CH2 Magazine November 2023 by CH2/ CB2 : Celebrate Hilton Head / Celebrate Bluffton

THANKSGIVING! HAPPY

NOVEMBER 2023

GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM EVERYTHING PUMPKIN WITH CHEF LYNN MICHELLE AND CASSANDRA’S KITCHEN DECK THE HULLS

PLUS

NEIGHBORHOOD STROLL

Oldfield: Lowcountry Living Perfected

THRICE AS NICE Couple Builds Their Third Oldfield Home

BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS

Famed Lowcountry Reporter Mandy Matney’s New Book

CALIBOGUE CAY COUTURE

CALIBOGUE CAY COUTURE Modeled by Julia Rockett. Find this look at Coastal Bliss and Forsythe Jewelers

WHAT’S INSIDE 30

LANTERN PARADE OFFERS CHANCE TO GET LIT UP AND ENJOY BEACH STROLL

YOU NEED A SECOND HOME LIKE YOU NEED A...

REALTORS OF THE LOWCOUNTRY

HAMMOCKED ‘LOW-TUCKET’ LEGACY: SEA PINES ESTATE IS SUMPTUOUS, SECLUDED, AND FOR SALE

NEIGHBORHOOD STROLL OLDFIELD: LOWCOUNTRY LIVING PERFECTED

A WORLD OF FLAVOR: TAKE A GLOBAL TOUR OF THE EXPANDING CULINARY DESTINATION ON THE NORTH END

BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS: FAMED LOWCOUNTRY REPORTER MANDY MATNEY’S NEW BOOK PUTS THE INTRIGUE OF THE MURDAUGH SAGA IN A NEW LIGHT

117

THE SCIENCE OF THANKSGIVING: HOW GRATITUDE IMPACTS OUR WELL-BEING

128

THE BIDDER END: INSIDE BEAUFORT COUNTY’S DELINQUENT TAX AUCTION

ON OUR COVERS

ON THE CH2 COVER Julia Rockett models an ensemble from Gigi’s Boutique at a Sea Pines home currently for sale

ON THE CB2 COVER A beautiful chocolate ganache cake by Daniel Mendoza of D’flavor Custom Cakes

THRICE AS NICE Couple Builds their Third Oldfield home

GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM

Modeled by Jevon Daly. Find this look at

Eyeland Optique (Glasses), Southern Tide (Clothing), and J. Parker LTD. (Hat)

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EVERYTHING PUMPKIN WITH CHEF LYNN MICHELLE & CASSANDRA’S KITCHEN

GENIUSES AT WORK The Referee Maggie Marie Washo Master of Coin Marion Elizabeth Bowser Rainmaker Kim Conrad Crouch Master Handshaker “Just Kandace” Cunningham Lead Door Knocker Morgan Ambler Talent Delivery Specialist Kaila Jeffcoat Creative Monster Jevon Daly Mascot in Training Buoy Conrad Crouch Pritchard The Gatekeepers Greta Von Bowser Vincent Von Bowser The Cut & Paste Crew Catherine Davies Hunter Kostylo Aspiring Novelists Cheryl Alexander Jesse Blanco Linda S. Hopkins Lynn Cope Hummell Barry Kaufman Chef Lynn Michelle Daniel Moskowitz Alan Perry Cheryl Ricer Lisa Sulka Sheila Tucker Lighting Experts Ocean Blue Photography Keen Eye Photography Krisztian Lonyai Photography Photography by Steve Eberhardt Photography by M.Kat Find Us Here PO Box 22949 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 843.816.6247 maggie@ch2cb2magazine.com

Big Beautiful Homes + Holiday stuff

f there’s one thing I don’t grow tired of in this position as “curator of all things Lowcountry,” it’s the endless opportunities to photograph and tour some grand estates in our area. This month’s special section is Real Estate, and we’re taking you behind the gates of Sea Pines to tour not one, but two lovely waterfront homes that recently hit the market. The first is featured on our CH2 cover and boasts panoramic views of Calibogue Sound and Buck Island from almost every room. Dunes Real Estate agent Jeff Hunt was kind enough to contact the owner and ask if we could shoot our fall fashion spread at their lovely home. See page 42 to get a peek at all the unique features this property has to offer and a hint at what’s trending in clothing this month as we transition from 80-degree days to 65 and below. The next property featured in this issue is situated on eight acres, down a private gravel road, near the South Beach side of Sea Pines. 50 Marsh Point played host to our Everything Pumpkin photoshoot with Chef Lynn Michelle and Cassandra Shultz of Cassandra’s Kitchen. This massive enclave was recently updated by architect Neil Gordan and interior designer Kelly Caron. Check out page 66 for one of the most beautiful homes I’ve ever had the pleasure to photograph. Oldfield was the subject of Cheryl Ricer’s recurring column Neighborhood Stroll, and in addition to learning what makes this community so special, we got a tour of the Lowther’s beautiful new build, courtesy of H2 Builders. I always enjoy soaking in not only the overall style of a home, but the personal

EDITOR'S NOTE

November 2023 touches that speak to the homeowners’ passions, hobbies or sentimental keepsakes. Jessica Lowther’s interior design choices were unique and memorable. Be sure to follow us on social media for video content of every property featured this month. November always includes our Gift Guide for Him, and this issue features men’s fashion modeled by Jevon Daly. We kick off the issue with info on some of the most popular Lowcountry happenings this month like the Island Rec Center’s Oyster Festival and what’s quickly becoming my favorite island event—the Lantern Parade. The CH2 crew will be there on November 18 to cover it. Come say hello if you see us! Wishing you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving. Remember to be grateful this holiday season, and if you forgot how, Sheila Tucker offers inspiration on page 117. Until next month!

MAGGIE WASHO

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

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

Article by Lynne Cope Hummell Photography by Gustavo Ratia Photography by Steve Eberhardt

Lantern Parade OFFERS CHANCE TO GET LIT UP AND ENJOY BEACH STROLL

reat blue herons, green loggerhead turtles and glowing golden seahorses will be among the illuminated creatures to meander along the island’s most popular beach Nov. 18 when the fifth annual Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. Lit with colorful LEDs and flashlights and held aloft by anyone who wants to participate, these and other imaginative paper creations will set out from the Alder Lane Beach Access, 2 Woodward Ave. in North Forest Beach. The exuberant party, complete with a band, will wend its way along the sandy shore toward Coligny Beach Park, then proceed to the after-party at Lowcountry Celebration Park. “It’s really an amazing sight!” said Natalie Harvey, director of the Office of Cultural Affairs, which plans and executes the event for the Town of Hilton Head Island. “I have been fortunate to have participated since the beginning by marching in it, then as a spectator, and now organizing it.” The parade was created by Chantelle Rytter of Atlanta, founder of the original Atlanta Beltline Parade, which celebrated its thirteenth year in May. That parade came about because Rytter was homesick for New Orleans, where parade culture is a part of life. She also had been fascinated by lanterns featured in parades around the world. “You know how on Fat Tuesday, everyone is in costume,” Rytter said. “It’s lots of individuals participating wildly. So, I wanted to combine Mardi Gras with lanterns, to create a community of joy.”

Scenes from the Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade The sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean as thousands of attendees get ready to watch the lantern parade participants march from the Marriott Grande Ocean to the Tiki Hut at last year’s event. Coffee & Crumbs in Coligny Plaza. Attendees may bring

Every year since the Hilton Head parade started in 2019, Rytter has added new large nature puppets, “so I’m excited to see what she’s created for us this year,” Harvey said. Though Rytter is not from the Lowcountry, she has studied local sea life, shore birds, and loggerhead turtles, and created magical lanterns to represent and celebrate them in the parade. Rytter said she read this year about a species of fish not necessarily well known in this area, though it is a threatened species. To bring about awareness, the 2023 puppet additions are a pair of lined seahorses, created in gold to mimic their natural coloring. Rytter brings helpers—about 20 folks, lovingly referred to as her Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons—to handle the large puppets. Some shorebird puppets such as egrets and herons have long legs, and their human carriers strap the lighted bird’s legs to their own, so that as they walk, so does the bird.

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Also accompanying the Atlanta contingent is the 20-piece Black Sheep Ensemble, the band that follows the featured lanterns and helps maintain a festive atmosphere. Adding to the musical element are the Soda City Brass Band from Columbia and the Hilton Head Island High School Band. “We love the Hilton Head Lantern Parade,” Rytter said. “The beach is so beautiful—just the darkness of it. It’s so cool how turtle awareness keeps it dark. We look really good in that.” Town of Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry attended last year for the f irst time. “It was just so beautiful to see all the lights on the beach, and all the different lanterns,” he said. “It was fantastic—so much fun, so special.” Harvey encourages residents and visitors to walk in the parade. “The thing to remember is anyone can march; the only requirement is that you must have a lantern,” she said. Lanterns can be as simple or as elaborate as one’s imagination. Those who need help can attend a free lanternmaking workshop, set for 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 14 and 15 at Carolina Coffee & Crumbs in Coligny Plaza. Attendees may bring their own materials or use those provided. Inspiration is available on Rytter’s website, www.weirdgonepro.com/ lantern-parade-resources. “I have lots of ideas there,” Rytter said, including

downloadable printouts and a video. “We love invention! One of the funniest was made out of toast; it was the weirdest, cutest thing!” Another option is to use a free lantern kit available (while supplies last) at a community get-together just prior to the parade, starting at 3 p.m., at Loggerhead Landing Bar & Grille at Marriott Grand Ocean Resort, adjacent to the path at Alder Lane Beach Access. The gathering, which is free and open to the public, will include face painters, food and beverages, and live entertainment with Darryl E. Van Horne as Tha Sole Mate. “We’re so fortunate Loggerhead Landing is adjacent to Alder Lane,” said Laurie Savidge, director of operations at Grande Ocean. “This event caters to families and celebrates the community day that it is. It complements what’s going on out on the beach.” The property is booked solid with guests and owners that weekend, Savidge said, and she hopes they will participate. “We ordered 80 loggerhead hatchling lantern kits from Chantelle,” she said. “We hope they will encourage our owners and guests to learn more about the Sea Turtle Patrol program, be good stewards of our beaches, and learn more about the loggerheads.” Participants should be at the Alder Lane access by 5 p.m. with their lanterns. Volunteers will be on hand to assist. Pets, bicycles and motorized vehicles are not allowed. “Be ready to take a stroll down the beach,” Harvey said. And remember, “it’s not a race; there are no awards for finishing fastest.” Those who wish to attend as spectators are welcome anywhere along the beach route. Free parking is available at Coligny Beach parking lot as well as the USCB campus off Pope Avenue. Shuttles will run from that lot to Coligny and to Alder Lane and back. In years past, the parade ended at Coligny Beach Park, where participants mingled with spectators and the Tiki Hut was open for libations. This year, the Tiki Hut is being remodeled, so the parade will stroll to the town’s beach access point and, with police escort, around Coligny Circle and over to Lowcountry Celebration Park. Spectators are encouraged to follow and enjoy the after-party. Food and beverage trucks will be in place, and live music will be provided by the popular local band Groove Town Assault. “Civic play like this parade connects people to people, and people to place,” Rytter said. “What’s different about our style of parading is that we invite everyone to participate.”  CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER 2023

Festival attendees enjoy a gorgeous fall day at last year’s event in Celebration Park.

Article by Lynne Cope Hummell

When the fun is over, the work begins, and oyster shells from the day’s celebration are collected to serve another purpose.

OYSTER FESTIVAL SERVES COMMUNITY AS WELL AS ENVIRONMENT

A couple enjoys fresh seafood dishes served by local vendors.

s soon as the letter “R” starts showing up in the names of months on the calendar, one thought crosses the minds of nearly every Lowcountry resident and visitor: Time for oysters! Of course, there is a festival to honor these delectable treats from the ocean. This year, the Island Recreation Association will host its popular Hilton Head Island Oyster Festival Nov. 10-11 at two venues. Friday’s All-You-Can-Eat event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Lane. In addition to all the steamed oysters you

care to slide down your throat, guests can also enjoy Lowcountry boil, pulled pork, seafood chowder and chili. Food is provided by Roy’s Place Catering. Beverages from Southern Eagle and Coca-Cola are sold separately. Live music will be provided by Crosstown Traffic. Tickets are $65 for adults and $55 for children. There is limited availability, so act quickly. The main event will be held Saturday f rom 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Ave. Admission is $10 (children under 10 are admitted free),

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which allows patrons to enjoy live music from four bands, as well as perusing the various food vendors and artisan pop-up shops. Food, beverages, and kids’ activities are sold separately. Various ticket packages are available, starting at $50 for two adults, that include food, drink and activity tickets. Those tickets inside the festival are $1 each. Live music starts at 11 a.m. with The Chiggers, followed by Key Theory at noon, The Chiggers again at 2 p.m., and Swampfire All-Stars from 3 to 5 p.m.

OYSTER FESTIVAL SERVES COMMUNITY AS WELL AS ENVIRONMENT Peel-and-eat-shrimp is just one of the items on the menu at the Oyster Festival. Attendees shuck oysters and enjoy frosty beverages from Roy’s Place Catering. Local artwork is also on display, with artisan pop-up shops adding to the festival experience.

In addition to the fun, the music, the oysters, and community vibe, the event serves as a catalyst for improving oyster habitat in the local environment. When the fun is over, the work begins, and oyster shells from the day’s celebration are collected to serve another purpose. “We recycle all our oyster shells through our partnership with The Outside Foundation,” said Joe Cain, special events director for Island Rec. The nonprofit Outside Foundation collects the shells, cleans them, and stores them in special bins on the grounds of the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. Eventually, the shells will be bagged in durable netting material. The bagged shells are then used in a reef-building initiative and are purposefully placed along the island’s shoreline. The shells become habitat for fish, shrimp, birds, and even new oysters. Cain said Dr. Jean Fruh, executive director of the Foundation, reported that 6.1 tons of oyster shells were recycled after the 2022 Oyster Festival. From 2018 to 2021, the event yielded another 13.5 tons of shells, according to Fruh. “I was astonished at how many shells we generated,” Cain said. “I think that’s pretty cool.” For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, visit hiltonheadoysterfestival.com. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Carmines Family Recreation Scholarship Fund at Island Rec, which ensures that “no child is denied recreation.” 

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER 2023

ARTICLE BY DANIEL MOSKOWITZ

YOU NEED A SECOND HOME LIKE YOU NEED A… I

t was 2005. I had just begun my real estate career on Hilton Head Island. What drove me to choose real estate had nothing to do with Million Dollar Listing or Selling Sunset. As inspiring and realistic as those shows may be, they did not exist back then. At the time, I was pursuing the career path that checked off more of the “entrepreneurial spirit” boxes than the corporate sales job I had just left. Truth be told, I was fresh out of college and was fortunate to have experienced some corporate sales success which provided just the right boost of confidence I needed to take on the world. Yes, I thought I knew everything about sales, so selling real estate on Hilton Head Island was certain to be a breeze. There I was, in the lobby of one of the most prominent firms in the area, witnessing live action real estate sales. Before me was one of the best agents in the business (and still is), helping a family realize their dream of owning a second home. At that moment, I was simply a spectator, eagerly anticipating the next value pitch that would advance the decision to buy their home of interest.

They navigated the rental numbers, then explored the carrying costs, and this is when it happened. The clients stated, “With rental numbers and carrying costs, it doesn’t make any sense to own this property.” I thought for sure the agent would reach into his pocket of knowledge and present the amenity that warranted the ticket price of admission, but that is not what happened. Instead, straight-faced, the agent said, “You are right; it doesn’t make sense.” I did not see that one coming from my Dale Carnegie war chest, but what he shared next truly blew my mind. He said, “You need a second home like you need a hole in your head; you don’t.” Perhaps it was my own naivety at the time that caused me to be stunned and not recognize the big picture he was sharing at that moment, but he was exactly right. They were not looking for a primary home. They already had a roof over their head, food, water, and their health. All those items are needs, whereas the second home on Hilton Head Island is truly a want. The agent was being honest, and while the metaphorical example he delivered might have been extreme, it delivered the point. Was it effective? Yes! They moved forward with the offer after realizing that as much as they sought the logic of numbers to justify their decision, they needed to change their equation. For me, it was a profound insight regarding the humanistic nature of this job, and almost two decades later, it has not changed. After gaining my own experience and fostering many great experiences in second-home ownership, I commonly refer to the emotion that translates to the new property owner as “pride of ownership.”

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Daniel Moskowitz, Broker-in-Charge at Dunes Real Estate.

