gin Make Ahead Combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and add 1/4 cup rosemary leaves.

Let simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the rosemary and let cool.

Directions Fill a rocks glass (or half a red solo cup) half with ice. Add 1 oz. gin, a splash of the simple syrup, juice of half a lime, and top with tonic water. Garnish with a lime slice and rosemary sprig that also doubles as a bonus stirrer.

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Best served at late afternoon tailgates for 7 p.m. kickoffs Ingredients - 1 can frozen limeade - 1 Corona - 1 12-oz. Sprite or Ginger Beer (for the kick) - Tequila of your choice - Limes - Honey (try Red Clay Hot Honey for the kick) - Sea Salt (try Red Clay Spicy Margarita Salt for the kick) Directions In a pitcher, combine limeade, Corona, soda (Sprite or Ginger Beer) and 1 cup tequila. Stir. Voilà! To serve, rub the rim of your margarita glass with honey and roll in salt. Fill the glass half with ice. Pour margarita and garnish with fresh lime.

Cheers! 

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SEPTEMBER 2021 41

FOOD

TRUCK Frenzy

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s the weather starts to get a little more bearable in late September (and by late September, we mean October 20), consider popping outside for a midday lunch break with a local food truck owner. In this month’s Maggie + Jevon Doin’ Lowcountry Stuff episode, the crew hits up a few food trucks to taste some authentic cuisine prepared in a vehicle.

We started with a stop at Backyard State of Mind, which is a parking lot-type outdoor picnic area where different food trucks appear daily. The tables are bright and colorful, and two giant Adirondack chairs are around for photo ops. You know we don’t miss a chance for an Adirondack chair photo (see the August issue for reference).

Maggie’s favorite food truck was here, complete with the pepperoni rolls she hasn’t had in years. Pete’s Kitchen is a bright red truck boasting Stromboli, wings, and pizza, along with Caesar salad and boiled peanuts (which seems slightly off-brand, but whatevs.) Pete is a transplant from Israel by way of New York City who came to this area because of his son, who is stationed in Beaufort. Get the pepperoni rolls; the sauce is amazing.

Hunter’s favorite stop was on May River Road, where we found Young’s BBQ and BluffDog. She ordered the Lowcountry Dog, which was slathered in pimiento cheese, bacon, pickles and onions and came with a side of chips. Maggie and Jevon went with some brisket and mac & cheese from Young’s BBQ … and they all needed naps after this feast.

Jevon Daly, Maggie Washo and Hunter Kostylo pose with Lil Maggie at Young’s BBQ in Bluffton.

Jevon Daly and Maggie Washo enjoy some ice cold Jarritos at Backyard State of Mind in Bluffton. This colorful parking lot with picnic tables is a hot spot for food trucks.

Also, obligatory Adirondack chair photo. Maggie’s catching flies.

A delicious wiener smothered in pimiento cheese at the Bluffdog food truck on May River Road.

Trudy McDonald makes her son pose for a photo. He wasn’t thrilled about it.

Jevon grew up in Jamaica (actually, St. Thomas), so his favorite food truck fare can be found off 278 in a food truck village behind Barnacle Bill’s Fresh Seafood Market. Trudy McDonald and her husband own the Jahmerican Jerk truck and serve authentic Caribbean fare like curry chicken and grouper bites. If you head over to see Trudy, Jevon recommends you order the brown stew chicken and plantains, and be sure to say “wha gwan.” (Google it.) Sandra Harley Counts, an M+JDLS super fan, also recommends the oxtail.

For even more food truck options, head down Marshland Road, where you’ll find Taco Brown (near Capital Business Park) on most days, and Beautiful Island Square, which plays host to different trucks.

In our experience, food trucks don’t have regular days and hours exactly like restaurants, so follow the ones you like on Facebook and Instagram for updates. May River Food Truck Finder, on Facebook is also a helpful tool.

Check out our Food Truck Frenzy video, on CH2’s Facebook page, in early September for the latest Maggie + Jevon Doin’ Lowcountry Stuff adventure.

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Photo courtesy of The Tattooed Moose.

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES

A Road Trip for Foodies JOHNS ISLAND RESTAURANTS WORTH THE DRIVE

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f you’re anything like me, you’ll joyfully make the drive to another coastal town just to check out what it offers to do, see, and eat. Johns Island, South Carolina, one of the Charleston metro’s most unspoiled portions, is about two hours by car from Hilton Head Island and well worth a foodie road trip this fall. I spoke to a few of my close friends in the area, who all moved to Johns Island in the last few years (it’s the new “cool” place to be), and they were kind enough to brief me on their island favorites, both those we’ve frequented and brand-new ones.

You won’t have to venture to downtown Charleston; Johns Island has everything you could possibly crave.

No matter what you feel like eating, you’re bound to find it, from delicious seafood and sandwiches to pizza and Southern suppers.

While you can make your foodie trip to Johns Island a day trip, once you read over this list, you might feel compelled to book an entire weekend. My suggestion is to skip the hotel scene and seek out one of the cushy vacation rentals available in the area. That way, you can relax after stuffing yourself with a great meal and a few cocktails, then do it all again the next day!

THE SOUTHERN GENERAL Several years back, a big group of girls, myself included, visited The Southern General for drinks and sandwiches on a random Saturday. I was thrilled to discover that this “craft sandwich shop and bar” is still going strong and still offering a slew of sandwiches in both the “general” and the “craft” varieties. Picky types can build their own mammoth sandwich, while the adventurous can opt for a “Lowcountry Sloppy Joe,” featuring both pork and beef; the “Southern Pot Roast” with house-braised sirloin; or the “Cu-Bahn Mi,” with candied pork belly, plus many others.

Tattooed Moose The legendary duck-fat fries at the THE Tattooed Moose (please add The) are a must-have.

La Tela Pizzeria Enjoy a specialty wood-fired pie at La Tela Pizzeria.

Photo by Mary Beth Creates

Hege’s Restaurant Hege’s uses fresh, seasonal ingredients from around the Lowcountry.

Seanachai Whiskey and Cocktail Bar Order an Irish-influenced meal at Seanachai Whiskey and Cocktail Bar. There are also burgers, cheesesteaks, Italians, and clubs—pretty much everything in between bread—plus a couple of platter options. In case you’re still hungry, desserts are available. Ask for the featured dessert ahead of time and plan accordingly.

SEANACHAI WHISKEY AND COCKTAIL BAR Frankly, these guys had me at whiskey, but there’s more to enjoy at this Irish-influenced establishment than just booze. The usual Irish suspects are on the menu— bangers & mash, shepherd’s pie, meatloaf—but Seanachai also caters to the local bar crowd with a double bacon pimento cheeseburger with house-made pimento cheese, fried chicken sliders, smothered fries or tots and, of course, hot wings The cocktail menu is no slouch either, whether you want something Irish (in which case we suggest “Crossing the Water,” with Irish Whisky, Scotch and local honey) or something more like the “Coconut Tequila Daiquiri.”

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And don’t miss the homemade ice cream on the dessert menu—ask for a liquor floater!

MINERO The downtown location of this restaurant attracted scores of locals and tourists for their upscale tequila cocktails and delicious tacos. So, when the East Bay location closed, no one was happy—that is, until the Neighborhood Dining Group announced plans to reopen the establishment on none other than Johns Island.

Though the pandemic slowed the plans a bit, group president David Howard was optimistic about a “bigger, better” restaurant location in late summer 2021.

“The restaurant will feature the signature house-made tortillas, slow-cooked meats, tacos, acclaimed burritos, live-fire grilled wings, margaritas and extensive tequila and mezcal offerings for which Minero is known,” Howard noted, adding that the Johns Island restaurant will be open for dining seven days a week. Now there’s a reason to drink more tequila!

THE TATTOOED MOOSE I can hardly pen a food article about Johns Island and not include one of my all-time favorite haunts, The Tattooed Moose. I started out going to the one downtown, and then, when another location opened right in the thick of where all my newly relocated Johns Island pals live, it was a dream come true.

Make sure someone at your table gets their legendary wings, duck club or fries cooked in duck fat. But there’s much more to be had on this menu, including the “Thanksgiving Sammy,” with roasted turkey and cornbread stuffing; the “Lucky #1 Sub” with Chinese barbecued pork belly and house-made kimchi; or, if you just want a snack,

the Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, or homemade pimento cheese. Vegetarian options abound, too; you can make the burger, chicken sandwich or gyro vegetarian for no additional charge.

THE ROYAL TERN If you’re sticking around for dinner and in the mood for seafood and steak, The Royal Tern (named after a bird, which I love, frankly) is a fantastic option and family owned. With a raw bar that rivals anything downtown, freshly caught entrées and wood-fired steaks, the menu is mouthwatering and, best of all, affordable for this caliber of cuisine.

For dessert, indulge in the hazelnut carrot cake or the peach upside-down cake, and pair everything with a glass of wine, an oyster shooter or “Classic Hemingway Daiquiri.”

BTW, the place has a decidedly Hemingway theme, a surefire win for literary types. There’s even a Hemmy quote on the menu about how oysters make life better. I can’t help but agree.

LA TELA PIZZERIA Just a bit past Johns Island proper and close to the pristine shores of Kiawah, La Tela is a delicious option for either lunch or dinner, serving wood-fired pizzas and house-made traditional Italian cuisine. Start with either the beet or butternut squash salads and move on to either delicious pasta or a specialty pizza such as the fig pizza with apple-smoked bacon or the mushroom pie with garlic and goat cheese.

And save some room because the Italian desserts are a must-have at La Tela. I don’t even drink Scotch (much), but I couldn’t decide between the 10-year Scotch gelato, the vanilla bean panna cotta and the affogato with hazelnut biscotti. Wash it all down with the Italian greyhound cocktail or a glass of wine from the expansive menu.

HEGE’S RESTAURANT A charming restaurant with French influences, Hege’s offers dinner six days a week, prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients from farms around the Lowcountry. Start your meal with either the French country pâté or the classic French onion soup. The raw bar at Hege’s offers shrimp and lobster cocktail, oysters on the half shell and a Thai tuna tartare, while the main menu is an array of local chicken, duck, and veggies.

Whether you opt for one of the traditional entrées (I’m a fan of Joyce Farm’s Chicken Saltimbocca or the Lobster, Crawfish and Shrimp Étouffée) or you treat yourself to one of the steak and seafood signatures, you won’t go wrong.

Pair everything with either a perfectly crafted cocktail or a bottle of wine for the table.

STONO MARKET & TOMATO SHED CAFE For a slice of local history, don’t miss a meal at the Tomato Shed Café, locally owned by the Ambrose family.

Originally opened by local shrimper and farmer Pete Ambrose and his wife Babs, the Stono Market has been around since 1987, and the Tomato Shed Café has served Southern dishes since 1991.

Get the fried green tomatoes or homemade spicy pimento cheese to start off, then I suggest either the whole fried flounder (when available), the baked chicken (local and organic, of course) or the Farmhouse Meatloaf, topped with pork gravy. The sides, too, are stars of the show, so order a few and don’t be bashful. My favorites are the tomato pie, green butter beans and Geechie Boy grits—but get whatever’s in season. Dessert is the “Baker’s Choice,” and will always pair well with a glass of crisp white wine or a beer. Cheers!  C2 MAGAZINE

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CHARLES RUSSO III, OWNER OF RUSSO’S FRESH SEAFOOD BLUFFTON

CUSTOMERS CAN VISIT THE STORE, WHERE THEY’LL FIND ONE SIDE OF THE MARKET DEDICATED TO WHOLE FISH DISPLAYED ON ICE.

Russo’s Fresh Seafood A TRADITION OF SEAFOOD EXCELLENCE FOR 75 YEARS AND COUNTING Article By Cheryl Alexander I Photography by M.KAT

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harles Russo III, owner of Russo’s Fresh Seafood Bluffton, is a third-generation fishmonger. Since 1946, the family has made it their life’s work to serve cut-to-order fresh fish, fresh local shrimp, scallops, oysters, clams, mussels, and crabmeat. Now, Russo III has a state-of-the-art facility in Bluffton where they service restaurants and retail customers from Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, and Savannah.

“This business is in my blood,” Russo said. “My family has set the standard for ‘fish excellence,’ and we have established relationships with local fishermen and seafaring folks up, down, and around the coast.”

Russo’s Fresh Seafood offers the freshest and highest quality seafood. Russo is committed to doing things pretty much the same way his father and grandfather before him did, and the dedication to quality begins at the source—the boats they buy from here locally.

Russo still buys fish from the people who sold fish to his grandfather for 60 years.

“We take it off those boats and then process and sell it,” Russo explained. “At most places, the fish is cut elsewhere, then trucked or flown in, and displayed as an already fileted product. Our way is definitely more difficult and time-consuming, but people respect us for it. The way we bring it in, wash it, pack it, and care for the product in-house allows us to provide the highest quality product and experience for our customers.”

Russo is dedicated to the same level of cleanliness. “My grandfather maintained product and market sanitation,” Russo said.

“When you come into the market, it’s like you’re just feet away from the sea.”

Russo learned how to filet and cut from his father and grandfather. A certain level of expertise is required to extract the bone and leave the meat, which is what the customer is expecting.

At Russo’s, the fishmongers strive to leave none of the meat on the bone.

