CH2 Magazine January 2025

SPECIAL SECTION: MEET THE HEALTH + WELLNESS PROFESSIONALS

C2 FASHION Keep it moving in the latest athleisure wear

DREAM A LITTLE DREAM HGTV once again looks to the Lowcountry for Dream Home inspiration

… And All That JAZZERCISE!

GETTING TO 90: Harrison Hays

sitting is the new

there’s no better time than NOW to start moving.

GENIUSES AT WORK

Ambassador of Buzz

Maggie Marie Washo

Master of Coin

Marion Elizabeth Bowser

Chief Chatter

Kim Conrad Crouch

Sales Rockstar

“Just Kandace” Cunningham

Head of Schmoozing

Morgan Ambler

Talent Delivery Specialist

Kaila Jeffcoat

Wizard of Light Bulb Moments

Jevon Daly

Mascot in Training

Buoy Conrad Crouch Pritchard

The Gatekeepers

Greta Von Bowser

Vincent Von Bowser

Comic Sans Annihilator

Catherine Davies

Digital Sorceress

Hunter Kostylo

Error Eradicator

Lynne Hummell

Aspiring Novelists

Jesse Blanco

Selena Bridwell

Courtney Hampson

Lynne Hummell

Barry Kaufman

Alan Perry

Cheryl Ricer

Laney Sewell

Larry Toomer

Sheila Tucker

Lighting Experts

Photography by M.Kat

Photography by Arno Dimmling

Photography by Charlotte Berkeley

Find Us Here

PO Box 22949

Hilton Head Island, SC 29925

843.816.6247

maggie@ch2cb2magazine.com

I’ve been thinking about resolutions, because I guess that’s what we’re supposed to be doing this time of year. I went to a holiday party last week and there was a form to be filled out asking goal-oriented questions for 2025. I grabbed one, with all intentions of filling it out … but then I got distracted by the people, the conversations, and the martinis

That piece of paper ended up in my pocket and now I can’t even find it.

It’s sort of fitting – and how most of my resolutions go. My goals tend to come at me when things need changing, and for me, that doesn’t usually coincide with January 1. For example, the “lose 10 pounds” one usually hits around the first week of March, when it’s time to show skin again. The “save more money” one rears its ugly head when all of a sudden there is an unforeseen expenditure.

I’ve never resolved to make my bed every day, because it just seems such a waste of time and energy. I have only so many hours in a day, and I would rather spend that extra time on a walk with a dog – or enjoying time with a friend.

“Learn to play an instrument” has been on my (somewhat imaginary) list for a while now, but logically I think about the return on investment. I have no plans to be a famous musician at this age – and what would really

2025 HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT?

be the point? Actually, I do know the point. I want to be able to stroll up to a baby grand in a fancy hotel lobby and start playing “Clair de Lune” by Debussy so everyone can slowly turn their heads in amazement. Of course, everyone erupts into applause and my work there is done.

Realistically though, how many hours would I have to practice to master this song? Hours that could be spent walking in the forest preserve with some cute doodle friend of mine, hours that could be spent honing my photography skills and video editing (the things that pay the bills), or time spent with family, friends, and clients just connecting. And all for a 60-second round of applause from people I don’t know in a hotel that exists only in my mind.

Nah.

I did however buy a ukelele at John’s Music last month. Maybe that would be easier to learn.

May you have better luck with your resolutions, my friends. Happy New Year! 

MAGGIE WASHO Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.KAT

GETTING TO 90:

PART THREE

Several months ago, Maggie Washo and Jevon Daly reached out on Facebook to readers, looking to interview residents who had made it to 90 years old and beyond. Originally, the thought was to ascertain what these people had in common – if any commonalities existed. While they didn’t get exactly what they were searching for, the duo did have enjoyable conversations with lovely people who have been on this planet for a time. The dialogue veered sporadically from the price of gas and raising children to meeting celebrities, square dancing, politics, war, and the dangers of motorcycles. What follows are snippets of these interviews.

‘LOVE RESPONDS WITH LOVE’

HARRISON HAYS

Age: 94

Maggie Washo: What is your birthday?

Harrison Hays: April 9, 1930. My mother thought I might not be very bright, so she had me born on a decade. And then I just knew that every decade, I was 10 years more experienced. You don’t age, you just get more experience. So I have 94 years of experience.

Jevon Daly: And you’ve got my dad’s birthday.

MW: Do you realize that this is the third fire sign we’ve interviewed today?

JD: Oh, really?

MW: Yes – Evelyn was August 5 and Elizabeth was April 6. You fire signs are feisty – and you live long lives.

HH: Well, my mom was almost 101, and my dad was almost 96, and I thought well ... I’ll live within that parameter. But then I found a computer game that asked me a bunch of questions and told me I was going to live to 108.

JD: Wow!

MW: Oh, my goodness!

HH: I thought “Holy mackerel!” Well, you know the good Lord left me alone until I was 92. I lived to 92 without having any real challenges. But then at 92, I started getting some balance problems. That’s why I’m in a wheelchair. See, I can give you so much advice.

MW: Oh, good! No one has wanted to give us any advice yet today.

HH: Now, when I was 87, I had this knee replaced (points to his left knee). This is a happy knee. When I was 93, my other knee started paining me because there is no cartilage in it. So my orthopedic doctor said, “Hey, I’ll put a new knee in.” My primary care doctor said, “No. You can’t do it because you may die on the operating table, you could get an infection, or you could get a blood clot that rushes to your heart and snuffs you out!” My advice is to skip your 90s – just go straight from the 80s to 100.

JD: That’s great advice.

HH: Well, the other thing that happened was when I was 93, I went innocently…

MW: Innocently.

HH: … innocently in to see a doctor who said, “You are to stop driving today!” And I asked, “Well, why is that?” They said, “Well, you’re 93!” And I noticed I started getting all these leg wounds and bruises that had to be dressed and I said to my caregiver, “Why is this happening all of a sudden? I’ve never had this issue before.” “Because you’re 93!” she said. So, I suggest going straight from 92 to 94 and skipping 93. But despite all of that, I’m not a negative person. Did you know today is terrific Tuesday?

JD: It’s becoming … it was off to a rough start for me this morning.

HH: My wife and I collaborated on this little card which reminds people to have a Marvelous Monday, a Terrific Tuesday, a Fantabulous Friday and so forth. Do you know I’ve handed out 3,000 of these cards?

JD: Oh, wow. Only 3,000 huh?

HH: Only one person has ever turned down one of my cards.

MW: Really? Why?

HH: Because she said she was a Christian.

MW: Oh. Did Jesus not accept cards?

HH: I move about 60 to 80 of these cards a week. If anyone gives me even the slightest eye connection, I’m right there with a card. And it’s amazing to me how many people really enjoy the sentiment on the cards. Especially in Beaufort where I go to get my wounds checked on. On the same floor there is the OB/GYN and the ladies that I give the cards to are all very pleased and so I think, “My golly, this little card does help and little Nancy (my wife) was the one that did that.”

MW: Little Nancy.

HH: I have a lot of fond memories of my little Nancy. People wonder why I don’t tear up. Well, I do tear up a little bit because she was just terrific. But she was just hurting so much when she died and I brought her home to hospice from the hospital. She was with me three weeks then. She was just the dearest person – you just can’t imagine somebody that good – and she put up with me. She said she never got me fully trained.

MW: Not in all those years, huh? (laughing)

HH: Not in all those years. She tried, for heaven’s sake –she tried for 67 and a half years.

JD: Married 67 years.

MW: OK, so what is your advice on staying married for 67 years?

HH: Men and women process information differently. Sometimes what can be an innocent comment by either one, gets misinterpreted and that creates consternation for a short time.

MW: Yes, it surely does.

HH: So, we just loved each other enough to overcome it – and we didn’t want to start a new history. Because if you have three or four wives – or three or four husbands – and then you have kids with each one, boy it gets complicated. So I thought, “My gosh – I can’t handle complication” (laughing).

MW: So, that’s the advice. Keep your life uncomplicated – stay married.

HH: Well, and this has rubbed off on our kids. I have 18 great-grandchildren. My wife got to hold and know 10 of them. I’ve had eight in the five years since she’s been gone.

JD: Wow.

MW: So, you have a large family.

HH: I have a huge family and I am just truly blessed. I was born in Colorado. I lived in Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Texas until I graduated high school, and then I lived in Ohio for a short time. Then Uncle Sam gave me an allexpenses-paid tour to Korea and he said “You’re going to get to see very little of South Korea but quite a lot of North Korea.”

On Thanksgiving Day in 1952, I arrived in Kumhwa and had a wonderful dinner down in the Artillery Battery. Then I went on the hill … that mountain was Hill 1060, called “Papasan,” and the North Koreans were there, so I dropped a battalion of artillery on them every day as they were going down to dinner because as you know, the job of each army was to kill each other. I flew 89 combat missions in that L-19 aircraft (Civilian Cessnan 170) right there. (Hays points to an old black and white photograph of an airplane.)

So, we did our stuff – we would fly either one or two missions every day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Two-hour

missions. And if you had one mission like in the morning, in the afternoon we would fly down to what was left of Seoul, or drive a Jeep down there, and we would see an Officers Club on the way and have a meal, like a steak or something.

When you’re on the line, you get C-rations – and you get the lousy C-rations because everybody siphoned off the good ones on the way. However, my driver would bring us fresh eggs, so we did have fresh eggs up there.

MW: How many years were you there?

HH: I was there from Thanksgiving Day of ’52 until September ’53. Well, the truce was signed on July 27, and it just took that long for us to come home. An interesting thing about that was, there were just 60 of us that got to come home on the General Brewster, which was pulling duty because what we were hauling down below were 1800 repatriated prisoners of war. Some of them had been prisoners for three years.

JD: Jeez.

HH: Can you imagine what they went through? So, that was an interesting experience. The General Brewster was a very nice troop ship. When we got into rough seas off of Alaska, and one second I saw sky and 30 seconds later I saw water …

MW: OOF!

HH: … and I was feeling queasy, so I ran up to sick bay and I said, “What in the world do I do for this?” Meantime my three bunk mates are back lying in their bunks. They said take Dramamine and go up and eat all you can eat. And, man, there were 25% of us up there eating every day and the other 75% were back praying to die. But yeah, we survived.

MW: What do you attribute your old age to?

HH: Well, my mother, when she was 100, she was asked that same question by the governor’s representative in Oklahoma. He said, “Mrs. Hays, how did you get to be 100?” and she responded, “Well, it’s because I didn’t die.”

MW: This is the best answer we’ve gotten all day (laughing). Well, you were in the military, so you must have exercised a lot, yes? Would you say you have a healthy lifestyle?

HH: Well, you can see how. Look at that. (Hays points to an old photo)

MW: You look fit as a fiddle.

HH: Exercise is how you stay fit as a fiddle. Now that I’m in this silly chair, all they have me doing is riding my three-wheel bike – my trike – and the last couple of times she’s been here I’ve ridden a mile every day. I’m ready to take off, but they said, “No, somebody’s got to watch you get on and off the bike.” (Fall prevention) I said, “Well, why?” And they said, “Because you’re 94.” I said, “So what? At 94, what if I go three miles out towards Dolphin Head and suddenly go to Heaven? Well, that’s fine with me. The good Lord has looked over me a long time.

MW: What was the most memorable decade of your life?

HH: I think the most memorable was when I was with ITT Grinnell. We were just one of the 320 companies that made up ITT, but that’s when I got both the trips to Japan and the trips to Europe, and I got to take Nancy on one of the trips to Japan and she loved it.

I think of all the companies that I worked for, the one that I really liked was Owens Corning Fiberglass Corporation. That was my first job, but interesting because we had a kind of a patriarchal president. That was in the ’50s and ’60s, and he knew everybody and I was part of the growth of Owens Corning and I just … well, I won’t go into the reason why I left.

MW: What did you do? What was your career in?

HH: Procurement. I had a degree in marketing, but I worked in the purchasing department at the University of Oklahoma and Owens Corning was interviewing for purchasing people, so I went and was offered a job. I was also offered a job with Continental Oil Company

Harrison Hays has handed out over 3000 of these cards, reminding the recipients to have a wonderful day, no matter the day.

to go to Houston as a salesman, but I picked Owens Corning and I was glad I did because the company was $112 million in sales when I joined it, and it’s now about $6 billion a year, which is pretty good growth. It started in 1938, and I would say the two decades when I was with Owens Corning – I was really very happy there. Then in the ’70s when I was with ITT Grinnell, I got to travel the world and that was just really fun.

MW: Other than your career, were there other memorable decades?

HH: As a kid, I was blessed in a lot of ways. My dad came off a ranch in Wyoming, got his degree, and was in the petroleum area for his career with Phillips Petroleum. During World War II, since we weren’t old enough, two cousins and I worked on Grandpa’s ranch while his sons were in the service. We were doing the haying, because he raised cattle, and we had access to quarter horses, and also teams of horses, because we didn’t have tractors there. See, I have so many decades of just pure joy. It’s hard to pick just one.

But my six, almost seven, decades with Nancy were great because she kind of kept me straightened out. She told me, “You have the brains and I have the common sense.”

MW: Where did you meet?

HH: We met at the University of Oklahoma. I was in a fraternity, and across the street there was a sorority, and she was a lowly freshman …

MW: A lowly freshman!

HH: … and I was a mighty junior …

MW: A mighty junior?!? (laughing)

HH: … and they matched everybody up before the girls came across the street.

MW: So, Nancy was the one you were assigned? (laughing) That’s who you got stuck with?

HH: No, she got stuck with me. Nancy told me she had hoped for another freshman. (Hays laughs). My gosh, I met her in September and we were married the following August. She was just too good to pass up – I didn’t want to let her go. She was almost 20, and I was almost … let’s see, I was almost 22. She was pregnant when I went overseas, and our first son was born on Christmas Eve, but I didn’t know until the first of January. I got a phone call from the Red Cross right after that, and they said mother and son are fine. I said, “Well, how much did he weigh?” and they said, “We have no details.” I got a letter from Nancy on New Year’s Day and found out that he was 19 inches long – and he’s now six-foot-three, and he weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces – and now he weighs 180.

MW: So, he grew.

HH: Isn’t that something? He had four kids – well, they still have four kids, and then each of them decided, you know, God told Abraham to “go forth and populate the earth” … he took that very seriously, and each of his kids have four kids.

JD: (laughing) Wow!

HH: Now, two of them have adopted children and that’s another interesting story. One wanted to adopt, and the other wanted to foster. So, I’ve got two great-grandsons that are just delightful little kids.

MW: Do you have any advice for us on raising children?

HH: Well, one thing: Discipline never hurt anybody.

MW: Amen.

HH: My dad said hard work never hurt anybody.

MW: Amen twice!

HH: And so that was a good one. I would say this: While we swatted our kids with a paddle … we never did beat them.

MW: (Laughs)

HH: I do like the idea of timeouts, because it has worked with the grandchildren.

MW: Yes.

HH: And I would say, if you don’t want to love them, you shouldn’t have them. Our kids – we had more fun raising them, and they were good kids. But they were kids, and so wild things would happen, and so we’d have to have a new understanding.

MW: Yes! A new understanding (laughing). I love it.

HH: (laughing) A new understanding … so that’s how it goes. All the kids are great and somehow or another, Nancy and I love all of them. Did you know that love responds with love? Isn’t that interesting? I think that’s what keeps me on the upbeat side, with a glass half full.

I’ll tell you the other thing finally … I think I was 80 before I started getting serious about my spiritual growth, but the closer you get to Jesus Christ, the more calm you are. I haven’t been angry in I don’t know how many years.

That’s the other lesson, you know. The pessimistic side has a glass half empty, so you take their half empty glass and dump it in yours, and then you got a full glass.

MW: “Love responds with love.” That’s a great quote.

JD: Yeah, that’s good.

HH: I’ll tell you the other thing finally … I think I was 80 before I started getting serious about my spiritual growth, but the closer you get to Jesus Christ, the more calm you are. I haven’t been angry in I don’t know how many years. I might get slightly frustrated … but then I sit back because … I got this comment from a friend. It was on a piece of paper, and it’s Jesus talking, and he says, “Put all your worries into my basket.” So, I do that, and I don’t have to worry about them. So, there you go. Just remember to skip age 93, because you can’t drive anymore – that’s my medical advice.