Pride of ownership is frequently the driving force behind purchasing a second home and is also responsible for seller’s remorse on the other side of the transaction. It is the giddy excitement one feels driving home on a blustery winter day in Ohio after that long day at the office, knowing that your clothes and happiness are in that owner’s closet on Hilton Head Island. It is that “hard to stay humble” emotion that challenges restraint when someone back home reacts to learning that you own a piece of Hilton Head Island. What is it about Hilton Head Island that makes real estate ownership so desirable? Simply put, what you see is what you get. Long before the early ’80s when the Town of Hilton Head Island became a formal municipality, the early developers sought an atmosphere that was respectful of our environment. Instead of delivering a high-density, bright lights flashing, super vertical concrete jungle to maximize

developer profits, a canvas was established, and the Town of Hilton Head Island fostered a Land Management Ordinance (LMO) that would protect and preserve the land. Yes, I am praising the reason so many drivers get frustrated trying to navigate our roads at night or even locate one of our fine restaurants during the day. And if suddenly you are feeling a tone shift, extra points to you. Congrats and stick with me. To apply the logic of needs versus wants in the context of clarity and neutrality for all ownership parties, the reality is no one needs to purchase a home or property on a small parcel of North American land that is surrounded by water, right? To further convey this distinction to anyone, like me, who relocated to Hilton Head Island as a primary homeowner, please take 10 seconds. Stop, pause, and think of how that might have played out if you never made the move. What came to mind? I suspect many of you may have recalled city noise, density or congestion, shortcomings of natural beauty, or even long winters of ice and snow. Most of you likely identified some less favorable quality-of-life variable you wanted to overcome or some lacking variable of appeal you wanted to add. I do hope your wants are complete with your ownership. I commend each of you for your bravery in choosing to take the leap of faith and identify Hilton Head Island as home or your home away from home. We all know our big life decisions are not made solely on happy thoughts, right? Well beyond recognizing the fruits of your labor, I suspect that you have reflected on it being one of your wiser financial decisions, so let’s embrace that logic for a moment. Are they making more Hilton Head Island? No! Are more people discovering and desiring Hilton Head Island? Yes, every year, and a decade’s worth during the recent pandemic. Does the prominence of retirees of sound, financial stability deliver additional integrity to property values? Quite possibly. And does this audience represent the largest historical generational wealth position with approximately 10,000 hitting retirement age daily? Yes, thank you AARP.com. So, if we have a limited supply with a growing audience of demand, should Hilton Head Island real estate be considered a commodity? Insert disclaimer time: I am not licensed to sell investments, and despite the commonalities that exist here, there are no guaranteed returns on investment. There are other justifiable reasons that fortified your decision. In fact, I can hear the finance-savvy real estate readers screaming, “There are better reasons for secondary homeowners and investors!” Opportunities like 1031 tax-deferred exchanges, passive income benefits, depreciation, and deductions on things like mortgage interest and/or carrying costs also validate. So yes, you are correct, but those are boring reads and not the focus of the validation of wants. Why? Because after overseeing thousands of second-home real estate transactions, I can say with confidence that at the heart of most Hilton Head Island home buyers, the most consistent decision-making points are the holistic ones. My journey of nearly two decades in real estate on Hilton Head Island has provided me not only a detailed knowledge of our landscape, but even better, a greater understanding of people. To those who thought the earlier “hole in head” metaphor delineating needs versus wants to be overboard, I will share that positioning the clearest reality to someone making the biggest financial decision of their lives is often the best way to have a lifelong client. Accordingly, I wish to acknowledge and express my gratitude for this and the continuous lessons of Ken Oliver, whom I regard as one of the most genuinely caring, humanistic real estate agents on Hilton Head Island. 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT STYLED BY KAILA JEFFCOAT MODELED BY JULIA ROCKETT Home Listed for Sale by Jeff Hunt with Dunes Real Estate

C a l i b o G ue c A y C o u t ur e T

rue artistry can be found anywhere, creating equal beauty in diverse art forms such as fashion and architecture. When scouting for the ultimate couture background, we struck gold with this lushly beautiful manor at 69 N. Calibogue Cay. Sitting at the apex of coastal luxur y, on 1.2 acres of gorgeous deepwater surrounds, this custom home breathes in the scenery in every inch of its 6,423 square feet. From the sunlit splendor of its soaring windowed towers to the 300 panoramic feet of waterf ront views f rom its main living spaces, it’s a palace that bridges the f inest Southern architecture and the wonder of waterf ront living. In short, it’s a breathtaking work of art and the perfect place to take you on a journey through inspired designs.

Ensemble from The Haven

Ensemble from Haskins Co.

Ensemble by Birdie James Sunglasses from Eyeland Optique

Ensemble from Southern Tide

Ensemble from Kelly Caron Curated

Ensemble from Coastal Bliss

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Jewelry from Forsythe Jewelers

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Ensemble from Copper Penny

Ensemble from Collage

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Ensemble from Haskins & Co.

Ensemble from J. Parker Ltd.

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Ensemble from Gigi’s Boutique

Ensemble from Palmettoes

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Ensemble from Maggie and Me

Would you like to learn more about this magnificent waterfront property currently listed for sale? Call Jeff Hunt for a private tour at 843.422.5933.

CH2 . CB2 PRESENTS

LOWCOUNTRY Realtors

• Dunes Real Estate’s No. 1 producer 2012 – present • 2020 Hilton Head Realtor of the Year • President’s Cup Winner 2018 • Real Trends/Tom Ferry: • No. 6 in the State of South Carolina in total volume

JEFF HUNT

THE LEGEND YOU WANT ON YOUR SIDE 6 Queens Folly Road Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 422-5933 jeffh.dunesrealestate.com

n the competitive world of Hilton Head Island real estate, Jeff Hunt stands out as this area’s most knowledgeable Realtor. His stellar reputation is firmly rooted in his in-depth experience and personable approach and has been affirmed by glowing reviews from countless clients. You’ll find nearly 200 fivestar reviews on Zillow alone. As an example of the outpouring of grateful support from his clients, you’ll find reviews

like this one: “If you are looking at an investment property purchase, Jeff is the Realtor for you. He understands the economics of the island better than any other Realtor I have spoken to. We have bought and/or sold three investment properties with Jeff. Each transaction has been a success, and his guidance was an important factor in each.” S. Henry, Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines. These testimonials underscore Hunt’s unparalleled knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to his clients. He is not just a Realtor; he is a trusted advisor, a market expert, and a partner in your real estate journey. While countless Realtors are prepared to facilitate property viewings, he stands out by offering to unlock the doors to real estate strategies that even some of his most financially astute clients had yet to discover as valuable opportunities. “Most Realtors will tell you that your property depreciates every 27.5 years, which is true. What most Realtors will not tell you is that you can take many of those depreciations immediately, through avenues such as a CSS,” Hunt said.

Having people in your corner who understand the business side of owning investment property is crucial to your property’s overall profitability. “Real estate is not as simple as income/expenses,” Hunt said. “There are many revenue streams available to investors that improve their ROI, and most agents aren’t even aware they exist.” Hunt’s business background, coupled with his real estate background, brings a unique perspective to any transaction he is involved in, regardless of its size. While his portfolio boasts grand achievements, such as private island and oceanfront home sales, he invests the same level of attention and care into even the smallest transactions. “No deal is ever too small,” he said, underlining his belief that “everyone deserves a place they can call home.” This dedication does not go unnoticed, as expressed by J. Norris, a client in Shipyard, who wrote “Many of the other reviews detail all the aspects of Jeff’s masterful involvement with the respective sales; however, none of them reflect Jeff’s willingness to provide the same level of service for smaller sales as those involving six and seven figures. We cannot thank you enough Jeff.” With Jeff Hunt, you are not only investing in a property; you are investing in a relationship built on trust, integrity, and unmatched expertise. When it comes to Hilton Head real estate, Jeff Hunt is, without a doubt, the legend you want by your side.

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER 2023

T ISHA CHAFER COAST PROFESSIONALS BROKERED BY EXP Years in the Business: 20 tishachafer.com tishachafer@gmail.com (843) 384-1645

What is your favorite room in a house and why? I love a cozy den/office space. You can personalize it more than a kitchen or living room; I always have visions of being able to curl up and read a good book—but I never have time! How many days did it take to sell your first house? I started in real estate back in 2003/2004, and we were leading up to the big real estate boom time before the crash of 2008. It was similar times to the 2020/2021 COVID boom. Homes and condos were selling sight unseen, so I would assume not long as it was very fast paced. I remember calling clients at 10 p.m. telling them that what they wanted was just listed and we had to write an offer ASAP.

Tell us one thing most clients are surprised to know about buying/selling a house in the Lowcountry. Transfer fees, because most of our communities are in HOAs, they are surprised by these fees. Also applying for the full-time resident tax rate after closing; most do not realize you have to prove residency to get the tax break. It is not automatic; the burden is on the homeowner. Do you specialize in a particular neighborhood? The Crescent in Bluffton and the condo market. I have personally purchased and sold many condo fix-andflips, and I have a background in shortterm vacation rentals. I love to help buyers who want to explore that arena. Give us three things you love to highlight when talking to a person who is hoping to move to our area. The weather: while the summer is hot, we still have seasons; the outdoor activities: the miles of bike paths; and the community spirit we have in the Lowcountry. It really is a special place. Give a shout-out to a local business or restaurant that you highly recommend to people who are new to our area. I love Al’s Aloha Kitchen on Hilton Head Island, and in Bluffton, my favorite clothing shop is Monkee’s.

MICHELLE ELLIOT T

CHARTER ONE REALTY (704) 737-3128

MichelleElliott@charteroneRealty.com

lot of people have a close relationship with their Realtor, but how many can say they would invite their Realtor over for Thanksgiving dinner? We can think of at least one. When Michelle Elliott was asked to join a client on Turkey Day, it was part of a philosophy that puts relationships first. “Staying in touch with clients is important for me in business, whether it’s a text checking in, a mailer, or, sometimes Thanksgiving Dinner,” she said. “The key to everything is building those relationships.” That goes beyond her clients, with the deep connections Elliott has built

in our community since arriving here from Charlotte seven years ago. As a board member of the Association of Realtors, committee member in Hilton Head Plantation, and volunteer with local nonprofits, she has been recognized for her dedication to the community through multiple Realtor Service Awards. “People love coming here for a reason; it’s because of the beauty and the sense of community,” she said. And as such, buying and selling real estate here takes something different. It takes a commitment to building—not houses—but relationships and a stronger community. Michelle Elliott builds all of that while driving her clients’ real estate dreams forward.

BE TH DEANGELIS KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY Years in the Business: 32 8 Lafayette Place Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 271-4254 coastallivingbybeth.com

What is your favorite room in a house and why? My favorite room in a home is where you feel the warmth of the home—lots of natural light, high ceilings, and a cozy feature like a fireplace. How many days did it take to sell your first house? It took longer than I would have liked, ha ha. It was a little cabin in the woods in Pennsylvania. I took the listing as the first snow started falling and finally, once the snow started to thaw in the spring, the property sold. It was a long winter! Give a shout-out to a local business or restaurant that you highly recommend to people new to our area. Michael Anthony’s. Tell us one thing most clients are surprised to know about buying/selling a house in the Lowcountry.

One of the things most people are unaware of when buying a home are the transfer fees for the community (and the Town of Hilton Head Island). Luckily, they are one-time fees, but the cost needs to be factored into the whole equation. We have a complete list for HHI and Bluffton communities we are happy to share. Sellers are often surprised by the items found on home inspections and need to be prepared, from a contractual basis, that they may be asked to make repairs. It is important for sellers to walk their home, have their HVAC serviced, and make sure they know a bit about what a buyer may ask to have repaired prior to closing—items they need to fix appropriately before listing and/or budget for repairs when looking at their net walk away numbers. We are happy to meet with sellers and make sure they are preparing their home for the market and know their numbers. Do you specialize in a particular neighborhood? The beauty of having a team is that we can cover both Hilton Head Island from luxury homes to investment properties/ condos as well as help people looking in the private golf communities or the smaller neighborhoods and 55+ communities in Bluffton. We have made it our mission over the last 17 years to understand the lifestyle that is offered in all the area communities so that we can focus on the areas that best match our clients’ interests/needs.

Additionally, with that knowledge of the Lowcountry communities, we can target our marketing for our seller clients to attract buyers who best match their community. It is extremely rewarding to help people thrive in their new environment! Give us three things you love to highlight when talking to a person who is hoping to move to our area. I love to point out that our communities of Hilton Head and Bluffton have become close sisters and that there are great restaurants, cultural & outdoor activities, and festivals that you can enjoy no matter what side of the bridge you live on. Additionally, of course the awesome weather and the beautiful surroundings can be enjoyed yearround with a touch of coolness in the winter months and a warming heat in the summer. Finally, I highlight that the lack of billboards on the island and the smaller signage tucked back off the main roads in Bluffton pays tribute to Charles Fraser’s founding philosophy of folding us, the inhabitants, into the natural surroundings, and that this has allowed us to be a top destination for people looking to make a move to the coast.

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KISER JE T TON GROUP COAST BROKERED BY EXP REALTY 81 Pope Avenue, Suite D Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 298-0966 info@kiserjettongroup.com www.kiserjettongroup.com

ome partnerships work together so well they wind up creating something bigger than their component parts. Just as a yin and a yang on their own are just a pair of commas, yet come together to signify harmony, Bland Kiser and David Jetton have combined their own unique approach to create one of the most dynamic teams in Hilton Head Island real estate. “We have very similar strengths, but with a slight difference. David is our tech guru; he has an extremely analytical mind with an amazing ability to conduct real estate transactions,” Kiser said. 62

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“And Bland’s passion for the island and for his clients is a huge benefit,” Jetton added. “When it comes to the sales side of things, he’s second to none.” It goes beyond their right-brain, left-brain approach. As a nearly lifelong islander who moved here at age three and has spent the last 26 years in real estate, there are few questions Kiser can’t answer about our unique market. And as a longtime hospitality industry professional, Jetton elevates the team’s service to a stratus they call “concierge level real estate service.” “That’s how we stand out,” Jetton said. “We really pride ourselves on the level of service we’re able to offer.” And when you’re dealing with the kind of properties these two are, concierge level service is the norm, for example, when they set a high-water mark on the island with the sale of 14 Whistling Swan for nearly $10 million.

It’s a track record that they’re bringing to one of the most exciting brokerage firms on the island, COAST Brokered by eXp Realty. Not only has it opened new avenues for Kiser and Jetton, but it has allowed them to resume working with two old friends and colleagues, Rick Saba and Tristan O’Grady. “What attracted us to work with those guys initially was that we’d all worked together at a previous brokerage,” Kiser said. “We’re really happy to be back with those guys and have that synergy.” “I think it’s a forward thinking and forward leaning team and company at eXp,” Jetton said. “Bland and I are a team within a team, and it’s nice to have that camaraderie.”

BE TH DRAKE KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY Beth Drake Team 8 Lafayette Place, Suite 203 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 www.BethDrake.com (843) 422-7500

ome Realtors simply give you the best of both worlds. Case in point: Beth Drake’s approach to buying and selling. Hers is a potent blend of right-brain creativity and left-brain analysis

that helps her stand apart in the crowded field of Lowcountry Realtors—and gives her clients an undeniable edge whether they are buying or selling a home. “I have a BFA in interior design, which is helpful when I’m listing a property because I can advise sellers on how to make their property stand out. And with buyers, I can help them envision what the house would look like when they move in,” she said. “But I was also in corporate and medical sales for nearly 20 years, and that experience is tremendously helpful in negotiating and marketing a property.”

That dualistic approach has proven enormously successful in Drake’s 12 years in real estate, helping her sell north of 700 properties while earning her a marketing specialist certification from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing plus an astonishing six America’s Best Realtor awards in a row. That accolade puts her in the top half of the top one percent of all Realtors in the country, but it’s the team award she’s most proud of. “Last year, my team was ranked third in sales for the entire state of South Carolina,” she said. “Experience really does matter in making a transaction, and I have a core group of true real estate professionals.” Her small-but-mighty team helps make the entire process as smooth as possible for buyers and sellers, helping them navigate the entire process with confidence and a wealth of knowledge in all the Lowcountry’s various communities. “I can’t credit my team enough: Lauren Dooley (real estate advisor), Corryne Jackson (operations coordinator), and Dianna Pollina (closing coordinator). We all go above and beyond to ensure a firstrate experience for our clients,” Drake said. And that approach has rocketed Beth Drake and her team to new heights, focused on helping clients enjoy the same Lowcountry beauty that brought her here from her hometown, Columbia, S.C. “I say it all the time, we’re not just selling homes,” she said. “We’re selling the lifestyle.”