“We actually use a beef skinning knife that my grandfather found to be the perfect knife,” Russo explained. “And we cut it for the customer when they order it, even down to whole shrimp that we peel in house.”

The heaviest portion of Russo’s business is the wholesale restaurant accounts. After Russo’s fishmongers custom cut the fish for the restaurants, the orders are delivered six days a week. Prior to opening his seafood market, Russo attended culinary school Keiser University in Florida and worked for many years as a chef in Atlanta and Savannah, so he understands the importance of his role as a wholesaler.

“My background makes it easy for me to speak to others about how to cook what fish, what seasonings and oils to use, etc., and I can go into a commercial kitchen and speak to another chef about what they need. I know what quality they expect and how they want their filet to look.”

On the retail side of the business, customers can visit the store, where they’ll find one side of the market dedicated to whole fish displayed on ice. “The customer can pick fish they want,” Russo said.

“We will cut it to their liking. We scale the fish, filet it, package it, and send it to the counter. While we work, they can peruse the store for all the fixin’s—spices, grits, sauces—anything that goes with seafood.”

If you are just cooking for a couple of people, you can check out the other side of the market (a quicker option) where you’ll find a variety of popular portioned and packaged fish, such as snapper or tuna. The entire staff at Russo’s is well-trained in how to cook seafood, so they are helpful when customers come in asking for recipes or cooking tips. If people are unsure of how to prepare something, they consider it a responsibility to ensure that every customer leaves with the confidence to experience the best of what they’ve spent their money on.

At Russo’s Fresh Seafood Bluffton, customers experience what buying local really means, as well as the quality products, the sanitation of the facility and the well-rounded staff, which are longstanding cornerstones of the Russo name.

Russo’s Fresh Seafood is located at 246 Red Cedar St. in Bluffton.

For more information, visit russosfreshseafood.com or call (843) 8377000.

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ARTICLE BY TIM WOOD . PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

SIX CHEFS, SIX JOURNEYS TO LIVING A DREAM THEY ARE THE ARCHITECTS AND MAESTROS BEHIND SOME OF THE MOST BELOVED EATERIES IN THE LOWCOUNTRY. THEY USUALLY TALK WITH THEIR TASTE BUDS, BUT WE GOT SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE CHEFS TO STEP OUT OF THE KITCHEN AND TELL THE STORY OF WHY THEY LOVE WHAT THEY DO.

JOSHUA CASTILLO

JOSHUA CASTILLO Chef, Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte While most kids of the ’80s were watching cartoons like The Smurfs or Transformers, Castillo was mesmerized by Julia Child, cooking French cuisine on her PBS program.

He’s held “every job except doctor, lawyer or medic” on his path to the kitchen, including working for his dad’s auto body shop before betting on himself by enrolling in TCL’s culinary program.

In his 13 years as a chef, he’s gone from intern to sous chef at Chechessee Creek Club with stints at Plum’s, the Beaufort Inn, Slightly North of Broad, Alexander’s, Marley’s, and Black Marlin before landing his dream job.

“Charlie’s is where I wanted to be. I knew of Charlie Golson and of his kids, Margaret and Palmer, who took over, Castillo said. “They grew up in this; they have kids of their own; they know we need to have a life. That work-life balance, it’s been impossible in this industry with the 14-hour-day grinds. But we’re closed on Sundays and most holidays except New Year’s and Valentine’s Day. That time with family means the world.”

Castillo said that the thrill of mastering the recipes that have made this a culinary island institution while having creative freedom to challenge himself with the rest of the menu makes every day exciting.

LINDA LOCKMAN

“The long-time guests come back and say the food tastes just like Charlie made it back in the day,” Castillo said. “That challenge of making the flounder meuniere, the pâté, the caramel cake— of nailing those staples—the honor of making a memory for diners, that’s a thrill. But Margaret and Palmer let us experiment constantly with 60 percent of the menu. We hand-write the specials because we’re always trying new things. To make a tenderloin of venison, it felt Jackson Pollack-y.

To do an Asian-influenced wine dinner at a French restaurant like we did in 2019, it’s crazy. To get to play in the gray area, the mixing and matching and things not being so black and white, it’s truly a pleasure to work in that environment.”

LINDA LOCKMAN Chef/Owner, Sunset Grille When Hugh and Linda Lockman took over the Hilton Head Harbor restaurant 26 years ago—then known as The Upper Deck—Hugh was the one with the industry experience as a long-time wine and spirits distributor. Linda quickly realized she wanted and needed to do more than just run the front of the house.

“I dove in. I wanted to know how to do everything in this restaurant, and I’d always loved cooking. My mama instilled that in me young,” Lockman said.

“The more I was in the kitchen, worked alongside amazing chefs, the more this passion grew. Being in the trenches, that’s my formal training. I just love creating food art, to create beauty, and that’s just grown every day inside me for 25 years.”

Lockman loves being the leader by example for “my dysfunctional little family.”

“It’s quality above quantity. Folks come through the RV park, they’re not always expecting white linen tablecloths, but that’s the standard we set,” she said. “We have loyal staff and loyal locals, and I’d like to think that’s because of the food, the wine and the service we offer. I am one of the luckiest girls in this business.”

Linda loves cooking the staples like the smoked salmon—a favorite Hugh started cooking before they opened the restaurant. “I think there would be a revolt if we took off the menu,” Linda said. But she enjoys the ability as a 12-table eatery to be agile with the dining options.

“Food was love growing up. We did farm-totable as a necessity; what we picked out of our garden is what we ate,” she said. “I’m constantly reading, watching, testing. We change out the menu three to four times a year just to capture the moment, to capture that perfect spot of what we like to cook and what our fans like to eat.”

The result has been a cult-like following, both at the restaurant and with her catering and personal chef clients.

“It’s a performance, just like an actor or a comedian. Those smiles, those hugs, those empty plates—that’s a drug,” Lockman said. “I’m not about self-promotion. I just thrive off pleasing with our food

CHARLES PEJEAU

SIX CHEFS, SIX JOURNEYS TO LIVING A DREAM and our wine. We’re proud of our wine list. It’s a labor of love, we’ve traveled the world to find the right pairings. To see the enjoyment with a swig or a bite keeps us all excited for the next day, the next guest.”

CHARLES PEJEAU Executive Chef, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Pejeau feels lucky to have been hit by the culinary equivalent of Cupid’s arrow. As a young adult, working at restaurants was just a job.

“I worked once a week at restaurants before I went to culinary school, and even then, I went because it was as far away from real school as I could get,” he said. “I just didn’t want math or science or history. I liked to cook, so that seemed like the easier path.”

Then a funny thing happened. Thanks to working his way up to being sous-chef for a Culinary Institute of America grad and chef in Florida, he simultaneously realized that cooking was his career passion and that it was anything but the easy path.

“It is constant evolving, constant hard work, constant gut checks. I was lucky enough to come into it at the tail end of the screaming chefs and 16-hour days and instant burnout,” he said. “I knew I wanted a balance in life, and to get it, I needed to slay it every minute I was at a restaurant.”

He moved back to Hilton Head Island in 2008 and helped found island faves Char Bar and Holy Tequila

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before landing in his current role overseeing the menu and standards for Alexander’s, Big Jim’s, The Dunes House and the Woodie Wagon food truck at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort.

“This has been a revelation for me,” he said. “I love people. I love building relationships. I love to manage all aspects of a kitchen and a food operation. So, I feel like I’ve found the perfect fit, like everything has led up to this. But you have to manage the ordering, the staff, the menus, the guest flow and the experience to truly make the food shine.”

Pejeau has helped oversee an evolution of the Alexander’s menu, with a plan to officially update the Big Jim’s offerings in 2022.

“We’re always testing new tastes, always learning,” Pejeau said. “I love the variety I get to lead. You want the date night, the special occasion, the one dress-up night of the vacation, it’s Alexander’s for the seafood and the amazing steaks. You want nachos after golf, the comfort food, the great casual hangout, it’s Big Jim’s. To get to play in two sandboxes that are so varied keeps me fresh and excited every minute at the resort.”

NUNZIO PATRUNO Owner/Chef, Nunzio’s Restaurant and Bar His mom and dad worked long hours, so a young Patruno was left to fend for himself for meals growing up in southern Italy.

“I started with a couple of eggs. I did alright with those, so I just started playing around with new meals.

And I’ve never stopped that exploring,” Patruno said of his path from working in restaurants in Venice, Rome, France and Monte Carlo before launching his own Italian eateries in Philadelphia, New Jersey and now on Hilton Head Island. “I saw I could see the world, make some money while learning to cook new dishes. That’s a special life.”

He’s shared that journey for 35 years with wife Maribel, the mother of his two kids and his marketing and business manager at every stop. It’s allowed him to focus on perfecting the simplicity of delivering great meals.

“This industry changes all the time. I thrive on adapting and reinventing myself every so many years.

Now, the stuff I learned in the ’70s is back in style, so I keep creating new dishes but also sharing recipes decades in the making,” he said. “I am about food and taste. I don’t believe we eat with our eyes. End of the day, the food goes to the stomach. That taste dictates how all the other senses react. Food’s not sitting on the line to make it pretty. Get it to the customer hot so the aroma, the heat, it’s all there to make the best impression.”

He has a similar approach to wine. He’s passionate about it—builds his own wine list based on experience and pairing, not on the latest flashy trend or in-chic winery.

“I push when it comes to taste. Folks didn’t think the island was ready for octopus. Guess what? It’s my No. 1 seller. I go with my gut; it hasn’t let me down,” he said. “I love the challenge of the different clientele here. In big cities, restaurants set trends and menus. Here, the guests

NUNZIO PATRUNO

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CHRISTOPHER PINCKNEY & PATRICK NEARY

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set the trends on what they want to eat, how they want to dress, and I’m at an age now, where I roll with that. But I’m still going to push the envelope on taste.”

Patruno has tried to soften his edges through the years, though he knows his drive for perfection makes him a tough boss at times. He loves working with Maribel and his chef brother Angelo but admits “family and business is not always easy.”

“We make it all work because it’s never work. It’s our love. The folks that got us through the pandemic, I am so incredibly appreciative. I want to retire in this restaurant, in this community, but I will thrive on seeing people enjoy my food and my hospitality until my last breath.”

CHRISTOPHER PINCKNEY and PATRICK NEARY Executive Sous Chef and Chef de Cuisine, Chez Georges They are a brand new pairing at Chez Georges, each brought in about three months ago to run the day-to-day operations as restaurateur George Casalicchio expands his island offerings.

Pinckney has lived here since he was five. A son of a chef, he went from the Marines to culinary school and running 1,300-cover lunches for Marriott in Columbia and on Hilton Head Island.

Neary is a son of rodeo star who has gone from being a Western U.S. cowboy and ranch hand to a kitchen trainee in St. Louis restaurants to stops at Michael Anthony’s and FARM to the creative force at this French bistro with a Lowcountry accent.

“I’m left-brain, he’s right brain. I’m creative and he helps me execute the vision,” Neary said of the budding

SIX CHEFS, SIX JOURNEYS TO LIVING A DREAM magic between Pinckney and himself.

“I wanted to get back in the trenches. I love food.

I’ve worked kitchens in hotels and casinos, but I want to get back to personal relationships with diners, to be part of creating food art,” Pinckney said of his move to Chez Georges.

Neary knew he was destined to work with his hands.

He’s always been a food creator; he just took a bit to realize he could make a career out of that passion.

“Now that I’m here, watch out. I have the drive to be a Michelin star chef. That’s a guarantee,” said the 28-yearold chef. “I know I was made for the kitchen; I absolutely thrive in this organized chaos.”

Pinckney thrives on organizing the chaos behind the scenes. “I traveled the U.S. working with Marriott, opening restaurants. I have Japanese influences from the Marines, southwestern flair from my time in California, but mastering French techniques, that’s always been the dream,” he said. “I think our collective passion comes out most in the fish features every day. We get to make it our own. Patrick never ate much fish growing up in the Midwest, so it’s a whole new toybox for him. I love our mix of experience and shared passion for creating. I think the guests are going to keep getting big wins out of this pairing.” 

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A RTICLE

BY

CHERYL

ALEXAND ER

Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival CELEBR AT E

F

I S LAND

oodies, connoisseurs, and philanthropists, mark your calendars! The Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival is coming to the island Sept. 14-18, 2021.

This year Hilton Head Island’s wine and food enthusiasts will welcome the fall with a five-day celebration embracing the fruits of global wine partnerships, signature Lowcountry cuisine, grassroots cultural happenings, and the authentic fabric of a unique community. What unfolds will be an inspiring series of events that draw guests to Hilton Head Island from not only across the country, but from all over the world. The festival will celebrate this post-pandemic year with an amazing schedule of events, including spectacular local chef showcases, intriguing wine education sessions, live entertainment, the famed Grand and Public Tastings, and more.

The festival began 36 years ago as a one-day event held in a parking lot and has since grown into a multi-day event held at the best venues on the island to showcase all that Hilton Head has to offer. For the past six years, the festival has been held at Harbour Town, and prior to that it was at Shelter Cove, Honey Horn, and other Sea Pines venues. This year, the

ST YLE

Wine & Food Festival is making a move to the new Celebration Park in Hilton Head Island’s Coligny area.