MW: I’ll try to remember that.

HH: Well, I hope I haven’t bored you. I’ve been chit-

chatting for quite a bit but … Oh! That was that was my nickname from Nancy, Chatty Cathy. Well, only when I talked all the time.

MW: Did you have a nickname for her?

HH: Little Nancy. She signed her anniversary cards, “Your Nancy.” We had a love affair for a long time. The first three years with her were what you call “interesting.”

JD: Hmmmm….

HH: After that it got to be good.

MW: So, your advice is skip through the first three years of marriage …

HH: We had “misunderstandings” during the first three years.

MW: Yes.

HH: Once we understood that boys and girls are different in many ways, things were better.

MW: My mom says all the time that she doesn’t even understand how men and women get together in the first place because it’s like we are speaking different languages.

HH: But I’ll tell you what – I think women and girls are very interesting.

MW: I think all men think women and girls are very interesting!

JD: I have to agree that women and girls are very interesting!

MW: I love that you loved your wife so much. That’s something that I admire in a man. 

Jumpstart Your Wellness Journey: A Fresh Start to Health in 2025

As we turn the page to a fresh year, there’s no better time to focus on what truly matters: Our health.

January offers a clean slate – a chance to reset, reassess, and, most importantly, take action. Whether you’re looking to improve nutrition, fitness, or overall habits, now is the perfect time to commit to meaningful changes. While the “New Year, New You” mantra may feel cliché, it provides a powerful moment of motivation – a chance to shed old habits and step into a healthier future. But how do we bridge the gap between intention and action? That’s where discipline, support, and the right resources come in.

Why Resolutions Fail – And How to Succeed This Year

New Year’s resolutions often lose steam within weeks. The excitement fades, life gets busy, and goals are forgotten. Why does this happen?

Research shows the key to long-term success isn’t lofty goals but developing habits that stick. Achieving lasting change requires a plan, consistency, and discipline. Too often, resolutions are too vague or ambitious, which makes them hard to sustain. The problem isn’t the goal; it’s the approach.

This year, take a different approach: Focus on specific, actionable steps that will create lasting change. And you don’t have to go it alone. Resources are available to help you stay accountable and on track.

Healthy Habit: Your Partner in Health

On Hilton Head Island, one local gem is making healthier living achievable and enjoyable: Healthy Habit. Located in Park Plaza, just outside Sea Pines, this community-focused wellness hub isn’t just about great food. It’s about fostering a holistic approach to health through nutrition, lifestyle, and education. From the restaurant’s chef-curated menu to their meal prep services, Healthy Habit empowers individuals to take charge of their wellness.

Perhaps the most exciting offering at Healthy Habit is their January Jumpstart Program, a highly anticipated 30-day wellness journey designed to help participants reset their health for the year ahead.

This program combines nutrition with lifestyle changes to foster lasting success. For 30 consecutive days, participants receive:

• 30 days of chef-prepared meals at Healthy Habit’s flagship restaurant

• 30 days of fresh-pressed juices

• 30% off all additional in-store purchases

The Jumpstart Program isn’t just about meals. It’s a lifestyle overhaul focused on whole foods that don’t compromise on flavor. The experience equips participants with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to transform

Shrimp, rice and veggies - just one of the options available at Healthy Habit to kick off 2025 in the best of ways.

their health, leaving them with more energy and the motivation to continue long after the program ends.

In addition, Healthy Habit offers the Kickstart Meal Prep Program, ideal for those who prefer the convenience of eating at home. This service delivers prepared healthy meals, ready to heat in minutes. Perfect for busy individuals, the Kickstart program offers a range of options – gluten-free, soyfree, and low-calorie – ensuring there’s something for every dietary need.

The best part? Healthy Habit takes care of the shopping, chopping, and cooking, so you can enjoy nutritious, chefdriven meals without the hassle of meal planning. With the January Kickstart Program, you can get four weeks of meals, personalized options, and 30% off all additional in-store purchases. It’s an easy way to kickstart your health and stay committed all year.

More Than Just a Business: A Health-Focused Community

What truly sets Healthy Habit apart is its commitment to the Hilton Head community. It’s not just a place to grab a quick, healthy meal; it’s a hub for wellness. Healthy Habit is actively building a vibrant community of health-conscious individuals by hosting local health talks, fitness events, and participating in health fairs.

The first event of 2025 is Wellness Week, kicking off January 11 with the Waves to Wellness 5K, a family-friendly race promoted by Healthy Habit as a title sponsor and organized by the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. This marks the start of a week filled with activities designed to get the community moving and eating toward a healthier future.

For more information and to register, visit hiltonheadchamber.org/events/chamber-wellness-week.

Take Action: Join the Health Movement at Healthy Habit

As we step into 2025, it’s time to turn our resolutions into action. Whether you’re looking to overhaul your diet, jumpstart your fitness routine, or live a more balanced life, Healthy Habit offers the resources, expertise, and support to make it happen.

Under the leadership of local restaurateur Andrea Bergelt and Chef Jorge Covarrubias, Healthy Habit is committed to helping you achieve your wellness goals. So why not make this the year you truly prioritize your health? Take advantage of the January Jumpstart or Kickstart Programs to reset your health and create sustainable habits.

With Healthy Habit, it’s not just about eating healthy, it’s about creating a lifestyle that celebrates wellness in every aspect of your life. Visit Healthy Habit at 33 Office Park Road, Suite 227, or check out their website at healthyhabithhi.com to learn more about meal prep options and sign up for the January Jumpstart program.

Let 2025 be the year you embrace a healthier, more vibrant you. Here’s to new beginnings, new habits, and a new you. 

Most of the crew pictured here are Joy Bucher’s regulars, really enjoying the workout and camaraderie that Jazzercise offers. The guy on the floor heard “jazz” and thought he was going to a bar.

JArticle by Barry Kaufman . Photography by M.Kat

JAZZERCISE ...and all that

oy Bucher understands that you probably have a certain mental image when you hear the word “Jazzercise.” The name conjures up visions akin to PE class on “Saved by the Bell,” with thong leotards stretched over tights, crimped hair held in place by a dayglo fluorescent headband, legwarmers pulled tight above droopy socks.

It’s a name that doesn’t exactly evoke the cutting edge in fitness, lending itself more to a friendlier posture than the naked aggression of names like P90X or CrossFit.

But if you look beyond the name, you’ll understand that today’s Jazzercise long ago evolved beyond the dance-centric classes that dotted the countryside during the ’80s.

Founded in 1969, Jazzercise was born from founder Judi Sheppard Missett’s dance background and love of fitness. “She decided that she wanted to get people fit through dance and had all these big ideas because she was a dancer,” Bucher said. “But when people came into her class, they couldn’t dance. So at that point, she had to decide whether to continue with the dance angle or really open it up to be more of an exercise program.”

That marked the first step in an evolution that never really stopped. While public perception of Jazzercise had been frozen in amber since sometime during the Clinton

administration, the inner workings of the program continued to refine what they offered, incorporating strength and interval training as well as nutrition. As the programs that Jazzercise inspired rose to prominence, from Zumba to Pilates to Pure Barre, the original continued helping people get fit through dance.

“We as instructors are given the material and put our routines together based on feel and flow of the music, but we also follow the aerobic curve,” Bucher said. “We start with the warmup, get more and more intense, and then do strength training at the bottom of it. And it’s not just a format of all cardio then all strength. We have interval training so we can mix it up and push our bodies harder.”

In addition to a more refined workout than back in the leg warmer days, Jazzercise has grown to encompass health beyond the studio. With the focus moving beyond dance, their Cardio HIIT and Power Sculpt programs have diversified and supercharged the workout one gets at Jazzercise. Their Simply Plated service, offered on a subscription basis, augments the exercises with a comprehensive nutrition program, with recipes and tips for balancing what you do and eat.

“While we think of ‘dance’ when we think of Jazzercise, we can’t forget the importance of strength training as we age. Heavy strength

training is important and vital for women, even for those in their 30s. And that means using heavier weights,” Bucher said. “We know that as we age, estrogen decreases. Estrogen is the signaler for our bodies as it signals our body to give our muscles energy. So as that decreases, the only way to signal your body that it needs energy is to signal your central nervous system. How do we do that? With the combination of HIIT, or interval training, and using heavier weights in our strength training segments.”

The wardrobe might have changed from leotards to Lululemon, and the exercises themselves have been kicked up several notches as exercise science has evolved, but the

founding principle of Jazzercise remains the same: getting people fit while fostering a sense of community.

“I’ve done other programs that sort of spun off of Jazzercise, and everybody is kind of into their own world and their own bodies,” Bucher said. “With Jazzercise, from the moment you’re there to the moment you leave, you’re feeling like part of a community of people.”

It’s a community that drew her in immediately when she took her first Jazzercise class in Michigan. A trained dancer from a young age, she was looking to get back in shape following the birth of her second child. A friend invited her to join her at Jazzercise, and Bucher latched on

to the community aspect of it, even if the exercise side of it took her a while.

“I went to that first class and I couldn’t keep up. I had probably around 20 pounds of baby weight on me and I just didn’t have the motivation,” Bucher said. “But I looked at the instructor, Sally, and realized we were about the same age. I told her, ‘I’m going to look like you.’”

Going through the training process in 1994, Bucher was soon opening up her own studio, and then a string of them across Michigan, in Ann Arbor, Saline, and Dexter. After moving to the Lowcountry in 2017, she sold all of her locations and began running Jazzercise classes out of the Island Rec Center. Spurred by her bottomless enthusiasm, these classes are already helping locals get healthy and breaking down the stereotypes around Jazzercise.

“We are focused right now on reclaiming our prominence in the fitness industry, because with all these new programs like Pure Barre and Zumba and P90X and CrossFit, we’re doing some of the same things they’re doing,” she said. “If you’re somebody who only has the time to go to one fitness class, this kind of checks off all the boxes. You’re getting that cardio, you’re getting that strength training. It’s a one-stop shop. And you’ll find a community that fits.”

Jazzercise classes are held regularly at the Island Rec Center. Check out jazzercise.com/studio/sc/hiltonhead-island-rec-center to schedule your next class – leg warmers optional. 

Jazzercise regulars pump out a workout on a Saturday morning.

Joy Bucher, owner of the local Jazzercise franchise, just turned 70.

(Top photo) The CH2 crew (Julia Rockett, Jevon Daly, and Gioia DiBartolomeo) gets into the Jazzercise groove with instructor, Joy Bucher.

Getting Healthy in 2025

Experts at Novant Health Offer Tips for a Healthier New

Year

As we ring in 2025, many people will take advantage of the New Year to embrace new habits and a healthier lifestyle. We generally have all the best intentions to maintain or achieve wellness, but it can be daunting to know where to start.

Novant Health encourages you to start small: Review what screenings you are due for, based on your age, gender, and risk factors.

Start by making an appointment with your primary care physician. He or she is likely able to check off many basic health screenings in a quick office visit.

MEN’S HEALTH

“All men ages 55 to 69 should have a PSA screening annually,” said Eric Gwynn, M.D. with New River Urology in Bluffton. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, he explained, and a prostate-specific antigen blood test is the most common way to screen for prostate cancer. “These annual screenings can help us catch any

signs of prostate cancer early and treat it as soon as possible.”

However, Dr. Gwynn advises for some men to book these screenings yearly even earlier in their lives. Men at a higher risk of prostate cancer should begin annual PSA screenings in their 40s. High risk factors include having a family history of prostate cancer and being of African American descent.

“As men age, they should not ignore urinary symptoms such as slower flow, urinary frequency, urinating frequently during the night, and urinary incontinence,” Dr. Gwynn said. “Don’t hesitate to see your doctor if you begin having urinary problems.”

Coastal Carolina Hospital is a urology-focused medical center offering some of the latest advancements in minimally invasive surgical equipment to diagnose, manage, and treat any urological condition.

As men get older, their prostates enlarge. That growth can cause problems in as many as 33% of men 65 and older, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. In 2024, Coastal Carolina became one of the first hospitals in the country to offer HYDROS Aquablation therapy, a minimally invasive treatment option Dr. Gwynn and his team now offer for enlarged prostate.

WOMEN’S HEALTH

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommend that women ages 21 to 29 get a Pap test every three years. After 30, the guidelines have relaxed to exams between three and five years. Women ages 30-65 can have a Pap test and an HPV test every three to five years, depending on your doctor’s advice. Some women may stop having cervical cancer screening after age 65 if they do not have a history of abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer, for example.

General Health Check-Up Checklist

- Body Mass Index (BMI)/obesity screening

- Depression screening

- Alcohol, smoking, and substance misuse screening

- Blood pressure check

- Cholesterol screening

- Diabetes screening as part of a cardiovascular risk assessment

- Eye and dental exams

- Immunizations recommended by your doctor (flu, tentanus-diptheria booster, COVID-19, RSV, pneumonia, shingles, and vaccines for travel)

It’s then important to stay on top of annual screenings that are specifically for men and women.

Even women who have had a hysterectomy might need cervical cancer screening.

Dr. Erica Downey with Riverside Women’s Care in Bluffton encourages women to start the year by booking their annual wellness exam. “Make sure to prioritize yourself,” she said. “As women, we often put everyone else before ourselves. I would encourage you to make the effort to make yourself a priority. Keep up with your annual screenings,

don’t ignore symptoms that might be bothering you, and prioritize setting aside time for self-care.”

Don’t be embarrassed or discouraged if you’ve skipped exams or haven’t had screenings in a long time – or ever. Now is the time to own your own health, Dr. Downey said.

All women over the age of 40 should get a mammogram yearly. Women with an increased risk of breast cancer should ask their doctor about what age to start mammograms and how often. Risk factors include family history, genetic mutations, high-risk breast lesion of previous biopsies, and being a breast cancer survivor.

Women with dense breast tissue may need additional screening to rule out cancer.

HEART HEALTH

Every year, more than 800,000 Americans have a heart attack, many of them preventable with basic lifestyle changes.

Building new habits starts with baby steps, said interventional cardiologist Dr. Timothy Alikakos of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery in Hilton Head.

The first step? Get outside.

“You don’t need to go out and run a marathon,” Dr. Alikakos said. “Getting outside and taking a walk for a half-hour a day has a ton of benefits. Exercising improves the efficiency of the heart to get the blood where it needs to go. But you have to constantly push it over the long term.”

That means starting slowly and introducing consistent exercise to your day as you build up to a goal, like a 5K or a pickleball tournament.

“When you have something you’re prepping for, you have structure. But we should all commit to at least a half-hour a day, three days a week, which can help you burn several thousand more calories and manage your weight,” Dr. Alikakos said. “Plus, the adrenaline surge gets you feeling better and improves your outlook and your fitness. Best of all, it gets our patients outside and forces them to push themselves.”

When it comes to your overall cardiovascular fitness over the long term, even a little bit counts. “Just do it. Push yourself. It doesn’t matter how much you’re going to do, as long as you get outside and do it,” Dr. Alikakos said.

He said the patients who are often most surprised with their results are those in the health system’s cardiac rehab programs. They realize they don’t need to do that much to give themselves that bump and reap that benefit. 

Article by Barry Kaufman Photography by M.Kat

Let’s Taco ’Bout Your Health

Stick to your resolutions while indulging in Mexican flavors

We’ve all seen the memes: “Tacos aren’t cheating on your diet, your diet is cheating on tacos.”

“Yeah, I’m into fitness. Fitness whole taco in my mouth.”

“I want a hot body, but I also want tacos.” Somehow, we’ve gotten it into our heads that the delightfully perfect blend of flavors that make Mexican food a staple is somehow unhealthy. But when you look closer, it’s probably one of the healthiest cuisines you can eat.

“People always think of Mexican food as being heavy on beans and rice, but we make everything fresh in house and there are so many healthy options for you,” said Lauren Jordan, coowner of Cactus Street Cantina.