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KRIST Y GONZALEZ ERA EVERGREEN REAL ESTATE 14 Church St, Ste. 102 Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 298-3808 kristyhhi@gmail.com www.KristyGonzalez.com

or some, real estate is simply a business of profit and loss, red ink and black ink, investment and return. And while Kristy Gonzalez has built a real estate career for herself that has helped buyers get the best value and sellers the best price, that’s not what drives her. “I never really consider real estate as a salesdriven job. It’s really about creating a relationship with clients,” she said. That ethos has been her north star since beginning her real estate career in 2008. Being as the market was

LOWMAN & DOYLE TEAM DUNES REAL ESTATE 6 Queens Folly Road Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 384-7698 (843) 842-1111 info@thelowmanteam.com thelowmanteam.com 64

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f you were to add up the years of real estate experience shared between husbandand-wife Dan and Debbie Lowman and their partner Tom Doyle, you’d reach a number over 80 years. But what truly sets them apart is what they’ve done with those decades of experience,

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in the midst of historic upheaval, the opportunities before her offered a much greater chance to do good, rather than simply do well. “I created a niche market of short sales, and I really found that rewarding, helping people through these drastic life changes and heavy financial burdens.” Putting people first is the centerpiece of Kristy’s business. “I guide clients through the real estate process,” she said. This is why nearly 100 percent of her sales come from repeat clients and referrals. “Being a mom of two boys drives my business decisions,” she said. “I treat my clients the way I would want to be treated. It’s really that simple.”

blending their skill sets to create an unbeatable real estate team. “We work closely to ensure that every customer or client receives the best and most professional service,” Doyle said. “And we have different ways of helping them make those important decisions.” Those different ways come from their diverse backgrounds. Before real estate, Dan was in construction development. Debbie was VP and managing director of private banking for PNC Bank’s NW Pennsylvania market. Tom had a long career in the institutional trading side of Wall Street. “Our own individual talents come together collectively as a team,” Dan said. “And Dunes Real Estate has a very good platform for sellers and buyers, with state-ofthe-art technology and very high-powered media exposure using their platform,” Debbie added. A trio of talents, a wealth of experience and the resources of Dunes Real Estate come together to set The Lowman and Doyle team apart.

This spectacular Sea Pines property sits on eight sprawling acres.

Article by Cheryl Ricer Photography by Keen Eye Photography, Charleston, S.C. Architecture by Neil Gordon, Neil Gordon Architect Interiors by Kelly Caron, Kelly Caron Designs Renovation by Morgan Construction Listed by Nickey Maxey & Lindy Maxey Kopotic, Maxey Blackstream Christie’s International Real Estate

HAMMOCKED, ‘LOW-TUCKET’ LEGACY Sea Pines estate is sumptuous, secluded, and for sale

or those who never venture off the bike paths, who never wonder what mysteries lie down dirt roads, or who never peruse 10,000-square-foot, multi-million-dollar listings on Zillow, do we have a sight for you to behold. Take the next few minutes to indulge yourself in a peek at the unique and spectacular luxury mansion currently for sale (completely furnished) at 50 Marsh Island Road in Sea Pines. While much about this property differentiates it f rom others on the island, one notable distinction is the fact that it is built within a hammock, and we’re not talking about a swinging bed. Geographically speaking, hammocks are well-developed evergreen hardwood and palm forests, which grow on soils that are rarely inundated, though they occur as “islands” of high ground within wetland habitats. Soils are sandy and mixed with

The two-story living room gives a more formal sitting area vibe as there is no TV but plenty of seating for the whole family should they all come at once. The expansive windows and a massive custom light fixture all lend their energy to a very casual and cozy atmosphere. The dining room stuns with a mural wall covering that looks hand-painted and feels like a linen grass cloth. The scene of the mural is quintessential Lowcountry: Spanish moss blowing in the wind.

organic matter from leaf litter. So, basically, this estate sits upon its own private island within the island of Hilton Head. Beyond that, the sheer size of the property is impressive. It consists of eight sprawling acres on three lots—one offering an additional buildable homesite should expansion be a future goal. The current homesite is on three acres within the eight, and the footprint of the existing structures is more than sufficient—10,020 square feet, with seven bedrooms, seven full baths, and three half baths. The history of the estate is interesting, too. The original owners built the home to accommodate their large extended family with the idea of providing a dramatic, yet comfortable, living space for their children and grandchildren to visit for extended periods. The home was also built under strict aesthetic and architectural review guidelines, which dictated that the design mustn’t overpower the landscape. To that end, while it stays tucked below the tree line, it also takes every opportunity to capture the natural beauty of the property, whose views include the marsh between Audubon Pond and Gull Point and the Calibogue Sound beyond. Also interesting is that the carriage house (which was on the property before the main home was built and comprises one of the bed/bath combos of the home’s total

count) was once inhabited by Sea Pines’ original developer, Charles Fraser. While many Hilton Head properties boast great build/ design teams, this magnificent home’s contributors are top of the line. Individually, each is accomplished and widely respected; together, they make magic. Neil Gordon is the original architect of the home who also drew the recent renovations. Lowcountry design star Kelly Caron made all the upgrades to the interior design, and the builder who did the renovations was Morgan Construction. The home is listed for sale by Nickey Maxey and Lindy Maxey Kopotic with Maxey Blackstream Christie’s International Real Estate. “This residence is more than a home; it’s a testament to luxury and artistry that aligns seamlessly with the standards of Christie’s International Real Estate,” Maxey said. “Positioned amidst the tranquility of Sea Pines, its generous eight-acre spread is nothing short of a sanctuary. The panoramic water vistas, thanks to its unique placement by the marsh, set it apart, creating a harmonious blend of nature’s best with exceptional architectural design. Neil Gordon’s touch can be seen in every architectural detail, while Kelly Caron’s impeccable taste shines through in the interiors, from the CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

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This gorgeous soaking tub under a bubble chandelier is just one of the unique features of the master bathroom. The wine cellar has room for up to 2500 bottles, and has a space for private tasting parties.

finely curated furniture to the harmonious color schemes and wallpapers. The outdoor space, especially the pool with its breathtaking marsh view, complements the home’s interior splendor. With the added exclusivity of a private access road, it’s a Hilton Head Island jewel unlike any other.” The exterior of the home is original to when it was built in 2001, and its overall design is Nantucket shingle style. “Some people call them Nantucket cottages,” Gordon said, “but even in Nantucket, they’re big, big houses. From that original idea, we basically did sort of a tune-up for this setting with the wraparound porches to protect from sun and provide shade, which is typical of the Lowcountry—that sort of thing.” Those ample porches and natural stone create a pleasant transition to the beautiful surroundings of marsh, pine, oak trees, and a freshwater pond. The disappearing edge on the far side of the swimming pool is mirrored by the same feature in the terraced lawn. The lawn blends naturally into the high marsh vegetation at the rear of the house. “That disappearing edge on the yard is called a ‘ha-ha wall,’ which is a wall you don’t see from looking out from the house—like the infinity edge at the pool,” Gordon said. “The wall looks like it’s just flush with the landscape. Beyond

is the marsh. The ‘ha-ha wall’ is featured in many grand estate houses in England where they were used to keep sheep and cattle away from the house. At 50 Marsh Island, we included a ‘ha-ha wall’ in the design to keep the deer away so they could have rose bushes and plants up near the house that the deer wouldn’t be able to access.” Other remarkable exterior features are the roofs. The third floor is topped by a cupola, and from that room is a spectacular view of the surrounding marsh and Calibogue Sound. Each of the f ront entrances is capped with a gambrel roof. “The gambrel roof is pretty special,” Gordon said. “It’s a two-pitch sloped roof with flares on the edge, so the roof kind of swoops out.” The Anderson windows are original to the home and an important testament to the conscious design principles. “Anderson windows are good, sturdy windows,” Gordon said. “In fact, given that the home was built more than 20 years ago, we didn’t find any exterior issues at the update. The shingles and trim are just fine. The home has been maintained so well. It is durable architecture, designed for the coastal environment.” The interior architecture is much the same as the original with only minor tweaks made in the master suite, the secondary baths, and the bonus room. Some of the extraordinary features are a 2,500-bottle wine cellar, four fireplaces, 400-year-old beams, and exquisite woodwork throughout. Octagonal vaulted wooden ceiling with beam accents that run up the hips of the ceiling are found in several rooms, including the master bedroom and the kitchen. “The kitchen is a two-story kitchen with balconies around to the guest bedrooms up on the second floor so that the family, whose guest suites were off the balcony area above the kitchen, would know when breakfast was cooking and be ready to come down and eat,” Gordon said. The visiting experience of the family is enriched not only by the aromas of Southern cooking, but also by the design of the bedrooms. All are open to the general living space, while the master bedroom suite is sufficiently separated to allow calm. If the luxurious bathroom and grand ceiling over the sitting area in the master aren’t enough, there is also a secret door to the library, which from the library side looks like a bookshelf. The library ceiling, too, is unique—a barrel arch. Speaking of barrel-arched ceilings, the wine cellar authentically sports its own, along with grotto-style walls, CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

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The carriage house features one bedroom, one bath and was once inhabited by Sea Pines’ original developer, Charles Fraser. The interior decor is as fabulous as the architecture, with Kelly Caron’s signature touch as the crowning jewel. The northern white pine wood floors are original to the house, and range in size from 10- to 18- inches wide. All the wet areas boast fresh, new tile.

and a long tasting table. It’s truly something straight out of an Italian castle. The interior decor is as fabulous as the architecture, with Kelly Caron’s signature touch as the crowning jewel. “While the original owners were a large family who made lots of memories in the home, our task was to turn it over and give it a nice fresh update—not only furnishings, but the entire interior vibe,” Caron said. “It’s a great blend of the original Nantucket aesthetic with our Lowcountry touches that I’ve coined the ‘Low-tucket’ interior.” Caron began by changing the trim color from a lackluster white to a more future-forward blue and incorporating an array of mixed materials and mixed metals throughout the home, which can be seen in the fixtures, tiles, hardware, and even the wall coverings. “It doesn’t look like it was just one era of selection,” Caron said. “I think what we brought to the home was an aesthetic that exudes thoughtful curation. All the light fixtures were addressed and changed in a thoughtful way that not only modernized and updated it, but it also looks fitting in the space for a Lowcountry home.” The kitchen wears a mixture of paint and wood cabinetry, leathered countertops that provide a lowluster luxury, and antique nickel Newport faucets. The understated luxury carries over into the bar area, where leathered black granite, wood veneer wall covering, and a Lowcountry original hand-made light fixture embellished with oysters set a masculine vibe. “We played with materiality in a unique way that isn’t typically seen in a normal home, blending some traditional elements with more modern ones,” Caron said.

The dining room stuns with a mural wall covering that looks hand-painted and feels like a linen grass cloth. The scene of the mural is quintessential Lowcountry: Spanish moss blowing in the wind. The two-story living room gives a more formal sitting area vibe as there is no TV but plenty of seating for the whole family should they all come at once. The expansive windows and a massive custom light fixture all lend their energy to a very casual and cozy atmosphere. The northern white pine wood floors are original to the house, and range in size from 10- to 18- inches wide. All the wet areas boast fresh, new tile. “All the new tile is custom, and each area has its own look,” Caron said. “Each bathroom underwent a full renovation including plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, wall coverings, new countertops, new cabinetry, and hardware. Every single element has its own theme, related to the adjacent bedroom, which provides an elegant cohesiveness.” The bonus room over the garage underwent a renovation, too. Six built-in bunkbeds were added along with a sitting area and big TV. It’s a great place for the kids to hang out and have their own space. Additional notables are two full laundry rooms—up- and downstairs, a pool bath with the most charming alligator wall covering, and a stunning powder bath with a gorgeous grass cloth wall, an original antique vanity, and an original clay tile floor. The outdoor areas are no less exceptional. The outdoor dining area is covered by a canopy of blooming vines, and a long dining table underneath allows everyone a space at the table. Turf was added to the pool area and immediate CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

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The panoramic water vistas, thanks to its unique placement by the marsh, set it apart, creating a harmonious blend of nature’s best with exceptional architectural design. Turf was added to the pool area and immediate backyard, which is great for keeping the area crisp and green and for keeping out mud and uninvited guests. backyard, which is great for keeping the area crisp and green and for keeping out mud and uninvited guests. Multiple gathering areas provide more than enough space for lounging, big cocktail or dinner parties, and even smaller gatherings where two twin-sized swinging beds beckon. An outdoor fireplace and grill are available for cool evenings and grilling out. “The options for lounging, hanging out, and entertaining are endless because guests can circulate the house from many different doors and entertain in many ways,” Caron said. “Like the indoors, the outdoor spaces exude casual, comfortable elegance.” Beyond its stunning architecture and design, this property has an added advantage: it’s listed by Nickey Maxey and Lindy Maxey Kopotic with Maxey | Blackstream® | Christie’s International Real Estate. This partnership leverages the renowned global brand of Christie’s, known for its exceptional luxury properties. “In recent years, we’ve managed listings and sales for some of the most upscale homes,” Maxey said. “What makes our company distinct is that we not only list these homes, but in about 75 percent of the cases, we also introduce the buyer. With a footprint in 53 countries and a network of agents worldwide, our association with Christie’s International is ideal for this property, likely attracting international buyers.”  For more information about 50 Marsh Island, call (843) 247-0001 or email Nickey@nickey.com.

ARTICLE BY CHERYL ALEXANDER

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OLDFIELD L O W C O U N T R Y

L I V I N G

f you’re seeking white picket fences, horses grazing in the pastures, and an approach to your home framed by majestic oaks and gas lanterns, then look no further than Oldfield, where Lowcountry living has been perfected. From the iconic white fences and ice cream shoppe at the nostalgic Greeter’s Store to the sweeping views of the Okatie River from the Outfitters Center and the pristine greens of the Greg Norman golf course, Oldfield offers more than most homeowners could ever dream of as far as Lowcountry living goes. When you live at Oldfield, you’ll get used to seeing horses, bicycles packed with f ishing gear, and lots of friendly smiles to greet you on the greens, streets, and

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sidewalks. Oldfield members regularly enjoy community oyster roasts, paddle boarding, amazing landscapes, an incomparable natural environment, and lots of Southern architectural charm as part of their daily lives. Christie and Steve Mais are new members at Oldfield. In fact, when we interviewed them, they were packing up their home in Connecticut where they’ve lived for the past 22 years to make the final move into their new Oldfield home. According to the couple, they knew the moment they drove through the gates as first-time visitors that Oldfield was the place for them. “We toured other communities that just weren’t ever right,” Christie said. “Maybe I liked something and Steve

Hole 14 on the Greg Norman Signature Course: A formidable Par 4 at 448 yards from the tips – the second most challenging hole.

didn’t, or vice versa. But when we drove in here, we both just knew. We absolutely felt at home because it was just so comfortable, happy, and welcoming. Honestly, after years of looking, within two days, we had bought a lot; it was that quick.” Unlike many of the communities the Maises toured, Oldfield boasts a rich history that began in 1732 with a Lord Proprietor’s grant, including a parcel of land referred to as “Old Field,” to then Governor Robert Johnson. But well before that, the Indian village of “Oketty,” with an estimated population of 1,200 or more, lay nearby. The existing plantation was destroyed by British troops in 1781, then rebuilt and again destroyed by Union gunboats in 1862.