“The officials at Celebration Park offered us their brandnew park,” said Jeff Gerber, executive director of the Hilton Head Wine and Food Festival. “The move is good for everyone.

We will now literally be right across from the beach, and we know that is why people come to the island. Everyone loves the fact that the venue is new, and the design is great. We are utilizing the rooftop bar at the Marriott Courtyard High Tide Bar & Grill for our kick-off events, and the whole area affords easy access. No more passes are required as there is a parking lot right next to the venue, and we are happy that the festival will also be really good for the businesses in Coligny.” (In 2019, around 3,000 people attended events related to the weeklong festival, which had an estimated $3.5 million impact on local businesses.)

Celebration Park opened on Hilton Head Island’s south end Dec. 10. On a portion of the 10-acre park, a large green space has been outfitted with electric hook-ups for food trucks, music, and vendors for festivals and other events.

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The dates, too, have changed. Gerber explained that the organizers have been talking about switching dates since last fall.

“We had to decide on dates in October 2020, so our hand was forced,” he said. “There was no way to do an event in March—even Heritage, held in April, was only partially open. Part of our job is to bring visitors to the island. Logistically speaking, Hilton Head doesn’t need any more visitors during summer, and we didn’t know back in October ’20 how open things would be in April and May of ’21, so we decided on September. It has turned out to be a great decision because we also don’t want to compete with other events.”

Gerber also stressed the fact that the highly anticipated festival is a nonprofit event that awards scholarships and financial support to culinary arts and hotel management students at the University of South Carolina at Beaufort and the Technical College of the Lowcountry. In the last few years, the festival has awarded more than $85,000 in scholarship money.

“Mark your calendars and get your tickets now,” Gerber said, “because these events will sell out quickly.”

THE HILTON HEAD WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL EVENT SCHEDULE IS AS FOLLOWS: UNCORKED Thursday, Sept. 9 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Marriott Courtyard Rooftop Bar 79 Pope Ave $35/person Limited to 100 people Join this kick-off celebration of fine wine, friends, and food.

Bring that bottle of wine you have been keeping around for that special occasion that never seems to arise. Share with friends, old and new, while sampling appetizers and hors d’oeuvres at the Rooftop Bar. It’s time to uncork that bottle!

MOVIE NIGHT AT PARK PLAZA Tuesday, Sept. 14 6-9 p.m.

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Park Plaza Theater 33 Office Park Rd. $40/person Limited to 75 people Park Plaza Cinemas will feature Bottle Shock, a movie about the 1976 Judgment of Paris, the year that put U.S. wines on the map.

Appetizers will be prepared by Rockfish, and an array of wines will be offered for tasting. The tasting and reception will start at 6 p.m. with the movie starting at 7 p.m.

SIP AND STROLL Wednesday, Sept. 15 4-7 p.m.

149 Lighthouse Road $49/person Limited to 200 people Grab your glass and sip and stroll your way through the Shoppes at Sea Pines Center. Treat yourself to a great selection of wines and enjoy discounts at participating shops, while taking in the beautiful atmosphere and music by local performers.

Friends, fun, and of course wine made this one of the most popular events in 2019, so grab your tickets before they sell out!

STAY GOLD – A LOWCOUNTRY WINE, MUSIC AND FOOD EXPERIENCE Thursday, Sept. 16 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Beach House 1 South Forest Beach Drive $100/person Limited to 200 people The Stay Gold Experience will take place at sunset along the beautiful North Forest Beach, Hilton Head Island and showcases the best of the best: amazing food paired with the festival’s best wines, and people sitting on the beach watching the sunset. The event will feature live music, Double Gold wines from the festival’s international judging competition and delicious Lowcountry food pairings from the Chef Ambassadors from the S.C. Dept. of Agriculture.

GRAND TASTING Friday, Sept. 17 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Country Club of Hilton Head 70 Skull Creek Drive $125/person Limited to 175 people This traditional tasting is the festival’s most exclusive celebration, featuring award-winning wines and an array of light hors d’oeuvres. This event will be held at the Country Club of Hilton Head, a fantastic setting for some fantastic wines. This event sells out every year, so get tickets early.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL PUBLIC TASTING GENERAL ADMISSION Saturday, Sept. 18 Noon-3 p.m.

Celebration Park 94 Pope Ave. $65/person The Public Tasting is the largest event celebrating the festival’s thirty-sixth anniversary at the new Celebration Park. Attendees can taste over 250 world-class wines from all over the world, see chefs in action at the Sysco Outdoor Gourmet Challenge, enjoy live entertainment and local craft beer at the new Beer Garden, and bid on award-winning wines at the silent auction, where the proceeds support the John & Valerie Curry Scholarship fund.

VIP LOUNGE AT THE PUBLIC TASTING Saturday, Sept. 18 11a.m.-3 p.m.

Celebration Park Pavilion 94 Pope Ave. $125/person The VIP Lounge at the Public Tasting is located at the Pavilion in Celebration Park and will have a special selection of medal-winning wines and light hors d’oeuvres catered by the Chef Ambassadors from the S.C. Department of Agriculture.  For more information on ticket purchases, on vendor opportunities or to become a volunteer, visit hiltonheadwineandfood.com.

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Dining options include the Latitude Bar & Chill Restaurant and Changes in Attitude Bar

The Latitude Town Center features plenty of FINtastic fun and recreation

Trinidad model exterior

The Paradise pool features beach entry, cabanas and tiki huts

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Latitude Margaritaville LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE HILTON HEAD CELEBRATES 55-AND-BETTER ACTIVE ADULT LIVING WITH AN ISLAND-INSPIRED TWIST.

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atitude Margaritaville Hilton Head is located in Hardeeville, South Carolina—the scenic gateway to Hilton Head Island. This dynamic community for those 55-and- better who are “growing older but not up” combines South Carolina’s charm and hospitality with Latitude Margaritaville’s “no worries” tropical vibe to deliver a whole new element to Lowcountry living.

Latitude Margaritaville is a new lifestyle concept by master developer Minto Communities and global lifestyle brand Margaritaville Holdings that is redefining active adult living. Latitude Margaritaville presents the lifestyle of fun, food and music portrayed in the songs of legendary singer, songwriter, and best-selling author Jimmy Buffett.

Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head is one of three Latitude Margaritaville communities, including Latitude

Margaritaville Daytona Beach and brand-new Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, located on Florida’s Panhandle.

Current plans for Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head call for 3,000+ homes once the community is complete, with a wide range of home designs and floorplans starting in the mid $200s.

13 FULLY FURNISHED MODEL HOMES OPEN DAILY Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head offers distinct collections featuring conch cottages, villas, and singlefamily homes.

Conch Cottages offer two bedrooms/two bathrooms, ranging from 1,204 to 1,466 a/c square feet. All Conch Cottages have a two-car garage, and select floor plans offer a den or hobby room. Prices start in the $200s.

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Aruba model interior

two-and-a-half baths, covered lanai, and two-car garage. Villa pricing starts in the $200s.

Single-family homes range from 1,684 to 2,564 a/c square feet, and feature two to three bedrooms plus den, two- to threecar garages, two- to three-and-a-half baths and a covered lanai.

Pricing for single-family homes starts in the $300s.

The low-maintenance homes feature open, airy spaces that maximize natural light and flow into uniquely designed outdoor living spaces. Homes are designed for relaxing, entertaining, and comfortably accommodating house guests. Spacious master suites feature large walk-in closets and raised-height vanities in the master bath. Many premium features are included that are often considered upgrades in other communities.

LIVING WITH A LICENSE TO CHILL The Lake Latitude Club offers many exciting venues for planned and impromptu celebrations. Gather with friends in the tropical party room and screened-in patio. Sip sunset cocktails around the fire pit. Enjoy fun in the sun at the lakeside sandy beach or

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sparkling pool. Relax in a hammock under the shade of a palm, or explore the lake in a kayak or canoe.

Latitude Margaritaville features walkable neighborhoods, golf-cart friendly streets, and regularly scheduled events and activities with their very own “Ambassador of Fun.” Perhaps the most exciting development is the lively Latitude Town Center, which offers plenty of FINtastic fun and recreation including live entertainment and dancing under the bandshell.

The state-of-the-art ‘Fins Up! Fitness Center’ includes a fully-outfitted gym and spin room, an aerobics studio with a virtual personal trainer, group fitness classes, wellness and community programs plus courts for tennis, pickleball and multi-use sports.

The beautiful Paradise Pool features a beach entry, cabanas, and tiki huts, making residents and guests feel like they’ve been transported to an exotic island retreat.

Dining options include the Latitude Bar & Chill Restaurant and Changes in Attitude poolside bar.

Furry friends enjoy plenty of play time and pampering, too, at the Barkaritaville Dog Park, offering lots of space to run around.

The area surrounding Latitude Margaritaville is steeped in natural beauty, with an abundance of golf courses, pristine beaches and waterways for boating, kayaking, and fishing. Nearby are the historic cities of Savannah, Ga. and Charleston, S.C., filled with museums, cultural arts, shopping, and dining.  For more information about life in Latitude Margaritaville, visit the Sales Center, open daily. You can also call (843) 595-8534 or visit LatitudeMargaritaville.com.

LIVING YOUR BEST

RETIREMENT LIFE ARTICLE BY CHERYL ALEXANDER

E

ventually, if we are blessed with longevity, then we must begin evaluating options for where we intend to live out our golden years. This decision requires foresight and planning. Here, you’ll find thoughtful options, suggestions, and questions to consider. We’ve even included a checklist for when you are ready to begin shopping for a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC).

For folks who are still at a point of entire self-sufficiency, choices are much easier, especially if you are committed to a lifestyle that will uphold your current health and ability to make decisions for yourself. Recently the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) published a couple of articles with valuable information that make so much sense for those of a certain age.

The first addressed the current trend among housing developers who are targeting boomers, a generation that

accounts for about a third of homebuyers, according to the National Association of Realtors. This year nearly half—44 percent—of the companies on Builder Online’s Builder 100 list of the biggest residential developers are constructing “active adult” communities aimed at boomers—up from 40 percent last year, citing that this generation of homebuyers is more active than previous generations.

Target customers are big on walking, biking, and socializing, so these communities include walking/biking trails and gathering spaces. The homes are single-story and suitable for aging in place with open kitchens and big patios for entertaining, plus master bathrooms and plenty of windows.

Builder Online reports that the new 55-plus communities tend to be smaller in scale than older retirement communities and now, instead of big golf courses and expensive country clubs, they are accommodating activities such as pickleball and bocce.

THE RIGHT DECISION ABOUT WHERE YOU’LL GROW OLD REQUIRES ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

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LIVING YOUR BEST

RETIREMENT LIFE Walkability is a big deal for boomers, which is what the second AARP report delivers. Urban planner, author and walkability expert Jeff Speck offers advice for what to look for when searching for an aging-friendly place to live.

Speck underscores the reality that most people who live in golf-course communities don’t golf. More walk, he asserts, but says it’s difficult to get people to consistently walk for exercise.

“They start, and then stop,” he says, “discouraged that the walk serves no real purpose, ending right where it began.”

Speck cites data from Dan Buettner’s book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. After touring longevity hot spots from around the world, Buettner takes us through nine lessons, which disclose a “cross cultural distillation of the world’s best practices in health and longevity.” Lesson one is “Move Naturally.” He explains: “Be active without having to think about it…. Longevity all-stars don’t run marathons or compete in triathlons; they don’t transform themselves into weekend warriors on Saturday morning. Instead, they engage in regular, low-intensity physical activity, often as a part of a daily work routine.”

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Buettner quotes Dr. Robert Kane, former director of the Center on Aging and the Minnesota Geriatric Education Center at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, who said: “Rather than exercising for the sake of exercising, try to amend your lifestyle. Ride a bicycle instead of driving. Walk to the store instead of driving. Build that into your lifestyle.”

These suggestions require what sociologists as early as the 1980s identified as NORCs—Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities—a walkable neighborhood full of old people. Winter Park, Florida, is one such community, as is the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Almost every midsize American city developed before 1950 has a downtown core that is being re-inhabited by older people.

The choice now for older Americans who are relocating is between a suburban residential community or a walkable urban neighborhood. The one they chose will undoubtedly have a significant impact on whether their daily lives are more sedentary and isolated, or more active, social, and more fulfilling.

Another option is the aforementioned CCRC, an option if you have the money to do so and if you want to move into a community and stay there. Most CCRCs offer a variety of living arrangements, including freestanding homes, duplexes, and condos; multiple dining options; health and wellness centers; a broad range of social activities; complete home maintenance; and most important, a continuum of healthcare from assisted living to memory care to long-term and nursing care.

Because they require an entrance fee—a major financial decision—a CCRC may seem to be the most expensive senior living option. But if you have the assets, and want everything taken care of, it could be the best choice.

Forbes recently offered up questions you should ask before investing in a CCRC: 1. Can you afford it? How much is the entrance fee and is it refundable? About half of CCRCs have a refundable entrance fee that will go to the resident if he moves or to his estate when he dies. These communities are for middleand upper-income homeowners who afford the up-front fees through the sale of their home. The fee covers housing and care, so estimate what your home would sell for calculate what you think you might eventually spend on assisted living or skilled nursing care. (Consider that your doctor’s visits and hospitalization are out-of-pocket-costs that may be covered by Medicare for those 65 and older or by health insurance for younger residents.)