To prove it, she and the crew whipped up the fiesta of fitness-approved options you see here. In a place where the proteins and veggies are always fresh, it’s simply a matter of combining them in the right delicious proportions.

Take the fajita plate, for example. All you have to do to shave off a few of those pesky calories is substitute black beans for the refritos.

With the tuna bowl, Jordan says you can opt to substitute the rice for cauliflower rice – or leave it off altogether. “Honestly, it’s just as filling without it,” she said. “Another option I like is to substitute the rice with shredded lettuce.”

For lunch, the avocado toast on multigrain bread comes with blackened shrimp, but you can opt for grilled to rein back on the sodium. Otherwise, you have just the superfood that is avocado, queso fresco, and a little balsamic

drizzle combining for a healthy blend of flavors that won’t destroy your diet.

“Between these and all of our protein and salad options, you have so many ways to make a dish your own while holding to your New Year’s resolutions,” Jordan said. She noted that even the tacos can be easily turned into lettuce wraps.

Some of the most popular dishes on the menu, in keeping with Cactus Street Cantina’s philosophy of freshness first, are already the healthiest option you’re going to find.

“The shrimp ceviche is probably one of the most popular items on the menu, and that’s about the healthiest thing you can eat,” Jordan said.

But humankind was not meant to live on Mexican food alone. We also require margaritas. And if you’re keeping to your health goals, Cactus Street Cantina offers one of the most diet-friendly concoctions in town.

“If you’re going to drink, tequila is probably the best one you can choose. It has the lowest amount of sugar and the lowest calories, plus it raises insulin and manages digestion,” Jordan said. “And all we add is fresh lime juice and agave, so unless you’re getting a flavored one, all of our margaritas are skinny.”

Consider your diet back on! Visit cactusstreetcantina.com to see the full menu of favorites. 

Avocado Toast with Blackened Shrimp

Shrimp Ceviche

Tuna Bowl with Cauliflower Rice

MEET the HEALTH

PROFESSIONALS

Heidi Harrington, M.D.

Beaufort Memorial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics

Beaufort Memorial Okatie Medical Pavilion, Suite 220 122 Okatie Center Blvd. North, Okatie (843) 707-8020 BeaufortMemorial.org/HeidiHarringtonMD

What is your specialty?

I am a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, which means I perform a broad range of reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries with the goal of restoring form and function – whether it be after trauma, cancer, aging, childbirth, weight loss, etc.

What is one aspect of the job that you find particularly rewarding?

The most rewarding part of my job is the relationships I form with my patients. I get to walk them through a transformation, whether it be a cosmetic transformation or reconstructive. Getting to an end result where my patient feels better about herself or himself and knowing I’ve helped them get back to where they once were, or to where they always wanted to be so they can reclaim who they are, makes my heart happy.

What drew you to medicine?

I was always a helper and a fixer, and I was always drawn to biology because I always loved learning about how animals worked. I grew up on a horse farm and was in awe of our vet who would always come to the rescue during the scariest times. Fast forward to high school, when a sports injury put me in the hands of an amazing orthopedic surgeon, and I thought, “That’s what I want to do” – help people that have something bad happen to them, and get them back to what they love doing.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of medicine?

I love the pursuit of wellness and fitness. I’ve been a competitive athlete my whole life: showing horses at the national level, field hockey, basketball, collegiate rugby, amateur Muay Thai kickboxing, CrossFit, Olympic lifting, trail running, you name it. In recent years, I’ve gotten very involved in competitive cornhole and compete all over the country.

“If I wasn’t a doctor, I would be …”

I’d be a professional athlete, of course! But since that ship has sailed, I would actually love to be a professional event and holiday decorator. I am very detail oriented, and I love making moments and events beautiful, fantastical, and memorable. I love the process of imagining something amazing that no one else can see and then bringing it to life with my own hands and seeing the smiles it brings. Come trick or treating at my house next year, you’ll know what I mean!

What are you watching on Netflix these days?

I’m a big documentary person – I love learning. People are fascinating; I like to learn about the beautiful things they’ve done and the terrible things they’ve done and why. The last documentary I watched on Netflix was “Martha.” It was great!

What skill or craft would you like to master outside of your profession?

I really want to learn how to use a sewing machine; that has been on my to-do list for 30 years. And with all this beautiful water here, I want to become a boat person. So, I’m in the market for a mentor with a boat … who also knows how to thread a Singer!

Heather Hinshelwood, MD

The Fraum Center

1403 Main Street

Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 428-6650 fraum.com

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m a board-certified physician with a passion for restorative and integrative medicine. After

years of working with patients in traditional healthcare settings, my partner and I purchased The Fraum Center in 2023. We wanted to create a space that offers comprehensive, nonsurgical solutions to pain and health challenges. We help people regain control of their health and stay active without the need for invasive medical procedures.

What sets The Fraum Center apart from other healthcare providers?

Our team takes a patient-centered approach to care. We specialize in offering alternatives to surgery, such as restorative medicine therapies, chiropractic care, and advanced pain relief techniques like spinal decompression and laser treatments. Our focus is not just on addressing symptoms, but on identifying and treating the root cause of health issues so our patients can enjoy long-term wellness.

Who is the ideal patient for The Fraum Center?

Our primary patients are older adults who desire to maintain an active lifestyle and are seeking alternatives to surgery for conditions like knee, back, or joint pain they may have started to experience while aging. We also focus on patients who may not yet realize how much their discomfort is limiting their lives, helping them discover options to restore their mobility and vitality.

What inspires you most about your work?

Seeing patients reclaim their lives and enjoy the activities they used to do! We live in an incredible area to get out, see, and do life in! There’s nothing more rewarding than helping someone avoid surgery, get out of pain, and return to doing what they love. It’s what drives me every day— to provide solutions and treatments that change and extend active lives for all ages.

Couzens Dental

21-A New Orleans Road

Hilton Head Island (843) 380-5964

couzensdental.com

Three exceptional female dentists are redefining dental care at Couzens Dental on Hilton Head Island. With advanced technology,

a nurturing approach, and a focus on overall holistic wellness, Dr. Susan Couzens, Dr. Dianna Lenick, and Dr. Mary Ann Childs offer patients more than just beautiful smiles – they provide transformative experiences.

These dentists specialize in creating comfortable and personalized visits, complete with warm blankets, headphones, fresh flowers, and other thoughtful touches. Their dedication to patient comfort extends to the advanced

techniques they use, including CEREC technology for same-day custom crowns and VELscope for early oral cancer detection.

Dr. Couzens sees dentistry as her calling – a way to give back to the Hilton Head community she loves. What truly sets Couzens Dental apart is the team’s holistic philosophy.

“Dentistry is about more than teeth,” Dr. Couzens said. “It’s about making meaningful connections.”

The team addresses not only dental needs but also the emotional and social impacts of oral health. Whether it’s ensuring a denture fits comfortably for dinners with loved ones or crafting a smile that lights up family photos, their comfortable care enhances every facet of their patients’ lives.

Patients leave with improved smiles and a renewed sense of connection and confidence.

“When our patients feel seen, cared for, and valued in ways that matter most to them, we know we’ve created an experience that goes beyond dentistry,” Dr. Couzens said. “Our goal is to transform their confidence and well-being.”

Couzens Dental blends the latest in dental technology with a sincere and caring touch, creating a unique dental experience that has won over many patients by making a difference in their smiles and their lives.

The most obvious reward is with obstetrics. Getting to be a part of someone’s most special day on a regular basis is very uplifting. Outside of that, I get a great deal of satisfaction from complicated robotics, which has been a passion of mine for 15 years.

challenge. I do try to find a good work/ life balance to decrease stressors and have more family time while still giving my patients the excellent care they need and deserve.

Given the current structure of abortion and IVF laws, we find ourselves in a challenging position when it comes to managing situations involving women facing serious health concerns, particularly in the context of a miscarriage or a critically ill baby. We are consistently collaborating with maternal-fetal medicine specialists and risk management lawyers to navigate these complexities as the situation continues to evolve.

What drew you to medicine?

I worked in a hospital in college. I started out as an orderly and worked up through central sterile supply cleaning surgical instruments before becoming a scrub tech. I gained a few mentors through the process that turned me on to medicine. One of those mentors delivered my first child (26 years ago) and I decided to become an OB/Gyn.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of medicine?

I enjoy saltwater fishing, boating, internet gaming, gardening and growing vegetables, and bird-watching.

“If I wasn’t a doctor, I would be ...” I would do something outside for sure. I have been convinced that I would be happy as a farmer – growing my own food, living off the land, managing some livestock, etc.

What are you watching on Netflix these days?

I enjoy A.P. Bio on Netflix. I also enjoy Hacks and House of the Dragon on HBO Max, and What We Do in the Shadows on Hulu.

What skill or craft would you like to master outside of your profession?

What is your specialty?

and gynecology,

What is one aspect of the job that you find particularly rewarding?

Are there any challenges in the profession? What are they and how do you overcome them?

There can be many challenges. OB care can be long hours with people delivering all day and night. Sleep seems to be more important the older I get, so that can be a

I love to boat and fish, but I have struggled thus far with saltwater fly fishing. I am looking forward to the time that I can practice/perfect this (or at least be a little less frustrated with it).

Dr. Bretton Powell

SC-Internal Medicine

89 Main Street Hilton Head Island, SC (843) 681-5305 SC-InternalMedicine.com

Dr. Bretton Powell arrived in the Lowcountry just one year ago, joining the concierge internal medicine practice of the well-known and highly respected Dr. Paul Long, an internist on Hilton Head Island since the 1980s. As Dr. Long looks toward retirement, Dr. Powell was recruited to work alongside the revered physician and eventually take the helm of the practice.

Dr. Powell, highly respected in his own right, came to the island by way of his native West Virginia, where he

grew up on his family’s small farm. He learned from a young age the values of hard work and perseverance. Along with performing the chores of farm work, the young man focused on his studies at school.

His dedication to his studies paid off, with Powell earning scholarships to multiple universities. When it came time to decide, he chose Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, which allowed him to stay close to his family.

While some people may be born into a legacy or an expectation to become a physician, this was not the case for Dr. Powell. His inspiration and desire to help others came from seeing firsthand how just one day in a doctor’s life could immediately change a patient’s life and their family’s forever. This came from his own experience of seeing his father’s life-saving liver transplant and the miraculous recovery that occurred within a few hours’ time. That’s when he knew his calling was to help save

lives and to become the compassionate and caring person that patients deserve in the most difficult times of their lives.

As his passion to care for others grew, he was accepted into the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall. Focused on his goal, Powell often recalled the challenges his father faced and the lack of medical resources available in their rural community.

After completing his medical degree, Dr. Powell served his residency at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. There, he chose a specialty in internal medicine and trained in primary, hospital, and critical care. Following his residency, Dr. Powell returned to his hometown, where he regularly practiced inpatient, outpatient, and ICU medicine at Pleasant Valley Hospital.

Dr. Powell moved back to Huntington in 2019 and worked as a night hospitalist, admitting patients and responding to emergencies throughout the hospital wards. His expertise and compassion were put to the test during the COVID-19 pandemic, as he worked tirelessly on the front lines, providing life-saving care and support to patients and their families.

As COVID-19 continued, thousands of health care professionals experienced burnout, and Dr. Powell was one of them.

Seeking refuge from the on-going mental fatigue, he cut his hours and began to consider other avenues of healthcare.

Around this same time, Dr. Long had been looking for just the right successor to join his concierge internal medicine practice, offering personalized, comprehensive care to his patients. His practice focuses on preventive medicine, chronic disease management, and overall wellness, ensuring that each patient receives the attention and care they deserve.

Dr. Long recognized that Dr. Powell’s patient care philosophy was similar to his own – empathetic with a dogged determination to know his patients and achieve better outcomes, allowing for healthier, happier patients.

Dr. Powell joined the practice in January 2024. He has taken the reins as the primary physician, although Dr. Long fills in when Dr. Powell needs to take time off to care for his father.

As he honors his father’s legacy of hard work and ongoing fight for his health, Dr. Powell also recognizes Dr. Long’s legacy of healthcare on Hilton Head Island. In tribute to both men, he continues to serve with sincere compassion while providing excellent care for his patients.

Dr. Powell is now accepting new patients. His commitment to personalized care and his extensive experience make him an excellent choice for anyone seeking quality medical care.

Dr. Timothy Alikakos

Hilton Head Heart

8 Hospital Center Blvd, Suite 130 Hilton Head Island (843) 682-2800 novanthealth.org

What is your specialty?

General and interventional cardiology, which includes evaluation and treatment management of issues related to the heart and vessels of the body.

What is one aspect of the job that you find particularly rewarding?

I particularly enjoy being able to correct the problems with the heart’s arterial vascular system including issues related to coronary artery blockages associated with heart attacks, angina, and low blood flow. I also enjoy performing procedures in the cardiac catheterization lab that are associated with the vessels and structure of the heart. I find it particularly rewarding to be able to offer immediate relief for many issues causing discomfort, stress, and life-threatening cardiac disorders.

Are there any challenges in the profession? What are they and how do you overcome them?

The work hours in our profession can be particularly challenging, unpredictable, and long but sometimes those end up being the most rewarding times, satisfying us with a good result for the patients and their families. We overcome the difficulties each time by seeing the immediate benefits provided to the patients and families in those situations.

What drew you to medicine?

I helped my father get back and forth to his cardiologist’s office for many years and really did see how my father was calmed by those meetings and how he benefitted from that good advice offered by his doctors many times. I saw how our lives were affected by those interactions, and I thought perhaps I could help in those ways as well someday.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of medicine?

I spend my home time with my wife and kids, and our dog, Tanner. We spend a lot of our free time with their activities including school, soccer, and dance. I’m trying to improve my photography as much as possible – thus far a difficult endeavor. I like driving to new places in our new home state and the Southeast. I like to work on home projects and on our automobiles. I really enjoy learning more about U.S. and world history, particularly regarding military engagements, wars, and European conflicts.

“If I wasn’t a doctor, I would be ...”

Not really sure about that. I can tell you that prior to trying to get into medical school, I was considering the military and law enforcement. I also really loved my college courses in history.

What are you watching on Netflix these days?

When I can, I try to catch some Black Sails – pirates as both good and bad guys.

What skill or craft would you like to master outside of your profession?

I would love to be a better photographer, and I would love to be able to work on my car more successfully.

Rose Hearing Healthcare Centers

1505 Main Street, Hilton Head Island (843) 547-5832

108 Buckwalter Pkwy., Suite 2G, Bluffton (843) 594-1787 rosehearinghealthcarecenters.com

Why did you decide to pursue a career in hearing?

Randy Rose: My grandparents were hearing impaired. I saw how much it affected them. After leaving the Marine Corps, I was in college and they offered courses on audiology. So, I entered into a career that I truly love. We help people have better lives through better hearing.

Caleb Campbell: I’ve always had a passion for helping people. I have a background in emergency medicine, but an opportunity arose to pursue a career in the hearing health care industry and I haven’t looked back.

Steve Krehbiel: Out of college, I landed a job with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), doing hearing testing for factory employees. I found many young people suffering from noise exposure, which led me into a hearing health care career.

When someone comes to you with a hearing issue, what does a typical first visit look like?

Rose: Generally, most people come to us with problems understanding speech, TV, groups, and spouses. Most patients have sensorineural and central hearing loss. Hearing aids are truly amazing today and are the only options for these problems.

Campbell: We always begin with a comprehensive hearing evaluation that includes educating the individual on their hearing loss and the importance of establishing a plan to improve their overall quality of life. Krehbiel: The first thing is always an ear canal inspection. We explain all the parts of the auditory process. Then we continue with a complementary hearing evaluation and I explain our findings and what needs to be done.

How do you stay informed about advancements in your field?

Rose: We generally attend continuing education every year. It is a requirement to maintain our license to practice. The technology today for custom hearing systems is amazing.

Campbell: I enjoy participating in continuing education lectures both online and in person that discuss the latest technology from manufacturers. I also rely on material provided from hearing review journals and education portals from the International Hearing Society. Krehbiel: I attend the North and South Carolina International Hearing Society conference where there are public speakers who update us on all changes in the industry and new technology.