In 1972, the property passed to Robin Carrier, who lived on the 927-tract and raised horses, pigs, sheep, soybeans, corn, and tomatoes. Weekends were spent entertaining with hunts for doves, ducks, deer, turkey, and wild boar. Carrier sold the property to a Hilton Head developer in 1985. The new owner used the plantation as a quarter horse farm and built the extensive system of fences (more than six miles in all) that endures as one of Oldf ield’s most distinguishing features. In 1998, the modern age of “Oldfield” commenced. As we know it now, the community exudes all that is exceptional about the Lowcountry, beginning with putting the natural environment first and providing completely

unique experiences and discoveries daily. Members enjoy a diverse array of sea and wildlife. The riverside docks are a favorite hangout for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, while the salt marsh is home to vast oyster beds, stingrays and more. The freshwater ponds, found throughout the community, sustain an ecosystem all on their own. “Caution: Fox Squirrel Crossing” signs throughout the community attest to Oldfield’s reverence for wildlife of all kinds. There are nearly six miles of nature trails through maritime and hardwood forests where you can see deer, an occasional fox, great blue herons, egrets, woodpeckers, eagles nesting, and a symphony of songbirds. Signs throughout are a great educational tool about the environment, and naturalist-led nature bike rides, walks, and boat trips occur frequently. Oldfield is proactive in forging the pollinator population. Visible f rom the road as you enter the community is the proud home of four beehives, and fresh batches of honey become available for purchase at the Outfitters Center throughout the year. Classes for kids and adults on the importance of bees and how honey is processed are currently available. A community garden has been revitalized, and seasonal harvests are coordinated and managed as a partnership between the nature staff and member volunteers. Oldf ield has also received recertif ication as an Audubon Sustainable Community. The Audubon Sustainable Communities Program is founded on three pillars of sustainability: a healthy local environment, good quality of life for its citizens, and economic vitality. Oldfield is committed to promoting environmental awareness through education and conservation of its natural and cultural resources. “Oldfield received the original Audubon Sustainable Community Certification in 2018, which included a baseline assessment of our community focusing on environment, quality of life, and economic vitality, along with a site visit by Audubon International staff,” said Melissa Carder, Oldfield 78

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membership, marketing and communications director. “In addition, Oldfield developed a goal-oriented sustainability plan with milestones toward success. Recertification is due every three years, and each year we measure our progress towards each of the indicators defined in our sustainability plan.” “The natural environment was one of the biggest draws for me,” Steve Mais said. “With the walking and biking trails, the nature, and the birds … all that was really appealing. We also have two golden retrievers, and we walk out on that pier with them every morning. It’s such an easygoing place; it’s a beautiful community.” The other big draw for the Maises, both avid golfers, is the Greg Norman golf course at Oldfield, a member and guest favorite amenity. The Oldfield course is a top Bluffton golf destination, offering members year-round play on a 7,133-yard, par-72 course. Updated in 2017, in collaboration with Norman Golf, the course features creative approaches, four types of grass, new sod-walled bunkers, and expansive waste bunkers—all notable Norman hallmarks. Keith and Amanda Butz moved to Oldf ield f rom Atlanta in 2022 when Keith took the job of general manager at Thompson Savannah. Not only do they love the proximity to Savannah, but they also appreciate the range of activities offered at Oldfield. Keith especially enjoys the golf course. “Oldfield golfers love the layout of the course,” he said. “Plus, not every hole has a house associated with it, so there’s a lot of nature to appreciate. As part of the Audubon Society, there’s so much green space. Even where there are homes, there is a layer of trees between the house and the golf course. The upkeep and the quality of the play are spectacular. It’s probably one of the best courses in the Lowcountry from a condition standpoint. The front nine and the back nine are completely different, where the front nine is more through the trees, and the back nine is more the salt marsh with an open feel. You

Picture this: Driving into Oldfield and witnessing a member gracefully riding their horse down the main road – an unforgettable experience. Gas lanterns, six miles of white fencing, and 22 acres of horse pastures greet you at Oldfield’s front gate. Resident Stephen Mais and his trusted partner in crime, Lincoln, enjoy the pet-friendly lifestyle in Oldfield. Explore one of our brackish ponds located at our Outfitters Center home to Redfish, Black Drum, Bluegill, and Large Mouth Bass. can play every day, and every day it would be different.” “As one of the top private golf courses in Bluffton, Oldfield provides a Lowcountry golf experience unlike any other,” said Michael Ryan, Oldfield general manager and COO. “Our Greg Norman Golf Course starts at the front of the community on the

front nine as golfers work their way to the clubhouse. From the Magnolia Grill, you can see the range, putting green and holes one and nine. Back at the Outfitter Center, where we have our riverfront access, is the back nine, holes 10-18. The greens are lush and the landscaping throughout the course is amazing.” The Outfitters Center, Oldfield’s riverfront gem, is the launching point for limitless ways to enjoy the river, whether you prefer an early morning kayak trip to watch the dolphins as they make their way up the river, a midday paddle board excursion for exercise, a guided fishing or leisure cruise experience on one of the four Oldfield-owned boats, or boating on your own. A Nature Center within the Outfitters Center offers a hands-on nature experience. Complete with saltwater and freshwater aquariums, visitors can interact, hold, and feed some of the center’s residents, including a variety of snakes and turtles. The Butzes additionally enjoy being close to nature and the opportunities they have available at the Outfitters Center. “I love to paddleboard, and Oldfield is one of the very few communities where we have access to water in the river,” Amanda said. “It’s super easy to go down to the Outfitter Center, jump on a board, and go out. But more important, our Outf itters Center has a naturalist who leads groups of paddle boarders and kayakers a couple of times a month. She teaches us about the flora and the fauna and the animals and all that makes the Lowcountry special. We get to do it together, so it’s both safe and fun; I got to meet a lot of new people.” The equestrian center is another member favorite.

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The Greeters Store Miss Mary, the cherished 90-year-old greeter, welcomes you to this icon of Oldfield’s history. Enjoy ice cream and relish timeless Oldfield tales while you visit. Camaraderie among Oldfield members during a golf tournament. “We have about 20 horses, and we offer programs for the equestrian center boarders as well as the community,” Ryan said. “We also have a farm amenity with pigs and chickens, even a donkey. Members can sponsor a chicken and get fresh eggs.” Oldf ield’s vibrant community offers a rich array of activities for its members to relish together. From leisurely boating caravans, book club gatherings at the River Club, thrilling golf tournaments, equestrian adventures, and visits to the monthly Oldf ield Farmers Market to opportunities for local volunteering, tennis, pickleball, and an abundance of complimentary fitness classes, their diverse range of activities ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy. “We have women’s and men’s clubs, a traveling outdoor club, a poker night … all of the things,” Carder said. “We also have a sports club, equipped with a fitness center and a

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classroom that hosts an extensive array of fitness classes, all available to our members at no extra cost. We offer tennis courts, pickleball courts, saunas, a two-lane heated lap pool, a lagoon-style pool with a slide, and a wellness center with meditation classes. In addition, our fitness and wellness director, Paula Bernstein, schedules information sessions on nutrition, and with the help of our local hospitals, schedules medical lectures.” Racquet sports are a huge draw, including tennis and pickleball. “Tennis at Oldfield is so much more than its pristine facilities,” Chris Mais said. “The depth of classes and competition is fantastic and meets the needs of all the members. I’ve made lots of friends on the courts, too, and love having neighbors who share an active lifestyle.” “Pickleball is my new passion, and we have a great racquet director who started teaching a lot of clinics,” Amanda Butz said. “I’ve joined a beginner’s league, and I love it.”

At the clubhouse, the Oldfield Center for social activity, members and guests meet at Magnolia Grill. Whether you’re seeking a casual lunch with a variety of sandwiches, soups, and salads, unwinding with friends and family over drinks at the full bar, or indulging in specially themed dinner events exclusively for members on Thursday evenings, there’s a seat where you can savor happy hour delights or refuel with a quick bite after your golf game. For a more elegant experience, members enjoy The River Club, Oldfield’s riverfront venue. “The River Club offers a signature dining experience on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights where the culinary journey features a gourmet menu with carefully selected wine offerings, all within the elegant charm of a Southern setting,” Carder said. “When the weather permits, you can savor the magic of dining outdoors on the porch, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Okatie River, the serenity of marshes, and the graceful oaks draped with Spanish moss. It’s a special treat that elevates your evening to a truly unforgettable occasion.” Members also love having the Greeter’s Store, which is designed to look like a vintage gas station and is used as a mail center as well as an ice cream shop right inside the community. Oldfield Realty, owned by Jani Stephenson, is also conveniently located inside the Greeter’s Store. “Prospective buyers can stop at the store as they enter the community and take advantage of all that the community has to offer guests,” Stephenson said. “We make them feel like royalty. But best of all, our guests and members love Miss Mary, our 90-year-old greeter. She’s been here since just about day one, and she’s famous. Many articles have been written about her. Miss Mary is originally from Brooklyn, New York, and is the sweetest, kindest face we could put forward to represent Oldfield.” The architecture of Oldfield is distinctive as well. Each home is quintessential Lowcountry, yet each has a unique design, while respecting the natural beauty of the spectacular surroundings. “When people think of Oldf ield, they think of it as a boutique community,” Ryan said. “We have 540 homes versus the bigger communities that have a lot more homes. Our number one selling point is our architecture. When visitors come through the front gates, with the fencing, the Greeter’s Store, and the trees, they are then blown away by the aesthetics. Our Architectural Review Committee and our community have done such a great job in keeping true to the most important piece of Oldfield: our enduring and authentic architectural style.” The Butzes agree. “When we were doing our research, the one thing we really loved about Oldfield was the architecture and the size of the community along the river,” the couple said. “The architecture is very consistent with a South Carolina Lowcountry aesthetic, and the quality is there in the Southern porches and the house setbacks. Nothing is cookie-cutter. Each home fits into the area without looking exactly alike.” You’re invited to experience Oldf ield, the private golf community situated on the banks of the Okatie River. Escape for a few days in one of the cottages beneath the moss-draped live oaks. Take a tour, view new homes, and experience Southern hospitality. You can even customize your experience by selecting from the following adventures: a charter boat experience; chef prepared Lowcountry cuisine; a kayak trip on the Okatie River; or a round of golf on the Greg Norman course.  To find a home at Oldfield, schedule a visit, or get more information, call (843) 645-4600 or visit oldfield1732.com.

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER 2023

Article by Cheryl Ricer Photography by M.Kat Architecture by Pearce Scott, Pearce Scott Architects Construction by H2 Builders Interiors by Jessica Lowther, homeowner

THRICE AS NICE COUPLE BUILDS THEIR THIRD OLDFIELD HOME

hen Jessica and Rush Lowther married in 2012, they bought their first home—a little cottage—in Oldfield. When their first two daughters were born and space was getting crowded, they built a home with H2 Builders, where Rush is senior vice president of sales. “The first home we built was more of a traditional Lowcountry home,” Rush said. “It had a beautiful coastal, Southern vibe that is a signature aesthetic of this area. We loved it, and like all H2 Builder homes, it was exceptional from floor to ceiling.” Family-owned and operated with more than 25 years in the construction industry, H2 Builders is proud of the reputation they’ve earned for their quality workmanship and attention to detail. An uncompromising character is manifested in exceptional craftsmanship and unwavering attention to customers, suppliers, and subcontractors. Quality, integrity and excellence are the H2 Builders cornerstones. “We recognize that every family’s home is a reflection of the combined talents and experience at H2 along with the family’s own dreams and plans,” Rush said. “That is why our customers are satisfied, why the H2 reputation is solid, and why I’m proud to sell and live in an H2 home.”

The Lowthers outgrew their second Oldf ield home when they welcomed a third daughter to the family. “As our family grew, our homes grew to accommodate our expansion,” Jessica said. “This time, though, we wanted to do a bit of tweaking in the home design. We wanted to keep everything we love about Southern Lowcountry style yet add some European touches, so we started from scratch.” The couple enlisted the expertise of architect Pearce Scott, challenging him with the following criteria: the new home must incorporate the best of Southern plantation style and Lowcountry modern French chateau, plus be approved by the architectural review board (ARB) in Oldfield— 84

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no small order, especially in a community where the ARB regulations are quite specific, which is one of the reasons people love living in Oldfield. “Our initial meeting with Pearce was at a restaurant, and as I began delineating my ideas (open floor plan but still have distinct rooms, accommodate a large family and lots of friends, etc.), he began to draw on the paper tablecloth,” Jessica said. “When

The living room showcases a tapered fireplace and, through the sliding doors, a stacked oyster-shell fireplace for enjoying cool Lowcountry evenings. A vintage book makes a statement on the unique, custom stools used as a coffee table. The inspiration for this room was Garden and Gun and ogue green by Sherwin Williams sets the tone. This intimate space was designed to have a polo lounge vibe, a place to display the homeowner’s passion for hunting.

Leathered granite countertops, a black and gold French range, paneled appliances and arched doorways make this kitchen a warm and dramatic space.

he finished, we looked at this pencil/paper/tablecloth design, and it was perfect—nearly exactly what we built. So much so that we had it framed, and it’s hanging in our home today.” Not surprising. The mission statement at Pearce Scott is, “We draw life.” “Listening is critical,” Scott said. “We pull ideas out of our clients instead of telling them how their home should be. We listen to internalize style, budget, and personality, and only then to bring shape to an architectural design.” Careful to see each project through to completion, Pearce Scott is recognized for long-established partnerships with builders, arborists, landscape architects and other professionals who share their values and maintain a singular, client-focused experience. The Lowther’s home is perhaps the only Oldfield home that features parapet walls (the portion of an exterior wall that continues above the edge line of the roof), a distinctively European, French country detail. One Lowcountry touch

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includes tabby finishes (also unique in Oldfield architecture). The large porches on both the front and back of the home are particularly Southern plantation style. While Jessica designed the interiors of the new home, by profession she’s a nurse practitioner who owns The Beautique, a boutique medical spa in Bluffton. Aesthetic medicine has allowed her to combine her medical knowledge with her creative side and her passion for detail—the same artistic talent she called upon when designing her new home. “For the interiors, we married all three of our influences in an eclectic blend with fun little accents,” Jessica said. “For instance, when you look at our three fireplaces, one is very French country, plastered, with a tapered, triangular shape.

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Reclaimed doors from Paris, flanked by a modern glass wall, welcome you into the the room to a grand piano — the star of the space.

The large bird paintings were custompainted in Venice, Italy. The traditional Lowcountry egret and the vibrant chartreuse color truly showcase the homeowners’ style.

THRICE AS NICE Another is all brick, which is traditionally Southern plantation style. The dramatic outdoor fireplace on the porch is 100 percent Lowcountry, finished in stacked oyster shells.” In the large living/kitchen area, the French range is the defining piece, and arched doorways create a softer, European space. Under the staircase, a sunken, bricked wine room is decidedly Italian, with a slick glass door and statement hardware that makes it equally inviting and accessible. A back kitchen makes entertaining the couple’s large extended family and friends much nicer. Jessica’s favorite color is green, and though the primary tones in the home are neutrals, there are pops of different shades of green in each room on the main floor. In the piano room, chartreuse abounds in the oversized Egret artwork from Venice. A gorgeous ebony grand piano (which Jessica and her oldest daughter Mia enjoy playing) and reclaimed double doors from the 1800s from Paris command attention. In the garden and gun room, hunter green is dominant. Even the brick fireplace is painted the same green, creating a seamless, monochromatic, masculine energy.

Even with the dramatic height of the ceilings, the master bedroom feels cozy with the dark pink and sage green design.

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NOVEMBER 2023

THRICE AS NICE “My husband is an avid hunter,” Jessica said. “We created a feature space for his guns and focused the decor on items you would find in sophisticated men’s lounge or hunting club.” Pair the record player, vintage leather chairs and books, and velvet fringed footstools with the modern accessories and full-motion tilt/swivel TV, and Rush has the perfect spot to enjoy an old fashioned cocktail while watching his Clemson Tigers play football. The master suite features soft shades of sage greens, subtly blended with grays and soft pink, along with a four-poster bed with

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The wallpaper on the ceiling is a truly breathtaking touch, and the soft purple decor is fit for a little princess. Perhaps the most whimsical spaces in the house are the girls’ bedrooms on the second level. The emerald green and gold room is perfect for the Lowther’s youngest daughter.

A favorite feature of the homeowners is the wine cellar, which holds 144 bottles. Located in the kitchen, you step down into a fully brick room, leaving no wasted space underneath the staircase.

twisted rails and canopy that whispers modern Southern charm. The master bath is Jessica’s favorite room, with the “must-have” concrete bathtub and brick floors. She also loves her girls’ rooms upstairs, each with its own personality. Jessica and her daughters worked together to combine textures, colors, and personal tastes to create a “girls’ lair” for them and their friends. One room has soft, purple peonies wallpapered on the ceiling; another has vivid pops of hot pink with crystal sconces in the built-in bunks; and another has furniture and wallpaper dominated by emerald green with gold atop crisp white linens. Backed up to the tidal marsh, the outdoor spaces also beckon. The family enjoys sitting on the back porch or by the fire pit, watching the ebb and flow of the water, the wildlife, and the movement of the Lowcountry day into evening. And they love living in Oldfield. “Oldfield is truly home to us,” Jessica said. “This was my first home as a newlywed and where I brought all my babies home. My girls are so blessed to grow up here.” “When we drive through the gates, we get the feeling that we’re in a real-life Mayberry,” Rush said. “The Spanish moss and the white fences are beautiful, and the people here are so kind. It’s just so special here on the river. As a family, it’s all we’ve ever known.”  CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER 2023

A tiny customer makes her selection at the Paris Baguette.

The Dining Room at JINYA A full bar invites customers to sit a spell at Hook & Reel.

Fried Shrimp with french fries and an icy cold Corona.

A wide variety of delicious and refreshing Boba Tea

Article by Barry Kaufman

A World of Flavor Take a global tour of an expanding culinary destination on the north end

JINYA Tonkotsu Black Pork broth, pork chashu, kikurage, green onion, nori dried seaweed, seasoned egg, garlic chips, garlic oil, fried onion and spicy sauce. Served with thin noodles.