2. Who else lives there and what is their lifestyle? Ask the age of the average resident and the type of programs offered.

3. What is the occupancy rate? According to the Kiplinger report, a CCRC should have an established occupancy rate of 85 percent or higher unless it’s a new development.

4. Is the CCRC financially sound? Inquire regarding the CCRC’s financial records, and look for anything questionable, such as large debt, failure to pay bonds or any evidence of liabilities exceeding assets.

5. How much are the monthly fees and what amenities and services do they cover? Find out how much the fee might rise over time. Ask, too, whether home health care is

covered and what health services, if any, are included.

6. What if my spouse or partner needs a different level of care? One of the advantages of CCRCs for couples is that they can continue living in the same place if, for instance, one needs skilled nursing care and the other can live independently.

7. Who regulates the CCRC? Find out which agency regulates the CCRC and check to be sure the company is in good standing.

8. If I need a higher level of care in the future, what additional costs should I expect? You never know what the future may hold, so look for a facility and a contract that provides living accommodations, residential services and amenities, plus unlimited personal care, and skilled nursing care without an increase to the monthly service fee. Not all CCRCs offer a comprehensive contract. It is important to understand the difference between the contracts offered at CCRCs and how they will affect you financially in the future.

9. May I see your health care center today? Any place that does not offer last-minute visits should raise a red flag.

Visiting a health care center on short notice is the best way to observe resident satisfaction, staff interaction, and appearance of the center.

10. Can I “test drive” the lifestyle? Most CCRCs will allow you to set up a tour, join residents for dinner, or even spend a night or two in a guest suite.

Making up your mind about your future and where you’ll spend the remainder of your life is a huge decision and one that will best be made with forethought and planning about what factors are now and will continue to be important to your lifestyle. 

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Article by Fred Gaskin

To Plan for Retirement, You Need to Plan for Income Three ways to simplify retirement income planning

2020 WAS A ROLLER-COASTER YEAR FOR INVESTORS AND CERTAINLY NOT ONE MOST ARE ANXIOUS TO REPEAT. In 2021, I worry that many investors are becoming complacent. For investors approaching retirement, it’s critically important to stay focused, and continue updating your retirement plan as you finish up your working years. Part of updating your retirement plan should include planning for how you will generate income.

Retirement means different things to different people. It can be a time to travel, spend more time with family, or pursue a personal passion. But while we look forward with anticipation to finally reaching that goal, flipping the switch from working and having a steady stream of income to tapping into decades’ worth of hard-earned savings can be overwhelming, confusing and let’s face it—scary.

According to a recent survey* from Schwab, 52 percent of Americans within five years of retirement feel overwhelmed by how they will manage different income sources once they make the transition into retirement.

With 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day**, people need help turning their savings into steady income and making their money last in retirement.

* Online survey of 1,000 Americans aged 55 and older with $100,000 or more in investable assets.

Respondents self-defined as within five years of retirement. ** Pew Research survey

Schwab’s survey also found that nearly threequarters of pre-retirees are worried about running out of money in retirement, so if that idea scares you, you’re not alone.

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to better manage your income needs in retirement: 1. Have a plan about how much you can spend in retirement. Schwab’s survey found that retirement income planning is more overwhelming than other financial topics often considered stressful including the financial impact of losing a job, buying a home, or

To Plan for Retirement, You Need to Plan for Income

difficult to know how to invest, so for some people it might help to get investing guidance from a professional.

3. Don’t forget about taxes. According to Schwab’s survey, 70 percent of pre-retirees are unfamiliar with the tax implications of withdrawing money from their retirement accounts. How you manage tax obligations will depend on your specific situation, but it can be important to think about diversifying your account types, including taxdeferred, taxable, and tax-advantaged Roth IRA accounts.

And don’t forget about required minimum distributions Think about how to invest. Just because you’ve from retirement accounts. hit retirement and are starting to draw down from Schwab Intelligent Income®, an automated solution your savings doesn’t mean you should stop investing. available with Schwab Intelligent Portfolios®, can help A portion of your assets should remain invested answer critical and often complex income-related questions to help contend with inflation and make your about how much to withdraw, how to invest based on money last in retirement. individual goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon, and how to withdraw from a combination of taxable, tax-deferred, paying for college. Mapping out a plan for how much money and Roth enrolled accounts in a tax-smart and efficient way.

So much of the focus is on savings and investing for you’ll need, how to strategically withdraw money along the way, and how to manage your investment portfolio will give the future, and rightfully so, but having a plan in place to you more confidence that you’re on the right path. You manage your savings once you hit your golden years is wouldn’t go on a long road trip without mapping out your equally important.

It’s important to realize that managing your investments journey; approach your retirement the same way.

2. Think about how to invest. Just because you’ve and making smart financial decisions doesn’t have to be hit retirement and are starting to draw down from your complicated. Whether you’re already retired, or planning savings doesn’t mean you should stop investing. A portion for retirement, between now and year end would be a good of your assets should remain invested to help contend with time to take some straightforward steps to improve your inflation and make your money last in retirement. Half of overall financial position, update your retirement plans, and the pre-retirees surveyed by Schwab admit they find it increase your odds of investment success going forward. 

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Fred Gaskin is branch leader at the Charles Schwab Independent Branch in Bluffton. He has over 35 years of experience helping clients achieve their financial goals.

Some content provided here has been compiled from previously published articles authored by various parties at Schwab. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Member SIPC. This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.

Please read the Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Solution® disclosure brochures for important information, pricing, and disclosures related to the Schwab Intelligent Portfolios and Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium programs.

Schwab Intelligent Portfolios® and Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium® are made available through Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. (“Schwab”), a dually registered investment advisor and broker dealer. Portfolio management services are provided by Charles Schwab Investment Advisory, Inc. (“CSIA”). Schwab and CSIA are subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.

Schwab Intelligent Income® is an optional feature for clients to receive recurring automated withdrawals from their accounts.

Schwab does not guarantee the amount or duration of withdrawals, nor does it guarantee meeting Required Minimum Distributions. You may incur IRS penalties for early withdrawal of funds depending on the account type.

(0921-171S)

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TRANSITIONAL STYLE at

Wexford on theGreen

FRESH PRODUCE

Tan Weave Bag by Hammitt $195 Topsail Necklace by little fish BOATEAK $78 Bracelet $26 Navy A-Line Shirt Dress $192

LOOKS TO TAKE YOU FROM SUMMER TO FALL in the SOUTH

Photography by M.Kat | Styled by Hunter Kostylo | Design by Jeff Cline | Modeled by Caroline Molloy of Halo Talent Agency

Home courtesy of Dunes Real Estate and Cindy Creamer

BIRDIE JAMES

Olivia James Lindsay Skirt $198 Olivia James Bea Top $188 Mignonne Gavigan Earrings $350

Welcome to 2 Wexford on the Green Our September fashion spread was photographed in this elegant harbour view estate with a breathtaking three-story foyer, located in Wexford. This is most definitely an entertainer’s layout, with kitchen, bar and family room, complete with surround-sound.

The primary bedroom boasts harbour views, separate hers and his baths and a jacuzzi tub.

Highlights in the home office include cherry walls, built-ins, coffered ceilings and a gas fireplace. A gourmet kitchen is fitted with stone, granite countertops, a wine cooler, walk-in pantry and laundry room. Additional features are three guest suites, a wine room, elevator, gym, six-car garage plus cart and a private 65’ boat slip. A dream home with all that Wexford has to offer. Text 7028725 to 67299 for 3D tour and additional information, or call Cindy Creamer with Dunes Real estate at 843.298.2356.

TRANSITIONAL STYLE at Wexford on theGreen EGGS ’N’ TRICITIES

Tolani Skyler Wisteria Top $160 Just Kenzie Earrings $110 Liverpool Denim Jacket $109

COPPER PENNY

Madeline Midi Dress $400 Petite Double Bail Earrings $32 Jeweled Bracelet $112 Glitter Sneakers $130

LOOKS TO TAKE YOU FROM SUMMER TO FALL in the SOUTH

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COASTAL BLISS

Black Tassel Circle Necklace $28 Bailey Smock Top $75 Mid-Rise Black Jeans $118 Felt Panama Hat $50

LOOKS TO TAKE YOU FROM SUMMER TO FALL in the SOUTH

HASKINS & CO.

Pierre Dumas Ankle Strap Heels $30 Saylor Betty Silver Earrings $19 JoyJoy Animal Print Dress $124

SOUTHERN TIDE Nadia Dress $138

HASKINS & CO.

Pierre Dumas Ankle Strap Heels $30 Saylor Betty Gold Earrings $24 Moon River Navy Dress $74

TRANSITIONAL STYLE at Wexford on theGreen

MAGGIE + ME

Intimately Jumpsuit $128 Free People Floral Dress $128 Edda’s Earrings $34 OluKai Sandals $78 OluKai Sneakers $105 Jewelry by Forsythe Jewelers in Sea Pines Center

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LOOKS TO TAKE YOU FROM SUMMER TO FALL in the SOUTH

PALMETTOES

Gabor Olive Sneakers $195 HOBO Amber Leather Bag $128 Liverpool Olive Blue Jeans $95 Tribal Knit Sweater $135

TRANSITIONAL STYLE at Wexford on theGreen

MAGGIE + ME

Intimately Jumpsuit $128

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TRANSITIONAL STYLE

EGAN + ELLA

Black Hat $34 Mono B Denim Jacket $46 Black Gingham Dress $48 Combat Boots $44

LOOKS TO TAKE YOU FROM SUMMER TO FALL in the SOUTH

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CRASH or boom LOW INVENTORY, BIDDING WARS, SKYROCKETING PRICES, CASH SALES HAVE ISLAND REAL ESTATE SIZZLING … BUT WILL IT LAST?

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f you haven’t noticed the sizzling temperature, then you may not have been outdoors since May. And if you haven’t noticed the sizzling housing market, then you may not have plugged in since last May. Hilton Head Real Estate is blistering, and the demographics of this charming, magical island are changing faster than you can say, “Hot enough for you?”

THE NUMBERS The Multiple Listing Service of Hilton Head Island (HHIMLS) recently published some data that gives a clear picture of the housing market over the past several months: The median sales price for detached homes on Hilton Head was $775,000 in June 2021—a 40.9 percent increase from the $550,000 median price in May 2020. However, closed sales for detached homes have still spiked 64.9 percent this year in comparison to closed sales on the island in 2020 (399 sales in 2020 to 658 sales in 2021).

In July, 26 homes were for sale in Sea Pines, and only four of those were under $1 million. Homes listed between $500,000 and $800,000 are no longer only in Long Cove Club and Wexford.

And inventory continues to plummet. The number of detached homes for sale in June dropped 75.3

percent year-over-year, with the same true for condominiums and villas.

In March 2020, there were approximately 650 island homes for sale, and by comparison in July 2021, there were only 117 available on the market—an 81.9 percent inventory decrease.

THE WHY The U.S. housing market has shown little sign of cooling. Strong buyer demand, powered by low mortgage rates, continues to outpace supply, which remains near historic lows, according to the local MLS report.

The 2021 real estate market has been exceptionally strong in almost every region of the country. During this pandemic, the housing market has emerged as a windfall for sellers and a concern for buyers. An economy growing stronger and millennials approaching peak homebuying years are simultaneously fueling the residential housing boom.

Add to that low mortgage rates and an increase in work-from-home opportunities resulting from the pandemic, which have fueled a surge in housing demand, particularly in lower-density suburbs.

But what about here—on Hilton Head Island? Lea Smith, a 35-year local real estate veteran with RE/MAX

ARTICLE BY CHERYL ALEXANDER

CRASH or boom Island Realty said, “The historic sales prices of our oceanfront homes are what is driving our land values up. When an oceanfront home sells for $10 million, the second row appreciates, then the third, and so on and so on….”

These figures have pushed prices up, buoyed up sellers, and created bidding wars the likes of which most Realtors and brokers have never seen. Smith said that some properties get five offers as soon as they go on the market, then go under contract within one day. She recently lost three bidding wars in a week.

THE WHO “People are no longer waiting or finding excuses to buy their dream homes,” Smith said. “Instead, they ask each other, ‘Why wait? Let’s do it. We can work from anywhere, and the time is now!”

Rather than buying vacation homes, more people than ever are purchasing permanent homes and moving to the East Coast permanently. Lots and lots of people from everywhere are coming here. Island Realtors assert that this is not the bubble of ’05, ’06. This is the migration, throughout our country, of 2020-2021.

For whatever reason—politics, lifestyle, pricing, lot/home size, investment—folks are moving here, and they aren’t leaving.

THE HOW Like many markets, much of the housing market is being driven by cash. These cash offers, too, are making it hard for first-time buyers.

“If buyers aren’t paying cash and they aren’t willing to let go of appraisal and inspection contingencies, most likely they will not win a bidding war. So, they all stand in line for the next one,” Smith said. “Every time I look at a new property coming on the market, and the new price, it almost seems like it’s bumped up $100,000,” she said. “It’s just unbelievable.”

Some buyers are offering $2 million for $1.8 million properties or purchasing homes sight unseen after a FaceTime showing.