What are some of the biggest challenges health care workers are facing right now?

Rose: I am not sure we are facing any big challenges currently. The industry has never been better. Our technology and knowledge has expanded beyond what I thought would be possible 45 years ago, coming into this field.

Campbell: As good a resource as the internet is, I believe that one of the biggest challenges in our industry is the inundation of online services that push individuals into self-care instead of seeking professional help.

Krehbiel: Misinformation about OTC hearing products.

When you are not assisting our community with their hearing needs, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Rose: I enjoy working around the house, going for walks, and working out. We travel as much as possible, and I love spending time with the grandkids.

Campbell: Since having children, we don’t seem to have much spare time. But any extra time we do have, I enjoy outdoor activities with my wife and kids. I’m also very involved with my church and my faith.

Krehbiel: Fishing, running, and spending time with my family.

Pictured (from left): Randy Rose, Bitsy Pheiffer, Brittany Brinson, Caleb Campbell, and Steve Krehbiel

Pictured (from left):

NOVO Regenerative

Hilton Head Island’s Stem Cell Specialists

15 Moss Creek Village, Suite 105, Hilton Head Island, 29926

(843) 836-5800

novoregenerative.com

Since opening its doors in 2022, Novo Regenerative, along with its sister office in Aiken, has treated hundreds of chronic pain sufferers with positive outcomes. Stem cell therapy, once accessible only to the wealthy or elite athletes, is now available to everyone in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Beaufort area.

The Novo Regenerative clinic, located at 15 Moss Creek Village, Suite 105, offers cutting-edge treatments that leverage mesenchymal stem cells to enhance the body’s natural ability to heal and regenerate. As the Lowcountry’s premier stem cell clinic, Novo Regenerative is dedicated to helping patients find relief from chronic pain without invasive surgeries or long-term medication.

Dr. William Durrett, medical director of Novo Regenerative, is a South Carolina board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management physician with more than eight years of experience in stem cell therapy. His journey with regenerative medicine began after successfully treating his own post-surgery complications using stem cells.

Realizing the power of this therapy, Dr. Durrett made it his mission to offer an alternative for patients suffering from conditions like osteoarthritis, degenerative knees and hips, and neck and back conditions.

“Stem cells have helped hundreds of patients find relief from the chronic pain from these degenerative, aging-related conditions,” Dr. Durrett said. “We’re proud not only of the therapy we offer but also of the expertise we bring to every step of the process – from diagnosis with video fluoroscopy, to precise injections, to personalized aftercare. With a very high success rate reported by our patients, delivering results is our top priority.”

Dr. Grant Evans, co-owner of Novo Regenerative, shares his personal success story with stem cell therapy. “I was facing a knee replacement until I met Dr. Durrett. I decided to give stem cells a try, and it changed my life,” he said. “I went from being unable to bend down while golfing to pain-free movement on the golf course and cycling again. That was two years ago, and I’ve avoided surgery altogether.”

Why Expertise Matters in Stem Cell Therapy

Dr. Evans and Dr. Durrett emphasize the importance of receiving stem cell therapy from specialists. “We often hear from patients who tried stem cell therapy elsewhere without success, only to discover it wasn’t administered correctly – or wasn’t real stem cell therapy at all,” Dr. Evans said. “This field requires precise expertise, particularly when injecting sensitive areas like the spine.”

“Many generalists or clinics without the right training may perform these procedures inaccurately,” Dr. Durrett said. “For example, a generalist might inject stem cells into surrounding muscles rather than directly into specific spinal areas. This kind of imprecision can make a huge difference in the effectiveness of the treatment.”

How do people know if they’re a good candidate?

The Novo Regenerative clinic offers a complimentary in-office consultation to determine if a patient is a good candidate for stem cell therapy. The consultation includes a video fluoroscopy exam. If treatment is recommended, the process involves pre-treatment protocols, precise stem cell injections, and follow-up care, which may include laser therapy or booster injections if needed.

“Our approach is simple and effective,” Dr. Evans said. “Our goal is to help patients regain their quality of life and return to their favorite activities pain free.”

To schedule your complimentary consultation, visit NovoRegenerative.com or call us (843) 836-5800 and discover how stem cell therapy can transform your life.

Dr. Evans, Cindy & Dr. Durret.

Article by Lynne Cope Hummell

by

Arno Dimmling

All For Wellness, and Wellness For All

Volunteers in Medicine Clinic helps locals change their lives

Iam so happy because my whole body changed and my life changed!”

Dunia Martinez could barely contain her enthusiasm regarding her experience with the Wellness Market at the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic on Hilton Head Island.

Martinez, a patient at VIM for 20 years, said she discovered the free clinic through friends. She has seen a general

Captions listed top to bottom, left to right: A patient receives an eye exam; Greens are tended to in VIM’s FARM-acy; Volunteers work in the on-site pharmacy; Dunia Martinez, a patient at VIM for 20 years; A family is greeted warmly at the clinic; Blood testing is done on a patient; Healthy food options available at the Wellness Market; A dental exam in progress; A doctor explains the diagnosis and talks with the patient about treatment options moving forward.

Photography

practice doctor, a dentist, and a gynecologist, and has had her mammograms at VIM. Her husband and 6-year-old daughter are patients as well.

During an appointment last year, Martinez’ doctor said her sugar levels and cholesterol numbers were too high. He suspected she might have diabetes.

“No one in my family had that,” said Martinez, the sixth sister of 13.

Next, Martinez saw a nutritionist at the Wellness Market, who taught her about the high sugar content in the foods and soft drinks she and her family were consuming. The nutritionist suggested ways for her to incorporate more fresh vegetables and greens into the meals she made for her family. The nutritionist also introduced Martinez to the Wellness Market pantry, where fresh vegetables and greens were available at no charge.

“I changed my life through my diet,” Martinez said with obvious pride. “I used to be a size 16, and now I’m size 8. Now my clothes are too big and I need new ones! My family and I eat more salads and drink lots of water instead of sodas.”

Exercise also played a part in Martinez’ wellness journey. She takes advantage of the free membership at Island Recreation Center available to patients. The program is a partnership with Island Rec that includes use of the fitness center, swimming pool, fitness classes, and a 30-minute session with a personal trainer.

The Wellness Market opened in May 2022. Like the VIM medical clinic, the center is staffed by retired health care professionals – in this case nutritionists and dietitians – who give of their time as volunteers. Volunteers also include nurses, pharmacists, physicians, physical therapists, teachers, and lay volunteers who have an interest in

wellness.

“VIM’s Wellness Market complements the clinic’s medical services by empowering patients to take an active role in their health,” said Diane Wilson, a registered dietitian, nutritionist, and Wellness Market coordinator. “Wellness and nutrition coaching reinforces the information patients receive from their providers, hopefully leading to better adherence, outcomes, and prevention of preventable health conditions.”

Wilson said that each week, Monday through Friday, about 15 volunteers provide coaching for patients on healthy food choices, exercise, and how those two elements contribute to managing and preventing such conditions such diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

“We have conversations with patients about their wellness goals,” Wilson said.

For those who choose to embrace a healthier lifestyle, their results encourage them to continue and to tell their friends.

“When they see a difference in their weight and in their labs – such as cholesterol and A1C – they realize the benefits of their hard work,” Wilson said. “They are eager to share that with their family and friends. They are excited about it!”

That appreciation of positive outcomes for patients has a significant ripple effect, Wilson said. “It can affect generations, so their children are less likely to have future issues with hypertension and diabetes,” she said. “By addressing food insecurity with the offering of healthy foods, some of which are grown here at VIM, and promoting healthy lifestyle habits, we hope that

Healthy non-perishable items in the market are donated by the Deep Well Project, another island nonprofit that addresses food insecurity.

patients will be less likely to require frequent clinic visits.”

Wilson said the coaches encourage their clientele to eat more vegetables, more whole grains and lean protein, and consume more fiber and more greens. Patients can learn more about how to read nutrition labels on food products.

“We offer resources like recipes and tips for incorporating nutritious foods into daily life. We work with patients to set achievable goals, such as eating more vegetables, cooking at home, or walking daily, which leads to accountability,” Wilson said. “During follow-ups we provide support and encouragement, helping to make adjustments along the way.”

In 2024, Wilson said, there were close to 2,000 visits to the Wellness Market in which healthy food and wellness coaching were provided.

Wilson said healthy non-perishable items in the market are donated by the Deep Well Project, another island nonprofit that addresses food insecurity. Fresh produce is purchased by VIM through grants and donations.

Having the Wellness Center and its market available to her has been life-changing, Martinez said, because “If you are healthy, you’re good for your family.”

The FARM-acy

Included in offerings at the market is a steady supply of fresh greens – including several varieties of lettuce, spinach, herbs such as cilantro and basil, and other greens. These are grown at VIM’s FARM-acy, just next door to the Wellness Center, in what previously was an unused office. Food can’t get any fresher than that!

There is a soothing hum in the climate- and lightcontrolled space where 16 towering hydroponic pods continue to produce herbs and greens in a systematic 28-day rotation from seedlings to mature plants. On one side of the room, a dozen trays of seedlings in various stages of maturity sit under grow-lights on a shelf.

Each tower comprises eight interlocking vertical panels that each hold 36 cylindrical “pots,” perched at an angle for ease of planting seedlings, tending young plants, and harvesting them when mature.

The plants are tended by volunteer master gardeners who donate their time and expertise to ensure proper watering, light, and temperatures.

When mature plants are harvested, volunteers put them into plastic bags that are labeled and taken next door to the market, where they will be distributed to any patients who want them. In 2024, more than 30,000 bags of fresh greens were given to patient families and the community. Greens are also shared weekly with Deep Well for its pantry, and with the Sandalwood Community Food Pantry.

In addition to the hydroponic produce, the grounds around the Wellness Market serve as herb gardens. Volunteers grow and tend the perennial rosemary, parsley, oregano, and mint plants.

As if that weren’t enough fresh food, a banana tree planted years ago on the premises is still producing, even in winter. “We recently harvested some, and they were delicious!” Wilson said.

A recent addition to the on-site gardening efforts is Heritage Farms in Sea Pines, which is now sponsoring garden plots for VIM volunteers to grow more food. The plot is currently growing onions.

But that’s not all! Next door to the VIM campus, where construction has begun on an additional parking lot, an abundance of plantings will soon appear. This will not be a typical parking lot.

Dr. John Newman, executive director of VIM, has a vision to build what he once called “the coolest parking lot on the island.” In an interview in 2022, Dr. Newman said, “I’m going to build an orchard where we can park cars.”

The land was donated to VIM via a land lease from the Town of Hilton Head Island. It will have 65 parking spaces and be filled with fruit and nut trees, as well as herb and produce gardens alongside the walkways. A water feature is planned, making the orchard a beautiful place to park, walk, pick some food, and maybe even meditate.

Medical Clinic

What began 32 years ago as the vision of one man, the late Dr. Jack McConnell, to serve his neighbors by treating their acute medical issues is now a robust center of health and wellness. From a dedicated group of a few retired general practice doctors and nurses, the volunteer brigade has expanded to 100 physicians who provide care in 26 specialties.

In addition to general practitioners, the specialties include cardiology, dentistry, nephrology, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, endocrinology, orthopedics, rheumatology, podiatry, and general surgery, among others.

VIM Volunteers hard at work in the on-site pharmacy.

Mental health care is an important offering at VIM. Professionals offer therapy and counseling on-site or via telehealth visits.

VIM’s dental clinic looks like a regular dental office, with individual reclining chairs in separate cubicles, hygienists, and a supervising dentist. Patients can come for regular cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and most other dental work that a typical dental office provides.

Currently there are 15 active volunteer dentists who provide periodontics, pediatric dentistry, and oral surgery. Extractions, dentures, and emergency care are also available.

A recent addition might be unexpected in a free clinic. A new high-tech radiology lab features the latest equipment for taking X-rays and sending the images to the physicians who ordered them. As well, a radiologist is on hand to read the images.

Also on-site is a full-service pharmacy, staffed by volunteer pharmacists, to fill prescriptions almost as soon as a physician writes them. For those patients with continuing monthly prescriptions, a convenient walk-up window is available.

The Physicians

The backbone of care at VIM is the 100 physicians who donate their time, whether weekly or seasonally. While most of the volunteer physicians are locals, and some live elsewhere and come to the island to visit.

“Some of our physicians come here on vacation and

donate their time with us,” said Kim Likins, director of development for VIM. “Several of those who come regularly each year plan to retire here.”

“Doctors don’t always do well in retirement,” said Dr. Newman, a general surgeon. At VIM, however, it’s a different story. Many retired physicians still want to continue their life’s work in helping others. VIM offers them a place to serve.

The longest-serving physician is Dr. Barry Hellman, who helped Dr. Jack start the clinic. A cardiologist who has worked at the clinic for 32 years, Dr. Hellman continues to see patients two days a week.

Another long-timer is former cardiac thoracic surgeon Dr. Albert Palatchi, 95 years young, who continues to volunteer two days a week – one day as a general surgeon and one day as an interpreter.

HISTORY OF VIM

Volunteers in Medicine was founded in 1993 by Dr. Jack McConnell, a physician who had retired to Hilton Head Island.

Guided by his faith and inspired by a hitchhiker named James, Dr. Jack felt a need to help those island residents and workers in need. In their brief conversation about his wife’s pregnancy, James told Dr. Jack that he nor any of his friends had access to doctors or health care.

Dr. Jack was concerned about those who were dedicated workers, many at full-time jobs, who couldn’t get the care they needed because they didn’t have health

All For Wellness, and Wellness For All

Volunteers harvest fresh greens from onsite hydroponic pods grown at VIM’s FARM-acy, just next door to the Wellness Center.

Patients sit comfortably in the medical clinic waiting room before being called to see a healthcare specialist.

Volunteers in Medicine Vision Statement

By the Numbers:

21,000

2024 Patient and Community Impact medical and wellness visits

$13 Million in health care

$6 Million in free prescriptions

$1.2 Million in dental care

550 volunteers, including 100 doctors

insurance. Eventually, he conceived the notion of finding other retired doctors and nurses to serve as volunteers to help their neighbors in need get the care previously unavailable to them.

As Dr. Jack’s idea caught on, one by one, retired physicians joined the cause. Nurses answered the call as well. The dream became a working nonprofit organization.

Not only did health care professionals sign up to help, but many other volunteers as well – some of whom were patients. Volunteers answered the phone, greeted patients, painted walls, fixed the plumbing, took care of the landscaping, wrote grants, and helped communicate the nonprofit’s message.

Today, 32 years later, VIM provides health care in 26

47,000 hours of volunteer service

$200k in surgical care

26 health care specialties

specialties, as well as wellness and nutrition counseling, mental health visits, and an on-site pharmacy. Not only do the physicians treat disease, they also promote prevention and encourage wellness.

Patient care is offered free of charge to the uninsured and underinsured who work or live in our community and meet certain income requirements.

While the clinic has grown by leaps and bounds from its humble beginnings, the most important of Dr. Jack’s practices is honored every day: Dignity for every person who walks through the doors.

“Every patient is always greeted, and a translator is available if needed,” said Likins on a recent tour of the clinic. “From the moment they arrive until they leave, each one is treated with dignity.”

Styled by Kaila Jeffcoat

M.Kat

by Caroline Molloy & Palmer Pritchard

Hair & Make-up by May River Made Up

Move Your Body

If sitting is the new smoking, it’s of the utmost importance keep your cells in motion. With so many options available for getting a workout, there’s no better time than the start of the year to kick your butt into high gear.

Photography by

Modeled

Ensemble available at Gigi’s Boutique

Caroline’s ensemble available at Birdie James and Palmer’s look available at Lennie + Remi in Washington Square

Ensemble available at Outside Hilton Head

form a workout routine!

Ensemble available

available

at Coastal Bliss

Ensemble

at Kelly Caron Curated

eat your veggies!

Ensemble available at Collage

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Set daily goals!