Kung Fu Tea

oday, beneath sunny skies, it’s not hard to look at the sprawling covered patio that runs along four restaurants at Port Royal Plaza and think that good times have come again. It was a little harder to think that just a few years ago, when Port Royal Plaza’s future seemed perilous. Seemingly back-to-back, both Sam’s Club and BILO had shuttered their doors, leaving this perennial shopping and dining destination without two of its largest anchors. The tenants between these anchors remained, and for the most part thrived, but those two For Lease signs cast two very large shadows. The first sign of hope, the arrival of Planet Fitness in the old BI-LO spot, came in 2020. But that was 2020, when the optimism created by the new tenant would prove short-lived in the face of a global pandemic. Not only was Port Royal Plaza hit by the chaos that ensued, but commercial real estate across the country went

into panic mode. That’s to say nothing of restaurants, who suddenly found themselves squeezed between confusing mandates, customers hesitant to venture out, and a crushing labor shortage. As a restaurant owner inside a plaza that had just been on the cusp of reinvigorating itself when the pandemic hit, Wei Zhu would have had every reason to panic. Instead, the entrepreneur who has made OKKO the island’s biggest hibachi hotspot, saw potential. “During the pandemic, we lost almost half the tenants here,” Zhu said. “A lot of the retail stores shut down here on this strip, and I thought this might be a good opportunity.” That’s underselling it just a bit. Gazing out from OKKO, the row of empty storefronts could have been an eyesore. But Zhu moved quickly to snap up those spaces with the aim of creating a new set of dining experiences unlike anything else on Hilton Head Island. The first move was to purchase a franchise of Californiabased Jinya Ramen Bar. Embracing the culture of Japanese street food, Jinya was among the first big franchises to adapt the classic ramen bowl for our shores. A far cry from the ramen you might have experienced in college, authentic Japanese ramen pairs a thick, bold broth with rich homemade noodles swimming in fresh ingredients from octopus to pork belly to an entire poached egg. “Jinya was my first because every time I’d go into a Jinya location, it would be very busy,” he said. “The food is so consistently good, and they train people very well…. There are so many places here to get steak and seafood, but people who come here from big cities want something new.” It certainly delivers on the promise of something new, as does its neighbor. Kung Fu Tea, is a concept based around the skyrocketing popularity of bubble tea. Infused with tiny orbs that pop in your mouth with fresh flavors, the more than 100 varieties on hand ensure a new experience each time. And the contemporary, metropolitan vibe creates an atmosphere that can be hard to leave until you’ve tried a 92

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At Hook & Reel, you curate your own fresh seafood platter, with options ranging from snow crab legs and crawfish to lobster tails and shrimp. Takoyaki (Octopus Balls) Battered octopus over egg tartar topped with mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce, fresh cut green onion and smoked bonito flakes. few flavors. “We have a really nice environment in here,” Zhu said, standing amid the Day-Glo furnishings of Kung Fu Tea. “We have a lot of kids coming in here to study and groups that meet up here.” The third piece in the puzzle was Paris Baguette, a concept that looks to bring back the classic neighborhood bakery. Inside, display cases dazzle with pastry and cakes of every kind, while a wide window on the back wall lets you watch the bakers at work. “That was a big piece of what we wanted to bring to this strip; we wanted to give people a few places to stop. Maybe you grab dinner at Jinya, a drink at Kung Fu Tea after, and then come by Paris Baguette for dessert or something to bring home for the morning,” Zhu said. This one-stop-dining trifecta was rounded out when Zhu brought his second Hook & Reel location to the island. The first he opened in Bluffton has served as a popular anchor in the Best Buy plaza off-island. It only made sense to bring it to the island. Standing in stark contrast to its mainland counterpart’s rustic aesthetic, the island location shines with clean concrete walls and white

Fresh and colorful pastries are made daily at the Paris Baguette.

marble-topped tables. It’s a more cosmopolitan look, but that fits overall with the motif established across all four restaurants. With covered outdoor dining that runs the entire length, it almost feels like a stretch of city block transplanted onto the north end of Hilton Head Island. “It’s challenging to open a franchise in a small town,” Zhu

said. “They usually go to big areas like Atlanta, Charlotte, or Orlando. I knew that, but I just wanted to give people these opportunities to try new flavors and expand a little bit.” It was a leap of faith, but as hundreds of diners who now get to experience a taste of city living in the heart of paradise will tell you, it was worth it. 

CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER 2023

A Mandy Matney, author of Blood on their Hands: Murder, Corruption and the Fall of the Murdaugh Dynatsy.

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

Blood on their hands FAMED LOWCOUNTRY REPORTER MANDY MATNEY’S NEW BOOK PUTS THE INTRIGUE OF THE MURDAUGH SAGA IN A NEW LIGHT

or years, Mandy Matney has made her mark telling other people’s stories. Setting her apart from the salacious headline seekers who descended on the Lowcountry following the murders of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh, hers was reporting that sought humanity in tragedy. Not to say she wasn’t above sharing some of the more sensational aspects of the case—and Lord, there were many. But to listen to her podcasts and read her social media posts was to fully understand both the depths of the Murdaugh legacy and the pain of those who fell victim to it. Without her reporting, maybe we don’t end up learning as much about Gloria Satterfield and the way her children were manipulated into filling Murdaugh’s coffers. Maybe we never even hear Stephen Smith’s name in connection with this whole mess; but without Mandy we certainly don’t ever truly appreciate the sheer heartbreak his mother Sandy has endured. These are all stories that were told because Matney sought them out, filling

in the gaps that the national outlets left out with context that showed the true cost of a powerful family left unchecked. With her new book, Blood On Their Hands: Murder, Corruption, And The Fall Of The Murdaugh Dynasty, Matney is telling the one person’s story she hasn’t yet told: her own. “I know when everyone opens a book, they want a different experience, and there are going to be a lot of Murdaugh books. This is more behind the scenes of the podcast and my journey,” she said. “Initially I was going to write more of the ‘book report’ version of this whole thing, but this became more of a memoir because I wanted to make it inspiring.” Wrapped around a framework of the entire saga that unfolded over the last few years, from the death of Stephen Smith to the boat crash that killed Mallory Beach and to today’s media circus, is the story of a young journalist from Missouri. As Matney’s career takes her to the Lowcountry, from the newsroom at The Island Packet to the online

Matney and co-author Carolyn Murnick meet in person for the first time.

world at Fitsnews, the thread of the Murdaugh family runs throughout, leading to the moment when a “perfect storm” puts her on the front lines of the story of the century. In a world where journalists seem to be joining milkmen and linotype operators in the graveyard of jobs that don’t exist anymore, Matney shows aspiring journos that it is still possible to make a living telling the truth. To those young souls looking to revive this dying industry, Blood on the Hands serves as part true-crime novel and part how-to guide for navigating modern journalism.

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“It’s a testament to what one person can do with good people around them amid a sea of horrible ones,” said David Moses, Matney’s husband, producer, and No. 1 fan. “There’s so much of her life, but at its core it’s designed to be an inspiration for young people not to take guff until they find their voice.” As readers follow Matney’s journey through journalism, they’ll discover the challenges that come with navigating newsroom politics. From her time at The Island Packet to her often-rocky tenure at Fitsnews, Matney paints a warts-andall picture of the state of journalism. “I wanted to take the reader on that journey, but I wanted to make sure it wasn’t about how people treated me,” she said. “It’s exploring those challenges in an honest way. That honesty made it hard to do.” Fortunately, she had help. Co-author Carolyn Murnick has already shown she can ground a

Catch Mandy Matney in person at Barnes and Noble on Hilton Head November 14 at 2 p.m. or at Corner Perk in Bluffton on November 16.

Mandy Matney and her husband, David Moses, in New York City. true-crime story with raw human emotion in her awardwinning book The Hot One. Tracing her own investigation into the death of a childhood friend, Murnick’s book was named a “Best Book of the Year” by Buzzfeed. “I developed a fantastic friendship with (Murnick),” Matney said. “We related on a lot of levels, particularly in how we wanted victims to be portrayed.” Over a nearly 17-month writing process, Matney and Murnick came together to envelop the Murdaugh saga in a story of a young journalist discovering her voice, a family that kept an iron grip on those around them, and the crimes that shocked the world. “Every week when I’d sit down with my co-author, it was like taking an ice cream scoop to my insides. And a lot of times, it felt like I didn’t have much left,” Matney said. “She made me feel very comfortable, and she helped me process a lot of it.” Matney also found support from established authors who had once been exactly where she is now in their career. Among them was famed journalist Julie K. Brown, who was among the first to break the Jeffrey Epstein story, later recalling the tale in her memoir, Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story. “Her advice to me was along the lines of ‘Stay the course and don’t let anyone push you around,” Matney said. With that support in place, Matney was able to tell her story in Blood on Their Hands, which leads her to perhaps her biggest challenge yet: tackling the world of publishing. “I’m a different breed of journalist. Marketing and promotion really aren’t in my blood. It’s not in me to have people write blurbs and promote a book and what not,” she said. Thankfully, in his own words, Moses is more than happy to pick up the slack. “I’m no stranger to promoting someone who, in my opinion, is the best journalist working today,” Moses said, proving his flair as a capable hype man. For those who have been enthralled by Matney’s reporting on the Murdaugh family’s many scandals, Blood on Their Hands represents a chance to go behind the scenes. For locals, it’s a way to discover parts of the story that may hit closer to home than we realize. And for those looking to carry the mission of journalism forward, it’s an opportunity to learn from someone who is leading the way. “Ultimately, this is to inspire other journalists,” Matney said. “The overall goal was writing a book I would have wanted to read 10 years ago when I was just starting out.” To order your copy, visit lunasharkmedia.com/book or catch Mandy Matney in person at Barnes and Noble on Hilton Head November 14 at 2 p.m. or at Corner Perk in Bluffton on November 16, time TBA. Tickets: LunaSharkmedia.com.  CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER 2023

Find Jevon’s look at Bennali’s Coastal Wear in Coligny Plaza

PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT . STYLED BY KAILA JEFFCOAT . YOUR HOST: JEVON DALY

gift guide 

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1. Robert Marc NYC tortoise shell sunglasses $535, available at Eyeland Optique; 2. Elvis Ukulele $99.99, available at John’s Music.

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Find Jevon’s ensemble at John Bayley in the Village at Wexford.

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1. Live Bait Dog Toy $25.99, available at Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming; 2. Eat Your Bourbon Cookbook $40, available at Hilton Head Oils; 3. Binoculars $589.99, Chirpy Wine Pour $29.99, Woodpecker Hat $19.99, Birding Book $25, available at Wild Birds Unlimited; 4. Assorted Sports Glow Candles $29.99 each, available at Wax & Beyond in Coligny Plaza; 5. Holiday Boxers $28 each, available at Southern Tide; 6. BB “BAD” Rope Hat $30, available at Robert Trent Jones Pro Shop in Palmetto Dunes; 7. Tempo Walk: Autonomous Caddie $4995, available at Club Car of Hilton Head; 8. Tommy Bahama Shirt $152, Blue Vest $134.95, Dorfman Hat in Navy $69.95, available at Bennali’s Coastal Wear in Coligny Plaza. CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

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Get Jevon’s look at Southern Tide in Shelter Cove Marina.

1. Turtlebox Speaker $399, available at Outside Hilton Head; 2. Zip Pullover $98, Flip Flops $44.95, Tervis South Carolina Mug $18.99+ (Available in stainless steel and remaining plastic variety), Belt: $94, Sunglasses $65, Sunglass Strap $11.99, available at B-Jacks Deep South Mercantile; 3. Brackish Bowtie: $225, available at J. Parker LTD. in Old Town Bluffton; 4. Hitch Bottle and Cup Kit $60, available at The Grind; 5. Patagonia Bag $239, available at Outside Hilton Head; 6. Camo Tour Polo $88, available at Robert Trent Jones Pro Shop in Palmetto Dunes; 7. Crabby Dog Toy $25.99, available at Woof Gang; 8. Assorted Pizza Dough Kits $9 to $11.50 each, available at Hilton Head Oils. CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

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Find Jevon’s look at B-Jacks Deep South Mercantile in Old Town Bluffton

Jevon’s eyewear can be found at Eyeland Optique in the Fresh Market Shoppes.

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1. For the Man Who Loves to Cook, available at Le Cookery in the Village at Wexford; 2. Yeti Cooler $250, available at Outside Hilton Head; 3. Stance Socks $22 each, available at Quiet Storm in Coligny Plaza; 4. Smathers & Branson Golf Club Head Covers $110 each, available at John Bayley in the Village at Wexford; 5. Manly Soaps $9 each, Cottonwood Soap Company, available at Binya. CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER 2023

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 Jevon’s ensemble can be found at J. Parker LTD.

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1. Oliver Peoples Gold Frame with Leather $830, available at Eyeland Optique; 2. Gullah Tee $25, available at Binya; 3. Flowered Polo $123, available at Robert Trent Jones Pro Shop in Palmetto Dunes; 4. Recycled Golf Club Bottle Openers $16.99-$24.99, available at Gifted in the Village at Wexford; 5. Bike $800, Helmet $55 , available at The Bike Doctor on Arrow Rd.; 6. Books for your Favorite Golfer $9.99 each, available at Gifted in the Village at Wexford; 7. Hoodie Sweatshirt $72, available at Quiet Storm in Coligny Plaza. CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

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Jevon’s Ensemble by Palmettoes in Sea Pines Center; Hat by J. Parker LTD.

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1. Vest $175, Flannel $145, Sweater $135, available at Palmettoes in Sea Pines Center; 2. Lowcountry Socks $10 each, available at Binya; 3. Teak & Leather Artisan Soy Candle $24, Purchase at the Hilton Head Community Market or 7thandpalm.com; 4. Upcountry Salmon Collar $26.99, available at Woof Gang; 5. Camo Bowtie, available at Woof Gang $48.99; 6. Shark Fin Coffee $17, Purchase at Hilton Head Coffee Roasters, the Hilton Head Community Market, or hiltonheadcoffee.com; 7. ROK dog leash $44.99, available at Woof Gang. CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

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Daniel Mendoza, Chef Lynn Michelle and Cassandra Shultz descended upon Gull Point Manor with one objective: everything pumpkin!

Daniel Mendoza, of D’flavor Custom Cakes, created this stunning chocolate ganache masterpiece.

Photography by M.Kat · Recipes by Chef Lynn Michelle · Glassware, Plates and Serving Dishes can be found at Cassandra’s Kitchen · Pumpkin Chocolate Cake by Daniel Mendoza of D’flavor Custom Cakes

EVERYTHING PUMPKIN

Thanksgiving table does not have to be fancy. A fun placemat, flowers (or a touch of nature) and one or two fall accent pieces is all you need. Using white dinnerware and serve ware helps keep it simple and classic. For this table, we used a round petal placemat with a simple napkin and homemade place cards. We brought fall colors to the table with a burnt orange water glass and turned it up a notch with a fancy wine glass. The ivory flatware used is perfect for Thanksgiving. We were fortunate enough to have this beautiful pumpkin cake as the centerpiece. If you don’t have that as your centerpiece, add a flower display or large hurricanes.

PUMPKIN BOWTIE PASTA By Chef Lynn Michelle PASTA INGREDIENTS: 2 cups fresh pumpkin, cubed into large bitesize pieces and cooked Bowtie pasta, cooked 15 small tomatoes 1 small package arugula ¼ cup sweet onion, finely chopped ¼ cup fresh basil, chiffonade ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped 1 small can, garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained ¼ cup red peppers, chopped Roasted pumpkin seeds for garnish DIRECTIONS: Place all above ingredients into large bowl and mix. Toss with dressing, place into a decorative serving platter, and top with roasted pumpkin seeds. Serve hot or cold. DRESSING INGREDIENTS: ½ cup olive oil ¼ cup maple flavor balsamic vinegar ¼ cup dark brown sugar 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper DIRECTIONS: Blend together in a blender; season to taste.

PUMPKIN WHOOPIE PIES By Chef Lynn Michelle COOKIE INGREDIENTS: 1 ½ cups pumpkin purée 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup shortening 1 cup sugar 2 egg yolks 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup milk Maple buttercream frosting for filling WHOOPIE PIE DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 375° F. and line large baking sheets with parchment paper. combine all dry ingredients in a small bowl; gently mix. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin purée, shortening, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla; beat until creamy. Incorporate the dry ingredients alternately with the milk. Do not overmix. Drop by rounded teaspoon onto parchment paper-lined cookie sheet pan. Bake 10-12 minutes; do not let edges get brown. Cool completely. Scoop a dollop of frosting on the flat side of half the whoopie pies. Sandwich gently with the remaining whoopie pies. MAPLE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING INGREDIENTS: 1 ½ pounds confectioners’ sugar 1 cup butter (2 sticks) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ cup maple syrup FROSTING DIRECTIONS: Mix well until fluffy.

Optional toppings: Mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, Pumpkin Spice Hummus is gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian

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PUMPKIN FALL SALAD By Chef Lynn Michelle PASTA INGREDIENTS: 2 cups fresh pumpkin, cubed into large bitesize pieces and cooked al dente (firm to the bite) 15 small tomatoes, 1 small package arugula ¼ cup sweet onion, thinly sliced 2 mandarin oranges, peeled and broken into segments Pomegranate seeds Garbanzo beans Roasted pumpkin seeds DIRECTIONS: Place all ingredients into large bowl and mix. Toss with dressing, place on a decorative serving platter, and top with roasted pumpkin seeds. DRESSING INGREDIENTS: ½ cup olive oil ¼ cup black cherry flavor balsamic vinegar ¼ cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice ¼ teaspoon cinnamon DIRECTIONS: Blend together in a blender; season to taste. PUMPKIN SPICE HUMMUS By Chef Lynn Michelle INGREDIENTS: 2 small cans 100% pure pumpkin 1 large can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained ½ cup olive oil ¼ cup water, as needed 1 teaspoon salt ¼ cup dark brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon nutmeg ¾ cup roasted pumpkin seeds (garnish for top) DIRECTIONS: Put all ingredients, except for the roasted pumpkin seeds and optional toppings, into a large food processor or blender. Blend on high; turn off blender and add more water, if needed, for desired consistency. Season to taste. Place mixture in a bowl and top with roasted pumpkin seeds. Sprinkle lightly with additional dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Serve with graham crackers, wheat thins, vanilla wafers. CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

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PUMPKIN SPICE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES By Chef Lynn Michelle INGREDIENTS: 1 cup canned 100% pure pumpkin 1 cup sugar 1 large egg (or blend 1 teaspoon ground flax seed & 1 tablespoon olive oil—vegan ‘egg’ ½ cup vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon milk (or almond milk) 2 ½ cups, all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground ginger ½ teaspoon nutmeg 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350°F. and grease baking sheet pans. In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla, milk and egg; mix on medium speed until creamy. In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg. Blend together with a spoon. Add dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and blend well on high speed. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts and mix well with a wooden spoon. Chill batter for 2 hours. Drop by teaspoon of batter onto the greased baking sheet. Bake for approximately 8-10 minutes or until lightly brown.