When push comes to shove, then how does a buyer beat out the competition? Smith advises buyers to be fully prepared, meaning have a pre-approval letter in hand or proof of funds if your offer is cash. Expect to be up against several other buyers, so put your best foot forward when making an offer.

“Remember,” Smith said, “on average, each listing has six or seven offers and only stays on the market between two and seven days. Many buyers are offering cash, paying above asking price, and waiving inspection contingencies and appraisal shortfalls to ‘win’ the bid and secure the home.”

For sellers, Smith says a pre-inspection is a good idea to provide for buyers because many sellers are stating up front that the home is “as-is,” no repairs made. As well, attempt to list the price closer to reasonable value versus an extremely inflated price, as a fair price can create an environment of multiple offers and push the sales price way beyond asking price.

THE OTHERS Some current national trends released by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) include the following: • After a four-month drop, housing sales increased in June, 84

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and home prices continued to rise to record highs. gave it back to the bank. As stay-at-home orders were issued • Existing home sales rose 1.4 percent from May to 5.86 early last year, many feared the pandemic would similarly million in June. decimate the housing industry. Only 8.5 percent actually did, • This rise in sales is due to an increase in housing supply. and that number is now down to 3.5 percent. As of July, • NAR’s chief economist Lawrence Yun said supply has the total number of mortgages still in forbearance stood at ticked up “modestly” in recent months because of increased 1,863,000—nowhere near 9.3 million. housing starts and more homeowners putting properties up • Most of the 1.86M in forbearance have enough equity for sale. to sell their home. Of the 1.86 million homeowners currently • Home prices climbed as well, with the median home in forbearance, 87 percent have at least 10 percent equity in price (for all housing types) hitting a new high of $363,300, their homes—important because they can sell their houses and pay the related expenses instead of facing the hit on 23.4 percent more than June 2020.

• This marks 112 straight months of their credit that a foreclosure or short sale No one knows when the year-over-year gains. would create. seller’s market will end; only • Nationwide, little less than half of • The current market can absorb prospective buyers can make all house sales, or 43 percent, were in the any listings coming to the market. When that call. But, until there is $250,000-500,000 price bracket. foreclosures hit in 2008, there was an more inventory, it’s a seller’s THE FUTURE excess supply of homes for sale. The market. As well, consider that situation is exactly the opposite today.

No one knows when the seller’s market • Those in power will do whatever will end; only prospective buyers can make with forbearance plans ending, that call. But, until there is more inventory, concern that the housing market is necessary to prevent a wave of will experience a wave of foreclosures. Just last month, the White it’s a seller’s market. As well, consider that foreclosures is increasing.

House released a fact sheet explaining with forbearance plans ending, concern that how they will offer further options to the housing market will experience a wave of foreclosures is increasing. Smith shared four reasons she homeowners with government-backed mortgages enabling believes that won’t happen: them to keep their homes when exiting forbearance.

As a current or prospective Hilton Head homeowner, • Fewer homeowners are in trouble this time. After the last housing crash, about 9.3 million households lost their staying abreast of the housing market is a rollercoaster ride— home to a foreclosure, short sale, or because they simply thrilling, a bit scary, and a lot exhilarating. 

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of the lowcountry

REALTORS

Featuring...

Robert Moul, John Rhett Crosswell Bowen Jr. and David Andrew Jenkins Bowen, Paul Daniels, Marybeth Buonaiuto, Angel Del Valle, Gina Faucette-Farbman, Lena Sells and Dave Thornton

ROBERT MOUL

R

obert Moul is the founder/brokerin-charge of Moul, REALTORS®, a boutique real estate firm whose focus is on providing the best client experience in the industry. When clients work with a boutique brokerage, they are gaining access to a close-knit group of experienced brokers and agents who work cooperatively and collectively to achieve great results for their clients. A boutique firm is also small enough to cultivate its own unique brand and culture—and, in this case, that brand emanates excellence. “Our mission statement at Moul, REALTORS® is to improve the real estate process by modernizing this antiquated industry while maintaining the highest level of excellence we can deliver to clients by focusing on their overall experience,” Moul said. To fulfill that mission, Moul and his team offer clients a level of specialization, service, and sophistication that exceeds industry standards.

Moul, REALTORS® 1132 May River Road Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 940-8007 moulrealtors.com

JOHN RHETT CROSSWELL BOWEN JR & DAVID ANDREW JENKINS BOWEN What is your favorite room in a house?

The kitchen. We love to cook and entertain. We think the kitchen is the heart of the home.

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

Three days to get under contract (listing closed in 35 days.)

What advice would you have for Realtors who are just getting started?

There are three key pieces of advice for getting started: (1) This career is a marathon, not a sprint—think long term. (2) Get Involved with your community and local organizations. (3) Be unique. Never be scared to be yourself; that’s what got you this far!

What motivates you?

Our family and our hometown are continuous sources of motivation for our team. We have a hand-drawn photo of our grandfather, Thomas Wamsley, below the first prints of both Bluffton Today and The Island Packet mounted by our front door. These keep us pushing forward, while reminding us of our deep roots every morning.

Are there any home trends that become a bit passé in recent months?

COVID has presented us with a very odd time.

With inventory levels sustaining longer days on market, it is allowing buyers to see more homes.

That, combined with the ability to gather, has allowed us to hold more open houses recently.

This trend is subject to many things including supply chain logistics, local/federal mandates, and domestic migration patterns.

Top request from clients?

List my house, please.

What are your most used apps on your phone?

MLS, Premier Rush, and E-Trade/Coinbase Favorite local restaurants?

Cranes, Truffles, Oak Terrace, and Chef Clint—Old Town Dispensary.

What is your favorite HGTV show?

Property Brothers.

The Bluffton Group Weichert Realtors® Coastal Properties How do you know when you’ve made a great 1250 May River Road Bluffton, South Carolina 29910 sale?

We consider ourselves to be successful in making TheBlufftonGroup.com a great sale when our clients become our good Johnny friends.

(843) 290-1250 Johnny@TheBlufftonGroup.com What are some of the latest trends in the Lowcountry’s residential real estate market?

David (843) 384-5965 A market stabilization is occurring where we David@TheBlufftonGroup.com are seeing longer days on market than at the beginning of the year. We are also seeing that pricing is remaining constant; expect prices to continue an upward trend over time.

PAUL DANIELS

I

t was 50 years ago this month, September 1971, that Paul Daniels first visited Hilton Head Island, and the dream of being in the real estate business in paradise was born.

In 1971, Hilton Head Island was connected to the mainland by a two-lane suspension bridge; Highway 278 was a two-lane road with no traffic lights; and development of the island was just getting started.

It was almost 25 years before Paul moved to the island, and in 1999, he joined Dunes Real Estate and truly began to realize his real estate dream.

In the past 22 years, he has assisted countless clients with buying and selling millions and millions of dollars’ worth of real estate on Hilton Head Island and in the Lowcountry. Every day, he looks forward to going the extra mile to satisfy the needs of his clients.

Paul’s favorite real estate

saying is, “The difficult we do immediately; the impossible takes a little longer; and miracles are by appointment!” Helping clients buy and sell real estate may sound simple, but making sure every client is satisfied isn’t easy. No one knows that better than a seasoned, experienced and professional Realtor like Paul Daniels!

You can start realizing your real estate dream by visiting Paul Daniels at his office at the entrance to Palmetto Dunes or contact him today by phone or email. Let Paul’s experience and his willingness to go the extra mile start working for you today!

Dunes Real Estate 6 Queens Folly Rd. – Palmetto Dunes (843) 384-5384 pauldaniels@hargray.com

MARYBETH BUONAIUTO

M

arybeth Buonaiuto loves people, and it is evident the moment you meet her. For 20 years, she has helped her clients realize their dreams of owning a piece of paradise in the Lowcountry.

Each client receives Marybeth’s laser-focused and individualized attention, ensuring each buyer finds the property that is perfect for their specific needs and lifestyle. With an interior design background, Marybeth possesses a keen vision for what will and will not work for her clients.

Let Marybeth show you the various possibilities available for you and your family. She will sit down with you to find out what outdoor activities you enjoy, the type of property you are looking for, size requirements, and so on.

She will make your home-hunting experience an enjoyable one, targeting only properties relevant to your needs, desires, and budget.

Living in the Lowcountry fulltime since 2001 and visiting here since the 1980’s, Marybeth has a wealth

of local knowledge that she will readily share with you.

When it comes time to sell your property, you can count on Marybeth to determine the most competitive listing price to sell your home quickly while maximizing its value and marketing your property through many media venues.

Originally from Akron, Ohio, Marybeth has been married to Peter for 35 years. They have three adult children and a precious granddaughter. During the past 17 years, Marybeth has also volunteered her time serving in various capacities including board member for the local chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

Dunes Real Estate 6 Queens Folly Rd. – Palmetto Dunes marybeth@myHHIhome.com (843) 301-7463

LENA SELLS WORK LIKE A CAPTAIN, PLAY LIKE A PIRATE Realtor and ‘Wonder Woman of Housing,’ Lena Sells blends a refined approach and a deep love for the Lowcountry.

Article By Barry Kaufman

F

or any real estate professional working in the Lowcountry, the first and most important trait they must possess is a deep love for the area they call home. It’s an attribute that Lena Sells has in spades, one informed by the long journey it took to get here.

“In my opinion, it is the prettiest place in the world, and I love seeing people fall in love with it as well,” she said. “This spring/summer, I think we have seen the biggest wave of new folks relocating to the Lowcountry, and it is fascinating to see our beautiful place grow and become loved.”

That love of the Lowcountry, and discovering its beauty, comes to Lena Sells naturally. It was a love she discovered for herself after moving to America 12 years ago from her native Moldova. Finding herself in a new land was a culture shock, but her newly adopted country welcomed her with open arms.

“When I came to America 12 years ago, my English wasn’t very good, and the only way to improve it was to talk to people and practice. What better place than America for that?” she said. “My husband always tells people I was such an introvert when he met me, but it is very true. That is just part of our culture back home.

Here in America, it’s very different.”

Navigating those differences, making them a part of her life, informs her unique perspective on real estate.

“The majority of the people here in America are very approachable and friendly, and that is the approach I learned to take,” she said. And that approach is pretty straightforward.

“Talk to people, get to know them and get to know their interests.”

Embracing a philosophy of “Work like a Captain, Play Like a Pirate,” Sells balances her love of her business with the joy of experiencing all that Hilton

Head Island has to offer, along with her husband and three children.

Just as her background as an immigrant informs her perspective on working with people, her professional background has given her a unique approach to real estate. Her real estate career began in 2012, working with her husband’s firm, which invested in tax liens and deeds.

Helping people stay in their property and get out of bad financial situations led to flipping homes, which helped Sells segue into her new career.

“We bought and sold properties, but with time also came the need of a more hands-on approach,” she said.

“So, ultimately, I decided that it was time to step into the traditional real estate market.”

Her endless drive and ambition proved exceptionally useful in her new role, contributing to her selection as one of 50 “Wonder Women of Housing” by The Mortgage Reports.

“This past May, I was the second highest sales agent in all of the Carolinas for Keller Williams,” Sells said. “That’s going up against bigger, booming cities like Charlotte, N.C., Charleston, S.C., and Greenville, S.C. And I took the No. 2 spot in one of the hottest months of the year, in one of the hottest years of the decade.”

Working like a captain, playing like a pirate and selling like a wonder woman, Lena Sells is living the American dream.

Keller Williams Realty (843) 972-7500 Lenasellshomes.com

ANGEL DEL VALLE

A

ngel del Valle grew up close to the ocean in the coastal city of Valencia in Spain, and among the tropical beaches of Puerto Rico. It’s no wonder he would eventually move to the Lowcountry, a wonderful area with many unique neighborhoods to explore, and a great place to live, vacation, and invest.

Angel has lived in New York and Virginia and has more than 20 years of experience as a sales and marketing executive, providing marketing solutions, performance management, and customer experience management for clients such as Verizon, AT&T, and Telefonica Brazil.

He also worked in film and TV projects for the U.S and international markets.

Angel is fluent in English and Spanish and conversant in Portuguese.

He moved to Hilton Head Island in 2009, seeking an easy-going lifestyle, and was attracted by the natural beauty of the area, its rich cultural heritage, and the ongoing cultural events, great live music, and theater.

He was welcomed by an engaged and giving community and became a member of the HHI/Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class and a

member of the Jr. Leadership Board of Regents.

Angel understands that real estate is a business like no other. It’s more than just buying and selling; it’s about dreams and possibilities, self-realization, accomplishment, and making big decisions. Everyone feels excited and a little nervous, from firsttime buyers to seasoned investors.

Along with providing outstanding representation, Angel knows that he must understand and consider every client concern.

He is grateful for the support and trust of his many clients and for the opportunity to work and serve in this exciting and vibrant market. Whether you’re buying or selling, contact Angel today so he can find the best real estate opportunity for you.

Weichert Realtors® - Coastal Properties 1038 William Hilton Parkway Hilton Head, SC 29928 (843) 715-1581 angel@WeichertCP.com

GINA FAUCETTE-FARBMAN

G

ina Faucette-Farbman has lived on Hilton Head Island for over 20 years. She is a native of upstate South Carolina and brings a full understanding of location, value, property type, and pricing within the market.