Ensemble available at Evelyn and

Arthur

Plastic surgeon

Heidi Harrington, M.D. (left) and breast oncology surgeon Tara Grahovac, M.D., FACS, work in tandem to consult with mastectomy patients about breast reconstruction.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHARLOTTE BERKELEY

Beaufort Memorial surgeons offer new options for breast reconstruction

With the addition of a new board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Beaufort Memorial is expanding patient access to life-changing breast surgery options, as well as opening a new plastic surgery and aesthetics practice in Okatie.

Heidi Harrington, M.D. is the plastic surgeon at the helm of the new practice. Her expertise, paired with the passion and skill of board-certified, fellowship-trained breast oncology surgeons with the Beaufort Memorial Breast Care & Surgery Program, means that the hospital is stepping into a new, empowering era of expanded breast reconstruction options for mastectomy patients in the Lowcountry.

Dr. Harrington has two decades of experience in the areas of plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery. She and her team provide a comprehensive array of services for the face, breasts, and body. In addition to office consultations for patients’ reconstructive and cosmetic concerns, Dr. Harrington will offer office-based minor surgeries, as well

as cosmetic procedures such as Botox and volumizing fillers, at her office in Okatie. More complex surgeries will take place at the hospital’s main campus in Beaufort.

She is currently working in tandem with breast oncology surgeon Tara Grahovac, M.D., FACS, to develop a breast reconstruction program at the hospital, offering patients those specialized breast procedures close to home and using advanced technology that can significantly improve outcomes for women on their survivor journey.

“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Harrington, and I am personally excited about her vast experience in reconstructive surgery, and breast reconstruction in particular,” said Dr. Grahovac. “I’m delighted to collaborate with a talented plastic surgeon who has specific expertise in the most current techniques and technologies.”

Expanding breast reconstruction care

While breast reconstruction is just one part of the expertise Dr. Harrington is bringing to the region, it’s one that she’s particularly passionate about – and it brings

Beaufort Memorial into a new chapter of innovation, self-confidence, and convenient care for breast cancer patients.

For many women who have undergone mastectomies, reconstructive plastic surgery can play a key role in their return to normalcy and wholeness by restoring their breast shape and appearance.

With Dr. Harrington joining the hospital staff, the mastectomy and the reconstruction can both be done in a single “direct to implant” surgery, a procedure that, prior to Dr. Harrington joining the ranks at Beaufort Memorial, required both the patient and Dr. Grahovac to travel to MUSC Health in Charleston, with the patient continuing to travel there for follow-up appointments.

“The goal was to keep that same standard of biguniversity-level care, but recruit the right person so we can keep it at that elite level here at Beaufort Memorial,” Dr. Grahovac said. “We wanted quality and convenience, and bringing Dr. Harrington here was a part of that.”

Drs. Tara Grahovac and Heidi Harrington. “We’re constantly in communication, strategizing approaches together,” said Dr. Grahovac.

Now, patients can have their reconstructive surgery here, closer to home, as well as have the option to have their breast reconstructed at the time of their mastectomy. It’s more convenient for patients, Dr. Harrington said, and there are mental benefits, too.

“Studies have shown that patients do better when they are able to have their breast reconstruction done at the same time as the mastectomy,” Dr. Harrington said. “From a psychological, self-identity standpoint, we just see better overall outcomes for patients that don’t have to go through a phase where they feel ‘disfigured’ or ‘not whole.’”

While it’s a victory for patients to have access to this specialized breast procedure right in their backyard, it’s not just the proximity that makes things easier.

It’s the procedure as well.

Traditionally at the time of a mastectomy, Dr. Harrington said, a patient would have a “tissue expander” placed under their pectoralis muscle (the thick, fan-shaped muscle lying underneath a woman’s breast tissue). When the surgery is

Meet Dr. Harrington

Join board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Heidi Harrington and her team on Wednesday, January 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. for Plastics & Prosecco, an opportunity to meet the staff, tour the office, see aesthetic procedures and technology demonstrations, and enjoy drinks, light bites, event specials, giveaways, and product drawings.

The free meet-and-greet will be held at the Beaufort Memorial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics office on the second floor of the Okatie Medical Pavilion.

RSVP at BeaufortMemorial.org/PlasticsProsecco.

complete, the patient would then return for a second surgery to have the expander removed and the implant placed.

Not only does that mean two surgeries for the patient rather than one swift procedure, but disturbing the pectoralis muscle often makes for discomfort and animation deformities, which can be “very upsetting for a lot of patients,” Dr. Harrington said.

Dr. Harrington performed Beaufort Memorial’s first directto-implant procedures following mastectomies last fall.

“We’ve been able to really change the recovery process for these patients,” she said. As the most minimally invasive breast reconstruction option, “it is a far less uncomfortable surgery to recover from, and patients have far fewer issues with functional outcomes afterward.”

New, innovative horizons

With the expansion of specialized procedures at Beaufort Memorial comes the opportunity for technological advancement in the operating room and innovative solutions to further aid patient outcomes.

Mastectomies are traumatic to the breast skin, Dr. Harrington said, and a major challenge as a reconstructive surgeon is deciding whether a patient’s skin is healthy enough to proceed directly to an implant.

Enter SPY-PHI technology, a game changer during direct-to-implant procedures.

Dr. Harrington injects a safe fluorescent dye into a patient’s IV and then uses the handheld imaging tool to view the dye in the bloodstream. Using the tool to see the dye in a patient’s bloodstream helps her assess the blood flow through the skin after the mastectomy has been performed, which in turn allows her to make a more confident decision about the health of the skin and the safety of proceeding directly to an implant.

“I’m able to do one-stage, direct-to-implant reconstruction with the confidence of knowing that the blood supply looked good and what we’re doing is safe, and then put the implant above the muscle, too,” she said. “We’re really achieving a lot of things here.”

Healing better, close to home

The addition of Dr. Harrington to the Beaufort Memorial team is a major stride in the expansion of specialized care in the Lowcountry, offering patients innovative, high-quality care right here at home.

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is life-changing, and when a patient has to seek care outside their community, away from their friends, family, and support system, it can be a burden on them.

“You just heal better in your community, surrounded by people who know you and understand you and support you,” Dr. Harrington said. “I’m excited to be able to bring what I do here, because it feels like it was needed.”

Whether it’s the expansion of breast reconstruction options right here in her patients’ backyard or bringing her vast knowledge of and experience with cosmetic procedures, Dr. Harrington said she looks forward to providing individualized care to patients throughout the Lowcountry who hope to achieve confidence-building results, no matter their needs.

Beaufort Memorial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics is located in Suite 220 of the Beaufort Memorial Okatie Medical Pavilion, 122 Okatie Center Blvd. North, Okatie. To make an appointment with Dr. Harrington, call (843) 707-8020. 

Article by Barry Kaufman

STEP UP TO THE MAT

NEW BLUFFTON JIU JITSU ACADEMY OFFERS TWO WAYS TO GET YOU MOVING

It’s 2025 and you’re looking to get moving. Half the battle of finding a way to move is finding something that moves you. In years past, a new gym membership or exercise class might have scratched that itch, but you’re looking for something more this year. You’re looking for something that gets your heart pumping, your body moving and your mind engaged.

“Jiu Jitsu does so much for mental and physical health. It depends on how you want to pursue it,” said Jeff Amendola, founder of Mindstate Jiu Jitsu and Movement. “Some people train for exercise, for fun, to build confidence, for self-defense … you really meet people from all walks of life doing this, and you build a community.”

A black belt who has been teaching since he was a blue belt, Amendola founded Mindstate last year alongside his partner, Stephanie Danyi. The unique dual nature of the academy draws from each of their areas of expertise, offering all-age classes in jiu jitsu along with movement classes built on a solid foundation of exercise science.

“Our movement classes are designed to help you become a more well-rounded mover, regardless of age or fitness level,” Danyi said. “By focusing on flexibility, strength, and movement, you’ll not only improve your physical health but also enhance your overall quality of life.”

Amendola’s journey through jiu jitsu began 15 years ago. In fact, he still remembers the date (October 27, 2009) when he stopped into Pellegrino’s Mixed Martial Arts in New Jersey for the first time, eventually growing into the sport as a professional referee and competitor. As someone who had been practicing martial arts since he was a kid and studied Shaolin Kung Fu in his early 20s, he found that jiu jitsu offered a completely different kind of outlet.

“Jiu jitsu is legit because you have to practice it with somebody 100% all the time, and you can do that without getting hurt. You can’t practice any other martial art with 100% intensity without getting hurt,” Amendola said.

That lower impact, coupled with extraordinary physical exertion, makes jiu jitsu the ideal way to get moving no matter where you start.

“It suits everyone,” Amendola said. “That’s why jiu jitsu is so popular – because it’s not just for one type of person. It’s for women, children, pro athletes, people with disabilities … it’s for everyone.”

Augmenting the jiu jitsu classes on offer at Mindstate are movement classes led by Danyi, a seasoned independent fitness instructor who cut her teeth offering personal training at Manhattan’s Equinox gym. A dancer by training, having earned her BFA in modern dance from The Ohio State University, Danyi’s classes combine her love of movement with her deep knowledge of fitness.

“This way of training is fun, challenging, and way different from other fitness classes you’ve been to,” she said. “My favorite saying is ‘motion is lotion!’ You’ve got to move to improve.”

However you move, make this the year you find a way to move that moves you back. Visit mindstatemovement.com to learn more. 

Jeff Amendola, founder of Mindstate Jiu Jitsu and Movement.

The unique dual nature of the academy draws from each of their areas of expertise, offering all-age classes in jiu jitsu along with movement classes built on a solid foundation of exercise science.

HEADACHE RELIEF

Simple tips to relieve the pounding in your head

There are likely as many reasons people have headaches as there are people on Hilton Head Island, so this is not meant to replace your own sound judgment or medical advice. However, here are some tips that could give much needed relief to headache sufferers without having to take a pill.

Examine your lifestyle. Keep a record for a month or so to see if there are patterns you can identify that cause your headaches. Note what and when you eat, what type of supplements or

medicine you are taking, how much and what you drink, when you get exercise or movement, and how much sunshine and fresh air you get. Get to know your body. You will only benefit!

Get back to the basics. Eat your vegetables, drink enough water, get plenty of sunshine and fresh air, rest, and exercise.

Change your salt. Instead of iodized salt, switch to Himalayan pink salt or Celtic sea salt. These have minerals along with sodium that help your body process the salt.

HEADACHE RELIEF

Check your digestion. Have you had a bowel movement today? Many of the following suggestions can help with this. Eliminate or decrease alcohol consumption. Be honest with yourself. Notice what difference it makes to you. Check your magnesium and vitamin D3 levels. Find ways to get outside for sunshine to get enough vitamin D3. If you are taking a D3 supplement, be sure to take vitamin K2 as well to distribute the calcium into the bones and teeth, not into your bloodstream. Time of day, amount of skin exposed, and skin color are all factors in how much sun is needed. A simple blood test can show where your levels are.

What’s your coffee intake? Headaches can come from not having caffeine when you are used to it, but it can also help get rid of a headache. A cup or two of caffeinated coffee or tea in the morning or early afternoon may help. Limit this to no more than twice a week, and do not consume soft drinks at all.

Incorporate probiotics into your daily routines. Many people think, “I need to get a pill for that, right?” Not necessarily. In every culture, there are some naturally fermented foods to eat or drink as part of their lifestyle that keeps the gut flora balanced. The modern world has

eliminated many of these, but, as people realize the value, probiotic foods are returning to our diets.

Make it a goal to try one new fermented food per month. In functional medicine there is a saying: “Treat the gut first.” Sauerkraut, beet kvass, kombucha, sourdough bread, and some cheeses are good places to start.

Here is a recipe for beet kvass. Drink it or use a little in your salad along with your dressing or add some to your afternoon smoothie.

Beet Kvass

3 organic beets

Distilled or filtered water to cover

1 tablespoon Himalayan or Celtic sea salt

Gently rinse beets and chop into 1-inch chunks. (It’s OK if there is a little dirt left on them.)

MAKE MORE OF YOUR OWN FOOD

Reduce processed foods. Eat whole foods. Read ingredients lists. If an ingredient name is long or difficult to pronounce, it might not be something you want in your body.

Put in a jar with a lid. Cover to about 2 inches above beets with water. Add salt and stir.

Cover and allow the mixture to ferment for about five to seven days at room temperature.

If the jar is sealed, uncover daily and “burp” the mixture so pressure does not build up and break the jar. Or simply cover the jar with a coffee filter secured to the top with a rubber band so air can escape. Check the taste. It should be earthy but not soured. This keeps well in the refrigerator. Beets can be eaten.

Have a mug of warm lemon water first thing in the morning. Simply squeeze half a lemon into a mug of warm water and drink 30 minutes before your first meal. So simple and the benefits abound!

Exercise – or just move! For those who have been around little babies, you’ll know that if they are gassy, you can gently bend their legs, which ever so slightly folds their little tummies and they can get some of that gas or bowel movement out. Movements of this sort can help you too. Leg lifts, bends, or even general exercise can help. Getting your breath up so that your heart rate and breathing are increased can improve blood flow and remove the pain.

Drink enough water. I appreciate Barbara O’Neill’s teaching in her YouTube video from Living Springs Retreat entitled “Salt and Water.” She suggests taking a pinch of Celtic sea salt for every glass of water, and she recommends not guzzling water, but drinking it regularly throughout the day.

Cut down on white flour. If cutting back is not enough, eliminate gluten in your diet entirely. Try this for a few days and see how your body responds.

Make more of your own food. (This probably should be higher on the list.) Reduce processed foods. Eat whole foods. Read ingredients lists. If an ingredient name is long or difficult to pronounce, it might not be something you want in your body. Pay attention to the oils as these can make a huge impact. Get to know which oils are beneficial and which are harmful.

Eat more berries. Lots of berries leads to healthy digestion.

Let go of stress and worry. This is far too oversimplified. There is so much that can affect this, but to give you a “bottom line” way of dealing with stress, simply pray or meditate.

Check your internal world. Bitterness, anger, and ill feelings toward others hurts you and can manifest as pain in your body. Prayer and counseling can help begin the healing process.

Rob Vaughn Owner/Pharmacist

Article by Robert Vaughn

by M.Kat

Health and longevity in the New Year

TIPS FROM YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD PHARMACIST AT BLUFFTON PHARMACY

As we begin the New Year and start thinking about our resolutions, most of us inevitably think about wanting to live a longer, healthier life. Or we vow to ourselves to finally get back into shape. I’m here to tell you that you can do it. I’ll even give you some ideas and insights into some products that can help you along the way.

Photography

For those who want to drop some excess weight in the New Year and are thinking about taking a GLP-1 medication like Mounjaro, Zepbound, Ozempic, or Wegovy -at Bluffton Pharmacy we offer compounded versions of all of these GLP-1’s.

Consistent use of moringa can help with weight management, blood sugar regulation, and it offers cardiovascular benefits as well.

I’ve done a lot of research lately into longevity and best practices and supplements that can help turn the clock back. I turned 50 years old in 2024. Whether that’s young or old, I can’t really say, but it did make me want to take a closer look into living healthier as I age.

If you really want to take a deep dive into this type of information, I encourage you to read or listen to Peter Attia. Dr. Attia is a physician and researcher who focuses on longevity and living healthfully.

First off, one thing to consider is a super food of sorts called “moringa.” It’s a great start to the day, and consistent use can help with weight management, blood sugar regulation, and cardiovascular benefits as well as helping with chronic inflammation and a myriad of other benefits.

You might have heard about NAD, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme found in all living cells. While NAD stores in the body certainly drop off as we age, replacing them with an NAD supplement might not necessarily turn back the clock, but it definitely helps to delay many signs of aging as it exists to help other enzymes in the process of cellular repair. So, it is something that is in our cells helping to make energy, as well as repairing our damaged cells. NAD is most readily available as an oral supplement.

Recharge NAD by Isagenix is a great product that I use myself. Isagenix makes many high-quality supplements that aid in muscle retention, growth, and overall well-being. I personally use a number of their products. Their Tri-Release Protein supplement, as well as their branched-chain amino acid pre- and post-workout supplements, have made a huge difference for me. Many people don’t realize that as we get older, it becomes harder for our muscles to break down the

Recharge NAD by Isagenix is a great product that I use myself. Isagenix makes many high-quality supplements that aid in muscle retention, growth, and overall well-being.

protein in our diets or in our supplements in order to help with muscle growth. A good branched chain amino acid helps with just that.