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PUMPKIN PIE MARTINI This martini tastes like your favorite pumpkin pie in a chilled glass! Recipe courtesy of nospoonnecessary.com. These were served in Simon Pearce martini glasses, available at Cassandra’s Kitchen. INGREDIENTS: 3 ice cubes 2 ounces pumpkin spice vodka (substitution: regular or vanilla vodka) 1 ounce dark rum (substitution: RumChata) 2 tablespoon pumpkin purée (canned or homemade) 1 ounce maple syrup ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract Optional: Pinch of pumpkin pie spice ½ ounce half and half (substitution: Irish cream) Optional Rim: Maple syrup, to taste 1 whole graham cracker 1/4 teaspoon each pumpkin pie spice & ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon granulated sugar Optional Garnishes: Whipped cream Pumpkin pie spice Cinnamon stick PREPARE MARTINI GLASS RIM: Crush graham cracker in a resealable bag or food processor until it resembles sand. Stir in the pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and sugar. Dip the rim of a martini glass into maple syrup, then roll the rim in the graham cracker mix. Set the glass aside. (Trick: I dip a thick napkin into the maple syrup and use the napkin to neatly apply the syrup to the rim of the glass.) PREPARE THE MARTINI: In a cocktail shaker, combine the ice with the vodka, rum, pumpkin, maple syrup and vanilla, along with the pumpkin spice if using. Shake vigorously until shaker is chilled to the touch. Add in the cream and swirl or stir to combine. SERVE: Strain and pour cocktail into the prepared martini glass. Garnish with cinnamon stick, dollop with whipped cream and sprinkle with pumpkin spice and/or nutmeg. Enjoy! CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

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Article by Sheila Tucker . Photography by M.Kat

The Science of Thanksgiving: How Gratitude Impacts Our Well-Being

s we all sat around the table watching the steam from our food waft towards the ceiling, it was proposed that we go around the table and mention three things we’re grateful for. Internally, my eyes rolled. Externally, I smiled. Seriously, what kind of Hallmark Thanksgiving Day movie set did I stumble upon? Hmmm, my friend Nicole did not mention this portion of the “festivities” in the invite.

Truth be told, I didn’t stop to think about these types of things. I was busy moving from one thing to the next, and gratitude was nowhere in sight. Honestly, the first thought that popped into my sarcastic-leaning head was being thankful I wore a loose-fitting dress so I wouldn’t feel the waistband on my overstuffed stomach after dinner. But I hardly think this is the kind of gratefulness the family sought in their idyllic reach for the perfect Thanksgiving moment. You don’t know me, but here’s the thing: I pride myself on being on time, even early. However, I will purposely show up late to all functions (yes, every single one) when there’s an “introduce yourself to the group” component. And here I was trying to look enthusiastic about sharing my gratitude while my stomach was audibly growling because of my nerves. Luckily, other family members went f irst, giving me a moment to form a plan while simultaneously overthinking what should be simple answers. Admittedly, this felt like a pop quiz for a class I’d never attended. I became more nervous as my friend’s family crafted lists so sugary sweet I was convinced I’d get a cavity right on the spot. Ugh.

Finally, or should I say, unfortunately, it was my turn. Deep breath in. Deep breath out. Staring out into the void but moving my head like I was making eye contact, I said, “I’m thankful I met Nicole. I’m thankful for our friendship. And I’m thankful you invited me to share Thanksgiving with your beautiful family.” There, done. Not too saccharine, but just sweet enough. From the smiling faces across the table, I knew I’d passed the test and gained admission to dinner. Whew, I was grateful this whole gratitude thing was over. Later in life, when working on a research project with children diagnosed with cancer, I gained a whole new appreciation for gratitude. It even made an appearance in our findings. In general, though, the collective research shows that gratitude is strongly related to social, emotional, and psychological well-being. In short, it’s associated with greater happiness, and who doesn’t want that? Admittedly, it can feel contrived at first. But with practice, the genuineness of it starts to win out. You may wonder how to practice gratitude other than that journal exercise you were once told to do and never remembered. Well, I’ve got you covered. Below are three ways to get started. No journal is needed but feel free if that’s your thing: 1. Acknowledge the good stuff. You know those times when your day is going well until that one thing happens? Instead of remembering our day as being primarily okay with a blip of not okay, we tend to hold onto the negative, banishing the good parts into the ethers of our minds. Since you’re already so good at acknowledging the bad stuff, let’s practice recognizing one good or okay thing. For example, I traveled to and from Bluffton in record time. 2. Say thank you. Send a thank you by texting or emailing a f riend or writing a review for your favorite restaurant. You could also put pen to paper and mail a note. No time or find you get tongue-tied? As one of my favorite yoga instructors says as an option for the present yoga pose, “or do it in your head.” The same goes here. Do it in your head. 3. Write it down. List one thing, person, or experience for which you are grateful. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy. It can be in the Notes section of your phone or on a Google Doc. And it can be once a day or when you remember. However, the more you do it, the more you’ll form a habit. Another option is to say it to yourself or someone else. And your gratitude can be simple, e.g., I’m thankful for coffee or not running into a neighbor while walking my dog in my PJs. Keep it simple. Research shows that gratitude can increase self-esteem and day-to-day satisfaction while decreasing anxiety and depressive symptoms. Sounds good, right? Essentially, it’s a mindset shift—a way to occasionally look at life through a different lens. It also spreads goodwill and may provide an opportunity for more connection. There was a time when I would roll my eyes when anyone mentioned the concept of gratitude, especially if it was delivered in an “it will save your soul” syrupy way. However, the mind shift that happens simply from taking note of one thing that went right each day can be tremendously helpful. It allows you to experience more hope instead of dwelling on the hopeless or unfortunate. It was even one of the top coping skills the children and families in our research project cited as helpful. As a side note, expressing gratitude will not inherently change your situation. Those sweet kiddos and their families were still dealing with a horrible cancer diagnosis 118

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and dreadful treatments. Their act of gratefulness merely helped them move with a little more hope, an inch at a time, through their day. Some people practice an act of gratitude every day. Um, not I. That’s right; I’m a therapist who does not practice daily gratitude. Like most people, I forget. However, a few times a week, as I’m turning my off ice lights on or off, I bring to mind something I’m grateful for. Some days, I’m filled with gratitude that I get to work with the most amazing people. Other days, I’m simply grateful I didn’t trip over the rug … again. And you know what? It does help set the tone of the day by bringing in a little glimmer of knowing that good and even inspiring things are happening all around me. Give it a try. Or not. It’s up to you. Thankfully, I made it through Thanksgiving with Nicole. I even managed to spend some time with her family again at Christmas. Much like the round table gratitude discussion, I was caught off guard when the singing started. I was elbowdeep in dishwater when I was assigned my line for the “12 Days of Christmas.” Again, with nowhere to hide, I opted to lean into the family musical that had magically unfolded around me. Laughing hysterically and with a shake of my head, I was oh so very grateful to have a friend with such an entertaining family.  Sheila Tucker is a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Heart Mind & Soul Counseling. She empowers clients who overthink, worry, and experience their fair share of anxiety to become more rooted in peace, ease, and confidence. When not in the office, you’ll find her walking her pups or planning her next mountain getaway with her husband.

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Article by Barry Kaufman

FALL INTO COLIGNY THIS NOVEMBER

A trio of outstanding events make it a November to remember in Hilton Head’s Downtown.

s summer fades into memory, Hilton Head locals know that it’s time for the real fun to begin. Fall is essentially spring break for locals, and few places understand that like Hilton Head’s downtown, Coligny. Which makes sense, since Coligny has served as the heart of our community for more than 50 years, giving locals a place to come together in celebration of island living. And this fall will be no different with a pair of events that define the fall season on Hilton Head Island. THE HILTON HEAD ISLAND LANTERN PARADE Quickly becoming one of the island’s most beloved annual events, the Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade will once again see the night air in the Coligny District lit up with a kaleidoscopic array of gorgeous glowing lanterns. Creating a spectacle of pure inspiration and a heartfelt sense of community, this event brings the entire town together in celebration of illuminated artistry. This year, you’ll definitely want to make Coligny your first stop, as they will be hosting a pair of outstanding lantern-making workshops from 5-7 p.m. November 14 and 15. Carolina Coffee & Crumbs will be the site this fun and educational hands-on seminar as you create your own piece of luminous artistry under the guidance of the island’s resident lantern-making guru, Emily Holyoak. Then, with your very own lantern ready to shine, come back to Coligny on Saturday, November 18 for the Lantern Parade! Step off is at Alder Beach and the entire event finishes at Lowcountry Celebration Park. BLACK FRIDAY AT COLIGNY Why stand in line and jump through the big box stores’ hoops when you can get great deals, support local business, and – get this – actually enjoy your Black Friday experience? Coligny always does it LOCAL and does it right! Black Friday on November 24 at Coligny is the year’s biggest shopping spree, with entertainment all day, fantastic deals from the plaza’s famous mix of exciting locally owned retailers, and absolutely no need to camp out in line the night before.

Jevon Daly kicks off the holidays during Black Friday at Coligny on November 24. ColignyPlaza.com/Events View Santa from the sky on Black Friday at Coligny Plaza. Check out ColignyPlaza.com/Events for more holiday fun.

While you stroll through Coligny snapping up great specials and savings, you can enjoy a packed schedule of fantastic events starting with the 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Kids Show with Hilton Head Island’s Clown Prince of Music, Jevon Daly. His storytelling songs and toe-tapping tunes bring out the kid in everyone, creating a show your young ones will rave about. But keep your eyes on the skies at 12:45 p.m. as St. Nick himself, Santa Claus, makes his annual flyover by helicopter (as the reindeer have the day off). He’ll touch down just in time for Photos with Santa on Coligny’s Center Stage from 1-2:30 p.m. And to truly get you into the holiday “spirit,” hop on the Santa Bar Crawl running from 2:30-3:30 at spots around Coligny. And if you’re lucky, the best gift of the year may be the one you get from Coligny, with a $1,000 prize drawing! Just enter your receipts at ColignyPlaza.com/Christmas and you could put a grand in your pocket. Giveaway of $1000 is announced on Christmas Day on the Coligny Facebook Page! At Coligny, they’re truly all about making the season bright.  CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

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ARTICLE BY CHERYL RICER

DECK THE HULLS SECOND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE RETURNS TO SKULL CREEK DEC. 9

hat began in 2022 as a small fleet of boats parading along Skull Creek decked out in holiday style has now evolved into one of the most highly anticipated waterfront holiday events of the year. Deck the Hulls, A Christmas Boat Parade returns this year on Saturday, December 9, from 6–8 p.m. Deck the Hulls is presented by America’s Boating Club Hilton Head (ABCHH) in conjunction with the event’s presenting sponsor, Safe Harbor Skull Creek Marina. “ T h i s fa m i l y- f ri e n d l y h o l i d ay boat parade features a variety of boats ‘decked out’ in their holiday f inest, including dramatic light displays, costumed crews, special effects, music and creative holiday decorations,” said Deck the Hulls event chair and ABCHH member Lisa Ennis. Deck the Hulls, A Christmas Boat Parade is open to the public, and attendance is free. ABCHH is a is a not-for-profit organization that promotes safe boating through educational seminars, on-the-water activities, and community outreach projects such as Deck the Hulls. While Hilton Head Island has a large and prestigious boating community, some ABCHH members identified Hilton Head as one of the few coastal communities that didn’t have a holiday boat parade. After attending parades in other cities, Ennis and others were inspired to organize the first boat parade on Hilton Head last year.

“If you’ve never attended a holiday boat parade, it’s just so much fun. There’s no better way to kick off the holiday season than enjoying a beautiful night on the water with family and friends,” Ennis said, adding that the committee was thrilled to have 14 boats participate in the first Deck the Hulls and thousands of spectators attend. “It was amazing to see just how much time and effort boaters put into decorating their boats, but we never expected they would carry that same level of enthusiasm into their costumes.” Many boaters chose a specific theme when decorating their boat, including the Grinch, angels, elves, and Santa’s workshop. “The boaters really put on a show,” Ennis said. “We had a great turnout, and the support from the community was incredible.”

While many residents who live along Skull Creek host viewing parties, there are a number of public viewing locations as well including Fort Mitchel, The Rowing and Sailing Center, and all the waterfront restaurants.

Last year, the first Deck the Hulls was purposely limited to ABCHH members. Organizing this kind of event requires a lot more effort than people realize, so a smaller fleet of boats was more manageable, and the committee learned a lot from the experience, Ennis said. “We got great feedback from both participants and spectators that propelled us to make some changes, and with unwavering support from ABCHH Commander Craig Loomis, we knew we could make this an annual event.” Ennis said they are ready to take Deck the Hulls to the next level by announcing that boater registration for Deck the Hulls will be open to the public this year, and the size of the parade has been expanded to 40 boats. Beginning Oct. 1, registration will be open via their website. Spectators will also have something big to cheer about. This year, Deck the Hulls will debut their new parade route. The new and improved route will bring boats as close to shore as possible, particularly past the waterfront restaurants. The boats will cruise within feet of the docks, allowing spectators to see the boats and costumes up close and hear the music.

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“We are so excited about the changes to our parade route, which has been aptly named the ‘along the shoreline parade route,’” Ennis said. “We are conf ident the new parade route will be a game-changer in terms of the overall experience for not only the parade-goers but boaters, too.” While many residents who live along Skull Creek host viewing parties, there are a number of public viewing locations as well including Fort Mitchel, The Rowing and Sailing Center, and all the waterfront restaurants. A complete list of viewing locations can be found on the organization’s website. Dave Medvedev, Deck the Hulls marine coordinator and boat captain, will lead the seven-mile boat parade. The boats will

assemble in Port Royal Sound and proceed south along the revised route past Pine Island, Dolphin Head, Skull Creek Marina, Village North, Bayshore, Dockside, The Boathouse and Hudson’s before turning around at Hilton Head Harbor and ending back at Safe Harbor Marina Skull Creek. Judges will view the parade from Safe Harbor Marina Skull Creek and award prizes in several categories. With an emphasis on safety first, ABCHH provides support to boaters who may not have experience participating in a boat parade or cruising at night—from a complimentary boat decorating workshop to “dry runs” of the parade route at night accompanied by experienced boat captains, free Vessel Safety Checks, and a pre-parade captain’s meeting. “We try very hard to ensure that everyone who wants to participate, has the opportunity to do so with the support necessary for a fun and safe experience,” Ennis said. Safe Harbor Marina Skull Creek also provides complimentary overnight dockage for participating boaters so that no one is transiting back to their home marina or slip in the dark. According to Ennis, an essential component to the success of the parade is the dedicated ABCHH volunteers and officers from Beaufort Water Search and Rescue (BWSAR). “No one wants any problems out on the water, and these individuals really do the ‘heavy lifting’ in terms of taking care of everything to ensure the parade is as safe as it can possibly be,” she said.  For more information or to register, visit ABCHH.org/ deckthehulls.

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A RT I CL E BY CHERYL RICER

BE DAZZLED FO R SYT H E J EWE L E R S’ NOVEMBER EVENTS CA PTU RE ESSENCE O F STYL E , G RACE & SO PHISTICATIO N

orsythe Jewelers has been delighting customers with exceptional jewelry since 1980. Their dedication to superior quality and personal service has made them a beloved institution on Hilton Head Island. With the holidays approaching, mark your calendar for November 9 and November 30 for two Forsythe luxury brand events you won’t want to miss. Kicking off the month, join the Forsythe team for the Gabriel & Co. Bujukan Bracelet Bar event, November 9 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., featuring the designs of Dominick Gabriel, co-founder and designer of Gabriel & Co., who— along with his brother Jack—established their company in 1989. Their journey from humble beginnings to revered global brand reflects a relentless pursuit of perfection and a passion for the art of fine jewelry making. At the event, guests will enjoy a golden opportunity to meet Dominick and to be enchanted by over 100 beautiful Bujukan bracelets, extending Forsythe Jewelers’ collection and showcasing the delicate artistry for which Gabriel & Co. is known. “The Bujukan collection draws inspiration from the Balinese act of persuasion, expressed through a subtle wink, a gentle touch, or a whispered word,” Dominick said. “This gentle art of persuasion is mirrored in the delicate designs of the collection, featuring arcs of gold spheres and clusters of diamonds. These elements encapsulate a sense of subtle allure and sophistication, blending timeless elegance and contemporary styles.” On Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Forsythe Jewelers is featuring the designs of JB Star, a jewelry designer known for exquisite diamond rings, colored-stone rings, diamond bands, and necklaces.