Her unique background, prior to real estate was in engineering and selling railing and structural steel in a territory that ranged from Savannah to Charleston.

Working with builders, property managers and interior designers was her specialty for her entire career and now allows her to work with clients as a trusted adviser, building long-lasting relationships, ensuring satisfied repeat clients and referrals.

It’s truly what your Realtor knows and the skills they possess that set them apart. Gina knows the market, and in this market, interior design and selling homes is a very important partnership.

After 2020, Gina has adjusted her strategy in real estate by helping her clients with interior and exterior design by showcasing

the strengths of the home. When Gina, is given the opportunity to list your home, she goes above and beyond to help create an innovative way to stage the home for success.

In real estate, aiding in interior and exterior design is an essential part of the process in uniting buyers with their dream home, and combining these two skills has been truly rewarding for Gina and her clients. She is licensed on Hilton Head Island and in Beaufort, and she can sell anything anywhere in the Lowcountry. She is dedicated to her clients and works 24/7 to help them with anything they need.

RE/MAX Island Realty (843) 422-2144 HiltonHeadOceanfront.Love

a few short, yet successful years, he has been able to apply his local market knowledge, love of customer and client interactions, and immense pride in all that he does to help clients near and far, buy and sell their homes in the Lowcountry.

What is your favorite room in the house?

The kitchen, of course!

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

I was actually working as an internal sales agent. I was the only one in the office; I answered the phone, picked a few properties to see, and we went under contract a couple of days later.

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

Dan Prud’homme. A lot of good advice, but most of it has something to do with real estate.

What is your most used app?

Fortunately, it is Docusign.

DAVE THORNTON

I

t’s rare to find a Realtor on Hilton Head Island with a near-lifelong dedication to Lowcountry living, but that’s exactly what you’ll find in Dave Thornton. Born in Versailles, Kentucky and raised on Hilton Head Island, Thornton graduated from Clemson University and then promptly made his way back home to the island. He took his love for the

ocean breezes and the people of Hilton Head and applied that to a career working on the water and in the service industry—eventually managing multiple successful restaurants.

After several prosperous years in the service industry, Thornton decided to bring his passion for this beautiful island to the real estate industry and Carolina Realty Group. In just

In what neighborhood do you sell the most?

Luckily, the one I live in: the Point Comfort area. I have listed two properties and have another one coming soon to the market in this area. I have also been on the buyers’ side of four others since last February.

Favorite local restaurant?

San Miguel’s and Mellow Mushroom.

Carolina Realty Group 3 Executive Park Road (843) 384-1606

ARTICLE BY COURTNEY HAMPSON

The Wealth Edit A COMMUNITY WHERE TALKING ABOUT FINANCES IS NO LONGER TABOO

T

wo months ago, I lost my job of 16 years. I had done the same thing for 195 months, and suddenly I was faced with the question of what’s next? Fortunately, my concerns were not related to how I would survive financially because I had a plan. But that wasn’t always the case.

I owe the absence of panic to The Wealth Edit, a womanonly community, where talking about money is encouraged. I joined the community last spring just as it was launching. I was paired with a small cohort of other like-minded women on a similar path as me. Like clockwork, we hopped on a Zoom call once a week for a “Financial Minimalism” course and to air our The Wealth Edit co-founders, Lauren Pearson and Emily Lassiter, tackle tough conversations about money with women.

dirty checkbooks. Wealth Edit founder, Lauren Pearson, calls it “an ecosystem where we could easily connect.”

And we did. We talked about our childhoods and how our parents managed money. We discussed budgeting and where we over-spend and how and if we should save for a rainy day. We lamented about buying a $150 beach bag when we already have three beach bags in the closet (guilty). And we discussed our goals, short- and long-term.

There is something about having to tell eight other people what you spent money on that really gets you thinking. Saying, “Well, I bought it because I can…” really puts things into perspective. What I learned quickly was that while I was saving money, I was also wasting money, and I didn’t have a plan. Three months later, I had a financial planner and a pile of homework to complete.

But let’s rewind and ask the obvious question: why are women so uncomfortable talking about money? Pearson says it is because “the financial system is one built by men, for men.” However, women make most purchase decisions for their household and family, so not only should they be

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a part of the conversation, they can and should lead the conversation.

After a 10-year career at Merrill Lynch, Pearson launched Somerset Advisory Group, and slowly the idea of The Wealth Edit began to form in her head. She was struck by the fact that women were so often and so nonchalantly saying, “I don’t know anything about money.” “If you weren’t familiar with a restaurant, you wouldn’t say, ‘I don’t know anything about food.’ The reality is, women know plenty about money, but we were taught not to talk about it,” Pearson said.

So, she went on a year-long journey studying women and wealth. She conducted more than 500 in-person and roundtable interviews and found that, for the most part, women found it “tacky” to talk about money (because that is “what their mamas taught them”). Furthermore, they weren’t confident having the conversation.

From this, The Wealth Edit was born to provide a financial education for women, build a skill set and create a space where women could learn from one another.

Ultimately, the goal was to get women “unstuck,” Pearson said. “When you join The Wealth Edit, you are instantly connected with women who are on a similar path. We are women. We have studied women and the issues they care about when thinking about their lifestyles.”

When you join, the first step is to take The Wealth Edit’s quiz to determine your “glidepath” or distinct trajectory, of which they have identified six. Each glidepath contains

The Wealth Edit customized content focused on you— who you are and where you are in your financial journey.

My glidepath is a “PRIM”: a pivoting, resilient, investigating, motivating woman.

In the Wealth Edit world, PRIMs have many layers. PRIMs have been through it all and have come out stronger and more beautiful. People respect PRIMs from nearly the moment they meet them, and when PRIM talks, people listen. A PRIM is loved for her spirit and her quiet drive.

In the past year since joining the Wealth Edit, I engaged a financial planner, began my estate planning, paid off my debt (including my graduate school student loan that embarrassingly celebrated its twentieth anniversary this year), and saved half of my salary. So, when I got the news that my job was a goner, I was okay.

Finding a financial planner is a little bit like dating. The pool of good prospects is shallow and you’re going to have some bad conversations before you click. Pearson said, “Look for the certified financial planner who is going to serve as your fiduciary.” While I nodded along and pretended to know what that meant, Pearson continued, “Think of it like a butcher and a nutritionist. The butcher is going to sell you their best meat. A nutritionist is going to give you the advice that is best for your health and say, ‘Here is the best meat, but why don’t you add some vegetables to that.’” Bottom line, your fiduciary should be steering you toward the veggies and a well-thought out and balanced plan.

Today, the Wealth Edit boasts more than 200 members, and what began as a handful of small cohorts and conversations is a growing group of unstoppable women.

In addition to the online content and community, meet-ups are taking place in cities across the South, and the Wealth Edit podcast (featuring conversations with female founders and businesswomen) is 54 episodes deep. (Check out episode three, where the Wealth Edit co-founder, Emily Lassiter talks about becoming a young widow and how that shaped her finances and her future.)

Pearson urges all women to commit to one year with the Wealth Edit. I concur.

The Wealth Edit changed my life. I have a plan, and I am okay.  Learn more at wealthedit.com.

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MONEY MANAGEMENT FEATURING LOCAL FINANCIAL ADVISORS, MORTGAGE LENDERS, AND BANKS.

PG. 100

JOHN CHIACCHIERO AND MICHELLE MYHRE, CFP® AMY COVINGTON, AAMS®

PG. 101

VERITY INVESTMENT PARTNERS

PG. 102

BRENDAN DOWNEY FAIRWAY MORTGAGE

JOHN CHIACCHIERO AND MICHELLE MYHRE, CFP® O A K

S

A D V I S O R S ,

ince 2005, Oak Advisors, LLC has been one of Hilton Head Island’s most respected wealth management firms. The company, a fee-only, Securities and Exchange Commissionregistered investment advisor, creates customized investment management and financial planning solutions. As a

L L C

fee-only firm, the company has removed all conflicts of interest and works with its clients in a transparent, fiduciary capacity, where all fees are disclosed.

Oak Advisors is independently owned and operated by John Chiacchiero and Michelle Myhre, CFP®, who have been business partners for

over 20 years. “Over the years, we believe our commitment to excellence and high ethical standards are two of the reasons we are still around with many long-term clients, including most of the clients who believed in us in our very first year,” Chiacchiero said.

“During our many years working together, our team has witnessed asset bubbles, market crashes, political turmoil, wars, natural disasters, innovations we couldn’t have imagined, the rise of terrorism, and the worst financial meltdown and economic downturn since the 1930s,” Myhre added. “We believe that staying true to the principles on which we founded the firm—honesty, transparency, and excellence in service—is the reason for our success and longevity.”

The wealth management process requires specific skill sets and professional experience.

The Oak Advisors team (including Christopher Kiesel, CFA, Al Cerrati, Heidi Yoshida, CFP®, Earl Nelson, and Sarah Huie) brings this necessary expertise to the process and ensures that their clients with complex financial planning and investment management needs find solutions.

3 Clark Summit Dr., # 201 Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 757-9339 www.OakAdvisors.net

AMY COVINGTON, AAMS® E D WA R D J O N E S , F I N A N C I A L A D V I S O R

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ike many others, Amy Covington came to Hilton Head Island on vacation and loved it so much she moved here six months later. For 25 years, she has lived and served in the communities of Bluffton and Hilton Head. Amy has served on the board of directors of several local non-profit organizations, and she is currently the incoming president of a local women’s organization, The Zonta Club of Hilton Head Island.

Amy’s career has enabled her to serve as a guide and advocate for many women.

Amy’s husband, Jason is a retired Beaufort County Police officer, and they have two children, Charlotte and Valerie.

As an Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Amy believes that there is no one-size-fits-all for every investor. Investment goals should be tailored to your needs and not generically based on guidelines for someone your age or at your stage of life. She develops a workable financial

strategy, whether just beginning to save for retirement, recently retired or interested in estate considerations.

Amy’s team provides personalized client care with a familiar voice and a local presence. She has the support of the Edward Jones home office to help ensure her clients receive the most current and comprehensive investment guidance. This combined team forms the foundation that has made Edward Jones a top choice for serious, long-term investors for nearly 100 years.

Amy’s passion is partnering with people around something so personal and meaningful as their finances and priorities in life.

38-D New Orleans Rd Suite 100 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 681-8509

VERITY INVESTMENT PARTNERS HELPING CLIENTS SHAPE MORE JOYFUL LIVE

V

erity Investment Partners (VIP) is a leading wealth management firm providing financial planning and investment management services through locations in Bluffton, Beaufort and Charleston.

Verity’s mission is to help clients invest wisely so they can live their life and pursue your dreams with confidence and peace of mind. The firm specializes in helping clients plan and invest based on what matters most in their life. Verity provides an investment approach designed to create the financial freedom needed to shape a more joyful and fulfilling life – one that is aligned with the people,

places and pursuits that each client cares most about.

Verity Investment Partners was founded in Beaufort, SC in 2002 by Will and Paula Verity and now consists of 12 professionals. In 2020, VIP was named by The Financial Times as one of the Top 300 Registered Investment Advisory firms in the United States. Verity offers a complementary initial assessment and consultation to help identify if the firm is the right fit for each client’s needs and financial objectives.

BRENDAN DOWNEY K I C K F E E S

A

s the son of a successful banker in his native Buffalo, New York, Brendan Downey knew from an early age that his future lay in finances. After relocating to the Lowcountry in 2003, Downey began his financial career at Bank of America before transitioning into credit card processing, launching KickFees three years ago. This revolutionary service turns traditional credit card fees processing upside down, saving clients hundreds of thousands of dollars they can use to reinvest in their business.

A proud member of the community, Downey supports nonprofits including Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, The First Tee, Special Olympics, and Bluffton Self Help 181 Bluffton Rd bldg E, Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 505-1590 kickfees.com

FAIRWAY MORTGAGE

W

e’re the largest mortgage company you’ve never heard of … until now! At Fairway, we are dedicated to finding great rates and loan options for our customers, while offering some of the fastest turn times in the industry. Fairway has over 10,000 team members in more than 690 locations nationwide. With a strong focus on purchase business, we continue to grow each year, funding over $65.8 billion in 2020.

Fairway is No.1 in FHA purchase volume, No. 4 in VA purchase volume and units, and No. 1 in USDA purchase volume and units. We’ve been voted the No. 1 mortgage company to work for by Mortgage Executive magazine seven years in a row.

Three other reports say the same, having ranked us No. 1 as well.

We understand the home loan process can seem a bit daunting—from applying to gathering the proper documentation to selecting the right loan option. We make the process as simple as possible by

offering resources to help you understand how the homebuying process works, so you’ll know what to expect.

We strongly believe the way we do things is just as important as what we do. We truly live by our 10 Core Values. We strive to make our team members and customers feel like a part of the Fairway family, while providing exceptional customer service, speed, and support by being kind, humble and giving 100 percent every day.

“It’s not about the loans we do. It’s about the hearts we change and the people we help.”