If getting back into the gym is one of your 2025 goals, I would encourage you to look into the Isagenix family of supplements.

For those who want to drop some excess weight in the New Year and are thinking about taking a GLP-1 medication like Mounjaro, Zepbound, Ozempic, or Wegovy (at Bluffton Pharmacy we offer compounded versions of all of these GLP-1’s as well), I’m all for that. They have proven to be very powerful weight loss medications. I would just encourage you to increase your protein intake a bit and start a realistic exercise regimen, as these medications can also lead to a loss in bone mass and lean muscle mass.

As always, if you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to call or stop by Bluffton Pharmacy. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Here’s to a happy and healthy New Year! 

Special to C2 Magazine

NovaNt HealtH’s soutH

CaroliNa Hospitals

wiN 21 Certified Zero Harm awards

The South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) awarded 21 Certified Zero Harm Awards to Novant Health’s South Carolina hospitals in 2024. Hilton Head Medical Center, Coastal Carolina Hospital, and East Cooper Medical Center were recognized for commitment to patient care and safety.

SCHA created the Zero Harm program in collaboration with both The Duke Endowment and The Joint Commission Center for Transforming Health. This initiative supports statewide efforts to create a culture of high reliability and reduce harm in health care facilities.

“To earn these awards, hospitals must avoid or eliminate specific hospital-acquired infections, and that data is independently verified by the state health department,” said Monica Davis, director of clinical quality improvement for East Cooper Medical Center. “Our patients trust us to protect them and help them get healthier when they’re in the hospital, and these awards prove how hard our team works to create the safest environment.”

These awards underscore the dedication of team members to safety, which has effectively reduced some of the most prevalent medical errors in health care today, with a focus on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and surgical site infections (SSI).

THE AWARDS ARE:

Hilton Head Hospital

SSI - Knee Replacement

SSI - Hip Replacement

Pressure Injury

CLABSI - Intensive Care Unit

CLABSI - Acute Care Unit

Coastal Carolina Hospital

Hospital onset methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

SSI - Hip Replacement

SSI - Colon Surgery

SSI - Abdominal Hysterectomy

Pressure Injury

CLABSI - Medical/Surgical

CLABSI - Intensive Care Unit

“The Zero Harm program is a prime example of a successful partnership between the public and private sector that improves the quality of life in South Carolina,” said Melanie Matney, chief operating officer of SCHA and president of the SCHA Foundation.

“As medical errors continue to be a major concern across the country, South Carolina has developed a blueprint for reducing avoidable harm in our health care facilities that other states can follow.”

NovaNt HealtH’s soutH CaroliNa Hospitals

wiN 21 Certified Zero Harm awards

East Cooper Medical Center

Hospital onset MRSA

SSI - Knee Replacement

SSI - Hip Replacement

SSI - Colon Surgery

SSI - Abdominal Hysterectomy

CLABSI - ICU

CLABSI - Medical Surgical Unit

CLABSI - Rehab

Drive to Zero Workplace Violence

“Creating safe facilities requires commitment every day from our health care team, from medical providers to the environmental services staff. We’re proud of our dedicated employees across South Carolina. Patients know they’re safe in our care,” said Dawn Ojeda, market director for clinical quality improvement at Novant Health Hilton Head Regional Healthcare.

“The Zero Harm program is a prime example of a successful partnership between the public and private sector that improves the quality of life in South Carolina,” said Melanie Matney, chief operating officer of SCHA and president of the SCHA Foundation. “As medical errors continue to be a major concern across the country, South Carolina has developed a blueprint for reducing avoidable harm in our health care facilities that other states can follow.

“Zero patient harm is possible only if physicians, clinical and support staff members work together to support a culture of high reliability,” Matney said. “Zero Harm Award winners are an inspiration to all hospitals across the state striving to provide measurably safe care for every patient.”

ABOUT NOVANT HEALTH

Novant Health is an integrated network of more than 900 locations, including 19 hospitals, more than 750 physician clinics and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services. This network supports a seamless and personalized healthcare experience for communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. The network includes more than 40,000 team members along with more than 8,500 independent and employed clinicians across the Carolinas. In 2023, Novant Health provided more than $1.6 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services.

For more, visit NovantHealth.org.

ARTICLE BY LANEY SEWELL

WHAT YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS SAY ABOUT YOU

Happy New Year, my friends!

The holidays have come and gone. Some of us can finally breathe and some of us are going to leave those yard inflatables lying flat out front for a little too long.

I have been a victim of my own optimism when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. It’s kind of alarming how easily we trick ourselves into thinking everything that is a habit is inherently wrong and

the reason we aren’t happy, healthy, financially prosperous, and don’t look a certain way.

So – say it with me, put down the green smoothie you probably don’t want to even think about drinking, take a deep breath, stop scrolling, and let’s laugh for a second!

Let me put a poorly timed but equally hilarious disclaimer out there: Absolutely nothing is that deep. We have free will. It will be 75 degrees in two

The DIY-ers!

I admire wanting to finish an undone task, but consider this my plea: If you are not a plumber, do not pretend that it is “common sense.”

months! Soon, it won’t be dark before you lock up the office at night. Small victories!

Here is what my extremely wise 22-year-old self thinks your New Year’s resolutions say about you.

Alright, let’s start off strong. We’re going to hit the gym more! Eat cleaner! Finally fit into that pair of archaic skinny jeans your teenage daughter will roll her eyes at if you do end up getting them zipped. You are tired of looking in the mirror (even though we’re all convinced that all mirrors are warped and sold to us by the Kardashians or some rich plastic surgeon somewhere) and you’re ready to buckle down and make a change. I love it! Let’s do it.

Here’s the thing though: No amount of rings closed on an Apple Watch or healthy recipes you snip from a women’s health magazine are going to change the way you feel about yourself. Do it for you! Whether you make it a habit, or go for two weeks, or until you decide to take the walk of shame into Planet Fitness to cancel your new membership, I’m proud of your effort!

Next on our list: personal development. Learning a new language, reading more, meditating, volunteering (so many exciting “-ing” verbs fall under this umbrella!). Maybe you promised your spouse you’d finally take that trip if you both learned the history, culture, and language. Maybe you became an empty

We’re going to hit the gym more! Eat cleaner!

No amount of rings closed on an Apple Watch or healthy recipes you snip from a women’s health magazine are going to change the way you feel about yourself. Do it for you!

nester in 2024 and desperately are trying to find yourself again, even if you find it in a new way.

These are my favorite resolutions. These are by far the trickiest ones, and feel like climbing Mount Everest at times for sure, but there is something so admirable about realizing that you deserve and need change in order to become your best self. I am the proud owner of a Kindle that truly re-sparked my love for literature, and highly recommend finding your own path to passions old and new.

Last, but not least, for my DIY-ers. Finally redoing that upstairs bathroom? Yes, let’s peel and stick wallpaper on that wall; it can’t be that hard! (I have personally seen couples almost divorce over that God-forsaken peel and stick wallpaper. It unfortunately looks amazing though, so it will not be the last time that argument occurs.)

I will let you in on a secret that is not secret at all: I am not handy. I am not even relatively close to being handy. I have a “great eye” or whatever, but I genuinely think that’s because I inherited my mother’s great taste. However, my father is the type of person who I think would rather eat a jean jacket than leave me to hang a piece of expensive artwork.

I admire wanting to finish an undone task, but consider this my plea: If you are not a plumber, do not pretend that it is “common sense.” Let’s read that one more time with big eyes: If you are not a plumber, do not pretend that plumbing is “common sense.”

WHAT YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS SAY ABOUT YOU

In a world where art, color, design, and trends are ever changing, sometimes it’s more than fun to make a switch in your home. You feel the way your space does. I am very lucky to have an amazing coworker who helps me clean our office space weekly. It is because of her that I am able to keep it all moving.

And it is because of one spectacular high school creative writing teacher that every time I put the seven throw-pillows I bought during a very productive HomeGoods panic attack, I am reminded: If you want to change the world, you must first make your bed.

I could go on and on for days about the ridiculously awesome and just plain ridiculous resolutions I stumbled upon while writing this, but I think we covered our bases and everyone can dip a toe into the water if y’all catch my drift.

Honorable mention to those doing look changes – I condone everything but bangs. Not curtain bangs; I’m talking about the Cleopatra forehead bangs. Those are a desperate call for help.

I wish you all nothing but the absolute best as we move into this New Year. The best part of it for some is the unknown, but I’m not much of a go-with-the-flow gal. I like to know when the flow starts and what is the flow’s dress code.

So … cheers, I guess! However you spend your January, I hope it’s a great one. 

Article by Sheila Tucker

M.Kat

The Tug-ofWar Between Change and Staying the Same

WHY IT’S HARD AND HOW TO SUCCEED

You’re not the boss of me,” I mumbled under my breath, not wanting to do the thing I told myself I should do.

I picked up this little gem of a phrase from my friend’s 5-year-old. He’s been known to use it when asked to do a chore. One hand on his hip, the other with his pointy finger wagging, and a mischievous grin as he tries not to break character while telling his mother she’s not the boss of him. He giggles at his own audacity, then quickly retreats to do whatever chore was asked of him.

Truth be told, I also utter this phrase when I know I want to change something about myself or my situation, but I don’t. Or I do, but it’s incredibly short-lived. The difference between me and the 5-year-old is that he does the thing.

It’s a lot like New Year’s resolutions. You resolve to drink more water, go to the gym, eat better, or have date nights with your partner. But you’re running at full speed ahead, and until you’re not, you find yourself returning to your old habits.

Or, in therapy, there’s something that you want to do differently. You want to decrease your anxiety or communicate better with your partner. Only the progress feels slow, or the old habits creep back in, and before long, you feel stuck.

> Sheila Tucker

Photography by

One thing I know that’s true about resolutions, whether therapeutic or New Year: They require some sort of change.

Know what else?

If change were easy, your anxiety would be manageable, your New Year’s resolutions would be going strong in November, and conversations with your partner and children would be rewarding and easy.

Change is freaking hard, and often it’s met with an internal rebellion – one that just might mumble in a low, determined voice, “You’re not the boss of me.”

Change requires effort and intention and, often, facing discomfort. It is often followed by endless excuses. You know the ones – “Yeah, but” or “When I’m more ... then I’ll....” The second one is my personal favorite.

Change requires doing something different – or differently, and that’s where the real challenge lies.

You’ve probably noticed change is necessary for personal growth. And growth, while uncomfortable, is what leads to deeper satisfaction, healthier relationships, and the realization of your potential. You’re not alone if you’ve ever felt that tug-of-war between wanting change and resisting it.

There are three common barriers I hear most often.

1. Waiting to feel like it. Or you’ll do it when you’re motivated. Well, good luck. Unfortunately, motivation does not precede action. That’s right. I said it. Motivation will not magically appear and push you to take action.

The fix: Action precedes motivation. If you want to start a new habit, don’t wait for motivation. Start with a tiny, intentional step. Motivation will follow.

2. Fear of the unknown. For good, bad, or indifferent, you know what you’re getting if you just stay put. You might not like it, but you know the outcome. Change introduces uncertainty. Let’s face it, you want certainty. There’s safety in the known. It’s predictable, even if you don’t like the outcome.

The fix: Embrace uncertainty. While it’s natural to want predictability, remind yourself that discomfort is temporary. The uncertainty you fear can lead to the most rewarding changes in your life.

3. You want to do what other people are doing. I have a mentor who gets up every morning at 4:30 to work out, write, meditate, and start working. She paints a beautiful picture of steam rising from her favorite artisan coffee mug, with a notebook in her lap and pen poised, watching the sunrise over the horizon.

While romanticizing about her seemingly perfect life and ability to get a lot done, I forget I’m not a morning person. Sure, I can force myself to get up at 4:30 a.m. Will it last? No. Likely, the same will be true for you.

The fix: Get honest with yourself. Do you really want the goal and are you willing to take the action that gets you there? Just because someone else’s routine looks perfect doesn’t mean it will work for you. Find a rhythm that fits your life and personality. Lasting change happens when it aligns with your values and natural tendencies, not someone else’s.

Are you ready for lasting change? Here are five key strategies to get you started.

1. Change requires enthusiasm.

Discipline alone will get you only so far. When I don’t feel like working out or writing (like yesterday), I remind myself why I’m doing it: It’s for the benefits. I’m not motivated, but I am enthusiastic about the results.

Pro tip: Embrace the benefits of change, even when the effort feels tough.

2. Accountability is crucial.

When you’re making changes, it helps to have a support system in place that can hold you accountable. It could be someone you work out with. Someone to whom you send a photo of your latest piece of art or writing. You and your partner could work together on improving communication. Or, it could be your therapist.

Knowing you have someone who will ask about your progress and is rooting for you will help you to continue showing up. It can also show you if your goal isn’t aligned with your values and may need to be reassessed.

3. Clarity.

Be clear and specific about what you want to change. Instead of vague goals like “be healthier” or “communicate better with my partner,” set concrete targets:

Get honest with yourself. Do you really want the goal and are you willing to take the action that gets you there? Just because someone else’s routine looks perfect doesn’t mean it will work for you. Find a rhythm that fits your life and personality.

“I will exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week” or “Three days a week, I will notice how my partner’s comments make me feel.” The more specific and actionable your goal, the easier it is to track your progress and stay motivated.

4. Imperfect action.

Small daily committed and intentional action steps help to loosen “stuckness,” create change, and count as progress. Don’t aim for perfection.

And if it doesn’t work, perhaps you (gasp!) fail. That’s OK. Fail “up” – learn from where you went off the rails and improve on it the next time.

You’ll begin to notice that the more action you take, the more you’ll want to take action because you’ll start to see the results you’re craving.

5. Repeatable.

Unfortunately, change isn’t a oneand-done deal. It’s about building habits you can sustain long-term. Ask yourself: Can you do this thing on repeat? Not only until you reach your goal once, but over and over again?

If not, scale back your goal to something more manageable. Longterm success comes from consistency, not quick fixes.

Take a deep breath. Ask yourself what you want, what you value, and if you’re enthusiastic about the outcome. To quote the wise David Bowie, “Turn and face the change.” Start taking imperfect and consistent action in that direction. In the end, you’ll be the boss of you, but in the very best way.

So, what’s one tiny, intentional step you can take today toward the change you want to see in your life?

Happy New Year! 

ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN

SETTING A NEW BENCHMARK

Very few people go out of their way to give their physical therapy clinic a five-star review.

For the most part, these aren’t places you go because you want to, but because you have to. Because, through some injury or accident, your quality of life is being impacted by the pain of healing. Because you need some kind of relief just so you can think about getting yourself back to where you were.

When you head into physical therapy, it seems the real pain begins. It can be agonizing, muscling through the pain, but it has to be done. It just takes the right support, and that’s where most physical therapy clinics fall short.

To truly heal, to endure the grueling process of physical therapy until – slowly but surely – function returns, it takes a team. It takes support. With the right clinic, that support is just the foundation of a practice geared towards getting you back on your feet.

To truly heal, to endure the grueling process of physical therapy until –slowly but surely – function returns, it takes a team. It takes support. In the wrong clinic, this support takes the form of a few surveys before and after, a few words of encouragement here and there, and a light smattering of instruction.

If you’ve been through it, you know.

But then you find a place where the staff actually recognizes the level of support you need, and stops at nothing to meet that need. In that moment, a five-star review isn’t nearly enough. With the right clinic, that support is just the foundation of a practice geared towards getting you back on your feet.

SETTING A NEW BENCHMARK

Beyond actually listening to their patients, something that too few clinics do, Benchmark has built its brand on a style of care that never stops improving.

In case the headline didn’t tip you off, when we talk about the right clinic, we’re talking about Benchmark Physical Therapy.

“One of the largest things we emphasize is outcomes,” said Leah Woods, regional vice president of Benchmark. “How do we ensure that what we’re doing is helping the patient? Day One that means having someone complete an outcome measurement specific to them. Then it means reassessing every two weeks to determine if we’re making progress or if there are other areas that need to be addressed. It’s about clear and consistent communication.”