Gabriel & Co. Bujukan Bracelet Bar Event November 9, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Meet Dominick Gabriel and shop over 100 Bujukan Bracelets. Gift with purchase. JB Star Trunk Show November 30, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Shop exquisite diamond rings! Gift with purchase. “We provide the highest quality of service and jewelry to our customers,” said JB Star founder Rafael Fouzailoff. “Every JB Star piece is handcrafted, and every piece is treated with the utmost care. Our partnership is as cherished as the jewelry we create.” Established in New York City, JB Star jewelry is meticulously designed and handcrafted by some of the finest artisans in America, using the latest finishing technology. The highest quality is ensured when each individual piece is carefully inspected and analyzed, then signed and numbered for authenticity. Forsythe Jewelers’ owners Andrea and Ray Bragg invite you to attend these events by brand partners Gabriel & Co. and JB Star and experience firsthand the brilliantly curated pieces to celebrate life’s moments, to express your unique style, and to be cherished forever. Guests will be treated to a gift with any Gabriel & Co. or JB Star purchase made during the event.  Forsythe Jewelers is located in The Shops at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island. Sea Pines Resort gate fees will be reimbursed at the event. For more information, call (843) 671-7070 or visit ForsytheHHI.com. CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

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Treasurer Maria Walls, CPA

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

The Bidder End INSIDE BEAUFORT COUNTY ’S DELINQUENT TAX AUCTION

he mood is oddly jubilant in the hangar-like basketball arena inside the Buckwalter Recreation Center complex. The sparkling pine floor, usually redolent with the squeaking of sneakers, is muted by a foam mat in deference to the rows of folding chairs arrayed across its playing field. In those chairs are some 283 bidders who have paid their $30 for a chance at either getting a great deal on a property or a generous return on their investment. Encircling them are nearly double that many spectators. They’re here for one reason: Beaufort County’s delinquent tax auction. This annual sale is an odd side effect of taxation, one which carries far more emotion than most auctions. On the one hand, each item up for bid represents someone’s home, or at least their investment. Whether they were unable to pay their taxes due to some financial hardship or through simple negligence, that property is now up for auction to help satisfy the debt to Beaufort County. On the other hand, to the bidders, it represents a chance at shockingly high profits. The properties are priced at the amount of back taxes owed, meaning anyone who can win the auction gets land for a pittance. And while the original property owner has one year to pay off the debt and get their property back, leaving the bidder with simply their bid back, the interest still makes it a worthy investment. If they can pay it back within a few months, the winning bidder still gets three percent interest. If it takes the entire year, that interest compounds to

12 percent. Essentially, if you win, you either get a cheap property or you get a better return on investment than the stock market. Little wonder, then, that so many people are packed into the rec center’s gym so early on a Monday morning. “This is going to start off fairly slowly with the first few bids, but we’ll pick up the pace as we go,” warns auctioneer Darron Meares as the proceedings get underway. His point is immediately undercut by the first sale of the day, a piece of land in Northern Beaufort County that goes for $2 million when the bidding ends. “Okay, maybe we won’t start off slowly,” Meares said to muffled laughter from the crowd. All of this is pretty much what you’d see at delinquent tax sales across the state. What happens next highlights what sets Beaufort County Treasurer’s Office apart. The auctioneer introduces the next property, an address in Bluffton,

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Scenes from Beaufort County’s Delinquint Tax Auction The first piece of land in Northern Beaufort County goes for $2 million when the bidding ends.

and a middle-aged Black woman in the second row stands up and says two words that silence the crowd: heirs’ property. A GENTLEMAN’S AGREEMENT “We have a statutory obligation to conduct a tax sale. But we believe that how we do our job is just as important as what our job actually is,” said Treasurer Maria Walls, CPA, to a small gathering of a dozen community members before the auction started. “There is a tradition in Beaufort County for heirs’ property…. When the owner stands up and says that it is heir’s property, it lets the rest of the room know that it’s a special piece of property. And it is a gentleman’s—excuse me, ladies—agreement that no one else in the room is going to bid against you out of respect for the history that property has with you and your family.” It’s not written down in any section of South Carolina state code; it hasn’t been enshrined in Beaufort County law; but it remains a semi-sacred pact within the community of bidders. Heirs’ property, already a tangled web of ownership claims going back to the first enslaved people who carved out a life in freedom for their family, is protected from auction by nothing more than a reliance on simple human decency. During her meeting, co-conducted with Luana M. Graves Sellars, representing both the Lowcountry Gullah Foundation and the Penn Center, and Gullah activist

The Bidder End Sará Reynolds Green, Walls does her best to lay out the situation for those attempting to win back family land at auction. It’s something she doesn’t sugarcoat. “When I joined the Treasurer’s Office 12 years ago, almost no heirs’ property was bid against. Today, I guarantee you one of you is going to be bid against. If not, maybe all of you. The dynamics in the room have changed,” she said. “The people in that room are there to get property or get money. It’s not judgment. That’s just a fact. That’s why they’re here. I know my morals would outweigh those two things, but not everybody feels that way.” It may seem odd to reconcile the impassionate collection of taxes with morality, but that’s exactly what Walls brings together. She can’t provide legal advice on what a property owner should do, but morally, Walls makes sure everyone is empowered with the information they need to make the best decision for their property. That brings up Graves Sellars and Reynolds Green, who brief the assembled crowd. “She really is on our side,” Graves Sellars said of Walls. “Other counties don’t do this. They don’t pull people aside; they don’t say anything—they just don’t. There’s no tradition to it. So, we really appreciate Maria for her support and for the collaboration that we have with the county.” It’s a crash course in surviving an auction. Graves Sellars advises them not to get into a bidding war, as that will only drive up the amount they owe. Reynolds Green points them toward resources that can help them reduce the taxes owed and find extensions. It’s a moment unique to Beaufort County, and a sign that perhaps we can learn to respect cultures and traditions that were here long before us. And after the meeting, before the auction begins, Graves Sellars reiterates the terms of the gentleman’s agreement with the hundreds-strong crowd in the arena. She reminds speculators and spectators alike that these properties have been in Beaufort County families for centuries. As residents and as human beings, we shouldn’t let profit get in the way of that. That gentleman’s agreement finds its first test on the second item. When the auction begins, and that woman stands up to declare she is bidding for heirs’ property, there is the briefest of moments where the crowd scans itself for dissenters. They’re all looking to see if someone will break the agreement. But when Meares bangs the gavel, she is the sole bidder. With the support of Beaufort County and members of her community, plus the decency of a crowd who came in search of profit, she and her family keep their land. And everyone in that arena thinks the same thing: Maybe human decency isn’t up for auction.  CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

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Lofts at Coligny Beach Bedroom

Collins Richardson, The Richardson Group Mayor Alan Perry, Town of Hilton Head Island Joel Taylor, Hilton Head Hospital Ray Deal, Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Larry Sanders, Board of Governors, Hilton Head Hospital Lee Lucier, The Richardson Group Article by Barry Kaufman

THE RICHARDSON GROUP INVESTS (AGAIN) IN HOUSING WITH ITS NEW HOUSING SOLUTION, THE LOFTS AT COLIGNY BEACH, THE RICHARDSON GROUP INVESTS IN OUR ISLAND’S HEALTH AND FOSTERS COMMUNITY.

t’s hard to even quantify the number of ideas that have been floated around to solve the island’s long-running crisis centered around workforce housing. That’s because ideas are hard to quantify. Actions, thankfully, are much simpler. One need only look at the efforts undertaken by The Richardson Group over the past few years to see what happens when an organization takes the initiative to harness those brainstorms and steer them toward concrete results. As Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry, put it, “In a world where short-term gains often take precedence, Leslie and JR (Richardson), along with their COO Lee (Lucier), have shown a commitment to our community’s overall wellbeing.”

This has been evident in the projects they’ve already unveiled to provide island workers with quality, affordable housing. At One Park Lane and 7 Lagoon Road, they showed the possibilities of converting mixed-use space, opening up new avenues for addressing the historic housing shortfall that has beset the island. With their latest venture, a set of beautiful units at 6 Lagoon Road called The Lofts, they’ve narrowed the scope to address an industry that has been particularly hard-hit by this crisis: healthcare. “The stresses associated with a profession like nursing necessitate a robust work-life balance to ensure that healthcare providers can maintain their own health and well-being,” said JR Richardson. “We believe that offering affordable, high-quality housing in such a vibrant and desirable location will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who care for our community.” The prime location of these units not only offers area nurses an affordable housing option with an easy commute to Hilton Head Hospital, it lets them live right on the doorstep of the bustling Coligny district. With the award-winning charm of Coligny Beach Park just steps away, these nurses will enjoy some of the island’s most exciting community events, celebrated restaurants and relaxing lifestyle from the comfort of home. “(The Richardson Group) had the option make this and other housing projects short-term rentals—especially in the heart of the Coligny District,” added Perry in his remarks during the ribbon-cutting. “But instead they chose to be part of the solution and partner with Hilton Head Hospital to address a pressing community need: long-term workforce housing.” But that long-term vision is exactly what has driven The Richardson Group since the founding of Coligny Plaza more than 50 years ago. For JR and Leslie Richardson, like JR’s father Norris before him, creating new opportunities for island business has always just been a part of the goal. The true endgame was creating a community. It’s what Norris did when he created Hilton Head Island’s downtown. It’s what The Richardson Group continues to do today with The Lofts. “These 10 bedrooms will soon be home to 10 dedicated nurses, each committing themselves to 18, 720 hours annually at Hilton Head Hospital,” said Lee Lucier. “It means that 10 more individuals will call Hilton Head Island home, working diligently at our hospital without the burden of daily commutes. They will not only serve our healthcare system but become integral members of our broader community. They will immerse themselves in the values and vibrancy of our island, enjoying a quality of life that is truly unmatched… In essence, today we’re not just opening doors; we’re opening the gateway to stronger, healthier, and more vibrant connections between our workforce and our beloved island.”  CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

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Article by Barry Kaufman

A FOUNDATION FOR WINNING THROUGH FIRST TEE Local First Tee student Jeep Patrick rallied for an amazing victory at Chechessee Creek Club Championship, but the champion mentality goes far beyond the course.

Karen Ferree, wife of the late Jim Ferree, with Jeep Patrick

s a golfer, Jeep Patrick doesn’t like looking at the leaderboard. Because the numbers next to his name might tell the story of how he’s faring against the rest of the field, but they can’t convey how well he’s playing. They can’t tell, for example, whether he displayed character by offering words of encouragement when another golfer is struggling, or congratulations when they make that clutch shot. The leaderboard doesn’t show the perseverance it takes to keep playing when you’re five strokes behind. This past September, that’s all the leaderboard showed him after his f irst set at the Chechessee Creek Club Championship. Playing as a junior, among experienced golfers who played with a fiercely competitive mindset, he closed out the first day five strokes back. The leaderboard showed him that. Then he showed the leaderboard a thing or two about playing with integrity, character, and values. And he showed everyone at that championship what First Tee – The Lowcountry taught him about golf. “No matter what the circumstance, my focus every time I play is to stay focused and take shots one at a time. Coming down to the end it’s all about how consistent you can be. My game plan doesn’t change,” he said. But that’s just what First Tee - The Lowcountry taught him about the game. The greater lessons that the organization teaches — grouped around the nine core values of honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, conf idence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment — were on display with every action Patrick took. “The guy I played with, it was pretty competitive. If he hit a good shot, I told him he’d hit a good shot. I really try to keep the First Tee values in the back of my head,” he said. “Every time I play golf, try to be the best gentleman I can be, and First Tee taught me that from a young age.” Patrick, now a senior, began practicing at First Tee when he was 11 years old, introduced to the organization through the late Jim “Coach Pro” Ferree. Led by then programs director Nick Dunham, and now under Pat Zuk, he was trained to not only hone his skills as a golfer but also to respect himself, those around him, and the sportsmanship of the game. “The First Tee has always been somewhere I could go and just practice as long as I want to, but more than that there are some great people there,” said Patrick. “For example, I’ve played in the State Championship for the last three years has been in Myrtle Beach and Pat has

Jeep Patrick will sign his letter of intent this month to play Division 1 golf at Presbyterian College.

come to every single one, even though it’s four hours away. It goes to show how much he cares.” That support has helped fuel a junior golf career that will soon continue when Jeep Patrick signs his letter of intent this month to play Division I golf at Presbyterian College. “They have a great golf program,” said Patrick. “They have a great facility, a really good schedule and I really like the coach. Plus, three of my good buddies just committed there.” It’s a bright future for Jeep Patrick, one that no leaderboard on earth can properly convey. And while that leaderboard at Chechessee Creek may have showed him five shots back on the first day, thanks to the lessons in chipping, putting, driving and — most importantly —persevering, it quickly changed its tune. “I kind of knew throughout the day I was creeping closer, but I just tried to keep it steady,” said Patrick. “It came down to the last day, and my caddie, who was awesome, said ‘I think you guys are tied right now.’” That brought Patrick to the final hole, and a six-foot putt to force a playoff. Before even looking at the scorecard, he made sure to congratulate his opponent on a great round, shaking his hand and showing tremendous sportsmanship. It was then that the scorecard revealed his caddy’s mistake – Patrick hadn’t been tied for the lead. With a one-stroke advantage, the tie on the last hole meant he’d won. All the leaderboard will tell you is that he had won the tournament. But by reflecting the lessons he’d been taught by First Tee, showing true grace under pressure and sportsmanship with the other players in the field, Jeep Patrick showed why he was a champion.  CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

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M A Y O R

A Note from Hilton Head Island Mayor, Alan Perry

THE PRESENT STATUS AND PROMISING FUTURE OF WORKFORCE HOUSING ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND

M AY O R A Note from Bluffton Mayor, Lisa Sulka

EVENT SEASON

his truly is the best time of year in Bluffton. I guess we can name it “Bluffton’s Event Season.” The change in temperature along with fall upon us truly sets the tone for all that is happening. I hope you can be part of many, if not all, of these special events. While we recently ended a weeklong event, Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival, there is so much to do from now until the end of the year. Get a preview of each below: Municipal Elections: Tuesday, November 7, 2023. To vote, you must be registered and live within the town limits of Bluffton. Town Holiday Toy Drive: Children’s gifts are collected at Bluffton Police Department, 101 Progressive Street, Bluffton (located within Buckwalter Place Shopping Center). Bluffton officers deliver toys to Bluffton Self Help in early December. Shop with a Cop: Bluffton officers who work in schools select one or two children from each Bluffton school and take them holiday shopping. These children are from families who may be experiencing financial challenges. While this is not a public event, if you or your organization want to donate gift cards or make other donations, please contact the Bluffton Police Department. The Bluffton Police Departments accepts charitable donations through the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry via its Bluffton Police Department Benevolence Fund.

Photography by Krisztian Lonyai

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Photography by M.Kat

e’ve all heard the saying, “Home is where the heart is.” While it may be a well-known phrase, it holds a special meaning as we discuss the status and the promising future of workforce housing on Hilton Head Island. This month, I’m embracing this idea as we carry out our initiatives to give members of our workforce a place to love and call home. We aim to support our caregivers, teachers, medical professionals, first responders, chefs, servers, and other essential workers by providing them with options for affordable living spaces. In turn, living on the island will enable them to continue serving our community and providing vital services to our residents and visitors. The town recently took a significant step forward to increase housing availability for Hilton Head Island workers with our announcement to partner with OneStreet Residential, a reputable developer known for its high-quality properties. Together, we are working towards establishing a workforce housing community at Northpoint, an 11acre town-owned site just beyond the post office on the north end of the island. This collaboration emphasizes our commitment to addressing one of our community’s most pressing challenges. We’re currently negotiating a development agreement with OneStreet and anticipate a vote on this in early 2024. After that, we look forward to putting shovels in the ground and bringing our vision to reality. Looking ahead, we envision a vibrant community of 150 to 170 multifamily units. These will include a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, catering to various income levels and professions of those who work on Hilton Head Island. At least 50 percent of these apartments will be accessible to households earning less than 80 percent of the Area Median Income. This project gives hope that living and working on the island is possible. Even more encouraging is that we’re not tackling this challenge alone. Local businesses are stepping up to create options. Among them is the Richardson Group, which recently developed new apartment units near Coligny Beach

and partnered with Hilton Head Hospital to house travel nurses and other healthcare staff. This marks the Richardson Group’s second venture in workforce housing. Last year, Sea Pines Resort took a positive step by developing a complex of affordable housing units for members of its workforce. Recently, Town Council approved amendments in our land management code allowing a new use in the Sea Pines Circle area, thanks to the advocacy of residents and business leaders. This change could pave the way for housing for University of South Carolina-Beaufort students and other island workers. Together, we are making progress in creating the right places and spaces for the workforce, who genuinely are the engine of our community. In addition to these developments, our Housing Action Committee is now meeting. This dedicated group of community leaders is tasked with advising the town manager, town staff, and Town Council on strategies, ideas, and recommendations to address workforce housing affordability. They will play a vital role in implementing our housing plan recommendations, appropriately titled Finding Home, a Workforce Housing Framework. Our goal is for our community to be safe, livable, and inclusive. To achieve this, we recognize the necessity of providing all levels of employees with a place to call home in the community where they work. 