—Steve Jacobson, Founder & CEO 181 Bluffton Road, Suite B103 Bluffton, SC 29910 Larry Bennett: 843-505-0105 Scott Ely: 843-422-5955 Lindsey Burch: 770-480-1205 fairwayindependentmc.com NMLS Entity ID #2289

article by barry kauFman photography by m.kat

Since the beginning, FItSnewS. com’S mandy matney haS been knee-deep in the moSt exploSive caSe to ever hit beauFort county. her new podcaSt digS deeper into the FactS.

m

andy Matney doesn’t know who killed Paul or Maggie Murdaugh. She doesn’t know who killed Stephen Smith.

These are things she admits right off the bat during episodes of her “Murdaugh Murders Podcast.”

These are things she doesn’t know.

But it’s the things she does know that make her podcast such an addictively thrilling experience.

“I was seeing that other people were making podcasts about this, and I know the story better than any reporter because I’ve been on it for so many years,” she said. As news director for the independent online news outfit FITSNews.com, she has reported on the Murdaugh family’s comings and goings for years, well before the boat crash and subsequent double homicide that put them in the national spotlight.

Mandy Matney and fiancé David Moses work on the next episode of the Murdaugh Murders podcast.

She approacheS each incident with a reverence for the factS, eSchewing any SenSationaliSm and giving expertly laid out reaSoning into any aSideS that could be taken aS conjecture.

It’S an old-School journaliStic approach but packaged in a way that drawS you into the labyrinthine Story, aS the beSt true crime podcaStS do, with the actual audio from 911 callS adding to the narrative.

And it was when those “parachute journalists” jumped in from the national outlets and unleashed a torrent of error-prone coverage that Matney decided her voice was needed more than ever. “I could tell that a lot of national reporters didn’t care on the level I did,” she said. “I can listen to another podcast’s episode about this for five seconds and just say, ‘wrong.’”

As a professional, Matney is upfront with her audience about what she doesn’t know. But there’s plenty she does know that national reporters don’t (for example, how to pronounce Murdaugh, which ends with a hard “k” sound).

Starting a podcast added another dynamic to her coverage.

Creating it required a little help from her fiancé, David Moses. As her producer and biggest fan, he’s played an integral role in getting the podcast off the ground.

“What Mandy is so skilled with is collaborating on pieces and structuring content so it makes sense, either in a chronological or contextual order,” Moses said. “She’s the

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most magnificent author and writer I’ve ever known. But more than that, she has an unequivocal commitment to exposing the truth, wherever it leads. That helps us know what’s important to telling the story.”

THE STORY SO FAR The story surrounding the Murdaugh murders isn’t just about the frantic 911 call Alex Murdaugh placed on the night of June 7, 2021, after finding his wife and son murdered. It isn’t just about the February 24, 2019 boat crash that killed Mallory Beach. It isn’t just about the July 8, 2015 death of Stephen Smith.

It’s the story of a family’s influence, built over decades working alongside South Carolina’s power brokers, and how that influence can bury the truth. And that story is far from over.

Across the seven episodes of the podcast released as of press time, Matney has examined each of those three tentpole stories, devoting two episodes apiece to the murders of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh, the 2019 boat crash, and the 2015 death of Smith. But the real value in what she brings to the podcast lies in her deep knowledge of each incident, the players involved and the oftenobscured connections between each one.

“WE HAD 140,000 LISTENERS IN OUR FIRST 37 DAYS. AND THEN APPLE SAYS THERE HAVE BEEN 500,000 PLUS STREAMS. IT’S CRAZY.” MANDY MATNEY

She approaches each incident with a reverence for the facts, eschewing any sensationalism and giving expertly laid out reasoning into any asides that could be taken as conjecture. It’s an old-school journalistic approach but packaged in a way that draws you into the labyrinthine story, as the best true crime podcasts do, with the actual audio from 911 calls adding to the narrative.

“It’s been interesting. When the 911 call came out, I realized this is just a totally different medium for telling this story,” she said. “My mind is thinking differently about how to tell stories now.”

“I think it’s Mandy’s commitment to truth, and the failures in the investigation of Stephen Smith’s and Mallory Beach’s deaths, and the current investigation into Maggie and Paul’s horrific end. It has all the elements. It really captures people’s attention,” Moses said. “We just try to do that justice.”

The podcast format gives Matney new tools for storytelling. But ultimately, it’s just another way to pursue the truth, even if that means taking a closer look at how these events were investigated and adjudicated. And while that pursuit might mean putting herself in the crosshairs of law enforcement, the legal system, and the entire good old boys’ network, for Matney, that’s just part of the job.

“I didn’t get into journalism to be scared of something and walk away,” she said. “No one should ever be afraid to tell the truth. this. I’ve been in this since the beginning, and nothing is going to stop me at this point.”

LISTEN IN For better or worse, the Murdaugh murders and the almost operatic drama that surrounds the story have put the Lowcountry in the national spotlight.

With the ears of the world listening, Matney’s podcasts have given everyone a chance to share her unique insight into the ongoing story. And it turns out, people have responded.

“We were just flabbergasted by the amount of interest in this new format,” Moses said. Depending on where you get your data, the average podcast can expect to attract a few hundred listeners in its first 30 days. “We had 140,000 listeners in our first 37 days. And then Apple says there have been 500,000 plus streams. It’s crazy.”

These numbers represent a legion of news consumers, but in a greater sense, they show a different future for journalism—one where the pursuit of the truth remains at the heart of every endeavor, even if the format shifts to meet those consumers online where they live. Already, FITSNews has proven to be a poster child in the industry for a sustainable news source built on solid reporting and flexibility in delivering it to the people.

Through this podcast, Matney is not just covering a story. She’s showing an industry that can often be stuck in the past a better way forward.

“People really believe independent news is the future,” Matney said. “The future is online, and when you’re an independent news outlet, you care more about the stories you’re doing.”

The Murdaugh Murders Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts.  C2 MAGAZINE

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OUR STORIED ISLAND EVERY ISLANDER HAS A TALE TO TELL. THROUGH THEIR NEW VIDEO SERIES, THE HERITAGE LIBRARY BRINGS THOSE TALES TO LIFE.

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN

I

f you look hard enough, you’ll find stories everywhere on Hilton Head Island. What might seem like a gentle rise in the floor of a serene maritime forest conceals beneath it the last scars of a war whose front lines cut through the island. Within each headstone at Zion Chapel of Ease Cemetery is a legacy of those who settled Hilton Head, living on in their descendants who still call it home. A pair of custom made silver church chalices represent a mysterious saga of precious artifacts looted by invaders and recovered by divine providence. And a vibrant culture living on Hilton Head Island evokes the first days of freedom for a people born in bondage.

These stories and more have been brought to life through The Heritage Library’s innovative new video series, “Our Storied Island.” Beautifully shot to capture not only the gravity of these important stories but the immense natural wonder of their setting, each of these videos explores a different, often untold, chapter in our island’s story, as well as the storytellers who share them.

“The ‘Our Storied Island’ series is a true celebration of the history of our Island and the people behind it. Video is helping us bring our history to life,” said Heritage Library Executive Director Barbara Catenaci. “It’s so important for us to preserve these stories and these places for future generations of island residents and visitors,” she added.

Through storytellers we learn about the Colonial period on Hilton Head Island included its role in the American Revolution. We also learn about the Gullah culture, the traditions they brought with them from their native lands and the community they created in their new home. By diving deeper into the historic sites that dot the island – Mitchelville Freedom Park, Fort Mitchel, the Zion Chapel of Ease Cemetery – they paint a picture of a place where history doesn’t end in the past. In each video, they show how the echoes of the island’s stories carry on to its present.

Professionally filmed and edited they take you beyond the natural beauty of the Island and into the lives of our families – past and present. These

Our Storied Island View all videos at HeritageLib.org/video-stories

videos represent the latest in The Heritage Library’s ongoing efforts to preserve the island’s fascinating history and introduce new generations to the island’s stories.

“There’s so many more avenues now for telling the island’s story than just putting words in a book or delivering a lecture,” said Catenaci. “The short video format gives us even greater tools for keeping this history alive, reminding us all that there are so many more stories out there to tell.”

You can view the full video series at heritagelib.org/videostories.

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Article by Cheryl Alexander

FORE O

“

the students

NEIGHBORHOOD OUTREACH CONNECTION GOLF TOURNAMENT LEVELS THE PLAYING FIELD

T

he Neighborhood Outreach Connection (NOC) invites one and all to support “Fore” the Students, the organization’s annual golf tournament and after-party, on Sept. 10 at the Colleton River Plantation Club’s Nicklaus Course. Attendees will enjoy a terrific afternoon of golf, followed by sunset cocktails and snacks.

This event promises to be fun-filled with a philanthropic twist, with monies raised allowing the NOC to continue to provide much-needed support to the Lowcountry’s most deserving children. All proceeds from the tournament will make a direct impact on the children participating in NOC learning centers by providing funds for learning materials, teacher salaries, and more.

”

Levels of participation Single Golfer (includes sunset cocktail party): $300 Foursome for Golf (includes sunset cocktail party): $1,200 Tee Sponsor (includes professionally printed sign on tee box with your name or logo): $350 Green Sponsor (includes flag on pin with your logo or name): $500 Friends of NOC (includes tee sign with your logo or name, golf, and cocktail party for four players, website, social media, and newsletter recognition): $2,500 Gold Sponsor (includes flag on pin with your logo, golf for four players, and cocktail party for four players and four

guests, website, social media, and newsletter recognition): $5,000 Presenting Sponsor (includes banner recognition at check-in, flag on pin with your logo, golf, and after-party tickets for eight, display table for organization, website, social media, and newsletter recognition): $10,000 After Party only: $150

The mission of the NOC is to serve Beaufort County children and families who are in need, targeting the poorest, most needy, and largely immigrant families who are at risk due to poverty. Many of the parents are non-English speaking, and the NOC offers ESL classes to help parents understand what the schools expect of them and their children. Most of these families have no transportation, so the NOC sets up learning centers in their neighborhoods, either renting or buying space or having space donated.

“The NOC started because our population reflects such an economic discrepancy, and children and families need support,” Judy Blahut, NOC representative, said. “Sometimes an apartment complex will allow us to use its community spaces so children can safely gather after school for healthy snacks, access to the internet, and assistance with homework and enrichment in core subjects like reading, math, and science. But sometimes we will have to rent an apartment.”

NOC’s design targets poverty’s roots via a multi-faceted approach, combining educational programs, workforce development, and health screenings—all built on a strong presence within the neighborhood. Currently, the NOC operates seven community centers. A new flagship center is on Hwy. 278 above Dunkin’ Donuts on Hilton Head Island, with two other Hilton Head locations at St. Luke’s Church and Island Lutheran Church. Additionally, there are two NOC centers in Bluffton and two in Beaufort. This golf tournament will provide funds that will benefit all NOC centers.

“Some of our community centers have higher needs than others. Our funding is also grant-dependent, so these golf event funds will help level out the fund distribution and enable us to continue to provide high quality standards for all centers,” Blahut said.

The centers serve the neighborhoods in which they are located, allowing the program and its volunteers to

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Prizes are also part of the program. These include a holein-one contest on all par-three holes and a wine pull with several exclusive bottles of wine.

fully immerse itself within the community. The centers are managed by trained program managers with support from a neighborhood liaison and NOC’s field staff of part-time teachers and volunteers as well as parents.

NOC’s education program currently serves more than 500 students and includes one-on-one after-school tutoring, a summer program for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, preschool classes for pre-kindergarten age children, and adult education. NOC works with no more than 75 children at each center, confident that a small scope of operations yields optimal results.

Students in the after-school program spend four days per week, one and a half hours a day focused on homework and tutoring. In the summer program, children spend four days per week, two hours a day reinforcing math and language arts skills, keeping them sharp all summer.

Program teachers include Beaufort County School District (BCSD) teachers and local volunteers who are well equipped to educate and mentor students. Based on test scores, currently 95 percent of the students involved with NOC programs have shown progress in reading and math.

NOC’s approach emphasizes community connection.

Teachers and local volunteers provide tutoring services and homework support, and parents and families are engaged in their children’s learning process, fostering a supportive home and community culture that values academic excellence. In addition, workforce development and health screening programs provide parents with the tools to foster their children’s success.

Adult education classes are offered in partnership with many local organizations, and NOC offers health screenings

FORE O

“

” the students

at the community centers, arranging annual visits from the Beaufort Memorial Hospital’s Mobile Unit, Volunteers in Medicine (HHI’s Free Clinic), and the Lions Club. In fact, 85 percent of NOC parents are involved in children’s learning and enrichment through NOC’s education program. Some of these parents help NOC’s field staff in maintenance of the centers and in hosting community events.

In addition to academic success among students, NOC’s presence in a community has been shown to contribute to a diminishing crime rate. Data from the Beaufort County Sherriff’s Office indicate that reports of crime in The Oaks and Avalon Shores neighborhoods have declined substantially since NOC came into the neighborhoods.

NOC’s purpose is to fight poverty by helping all individuals in the community achieve the “American Dream” of economic independence, progress, and personal fulfillment. Their unique model is making significant strides towards this goal by harnessing the energy of the local community. You can contribute. Your participation on any level in the NOC’s “Fore” the Students golf tournament will continue to level the playing field and end the cycle of poverty for all in the Lowcountry.  Event registration opens at 11:30 a.m.; the shotgun start is at 1 p.m.; and the bar opens at 5:30 p.m. Visit noc-golf. com to register to play, for more information on becoming a sponsor, or for tickets to attend the after party.