But beyond actually listening to their patients, something that too few clinics do, Benchmark has built its brand on a style of care that never stops improving.

“The company works hard to work with clinicians who develop themselves. We have staff regularly attending continuing education in Savannah and Charleston so we can ensure we’re providing exceptional quality care in our clinics,” Woods said. “We hold master classes four times a year to make sure, from a skills standpoint, that our therapists are getting that exceptional practice. And we’re also committed to specializing in meeting the community’s needs.”

That means employing a public health specialist in the Bluffton clinic, working with patients on dysfunctions that impact their quality of life. “Our therapist there does a great job in assisting patients within their specialty as well as traditional outpatient orthopedics,” said Woods.

Add to that functional capacity evaluations at the May River clinic to fine tune testing, and dry needling throughout all of their clinics, and Benchmark covers every base.

If you’re a patient, that extra effort to fine-tune offerings and maintain strong communications can make all the difference. For example, if you’re a magazine writer who fell off a ladder and was widely ignored at a different clinic, completing an entire course of treatment with no noticeable effect, and then make the switch to Benchmark you will notice. You’ll find therapists who actually care about your recovery. You’ll find an atmosphere of camaraderie between patients and providers. You’ll find that dry needling is nowhere near as scary as you thought and is, in fact, kind of a miracle.

(Full disclosure, the author of this piece is the hypothetical magazine writer mentioned above.)

And don’t be surprised to see your clinician out and about, as Benchmark has long made community involvement a cornerstone of their model. Whether it’s being right at the water’s edge during the Olu Kai Paddle Battle, working with student athletes at local high schools, or just dropping off the latest haul from their annual toy drive, these are folks who are making as much of an impact on their community as they are their patients.

“I get a ton of feedback from physicians on the impact they’re seeing from patients,” Woods said. “We’ve seen where there are needs in the community, and we’ve sought to address those needs through training and being better clinicians. We’re not about being stagnant. At the end of the day, that speaks volumes.” 

FIND AND CONTACT US AT EACH OF THESE LOCATIONS

Beaufort - Shell Point (843) 990-4411

Bluffton (843) 815-2563

Bluffton - May River (843) 806-2240

Hardeeville - Okatie (843) 208-2272

Hilton Head Island - Sea Pines (843) 715-0345

Article by Jesse Blanco . Photography by M.Kat

Healthy Eats in the New Year

Alot of you out there consider this to be the most wonderful time of the year. I don’t mean the insanity that comes with December every year. No, I’m referring to the calm after the December storm.

This is the time of the year when you try your best to stay indoors, lick your wounds from those holiday expenditures, and – for many of us – try to figure out why your favorite pair of jeans are a little snug.

You overdid it, didn’t you? Don’t feel bad. We all did. We all do. Yes, pretty much every year. The most important thing, as it stands today, is figuring out what you are going to do about it.

Full disclosure, I’m not a “new year/new me” person. You won’t find me cheerleading on New Year’s Day about how different everything will be now that the calendar says 2025. If change is in the mix for me, personally, it begins to take hold right after Thanksgiving. That means healthier eating habits, exercise, and a partridge in a pear tree. We can still use that, right?

Without a proper diet, we’ve really got nothing. That much we can all agree on, I know. So, for those who might be new to the area, or looking for something on the healthier side of the street, we humbly submit for your consideration a few options you can sprinkle into your routines. Delisheeyo, Hilton Head Island

Delisheeyo is the real deal. Salads, wraps, bowls, and

juices are all featured on a solid menu that has a super vegetarian lean. The restaurant sits in the middle of an herb and veggie garden. Yes, they use what they grow when they can. It doesn’t get any more organic than that. Very literally. Delisheeyo is delicious, yo. (See what I did there?) If you’ve not popped in on them, you must do so in the New Year.

The Juice Hive, Bluffton

Leslie Rohland has been living a healthy lifestyle since long before it became somewhat mainstream. The Juice Hive is her expression of that passion. Unlike a lot of the smoothie shops you will find across America loaded with powders and fillers, The Juice Hive is legit, top to bottom. Fruits and veggies, drinks, salads, and wraps. This is the most health-conscious eatery in the Lowcountry. Go see for yourself.

Salads

There are a ton of great salads on the island. A few to consider if you’ve not had them already. South Beach Cobb at Sprout Mama’s – excellent.

The Street Corn Salad at Cactus Street Cantina is a favorite. Finally, it flies under the radar, but it shouldn’t. The Shirazi Salad at Olive and Fig, featuring chopped tomato, cucumber, onion, green pepper, herbs and shiraz dressing, is outstanding. Add a chicken skewer to it and maybe a side of hummus and you will be eating good in the neighborhood. Healthful, too.

Happy, healthy New Year to all! 

A healthy soup of the day at Delisheeyo. Photography by Chandler Hummell.

Jesse Blanco at Chez George.

Article by Barry Kaufman

by M.Kat

EXPANDING THE FAIRWAY

FIRST TEE – THE LOWCOUNTRY ADDS AN OFFICE ON THE MAINLAND

For the past 11 years, First Tee – The Lowcountry has been a force for positive change all across Beaufort and Jasper counties. From their beautiful Hilton Head Island facility on Gumtree Road, they have reached far and wide to teach area youth the game of golf and the importance of upright moral character. Visiting area schools and holding clinics at courses across the Lowcountry, they have been changing lives as they have set students up for lifelong success on and off the course.

Yes, they might be located on Hilton Head, but from that tee box, they have launched programs north of the Broad River and south, east of the county line and west. Anywhere a child in the Lowcountry needs a guiding hand and some tips on their backswing, First Tee has been there. Yes, it makes for a little bit more of a drive. But there’s a move in the works to help shrink that distance.

A new space in Bluffton’s Plantation Park will serve not only as an administration building for the organization, but also it will provide a foothold in an area that is experiencing massive growth.

“The idea is to get closer to where kids are and to where growth is expanding to,” said Pat Zuk, executive director. “The kid population is surging out there, so (this location) puts us closer to them, while not changing anything about how we do things on Hilton Head Island.”

The kid population isn’t the only thing that has grown. As First Tee – The Lowcountry has gone from success to success, their own population has grown to the point where they simply didn’t have the space for everyone on Hilton Head.

“It was time for some office space,” Zuk said. “We had one person whose office was just an 8-foot folding table in the middle of the lobby. We had officially reached our capacity.”

While the primary purpose of this new First Tee office is administrative, its presence allows the organization to serve students even better, reaching those far afield from Hilton Head, in Jasper County and north of the Broad River.

“This is going to make it much easier for our instructors to access all the places off-island where we’re already doing classes, plus enable them to spend a little more time finding

additional venues for classes and schools to add to our school program,” Zuk said. “It becomes a much more convenient way for us to do business.”

When you’re in the business of changing young people’s lives, every little bit helps, whether that’s a generous donation from the community or a few minutes shaved off a commute. It all serves the greater goal of teaching young people the game of golf, while shaping them into future leaders in our community and around the world. 

Photography

The HGTV Dream Home 2025, an open concept house built in Berkeley Hall.

Article by Barry Kaufman

DREAM A LITTLE DREAM

HGTV once again looks to the Lowcountry for Dream Home inspiration

Way back in 2020, the Lowcountry was set abuzz with the news that HGTV had selected the Lowcountry for its annual Dream Home. This special event, held every year since 1997, sees HGTV’s design experts coming together to create a spectacular home that is then given away in a national sweepstakes.

This year, our community is back on the network with the HGTV Dream Home 2025, an open concept house built in Berkeley Hall.

For the Windmill Harbour home they created in 2020, the team unveiled an

Photography provided by HGTV

Working alongside architectural firm Court Atkins Group and Shoreline Construction, Brian Patrick Flynn designed the home to carry the same sense of Lowcountry inspiration, albeit tweaked for the mainland’s unique aesthetic.

inspired waterfront home that reveled in rich greens and blues against open spaces of crisp white.

So how do you do that all over?

“When we first took this project on, I kept asking myself that same question,” said HGTV star Brian Patrick Flynn. “I kept saying, as the interior designer of HGTV Dream Home 2025, which happens to be within about 10 minutes of HDTV Dream Home 2020, ‘How am I going to make these different?’”

Working alongside architectural firm Court Atkins Group and Shoreline Construction, Flynn designed the home to carry the same sense of Lowcountry inspiration, albeit tweaked for the mainland’s unique aesthetic.

“I don’t know how to truly capture what the essence of Bluffton is, but there’s a ‘laid backness’ to it. But it’s also rooted in tradition, which are two very different things,” Flynn said. “I’m very proud of how our architecture team and our builder pulled together something that so quintessentially looks like Bluffton. I feel like it’s a cross between a very classic farmhouse and a very old-school, traditional Southern cottage. And the square footage is incredible.”

The home’s expansive great room speaks to what the team was able to do with that footage, stretching a shiplapaccented chimney towards soaring ceilings on walls whose subdued mint green walls serve to frame the golf views of wide windows.

“I love the tall ceilings that allow all this beautiful light to come in,” Flynn said. “And I think that the colors we used

inside the house are truly unique. They really fit Bluffton. (In the) HGTV Dream House 2020, all the main spaces were pure white because there was a lot of color outside between the muddy green of the marsh and the blue of the sky. I wanted to bring the outdoors in this time instead of going all white.”

When designing a dream home, Flynn has to keep in mind that he has no idea who will end up winning the top prize. As such, his designs tend to be a little more accessible for any kind of taste. “My usual aesthetic is very preppy and masculine, with a lot of dark colors, so I have to check that at the door,” he said.

The door, it turned out, was the door to the HGTV Dream Home’s media room. Here, Flynn allowed himself to have a little more fun with color, drenching the room in rich greens against bold blue curtains for a broad palate that culminates in an eye-catching, circus tent-style ceiling.

“It feels a little bit more tailored, a little more menswear inspired, and a little bit more on the mid-century, 1960s side,” Flynn said.

Adding to the color palate is the wide sectional sofa which let Flynn add a touch of Southern charm. “We have this beautiful L-shaped sectional, which miraculously also was available in a beautiful cotton ticking stripe, which is super coastal, very laid back, and very Southern,” he said.

At the heart of the home, the kitchen scales back on the home’s cooling palate with stark white that stands out from the gold-accented tile backsplash and quartzite center

At the heart of the home, the kitchen scales back on the home’s cooling palate with stark white that stands out from the goldaccented tile backsplash and quartzite center island.

island. Perhaps the biggest nod to the Lowcountry vibe is an addition that has quickly become a Bluffton staple: a back kitchen.

“The reason that I love the back kitchen so much is it’s just a few steps off the main kitchen,” Flynn said. “In the Lowcountry, it’s all about entertaining and not having to worry about the mess from prepping for a party.”

Naturally, this being a home inspired by Bluffton, outdoor living was paramount. Team members outdid themselves, creating a cohesive backyard oasis that stretches out across a few different types of space. From the sparkling waters of the pool to the stack-stone outdoor dining table to the soaring pergola above the outdoor lounge, this is a space that was built for a party.

“The backyard has something like seven different areas we’ve set up. We have an outdoor fireplace, we have this pool with water and light features, plus a built-in planter. … I love that we really put the outdoor spaces to use,” Flynn said. “I’m a massive fan of winter in the South. That’s when I usually visit Bluffton – in January or February.”

So which feature does Flynn see providing the big viral moment for this year’s HGTV Dream Home? Well, this is Bluffton. And we love our dogs. Much like the massive kennel and doggy care in the Hilton Head dream home, Flynn sees the integrated pet washing station as the biggest potential star.

Flynn said the kennel was the first house he had worked on that included pet lovers as part of the architectural

design. “That room was such a hit online. It got so much buzz,” he said. “A lot of people ask me what rooms I think will resonate in the dream home. My favorite, by far, is the media room. But I think there’s something special about this laundry room with the dog station that people will really react to.”

In addition to the fabulous home, the winner of the sweepstakes will receive a new 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC, $100,000 from Viva and a five-year supply of Viva paper towels. The entry period runs through February 14, and anyone can enter daily at HGTV.com and FoodNetwork. com. Tune in at 8 p.m. January 1 for the one-hour HGTV Dream Home Special on on HGTV, HGTV GO, Hogar de HGTV, or on Max and discovery+ the same day. 

Flynn allowed himself to have a little more fun with color in the media room, using rich greens against bold blue curtains for a broad palate that culminates in an eye-catching, circus tent-style ceiling.

When designing a dream home, Flynn has to keep in mind that he has no idea who will end up winning the top prize. As such, his designs tend to be a little more accessible for any kind of taste.

In addition to the fabulous home, the winner of the sweepstakes will receive a new 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC, $100,000 from Viva and a five-year supply of Viva paper towels.

Article by Barry Kaufman

CharliFest 2025 runs from 12-4p.m. on January 11, honoring the spirit of a child the entire community held in its

GIVING BACK AT COLIGNY

Hilton Head’s downtown enters 2025 with a renewed commitment to our community

While it’s most famous as Hilton Head’s downtown, with more than 60 shops and restaurants that draw locals and visitors alike, Coligny Plaza is more than just its storefronts. For 70 years, this has been a place where our community has come together. It has been our downtown in the truest sense of the word, a gathering place that strengthens our bonds as neighbors.

It’s a commitment that the Richardson Group, owner of Coligny Plaza, has taken seriously since Norris and Lois Richardson opened their first shop in 1955.

“This is our 70th Anniversary year on Hilton Head Island and represents a generational milestone for us,” said JR Richardson, son of Norris and Lois Richardson. He has guided and grown Coligny over the past 50 years. “With all the decades we have been an intricate part of this community, what I am proudest of is how we’ve been able to support the island as it has supported us.”

A pair of exciting upcoming events underscore that longrunning commitment that has made Coligny such a treasure.

The first will come on January 11, when Coligny welcomes the Lowcountry to celebrate the spirit of a true island child during Charlifest 2025. Honoring the late Charli Bobinchuck, a vibrant young islander who was taken too soon, this festival keeps her spirit alive with local artists, great food and an environment of fellowship and friendship that brings the island together.

“On our island, we look out for each other and we take care of each other, and I’m so honored that the people of Hilton Head are so willing to help us honor the legacy of Charli,” said Daisy Bobinchuck, Charli’s mother. “She was so special to people. It’s not even like she was our girl, she was the island’s girl.”

Charlifest 2025 runs from 12-4 p.m. January 11, honoring the spirit of a child the entire community held in its heart. But that’s not all the new year holds at Coligny.

Their commitment to our community continues on February 8 with the Souper Bowl of Caring. Featuring a dizzying array of soups, bisques, and chowders from Coligny’s stellar lineup of restaurants, this fundraising festival supports Second Helpings. Last year’s event raised $5,533, helping to feed more than 20,000 people. And this year looks to be even bigger.

“Coligny and The Richardson Group are fantastic. This is my favorite event of the year,” said Second Helpings Director of Operations Marcus Tanner. “It really allows us to make a huge impact and put a lot of meals back into the community. And it’s a great time.”

With live music and some of the tastiest soups in town, The Souper Bowl of Caring is more than just a great community event. It’s a reminder of why, for 70 years, our community has been proud to call Coligny Plaza our downtown. 

Daisy and Brian Bobinchuck

Jevon Daly will return for this year’s event to entertain the kiddos.

Izzy and Cliff enjoy the festivities at last year’s CharliFest

heart.

Photography by M.Kat

A LINE IN THE SAND

Be Curious...Or be Lucky.

COURTNEY’S OPINION:

Curiosity vs. Luck

They say curiosity killed the cat. I can tell you, however, that half an aspirin will kill a cat. This is a much longer story that should end with a certain veterinarian, of the great Garden State, losing his license. But I digress.

Yesterday, I had a meeting and the person I was meeting with was 15 minutes late. I was initially annoyed, then quickly relieved when I realized I had received the gift of time, and then annoyed again when they finally showed.