A Note from Lisa Sulka continued Bluffton Tree Lighting, Santa’s Workshop, Movie, Elf: Friday, December 1, Martin Family Park, 5:30 p.m. The movie begins at 6:30 p.m. This is another fantastic family event, and a great time to walk the old town and enjoy the lighting and a movie. Bluffton Christmas Parade Application Deadline: Parade entry applications are due November 10. Applications are located on town’s website, townofbluffton.sc.gov. Search for “Christmas Parade Application.” Bluffton Christmas Parade: Bluffton’s f ifty-second annual parade begins at 10 a.m., Saturday, December 2, in the Historic District—a can’t miss event. There is no other parade quite like ours, so come early and set up your chairs along the route, which runs from Bluffton Town Hall on Bridge Street, all the way to May River Road and on Pin Oak to Oscar Frazier Park. Hanukkah Celebration/Menorah Lighting Ceremony (New!): This event takes place Saturday, December 9 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. It is hosted by Congregation Beth Yam with support from the Town of Bluffton. Swearing in of new mayor and town council members & January Town Council meeting: Tuesday, January 9, 2024.  CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

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Photography by Jesse Blanco

Article by Jesse Blanco

E Tang: Hilton Head Island’s Hidden Gem

s you might imagine, we field a decent number of inquiries every month from restaurant owners or managers inviting us to come try their food. Sometimes, they come rapid fire. It may take a minute for us to get back to you, but we always respond. What we don’t do is accept every invitation we get. It’s impossible. It would take up more than half of my time— time I just don’t have to spare these days. One such inquiry got my attention last month. It was from David Chen, owner of E -Tang, a popular Chinese restaurant in Savannah, inviting me to his somewhat new location on Hilton Head Island. Multiple messages from a few different directions made me wonder, why the sense of urgency? The Savannah location is widely known as the best Chinese food in town. It’s been at the intersection of Oglethorpe and Price Streets in downtown Savannah for a couple of years now. Mr. Chen had been convinced by a friend who owns a Vietnamese restaurant next door in Savannah to give his food a shot here, simply because the options were limited. The gamble paid off. E -Tang Savannah is very popular with locals, to include students from the Savannah College of Art and Design, many of whom call China home. My curiosity was piqued, frankly, because I also love ETang’s food. I already know how good it is, and so does the rest of Savannah. I picked a day when I had other business on your side of the Savannah River and set the meeting for an early dinner. It didn’t take long to figure out why we were there. Mr. Chen was clearly flummoxed. This was his first time opening a restaurant in an area like Hilton Head Island. He’s been far more accustomed to areas with foot traffic. He spent the summer seeing the island bursting at the seams with people and waiting for that to translate to more business at E-Tang. It never did. The restaurant did okay, sure, but it wasn’t what he expected out of the gate.

“I see the parking lot across the way full of cars every night, but no one knows we are here,” he said in frustration. I found myself lending a sympathetic ear for one simple reason: The food he was bringing out in waves was nothing short of exceptional. We started with Chili Oil Wontons, Dan Dan Noodles, Cucumber Salad and Soup Dumplings—the latter made in house every morning and absolutely the best in the area. The next wave featured Egg Drop Soup, Bao Buns filled with BBQ pork, and Shrimp and Pork Shumai. For roughly two hours, we sat with Mr. Chen as he poured the sake. We learned his background, why he chose this area and what his plans are going forward. It turns out David had been visiting his family in China roughly twice a year. That ended a few years ago when travel restrictions made it nearly impossible to visit anyone, including his wife, in China. We all know the reasons why. “I haven’t been back in five years,” he said “They make you stay in your hotel for 14 or 21 days. I cannot do that with my business.” So, he’s here building a business now with two locations and a third in Pooler, Georgia on the way next year. He knows social media is critical to help getting the word out, but he will be the first to tell you he is relatively clueless when it comes to the nuances of getting the most out of the medium. Not to mention, he’s learned enough to know that the best way to get people through the door is word of mouth, especially on an island like Hilton Head where you have a base of locals, yes, but a lot of the population is a seasonal moving target throughout the year. He has yet to figure out what it all looks like and how it will translate to the growth of his business. More food? Yes, of course there was. My favorite dish of the night was a spicy beef stir fry, featuring thinly sliced jalapeños, celery and green onions. Absolutely delicious, as was the Eggplant and Green Beans—a popular dish on the island because it isn’t too hot, Chen said. There was also a chicken dish featuring thinly sliced chicken breast, very thinly sliced potatoes, and broccoli all stirred up in a chili oil glaze. All of this was delicious. The vegetables had a snap when they were supposed to; the flavors were blended beautifully. There were no heavy, salty brown sauces drowning everything on a plate. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? The flavors were light, bright and fabulous. I can’t say enough good things about this dinner. Oh yeah, then Mr. Chen brought out a whole fish, scored and fried and bathed in a fantastic garlic brown sauce. Yes, there was a lot of food. Yes, there were some doggy bags. Yes, we ate it and liked it. By the way, I buried the lede. You should know that Szechwan food is my thing. When I travel to New York to visit my daughter, I’m regularly chasing some down all over town. I’ve been known to eat it three times in four days before returning to Savannah. I love this stuff—Americanized variations perhaps, but the bold flavors, the fragrance and sometimes the heat is something I cannot get enough of, and this at E-Tang is absolutely it. By the end of our meal, I realized this was a great restaurant that just needed someone to put the word out and get more people to try it. On my way home, I decided to share this time with you. E-Tang is offering some solid eats on Hilton Head Island. If you don’t know about them but love some Chinese take-out, give them a try. You will Eat It and Like It.  CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM

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C2 Magazine • November 2023 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 maggie@ch2cb2magazine.com. If we have room and it’s appropriate for public consumption, we’ll be happy to oblige.

Opening the holiday season for our community, The Nutcracker takes the stage of the Seahawk Cultural Center beginning Friday, November 10. Presented by the Hilton Head Dance Theatre, there will be six shows only, with performances running through Sunday, November 19. With the timeless music by Tchaikovsky, and the charming story by E.T.A. Hoff man, The Nutcracker has become synonymous with the holiday season. The Hilton Head Dance Theatre first presented this classic on Hilton Head Island in 1985, and in the years since, these holiday productions have created wonderful holiday memories for tens of thousands of residents and visitors alike. At the helm for each of these productions have been artistic directors Karena Brock-Carlyle and her husband, John Carlyle. The festivities begin as soon as audience members enter the theater as they will have the opportunity to shop for unique Nutcracker themed gifts in the Nutcracker Boutique and listen to entertainment by local ensembles before select performances. The ballet opens with an elegant Christmas Eve party at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Stahlbaum and tells the story of their young daughter, Marie, who is given a magical nutcracker as a gift. She faces the comically frightening Mouse King before setting off on a journey through the Snow Forest and then on to the Land of Sweets. The story returns to the Stahlbaum home where young Marie awakens and wonders if all she has seen was just a dream. For this year’s production, Hilton Head Dance Theatre Ballet Master Jamal Edwards will dance the grand pas de deux with Ella Grace Cook. Addison Luckasevic and Deana Grace St. Hillaire will share the role of the Snow Queen dancing with Jamal Edwards as the Snow King. Also featured will be Maya Shimada and Deana Grace St. Hillaire, sharing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Joining the cast are two accomplished performers from Ballet Spartanburg: Will Scott and Anatto McMillan. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on November 10, 11, 17 and 18 and 2:30 p.m. on November 12 and 19. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit hiltonheaddance.com or call (843)842-3262.

S Rhett Livingston Bluffton Township Fire District’s Battalion Chief Rhett Livingston has achieved an international designation capping off a 25-year career working in the fire services profession. Livingston successfully completed the process that awards the professional designation of “Chief Fire Officer” (CFO) by the Commission on Professional Credentialing® (CPC). The CPC’s development model recognizes professional accomplishments and technical competence of fire and emergency service officers. By earning the CFO designation, Livingston joins an elite cadre of just over 1,850 CFOs worldwide. Livingston is responsible for the Fire District’s accreditation program and was instrumental in guiding the district to international accreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International in 2020. Chief Livingston began his career with Bluffton Township Fire District in October 1998. He has worked his way through the ranks, beginning as a line firefighter.

SERG Restaurant Group recently donated $10,000 to The Children’s Center to sponsor the organization’s kitchen for a full year. The Children’s Center is thrilled to have community partners.

C2 Magazine • Nov. 2023 Edition

S Greg Mortimer Coast Professionals brokered by eXp Realty is excited to announce the addition of Greg Mortimer to the team. Mortimer, a long time visitor to Hilton Head Island, has been in the vacation real estate business since 1992 and over the past 30 years developed, built and sold over 200 properties.

The Hilton Head Area Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America will host the 2023 Veterans Day Celebration beginning at 10:30 a.m. on November 14. The event will take place at the Hilton Head Island Veterans Memorial Park, 59 Shelter Cove Lane. In case of inclement weather, it will be at St Andrew by-the-Sea United Methodist Church, located at 20 Pope Avenue. USMC combat veteran Roy Brown and Stephanie Brown, co-founders of Operation Patriot Forward Operating Base (OPFOB), will present the keynote address. Mayor Alan Perry will speak and present a proclamation designating Veterans Day, November 11, as a Day of Remembrance on Hilton Head Island for veterans of all the uniformed military services who have served our country defending freedom. The Hilton Head Choral Society will provide music, with the Navy Junior ROTC Cadets from Hilton Head Island High School providing the color guard, the ushers, and the traditional reading of the poem “In Flanders Fields.” Members from American Legion Posts 24 and 185 will also participate in the ceremony. The event is free and open to the public.

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Discover untouched forests and tree-shaded trails in Palmetto Bluff’s tenth annual Buffalo Run on December 10. This 10K, 30K, or 50K trail race traverses the vast 20,000 acres of the Bluff. Relay races are also available in the 30K and 50K runs, so gather a group of friends to participate in these endurance competitions. After the run, stick around for live music, and delicious food. $25 of each registration will benefit the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the natural, historical, and cultural resources of the Bluff. The Conservancy ensures the ecology and diverse environments of the community will be enjoyed by many for years to come. For more information or to sign up, visit runsignup.com/ Race/SC/Bluffton/PalmettoBluffBuffaloRun10K30K50KUltra.

The girls golf team f rom Dorman High School in Roebuck, S.C. captured the Women’s South Carolina Golf Association (WSCGA)Junior Golf Foundation 2023 High School Girls Invitational title at Moss Creek (Hilton Head). In an event hosted by LPGA Tour legend Rosie Jones and held at her home course, Devil’s Elbow South at Moss Creek, the f ield of 72 players included 15 teams and 12 individual golfers who competed over 36 holes in two days at the Fazio-designed course

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Front Row: Annie Olander (HHI Elementary School); Haliegh Easter (HHI Middle School); Lesley Brewster (St. Francis Catholic School); Danielle Cartin (HHI Early Childhood Center); Cara Witt (HH Prep Middle School) Second Row: Sarah Hobson (Heritage Academy); Gilbert Ramseur (HH Prep Upper School); Terri Brashears (Rotary Club); Priscilla Kelly-Barton (Sea Pines Montessori Academy); Marge Swearer (HH Prep Lower School) Back Row: Tarken Best (HHI High School); Mark Sadler (HHI School for the Creative Arts); Mary Tuchscherer (Rotary Club); Mary-Stuart Alderman (Rotary Club); Mayor Alan Perry

Hilton Head Island Rotary Club recently gathered to honor and recognize the outstanding educators who shape the future of our community. Nominated by their peers, each of these remarkable teachers has been named “Teacher of the Year” for their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to their students’ success. Join us in applauding these extraordinary educators, not just for their awards, but for the countless lives they touch every day.

A festive tradition continues this holiday season as Art League Gallery is transformed into a Gallery of Gifts, featuring one-of-akind decor and gift items handmade by local artists. Shoppers can shop for works of art— paintings, photography, pottery, or mixed media—artistic stocking stuffers, jewelry, and unique ornaments and holiday decor. Gallery of Gifts will be open November 14-December 30, Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.4 p.m. and Sundays 12-4 p.m. An opening reception will be held Wednesday, November 15, 5-7 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

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NOVEMBER 2023 MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE DECEMBER EVENTS

GREAT EVENTS! HILTON HEAD COMMUNITY MARKET Shelter Cove Community Park, every Saturday 9:30AM - 12:30PM

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Dec. 1 at 5:30PM at DuBois Park Pavilion.

Shop with local farmers, bakers, artists, makers & more!

GAME DAYS AT FRASER’S TAVERN Every Sunday from 1-4PM. Visit seapines.com

LINKS SOMMELIER SERIES: 5-6PM featuring Thanksgiving wines. For more, visit seapines.com

PICKLEBALL DRILL AND PLAY Tuesdays and Fridays from 1011:30AM. For more, visit seapines.com

12 HILTON HEAD HUMANE’S FOURLEGGED FROLIC 5:30PM – 9:30PM The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa

OYSTER ROASTS AT COAST Every Saturday from 1-4PM. For more information, please visit seapines.com/ events.

SALTY DOG’S CHRISTMAS VILLAGE Every evening from 11/24 - 1/1. Starting around 5PM.

MORE FUN EVENTS!

27 PICKLEBALL 101 AT SEA PINES Mon. and Wed. from 10-11:30AM. For more visit seapines.com

TUNNEL TO TOWERS

Foundation 5k run & walk. 9AM at Rose Hill Plantation on November 12.

10-11 FLEX FORE ST. JUDE: Nov. 10 at 6PM - Gala at Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa. Nov. 11 at 8:15AM - Country Club of Hilton Head - Junior Scramble followed by an Adult Scramble at noon. Call 704-945-5502 for more.

21 TAP TAKEOVER AT FRASER’S TAVERN 5-8PM. Visit seapines.com

1ST ANNUAL JINGLE STROLL Old Town Bluffton 3-7PM. Find gifts for every age and a few treats for yourself!

TURKEY TROT

November 23 at 8-10AM. Meet at 397 Squire Pope Road. Donations for Deep Well accepted. Visit islandreccenter.org for more info.

MENORAH LIGHTING CEREMONY Dec. 9 5:30 - 7:30PM at Martin Family Park

GABRIEL & CO. BUJUKAN BRACELET EVENT at Forsythe Jewelers from 11AM-7PM. Receive a free gift of a travel jewelry case with your Gabriel & Co. Bujukan bracelet purchase.

LANTERN MAKING WORKSHOPS at Carolina Coffee & Crumbs. Nov. 14 and 15. Sponsored by Coligny. FREE and open to everyone. For more, please visit colignyplaza.com/ events.

LINKS SOMMELIER SERIES: 5-6PM featuring Oaked vs. unoaked. For more visit seapines.com

CHRISTMAS PARADE Dec. 2 at 10AM. Old Town Bluffton

ANNUAL SALTY DOG HOMECOMING $10 Lowcountry boil 5-8PM, plus live music!

HOLIDAY ART WALK Old Town Bluffton from 5-7PM, More than 200 artists!

SANTA ARRIVES AT COLIGNY BY HELICOPTER at 12:45PM. Join us for more Black Friday fun from 11:30AM - 3:30PM

FESTIVAL OF TREES Preview party is 11/17 at 6PM. Open to public from 11/18 - 12/2

SANTA & SHOPPING DAY at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. 11AM - 2:30PM; Specials and sales throughout the harbour shops and restaurants. Please bring a new unwrapped toy or food item for Deep Well.

JEVON + SANTA AT COLIGNY December 2nd. For more information visit colignyplaza.com/ events.

JB STAR TRUNK SHOW at Forsythe Jewelers from 10AM-5:30PM. Enjoy a complimentary gift with your JB Star purchase.

TREE LIGHTING: THE GREENEST TREE ON THE ISLAND

Join us at Salty Dog as we kick off the holiday season on Nov 24. Santa arrives at 2:30PM, plus live music 3-7PM.

LANTERN PARADE 5:45 PM start @ Alder Lane, finish at Lowcountry Celebration Park

HILTON HEAD COMMUNITY MARKET

Small Business Saturday at Shelter Cove Community Park. Nov. 25th 9:30AM - 12:30PM

SANTA AND S’MORES SATURDAYS IN SOUTH BEACH

Every Saturday Thanksgiving Christmas 2:30-6PM

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