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This & That

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

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

NEW INITIATIVE ANNOUNCED TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN NURSES IN THE LOWCOUNTRY On September 23, The Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island (WAHHI) kicks off its 2021-2022 year at the beautiful Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn Pavilion.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Debi Lynes, who will take the women on her life journey building resilience—which is WAHHI’s theme for this year.

Founded in 1961, the Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island is an influential group of almost 700 women who are active in civic, cultural, and philanthropic activities in the Bluffton and Hilton Head community. Membership is open to residents of Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Daufuskie Island. For more information regarding membership, please contact Linda Jackson at membership@wahhi.org.

Weichert, Realtors® – Coastal Properties is proud to announce the addition of Lou Ann Kelly to their real estate team. Kelly will be working out of the Sun City/Okatie office.

A new scholarship has been announced, hoping to significantly increase the number of BSN graduate nurses employed in primary care settings in Beaufort County. The South Carolina Nurse Retention Scholarship (SCNRS) is a new and unique program designed to attract and retain nurses who continue to work in Beaufort County. A charitable fund has been established through the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry to provide funds to eligible candidates.

The need for nurses in Beaufort County is critical and expected to grow.

By 2030, the number of registered nurses needed in the United States is estimated to increase by 28.4%, from 2.8 million to 3.6 million. By that point, South Carolina is expected to have the fourth largest nursing shortage in the nation. Currently, South Carolina has the poorest ratio of nurses to the population at 7.9 per 1000, while the national average is 12.5. Both South Carolina and Beaufort County are health professional shortage areas for primary care nursing.

The University of South Carolina Beaufort has a robust nursing program, graduating about 40 students each year. On average, nursing students graduate with $22,000 in student loan debt. Combining this with the fact that salaries for new nurses are up to $6,000 per year higher outside of South Carolina, many qualified nurses are leaving the area.

To close this gap, The SCNRS aims to provide an additional $6,000 per year in the form of direct payments to new BSN graduates who can demonstrate that they are providing direct patient care in Beaufort County.

Recipients will be selected based on merit and demonstrated financial need, with special consideration given to marginalized or underserved populations.

Nurses would receive a payment of $3,000 after each confirmed six-month period of local employment in an approved setting. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years.

The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has generously provided the initial funds to build the program’s infrastructure and launch the program in Beaufort County.

SCNRS’ goal is to grow and eventually expand the program statewide.

They expect to offer four scholarships this year with initial funds provided by generous donations from individuals within the community, including the founders of the initiative, Dr. William Fuller and Robert Elliott, each pledging to provide full support for a candidate.

By 2022, SCNRS hopes to provide 10 more annual scholarships, with an endowment fund created to sustain the program. SCNRS has a fundraising committee reaching out to individuals, businesses, and other stakeholders, asking for support to sponsor a candidate for up to four years.

For additional information about the scholarship or where to donate, visit scnurseretention.org.

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This & That

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

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

Lot 9 brewing co., a local nano-brewery, has won Best of the Southeast for its Mai Lord Mai Bock beer in The United States Beer Tasting Championship (USBTC). Lot 9 also received two honorable mentions for Dana’s Big DIPA Imperial Hazy IPA, as well as its Lil’ Slice of Hefen Wheat Beer.

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Members of the Low Country Kappa Delta Alumnae Chapter display their fish-printing creations, made at the Port Royal Sound Maritime Center in Okatie. The activity is an example of the type of programming that earned the chapter the top award for Programming Excellence at the recent KD national convention.

The local Kappa Deltas were also recognized for participating in “Shamrock Projects,” raising funds for Child Abuse Prevention of Beaufort. And they were one of eight chapters in the United States to win the prestigious Alumnae Chapter Achievement Award. It’s the fourth time the chapter has earned the award in the past 10 years. For more information, visit lowcountry.kappadelta.org or Facebook at Low Country, SC Kappa Delta Alumnae Chapter.

Benjamin (Ben) Witcher has recently joined the Charles Schwab office in Bluffton as a financial consultant. For over six years, Witcher has been helping clients with a highly personal and individually focused relationship management approach. Witcher is looking forward to utilizing Charles Schwab’s industry-leading investment platforms, innovative client solutions, and client-centric approach to support, serve, and enhance his clients’ overall financial experience.

Witcher’s career in personal finance stems from a background in non-profit fundraising. Understanding that such institutions and individuals require selfless advocates, Witcher’s passion as a financial professional is to improve the world around his clients, their families, and the causes that matter most to them. Most recently, Witcher worked for TD Ameritrade as an investment consultant in their Savannah, Georgia branch. He holds Series 7 and Series 66 licenses.

The Greenery, Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of Darren Davis to the position of branch manager for the Hilton Head Island Residential Branch. A member of The Greenery team for over 12 years, Davis brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new position.

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M A Y O R

Hilton Head Island Mayor Photography by M.Kat

A Note from John McCann

ABOUT THE MASK… YES, WE SHOULD WEAR ONE AS CORONAVIRUS CASES RISE AGAIN

W

e are all tired of COVID-19, but the pandemic is not over yet. The contagious Delta variant of the virus is spreading through our communities.

Not only is it causing increased infections but it is causing chaos among people for and against wearing masks and getting vaccinated. I had hoped that by now we would have returned to more normalcy in our lives.

Unfortunately, that is not the case.

In May, as mandatory rules about wearing masks ended, most of us became comfortable not wearing one. Nearly two months later, we experienced a surge in COVID-19 cases in our community and in-patient admissions at our local hospitals. With this increase, we find ourselves in the position, once again, where we need to protect ourselves, our families, and especially our children.

Last month, Hilton Head Island Town Council approved a state of emergency to allow our town manager to implement

preventative measures against COVID-19 in accordance with latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and reports of infection rates from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

< Bluffton Mayor

A Note from Lisa Sulka

M AY O R

GOOD NEWS!

W

henever we have positive news from any of our town departments, we usually post on social media. I also understand that not everyone relies on social media for their news, so I want to also write about these items.

Police recruit Jonathan Ciarrone recently received the Top Shot Award for his class at the police academy. This is awarded to the recruit who demonstrated the highest level of marksmanship proficiency and firearms safety throughout a series of firearms training and qualification courses.

Sgt. Jason Rodriguez was voted First Responder of the Year in Bluffton Today’s Best of Bluffton 2021. Sgt. Rodriguez joined the Bluffton Police Department in 2015. He’s a canine handler and is partnered with K9 Hunden. Sgt. Rodriguez oversees all K9 units at the department, as well as D-Team, which is a shift unit consisting of a sergeant, a corporal and three officers.

Our police department is implementing several of their strategic goal initiatives, including Mental Health Crisis Intervention Training, which will assist our command staff in understanding the necessity of reducing arrests of people with a mental illness while increasing the likelihood that the individuals will receive mental health services.

Our town council budgeted for a mental health coordinator, and we are advertising for this position currently. If you know of someone or

Photography by Krisztian Lonyai

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(DHEC). This resolution allows us to host virtual meetings for town council and various town committees. It requires anyone entering town buildings to wear a face mask.

Many municipalities across the country have enacted similar declarations.

By having virtual meetings, we are limiting our faceto-face interactions so we do not spread COVID-19. By asking everyone to wear a face mask in town buildings, we are offering a level of protection for town staff, town council members, and the public. We hope that when you are in public, you will take into consideration the possibility that you could encounter someone who is a carrier of the virus that causes COVID-19. You know the situations when you should wear a mask for your protection.

I have a feeling our fight against COVID-19 is far from over, but we can slow its spread. Take the necessary precautions whether you are vaccinated or not. If you are not vaccinated, please consider it. Above all, be respectful of each other’s personal decisions.

A Note from Lisa Sulka continued

if you have an interest, please check our career tab at townofbluffton.sc.gov.

A second initiative is Spanish class for our officers and staff. With the population increase in the Hispanic community, this is a must, and I am so proud that the first class drew a large number of participants.

Finally, we continue to meet with any community, neighborhood, church or group that wants to discuss public safety, traffic laws, active shooter situations, etc.

If you would like to have our department meet with your group, please reach out to the police department and schedule this.

Many thanks to Ridgeland-based Quality Hardscapes & Porch Masters for donating a travel grill to the Bluffton Police Department. The grill will be used for community events and for meal preparation for officers and staff during critical incidents.

And finally, a reminder that school is back in session.

Please drive the posted speed limits in designated school zones. Also, please remember to move over, if safely possible, for first responders including police, fire and EMS.

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I S C IANS MU in bathrooms M U S I C IMUSICIAN: A N S : G R EZACH G & STEVENS ROBIN ROSS P H OTO G R A P H Y BY M . K AT 120

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Favorite piece to perform?

GR: Depends on the venue.

RR: I love ’em all.

What do you sing in the shower?

GR: “Where’s the Soap?”

RR: Whatever I last heard coming out of the studio.

Favorite cereal?

GR: I love them all.

RR: Life At what venue do you most like to perform?

GR: North End Pour House RR: North End Pour House Most requested song at shows?

GR: “Piano Man” RR: I don’t know … I don’t do requests.

First concert you attended?

GR: Richie Havens and The Byrds RR: Jethro Tull Favorite artist?

GR: Billy Joel RR: Etta James Place you go to get away from it all?

GR: A walk or bike outside RR: My art studio Do you tweet, gram or book? What’s your handle?

GR: None. I just talk loud.

RR: Book @ ROSS2Live, Gram @ ROSS2inHiltonHead Who would star as you in the epic retelling of your life on film?

GR: Danny DeVito or Sylvester Stallone RR: Susan Sarandon First instrument you learned to play?

GR: Drums, then guitar, then piano RR: Recorder in third grade, then saxophone in fifth grade Song you were thrilled to finally master?

GR: I’m still working on a song I can master.

RR: “Black Magic Woman” guitar parts on my keytar What do you wish you knew more about?

GR: Music theory and jazz chords RR: Show tunes What animal do you most identify with?

GR: Humanoids RR: Parakeets

What’s your sign?

Greg Ross: A peace sign, but then I was around in the ’70s.

Robin Ross: “Detour Ahead” Most underrated song that, in your opinion, should be a classic?

GR: “Vienna,” by Billy Joel RR: “Midnight in Harlem,” by Tedeschi Trucks Biggest compliment you’ve ever gotten from a fan?

GR: “Your wife is great; you’re okay.”

RR: “I liked the way you guys played that better than the original.”

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

GR: I always liked Tony.

RR: I’d drop my last name.

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

GR: My dad again RR: Greg’s dad

WHERE YOU CAN SEE ROSS2 PERFORM: Wednesday Nights @ The North End Pour House Thursday Nights @ Lulu's Kitchen

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SEPTEMBER 2021 WEDNESDAYS “REPTILES OF THE LOWCOUNTRY” The Coastal Discovery Museum from 3-4pm Cost is $12 per adult and $7 per child. coastaldiscovery.org

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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

HILTON HEAD WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Celebration Park in Hilton Head Island’s Coligny area.

For more information on ticket purchases, on vendor opportunities or to become a volunteer, visit hiltonheadwineandfood.com.

GREGG RUSSELL Every Monday – Friday PLUS Sunday, July 4 under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town 8-9:30PM

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BLUFFTON FARMERS MARKET

Shops at Sea Pines Center 4-6:30pm Meet the Artists of Sea Pines

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

9 Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina Thursday nights from 6-9pm Sept 9: Deas Guyz Sept 16: Target the Band featuring the Headliner Horns Sept 23: Target the Band featuring the Headliner Horns Sept 30: Deas Guyz

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MUSIC & TASTE ON THE HARBOUR

SEPT. 14-18, 2021

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FIRST THURSDAYS ART MARKET

10TH ANNUAL BOIL PEANUT FESTIVAL Historic Heyward House in Old Town Bluffton historicblufftonsc.com

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AMERICAN LEGION POST 205 FUNDRAISER Eagles Point golf course.

Be sure to visit alpost205.org for more information.

25 PICKLEBALL AT PALMETTO DUNES

RELAY FOR LIFE!

Shelter Cove Community Park Opening Ceremony – at 5:00 pm Survivor/Caregiver Walk – following the Opening Ceremony at 5:00 pm Luminaria Ceremony at 8:00 pm Closing Ceremony at 8:45 pm gina.bitetti@cancer.org

Palmetto Dunes Pickleball Center 9am-6pm palmettodunes.com.

28 “KINKY BOOTS” Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Sep 28 – Oct 31, www.artshhi.com or 843-842-2787

SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 1 CUSTOM DESIGN EVENT AT FORSYTHE JEWELERS Work directly with our trusted professional jewelry designer Paula Dawkins to select a new setting or stones to reimagine a new custom designed piece. To schedule your appointment, call 843.671.7070 or email Andrea@forsythejewelers.biz.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND SHRIMP FESTIVAL

Harbour Town from 1-4pm Experience flavors from local Chefs, Breweries and Vendors in Harbour Town. This family friendly event will include all you can eat shrimp from local Hilton Head Island chefs, over 12 craft breweries, and other specialty vendors.

Tickets: $30 – $50.

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