Once the meeting began, my goal was to get it over with as quickly as possible because I was still irritated that the quick glimmer of room on my calendar was quashed in an instant. But then the person I was meeting with, who I had never met before, was curious. And that changed everything.

The great orator and leadership guru Ted Lasso was quoting Walt Whitman when he said, “Be curious, not

judgmental.” Ted uttered this gem after defeating a pompous and confident foe in a game of darts. His opponent judged Ted’s dart throwing ability to be lackluster, instead of being curious about Ted’s experience with playing darts. I recently rewatched this episode and it made me wonder: What is the best characteristic one can possess?

By the end of my meeting with the latecomer, I had a new friend. Because she was curious. She wanted to get to know me. She wanted to understand my job. And as I began to let down the walls, we quickly realized we had much in common. We laughed – a lot. She did not flinch at my brutal honesty. We had a similar career path. We were interested in doing the same work for our community.

Shortly after the meeting, as I sat down to pen this column, I chastised myself for being judgmental and not curious. This topic had been lingering in the back of my head and yet I did not practice what I intended to preach. I recognize just how important curiosity has been in determining who I am. I am a writer because I am curious. I thrive when I am peeling back the layers to truly understand a person, a place, a problem.

Without curiosity, I would not live in Bluffton. I would not know what it takes to pass the firefighter agility test. I would not know what it is like to live with PTSD. I would not know my friend Jake, his wife Shannon, and their three kids. Barry and I would not be celebrating 20 years of friendship this spring if I wasn’t curious.

I have met some of my favorite people and explored some of my favorite places because of my curiosity. Without curiosity, my writing would be less than it is. (Barry’s writing talent is apparently based solely on luck.) And without my writing, my life would be less than it is. Writing is how I process my life, how I cope, how I let go of the things I have yet to say aloud. I learn something new with each column, story, and each interview. My life is finer for my curiosity.

Without curiosity, I would not live in Bluffton. I would not know what it takes to pass the firefighter agility test. I would not know what it is like to live with PTSD. I would not know my friend Jake, his wife Shannon, and their three kids. Barry and I would not be celebrating 20 years of friendship this spring if I wasn’t curious. (And boy, is he lucky we met!) I wouldn’t know that the best fresh poke bowl in the world can be found at a gas station on the island of Kauai, and the best oysters can be found in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

If you are seeking richness in your life, ask the big questions. Listen deeply. Be curious. 

BARRY’S OPINION: I’m an idiot so I better be lucky!

Far be it from me to slight anyone for being curious. After all, curiosity was the impulse that pulled the first simians down from the trees as they wondered what might be on the ground. Curiosity propelled us forward, our science constantly scratching that itch by finding out what lies over that horizon and beyond those stars.

But I’m no scientist. I’m an idiot.

And if you’re going to be an idiot, as I am, probably the best thing you can be is lucky.

Take, for example, the time I was attempting to remove a large branch from an oak tree at my home. Now, most people who would climb a ladder with a chain saw would do so only after administering a series of safety checks, carefully considering their approach, anticipating any issues that may arise, and ensuring that safety was paramount.

I did none of these things. Because, as I mentioned, I’m an idiot.

Good or bad, luck is basically just the ability to defy the odds. When it’s good, all of life’s little chain saws are held in check. When it’s bad, I find that all of my Christmas lights somehow burned out of their own accord while in storage. You take what you are dealt.

Instead, I scrambled up that ladder with 30 pounds of roaring impending tragedy belching out exhaust as I went. Up at the top, I carved into that branch with all the finesse of a dog going after a T-bone, hacking away in a blinding flurry of wood chips.

Then, despite my substandard attempts at arbor-ism, the branch fell away from the tree.

Well, part of it did. The rest slammed into my ladder and, by extension, me, with several hundred pounds of concussive force. Flung from the ladder like taters in a food fight, I wheeled my arms and prayed that somehow the chain saw would take a different path to the ground.

When I hit, knees first because of the aforementioned idiocy, I spun away from the ladder and looked up.

The ladder was still standing. The chain saw, still idling a throaty curse at my stupidity, somehow remained balanced on top. For a split second that stretched into infinity, I wondered how on earth that possibly could have happened. You can run the physics a million times and it will never make sense that my chain saw somehow stayed on the ladder when I didn’t.

So, the only explanation for my survival, aside from divine intervention, has to be luck. The more theistic among you might point out that the two are more or less the same. I’ll grant you that. If the universe is going to temporarily change the laws of physics to keep me from a gory death, you might as well say it was God.

I can cite countless examples of this. Granted, excessive luck is a double-edged sword. Good or bad, luck is basically just the ability to defy the odds. When it’s good, all of life’s little chain saws are held in check. When it’s bad, I find that all of my Christmas lights somehow burned out of their own accord while in storage. You take what you are dealt.

But fortunately, the little moments of bad luck only annoy me. The big moments of incredible good luck are what have kept me alive. So far. And for that, I wouldn’t trade my luck for anything in the world. Except maybe the number for a good tree guy. 

2025: THE YEAR OF SERVANT LEADER HEARTS, DATA DRIVEN MINDS

Like many of you, my thoughts at the outset of a New Year tend toward making resolutions. Some are personal, some are professional, and many of them relate to the kind of servant leadership we aspire to in our town government.

As your mayor, I take the concept of “servant leadership” very seriously. Defined in the 1970s by Robert Greenleaf, this leadership philosophy prioritizes the growth, well-being, and development of individuals and communities so that everyone’s full potential can be reached, and organizations can achieve success. Fortunately, our town council and town staff rosters are full of individuals who subscribe to this idea, too, and it’s what is fueling our momentum as we enter 2025.

I often say, when trying to find solutions that actually solve problems, that without data, you’re just another person with an opinion. We’re going to take our data-driven mindset to the next level during our upcoming town council strategic planning sessions with town staff this February. I have resolved for my focus in those discussions to target these top five priorities for 2025:

Land Management Ordinance (LMO): This overhaul of town codes, decisions about island characteristics that carry us into the future, and improvements in how we develop and build on the island to preserve and protect our natural environment is perhaps the most impactful work we will do this year. We will tackle a comprehensive review of all chapters, overall code organization, user-friendliness of the code, and will incorporate amendments to further align the LMO with the community’s stated strategic intentions and a right-sized growth framework.

Parks and Recreation: We’ve got a lot of shovels poised to hit the ground this year with projects related to building, renovating, or improving most of our existing parks and beaches. The differences will be notable and easily seen – from new pickleball courts and ground-breaking on long-awaited new family parks to increased efforts to protect the flora and fauna around us.

A

TOWN OF BLUFFTON OPENS

MAYOR

WELCOME CENTER AT SQUIRE POPE CARRIAGE HOUSE

The Town of Bluffton will officially open its new Welcome Center at the historic Squire Pope Carriage House on Monday, February 3, with a ribbon cutting celebration at 4 p.m. All are welcome and invited to attend.

The 540-square-foot Welcome Center is designed to provide visitors and residents with an introduction to Bluffton. It features videos, exhibits, maps, and displays highlighting the town’s history, culture, and natural resources. While it offers a broad overview of Bluffton’s offerings, the Welcome Center is not a museum but rather a starting point for exploring the community.

About the Squire Pope Carriage House

Built around 1850, the Squire Pope Carriage House is one of Bluffton’s few remaining antebellum structures and a significant part of its history. It survived the Union Army’s 1863 Burning of Bluffton and is listed as a contributing structure in the Bluffton Historic District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

The $2.5 million stabilization and rehabilitation of the house preserved its structural and historical integrity. The property, acquired jointly by the town and Beaufort County through the Rural and Critical Lands Program in 2017, was purchased from the Wright Family for $1.5 million. This project ensures the Squire Pope Carriage House remains a bridge

A Note from Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry

Note from Bluffton Mayor Larry Toomer

Economic Impact: Anecdotally and through the generation of hospitality- and tourism-related tax revenues, we know that Hilton Head Island generates more than just local economic impact. What we need to understand better is where we fit into the larger discussion of regional and statewide economic impact. We have an opportunity now to get a better seat at the table as critical decisions are being made related to statewide growth and development, and to explore more fully how we can attract business growth that is high tech, high income, and low physical and environmental impact.

278 William Hilton Parkway Corridor: We’ve come a long way as a community in discussions related to this critical infrastructure and quality of life improvement. It’s no secret that the collective “we” face funding challenges in relation to a replacement bridge, and we must find solutions that encourage a positive fate for our local, regional, and statewide economies and simultaneously champion roadway safety.

Beach Renourishment: Part of our bread and butter has always been the pristine, unique, and restorative elements of our island’s beaches. Protecting and preserving it is as natural to us as the tide itself and we plan to get started in late spring/early summer, followed by at least three phases of renourishment that will take place through 2026.

Please don’t misread me. I don’t intend to make it sound like the New Year is going to consist of a simple to-do list where we check the boxes, celebrate some wins, and move on. It’s going to take due diligence, respect, thoughtfulness, and our servant leadership hearts and data-driven minds. I’ve never been more hopeful and enthusiastic about the future of Hilton Head Island. 

from Bluffton’s history to a town amenity for years to come.

Wright Family Park

The Squire Pope Carriage House is located within Wright Family Park, on the bluff overlooking the May River. The park, which opened in December 2020, provides public access to the river and complements the nearby Oyster Factory Park. These two parks are the only venues which provide public access to the May River, Bluffton’s crown jewel. This project aligns with Bluffton’s Old Town Master Plan, which prioritizes green spaces and public waterfront access to enhance quality of life.

Wright Family Park features open lawns, shaded seating, a boardwalk, and a dock. Historic landscaping, including heritage camellia bushes and a 50-year-old hickory tree cherished by Mary Morris Wright, has been preserved to honor the property’s legacy. The park is a spectacular space for the community, connecting residents and visitors to the May River.

Completing the Vision

The Welcome Center is the final phase of the Wright Family Park project. It provides a central place for visitors to learn about Bluffton’s offerings and plan their day trips or vacations. By combining public access to natural beauty with a focus on historical preservation, this project reflects Bluffton’s dedication to its past and its future.

Make plans to visit the Welcome Center and discover how Bluffton’s past, present, and future intersect at this historic home at the end of Calhoun Street. 

A Note from Larry Toomer continued

A Note from Alan Perry continued

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 - January 1, 2025

Now accepting applications. Visit concourseofhiltonhead.com

Secure your place at Concourse of Hilton Head, the Lowcountry’s premier private auto club and storage destination, where passion meets connection. Opening January 2025. Apply now at concourseofhiltonhead.com.

In its first Impact Grants cycle of fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025), Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has awarded $375,000 in grants to eight local nonprofit organizations.

Impact Grants are competitive grants, each in excess of $10,000, that are awarded to nonprofit organizations for new programs or projects, to enhance an existing program or service, or for large capital projects that are critical to the organization’s mission. Impact Grants are for organizations that support those who live and/or work in Southern Beaufort County. Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has two grant cycles per fiscal year.

The recipients of the Fall 2024 grants are:

• Bluffton Jasper County Volunteers in Medicine: To enhance pharmacy services for uninsured patients, with computer and software upgrades and a part-time pharmacist.

• Friends of Caroline Hospice: For the purchase of a specialized stretcher van for transporting patients on demand.

• Hopeful Horizons: For a database/quality assurance manager to

Samantha Stewart has joined J. Banks Design as staff designer. With an extensive background in interior design, Stewart will assist a lead designer in various tasks, including sourcing materials, data entry, information tracking, and organization.

J. Banks Design is a full-scale interior design firm and an industry leader in residential and hospitality design. For 37 years, the firm has cultivated strong client relationships through outstanding customer service.

improve data management and reporting across all Hopeful Horizons programs.

• Lowcountry Council of Governments: For training individuals with barriers to employment, with a focus on providing occupational and on-the-job training in high-demand areas.

• Programs for Exceptional People (PEP): For securing dedicated aide support for PEP members, with aides assisting lower-functioning, intellectually disabled adults.

• Public Tennis, Inc.: For growing PTI’s coaching capacity, capability, and ability, including developing and updating training videos, lesson plans, and coaching resources.

• The Outside Foundation: For the expansion of the #EARTHDAYHHI initiative into a year-long environmental education and stewardship program.

• Waddell Mariculture Center: For purchasing one electric utility cart for use in pond production operations, which supports marine finfish stock enhancement.

To augment Impact Grant awards, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry offers the online Grant Catalog. The Grant Catalog is a co-funding opportunity for generous donors interested in supporting projects that were not fully funded through this Impact Grant cycle. Currently, there are three organizations featured in the Grant Catalog: Lowcountry Council of Governments; Public Tennis, Inc; and Waddell Mariculture Center.

To learn more about the Impact Grants process, contact Debbie Cahoon at dcahoon@cf-lowcountry. org or call 843-681-9100.

Hilton Head’s Premier Vehicle Storage & Social Club

Maggie Miller has joined Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island as sales and marketing coordinator. Miller is a skilled professional with expertise in event coordination, social media management, and recreation marketing. In her new role, she will support the resort’s sales and marketing initiatives, crafting targeted digital marketing campaigns that promote the newly renovated resort and its offerings.

Before joining the Sonesta team, Miller served as the fitness and recreation event coordinator at nearby Sea Pines Resort, where she created strategic marketing campaigns to promote the resort’s offerings and oversaw the planning of both daily activities and large-scale seasonal events.

Miller also worked as the wine tasting specialist at White Oak Lavender Farm in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and previously served as social media manager for the Woodstock RiverBandits baseball team.

Miller holds a bachelor’s degree in sport and recreation management with a minor in general business from James Madison University, as well as a marketing internship from the university’s athletics department. She further broadened her perspective through a study abroad program in Ngwa, Rwanda, gaining insights into diverse cultures.

Sonesta Resort is located in Shipyard. The property is currently undergoing a second phase of a multi-milliondollar renovation.

Lieutenant Ryan Fazekas, an officer with the Bluffton Police Department, is among the 257 law enforcement professionals who graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

The 292nd session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 48 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 27 countries, eight military organizations, and five federal civilian organizations.

Lt. Fazekas began his distinguished law enforcement career in 2006 with the Ohio Russell Police Department before relocating to South Carolina. He served as a patrol sergeant with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office until 2017, when he joined the Bluffton Police Department. Currently, he commands the Criminal Investigations Division, bringing more than 18 years of law enforcement experience to the role, including seven years specializing in criminal investigations. Prior to his law enforcement career, Lt. Fazekas served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps, further demonstrating his commitment to service. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in executive leadership.

Michael Visokay, a consummate task manager known for handling projects from park maintenance to building upgrades, has been named the 2024 Scott Liggett Employee of the Year for the Town of Hilton Head Island

Now given for the third time, the award was announced during the town’s employee holiday luncheon December 10 and honors the legacy of Scott Liggett, a long-time dedicated town employee who died unexpectedly in February 2021. Liggett, the former chief town engineer and director of public projects and facilities, was known for his extraordinary work ethic and commitment to excellence.

The town established the award in 2022 to memorialize his contributions and inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

Visokay, the town’s facilities maintenance program manager, was selected from a pool of 15 outstanding nominees representing various departments. Since joining the town as a facilities technician in November 2007, he has consistently exhibited leadership, dedication, and technical expertise, earning him multiple promotions and expanded responsibilities. As Employee of the Year, Visokay was recognized for his dedication to teamwork, his swift responsiveness to requests for assistance, his knack for resolving issues, and his unwavering commitment to providing exceptional customer service to residents, visitors, businesses, and colleagues.

Memory Matters will host its three-week Brain Boosters course in January and again in February for active adults interested in improving brain health and learning positive lifestyle choices.

The first session will be on Wed., Jan. 15, 22 and 29, from 1 to 3 p.m. at St. Andrew By-The-Sea UMC at 20 Pope Ave. on Hilton Head Island.

The second course will be on Thurs., Feb. 6, 13, and 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Okatie Pines Retirement Community, 142 Okatie Center Blvd. North near Sun City.

Cost is $120 for the course. To register, visit mymemorymatters.org/event or call (843) 842-6688. Memory Matters is a nonprofit resource for memory care support, education, and respite care.

JANUARY 2025

CHARLIFEST

ISLAND REC SNOW DAY